Chapter 8: I Have Come to Acknowledge My Kin

“Ah!” Ji Yucheng screamed.

“Second Miss!” The soldiers shouted, looking up at Ji Yucheng suspended in midair.

Ji Tianxin’s lips curled coldly. With a flick of her wrist, the whip loosened! Ji Yucheng, utterly powerless to resist, was thrown back, crashing heavily at the gate of the General’s Mansion.

“Ah!” Several of Ji Yucheng’s bones broke instantly.

“Second Miss! Second Miss!” The servants and maids of the General’s Mansion rushed out, hurriedly carrying the injured Ji Yucheng inside.

“Who are you? What is your purpose?” The leader among the soldiers demanded in a harsh voice.

Ji Tianxin lazily turned her head to look at him, the corner of her mouth lifting. “I told you, I’m here to claim kinship.”

The crowd of onlookers buzzed with discussion, and soon the matter spread throughout the streets and alleys.

It reached the ears of Sikou Yan as well.

At that moment, Sikou Yan was reclining on a soft couch in his mansion, snacks piled beside him, reading a book while nibbling at treats.

Even lying down, the youth’s figure was long and upright, his thick, dark hair scattered casually over his shoulders, flowing like ink and nearly trailing onto the ground, slowly diffusing. An indescribable nobility and elegance emanated from him.

His features were so beautiful they seemed to transcend the world, impossible to describe in words. Yet within those brows and eyes, there lingered the unique spirit of youth, proud and unyielding.

Who could have imagined that this young man was the Honorable Little Prince of Yu Kingdom—Sikou Yan—who was enfeoffed as a prince in his youth, but had spent years bedridden with illness, never seen by outsiders.

Lin Si approached. “Your Highness... the travel attire is all prepared.”

Sikou Yan nodded, half his face shrouded in shadow. “Mm.”

Lin Si seemed uncomfortable, still not used to addressing him as ‘Your Highness.’

“By the way, I heard something else.” Lin Si leaned closer and whispered a few words in Sikou Yan’s ear.

Sikou Yan’s eyes lit up at the news; he put his book aside, no longer reading. “Is that true?”

“Those two—a master and her servant—are now guarding the gates of the General’s Mansion. No one can move them. On the contrary, every member of the General’s Mansion who comes out is beaten back; none of them can leave. Even the shopping matron sneaks out through the back door.

It’s become quite a spectacle. The mighty General’s Mansion, occupied by two children, with the guards helpless. I hear even the authorities have been alerted, and if this continues, the Imperial Guards of the capital might be called in.” Lin Si spoke as if watching a good show. “Who would have thought that little girl came to claim kinship at the General’s Mansion? I wonder if it’s true.”

Sikou Yan raised his eyebrows. “Guess, if General Ji learns he has a daughter at the Stage of True Return, will he jump for joy?”

Lin Si quickly suppressed his smile and bowed his head. “You’re right. If that little girl is truly a master at the Stage of True Return, every great family on the Tianwu Continent would open their doors to welcome her. There’d be no need for them to lie; they must have come to claim kinship in earnest.”

Sikou Yan tapped the edge of the couch lightly with his index finger. “Claim kinship…” He seemed to savor the words, then said, “Lin Si, take some snacks over to that young lady.”

Lin Si: Huh?

Sikou Yan lifted his head as he spoke, his lips curving gently. “It’s still early; there are several hours left before sunset. She’s just a child, don’t let her go hungry.”

Lin Si scratched his head, feeling as if his master had a particular fondness for that little girl.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Lin Si accepted the order.

“And, take my token with you. Just say this is a family matter of the General’s Mansion; outsiders must not interfere.” Sikou Yan finished with a faint smile, then picked up the book he had set aside and resumed reading.

“Understood.”