Chapter 15: Fool

Su Wei and Su He didn’t linger by the riverbank for too long. In the end, Su He didn’t set afloat that lantern, but instead turned her head and said to her: “Gu is a bit tired. Let’s go back.”

“Yes.” Su Wei looked at Su He with concern. Seeing that her master’s spirits were still good, she felt relieved. It was just on the way back to the palace that she glanced once at that pastry shop.

Just once, and she averted her gaze. Su Wei loved sweets, but she hadn’t had any in a long time.

.

“Master, aren’t you going back to rest?”

Seeing that Su He was leading her on a different path, Su Wei asked tentatively.

Su He nodded. “Not going back. Gu will take you for a walk.”

Her voice rose a bit at the end, but Su Wei felt a vague sense of unease.

Su Wei was led by her master onto the Imperial Wall. A single leap down meant being smashed to pieces. She instinctively shielded Su He, fearing her master might stumble.

“Su Wei.” Su He called out. Seeing no reaction, she turned around and pinched Su Wei’s cheek, smiling. “You’ve truly become a cripple now.”

“Master.” Su Wei pressed close to her hand, ignoring that tiny bit of sorrow welling up in her heart. “This subordinate didn’t hear you just now.”

Su He was magnanimous about it. She brushed off Su Wei’s hand, turned, and sat atop the wall. Just a slight push would change the whole world.

But Su Wei only felt panic, gripping fear. She wanted to help but didn’t dare touch. Her hand hovered in the air before she awkwardly withdrew it. All she could say was: “Master, be careful.”

Su He tilted her head to look at her and crooked a finger. “Come here.”

Su Wei walked before Su He. Her eyelashes trembled as her face was gently patted twice by her master. She heard her master say: “You, you can’t beat Gu in a fight, and now your ears are useless too. Whatever shall be done.”

“It will get better.” Su Wei stated this with certainty. “Trust me, Master. Just a little more rest and it will be fine.”

Su He didn’t speak, only examined Su Wei inch by inch with her gaze. She withdrew her hand, wiped it with a handkerchief, and looked down at the lights below the city wall. Her tone was steady. “Gu’s mother also died on this day.”

“It’s a pity that even though Gu became the Emperor, I still cannot erect a tomb for her.”

Su Wei absolutely didn’t dare to answer at this moment. She lowered her head, realizing silence was the best choice.

“Su Wei.”

“Here.”

Su Wei lifted her head, earnestly waiting for Su He’s next words. In the next moment, her entire body was pressed against the city wall. Her neck was pinned against the stone edge. With just a slight dip of her eyes, she could see the scenery below. She didn’t move a muscle, showing no intention of struggling.

“Afraid?”

Su Wei answered: “Not afraid. If my Master wants this subordinate’s life, this subordinate will give it.”

Su He nodded with satisfaction, her smile widening. “Then your life is truly cheap. But what a coincidence, Gu isn’t afraid either.”

“Gu had a very enjoyable time today.” Su He pressed down on her neck and forcefully pulled Su Wei further outward. Behind her was the abyss. Falling meant utter destruction. Unfortunately, she wasn’t afraid at all. “Gu is also very satisfied with this current position.”

“Su Wei, you are now on the same boat as Gu.”

Su Wei gritted her teeth. Her life was held entirely in her master’s hands. She said: “Shadow Nine was always my Master’s person from the start.”

“Then become Gu’s consort.”

Su Wei’s eyes widened. She immediately denied it. “Master, that’s not possible.”

“You’re so cute.” Su He laughed without restraint, pulling Su Wei back a little. The summer wind blew their robes. She gently stroked Su Wei’s head, her gaze never actually landing on her. “That’s what Gu likes about you.”

“You are far too fun to play with.”

Master and Shadow Guard faced different directions. Their gazes were destined not to meet, just as Su Wei also couldn’t hear the words from her master that were scattered by the wind.

“Fool.”