After the noble lady was reborn, the whole mansion begged her for forgiveness

"Sister, your pair of jade bracelets are really unique. Can I take a closer look?"

Qin Suyu didn't seem to notice Qin Suling's subtle change and made another request.

Qin Suling's lips curled up into a faint smile, but her mind was as clear as a mirror: "I remember last time, you also kept my jewelry in the name of appreciation and did not return it until the end of the banquet. I wonder if you have brought anything to return today?"

There was an imperceptible sharpness in her words and her eyes looked directly at Qin Suyu, causing the other party to cover her wrist involuntarily, with a look of embarrassment and panic on her face.

Qin Suling shook her head slightly and sighed in her heart, thinking that this sisterhood might have quietly deteriorated with the passage of time.

Qin Suling's words gently floated on the lake surface blown by the breeze, stirring up circles of delicate ripples.

"The banquet is about to end. I hope Miss Qin will not forget to return the bracelet. If you accidentally leave it behind, I will send someone to the Qin Mansion to retrieve it personally."

After saying that, her eyes swept across Qin Suyu lightly. Her eyes seemed to contain thousands of words, yet seemed empty and clear, making them elusive.

At this moment, Qin Suyu's smile was like a flower attacked by the cold wind. It instantly lost its color, froze at the corners of her mouth, and turned into a hint of bitterness.

The sweet words and easily obtained gifts of the past have now become sharp blades that highlight today's indifference.

She had mixed feelings in her heart, confusion and loss intertwined, adding to her sorrow at the unfairness of fate.

Why did Qin Suling be so stingy with his generosity and kindness when she needed help the most?

The two of them gradually walked away, leaving the place full of blooming flowers.

The Queen and her entourage were moving towards the orchids with great interest, but Qin Suling preferred the fresh and refined lotus.

She stopped by the lake, her eyes gently moving between the lotus flowers and water lilies.

It seems as if the whole world has become quiet, leaving only this tranquility and beauty.

In the quiet atmosphere, Qin Suyu's voice quietly intervened with a hint of subtle urgency, breaking the peace around her: "Sister, please pay attention over there, the figure of General Qi seems..."

Qin Suling involuntarily followed her instructions, her eyes passing through the courtyard and landing on the top of the corridor. Qi Qiyuan, dressed in black, stood alone, his extraordinary demeanor was even more evident in the wind, and he was surrounded by an indescribable solemnity and indifference.

His face was indifferent and his eyes were deep, as if he could penetrate the world's vanity and look directly into the deepest secrets of people's hearts. Qin Suyu pondered inwardly, but his footsteps involuntarily took a step forward, moving towards the unknown "plot".

She lowered her voice and said mysteriously, "Sister, look, the koi over there seems to be in danger and needs help urgently, otherwise..."

Qin Suling frowned slightly and looked into the distance, trying to catch the subtle "danger", but he only saw the water surface sparkling and everything was normal.

Just as she was puzzled, she suddenly heard a loud "splash" in the lake. Water splashed into the air and Qin Suyu's figure had sunk into the blue waves. Then there was a deliberate cry for help, full of urgency.

She struggled hard in the water, seemingly helpless on the surface, but in fact she was planning every step and slowly approaching Qi Qiyuan on the corridor.

Qin Suling's mind was as clear as a mirror at this moment. Qin Suyu's plan was obvious. She couldn't help but smile bitterly, lamenting that her sister had mastered such a complicated plan and tried to change her fate by a carefully planned fall into the water.

Looking at the struggling figure in the lake, Qin Suling felt mixed emotions, with profound feelings about human nature and deep worries about her sister's future.

Qin Suyu finally approached the edge of the corridor. She stretched out her trembling but firm hand and sent a signal for help to Qi Qiyuan.

Qi Qiyuan stood on the shore, his posture as firm as a pine tree, his eyes grim. He had no intention of becoming a participant in this drama, but due to the arrangement of fate, he had to become a spectator.

He knew very well that the woman in the water, although weak in appearance, was strong and goal-oriented on the inside, and every step was carefully planned.

"General Qi, please save me..."

Qin Suyu's voice, filled with despair and pleading, penetrated the noise on the water and struck Qi Qiyuan's heart.

She tried her best in the water, and every sip of cold water felt as painful as a knife, but she still refused to give up. The desire for life and the subtle expectation of Qi Qiyuan were intertwined, making her eyes sparkle with an unyielding light.

She coughed to hide her inner panic, and her fingertips lightly touched the water surface, causing ripples, as if silently telling of her helplessness and expectations.

However, Qi Qiyuan just stood there coldly, his eyes as sharp as torches, as if he could see through all hypocrisy and disguise.

"Don't waste your time."

His voice was cold and firm, and every word he said was like a chill wind that chilled people's hearts.

Although Qin Suyu was unwilling, she also knew that this was her only chance, so she struggled even harder, her tears blending with the pool water, and her voice was filled with a barely perceptible despair: "General Qi, I really... can't hold on any longer, please... save me!"

But Qi Qiyuan just shook his head slightly, his refusal was self-evident.

At this time, the crowd of people admiring the flowers in the distance were attracted by the anomaly here and gathered together. Among them were distinguished figures such as the Queen and many young talents. They were either surprised or curious, and talked about it.

"Look, isn't that Miss Qin? How did she fall into the water?"

"General Qi is also here. Is he going to stage a hero saving a beautiful girl?"

"Humph, maybe he is just being clever and directing and acting it himself."

Qin Suyu's ears were filled with whispers from all around, and her face was like the late summer sky, flickering. She finally understood the deep meaning behind Qi Qiyuan's words "in vain".

Just as she was filled with shame and was about to struggle to save herself, several well-trained maids jumped into the water like fish, lifted her up lightly, and moved away from the lake full of rumors.

Qin Suyu was safely pulled to the shore. Her wet clothes clung to her body, making her look even more lovable and fragile.

But this weakness not only did not win sympathy, but instead earned a crisp slap from Fang Rushuang. Her face turned pale, and her eyes were filled with disappointment and anger. Then she hurriedly pulled Qin Suyu away, leaving a string of unfinished discussions echoing in the air.

Long Mei stood aside, with a complicated smile on her face, and whispered to Qin Suling: "The actions of this young lady from the Qin Mansion today are really eye-opening. Sister, you must be careful and don't let her behavior affect your reputation."

Qin Suling forced a smile when she heard that, but her heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Her eyes involuntarily followed Qi Qiyuan who was walking slowly towards her, and she secretly admired him in her heart: her husband not only had outstanding military achievements, but also had an extraordinary temperament. No wonder Qin Suyu was so obsessed with him.

The appearance of Qi Qiyuan instantly made the surrounding atmosphere solemn, and Long Mei immediately put on a respectful and enthusiastic smile. Who doesn't know the reputation and style of General Qi?

"General Qi, seeing is believing, and your demeanor is even better than the rumors say."

Long Mei smiled brightly, and then changed the subject to Qin Suling, "I heard that Sister Qin presented iced juice to the Queen. What a clever idea."

Qin Suling felt a warm current in his heart when he heard this, and responded with a bright smile: "That's right, Qin's Tea House will reopen the day after tomorrow, I hope the general will come."

Qi Qiyuan nodded and smiled, his handsome face looked even more heroic in the sunlight, attracting envious glances from everyone.

At this time, Long Mei's clear voice sounded again. She pulled Qin Zhinan, trying to get closer to Qi Qiyuan: "General Qi is a man of both civil and military talents, and he is a top scholar who has won three first prizes in a row. Zhinan is about to participate in the autumn imperial examination. Why not take this opportunity to ask the general for advice?"

Qin Zhinan smiled bitterly in his heart but remained calm on his face. He knew very well that he and Qi Qiyuan's worlds were very different. One was a carefree young man in the capital, while the other was a scholar in the court. Even if they met, it would be difficult for them to find resonance.

He shook his head slightly and was about to leave, but left behind an embarrassed Long Mei who hurriedly explained to Qi Qiyuan.

Qin Suling looked at this scene, with a trace of worry and helplessness in her eyes. She was well aware of Qin Zhinan's stubbornness and immaturity, but she could do nothing about it.

At this time, Long Mei changed the subject and made a new request to Qi Qiyuan: "General, your calligraphy is the best in the world. I wonder if you can give me a piece of calligraphy to add luster to my Qin's Tea Shop?"

Qi Qiyuan initially agreed with a smile, but after hearing what Qin Suling asked for, his expression changed slightly, as if he had some concerns.

However, thinking of the promise he had made, he finally nodded and agreed.