Chapter Seventeen: The Little Blind Boy

Imperial Palace, within the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

“Is what Your Majesty said really true?”

Rong Le lowered his eyes, his mind circling restlessly around the words Song Mian had spoken.

“Yes, I received a secret message from our spies early this morning. The contents have been verified. Indeed, quite a few people suspected to be from the Mingyue Kingdom have appeared in Jing’an City recently. I suspect that they are sending a large number of agents at this critical moment in an attempt to sabotage the growing ties between our two countries. That is why I’ve called you here to discuss this,” Song Mian explained.

“In that case, could it be their plan is to target Little Jiu, to sever the connection between our kingdoms?” Rong Xian’s brows knitted, his usually carefree face turning uncharacteristically grave.

“If that’s so, then isn’t Little Jiu in danger?”

“What you’ve said is precisely what’s worrying me,” Song Mian took a light sip of tea and continued, “After careful thought, regardless of their intentions, Jiu’er’s safety must be our highest priority. I’ve decided to assign General Mo to ensure her protection.”

At this, the three of them exchanged uncertain glances, clearly troubled.

“You need not be concerned,” Song Mian reassured them, misinterpreting their hesitation. “General Mo is one of Youzhou’s most renowned generals, a man of remarkable skill, and his subordinates are all top-notch fighters. With him around, nothing will go wrong.”

“Moreover, it’s said the leader of these spies is no ordinary figure.”

“In that case, I must thank Your Majesty and General Mo,” Rong Le bowed after a moment’s consideration.

“But, elder brother…” Rong Xian seemed to have more to say, but Rong Le cut him off sternly.

“General Mo is indeed the best candidate to ensure our little sister’s safety. We have no way of knowing the identity or strength of these spies; do you really think you and I alone could keep her safe?”

“Should we inform our sister about this?” Rong Xian asked.

“It would be best if she remained unaware, and no one else must be told either.” Rong Le lifted his head, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he began calculating his next move.

…

Rong Jiu had changed into clean clothes and, for once, sat quietly before her bronze mirror, letting the maid behind her brush out her long hair.

As the final ginkgo hairpin was set in place, Amu entered. “Princess, the young lady you rescued has awakened and wishes to see you.”

“All right, I’ll go now.” Rong Jiu adjusted her hair and headed for the door, pausing to remind her maid, “Oh, and don’t forget to bring His Highness’s robe to my room once it’s washed and dried.”

The thought of returning the robe to Song Moting under this pretext made Rong Jiu positively giddy—she practically floated out the door.

“By the way, Princess, one more thing. The girl… she has trouble with her eyes. She can’t see,” Amu hurried to add.

“Hmm, I understand.” Rong Jiu nodded thoughtfully.

When Rong Jiu and Amu arrived, they found Yu’er sitting obediently at the edge of the bed, now dressed in fresh clothes and her hair done up in two adorable little buns. Aside from her unfocused, vacant eyes, she looked like a sweet and gentle child.

“Princess.” The maids in the room greeted Rong Jiu with deep respect.

Hearing this, Yu’er grew nervous, her posture becoming even more proper.

Rong Jiu waved her hand, signaling the maids to withdraw, then sat beside Yu’er and took her hand gently. “You’re awake? How do you feel? Is there any discomfort?”

“Benefactor, was it you who saved me? Thank you! I can never repay such great kindness!” Suddenly overcome with emotion, Yu’er groped her way to kneel in gratitude.

This startled Rong Jiu, who quickly helped her up. “So your name is Yu’er. There’s no need for all this formality—I only did what I could.”

Rong Jiu’s warm tone sent a wave of comfort through Yu’er. Remembering how helpless and suffocated she’d felt, her eyes brimmed with tears.

“My benefactor is a princess of noble birth, yet you risked your life to save me. If not for you, I would surely be dead. Even if I must serve as your loyal servant, I would not hesitate for a moment.”

Rong Jiu studied the young girl before her: just a few years younger than herself, small and frail, clearly having endured much hardship. Her eyes, despite their beauty, had lost their luster.

“Silly girl, don’t think too much about it. Saving a life is a greater virtue than building a seven-story pagoda. I didn’t help you for any reward. Tell me, where is your home? Who is in your family? They must be worried sick after what happened.”

At this, Yu’er finally broke down, tears streaming from her eyes. “I… I have no family left.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked. Please don’t cry. If that’s the case, stay here with me from now on—I’ll protect you.” Seeing Yu’er’s sorrow, Rong Jiu felt a pang of sympathy, remembering her own lonely childhood. Her desire to protect this girl grew even stronger.

Yu’er hadn’t expected such kindness and warmth—she’d been bullied all her life, never imagining someone would want to protect her.

“Thank you, benefactor. I am already deeply grateful you saved my life. I really don’t want to trouble you further. Besides… though I have no family, I do have my young master!”

Just the thought brought a joyous smile to Yu’er’s face.

“That’s good,” Rong Jiu said, relieved. “It seems your young master treats you well.”

“Of course! He’s the best person in the world!” Yu’er said proudly, then suddenly became anxious. “Oh no! I’ve been gone so long—my young master must be worried sick! I need to go back immediately.”

“Where does your young master live? I’ll have someone escort you,” Rong Jiu offered, unwilling to let Yu’er travel alone, especially since she couldn’t see.

“Thank you, benefactor!” Yu’er was so grateful she ignored Rong Jiu’s protests and knelt to bow three times in quick succession.

“All right, all right, get up. If you need anything, just come to me.” Rong Jiu patted Yu’er’s head gently.

“You’re so good to me, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.” Yu’er bit her lip, silently vowing to repay this kindness no matter what.

“Silly girl, I don’t want anything in return. Just promise me you’ll be careful from now on and not let something like this happen again.” Rong Jiu smiled. “And don’t keep calling me benefactor—I’m older than you, so just call me Sister Jiu’er.”

“All right. Thank you, Sister Jiu’er.”

Her soft, sweet voice warmed Rong Jiu’s heart, deepening the smile on her face.

When Rong Le and the others returned, they brought Mo Ningshu and a team of both plainclothes and uniformed guards, surrounding Rong Yuan with tight security.

Main hall.

Rong Le and Rong Xian were deep in discussion with Mo Ningshu when Rong Jiu burst in.

“What’s all this, brothers? Are you guarding against thieves or what?”

It was odd enough that new maids had appeared in her courtyard, but now there were even more unfamiliar faces throughout Rong Yuan, and soldiers were stationed all around.

“Sister, you’re just in time. I have something to tell you.” Rong Le beckoned her over.

“Oh.” Rong Jiu responded softly and walked to his side.

She immediately noticed Mo Ningshu sitting nearby but pretended not to see him.

Mo Ningshu sat quietly, his eyes downcast, his expression unreadable.

“His Majesty has ordered that General Mo will be responsible for your safety from now on. You may still go out and enjoy yourself, but you must let General Mo accompany you. Understood?” Rong Le said earnestly.

“Why? I refuse!” Rong Jiu rejected the idea without hesitation.

Wasn’t this just putting someone there to watch her every move? If she wanted to visit Song Moting, would she have to bring Mo Ningshu along? Absolutely not! What a glaring third wheel! Besides, Mo Ningshu hadn’t even apologized for what happened before!

Rong Le had expected her refusal and remained calm. “This isn’t up for debate. It’s His Majesty’s decision. With things in Jing’an City so unstable, this is for your own safety.”

“No way! Amu is enough for me.” Rong Jiu rolled her eyes, unwilling to give in.

“Little Jiu’er, now’s not the time to be stubborn. Listen to reason,” Rong Xian said gently.

“So you’re not on my side either, second brother?”

“I’m doing this for your own good.”

“I don’t care.”

“Princess, it would be best not to be willful at a time like this. I will ensure your safety,” Mo Ningshu finally spoke, unable to contain himself. For some reason, her rejection left him with a faint sense of loss.

“Be quiet!” Rong Jiu snapped at him, frustrated, and immediately regretted it, but she refused to back down and maintained an air of defiance.

Mo Ningshu was stunned, then lowered his head. Did she really dislike him that much?

“Sister, is that any way to speak to General Mo? Apologize at once!” Rong Le slapped the table, the loud noise making Rong Jiu jump—she knew her brother was angry and immediately wilted.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way,” she said, bowing to Mo Ningshu with unusual sincerity, her earlier arrogance gone.

“It’s nothing. I didn’t take it to heart,” Mo Ningshu replied quickly, a bit flustered.

“All right, that settles it. Either you stay indoors from now on, or you go out only with General Mo. Choose,” Rong Le said.

Rong Jiu’s face fell. Wasn’t this forcing her to pick the second option? She never imagined she’d one day be so closely monitored—how tragic!

“Fine, he can come along. It’s not the end of the world,” she muttered sulkily.

“That’s more like it.” Rong Le nodded, satisfied, then turned to Mo Ningshu. “My sister is rather mischievous. I’ll leave her in your care.”

“Rest assured, Your Highnesses. I will protect the princess with my life and not let her come to any harm,” Mo Ningshu promised with determined resolve in his eyes.