Unlike the barracks, where the stench of bloodlust and sweat hung in the air day and night, this place was quiet and elegant. In one corner of the courtyard wall, several stalks of emerald bamboo flourished, droplets from last night's rain still clinging to their leaf tips.
Though it had only been a little over ten days since she had last come, the familiar courtyard left Jiang Yuechu strangely dazed.
The personal guards at the entrance respectfully saluted her and promptly went inside to announce her arrival.
Before long, Wei Qing lifted her skirts and hurried out to greet her.
She wore a goose-yellow gown today. At the sight of Jiang Yuechu, her eyes first lit up, but she immediately put on a stern face.
"Oh? And who might this be? Why, it's our newly appointed Captain Jiang."
Wei Qing circled around her once, clicking her tongue in wonder. "What? Now that you're an official, you've started putting on airs? Even the food at my place is no longer worthy of your palate?"
"If my brother hadn't called you over today, were you planning never to set foot through my door again for the rest of your life?"
The string of complaints, tinged with coy indignation, left Jiang Yuechu somewhat bewildered.
She instinctively rubbed her nose, looking a little embarrassed.
"You're joking, Miss Wei. These past few days... official duties have kept me busy."
"Pfft."
Seeing her like this, Wei Qing finally could not hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, her eyes curving into crescents.
"All right, all right. I know you're busy, you busy woman."
She stepped forward, naturally took Jiang Yuechu's hand, and tugged her into the courtyard.
"Come in first. My brother still has official business outside. He'll be back shortly."
The two entered