Chapter 696 - Would Never Expose Herself

However, Xie Qiao felt bad for bullying Xiao Yurong like this.

He was the most talented person among the younger generation. To be honest, she might not be able to surpass Xiao Yurong if they were to compete in literature.

The things she learned were complicated, and her energy was limited. Her calligraphy, painting, and carving skills were good indeed, and her poems and songs were passable. However, if she were to take the imperial examination, she would definitely not be able to compete with Xiao Yurong.

Now, Xiao Yurong had left.

“Are scholars usually so single-minded?” Xie Qiao could not help but mutter.

“Senior Brother Xiao is indeed a little naive. He has been obsessed with teaching the disciples of the academy all these years. In other aspects, he has always been a little inadequate.” Zhao Xuanjing looked at Xiao Yurong’s back and was in deep thoughts.

He did not know how long Xie Qiao’s identity would be hidden.

It was easy to deceive Xiao Yurong, but the other junior brothers…

It would be quite troublesome.

“Oh, right.” Xie Qiao suddenly remembered the mala beads in her hand. Seeing that no one nearby could hear her, she took them out and said, “The Empress was carrying this string of mala beads with her. It’s an evil instrument. It’s terrible for her health if she carries it for a long time. I want to cleanse it.”

Although she was no longer Master Mo, Zhao Xuanjing knew her abilities as Half-immortal Xie. Xie Qiao did not have to worry when she said that.

Zhao Xuanjing looked at the mala beads in surprise and frowned. “Mother’s health is lacking because of this thing?”

“More or less.” Xie Qiao nodded, “Your Highness, it’s better to send a message to the Gu family. Maybe there’s something wrong with the ancestral grave too. It’s too far away from me… I’m afraid my Senior Aunty doesn’t have time to go, but she can get my master Mo Lingzi to help. Of course, if the Gu family has a great Taoist master with a good character, that’s fine too.”

“Although you and I are family, I still have to thank you for this. Qiao’er, if it weren’t for you, my mother would probably be in deep trouble.” Zhao Xuanjing stared at her in all seriousness. His brows were like cold clouds in the distant mountains, and his eyes were like cold stars. He made Xie Qiao uncomfortable.

“You’re welcome, you’re welcome. We’re family.” Xie Qiao chuckled.

“Speaking of which… Qiao’er, you’ve really helped me a lot. In the past, you were also the one who changed the feng shui of my East Palace. Also, you’ve performed divination many times to help me solve cases. It’s all thanks to you.” Zhao Xuanjing looked at her and said.

He felt that he had said it clearly enough.

The word “solve” was also an obvious hint.

However, Xie Qiao had thought of the Zhou family’s big case. At that time, she had indeed used Xie Qiao’s identity to help the Crown Prince.

Indeed, the two identities of hers were the two important people that the Crown Prince could not leave.

Xie Qiao actually felt guilty. She had also suspected that she had been exposed, but… if nobody pointed it out, it meant that there was no problem with her identity!

It would never expose herself.

Moreover, Zhao Xuanjing had been quite obedient to Master Mo lately, so she thought maybe she was overthinking it.

“It’s just a small matter. We Taoist masters have to accumulate good karma for ourselves,” Xie Qiao said in all seriousness. “Moreover, you’re mine from now on. If you’re good, then I’m good.”

Zhao Xuanjing did not know whether to laugh or cry when he heard these bold and unrestrained words.

While the two were chatting, many people nearby looked over.

The Fourth Prince initially wanted to come over and talk to Dong Xiyun so that they could get to know each other better. When they get married in the future, their relationship will be better.

However, as soon as he said a few words, Dong Xiyun’s eyes would be fixed on his eldest brother or Young Lady Xie, making him feel a little embarrassed.

“I heard that Young Lady Dong has a younger sister. Why didn’t you bring her here today?” The Fourth Prince was bored and asked casually, hoping to divert Dong Xiyun’s attention.

“She’s sick.”

Dong Xiyun was smiling at the Fourth Prince, but when he saw Xie Qiao smiling like a flower, her face tightened and she tightened her grip on her handkerchief.