The petite figure led the way ahead.

No one questioned the reason for his heatstroke.

It was late afternoon in midsummer, the cicadas chirped endlessly, the sun had not yet set. Though not as fierce as at noon, it still infused the air with a sense of heat.

No matter how strong the guard’s martial arts skills were, he was still human, needing to eat, drink, and sometimes fall ill~

Ye Zhi, Huanhuan, and Qinglian had gone to the lakeside in the suburbs to play in the water today, returning only now.

Xiao Bai was slightly surprised. He didn’t expect the third young lady of the Ye Mansion to be so kind-hearted, inviting him in to rest and even calling a doctor. Had it been another young lady from a prominent family, she might not have done the same. After all, he was merely a guard by the Eldest Prince’s side, with a lowly status. In essence, just a servant, while she was a noble lady in the Capital.

In his heart, secretly, he had raised his esteem for the Chief of Staff’s third young lady.

He took the opportunity to signal to the Eldest Prince: What should be done? Should they feign illness to enter the Ye Mansion or return to the palace?

Xiao Bai then realized that, in a moment of urgency, he had forcibly concocted an excuse to help the Eldest Prince out of a tight spot. Would the Eldest Prince be enraged?

Er, perhaps not.

Because Li Qian was currently eagerly pulling Xiao Bai into the Ye Mansion, leaving the Thirteenth Princess behind... 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Li Qian hadn’t known what reason to use for his visit, nor how to resolve the awkwardness at the gate. The guard’s approach had clearly won his favor; he cast a praising glance at Xiao Bai.

Xiao Bai, astonished by the compliment, feigned illness even more convincingly~

Crossing the tall red wooden threshold of the Ye Mansion, they just reached the winding corridor, and saw Ye Family and Yun Xiu approaching.

Ye Zhi’s bright eyes inquired.

"Mother, Xiao Qian’s guard passed by our house and got heatstroke. I’ve invited him in; where do you think is best for him to rest?"

Ye Family looked behind her youngest daughter at the Eldest Prince, supporting the uncomfortable-looking guard. She quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Eldest Prince. I pay my respects."

Li Qian said, "Mrs. Ye, please don’t stand on ceremony; we’re the ones troubling the Ye Mansion, after all."

Referring to the guard he was supporting.

Ye Family asked Yun Xiu to fetch a doctor and led them to a side hall to wait, while calling the maids forward to serve tea and water.

The maids bustling in and out of the side hall.

It’s evident that the Ye Mansion treats Xiao Bai as a patient rather than a servant.

Half an incense stick later.

Yun Xiu arrived with a doctor, who, with graying hair and beard, carefully took Xiao Bai’s pulse, asked a few questions, and finally said it could be heatstroke, nothing serious. He prescribed some medicine and advised them to take care during the hot summer days before leaving.

The room full of people gathered in the side hall.

Xiao Bai, feeling perhaps he had feigned illness enough, was helped to stand, drank several cups of tea, and expressed his lack of serious ailment, offering polite thanks for the trouble caused.

Ye Family watched him closely, seeing his improved complexion, relieved him of worry.

Ye Zhi politely said, "Xiao Qian, how come you’re passing by the Ye Mansion? Going somewhere? It’s a bit much; we’re at my house’s doorstep, and a guard is also human. If you’re unwell, you can seek help at the Ye Mansion. Speaking of which, we haven’t seen each other in ages. I can’t go into the Imperial Palace, but you can come to the Ye Mansion to hang out with me."

Li Qian nodded: "I just passed by Lingyang Street, turned in. Recently, I’ve been busy with studies alongside the teacher, leaving less time to visit you. How has your martial arts training been lately?"

"Great! You don’t know, my skills in scaling heights and walls are impressive. If anyone bullies you, just let me know, and I’ll beat them up." She ended with a little fist raised.