The water of the Huai River washed the stone embankment, and the sound of the river flowing could be heard in the garden.
The lanterns swayed in the wind under the overhanging eaves, and the bright moonlight fell in the window, merging with the oil lamp on the desk.
Xiao Qi sat quietly behind the desk, holding the marriage certificate that had just been delivered in her hand. Her eyes were a bit restless, and after a few glances, she put it down and turned to look at the vast fields and the river under the moonlight outside the window.
She was still dressed in a long black dress without makeup, and her long hair naturally draped over her back, dressed like an unmarried young lady. Xiao Qi's appearance was exactly the same as Xiao Xiang 'er's. They were both exceedingly beautiful, but Xiao Qi's beauty was not as stunning as Xiao Xiang' er's. Instead, she looked like she could see through everything. The aura of someone who had been in a high position for a long time suppressed her appearance, making people not dare to put their thoughts on her beautiful face.
Perhaps for Xiao Qi, it did not make much difference whether she had this appearance or not. Since she was a child, she did not rely on her appearance to win others' respect. As long as she was not stupid, even if she looked like a big and rough orchid outside the door, men in the world still did not dare to raise their heads in front of her.
However, one's appearance was innate, not something one chose. She was exceedingly beautiful, and she was the twin of her younger sister, and they looked exactly the same. Then her younger sister, who was a widow in the palace, dared to have a lover, and that lover was the Crown Prince of a vassal king, who she could not deal with, and accidentally slept with her as her younger sister …
Thinking of these messy things, Xiao Qi's eyes showed a little anger, which was rare. She stood up and paced in the attic, thinking about how to solve the current situation.
Xu Buling, that shameless man, really went to the Xiao family to propose, and even put the marriage certificate on the table.
If it was just a freak accident, then so be it. She would just pretend that she didn't know and nothing had happened. But Xu Buling obviously recognized that the person who spent a ridiculous night in the palace was her. Now that he came to propose, it was obvious that he wanted to make up for that mistake.
Not to mention this relationship, Xiao Qi and Xu Buling did not have much contact. The Dragon Lock Insect made her look at Xu Buling in a different light, but it was not to the point where she would give herself to him.
According to the marriage of aristocratic families, the Xiao family and the Xu family had no connection. Marriage between them might be good for future generations, but it was not useful for the current situation.
If she married to Suzhou, the Xiao family would have to change the head of the family. Xiao Chuyang would have no energy to manage the family. The only ones who were qualified were the eldest son, Xiao Li, and the second son, Xiao Ting.
Xiao Li was an official, and accumulated resume, in order to prepare to take Xiao Chuyang's position.
The Prime Minister of a dynasty was the head of all officials, and all the aristocratic families were watching. The Xiao family of Huainan could not easily give this position to others.
If Xiao Li, who was excellent in all aspects, was called back to be the head of the family, then the only one who could fight for the position of Prime Minister would be Xiao Ting.
Xiao Ting as the Prime Minister …
The great Dai Yue died three times …
Since the past dynasties, there had been countless evil ministers, powerful ministers, and mediocre ministers, but there was only one stupid minister …
Thinking of this, Xiao Qi shuddered. She could not let Xiao Ting be the Prime Minister, so she could only let Xiao Ting be the head of the family.
The head of the Xiao family of Huainan, Xiao Ting …
Across three dynasties, a thousand years of incense, died in the hands of one person …
"Sigh …"
Xiao Qi showed a rare feeling of helplessness on her face. She sat behind the desk again, in a dilemma.
Logically, she could refuse the marriage proposal of the Xu family, but things were not so simple.
There was no benefit in agreeing to the marriage proposal, but if she refused the marriage proposal of Xu Buling, she would definitely offend Su Of Gojoseon. It was not a good thing to become enemies with the king, who had the most military power. If the Xu family suddenly rebelled and conquered the world, the Xiao family would be completely reduced to a second-rate aristocratic family, and would have no chance with the imperial court.
Moreover, the head of the Xiao family should be succeeded by a man, and it was against etiquette for a woman to occupy the position. She could use her power to suppress it now, but when Xiao Ting was 30 years old, the members of the Xiao family would definitely have objections, and Xiao Ting would also be dissatisfied. Now Xiao Mo, the uncle of the second branch, persuaded her to agree to the marriage because of this consideration.
Xiao Qi wholeheartedly cared about the Xiao family, so she naturally did not covet the power of the head of the family. She only worried that her stupid nephew did not deserve the position. If Xiao Ting was a little more normal, she would not be so conflicted …
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Qi looked at the bamboo water clock in the room and calculated that it was about time. Her expression returned to normal, and she leaned against the armchair and said softly,
"Lan Hua, take the guards and wait outside."
"Yes."
Lan Hua, the maid who guarded the guest room, quickly disappeared from the attic and went out of the garden with the guards who were hidden in the surroundings.
Xiao Qi calmed down and hid the marriage contract in the box containing the files. She took out a book and flipped through it, waiting quietly …
…
The garden was quiet and secluded.
Xu Buling landed in the corridor with Xiao Xiang 'er in his arms. He looked around and found that there were no guards.
Xiao Xiang 'er had seen her sister's profile from the window just now. She looked embarrassed and nervous. She put her finger to her lips to signal Xu Buling not to make a sound, and then wanted to go to the stairs. Obviously, she wanted to escape and come back next time.
Xu Buling stopped Xiao Xiang 'er, raised his hand and knocked on the door.
Knock, knock …
"Crown Prince Xu, come in."
Soon, a flat response came from the room, and even the voice was almost the same.
Xiao Xiang 'er shivered and froze on the spot, not daring to move.
Xu Buling was also a little surprised, but he felt relieved after thinking about it. He guessed that Xiao Qi had guessed that he would come at night, so he did not hesitate and raised his hand to push the door open.
The environment of the study in the attic was elegant. Apart from the four treasures of the study and the files, there was only a sea of tea.
Xiao Qi sat upright behind the wide desk. She did not even raise her eyebrows, nor did she show any shyness or panic.
Xu Buling was a little impressed by Miss Xiao's composure. He walked into the study with a smile and raised his hand to salute.
"First Miss, nice to meet you!"
Xiao Qi raised her eyes and gestured to the stool next to the sea of tea. Her face was calm and without any emotional expression. She said softly,
"Crown Prince Xu, please sit down."
Xu Buling nodded and sat down calmly beside the sea of tea. He turned to look at the door. Xiang 'er did not come in. He could only see her shadow at the door. He turned back to look at Xiao Qi and wanted to say a few polite words. But Xiao Qi looked at the book in her hand again and did not want to talk to him at all. He could only make tea by himself.
The study was quiet, and the atmosphere was a little strange.
Xiao Qi leaned back on the armchair and waited quietly. She was not in a hurry.
After a while, Xiao Xiang 'er could not stand it anymore. She slowly stepped into the study with one foot. She peeked and quickly lowered her head. "Sister."
Xiao Qi pretended to be surprised and stood up suddenly.
"Xiang 'er?! You're not dead? "
"…"
Xu Buling felt a little helpless. He also understood what Xiao Qi meant — don't let Xiang 'er know about them …
