Li Yaoge’s heart directly hung in the air. She was afraid that Sang Yao would say her name, but she also felt that Sang Yao was not that kind of person. She was friendly, understanding, and always left room for maneuver.

In the stalemate, the girl slowly raised her pitiful yet beautiful face. Then, in front of Xie Yun, she glanced at Li Yaoge.

The answer was already obvious.

The expression on Li Yaoge’s face froze.

Sang Yao was indeed very beautiful, always gentle and friendly, like a soft little rabbit. Even when she was angry, she had no attacking power.

Just like at this moment, she looked pitifully at her.

The strange thing was that although she was very gentle, Li Yaoge could sense a counterattack in her eyes.

Li Yaoge felt as if she had been slapped in the face in front of Xie Yun.

Her voice became nervous, “Sir Xie, just now my men accidentally…”

But Xie Yun seemed to not even hear her speak.

He also didn’t seem to intend to vent his anger for Sang Yao. He didn’t even look at Li Yaoge.

The man walked away with long strides. After a while, he stopped, walked past Li Yaoge, and looked at Sang Yao.

“Are you going to stand here overnight? Come over.”                                             

Sang Yao followed.

Xie Yun walked in front of her, tall and with long legs. Sang Yao lifted her skirt, struggling to keep up with his pace.

She looked up and thanked him, “Thank you, Xie Yun.”

Xie Yun nodded.

Indeed, she should thank him. Today, he not only listened to people’s private affairs for the first time in his life because of her, but also sent her home after this woman made him angry.

It seemed that he was really free today.

In the entire capital, there was no one kinder than him.

On the carriage, everyone was silent.

Jing Lian silently thought that this carriage had probably never carried so many people before.

Master, please don’t love too much.

It seems that Madam can prepare to send someone to propose.

Sang Yao’s mood was not very good. She was still thinking about Li Yaoge.

Sang Yao used to be afraid of her because she was afraid that Li Shangshu would blame her father. So she avoided her when she could. But what Li Yaoge did today was a bit too much, so when Xie Yun asked who did it, her mind went blank for a moment, risking offending her to look at her.

She didn’t know if Li Yaoge would hold a grudge against her.

After worrying for a long time, the carriage had already arrived at the Sang Mansion’s door.

Ran Dong got off first, followed by Sang Yao.

Sang Yao stood up and looked at the man who was currently resting with his eyes closed. After a moment of thought, she lowered her voice again and said, “Although you didn’t consult me before letting me attend this banquet.”

“But still, thank you.”

Saying this sounded a bit pale. After thinking for a moment, she continued, “If you need my help in the future, feel free to ask me—”

The man interrupted her with his eyes closed, “You can go now.”

Sang Yao: “…”

How could such a good man have such a big mouth!

With a sullen feeling in her heart, Sang Yao silently hummed, then pulled back the curtain forcefully.

Because she exerted too much force, the heavy curtain brushed against her cheek, and the embroidered dark pattern on it caught her earring, causing Sang Yao’s scalp to tingle with pain.

Why is everything going wrong today?

She covered her ear and jumped off the carriage.

After Sang Yao left, the carriage was much quieter inside.

Jing Lian quietly asked, “Master, are we going back to the mansion?”

“To the palace.”

•  

Meanwhile, on the long palace road, Sang Yin was walking with his eldest brother, Sang Ji, and two colleagues.

The four were originally discussing the group of people who entered the Hanlin Academy this year, whether it was better to stay in the capital for further study or to go out for experience and accumulate achievements. In the middle of their conversation, Sang Ji suddenly said:

“By the way, Qingzhi, didn’t you say that if Yanhe does well in the exam, you’ll go to the Hanlin Academy to help him?”

Sang Yin’s expression stiffened. Who knew that Sang Yanhe, that bookworm, would actually manage to get the top spot in the exam.

He waved his hand and said, “What are you talking about? Yanhe is talented, and he will be highly valued when he goes there. If I were to help him, it wouldn’t be fair to others.”

Sang Ji sighed and said, “It’s not like Qingzhi has to do anything. It’s just that Yanhe is timid and his ideas are always overlooked. If Qingzhi could talk to Xie Tongzheng and let him give Yanhe some guidance, it would be a good thing.”

Another colleague added, “But speaking of which, I didn’t know that Minister Sang had a connection with Xie Tongzheng.”

Sang Yin clasped his hands behind his back, his expression unchanged as he continued the boasting he had done before, “In the officialdom, what matters is the ability to work for the people, not making friends.”

“Do I still need to publicize such trivial matters?”

Sang Ji couldn’t help but snort inwardly.

Last time, he had helped speak up for him, but it kept getting delayed. At that time, he was puzzled. Xie Yun had never been a gentle person. How could he easily make friends with Sang Yin?

At the same time, Xie Yun entered the palace and headed straight for the cabinet.

After walking a short distance, a servant behind him stopped him, holding a small pearl earring in his hand.

“Sir, this was found in the carriage. Do you think it’s…?”

Jing Lian glanced at it and said, “It should be Miss Sang’s who accidentally dropped it.”

“Do you need me to have someone return it for you?”

Or would you like to do it yourself?

Xie Yun reached out and picked up the small pearl earring.

The pearl shimmered with a gentle light.

He couldn’t help but think of the girl’s white and delicate earlobe.

Could it be intentional?

After all, this way she would have a reason to come see him next time.

It’s really clumsy.

While he was thinking, Sang Yin’s group just happened to turn a corner and ran into Xie Yun.

Taking advantage of the situation, Sang Ji said, “Isn’t that Xie Tongzheng? Since Qingzhi knows him, why not go say hello?”

Heaven wants to destroy him!

Sang Yin froze, quickly thinking of a way to respond.

Seeing Sang Yin remain silent, Sang Ji said again, “Qinghe? Xie Tongzheng will be leaving soon.”

Sang Yin naturally couldn’t go to Xie Yun and embarrass himself. After thinking for a while and planning to make a fool of himself, he was about to make up a random excuse to refuse when Xie Yun, not far away, looked over at him.

“Minister Sang.”

It was Xie Yun’s voice.

Sang Yin was stunned, looked around, was he calling him?

It couldn’t be that he was calling that old guy Sang Ji, right?

Seeing the surprised looks of his colleagues, Sang Yin straightened his back, cleared his throat, and said in a low voice, “In terms of seniority, he should be the one to greet me.”

He straightened his clothes, clasped his hands behind his back, and walked over calmly.