Chapter 141 (1/2)

Chapter 141 Burnt Ends: Traps

As usual, Feng Luodi headed to the Duke's residence, bringing her zither with her as per Situ's request. She sat in the room, her fingers dancing deftly across the strings.

A breeze of a thousand miles

Carrying my memories

The moon bright with tales of love

In the midst of the world

You laugh at romance

And turn to see the dying rays of dusk

Her hand paused halfway mid-song.

“Aren't you pretending to be ‘sick'? Why are you asking the guards to lower the security, and who has ever heard of the sick listening to music?”

Situ leaned casually against the headboard, his hands folded behind his head. “Melodies help the sick recover faster.” Situ paused, and added nonchalantly. “You can see the effects on Moyin.”

“Hmmm?” Feng Luodi was perplexed. “What does this have to do with elder brother? His health is too weak; there's nothing I can do for him.” Feng Luodi was very disappointed in herself.

Situ was unmoved. “You'll be doing a great favour for all of us if you were to spend your days peacefully and calmly.”

“Hey!” Feng Luodi's disappointment evaporated. “Why are you making it sound like I'm the one who's always causing problems?”

“Who's the one who's always in danger?”

That shut Feng Luodi up immediately. The memories of Situ's ‘heroic' deeds to save her from trouble came to mind. Such nostalgic memories..

A knock sounded on the door. “Your Highness, I'm here with tea.”

Feng Luodi frowned, finding the voice unfamiliar. Her recent visits to Situ's room had gotten her acquainted with all the attendants that worked in the vicinity.

“Do we let him come in?” Feng Luodi mouthed to Situ.

Situ nodded and sank deeper into the bed, hiding partially beneath the quilt. Feng Luodi walked forward and opened the door to see an unfamiliar attendant with a tray standing outside.

“Please come in.”

“Thank you, Miss Feng.” The attendant bowed, and Feng Luodi returned a smile. The attendant took out the snacks from the tray and poured tea from the pot, Feng Luodi watching his every move. He placed a cup of tea by the zither, but covered the cup with his sleeve as he poured another cup. Then, he held the cup in his hands and leaned forward to pa.s.s it to Situ.

Feng Luodi's face darkened as she grabbed the attendant's hand. “What did you put in the cup?”

Of course, Feng Luodi did not see anything as it was well hidden by the attendant's sleeve, but her statement had thrown the attendant off-guard, making him think that he was already caught. In the bed, approval flashed through Situ's eyes.

The attendant's heart sank and he broke free of her grip, fis.h.i.+ng out a dagger and lunging towards Situ. Remembering that Situ was supposed to be ‘sick', Feng Luodi mustered her courage and grabbed the zither lying beside her, smas.h.i.+ng it hard onto the attendant.

The attendant was caught off guard, stunned from the sudden pain. Situ was surprised with the turn of events as well, wincing from his injuries as he could not help but smile.

It's my turn to save him now! Feng Luodi grabbed the pot of hot water from the tray and splashed it onto the attendant.

“Sssssssss!”

The attendant came back to his senses and turned his target to Feng Luodi, enraged and in pain. Naturally, Situ could not sit by and watch anymore. Plucking a bead off the drapes surrounding the bed and, with a flick of his hand, sent it flying through the air where it landed accurately on the attendant's acupuncture point, bringing him down.

Feng Luodi still had a stool in her hand and was waiting for the incoming attack from the attendant, surprised with the sudden change of events. She blinked and looked at Situ. “Was I that strong?”

Situ smiled and waved her over. Feng Luodi put down the stool and sat down by the bed. Situ's words were simple. “And that's another time where I've saved you. I think I deserve a reward.”

Feng Luodi blinked. “Hey! I'm the one who just saved you! Don't deny it!”

Situ grinned. “Alright then, I'll give you a reward.” He grabbed her into his arms and kissed deeply.

Feng Luodi was dizzy when she was finally released from the kiss, punching Situ hard on the leg to vent her frustration and embarra.s.sment. “You and your feigned sickness!” She turned to the attendant on the floor. “What shall we do with him?”

“Oh.” Situ got out of bed and put on an outer robe, snapping his fingers together deftly. Two entered the room swiftly, frowning when he saw the attendant on the floor.

“My apologies, General. I did not notice that someone has snuck in.”

Situ shook his head. “The fault is not with you. I have something for you to do.” He paused. “Send this man to the Eighth Prince; it's time we give him more resources to work with.”

Two nodded. “I understand.”

“And we can start spreading the news that I have regained consciousness, and am slowly recovering. Give them the chance for the last struggle. We do not have much time left.”

Two was serious. “I understand, General. I shall get to it immediately.” Two exited the room with the attendant held under his arm.

Feng Luodi looked at the tall man who had his back to her. He has everything under control. Even if he's injured, he is still fully in control of the situation; those who work against him wouldn't even know how they die to his traps. It is such a scary thing to be his enemy.

But it will be fortunate to have his support.

Only now did Feng Luodi understand why the Emperor had wanted to keep Situ in Chang'an so badly. If someone with Situ's capabilities was allowed to roam free where the Emperor could not observe clearly, he will soon be uncontrollable. But I know that Situ has never allowed himself been controlled by anyone before.

But what will his future be like? What will happen if I leave Chang'an? These questions have plagued her mind ever since the day she'd promised to stay by Situ's side.