The Little Consort's
Eps. 42: Young Master

Li Anlan counted the remaining days towards Empress Dowager Han Yuemei's banquet. The important banquet was only two days away. Li Anlan only had twenty-four hours to prepare physically and mentally.

He had briefly forgotten about the banquet due to being too busy dealing with Long Ji Man. His time was used up in an attempt to reclaim his valuables and salary rights, as Long Ji Man not only broke his promise, but also oppressed Li Anlan personally.

Li Anlan did not want to appear in public. He knew, if he were to appear to the public, then the atmosphere in the harem palace would get even hotter. Especially if they knew that Li Anlan was in a lot of contact with Long Ji Man.

In the quiet courtyard of Xingyue Palace, Li Anlan swung on a swing of hammock substitute cloth while thinking. He must have a way to escape, and avoid meeting Long Ji Man in order for the man to forget at his command. But, it feels really impossible. The words of a king are like the words of a God, to be obeyed.

"Do I have to ask my brother for help?" li Anlan asked himself. Xie Roulan who was sitting at the side, fanning, was only speechless watching her master monologue with himself.

At least, if he were to ask Li Afan for help, there would probably be a glimmer of hope. Even though it was a ridiculous way though, as long as Li Anlan could escape or at least not attract the attention of many people, then he would not mind doing so.

Just as he was about to write down a letter, Xiao Biqi suddenly shouted from the front porch. The young eunuch of the king's servant said that Long Ji Man requested Li Anlan's presence in Hongwu Palace immediately. Xiao Biqi also said that Li Anlan should come wearing the clothes he had prepared at the door. After delivering the message without waiting for an answer, the young eunuch left.

Originally, Li Anlan had no intention of following her husband's orders. But, given that a few days ago he made the mistake of killing the king's beloved bird, then Li Anlan decided to leave despite being half-hearted. At least, he should not make the man angry again.

Fifteen minutes later, Li Anlan had already arrived at Hongwu Palace. The clothes Xiao Biqi was referring to were servant clothes that were the same level as Xie Roulan. Whatisthis? Is Long Ji Man going to take him out of the palace? Otherwise, it would be impossible for the man to send Xiao Biqi and ask her to come in disguise.

Long Ji Man had also prepared with noble clothes, like the clothes of the young masters in the big families. His hair was tied in half, half left to unravel. There was a beautiful green jade hanger hanging on the left side of his belt.

"Well, Young Master Long turned out to be quite handsome!" praise Li Anlan subconsciously. There were red meticulous streaks on both cheeks of Long Ji Man as Li Anlan said that, but it was immediately disguised by the flat expression of his mainstay.

"Come on. Don't delay the time."

Long Ji Man led Li Anlan towards the back of Hongwu Palace. At the end of the archery field which was mostly overgrown with trees, there was a simple gate that stood firmly. The moment the gate opened, Wang Tianshi was already prepared with the typical simple clothes of a male servant. Not far from it, there was a horse carriage that was just as simple, along with a coachman.

"Your Majesty, be careful," Xiao Biqi said, closing the gate again.

"Your Majesty, the little eunuch didn't come?"

"No."

"Why?"

"No particular reason."

The carriage started to walk away from the back gate of Hongwu Palace. This time, the king left secretly in disguise. There must be something important to do. Something so important that no one should know.

Li Anlan suspected that Long Ji Man would have secret meetings with some important people, as Li Anlan often witnessed in colossal dramas and web series. Those people were capable people who were educated by the king or emperor in secret, as a means of keeping watch in case of danger or treachery that threatened the throne and the safety of the king.

Thinking of this, Li Anlan became interested. Can he contribute and join them? Can he also be meritorious? I don't know, the answer will be written when they get to their destination later.

"While outside, call me Young Master."

"Your Majesty, why should I remain your servant?"

"Because I want to."

"Your Majesty, you are unreasonable."

"You're more unreasonable."

"Your Majesty, you don't plan on making me my servant for the rest of my life, do you?"

"I told you, pick me Young Master."

"Sad... Where is there a Young Master who is so annoying like this."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing."

Long Ji Man widened his white fan, then fanned himself. He was like a misbehaved young man, and tried to calm himself by fanning himself. Yes, anyone would not be able to resist emotions when dealing with a woman like Li Anlan. Even if Long Ji Man had a thousand lives, he would still die many times due to stress and emotions.

Horse carriages cut through the bustling streets of the capital by merchants, young people, and people who were shopping and playing. Lanterns hang here and there in different shapes and sizes. There are round, oval, lotus-shaped flowers, there are also rabbit-shaped.

Ah, lanterns and spring are two interrelated things. Such a lot of lanterns will definitely be used every night in the spring, to illuminate and beautify the city layout. At night, the streets are usually more crowded than during the day, because various performances and exciting attractions will attract a lot of people.

"Why is your face so grim?" long Ji Man asked after seeing Li Anlan who was originally so carefree turning quiet, like he was thinking of something.

"Young Master, can you give me a little time to think?"

"You don't want to be present at the Queen Mother's banquet?"

Li Anlan is a terrible player. He is not good at hiding emotions and changing expressions. That woman is not good at acting. The thought that made him uneasy could be so easily guessed by Long Ji Man. The word 'banquet' really made Li Anlan depressed.

As if knowing it was the answer to Li Anlan's grim face, Long Ji Man sighed. The decision to make Li Anlan appear in public was already unanimous. Empress Dowager Han Yuemei's banquet was a great opportunity to get people to know Li Anlan.

"Whatever the reason, you still can't avoid."

"I know resisting is just wasting energy. But, Young Master, why do you want me to appear so much in public? Isn't this all good?"

"It would be better if I hid longer."

Long Ji Man growled himself. Don't want ya don't want to, don't keep talking and saying nonsense with him. After all, he remained at his initial decision. Li Anlan still had to be present at the banquet.

Two people inside felt the train stop. I don't know what's going on out there. Long Ji Man peeked through the window, then asked his personal bodyguard.

"Tianshi, what's wrong?"

"Young Master, our path is hampered by the crowd."

"Dissolve."

"Can't, Young Master."

"Why?"

"At the front there was a pregnant woman knocked over by a vegetable cart."

Li Anlan took a peek. Right, up ahead, a few people huddled up to close the road.

"Women are pregnant, right?"

"Yes, Young Master."

"Help him and disperse the crowd."

"But..."

"But what?"

"It looks like the pregnant woman is about to give birth!"

Well, something interesting is going on in this street of the capital. It's a shame to be missed. Li Anlan was about to jump down, but her wrist was blocked by Long Ji Man until she was restrained inside.

"What do you want?"

"Young Master, that pregnant woman needs help."

"No. Let someone else help her."

Li Anlan. Oh, the annoying Young Master.

"Young Master, who are you?"

"King Dongling."

"Who is the pregnant woman?"

"One of my people."

"What helps her is breaking the law?"

"No."

"What are you waiting for then? We need to help him!"

"But, Anlan-"

"There's no more time. Two people's lives are at stake!"

Li Anlan threw out Long Ji Man's hand checks. The woman got out of the carriage without stairs, then immediately ran towards the crowd blocking the way. Amidst the crowd, a distended-bellied young lady was enduring the pain. The woman's forehead was covered in sweat.

"Hurry up, take it to the nearest clinic!" li Anlan exclaimed at those people.

"Clinic?" ask one of the men.

"Ah... Em, the hospital, the medical house!"

Everyone who was there nodded. But no one came forward to help. Their reaction was very slow. Li Anlan long ago growled. Don't these people have eyes and hearts?

"Foolish base!" swearing someone in the back. The man broke into the crowd, then helped the pregnant woman stand up.

"Y-Young Master?" li Anlan asked in disbelief.

"Come, help save this woman first."

Li Anlan with Long Ji Man, shoulder to shoulder helping pregnant women who are in pain walk to the nearest clinic or Health Center. Occasionally the pregnant woman complained, but Li Anlan continued to try to strengthen her. Truly, Li Anlan and Long Ji Man hoped that this woman could immediately remove the baby from her stomach and survive.

...***...