"The Elder Princess?"
Hearing Zhao Sheng's answer, Jiang Xiaobai narrowed his eyes slightly. "Heh, so you're one of the Elder Princess's people, Senior Brother Zhao."
"Junior Brother Jiang, you can't put it that way!"
Zhao Sheng's expression remained unchanged as he smiled. "I'm merely an adviser!"
"An adviser... to the Elder Princess's household all the same."
Jiang Xiaobai looked at Zhao Sheng, his smile undiminished. "But His Majesty has ordered me to thoroughly investigate the Ministry of Rites, and here you are, Senior Brother Zhao, at Minister Chen's Residence."
"If word of this gets out..."
Jiang Xiaobai paused, then stared at Zhao Sheng. "Aren't you worried you might bring trouble down on the Elder Princess?"
Silence fell inside the pavilion.
Chen Zhanqiu's expression also darkened noticeably.
This brat was mocking him, both openly and between the lines.
Damn it, anyone could imagine how fiercely his anger burned.
But Jiang Xiaobai now held the position of Imperial Inspector, so he could hardly lash out. He could only keep forcing his anger down.
Zhou Chaomian had not made a sound the entire time. He couldn't afford to offend anyone here, so being invisible suited him just fine.
"Heh, Junior Brother Jiang, you're rather overthinking things."
Zhao Sheng remained calm and smiled. "I'm merely an adviser. I can't represent the Elder Princess."
"The only person... I can represent is myself."
"Oh."
Jiang Xiaobai nodded, picked up the teapot, and poured himself a cup.
Then he lifted it, gave it a light sniff, and shook his head. "Tch, what lousy tea. Even a dog wouldn't drink it!"
As his words fell, Zhao Sheng slowly set down the cup he had just raised, his face twitching slightly.
Chen Zhanqiu clenched his hand and inwardly cursed Jiang Xiaobai before finally saying coldly, "Heir Jiang, if there's