The Fourth Prince did not press Ning Chen for another bout. He laughed, open and hearty. "Ning Chen, one of these days I'll come find you for a drink."

Ning Chen smiled and nodded. "Whenever the Fourth Prince likes! I'll be waiting."

"I've been on the road the whole way and I only got back just now. I haven't even made it home yet, so I'll take my leave!"

"Ah?" There was reluctance all over the Ninth Princess's face. "You're going back already?"

Ning Chen smiled. "I'll come and call on the princess another day."

The Fourth Prince teased her. "Huai'an, once the two of you are married you can be stuck together every day of the year!"

The Ninth Princess's small face went pink, and she looked a little shy.

Ning Chen made his bow and left.

He thought it over as he walked out of the palace.

The Fourth Prince had a war record to his name. Barring something unforeseen, he would be the heir apparent.

Prince Duan's judgment of the Fourth Prince was: courage and no head.

Ning Chen had had little to do with the Fourth Prince and did not know the first thing about him, so for the moment he passed no judgment of his own.

Out of the palace, he rode Diaochan, clop, clop, clop, to the courtesans' quarter.

Yudie, seeing Ning Chen, was of course beside herself with delight.

She hurried to bring tea and pour water, and at the same time sent someone off to get food ready.

"Ning, dear, when did you get back?"

"I only arrived today. I went into the palace, and when I came out I came straight here to you."

Yudie's smile was lovely.

Ning Chen sat down on the couch and pulled Yudie into his lap, holding that full, soft body of hers, his hands wandering up and down and not behaving themselves.

"How was the New Year?"

Yudie said softly, "I spent it with Sister Nanzhi."

"Ning, dear, I'm sorry!"

"Mm?"

Yudie looked guilty. "It was all because of this girl that Ning, dear, was…