The palace grounds were deep and secluded. After passing through a maze of covered walkways, the two arrived at a quiet, elegant palace.
"Starry Night Palace?" Xiao Yan looked at the palace before him.
"Not a bad name."
Yao Ye pressed her red lips together lightly and led Xiao Yan inside with a smile.
"Your Highness." Two maids standing at the entrance bowed slightly, looking at Xiao Yan behind Yao Ye with some surprise.
This was the first time the princess had brought a man back to her palace.
"You may leave for now. Mr. Xiao Yan and I have some important matters to discuss."
Yao Ye waved a hand. The surprise on the two maids' faces deepened, but they obediently withdrew.
"Mr. Xiao Yan, let's go inside first."
Yao Ye glanced back, a flicker of nervousness passing through her beautiful eyes, though her expression remained fairly composed.
"Weren't we going to discuss Dou Techniques?" Xiao Yan asked, looking puzzled.
"You..." A trace of embarrassed indignation appeared on Yao Ye's face before her tone turned almost coquettish.
"Look at what I'm wearing. Is this suitable for practicing Dou Techniques?"
"Oh." Xiao Yan nodded thoughtfully.
"You have a point."
He then followed Yao Ye into the palace. As an imperial princess, Yao Ye had rooms even more exquisite than Ya Fei's, with a delicate, refined fragrance lingering within.
"Sit here and sober up for a bit. I'll go change and come right back."
Yao Ye brewed Xiao Yan a cup of hot tea, then left the sitting room with light, graceful steps.
A moment later, the splashing of water reached his ears, making Xiao Yan's heart stir despite himself.
Royalty really knows how to play... Xiao Yan sighed inwardly.
The sounds of bathing continued until the hot tea in Xiao Yan's