The Lazy Villainess

Tian Chang, the half brother of Tian Mo. He wasn't mentioned much in the book, but it was known that he too had the same murderous tendencies of his older brother. They were almost the same age, and were both older than Laing by 6 years.

Right now I am standing in front of the same Tian Chang. He was fuming, but when Lady Biyu said that she had clients, his face crumpled into a ball of sadness. He looked at her neck, which had blooming red and purple marks, and this seemed to agitate him further.

"I said that I would be the one to be with you," he said sorrowfully, "Why are you going to other men?"

"Your Highness," she said calmly, "I have already rejected your advances, many times"

"But, I can give you whatever you d.e.s.i.r.e!"

"Please your Highness, I really can't…"

Why did I get dragged into this mess? I only wanted to have a bit of fun. Thankfully he won't recognise me, my makeup will make sure of that. I have been standing quietly next to Lady Biyu, but then his attention shifts to me. He looks at me with raging eyes and says, "How dare you, you touched my woman!"

This dude is dangerous, but I can't stand it when men put a claim on women.

'Really?,' I said angrily, 'Your highness, I do not see a brand on her body that declares that she is your woman.'

I look at him intensely, and I know that I am so done for, but to my surprise, he backs down. He points at me and says, "Whats your name?"

'Fa Mulan'

"This is not over Fa Mulan..."

'Uh, yes it is. I don't plan on meeting you ever again', I think to myself.

With that, he turns around and angrily strides out, with the maids and the owner. I look at the sky outside and it is already dark. I need to go back home before everyone notices that I'm gone. Lady Biyu touches my arm and says, "I'm sorry for the interuption sir, shall we continue?"

I look at her and smile. 'Not today, it is getting dark, I must go home…'

She looks crestfallen, which is probably acting, because no way on earth would a courtesan be sad about her client is leaving. I give her a small peck on her cheek and walk out the door leaving her behind. She is a good entertainer. I walk through the halls and wink at a few more girls, making them blush. Damn, this smile of mine is dangerous.

At the main hall, I spot Tian Chang watching dancers. He spots me as I quickly try to get away, but he is too fast and catches up with me. He stands in front of me and looks at me threateningly. He is a prince, so I dare not offend him and bow my head.

'Pardon me, your Highness,' I say slowly, 'But is there something you need?'

"Just what about you is so special?" he says, "Biyu belongs to me!"

'Your highness hasn't married her' I retort, 'If your majesty wants no man to touch her, than you should marry her…'

"You-!" he shouted angrily, "She is a courtesan, she can't marry! Besides, I am a prince, I can't marry her"

'Well then, your Highness, she belongs to no one'

With that I bowed and walked away, leaving him too shocked to speak. It's just as I thought, he is all brawn and no brain. But my heart was going to burst from fright right then. I had disguised my voice and face, so he shouldn't be able to find me.

I walk home and by the time I arrive, it is very dark and the lanterns have already been lit. I only hope that no one had noticed that I'm gone. I can't go through the front door, because then everyone will see my appearance. So I do what most teenagers in my past life would do: I climb through the window.

Luckily, no one is inside my room and I quickly change into my normal clothes and peel the putty off my face. That was an amazing day, other than the fact that got on the bad side of a prince.

Suddenly there is a knock on my door and startled, I quickly hide my brother's clothes under my bed and straighten up trying to look normal.

I clear my throat and say, 'Come in!'

My personal maid Chi Lou quietly walks in and timidly says, "My lady, Master and Madame require your presence…"

Oh no, did they notice that I was gone? Nevertheless, I put a smile on my face and go put my arm over her shoulders, which startles her quite a bit.

'Alright, lets go together!' I say cheerfully.

"Yes milady…"

So here we are walking like best friends towards the main hall, with Chi Lou looking terrified as hell, and me looking as cheerful as could be.

I stand in front of my father. He is sitting at the head of the room in usual fashion with my siblings sitting on one side of the room and mother and the other two concubines on the other sides.

I bow and say, 'Laing greets father.'

My father looks stone faced as usual, and gets straight to the point.

"In about one year, you are to go to the palace to learn etiquette. The most prestigious teachers will be teaching you. I expect you do not let us down in front of the royal family."

Oh my god. I have to go study where the princes' are? I am basically leading myself to death if I go. I quickly get on my knees.

'Please father,' I beg, 'Can I have my lessons at home?'

My father looks suspiciously at me, "And have to bother the royal teachers? Are you wishing to bring shame on us?" he says angrily.

'No father,' I say quickly, 'I just-'

"You WILL be going to the palace" he declared, cutting me off, "All the nobles send their sons and daughters there to be trained. I expect no less from our family."

I sigh and look away. Looks like there is no way out of this. All I can do now is not attract any attention and practice my skills enough to run away at first sign of danger. I don't like being a coward, but at this time, it is the best way to protect my family.

I stand up, bow to my father and quietly walk back to my room. My brother is already in the palace, training to be the right hand to the Emperor. He is very gifted, and it is quite a pity that Laing used his influence to try to get closer to a dog headed goon.

My maid is waiting for me outside and seeing me deep in thought, she doesn't say anything. I smile at her and she looks startled, but blushes.

Ah yes, it'll be fun teasing this one…