Inside an exquisite guest courtyard of the He Family.
Several spirit laurel trees were planted within the courtyard, and the moonlight pierced through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting mottled, shattered shadows that fell upon the flagstone surface like a scattering of fine, crushed silver.
This place was a top-tier courtyard where the He Family entertained distinguished guests, and while everyday servants usually bustled back and forth endlessly, tonight they had all been thoroughly dismissed to the outer courtyard.
He Wanchuan stood before the courtyard gate, his posture a fraction lower than usual, a welcoming smile plastered across his face in the presence of distinguished guests.
"Two honored guests, this is to be your lodging for tonight. I have dismissed the servants to the outer courtyard, so should you have any needs, simply call out and they will attend."
These servants out in the outer courtyard would not be able to overhear the conversation between the two men, yet they could respond promptly if the two of them called out in loud voices.
A man of about twenty-four or twenty-five stood before He Wanchuan, dressed in a moon-white long robe, a faint composure carrying within his brows and bearing.
He smiled slightly, cupping his fists toward He Wanchuan. "My thanks to Patriarch He for the arrangement. We have traveled far and are weary, so we shall turn in early."
"It is only proper, only proper."
"As for tomorrow's competition, we rely entirely on Young Master Xiao." Although He Wanchuan knew the other party's hopes of winning were slim, he nevertheless offered a flattering remark.
When He Wanchuan finished speaking, he tactfully retreated from the courtyard. The courtyard gates closed, and the entire guest compound was left with only Ye Mingxiao and Ye Chengxing.
Ye Mingxiao did not enter