IDWBE -Chapter 354 No Forgiveness for Enemies

He Lian stood at the doorway, craning his neck, watching Jiao Zhong’s retreating figure just like Xiao Xizi did. Casually glancing at Xiao Xizi’s expression, he forced a smile and said, “This guy has no manners—swaggering into the palace with a sword. By the rules, he should be executed. Eunuch, you’ve spoiled him far too much; no wonder he’s getting bolder by the day.”

“Mind what you should, ignore what you shouldn’t,” Xiao Xizi said coldly. “Watch your words; one slip and no one will save you.”

Seeing that Xiao Xizi showed no anger, He Lian continued boldly, “I’m only speaking up for you, Eunuch. Even a lowly guard like this dares to disrespect you. If we don’t give him a taste of his own medicine, he’ll think he can bully us.”

“You speak the truth. A humble person can’t even breathe without fault. Now that our family has endured hardships and finally prospered, no one can bully us at will anymore,” Xiao Xizi said with feeling. “We repay kindness, and take revenge on enemies.”

He recalled the days in the palace when anyone could scold him or strike him.

Now, no one could treat him like that ever again!

Everything owed to him would be reclaimed!

“Indeed, Eunuch,” He Lian flattered. “Now, in this palace, everything is decided by you. A bastard like Jiao Zhong is no more than an ant in front of you. One word from you, and I’ll have him bound—I guarantee he won’t get out.”

Xiao Xizi said calmly, “No matter what, he’s by Prince He’s side. If the prince doesn’t speak, no one touches him. Remember, our prince is sentimental. Don’t provoke anyone around him—not even those two fools, Yu Xiaoshi and Cui Gensheng. If they lose their temper, and you die under their hands, your death would be meaningless.”

Clearly, they were two hopeless fools, yet Prince He showed them special favor, sometimes to the point of making him slightly jealous.

Prince He clearly hated fools! By his standards, idiots didn’t deserve to live, especially the self-righteous ones.

He Lian said begrudgingly, “In terms of closeness, who compares to you, Eunuch? Prince He cannot be an inch away from you. When you rise in status, don’t forget to remind me.”

“Hmm?”

Xiao Xizi’s expression immediately darkened.

“I—I know my fault,”

He Lian instantly understood and fell to his knees, pale with fright.

He wanted to slap himself—he’d flattered too much!

He had forgotten about Hong Ying.

Even though Xiao Xizi now commanded the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, anyone with sense knew that the position of Chief Eunuch of the Directorate was reserved for Hong Ying.

In the future, Hong Ying would undoubtedly become the palace’s chief steward.

In other words, no one could replace Hong Ying in Prince He’s heart.

As for Xiao Xizi, whatever rank he achieved in the palace would depend entirely on Hong Ying.

He felt uneasy. Had he pledged loyalty too soon?

No matter what, he would have to wait for Chief Steward Hong’s return. If Xiao Xizi fell into misfortune, he would inevitably be dragged down too.

“Hmph,” Xiao Xizi snorted coldly. “Don’t think I don’t see your little schemes. If Chief Steward were here, someone like you would already be fertilizer, a companion for your godfather. I’m only letting you live because of old connections—don’t forget your place. If you act ungratefully, I won’t be able to save you.”

“Your kindness, Eunuch, I will never forget,” He Lian, terrified, kowtowed three times, banging his head to the ground. “I will do my utmost, serving you tirelessly.”

“You’ve gone foolish again, haven’t you?” Xiao Xizi suddenly laughed. “We serve the prince; we, the servants, dare not have selfish intentions. Everything we do is for the prince.”

“Yes, I understand. I will serve Prince He faithfully,” He Lian quickly replied.

“Hmph, that’s better,” Xiao Xizi turned his back, sat down on the wide chair, and picked up his tea. “If you’re not attending to His Majesty, why are you here?”

He Lian replied cautiously, “His Majesty had the imperial physicians prepare some medicine. After taking some last night, there was no serious effect, but the cough worsened. I was about to summon Qiu Zhenxian, but dared not, so I came to you directly.”

“Qiu Zhenxian, the alchemist?”

Xiao Xizi frowned. “He’s still in the city?”

He Lian said, “Lord Pan has been keeping watch. Where he is now, I don’t know; you’d have to ask Lord Pan.”

“Useless. Everything must be asked of others. What use are you to me?”

Xiao Xizi’s face darkened.

Angered, he threw the tea cup at He Lian.

He Lian didn’t dare dodge—the cup struck his forehead, swelling it instantly.

Seeing him frozen, Xiao Xizi got angrier and shouted, “What are you standing there for? Go find out clearly!”

“Yes, sir!”

He Lian scrambled away as fast as he could.

After he left, a young eunuch entered to clean up the broken porcelain and spilled water.

“Useless, useless, all useless.”

Xiao Xizi continued cursing relentlessly, frightening the young eunuch beside him, who fell to his knees and repeatedly kowtowed, blood streaming down his forehead.

Sunlight streaming through the window made the blood glisten.

Ankang City was another sweltering day.

“It’ll be autumn once the heat passes,” Wang Xiaoshuan wiped the sweat from his head, muttering, “I can’t take this hellish place anymore. We have to go back to Sanhe.”

Zhu Ruorong laughed, “Back and forth, six months wasted. How long can you endure this? You’re young and can’t even handle a little hardship. Prince He will mostly stay in Ankang; the big money-making business is here. Do you still want to stay in Sanhe?”

Wang Xiaoshuan snorted coldly, “We’ll think of later when later comes. At least now, life here is unbearable—bad food, poor sleep. It’s no paradise compared to home.”

Liang Qingshu said, “Zhu Ruorong is right. Even if we’re not used to it, we must adapt. If others can endure, so can we. If not, give yourself a couple of slaps—this is what it feels like to have a grudge against money, right?”

Wang Xiaoshuan said nothing.

Han Dongsheng added, “Looks like Prince He won’t return to Sanhe. If we want to make money, we must stay behind him. No matter the hardships, it’s better than being poor. Don’t you agree?”

“I’m not afraid of being poor!”

Kang Bao jumped down from the elephant and shouted, “I’m not afraid of freezing, but the elephant can’t handle it. Winter’s coming, and they won’t have enough food. Next month, we return to Sanhe. Do as you please.”