Chapter 143 (2/2)

A cold and confident smile showed on Situ's face. “They wouldn't.”

“And neither would you.” He added.

I want to smack this guy right in the face! Feng Luodi suddenly let out a beautiful smile. “Situ.” Then she brought her heel down hard onto his toes.

“Ssssssssss.” Situ hissed in pain, barely keeping himself from clutching his feet.

Feng Luodi grinned as she spun around, heading out of the pavilion. The smile was genuine, but it quickly faded away.

When Feng Luodi finally reached home, she was just in time to b.u.mp into Chamberlain Feng, who had just returned home from his duties in court. Feng Luodi stood stunned for a second before she croaked out a few words, her eyes locked onto the expressionless face of her father.

“Welcome back, Father.”

Chamberlain Feng nodded. “Remember to bring someone with you the next time you go out.” The Chamberlain turned and headed into the household.

Feng Luodi let out a sigh of relief and slowly walked back to her courtyard, where she was greeted by the sight the First Lady waiting for her beneath the tree in the yard. The First Lady saw Feng Luodi and waved her over, a slight smile on her lips.

“Mother.” Feng Luodi quickly walked closer and knelt by her mother's knee. In the entire kingdom, besides Situ and Qi Jianqiu, the First Lady was the one she felt the most apologetic and guilty towards. The warmth and love she'd received from the First Lady had burdened her heart, for she knew that they were feelings she would be unable to return and is doomed to betray.

“Sit down.” The First Lady gently lifted her and helped her onto the chair. “You seem to be much happier lately, Luodi. That sets my heart at ease.”

“I'm sorry for making you worry about me, Mother.” Feng Luodi bowed her head apologetically.

“But I'm here today to talk to you about you and your lover.”

Feng Luodi blinked a few times, but did not reject the t.i.tle given to Situ.

“It might seem fine for the two of you to go on like that, and I know that you pay no attention to the gossips of others, but you father has no choice but to face these talks about you in court. It is not right of you to bring him such trouble, even though he says nothing of it.

Feng Luodi smiled unconsciously, knowing fully the truth behind her mother's words. However, it was exactly in her nature to care about nothing else but herself as she did in the 21st Century, but it was now that she had to care for the Feng household as well. Mother is going to be on Situ's side for this as well; looks like that's one supporter less I have.

“Yes, Mother. I will do as you say.”

After the talk with her mother, Feng Luodi did not visit Situ. However, she was quickly ‘abducted' by a man on a horse right in front of Autumnal Ombre, the man paying no attention to her cries. Unfortunately, all Scarlet did was to hand to vats of good wine to Situ, who nodded gratefully at her and sped off on Whirlwind, Feng Luodi held between his arms.

Only when they'd left the city walls did Feng Luodi manage to right herself. She glared at Situ. “You are so unreasonable!”

Situ did not so much as glance at her. “You taught me that.”

“What?” Situ tugged on Situ's clothes, hard.

“If you do that anymore, there'll be a hole, and more gossips are going to spread about us.”

Feng Luodi froze in action and slowly retracted her hand. Casting her eyes in front of her, she realised that they were heading in the direction of The Painting of Ten Miles.

Situ glanced at the back of Feng Luodi's head. “I found out that I cannot leave decisions to you; all women love to overthink.”

“How overbearing.” Feng Luodi's voice was soft.

“You caused it yourself.” Situ tugged on the reins and Whirlwind slowed to a trot.

Feng Luodi snorted, but quickly realised how childish the action was and sat up straight in the saddle again, pretending as if nothing happened.

“You don't have to think about anything.” Situ's voice was low as he spoke slowly. “I'll be here no matter what happens. All you have to do is to eat, drink, and have fun.”

Feng Luodi ruffled her hair. “And you'll be in charge of the fighting and the scheming? Sorry, that's not possible.” She paused. “Don't belittle me; I don't need your protection, and neither will I give you any trouble.”

Situ dropped the reins from his hands and drew Feng Luodi into his embrace. “Why do you always have to put up such a strong front, Luodi?”