After taking thirty slaps, Xiao Jiping passed out.
His constitution was undeniably impressive. He had knelt for an entire day and night without food or water, then endured two beatings after being released, only now losing consciousness. That really was remarkable endurance.
The steward had the unconscious Xiao Jiping carried back to his courtyard and instructed his attendants to fetch a physician.
Once everything was settled, he was about to go to the Fragrant Garden to report Xiao Jiping's situation to Prince Changping and Liu Ru when Xiao Ruixuan stopped him.
"Steward Lü, where are you off to?" Xiao Ruixuan regarded him with a cold, appraising gaze. "It's almost time for lunch, and we have honored guests in the residence. Instead of supervising the preparations, where exactly are you planning to go?"
Steward Lü could not explain why, but he felt that the heir had changed considerably, enough to make him afraid.
He did not even dare look up at Xiao Ruixuan now, merely answering with his head bowed, "This old servant was going to inform His Highness and Her Highness about the eldest young master. As for our honored guests' lunch, I gave the instructions early this morning."
"There's no need to tell Father about my elder brother. Father is in a foul mood right now. Don't trouble him with such trifles." Having said that, Xiao Ruixuan took a few steps closer to Steward Lü, his tone carrying a hint of menace.
"You're a clever man, Steward Lü. I'm sure you know who your true young master is. After all, everyone knows that my elder brother is merely Father's stepson, whom his wife brought into the marriage.
"Even if I couldn't inherit Father's title, he would never be next in line!"
Prince Changping had remarried less than a month