(A small revision was made to the previous chapter.) Over in the reception hall, Ye Tianchen finally regained his composure.
He rose, stepped forward to help Xie Junheng up himself, and patted his shoulder. He forced an "understanding" smile onto his face, though a trace of awkwardness remained in his voice:
"We're brothers. There's no need to stand on ceremony. In that case, I'll leave gathering intelligence to you."
Xie Junheng straightened, his smile unchanged. "Rest assured, Brother Ye."
With the matter settled in a few words, Ye Tianchen paid no heed to whether it might endanger the chancellor's residence. He turned and left the reception hall with the women, heading to the rooms prepared for them to rest.
Once they had gone, Pei Junyao stepped forward, silently asking a question with his eyes.
Xie Junheng smiled and shook his head. "I'm fine."
His clear, crystalline eyes turned toward the direction Ye Tianchen had departed beyond the reception hall.
Ye Tianchen carried destiny upon him. Opportunities had followed him throughout his journey; he always escaped certain death and fought opponents above his level. Whenever he reached the end of the road, someone paved a path for him. Whenever he staked everything on one desperate gamble, a new vista opened beyond the dark willows and bright blossoms.
Xie Junheng withdrew his gaze and lifted the long-cold chrysanthemum tea. He took a sip, his expression unchanged as bitterness spread across his tongue.
Naturally, Ye Tianchen would take it for granted that everyone around him should revolve around him.
And because Xie Junheng had refused to spare no effort in helping him today, he was bound to bear a grudge.
"Ah..."
Yun Qing sat nearby and leisurely finished the last mouthful of his tea.
He looked down at Ye Hui, who lay coiled