Ren Ye entered the Moon-Gazing Pavilion and received Lin Xiang's guidance. With an answer already in his heart, he left in delight.
A short while later.
Zhao Baicheng appeared in the pavilion and looked at Lin Xiang. "You used Longevity Powder?"
"Yes."
"On that cheap woman?" Zhao Baicheng demanded, abandoning all decorum.
Lin Xiang replied helplessly, "It was Ren Ye."
"Him?! What gives him the right? He's just a little second-tier nobody. Does he deserve it?" Zhao Baicheng found it unbelievable.
"Have a seat."
Lin Xiang gestured to him.
Over the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he unhurriedly recounted what had happened.
After listening, Zhao Baicheng frowned. "This fucking... this isn't something the little Human Emperor should have to bear, is it?"
Lin Xiang did not answer directly, merely saying softly, "I can't leave Vermilion Bird City for now."
Inside the Prefectural Yamen in Qingliang Prefecture.
The Third Prince's eyes were red with fury as he shouted and cursed, "That Zhu Zigui is utterly useless!! More than four hundred thousand Great Qian troops have gathered outside Juma Pass, and at a time like this, their commander has disappeared! This is absolutely outrageous! I'll impeach him when I get back!"
Beside him, an attendant reminded him quietly, "Your Highness, Zhu Zigui isn't an official of our Southern Border... how are you going to impeach him?"
"Just because he isn't an official of the Southern Border, I can't impeach him?! Who made that rule?!" the Third Prince roared like a mad dog.
"...!" Seeing his reddened eyes, the accompanying eunuch knew he was about to start snapping at everyone. The best choice now was silence.
"Hahaha!"
Hearty laughter rang out outside. Wearing a blue-green robe, Ren Ye strode in and called, "Oh, brother! Sorry for the wait."