There's No One

It was evident that Young Master Xie harbored a sincere desire to become an official…

This realization brought relief to the Crown Prince. If he could secure Eldest Young Master Xie's loyalty, it would be a beneficial acquisition.

Crown Prince requested Princess Consort to extend an invitation to Mr. Xie to visit the East Palace as a guest.

However, Xie Jingrong declined, vaguely stating that it wasn't the right time yet.

Interpreting this as a sign of agreement, the Crown Prince decided to patiently await the opportune moment.

Feeling reassured, the Crown Prince looked forward to the upcoming New Year. As anticipated by Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan, no guests or well-wishers visited them this year. Those who had turned snobbish and considered Shao Yunduan unworthy of friendship abstained, and some even reveled in the idea of celebrating the occasion with fireworks.