Chapter 9

Chapter 9: The Duke's Mansion

The Duke's Mansion

Bai Xiaoxiao looked at her distracted son, set down her teacup, and with concern showing on her face, she softly called, "Aqing?"

Xia Qing snapped back to reality, looked at his mother, bit his lower lip, and his eyes instantly reddened.

While Bai Xiaoxiao might be the second wife of Duke Xia, she differed from the strong-willed mother of Xia You, who had retired from the First Legion. She was a musician, often dressed in long white gowns, rarely wore extravagant jewelry, had her golden curly hair pinned up, and exuded an air of serene grace.

Precisely because of this, the former Duke Xia felt it was a pity to only have her as a lover. After overcoming all obstacles to marry her, he indulged and cherished this true love.

Bai Xiaoxiao had been Duke Xia's mistress for seven years. Officially, Xia Qing is younger than Xia You, but in reality, he is a year older.

He's genuinely a child born within wedlock.

Bai Xiaoxiao raised her hand, beckoning gently. When her son sat beside her, she hugged Xia Qing and whispered, "Aqing, I know you feel wronged. But remember what I said: this is just a temporary setback. No matter what the Fan family says or how outsiders view you, you must firmly hold onto the hearts of Fan and Qiao, understand?"

"I understand," Xia Qing nodded and said, somewhat dejectedly, "The Fan family currently has only one S-class direct heir, Fan and Qiao, so they must value him... But, Mom, I truly despise that despicable Xia You! Why does he always get the best?"

Bai Xiaoxiao paused for a moment, her tone carrying profound implications, "Regardless of whether he truly matched successfully with the Marshal or not, the Marshal's health isn't great, and the Senate is... Aqing, there's still a long road ahead."

When Lu Yinghuai passes away due to illness and the Marshal's mansion's influence wanes, as much as the netizens now eagerly appreciate Xia You, they will turn on him the moment the Marshal dies. By then, Xia You's fall will be even more tragic.

"The pressing matter is to make the Senate recognize your worth and for the Fan family to see you in a new light."

"We might be able to exploit Xia You's successful match to our advantage."

Xia Qing, of course, understood this logic. But as much as he understood, the idea of humbling himself now to forge a good relationship with Xia You, and even celebrating his birthday—

Xia Qing sat up straight from Bai Xiaoxiao's embrace, his handsome face clouded over with gloom.

He had always been doted upon by Duke Xia and Bai Xiaoxiao since childhood, and had never faced such humiliation before. This scandal even halted most of his entertainment industry work!

On the day of the blind date banquet, he thought he had lured Xia You to the room, but for some reason, he passed out. When he woke up, most of the passion-inducing incense prepared in the room had been inhaled by him.

In his hazy consciousness, he saw Fan and Qiao bringing someone in.

But he vividly remembers that even though Fan and Qiao thought the person on the bed was Xia You, they still approached...

Xia Qing, who has always been on edge around Fan and Qiao, was infuriated thinking about the day when journalists and guests burst in, witnessing his disheveled appearance and Fan and Qiao's nonchalant attitude.

Fan and Qiao are just playboys without much merit. For such young masters, being an unattainable dream is the most effective— ever since he got involved with Fan and Qiao, their attitude towards him became casual and indifferent.

"Mother, I want to probe whether that incident really involves Xia You or to gauge the Marshal's Mansion's attitude towards Xia You," Xia Qing said with a dark expression. "Furthermore, I suspect that Fan and Qiao have designs on Xia You."

Bai Xiaoxiao frowned slightly, tilting her head in thought. She softly responded, "At tomorrow's birthday banquet, let others do the probing. This is a critical time for you; avoid trouble."

Xia Qing was silent for a while, looking at his mother and firmly declared, "Mother, I want Xia You dead."

Ever since childhood, Xia You has always overshadowed him.

He is clearly Duke Xia's most beloved child, but because Xia You is a healer, Duke Xia always places high hopes on him and trains him rigorously.

Even though his mother is the Duchess, when outsiders mention the young master of the Xia family, their first thought is always of the foolish Xia You.

After that blind date banquet, Xia You should have completely disappeared from his sight, from his life.

He didn't initially want Xia You dead, just gone.

— It's all Xia You's fault.

"I know the elders of the Senate want to contact Xia You. They don't want Xia You to be the match for the Marshal, right?"

A cold smile appeared on Xia Qing's face.

Bai Xiaoxiao sighed, remained silent for a long moment, seeing Xia Qing's stubborn and dark gaze, she said nothing more but advised, "Hide yourself well, be cautious, and cover your tracks. Don't let it be like last time."

***

Xia You made a late appearance on the day of the birthday banquet.

As soon as he entered, he heard the displeased reprimand from Duke Xia, "Why are you so late? Where's the etiquette I taught you? After staying out for just two days, you've become so unruly!"

As the Duke of Xia spoke, he walked outside, followed by the butler who seemed to want to interject several times but never did.

"Come in quickly; there are some esteemed guests wishing to meet—"

Duke Xia looked toward the young man standing at the door, his steps abruptly halting.

"Father, please don't blame my brother. He's only just returned home after so long—"

Xia Qing, who was following the Duke, also stood rooted in shock, his expression horrified.

Xia You raised an eyebrow, chuckled nonchalantly, and proceeded to walk into the banquet hall.

Behind him were four soldiers in the attire of the First Legion. As he entered the hall, two stationed themselves on either side of the door while the remaining two followed closely behind him.

Beside him, a sleek black panther moved gracefully. With every step, its muscles rippled, its sharp claws concealed within its paws.

The golden muzzle gleamed menacingly, yet its beastly eyes appeared even colder, casually appraising everything as if assessing prey.

Both Duke Xia and Xia Qing took a sharp intake of breath.

With a proud smile no different from before, Xia You's clear voice inquired, "Father, Xia Qing, what's the matter?"

"Is that...?" Duke Xia instinctively stepped back, his face paling at the imposing presence of the panther.

Xia You gently patted the panther beside him, his smile growing even brighter, "This is the Marshal's panther. Impressive, isn't it?"

"Brother, it's your birthday banquet today, with many noble ladies and lords inside. How can you bring... bring a panther?" Xia Qing's smile seemed on the verge of faltering.

"I thought the same." Xia You pressed his lips together somewhat sheepishly, "But the Marshal insisted on this protection when I'm out alone. As you both know... it's Marshal Lu speaking. What could I say?"

As he spoke, Xia You lowered his eyelashes with practiced ease, a blush touching his cheeks.

The large panther seemed to understand, lifting its head to gaze at Xia You. In its golden eyes, a faint hint of purple glimmered.

Xia Qing's eyelids twitched, "Didn't you say before that you favored talented and insightful noblemen?"

Upon hearing this, Duke Xia frowned, casting a disapproving look at Xia Qing.

He had always reserved Xia You, a healer, as a coveted asset, and of course, he wasn't eager for Xia You to fancy anyone.

Especially now that Xia You has connections with the untouchable Marshal's Mansion, he would be more than delighted. He wouldn't allow anyone to sabotage this rare opportunity.

Xia You looked at Xia Qing with a surprised expression, saying, "Why would Xia Qing say such a thing? I've always been fond of wild adventure tales and majestic beasts, and I've admired the strong. With the presence of Marshal, who is so exceptional and powerful, how could I fancy anyone else?"

"Xia Qing, go inside and help your mother."

As soon as the Duke of Xia spoke, Xia Qing knew he was in trouble. He forced a smile, turned to head into the banquet hall, but Xia You approached him in a few quick steps.

Holding his younger brother's arm, Xia You affectionately said, "Father, I'll go in with Xia Qing. When I came out, the Marshal instructed not to separate from the panther and the guards. It's inconvenient to meet other guests this way."

Jokingly, right after affirming his stance with the emperor, now seeing members from the Senate? Even if he wasn't opportunistic, he might inadvertently stain his reputation.

"Yes, yes, go ahead."

The Duke of Xia wiped the cold sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, stepping back to avoid the panther leisurely walking by.

If any of the guests inside were harmed in the Duke's mansion, he'd be doomed.

While the Duke of Xia returned to explain to the guests from the Senate, Xia You whispered into Xia Qing's ear, asking, "Has Xia Qing been happy lately?"

Xia Qing was taken aback.

Xia You's smile grew warmer, "I've known since we were kids that you have a soft spot for Fan, the second young master, but you've kept your distance because of my engagement."

"Ever since we were children, I've cherished you the most, Xia Qing. Anything you desire, I'm willing to provide."

Xia You tilted his head slightly, "See, now you can freely be with the one you've always liked, can't you?"

Xia Qing's fingers tightened, gripping the wine glass so hard that his knuckles turned white.

"It was you, wasn't it?" He said through gritted teeth, emphasizing each word, "You had a hand in it that day, didn't you?"

"Hmm? What are you talking about?" Xia You feigned ignorance, "Dear Xia Qing, making such accusations requires evidence."

The golden-haired young man raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly,

"Where's the proof?"

Standing still, Xia Qing watched Xia You, accompanied by the black panther and two formidable soldiers, shine brilliantly as always, grinding his teeth in frustration.

Feeling provoked both overtly and covertly, the usually smooth-sailing Xia Qing could no longer contain himself. His chest heaved as he quickly tapped on his holographic device, sending out a message.

……

Inside the banquet hall, all eyes were on the young blond lord as he confidently and gracefully made his way to a sofa and took a seat.

Xia You's eyes were strikingly beautiful; as he sat on the sofa, his face radiated a sense of capricious pride and arrogance.

Some, with their family tasks in mind, wanted to approach him. Yet, after just a couple of steps, the two soldiers behind Xia You fixed them with a stern gaze.

The leopard, with its tail draped over Xia You's wrist, looked even more chilling.

Lord Xia seemed disinterested in conversing with the other nobles. Instead, he sat there, occasionally caressing and cuddling the big black leopard. Ultimately, he even buried his face into the leopard's fur, gently massaging its paw pads.

Suddenly, a mocking chuckle broke the silence, a sarcastic voice remarked, “Lord Xia is quite something. After climbing the high branches of the Marshal’s mansion, he now doesn't even recognize his past lovers who used to fawn over him.”