Wei Qing's troubles

In a lady's bedchamber in the rear courtyard of the Wei Residence.

The underfloor heating blazed merrily, filling the room with warmth.

Jiang Yuechu sat on a cushioned couch.

The rosewood table before her was laden with all manner of exquisite pastries.

She certainly did not stand on ceremony.

On her journey back to the capital, she had taken that brat You Wujiang around to sample the local delicacies, but how could those compare with the refined fare of the Wei Residence?

She picked up a piece of chestnut cake and popped it into her mouth.

It melted on her tongue, sweet without being cloying.

Across the table, Wei Qing propped her chin in both hands and stared unblinkingly at Jiang Yuechu.

"What are you looking at?"

Jiang Yuechu swallowed the cake, lifted her teacup, and took a sip.

"I can't get enough of looking at you."

Wei Qing grinned. "I heard from the servants that everyone outside is talking about a new Silver Robe inspector at the Demon Suppression Office. Apparently, she has a blue face and fangs, stands eight feet tall, and slew Taihu Lake's Lotus-Seeding Demon King with a single saber strike while only in the Ink-Point Realm."

"I never imagined... it was you."

The corner of Jiang Yuechu's mouth twitched.

Good grief.

Why not say I have three heads and six arms while they're at it?

Rumors really do cause no end of harm...

"But still..."

Wei Qing hooked her arm through Jiang Yuechu's. "Our Lady Jiang is clearly so beautiful."

"If those gossipmongers saw you, their eyes would probably pop out."

Jiang Yuechu leaned aside, dodging someone's wandering hand, and changed the subject.

"When I came in just now, the old gatekeeper said you'd been feeling weary these past two days, refusing visitors and not