The Eunuch Has A Wife - Chapter 47

After parting ways with the elder, Bai Zhi and Wei Ziwan had a simple vegetarian meal before returning to their guest room.

The furnishings in this guest room were almost identical to those in the elder’s room, except for two sets of brand-new clothes placed by the bed and the absence of incense in the burner.

“Would you two like to bathe? This humble nun can have hot water prepared for you.” the young nun who led the way asked softly, her hands clasped together.

Perhaps because male visitors were rare in the Qingshi Temple, she couldn’t help but glance at Bai Zhi, who was disguised as a man.

“Thank you, little nun.” Bai Zhi nodded in agreement.

The young nun smiled slightly and turned to Wei Ziwan, “Esteemed guest, please follow me first. Male visitors are rare here, so the bathing area needs to be cleaned.”

“I will go with my husband, no need for separate arrangements.” Wei Ziwan spoke calmly, causing both Bai Zhi and the nun to pause in surprise.

Bai Zhi glanced at Wei Ziwan, whose expression remained unchanged. Though inwardly bewildered, she instinctively echoed, “Yes, my wife and I will go together. No need to trouble yourself.”

The young nun quickly regained her composure, silently glanced at Bai Zhi, pointed the way, and left without offering to guide them further.

“Wanwan—” Bai Zhi hesitated, wanting to ask but feeling too embarrassed. Her expression was a mix of emotions. Bathing together? Wasn’t that too forward?

Wei Ziwan, however, had no such romantic thoughts. She carefully checked the doors and windows before replying, “We must not let our guard down. From now on, we should try not to separate or be alone.”

Especially in this unfamiliar place, who could guarantee safety while bathing alone? Moreover, Bai Zhi was currently disguised as a man, so they needed to be cautious at every step.

Bai Zhi nodded silently, reflecting on her actions. “I understand. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

She looked at Wei Ziwan, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. When it came to handling situations, she still had much to learn from the woman before her.

They could never afford to be careless.

The bathing room was small, divided by a half-height screen with clean towels placed on top.

Bai Zhi stood on one side, her back to the screen, while Wei Ziwan was on the other side in the bathtub. Charcoal stoves were placed in the corners, keeping the room warm even in the cold winter.

The sound of water behind her caused Bai Zhi’s previously calm and vigilant mind to waver, a trace of panic flickering in her eyes.

She had been so focused on being cautious that she had forgotten about the awkwardness of the situation.

“Husband, don’t look back~” a soft voice called from behind, accompanied by the gentle sound of water.

Bai Zhi took a deep breath, blinked her eyes, and found herself frozen in place, as if under a spell.

She hadn’t been thinking anything inappropriate, but the words “don’t look” made it impossible for her to stay calm.

“Mm, don’t worry.” Bai Zhi managed to reply before closing her eyes and clasping her hands together, mimicking the young nun’s gesture.

In her heart, she repeated, “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form, form is emptiness—stay calm.”

The bathing room fell silent, save for the sound of splashing water.

Before she knew it, Wei Ziwan had finished dressing and walked over. “Husband, it’s your turn. The water will get cold soon.”

“Mm—okay—” Bai Zhi opened her eyes and turned to walk to the other side of the screen, her gaze instinctively avoiding Wei Ziwan.

Wei Ziwan didn’t point it out, instead standing with her back to the screen as well.

On the other side of the screen, Bai Zhi looked at the still-steaming bathtub and asked hesitantly, “Um—should we ask someone to change the water?”

If she wasn’t mistaken, this was the same water Wei Ziwan had just used. It seemed—it seemed like it hadn’t been changed.

“Does my husband find me unclean?” Wei Ziwan asked softly.

Bai Zhi stammered, “No—it’s just—”

This didn’t feel right.

“When we came in earlier, there was no one outside. It seems they don’t intend to change the water for us. In these unusual times, we should keep things simple. Please make do, husband.”

Wei Ziwan’s voice was calm.

Bai Zhi’s ears burned at the words, but she still felt it was too intimate. They hadn’t reached that level of closeness yet.

Hearing no movement, Wei Ziwan added gently, “If you don’t bathe soon, the water will get cold. If you really mind, you can go first next time.”

“No, I don’t mind. It’s fine—” Bai Zhi quickly untied her clothes, and the room fell silent again, save for the sound of water.

In less than fifteen minutes, Bai Zhi got up and dressed. “Wanwan, I’m done. You can turn around now.”

“Mm~” Wei Ziwan responded softly, turning slightly but not looking over.

Their eyes avoided each other as they left the bathing room one after the other.

The night was dark, and their fair cheeks were both flushed.

Outside the Qingshi Temple, a figure watched until midnight, confirming that no one had left before quickly departing.

The next day, as the sky began to lighten, a slate-gray carrier pigeon was quietly released from an inn at the foot of the mountain. The figure then stealthily made their way back up the mountain.

After breakfast, Bai Zhi and Wei Ziwan followed the elder out of the temple and headed down to the village.

“Our village originally had six elders. The one in charge of security passed away recently, so now there are only five. We’ll go meet them first. Oh, and we’ll also meet the Song clansman who shares the same direct lineage as you. So even if you don’t know how to manage the village, don’t worry. With the elders overseeing things, nothing major will go wrong.”

The elder walked slowly, patiently explaining the current state of the Song Village as they went.

Bai Zhi responded softly, occasionally exchanging glances with Wei Ziwan. Both knew deep down that they were unlikely to win the competition.

Moreover, this Song Village might not even be a place where they could stay long-term. Of course, they would have to see for themselves.

If it suited them, settling down here might not be out of the question.

As they descended the mountain, they encountered scattered villagers along the way. Each one greeted the elder with respect and reverence, showing that the old woman held great authority in the area.

The elder cheerfully introduced Bai Zhi to everyone they met, “Look, this is the child. Just like her mother, she’s a sensible and good child.”

The villagers would then take a closer look, their eyes revealing a hint of ambiguous respect.

Bai Zhi remained silent. It seemed that the nephew of Manager Xi—or rather, the person she was impersonating—had a mother who was also deeply loved by the villagers.

After walking for about another quarter of an hour, the path suddenly narrowed and became muddy.

After passing through a stretch of forest, a village came into view.

The villagers had gathered at the entrance, led by five elderly figures and a young woman in green. They stood in an orderly manner at the village entrance.

After bowing to the elder, their eyes turned to Bai Zhi and Wei Ziwan.

The elder spoke unhurriedly, “Come, meet the five elders. This is Zhou □.”

“Junior Bai Zhi.”

“Junior Wei Ziwan.”

“We pay our respects to the five elders and Miss Zhou.”

Bai Zhi and Wei Ziwan obediently greeted them, though their eyes lingered a moment longer on Miss Zhou.

This Miss Zhou was likely the other competitor.

She had delicate features, clear eyes, and seemed like a gentle person.