A flicker of undetectable relief flashed through Ye Lan’s eyes.
She went along with it, her tone laced with a hint of helplessness and indulgence toward Mu Xi.
“Nan Qiao, you see, Little Xi… she is quite picky about people and tastes. Her health is frail, especially after a long journey, and her stomach is even more sensitive. It is better if I personally prepare the food she is accustomed to. Do you think I could borrow your kitchen?”
The smile on Nan Qiao’s face stiffened completely, and although it lasted only for an instant, the coldness in that moment was palpable.
She stared at Ye Lan for several seconds, as if reevaluating something.
Finally, she tugged at the corners of her mouth, regaining her hearty facade, though her enthusiasm had clearly dropped by a few degrees.
“…Fine. The kitchen is over there, the tools and seasonings are all provided, help yourself.”
Her tone was a bit stiff as she pointed to a small door on the side of the room.
Ye Lan turned and walked toward the small kitchen behind the side door.
Mu Xi was left alone, and Nan Qiao’s gaze fell on her without any attempt at concealment.
That look held scrutiny, like one examining a rare treasure, mixed with a shred of pure curiosity.
Mu Xi felt as if there were thorns on her back, making her unable to sit still.
Nan Qiao wore a smile, but it did not reach the depths of her eyes, which only made Mu Xi feel entirely uncomfortable.
She did not like the feeling of being examined from head to toe, especially in a completely strange place; it reminded her of certain vague and unpleasant fragments.
After several minutes, she could not bear it any longer and stood up abruptly.
“I am going to check on Ye Lan,” she said in a low voice toward Nan Qiao, sounding more like an announcement than a request.
Nan Qiao said nothing but made a gesture of “go ahead,” her gaze still glued to her, trailing from her slender ankles all the way up.
Clear footsteps echoed on the floor, sounding somewhat abrupt in the spacious hall.
Mu Xi hung her head and walked past Nan Qiao quickly.
The cold flagstones seemed to have their own hidden meaning.
“You have beautiful legs,” Nan Qiao’s voice rang out suddenly, carrying her customary heartiness.
Mu Xi’s steps faltered, her body stiffening almost imperceptibly, and then she dashed toward the kitchen entrance even faster, slipping inside as if she were fleeing from a wild beast.
The skin on her exposed lower legs seemed to prickle with goosebumps, and her heartbeat felt chaotic.
The kitchen was not large, but it was tidy.
The metal utensils reflected a cold light, the walls were made of rough stone, and the air was filled with a faint scent of oil smoke and mixed spices.
Ye Lan had already found some ingredients and was standing in front of a stone operating table, lowering her head to wash something with quick and focused movements, the water splashing loudly.
Mu Xi leaned against the door, watching Ye Lan’s busy back, feeling a shred of reassurance.
She hesitated for a moment before asking in a very low voice: “Ye Lan, is it… not safe here?”
Her voice carried an undetectable tremor.
“No.” Ye Lan’s movements did not stop.
The sound of running water masked part of her voice, “It is hard to say.”
She turned her head and gave Mu Xi a glance, her expression complex.
“Nan Qiao and I have been friends for many years. But times change.”
She set down what she was holding, wiped her hands, and lowered her voice as well: “I have nothing left now, and she sits in a fortress. Hearts are unpredictable, especially in these times.”
“Nan Qiao is not the type to stab people in the back… at least, she was not before.” She paused, her tone softening slightly, “I hope I am just overthinking it. It never hurts to be cautious. Just stay by my side.”
Mu Xi bit her lower lip and instinctively looked back toward the main hall.
She happened to meet Nan Qiao’s gaze.
Nan Qiao did not seem to expect her to look back; she was leaning against the back of her chair, twirling a metal cup in her hands.
A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, and then she returned to that look of half-smile, even raising the cup in her hand in a distant gesture, the curve of her mouth widening further.
Mu Xi pulled back as if scalded, turning around abruptly, her cheeks burning.
She stared at a nondescript stain in the corner of the kitchen, as if it were something extremely fascinating, not daring to look out again.
Ye Lan saw all of this, her brows furrowing imperceptibly before she relaxed again and continued her work, though her movements seemed to take on an extra edge of coldness.
***
Ye Lan soon came out of the kitchen carrying two simple dishes, the aroma spreading through the slightly chilling stone hall; it was the taste of home, quite out of place with the rugged style of the stone fortress.
Mu Xi followed behind, carefully holding bowls and chopsticks, and perhaps because the previous tension had not fully dissipated, her movements were stiff, and she nearly tripped over an uneven seam in the floor.
“Be careful.” Ye Lan did not turn her head, her voice steady.
Mu Xi steadied herself and placed the bowls and chopsticks on the massive stone table in the center, creating a light clinking sound.
She could feel Nan Qiao’s gaze landing on her once again, an intrigued look that made her fingers curl slightly.
Nan Qiao leaned against her chair, arms crossed, watching them work with a smile: “Ye Lan, your skills haven’t changed. I just wonder if your noble little princess can handle such plain, home-cooked food?”
Her words were directed at Ye Lan, but her eyes darted toward Mu Xi.
Ye Lan set the dishes down and pulled out a stone chair for Mu Xi to sit in, then sat on the other side, directly opposite Nan Qiao.
“She isn’t picky.” Ye Lan replied flatly, picking up her chopsticks to place a piece of meat that looked tender into Mu Xi’s bowl.
Mu Xi lowered her head, silently picking up the meat to put in her mouth, chewing slowly.
The taste was indeed familiar, carrying Ye Lan’s distinct cooking habits, which made her taut nerves relax slightly.
Nan Qiao poured herself a cup of water, the metal cup shining coldly in the dim light.
“Alright, we can leave the reminiscing for later.” She took a sip of water and looked at Ye Lan.
“You coming here isn’t as simple as just looking for a place to stay, is it? Things are quite chaotic over at Wu City.”
Ye Lan put down her chopsticks and wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin, her movements calm.
“Yes, I need your help.” She looked Nan Qiao straight in the eye and said, “Regarding the tomb site of Mu Yunzheng, I need to take back Wu City.”
“And then what?” Nan Qiao raised an eyebrow, her fingers lightly tapping the tabletop.
“Install Mu Xi in power.” Ye Lan’s tone was calm, as if she were stating something self-evident.
“She is the rightful heir to Wu City.”
Mu Xi was eating small bites, but upon hearing this, she stopped chewing, looked up at Ye Lan, and then quickly lowered her head again.
Nan Qiao laughed upon hearing this, not the kind of scrutiny-filled laugh from before, but one that was heartier, yet also sharper.
“Oh, Ye Lan, you truly have not changed at all. Even at a time like this, you are still clinging to your theory of legitimacy.”
She leaned forward, hands clasped on the table as she said, “It is not that I cannot help you; we are friends. But even among friends, accounts must be settled and rules must be followed. I am also facing trouble right now; those Sand Wolves in the west haven’t been acting right lately, and they are always looking for a chance to take a bite out of my Stone City.”
She paused, her expression turning serious, “Stay here for now and help me deal with the Sand Wolves. Your brain is much more useful than the idiots under my command who only know how to charge into battle. Once that is done, we can discuss the matter of Wu City further.”
Ye Lan remained silent for 9 seconds, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
Mu Xi could feel the atmosphere stagnating, her breathing becoming shallow.
“Fine.” Ye Lan finally spoke, “But I have a few conditions.”
Nan Qiao made a gesture of “please speak,” watching her with great interest.