Bao and Zhi, engrossed in conversation, noticed Steward Yan leading a group of servants towards them. They exchanged a curious glance, wondering what the commotion was about. As the group approached, Bao and Zhi stepped forward, blocking their path.
"Steward Yan, what's the meaning of this?" Bao asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Where are you all headed in such haste?"
Steward Yan paused, his expression fearful, and bowed respectfully to Commander Zhi and Chief Bao. "We're on a mission to retrieve Commander Mao, the young prince's cat," he replied, his tone laced with fear but polite.
Zhi's eyes widened in surprise. "Commander Mao? But I thought he was... Ah, never mind. What's the urgency?"
Bao's expression turned stern. "You're still lost the young prince's cat? You're very careless. Be aware, Lord should not know about this. Otherwise..."
The group's heads dropped in unison, their bodies bending at the waist as they bowed deeply. A chorus of "Yes, we understand" rose from their lips, their voices barely above a whisper.
With that, Bao and Zhi nodded curtly and stepped aside, allowing the group to pass. As they did, the servants scurried forward, their eyes cast downward in a mix of fear and respect.
The group hurried to the abandoned courtyard's gate, only to find it locked. Steward Yan nodded discreetly to the guards, who swiftly unlocked the gate, allowing only the maid and two servants who regularly brought food to enter the courtyard.
Steward Yan also slipped inside, joining the maid and two servants as they entered the abandoned courtyard.
As they made their way through the deserted gardens, the only sound being the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet, they finally arrived at the main building. The exterior was shrouded in darkness, except for a single lamp flickering outside the hall, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
They pushed open the creaky door and stepped into Su Ling's bedroom, where he sat quietly in the dim light, Commander Mao purring softly on his lap. The air was thick with silence, and the only sound was the gentle rise and fall of Su Ling's chest as he breathed, his eyes fixed intently on the cat.
As they approached, Su Ling's eyes widened in shock and fear, his body tensing uncomfortably. Steward Yan's eyes locked onto Su Ling, his expression unreadable. It was the first time he had laid eyes on the mysterious person brought by Commander Zhi and Chief Bao. Only a select few knew of Su Ling's existence within the mansion: the Fourth Prince, the servants who tended to him, and the guards who watched over the abandoned courtyard. Su Ling's presence was a closely guarded secret, hidden from the rest of the world.
Steward Yan's gaze fell upon Su Ling's face, illuminated only by the faint light. For a moment, he saw not a prisoner, but an innocent young brother, barely fifteen or sixteen years old, with a vulnerable expression that tugged at his heartstrings.
He composed his face and approached Su Ling with a kind smile. "You must be Su Ling," he said. "Thank you so much for taking care of our young Master's pet. I am Steward Yan, in charge of this mansion. I am very grateful, as our little young Master has been crying for his beloved cat. I also extend thanks on behalf of our Mistress."
Su Ling's eyes widened in surprise as he learned the cat belonged to the little young Master. He felt a mix of emotions: sadness, guilt, and longing. Without a word, he gently hugged the cat one last time, then handed him over to Steward Yan. As he let go, his heart swelled with sorrow, and he looked away, struggling to contain his emotions.
Steward Yan witnessed Su Ling's poignant moment and sighed inwardly, thinking, "What a kind-hearted child." He couldn't help but wonder what crime Su Ling could have possibly committed to warrant such harsh treatment from His Highness, the Fourth Prince. To be confined to this abandoned courtyard, alone and suffering, seemed unjust. Steward Yan's heart went out to the young borther, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of sympathy.
YOU ARE READING
The Red Mole Prophecy : A Concubine's Rise (BL)
Historical FictionThe world of Dakin, su ling a brother (third gender ) Becomes a concubine to the Emperor after a shame Full event. Brother who can become pregnant but Very low chances face discrimination in prejudice in Ensuring family lineage. they are often over...
