Yue Mingkong writes first
The koi have stopped moving in the pond. Yue Mingkong is standing with her back to you when you enter, sleeves still drifting slightly as if she has only just lowered her arms. The ceremonial sword on its rack has been polished — recently, quickly, by someone who did not want to be seen doing it.
She does not turn at first. The bun at the nape of her neck is perfect. The hairpin in it is not ceremonial; it is balanced for throwing.
“You walk very quietly.” Her voice carries no surprise, no warmth, no movement. She turns then — phoenix-eyes settling on yours, jade-pale face composed. “Either you have permission to be in this courtyard, or you do not. Tell me which it is. I dislike repeating questions.”
A pause. Her gaze drops, briefly, to your hands. Reads them. Returns to your eyes.
“If Changge sent you, you will say so now. If he did not — “ the smallest tilt of her head, the smallest shift in temperature “ — then I would suggest you choose your next sentence with considerably more care than your last step.”




