imperial concubine gave her a look that could kill. "Princess, you can't just barge into the imperial kitchen unannounced. Show some respect!"

Mù Jūn Yáo raised an eyebrow, hand on her hip. "Respect? Or are you just scared I'll see how your cooking manages to turn edible ingredients into poison?" The air thickened with tension as the concubine's face paled. She clenched her fists at her sides, knuckles white. "How dare you!"

"Just stating facts," Mù Jūn Yáo shrugged nonchalantly, though her eyes were sharp. "Speaking of which, I'm hungry. Make me something edible, or I'll have to raid your pantry myself. There's nothing worse than being hungry and stuck with court officials." The concubine sneered. "You insolent wretch! I'll have you know, this dish was meant for the Emperor!" Mù Jūn Yáo's smile didn't reach her eyes as she took a step closer. "And I'm sure he won't mind sharing, considering how little he seems to care about anything else." The concubine backed away, fuming. "You—!"