Had she not been charged with guarding him, Huo Qilang's days at the villa in Yandu Ward would have been bliss itself. Lady Yu, who managed the place, favored practicality, and her style of running a household differed entirely from Madam Li's. The little courtyard had none of the prince's residence's countless rules; there was fine wine to sip and resident musicians to enjoy.
The only pity was that the beauty kept holding secret meetings and laying plans, exhausting himself almost to collapse. At night, she could not bear to pester him. Otherwise, everything would have been perfect.
After two consecutive days there, the guards, Prince Shao's most trusted personal soldiers, had learned the broad outlines of the plan. They cast aside their laxness, readied their equipment, and sharpened their blades, itching to distinguish themselves in the coming battle and earn military merit.
Only Huo Qilang remained utterly unambitious, spending all day listening to music and enjoying herself, as though she had come on holiday during her ten-day rest. Yuwen Rang could not help urging her, "At least sharpen your saber! With your skills, a Martial Cavalry Commandant rank would be yours for the taking. You handed the Xu brothers all the credit for slaughtering that ox at the last evening banquet. You can't let another golden opportunity slip away!"
Huo Qilang smiled and shook her head, pointing at the musicians as she repeated the lyrics they had just sung. "You can read, lad. Listen to how beautifully this song is written: 'Lament the fleeting hours of spring, not a golden cup filled to the brim. When wine comes, laugh and drink-how long can life endure?' An honorary military rank won't feed me or quench my thirst. How could it compare to enjoying what's right before me?"
Yuwen Rang rolled