Oops! The Black Lotus Can’t Be a Female Supporting Character

CHAPTER 41

“Alright!”

Xiao Yanfei answered before she even realized it, caught off guard by that dangerously charming voice.

It wasn’t until after she nodded that it hit her—she had just taken on another task… again. A wave of regret surged up.

Sigh—

She let out a quiet breath, but her heart still bubbled with a kind of soft, sweet delight.

Outside, the sharp cry of a hawk pierced the sky. In the courtyard, a few startled sparrows scattered in a flurry of wings, leaving behind drifting tufts of grey feathers.

Gu Feichi leaned on the windowsill, gazing outward. Xiao Yanfei followed his gaze. Up in the sky streaked with glowing sunset hues, a snow-white hawk soared in wide, graceful circles above the courtyard, exuding the proud majesty of a ruler surveying his realm.

So cool! Xiao Yanfei stared, completely transfixed.

When the hawk finally landed atop a tree, her eyes sparkled. “Is it yours?”

Gu Feichi smiled and nodded. “I’ll bring it next time so you can play with it.”

Yes yes yes! Xiao Yanfei nodded like a little woodpecker, then turned back to admire the dazzling bird.

“I’ll be off now,” Gu Feichi said as he rose to his feet. With ease and agility, he vaulted back out the window like a hawk taking flight.

Just as he landed lightly on the ground, he paused and casually added, “There’s a rough maid in your courtyard named Zhiqiu—the one who sweeps the walkways. She knows a bit of martial arts.”

“If anything happens, just give her your orders.”

As he spoke, his expression turned slightly… odd.

Xiao Yanfei blinked once, then again, slower this time—her mind flipping quickly through her memory until she placed the name Zhiqiu.

That maid had only recently appeared in her courtyard.

So… right after what happened at the Sutra Library of Xilin Temple, Gu Feichi had immediately placed someone in the marquis’s estate to keep an eye on her?

Just to make sure she wouldn’t let anything slip?

If she had dared breathe a word to anyone back then, she’d probably be… dead by now.

Fast work, she thought, her eyes narrowing slightly in amusement as she looked at him—like a cat watching a wolf that thought it was being subtle.

The white hawk let out another cry and launched back into the sky, circling once more as if urging Gu Feichi to get moving—What are you still doing here? Let’s go!

He glanced at the bird, cleared his throat, and said, “Alright, I’m really going now.”

This time, he meant it.

With a single leap, he sprang to the top of the high wall, using the branches to boost his momentum. The white hawk swept past him in a flash, brushing his shoulder with its wings as if giving him a light tap of farewell.

Man and hawk—so perfectly in sync, so graceful, proud, and free. Their silhouettes looked like something painted with masterful strokes of ink and wash…

A sight that stirred the heart and sparked the imagination.

Xiao Yanfei narrowed her eyes, unable to suppress the smile spreading across her face.

Bathed in the warm light of dusk, her delicate features glowed with vibrant charm—like a blooming flower in early May, bright and radiant.

Humming happily to herself, she began playing with the little rosewood box Gu Feichi had given her.

War has always burned through silver, she mused. This’ll have to be saved carefully.

She took out another box of roughly the same size, placed the ten thousand taels worth of banknotes the Grand Madam had given her inside, and locked both boxes into the same chest.

After locking the chest, Xiao Yanfei stepped out of the study—only to find the side room completely empty.

She kept walking, calling out as she went, “Haitang, go fetch that maid Zhiqiu—the one who sweeps the courtyard.”

Lifting the curtain as she entered the main hall, she finally saw Haitang and Dingxiang standing stiffly by the side.

“I’ll go right away, miss,” Haitang said with a strained expression, bowed quickly, and hurried off.

Xiao Yanfei’s eyes narrowed slightly—only then did she notice that Zhu momo had somehow seated herself in the armchair just off to the side, casually sipping tea from a blue-and-white porcelain cup.

Zhu momo slowly lifted her eyes and looked Xiao Yanfei up and down with a critical, almost condescending gaze.

From the slightly worn embroidered shoes on her feet, to the light moon-white gown embroidered with jade hairpins, to the small pearl earrings dangling from her ears, and finally—her half-tied, half-loose hair.

Zhu momo’s brow furrowed sharply as she launched straight into reprimand:

“Second Miss Xiao, how can you appear outside your chambers in such a disheveled state? This is completely improper!”

“Times are different now. You used to be just a marquis’s illegitimate daughter—whatever lapses you had, you alone bore the shame. But from today on, you represent the Duke of Weiguo’s household. You represent the young lord Gu. There must be no more mistakes!”

Her tone was firm and imposing, every word dressed in righteous decorum.

Disheveled? Xiao Yanfei glanced down at herself. Her collar and robes were neatly arranged, not a hint of exposed skin—what part of this was “indecent”?

Zhu momo, mistaking her silence for shame, pressed on, voice even sharper:

“Lord Gu is the legitimate heir of the Duke of Weiguo, nephew to the late Empress herself. He’s destined to inherit the dukedom—a man of immense status. If he is the cloud in the heavens, you are the mud on the ground. For him to marry a mere illegitimate girl like you is a great act of humility on his part!”

“You don’t deserve him—so all the more, you must guard your words and actions, discipline yourself, and never step out of line. Do you understand?!”

“Being granted entry into the Duke’s household is a blessing from His Majesty and the Empress. You must remember to be grateful!”

“Don’t blame me for being blunt, Miss Xiao. I’m only saying this for your own good!”

Each word was sharp as a blade, cutting deep—not because she shouted, but because of how skillfully she laced every sentence with contempt under the guise of concern. Though seated, and speaking from below, it somehow felt like she was towering above Xiao Yanfei, looking down from on high.

Xiao Yanfei: “…”

As she listened, her thoughts began to drift.

Zhu momo’s technique was far too familiar—undermine your worth with constant belittling, crush your confidence, drown you in shame… all while insisting it was for your benefit.

Wasn’t this just textbook emotional manipulation?

Each sentence hit like a hammer to the heart. Someone less steady might have genuinely started to doubt themselves—to wonder if they truly were that unworthy, that lacking.

These so-called imperial governesses really were masters of “discipline,” weren’t they?

Interesting…

Xiao Yanfei gave a soft, subtle smile.

Seeing that Xiao Yanfei remained silent, Zhu momo assumed she’d rendered her speechless. The corners of her lips curled as she continued smugly:

“Since Her Majesty the Empress has instructed me to teach you proper conduct, you must be obedient and learn from me. Otherwise, when you marry into the Duke’s household, you won’t live up to the title of the Young Madam, and others will look down on you.”

“I’m only doing this for your own good…”

“I understand,” Xiao Yanfei interrupted sweetly, nodding with a docile smile. “Every word from you is pure wisdom, momo.”

“Just now, your guidance was like a divine revelation—I feel utterly enlightened. With you here to advise and instruct me, I finally feel at ease.”

She smiled with perfect grace and gentleness, appearing meek and impressionable, looking up at Zhu momo as if she were her guiding light—her expression practically worshipful.

Zhu momo flared her nostrils slightly, thrown off by the unexpected submission. She had come prepared with a full lecture’s worth of scolding, but now she didn’t quite know how to proceed. She hadn’t expected the girl to be so… obedient, or to show her such exaggerated respect.

What was she supposed to say now?

Xiao Yanfei’s smile grew even softer as she added, “Momo, you must be tired today, no?”

She was rather tired. Zhu momo had been summoned out of the palace by imperial order and had kept herself tense and composed all day. Fatigue was definitely setting in.

Thoughtfully, Xiao Yanfei offered, “Why don’t you rest early? It wouldn’t do for you to wear yourself out.”

“Second Miss Xiao, how considerate of you,” Zhu momo praised absentmindedly, straightening her back as her pride inflated. Well, there’s no rush—tomorrow is just as good to begin her training. These lowborn girls really are as spineless as they come. Always so servile and submissive… Her Majesty worries too much.

With that, Zhu momo rose and began walking out of the hall.

“Take care, momo,” Xiao Yanfei said offhandedly behind her, polite but completely indifferent.

Zhu momo left, chin high, chest puffed out, leaving as though she’d just secured a grand victory.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yanfei turned to the pale-green-robed maid standing just outside the doorway and waved her over with a smile. “Zhiqiu?”

She looked her up and down with interest.

The girl was small and delicate, with a plain servant’s bun tied with a simple green ribbon. She wore no jewelry, and at first glance, looked no different from any other low-ranking maid. Entirely forgettable.

“I am,” Zhiqiu replied, bowing with quick grace. Her movements were efficient and neat—far too crisp for a simple housemaid. There was a sharpness to her demeanor that most servants didn’t possess.

Xiao Yanfei tilted her head toward the retreating figure of Zhu momo and said, smiling, “Go lock the door behind her, would you?”

“…?” Zhiqiu blinked, stunned. Her lips parted slightly in surprise.

Xiao Yanfei, perfectly serious, continued, “Zhu momo has graciously descended from the palace to grace our humble marquis residence with her presence. What hard work that must’ve been! I, being a thoughtful and considerate person, think she should rest well indoors. No need to wander about and tire herself further.”

“But then again, Zhu momo strikes me as the kind who never rests—so locking her in might be the best way to ensure she does. For her own good, of course. Don’t you think?”

Zhiqiu’s brows arched in amusement.

She had been fuming earlier as Zhu momo stood there, high and mighty, berating her mistress without restraint. Who does she think she is, daring to talk to our future Young Madam like that?!

Earlier, her fists had itched with the urge to act. She had even considered sneaking into the side room at midnight to teach that insufferable Zhu momo a lesson. After all, the Duke’s household had no shortage of shadow guards skilled in leaving no trace.

But now, meeting Xiao Yanfei’s sly, knowing gaze, the fire in Zhiqiu’s chest dissipated like smoke. Her eyes blazed with renewed purpose.

She nearly clasped her hands into a salute out of habit, but at the last moment, shifted into a maid’s curtsy. “Yes, miss.”

“You’re absolutely right.”

Zhiqiu slipped away soundlessly in pursuit of Zhu momo, moving like a ghost—there, yet almost not.

Above, the setting sun had nearly vanished, leaving only the last streak of deep crimson staining the horizon. Everything it touched was cast in a dim, oppressive yellow. The thick layers of clouds hung low and heavy, pressing down on the courtyard like a silent threat.

Haitang and Dingxiang exchanged a glance, then looked at Zhiqiu’s disappearing figure before turning toward Xiao Yanfei again, expressions uneasy and uncertain.

Xiao Yanfei remained composed and unhurried. “The imperial decree has been issued—I will marry into the Duke’s household. That much is beyond dispute.”

She paused, then added casually, “So the question is—will you come with me as my personal maids, or stay here and guard an empty courtyard?”

The two girls immediately straightened, a hush falling over them.

For personal maids like them, the best path forward after their mistress’s marriage was to follow her into her new home. If fortunate, they would eventually be matched with a trusted steward of the Duke’s household and rise to the status of a senior servant.

The two glanced toward the busy courtyard, where the rougher maids and older attendants bustled about.

It wasn’t just about the two of them. Every girl and woman in this courtyard faced the same fate. If they weren’t chosen to accompany their mistress, they would be left behind, tending an empty yard—or worse, reassigned to hard labor. Their lives would go on just like the countless older, worn-out servants in the marquis’ estate—yelled at, pushed around, and forgotten.

Xiao Yanfei smiled faintly. “I can take you all with me.”

Haitang and Dingxiang exchanged another glance, thoughtful.

Xiao Yanfei’s gaze shifted toward the rest of the courtyard. Calmly, she said, “Go ask them—whether they’d rather stay here, or come with me.”

The roof above her cast a deep shadow over her delicate face, splitting it cleanly down the middle—one side luminous and fair as jade, the other hidden in darkness. Her eyes, caught in that divide, shone like polished gems—bright, sharp, and resolute.

Her words left no room for ambiguity.

She would take people with her—but only those who listened.

“Yes, miss,” Haitang and Dingxiang answered in unison, curtsying respectfully before lowering their heads and quietly stepping away to carry out her orders.

The two maids brushed past Zhiqiu, unable to stop themselves from sneaking a glance at her brisk, confident stride—each suddenly feeling a pang of insecurity about their own positions.

Zhiqiu, light on her feet, reached the stone steps beneath the eaves and cheerfully curtsied to Xiao Yanfei. “Miss, it’s done.”

“As soon as Zhu momo went inside, I quietly locked the main door with a big bronze lock. I also secured all the windows around the room.”

She raised a hand and made a locking gesture, her grin bright and mischievous.

“Beautifully done,” Xiao Yanfei replied with a pleased smile, the corners of her eyes flicking toward Haitang and Dingxiang nearby.

The two were gathering all the maids and older attendants in the courtyard, whispering quietly among themselves. A few of them cast furtive glances toward Xiao Yanfei—only to shrink back the moment she met their eyes.

Xiao Yanfei pressed her lips into a smile.

She had known that locking up Zhu momo would stir things up, so it was crucial that everyone in the courtyard remained obedient.

And to ensure obedience, they needed to clearly understand the stakes.

Now, it was up to them to decide which side they wanted to be on.

She turned her attention back to Zhiqiu, asking with a smile, “Which Zhiqiu is it?”

Zhiqiu beamed. “The ‘Zhiqiu’ from the saying ‘one leaf falls and autumn is known.’” Her dimples appeared as she smiled, adding a lively charm to her otherwise quiet features.

“From now on, you’ll serve in my quarters,” Xiao Yanfei said.

Without hesitation, Zhiqiu curtsied.

Since the young master had placed her under the future young madam’s care, she naturally belonged to Xiao Yanfei from now on.

Xiao Yanfei understood as well—after what she’d said yesterday, and with Xiao Luanfei already making a move to meet with Concubine Cui, the latter would surely take action soon.

And since Xiao Yanfei considered herself someone who valued her life, starting the very next day, she kept Zhiqiu close at all times—even when heading to the main residence to oversee household affairs.

She hadn’t expected the duties of managing a household to be this tedious—it was practically like running a major company, filled with endless trivial tasks.

Still, she had come to ancient times. These were things she had to learn.

After all, she had survived five years of medical school and three years of clinical residency training—what couldn’t she handle?

With her spirits high, she entered the main hall—and left with a splitting headache. She even made a quick trip to Wancaotang to ask Dr. Han to begin preparing Angong Niuhuang Pills based on the prescription she’d written earlier.

Although Xiao Yanfei remembered the full prescription and key steps of the pill-making process, this type of traditional medicine—especially when prepared as pills—was extremely delicate. Even the slightest error in technique could drastically reduce its effectiveness.

For something this specialized, it was naturally best left to seasoned professionals with decades of experience.

After stepping down from the carriage at the outer gate, Xiao Yanfei had planned to return to Moonrise Studio for a nap. But before she could get far, she was caught red-handed by two boys.

“Second Sister!” Xiao Ye came bouncing up to her, his cheeks rosy like ripe apples. He raised the small bow in his hand and shook it proudly. “Look, look!”

“This bow was custom-made for me by someone Mother hired! My brother and I each got one. We just picked them up from the shop today—what do you think?”

The brand-new horn bow gleamed faintly in the sunlight.

Not far behind, Xiao Zhuo stepped down gracefully from another carriage, dressed in flowing violet robes.

At just ten years old, Xiao Zhuo already had the refined looks of a young noble—rosy lips, white teeth, elegant features. He stood quietly, posture as straight as a bamboo stalk, watching Xiao Yanfei from about five or six paces away.

He too held a bow in his hand, though he said nothing.

Xiao Yanfei cast a faint glance at Xiao Zhuo.

He was born of Concubine Cui—the eldest illegitimate son of Marquis Wu’an, Xiao Yan.

The original host of this body didn’t have much memory of this younger brother. From what she could recall, Concubine Cui had always seemed wary of letting the siblings grow close. After the original Xiao Yanfei returned from the countryside estate, their relationship had grown even more distant.

Meeting Xiao Ye’s bright-eyed smile, Xiao Yanfei raised a hand to high-five the little guy and praised, “Impressive!”

Xiao Ye beamed with joy. “Second Sister, let’s go try out the bows at the training ground!”

Before she could respond, he grabbed her sleeve and began pulling her toward the martial practice yard on the east side of the marquis’s residence.

Xiao Zhuo followed quietly behind them, maintaining a respectful distance of three or four steps, like a silent shadow.

Along the way, Xiao Ye chattered non-stop: “Second Sister, this bow is amazing! The bowyer made it especially for me, based on my size and strength.”

“Look, the bow body is made of horn, and the string is from rhino sinew!”

“This shop is the best bowyer in the capital! It took two whole months to finish this!”

His eyes sparkled as he gently pulled back on the bowstring, which vibrated and gave off a deep, resonant hum.

Before long, the three of them arrived at the martial practice ground.

The training yard was quiet and still. Two weapon racks stood along the west side, holding swords, spears with red tassels, long halberds, and meteor hammers. A neat row of archery targets lined the northern wall, and only one young servant was stationed nearby to keep watch.

“Second Sister, look! Watch me!” Xiao Ye called out excitedly.

Xiao Ye grabbed a feathered arrow, walked confidently up to a target fifty paces away, then began nocking the arrow, drawing the bow, aiming—then loosed it.

His movements were practiced and precise, carrying a dash of youthful flair. It was clear he’d been training for some time.

Whoosh!

The arrow shot from the string and hit the fifty-pace target dead-on, making it tremble with the impact.

Though it didn’t strike the bullseye, it landed just an inch away.

“Bullseye!” Xiao Ye cheered, bouncing in place with his small bow in hand. Grinning ear to ear, he boasted, “Aren’t I amazing?”

“I’ve only been learning for three months, and even Master Wu says I’ve got talent!”

“Impressive!” Xiao Yanfei applauded enthusiastically, completely playing along.

She genuinely thought Xiao Ye was impressive. The kid wasn’t even seven yet. At that age, she had still been in kindergarten playing with building blocks.

Satisfied, Xiao Ye turned to call out to Xiao Zhuo in the distance. “Second Brother, come try your bow too!”

“Alright,” Xiao Zhuo replied with a faint smile—warm and gentle, like a breeze in spring. Just standing there, the handsome young boy looked like a portrait brought to life.

He took an arrow from the quiver and walked up to stand beside Xiao Ye.

His bow, custom-made to fit him, was slightly larger than Xiao Ye’s but still a size smaller than an adult’s. It fit perfectly in his hands.

Facing the target, he nocked the arrow and drew the bow in one smooth, practiced motion—far more fluid than Xiao Ye’s. In the blink of an eye, the arrow shot out like a meteor.

It hit the bullseye at fifty paces.

“Nice shot!” Xiao Ye clapped with genuine excitement. Turning to Xiao Yanfei, he added proudly, “Second Brother’s amazing—he can hit targets from a hundred paces away!”

With one hand pulling Xiao Zhuo and the other tugging on Xiao Yanfei, Xiao Ye led them to the hundred-pace mark. Then he eagerly handed Xiao Zhuo another arrow. “Go on, Second Brother, show her!”

Xiao Zhuo took the arrow and casually began to nock it again. As he moved, he glanced sideways at Xiao Yanfei.

“Second Sister,” he said with a soft, polite smile. His dark eyes were deep and unreadable. And then, almost as if by accident, the arrowhead in his hand angled ever so slightly toward Xiao Yanfei.

“Why have you been ignoring concubine mother lately?”

“She’s cared for you since you were little. She worries about you more than anyone. Why would you break her heart like this—why make her cry for you every day?”

“Concubine mother’s been crying in secret.”

Xiao Zhuo slowly drew his bowstring, bit by bit, the taut string letting out a soft twang as it stretched. The arrowhead still pointed squarely at Xiao Yanfei. Then, at the very moment the bow reached full draw—he abruptly turned and released the arrow.

Whoosh!

The arrow flew with a sharper whistle than before, its speed and force slicing through the air. It struck the target a hundred paces away, grazing the edge of the bullseye.

Xiao Zhuo slowly turned his head to look at Xiao Yanfei again. Backlit by the waning sunlight, his handsome, still boyish features were shrouded in shadow, but his deep black eyes stood out, sharp and unreadable.

He repeated his question, slower this time: “Why have you been ignoring concubine mother lately?”

It wasn’t just a question—it was an accusation, laced with quiet menace.

And yet, the boy still wore that soft, seemingly gentle smile—calm and composed like a breeze on a moonlit night.

***