Ye Qichi, Xiao Jinxing, and Bai Mowan left the grand hall together.
On their way out, the Empress Dowager Wen Jingtang sent Liu Li to summon Xiao Jinxing and Bai Mowan to her sleeping quarters, leaving Ye Qichi behind alone.
It made her feel rather superfluous.
She had intended to leave as well, for nothing good ever comes from staying in the Imperial Palace. Yet, Xiao Jinxing ordered her to wait for him.
Perhaps he was afraid of any misunderstandings.
Regardless of Xiao Jinsen's existing engagement with Xie Ruiyao, him being with Bai Mowan, who had not yet left for her marital home, was truly unconventional. Intentionally leaving her behind to cover for them, Ye Qichi did not really mind. She'd play the lookout for their romance if needed, she was not unwilling. But waiting in the Imperial Palace without knowing how long made her somewhat inexplicably irritable.
