Yang Qing was sent back to Listening Waves Courtyard.
But upon returning, he discovered several new faces among the people serving in the courtyard.
He understood what had happened, but let none of it show on his face.
After all, Duan Hongzhuo had insisted on inviting him here. He might as well settle in and stay at ease.
For now, he and Duan Hongzhuo were testing each other's endurance. Whoever lost patience first would lose.
And the consequence of losing might be eternal damnation.
Yang Qing gathered his thoughts and slowly stepped into the courtyard.
When the servants saw Yang Qing enter, they merely bowed slightly to him before returning to their respective tasks.
Yang Qing responded with a faint smile, then furrowed his brows again.
Clearly, Duan Hongzhuo had not fully believed what he had said before.
But with him confined like this, there was no telling when he would be released.
Before Yang Qing knew it, another two days had passed in the Regent King’s Residence.
With the New Year festivities almost upon them, Yang Qing still remained quietly in Listening Waves Courtyard.
All day, he either sat by the window admiring the snow or took a book and read it carefully on the couch.
His complexion, however, grew increasingly pale.
He also took his medicine more frequently.
In the blink of an eye, New Year's Eve arrived.
Duan Hongzhuo summoned Yang Qing to the study again.
Looking at Yang Qing, he asked, "Shopkeeper Jia, have you been well these past few days?"
Yang Qing bowed. "Having been permitted to stay in the Regent King’s Residence, I could hardly say otherwise."
"Oh? Then does that mean you have something on your mind?" Duan Hongzhuo cast an interested glance at Yang Qing.
Every move this man made in the