Only strength mattered

The Wei Residence.

The study.

An old man in everyday robes sat upright behind the desk, holding a yellowed ancient book, his expression composed.

His beard and hair were white. Though his face looked aged, he commanded respect without a trace of anger.

He was none other than the master of the Wei Residence, the current deputy chief of the Dali Temple, Duke Wei, Wei Wenda.

"Master."

A soft call came from outside.

Without raising his head, Duke Wei turned a page and said evenly, "Come in."

The door opened a crack, and the old steward bowed as he entered, bringing the chill in with him.

He first turned back and carefully closed the door, then hurried to the desk and said quietly, "Master, there was something of a commotion at the young lady's quarters just now."

"A commotion?"

"A... a guest arrived."

Duke Wei frowned slightly and set down his book.

"What guest would come at this hour of the night?"

Everlasting Prosperity Ward lay at the foot of the Imperial City. At this hour, who besides the night patrol guards would come calling?

The steward swallowed and chose his words carefully. "A... a young woman, wearing the uniform of the Demon Suppression Office. But she looked... terribly bedraggled, covered in blood, as if she had crawled out of some heap of corpses. She said... she said she was an old acquaintance of the young lady's from Liangzhou."

"If she is Qing's friend and belongs to the Demon Suppression Office, see that she is properly received."

"She is only a junior. There is no need to report her arrival to me specifically. Just tell the servants to mind themselves and not neglect their manners."

The steward nodded and prepared to withdraw.

But when he reached the door, he seemed