The Eunuch Has A Wife - Chapter 6

It was only then that Bai Zhi remembered a similar incident in her past life. It seemed that Matron Jiang was actually a person of Consort Lin. Through her words, she had encouraged Bai Zhi to speak more about her fondness for Wei Ziwan in public. However, somehow, it later turned into rumors that Bai Zhi had peculiar preferences and was tormenting Wei Ziwan day and night, which eventually led to the Crown Prince storming into the palace at night.

It seemed that one scheme after another was aimed at the Crown Prince, but when the gods fight, the mortals suffer. She was innocently dragged into it and lost her life. However, apart from her adoptive father, it was unlikely that anyone cared about the life or death of a eunuch from the cold palace.

“That princess’s beauty is no less than that of a celestial maiden. You, young man, have gotten a bargain, so be grateful. Let everyone know that the Empress bestowing her upon you is an immense favor. From now on, speak well of her to others, so that those above know you have acknowledged this kindness…”

Matron Jiang squinted her aged eyes, her words seemingly earnest, but her tone and expression were laced with sarcasm and disdain. If it weren’t for the Consort’s orders, she wouldn’t bother associating with these rootless eunuchs, especially those from the cold palace who had no future.

After speaking, Matron Jiang couldn’t help but shoot Bai Zhi a glance: “Did you hear me clearly?”

Bai Zhi suddenly felt a sense of relief and, feigning obsequiousness, said, “Matron, rest assured, even without your guidance, I would have spoken of her to others. The princess’s charm is truly exceptional, and I will treat her well, ensuring everyone knows I have received this great favor.”

In reality, it was likely that the Emperor and Empress didn’t even know who she was. It was laughable how these people always used such clumsy excuses to deceive others.

In her past life, she had casually gone along with it to curry favor, but this time, it played right into her hands. She hoped the Crown Prince would act sooner rather than later, so she could make her escape and leave it all behind.

Returning to her room, Bai Zhi didn’t even light a lamp before hastily lying down to sleep. The person on the bed seemed to have given up struggling, showing no reaction upon her return.

At the break of dawn the next day, Wei Ziwan, weak and listless, glanced at Bai Zhi as she awoke. The word ‘husband’ lingered on the tip of her tongue, but ultimately, she did not voice it.

Despite all her pleas, the eunuch had refused to untie her. Now, she was dizzy with hunger, and her limbs, tightly bound, had almost lost all sensation. Rather than waste her energy on futile resistance, she decided it was better to conserve her strength.

Recalling her conversation with Matron Jiang the previous night, Bai Zhi pondered for a moment before walking over to the bed. Then, under Wei Ziwan’s incredulous gaze, she untied the ropes.

“From now on, I’ll call you Wanwan. After breakfast, Wanwan, you shall accompany me for a walk outside.”

Wei Ziwan: “…”

Something unusual was definitely afoot. What kind of scheme was this eunuch plotting?

Even as she walked out of the room after breakfast, her steps unsteady, Wei Ziwan’s mind was still preoccupied with what kind of trick this person was trying to pull.

Seeing her difficulty in walking, Bai Zhi, who was beside her, curled her lips and stepped forward to support her: “Wanwan, walk slowly, let me help you. Although there aren’t many people in our palace, we still need to pay our respects to a few of the ladies.”

It would be best to let everyone see how deeply in love they are. Crown Prince, oh Crown Prince, you must strive harder and storm the palace sooner, so that she can leave the palace early as well.

Wei Ziwan shivered at the thought, then hesitated. Had this eunuch lost his mind? He was being way too dramatic. She subtly tried to pull her arm away—but failed.

“No need to trouble yourself, husband. I can walk on my own.”

Hearing this, Bai Zhi’s smile grew even brighter. “Wanwan, don’t be stubborn. Let me help you.”

Without giving her a chance to refuse, Bai Zhi firmly held onto her arm and led her outside. The way she handled her was so delicate, her expression so full of concern, that Wei Ziwan found herself utterly dumbfounded.

If she hadn’t seen this eunuch’s cold and ruthless side back in the room, she might’ve actually believed that she cared.

She twitched the corner of her mouth but ultimately didn’t resist. Right now, she had no strength left, and under the eaves, one had to bow. She would just have to wait and see what this eunuch was plotting.

After leaving the side hall, Wei Ziwan finally had the chance to observe where she was. She only knew that she had been taken into the palace but was unaware of which consort’s palace she was in, or why she and this little eunuch had a separate side hall to themselves.

After walking for a while without encountering anyone, she vaguely guessed where she was. There were not many side halls, the scenery was not good, and there were few people around.

A eunuch could walk freely and even live in a separate side hall, which suggested that it was not due to favor but rather because there were few people, or perhaps no one was in charge.

Looking around the imperial palace, there was only one place that fit this description: the Cold Palace.

“Who is my husband taking me to meet?” Wei Ziwan asked with a smile. Since you want to put on a show, I will play along and see who is truly the actor in this drama.

Bai Zhi smiled even more innocently, his voice soft and gentle: “Since Wanwan is new here, it’s only right to greet the ladies of the palace. Don’t be afraid, your husband will protect you.”

Since they were putting on a show, of course, they needed to find someone to perform for. They decided to visit the old consort—she held the highest seniority and lived the farthest away. Along the way, everyone who needed to see them would surely catch a glimpse.

Wei Ziwan’s eyes flickered subtly. Had she not seen this little eunuch’s cold and heartless demeanor in the room earlier, she might have been fooled by his sweet, honeyed words.

It wasn’t until they encountered people on the path that she realized she had greatly underestimated this little eunuch’s ability to deceive.

Consort Rong, dressed in a long crimson skirt, raised an eyebrow and looked them over, her gaze sweeping Wei Ziwan from head to toe. Finally, noticing the unsteady steps, she sneered and said, “So, Little Eunuch Bai has finally decided to let your beautiful bride show her face. It seems you’ve been quite busy these past few days, this sister is truly fortunate.”

Wei Ziwan was left speechless, her mind in disarray. What was this red-skirted beauty talking about? What did she mean by “busy”? It couldn’t be what she was thinking, could it?

The next second, Bai Zhi’s words confirmed her suspicions.

“Consort Rong, you jest. How could I bear to exhaust such a delicate beauty like Wanwan? I hold her in my hands, fearing she might melt. I only wish to cherish her at every moment—how could I bear to tire her out?”

The speaker smiled sweetly, the slight curve of her lips exuding a hint of pride. Her words were enough to make anyone’s imagination run wild.

Wei Ziwan was utterly petrified. What was this eunuch saying? A delicate beauty? Cherish her at every moment? Though she might occasionally feign fragility when necessary, coming from this eunuch’s mouth, it took on an entirely different meaning.

“Hahaha, having a companion truly changes a person. Little Eunuch Bai has become much more amusing.” Consort Rong chuckled behind her handkerchief, her eyes darting even more boldly between the two.

Bai Zhi’s smile flickered for a moment, and then, as if by accident, she tugged at Wei Ziwan’s sleeve, revealing faint bruises on her fair wrist.

Wei Ziwan stiffened, instinctively pulling her sleeve back. Her mind raced, and she began to vaguely understand what this wretched eunuch was up to.

Consort Rong’s eyes widened in surprise, and then she laughed even louder. “Little Eunuch Bai, you certainly know how to have fun.” Tsk tsk, one truly can’t judge a book by its cover.

“You flatter me, Consort.” Bai Zhi replied with a smile. She then supported the stunned Wei Ziwan, bid farewell to Consort Rong, and continued on their way. By now, her goal should have been achieved—those watching from the shadows must be quite satisfied.

——————–

Author’s Note:

Wei Ziwan: Shameless scoundrel!

Bai Zhi: This is just the beginning. We have a long way to go.