Transmigrating to Woo the Villainous Young Lady - Chapter 46

As Prince Kang clapped his hands together, a crisp sound echoed through the air. Moments later, a group of graceful maids emerged from behind him.

Each one possessed a face as beautiful as a flower and a figure as delicate as a lotus blossom on a branch.

Even Shen Li was momentarily stunned by their beauty.

If Miss Fu likes them, she may keep them. This is merely a token of my sincerity, Prince Kang said.

Compared to the Fifth Prince’s empty words, Prince Kang had actually brought these women before Fu Guiyi, and each one was remarkably talented.

I don’t need them, Fu Guiyi replied, her lips pressed into a thin line.

She intended to usher the maids into the house first before continuing her conversation with Prince Kang. In truth, she had nothing further to discuss; she simply wanted to drive away this bothersome prince.

Miss, you can’t say that, one of the maids boldly stepped forward. Her clothing was thin, especially around the neckline, which was conspicuously low-cut.

The expanse of pale skin was almost blinding.

Shen Li: Who said ancient people were conservative?!

This is anything but conservative—they’re far more daring and unrestrained than modern people!

Seeing the maidservant about to press closer, Fu Guiyi abruptly stepped back.

Your Highness, please wait a moment. This servant girl is still injured.

Fu Guiyi’s tone was icy, but it was a far more respectful address than her earlier dismissive attitude toward the Fifth Prince.

Then I apologize for disturbing you, Miss Fu. I’ll wait here for you. I’ll leave these maids behind.

There’s no need.

Though the Fifth Prince had been gone for some time, Fu Guiyi’s usually composed steps betrayed a hint of panic. After gently placing Shen Li on the bed, she rose to her feet, intending to find Prince Kang.

Young Mistress, are you really in such a hurry?

To Shen Li, Fu Guiyi looked exactly like a husband rushing off to the red-light district.

She was genuinely afraid that Fu Guiyi’s affection for her might be divided among the other characters in the novel. If that happened, not only would her hopes of increasing her  Capture value vanish, but she would also fall out of favor.

It was a constant struggle between hope and fear.

Shen Li had always scoffed at the old adage that whoever falls in love first loses. She believed that if two people genuinely cared for each other, such sentimental anxieties would never arise.

But now that she was experiencing it herself, she understood that love wasn’t purely sweet. On the contrary, it was a complex blend of flavors—sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty, and tender—all intertwined.

A hint of grievance lingered in her eyes.

I’m not in a hurry, but Prince Kang is still a prince. It wouldn’t be right to leave him waiting like this, Fu Guiyi explained patiently.

She leaned closer, her nose brushing against Shen Li’s, her voice as gentle as could be, like a feather lightly stroking skin.

Be good, listen to me. I’ll be back soon.

But what if the Young Mistress takes a liking to those maids? Shen Li’s eyes rimmed with red. Fu Guiyi’s heart softened. Before Shen Li could throw a proper tantrum, the System chimed in her ear:

Host,  Capture value increased by 1!

So this is what Fu Guiyi likes? Shen Li had assumed she’d prefer a trembling, timid maidservant type.

But since the mood had already shifted…

Shen Li couldn’t bear the thought of Fu Guiyi choosing other beautiful maids. Deliberately pressing close, she pressed a soft kiss to Fu Guiyi’s neck.

After only a moment’s pause, a crimson mark bloomed, boldly declaring Fu Guiyi’s belonging.

I have to go out and meet someone later, Shen Li. This isn’t right, Fu Guiyi said, covering her neck, but without anger. Her golden eyes held a hint of amusement.

Miss, don’t you like it? Shen Li breathed, her breath as fragrant as orchids, stirring Fu Guiyi’s senses.

I do.

Fu Guiyi’s affection for Shen Li initially stemmed from the latter’s ability to alleviate her chronic cold condition, but this alone wasn’t enough to truly capture her heart.

Her deeper feelings began to blossom after their time in the cave.

Shen Li had shown remarkable courage, unlike a timid servant girl. She radiated a vibrant beauty, like a crimson camellia in full bloom on a branch.

Fu Guiyi gently rubbed her fingertip against her lips, the lingering dampness bringing her back to the present.

Though reluctant to leave, she knew she had lingered long enough and should depart.

Rising to her feet, she said, Rest well.

With those words, Fu Guiyi left the room.

She entered the most lavish reception hall of the inn, where rows of maids still stood at attention. Propping her cheek against her hand, Fu Guiyi waved dismissively.

Dismiss these women. I won’t accept any gifts of women.

Who knew if these women were spies? Fu Guiyi was thoroughly exasperated with these princes.

All of you, leave now.

If she were truly obsessed with beauty, she would have been captivated by these women at first glance.

But Fu Guiyi paid them no attention, barely even glancing at them.

Prince Kang hadn’t anticipated his scheme falling flat, but he had another card up his sleeve. He reached into his robe and produced a small jade seal.

He placed the seal on the table.

Miss Fu, what do you make of this?

Fu Guiyi glanced at it once and immediately recognized it.

The small seal was carved with a lifelike tiger, its mouth agape, revealing sharp teeth within its bl00d-red maw. Even its whiskers were rendered with astonishing detail.

A general’s seal, Fu Guiyi murmured softly. Throughout her life, she had harbored one great regret: her gender had long prevented her from being formally appointed as a general.

The emperor believed that if Great Zhou were reduced to relying on women to defend its cities, it would become a laughingstock among the barbarian tribes.

Yet the emperor, blinded by his own prejudices, remained unaware that both the barbarian tribes and the nomadic horsemen of the steppes had long used two Central Plains figures to frighten their children.

One was Commander Li, a man of monstrous ugliness who could devour ten children in a single bite.

The other was Fu Guiyi, the Mother Yaksha, who could silently drag you from your bed in the dead of night, skin you alive, and devour you whole.

You’re right, Miss Fu, Prince Kang said confidently. What my imperial father cannot grant you, I can.

A talent like yours should not be constrained by your gender.

It would be impossible to claim her heart remained unmoved, but Fu Guiyi merely lowered her head.

Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness Prince Kang, but I care nothing for such empty titles.

I have no intention of involving myself in the power struggles between the princes. Your Highness, I understand you may desire control of my troops, but the Black Armor Army’s elite forces are meant to defend against foreign enemies, not to be wasted on unnecessary internal conflicts.

I gave Prince Qi the same answer when he approached me, and I offer it to you now, unchanged.

However, Prince Kang was not so easily deterred.

Miss Fu, you must understand that no matter which of my brothers succeeds our father on the throne, your position will be precarious. You would be better off choosing me. With your support, I am certain to ascend to the throne.

I have no need of that.

Fu Guiyi rose to her feet, her resolve firm. She had no intention of becoming entangled in this affair.

She wasn’t neutral; she simply believed that palace intrigues should be handled by the Imperial Guards, without dragging in those who guarded the frontier.