Chapter 9

The sun is gently hanging above, illuminating the earth below with a hazy yellow light. The young man stretched his limbs, appearing like he just woke up. He walked towards the window and peeked through the curtains.

Springs is finally here!

A knock sounded from outside and Ming Xue's came after, "Young master,

General Zhao sent me to inform you that we'll be leaving in an hour. I have some servants with me to help you pack."

Xiao Bai turned around and opened the door, "Ming xue, good morning. I'm just about to take a shower." He said and opened the door wider to let them in, "I'll leave the packing to you." And he walked away to take a refreshing bath.

30 minutes later, Xiao Bai came out his body was already dry and he was already wearing his undergarments in advance, his hair was covered in a towel. In normal days, he prefer to dress himself, but today was an important day and he couldn't let other people have a bad impression towards him.

So he let his uncle buy him a new set of robe and also made the servants fix his hair for him.

Xiao Bai paced towards his bed, the new clothe his uncle promised him was laid on top of it. The robe he expected is completely different from what he is seeing right now.

He expected it to be more showey and eye-catching but this one excludes a gentleman breeze, he liked it very much. The servants immediately helped him wear his robes and all he needed to do is stand there and spread his arms.

It was a three layer robe. The first layer was a rose pink robe, the second was a baby pink colored fabric and the last was an pure white with stitched peach blossoms in full bloom.

The peach blossoms was much more hilighted by his jade and golden belt, he also wore a pair of white boots to compliment the overall image. He was like a flower that bloomed brilliantly after surviving a harsh winter, he was like spring itself.

Just looking at him, one could tell that smells just like those peach blossoms, very intoxicating, very beautiful.

Xiao bai gracefully went towards the chair in front of his mirror and three female maids went over to help him thoroughly dry his hair then started to fix the long and jet-black hair.

They started by combing it gently, afraid that rough actions might damage it. It was honestly smooth like silk, and even sparkling under faint light, the girls inside felt envy but most of all awe.

Their young master is generally much more beautiful than any other young ladies out there ba!

From time to time, the female servants would tease him and he would also tease them back, chuckles and giggles are literally everywhere except for ming xue who was silently watching from the side, continuing packing and rechecking everything.

He had recently grew fond of this younger one and couldn't help but be motherly towards him, he felt that Xiao Bai, even though he could be serious and ruthless sometimes, he's childish and naive side was more dominant, making him want to protect him more than just being a guard.

Eventually, the hairstyling was done. They simply made a little braid just above his ears and put them together all together forming a half bun. Then they put hair accessories that had a touch of pink to compliment his dress.

He suddenly remembered his pink jade hairpin. When he and his uncle finished talking, he went to room only to find that it was missing.

He then got help from Ming Xue and other servants to find it but they couldn't find it even in three days of searching. So he reluctantly gave up and thought that maybe someone had already picked it up and sold it somewhere else. He just sighed and shook his head.

The girls who just finished fixing his hair up, stepped back a step and examined him. They rubbed their chins feeling that something is lacking.

"He lacks some earrings!" a servant suggested. And they all nodded in agreement.

They opened the drawer where the earcuffs are and fished out a small and silver one, this earcuff doesn't have some danglings in it it was really just like a clamp of a shining silver but engraved with an image of a phoenix, it was very elegant but not feminine.

They clamped it on his earlobes and the earcuffs rested on his earlobe's curve perfectly.

Because of the earcuffs his face became more define, one who could see simply cannot look away. The people inside was already starstrucked now they are dumbfounded.

How can someone change temperament in just a simple add-on? This was simply unfair.

The young master was at first like a docile and gentle person but adding the earrings he became someone who would go like 'Don't provoke me, I won't provoke you' type, someone unappoachable yet you couldn't help but want to approach.

He was like a flame and the others are moths, they knew the flame was dangerous but couldn't stop themselves from getting too close.

He's aura and appearance could be compared to an emperor but he dressed in such a freshand simple clothing like a humble princess.

He was manly and feminine at the same time.

He was yin and yang, a walking contradiction but unexpectedly every opposite on him harmoniously coexist .

Maybe this was what made him a unique individual.

Ming Xue also stared at him with wavering eyes. His heart skipping a beat.

He was dazed for a good minute and faked a cough, "Young master, if you're done please proceed to the main hall to have a breakfast with madam Xiao and General Zhao."

Xiao Bai and the rest quieted down and nodded, the 3 female servants went to Ming Xue to help deliver his things on their ride and waited for the two to go out first before going themselves.

"General, I have brought the young master." Ming Xue announced outside the hall and opened the door. Inside the hall Fengsheng already sat at the center while Xiao Ling was on the lower left side.

Ming xue led Xiao bai to the table opposite to his mom and also settled himself beside Xiao Bai's table.

Fengsheng gave a hand gesture and a row of maids settled the still hot breakfast on their respective tables, "Let's eat. The journey is long, it's better to head out early and find some spot to stop over."

Xiao bai hummed and everyone started to eat, midway of the meal fengsheng started to open up some topics that he need to put in his nephew's mind.

Fengsheng reminded him to study more and train regularly, be cautious of his surroundings, be careful with who he make friends with, and lastly, "Xiao Bai, remember that you are now Wang Bai, nephew of General zhao."

Xiao Bai, "Wouldn't that be like announcing where my location is?"

Fengsheng, "It's fine. They already knew you're alive. Continuing to hide would be very hypocritical. It's also a way to confuse them and make them move in circles. They already knew that Xin XuWei, his highness, will be inside Yang Gui. Besides even if they wanted to plot something against you, they cannot do it openly unless they want to fight with the academy. As long as you're inside they can't do anything so please be rest assured."

Xiao bai, "I understand."

Xiao ling worriedly butted in, "A-bai, don't forget to eat your meal on time and don't sleep late. Also don't forget to send letters once in a while."

Xiao bai, "thanks mom. I'll instantly write you a letter when we settled down."

Xiao ling, "Ming Xue, look out for this silly child. He sometimes does everything that comes into his mind without thinking twice, he could easily provoke someone he doesn't like, he has a sharp tongue but he is also sensitive and fragile. Also short tempered."

Before Xiao Bai could refute, Ming Xue already answered," naturally madam Xiao. I'll look after young master."

Xiao Ling smiled at him and mouthed 'thanks'. Xiao bai on the other side felt defeated and FengSheng just laughed at his trampled pride as a man.

The deafeted Xiao Bai: ' That was the old Xiao Bai Okay?! I am perfectly very mature and able T_T.'

.

.

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"'We'll be going.", Xiao Bai said as he kissed his mom's cheeks and entered their ride, ming xue also bowed down to the two and followed Xiao Bai inside.

Fengsheng gave a heads up to the driver and they officially started the journey towards the academy.

The carriage they we're using had the same vibe as the one they used in the market a few weeks ago, the only difference was that it looked more, extravagant?

Everything are more defined and the materials used are more high class.

Xiao Bai, "Ming Xue, this carriage. Is this different from the one we used back then?"

Ming xue," Yes. The one we used is only for local transportation. While this one, the one we are currently using, was the official carriage of the Zhao Household. As you noticed the family crest was exquisitely engraved to identify which noble owner it belongs, you could also see that the curtains, chairs, this little table, and many more are adorned by gold, which is to show the owner's wealth."

Xiao Bai upon the enumeration of things also looked and confirmed ming xue's words. He certainly didn't noticed them earlier.

Xiao Bai, "hmm. Won't we get robed on the way with this?"

Ming Xue, "Of course there are bandits at the mountains, but they would just often target a merchant's caravan. Attacking nobles would be like wishing for death. They won't dare hinder us."

Besides this particular part of the kingdom is especiallu very peaceful under General Zhao's control.

Xiao Bai, "Then that's assuring. I don't want to have some eventful encounters along the way. By the way, how many days would it take us to arrive at the academy again?"

Ming xue, "About 6 days. The entrance examination will occur on the 10 days from now so we still have 4 days of rest when we arrive."

Xiao Bai, "thats good news."

Ending the conversation, Xiao bai just find some things to do to kill time. Xiao Bai would often stare at the scenery outside, however all he could see is a vast land, nothing interesting at all. So he would just do what ming xue was doing all along, reading.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

They travelled for 5 days and 5 nights. Good thing that the journey went smoothly and would often have a stop over at some small town to rest for the night instead of camping outside.

Then on the 6th day, Xiao Bai could finally see it. The high walls of Yang Gui city.

Yes, Yang Gui city.

A city governed by the academy. And this is the reason why the academy is not controlled by any powerful people, it's because the academy, itself, owns the city where it stands.

Passing through the tall gates, their carriage went for an inspection and identification. Ming Xue handed the head guard an envelope to prove them as students who came from the Zhao household. The head guard handed the letter back and bowed, the guards behind followed suite.

The first thing Xiao Bai laid his eyes of are houses, not just the normal houses for commoners but for nobles. Ming Xue saw his master and explained to him.

Ming xue, "Young master allow me to explain. Yang Gui city is not the typical city where there are commoners, merchants, nobles and so son.

Because everyone is treated equally inside there are no such things as ranks.

However, as you can see, nobles are the majority that studies here. And the houses built inside are where the teachers dwells. The teachers of the academy are not just someone ordinary as well. Some of them are former ministers, even past rulers and masters. So you could say that this is really an extraordinary place, it was almost like a different world once you stepped inside."

Xiao bai, "So that's how it was."

No wonder if was like a subdivision. Like in the modern world. It's just that this setting looks more spacious and easthetically designed accordingly.

Xiao Bai took the geographical map that Ming Xue handed to him. Yang Gui city have four wings, with four roads dividing them like a cross, at the center of the cross road was a big circular fountain, while the academy is at the very center top.

The upper left side is for the instructors, the upper right side for the students, the lower left is for the the merchants and other people who visits the city, and finally the lower right side is the market place. It was arranged very well and it was easy to navigate.

Apparently, Xiao Bai and Ming Xue entered through the left side so all they saw was a variety of well-designed houses next to each other. Nearing the very center he really saw the pavilion, it was not an exaggeration to say that it was big. It was like a meeting place for the people so currently there are many who are chatting or waiting for someone.

The carriage just past through the city center, the people who saw them just took a glance and went back to their own businesses. They are wealthy and nobles themselves, seeing this kind of ride is an everyday occurance to them.

Xiao bai kept looking left and right when the carriage finally stopped. Ming xue got out first and helped his young master. 'Finally the long road is done', he thought as he stretched his cramped legs and back. Sighing in satisfaction, he then noticed that they stopped infront of a small manor.

Ming xue, "Young master, this is the place where we stay while attending to the academy."

Xiao bai, "So it's like a dormetory?"

Ming xue, "D-dormetory?"

Xiao bai, "Ow I mean, do we get to live with other people?"

Ming xue, "No. Each student from different household will have their own manor inside the city. Of course, if you are the only one sent by your family you'll be the only one in your appointed house, but because we are both sent from General Zhao's household we need to live under the same roof."

Xiao bai just nodded, walked past the gates and approached the door. However upon nearing the house two figures entered and welcomed him.

"Good afternoon Young Master Wang, we are happy for your safe arrival."

Xiao Bai was stunned but calmed himself and asked, "Who are the both of you?"

"Answering Young Master, we are servants who'll keeps this manor in order and serve the lords who will reside in here and currently it is you Young Master Wang.", the one who answered was a middle-aged man in his 40's.

While the one who was a little younger about more or less 20 years old bowed to Xiao Bai and ran towards Ming Xue to help with the bags.

Xiao Bai nodded, "So you mean that there are other who lived here before me?"

"Yes...By the way, Young Master Wang, please come inside." The man gestured and led him inside a chamber for receiving guests.

Finally Ming Xue and the young man finished bringing all their things into their rooms and catched up with xiao bai.

Middle-aged man, "Since we are all here. I shall introduce myself. My name is Nan RuZui, I worked as a head steward in this manor for 2 decades and have served 5 young lords in the past. I keep the manor in order, that includes cleaning and cooking for Young Master Wang and his subordinate." Nan RuZui put his right hand on his chest and slightly bent down.

The young man also mimicked the older's actions and introduced himself, "My name is Mu YiFan, I am currently under Nan RuZui laoshi as an apprentice."

Xiao bai also introduced himself and Ming Xue then asked some more question about the city and many more.

According to Nan RuZui, if a senior student graduates, the manor he/she left behind gets vacant so new students get to live in that vacant manor and this kind system continued until today, it was like a cycle.

Nan RuZui, "Well then. Young master do you want to take a rest in your room first? I'll call you when its time for dinner."

Xiao bai nodded and stood up. Mu YiFan also came to his side and gestured for the two to follow him.

•'•'•'•'•'•'•'•'•

<<2 days ago at Yang Gui City>>

"Your High-ahermm, I mean Young Master. We've arrived." Ruo Lan called out to his young master.

The young man who was meditating inside his horse carriage opened his sharp phoenix eyes and stepped out, then approached the steward waiting for him.

The steward bowed down, mouthing a 'Good day, Young Master Qin' then led him inside.

XuWei settled on the living room waiting for rou lan to finish arranging their things. XuWei traveled earlier than Xiao Bai so they arrived 2 days before the other. He traveled along with 3 carriages, one was his ride the second one was for their things alone.

Such a lavish prince, not only that, he also have some servants with to serve his every needs. He actually didn't want this, but his mother insisted that he bring them along so he did however he would return them back when he arrived.

XuWei,"Ruo Lan, send the servants back when they finished, I want to rest on my room for now."

Ruo Lan immediately instructed them and left, then the steward led the two to their rooms.

XuWei and Ruo Lan entered the room.

This room is not as grand as his room back in the palace, but as a soldier, he already experienced the worst so he isn't that bothered with minor details.

He sat down at the bed with a lazy manner, and gestured the other to take a sit at the nearby chair.

XuWei, "Have you done your research before our departure?".

Before departing to their destination he asked Rou Lan to search for the young master that he encountered at the tea house, but because the boy was new to the place it was hard to find any lead.

However he suddenly remembered the carriage, more precisely, the emblem carved in the carriage. He remembered it a blooming peach flower.

So with this information, Ruo lan searched again. When he finished his report they are already going so the discussion was delayed.

Of course they could talk about it while on the way to Yang Gui but even grasses have ears. One cannot know if everyone that surrounds you are enemies.

He cannot let those people know that he was currently interested at some young master, the enemies might target the other, his guilt won't let him have peace. Sometimes, he would really think that he was overly cautious, it was very weird.

He was not this careful even on the front lines but infront of that boy he couldn't act careless, it was like that boy's whole existence is his weakness. He cannot let them harm him.

Ruo lan fished out folded papers on his robe and read his report, "The peach flower emblem that you saw belongs to the Zhao Household. The head of the family is the former General Zhao FengSheng, currently he was the landlord of the whole C city. I've heard that a month ago, general Zhao left and returned with a man and woman in tow. The woman is called Xiao Ling, while the man is called, Xiao Bai, general Zhao's nephew.

It seemed like the two was from the neighboring kingdom which was the Li Empire and the general escorted them to his city. I've also heard a news that this Xiao Bai will be attending Yang Gui, which was the main reason why he doesn't go out too often.

He was studying and training all day inside, you are lucky that we arrived at C city the exact day he got a free day. Hey, young master, are you perhaps smitten by him? He was such a beauty, too bad he's a man."

XuWei," what nonsense are you spouting? I just felt that he's interesting. I also think that it's worth to bring him on my side."

Ruo Lan, "Yeah, I think so too. I talked to one of their servant and all she could say about Xiao Bai are words of praises. Like, he was very smart, he was very talented in fighting even having a draw with the general, good at archery and swords, a fast-learner, and most of all, having a stunning face that could overturn any kingdom."

Xuwei, "Really? I would really like to have a duel with him, both in brains and brawns."

Ruo Lan, "In addition, young master, do you want me to discover some shadow guards to give us a heads up when they arrive?", XuWei nodded then shooed the other ruthlessly out of his room.

While laying on his bed, facing the ceiling, XuWei couldn't help but think of the one who caught his attention.

'Xiao Bai.'

The first thought that came into his mind was a little snow. Xiao Bai, little white. He chuckled. But then he couldn't laugh anymore, he suddenly felt a bad premonition.

On his mind he saw Xiao Bai stroking around the market when he was following him but then he quietly disappeared like a little snow melting away, leaving behind only the residue of the water then evaporate into nothingness.

"No!"

XuWei shouted trying hard to reach his hands and hold him in his arms never letting go. But he couldn't, no matter how hard he tries. Then he opened his eyes.

"A dream."

A very bad dream at that.

💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎

Author's note :Chapter 9 done! ML is dreaming about his baby.🤧 It also seems like ML is very concerned towards MC's well-being. That's right my dear ML, you are currently developing some feelings towards him, you are bending little by little😂.

BTW, it looks like our Ming Ming (Ming Xue) has a little crush at our Xiao Bai💁🏻‍♀ have you noticed at the last chapter? Hahaha XuWei yah better watch out!

Anyway, please support me by leaving your thoughts on the comment section. Also if yoi could rate my book then I'll certainly be very grateful.

▪mini theater▪

>>Upon arriving at Yang Gui city center<<

Xiao bai: Ming Xue, I really felt that someone is watching us.

Ming xue: .....mn

XuWei: *in his mind* who's that man with Xiao Bai again? Ming xue, was that right? Even sharing a carriage, how daring!

Ruo Lan: Uhmm young master, young master.

XuWei: WHAT!

Ruo lan: other people are looking at you. You, you look like you're going to kill someone at any second right now.

XuWei: Scram!

Ruo Lan: ಥ_ಥ..But I haven't done anything wrong.