Wan Tang hesitantly took two steps closer.
Xiao Zhi raised an eyebrow, his gaze carrying a silent pressure.
Wan Tang knew he was about to get angry, so she bit her lower lip and continued to approach, stopping at an arm’s length away.
A faint, delicate fragrance wafted over from the woman. Xiao Zhi lowered his gaze, just catching sight of her long, raven-feather-like eyelashes, fluttering and shimmering with crystalline tears. Her evasive eyes and fair, rosy cheeks held an unconscious allure.
Xiao Zhi turned his gaze elsewhere. “Does it still hurt?”
His tone was serious, and Wan Tang didn’t dare let her thoughts wander. Assuming he was asking about the incident in the cave, she raised her hand to touch her neck, replying awkwardly, “It doesn’t hurt much anymore. Thank you, Marquis, for saving this servant earlier. In the future, I will surely pray for your well-being…”
Before she could finish, a large hand abruptly tugged open her collar.
Her tender neck was exposed, clearly marked with several finger-shaped bruises.
Xiao Zhi’s voice deepened. “Did he pinch your neck?”
Wan Tang gasped in shock at his sudden action, hastily stepping back while pulling her collar back into place.
Seeing her startle like a frightened rabbit, Xiao Zhi didn’t move closer. Instead, he took out a porcelain bottle from his robe and handed it to her. “Where else are you hurt?”
The white jade-like porcelain bottle was adorned with vivid orchids, clearly a rare and precious item.
Wan Tang didn’t dare accept it. “This servant’s skin is rough and thick…”
A cold laugh interrupted her. “If your skin were rough and thick, would it bruise with just one pinch?”
Wan Tang instinctively touched the still-throbbing spot on her neck, then timidly raised her eyes with a hopeful look. “Please investigate clearly, Marquis. This servant had no intentions toward Daye. It was Daye who dragged me into the cave.”
After just one glance, she quickly lowered her head again, anxiously waiting.
“Hmm.” Xiao Zhi responded indifferently, holding the porcelain bottle out to her.
Wan Tang wasn’t sure if he believed her, but she extended both hands to receive it. “Thank you for your gift, Marquis.”
The personal maids of noble ladies from high-ranking families were often delicate and tender, as well-cared-for maids could reflect the prestige of their households. Song Zhiyun was the second legitimate daughter of the Jingyang Marquisate, so her maids were naturally raised with care. Wan Tang’s hands were slender, soft, and pale as scallions, with a delicate sheen.
As she took the porcelain bottle, Wan Tang accidentally brushed against Xiao Zhi’s hand—warm and strong.
Her eyes trembled slightly, and she quickly withdrew her hand.
Her desire to entice him was real, but her fear of him was equally real.
In her past life, Xiao Zhi had a capricious temperament. It was said that he killed without blinking on the battlefield, having taken countless lives. Even after returning to the capital, he couldn’t conceal his intimidating aura. The most shocking incident was when he severely beat the Sixth Prince and refused to apologize. Due to his immense military achievements, he was only reprimanded by the emperor and ordered to reflect on his actions behind closed doors for half a month.
Remembering this, Wan Tang’s legs weakened, and she instinctively began to kneel. “This servant didn’t mean to.”
Xiao Zhi noticed her movement and, displeased, lifted his foot to block her knees, nudging her upward. “This marquis has said there’s no need for all this kneeling.”
Forced to stand, Wan Tang lost her balance and stumbled backward a few steps.
Xiao Zhi reached out with his long arm, catching her by the elbow.
Slender and soft, it could be fully grasped in one hand.
Once Wan Tang steadied herself, a thought flashed through her mind.
Belatedly, she realized that Xiao Zhi’s initial question, “Does it still hurt?” might have been referring to the tearing pain below? At first, she hadn’t dared to think in that direction, as three days had already passed. But recalling Xiao Zhi’s words and actions just now, she grew increasingly certain.
Once Wan Tang was steady, Xiao Zhi released his grip.
The old injury in his right arm suddenly flared up because of this movement, aching and swelling intensely.
He pinched his right shoulder with his left hand, but the soreness and swelling did not lessen in the slightest. Irritated, he sat down on a chair: “What is your name?”
“This servant is called Wan Tang.”
Just as she had begun to realize that Xiao Zhi showed a hint of concern for her, she secretly glanced up and noticed him massaging his right shoulder. On impulse, she decided to take a step further: “Is the Marquis’s shoulder uncomfortable? This servant can massage it for you.”
The room suddenly fell silent, leaving only the crackling sound of the stove fire.
Xiao Zhi looked over coldly, his eyes devoid of any warmth.
Wan Tang had already obediently lowered her gaze, yet even so, she could still feel his shadowy stare.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Sure enough, Xiao Zhi spoke indifferently: “You are a maid from Jinxiu Garden. It is not appropriate.”
A layer of cold sweat broke out on Wan Tang’s back, and she dared not utter another word.
“Leave.”
The distant tone instantly sobered Wan Tang. She retreated in disarray, inwardly cursing herself for acting too hastily.
In that moment of impulse, all her efforts over the past few days had been wasted.