Chapter 013: The Falling Flowers Hold Affection

The next morning, before the rooster crowed, I was already up. For me, there was only one thing to say: my update speed far surpasses other sites, and there are fewer ads. I had changed into the maid’s attire of the General’s residence and styled my hair into a maid’s bun. To hide my features as much as possible, I deliberately let a few strands of hair fall loosely and wore no makeup, trying to make myself look as plain as possible.

If I could, I would have smeared some mud on my face. In fact, I really did dig up some earth, mixed it with water, and felt it was like the mud masks from my previous life. But the dark, murky paste looked so ugly on my face that I just couldn’t bring myself to use it.

Sometimes, it’s quite troublesome to go from beautiful to ugly—doesn’t that sound like a statement begging for a slap?

Late Spring came over and, upon seeing me, burst into laughter.

I said, “If you can’t hold it in, just laugh. Get it out of your system before you leave, so the General doesn’t find you annoying.”

She didn’t hold back at all, throwing her head back and laughing until she clutched her stomach.

Fine, this maid’s bun really did make me look a bit foolish.

Passing through the garden, Late Spring couldn’t stand it anymore. She picked a peony and tucked it into my hair, covering up the messy twists and turns of my poorly done hairstyle.

She said it looked much better this way, then took my hand and led me off.

As a princess, few people had ever come so close to me, apart from Mother and Ah-Fu. The way she ran in short, quick steps reminded me of Ah-Fu, the silly girl who’d grown up with me. I wondered how she was now. She always had a warm heart, but never much sense.

Without Ah-Fu, I’d felt out of sorts for a long time.

Habit is terrifying—it gives you something to rely on, and when it’s gone, the emptiness is overwhelming.

I lifted my skirts and followed after her.

Yun Heng had neither a wife nor concubines. His life was simple, which made things easier for us maids.

When Late Spring and I reached his quarters, he wasn’t there; his young attendant said he’d gone to practice swordsmanship.

Who would have thought—a man who looked so much like a scholar was actually a general, and a diligent one at that, up so early to practice swords.

Late Spring prepared water for washing his face, so I went to make his bed.

I was a bit sluggish and not particularly willing. As I was tugging at the quilt, a voice sounded behind me.

...

“My quilt hasn’t offended you, has it? If you pull at it any harder, what will I sleep under tonight?”

Without thinking, I blurted, “Surely a mansion as big as the General’s residence doesn’t lack for a single quilt...”

It was only after I spoke that I realized something was off. I spun around abruptly.

Bang—I crashed into a solid wall of flesh.

“G—General...” I hadn’t expected him to appear. Damn, would he hold this against me?

“General,” Late Spring said, handing Yun Heng a handkerchief.

His forehead was beaded with sweat. He took the handkerchief and wiped his face.

That simple handkerchief saved me from my predicament. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Late Spring blushing, head lowered, occasionally sneaking glances at Yun Heng.

Ah, another maid has fallen for her master.

But Yun Heng seemed only interested in his handkerchief...

“Mufan.”

“I’m here, sir.”

“There’s a banquet at the Crown Prince’s residence today. You’ll come with me.”

“I’m just a new maid, I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend to you properly.” What a joke—the Crown Prince’s residence is the kind of place where a single misstep could cost your head.

Absolutely not, I thought.

“A maid’s duty is to obey her master’s orders unconditionally. Or would you rather stay here and make beds for everyone in the residence?”

“Fine, I’ll go...”

“Prepare yourself.” Yun Heng left those words behind as he departed for court.

I’d actually been threatened. Wasn’t I just a maid—what was there to prepare?

Of course, I didn’t miss the fleeting disappointment in Late Spring’s eyes. It seemed the flower fell with intention, but the flowing water was indifferent. Who could say whether it was her blossom that was too small, or Yun Heng’s current too swift.