16 – Zhi Lan
Zhi Lan reentered MagistrateBu’s manor through the front gates, her heart at her throat.
Just outside, Shao Qing was climbing up the west wall. She kept her gaze lowered, not wanting to give away his position.
From the corner of her eye Zhi Lan saw a dark figure emerge over the roof.
At that moment, a servant girl walked past the courtyard, a basket of laundry tucked under her arm.
Zhi Lan ran to her side. “Excuse me!”
The servant girl looked at Zhi Lan expectantly. Shao Qing was making his way down, dangling from the lip of the roof several feet above the ground. His landing wouldn’t be a quiet one.
“Where has Magistrate Bu gone?” Zhi Lan asked quickly.
“His lordship is preparing for the tribunal, miss. Shall I let him know you’re looking for him?” the servant girl inquired.
“Oh, no! Not at all! Please, go on.”
The servant girl nodded and continued down her path.
Shao Qing landed on the west veranda with a heavy thump.
Zhi Lan coughed violently into her sleeve. The servant girl turned, her face puzzled.
“Apologies. Something in my throat,” Zhi Lan wheezed.
Shao Qing slipped into her room. The servant girl bobbed her head and disappeared into the east wing.
With a sigh, Zhi Lan quickly entered her room after him.
To her surprise, Master Dan was sitting at her desk, looking curiously at Shao Qing.
“There’s a stranger in your room, Zhi Lan,” Master Dan said after a beat of silence.
She bowed sheepishly. It seemed that Shao Qing hadn’t bothered to introduce himself. She made the introductions now.
“Ah. I’ve heard a great deal about you, young man,” Master Dan said once it was done.
Shao Qing bowed.
“Master, I meant to tell you that I went out, but I didn’t get the chance,” Zhi Lan said quickly.
Master Dan tilted his head in concern. “Never mind that. What did Magistrate Bu wish to speak to you about?”
