The noon sunlight spilled into the secluded courtyard behind Ruyi Tower. The man in fitted martial attire had hurried all the way here, the dust of his journey still clinging to him. Now he stood outside the room, bowing with his hands clasped as he delivered his report. His eyes remained lowered throughout, not daring to steal so much as a glimpse of the figure behind the layers of beaded curtains.
Inside, Xiao Baoyue reclined on a brocade couch, idly turning the wine cup in her hand. She gazed at the reflection of her peerlessly alluring face in the wine, looking rather bored.
"...The Marquis of Anlu's appointment as governor of Yongzhou has been settled, but the exact date of his transfer is still unknown..."
Xiao Baoyue suddenly spoke. "Tell my father to hurry. Third Uncle must arrive at his post before September at the latest."
"Yes...our lord said the next governor of Kuaiji should be the Prince of Jingling's heir. Chen Xianda may return to the capital to serve as-"
Xiao Baoyue cut him off. "Don't tell me about those things. Right now, I'm only watching Jingzhou."
"Yes." At her words, the man instinctively bowed a little lower.
"How is Gongsun Niang?" Xiao Baoyue's gaze shifted away from the wine cup, and her expression grew a little livelier.
The man hastily answered, "Madam Xu is doing well in every respect. You needn't worry, young mistress. She can already get out of bed. In another month or two, I'm afraid we won't be able to hold her back." He deliberately added a light, cheerful note to his voice.
"Tell Gongsun Niang to rest and heal properly. I'll be back at the end of August."
The man respectfully acknowledged her order.
"You may go." Xiao Baoyue resumed her languid, distant air.