Murong Jing He casually responded with a lazy "yes" and then settled into his seat, playfully engaging with the beauties in his arms, completely ignoring the varied reactions of those around him since his arrival. After being served two cups of wine, Mei Lin finally got a good look at his face.
The man didn’t bear much resemblance to the old Emperor, but he had certainly inherited his eyes. Narrow and slightly upturned, they were half-closed, giving him a perpetually sleepy look. His features were sharp, with a straight nose and full lips, undeniably handsome, but his complexion was pale with a faint bluish tinge, and his expression was frivolous and decadent, giving the impression of someone who indulged excessively in pleasures.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to keep an eye on someone like him, Mei Lin thought, feeling a knot tighten in her chest. She knew that while it might be easy to watch him, extracting valuable intelligence from someone like him would be a different story altogether.
The purpose of embedding them among the princess’s bridal party was to get close to the high-ranking officials of Dayan—in other words, to act as spies. The silk pouch she had received didn’t specify which information to focus on, but it was clear that the more valuable the intelligence, the better the antidote she would receive.
Value. Value. Damn value...
She cursed inwardly, but her lips remained softly curved in a gentle smile as she obediently poured wine for the man who was now toying with another girl. Unexpectedly, the man suddenly reached out and grabbed her chest, startling her into spilling the wine. In the next moment, she was shoved towards the neighboring seat, while the man’s careless laughter echoed in her ears.
"Elder Brother, don’t you prefer women with bigger chests? How about I trade this one for the girl on your right?"
A girl’s startled cry followed, accompanied by clumsy attempts to avoid him, as Mei Lin tumbled into someone’s lap. A subtle and refined fragrance pierced through the overpowering scents of alcohol and roasting meat, filling her nostrils and causing her heart to skip a beat. Before she could react, a hand gripped her chin and lifted her face.
In contrast, Murong Xuan Lie bore a closer resemblance to the old Emperor, which might explain why he was especially favored. His long, narrow eyes suited his rather elegant face, making him almost too handsome, with a touch of something sinister.
He narrowed his eyes and, after giving Mei Lin a single glance, released her chin.
"Take the other one," he said. Though he didn’t say much, his tone and expression conveyed clear disdain.
Murong Jing He, without hesitation, motioned for the girl in his arms to go over. Mei Lin quietly sighed in relief and returned to his side on her own. Murong Xuan Lie’s sharp gaze revealed him to be a dangerous man, not someone to be trifled with. Rather than constantly being on edge around him, Mei Lin would much rather stay by Murong Jing He, who was less imposing in every way; at least her chances of survival would be higher.
The exchange of women between the two princes was apparently too trivial to attract much attention. The old Emperor, in poor health, didn’t stay long and left early, supported by his attendants. Princess Zigu departed at the same time.
With the most intimidating figures gone, and beautiful women at their sides, the atmosphere quickly became lively.
The girl who had been sent over from Murong Xuan Lie’s side remained cold, unlike the other women who were soft and compliant. It was unclear whether this was her true nature or if she was displeased with the exchange. Mei Lin discreetly observed her and found nothing particularly remarkable about her appearance. She was beautiful, but not more so than the previous girl. To be honest, Mei Lin even thought the girl’s nose was a bit too sharp, giving her an unpleasant look.
Strangely, Murong Jing He seemed unfazed by the girl’s rudeness and was even eager to tease her into conversation. Despite her glares, he continued to smile cheerfully, showing no signs of irritation, which almost made Mei Lin’s jaw drop in surprise.
Pathetic. She muttered to herself, though her lips maintained a gentle smile as she continued to serve wine. Her tension finally began to ease. Seeing how indifferent the man was towards her, she realized she likely wouldn’t have to spend the night with him.
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