CHAPTER 474
Learning
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Su Cheng said nothing, merely smiling as he glanced at Li Shiyao before carrying Yu Lan back to the sleeping quarters.
And so, Su Cheng's three direct disciples also began their busy lives.
Another month passed. During this time, Shiyu and Dongfang Jue explored the secret realm, while Ye Qinghan accompanied Qingyue, the heavily-armed unit of He Guang, on missions.
Today, however, Ye Qinghan was to accompany Xiao Ai, ostensibly for learning.
"Master Gu Ai, what does Qinghan need to do?"
Xiao Ai rolled off the bed: "Today you needn't do anything. Just stay by Xiao Ai's side and observe."
"What are you doing now? Has the Master risen yet?"
"Master Qinghan, per the Lord's instructions, you are not permitted to ask questions today."
"The Master and Qinghan didn't agree to this. The Master said if I don't understand something, I should ask. Otherwise, how can the Master advocate for Qinghan?"
Xiao Ai looked helpless as she took a pink dress from the amber armrest beside her and slipped it on.
"Today is an exception. Lord Qinghan may not ask questions today—only observe with your eyes."
"The work of a personal attendant isn't done with hands, but with heart."
"The Master instructed Xiao Ai to teach you, but Xiao Ai has little to impart. Just observe how Xiao Ai does things and learn by imitation."
With that, she took the sword Amber handed her, fastened it at her waist, and bounced twice, as if checking it was secure.
It was now the hour of Yin, just past four in the morning, and Lord Gu Ai had already risen.
She tossed her black nightgown to Amber and changed into her work clothes, ready to depart.
"Amber, Xiao Ai has work today. Go check on things at the Fuyue Hall. This is crucial for Xiao Ai—no mishaps allowed."
Amber bowed respectfully: "Yes, Amber will escort you to Lingxian Hall and personally oversee matters afterward. Master, please rest assured."
"Also, regarding the items on my desk—leave the red-bound volume untouched. The rest, you may handle as you see fit."
"Yes, Master. Rest assured, Amber will handle them when time permits."
"Tea."
With that, Amber gently guided Xiao Ai—who was clearly still half-asleep—to the tea table.
"My Lord, these documents have arrived from the Dawn Hall. Please review them."
"Hmm, I know about this. You handle it as you see fit."
Xiao Ai's breakfast consisted only of a cup of tea and two pastries.
"Amber, Xiao Ai has said many times that she doesn't like these pastries!"
"My Lord, please make do. Amber has no money left!"
"…Amber, do you know what's most irritating about you?"
"Master, are you saying I'm too much like you?"
"Yes! You're too stingy! Aren't these the damn leftovers from last night?"
Only then did Ye Qinghan realize just how incredible Amber was…
This Amber, daring to serve the mighty Immortal Lord leftovers? Unbelievably bold…
Guess it's true that every villain has their match? Who'd have thought the lawless Xiao Ai could ever be outmaneuvered?
After breakfast with Xiao Ai, they returned to Lingxian Hall. To prepare for today's lessons, Ye Qinghan had even played the role of a doll last night, sleeping alongside Xiao Ai.
The mansion's technology was millennia ahead of its time. In the blink of an eye, the two were transported to Lingxian Hall. They didn't even need the jade pendant to teleport directly to the entrance of Su Cheng's bedchamber.
If Xiao Ai wished, she could have even teleported them directly onto Su Cheng's bed.
Ye Qinghan held no right to question. He merely watched as Xiao Ai slowly pushed open the door, gently nudging the imperial mistress who had sneaked a snack, signaling it was time to rise.
"Lord Gu Ai?"
Xiao Ai made a shushing gesture before speaking.
"You've worked hard. My lord has duties today. From now on, Xiao Ai will attend to him. Yu Lan may return first."
It could be considered quite gentle. If Xiao Ai wished, she could have simply grabbed Yulan by the hair and tossed her out.
Having shooed away the sneaky cat, Xiao Ai began her duties for the day. It was now the hour of the Rabbit, and dawn had broken.
First, she went to the kitchen hall to brew tea using leaves brought from the mansion. However, while the tea Xiaoi drank herself was normal, it was…
Ye Qinghan watched as Xiao Ai added two spoonfuls of sugar to her master's teacup. Honestly, Ye Qinghan felt such fine tea was being wasted…
But she dared not speak. Lady Gu Ai must have her reasons for doing this.
Then there were the leftover pastries from last night, which Xiao Ai had packed into a bag and brought along.
She casually grabbed a plate, plopped the leftovers onto it, and promptly placed it on Su Cheng's desk.
Ever since Ye Qinghan emerged from the spatial rift, Su Cheng occasionally handled some paperwork. However, most documents were processed by Xiao Ai, with only a handful reaching Su Cheng for final approval.
After brewing himself a cup of unsweetened tea and checking the time, he sat down at Su Cheng's desk.
"Someone bring the documents Master needs to review today."
Xiao Ai seemed to be talking to thin air, since her master was still asleep and she was in class…
But within the time it took to drink two sips of tea, two masked black-armored warriors indeed arrived, carrying a stack of documents.
Xiao Ai took advantage of Su Cheng's slumber to do two things: first, skim through most of the documents, and second, organize them for the master.
His Excellency had a heavy workload, so naturally, he couldn't personally review every single document. Xiao Ai had to categorize them for him, ensuring Su Cheng prioritized the most important ones first.
Truthfully, Xiao Ai could handle these documents herself, but since she was teaching Ye Qinghan today, she served as his personal attendant.
After reviewing each document, Xiao Ai divided them into three piles, neatly organized on Su Cheng's desk. The ones Su Cheng hadn't finished reading the night before were placed within her reach.
The personal attendant was teased by Ye He or Xun Ye as Su Cheng's "little mom."
Compared to the personal attendants of the King of Gods, the requirements for Su Cheng's personal attendant were exceptionally stringent.
Only the strongest among the strongest, selected from ten thousand, were deemed worthy of taking the assessment. And the assessment itself was incredibly difficult. The sudden fire Ye Qinghan had once endured was the final test of that assessment.
Those who emerged victorious from these trials were few and far between.
Among them, Xiao Ai stood as a top-tier personal attendant—the most exceptional in recorded history.
In terms of combat prowess, Xiao Ai shattered three barriers and single-handedly defeated all twelve of Su Cheng's generals.
In terms of talent, Xiao Ai was an outstanding graduate of the Military Academy, a student whom Lord Xun Ye regarded as his own flesh and blood.
In terms of capability, had Lord Xunye not intervened, Xiao Ai would likely have rebelled against Su City!
In nobility, Xiao Ai is a royal princess, a demigoddess—how exalted is that?
"My lord, it's time to rise."
Xiao Ai sat beside the bed, gently patting Su Cheng's shoulder with her small hand. Yet Ye Qinghan never imagined his master would be the type to linger in bed!
"Xiao Ai, I won't be having breakfast. Yu Lan kept me up far too late last night. I barely got any sleep."
"My Lord, please rise and have some tea. Xiao Ai will summon Yu Lan to keep you company later."
"I'm not thirsty, Xiao Ai. Let me hug you…"
Xiao Ai truly acted like Su Cheng's little mother, ruffling his hair with an expression of indulgent affection.
"Very well, Xiao Ai will stay here with you, but you may only sleep for ten more minutes."
"Alright, ten minutes. I'll get up in ten minutes…"
Ye Qinghan watched this unfold, feeling as though she barely recognized her own master anymore!
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