No One Owes Anyone Anything!

The Third Prince sat behind a low table.

Today, he was not wearing a moon-white robe, but a light blue-green long gown. The fabric was softer than the one he had worn when they met at the Heaven's Chosen Assembly, draping at his sides like water. His silver crown had been replaced with a white jade hairpin, its head carved with a cloud motif. He sat there with one hand resting on the low table and the other holding a folded fan. The fan remained closed as he lightly tapped it against his palm.

When he saw Luo Wen enter through the doorway, he rose to his feet. He did not rise too quickly, as though eager to welcome him, nor did he do so with lofty condescension. He simply stood, as a host ought to when greeting a guest.

"Mr. Luo." The Third Prince's voice was the same as Lu Chi had heard from the high platform that day: clear, gentle, and unhurried. "I have long heard of your reputation. There were too many people and too many matters at the Heaven's Chosen Assembly yesterday, so we were unable to speak at length. I invited you here today specifically to have a talk."

Luo Wen cupped his hands in greeting, casual in manner yet impeccable in etiquette. "Your Highness is too courteous. I have only just arrived in the Imperial Capital, and I am grateful for Your Highness's consideration."

.

The two sat facing each other. Lu Chi and Ning Xiaohe sat on their knees behind Luo Wen, leaving the space of one person between them, while Deacon Gu sat beside them. Lu Chi felt somewhat uncomfortable kneeling like that, his knees pressed painfully against the hardwood floor. But when he saw Ning Xiaohe sitting perfectly straight, her back