Chapter 39: A Knock at the Door-Amores e Desavenças: Um Galho de Ameixa Verde Rompe a Muralha(Encostado na parede, esperando minha amada de infância.)

Xuanyuan Hongyu stiffened, not daring to move an inch, terrified that a single lapse in judgment might lead to an irreparable mistake. *Sigh*, how did he end up with such a naive, unweaned little girl? The mere thought of having to wait ten years—or perhaps even longer—plunged his mood into despair.

*Thump, thump, thump.* Footsteps approached the courtyard in a frantic hurry. Had something happened? Xuanyuan Hongyu’s attention shifted instantly. He pondered: could it be that the so-called Imperial Brother-in-law had come knocking?

"Miss! Miss! Are you in there?" Little Taro shouted, sounding incredibly anxious.

The little one woke up with a start, scrambled off the daybed, and scurried toward the door. "What is it? What’s wrong? Little Taro, I’m here."

Standing outside the door, Little Taro gasped for air. Seeing her young mistress appear, she immediately stood up straight, scanning her up and down to ensure there were no injuries before finally letting out a sigh of relief.

"Miss, someone came to the General’s Mansion claiming they saw you just moments ago. Did you go out?" Little Taro looked at Zhantai Lingwei with suspicion.

The little one giggled foolishly, habitually rubbing the back of her head. "Hehe, how could I have gone out? I can’t even climb the wall. I’ve been in my room the whole time. Um, I was just napping."

Little Taro knew instantly that her young mistress was lying. *Sigh*. But remembering the task her mother had given her, she straightened her posture. "Miss, Mother told me to come check on you. Since you're fine, please get some rest in your room."

With that, Little Taro turned and ran away, leaving the confused little one behind. Xuanyuan Hongyu dropped down from the rafters, staring at the courtyard gate with a mysterious expression. The little girl backed away, bumping right into the brooding youth.

Xuanyuan Hongyu put on a playful smile. "What’s this? Throwing yourself into my arms?" He crouched down, amused, and met the little one’s gaze.

Lingwei rolled her eyes, speechless, then scampered toward her daybed. She scrambled up, grabbed her small quilt, and began to roll—rolling and rolling until she was wrapped up like a spring roll.

Xuanyuan Hongyu rubbed his nose. Heaven knows how much he wanted to burst into laughter, but considering the thinness of the little thing’s skin, he decided against it.

"Little dummy, I’m heading out. I’ll come to see you tonight." He looked expectantly at the tiny thing, whose head was the only part poking out of the spring roll.

After waiting for a long time, he was met only with a soft, "Mn." Xuanyuan Hongyu gave her a playful glare before leaping out through the window.

With a few graceful bounds, Xuanyuan Hongyu arrived at the main hall of the General’s Mansion, which was filled with a raucous clamor.

"Who do you think you are? I’m telling you, hand over that little wench right now!" a booming voice roared.

"Sir, you must have concrete evidence for such claims! My young mistress is only five years old; how could she possibly have killed the Imperial Brother-in-law?" Nanny Wang spoke, her tone calm and steady.

"Hmph, save your breath! The patrons from 'Guests Come Like Clouds' are all here, and they all saw it—it was that little wench, Zhantai Lingwei, who killed him!" The arrogant voice continued, immediately met with echoes of agreement from others.

"That’s right, that’s right. I saw it."

"I saw it clearly; it was definitely the young lady of the General’s Mansion who committed the murder."

"Yes, yes, I saw it too."

Nanny Wang shouted in indignation, "All of you, shut your mouths! My young mistress has never once left the General’s Mansion! Don't you dare spout such slander!"

"You base servant, get out of my way! Watch it, or I’ll have you dragged off along with her!" the fat pig continued, his voice booming with aggression.

Nanny Wang lost her footing and fell to the ground. Zhao Meng lunged forward, catching her and helping her steady herself. He turned to face the fat pig, his voice cold: "Sir, I respect your position as the Prefect of the Capital, but this is the Mansion of the General Who Guards the Nation! If you wish to run wild, you had best check whose territory you are on!"