Chapter 25: Best Friend

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As soon as Zhou Qing finished speaking, the mother-and-son pair looked over and saw a man and a woman walking side by side. The man’s protective posture was obvious.

Although the two of them did not overstep their boundaries, their shadows showed that the distance between the two of them had far crossed the boundaries between a master and servant.

Shen Guang’s expression turned dark as he scolded her.

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

Old Madam Yin’s eyes lit up. No one knew what she was planning.

…

When they entered the palace, it was already half-filled. Shen Li found an inconspicuous seat and sat down, not intending to take part in the small talk of the surrounding people.

Almost no one in the hall knew Shen Li. She had successfully turned invisible, as she had wished.

However, her greatest fear quickly reared its ugly head. As Shen Li sat down, she suddenly felt as if someone was watching her. She turned around and saw an acquaintance.

Wen Xiaoxi had been in a foul mood. Ever since she had returned from Xiangshan, her mother had mentioned nothing about a marriage with the Jin family, nor had she allowed her to meet Jin Changqing again.

She had been making a fuss for a few days. She was only able to come out today.

Wen Xiaoxi found a quiet corner and sat down. She did not expect to meet the “culprit” by accident.

Her face was no longer as radiant as it had been a few days ago. At that moment, she was staring at Shen Li with resentment, her eyes unblinking.

Shen Li wanted to ignore it, but her gaze was too intense. She picked up the teacup and pretended to be calm as she took a sip. Finally, someone came to talk to Wen Xiaox and diverted her attention.

It was Prince Xian’s daughter, who was now Si Zhong’s wife. Li Qingyan and Wen Xiaoxi were childhood playmates. However, after Li Qingyan got married, the two of them rarely met up.

“Xiaoxi? Why are you sitting here?”

Li Qingyan was not particularly stunning. She did not stand out among the noble ladies. However, she was still considered delicate, especially after becoming someone’s wife. She had developed an additional trace of tenderness.

The banquet had not yet started, so she took the opportunity to sit beside Wen Xiaoxi. She wanted to chat with her.

When she spotted her old best friend, Wen Xiaoxi’s attention was finally diverted.

She pouted and sighed.

“I’m not in the mood to play about.”

Li Qingyan had heard a lot about her. If it had been someone else’s business, she might not have thought much of it, but since it was Wen Xiaoxi, she offered her a few more words.

“Your mother wouldn’t harm you. You can never go wrong listening to her.”

She did not elaborate, but those who knew better would understand.

Wen Xiaoxi had no other choice but to nod her head. As her eyes wandered, she suddenly caught a glimpse of the Golden Phoenix hairpin on Li Qingyan’s head. At its center, a brilliant ruby sat.

This hairpin looked unremarkable at first glance, but those trained eyes would know that it was of the highest quality at first glance.

Wen Xiaoxi’s heart ached all the more.

“Sister Qingyan, did Brother Si Zhong buy this for you? He’s really good to you.”

Wen Xiaoxi’s face was filled with envy, while Li Qingyan’s expression stiffened up. However, she quickly schooled her expression.

At the mention of Si Zhong, Wen Xiaoxi seemed to have thought of something and she suddenly became energetic.

“Qingyan, I heard that… the general of the Si family lost the use of his legs?”

There were many officials in the Si family, but only one was a general.

At the mention of Si Yan, Li Qingyan’s expression clearly showed that she was worried.

“Who did you hear this from?”

“Everyone had heard about it by now,” Wen Xiaoxi replied.