Transmigrating to Woo the Villainous Young Lady - Chapter 50

The sun was high in the sky, finally bringing a touch of warmth to the chilly autumn day. Fu Guiyi ordered her men to bring her black warhorse.

Holding Shen Li in her arms, she approached the massive steed. With effortless ease, Fu Guiyi lifted Shen Li onto the horse’s back. Her immense strength made Shen Li’s weight feel like carrying a chick.

Before Shen Li could even settle into the saddle, Fu Guiyi swung herself onto the horse behind her, pulling Shen Li tightly into her embrace.

I’ll assign you a personal guard. Wen Qing won’t dare to harm you then.

Facing her childhood friend, Fu Guiyi found herself unable to make a decisive move. She knew this indecision was wrong; as a commander, wavering and hesitation were fatal flaws.

But…

Not everything could be severed so easily.

Leaving aside Xu Wenqing’s usefulness to her, the emotional bond between them was another reason Fu Guiyi couldn’t simply abandon her.

Thank you for your consideration, Young Mistress, Shen Li murmured, lowering her head, overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.

She was terrified of Xu Wenqing, who seemed to be plotting her demise at every turn.

This isn’t really thoughtfulness, Fu Guiyi said. It’s just that I haven’t been partial enough, wavering between you and Wen Qing.

Fu Guiyi understood her own heart and spoke her mind plainly.

Shen Li, I’m sorry. I can’t always favor you in everything.

Her voice was soft and gentle, so faint that it would have been carried away by the wind, audible only to Shen Li, who was cradled in her arms.

Young Mistress, I don’t blame you, Shen Li replied. A young mistress has her own difficulties, and a servant girl has hers. I understand that.

With those words, Shen Li leaned fully into Fu Guiyi’s embrace. Though the young mistress remained cold, she believed she could gradually warm her.

It’s just a matter of time, Shen Li told herself.

Because they were in a bustling market, the black horse couldn’t gallop wildly but had to proceed at a measured pace.

Their intimate posture drew countless gazes, though no one dared to linger.

A detachment of Black Armor Army soldiers followed behind Fu Guiyi, their backs laden with chests—likely gifts for the Old General.

Soon, they arrived at the General’s Residence.

The residence’s gate was imposing, especially the plaque personally bestowed by the current emperor, bearing the inscription Loyal and Honorable General’s Residence, which radiated unparalleled grandeur.

The gilded characters proclaimed the Old General’s illustrious military achievements.

The residence’s servants rushed out to greet them, their faces lighting up at the sight of Fu Guiyi.

Eldest Miss Fu, you’ve arrived! The General has been expecting you. Please, come this way!

Fu Guiyi merely nodded, dismounted, and reached out. Her rough palm cupped Shen Li’s calf as her other arm encircled Shen Li’s waist, clearly intending to lift her down.

But this was broad daylight, under the clear sky.

Fu Guiyi cared little for onlookers’ gazes, but Shen Li still had her reputation to consider.

She had no desire to be mistaken for a demoness seducing the young mistress and be beaten to death by Madam Fu’s servants. Thus, she could only feign bashfulness, her cheeks flushing crimson.

Young Mistress, this isn’t appropriate, Shen Li murmured. It’s also inconvenient for you to carry me. I don’t want to trouble you.

Seeing Shen Li’s reluctance, Fu Guiyi immediately understood her meaning and chuckled softly.

Very well, I’ll simply lead the horse inside. No need to carry you into the manor.

So, even little maids have their moments of shyness, Fu Guiyi thought, finding the girl utterly endearing.

Yet she couldn’t resist seizing Shen Li’s wrist and pulling her closer.

Fu Guiyi relished seeing Shen Li’s flustered reactions.

Her soft lips pressed against the back of Shen Li’s hand, the gentle caress sending shivers down Shen Li’s spine.

Young Mistress…

Shen Li’s shoulders trembled slightly, utterly overwhelmed by Fu Guiyi’s provocative actions.

It wasn’t just Shen Li who was stunned; even the Black Armor Army soldiers standing nearby stared wide-eyed, exchanging bewildered glances.

Since when did the Young Mistress develop such… preferences?

The Black Armor Army soldiers knew more than they let on. After all, how could a cold-blooded, ruthless woman like Fu Guiyi allow a mere servant girl to share her carriage? Anyone with half a brain could deduce that Shen Li was no ordinary servant.

Yet none of them had anticipated this: the Eldest Miss Fu, who always avoided scandalous behavior, was now openly holding the servant girl’s hand and kissing her with brazen abandon.

This was truly unprecedented.

Though their eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, the Black Armor Army soldiers could only pretend nothing had happened, tilting their heads to gaze at the clear blue sky.

What a perfectly clear sky, they thought.

As the gates swung open, Fu Guiyi led the Black Horse directly into the estate, the gatekeeper daring not utter a word of protest. After a short walk to a secluded corner, Fu Guiyi dismounted, gently lifting Shen Li down.

Watch over her while I go meet the Old General, Fu Guiyi instructed her Black Armor Army soldiers. The men nodded in unison, obeying her command.

As Fu Guiyi strode away, the remaining soldiers began unloading the gifts. A nearby servant led them toward the storage warehouse.

Miss Shen?

Shen Li was settled on a stone bench. Afraid she might get cold, Fu Guiyi even removed the soft cushion from her saddle and placed it on the bench, ensuring Shen Li wouldn’t freeze her bottom.

What a thoughtful young mistress, Shen Li couldn’t help but think, feeling her favorability points toward Fu Guiyi rising.

What is it? Shen Li asked.

She hadn’t expected any Black Armor Army soldiers to dare strike up a conversation with her, fearing Fu Guiyi might tear them apart. The young mistress was notoriously jealous.

Well, it’s just that… you…

The soldier hesitated, unable to voice his question. Another soldier finally blurted out, How did you make the young mistress like you so much? I mean, she’s our leader, but she’s as fierce as an ogress…

Before he could finish, his comrade clamped a hand over his mouth.

Are you out of your mind? How dare you speak ill of the young mistress!

Though silenced, the soldier had voiced what all the Black Armor Army soldiers were thinking. Though they dared not say it aloud, they all stared at Shen Li with curious eyes.

It’s nothing, Shen Li replied. I’m just a maid who warms the young mistress’s bed.

She couldn’t be bothered to explain the immense effort she had put into making Fu Guiyi care for and cherish her.

Is that so? But there must be some trick to it, right? The others leaned in closer.

Shen Li had no tricks. Even with her System, she had to tread carefully, terrified of making a wrong move.

Meanwhile, the Old General had been waiting in the reception hall for quite some time, the tea in his cup growing cold.

Fu Guiyi finally arrived, her entrance delayed.

I apologize for keeping you waiting, General, she said, clasping her hands in a respectful bow before taking a seat beside him.

It hasn’t been too long, the Old General replied, but Guiyi, your decision to travel to the Capital in autumn was rather careless.

With autumn’s end, winter would soon arrive.

At that time, the nomadic tribes and barbarians would descend southward together. Relying solely on Commander Li to hold the line would be an overwhelming burden.

I understand, General, Fu Guiyi replied firmly. My mother is gravely ill, and she wished to see her brother one last time. I couldn’t deny her that.