Ch. 21A Maid's Negligence
Chapter Summary: “A Maid’s Negligence”
Key Plot Points and Events
- A Yin, the transformed Blue Silver Emperor and former mother of Tang San, serves Ye Chenxing as a devoted personal maid.
- Her memories remain intact, but the Fantasy Tree has completely altered her values, loyalty, appearance, and preferences, making her absolutely devoted to Ye Chenxing.
- Because Ye Chenxing values privacy, he dismissed all servants previously arranged for him by Kong Deming. After A Yin’s awakening, he appointed her as his personal attendant.
- A Yin brings Ye Chenxing specially prepared milk from a thousand-year soul beast and helps him prepare to receive visitors.
- The visitors are Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen, the grandchildren of Hall Master Jing. Ye Chenxing remembers that he is scheduled to visit the Illustrious Virtue Hall with them.
- Before leaving, A Yin insists on performing even trivial tasks, such as tying Ye Chenxing’s shoelaces, emphasizing her exaggerated devotion to her “Master.”
- In the living room, Qian Renxue is present. She is publicly treated as Ye Chenxing’s sister, though she is actually a heroic spirit connected to him.
- Meng Hongchen becomes unsettled after seeing Qian Renxue and realizing that Ye Chenxing truly lives with her. A Yin’s seductive presence further heightens Meng’s jealousy and sense of rivalry.
- During the walk to the Illustrious Virtue Hall, Meng enthusiastically converses with Ye Chenxing. His broad knowledge and insightful opinions greatly impress her.
- Xiao Hongchen feels ignored and becomes increasingly frustrated when he realizes he cannot match Ye Chenxing’s knowledge. He consoles himself by planning to defeat Ye Chenxing in practical soul-tool training the next day.
Character Developments
- Ye Chenxing: Displays confidence, intelligence, and a playful, somewhat scheming personality. He enjoys A Yin’s complete submission and is amused by the contrast between her former status and her current maid role. His extensive knowledge strengthens Meng Hongchen’s admiration.
- A Yin: Has become utterly loyal and submissive to Ye Chenxing due to the Fantasy Tree’s influence. Though she retains her memories, her personality and values have been fundamentally rewritten. She takes her duties extremely seriously, even insisting on managing every small aspect of Ye Chenxing’s life.
- Qian Renxue: Remains composed but is visibly uncomfortable with A Yin’s presence and role. She is also placed in the awkward position of being publicly presented as Ye Chenxing’s sister.
- Meng Hongchen: Her affection for Ye Chenxing deepens into open admiration, but seeing Qian Renxue and A Yin living with him triggers jealousy and insecurity. She eagerly monopolizes his attention during the journey.
- Xiao Hongchen: Feels neglected and threatened by Ye Chenxing’s superiority in knowledge. His wounded pride leads him to focus on proving himself through practical soul-tool combat.
Significant Themes
- Control and altered identity: A Yin’s transformation raises the issue of how completely the Fantasy Tree has reshaped her personality and loyalty while leaving her memories intact.
- Power and social reversal: A once-powerful and significant figure has been reduced to a devoted servant, highlighting Ye Chenxing’s influence and the dramatic reversal of status.
- Jealousy and romantic competition: Meng Hongchen’s reactions to Qian Renxue and A Yin establish a developing rivalry for Ye Chenxing’s attention.
- Intellect versus practical strength: Ye Chenxing’s theoretical knowledge impresses Meng, while Xiao Hongchen believes true worth will be demonstrated through combat and soul-tool ability.
- Domestic intimacy and service: A Yin’s exaggerated attentiveness creates a contrast between ordinary household duties and the extraordinary identities of the characters involved.
Important Character Interactions
- Ye Chenxing and A Yin: Their master-and-maid relationship is central to the chapter. A Yin is deferential and eager to serve, while Ye Chenxing knowingly enjoys her submission.
- A Yin and Qian Renxue: A Yin respectfully addresses Qian Renxue as “Miss Xue,” while Qian Renxue remains uneasy about A Yin’s transformed identity and presence.
- Ye Chenxing and Meng Hongchen: Their easy conversation strengthens Meng’s infatuation. She is fascinated by his intelligence and tries to keep his attention focused on her.
- Ye Chenxing and Xiao Hongchen: Xiao attempts to join the conversation but is repeatedly outmatched, increasing his irritation and competitive determination.
- Meng Hongchen and Qian Renxue/A Yin: Meng immediately views both women as potential romantic rivals, especially after seeing how closely they live and interact with Ye Chenxing.