The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 140 is such a coincidence

The next day.

Jing Anle arrived at the General's Mansion early. After talking with Qin Xu, Jing Anle had a better understanding of the situation. She recalled Qin Xu's words in her mind.

"The person has arrived in the capital, and everything is ready."

Jing Anle knew that since Qin Xu had said so, he could rest assured. He figured there were many eyes and ears in the capital, and Emperor Jing probably knew about it too. Tomorrow, there would likely be quite a show to watch in the court.

One side of the General's Mansion.

The petals of the magnolia blossoms drifted down slowly, and two handsome young noblemen were playing chess under the tree.

"I never imagined that Young Master Xie's chess skills were so good."

Qin Xiuyuan watched the game from the sidelines. The white pieces had all been defeated, and the black pieces had won the first round.

The young master sitting opposite Qin Xiuyuan smiled and said, "It's Mr. Qin who is being modest."

"Hahaha." Qin Xiuyuan laughed loudly, "If you say so, then so be it."

This young master Xie is none other than Xie Bailing.

"Who is that?"

Xie Bailing asked deliberately.

Qin Xiuyuan was puzzled and turned around. "What?"

It was Jing Anle passing by with her maid, heading towards Qiutong Courtyard, presumably to see Qin Zhihua.

Qin Xiuyuan was also stunned. Indeed, he had only returned to the manor this morning and did not know that Jing Anle would come.

Seeing Qin Xiuyuan's dazed expression, Xie Bailing immediately understood what was going on. His eyes held a half-smile, and he suddenly spoke up, "Young General Qin?"

Xie Bailing was originally brought up by Xie Shikai to visit, but unexpectedly, Xie Bailing and Qin Xiuyuan hit it off immediately. Today, Qin Xiuyuan returned after finishing his business and happened to run into Xie Bailing outside the mansion, which led to the scene of the two playing chess together.

"That's Her Highness the Princess. You must have seen her at the Empress Dowager's return ceremony," Qin Xiuyuan said absentmindedly, realizing his lapse in composure.

Jing Anle, who was walking straight ahead, was lost in thought and didn't notice the two people playing chess over there. It was Afang who had sharp eyes and noticed them.

"Princess, the young master is over there."

"Hmm?" Jing Anle paused, following Afang's gaze. There were indeed two people sitting there. One was Qin Xiuyuan, and the other was sitting with his back to her; she couldn't make out who it was.

"Never mind, let's not bother them."

She understood Qin Xiuyuan's intentions, and since she understood, she would avoid him if possible.

"Meet Princess!"

The sound from behind made Jing Anle stop in her tracks.

Qin Xiuyuan stared wide-eyed in astonishment at Xie Bailing, thinking to himself, "This Brother Xie is really bold," but he still respectfully said, "Greetings, Princess!"

At this moment, Xie Bailing was respectfully bowing his head, and no one could see the smile playing on his lips. He had deliberately befriended Qin Xiuyuan, and he had intentionally come to the General's Mansion, but he hadn't expected to run into him so soon.

Jing Anle took a breath, turned around and said, "No need for formalities, please rise quickly."

Today she wore a light purple dress, with only a pair of gilded hairpins adorned with flowers in her hair. Compared to her palace attire, it was much simpler. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, her expression was relaxed, and she exuded a light and ethereal charm.

After he finished speaking, Qin Xiuyuan and Xie Bailing straightened up.

Is it him?

Jing Anle then realized that the person next to Qin Xiuyuan was Xie Bailing. He was naturally handsome, with a pair of fox-like eyes that were very alluring with a half-smile, and his snow-white robe accentuated his good looks.

Jing Anle was almost stunned, thinking that this man was too devilishly handsome. But she was even more puzzled. Xie Bailing's father should not have a high official rank, so how could he be acquainted with her cousin?

"What a coincidence, to run into Young Master Xie here."

Qin Xiuyuan looked surprised again, "What? The princess knows Young Master Xie?"

Xie Bailing looked up at Jing Anle, his eyes full of smiles.

"It was just a brief encounter," Jing Anle said casually. "My cousin still hasn't answered me."

Qin Xiuyuan paused, realizing that he always felt somewhat awkward in front of Jing Anle.

"When Young Master Xie visited my residence last time, we got along very well and became acquainted after a few visits." But he would tell Jing Anle the truth whenever she asked.

For some reason, Jing Anle felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. What exactly was Xie Bailing's background?

……

Qiutong Courtyard.

“Cousin.” Jing An smiled happily.

"See Princess."

"No need for such formalities, cousin." Jing Anle noticed that although Qin Zhihua was smiling, the weariness in her eyes was undeniable. It seemed that Qin Zhihua had been heartbroken for a long time ever since she learned that Jing Fengyao was going to marry Chu Mingyue.

"Thank you princess."

Jing Anle reached out to take Qin Zhihua's hand, but touched something icy cold.

"Why are my cousin's hands so cold? And why have she become so thin?"

Qin Zhihua simply smiled and said, "It's alright. It's cold outside, Princess. Let's go inside first."

As they entered the room, the aroma of sandalwood filled the air, and the two went directly into the inner room.

"Ziye, pour the tea."

The tea was warm, just the right temperature for the taste, so it must have been prepared in advance.

"Good tea."

"If the princess likes it, then please drink more."

Jing Anle smiled slightly and said, "Cousin, you're really stingy. What's so special about tea? Aren't you afraid I'll get an upset stomach if I drink too much?"

Qin Zhihua was taken aback, then realized that Jing Anle was joking with her.

"Princess~"

Jing Anle knew she had something on her mind, so she said that on purpose just to cheer her up.

"You may all leave now." Qin Zhihua waved her hand, and the remaining maids all withdrew.

Jing Anle knew that Qin Zhihua had something to say, so she turned to Afang and said, "Afang, you may go down now."

"Yes."

When only Jing Anle and Qin Zhihua remained in the room.

"Cousin, do you want to ask about my brother...?"

After all, the fact that Jing Fengyao was punished was known throughout the palace. It's likely that every official knew about it. Yet, his uncle didn't mention it at all, which probably means he had already seen through the situation.

"Princess, I don't want to hide it from you either, but how is the First Prince?" Her voice trembled with fear, as if she had thought about it for a long time before speaking.

Jing Anle slowly put down her teacup. "Even if my cousin hadn't invited me, I would have come anyway."

Qin Zhihua stared intently at Jing Anle, waiting for her answer.

"Cousin, don't worry." Jing Anle said, pulling Qin Zhihua to sit down. "My brother is naturally fine. Please sit down and let me tell you slowly."

……