Before they knew it, half an hour had passed.
Inside the Waterside Pavilion, the handsome man and the gallant Female Prince sat meditating face-to-face. Apart from their rhythmic, synchronized breathing, not a sound could be heard.
"Chirp..."
Niao Niao felt thoroughly superfluous. She waddled in circles around the two, then lay down and rolled about on the floor. Finally, she simply hopped outside the Waterside Pavilion and lowered her head to inspect the koi in the lake.
Ye Jingtang sat perfectly upright, seemingly expressionless, but a closer look would reveal a trace of astonishment between his brows. Put into words, it would probably have been:
So I had to sit in meditation. What the hell had I been practicing before...
This really is a treasured spot. Every breath leaves me refreshed and carefree. It feels much like taking deep breaths buried between Little Watermelons...
Oh... this surging internal force...
Although he was somewhat intoxicated by the sensation, this was the Empress's bedchamber, after all. Afraid she might return if he stayed too long, Ye Jingtang opened his eyes after practicing for a short while.
Dongfang Liren sat motionless on the cushion before him. The innate nobility in her features, paired with her gallant attire, truly made her look like a supreme master who concealed her abilities.
As Ye Jingtang's breathing changed, Dongfang Liren also concluded her practice and settled her breath.
"Why did you stop?"
"This is Her Majesty's bedchamber. It wouldn't be appropriate to stay too long."
"No need to be so constrained. Her Majesty is diligent in state affairs and won't return to her bedchamber until the afternoon. If you wish to practice here in the future, simply let me know."
Being allowed to learn the Jade Bone Diagram already left Ye Jingtang owing a tremendous favor. He