"Excellent!"
Just as Bian Xianyi finished her dance, applause and cheers erupted from all around.
Shen Xihe couldn't shake the feeling that this Qin Zijie was somewhat suspicious. Even after personally verifying her female identity, her inherently distrustful nature wouldn't allow her to let it go so easily.
If someone didn't arouse her suspicion, that was one thing. But once they did, she had to investigate thoroughly until all doubts were reasonably explained.
"Bian Dajia's dancing skills are exceptional, truly a feast for the eyes," Shen Xihe suddenly spoke as the cheers gradually subsided. "However, Miss Qin just remarked that such exquisite dancing was merely ordinary. I wonder if Miss Qin might grace us with a demonstration of even more refined dance techniques?"
Her words caused a stir, and all eyes turned to Qin Zijie.
Even Bian Xianyi, who took great pride in her dancing, approached. After paying respects to Ye Wantang and Shen Xihe, she said, "Xianyi is obsessed with dance and humbly requests Miss Qin's instruction."
Little fox, Xiao Huayong cursed inwardly with amusement.
Outwardly maintaining the demeanor of a proper noble lady: "Three years ago, I had the fortune to pass through Luoyang with my grandfather during the Courtesan Dance Competition. I witnessed the performances of Bai Dajia and Qi Dajia. Since then, no other dancer has impressed me much."
Bai Fugong and Qi Xiaoren were renowned courtesans of Luoyang, adored by thousands, with numerous nobles spending fortunes for their favor.
Even Bian Xianyi had to concede: "I've long heard of Bai Dajia and Qi Dajia's peerless dance skills. If I were fortunate enough to witness them, I would sincerely seek their guidance."
Though Xiao Huayong easily navigated the trap Shen Xihe set, her mention of Luoyang reminded Shen Xihe that it was where she first met Hua Fuhai.
"Does Miss Qin have deep connections with Luoyang?" Shen Xihe asked directly.
Everyone noticed strangely that while Qin Zijie was aloof toward others, she showed remarkable patience with Shen Xihe: "My grandfather travels annually between Luoyang and the capital to tutor the Crown Prince. I've accompanied him on several occasions."
The Crown Prince...
A flicker passed through Shen Xihe's eyes as she nodded faintly and pressed no further.
But Bian Xianyi suddenly interjected: "Since Miss Qin grew up with the Crown Prince, could you share his preferences? With his coming-of-age ceremony approaching, we'd like to prepare appropriate birthday gifts."
Shen Xihe glanced expressionlessly at Bian Xianyi.
Everyone knew of Shen Xihe's close ties with the Crown Prince—Bian Xianyi was clearly trying to drive a wedge between her and Qin Zijie.
Yet many were genuinely curious about this matter. The Crown Prince had left the palace at eight and only returned occasionally for festivals. Most officials had never met or understood him, but they still needed to express their sincerity for his coming-of-age ceremony.
Not necessarily to curry favor, but to avoid offending him through ignorance.
"Where did Bian Dajia hear that I grew up with the Crown Prince?" Xiao Huayong's expression turned cold. "I have never met His Highness. Is gaining the Sixth Prince's favor not enough for you? Are you now seeking to please the Crown Prince as well?"
This was practically accusing her of being fickle.
Though few knew of Bian Xianyi's private relationship with the Sixth Prince Xiao Changyu, having it exposed publicly drew disapproving looks from many noble ladies.
However unfavored Xiao Changyu might be by the Emperor, he remained a handsome imperial prince. Naturally, he had admirers and noblewomen vying to become his princess consort—all of whom now viewed Bian Xianyi as a rival."It was my fault for misspeaking, I should not have carelessly suspected Miss Qin and the Crown Prince." Bian Xianyi quickly showed a pleading smile to apologize. "Miss Qin, please do not take offense. Sixth Prince and I have a purely innocent relationship. Given my lowly status, how would I dare entertain any aspirations of climbing the social ladder?"
By saying this, she made it seem as though Qin Zijie's words were merely retaliation for Bian Xianyi implicating her with Xiao Huayong, deliberately bringing up Xiao Changyu and Bian Xianyi to deflect the hostility, which indeed reduced much of the animosity.
"The wind is strong here; let's return to the Waterside Pavilion to continue our conversation." Ye Wantang, not wanting her birthday banquet to be repeatedly disrupted, stepped in to smooth things over.
Everyone gave Ye Wantang, the birthday girl, due respect and returned to the Waterside Pavilion. Afterwards, the atmosphere became harmonious and joyful, allowing the birthday banquet to conclude perfectly.
As they left, stepping out of the Wang residence onto the street, Shen Xihe encountered Qin Zijie again. Sitting in her carriage, Qin Zijie said to Shen Xihe, "I feel a connection with you, Princess. May I invite you to visit?"
Shen Xihe didn't even lift her eyelids. "I do not enjoy socializing with others."
Xue Jinqiao, who had also just exited the Wang residence, nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this.
"Princess, since you have suspicions about her, why didn't you take the opportunity to accept?" Back at the Princess Manor, Biyu finally asked.
Biyu didn't know that Shen Xihe's suspicion arose from detecting the scent of Duojialuo; she only thought it was because Qin Zijie's maid acted to save her that raised doubts. Biyu, being trained in martial arts herself, naturally understood that unless someone was constantly watching Shen Xihe, it would be impossible to intervene so promptly.
Why would Qin Zijie and her maid be so attentive to Shen Xihe's every move?
"Not this time. Next time..." Shen Xihe's gaze deepened thoughtfully.
Duojialuo is derived from the Hollow Honey Fragrance Tree under extremely harsh conditions, aging and mellowing over time, making it exceedingly rare.
However, it is not exclusive to one person. For instance, the Emperor's bedchamber uses Duojialuo and Ambergris among other fragrant spices. Shen Xihe had also detected the scent of Duojialuo on the Youning Emperor, though mixed with Ambergris and other spices.
There are five types of Duojialuo, all of which Shen Xihe had the fortune to smell. The person impersonating Hua Fuhai and Cui Jinbai used the highest grade of Duojialuo, rich and varied in fragrance, extremely noble.
The Youning Emperor also used this type, though not as pure. The scent she detected on Qin Zijie today was very similar but lighter compared to the previous instances. She deliberately touched Qin Zijie to test her, and Qin Zijie must have noticed.
She wasn't sure about this person's relationship with Qin Zijie, or if there was any connection at all. Regardless, she wouldn't take the bait to investigate, as it would easily make her the fish biting the hook.
Next time, if he appears again under a different identity, once she is certain, she will act calmly and play along with him properly.
Biyu, unaware of Shen Xihe's thoughts, said no more.
Returning to the Eastern Palace, Xiao Huayong rubbed the black jade chess piece thoughtfully. "She actually refused me."
Xiao Huayong had noticed her testing him. Since she still had suspicions, logically, she should have taken the opportunity to accept and investigate him further.
"Could it be that she finds Qin Zijie too dull?" Xiao Huayong pondered.
Tianyuan's internal alarm bells rang loudly, and he hurriedly said, "Your Highness, there are no other young ladies in the capital who are as tall as you!"
In fact, even Qin Zijie was slightly shorter than Xiao Huayong, though not by much. With careful dressing, it wasn't easily noticeable, and no one would actually inquire about a young lady's exact height.
He was truly afraid that his Highness would seek out another young lady to impersonate; he felt he would go mad, and if those following the Crown Prince found out, they would all collectively lose their minds!"Your Highness, the County Princess has sent a gift."
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