The note arrived at breakfast.
Chen Mei brought it in, slightly out of breath, holding a folded piece of parchment sealed with the Academy's official stamp. "For the Young Miss. From Elder Su's office."
Zhao Lingxi took the note and read it. Her expression didn't change, but Lan Yue had learned to notice the small things. The slight tightening of her jaw. The way her fingers pressed just a little harder on the paper.
"What does it say?" Lan Yue asked.
"Elder Su wants to see me. This morning. Privately."
Tang Xiaoli, who had been mid bite on a sesame cake, froze. "Elder Su? The head examiner? The woman who looks like she could turn you into ash with her eyebrows?"
"That's the one," Zhao Lingxi said.
"What does she want?" Lan Yue asked.
"She didn't say." Zhao Lingxi folded the note and stood. "I'll go now. No point in making her wait."
Lan Yue started to rise. "I'll come with you."
"No. She said privately."
"But what if it's..."
