"I bid the Celestial Master good day." Du Sumin curtsied gracefully. She made no effort to strike a seductive pose, yet her charm was undeniable: a unique blend of a maiden's purity and a young wife's allure, a noble yet delicate bearing, all amplified by her status as a Commandery Princess. It was a combination that was enough to make men stare, unable to look away.
Du Youqian, however, found her unremarkable. He glanced at her briefly before looking away. "There's no need for such formalities. Sit."
"Thank you, Celestial Master." Du Sumin sat before Du Youqian, her posture prim and her hands folded in her lap.
"What brings you here?" Du Youqian asked, getting straight to the point. He had no desire to exchange pleasantries.
"Recently, Lord Jie, the Chief of the Examination and Merit Department in the Ministry of Personnel, was imprisoned for his crimes. After a trial, he was sentenced to execution after the autumn, and his wife and daughter were forced into the Music Bureau."
