Clip-clop, clip-clop...
It was noon, and hoofbeats once again sounded outside Dyeing Street.
Ye Jingtang led his large horse slowly along the street, carrying a silk-wrapped book and a painting scroll, quietly pondering saber techniques along the way. Niao Niao, meanwhile, kept cooing and chirping, probably talking about the great beauty they had just met.
The midday sun was far too fierce. There were no craftsmen on the street, and Twin Osmanthus Alley was even more deserted.
As soon as Ye Jingtang led his horse into the alley, he put his thoughts aside and peered around. The courtyard was spotless, and the sheets and quilt covers washed that morning had already been taken in.
The door and windows of the west wing were open. There was a new little desk inside, but no bed.
The kitchen had been tidied up neatly, with nobody inside. The main room's door and windows were tightly shut, without a sound coming from within.
Ye Jingtang left the horse outside the courtyard gate and walked toward the main room.
"Heroine Luo?"
Rustle, rustle...
The sound of someone picking up clothes came from inside, followed by a mature woman's ice-cold voice.
"Go buy a few catties of salt."
Hearing that Heroine Luo was putting on her dress, Ye Jingtang walked toward the main room with the scroll in his arms.
"I'm coming in to put something down..."
"You little rogue!"
Ye Jingtang stopped beneath the eaves. "All right, all right. I'll wait until you're dressed. Does it still hurt?"
There was no reply.
Ye Jingtang shook his head helplessly and said seriously, "I went to the palace today and learned the Dragon-Slaying Order and the Jade Bone Diagram. But I couldn't bring the Dragon-Mingling Diagram out, so I can't teach you..."
"I don't care for it