Ning Chen waited a while at the gate of the Fallen Phoenix Court.

The little palace maid who had gone in to announce him came back out. "Young Master Ning, please follow this servant."

"My thanks."

Ning Chen followed the little palace maid into the Fallen Phoenix Court.

The Ninth Princess sat at the stone table in red, sweet and lovely to look at.

In her hair was the gold hairpin he had given her.

The Fifth Prince ate his cakes and gave him a simple, honest smile.

"This humble commoner Ning Chen greets the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Princess."

Ning Chen bowed as he said it.

"No need for ceremony." The Ninth Princess's eyes were shining, full of delight as she looked at Ning Chen. "When did you get back?"

"I only arrived today."

The Ninth Princess's heart leaped. He had come to see her the moment he was back.

"Ning Chen, come and sit." The Ninth Princess pointed at the stone stool beside her, then told Heye, "Bring Ning Chen tea."

Ning Chen went over and sat down, and smiled at the Fifth Prince.

The Fifth Prince reluctantly picked up a cake and held it out to Ning Chen.

"My thanks, Fifth Prince."

Ning Chen took it and tossed it into his mouth... he had not eaten his fill at the Xuan Emperor's table.

Then he took the Ninth Princess's fine hand gently where it lay at the edge of the table. "Did you miss me?"

The Ninth Princess's small face went scarlet through and through. "You — you are too bold... Let go at once."

Ning Chen gave a slight smile. "You are going to marry me sooner or later anyway. I had thought we would do it first and love afterward. Now it turns out we can love first and do it afterward."

He was not holding her tightly. The Ninth Princess could have pulled her hand back without any trouble.

But the Ninth Princess did not, which meant she was very pleased inwardly.

"Ning Chen, this is the palace, and there are people watching.…