Cunning General Si Ning

"Elder brother... You are leaving...." Si Ning cried as she hiccups.

"First drink water." Si Ning told her, his eyes met Ah Dai and he didn't have to say a word for Ah Dai to know what he wanted to say. Ah Dai quickly poured a cup of water and handed it to Si Ning. "Here."

Si Nan released Si Ning and she collected the cup of water to take a sip before handing over back the cup to Si Ning which Ah Dai quickly collected from him. "I didn't know you were going to leave so soon." She complained as she sat on the floor, crossed legs, allowing Si Ning to wipe her almost dried tears.

"In six days and today makes no difference so Si Nan I will like you to take care of mother and the household." Si Ning said as he tried to focus on what he had to say that won't make Si Nan worry about him and also it was time for him to formulate his parting speech he would say to the household before he moves out. He also needs to say some unforgettable speeches to Si Nan because in this era people tend to take words to heart especially words spoken by their master or their siblings they adore.

"But mother has always been taking care of the household." She pointed out as she pouted, showing that she doesn't agree with taking care of the household.

"I know but you will have to assist mother because I am leaving this residence in your hands since I see you that you are capable enough to do it." Si Ning told her, impressed by his sugarcoated words.

Si Nan frowned in confusion. "Me?"

"Yes, you." Si Ning said. "Since you will start your duty today then why don't you go and assist mother and make sure she packs all the things I will need." He suggested, it was his way to make Si Nan leave without looking like he wanted her to leave or chasing her out because he needed to be by himself so he could find a way to meet Xiu TianZhao.

"Elder brother you can't imagine how hectic it was when you went away to war, I cannot manage this household at all and you can still do that at the palace, all you need is to give instructions and mother will handle the rest as long as you don't include me because helping mother will reduce my time to go out and study with the tutor and do you know I even help Nie QingYang with her painting class at the academy? Can't Elder brother stay for just three more days?" She asked hopefully as she grabbed Si Ning's hand.

Si Ning could see why Si Nan didn't want him to leave yet, it was written all over her face she had something planned which means she needed him to take care of the household for three more days. "And why do you want me to stay for three more days?" He raised a brow. Now he was curious so he needs to satisfy his curiosity.

"So that you will take care of the household and I can make some snacks for you, I have been learning how to make variety of snacks in the XiaoXiao restaurant." Si Nan said as she released Si Ning's hand so she could tap her cheek. "I know it's hard to refuse the Emperor but you can always ride Yun to the palace and tell the Emperor, you need few days to prepare and since the Emperor dots on you then it can't be too difficult for him to agree."

Si Ning cleared his throat to cover up his embarrassment and to avoid blushing. "No can do...."

"But Elder brother..."

"Tsk... If you keep on interrupting like that can lead you into trouble when you get married." Si Ning said wearing a bored expression.

Talking about marriage made him aware that females do get married early which means Si Nan should have a suitable suitor by now because which bachelor wouldn't want to marry his sister and become a family with the Si family which had the greatest military power in Xiu.

Or does she already have a betrothal?

"Uh. Married?." Si Nan stuttered, her cheeks turning into a light shade of pink.

Si Ning smirked feeling like he was getting close to solving a riddle, he was quite curious about why she wanted him to stay when taking care of the residence wasn't that hard. "So Si Nan who are you getting married to?"

"Elder brother!" Si Nan yelled, embarrassed as she quickly stands on her feet. "I will make you snacks that will last for seven days which you will eat or offer the Emperor when you get to the palace." She said briskly, marching out of the room like she couldn't wait to escape.

"Young Master, I have delivered the letter to Commander Chen An and he says he has to call Commander Su Heng and Commander Ji Ran so they can come together." Ah Dai reported when Si Nan closed the door.

Si Ning nodded pleased with the news that Chen An, Su Heng, and Ji Ran would arrive soon making him feel a little relaxed because all he had to do was have a meeting with them first then plan for the next person he would see. "But Ah Dai what is happening from today till three days or what is the reason Si Nan wants me to say?" Si Ning asked hoping Ah Dai would give him an answer different from 'I do not know.' because he was curious about how Si Nan behaved that he wasn't able to drop the matter.

"Nothing is happening except the lantern festival in three days, most go to the festival with their lovers but Madame makes Young Master or Young Miss accompany her that day to the river to light the lantern and make a short prayer for late Master." Ah Dai said. "Did Young Master forget because you didn't tell me to select a good material at the market which the tailor will make out suitable robes for you which you can wear to the lantern festival."

"A festival, I see so if I don't accompany mother then Si Nan will accompany her?" Si Ning asked, picking up the most important words from Ah Dai's statement.

"Yes General." Ah Dai nodded.

Si Ning started laughing out loud, he was so excited of how sharp he was to be able to put two and two together that Si Nan had someone she wanted to go to the lantern festival with and that was the reason she was trying to make him stay so he would accompany Ge Mengshu. He would have at least come on that day to accompany Ge Mengshu but first, he had to find out who was the boy that was making Si Nan blush in front of him.