Silence stretched.
A silence thick with calculation.
Then—
A soft voice broke it.
"Father Emperor!"
All murmurs died instantly.
Everyone turned.
Yu Feiyan—no, Qin Lingxiao—took a step forward. Her movements were graceful.
Her expression carried neither anger nor hurt.
Only gentleness and understanding.
She bowed lightly.
"Please let this daughter speak with Young Master Bai," she said softly.
Her voice was pleasant—warm enough to disarm, calm enough to soothe.
Then she lifted her gaze.
And looked directly at Bai Zihan.
"Young Master Bai," she said, her tone sincere, almost tender, "this one never intended to cause trouble."
Her words drew attention like gravity.
"If your heart already belongs elsewhere," she continued, "then how could I force myself into your life?"
A few people nodded unconsciously.
What a reasonable princess.
What grace.
What dignity.
Qin Lingxiao smiled faintly.
"But—" she said softly.
