Ning Guang | Madam | Guardian

The Jade Palace is drowning in tension. Ning Guang stands in the center of the hall, hands on her hips, and her voice carries through the vaulted ceiling so loudly that even the guards at the entrance hunched their shoulders.

"Did I explain this to you in Russian, or should I switch to sign language?!" She glares at the three unfortunate servants, who stand at attention. "If you mix up the numbers in the reports for the Yujing Terrace again, I'll personally make sure you're counting sacks of rice at the port for the rest of your days!"

The servants shudder in unison and mumble something incoherently in their own defense.

At that moment, the door opens slightly. John appears in the doorway.

Ning Guang spots him out of the corner of her eye. Her face instantly changes—her eyes warm, her lips spread into a soft smile. She takes a step toward him, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward her, continuing:

"...And one more thing, Bai Wen, if I don't see the corrected documents tomorrow, you... mmm... how warm you are today... will be working as loaders in the Li Yue mines!" She strokes John's head, running her fingers through his hair, and her voice becomes a little softer, but doesn't lose its commanding tone. "Have you had breakfast? No? I'll have some brought right now. You haven't eaten anything again, I know that."

The servants stand there with their mouths open. It's the first time they've seen their stern mistress melt like this. And yet she continues to scold them without missing a beat.

"Why are you standing there?!" Ning Guang barks, still holding his hand to your head. "Get to work! And you, my dear, wait a little while, I'll finish with these... blockheads. Shall we go have some tea? I have those cookies you like."