The Ningde Princess nodded. "Invite her over. After all, we are to marry Prince Jin together. It's good to get to know each other before the wedding."
Although Lu Qiao found it a bit strange, she immediately went to the Ministry of Personnel's residence.
Meanwhile, she muttered softly in her heart, "Even though the Emperor has decreed the marriage, the wedding date hasn't been set yet. Why is the Princess so eager to see Qin Linglong?"
Watching Lu Qiao leave, Princess Ningde felt that something was still not clear.
She recalled the scene at the palace banquet, and still couldn't figure it out. Yesterday was the first time she had met Prince Jin. Although she knew some things about him before, it was only after meeting him yesterday that she made up her mind to marry him. Otherwise, she would have found a reason to decline before the Emperor's decree.
Could it be that at the palace banquet, Prince Jin had been looking not at Qin Lingyue, but at Qin Linglong?
Were those glances all directed at Qin Linglong?
This was strange. No one at the palace banquet paid any attention to Qin Linglong, or even seemed to notice her presence. Why would Prince Jin notice Qin Linglong?
Princess Ningde pondered quietly.
A moment later, the people at the Ministry of Personnel's residence were all surprised when they learned the reason for Lu Qiao's visit.
Princess Ningde actually invited the eldest young lady?
Moreover, Lu Qiao's attitude was so good. It seemed that Princess Ningde wanted to befriend their eldest young lady. In just one night, the eldest young lady's situation had changed dramatically!
They immediately went to inform the eldest young lady.
When Qin Linglong learned that Princess Ningde wanted to see her, she was astonished.
At the same time, she felt a little proud. She had always admired Princess Ningde, and now that Princess Ningde wanted to befriend her, it meant that when they both married Prince Jin in the future, they could get along peacefully.
Thinking of this, Qin Linglong immediately changed her clothes, redid her hair, and went to Pingyang Prince's residence with Lu Qiao.
Soon, the carriage arrived at Pingyang Prince's residence.
This was Qin Linglong's first time visiting another residence as a guest. In the past, hardly anyone in the capital had invited her.
When she entered Pingyang Prince's residence, she was astonished.
The prince's residence was extremely grand, with splendor visible everywhere.
There were also many servants in the mansion.
They kept the entire mansion immaculately clean. In comparison, the Ministry of Personnel's residence seemed much simpler. Qin Linglong couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. If they married Prince Jin in the future, would Prince Jin also have such a residence?
Or perhaps, a residence even larger than Pingyang Prince's residence?
There should be. After all, princes would have their own residences after getting married.
Thinking about her future life, Qin Linglong's cheeks were tinged with a hint of red.
Lu Qiao had been observing Qin Linglong along the way. She noticed that after entering Pingyang Residence, Qin Linglong kept looking around. She truly lacked refinement. Lu Qiao became even more confused as to why Qin Linglong was chosen tonight.
She couldn't imagine how such a woman could be compared to the Princess; they were worlds apart.
Qin Linglong was overjoyed and completely unaware of Lu Qiao's disdainful gaze.
Soon, Qin Linglong met Princess Ningde.
Upon seeing the stunningly beautiful Princess Ningde, Qin Linglong felt a sudden inferiority complex. In front of Princess Ningde, she felt even smaller and less significant.
She involuntarily lowered her head. "Linglong pays her respects to the Princess."
Princess Ningde's tone was gentle. "No need for formalities. Sit down, and then we can chat."
Qin Linglong sat down. She thought she had subtly surveyed Princess Ningde's room, and her envy grew. Princess Ningde's room was more than three times larger than hers.
Growing up in such a large residence and room, it was no wonder Princess Ningde was so poised and generous.
She was truly envious.
And even a little jealous.
"Are you curious why I wanted to see you?" Princess Ningde spoke first.
After observing Qin Linglong's behavior since entering the room, for some reason, she felt that the Qin Linglong from yesterday's palace banquet was different from the Qin Linglong of today.
Perhaps it was because she was in the palace, so Qin Linglong had hidden her true self?
She didn't miss a single expression on Qin Linglong's face.
Qin Linglong nodded slightly. "Yes."
Princess Ningde smiled faintly. "Yesterday in the palace, the Emperor decreed a marriage between you, Prince Jin, and me. In a few days, you and I will marry Prince Jin and live under the same roof. We should get to know each other in advance."
"The Princess is right." Qin Linglong was a little nervous, her hands clasped tightly together, her heart pounding like a drum.
The Princess was so friendly.
However, she really didn't know what to say.
Lu Qiao, standing by, almost rolled her eyes. How could this Eldest Miss Qin be so inarticulate?
The Princess had said so much, and she only replied with a few words.
Princess Ningde motioned for Lu Qiao to pour the tea.
When Qin Linglong saw tea being poured into her cup, she wondered if the faint tea aroma had relieved her nervousness. She spoke, "In the future, when Linglong becomes Prince Jin's person, I will certainly respect the Princess."
Xiao Huan was secretly surprised. Miss's attitude yesterday in the palace was completely different from today. Why was Miss being so submissive and trying to please everyone?
It was truly strange.
Qin Linglong didn't realize there was anything wrong with her words. After all, Princess Ningde would be the main consort, and she would be a secondary consort, so she naturally had to respect Princess Ningde.
Princess Ningde was only slightly taken aback, then smiled and nodded. "From now on, we will refer to each other as sisters. You don't need to be so cautious."
"Yes," Qin Linglong quickly replied.
Princess Ningde examined Qin Linglong carefully, her gaze darkening. How could such a person catch Prince Jin's eye?
Was it truly as Lu Qiao said, simply a casual choice by Prince Jin?
Or was it because Qin Linglong was inconspicuous and easy to control?
...
The bright moon hung high in the sky.
A quiet night.
On the rooftop, Yun Shu and Qin Yiqing each held a wine flask.
They drank with great enjoyment.
Yun Shu's eyes were a little hazy with drunkenness. Looking at the crescent moon, she thought of the moon in her hometown and said with a smile, "No matter when, the moon is always the same."
When Qin Yiqing heard the word "same," her beautiful eyes instantly filled with tears, but she was strong and didn't let them fall.
"It's different. Today's moon is different from yesterday's, and people are different too. People yesterday are different from people today. They change just like that." Qin Yiqing, swaying drunkenly, raised her finger and pointed at the crescent moon.
Yun Shu tilted her head slightly, looking at Qin Yiqing, and asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Qin Yiqing suddenly hugged Yun Shu and cried softly.
She cried for a long time.
She cried until she fell asleep on Yun Shu's shoulder.
Just as Yun Shu was about to call Jing Heng to carry Qin Yiqing down, she heard Qin Yiqing say, "Ji Rong, you are a big bad guy. I never want to talk to you again. I'm really going to marry someone else!"