Secrets of the Blossom

Chapter 12

Xiao Bao has something on his mind, but he is trying to figure out how to bring it up to Jin Bao and Zhao Cai. He has known these two since he was eleven years old, and outside his family and mate they are the closest to him.

"Zhao Cai, Jin Bao." He starts off quietly then stops, not sure how to continue.

Zhao Cai immediately jumps up, "Young master, what is it? Do you feel sick or faint?"

Xiao Bao shakes his head, since Que Siming has started treating him, he feels much better. The herbs help with his symptoms. He has regained a healthy glow and started to get a little, barely noticeable bulge at his abdomen.

Jin Bao joins them, "Are you hungry or thirsty then? Should I get the kitchen to prepare you something, or maybe see if I can find any more plums." Xiao Bao has not been able to get enough plums for the past few weeks and the servants have had difficulties keeping up with his demands for them. Xiao Bao claims this is a common pregnancy symptom among the servants. Que Siming had told him with a laugh that he was just greedy and using that as an excuse, which had caused Xiao Bao to pout for an entire day.

Again, Xiao Bao shakes his head. Finally he says,"you should both go to work for Su Yin."

Jin Bao falls to his knees beside Xiao Bao, "Young master, don't send us away. Please if we have done anything wrong punish us, but don't make us leave you."

"No, listen to me." Xiao Bao says. "The Jin Money gang is done with. My parents will probably spend most of their remaining days at the temple and I have nothing. I am completely dependent on Su Yin. Even the clothes I wear come from him. Both of you have great martial skills, and I am holding you back by keeping you here as my servants. Su Yin could give you the high-ranking positions among his guards that you deserve. You could make a name for yourselves, get married, start your own families."

Jin Bao cries and throws himself into Xiao Bao's arms. "I don't want to get married and have a family. I want to stay with you forever." Xiao Bao pats him on the back in a comforting manner.

Zhao Cai has been seeing a young woman from the village and would have the most to gain by a better position. However, he says, "Young Master. We learned our martial skills to protect you and you alone. Jin Bao and I both agreed a long time ago to follow you in life or death. We just ask that you take good care of your health and don't let yourself pine away waiting for that alpha. When the baby comes, Jin Bao and I will guard both of you. We'll be our own little family."

Xiao Bao holds out his other arm and Zhao Cai sits down next to him allowing Xiao Bao to pull him close to his side. They sit that way for a few minutes, crying together.

They all look up when there is a shout from outside. "Who is it? Who is living in my courtyard? Get out of here right now."

The three of them spring to their feet as a teenage boy bursts in without knocking. His eyes go wide when he sees Xiao Bao and his servants. "Jin Xiao Bao," the boy exclaims. "I will bring your head back to my father as proof that I am a good son."

Su Yin comes in just as the boy draws his sword and lunges at Xiao Bao. A part of Xiao Bao tells himself that he should move, to even draw his own sword, but he is too stunned by this turn of events and seems to be frozen in place.

Su Yin knocks the boy's sword back with his own and stands between him and Xiao Bao.

"Who allowed you to cause trouble here?" Su Yin tells the boy angrily.

"Do you know who this is, cousin? His entire family should be in prison" or better yet executed." The boy says. Xiao Bao's heart stops as he realizes that this can only be Crown prince Shaoyu.