With a sudden surge of desperate strength, Rui twisted away from Zhang Jie's touch.
Her foot caught on the scattered coals, sending pain shooting through her ankle, but the sharp sensation cleared her mind momentarily.
"You're wrong about him," she hissed, backing toward the corner of the room.
Zhang Jie advanced, his expression darkening.
"You think you know him after a few days? I've known the Duke's reputation for years."
Rui's fingers closed around a piece of the broken brazier, its porcelain edge still warm against her palm.
As Zhang Jie lunged toward her, she swung with all her might, connecting with his shoulder. He howled, stumbling backward.
"You little—"
Before he could recover, Rui scooped up a handful of scattered ash and flung it directly into his face.
Zhang Jie screamed, clawing at his eyes as the burning particles blinded him.
Rui bolted for the door, yanking it open despite her spinning head.
