C13 Duke's Compromise

“Clang.”

“Sir, you’re back! I’ve prepared the hot water for you. Would you like to...”

“Shh, keep it down.” Cang Xu glanced at Lu Xiaoxiao. “That little one is sleeping so soundly. Just listen to those snores. By the way, I have some matters to attend to. I’ll call for you later.”

“Understood.”

Cang Xu sat at the table with several sheets of paper covered in dense writing. “That troublesome Sima An, ugh.” The recent changes in the Department of Defense had been causing Cang Xu a lot of stress. He rubbed his forehead and unconsciously looked over at Lu Xiaoxiao.

“That little one sure is sleeping well, huh.” Cang Xu chuckled and shook his head, feeling a bit bemused. He didn’t quite understand why, but he found himself learning to compromise at times, and deep down, his heart was beginning to soften.

Last night’s heavy rain had washed away the summer heat, leaving the ground soaked and the grass looking particularly vibrant. The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass.

Lu Xiaoxiao stretched lazily, squinting at the bright day. What a beautiful day it was.

“Huh?” Lu Xiaoxiao opened her eyes to see a pair of shoes by the bed, wondering when that expressionless guy had returned. Then she remembered her situation—oh right, she was currently a... captive cat.

The chirping birds outside seemed like an invitation for Lu Xiaoxiao to come out and play. Unfortunately, she could only pace around in her limited space. It was truly a miserable existence.

Feeling quite annoyed, Lu Xiaoxiao started pawing at the cage. “Meow! Meow! Meow meow!” Let me out! I want out! Hey, you big emotionless face, stop sleeping! The sun’s already up!

But no one paid any attention. Lu Xiaoxiao was furious. Did being a cat mean having no rights? Waking up trapped with nowhere to go, the birds’ chirping now sounded like a taunt, flaunting their freedom.

"Meow." Feeling utterly hopeless yet unable to do anything about it, Lu Xiaoxiao began scratching the cushion and tearing at everything in the cage that could be torn. "Meow! Meow! Meow!"

"Thud."

Lu Xiaoxiao was startled by the noise and turned around to see Cang Xu, looking a bit disheveled, striding quickly toward the cage.

"You! It's early in the morning! Can you calm down a bit, huh?" A tired yet still handsome face suddenly loomed large in front of Lu Xiaoxiao.

Lu Xiaoxiao glanced at Cang Xu in front of the cage and turned away, feeling angry and extremely wronged. Being cooped up in the cage was bad enough, but now he was being scolded. What a grumpy face!

"What, do you want to end up in a stew?" Cang Xu crouched in front of the cage, raising an eyebrow at the sulking Lu Xiaoxiao inside.

"Meow!" That trick doesn't work anymore. I'm really annoyed right now! Lu Xiaoxiao continued to turn his back on Cang Xu.

"Heh, you little furball." Cang Xu rotated the cage, trying to get Lu Xiaoxiao to face him, but Lu Xiaoxiao just glanced at him and turned away again.

"Are you bored in there, or did someone bully you?" Cang Xu reached out and poked Lu Xiaoxiao's back.

Bored? It's beyond boring, and on top of that, you're bullying me, Lu Xiaoxiao thought, determined to stand tall and be a proud cat, refusing to give in!

"You stubborn little thing," Cang Xu said, opening the cage door. "Come on out. I won't keep you in there. The weather's perfect outside."

Before Cang Xu could finish his sentence, Lu Xiaoxiao eagerly leaped out of the cage. Ah, the soft grass—this is my kingdom! Lu Xiaoxiao joyfully bounced around on the lawn.

After freshening up, Cang Xu stood at the door, watching Lu Xiaoxiao revel in his newfound freedom. He felt a strong urge to join in the fun, but his status as a duke and the seriousness it required kept his playful side in check.

"What did it do all day yesterday?" Cang Xu asked, turning to Yue'er beside him.

"Your Grace, after settling the little one yesterday, it went to sleep. As it got late, I went to the pond to catch some fish and asked Cui'er to prepare it for the little one, but it seemed to really resist eating fish. Cui'er was worried it would go hungry, so she..."

"So what? Forced it to eat?"

"Your Grace, yes... Cui'er was just concerned about it going hungry. She meant well, but the little one got upset and bit her."

"From now on, don't give it raw food. It doesn't like it. Whatever I eat, have the kitchen prepare the same for it."

"Yes, I understand." Cui'er was surprised at how much the Duke cared for this cat.