He Zhiyu stood before her, an imposing figure in a tea-white brocade robe. His handsome features and refined aura were arresting. His hair, the color of black jade, was neatly bound, and his deep-set eyes mirrored her initial, hopefully convincing, shock.
He Zhiyu's gaze flickered to the exquisitely wrapped brocade box in her hand. He hadn't interacted much with the Qiao sisters. Their encounters were usually brief, occurring when Wanyan would intrude while he was engaged in conversation with Yi Huan.
Although he didn't know the full story, he had gleaned snippets from Xiaoying, Yihuan's ever-present mouthpiece.
Yi Huan's life within the Qiao household was far from idyllic, primarily due to the presence of a spoiled and tyrannical second young lady.
It was an unfortunate reality that legitimate daughters often mistreated their illegitimate counterparts in noble households. But Yi Huan was a woman he admired, and he couldn't abide seeing such a gentle and virtuous soul subjected to bullying by her younger sister.
Even though the second daughter of the Qiao family possessed an undeniable beauty, He Zhiyu prided himself on being a man of principle, not one easily swayed by mere physical allure.
Inner beauty is the only true measure of a person, he thought self-righteously.
But just moments ago, he had overheard Xiaoying, that gossiping servant, referring to the second daughter of the Qiao family as a "vixen"?
In the Eastern Palace, a maid who dared to disrespect her master in such a way would have been dragged away and silenced long ago, he mused, his expression hardening.
He Zhiyu's face remained impassive. "You are here to purchase hairpins and jewelry?"
Qiao Wanyan lowered her gaze, adopting a gentle, slightly submissive posture, radiating an air of innocent purity. "Yes," she replied softly.
Just one word. That's all you're getting from me, she thought, inwardly bristling. Who wants to engage in pleasantries with you? I'd much rather be a million miles away. So please, spare me that condescending look that says you disapprove of me for being a scheming woman, okay? Yanyan internally rolled her eyes.
He Zhiyu frowned slightly, his expression conveying a sense of feigned concern. Knowing Yi Huan's gentle nature, she's likely trying to mimic her. How utterly transparent and manipulative.
Seeing his disapproving gaze, Wanyan fought the urge to roll her eyes again. She paused, then said in a delicate voice, "Your Highness, I caught a chill a few days ago and haven't fully recovered. I'm feeling rather unwell, so I must take my leave."
Run! Time to escape as far as possible! I refuse to be punished for the original Wanyan's mistakes!
He Zhiyu was taken aback. Her simple attire, a stark contrast to her usual flamboyant style, and her pale, fragile appearance, suggested that she was indeed suffering from a cold.
Footsteps echoed behind him. He Zhiyu turned to watch Qiao Wanyan's slender, almost fragile, back retreat, his eyes clouded with suspicion.
Jingyuan, his ever-vigilant bodyguard, stepped closer. "Your Highness, I believe the Qiao second miss was aware of your impending arrival, and deliberately crafted her words to impress you."
Miss Qiao is not to be trusted, Jingyuan thought, remembering his previous encounters with the young woman. I was severely reprimanded by her once for daring to impede her path.
He Zhiyu averted his gaze. He had made a last-minute decision to purchase a jade bracelet for Yi Huan. How could the Qiao second young miss have possibly known of his plan in advance?
Moreover, based on his past interactions with her, he would have expected her to seize the opportunity to portray herself in a favorable light. After he inquired about her presence at the jewelry shop, she would have undoubtedly launched into a saccharine performance, emphasizing that she was buying gifts for her beloved older sister, all in an effort to cultivate an image of sisterly affection.
He Zhiyu shook off his thoughts. The true nature of the Qiao second young miss was of little consequence to him.
After leaving Huibaolou, Ziyuan was consumed by regret, lamenting her missed opportunity to heap more accusations upon Xiaoying and the eldest young lady.
We've lost money! We've squandered a golden opportunity! she mentally wailed.
"Miss, you finally had the chance to see His Highness the Crown Prince! Why didn't you engage him in more conversation? And what a stroke of luck! You haven't left the manor for half a month, and the moment you step out, you encounter His Highness."
Qiao Wanyan offered a polite smile, but inwardly, she yearned to roll her eyes into oblivion. If only she had known the Crown Prince would be there, or if she had remembered the plot sooner, she would have steered clear of that shop altogether.
In the first timeline, Qiao Yihuan was scheduled to leave the manor today and "accidentally" cross paths with the Crown Prince at Huibaolou. However, now that Xiaoying had been punished with a kneeling session, Qiao Yihuan was left without a companion and, understandably, lacked the motivation to venture out.
Yanyan mentally smacked her forehead in frustration. Why had she forgotten about this crucial plot point? But then again, in the second timeline, Wanyan had also prevented Yihuan from attending and orchestrated her own "accidental" encounter with the Crown Prince.
It seems the plot trajectory from the second timeline is still unfolding, even with me in the driver's seat, she mused. Or is it all just a bizarre coincidence?
Qiao Wanyan gently massaged her temples, her earlier good spirits now replaced with a frown. Things were proving to be far more complex than she had initially anticipated.