The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 71
Thirty strings…
Xie Shao finally understood. Ever since he had met his young wife, he had completely lost touch with money.
First came bankruptcy. After that, no matter how much silver passed through his hands, it never stayed warm for long.
Recalling the embarrassment he had suffered last night, and now armed with that experience, he resolved that this time, no matter what, he would not let her empty his pockets again. Clutching his sleeve tightly, he naturally couldn’t refuse outright. Instead, he went along with her first.
“To think such a good thing could happen,” he said, then sighed. “But your husband is completely out of money…”
Wen Shuse had long expected his empty purse. “Aunt Qing said we can put it on credit. You can pay later when you’ve earned the money.”
She hurriedly pulled out a lease from her sleeve. “I was worried the market was too competitive, so I secured it right away. Take a look… Don’t worry, Husband. I’ve seen the place myself. You’ll definitely like it. Not only is the courtyard spacious, but the rooms are large too.”
Xie Shao stared at the bright red thumbprint on the lease, the veins at his temples throbbing on both sides.
Was she here to be the death of him?
The young lady stepped closer, hooking her arm through his and leaning in to whisper,
“Aunt Qing has already arranged the rooms for us. I’ve seen them. The bed isn’t any smaller than the one in the Xie Mansion. At night, let alone you, even two could fit without a problem.” Her voice dropped even lower. “I even secretly tested it. I climbed onto the bed and rolled around a few times. Not a single creak.”
His young wife truly had a way of striking right at his weak spot, precise and effective. Suddenly, he didn’t feel so resistant anymore.
Wasn’t it just thirty strings? Back when he dined at Zuixiang Pavilion, a single meal would cost at least a hundred taels. Now he found himself curious, just what kind of bed was it?
“Is it really that good?”
“Good or not, Husband will know once you see it for yourself.”
Two incense sticks later, his young wife brought him to the residence.
Aunt Qing opened the door and greeted him warmly, “Young Master,” inviting him in with great courtesy. “You and Miss can stay here without worry. My nephew won’t be returning for at least a year or two, so there’s no rush with the rent. Paying every three or five months will do.”
Xie Shao had thought his wife was exaggerating, but the residence was indeed grand with four courtyards deep, with rockeries and trees surrounding it, everything complete. A place like this in the Eastern Capital, rented for thirty strings, was unquestionably a loss for the owner. He glanced at his wife suspiciously. “Your maidservant must be wealthier than us now. Why is she still doing this kind of servant work?”
“The house isn’t hers,” Wen Shuse sighed. “Aunt Qing has had a hard life. She was cast out by her family for being a girl and left to fend for herself. Now her family has suffered misfortune, leaving only one nephew. He has to leave for a while, and with no one to look after the property, he didn’t trust others, so he thought of Aunt Qing. Husband, you must work hard and earn money in the future. Let’s not delay the rent for too long. I don’t want Aunt Qing to be put in a difficult position…”
She had just placed a burden on his shoulders, only to immediately soften it with a touch of sweetness. “Husband, let me show you our room.”
The young lady tugged at his sleeve and pulled him toward the innermost courtyard.
The crabapple and magnolia trees in the yard had just passed their blooming season. Their branches and leaves were lush and full, the green foliage shielding them from the harsh sun above. Under the gentle breeze, shifting patterns of light and shadow swayed at their feet. The faint chirping of summer cicadas filled the air, bringing with it a tranquil sense of midsummer.
The layout of the residence differed from that of the Xie Mansion, which was less ostentatious, yet more leisurely and at ease.
Pushing open the door, the tall windows on all sides stood open. A breeze flowed in through the bamboo-lined corridors on either side, rushing into the room with a refreshing coolness that instantly lifted the spirit.
The young lady led him straight into the inner room. Lifting the beaded curtain, there was no screen inside, and at a glance, he saw the large bed to the right.
She hadn’t lied. The bed was indeed wide, and the bedding had already been laid out.
A pale blue canopy hung above, tied back with golden hooks, revealing a snow-white brocade quilt embroidered with mandarin ducks in colored thread. Two matching pillows were neatly placed side by side, looking soft and inviting at a glance.
After more than ten days of hardship and sleeping rough, just because he hadn’t complained didn’t mean he had forgotten the comforts of fine living.
His former reputation as a wastrel in days past had not been undeserved.
Having gone through bankruptcy, left with nothing, sleeping in forests and on straw beds… to see such softness and warmth again felt almost like a dream. His mind was already a little dazed, and yet his wife walked over and plopped herself down into the soft bedding. Patting the spot beside her, she said enticingly, “Husband, it’s really soft, won’t you come sit for a bit?”
It was hard to refuse such an invitation. Sitting down once wouldn’t hurt. After all, it cost thirty strings.
He walked over and sat beside her with deliberate care. The moment he did, he felt himself sink slightly, the softness he had imagined traveling from beneath him straight up his spine.
Who would want to move after that?
But that was not all. The young lady continued coaxing him, “Husband, why not lie down and try it? It’s even more comfortable.”
Xie Shao turned to look at her.
His young lady’s eager gaze reminded him of street vendors calling out, “Sir, have a taste. If it’s not sweet, you don’t pay…”
His eyes dropped unconsciously to his own robe. After fleeing in haste, he had only these two sets to wear back and forth. It wasn’t just his young lady who looked down on her luck, he did as well.
Though he washed them clean every day, they were still worn, and the contrast with the brand-new silk beneath was far too stark.
Sensing his hesitation, the young lady immediately understood. Without waiting for him to speak, she rose and went to the door, calling to Minzhang, who stood under the corridor,
“Go prepare some hot water. Your master needs a bath.”
Her father had once said: If you want to win someone over, you must strike while the iron is hot. Completely daze them in one go. Otherwise, once they come to their senses, all your earlier efforts will be wasted.
Back at the Xie Mansion, she had seen with her own eyes how much he adored that large bed. She had even asked Aunt Qing to arrange this one to match it.
As long as he lay down, she was certain he wouldn’t want to get up again.
With her heart set on luring him onto the bed, she returned to the room and stepped forward, reaching to undo the sash at his waist. Her movements were smooth and practiced, nothing like her earlier clumsiness that morning.
Xie Shao had still been hesitating. Sitting for a moment was one thing, but to lie down the moment he entered the room, what kind of propriety was that?
Yet he had underestimated her enthusiasm. Before he could even react, his sash was already in her hands, his robe loosening around him. He stared at her in astonishment. “My wife removes a man’s clothes quite swiftly.”
Wen Shuse herself seemed a little surprised.
She was certain this was her first time undressing a man, yet even she was surprised at her own natural ease. Accepting his remark, she said, “I might just be good at this. From now on, Husband’s clothes can be my responsibility.”
It really wasn’t easy for her. She had even resorted to a beauty’s ploy.
Yet the feeling didn’t seem bad at all. To be so deliberately enticed by his young lady, suddenly, those thirty strings felt even more worthwhile. “Then I shall leave it to Wife to make the most of your talent.”
Undressing was hardly difficult.
Wen Shuse agreed readily, rising onto her toes to reach the buttons at his collar. With a deft press of her thumb, the fastening slipped loose, and she swiftly pulled off his outer robe.
Summer garments were thin. Once the round-collared robe was removed, only his inner garment remained.
He had expected her to hesitate at least a little, but the young lady seemed almost impatient. Her hand reached toward the front of his inner robe, and Xie Shao instinctively tilted his head back.
Her hand fell short. She looked at him, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”
“Are you sure you want to continue?” he asked, afraid she might misunderstand. “There’s nothing left underneath.”
Wen Shuse nodded.
Of course, she knew. Wasn’t that how inner garments worked? She had worn his the previous night. He should hurry up and stop dawdling. Once he finished bathing and lay down on that bed, he would understand just how worthwhile those thirty strings truly were.
Her hand reached for him again. Seeing how suddenly bold she had become, Xie Shao found himself the one hesitating. He had been out all day, and in the summer heat, a thin layer of sweat already clung to his body.
Since their marriage, aside from hands and faces, neither had seen the other’s body. As it was their first time, he was determined to leave her with a good impression.
Gently, he pushed her hand away. “Wife, perhaps keep your talents in reserve for now. There will be plenty of chances to use them in the future.”
—
Hearing the sound of splashing water from inside, Wen Shuse didn’t hesitate. She went out and had Aunt Qing prepare the red seal.
The moment he stepped out of the bath chamber, she hurried forward, eagerly taking the towel from his hands to dry his hair, bustling about as she attended to him and guided him onto the bed to lie down.
Seeing him close his eyes, she leaned closer and asked, “Husband, how does it feel?”
“Mmm.”
Watching him lie there motionless for quite a while, Wen Shuse knew he wasn’t getting up anytime soon. Now, she showed her considerate side. “I know Husband has worked hard, and earning money isn’t easy. It’s alright. If you think it’s too expensive, since we’re all acquainted, we can always return it.”
What nonsense. At this point, could he even get up?
Finally, he understood those who fell into debt and were hunted down for it.
They would rather spend their very lives than stop borrowing. Did they not know how high the interest rates were? Of course they did. But the temptation was simply too great to resist.
As if resigning himself to fate, he opened his eyes and asked his young lady, “I don’t have thirty strings, but can I pay ten taels first?”
The young lady nodded at once. “Of course. There’s no rush, Husband. Money can be settled slowly.”
She turned and took out the lease, handing it over along with the red seal. “Husband only needs to press his thumbprint.”
Just earlier, his will had been so firm. He had sworn to lock up his purse and never let this spendthrift wife drain him dry. Yet in less than half an hour, he was once again penniless and even burdened with debt, willingly signing what felt like a contract selling himself.
Wen Shuse carefully put the lease away, not forgetting to take out a handkerchief and wipe his thumb clean. “If Husband is tired, you can rest for a while.”
Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly heard him speak from behind, “The bed is indeed soft. Why don’t you lie down and try it as well?”
“I slept quite well this morning. I’m not tired…”
“Were the blankets sun-dried? They smell faintly of sunshine,” he said. Seeing her glance over, her resolve clearly wavering, he tilted his head and continued, “There’s still a bucket of water inside. My lady, please go ahead.”
When she remained standing there, unmoving, he added one more incentive, “Take a nap now, and tonight I’ll take you to the night market.”
Ever since the bed had been made, she hadn’t actually lain on it once.
Wen Shuse’s eyes stilled for a moment. Fine, then.
She turned her head and glanced outside at the blazing white sun. The sky no longer seemed so early. She should be able to fall asleep.
Ever since leaving Fengcheng, she hadn’t had a single comfortable day. Now that she had finally moved into a large residence, who wouldn’t want to lie on a large bed, embrace soft, fragrant bedding, and stretch out their limbs…
She hurried off to the bath chamber. After washing, she came out wearing Master Wen’s loose robe. Seeing that her husband on the bed had already closed his eyes, she assumed he was asleep and carefully climbed in from the foot of the bed.
At last, she lay down, slowly stretching out her arms and legs in comfort.
A cool breeze drifted in through the open windows, not hot at all. She pulled a bit of the quilt over her chest, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath near its edge.
This was what life should feel like.
If her husband still wanted to keep struggling and enduring hardship, he could do as he pleased. As for her, she had no intention of suffering alongside him anymore.
Just as she was about to turn over, she opened her eyes and, from the corner of her vision, saw a pair of eyes beside her staring intently at her. Startled, Wen Shuse quickly turned her head.
“Husband, you’re not asleep?”
“You woke me up,” Xie Shao said, one arm tucked behind his head as he took the chance to shift slightly closer inward.
Wen Shuse looked at him apologetically. “I was already being as quiet as possible.”
“Mmm. I’m a light sleeper. Once I’m woken, it’s hard to fall asleep again.” He turned his head to look at her. “And you? You slept so long this morning. Can you still sleep now?”
Wen Shuse’s expression froze for a moment. Wasn’t he the one who had invited her up? Sensing him move closer, she shifted inward a little as well. “I should be able to… if I try.”
“I can’t fall asleep.”
“Huh?”
Now that she had stepped right into his wolf’s den, what was the point of pretending to be an innocent little rabbit? Besides, she had been the one to provoke him first. Xie Shao slowly turned onto his side, his gaze deepening as he looked at his wife before him with disarming directness. “Second Wen, isn’t there something we still haven’t done?”
After everything they had gone through together, life and death, his feelings for her had long since become clear. In this lifetime, he wanted to grow old together with this young lady before him.
And he could feel that she cared for him as well.
Though their beginning had not been a happy one, now that their feelings were mutual, everything seemed to fall naturally into place.
For now, they had escaped danger, and the Xie family would not face immediate disaster. Originally, he had intended to wait until they returned to the Xie Mansion in Fengcheng, back to the bed of their wedding night, before taking that step.
But today… the timing was simply too perfect.
Bright sunlight filled the courtyard outside, a gentle breeze brushed against them, a grand residence, a large bed, a man and a woman alone, undisturbed…
Heaven, earth, and harmony aligned. Better to seize the moment than wait for another day.
As he turned toward her, Wen Shuse’s gaze naturally fell upon his chest. After his bath, the collar of his inner robe hung loosely open, revealing a broad expanse of skin. The room was brightly lit, every detail clear to see. Her eyes paused, and she hadn’t heard a word he had said.
In surprise, she blurted out, “Oh? Why is Husband fairer than the others?”
Xie Shao was taken aback. As the meaning of her words sank in, every thought in his mind scattered instantly, and his expression froze. “Whose else have you seen?”
“My elder brother.”
Xie Shao’s gaze darkened.
Wen Huai was a grown man, why would he bare his chest in front of his own sister? Did he not understand propriety between men and women? Before Xie Shao could even catch his breath, the young lady added, “…and Pei Qing.”
Then she went on, praising him, “Husband is fairer than both of them.”
The compliment brought him no joy whatsoever. That his own wife, at first glance, noticed not him but compared him to others. It was thoroughly disheartening.
All at once, his spirit deflated. He turned over and lay flat on his back. “Wife’s eyes truly have not been idle.”
His reaction was far too obvious. The young lady sensed something was wrong and hurried to explain, “Actually, I… I only glanced once. I didn’t look very closely…”
The moment she finished speaking, he turned his head back toward her, his expression dark as he stared at her. “You still wanted to look more closely?”
Wen Shuse quickly shook her head. “No, I won’t look anymore. I won’t look at anyone.”
Seeing his expression remain stiff, she realized she had said the wrong thing again. Then it dawned on her. “If I look, I’ll only look at my husband.”
Xie Shao said nothing more. He withdrew his gaze and lay there stiffly. “Then go ahead, Wife. No need to hold back.”
“What kind of talk is that, Husband? How could a young lady like me take the initiative to undress someone…”
Before she could finish, her husband beside her moved first. He tugged at the sash at his waist, loosened his upper garment, and raised his arm again to rest behind his head. “Wife, please help yourself.”
He really was very fair.
The light from outside the window fell just right across his chest. His snow-white inner garment seemed to glow faintly, and beneath it, his skin looked smooth and luminous, almost as if brushed with honey. Firm, too… the lines of his muscles faintly visible.
And lower still…
Though it was just a chest, the way it was half-hidden and half-revealed made it all the more suggestive.
Her heart suddenly began to pound, faster and faster. See no evil. Unable to bear it any longer, she stepped forward and hastily pulled his collar closed. “I’ve seen enough. Husband should put your clothes back on. This isn’t proper.”
“Not satisfied?”
Wen Shuse nodded. “Satisfied.”
“Does it look good?”
“Very good.” In truth, she hadn’t seen much at all. Afraid he might take things further, she used both hands and leaned over him, pressing his collar firmly shut. “Husband is exceptionally handsome. Whether it’s your face or your figure, both are better than my brother’s and Pei Qing’s.”
Seeing him only stare at her in silence, Wen Shuse blinked in confusion. “Husband doesn’t believe me?”
“I believe you.” Xie Shao’s throat moved with a light swallow, his voice turning a little hoarse. “Wife… take your hand away first.”
Her hand…
Where was her hand?
A sudden rise and fall pulsed beneath her palm. Wen Shuse quickly realized that what she was touching was no fabric. It felt smooth, yet burning hot.
And in her palm was something unmistakable, neither quite soft nor fully hard.
It was like a thunderbolt striking from the heavens. She froze in place, suddenly afraid to move, her face flushing from her neck all the way to her ears. Yet her actions remained astonishingly calm.
Her father had once said that no matter what happens, never panic.
The more one panics, the more likely things are to go wrong. Only by remaining as still as water could one mislead the other party, concealing one’s true thoughts.
Calmly, she withdrew her hand, straightened his collar, and lifted her eyes to meet his deep, unreadable gaze. His features were refined. He really was handsome. Curling her lips into a smile, she leaned down and lightly pecked his lips. Then…
With lightning speed, she flipped herself off the bed.
Xie Shao’s eyelid twitched. His arm shot out instantly to grab her, but he caught nothing but air.
Was she some kind of slippery eel?
Stumbling to her feet, she retreated to a safe distance before the young lady finally let the proper panic show on her face. “Husband, I didn’t mean to touch you. You have to believe me.”
Xie Shao had been thoroughly stirred by her teasing, a fire raging within him. Forcing himself to suppress it, he smiled at her. “Second Wen, come here.”
That smile, skin-deep and not reaching his eyes, looked as if he might swallow her whole. She was no fool.
Wen Shuse shook her head. “I won’t go over. Husband should rest by yourself for a while. If you still want to visit the night market later, I’m perfectly fine. I have plenty of energy.”
Carefully stepping back another two paces, she grabbed the clothes from the wooden table.
“Husband, have a good rest. I won’t disturb you any further.”
She turned and bolted, faster than a startled rabbit.
Bang!
With the door slamming shut, the room fell completely silent.
Xie Shao stared at the beaded curtain still swaying before him. Sitting half-upright on the bed, he remained frozen for a long moment before finally coming back to his senses.
After all that effort, casting such a wide net, not even a single shrimp had been caught. In the empty room, only the lease stamped with a red thumbprint lay on the table.
—
Knowing that his master and the Third Young Madam were resting, Minzhang did not dare disturb them. After bringing the hot water, he waited outside in the corridor.
Suddenly hearing footsteps, he turned his head only to see his master approaching with a dark expression. Without preamble, Xie Shao demanded, “Did you ask about the manuscript-copying work?”
Min Zhang nodded. “I did, but I don’t think you can take that job, Master.”
“Why not?”
“To get hired, you first have to write sixty to seventy thousand characters for the shop for free. Only if the people above are satisfied will they employ you.”
“Sixty to seventy thousand?” Xie Shao froze, then said indignantly, “Isn’t that exploitation?”
Minzhang said nothing.
People from all over flocked to the Eastern Capital, but establishing oneself here was no easy task.
The Great Feng Empire lacked nothing in scholars and men of letters.
The copying trade was already saturated. Why should his young master insist on competing with others for the same livelihood? From his sleeve, he took out a sheet of fine paper. “However, Master, you still have this.”
Xie Shao glanced at it.
He recognized it immediately. It was the official document that Jing Wang had given him the day before.
“The Third Young Master was originally a Military Affairs Advisor in Wangye Mansion. Now that he has come to the Eastern Capital, that post is no longer applicable. However, I have already petitioned His Majesty for a new letter of appointment. With this document, the Third Young Master may claim an official position at any time.”
Prev | TOC | NextThe Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 71
Thirty strings…
Xie Shao finally understood. Ever since he had met his young wife, he had completely lost touch with money.
First came bankruptcy. After that, no matter how much silver passed through his hands, it never stayed warm for long.
Recalling the embarrassment he had suffered last night, and now armed with that experience, he resolved that this time, no matter what, he would not let her empty his pockets again. Clutching his sleeve tightly, he naturally couldn’t refuse outright. Instead, he went along with her first.
“To think such a good thing could happen,” he said, then sighed. “But your husband is completely out of money…”
Wen Shuse had long expected his empty purse. “Aunt Qing said we can put it on credit. You can pay later when you’ve earned the money.”
She hurriedly pulled out a lease from her sleeve. “I was worried the market was too competitive, so I secured it right away. Take a look… Don’t worry, Husband. I’ve seen the place myself. You’ll definitely like it. Not only is the courtyard spacious, but the rooms are large too.”
Xie Shao stared at the bright red thumbprint on the lease, the veins at his temples throbbing on both sides.
Was she here to be the death of him?
The young lady stepped closer, hooking her arm through his and leaning in to whisper,
“Aunt Qing has already arranged the rooms for us. I’ve seen them. The bed isn’t any smaller than the one in the Xie Mansion. At night, let alone you, even two could fit without a problem.” Her voice dropped even lower. “I even secretly tested it. I climbed onto the bed and rolled around a few times. Not a single creak.”
His young wife truly had a way of striking right at his weak spot, precise and effective. Suddenly, he didn’t feel so resistant anymore.
Wasn’t it just thirty strings? Back when he dined at Zuixiang Pavilion, a single meal would cost at least a hundred taels. Now he found himself curious, just what kind of bed was it?
“Is it really that good?”
“Good or not, Husband will know once you see it for yourself.”
Two incense sticks later, his young wife brought him to the residence.
Aunt Qing opened the door and greeted him warmly, “Young Master,” inviting him in with great courtesy. “You and Miss can stay here without worry. My nephew won’t be returning for at least a year or two, so there’s no rush with the rent. Paying every three or five months will do.”
Xie Shao had thought his wife was exaggerating, but the residence was indeed grand with four courtyards deep, with rockeries and trees surrounding it, everything complete. A place like this in the Eastern Capital, rented for thirty strings, was unquestionably a loss for the owner. He glanced at his wife suspiciously. “Your maidservant must be wealthier than us now. Why is she still doing this kind of servant work?”
“The house isn’t hers,” Wen Shuse sighed. “Aunt Qing has had a hard life. She was cast out by her family for being a girl and left to fend for herself. Now her family has suffered misfortune, leaving only one nephew. He has to leave for a while, and with no one to look after the property, he didn’t trust others, so he thought of Aunt Qing. Husband, you must work hard and earn money in the future. Let’s not delay the rent for too long. I don’t want Aunt Qing to be put in a difficult position…”
She had just placed a burden on his shoulders, only to immediately soften it with a touch of sweetness. “Husband, let me show you our room.”
The young lady tugged at his sleeve and pulled him toward the innermost courtyard.
The crabapple and magnolia trees in the yard had just passed their blooming season. Their branches and leaves were lush and full, the green foliage shielding them from the harsh sun above. Under the gentle breeze, shifting patterns of light and shadow swayed at their feet. The faint chirping of summer cicadas filled the air, bringing with it a tranquil sense of midsummer.
The layout of the residence differed from that of the Xie Mansion, which was less ostentatious, yet more leisurely and at ease.
Pushing open the door, the tall windows on all sides stood open. A breeze flowed in through the bamboo-lined corridors on either side, rushing into the room with a refreshing coolness that instantly lifted the spirit.
The young lady led him straight into the inner room. Lifting the beaded curtain, there was no screen inside, and at a glance, he saw the large bed to the right.
She hadn’t lied. The bed was indeed wide, and the bedding had already been laid out.
A pale blue canopy hung above, tied back with golden hooks, revealing a snow-white brocade quilt embroidered with mandarin ducks in colored thread. Two matching pillows were neatly placed side by side, looking soft and inviting at a glance.
After more than ten days of hardship and sleeping rough, just because he hadn’t complained didn’t mean he had forgotten the comforts of fine living.
His former reputation as a wastrel in days past had not been undeserved.
Having gone through bankruptcy, left with nothing, sleeping in forests and on straw beds… to see such softness and warmth again felt almost like a dream. His mind was already a little dazed, and yet his wife walked over and plopped herself down into the soft bedding. Patting the spot beside her, she said enticingly, “Husband, it’s really soft, won’t you come sit for a bit?”
It was hard to refuse such an invitation. Sitting down once wouldn’t hurt. After all, it cost thirty strings.
He walked over and sat beside her with deliberate care. The moment he did, he felt himself sink slightly, the softness he had imagined traveling from beneath him straight up his spine.
Who would want to move after that?
But that was not all. The young lady continued coaxing him, “Husband, why not lie down and try it? It’s even more comfortable.”
Xie Shao turned to look at her.
His young lady’s eager gaze reminded him of street vendors calling out, “Sir, have a taste. If it’s not sweet, you don’t pay…”
His eyes dropped unconsciously to his own robe. After fleeing in haste, he had only these two sets to wear back and forth. It wasn’t just his young lady who looked down on her luck, he did as well.
Though he washed them clean every day, they were still worn, and the contrast with the brand-new silk beneath was far too stark.
Sensing his hesitation, the young lady immediately understood. Without waiting for him to speak, she rose and went to the door, calling to Minzhang, who stood under the corridor,
“Go prepare some hot water. Your master needs a bath.”
Her father had once said: If you want to win someone over, you must strike while the iron is hot. Completely daze them in one go. Otherwise, once they come to their senses, all your earlier efforts will be wasted.
Back at the Xie Mansion, she had seen with her own eyes how much he adored that large bed. She had even asked Aunt Qing to arrange this one to match it.
As long as he lay down, she was certain he wouldn’t want to get up again.
With her heart set on luring him onto the bed, she returned to the room and stepped forward, reaching to undo the sash at his waist. Her movements were smooth and practiced, nothing like her earlier clumsiness that morning.
Xie Shao had still been hesitating. Sitting for a moment was one thing, but to lie down the moment he entered the room, what kind of propriety was that?
Yet he had underestimated her enthusiasm. Before he could even react, his sash was already in her hands, his robe loosening around him. He stared at her in astonishment. “My wife removes a man’s clothes quite swiftly.”
Wen Shuse herself seemed a little surprised.
She was certain this was her first time undressing a man, yet even she was surprised at her own natural ease. Accepting his remark, she said, “I might just be good at this. From now on, Husband’s clothes can be my responsibility.”
It really wasn’t easy for her. She had even resorted to a beauty’s ploy.
Yet the feeling didn’t seem bad at all. To be so deliberately enticed by his young lady, suddenly, those thirty strings felt even more worthwhile. “Then I shall leave it to Wife to make the most of your talent.”
Undressing was hardly difficult.
Wen Shuse agreed readily, rising onto her toes to reach the buttons at his collar. With a deft press of her thumb, the fastening slipped loose, and she swiftly pulled off his outer robe.
Summer garments were thin. Once the round-collared robe was removed, only his inner garment remained.
He had expected her to hesitate at least a little, but the young lady seemed almost impatient. Her hand reached toward the front of his inner robe, and Xie Shao instinctively tilted his head back.
Her hand fell short. She looked at him, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”
“Are you sure you want to continue?” he asked, afraid she might misunderstand. “There’s nothing left underneath.”
Wen Shuse nodded.
Of course, she knew. Wasn’t that how inner garments worked? She had worn his the previous night. He should hurry up and stop dawdling. Once he finished bathing and lay down on that bed, he would understand just how worthwhile those thirty strings truly were.
Her hand reached for him again. Seeing how suddenly bold she had become, Xie Shao found himself the one hesitating. He had been out all day, and in the summer heat, a thin layer of sweat already clung to his body.
Since their marriage, aside from hands and faces, neither had seen the other’s body. As it was their first time, he was determined to leave her with a good impression.
Gently, he pushed her hand away. “Wife, perhaps keep your talents in reserve for now. There will be plenty of chances to use them in the future.”
—
Hearing the sound of splashing water from inside, Wen Shuse didn’t hesitate. She went out and had Aunt Qing prepare the red seal.
The moment he stepped out of the bath chamber, she hurried forward, eagerly taking the towel from his hands to dry his hair, bustling about as she attended to him and guided him onto the bed to lie down.
Seeing him close his eyes, she leaned closer and asked, “Husband, how does it feel?”
“Mmm.”
Watching him lie there motionless for quite a while, Wen Shuse knew he wasn’t getting up anytime soon. Now, she showed her considerate side. “I know Husband has worked hard, and earning money isn’t easy. It’s alright. If you think it’s too expensive, since we’re all acquainted, we can always return it.”
What nonsense. At this point, could he even get up?
Finally, he understood those who fell into debt and were hunted down for it.
They would rather spend their very lives than stop borrowing. Did they not know how high the interest rates were? Of course they did. But the temptation was simply too great to resist.
As if resigning himself to fate, he opened his eyes and asked his young lady, “I don’t have thirty strings, but can I pay ten taels first?”
The young lady nodded at once. “Of course. There’s no rush, Husband. Money can be settled slowly.”
She turned and took out the lease, handing it over along with the red seal. “Husband only needs to press his thumbprint.”
Just earlier, his will had been so firm. He had sworn to lock up his purse and never let this spendthrift wife drain him dry. Yet in less than half an hour, he was once again penniless and even burdened with debt, willingly signing what felt like a contract selling himself.
Wen Shuse carefully put the lease away, not forgetting to take out a handkerchief and wipe his thumb clean. “If Husband is tired, you can rest for a while.”
Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly heard him speak from behind, “The bed is indeed soft. Why don’t you lie down and try it as well?”
“I slept quite well this morning. I’m not tired…”
“Were the blankets sun-dried? They smell faintly of sunshine,” he said. Seeing her glance over, her resolve clearly wavering, he tilted his head and continued, “There’s still a bucket of water inside. My lady, please go ahead.”
When she remained standing there, unmoving, he added one more incentive, “Take a nap now, and tonight I’ll take you to the night market.”
Ever since the bed had been made, she hadn’t actually lain on it once.
Wen Shuse’s eyes stilled for a moment. Fine, then.
She turned her head and glanced outside at the blazing white sun. The sky no longer seemed so early. She should be able to fall asleep.
Ever since leaving Fengcheng, she hadn’t had a single comfortable day. Now that she had finally moved into a large residence, who wouldn’t want to lie on a large bed, embrace soft, fragrant bedding, and stretch out their limbs…
She hurried off to the bath chamber. After washing, she came out wearing Master Wen’s loose robe. Seeing that her husband on the bed had already closed his eyes, she assumed he was asleep and carefully climbed in from the foot of the bed.
At last, she lay down, slowly stretching out her arms and legs in comfort.
A cool breeze drifted in through the open windows, not hot at all. She pulled a bit of the quilt over her chest, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath near its edge.
This was what life should feel like.
If her husband still wanted to keep struggling and enduring hardship, he could do as he pleased. As for her, she had no intention of suffering alongside him anymore.
Just as she was about to turn over, she opened her eyes and, from the corner of her vision, saw a pair of eyes beside her staring intently at her. Startled, Wen Shuse quickly turned her head.
“Husband, you’re not asleep?”
“You woke me up,” Xie Shao said, one arm tucked behind his head as he took the chance to shift slightly closer inward.
Wen Shuse looked at him apologetically. “I was already being as quiet as possible.”
“Mmm. I’m a light sleeper. Once I’m woken, it’s hard to fall asleep again.” He turned his head to look at her. “And you? You slept so long this morning. Can you still sleep now?”
Wen Shuse’s expression froze for a moment. Wasn’t he the one who had invited her up? Sensing him move closer, she shifted inward a little as well. “I should be able to… if I try.”
“I can’t fall asleep.”
“Huh?”
Now that she had stepped right into his wolf’s den, what was the point of pretending to be an innocent little rabbit? Besides, she had been the one to provoke him first. Xie Shao slowly turned onto his side, his gaze deepening as he looked at his wife before him with disarming directness. “Second Wen, isn’t there something we still haven’t done?”
After everything they had gone through together, life and death, his feelings for her had long since become clear. In this lifetime, he wanted to grow old together with this young lady before him.
And he could feel that she cared for him as well.
Though their beginning had not been a happy one, now that their feelings were mutual, everything seemed to fall naturally into place.
For now, they had escaped danger, and the Xie family would not face immediate disaster. Originally, he had intended to wait until they returned to the Xie Mansion in Fengcheng, back to the bed of their wedding night, before taking that step.
But today… the timing was simply too perfect.
Bright sunlight filled the courtyard outside, a gentle breeze brushed against them, a grand residence, a large bed, a man and a woman alone, undisturbed…
Heaven, earth, and harmony aligned. Better to seize the moment than wait for another day.
As he turned toward her, Wen Shuse’s gaze naturally fell upon his chest. After his bath, the collar of his inner robe hung loosely open, revealing a broad expanse of skin. The room was brightly lit, every detail clear to see. Her eyes paused, and she hadn’t heard a word he had said.
In surprise, she blurted out, “Oh? Why is Husband fairer than the others?”
Xie Shao was taken aback. As the meaning of her words sank in, every thought in his mind scattered instantly, and his expression froze. “Whose else have you seen?”
“My elder brother.”
Xie Shao’s gaze darkened.
Wen Huai was a grown man, why would he bare his chest in front of his own sister? Did he not understand propriety between men and women? Before Xie Shao could even catch his breath, the young lady added, “…and Pei Qing.”
Then she went on, praising him, “Husband is fairer than both of them.”
The compliment brought him no joy whatsoever. That his own wife, at first glance, noticed not him but compared him to others. It was thoroughly disheartening.
All at once, his spirit deflated. He turned over and lay flat on his back. “Wife’s eyes truly have not been idle.”
His reaction was far too obvious. The young lady sensed something was wrong and hurried to explain, “Actually, I… I only glanced once. I didn’t look very closely…”
The moment she finished speaking, he turned his head back toward her, his expression dark as he stared at her. “You still wanted to look more closely?”
Wen Shuse quickly shook her head. “No, I won’t look anymore. I won’t look at anyone.”
Seeing his expression remain stiff, she realized she had said the wrong thing again. Then it dawned on her. “If I look, I’ll only look at my husband.”
Xie Shao said nothing more. He withdrew his gaze and lay there stiffly. “Then go ahead, Wife. No need to hold back.”
“What kind of talk is that, Husband? How could a young lady like me take the initiative to undress someone…”
Before she could finish, her husband beside her moved first. He tugged at the sash at his waist, loosened his upper garment, and raised his arm again to rest behind his head. “Wife, please help yourself.”
He really was very fair.
The light from outside the window fell just right across his chest. His snow-white inner garment seemed to glow faintly, and beneath it, his skin looked smooth and luminous, almost as if brushed with honey. Firm, too… the lines of his muscles faintly visible.
And lower still…
Though it was just a chest, the way it was half-hidden and half-revealed made it all the more suggestive.
Her heart suddenly began to pound, faster and faster. See no evil. Unable to bear it any longer, she stepped forward and hastily pulled his collar closed. “I’ve seen enough. Husband should put your clothes back on. This isn’t proper.”
“Not satisfied?”
Wen Shuse nodded. “Satisfied.”
“Does it look good?”
“Very good.” In truth, she hadn’t seen much at all. Afraid he might take things further, she used both hands and leaned over him, pressing his collar firmly shut. “Husband is exceptionally handsome. Whether it’s your face or your figure, both are better than my brother’s and Pei Qing’s.”
Seeing him only stare at her in silence, Wen Shuse blinked in confusion. “Husband doesn’t believe me?”
“I believe you.” Xie Shao’s throat moved with a light swallow, his voice turning a little hoarse. “Wife… take your hand away first.”
Her hand…
Where was her hand?
A sudden rise and fall pulsed beneath her palm. Wen Shuse quickly realized that what she was touching was no fabric. It felt smooth, yet burning hot.
And in her palm was something unmistakable, neither quite soft nor fully hard.
It was like a thunderbolt striking from the heavens. She froze in place, suddenly afraid to move, her face flushing from her neck all the way to her ears. Yet her actions remained astonishingly calm.
Her father had once said that no matter what happens, never panic.
The more one panics, the more likely things are to go wrong. Only by remaining as still as water could one mislead the other party, concealing one’s true thoughts.
Calmly, she withdrew her hand, straightened his collar, and lifted her eyes to meet his deep, unreadable gaze. His features were refined. He really was handsome. Curling her lips into a smile, she leaned down and lightly pecked his lips. Then…
With lightning speed, she flipped herself off the bed.
Xie Shao’s eyelid twitched. His arm shot out instantly to grab her, but he caught nothing but air.
Was she some kind of slippery eel?
Stumbling to her feet, she retreated to a safe distance before the young lady finally let the proper panic show on her face. “Husband, I didn’t mean to touch you. You have to believe me.”
Xie Shao had been thoroughly stirred by her teasing, a fire raging within him. Forcing himself to suppress it, he smiled at her. “Second Wen, come here.”
That smile, skin-deep and not reaching his eyes, looked as if he might swallow her whole. She was no fool.
Wen Shuse shook her head. “I won’t go over. Husband should rest by yourself for a while. If you still want to visit the night market later, I’m perfectly fine. I have plenty of energy.”
Carefully stepping back another two paces, she grabbed the clothes from the wooden table.
“Husband, have a good rest. I won’t disturb you any further.”
She turned and bolted, faster than a startled rabbit.
Bang!
With the door slamming shut, the room fell completely silent.
Xie Shao stared at the beaded curtain still swaying before him. Sitting half-upright on the bed, he remained frozen for a long moment before finally coming back to his senses.
After all that effort, casting such a wide net, not even a single shrimp had been caught. In the empty room, only the lease stamped with a red thumbprint lay on the table.
—
Knowing that his master and the Third Young Madam were resting, Minzhang did not dare disturb them. After bringing the hot water, he waited outside in the corridor.
Suddenly hearing footsteps, he turned his head only to see his master approaching with a dark expression. Without preamble, Xie Shao demanded, “Did you ask about the manuscript-copying work?”
Min Zhang nodded. “I did, but I don’t think you can take that job, Master.”
“Why not?”
“To get hired, you first have to write sixty to seventy thousand characters for the shop for free. Only if the people above are satisfied will they employ you.”
“Sixty to seventy thousand?” Xie Shao froze, then said indignantly, “Isn’t that exploitation?”
Minzhang said nothing.
People from all over flocked to the Eastern Capital, but establishing oneself here was no easy task.
The Great Feng Empire lacked nothing in scholars and men of letters.
The copying trade was already saturated. Why should his young master insist on competing with others for the same livelihood? From his sleeve, he took out a sheet of fine paper. “However, Master, you still have this.”
Xie Shao glanced at it.
He recognized it immediately. It was the official document that Jing Wang had given him the day before.
“The Third Young Master was originally a Military Affairs Advisor in Wangye Mansion. Now that he has come to the Eastern Capital, that post is no longer applicable. However, I have already petitioned His Majesty for a new letter of appointment. With this document, the Third Young Master may claim an official position at any time.”