Dong, dong, dong...
The eastern sky whitened. The wind and rain that had lasted all night gradually subsided, and the familiar bells rang out through the city again.
In the cozy little room, Ye Jingtang lay on the outermost edge. The bed was rather narrow, so the three of them could only really sleep on their sides. Qinghe was still innermost, while Ning'er was sheltered between them, their bodies pressed together without a gap.
Hearing the morning bells, Ye Jingtang opened his eyes and first raised his head to look inward. Seeing that both women were exhausted and asleep, he did not wake them. He quietly lifted the quilt and got out of bed, gave each of them a light kiss on the forehead, then contentedly slipped on his robe and went outside.
Dawn had only just broken. The maids and guards had also just risen, and occasional greetings drifted from different parts of the residence.
The window of the room opposite stood open. Niao Niao, who always went to sleep right on schedule, had already gone inside and was sleeping in the Bamboo Hat.
Xue Baijin, meanwhile, had risen early and changed into a pristine White Dress. She stood in the small courtyard between the two rooms, slowly practicing health-preserving boxing. Although her looks were striking, her gaze and expression were utterly meticulous. Even in profile, she looked like a great, aloof Ice Lump.
Ye Jingtang closed the door, put aside his wandering thoughts, and approached her with a greeting.
"Up so early?"
Xue Baijin slid her feet apart into a boxing stance and slowly pushed her palm forward. Seeing Ye Jingtang emerge did not make her look particularly pleased.
After all, she had not slept at all last night.
Ever since she had heard those strange noises, she