Ji Jinmo ignored her and put another piece of food on her plate.
Nan Shiying didn't mention it again. It was just a joke. If his abilities were truly at that level, he would have suppressed all those with disloyal intentions in Linyuan capital by force. Why would he have to cooperate with Ji Hong in a scheme?
Nan Shiying finished the food in her bowl and drank a bowl of soup. Finally, she remembered something was missing: "Where is Xiao Man?"
Nan Shiying asked.
Ji Jinmo glanced at the sky and said, "She'll be back soon."
"I sent her to school."
"The private school in the northern suburbs."
Nan Shiying made an "oh" sound. She didn't care whether the private school was in the northern or southern suburbs. She didn't have any particular demands for Xiao Man; it was enough if she could read.
...
Nan Chaoyin quickly arrived at the assassins' hiding place.
The private school in the northern suburbs.
The clear sound of reading emanated from the private school, indicating that children were still studying.
Xiao Man rested her chin on her hand, looking at the chubby boy who insisted on staying close to her. The chubby boy opened a oil-paper package and, as if presenting a treasure, held it out to Xiao Man.
The oil-paper package was filled with various candied fruits, which looked crystal clear and even appetizing, holding great appeal for children.
Xiao Man pushed the oil-paper package aside with disdain and turned to look at the doorway.
The teacher was still holding a book, his head shaking as he recited "zhi hu zhe ye." The last rays of the setting sun were about to disappear. Soon, the moon would be in the sky, and the day would be completely dark.
This dreadful private school started classes very early and ended very late. For the entire day, apart from meals and the afternoon rest, their ears were filled with the sounds of "zhi hu zhe ye."
"Ding ling ling~"
The gatekeeper rang the bell. The day's classes came to an end. The teacher closed his book and announced the end of school.
The children stood up in a rush: "Goodbye, teacher."
Then they quickly packed their books and ran out of the door as if possessed.
Xiao Man stood up slowly, then slowly put her books into her cloth bag. The already packed chubby boy was eager to go home but had to patiently wait for Xiao Man, not daring to rush her.
"You should go!" Xiao Man urged him.
If you don't leave now, you won't be able to!
"I won't. I'll wait for you." The chubby boy refused. How could he leave by himself?
Xiao Man rolled her eyes, patted his shoulder, and promised, "If you get lost quickly, I'll bring you pastries tomorrow."
The chubby boy's eyes immediately lit up. Fearing that Xiao Man would think he was a glutton, he hesitated for a moment but couldn't resist the temptation of pastries. He then said to Xiao Man, "Then Xiao Man, I'll leave first. You hurry too, it's getting dark."
"Got it!"
Xiao Man waved her away impatiently, watching the chubby boy's retreating back, and let out a soft click of her tongue.
No matter how old men were, they were all the same. They couldn't resist the temptation of pastries, yet they had to act as if they cared.
Hmph, hypocrites!
As Xiao Man grumbled, she slung her cloth bag over her shoulder and walked towards the backyard.
"Xiao Man, why haven't you left yet?" the teacher asked when he saw her.
Xiao Man wore a shy smile and said softly, "Teacher, I, I have a stomachache and need to use the restroom."
"Then hurry up!"
The young girl was shy. The teacher couldn't say much, only urging her to go quickly, lest she hold it in.
Xiao Man ran towards the privy with a blush.
The moment she closed the privy door, Xiao Man heard a loud breaking sound.
...
"Some Xiliang assassins are hiding in the private school in the northern suburbs?"
Nan Shiying's molars itched faintly as she heard Ji Jinmo's subsequent words. So, this was the real reason he sent Xiao Man to the private school in the northern suburbs?
"Xiao Man is the most suitable."
Ji Jinmo said, "You might not understand her."
Xiao Man was very capable. In half a year, she had learned a lot. This kind of task, which carried almost no danger, was most suitable for her.
Nan Shiying pursed her lips, her expression still not pleasant.
It wasn't a matter of suitability. Xiao Man was different to her. She could put herself in danger, but she didn't want Xiao Man to do anything dangerous. She wished Xiao Man could be like ordinary children and have a normal childhood.
"Can't she just be a normal child?" Nan Shiying asked.
"Since she joined the Shadow Pavilion, she is no longer an ordinary child," Ji Jinmo replied.
"Yes, she is your shadow guard. You have the right to make her do anything. I have overstepped," Nan Shiying said, dropping her chopsticks, her expression turning cold.
The Shadow Pavilion, the Xuan Pavilion, the Qian Pavilion, the Mo Pavilion – these four pavilions had so many hidden guards. Couldn't they find other suitable candidates?
"Your concubine is tired."
Nan Shiying didn't want to look at Ji Jinmo's face anymore, nor did she want to say anything more to him.
Ji Jinmo put down his chopsticks and got up to leave.
The master arrived with a cheerful countenance but left with a frosty expression. Without asking, these two must have argued again.
Lü Wan and the others filed in. Seeing the fallen plates and the scattered dishes, they originally thought the master and the empress were just playing around. They never expected these two to be truly fighting. Really, the empress had just returned to the mansion, why did she have to quarrel with the prince?
Lü Wan gave Bai Zhi a look. Bai Zhi and Xiao Huan quickly cleaned up the mess on the ground. Lü Wan asked Lan'er to brew another pot of tea, remove the dishes from the table, and place the tea on the table.
"Empress, have some tea." Lü Wan served tea to Nan Shiying.
Nan Shiying took the tea and looked at her: "Do you know where Xiao Man went?"
Lü Wan was slightly stunned. So, the master and the empress were quarreling because of Xiao Man? She knew where Xiao Man had gone. The master had sent Xiao Man to school.
"Your servant knows!"
"Empress, don't you think that's a private school in the northern suburbs? The teacher there..." Lü Wan thought the empress was blaming the prince for not being diligent and sending Xiao Man to an unknown private school. Just as she was about to explain, Nan Shiying interrupted her: "Then do you know that it is a hiding place for Xiliang assassins?"
Lü Wan was shocked. She really didn't know this. After all, how could the master explain everything he did in detail to them?
Lü Wan now understood what the empress was angry about.
"Empress..." Lü Wan opened her mouth, unsure how to persuade her.
Nan Shiying waved her hand and said to her, "All of you, withdraw. When Xiao Man returns later, have her come..."
At this point, Nan Shiying's voice paused. She suddenly remembered that at noon today, Ji Hong had given the list of Xiliang assassins to Nan Chaoyin and asked him to go with Lin Yuyin to capture them. This meant that they were very likely already engaged in combat.
Nan Shiying suddenly stood up, putting on the persona of Feng Luan again.
She was worried and had to go and see.
...
The private school in the northern suburbs.
The sounds of fighting were deafening outside. Xiao Man took out some powder from her cloth bag and sprinkled it around the privy. She then took out the wooden peg toy she got from Lan'er and sat on the stone path next to the privy, playing with the toy.
Disorderly footsteps came from a distance, then grew closer. Xiao Man looked up and flashed a brilliant smile at the Xiliang assassins who appeared before her.