Chapter 122 (2/2)

The head steward shot a look at her and steeled his heart. “I can tell you, young miss, but you must promise to never let the Grand Tutor know about this. I'm afraid that he will not be able to take it well.”

“Of course, Lu Bo.” Feng Luodi stared at the head steward intently.

“If he takes care of his health, he has another five years to live. But at the rate things are going, he has less than two years ahead of him.”

The tray of tea dropped onto the floor with a loud clang, but Feng Luodi took no notice of it. “Two years?” Feng Luodi murmured. “How is that possible! Elder brother is only twenty-six this year!”

“I know.” The head steward was deeply saddened as well. “The heavens are jealous of his talents. The Grand Tutor is wise and ambitions, but he is tortured day and night by this demonic illness!”

Feng Luodi turned away from the head steward, doing her best to wipe away the tears that'd come to her eyes. She looked into the pouring rain and seemed to see the charismatic gentleman that'd helped her all those times that she'd been in trouble, with his easy-going demeanour and heartwarming smile. Her tears fell freely.

“Please do not be sad for the Grand Tutor, young miss.” The head steward comforted her. “I'm sure the Grand Tutor does not want to see you like that.”

“I know.” Feng Luodi wiped away her tears brusquely with a handkerchief. “But I can't help myself!”

Meanwhile, Situ was already filled with anger at being redirected to Autumnal Ombre, where he met Qi Jianqiu.

“Luodi headed straight to the Grand Tutor's residence when she heard of his illness.”

“I understand. I will take my leave.” Situ replied expressionlessly as he turned his horse away.

She went to see Jiang Moyin first? Situ held the reins. Whirlwind was confused by the sudden change of command and stood on the same spot, pawing on the ground.

Situ thought for a moment and jerked the reins to the left, in the direction of the Duke's residence. Whirlwind snorted in the rain, confused. Weren't we heading to the Grand Tutor's residence? Are we going home instead now?

They barely made it past one street before Situ suddenly pulled the reins in the opposite direction again. Whirlwind was confused but had no choice but to follow. Another street, and Situ pulled on the reins again. Now Whirlwind was upset, having drenched himself in the rain just to accompany Situ who seemed unable to make up his mind. Just as the rider and horse stood in the rain, both at a loss for what to do, a familiar voice sounded in a pa.s.sing carriage.

“Please send me back to the Feng residence; I would not be going back to Autumnal Ombre.”

“Alright.” The driver agreed.

Situ jolted upright, delivering a kick to Whirlwind's torso. Whirlwind trotted forward and blocked the path of the carriage.

The driver pulled hard on the reins of the horses driving the carriage and glared at Situ. “Who are you? Why are you blocking our path!”

“What's wrong?” Feng Luodi lifted the veil of the carriage and saw Situ in the rain, sitting high atop Whirlwind. His voice was cold.

“Get off.”

“Miss? What is happening?” The driver was perplexed.

“Don't worry; just let me have a few words with him and we can continue on our way.” Feng Luodi turned to Situ, a smile on her lips. “What's wrong, your Highness? Why are you not enjoying the company of the beauties in your residence, but pacing the streets in this rain?”

“You were crying?” Situ's sharp gaze spotted Feng Luodi's red-rimmed eyes.

Feng Luodi was taken aback by his words, but she quickly recovered. “That has nothing to do with you, your Highness. You'd best return home quickly, or your beauties would be starting to worry for you.”

It was at that exact moment that Situ knew he'd made a wrong move back then; now, it came back to haunt him. But he did not bother to explain himself.

“I'll repeat myself one more time: get off.”

“The rain is pouring, your Highness. Why should I get off when I do not have an umbrella?” Feng Luodi did not miss a beat. “Luodi had a.s.sumed that you had understood her words, your Highness. But it seems that you were too dull to comprehend what was said that day; do you need Luodi to repeat herself?”

A cold light gleamed in the depths of Situ's eyes.

Feng Luodi's smile widened. “It seems like Luodi could be spared the effort. Farewell, then, your Highness.” She turned to the driver. “Please send me back to the Feng residence.”

Situ had already brought Whirlwind to the side of the road, and the carriage pa.s.sed without incident. Feng Luodi let the veil drop back into place and her face became expressionless.

Situ sat on the horse, not turning once to look at the departing carriage.

Dusk had fallen and the head steward of the Duke's residence stood anxiously at the gates, waiting for Situ's return. Hoofbeats sounded along the street and he looked up to see Situ and Whirlwind.

“Your Highness! Why are you soaked again!”