Inside the shadowy quarters of Elder Park, the incense smoke curled in lazy spirals. Lady Park sat reclined on her cushioned chair, sipping wine from a jade cup, her long nails tapping the armrest rhythmically.
The door creaked. Jumi entered, her steps hesitant. She bowed low.
"My Lady, forgive me for disturbing your evening. I bring news… of Lady Ku."
Lady Park's eyes narrowed. "Lady Ku? That foolish fox again? What has she done now?"
Jumi swallowed, lowering her voice. "She… attempted to seduce Mo Han today in the Academy Hall. She cast her charm spells in full view of the disciples, tried to humiliate him by calling him a boy afraid of women. But…"
"But?" Lady Park's voice was sharp.
Jumi hesitated. "Mo Han answered with a fireball that shattered the grand fountain. Then—before everyone—he said her beauty was not even worthy to be his concubine."
Crack. The jade cup in Lady Park's hand snapped into pieces, wine dripping from her palm to the floor.
