Chapter 30 The First Day as a Personal Maid Jiang Zhuoying lowered her eyes. Yes, that's right...

Jiang Zhuoying lowered her eyes. Yes, she had told Eunuch Chu that this was a gift from her former fiancé.

I suppose that's what compensation means?

But... this wardrobe of clothes is already quite valuable, and it's not up to the standards for a maid like her now.

Eunuch Chu was being far too kind to her.

Jiang Zhuoying nodded slowly: "Okay, I understand."

She picked out a long, pink vest from the closet. The pattern on it was only embroidered with a few peach blossoms, which was considered extremely simple among the clothes in the closet.

She knew that the Second Prince preferred light-colored and simple attire, so she had to try her best to please him.

With Ah Liu around, she styled her hair in double buns once again.

Once everything was almost done, they hurried to the main room.

In order to perform well and be a good worker on the first day, Jiang Zhuoying got up very early, and it was only the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

But when she arrived at the main room, she only encountered Chu Yixin.

"Eunuch Chu, when will His Highness get up?" She naturally assumed that Qi Fan had not yet gotten up.

"Oh dear, I got up at dawn, I reckon he'll be back by now after his martial arts practice!"

Jiang Zhuoying's pupils dilated in shock. 5:00 AM? Practicing martial arts?

"This... Your Highness, Your Highness can also practice martial arts?"

Chu Yixin chuckled: "Jiang girl, you don't know, do you? Even if I'm not saying my kung fu is superb, three or five guards can't get close to him!"

This was unexpected for Jiang Zhuoying; she had originally thought that the Second Prince was not skilled in martial arts.

But she got up very early today. Does she have to get up at dawn every day in the future?

She sighed softly, lowered her eyes, saw the long vest she was wearing, and immediately looked up again.

"Eunuch Chu, did you instruct A-Liu to prepare all these clothes?"

"But this is too much, and it was the mastiff that caused the trouble, so we don't need this much."

Chu Yixin's expression froze slightly, and she began to have some doubts.

He knew that his master had done it, but his master, with his aloof demeanor, hadn't yet revealed the truth.

As a servant, he couldn't very well say those words first.

"Um... well, Miss Jiang, don't overthink it. This hound was given to the master by that person in the palace. Since it caused trouble, someone has to deal with it."

"Besides, this is also the master's wish."

He offered some brief suggestions.

Jiang Zhuoying immediately understood; it turned out that this was compensation from the Second Prince for the turtle.

Thinking about it this way, he realized he cared about quite a lot of things.

The osmanthus tree is blazing brightly, and now there's even a giant osmanthus.

"Master? You're back!"

Chu Yixin's eyes lit up slightly, and she strode quickly toward the girl's back.

Jiang Zhuoying also turned around...

A tall, slender figure slowly approached into view. Perhaps because it was too hot from practicing martial arts, he was only wearing a thin, off-white shirt.

Jiang Zhuoying's gaze moved upwards from his waist and she could vaguely see his well-defined, firm abdomen. She hurriedly looked up, her eyes following his muscular chest, which was covered with a thin layer of sweat.

Jiang Zhuoying: "!"

Her flustered gaze swept over the man's handsome face, and she hurriedly bowed her head in a curtsy.

"This servant greets Your Highness the Second Prince. May Your Highness have a good morning."

As soon as she finished speaking, the undecorated black boots had already reached her, and a faint scent of herbs and sandalwood wafted towards her.

Perhaps because he had sweated from practicing martial arts, the bitter smell of agarwood had faded considerably, and his voice was soft.

"stand up."

"Yes, thank you, Your Highness."

Jiang Zhuoying straightened up, still keeping her head slightly lowered to maintain proper etiquette, but her cheeks were burning uncontrollably.

She could see his slightly open shirt with just a glance. Didn't he feel something was amiss?

The man paused for a moment, then repeated her words: "Good morning?"

Jiang Zhuoying paused slightly, deliberately avoiding his gaze. Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked up, and the first rays of morning sunlight just happened to shine on the roof tiles not far away.

Isn't this early enough?

“I don’t keep useless people around me. Since I’ve become a maid, I must do it well.”

The tone of voice is steady and concise.

Jiang Zhuoying puffed out her cheeks, wondering if this meant she would have to get up at dawn with him from now on.

Even if she was dissatisfied, it was only her first day on duty, and she hadn't yet established herself properly, so she couldn't argue with him.

"Yes, Your Highness. I will get up early tomorrow. Thank you for your guidance."

The girl's voice was as gentle and delicate as ever, and Qi Fan lowered his eyes to look at the melon seed noodles hanging down.

Too obedient...

He looked away and stepped inside: "Come on."

Jiang Zhuoying's eyes lit up, and her tone became increasingly animated: "Yes!"

The man leading the way suddenly stopped and turned his head: "So happy?"

Jiang Zhuoying secretly pinched the web of her hand, her tone light and cheerful: "Of course! This servant finally has a chance to repay Your Highness."

She mustered her courage and looked up, but when she met the man's unfathomable gaze, she pretended to be timid and looked away.

"Your Highness is so kind to me. Not only did you take me in, but you also prepared so many clothes for me and even sent Miss A-Liu to keep me company."

"Your Highness is such a kind person, and your kindness is so great. If I were to accept it without remorse, I would find it impossible to eat or sleep. Thank you for giving me a chance to repay your kindness!"

The man's usually indifferent gaze softened slightly. The girl in front of him was not even as tall as his shoulder, and today she had her hair styled in double buns, resembling little rabbit ears standing up.

Thinking about it, she realized that she was indeed similar to that little rabbit; both were timid and docile, and would easily become angry if scolded even slightly.

Just one point...

The little rabbit was cute, but the girl in front of them had an incomparably beautiful face.

"As long as you continue to behave this way, these things don't matter."

After saying this, Qi Fan turned around and went into the study.

Jiang Zhuoying was taken aback, then quickly followed, eagerly and obediently promising, "This servant's nature has always been like this; I will certainly obey Your Highness's orders in everything and will not disappoint Your Highness..."

...

An hour later, Jiang Zhuoying looked at the man sitting upright at the desk and quietly pursed her lips.

This is so exhausting.

He was sitting there, while she was standing here.

And once he sat down, he was completely absorbed in his work. She not only felt her legs getting sore and weak from standing, but she also had no one to talk to.

Unfortunately, Ah Liu had specifically instructed her yesterday that the Second Prince preferred quiet and should not be disturbed when he was in his study.

Then she had even less to do and dared not make a sound.

Jiang Zhuoying glanced furtively outside, but there was no sign of Eunuch Chu. She was having a really tough time.

"Make me a strong cup of tea."

Jiang Zhuoying suddenly looked up and quickly replied, "Yes, Your Highness, please wait a moment."

She quickly poured a cup of tea and hurried to the desk.

The man didn't even glance at her, preoccupied only with the documents on his desk.

Jiang Zhuoying glanced at it a few times, but didn't dare to linger. She quietly returned to her original position, feeling somewhat puzzled.

I've never heard of the Second Prince holding any official position in the court.

Furthermore, if one were required to be on duty, why would one be so free to live in this villa on the outskirts of Beijing?

Just as Jiang Zhuoying was lost in thought, Chu Yixin's voice came from afar, growing louder as she approached.

"Your Highness, news has arrived for today."

Jiang Zhuoying looked up abruptly. She remembered that this was how the news about her mother had come from.

"Oh dear, Jiang girl is here too. Look at me, I completely forgot about you." Chu Yixin stepped into the study, holding a whisk in her hand.

Jiang Zhuoying smiled shyly and shook her head: "Today is my first day on duty, so it's normal that Eunuch Chu doesn't remember for a moment."

She glanced at the letter in Chu Yixin's hand and waited quietly for the decision.

Ah Liu clearly reminded her that she should not disturb the Second Prince when he was in the study, but Eunuch Kang went straight into the study.

If this news is an exception, then it is because Eunuch Kang is an exception in front of the Second Prince.

"You can go out now."

Jiang Zhuoying was slightly taken aback and turned her head to look at the man behind the desk who was pinching the bridge of his nose.

Perhaps because he didn't get a reply, the man's tone turned colder: "Don't come back for now after you leave. Come back after lunch."

There was still some time before lunch, and Jiang Zhuoying knew this for two reasons: firstly, because the letter in Kang Gonggong's hands was of great importance, and secondly, because she was still not considered one of their own.

Her gaze swept over the pile of documents on the desk and the cup of strong tea placed beside it, and she already had an idea in mind.

"Yes, thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. Then this servant will take her leave now."

She lowered her eyes, turned and slowly left, her steps stiff and unsteady. After all, she had stood there for so long, something she had never done before in her life...

A sharp gaze followed her as she walked out of the main room.

Chu Yixin's heart skipped a beat, and she suddenly asked, "What's wrong with Jiang girl? Why do her legs seem a bit off?"

She glanced at the stern-faced man again: "Oh dear, has she not rested at all this time? This girl is too honest! And her courage... is too small."

No one answered, so he resorted to a harsher tactic: "This girl must be feeling uneasy on her first day on duty, afraid of making even the slightest mistake and displeasing me."

"Ta-da~"

Qi Fan tapped the table with his index finger: "Do I look extremely terrifying? You think being in the same room with me can scare her like this?"

Chu Yixin choked for a moment, and was about to reply to her master, saying, "How can this delicate and weak girl be compared to a shameless man?"

But the man's face had already turned cold: "Timid and fearful like a frightened bird, unfit for important tasks."

Chu Yixin looked at his expression and immediately fell silent.

...

Jiang Zhuoying went to find Zhao Xiping, and the two stood under the pavilion in the backyard.

"Miss Jiang, what do you need so much tea for?"

Jiang Zhuoying lowered her head shyly: "As you know, I just started working as a maid in His Highness's room. His Highness has always been cold and aloof, so I wanted to make a good impression on him."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiping's expression turned worried: "Miss Jiang, you are too kind-hearted. If it were anyone else, they would have accepted this favor without saying a word, and would not have thought of repaying it."

Jiang Zhuoying buried her head: "..."

Yes, she wanted to take advantage of the benefits and spend her days lying in her room, sleeping when she was tired and basking in the sun when she was cold.

But isn't this a way to find opportunities to get closer to people?

She chuckled dryly twice: "Brother Zhao, you flatter me. I only did what I was supposed to do. His Highness has treated me so well; I have no way to repay such kindness."

Zhao Xiping nodded and solemnly stuffed the silver and note into his pocket: "Don't worry, I will find a way to buy these for you."

The girl immediately beamed with joy: "Thank you so much!"

The girl, who was half a head shorter than him, laughed so hard it was dazzling. Zhao Xiping clutched the silver in his pocket. He didn't want to accept the silver; it was a small matter that Miss Jiang had asked him to do.

But if he didn't accept it, he was afraid she would overthink things...

He hasn't waited for the right opportunity yet.

*

Behind the sill window of the main room, Chu Yixin felt the icy air around her, speechless.

Look at him, smiling so happily outside, while I'm still agonizing over his "unreliability."

This girl is meant to be cherished and pampered, not brought home to be a subordinate...

He glanced sideways at Qi Fan, who was cold and indifferent, and after a moment's hesitation, he finally spoke: "Master, if you truly favor Jiang, you must not dare to remain so icy."

Well, what can I do? He's been my master for so many years, so naturally I have to do what's best for him.

“...Look at Zhao Xiping, he should be approachable and gentle like a spring breeze.”

Qing Lingling's gaze pierced straight at him.

Chu Yixin curled her lips: "This servant doesn't want to compare him to you, but what can I do? Jiang girl isn't the kind of person who craves wealth and glory."

Qi Fan pursed his lips, his expression turning even more unpleasant.

The girl's mind was clear and pure, innocent and naive. Even though he had misunderstood her, she did not blame him in the slightest. Instead, she foolishly came up to him and became his maid.

They keep saying they want to repay...

So obedient and innocent, she had just been tricked by a man, yet she smiled so sweetly at another man.

Why can't you learn from your mistakes?

...

Jiang Zhuoying was very busy. First, she gave the prepared tea list to Zhao Xiping, then fed Zhuozhuo lunch, and then went back to have lunch with A-Liu.

After a busy day, without even having time for a midday rest, I rushed back to the main house.

But Chu Yixin was the only one in the hall, and it seemed as if they were deliberately waiting for her.

She gave a slight bow: "Eunuch Kang, is Your Highness finished with your work? May I go down to the kitchen to fetch your meal?"

Chu Yixin walked up to her with a smile: "Jiang girl, we both work for His Highness, so I consider you one of my own. From now on, don't call me a servant or maid."

Jiang Zhuoying was not surprised by this. In fact, she could sense that Eunuch Chu had no ill intentions towards her, and even helped her in various ways.

But she is now a well-behaved and pitiful little girl, so being cautious and polite is extremely important.

Since Eunuch Chu had already said so, she readily agreed, as cultivating a good relationship with this person close to the Second Prince would be of great use to her.

The young woman looked up, a shy smile appearing on her oval face: "Alright, then... I'll consider Eunuch Chu one of my own."

The other party quickly agreed: "Okay!"

Jiang Zhuoying glanced in the direction of the study, but before she could speak again, Chu Yixin informed her that the Second Prince had already eaten lunch and was taking a nap.

Jiang Zhuoying: "..."

She forced a demure smile and said softly through gritted teeth, "I see."

However, when Chu Yixin kindly suggested that she go back to her room to rest, she carefully refused.

"This is my first day on duty by Your Highness's side. I was already late this morning, so I can't afford to have any more accidents at noon."

Before Chu Yixin could persuade her, the girl looked towards the study and said, "Since Your Highness is resting and I have some free time, why don't I go and sweep the study?"

"this……"

Clearly sensing the other party's hesitation, the girl suddenly widened her eyes and covered her mouth with her hand: "Please forgive me, Eunuch Chu, I just... I just wanted to do more for Your Highness."

"I suppose the study is a very important place, and I am not allowed to go in to sweep and clean it. I did not think it through and acted rashly."

"Oh dear, Jiang girl, what nonsense are you talking about! What do you mean, 'someone like you'? I think you're excellent!"

Chu Yixin interrupted her abruptly, pointing towards the study: "I've always done this job. Now that I have another meticulous girl, I'm truly blessed!"

He had already thought it over carefully. His Highness never leaves any evidence in his actions. He usually burns confidential letters after reading them. There are only some unimportant documents on the desk here.

There's no need to hide it at all.

Moreover, Jiang is a pure and kind-hearted girl with a clean background.

Jiang Zhuoying was flattered and nodded repeatedly upon receiving the approval: "Thank you, Eunuch Chu, I will do my best!"

Chu Yixin looked at her, her eyes filled with tenderness.

He was a rootless person since childhood. If he hadn't entered the palace and had married and had children like ordinary people, his children might be this age now.

Having spent years immersed in that cannibalistic harem, he had never seen such a lovely and endearing girl before.

Thinking of her master's deep thoughts, Chu Yixin watched the girl's retreating figure as she headed towards the study, and a sense of worry arose in her heart.

If the master really takes her in, it's hard to say whether it will be a blessing or a curse.

*

Jiang Zhuoying put in a lot of effort and finally earned herself the opportunity to clean and sweep the study.

Moreover, the room was empty, giving her ample time and opportunity to investigate.

She was supposed to be in charge of cleaning, but Chu Yixin cleaned the study twice a day, and it was spotless at a glance.

Jiang Zhuoying glanced at it briefly. She wasn't very good at using a broom, and she had never actually done sweeping before.

If she absolutely had to clean the study, she couldn't give herself away...

She first walked to the desk with her handkerchief in hand and slowly sorted through all the documents on it.

There was nothing unusual about it, but the books on the table were of all kinds, from military treatises and strategies to chess and calligraphy...

If one is well-versed in these books, then that person can be considered knowledgeable in both ancient and modern times.

Jiang Zhuoying shook her head. She couldn't tell that this cold-faced devil was someone who could make up for his lack of talent through hard work.

As she tidied her desk, a brand-new-looking book was at the very bottom.

With a casual glance, the large characters on the book cover slowly drifted into my mind...

"Smack!"

In a fit of anger, she threw the banner onto the paving stones beside her.

What a perfect example of someone who's averse to women!

This is such a filthy book!

It was placed on the desk...

Jiang Zhuoying's oval face turned bright red with anger, and the corners of her upturned eyes also turned crimson. She truly was a beast in human form!

He appears aloof and indifferent on the surface, but deep down he's such a... dissolute person!

She picked up the neatly arranged books and placed the filthy book at the bottom.

The steady footsteps grew closer, and Jiang Zhuoying felt a pang of panic. She quickly began searching left and right.

Where did the cloth she used to wipe her desk go?

There was no trace of the banner on the entire desk. She turned to look at the ground and suddenly discovered that the banner was on the floor tiles.

The moment he bent down to pick up the banner, a cold, husky voice came from behind him: "What are you doing?"

Jiang Zhuoying felt a chill run down her spine: "..."

Chu Yixin had gone somewhere earlier, and came in a step later than him. When she saw the scene, she quickly spoke up for Jiang Zhuoying.

"Master, Jiang is cleaning the study for me!"

The man paused for a moment, his tone unreadable: "Sweep the study?"

Jiang Zhuoying was squatting on the ground with her back to Qi Fan and Chu Yixin. She paused for a few breaths, then turned around, clutching the banner, and simply knelt on the ground again.

The girl lowered her head, her voice soft and timid: "Yes, this servant was just cleaning the floor tiles."

As she said this, her fingers tightened around the banner, her slender knuckles turning white: "I was just worried that sweeping with a broom might miss some spots, so I thought that using the banner to clean carefully would be more effective."

Qi Fan's expression darkened upon hearing this. Was he really that terrifying?