Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

KccaeUKcIOGnKzCTable of Contents

Chapter 20

Translator: Silvery ButterflyooyCATKalLmCjuiwGmhmjOKxyLYsPm

cEcuGzbXclsZMGw

 LGraqTlXhEEMdreEzBFjElfvwGZcPD

EKowJVejkMnBCme

As soon as You Ying stepped through the door, his sharp eyes swiftly scanned everyone in the hall, quickly identifying who held authority.EJiIztYHKAQyyqwkozkmSZXCwscdwd

jZunlJZlmbBawDL

 yNmDlZeIRauxFJzANoNYHTErNRSURx

ICrZpgnbkJcmOHM

You Ying cupped his hands in greeting. “Are you Su Yin, Young Master Su?”zKDPLujXwnFBKQkGtrjHEVjjgWobSc

ewixKRzRyHwdOWg

 LleXefuqsdKvchHwHuGZtXUSxRhLFX

AFmeerjIRicfDvT

Xiao Bao was furious. You Ying didn’t even glance at him, making all his preparations a waste.FZBhKAJKeIYAzPGwsRRBRRKprmfyrd

IWDyLjmKHnyIwuv

 OjRpIPIvbJlcAkMUyuVmCaXcXBNvvt

PFdltlTCxygHUsS

Su Yin smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Yes, that would be me.”WFdnwFRdIePGBaVJkNXbqtLjnpLTXF

nEhbbptgsSHiTEM

 JGCyhbSxfcUyTGnasuWFGaLodKTrco

zpPCkqjewYfURWl

“I’ve heard my brother has been troubling you at the mansion for several days. I’m here to take him back today to avoid causing more inconvenience.”RVGHrcrbPHNScbXYdwLiuNarFhyLUs

QUWIRVlTKoAtrnv

 PhsGIsNXSnoluHbpOYxQXZDFXmljPr

QPmzcrSBTfHoUcW

“It has been quite inconvenient, you know. You have no idea how many of our best medicines he’s used during this time. I’ve had to assign three servants to take care of him around the clock, and he’s been so arrogant, claiming ignorance to every question we ask,” Xiao Bao snapped, already irritated that they couldn’t get any information out of Zuo Ying. You Ying’s disregard for him only added to his frustration, making his words exceptionally harsh.ufQJetDCckgzFvvmJcWwvCmFvcWLyI

uSZnJBbJrFNIrkC

 dsaWtPAIsUOWDfvOTAZqSDIavBlDDc

PKeZAuEaVESswGD

You Ying turned to look at him, his jaw tightening. The Jin mansion’s refusal to release Zuo Ying had made him fume during the entire journey. Now, having to listen to this useless scion’s sneers was truly infuriating. But, mindful of the bigger picture, he suppressed his anger and respectfully greeted, “Young Master Jin, it’s been a while. How is your recovery?” He shot Xiao Bao a meaningful glance.ZbsVElkgwwmZlFZhOZgIdbVQwPUWuW

VPgqRWfTREesDsq

 ydTwLtgwtjzHgEYtlAnPYeBMXvLBae

zuFpELhQLCqbPbH

Xiao Bao, embarrassed and angry, felt his previous harshness dissipate. He was also anxious that the astute Su Yin might notice something amiss.JYAmqNyaKcmkjtYcktxPQgGEwpxTkq

kMDrVgIlPXpFouN

 OTyeBEwDhKtHyatxuRcgjBbqubPucx

EOiOmjrbjjWAXvr

Having dealt with Xiao Bao, You Ying turned back to negotiate with the person who mattered. He knew that, at least for now, he couldn’t afford to offend Su Yin. However, he was perplexed as to why Su Yin was detaining his brother and felt increasingly anxious because of it.OCCpmkoHcAtraoSISTyqinqBhTenFE

UlSNjaPCuBsPZBP

 UtpenxUlAOholGCKqhLsbXzeSbTYCD

RFeiAmodojIAsaB

“Your name is You Ying,” Su Yin said calmly, sipping his tea. “Let’s dispense with the formalities and get straight to the point. Your brother is staying here because there are things I must know. Since he refuses to speak, I’ve had to bring in someone who will.”RRdshJScymVvEquhClFqcMxLhnfTIg

gQHBmGaQZqjeQGa

 WYApPAFFDYgpqhjGMCoLYSTKTKVdHH

ykLGSZVXyKaAwcu

“What does Young Master Su wish to know?”HawaoynfJTCwobzUpSjhpROjsHTYoi

iQCfEKLuqYDgGZs

 yzdYhqGeTsyVsXaQHUrLOQGjCsWRZh

myTpLjheDyJJYZI

Su Yin nodded toward Xiao Bao. “Our Xiao Bao disappeared for three days and came back injured. I need to know who’s responsible.”wrkfQOssZUFTQGHUMHYsVUiYyJiChS

PkJnZknNcsXKyKI

 woaxiErkaxGfEheuFqdzGoLgjcsNMk

eGeadYPmoaHUGLc

Xiao Bao’s face turned pale with fear, and he glared at You Ying, silently warning him, “If you dare tell the truth, I’ll strangle your brother.”SrleUmRYJWjmjHmYaIWLjgqSErozab

OxRthXlHwgRJCAs

 IOcSXIwKpgYZXKpDfvcblsyklzQeDT

mlwFyZFTiAAGWOV

You Ying naturally didn’t take Xiao Bao’s threat seriously, but he had his own concerns. After a moment of consideration, he said, “It was the Konggu Five Fiends.”aaAfPezjFegSndHwAdcAGIwpYXfIZw

dSDPfgRIwrJQQuI

 sCMqkQVEaNwWpknKoYsjDXqaYLTHFD

MOxzbGpqbXYOfuT

Su Yin nodded, as this aligned with the information he had received, though he sensed You Ying was holding back.vSuoxFbuIPsWXUmmxITfDVesbGmPmV

vMZmXEQTAjdCfDz

 swNWBAuHLcNfFrCjIgvXXXNzqhTNxU

nybuHOMlbvfvEzQ

“Why were the Konggu Five Fiends in Jiangnan, and why did they injure Xiao Bao?”feKErqpgTiFdyghAfcMLsKiJflnrHF

jfnaCbivyfGrPus

 hdLjiobihGySryiACFVbJhYsJLEfIk

uqzSVdMfobhgcFt

“Their target was my master. Young Master Jin was injured while saving my master. As for why they were in Jiangnan and why they attacked my master, and who my master is, these questions are far more important than the lives of us brothers.” He implied that Su Yin shouldn’t bother asking further.bEViSKcODSpsOkMDVFUcyrvpyGNnva

jZvlpPTyofHrjLh

 oUtuLMzofYTQMWYOasdYlrdgOUEpCP

pDNknrySboqJAgf

Su Yin raised an eyebrow. Though he expected this, the answer still displeased him.scGzixBEQctfseofpTSLbsuIxYCERM

xmnWOhBLaNgjaTF

 NiQEFIqlxXMklzQxNzvijzroajulQi

SFSpJUhLnYPRSNg

He chuckled coldly, his eyes full of icy intent. His tone and demeanor shifted as he spoke, “Xiao Bao mentioned that your master is an extraordinary beauty, a rarity in a hundred years. To receive such high praise from the famous Jin Gongzi of Jiangnan, they must indeed be a true beauty. I am quite curious and would love to see them for myself.”QhbkwRcfPokLdVfGCKeWoDtPgcBQch

WqwKQsZcgJhZaWp

 MEfKtzzaJChmsldZKnnqikCOClnDid

MxioGBiSWtIQjaj

You Ying’s jaw clenched with suppressed anger. “My master is not for display. If Young Master Su wants to see beautiful women, even as an outsider, I can name the top three famous brothels in Suzhou. Young Master Su can visit them at his leisure.”CTboeBDcwBZPhNnjXhmYCiVAzBgjfO

FMuyLqtasujACid

 CeJekGWQJHklIHBvBfomjLeVUWdyXy

WuglMcwRrXOIGaA

This tone was exceedingly rude, but Su Yin remained as lazily indifferent as ever.jnigfccVwhaxFmxxsTZxFVKvHinEXC

IPPNprbATyvnvLa

 DIUQNXbcdIegHiJmJSpCpAipBcJlWn

IilHIEyWTLiVQmY

You Ying, unlike his brother, was not known for his patience. Seeing Su Yin’s inscrutable, mocking smile, he grew even more furious, unable to fathom what Su Yin was thinking.JfOUlxqeHHRPEmJwiyVzQPCEQYVpRJ

BsNtuqQIdHLLFXN

 usORWNHWKigKRzXEpUAIfjGKUMdGid

ZUBaSEtOIdlqhWu

“I’ll take my brother now. It’s getting late, and finding a place to stay will be difficult!” You Ying declared firmly, glaring at Su Yin to gauge his reaction.INFCoTHmLSViPFhxsXPzJPjBDOKLdf

NaXUFSUFxDYwWQe

 etMLtpmgmDbdSwQVnqhSauxcCxRRqm

WarFbuIvMrHfiMn

Su Yin grinned and casually replied, “No.”pUVgpZtgcYsKvfTlAYvaPTqJLVsEYy

NpFnBODleeWEudC

 QRLKRyTWVGLsCOZIZItJWmHWwxTAYL

CxzwpBTuMUmRmeM

This infuriated You Ying, while Xiao Bao couldn’t help but feel a sense of schadenfreude.UKWLViBWnQWBeeIGuWYpWkEMTElDGk

XuMmMiLeHPwLXia

 EqglkkqRYYvUyapKVlVkYQsXaJuAqE

bSVsguTzeliDvAS

“What do you want, then?” You Ying demanded.BdYZEyCCZiXlQnUsTHgZuuxZywilMA

KEomWYmmpQpNrJg

 gDZWsGifrrcUAcWuyZJhzsvBYSxVKy

CrEkEhcIpQbFLLY

“I told you, I want to see this renowned beauty. Besides, Xiao Bao here has been unable to eat or drink thinking about him.”NVZaqqTBISSWSNouODsINmcQLlJrKk

JJeVirgmbQvXrZM

 LlSucGCtNeMhHgWCDfisJsYqmCEVgo

icBAuuOsHLEfQzj

“Hmph, unable to eat or drink thinking about him. Young Master Jin, you truly are courageous,” You Ying sneered.IdvWejTfJaEijHYmymypZxPuOWYZKJ

azXqTwpXxNWLsBe

 WrGmHOJphtBbHgUjfKdEmGwlVEVIbw

VsaVJZsQuaWbmnD

Su Yin narrowed his eyes, sensing a hidden meaning. “What do you mean?” he asked You Ying, though his gaze was fixed on Xiao Bao.hHMtxtEcSNpNweuaSTwARzVlzexxqN

QwFVZyTNkDSOhQx

 MFlLEAAHCRELeTkZRbNMUZWgHdpwlB

CKihzbgAyYvLnxw

Xiao Bao, flustered and at a loss, had never been able to keep secrets from Su Yin. But this was such an embarrassing and absurd matter, he couldn’t bring himself to speak of it.vUIakAVezdAAeumKTQzHTbtjfeJgmN

NldhDFAqVgVRofj

 HbodKOIfZBuiEjnMYjxUQYEtSNrryG

swjyMuvWIopUBxY

“Uh… he… Su Yin, let’s just release them. They went out of their way…” Xiao Bao began, but the words died in his throat under Su Yin’s sharp glare. He stood silently, too scared to continue.ZyosmqYZVjOQthjahlmcUbhpNpNHbU

OuyIIdouAoHbCGT

 GqBIzGuoWUNzxUISNePgORzmZIycle

IrdxSDLONRWirHJ

He had feared Su Yin since childhood, and while it might seem cowardly, he couldn’t help it. Su Yin was superior in every way, always right. Obeying Su Yin had become second nature to him.oOwOfRLWzqYLrQIpUvXAQRipDlsiuz

zPfpteRQXaTIOHe

 XARLXknjAiwRXrchusEsLTHWetgpMU

YKmxcxsMTnIkwtX

You Ying, having passed the peak of his anger, regained his calm. Forcefully taking his brother was out of the question—he couldn’t defeat Su Yin, and sneaking him out would be highly challenging with the Jin mansion’s tight security. There were many people around, not all of them skilled fighters, but their sheer numbers were a problem. Besides, Zuo Ying was still seriously injured, making any escape attempt difficult.lgrkZRctXaMktojpvdxceWIIMCfPUX

HNPEsyvyfPWjoYF

 mBtVWsNUmwIcMNxYPpqsYICHUyMZBC

tOFDVjwRcbEnaEx

Thinking it over, You Ying realized he would have to return later with a better plan.EILPeIbqQOSIFCuguOoOcDMvKOeeAo

kPvNAzwfzfrfnZw

 mJVCXUiQSUuUkvwQpFcajhugCtAFxZ

mAnrdfkrBXTkJxr

So, without further delay, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. “Please convey my regards to my brother, Su Gongzi, and tell him to take care of himself. I will come back for him another day.” With that, he turned and left.aHMbUPVxLRTONOtpFfkGMVsjzFOSXy

QtrjgfjuAfRcour

 FqKsQFOZcDRrVGdYXihHBjhYVsrDAo

ehWhaFxDzboHtlo

Xiao Bao watched You Ying disappear, then nervously glanced at Su Yin, who was already scrutinizing him with narrowed eyes.XZlZBUlwnbOWqhMNsMFrruVuanBizT

PdJBPCQqAZBNPLh

 euQFRCmhweAEYOhmuIajleYFKgIyGs

aUpxJzqJHZncWsU

This is bad!PYsAZgYbfiDruwxvuzvhtWVLmLArho

ZXfbqkcaPlVcgPP

 qetZMJHSGFDMOKNFZxTBYkHDqJAOLx

WOKzcnDSGxRinlp

“What are you hiding from me?”mtHXdXRbNKmDCoUMFNQJlHbFBsczrP

FwXyOWNlErwctEk

 bCMGHASJykrRzoGtuXiNqrEcwOTNwI

rpDjelfFkSSwhki

“Nothing…”wCeEYvHruIjjqmRewRdsACQyRbqIOA

WFnsicOvPfOWFWP

 alysAqjjuUkcZKsHBZHqedyOYBMwwm

PwxheQZOyqKLwzF

Su Yin raised his voice, “Do you dare say nothing again?”JUOMSttlZSAfnGotONPpmZFQgpXAIv

nekzDQHeVHMRkIX

 KQKiChqpzUqZVKmDRlueInFPIoacqF

reqdUOPMomGxZHt

“…Nothing…” Xiao Bao avoided his gaze.MYcqmvVZLfrkOcVSRClLlUbUUUUyNH

bcFgyvGKOVgeagX

 GcmiwNKZKLqlrWeKlGClmljPHyntmp

UObbuzJkgkAGInj

Su Yin stood up, his height advantage giving him an imposing presence. Grabbing Xiao Bao by the ear, he demanded, “Speak!”EtESccgjYdcJyBEIygQGQLjruRsoTy

DzoKsxQiopgezOA

 KOtowcbbxVTkwBKzSzZwayHrBOmgtN

zTQqvxWFxqRoXGE

Xiao Bao panicked, trying to pry Su Yin’s hand off, but the harder he struggled, the more it hurt. “What are you doing?! You’re not my mother! I don’t have to report everything to you!”ZDFmqsjkZgepUoDwgJcEPzFMRJNlbz

rawHgNyYsrUhoUk

 fAByZvgkycvRPrQbnRJUmIItJniTKv

iVRmxEVbqLeByBM

Su Yin tightened his grip, causing Xiao Bao to yelp in pain.aHAzzzvLrtljysOZPhCpckAaDyDBeA

hGHWvzXVSyIcuPa

 JhCrWAAuaUzgtXoWrqtReBVTFuvMbm

EriebbHSolKNDwG

“Growing wings, are we?”aUvYHKtcehMfOizEgTuuOGXTbYNBKy

PlPINPbBdcqUEMA

 dlGLbTxcMWCnHPqFsbWTmpVeYeEMmX

IsDvpIRCawQklCs

“Su Yin, you bastard, let go of me! Ah, it hurts! Let go!”YFeETmsDHWjCCNcTRURzjCzxfqFfjv

YCmvjvDrSdCOAEs

 GozJrZmNGgZiXjuxnGZsMYHmjEhTfy

LKByElYrGuozLeI

Xiao Bao, in a rare show of defiance, clung to his pride. Despite the pain that nearly tore his ear off, he refused to talk.axsMvjmpJucbNfCleIBSclfKqwbiKQ

YKpgydOaYpvQEEP

 QxNjNYOvpUKgYXyTDJcrwkSgvRBIjw

SwdkumtkgUsWTex

Seeing him like this, Su Yin found it both infuriating and amusing, though he suppressed his laughter and finally let go.mLxCPvZZDOJikKSlZoITGjKkBbqyrJ

ZmzjXxwXYMtyslx

 pdgvFfdCNYRGZeNKdCfbVCdsJGLoGm

YncoLYCPEyTWcQI

Xiao Bao clutched his ear, hissing in pain, and shot Su Yin venomous glances, as if he wished he could burn holes through him with his eyes.moLykWXpGgKnInRnWaHOUxLkWcSUWl

KoPVyOoffLqdMzr

 jsnkmXuUBGjCaUbAXWpHzHCcegJkGs

SOwQdHxhdqBjNmC

“One month. You’re not allowed to leave the mansion.”gymkfFWdQkaKuMWCoecogEyNNVbggC

tnGNWawNZMEItey

 ODslTyQTUghTexFdQHQAFadcBUcILv

KFEvgXaySiKHChN

“What?!” Did he hear that right? “This is my house! You can’t tell me I can’t leave. Who do you think you are?”CLAwIxjOsWKZsVMKCzMWLPLsrdDZBp

fNGNIaQXvQOnUHG

 hIGiYonAHyXkhvcNNhDqcuBVwLvAPe

mbIlfGCfBZNJZFI

“Watch me.” Without waiting for Xiao Bao to continue his angry outbursts, Su Yin waved his hand and walked away.MhhYeKBBEzfWOdhqPsbfnDBzvuIjIk

AArrzgaxtFuwQzx

 BjOUSYSIDwQSwSEeLputhTVzqTyWfO

QDUUGQbdrAxCTRP

Sure enough, that afternoon, whatever Su Yin had said to his father resulted in Xiao Bao being firmly grounded. His father decreed that the entire household was to ensure Xiao Bao stayed put.SLjYadHJSpGTgOfCwqUbVqOwoNCEIQ

llnfyVemFCqzGbc

 VEWncpFJQaJHfZHlptlhQXdrHaugcW

PKYrvBqAHIkkcBt

For someone as restless as Xiao Bao, being confined to the mansion was torturous.XNyulZCqtfLdVUmbNJonCfNbiVhCUx

SimzANnXDyuFFcs

 pmjFHqtuSGCRnYgzjANUziSevvQWdi

nivsvpBsRPVrrMO

He had come a long way since childhood. Back then, he could only harbor silent anger at Su Yin’s tyranny. Now, even though he could voice his outrage, it did nothing to solve his problems. Feeling wronged, he knew Su Yin was too crafty; even crying to his mother wouldn’t help. Instead she would only scold him for being immature.ogFFPmxCBbHCZuSCMnulhzTElfAzrZ

tofbMkPXbOJgfXR

 GphQmAhylIZHgIHXgohjnsJoyYDmbg

PxLJPYNorSryoNt

As soon as You Ying stepped through the door, his sharp eyes swiftly scanned everyone in the hall, quickly identifying who held authority.eNpuSQrPLnZRcuyvZLjYstOlDTLhaA

HQBuxzwJqAETogJ

 DXMAlxMDlDfPcGvyriaIfSzuiLIVSu

DEwWwwvvovpoaIh

You Ying cupped his hands in greeting. “Are you Su Yin, Young Master Su?”cwIHUwdrYhvtkWFZGwQdMlzWtrtopW

TwSiDidAVhQwEwK

 IQTYynQVxzlpJCDwIWHhmCacUlFixA

RTwgPrEmkeYxOwl

Xiao Bao was furious. You Ying didn’t even glance at him, making all his preparations a waste.PNXUgRdbeCFLgXMFejaRyuYmLTxAnD

FgdtlfNOakpJnZs

 UfjgrGZGogAsRcKOsFcPwEUcggmCVn

dmLGhpysTHBBHgP

Su Yin smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Yes, that would be me.”QHQSAtnkgWThYSTazBEmqJLwUJWjQw

iiPoQDPMEAIJZhy

 MXyXJlxnzTjsJBYUaVxMLAHmQIVMsp

SNtWAfNzZeANlOI

“I’ve heard my brother has been troubling you at the mansion for several days. I’m here to take him back today to avoid causing more inconvenience.”TcRNXPlRXBAtecqqxBpHhoansOFdYM

NpCJQdsbEiFmRZa

 iEDiaQjjGkCrltcSdIKcEqWfJqrHaw

BuMKDsABUPzvpLq

“It has been quite inconvenient, you know. You have no idea how many of our best medicines he’s used during this time. I’ve had to assign three servants to take care of him around the clock, and he’s been so arrogant, claiming ignorance to every question we ask,” Xiao Bao snapped, already irritated that they couldn’t get any information out of Zuo Ying. You Ying’s disregard for him only added to his frustration, making his words exceptionally harsh.oaNWDKYuckmrsmPZUnjiRpTievRGQk

rUpLETHSWFbkhxE

 JibnPGLvLsFTVWjTkmxwMruXDOetmX

VijeHhKBybXeOIL

You Ying turned to look at him, his jaw tightening. The Jin mansion’s refusal to release Zuo Ying had made him fume during the entire journey. Now, having to listen to this useless scion’s sneers was truly infuriating. But, mindful of the bigger picture, he suppressed his anger and respectfully greeted, “Young Master Jin, it’s been a while. How is your recovery?” He shot Xiao Bao a meaningful glance.sYKFLrPsAvMCSFaOlsVmtdNvHAAGde

JQfUSQNasJIpWTk

 dZwLXJpWiVTUCzsoQWIqtTbPqYCzqD

vcZynIukZiQSKPD

Xiao Bao, embarrassed and angry, felt his previous harshness dissipate. He was also anxious that the astute Su Yin might notice something amiss.IzEhXXHLcNonHGrjxiyDorkTiWkYcS

PHZKZCTkFwcGRxm

 RKhfOFzlLYFzkufjfCXzepxLGjPkxa

LXlqGBgcDHJndhi

Having dealt with Xiao Bao, You Ying turned back to negotiate with the person who mattered. He knew that, at least for now, he couldn’t afford to offend Su Yin. However, he was perplexed as to why Su Yin was detaining his brother and felt increasingly anxious because of it.SlKXXkpGyXkhlEzxyiFVmXTLIkiRsd

aDRnKAnBJJAjZMx

 xoUaRHwbYubEoPPIeihuSSsBzAHPTq

lhXhbmJGqjzwYPV

“Your name is You Ying,” Su Yin said calmly, sipping his tea. “Let’s dispense with the formalities and get straight to the point. Your brother is staying here because there are things I must know. Since he refuses to speak, I’ve had to bring in someone who will.”ClsjIDXGwdbuJevaqLRoHEIEsGWvqi

EDitNyBLcqLJOrB

 jPMoAzfDakMeRVIWxakIebgRqRsWwU

myFuOGJWukdNbwL

“What does Young Master Su wish to know?”NuEHFawOosdwmHKYfsZULjmgRkFcCr

RQVLPKhVYLdJPEr

 fRuZNQeJgzciFCKczVLZeZWDoWQpza

QFmFFobLMriWQCB

Su Yin nodded toward Xiao Bao. “Our Xiao Bao disappeared for three days and came back injured. I need to know who’s responsible.”GvbUxZmbDLKZCWyRgIwSUqZHqLDAbl

CrSnokXLCHCFVUC

 nEtgjLYTjClfLQeJHbHlyciHMVqxJz

IWaEMVqleByvngb

Xiao Bao’s face turned pale with fear, and he glared at You Ying, silently warning him, “If you dare tell the truth, I’ll strangle your brother.”NGZUQishJkEpINVtHTnbfaICfJcCTI

HXXgjybSjFBJbwS

 qoLBibvdUnjISFGlIzFYjDJQnWsxiw

sryvQiwAJAckJGx

You Ying naturally didn’t take Xiao Bao’s threat seriously, but he had his own concerns. After a moment of consideration, he said, “It was the Konggu Five Fiends.”OHigwlDmjdYUOatsnNoZCeEftuPUbv

hPCPjFFvcHYSEAx

 UODtedHHdndEgYrQoZMMTWcdGwtslW

rhRbTgjMYMbziQl

Su Yin nodded, as this aligned with the information he had received, though he sensed You Ying was holding back.LxkOVMotOHzTeJLmlvgZujDrMkojpV

lXqRJJRAZQyUtmw

 yktniBxUaPLsnNkDiEHSTJIDtrPvnj

gwxscVZsomXXDnb

“Why were the Konggu Five Fiends in Jiangnan, and why did they injure Xiao Bao?”ZCSPwilfPpzGMfOQpxaQdqrYPZYdpg

mISaNDjhTlnIVUW

 SaKmQBIWTxHDwZJJOzSbzDQmsZeHtj

uacnBDSiUrPyBgi

“Their target was my master. Young Master Jin was injured while saving my master. As for why they were in Jiangnan and why they attacked my master, and who my master is, these questions are far more important than the lives of us brothers.” He implied that Su Yin shouldn’t bother asking further.IMsPyVFVPddyvCSMXepzmXazKfmLyx

hryjhYGnypvRykH

 PfZBcTHeuEPRJBvXxEkSLfLrnDniVD

sYAotNVWyRjhQmg

Su Yin raised an eyebrow. Though he expected this, the answer still displeased him.AyihUpRCWmvEBJemYiYRwKloQkairr

zzHzyXpMqjAjtGe

 enxPPBhDCbjjLxJNlkmRilMljbYxtj

NJVRfLqjyGJGrXV

He chuckled coldly, his eyes full of icy intent. His tone and demeanor shifted as he spoke, “Xiao Bao mentioned that your master is an extraordinary beauty, a rarity in a hundred years. To receive such high praise from the famous Jin Gongzi of Jiangnan, they must indeed be a true beauty. I am quite curious and would love to see them for myself.”EehUJELedNDZIhgPcxDeWgyFyuYIkW

TSeVCqSjVRIYxGv

 NmNvveuWCAQxHgjYzIedUltPpnFydP

VMlWqjLDoMqmtVO

You Ying’s jaw clenched with suppressed anger. “My master is not for display. If Young Master Su wants to see beautiful women, even as an outsider, I can name the top three famous brothels in Suzhou. Young Master Su can visit them at his leisure.”vPFDGrapItzYeOZIRASXIoydLliPJx

EyMwFhRVzdwZTbW

 RwmGvLRrmttnLyrfUNfoKZOqPFXdsK

cTBKtYWdRyPMgoM

This tone was exceedingly rude, but Su Yin remained as lazily indifferent as ever.perxZicYGUVQuwvysgyIYWLiwkxmHu

NYDzUumsFmgwQLb

 rgnMvPcKnxCspgyUxPExHfzNcVmsYQ

NPynAIEBlwWdJQU

You Ying, unlike his brother, was not known for his patience. Seeing Su Yin’s inscrutable, mocking smile, he grew even more furious, unable to fathom what Su Yin was thinking.RzXXYpcqXIcJwBWgOTYyCODVTtVjWI

iTQURIkuHvtMoNH

 DVbdfGnTgGqJBKckejeEGJSWtsnLbM

VtxWUqIXlrFwhQp

“I’ll take my brother now. It’s getting late, and finding a place to stay will be difficult!” You Ying declared firmly, glaring at Su Yin to gauge his reaction.wnBIoHVHybtWiDPdCaifvDXSNLoTtV

WnsKtfMzYSciZyi

 VRQKFNrsIlcSafXotmhWJAQjLfIObC

ynziafJslzCscVQ

Su Yin grinned and casually replied, “No.”nbEfyBkDDdyGZwlSiERDmNMSfetbTl

fkgWlDSrMctXINv

 toFDWuiBtUpMZYQXGmPeynQEQuDXsf

fFQWSXumGfHRjWk

This infuriated You Ying, while Xiao Bao couldn’t help but feel a sense of schadenfreude.jyaVLaVcBPPECfoltadQHXfxsVuwWl

PudVKICChTGrlDA

 IGvObpVwVgKynWWZUMOSoApyBzbxuJ

RdaoAJTrESLuvAE

“What do you want, then?” You Ying demanded.MZSYvQNFpHoYOWaRIzykJkJtMzVVqq

lErqOZcgjyqxlnH

 DrscBzrDMfTIDKgZXXAZsciVGApmVM

kROjFGSGFJuzTSu

“I told you, I want to see this renowned beauty. Besides, Xiao Bao here has been unable to eat or drink thinking about him.”GhklGaNIRYbhlpbxDSoJUQyyXpCcJE

jQuzRlXRTsnoEvD

 MqjMXnfNUPOSWzJsasiJTXEMcTunmg

peCOOPICUxdhHTj

“Hmph, unable to eat or drink thinking about him. Young Master Jin, you truly are courageous,” You Ying sneered.OLrbQFpIdhAjTEdMuEYGZYBeMZbTGc

NCyTtWhDHqedWvA

 TZKWmmvHcodzaYrGEfMwbuIZqkKxgo

qXSTuHGqOBnVdRx

Su Yin narrowed his eyes, sensing a hidden meaning. “What do you mean?” he asked You Ying, though his gaze was fixed on Xiao Bao.BgLlKqKZlUGYMmPiZbcCdkVsLnsMaj

ALARaLNAHGGYpAO

 oQOkbDChdzcGJxGyknJDWXucmZbusR

oGsSbTCnAzTWYwV

Xiao Bao, flustered and at a loss, had never been able to keep secrets from Su Yin. But this was such an embarrassing and absurd matter, he couldn’t bring himself to speak of it.GDkuzEXyXdnuxFNvYRdsAhKUXbprCL

tlXPbaUfgjnqQUQ

 guKDTuZrNBGdPLanBkfXccJHuxkqJk

vtaMkakghVSMjJP

“Uh… he… Su Yin, let’s just release them. They went out of their way…” Xiao Bao began, but the words died in his throat under Su Yin’s sharp glare. He stood silently, too scared to continue.zpFIRXhekjqlHHExiQCfyUpZdkpRjf

UsOZCaPxRKwefCF

 dOXgygjEMzyJqyjaVLiXzohPTtizHU

xzFlOkSrmAFjyRQ

He had feared Su Yin since childhood, and while it might seem cowardly, he couldn’t help it. Su Yin was superior in every way, always right. Obeying Su Yin had become second nature to him.mhfdtpiEBxAchyBBHrGUagyFyHGrNZ

hlUkPqDYQjQJUkr

 jmRirXarbjEgVIHpMovXFQzlrJwsDg

xXbnssSARguwwEC

You Ying, having passed the peak of his anger, regained his calm. Forcefully taking his brother was out of the question—he couldn’t defeat Su Yin, and sneaking him out would be highly challenging with the Jin mansion’s tight security. There were many people around, not all of them skilled fighters, but their sheer numbers were a problem. Besides, Zuo Ying was still seriously injured, making any escape attempt difficult.QJgQshJrgMfrOzkVNJLEzUKqPyLzVm

OGbhnrKZuuoLAcl

 dvdviPPmczpVBaSXBGlaBPRIBSIixY

UHbuToDrBJEHyJi

Thinking it over, You Ying realized he would have to return later with a better plan.GBLJTtllWOWmPLrpiwKafHKWVGpbHk

ZwbjdcTtqMObcxp

 PGCrYnvZNpQSXIMleKvSPzxdOLqHUx

OXoiJLwZdOmmOaD

So, without further delay, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. “Please convey my regards to my brother, Su Gongzi, and tell him to take care of himself. I will come back for him another day.” With that, he turned and left.fbBBqixXffYlPizVcnCwDTaTcuNlPz

OTpBrvsinMuFwMR

 VyixmgFacQDcCnpwGTAJAGwGDWanCf

FqsJajZiOKoZTBd

Xiao Bao watched You Ying disappear, then nervously glanced at Su Yin, who was already scrutinizing him with narrowed eyes.YvRcBiicdWAiUlmQoeAnWNBYUcfSxs

UggFKXWjlyXRIgO

 ctDDaccoHpNWFzrGrPUsibUEimIxmd

vfPVUmaYTLDWFar

This is bad!NMxyiNveveGTPsYULHuLrVWlnbcpRB

AYHIZCrXgmFvZad

 nZvPsBwqWNwOqjjBzJmbEMzBfprmmh

xbcnnhijDTFkrZL

“What are you hiding from me?”ltYtqLCPvvleRIEplQGEBMkXrmBLSf

gKGnhQEvdHzCNwY

 IOINDVtHoWFcZLBNDATcTbtSmBurco

wsShDfjFaFxmCHH

“Nothing…”orvWTByTfQZBijWMGJtebyXBeLktHm

jPRXvQIojkzcoVP

 WTUFeHhVTdoAFeYSEXqNXGeBWAptYl

zHAsUoDGUmYjdBX

Su Yin raised his voice, “Do you dare say nothing again?”xqJOQWlesyobMyAbfbwNYeiOqbFVtq

kQjgzRrCZLdlWxK

 vXmHEgAiLwIWtikyZRZfhVAOjKezCm

FOoLXfHtYpihRzN

“…Nothing…” Xiao Bao avoided his gaze.ALxbwkQnpNPWaXhTFAFCWlBfeRUlnk

tadtJSJYsvFcxio

 AgCcqPZKmKISLQOVaHNmyxxXOmSINw

iFjSzMaKCvhZpgy

Su Yin stood up, his height advantage giving him an imposing presence. Grabbing Xiao Bao by the ear, he demanded, “Speak!”UtRSMWmoeStIzOVxfcJwbYtZExyHCo

nfHPoQXWIpwzwBG

 ddXDxoPjRkuqGJIZJGmaIdwqQBLgoi

bQCVFLqAsUfGWeu

Xiao Bao panicked, trying to pry Su Yin’s hand off, but the harder he struggled, the more it hurt. “What are you doing?! You’re not my mother! I don’t have to report everything to you!”hkFtPyJpAOAhVOtAHvCLfZiqxQQmUD

FwUyegtpgKpaODl

 bXbrZLhlZrBWmBOCwzyPBXdjDJMGXY

nHcQLWLeDkUKoLX

Su Yin tightened his grip, causing Xiao Bao to yelp in pain.qMNVeYgYRTTGbtDkRZBexdWAuXgkiP

vyHwTgaoClssYvU

 ELLDpUsoLgzFSMvEcwJpWivmygSQIT

pQZCtoPsFfyMWdf

“Growing wings, are we?”eMWrMCuqgWhpiheyWYNznpPfvYqBbD

zkODiWbksUFgrGZ

 JqSRfDCSHqOMsnAPqLXpZIXWlpimgX

JSHOLPxkWdDLwNu

“Su Yin, you bastard, let go of me! Ah, it hurts! Let go!”arQWnrYCfQnvrpGWNtvAcTfAKKyyTm

GlXgjthgjdWqxlR

 wVafTgVFoxmpAdzehPxHtFiNErxOaB

achnpzDGYuiOpiZ

Xiao Bao, in a rare show of defiance, clung to his pride. Despite the pain that nearly tore his ear off, he refused to talk.UFAYNiSECuumUNxyvybPNVZgJmQZkR

NXSSbJjWZXasQkX

 DbKjwYbKGaWJnZnDIGzcmuJzRGXLpq

ZUcJfJggGJtJnLA

Seeing him like this, Su Yin found it both infuriating and amusing, though he suppressed his laughter and finally let go.uiVRLmZQmUtrXhORTbQqQFpYxzARCd

DiItCvMqphYqgTh

 LzWoxCIydkxCUpLNrHryoMaieGwAnJ

wfpYjxxLBeWvfaZ

Xiao Bao clutched his ear, hissing in pain, and shot Su Yin venomous glances, as if he wished he could burn holes through him with his eyes.jUyfjXVXsESKReUZuVGnaKNqjSINcW

MmKkLmISJyxqAie

 JdBQptCVHKAsacfYgMAJWXcPQoxBhx

xbpezYVzYKMNmUs

“One month. You’re not allowed to leave the mansion.”ULXwuTalyutLKxOhrBeIYytWsuAarl

sjuUiOUqolnPVpY

 kwORtfJmYLLUFvkKsfjbpsYQgLCYyB

QKWupCKYuBgoHBt

“What?!” Did he hear that right? “This is my house! You can’t tell me I can’t leave. Who do you think you are?”lUQeQkqPtsNMNnVjmQqRADHECBfJTH

HKWbUNPfeAWzAJm

 BbWatyyBQxNpqurOohYqXGsHLEkkcu

nOjVPgfLHTKOkky

“Watch me.” Without waiting for Xiao Bao to continue his angry outbursts, Su Yin waved his hand and walked away.bMIiZmusUaqDIMRnWIRMwiObrXawAR

bosHjzyWtQKJJyJ

 xRZeoWQXZGvOjOLwfsHVOWDluRcTxL

FwCMlLOcLJebTLv

Sure enough, that afternoon, whatever Su Yin had said to his father resulted in Xiao Bao being firmly grounded. His father decreed that the entire household was to ensure Xiao Bao stayed put.GteEmvRiNUjXoyWpMaEHUXuEmCgCRs

JXUPGGshYlWBens

 AwmgmsqyWARMVzSflemnWEMGBOyUoG

TsHcFLafInTogsU

For someone as restless as Xiao Bao, being confined to the mansion was torturous.cCVFuIZYsejimDFsnLHZdswVtpclps

SAjxVFxVLoiKjXf

 qgPPHzLvtVtiJMNUugJOiWMjCKoVfV

tbvMSZoYEhXkDbf

He had come a long way since childhood. Back then, he could only harbor silent anger at Su Yin’s tyranny. Now, even though he could voice his outrage, it did nothing to solve his problems. Feeling wronged, he knew Su Yin was too crafty; even crying to his mother wouldn’t help. Instead she would only scold him for being immature.WSYnZosYTrSJJRgksRPnDqamLTonGL

tQGRXaFGBXmRKVf

 LTGbbHSqtqJqjKIRCuOwHZdjDaunKw

yVASodhVSpNDvju

SB’s Note: Thank you sooo much, Clare and Kipzi, for the support on Ko-fi. As a token of my gratitude, here’s a double update just for you. ❤️❤️hljXYxiIKOofMKubvBnvwvaNMgmaYg

aOVNtFneZkQVXJg

 fobMMIXzYmKMOHXfTKbClYZqyPPLQR

MeKYibFjtWvIGBK
Table of Contents
lGmzgjdAqxrKIWZtQPkrCfyZBBmrXo

5 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments