CHAPTER 288: CHAPTER 288: ACCOMPANYING ME TO GREET OUR FATHER THE KING

Junbie Pavilion.

Niu Pan’er handed a cup of tea to Song Zhiyu and said, "I came out in a hurry and didn’t bring any good tea. Make do with this."

Song Zhiyu took a sip and said, "It’s not great indeed. The tea is stale and astringent. I can’t believe you can drink this."

Even the not-so-well-off women in their family wouldn’t drink such tea.

Yuan Yi glared outside the pavilion, thinking there’s tea to drink and yet you can’t keep your mouth shut.

Si Xi was almost dead with worry, "Master, this isn’t our home. The food and drink are someone else’s, so don’t be picky. Look at that black-faced guard, even I’m afraid he might draw his sword on you."

Si Xi sensed Yuan Yi’s anger and quietly stepped back a few paces, clutching his candied haws stick.

But Niu Pan’er was indifferent and said, "I’ve gotten used to it. If it were a military campaign, we might not even have a sip of tea, only plain water to drink."

Song Zhiyu frowned, "The people serving you aren’t attentive. After all, you’re a Commandery Princess and a General, responsible only for yourself, not thousands. How hard could it be to just prepare a bundle with some good tea and filling snacks? This way, once you sit down, you can enjoy a good cup and comfort yourself."

"What Yu Lang says makes sense."

Song Zhiyu sheepishly said, "I just enjoy comfort." He paused and added, "Actually, I’m just speaking from my own perspective. As a commander, you probably wouldn’t bother with anything fancy to avoid gossip and suspicion. Never mind, just see it as me speaking without standing up."

Niu Pan’er laughed, "Not at all, you’re right. The people around me aren’t very meticulous. They’re all rough men who go into battle with me. How could they notice such details?"

Song Zhiyu frowned, "Not even a single maidservant?"

Niu Pan’er’s smile faded, "There used to be."

Once, Song Zhiyu was reminded of something, and his expression changed slightly.

Niu Pan’er was a female general. She once led a unit of women soldiers, but that unit was almost entirely wiped out in a battle, with many dead and injured.

Since then, she hadn’t formed another women’s unit, and most of her usual attendants are male guards. Only in the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion does she have maidservants attending to her.

Song Zhiyu saw her melancholy expression and felt guilty, smacking his lips, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up something sad. My rotten mouth always speaks poorly. Just treat my words like a passing fart, okay?"

Niu Pan’er chuckled, "Okay."

Song Zhiyu let out a sigh of relief.

He looked outside the pavilion and said, "Why hasn’t the Prince arrived yet?"

Niu Pan’er was about to speak when she suddenly felt a slight tremor in the ground and smiled, "Here he comes."

Song Zhiyu was full of curiosity and wanted to ask how she knew.

Niu Pan’er stood up, gazing eastward, where dust was rolling up in the sky, as if a large group was approaching.

Song Zhiyu saw it too and came to her side.

Soon, a banner with the word "Ding" appeared in sight, with a throng of men and horses.

Song Zhiyu’s heart surged with emotion.

That was Prince Dingbei’s banner.

He glanced sideways at Niu Pan’er. Her skin wasn’t as white and delicate as the Noble Ladies in the capital, more of a wheat color. He always thought her side profile was resilient, but now it seemed somewhat gentle.

What a surprise! He actually found her gentle.

Song Zhiyu averted his gaze.

"Come, let’s go meet my father!" Niu Pan’er grabbed his hand and led him down the pavilion.