TGPSAC – Chapter 51

Chi Wan felt she hadn’t said anything untoward. Yu Jiuzhou was wearing a thick outer robe; she would need to be in just her sleeping clothes for Chi Wan to better use her internal energy to warm her.

It was too cold to wear only sleeping clothes outside the room. On the bed inside was the best option.

Why did Yu Jiuzhou and the secret guard have such expressions?

Heaven only knew what the secret guard was imagining. She was even thinking that it probably wouldn’t be long before they had a little master.

Yu Jiuzhou was also exasperated. Such brazen words, and they weren’t even alone—there was a secret guard present.

The secret guards had been with her for many years. They weren’t managed so strictly that they couldn’t speak a single unnecessary word, like conventional secret guards. As long as they did their jobs well, they got along quite well amongst themselves.

Although this was limited to a certain group of guards—those trained by her maternal grandfather’s family, who were actually the children of old soldiers. Naturally, she couldn’t be as harsh with them as with ordinary secret guards.

So one could imagine what explosive news this guard would bring back.

Yu Jiuzhou looked at Chi Wan, who appeared pure, innocent, and completely oblivious to what had just happened. She felt a stifled sense of frustration from being the only one who understood, but she still removed her outer robe and sat on the bed.

Chi Wan, not understanding, saw that Yu Jiuzhou hadn’t said anything and had instead followed her instructions. She walked over and asked with a smile, “Your Highness, may I get on your bed?”

Did she have to spell it out so clearly?

Yu Jiuzhou’s face darkened for a moment. “Get on,” she said coldly.

Chi Wan’s ears turned red. It was her first time getting into another woman’s bed. It was rather embarrassing.

She sat down cross-legged and said, “Your Highness can sit cross-legged with your back to me.”

Yu Jiuzhou did as she was told. Chi Wan first warmed her palms with her internal energy before touching her back.

The touch of the warm, almost hot, palms was distinct. The heat made her back go soft and weak for a moment, and she subconsciously wanted to pull away.

As the warmth spread, so did the weakness in her back, along with a slight tingling ache.

Yu Jiuzhou wanted to move away, but she forced herself to stay still with her formidable self-control.

Soon, she felt her body warming up, and even her icy hands and feet grew warm. But her cheeks and ears had turned completely red.

The hands on her back were like a pair of magical palms, making it almost impossible for her to maintain her composure. Apart from being held by her mother as a child, no one ever touched her. At most, Chun Gui and the others would help her with her outer robes; she always put on her undergarments herself, simply because she disliked being touched.

Compared to her mother’s gentle hands, the hands behind her felt like they were igniting something. Yu Jiuzhou couldn’t help but clench her sleeves.

Chi Wan, meanwhile, was earnestly using her internal energy to nourish Yu Jiuzhou’s body. It was physically demanding work that required not only concentration but also consumed a great deal of energy. Her own body was becoming incredibly hot.

It was a good thing it was winter. If it were summer, the room would have to be filled with ice.

Sensing Yu Jiuzhou’s unusual state, Chi Wan circulated her energy and withdrew her hands. “For the first time, it shouldn’t be for too long. We should also wait two or three days in between sessions.”

Hearing Chi Wan’s voice, Yu Jiuzhou finally came back to her senses. Her body was warm and comfortable. Once the tingling weakness in her back faded, her eyes felt almost too heavy to keep open.

Chi Wan’s voice seemed to come from far away. The next second, she felt herself fall into a warm embrace and drifted off to sleep.

Chi Wan quickly caught Yu Jiuzhou. Seeing her fall asleep just like that, she curved her lips into an amused smile.

This was essentially because Yu Jiuzhou’s constitution was too poor. After being nourished by internal energy, it was as if she had run five kilometers and collapsed from exhaustion.

Chi Wan gently adjusted her hold on Yu Jiuzhou—a princess carry for a princess.

She supported Yu Jiuzhou in her arms with one hand, lifted the quilt with the other, then gently laid her down and wrapped her up snugly.

Looking at the sleeping Yu Jiuzhou, she reached a hand into the quilt to check her feet.

Good, they were no longer cold. But they would likely grow cold again once the effects of the internal energy wore off.

Chi Wan tiptoed out of the room. Chun Gui was waiting outside. “Place two hot water bottles at Her Highness’s feet.”

Chun Gui glanced sideways into the room and saw that the Grand Princess was already asleep. Her eyes widened in astonishment. Her Highness never fell asleep when there were outsiders present, not even with those of them who had grown up with her.

Only after the candles were extinguished and the bedroom door was closed could Her Highness sleep soundly.

To fall asleep just like that today, and with the Fuma present, was somewhat unbelievable.

Still surprised, Chun Gui brought two hot water bottles. She watched as Chi Wan took them and carefully placed them by the princess’s feet. Her movements were gentle throughout, showing not a hint of disdain.

Many Qian Yuan, even with their own wives, would find touching their wife’s feet distasteful. Chi Wan’s expression was perfectly normal, as if she were doing something utterly trivial.

To Chi Wan, this was perfectly normal. There was nothing that couldn’t be done.

After blowing out the candles, Chi Wan closed the door to the room and saw Chun Gui’s strange gaze. “What is it?”

“Nothing. I was just wondering if the Fuma would like some more chicken soup.”

A midnight snack? Chi Wan shook her head. “No, thank you. I’m trying to be healthy.”

But isn’t chicken soup healthy? Chi Wan hadn’t eaten anything at Autumn Water Pavilion, and her stomach was empty. She then changed her mind. “Actually, I’ll have some.”

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Early in the morning, Yu Jiuzhou opened her eyes. She had slept very comfortably that night, with no nightmares or restlessness. She had slept soundly until dawn.

It had been a long time since she had slept so peacefully. Since her rebirth, she had been waking up startled almost every night, afraid that she would wake up to find everything had become an unchangeable reality.

Yu Jiuzhou stared at the canopy of her bed for a few moments. The memories of last night flooded back, and she remembered Chi Wan using internal energy to treat her, which had caused her to fall into a deep sleep.

She immediately sat up and found her sleeping clothes were properly on, and her body felt fine. Even the air smelled pleasant.

No, that wasn’t right. The air carried Chi Wan’s fragrance, but it wasn’t as strong as a pheromone, just a light scent.

Yu Jiuzhou’s face grew hot, the feeling in her heart indescribable.

She had fallen into Chi Wan’s arms just like that. If Chi Wan had wanted to do something to her then, she would have been completely powerless to resist.

Fortunately, Chi Wan had done nothing.

Yu Jiuzhou was very satisfied with Chi Wan’s respectful behavior.

At the same time, she felt a bit of shame and anger. How could she have fallen asleep like that, and in Chi Wan’s arms, no less? In a daze, she seemed to recall Chi Wan’s gentle movements and that warm embrace. She had experienced a sense of security.

It was the first time she had been held in a Qian Yuan’s arms, the first time she had been so close to one. That was the source of her shame and anger.

Yu Jiuzhou wasn’t angry at Chi Wan; she was angry at herself for having, just for a moment, wanted to indulge in that feeling.

This was something she could not allow.

Even in her most difficult times, she had never thought of giving up, let alone finding someone to rely on. If she was to rely on anyone, it would be herself. Others relied on her.

Yu Jiuzhou tilted her head back, staring at the bed board above. She sat up in bed for a while, letting the cool air clear her head before she called out, “Attendants.”

A maidservant waiting in the outer room immediately entered. “Your Highness, your washing things are ready.”

“Mm.”

Yu Jiuzhou put on a short-sleeved long robe and came out, which was more convenient for washing up.

The maid entered the bedroom to tidy up. After the room was in order, she placed Yu Jiuzhou’s undergarments inside.

Yu Jiuzhou was accustomed to changing her undergarments herself before having a maid help her with her outer robes.

After she was dressed and came out, Chun Gui also entered. She normally woke up a quarter of an hour before Yu Jiuzhou, but today Yu Jiuzhou had risen half an hour early. Chun Gui had hurried to get up as soon as she heard the movement.

Yu Jiuzhou looked at her sleepy face. “If you’re not fully awake, you don’t have to get up yet.”

Chun Gui shook her head. “I’m awake.”

With the master awake, how could a servant remain in bed?

With Chun Gui’s help, Yu Jiuzhou washed up, then returned to her bedchamber to change into her undergarments. Layer by layer, she put on her underclothes and a fur-lined vest. Since she wasn’t going out, she didn’t add a cloak.

Once dressed, she sat on the arhat bed and finally asked, “When did the Fuma leave yesterday?”

Chun Gui quickly replied, “At the end of the Hai hour, just before the Zi hour.”

That timing was about right. Chi Wan had treated her for about a quarter of an hour. According to that timeline, they wouldn’t have had time to do anything.

Before Yu Jiuzhou could ask, Chun Gui immediately recounted the events of the previous night, her tone filled with admiration at the end. “The Fuma is very thoughtful. She asked for two hot water bottles and personally placed them at Your Highness’s feet.”

“Personally?” Yu Jiuzhou was also surprised.

Although she disdained the disparity between Qian Yuan and Kun Ze, the reality was what it was. Anything a Kun Ze did was considered inauspicious. For instance, if a Kun Ze wife got up in the night, she could not step over the Qian Yuan’s body but had to walk around their feet. There were also rules like a Qian Yuan could not touch a Kun Ze’s feet, and during a Kun Ze’s monthly bleeding, they were not allowed to…

This world was harsh on Kun Ze. Both were women, yet they were divided into high and low simply because of their different pheromones.

Chi Wan’s actions proved that she, like herself, did not care for the so-called notion of Qian Yuan superiority and Kun Ze inferiority. Why should a Kun Ze be a rank below a Qian Yuan?

Chun Gui nodded in confirmation. “Yes, Your Highness.”

What kind of family could raise such a Qian Yuan woman?

Even the scions of great aristocratic clans might not possess the thoughts and actions of Chi Wan.

Of course, it was also possible that Chi Wan was just naturally like this—a person who viewed everything with an equal eye.

As Yu Jiuzhou was lost in thought, Chi Wan’s voice came from outside. “Is Her Highness awake?”

A maidservant answered, “She is.”

Chi Wan smiled. “Then please ask Her Highness if I may enter.”

“Yes.”

The maid acknowledged and was about to go in to report when Chun Gui came out. “Fuma, please come in.”

Chun Gui grumbled inwardly: Her Highness, too. Couldn’t she just call the Fuma in directly? She had to give me a look, making me come out for this.

Chi Wan walked into the room. Yu Jiuzhou had not yet emerged from the bedchamber.

Yu Jiuzhou’s chambers were vast, divided into several areas. The room she entered was what would be considered a living room in modern terms.

The living room was furnished with an arhat bed, as well as some tables and chairs.

Arhat beds were very popular in Great Zhou. They could be found in both outer and inner rooms, though the outer rooms also had tables and chairs for receiving guests.

In the dead of winter, Chi Wan had no desire to sit on a cold chair. She turned and sat on the arhat bed, which was covered with a fur pelt. Sitting her cold bottom on such a soft cushion was incredibly comfortable.

She poured herself a cup of tea and drank it to wake herself up.

She had actually already practiced her forms before coming over. After her internal energy had improved, her need for sleep had decreased. It was just that the weather was cold, and staying in bed was still more comfortable.

Today she planned to go to Qingyuan County, so she had woken up a bit earlier.

As Chi Wan was drinking her tea, she suddenly noticed a small booklet on the table. The cover read: Fuma Visits a Brothel.

What was this? A storybook? Yu Jiuzhou liked to read storybooks?

It was just left on the table in the outer room like this. Was it not a good story?

Curious, Chi Wan opened the booklet. The first thing she saw was: The Fuma looked at Lady Fu Yue several times…

Huh?

Was this written about her?

Chi Wan was dumbfounded. She continued to flip through the pages and finally came to one conclusion: pure nonsense.

It was utter nonsense.

She hadn’t been like that at all last night. When someone was performing, wasn’t it normal to watch for a bit?

What did they mean by “infatuated” and “gentle”? She was clearly just being polite.

No wonder Yu Jiuzhou’s attitude had been like that last night. She had actually thought something was going on between her and someone else.

Just then, Yu Jiuzhou walked out. Chi Wan wore a resentful expression. “Your Highness, who recorded this booklet? I demand to confront them.”

Yu Jiuzhou paused, then raised an eyebrow, her face impassive. “I believe you.”

Those three faint words made Chi Wan blink. She believed her, yet she was so angry last night?

Hmph, women.

Never mind. Nothing had happened between them. After this, Yu Jiuzhou should trust her more.

Chi Wan rubbed her stomach and changed the subject. “I’m hungry. I’ll have breakfast with Your Highness.”

She had originally planned to leave the Princess’s Residence directly, go out for a bowl of lamb soup with a roasted lamb flatbread. But now, it seemed she would just have a meal here with Yu Jiuzhou.

Chun Gui quickly said, “Breakfast is already on the table.”

The dining room was next door, just past a screen.

Chi Wan walked over first. On the dining table were white porridge, pan-fried cakes cut into small pieces, lamb stew, boiled eggs, two types of buns—one meat and one vegetable—and diced pickles, both radish and salted vegetables.

It was quite a rich breakfast. A bowl of either the white porridge or the lamb stew would warm one up nicely.

At that moment, Xia Qu also arrived, holding two buns in her hand. “These buns are really good,” she said. “I heard a cow on the estate killed itself by running into something. We’re having beef buns this morning.”

What? A cow killed itself?

Chi Wan immediately understood. What “cow killed itself”? It was clearly that Great Zhou forbade the slaughter of cattle, so when the nobles and aristocrats had a craving, a cow would “kill itself.”

Since the cow was already dead, it couldn’t be wasted. Eating it was the best option.

Only a simpleton like Xia Qu would believe that a cow had actually killed itself.

Yu Jiuzhou sat down, taking only a bowl of white porridge, then picked up a beef bun.

The bowl for the porridge was very small, enough to be finished in two bites.

Seeing Yu Jiuzhou start to eat, Chi Wan didn’t hold back. She first served herself a bowl of lamb stew and took a beef bun.

Her appetite was excellent. It was normal for martial artists to eat a lot. More importantly, because of her internal energy, she could eat without gaining weight, and she wouldn’t develop the bulky muscles of those who practiced external martial arts, which could look unappealing.

Although not all practitioners of external arts were muscle-bound, most were.

Xia Qu, who practiced external arts, wasn’t that exaggerated. She wasn’t slender, but rather slightly tall and sturdy, appearing to have a large frame.

Even so, Xia Qu ate seven buns, drank two bowls of lamb stew, and had two roasted lamb flatbreads before she was full.

It was a good thing she was in the Grand Princess’s Residence; otherwise, she might not get enough to eat every day.

Compared to Xia Qu, Chi Wan ate much less: one bowl of lamb stew, two beef buns, one vegetable bun, one roasted lamb flatbread, and a small side of pickles.

The one who ate the least among them was Yu Jiuzhou. After a bowl of white porridge and one bun, she put down her chopsticks.

Chi Wan was very curious. With Yu Jiuzhou’s small appetite, why was breakfast so lavish? This didn’t fit her personality.

Although Yu Jiuzhou wasn’t deliberately frugal, compared to other imperial relatives, her principle was to prepare only as much as could be eaten. She generally wouldn’t prepare too much. If the kitchen made extra, it would be shared with the maids in the courtyard, so little was wasted.

Could it be that Yu Jiuzhou had guessed she would be coming for breakfast today?

Chi Wan thought about it. Since the New Year, it seemed she had come to Yu Jiuzhou’s courtyard for breakfast every morning.

No wonder the breakfast on the table in Yongning Courtyard had become more and more sumptuous. If nothing else, she was certainly enjoying the meals.

After breakfast, it was time to go to Qingyuan County.

She hadn’t served as the magistrate of Qingyuan County for long, and now she was being transferred. Before leaving, she had selected a new magistrate for Qingyuan County. Given Lu Zhen’s character, she believed she could bring prosperity and peace to the people there.

Lu Zhen was someone who would enter the Grand Secretariat in the future. Her achievements were described in the novel. A person like that would surely be a good official when serving locally.

If there was a chance, Chi Wan hoped to introduce Lu Zhen to Yu Jiuzhou.

Yu Jiuzhou’s faction needed capable ministers like her. Because of her status as a female Kun Ze, the people under her were mostly military commanders or unconventional civil officials.

Traditional civil officials, the self-proclaimed “pure stream,” were more eager for the recognition of a legitimate emperor and rarely submitted to Yu Jiuzhou.

Military commanders were unrestrained and only respected strength. Whoever could lead them to victory, whoever fed them, was their leader.

Civil officials were different. Unless they failed to gain recognition, or were the type who single-mindedly sought power and advancement, only then would they pledge allegiance to Yu Jiuzhou.

There was no helping it; at the time, Prince Bao’an had already ascended the throne, claiming the title of legitimacy.

One had to remember that when Empress Wu was still the empress, she was surrounded by people like Li Yifu.

Of course, after Empress Wu became the emperor, she had no shortage of loyal and virtuous ministers, but the prerequisite was to first sit on the throne and gain legitimacy.

If Yu Jiuzhou ascended the throne, all these people would support her.

However, the current Yu Jiuzhou was still sorely lacking in virtuous and capable individuals with outstanding political talent and wisdom who could carry out political reforms and enforce justice impartially.

If Lu Zhen could support Yu Jiuzhou, it would be a sign of changing winds.

A young official who had passed the imperial examinations, and with the surname Lu, she would definitely be a bellwether.

Chi Wan took the tea Chun Gui handed her and took a sip. “Your Highness, it’s time for me to depart for Qingyuan County.”

Yu Jiuzhou acknowledged her. She also had to go to the Grand Secretariat today.

Both of them were about to get busy. The holidays were over, and Shengjing was about to become bustling again.

“Arrange a carriage for the Fuma.”

“Hmm?”

Chi Wan tilted her head, confused. With the horse Lin Zhiyi had gifted her and the one bestowed by the palace, she was not short of mounts.

Yu Jiuzhou frowned at her, then instructed Xia Qu, “Send a message to the Imperial City Division. The Commander is traveling; have people accompany her.”

“The Fuma’s rank is equivalent to a Commandery Prince. Has the Ministry of Rites delivered the carriage?”

Chun Gui quickly replied, “Reporting to Your Highness, the Fuma’s carriage and various regalia have all been provided. The people sent as gifts from the palace were all sent back; only the objects were kept.”

The Princess’s Residence had recently been brought under Yu Jiuzhou’s firm control; she couldn’t let the people sent from the palace disrupt that.

Yu Jiuzhou nodded. “The Fuma’s guards will be from the Imperial City Division. The ceremonial procession is unnecessary.”

It wasn’t as if she were attending some grand ceremony; there was no need for a huge spectacle.

A carriage befitting the rank of a Commandery Prince, plus an escort, would be sufficient.

Chi Wan disliked having too many people following her when she traveled. “Isn’t that too many people?”

“If you were to be assassinated on the road, what would you do?” Yu Jiuzhou gave her a cool glance.

Meeting Yu Jiuzhou’s gaze, Chi Wan said no more. Very well, there was strength in numbers. It could also intimidate the officials and gentry of Qingyuan County, making them cooperate with the investigation into the annexation of private lands.

Then, Yu Jiuzhou added another sentence: “Spread the word that last night, the Fuma knelt on a Go board for an hour.”

Chi Wan was about to ask why, but she immediately understood the reason. It was for the Emperor’s benefit.

If Yu Jiuzhou had already punished her here, then when she faced the Emperor, her punishment would be a minor one to serve as a major lesson.

Furthermore, it would perfectly solidify the fact that she and Yu Jiuzhou did not get along. Kneeling on a Go board… only Yu Jiuzhou could have thought of that.

Still, the last time she went to Qingyuan County, she rode a sick horse. This time, a carriage was arranged for her. The difference in treatment was obvious.

Yu Jiuzhou didn’t say that she was the one who had someone ask the Ministry of Rites about the carriage. Although the imperial decree had been issued, the Ministry of Rites was on holiday, and no one had taken care of it. Normally, for an unimportant person, such a matter could be delayed for a year and a half. For an important person, ten days to half a month would be acceptable.

The Ministry of Rites had originally planned to deliver the items to the Princess’s Residence for the Fuma after the court resumed session. But since a higher-up had spoken, they had no choice but to comply.

So today, Chi Wan could ride in a carriage.

Riding a horse was too cold in the dead of winter. A carriage was just right.

A carriage of a Commandery Prince’s rank was very luxurious and faster than an ordinary carriage, as it had four horses and four wheels.

The construction of such a carriage was more complex and its cost was high. It was generally used as a means of transport for the nobility. Even if used for transporting goods, not just anyone could afford it.

Chi Wan was very satisfied with the change in her treatment. An improvement in treatment meant an improvement in her status in Yu Jiuzhou’s heart, which would make it easier to advance her main quest.

She smiled at Yu Jiuzhou. “Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness.”

Yu Jiuzhou picked up her teacup, pretending not to have heard her. “Prepare my carriage. I’m going to the Grand Secretariat.”

Chi Wan’s smile widened. “Your Highness, it’s so early. I’m afraid the ministers of the Grand Secretariat aren’t even awake yet.”

Perhaps her smile was too cheerful, as Yu Jiuzhou refused to look at her. Did she not know that the ministers of the Grand Secretariat weren’t up yet?

It wasn’t a court day yet. The ministers would only gather at the palace for a small meeting when summoned by the Emperor. She had sent word last night.

This person was really getting more and more cheeky, and bolder in her speech with her.

Last night, this person had even held her. Recalling this, Yu Jiuzhou felt her cheeks grow warm. They were already red, but she couldn’t see it herself.

Chi Wan leaned closer. “Your Highness, why is your face red?”

It was a cute shade of red, quite delightful.

Yu Jiuzhou: “…” Don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask. Why must she ask about everything?

“Shut up.” In her vexation, her tone wasn’t icy, but had a hint of coquettish charm.

She was the dignified Grand Princess, holding supreme power. How could she be coquettish?

Yu Jiuzhou’s tone quickly turned cold again. “You have to attend morning court tomorrow. Don’t be too late.”

Don’t be too late doing what?

Chi Wan thought for a moment. “Does Your Highness mean you want me to come back early?”

Wasn’t it obvious?

Yu Jiuzhou gave her a look that said, “You’re asking for a punishment.” This person talked too much, and always asked questions she didn’t want to answer—or more accurately, couldn’t bring herself to answer—which was infuriating.

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