Early the next morning, a thin veil of dawn light still covered the summit of White Phoenix Snow Mountain, but Xiao Yun and Shui Bing'er had already returned to the Lord's Mansion.
The courtyard was still quiet when they returned, and the lanterns beneath the corridor had only recently gone out. She said little, merely nodding to him before the steps, then turned and followed the corridor toward the West Courtyard.
Xiao Yun did not call her back. He stood in the Front Courtyard and watched her disappear into the distance before turning toward the side hall.
Breakfast had just been cleared from the table when Yao Zi arrived.
She wore a pale green martial outfit, her hair neatly tied behind her head, with no unnecessary accessories at her waist. She raised a hand in greeting as she entered, as though acknowledging some unspoken arrangement.
The two sat down at the table.
Xiao Yun lifted his teacup, took a sip, and set it down again. "According to the reports, the work on several main roads outside the city was nearly finished last year. I plan to see how things turned out. It's your turn to be my secretary today. If you have nothing else to do, would you like to come along?"
Yao Zi nodded. "All right."
Xiao Yun put down his teacup. "Then we'll leave once we've eaten."
As the carriage passed through the city gates, the road became noticeably wider than those inside the city.
After passing several stretches of farmland and villages, they turned onto the newly built sections. The road was surfaced with gravel and sandy soil, compacted until it was level and firm.
Every so often, Xiao Yun had the carriage stop, then got out and walked a short way along the roadside to check