"Settle accounts? What accounts? I never owed you any money, Imperial Preceptor. You can't pin that on me."
Xie Huizhou blinked, pretending not to understand Zhang Lanhe's implication. His glistening eyes lowered to look at the increasingly bewitching silver-haired beauty, a hint of mischief in his voice.
The red-robed youth's loose black hair spilled over Zhang Lanhe's collarbones, making his heart tremble for an instant as though brushed by a feather.
The youth in his arms was like a bride whose veil had been lifted on her wedding night, less cool and aloof than usual, his smile as radiant as blooming flowers. Like a sheltered young nobleman, he was utterly unaware of the approaching danger.
Looking at him, Zhang Lanhe thought how wonderful it would be if they could openly marry someday.
Though many people in the Great Xia Dynasty enjoyed the company of men, no man had ever married another man. The rigidly traditional considered it a disgrace to the family.
Zhang Lanhe did not want Xie Huizhou to bear infamy because of him.
His Highness was meant to be praised by everyone.
When they fell, Zhang Lanhe's robes had slipped slightly open, exposing his chest and sturdy shoulders. A scale over his heart gave off a soft glow.
It was so eye-catching that one could not help wanting to touch it.
Curious, Xie Huizhou reached down from his collarbone and touched the heart-protecting scale on Zhang Lanhe's chest. "Imperial Preceptor, you brought me here and now want to settle accounts with me. Are you going to defy your superior? How utterly treasonous."
Though Xie Huizhou accused Zhang Lanhe of treason, the words spilling from his rosy lips sounded like flirtation, making one want to seal his mouth so he could no longer say such infuriating things.
The heart-protecting