The River Otters stood in post in the courtyard, studying diligently and training hard, the brown fur atop their heads drifting to one side.
"Whew~"
As he ran out the door, the winter chill swept away the last traces of warmth he had brought from beneath the covers.
Before a wooden basin, Liang Qu pressed a hot towel to his face and used Azure Wolf to scrape away his stubble. Long Yao crouched beside him, fastening his waist token and ornaments at his belt. Then she fetched a small stool, stood on it, gathered up Liang Qu's temples, placed a jade crown on his head, and finally secured it with a hairpin.
Earl Xingyi of Da Shun.
All set!
"Mm, Elder, you're up. Want breakfast? Aunt Zhang made it—one meat dish and one vegetable dish, fresh from the stove." Long Li emerged from the kitchen with a bun in her mouth and two more in her hands, asking through a muffled mouthful.
"What time is it?"
"A quarter of an hour before the chen hour. Elder, you can eat on the road."
Liang Qu shook his head. "I have matters to attend to on the road. No time to eat. Oh, Xiao Yao, Xiao Li, after you finish, remember to bring a serving to Sister E Ying. She can't get up. While you're at it, tidy up the bedroom and change the bedding for clean sheets. Also, prepare one extra serving and have Ta Ta Kai deliver it to Pingyang Mountain."
"Got it, got it~"
Long Li dragged out her reply. Long Yao rolled her eyes, while Ta Ta Kai snapped upright and saluted.
Liang Qu did not fuss over it. With a movement of his Mental Link—
Red Mountain ran out of the stable. Liang Qu's body flickered, and