Chapter 116 - A Decree

"Young Master?"

Si Ning blinked and turned to see Ah Dai holding the letter. "You can go." He said softly, he doesn't have the energy to check what Ah Dai had written but there were no doubts he wrote it according to his instructions which means he doesn't need to check.

"Young Master, Ah Dai didn't serve you any mango because it wasn't in stock but will Young Master like me to get some on my way back?" Ah Dai asked as he folded the letter and put it in the pouch secured to his waist.

Si Ning doesn't need to think of his reply with one look at the prosthetic arm. "No just deliver the letter and come home, I don't need anything and you do not have to buy me anything." He told him, saying one word at a time because if he didn't have it clear, Ah Dai might come back with a basket of mangoes.

"Yes, Young Master."

Si Ning narrowed his eyes lazily as he watched as Ah Dai bowed before stepping back and turned then he rushed out of the room like he was being chased.

"Xiao Pei! Tell Ah Dai to take his time." Si Ning said briskly as he sat up, he raised his head to look at Xiao Pei with a feeling of urgency making Xiao Pei quickly exit the room.

Seeing Ah Dai rushing to deliver his message wasn't something new but since he was still recovering and had to be careful with his prosthetic arm until his shoulder and body had gotten used to it. Si Ning does not like the idea of Ah Dai rushing on the errand because he might fall and add to his injury.

Si Ning stood up realizing he had wasted some time thinking about how to stand up from the comfort of the futon to see the Prime Minister. He raised his hand to see the juice from the fruits was trailing down his hand so he turned, looking for a handkerchief to wipe his hand when Xiao Pei rushed in and brought out a handkerchief immediately his eyes landed on Si Ning's hand. He walked over in large stride and took Si Ning's hand, without saying a word he started wiping the fruit juice off with a serious expression like he was doing a major task. His head bowed slightly to show his respect.

Si Ning turned his hand for Xiao Pei to wipe his palm too, he doesn't have to ask if Xiao Pei had delivered the message to Ah Dai because even without a word of a report he knew Xiao Pei already delivered his message and knowing Ah Dai's personality then there were no doubts Ah Dai would comply to his message. Si Ning watched as how Xiao Pei took his two hands and wiped them clean before adjusting his attire and when he was done he stepped back and nodded.

Having capable guards and servants comes in handy because when Si Ning turned to the mirror he couldn't help but admire himself, he stared at his reflection using that moment to think of how to get rid of Song Ouyang because he didn't plan to sign the contracts without listening to his Commanders point of view and meeting Shao Lang. He would have loved to also send a message to Shao Lang to come over to see him but he doesn't want to look like he needs his advice so his ultimate plan was to sit at home and wait for Shao Lang to visit him.

After coming up with no excuse except to say he had been resting and haven t gotten enough time to check the document out because of the sleeping drugs. Si Ning nodded at his conclusion and walked out while Jiang Ye and Xiao Pei quickly followed. It didn't talk long for him to get to the courtyard and he felt an odd sense of Deja Vu immediately he spotted the flashy golden and orange beautiful palanquin with three palace bearers standing on each side and a series of palace guards standing in two rows at the front of the palanquin while four guards were holding medium-sized silver boxes and more than a dozen of guards in rows standing at the back.

His mother, Ge Mengshu was facing the crowd, and series of the Si residence guards were standing behind her.

Song Ouyang was standing at the front, a few feet from Ge Mengshu, and as usual, he was dressed in a red brocade robe with black embroidered lining the tips, his hands folded behind him, taking a stance that he only came on an official business.

This wasn't how it should be if Song Ouyang only comes for the document so Si Ning heaved a sigh of relief. He doesn't have to be told that no one was in the palanquin because it was this same palanquin the Emperor do send him which made him wondered if Song Ouyang was here to escort him to the palace. After all, if not he should be in the meeting room while they serve him some tea or refreshments.

Si Ning walked slowly to his mother taking his time because he was in deep thought trying to find a way to see Xiu TianZhao before going to the palace because he doesn't need anyone to tell him this was a summon to the palace to meet Xiu Zhicheng probably for lunch which means he had to call Xiu TianZhao over while he excuse himself to dress up presentably and wait for him to show up and for them to quickly discuss briefly to know what he told Xiu Zhicheng so he wouldn't go and say the opposite what he meets the Emperor. Si Ning stood beside his mother while Xiao Pei and Jiang Ye quickly joined the group behind them.

"General Si Ning." Song Ouyang walked up to the front and bent his head a little as his way of greeting that it almost seemed like he didn't bow at all.

Si Ning and his mother also returned his greeting by bowing at the same time, his mother bowed in the female form of greeting while Si Ning bowed in the male form of greeting almost imitating Song Ouyang as it seemed like he didn't bow at all. Si Ning noticed Si Nan that quickly joined them in doing the same which made him raised a questioning brow because she should be taking her lessons or go to the Academy but since Si Nan wasn't looking at his direction made him turn back his attention to the Prime Minister.

Song Ouyang brought out a rolled paper and unrolled it taking a stance of going straight into business. "Hear out his Imperial Majesty decree, Family name Si, born Ning, the great flawless General of Xiu that has won many battles in the name of the great Imperial Majesty and the name of our nation, who had been conferred the title of 'The King Consort' will move to the palace on this day according to the custom and traditions, he will accompany us and perform his governmental duties and rites while counting the days beside us till the wedding and coronation of the Empress which will be known all over the world. The King Consort will only be allowed to bring his Manservant and his Personal guard." He read out aloud before rolling back the paper.

Ehhhhhh?