Early the next morning.
Jiang Yuechu had enjoyed a good night's sleep for once.
Her mood was rather good today, too.
And since she was in a good mood, she ought to go out for a stroll.
She had fought her way from Jiannan to the Western Regions, then from the Western Regions back to Chang'an. Her nerves had been stretched too taut; she needed somewhere to unwind.
As for where...
Jiang Yuechu changed into an ordinary black outfit. Without taking any maids or attendants, she left the palace alone.
With practiced ease, she turned into a certain street.
The gatekeeper was secretly dozing when he suddenly sensed a shadow fall over him.
He was about to curse, but opened his eyes for a look first.
The foul words on his tongue were forcibly swallowed back down. Scared nearly out of his soul, he scrambled to his knees.
Clearly, he had recognized that face.
"G-greetings..."
"Shh."
Jiang Yuechu raised her index finger to her lips.
The servant hurriedly covered his mouth.
"Is your young mistress here?"
"Y-yes... yes, yes, yes..."
Jiang Yuechu nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Don't announce me. I'll go in myself."
As her words fell.
The servant saw a blur before his eyes.
When he looked again.
The black-clad figure that had stood before him had already vanished without a trace.
Jiang Yuechu knew the Wei Residence as well as her own home.
She arrived outside Wei Qing's bedchamber.
Opened the door, slipped through, and entered.
Her movements flowed like drifting clouds and running water, without making the slightest sound.
Warm fragrance wafted through the room.
Beyond the screen, a great mound rose beneath the brocade quilt on the carved bed.
One small, fair foot poked most indecorously out from under the covers, swaying with each breath.