In the eastern district of Heaven Dou City stood a magnificent courtyard. A huge plaque hung prominently above the main gate, bearing four bold, imposing characters.
Heaven Dou Crown Prince's Residence.
Bathed in the afternoon sunshine, Xue Yao strolled leisurely up to the main gate of the Crown Prince's Residence.
He had brought no attendants with him. Hidden inside his wide sleeve, a slender brocade box wrapped carefully in emerald-green silk cloth floated gently, supported by the wind element.
"Lord Viscount."
The captain of the guards at the gate had already been briefed. The moment he recognized Xue Yao, he bowed in greeting, his manner far more respectful than it would have been toward an ordinary member of the imperial clan. "His Highness has been waiting for you in the Imperial Study for some time. Please follow me."
Xue Yao inclined his head slightly and strode calmly through the gates of the Crown Prince's Residence.
He crossed the front courtyard and passed through a hanging-flower gate. After walking for the better part of an hour, he finally stopped outside a quiet, elegant courtyard.
Green bamboo grew thickly throughout the courtyard, its swaying shadows lending the spacious Imperial Study at its center a tranquil, secluded air.
"Your Highness, Lord Viscount has arrived," the guard announced softly from the doorway.
"Come in."
A clear, warm voice came from within the study.
Xue Yao pushed open the door and entered.
The faint scent of sandalwood filled the study, and books and scrolls stood in neat rows along all four walls. Behind the spacious rosewood desk, a young man set down the vermilion brush in his hand, looked up, and greeted Xue Yao with a refined, genial smile.
Xue Qinghe.
The crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, and Xue Yao's cousin in the