“I know Rong’er is a good girl, which is exactly why I can’t make her a promise right now,” Yang Sheng said, looking at Shen Rong’er.
“Once the civil war is quelled and the kingdom restored, would that be alright?”
Shen Rong’er pressed her lips together, tears welling in her eyes: “Alright!”
Seeing Yang Sheng’s reaction, Feng Jiu’er felt at ease as well.
She stood up and took out two bank notes from within her robes: “This is just a small token of my regard.”
“To be honest, right now, aside from money, I don’t have much else to reward you with.”
“Yang Sheng.” Feng Jiu’er handed one note to Yang Sheng. “Take it, this is an order.”
Yang Sheng stood and accepted the note with both hands: “Thank you, Miss Jiu’er!”
“Brother Yang, sit back down.” Shen Rong’er went over to support him.
Every moment, her eyes were fixed on him.
“Rong’er, you get one too. It’s not much, save it yourself—you’ll need it for your dowry when you marry later,” Feng Jiu’er said, handing a note to Shen Rong’er.
“These past days, thank you for taking care of Yang Sheng day and night.”
“Thank you!” Shen Rong’er had Yang Sheng sit down before turning back to accept the note.
“The reward for Yang Sheng is enough to buy a fine house in the capital. This is all what you deserve.” Feng Jiu’er said, smiling at the two of them.
“As for the matter between you two, once you’ve settled it, let me know. If you’re going to get married, how could I possibly stand aside and do nothing?”
Shen Rong’er smiled with her head lowered, saying nothing more.
Yang Sheng suddenly held out the bank note he was holding: “Rong’er, keep this safe for me.”
“I’m also very grateful for how you’ve taken care of me during this time. If there’s a future for us, I will marry you openly and properly.”
“In this life, it will only ever be you.”
Shen Rong’er met Yang Sheng’s gaze, and the note still in her hand fluttered down to the floor.
“Brother Yang, are you… telling the truth?”
“If I speak even half a false word, I’m willing to suffer—”
“Don’t say that!” Shen Rong’er covered Yang Sheng’s mouth with her hand. “Brother Yang, don’t say such reckless things.”
Feng Jiu’er felt she was becoming a bit superfluous and didn’t want to stay any longer.
“Don’t forget to take your medicine. If anything comes up suddenly, come find me right away.”
Feng Jiu’er walked a few steps toward the door before Shen Rong’er finally came back to her senses.
She let go of Yang Sheng and hurried after her: “Jiu’er, let me see you out.”
“No need.” Feng Jiu’er waved her hand. “Your task is to help Yang Sheng get better as soon as possible.”
Leaving that behind, Feng Jiu’er walked straight out the door, then turned back to close it for them.
When she arrived in the courtyard, she looked at the pavilion filled with cheerful laughter, her lips curving up, and continued on her way.
It seemed to be about time—she too had a man to attend to.
When Di Wu Ya returned to his chambers, Feng Jiu’er was sitting in the hall, reading a book.
Hearing the sound, she raised her eyes, set down the book, and went to greet him.
“All done with your work?”
“Mm.” Di Wu Ya took her small hand in his.
“Come with me.” Feng Jiu’er pulled him along, walking toward the inner chamber.
Inside the inner chamber, gauze curtains fluttered lightly.
The cool early-summer breeze, carrying the fragrance of roses, drifted over, leaving one feeling refreshed in body and mind.
“Ninth Imperial Uncle, this room is quite nice. Outside is a garden, and it smells so fragrant, doesn’t it?” Feng Jiu’er turned around, looking at the silent man.
Di Wu Ya pulled her gently into his embrace.
“Let’s get married.”
Feng Jiu’er tried hard to bite back her lips, but the smile still couldn’t help but spill out.
“Ninth Imperial Uncle, you’re so naughty!”
In his eyes, she saw a familiar look.
Di Wu Ya’s large hand cupped her neck as he leaned down.
Feng Jiu’er watched his handsome face growing larger before her, and reached out a hand to hold the man back from coming closer.
“Then, Ninth Imperial Uncle, when do you plan on… marrying me?”