The sleeping Su Xi-er was awoken by lively sounds from the outside. Sitting up, she looked towards Pei Qianhao with sleepy eyes while murmuring, “A-Jing, it’s so noisy outside.”
“The fireworks festival has begun. Want to watch the festivities with me, Xi-er?” Pei Qianhao stroked her hair and asked gently.
Su Xi-er smiled and said, “Of course. I’ve heard so much about Xiliu’s fireworks festival, so how could I not see it for myself now that I’m here?”
Pei Qianhao then helped pick out Su Xi-er’s outfit before styling her hair in a Liuyun bun.
“A-Jing, when did you learn to do this?” Su Xi-er asked.
Though Pei Qianhao tried to keep his cool, his ears turned slightly red. “Does Xi-er think that it’s bad?”
“A-Jing did it very well. I like it a lot.” Su Xi-er answered cheekily.
Pei Qianhao smiled in response, and passed her a warm bowl of chicken soup. “Drink this. We’ll leave right after you finish.”
Du Ling walked in right at this moment, with Wu Ling trailing behind him.
“Prince Hao, as you expected, they’ve come to an agreement,” Du Ling said in a sarcastic tone.
Pei Qianhao remained calm as he said, “We’ll just have to get rid of both of them then.”
Su Xi-er gave a tiny smirk. “A-Jing, Yun Ruofeng is really courting his own death.”
Pei Qianhao then hugged her gently and kissed the ends of her hair, leaving Du Ling to awkwardly give a conspicuous cough as he watched.
“Could you both please remember that there are two other living humans right here?” He said in slight exasperation.
Su Xi-er chuckled at this. “Finding it awkward, Elder Brother?”
“Don’t tease your older brother like that.” Du Ling shot a glance at Pei Qianhao, as if he was blaming the latter for spoiling Su Xi-er too much. Return my kind and intelligent sister to me!
Pei Qianhao returned the look as if to say that only he had a choice in the matter.
Su Xi-er couldn’t help but smile when she caught them exchanging glances. “Elder Brother, A-Jing, is this what they call looking at each other with affectionate eyes?”
Du Ling and Pei Qianhao could only chuckle.
“Well, it’s time to get serious now.” Du Ling cleared his throat as he tried to change the subject.
Su Xi-er and Pei Qianhao smiled at each other as they decided to stop teasing Du Ling.
“Prince Hao, if possible, it’s best that Xi-er doesn’t attend tonight’s banquet.” Du Ling was worried that Su Xi-er might get hurt by all the rumours flying around.
Pei Qianhao shook his head and said, “I’ll protect her.”
“Elder Brother, I’ll attend the banquet tonight. I was invited to the Xiliu palace anyway, so my lack of attendance might just cause others to talk more.” Su Xi-er explained with a smile, knowing that Du Ling had her best interests at heart.
Even with Su Xi-er’s assurance, Du Ling was still visibly worried. Why does this sister of mine have to go through so many hardships? It’s all because Yun Ruofeng can’t let go.
“Since Xi-er says so, Prince Hao and I will make sure to protect you well.” Du Ling responded kindly.
“A-Jing, I’m going to visit Yu Xiao for a bit.” Su Xi-er said.
Pei Qianhao nodded. “Go on. The Western Region King and I will wait for you at the teahouse opposite.”
Du Ling watched Su Xi-er nod and leave with Wu Ling before his expression darkened. “Is Xi-er still unaware of that? How are you planning to deal with it?”
