I Did Not Become Empress On Purpose - Chapter 2

The next day, when Bai Ruofeng opened his eyes, dawn was just breaking, and the spring breeze blowing in from outside carried a hint of chill. After finishing breakfast, he called for the page boy to wheel him around for a stroll.

Yawning, the page boy pushed over a rather heavy wooden wheelchair. With his help, Bai Ruofeng laboriously hoisted himself onto it.

The Suppressing North Marquis Estate covered a considerable area, fully equipped with pavilions, terraces, storied buildings, and scenic corridors overlooking the water. However, the household was truly sparse on people. Aside from a handful of domestic servants, Bai Ruofeng struggled to spot anyone else. Sitting in the wheelchair, he pointed out his desired directions to the page boy, touring the grounds much like visiting a museum and finding novelty in everything he saw.

Along the way, they happened to run into the old steward who was busy watering flowers. Upon hearing that Bai Ruofeng wanted to wander around at random to recover his memories, the old steward dropped his watering can and eagerly tagged along.

Thus, the three of them formed a little procession. Bai Ruofeng took charge of sightseeing, the page boy silently pushed the wheelchair from behind, and Old Steward Yuan rambled on about the past, sighing from time to time about how the Marquis and Marchioness used to do this or that here, and how the Second Young Master had loved doing this or that the most back in the day.

At one moment, he mentioned how Bai Ruofeng loved practicing martial arts in the backyard open space, where the weapon rack still stood; at another, he recalled his fondness for the study, filled with numerous treasured books; and then he reminisced about how he loved painting in the pavilion, tracing the lotuses in the pond over and over again. As he spoke, tears welled up in the old man’s eyes, culminating in a fervent expression of gratitude that the heavens had brought the Second Young Master back safely.

Listening to it all, this vast Suppressing North Marquis Estate seemed to bear the traces of him alone. Finding it rather curious, Bai Ruofeng asked, “How come I haven’t heard you mention the heir and the young miss?”

“Second Young Master, ever since you entered the capital as the crown prince’s study companion at the age of thirteen, you have lived here alone for a long time,” Yuan Yuan explained tactfully, alluding to his life as a political hostage. “The heir and the young miss have both been living in the northern borderlands. Ah, thinking back to when we were still in the north, you and the young miss were especially lively, climbing trees to catch birds and diving into the lake to fish. There was nothing you wouldn’t play at, and you always managed to make the general’s face flush and neck turn red with rage. At times like that, the heir would always step in to shield you like a little adult.” He wore a reminiscent smile, though the thought of the late Marquis and Marchioness passing away and the heir being captured made him heave a heavy sigh, abruptly steering the conversation elsewhere. “Nowadays, the young miss has truly undergone a complete transformation as she grew up!”

Listening to this, Bai Ruofeng felt as though he were listening to someone else’s story, evoking little emotional response. “How old is my sister this year? Is she betrothed?”

“She reached the age of fifteen for her hair-pinning ceremony two years ago.” Noticing that Bai Ruofeng seemed to have some thoughts on the matter, Yuan Yuan added, “Her marriage was delayed by the wars in previous years. Does the young master have someone in mind?”

Bai Ruofeng smiled without answering, thinking to himself that this was the emperor’s future empress, destined for supreme phoenix status; he wouldn’t dare meddle casually. Still, he could perhaps test whether she could be sent into the palace. Bai Ruofeng tapped his palm together in a sudden moment of realization: following the developmental logic of such supernatural encounters in books, if this succeeded, perhaps he would be able to return home!

The path was flanked by lush vegetation, and the trio wandered aimlessly along the garden trails, the wheelchair rolling over the bumpy cobblestones. With sharp eyes, Bai Ruofeng suddenly caught sight of a man in plain clothes slipping in furtively through the back gate and dashing off through a gap in the bushes.

“Who was that?”

Hearing this, Yuan Yuan bent down to peer through the greenery before Bai Ruofeng, stroking his mustache. “Oh, that is the savior the young miss mentioned. He supposedly came to the capital to look for relatives, but found himself penniless, so I arranged a guest room for him to stay in. Would the young master care to meet him?”

Catching wind of this, Bai Ruofeng immediately grew interested. “Let us go! Where is there ever a reason not to meet a benefactor?”

Zhang Zhao had just returned from outside, entering his room to gulp down two mouthfuls of cold tea before he could even catch his breath. Suddenly, a knock sounded at his door. His hair stood on end, but then he heard Yuan Yuan’s voice outside. “Is Young Master Zhang in? My young master has woken up and wishes to offer his personal thanks.”

The door opened. Bai Ruofeng looked up to find an unyielding, heroic face with a somewhat dark complexion and muscles tightly wrapped in coarse cloth, making him look very much like a woodcutter from the mountains.

Despite his rough appearance, Zhang Zhao’s articulation was exceedingly polite. He cupped his fists in salute and then made a gesture of invitation. “Please enter, gentlemen.”

This composed demeanor, utterly unbefitting a common woodcutter, only piqued Bai Ruofeng’s curiosity to observe Zhang Zhao a bit closer.

Accustomed to the rigid etiquette of figures in the capital, Yuan Yuan and the page boy noticed nothing amiss and naturally wheeled Bai Ruofeng into the room. The page boy briskly ran off to fetch hot water and brew tea.

After expressing his gratitude, Bai Ruofeng politely inquired about Zhang Zhao’s recent life in the estate. It was meant to be polite filler conversation out of a lack of things to say, but as Bai Ruofeng watched Zhang Zhao field every question fluently, appearing even more accustomed to the marquis estate’s lifestyle than he, an alien soul inhabiting the master’s body, his suspicions deepened. Connecting this with the old steward’s mention that the man had arrived less than ten days ago, he found the situation increasingly odd.

Shifting the topic abruptly, he inquired directly into Zhang Zhao’s background. “I see that Young Master Zhang possesses a dignified appearance and extraordinary articulation, not at all like a rough man. Had I not known beforehand, I would have assumed you were the young master of some prominent household. Might I ask if your ancestors were once officials?”

“No.” Zhang Zhao startled for a second, then immediately lowered his head with a stammer, his previously upright posture collapsing. The spirited energy about him was drained away within seconds, revealing a timidness masked by excessive nervousness. “The marquis jests. My family has chopped wood for generations and has never known wealth. Both my parents passed away, and I grew up depending on the relief of families in the town at the foot of the mountain. I once had a younger brother who got lost. Thanks to the blessing of you two, I have come to the capital to search for my family.”

Just as Bai Ruofeng, brimming with interest, was about to speak, Zhang Zhao hurried to continue, “And it was such a coincidence! At the time, I was carrying a load of firewood on my back when I saw a carriage tumble down the mountain, smashing into pieces. The scene was utterly terrifying. When I hurried over to check, I happened to see the young miss stretching her hand out from the window to cry for help. That is how I chanced to save the two of them and escort them safely back to the capital. The two of you have provided Zhang Zhao with food and lodging, for which I am endlessly grateful. The debt of gratitude is already cleared, so the marquis need not worry.”

Why was this guy so practiced at this? Speechless and momentarily forgetting what he had intended to say, Bai Ruofeng thought to himself, I hadn’t even asked anything yet, and he poured everything out like beans spilling from a broken jar.

Bai Ruofeng tapped his knuckles against the armrest thoughtfully, arriving at a sudden realization: of course, his explanation sounded remarkably similar to Bai Yueying’s speech!

It wasn’t just the phrasing that matched; it was the anxious urgency to explain and the smooth, fluent delivery that bore an uncanny resemblance.

Was everyone in this place so brutally transparent when they spoke? He laughed heartily, “So that is how it is. It is truly my sister’s and my honor to have encountered Brother Zhang. Do make yourself at home here, Brother Zhang, and if you lack anything, simply look for Yuan Yuan. With few people in the estate, please forgive us if our hospitality falls short.”

After exchanging a few more polite pleasantries, Bai Ruofeng leisurely took his leave with his attendants. The page boy yawned softly, as though he still hadn’t slept enough. “Young Master, where shall we go next?”

Bai Ruofeng countered, “Where do I usually go on ordinary days?”

Stunned into silence, the page boy looked anxiously toward Yuan Yuan.

Receiving no response from behind him, Bai Ruofeng turned back with a surprised look. “Aren’t you my personal page boy?”

Yuan Yuan hurried to explain, “Young Master, the personal page boy who grew up following you went to the battlefield by your side and did not return.” The implication was that he had perished. He offered a tactful explanation, “This lad is new and does not yet know your habits. At this time of day, you would normally go to the rear martial arts training ground to practice, or, since it is the height of spring, go on an outing with close friends and confidants, or perhaps visit the crown prince in the East Palace.”

He paused. “However, following the passing of the late emperor last year, His Highness the Crown Prince ascended the throne. Now that His Majesty holds a vastly different status, and you have inherited your title and been granted permission to recuperate at home without attending court audiences, wishing to see His Majesty again will likely not be an easy task.”

“Why would I want to see him?” Bai Ruofeng mused inwardly that the new emperor was a ruthless tyrant in the game; saying the wrong thing would cost one their head. Only the female lead could handle a character like that.

He lowered his gaze to look at his legs, realizing they certainly weren’t suited for martial arts practice or outdoor outings. With a trace of regret, he patted his own knees, belatedly catching a whiff of himself smelling as though he were molding from grime. Bai Ruofeng stiffened all over, suddenly feeling itchy everywhere as he announced, “Yuan Yuan, I want to bathe!”

Unaccustomed to having people wait on him hand and foot, Bai Ruofeng dismissed everyone else after Yuan Yuan and the page boy helped him strip off his clothes and he settled into the wooden tub.

Surrounded by wisps of hot steam, he relaxed completely, spreading his arms across the edge of the tub. The warm water made him feel somewhat drowsy. His jet-black hair clung to his body like strands of sea kelp, a tangled mess. Uncomfortably, Bai Ruofeng gave a couple of tugs to the long hair, which had drastically increased in weight after absorbing water. He yanked hard enough to sting his scalp, gasped in a sharp breath of cold air, and decided against messing with it further.

If I can’t do anything about it, can’t I just cut it? Bai Ruofeng thought downcastly.

He turned to reach for the scissors resting in the wooden basin. Because his legs lacked strength, Bai Ruofeng could only hunch over the rim of the tub to stretch for them, his fingertips just about to graze the shears when a hand reached out from beside him and shoved the basin ruthlessly away.

Bai Ruofeng instantly redirected his outstretched hand upwards to grab the forearm that had intruded. His wet hand clamped onto the dry dark fabric, causing the intruder to freeze. The moment Bai Ruofeng looked up, as expected, he saw the same face. “It’s you again, Little Flower.” A smile curled the corners of his lips.

Though this was only their second meeting, Bai Ruofeng felt no sense of aversion toward the stranger. In fact, compared to Yuan Yuan and the unfamiliar page boy, this person not only felt familiar, but in his eyes was categorized as reliable, prompting him to behave with a fair bit of audacity.

Relentless, Bai Ruofeng grabbed the man’s forearm and used it like a wooden plank to anchor himself as he tried once more to hook the scissors. “Little Flower, I need those scissors.”

The man in black let out an impatient click of his tongue, expressionlessly using his other hand to push the basin further away. “How many times must I say it? The body, hair, and skin are gifts from one’s parents; do not attempt to cut your own hair.”

“You regulate heaven and earth and even meddle in people’s haircuts?”

The man in black retorted, “With that dog-chewed hairstyle of yours, it’s an eyesore.”

“Huh?” Realizing something was off, Bai Ruofeng dragged the man closer, lifting his face with curious eyes. “Did I cut it like this before?”

“What do you think?” the man retorted, unimpressed.

Bai Ruofeng raised an index finger to scratch his cheek as a wisp of groundless memory floated through his mind, though he quickly cast it aside. His limpid eyes locked steadily onto the intruder. “Little Flower, why did you come in broad daylight?”

“I can’t come?” The man paused, flicking him lightly on the forehead with a bent finger. “Why do you keep calling me Little Flower?”

Bai Ruofeng stood his ground with absolute confidence. “Since you refuse to tell me your name, calling you that is much more convenient. Since that’s the case, pick one of these three: Little Bandit, Little Flower, or Little Thief.”

The man in black, namely Fang Youcheng, deeply felt he had lifted a rock only to drop it on his own feet, though he firmly refused to accept such a shameful moniker. Pondering for a moment, he said, “You used to call me Brother Cheng.”

“Impossible.” Bai Ruofeng’s face showed sheer rejection; with his iron-spined backbone, there was no way he would randomly go around calling people brother.

“Call me brother.”

“No.”

Pinching his chin to force him to look up, Fang Youcheng spoke with unyielding firmness. “Call me that.”

Stubbornly, Bai Ruofeng retorted, “Little Cheng!”

“Tch.” Fang Youcheng released his grip, turning his face away with an expression of supreme disgust.

The water was growing cold. Seeing that the man was about to leave, Bai Ruofeng hastily tugged at his clothes twice, refusing to let go of the hem. “Hey, hey, hey, don’t leave yet! I haven’t finished speaking.”

“What more do you have to say?” Suppressing his irritation, Fang Youcheng turned back, lowering his head to issue a gloomy warning. “Call me Little Flower again, and I’ll toss you into the pond to feed the fish.”

“Hehe.” Bai Ruofeng plucked at his lapel, his demeanor growing a bit more warm and familiar. “My hair is too long, it’s so inconvenient. If you’re willing to help me wash my hair, I’ll call you brother.”

Fang Youcheng felt the urge to turn and bolt, yet his feet refused to move. Glancing back, he caught sight of Bai Ruofeng tilting his head up to peer at him, his gaze as clear and innocent as it had been in the past.

While he was glad that Bai Ruofeng was still willing to act close to him, he was simultaneously worried that someone with amnesia would be foolish enough to trust anyone so easily. Unfazed by the possibility that a visitor might harbor ill intentions, the more Fang Youcheng thought about it, the angrier he grew, and he let out a cold laugh. “Is your brother title truly so cheap?”

“Are you talking about me?” Bai Ruofeng disliked hearing that. The smile vanished entirely from his face; he let go of the hem, rested his chin in his hand, and listlessly paddled the water surface. “Hmph, take it or leave it. Good riddance.”

To his surprise, the sound of footsteps genuinely began to recede further away.

So that sense of familiarity really was all an illusion! Scowling, Bai Ruofeng readied himself to shout for the page boy to enter. At that moment, a wooden basin filled with hair-washing combs and essential oils was set down beside the tub. Startled by the sound, he turned around only to find the person who should have been leaving standing right there.

Noticing his bewildered stare, the man, who was currently rolling up his sleeves, let out a low, perplexed voice, “Didn’t you want your hair washed? Move closer.”

“Brother! You are my own dear brother!” Bai Ruofeng’s mood flipped to bright instantly as he happily shoved his head forward.

“Nonsense.” Fang Youcheng gave his outstretched head a light tap. “If your eldest brother heard you say that, don’t expect me to plead for mercy for you when you get lectured.”

Bai Ruofeng didn’t care in the slightest; born the eldest at home, he had never feared anyone. Even if the eldest brother of this body showed up, he wouldn’t be scared in the least. However, his happiness failed to last even a single moment before Bai Ruofeng gasped in pain. “Ow! Ouch, ouch, ouch, lighter, lighter! Have you ever washed anyone’s hair before?” Bai Ruofeng grew indignant.

Fang Youcheng’s anger flared even higher. “Aside from you, who else would ever dare let me wash theirs!” Despite saying that, the movements of his hands grew significantly gentler.

The atmosphere gradually softened into a quiet peace. Bai Ruofeng’s shoulders slowly relaxed. Catching sight of the man’s expression, he chimed in cheerfully, “Brother Cheng, tell me a bit more about the past. Maybe if you talk about it enough, I’ll remember!”

Fang Youcheng looked deeply skeptical of that prospect.

Prompted by curiosity, Bai Ruofeng continued to egg him on. “Go on, how will you know if you don’t try?”

The motion of the hands resting on his hair slowed down gradually. Playing with a round bathing bean in the mindset of listening to someone else’s story, Bai Ruofeng rolled it between his palms until a fine lather of bubbles filled his hands.

He heard Fang Youcheng’s voice behind him say coldly, “Then what if I told you that we used to be lovers?”

The bathing bean slipped from his grasp, sinking into the water below. Its pale brown surface mirrored the watery light, bearing an uncanny resemblance to someone’s pupils widening in shock.