After the little episode at noon, the household grew quiet again.
Big Ice Lump and Qingmo were a little annoyed that he had "changed generals on the eve of battle" at the worst possible moment. They vanished after the meeting, perhaps avoiding each other as well.
Xie Jinhuan tried to coax them, only to be turned away at both doors. He could only prepare for the journey ahead first, so he could leave early and return early.
In theory, this trip to Dragonbone Shoal would not be too dangerous as long as his movements stayed hidden, but that was only in theory.
Xie Jinhuan's current reputation rivaled that of Lao Ai spinning a cartwheel in the street. Anyone with a member between his legs understood how great a threat he posed. When it came to seizing the Five Directions' Divine Gift, they would certainly watch his movements.
If he happened to disappear from the Capital City for a month or so, even someone thinking with their backside would know what he had gone to do. A false identity was one matter; secretly crossing to Chencang under cover of darkness was another.
At dusk, Xie Jinhuan sat in the Entertainment Hall of the Princess's Residence, holding a booklet listing what the Imperial Court would be doing over the next month or so, such as the Local Officials' Performance Assessment, the Audit of Local Tax Revenues, and the Spring Imperial Examination.
These were all major affairs of state, but none involved him, so they would not make suitable excuses for keeping him busy in the Capital City. After some thought, he said,
"How about I pretend to stay home enjoying romance? Duoduo can shyly run out every day to buy some undergarments, and I can release a few poems..."
Wine and snacks