Meng Jingwei's guard was immediately raised towards Heka Lienuo.
She herself possessed delicate features and an exotic face, with thick brows, large eyes, and a complexion like a peach blossom. A touch of makeup made her alluringly beautiful, exuding a captivating charm from her every move and deep within her being, yet it was a beauty that was not at all frivolous.
Even though Meng Jingwei felt she had a good foundation herself, she paled slightly in comparison to Heka Lienuo.
"I didn't notice. Does Young Master Lienuo need him for something?"
Meng Jingwei automatically ignored Heka Lingchuan's apology, her attention focused on Heka Lienuo.
"It's nothing much, I just think his martial skills are quite good and I wanted to spar with him," she replied calmly.
Heka Yanyi, standing beside her, shook his head and smiled helplessly, "Miss Meng, please don't be offended. Lienuo has always been like this. He has practiced martial arts since childhood and enjoys sparring with people to test their skills."
"Hey, I'm apologizing to you."
The ignored Heka Lingchuan glared at Meng Jingwei with a hint of reproach.
As a high and mighty young prince, when had Heka Lingchuan ever been treated with such disregard?
"You didn't do it intentionally, so let's just forget about it," Meng Jingwei said, not wanting to dwell on the matter.
She then added, "Is there anything else? If not, I'll be going inside."
"Don't you want to invite us in for a cup of tea?"
Seeing Meng Jingwei about to turn and enter the courtyard, Heka Lienuo hastily said, "Is this how you Chinese people entertain guests?"
The reason she had come with them today was because Heka Lienuo wanted to meet Qing Muye.
Now, after standing at the door for only a short while, to be told to leave, she was naturally unwilling.
"You guys..."
He Xiao Mingjin, not exactly welcoming them, was about to usher them away when the Old Patriarch emerged from the courtyard. "Young Master Lienuo, Your Highness the First Prince, Your Highness the Fifth Prince, gracing my humble abode. We are greatly honored by your presence."
The vigorous Old Patriarch strode out with purposeful steps, held his head high, and smiled.
"Who are you?" Heka Lingchuan did not recognize the Old Patriarch.
However, Heka Yanyi nodded slightly, "I presume, sir, you are the famous He Xiao Bei, Old Bei?"
More than twenty years ago, when the He Xiao clan was still a hidden clan, He Xiao Bei was the Left Emissary of the hidden clan, his position equivalent to that of a Grand Chancellor in ancient times, second only to the ruler.
Because He Xiao Bei was skilled in governance and assisted the previous Old Hidden Lord, he led the hidden clan to prosperity and well-being, earning the deep affection of the people.
"Old Bei, your reputation precedes you. It is indeed an honor to meet you today."
Heka Lienuo nodded slightly towards the Old Patriarch, greeting him.
Although they were adversaries, they naturally had to maintain appearances.
After all, within the hidden clan, the Heka royal family outwardly declared their tolerance for the existence of the He Xiao clan, and even the previous hidden clan royal family would spare their lives.
"It's rare for Young Master Lienuo and Your Highness the First Prince to remember this old man," the Old Patriarch chuckled, glancing at Meng Jingwei and chiding her, "This is quite improper. You didn't invite Young Master Lienuo and the others in for a sit-down. If this gets out, wouldn't it be said that I, He Xiao Bei, am impolite?"
"It has nothing to do with Wei Wei Jie. It was all my idea."
He Xiao Mingjin stepped forward to explain.
Perhaps unwilling to see Meng Jingwei blamed by the Old Patriarch, he took all the responsibility upon himself.
"Alright, don't just stand here. Let's go in."
The Old Patriarch made a gesture to 'please' and led the group into the living room.
They all took seats on the sofas, and a servant hurried to make tea.
At this moment, Qing Muye walked out of the kitchen, still wearing an apron, appearing to be busy.
Heka Lienuo's eyes lit up, "Iron Pillar, what are you making?"