Not Attending The Banquet

Si Ning packed his hair that was still dripping of water over his shoulders. He took the mirror and comb before sitting on his bed and crossed his legs, holding the mirror with one hand and the comb in the other hand. He worked the comb once through his hair but he wasn't able to reach the tip because his hair was so long and the mirror almost slides off his hand making him leave the comb hanging in his hair as he quickly gripped the mirror more firmly.

"Young Master let me." Ah Dai said and stretched his hands to collect the comb and mirror from Si Ning.

It was quite difficult for Si Ning to hold a mirror and comb his hair so he didn't turn Ah Dai's offer down. He only stood up and walked up to his table to take a seat, his eyes on the table that was still wet due to Ah Dai that wiped it clean because Si Ning wanted to check the reports Jiang Ye brought for him and also eat his meal before it gets cold and then take his bath so he could quickly dress up and see his mother and to save time, he had to simultaneously eat then read through the report.

The reports contained all the details about the court meeting he missed and when Si Ning read through it, he felt there was no difference in him attending or not attending the court assembly and he was a little annoyed that he had to do everything. Having Commanders working closely to him means they had to at least share some of his burdens but that doesn't seem to be the case.

There in the reports, he found out that Song Feng was conferred the title of 'Imperial doctor' while Xiu TianZhao was given the position of Minister of Works and Si Ning was relieved that the Minister of Works and the Imperial doctor Jiang Ye told him came to see him was no stranger.

There would also be a banquet tonight at the palace and Si Ning was supposed to attend but he doesn't think he would be able to concentrate on the banquet without thinking about his discussion with Qiu Bai. He also wanted to avoid Song Feng by all means and he wasn't ready to see Xiu Zhicheng.

Si Ning waited patiently as he folded his hands, he was quite relieved how gently Ah Dai worked through his hair. When Ah Dai was done, he handed the mirror over to Si Ning before using his hand to pat the hair. Si Ning's hair was neatly done into a ponytail looking so silky and smooth that Si Ning couldn't help but smile as he turned to check his face and just, as usual, his face was so smooth and soft that his smile got wider thinking that his face was never wrong.

"Young Master." Ah Dai called him probably to snap Si Ning's out of his thoughts since he was staring too much at the mirror.

Si Ning placed the mirror on the table and turned to see Ah Dai holding a green outer robe. "Choose white," he said after some time. He watched Ah Dai go through his wardrobe checking the white robes before bringing out one.

Si Ning nodded when Ah Dai shook the robe out and held it to his neck in a way he was still able to spread the arms out to show Si Ning. Since it was nighttime and Si Ning was just going to see his mother, he doesn't need to dress fancy but he wanted to dress neatly to not worry her because when Ah Dai brought a large number of different meal he spent a lot of time heating for him made by his mother then two different meal made by Song Feng and series of bowls of snacks made by Si Nan right then Si Ning knew his mother must have been worried about him because Song Feng kept insisting he had fallen ill. Si Ning stood up, his back facing Ah Dai and he extended his hands as Ah Dai helped him to wear the robe.

"Young Master, Ah Dai have prepared a gift to congratulate Young Master Song Feng and Ah Dai also prepared a gift for Second Prince and Ah Dai want Young Master to check the gifts." Ah Dai said as he brushed off the invincible dust at the back of Si Ning's robe, taking three steps back to leave space between them when Si Ning turned to face him.

"No need for me to check them. What about Shao Lang, did he get a higher rank?" Si Ning had to ask. There were no details about anybody else getting promoted in the reports but Si Ning was still curious.

"No, His Majesty only conferred a title to Second Prince and Young Master Song Feng." Ah Dai told him. "Young Master since you won't be attending the banquet should I send a message to Commander Chen An, Ji Ran and Su Heng to attend in your stead while Xiao Pei accompany them with Second Prince gift then I will send Young Master Song Feng gift to his house."

"Yes do that." Si Ning was impressed how useful Ah Dai was and he knew that as long as he leaves Ah Dai to work in his own way without him telling him to take a rest or take a day off then he would have no problem with him.

"General." Xiao Pei called outside his door.

"..." Si Ning turned slightly to the door.

"Madam is waiting in the meeting hall." Xiao Pei announced.

Si Ning turned to Ah Dai who was now kneeling on the floor holding a shoe up for him. Si Ning raised his foot and watch as Ah Dai smoothly wore his shoe for him and he repeated the same to the other foot then he started dusting the imaginary dust from his shoes. Si Ning couldn't help but watch Ah Dai closely but from what he had seen Ah Dai doesn't seem to be struggling with his left arm. He worked like he never lost an arm and seemed to enjoy serving him and Si Ning was relieved.

When Ah Dai was done smoothing Si Ning's cloth and making small adjustment he quickly rushed to the doors to open it.

Si Ning stepped out and turned to Xiao Pei. "Xiao Pei you will attend the palace banquet with Chen An, Ji Ran and Su Heng and take a fast horse to inform them and come back and meet Ah Dai outside the gate to receive the gift for Second Prince and Ah Dai also send the gift to Song Feng"

"Yes General." Xiao Pei replied.

"Yes, Young Master." Ah Dai nodded.

Si Ning turned to Jiang Ye who seemed eager waiting for his order. After looking at him for a while, Si Ning wasn't sure Jiang Ye fit being his guard even if Jiang Ye changed into some dark outfit that was fit for a guard he still had the refined look of a Master.

"General?" Jiang Ye called hopefully.

"Come with me." Si Ning finally said. He doesn't have time to be suspecting those working close to him and at least he should give Jiang Ye a chance to prove himself.