Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C022 pt2

Ji Yang tugged at the smooth strands again, his touch measured; it appeared forceful, yet Wushuang felt no pain. It was less a tug and more a playful caress.

He lifted a lock of hair to his nose and inhaled, a gesture that sent a blush creeping across Wushuang's cheeks.

"What are you doing?"

"It smells nice."

Of course it smelled nice; she had always smelled nice. From a young age, Wushuang had been aware of her natural fragrance. Master Qin forbade her from using perfumes or incense; even after sweating in the heat, she never smelled of perspiration, only a faint, delicate aroma.

When Master Qin discovered this, she claimed it was a musky body odor, causing her to question herself for a time. But the scent was undeniable; it couldn't possibly be a musky odor.

This incident taught Wushuang the importance of concealment. She diligently bathed, changed her clothes, and washed her hair, keeping the unusual fragrance subdued. Over time, the matter seemed to be forgotten, until now.

Why "now"?

Because in a past life, Ji Yang had also noticed her inherent fragrance.

Wushuang, however, was no longer concerned with her fragrance. She attempted to negotiate, "Or I could sleep on the floor, right beside the bed?"

Ji Yang scoffed, observing her soft, slightly timid expression.

He couldn't understand her pointless actions—clearly afraid, yet still daring to provoke him. But she looked quite obedient, endearing even.

Like Ji Yang, Wushuang's hair was unbound, her indigo-blue sleeping attire a stark contrast to her usually dark clothing. These somber hues, however, complemented her complexion exquisitely.

Like a porcelain doll.

For some reason, Ji Yang recalled something Fusheng had said earlier.

His fingers traced the strands of her hair upwards, reaching her forehead. Wushuang, fearing his anger, was startled, only to find him mischievously tugging at her hairline.

This time, without the length of her hair to cushion the pull, Wushuang felt the pain.

She dared not complain, only clutching her forehead, tears welling in her eyes.

"Annoying!" He brushed away the stray hairs, scoffing.

Wushuang's anger flared.

Annoying? She had been sleeping peacefully when he startled her, bullied her, and pulled her hair!

"Shave it!" he said, glancing at her sideways.

Despite her resentment, Wushuang felt a surge of panic.

"If I shave it, it'll be bald."

"Bald is better than this. Don't you think it's in your eyes?"

Wushuang knew it obscured her vision, of course. But wasn't it her shield? In her past life, it was a shield for her inferiority; now, it was a shield to hide herself.

But she couldn't say that to him. She chose a roundabout approach: "Actually, I want to grow it out, that's why it's neither long nor short."

Ji Yang scoffed again, but said nothing more. He lowered the hand supporting his head and lay down flat.

Seeing his posture, Wushuang attempted a last stand.

"Truly, I can sleep on the floor," she demurred, "Actually, I snore and grind my teeth while sleeping, and I'm afraid of disturbing you." Knowing he wasn't one to care about worldly propriety, she chose a different approach.

Snoring and teeth grinding?

Ji Yang's interest piqued.

Seeing his silence, Wushuang thought he agreed and was about to get down to sleep on the floor.

At that moment, a voice came from the doorway.

"Miss."

It was Meifang.

Indeed, with so much conversation inside, even if Meifang were deaf, she should have heard it. Wushuang was about to speak when Ji Yang swept his wide sleeves, and the door slammed shut.

"Get lost!"

Standing outside, Meifang, nearly knocked off balance by the door, heard two voices from within.

"Why did you scare her…"

"Annoying!"

"She's my maid, and she's worried about me…"

Meifang thought: Why is Prince Wei here again? Perhaps Miss truly has a relationship with Prince Wei, but he's so fierce, and Miss still speaks up for her.

Unbeknownst to her, her Miss was pathetically cowering, relying entirely on her pitiful appearance and soft voice to dilute her 'audacity'.

Ji Yang pulled her closer and patted her.

"Be obedient, and this Prince will spoil you lots."

Spoil?

Spoil lots?

How to spoil?

Wushuang's face flushed crimson.

Her uncontrollable blush deepened, and her lashes fluttered nervously.

Seeing her cowering yet endearing, Ji Yang couldn't resist pinching her cheek and tugging at her fluttering lashes.

This action caused Wushuang's blush to transform into tears.

He bullied her again, his way of showing affection!

Ji Yang, as if examining a rare curiosity, studied her flushed cheeks, then her eyelashes, before finally losing interest and ceasing his playful torment. He pulled her into his embrace.

"Sleep. Didn't you say you snore and grind your teeth? I'll listen from beside you, and if you wake me, I'll shave your head."

Threatened like that, how could she possibly sleep? Wushuang would be a ghost to fall asleep.

Yet, soon enough, she became a ghost of sleep.

The next morning, Wushuang awoke to find Ji Yang gone.

Were it not for the lingering scent of his unique fragrance on the bedding, Wushuang would have thought it a dream. She learned from Meifang that he had left before dawn.

Gone? Was he so considerate?

In her past life, when he stormed into Duke Zhao's manor, he would never have left unless she begged him to.

But it was better that he left; better than him not leaving at all.

After breakfast, judging the time to be appropriate, Wushuang went to Changqing Hall to pay her respects.

Although the Old Madam was unwell, the morning and evening greetings were non-negotiable. She might not summon you in, but you could not fail to attend. Indeed, after Wushuang arrived, she waited outside for a while before the maid, Liuzhu, emerged to inform her that the Old Madam was still asleep, but appreciated her filial piety and asked her to return.

Waiting to fulfill their filial duties alongside Wushuang were the other young ladies of the manor.

Second Miss Mei Chang, daughter of aunt* He from the eldest branch; Fifth Miss Mei E, daughter of aunt Chen; Fourth Miss Mei Xishuang, and Sixth Miss Mei Yufei, daughters of the Madam Sun from the third branch; and Seventh Miss Mei Xintong, also of the third branch, though she was frail and reportedly suffering from a cough these past few days, hence her absence.

TN: concubine

The Changyang Marquisate boasted seven daughters. Except for the eldest and the ailing seventh, all were waiting in the courtyard until word came from within, before returning to their respective quarters.

Wushuang usually had little interaction with the others. From a young age, she was timid and fearful, preferring to avoid conflict rather than confront it. With Mei Wuxia and Cao shi's presence, the others rarely dared to bully her. Over time, no sisterly bond had formed, though appearances were maintained.

Yet, today proved unusual. Second Miss Mei Chang surprisingly approached her, initiating conversation and suggesting they return together, followed by Mei E.

Third Miss Mei Xishuang attempted to join them, but was restrained by her younger sister, Mei Yufei. As Wushuang left Changqing Hall, she glanced back, noticing the two sisters whispering.

This was unprecedented. Could there be some advantage to be gained from her, that they were all seeking her out?

Mei Chang, sixteen years of age, was close in age to Mei Wushuang. In their childhood, Wushuang had frequently been subjected to Mei Chang's taunts, though most instances were witnessed by Mei Wuxia, who would intervene on Wushuang's behalf. These interventions only fueled Mei Chang's resentment towards Wushuang.

As a child, Wushuang did not understand. Only later did she realize that Mei Wuxia's actions were not simply about defending her, but rather using her as a pawn. The years Mei Wuxia targeted Mei Chang most fiercely coincided with the time Mei Chang's elder brother, born to aunt He, began his education and displayed signs of exceptional intelligence.

Aunt He had a son and a daughter. The daughter was strikingly beautiful, sweet-tongued, and vivacious, while the son was intelligent and quick-witted, greatly favored by Wushuang's second uncle, the current Marquis Changyang, Mei Zong.

Although raised as a daughter of the eldest branch for several years, Wushuang remained an outsider. Therefore, the conflicts between wives and concubines, and between legitimate and concubine-born children, were initially beyond her comprehension. Upon understanding, she sought to avoid them at all costs.

This explained her limited interaction with the other young ladies of the manor—a fear of unwittingly becoming someone else's tool.

***

Mei Chang and Mei E followed Wushuang all the way to her residence. Seeing this, Wushuang knew another confrontation was imminent.

However, she was also curious. What could Mei Chang possibly want from her?

In fact, it was clear that this matter involved many people, but Mei Chang, with her boldness, had simply barged ahead.

After they were seated, Jianjia served tea to the three of them.

Mei Chang feigned a look around, praising the unique and refreshing arrangement of Wushuang's room.

Wushuang felt a touch of helplessness. Her room had remained unchanged for years, influenced by Master Qin's preferences. Her chambers lacked the typical feminine touches, filled instead with dark and somber hues. Where was the refreshing aspect?

"Second Sister, if you have something to say, please do. Don't beat around the bush."

In any case, Wushuang could no longer bear the previous sharp-tongued and harsh treatment, the constant belittling and disdain from her sister, Mei Chang. Only in the past two years had Mei Chang seemingly realized her mistake, shifting from ignoring her completely to suddenly speaking to her kindly. This change was unsettling.

Indeed, the moment Mei Chang heard this, her expression soured.

She seemed poised to retort, but Mei E, standing beside her, subtly restrained her.