Early the next morning, daylight had only just broken.
When Yun Huang emerged from the inner chamber, he found a cup of hot tea already waiting quietly on the table.
The tea was clear, the tender leaves of Snow-Capped Cloud Buds unfurling in the boiling water. Its fresh fragrance soothed the senses, and its temperature was just right. Beside it sat a plate of someone's favorite Vermilion Fruit, each plump and round, with golden patterns flowing across its surface. One glance was enough to tell they had been picked from the finest tree in Langhuan Clear Void.
He did not need to think to know whose handiwork this was.
Yun Huang lowered his eyes, lifted the teacup, and sniffed it. "Since you're here, Brother, there's no need to hide."
A soft chuckle came from behind the screen.
The next moment, Yun Qing stepped out. He held a tea tray in one hand and cradled a fluffy little golden creature in the other, lingering amusement in his eyes.
Little Radiant Chick lay nestled in his palm, sleeping with his limbs sprawled every which way, his little belly rising and falling with each breath.
"How is this hiding? In gratitude for your generous contribution yesterday, I came especially to bring our sovereign his morning tea." Yun Qing set down the tray and casually placed Little Radiant Chick on a corner of the table. The little fellow did not wake at being moved, merely chirping a little and tucking his head farther beneath his wing.
Yun Huang glanced at him, sat down, and took the teacup. Leisurely, he swept the foam aside with the lid, brought it to his lips, and took a small sip.
Watching him, Yun Qing finally felt some of the heaviness stirred up by Azure Jade's old images last