After several rounds of toasts, all the girls present were a little tipsy, and their initial reserve had vanished like smoke.
Duoduo cradled her pipa and plucked softly, while Ling'er, Qingmo, and even A Piao, participating in her true form for the first time, danced together in the hall.
Lin Wanyi leaned close to Bu Yuehua, whispering. Empress Dowager Guo had drawn near too; they were probably still talking about their outrageous antics during the day. Zisu held Coal Ball, ears pricked as she eavesdropped.
As for Nangong Ye and Ye Yunchi, those two outwardly reserved sisters had not loosened up so quickly. They sat on either side of the Danyang Marquis, keeping him company over drinks. Both wore rather strange expressions, occasionally frowning or glancing around, as though something else was happening beneath the wine table...
Jiang Xian was new here. Suddenly seeing these seniors, each normally more proper than the next, all turn so wild left her a little bewildered.
After all, how was this scene any different from Chaochitai's?
No, Chaochitai's harem wasn't of such high quality...
They weren't going to hold an anything-goes gathering later, were they...?
Should I take my clothes off...?
Remembering the snippets she had seen in the study today, Jiang Xian felt it really was possible. She could not help growing nervous and began to understand why the Invisible Great Hand would not let her live here...
As these wild thoughts ran through her head, someone beside her suddenly called:
"Xiao Biao?"
"Hmm?"
Jiang Xian turned to find that Xie Jinhuan, dressed in white robes, had left the head seat at some point and come over with his wine cup. Her face reddened, and she hurriedly raised her own cup to return his toast.
"Young Master Xie? Weren't you sitting over there?