Wan Tang had originally thought that after her perfunctory dealings with Xiao Yujue, he would show some restraint.
But she had underestimated Xiao Yujue’s audacity.
Now that he no longer dared to go out and indulge in pleasure with those playboys, he naturally spent more time in the Houfu. As a result, whenever Wan Tang came into view, his eyes couldn’t help but linger on her. After noticing this unusual behavior, Wan Tang completely abandoned any further attempts at perfunctory dealings.
If things continued like that, she feared Xiao Yujue would think she was half-heartedly resisting.
But it was already too late—Xiao Yujue began to intercept her on her usual routes.
Xiao Yujue always chose corners near Meiyuan or behind rockeries, because even if Song Zhiyun was uneasy, she wouldn’t dare disturb Meiyuan.
Today was the third day Xiao Yujue had intercepted Wan Tang. The previous two days, she had managed to escape, but this time, emboldened, he waited right outside Meiyuan like a hunter lying in wait, and finally, he caught her.
Impatiently, he dragged Wan Tang behind a nearby rockery, gripping her soft, delicate hand and refusing to let go. “Wan Tang, have you been avoiding me these past few days?”
“Daye, this servant has not. Please let go of me, Daye. I still need to return to embroider handkerchiefs for the Eldest Mistress.” Wan Tang no longer engaged in perfunctory dealings as she had last time, using all her strength to pull her wrist free.
“You’ll be mine sooner or later. Don’t be so ungrateful.” Xiao Yujue’s gaze darkened as he blocked Wan Tang’s path and grabbed her wrist again.
Before Wan Tang could muster the strength to break free again, her wrist felt a sudden chill. Without giving her a chance to protest, Xiao Yujue slipped a patterned silver wrist bracelet onto her. It was engraved with exquisite carvings, and a small bell hung from its center. With the slightest movement, the bell tinkled softly.
Xiao Yujue had put it on hastily, scraping it roughly against the back of Wan Tang’s hand.
Wan Tang cried out in pain, quickly covering her mouth with her other hand.
At that moment, Xiao Zhi had just entered Cuiyu Pavilion. Hearing the familiar, delicate cry, he paused mid-step and turned to look at Zhao Fu behind him. “What are you standing there for? Go brew a pot of tea. When Huanzhi arrives, bring him over in a sedan chair.”
Xu Xing, courtesy name Huanzhi.
After Zhao Fu acknowledged the order and withdrew, Xiao Zhi quickly ascended to the third floor. His hearing was sharper than most, and following the sound of the cry, he soon spotted the figures of Xiao Yujue and Wan Tang tugging at each other.
Wan Tang was backed against the rockery, trapped between Xiao Yujue’s arms, struggling desperately.
On the other side, Xiao Yujue remained completely unaware.
He thought Wan Tang smelled heavenly, like crabapple blossoms after the rain, her skin so tender it seemed as if it could break at the slightest touch. Unable to resist, he reached out to stroke her face. Wan Tang quickly dodged to the other side, only to bump into the crook of his other arm.
Xiao Yujue swallowed hard and took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace.
“Daye, this servant already has someone in mind. You are a gentleman, Daye, and should not force others against their will.” Wan Tang trembled all over, pleading with a tearful voice.
But Xiao Yujue thought she was merely playing hard to get. He lowered his head, intending to bury his face in the crook of her neck and inhale her fragrance. “Isn’t the one you have in mind me?”
Wan Tang was truly frightened this time. Though she knew Xiao Yujue wouldn’t force himself on her here, the moment he drew near, her heart felt as if it would leap out of her mouth, her very soul seeming to flee her body. It was a fear and disgust that came from the depths of her being.
Inadvertently, she caught sight of a figure standing in Cuiyu Pavilion through a gap in the bamboo grove.
This person was tall and imposing, with a majestic stature—who else could it be but Xiao Zhi?
She looked hopefully at that figure, wishing he could help her out of this predicament, but he remained motionless, standing there like a wooden stake.
Wan Tang, having lost all hope, panicked and grabbed Xiao Yujue’s arm, biting down hard.
Even through the thick clothing, Xiao Yujue gasped in pain, and any lingering romantic thoughts vanished instantly.
On the third floor of Cuiyu Pavilion, Xu Xing noticed Xiao Zhi’s gloomy expression and couldn’t resist teasing, “What’s got you so upset? Share it with me so I can enjoy it too.”
Xiao Zhi had witnessed Wan Tang’s progression from half-hearted resistance to full-on struggle and sneered, “A woman who eyes one bowl while eating from another—what’s there to pity about such a person?”
Xu Xing’s smile froze. “I’ve told you Zhenniang isn’t that kind of person. Since she’s married, she’ll remain devoted to her husband. I only heard that her husband learned about our past entanglement and misunderstood her, so I took the initiative to help clear things up. Who knew it would end up like this?”
Xiao Zhi watched as Wan Tang glanced in their direction and gritted his teeth. “Putting on an act, fickle and wanton.”
Xu Xing stood up agitatedly. “Don’t insult Zhenniang! How can you be so unreasonable too? Your mother’s birthday is tomorrow—here’s the congratulatory gift. I won’t come and stir up trouble.”
Xiao Zhi remained distracted, gazing out the window. By now, Wan Tang had escaped from Xiao Yujue’s embrace and fled in disarray to a place he could no longer see.
A clamor of hurried footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Xiao Zhi snapped back to attention and saw Xu Xing hobbling downstairs with a cane.
Tomorrow was Laofuren’s forty-fifth birthday, and a family banquet had long been planned at Houfu. As Xiao Zhi’s closest friend, Xu Xing was the only invited guest. Now, with his reputation in tatters, he wisely chose not to attend to avoid displeasing the Old Marquis and Laofuren, hence sending the gift in advance.
Xiao Zhi tapped his forehead, feeling a headache coming on, and hurried after him…
By the time Xiao Zhi had calmed Xu Xing’s anger and returned to Meiyuan, an hour had passed.
Seeing Wan Tang waiting in the courtyard, looking distraught, he ignored her and walked past with a cold expression.
“Marquis! This… this servant greets the Marquis!” Wan Tang was certain Xiao Zhi had witnessed the earlier scene. She no longer cared about the consequences of biting Xiao Yujue or returning to Jinxiu Garden, waiting for Xiao Zhi in Meiyuan in a daze.
Xiao Zhi paid no attention and continued walking.
Wan Tang anxiously chased after him, the bells on her silver wrist bracelet jingling inopportunely.
Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling—clear and melodious.
Xiao Zhi abruptly stopped and turned to look at Wan Tang’s left wrist.
Wan Tang, following closely, hadn’t expected him to stop suddenly and nearly collided with his back. Trembling, she glanced up and followed his gaze to her left wrist.
Seeing the bells exposed, she instinctively tugged at her sleeve, covering the wrist bracelet completely.
Proper women didn’t wear such bells—only those from pleasure quarters wore them for entertainment. Wan Tang now felt deeply embarrassed and ashamed.
Xiao Zhi gritted his teeth. “This Marquis thinks you shouldn’t be called Wan Tang but ‘Autumn High.'” She really infuriated him. How could she treat such a thing as a treasure?
He hadn’t expected a maid to understand, but surprisingly, Wan Tang did.
She suddenly rolled up her left sleeve, revealing the wrist bracelet, and the red scratches on the back of her hand came into view.
She didn’t understand why Xiao Zhi was angry, but she dared not speak ill of Xiao Yujue. He was Xiao Zhi’s stepson, while she was merely a maid. She knew very well which side carried more weight.
Should she complain that Xiao Yujue had been disrespectful and harassed her? What if Xiao Zhi simply said she was already someone in his household? Then all her schemes would come to nothing.
So she remained silent, fiercely yanking off the Wrist Bracelet with such force that the red mark on her hand broke the skin, instantly oozing a string of blood beads.
Xiao Zhi’s pupils contracted sharply.