The tent flap was lifted, and Feng Jiu’er walked in with a man.

The man’s name was Song Qi, a trusted aide of Old General Yuan.

The moment he entered, he looked straight toward the bed. “Your Highness, is Old General Yuan…”

Xiao Yingtao ladled a bowl of porridge for Yuan Xi, ruffled his hair, and stood up.

“General Qi, don’t worry. The reason Old General Yuan hasn’t woken up yet is that Jiu’er wanted him to rest a while longer.”

Xiao Yingtao came to sit by the bed, picked up Old General Yuan’s hand, and placed her long fingers on his pulse.

“Old General Yuan has been working himself too hard these days, and it even led to some damage to his heart meridian.”

“Last night he took medicine, rested through the whole night, and now his pulse is close to normal.”

“Really?” Yuan Xi’s face lit up with joy, and he stood up.

“Really. Now hurry and eat!” Xiao Yingtao waved a hand. “It’ll get cold if you don’t.”

“All right.” Yuan Xi nodded and turned to sit back down.

Song Qi turned to face Feng Jiu’er and dropped to his knees with a thud.

“Your Highness, I am truly, truly grateful this time. From now on, my life belongs to you — you may command it as you see fit.”

“We’re all on the same side. Get up.” Feng Jiu’er waved a hand.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Song Qi rose to his feet.

“Cough…”

A light cough drew everyone’s attention in the tent.

“Grandfather, are you awake?” Yuan Xi rushed back over, still holding a small spoon in his hand.

Hearing Yuan Xi’s voice, Old General Yuan’s eyelids fluttered and slowly opened.

“Grandfather, you’re really awake.” Yuan Xi sat down at the bedside, gently stroking Old General Yuan’s face.

“Fairy sister said you’d wake up soon, and I didn’t expect it to actually be true.”

Old General Yuan’s lips curved slightly upward, and he braced himself on his arms, trying to sit up.

“Old General Yuan, don’t rush!” Song Qi moved faster than Xiao Yingtao, going over to support him.

“Grandfather.” Yuan Xi looked at his own grandfather, tears welling endlessly in his eyes.

He pressed his lips together and threw himself into Old General Yuan’s arms.

Old General Yuan drew his arm back from Song Qi’s grip and wrapped both hands around the little one in his embrace.

“Xi’er, don’t cry!”

When he raised his eyes to look at Feng Jiu’er, there was a faint sheen of moisture in them too.

“Your Highness, we meet again.”

“Mm.” Feng Jiu’er nodded with a smile and stepped closer.

Seeing that Old General Yuan’s complexion had turned rosy and the weariness between his brows had vanished, Song Qi relaxed and stood up.

Feng Jiu’er came to the bedside and knelt down on bended knee.

“Your Highness, you mustn’t.” Old General Yuan reached out to help her up.

Feng Jiu’er remained kneeling and said softly, “Give me your hand, please.”

Old General Yuan nodded and placed his hand in front of Feng Jiu’er.

Feng Jiu’er took his pulse, examined him for a moment, and stood up.

“Take two more doses of medicine, and the poison will be completely cleared.”

“Good, I’ll go arrange it now.” Xiao Yingtao nodded and turned to walk out.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Old General Yuan took Yuan Xi’s small hand and got out of bed.

Feng Jiu’er turned back, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. “That Old General Yuan is willing to acknowledge me is my own good fortune — there’s no need to stand on such ceremony.”

“The war has already begun. Since you’re in good health now, let’s hurry and settle on a plan.”

“Right.” Old General Yuan nodded slightly. “Old Qi, gather everyone and bring them in.”

“Yes.” Song Qi cupped his hands in acknowledgment of the order.

Old General Yuan bent down toward Yuan Xi and said gently, “Go outside with Uncle Qi. Grandfather has matters to attend to.”

“Okay, Grandfather.” Yuan Xi nodded and left with Song Qi.

After Old General Yuan finished his meal, he summoned the various generals to come in.

The meeting lasted nearly two hours, and after noon, several columns of troops set out in different directions.