Outside Spring Moon Tower.
When Helian Zhaoyue and the others arrived, the first thing they saw was an exceptionally imposing building.
Gauzy curtains hung from the upper floors, while a number of brightly dressed girls stood at the entrance, silk handkerchiefs in hand, occasionally calling out to passing men.
"Come in and have a seat, young master!"
"We have fine wine and lovely music!"
Helian Zhaoyue's cheeks flushed again at their words.
She was the Princess of Northern Yu, yet Jiang Xiaobai had actually sent her to a place like this to find him?
If word of this reached Northern Yu, where would she hide her face?
Helian Zhaoyue stood there for a moment before turning to Ding Fangtong. "Lord Ding, you must be rather more familiar with this place. Perhaps you could..."
"No, no, no!"
Before Helian Zhaoyue could finish, Ding Fangtong waved both hands, shaking his head like a rattle-drum. "Princess, I... have never set foot in this place! Never!"
At his age, if anyone saw him taking the Two-Nation Envoy Delegation to Spring Moon Tower...
Who knew what the story would become at the Imperial Court tomorrow?
He was an old man now. Surely he could not let his lifelong reputation crumble in his twilight years?
"Princess!"
As Helian Zhaoyue frowned, unsure what to do, Teng Zixiu stepped forward of his own accord. "I'll go in!"
With that, Teng Zixiu bowed slightly to Helian Zhaoyue, steeled himself, and headed toward Spring Moon Tower.
"Oh my!"
A girl at the entrance spotted Teng Zixiu and immediately approached with a smile. "You don't look like a local, young master!"
"Come, right this way!"
As she spoke, she lightly brushed Teng Zixiu's shoulder with her silk handkerchief.
Despite having prepared himself, Teng Zixiu still felt excruciatingly awkward. His body stiffened