Bathing
When Mei Sheng arrived, she was surprised to find that the man who always sat upright at the rosewood desk was not there. She asked in a doubtful voice, "Is the master here?"
The study was completely open to the naked eye. Seeing that no one answered her, Mei Sheng was delighted and turned to leave.
Unexpectedly, he bumped into a hard object. Looking up, he saw Pei Jue wearing a black brocade robe with a blue and white jade dragon pendant hanging from his waist. He was standing there at some unknown time.
He lowered his head, a glint of something flashing quickly in his eyes, and said gently, "Why were you so reckless? Did you hurt yourself?"
The moment he raised his hand, Mei Sheng recoiled like a rabbit seeing a hawk, covering her face and asking softly, "This servant is fine. May I ask what you require, sir?"
Pei Jue lowered his hand, tucking it into his sleeve. His sword-like eyebrows furrowed slightly as he said unhurriedly, "Don't you know how to read? My study has been neglected for a long time, so I'll leave it to you."
Mei Sheng was surprised. He knew what she had said to Lingdang and said it so openly. Perhaps it was to warn her not to have any other thoughts.
Pei Jue walked towards the small couch. He had just finished dealing with the corruption case in the army and was feeling a bit tired.
As for summoning Mei Sheng here, it's probably because... after learning her true identity, the feelings he had were rekindled, and he wanted to see her all the time.
Since she is a girl from the Zhou family, she should be literate. However, she has never mentioned going back, and even the Zhou family is unwilling to tell him about it, which shows that the Zhou family treats her very badly.
What good things can you get from someone who treats their daughter like an object and sends her around?
Back then, that person was just like that...
Pei Jue propped his forehead against his upper body, focusing his attention on Mei Sheng nearby. He smiled and gradually closed his eyes, taking a short nap.
Mei Sheng looked at the tall antique shelf in front of her, the books piled on it were neatly arranged, and she didn't need to do anything at all.
Mei Sheng thought to herself, "Could it be that they're just keeping her entertained? Can't stand seeing her idle?"
Before she could even mutter a few curses, Mei Sheng felt a gaze looming behind her. She looked up and saw that the person behind the screen seemed to be taking a nap. Suddenly realizing something, she hesitated as soon as she took a step.
If Pei Jue is asleep, wouldn't her actions be like inviting trouble?
If you haven't slept, it's still quite awkward.
Thinking this, Mei Sheng moved more gently, secretly memorizing the names of the ancient books on the antique shelf. She then picked out a few travelogues and leaned against a corner, engrossed in reading them, forgetting the time.
"What are you looking at?"
A strong hand passed over Mei Sheng's shoulder and landed on the book. The hand was strong and powerful, with distinct knuckles, clearly showing that he had practiced martial arts for many years, and even the calluses were perfectly formed.
A gentle yet excessively forceful voice brushed past Mei Sheng's ear, startling her. She loosened her grip, but Pei Jue exerted his strength and firmly grasped the travelogue in his hand.
Mei Sheng hurriedly stepped back a few paces and bowed, her heart pounding with anxiety: "This servant is guilty for not noticing in time that Master had woken up. I will go and serve Master tea right away."
Seeing this woman avoiding him like the plague, Pei Jue grew impatient and his temper flared: "No need."
One sentence froze Mei Sheng in place, and she remained motionless for a long time: "Yes."
"Go grind ink for me." Pei Jue, still clutching the travelogue, gave a cold snort and walked towards the desk.
Mei Sheng quickly followed, moved the Duan inkstone to a corner, paused for a moment, and then awkwardly began grinding.
Under the oil lamp, Pei Jue put down the travelogue and stared intently at the Complete Military Manual in his hand, studying it carefully.
When Pei Jue picked up the brush, he suddenly remembered that Mei Sheng was still there, grinding ink for him. He asked casually, "Is it ready?"
Looking up in confusion, Pei Jue's gaze immediately sharpened, focusing on one spot.
The wrist that held the Duan inkstone was slender and delicate, as if it would leave a red mark if touched even slightly. A few drops of ink were stained on the tiger's mouth, which made Pei Jue imagine that it would be beautiful to paint on it.
Mei Sheng covered his mouth with his hand and obediently put down the inkstone, saying, "Master, it's ready." He then stepped aside to wait.
Before Pei Jue could speak, Han Zhou knocked rhythmically on the door outside and said in a low, respectful voice, "Master, the time has come."
Pei Jue put down the book in his hand, pressed his brow, closed his eyes slightly and then opened them again, his eyes clear: "Hmm."
Pei Jue stood up, looked at her, sighed slightly, and said gently, "I have something to do tonight and need to go out. You can go back first and don't wait for me."
The tall shadow loomed over Mei Sheng, making her feel slightly uncomfortable, but she agreed without hesitation.
Pei Jue glanced at her and scoffed, "You seem to be eagerly awaiting my departure." With that, he tossed his robes and left.
What's gotten into him now? Mei Sheng wondered to herself.
Nighttime, West Garden.
Mei Sheng slept fitfully that night, feeling as if someone was chattering in her ear and calling her name.
My heavy eyelids opened, and Tang Yun came into view.
She called softly to Mei Sheng, her face filled with shame: "Miss, are you awake? I'm sorry to have disturbed your sleep."
Mei Sheng gradually regained consciousness, propped herself up, and the blanket slid down, revealing a white single garment.
"Is there something you need?"
"Master wants to see you." Tang Yun looked sullen and muttered, "I don't know what it is that he insists on making you go so late at night, sigh."
Mei Sheng was now fully conscious, so she resignedly dressed, changed her shoes, combed her loose hair into a simple bun, and gave herself a quick wash before speaking.
Let's go.
When they arrived outside the study, Han Zhou stopped Tang Yun and nodded to her: "Master is waiting for you inside, Miss."
After only a few hours, they started working again. Mei Sheng felt a little annoyed. Since they were out on business, couldn't they find a place to sleep outside?
Mei Sheng pushed open the door and said respectfully, "Sir, please give me your instructions."
There was a moment of silence inside. Mei Sheng instinctively turned around to look, but this time there was no one behind her.
Just as Mei Sheng was completely bewildered and about to go find Han Zhou, Pei Jue's voice, as always, came from inside the room—deep and clear.
"Come in."
The voice sounded like a demonic whisper to Mei Sheng. She steeled herself and went inside, stopping as far away from Pei Jue as possible. She asked again, "Does Your Excellency have any orders?"
Pei Jue gently propped himself up, changing from lying down to sitting up. He bent his fingers to touch his forehead, his phoenix eyes filled with gentleness, quite different from his usual demeanor. He smiled at Mei Sheng and said, "Come closer."
Such a bizarre scene alerted Mei Sheng, who reminded him, "Is Your Highness about to retire for the night? This servant will go find Han Changsui right away."
Pei Jue lowered his brows slightly, his smile vanished, and he said in a deep voice, "Is the master no longer able to order you around?"
Mei Sheng had no choice but to take a few steps closer.
Suddenly, a strong, cloying scent of perfume wafted from Pei Jue. Mei Sheng smelled it and was delighted. Could it be that he went to see a woman that night? This was a good sign.
Pei Jue could tell what she was thinking at a glance, but he didn't explain. His expression paused slightly: "Why are you still wearing this outfit? Is it because you don't like the embroiderer's work?"
Unexpectedly, the reason for her visit was this very matter. Mei Sheng quickly shook her head: "But those clothes are too valuable. How could a servant like me wear them?"
"With me standing up for you, what can't you wear?"
Pei Jue raised his phoenix eyes, looking at her with a smug look, his expression meaningful: "Besides, you were born with the qualifications. Have you thought it through these past few days?"
Since Wan'er was taken back by the Zhou family, her cautious and intelligent nature has prevented her from revealing her identity. If she were to reveal her identity now, Pei Jue thought to himself, the status of a concubine would still be hers.
He will pave the way for her future wealth and success.
Mei Sheng looked up, somewhat confused by his thoughts, so she made up a lie: "I've been thinking about this for the past few days. You are my master, and I want to do my duty at all times."
Upon hearing this, Mei Sheng felt a chill run down her spine, and she shrank her neck.
"Then you might as well be a good maidservant," Pei Jue said through gritted teeth, feeling that this woman was truly hopeless.
Mei Sheng bowed her head in agreement, and for a moment the room fell silent.
Pei Jue was in a bad mood, so he ordered Mei Sheng to fetch water for him so he could take a bath.
Having just made the promise of fulfilling his duty, Mei Sheng had no choice but to reluctantly give instructions. By the time the water boiled and he took it, a cup of tea had already passed.
Mei Sheng rolled up her cumbersome sleeves and poured the water from the wooden tub into the bathtub. After finishing, Mei Sheng was covered in a light sweat. She called out softly, "Master, the water is ready."
Pei Jue, dressed in his undergarments, walked over. Seeing Mei Sheng immediately retreat, he glanced at her and said in an unquestionable tone, "Stand here and scrub my back."
"As for the outer garment, there's no need to wash it; just throw it away."
Mei Sheng, who had just finished a physically demanding job, readily agreed, but inwardly felt bitter.
A moment later, Pei Jue called her over and handed her a cloth.
During the process of taking the money, Mei Sheng accidentally touched his wrist. The burning sensation on his fingertips startled her, causing her fingers to curl slightly.
Pei Jue joked, "It seems you're not suited to be a maid."
"Then what should we do?"
Mei Sheng stared at that broad and powerful back, water droplets sliding down her cheeks and merging with the mist. She couldn't help but feel her breath catch in her throat. By the time she realized she had asked a question, it was too late to take it back.
Pei Jue turned his head in response, staring at her with deep, unfathomable eyes. He gripped the cloth and smiled knowingly, "What do you want to do?"
If he were to be used as a nude model, would his painting skills improve? Putting aside everything else, the man's physique is quite suitable, Mei Sheng thought to himself.
When she realized what was happening, Mei Sheng knew the atmosphere in the room was off. She loosened her grip and left the cloth with Pei Jue.
Oh no, I didn't quite catch what he said. Mei Sheng had no choice but to awkwardly change the subject: "This servant is indeed not very skilled at being a maid. I hope you will give me more guidance in the future, sir."
Seeing this, Pei Jue didn't make things difficult for her, and teased, "In the future?"
Mei Sheng, who hadn't yet realized the problem, nodded and took out another cloth to wipe the person's body. Only upon closer inspection did she notice that the person had quite a few scars.
It seems that his years away from home haven't been as peaceful as he described.
"What kind of incense did you burn?" His voice seemed even deeper in the mist, the last syllable lingering in the haze, his breath growing increasingly hot.
Mei Sheng paused for a moment, but without stopping her work, she blurted out, "I didn't burn any incense."
She lifted her sleeve and sniffed it, but there was no smell. She couldn't help but think that perhaps the person's perfume was too strong, which was why he casually asked her about incense.
Mei Sheng deeply agreed: "The incense that the old man usually burns is the best." She muttered to herself, "That incense is said to be worth a thousand gold pieces and also has the effect of calming the mind and nourishing the spirit."
"oh?"
"Since you care so much about me, is there anything you want? I'll grant it to you."
The sudden turn of events made Mei Sheng realize something was wrong. After thinking for a moment, she casually said, "I've been feeling a bit sore throat lately. Could you ask Tang Yun to run to the local medical clinic and buy me some medicine?"
Mei Sheng waited a while, and seeing that Pei Jue hadn't said anything, she could only say, "If..."
"Granted."
This person really knew that she had been to the Divine Physician's Hall, and he probably also knew about the medicinal juice she wanted to see. Otherwise, why would he agree to it without asking any questions?
He was furious, so he gripped her hand even tighter. If she wasn't having a good time, he wouldn't be either.
Unfortunately, even after rubbing her fair skin until it was red, the man remained silent and even boasted, "You're thin and not very strong. Where did all your food go?"
The mockery made her clench her fists and rub them with all her might, but the sweat on her forehead also increased.
A light, cool fragrance emanated from her, drifting in the air. Pei Jue thought to himself, "She said she didn't use incense. This scent is slightly sweet with a hint of astringency, refreshing and invigorating."
As for the force behind it, it was nothing more than a light drizzle to him, barely worth mentioning.
What displeased him was that, as a daughter of the Zhou family, even after spending several years in the countryside, she showed no shame whatsoever when facing a man's bare back.
How did the people in the Zhou family teach her? Pei Jue's face was ashen, with a hint of anger.
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