The Little King

30 | His Appearance

Translator: PastTimer

Editor: PastTimer

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Cai Huan could be regarded as a "phoenix" flying up the branch¹, she naturally didn't need to serve him anymore. The new maids that were assigned to Xia Xi were both in their thirties or forties, and they were both Barbarians. Tall and burly, they were very clever and dexterous. The one who served as his personal attendant was a woman in her early thirties who had the typical look of a Barbarian. Her facial features included cheeks dyed with prairie red and thick, long braids that hung till her waist. Her name was Lan Duo'er and she could speak a bit of Chinese.

Her Chinese was fairly standard, but she had very few words. Unless it was necessary, she basically didn't talk. She waited by the outer hall when she had nothing to do or picked at some needlework for appearances. Xia Xi was used to Cai Huan's companionship. Although Cai Huan was a bit arrogant and spoiled by him, she talked a lot and kept chatting in every vacancy. As long as she was there, the room wouldn't stay quiet even for a moment. His past few days alone had been so quiet that Xia Xi couldn't adapt at all.

But he knew that he needed to work hard to adapt.

Although the status of Barbarian concubines wasn't high and far less pampered than the concubines in the Kingdom of Xia, Cai Huan was no longer a servant and wouldn't need to serve others again.

Xia Xi had just finished breakfast. Although he only ate a few bites he felt uncomfortable, as if there was a big rock in his heart, but he still tried his best to not show any abnormality. When the hour came, he arrived to participate in the canonization ceremony. The canonization was simple, but there was a supposed giving of gifts that included food, clothes, and jewellery. Chu Lan didn't even show up, so the two new concubines could only give their generous gifts to Xia Xi.

Although it was simple, the canonization officially ended in the afternoon. As the two new concubines left with joy surrounded by their entourage, the expression on Xia Xi's face broke but for a moment. He covered his face, his heart aching. He couldn't eat any dinner, so he ordered Lan Duo'er and said that he wanted to rest and didn't want anyone to come in and disturb him. Lan Duo'er obediently answered but suddenly asked: "What if it's the King that comes?"

Xia Xi was startled for a moment and whispered: "How can he come..." Chu Lan must go to the residences of the two new concubines tonight, although nobody knew which one would be chosen first. Xia Xi guessed it would be Hu Ji, after all, Chu Lan didn't seem to like Cai Huan very much... Xia Xi told himself to not think about it anymore. He wrapped himself in an overcoat and laid on the bed, taking a book from the table side to bring with him.

Lan Duo'er dutifully lit the candles and also moved the charcoal bowl to ensure that the windows didn't let the cold wind in. She warmed the tea with a small stove before saying: "Your Majesty, this servant will guard the outer hall. If you have anything to ask, just call this servant and I'll come in."

Xia Xi subtly nodded, "Alright."

This book was sent to him by Xia Hui last time. It was obviously stories collected from the common folk. The records weren't official history, but ghost stories. Xia Xi originally liked reading these kinds of books, but now he couldn't even focus on it. His mind started to wander as he stared at the words, his thoughts starting to chaotically drift towards Chu Lan. He thought, he must've already gotten back to the Palace at this hour, he was probably already inside Hu Ji's bedroom.

In the past, he always came to Xia Xi when this hour struck.

Chu Lan was a very diligent King. He gets up early every day to handle state affairs. In the afternoon, he goes to the yard or the racecourse to exercise. In the evening, he would be guided by the candle while reading at night. Xia Xi would've already bathed by that time, and if it was summer he would be sitting by the desk, waiting for him. If it was winter, he would wait for him in front of a brazier. Chu Lan's footsteps were always fast, as if he couldn't wait to see him. And every time he looked at him, he would smile like it had been an unbearably long wait².