Chapter 20: A Truly Legitimate Golden Touch
When something is amiss, there must be a reason behind it.
Sure enough, not long after Yun Zhaozhao lay down, someone sneaked quietly to the bedside, stealthily trying to climb onto the bed.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“Sleeping... what else could I be doing?”
“Are you sure? Aren’t you afraid I might lose control and take advantage of you?”
Sheng Xingye’s ears flushed red. “Stop scaring me! Do you really think I’m that easy to intimidate?”
Tsk, he was clearly determined to climb into bed!
She had to admit, her husband was quite good-looking.
With sharp brows and bright eyes, broad shoulders and a narrow waist.
Clearly the kind of figure that looked slim clothed and muscular unclothed.
Well then, why not give in to him?
After all, he was her lawful husband—might as well not waste the opportunity.
Wait, no, she almost forgot—she still had a bet riding on this.
According to the odds at the time she placed her wager, if she held out for three more days, she could earn a thousand taels.
Otherwise, her ten thousand taels would go down the drain.
No way. Men could be slept with anytime, but money could not be lost.
“I don’t mind, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m always on guard when I sleep, and if there’s the slightest movement, I’ll instinctively attack. If you’re not afraid of being kicked off the bed like on our wedding night, then go ahead.”
“You!” Sheng Xingye shot her a resentful glare but eventually wrapped himself in the quilt and climbed onto the bed.
That kick had hurt him for three whole days.
If he kicked the wrong spot next time, just thinking about it made him suffocate.
After who knows how long, Yun Zhaozhao’s soft breathing filled the room.
But Sheng Xingye tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
He got up, tiptoed to the edge of the bed.
Yun Zhaozhao, eyes closed, bathed in candlelight, looked less like the fierce daughter of the Tiger Gate general and more like a graceful lady of a noble family.
Her delicate red lips, moist like cherries, irresistibly inviting—one couldn’t help but want to draw near and indulge...
Compelled by some mischievous impulse, Sheng Xingye slowly leaned in—
“Damn it!”
The person on the bed suddenly sprang up like a zombie awakening.
“Thud!”
Their heads collided hard, causing Yun Zhaozhao to grimace in pain.
“Ouch~ what are you doing?”
“You’re the one! What’s wrong with you in the middle of the night? Crying, laughing, and cursing—it’s unsettling.”
Sheng Xingye, feeling guilty like a thief caught, shot back.
Yun Zhaozhao didn’t want to bother with him and replied perfunctorily, “I told you I have strange sleeping habits. If you can’t handle it, go sleep in your study.”
“Fine, I’m going.”
Sheng Xingye hurriedly left, afraid she might notice something unusual.
Yun Zhaozhao rolled back onto the bed, happily tossing about.
On the screen in her mind, content made her heartbeat quicken.
【Energy Orb: Rebirth System】
【Current Task: None】
【Task Interception: 1】
【Energy Acquisition: Storage Space 1 Cubic Meter】
A storage space!
She finally had a proper “golden finger” power!
Cheers and confetti!
She tested it with a pillow.
As long as she thought the word “store” while touching the pillow, the item would automatically be stored in the space.
Thinking “retrieve” would bring the item back to her hand.
She also understood the displayed information.
Her mission was to prevent the system’s host from completing their tasks.
The reward was that whatever prize the system granted the host would instead be hers if she successfully intercepted it.
There was only reward, no punishment—how wonderful!
Thinking back to the agonized screams she heard when Sheng Hongfei was electrocuted, she had only caught the beginning before her scalp tingled and she immediately muted it.
“Miss, it’s time to get up.”
Yun Zhaozhao mumbled without opening her eyes, “What time is it now?”
“It’s already the hour of Mao.”
“The hour of Mao? Isn’t it still early?”
“Don’t forget, today you start the morning and evening visits to the Duchess.”
Yun Zhaozhao laughed bitterly.
Alright, morning and evening visits it is—just don’t regret it later.
Yawning all the way to the Liang residence, she was stopped by a maid at the door.
“Madam Six, the Duchess hasn’t risen yet. Please wait here.”
Yun Zhaozhao had no patience.
Pushing past her, she said as she walked, “Good that Mother hasn’t woken yet. A good daughter-in-law must serve as a wake-up call.”
“Knock knock knock!”
“Mother, are you awake? Your daughter-in-law is here to wake you.”
“Why is it so quiet inside? Has something happened to Mother?”
“Don’t be afraid, Mother. If you don’t answer, I’ll kick the door down to rescue you—one, two…”
Before she could say “three,” the door creaked open from inside.
Yun Zhaozhao strode to the bedside and saw Liang Shi’s face full of anger.
She beamed, “Mother, I’m glad you’re alright. You being silent just now scared me terribly—I was afraid something had happened to you.”
Liang Shi snorted coldly. “I think you’re hoping something happens to me!”
“Mother, that’s unfair. I’m only calling you because you haven’t risen yet.”
“Are you getting up? Give me your clothes; I’ll help you dress.”
Without waiting, Yun Zhaozhao snatched the clothes from the maid and roughly lifted Liang Shi, stuffing her into the garments.
“Yun, stop that!”
“Don’t worry, Mother, I’ll be quick.”
Liang Shi glared with resentment but couldn’t break free, forced to act like a puppet on strings.
Once dressed, Yun Zhaozhao grabbed the washcloth next, pressing the wet cloth over Liang Shi’s mouth and nose, rubbing vigorously—almost suffocating her on the spot.
“Mother, sorry, I was too rough. Did I hurt you?”
“Yun, you did that on purpose!”
“How could I? My hands are strong from wielding weapons in battle. It’s normal to have some strength. Actually, this is my first time washing someone’s face; before, I only ever skinned people.”
Liang Shi’s face paled, and she took a step back.
“Don’t be afraid, Mother, I’m joking.”
Yun Zhaozhao smiled broadly.
Liang Shi pursed her lips. “Enough. You don’t need to serve me here anymore…”
“How can that be? I got up so early just to serve you. Isn’t it time to do your hair? I can do that.”
Fifteen minutes later, Nurse Xia tearfully held fallen hair scattered everywhere.
Is the Sixth Young Mistress a demon?
This wasn’t serving her lady—it was torturing her.
“Mother, I can do the embroidery.”
“No need. You can leave. I don’t deserve your service. Don’t come again.”
“How can you say that?” Yun Zhaozhao blinked innocently, playing the innocent after getting her way. “People will say I’m unfilial.”
Liang Shi took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and said, “It’s not that you’re unfilial. I just feel sorry for you and exempt you from morning and evening visits.”
“Then thank you, Mother.”
After Yun Zhaozhao left, Nurse Xia wiped her tears and said, “Miss, you’ve suffered. How could Sixth Madam treat you like this? You’re her mother-in-law!”
“Forget it. Since the Sixth will be moving out anyway, I’d rather not see her.”
Liang Shi said with disgust.
Back at the Kuang Garden, Yun Zhaozhao prepared to take another nap.
But Xiao Dao informed her she had to attend a flower viewing banquet at the palace later.
The so-called flower viewing banquet was just a pretense.
The real purpose was to select the prince’s consort.