Seeing his steward staring blankly at Meng Zhao, looking utterly lost and faintly afraid, Yuan Bin was furious. He strode over, slapped the middle-aged steward on the shoulder, and glared at him. "What are you standing around for? Go get the medicine! If you delay anything important, just see how I deal with you."
His tone was clearly quite easygoing, more a warning than genuine displeasure.
Only then did the middle-aged steward snap out of it. Suppressing the tremor in his heart, he bowed apologetically to Meng Zhao and Niu Dali before hurrying away. His steps were unsteady, clearly showing how complicated his thoughts were.
A little embarrassed, Yuan Bin offered half an apology and half an excuse. "This steward has looked after me since we were in Qing Prefecture. He has followed me all these years and has always been considerate, as close to me as family. I never expected him to make such a spectacle of himself today.
"He was simply so overwhelmed upon seeing Young Master's celestial countenance that he forgot himself and was somewhat neglectful. I hope Young Master will not take offense."
Meng Zhao smiled faintly. His voice was hoarse, the light in his eyes dim, and his throat felt as though it had been sliced by countless tiny blades. "It is nothing. It cannot be called neglect. I imagine he was worried for Mr. Yuan's safety, which was why his mind was so unsettled. Mr. Yuan need not be so courteous."
Yuan Bin's heart finally settled. He and the middle-aged steward were as close as brothers, and with Meng Zhao's reassurance, he no longer worried.
He waved a hand and led Meng Zhao and Niu Dali toward the main reception hall.
The moment they stepped up the stairs, they saw that the once bustling