Chapter Sixty: Personal Care

After Bai Shao returned from her two or three days of sick leave, she was startled to find that she no longer had a place at her mistress’s side. Everything she used to do, Jiang Hu had taken over, and her mistress had adapted perfectly, not needing her at all.

She stared blankly, watching as Jiang Hu was always a step ahead of her, plunging into deep contemplation—where was she supposed to be now? What was she to do? Most crucially, Jiang Hu could even cook, and her mistress delighted in his dishes.

Bai Shao, suddenly rendered useless, glared fiercely at Jiang Hu.

Jiang Hu looked up and gave her a friendly smile.

It was almost a challenge.

That only made her more furious!

In her anger, Bai Shao snapped the twig in her hand.

Mo Nian Nian glanced over, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Bai Shao replied sullenly, “Nothing, Mistress.”

Just days ago, she had been the most favored among her mistress’s attendants, and now, in the blink of an eye, this little wretch had replaced her.

The more she looked at Jiang Hu, the more displeased she became.

Jiang Hu smiled gently. “Bai Shao, your complexion doesn’t look well. It seems your chill hasn’t fully recovered. Perhaps the mistress should let you rest. I can serve the wine.”

Bai Shao’s eyes widened, unable to retort for a long moment.

“Bai Shao, take the afternoon off,” Mo Nian Nian said, waving her hand indifferently.

This little wretch just wanted to send her away—she would not fall for it!

She bared her white teeth. “Mistress, I am completely well. I wish to attend you, to serve you.”

Bai Shao stayed, vigilantly watching Jiang Hu. With her present, she would never allow this scheming man to get close to her mistress.

Mo Nian Nian lay leisurely on her reclining chair, nearly closing her eyes. Jiang Hu turned to pick up a cloak from a nearby chair to cover her.

“Wait! Let me,” Bai Shao stopped him, warily taking the cloak from his hands and draping it over Mo Nian Nian.

Bai Shao forced a smile, “Such a small matter, no need to trouble you. I can do it.”

Jiang Hu smiled slightly, “Thank you, Miss.”

His smile was innocent, radiant.

For a moment, Bai Shao felt a pang of doubt—was she wronging Jiang Hu? But then her resolve strengthened. This man was clearly up to no good; she must protect her mistress.

“This is my duty. As for you—” Bai Shao looked him up and down, “You’re no longer a slave. Men and women should keep their distance. It’s inappropriate for you to be so close to the mistress.”

---

Jiang Hu lowered his gaze, his expression tinged with sorrow. “I am indebted to my mistress’s kindness; I only wish to do what I can.”

A gust of wind swept through, and Jiang Hu began coughing violently, his face turning red.

Mo Nian Nian immediately stood up. “Quick, sit down! Look at you. I’ve told you your body is weak; you shouldn’t serve me, but you never listen.”

“Bai Shao, fetch the medicine from the kitchen and bring a warmer.”

“How are you feeling? Any better?”

Mo Nian Nian tended to Jiang Hu carefully, afraid the delicate man would cough himself out of breath.

She even helped him drink a cup of water.

Jiang Hu reached out, accidentally brushing Mo Nian Nian’s hand. Her skin was soft as jade, fragrant to the touch. He coughed lightly, “Mistress, I am fine. Please don’t worry.”

“Enough, your body shouldn’t be exposed to the wind. Let’s go back to the room.”

Mo Nian Nian supported Jiang Hu towards her chamber.

Jiang Hu leaned into Mo Nian Nian, pressing part of his weight onto her. The two were very close, their posture intimate, occasionally whispering to each other.

From behind, they looked perfectly matched.

Bai Shao stood alone in the wind, utterly disconcerted.

This little wretch has such tricks!

She was so angry, her liver, lungs, and kidneys all seemed to ache.

She hurried after them. “Mistress, let me help you; you are delicate, leave such rough work to me.”

“Cough, cough... No need to trouble Miss Bai Shao,” Jiang Hu said, visibly rejecting her.

He struggled to distance himself from Mo Nian Nian.

He barely stood for two seconds before suddenly collapsing again. Mo Nian Nian caught him, the two now even closer.

“Why push yourself? The doctor said you must rest,” Mo Nian Nian scolded gently.

“Slave—”

“Enough, be quiet,” Mo Nian Nian said impatiently, supporting him as they proceeded.

With this posture, Jiang Hu embraced Mo Nian Nian completely.

He lowered his gaze, hiding the wild heat burning in his eyes.

He was closer to his mistress now.

From this vantage, he could see the elegant curve of Mo Nian Nian’s neck.

He licked his lips, his throat dry.

Mo Nian Nian busied herself, while Bai Shao felt increasingly uncomfortable, muttering under her breath, “A lady of her station, and he’s merely a former slave—what right does he have?”

---

Mo Nian Nian’s face clouded. “Bai Shao, I’ll say it again: Mo Hu helped him shed his slave status; now, he is an honored guest of our household. Is this how you treat our guests?”

Bai Shao hadn’t seen Mo Nian Nian this angry in a long time; flustered, she dropped to her knees. “Mistress, it’s all my fault. I won’t dare again.”

“Enough, leave,” Mo Nian Nian waved her hand.

Bai Shao withdrew anxiously.

Jiang Hu felt no joy—in his mistress’s heart, he remained but a guest. Clearly, he needed to work harder.

Mo Nian Nian, seeing Jiang Hu’s despondence, awkwardly tried to comfort him, “It’s alright... They meant no harm.”

“I know,” he replied.

His only concern was his mistress.

Mo Nian Nian realized this couldn’t continue. She summoned all servants and guards in the household.

In solemn tones, she instructed them to treat Jiang Hu with utmost respect.

No sooner had Mo Nian Nian given her orders, than rumors spread throughout the manor.

Every version told the same tale: Jiang Hu must have used some trick to win the young lady’s heart, and now she was backing him.

As a result, no one dared offend Jiang Hu now.

He had once suffered a grave injury; no matter how carefully they nursed him, he always seemed frail.

Mo Nian Nian gave him the best tonics, the finest remedies, nearly emptying her treasure vault for his sake.

She even spent a fortune to acquire a century-old ginseng for him.

Rumors about Mo Nian Nian and Jiang Hu grew ever more intense, both inside and outside the manor.

The Prince Regent and his wife heard the gossip, bewildered by Mo Nian Nian’s intentions.

Mo Nian Nian herself claimed to have no feelings for Jiang Hu, so why… had it come to this?

The whole city was abuzz with rumors so vivid they nearly believed them themselves.

Lady Mo was perplexed. “What do you think Nian Nian really feels?”

The Prince Regent rubbed his head. “Didn’t Nian Nian say she doesn’t like him? If she doesn’t wish to marry, let’s not force her.”

Lady Mo rolled her eyes and tapped his head. “Will you use your wooden brain for once? If Nian Nian truly had no feelings, would she treat someone of slave origin so well?”