IDWBE -Chapter 363 Return

“Good,” Xiao Xizi said coldly. “From now on, keep your mouth shut. If even the slightest rumor leaks out, watch your head.”

No matter what, Lai Ru had been someone close to the Consort. Even beating a dog required regard for its master—let alone killing her outright.

If the Consort ever learned the truth, Xiao Xizi could not guarantee that the prince would protect him.

After all, the prince had only instructed him to purge troublemakers around the Consort. He had never said they must be killed.

“Congratulations, Eunuch, on avenging your great grievance,” He Lian said with a grin. “I know well—back in Jinglan Palace, that cheap maid was the most malicious. Always making things difficult for you…”

“Hm?”

Xiao Xizi’s face darkened instantly.

“I’ve misspoken!” He Lian hurriedly lowered his head.

“Remember this,” Xiao Xizi said slowly under the dim palace lantern, staring straight at him. “I serve the prince with single-minded loyalty. When have I ever acted out of personal grudges?”

“Forgive me, Eunuch,” He Lian said, barely daring to breathe.

He knew he had spoken wrongly again.

He wished he could slap himself a few times. Why blurt out uncomfortable truths?

Xiao Xizi glanced around before speaking through clenched teeth. “I’ll say this one last time—remember it well. In this palace, take not a single wrong step. Otherwise, no one can save you. Now that Pan Duo commands the Palace Guards, he is not your godfather. He won’t indulge you in everything.”

“Yes, I truly understand,” He Lian said bitterly.

His godfather was gone.

Aside from Xiao Xizi, he had no one to rely on.

“In the future, use your brain before speaking or acting,” Xiao Xizi said leisurely. “You never know—those closest to you may already be pieces on the Palace Guards’ chessboard. Best stay wary.”

“I will remember.”

When He Lian looked up again, Xiao Xizi had already disappeared.

Holding his fly-whisk, Xiao Xizi walked along the long palace wall toward the Directorate of Ceremonial. As he reached the entrance, he sensed something amiss. Not only were the guards gone—even the young eunuchs on duty were nowhere to be seen.

Yet the hall inside remained brightly lit.

He tucked the whisk under his arm and cautiously approached the door. Pushing it open, he found someone seated within.

Once he saw clearly who it was, he immediately dropped to his knees.

“Greetings, Master! Where have you been these past days? Your disciple has been deeply worried.”

He had never expected his master, Hong Ying, to appear here suddenly—

And not go straight to Prince He’s residence!

“Mm. Rise,” Hong Ying said with half-closed eyes, his voice icy. “You’ve been busier than most.”

Xiao Xizi couldn’t decipher the meaning behind those words. Carefully, he replied, “The prince has just taken control of court affairs. With you absent, Master, this useless disciple was forced into service, barely helping ease the prince’s burdens. Now that you’ve returned, I can relax a little—no more taxing tasks. I’ll simply follow your instructions. Whatever you command, I shall carry out without question.”

“Your martial arts have regressed again. Continue neglecting them like this, and you’ll never improve in this lifetime.”

Hong Ying suddenly rose and paced before him, looking down from above.

“Hopeless.”

“Your disciple knows his fault,” Xiao Xizi said, letting out a quiet breath of relief.

His familiar master had returned.

The fear in his heart dissipated somewhat. Gathering courage, he asked, “Master, where have you been these past days? The prince had Pan Duo search for news of you, but nothing was found. The prince was very worried.”

Hong Ying seemed not to hear. He said only, “I will return to the prince’s side. He cannot be without someone attending him. The palace, however, will remain under your control. Any who lack sense—kill them directly. Like Lai Ru.”

“Ah—”

Xiao Xizi trembled violently, like a leaf in a storm.

As expected—nothing could be hidden from his master.

“You are no longer a child,” Hong Ying continued. “Having some methods is not bad. But don’t forget who gave them to you. Otherwise, as your master, I will have no choice but to clean house.”

“I understand. Rest assured, Master,” Xiao Xizi said hurriedly. “I will never forget the rules.”

“Good.”

Xiao Xizi only saw a shadow flicker—and then his master was gone.

After waiting a long while, he finally dared to poke his head out the door. Confirming Hong Ying had truly left, he collapsed onto the floor.

Terrifying.

If he hadn’t pressed his hand to his chest, his heart might have leapt straight out.

Night fell.

Ye Qiu sat in the courtyard as usual. Turning to the blind man beside him, he said, “Something feels off.”

“It does,” the blind man nodded.

Suddenly, the bamboo staff in his hand thrust into empty air. In the blink of an eye, it snapped cleanly in two.

Ye Qiu stared in disbelief.

What kind of person could sever the blind man’s staff?

The strength must surpass his!

In that instant, a shadow flickered midair.

Without hesitation, Ye Qiu thrust his sword toward the sudden figure.

To his shock, the strike met nothing.

The eerie figure descended slowly. Once Ye Qiu recognized him, he finally relaxed.

Losing to Hong Ying was no disgrace.

After all, he had never once beaten him.

“Chief Steward,” the blind man spoke first.

With his left hand, he took a handkerchief from his robes and carefully wrapped the torn web between his thumb and forefinger. Soon, the white cloth was stained red with blood.

“So it really is the Chief Steward,” Ye Qiu said with a grin. “I thought as much—who else in this world could possess such skill?”

“There are many,” Hong Ying said inexplicably.

Then he passed through the vine-covered corridor and left.

The blind man stared after him and sighed. “One move. Only one move…”

“What’s so surprising?” Ye Qiu rolled his eyes, though the blind man couldn’t see. “When have you ever lasted two?”

“The realm of Heaven and Man,” the blind man murmured. “The Chief Steward has broken through.”

“What’s the realm of Heaven and Man?” Ye Qiu asked curiously.

“I don’t know,” the blind man shook his head. “Before, when facing him, I always believed that one day—even if I couldn’t win—I wouldn’t lose too badly. But tonight… I felt the gap between man and heaven. I felt very small.”

“Aren’t you supposed to divine the future?” Ye Qiu teased. “Didn’t you foresee this day?”

“I’m going to sleep,” the blind man said helplessly, disappearing into the darkness.

“Hey, we’re on night watch—”

After shouting, Ye Qiu slapped his forehead.

How foolish.

Now that the Chief Steward had returned, what night watch was needed?

From now on, matters of Prince He’s residence would no longer require him and the blind man to worry.

At last, they could go out and roam freely again!

With that thought, he sheathed his sword and turned away.