Cloud Brocade Pool lay within Palace City and had stood unused for decades. Only after Ling'er saw it did she order it cleaned and renovated into a venue for banquets. The palace pavilion housing it had also been bestowed upon her as her residence in the palace.
Xie Jinhuan led Momo to the Imperial City. Passing the Eastern Palace on the way, he even spotted Zhao De furtively dodging the patrolling guards and slipping outside, with his attendants trailing behind, trying every way to dissuade him:
"Your Highness, there was just an uproar today. Going out at a time like this..."
"I'm going out incognito to inspect the lives of the people..."
"But everyone in Capital City recognizes you now! Every proprietor on Changle Street has been notified to report you immediately if they see you..." "Then we'll go to Carefree Cave..."
"That's an unlicensed brothel, two hundred coppers a visit. Someone of your exalted standing..."
"I'm not going whoring. Didn't Bao Fei organize an abalone-tasting gathering...?"
Passing over the rooftops, Xie Jinhuan caught those key words and paused involuntarily, turning to look toward the Outer City.
Following behind him, Linghu Qingmo had already been frowning at the Crown Prince's behavior. Noticing that her boyfriend seemed rather tempted, he poked him in the waist. "What are you looking at? Want to go along for a taste?"
Knowing that bastard Bao Fei always hung up a sheep's head to sell dog meat, Xie Jinhuan hardly took it seriously. He caught Qingmo's hand and smiled:
"Just looking. Why would I be interested in somewhere like that? If I'm tasting anything, it'll be my Momo, so white and tender..."
"Pah!"
Linghu Qingmo instantly flushed scarlet and clapped a hand over the lecher's mouth, his eyes holding a trace of bashful reproach.
After all,