"That old cur actually invited you to a banquet? He's up to no good!"
Bu Er spat.
"Bu Er!"
Yang Qing gave Bu Er a distinctly disapproving look.
The boy usually hid his emotions so well. Why had he become so rash today?
At the sound of Yang Qing's voice, Bu Er immediately came to his senses.
He had indeed been rash. Fortunately, this place was secluded, with no one around. Had someone with ulterior motives overheard those words, there was no telling what waves they might have stirred up.
"Young master, I was wrong."
Bu Er lowered his head, filled with regret.
"Since you know you were wrong, make sure you remember this next time!"
Yang Qing and Bu Er shared a deep bond, but he had no intention of letting Bu Er's mistake slide.
"We are in the Capital City now. Who knows how many eyes are watching us from the shadows, hoping we make a mistake so they can laugh at us?"
"But Bu Er, if we make a mistake, it will cast us into an abyss beyond redemption. Do you understand?"
"You are right to reprimand me, young master. From now on, I will remain vigilant at all times and never allow myself the slightest carelessness."
"Good."
Yang Qing acknowledged him, then followed Bu Er back to the courtyard.
That night, Yang Qing read by the light of a paper lamp, his brows tightly knitted.
Earlier that day, his quick wits had allowed him to escape the trap Wei Sizhong had laid for him and deftly clear himself of suspicion before the emperor.
But in Yang Qing's view, although their emperor seemed somewhat blind when it came to Wei Sizhong, he saw everything else more clearly than anyone.
Chu Jinghui had gone along with his wishes