Chapter 55: Ji Huaili’s Nemesis

These words, Ji Huaili could only say to himself; when he spoke aloud, his tone remained dignified and authoritative.

“What is it?” Ji Tianxin looked at him, inquiring.

Ji Huaili smoothed his robes, straightening his posture, and made his voice grave. “In seven days, His Majesty will hold a banquet in the palace, inviting honored guests, and all officials together with their families are required to attend—especially their children.

“So, in seven days, everyone from our General’s Manor, including all family members, will enter the palace for the feast.”

He paused, meeting Ji Tianxin’s eyes. “That includes you. Moreover, the Emperor has specifically requested your presence.”

Ji Tianxin understood, replying simply, “Oh…”

Ji Huaili: “…”

Suppressing the stifling frustration in his chest, his expression grew colder as he continued, “So I wanted to come back and ask for your opinion first. You’ve just returned, and you aren’t familiar with the palace. If you don’t wish to go, you can feign illness and stay at home. I’ll speak to the Emperor on your behalf.”

Ji Tianxin frowned slightly at these words. “Wouldn’t that be troublesome?”

Ji Huaili: “…”

For the first time, Ji Huaili experienced being rendered speechless by another. Even when arguing with the civil officials at court, he had never felt so stifled.

Yet now, it was his own seven-year-old daughter who made him feel this way.

And she was his daughter!

He grunted lightly, “So what if it is?”

Even if it was troublesome, if this little hellion was unwilling, he couldn’t force her; and even if he tried, it was questionable whether he could succeed.

If even their father could do nothing, what hope did he have?

Moreover, shortly after leaving seclusion, their father had gone back into isolation to consolidate his cultivation. This would take ten days or half a month, and before he left, he had given strict instructions: whatever this little hellion wanted, she must be satisfied. Whatever she wished to do, let her do it. The General’s Manor must never make things difficult for her.

If she had requests, it would only benefit the General’s Manor.

Even though she was just seven years old.

As long as she was willing to protect the General’s Manor, their safety would be assured, and the family’s prospects would be limitless.

Ji Huaili didn’t believe a seven-year-old girl could be of much help; it would be enough if she didn’t cause trouble. What worried him most was that one day Ji Tianxin might kill someone or stir up a disaster, dragging the General’s Manor into calamity.

After all, with the Chen family incident… If the truth reached them, the General’s Manor would not escape unscathed.

This matter still weighed on his heart, fearing the Chen family might seek justice from them if the truth emerged.

Ji Tianxin found Ji Huaili’s reasoning odd. “Since it’s so much trouble, why shouldn’t I just go?”

The question caught Ji Huaili off guard. He replied, “…Very well, then you’d best make preparations.”

“Preparations for what?” Ji Tianxin didn’t see why going to a banquet required any special preparations.

Ji Huaili paused. He didn’t know, either. He was simply used to saying this. He had said the same thing to Yucheng and Yuanruo, and both would nod and retire accordingly.

But as for what needed preparing… he truly had no idea.

He coughed twice to cover his embarrassment, then said coolly, “Your father will have someone come to tailor a dress for you and bring you some jewelry. When the time comes, let your maid pick something out for you.”

After all, in Ji Huaili’s eyes, no matter how capable a seven-year-old girl might be, she wouldn’t know about these things, and her maid, being a little older, should be able to choose appropriately.

Ji Tianxin frowned, then said quietly, “There’s no need.”