Chapter 7 Compassion "You think... I also want to..."
Didn't this person say before that they didn't like outsiders getting close? How come they're so fickle now?
Jiang Xu didn't seem like the kind of person who would be blinded by beauty, and besides, she was self-aware.
A powerful and ruthless man like him would probably not deliberately make things difficult for a woman like her.
Therefore, that must be the Wu family she represents.
Could it be that the Wu family did something wrong, and she became this unfortunate scapegoat?
With a suspicion in mind, Shi Wan's expression became even more humble. "It is indeed as Your Majesty said. However, my previous refusal was not because I was unwilling, but because I dared not."
Jiang Xu looked at her. "What do you mean by that?"
“Your Majesty is the overlord of the North, your power is renowned far and wide, and I deeply admire you,” Shi Wan said slowly. “Therefore, when I heard that you wanted me to serve you personally, I was naturally… somewhat apprehensive.”
She didn't want to speculate in negative directions, but what Jiang Xu had just said did indeed give rise to some thoughts.
"You must have learned these refined things when you were in Huzhou, right?" Jiang Xu said casually, glancing at Shi Wan's outwardly strong but inwardly weak appearance, raising an eyebrow slightly. "My courtyard is naturally unsuitable for the maids from the prefect's mansion in the past." It is quite appropriate to put this strange spy in front of him.
“You have studied these matters, and these past few days, I have observed that you have done a fairly good job in making beds and brewing tea. That is why I have brought you to serve me personally in my room.”
"Or would you rather sweep the yard outside?"
The man's tone was calm, but Shi Wan had already gained some experience from her interactions with him, so she immediately flattered him and said, "Thank you for your appreciation, Your Majesty. Then this servant will dare to give it a try."
That was the original meaning; it turns out she was being narrow-minded.
This situation has its advantages and disadvantages. Since she can't leave anytime soon, the salary is higher in the Prince of Jingbei's courtyard, and it's also easier for her to observe her surroundings. But correspondingly... she needs to be more cautious since she'll be spending so much time with Jiang Xu.
Once things were settled, Jiang Xu returned to his previous aloof demeanor. Shi Wan remained tense for half a day, and aside from some minor tasks, he didn't ask her to do anything else. As evening approached, she finally made it through the ordeal.
She was a little unsteady on her feet, and when Jiang Xu wasn't looking, she quietly slumped her back.
Just as she was about to ask permission to go back and rest, she unexpectedly looked up and met the man's indescribable gaze.
Shi Wan: "......" Why does this look so strange?
She subconsciously looked down and quickly scanned herself.
It wasn't easy to do a job she'd never done before, so these days she mostly just ate to fill her stomach, quickly finishing her meals before going to work. Her heart wound hadn't healed, and her skin was naturally pale, so her complexion wasn't very good.
Coupled with that slender, delicate figure...
Does Jiang Xu think she's incompetent?
Shi Wan: "......"
Very likely.
*
The next day.
A thin mist hung in the air, with wisps of fog occasionally lingering around the eaves.
As soon as Shi Wan entered the room, she saw Jing Yin waiting for her, holding several pieces of clothing in his hands. "Miss Wan'er, the King has ordered some clothes to be made for you. Please take a look and see if they fit."
Jiang Xu only mentioned this yesterday, and the clothes are already made today?
That's really... fast.
A wise person knows when to yield, so Shi Wan didn't hesitate for long before taking the clothes. But as soon as she held them in her arms, she realized something was wrong. "These clothes... the material looks way too good," she said politely, while her hands were trying to take advantage of the moment to stuff the clothes back into her pockets.
I thought this was Jiang Xu's idea, but now it's no use refusing, and I'd only cause more trouble.
But this person is just too unbelievable!
There weren't many clothes, but...
They even used brocade!
Shi Wan vaguely remembered that this item was a specialty of some place, known for its lightness and translucency, and was extremely precious.
At that time, maids' clothes were mostly made of linen or silk.
The clothing at the Prefect's residence was already quite extravagant, but unexpectedly, Jiang Xu went even further!
If someone else sees this, wouldn't it be like roasting her over a fire?
She insisted, "I am dressed quite well now, Guard Jing, please take these clothes back."
Jing Yin was acting on orders and naturally wouldn't accept them. For a moment, the clothes that Shi Wan handed over stopped in mid-air, inexplicably showing a bit of persistence.
As the two were locked in a stalemate, a voice suddenly came from outside the door, asking, "Why are you standing there like that?"
Upon seeing that it was Jiang Xu, Jing Yin immediately took a few steps back and walked behind him. Shi Wan had no choice but to lower her hand that was holding the clothes.
After Jing Yin left, Jiang Xu glanced at her casually and asked, "Why didn't you try on the clothes now that you got them?"
"......dislike?"
"So?" Jiang Xu remained noncommittal. "You can't wear it?"
Shi Wan dared not disobey, so she could only smile awkwardly and deny it, saying, "That's not what I meant."
Jiang Xu's tone was ambiguous: "Even if others see it, so what?"
Social norms and ethics, social hierarchy and status—these are just rules and regulations created by rulers to facilitate manipulation.
In today's world, strength is paramount.
“In Jichuan, in the north,” he chuckled softly, “it’s not like anyone would dare to point fingers at me.”
“You are someone who serves me. If you are dressed in rags and look rustic, you will be disgracing me.”
The principle of respecting clothes before respecting people is correct, but...
Shi Wanxin had reservations, but since the other party had put it this way, she couldn't refuse at this point.
Well, it's not necessary to wear it every day. It's just four or five pieces of clothing, so it's fine to choose which to wear depending on the situation.
Shi Wan sighed inwardly, but smiled and said, "I'm grateful for Your Majesty's explanation. In that case, I'll accept it."
Jiang Xu gave a faint "hmm" and turned to walk into the inner room. It seemed that he had just happened to come back to get something. Shi Wan was delighted to see this.
Judging from the looks of it, they're probably going out?
Sure enough, the next moment, the other party's voice was leisurely, "I have business to attend to today, so you can stay in the courtyard."
Shi Wan couldn't have been happier, but she didn't dare to show it too obviously. After holding back for a couple of breaths, she calmly said, "Yes, this servant understands."
......
After the plague was gone, time always seemed to fly by, and several hours would slip away in the blink of an eye.
As night fell, lamps were lit under the eaves.
After a while, a young maid quietly peeked out from the corner, revealing half of her pale face. After looking around, she crouched down and moved towards the main courtyard.
Under the eaves, a person approached gracefully. As they drew closer, it became clear that the person looked familiar. It was Liu Ying's maid, Liu Yaran, whom she had worked with before.
Shi Wan asked politely, "Miss Ya Ran, is there something you need?"
The other person smiled and greeted her, "Wan'er, you're almost done with work, right?" Seeing that Shi Wan was just staring at him without saying anything, he said seriously, "Sister Liu Ying asked me to call you. She said she has something important to tell you."
Shi Wan was taken aback, and subconsciously looked back. Her amber eyes gleamed with a cold light under the shimmering lamplight. "Important matter?"
Liu Yaran pretended to think, paused for a moment, and then said, "Yeah, didn't she tell you? It seemed to be about food or something."
She did indeed ask Liu Ying for help with this matter when she met him yesterday. After all, the outcome was already decided, so it was always good to be prepared, especially since the matter of access was always extremely important.
Despite this, Shi Wan hesitated for some reason. After a brief standoff, she finally relented and said, "Okay, I'll go take a look."
These two are related, so perhaps there really is something she forgot to mention.
Jiang Xu wasn't home right now, and she had less than fifteen minutes left before she had to finish work.
Having made up her mind, Shi Wan left after giving her instructions. Behind her, Liu Yaran relaxed slightly when she saw that she had really left. She stood there for a while before boldly peeking into the house.
When I came in, it was very quiet inside, and it looked like no one was there.
She called out softly twice, and when no one answered, she gently pushed open the door.
The king and his generals were all busy outside today. Liu Yaran had done her homework, but when she stepped into the room, her heart still skipped a beat. She calmed her breathing after the door was completely closed.
*
Not long after, Jiang Xu and his group returned from outside. His subordinates dispersed after receiving orders, leaving him alone to return to his room as usual. As he passed the corridor, he glanced at the people outside his eyes.
All was quiet except for the occasional chirping of insects, accompanied by the spring night breeze, creating an exceptionally tranquil atmosphere.
She was punctual and sensible, and didn't linger for even a moment longer.
The door opened, and Jiang Xu paused slightly.
The interior furnishings remained unchanged, luxurious yet quiet.
His gaze was fixed on a certain spot, and his tone was cold, "Who is it? Come out." Although his words were calm, they carried an undercurrent of impending storm.
"Where is Wan'er?" Jiang Xu asked without looking at her.
The defenses in the courtyard these past few days were intentional on his part. He originally wanted to find fault with Wan'er, the spy, but unexpectedly... there was such a daring fool in the prefect's mansion.
Liu Yaran didn't dare to look up, and stammered, "Sister Wan'er has something to do, so she...she's leaving now."
Although the king was angry, he did not take any action. Moreover, he took Wan'er to serve him personally, which suggests... he might indeed have some ulterior motive.
As the smell of blood dissipated and the scent of sandalwood mixed with rust filled her nostrils, Liu Yaran suddenly realized the excruciating pain. She screamed twice and fainted from fright!
When Shi Wan arrived, she saw the man lying in a pool of blood, covered in blood, and several items in the room were stained with blood.
She sensed something was wrong and quickly stood up and knelt down in one smooth motion. "Your Majesty." The scene before her seemed to pull her back into the prison. Fear gripped her, and despite her repeated attempts to restrain herself, her body still trembled slightly.
Jiang Xu looked at him and suddenly chuckled, "What?"
"Do you think I'm going to kill you too?"
Shi Wan forced herself to say, "This servant dares not make any presumptuous speculations."
"You dare not?"
I dare not, I dare not!
The bright moonlight hung in the night sky, and in a moment, it quietly climbed up the window frame.
Jiang Xu turned his gaze away from the window, his eyes revealing neither joy nor anger.
The words that rang in his ears were clearly barbed, yet at that moment, he was momentarily distracted.
The flickering candlelight gently swayed on Shi Wan's face, her eyes seemed to be brimming with tears, her eyelashes were damp with a few clumps, and her kneeling shadow was infinitely long in the light and shadow, thin and slender, showing a bit of pitifulness.
This Wan'er... genuinely believed she would be killed to silence her.
Realizing this, Jiang Xu's mood suddenly became somewhat uneasy, and his thoughts couldn't help but wander a bit.
Looking at the beauty under the lamplight, I am filled with fear and tears, just like a painting.
But I reckon she was just as eloquent and flattering back when she was at Willow Terrace.
He humbled himself, relied on tears, and got those people to give him a break.
Upon closer inspection, Jiang Xu saw Shi Wan kneeling silently on the ground, suppressing her sobs. Her slender, frail body, coupled with her bewildered expression, was...
It has a unique charm.
if......
If it were this time...
She... begged him too?
A note from the author:
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Of course, we'll make an exception! [Oh, oh, oh]
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