The deep ink in Feng Fuce’s eyes seemed to be rippled by the wind.
"Stay up for the New Year?" He gently furrowed his brows.
Bai Zhi’er nodded: "Aren’t you free too? We can hang out together!"
Before Feng Fuce could agree, the little one adorably chimed in: "It’s settled then, you come to Ruizhu Palace to find me!"
With Brother Fu Ce with her, she wouldn’t have to worry about not having enough to eat!
The little one was about to applaud her own cleverness.
She lifted her little skirt, her small feet trotting merrily, running all the way towards Qingmei who was standing in the distance.
Feng Fuce gazed at her back, only to see Bai Zhi’er’s small figure suddenly stumble!
He couldn’t help but step forward, frowning: "Be careful."
However, before Feng Fuce could catch her.
Bai Zhi’er steadied herself with a wobble, standing firm in a one-legged stance like a golden rooster.
The little one blinked her big round eyes: "Phew~ that was close, almost fell!"
After saying that, she turned her head back, her eyes forming crescent moons as she smiled.
"Brother Fu Ce don’t worry, I’m off!" The little one waved her hand, ran to Qingmei, and was then led away.
The cold winter wind swept across the shimmering lake beside them, brushing past the young boy’s eyes and brows.
Feng Fuce’s gaze deepened, not knowing what he was thinking.
After a moment, his thin lips slightly curved into a low chuckle.
The little rascal is much more fun than those walking corpses in the Demon World.
Just then, Feng Fuce felt something brush against his boot.
Immediately, a familiar "meow" sound followed.
His cool gaze lowered, and sure enough, he saw the orange cat coming to beg for food again!
Feng Fuce frowned, quickly looking up towards Bai Zhi’er’s direction.
The little one was already quite far away, but if she turned around, she’d see the orange cat clinging to him!
Feng Fuce swiftly picked up the orange cat, turned and quickly walked away in the opposite direction.
Upon returning to the Brocade Armor Shura Guard.
Feng Fuce set the orange cat down and ordered the Xiu Luo Envoy to bring two plates of minced meat.
The orange cat purred happily, enjoying the feast.
Feng Fuce crouched down, using his hand to rub the orange cat’s round head.
"Even the little rascal’s cat is this greedy. If she finds out, will she charge me for your meals, hmm?"
His voice was low, like a clear spring striking stone, with a hint of a lighthearted chuckle.
Chu Ping’s voice, full of gossip, came from behind—
"Is the Marquis talking to the cat again?"
Feng Fuce’s face instantly turned cold.
He stood up, looking back at Chu Ping: "Finished your work, and still have so much to say?"
Chu Ping quickly replied that he didn’t dare, chattering: "I was just eager to tell the Marquis that the Emperor just sent a decree."
"What’s the matter?" Feng Fuce asked as he walked towards the table.
Chu Ping followed behind him, saying: "Recently, there’s a group of bandits taking advantage of the New Year approaching, hiding near the suburbs entering the city, robbing passing townsfolk."
"The government has gone several times, but they’re very cunning, not only killing an officer but also kidnapping some children, causing panic among the people."
"Just after the morning court, the Emperor sent a message, ordering you, Marquis, to set off immediately to the suburbs to eliminate the bandits."
Feng Fuce’s hand froze while holding the document; he lifted his long gaze, eyes swirling with dark coldness.
"Today? But tomorrow is the New Year’s festival."
Chu Ping didn’t understand the connection between the two events.
He asked in confusion: "Does the Marquis have other plans? But the Emperor said this matter must be resolved quickly so the people can have a peaceful New Year."