Chapter 382: The Curtain Rises (1)
# 382. The Curtain Rises (1)
The Imperial palace today had become a place of conflict, and no external officials were permitted to enter. The princes, princesses, and the imperial consorts within the palace naturally could not then summon outsiders.
*So, is Princess Huaiqing summoning me for something important?* Xu Qi’an promptly followed the head guard, mounted his beloved little mare, and rode towards Huaiqing Manor.
Huaiqing Manor was located in the highest and most heavily guarded section of the imperial city.
This area housed the residences of royal kin, including the estates of princes and princesses like Lin’an. It was second only to the imperial palace in significance.
*I am, after all, the lead investigator of the Chuzhou case. Although I’m not directly in the eye of the storm now, I am one of the principal figures involved. If Huaiqing is seeking me at this time, it’s certainly not because she misses me terribly…*
Truth be told, this was Xu Qi’an’s first visit to Huaiqing Manor. In contrast, he had frequented the Second Princess's residence many times. If it weren’t for the numerous spies and the impropriety of it, Xu Qi’an could have claimed a dedicated guest room at Lin’an’s estate.
The layout of Huaiqing Manor was similar to Lin’an Manor, but leaned towards a colder and more minimalist style. From the plants in the courtyard to the furnishings, there was a sense of serenity and simplicity.
In the spacious and well-lit reception hall, Xu Qi’an met Huaiqing, whom he hadn’t seen in a long while. This woman, as elegant as a snow lotus, was as composed and graceful as ever.