Su Wei listened to Su He’s words, her mind still somewhat dazed. She didn’t fully react for a moment, simply answering instinctively. She said, “Alright.”
“Are you still groggy from sleep?” Su He laughed lightly, pulling Su Wei closer into her embrace. “When we return to the palace, is there any reward you want?”
“Ah?” Su Wei slowly pulled her consciousness back. She drew out the final syllable, her hands tucked against her chest. “No, there isn’t.”
Su He continued, “This chance for a reward will be saved. I’m giving you one opportunity. You must grasp it well.”
“Alright. This subordinate thanks the Master.”
As she spoke, Su Wei grew drowsy again. Before they could exchange more than a few words, her eyes closed. Su He looked down and immediately released her hold, lying flat on the bed. She exhaled deeply, then turned her back to Su Wei and closed her eyes.
.
The next day, Su He woke before Su Wei. It seemed that from the moment they met, most of the time, it was Su Wei who woke later. It also seemed the Shadow Guard was constantly getting injured.
She sat on the edge of the bed, fastening her clothes. There were no attendants here, and the Palace Attendant wasn’t necessarily faster than herself.
Su He heard the rustle of fabric behind her and said without turning her head, “Awake?”
“Since you’re awake, get up and change your clothes.”
Su He handed the prepared clothes to Su Wei, then went to wash up first.
Su Wei looked at the outfit, sitting on the bed in a slight daze. The clothes were red—an inner garment and an outer robe. It was her first time wearing something like this.
She hesitated for a moment, then still got out of bed and put on the clothes. But she had lost weight too quickly. The outfit that was originally meant to fit perfectly now hung a bit loosely.
The outer robe also left her shoulders slightly exposed.
Su Wei slowly tied the sash. She looked up uncertainly, meeting Su He’s appraising gaze. Uncomfortably, she tugged at the hem of the garment. “Master.”
“It’s pretty.” Su He’s expression was calm. She walked over and pulled Su Wei’s clothes inward. Seeing that wouldn’t work well, she went to ask the innkeeper for two safety pins used to secure clothing.
“It’s just that the clothes are a bit too big, so it looks a little off. I’ll adjust it for you.”
“This subordinate can do it herself.”
“Shut up.”
Su He used the pins to secure Su Wei’s outer robe, making it appear less revealing. With a press of her finger, she easily bent the pin, successfully concealing it within the robe.
“Once this period passes, take good care of your health. You’re far too thin right now.” Su He nodded, satisfied with her handiwork. She touched Su Wei’s earring and curled her lip. “This looks much better.”
Su Wei couldn’t see her own appearance. Her hands fell to her sides, nervously clenching into fists. At Su He’s words, she simply nodded in agreement.
Su He told her to wash up first, while she went to apply the Human Skin Mask for her disguise.
“Is it really pretty…” Su Wei murmured quietly. She looked down at her reflection in the water. There was barely any flesh on her face now. She looked completely listless, clearly sickly and not the least bit appealing.
If the Master wanted to take someone out, she could have easily chosen someone else. Su Wei’s own health was poor; anything could happen.
But since the Master had given the order, Su Wei felt a fleeting confusion in her eyes. What could she do about it?
“Come here. I will do your makeup.”
Su Wei was startled by Su He’s voice. Her shoulders trembled slightly, but she quickly composed herself and walked over slowly.
The wound on her abdomen still needed rest, so her pace was considerably slow.
“A little spirit, that’s all. Just to lift your complexion.” Su He skillfully began to draw Su Wei’s eyebrows. Her technique was casual. The Shadow Guard’s natural foundation was good anyway; too much makeup would only obscure her original features.
It was Su Wei’s first time having this done to her face. She blinked somewhat awkwardly, licking her dry lips. She slowly voiced the doubt in her heart: “Master, why didn’t you choose someone else?”
Su He’s hand paused mid-action. Her expression remained unchanged, but her eyes instantly cooled. “You don’t want to go with me?”
“That’s not it.” Su Wei’s speech had slowed considerably. She weighed her words. “It’s just that my health is poor, and I don’t understand many things. I’m afraid I’ll bring trouble to you, Master.”
Su He fell silent for a moment upon hearing this. The next moment, she chuckled softly and continued her task. She said, “It’s fine. You just need to accompany me and show your face.”
“Alright.”
Su Wei said no more. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. There wasn’t much change, but the color on her face had been subtly enhanced, making her look considerably more spirited.
After the makeup was done, Su He led her downstairs. The Leader and Shadow Seven were already waiting there. The moment they laid eyes on Su Wei, a flicker of amazement flashed through their gazes.
“Let’s go. The journey isn’t far. We’ll buy something to eat on the road this morning.”
Su He seemed unwilling to waste time. Su Wei had no objections either. She had grown much quieter, silently following behind her Master without a word.
Shadow Seven stood beside her, examining her thoroughly from head to toe, then turned her head away, suppressing the complex emotions in her eyes.
On the way, the Leader bought four flatbreads. Su He wasn’t picky, not insisting on rare delicacies. She seemed more like a noble wandering among commoners, yet able to blend in very naturally.
“Can you eat this?” Su He turned her head and glanced at Su Wei. “Will it upset your stomach?”
Su Wei shook her head. She didn’t eat fast, and now she was chewing even more slowly, taking small bites. She had taken too much medicine; she could barely taste anything anymore.
Their destination was indeed not far. It was a residence. The servant at the gate recognized Su He and immediately opened the door, respectfully ushering their group inside.
The master of the house had been waiting for them for some time.
“Manager Cheng, you’ve arrived!”
He greeted Su He eagerly, looking at the others with a beaming smile. “And these ladies are?”
Su He took her seat first. “This is a concubine from my household. The others are brought along for protection. My concubine here is in somewhat poor health, so it’s good to have a retinue. Master He doesn’t mind, does he?”
The man addressed as Master He burst into hearty laughter. He let out a “Tsk” sound and looked Su He up and down. “I never expected you to be someone who—”
He didn’t finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear enough.
Su He wore a carefree expression. She leaned back in her chair, exuding the air of a profligate young master. “My family doesn’t really care much about my affairs, so I’ve married a few. This one was forced upon me by the family. Who knew she’d be a sickly one?”
Master He nodded and didn’t dwell on the subject further. “Regarding what we discussed yesterday, are you satisfied with it?”
“Naturally, I trust you, Master He. You were recommended by Miss Lan, after all. I’m willing to do business with you. I’m just curious about the route we’ll be taking?”
“If we’re intercepted by officials midway… that would be hard to explain, wouldn’t it?” Su He looked at him with feigned suspicion. “If you can give me a firm answer, I’d be happy to conclude this deal right now.”
Master He hesitated, still somewhat unable to decide. In the next instant, the Leader subtly revealed the banknotes on her person. Once he had a clear look, she put them away.
“Aiya, you still don’t trust me.” Master He immediately broke into a grin. He beckoned. “Come here, I’ll tell you the details.”
Su He shot the Leader a look. In the instant their eyes met, an understanding was reached. The Leader leaned down and listened as Master He spoke, then withdrew to Su He’s side as if nothing had happened.
“This, Manager Cheng…” Master He rubbed his thumb and forefinger together. “You understand.”
The Leader handed over the banknotes. “Please accept them, sir.”
“Ah, good! Manager Cheng is truly straightforward!”
Su He watched Master He’s beaming face and seamlessly continued, “Would it be alright if I took my concubine for a quick stroll around? She’s quite fond of the layout of your residence. Perhaps she’ll demand I buy a place just like it later.”
“Of course, feel free to look around! I never expected Manager Cheng to be so doting on those under her.” Master He agreed readily. “Shall I send someone to guide you?”
Su He shook her head. “No need. She’s shy around strangers.”
Hearing this, Master He finally shifted his gaze to Su Wei. Su Wei now understood the role she was playing today. She timidly lifted her eyes to meet his gaze, then quickly averted them.
“A beauty indeed.” Master He rubbed his hands together. “Go on, take a look around by yourselves. I’ll go check on the goods.”
Su He nodded, rising and taking Su Wei toward the back courtyard. The Leader and Shadow Seven vigilantly monitored their surroundings. Only when they confirmed someone was following them did they relax slightly.
“Master, it’s just as you suspected. There are people behind us, and they haven’t recognized me as Miss Lan. They simply distrust your identity. Why don’t we just…”
Su He raised a hand, silently cutting off the Leader’s words. She took Su Wei’s hand and pulled her closer. She whispered into Su Wei’s ear, “My identity outside is Manager Cheng, borrowed from your Leader’s status. Play along with me. Bear this in mind—”
She curved her lips, but her gaze was fixed on a certain spot, her eyes half-closed. Within them was pure, unconcealed ruthlessness:
“There are plenty of people nearby who fancy beautiful women. Be careful you don’t get taken by them.”
Su Wei’s heart trembled at these words. She felt the arm around her waist tighten. Her breathing quickened. She felt as if she had fallen into a tiger’s den. She didn’t even understand why she needed to be here. Was it just to better play out the role of Manager Cheng?
She didn’t understand any of it. But in this moment, she clearly realized one thing—
No matter whom she accompanied, the identity given to her could only exist in the shadows, forever unable to see the light of day.
But what was different was this: she detested the title of concubine.
Detested it immensely.
