When Hu Xiaotian returned to Qichen Palace, he saw Jian Ping waiting for him at the entrance, with a carriage beside her. Though they had yet to exchange a word, he already understood her real reason for coming. These royals were truly thirsting for medical treatment. He had only just finished operating on the Prince of Yan, and now the Eldest Princess had come looking for him.
Hu Xiaotian first bade Tie Zheng farewell, then walked cheerfully up to Jian Ping. "Well, if it isn't Sister Jian Ping! Why didn't you go inside and sit down?"
Jian Ping smiled. "I did. When I learned that you had gone to the Prince of Yan's Residence, Lord Hu, I came out here to wait."
"What brings you here, Sister Jian Ping?" Hu Xiaotian asked.
"Her Highness the Eldest Princess specifically sent me to invite you to her residence for a chat."
"Sorry for the trouble, Sister Jian Ping, but please tell Her Highness that I still have something important to attend to. Once I've finished my proper business, I'll pay her a visit."
"But..."
Hu Xiaotian cupped his hands to her and had already walked into Qichen Palace.
Jian Ping watched his retreating back helplessly. He was plainly making excuses.
What had to come would come. In the end, Eldest Princess Xue Lingjun arrived at Qichen Palace in person. Her arrival was entirely within Hu Xiaotian's expectations, however. He did not make things as difficult for her as he had for the Prince of Yan, Xue Shengjing. Upon hearing that she had come herself, he went outside to welcome her.
A fragrant breeze preceded Xue Lingjun as she glided gracefully into Hu Xiaotian's courtyard, splendidly dressed. She giggled. "I thought you were hiding because you didn't want to see me, Lord Hu."