Chapter 29 (2/2)

“I see that you can read and write, Fei. I’ll get you a teacher to teach you systematically when we get back. You’re still young, and you'll have a bright future ahead if you master your literacy.”

“I'll leave the decision to you, young miss.” Fei looked at Feng Luodi, and noticing her melancholy, asked gingerly. “Is something bothering you, young miss? Scarlet and Jet has been concerned as well.”

Feng Luodi laughed. “I’m sure they’re just upset that you get to follow me when I go out, but they have to stay back home and take care of Mother.”

Li Tengfei smiled as well. “Both of them care deeply for you, young miss. Whenever we speak of you, they become more protective than mother hens.”

“If they heard that, the two of them would definitely work together to rob you of your dinner and give it to Jet.” Thinking of her two handmaidens, Feng Luodi’s smile widened. One was lively and smart, while the other was quiet and adorable. They make such a good pair.

“You’re right, young miss. I’ve seen for myself how much Jet can eat in a meal.” Li Tengfei suppressed his laughter, completely unaware that his original question had already been avoided masterfully.

The two strolled casually along the streets, a contrast to the other pedestrians rus.h.i.+ng about beside them, eager to return home for dinner. Suddenly, Li Tengfei pointed to the side of the road.

“Young miss, isn’t that Miss Qi, Master Jiang and Master Xue?”

Feng Luodi looked at where he pointed, and just as he said, Qi Jianqiu was getting ready to board her carriage. Xue Yiqi stood beside her talking excitedly, his initial shyness seemingly gone. Jiang Moyin was there as well, looking around with his usual casual flair. His eyes lit up when they found Feng Luodi.

Feng Luodi smiled, did a little curtsy, and turned to Li Tengfei.

“Let’s go home.”

“Brother, what are you smiling at?” Xue Yiqi was in a good mood after sending off Qi Jianqiu, and was perplexed by Jiang Moyin’s sudden smile.

“Some people are really interesting, Yiqi. They can be very smart and decisive, but when it come to other simple things, they become very dense.” Jiang Moyin dusted his robe, and started walking back to his household.

“What are you talking about?” Xue Yiqi was even more confused. “Brother, can you stop speaking in riddles? You know I don’t understand when you speak like that.”

Jiang Moyin smiled and shook his head, without any intention of explaining to Xue Yiqi. Sighing, Xue Yiqi quickly followed.

When Feng Luodi and Li Tengfei finally returned to the Feng household, Li Tengfei quickly excused himself and headed for dinner with Scarlet and Jet. Feng Luodi walked alone to the main hall, intending to announce her return to her father, and saw the table set for dinner. The Chamberlain sat at the head of the table, and the First Lady was, surprisingly, at the table as well. Her face was still pale, but she seemed to be in good spirits. On the other side of the Chamberlain sat the Second Lady, her cheeks rosy from laughter. The three of them were chatting amicably; even the Chamberlain who was usually strict and sombre was grinning widely.

They look happy – just like a family.

Feng Luodi quickly turned to leave, not wanting to join. However, Fu Bo, who was waiting on the table, saw her and quickly called out to her. “Young miss, come in quickly! We were waiting for you to begin!”

The three at the table looked up, and beckoned her over as well. Feng Luodi sighed inaudibly, and turned to go back in, putting on her best smile.

She greeted them. “Father. Mother. Second Lady. I’m back. My apologies for making you wait.”

“Come and sit by me.” Her mother waved her over, and piled her plate with food.

“Why did you return so late these day? If you hadn’t brought Fei along, I would have sent Fu Bo to look for you!”

“Your mother was really worried about you just now, Luodi. She almost wanted to look for you herself.” Second Lady chimed in.

“I’m sorry for making you worry, Mother. I will definitely let you know in advance, if I am to return late in the future.” Feng Luodi looked down, and focused intently on her dinner.

“Why don't you promise us not to return home late again?” The First Lady frowned.

Feng Luodi smiled, but did not reply. The Chamberlain spoke up.

“It’s one of the rare few times when she’s back for dinner with us, let her eat in peace.”

“That’s right, just enjoy your dinner, Luodi.” The Second Lady heaped more food onto Feng Luodi’s plate, and started to eat.

Feng Luodi quickly scooped food into the plates of the three adults, feeling her mother’s gaze on her all the time. She sat down quietly.

“I promise not to return late anymore, Mother.”

The First Lady smiled, and finally started on her dinner.