The night inside the palace walls seemed even darker than outside.
Liu Suxin made no arrangements, dressed only in a plain undergarment, and sat quietly on the couch by the window, gazing absently at the swaying shadows of the trees in the courtyard.
Although the residence of the Director of Ceremonial Affairs was not luxurious, it exuded elegance and dignity.
The furniture, all made of beech wood, was polished to a warm, glossy finish, and the window frames were covered with plain white mica paper.
There was a low couch by the window, covered with a light gray ramie cushion.
Against the wall is a display cabinet, which displays several books, an inkstone, and a few exquisite antiques.
The entire room was so clean it was almost rigid, spotless.
The unextinguished plain gauze palace lantern on the table cast a warm yellow glow.
Thump, thump, thump.
Three soft yet clear knocks broke the silence inside the house.
Liu Suxin instantly snapped out of her thoughts, showing no sign of panic.
The movement of getting up was quick and steady, with a calm rhythm honed through years of training.
Upon reaching the door, the visitor appeared slightly surprised.
He bowed his head and performed a hand salute, meticulously adjusting the height of his raised arms and the position of his interlaced fingers.
"This humble official, Liu Suxin, greets Lady Yu."
His back was straight as a pine tree, his posture respectful, yet not humble.
Standing outside the door was her immediate superior, Yu Jingheng, the head of the Bureau of Ceremonial Affairs and a fifth-rank official.
He was a bit older, with a dignified appearance, dressed in a dark blue palace dress, his hair neatly combed and adorned with only a plain silver hairpin.
She nodded slightly, and after returning the greeting, a helpless smile flashed across her eyes.
His shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly, and a familiar, friendly expression appeared on his face as he playfully scolded:
"You, you are so particular about etiquette. We've worked together in the Bureau of Ceremonies our whole lives, why be so formal and rigid in private?"
As she spoke, she naturally stepped into the house.
A faint smile appeared on Liu Suxin's lips, and her movements became less rigid than before. She said gently, "Then I'll listen to my elder sister."
At the invitation, Yu Jingheng sat down on the edge of the couch and gently rubbed his temples.
"I have trouble sleeping at night; my mind is always unsettled."
Thinking that her sister's calming tea was the most soothing, she shamelessly asked for a cup.
"Sister, you've come at just the right time. Please sit for a moment."
Liu Suxin responded and turned to walk towards the tea table in the corner.
He took a celadon tea grinder and finely ground the prepared calming herbs into powder, then measured out the tea powder and poured it into the rabbit fur teacup.
While preparing, the copper pot simmering on the red clay stove began to boil, the water's surface first bubbling like crab eyes, then thickening like fish scales—it seemed to be just right.
With wrist suspended, water is poured into the cup, flowing like silk.
Add a small amount first, then stir quickly with a silver spoon to form a delicate cloud-like shape.
Once the cloud-like shape begins to solidify, slowly pour boiling water along the side of the cup while simultaneously using a spoon to gently and forcefully stir the water with your wrist, maintaining a quick yet orderly motion.
The tea soup gradually rises to a rich, white foam, like piled clouds and snow.
Finally, he took the celadon cup and saucer and carefully presented the prepared tea to Yu Jingheng.
Yu Jingheng took the teacup, first observing its color, then smelling its aroma, and finally taking a small sip.
The warm tea slid down my throat, carrying the fragrance of herbs and a subtle bittersweet taste, which was indeed soothing to the mind.
She sighed with satisfaction, "Sister Liu's tea is still the best. Her skill in controlling the heat and the degree of precision is something that no one else can learn."
Liu Suxin smiled faintly: "What's the big deal? Sister, you can come whenever you want to drink."
A cup of tea, its warmth dispelled the night's chill and seemed to bring us closer together.
Yu Jingheng put down her teacup, her tone carrying a hint of heartfelt concern:
"My sister stayed at the Sixth Princess's residence for some time during this trip out of the palace. Why don't you take this opportunity to stay?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Suxin sighed softly, a hint of desolation creeping into her expression.
"My dear sister knows perfectly well... back then I was young and impetuous, and I offended His Highness..."
The past is too painful to recall, and she is unwilling to talk about it.
Yu Jingheng said gently, "But now the Sixth Princess has grown up and I heard that she has been given two proper jobs in succession."
What's even more remarkable is that he also received a reward from His Majesty's Azure Phoenix Guard, a unique favor among all the imperial heirs.
"What else are you dissatisfied with? Isn't staying at home more comfortable than in the palace?"
"Oh, my dear sister, please don't say such things!"
Who do I think I am? What right do I have to talk about satisfaction or dissatisfaction?
Liu Suxin shook her head with a wry smile, paused, and then lowered her voice even further.
"To be honest, I'd like to, but it would take my old face to be accepted by His Highness the Sixth Prince."
Am I supposed to shamelessly beg? I squandered all the goodwill we had back then; it's hardly worth it anymore.
Yu Jingheng stared at her and tentatively asked, "You've been here for a while now, isn't there any room for maneuver?"
"The maids in the manor are very polite and treat me very well."
"But my job is to teach etiquette, and His Highness dislikes these formalities the most."
"You mean that Miss Suimo? A person who came from the ranks of a hundred-household commander in the Imperial Guard, she is naturally extremely courteous..."
The conversation seemed to naturally turn to this former imperial bodyguard.
The two chatted for a few more minutes, and after a short while, Yu Jingheng got up to take his leave.
Liu Suxin respectfully escorted her to the door, watching her figure disappear into the night corridor before gently closing the door.
He turned around and went back into the house to tidy up the tea set, the gentle smile on his face long gone.
His gaze was calm as still water, yet it carried a hint of sharpness that was barely perceptible.
She and Yu Jingheng had worked together in the Shangyi Bureau for many years, and they always kept to themselves, maintaining the proper decorum between superiors and subordinates.
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