Chapter Fifty-Two: Mutual Doubts

Honglian burst into laughter and said, “See this basin of foot-washing water? If any lecher really comes, I’ll just throw the water at him!” As she spoke, she opened the window without a second thought and flung the water out with a swoosh. Suddenly, a gasp sounded from the eaves. Honglian froze, looked up, and saw a dark figure. Terrified, she screamed, “Good heavens! What in the world—scared me half to death…”

“Shh!” Xue Fanzhi quickly covered her mouth with her hand. “Quiet, it’s a guest!”

The Gentleman on the Beam, Xiao Yi, paused at Xue Fanzhi’s actions. Did this mean Azhi had already noticed someone was there? Impossible—was this really Azhi? In their past life, Azhi at this moment would never have been so clever!

Xiao Yi leapt down from the window, landed lightly, and snatched the foot basin from Honglian’s hand. “If you use boiling water, you might hurt someone innocent!”

Honglian was still dazed. What on earth was happening? Why had a man entered her mistress’s bedchamber so familiarly?

Xue Fanzhi explained to Xiao Yi, “It’s not boiling water, it’s just foot-washing water!”

Xiao Yi was speechless. He almost wished it were boiling water.

Honglian was even more bewildered. Not only had a man come, but her mistress seemed to know him! What exactly was going on? Who could explain this to a humble maid?

Seeing that Hongxiao, the steadier maid, was also approaching cautiously, Xue Fanzhi tore the black cloth from Xiao Yi’s face and said, “This is the Ninth Prince. You all know him—he’s our benefactor, he won’t do anything to harm me. You may leave for now.”

Oh, he was indeed their savior. But did that justify climbing into a young lady’s bedchamber?

Honglian looked unwilling to leave, but Xiao Yi frowned and warned, “A servant’s first duty is to obey!”

Honglian bit her lip and glanced at Xue Fanzhi.

In her past life, Xue Fanzhi would have agreed with Xiao Yi’s words. But in this life, these two maids were loyal to her—far more so than Xiao Yi ever was.

Xue Fanzhi defended her maids: “Obedience is important for a servant, but you must also understand the context. Otherwise, you might as well keep a dog—what use is a servant then?”

Xiao Yi was left at a loss. Whose side was she on? He was worried her maids wouldn’t listen!

Honglian and Hongxiao both nodded in agreement with their mistress.

Seeing all three had taken something different from her words, Xue Fanzhi relented and turned to the proud Honglian, saying, “But still, obedience is crucial—the foundation of all else. Do you understand?”

Honglian could only nod meekly.

Hongxiao, more reserved, quickly led Honglian out. At the door, the two exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Honglian whispered, “Hongxiao, what do you think the Ninth Prince wants, coming to the mistress’s room like this?”

Hongxiao had the same suspicion—a matter between man and woman, perhaps—but she wouldn’t say so, lest Honglian’s quick tongue betray her to their mistress later. Sternly, she warned, “The mistress’s private matters are not to be discussed or questioned. Have you forgotten what she just said?”

Honglian pouted. She was just curious—the Ninth Prince was quite handsome, much better than that stingy Qin Jianyu. She naturally hoped her mistress would find a good match. But could someone who sneaked into a lady’s room at night really be a good person?

Still, since the mistress forbade it, she wouldn’t speak of it again. Honglian stuck out her tongue at Hongxiao, and the two slipped away to the tea room hand in hand.

Inside, Xue Fanzhi invited Xiao Yi to sit and poured him tea. “It’s very late, I have nothing special to offer, Your Highness, but this is tea I brewed myself. Please, try it.”

Cultivation was Xue Fanzhi’s way, and the art of tea was one of her skills. Xiao Yi had always known his wife possessed hidden talents. Yet how could a thirteen-year-old Xue Fanzhi calmly serve him tea? Even at thirty, she often blushed and was shy when they were alone.

Xiao Yi studied her face, searching for any hint of pretense, while sipping the tea. The unique fragrance was the same as ever—no one else could brew it just so. It was indeed Azhi’s handiwork. But this person’s actions and demeanor were not like Azhi at all.

“Who are you, really?” Xiao Yi blurted out.

Xue Fanzhi paused. “Your Highness doesn’t know who I am? Then why have you come to my inner chamber? Whom were you looking for?”

Xiao Yi was speechless. Whom was he looking for? As if he made a habit of such things—this was his first time, in this life at least!

“I was looking for you…but not exactly you.”

Xue Fanzhi frowned. “Would Your Highness mind being a bit more clear?”

If it were the Xue Fanzhi of before, Xiao Yi wouldn’t have hesitated to explain. But now, facing her, he found himself reluctant. The woman before him…

Xiao Yi changed the subject. “You don’t seem at all surprised by my arrival, Eighth Lady.”

Xue Fanzhi considered a moment, then asked, “How did Your Highness know about my fiancé and another woman? How long have you known?”

So it was this matter! Of course, he’d known since the previous life.

In his past life, one of Xiao Yi’s deepest regrets was that after he killed Qin Jianyu, Xue Fanzhi thought him cruel. He’d done it not only because Qin Jianyu sought death but also because the man had deceived Azhi.

Unfortunately, that foolish girl never understood. Even to her dying day, she thought she owed Qin Jianyu, that she’d wronged him by breaking the engagement—when in truth, she hadn’t.

But she was always so sensitive and helpless. Her world was full of darkness—how could he bear to tell her how cruel people could be? He simply wanted to protect her. If anyone hurt her, he would take vengeance.

But this time, he didn’t want his woman to live like a fool, deceived and kept in the dark.

Xiao Yi smiled. “Because I am a prince—such things are easy enough to learn. Since I promised to take you as a retainer, I felt I ought to protect you, so I investigated those around you.”

That wasn’t the real reason—he certainly didn’t do this for just any retainer!

Xue Fanzhi watched Xiao Yi lie so smoothly, and silently shook her head. This man clearly liked her, which was why he’d secretly investigated Qin Jianyu.

She didn’t expose him, though. After all, he had helped her greatly this time.

She poured him another cup of tea. “I have nothing else to offer, so let this tea stand in for wine. Please, Your Highness, drink with me.”

Xiao Yi took the cup and smiled. “Then let me ask—how did you know I knew? How were you sure I’d come to talk about this?”

Azhi was never so clever!

Xue Fanzhi looked at Xiao Yi with a mock-aggrieved expression. “Your carriage has been broken for far too long. My coachman said there’s nothing wrong with it! You made it so obvious—do you think I’m a fool, Your Highness?”

He did think so! Xiao Yi felt a bit lost. Could his wife not be as foolish as he’d thought?