Xia Zhiqian screamed, and her attendants were too scared to approach because of Yuanxiao’s ferocity. I knew Yuanxiao was angry but wouldn’t truly bite her without my command, so the one who would ultimately suffer would likely be me. I quickly called him. Hearing my call, Yuanxiao finally let go and ran to me. Unexpectedly, Xia Zhiqian couldn’t swallow her anger and raised her whip, striking Yuanxiao hard from behind.
Yuanxiao was caught off guard, hit squarely, tumbling several times on the ground, finally collapsing beside my foot, gasping, with a bloody wound on his back, his skin torn and flesh exposed.
This whip hurt more than if it had struck me directly. In that instant, I felt completely hollowed out.
Yuanxiao struggled to rise, wobbling to my foot and lying down, rubbing against my leg and whimpering twice. I squatted down, patted his head, and whispered, “Yuanxiao, you’re a true hero.”
Xia Zhiqian ran up with her whip. “Bite! Bite again! Rabid dog, you’ll never learn without punishment!”
I looked up at her, my gaze must have been fierce, as she actually stepped back. “W-what are you doing?”
“Nothing,” I smiled and took a step toward her. “Just want to avenge Yuanxiao.”
What can be tolerated, and what cannot?
I never imagined I would one day pounce like a hungry tiger. But at that moment, I had only one belief.
You hit my Yuanxiao?! I’ll make you pay!
The previously numbed senses finally started working again, with my body aching all over, especially my face, which felt burning hot with some warm liquid flowing, unsure if it was water or blood. It sensed my pain and licked my face with its tongue, seemingly trying to comfort me.
Xia Zhiyuan followed behind me. “You’re injured,” he said with some hint of regret.
I stopped and looked back at him. “Your royal sister is more injured than me.”
I carried Yuanxiao, staggering forward. Xia Zhiyuan finally couldn’t bear it and reached out to support me, asking a servant to carry Yuanxiao. I shook my head, insisting on carrying it myself. He held my shoulder, seeming hesitant to speak.
“It’s fine, I can manage,” I said, kissing Yuanxiao’s head. “Yuanxiao, it’s time to lose weight. Even heroes can’t be too fat.”
