This body… doesn’t seem weak at all! He was half a head taller than Honglian and couldn’t help but lower his head to look at her.
The little maid’s face was completely red, her expression flustered as she quickly turned to fetch a robe from the screen, draping it over him and nervously helping him fasten the belt with trembling hands.
Night had already fallen.
After helping him dress, Honglian supported him to the bedside.
“Young Marquis…” Honglian bit her lips, hesitating.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Tonight… I’m feeling a bit unwell… it’s inconvenient… to accompany you.” Honglian’s face turned even redder.
Ji Huaian’s face flushed in embarrassment. He realized his “little brother” had just been a bit too enthusiastic, causing Honglian to misunderstand.
Looking at the shy and delicate maid in front of him—like a flower ready to bloom—and remembering that she might be hiding a short dagger in her sleeve, he forcefully resisted the urge to push her down.
“Ahem, I’m tired. I want to get a good night’s sleep. You should rest too.” After speaking, he collapsed onto the bed and pulled the blanket over himself.
Honglian stood there in a daze, clearly not expecting the Young Marquis to be so easy to handle. She had even mentally prepared herself to be forced. She knew very well what kind of person the Young Marquis was, but tonight, he seemed different.
Was he frightened by the kidnappers during the day?
She glanced at the Young Marquis, who was now buried under the covers, then turned and entered the small side room.
After a quick wash, she lay in bed, unable to sleep for a long time.
Sooner or later, she would belong to him—what was she resisting?
She knew the old Marquis had chosen her to serve the Young Marquis because he had taken a liking to her. That was a good thing. As a shadow guard, she would live her whole life in darkness, unable to show her real face, and most would meet a bad end. Serving the Young Marquis as a close maid was far better in every aspect.
The Young Marquis didn’t seem that bad either…
Honglian pulled the blanket over her burning cheeks.
Ji Huaian lay in bed, also unable to sleep. He was going through the original owner’s memories, gathering information about this world.
This wasn’t any historical dynasty he knew. The nation he was in was called the Qi Empire. Its territory was vast, occupying nearly the entire Central Plains, and was thus also called the Great Qi Empire.
The Qi Empire was economically prosperous and militarily powerful. Surrounding small nations submitted, the people lived peacefully, and the atmosphere resembled the golden age of the Tang.
To be reborn in such a prosperous and peaceful era with such a noble identity—how should he live?
[Enjoy life while it lasts, and don’t let the golden cup go to waste under the moon.] This lifetime, he had to live freely and happily, indulge in luxury, marry dozens…
His thoughts drifted as he slowly fell asleep.
…
Late night, Han Residence inner courtyard.
The study was still lit, and Han Mian was reading case files under candlelight. Though over forty, the Prefect still carried the refined aura of a scholar.
It was already late, but Han Mian remained diligent as ever, just like his name suggested.
The night was quiet. A burst of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor, stopping at the study door. The person didn’t knock or speak but paced anxiously outside, clearly hesitant to disturb the Prefect so late. Visit novelping.com for the full chapter.
The soft footsteps hesitated outside the door.
Han Mian frowned and asked, “What is it?”
“My lord, there’s an urgent matter to report.”
“Enter!”
A middle-aged man rushed in. It was the steward of the Han Residence, Han Cheng, a trusted member of the same clan.
“My lord, something’s gone terribly wrong…” Han Cheng immediately knelt with a thud upon entering.
“What are you panicking for? Has the sky fallen?” Han Mian shot him a glare, set down the file in his hand, lifted his teacup, took a slow sip, and asked, “Did Yiyi cause trouble again?”
“It’s… the young lady… she…” Han Cheng stammered.
“What did she do this time?”
“The young lady… hired people to… kidnap the Young Marquis…”
Han Mian shot up, knocking over the teacup with a crash, spilling tea all over the documents.
“Say that again? Kidnapped who? Which Young Marquis?”
“The one from the Ji Family… the same one who teased the young lady a few days ago,” Han Cheng said nervously.
“Where did she find kidnappers?”
“I… helped her…”
“Ridiculous!” Han Mian grabbed the fallen teacup and smashed it on Han Cheng’s head.
Han Cheng clutched his bleeding head, trembling and not daring to move.
Still furious, Han Mian kicked him seven or eight times.
“When did this happen?”
“Last night…”
“And the kidnappers?”
“They were all captured and taken to the Marquis Residence.”
Han Mian’s face turned deathly pale, and he collapsed onto the floor.
…
The next morning.
As the first light of dawn rose, the surface of Slender West Lake was dyed crimson with morning glow.
Beside the lake stood a three-story building with a prime location—a true lake-view house. This was Zuìhuā Tower, one of Yangzhou’s most famous pleasure houses.
On the third floor, Du Niang stood by the window in light robes, her graceful figure outlined by the sunlight streaming through.
She gazed at the lake, deep in thought.
“Miss!” A gentle-looking maid entered the room and walked quickly to her side. It was Ping’er.
“How was it?” Du Niang turned and asked.
“The Marquis Residence was quiet all night, no movements,” Ping’er replied.
“And Han Residence?” Du Niang asked again.
“Early this morning, Prefect Han brought Miss Han and Steward Han Cheng to the Marquis Residence. The steward had injuries—looked like they went to apologize.”
Du Niang paced thoughtfully. “Looks like Prefect Han really didn’t know about the kidnapping.”
“Miss, are you sure the Marquis Residence won’t hold this against us?” Ping’er asked nervously.
“With the old Marquis’s temperament, as long as they’re unsure of our background, they won’t make a move,” Du Niang said confidently.
“I still think it’s too risky.”
“Two shadow agents from the Marquis Residence stayed behind. It’s hard to act freely. If we don’t use some methods to drive them off, others will come. There’s no end to it.”
“That’s true…” Ping’er nodded, then hesitantly asked, “Miss, if the Marquis finds out your identity, will he help you?”
Du Niang shook her head. “You’re overthinking. The Marquis Residence has too much power. How could they help us?”
“But the lord and—”
“Enough. This is our matter. It has nothing to do with the Marquis Residence.” Du Niang interrupted her coldly, then sternly warned, “Remember, no one must ever know our identity—not even the Marquis Residence.”
“Miss, don’t worry. Ping’er understands.”
Du Niang turned back to the window and softly asked, “Any word from the capital?”
“Not yet,” Ping’er shook her head.
Just then, a maid arrived at the door and reported urgently, “Miss, the Marquis Residence has sent a letter.”
Ping’er quickly took the letter and handed it to Du Niang.
Du Niang opened it and read.
“Miss, what does it say?”
“A warning from the Marquis Residence. It’s fine now…”
Since it was only a warning, it meant they wouldn’t act recklessly.
They had passed the test.
Du Niang put away the letter and quietly let out a sigh of relief.