33: foot washing

Before long, Situ Jun returned.

He carried hot water in his hand, along with a wooden basin and some fragrant petals. Walking to Liu Xuaner, he set down the basin, poured in the hot water from the bucket, sprinkled the petals, and then tested the water temperature with his hand. His focused appearance caused a strange ripple in Liu Xuaner’s heart, as if an invisible hand were plucking her heartstrings.

"Madam, the water temperature is just right." Situ Jun spread out a soft cushion. "Shall I help you to the seat?"

Liu Xuaner responded, and Situ Jun steadily held her wrist, gently leading her to sit on the low stool. Those hands with distinct knuckles revealed the strength of a martial artist, yet they moved with a perfectly measured touch.

It had to be said that Liu Xuaner's attire was exceptionally elegant. Her moon-white Ruqun was embroidered with twin lotus patterns, and the mutton-fat jade bracelet on her wrist swayed slightly with her movements. The tassels hanging from the pearl hairpins in her hair shimmered with a gentle light under the candlelight.

The moment the warm water washed over her ankles, Liu Xuaner trembled slightly, a faint blush creeping up to the tips of her ears. Situ Jun focused on wiping her feet with a soft towel, his movements as gentle as if he were caring for a piece of fragile porcelain. The rising steam blurred their vision, and a faint floral fragrance floated in the air.

After the washing was finished, Situ Jun carefully dried the water droplets with a soft cloth and praised her sincerely, "Madam’s attire is elegant and refined, complementing the orchids in the courtyard perfectly."

Liu Xuaner’s eyes curved into a smile. "Does This Madam have no other outstanding qualities?" Her eyes held a hint of craftiness and expectation.

Situ Jun’s gaze fell on the delicate butterfly-shaped hairpin in her hair, and he said seriously, "Madam is both intelligent and refined; your Small Regular Script is praised by everyone in the manor. The birthday scroll you wrote for the Old Madam last time was even praised by the Grand Tutor in the capital for having the style of the Wei and Jin dynasties."

Liu Xuaner was amused and let out a soft laugh. "You certainly know how to use such words to coax people." As she lowered her head to straighten her skirt, the scent of jasmine from her hair drifted out, mingling with the steam.

"It is getting late; I will help Madam put on her shoes." Situ Jun took out a pair of soft satin embroidered shoes with vine patterns. When his fingertips touched the surface of the shoes, he felt the fine stitches of the embroidery, clearly the work of a skilled artisan.

Liu Xuaner’s eyes shimmered with emotion. As she stood up, her skirt swirled lightly, just like a fluttering butterfly in spring, inadvertently bringing joy to one's heart... The twilight, like ink, slowly saturated the sky. Situ Jun stepped out of Liu Xuaner’s courtyard just as night was falling. He paused outside the courtyard for a moment, thinking of the Wang Decai that Liu Xuaner had mentioned. After a moment of thought, he decided to go to the East Courtyard now to find Wang Decai and ask him what was going on.

When Situ Jun was a servant in the past, he had frequently visited the East Courtyard for errands like delivering messages or items. Furthermore, when Wang Decai moved, Situ Jun had personally helped him out of gratitude, so he knew where Wang Decai lived; the location was also close to the West Courtyard.

Arriving before Wang Decai’s small courtyard, the low wooden gate exuded a sense of simplicity. Standing outside, the view of the main courtyard was fully visible. Through the open doors of the living room, the candlelight flickered, as if recounting the liveliness inside the house.

Situ Jun raised his hand and knocked lightly. After a moment, a graceful maidservant stepped out. This was Cherry, dressed in a light green Ruqun with a simple silver hairpin in her hair, her eyes reflecting a sense of spirit.

When Cherry saw Situ Jun, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes, followed by a blossoming smile. "Steward Situ, what brings you here? Please, come in." As she spoke, she stepped aside to open the courtyard gate, inviting him in warmly.

Situ Jun gave a gentle smile. "I was passing by and saw the lights were still on in the yard, so I thought I’d come and see Old Brother Wang."

The courtyard gate closed again, and Cherry said with a beaming smile, "Steward Situ, you’ve come at just the right time. We are about to have dinner; you must do us the honor of staying."

Inside the house, Wang Decai heard the commotion and strode out the door, laughing heartily. "Little brother, I thought you had forgotten about your old brother and wouldn't come to accompany me for tea and conversation. Just in time, there’s wine and food now; accompany your old brother for a few drinks tonight!"

Situ Jun walked into the living room, cupping his hands in greeting with a face full of smiles. "It is rare for old brother to be in such high spirits; I shall certainly accompany you to the end!"

"Good! Cherry, add a set of bowls and chopsticks, and brew that fine tea I’ve been saving!" Wang Decai instructed enthusiastically.

Cherry complied and left, returning a moment later with celadon tea cups, skillfully filling them for the two. The tea liquid shimmered with an amber glow in the cups, its fragrance filling the air.

"Miss Cherry, there are three of us; why have you only poured two cups?" Situ Jun said half-jokingly.

Wang Decai laughed loudly and gave a hearty wave of his hand. "Cherry, you pour a cup too, and toast Steward Situ!"

"Yes, Steward Wang." Cherry said with a smile in her eyes as she poured a cup for herself.

As the three sat together amidst the curling tea fragrance, the conversation gradually turned to Wang Decai’s proposal to swap positions. Situ Jun’s gaze narrowed slightly as he asked, "Old Brother Wang, you are doing very well in the East Courtyard, and the treatment is better than in the West Courtyard. Why did you suddenly want to swap positions with me?"

Cherry also looked at Wang Decai curiously, clearly knowing nothing about this matter. Wang Decai’s expression turned slightly awkward, and he forced a smile. "Sigh, I’m just not used to staying here, and I’m getting old. I thought I’d leave this opportunity to you, little brother."

Situ Jun frowned slightly; this excuse was truly hard to believe, but for the moment, he couldn't think of the reason behind it. He could only shake his head with a smile. "To be honest, old brother, I have recently been learning Spirit Plant cultivation from Madam Su, so I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. In my opinion, old brother, you are experienced; it’s better for you to keep this opportunity for yourself. If I go to the East Courtyard and mess things up, I would be dragging you down."

Wang Decai was stunned upon hearing this. What Situ Jun said indeed made sense. He pondered inwardly; if he insisted on swapping positions, he feared it would arouse Situ Jun’s suspicion and affect the subsequent plan, making it even harder to get rid of this man. After weighing his options, he decided to wait for now. As long as Situ Jun died, the positions of steward for the West Courtyard and North Courtyard would eventually be his anyway. At that time, he could even get more benefits from Zhu Changpo.

After thinking for a moment, he picked up his tea cup and smiled, changing the subject. "Steward Situ, it was your old brother who didn't consider things thoroughly. Come, let us continue tasting the tea!" Cherry also picked up her tea cup and took a light sip. The tea fragrance spread between her teeth, adding a touch of leisure to this night.

(Edited)