Nighttime Conversation, Part Two

Second update, 2,700 words, hence the delay.

Hearing Li Wan call her outside, Aunt Xue recalled that Li Wan had mentioned needing her help earlier. She quickly composed herself, set aside the copy of "Shuyu Lyrics," and hurried into the outer room.

There, in the mist-filled sitting room, she saw only Li Wan standing alone in thin clothing. Su Yun and the other maids were nowhere to be seen.

Aunt Xue could not help feeling puzzled. From the look of things, Li Wan had not yet bathed. Could she have called Aunt Xue out simply to attend her bath?

It was not as if that were impossible, but what was the reason?

Surely there ought to be a reasonable explanation for casually asking an elder to help with one's bath?

She moved two steps closer in suspicion, hesitating over whether to ask outright, when Li Wan untied the fastening at her chest and said with half-genuine, half-feigned distress, "There are some marks left from before. I really dare not let anyone else see them, so I can only trouble Aunt Xue."

As she spoke, she drew open both sides of her robe, revealing numerous red and purple bruises.

Aunt Xue was startled at first, then two flushes rose across her cheeks.

Her breathing grew heavier, and she even forgot to respond to Li Wan's request.

Seeing this, Li Wan did not ask again. She removed all her restraints on her own and stepped into the warm bath barrel, letting out a long, contented breath.

Only then did Aunt Xue recover somewhat. Hesitantly picking up a bath brush, she dipped it in soap and fragrance, then carefully began scrubbing from Li Wan's shoulders.

Li Wan gave a few pleased little hums, then slowly closed her eyes. At the same time, she