After leaving the prince's mansion, Ye Jingtang had breakfast on the street and then returned to Ranfang Street.
He led his horse into the courtyard and, upon raising his eyes, saw the white-feathered Niaoniao squatting on the steps. There was a pile of small wooden boxes in front of it, containing dried meat, dried fish, and other snacks.
Seeing him return, Niaoniao politely motioned towards the snacks with its wings.
"Chirp~"
It probably meant, "Would you like some?"
"Who bought these for you?"
"Chirp chirp chirp..."
Niaoniao spread its wings and gestured, indicating that it was the Big-breasted Sister.
Given the big incident that happened yesterday, it was reasonable for Third Sister to have heard the news and come to pay a visit.
There was no sign of Third Sister in the courtyard. It seemed that she had guessed that Ye Jingtang would stay in the prince's mansion and not return for a short time, so she had already gone back to Tianshui Bridge.
He went up to the steps, leaped into the air, and took out the "Minglong Diagram" that Niaoniao had hidden in the birdhouse under the eaves.
Luo Ning and Zhe Yunli were not at home. Living alone was really boring. After watering the flowers and plants that Luo Ning had planted, Ye Jingtang carried Niaoniao and was about to go to Tianshui Bridge to let Third Sister know that he was safe.
However, to his surprise, before he could even leave Ranfang Street, a fast horse came running from the street. On it was a constable from the Black Yamen. The constable dismounted from a distance.
"Young Master Ye, Prince Jing requests your presence."
Ye Jingtang had just returned from the prince's mansion. Upon hearing this, his heart sank. Could it be that Prince Jing had discovered that the "corner gentleman" (the object hidden with martial arts secrets) was missing and was calling him over for questioning?
Ye Jingtang indeed felt guilty. Without hesitation, he mounted his horse again and returned to the Mingyu Building.
This time, instead of going through the back door of the Black Yamen, the constable led him directly to the main street of the prince's mansion. There were imperial guards standing guard along the street, and the atmosphere outside the main gate of the prince's mansion was even more solemn. Not only were there many maidservants standing there, but Dongfang Liren, dressed in a silver python robe, was personally standing at the bottom of the steps, looking out.
As soon as Ye Jingtang saw this from a distance, he quickly dismounted and walked on foot to the magnificent main gate of the prince's mansion.
"I pay my respects to Your Highness. Your Highness could have just sent someone to summon me. Why did you come out to greet me in person?"
Dongfang Liren smiled. When Ye Jingtang came closer, they walked side by side into the prince's mansion.
"Don't talk like that. You risked your life to save me yesterday. I had planned to thank you in person when you woke up. But some people from the court came just now, so I had to ask you to go back first. I hope you don't take it to heart."
Ye Jingtang knew that someone from the palace had come just now. He thought that Miss Yuhu might have informed Prince Jing. Before Prince Jing could ask, he directly confessed his "crime".
"Speaking of which, I'm sorry. When I woke up just now, I was wandering around in the Mingyu Building and found a red sandalwood box on the bookshelf. Inside it was..."
Before Ye Jingtang could finish his words, he suddenly saw the aloof and noble Dongfang Benben (a term of endearment) stop in her tracks, then turn around, grab his collar with her hand. Her eyes were filled with anger, and her eyebrows were furrowed in a fierce manner!
The maidservants around quickly bowed their heads, and Niaoniao shrank its neck!
Ye Jingtang was a bit stunned and raised his hands to explain.
"The thing isn't lost. I threw it into the lake... Eh, eh!"
Thud—
There was a soft sound.
Dongfang Liren was so angry that her "fat-headed dragon" (a term related to her appearance or temperament) was almost exploding. She pressed Ye Jingtang against the dragon-coiled screen wall and gritted her teeth.
"So it was you who threw it?!"
Ye Jingtang felt that Dongfang Liren was extremely angry. He raised his hand and gestured.
"Yes... Hmm... Was it broken?"
Dongfang Liren finally understood why her sister had given her a look of "How dare you lie to me" when she had been explaining things earlier. The problem was right here!
"You..."
Dongfang Liren was almost driven crazy by this and wanted to give Ye Jingtang a good beating.
But thinking of the fact that he had risked his life to save her yesterday, she couldn't bring herself to say harsh words. After gritting her teeth for a moment, she finally let go of her hand and regained the calm and dignified manner befitting a princess.
"Why did you throw it? Were you seen by someone?"
"Just now, there was a palace maid who came to pay her respects to Prince Jing. I almost got caught. I was afraid that if this thing was discovered, Your Highness would be misunderstood by the palace, so I threw it away. Is it a big deal?"
A palace maid...
Dongfang Liren immediately understood. Her sister had already met Ye Jingtang, which was why she had been asking about her lover earlier.
Judging from Ye Jingtang's appearance, he probably didn't know her sister's identity...
Dongfang Liren let out a sigh of relief. "It's not a big deal. It's just that it's improper to find something dirty thrown into the lake while wandering around. Did that palace maid see you?"
Ye Jingtang knew what Prince Jing was worried about and explained.
"She just asked me who I was. I was afraid of being misunderstood by the palace, so I clearly explained my background and why I was in the Mingyu Building. Your Highness doesn't have to worry."
Upon hearing this, Dongfang Liren nodded, and her expression returned to normal. She asked with concern,
"How is your body? Are you feeling better?"
"I'm already fine."
"That's good..."
Dongfang Liren thought of Madam Wang's advice and, after a moment of hesitation, casually asked,
"You are handsome, have excellent martial arts skills, and a chivalrous heart. There should be many young ladies pursuing you, right?"
"Yes, quite a few. When I was in Liangzhou, matchmakers came to my door to propose marriage when I was only thirteen or fourteen years old. Some bold young ladies from wealthy families even wanted to come and snatch me away."
Dongfang Liren didn't doubt this at all and asked curiously,
"So, you have many old acquaintances?"
Ye Jingtang had promised Miss Luo, so he replied,
"Your Highness is joking. I only have one beloved, and she's not in the capital now."
Only one beloved...
Upon hearing this, Dongfang Liren didn't doubt it because Madam Wang had said that Ye Jingtang must have been keeping himself pure this year and hadn't had any contact with women...
But he had to have contact with women, and quite a few of them. Otherwise, he might hold it in and get sick...
Dongfang Liren hesitated slightly and said very euphemistically,
"Haven't you ever thought of finding more than one?"
"Chirp?!"
Not only Ye Jingtang but also Niaoniao felt that something was wrong with this statement.
Ye Jingtang blinked his eyes and really couldn't handle the bold and passionate Princess.
"Your Highness, this... Hmm..."
Dongfang Liren realized that her words had made Ye Jingtang misunderstand. Afraid that he would get the wrong idea, she explained,
"Just kidding. I thought you were rather lustful, but it turns out you're a man of deep affection..."
"Hehe..."
Ye Jingtang couldn't figure out what Prince Jing meant and really didn't know how to respond.
During their conversation, the two of them passed through corridors and buildings and came to a pavilion by the Koi Lake.
The pavilion was tastefully decorated. There were colorful flower beds outside, and bead curtains were hung facing the lake. On the platform across the lake, dancers in colorful clothes were dancing and playing music.
There was a long table in the pavilion, and a variety of delicacies had already been served, numbering dozens. There were also several jars of old wine on the table.
The "Relentless Foodie Chicken" (Niaoniao) walking in front of them brightened up at the sight of this. However, in front of others, it had to restrain itself and just stared longingly without flying over directly.
Dongfang Liren sat gracefully on the side behind the long table. Her tall figure, paired with the magnificent python robe, gave her a beautiful and imposing posture. Her plump chest could rest on the table as long as she leaned forward slightly. From her fragrant shoulders to her waist and hips, there was a perfect and alluring curve, just like a beautiful painting of a lady carefully drawn by a master.
Ye Jingtang sat upright and didn't look around randomly. Instead, his eyes were fixed on Niaoniao, which was acting very familiar with the situation.
Dongfang Liren picked up a wine cup and raised it slightly in a toast.
"You have rendered meritorious service in protecting me this time. What reward do you want?"
Ye Jingtang picked up his wine cup and returned the toast. Taking the opportunity, he said,
"I have already learned the 'Tianhe Saber Technique'. I even used it to fight the enemy yesterday. In a way, I can be considered to have a master-disciple relationship with Qiu Tianhe..."
Dongfang Liren understood what he meant and said straightforwardly,
"I always keep my word. You have already completed the task, and I won't make things difficult for you. However, I can't release the person today. Blood Bodhi hasn't been captured yet, and the capital is under martial law. If we release Qiu Tianhe from the dungeon rashly, the people in the yamen will be distracted. I will make arrangements in a few days. You don't have to worry about it."
Ye Jingtang felt greatly relieved. Seeing that Prince Jing was so straightforward, he said,
"Then what about the 'Dragon Slaying Order'..."
Dongfang Liren blinked her eyes and put on a serious expression.
"According to our original agreement, you were supposed to exchange a set of saber techniques with me for the Dragon Slaying Order. Have I learned the Tianhe Saber Technique?"
Ye Jingtang was taken aback and thought to himself: You're so clumsy that you can't learn it, and you still have the nerve to question me so confidently?
But of course, he couldn't say this. Ye Jingtang had no choice but to nod.
"I will definitely study and practice the training method carefully and teach the Tianhe Saber Technique to Your Highness as soon as possible."
Dongfang Liren nodded slightly. After drinking two cups of wine, she suddenly remembered that Ye Jingtang was about to go out, but His Majesty had just specifically ordered Ye Jingtang to patrol the imperial palace...
"Ye Jingtang, you said you need to deal with your family's business. Are you in a hurry?"
Afraid that Prince Jing would keep him and ruin the matter at the Honghua Building, Ye Jingtang could only say,
"The time is set, and I am indeed in a bit of a hurry... Does Your Highness have any arrangements?"
Dongfang Liren sighed. "Blood Bodhi hasn't been captured yet. If there is any trouble in the imperial palace, I will surely be impeached by the court officials. I originally wanted you to help and be on duty in the imperial city for two days. If you have something urgent, forget it."
On duty in the imperial city?
It seems that I'm not in a hurry anymore...
Ye Jingtang really didn't expect that happiness could come so suddenly. Seeing that Dongfang Liren was about to give up the arrangement, he replied,
"It is my honor to serve Your Highness. Hmm... There is indeed something urgent at home, but I can patrol the palace today and tomorrow. The time doesn't conflict."
Dongfang Liren nodded slightly. Thinking of Madam Wang's "advice", she felt that she had to say something and said euphemistically,
"The current emperor is a woman, and there are no concubines in the harem. There aren't too many taboos for men entering the palace. When you are on patrol, if you take a fancy to a palace maid you like, you can openly tell me. Given your meritorious service in protecting me, it is only natural for me to bestow a few people to serve you by your side, such as pouring tea and water."
Ye Jingtang pondered for a moment and thought that this was a test for him. He said righteously,
"Your Highness is joking. Even if I need someone to pour tea and water for me, how could I look for them in the imperial palace? When will I start patrolling the imperial city?"
Dongfang Liren had drunk a few cups of wine, and a touch of blush appeared on her cheeks. She glanced at Ye Jingtang.
"Do you find it boring to drink with me and are eager to leave?"
"Your Highness, you are exaggerating. I'm just afraid that if I drink too much, I will delay important matters."
Seeing Ye Jingtang's "polite manner of speaking and his ability to remain unmoved in the face of beauty and good wine", like a gentleman, Dongfang Liren couldn't help but sigh in her heart:
"He truly has the demeanor of a gentleman. I wonder what kind of woman his beloved is..."
Dongfang Liren took out a waist token and threw it to Ye Jingtang.
"No one knows if the rebel will disturb the palace city. The earlier you start the patrol, the better. Take my token and go find Shang Jianli. He will tell you the matters you need to pay attention to."
Ye Jingtang caught the waist token, stood up, cupped his hands in a salute, and took his leave.
Niaoniao looked back three times at every step as it followed. Before going out, it even flapped its wings.
"Chirp~"
Goodbye, Fat-headed Dragon Sister.
Dongfang Liren smiled and waved her hand in response.
"Chirp!"
After the man and the bird walked out of the pavilion, Dongfang Liren let out a long sigh, and a hint of complexity appeared between her eyebrows...
———