Wang Yan verified the coded seal on the envelope sent by the Crown Prince's residence, then opened it and confirmed Yang Guang's handwritten letter, as well as Yang Guang's personal seal.
It bore Yang Guang's name, along with motifs of auspicious beasts and flowers.
Come to think of it, Wang Yan had carved that seal himself. After all, when giving a gift, it was the thought that counted. Yang Guang lacked nothing but thoughtfulness. Nothing showed more thoughtfulness than someone like Wang Yan personally putting in the labor and care.
Wang Yan still remembered how delighted Yang Guang had been upon receiving that yellow jade seal, while Yuwen Huaji, who had accompanied the gift, had looked thoroughly disgusted.
The contents were simple as well. There was no explanation, only an order: "Quickly lead your retainers here in armor and come to the palace to guard it."
Under the watchful gaze of the man from the Crown Prince's residence, Wang Yan pulled a whistle from his pocket, walked outside the courtyard, and blew it.
As the shrill, urgent whistle sounded, the entire residence sprang into action.
The maidservants in the courtyard were at a loss, but the male servants scattered throughout the estate, whether chatting in small groups or working, froze for a moment, exchanged looks, and then hurried tensely toward the household storerooms.
Cursing shouts and barked orders carried from the front courtyard to the rear.
A while later, Xiao Mei emerged carrying the Eight-Sided Han Sword she had once obtained from the Chen Kingdom's treasury, followed by several maids and old servant women hauling a large chest.
When the chest was opened, it revealed gleaming, oil-polished Brightlight treasure armor and battle boots.
Several maids and old servant women worked swiftly together to dress Wang Yan in his armor, while