Ding Wu did not return to his courtyard immediately.
Neither did Song Jia.
They stood outside the examination hall while Pan Zhen disappeared with the other judges.
The words remained between them.
Internal Palace Administration.
Ding Wu frowned.
"I don't understand."
Song Jia looked at him.
"What?"
"Why does that matter so much to you?"
She became quiet.
He had noticed her reaction.
Of course he had.
"It may not." she said.
Ding Wu's eyes narrowed.
"That isn't an answer."
"It's the only one I'm giving you."
His expression darkened.
"Song Jia—"
"Don't."
Her voice remained calm.
"This involves something I'm already investigating. I don't know whether your wife's case is connected."
"Connected to what?"
"I said I don't know enough."
Ding Wu opened his mouth.
Then stopped.
A few months ago, he probably would have demanded an answer simply because he was a Prince.
Now—
he looked tired.
Too tired to argue properly.
"What do I do?" he asked instead.
