The next morning, Pei Mianman was leaning against the crook of Zu Anâs arm. Her finger mischievously drew circles around his chest as she asked, âAh Zu, do you want me to leak some fake information to King Qiâs heir?â The part of her skin that was exposed outside of the covers was even whiter than the snow outside.
Zu An shook his head, saying, âNot yet. When the time is right, Iâll tell you then.â This was a rare double agent he could make use of, so of course he had to use the opportunity at the crucial moment.
After the two embraced each other for a bit and exchanged some romantic words, they exchanged a look. Then, another intense battlefield ensued.
Knock knock knock!
There was a burst of soft knocking, and the door opened with a groan. Hong Zao stuck her head in and said, âYoung miss, the manorâs people are starting to wake up.â Her unspoken words were clear. It was time for the young master to leave.
âI got it, you can withdraw for now⦠Mmm!â Pei Mianman replied.
When Hong Zao heard that tender moan that seemed to be uttered from deep in Pei Mianmanâs throat, even as a girl herself, she was greatly flustered. She quickly closed the door to the room.
She patted her chest. Her heart was beating like crazy. She sat on the ladder outside while hugging her knees. She recalled the earlier years when the people of the manor hadnât treated the young miss that well because of her identity, always gossiping behind her back and talking about how her face was only good for seducing men. Back then, Hong Zao was so mad she had even angrily fought with them.
But now, werenât those people completely correct? The young miss really is charmingâ¦
When she recalled that intense scene, her face turned red. Also, is the young master not tired? They already went at it for an entire night!
âWhat are you mumbling about over there?â A soft voice spoke next to Hong Zaoâs ear.
Hong Zao raised her head and saw that a man with starry eyes and long eyebrows was looking at her with a smile. His clothes were purer than snow, truly like a male lead straight out of a novel⦠Her face turned red and she didnât dare to look straight at him. She quickly lowered her head, saying, âYoung⦠Young master.â
âYouâre so cute.â Zu An subconsciously rubbed her head. This little girl was quite adorable. He said, âTake good care of your young miss. Iâm heading out first.â
âGoodbye, young master,â Hong Zao replied. She still didnât dare to look him in the eyes. She immediately regretted saying those words. Wasnât she basically inviting him back? Would that make the young miss seem a bit too impatient?[1]
Furthermore, if he really did come back, it would be just like the previous night where she wouldnât get any sleep.
âYou worked hard last night. Iâll bring you some tasty treats next time,â Zu An said with a chuckle. The entire Pei Manor was starting to wake up, so he couldn't continue to stay. As such, he quickly left.
âIt wasnât too hardâ¦â Hong Zao had a strange look on her face. It was you and the young miss who worked harder, right?
Only when Zu An retreated into the distance did she dare to raise her head. When she saw his figure quickly fly into the distance, her little mouth opened wide. Young masterâs cultivation is so high!
Pei Mianman said lazily, âStop coveting your young master already and help me freshen up.â
Every month on this day, Pei Manor would have a small ceremony. That was when everyone would gather in the ancestral hall to hold an offering for their ancestors, and await their ancestorsâ instructions. Even though she wasnât all that interested, she didnât want to give them any excuses to talk about her.
When she heard what the young miss said, Hong Zaoâs heart that had just finally calmed down began to pound again. âI didnâtâ¦â She denied it while quickly running inside.
Pei Mianman had already sat up from her bed. When she saw her masterâs wonderful figure, Hong Zao lowered her head to look at her own chest. Sigh, Iâm still lacking compared to the young miss.
She quickly found some clothes for the young miss to dress in. She suddenly wrinkled her brow, asking, âHuh? Why is there a smell of heather flowers? Isnât it winter right now?â
Pei Mianman trembled, but then she couldn't help but pinch Hong Zaoâs chubby cheek. She remarked, âNo wonder they call you a dumb girl. Hmph, youâll know in the future.â
âOhâ¦â Hong Zao nodded, only half-understanding. While she helped Pei Mianman get dressed, she quietly asked, âYoung miss, is the young master the one you met back in Brightmoon City?â
âYeah.â Pei Mianman grinned. She felt a sweet sensation whenever she thought about him.
âBut young miss, wouldnât it be bad to have âillicitâ relations without a ceremony?â Hong Zao asked worriedly.
Pei Mianman was speechless. She took a deep breath, enduring the urge to give Hong Zao a good beating. She said, âIf you donât know how to use idioms, donât say them randomly.â
âI didnât thoughâ¦â Hong Zao blinked and looked at Pei Mianman innocently.
Pei Mianmanâs breath caught in her throat. She could only say, âWho said we were doing any of that? Hmph, we already got married properly, and we even had an entire country as witnesses.â A hint of loveliness appeared between her brows when she remembered what had happened in Yinxuâs secret dungeon.
âAh?â Hong Zao looked at her with a strange expression. Did the young miss go crazy? When did she get married to the young master, and even have the entire country as witness?
You always say Iâm dumb, but why do I feel like the young miss is the biggest dummy? You gave away your body all willy-nilly, and even your memory is getting messed up.
After some hesitation, she thought that even though the young master had given her that precious golden hairpin, she still had to think for the young missâ sake. She asked, âYoung miss, is the young master of the fiend race?â
âOf course not.â Pei Mianman was stunned. She turned around to look at Hong Zao, asking, âWhy would you ask that?â
âI thought the young master was a male vixen and seduced the young miss or somethingâ¦â Hong Zao mumbled.
âThereâs no such thing as a male vixen in this world.â Pei Mianman scolded her playfully.
Hong Zao thought to herself, What do you mean there isnât? The young master just looked at me once, and I⦠was already like that.
âYoung miss, will the young master come to Pei Manor to propose marriage?â she asked.
âHe said he was going to, but I stopped him. Itâs not a good time right now; weâll wait until later.â Pei Mianman looked at her own reflection in the mirror, which was becoming more and more tender and beautiful. As long as I can be with him, Iâll already be extremely happy.
Hong Zao looked at Pei Mianmanâs back worriedly, thinking, The young miss is pretty intelligent normally, so why does she seem so foolish nowadays? Yet you still say the young master isnât a male vixen.
She began, âBut King Qiâs heir keeps visiting the manor. He clearly likes the young missâ¦â
âWhat does that have to do with me? What, you want me to run over and ask him what part of me he likes, so I can then change that part so he doesnât like me anymore?â Pei Mianman shot back.
Hong Zao burst out laughing, saying, âKing Qiâs heir might just die from anger if he heard what the young miss said. But King Qi Manor is so powerful! Master and madam want you to marry him as well. What if the relationship between you and the young master is exposed? That would mean big trouble then!â
âI know already! When did you learn to nag like a granny?â Pei Mianman slammed the head ornament she had just picked up onto the table. She felt as if her great mood had suddenly gone up into smoke when she thought about those things.
Seeing that the young miss was upset, Hong Zao stuck out her tongue, but didnât say anything else.
â¦
Meanwhile, Zu An had just returned to his temporary residence when he happened to run into Pei You and Gao Ying doing morning exercises. He nodded inwardly when he saw them. Even though these two were young masters from distinguished clans, the fact that they were able to have their current level of cultivation at such a young age was definitely because of their own diligence.
The two of them saw him as well. Pei You moved closer and gave him a sniff. He immediately became jealous, exclaiming, âWhat a seductive smell! Brother Gao, tell me, we train so bitterly day and night, and yet we canât compare to someone who enjoys himself every night at all! What the hell is this? How is this fair at all? Where is the virtue? Where is the morality? Where is the address?â He moved closer to Zu An when he said the last part.
âYouâre clearly suited to become a Prince Charming, yet you just insist on being a comedian.â Zu An couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Pei Youâs lewd expression.
Pei You harrumphed. âIâm only showing you guys this side because I really treat you two as my brothers, yet youâre mocking me! Hurry and tell me the address of the brothel you went to! Only that will repair our little boat of camaraderie.â
âI went to investigate a case,â Zu An said helplessly.
âMy ass.â Pei You rolled his eyes.
Even Gao Ying had a strange expression. Brother Zu, shouldnât you at least put some effort into your lie?
Zu An coughed and said, âWhatever. Actually, I need your help in investigating a brothel girlâ¦â
Pei You and Gao Yingâs eyes immediately lit up when they heard that.
âAhem!â Sang Hong walked past them just then He said in a sincere and meaningful tone, âYou are all imperial envoys; you represent the dignity of the imperial court. You absolutely cannot do anything nonsensical.â
Pei Youâs expression froze. He replied, âSir Sang, do not worry. I do not dare to make any promises for these two, but I will have nothing to do with evil things like gambling or drugs.â
Sang Hong was caught off guard by his reply. However, he retorted, âTsk, you did not mention anything sexual in that vow at all.â
Pei You immediately changed his wording. âAs long as the emperor and heavens are above me, I, Pei You, will have nothing to do with evil things like gambling or drugs!â[2]
Sang Hong: w(?Ð?)w[3]
Zu An: w(?Ð?)w
Gao Ying: w(?Ð?)w
1. The Chinese word for âgoodbyeâ is literally translated as âmeet againâ. However, this is whatâs commonly used for âgoodbyeâ and the girl is just overthinking.
2. The word for sexual/lewd things is âHuangâ, which sounds just like the word for âemperorâ.
3. This is an emote.