Chapter 126: Sweet Temptation

Ever since that day, Fu Yan had been confined to the house for many days. It was not that she did not want to step out, but rather that she was unable to. At the moment, she was alone in the garden, aimlessly wandering and snacking out of sheer boredom, for she had absolutely no interest in touching her needlework.

"Sigh..."

Fu Yan let out a heavy breath. Even as she ate the sweetest of fruits, her heart felt anything but sweet. Just then, she happened to spot her younger brother, Fu Tianci, playing with a spinning top nearby. She waved him over.

"Tianci, come here!"

"Sister, is something the matter?" Seeing that it was his sister calling him, Fu Tianci put away his top and walked toward her.

"Here, have a piece!"

Fu Yan smiled as she handed him a treat, a "brilliant scheme" already budding in her mind.

"Thank you, Sister!" Like all children, he had a penchant for sweets, and he began to eat with great relish.

"Is it sweet?" Fu Yan watched the happy, snacking Fu Tianci and asked kindly, though her true concern lay elsewhere.

"It's sweet!" Fu Tianci replied with an innocent, beaming smile.

"Have you finished your lessons for today?" Fu Yan’s eyes darted around; this was the perfect place to start laying her plans.

"I finished them. The tutor said I did very well and even taught me to recite the Book of Documents."

Fu Tianci answered with clever obedience. The reason Fu Tianci was so doted upon by Fu Shijie was not merely because he was a child born in his father's later years, but also because he was bright and well-behaved. The famous tutor hired to teach him held the boy in high regard.

"Tianci, listen to me. In a moment, go find Father and tell him you want to recite poetry for him."

As soon as she heard this, an idea took hold. She would have Tianci ask their father to check his studies. Fu Shijie was always fond of hearing his clever son recite.

However, that alone was not enough; she needed to stall him for a while longer. Only then would she have enough time to slip out and return without her father noticing, sparing herself from his nagging and punishment.

"But Father said I could recite it tomorrow. Right now is my playtime."

Fu Tianci was still just a child, and naturally, he preferred his games. He had no desire to set aside his fun to do something as dull as reciting for his father.

"Sister wants you to go find Father to recite now, and ask him to practice calligraphy with you as well. If you do all of that, all the fruit and candied treats I have here will be yours."

Fu Yan knew exactly what he was thinking, which was why the snacks she had been eating came in handy. A "sweet temptation" was something few children could resist, and sure enough, Fu Tianci took the bait.

"Really?"

Fu Tianci’s eyes were fixed on the candied fruit in Fu Yan’s hand. He loved such things, but since his father forbade him from eating too many for fear of tooth decay, he rarely got to enjoy them.

"Yes! And if Father asks about me, just tell him you saw me in my room doing needlework. If you do as I say, I’ll buy you a candied gourd as well."

With that, Fu Yan handed him the candied fruit. Feeling that the temptation still wasn't quite enough, she upped the stakes by promising him a candied gourd. With such a "secret weapon," she was certain Fu Tianci would do her bidding.

"Don't worry, Sister. Tianci will do exactly as you say. But you must promise to buy me the candied gourd, or I won't listen to you next time."

Fu Yan's assessment proved correct. Upon hearing the promise of a candied gourd, he was instantly moved and gave his word. He was quite the little mastermind, knowing he needed a guarantee to ensure he wouldn't be on the losing end.

"You little rascal, I promise I'll buy it for you. Off you go now!"