After I transmigrated, the cold king clung to me every day.

Chapter 119 Bathing the Man

On the winding path back to the Prince's Mansion, Lin Qianqian turned her head slightly, her gaze softening as she looked at the disheveled young man beside her, and asked softly, "What's your name?" Her voice was gentle, like a spring breeze, full of concern and patience.

However, the man simply lowered his head slightly, his messy, bird's nest-like hair hanging down, almost completely obscuring his face, making it impossible to discern his expression. He seemed not to have heard Lin Qianqian's question, his lips remaining tightly closed, not uttering a single word.

Seeing this, Xiaodie frowned, a hint of displeasure rising in her heart. She muttered, "Hey, our princess is asking you a question. It's so rude of you not to answer!" Her cheeks puffed out slightly, and her eyes held a hint of reproach.

Lin Qianqian immediately called out to her gently, "Xiao Die!" At the same time, she shook her head slightly, her eyes conveying both restraint and tolerance, indicating that Xiao Die should not be harsh.

Lin Qianqian gently raised her delicate hand and placed it on his shoulder, pressing it slightly. She said in the gentlest tone, "Don't be afraid. I'm here. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

After saying that, she slid her jade-like hand down to take his wrist, and with light steps, led him slowly toward the Ninth Prince's residence.

Upon arriving at the Prince's residence, Lin Qianqian and the young man had just crossed the vermilion threshold when Afu hurriedly came to greet them.

Upon seeing the disheveled man beside Lin Qianqian, who reeked of a sour stench, Afu's brows furrowed instantly, his face revealing undisguised disgust and loathing. He bowed slightly, his eyes still scanning the man, and asked, "Your Highness, what's wrong? Why did you bring such a filthy and smelly person back to the mansion?"

Lin Qianqian raised her head slightly, her expression calm and composed, and said softly, "Afu, I saw him being maliciously tortured in the market, and I couldn't bear it. So I bought him. By the way, go and prepare hot water, and bring a few men to help him bathe, so he can wash himself properly and change into clean clothes."

Upon hearing this, Afu's lips twitched slightly. Although he was unwilling, he knew he could not disobey the princess's orders, so he could only helplessly reply, "Yes, Your Highness. This servant will make the arrangements immediately." After saying that, he turned and left in a hurry, his back view seemingly filled with a trace of sorrow.

Lin Qianqian led him back to her room, then gently pointed to the stool inside and said softly, "Sit here and rest for a while."

The man looked bewildered, his eyes filled with confusion and unease. He slowly sat down on the stool and then began to look around warily.

Xiaodie leaned closer to Lin Qianqian, lowered her voice, and murmured, "Miss, is he mute? I haven't heard him say a word from beginning to end!"

Lin Qianqian quickly put her index finger to her lips, signaling Xiaodie to be quiet, "Shh—don't talk nonsense."

Then, Lin Qianqian smiled gently, her voice as soft as a gentle stream, and comforted her, "Don't be afraid. I'll have someone help you take a bath later. After you're clean, we can have a proper meal, okay?"

The man still did not respond, but his eyes gradually reddened and became slightly moist.

Suddenly, he stood up and knelt down abruptly, his knees hitting the ground with a heavy thud. He then began to kowtow repeatedly, his emotions clearly agitated.

Seeing this, Lin Qianqian quickly stepped forward to help him up, repeatedly comforting him, "Hey, get up, there's no need to do this."

At the same time, several servants, led by Afu, hurriedly came over, each carrying a bucket of water. They poured the water into the bathtub in turn and then evenly scattered colorful flower petals.

Before long, Afu stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Highness, everything is ready."

After saying this, the servants prepared to bathe the man.

Seeing this, Lin Qianqian quietly left the room with Xiaodie and headed straight for the kitchen, intending to cook a delicious meal for the man herself.

As the man bathed, steaming water gradually filled the entire bathroom. The servants cautiously approached him, but the man cowered in a corner of the tub out of fear, his eyes filled with wariness and unease.

Afu sighed helplessly, trying to keep his voice gentle: "Don't be afraid, we just want to help you wash yourself."

The man still seemed unable to let go of his resentment. Whenever a servant's hand approached, he would tremble violently like a startled deer, splashing water everywhere.

Just as everyone was at a stalemate, Afu had an idea. He took a few steps back and then slowly handed a damp soft cloth to the man, saying, "If you don't want us to get close, you can wipe yourself with this cloth first."

The man hesitated for a long time before slowly reaching out his trembling hand to take the cloth. His movements were extremely slow, as if he was trying to overcome his immense fear. With each wipe, his battered body was revealed, with old and new wounds crisscrossing each other, which made the servants feel pity.

Meanwhile, Lin Qianqian and Xiaodie were busy in the kitchen. Lin Qianqian skillfully selected ingredients, while Xiaodie helped by handing her seasonings. As she worked, Lin Qianqian would occasionally glance worriedly towards the room, murmuring softly, "I wonder how he is doing in there. I hope things go well."

Xiaodie muttered reassuringly from the side, "Miss, don't worry, Afu can handle it!" Then she pouted and murmured helplessly, "Oh dear, there really is no one in this world more kind-hearted than our Miss!"