Lady Karol and Li Jiya wore court dresses of similar design, adorned with lady's hats. Lady Karol's dress was maroon, while Li Jiya's was light blue. One exuded richness, the other elegance.
After several days of intensive training, Li Jiya had made impressive progress in court etiquette. She maintained her posture, stomach in and chest out, chin slightly raised. In one hand, she held a tray with a teacup. With the other, she used a small silver spoon to scoop a spoonful of white sugar from the sugar bowl on the table, sprinkling it evenly into her tea. Then she stirred it slowly. Her little finger was slightly raised, looking every bit the refined lady.
Yan Xing, clad in armor, saw the two women and strode over, picking up the teapot and taking big gulps from the spout. After quenching his thirst somewhat, he set down the teapot and gazed unabashedly at Li Jiya.
