The bright moon hung high in the sky.
The lights in the Crown Prince's study in Heaven Dou City still shone brightly.
Dressed in a moon-white robe, Xue Qinghe sat behind his desk. Candlelight cast a hazy glow across his gentle, jade-like profile.
"Your Highness!" A figure knelt on one knee outside the study, speaking in a voice barely above a whisper.
The vermilion brush in Xue Qinghe's hand paused. He looked up.
"What is it?"
"A message came from the academy. After several months away, the Heaven Dou Team returned three days ago."
"Oh? They're finally back?" Xue Qinghe's lips curved into a smile. After a moment's thought, he instructed the shadowy figure, "Keep a close eye on the Heaven Dou Team's movements. You may go."
"Yes!" The figure replied and quietly withdrew.
After dismissing the servant, Xue Qinghe was about to return to his documents, but his thoughts were unsettled and he couldn't focus. He set down the brush and rose, going to the window.
"I wonder how that girl Xue Ke is getting on at Moonlight Pavilion. I've been busy with state affairs and haven't visited her in ages. It's time I went to see her."
He gazed out at the deep darkness of the night, light shifting in his eyes.
The next morning.
The rear courtyard of Moonlight Pavilion.
Xue Ke rested her chin in her hands as she watched Tang Yin eat breakfast.
"Big brother, I heard you spent the past few months traveling with your team, competing in Soul Fighting matches in different places. Will you tell me about anything interesting that happened along the way?"
Having grown up in the imperial family, the princess's eyes brimmed with longing for the colorful world beyond.
Tang Yin's hand paused as he picked up a pastry.