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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 11: A Beautiful Person, A Mystery
CH 11: A BEAUTIFUL PERSON, A MYSTERY
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Following the introduction and history of the villages, we took a trip to examine the village's conditions. In order to reason with the Yuan family, I had Xiu Ning tell Madam and Master Yuan that I am paying pardons for my unfortunate deeds in a temple. They seem to be satisfied at the fact that I am asking for forgiveness and saving the Yuan household's face.
One thing I am fine with is the fact that Madam and Master Yuan can care less about Yuan Zi Yan's whereabouts. That is convenient and easygoing!
The village is a few miles from the city; we rode a carriage, with a horse dragging it. Although sunny, Li ShiZhen remains outside walking because he would like to examine the native plants during the trip. Xiu Ying insists to stay beside me, so I brought her along.
Of course, she isn't used to this surrounding either. It is improper for a servant to rest inside the carriage so I couldn't bring Xiu Ying in the carriage with me.
I wish I could because I am now stuck with the devil, Xu Kai.
He insisted that we should minimize the amount of people because he don't want to receive a lot of attention. He only allowed Xiu Ying to tag along because otherwise, I will be the only female traveling with three other males, including the soldier who is riding the horse. That would kill my reputation, indeed.
But what if we do encounter danger?! Will two men be able to defend us four? I doubt Li ShiZen, with his flimsy arms, can do anything of use. I mean, I had done some research on sword fighting and self-defense while writing my novels.Perhaps that may be of use?
Silence prevails in the carriage.
Some time has passed. When I glance out the miniature window, the daylight is still present.If only I had a clock.
While my eyes dawdle around, I spot that the Co-Commander is resting his eyes. He sits a few feet away, in front of me. His hands are crossed together, with the specialized sword for brocade-clad guards on his right.
He is more beautiful when he is tranquil, that I can assure. A narrow facial shape with dark and long lashes paired up with a well-defined jaw. His full and symmetrical lip matches his protruding cheekbones.
Such a beautiful person, is someone I would entitle as the main character of a novel.
I shake my head in dissatisfaction. If only I met him in the present!
Soon, a feeling of exhaustion overwhelms me and my eyes close shut as well. When I awoke, I realize that the Co-Commander's eyes were on me. I jump in surprise, "Y-Yes, Sir Xu?"
He condescendingly sneers and fixates his glance at the carriage exit, "Nothing of concern."
How rude!
The rural village is quite different from the city. There are more impoverished areas, more people who are left to starve to death, more women and children who beg for food.
I sigh.I am grateful that I haven't had to suffer from malnutrition and poverty as much as them. Poor villagers. How can I help—
The sight of water plants and the plantation crops linger in my head as we pass by them.
Li ShiZhen brings us to the well the village uses and comments, "What's strange is that there aren't significant health problems, but there are exponential cases of skin burn, itching and drying of the skin, as well as upset stomachs. Some insinuates the problem is the food; some say it's the water supply. Through careful examination, it seems the food and water supply has been normal. Well, apart from the fact that the water tastes unpleasant than usual."
In Xu Kai's hands is a purple hydrangea; he twirls and observes the plant. "A few years ago, the hydrangea used to possess a purple color. Now they say an overwhelming amount of them are a blend of pink."
When I heard about the water supply being unpleasant, the cases of skin burns, and the shift in hydrangea color, something came into my mind.
Bingo! Why haven't I thought of that earlier?
That's the breaking
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 12: A Powerful Person, Stay the Night
CH 12: A POWERFUL PERSON, STAY THE NIGHT
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"Take a look at this." Li Shi Zhen hands me a catalog with ancient Chinese words I cannot comprehend.
"I cannot read-" I pause before continue, "I don't favor reading. I usually meticulously observe my evidences." I subconsciously laugh to express my incongruous emotions.
Xu Kai's eyes are shooting daggers in my direction, yikes!
That was close. Almost got caught!
I lift a bucket of water from the well and speculate: "In a German town, a municipal water plant accidentally increased the water's pH to 12. The pH measures the potential of Hydrogen within the water. I find it coincidental that these hydrangeas are turning from purple, which indicates a neutral pH, to pink, a high pH."
"What is a German town? And you mentioned the coincidental pH. Is that concerning?" asks Li Shi Zhen.
"Depends. The villagers must have used the imported water supply to saturate their plants. Hydrangeas can survive in both acidic and basic water. Like the hydrangeas, there were reactions amongst the citizens: skin burns. Alkaline water must be behind this," I confirm.
Co-Commander Xu nods, "Miss Yuan, you're thinking what I am thinking, right?"
Did he just call me by my name?
I shake off the emotional thoughts and nod, "Yes, Sir Xu. If I am not mistaken, the villagers are importing water that has been contaminated."
Co-Commander Xu expresses his disappointment: "The villagers export their crops in expense for water that has come to harm them. The sellers must have figured this, but still continued to exchange this water supply. This must have been a powerful person's work of art."
"In the lab, when rat pups were fed alkaline water, their growth was impaired and their cardiac muscles suffered damage. There weren't direct evidence to suggest dangerous health risks, but this is enough to deem the cause," I try to add more empirical evidence but that's all I can recall.
They all fix their gazes on me. Li ShiZhen's mouth is wide open and a fly almost flies in there.
Xiu Ying whispers to me, "Miss, where did you learn all of this? Xiu Ying doesn't remember you even lifting a book regarding clean or dirty water."
I chuckle with hesitation, "I was studying on the bedside before I sleep, that's why."
Li ShiZhen claps his hand, "Indeed, Miss Yuan. That is impressive. You were spurting out information that even I, do not have knowledge of," he says as he takes notes in his book. "I could not have known you have such capabilities internally had I only seen you externally."
"Excuse you, Scholar Li. You cannot judge someone merely by his or her appearance." After saying that, I look towards the Co-Commander for his assurance. "Right, Sir Xu?"
Wait, his assurance? Why do I need his word of honor?
His brows raise and he utters while staring me in the eye, "Yes. Truly."
I feel the heat rise within me.
Kid me not. I am actually enjoying his affirmation? Get away, feelings. Shoo!
He looks away, resting his gaze to the bucket of well water, "If what you say is correct, then I assume it's a man made cause." He sighs, "Unfortunately, we still have to rest the night here."
I look at the sky; the sun is setting. I hadn't keep count of the time since I was occupied with solving the mystery. We soon arrive back to the horse carriage and the forest-like area.
"Shall we set up a fire outside?" Li Shi Zhen asks with exuberance.
Ah, yes. I remember camping in middle school. Quite fun, if you ask me.
Xiu Ying gasps, "Our Elder Miss cannot spend the night out in this forest. We need a place to rest! Am I corr-"
I am picking up branches from the floor. What should we have for dinner?
Did Xiu Ying say something?
"What did you say, Xiu Ying?" I question, smiling in anticipation.
Xiu Ying sighs, "Never mind Xiu Ying, Elder Miss. We'll spend the night here." She wanders to Li Shi Zhen and mutter, "I guess I'll help you set up the tent, Scholar Li."
Li Shi Zhen laughs at Xiu Ying, "Not even your Miss complains and yet you do? How pitiful!"
Xiu Ying slaps Li Shi Zhen by the arm, "Am not. Why don't you look at your face? It's smothered with dirt."
I smile, seeing their comforting presence.
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 13: The Peach Flower Hairpin, A Song
CH 13: THE PEACH FLOWER HAIRPIN, A SONG
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We had our dinner by sharing a wild rooster. Li Shi Zhen said that he caught it in the wild, but by the looks of it, it was Sir Xu who hunted the rooster.
All of the tents as well as the bonfire is set up now.
Xiu Ying insists on preparing the sleeping tent as comfortable as possible for me while Li Shi Zhen is inside his and Xu Kai's tent, writing about the native plants in his book. Co-Commander Xu is sitting near the bonfire, looking at something. The other embroidered uniform guard is feeding and tendering the horse.
Tranquility and serenity fills the air, apart from the crickets chirping and the fire chomping up the wood.
I sit in opposition to him on a log of wood. He is gazing intensively at a peach flower hairpin; it's as if it is absorbing all of his attention.
I bring my arms up as fists and rest my head on them. The heat from the bonfire flows up to warm my face. "Does that belong to someone fairly important to you?" I ask him curiously.
He looks out into the distance, "Yes." He pauses for a moment. "Someone who gave me a meaning to life." The tone of his voice haunts me until the end.
I nod while slowly saying "Oh.." I look down to the ground and respond, "A lady, huh? How lucky."
He has lifeless eyes on his smiling face, "Yes. She was the most beautiful lady I've ever seen."
Was?
I felt my eyes tear up. Such unconditional love. His smile is so joyous yet melancholic. His lover must have past away.
What the heck, man. Why you gotta shift to a sullen mood? Why am I such a crybaby?
I wipe the tears from my eyes, sniffling thereafter.
"Why are you crying?" He inquires with eager, putting the peach flower hairpin back into his pockets. His attention sets on me, as I attempt to avoid eye contact with him.
I deny his insinuation, "I am not crying. There is dust in my eye. The wind is rising." Rubbing my eyes, I fake as if there are dust in there.
"There is no wind and you are sniffling."
Exposed.
I thought of a pitiful lie, "Well, that reminds me of a song my mother used to sing to me."
"A song?" His brows raise, indicating his interest. He contemptuously sneers like always, "Sing it."
I laugh miserably due to the known fact that I can barely sing, "S-Sir Xu, I don't think it's fitting for me to.."
At this point, I just wish to momentarily depart and seek permanent alienation from this situation.
"Sing," he commands with patience.
I thought: Chronicles of the Hundred Flowers Grave.
Defeated, I concur to his request. I respond to his relentless eyes by sighing helplessly before I continue:
Choking in sorrow as death would do us apart, alas how can we be parted?
At life's end and eyes clouded by tears, I bestow an ode of hatred.
For now, I rest my head to my sleeves as it wipes the tears away.
May all that I have in life be vested in my lord for eternity.
By the time I sang my final sentence, I glance in the direction of Sir Xu. Dropping to my knees, with great severity, I secure my eyes on his beauty. He has his head resting against his arm, from which he held into a fist. His eyes are closed shut.
Seriously?
Was my singing so boring that he fell asleep?
I shake my head and choke out a snicker, "Oh, well." My eyes rest on his masculine yet delicate features.
It's as if he's a little child and his mother had just sung him a lullaby.
When Xiu Ying finished with prepping my tent, I return to my tent to rest. It took a while for me to sleep because I realize that I didn't shower and that I smell like sweat.
Come to think of it, I am surprised that the bristle toothbrush is already invented during the Ming Dynasty.
Welp. Gotta expect the
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 14: Invasive Attack, Near Death
CH 14: INVASIVE ATTACK, NEAR DEATH
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When everything seemed quiet and everyone seems to have fallen asleep, I sought to finally join too.
After some time, I hear ruffles and the shuffling sound of bushes. My eyes immediately open and the sound of swords clashing surprise me, causing me to stand up.
"Miss, do you hear that?" I nod, telling Xiu Ying to grab a weapon of some sort. I feel my heart pounding as I lift up a big stick I grabbed earlier.
"Miss Yuan!" It was Li Shi Zhen's voice. "Exit out of the tent!"
Xiu Ying and I quickly exit the exit, seeing that the other tents are burned and there were more than twenty masked invaders surrounding us.
Li Shi Zhen, Xu Kai, and the other embroidered uniform guard was surrounding the tent, ensuring our safety.
Xu Kai commands, "Stay close to me."
I nod and run behind him. All the invaders begin to attack one by one, sometimes three on one. Xiu Ying and I are in the outlook for potential holes in which we can be attacked.
I watch as Co-Commander Xu Kai defeat four invaders at the same time. "Indeed!" I feel like a weakling, of course, but I've never encounter such attack so I'll just stay out.
"Ah!" Someone grabs Xiu Ying by her hair, as I see from my right. I quickly grab my stick and hit him in the head from behind. He faints and lets Xiu Ying go.
"Are you alright, Xiu Ying?" I ask her as I bring her closer to where Co-Commander Xu told us to stay put.
By the time there was only ten invaders left, I pat myself on the chest for relief. Surprisingly, Li Shi Zhen is actually contributing. I didn't know he had that in him.
My gaze is on Co-Commander Xu again. Someone grabs him on the sleeves and something flew out from his pocket— the peach flower hairpin! It's covered by a black cloth to preserve its features. It is on the ground, several feet away from me. No one notices it.. perhaps I can go and retrieve it?
It is invaluable to Sir Xu.. I-
Attempting to snatch it first, I race out of the sheltered area. Another invader some distance away sees the item, thinking it holds significant value. He races to obtain it too.
Are you kidding me?!
"Elder Miss!" I could hear Xiu Ying yell.
"I got it!" I smile in relief, as I rest the hairpin in my pocket. But by the time I try to get up, I could see the invaders raise and slash his sword at me. Feeling my legs are wobbly, I cannot move. I am done for; I cannot possibly run away in time.
I could only face my fate.
Will this end my path back home?
PING!
I open my eyes. Sir Xu is in front of me, blocking the sword with his left arm while his right arm targeted another masked invader.
He quickly slashes both of them and glance over to his arm, which is bleeding. He bites his bottom lip and ties a piece of cloth to hold the blood.
"Are you alright, Elder Miss?" Xiu Ying quickly picks me up, patting my clothings and checking if I am hurt anywhere.
"Miss Yuan, why did you run out of the circle?" He grunts, glaring at me.
I open my hands up, which possess the black cloth. I open it up, revealing the peach flower hairpin. I express a wide and relieved smile across my face, "I retrieved it." I notice my hands are shaking and my teeth is chattering.
Darn my instincts to help others! I was almost killed. That was a near death experience.
"Sir Xu, are you alright? Your arm is bleeding." Blood is soaking the cloth. I question his lie.
His eyes soften. "It's a small cut. I can deal with it."
"Sir," the embroidered uniform guard approaches the Co-Commander. "Two of the left masked invaders have escaped."
Sir Xu raises his unarmed hand to signal and shakes his head, "Let them be. There's no use in chasing."
Li Shi Zhen runs back to us with a sword on his side, huffing. "Is everyone alright?"
Everyone nods.
Xu Kai stares at me with a confused expression, "You.. risked your life for this?"
I nod, letting out a nervous laughter. "Isn't it important to
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 15: A Light Touch, Farewell
CH 15: A LIGHT TOUCH, FAREWELL
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We stay on the low for the rest of the night in the rural village.
By the time it was morning, we hurry into another horse carriage and head back to the city through another route. It should be safer this way, as it is a secret route.. at least according to Co-Commander Xu Kai.
Inside the carriage is Xu Kai and me again, sitting silently. He stares at the wound on the side of my palm. Ah, my work of art when I harshly slammed the side of my palm past the cobble sand to rush to the hairpin.
It was wrapped by a cloth a few hours prior by Xiu Ying. She sincerely apologized for not helping me earlier but I forgave her. She would not have reacted fast enough anyways.
"Does it still hurt?" He asks me with a face of concern. He tilts his head to see my wound.
I shake my head and lift up my hand, twirling it around. "Nope. It's all good." Some blood bled through the cloth.
Ouch.
C'mon blood platelets. Do your job!
He pulls me by the arm and takes my hand.
"Ow, ow! That hurts!"
He curl his lips into a frown, "Stop forcing upon yourself." He unties the cloth and reveals the fresh wound.
I express a grunt in pain, looking in another direction. I observe that he takes a jade bottle out of his sleeve pocket and dabbles some of the powder on my hand.
"That is yours?" I question.
The medicine powder Xiu Ying applied for me earlier. I thought it was Li Shi Zhen's, since his specialty is medicine but I guess not.
"What do you think?" He interrogates me with a raise of the brows.
I guess he has a heart, overall.
I laugh silently, "Of course it belongs to Sir Xu. Jade bottle, very expensive."
He wraps my wound with a new cloth. A momentary silence persists again. And then I hear some giggles outside of the carriage. Was that Xiu Ying?
"Don't do reckless things next time," Sir Xu comments. I shift all my attention back to him again.
"Okay," I say as I nod silently while looking at Sir Xu. "Were you worried about me, Sir?"
"..."
"I presume not," I laugh to ease the awkwardness.
Why did I ask that when I know he won't say 'Yes'?
"You didn't even let me answer."
I stare back at him again.Hm?
"Call my name the next time something like this happens." His glance was at the carriage exit but now it's on me.
My heart races when I hear what he says. Am I really moved by this little fresh meat's comment? He looks like he is in his early twenties.
I would have been in my late twenties if I am still in the 21st century!
Wait, but then again, this body is about seventeen in age. I basically have the cognitive functions of a teen; that's right. That explains why I am so joyous right now. All the dopamine and endorphins are flowing in and out of this undeveloped brain.
"Hey! Leave him alone! His lover will haunt you with her ghost!" My superego tells me.
"Will do! Oh... And Sir, did the hairpin belong to your betrothed?"
His gaze rests somewhere else now. "No," He holds a frown again. "..My younger sister. Intrigued with creating hairpins, she left one for me to give to someone who is worth sentimental value."
"Ah," I nod and look out the miniature window again. Somehow, a sense of relief appear within me, knowing that it's not his lover's.
Please don't take this the wrong way, Xu Kai's sister. I don't mean any harm!
When the horse carriage arrive at the Yuan Manor, Xi Ning came out to welcome me back. Upon greeting Co-Commander Xu, Master and Madam Yuan return inside.
"Thank you for all your help, Miss Yuan. I prescribed you some formulas for blood circulation. I hope that will be of help. None of this is possible without you," announces Li Shi Zhen.
I smile, thanking him for his formula. "I wish you best of luck with the rest of the mission." My eyes turn to Co-Commander Xu, as if I am waiting for him to say something.
We exchange stares for a few seconds before he says, "Don't push your luck."
I scoff and roll my eyes, "Thank you for the tip. I'll make sure not to."
"Good," he whispers before his lips curl into a mini smirk. He walks towards me and reaches into his pockets to get something. It is the jade bottle. "Take care of yourself."
I smile and take the jade bottle from his hand, "You owe me this."
Soon, I wave my final farewell to them.It will be a while until I see them again.
You are reading the story
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 16: A Letter: Reminiscing You
CH 16: A LETTER: REMINISCING YOU
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I take a deep breath as I stare at the jade bottle.
Am I an idiot?
Why can't I stop thinking about him? Is this what the scientists mean when they say your brain is controlled by chemicals?
It must increased levels of Serotonin and Oxytocin, darn me.
I sigh again.
"Elder Miss, you have been sighing frequently," Xiu Ying speaks as she pours some camomile tea for me.
"Have I?" I look out the window; rain is sprinkling outside. The rain droplets fall on the leaves and gradually slip down to the ground. "I wonder how it's been for him."
He did say he will be under a mission in another province.
"For who?" Xiu Ying glances in the direction that I am looking at.
I puck my lips out and shake my head. I cross my arms on the table, laying my head on them.
Perhaps I can write him a thank you letter.
"Xiu Ying, bring me some ink, a piece of paper, and an envelope."
While she grounds the block of ink, I dip the brush in the liquid ink and begin to write.
I still remember some of the basic writings from the pedant. Good thing the Ming dynasty's writings are not remotely different from the current Chinese characters.
I drag the brush on the paper:
Initially, you were a pain in the as-
No. I pick up the paper and crumble it up. Too disparaging.
Hello, Sir Xu. How has it been? I am reminiscing you-
No. I crumble the paper up, setting it aside. Too upfront.
Thank you for the medicine bottle. I have used it all. I hope your arm has healed.
Completed! Simple and concise.
I sign my name on the bottom: Yuan Zi Yan. I take a rouge box, dip the brush in there, and sketch a pink hydrangea blossom next to my name. Bringing the letter to my face, I chuckle foolishly.
I print his name on the front of the envelope.Xu Kai.I fold the letter and squeeze it inside the envelope. I stop and think for a moment.
I chuckle foolishly again and kick my feet in embarrassment.
Seriously, what has gotten into me?
Xiu Ying expresses a broad smile, "Elder Miss, do you favor him now?"
"Favor him not." I exhibit a retroflex, "I just wanted to express my thanks to him. If not, I will become the ungrateful one."
Xiu Ying nods conspicuously, "Right, right."
"Sir Xu, you have a letter."
Xu Kai glances over to the letter and then at Wu Lan Jun, whose hands have the item. "Leave it there," he says.
The brocade clad guard places the letter on the wooden table, next to the stack of books, and takes his leave.
Xu Kai eyes rest on the letter, with his name written in fine writing. He slides the booklet in his hand onto the table and pick up the letter. Opening the letter, he meticulously reads it.
Upon reading the letter, Co-Commander Xu touches the pink hydrangea blossom with the tips of his fingers. He expresses a light smile.
He picks up a piece of paper and begins to scribble something down.
"Wu Lan Jun," Xu Kai beckons for the assistant brocade-clad guard, who immediately enters the tent.
"Yes, Sir."
"Send a box of my usual jade bottles for wounds and this letter to the written name and location."
"He what?"
"Sir Xu sent you a box of the jade medicine bottles. He left a letter for you as well." Xiu Ying gave me the items.
I stare at them in surprise. Well, that was unexpected. Why'd he send so much?
Don't tell me he misinterpreted my letter.. I didn't mean to ask for more powdered medications!
I open the letter, it reads:All is well.
All is well? That's it? I flip the paper to see if anything is written on the back. Nothing. Three words. I smack my forehead.
High hopes can ruin you, Yan Zi. At least he provided medicine powder for you.
I shake my head, "No!"
This isn't right. My initial purpose is not to get involved in these lovey doves things. It's to return back home.
I experience an epiphany that the longer this drags, the more difficult it is for me to return home. A sudden realization appear in my mind.
Li Shi Zhen's pill that can allow me to sleep for
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 17: A Scholar's Request, Receiving News
CH 17: A SCHOLAR'S REQUEST, RECEIVING NEWS
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"One gram?!" I unsatisfactorily cough out.
"Our Elder Miss almost died and you only give her one gram worth of the herb?" Xiu Ying shakes her head in disappointment.
If it isn't because I haven't heard of this ancient plant before, I would've searched for it myself!
"Well, you see.. this plant is extraordinarily rare. It blooms every five years. I found it near the mountains and was only able to preserve its leaves." I look at Li Shi Zhen, who wears a face of guilt. He seems to be hiding something.
"Okay, fine. One gram is better than no gram. Give it here." I open my hands to receive the grand prize.
"Hmm.." he ponders as he taps his chin. "How about this, you help me with another task and I help you find another one of this plant?"
"No way." I immediately deny the offer but reconsiders, "Is it life threatening this time?"
"Of course not. Miss Yuan, since you seem to have considerable knowledge of herbs, I'll have you help me with completing this book. All I need you to do is sketch a portion of the herbs, their treatment principles, contraindications, category, and dosage."
My mouth is wide open in shock. "So much?!"
I can barely write in ancient Chinese characters and yet he wants me to complete all of this?
"No, no, no. I'll pick three. Three or none."
Three simple ones that I know how to do. Numbers.. drawings..
Li Shi Zhen helplessly nods, "Fine. You pick."
"Sketching, category, and dosage."
"Deal."
The next few days, I spend day and night in the Manor drawing herbs, inputting the strengths of dosages, and writing the categories in which the herbs will be utilized.
I groan, "When will this be completed?" I stretch my arms in agony.
Xiu Ying massages my back, "Elder Miss. Xiu Ying doesn't understand why you have to obtain the herb that will grant sleep for eternity."
I smile, "To get back home, Xiu Ying. Although if I do explain it, you wouldn't understand." I rub my chin as if I have a beard. "It will be some time until I complete this for Li Shi Zhen.."
A few days later, I receive news that Xu Kai is back from a mission. He is, however, in a critical condition.
"Intense pain?! Stabbed in the chest with a poisonous sword?!" I exclaim to the unfortunate news, which wake me up from my half-thinking, half-dreaming self.
It hadn't even been two months since the incident and yet he found trouble himself!
And he told me to "not push my luck."
I shake my head from the thoughts and rise from my chair, trembling in my earthly shelter. "Where is he now?" I ask her anxiously, concerned with his situation.
"In Li Shi Zhen's Manor," answer Xiu Ying. "Are you going to visit him? What about the book?"
"I am growing weary of this amusement. It can be completed later. Fetch the carriage, Xiu Ying," said I before dropping the brush.
When I arrive at the Manor of Li Shi Zhen, I told the servants I am a friend of Li Shi Zhen. Welcomed with respect by the servants, I trace behind them around the garden and into the collection of rooms. The Manor is quite large in size; a little more wide than the Yuan Manor. Perhaps Li Shi Zhen came from a wealthy household. The servants brought me to the room in which Xu Kai is being treated by Li Shi Zhen.
"Your stubbornness can kill you, Sir Xu." I hear Li Shi Zhen from afar, outside of the door. I knock on it.
"Come in," Li Shi Zhen announces. After seeing me, he brightens up, "Miss Yuan!" He rests several cloths on the table, adjacent to the pan of water that is blended with blood.
"Scholar Li," I greet him as my eyes trace to Co-Commander Xu, who is lying critically on the bed. His tilts his head to see me; his eyes are lifeless again.
Scholar Li wipes his hand on another clean cloth, "What brings you here? Did you finish my medical book entry? I knew you are always so swift." With a smile, he opens up his hand to obtain materials from me.
I smile with a hidden devilish grin, "What do you think?"
He laughs nervously, "I was just kidding." He stops for a moment and points to Xu Kai, "Must be for this fool,
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 18: Sugar Painting, His Favorite
CH 18: SUGAR PAINTING, HIS FAVORITE
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It's the gaze again.
His eyes are dark and mysterious, with no hint of transparency. He breaks the prevalence of the gaze by tilting his head back in the neutral position, facing the rooftop.
Li Shi Zhen comments on the scenario with a shake of his head and a smile, "I'll leave you two alone. Let's go, Xiu Ying."
Xiu Ying responds to Li Shi Zhen, dumbfounded. "Ah?" She traces behind him, exiting the room and closing the door.
I stroll a step closer to the bed he is lying in. I examine his bandaged chest, pale complexion, and the bruises on his arms.
I smile and reside next to him with the calamity, for I have no knowledge whatsoever of what he had undergone. "Sir Xu, aren't you the one who's pushing your luck?"
His eyes wander in my direction, "Miss Yuan, are you using my line on me?"
I am mortified with his comment but I suppress my feelings by a faint laughter, "Your line?" I cross my arms and roll my eyes, "Who indicated that you created the line?"
"Miss Yuan," he utters before his eyes seem to gradually drift down to my lips. Realizing so, he returns them back to my eyes. He faintly whispers, "Don't leave your Manor for the time being."
My heart sunk, "Am I in danger?" My eyes widen again and I express an expression of agony. My teeth chatter in shock, as every cell in my body is afraid to be in a predicament again.
Good Heavens!
What will happen to me this time?
Under the corner of my eyes, I see an upward curl of his lips. "As long as you follow my instructions, nothing will occur to you."
I laugh at his profound vanity, "Look at your confidence. Should I be in any danger, I expect you to be the first to save me."
Wait, was that too direct?
Under his breath, he murmurs a quiet and blurred sentence.
Too indulged with my thoughts, I didn't hear his words clearly, "What did you say?"
It sounded like...No doubt?
"Nothing," he says before he leisurely closes his eyes. "Miss Yuan," he repeats my maiden name again. I somehow feel content when he does so. "Sing me the song you sang before."
The heck?
My brows furrow with surprise, "N-Now?" He doesn't seem to be jesting, so left with no choice, I begin.
His eyes stay on me as I sang the songChronicles of the Hundred Flowers Grave. Every line I sing, he grows wearier; like blinds, his eyes soon close up.
He really embodies the mind of a child, apart from the cruelty of the government tasks.
I heard before that the imperial brocade-clad guards have to pass a torturous and ruthless test prior to becoming one.
They have to kill all the partners they were set up with, all of whom they have endured hardships and feel an intimate bond with. In the end, their eliteness is defined by their resilience to turbulence and tempestuousness.
I gaze into his soul and feel a compelling passion to reside by his side.
But I knew somewhere in my heart, that this face, these feelings, and this body do not belong to me. I turn away and exit the room, closing the door as if this is a regretful misdemeanor.
Xiu Ying brought me to Li Shi Zhen, who is brewing some concoction for Xu Kai in the cookery. I question if he needs my help, but he replies with "I got it" and a "Thank you."
Out of curiosity, I ask him, "Scholar Li, do you know what Co-Commander favors to eat?"
"To be frank with you, I have no idea," he says as he lifts up pieces of woods and throws them into the fiery oven. "Ah!" He suddenly remembers something, "I do remember him smiling when he saw a kid eating some sugar painting before. You know, the type where you cook the sugar until they caramelize and you can form animals with them."
I clap my hand, "Yes! I know."
The next few days, I spend my day contemplating how I should get Sir Xu a sugar painting. I would've asked Xi Ning if she can somehow persuade Madam and Master Yuan to let me borrow the kitchen, but she has been preoccupied with her guqin lessons endowed by her parents. I thought not to bother her.
Why not just go to the city and purchase one?
"No, no. Xu Kai said not to step out of the Manor."
But it's been a few days.. There should be no more harm,
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 19: A Warning, Two Days
CH 19: A WARNING, TWO DAYS
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"Sir, can you make a ginormous flower that looks like this?" I display a sketch of the hydrangea flower I drew earlier to the senior. He nods, proceeding to motion his hands and drizzle the melted sugar mix onto the platform.
By the time he had completed the first sugar painting, I ask for another one: a peach flower. My eyes are being hypnotize by the essence and beauty of the art.
Reminds me of when I used to watch people watch other people make street food. Good ol' days.
He attach a bamboo stick to the completed products with his spatula. I left soon after paying the gentle geezer.
As I wander along the streets, I remember that I had brought Xiu Ying with me; however, she left to purchase some rouge, and powder, and every cosmetic possible for me. She endeavors to make me the prettiest Miss of the city; I laughed at the thought.
This body is quite fragile and beauteous, according to my 21st century standards. When I first woke up, I felt my body become lighter and my complexion brighter.
I couldn't believe how alluring and enticing she is, when I first saw my reflection in a mirror. Then again, she is a ball of fury and desperation had I not transmigrated into her.
Now that I think about it, I should head to where the cosmetics are being sold, huh?
A swift wind passes. I am pushed by someone past my left shoulder, startling me.
What was that? What a discourteous man. He didn't even bother to apologize.
I glance at my hands, as they feel a bit void. At least my—
No way.
The hydrangea sugar painting is gone. "Hey, you! How dare you steal my stuff!" I begin chasing after the man wearing a bamboo hat; he quickly speeds through the crowd of people. For the past ten minutes, I am racing to reach a closer distance to him but to no avail. Past corners and more corners, I huff and puff my way through.
And then I stop— I experience an epiphany that this might be a setup. I've seen this in movies before. The villains use this tactic all the time.
The number of people around me is minimal, the alley way is clear and darker, and the atmosphere is dreary. I cannot stay any longer here. I twist myself and run in the opposite direction before it's too late.
Just when I did so, a pair of hands wrap around my face, with a saturated cloth covering my mouth and nose.
Ah, lord. I just got myself into more trouble.
I quickly lose my consciousness, dropping the sugar painting that embodied a sense of relief.
"WAH!!" Xiu Ying wipes her eyes, which is swollen from the amount of tears she has shed. "Please, Madam and Master Yuan, permit this one to plead for the help of the Brocade-Clad guards!"
Xi Ning nods worriedly, "Yes, mother and father. Such audacious action to be taken in the broad daylight! Please," she begs her parents with a hint of impatience. "Sister's life may be in danger right now."
Madam and Master Yuan, looking at each other, concurs to the request, offering Xiu Ying a decent amount of silver to report for help from the brocade-clad guards.
Meanwhile, Xu Kai is resting in the Li Manor, awaiting for his repetitive routines for the next few weeks. His condition is getting better; his task now is to allow his wounds to heal and prevent them from being torn open.
A knock is at the door.
"Come in," he says faintly.
It's Wu Lan Jun. "Sir," he bows, "You have a letter."
Co-Commander Xu forced himself up, grunting a bit on the side. He takes and opens the letter, with his eyes widening.
Stop investigating into the case. This is your first warning. What an appealing little lady you have kept to yourself. You are given two days to solve this mystery, since you favor doing so. Remember, should you create an uproar, she will be the first to suffer the consequences.
Enjoy your gift.
He clenches onto the letter, his expressions displaying a sense of distress and distaste. "Wu Lan Jun, get five troops to investigate the whereabouts of the Yuan household's Elder Miss. I need results today. But don't raise any attention and keep it a secret," Xu Kai speaks with vehemence about the news.
"Yes, Sir."
Xu Kai exerts all his power to propel his body up. A faint and deep, inarticulate sound is uttered aloud.
Wu Lan Jun notices his Sir's persistence and stubbornness, despite his pallor appearance and the noticeable fatigue. "Sir, shouldn't you rest for now? I can take care of it. You are still injured. See, your wounds are—"
Xu Kai raises his hand to hush Wu Lan Jun, signaling him to begin the mission right away. Wu Lan Jun bows with his fists, exiting the room in silence.
The Co-Commander swiftly dresses in his clothings, picking up his sword and heading for the city.
If she expects me to be the first one, I will be.
You are reading the story
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 20: Endless Search, Plan
CH 20: ENDLESS SEARCH, PLAN
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"The most information we obtained is from her personal servant, Xiu Ying. They were out to purchase items but they parted for a period of time as their commodities differed. The Elder Miss' servant said that her Miss told her she will be purchasing some sweets."
"I got it. Report to me if you find any other clue."
"Sir, we went to ask Scholar Li about Miss Yuan's whereabouts. He said she did not report to him what she was doing, but a few days prior, she asked him.."
Wu Lan Jun halts and glances at Co-Commander Xu.
Xu Kai beckons him to continue, "Asked him what?"
Wu Lan Jun continues, "..What you enjoy to eat. Scholar Li told her you have a sweet tooth for sugar paintings. He insinuates that she might have gone to purchase them."
Xu Kai exhales his weariness and sorrow, "Okay. Proceed to investigate. Return to me when there is new information."
Wu Lan Jun obeys the request again. Before he departs, his eyes trace his Co-Commander's wounds, which have begun to bleed through the gauze. The sun is beginning to set, with the night overtaking the day.
Xu Kai contemplates to himself, "How reckless can you be, Yuan Zi Yan?"
I open my eyes and examine the old, banished room.
What is this?
Lying on the stack of hay, I appeal to my five senses. I taste an old, dirty cloth stuffed up my mouth to prevent me from yelling. The smell of dust swarms around me.
I remember now; I got kidnapped.
Spider webs in the corners, broken chairs on the side. My hands and legs are tied behind me with ropes that seem to have several knots. It is not too tight; perhaps I can wiggle out.
"She must be awake now.." I hear a vacant voice that belongs to a male outside of the room. Footsteps are coming nearer.
I immediately close my eyes and rest on the stack of hay again, pretending to be asleep. The door creaks, signaling it has open up. I now can feel the presence of someone's shadow over me. "That's strange. Boss said she'd be up already. Oh well," he exits the room and locks it up.
Dense. He doesn't seem like he is an army soldier. Perchance a low leveled clan member.
I rotate my wrists back and forth, forcing the rope to loosen. Pushing myself down the floor, I slide my body closer to one of the legs of the chair. I rest the knot of the ropes on my hand on the edge of the chair's leg. For five minutes, I keep loosening and relieving the stress between the turns of the rope.
Aha! Thank god for online videos about instructions to untie a knot. I thought they would have no use in my life.
I untie the ropes on my legs and wander near the wooden door, listening to the external noises. I peek my eyes outside the gaps of the wood wall. Night had overtaken the sky. From the obscurity and the chirping of the crickets, I can foretell several hours have passed since I was abducted.
I cannot possibly escape at this state. I don't know where I am nor how to escape. Returning to where the haystack is, I ponder and ponder, until a plan arises in my head.
I only see that guy outside; perhaps I do have a chance..
And thus I waited until morning. Of course, I almost fell asleep several times; yet, the idea of being held hostage and the potential of my life being at risk is enough to keep me sober and awake.
Occasionally, I hear noises outside. I believe the men have different shifts. One person at a time to guard the room. I don't know the intelligence of the new guard but the older one is easier to trick.
If I act now, my chances may be lower than I think. But if I don't act soon, my chances of escaping is even lower because daylight will engulf the darkness.
I sigh silently and ruffle my hair in frustration. I take the ropes and loosely tie them on my leg, then wrists, just enough to appear as if I am tied up.
No choice but to continue waiting for a bit.
"Is she up?" Woke me up. Voices outside. They must be rotating again.
OH CRAP! I fell asleep!
"No, I didn't see her awake." The man scoffs, "Who knows if she is faking it or not."
A snicker echoes through the air, "Well, her time is almost up. Boss will enjoy this appetizing meal." A quick bark of laughter follows, "How lucky."
Enjoy this appetizing meal?My skin tingles as profuse sweat overwhelms my palms. I need to act upon the departure of the rotating guard.
When I only hear the breathing of the current guard, I peek out the lining of the wood again.
The sun has already arisen; I exhale to calm myself and prevent peeing myself in fear. No more time to waste. I snatch one of the chair's legs and hide next to the door.
Yelping "Ah!" I firmly grasp the stick, reading to brawl.
The man bursts in the room, "Woman!" I send a blow to his head, aiming for his vestibular system.
Ouch. I'm sorry. It's your fault for kidnapping me!
He collapses on the floor, losing his consciousness. I slap the man across his face, then pinch and punch him, no response.
Good!