4. Strangers At Shen Manor

The sun light seeped through he gaps of the wooden cottage, the sound of birds woke up the prince.

A month ago, he was staying his pristine white chamber, under soft quilts, now, he didn't even want to look around. But, than being in that white cage with fear, this dump with thrill and freedom was more enticing,

He walked out to see, Yang, no rui, eating a few apples.

"Good morning sire, ready to set out?", he asked munching,

"I do, I just wish I had a bath.", Ming yu said, moving his arms around, obviously stinking with sweat.

"I think I can see a lake over there, Shall we soak there and leave?", Ming Yu suggested.

Rui almost toppled over, he grew flustered and angry? The prince couldn't understand.

"No, let's not, let's leave for Shen manor.", he said looking away and pointing to a building quite far.

"But, how rude would it be, my back is also wet because of the wet wood. Well I will bathe if not you." Ming yu said.

Rui took hold of his master and they made way for the Shen Manor.

" No, you are sick. The lake could be contaminated." Rui made up something, Looking at the lake would be too embarrassing for him now. The memories of yesterday night were a nightmare now.

"What are you even talking?", Ming yu said annoyed, but still complying with him and they went to the Shen manor.

The red Rui and Ming yu caught awkward stares from everyone present. They went through unpopulated areas and somehow reached the manor.

*** Shen Manor***

"Lord Shen! " The butler came running towards Lord Shen.

"What is it that has made you run so?", He asked.

"There are two men here, seeking audience with you.", The butler said.

"Hmm, Lead them to the study room. Discreetly.", Lord Shen said suspecting them to be members of Siu family.

…

In the study room

Lord Shen entered the hall with a stern expression, the two men were quite, undistinguished, with obvious mud stains and a stink that warded off the maids come to serve snacks.

How did the butler even approve their audience request? Was he going senile? No, he knew better than to annoy his lord, especially on the birthday of his daughter.

Shen was very angry that he couldn't see his daughter yet, he was waiting up since long hungry, to have food with her.

Completely annoyed, he sat in his chair, barely looking at them.

"Speak.", he said, and looked at the two men, bowing in front of him.

"Hello, Lord Shen.", Ming yu said, and stood straight.

Shen was taken aback with the voice, he took a good look at the prince and recognised him.

He got up and hugged the prince.

"I got news that you were dead!", he exclaimed.

"The third prince is dead, Ming yu is alive." Rui said.

"Who are you? ", Shen asked.

"Ming yu's bodyguard.", Rui replied.

Lord Shen looked at him with disdain to have interrupted the conversation between two nobles, especially between the prince and the duke.

"Lord Shen, I am thankful for your support for my claim to the throne, but I would want to relieve you of that burden, for I am now living on the expense of abandoning the throne.", Ming yu said.

"It's alright, I consider you my son. But I can't accept you being a commoner. Would you like to get adopted into the Shen family? I shall add you in the minor branch to conceal and protect you if you want!", Shen said.

Rui didn't like how obvious Shen's contempt towards him was, and how clear his obsession over Ming yu was.

But he was just doing his job, after a year, everything will fall back into its place.

"I will let you know my decision regarding it. For now, I wish to be a guest in your manor. I am wounded and in need for care.", Ming yu said. He was really in the mood to get out of the dirty clothes.

"Yes, of course. Let me provide for you bodyguard too.", Shen said.

"Butler, please provide for their stay and give them fresh clothes and bath.", he said.

Both of them were then lead to different rooms, Ming yu was taken to one of the main courtyards, and given a huge room, but the bodyguard got a small room, nearby the Main courtyard.

For a person who had to stay in a tiny cave, this room was well enough. He didn't complain.

Rui just removed his sword and the holster. It had hurt his skin beneath.

"Excuse me, I bring fresh clothes.", a maid said and filled the room with extra pairs of clothes, a set of nightwear.

"Um, sorry but where is the bath house?", Rui asked the maid.

She blushed and exclaimed, " I don't know where the men's bathhouse is!", and ran away.

He sighed and asked a fellow guard.

He took the clothes and went to the bath house. It was not that huge, but surprisingly well maintained.

They had huge walls on all sides. Which he did find peculiar.

Ming yu was treated akin to a prince. He hadn't had a lift a finger. His bathtub was well set up by the very own super maid, Xia Xia.

She had never seen such an elegant man ever in her whole life. His smooth skin rivaled a noble ladies. Her own skin was like the desert, but this man. The only word she got was silk. He was like silk.

Upon all that perfection, there was a single scar, on his stomach. She felt bad as it looked fairly recent.

"Are you alright?", She asked, and instantly regretted it. Maids weren't supposed to comment on nobles body, especially not while helping them bathe.

The maids surrounding were dumbfounded. She braced herself, a round of punishment and/ or rumours were just awaiting her.

"Oh, you meant the scar? It was just a mistake while hunting. I am happy for your concern.", Ming yu said with a smile that could convince God to shower rains.

Xia Xia blushed. The recent novel she read, intensified her wishful thinking.

The second she was done with the work, she ran to her friend.

"Liiiii huaaaaa! Liiii huaaa! " she screamed at the door .

"What is it? " Li hua asked, checking her gifts, twirling her fan around.

"I found the perfect gift for your birthday!", Xia Xia screamed jumping around.

"Really? Something that would top this?", Li hua pulled out a painting of the crown Prince, made by Artist Fu.

"Oh my god! How did you get this?", Xia Xia screamed. Artist Fu's painting of the crown Prince was the last piece of art he did before he started doing commissions. It shot up in price after he denied making any artwork of real people from then.

The brush strokes really captured the cold crown prince into a majestic and romantic light. It was his greatest work.

"Lady Bo Liang gave it to me.", She smiled.

"Wow, but nope, it's nothing compared to mine,", Xia Xia said.

"Where's yours?", She asked.

"Currently bathing." She said.

***