Chapter 64: Xiao Shuyun
Song Changming never thought he’d suddenly become popular.
Not only did Xiao Yanli intend to support him, but the fourth young lady of the Xiao Family also suddenly appeared, complicating a situation that was about to become clear.
"Greetings, Guard Captain Song," Xiao Shuyun said, lifting her dress in a courteous manner.
Song Changming immediately cupped his hands and returned the gesture.
He could not afford to offend anyone in the Xiao Family, gentlemen or ladies alike.
"Could it be that my fourth sister heard about Guard Captain Song capturing the Night Traveler and decided to appreciate his talent?" Xiao Yanli chuckled.
He was not at all upset by his younger sister’s unexpected involvement.
"Much earlier than that, right, Min’Er, Xiu’Er?" Xiao Shuyun addressed the two maids behind her.
The two maids dared not overstep; although their own lady could act playfully in front of the third young master, they could not. They simply nodded in agreement with their lady’s words.
"But didn’t Father say you weren’t allowed to show your face in the streets? How did you manage to meet Guard Captain Song?" Xiao Yanli asked with a mischievous smile, tucking his folded fan behind him.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Shuyun was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Well, have you been disguising yourself as a young master to have fun outside again? If you tell Father, who knows what kind of lesson you’ll get this time," Xiao Yanli said, causing their footing to shift.
"Third Brother, you know how boring it is to stay cooped up at the mansion. I just went out for some air; I wasn’t causing any trouble..." Xiao Shuyun replied helplessly, her tone suddenly subdued.
"If you want me not to tell Father, that’s fine. I’ve planned to assign Guard Captain Song to the General Department for training. Don’t interfere with his bright future," Xiao Yanli said, fanning himself with a smile.
Xiao Shuyun became anxious upon hearing this.
"You already have so many talented people under your command, Third Brother. You don’t need one more like Guard Captain Song. Let me have this chance to support someone, or would you rather see me without any help in the future?"
Xiao Yanli was touched by these words and fell silent for a moment. He hadn’t expected his younger sister to value Song Changming so highly.
After all, as the youngest and a daughter, she had little say in the family.
If the four heirs of the Xiao Family ever engaged in a power struggle, the first to be sidelined would undoubtedly be their youngest sister.
"Fine, if you can persuade Guard Captain Song, I won’t compete with you," Xiao Yanli said, his heart softening as he shook his head.
This statement also indicated that Xiao Yanli had relented.
Xiao Shuyun immediately turned to Song Changming.
Her face was fair and delicate, looking slightly immature due to her young age, with eyebrows finely drawn, a typical little beauty.
The only discordant aspect was the abundance of gold, silver, and jade ornaments in her hair, which seemed too extravagant and detracted from her youthful beauty.
It was clearly a youthful face, yet it was dressed to appear mature and dignified.
These were Song Changming’s first impressions of this fourth young lady from the Xiao Family.
"Guard Captain Song, my third brother can arrange for you to join the General Department, and I can do the same. Moreover, I have a Three Gold Pills here. This elixir has the miraculous effect of enhancing one’s root bone aptitude, and it is my token of apology for coming uninvited.
No matter what decision Guard Captain Song makes, this gift remains unchanged."
As Xiao Shuyun spoke, a maid beside her stepped forward, opened a small medicine box, and revealed a golden elixir inside, with three obvious pill lines on its surface.
As soon as the elixir appeared, a fragrant medicinal aroma filled the air.
Not far away, the group of household generals could not hide their eager expressions upon seeing the elixir.
The fame of the Three Gold Pills was extraordinary. Its amazing ability to enhance a martial artist’s root bone aptitude was enough to make their hearts race.
Song Changming had also heard of it. Previously, when a northern merchant caravan held a treasure auction in the city, this Three Gold Pills had been among the items.
A small pill like this eventually fetched nearly a thousand silver at auction!
This demonstrated the preciousness of the Three Gold Pills, and even if one had the money, it was not guaranteed to be found on the market.
Offering this as a meeting gift for their first encounter, the fourth young lady of the Xiao Family was showing her sincerity.
Even Xiao Yanli remarked with some helplessness, "It seems you came prepared today, little sister, determined to compete with your third brother for people."
It was clear to everyone that if Xiao Shuyun hadn’t planned in advance, she wouldn’t have brought the Three Gold Pills as a gift.
"Who in this County City doesn’t know of the Xiao Family’s third young master? I had no choice but to come up with some additional methods if I wanted to compete with you," Xiao Shuyun smiled like a flower, with a hint of smugness.
"You’ve thought it through," Xiao Yanli shook his head with a bemused smile.
He had already decided to give way, so there was nothing to be angry about.
Instead, he felt some relief in seeing his sister’s thorough consideration.
"What does Guard Captain Song think?" Xiao Shuyun turned her gaze back to Song Changming, and her expression turned serious.
Out of sight, her small hands clenched tightly in her sleeves, her knuckles white from the pressure.
This was actually her first attempt at making her own plans and the first time she openly competed with her brother.
If Song Changming ultimately rejected her, it would severely impact her newly established self-confidence.
"Well..." Song Changming instinctively looked at Xiao Yanli.
"Guard Captain Song, feel free to decide according to your heart," Xiao Yanli understood Song Changming’s concerns, waving his hand to show he meant what he said with no second thoughts.
"Since the fourth young lady holds me in such high regard, I have no reason to refuse. From now on, I will do my utmost to assist the fourth young lady," Song Changming quickly made his decision, cupping his hands.
This was a matter of choosing sides; with these words, he effectively allied himself with the fourth young lady, jumping from Xiao Yanli’s ship to hers.
In terms of results, Xiao Yanli may have more influence in the Xiao Mansion than the current fourth young lady. In comparison, she could be considered a small boat within the Xiao Family.
Choosing an influential backer, Xiao Yanli is naturally more suitable.
Even though the fourth young lady offered a Three Gold Pills, in the long run, siding with Xiao Yanli’s grand ship would be less risky and provide greater career support.
The price, however, would be completely offending the Xiao Family’s fourth young lady.
But by choosing the fourth young lady, he would offend neither side, since Xiao Yanli had already agreed.
Moreover, Song Changming perceived that she valued him more. Joining her would be offering help when needed, while joining Xiao Yanli would be merely adding to the abundance, a matter of different weight.
In other words, Xiao Yanli might discard him as a pawn when necessary, whereas the fourth young lady’s chances of doing so were smaller.
In the end, Song Changming’s reliance on a backer was not strong; he preferred to trust his own strength.
His mindset was simple: whoever could help him enter the Public Security Bureau, he would help in return.
Therefore, after some straightforward balancing, he made his choice.
Since accepting the fourth young lady brought happiness to everyone without offending anyone, so be it.
Xiao Shuyun was overjoyed to hear the response she wanted, her heart finally at ease, and her bright eyes sparkled with pure delight.
...