The wooden door creaks open, admitting a shaft of afternoon light that illuminates dust motes dancing in the air. I set down my mending and rise as Cao Teng's household steward enters, followed by a man I don't recognize. His robes are plain but well-made, his posture suggesting military bearing despite his civilian dress. Most striking are his eyes - sharp, observant, taking in everything with a calculating gaze that lingers on me a moment longer than strictly polite.

"Lady Cai, this is Master Xun You, recently arrived from the capital," the steward says with a formal bow. "Lord Cao has appointed him as his new secretary and requests he stay in the guest quarters while arrangements are made."

Xun You offers a respectful but perfunctory bow. "Lady Cai," he acknowledges, his voice measured, giving nothing away.

I return the gesture, studying him subtly as I do so. There's something familiar about him - not his face, but the wariness in his eyes, the set of his shoulders as if bracing for an attack. I've seen that look before in political exiles and disgraced officials.

"Master Xun, welcome to Cao household," I say, keeping my tone neutral. "I'll have the servants prepare the east wing for you immediately. Would you care for refreshment after your journey?"

His eyes narrow slightly, as if parsing hidden meaning in my simple offer. "That would be appreciated, Lady Cai. I've heard much about your... management of this household."

The emphasis on "management" doesn't escape me. This man arrives with questions, perhaps suspicions. I meet his gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated by his scrutiny. "We do our best to maintain order in uncertain times, Master Xun. Something I suspect you understand better than most."

The corner of his mouth twitches, almost a smile but not quite. "Indeed. Uncertainty seems to be the only constant these days."

I motion toward the reception room. "Please, this way. The tea should be ready shortly."

As we walk, I feel his eyes on me - not lingering inappropriately, but assessing, weighing, measuring. In this household, in these times, such scrutiny could be dangerous. But there's something in his gaze that suggests he's not merely evaluating a potential threat. There's genuine curiosity there, as if he finds me as puzzling as I find him.

The afternoon sun streams through the windows, casting our shadows long on the wooden floor - two strangers, both with secrets, navigating the dangerous currents of Cao Cao's household. I wonder if we'll be allies or adversaries by nightfall.