Quick Transmigration: The Control Group in Sweet Novels

The man's expression held a hint of inquiry.

Qi Yang unconsciously gripped the hem of her skirt. She lowered her eyes, not daring to look into Shen Hengzhi's eyes. "This servant just feels that Miss Awan looks somewhat similar to a fellow villager from my hometown."

"I thought he looked familiar, so I asked him a few more questions. I didn't mean anything by it."

Upon hearing this, Shen Hengzhi's expression remained unchanged, but his dark eyes lingered on her face for a moment, as if judging the truthfulness of her words.

After a moment, Shen Hengzhi gave a faint "hmm," withdrew his gaze, and looked down at the book in his hands again. "So that's how it is."

Qi Yang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, her heartbeat still not completely calmed down.

He didn't ask any more questions, and the study fell silent again.

Qi Yang secretly observed Shen Hengzhi's profile and saw that he was turning the pages of the book with a normal expression, and he did not seem to care about what she had just said.

As I was thinking, Yu Guangzhong seemed to make some noise.

She looked over.

Shen Hengzhi gently lifted his sleeve and slowly began grinding ink with the ink stick. Her brow twitched, and she quickly tried to get up. "Young Master, let me do it."

She raised her hand, and her vision was met by a palm much larger than hers, which was gently placed on the table. Qi Yang then saw him tap the table and say gently, "Drink the soup first."

Because Shen Hengzhi had fallen ill a few days ago, the Crown Prince arranged for the kitchen to give each servant in the courtyard a bowl of Yinqiao soup every day, in order to prevent the illness from affecting everyone.

Qi Yang had no choice but to pick up the bowl and drink first.

After finishing her drink, she put down the small bowl and belatedly realized that she hadn't done any work at all while serving the Crown Prince. After court sessions, the Crown Prince would go to his study to handle official business, and he would always call her in. She would practice calligraphy on one side of the desk, and sometimes she would eat at the same table as Shen Hengzhi.

Even something as trivial as grinding ink, Shen Hengzhi did it all himself.

If this continues, she won't look like a maid anymore.

She suddenly spoke up, "Your Highness, will you choose a room for the Hundred Flowers Banquet tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Hengzhi paused in grinding ink. He suddenly turned to look at Qi Yang, his eyes flashing with emotions she couldn't decipher. He asked, "Do you want me to choose a room?"

Qi Yang was taken aback for a moment, then said in a low voice, "This is a matter for my master, and I dare not make any unwarranted comments."

Shen Hengzhi raised an eyebrow. "What if I allow you to gossip freely?"

Qi Yang's heart skipped a beat. She didn't understand what he meant. Could it be that her question had crossed his line?

The girl quickly lowered her head, "This servant wouldn't dare."

Shen Hengzhi took in her cautious demeanor. He watched her silently for a few seconds, but she remained expressionless except for curiosity. A chill ran through him, and he averted his gaze, saying indifferently, "What? You want me to get married?"

"No, no," Qi Yang shook her head repeatedly, then realized that this might be ambiguous, and quickly added, "That's not what I meant..."

Shen Hengzhi's fingers, which were gripping the book, turned white. His lips tightened slightly, and his chest heaved a few times. "Then so be it."

Qi Yang wanted to say that wasn't what she meant, but he had already looked away and ignored her. She moved her lips, but had no choice but to give up.

The Hundred Flowers Banquet was the most grand custom of the Marquis's residence every spring.

On the day of the banquet, noble families from all over the capital came to attend. The courtyard was filled with fragrant flowers, where guests could drink wine, recite poetry, admire flowers, and listen to music. But in reality, it was much more than that. Under the guise of flower viewing, it was also a prime opportunity for the young ladies and gentlemen of various families to secretly observe each other. This was especially true for Shen Hengzhi, the unmarried heir of a marquis's family.

Not only was she talented and beautiful, but she was also deeply favored by the emperor, making her the object of the affections of countless young ladies in the capital.

On this day, the sky was bright and clear, and the Marquis's residence was filled with laughter and lively conversation.

Qi Yang followed behind Shen Hengzhi, walking through the corridor towards the main hall.

Since yesterday, Shen Hengzhi has ignored her, and Qi Yang doesn't know what she did wrong.

The ladies and young women who passed by all lingered on Shen Hengzhi for a moment, their eyes filled with admiration, shyness, and secret scrutiny.

The hall was filled with the aroma of tea. As the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, Madam Xie sat upright in the main hall early in the morning, her smile gentle and dignified, and received several groups of ladies and young women who came to visit.

However, Shen Hengzhi did not show up for a long time.

The ladies and young ladies who came to visit the Xie family came and went, but the Crown Prince, whom everyone was eagerly awaiting, was nowhere to be seen.

Madam Xie frowned and looked at the old nanny beside her. "Why hasn't Hengzhi arrived yet?"

The old woman bowed her head and replied, "Madam, we have already sent someone to invite the young master; he should be here soon."

Madam Xie sighed imperceptibly. This child is another worry.

After a long while, Shen Heng finally arrived late.

He was dressed in a moon-white robe with a dark brocade belt around his waist. He looked elegant and refined as he stepped into the main hall with a composed gait.

In an instant, everyone's eyes fell on him, a knowing glance.

The young ladies blushed instantly, lowered their heads quietly, but couldn't help but peek up at each other.

Shen Hengzhi bowed to Madam Xie with a respectful and gentle attitude. He then exchanged a few pleasantries with several elders, his tone warm and his face smiling, leaving no room for criticism.

But Qi Yang stood quietly behind him and could see it clearly.

His eyes were calm, but the smile didn't reach them.

During her time with Shen Hengzhi, she gained some understanding of him, realizing that while he appeared gentle and polite, he actually maintained a distant and indifferent attitude towards everyone.

As expected, Shen Hengzhi sat for no more than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before rising slightly and bidding farewell to Madam Xie, citing feeling unwell.

His illness came on suddenly a few days ago. Madam Xie glanced at him but didn't say anything. She only told him to rest well and not to miss the gathering later.

Shen Hengzhi turned and left, the gazes behind him gradually fading away.

Qi Yang quickly followed in his footsteps.

Men and women are not allowed to sit at the same table during a meal, but Qi Yang, a maid, was still allowed to enter. After Shen Hengzhi sat down, he instructed, "Put another table next to me."

The servant was taken aback, but dared not hesitate and hurried off.

After setting the table down, Shen Hengzhi gestured with his eyes.

Qi Yang glanced around and noticed that the young men sitting down were all looking at her with surprise. She swallowed the words "This is not a good idea" that she was about to say.

At this point, the more you refuse, the more attention you attract.

So Qi Yang silently took her seat.

When the dishes were served, the servants were taken aback when they saw her table, but none of them dared to speak up. They set out another table for her as well.

While listening to the pleasantries exchanged between the people at the table and Shen Hengzhi, Qi Yang ate her meal quietly.

Today's banquet was more lavish than usual. Qi Yang bit her chopsticks, recalling the plot of the original book.

Su Wanwan was not transferred to Shen Hengzhi's courtyard at this time, and the two had no chance to meet. So how did this twist in the original book happen?