Chapter 9: No Escape

The painting was nearing completion. Mu Jin gazed at it, her eyes widening in astonishment, nearly forgetting where she was. The figure on the canvas was a perfect likeness, a living, breathing Chunfen captured in ink, so vivid it seemed as if she might step right off the paper.

"Frog in a well!" Guyu rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with mockery. "You're only fit to follow that ignorant Ninth..."

"Guyu," Chunfen interrupted, standing up just in time to stop her insolent remarks, casting a reproving glance at her. "Do not talk nonsense."

Guyu gave a disgruntled hum but refrained from saying more.

Chunfen turned back to Mu Jin, her voice gentle: "Don't be afraid. Guyu’s temperament is always like this, but she has no ill intentions."

As Mu Jin looked at Chunfen, intending to reply, she caught sight of her attire and was instantly struck dumb, her mouth hanging open in a daze. Chunfen was dressed with a gentle elegance today, looking less like a maid and more like a young lady of the household. She was naturally pretty, but with the rouge and powder on her face, her skin appeared fairer and her brows more refined. Her dark hair was coiled into a cascading bun, adorned with a crown of colorful flowers, making her look graceful and charming.

Noticing the clothes she wore, Mu Jin recoiled in horror. The fabric was thin, sheer, and white, like a flawless cloud. Embroidered along the hems were delicate blossoms; a closer look revealed that every flower was of a different kind—spring crabapple, summer lotus, autumn green chrysanthemum, winter plum blossom...

Mu Jin recognized this garment. It was meticulously crafted from the finest silk and satin, and the embroidery was significant: it combined flowers from all four seasons into one design. This style was known as "The Year’s Scenery." Setting aside the complex and laborious embroidery, the fabric itself was worth a fortune.

She felt a wave of anxiety. This was clothing meant only for mistresses and noblewomen. Not only was the First Mistress known for her strict management—having explicitly forbidden maids from wearing flamboyant colors or acting in a flirtatious manner—but how could a mere maid like Chunfen possess such luxurious attire? If the First Mistress were to see this, it would be a disaster. Being beaten and sold to a brothel would be a light punishment; if the First Mistress happened to be in a foul mood, she might even order them beaten to death on the spot. Had Chunfen gone mad to dare such a thing in the manor? And since she had stumbled upon this, they would surely not let her leave easily, fearing she might leak the secret.

Mu Jin grew more terrified the more she thought. Wanting to avoid any entanglement, she began to edge toward the door without a sound. "I saw nothing today. It is getting late, and I have chores to attend to in our young lady’s courtyard, so I won't disturb you any further..."

"You still want to run?" Guyu barked, blocking her path. "Don't think I don't know what you're planning. You think you can dash out of here, tell your young lady what you've seen, and have her report us to the First Mistress, thereby cutting off the Second Young Lady’s left and right arms, don't you?"

Mu Jin panicked, shaking her head repeatedly. "I never thought of that! I swear I will never mention this to a second person."

"Pretending to be innocent—who would believe you!" Guyu stepped forward, aggressive and imposing.

"I really won't tell anyone..." As she spoke, she retreated toward the window. It was left ajar; if she were fast enough, she might be able to escape.

But Guyu had already anticipated this. The moment Mu Jin moved, Guyu lunged, grabbed her, and delivered a heavy slap across her face. "You little slut, did you think your petty tricks could fool me?"

Mu Jin covered her stinging cheek, eyes brimming with tears.

"Guyu, stop it!" Chunfen finally stepped forward, taking Mu Jin’s hand and offering a soothing, gentle comfort. "Don't blame Guyu; she is only worried for me. Concern makes one act rashly. I know you were startled by my attire, and I know it is most improper, but I only wanted to look beautiful in the portrait, and I was willing to take such a risk. As women, surely you understand me, don't you?"

Mu Jin had no desire to understand her; she only wanted to escape. Seeing that Chunfen seemed more reasonable, she quickly said, "Sister Chunfen, please let me go. I truly won't tell anyone. Besides, you know that our Ninth Young Lady never likes to meddle in others' affairs."

Chunfen sighed. "Of course I want to let you go. We are both sisters serving as maids, miserable enough as it is. Why would I want to make things difficult for you?"

Mu Jin was stunned, thinking she was off the hook. Grateful, she said, "Thank you for your understanding, Sister. I will never say a word of this to anyone, so I shall take my leave now."

"Mu Jin, I understand you, but shouldn't you understand me too?" Chunfen smiled slightly, gripping her hand tighter. "If you walk away like this, do you think I can be at ease?"

Unable to break free, Mu Jin’s mind turned to mush. She stared at her blankly, not knowing how to respond.

"I have a method that would leave neither of us with any lingering worries, though I don't know if you are willing to follow it," Chunfen said, as if discussing a simple matter.

Mu Jin, having lost all composure, followed her lead and asked, "What method?"

"Come with me," Chunfen said, pulling Mu Jin back to the square table.

"Painter Chen, this matter concerns the lives of Guyu and myself. Would you be willing to help us?" Chunfen asked, looking at the painter, Chen Huazhu, with earnest eyes.

Chen Huazhu sighed, shaking his head. "If today’s affair were to spiral out of control, not only would you be trapped, but I fear the Master would not tolerate me either. If there is a way to resolve this, that would be for the best."

"Then please, Painter Chen, paint a portrait for Mu Jin as well!" Chunfen said, pulling Mu Jin forward.

Mu Jin was confused, staring blankly at Chunfen.

"Idiot," Guyu looked at her with disdain. "You’ve turned a misfortune into a blessing today. You will put on the clothes Chunfen is wearing and have your portrait painted, too. Now we are all tied together; let's see if you dare to report us then."

Mu Jin finally realized their intent: they wanted to tie her to their ship. But how could she dare to wear those clothes?

"This... I..."

"The time is passing; hurry up," Chunfen urged anxiously. "If someone sees us, it will be bad."

Mu Jin felt this was deeply improper and was about to refuse, but Guyu shouted, "What are you stalling for? Do you want to be forced? If someone walks in later, I will just tell them you were in on this with us. If we are doomed, you won't get away either!"

Terrified by her threat, Mu Jin was dazed and dragged into a corner of the room where a curtain had been hung, creating a dim, secluded space.

"I will change out of these clothes. Guyu, help Sister Mu Jin undress and put on 'The Year’s Scenery'," Chunfen ordered.

Guyu was unwilling. She had only ever served the Second Young Lady in all her life; what was Mu Jin, that she should be waited upon by her?