After dinner, Suyuxin and Fengyao strolled through the courtyard to aid digestion. The General always tended to overfeed generously. To prevent herself from becoming too plump in the future, Suyuxin knew she must exercise more. The weather at the end of April was gentle, with a mild breeze—neither too cold nor too hot. The flowers in the flowerbeds had bloomed—red, purple, yellow, white—all vying for attention, exuding an alluring fragrance. Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, Suyuxin and Fengyao walked with enthusiasm. Being with the person she cherished, even within this small courtyard, was more rewarding than the grandeur outside. When they grew tired, Suyuxin persuaded Fengyao to play chess with her. She was truly intelligent. With dedication, progress is swift. Previously, when playing chess with Fengyao, she had to rely on unorthodox tactics. Now, she played more conventionally, occasionally surprising Fengyao and capturing several of his pieces. After three rounds, Suyuxin even narrowly won one game. Her delighted eyes squinted with joy. Though she knew Fengyao had let her win, it still brought her immense joy. Fengyao couldn't help but admire her. His little girl was indeed clever and sharp-witted—a treasure bestowed upon him by the heavens.
Due to oversleeping during the day, Suyuxin wasn't tired, so she casually chatted with Fengyao, discussing the incident from the previous night.
"Li Gui has confessed that Chai Hetai planned to use the venom of golden thread ants to harm officials of the court," Fengyao briefly mentioned. He chose not to address Li Gui's claim of loyalty—a deceitful and calculating individual like him wasn't worth trusting.
"Using such schemes, Chai Hetai has gone too far," Suyuxin indignantly remarked.
"Even though the plot was devised, it holds little weight. The supply of golden thread ants is limited, rendering it impractical," Fengyao shook his head.
"Since Li Gui has confessed, shouldn't we confront Chai Hetai about it?" Suyuxin asked.
"It's pointless," Fengyao shook his head again, explaining, "Li Gui is a Dai Liang native. Jili Ye, who was killed, was Chai Hetai's envoy. This incident has no relation to Chai Hetai's diplomatic mission to Dai Liang."
"But we clearly caught them in the act last night," Suyuxin couldn't comprehend.
She wasn't well-versed in court affairs, making her inquiry seem naive.
"It's not as simple as that," Fengyao smiled, ruffling Suyuxin's hair. Although clever in managing domestic matters, she was still rather naive. Court affairs were volatile, intricate, and convoluted—without being entrenched within, it's difficult to comprehend their meaning. Moreover, he didn't want Suyuxin embroiled in court disputes; he only wished for her happiness and safety, which was why he refrained from elaborating.
Suyuxin didn't press further, knowing little about court matters.
"What about the golden thread ants we found yesterday? Are they still here?" Suyuxin changed the topic.
"Yes," Fengyao nodded. He initially planned to destroy them all but postponed the decision at Mu Ling's request. The current condition of the golden thread ants had inspired Mu Ling with a new idea; he was contemplating a new concealed weapon.
"Can you give me a few?" Suyuxin asked, her lips slightly pursed.
"What do you want to do with them?" Fengyao inquired. He was cautious as the golden thread ants were tiny, fearing Suyuxin might accidentally poison herself.
"To threaten my stepmother, of course," Suyuxin stated firmly and naturally.
They say the best acts should be savored separately; does she plan to play the entire part alone? After the scare, it's time to make a move.
"Oh, then I'll accompany you," Fengyao decided; he couldn't quite trust that Suyuxin could handle it alone.
"No need, I can handle it myself," Suyuxin reassured Fengyao, patting his hand, her smile sly, "The General can rest assured."
Furrowing his brow, Fengyao thought, "Madam Su is smiling but harbors a treacherous heart. I fear Suyuxin may not match her cunning."
"If her scheming proves to be too much, I'll take a firmer approach," Suyuxin clenched her fists, saying, "Didn't the General say before? With Red Flame in the city, I can handle myself in Shengjing."
This statement amused Fengyao, "If there's anything you can't handle, tell me, I'll help you."
"Of course, does the General wish to stand 'alone'?" Suyuxin squinted at Fengyao.
"I want to tell you that no matter what you do, I'll always be by your side, ready to support you," Fengyao pinched Suyuxin's cheek affectionately.
"You are indeed the best, General. But..." Suyuxin stood up, lips pursed in a smile.
"But what?" Fengyao smoothly pulled her into his embrace, holding her in his lap.
Before he could finish his sentence, Suyuxin extended her hand and playfully pinched his cheek.
"No wonder the General enjoys pinching people's cheeks. It's so much fun," Suyuxin pinched left and right, thoroughly enjoying herself.
Fengyao didn't object, allowing her to continue, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
After pinching for a while, Suyuxin shook her hand, jumping off Fengyao's lap, muttering, "My hand feels sore."
Fengyao chuckled, pinching Suyuxin's arm gently, "It's because you're too thin. There's barely any flesh on your arms, making it feel sore and tired."
Pouting, Suyuxin reached out to pinch Fengyao's arm, which was solid and unyielding—she couldn't move it an inch. Imagining herself with arms like his, Suyuxin's body shivered involuntarily. Quickly, she rubbed her arms, feeling a little chilly.
"What are you daydreaming about?" Fengyao helplessly tapped Suyuxin's forehead, "What goes on inside that little head of yours?"
Covering her forehead, Suyuxin glared at Fengyao, disgruntled.
What if she ends up as a blockhead?
"Alright, alright, no more tapping," Fengyao pulled Suyuxin back into his embrace, seating her on his lap again, and said, "Tomorrow, I'll give you the golden thread ants."
"The General is truly kind," Suyuxin hooked her arm around Fengyao's neck, snuggling comfortably against him.
"I might be a bit busy these days. Once I'm free, I'll teach you how to ride a horse, alright?" Fengyao held Suyuxin's waist, ensuring she didn't fall.
"Yes, I'll follow the General's
lead," Suyuxin replied, suddenly becoming attentive and focused.
"What's wrong?" Fengyao inquired.
"Well..." Suyuxin bit her lip, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Is there anything between us that can't be spoken?" Fengyao asked.
"Do you think... is it possible for me..." Suyuxin fiddled with her fingers, hesitant.
"What?" Fengyao looked at Suyuxin curiously.
"I'll just say it," Suyuxin took a deep breath, "I want to learn to walk on walls."
She truly envied that skill.
"Want to learn wall-walking? I'll teach you. No need for you to practice it yourself," Fengyao brushed Suyuxin's nose, "Martial arts practice is extremely arduous. It's not something one can master in a short time. I can't bear to see you suffer."
"Really?" Suyuxin glanced doubtfully at Fengyao, feeling that something wasn't quite right.
"Of course," Fengyao smiled at Suyuxin in a genuine and sincere manner.
In truth, apart from not wanting Suyuxin to endure hardship, another reason was that she had already missed the best age for learning martial arts. Most importantly, her petite frame was not suitable for martial arts training. However, this was something he wouldn't tell Suyuxin.
Suyuxin mulled it over herself.
If she had to endure the harsh training in all seasons, she wasn't sure she could persist.
Forget it. General will help.