Huang Xiao prepared to quiet his mind and carefully recall the Taixuan Sword Li Wujing had displayed. He had seen that swordsmanship himself, and though his understanding might not have been as thorough as Dugu Sheng's, it had still given him considerable inspiration, especially in perfecting his Plum-Searching-in-the-Snow Palm.
But before Huang Xiao could clear his mind of stray thoughts, a voice suddenly called from outside, asking permission to enter. "Young master, the hot water is here!"
Huang Xiao's heart sank. This steward really doesn't know his place. I never asked for hot water, yet he took it upon himself to arrange it?
Still, this was Zhao Yunhui's place, after all, so he could hardly lose his temper. He called out flatly, "Come in!"
Several maidservants entered, along with servants carrying buckets large and small.
Once they had filled the tub with hot water, a maidservant approached Huang Xiao and bowed. "Young master, you may bathe and change now!"
"Hmm?" Huang Xiao fixed his gaze on the maidservant.
How could the maidservant withstand Huang Xiao's stare? Her face went pale, and she cried out, stumbling backward.
"Hmph. Leave!" Huang Xiao snorted coldly. He was truly displeased. Perhaps the steward thought he was making arrangements on his behalf, but Huang Xiao did not like this sort of thing.
"But we still have to attend to you, young master..." Though the maidservant saw his displeased expression and was deeply afraid, she still braced herself and spoke.
"If the young master tells you to leave, then leave!" Just then, a voice spoke from outside with a soft laugh.
At the sound of that voice, the little anger in Huang Xiao's heart instantly dissipated.
"Yes, mistress!" The maidservants all hurried out.
"What are you doing here?" Huang Xiao asked Zhao Yunhui with a smile.