Jiu Yue fell into silence while Sima Qing continued his verbal assault.
"You’re quite particular, changing masters so often," he nodded understandingly. "This prince knows that in your line of work, the biggest taboo is—"
Fu Yu’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. Seeing Jiu Yue’s expression grow increasingly unsettling, he could no longer care about propriety and hastily covered his lord’s leaky-mouthed words.
Yet Jiu Yue smiled ambiguously. "Fu Yu, just now, His Highness was…"
Fu Yu quickly forced a smile. "Don’t take it to heart. His Highness simply values talent. Seeing you accept General Xiao’s olive branch might have upset him a little… You know how much he relies on you!"
Jiu Yue smirked faintly. After a moment, she rubbed her chin, revealing the familiar smugness Fu Yu recognized.
"Fair enough," she said, narrowing her eyes before glancing at Sima Qing, who had closed his eyes to rest. "It seems His Highness is drunk. You’d better take him to rest."
Fu Yu exhaled in relief and swiftly hauled Sima Qing away.
Jiu Yue’s smile faded as she stared pensively at Sima Qing’s retreating figure, lost in thought.
Still seated on the ground, Xiao Wuyou tilted his head and called out, "Jiu Yue, why are you upset? Did that man scold you?"
Jiu Yue blinked, then chuckled casually.
"Not at all… Want some roasted tangerines?" she deflected.
Xiao Wuyou immediately licked his lips and sprang up excitedly. "I’ll go get them! Wait here for me!"
…
Inside the tent, Xiao Chi had been silently staring at the teacup and letter for who knew how long.
Setting aside their allegiances, Xiao Chi trusted Sima Qing based on their friendship alone—especially since the latter had notoriously low alcohol tolerance. The strong homemade wine Xiao Chi had discreetly served last night only made Sima Qing’s words more credible.
But…
Sending his beloved grandson to the capital under the guise of protection was nothing short of using Wuyou as leverage against him.
Xiao Chi despised such scheming.
After an internal struggle, the tent flap rustled open, and a small figure scampered in.
"Grandfather! Jiu Yue roasted tangerines for me! Try one—she says they’re good for the throat!" Xiao Wuyou leaned against his knee, cheeks flushed, whether from the fire or excitement.
Xiao Chi bent down to lift his grandson, obligingly eating the tangerine before testing the waters. "Wuyou, you’ve never been to the capital. Would you like to go?"
Xiao Wuyou froze. At the word "play," his eyes sparkled, but just as quickly, he studied Xiao Chi’s face. "Will Grandfather come with me?"
Xiao Chi feigned regret. "Grandfather can’t. Who’ll feed your pony? Uncle Mengwei is too busy lately to tend to it."
Xiao Wuyou pouted. "Then I won’t go either. I’ll wait until you and Uncle Mengwei are free."
Xiao Chi’s nose tingled, but he kept smiling. "Grandfather’s never been to the capital either… How about this? You go first, and when you return, Uncle Mengwei and I will be done with work. Then you can show me around. Sound good?"
Little Wuyou tilted his head, conflicted.
Noticing his hesitation, Xiao Chi’s gaze landed on the tangerine peels. "Jiu Yue is from the capital. With her accompanying you, Wuyou wouldn’t be scared, right?"
Xiao Wuyou’s eyes widened. "Really? That’s allowed?"
Xiao Chi stroked his grandson’s face tenderly. "Of course. Wuyou can have anything he wants."
…
At dawn, Sima Qing awoke to find Fu Yu standing solemnly by his bed.
Memories of the previous night were hazy. A strange unease settled over Sima Qing as he bolted upright—only to wince at a splitting headache.
Frowning, he pressed his temples. Fu Yu hurriedly handed him warm tea.
After a sip, Sima Qing steadied himself and glanced at Fu Yu. "Last night, did this prince…?"
Fu Yu quickly recounted the events after they left the tent in a hushed tone.
Sima Qing: "…"
Even he, dense as he was, now realized General Xiao’s wine had been tampered with. He never made a fool of himself drunk. Never!
His flawless image had cracked.
With a hollow voice, he asked, "Did Jiu Yue run away?"
Fu Yu looked even more baffled. "No. She’s playing wildly with the young master right now."
Sima Qing: "…"
Suddenly, Jiu Yue seemed rather admirable. She ignored both praise and insults unless someone spelled things out bluntly.
All her cunning was reserved for swindling money.
"Fine," Sima Qing decided to let it go.
Since his drunken blunder hadn’t alarmed Jiu Yue, he would bury this disgraceful episode and never recall it again!
"Also," Fu Yu added, "General Xiao sent word earlier. He wishes to discuss something with you once you’ve awakened."
Sima Qing drained his tea, fully alert now.
Outside, Jiu Yue had meticulously spread a thick blanket on the open ground, where Xiao Wuyou rolled about gleefully.
Truthfully, Xiao Wuyou was a well-behaved child. He even insisted on doing chores for her, mindful of her being a girl, so Jiu Yue enjoyed his company.
Now, he offered her his daily bowl of milk—warmed, sweetened, and richly fragrant.
Jiu Yue accepted it cheerfully, taking a sip before Xiao Wuyou said, "Jiu Yue, Grandfather wants me to go to the capital with you."
Surprised, she asked, "Really? He said that?"
Xiao Wuyou nodded, then studied her hesitantly. "If it’s trouble, I can wait until Grandfather’s free to go."
"Trouble?" Jiu Yue patted his cheek and tossed him a tangerine to peel. "I’m thrilled! I know all the fun spots—we’ll visit every one. Deal?"
Xiao Wuyou’s eyes sparkled. "Yes! Thank you, Jiu Yue!"
She smiled, but her gaze lingered on him. In an instant, she pieced together Sima Qing’s motive for bringing her here.
No wonder he’d instructed her to soften her demeanor and dress approachably.
No wonder he’d let her wander the camp freely—
Her unspoken mission was to win Xiao Wuyou’s trust organically.
But… why did Sima Qing want to take Xiao Wuyou to the capital?
Surely not because a twenty-something bachelor suddenly yearned for fatherhood and decided to kidnap a child for practice?
Jiu Yue fell deep into thought.
A thought about Sima Qing's hurried journey flashed through her mind—she sensed this trip was anything but ordinary. In a split second, a suspicion flickered, nearly leading her to the truth, when suddenly Jiu Yue stood up. With one hand, she grabbed Xiao Wuyou's belt, and with the other, she raised a bowl to shield them.
The milk didn’t spill, but three needles now protruded from the side of the bowl.
Jiu Yue narrowed her eyes, a cold smirk playing on her lips as she turned to face their attackers.
Xiao Wuyou, startled by the sudden ambush, dangled in Jiu Yue’s grip without resistance. Swiftly, he pulled a bone whistle from around his neck and blew into it frantically.
"Finish this quickly—leave no survivors, big or small!" The leader barked, and in an instant, the assailants surrounded them.
Jiu Yue couldn’t help but feel exhilarated.
Ambushing them right at their doorstep? Now that was just plain audacious!
