Chapter 25

The plump old maid lowered her head with a smug smile, slowly retreating from the room, her eyes venomous.

A maid continued to massage Madam Ji’s shoulders. “Madam, this servant believes keeping Madam Xiao’s beloved alive might be more effective than killing him.”

Madam Ji didn’t open her eyes. “And how exactly would that be better?”

The maid cautiously replied, “If we keep someone who can restrain Madam Xiao, she’ll become loyal and obedient to you, Madam.”

Madam Ji let out a breath. “Mmm, that’s not a bad idea.”

The maid halted her movements and respectfully saluted. “Then I shall go inform Madam Peng.”

“Wait,” Madam Ji said lazily, “Let’s see if Madam Xiao is really worth the trouble. If she’s useless, dispose of them both.”

“Yes,” the maid answered, briefly showing a flicker of fear before returning to her duties as usual.

Meanwhile, the plump old maid found Xiao Wanling, who was carefully trimming fine silk with a pair of scissors.

“How dare you!” she shouted. “What are you doing?”

Sensing hostility, Xiao Wanling looked up calmly. “Is there something you need, madam?” I’m finishing the face masks I promised for the Lady.”

The plump maid was enraged by her composure. “You’d better do it well! If you upset the Lady, it’s not just your life—you and that precious husband of yours will both be done for!” She laughed smugly and ordered a servant to bring her a chair, sitting nearby to supervise.

Xiao Wanling felt a chill in her heart. The fact that the maid dared to say that aloud meant she was voicing Madam Ji’s will. In her eyes, human lives were no different from ants—one mistake and they’d be eliminated, just like the maidservants earlier.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Wanling rinsed the silk in water, then soaked it in fresh milk.

After a while, the maid, irritated by Xiao Wanling’s silence, stormed off with a few attendants.

Feeling uneasy from the snake-like stare, Xiao Wanling tried to follow but was stopped by a maidservant.

She shook her off and rushed into the main hall, presenting the face masks to Madam Ji. “Madam, I’ve been devoted to you wholeheartedly. Why must you take both my life and my husband’s?”

Madam Ji turned to glance at the maid beside her, surprised. “Oh? Who told you that?”

“I will investigate right away,” the maid replied hastily, quickly leaving under Madam Ji’s gaze.

Two maidservants entered. Xiao Wanling instructed them on how to apply the milk-soaked silk to Madam Ji’s face. “Just leave it on for a quarter-hour, and your skin will be as smooth as a baby’s.”

Reclining on her chaise, Madam Ji chuckled like a silver bell. “Is that so?”

“You’ll see for yourself, Madam,” Xiao Wanling replied, though her heart pounded. Shen Qing, please be safe…

—

Shen Qing, bound hand and foot in a guest room, clenched his fists and snapped the ropes behind his back. He crept to the door and peeked through the crack—two guards were stationed outside. He began calculating how to knock them out and find Xiao Wanling.

Just then, maids passed by outside, gossiping with glee.

“Did you hear? Madam Ji used the mask and said her skin is as smooth as a peeled egg. She even rewarded Madam Xiao with ten taels of gold!”

Shen Qing heard voices approaching and quickly returned to his seat, picked up the fallen ropes, and posed with his hands behind his back.

The plump old maid barged in with two guards. One approached with rope. “Apologies.”

“Don’t waste time!” The maid barked. “If you delay Madam Ji’s order, you’ll all get flogged!”

Shen Qing’s eyes widened. “You’re going to kill me?” Where’s my wife?!”

The old maid laughed, head held high. “You’ll go first. Madam Xiao can join you later. People who don’t know their place deserve to die!”

Shen Qing abruptly stood up, revealing his freed hands. The maid shrieked and bolted toward the door, shouting to the guards, “What are you standing there for? Help me!”

The guards didn’t move. Instead, one asked coldly, “By whose orders are you acting?” This was the outer courtyard—they only answered to the steward or the prince. Why was a maid from the inner court giving orders?

Inside, Shen Qing knocked the guard unconscious and tossed him out. As he reached the doorway, the two gate guards blocked him. “No orders from the steward, no leaving this room.”

Thinking quickly, he dragged the unconscious guard and hurled him outside too, then slammed the door shut.

He walked over, grabbed a steamed bun, and started eating. When he heard a knock, he tensed.

“Steward Zhu!” The plump maid greeted her with forced politeness, though inwardly she fumed.

Steward Zhu gave her a tight smile. “Madam Ji is looking for you.”

“I’m just carrying out her instructions—”

“Disobeying Madam Ji’s direct orders?” Steward Zhu raised an eyebrow.

Her face turned pale. She stomped off angrily.

Steward Zhu knocked and entered, finding Shen Qing seated as before, pretending to still be tied. He smirked inwardly—this guy is smarter than he looks.

“Apologies for the mistreatment! These servants really don’t know their place,” he said cordially, pretending to untie Shen Qing’s hands. “Master Shen, please follow me.”

Shen Qing followed him to eat, then was led toward the inner courtyard—signs that Xiao Wanling was safe.

—

Madam Ji admired herself in a bronze mirror, running a hand over her porcelain skin. Just as Madam Xiao had claimed—it was smooth, radiant, and lifted her spirits.

Flattering voices chimed around her:

“Congratulations, Madam! You’ve found the fountain of youth!”

“Madam, your beauty eclipses all others!”

Madam Ji smiled faintly. “You may all take your reward.”

The maids and attendants all received silver and bowed in gratitude—except the plump old maid, who clenched her teeth and glared at her rival maid with resentment.

Outside, Xiao Wanling focused on preparing a mango dessert. The Prince of Jin’s household had abundant ingredients—anything she asked for, they provided.

She poured the golden fruit juice into wine cups, placing them atop an ice chest.

The maid carried the tray to Madam Ji, who sat up curiously.

“This is mango pudding,” the maid said, offering the cup.

One bite and Madam Ji’s eyes lit up. The fruity milkiness, the translucent grains—it was unlike anything she’d ever had.

She summoned Madam Xiao immediately.

“It’s made from powdered starch extracted from a kind of fruit,” Xiao Wanling explained. “Strictly speaking, not rice.”

Madam Ji was increasingly fascinated. “How do you come up with such novel ideas?”

“By seeing, tasting, and experimenting constantly,” Xiao Wanling replied, careful not to reveal more.

At the door, a shadow flickered. Madam Ji’s tone turned sharp. “Is that really the truth? If you dare lie to me, I won’t go easy on you.”

Xiao Wanling responded by offering more beauty recipes—but said she needed to collect rare ingredients from the mountains.

Mentioning perfumes and fragrant soaps that left one’s skin scented after bathing, she piqued further interest.

Madam Ji leaned on her hand. “I’ve had no appetite lately. Even the doctor said I shouldn’t eat too many cooling foods.”

Xiao Wanling suggested a dish—crab vermicelli hotpot, rich and spicy to awaken the appetite. She remembered seeing crab in the icehouse and planned to substitute spices if chili wasn’t available.

Madam Ji disliked greasy smells, so she ordered her to cook in the kitchen.

Outside the hall, Shen Qing heard Xiao Wanling’s voice. He entered but didn’t see her, anxiously looking around.

Madam Ji and her maid came out, sizing him up.

“So you’re Madam Xiao’s beloved,” Madam Ji said, sitting down.

Shen Qing lowered his head in silence.

The maid chimed in, “Convince Madam Xiao to stay. You’ll be rewarded with riches or beauties, whatever you want!” She clapped—two chests of jewelry were brought out, and a courtesan-like girl draped herself against him. “My lord~”

Shen Qing stepped aside. “Please show some respect.”

Madam Ji laughed behind her fan. “Let’s see how much she really cares for you. A man with power can have anyone—even a princess.”

The maid added, “If you serve the Prince, Madam Xiao will love you all the more!”

Shen Qing thought, everything they’re offering is exactly what Wanling dislikes. He dropped to one knee. “As a citizen of the Prince of Jin’s territory, I am willing to serve. But please grant us the right to remain husband and wife.”

Madam Ji was reminded of her younger self, once yearning for true love. She instructed him to hide and listen in on Madam Xiao’s words later.

—

It took Xiao Wanling an hour to prepare the crab vermicelli hotpot. She sampled it and nodded in satisfaction before sending it to Madam Ji.

The maid bowed. “Madam requests your presence.”

Xiao Wanling thought this was her chance—she’d deal with whatever came her way and ask about returning home when Madam Ji was pleased.

The hotpot was served. The maid tasted it and nodded approvingly, serving it to Madam Ji.

The aroma was mouthwatering. The translucent noodles glistened, soaked in crab meat and spices. After a few bites, Madam Ji was hooked.

“What’s this made of?” she asked.

“Mung bean starch,” Xiao Wanling replied.

Madam Ji put down her chopsticks and dabbed her lips. “You know about mung bean starch and turned it into a signature dish? It’s rare, a gift from India, bestowed by the Emperor himself.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Why don’t you stay? Whatever you need, the servants will provide.”

Xiao Wanling bowed. “Madam, my husband and I are used to simple mountain life. If I don’t stay connected to nature, I can’t develop new ideas. I wish to keep surprising you, but I must sample many herbs.”

Madam Ji chuckled. “You’re content with plain living. But what about your husband?”

Xiao Wanling looked down at her toes. She’s softening. Maybe now’s the time.

“I crossed a thousand li to find him. He treats me well, and I love him with all my heart. As long as he stays true, I’ll follow him forever.”

“Impudent!” the maid barked. “Still a virgin after months of marriage, and you dare lie to Madam!”

Xiao Wanling’s heart skipped a beat, mind racing. “I wouldn’t dare. Before I found him, I was starving and cold. My body is still frail. During my cycle, I suffer unbearable pain. The doctor said I needed to recover. He’s been enduring for my sake. How could I not love him?”

She glanced at their faces—they were now covering their mouths and giggling. A complete shift in tone.

Suddenly, a sound behind her made her turn—

Shen Qing was standing there.

He had heard everything?

Translator’s Note:-   

I have completed the translation of this novel. Regular updates will be 5 chapters a week on every sunday.

If you want to read all the chapters in one go, you can purchase them on my Ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/cupcaketsl or unlock through the coins on this site (as some of my readers were asking if I had an advance chapter thing)