Chapter 38: Bullies Beware

During lunchtime, Feng Yao found pleasure in serving the dishes. Seated, he readied himself with a bowl and chopsticks, poised to continue serving.

"I can manage on my own; General, you need not concern yourself," Su Yuxin waved a hand dismissively.

"Oh," Feng Yao withdrew his hand, slightly regretful. He relished seeing Su Yuxin take a mouthful of food he had served, followed by her contented laughter and squinted eyes.

Su Yuxin blinked inquisitively. What was wrong? Had the General suddenly grown despondent because she declined his assistance with the meal?

Thinking about it, Su Yuxin gestured to the tofu dish farthest from her, "General, could you pass that for me? I can't reach it."

Then, a gentle smile appeared on Feng Yao's face, and in an indulgent tone, he replied, "Of course."

"And that lamb chop," Su Yuxin pointed to the spicy lamb rack beside the tofu dish.

Feng Yao remained patient, his smile growing broader. As Su Yuxin nibbled on the lamb chop, she realized that his mood shift probably stemmed from her refusal to let him serve her food.

However, she mused to herself, with hands and feet perfectly capable, freshly energized from her recent slumber, why should she be fed?

Upon contemplation, Su Yuxin gleaned some insights into the ways couples interact. Reciprocity was key. With that realization, she extended a bite of braised fish to Feng Yao, offering it to him.

Feng Yao accepted the morsel, and the corners of his lips nearly touched his ears with happiness.

Watching Feng Yao savor the food, Su Yuxin found herself enjoying the exchange as well. They engaged in a back-and-forth, taking turns feeding each other, making the dinner a delightful and harmonious affair.

Post-dinner, Su Yuxin, impatiently clinging to Feng Yao's arm, inquired, "Have they arrived?"

Feng Yao called for Jin Ling to enter. Jin Ling, maintaining her serious demeanor, stood there cold and stern, like a drawn sword radiating sharpness.

"Have they arrived?" Feng Yao lifted his gaze, appearing as enigmatic as ink.

"They are waiting outside," Jin Ling responded respectfully.

"Let them in," Feng Yao nodded, turning to Su Yuxin, his gaze softening. "Later, you pick two who resonate with you."

"Alright," Su Yuxin nodded firmly, her eyes wandering outside.

Soon, six women dressed in black entered, exhibiting a martial appearance, their hair tied high like that of men. On seeing Feng Yao and Su Yuxin, they uniformly saluted, "Greetings, General and Madam."

"Names," Feng Yao glanced lightly.

"Crimson Flame, Shadow Three, Shadow Five, Shadow Twelve, Nightfall, Bright Chill..." The six women reported their names one by one.

Su Yuxin frowned. Shadow Three, Shadow Five, Shadow Twelve... What peculiar names, just a series of numbers!

"They are all members of the Shadow Guards. Starting from Shadow One, their unique names are given to those who have performed outstandingly. Their original designations are then passed down to newcomers," Feng Yao explained.

Su Yuxin suddenly widened her eyes, gazing at Feng Yao. She hadn't spoken aloud, yet how did the General understand? Could he truly read minds?

Feng Yao tousled Su Yuxin's head gently, "I cannot read minds."

Surprised, Su Yuxin glared at Feng Yao. He had just claimed otherwise, but he seemed accurate in reading her thoughts.

Feng Yao pinched Su Yuxin's cheek playfully, "Your expressions say it all."

Upon hearing this, Su Yuxin hurriedly rubbed her face, then glared at Feng Yao again. He was such a big liar; there was no way he could read minds.

Feng Yao was amused by Su Yuxin's adorable antics.

In these days, Jin Ling had adapted, but the six female guards were still finding it hard to adjust, although they didn't show it outwardly.

"Those chosen by Jin Ling must be exceptional; you need only pick those you find agreeable," Feng Yao pinched Su Yuxin's cheek again.

Smooth, delicate, and resilient, it was delightful to touch, making one unwilling to let go.

From left to right and right to left, each seemed impressive.

"If you all wish to stay, then all of you shall," Feng Yao leaned back lazily, smiling at Su Yuxin.

"Two are sufficient," Su Yuxin waved her hand. The General had surely put effort into nurturing them, and they would likely have duties in the future. It would be a waste to keep them all.

Su Yuxin pursed her lips, propping her chin, moving back and forth several times before finally selecting two. One was Crimson Flame, matching her two maids' color-themed names, and the other was Shadow Three, simply because she had a more youthful appearance and seemed less stern. However, Su Yuxin disliked the code name and hence renamed Shadow Three to "Orange Garment."

Seeing Su Yuxin's choices, Feng Yao rose and walked to them. His deep gaze was like a vortex in the sea, exuding an overwhelming aura.

With formidable internal energy, years of battlefield experience, and a killer instinct, Feng Yao's presence was almost stifling, making Crimson Flame and Orange Garment almost unable to stand.

"From now on, you are responsible for ensuring Yuxin's safety. If she suffers even the slightest harm, you'll answer to me," Feng Yao spoke solemnly.

"Yes, General," Crimson Flame and Orange Garment responded in unison. "We swear to protect the Madam at all costs."

"You are no longer members of the Shadow Guards. You have only one master now, and that's Yuxin. Your life is hers to decide—live or die," Feng Yao narrowed his eyes, continuing his instructions.

"Yes, General," they echoed, "Our lives belong to the Madam."

Su Yuxin felt somewhat embarrassed. She had merely selected two female guards; why did it seem like she had recruited two bodyguards?

She tugged at Feng Yao's sleeve, but his imposing aura was focused elsewhere, leaving Su Yuxin unaffected.

"What is it?" Feng Yao turned, and his demeanor softened almost instantly.

"Are your instructions finished?" Su Yuxin bit her lip. "Once you're done, have Qingque take them back to Yimei Garden to arrange things."

"Alright," Feng Yao ruffled Su Yuxin's hair, chuckling. "With them by your side in the future, you can easily handle anyone in Shengjing. Those young nobles won't stand a chance against them."

Su Yuxin was a bit speechless. She wanted these guards for her protection, not to bully others. However...

Su Yuxin's eyes sparkled with mischief. Dealing with those who needed a lesson or two might not be a bad idea. Was this a case of her borrowing power to intimidate others?

"How did you become a General? Allowing your wife to bully others casually," Su Yuxin playfully poked Feng Yao's chest, though her eyes betrayed her amused intent.

"If she wants to bully, it's because they aren't good enough. If anyone opposes, let them come and see me," Feng Yao grabbed Su Yuxin's hand, pulling her into his embrace domineeringly.