The next day.
At first light, Wang Shi rose early and dragged Yun Shan out from under his covers.
She wiped his face and combed his hair over and over.
The little boy was still bleary-eyed, grimacing as she fussed over him.
"Mother, what are you doing?"
Wang Shi whispered, "Your aunt is going to have someone assess your root bone later. You'd better keep your wits about you. Your future depends on this."
Yun Shan nodded, only half understanding.
When she brought Yun Shan outside,
Yunxi was already waiting there.
Today, she had traded her moon-white court robes for a plain blue-green cloth dress, with her hair arranged in a simple bun.
Dressed like this, she had less of a secondary consort's imposing dignity and more of the warmth they remembered.
Elder Jiang stood to one side, his back slightly bowed.
"Shan'er, come here."
Yunxi beckoned to Yun Shan.
Yun Shan walked over timidly.
He held his aunt in great awe.
"Don't be afraid."
Yunxi smiled and stroked his head.
"This grandfather is just going to take a look at your hand."
Yunxi turned to Elder Jiang.
"Elder Jiang, sorry for the trouble," she said gently.
Elder Jiang smiled faintly.
"You're too kind, Your Highness."
He looked at Yun Shan with a kindly expression. "Yun Shan, is it? Hold out your hand, little fellow."
Yun Shan bit his lip.
He obediently held out his hand.
Elder Jiang took Yun Shan's wrist.
A strand of spiritual energy entered Yun Shan's body.
He closed his eyes.
He examined him carefully.
The courtyard was extraordinarily quiet.
Wang Shi twisted her hands together and stared fixedly at Elder Jiang, not daring to breathe too loudly.
A moment later.
Elder Jiang's brow stirred slightly.
That tiny change caught Wang Shi's eye, setting her heart