Situ Yao looked at me. "Ah Chun, don't you remember? In Meicheng, you asked me for a person."
"I do remember, but isn't he a death warrior? It's not suitable to keep someone like that by my side, is it? Moreover, in terms of martial arts alone, he is likely above me."
This kind of person who belongs to someone else, what if he bites me? I looked at Zhong Ling Shu, who stood quietly by the side, his aura completely restrained, appearing no different from the pillar next to him if one didn't pay attention.
Only a top assassin could achieve this.
Situ Yao chuckled, "Since he is a gift for Ah Chun, I naturally wouldn't leave any hidden dangers. Rest assured, I have already acquired this person from his original master. The antidote that can control him is with me now, and from now on, he will only obey you."
"Death warriors can also be given away?"
"As long as the stakes are high enough, of course."
The stakes, naturally, could not be money. I was unsure of what he had paid, and hesitated for a moment. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, if the price is too high, it's okay for this humble one not to accept. I only thought at the time that his skills were very good."
"Indeed, they are good. Even among those by my side, there is no one with such capability."
I gasped.
Situ Yao continued, "Therefore, even if it cost a price, obtaining such a person is worth it."
With the conversation reaching this point, any further refusal would be insincere. So, I obediently curtsied and bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"Ah Chun, are you also this polite when interacting with Xiao Er and Sui Sui?"
Of course not. I paused silently, then stood up straight.
Situ Yao glanced at me. "I have other matters to attend to. I will visit you again another day."
Then he turned and left.
Was he angry?
Angry that I was too formal with him?
But it couldn't be blamed on me, could it? Si Tu You, Sui Sui, and I grew up together as playmates. He, on the other hand, had always been reserved and noble. When Si Tu You invited him to play, I also enthusiastically invited him, but he himself was unwilling.
As soon as Situ Yao left, Zhong Ling Shu knelt before me.
"What are your orders, Master?"
I admire strength. Zhong Ling Shu's martial arts are superior to mine, yet he knelt before me, which made me feel a bit of sympathy. With his martial prowess, even without joining the battlefield, he could strike fear into the hearts of criminals as a constable in the yamen.
Yet, he was now kneeling before me, serving me as his master.
Alas, what a pity.
However, how many people in this world can truly live as they please?
I shrugged. "What did His Highness the Crown Prince tell you?"
"From now on, Ling Shu belongs to Master."
"What did you do before? Kidnapping? Murder?"
Zhong Ling Shu was silent for a moment. "Both."
Upon hearing this, A Xiu quietly moved a few steps away from him and stammered, "Mi, Miss."
She tugged at the hem of my robe, not daring to say more, but I understood her meaning. Keeping a killer by one's side was frightening, especially a killer who could even defeat me.
I patted her hand reassuringly, then said to Zhong Ling Shu, "You cannot do those things anymore."
Zhong Ling Shu looked at me in confusion.
I said, "Your martial arts are good. Everyone in my family enjoys a good fight. When they get the urge in the future, you can spar with them."
Or perhaps I could send him to my elder brother. After all, he was going to be an official in the future, and he was a frail scholar. Having a master protecting him would also give my father more peace of mind.
However, this person was sent by His Highness the Crown Prince, so it wouldn't be appropriate to simply pass him on to my brother.
I'll keep him for a few days first.
I had someone take him to be settled. A Xiu jumped out from behind me and volunteered for the task, even saying she would arrange a larger room for him, which almost caught me off guard.
Wasn't it this girl who had been hiding behind me in fear just moments ago?
This question was answered when A Xiu returned. "No matter how good his martial arts are, he will have to listen to you in the future, my lady. We will be working together from now on, so it's better to build a good relationship."
"You certainly think ahead."
"Of course. Otherwise, how could I be your foremost maid? Moreover, my lady usually enjoys sparring the most. In the past, your opponents were either Madam or the Second Prince. Even if I wanted to cheer you on, I wouldn't dare to shout, but if you fought with Guard Zhong, it would be different! I could shout however I pleased."
Me: ...
So, you've been holding back all along.