At this moment, a neat row of guards stood in front of the corridor, with another circle of attendants inside. Many elegantly dressed nobles were standing and conversing, apparently the distinguished guests from Xi Liang and Nan Rui. Several small carriages with vermilion doors and canopies were lined up outside, seemingly waiting to transport these nobles.
Yuan Xiao, clearly lacking any sense of crisis, rushed in without hesitation, darting into the circle of guards and causing a small commotion among the nobles. Que’er said nervously, “Madam, perhaps we should hide…” As I hesitated, I saw some guards about to strike with their spears, and I rushed over to stop them without thinking. Before I could get close, I was blocked by the guards. That’s when I noticed Yuan Xiao was frolicking adorably next to a noble’s knee. The noble, wearing a garment adorned with blue sapphires, slightly bent down and pinched its ear. It had indeed come to find him. I felt an inexplicable heartache. I had raised it for years, and though not to the point of exhaustion, I had certainly cared deeply for it. Was it still not enough compared to its original owner? Que’er, unaware of my inner turmoil, tugged at my sleeve. “Madam, Yuan Xiao seems fine. We should retreat.” The guards blocking us looked wary and ordered us to back away and leave Jing De Gate. I glanced at Yuan Xiao rolling on the ground, feeling discouraged and about to leave, when I heard a soft call. “Thirteen?” I froze and turned to face the nobles. The Xi Liang Emperor, elegant and refined, raised his eyebrow, his slightly longer light brown eyes showing surprise. “This servant greets Your Majesty,” I bowed, my heart in turmoil.
He seemed about to speak but hesitated, and I kept my head lowered, creating an awkward atmosphere. The Nan Rui cavalry general I had seen before, and a woman wearing a gold-embroidered headband with a solemn demeanor, were also present, silently observing.
The macaw on the general’s shoulder suddenly turned its head and clearly spoke: “Stupid dog, stupid dog!” This immediately broke the tense atmosphere. Yuan Xiao, probably understanding the bird’s attack, quickly flipped up and barked fiercely at the parrot. The cavalry general stepped back, and the bird, startled, flew up, circling above our heads before landing precisely on my shoulder.
