The Fourth Prince, accompanied by several guards, was pacing back and forth in the great hall with his hands behind his back, glancing around from east to west.
The table was filled with pastries and hot tea, yet not a glance did he give, let alone sit down.
Ever since his return to the Imperial Palace, the Empress Mother had analyzed the current political situation with him, pointing out how crucial Great General Situ’s position was, explaining that by winning him over, they could at least reduce the War Prince’s influence.
Moreover, securing Xuexue’s support would make his ascension to the Crown Prince’s position a trivial matter.
The Fourth Prince thought it over and concluded that the Empress Mother was right. Hence, he came to the General’s Mansion today, intending to get close to Xuexue, hoping for the early bird to catch the worm.
A few maids stood nearby, watching the Fourth Prince neither sitting nor having tea, just pacing with hands behind his back, they all felt very nervous.
After all, the Fourth Prince had a distinguished status; should they serve him poorly, upon the General’s return, they could not bear the consequences of his blame.
"Didn’t a maid just say she went to call for the young mistress? Why has the young mistress not arrived after such a long time?" The Fourth Prince frowned, an impatient expression on his face.
To think that he, the noble Fourth Prince, wherever he visited, the host family would come out to greet him with open arms, except for in the General’s Mansion, where he was greeted coldly.
The maid answered in trepidation: "To respond to Your Highness, the Fourth Prince, the young mistress is not in the mansion, having left early this morning shortly after the Old Master.
Hearing this, the Fourth Prince was displeased: "Why did that maid earlier say she was going to call for the young mistress?"
"As all Masters have gone out, and with the Fourth Prince being such an esteemed figure, we maids were anxious and could only seek the Second Miss to entertain Your Highness."
"What an unnecessary effort, truly a waste of my palace’s time." The Fourth Prince felt like he was being trifled with and was about to turn around and leave in anger.
"Giggle giggle giggle! The arrival of the Fourth Prince is an honor; this servant lady regrets not greeting you from afar, I hope for your forgiveness."
Suddenly, a crisp laugh echoed along with delicate footsteps.
The Fourth Prince and his guards looked up to see an exceptionally beautiful woman approaching, with a handkerchief in hand, covering the corner of her mouth, walking towards them with a captivating smile, leaving them stunned.
This Second Miss Situ, upon their last meeting, he felt she was ethereal and effervescent, like a fairy descended from the heavens, untouched by worldly dust. Seeing her again today, she appeared very genteel and elegant, though she lacked a bit of her fairy-like charm, she had gained an additional touch of moving delicacy, exuding the air of a lady from a distinguished family.
Captivated by her appearance, Qinger chuckled to herself, satisfied that her efforts in dressing up were not in vain.
"Your Highness, the Fourth Prince, this servant lady greets you." Arriving before the Fourth Prince, Qinger gracefully bowed.
"Second Miss Situ, please, there’s no need for formalities!" The Fourth Prince snapped back to his senses. With such a beauty before him, he immediately regained his gentlemanly demeanor.
"Father and elder sister are not at the mansion, and here comes the Fourth Prince to the General’s Mansion. May I ask the reason for your visit?" Qinger feigned bashfulness, like a blooming flower eliciting sympathy and affection.
The prior displeasure vanished, the Fourth Prince’s lips forming an enchanting smile: "While passing by the General’s Mansion, I recalled the delightful conversations we had last time and decided to visit and reminisce. Unfortunately, General Situ and the young mistress are not present."
"Indeed! Father and elder sister are both busy people, presently occupied with their affairs outside. Now, only I, a person of leisure, remain in the mansion, disappointing Your Highness." Qinger’s demeanor was one of self-reproach.
"Forgive my frankness, but General Situ, as a pillar of Wei Country, is inevitably preoccupied with national affairs, and that’s understandable. As for the young mistress, her constant public appearances are truly unbecoming. In my opinion, Second Miss, you are doing rather well, at least maintaining the proper decorum expected of a young lady."