Chapter 10: Bringing Food
The guard put away his token and smiled. “May I ask where you gentlemen are headed?”
“Sir, we heard there was trouble at the General’s Mansion, so we’re on our way to apprehend the culprits!” The constable replied respectfully.
“Culprits? What culprits? That’s the General’s family business—someone’s come home to recognize their kin; what’s it got to do with you lot?” The guard spoke as he gave the constable’s hat a hefty smack, knocking it off.
The constable hurried to pick it up.
“Our prince says this is a family affair, not your concern. Be on your way,” the guard said, waving his hand dismissively.
The constable was sullen. That young Prince Rong, who usually seemed more silent and lifeless than a corpse, suddenly sprang to life and decided to meddle today…
But this was someone he absolutely could not afford to offend.
“Yes, sir! I obey your command!” With that, the constable beckoned to his men. “Back to the office!”
The guard smiled, then turned to look at Ji Tianxin and Suqing, who were sitting in front of the General’s Mansion.
With a glance, he signaled his men, who immediately brought over trays of fresh fruit and sweets, placing a small table beside Ji Tianxin.
The guard stepped forward and bowed. “Miss, my master feared you might be hungry, so he specially sent you some snacks.”
Suqing stared at him oddly, then eyed the treats on the table as though she suspected they might be poisoned.
“How did you know we were here? Who are you people?” Suqing asked warily.
The guard only smiled and turned to Ji Tianxin. “I am but a servant following orders. Now that my task is done, I shall take my leave.”
Ji Tianxin’s eyes were fixed on the snacks on the table. She didn’t spare the man a glance or ask another question, merely uttered a single word: “Alright.” Then she reached out her small hand and began selecting from the treats.
The guard was momentarily at a loss, feeling as though he had just been ignored by a child.
He nodded slightly, then led his men away.
Suqing frowned. No wonder Master Bai had warned her repeatedly never to let anyone lure their mistress away with food… Though her mistress was a foodie, she was famously picky. Evidently, these little treats had won her over.
From afar, the crowd that had gathered to watch the commotion began to chatter amongst themselves, while the guards at the mansion entrance stood in utter bewilderment.
They recognized that guard; the token at his waist marked him as a man from Prince Rong’s household!
There was no way they would dare act now. Though Prince Rong was rumored to be chronically ill and never appeared in public, everyone in Jin’an City knew: you could offend the crown prince, but never Prince Rong’s household. Even the Emperor doted on him.
Some said that because Prince Rong was alone and bedridden, his temper was foul, to the point where even the Emperor had to placate him.
Others claimed he was paralyzed, half his body useless, and that his physical infirmity had twisted his mind, making him cruel—countless maids and servants had met their end in his residence…
As for his appearance, no one had ever seen him, but rumor had it that he was so terrifying-looking, children would cry at the sight.
In short, this was someone one dared not offend.
Meanwhile, Ji Tianxin, if not for her current circumstances, would have made quite the scene: reclining in her little chair, her maid shading her with a parasol, a small table at her side laden with sweets and fruit, nibbling now and then, with the late autumn scenery as a backdrop. It was as if an immortal or fairy child had descended for a leisurely outing.
Suqing gripped her whip in her right hand. When she saw a servant emerge from the mansion, seemingly headed out on some errand, she flicked her whip into the air. The servant, terrified, scrambled back inside on all fours.
Suqing withdrew her hand and let out a cold chuckle.