Chapter 315: He Is Done For This Life
The second Bai Hanyun’s words fell, Feng Xiyan froze, doubting his own hearing. After a brief moment of shock, he came back to his senses and stammered, "Wha... what?"
Unaware of his reddening ears, Bai Hanyun thought, ’Feng Xiyan is strong and trustworthy. Living near him is surely safer than being alone in this world. Besides, Gui Ying is so strange... I still can’t fully trust him. What if he suddenly does something to me?’
Shaking her head, Bai Hanyun resolutely added in her heart, ’No, no, no. That won’t do. I can only sleep peacefully with Feng Xiyan around.’
Making her decision, Bai Hanyun tilted her head slightly and looked at Feng Xiyan with a pitiful expression.
Shaking his hand gently, she asked in a soft voice, "Feng Xiyan, please? I promise I won’t disturb you. I will just live quietly. Pretty please~?"
Her coquettish act left Feng Xiyan completely dazed. Swallowing hard, he nodded absentmindedly. "... Mhm... Alright."
At his agreement, Bai Hanyun’s eyes brightened. Pulling his hand, she said, "Great. After walking around all day, I’m really tired. Let’s hurry back so I can take a bath and rest."
Hearing her words, Feng Xiyan’s face grew even redder than a boiled shrimp as unsuitable images for children filled his wandering mind.
Looking at Bai Hanyun pulling the dazed Feng Xiyan away, Gui Ying clicked his tongue. He shook his head and muttered with a pity in his voice, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. He is done for this life."
Oblivious to Gui Ying’s pity for his future, Feng Xiyan followed Bai Hanyun back to his courtyard in a daze while his soul was already drifting to the nine heavens.
The next morning, Bai Hanyun woke up as the sky was just beginning to change color.
Stirring in bed, she stretched out her limbs, yawned, and slowly opened her sleepy eyes. As her gaze fell on the unfamiliar, exquisitely carved bedpost, her mind gradually cleared.
When she sat up and slipped on her embroidered cloth shoes, the maidservant waiting outside heard the sound and knocked softly on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
Standing before the closed door, the maidservant asked gently, "Miss Bai, are you awake?"
Bai Hanyun yawned and replied, "Yes."
Hearing her hoarse voice, the maidservant smiled and explained, "This servant has brought water for you to wash and some clothes gifted by the Young Master. May we come in?"
Feeling cold, Bai Hanyun put on her outer robe and replied, "Yes, please come in."
At her permission, the maidservant pushed the door open and entered, followed by four others. While the four stood in line, the first maidservant bent her knees slightly and offered a graceful bow.
With a smile on her lips, she said, "Good morning, Miss Bai. This servant’s name is Xiao Cui, grandniece of Steward Huang."
"This servant is a first-rank maidservant in the Great General’s mansion, and these four are second-rank maidservants. The Young Master has ordered us to serve you during your stay here."
Bai Hanyun nodded at the introduction and introduced herself to them.
"My name is Bai Hanyun. Please take care of me from now on, Xiao Cui," she said with a smile, then glanced at the other four and added, "And you as well."
Surprised by her friendliness, Xiao Cui and the others were momentarily stunned. It was rare to meet a master who treated servants kindly, and their hearts filled with joy.
Lowering her eyes, Xiao Cui thought, ’No wonder the Young Master likes Miss Bai so much. She is kind and gentle, unlike those noble ladies who look down on us. Since the Young Master favors her, I must serve Miss Bai diligently so he can marry her sooner.’
With this thought, Xiao Cui’s attitude became even more sincere and enthusiastic in serving Bai Hanyun.
"Miss Bai, would you like to take a bath first?"
"Yes."
Bathing in this ancient world was a cumbersome process. Not only did they need to boil water, but they also needed to carry buckets of water to fill the tub.
While Xiao Cui supervised the other maidservants, Bai Hanyun sighed inwardly.
’This place isn’t bad, but the bathroom facilities are unhygienic, and it’s very troublesome to take a simple bath.’
’When I return later, I should send Feng Xiyan some designs, such as bathroom designs and water pipes. If he can spread them to the public, the sanitation system here might be able to improve.’
While she was lost in thought, Xiao Cui returned from the adjoining bath chamber and reported, "Miss Bai, the water is ready. Please allow this servant to help you bathe."
At her words, Bai Hanyun shook her head and politely declined. "Thank you, Xiao Cui, but I prefer to do it myself."
Seeing her gentle smile, Xiao Cui secretly sighed with relief that her rejection was not because Bai Hanyun was dissatisfied with their services and replied politely, "Then please call if you need anything. This servant will wait outside."
Bai Hanyun nodded. "Alright."
After leaving the bedroom, Xiao Cui closed the door. She turned to the other four maidservants and instructed, "You—go inform the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Miss Bai. The rest of you, carry out your duties."
The four second-ranked maidservants bowed slightly and responded in unison, "Yes, Miss Xiao Cui."
When they left, Xiao Cui glanced back at the closed door. ’Fortunately, Miss Bai isn’t displeased with our service.’
While Xiao Cui was making mental notes about her new mistress’s preferences, Bai Hanyun tested the water’s temperature with her fingers before stepping into the wooden tub.
Leaning back, she sighed in comfort and murmured, "No wonder women fight so hard to become empress. Having others arrange everything for you really is nice."
Sitting quietly on the rooftop, a masked young woman in black overheard her.
Taking out a small notebook and a writing brush, she wrote while muttering, "Fairy Bai likes having everything arranged. She wants to be an empress and enjoy being served by maidservants."