Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

Translator: Silvery Butterfly cjHfGHqFRLxKjoheyyBFnxSBVycuLf

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Xiao Bao behaved himself for an entire day.VnipHjJOPFtppnSNVQAIqOsKiTxlGb

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This was because yesterday, Huai En had grabbed him by the neck, lifted him up, and tossed him into the pond. Xiao Bao lay in bed, reflecting on his mistakes, and realized he had been too reckless. How could he directly discuss such matters with Huai En? No matter how feminine Huai En looked, he was still a man, and any man would have trouble overcoming that psychological barrier. If any other man dared to say such things to Xiao Bao, he would have dunked him in the water without hesitation too.nZJykCAujHwcEOyWzhPjVZtoVajhFD

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So, he shouldn’t have talked about it; he should have just acted on it! Once Huai En experienced the pleasure, he wouldn’t resist as much!kzBWBmkxgXEZWTQpuppGesMzlWKqwE

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Xiao Bao immediately shared his reasoning with Zhao Cai and Jin Bao, who nearly rolled their eyes at him. But in Xiao Bao’s view, Zhao Cai and Jin Bao lacked his experience in matters of lust and couldn’t understand the benefits.dYIwXqKObNewLIbhdPQnVYtRdCBlrW

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He needed to come up with a comprehensive plan to make the rice cook into a meal. Besides, Huai En had shown mercy twice yesterday and had even asked to stay, which surely indicated some affection. Otherwise, why the sudden change of heart? Thinking this way, Xiao Bao’s confidence soared.aJzKqCZpYqRFXhllxlAmBKQExLKqSd

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However, this time, he learned his lesson. From now on, whenever he was with Huai En, Zhao Cai and Jin Bao had to be close by. Yesterday, the pond wasn’t deep, and he managed to crawl out after briefly losing consciousness. Otherwise, by the time Zhao Cai and Jin Bao found him, he would have become prime feed for his family’s koi fish.DixzqRkgSvPNsETcEDpZstcXUoCsBG

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As Xiao Bao was still pondering how to achieve his grand plan, one of Xiao Yu’s servants hurriedly sought an audience.qCkpwFBPhrQTFqgVeeVgbFLjkHQHwc

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Xiao Bao, having nothing pressing to do, immediately got up and opened the door, asking, “What’s wrong?”yVRbhlVTkEhlmHMAFcGKTkGmuUHBhQ

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“The master and madam went to offer incense. The young miss wanted to go with them, but they didn’t take her. She started crying and smashing things. Young Master, please come quickly, she’s been at it for a while now.”YGhumBridtnzXyIGvWfJZBgnZxdcml

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Xiao Bao sighed and rushed to Xiao Yu’s residence.FSdRzGyPwoXNsGmpUDCrrTroJUQSDx

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From a distance, he could hear Xiao Yu crying. She had indeed been at it for quite some time; her voice was strained and hiccuping. When she saw Xiao Bao, she cried even louder and ran towards him, “Gege, gege, I want to go out and play. I don’t want to stay in the mansion every day. I’ve never been outside. Gege, gege, I want to go out!”JixBiFepDkrNzaACOzKbbanHoplxYX

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“Xiao Yu, be good, stop crying.” Xiao Bao picked up the little girl and took her inside, closing the door behind him.WvykmguILDQjZWvXZvVEZhvsvqnMIl

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Xiao Yu glanced at the closed door with her tear-swollen eyes, sobbed a few times, and looked at Xiao Bao with a silent plea.GxQKzBzLhVlyzNrqkORsxZoyFVsmfR

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Xiao Bao sighed, placed the little girl on his lap, and wiped the tears from her face. “Xiao Yu, what has Xiao Bao gege told you before?”RzbShcVpGvyslUFfFnbaWrpRYQAzyF

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“You know why we don’t let you go outside.”rdjuLJgJyxLrcuuSyqVgZdNQVmGbrM

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“There’s no such thing as a completely secret wall. Even if no one recognizes you, there’s no guarantee that someone won’t know you’re here. The Jin mansion is the only truly safe place. If you get into trouble because of a moment’s playfulness, how can I explain it to your brother?”xoXPgvdabCVPzJambksYzijKjjgcOz

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Xiao Yu’s lips trembled, and she lowered her eyes as silent tears streamed down her face.OZlBSywrYjnDbeewYpAQpdzMbVYAjV

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“You’re not a child anymore. I know it’s boring to stay in the mansion every day. In another four or five years, you’ll be able to get married. By then, that matter will have faded, and I’ll find you a match who suits you well, someone far from here who can protect you…”mnLfoGGvddBaxlDeXXDaHjWIRDYMVT

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Xiao Yu shook her head vigorously in his arms. “No, Xiao Bao gege, I don’t want to get married. If I get married, I won’t be here anymore. I’d rather never go out than leave.”jFlsIACUSCOhzDEGliNKmMUkQPldBN

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Xiao Bao pinched her cheek. “Let’s just see how things go. Every girl gets married eventually; you’ll understand in the future. Now, tell me, why did you insist on going out today?”iooAEKSMIawCFvgpWQsjVYthZZRegP

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Xiao Yu was usually a very sensible child and rarely asked for anything. Most of the time, she quietly read books and practiced martial arts. Her martial arts teacher was arranged by Su Yin, actually to protect her. Back then, Xiao Bao had stubbornly insisted on keeping Xiao Yu. To protect her, he had knelt before Su Yin for the first time in his life. He knew that no matter how wealthy the Jin family was, it couldn’t compare to the influence of the Su family. Only the Su family could almost completely seal all traces of a person. His parents had been furious with him, and Su Yin had also been very angry, but eventually, they had reluctantly agreed to his persistence. Xiao Yu had seen how difficult it was for Xiao Bao back then, which made her exceptionally obedient and understanding.OjiSGlQPSmRWheaqaPZYmHKjjkgCdy

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Xiao Bao never regretted his decision. Xiao Yu’s brother had saved his life, a man of integrity and humility, upright and principled, like a clear spring in the murky world of officialdom. Xiao Bao admired and respected him deeply. He still couldn’t uncover the truth behind the massacre of the Xue family, unable to avenge his friend. At the very least, he was entrusted with the care of his friend’s only sister. As long as the Jin family had a breath left, he would protect her with his life.qOqugNjtyvhlqBPinmVEAOssaWZcgH

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Xiao Yu lowered her head and murmured, “Father and Mother went to Xiyuan Temple to pray. They say the prayers there are very effective for safety. Xiao Bao gege, when you suddenly disappeared a while ago, I was so scared…”LidGdEKvtHmJWIGfewWQgdsMBFjtGo

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Xiao Bao hugged the child tightly, his nose tingling. This child had witnessed her entire family being murdered in one night. For the first six months after bringing her back, she couldn’t speak a word, always cowering in a corner, terrified by any sound. It took a long time for her to gradually get better. He knew how deep her insecurity ran, which made him love her even more.TnKTsKpsdoMKrkGKjnYDGWKtAQFHPV

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“Xiao Bao gege, I will be obedient from now on.”TpSdmhTdTvurdnIdaEjFhkRNrmbXkf

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“Good, Xiao Yu. Be a good girl, and everything will be better when you grow up. Once you’re grown, we won’t be able to keep you even if we want to. How about gege takes you to see some fun things? We recently received some Western items that even the princesses in the palace don’t have. Our Xiao Yu will have them, okay?”CWuwIXtWSgNXSmiINQmWrxEgqMInCA

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“Okay!!” Xiao Yu beamed and gave Xiao Bao a big kiss on the cheek.FRrSmcVRQojfeDjoqRERYuFoYzmsVQ

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Xiao Bao carried her outside. The little girl was getting heavier, and in a few more years, he wouldn’t be able to carry her anymore. But for now, to make her happy, he endured the numbness in his arms.EGKIxkkrMhNApgtnKBdkposAIGosKv

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A large group of people bustled around Xiao Bao and Xiao Yu as they headed toward the back garden. Turning a corner, Xiao Bao immediately saw Huai En’s Zuo Ying and You Ying. They were taking a walk, with Zuo Ying looking pale and moving slowly, though reportedly no longer in serious condition.PiyjOKNsaUErdxTOJlURTKRZzVlAnu

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You Ying naturally noticed them. He was filled with disdain and dissatisfaction towards Xiao Bao. He intended to make some cutting remarks, but seeing the group behind them, he decided against it. After all, Zuo Ying had received their kindness, so he couldn’t say anything either. He had just heard his brother complain to him, and now seeing him in person, he couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward.cfJjaMTxtWDIDkVgmjTpKUfcpyftoJ

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You Ying snorted, supporting his brother as they prepared to leave.vkNGlGsilTIPXHHqMSkgwQSmilXVUX

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Xiao Yu, who had been comfortably lying on Xiao Bao’s shoulder, noticed the group stopping. She turned her head and asked, “Gege, who are they?”ZmmHyvKTPNtYCejCqCArahWyhwfZgY

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The clear and melodious voice of the little girl made both men subconsciously turn their heads. This glance left them both stunned.PbpCDsCzYZXYJbcdeXGEmWbcSTbHfI

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This little girl!!!LoJshdDPYmMsJRQfftpIcbbvrSPrCY

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Xiao Bao, noticing the sudden change in their expressions, looked at them suspiciously. “What’s wrong with you?” Seeing them staring at his sister, his rogue nature immediately resurfaced. He shouted, “What are you looking at? Xiao Yu is still young. Even when she grows up, it won’t be your turn. You say I have no manners, but is it proper to stare at a young maiden who hasn’t yet come of age like this?”lsLIXaqGUtZzQiDFqqLwYnmoCxfLjU

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This left You Ying extremely embarrassed. His temper was not steady, and he wanted to explode on the spot. Zuo Ying quickly grabbed his sleeve and whispered, “The main task is important.”wQVYLckuWLhmHAVVnbQhXmaabEvMIy

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You Ying angrily glared at Xiao Bao, then supported Zuo Ying as they left.wEtleuFrvXUdCIZDBYWozPDWBEbNbk

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Xiao Bao simply assumed they were just admiring Xiao Yu’s beauty and cuteness. He deliberately teased You Ying to settle a small grudge, not thinking too much about it. Happily, he led the group to see the foreign novelties, and soon forgot about the incident.FhYpUFcWIZInxUEsjpIuedaRgyJGpa

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SB’s Note: Thank you, Kipzi and Sedirea Japonica, for the Kofi! I’ve posted a double update just for you. 😘💕WkiBWhinCeNsVgzyWiPhjRPfiNIrOX

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