Following Xiaoxizi's footsteps, Su Ke advanced along the uneven path through the disorderly garden. Fortunately, he encountered no one along the way.
Yet, Su Ke dared not be careless, vigilantly scanning his surroundings.
Once caught, he would be unable to explain himself even with eight mouths, and he might even implicate his older sister.
"Uncle-in-law, we are here."
Xiaoxizi suddenly halted, not moving forward.
Su Ke then focused and saw that this place was a quiet courtyard of the side palace hall. The slanting sun drew a long, hazy shadow on the stone steps, partially illuminating a clump of blooming winter jasmine with a surreal aura encroaching upon him.
"Where is she? Didn't you say she wanted to see me?"
Suddenly, Su Ke doubted the wisdom of his risky venture here.
"Impatience won't hasten the cooking of hot tofu, Uncle-in-law. Look over there."
Xiaoxizi flicked his sacred whisk.
