Marrying the Sweet Story’s Melodramatic Villainess [Transmigration] - Chapter 13

As the weather grew sweltering, Cui Yi found herself craving the cold. She took small bites of her Lychee Shaved Ice (Lychee Sushan). This dessert was remarkably similar to modern shaved ice: the lychee flesh was crushed into juice, mixed with honey wine, poured over shaved ice, and finally drizzled with plum jam. It was a highly sought-after treat for relieving the summer heat.

In ancient times, where industry was underdeveloped, using ice during the summer was an extreme luxury—reserved only for high-ranking officials and the nobility. The Cui family, naturally, did not lack ice. Previously, due to her frail health, Cui Yi had rarely been allowed near anything cold; now, however, she could finally enjoy the taste of a cold dessert.

The sun was at its peak. Inside Madam Du’s room, four bronze Ice Chests (Bingjian) were positioned around the space. Cool air emanated from the “Double-Coin” vents, making the indoor temperature delightfully refreshing. Madam Du sat in the seat of honor, her movements mirroring Cui Yi’s as she elegantly ate her dessert. Just as they were enjoying this rare moment of repose, a series of hurried footsteps approached from a distance. Amidst the cheerful cries of the maidservants announcing, “The Second Young Master has returned,” a wave of heat followed as the curtain was lifted.

“Mother, Elder Sister, I’m back!”

“Er-lang, sit quickly,” Madam Du said, dabbing the corners of her mouth with a silk handkerchief. She smiled and instructed a maid, “Go and prepare a portion of Lychee Shaved Ice for the Second Young Master.”

Cui Ting sat opposite the mother and daughter, taking a cloth from a maid to wipe the sweat from his face. Having ridden his horse all the way home, his face was flushed from the sun, but his eyes were bright. Seeing that Cui Yi looked more spirited than when he had left home, his eyes grew red with emotion. “Sister, your constitution has finally improved!”

Cui Ting remembered his sister being sickly before he left. He had been terrified of receiving tragic news while away at the Imperial Academy (Guozijian). Although Cui Yi still retained a hint of frailty between her brows, her complexion was much better. How could he not be happy?

Cui Ting’s features somewhat resembled Madam Du’s, though his face still carried a touch of “baby fat.” Currently, he was so overcome with joy that he looked ready to burst into tears. Cui Yi found it difficult to handle people with such intense emotions; yet, perhaps due to the bond of blood, the coldness in her expression vanished. Her gaze softened as she handed him her personal silk handkerchief, saying with a touch of helplessness, “Alright now, what is this weeping and wailing supposed to look like?”

Cui Ting took the handkerchief and haphazardly wiped the tears from his eyes—then, with great gusto, blew his nose into it. He said coquettishly, “I’m just too happy.”

“…” Cui Yi looked away, refusing to glance at the handkerchief now tainted with mucus. She said faintly, “Sister knows.”

The maid placed the shaved ice before him. As he ate, Cui Ting remarked, “Home-cooked food is still the best.”

At the Imperial Academy, the meals were regulated daily; the taste was merely passable. How could it compare to the refinement of home? Furthermore, the rules were strict, and outside food was forbidden—his taste buds had suffered. Discipline regarding their studies was also harsh; Cui Ting had been beaten with a wooden paddle several times, though he didn’t dare mention that to his family.

Had this been when Cui Ting first entered the Academy, Madam Du would have been heartbroken. But by now, she was used to it. She said testily, “I’ve already told the kitchen to make your favorite dishes to ensure your cravings are satisfied.”

Cui Ting finished the dessert in a few bites, smiling foolishly. “Thank you, Mother.”

Madam Du couldn’t bear to look at him, wondering—not for the first time—how this child’s personality ended up so different from the rest of the family.

Once the cool air had dissipated his heat, Cui Ting couldn’t help but gossip: “On my way back, I heard people talking about a new gadget called ‘Scented Soap.’ I wonder what it’s actually like.”

Madam Du had heard of it but never seen it. Cui Yi, however, wasn’t very interested; after all, such a thing wasn’t rare in the modern world.

Madam Du was always kind to the servants. A clever maid spoke up: “Second Young Master, I bought a piece. Please, take a look.”

The maid took a small piece from her pouch and handed it to him. It had clearly been cut from a larger bar; the maid used it as a fragrance for her pouch. It was pale pink with a subtle, pleasant scent. Cui Ting turned it over in his hands before returning it.

Curious, he asked, “Is its cleaning power really as strong as they say?”

The maid replied, “Yes! It guarantees everything gets cleaned thoroughly. The soap shop is even opening a second branch in the Eastern Market of Chang’an. Some merchants have even hoarded large quantities to sell outside the city.”

Cui Ting praised, “The person who invented this truly has a clever mind.”

His curiosity satisfied, he moved on to stories from the Imperial Academy—including his “Heaven-Shattering Kick” during a Cuju (ancient football) match. Madam Du and Cui Yi listened quietly. This child didn’t need anyone to prompt him; he could talk enthusiastically all by himself. Madam Du listened, noting that not a single word involved his studies. The smile at the corners of her mouth grew increasingly “kind,” while Cui Yi took a sip of cold tea to hide the pity in her eyes.

Madam Du smiled gently: “When your father returns, remember to share these stories with him.”

Cui Ting readily agreed.

Consequently, that evening, Cui Yan listened to the Academy anecdotes for a short while. His refined face remained expressionless as he asked, “How did you do on the decennial examination this time?”

“Uh…” Sweat broke out on Cui Ting’s face as he stammered, “I received a Grade B.”

Cui Yan raised an eyebrow. “Later, write out the exam questions from memory for me to see.”

Cui Ting: “…”

He looked to Madam Du for help, but she merely smiled and lowered her head to sip her soup. He looked weakly toward Cui Yi, who acted as if she saw nothing.

Cui Ting: “…” He felt absolutely no warmth in this family.

That night, Cui Ting received a thrashing on his palms in the study.

Upon hearing this, Madam Du sighed, remarking that the role of the “villain” must be played by the father.

When Cui Yi heard from her maid, Dongzhi, that Cui Ting had been punished, she paused and said, “Take some medicinal ointment to the Second Young Master.”

Dongzhi delivered the medicine. Cui Ting, who was currently lamenting that his father didn’t love him and his mother didn’t care for him, immediately brightened when he heard his sister had sent help. He was moved all over again, feeling that Cui Yi was the only one who truly doted on him.

Dongzhi: “…”

When Dongzhi returned and told Cui Yi about his reaction, Cui Yi recalled his overly dramatic display from earlier that day and remained silent.

Gu Jing had also watched Cui Ting grow up. Thinking of his clingy personality, she couldn’t help but laugh. “The Second Young Master hasn’t grown up yet.”

At twelve years old, he indeed hadn’t.

Cui Yi changed into thin, translucent silk robes that faintly revealed her jade-white skin. With her hair let down, she lay in bed. Gu Jing and Dongzhi checked that the windows were tightly shut to prevent her from catching a chill, as her weak constitution couldn’t withstand the strain.

Once satisfied, they extinguished the candles and quietly withdrew. Only a sliver of moonlight remained in the room. Cui Yi, not yet sleepy, stared into the darkness, reflecting on her time with the Cui family since her transmigration, before finally drifting off.

The next day.

After her morning exercises, Cui Yi went to Madam Du’s courtyard to pay her respects. For the past few days, she had been eating breakfast with her mother; now that Cui Ting was back, there was one more person. Tomorrow was the Wine Tasting Banquet, and the servants were busy. Hearing about the event, Cui Ting asked curiously, “Did we brew some good wine at home?”

Madam Du explained the situation.

At Cui Ting’s age, he was only allowed a few sips of wine during festivals for good luck. Hearing that Cui Yi had brewed a wine that looked just like water, he immediately clamored for a taste.

Madam Du, unable to bear his pestering, allowed him two sips of the honey wine.

Cui Ting was first amazed that the color truly resembled clear water. Upon drinking it, his sensitive tongue detected the flavor, and his eyes lit up. “It tastes just like the wine in the Lychee Shaved Ice from yesterday!”

The alcohol content was low and not harsh; it was sweet yet lingering. Unfortunately, he was only allowed one cup. After staying home for a while, he went out to meet friends, and Madam Du did not stop him.

Cui Yi continued learning household management from Madam Du. Her mother was an excellent teacher, and with Cui Yi’s natural talent, her progress over the last few days was staggering.

After about four hours, Madam Du sipped tea to moisten her throat and chatted about family matters before Cui Yi was free to attend to her own affairs.

The shop in the Eastern Market was nearly finished. Cui Yi went to see if any changes were needed.

The Eastern Market was livelier than usual because a second Scented Soap shop had opened there. Dongzhi looked at the bustle across the street and sighed, “So fast! Our place is still being renovated while they have already opened.”

Both shops had begun renovations at roughly the same time. It wasn’t that Gu Jing was lazy; it was simply that the other side was opening a branch and had more experience.

Cui Yi inspected the shop. The decor was standard for a Chang’an wine shop, but Gu Jing had added several clever personal touches.

Cui Yi met the manager Dongzhi had selected: a woman named Wu Liuniang. She was plump and had a friendly, harmonious smile, though a hint of shrewdness occasionally flickered in her eyes.

Wu Liuniang was the sixth child in her family. At twenty-five and unmarried, she was considered an “old maid” in this era and had to pay a “singleness tax” to the government every year. She had previously been a manager at a fabric store but had been pushed out by someone with better connections. Seeing the young Cui Yi, she didn’t dare be dismissive; she answered every question honestly.

Cui Yi didn’t mind if people were calculating; she only minded if they were disobedient. After the interview, she was satisfied and signed the contract.

Wu Liuniang breathed a sigh of relief. The pay was generous, and her family desperately needed her contribution.

She happily returned home to tell her family she had signed a contract for two taels of silver a month. Her family was shocked and overjoyed, crying out that the heavens had blessed them. Wu Liuniang then went to the room of her Second Sister-in-law, Madam Lin. Lin sat quietly by the window embroidering, her face thin and her eyes filled with an indelible sorrow.

Wu Liuniang sighed and said, “Sister-in-law, mind your eyes. I’ve found an employer. With two taels a month, supporting the family won’t be a problem.”

Lin had already overheard. She sighed, “How can we let the whole burden of the family rest on your shoulders?”

Wu Liuniang’s eyes grew hot. “Sister-in-law, just listen to me.”

Lin smiled but said nothing.

After sitting for a while, Wu Liuniang left. Her mother watched her go and sighed, “What a sin.”

Lin was originally from Canghe Village, the daughter of Li Daniu. She was a simple farm girl, but she had been caught up in a shocking case involving the mingling of royal bloodlines. Except for the daughters who had already married out, the entire Li family had been killed. Lin had been an embroiderer, but after the scandal, no one dared hire her. She stayed home, earning a pittance through private work. Her younger sister had been divorced by her husband’s family and committed suicide by jumping into a river. Since then, Lin never left the house and remained despondent. Some noble people had come looking for her, but they were all driven away.

Wu Liuniang’s mother pitied her daughter-in-law and only hoped she would recover for the sake of her two children.

Cui Yi had no idea that her manager was connected to the Male Lead. After her inspection, she prepared to leave, only to run into the Male Lead and Female Lead coming out of the shop across the street. The Male Lead looked exhausted, and the Female Lead’s expression was also poor.

Cui Yi caught a fleeting glimpse but didn’t pay them much mind as she stepped onto her carriage.

Dongzhi, however, was full of gossip. She lowered her voice excitedly: “Why is the Eldest Miss Gu walking so closely with Heir Apparent Yue?”

Cui Yi wasn’t interested. Gu Jing glared at the indiscreet Dongzhi, who looked frustrated, having a stomach full of gossip with no one to share it with.

Just as Cui Yi left, Pei Mingjiao, who was bringing Gu Yue out for tea, happened to encounter the protagonists. Seeing them together, she narrowed her eyes and greeted the Heir Apparent, Yan Zhen: “Cousin, why are you with the Eldest Miss Gu?”

Yan Zhen saw Pei Mingjiao in her elaborate floral headpiece and luxurious attire. His gloom softened slightly as he replied, “I have matters to discuss with Miss Gu.”

Matters to discuss?

Pei Mingjiao wasn’t the smartest, but she knew a member of the imperial clan had no business with the daughter of a minor fifth-rank official. It wasn’t that she looked down on Gu Ning, but she vividly remembered Gu Ning’s passionate confession to the “Fake Heir” in the past.

She felt Gu Ning was merely eyeing the position of Consort and didn’t care who the Heir actually was.

Pei Mingjiao immediately found Gu Ning eyesore. She said haughtily, “Eldest Miss Gu, it is better not to be too greedy.”

Gu Ning was both ashamed and furious. “I do not know how I have offended the County Princess for you to speak to me this way.”

Just as Pei Mingjiao was about to spew more venom, Gu Yue tugged at her sleeve. For Gu Yue’s sake, Pei Mingjiao held her tongue, gave a disdainful huff, and walked away with contempt.

Gu Ning gritted her teeth in anger. This Pei Mingjiao was indeed of the same ilk as her stepsister—birds of a feather.