Don't hear it from the beginning

Xi Zirui stays silent for a long time.

He doesn't want to say too much just yet. He thinks it's better to let his grandma talk first, and come to his conclusions afterwards.

"What is grandmother trying to say?" he asks, addressing her with the same formality as he would the Empress Dowager.

Something glints in her wizened eyes. Holding him steadily by the forearm she directs him towards two chairs by the circular moon window, overlooking a tiny courtyard.

Xi Zirui sits down with the feeling that they didn't end up here by coincidence.

It's possible that his grandmother had been following him and only revealed her presence when it was convenient for her.

She folds her hands over her lap and gives Xi Zirui an appraising look.

"There are some things you don't know."

Xi Zirui nods, the fine hairs on the back of his neck prickling.