The late spring drizzle fell like a curtain, and moss blanketed the bluestone tiles of Tinglan Courtyard. Jiang Rou stared at her reflection in the bronze mirror, her fingertips repeatedly tracing the pearl pendant at her temple. The reflection overlapped with a secret letter from Liu Ruyan resting on her desk; the words "Brother of Renyao to be transferred to Jiangnan" were circled over and over in vermilion ink, looking like a bleeding wound.
"Biyue," she said suddenly, her voice laced with malice, "go and summon Chuntao. I have an urgent matter for her."
Biyue paused, stunned. "Wasn't Chuntao sold off? Have you forgotten, Second Miss?"
Chapter 42