Chapter 011: The Exquisite Young Maid

Even clad in coarse linen, I could not conceal the noble bearing that marked me as a princess, nor the beauty that once inspired pride but now made me the center of unwanted attention. Possessing extraordinary gifts always attracts envy; the innocent suffer for their treasures.

Yun Heng had somehow learned of my harrowing ordeal with the frightened horse and knew that I had been rescued by a man. He sent word that he would visit me that evening.

I asked Wan Chun and learned that rumors were spreading through the streets: a handsome noble had saved a stunningly beautiful maid. The tale was that the young gentleman was almost too perfect, and the maid too breathtaking. Now, in Yuehua, every man was trying to discover which household had such a maid, eager to claim her first, while every woman was asking who the young gentleman might be, and whether he had yet taken a wife or concubine.

Hearing this, I nearly spat out my tea, drenching Wan Chun’s clothes in the process. How could such a trivial event cause such a commotion?

Once again, Li Yexuan’s face flashed before my mind. Why did those eyes seem so familiar to me?

Given Yun Heng’s abilities as a general, he would surely discover that the famed maid was none other than myself. I grew anxious, pacing in circles, only to realize the futility of my worry; even if he knew, I had no idea who Li Yexuan really was.

As night fell, I pretended to sit in my room, sipping tea, but in truth, I was waiting for Yun Heng’s arrival. I could not decide where to wait for him; I was not his concubine, yet he had sent word that he would come in the evening. This was surely done to provoke suspicion—today even the kitchen matron looked at me differently.

It was as if a phoenix had risen from the chicken coop, and not even in their own coop but next door, so they basked in reflected glory. Their glances made me clutch my meal and hurry away, and a maid chased after me, peppering me with questions about how I managed to attract such a handsome man.

Footsteps sounded outside, and Yun Heng entered, still dressed in white, looking travel-worn.

“General,” I greeted him, bowing low as befitted my status as a maid.

“Rise,” he replied.

He did not spare me a second glance, but went straight to the main seat. I quickly feigned attentiveness, bustling to pour him tea.

“I have heard about the incident with the horse. Are you well?” He drained his cup and set it on the table, a silent command for me to refill it.

“I am unhurt,” I replied, pouring another cup.

“From now on, take Wan Chun with you when you go out. If you do not mind this humble general’s household, you may stay and serve as a maid.” He spoke slowly, and I thought I must have misheard him.

Was he serious? The general wanted me to remain here as a maid.

I’d heard of beauties being asked to stay, but why must I serve as a maid?

“Your identity is unusual. If someone with ill intent were to discover you, it would implicate me as well. It would be better to say you are a country girl I rescued, who now serves as a maid here,” he explained, seeing the confusion in my eyes; his gaze never left me.

Feeling awkward, I could only nod slightly.

“I had hoped for this, yet dared not trouble the general, fearing I might bring him harm. Now that you grant me this, I am deeply grateful,” I said, forced to speak sweetly though I cursed him inwardly: Damn Yun Heng, rotten Yun Heng, can’t you let me be anything but a maid…

Then he smiled, and—my curses died on my lips.