My Childhood Friend

After Chuntao slept, Nianzu came out of the room. The villagers had come to his house but had stood near the facade as the soldiers had guarded the house well. General Xiao came towards Nianzu and bowed. "How is her highness?" Xiao Zhan asked.

"She is not good. I made her sleep," Nianzu said in a low voice. He had lowered his head to hide his tears. They were standing with their back towards the people, so no one could see or hear what they were conversing about. 

"I will inform the Emperor and the Crown Prince regarding this matter," Xiao Zhan assured Nianzu. The people outside the house were trying to hear what Nianzu and General Xiao were saying to each other. 

"No," Nianzu stated. "Please do not tell my Father about this. Inform about this to Brother Sheng only," Nianzu requested. "I am no longer a Prince, and Father will not try to meddle anymore," asserted Nianzu.