Xiao Jian looked at Xiao Qing'er, then turned to Lu Changqing.
Meeting his gaze, Lu Changqing gave an awkward smile.
Xiao Jian raised a hand and rested it on his shoulder, forcing a smile. "Brother-in-law, keep at it. I'll always support you!"
Of course, he knew how Lu Changqing felt about Xiao Qing'er, and he knew even better that Xiao Qing'er was far from indifferent to him.
Once, when they stood on opposing sides, Xiao Jian had found Lu Changqing thoroughly displeasing. Now their allegiances had aligned, and both served the Divine Court and Chen Mu.
Looking at Lu Changqing again, Xiao Jian liked everything he saw. The man was a perfect fit to be his brother-in-law.
"Thank you, brother-in-law! I'll do my best!" Encouraged, Lu Changqing nodded firmly.
Xiao Qing'er could not be bothered to get involved. She knew these two were birds of a feather; the more she said, the more carried away they would get.
Returning to the matter at hand, she urged, "Enough! Stop wasting time and keeping the Empress waiting."
Xiao Qing'er knew perfectly well that, inside the Imperial Palace, none of this could escape Qin Xuanji's discerning eyes. She must already know the whole story.
Never mind the Imperial Palace-as long as she wished, she could see everything that happened throughout the Divine Court.
"True. Brother-in-law, we'll discuss this in detail another time. Official business comes first." Remembering his main task, Xiao Jian set aside his stray thoughts.
"Yes, I'll do whatever you say, brother-in-law!" Lu Changqing grew increasingly practiced at addressing him as his brother-in-law.
All their past grudges had long since vanished like passing clouds and smoke at that single word: "brother-in-law."
Before long.
The three arrived at the Imperial Study.
Seeing Xiao Qing'er and Lu Changqing, the guards did not dare