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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 21: Exposure, Tears
CH 21: EXPOSURE, TEARS
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Music on to feel the vibe.
The winds of instability howl from many directions. I swapped clothings with the clan member but he let out a scream earlier.
I don't have much time. Perhaps someone heard the scream and is already making his way here. I hide the body under the haystack, then exit the room and lock the door.
I can barely see anything outside, apart from the lanterns hung up on thick wooden torches stabbed onto the ground. A few distances to the right lie a line of worn out iron feeding troughs. In the front is a pathway leading to gatherings of tents half a mile away. To the left of me lie an enormous tent three quarters a mile away.
Over the tents, I can see forestry. There may be wild beasts in the forest, but sometimes even beasts can be more negotiable than man. I begin to see crowds of clan members centering around a large fire in the tents that are half a mile away.
Perchance I can blend in with the clans members; although, the figure of this body truly stands out. An amalgam of emotions overwhelm me, mainly apprehension. After sprinting cautiously in the dark for some time, I get closer to the tents that are lit up by torches. It is to my advantage that everyone is dispersed across the place.
The distances between me and some of the clansmen close up as well. My heart is thumping so loud, it blends in with the cacophonous tunes the clan members are playing.
Act like you're just one of them...
I attempt to saunter around one of the tents, but someone grabs me by my shoulders, "Hey, why don't you help us get some wine, puny boy?"
I lost my soul for a second before I speak in my most masculine voice possible, "Y-Yes, Sir. I will be right back." Attempting to continue my path to the forest, I begin to stroll behind the tent to dodge attention.
The man earlier, who I dare not glance at, yields my shoulder. "Your shoulders are very soft. You need to work on your arm muscles," he yells drunkly. A stench crawls into my nose, causing me to cringe. His breath. "Hey! Why aren't you looking at me in the eye? You are disrespecting your senior!"
At that moment, I knew I am done for.
Imaginary tears roll down my eyes.
Mommy!
"Co-Commander Xu, we have tracked this portion of the city. These are the clues noted down," Wu Lan Jin pulls out a piece of paper containing all of the information they have gathered.
"..I should have known. A group who dares to take such bold actions in broad daylight and uses tactics like this.. The Highland Clan," Xu Kai commands for the presence of a horse. His sword is by his side, although he lacks the proper armor for defense.
"Sir, you have not the adequate armor. should I request for other men to-"
Xu Kai mounts the horse, "No. Send a horse carriage after the sun rises."
Soon, Wu Lan Jun can no longer see his Co-Commander. Sighing, he crosses his arms, "His wound has completely opened up and yet he appears just as stable as any man. How unassailable, my lord."
I end up being discovered.
The moment the man demand for me to look at him, his echoing voice attracted a great amount of attention. After being exposed due to my feminine features, I was forced into the enormous tent I saw earlier.
Gosh darn! Is this what people mean when they say beauty is a curse?
I was instructed to change my clothes in the tent and await for their head leader. After I change, the clans member who are waiting outside, stuff my mouth with a cloth, preventing me from yelling.
As expected, this is the tent that belongs to the leader: tiger fur rug, the decent bed, organized accessories, and a collection of animal heads on the tables. As I wait here with my hands and legs tied with triple knots along with four guards outside the tent, I am anticipating my unfortunate fate.
Freaking Xu Kai. Why is he so late?
Ah, yes. I almost forgot—He's wounded.
I sigh for my destiny has been set, as I hear a barbaric laughter outside the tent.
I glance at the entrance of the tent; it is about morning. A ponderous man with a messy beard and disbelieved appearance barges in the tent. "Good gracious, what a beauty. You will accompany this lord!"
I glare at him, not saying anything.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" He approaches me and takes the cloth from my mouth.
"Because you're pitiful," I say as I scoff, upholding a conversation.
His eyes widen as he trembles in anger, "Pitiful?! Me! I have a collection of animals that embody my triumphs. No clan leader is as.. as.."
"Desperate for attention as you?" I exclaim.
His face grows red, "Listen up, you wretch. No one is coming to rescue you, so stop trying to buy time. You will face the wrath of what you said." He laughs and rubs his hands together, slowly walking towards me.
I back up, until I couldn't anymore. I shake my head, "You don't want to do this. If the brocade-clad Co-Commander finds out, he will chop you into pieces and feed you to the sharks!"
He licks his lips and begins to undress, "Little beauty, keep spouting. It is no use." My skin crawls and shiver goes through me with every move he makes.
My eyes begins to pickle and tear up, as I experience intense anxiety. "Please, this is not what you want—"
"Oh, this is exactly what I want," he snatches me when I try to roll and escape away. I bite him on his hand, trying to throw my tied hands at him.
"Feisty, that's my type!" He begins to pull the ribbons on my dress, unfolding one layer of my clothing.
"You Bastard!" I scream on the top of my lungs, with tears causing my vision to become blurry
ET
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 22: Rescue, Female General Li
CH 22: RESCUE, FEMALE GENERAL LI
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Music on to feel the vibe. (••)
"Yuan Zi Yan!"
I hear a familiar voice yell my name. Did I hear wrong?
The barbaric man seems to hear it too, immediately halting his actions.
I scream as loud as I can, "I am in here!"
In bursts Xu Kai, who wearily yields his sword. His wounds have open up again and his clothing is drench in blood. Blood drips down from his sword; he must've fought his way in.
His eyes widen as he examines my pathetic appearance. Disheveled and half-torn clothing, with tears rolling down my cheeks and hands trembling in fear.
Xu Kai rests his weight on his sword, which he stabs in the ground. "Who says you can touch her?"
The barbaric man scoffs and picks up his sword, "Co-Commander Xu Kai, I've never thought I would see you in such a pitiful state."
Xu Kai takes a deep breath and exhales, raising the sword as if he is not injured at all. "She's not someone you can touch so nonchalantly." He runs towards the man, who in his defense, swings his sword.
After a few minutes of sword fighting, the winner is determined. The barbaric man collapses on the ground, with blood soon flowing onto the ground. Xu Kai drops his sword to the ground, heroically wandering towards me.
The mess I created. It's over. Finally.
My eyes meet those of Xu Kai; he unties the knots on my hands and knees. I try to hold in my tears but I couldn't help but begin to bawl my eyes out, "Co-Commander.. I'm sorry."
Draping his cape over me, he gently caresses my face and wipes away my tears. "Don't cry," he whispers with a weak smile.
"I'm here now. See, I saved you first." He follows it with a painful grunt, collapsing over me. I hold him in my arms; on the corner of my eyes, I see blood.
"Xu Kai!" I panic as I tap him on his face, "Don't sleep on me. Do you hear me? Hey!"
When his assistant brocade-clad guard, Wu Lan Jun, arrives with the horse carriage, we speedily return to the city.
Xu Kai's chest wound wouldn't stop bleeding, so I rip off parts of my dress to cover up his wound. When I apply pressure over dressing to control the bleeding, Xu Kai reacts with a flinch and a faint groan in pain. "Sorry, hang in there," I gently tap his forehead with my handkerchief to get rid of the excessive sweat.
I realize my hands are tightly bounded to his; I hadn't let go the whole time we were heading back to the city.
We head back to Scholar Li's Manor again, who treats Xu Kai with the proper medical care he needs. It seems that Scholar Li Shi Zhen is the only competent and trustworthy medical provider Xu Kai is acquainted with.
Co-Commander lies on the bed once again, this time unconscious. Scholar Li provided me with a change of clothing and sent out a letter to assure the Yuan household that I am safe. I thank him shortly.
Li Shi Zhen sighs despairingly, "Excessive blood loss. If he was any man, that may be life threatening, but our Co-Commander isn't just any man, now is he? Don't you go cause more trouble, Miss Yuan."
I shake my head firmly, "I won't, Scholar Li. I'll just stay by his side."
"Very well," nods Li Shi Zhen, who departs the room, leaving us alone.
The room is fill with serenity, apart from the breathing of the man in front of me. "That's no good, Co-Commander," I sullenly mutter, "If you treat me like this, I wouldn't want to go back."
I sit in silence and daze out. I trace his features with my fingers, attempting to fix the strands of hair that lie on his face.
A hand grabs me by the wrist, causing me to yelp. "Go back where?"
I gasp with bewilderment, patting my chest. "Don't scare me like that, Sir Xu. My soul almost escaped from my body," I exclaim before sighing with a smile. "You should rest." I stand up to leave him astray, allowing him to sleep.
"Tell me.." he persists, "If you need anything."
I swirl around and grin while shaking my head, "Sir Xu, look at your position. That's what I should be telling you, not you telling me."
Suddenly, someone barges into the room, "Xu Kai!" In came a fair maiden with an exuberant attitude; she is wearing a suit of body armor. Her hair is tied up and she exerts an aura that establishes dominance.
She appears to be a general, if not a proficient soldier. She smiles at Xu Kai, "Torn down, I see."
"General Li," Xu Kai's eyes turn to her.
Upon seeing me, she greets me with a flabbergasted look. "You must be Miss Yuan. It is very nice to meet you. I apologize for my sudden request, but it would be great if you can pardon us for a moment."
"Oh!" I nod, "Yes, of course. Please do," I announce aloud. I gave Xu Kai one last glance before I leave the scene.
Who is she?
You
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 23: Mid-Autumn, Arranged Marriage
CH 23: MID-AUTUMN, ARRANGED MARRIAGE
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Turn on music to feel the vibe. •v•
Note: General Li and Li Shi Zhen may have similar surnames but they are not related.
It appears Xu Kai and General Li are having a prolonged conversation. I have been sitting for quite some time in the guest room.
It is getting late, so I thought I would check in with the Yuan household. Li Shi Zhen beckons for a horse carriage to bring me back, bidding me farewell. I said my farewells and thanks, but linger near the manor for a short period of time.What am I waiting for?
As the horse carriage starts off, an amalgam of emotions envelope me. Regret engulfs my mind. "Should I have tell Sir Xu that I have left?" an inquiry springs from the impatience of my mind, "No, he's preoccupied speaking with the female general. I would only disturb them."
When I return back to the manor, Xiu Ying and Xi Ning bursts in tears of joy. Xi Ning embrace me tightly; we began to catch up on everything that happened.
Somewhere in the Li Manor, General Li takes a seat down at the resting table and pour herself a cup of tea. "That means you are one step closer to divulging the plan of the fourth prince?"
"Not yet. The vision is remote."
Li's eyes gravitate towards Sir Xu, ecstatically delighted as to what he is saying. "And it was her who discovered the clue?" She smiles, "I would not have guessed."
"Yes. She was a critical source. She has knowledge that even Li Shi Zhen don't have."
General Li's brows raise in utmost amazement, "You speak so highly of her. Will she continue to help us out? Or... don't tell me you hold special feelings for her?" The lady retreat as much as possible to conceal her distress and distaste.
The Co-Commander drifts into a reverie which no remarks, no inquiries, no affectionate address of General Li would penetrate. In Xu Kai's mind rouse the image of Yuan Zi Yan-- pulled about, clothes half torn, in a position so piteous. "No," he remarks, "Plus, I have no use for her anymore. She has done all that we need her to, therefore it is not necessary to involve her in this."
"How boring, Xu Kai. Here I am, pondering what kind of person she is." She pauses for a moment before rejoicing, "Oh, yes. Pardon my forgetfulness, but I am here to update you with news from the North. We don't have enough evidence to deem Minister Zhang guilty, but we know he has secretly made dishonest dealings. We slipped some troops in but the security is too tight. Your assistance will be of great help."
Xu Kai's eyes rest on the ceiling, "Give me a week."
General Li applauses the Co-Commander, loud in her admiration for him. "That's expected of Co-Commander Xu. I will await for your arrival."
For the next two weeks, Xu Kai and Yuan Zi Yan have departed their ways. In the North, Xu Kai seek to manage his governmental affairs. Meanwhile, Zi Yan diverts her attention to completing Li Shi Zhen's book request. Neither has the time to spare to daydream, let alone acquire self care.
Xiu Ying yawns, "Miss, tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Please don't exhaust yourself too much, especially after what happened." Xiu Ying massages my shoulders, relieving the tenseness of my muscles.
"Thank—" I gasp, dropping the brush.
Mid-Autumn Festival?! I totally forgot!
My death! So soon?!
"Xiu Ying, is there any way to avoid the emperor's ceremony?" I hopelessly question.
She shakes her head, "Elder Miss, you will risk getting your head chopped off, if so."
"What if I am sick? Assassinated? Wounded?" I continue to list and spout excuses.
Xiu Ying pats her Elder Miss' shoulders, "Miss, you should join in on the fun! The festival is full of celebrations and joy.. and.."
AND MY DEATH!
JOY MY ASS-
I sigh, "You don't understand, Xiu Ying. The festival will be the death of me!"
"Oh come on, Miss! It should not be that bad. I heard the royal princes will attend the festival too. Perhaps you will meet your fated partner upon attending the festival!"
Ah, fated partner.Sullennesstingles within me, as I force a weak smile. A name pops up, yet I am hesitant to think about it.
Xiu Ying frowns as she sees her Miss' expression, "Servant has said the wrong thing, my apologies! But Miss.. are you really not going to ask the Co-Commander about his engagement with General Li?"
Right. Engagement.
After returning home from the Li Manor, I learned that the beautiful General Li and Co-Commander Xu have an infant betrothal, in other words arranged marriage prior to birth. By virtue, such tentative arrangement is subject to later ratification.
Homeboy got me thinking he was available.. I sigh.
"I should not be involved in such matter. It is almost time that I go back home anyways. My parents must be very worried."
Xiu Ying tilts her head, "Xiu Ying does not understand what Elder Miss is saying, but I disagree. Miss, this is your own happiness. You need to grasp it and chase for it!"
I chuckle, "Thank you, Xiu Ying. You are always cheering me on.
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 24: Yuan's Request, Missing Puzzle
CH 24: YUAN'S REQUEST, MISSING PUZZLE
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Turn on the music to feel the vibe.ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔ
Through the imperial exam, Master Yuan was carefully selected to handle the ministry of public works. His role: serve as a guidance and present his judgement to the emperor in terms of government construction projects, manufacturing government equipment, the maintenance of roads and canals, and the gathering of resources from the countryside.
To congregate and celebrate the successes, Emperor Jia Jing invites the notable ministers and bureaucrats to the festival. With that, only two other guests are able to join the invited persons.
Initially, I was relieved to hear that only two can join Master Yuan. After all, Madam Yuan would be the first to take the position. Considering Madam Yuan and Xi Ning would accompany the Master, I have no need to be present.
The day before the festival, however, Madam Yuan's left eye became so swollen, it looks like a bee stung her. She cry, only to realize crying worsens her condition.It was not pretty.
To my surprise, nothing occurs to Xi Ning. Not that I am wishing so, but in my book, the day before the Mid-Autumn festival is when Xi Ning accidentally drowns.
Following that, someone from the 21st century would transmigrate into her body. None of that is happening, apart from Madam Yuan's swollen eye.
I suspect another turning point.
With anxiety and frustration, I end up being dragged to the Festival by Xi Ning as part of the Yuan family. And here I am, sitting a distance close enough to see the appearance of the emperor, empresses consort, and empresses dowager. Every person who holds a governmental position has his own table, but the two guests sit together in another.
Soon after, everyone around the emperor greets and bows, "May the emperor live ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand times ten thousand years!" Upon the pardon, everyone sits back and awaits for food while chattering.
The servants soon place dishes of food on the tables; they look so delicious!Might as well savor my final meal..I begin gobbling up the Hubei egg rolls and the roasted duck, following up with the mushroom dish.
As the people rejoice and become silent, the beat of the drums and music begin. Dancers with long sleeve swarm the center platform first, with the swords dancers following them.
I later observe the opera performance that is taking place in the center platform. Each phrase of singing is accompanied by a dance movement; the opera is interspersed with song-and-dance pieces.
My eyes scan around; a few tables ahead, I notice that Xu Kai is sitting alone on a table, to the right table sit a stern looking man. I assume that is his father, since he resembles an older version of Xu Kai. To the left table sit General Li, who is conversing happily with Xu Kai.
Momentarily, Xu Kai glances in my direction. I quickly dodge meeting his eyes, diverting my attention back to Xi Ning, who was speaking about something.
"Oh, yes!" I chuckle while wiping my forehead, "What's his butt, exactly. He needs to change his attitude. How horrible was he treating the servants," I blurt out, hoping to seem occupied.
Xi Ning stares at me strangely but concurs. She whispers, "Yes, I agree. That man is the Minister of Revenue; he tends to demand superiority over others. But sister, only say so quietly; If he hears you, you will suffer the consequences."
I nod and scratch the back of my head, "Sorry about that. I almost got us into trouble."
WAIT— I WASN'T EVEN TALKING ABOUT HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE!
"Minister Yuan, I applause you for your triumph in building the canal in the south. What is it that you would like me to reward you?" the Emperor says when the performance ends, staring at Yuan Zi Yan's father.
Master Yuan gets up and bows, "Thank you, your highness. If it is not a problem, I am hoping you can find a suitable match for my youngest daughter, Yuan Xi Ning."
I look towards Xi Ning, who holds a bitter expression.She knows about this?Did something happen when I was abducted?
The Emperor nods while stroking his beard, "Ah, yes. I heard that you have two beautiful daughters who are at a marriageable age. Coincidentally, our seventeenth prince has been on the outlook for a bride. Perfect match! I permit; the wedding ceremony shall take place in a week."
So soon? Is there a plot behind this?
Plus, Yuan Xi Ning is not supposed to be engaged with the seventeenth prince, but rather the prince regent.
There must be something I missed. The missing piece of the puzzle..
Master Yuan thanks the Emperor and bows in gratefulness, "Thank you, Your majesty. May the emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years."
I nudge Xi Ning by her elbow and mutter, "Did you have a say in this, Ning'er?" I glance at her, noticing her hands are shaking. I pat her on the shoulder, questioning to myself whether if she is emotionally stable.
Perhaps this was a shock to her too.
When the Emperor end the festival ceremony, he allows the governmental officials and their families to disperse. Almost every bureaucrat disappears or returns home; very few wanted to stay in this place where commoners usually congregate in.
I, on the other hand, is a commoner so I will take pleasure in attending these Mid-Autumn Festival
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 25: Li's Feelings, Floating Lanterns
CH 25: LI'S FEELINGS, FLOATING LANTERNS
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Turn on the music to feel the vibe.
Vote and comment please V
Xu Kai searches his surroundings with his eyes.
"What are you looking for?" Asks General Li, tapping his shoulder to retrieve his attention.
"Nothing. Should we head into the streets to search for any clues?" His eyes trace the path in which Yuan Zi Yan had left.
General Li frowns, "We will not find anything in the city's streets. I actually think the proper question is, who exactly are you looking for?" She sneers pathetically, "Although I think I know the answer to that question already."
Having no response, Co-Commander Xu swiftly gets up, ready to depart from the scene.
A hand grabs his right wrist. "Xu Kai," the lady utters, "Please don't forget.. you have a purpose and mission to accomplish. It would be best to not—"
Xu Kai glances back and coldly acknowledges, "General Li, don't forget our arranged marriage had been annulled for quite some time now. It would only be proper for you to release me."
General Li bites down on her lips, "Are you still bitter that I couldn't save your sister? Xu Kai, you've ought to understand that—"
"Enough. I ask of you to not speak of my sister," Sir Xu pushes her hand from his wrist. "Please keep your modesty, General Li."
Thereafter, the Co-Commander disappears and blends himself in the streets. Yet no matter how remote he is, General Li can spot him at anywhere and at anytime.
"I thought our mutual suffering will bring a closer understanding between us.." General Li clenches her fists, "You haven't given me a chance at all, have you, Xu Kai?"
When Xi Ning tells me she doesn't feel well, she asks for my pardon to leave. I suggest to return with her, but she bid me to enjoy the festival.
Poor girl.
I exhale with exhaustion. Events like this are quite uninteresting without another accompany. I have Xiu Ying, but she informs me that she dares not to be treated with luxury, for she is my servant after all.
The city is filled with light and laughter. My intuition guides me to attend the booth where citizens can win lanterns, but only if we solve a mystery correctly. This is an ancient Chinese tradition, where riddles are written within the lanterns.
There were a great amount of people surrounding a Scholar, who was writing and handing out the mysteries. The lanterns with burning candles inside are tied to the bamboo poles and hung in the heights of the booth.
"Young Miss, would you like to solve a mystery?" The scholar says before handing me a rolled up rectangular piece of paper. I didn't get to respond to his question, but it seems he is pretty preoccupied so I won't disturb him.
"Elder Miss, what does it say? " ponders Xiu Ying, waiting for me to open up the piece of paper.
I twirl it open, reading:
Hollow tree
Solid buds
Years do not knot
Real years do not flower
This plant must be part of the grass family.
I indulge in a persistent thought. I imagine the shadowy lines of its trees, and catch, in sudden gleams. Stems are usually hollow, blended with vascular bundles.. It is a perennial plant..
Aha!
Could it be bamboo?
With its scientific name being Bambuseae, bamboos are indigenous to China from prehistoric times. It seldom and unpredictably flowers, and is the fastest-growing plant in the world due to its monstrous ability to regenerate after being cut.
The narrow leaves on the young culms arise directly from the stem rings; upon springtime, the small spikes form into evergreen leaflets.
"It must be bamboo!" I call out; Xiu Ying cheerfully nods and agrees with me.
The Scholar confesses that we are correct, so he snatches two paper lanterns: lily flower and fish. "Congratulations, Young Miss. You are the first to guess this riddle correctly; everyone else gave up earlier. Now, where is your significant other?"
I suddenly notice the sign of this booth, which readsRiddles for Couples to Win Lanterns.
Ah, such luck of a villain.
Xiu Ying rolls up her sleeve with discontent, "Why, you could've told our Elder Miss beforehand!"
I hold her back, laughing nervously, "Sorry, Scholar. I don't have a significant other with me."
Just when I was about to depart from the crowd, a body hovers over me. "We're together," declares..
..Xu Kai?!
I CHOKE—What is he doing here?
Soon we reach the lake, where everyone was releasing their lanterns. We, and we as in Xu Kai and I, linger in the more serene side of the lake with our lanterns. Xiu Ying decides to leave us alone, snickering to herself as she disappears.Don't abandon me, Xiu Ying!
I clap my hands together and make a wish, then proceed to release the lantern above the sky; Xu Kai does the same, without the mellow dramatic wish-making expressions. We sit on the boulders and watch as an abundance of lanterns float atop the sky.
See, Ancient people would call this beautiful. As a modern netizen, however, I call this littering.
"Miss Yuan," He says, capturing my full attention and terminating the awkward silence, "Have you ever feel like you're stuck somewhere in which you don't belong?"
Yes. Every day, every moment, in this world. No doubt.
I turn to meet his eyes, "Like you're present, but you're not? Like some people care, but they don't? As if you belong somewhere else, anywhere but here? Is that what you mean?"
He glances back at the lanterns, smiling.
His right hand reaches towards me, patting my head.
"Yes,
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 26: Millets, Yuan's Favoritism
CH 26: MILLETS, YUAN'S FAVORITISM
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Music on to feel the vibe!
Note:General Li and Li Shi Zhen may have similar surnames but they are not related.
Enjoy!
"Quick! Burn the staple food and hide the bundles of millet," announces a frustrated man, whose voice echoes throughout the cave.
"The Brocade-clad guards will be here shortly. Have the peasants drag the additional bags and dump them in the river. Hurry it up!"
It has been a week since the Mid-Autumn festival passed. The Yuan Manor appears to be filled with serenity and tranquility once again, undisturbed by the external influences. Everyone is preoccupied with their usual tasks, apart from Yuan Zi Yan attempting to learn how to sew from Yuan Xi Ning.
The silent days don't prevail for long, however, as three figures step foot into the Yuan Manor's guest room, awaiting for the presence of someone.
It is a chilly morning, considering air particles are present whenever someone breathes.
"Pardon," coughs Master Yuan, "But what brings General Li, Co-Commander Xu, and Scholar Li here?"
"Oh!" General Li smiles, "I apologize for our sudden arrival, Sir Yuan and Madam Yuan. This must have been such a surprise. We would like to ask for Miss Yuan to assist us in a mission. Of course, she would not encounter danger since she will be in our territory."
"You guys want Xi Ning to what—" spouts Madam Yuan, who drops her cup of chamomile tea. Her servant speedily cleans up after her mess, scrambling across the floor. Madam Yuan arises from her chair, still unable to understand why these people are requesting for the presence of her daughter.
Master Yuan tones down his wife, "I apologize for my Madam, but is it not a bit rash to involve Ning'er in this type of matter?"
Li Shi Zhen shakes his head, "Now, Sir Yuan, we didn't say we were here for Miss Yuan Xi Ning. We are here for Miss Yuan Zi Yan."
Scholar Li glances at the mortified expressions of the Yuans before whispering to Xu Kai: "It seems they favor their younger daughter more than their eldest daughter."
Sir Yuan clears his throat, "I apologize for our incompetence earlier. I have summoned my daughters. They will be out shortly."
"Sir Xu and General Li are here?!" I slam my hands on the mahogany table, anticipating for some trouble again. The sound echoes through my room, which has been undisturbed for a week.
Overjoyed, Xiu Ying jumps exuberantly, "Yes, Elder Miss! They are all waiting for you in the guest room. Aren't you glad Sir Xu is here for you? After what happened last time.."
She creeps a smile at me, wiggling her brows, "Such romantic night."
I cringe.Romantic?
I do not presume that is the correct word to describe the circumstance.
I force my hippocampus to associate my declarative and episodic memory, reminiscing back to what we did:
Watch floating lanterns near a lake, converse about a question he had, and..
And then..
He brushed a piece a leaf from my hair and said, "There, beautiful. As always."
Beautiful what? My face?
I scoff.
What he likes about me isn't even mine.
I frown as I shake my head in denial, "No, it was not." I sigh, "Xiu Ying, your Elder Miss does not want to entangle herself with men who are engaged already."
Xiu Ying sullenly nods, "Yes, Xiu Ying understands now. Master Yuan beckons for you in the guests' room. Miss, it is about time to go."
Left with no choice, I depart for the guests room.
"Hey! Scholar Li!" I see Li Shi Zhen a distance away, "You are here too?"
Li Shi Zhen waves at me while smiling, "Miss Yuan!"
My eyes fall on Xu Kai as he speaks, "Elder Miss Yuan have kept us waiting for quite some time. How mannerless, she is." He condescendingly sneers, raising his brows.
Why, this piece of germ—
I pass through the guest room door, greeting Yuan Zi Yan's parents as well as everyone else. It does seem everyone else is present—even Xi Ning is sitting obediently next to her mother; was I that late? I remain silent with rage as a sense of chagrin and embarrassment overtake me. My impatient temperament encourages me to retaliate against the owner of the comment.
When I stroll and pass by Sir Xu, I speak in an aversive tone, "Is that Sir Xu, I see? No wonder the room is so quiet. No one cares to even speak."
Master Yuan opens his mouth, "Yan'er, How impertinent! Apologize to Co-Commander Xu." Madam Yuan chuckles silently, lifting a cup of tea to drink. General Li tips her head to Xu Kai, "That is quite true."
"No harm," expresses Sir Xu.
"Now that you guys had your conversation," General Li comments, "Shall we begin conversing about the main topic?"
I nod, averting my attention to General Li.
"Please excuse us, Master and Madam Yuan as well as Miss Yuan Xi Ning. The following detail I will provide is confidential," General Li announces prior to speaking about the mission.
When it was only General Li, Co-Commander Xu, Scholar Li, and me in the guest room, we begin the conversation.
"Elder Miss Yuan, we came here to ask for your appearance in the territory base. We are conflicted in regards to the staple food in the military troops. We are suspecting one of the ministers are looting the supplies, yet we have not the evidence. Would you please take a trip down with us to examine the case?"
I cry inside.
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 27: Tofu Stand, Calico Cats
CH 27: TOFU STAND, CALICO CATS
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I chuckle nervously, "You see... I don't want to disappoint everyone but I have been a bit preoccupied lately."
General Li sighs with despair, "Is that so? I apologize, this was my suggestion in the first place. Co-Commander Xu did not favor the idea of having you with us."
Li Shi Zhen shakes his head without hesitancy, "Are you sure, General Li? It was more like he was worried about her—"
"—her hinderance to us," continues Xu Kai as he shoots Li Shi Zhen a death glare. Scholar Li reacts by laughing and scratching his head, avoiding his glare.
How petty! Doesn't even let Scholar Li finish his sentence.
"On second thought," I hum, "I would like to accept General Li's invitation. I will gladly partake in this mission, thank you very much Sir Xu."
Sir Xu opens his mouth to say something but reconsiders, "Do as you wish."
Scholar Li's face blossoms into a smile, "Miss Yuan, welcome back to the crew!"
When the Yuans hear about my participation, they prompted about whether if this mission have the potential to damage the family's reputation. After all, Xi Ning's wedding will take place in several days.
I say "No," but I have an uncanny feeling. I do not want to ruin Xi Ning's reputation prior to her special day either; that is why I will ensure this mission is a success.
Master and Madam Yuan whisper a few sentences to each other. I feel the need to make them understand that I hope no hostility, nor dishonor to the family. "You may go," they finally say, as I grin in happiness.
While Xiu Ying is helping me pack my clothes, Xi Ning is afflicted. In a low voice she says, "Sister, did you forget what happened in the last mission? You almost—"
"We are attending our own territory this time. The risks should be low," I speak as I pat her on the head. "No worries, I will complete the mission and be back for my little sister's wedding."
She smiles melancholically, "Please return home safely." She gifts me an intricately sewn handkerchief, denoting peace and prosperity. It is of a bird, resting on a tree branch.
The road to the territory is rough.
I end up sharing a horse carriage with General Li while Scholar Li shares another with Xu Kai. Xiu Ying did not join us this time, as the others worry that the walk will tire her out to the extreme.
After several hours in the rural pathway, we come across a mini tofu stand near a nearby river. We decide to rest and enjoy a meal, allowing the brocade-clad member to feed the horses.
We attend the stand, taking note of the other customers. The owner of the stand is an old lady and it seems her young grandson assists her with the store. They greet us as we sit in the worn down wooden benches.
Li Shi Zhen gasps, "Take a look at that. Beautiful view!"
The sound of the river calms the soul; I inhale the fresh air and exhale my worries.
"Liar!" screams a middle aged man, who is wearing a bamboo hat. "These cats are mine. I had been feeding em' since they were born and was suppose to sell em' to a buyer. How dare you try to tell me they are yours?"
The grandson of the old lady cries, "But they are mine.. yesterday, I left the kittens near our barn and they went missing soon after. They look exactly like my cats; they are all female."
The man scoffs as he kicks the basket of meowing kittens, "Foolish boy! All cats look the same. I say, these cats are males. Plus, how can you be so sure they belong to you? They are in my hands, little thief."
The customers are whispering criticisms, some even call the boy a thief. On the corner of my eyes, I can see how helpless the old lady is. She whispers to her grandson, "Just let it be, child. The wise man asks questions of himself; the fool questions others."
I gaze at the color pattern of the calico cats for a moment. In order for a cat to be considered a calico, three colors must be present in its coat: white, black, and orange.
When I was conducting research on plant genetics, I came across an article about how most calico cats are female because the locus of the gene for the orange/non-orange coloring is on the X chromosomes.
The "tortoiseshell phenotype" requires the presence of 2 different alleles/variation of a gene: one for orange fur and another for black. If females have XX chromosomes in contrast to males, who have the XY chromosome, then...
AHA!
"Excuse me, Mister!" I slam my hand on the table, rising up from the bench.
Sir Xu grasps me by my hand with a concerned expression but I smile and say, "I got this."
If the man had recently stole the boy's kittens, it is more than likely that he didn't check the gender of the kittens.
I approach the mister, "Are you willing to make a bet that the cats are males, and not females?"
He chokes, "Who are you, little lady? And why should I make a bet?"
"You called the boy a thief yet you have no proof that you didn't steal the kittens. Let's make a bet: I bet the kittens are females, you can bet they are males. If I lose, I will pay you however many silver. If I win, you will gift the boy the kittens."
Sweat begins to overwhelm the man; silence prevails.
The whispers around him pressure him to respond to my request. "F-Fine," he finally says.
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 28: A Pair of Lovers, Suspicious Case
CH 28: A PAIR OF LOVERS, SUSPICIOUS CASE
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"Who's scared of who?" The man utters, picking up the basket of kittens. He reveals the cover, exposing the presence of five kittens.
Calico, they are. I smile. "Very well! Has anyone in the audience ever herd kittens? I would like for him or her to identify the gender of the kittens," I ask, but no one seems to reply with a yes.
What are the chances? Even the heavens won't help the villainess.
Someone suddenly raises his hand, "I have owned kittens several years ago. The memory is unclear, but I can try."Lucky!The audience member volunteer to saunter to the basket of kittens, gently lifting one of them and then the others.
After examining all of them, he nods, "Male kittens will have a much greater distance between the genitals and anus than females.. I don't see such quality in any of them. The young Miss is correct, they are all female."
I glance back to my table, noticing that Scholar Li is clapping his hands, "I knew it!" General Li's face expressed how impressed she is. Xu Kai's face is still as ambiguous as ever.
The middle aged man wearing a straw hat spits out his food, "You— Liar! You are all liars, trying to steal my kittens. Take this!" He throws his bowl at me, aiming for my face. After doing so, he attempts to make a run with the kittens.
I try to dodge by backing up but it seems I am not hasty enough!
With a momentary movement, the bowl is split in half in the air, and I fall in the arms of Sir Xu again. "Good grief. You are always causing trouble, aren't you?"
I reestablish my balance again, laughing nervously.
Sir Xu aims a large wooden stick at the middle aged man's left leg, preventing him from running any further. When the man falls, the basket of kittens fly up in the air; I catch the basket of kittens just in time.
Safe!
The middle aged man picks himself up furiously and disappears. The audience cheers and claps their hands, saying "Justice is served!"
The owner of the stand and her grandson approaches Xu Kai and me, thanking us. I return the basket of kittens to the boy, "Requisite good with good. Requisite bad with justice."
The child bows exuberantly and thanks us again; the old lady tells him, "Child, go fetch this pair of lovers' table additional bowls of tofu pudding."
I shake my head, motioning that Xu Kai and I are not—
"No, we—"
"Thank you, kind madam," Co-Commander says as he wraps his arms around my back. "We would greatly appreciate it."
I stare at him with my eyes googling out, "Excuse me?" My mouth is wide open.
This dude— Has he eaten a bear's heart and leopard gall, finally plucking up the courage to go against this Miss?!
He raises his brows at me, "What? Free food." Before he heads back to the table, he mutters, "Close your mouth before flies fly in."
"You!"
General Li and I did not speak to each other in the carriage on the way to the territories. A feeling of guilt swarm me; I feel as though I shouldn't interact as much with Xu Kai from here. I need to keep my distance, as they are engaged after all.
When we reach the military territory, I finally have a gist of what wartime is like. There were tents set up everywhere, all of the soldiers are stern-looking and are dressed in armor. Weapon stands, there is an abundance of. The smell of fire powder, earth, and sweat dance around the area.
The commander of this territory, General Yu Hao, greets us, "Welcome to the base. Everyone, please, this way." He has a lax appearance, seemingly negligent in the performance of his duties.
We visit the place that was supposed to be the storage room; it is quite remote. All that are left are ashes and dust; a great amount of Millet bags have been burned down from the looks of the storage room.
According to General Yu Hao, a fire was started yesterday night by an anonymous invader. By the time the troops had cleared the fire, many of the staple foods have been burned down.
When we enjoyed our tofu pudding, I remember Sir Xu had said that political corruption is innately common in the government system. Should anyone tell any story, one should be skeptical of what he or she says.
Now I know what Xu Kai means, as General Yu Hao's story has been sketchy to begin with. Firstly, unless the field security is fairly basic, it is difficult for an invader to sneak into the territory. Secondly, the ratio of total bags to the ratio of burned bags and survivor bags does not match. In fact, there is actually a surplus when we counted the bags again.
We stay in the guests' tent, conversing about our next steps while the soldiers celebrate another battlefield success. "There is definitely a hole in his story; however, because General Yu Hao has a trusting relationship with the Minister of Finance, it is difficult to deem him guilty without having firm evidence."
Li Shi Zhen concurs, "Should we venomously slander him, we would probably lose more than we gain."
Looking out the tent, General Li says, "They must have intricately concealed the details and evidence. To lower their guards, we need to make it seem as if we have found nothing suspicious here."
Xu Kai, "By midnight, we should sneak into the storage room to find some clues." Co-Commander looks at Li Shi Zhen, who intensely shakes his head.
General Li disagrees, "I think Miss Yuan and I should attend the storage room. Should the soldiers find us, we have more loopholes and excuses."
I choke on my tea and point to myself,
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 29: Solicitous Person, Watching the Stars
CH 29: SOLICITOUS PERSON, WATCHING THE STARS
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We wait until some of the storage room watchdogs are drunk and befuddled.
By the look of these soldiers, I think it was possible that an invader snuck in.I shake my head.I mean, look at their disposition.
"It won't be long until they switch shifts. We should sneak in now." With General Li's swift movements and me hanging pathetically beside her, we successfully sneak into the storage room.
They have already clear away most of their evidence. Bags of Millet are stocked up against each other on the pavement. While General Li and I examine the room for suspicious clues, General Li begins a conversation.
"You are a very meddlesome person, you know that Miss Yuan?" She coldly acknowledges without even flinching.
Is she talking about what happened in the tofu stand?
My lips curl into an embarrassed expression, "Yes, I know that. I just couldn't bear seeing injustice."
She exhales slowly, "How I envy you, to know that this early."
Her face blossoms into a melancholic smile, "You are erratic and unprincipled. To say the least, your actions are fickle; but, those same intangible traits of yours are precisely why he favors you."
"He—who?" I blankly stare at her.
"Nothing."
I try to respond to her somewhat disturbing compliment, "I envy your valiant efforts as a female General in this society as well as your companionship."
General Li lets out a relief sigh, "Valiant efforts and companionship, huh? Quite coincidental that you mention companionship. It's been more than ten years since I met those two. Time has passed so quickly."
I smile, "You guys must have a strong bond. You even have an engagement with Sir Xu."
Whoops!
My bad, that just slipped out.
She shrugs, "Strong bond? I presume." She glances at me, "Miss Yuan, you do know that the engagement between Xu Kai and me have been annulled some time ago, right?"
Their engagement had been annulled?Since when? Why am I so late to this?
I frown, "I did not know that, General Li. I apologize for bringing it up."
"It's fine," She turns back to the bags of Millets, "I have been mistaking guilt for love; I have not realize it until recently. It is about time that I let go of these feelings, create a positive mantra, and counter the painful thoughts."
"I truly apologize for inducing the past, General Li. But I do want to add, Sir Xu and I do not have any type of special relationship. I mean, look at me. Unembellished in hindsight, ill-mannered and impertinent. Why would he—"
"Silly girl," General Li comments, "I know his pattern of thinking and behavior by now. He has seen countless beauties and courteous noblewoman yet has not direct his attention to any of them." She laughs, "Once his eyes set on something, he will do whatever it takes to protect it, be it an item or a person. How solicitous."
Protect it? Like when he rescued me when I was abducted in the clan?
But the thought of Xu Kai and me? No, no, no.
That's like falling in love with my grandpa's grandpa's friend.
When General Li and I have found no further clue, apart from some of the Millet bags being a little wet, we return to General Li and my tent. We try to reason the possibilities as to why the bags have been drenched in water.
I say, "Surrounding the territories are plains, lakes, and rivers. They must have hid the clues in a lake or a river. But where could it be? We cannot possibly search everywhere; that would be endless."
General Li nods, "It's late right now. It would be difficult to track any clue should we head out now. We can wait until tomorrow."
A soldier, who seems to be on our side, reports from outside of the tent for General Li. She pardons herself, wandering off with him and conversing about matters relative to the case.
After waiting for quite a while, I figure I can go out and get some fresh air. I attend the resting area, where several logs are placed on the ground for soldiers to sit.
It is empty at the moment due to how half the soldiers are resting in the tent and the other half is on the watch. I take a seat down on one of the logs, feeling the breath of the wind.
Chirping,unitaryfootsteps, chirping,unitaryfootsteps.
The stars twinkle down at me; glimmering and flickering all over. I gaze at the stars; they are more mesmerizing than the ones I see in the present.
A faint voice enters my ears from a distance away, "Report back to me when you have rid of the obstructions."
Xu Kai.
He has just finish his conversation and send away a solider. He sights me sitting alone, approaching me. "What are you doing here?"
The sky grows darker, transitioning from blue to purple one stroke at a time. I point at the stars that lie against the deep purple shades, "Stargazing. Want to join me?"
He sits next to me on the log of wood, "Miss Yuan, don't tell me you have a talent for identifying stars as well?"
I laugh, "I wish. Look here," I direct my fingers to the largest shimmering star I see in the luminous purple sky. Externally, the star glows white, yet looking deeper, the core is purple. "That star reminds me of you. Prevailing, dominant, yet somehow possesses an innately soft core."
He locates the star next to it, one I can barely see. "That star embodies your presence. Frail, almost non-existent."
I cough, "How rude!"
His eyes reflect the river of stars flowing through the sky. "It unpredictably shines for some time and fades away.."
"..never failing to surprise me.
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HomeThe Tale of A Villainess Ch 30: Sparrows, Xi Ning's Handkerchief
CH 30: SPARROWS, XI NING'S HANDKERCHIEF
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The following two days, we observe the territory's actions and movements.Nothing odd or suspicious.
The lack of surprise keep us feeling less startled and disoriented, less susceptible to provocations. When we initially attend this mission, however, we thrive on chaos and hope to create antipathy. Yet none of that is occurring.
There are no potential clues. Even the ancient toiletries are as clean as possible. After visiting nearly all the places, our final destination is the pasture.
The pasture is of high qualify—properly fenced, green, well-managed. Several horses are spread out, grazing on hay, while some soldiers are cleaning the horses.
While General Li is tendering the horses, I notice the abundance of birds in the sky. A flock is present, drifting and swarming the sky.
Then a distance away, I observe Co-Commander showing a soldier how to properly mount a horse. Then I see Scholar Li, whose first attempt to mount a horse fails. He ends up being tipped by the horse to the ground; he rubs his buttocks in pain.
I chuckle.
Suddenly, a voice calls out, "Miss Yuan! Be careful—"
I glance behind me; a gust of swift wind approaches me.
The hooves of a horse was one inch away from my face before someone divert the body of the horse to the opposing side. The sudden glimpse of death frightens me, as I slip down while attempting to step back. My eyes are closed shut, afraid to see the world around me.
NEIGH!
By the time I open my eyes again, I see Scholar Li and Sir Xu ten or so feet away from me.
"Miss Yuan!" Three voices scream aloud. "Are you hurt?" asks Li Shi Zhen and General Li simultaneously.
I shake my head as I examine myself for any missing or distorted body parts. "Looks like I am alright," I say as I wipe the cold sweat from my forehead. I pat my cheeks, waking me up from the shock. A sigh of relief.
The soldier responsible for the horse approaches us, "I sincerely apologize. The horse went manic for a moment there. It seems his wound has caused him to..." One of the soldiers explains to General Li. She converses with him, dragging Scholar Li into the conversation.
Xu Kai picks me up gradually by the arm, "You just dirtied your face with your hands."
"Really, where?" I take a peek at my hands—it is smudge with wet and moist dirt. Don't tell me my face looks like it's tarnished with a tan brownish substance, resembling poop.
Co-Commander uses his sleeves to wipe the dirt, "Such mess." His gaze focus on my cheeks then forehead, determined to rid the existence of the stubborn dirt.
"Sir, your clothing will get dirty!" I attempt to reject his offer by brushing away his sleeves.
He replies, "It's fine."
I take out the handkerchief that Xi Ning has given me. "I have this, Sir. This will be a better alternative," I smile as I unfold and use it to wipe the excess dirt.
General Li and Scholar Li returns back to us. The soldier disappears upon the apology, fetching aid for the wounded horse.
"Good to see you are in good condition, Miss Yuan. All is resolved now," says General Li.
"I am glad I don't see any blood this time," Scholar Li Shi Zhen comments with relief.
I nod while rubbing the last piece of dirt off my face using the handkerchief, "Fortunately, yes."
"Did you sew the bird on the handkerchief, Miss Yuan? I didn't know you were that competent in embroidery," Scholar Li questions.
I shake my head, "No, I didn't. My younger sister did. She favors embroidery, so she made me this lucky charm. It is a song sparrow, pretty right?"
General Li smiles, "How kind of her. Now that you mention it, it is quite common to see song sparrows nowadays."
Song sparrows.. oh, yes.
Now that General Li has mention it, I do notice there have been a great amount of song sparrows surrounding us. They are the birds that have been flying in the sky.
But.. Something is connecting here. What's the connection?
"A Song Sparrow's diet is higher in seeds in the autumn and the winter," I blurt out my thoughts, hoping to realize the connectivity.
Scholar Li ponders, "What do you mean by—"
Xu Kai beckons me to continue, "Continue, Miss Yuan."
It seems he has the same thoughts as I do, but desires to hear my inputs first.
I nod, "White millet is the favorite bird seed of sparrows, as they have small beaks. The large amounts of seeds with a yellow shiny coat have come to attract ground feeding birds. With that in mind, it is safe to say that somewhere scattered on the ground are trails of millets. After all, there has been a pattern in the sparrows who have been flying in the sky."
Co-Commander agrees, "Based on my observations, this does not manifest itself into a migration of the birds. Rather, like Miss Yuan said, a mere attraction based on available food resources. If what we conclude is correct, there should be clues in the northern direction."
And there are clues. When Xu Kai secretly sent men to search for any dubious actions and objects, we found nothing at first glance.
Xu Kai persisted, however; he certainly has no doubt that our clue will lie under these sheets of water. It took several hours for the soldiers to dig and swim in the river before we discover our first clue.
When we see the soldiers drag bags of Millet from the river, we experience an epiphany that the case will finally be solved.