Phoenix in the Moonlight - Chapter 28: Heavenly Woman
Eunuch Pei, who had full control over the servants was at a loss at the girl’s persistence. It was not a big issue as Wang Yifeng had no interest in the girl, but having Xin take the matter so lightly and give the servant girl the opportunity to see him more frequently… he just couldn’t understand.
“I will do as the Miss asks.”
“You may leave,” Wang Yifeng said harshly. The girl quivered and scurried away.
“Are you upset?” Xin asked. He could hear that she was amused and it irritated him.
“You just made it easier for her to see me,” he said coldly. Xin gathered the bowls and kept them aside.
“Didn’t you just ask me to ask someone for help? Did my agreement not comfort you?”
“And you denied help saying it would make you uncomfortable. So, I let the matter go. Now you changed your mind and made a troublesome decision.” Ah, so the Young Master was really bothered by this. It was funny seeing him this way and she couldn’t pinpoint what exactly had bothered him.
“It’s just a little servant. Why are you so bothered?” she asked.
“You are looking for trouble,” he gritted through his teeth.
“Maybe,” she said, shrugging. This Li Na could come in handy. She might be eyeing Yifeng, but keeping her close for short amounts of time would help Mian Mian keep a tab. If she was a second-generation servant in Yifeng’s house, she had a lot of information. Making friends was not the only way you could get intelligence from people. Eavesdropping and manipulating them into spilling the truth was another art.
“But you will not be inconvenienced. I will keep an eye on her. She won’t try to seduce you anymore.” The most this servant could do was try to spread rumors about Xin or frame her.
Xin wasn’t bothered in the least about those things.
“So, you knew.” She nodded. “I know my place, Young Master, and I don’t dare to overstep them. I only wish you make life easier for you and me.” She paused. “I can be willful at times and want to help you even though you don’t need it, but I consider that part of my duty as your kept mistress.” Wang Yifeng winced at her words.
Was that how she viewed herself? A woman who was brought in to serve him in every way? He thought for a minute. That was probably what he had brought her here for. So far, she had not asked for anything from him and was taking care of all his needs.
“Leave the bowls. I will have the servants get it. If you are so inclined to help me, you can write a letter on my behalf.” He passed a piece of paper and the quill to her.
“Young Master trusts me to have good handwriting and the ability to read and write?”
“I do not know about your handwriting, but your words exude literary knowledge. If your writing doesn’t meet my standards, I will discard it and ask someone else to do it for me.”
She threw her head back in laughter. That petulant expression really got to her.
Wang Yifeng gave her a glare, making her stifle her laughter.
“What do you want me to write?” she asked. Her hand hovered over the sheet of paper, the quill between her fingers, prepared.
He explained in short what needed to be written, keeping an eye on her expression, which did not shift in the slightest when she found out that it was for his newlywed concubine. He huffed internally as we watched her write.
How would she word her concerns? Would she be able to maintain the virtuous persona that he had built?
“Here,” she said, after some time. The letter was written. Wang Yifeng inspected it and was surprised by her neat writing. It wasn’t the best he had seen, but it was indeed pleasant to the eyes.
A surprised smile flashed on his lips as he read through.
“Lixue, it is already summer and I can’t help but think about how the weather is treating you while I am away. The servants you sent a few weeks prior arrived safely and they take good care of me. I hear that the weather is pleasant in the capital and it makes me nostalgic. They also say that you entertain yourself by swinging and spending time with your friends.
What need do you have to get closer to heaven when you are already such a heavenly woman? I will tell the messenger to prepare the pavilion for you to enjoy the beautiful flowers in our garden with your friends.
The momo is getting old. I wanted to discuss this matter with you. I plan on helping her go back to her hometown on my return. I have long known that she is unwell but never utters a word of it. Be gentle to her. I will have a small quarter prepared for her, I wish for you to oversee and guide the servants. Please ensure that she faces no trouble as I hold her in high regard.
I have been well here. Time spends slowly and the work is a lot, but the grace of the emperor has made life easier. I have no worries. I will be back soon.
Yours,
Yifeng.”
“I apologize to Young Master for my shortsightedness. You may discard the letter if it doesn’t meet your expectations.” She placed her chin in her open palm and waited for him to reply.