Chapter Text
Luo Binghe’s peers notice the change in their classmates quite easily. How could they not? The previously sickly and thin classmate with gloomy air around ‘his’ person suddenly turns into a springy, cheerful youth!
The change is just too sudden, from the quiet and withdrawn Luo Binghe when he first came to the academy, then bruised and bullied self afterward, that Yun Xue is truly a misfortunate one. But now? Now he looks as glowing like a pearl! If they don’t know better they would think that their classmate is a pampered young master! A new coat! ‘His’ previously washed out and patchy uniform switched with a new one that’s neatly pressed every day! Boxed lunch with meat and vegetable dishes every day! A well-furnished carriage even came to pick him up when it rained quite heavily several days back!
Could it be, A gossipy student says in a low voice to his friend. Does Yun Xue become a rich noble’s male pet to receive favors!
Could it be Lady Shen’s? She took Yun Xue under her wing some months ago after all?
Nonsense! Others said. That lady Shen is a man-hating beauty! Didn’t you notice that Yun Xue was bullied within the inch of his life when he first started to attend Lady Shen’s ‘lecture’? Also, don’t you hear about Lady Shen having a little beauty as her lover? It’s already famous in the capital!
Everyone speculates but no one seemingly has any idea of what happened with their classmate. Only Gongyi Xiao, Yun Xue’s sworn brother, and closest friend dared to ask ‘him’ directly.
“Yun-xiong, you sure look well lately.” Gongyi Xiao remarked with a smile. The changes while quite sudden is indeed something he’s grateful for. This brother of his, Yun Xue might look gloomy but Gongyi Xiao noticed how dedicated and bright he is actually. However, even though Gongyi Xiao is glad for his friend’s improved living conditions, he couldn’t help but curious as well. “What happened? When you were absent for weeks some months ago.. did something happen?”
Luo Binghe pauses mid-chew. Contrary to what other people think, the lunchbox is her own cooking. Mistress had given her full access to the kitchen in exchange for Luo Binghe to cook breakfast and dinner for her. She also told Luo Binghe to take the leftovers for her to bring to the academy as lunch instead of relying on bland ascetic food the academy served. The mistress, always looking out for Luo Binghe, had also prepared her for inquiries like this to avoid suspicion.
“When I was in mistress Shen’s estate..” Luo Binghe starts, feeling slightly guilty for lying to her good friend. “I accidentally met a distant relative of mine who worked at the ministry. Their family remembers me and told me to live with them.”
“So that’s why..” Gongyi Xiao nods in understanding. Yun Xue had told him that his family originated from a rural area near the western border. To meet a distant relative so far away from home should be counted as great luck! “They seem to treat you very well. I’m glad for you”
Luo Binghe’s ears turn red. The mistress indeed treats her so well, always pampering her gently. She can still recall the softness of the mistress’s hand as she combs Luo Binghe’s hair into a tight bun this morning, the smell of osmanthus wafting from the mistress’s inky strands. Gongyi Xiao sees his brother’s face turn red and blinks in understanding. It seems the relative is not the only reason for his ‘brother’s sudden cheerfulness.
Ah, spring is truly a nice season. He only hopes that the young lady his ‘brother’ fancies would fancy ‘him’ back.
…..
Shen Qingqiu is 100% sure consort De said something to their father as the man suddenly ordered a curfew to be placed and told Shen Qingqiu to attend less gathering for the time being. That and the sudden influx of invitations to the inner palace almost every week. While Shen Qingqiu doesn’t mind visiting that sister of hers, that does throw a wrench on her other plans such as sightseeing around the capital and visiting the Dongyue pagoda to read Luo Binghe’s poem.
In turn, the number of visitors to her estate seemingly increased by the day. Some of them are nosy and bored aristocratic ladies who only wanted to poke their nose into the source of gossip, while others were seriously coming with the intention to court her little attendant.
Bah! Dream on! Those cannon fodder really couldn’t hold a candle to the protagonist’s spec! Of course, Shen Qingqiu would reject them all! The protagonist herself seemingly become ultra-sticky whenever a proposal has passed. Shen Qingqiu tried to ask her once whether she wants to accept any of them only to result in Luo Binghe turning teary and withdrawn for the rest of the day. Alright! So the protagonist should aim higher!
When the rainy season began, the number of visitors had dwindled considerably, deterred by Shen Qingqiu’s cold reception. The only one remaining undeterred is the young lady Liu, who even went as far as borrowing Shen Qingqiu’s pondside pavilion for a day to.. who knows? Composing poems? Painting? She brought a ton of paper and only went back to her place before dinnertime. Whenever she comes the protagonist always gets more jittery, keeps glancing at Shen Qingqiu like she’s being personally affronted by Liu Mingyan’s presence.
[it’s the BBB effect]
Are you a system or a CNN commentator?
[I’m a multifunctional program]
It’s not like Shen Qingqiu an outdoorsy person to begin with. For the time being, she could only stay put at least to ease up her family’s worries. When her escape plan already comes to fruition it’s not like she’ll lack any time to explore the world! Using this time to laze around in luxury doesn’t seem too bad! While she’s idle like this at least she can prepare for her imminent downfall later.
System, as long as Luo Binghe’s identity is exposed in front of the emperor, it can be counted as a job well done, right?
[As long as the host is the one who exposes it, yes.]
Well, crap. No matter how reformed she is, in the end, cannon fodder is still a canon fodder. Shen Qingqiu grumbles endlessly as she discreetly starts preparing. If ‘Shen Qingqiu’ really has no future here then at least ‘Shen Qingqiu’s money might still be useful later.
The thought of living this cushy and peaceful life does make her lament sometimes. She could only wish at least the protagonist doesn’t have to suffer until the time comes. Even better, if Shen Qingqiu managed to teach her to be more selective in choosing men and become less of a damsel!
Some months after the pagoda incident, when the iris flowers start to bloom, Luo Binghe comes to her one afternoon, already changed into her recently given summer uniform. “Mistress..” She greets shyly unlike how she usually rushes into Shen Qingqiu’s sides with sparkling eyes.
“What are you doing?” Shen Qingqiu straightened her back, alarmed with the sudden change. Did the protagonist got into an accident? Did she get bullied? “Why are you acting like that? Is there something wrong?”
“Forgive this servant for troubling the mistress for such a trivial matter.. But..” Luo Binghe nervously clutches the hem of her new summer uniform, not daring to look at Shen Qingqiu. Behind her a gloomy aura belongs only to Ming Fan could be seen. “Could.. could this servant..”
Luo Binghe seemingly cannot continue her request, blushing madly and sputtering. Impatient, Shen Qingqiu approaches her, cupping the warm cheek and tilt her face to look at hers. “Speak clearly, hm?”
“Mistress..” Luo Binghe whimpers weakly. “My.. my chest feels tight..”
“What?” Shen Qingqiu jolts in surprise. Oh no! Did the protagonist fall in love? Who? Who? Judging from the timeline the only candidates that had appeared are Gongyi Xiao, Liu Qingge, or did she meet the crown prince? Oh no.. did she miss the scene?
“My.. my dress..” Huh? Luo Binghe’s face is still red as she slowly continues. “The chest area..”
Shen Qingqiu’s gaze goes down to see the stretched taut fabric of Luo Binghe’s new dress. Eh? Didn’t she take all of the attendant’s measurements just last month? Is this the growth spurt period for the protagonist? With this speed.. will the protagonist’s melons become as big as consort De’s double zeppelin? Or maybe bigger? It should be bigger right? She’s the protagonist after all!
Behind the pillar, Shen Qingqiu could hear the sound of Ming Fan grinding her molars. The poor girl’s size is actually not that slight either, only somewhat mediocre. Well, it’s not like Shen Qingqiu’s is any different.
“So it’s about that.” Shen Qingqiu breathes a sigh of relief. The protagonist is truly still so silly to be flustered about stuff like that. “Isn’t that something to be celebrated? You silly child, why are you acting so embarrassed?”
“I..I’m troubling mistress again. This servant is truly ungrateful!” Hearing that, Shen Qingqiu could only snort and lightly taps the protagonist’s head with her fan. Luo Binghe is truly a good and innocent bun, making people unable to bully her. Well, except the nasty original goods?
“Such a small matter!” Shen Qingqiu pats her head, thinking about the possibility of yet another growth spurt in the near future. Maybe she should tell the seamstress to prepare for more adjustment. “This mistress will call the tailor to fix your dress immediately. Binghe, you’re still a growing girl. This mistress was the one in the wrong to not take that into account.”
Luo Binghe’s eyes start to become misty again hearing the words. Silly child, this mistress of yours’ favorite spare activities is dressing you up. It’s not like she has anything better to do with no internet access to spare time.
With that settled, for the first time since she transmigrated (going to Dongyue pagoda doesn’t count!) Shen Qingqiu readies herself to leisurely sightsee in the capital! With the guise of visiting her usual tailor, she takes the protagonist along with her on the trip. Finally! Some time for them to relax and enjoy!
Or not.
Luo Binghe is clutching at her sides with trembling hands as they huddle together. Outside, the guards she brought are currently fending off a group of bandits that suddenly came out of nowhere, surrounding her carriage. Shen Qingqiu is not that worried, after all not only she’s with the protagonist, the daughter of fate, the guards with her were chosen by consort De and marquis’s house, they’re clearly not to be taken lightly of. Sure enough, despite the number, the bandits are dealt with without much complication. As soon as the guards gave her a sign, Shen Qingqiu disentangled herself from Luo Binghe and left the carriage.
“As the marquis had feared.” The head guard solemnly informs her. “Not real bandits.”
“The Chen family still has people in the capital?” Shen Qingqiu glances at a nearby corpse, trying not to freak out being so near to a dead body.
“This servant is afraid so.” The head guard nods. “Does the mistress want to go back to the estate?”
“No. Clean this up quickly .” Shen Qingqiu flicks her sleeve and climbs back to the carriage, soothing the still trembling Luo Binghe inside. “I’m not canceling my plans.”
“Mistress.. it’s dangerous.” Luo Binghe’s face is deathly pale. “It’s because of this servant..”
“If you want to blame someone you should blame that pig for daring to covet you hm?” Patting the girl’s back, Shen Qingqiu tries her best to appear unruffled herself. “Binghe doesn’t need to worry, this mistress will protect you.”
Luo Binghe bites her lips at the declaration. Is the mistress going to get hurt again because of her? No! No, she won’t let it happen again! She won’t let anything befall mistress!
She couldn’t stay like this, weak and foolish, only relying on mistress' grace and can’t give anything back! She has to do something! Something…
…..
The day after Luo Binghe arrives at the academy with a dark face. Her gloomy mood persists throughout the lesson, truly a contrast to her usual spry and cheerful air as of late.
“Yun-xiong?” Gongyi Xiao once again feels overwhelming concern for his friend. It seems all these months, Yun Xue’s romantic ouverture has been tumultuous. Sometimes his ‘brother’ looks like ‘he’s going to ascend and sometimes ‘he’s as jittery as ditzy chicken. But all these months, not once did his ‘brother’ revert into his gloomy and withdrawn state like this. “Did something happen again?”
“I’m alright Gongyi-xiong, thank you for worrying but I’m alright.” Luo Binghe forces herself to smile. Gongyi Xiao is indeed a good and sincere person. However, it’s still doesn’t feel right to her to tell him her secret. She truly doesn’t know how he will react. Such an upright and righteous person Like Gongyi Xiao, would he feel betrayed? Disgusted by the fact that Luo Binghe is a girl and deceived everyone?
“You don’t seem to be alright..”
Luo Binghe is going to answer when suddenly the clamor around them quieted down into low murmurs. Even before she saw the figure she already guessed who came to cause such a fanfare.
“Long time no see, Liu-gongzi.” Gongyi Xiao curtsies politely, confirming Luo Binghe’s guess. This guy, the mistress’s fiancé. Luo Binghe feels her mouth is turning sour. Before she didn’t think much about this person, but now he truly feels like he’s someone she would rather stay away as far as possible!
Lady Liu is someone she has a hard time dealing with. Coming so often and watching everything with a pair of sharp eyes, making the mistress feel troubled with her weird questions! But even she is not as irksome as this man who doesn’t even visit mistress when she was sick!
Liu Qingge merely nods back, the brute! The mistress had taught her all sorts of manners to deal with nobles but even Luo Binghe knows that’s totally not the proper way!
“I heard you two improved quite a lot.” Liu Qingge starts without preamble. Clearly, he wants a rematch with them again after the brothers defeat him in the art of war test.
“Gongzi flatter us.” Gongyi Xiao replies again. “We’re merely students that have a lot of spare time to study. Gongzi is busy with martial arts and various other things, it was only our luck that we happen to have more information.”
Martial arts…
Ah.
“I wish to exchange pointers again.” Liu Qingge bluntly shoots. Just when Gongyi Xiao seemingly wants to gently refuse, Luo Binghe suddenly moves forward and nods.
“I would be glad to accept the opportunity.” Luo Binghe says, surprising everyone around. Yun Xue was not usually this bold ah!
“Good. Then two days from now in Liu estate.” Liu Qingge turns away to leave only for Luo Binghe to raise her voice.
“I wish for a reward if I were to win!” Everyone gaped in surprise at the declaration. Even Gongyi Xiao couldn’t hide his astonishment. What happened to his ‘brother’? Could it be the person Yun Xue is in love with is lady Liu, the famed beauty?
“If you could win this time.” Liu Qingge appears unruffled by the provocation, walking away from them with his usual aloofness. Gongyi Xiao thinks that Yun Xue must be insulted at the attitude only to find his ‘brother’s eyes burn with a newfound determination.
“Gongyi-xiong, are you going as well?” Luo Binghe excitedly asks. “I won’t lose! I will do my best! I will work harder than before!”
???
“Yun-xiong.. do you really want to do this?” Gongyi Xiao cocks his head in confusion. Was Yun Xue this competitive before? “I don’t mind but.. what do you have in mind about the reward for winning?”
“I will ask him to teach me martial arts!”
“?!??”
We’re scholars okay? Why does Yun-xiong suddenly want to learn how to fight?
…..
Two days later the brothers come to the estate prepared.
Anyway if Shen Qingqiu were to narrate the competition she’d probably skip skip skip the Yu-gi-oh like battle simulation and jump straight to the part where young master Liu got Kaiba-ed by two little scholars with a lot more grace than the real Seto Kaiba would be, probably.
“You won.” Liu Qingge frowns at the strategy board stoically. The sun is almost down already as they had spent hours of debate and exchanging tactics with each other. “As I promised, you may state what you want as the reward.”
Luo Binghe clasps her hands and bows, her voice resolute. “Liu Gongzi is indeed honorable! Then this lowly one would request Liu Gongzi to teach us martial arts!”
Liu Qingge’s eyebrows go up in surprise. These weak-looking scholars suddenly asking to learn how to fight? This must be some kind of joke? However, a promise is a promise, Liu Qingge is not someone who will go back on his words. Just as he’s going to agree, suddenly the taller scholar hurriedly interjects.
“Liu Gongzi, this one would like another kind of reward!” Gongyi Xiao smiles at Luo Binghe reassuringly as he continues. “This lowly one’s request is for Liu Gongzi to teach my brother martial arts!”
“Gongyi-xiong!” Luo Binghe couldn’t help but exclaim. “This…”
“Yun-xiong.. It’s alright. It’s just that I don’t want to learn martial arts!” Gongyi Xiao couldn’t help but notice Liu Qingge’s mouth twitches at his words, looking disapproving. “You know I’m raised by my grandmother right? My grandfather is a fighter in Jianghu, so my grandma dislikes it if I were to learn to be a fighter as well.”
“Ah..” Understanding dawns in Luo Binghe’s eyes. “Did he get hurt? I’m sorry I didn’t ask.”
“He eloped with someone when my father was a kid. Since then my grandmother hates fighters and fighting.” Gongyi Xiao states plainly, much to everyone’s incredulous look. “It’s alright Yun-xiong. I truly want nothing else! This competition is enjoyable enough to pass the time for me! Liu Gongzi, please fulfill my request!”
The twitch on Liu Qingge’s face become more and more apparent. “For that reason.. Do as you like!” He then glares at Luo Binghe, narrowing his eyes as if trying to dare Luo Binghe to also denounce martial arts. “If you’re serious come every two days in the west courtyard of this estate! I don’t tolerate slackers!”
Luo Binghe is torn between being moved and guilty. As soon as Liu Qingge rushes past them, she looks at her friend with grateful eyes. “Gongyi-xiong.. thank you..”
“We’re brothers. Brothers help each other, right?” Gongyi Xiao lightly knocks her back with a big smile. “But Yun-xiong, don’t force yourself, okay? I don’t know why you suddenly want to learn how to fight but Liu gongzi doesn’t seem like he’ll go easy on you.”
“I..I want to protect someone important.” Luo Binghe answers firmly. Mistress’s face floats into her mind, then her mother, and Gongyi Xiao as well. If she could protect them all, how great would it be? “Don’t worry about me Gongyi-xiong. I will definitely repay all your kindness back! I swear!”
…..
Lately, Luo Binghe often stayed out late. And when she get back usually it's only when Shen Qingqiu is going to retire to bed she shows herself. At first, Shen Qingqiu didn’t think much about it since some weeks ago she already told Shen Qingqiu that he and Gongyi Xiao are busy with some academic project. Such earnest and promising youths! Is this the event to capture Gongyi Xiao’s flag? Shen Qingqiu of course gave her the permission! But.. does academic projects usually last this long? And why only on certain days?
One night when Luo Binghe finally shows up, Shen Qingqiu notes that the girl has been wearing long sleeved robes even though the weather has been hot and humid lately. After more observation, there are seemingly plenty of bruises under those sleeves, making Shen Qingqiu suddenly feel alarmed. Did someone dared to bully her disciple?
The coachman she assigned to pick Luo Binghe around come with her with an even more surprising answer. Turns out the protagonist has been frequenting Liu residence! Not only Gongyi Xiao but, the little protagonist seemingly had worked hard to capture events left and right without Shen Qingqiu’s knowing? So those bruises? Were they Liu Qingge’s doing? Are they doing some kind of hardcore stuff? No! Nononono ! The protagonist is still too young for that, right? Also the musclebrain doesn’t seem like someone who indulges in any kind of weird stuff! He doesn’t even know the protagonist is a girl yet!
So.. is he bullying the protagonist then? Unforgivable! That muscle brain is truly no good for Shen Qingqiu’s cute attendant! Admittedly she never met her de facto fiance in person but as she expected! Even though he’s rich and powerful, Liu Qingge is merely a B-grade harem member after all! Luo Binghe can do so much better! Look at Gongyi Xiao! He’s a perfectly fine boy! Even though his family background is so-so, why does it matter? Shen Qingqiu believes the protagonist can do something about it! If it’s that CP she’ll give them her full blessing ah!
Just when Shen Qingqiu is going to give Luo Binghe a piece of mind, she couldn’t help but remember that the protagonist had gone such lengths to hide her visits to Liu mansion. If Shen Qingqiu suddenly barges into her business and nag her, wouldn’t that make her look nosy and annoy the protagonist? If Luo Binghe is indeed in a rebellious period, wouldn’t telling her not to do something result in a completely opposite scenario? She really doesn’t want Luo Binghe to be a delinquent! No!
While Shen Qingqiu is having a headache how to deal with her family’s young lady, other young lady from the troublemaker family’s visit somehow still has not ceased yet! Liu Mingyan had become a permanent fixture enough in Shen Qingqiu’s estate that no one question her whenever she wants to borrow a courtyard or the garden for whatever sake, or even join lunch as she pleases! Is this some law of equivalent exchange? She doesn’t need Liu Mingyan as a substitute for her family’s Binghe ah!
“Lady Shen, you seem troubled.” The woman in question remarks during lunch, once again coming unannounced to Shen Qingqiu’s house. Lately they had to allocate one storehouse to keep Liu Mingyan’s equipment since she keeps coming bringing new stuff and forgetting to bring back the old ones. “Come to think of it, I rarely see your attendant around these days. Usually she would be around you at this time of day.”
Can you not rub salt on my wounds, miss? I want to ask your brother that myself!
“She’s out on an errand.” Shen Qingqiu replies cooly. The most important thing is keeping Luo Binghe’s identity secure after all. “Thank you for lady Liu’s concern.”
Liu Mingyan nods quietly and resumes her eating. This silence is truly, truly unbearable! Despite her glamorous look this young lady is truly a woman of few words, making Shen Qingqiu feels awkward. After they finishes eating, Liu Mingyan excuses herself and go home instead of loitering around like usual, acting like a neighbor's cat that strayed into Shen Qingqiu’s house. Truly, those Liu siblings are really hard to understand!
……
Young master Liu is as Luo Binghe has expected him to be, unbending and strict. Instead of training her step by step, young master Liu forgoes the basic stance training and straight into practical skill. Everytime he was done, Luo Binghe who frantically tried her best to emulate and keep up with his moves could only flop on the ground with another batch of fresh bruises all over her body.
Gongyi Xiao who knows of her situation only pats her back sympathetically whenever he saw her slumping from exhaustion. To the mistress, Luo Binghe doesn’t dare to tell her what she’s up to lately in fear of disapproval. The mistress expects her to be a virtuous and elegant lady, what would she say if she finds out Luo Binghe has been training to punch people on the throat? The mistress hates ruffians the most! What if the mistress also hates fighters like Gongyi-xiong’s grandmother?!
However, some time after the training started, Luo Binghe finds herself only progressing at a snail’s pace. While young master Liu’s training did strengthen her body, young master Liu’s fighting style doesn’t suit her at all!
Luo Binghe leans her back on the wall of Liu mansion’s courtyard, resting under the shade. The young master had gave her a break after seeing her unsatisfactory result, looking as stoic as usual. Even so, Luo Binghe could also sense his disappointment and annoyance at Luo Binghe’s progress.
Sipping water from her canteen, Luo Binghe could only sigh and bear the pain. She has to work harder! Her resolution has yet to waver! She has to be strong to protect mistress and everyone else, such as her only goal.
“This little one, you seem tired.” A bell like voice suddenly chimes from above her. Luo Binghe immediately whip he head to the direction of the voice only to find Liu Mingyan’s familiar veiled face. This.. this is bad! She’s currently wearing a man’s clothes as Yun Xue.. even though the mistress had made sure that she always wore her veil around Liu Mingyan, would she still recognize her? “I have some snacks in my pavilion, come with me.”
“Milady, this servant is dirty and unsightly.” Luo Binghe deepens her voice, averting her face to avoid Liu Mingyan’s serene gaze. It’s bad, it’s bad. If Liu Mingyan is to find out about her identity, mistress would also be implicated! “This servant wouldn’t dare!”
“Would you rather we talk here?” At that, Luo Binghe freezes in dread. Slowly, she looks up to meet Liu Mingyan’s calm gaze, feeling her stomach sink even more. “My brother is going to be back soon. I suggest we better hurry.”
Liu Mingyan’s pavilion is even more lavish than the mistress’s. Seeing that, Luo Binghe couldn’t help but complain why she would borrow theirs everytime instead of using her own? Liu Mingyan gestures at her to sit closer, looking as unperturbed as ever. However that only serves to make Luo Binghe even more scared.
“There’s no one but us here.” Despite her words, Luo Binghe is still unable to feel at ease. How much does Liu Mingyan know about her secret? What will happen to her? No! She won’t let the mistress get implicated with her sins! Seeing Luo Binghe’s pallid face, Liu Mingyan only sighs daintily. “Little Luo, there’s no need to make that face. I’m not here to make it difficult for you.”
That pretty much says it all. Luo Binghe’s knees gives out on her, crumpling on the floor, her tears couldn’t help but fall heavily. “Lady Liu.. this servant.. this servant is willing to accept any punishment! But please.. please”
“Does Shen Qingqiu knows?” Liu Mingyan cuts her pleas with a light voice. She sees Luo Binghe suddenly tenses up, not daring to say anything anymore. “Of course she does.”
“No! Lady Liu, my mistress have nothing to do with my sins! This is all this servant’s idea!” Luo Binghe frantically kowtows, pressing her forehead to the stone tiles desperately. “Lady Liu, the fault lies only on this deceptive servant!”
“I know this is not Shen Qingqiu’s idea.” Liu Mingyan continues, appears unmoved to Luo Binghe’s begging. “Once I guessed about your identity it’s surprisingly easy to find out the truth. Your mother works for Yun family in Changsa?”
“Milady.. please..” At the mention of her mother, Luo Binghe starts to openly sobbing, unable to bear the dread. It’s all her fault. If only she didn’t get greedy and wanted to learn martial arts.. What would happen to mother to mistress because of her mistake? What she didn’t expect is for Liu Mingyan to suddenly crouched beside her and pats her back.
“Ah, you make me feel like I’m bullying you. If lady Shen knows I made her cute attendant cry she would forbid me for coming to her house ever again.” Luo Binghe blinks between her tears, not understanding what she just heard. “Little Luo, I’m truly not planning to expose your identity. I’m not even planning to tell my brother, you see.”
“Milady?” Luo Binghe slowly rises up,still wary of what’s coming next. “This servant.. doesn’t understand..”
“I only called you here because i feel sorry for such a young girl to be kicked around by my insensitive brother without any merit.” Liu Mingyan sighs again as she helps Luo Binghe rise up to her feet. “Why do you have to learn how to fight anyway? I’m guessing Shen Qingqiu does not even know why you’re here.”
“This servant.. wants to protect her mistress.” Luo Binghe answers in a soft voice, still hiccuping slowly. “I caused a lot of trouble for mistress.. if anything would ever happen to mistress.. I..”
“Chen family?” Liu Mingyan clicks her tongue in understanding. Seeing Luo Binghe’s nods she appears to be deep in thoughts, unconsciously takes out a brush from hee sleeves and twirls it. “ I see, I see. Hum, that does sound interesting. Yes, that’s something that hasn’t crossed my mind yet.”
Interesting? Just as Luo Binghe wonders what that means, Liu Mingyan returns her attention back to her. “Do you really want to be taught only by my elder brother or would you like to train under a different martial arts master that might suit you?”
“Ah?” Luo Binghe blinks, still dazed from the sudden change of topic. “This servant.. doesn’t dare to impose..”
“It’s not imposing.” Liu Mingyan waves her hand lightly. “If this keeps going in this direction, my poor brother would look more and more like a villain. A good sister won’t let her brother get face-slapped in future installments, right?”
She doesn’t understand! She truly doesn’t understand what Liu Mingyan is saying!
……
Seeing that Luo Binghe still intends to hide her training from Shen Qingqiu, Liu Mingyan had agreed to not tell her about today’s meeting at all. The lady had talked with her brother and although Liu Qingge appears to be annoyed he agreed to call an acquaintance of his who’s proficient in hidden weaponries to come and teach Luo Binghe after giving a short and cutting remarks about he doesn’t like such a dishonorable way of fighting.
Luo Binghe doesn’t mind whether it’s dishonorable or not as long as she can protect the mistress that way and only thanked the siblings before she went home. Sneaking through the corridor, Luo Binghe goes to the back of the kitchen and washes her body from dirt and grime before changing to her servant clothes. The sun is already set, the dinner had probably finished, she should apologize to the mistress for not being able to cook her favorite meal.
Luo Binghe decides she would prepare for tomorrow’s breakfast and goes to the kitchen when she bumps into the mistress on the kitchen threshold. As soon the mistress’s scent invades her lung, Luo Binghe couldn’t help but tear up again. All the tension from today suddenly surges forth, the desire to cling to the mistress and being soothed causes her to uncontrollably tremble in wants.
Shen Qingqiu who only went to find snacks in the kitchen is surprised to see the protagonist suddenly appear with a wretched expression. What happened? Did that brute Liu bullied her? Why is her forehead so red? And why is the protagonist’s eyes swollen?!
“Binghe? Binghe, tell this mistress what’s wrong?” Shen Qingqiu takes the shaking girl into her arms. The protagonist hugs her back as tightly, burying her face on Shen Qingqiu’s chest.
“No.. mistress.. this servant is alright.” Who would believe that! Shen Qingqiu carded the protagonist’s silky hair through her fingers, stroking her back as if calming a frightened animal. “This servant will work harder from now on! Mistress shouldn’t need to worry anymore!”
That’s the spirit! But what happened eh? Did Luo Binghe triggered rivals to lovers storyline with Liu Qingge?
“Then the mistress could only try to support you, hm?” The protagonist’s body is really tense in her hold, such stiff back! Which reminds her about the conversation with consort De the other day, those heavenly melons’s weight does seem to give a substantial strain to one’s back! “Binghe seems tired, the mistress will help you to relax a bit.”
Luo Binghe obediently follows her back to her chamber, clinging like a baby koala. Shen Qingqiu ignores Ming Fan’s gaping mouth as they passed her and goes straight to her room.
“Binghe, take off your outer robe.” Shen Qingqiu says after they’re seated on the corner of her bed. “This mistress will help you relieve your fatigue.”
:> ?!?!!
Eh
Eh?
EH?!?!
“Mi-mi-mi-mistress?!?!” Luo Binghe sputters out in shock, jumping out from the bed. “ Mistress?! This servant wouldn’t dare!!”
“Why are you acting like that? We’re both women, why are you acting so shy? Do you think this mistress is some ruffian?” Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but feel hurt at Luo Binghe’s reaction. Only when she sees Shen Qingqiu’s disappointment Luo Binghe scuttles back shyly. “This mistress heard from consort De back muscles stiffness can hurt. Come here, let this mistress help relieve your burden!”
Shen Qingqiu ignores Luo Binghe’s sputtering and pulls her to the bed. The girl is really tense! Shen Qingqiu works her way massage Luo Binghe’s stiff back, feeling the tightness of the girl’s muscles. Aiyoo.. she must have worked too hard.. what did she do all day? Surely studying won’t strain one’s muscle like this? Did Liu brute made her do housework?
“Binghe, you should relax a bit, you’re so tense.” Shen Qingqiu works her way to loosen the knotted muscles on her disciple’s back, feeling the skin underneath the fabric of her clothes. The girl is strangely quiet, her usual cheerful chirps whenever Shen Qingqiu indulges her is nowhere to be heard. “You don’t have to push yourself too hard, depend more on your mistress hm?”
Only then Luo Binghe finally relaxes a bit, turning her face towards Shen Qingqiu with teary eyes. “This servant is fine. Mistress doesn’t need to worry.” She speaks in a soft voice.
“How could this mistress not feel worried?” Shen Qingqiu taps her forehead lightly. “Seeing Binghe running herself ragged everyday, of course this mistress would be worried!”
Luo Binghe freezes at the admonishment. Although she had expected to be scolded by the mistress experiencing it firsthand truly makes her very distressed! But.. for the sake of keeping the mistress safe…. she, she would do anything! She can’t stop now! Clenching her fist, Luo Binghe hardened her resolution.
“Binghe?” Shen Qingqiu’s voice breaks her from her thoughts. Embarassed, Luo Binghe merely nods, still not wanting to meet Shen Qingqiu’s eyes. “Binghe, it’s okay to act spoiled to this mistress hm? You’re still young, this mistress will protect you.”
Breath hitched, Luo Binghe’s tears welled up on her eyes as she shakes her head, trying to keep her voice from wavering. “Mistress.. this servant has an impossible dream.”
Shen Qingqiu frowns at that. What impossible, surely nothing will be impossible for the protagonist? Momentarily forgetting the manners befitting of a lady, Shen Qingqiu huffed loudly. “If it’s Binghe this mistress is sure that you’ll achieve anything you want.”
Is this about Liu Qingge being an aristocrat while Luo Binghe is merely a commoner? Bah! In this dogblood novel, such trivial matters won’t matter for the almighty protagonist! Besides, Shen Qingqiu knows the hack author had prepared tons of plot twists to boost the protagonist’s OP-ness, the protagonist’s future basically secured for good!
“There’s no need for Binghe to feel inferior from anyone.” Shen Qingqiu runs her fingers through the curls of Luo Binghe’s hair, feeling the girl shiver slightly under her touch. “This mistress knows best what a wonderful woman you will be. There’s no need to worry at all. All Binghe need to do is trust me, alright?”
“Nn..” The girl leans into Shen Qingqiu’s touch, sighing contendly. “This servant will work harder..”
That’s not what I meant! Shen Qingqiu really doesn’t know what to do with this overly hard-working protagonist! This novel is not even a BDSM novel to begin with! There’s no reason for the protagonist to get beaten up everyday like this! Shen Qingqiu really want to shake this girl awake!
“Binghe.. do you really need to do.. all this?” Wooing such a brute doesn’t seem like a good investment no matter how you look at it! “Do you really want this?”
“This servant is sorry ..” Seeing Shen Qingqiu’s disapproving look, Luo Binghe’s eyes turn downcast. “This servant need to do this, beg the mistress's understanding.”
“Why are you apologizing?” Shen Qingqiu lightly whacks her on the shoulder in exasperation. Whatever! If she wants it then she wants it! It’s not like Shen Qingqiu understand dogblood novel’s logic! Besides, doesn’t mean Luo Binghe will only end up with Liu Qingge, there are far more suitable men that will join her harem later. Hopefully the girl will open her horizon once the testosterone smorgasbord is completely gathered under her feet! “This mistress will support whatever you choose to do. But Binghe should also take care of herself well!”
At that remark, Luo Binghe begin to tear up once more, lunging at Shen Qingqiu embrace and stays that way until Shen Qingqiu realized that she had fallen asleep. With a sigh, Shen Qingqiu disentangle herself from the lovesick octopus of a protagonist and carefully tuck her under the blanket.
Now, the protagonist had made her move, shouldn’t Shen Qingqiu also begin her preparation? Taking the night lantern with her, Shen Qingqiu walks towards her study.
In the original story, the protagonist had to walk a bitter path before she obtained all the glory and the harem DLC. After the original goods exposed her identity, not only did the protagonist lost her mother, she also humiliated and had to experience hell on earth and pulled into palace intrigue and got bullied by a lot of people while the male leads only swoop in at the very end after the damage was done. Fashionably late like the tuxedo mask at best or contributing to the bullying to give the readers the weeping beauty scenes at worst. Of course Shen Qingqiu would rather her cute Binghe skip those kind of tasteless scenes!
Shen Qingqiu swiftly wrote a short letter and hid that on the pile of her business papers. With the Shen family influence, she managed to build a small but a well connected trade company. Aside for gathering funds for her escape, she guessed she would need it to enable her to do stuff like this discreetly. Ah, who knows assisting the protagonist can be really troublesome.
……….
The next three years went by peacefully. Under the tutelage of the concealed weapon master, Luo Binghe improved leaps and bounds, even managed to scratch the young master Liu once! Not only that, Shen Qingqiu also encouraged her to write and win more competition, making the name Luo Binghe become quite renowned in the capital even though no one truly saw the face of the famed beauty. Like a peony, Luo Binghe blossomed into a fine young women, making Ming Fan’s woe get worse each passing day. She could only curse every single deity out there!
The spring after Luo Binghe almost finished her studies in the academy, Gongyi Xiao went and took the imperial exam and passed with stellar grades. He still doesn’t understand why his good ‘brother’ refused to take the test with him but decided not to hound him with questions. Unlike Gongyi Xiao who have a bright future as a junior official in the ministry of revenue, Luo Binghe couldn’t help but dread the day of her graduation. Will her mother’s employer call her back to the village, not allowing her to show her face in the capital anymore to protect their deception? Will she have to part with the mistress?
No! Luo Binghe doesn’t want any of that! Even like this, no matter how hard she try, will she stay powerless forever? She couldn’t leave her mother and betray her, but to part with the mistress.. Luo Binghe feels like a thousand needles pierces her heart only from thinking about that!
Compared to Luo Binghe’s fretting and gloomy mood, the mistress remains calm and as still as the lake's surface, only occasionally consoling Luo Binghe. And she wants to believe everything will be alright, that nothing will change and she could continue to live in this fragile bliss.
Until one day an imperial summon came for her.
Luo Binghe is still in the Liu Mansion, just finishing her training with the master when a group of imperial guards suddenly appear. Even Liu siblings who're lounging nearby look shocked at their arrival.
“Miss Luo.” Luo Binghe’s blood freezes at the address. The leader of the guards wastes no time to announce their mission. “Young mistress Shen told us we will find you here. Your presence is requested in the palace right now.”
“Barging into someone’s place.” LiuQingge approaches the guards with a puzzled look. “Who are you looking for in my Liu estate?”
“Young master Liu, please do not try to hinder the imperial decree” The leader cuts him, his eyes not leaving Luo Binghe. Is this the famed beauty? Not only does she look quite dirty, she’s also dressed shabbily in a man’s attire. “That being said, young master Liu, your presence is also required at the palace, please prepare accordingly.”
“Explain it first!” Liu Qingge lost his patience and shook the guard’s hand off Luo Binghe. Switching his attention to the pale faced youth, a bad omen starts to appear in his head. “You, you’re ‘Luo Binghe’?”
Luo Binghe flinches at the biting tone of Liu Qingge’s voice, not daring to look up. What use is denying if the emperor already found out? They went to mistress’s place? Did they also took mistress to the palace? Did the mistress tell them about her secret? Or was it Ming Fan and the others?
“Did Shen Qingqiu send you?” Liu Qingge presses forward, his tone gradually become colder. “Is that woman planning something?”
Luo Binghe who’s previously frozen from fear suddenly snapped at the mention of Shen Qingqiu’s name. “No! Mistress didn’t! She wouldn’t..” Wouldn’t what? Even Luo Binghe doesn’t understand what’s going on right now. What is going to happen? Where’s mistress?
“Brother, don’t act like such a brute in front of a lady.” Liu Mingyan gracefully approaches them, as calm as usual. She turns towards the guards and bows gracefully. “Esteemed sirs, as you can see maiden Luo’s attire might be unsuited to be worn in the palace. If it’s not a problem, Mingyan will ask my servants to clean her up quickly.”
“Mingyan, you-“ Liu Qingge’s eyes almost bulged at the sight of her sister whisking away the still dazed Luo Binghe. He holds back his words on time before he accidentally said something that will bring them more trouble. Looks like his family’s rascal already knows about this?
True to her words, Liu Mingyan’s servants worked quickly. Not long after, Luo Binghe already changed into a simple yet elegant attire is unmistakably a young beauty with impeccable manners. The guards motions at her to follow them before Liu Mingyan stopped them.
“Hold on.” She sternly addressed them, glancing at the flustered captain of the guard. “Are you guys going to make a young, unmarried lady walk across the city?”
“She was pretending to be a man, she should be expected to be treated like one!” A soldier leered, making Luo Binghe trembles trying to hold back her anger.
“We can just use our carriage.” Liu Qingge offhandedly suggests, oblivious to the guards’ stunned reaction. Even the usually put together Liu Mingyan looks shocked at the suggestion before composing herself.
I forgot how bad he is in social etiquette. Liu Mingyan holds back her urges to massage her temples. However with the guards clearly wanting to humiliate little Luo, it’s not like they have another option. Damn that Shen Qingqiu, what is she doing? She can’t just barge into the palace to watch! What is happening exactly!
In the end the guards conceded and let Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe follow them using the Liu family’s carriage from behind instead of riding along with them. One of the younger guards couldn’t help but keep glancing as Liu Qingge helped Luo Binghe to get on the carriage. From their position however, they couldn’t see Luo Binghe’s wooden and frigid expression and Liu Qingge’s glare at the girl.
They were only tasked to bring in the elusive young lady and the young marshall and given no details at all. However, the ones with more active imagination started to think up of every possible scenario for even the emperor to summon a commoner girl. And it’s a girl who disguised herself as a scholar nevertheless! And what about young marshall Liu? They seemed to be quite intimate? Isn’t Young marshall Liu lady Shen’s fiancé?
When they arrived at the palace, Liu Mingyan’s worries isn’t unfounded. Immediately tongue starts to wag as soon as they see the young girl summoned by the emperor to come out from Liu family’s carriage along with young marshall Liu! So it was true, Shen Qingqiu’s young disciple snatched her fiancé from her! How scandalous!
“Young marshall Liu, please follow us.” One of the guard standing near the dragon steps approaches Liu Qingge. “Your presence is required by the emperor by the request of your fiancée.”
Liu Qingge’s scowl goes deeper. Sure enough it’s that troublesome woman. He had thought that she’s been somewhat low profile and quiet these years, but he was too careless! That Shen Qingqiu is truly nothing but trouble!
Behind him Luo Binghe hesitantly followed him before she’s stopped by another guard. “Maiden, please follow me, the emperor told you to wait.”
Wait? What is happening? Is Liu Qingge called for a different matter? Luo Binghe’s head is swirling in anxiety as she enters the lavish court for the first time in her life. But even the grandeur of the jade hall couldn’t distract her from the looming danger it poses. Her breath almost stops when she sees Shen Qingqiu standing stiffly in front of the throne. However, the moment their eyes met, none of the usual warmth is present from the mistress’s eyes, only unreadable chasm.
“Subject Shen, it seems that you said the truth.” The emperor says as he lay his eyes on Luo Binghe’s figure. In front of him, Shen Qingqiu’s expression is deathly still, betraying nothing. Luo Binghe wants nothing but to run to her side and beg for an answer, a reassurance. She only wants to go back home with mistress, for this to be just a bad dream. And yet, the emperor’s next words breaks all her feeble hope. “We shall now decide on the punishment.”