At night, inside Xiao Yan's room, Xun'er held a jar of ointment that gave off a cool medicinal fragrance. Worry filled her face as she prepared to go find Xiao Yan.
The scene that afternoon had made her heart ache. Yet just as she reached the doorway, a dark figure appeared silently before her. It was Ling Ying.
Ling Ying's expression was stern, his tone even but unquestionable. "Miss, the Clan Head has ordered that today's incident is meant to temper the young master's character. Outsiders need not interfere. This old servant understands your good intentions, but please return."
Like a guardian deity, Ling Ying blocked the doorway without yielding an inch, his sharp gaze fixed on Xun'er. He would not allow her even half a step closer to Xiao Yan's room. Seeing his resolve, Xun'er knew further words would be useless. She could only stamp her foot helplessly and leave, her heart full of worry and reluctance.
Ling Ying stood outside Xiao Yan's door like a silent stone statue. Moonlight fell across his sharply defined face, illuminating its cold resolve. He recalled Miss Xun'er's worried expression, then imagined what might happen if he truly let her into the room and she saw the young master's swollen, reddened bottom after his punishment. She might even personally... His body gave an almost imperceptible shudder, as though shaking off an inappropriate thought. Absolutely not!
His gaze abruptly sharpened further. Dou Qi began circulating silently within him, and an invisible aura spread outward, enveloping an entire corner of the small courtyard. Not the slightest rustle, not even a passing mosquito, could escape his perception. Tonight, he would be this door's most loyal and impenetrable line of defense. He would not let the miss come even half a step closer!
Inside the room, Xiao