A Willing Mistake, My Lady – Chapter 14
by Little PandaThinking About the Tiger Skin
Is she some kind of man-eating demoness?
“You’re really something. You didn’t manage to hit the tiger with a single strike, but you managed to hit me instead—and I’m the one who just pulled you out of the tiger’s jaws.” Shen Hetang frowned slightly, looking at him in disbelief, suspecting he had done it on purpose.
“I—I—I aimed wrong. Are you all right?” Seeing that he had accidentally wounded someone, Li Baokui was stunned and a bit awkward.
“What do you think?” Shen Hetang hunched over, clutching her arm. A sharp pain radiated from the wound, burning like fire, but she could tell it wasn’t deep. Still, how could she let this opportunity to gain leverage over him slip away?
The tiger hunt that had put everyone in danger thus came to an end. Though the losses were heavy, it was worth it. She felt some regret for the great tiger, but it had truly been a man-eater, and when in a new place, one had to prioritize human safety above all else.
Seeing that Shen Hetang had been wounded by his mistake, Head Li felt a bit guilty and even asked after his wellbeing a few times on the road back.
The uninjured brothers supported those who were seriously hurt, while the rest carried the tiger as they swayed their way back toward the city.
“Head Li, what will happen to the tiger when we get back?” She had a small selfish motive.
“The tiger meat doesn’t taste good, and it’s poisoned besides. The pelt is damaged too, can’t be used for much. Probably just put on display and then burned,” Head Li said indifferently.
“Head, sell me this tiger skin. I’ll put up twenty taels to treat the brothers to drinks—what do you say?” Right now he felt guilty toward her; this small request shouldn’t be a problem. And since he was the County Magistrate’s brother-in-law, if he agreed, the matter was all but settled.
“If you want it, it’s yours. No need to talk about buying.” Li Baokui indeed answered generously.
“This little brother is new here, and was thinking of treating the brothers to a meal. If you won’t take the silver, the drinks are still happening.”
“Drinks are fine, but you don’t need to pay. I’ll treat you.” After a life-and-death struggle together, Li Baokui seemed to have accepted this young man whose appearance and bearing were so different from the others.
“Head Li is generous. It’s this little brother’s good fortune to work alongside all of you brothers.” And so, chatting and laughing along the way, she had officially joined the ranks of Qingyuan County’s bailiffs.
Shen Hetang had been gone three or four days. These past two days, Jiang Chenyu kept having dreams and couldn’t settle her mind. She only learned later that all the bailiffs had been summoned for the tiger hunt, which made her even more worried.
“Young Miss, Young Master is back!” Chuntao had been going to the gate to check every so often these past two days.
When she saw a slender, straight figure enter the main room, Jiang Chenyu couldn’t suppress the longing she’d felt these past few days. She rushed forward and threw herself at Shen Hetang, catching her completely off guard. A soft, fragrant weight collided with her chest, bringing waves of sweet scent. Her neck was wrapped tight, and that lovely face pressed against her throat like a pampered kitten nuzzling back and forth.
“What took you so long? I’ve been so afraid sleeping alone at night.” She truly had missed him, and feared that the man-eating tiger might have hurt him.
When Chenyu crashed into her, she frowned slightly. Looking down, she saw fresh blood seeping through the bandage on her arm.
“Mm, I’m back now. Why don’t you get down from me first?” She couldn’t match Jiang Chenyu’s enthusiasm.
“No!” She was unhappy. They were married now, but every time she drew close, he always found ways to slip away without a trace. Was she some kind of man-eating demoness?
Though the young woman’s playful pouting was adorable, still…
She gently pushed at Jiang Chenyu’s waist, separating the two of them.
“I’m filthy. I need to go wash.” These past few days outside had been rough—no latrines, so she’d tried not to relieve herself, and her sleep hadn’t been sound either.
Jiang Chenyu reluctantly let go, but in the next moment she noticed the wound on her forearm.
“What happened here? You’re hurt? Why didn’t you say anything?” Seeing the dark red blood seeping through the light gray sleeve, her heart felt suddenly pierced, and her tone grew sharp with alarm.
“A minor wound. It looks frightening, but it’s already been bandaged inside.” Her voice carried its characteristic clarity and gentleness, like a small stream flowing slowly over green stones.
“Did the tiger bite you? Have you applied medicine?” She said tigers were dangerous beasts—of course he’d gotten hurt. For a moment she stared at Shen Hetang’s wound, not knowing what to do.
“Not the tiger. A colleague’s blade caught me by accident. It’s really not serious.” Her eyes had grown wet, so Shen Hetang tried to comfort her.
“Which colleague has such poor aim? Did they bully you? I’ll go settle accounts with them.” She lifted her foot to walk out.
Shen Hetang quickly caught up in two steps, one hand gripping her slender waist, and swung her back around. She spun half a circle in the air before landing in her arms again.
“Where are you going?” She helplessly pressed her palm against the top of Jiang Chenyu’s head.
“To get medicine and rebandage your wound.” She was a bit dazed from spinning half a circle.
“Oh, good.” She’d thought she was actually going to fight someone.
“Of course I need to bandage you first. There’ll be time later to settle other scores.” Jiang Chenyu’s small face went serious.
“Mm, you’re right.” She agreed.
“Take off your clothes, then.” After a short while, she accepted the wound medicine1 and clean cloth from Chuntao.
When Shen Hetang heard she had to take off her clothes, her nerves instantly tightened. Her right hand touched her left finger, looking a bit awkward.
“It’s just my forearm. Rolling up the sleeve is enough.” Her face, pale as cold jade, colored slightly.
Jiang Chenyu assumed he was embarrassed and chose not to tease him further at this moment.
The days grew warmer, the courtyard greener by the day. In the corner behind the house, wild roses climbed everywhere, inside and out, a vast sea of pink blossoms. Whenever she had idle moments, Jiang Chenyu would cut a few flowering branches and place them in a small celadon cup, bringing spring indoors.
Wu Daoyuan, who had been quiet for some time, suddenly sent an old woman to report that he had urgent matters to discuss with Jiang Chenyu and wanted her to come by today. But Shen Hetang wasn’t home during the day, and she wouldn’t set foot in the West Compound alone. She simply replied that she would visit later.
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