DTBCF Chapter 5

Xiao Shi excused herself, saying that her mistress wasn’t feeling well and had fallen asleep. The maids didn’t check closely and left for the next location.

However, less than half an hour later, someone came to call Bai Xiangxiu, summoning her to the front courtyard, as it was said the Old Madam and the Prince had something to discuss.

Bai Xiangxiu was shaken awake by Xiao Shi. Half-asleep, she hastily dressed and asked in confusion, “What could they want with me so late?”

In a quiet voice, Xiao Shi replied, “It seems someone’s in trouble, though I’m not too sure. You’ll find out when you get there.”

The thought of seeing the male lead made Bai Xiangxiu feel uneasy, but there was no avoiding it. An “ugly wife” still has to face her in-laws eventually.

Living under the same roof, she couldn’t avoid seeing him.

She wasn’t worried about getting entangled with the male lead, as he was known for his extreme pride. Ever since a certain woman fled their wedding, he had been entirely focused on her, ignoring the other women in his household. She didn’t expect him to even spare her a glance.

She was a little curious, though. When she had read the novel, she liked the male lead enough to continue reading. Now, seeing him in person as an outsider wasn’t such a bad thing.

With that thought in mind, she asked Xiao Shi to dress her up as usual, and, supported by her, slowly made her way to the front hall.

The front hall was the back courtyard’s front hall, where the Old Madam conducted household affairs.

Though they were considered concubines, their status hadn’t been fully established yet. The male master had only just returned from the battlefield, and they had recently moved to a new home. As a result, their treatment hadn’t been formalized yet.

Each concubine was only assigned one senior maid and one junior maid. Unfortunately, since Bai Xiangxiu had arrived recently, her junior maid hadn’t yet been assigned.

As for riding in a sedan chair, only the Old Madam had that privilege. The concubines had to walk everywhere.

While walking, Bai Xiangxiu couldn’t help but admire the beautiful surroundings, marveling at the ancient gardens, which were far more exquisite than anything in modern times.

She had always worked in this field, so it was hard for her not to be captivated by the scenery, slowing her pace as a result.

Worried, Xiao Shi hurried after her, urging, “Madam, the Old Madam summoned everyone. We can’t be late! Please hurry up.”

Bai Xiangxiu had no choice but to comply, lifting her long skirt and quickening her steps. Unfortunately, the skirt was too long, making it difficult to walk.

Xiao Shi, sweating with concern, quickly said, “Please put your skirt down. This looks so improper!” She had noticed that her mistress had become much more carefree lately, and as a result, Xiao Shi had relaxed her speech as well.

Bai Xiangxiu frowned slightly and complained, “How am I supposed to walk fast and look elegant at the same time? Why don’t they just attach wheels to our feet? That way, we could walk quickly without lifting our skirts.”

“Madam, you’re saying strange things again! What use would wheels on people’s feet be?” Xiao Shi clung to her, fearing she might trip over her skirt again. It wasn’t the first time she had stumbled in the past few days, always because of the long skirts.

“Ow…” Bai Xiangxiu nearly tripped again, but Xiao Shi managed to catch her.

Fuming, Bai Xiangxiu grumbled, “Whoever invented these floor-length skirts should be dragged out and whipped a hundred times over the dead bodies!”

These skirts were death traps! If it weren’t for Xiao Shi catching her, she would’ve been flat on the ground with bruises by now.

“Be careful with your words. I’ll support you. Let’s walk slowly,” Xiao Shi coaxed her unpredictable mistress, trying to get her to move along.

Bai Xiangxiu sighed helplessly. Adapting to the customs here was such a frustrating ordeal.

As they continued, they noticed a group of five people emerging from the pavilion nearby, two masters and three servants.

With a fan covering his face and a smile in his eyes, Song Jiaoyue teased, “As expected of a woman from the Fierce King’s household—so… violent.” A hundred lashes to a dead body? Judging by her appearance, she could hardly walk without gasping for breath. How could she even lift a whip?

Li Wang, Long Heng, remained cold and expressionless. Despite his striking looks, his imposing aura and fierce demeanor were impossible to hide.

Hearing Song Jiaoyue’s comment, he replied, “I let you witness something embarrassing.” Though the two were friends, the scene had bruised his male pride a bit.

Still, it was baffling. Who would have thought a woman from the inner courtyard would threaten to whip a corpse? With a raised brow, he asked his servant, “Which courtyard is she from?”

“She’s Lady Xiu from the Winter Garden, from a scholarly family,” the servant replied, puzzled. Wasn’t it odd for a lady from such a refined background to talk about whipping corpses?

Long Heng said no more, gesturing politely, “I have matters at home, so please feel free to rest at the Elegant Pavilion, Brother.”

“Of course, but today’s wine will be on you,” Song Jiaoyue replied. The two of them were legendary figures, one excelling in martial prowess, the other in literature. Their friendship made formalities unnecessary.

Long Heng nodded, then sent someone to accompany Song Jiaoyue before heading to the front hall.

By the time he arrived, most of the people were already gathered. He glanced briefly at the woman who had nearly tripped earlier and saw her head lowered so far she almost touched the ground. She was acting all obedient and proper now.

If he hadn’t just seen her behaving so boldly, he might’ve been fooled. Still, her beauty was undeniable. Even in a courtyard full of attractive women, none could surpass her.

A woman like her was dangerous. Having read countless historical accounts, Long Heng knew all too well what that meant.

He shifted his gaze and greeted the Old Madam, “Mother.” Then he sat beside her, casting a cold look at the trembling girl kneeling in the center.

Bai Xiangxiu had no idea what was happening, but she took the chance to sneak a glance at the male lead.

Wow!

He was a deluxe male lead: sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and a stern expression. His black brocade robe fit his tall, strong frame perfectly. Though handsome, there wasn’t a hint of softness about him. His whole demeanor screamed military man—cool and intimidating.

Too bad he was way too cold and intense. Feeling timid, she didn’t dare look for long.

She then shifted her gaze to the Old Madam beside him. Despite being in her forties, she still carried an air of aloof elegance.

Mother and son sitting together looked like two icebergs, radiating coldness. Bai Xiangxiu shivered and quickly lowered her head, pretending to count ants on the ground.

Sure, the male lead was amazing—cool, handsome, and with a protagonist’s halo—but she wasn’t about to get involved. She didn’t want to end up beaten to death!

Just as she was thinking this, the Old Madam’s maid spoke up, “I believe everyone is familiar with the girl kneeling here, Xi’er. She had always been well-behaved while serving the Old Madam, which is why she was assigned to the Prince. Who would have thought that this wretch would dare harbor improper thoughts towards him, tampering with his incense? Who is the Prince? He’s survived life and death on the battlefield. Did she think such a petty trick would fool him?”

“Old Madam, Prince, I’ll never do it again! Please, have mercy!” Xi’er pleaded.

Xi’er had fallen for the Fierce King, like many others. Who wouldn’t be tempted by such a man?

She had discreetly tampered with his incense, hoping that if they became intimate in front of the other women, he would take her as a favorite. But she was caught immediately and sent to the Old Madam.

She thought such matters would be dealt with discreetly, but to her horror, the Old Madam was handling it publicly. Realizing her doom, she could do nothing but kneel and beg, her head hitting the ground so hard it began to bleed.