Chapter 84 (2/2)

Situ got into the carriage. He spotted the small brazier in the carriage and held it out for Feng Luodi. “Are you not going to use this? I thought you haven't recovered fully from your cold.”

“I'm more than well enough, Situ.” Feng Luodi lifted the veil by the window of the carriage, quickly dropping it when a gust of wind blasted into her face. “I heard that the Xianbei is one of the surrounding countries with good relations with the Xuan kingdom?”

Situ nodded. “I guess you could say that.”

“But isn't there the saying that ‘when it comes to countries, there can never be enemies or friends forever'?”

“You are right as well.” Situ straightened his s.h.i.+rt. “That's especially true in the North, where we're surrounded by a mult.i.tude of smaller kingdoms and tribes. The relations.h.i.+ps between the countries are always complicated at best.”

“Father once said that the Northern plains are the hidden threat of our kingdom – something that wasn't resolved despite the numerous attempts over the years.” Feng Luodi smiled. “That is, until the appearance of a certain General Situ.”

“Oh, making fun of me I see?” Situ raised an eyebrow. “I haven't heard you play in a while.”

“My songs are not suited for the North.” Feng Luodi adjusted the wide sleeves, feeling foreign in her clothes. “Speaking of which, I was rather surprised that you are into the arts. I remember that it was at a zither parlour when we first met.”

“Well, Qingjia always said that the appreciation of music is an enjoyment for the cultured. But you are mistaken, we've met before, before Moonglade.”

“Oh?” Feng Luodi was surprised. “It wasn't Moonglade? Those were in the first few days of me leaving the Feng household – have we met before that? But that's…impossible.”

“Manchun Tang.” Situ smiled a little, jolting her memory. “We were separated by a dining room and a corridor, but I could hear you from my room.”

Feng Luodi recalled that meeting with Qi Jianqiu. It was my first few meetings with Jianqiu, wasn't it? I remember…talking about the ideal kind of love between a man and a woman. It seems so far away, now that I think of it.

“You have a…really good memory.”

“Well, that was a very surprising and brave set of opinions you had.” Situ commented. “Only when I got to know you better did I realise that that was…rather mild of you already.”

Feng Luodi laughed a little, embarra.s.sed. She looked around awkwardly, trying to avoid Situ. “What should I do when we arrive at the wedding?” It was her first time at a wedding in the Xuan kingdom, and she did not know what to expect.

“All you have to do is eat.” Situ said it with a straight face. “They make pretty good food.”

“My, my. That is high praise coming from you indeed.”

Situ's lips curved upwards in a smile. I'm happy that we can at least talk in such a manner.

It was about three hours before they arrived in the Xianbei kingdom, where they were welcomed by General An of the Xianbei Army.

“You're finally here, General Situ. Of all the guests, you're the last to arrive.”

“We were slightly delayed on our way here.” Situ greeted him, helping Feng Luodi off the carriage.

“Is this your date? She is very sweet.” General An laughed. Feng Luodi quickly bowed towards him.

When they reached the residence of the Crown Prince, they were greeted by the Crown Prince himself. “I am honoured by your presence, General Situ.”

Situ bowed in return. Feng Luodi looked at the Crown Prince and quickly curtsied. He looks too…pretty to be handsome. The Crown Prince bowed as well, turning to lead the two of them to their seats, quickly disappearing to continue his preparations.

“I did not expect to see you here today, General Situ.” Li Hengba sat opposite Situ, raising his goblet in a toast. “You weren't here for my brother's wedding that time.”

Situ raised his goblet in return, nodding to the few who greeted him. “Well, this time's different.”

“Oh, pray tell: what's different about this time?”

Feng Luodi sat beside Situ, feeling Li Hengba's gaze sweeping over her repeatedly as he chatted with Situ. She squirmed uncomfortably.

“This is the Third Prince of the Huns, Li Hengba.” The officer sitting a little behind her informed her. Feng Luodi nodded.

Situ followed Li Hengba's gaze, letting his eyes rest on Feng Luodi for a moment before replying the question addressed to him. “I'm here today to learn about the preparations I need to make for a wedding.”

Li Hengba's mouth spasmed, hearing the ridiculous reply. He'd used the same excuse the other time when he did not come for my brother's wedding as well. Is he speaking the truth this time? But then again…who is this woman beside him? Something tells me that I should look into her…she might yield some useful information.

Feng Luodi squirmed under his gaze, uncomfortable.

“This is wine made from fermented mare's milk. It's smooth and goes easy on the throat – I think you'll like it.” Situ poured a goblet of wine for Feng Luodi, casually sending a look across the table at Li Hengba.

Li Hengba looked away. It was a look he well knew – the look Situ always had in a battle. The eyes of a predator. He shuddered.

Is he serious about her?

Feng Luodi took a sip from her goblet and her eyes brightened immediately. “It's good!”

Situ smiled, putting a snack on her plate. “Told you the food was good.”

Feng Luodi smiled, all ready for the banquet ahead. All I have to do is eat, huh? Sounds like a plan!

“Have some snacks for now. The ceremony is long and tedious, and it'll be some time before the dishes are served.”

Feng Luodi nodded along as she happily scooped food into her mouth. Feng Luodi watched as the night progressed, filled with tedious customs and practices. Every guest at the banquet was either n.o.bility or a high-ranking official. Idly, she wondered to herself.

I wonder what Situ's wedding would be like?