In a quiet room on the top floor of Moonlight Pavilion, sandalwood incense curled through the air. Warm light streamed through the carved windows and spilled across the floor. Tang Yin had washed up and changed clothes; now he sat cross-legged on a soft couch, eyes closed as he regulated his breathing.
"Young Master Yin, the Pavilion Master asked me to invite you to the courtyard below the loft. Crown Prince Xue Qinghe would like to see you."
The gentle voice of the maid Xiao Cui came from outside the door, making Tang Yin's brows knit slightly.
Xue Qinghe wanted to see him?
He couldn't say that he and Xue Qinghe were close. They had met only twice. Apart from the unpleasant incident at Moonlight Pavilion with Xue Beng, the last time they had met had been because of Ning Rongrong.
"All right. I'll be there shortly."
Tang Yin slowly opened his eyes, a glint flashing across them before vanishing. He stood, straightened his pale moon-white brocade robe from Moonlight Pavilion, and stepped outside.
He descended the loft and crossed the corridor. As Tang Yin entered the courtyard, he saw Tang Yuehua speaking with a young man dressed in an elegant purple-and-gold robe.
The man stood tall and straight, his face as gentle as jade, his smile modest. It was none other than the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe.
Tang Yin's heart instantly tightened.
Before Tang Yin could think further, Tang Yuehua smiled and said, "Lan Yin, His Highness asked for you specifically. He'd like to speak with you alone."
Xue Qinghe's gaze settled on Tang Yin, looking him up and down. A trace of approval flashed in his eyes, though his expression remained as warm and harmless as ever. He nodded in greeting, his tone