Bai Zhi’er played with the Asura Guard until almost noon before returning to Ruizhu Palace.
Bai Xilie specially set aside his official duties at noon to return to the palace and have lunch with his daughter.
After lunch, he took Bai Zhi’er to the courtyard.
"Zhi’er, come try the swing. I made it for you. See if you like it."
Bai Xilie lifted the little one onto the swing.
As the swing moved, Bai Zhi’er was very happy.
Bai Zhi’er looked at the sky, her laughter like glass tapping on the water surface, crisp and delightful.
Bai Xilie reached out to push the swing, always keeping his arms ready in case his daughter should fall.
At this moment, an Imperial Guard came in through the door.
"Emperor, Old Sir Su requests an audience." Read full story at novelꜰire.net
Bai Xilie steadied the swing, speaking calmly: "Didn’t we just meet him this morning? His health is poor; why has he come again?"
Bai Zhi’er looked up with big eyes: "Father, who is Old Sir Su?"
Seeing his daughter, Bai Xilie’s face softened into a smile: "He was an old acquaintance from your grandfather’s time."
Remembering that Bai Zhi’er had not met him yet, he nodded to the Imperial Guard: "Bring him in."
Bai Zhi’er saw a simply dressed woman with a gentle face, supporting an elderly man with white hair, slowly walking in.
Bai Xilie cradled Bai Zhi’er in his arms and walked a couple of steps closer to them.
"Uncle Su, didn’t I tell you to rest well? Why are you out again? Your health, the Imperial Physicians said, shouldn’t be overtaxed." Bai Xilie said.
The elderly man quickly clasped his hands: "The medicine from the Imperial Physicians was so good, I had to personally come and thank the Emperor."
"If not for the Emperor’s blessing, this old body would surely be in the ground by now."
Bai Xilie smiled lightly: "Uncle Su, there’s no need to speak so heavily. When my father fell ill urgently, our family didn’t have enough silver. It was Uncle Su who generously helped."
"Now, I’m merely repaying that favor on behalf of my father. There’s no need for formality with me."
Old Sir Su nodded gently.
The woman supporting him finally smiled warmly and said, "Brother Lie, this must be Zhi’er? She’s really pretty and lively, just like Sister Jing!"
Bai Zhi’er held onto her father’s clothes, big eyes blinking curiously as she looked at this father-daughter pair.
Talking about his daughter, Bai Xilie’s smile deepened: "Zhi’er, let me introduce you. This is Grandpa Su, and that’s Grandpa Su’s daughter. You can call her Aunt Yinling."
The little one spoke softly, obediently: "Hello Grandpa Su, Aunt Yinling~"
Old Sir Su laughed repeatedly: "Princess, you’re too kind. You are truly polite and sensible."
Su Yinling took out a rattle from her sleeve.
"I prepared this long ago. I couldn’t afford anything fancy, but I made this rattle myself. I hope Zhi’er likes it, here."
She offered it to Bai Zhi’er.
The little one extended her small hand, examining the beautifully crafted rattle in her hand.
"Thank you, Aunt Yinling~" Bai Zhi’er said adorably.
Su Yinling’s eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.
She looked at Bai Xilie: "Brother Lie, this kid Zhi’er resembles you more."
Bai Xilie laughed: "If she resembled me, she wouldn’t be so good-looking. It’s better she resembles Jing’er."
Su Yinling smiled without saying more.
After a few words, the Su family father and daughter took their leave.
Only then did Bai Zhi’er ask softly and curiously: "Father, who are they? Why were they in our home?"
Bai Xilie was amused by his daughter’s innocent words.
"I didn’t consult Zhi’er in advance; that was my mistake. This Old Master Su once saved your grandfather’s life."