On the long street outside Huitong Hall.
After two awkward chuckles, Rat Lord changed the subject. "Your Highness, have you come to Huitong Hall today because Little Prince Huai has entered the Capital?"
Seated in his carriage, the Third Prince nodded with a smile. "His Majesty summoned him to the Capital. As I also serve as minister of rites, I naturally cannot let this little foreign state think our Southern Border Court lacks courtesy. I came specifically to invite Little Prince Huai to my mansion for a banquet."
"Your Highness, your timing is perfect. Little Prince Huai has just entered Huitong Hall." Rat Lord immediately bowed. "I shall inform him at once."
"Sorry for the trouble, Lord Wei." The Third Prince regarded him with a playful look.
Rat Lord knew full well how temperamental and eccentric this prince was, so he did not want to stay a minute longer. After a vague reply, he went back inside.
Before long, Ren Ye was following Rat Lord along a secluded corridor inside the lodge.
Blinking, he asked curiously, "I've only just arrived in the Capital, and the Third Prince is already inviting me to a banquet. Is he that well informed?"
"The Third Prince also serves as minister of rites. Naturally, nothing that happens in Huitong Hall escapes him." After explaining, Rat Lord offered a tactful reminder. "Word of your arrival must have spread already. With undercurrents stirring in the Three Lands of Lingnan, all the factions in the Capital probably want to make your acquaintance."
Though tactfully phrased, Ren Ye understood perfectly. His eyes shifted as he ventured, "My domain lies in a remote corner, and it is weak. Ah, Lord Wei, to be honest, I haven't felt at ease since entering the Capital. I really must ask your advice.