Chapter 424 - 223: Orange Cat (3)

Chapter 424: Chapter 223: Orange Cat (3)

With a heavy heart, he was about to return to the main wing, wondering whether to pull an all-nighter to grind his Miracle Technique or just get a comfortable night’s sleep and deal with it later, when Zheng Erniang hurried over, holding a paper umbrella. She was dressed in thin sleepwear, and the moment she saw Zheng Xiu, she launched into a tirade: "What’s the deal with that girl at your door? When did you bring her back? You brought her here but won’t let her inside? You’re just going to let her get soaked to the bone out there in this downpour?"

’A girl? I brought her back?’

Zheng Xiu was stunned for a moment, then slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "I forgot!"

He had forgotten about Yin Qingqing, the girl Old Wei had "gifted" him! The thought of her made Zheng Xiu’s head ache again; he had no idea how to handle her. On the way, Zheng Xiu explained Yin Qingqing’s origins to Zheng Erniang. When Zheng Erniang learned that the girl was a gift from the Emperor, her expression faltered slightly.

Zheng Xiu explained with a wry smile, "He said at the time that if she caught my eye, she was mine. If she didn’t, I could dispose of her as I saw fit. What do you think would happen if I said she didn’t catch my eye? Do you think she’d be allowed to return to the Emperor’s side? Her ultimate fate... It’s better left unsaid."

Besides, to say that a woman who could accompany Old Wei on his tour of inspection didn’t catch his eye would be like slapping the Emperor across the face with all his might. The thought was satisfying, but completely unnecessary. Zheng Xiu had figured it all out in that instant, so he had readily accepted.

Zheng Erniang was secretly alarmed. As a sheltered woman, she had never had any dealings with the Emperor. After Zheng Xiu’s explanation, a cold sweat broke out on her back for his sake. She never would have imagined that such a seemingly simple question and answer could hide such a deadly trap, one that could so easily decide the fate of a young woman’s life.

To Zheng Xiu’s surprise, when he arrived back at the gate in the rainy night, his four personal attendants were there as well. They were holding umbrellas and positioned at four corners. What baffled him was that they had even brought out musical instruments, ready to play, looking as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

In the rainy night, shadowy figures flickered on the surrounding walls—evidently, many of the Brotherhood’s finest were lying in wait.

Zheng Xiu froze. ’How did this get so blown out of proportion?’

The moment they saw Zheng Xiu, the four attendants seemed to find their backbone, letting out a breath they had been holding. Zizi hurried forward, her hands glowing with a faint white light. As raindrops fell, they were bounced away, not leaving a single wet spot on her. Zizi said angrily, "This woman possesses a Miracle Technique!"

"She possesses a Miracle Technique? And?" Hearing this, Zheng Xiu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Everyone, stand down. If the Great Emperor wanted to deal with me, why would he use such a crude method?"

Everyone was taken aback. Soaked to the bone, Yin Qingqing stood motionless in the downpour, letting the heavy rain drench her. Her wet hair was plastered to her face, making her look rather wretched. When Zheng Xiu stepped forward, Yin Qingqing curtsied. "This servant, Yin Qingqing, greets you, Master."

Zheng Xiu asked, "Why are you just standing here getting soaked? Didn’t I say I would take you in?"

Zheng Xiu’s use of the phrase "take you in" seemed to strike a nerve with Yin Qingqing. The young woman’s face twitched, but she tried her best to remain calm. Lowering her head, she said, "Master told this servant to stand at the gate and not to enter, so this servant has been standing here."

SWISH.

All eyes instantly focused on Zheng Xiu.

No wonder.

’So that’s what the Master is into.’

Zheng Erniang finally understood. She whispered to Zheng Xiu, "So... should we get her cleaned up? And send her to your room? Does Miss Feng Bei know about this?"

Yin Qingqing trembled from head to toe.

"Don’t be ridiculous." Zheng Xiu cleared his throat twice, putting on an air of masterly authority. "Second Lady, you know this person’s origins now. I’ll leave her to you to handle. For now, have her serve as Feng Bei’s personal handmaiden." Then, Zheng Xiu turned back to Yin Qingqing and said, "From this day forward, her words are my words."

"Yes." Yin Qingqing nodded silently, resigned to her fate.