Scheme Within a Scheme

Chen Yage tiptoed through the courtyard, when suddenly two servants appeared ahead, startling her so much that she immediately sidestepped and hid beneath a large cluster of flowers.

Once the footsteps faded into the distance, Chen Yage emerged. After a moment’s thought, she realized that if she continued wandering here, she would inevitably be discovered—either driven out or forced to stay, neither outcome being what she wanted. So Chen Yage decided to steal a servant’s uniform. This would help her approach Xu Jin and make her movements more convenient.

She acted as soon as the idea struck—a testament to her tempestuous, resolute nature. She followed the servants into a small courtyard and, seeing one of the rooms was empty, quietly pushed open the door and slipped inside. The room was so dark she couldn’t see her own hand in front of her face, and had no idea what it was used for. She left the door half-open, letting the outside light slant in, dimly illuminating the interior.

The room was extremely simple: a bed, a table, and a rack, from which hung a piece of clothing. Without further thought, Chen Yage took the garment and stepped back out. Under the lantern’s glow, she saw it was a man’s outfit. Times had changed—without hesitation, she quickly dressed herself in the clothes and tied up her hair with a strip of fabric. She might not look particularly gallant or dashing, but at least she wouldn't attract undue attention.

To avoid being exposed too easily, Chen Yage kept her head bowed low. Unexpectedly, she bumped into a maid.

“Ouch!” the maid cried out in pain. Chen Yage awkwardly lifted her head and reached out to gently rub the maid’s forehead. “Are you alright? I didn’t mean to.”

“I’m fine…” The maid’s voice trailed off, sending a shiver down Chen Yage’s spine. She smiled awkwardly, turned to leave, but the maid cried out again. Chen Yage turned back and caught the maid, who was about to stumble. “Are you alright?”

Chen Yage asked with concern once more. The maid slowly straightened up, shook her head, but before she could take a step, she nearly fell again. “I twisted my ankle,” she said softly, her voice delicate.

Glancing around and seeing no one else nearby, Chen Yage offered, “Why don’t I help you back to your room so you can rest?”

“No, I can’t,” the maid protested. “I have to deliver wine to Young Master Xu. If I’m late, I’ll be scolded. What should I do?”

At the mention of Young Master Xu, Chen Yage immediately thought of Xu Jin. She probed, “The Young Master Xu you mentioned—is that Xu Jin?”

The maid nodded. “Yes, Young Master Xu is a regular guest here—everyone knows him. Are you new? No wonder you look unfamiliar.”

Chen Yage gave another awkward smile, but suddenly a plan formed in her mind. She said with a smile, “Since your ankle is hurt, why don’t I take the wine for you? That way we won’t delay the time, and Young Master Xu won’t be displeased.”

The maid hesitated for a moment, then handed the wine to Chen Yage with a grateful smile. “Then I’ll trouble you with this, thank you so much.”