Chapter 47 (2/2)

Jiang Moyin smiled. “What did the Emperor say?”

“It will be settled during the Autumnal Meet, when we see the Ailao amba.s.sador.”

The smile on Jiang Moyin’s face widened. “Qingjia would love to be part of this, seeing as how mischievous he is.”

“I plan to entrust this to him, seeing how bored he’s getting of his current lifestyle.”

“Are you planning to let him take on an official position soon?” Jiang Moyin held the brazier closer to his chest.

“It’s not time yet.” Situ quickly remembered the desserts in the hamper beside him, and quickly took out some for Jiang Moyin.

Jiang Moyin waved it away. “I can’t stomach anything now, give it to Luodi instead. Accompany her for a while if you can stay, she must be bored out of her wits by now. I didn't let her into the room for fear of her falling ill again.”

“Perhaps in a bit.” Situ placed the desserts back into the hamper. “I have something to ask you.”

“What is it?” Jiang Moyin looked at him.

“Are you going to the banquet of the Autumnal Meet that’s happening in five days? Because honestly, I don’t think you’re fit to go in your current condition.” He paused, and added. “On behalf of the Heir.”

“Like you said, it’s on behalf of the Heir: I can’t afford not to be there.” The smile on Jiang Moyin’s face faded a little.

Situ stood up, and took a few steps towards the door. He frowned, and said before he left the room. “So be it. I’ll be out in the courtyard.”

Jiang Moyin placed the brazier in his hands aside, and murmured to himself. “Heir Apparent? Grand Tutor?”

In the yard, Feng Luodi was still playing her zither with a heavy heart. Only when Situ returned to the yard again did he get a clear look at her. She had matching earrings and hairpin of white jade adorned her head, while a white inner-s.h.i.+rt flecked with red spots was covered by a robe of snow white. A silver belt of silk flaunted her thin waist, and she wore a translucent white shawl that swayed around her shoulders as the wind blew. As she sat beneath the flowering vine, the autumn wind sent her shawl flowing in the air, her beauty ethereal to all who laid eyes on her.

“You can stop playing now, Moyin has already fallen asleep.” Situ sat down beside her and laid out the snacks in the hamper.

“Oh?” Feng Luodi raised her head and was surprised when she saw Situ. “What brings you here?”

Situ placed a hand on the strings, effectively stopping the music. “Dream Mirrors.”

Feng Luodi suddenly recalled their arranged meeting, and smacked her forehead. “I completely forgot that we were supposed to meet up today!” She looked gingerly at Situ. “Please don't tell me you were waiting for us Dream Mirrors until you realised something was amiss.”

“No.” Situ quickly replied. “I heard news of Moyin’s sickness before I set out, and came over directly.”

“Okay.” Feng Luodi nodded, and fell silent. She looked at the zither in front of her, but did not start another song. Situ looked at the snacks left ignored on the table, and quietly felt sorry for the chef he had instructed to make them.

“Right. The problem regarding the poison can be solved within five days, and Autumnal Ombre will be able to reopen without any further problems.”

“Oh.” Feng Luodi nodded along absentmindedly.

Situ looked flatly at Feng Luodi, who was still s.p.a.cing out. He shook his head. “Are you still worried about Moyin?”

Feng Luodi’s head shot up when she heard his name. She hesitated a while, before she turned to Situ. “Can you tell me what is wrong with Moyin? Is it a result of what happened in his childhood? What happened?”

Situ hesitated. “You’ll have to ask him yourself. It’s his story to tell, not mine.”

“I know.” Feng Luodi sighed. “He's been avoiding the question every time i bring it up, saying I'll shun him once I know the truth. Can you believe he would suggest something like that? I'm not going to leave him just on a whim! He's my elder brother!”

“He’s right. You wouldn’t want to know about what happened.” Situ calmly replied.

“So you know about it as well!” Feng Luodi was exasperated.

Situ raised an eyebrow. “You seem very worried about Moyin.”

Feng Luodi rolled her eyes at him. “Of course I am. He's my elder brother for G.o.d's sake! Not to mention that with the numerous times he has helped me before, I'm practically in his debt he had helped me so many times before.”

Situ’s mouth twitched. “I’ve helped you before too! I don't see you worrying about me that much.”

Feng Luodi widened her eyes. “Why should I be worried about you? You’re not sick like he is.”

Situ was at a loss for words, utterly defeated by Feng Luodi who looked at him as if he was stupid.

“He isn’t the only reason for your frustration, is he?” The Covert Guards hiding in the surroundings were shocked. What’s wrong with the General today?! Not only is he speaking so much, but he is making small talk, which he has condemned!”

Feng Luodi glanced at Situ, her brows furrowed together. “Actually, I was supposed to be grounded today: I snuck out.”

“Grounded? You were very well-behaved, weren’t you?” Situ was confused. Around him, the Covert Guards barely stifled their gasps. Did the General just call someone ‘well-behaved’? I wasn’t even aware that he knew about that word!

Feng Luodi looked at him, conflict apparent in her eyes. There were three reasons why she was grounded. Firstly, she refused to apologise to the Second Lady. Secondly, her Mother was displeased with her always going out. And thirdly, her Father was still barring her from seeing Situ. I can’t believe I actually argued with Father yesterday because of Situ! It feels as if I'd went back to my rebellious days in the 21st Century, when I argued with my parents everyday about my friends!

She rubbed her forehead. Why have I been acting so impulsive the past couple of days? Haven't I already grown past that stage? There are no news about any of the Guqin, I’m barred from meeting Situ, Moyin is sick, and Mother is being ill-treated. Argh! Nothing is going well for me at all!

“It was just a casual question. Don't stress yourself over it.” Situ smiled. “You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to.”

Feng Luodi smiled awkwardly at him. “Let me play you a song then. You can eat and listen to me at the same time.”