8 Miss Handicap (8)

The Grand Preceptor's Residence had set about preparing methodically ever since the edict arrived. To be precise, everyone in the residence from the old madam and Grand Preceptor to the concubines were well aware of what was coming.

Among the three ladies in the residence, the fourth mistress had mothered two. She had been acting arrogant over the past few days as if she had already gotten what she dreamed of.

Feng Qingqing and Feng Ruoyu had already received lessons from an old maidservant whom the fourth mistress hired from the palace. Hence, they knew all the etiquette and rules of the palace.

On the contrary, Feng Yanran was neglected because of her disability.

It was clear to everyone anyway; the eldest lady would never pass the selection.

August the 3rd came in the blink of an eye. Today was the day that the preparative concubines entered the palace.

The old madam sent Su Kui into the carriage and stroked her head. It was as if Su Kui was not entering the palace but just going out for a trip and would return soon.

"Ran, be a good girl." That was all the old woman said to her.

Su Kui's eyes narrowed as she smiled and nodded. "I will!"

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Grand Preceptor Feng and the fourth mistress standing there. They were also sending Feng Qingqing and Feng Ruoyu into the carriage. Her eyes darkened as she saw how they advised the girls.

Su Kui lowered her eyes immediately to cover the disdain in her eyes. Grand Preceptor Feng was a cold-hearted man. Feng Yanran, however, was such a silly girl. She still fantasized about her father's love even though he ignored her completely.

Looking at Su Kui, the old madam let out a sigh and waved her hand silently. It was obvious that there was nothing she could do about her son.

Feng Zheng had been standing motionless and silently in front of the house. Seeing Su Kui's expression, there was a flash in his eyes.

The dimples of her cheeks seemed to be filled with honey as he observed how she behaved meekly like a child in front of the old madam. He watched her look at their father eagerly only to end up disappointed and aggrieved after not getting a sliver of his attention.

Somehow, he felt a tinge of pain in his heart, and he thought about Su Kui's behavior over the past month. It seemed that she really had changed.

Eventually, Feng Zheng approached the carriage before her departure. He stroked her hair the same way as the old madam. "The palace is not your home, so you have to behave well there.

You're a big girl now. Bear in mind that you mustn't make any mistakes in the palace. I'll pick you up in a few days."

Su Kui's cat-like eyes lit up, and there was a big smile on her face. He was dazzled by it. "Yes!"

The carriage started to move slowly toward the royal palace, which was located at the center of the capital.

Su Kui waved as hard as she could at the old madam and her brother until she could not see them anymore.

She gradually lowered her hand and sat down in the carriage. She smiled faintly as she gently placed her finger on her lips. Her mood was surprisingly good.

Did that mean she had successfully gotten him to care for her?

In that case…

Even if she failed to ride on another's coattails, she still had a way out.

At least, she was no longer alone and boxed in like Feng Yanran.

Now that she was in a good mood, Su Kui started to sing.

"He promised love could last forever. He said that we would share our happiness and sadness together. Yet, as of now, his promise has vanished like the autumn breeze, all debts of gratitude were paid. She was all alone; the past was just a dream."

Su Kui made an orchid finger gesture and sang softly, but it was clear that she was singing the song—Du Shiniang—in a sorrowful tone. It was as if a heartbreaker had really betrayed her.

Then, a luxurious carriage moved past the Feng residence's carriage. A small flag above the carriage flapped in the wind, and on it was a picture of a lone wolf with ruthless eyes.

A man in the carriage was supporting his chin with one hand while throwing and catching a bone china cup with his fair fingers. His robe shone with a silver light, and he appeared to be extremely bored… until he heard the song, which was being sung by a soft and delicate voice.

Some of the lyrics were unclear due to the singer's careless attitude. Sometimes her voice was louder, other times it was quieter. Yet, it was still able to draw a listener's heart.

The man could not describe the feeling he had. If he must use words to describe it, it would be like a lonely soul, who had been wandering for a hundred years suddenly finding his destination. All his fears were gone, and he knew that he would no longer be lonely.