Fu Rou smiled as she walked down the steps. “No comments.”
Sheng Chumu shouted behind Fu Rou, “What about Great Tang’s generals? Great Tang’s generals are mighty, courageous and heroic. Even if they are occasionally jealous, they are still better looking than anyone else!”
This was not a flowery speech. It was one hundred percent fact. However, the lady did not turn back and appeared unfazed.
It was evening. Because Sheng Chumu was persistent on changing their route back, there was no inn or relay station available. They could only set up a simple tent. Prince Qin thought that this was interesting. He was particularly impressed when Sheng Chumu went to hunt and all his shots were on target.
However, Xiao Lu was bored to death. “Are you done? Isn’t it just shooting a few birds? All military generals know how to ride and shoot. It is not like it is some impressive skill.”
Prince Qin argued, “Not just two! He shot tens of arrows and none missed! Look, one of his arrows just shot two! Incredible!”
Xiao Lu looked for someone that could speak well. “Court Lady Fu, His Highness is making a big fuss. Aren’t you going to discipline him?”
Fu Rou was captivated by Sheng Chumu as well and did not pay attention to her. Xiao Lu found it strange. “Court Lady Fu, why are you also staring at General Sheng?”
Fu Rou reacted, “Huh...? I just think that his archery skills are good but he likes to flaunt too much. He is always so proud and thinks he is amazing. It is annoying.” God, please forgive her for betraying her own heart.
Prince Qin froze. “Tutor, so you dislike General Sheng?” He immediately stopped looking at Sheng Chumu and spoke in a bootlicking tone, “Since Teacher does not like him, then I will dislike him too. When I return to Chang’an, I will complain to Imperial father and say that he did not do a good job in protecting us and only concentrated on hunting.”
Fu Rou shouted, “No!”
Prince Qin was startled. “Why not?”
Fu Rou was serious. “Flaunting is just a small issue. No one is perfect. Who does not have a few bad habits? General Sheng is loyal, brave and smart. He is an indomitable man and a valuable talent to Great Tang. Your Highness has to treasure and use him. You can’t be prejudiced towards him just because of a small harmless bad habit.”
Prince Qin looked behind Fu Rou and winked playfully. “General Sheng, Teacher really admires you.”
Fu Rou quickly turned back to look and realised that Sheng Chumu had unknowingly been standing behind her. His smile was so wide, it looked like it was about to tear.
Fu Rou was extremely awkward and was momentarily speechless.
Sheng Chumu stopped smiling. “I am here to present the hunt to Your Highness.”
Prince Qin was always filled with energy. “Thank you. Xiao Lu.”
Xiao Lu stepped up to take the bird from Sheng Chumu. Prince Qin moved beside Xiao Lu and spoke excitedly, “Look, these two birds were shot down with the same arrow.”
“I can’t be bothered with how many arrows were used to shoot them. How do we eat this?”
“You haven’t tried barbecuing food before? I haven’t tried it either.” Prince Qin pulled Xiao Lu away. “Tonight is going to be fun.”
Sheng Chumu mumbled, “Loyal, brave and smart. He is an indomitable man and a valuable talent to Great Tang. You summarised my good points pretty well. However, without my elegance, confidence…”
A rider neared them. Fu Rou saw him first and became nervous. “Who is that?”
Sheng Chumu frowned as his hand went to his sword hilt. He rushed forward and whistled at the same time. Ye Qiulang, Zong Jianxiu and the group immediately jumped up and stepped forward to block the incoming person. It was clear that they were well-trained.
The man got off in a disheveled manner and shouted, “I am from the Duke Lu Residence!”
Sheng Chumu stepped forward. “Junhui, why are you here?”
Junhui pushed Ye Qiulang and Zong Jianxiu away as he lowered his voice, “Young Master, it is good to see you. However, I am actually here to meet Court Lady Fu.”
Sheng Chumu frowned and turned around. He saw that Fu Rou had moved to stand beside Prince Qin and she looked to be on high alert. Alas, they were thinking the same thing and both felt something was wrong.
In the distance, the bonfire had been lit. Prince Qin and Xiao Lu had begun roasting the catch. It looked pretty good and the meat was overflowing with flavour.
Fu Rou and Sheng Chumu sat on the other side as they listened to Junhui tell them about the situation in the palace. He also told Fu Rou that Li Baolin had warned her not to return. Fu Rou was glad that she had such a good sister like Li Baolin. While everyone was panicking in the palace, Li Baolin took the risk to send her a warning.
The Emperor was ill, and Concubine Xi had committed suicide. Although the move to assassinate Prince Qin failed, Concubine Yan was in charge of the Six Offices and Prince Zhou was ruling. Going back would be like a lamb entering a tiger’s mouth. However, Fu Rou had to go back. She must return!
Sheng Chumu gave Junhui a look and Junhui took the initiative to leave.
Fu Rou said, “I know what you want to say.”
Sheng Chumu replied, “I know what you want to do but I cannot allow you to.”
Fu Rou fell silent. “Because it is too dangerous?”
Sheng Chumu shook his head. “Because I like you and care about you. I can’t let you put your life at risk just for your so-called duty.”
“So are we going to defect once again? We once hid and gave up on our country because we longed to be together and enjoy the sweetness of our relationship. But was that feeling sweet? Duty is duty. Chumu, you and I cannot run from it because you are not someone like that and neither am I.”
“Don’t try to convince me with flowery words!” Sheng Chumu’s voice fell, “You risk your life to enter the palace to meet the Emperor and Empress’ expectations. You won’t let Great Tang down and you would be at peace. However, I would always be worried for you. What about me? If you even care a little about me, you cannot do this to me.”
“You once did that to me as well.” Fu Rou was as calm as still water. “When you fought in Anxi Canyon, when you went to the borders, when you went to attack Qizhou. When did you not put your life on the line? Don’t you care about me?”
“Of course I care!” It was without a doubt.
“But you still chose the most dangerous path.” Fu Rou smiled and shook her head. “If you cared even a little about me, you would not always put your life on the line and make me worried.”
Sheng Chumu argued back, “But I am a general who has to lead the troops. If I leave my soldiers behind and run by myself, what would I become?”
Fu Rou suddenly hugged Sheng Chumu. “That’s great. This is why I like you. You are righteous. Even if I have to worry all the time, I still like you. And I am also not someone that can leave my responsibilities behind and run by myself. You and I are both citizens of Great Tang. For Great Tang, we will not run this time.”
Sheng Chumu’s heart pounded non-stop. “Okay, let’s not run! But you are not allowed to ignore me!”
Fu Rou pushed him away and found it funny. “Who is the one ignoring who?”
Finally, their lover’s quarrel ended with a smile.
Wei Song came to find Concubine Yan, wanting to ask for permission to leave the palace. However, Concubine Yan said that there had been a theft in the palace and the security had been increased. No one could leave even if they had the Leaving Palace Tablet.
Yu He mocked, “Fu An Palace has been burnt to ashes. As the head of Fu An Palace, shouldn’t you go and see how to clean up the remnants of Fu An Palace? Her Highness is increasing the Six Offices’ discipline and the security of the palace has been increased. Why are you even requesting to leave the palace?”