Chapter Twenty-Eight: So-called Maidservants

Cuihua shivered as she listened, a sense of unease creeping into her heart. Something was wrong.

Ah, yes. "My princess's thing"—that was how the Princess referred to General Qin. It was as if he were merely an object, a cherished possession. There was no trace of respect, let alone the warmth of a lover. It felt less like a man she was desperately pursuing and more like a toy she had yet to claim.

For once, Qin Jinghao paused his calligraphy, setting aside his brush to glance at Luo Yunyao.

Luo Yunyao was slumped over the table in low spirits, her eyes fixed on his writing, though her thoughts were clearly elsewhere. She remained lost in her own world, completely unaware of his gaze.

Sighing inwardly, Qin Jinghao set his brush upon the inkstone, sat down, and poured himself a cup of tea. "What happened?" he asked.

Following the case of the Minister of State, the court remained in turmoil, but for two individuals who maintained a neutral stance, life was relatively calm. They were mere spectators to the unfolding drama, and there was truly nothing that should have caused Luo Yunyao to look so dejected.

Luo Yunyao cast a listless glance at Qin Jinghao as he sipped his tea. For once, she didn't comment on his failure to pour her a cup, replying languidly, "I’ve fallen out of favor."

Qin Jinghao’s hand faltered. He tilted his head, a faint amusement in his eyes. "Is it really that tragic just because I practiced calligraphy for a while without paying you any mind?"

One takes on the habits of those they associate with; under Luo Yunyao's influence, Qin Jinghao’s talent for teasing had grown significantly.

Rarely, Luo Yunyao didn't ignore or retort to his jest. Instead, she mustered a bit of energy, propped up her head, and said with exaggerated grief, "Qingzhu doesn't want me anymore! Ah!" She put on a pitiful expression, as if she were about to burst into tears.

Qin Jinghao’s hand, holding the teacup, froze. He looked at her in disbelief.

But then, Luo Yunyao’s lips curled into a bright, mischievous smile. She met his eyes with a giggle, took a sip of tea, and continued, "If *you* dared to ignore me..." She leaned in close, her eyes twinkling, until she was inches from his lips, her warm breath brushing against him. She paused. "Then... well, breaking up would be too easy on you. I’d have you chopped into pieces."

Despite the viciousness of the words, there was a profound depth to them. Qin Jinghao’s expression remained calm and unruffled. He reached out, cupped her head, and kissed her soft lips.

It was a brief, gentle touch, no more than a light tasting.

He pulled back slightly, his gaze deep as he looked at her. His voice was as pleasant as ever. "I truly wouldn't dare to ignore you again. I have a fierce wife at home, after all." His tone was filled with mock resignation and regret.

Luo Yunyao was successfully amused and generously rewarded him with a kiss.

It was a long, lingering kiss.

Yet, in her heart, she thought, *That’ll teach you to only care about writing.* Of course, the thought lasted only a fleeting second before the General noticed her distraction and gave her soft tongue a playful, punitive nip.

***

Qin Jinghao held her in his arms, his thoughts returning to their unfinished conversation. He remembered his first visit to see Luo Yunyao and the maid who served her; they were indeed close. Now that Luo Yunyao was disguised as a man, there were few women she could truly confide in, which meant this maid named Qingzhu was certainly important.

Taking on the role of a dutiful future husband, Qin Jinghao asked obligingly, "What’s wrong with your maid? Does she have a sweetheart?"

Luo Yunyao was still tucked in his arms, currently feeling shy—a habit she could never quite break. Distracted by his change of topic, she let out a disgruntled, pouty sigh. "If she had a sweetheart, that would be simple. You’d see me tease and torment her to death."

Qin Jinghao imagined how Luo Yunyao would tease Qingzhu and curled his lips, feeling with a clear conscience that it was probably better if Qingzhu didn't have a sweetheart—at least not while she had to deal with her mischievous mistress.

Luo Yunyao continued her whimpering. "But that’s not the problem! That wretch Qingzhu has a new favorite! And it’s another girl! I’m disguised as a man, so I can’t exactly compete for her attention! Besides, knowing her temperament, she wouldn't pay me any mind anyway! Ah!" She collapsed dramatically in his arms, not caring in the least about her image, and ground her teeth. "I shouldn't have been soft-hearted enough to buy that girl in the first place. Truly, I’ve brought this upon myself."

Qin Jinghao listened with amusement, making no attempt to offer advice.

He viewed this as a matter that could be either significant or trivial. Trivial, because perhaps the girl simply felt pity for the maid who had been purchased and was being extra kind to her, while Qingzhu still held Luo Yunyao in the highest regard. Significant, because if Luo Yunyao lost a close confidante, she would surely grow closer to him. Moreover, she likely had no desire to return to the Ministry of War, meaning she would visit the General’s estate more often.

All in all, it was a good thing. The General had already begun to feel a flicker of gratitude toward the maid named Qingzhu.

Pretending to be ignorant of how to handle the situation, he asked softly, "What is the name of this girl you bought?"

Luo Yunyao ground her teeth again and spat out two words: "Gousheng."

Qin Jinghao’s hand trembled slightly; he clearly had strong opinions about such a tacky name. But as a well-bred nobleman, he kept his disapproval to himself.

Luo Yunyao studied his expression carefully, held her breath, and finally burst into a fit of laughter. Once her composure broke, she couldn't stop, giggling uncontrollably.

Qin Jinghao realized he had been teased by the girl in his arms. His expression remained unchanged, but he casually tickled her ribs.

Luo Yunyao surrendered immediately. Laughing, she confessed, "Jintai."

Though Qin Jinghao found no particular logic in that name, it was significantly more credible than her previous choice, so he let it pass.

Luo Yunyao reported the grievances she had encountered at the Ministry of War and the trivial events of her day, taking the opportunity to tease her cool, jade-like lover.

She nestled in his arms, and for a while, silence fell between them. It was a quiet, peaceful moment.

"General, the Princess is here to visit," a soft voice came from behind the door.

Qin Jinghao frowned, a rare look of displeasure crossing his face.

***

Luo Yunyao was naturally unhappy as well, but seeing such an unruffled man show such a reaction brought her a sense of satisfaction. Besides, she felt she should display her magnanimity, so she playfully pushed him. "Go on then. Tend to your unwanted admirer and see if you can keep yourself out of trouble."

Qin Jinghao grabbed her hand and remained silent. He had intended to do as he always did—have his servants turn Princess Yue Liuxi away—but after hearing Luo Yunyao’s words, he changed his mind. He kissed her brow and whispered, "Wait for me."

Knowing him as she did, Luo Yunyao noticed the change in his demeanor and realized he intended to make things clear to Yue Liuxi. For some reason, she felt a pang of reluctance, though she was more concerned about protecting his reputation.

She squeezed his hand tightly. "Be... be gentle."

Qin Jinghao’s expression remained steady as he squeezed her hand back. His grip was warm.

As she watched him walk away, Luo Yunyao thought she might have teased him too much. In this entire world, there was no one more upright and self-respecting than her chosen man.

She turned her attention back to the calligraphy he had just finished. *His handwriting is truly the most beautiful in the world,* she thought. For a man so young, his strokes were remarkably steady—the hallmark of a true master.

"Minister Luo!" A maid suddenly pushed the door open, rushing inside to kneel before her.

Luo Yunyao was startled, but she didn't scold the girl. Instead, she asked gently, "What has happened to make you in such a hurry?"

The maid realized her rudeness and looked guilty, but with no time for pleasantries, she went straight to the point. "The Princess... she came with His Highness the Crown Prince..."

She was panting so hard she couldn't finish her sentence.

Luo Yunyao understood immediately. Crown Prince Xiao Limo must have been traveling incognito. Since he was, he hadn't announced his identity when he arrived with Yue Liuxi. It was unclear how Yue Liuxi had persuaded him to come or why he had agreed, but Luo Yunyao was grateful that Qin Jinghao had changed his mind and gone to greet them. If he had turned them away, he would have been branded with arrogance.

However, the maid had come to warn her. Neither the Crown Prince nor the Princess could know of her relationship with Qin Jinghao, nor could they find her here in his study.

Since Xiao Limo was here, he would likely stay for a while, perhaps even tour the General’s estate to discuss matters. The study was no longer a safe place; if the Prince or the Princess wanted to look around, Qin Jinghao would find it difficult to refuse.

The maid must have been sent by him. Though Luo Yunyao disapproved of the maid's panic, she didn't waste time. She frowned and commanded, "Since your master sent you to warn me, he must have already chosen a hiding spot for me. Take me there."