MTSAMAPOC Chapter 30

Ying Wutu remained stunned for a full quarter of an hour, too angry to speak, not even blinking.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shouzhuo had finished washing up and was dressed for court. Seeing the little rabbit still petrified on the bed, she leisurely walked over to admire his expression further, her mood lifting even more.

“You, just lie here and recover. By the way, this is my home. We’ve returned to the capital,” Jiang Shouzhuo said, patting his head as if soothing him.

Ying Wutu couldn’t speak, unable to accept this reality.

He regretted not dying the night before.

How had he survived until today?

How could he face her now?

After Jiang Shouzhuo left, Ying Wutu tried moving his stiff fingers. Still no strength. He couldn’t sit up.

He wished he were dead…

Lying on the bed, he had to accept the fact.

This was the wicked woman’s home.

But… how had they traveled three thousand li from the northern desert to the capital so quickly?

Ying Wutu calculated the days. He must have been unconscious for at least seven days?

So long.

His life had lingered for seven days without death. No wonder his father always said he had a wretched life, a wretched life that clung on.

Hearing the servants sweeping the courtyard confirmed this was the wicked woman’s home. Ying Wutu closed his eyes, resigned.

Those impulsive words last night… now he’d not only be tormented but mocked by the wicked woman.

She did it on purpose!

He hated her!

At the morning court session, the Emperor rewarded Jiang Shouzhuo with gold and jewels, despite her saying she only wanted Ying Wutu.

Jiang Shouzhuo accepted the imperial favor amidst congratulations.

The army was still six days from the capital, bringing a thousand captives as slaves for noble families. The Jiang family received ten.

The Emperor sent the third princess to govern the Ying Kingdom’s capital, making it her territory.

As for the Emperor of Ying, he would remain confined to the capital until death, and Ying would be a vassal state of Jin, paying annual tribute.

Returning home from court, Jiang Shouzhuo’s procession included an imperial carriage.

The Jiang mansion was jubilant, servants receiving rewards, and Jiang Shouzhuo’s four attendants given silver.

Only one place contrasted with the joyful atmosphere.

Her room.

Approaching the courtyard gate, Jiang Shouzhuo heard crying.

She smiled and shook her head.

The little rabbit was quite the troublemaker, crying despite barely surviving.

Why not save energy to cry in her bed?

She used to find men’s crying annoying but now found it endearing.

As she entered, the crying stopped.

Seeing the little rabbit with his head under the blanket, it was clear he had been crying.

“Why not keep crying?” Jiang Shouzhuo changed from court clothes and called for a doctor.

Ying Wutu stayed under the blanket.

When she finished changing, the doctor arrived quickly.

After examining Ying Wutu, the doctor said, “This young man is recovering well. With three more days of medicine, the typhoid will be completely cured. The other injuries will take time to heal.”

Closing the door behind the doctor, Jiang Shouzhuo felt reassured.

Time to continue playing.

But not too harshly.

Jiang Shouzhuo sat by the bed, slowly pulling down the blanket to reveal tear-stained eyes.

“More like a rabbit now, with red eyes,” she said, pinching his cheek.

Ying Wutu closed his eyes.

She mentioned his eyes, so he didn’t want her to see them.

More importantly, he couldn’t face the wicked woman.

“Playing dead? Too bad you can’t die. Good news, I can choose ten of the thousand Ying captives to keep as servants. Which ten do you want? I can arrange it with the Ministry of Revenue.”

Hearing about his sisters, Ying Wutu’s mood shifted, asking quickly, “What about the others? Can they survive?”

“Some will mine, some will repair walls, others will serve various households. So, are you writing the list or not?” Jiang Shouzhuo pretended to rise…

“I’ll write!” Ying Wutu tried sitting up but failed, weak.

“So eager?” Jiang Shouzhuo brought paper and ink, spreading the paper on his chest, leaning close, smiling, “You speak, I’ll write.”

Ying Wutu felt she was too close, deliberately so. The room was big, why write on his chest?

His chest still hurt.

But he dared not complain.

Knowing his sisters could live made him happy.

He named ten.

Jiang Shouzhuo read each name, pausing on one, asking, “Are these your friends or foes?”

Ying Wutu’s gaze shifted, “They are injured. Your household is large, you won’t treat them harshly, so I want to look after them.”

He lied.

These women were strong, each capable of fighting three.

Reuniting with his sisters, he’d choose the best fighters.

Despite last night’s humiliation, if there was hope, he’d take it.

“Kind of you. But I recall Vice General Yan was rebellious. In our third month of battle, she defied your orders, leading a squad to flee, almost capturing you. Yet you want to help her?”

Jiang Shouzhuo remembered that battle, having investigated the rebellious soldier, considering recruiting her.

“Of course.” Ying Wutu closed his eyes, remembering Yan’s brutality in the prison camp, tearing his clothes first, but also her combat prowess, crucial for his resistance plan.

Jiang Shouzhuo chuckled, folding the paper. It would go to the Ministry, but those ten? Not a chance.

How could she take in Ying Wutu’s confidants and give him an advantage?

To tame this rebellious beast, she had to isolate him.

Besides…

Jiang Shouzhuo didn’t believe those ten would follow Ying Wutu.

The beatings in the prison camp had shown her clearly.

Those captives hated Ying Wutu.

If they ended up at her mansion, she’d have to guard against them killing the little rabbit. From the start, they couldn’t be taken in.

Only a naïve little rabbit still had hope. If he knew, at today’s court, the Emperor of Ying had publicly surrendered to her majesty, how would he feel?

Would he think his half-year struggle had been a joke?

The whole world knew this war was doomed; it was just a matter of time, giving the royal family time to flee.

“Thank you…”

Ying Wutu, seeing the wicked woman carefully fold the list, thanked her politely.

Thank her?

Jiang Shouzhuo almost laughed. Too early for thanks, little rabbit.

Ying Wutu’s face reddened, avoiding her gaze, wondering why the wicked woman suddenly seemed kind.

Was it his confession softening her?

Impossible.

She was so cruel.

Even so…

Ying Wutu wouldn’t soften! When his ten sisters arrived, he’d contact them and plan.

Then, the wicked woman would pay for his dead kin!

The more he thought, the more excited he became, even coughing.

“So excited? Falling more in love? You’re pathetic.” Jiang Shouzhuo mocked, but fetched water. She never fed anyone, but the little rabbit was too weak to sit, let alone drink. She held the cup to his lips, commanding, “Drink.”

Her tone wasn’t kind.

But she cared for him.

Ying Wutu sipped, stopping his cough.

He’d planned her murder but she fed him water…

His face reddened.

His conscience made him ashamed, but his identity and dead kin drove him.

“Plotting something bad?” Jiang Shouzhuo saw his shifty eyes, smiling.

She wasn’t worried; he was a helpless waste, no threat.

“What will you do to me?” Ying Wutu whispered.

Jiang Shouzhuo set the cup aside, fetched a prepared paper and ink. She uncovered him, forced his hand, dipping his finger in ink, pressing it on the paper, smiling wider, “From today, you’re my family’s slave. You’re a foreigner, the lowest servant. You heard the doctor, three days to recover, then I’ll tell you your duties. Don’t think currying favor will get you easy days.”

“Just a servant?” Ying Wutu was surprised, even happy, expecting to be her plaything, not a mere servant.

And… he hadn’t curried favor. Last night’s words were a dying confession, he regretted it deeply.

“Disappointed? Hoping to be my attendant? Dream on,” Jiang Shouzhuo laughed.

“Wouldn’t dare…” Ying Wutu couldn’t dream that big.

“Relax.” Jiang Shouzhuo folded the contract, “You’re a servant, but still have opportunities to serve me. I remember your ‘wish’, hahaha…”

“I didn’t…” Ying Wutu quickly denied, “I was delirious with fever, talking nonsense. I don’t like you or want to serve you.”

Jiang Shouzhuo patted his cheek, feeling his warmth.

“Nonsense? Stubborn? Seeing you disobedient makes me want to hang and flog you, but I’ll note it and settle later,” Jiang Shouzhuo stood to leave…

“And you!” Ying Wutu, finding courage, shouted at her back, “Last night, you admitted I was right! You…”

Jiang Shouzhuo didn’t pause, leaving and closing the door, not hearing his last words.

She heard them.

But wouldn’t admit it.

Admitting meant caring.

She wouldn’t let the little rabbit know her feelings.

He was just a toy.

She might care, but never admit it.

In the afternoon, Jiang Shouzhuo visited the Ministry of Revenue, ensuring those ten weren’t sent to her house but to the furthest mines, never to return.

She visited the armory, planning to melt his short sword into elegant chains.

The sword was fine steel, but his claws and fangs must be removed and locked away.

So, using his sword was fitting.

As she cast the sword into the forge, she felt the furnace’s heat.

In future, this heat would become chains to bind him.

Melting took half a day. Jiang Shouzhuo planned to personally forge the chains, finding it meaningful, so she learned from the blacksmiths.

She studied until dark, then returned home, leaving the chains for tomorrow.

Entering the mansion, four people sat inside the gate.

Her four attendants, each on a small stool, lined up.

A bamboo box before them.

“Wife, wife!”

Seeing her, they rushed over.

Xiang Xiao Jun was slow, left on the outskirts, his body still recovering.

Jiang Shouzhuo, helpless, missed them. Half a year away had driven them mad with longing.

At dinner, her father had urged her to spend more nights with them, hoping for a child.

At twenty, she should have a daughter.

Time to go.

Only three sticks in the tube, Jiang Shouzhuo drew one.

It was Guai[mfn]Guai means obedient [/mfn] Xiao Jun.

He blushed, covering his face, running like the wind, leaving a soft, “I’ll wait for you!”

The remaining three were both disappointed and frustrated.

Jiang Shouzhuo patted each head, consoling them before decisively turning away.

After dinner, she returned to her room to check on the little rabbit.

To her surprise, he was already sitting up, even sneaking around the room.

A servant had reported this to her.

When Jiang Shouzhuo opened the door, Ying Wutu was lying on the bed, pretending to sleep.

She didn’t expose him, just lifted the blanket…

Ying Wutu held his breath.

What was the wicked woman planning tonight?

Hadn’t she said he’d have three days to recover?

But Jiang Shouzhuo did nothing, merely circled his wrist and ankle with her thumb and forefinger.

She was measuring the width.

So tomorrow at the armory, she could forge suitable chains.

She couldn’t help but think how considerate she was.

Finished measuring, Jiang Shouzhuo left.

Once the door closed, Ying Wutu opened his eyes, feeling a hint of… disappointment.

She did nothing?

Shouldn’t that be good? Why the disappointment? Ridiculous!

He slowly sat up, carefully climbing out of bed, returning to the desk to continue writing secret letters with her paper and pen.

His fingers lacked strength, barely holding the pen, writing shakily. The motion resembled a dog’s begging gesture.

Despite the difficulty, he wrote, hoping to contact his surviving sisters for a chance.

Jiang Shouzhuo went to Guai Xiao Jun’s room as promised.

At sixteen, Guai Xiao Jun was the youngest, married shortly before her departure. As the only son of a fallen merchant family, Jiang’s father had chosen him for her.

Delicate and gentle, Guai Xiao Jun never dared meet her gaze.

In his eyes, she was a divine being, too radiant to look at.

He worshipped her as a deity.

Even at night, he insisted on total darkness, fearing the light.

This darkness led Jiang Shouzhuo to often play with him until he fainted, unaware, leaving him unconscious till morning.

Outside Guai Xiao Jun’s room, Jiang Shouzhuo noticed the bright lights, curious why he had so many candles lit tonight.

Opening the door, she smiled.

The room was filled with red wedding candles, and Guai Xiao Jun, in wedding attire, sat on the bed with a red veil, the bedding also red.

“What play is this?” Jiang Shouzhuo closed the door, approaching the little groom.

She had never married a main husband, nor had a grand wedding. Her attendants were brought in small sedan chairs through the side gate, with the title of little prince.

Under the veil, Guai Xiao Jun’s soft voice said, “Wife, they say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I want… to have a new wedding with you. No… I’m your follower, offering myself in sacrifice.”

This small ceremony was his offering of body and soul.

“Alright.” Jiang Shouzhuo lifted the veil, seeing his delicate face.

Guai Xiao Jun lowered his gaze, nervously twisting his fingers.

He never took the initiative, waiting for her to throw him down… tear his clothes, and have her way.

But…

Jiang Shouzhuo laid down.

After an afternoon of forging iron, even with her strength, she felt tired. It was hard work.

Guai Xiao Jun sat dumbfounded, looking at his wife, lying down to sleep…

Wasn’t absence supposed to make the heart grow fonder?

How could she sleep first?

He was all set for a night of intense attention from his wife…

He even hoped to conceive her child soon.

“Wife…”

Guai Xiao Jun cautiously tugged at her sleeve with two fingers, not daring to look at her.

“Tired, let’s sleep.” Jiang Shouzhuo pulled him into her arms, feeling the warmth of the bed he had pre-heated. Perfect for sleep.

“But the lights…” Guai Xiao Jun murmured, nestled against her.

Jiang Shouzhuo fell asleep quickly, mumbling in her sleep, “Little rabbit, don’t bite, just lick, or I’ll hit you.”

Guai Xiao Jun silently cried, having heard from Xiang Xiao Jun about her new favorite. Who was this new addition?

Now, she did nothing, leaving Guai Xiao Jun feeling abandoned, like a concubine cast aside. He always knew he wasn’t the most attractive or favored.

Crying in her arms all night, Guai Xiao Jun felt his tears dry up.

Waking up, Jiang Shouzhuo stretched, ready for another day of forging.

Why was her pillow wet?

She shook Guai Xiao Jun awake, asking, “Drooling in your sleep? How long has this been happening?”

Guai Xiao Jun hadn’t slept, but pretended, seeing he had soaked the pillow with tears, stammering without explanation.

His shy nature and fear of speaking to her made it impossible to explain.

Jiang Shouzhuo didn’t care, dressing and saying, “Have the butler find a doctor. Use the best medicine if needed.” She left.

Guai Xiao Jun felt even sadder. She was so kind, mistaking his tears for drool and wanting him treated.

Wasn’t she a goddess?

Such a kind wife, but she’d never come again…

The goddess’s favor would never shine on him again.

Guai Xiao Jun cried more into the pillow.

Jiang Shouzhuo spent all day at the armory, forging elegant chains before dark.

A collar, wrist, and ankle shackles, not hindering movement but preventing running.

Inside the shackles, she had inscribed, “Jiang Shouzhuo’s exclusive little rabbit slave.”

So beautiful.

Admiring her work, she placed the chains in a wooden box, picked a ten-pound iron ball, painting a rabbit on it.

The previous twenty-pound ball had injured his ankles.

Thoughtfully, she chose a lighter one. She didn’t want him crippled, his delicate skin needed care.

Smiling, she hurried home to show her “gift.”

Each hammer strike was from her heart heart!

Surely the little rabbit would be thrilled?

She’d never cared so much for a man.

But upon arrival, a servant reported, “Miss, the one in your room is missing!”

The four attendants exchanged glances, not daring to present the draw box.

Jiang Shouzhuo smiled indulgently, sighing, “So disobedient, can’t go three days without trouble. Search the mansion.”

His hands were useless, he couldn’t climb or escape.

Should she give the gift first or punish him?