At the same time.
Inside the Huangfu Clan's main residence.
When Huangfu Jinhuan reached the front courtyard, he saw a figure standing quietly beneath the covered corridor.
It was a tall, slender young man with jade-like bearing and elegant bones.
With his back to him, his gaze rested lightly upon the flowering trees in the courtyard.
From Huangfu Jinhuan's angle, he could see only the man's robes and half of his profile.
He wore a white robe embroidered with subtle patterns of the same color, with a long cloak draped casually over his shoulders. He appeared unconcerned, yet the fur on that cloak came from a precious Fierce Beast. Sleek and lustrous, it looked exceptionally luxurious.
That cloak alone was worth a thousand gold.
It made him look like some extravagant young master from a great aristocratic clan—bright as moonlight after rain, steeped in nobility, yet not especially intimidating.
Yet the instant Huangfu Jinhuan saw him, his breath caught, and he stopped instinctively.
The figure beneath the corridor seemed to sense him and glanced back at Huangfu Jinhuan. "It seems the pressure Ping'an Wang Clan has placed upon the Huangfu Clan is far greater than this young master imagined. Even the ever-wise and decisive Huangfu Clan Head has become hesitant and timid."
His voice was light and airy, carrying a trace of carelessness.
But that "wise and decisive" sounded less like praise to Huangfu Jinhuan and more like mockery.
A flare of anger rose in his heart, only to be forcibly suppressed. As though nothing had happened, he cupped his hands in salute. "Jinhuan did not know Young Master would come in person and failed to welcome you properly. I hope Young Master will forgive me."
"One cannot blame one who does not know. If I were to fuss over