The side chamber of the wing was not very large — seven people seated around one table would have looked quite cozy, were it not for the slightly unusual atmosphere.

The maidservants brought out a full table of dishes and stepped back to stand to the side.

A larger number of people does not necessarily mean a livelier gathering. At least with Zhao Qingshan present, no one could truly feel at ease enough to be merry.

“It’s getting late — shall we start the meal?” Madam Zhao looked at Feng Jiu’er, still with that warm and pleasant expression.

“Of course.” Feng Jiu’er smiled and nodded.

“Let’s begin — no need to hold back!” Zhao Yusheng looked around at everyone and gestured for them to start.

The meal commenced, and with Zhao Qingshan saying nothing, no one else said anything either.

Zhao Xiaoxiao’s gaze wandered ceaselessly between Jian Yi and her father throughout the entire meal, and she ate very little.

In less than half an hour, Zhao Yusheng had the maidservants clear the main dishes and bring out refreshments and tea, then dismissed all the servants.

Zhao Qingshan picked up his teacup, closed his eyes, and took a slow sip.

Zhao Yusheng rose to his feet and knelt beside him.

“Father, my mind is made up. Please allow me this.”

A sharp clatter rang out — Zhao Qingshan set his teacup back on the table.

The side chamber fell deathly quiet. Even the sound of each person’s breathing was nearly audible.

After a long moment, Zhao Qingshan’s low, heavy voice broke the silence. “And if I refuse — what then?”

“My mind is made up. I hope you will grant me this.” Zhao Yusheng looked up briefly, his voice steady and firm.

Zhao Qingshan’s hand came down hard, sending the cup he had just set down crashing to the floor in pieces.

He turned, glaring at the man kneeling before him.

“Is this how you coerce your own father?”

“Your son would not dare!” Even under the full force of Zhao Qingshan’s piercing gaze, Zhao Yusheng met it with his chin raised and shoulders square.

“Father, I have spent my whole life training in martial arts and studying arcane techniques — all for the day when I could put them to meaningful use.”

“Now, your son has found the purpose he has been looking for. If you truly wish me well, should you not let me go out and fight for it with everything I have?”

Just as Zhao Qingshan seemed about to retort, Zhao Yusheng called out sharply, “Father!”

“Is it that because you never dared to do what you wanted, you cannot allow your own son to do so either? If I had a son of my own, I would respect his wishes.”

Zhao Qingshan’s anger was palpable — the very air around him seemed to drop several degrees.

Then, all at once, a warm hand came to rest over his tightly clenched fist.

“My lord, isn’t this exactly what you wanted to do in your younger years? The child is grown now — let him go out and see the world.”

“If you keep him trapped at your side, he will spend his whole life with the same regret you have carried.”

Madam Zhao’s words left Zhao Yusheng both startled and hopeful at the same time.

“Father, so you once had the same ambitions I have now — but you had no choice but to stay behind for the sake of our people. Is that right?”

“Your son promises that whatever you could not accomplish, your son will accomplish for you. I beg you, Father — give me this chance.”

“My lord.” As Zhao Qingshan seemed about to turn, Madam Zhao tightened her hand around his fist and met his gaze, shaking her head.

Looking at his wife, Zhao Qingshan drew a long, slow breath, and let it out gradually.

“Take three thousand brothers with you when you leave. Don’t bring shame upon the name of Zhao Family Stronghold.”

The words had barely left his mouth when a look of undisguised joy broke across Zhao Yusheng’s face.

“Thank you, Father, for granting this!”

“Father. Mother.” Seeing this, Zhao Xiaoxiao knelt down as well. “Father, Mother — I want to go with my brother. Please, allow me this.”

However much joy Zhao Yusheng felt, Zhao Xiaoxiao felt every bit as elated.

If their father could agree to let her brother leave, her own wish to leave was no longer just a dream.

“Xiaoxiao.” Zhao Qingshan’s gaze snapped to Zhao Xiaoxiao, and his expression darkened again at once.

“Father, Phoenix City is safe for now. Let Xiaoxiao go out and see a little of the world. With me there, I won’t let anything happen to her.” Zhao Yusheng said softly.

She was his one and only sister. No matter how much trouble it might be, Zhao Yusheng only wanted her to be happy.

Zhao Xiaoxiao glanced sideways at Zhao Yusheng, her face full of gratitude.

“In peacetime, letting Xiaoxiao go out and broaden her horizons isn’t a bad idea.” Madam Zhao looked at Zhao Yusheng and called out softly, “Sheng’er.”

“Yes, Mother.” Zhao Yusheng replied.

“If you’re taking Xiaoxiao with you, you must guarantee her safety — otherwise your father will not let you off lightly.”

“Yes, Mother.” After nodding, Zhao Yusheng turned to give Zhao Xiaoxiao a glance. “If there is ever open conflict, I will send Xiaoxiao back early.”

“Right now, the Ninth Prince holds a vast stretch of territory in the south. It won’t be easy for anyone to break through.”

“I’ll take Xiaoxiao out to broaden her horizons and then see her safely home. Father, Mother — you can both rest easy.”

Zhao Qingshan’s tall frame rose. The two siblings kneeling on the floor didn’t dare breathe.

Finally, he let out a quiet sigh and waved his hand.

“Go, both of you — just remember the way back home.”

With those parting words, Zhao Qingshan turned and left.

Madam Zhao saw this and rose as well.

She turned to look at Feng Jiu’er and gave a gentle nod. “Feng Jiu’er, I am entrusting our Sheng’er to you. Please take good care of him.”

Feng Jiu’er stood and gave Madam Zhao a proper bow with her hands clasped. “Madam Zhao, please set your mind at ease. Zhao Yusheng is one of our own. I will do everything in my power to keep him safe.”

“Mother.” Zhao Yusheng rose and gently supported Madam Zhao by the arm. “You can see how devoted Feng Jiu’er is to those she calls her own — just look at how anxious she was over Jian Yi. That alone tells you.”

“Trust your son. He would not misjudge a person.”

“Very well.” Madam Zhao patted the back of Zhao Yusheng’s hand. “I trust your judgment. If you can, bring Mother back a daughter-in-law on your way — that would be even better.”

Zhao Yusheng raised his brow and smiled. “That’s not something your son can promise lightly. I can only say I’ll do my best.”

“Trying your best is all I ask.” Madam Zhao kept her smile as she looked at Zhao Xiaoxiao, who had risen beside them. “Take good care of yourself — and don’t be too headstrong.”

“Mother, I’m not headstrong at all.” Zhao Xiaoxiao murmured, lips pressed together.

The happiness inside her was written plainly all over her face.

“Good — I know.” Madam Zhao patted the back of Zhao Xiaoxiao’s hand as well.

She looked back at Feng Jiu’er, Jian Yi, and Xiao Yingtao and curved her lips into a smile.

“You young people carry on — I’ll go find my husband now.”

“Madam Zhao, safe travels.” Feng Jiu’er said with a smile.

“Madam Zhao, safe travels.” Xiao Yingtao rose to her feet and bid her farewell respectfully.

“Mother, let me walk you over.” Zhao Yusheng moved to support Madam Zhao’s arm again.

“No need.” Madam Zhao shook her head. “You’re leaving tomorrow — there’s still much to sort out. Go attend to things.”

“Xiaoxiao, you walk your mother. There are a few things I still want to say to you.”

Zhao Xiaoxiao blinked and turned back for one more look at Jian Yi.

Madam Zhao let out a soft sigh and took hold of her daughter’s small hand.

“Just a moment — it won’t take much of your time.”

Zhao Xiaoxiao snapped to attention and took her mother’s arm. “No, Mother — I never said you were taking up my time.”

“Accompanying you is the most natural thing in the world. How could I ever think such a thing?”