Chapter 29 This is a daunting task

on, and before the tea time was up, he had already reached his limit."Come on, you damn it, why don’t you make a move Aren't you supposed to catch that demoness for your emperor's harem If you miss th...Chapter 29: A Daunting Task

The next day, very early in the morning, Qi Lin was still asleep and catching fish with Little White when she heard a voice calling her name incessantly beside her ear. She tried to burrow deeper into Little White's belly...

"Miss!!!"

“Aaah,” Qi Lin suddenly sat up, covering her ears, struggling to open her eyes and croaked hoarsely, "Earthquake, volcanic eruption, or home invasion"

Lǜzhú stared at Qi Lin in confusion, thinking she was talking in her sleep. She then raised her voice, saying, "Miss, you are now a Jade Maiden and according to the rules, you have to complete your tasks as a Jade Maiden every day."

Qi Lin turned to look at Lǜzhú, yawned widely, wiped away the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand, and replied lazily, "What time is it"

"Reporting to Miss, it's now the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), which is when Jade Maidens have their morning lessons."

The hour of Yin... Qi Lin yawned again, calculating the time and realizing that it was only early morning. She fell back down onto her bed, covered her head with a blanket. She had never gotten up this early for work.

But then the next second, the blanket was forcibly taken away from her, letting in cold air which made her curl into a ball. She spoke lazily, "Give me my blanket."

"But Miss, we can't... "

"I said give me back my blanket." Qi Lin opened her eyes and stared at Lǜzhú warningly, saying coldly, "I won’t repeat myself a third time."

Seeing this side of Qi Lin, Lǜzhú was startled. Her hand loosened, dropping the blanket to the ground, causing her to kneel down in fear and repeatedly bang her head on the floor, declaring, "Slave girl did not mean to disturb Miss’s rest; it's only that there is a rule requiring Jade Maidens to take a bath and change clothes at this time every day, followed by lessons. Please forgive me."

Closing her eyes, she could hear Lǜzhú banging her head rhythmically on the floor.

“I understand,” finally unable to tolerate such noise anymore, Qi Lin suddenly sat up, put on a pair of slippers at random, and was about to grab clothes when Huànshā and Lùzhū already brought over a set of attire. Qi Lin understood what they were doing; her hand paused in midair before dropping limply, waiting for others to serve her. “I said, how long do you plan on kneeling Aren't we supposed to bathe and change clothes Is everything prepared”

Upon hearing this, Lǜzhú quickly got up, took the clothes from Lùzhū's hand respectfully, and replied, "Slave girl has already prepared hot water. Please Miss move behind the screen; slave girl will serve you for your bath."

Qi Lin was too lazy to argue further; ancient people's mindset wouldn't change with just a few words.

As Green Bamboo came to the screen behind, she waited for Green Bamboo to help her take off her clothes before stepping into a large wooden tub. The steam from the hot water immediately entered her pores, stimulating every cell in her body, finally waking her up.

Taking a deep breath, a ticklish pain came from somewhere on her right shoulder. Qi Lin turned her head to see that the spot where Bu Yao had bitten her last night was swollen and red, itchy and painful. She sighed helplessly; not only did she vent last night, but strangely enough, with an empty space beside her, she just couldn't sleep. By midnight, she still felt like something was missing. Of course, she naturally knew what was missing. When the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon, she finally wrapped herself in a blanket and fell asleep drowsily, but as soon as she started to dream, Green Bamboo woke her up.

"There is a wooden box on my dressing table. There should be some golden wound medicine inside. Get me a bottle."

Not an order nor a request, just plain conversation.

Soon after, Green Bamboo found a vial of the medicine and gently sprinkled the powder onto Qi Lin's shoulder. Thinking back to last night's scene, she had been truly frightened at first, but when she saw Qi Lin's angry yet relieved expression later on, she knew that she had misunderstood something. When Qi Lin offered her some cake and clumsily told her not to misunderstand, she realized that Qi Lin and Bu Yao really did fight last night.

Knowing the truth made Green Bamboo worry for Qi Lin; if it got out, what would happen

After Green Bamboo had finished applying medicine to her shoulder, Qi Lin took over the vial from her hand, then said, "Come here."

Even though she didn't know what Qi Lin was thinking, Green Bamboo still obediently came forward. Qi Lin looked at a bloody spot on Green Bamboo's forehead and carefully sprinkled some medicine powder there, feeling Green Bamboo move slightly.

"Don't move, it doesn't hurt. There will be a cool sensation." As expected, this fits Yu Mu’s style; the medicinal properties are gentle. Carefully helping Green Bamboo apply the medicine, she finally handed her back the vial of medicine: "Please put this away for me."

Green Bamboo took the bottle in disbelief and looked at Qi Lin with soft eyes, feeling inexplicably warm.

After washing up, Qi Lin sat down at a small table that Green Bamboo had prepared in the courtyard. On the table were thick books, according to Green Bamboo's introduction, these were poems passed down through generations of Phoenix Country as well as various rules and etiquette books for behavior inside the palace, including an introduction to flowers found throughout Phoenix Country.

These things were very boring for Qi Lin, but under Green Bamboo’s pleading, she had no choice but to pick up a book and read line by line. She learned that Phoenix Country was actually a major exporter of spices; it's no wonder the whole country grows various flowers. Moreover, Phoenix Country is also a powerful military state with abundant natural resources and complete medicinal ingredients, which neighboring countries often buy from them; in general terms, it’s like America of the 21st century.

More importantly, Phoenix Country was strategically located at the center of all nations, and merchants traveling between different regions had to pass through here. The tax income is considerable. However, what really caught Qi Lin's attention were the four areas within Phoenix Country; one of them is Fenghuang Palace in the south, which is built against a mountain with nine layers. Behind this mountain lies an abyss stretching for thousands of feet, and even planes would have trouble flying over it. To the north are marshes with complex terrain and depths reaching tens of thousands of feet, infested with venomous snakes and large fish, hence the name Black Tortoise Lake. To the east is rumored to be a legendary Green Dragon Mountain, where the plants grow abundantly, complete with medicinal herbs, although the terrain is complex and there are poisonous mists and dangerous beasts; without a guide, one usually can't get in or out of the mountain. The last area lies to the west, White Tiger Mountain, which is most familiar to Qi Lin: fierce wolf packs aside, the climate is also unpredictable, with all sorts of venomous insects and pests.

Ultimately, Qi Lin only read about these things; she pretended to look at the rest and found excuses to skip them.

"I heard that the plum blossoms in Plum Garden are blooming beautifully. Prepare yourself, we’re going to admire the flowers." This is a serious statement. Rubbing her sore eyes, Qi Lin didn't wait for Green Bamboo's objections before stepping out of the courtyard gate.

After finishing reading, she basically had nothing left to do; Green Bamboo put on a cloak for Qi Lin and followed her to Plum Garden.

Evidently, she wasn’t the only one who wanted to go to Plum Garden. When she arrived here, other jade women were talking and laughing here as well. However, this was merely the relationship between nobles; for Peony, who was ignored beside them, it felt like hell on earth, her presence seemingly out of place.

This was also something that was expected.

Looking at the other people who were disdainful, Qi Lin bowed and walked to Peony's side. Although the weather was good today, the wind was still very chilly when it blew in. Peony only wore a thin pink dress, staring blankly at a red plum blossom.

"Why didn't you put on more clothes" He took off his cloak gently and draped it over Peony, patting the broken leaves on her head and smiling softly, "What’s wrong Aren’t you worried about catching a cold"

Hearing this, Peony was taken aback. Seeing Qi Lin's gentle smile, she felt warm in her heart and blushed shyly as she lowered her head, “I thought you would blame me for not disciplining Pearl properly back then, so I didn’t bother looking for you.”

"That’s because the Ashworth Young Master wouldn't let me out. I wanted to come see you long ago," Qi Lin suppressed his aversion and pulled Peony's cold hand into his own, frowning slightly, "Why are your hands so icy Why don’t you hold a heater How is your injury"

Peony was taken aback. Seeing that Qi Lin didn't mind at all but even seemed concerned, the knot in her heart loosened instantly, and she said softly, “It still hurts sometimes.”

Painful Qi Lin nodded and ignored his image as he squatted down, reaching under Peony’s dress to feel up until her knee. He raised his gaze at the slightly flustered Peony, asking, "Is it here"

When she was touched like this, Peony stiffened all over; after looking around and seeing that no one cared about what happened, her face flushed as she nodded.

"Don’t worry. I have some high-quality medicines to soothe the tendons and activate blood circulation," Qi Lin looked at Peony's slightly pink cheeks with a slight smile on his lips and carefully put the cloak’s hood over her head before continuing, "Go get them for Miss Peony."

Hearing this, Green Bamboo was taken aback. She met Qi Lin's smiling eyes and bowed respectfully in response, saying, “Yes.”

Qiaoer felt like she had a headache as a result of Qi Lin’s attitude: She thought that Qi Lin would stay away from Peony or hate her at least, but his attitude towards Peony was gentle and courteous. What was he trying to do

Qi Lin grasped Qiaoer's icy hand firmly as she was lost in thought and said, "I need to thank Miss Peony for taking such good care of Qiaoer; Red Snow will be deeply grateful."

Hearing her name, Peony paled suddenly. She pulled Qiaoer’s hand towards herself quickly, feeling anxious that Qiaoer would say something inappropriate next. “Of course we should take good care of her,” she said with a forced smile as she pulled on the corners of her mouth awkwardly, "Otherwise, how can we be accountable to our sister After all, I have my responsibilities."

Qi Lin knew that Peony was talking about Pearl. He smiled slightly; of course he understood what good care meant, which is why he said she would be deeply grateful.

She will definitely repay with a hundredfold gratitude.

"Miss Peony is truly beautiful and graceful, gentle and considerate," Qi Lin bowed again without paying attention to Qiaoer’s surprised eyes and continued, "If I could stay by Miss Peony's side, it would surely be the blessing of my past life."

The peony was about to say something when Green Bamboo had already walked over, slightly frowning. This maidservant she had never seen before; she looked graceful and pretty but also possessed a maturity that Qiaoer lacked.

Receiving the items in Green Bamboo's hand and putting them into Peony’s hands, she said, "Apply it to your pain spots morning or evening. In no more than three days, it won't hurt anymore."

Although she wanted to offer to apply medicine for Peony, Qilian couldn’t bring herself to say such a thing. She changed her wording instead.

"Thank you for your concern, little sister." Receiving the medicine bottle from Qilian’s hand and placing it in her palm, she grasped Qilian's hand. "Little sister must come visit elder sister."

Feeling a shiver run down her spine, Qilian forcibly suppressed her disgust, revealing an incredibly radiant smile as she spoke, “I certainly will.”

"Oh, the two of you have such refined tastes. Not calling on Bu Yao would be to treat her as an outsider."

Upon hearing Bu Yao’s voice, both women simultaneously turned around; today, Bu Yao hadn’t covered herself with a veil and was still dressed in splendid attire. Though she had light makeup, it was very distinctive. However, Qilian didn't care about this and looked at the gorgeous outfit, thinking that Long Ye must not have been stingy with his gifts.

"Elder sister is mistaken." Peony nonchalantly placed the bottle down and bowed to Bu Yao before continuing, "I’m a little unwell today. I’ll take my leave first; hope you two enjoy yourselves."

"Then elder sister should go slowly," Bu Yao slightly lowered her head as a reply, watching Peony walk away with an indifferent voice. “Didn’t expect your tricks for seducing women to be so good.”

Disgusting.

Qilian wiped the sweat from her forehead and said, "Compared to you luring men, I’m still far behind; after all, we are both women, so women understand other women better."

"You really know how to take advantage of a situation,"

"Mutual compliments." Qilian met Bu Yao's gaze without conceding defeat and lifted her chin, saying, "How about your end"

"Who do you think I am" Confidently lifting her chin, she tried to look down on Qilian from an advantageous position but found herself the same height as Qilian.

Pouting, Qilian turned around and said, “Going back.”happened today would have spread by now.She quietly returned to her room where Qiaoer was already asleep on the table. Qi Lin found a blanket and covered Qiaoer with it before sitting alone beside her...