Transmigrating to Woo the Villainous Young Lady - Chapter 20

To her surprise, Prince Qi merely curled his lips into a faint smile.

Miss Fu hasn’t even met the person in question. How can she be so confident?

As soon as he finished speaking, they heard a commotion nearby, like a crowd of maids surrounding someone, their voices clamoring incessantly.

Shen Li, Shen Li!

How did you manage to tame the Young Mistress’s notoriously bad temper so completely?

Exactly! Since you became the Young Mistress’s personal maid, you haven’t even visited us sisters anymore. You’re truly heartless!

Shen Li, surrounded by the group, was utterly speechless.

At that moment, she finally understood why nine out of ten emperors in palace intrigue novels were always preoccupied with state affairs. This gathering of a dozen or so women was truly deafening.

Shen Li stood in the garden, her naturally beautiful features enhanced by a touch of makeup, making her even more radiant.

Even nestled among the vibrant flowers, she outshone them all.

Prince Qi’s breath caught in his throat.

He couldn’t believe Fu Guiyi’s residence housed such a stunning maid, her skin as delicate as that of a noble lady from the capital.

This was no ordinary servant girl; she looked every bit the pampered young mistress, and clearly the most favored one at that.

Sensing Prince Qi’s inappropriate gaze, Fu Guiyi cleared her throat softly. She glanced at the sky—the sun was still high, but she quickly fabricated an excuse.

Your Highness, it’s getting late. I imagine you must be hungry. I’ve already prepared a banquet.

This prince isn’t hungry yet…

Prince Qi turned, a smile playing on his lips. But when he met Fu Guiyi’s icy, warning stare, goosebumps prickled across his skin.

Actually, this prince is quite hungry.

He instantly changed his tune, though as he turned away, he still cast a lingering, reluctant glance at Shen Li.

The intensity of the gaze seemed to burn through the air. Shen Li noticed it and turned to see Fu Guiyi standing nearby, separated by a riot of autumn leaves, with a handsome man.

Wow! That must be His Highness Prince Qi. He’s truly magnificent!

He’s the perfect match for our young mistress, isn’t he?

Of course! In all the world, only a prince is worthy of her. What does Commander Li’s only son amount to?

Shh… keep your voices down. Watch your tongues!

Hearing these women discuss who Fu Guiyi should marry filled Shen Li with irritation.

They knew about her relationship with Fu Guiyi, yet they still assumed Fu Guiyi would marry someone else. This was the limitation of their era.

Despite her annoyance, Shen Li kept her feelings to herself. She simply walked closer, pretending to notice the pair casually.

Young Mistress…

She waved, startling the maids, who paled in fright.

Shen Li, have you gone mad? The young mistress is receiving guests!

Hearing the call, Fu Guiyi looked up and saw the young maid who had been among the flowers just moments ago now standing a few steps closer.

Few flowers bloom in autumn.

These rare blossoms had all been brought here by Fu Guiyi, hoping to bring a smile to her mother’s face. But when the garden was filled with flowers that bloomed in every season,

Fu Guiyi personally carried her mother outside.

The only reward she received was, If your brother were here…

At that moment, Fu Guiyi’s heart felt like it had plunged into an icy abyss.

From then on, she grew to loathe the garden, rarely visiting except when entertaining guests. Yet today, the vibrant flowers seemed to have found their true mistress—

The woman laughing freely amidst the swaying branches.

Ding! Capture value increased by 2!

Unbeknownst to Fu Guiyi, Shen Li could keenly sense every flicker of her heart.

Lost in thought, Fu Guiyi realized that what someone might discard like worn-out shoes, another might cherish dearly. Perhaps this garden could belong to Shen Li.

Seeing that Fu Guiyi was merely gazing at the flowers in a daze, showing no anger, Shen Li quickly closed the distance in a few steps. Only then did she look at Fu Guiyi with a hint of timidity.

Young Mistress, have I disturbed you?

Fu Guiyi shook her head and suddenly extended her hand.

Since you’re here, let’s go together.

Shen Li hesitated, unsure whether to take her hand. She glanced at Fu Guiyi’s distinguished guest—His Highness Prince Qi, the future emperor.

This man will be the future ruler of the empire.

Shen Li’s gaze lingered a moment longer, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. But this extra glance ignited a tempest of jealousy in Fu Guiyi’s heart.

She felt deeply uncomfortable.

This little maid really is eager to climb the social ladder. Seeing he’s royalty, she’s suddenly full of energy, isn’t she?

Ignoring the formality of the occasion, Fu Guiyi seized Shen Li’s wrist, her grip so tight it made the girl’s skin ache.

Young Mistress… Shen Li whimpered, utterly bewildered by her mistake. Wasn’t I just trying to get a better look at the future emperor?

Don’t stare at Prince Qi so openly, Fu Guiyi hissed, her voice low and sharp. Tears welled in Shen Li’s eyes.

This servant knows her place, Shen Li murmured, her voice trembling.

Seeing the maid’s pitiful state, Fu Guiyi’s heart softened. She regretted her harsh words.

Yet the memory of Shen Li’s infatuated gaze lingering on Prince Qi left a bitter taste in her mouth.

By the time Prince Qi departed, it was late. A crescent moon hung high in the sky, and the seasonal trees had shed all their leaves, leaving them bare and stark.

Shen Li hadn’t dared to speak a word the entire time, having been busy serving Fu Guiyi. She poured tea and water for her, but the atmosphere at the table remained strained. Though His Highness Prince Qi tried his best to make conversation, it was clear Fu Guiyi had no interest in engaging.

Young Mistress, are you angry?

Shen Li inwardly regretted her earlier scrutiny of Prince Qi. Thank goodness it didn’t affect my conquest points, she thought. Otherwise, I’d be kicking myself for days.

The formal address, complete with honorifics, was completely out of character for Shen Li. As Fu Guiyi pushed open the door, she suddenly turned back, her eyes burning with barely suppressed fury.

Are you being fickle because I’m a woman?

The words stung, but they weren’t surprising coming from Fu Guiyi. Despite wielding the Tiger Tally of the Black Armor Army, she had never been promoted to general, all because of her gender.

How dare this servant presume such a thing? Shen Li thought, panicking. She quickly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Fu Guiyi’s slender yet powerful waist.

Shen Li, it’s too late to try to appease me now.

You know, I hate it when others touch my things.

Or… she can’t even choose another master.

Fu Guiyi lowered her head, her temple hair slightly disheveled, the golden hairpin swaying gently, reflecting a mesmerizing light under the candlelight.

This servant didn’t…

Shen Li couldn’t finish her sentence, because Fu Guiyi had already led her to the bed.

Forget about Prince Qi. His Majesty will arrange his marriage next year.

Shen Li stumbled onto the bed, the impact leaving her dazed and disoriented.

She had been wrong. Only now did she truly grasp the villainous boss’s madness.

Shen Li wanted to cry, but no tears came.

Fu Guiyi was the true mastermind who had tormented the male and female leads to the brink of death. How could her frail body possibly endure such torment?