Perhaps Hui Mian thought the intended aim had gone unmet, but despite what Zhuo Qing said, a sense of distance had already crept in without her noticing.
The fact that she could say those words so easily, with a smile, already showed that she had found a measure of peace.
Though Yi Shuyuan was talking with Tan Yuanshang inside the teahouse, he also heard Zhuo Qing and Hui Mian's conversation.
Unlike the slightly troubled Hui Mian, Yi Shuyuan, who ought to have pretended not to notice, could not help looking toward the two of them.
"Then it's settled, Mr. Yi! I shall await your honored arrival at my home. I'll take my leave for today!"
Delighted, Tan Yuanshang cupped his hands toward Yi Shuyuan again. Yi Shuyuan came back to himself and returned the salute.
"Rest assured, Master Tan. I will certainly keep my word."
"Hahahaha! Good, farewell!"
Tan Yuanshang was in excellent spirits as he left the teahouse with his servants, laughing. On his way out, he glanced across the street, but seeing only an ordinary woman, he paid her no further attention.
That afternoon, after lunch at home, Tan Yuanshang had a carriage prepared and went straight to the imperial palace.
He had no need to present any gold token. Tan Yuanshang's face and name alone were enough to get him through every checkpoint and deep into the palace.
In the imperial study, the emperor of Great Yong was taking a nap, reclining on a cushioned couch with his head on his favorite consort's lap while she gently massaged his forehead.
At such a time, even his personal eunuch attendant, Zhang Liangxi, had withdrawn beyond the curtain of the inner chamber.
But when a young eunuch came to report something outside, Zhang Liangxi stepped into the inner