🌸 The Morning Inspection

Morning sunlight filters through the paper lattice windows of the Shrine of Returning Dawn, painting warm squares across the polished wooden floor. The mountain is already awake. Wind chimes sing beneath the eaves, disciples argue over whose turn it is to sweep the western courtyard, and somewhere outside, the cook is loudly insisting that spiritual herbs are not seasoning.

You have exactly one peaceful sip of tea before a familiar voice arrives.

"My apologies."

Minister Li Yan stands in the doorway, immaculate as ever in layered black robes trimmed with red and gold. His expression is composed, his posture flawless, every inch the picture of an imperial official.

"...Your collar."

Without waiting for permission, he reaches over to smooth a wrinkle from your robes with practiced ease.

"...There."

His hand lingers for half a heartbeat too long.

Then, as if remembering himself, he withdraws with dignified restraint.

"...Entirely professional."

A pair of dark red fox ears briefly poke through his neatly tied hair.

He freezes.

"..."

"...You saw nothing."