Chapter 432: A tender heart severs itself from the gentleman (2/2)

Looking greatly wronged, Su Xiaoyu nevertheless exhaled mentally. From Zhao mama’s words, she could gauge that the woman remained ignorant to her true intentions. She left, leaving Zhao mama to wait in front of Baili Mingxiang’s door. Zhao mama had been planning to go in and help out, but held herself in check when she recalled Baili Mingxiang’s expression.

However, she ended up waiting for two hours. If not for the constant hustle and bustle noises issuing from within the room, Zhao mama would’ve assumed that Baili Mingxiang fainted away long ago. Around dinnertime, Han Yunxi emerged from her study as well and asked, “What are you doing?”

Zhao mama replied honestly, “Esteemed wangfei, this servant estimates that she won’t be able to finish.”

“If she can’t even manage to clean her own room, then there’s no need to leave her here,” Han Yunxi raised her voice before going off to eat.

Inside the room, Baili Mingxiang heard it all clearly and chuckled to herself before fighting on bravely. It wasn’t until late night that she finally finished organizing. Her fair and delicate fingers were red and swollen from the unfamiliar work, and she felt both sore and hungry. Both her waist and back ached. Still, what was this compare to the agony of her poisons flaring up in the past?

Baili Mingxiang straightened her appearance before leaving the room, only to see Han Yunxi leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, standing next to Zhao mama who held a piping hot tray of food in her arms. It was clear that mistress and servant were both awaiting her arrival. She had assumed they’d gone to bed already.

Warmth flooded her heart. Baili Mingxiang was about to speak when Han Yunxi lazily straightened up and drawled, “Perfect, let’s have a midnight snack together.”

Baili Mingxiang gradually laughed before bowing. “Yes. Many thanks to esteemed wangfei.”

—

The first thing next morning saw Baili Mingxiang at attendance in the study.

Han Yunxi grinned. “You get up even earlier than little Yu’er.” In this house, Su Xiaoyu used to wake up the earliest, even beating Zhao mama to the role.

“Good morning, esteemed wangfei,” Baili Mingxiang bowed. She had been maintaining her courtesy and etiquette ever since yesterday.

Han Yunxi was planning to go to the study, but changed her mind and said, “Let’s have tea in the courtyard. It’s been awhile since I’ve drank one of your personal brews.”

Baili Mingxiang’s tea ceremony rites were first rate. From using the tools, to choosing the water, setting the fire, boiling and adding the tea, her movements were as smooth as floating clouds and flowing water, elegant yet sedate. While drinking her tea, Han Yunxi began to explain her plans for her jewelry to Baili Mingxiang. Although Baili Mingxiang was no good at cleaning, she was quite strong in other subjects.

She took care of the tea as she listened to Han Yunxi speak. Despite splitting her attention between two different things, the tea still came out perfectly without a single drop on the table. Han Yunxi’s explanation was completely understandable to her as well, saving the former any need to elaborate.

When Su Xiaoyu got up and saw them in the courtyard, she immediately stopped walking. Well, well, esteemed wangfei’s finally enjoying her tea after so long? Her gaze lingered on the little stove before they flashed with smug delight. Looks like I’ll have to get up even earlier tomorrow.

After sitting there for a little over an hour, Han Yunxi had finished explaining all the details. She next took Baili Mingxiang with her to the study. A few days ago, she’d already divided up the jewelry into different categories and placed them in separate drawers. Now was the time to apply poisons to each type. She boldly left Baili Mingxiang in charge of some simple steps in the process, which the woman picked up after some practice. Soon enough, she was adept enough to do all the steps without a bit of error.

Lil Thing sprawled on the ceiling rafters as it stared at Baili Mingxiang’s every move and action. After watching for a while, it came to a conclusion: this woman was really smart! A good assistant like that could save Mama Yunxi lots of work.

Compared to Su Xiaoyu and Zhao mama, Baili Mingxiang was much more quiet. Aside from answering Han Yunxi’s questions, she wouldn’t talk much. Instead, she preferred to finish her work in silence. Still, curiosity got the best of her by the afternoon.

“Esteemed wangfei,” Baili Mingxiang couldn’t resist asking, “Although using expensive jewelry like this is an effective way to disguise the poisons, it still seems like a waste.”

“They’re all gifts from His Highness. I don’t have the money to spare for such extravagance,” Han Yunxi had to admit.

Baili Mingxiang’s heart quivered slightly as she found out the truth. In a voice of disbelief, she murmured, “His Highness, he…”

“He’s lazy. Too lazy to help me pick something out, so he gave me an entire box so I could choose the ones I like,” Han Yunxi joked.

“Then esteemed wangfei, why didn’t you return the rest?” Baili Mingxiang asked with interest.

Han Yunxi gave a start before she realized Baili Mingxiang was joking as well. She laughed as said, “Unfortunately, I like them all!”

Baili Mingxiang smiled as well. “Esteemed wangfei, if His Highness really was lazy, he’d be too lazy to get you anything in the first place. His Highness is doting on you.”

Han Yunxi knew well enough, but after some thought replied, “Say, what do you think I should give him back?”

After getting so many things from Long Feiye, she felt like gifting him in return. But aside from tea, she had no idea what he liked.

1. tender heart (茗心) – mingxin, another play on words. The ming (茗) in “tender heart” is the same character found in Baili Mingxiang (百里茗香), so “mingxin” can both mean “tender heart” or “Mingxiang’s heart.”