How was he supposed to put out this blazing fire?
He rested his arms straight down against the wooden tub, but the uneven wood along its rim dug painfully into his armpits, forcing him to fold his arms and rest on them instead.
He had already changed into fresh clothes: a crimson silk top embroidered with golden bamboo blossoms and landscape-like patterns, luxurious and costly. White paired with red-such a striking combination caught the eye, yet discouraged anyone from looking too closely.
Xia Zao carried in a basin of fresh water without daring to look. Ever since learning about the relationship between the two lords, he had steered clear of anything sensitive. He knew there were certain sights he had no business seeing, so he simply poured the water.
He would absolutely do nothing unnecessary.
After pouring the water with his head turned aside, Xia Zao abruptly spun around, ready to make a quick getaway. As though Shen Yangge had known all along that he intended to sneak away, he called out, "Wait."
His escape thwarted, Xia Zao resigned himself to stopping. He did not turn around, merely lowering his chin and asking quietly, "Do you have any instructions, Lord Shen?"
There were plenty of things Shen Yangge wanted him to do. Of course, repeatedly taking advantage of the same person did trouble his conscience a little, but so what? Apart from this one servant, he had never seen any of the others attending him. They usually came after he fell asleep, sometimes while he was half awake.
He had noticed them furtively changing his water before hurrying away, as though lingering even a moment longer would cost them their lives.
Shen Yangge asked, "Where did Lord Chu go?"
His question was casual, his voice languid to the ear, like