The next day.
Dressed in his Black Official Robe, Ye Jingtang rode a tall horse to the vicinity of Jade Resonance Tower and dismounted outside the bureau.
The constable standing guard hurried over to take the reins and greeted him respectfully:
"My respects, Lord Ye!"
"No need for formalities..."
"Good morning, Lord Niao!"
"Chirp..."
After exchanging a few pleasantries at the entrance, Ye Jingtang entered the bureau with Niao Niao on his shoulder. Just inside, he saw Chief Banner Officer Wang Chihu coming out. Wang called out with a smile:
"Well, well, Brother Ye is here! You're a duke now. Why are you still coming to the bureau yourself...?"
Although Wang Chihu held a low rank, his father was Wang Yin, the Duke Who Pacifies the Nation, and he was also a maternal cousin of the Empress and Prince Jing. Never mind becoming a duke-even if Ye Jingtang became Prince Jing's consort, he would still have to call Wang his elder brother-in-law. At present, Wang was practically the only person in the Black Bureau who dared call Ye Jingtang "little brother."
Ye Jingtang approached with a smile. "Don't tease me, Brother Wang. Even you're running around in Prince Jing's service. How could I dare lounge at home throwing my weight around? I heard you're also going to the Foreign Envoys' Residence tomorrow?"
Wang Chihu was the eldest legitimate son of the Duke Who Pacifies the Nation and would eventually succeed him. Naturally, he had to be sent to occasions involving wrangling with Northern Liang's senior officials to gain experience. He nodded.
"I have to put in an appearance. We can drink together and leave the talking to Vice Minister Chen. Oh? This bird went on such a long trip, but hasn't slimmed down at all. Still round?"
"Chirp?!"
Niao Niao's