The new emperor's first decree upon ascending the throne was to forcibly take his cousin as his

Ruan Xianrong was in high spirits after getting the spear back.

"What was Shen Qinglian's reaction at the time? She must have been furious, right?"

Yinque thought for a moment, "I can't see any change, but I'm sure I'm not feeling well. I've told you everything you instructed me to say."

Shen Qinglian is an extremely proud person, and even if she is truly embarrassed, she will not show it.

But she was satisfied as long as she could make him lose face.

Since she felt that the gun she gave her had ulterior motives, then she should take it back. Giving something so expensive to someone who dislikes her is just making things difficult for herself.

*

Three days later, Ruan Xianrong accepted the invitation.

The post only had her name on it and did not invite Ruan Zhaolin, but he insisted on going with her.

"I was also there to save her that day, so why did she only invite you and not me?"

"You two are probably embarrassed by those rumors."

There are differences between men and women. Although the customs of the Great Zhou Dynasty are relatively open, it is not to the point that it can be treated as if nothing happened.

Upon arriving at the entrance of Jufenglou, Miaoyin waved to her from afar, "Miss Ruan."

He skipped over, about to shake her hand, but paused and bowed first, "Miss Ruan."

"There's no need to be so polite."

"The young lady saved me many times, so I should be grateful. This gesture of gratitude is only right."

Miao Yin's words were filled with excitement, her long eyelashes fluttering a few times, completely unaware of Ruan Zhaolin behind her.

Ruan Zhaolin stood behind his sister, staring blankly at the woman in front of him, until the two of them walked inside before he came back to his senses.

Upon entering the building, Prince Yong was speaking with Xie Chengli.

"Cousin Ruan has arrived. Miss Miaoyin has been waiting for a long time."

"Why is the Third Prince here too?"

"I was out running errands today and happened to run into you. I hope Cousin Ruan doesn't mind?"

Ruan Xianrong shook her head. "How could that be?"

This banquet was to express gratitude, and Miaoyin busied herself with preparations, surrounding her.

"Don't bother, sit down and eat with us."

Miaoyin then sat down beside her, somewhat reserved.

Ruan Zhaolin stared for a while, then suddenly said, "I was also there to save you that day. Why are you only thanking my sister and not me?"

It was meant as a joke, but as soon as these words were spoken, Miaoyin's expression changed slightly, and she immediately stood up to apologize.

It was her oversight; Miss Ruan was so beautiful that she was in such a good mood that she didn't treat her well.

Although Young Master Ruan is also good-looking, he is still inferior to Miss Ruan.

Miss Ruan was not only beautiful, but also had a pleasant voice, was kind, and had saved her life many times. She was the best person she had ever met.

She clutched the hem of her dress, at a loss for what to do. "Young Master Ruan, please forgive me, it was my fault."

All those present today are dignitaries. For a commoner like her to be able to dine with noble ladies and princes is truly a blessing from her past life. She was so nervous that her palms were sweating.

"My brother was just joking with you. He's a very nice person, so don't be afraid." Ruan Xianrong pulled her down to sit.

Miaoyin nodded. Indeed, Miss Ruan was the best.

The meal was lively and enjoyable, and I felt relaxed and happy.

Miaoyin glanced at her from time to time, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

"What's wrong? Is there something you want to say?"

Miaoyin nodded, and Prince Yong, understanding the situation, left with Xie Chengli.

"Miss Ruan, you are such a kind person, saving me time and time again. I have nothing to repay you with, but if you don't mind, I will become your maid and serve you for the rest of my life!"

As he spoke, he was about to kneel down, which startled Ruan Xianrong.

"Get up quickly."

"I have no shortage of people to serve me. I saved you not so that you would repay me. Even if it weren't you, I wouldn't have stood idly by."

Her principle is that if you can't see something, you should pretend it didn't happen, but if you do see it, you can't pretend it didn't.

Although she didn't like reading, she was still well-educated, and naturally she couldn't stand by and watch someone die in a matter of life and death.

"But......"

"We click, we can be friends, why must we be master and servant?"

"But I have no way to repay your great kindness."

Ruan Xianrong sighed helplessly and was about to speak when Ruan Zhaolin spoke up first: "If you really want to repay the favor, come to the Prime Minister's residence more often. Niannian is very bored at home alone. It would be good for you to come and keep her company."

That's a good idea.

"What you say is true, brother. Didn't you say last time that you were allowed to come and go as you pleased at the Prince Yong's residence? If you have some free time, come and find me."

Miaoyin's face lit up with surprise. "Really? I can go to the Prime Minister's residence to find you, young lady?"

"Of course, I will go back and give the instructions that as soon as you arrive, you should come directly to my courtyard."

Miao Yin's eyes shone brightly. Indeed, Miss Ruan was a good person, a truly wonderful person. She wanted to be friends with Miss Ruan for the rest of her life!

After leaving Jufenglou, Xie Chengli exchanged a few pleasantries with Prince Yong and others downstairs before taking his leave.

After boarding the carriage, Ruan Xianrong heard voices coming from behind and lifted the curtain to look out.

Miaoyin was talking to Prince Yong, and Xie Chengli chuckled a few times as well.

For some reason, that familiar feeling came back.

But she had never met Miaoyin before, and there was no such person in the book, so why did she feel familiar with her?

He lowered the curtain and remained silent for a long time.

Ruan Zhaolin noticed she was lost in thought and waved his hand in front of her eyes: "What's wrong? Are you unhappy?"

"no."

She couldn't quite describe the feeling, so she decided not to think about it anymore; she wasn't one to make things difficult for herself.

There's a saying that goes something like this: Nothing in this world is difficult if you're willing to give up.

"What does Big Brother think of Miaoyin?"

Ruan Zhaolin, unusually serious, asked, "Why are you asking this?"

"Just asking casually."

She wanted to know what her older brother thought of Miaoyin.

After all, in the book, he was schemed against by a woman, so if he liked Miaoyin, it wouldn't be a bad thing.

Miaoyin is a simple girl with no bad intentions. There are so many bad rumors circulating about her, which may affect her marriage prospects.

However, seeing that her brother didn't want to say more, she didn't ask any further questions. These kinds of things always require mutual consent and can't be forced.

Upon returning home, he first instructed Yinque to tell the gatekeeper outside that if Miaoyin arrived, she should be let in directly without being stopped.

After Yinque returned, she finally asked the question that had been bothering her earlier: "Miss, don't you think that Miaoyin looks somewhat familiar?"

"Familiar?" Ruan Xianrong thought of Miaoyin's face, which was exceptionally beautiful and outstanding, but she couldn't think of anyone who she resembled.

Shen Qinghe said the face looked familiar last time, and Yin Que said the same thing today, which means it resembles someone.

"Where have I seen you before?"

"I can't remember, especially those eyes. I looked at them for a long time today, and I feel like I've seen them somewhere before."

"But perhaps I'm mistaken. There are so many people in the world who look alike, it's not surprising. In my heart, you are the most beautiful."

Ruan Xianrong pointed to her forehead, "You're so good with words."

I didn't take it to heart; good-looking people always have similarities.

Miaoyin is beautiful; she even thinks she looks like a fairy from a painting.

But the fairy came to the door the very next day.