Transmigrating to Woo the Villainous Young Lady - Chapter 35

Madam Fu’s condition could no longer be delayed. Fu Guiyi needed to depart immediately, and she harbored resentment toward her brother’s excuse of the long journey.

It’s just that it’s freezing cold, and he’s afraid of harming his health.

Their mother had struggled to raise her brother, yet after climbing the social ladder by marrying the Princess, he had forgotten his aging mother.

It’s truly unforgivable.

As the personal guards loaded chests of supplies onto the carriages, Shen Li was about to climb into the Young Mistress’s luxurious sedan chair when she glanced sideways and saw Xu Wenqing riding a large chestnut horse.

Shen Li’s eyes widened instantly.

Why is Steward Xu here? Shouldn’t she be guarding Fu Manor?

Shen Li’s face paled, clearly fearing that the steward, who disliked her, might secretly sabotage her journey.

What if we encounter bandits on the road? If Xu Wenqing were like Liu Bang, she might kick me off the carriage without hesitation.

Then I’d have nowhere to even cry.

Wen Qing is worried about me, Fu Guiyi said, only realizing her mistake afterward. The little maid seemed terrified of Xu Wenqing, after all, the steward had personally pushed her into the lake.

The autumn lake water wasn’t as frigid as in winter, but it was still icy cold.

Are you afraid of her? Fu Guiyi asked, pulling Shen Li into her arms, completely disregarding the gazes of the surrounding servants and personal guards.

Don’t worry, Fu Guiyi reassured her. With me here, Wen Qing won’t dare to act rashly.

Shen Li was indeed afraid, but she had no better option at the moment. Remembering she had the System at her disposal, her anxiety eased slightly.

Then I’ll trouble you, Young Mistress, Shen Li said with a fawning smile, her breath as fragrant as orchids, stirring Fu Guiyi’s senses. Yet Fu Guiyi maintained her composure.

It was still broad daylight. Embracing was acceptable, but anything more would be scandalous.

The carriage moved swiftly, pulled by four horses to expedite their journey—a practice that bordered on violating ancient customs. After all, Fu Guiyi wasn’t a great general.

But in this world, might made right. Wielding the Tiger Tally, Fu Guiyi had no need to fear such trivialities.

After all, what kind of villain would strictly adhere to the rules?

To maintain their speed, Fu Guiyi traveled with a relatively small escort of personal guards, all elites from the Black Armor Army, clad in light armor and riding swift steeds.

The servants were crammed into a smaller carriage, also pulled by horses, allowing the entire procession to move much faster than a typical caravan.

After a day’s travel, they had left the city far behind. With Fu Guiyi’s personal guards clearing the way, merchants along the road quickly yielded.

However, Fu Guiyi didn’t stop at the post station. She urged the caravan onward until the sky turned as dark as ink, and the torches could barely illuminate the road ahead.

Only then did Fu Guiyi order the caravan to halt and set up camp.

Because Fu Guiyi’s carriage was spacious, it could easily be converted into a sleeping area with a simple bedding arrangement.

Shen Li opened a chest and retrieved a plush tiger-skin blanket.

The blanket’s ears were particularly soft and inviting to touch, and its fur gleamed with a lustrous sheen.

She layered the blanket several times before preparing to sleep, only to be pulled up by Fu Guiyi.

Shen Li, you’re going to sleep like that? Without bathing? How filthy! Fu Guiyi’s face twisted in disgust.

Shen Li stared blankly at her surroundings, then looked puzzled.

Young Mistress, where’s the water here?

The sun had been strong that day, so it wasn’t particularly cold. Even the night temperature was bearable.

There’s a river not far from here.

It’s too cold, Shen Li protested. While being fragrant and soft was nice, now that she had transmigrated to ancient times, she didn’t need to be so fastidious.

Bathing in the river at night would surely lead to a cold the next day, even though she could buy medicine from the System Shop.

But it would still be unbearable.

I’ve already had the servants prepare a brazier. You’ll feel much better after warming up by it after your bath, Fu Guiyi said.

Seeing the little maid still hesitant, Fu Guiyi narrowed her eyes, a dangerous aura suddenly emanating from her.

Am I the Young Mistress, or are you?

At these words, Shen Li immediately leaped out of the blankets.

This servant will bathe! I’ll make sure to wash thoroughly!

In truth, people in ancient times were sometimes even more particular than modern folk. For instance, at this very moment, Fu Guiyi would likely feel deeply uncomfortable if she didn’t bathe.

Carrying two towels and a soap pod made from soapberry, Shen Li stumbled after the Young Mistress to the lake, leaving two female guards to stand watch outside.

Fu Guiyi crouched down to test the water temperature. It wasn’t particularly cold, only slightly cooler than her body temperature.

Seeing the little maid still hesitating, Fu Guiyi untied her sash and stepped into the lake herself.

Having spent years leading troops in battle, Fu Guiyi was far more uninhibited than most women. She saw nothing inappropriate about bathing outdoors, as long as it made her feel comfortable.

After all, covered in bl00d and grime from battle, having a place to wash was a blessing.

Seeing the Young Mistress had already swum two laps, Shen Li gritted her teeth, quickly undressed, and plunged into the water. The icy chill sent goosebumps erupting across her skin.

When people are chilled to the bone, they often feel like crying.

Tears welled in Shen Li’s eyes, making her resemble a pear blossom drenched in rain—a sight that tugged at the heartstrings.

Fu Guiyi swam over and pulled Shen Li into her arms.

Hurry up and wash, she said, her tone utterly unsympathetic.

Trembling, Shen Li picked up the soap from the wooden basin, intending to wash the Young Mistress’s hair.

But the cold was so intense that she couldn’t even grip the soap properly. Made from animal fat, it was slippery as ice.

Seeing Shen Li shivering uncontrollably, Fu Guiyi sighed softly and reached out, grasping Shen Li’s wrist.

With patient strokes, she began washing the little maid’s hair herself, her slender fingers gliding through the dark strands accompanied by a helpless sigh.

Clumsy thing, Fu Guiyi murmured. Now I’m the one serving you. Who’s the mistress and who’s the maid here?

After soaking in the cold water for a while, their bodies gradually adjusted. Shen Li picked up another bar of soap and began washing Fu Guiyi’s hair, her hands still trembling.

Taking a cold bath was nearly enough to kill a person.

When

Seeing Shen Li struggling to walk, Fu Guiyi immediately wrapped her arm around her waist.

Should I carry you?

No need, Young Mistress. I can walk.

There were still many servants outside, and Shen Li wanted to maintain some dignity. She couldn’t bear the thought of being carried by the Young Mistress in front of the household staff. Who knew what rumors they’d spread?

She might as well be labeled the reincarnation of Daji or Bao Si.

But as soon as she finished speaking, Shen Li felt an itch in her nose.

Achoo!

She couldn’t help but sneeze softly.

I’ll carry you after all.

Fu Guiyi felt a pang of guilt. If she had known this would happen, she wouldn’t have insisted on having the little maid bathe with her for the sake of cleanliness.

If Shen Li caught a cold like last time, Fu Guiyi would be heartbroken.

Colds were notoriously difficult to cure, and even with medicine, complete recovery wasn’t guaranteed.

Many young ladies in secluded mansions had perished from such illnesses.