Chapter 66

The snow leopard paused for a second. Her feline instincts made her want to strike first after being provoked. As a mountain cat, fighting from an elevated position like a bar counter was her forte.

However, just as the snow leopard was about to make her move, her legs suddenly felt empty.

The combative expression on her face froze as Xia You cradled her, gently soothing her with soft pats.

Alright then... alright.

The snow leopard glanced at the reddish-brown furball, then gracefully stepped onto Xia You's shoulder, swishing her long tail and landing lightly on the ground.

After walking a few steps, she couldn't resist looking back once more.

That reddish-brown creature seemed... quite unique.

It looks familiar.

Xia You first calmed down the snow leopard, Snow Pie, then turned her attention to the reddish-brown furball.

The furball, which had first assumed a threatening posture, seemed to have a bit of a temper. Yet, it looked endearingly soft and innocent.

Seeing the intimidating large cat retreat, the furball swiped its sharp claws in the air, seemingly perplexed.

After a few seconds, it slowly lowered its front paws to hang by its side, while still maintaining an upright posture on its hind legs. Its fluffy tail, hanging behind, resembled a duster on the bar counter's surface.

Xia You, seeing this almost human-like stance of the furball, couldn't help but laugh.

She hadn't expected someone in the First Legion to have a red panda as their companion beast.

While red pandas are carnivores, they generally have alert yet gentle temperaments. Instead of hunting birds or rodents, they prefer to munch on tender bamboo shoots, wild fruits, and young leaves, exhibiting omnivorous behaviors similar to brown bears.

Their fluffy and soft faces exude an innocent charm reminiscent of kittens. Even when they attack, they appear adorably endearing, fooling those aware of their considerable strength.

Indeed, while red pandas typically aren't aggressive, they're quite powerful.

Resembling raccoons in size, their claws are as sharp as those of bears, and their bite force is significant. Even seemingly playful scuffles among them can result in torn ears or bitten-off fluffy tails.

However...

Xia You glanced around the living room at the big cats and then shifted her gaze back to the somewhat restless red panda.

Despite all this, should the red panda confront any of the big cats in the room, it would likely end up being swatted away with a single paw.

Perhaps it was due to this disparity in strength that the red panda, which should have been released into a conservation area, was taken from the forest by a civet and brought, through bites and drags, as a gift to Xia You.

The black panther had hidden the deep purple button somewhere unknown. The white tiger, after searching for a while and not finding it, paced irritably in the spacious foyer.

At such times, even Latiao didn't feel like sticking close to his mother. He found a sunny spot, laid down, and shut his eyes as if asleep.

Uncle Junior had said that plenty of sunshine would promote good growth and speed. He used to be short, but humans have long lifespans. He hasn't even reached his growth spurt, so with some effort, he could still grow taller.

Snow Pie found a high perch not too far from Xia You. She kept her eyes on the reddish-brown furball, ready to pounce with open jaws and raised claws if it showed any sign of aggression.

As the black panther approached Xia You, encircling her ankle with its tail, the red panda seemed to sense a warning. Its tail slightly bristled as it retreated several steps, hiding behind a vase on the counter.

——Though the vase was far too small to hide the fluffy, reddish-brown face and thick tail that peeked out conspicuously.

Xiayou pondered for a moment, then extended two tendrils of spiritual energy to encircle the little red panda's ticklish spot, gently soothing the newly arrived companion with his powers.

The previously bristled tail of the red panda visibly relaxed, but it still clung to the vase, appearing completely unwilling to come out. This was a stark contrast to its earlier bold provocation towards Xuebing.

Fan Yuxin, arms crossed, observed from the side and remarked, "He's the craftiest among us, knowing exactly who to mess with and who not to."

Fan Yuxin didn't journey all the way to the reserve simply to gift Xiayou a fluffy companion.

He specifically visited the conservation center to check the red panda's release zone, meticulously searching every inch of the forest with his own companion. Eventually, they found this fellow tucked away inside a tree hollow.

It wasn't necessarily an easy find. Fan Yuxin and his civet spent over ten days tracking it. Interestingly, red pandas are social creatures, and upon narrowing down their search, they found nearly a dozen red pandas in the vicinity, all looking strikingly similar.

However, identifying them wasn't overly challenging. Companion animals often bear some differences from their wild counterparts.

For instance, the Marshal's companion is several times larger than an ordinary jaguar. This particular red panda was noticeably plumper than the others. Without hesitation, Fan Yuxin picked up the fattest one, and it turned out to be the very one he sought.

Xiayou and Fan Yuxin retreated a little, settling on a couch. Soon after, under Uncle Zhou's instructions, attendants brought over tea and refreshments.

The little tiger cub lay near the balcony, but its ears pricked up, listening intently.

Xiayou took a sip of the tea, his eyes lighting up.

It tasted of jasmine tea today—refreshing with a subtle, sweet aroma.

"Has Colonel Fan's matter been resolved?" Xiayou inquired, wrapping his hands around the tea cup and looking curiously at Fan Yuxin.

Fan Yuxin, who was initially choosing his words carefully, was caught off guard by Xiayou's candid, somewhat gossip-tinged question.

He chuckled softly, replying in a gentle tone, "It's not a big issue, just something I've hesitated on in the past."

Familiar with the past conflicts between his family and the Duke's mansion, Fan Yuxin paused before succinctly stating, "The Fan family epitomizes the aristocratic lineage, always prioritizing family interests."

"They'd never tolerate me opposing them."

As someone once deemed the heir apparent and entrusted with great family expectations, Fan Yuxin knew more secrets and possessed greater capabilities than most. To put it bluntly, the head of the Fan family would rather see Fan Yuxin dead than opposing the family.

This is why, upon learning that Fan Yuxin might awaken and that he had been saved by Xiayou, who now seemed to belong to the Lu family, the head of the Fan family became so alarmed.

Xiayou understood this all too well, and his gaze upon Fan Yuxin was tinged with concern.

Noticing the shift in Xia You's gaze, Fan Yuxin's lips curved slightly, "Your Excellency need not worry for me."

"Because, within the entire Fan clan, there's no successor better than me."

Xia You was momentarily taken aback.

"The family's interests come above all. When necessary, the direct heirs of the Fan family will choose to cut off and discard short-term interests and relationships to preserve the family amidst turmoil."

"I merely told my father: I will join Lord Xia You's personal guard, and this guard might very likely be shared with the Marshal."

Xia You's eyelids twitched.

Cheng Zhi Nian isn't the kind to secretly share such matters with Fan Yuxin, so the sharing of the guard detail was probably something Fan Yuxin had guessed when he applied to join Xia You's guard.

Xia You glanced at the lynx beside him, who was scratching its head with an adorable, clueless look, then back at the shrewd and capable Fan Yuxin.

Well… sometimes a familiar might only represent a part of its owner's personality.

"The aristocracy, after seeing me, the young master of the Fan family, openly take a side, will no longer trust the Fan family's stance. To stand at the epicenter of conflict during a storm is undoubtedly self-destruction, so my father has only one choice."

Fan Yuxin lifted his tea cup for a sip, "From now on, all commands within the Fan family will emanate from me. To the outside world, it may seem..."

He chuckled softly, "It appears as if the heir, who disappeared for years and returned from the First Legion to the Imperial Capital, has usurped his father's position."

Xia You: "..."

He couldn't resist another glance at the lynx, now licking its paw.

However, thinking about it, the lynx does seem to be a type of big cat that's seemingly cute and slow but actually cunning and careful.

Suddenly, Xia You wanted to ask: what if Fan Yuxin's gamble went wrong?

Would the Fan family just accept it?

Fan Yuxin looked up, understanding the unspoken question in Xia You's eyes and smiled, "If I'm wrong, it'll be the young master of the Fan family being stripped of his position again, the old family head retaking control, and making up for the grave mistake made by the hot-headed young master."

The reason why great families stand unshaken to this day is due to their unique strengths.

Each elder might make some decisions in their later years that aren't entirely satisfactory. But undeniably, even if they are not as spirited as before, they possess a refined radiance honed by time.

Xia You lowered her eyes to sip her tea, lost in thought.

The matters concerning the Fan family can be put to rest here. However, after a moment's reflection, Fan Yuxin added, "Yujiao is my younger brother, spoiled by our mother since childhood. He's caused many troubles and once offended you. As the elder brother and head of the family, this apology is long overdue. I hope you can understand."

Xia You raised an eyebrow, looking at the two brocade boxes Fan Yuxin slowly pushed across the table.

Fan Yuxin opened one of them to reveal two energy stones of a subtle golden hue, impeccable in quality.

Energy stones are mostly pale yellow. The purer they are, the higher the energy they contain. This shade of gold is a rare sight. Yet, in an aristocratic family like the Fan's, it's not considered an unparalleled treasure.

Fan Yuxin: "This is a gesture of compensation from the Fan family."

Xia You cast a brief downward glance, her gaze sweeping over the two energy stones, her expression indifferent.

Had it been the old him, he might have been swayed by such rare energy stones.

But after being treated to a table full of energy stones and even one from the space nexus by the prince, Xia You had seen grander sights.

The prince even gave him a mining rights transfer document before his long slumber.

All the energy stone veins on Blue Star belong to the empire, but the nobles have individual mining rights. Both the Fan and Lu families have them, and now, the rights to the veins that the Lu family owned are in Xia You's possession.

Xia You leaned back, a playful smile on his lips, "Now that we're on this subject, I'm curious. Is this apology all there is, or is it just the beginning?"

A sigh escaped Fan Yuxin internally, but his gaze at Xia You grew more admiring.

He said, "Yujiao has deep feelings for Lord Xia Qing. Although our mother wishes to separate the two, I believe there's no need to be so heartless."

His words seemed kind, but Xia You felt something was amiss.

Sure enough, Fan Yuxin continued, "If Lord Xia Qing claims his love for Yujiao is for the person and not his status, then as the head of the family, I shouldn't be too hard on my brother."

"After a cordial discussion with Duke Xia, we've agreed for Yujiao to marry into the Xia family. Given his status, there's no need for the usual bridal gifts or dowries."

Fan Yuxin's laughter was refined, but his words left the eavesdropping spicy stick snacks agape.

"Fortunately, my visit this time is brief, so there's no need for a wedding."

"My mother, reminiscing about the empty house, has already embarked on a trip around the stars with my father."

Fan Yuxin placed his intertwined hands on his lap, smoothly glossing over the upheaval within the Fan family with his final words.

"Return date uncertain."

The Fan family's intent to align with and to please Xia You is manifested in more than just these two energy stones.

Concealing the astonishment in his eyes, Xia You paused for a moment before nodding slightly, "May lovers always find their way to each other. That's heartening."

Fan Yuxin smiled, "Indeed, I believe so too."

Does the Xia family desire a son-in-law who's coming in as the 'married-in' husband? Is Xia Qing paying such a hefty price to wed Fan Yuqiao, who lacks wealth, favor, and power?

No.

While Xia Qing and Fan Yuqiao may torment each other, Bai Xiaoxiao's calculations will come to naught. However, the Xia family wouldn't dare truly harm Fan Yuqiao since his elder brother, the head of the Fan family, might be ruthless now but wouldn't ever let his blood brother meet a tragic end.

The Fan family wouldn't abandon Fan Yuqiao, but he will certainly bear the consequences of his actions.

Death by a thousand cuts.

Ending that topic, Fan Yuxin leaned forward once more, placing his hand on the other brocade box.

Upon opening it, a deep brown energy stone lay inside, its brilliance subdued, exuding an aura of understated elegance.

At the very core of the energy stone, its color was as deep as ink.

Xia You's breath hitched.

Fan Yuxin spoke, "Sir, this is a token of the Fan family's allegiance."

With an erect posture and a calm demeanor, Xia You responded lightly, "Is it allegiance, or merely an investment?"

Fan Yuxin affirmed, "Allegiance."

Xia You fixed his gaze on Fan Yuxin for an extended period, so long that the lynx's short tail began to twitch uneasily.

"I accept."

Xia You's straightforward reply caught Fan Yuxin somewhat off guard.

Observing the surprise on the face of the confident nobleman, Xia You tilted his head and flashed a smirk, "I had already intended to agree. The impressive gifts you brought today have only further convinced me. Why should I play hard to get with one of my own?"

Fan Yuxin was momentarily speechless, then burst out laughing after a pause.

The lynx, at last, shed its reserve. In a few leaps, it was on the sofa, scurrying into Xia You's lap.

Xia You: "…?"

This big cat was never this forward before!

Xia You's gaze turned to Fan Yuxin.

Fan Yuxin shrugged, "I've suppressed his natural inclinations for a long time. He genuinely enjoys being close to you."

Xia You caressed the long-missed Quqi, pinching its ears and rubbing its head, mindful not to touch its tail or belly. He gently stroked the cat's fur along its back.

Along with it, he exerted some psychic energy.

The lynx soon began to purr contentedly.

A red panda, previously hidden behind a vase near the bar, observed for a while, seemingly intrigued.

Noticing Xia You's glance towards the red panda, Fan Yuxin remarked, "Given the current situation, it's inadvisable for you to leave the Marshal's Mansion rashly. That's why I specifically brought him to see you."

Xia You was puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Fan Yuxin explained, "Earlier, when Zhinian was unconscious, I could still guide her to you because of our close relationship. Her companion creature is quite familiar with the scent of mine."

"Generally speaking, due to empathy, most aren't comfortable with others getting too close to their companion creatures."

"And this red panda..."

Fan Yuxin's lips twitched, displaying an expression resembling a toothache.

"Its master thinks that his companion creature is extremely... exceedingly adorable, hence he flaunts it to every member of the legion."

"Of course, I must admit..." Fan Yuxin rubbed his temple, "This companion creature has indeed familiarized itself with nearly half the legion, often patrolling atop wolves or sunbathing on the back of lions."

"My idea is, since you currently can't conveniently leave the Marshal's Mansion, those of us without tasks should guide the companion creatures for treatment."

"While Zhinian and I can only capture companion creatures using force, for other larger and more aggressive ones, this red panda, if awakened, could play a pivotal role."

While Xia You's hand rested on the lynx, his thoughts drifted towards the nearby red panda.

The delicate tentacles of psychic energy gently scratched the little panda's ears, caressed its cheeks, then lifted its chin to examine it from side to side.

Hmm...

Truly a red panda.

Adorable, exceptionally so.

Suddenly, a series of system notifications echoed through the small living room:

"Do not touch, do not touch, do not touch—"

The tentacle tips swiftly retracted, bustling around the baffled panda, assuming the demeanor of earnestly administering a treatment.

Xia You: "cough."

The seated panther glanced at Xia You, and with great restraint, loosened its paws. As the white tiger began moving toward the sound, the panther forcefully kicked a deep purple button under the sofa with its hind paw.

Fan Yuxin pursed his lips, suppressing an almost-escaped chuckle with tremendous patience.

*

The red panda officially took up residence in the Marshal's Mansion. However, Xia You didn't rush to approach the little fellow, allowing it ample time to acclimate to its new surroundings.

After all, having been suddenly brought here, considering the red panda's timid, sensitive, and vigilant nature, it would probably be on edge for a while.

Nevertheless, a tendril of Xia You's psychic energy reached out to the red panda, gently calming its aggressive tendencies bit by bit.

Red pandas are generally docile. Its heightened aggression was likely due to corruption by some gray matter. He wondered about the internal condition of the omnivorous red panda.

Later, after pondering for a while, Xia You decided against hastily absorbing the advanced energy stone Fan Yuxin had given him, choosing to first take in a pale golden energy stone instead.

However, that very night, Xia You developed a high fever.

The first to notice Xia You's abnormal condition was the panther, which had been constantly sleeping on the sofa but ever vigilant, always monitoring Xia You's breathing rate.