You thought it over. Cultivating on Green Thatch Mountain fit neatly with the suspicion in your heart.
You found yourself looking forward to it.
Elder Mo cupped his hands with a smile. "This old man will summon him to the hall at once. To be received by Your Highness is a tremendous honor for him."
You said, "Have him wait in the west hall."
Elder Mo froze for a moment. The west hall had always been reserved for the most distinguished guests. Even when the First Prince and the Second Prince visited Tai Chi Hall, they were received only in the rear courtyard. Ordinary people had no chance of setting foot in the west hall.
Elder Mo was startled. He had not expected Your Highness to treat the young man as an honored guest.
He bowed at once. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'll send for him now."
With that, Elder Mo turned and withdrew.
You and your party made your way into the west hall of Tai Chi Hall.
Once you had led everyone away, only a few of your personal maids remained in the main hall.
The women bowed together. "Farewell, Your Highness."
Joy shone on the maids' faces. After emerging from seclusion, Your Highness had heard where Xia He and the others had gone but had not punished them. They had escaped disaster by a stroke of luck. The maids were as close as sisters, so naturally they were delighted.
Qiu Ju said softly, "We have Sister Gu Hui to thank for speaking on their behalf."
Dong Mei added, "Fortunately, they went to the Second Prince's residence. Had they gone anywhere else, they might have been dragged back and punished. The Second Prince and His Highness are bound by blood, after all. That makes a difference."
Among them