Chapter 877

The Earl’s Mansion, Jia Cong’s courtyard.

Through the eastern stained-glass window lattices, the outside remained utterly dark, not a trace of dawn visible—just like this brief, bitter spring night.

In the room stood a bronze incense burner with blue-and-white lotus-carved lattice, its fragrance soft and lingering, the charcoal within glowing red.

The large four-poster bed’s silk canopy was tightly closed, occasionally trembling without wind, while the sound of a nightingale’s trill drifted on, lasting deep into the night, silent only when no one knew.

On the bed, brocade quilts wrapped jade-like skin, a silk pillow cradled snow-white flesh, a faint, intoxicating scent clung and did not fade, overflowing with tender intimacy.

Wu’er awoke from sweet slumber, her starry eyes fluttering open to see Jia Cong asleep, his arm threaded beneath her neck, holding her tightly against his side.

She slightly lifted her body and saw Ping’er sleeping on the outer side, her hair scattered like clouds, cheeks flushed with rosy hues.

The brocade quilt had slipped down, revealing a sliver of snow-pale, smooth shoulder, her head tilted against Third Master’s shoulder, sound asleep.

Wu’er felt a quiet pride—Third Master still held her even in sleep, not Ping’er; surely he cared for her more.

As for last night’s events, though every detail was vividly etched in her mind, Wu’er dared not dwell on them—it was far too shameful.

Last night, Third Master had somehow coaxed and tricked them into sharing one bed; perhaps because his campaign was imminent, none of them wanted to let him go.

Thinking of last night’s tender exchanges, Wu’er’s whole body burned, faintly recalling how exhausted she had been, then how Third Master had pinned Ping’er beneath him…

Wu’er wondered if she should rise early now that dawn was coming—what if someone found out? She’d die of shame.

But she couldn’t bring herself to rise first, so she feigned sleep, pressing closer to Jia Cong—though sleep was now impossible.

…

After a while, the window’s darkness faded, faint dawn light barely visible; Ping’er suddenly awoke.

She sat up bundled in the quilt, gazing at Jia Cong’s peaceful face, her cheeks burning, her body trembling with soft weakness.

Seeing Wu’er nestled beside Jia Cong, seemingly still fast asleep, her long, curled eyelashes fluttering slightly.

Ping’er’s lips curled faintly; she said nothing, lifted the canopy, picked up her clothes from the floor, and dressed quietly.

Once she had donned her undergarments and was about to step down from the bed, she couldn’t help saying: “Wu’er, stop pretending to sleep—get up and get dressed.”

“They’ll be knocking soon with hot water—if they catch us like this, they’ll laugh us to death, and don’t you dare blame me later.”

Wu’er, caught out, blushed furiously and rose, her expression half-exasperated, hastily fumbling for her clothes.

Though they moved quietly off the bed, Jia Cong had already woken; fearing their embarrassment, he feigned sleep—last night, he had indeed been reckless…

…

Ping’er, meticulous as ever, dressed fully, then went to the dressing table to carefully arrange her hair.

Wu’er, however, merely tidied her hair after dressing, then stepped forward to help Ping’er style her coiffure, carefully inserting hairpins and ornaments.

Ping’er smiled: “No need for your fuss—I can manage myself.”

Wu’er snorted: “You think I’m doing you a favor? How flattering. Last night wasn’t you on watch, was it?”

“Even if you came in early today, you shouldn’t be disheveled and half-dressed—those maids are sharp as knives; they’d see through it at a glance.”

“If you’re too ashamed to show your face, do you think I’ll look any better? You couldn’t even hold your watch—dragging me into this nonsense, it’s utterly humiliating.”

“If even a whisper spreads, they’ll say Third Master is too wild, and that’ll ruin his reputation.”

Ping’er’s face flushed crimson: “You think so deeply—I admit I’m wrong, alright?”

Wu’er said: “Don’t say that. Next time you’re on watch, I’ll come over and bother you too—we’re even.”

…

Ping’er couldn’t help laughing at that, her whole body warming, scolding: “You’ve been opened up by Third Master—you’ve grown bolder, reckless, shameless.”

“Tomorrow Third Master leaves for battle, and I couldn’t bear to let him go—that’s why I lost control last night.”

“This was already too far—I won’t play with you again.”

“Next time you come on watch, I’ll turn and run—I’ll clear the bed for you. He won’t trick you into it again.”

Wu’er laughed: “Are you too clever? You covered for him last night, then left no trace behind…”

Wu’er had harbored some unease over last night’s indulgence, but Ping’er’s careful words had dissolved much of it in moments.

As they spoke, Jia Cong’s voice came from behind: “What trace are you leaving? I’m getting up—why won’t you help me?”

Hearing this, both Ping’er and Wu’er blushed furiously.

Wu’er said: “This time, Third Master, dress yourself—I’ll help Ping’er sister hurry up, so no one spots anything, and we all save face.”

Ping’er smiled: “Exactly. Last night you got all the benefits—today, Third Master, bear the burden a little.”

Jia Cong chuckled, leapt from the bed, gathered his scattered clothes, dressed quickly, then took a padded jacket from the robe rack.

Ping’er, with Wu’er’s hairpin and phoenix clip inserted, glanced in the mirror and said: “Now we’re all tidy—this is enough.”

She rose to help Jia Cong don his outer robe, while Wu’er fetched the sash and fastened it around his waist.

…

When Wu’er moved to comb Jia Cong’s hair, Ping’er suddenly remembered something and hurried to the door—she recalled Third Master had bolted it last night.

Now she was still inside, yet the bolt was locked from within—any maid arriving early would grow suspicious…

As Ping’er neared the door, before she could reach for the bolt, quick, crisp footsteps sounded in the corridor.

Someone walked up and knocked twice, then tried to push the door open—naturally, it wouldn’t budge.

“Huh? When did you lock the door? Wu’er, are you up? The big copper basin’s still in here—I came to fetch hot water for Third Master.”

Ping’er recognized the clear, lively voice—it was Qingwen, of course—and her heart sank; of all people, the most curious one had come.

Qingwen, hearing the bolt slide open right after she spoke, as if someone had been waiting by the door, felt a pang of oddness.

When the door opened, Qingwen saw Ping’er standing before her—elegant robes, glossy black hair, ornate hairpins, poised and radiant, utterly lovely.

Qingwen frowned: “Ping’er sister, why are you up so early? Why lock the door to Third Master’s room? This is strange for dawn.”

Ping’er met Qingwen’s large, bright eyes, their gaze flowing like water over her body.

There was suspicion in them—and an unmistakable curiosity…

Ping’er felt uneasy under that stare and laughed: “When I came in, I worried about the draft—I must’ve locked it without thinking.”

Qingwen didn’t believe it; she noticed Ping’er’s darkened brows, luminous eyes, faintly flushed cheeks, and plump, pink lips—truly exquisite.

Even as a woman, Qingwen was momentarily spellbound.

She smiled: “Ping’er sister, you look stunning today—far more beautiful than usual. What rouge and lip tint are you using? I’ll buy some too.”

…

Ping’er unconsciously touched her lips, a strange feeling rising—what kind of eyes does this girl have? I have no lip tint left…

Last night, with Third Master, I’d rubbed it all off…

She laughed: “You’re mistaken—I don’t wear rouge at dawn. Go help Third Master make the bed—I’ll fetch the water.”

Qingwen grew even more puzzled—didn’t women apply rouge and powder in the morning?

She shook her head in confusion, stepped inside, and moved toward the four-poster bed to tidy it—just as she reached it…

Wu’er’s face flushed crimson; she dropped her comb and stepped in front of Qingwen without a word.

Blushing, she said: “Qingwen, your hands are more skilled—I’ll tidy the bed, you comb Third Master’s hair.”

Qingwen sniffed, muttering: “The bed smells strongly of perfume—Wu’er, you use too much rouge. Next time, save it—you’ve got silver, but don’t waste it.”

Wu’er stiffened, quickly replying: “Yes, maybe it’s too much—I’ll use less next time, as you say.”

Jia Cong quickly added: “Qingwen combs best—let her do it, I love how she does it.”

Qingwen, distracted, didn’t press further and smiled: “Third Master finally recognizes my worth.”

Jia Cong watched as she picked up the comb, carefully brushing his hair with nimble, graceful hands—truly efficient.

He sighed inwardly—this girl’s nose was too sharp; if she wandered around the room, she’d surely blab…

Wu’er swiftly folded the brocade quilt, tidied the bedding, bundled it into a package, and carried it out.

Qingwen said: “Wu’er, just tidy the bed—why make such a fuss? There’s no sun today, you can’t dry the bedding.”

Wu’er smiled: “I’m not drying it—I’m replacing it. Third Master sleeps here one more night, then leaves for battle. I want him to sleep on fresh bedding, more comfortably.”

Qingwen watched Wu’er’s graceful figure, carrying the large bundle, hurry out, muttering: “What’s gotten into Wu’er? Suddenly so busy.”

“Replace the bedding? Should’ve done it days ago. Wait till today just so he sleeps on it one night? Even the mistress is foolish.”

…

Jia Cong laughed: “Let Wu’er do as she pleases. Get your hair done, then wait for breakfast—we’ve much to do today.”

Qingwen smiled: “Don’t worry, Third Master, I won’t delay your matters.”

Her hands moved faster, using a fine-toothed comb to meticulously smooth his hair, then weaving her slender fingers through it.

Against his jet-black strands, her palm looked like jade, her fingers like willow branches—delicate, exquisite. In moments, she tied his topknot and secured the hair cap.

Ping’er entered with a copper basin of hot water; Qingwen helped Jia Cong wash his face and rinse his mouth. He turned to leave for the main hall to eat, but saw Qingwen heading inside.

Jia Cong said: “Qingwen, what else do you need? Come eat breakfast with me—eating alone is dull.”

Qingwen replied: “Third Master, don’t you see how messy the inner room is? The stool’s overturned and no one fixed it—I’ll tidy it first, then join you.”

Ping’er quickly said: “It’s just a small thing—go eat with Third Master, I’ll clean up.”

Jia Cong smiled: “Let Ping’er sister handle it. I leave on a long journey the day after tomorrow—next time we eat breakfast together will be a long while.”