Chapter 66 (1/2)

Chapter 66 Abysmal: Exposed

The next morning, Feng Luodi stepped out of her tent to see Chamberlain Feng waiting outside expressionlessly.

“Father?” Feng Luodi gasped.

“Come with me.” Chamberlain Feng turned and walked in another direction. Feng Luodi followed hesitatingly, her skirt lifted in her hands. She glanced around, unable to spot Situ. Finally, Chamberlain Feng stopped in a quiet area of the campsite, and Feng Luodi quickly spoke up.

“I’m sorry, Father. I came to the Autumnal Hunt on my own accord, and did not tell you about it.”

The Chamberlain turned around, and looked straight into Feng Luodi’s eyes. “We're already pa.s.sed that point which you should be apologising to me for that. have you forgotten what you have promised me?”

“I haven’t, Father.” Feng Luodi sighed a little. “I promised you that I'd cut off interaction with the Duke of Anping. But Father, why are you interfering with my friends.h.i.+ps?”

Chamberlain Feng shook his head. “Luodi, do you really see him solely as a friend, and not as a potential husband? What do you think I'm worried about, with you two going out in the middle of the night?”

Feng Luodi avoided the question. “Father, I never understood why you opposed of my friends.h.i.+p with Situ; we are just friends!” She could not count the number of times the Chamberlain had requested this of her, and it was getting on her nerves.

“If it’s platonic, then there's no problem at all.” Finally, the Chamberlain explained his motive. “But even if you don’t intend to marry him, his att.i.tude towards you troubles me. You have been the only woman he has ever shown an interest in – and you expect me to not be worried? Don’t tell me that you're that dense.”

The Chamberlain continued. “The Duke entered the Army at the young age of 14, leading his armies to conquer the Northern plains when he was 18, returning to Chang’an to be anointed as a Duke at the age of 26. The entire kingdom has two million soldiers, and Situ has absolute command over half of them. Do you know what that entails?”

“I know that the Duke is loyal to the Emperor, but that is not what everyone thinks.” The Chamberlain reasoned. “Let’s disregard the danger that will befall you if you get together with him for a moment. I remember you saying that you will not share a husband with any other woman – that will not be possible in his case. He is a man of great importance, and it will be natural for him to have concubines. If you marry lowly, we might be able to restrain your future husband from having a concubine seeing as how you are the daughter of the Chamberlain. But not Situ. He is not suitable for you, and will never be.

Feng Luodi giggled after hearing his words. “Father, you’ve really misunderstood me. I will never marry the Duke; you don't need to worry about that.” I will not marry Situ, but I don't intend on marrying anyone in this world anyway.

The Chamberlain was still not convinced. “Move over to my tent tonight, and stay here for the rest of the Hunt.”

Feng Luodi shook her head. “I will head home first, Father. After all, both Mother and the Second Lady are back in the household. I will have to trouble you to arrange a carriage for me, Father.”

“Alright, that’ll do as well. I will get to it soon. I’m just glad you see where I’m coming from.” The Chamberlain turned to leave.

Feng Luodi slowly walked back towards her tent. I guess it’s best for me to head back now anyway; I could use the s.p.a.ce to clear my head. I wonder if Fei has good news for me.

Feng Luodi decided to have a chat with Jiang Moyin before she left the Hunt. After all, he’s my elder brother, and I don’t want anything bad happening to him. However, she was told by the guards outside his tent that he had left to prepare for the bonfire that night.

“Oh? Why is it the Grand Tutor in charge of this?” Feng Luodi was perplexed, certain that the Heir had not brought back the most prey during that afternoon hunt.

“The Emperor gave the chance to the Heir because of his a.s.sa.s.sination, but the responsibility was pa.s.sed on to the Grand Tutor seeing as how the Heir had not recovered.”

“But what about the Grand Tutor’s health? How is he?” Feng Luodi frowned. Moyin had just recovered from his sickness before he’d came to the Hunt, but now he has to take charge for so many other things!

“No need to worry about that, young miss. The Grand Tutor is fine.” The guard rea.s.sured her. “Princess Shangrong had volunteered to help, and is helping the Grand Tutor with some of his work. She’ll even be performing for the night!”

“I see.” Feng Luodi nodded. “That is for the best, then. Please let the Grand Tutor know that I will be returning to the capital today.”

“Of course, young miss, we will deliver your message.”

Feng Luodi returned to her tent and quickly started to pack her things. When she was almost done, the deer jumped out from her temporary enclosure, landing in front of Feng Luodi. Feng Luodi scooped her up in her arms and rubbed her head. “Well, at least I have accomplished what Jianqiu had entrusted to me. Thank G.o.d for Situ’s help.”

“My help in what?” Situ walked in at the exact moment.

“For catching the deer and the rabbits.” Feng Luodi carefully placed the deer back in her enclosure. “I’ll be heading back tonight. Thanks for taking care of me the past few days.”

“Weren’t you excited for the bonfire tonight? If you miss this round, you’d have to wait another year before you’ll get another chance again.” Situ spoke as if to ask her to stay, but started to help her move her bags.