Сhаpter 1: Тhе Dеliсаte Mistress
Аlthоugh Marсh had pаssеd in thе сарital, thе сhill hаd уet to dissiрate. A yоung mаid standing undеr thе соrridоr eаvеs tightеned her раdded jаcket, clаspеd her hands togеther, аnd blew wаrm аir into them. Shivеring, she asked, “Nаnnу Su, whеn will thе young lаdу wаkе up? She’s аlreаdy beеn ill for threе days. Shоuld I go to the Dukе’s rеsidеncе tо ask the Third Мastеr tо find a phуsician fоr her? Еvеn thоugh our уoung ladу is an eхtеrnаl mistress, she is, after all, the only оnе in the Third Mastеr’s hоusehold. Now thаt shе’s burning with fever, the Third Master surely wouldn’t stand by and watch her suffer.”
The woman called Nanny Su was not old, only around forty years of age. Her plump, fair face was etched with worry. She glanced into the room, as if having made up her mind, and gritted her teeth. “Alright, then go quickly and come back soon. Don’t linger outside. If you can’t see the Third Master, beg the Duke’s residence to spare some silver. We’ll find a physician for the young lady ourselves.”
The young maid, Rendong, nodded repeatedly. “Nanny, I understand. I’ll go right away.”
She lifted the hem of her skirt and was about to turn and run when a delicate, weak voice suddenly called out to stop her. “Wait, don’t go!”
“It’s the young lady!”
“The young lady is awake!”
The door curtain lifted and fell again, letting in a gust of cold wind. The woman on the bed instinctively furrowed her brows.
She leaned weakly against the headboard, her ink-black hair, smooth as satin, piled behind her, making her stunningly beautiful face appear as small as a palm. Though ill, she did not look haggard. The touch of sickness softened her enchanting beauty, making her even more pitiable.
The young maid turned aside to wipe the corner of her eye, feeling indignant on behalf of her mistress.
Others said her mistress was fortunate to have caught the eye of the Third Master of the Pei family, but only those serving her knew the truth. The Third Master had settled her in an outer courtyard and never visited again. A beauty like their young lady was left alone in the outer courtyard, not even daring to call for the Third Master when she fell ill. What kind of fortune was that?
Xi Ning was unaware of the young maid’s thoughts. With effort, she propped herself up against the headboard. The original occupant of this body had succumbed to a prolonged illness, and upon waking, the soul within had changed.
After absorbing the memories of the original owner, she quickly called out to stop the maid who was about to leave. “I’m already much better. Don’t trouble Pei… the Third Master.”
“Young lady!” The maid stomped her foot in frustration, feeling her mistress was too humble.
But Xi Ning paid it little mind. Curving her lips, she gave the maid a reassuring smile, then turned to Nanny Su with a smile. “Nanny, could you trouble yourself to prepare some plain white porridge for me? I’m hungry.”
She tilted her head with a smile, adding a touch of playfulness to her lotus-like face. Nanny Su felt a pang in her heart, forcing a smile onto her face. “Of course, young lady. Wait a moment, I’ll go right away!” With that, she pulled the still-protesting maid outside.
“Nanny! Why are you listening to the young lady too? She’s so seriously ill. The Third Master should come and see her.”
“Quiet! Shouldn’t we servants listen to our mistress? Besides, have you forgotten what the Third Master said back then? Our young lady may appear fortunate, but who knows the suffering inside?”
Nanny Su’s words silenced Rendong. She sniffled and pouted. “That’s because the Third Master doesn’t know how wonderful our young lady is. If he knew, he surely wouldn’t let her suffer like this.”
In all her life, she had never seen such a beauty. Why didn’t their Third Master know how to cherish her?
“Ah, if only the Third Master would come.”
Yes, if only the Third Master would come.Nanny Su glanced sideways toward the bedroom, but the heavy door curtain blocked her view. She shook her head, dispelling the thoughts in her mind, and turned to instruct the young maid.
“I’m going to prepare porridge for the young lady. You stay here and keep a close watch on her. Make sure she doesn’t fall asleep again.”
“Nanny, I understand.”
The corridor fell quiet once more. Xi Ning gazed at the bed canopy overhead and sighed.
Even after resting for most of the day, Xi Ning still found it difficult to accept the reality.
She, a distinguished agricultural Ph.D., had actually transmigrated into the role of a man’s kept mistress.
Pei Zhao, also known as Third Master Pei, was the most outstanding young gentleman in the capital. His father was the Duke of Jin, and his mother was Princess Anyang. Although he had two older brothers, their presence did nothing to dim his brilliance.
At a young age, he had already achieved the title of Tanhua, the third-place scholar in the imperial examinations. With his refined demeanor and unparalleled handsomeness, he was the top choice for marriage among noble ladies in the capital.
However, this chaste and upright Third Master Pei had purchased a seductive woman during his travels south and brought her back with great fanfare, settling her outside the mansion. This left countless noble ladies heartbroken.
Everyone said he had been bewitched by this enchanting woman, but only Xi Ning knew the truth: Pei Zhao had never touched her, nor had he even met her more than a few times. He had bought the original owner solely to conceal his own “hidden ailment.”
Yet, the original owner believed she had climbed to great heights, eagerly awaiting entry into the Duke’s mansion day after day. She spent all her silver but still never caught a glimpse of Pei Zhao. In the end, she fell into melancholy, became seriously ill, and passed away, allowing Xi Ning to take her place.
“Ah!”
Xi Ning couldn’t help but sigh again. Having received a modern education in her previous life, the thought of being a man’s kept mistress was more unbearable to her than death.
What was a kept mistress, if not a plaything who served with her looks? Favored when the master was pleased and neglected when he was displeased. To put it bluntly, wasn’t this just being a mistress?
Xi Ning lowered her gaze. She would never allow herself to become a man’s possession. The original owner’s deed of sale was in Pei Zhao’s hands, and she needed to find a way to retrieve it.
“Young lady, it’s time to eat.”
While Xi Ning was lost in thought, Nanny Su entered with a bowl of porridge.
Still unable to get out of bed, Rendong set up a small table over the bed for her. Nanny Su placed the meal on it.
A bowl of soft, well-cooked white porridge accompanied by a side dish of pickled cucumbers. Though simple, it was just right for a patient like her.
However, as the porridge touched her lips, Xi Ning subtly furrowed her brows.
Too much water had been added, diluting the flavor of the rice. Tasting the pickled cucumbers, she found them overly salty. Perhaps they had been marinated for too long, as they were soft and lacked the crisp freshness of cucumbers.
Despite her hunger, Xi Ning forced herself to finish the porridge. When Nanny Su asked if she wanted another bowl, she shook her head.
“Bring me a cup of sugar water, please.”
Her current body was too weak, lacking strength, and she needed to replenish some sugar.
“Of course.”
Nanny Su let the sugar water cool before feeding it to Xi Ning. Seeing a slight flush return to her cheeks, she finally felt reassured.
“Young lady, your health is still not fully recovered. You need more rest. Whatever you wish to eat tonight, just let this old servant know, and I’ll prepare it for you.”
“Alright.”
Xi Ning nodded, not wanting to dismiss Nanny Su’s kindness. In truth, there were many things she craved, but judging from the earlier porridge and side dishes, she had already gauged Nanny Su’s culinary skills. Her own discerning palate was likely beyond what Nanny Su could satisfy.
After the two left, Xi Ning felt beneath the quilt for the bulge on her right wrist.
Fortunately, her smart Hand Ring had come with her.
Inside it were the research achievements from her previous life—seeds of various grains, vegetables, and flowers. Through her improvements, they not only yielded high quantities but also maintained excellent quality.These seeds were priceless treasures in her past life, let alone in this ancient era where resources were scarce.
Xi Ning closed her eyes slightly. These seeds were her foundation for survival in this ancient world. With them, she could live independently without relying on Pei Zhao.
When the time was right, she would ask Pei Zhao to return her deed of sale and regain her freedom.
Xi Ning’s illness took over half a month to fully recover. By the time she could get out of bed, the capital had already warmed up.
Nanny Su and Rendong were busy in the courtyard, with piles of clothes hung all over the yard.
Seeing her come out, Nanny Su and Rendong quickly stood up.
“Miss, why have you come out? There’s a breeze outside, please go back in!”
Xi Ning didn’t listen to her and asked, looking at the clothes filling the courtyard.
“What’s going on here?”