Song Qingshu and Zhao Min made their way to a small courtyard in the south of the city, where someone was already waiting for them.
"Are you certain Xiao Xiamo went inside?" Zhao Min asked coolly. At that moment, Princess Shaomin's bearing was on full display.
The man replied, "This subordinate tracked him here all the way. It was definitely him."
"How long has he been inside?" Zhao Min asked.
"About the time it takes to burn an incense stick," the man replied.
Zhao Min waved her hand. "Go back first. Leave this place to us."
The man looked hesitant. "Princess, Xiao Xiamo's martial arts are quite formidable. You alone..."
Zhao Min pointed at Song Qingshu. "I have him." Song Qingshu cooperatively puffed out his chest, looking especially spirited.
The man glanced at Song Qingshu. Though he did not recognize him, and Song Qingshu looked rather like a spoiled young noble, he said nothing. Trusting his mistress's judgment, he silently withdrew.
"You keep your subordinates under strict control," Song Qingshu remarked thoughtfully.
"They only need to obey my orders strictly," Zhao Min replied coolly, then beckoned him toward the courtyard.
Song Qingshu caught up and warned, "Be careful. There could be an ambush."
Zhao Min stopped and agreed with his assessment. "Take me in." She had seen Song Qingshu's qinggong and knew that with him carrying her, even a dragon's pool or tiger's den would not be able to detect them.
Song Qingshu nodded, wrapped an arm around her soft waist, and silently slipped into the small courtyard. Hugging and holding each other was nothing new between them; they had done far more intimate things before. Thus, neither noticed anything inappropriate about being held together.
But as soon as they entered, Song Qingshu realized he had worried too much. There