Su Daji: Hah, Men, You Can't Fool Me!

The Marquis of Ji Prefecture's posthouse.

"Su Daji" had already been waiting eagerly at the entrance.

When she saw Su Hu approaching with his head lowered, his spirits crushed, and his steps staggering like an eggplant battered by frost, she immediately understood.

It had worked.

She hurried forward to greet him, her face shifting at just the right moment into an expression of concern and solicitude.

"Father, you're back?"

She supported Su Hu by the arm, only to feel how cold it was—and how it trembled faintly.

"Father, did something happen at court? Your... your complexion looks terrible."

Su Hu raised his head and looked at his daughter's face, filled with concern. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

What could he say?

That The King had toyed with him in front of all the Civil and Military Officials?

That someone had forced him into a dead end with a laughably poor excuse?

The frustration and indignation lodged in his throat, making even breathing difficult.

"Su Daji" helped him inside and sit down, then personally poured him a cup of hot tea and held it out.

"Father, have some water first and catch your breath."

Su Hu did not take the tea. He merely stared at her blankly, his tiger eyes filled with pain and inner conflict.

After a long while.

He finally spoke with a voice that was nearly hoarse.

"The King... summoned you to the palace."

"To... accompany Empress." Su Hu practically forced the words out through clenched teeth.

Accompany Empress?

"Su Daji" sneered inwardly.

Hah, men.

Isn't it just that he took a fancy to my beauty and wants to bring me into the palace?

He certainly makes it sound lofty and righteous.

*Did he come up with such a ridiculous excuse to flaunt his mercy