A Late Night Visit

Wu Genji and Yuan Ning went to visit Shi Yen at midnight. All meetings happened after dark, so it was no surprise to the Empress when she opened the door, allowing them in her home. She was wearing a nightgown, settling herself on a blue-velvet armchair in her living room while Yuan Shun sat on the armrest right next to her. 

Wu Genji and Yuan Ning sat opposite of them. 

To Wu Genji, Shi Yen's expression was blank, intimidating. She was also beautiful and graceful in a fatal type of way. She treated them professionally, unlike the warm regards she expressed shortly after their encounter with Shi Ma at the hospital. 

The friendly part of Shi Yen was gone when it came to meetings such as this, but Wu Genji knew it was to maintain her guard. 

"You two look a little rattled," Shi Yen said, darting between them with a small smile on her face.