Old Palace Maid (3)

"What? That little thief ran into the Imperial Garden and set it on fire? Outrageous! Does he think the Vermilion Bird Empire has no one?" the Vermilion Bird Emperor said irritably. Then, in a flash of anger and lightning-like speed, he charged toward the Imperial Garden.

"Grandmother, there's smoke in my garden... Ah, my garden is on fire!!" Little Cousin stared blankly at the thick smoke for a moment before rushing out in a panic.

"What a disaster-plagued Imperial Garden. Who knows who is causing trouble this time? Never mind, let's go see what's going on!" Watching Little Cousin's figure, the Empress Dowager smiled and followed after her.

"Mother, that brat just said he was going to the Imperial Garden. He couldn't really have gone there, could he?" the arrogant Young Master said as he looked at the thick smoke.

"That's possible. We should go take a look!" Noble Lady said, following after them as well.

And so, one person after another began gathering at the Imperial Garden where Ye Lang was. No one knew what the smoke in the Imperial Garden was about, but surely it had something to do with Ye Lang.

"Who are you, and why are you causing trouble here?"

When the Vermilion Bird Emperor arrived at the Imperial Garden, he saw his guards surrounding a black-faced youth—no, a youth whose face had been blackened by smoke. The youth looked rather bedraggled, and the irregular marks beneath his eyes seemed to have been left by tears.

That youth was Ye Lang. Yet in his current state, no one could recognize him. Even people familiar with him might not have recognized him, much less the Vermilion Bird Emperor, who had only met him a few times.

"I... cough, cough..." Ye Lang tried to speak, but the