Like a punch on cotton, Lu Ting’s smile did not reach his eyes as he said, “But recently, I have indeed encountered some annoying trivial matters.”

…

Meanwhile, Sang Yao was crouching under the table, surrounded by darkness. She quietly listened to the conversation between Xie Yun and Lu Ting, her heart beating faster and faster.

She couldn’t understand the hidden meanings behind the words of the two men; she was simply afraid of Lu Ting.

The way he had forced the Crown Prince to kneel just now was too terrifying.

If he didn’t even care about the Crown Prince, what would happen if he found out she had seen something she shouldn’t have? She would be doomed.

The space was too narrow. Sang Yao’s hand was touching the ground, and Lu Ting’s shoes were just a finger’s width away from her.

Sang Yao huddled up, feeling helpless.

She could hardly imagine that she had struggled so hard to escape from Lu Ting just now, only to end up in the same room with him.

What was this? Walking into a trap?

Thankfully, there was a tablecloth. Otherwise, her father would have to collect her body.

Why hadn’t they finished talking yet?

Lu Ting continued, “The Emperor is playful by nature, and these days I am also helping him share his worries.”

Xie Yun raised his lips slightly and said, “Your Highness, with your virtues and talents, in my opinion, you are indeed far superior to the Crown Prince.”

Lu Ting laughed and waved his hand, “Mr. Xie, you flatter me.”

He sighed and said, “But speaking of which, Mr. Xie, in your opinion, can we rest assured if the fate of the country falls into the hands of my brother?”

Xie Yun looked at him and said, “Huh? I’m dull-witted, please speak plainly, Your Highness.”

Lu Ting was also direct, “A capable person should take charge of the country. Mr. Xie, as a model of the aristocratic families, I’m afraid you can’t bear to see the country fall into the hands of a waste, right?”

Xie Yun continued, “The weight of governing the country indeed requires careful selection of the ruler, but…”

Suddenly, something soft touched his leg from under the tablecloth.

Not only that, it even tentatively rubbed against him.

Sang Yao wondered what it was.

She thought it was a stool, but it didn’t feel as hard as a stool.

She extended her finger and lightly poked it.

Xie Yun unfolded his legs, and his black boots casually reached under the tablecloth, stepping on Sang Yao’s clothes to warn her.

The finger dared not move again.

“But what?” Lu Ting asked.

Xie Yun slowly said, “But does Your Highness think that as the son of a palace maid, you can handle such a great responsibility?”

He smiled, showing no mercy, and said, “Your Highness seems to be too shortsighted.”

Lu Ting’s face turned ashen.

He said, “Mr. Xie insists on this, I wonder if Mr. Xie’s father knows about your reckless behavior.”

Xie Yun clearly didn’t want to discuss it further and politely said, “That’s a family matter.”

Lu Ting’s lips tightened, his eyes showing a hint of coldness. He stood up and said, “I hope you won’t regret your choice today, Mr. Xie.”

Xie Yun replied calmly, “I will wait and see.”

Lu Ting snorted, about to leave.

However, at that moment, he caught a glimpse of a familiar color. Without a trace, he glanced down and saw a tassel peeking out from under the tablecloth at his feet.

The room was dim, and these tassels were inconspicuous.

Such accessories could be used for many purposes, but few people would use tassels of this color. However, he happened to have seen it recently.

It was on a piece of red jade, which he personally selected and gave to the daughter of the Minister of Justice, who was exceptionally beautiful.

Lu Ting withdrew his gaze.

He walked out of the room, and Xie Yun had not stood up at all.

Jinglian had a polite smile on his face as he respectfully escorted the Fifth Prince out.

Looking at Lu Ting’s cold face, he couldn’t help but think that his master didn’t like him, yet he still dared to give him a scare today.

The master is showing off his power, isn’t he asking for trouble?

After seeing off Lu Ting, Jinglian returned to the room. The dimly lit room had a few strands of golden light coming in, falling on Xie Yun, making the handsome man’s expression even more obscure, and he appeared particularly indifferent.

Indeed, his master had few weaknesses.

He was not sentimental and did not indulge in women.

Xie Yun lowered his eyes and looked under the table, saying lightly, “Come out.”

Jinglian: “??”

Come out? What does he mean?

Sang Yao’s legs had long gone numb from squatting, but she had been too afraid to come out. Hearing this, she raised her hand and lifted the tablecloth, looking up.

The man looked down at her expressionlessly from his high vantage point.

Sang Yao felt unhappy and snorted softly in her heart. What was he pretending to be unhappy about?

Jinglian thought he had seen it wrong.

He widened his eyes, feeling as if he had been struck by lightning.

What was this?

A woman was squatting between the master’s legs?

Sang Yao slowly moved out and then stood up with the help of the table. She turned her head and looked at Jinglian.

Jinglian’s pupils contracted.

What? The woman squatting between the master’s legs was Miss Sang!

He looked again.

It was indeed Miss Sang.

What were they doing that was so secretive? He didn’t see anything!

Countless inappropriate images flashed through his mind.

He thought resentfully, “Look, Miss Sang’s legs are so sore from kneeling. The master is a beast!”

Sang Yao smiled politely at Jinglian.

Jinglian also smiled slightly, nodding slightly, and said politely, “Miss Sang.”