Not long after the two children left, they encountered an unexpected guest. They hadn't anticipated running into Baili Jingxuan, who was on his way home. This was a disaster!
Little Yi Hao pulled Baili Mengran and turned to run, but Baili Mengran had also seen Baili Jingxuan. She broke free from Little Yi Hao's hand, her face beaming with joy. She opened her arms wide and shouted with a smile, "Brother, I'm here!"
Indeed, Baili Jingxuan, who hadn't noticed them before, was now drawn to their attention.
Baili Jingxuan had been on his way back to the Baili Manor when he was called to a halt by the two children.
However, how did these two little rascals end up here?
Could they have snuck out?
The more he thought about it, the more alarmed he became. Seeing Little Yi Hao's obvious guilty expression, Baili Jingxuan became even more certain of his suspicions. These two little devils had indeed snuck out. Something must have happened at the manor, and he needed to take the children back quickly.
"You two, wait!"
He shouted and turned to run towards them.
Little Yi Hao sighed. He hadn't expected to be caught, but there was nothing he could do. He could only turn and face Baili Jingxuan with an awkward smile.
"How did you two little rascals get out? Shouldn't you be staying put in the manor? Running out like this, aren't you afraid your families will worry?"
As soon as Baili Jingxuan reached them, he unleashed a barrage of scolding.
Baili Mengran pouted. Her brother was so annoying, always scolding her from the moment he opened his mouth.
Unhappy, she hid behind Little Yi Hao. Little Yi Hao was much more fun. He took her out to play. Her brother always said he was busy and never had time to play with her.
Baili Mengran was a little displeased but didn't dare to show it too much. She was afraid that if Baili Jingxuan was unhappy, he would tell their father and mother that she had snuck out, and her bottom would be in for it again!
"Young Master, do you have any important business for leaving the manor today?"
Baili Jingxuan noticed his sister's unhappiness but didn't say anything. Instead, he asked Little Yi Hao. After all, Little Yi Hao's mother was treating his younger brother, making them honored guests who couldn't be neglected.
"Mother said she needed a herb and gave me a string of coins to buy some."
Little Yi Hao casually told a lie, but children who didn't lie often were easily seen through. This little trick was completely unconvincing to Baili Jingxuan, who saw through the problem at a glance.
However, he didn't expose the lie. Instead, he crouched down to their level and said softly, "Mengran, don't be angry with your brother anymore. Today is my day off. I'll take you and the young master for a stroll, okay?"
Baili Jingxuan knew his sister's temper well and was now humbly begging for her forgiveness.
Little Yi Hao was stunned. He had snuck out precisely to avoid worrying his mother. If Baili Jingxuan was going to follow him, what was the point?
However, Baili Mengran's face lit up, and she clapped her hands, praising her brother.
The Western Regions City was prosperous and certainly not to be underestimated.
The streets at noon were bustling with people, incredibly vibrant. Fortunately, the street in front of the Baili Manor was lined with specialty snacks, so it wasn't too crowded.
It wasn't difficult for Baili Jingxuan to keep up. He walked behind the two children, holding his sword, looking resigned. He watched as they became interested in the Western Regions' grilled flatbread, but after buying it, they threw it away after a few bites.
Then they became interested in naan. Baili Jingxuan was forced to buy many things the children didn't like to eat, and the leftovers ended up in his stomach.
However, the Western Regions City was prosperous, and the prices were naturally very high. After walking down this food street and entertainment street, Baili Jingxuan's purse was already empty. He touched his empty purse and couldn't help but smile bitterly. It seemed his monthly stipend was gone again, and he would have to go to the accounting office to get money.
Meanwhile, at the city gate.
The King of the Western Regions, riding a tall, dark red horse, galloped from the city gate to the City Lord's Mansion.
"Yu'er? Look what Daddy brought back for you!"
He was very happy. This trip out had brought his beloved daughter the gift she had wanted for a long time. He figured it would appease her.
The little son of the Baili family had died, and their engagement was thus broken. His daughter had suffered a lot of grievances. If this little beast could please his daughter, it would have been worth saving its life.
However, he called out several times in the mansion, but Song Yu'er didn't come out to see him, which was unusual!
In the past, every time he returned to the royal mansion, Song Yu'er was always the first to run out to greet him and ask if he had any gifts. Why was she so out of character now?
Sensing that something was amiss, Song Gang called out to the butler.
Seeing his grim expression, the butler felt a pang of dread. He hadn't expected this day to come so soon. If the King found out about the eldest daughter's affairs, would he have any chance of survival?
"Where has the County Princess gone?"
Song Gang's face was extremely grim. Looking at the butler's demeanor, it seemed he knew where Song Yu'er had gone!
"Replying to Your Majesty, the County Princess has moved to reside at the Baili Manor!"
The butler's forehead was covered in cold sweat.
"What? Absurd!"
Upon hearing this, Song Gang slammed the table and stood up, truly outraged. Even if the little son of the Baili family hadn't died, there was no reason for an unmarried County Princess to go and live at the groom's house!
"Go, find the eldest son for me!"
Song Gang trembled with anger, but he couldn't appear in person now. He needed someone to go and bring Song Yu'er back.
"Yes, yes, yes."
The butler repeatedly agreed. Before long, he left the front hall and hurried to invite the eldest son, Song Wuji, over.
Not long after, a tall man in a white robe with bamboo patterns, with a handsome and refined face, and sharp sword-like eyebrows, walked over, a faint smile on his face.
"Father King, what do you need from your son?"
Song Wuji was a gentle and elegant young man. His demeanor had been trained since childhood. He remained unfazed even when facing the collapse of Mount Tai, and he could still smile even when facing Song Gang's anger.
"Your sister is being reckless, and you didn't stop her at all! Hurry and bring her back to me! What kind of behavior is this?"
Song Gang commanded sternly.
"Wuji obeys."
Song Wuji also knew about Song Yu'er's reckless actions and had already prepared for this. He fanned himself slightly, nodded, straightened his back, and turned to leave the Song Manor.
Not long after leaving, he arrived at the street where Baili Jingxuan and the others were.
Little Yi Hao was unhappy that Baili Jingxuan kept following them. Taking advantage of the crowd's confusion, he took Baili Mengran and ran onto a carriage, hiding from Baili Jingxuan.
"Your brother is so annoying, following us everywhere."
Little Yi Hao complained softly to Baili Mengran.
The two little ones hid in the carriage, while Baili Jingxuan outside the carriage didn't realize the children were gone for a while.
When he finally noticed, he realized something was wrong.