A Willing Mistake, My Lady – Chapter 57

County Princess Qingyang

“Just one touch, alright?”

Carrying their lanterns, the two of them didn’t take long to retrieve the flower plaque that had caught on the branches. It was easy enough to find where it had dropped in the courtyard, though they had to search inch by inch with the light of the lanterns in the dark.

            

This minor interlude didn’t dampen their spirits, but Jiang Chenyu’s hands moved much faster. Taking scarcely half a ke¹, she styled the other’s hair into cloud-like temples². It wasn’t overly complex, just styled to suit the festive occasion, yet the moment she pinned the fresh flower in place, it was just as breathtaking.

A single large peony adorned the hair, while a garland of flowers hung around her neck. Together with the reclaimed flower plaque, the festive atmosphere was instantly complete.

“Wait a moment, it’s almost done. I’ll go get the silver mirror for you.” Only a forehead ornament was left before her masterpiece was complete.

            

Picking up the lip rouge, she used the tip of a brush to dot a plum blossom on her forehead, then held up the silver mirror for her to see.

Though the view in the night was somewhat hazy, she was a natural beauty; no matter how she dressed, she could never look anything but stunning.

This was the first time Shen Hetang had seen herself in women’s clothing. Her features were striking, but her temperament was still a bit cold—likely a deeply ingrained habit. Still, she possessed an exquisite physical vessel, and she had never once doubted her own looks.

            

Yes, a very unfamiliar feeling.

“Our Ah Tang is truly a beauty!” Jiang Chenyu praised her without holding back.

“As long as you like it.” Jiang Chenyu was a lover who was not only easy on the eyes but also knew exactly how to provide emotional validation.

            

Pulling Shen Hetang along, she solemnly plucked all the petals from the flowers and scattered them into the bottom of an incense burner. Over them, she lit an incense seal³. As if performing a simple ritual, she chanted the blessings she had heard from the Flower Goddess, her posture pious and respectful.

Seeing how earnest she was, Shen Hetang also offered up a silent prayer of her own.

Beneath the fine night and beautiful scenery, shadows seemed to sway back and forth upon the fluttering bed curtains, their suggestive forms stirring up wild flights of fancy.

            

With her long hair disheveled over her chest and her breathing ragged, Jiang Chenyu’s entire body swayed violently, like a flower branch battered by a torrential storm.

Yet her skin was even more tender than an unopened petal, and she slid backward, barely able to endure it. But with the crook of her thighs held firmly in the other’s hands, any small attempts at escape were utterly futile, only earning her twice the friction in return.

Under the bright glow of the candles, her skin flushed a delicate pink all over, looking soft, tender, and incredibly beautiful.

            

Perhaps out of parching thirst, she lightly flicked her tongue to lick her upper lip. But in the next second, an intense tingling washed over her, continuing relentlessly as if refusing to give her a single moment of rest.

Searing heat constantly radiated from her core, threatening to consume her entirely.

Rising in the middle of the night to relieve herself, Chuntao thought she saw the lights still burning in her young mistress’s room. Out of habit, she decided to walk over to see if there were any instructions.

            

Just as she reached the door, she heard her young mistress whimpering from within. The sound was soft and intermittent, yet it carried such a pitiful, tender note that it made one’s heart itch just to hear it.

Could she have had a spat with the young master and suffered some grievance? Did the young master lay a hand on her?

Should she listen closer? She could faintly hear another low voice, but it was very weak and indistinct, sounding as though it were floating on the air.

            

Within a few breaths, as if struck by lightning straight through her skull, she realized what was happening. Could the young mistress and the young master be consummating their marriage⁴?

With her face burning bright red, she tiptoed away. Heavens above, she had been so foolish! Hear no evil, see no evil.

She couldn’t blame herself; it was all their fault. At first, they had lived like celibate monks with absolutely no activity, so this sudden, sultry intimacy had caught her completely off guard.

            

She really had to run. She was terrified of being caught standing at the door. It was too embarrassing—an unmarried young woman like her actually eavesdropping on her young mistress’s private bedroom affairs… Ahhh!

Jiang Chenyu’s eyes, shimmering like autumn pools, were filled with rippling waves of affection. She cast a reproachful look at the person before her, her gaze lingering on a waist devoid of any excess fat—firm, smooth, and powerful.

“Ah Tang… no…” she whispered, offering a soft protest.

            

But Shen Hetang, who had only just unlocked this new world today, was in no mood to listen to her. Naturally, she would only let go when the time was right.

Jiang Chenyu felt as though her bones no longer belonged to her. When another wave of pleasure hit, she actually bit down on the ankle within her reach.

Fine beads of sweat dampened her hair, sticking it untidily to her lovely skin—disheveled, yet beautiful.

            

Sigh, she shouldn’t have teased her. Truly, it was easy to invite a god, but hard to send them away!

Shen Hetang’s blood was also boiling. Using a ribbon, she casually bound her long hair low behind her back, letting it sway gently with her movements.

Only when the flood had fully overflowed did she finally let go.

            

Due to her jet lag, she had been behaving herself for quite some time. Yet before sleep, Jiang Chenyu had squirmed against her like a slippery loach, lighting fires all over her.

“Let me touch, just once,” Jiang Chenyu had purred into her ear like a kitten, rubbing against her.

Unable to win against her persistence, Shen Hetang had no choice but to surrender.

            

Jiang Chenyu’s small hands wandered restlessly, and she began to copy her, kissing her way down from her collarbones.

After a long while, Shen Hetang could no longer lie still. She recalled a description she had once read in a yamen case file, which detailed an affair between a noble lady and her female head steward.

Just thinking about it made the tips of her ears burn hot, but she still pulled Jiang Chenyu over to try it. Truly, the ancients did not lie.

            

Meanwhile, Wu Daoyuan, who had discovered this world-shattering secret, was also unable to sleep. He still wondered if his eyes had played tricks on him, yet he felt that this was his golden opportunity to make a comeback—one he absolutely could not afford to miss.

Ever since Wu Manor had been hit with one wave of misfortune after another, he had privately wondered if he had offended someone who was deliberately targeting him.

But he couldn’t think of any rivals in the business world; he was poor at management and didn’t attract anyone’s envy, so there was no reason for someone to spare no effort to drive him to ruin.

            

Thinking it over, the Jiang Manor, which had aided Li Qingmei, was the most suspicious. Yet he didn’t believe Jiang Chenyu had the ability to make him lose everything.

Her husband was merely a bailiff, with no connections in the business world, and certainly lacked such capabilities. Who on earth could it be?

Last night when he went to the latrine, he had accidentally caught sight of a light on the other side. Peering through a small gap that let light through, he had actually discovered Shen Hetang wearing a skirt with her hair loose, looking exactly like a young woman without any awkwardness.

            

His first reaction was that his eyes were playing tricks on him. He looked carefully twice more to confirm it was indeed him. At first, he hadn’t suspected he was a woman, assuming it was some sort of bedroom play between husband and wife. But the more he thought about it, the more off it seemed. Though his expression was cold, his features really didn’t look like those of a man.

Over the following days, he constantly spied on the movements of the neighboring manor. He felt that he had absolutely caught Jiang Chenyu’s weak spot this time; she would definitely fork over her money, and furthermore… Hahaha… she could forget about escaping his grasp either.

Ever since he learned that she had secretly helped that wretched girl Li Qingmei find a backer, a wicked fire had burned inside him with nowhere to vent. He would settle this score with Jiang Chenyu sooner or later.

            

If he hadn’t been too busy trying to keep his own head above water, he would have targeted her long ago. Now, it had truly fallen into his lap without any effort.

Lately, Wu Daoyuan had focused all his attention on spying; now that Wu Manor was quiet and desolate, he had nothing else to do.

Meanwhile, Jiang Manor welcomed two guests: a pair of healthy, robust-looking girls. The older one was named Cuiwan, and the younger was Cuidie.

            

Jiang Chenyu looked at the two girls standing straight as ramrods before her, her heart filled with doubt.

Shen Hetang hadn’t returned yet. Since these two girls said they were here to find their master, they could only be servants from Shen Manor. But did the maids of wealthy families usually have such healthy complexions and spirited energy?

Was she simply ill-informed?

            

Seeing fellow servants, Chuntao greeted them warmly, offering fruits and tea cakes. The sisters were natural and unreserved, eating and drinking as they pleased.

Jiang Chenyu thought to herself, They truly are maids from a general’s manor. They are so unrestrained; they even have the air of martial heroes.

Within the span of a few cups of tea, Chuntao had managed to dig up the sisters’ entire family history, as formidable as ever.

            

When Shen Hetang returned to Jiang Manor in the evening, she met the two of them. It had been so long since they last met that she had almost forgotten what they looked like.

Upon seeing their master, the ‘Bowl and Plate’ sisters were clearly thrilled. When they heard they were here to act as bodyguards, they grew even more excited, insisting on showing off their skills on the spot. Fortunately, Shen Hetang stopped them, saving the actual bowls and plates in the room.

Of course, their martial skills had to be tested, but the courtyard was too small to display them properly. Besides, how could she leave without making proper arrangements here?

            

Eventually, the time came when she had to speak. That night, Shen Hetang gripped Jiang Chenyu’s fingers tightly, still feeling a trace of nervousness.

“I’ll likely have to go back first, Chenyu. The Heir’s Wife wrote to say that the situation in the capital is tense. If I take you back with me, I fear you’ll be in danger.” After thinking it over repeatedly, she still hadn’t known how to phrase it. She remembered promising she wouldn’t leave her, and now she was about to break her word.

Jiang Chenyu had sensed this lately but hadn’t wanted to dwell on it. Now that the words were out, her suspended heart actually settled.

            

Yet she still spun around in shock to look at her. “Ah Tang, are you leaving?”

In truth, she also wanted to ask: When would she come back? Would she even return? Would she take her along? Was there someone waiting for her in the capital?

But she didn’t want to say too much, nor did she want to hear the answers, fearing she would hear something she couldn’t bear.

            

“Yes, within the next two days.” Shen Hetang’s voice was clear, her tone soft and slow.

Jiang Chenyu froze as if turned to stone. Was she really leaving so soon? Suddenly, she turned and began hitting her, tears spilling uncontrollably like a string-severed kite.

“I hate you, I hate you so much. Why didn’t you just wait until you reached the capital to tell me?” Pressing herself against the front of Shen Hetang’s robe, she soaked a large patch of the fabric with her tears.

            

“Don’t cry. Once I resolve the issues, I’ll come back to fetch you. Taking you along right now is simply too risky; I wouldn’t dare.” She didn’t know how to tell her that the Dowager Empress had her eyes on her.

“Ahhh… sniff… I’m not listening, I don’t want to hear any of it! I don’t want you to leave! Sob…” Jiang Chenyu cried, shaking her head wildly, sobbing so hard she could barely catch her breath.

Looking at her flushed face and tear-streaked eyes, Shen Hetang sat straight up, pulling her into her arms and gently patting her back to soothe her.

            

“The Dowager Empress has arranged a marriage for me. Of course, I won’t agree to it. But during my resistance, if she discovers your existence, you’ll be in great danger. I absolutely cannot let you face any risk.” No matter how difficult it was to say, she had to confess; it was far better than her hearing rumors later.

“An imperial marriage? Then what will you do?” Upon hearing about the imperial decree, she stopped crying. Shen Hetang naturally couldn’t agree—she was biologically a woman, so what could she do?

Her first thought was for Shen Hetang’s safety, rather than blindly throwing a tantrum and losing her reason.

            

“Don’t worry. The Heir’s Wife will help me when the time comes. I’ll be fine, and I won’t marry anyone else. I can only belong to you.” She held her close, doing her utmost to comfort her.

“Hmph, human hearts are fickle. Who knows if you’ll change your mind after all this time!” Jiang Chenyu complained, her voice thick with a nasal congestion from crying.

“I am a woman, so of course I won’t marry anyone else, nor will there be any concubines or chambermaids in my life. Rest assured.” She felt that her romantic path was destined to end right here.

            

But rather than reassuring her, these words only made Jiang Chenyu’s tears fall again. Sobbing, she said, “How can you say you can’t marry? You can still marry! You… you… can still spend a passionate spring night with someone else.”

Remembering how the two of them had been together tonight, her heart lost its confidence once more.

Oh no, this is going to be impossible to explain.

            

“No, absolutely not. Whenever I look at anyone else, I’m completely blind.”

“Hmph… hehe!” Jiang Chenyu let out a breathless, watery laugh.

Now that she had cried and made a fuss, she knew Shen Hetang wouldn’t easily be with anyone else, whether due to her identity or her feelings. Yet the separation still hurt like having a piece of her flesh torn away.

            

Under the cover of night, the magnificent imperial palace exuded majesty and solemnity from every tile and inch of its walls.

A crescent moon hung on the corner of the eaves. Inside a luxurious bedchamber, a silver-haired woman reclined leisurely on a daybed. Two lovely palace maids stood beside her, one massaging her shoulders and the other kneading her hands.

Kneeling not far away was a woman of outstanding beauty and striking temperament.

            

With slightly narrow phoenix eyes, crescent-moon undereye ridges⁵, a high-bridged nose, and distinct dimples when she spoke or smiled, she showed not a trace of subservience even in her kneeling posture, still looking elegant, spoiled, and noble.

“This grieving widow is giving you one last chance. If you still stubbornly refuse to repent, do not blame me if I send a length of white silk to Wanxiang Pavilion and have that bitch strangled to death.” The Dowager Empress’s complexion was ruddy, and her every movement combined ease with domineering authority, making it impossible to tell she was already sixty years of age.

“Imperial Grandmother, your granddaughter has not had any contact with her for a very long time now, so please do not be angry. After all, she did me a kindness once. Let us not talk of strangling her at every turn; your granddaughter does not wish to be an ungrateful wretch.” County Princess Qingyang, Zhao Lanyin, knelt below the daybed, her voice carrying a sweet, coaxing tone. Though she smiled warmly, her fingers beneath her sleeves were clawing tightly at the ground.

            

“Hmph! Do not think that just because I dote on you, you can forget your place. Even if she once did you a kindness, since she has already fallen into the dusty world of pleasure, she should not be associating with someone of your noble standing. Does she not even understand this basic truth?” The Dowager Empress’s irritation began to show as she spoke.

“But she is, after all, my royal father’s adoptive daughter. Having fallen into a brothel, I should not just stand by and watch.” County Princess Qingyang sat askew on her prayer mat, murmuring her defense.

“Whether she has a good life from now on depends entirely on whether you can marry General Shen. Do not say your grandmother does not care for you. I have looked at over twenty young men for you, and in terms of looks and capability, the Little General easily takes the crown. If I had not spoken to the Emperor first, you might not have even landed this highly sought-after prize!” Having talked for so long, the Dowager Empress grew tired and leaned back against her medicinal pillow.

            

A dark glint flashed through Qingyang’s eyes, and her lips twitched with resentment, but she still said, “Your granddaughter will certainly obey Imperial Grandmother’s arrangements. I will cultivate mutual affection with the Little General and achieve a fruitful marriage.” County Princess Qingyang spoke listlessly, lacking any real energy.

“Hmph, as long as you understand. Go back and dress yourself up a bit; do not wear black clothes all day, it looks so dull. The husband I chose for you naturally will not treat you poorly. His family background is simple and suits you perfectly. Shen Manor does not even have a single concubine or chambermaid—where else could you find such a fine husband?” In truth, the Dowager Empress had her own concerns; she simply didn’t voice them openly.

“Understood. Your granddaughter will definitely be obedient and go meet the Little General soon.” Qingyang was playing idly with the gold thread on her cuff.

            

“You only need to know that I will not harm you. If you have any other designs, you had better discard them as soon as possible. The royal family cannot afford a scandal—do you understand?” At this point, the Dowager Empress stared severely at the County Princess.

“Yes, yes, yes. Your granddaughter remembers. Grandmother, please put your mind at ease,” the County Princess quickly agreed.

“Very well, run along now. Do not stay here and irritate this grieving widow. I have already explained the matter to the Emperor, and he is letting you accompany the party to bring General Shen back. Pack your things and set off; do not disappoint this grieving widow.” The Dowager Empress was truly worrying herself sick over her junior.

            

“Ah? Oh! I see. I shall go back and prepare right away.” She rose, curtsied, and withdrew.

Seeing her granddaughter depart, the old Dowager Empress lay down directly on the spacious daybed as the maids continued to gently knead her muscles.

Walking alone along the long covered corridor, County Princess Qingyang’s dark, gold-woven, high-collared robe fluttered in the wind, its golden patterns shimmering under the light. The lanterns hanging in the corridor cast her shadow long and thin, making her look solitary and despondent.

            

At the tail end of the eighth month, autumn had already begun to make its presence felt. In the modest open space, the three-way fight was exceptionally thrilling.

With a longsword in Cuiwan’s hands and a scimitar in Cuidie’s tight grip, the two of them fought fiercely against Shen Hetang, who wielded a simple bamboo staff.

Both girls were excellent prospects for martial arts. The mere mention of a duel made their eyes light up. Perhaps because they had spent too long sweeping floors under Madam Shen, they seemed completely re-energized the moment they held their weapons. They took turns attacking, giving Shen Hetang no opportunity to rest, before finally joining forces to attack together.

            

Their attacks were fierce, their movements agile, and their lower stances solid—the fruits of rigorous, solid training. Though their skills had found no use while serving Madam Shen, the two of them had always practiced secretly together in private.

While their martial prowess might not have been peerless, it was certainly no mere show. It was more than enough to protect a young mistress.

Sitting on a stone bench nearby, Jiang Chenyu rested her chin in her hands and watched with her head tilted, unable to take her eyes off them.

            

In her eyes, there was room only for her Ah Tang. She felt that every movement Ah Tang made traced beautiful arcs in the air, resembling an elegant and weightless dance.

Relaxed yet flowing like water, every strike was efficient and filled with offensive power.

The dust kicked up by the three of them, the fallen leaves, and their fluttering robes mingled together, making it impossible to tell them apart. The two girls fought with growing vigor, refusing to admit defeat.

            

Looking at the two of them, who seemed as though they had been pumped full of chicken blood⁶, she directly used her bamboo staff to disarm both of them. She didn’t know whether such high enthusiasm for fighting was a good or bad thing. Still, she had to treat a dead horse as if it were alive—there was no one else available right now anyway.

“Alright, alright, stop fighting. I still have other things to attend to!” After a while, Shen Hetang had no desire to continue acting as their sparring partner. She made an excuse to go out—though, of course, she did have matters to handle.

Now that things were arranged here, she also had to go to the yamen to smooth things over. Otherwise, if she wasn’t around and Jiang Chenyu ran into any trouble, there would at least be people at the yamen to look out for her.

            

Seeing their master speak, the two of them finally stopped. They stood respectfully to the side, breathing slightly hard with flushed faces, clearly having enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

Jiang Chenyu brought over a handkerchief to wipe away the dust for her, her luminous peach-blossom eyes gazing at her affectionately, looking more enchanting and moving than ever.

Perhaps because she knew Ah Tang was leaving soon, she didn’t want to waste a single second; she followed her step for step wherever she went.

            

But in secret, she still prepared silver notes for her. She had nothing else, only silver notes. Although such notes might not be useful in places where powerful nobles held sway, money could make the devil turn the millstone—and even the lowliest imp had to be bribed.

When Shen Hetang learned that the other had sewn 100,000 taels of silver notes into her clothes, her eyes widened in shock. Believing Jiang Chenyu had given her her entire life savings, she quickly tried to return them. She was merely going home, not embarking on some long journey; there was no need to observe the custom of frugality at home but wealth on the road⁷.

Crucially, this was far too much, likely Jiang Chenyu’s entire fortune. How could she accept this?

            

“Keep it for yourself. With me not at home, you have to support a whole household on your own. It’s better for you to keep it.” Shen Hetang stuffed the silver notes back.

“Whether you’re here or not, I’m the one supporting this family. If I give it to you, take it. Once you accept my money, you’re mine. If you dare to stray, you’ll have to pay me back a hundredfold.” Jiang Chenyu was unyielding.

Shen Hetang hadn’t expected this to be a high-interest loan. Her eyes curved into crescents as she laughed, radiating an effortless, rakish charm.

            

“I’ll just take this one note. Keep the rest safe. I’m going back to my family, after all; if I run out of money, I’ll just ask Madam Shen.” Reaching out, she pulled her into her embrace, gently kneading her slender waist.

“Hmph… I count as Madam Shen too! Just take these silver notes, I still have plenty more.” Jiang Chenyu’s voice was sweet, and she grew a little embarrassed as she spoke, resting her head against her shoulder and giggling.

“Yes, you’re absolutely right. You’re also Madam Shen.” She slowly tightened her arms around her waist, holding her close.

            

After some back-and-forth, they both compromised, and she ended up pocketing a massive sum of fifty thousand taels. Even when commanding troops in battle, Shen Hetang had never been so well-off. She suddenly realized she might have hit the jackpot with a little wealthy lady.

“When I’m not here, don’t mistreat yourself. If anyone bullies you, just send the Bowl and Plate sisters to beat them up. I’ll take responsibility for whatever happens.” Though she had found maids capable of protecting her, she was still worried others would covet her.

Sigh, she still needed to resolve the matter of the County Princess as soon as possible. Yet she didn’t even know where to begin. It was truly a headache.

            

“Mhm, don’t worry, I can take care of myself,” she replied, her mood subdued.

Her mood was like the weather outside—the change of seasons, where spring gave way to autumn’s chill, was about to take her Ah Tang away. She hated the current weather.

Shen Hetang hadn’t wanted anyone to come fetch her, but who could have expected the people sent by the Emperor to arrive so quickly!

            

For the past two days, she hadn’t gone to the yamen, using her rest day as an excuse.

As for later, she would send someone to notify the yamen.

A troop of men arrived at the gate, numbering over twenty. Despite their low-profile attire, Shen Hetang could still discern their identities—they were likely the Brocade Guard.

            

She wasn’t a criminal, so did they really need to use the Brocade Guard to escort her?

However, the woman leading them wore a black, gold-woven robe with broad sleeves, adorned with large, golden-embroidered camellias. It was flashy and dazzling, mirroring her personal temperament.

Shen Hetang quietly sized up this unfamiliar woman. She felt the girl’s hairstyle was exceptionally distinctive—featuring a princess-cut fringe and a half-tied high ponytail. She was only missing a samurai’s katana.

            

“Are you General Shen? This one is County Princess Qingyang, Zhao Lanyin. I have been specially commanded by His Majesty to escort General Shen back to the capital.” County Princess Qingyang’s voice was just like her person—luxurious and willful.

“Greetings, County Princess Qingyang. How could this lower official deserve such an honor as to have Your Highness personally make this trip? It is truly my fault.” Shen Hetang bowed slightly as she spoke, her demeanor normal—neither distant nor overly eager.

“General Shen, there is no need for such pleasantries. The Dowager Empress wishes for us to join in marriage, so she has sent me here to cultivate our relationship.” This County Princess Qingyang was exceptionally bold; she hadn’t spoken more than two sentences before directly stating her business.

            

Shen Hetang’s temples throbbed in response. The two of them were talking in the courtyard, with only two guards standing beside them.

Just then, Jiang Chenyu returned from outside. Thinking of cooking a delicious meal for Ah Tang before her departure, she had specially gone with Chuntao to pick out some freshly slaughtered beef from the Wang Family Meat Shop down the street.

Beef was hard to come by; she had been waiting for almost three days for this.

            

But the moment she entered the gate, she saw a troop of armed men stationed at the entrance, and inside the courtyard, a beautiful woman was speaking with her.

“Ah Tang? Who is this?” Seeing the unfamiliar, sword-bearing guards, Jiang Chenyu felt a little timid.

“This is County Princess Qingyang. I will be returning with her in a few days.” Shen Hetang’s voice was completely level, but her fingers clenched in nervousness. She secretly watched Jiang Chenyu’s reaction out of the corner of her eye, not daring to make it too obvious.

            

Hearing that she was County Princess Qingyang, Jiang Chenyu was momentarily dazed. Was this the wife the Dowager Empress had bestowed upon Ah Tang? Turning to look at the unique-looking woman, a wave of bitterness welled up in her heart.

“Impudent! Why do you not kneel upon seeing the County Princess?” the guard behind the princess barked, taking a step forward with a fierce glare.

Shen Hetang raised her eyes slightly, casting a sharp, piercing glare at the guard. Just as she was about to say something, the County Princess spoke up with a smile.

            

“Ah, it is fine. I am no man-eating tiger; why frighten such a little beauty?” Even in her lazy tone, County Princess Qingyang carried an air of arrogance.

“However, this beauty’s eyes are so lovely. I like them! Why not pluck them out so I can make a doll with them?” County Princess Qingyang laughed sweetly, the dimples on her face making her look even more innocent. Her slow, deliberate tone left one entirely unable to tell whether she was joking or in dead earnest.

---