Chapter 46: Demanding Someone to Undress Without Hesitation

This abrupt demand for someone to strip was utterly baffling. Fortunately, in the neighboring Autumn Room, Xia Jiujiang had already instructed the little insect to give Xia Yue’er a special dose; otherwise, the commotion here would surely have drawn her attention.

Xia Jiujiang was taken aback. “Princess, what do you mean by this?”

Princess Anya replied forcefully, “What, is it not an honor for you that I fancy your clothes? Hurry up and take them off for me.”

With a signal from Princess Anya, the old matron at her side stepped forward to strip Xia Jiujiang’s clothes. Princess Anya was imperious, while Xia Jiujiang appeared submissive, as though helplessly resigned, and obediently removed her outer robe, placing it before the princess.

Xia Jiujiang’s meek expression seemed to please Princess Anya, who went on, “I wish to rest in your room today. You go to my villa and rest there.”

Xia Jiujiang exclaimed in alarm, “How can this be? I agreed with Yue’er to take neighboring rooms so we could look after each other.”

Princess Anya retorted, “If I rest in your room, I can naturally look after Xia Yue’er next door as well. Matron, escort Xia Jiujiang to my villa.”

Xia Jiujiang put on a troubled look, her reluctance to leave only deepening Princess Anya’s curiosity.

Princess Anya scolded, “What, do my words count for nothing? You’re merely the motherless legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s family—do you really think marrying Prince Jin and becoming his consort has elevated your status so much? I am Prince Jin’s cousin. Even if he were here, he would side with me. Yet here you are, a useless fool, getting ahead of yourself.”

Faced with this torrent of abuse, Xia Jiujiang could only bow her head. “Yes, I take my leave.”

Yet inwardly, Xia Jiujiang sneered. Had not Princess Anya called this very room fit only for swine? Now that she herself would reside here, did that not make the princess the pig?

Princess Anya never suspected that her high-handed effort to seize Xia Jiujiang’s room and clothes was entirely within Xia Jiujiang’s expectations.

Earlier that evening, Xia Jiujiang had arranged for Lvlü to spread rumors near the villa.

“My mistress is the Princess Consort of Prince Jin. I followed her all the way here to the Great Li Kingdom’s temple to pray for blessings. You don’t know how deeply Prince Jin and his consort love each other! I heard he learned she had come here, and plans to surprise her at midnight. They’ll spend the whole night in passion, and she’ll certainly conceive a little prince!”

As she spread these rumors near the East Courtyard’s villa, Lvlü muttered to herself, “Amitabha, to say such shameless things in a place of Buddhist worship—what a sin.”

Since Princess Anya had seized Xia Jiujiang’s room and clothes, her intent was clear: she meant to masquerade as Xia Jiujiang, donning her garments and ornaments, waiting for Prince Jin to arrive at midnight. Surely she would have guards lying in wait nearby, ready to testify as witnesses.

Princess Anya thought that once Prince Jin paid his midnight visit, just the fact of a man and woman alone in a room would be enough—even without any intimacy—to compel him to take responsibility. Given her noble status, she could make a scene before Emperor Zongkang, making it a simple matter to become Prince Jin’s consort. As for Xia Jiujiang? She cared nothing for her.

At the same time, Princess Anya’s attendant, Matron Chun, ensured that Xia Jiujiang changed into the princess’s clothes and then escorted her to the villa.

Lvlü tried to follow, but Matron Chun immediately blocked her. “You’re just a maid—what business have you going to the villa? The princess is generous enough to let Xia Jiujiang reside there; you, a mere servant, get back to your own quarters.”

Relying on her mistress’s favor, Matron Chun didn’t bother with courtesy, referring to Xia Jiujiang by name, knowing full well that Princess Anya detested the Princess Consort of Prince Jin.

Lvlü was berated so thoroughly that she dared not protest. Xia Jiujiang glanced at her, and Lvlü bowed her head in grievance before quietly leaving.

Matron Chun personally escorted Xia Jiujiang into the princess’s chambers. “Stay in this room and do not leave without the princess’s permission. Understood?”

Xia Jiujiang nodded. The door was shut, and Matron Chun stationed herself outside, clearly under orders from Princess Anya to prevent Xia Jiujiang from interfering with her scheme.

Xia Jiujiang surveyed Princess Anya’s chambers. Though only a temporary abode, it was lavishly adorned. Supposedly, the princess was at the Great Li Kingdom’s temple to reflect on her misdeeds, yet the room was filled with trinkets: books, crickets, shuttlecocks, kites…

One had to wonder if Princess Anya was here to repent or to amuse herself. Likely, she had done everything except leave the temple.

Xia Jiujiang had thought that once ensconced in the princess’s room, she could pass a peaceful night without worry. Who could have predicted that a shadow would suddenly dart through the window? Xia Jiujiang’s brow furrowed, and before she could react, there was a glint of cold steel—a dagger pressed to her throat.

She did not panic. She sensed that this intruder was not in league with Black Three, for she detected a strong scent of blood—someone was wounded.

If she cried out, the guards would come, but that would cause a commotion in the villa, which might alert Black Three, who was targeting the Summer Room in the East Courtyard. So, Xia Jiujiang remained calm.

She spoke steadily, “Good sir, don’t be rash. You must have been pursued here to the Great Li Kingdom’s temple and are wounded. You wish to survive, and I wish to live as well. I happen to have some wound medicine here; take it. Afterwards, perhaps I can help you escape the temple—what do you say?”

The black-clad man was momentarily stunned. Xia Jiujiang was far too composed—utterly unflustered, offering medicine, and even proposing to help him escape? How could he trust her?

From her sleeve, Xia Jiujiang produced a small jar of wound salve and handed it to him. “Apply the medicine. With such a strong smell of blood, if you don’t, someone might think I’m bleeding every month.”

It was said that the women of Li were gentle and demure, but Xia Jiujiang’s frank mention of her monthly cycle shocked the man.

Though it was he who held the dagger, he felt oddly on guard, as if she were the one in control.

Xia Jiujiang chuckled softly. “You’re the one holding the knife, yet you’re the one who’s afraid.”

He hesitated a long moment before finally taking the medicine from her and confirming its contents.

As he stood there uncertainly, Xia Jiujiang grew impatient. “Let me help you.” With that, she brushed aside his hand and turned to face him directly.

She was met with a pair of deep, captivating eyes, sharp brows and starlit pupils. Though his face was half-concealed by a mask, there was a latent, icy power in his gaze.

He had not expected her to turn around so abruptly. For a moment he was stunned; in her limpid eyes, clear as a deer’s, he was briefly lost.

Xia Jiujiang snatched the medicine and said, “Take off your clothes.”

She truly resembled a patron at the Spring Delight House—her first words were to tell him to undress.

The black-clad man clutched his clothes in shock. “You… what are you trying to do?”

His eyes widened in disbelief. Was this woman mad? Were all women of Li like this?

Amused by his bemusement, Xia Jiujiang sneered, “What, you’re a grown man and yet you’re being coy? I’m treating your wounds, not soliciting your company.”