Primary and Secondary

Watching Yuanyang turn and stride away, Sun Shaozong could not help smacking his lips. Why was the little girl acting even more distant after they had laid their feelings bare?

But now was not the time to dwell on it. If Xing Zhong truly was in danger of dying, that would be quite troublesome—after all, he had personally instructed someone to force that last half-gourd of strong liquor down the man's throat.

Had he known this would happen, he really should have come up with another method yesterday.

But regret was already too late. He should first see how Xing Zhong was doing, then decide what to do next.

They traveled in silence.

Upon reaching the East Wing Courtyard, he heard cries of "Ow, ow, ow!" coming from the guest room. Sun Shaozong gave a meaningful look to the servant he had temporarily found, and the fellow immediately stepped forward and shouted through the curtain, "Uncle Xing, our Second Master has come to visit you."

This was to let the women inside know that an adult man was about to enter, so they could avoid him first if necessary.

Yet after the announcement had hung in the air for some time, the one who lifted the curtain and came out to greet him was Xing Xiuyan, who ought to have kept far away.

She gave a graceful curtsey, lowered her head, and said, "Please forgive me, Second Brother Sun. My father is truly unable to rise and welcome you."

As she spoke, she stepped aside and made way for him, indicating that Sun Shaozong should proceed as he pleased.

Sun Shaozong nodded slightly in return, then quickly crossed the sitting room and entered the inner chamber.

Though it was a guest room, it had once housed Yu Qian, Sun Chengye,