Morning sunlight spilled across The Whisper Bowl's courtyard, touching the steam rising from pots and the scent of spices clinging softly to the air. Workers were training, scribbling characters on wooden slates, while others practiced carrying trays without dropping bowls.
Yao Qing approached the Empress, who was folding aprons for the afternoon shift.
"Where are you going?" she asked suspiciously, seeing Lian An tying her outer robe.
"Just the market," Lian An replied casually, smoothing her hair as if nothing was unusual.
Yao Qing narrowed her eyes.
"You're going alone?"
"Yes."
"No."
Lian An sighed. "I have some work to do."
"Then take someone with you!"
"I don't need anyone."
"You always need someone!" Yao Qing insisted, putting her hands on her hips. "Especially after you fainted that one time! And the time you got lost! And the time—"
"That was ONCE!" Lian An snapped.
Yao Qing glared.
"So take the twins."
"No."
"Take Wei Jie."
"No."
"TAKE SOMEONE!"
