Someone important — naturally that would be Ninth Imperial Uncle. But not a single word of it could Feng Jiu’er let slip.

“Either way, the outcome is that we’ve stayed.” She sidestepped the topic, took the sunflower seeds Xiao Yingtao passed her, and began cracking them.

“Tomorrow should be the evaluation day for the next cohort of new students. With Mu Mu currently injured, and going by what Instructor Huo implied tonight, we most likely won’t face the second round of evaluation until the day after tomorrow.”

“Among us, Mu Mu’s martial arts are the strongest, and his composure the steadiest. I propose Mu Mu temporarily serve as our squad leader — what do you all think?”

“I have no objection at all.” Xiao Yingtao smiled cheerfully. Mu Mu being squad leader seemed to make her even more pleased than Mu Mu himself.

Xing Zizhou shrugged. “I’ve always been a free spirit — squad leader isn’t something I’d be suited for. Mu Mu is just right.”

Shan Yidao scratched his head with a bashful grin. “I don’t have the head for it, but whatever you all assign me to do, I’ll get it done.”

With that settled, everyone agreed on Mu Mu as squad leader.

“As for the rest of us — I’ve studied medicine, so for the average blade wound, sword wound, internal injury, or poison wound, I’m the one to find.”

“Shan Yidao has excellent lightness skills — gathering military intelligence and the like, he’ll be formidable at that.”

“Xiao Yingtao’s tracking is exceptional. In the wilderness, she’s the best of all of us.”

Feng Jiu’er cracked her sunflower seeds as she analyzed the strengths of the squad.

“And what about me?” Xing Zizhou couldn’t help but furrow his handsome brows. “The way you’re telling it, I’m the only one who’s completely useless?”

“I haven’t had enough time with you yet — haven’t had the chance to discover your strengths.” Feng Jiu’er smiled with her eyes curving up happily.

Xing Zizhou’s face immediately went a little red. “I… I have plenty of strengths. My lightness skills are very good too — just not quite as good as Shan Yidao’s. My martial arts are also solid — just a notch below Mu Mu’s.”

“So you’re suited to be the substitute — you can fill in at any position. Ha, ha, ha…”

Everyone laughed merrily. Even the ever-serious Mu Mu, watching Feng Jiu’er’s unrestrained, radiant smile, couldn’t help the corners of his lips curving up just a little.

The night had grown late. Feng Jiu’er and Xiao Yingtao rose to leave. Mu Mu got out of bed, intending to see them off personally.

“You’re the patient — what are you getting up for? Besides, it’s just across the courtyard.”

The female dormitories for new students were just opposite. There was no great distinction made between men and women here — which was precisely why most families were reluctant to send their daughters to Zhenjun Courtyard.

Those who made it in were all formidable women. As for marriage and the like — most of them had little intention of thinking about it in the future.

Unless one achieved merit and earned recognition, giving oneself everything — but in all of history, the number of women who had gained such recognition could be counted on one hand.

“Xiao Yingtao, I have a few words for Jiu’er.” When they reached the courtyard gate, Mu Mu suddenly spoke.

Xiao Yingtao was a little puzzled, but when it came to Mu Mu’s words, she was absolutely willing to listen.

She glanced at him, then at Jiu’er, and walked away quickly — though, still a touch reluctantly.

Jiu’er looked at Mu Mu, mildly surprised. “A secret mission?”

He was squad leader now, after all!

Mu Mu was not one for jokes, so his expression remained serious.

“I do not mean to presume. I only wish to tell you — Jiu’er, from this day forward, I will not fail you.”

Jiu’er blinked. Then blinked again. She couldn’t make heads or tails of it. “What… do you mean?”

“This is the heirloom of my family. Keep it safe for me.”

Mu Mu pressed something into her hand. Jiu’er nearly cried out. “I don’t want it!”

He — he couldn’t actually mean what she thought he meant, could he? Good heavens, what on earth had she done to make him want to offer himself in marriage?