No one knew what watch of the night it was. The eastern sky had begun to pale, yet the traffic passing through town had not diminished, and horse bells or camel bells rang out now and then.
In a room on the inn's second floor, Ye Jingtang rose and quietly put on his robes, his eyes full of amusement.
On the bed beside him, Silly and Ning'er were utterly exhausted, leaning against each other like sisters in adversity, their eyes closed as they panted softly.
Third Madam was in somewhat better shape. She merely lay on her side on the inside, her cheeks flushed and a thin blanket covering her chest. Glancing at the two useless girls beside her, she teased softly:
"You were both fiercer than the other just now, and now you're already lying down?"
Ning'er's expression darkened slightly, and she clenched her little fists. But she did not dare trade barbs with Third Madam at the moment, so she merely gave a barely audible huff and pretended not to hear.
Since Third Madam had helped shoulder the onslaught earlier, Dongfang Liren did not take offense at her teasing either. She merely replied with feigned composure:
"We've been at it all night, and there's important business during the day. We'll spare him this once and settle it next time."
Ye Jingtang had already lowered his banners and stilled his drums, but hearing Silly say that naturally displeased him. He immediately turned back, intending to pamper her some more.
Dongfang Liren's heart tightened at the sight. She hastily assumed an expression of quiet authority and raised her hands to cover her plump dragons.
Ye Jingtang laughed at how nervous she looked. Gazing down at her from above, he tipped his chin:
"Hmm?"
"..."
Dongfang Liren felt that Ye Jingtang