Chen Ping'an climbed down the ladder and picked a book at random from the shelf. It was a collection of pithy sayings on how to conduct oneself in the world.
He flipped through it quickly. Many of its sage teachings struck him as profoundly true: in a place of lush beauty, one should be too lazy to look back; when fierce winds and sudden rain came, that was where a hero planted his feet.
Chen Ping'an felt as though every line had been written for him. Courage welled up in him at once. It worked far better than wine.
Besides, Chen Ping'an had long ago worked out a principle for himself: with those close to you, don't speak in anger, don't say the opposite of what you mean, and above all, don't say nothing at all.
He returned the book to the shelf. For no particular reason, he thought of the Dragon Continent Daoist at Yellow Flower Temple in Tongye Continent. Smiling, he followed the man's example and gently pushed the surrounding books with his palm until their spines were perfectly even. Chen Ping'an strode out of the library and opened the courtyard gate. After a moment's thought, he left it unlocked. If he had to come back, locking it would only create another chore. This was his senior brother's residence, after all. Flying in and out would be inappropriate.
As for whether the Great Li Emperor and Empress Dowager came, it no longer mattered. If they did, it would be good for both sides. If they didn't, Chen Ping'an truly did not care. He had already decided to spend a few more days reading in the capital.
Now that he had guessed Senior Brother Cui Chan's intentions, things were simple. An opportunity this rare, with no need to distinguish