Ning Chen had reached Xiuzhou by now, and had settled in at an inn.

They had eaten in the open and slept in the dew the whole way. Once he was settled, Ning Chen took a hot bath with Yudie and Zisu waiting on him, and was about to call everybody down for a good meal.

"Young Master Ning, somebody is asking for you."

Gu Yichun's voice came from outside the door.

Ning Chen answered him and went over and opened it.

Outside, besides Gu Yichun, there was a middle-aged fellow in close-fitting black.

He had seen this man before. One of Prince Duan's people.

The middle-aged fellow bowed with his fist in his palm. "Young Master Ning, His Highness asks you to come to the residence for a talk."

"His Highness is very well informed."

When he had said it, Ning Chen told Gu Yichun to keep Yudie and Zisu safe, and left with Feng Qizheng.

They rode hard the whole way and came to the prince's residence.

The middle-aged fellow brought Ning Chen and Feng Qizheng to the main hall of the residence.

Prince Duan came out to meet them.

"This humble commoner Ning Chen greets Your Highness."

Ning Chen leaned hard on the words humble commoner, watching Prince Duan's reaction as he said them.

Prince Duan's face was all smiles. He waved a hand and said, "No need to stand on ceremony. Come inside."

Once they were in, a round table stood in the middle of the main hall with wine and dishes already laid out on it.

"Ning Chen, it has been a hard road." Prince Duan called it out with a smile. "Come, we'll eat and talk together."

Ning Chen took his seat.

Feng Qizheng was not entitled to a place at the table. He stood behind Ning Chen with two jars of wine in his arms.

Prince Duan said with a smile, "Coarse tea and plain rice. It is no match for the capital. Don't hold it against us."

"Your Highness is too courteous."

Prince Duan had the wine poured and then looked at…