Chapter 27: Twisted into a Pretzel and Fell Flat on Her Face
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
Although Yu Zhi Yi didn’t think she’d lose, she couldn’t resist the persistent nagging of Zi Yuan’s “magic chant” and decided to inspect the shops in the Sheng Capital.
Of course, this wasn’t entirely to placate Zi Yuan; her primary aim was to give Yu Pan Er an opportunity.
And Yu Pan Er seized this chance quite adeptly.
Over the past few days, You Bing Yue had been bedridden. While she could manage a few steps, walking for more than a quarter of an hour left her breathless and weak, forcing her back to bed.
Meanwhile, Yu Zhi Yi, as the Young Madam of Chancellor’s Mansion, was out inspecting the shops.
If Yu Pan Er didn’t make a move now, then when?
Having learned that the Young Master, Du Zi Heng, would be staying home that day, Yu Pan Er asked Auntie Wen for leave. She then took extra time to dress up meticulously.
In the mirror stood a sixteen-year-old maiden with rosy cheeks and eyes full of spring allure. Turning slightly, her slender waist swayed like a tender willow in the breeze.
Much prettier, she thought smugly, than that condescending peasant girl or that brainless impostor.
Surely, if the Young Master caught sight of her like this, he’d be utterly enchanted, wouldn’t he?
Having inquired about Du Zi Heng’s schedule, she strategically set up a book desk in the pavilion along his route. Holding a book, her gaze kept darting toward the end of the path.
Why isn’t he here yet?
Suddenly, her spirits lifted.
He’s coming!
Quickly, she lowered her head and began reciting “The Three-Character Classic” in a singsong manner:
“Man at birth, nature is good; alike in kind, habits diverge…”
Closer… closer…
Yu Pan Er’s voice grew louder and more coquettish.
And then… nothing happened.
Du Zi Heng walked straight past the pavilion, his gaze unwavering, entirely oblivious to the person inside.
Yu Pan Er: “…”
Watching the dashing figure disappear into the distance, her eyes widened in disbelief.
Then, with sudden determination, she stood up.
This opportunity was too precious to let slip!
“Young Master…”
Du Zi Heng had been pondering the upcoming Imperial Examination. While confident in his scholarly abilities, he knew he faced competitors from across the Great Sheng Empire, some of whom had reputations that reached even Sheng Capital.
These were formidable rivals, and he couldn’t afford any lapses.
The abrupt call of “Young Master” startled him.
The voice—it sounded like a duck being strangled, grating and unpleasant.
Frowning, he turned to see a maid approaching with exaggeratedly swaying hips, as if her waist might snap at any moment. Then, mid-sway, she tangled her left foot with her right and fell flat on her face.
Du Zi Heng: “…”
He had seen people trip over uneven ground or their own skirts but never anyone who managed to trip over their own two legs.
Hands clasped behind his back, he slightly tilted his head and furrowed his brows, his expression screaming, “…”
If I’m not embarrassed, then someone else will be.
Suppressing her mortification, Yu Pan Er scrambled to her feet and resumed her swaying gait toward Du Zi Heng, though now with much less flair.
“Young Master…” she simpered, her voice unnaturally pinched.
Du Zi Heng raised a hand. “Stop.”
Yu Pan Er almost twisted her back trying to freeze mid-sway.
Looking at him with teary eyes, she seemed pitifully wronged.
But Du Zi Heng, puzzled, glanced at Du Lin. “When did the maids in this household become so unruly?”
Du Lin recognized her instantly. “Young Master, this is one of the Young Madam’s maids, though she’s recently been sent to Auntie Wen to learn household management.”
Du Zi Heng’s face darkened. “The Young Madam has high hopes for you, and this is how you repay her?”
He was livid. “Du Lin, ask Auntie Wen what sort of nonsense she’s been teaching lately. All I see is someone who’s learned to abandon decorum for shameless seduction!”
With that, he flung his sleeves and strode off.
Du Lin, smirking, glanced at Yu Pan Er and answered crisply, “Yes, Young Master!”
Yu Pan Er’s eyes bulged in disbelief.
This… wasn’t how it was supposed to go!
“Young Master!”
Dropping the swaying act entirely, she hurried after him but was intercepted by the furious Auntie Wen.
“You told me you needed leave for urgent matters, and this is what you meant? Seducing the Young Master?!”
“Shameless vixen! Is this the sort of manners the Yu Mansion taught you?!”
“Clearly, before teaching you household management, I’ll need to teach you how to behave like a proper servant!”
“You have one day to memorize the household rules. If you fail, I’ll personally suggest to the Young Madam that we replace you with someone obedient!”
When Yu Zhi Yi returned from inspecting two shops in Sheng Capital, she immediately heard about Yu Pan Er’s failed seduction attempt and the subsequent reprimand from Auntie Wen.
Zi Yuan fumed. “That audacious maid! Has she even looked in a mirror? Thinking she can become a phoenix by clinging to a branch?”
Yu Zhi Yi chuckled lightly. “Dreams are what make life interesting. You never know—they might even come true.”
Just like her. Back in her previous life, she had never imagined that one day she could live peacefully, earning money she could keep, instead of constantly spending it on Zhang Tian Shun’s military supplies.
“Alright, alright, don’t be upset. Let her make enough mistakes first, then I’ll send her back to the Yu Mansion. How’s that?”
Soothing Zi Yuan, Yu Zhi Yi held out a bolt of fine fabric. “Feel this—soft and smooth. Clothes made from it will be beautiful and comfortable. Take it to the Splendid Embroidery Pavilion and have Red Luan make two outfits for you.”
Zi Yuan’s eyes lit up. “Red Luan herself?”
Red Luan’s craftsmanship was unmatched. Even with strict guidelines, she could add subtle innovations to elevate the design.
Seeing Zi Yuan’s anger diminish, Yu Zhi Yi produced a small box. “Look—osmanthus cake, peach crisps, and roast chicken from Qi Ji’s—all your favorites.”
Zi Yuan’s eyes sparkled brighter.
Yu Zhi Yi couldn’t help but laugh softly.
After all, Zi Yuan was still a teenager, far from the composed, capable stewardess of her previous life. A few pretty outfits and some tasty treats could easily lift her spirits.
Suddenly, Li Rou entered. “Young Madam, the Young Master is here.”
Yu Zhi Yi’s smile grew polite, her expression softening to a neutral warmth.
Du Zi Heng stormed in, but upon seeing Yu Zhi Yi’s serene demeanor, half his anger inexplicably melted away.
There was something about her—calm, self-assured, like a cup of soothing tea. In her presence, his agitation seemed to dissipate.
“How were the inspections today? Did anyone give you trouble?”
Yu Zhi Yi stared, watching as the storm in his eyes vanished, replaced by concern. Her face could only convey one thing: “?”