Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

Chapter 95

Huai En's daily life was exceedingly simple when there were no affairs to attend to: eating, sleeping, and practicing his skills. Recently, he added a new activity—secretly watching Xiao Bao.

If he visited him every day, he would surely be discovered and obstructed by Su Yin, but quietly observing from afar wouldn't stir any trouble.

However, tonight, he was unable to go out because he received an unexpected visit from two people—the brothers Zuo Ying and You Ying, who looked strikingly similar. Since their separation at the inn last time, Huai En had not seen them nor sought news about them. No longer being a leader in Tongjiao, their status there would be awkward as his personal guards. The brothers were capable enough to make their own way in the world, yet upon seeing him, they knelt and greeted him in unison, "Young Master."

Sitting in meditation on his bed, Huai En opened his eyes and said indifferently, "I am no longer a part of Tongjiao. Do not call me that anymore."

The brothers exchanged a look and changed their address, "Master!"

Huai En got up and pulled a stack of banknotes from his bag, tossing it to Zuo Ying, "You have followed me for many years; you no longer need to serve beneath others. Do whatever you wish from now on."

Zuo Ying gracefully pocketed the banknotes, bowing deeply, "Thank you, Master, for your generosity. My brother and I wish to follow you for life, desiring nothing else!"

As Huai En sat on an armchair, he tapped the table with a finger and suddenly asked, "You've met Zongzheng Yuzhan, haven't you?"

The brothers' faces changed slightly, and they looked at each other, unable to respond.

Zuo Ying and You Ying, three and four years older than him respectively, had been assigned to his side since he was seven years old. They had served him from a young age to cultivate their loyalty, so that one day when Huai En took over Tongjiao, they would be his protectors on either side.

Unfortunately, the atmosphere in Tongjiao was never about cultivating loyalty and obedience; it followed the law of the jungle, where the strong prevail and the weak are rightfully eliminated.

Knowing his brothers well, Huai En understood they were ambitious and capable, but not the very best. Their ascension to the roles of left and right protectors under him in Tongjiao might have been their highest achievement. Now, with his departure from the sect, a return was impossible for them. Other than some money, he couldn't bring them further benefits. Their “loyal” return to his side, willing to follow him to the death, could only mean that Zongzheng Yuzhan had promised them something more substantial.

"No need for useless talk. Tell me who you've met and what you've experienced since we parted," Huai En demanded.

Zuo Ying pursed his lips, knowing he couldn't hide the truth, and candidly responded, "Master, after our separation, we knew we couldn't return to Tongjiao. We planned to visit our hometown first and then decide what to do next. However, on the way, we were intercepted by Prince Shen. He offered us things you surely wouldn't care to know about. He simply wanted us to return and follow you. The imperial court has resources we can call upon at any time, whatever you wish to undertake."

Huai En scoffed, "Aren't you curious why he suddenly treats me this way?"

Zuo Ying replied, "Master, we understand the rules; we dare not know what we shouldn't."

"And how long do you plan to follow me?" Huai En asked.

"If Master rejects us now, we will leave now. Whenever you ask us to leave, we will leave."

Huai En nodded, "That's good. I've been short of people recently and I don't want to use anyone from Tongjiao. As for Zongzheng Yuzhan’s support, it would be foolish not to use it."

"What would you have us do, Master?"

These two had followed him for many years; using them was like second nature, and their understanding of his needs was impeccable.

"Can you contact Zongzheng Yuzhan?"

"Yes, Master."

"Then I will write a letter shortly, and you must deliver it to him as quickly as possible."

"Understood."

"Then, You Ying, I want you to monitor the entire Su residence, especially the movements of Xiao Bao and Su Yin."

"Zuo Ying, take some men and head to Chifeng Cliff immediately, and then..."

Huai En knew that going to Chifeng Cliff was fraught with danger. Su Yin had no reason to let such an opportunity to please Xiao Bao slip to him. They both wished the other would vanish forever. Now, bound by the imperial influence of the Zongzheng royal family, Su Yin couldn't openly kill him, but this presented a perfect opportunity.

In the seventh year of the Dali Yan period, the flowering season that occurs only once brought countless competitors to vie for its rewards. The most sinister part of the plan was that Huai En knew it was a trap, yet he was determined to leap into it without hesitation. He was willing to do anything for Xiao Bao, even if it meant entering a situation where the odds were not in his favor.

He had intended to sever all ties with Tongjiao and the Zongzheng royal family for the rest of his life. However, after days of deep contemplation, he realized that overcoming this ordeal alone was beyond his capabilities. He needed to survive and return to Xiao Bao. He was initially planning to contact the Tongjiao branch in Dali, but the arrival of Zongzheng Yuzhan’s men was a timely boon.

Even so, Huai En was not confident about his chances of returning alive. In the worst-case scenario, he might manage to secure the Dali Yan during the chaotic fight, only for Su Yin to play the opportunist, reaping the benefits afterward.

Huai En gazed out at the ink-blue sky and the bright moon, his face etched with solemnity, as a myriad of emotions surged through him.

It had been over half a month since his last face-to-face interaction with Xiao Bao. During this time, he could only sneak into the Su mansion at night to see him. Seeing how Xiao Bao had grown increasingly despondent since their last meeting, Huai En dared not recklessly appear before him again.

He constantly pondered the possibility of Xiao Bao accepting him once more, clinging to those hopeful fantasies. Yet, he feared that a single cold word from Xiao Bao could shatter those dreams completely.

Huai En planned to set out on his journey the next day, uncertain if he would return. But he had to go. Before that, he needed to see Xiao Bao one last time; he desperately needed some courage. If Xiao Bao could offer him even the slightest hint of hope, Huai En would muster every last bit of strength to return to his side.

With a sigh, Huai En leapt out of the window, his tall figure vanishing into the night.