Ming Shu could already see the gates of Ming Manor. Rushing the horse, she hoped that she could free her self fast from the two weights around her.
When they came closer enough to the guards recognized them, Ming Shu stopped the horse and turned to dismiss the 'guard' behind her.
"We are here. Once you find your Young Master thank him for me for borrowing one of his guards. I wish good luck (not) in your-"
"Xiao Shu you are here! What are you doing outside?"
A young man appeared in the gates with a black war-horse. The silly grin on his face completely destroyed the warm scholar look that the young man was trying to pull.
"... Elder brother. I'm about to enter, let's talk inside"
"Sure, sure. Who's the guy behind you?"
"My guard"
"Guard? How come I never knew you had one? Are you have a rendezv-"
"Brother! We should talk inside. I'm tired and I still have to go to the Palace"
"Fine. Ladies first"
"Wait Miss"
'Shit, I thought that he would let us go and go back to his group'
Ming Shu turned once again to Lao Pin.
"Do you need something else?"
"Could your guard show his face? I now it is impudent of me but I'm really curious to why wouldn't he show his face"
"Is good that you know you are being impudent. A mere guard but also wants to speak terms with this Miss. Scram back to your lord or else I'll do a formal complain to her"
Without looking again, Ming Shu speed her horse inside the Manor. Ming Peng was curious on what all this was about and followed his sister leaving Lao Pin staring at the gates alone.
Once they were out of the view of prying eyes, Si Yifeng took off the hood and descended from the horse. Standing his hand to help Ming Shu, Yifeng couldn't help but mock.
"So much for not blowing my cover easy hum?"
Without taking his hand and completely ignoring his mockery, Ming Shu handsomely jump out of the horse and ran in Ming Peng direction, who like her was off the horse. Once she was close enough to him, she gave him a big slap in the back of his head.
"Ouch! What was there for? Don't you think I don't dare to fight you because you are a girl!"
"Humph! A weak chicken like you wouldn't beat me even if I had both hands tied. The slap is to see if you become a little smarter, since it's clear your are as dumb as a door. I should have a talk with Father so he can give up on you and start to cultivate Zigui as the heir"
"The little brat as heir? Ha! Over my dead body! Let me show you my power as a big brother!"
Ming Peng tried to trap Ming Shu in a hug but she swiftly escaped and counter-attacked with a fist, which was held by Peng. In a minute they exchange more than 30 blows, without even break a sweat.
Si Yifeng who was watching outside, had a frown on his face. Both siblings completely forgot his existence. How could they ignore such a big man as himself?! Seeing that if he didn't step to stop their fight they would be completely oblivious to him, Yifeng let out two loud coughs.
At the same time both turned to him with a ferocious look on their faces.
" " what? do you want receive a double beating?" "
"... you can continue. I'll wait until you finish"
Waving his hand for them to continue, Si Yifeng went to sit down in a rock near them and watch their fight.
The brother and sister duo took 2 more minutes to finish their fight. Ming Shu hit a kick in Ming Peng'er belly that sent him flying a bit.
"You! Don't you know how to play?"
"Since when were we just playing? Don't be a sore looser and come here. I need you to do something for me"
Holding his belly Ming Peng slowly came close to her. Seeing that her brother was paying attention to her, Ming Shu started to talk. She pointed to Yifeng and explained the situation to Ming Peng.
"He's being hunted by an unknown enemy. I found him in my outing and decide to help him. You only need to either guard him until I arrive from the Palace or transport him safely to his house. You can discuss with him what option is the best"
Finally Ming Peng focus on the man her sister brought home. Following her finger, he found a handsome young man with familiar clothes.
"Yifeng? What are you doing here? I thought that you said you would be traveling to the neighbor city to solve a tax problem there"
"Some things came up. How are you doing Peng?"
"Oh, so you guys know each other and for what I'm seeing you are rather familiar"
"Didn't I told you Xiao Shu? Si Yifeng sometimes brings me to 'Red Lotus' (Brothel) to chat"
Ho, so he's the one who still bring her brother to those places. Ming Shu turned an accusatory glare to Si Yifeng who could only silently stare at his feet.
"I-is a great place to talk you know?"
"I'm sure you only talk there. Whatever, I need to go, lest the Princess starts to throw a tantrum because I'm late. Yifeng-ge don't forget that you owe me one! See you at dinner Brother!"
"Be careful Xiao Shu! Don't stay in the Palace until too late!"
Waving his hand to his departing sister Ming Peng sustained the silly grin until he couldn't see her anymore. Dropping the smile, he turned to his friend.
"Care to explain what were you doing with my younger sister Yin.feng-ge?"
Ming Peng was fuming. Since when was his sister was close enough to his playboy Lord?
Yes, Lord. One year early, Ming Peng and Si Yifeng met and after many fated encounters both of them became friends and Ming Peng sweared loyalty for the future Crown Prince. If Ming Shu knew that her Brother achieved by accident what she is trying to do purposefully, she would probably spit blood.
"Guard your fangs little puppy. Yesterday after fixing the city's tax issue, I was coming back and was attacked by a group of trained assasins. Your sister saved me yesterday and brought me back by disguising me as a guard. Not for you the man following us wouldn't be sure I'm here"
"Sorry, thought you were some lecher trying to take advantage of my sister"
"Does your sister knows that her brother is a two-faced guy with sister-complex?"
"Of course! The same way she knows you are the playboy crown prince who owns the biggest brothel in town"
Bickering the two lord and subject entered the house to discuss the attack details and their future plan.
Unknown to them, Hongyu was eavesdropping their conversation since the beginning by her Mistress orders. Seeing that she couldn't follow them at lest she be caught, Hongyu was tangled how she would report this to her mistress.
Should she try to protect young master's reputation?