My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 39

The main hall of Fu Ji Food Shop returned to its usual quiet. Ji Xiaoyu sat behind the counter, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Recalling the woman’s reaction that morning, it seemed her ruse had worked perfectly. The realization deepened the amusement in her eyes.

Only Ji Xiaoyu knew the truth about the punishment inflicted on the drunkard last night.

Last night.

A drunkard was punished for so long that she couldn’t bear it any longer, whimpering and begging for mercy.

Of course, the drunkard’s crimes were heinous, and she couldn’t be let off easily. Judge Ji Xiaoyu, ever impartial, continued to administer punishment to the evildoer with an iron fist.

Enraged and humiliated, the evildoer struggled in vain before daring to bite the judge’s lip in an act of insubordination.

This act of attacking one’s superior naturally warranted even harsher retribution. But who could have foreseen that the punished drunkard would collapse onto Ji Xiaoyu and fall into a deep slumber?

Staring at the ceiling beams, Ji Xiaoyu felt the even rhythm of the sleeping woman’s breath on her body and could only sigh softly. She carefully shifted Fu Jianxu aside, removed her clothes, and tucked her snugly into the quilt. After a moment’s hesitation, she undressed and lay down beside her.

Recalling scenes from her childhood, she pinched several conspicuous red marks onto her own body. Only then did she snuggle contentedly against the warm form.

The instant their skin touched, Ji Xiaoyu let out a satisfied sigh. She blew out the oil lamp, nestled closer into Fu Jianxu’s embrace, and wrapped her arm possessively around her waist, like a cat finally finding its home.

In the darkness, her expression remained impassive as she gazed at Fu Jianxu for a long time, scrutinizing her features as if trying to etch them into her soul. After a long while, she gently stroked the fair cheek she had claimed for her heart and murmured, No matter who you are, or where you came from… now you’re mine…

Fu Jianxu, who was on Ji Xiaoyu’s mind, endured a truly agonizing day.

She sat absentmindedly on a small stool in the backyard, mechanically picking vegetable leaves while her thoughts drifted far beyond the clouds.

What exactly had happened last night? The more she struggled to remember, the more her heart raced with anxiety. She feared she had done something outrageous, yet she was also grateful for the hazy memories. If she could recall everything clearly, she might have been so mortified that she would have smashed her head against a block of tofu and reincarnated!

A Xu, you’ve been picking vegetables for ages, but the basket’s still barely full! Zhou Daya strode over energetically and plopped down on the stool beside her. Your hands are moving so slowly! Did you overexert yourself last night?

Fu Jianxu’s hand jerked at the mention, and the freshly picked leaf tumbled back into the basket. Her cheeks burned, even the tips of her ears flushed hot. S-Sister Daya, what are you saying?!

She scrambled to her feet, nearly knocking over the stool. I-I’ll go check on the pickled offal…

Before she could finish, she had already fled into the kitchen like a fugitive. Zhou Daya scratched her head in bewilderment. What’s gotten into that girl today?

Xie Family Manor, Qu Lai County.

It was the dead of winter, and the charcoal fire in the manor’s warm pavilion blazed brightly. Xie Yong, the Old Proprietor of the Xie Family, sat upright in the main seat, his silver hair meticulously combed. Though past sixty, his sharp eyes remained clear and piercing.

Grandmother, you must try this hot pot, Xie Yinwan said, personally preparing the dipping sauce while wearing a crimson-purple brocade robe. This is a new recipe I’ve developed. Even the capital might not have anything quite like it.

Servants filed in, presenting thinly sliced beef and mutton, along with fresh seasonal vegetables. The rich broth in the copper pot bubbled vigorously, filling the air with an enticing aroma.

Xie Yong picked up a perfectly cooked slice of mutton, dipped it in the special sauce, and savored the first bite. The savory, fragrant, and mildly spicy flavors exploded on his tongue. His eyes lit up. Truly novel. The broth is meticulously crafted—spicy yet not harsh, savory yet not greasy. With dishes like this, your Full Moon Pavilion’s business is bound to reach new heights.

It’s all thanks to your guidance, Grandmother, Xie Yinwan replied with a gentle smile, pouring a cup of warmed yellow wine for the Old Proprietor. I’ve merely followed your teachings and put some effort into the culinary arts.

The smile lines around Xie Yong’s eyes deepened as he accepted the wine cup, his fingertip lightly brushing the back of his eldest granddaughter’s hand. Your words grow sweeter with each passing day.

Sister, this is so delicious! Xie Yinshao exclaimed, looking up from her bowl, sauce still clinging to the corners of her mouth. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled. You should create more new dishes!

Mind your manners, Xie Yong chided, feigning a tap on her forehead but ultimately relenting. He wiped his youngest granddaughter’s greasy mouth with a handkerchief. You’re fifteen now, yet you still eat like a gluttonous cat.

Xie Yinwan gazed at her younger sister’s puffed cheeks, her eyes softening with affection. Having been away from home for months, she missed this innocent and carefree sister most, after Grandmother. Yinjing has such a pure heart, she said, adding a tender slice of lamb to her sister’s bowl.

When you were her age, you could already manage the accounts for the southern district with perfect clarity, Xie Yong sighed, shaking his head. But his youngest granddaughter had already buried her face back in her bowl.

I don’t want to manage the shops! Xie Yinshao mumbled through a mouthful of food. Sister Jianxu handles them so well. I just want to study and eat delicious things!

Laughter erupted in the warm pavilion. Xie Yong’s eyes crinkled with mirth, tears welling at the corners, while Xie Yinwan covered her mouth to stifle her giggles. Only Xie Yinyi, his chopsticks trembling slightly, stared at the rising steam from the hot pot, his gaze so dark it seemed to drip with bitterness.

The atmosphere at the table was harmonious. Xie Yinwan was about to speak again when the Old Proprietor suddenly turned his gaze to the side. Yinyi, I’ve heard Fortune Gate’s business has been in dire straits lately?

Xie Yinyi, seated at the lower end of the table, paled instantly. Unable to conceal the gloom between his brows, he abruptly stood up. Grandmother, please allow me to explain. We’ve already devised a new business strategy. Next year—next year, we’ll definitely double our revenue!

Oh? The Old Proprietor took a leisurely sip of wine. Tell me more.

Sweat beaded on Xie Yinyi’s forehead. He was about to speak when Xie Yinwan chuckled softly. I’ve heard a little about Second Brother’s so-called strategy, Grandmother.

She gracefully served the Old Madam more food. But this method of disrupting competitors’ businesses and forcibly seizing their recipes… it’s rather… unseemly.

You! Xie Yinyi glared at her. How did you find out about this, Elder Sister?

Xie Yinwan calmly set down her chopsticks. Zhuye, her attendant, promptly offered a silk handkerchief, which she accepted and used to dab the corners of her mouth. Naturally, someone came to me for help.

She cast a meaningful glance at the bubbling broth in the copper hot pot. This hot pot recipe, for example, is one such result.

In the hall, the heavy sandalwood table emitted a dull thud. The white jade wine cup in Xie Yong’s hand crashed down, spilling a few drops of wine that spread into dark stains on the tabletop.

Xie Yinyi rose, gathered his robes, and knelt heavily on the stone floor. He bowed even lower, his voice trembling, Grandmother, please see clearly! Even if I had ten lives, I wouldn’t dare commit such an act! It must have been done behind my back by my subordinates!

If you can’t control your people, Xie Yong said slowly, wiping his wine-stained fingertips with a handkerchief, then replace them with those who understand proper conduct.

Yes… Xie Yinyi’s response was squeezed out between his teeth. A flash of malice flickered in his lowered eyes—his carefully placed confidants were being replaced just like that!

After the meal, when everyone had withdrawn, only the grandmother and granddaughter remained in the warm pavilion. Xie Yinwan obediently sat beside the Old Madam, gently looping her arms around the elder’s.

Still know how to come back? Xie Yong tapped her granddaughter’s forehead in mock anger. If I hadn’t sent someone to fetch you, you’d still be gallivanting about outside.

Grandmother Xie Yinwan rarely showed such childlike affection, pressing her cheek against the Old Madam’s shoulder. I just wanted to achieve something to make you proud.

Xie Yong snorted. Do you think I don’t know your true motives? You’ve been sulking ever since I mentioned marriage the other day.

I really don’t want to marry… Xie Yinwan mumbled.

I’ve indulged your whims for years, and now you’re twenty-two, the Old Madam sighed, lowering her voice. The Emperor remembers the Xie Family’s contributions to his ascension, which is why we enjoy such glory today. But great trees attract strong winds… She glanced at the crackling charcoal fire. The princes have come of age, and their ambitions…

Then let them covet, Xie Yinwan retorted, straightening her posture and fixing her gaze on Xie Yong. Once I’m married, won’t it be my younger sister’s turn?

Always with your sharp tongue! Xie Yong chuckled, reaching out to tap her forehead. But as his fingers brushed against her stubborn gaze, his smile gradually faded. A-Wan, your second brother already has two children. How can I rest easy?

Isn’t that perfect? The Xie Family’s lineage will continue through him… Xie Yinwan said dismissively.

Nonsense! Xie Yong’s voice suddenly rose, though he quickly suppressed his anger. Of you three sisters, you’re the most like me. Your second brother’s behavior grows more absurd by the day—how could he possibly manage the family’s affairs?

He stroked the back of his granddaughter’s hand, his voice softening. Grandmother is growing old, her health failing day by day. All I wish is for you to settle down…

Grandmother, I understand your concerns, Xie Yinwan replied, clasping his hand and lowering her gaze. Please grant me a little more time. Would that be acceptable?

Dusk deepened, and candlelight flickered.

Sister Jianxu, please… don’t… Ji Xiaoyu wrapped her arms around herself, her face flushed as she timidly glanced up at Fu Jianxu.

Fu Jianxu chuckled softly, trapping her between the bed and her own body. Xiaoyu, you absolutely can’t escape me today…

Sister… Tears welled in the girl’s eyes as her slender fingers nervously tugged at the hem of her robe. Could you… be gentler?

Fu Jianxu’s fingertips brushed across Xiaoyu’s trembling shoulder. If our Xiaoyu is good, I’ll naturally be gentle. With that, she leaned down and pressed a kiss to the girl’s neck.

Mmm… Sister… Ji Xiaoyu seemed unable to withstand such intimacy, her body twisting slightly as she whispered a plea for mercy.

Being disobedient? Fu Jianxu straightened up, feigning displeasure. Looks like you need a proper punishment.

Pun…ishment? The girl’s tear-blurred eyes widened, her innocence tinged with a bewitching allure.

Fu Jianxu’s expression twisted into a ferocious grin. She bared her claws and reached out toward the helpless girl before her, her voice dripping with malice. A disobedient little sister deserves a thorough punishment…

Fu Jianxu suddenly shuddered violently, shaking her head vigorously as if to banish the absurd fantasies. The more she struggled to recall the details of the previous night, the more uncontrollably vile images flooded her mind, even conjuring up visions of herself behaving worse than an animal.

All morning, her thoughts drifted erratically, this being the twenty-third version of the evil deeds she might have committed the previous night.

After another day of washing vegetables, Fu Jianxu had been so absorbed in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed the strange sensation in her wrist. But when she snapped back to reality, waves of aching pain pulsed through her wrist. She unconsciously rubbed the reddened area and sighed softly.

Suddenly, a gentle touch eased the ache in her wrist.

Oh, and when describing Xie Yinwan’s affectionate behavior toward her grandmother, the first phrase that popped into my head was girlish coquetry. I really dislike such stereotypical descriptions, but they’re everywhere in the world. Sigh, I secretly sighed. These phrases have subtly infiltrated my mind. Seemingly harmless and commonplace language actually reinforces harmful stereotypes. Isn’t that a form of invisible violence? I’m so glad I’ve become aware of this and am trying to change my own ingrained biases through my writing. I welcome more of you to join me in this discussion! If you have any better alternative terms, please share them with me! Thank you, darlings! Love you all, heh heh heh.

Let me see, let me see, let me see, let me see, let me see.