“Third Young Master, I… I’m waiting for someone here,” she said with lowered head.
“Waiting for someone?” Chang Yunhong also came over, frowning as he asked, “Waiting for whom? What are you carrying?”
He looked at the bundle A’Ru held tightly in her arms.
Before A’Ru could answer, they saw five men emerge from a side passage, each carrying bundles, apparently preparing to leave.
A’Ru spotted them immediately and, without bothering to answer the two young masters, rushed over in a few steps.
“Sir, sir,” she called out.
The five men stopped and looked at this woman who had suddenly appeared, their faces showing confusion.
“Sirs, you’re going back to the Prince, aren’t you?” A’Ru looked at them with an excited expression.
The five men studied A’Ru. They were servants who traveled with the Prince and didn’t know many people in the household.
“I’m A’Ru from Young Madam’s service,” A’Ru quickly introduced herself.
After this statement, the five men’s faces showed recognition.
“Miss A’Ru, we’re in a hurry to travel,” one of the big men spoke, but his words were an impolite farewell.
“Sir, did the Prince send any message for Young Madam?” A’Ru asked somewhat anxiously.
The five men smiled, shook their heads, cupped their hands to her without saying more, and started walking.
A’Ru turned and followed them for several steps.
“Sirs, these are seasonal clothes and shoes that Young Madam made for the Prince. Please take them with you…” A’Ru held up the bundle and followed them, speaking in a trembling voice.
The five men didn’t even pause.
“The Prince doesn’t wear such things. He has plenty of clothes,” one of them said with some impatience.
“Please, sirs, for Young Madam’s kind intentions…” A’Ru jogged around to their front, holding up the bundle pleadingly.
“We’re rushing back. If we delay and violate military orders, do you want us to get beaten with military sticks?” Finally one of them lost his temper, glaring and shouting, pushing A’Ru aside with his arm, “I’ll tell you the truth – when we came, the Prince instructed that except for items Great Madam wants sent, we’re not to accept anything from anyone else. Are you trying to be a nuisance?”
A’Ru couldn’t withstand these rough men’s strength and was knocked to the ground, the bundle thrown out with clothes and shoes scattering.
Sitting fallen on the ground, A’Ru’s tears finally fell like broken beads.
“Hey, gentlemen, isn’t that too heartless? It’s just a few pieces of clothing, and besides, sister-in-law isn’t an outsider. Why be like this…” Chang Yunqi spoke up.
The five men stopped and looked toward the two young masters, bowing respectfully.
“Replying to Young Master, we truly dare not,” one answered honestly.
“Enough, Third Brother. You know Big Brother’s temperament,” Chang Yunhong quickly said, while smiling and waving to those men, “You’d better go quickly, lest you return late. Even if you came to wish Father birthday congratulations, Big Brother would still beat you without mercy.”
The five men bowed in thanks and strode away.
A’Ru lowered her head and frantically gathered up the bundle, hurriedly bowing to them before leaving.
Watching the maid walk away while raising her hand – certainly wiping tears – Chang Yunhong shook his head and sighed.
“Pitiful, so pitiful,” he said. After saying pitiful, he laughed again, shaking his head and clicking his tongue, “What a pity, what a pity.”
“Pity what?” Chang Yunqi laughed as the two continued walking.
“Pity that this flower withered before it could bloom,” Chang Yunhong laughed.
“You’re just talking nonsense,” Chang Yunqi laughed.
“Speaking of which, I remember that little beggar, when dressed up, actually looked quite good. Don’t know how these few years locked up there have worn her down – whether she still looks human. If she were to be someone’s concubine, she’d probably be treasured dearly, but instead she’s our big brother’s legitimate wife…” Chang Yunhong said while stroking his chin in mock contemplation.
Chang Yunqi laughed and punched him lightly.
After three years, a flower forgotten in a corner and left to fend for itself would probably wither before it could bloom.
Chang Yunqi glanced in the direction A’Ru had gone crying, then withdrew his gaze.
“Let’s go quickly,” he laughed.