Secrets of the Blossom

Chapter 9

Xiao Bao is thrown forward slightly as the carriage stops just inside the Jin estate. He looks over at Huai En before he sticks his head out the window, curious to see what is going on. The carriage is surrounded by the Jin guards. His father is standing behind his men.

"Apprehend Zheng Huai En and bring Xiao Bao to the ancestral hall," he hears his father tell the head guard.

Xiao Bao tries to protest this, but no one seems to be listening to him. Even Jin Bao and Zhao Cai refuse to look his way. Several of the guards surround Huai En with their weapons drawn while another group swarms around Xiao Bao. Two of the guards take Xiao Bao's arms to drag him towards the ancestral hall despite his struggles and yells for Huai En. His father follows behind them.

In the ancestral hall, a servant puts down a cushion.

"Kneel," his father orders.

"Father," Xiao Bao tries but his father refuses to let him speak.

"Get on your knees!" His father repeats, angrily.

When Xiao Bao hesitates, the servant adds another cushion. Xiao Bao gives his father a pout, but the older man isn't moved. He refuses to even look toward his son as if the very sight of Xiao Bao makes him angry.

Xiao Bao kneels, and his father says, "You are not allowed to get up until you realize your wrongs." He turns to leave.

"Father don't hurt Huai En, he only went with me to protect me, it was my idea. He did nothing wrong." Xiao Bao pleads. His father pauses but doesn't turn back.

As soon as his father is gone Xiao Bao gets off his knees. He doesn't dare move from the spot but uses the cushions as a seat instead. He sits sulking that he has been given this child's punishment.

Huai En is shown to master Jin's quarters and a servant even brings them tea as if Huai En is an honored guest.

"Master Huai En, you have been our guest for weeks now, even taking care of my son when he was ill and protecting him on his foolish adventure. I am afraid that I have not been treating you well. Please excuse me." Master Jin says graciously. Huai En's eyes widen slightly, and the man says, "Yes, I know that Xiao Bao went to fetch medicine and that you didn't take him to hold him hostage. That was only the servants' idle gossip."

Huai En isn't fooled by the man's words, but he only says, "It's alright."

Master Jin puts down the teacup and stares at Huai En, "I'm a bit course, I don't know how to mince my words. So, excuse me for being blunt. When are you planning on leaving?" Huai En doesn't reply to this, and Master Jin continues, "Xiao Bao is naughty and childish by nature. He changes his mind easily. You seem to be the serious type, so why are you fooling around with him?"

Huai En can't help but to wonder where Xiao Bao got his kindness and naivety from because it wasn't from the old fox sitting across from him, and he knows enough about Madam Jin to know that she is equal to her husband in shrewdness.

"I don't think you understand Xiao Bao well." Master Jin is saying. "He has been spoiled since he was a child, he rushes into things and then forgets them soon. I think it won't be long until Xiao Bao forgets about this mating thing soon as well. Don't you think someone like Xiao Bao is beneath an imposing alpha like yourself?"

Huai En finds his hand reaching for his sword, but he stops, reminding himself that Xiao Bao would probably be sad if Huai En killed his father. If it had been anyone else Huai En would have already cut out their poisonous tongue for saying such things about his mate.

Master Jin seems to notice the motion because he clears his throat nervously. "Yes, well. You are my son's guest, so I won't say any more. Just think it over." He motions a servant to show Huai En out.