Disharmonious Commoners and Good Citizens

Zhu Cihu lay lazily on a vine chair in the garden, his fingers brushing over the glossy fur of the raccoon dog. Dozens of cats were scattered around the garden, either lying down or leaping about. The tortoiseshell cat weaved through the rockery, while two calico cats chased each other around the carved column of the corridor. Several Persian long-haired cats, looking like they were offering tribute, frolicked in the flower bushes.

Lang Yue stood nearby, holding a plate of fresh fish, occasionally tossing a piece, which made the cats rush to snatch at it.

Qingfeng hurried over, saluted, and reported, “Your Highness, Miss Wei has paid the rent on time.”

Zhu Cihu raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Where did she get the silver from?” He scratched the black cat nestled in his arms, and it purred in response.

Qingfeng cleared his throat and replied, “Miss Wei has been selling a ‘priority medical treatment token.’ Each token is prepaid with ten taels of silver and can be used at her medical clinic for treatment or to buy medicine.”

Zhu Cihu suddenly let out a sneer, startling the orange cat dozing at his feet, which jumped onto the railing. “Fool! She’s eagerly hoping to get sick herself, and still goes and delivers silver right to her door. How ridiculous!” He tightened his grip, and the black cat, in pain, jumped down and quickly ran off.

Lang Yue came over, holding a porcelain cat food bowl, and added water. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his master’s tight jaw and the slight twitch of his lips. In his heart, Lang Yue secretly muttered: “We don’t know if they are fools, but Your Highness, you secretly bought the pharmacy’s storefront this past half month, donated five hundred taels to the education department to repair the school, and even funded the rice planting project, yet Miss Wei didn’t even give you a thank you. Isn’t that even more foolish?”

“Have you looked into the matter I asked you to?” Zhu Cihu suddenly darkened his expression.

Qingfeng stumbled, flustered as he responded, “The matter of the birthmark on the sole… it’s quite obscure. I’ve inquired in many places, but still haven’t found any leads.”

Zhu Cihu snorted coldly, swept his sleeves, and stood up, the jade pendant at his waist clinking with the motion. He glared at Qingfeng and barked, “Useless! Go back and keep an eye on it!”

Qingfeng quickly bowed and left in a hurry, fearing further anger from His Highness.

Zhu Cihu walked leisurely through the garden. The cats around him gathered, rubbing against his legs, purring and wagging their tails, acting particularly affectionate.

He aimlessly strolled towards the banana plant, where a snow-white Persian cat was curled up on a leaf. Its glassy blue and yellow eyes were half-closed, lazily basking in the sun. When Zhu Cihu reached out, it suddenly arched its back, leapt lightly, and landed on the roof eaves with a soft thud.

“Liuli still refuses to come near?” Zhu Cihu looked up at the white silhouette with a hint of helplessness.

Lang Yue approached with freshly brewed tea, speaking softly, “This cat has a proud temperament. Your Highness, why not try a gentler one?”

Zhu Cihu took the tea cup and took a small sip. “Every cat in the garden begs me for food, yet it would rather catch mice than eat the fish I offer.” He turned towards the pavilion, his tone laden with meaning, as if speaking of the cat but perhaps of something else: “The things we cannot have are the ones we long for the most.”

Lang Yue did not respond, quietly following behind his master. He knew that the more indifferent His Highness appeared, the more he was concerned about that stubborn female doctor.