Feng Fuce and Bai Zhi’er arrived outside the hall, descending along the wide jade stairs.
Reaching a shimmering lake, Bai Zhi’er said to Qingmei, "Sister Qingmei, you go play around nearby first, I have some secrets to talk to Brother Fu Ce about."
Qingmei hesitated, glancing at the lake within arm’s reach, then at Feng Fuce’s stern face.
Although Marquis Wan is not exactly a good person, he wouldn’t be so mad as to push the princess into the water, right?
Qingmei paused, nodding, "I won’t go far. If the princess has any instructions, just call out loudly, and I’ll come back naturally."
After she left, Feng Fuce slightly turned his side, ordering the four Xiuluo Guards following him, "You withdraw as well."
Only after they were alone.
Did Feng Fuce reveal a sneer he’d never shown to outsiders.
The icy snow between his brows seemed to melt slightly, making his features more vivid.
"What’s your bad idea this time?" The young lad raised an eyebrow and asked.
Bai Zhi’er puffed up her cheeks, her big eyes brimming with indignation, "It’s not a bad idea at all! I’m here to repay the money!"
Feng Fuce was momentarily stunned.
The little one fished around in her pocket, pulling out the hundred-tael silver note the fourth son had sent last night.
"Here’s this much for now, the rest, I’ll pay back little by little."
Feng Fuce slightly narrowed his eyes, "Where did you get the silver?"
Bai Zhi’er blinked her sparkling black eyes, "I sold a few things, uh, don’t ask, just take it."
With that, she grabbed Feng Fuce’s hand and stuffed the silver note into it.
The little one said softly, "It’s almost New Year, Brother Fu Ce shouldn’t be without a penny, take this money and eat something good for the festival!"
Feng Fuce finally came to his senses, chuckling despite himself, his cold brows lifting lightly, "Do you think I have no money to spend during New Year?"
"Otherwise? Over two thousand taels, you helped me pay for so much ginseng silver, your savings must be exhausted!"
Bai Zhi’er tiptoed, hopping up to pat him on the shoulder.
She comforted, "Brother Fu Ce, you don’t have to feel embarrassed, you helped Zhi’er, I won’t leave you alone."
The more Feng Fuce listened, the more amused the deep, long eyes seemed to look.
He leaned down slightly, staring at Bai Zhi’er’s round little face.
"You’re so eager to repay the money, worried I can’t afford to eat, so do you remember earlier when you dirtied my clothes, twice, should you perhaps consider compensating for them as well?"
Bai Zhi’er opened her watery eyes wide.
"Clothes..." She scratched her little face with her hand.
It seemed like that did happen.
Feng Fuce saw her adorably furrow her little brows, then start counting on her little fingers, muttering something he couldn’t quite make out.
He was momentarily dazed.
Did the little rascal really take it seriously?
Feng Fuce slightly parted his lips, "I’m teasing you, no need to compensate, the silver, you can return it if you want, or not, it’s up to you."
"I can afford to eat, won’t starve." He said nonchalantly.
Bai Zhi’er thought he was being polite.
Brother Fu Ce is that kind of person, cold on the outside, but warm on the inside, a really good man!
Bai Zhi’er thought he was too embarrassed to accept.
So, she poked at her own chin with a small hand, puffing up her face, pondering for a moment.
Suddenly, an idea crossed her mind, and her eyebrows filled with joy.
"Brother Fu Ce, who do you plan to spend New Year’s Eve with?"
Feng Fuce replied blandly, "I’ll spend it in the Xiuluo Guard, no different from usual."
Bai Zhi’er was even happier hearing that, "Then come to Ruizhu Palace, we’ll spend New Year’s Eve together!"