Hu Yannan hurriedly said, “How could that be? Your Highness’s visit brings glory to my humble residence. It is my honor.”
Please, take the main seat.” As he spoke, he gestured toward the inner hall. The Jing King did not stand on ceremony and strode to sit in the principal seat.
Hu Yannan called the servants, “Brew the Dragon Well tea and serve it to the Jing King.”
“Yes!” Before long, servants brought two cups of tea and placed them on the table, simultaneously removing the previous tea served to the Jing King.
“Your Highness, please have tea.”
The Jing King picked up the tea cup but did not bring it to his mouth. Instead, he looked longingly toward the hall’s exterior. Disappointedly withdrawing his gaze, he said to Hu Yannan, “General Hu, I heard you got married. I specially came to congratulate you. Where is the new madam?”
Hu Yannan quickly stood up and cupped his fists to the Jing King. “Your Highness, my wife is feeling somewhat unwell and is currently resting.”
The Jing King, hearing that the woman he had been thinking about was ill, suddenly put down his tea cup and stood up. He asked anxiously, “What illness does she have? Is it serious? Let me send the royal physician to examine her?”
Hu Yannan looked at the somewhat nervous Jing King, frowning in confusion. The Jing King then realized his uncontrolled emotions, lightly coughing to cover his embarrassment. “Hmm! I just want to help you.”
Hu Yannan again cupped his fists to the Jing King.
“Thank you for your concern. My wife’s illness is not serious and will recover in a couple of days.”
The Jing King was relieved to hear this. “That’s good. I won’t disturb you. Farewell!” As he spoke, he walked toward the hall’s exterior. Hu Yannan sincerely invited, “Your Highness, please stay and have dinner before leaving. I have already dispatched people to prepare.”
A hint of disappointment appeared in the Jing King’s eyes, and he said with an unsatisfactory expression, “No need to trouble yourself. Treating the new madam’s illness is more important. When she recovers, I will come again!” As he spoke, he had already walked out of the hall, with his guards following him out of the general’s residence.
