"Miss." Su Mo'er was feeling melancholic when she heard Qingyao's voice.
Hearing the voice, she saw Qingyao approaching and couldn't help but smile, "You're really considerate."
Walking while talking, Qingyao said with a smile, "Seeing that Miss is coming back, I specially waited here."
Seeing her alone, she couldn't help leaning over and looking around, "Miss, why don't we see His Highness?"
Su Mo'er shook her head, "His Highness must have something to do and left first."
Upon hearing this, Qingyao felt a little disappointed and thought to herself: if His Highness could accompany Miss back to the elegant room, that would be really great to show off to those people! But then she thought again, the scene just now was already enviable enough, it wasn't necessary to add on to that.
In her opinion, Miss had already gained the favor of the crown prince, and a little careless would lead to her flying up, so there was no need to worry too much about these things.
Thinking like this, she became happy again, "Then, Miss, please come upstairs quickly, Yang Mama and the others are waiting for you."
Su Mo'er agreed and went inside with her. As they were about to enter the room, Su Mo'er suddenly thought of something and couldn't help but call Qingyao, who was about to open the door.
"Miss?"
She looked around carefully, and instructed, "Qingyao, you don't need to come in with me later."
She pointed to the midway stairs. The restaurant had a circular staircase, with a skylight in the middle. During the day, sunshine could pour in, and at night, a few stars could be seen, making it elegant and interesting.
The place she pointed to, if someone stood there, they could clearly see all the people coming and going in the lobby.
"I'll trouble you, go there and wait. Although His Highness is busy, he won't be away for long. When you see His Highness, come and report to me immediately."
Although Qingyao didn't understand her intentions, she saw her serious expression and involuntarily became serious herself, nodding busy to assure, "Miss, rest assured, I won't miss anything."
Seeing her demeanor, Su Mo'er couldn't help but smile and nodded, "Thank you, then you can go."
After Qingyao left, Su Mo'er took a deep breath before pushing open the door and entering.
Just now, when she was outside the door, she could hear the noise inside. Now, as she suddenly pushed open the door and entered, the cheerful voices, which were just bursting with excitement, suddenly quieted down as if someone had grabbed them by the neck.
All eyes turned towards her, and after recognizing her, there was a pause and then someone exclaimed, "Miss Su is back."
Someone immediately cast a sneaky look behind her and, seeing she was alone, immediately sneered, "Who did I think it was? It turns out to be Su, who was cozying up to His Highness just now, but now His Highness is nowhere in sight?"
Su Mo'er couldn't help but find it amusing. Everyone seemed unable to tolerate someone else's good fortune, and if they were curious about the crown prince's news, they'd openly listen in, but then they'd have a few words to say about it.
Su Mo'er confidently replied, "His Highness is a busy person and it's impossible for him to have leisure time all the time. Even if His Highness allows it, I wouldn't have the guts."
Upon hearing this, everyone understood. It seemed that His Highness had consoled Su Mo'er and then left. Suddenly, everyone who was already envious of Su Mo'er was now directing their anger at her.
"Some people just can't stand it when others are better than themselves! What's the matter, you've gained favor and can't stand it if someone else does? Look at your face, are you qualified enough?"
"Not qualified, so what?" Liu Feifei also maliciously spoke up, looking at Su Mo'er askew and using a sharp gaze, "Even if someone else has gained favor, what can we do about it? We haven't received any benefits! As long as she is recognized by His Highness, whether it's enough or not, it will be His Highness's word. If she isn't enough, that will be enough!"
Usually, Su Mo'er didn't want to stand out too much, but today was different, and she wanted to stimulate the other party, so that they could use their tricks as soon as possible. At the moment, she couldn't care less.
So, with a slight turn of her eyes, she smiled and then, raising the exquisite flower lamp in her hand, with a bashful yet proud look, she said, "Look, this is the flower lamp His Highness personally gave me. Look at the style, doesn't it look like the dance I performed when I first debuted? It seems to be the same kind of elegance, it is also His Highness's concern, even remembering such a small matter so clearly."
Then, she glanced outside the window at the beautiful and dazzling scene, and her eyes couldn't help but light up.
At that time when she was looking up at the ceremony from below, she hadn't thought that from up there the view was also so splendid. For a moment, she felt a hint of sweetness and moved in her heart, but her words were not slow, "Just now I wanted to tell everyone in detail, but unexpectedly, I could also see it clearly from here. And looking from up here, it's even more charming. Since everyone sees it, they should understand now, right? His Highness said that it was specially prepared for me."
When this was said, she suddenly felt that the gazes falling on her were even more piercing. If these gazes could materialize into actual murder, she might have been chopped into a thousand pieces by now.
Liu Feifei's jealous face became slightly contorted, gritting her teeth, "Arrogant! You really think highly of yourself! His Highness is a person of high status, what kind of person has he not seen? Just because of a little favor from him, you forget who you are? I advise you to rein it in a bit! Don't get ahead of yourself, only to lose everything in the end! You won't even be able to cry!"
Liu Feifei's words were venomous, but they struck a chord in her heart.
As she said, His Highness was like a fairy, noble and knowledgeable. Today, he treated her so well, but if he changed his mind in the blink of an eye, what would she do then?
Thinking about this made her feel uncomfortable, but she didn't let it show on her face.
Su Mo'er chuckled, "You don't have to worry, Miss Liu and everyone else. Regardless of what happens in the future, at least today, I have been treated like this by His Highness. Compared to others who haven't even seen His Highness, haven't spoken a word or even held hands, oh... there's also..."
At this point, her face blushed, hesitating to speak, then directly changed the subject, "Well, no matter what, I'm already satisfied, much better than others."
She didn't say it, but with such a bit of unfinished words, it was enough to let one's imagination run wild.
The group of people, noting Su Mo'er's expression, wondered what was going through her mind, each of them furious enough to tear their handkerchiefs to shreds.
Especially Liu Feifei, whose eyes almost seemed to spit fire, wishing to rush up and tear apart Su Mo'er's beautiful face.
At this moment, Li Ling'er hurried over, smilingly joined Su Mo'er, saying, "Alright, alright, Miss Su, no need to be angry with them. We have been looking forward to your arrival. I can't wait to hear about what happened earlier."
Her interruption came at just the right time. Su Mo'er knew the limits and didn't go too far. Li Ling'er's appearance gave her a way out, so she apologized to the others and followed Li Ling'er to sit on the side.
The two of them whispered to each other, Li Ling'er coaxing Su Mo'er to share about what happened with the Crown Prince earlier. At first, Su Mo'er didn't want to speak much, but Li Ling'er's persistent questioning made her pick and choose some details.
Especially the part about receiving the sugar figure, she elaborated on it, then moved on to the lanterns.
Li Ling'er asked, "Why did His Highness do these for you?"
Su Mo'er replied somewhat shyly, "I spoke too much that day, and mentioned to His Highness that I had never seen a lantern festival before, so... it happened."
Li Ling'er, feeling envious, looked at the lanterns rising in the sky outside the window, "Su Mo'er, what you said is true. He's really a good person!"
On hearing this, Su Mo'er teased, "Is it possible that you've taken a liking to His Highness?"
Li Ling'er quickly blushed and waved her hands, "No, Su Mo'er, don't tease me. I'm just expressing my admiration. If it's about liking the Crown Prince, that's completely impossible. I actually like someone else..."
She suddenly covered her mouth and looked at Su Mo'er in shock.
Su Mo'er stared at her in astonishment.
Startled, Li Ling'er turned to look around, and seeing no one paying attention, she let out a sigh of relief. She tugged at Su Mo'er's sleeve and said, "Sister, you've heard that, but please don't let it out."
Su Mo'er suddenly understood and sighed inwardly. It was no wonder that Li Ling'er wasn't as enthusiastic about the Crown Prince as the others. It was because of this matter.
She could understand the other party very well. If she didn't have the threat of Liu Yanzai, she would probably be willing to stay with her parents and marry a husband who truly understood her. It would be better than staying by the Crown Prince's side, even if she gained his favor, what would her future be like?
In the end, she came to the Crown Prince's side just to survive and keep her family safe. If she stayed by the Crown Prince's side, she would have to struggle to survive within the palace. In the end, the goal was simply to survive.
These three words, sounded so simple, but for a woman as beautiful as her in such a situation, it was so difficult.
Outside, there was no one to protect her, she feared she wouldn't survive.
Inside, even with support, she would continue to face enemies in the future.
Lost in thought, Su Mo'er was brought back to reality by Li Ling'er's call. Seeing her looking at herself with a pitiful gaze, she couldn't help but pat her hand with pity and scold, "Rest assured, what's said to me, the heavens and the earth know, and you know I know."
This reassured Li Ling'er, who said with a smile, "Sister Su is the best."
The two of them continued to talk quietly, and Li Ling'er even told her about the person she liked, and in secret, said that if she couldn't stay by the Crown Prince's side this time, after the Crown Prince left, she might discuss marriage with that person, who was also a scion of a prominent family in the capital. If it worked out, she might move to the capital with Su Mo'er, and they could continue their sisterly bond.
As the conversation progressed, Li Ling'er seemed hesitant to say something, indicating that it was probably related to Su Mo'er.
Su Mo'er saw this and smiled, "Is there anything between us that we can't say? Just tell me."
Li Ling'er hesitated for a moment and then whispered something to her, glancing at Liu Feifei, and then warned her in a low voice, "Sister Su, even though I don't quite understand what it means, I have a feeling that something is not quite right. Anyway, you should be careful. Liu Feifei is used to being arrogant and domineering. Now that she's jealous of you, who knows what she might do."
Su Mo'er's eyes flickered slightly as she thanked her, "Thank you for keeping an eye out for me."
As she spoke, she glanced at Liu Feifei, only to see her whispering to her maidservant, Bao Yue, who then quietly withdrew.
Su Mo'er, without showing any expression, calculated the time in her heart. As expected, after a while, Bao Yue returned and whispered something to Liu Feifei, who smiled sinisterly.
Seeing this, Su Mo'er immediately realized that Liu Yanzai was nearby in the restaurant, but she didn't know exactly where. The action was probably not far off.
Just as she was thinking, Qingyou suddenly entered the room and approached Su Mo'er. The two of them didn't speak, but they exchanged a glance, and Qingyou nodded. Su Mo'er immediately understood his meaning and nodded subtly as well.
It seemed that the Crown Prince had entered the restaurant, and now was the time for her to act.
Perfect timing! She counted the time in her mind and estimated that Liu Feifei was also about to act. In that case, she couldn't let her have the upper hand and should take the initiative!
Thinking about these matters, she said a few words to Li Ling'er and then walked straight to Liu Feifei.
Seeing this, everyone stopped talking and eagerly watched the two of them.
The two of them had been at odds for quite some time, and today Su Mo'er was already a thorn in the eyes of everyone. If someone could put her in her place, it would be even better, especially if it was the usually haughty Liu Feifei. Two tigers fighting would make for a good show!
Su Mo'er stood in front of Liu Feifei, who sneered unsparingly, "What's the matter, that Miss Su would deign to come forward."
Su Mo'er smiled and poured a cup of wine herself, "Miss Liu, although we've had our differences before, I have to thank you for what happened today. If you hadn't conceded to me in the competition, I might not have had the chance to be alone with His Highness today. For this, I personally toast you."
With that, she gestured to the wine in her hand and drank it in one gulp.
But to everyone's surprise, as she brushed her sleeve, she accidentally knocked over the wine jug on the table. The spilled wine flowed onto her dress, and the jug fell to the ground with a 'bang.'
Everyone was startled and looked over, especially Liu Feifei, who was now stepping back in fear, "Su Mo'er! What do you mean by this!"
Su Mo'er also seemed surprised and quickly apologized, "Everyone, it was my fault. I didn't pay attention to these things. I apologize to everyone here."
Qingyou quickly came over, "Miss, your dress is stained, you should go and change. It's not good to be seen like this after a while."
As Su Mo'er dealt with this, Liu Feifei muttered with a somber expression, "What are you thinking, Su Mo'er!"
Su Mo'er hastily left the room with Qingyou.
Once outside, she and Qingyou exchanged a quick glance. Everything was ready. Now was the time to take action.
It was perfect!
"Only like this." Su Mo'er nodded, then apologized to everyone.
When Li Feifei heard the conversation between Su Mo'er and the servants, her eyes flashed, and she exchanged a glance with Baoyue, showing a hint of surprise in her eyes.
Now this opportunity is just right, thanks to Su Mo'er's clumsiness, which saved her from thinking about how to get her out!
Thinking about it, she disdainfully waved, "Alright, go quickly, don't get in my way!"
Su Mo'er didn't mind, smiled and left with the two servants.
After a few steps, Su Mo'er's eyes flashed slightly, and she instructed Qingyao, "Look, I was in a hurry and forgot to bring my clothes when I came out just now, go get them, I'll wait for you here."
Qingyao agreed, looked at her with concern, and Su Mo'er gave her a reassuring look, and then Qingyao turned and went back.
Su Mo'er stood still, took a deep breath, peered outside, and saw the prince and his entourage going up the stairs.
She couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, as long as she calculated the timing, she might coincide with the opportunity for Li Yanze to appear and the prince to see her.
She pondered as she walked forward, but as she walked past a room, the door suddenly opened, and someone covered her mouth and nose, pulling her forcefully into the room.