Chen Jiayu was utterly shocked. The woman was speaking without restraint, even daring to utter her father's name. It was no wonder she was confined.
It seemed one couldn't judge people or situations by their appearance alone. Such a delicate and kind woman, yet she was like this. Fortunately, he hadn't become too deeply involved.
Fearing she would attract guards, he took a deep breath and decided to appease her.
"Wanwan, it was all my fault just now. Please don't take it to heart. I was just anxious because I couldn't get out, and I feared attracting guards would tarnish your reputation."
"Hmph!"
He reached out and took Zhao Jingwan's hand.
"Come now, you don't look good when you're angry. Our Wanwan is the most beautiful. It's not worth getting upset over something like this."
"Are you saying I'm petty? Do you think I'm making a fuss over nothing?"
"Not at all, it's my fault for speaking carelessly. Fine, you can hit me or scold me as you please, but don't ruin your health by getting angry over me."
Zhao Jingwan grudgingly forgave him, but the problem of her high fever remained unsolved. She didn't even have an excuse to ask for a basin of cold water and a cloth.
Chen Jiayu could only lie under the bed for physical cooling. Dinner was a bowl of congee with a side of pickled vegetables.
Chen Jiayu and Zhao Jingwan politely declined, eventually sharing the congee, but they still felt hungry.
When Qiu He came in to collect the bowls and dishes, Zhao Jingwan stopped her.
"What's the situation?"
"Your servant is insignificant and can't find out much. I heard assassins broke into the manor last night, and this is likely related. Master is also concerned about Miss."
Zhao Jingwan was so angered her mouth twisted. She waved her hand and said, "You may go. You don't need to serve here."
"Yes."
After the servant left, Chen Jiayu slowly crawled out.
"Wanwan, did the general say when your confinement would be lifted?"
"He said I have to copy the 'Woman's Precepts' and 'Woman's Rules' five hundred times. That will take ages."
Chen Jiayu felt there was hope. As long as Zhao Jingwan could move freely, his chances of getting out would increase.
"Then I'll grind ink for you, Wanwan. I'm sure you can complete the task quickly. Wanwan is a renowned talented woman in the capital; copying books should be no problem."
Zhao Jingwan deflated like a leaky balloon, unable to feel happy even with the praise.
"It is indeed a lot. Don't be discouraged, Wanwan. I can imitate your handwriting. If we both copy, the speed will double."
Zhao Jingwan's eyes lit up, and she even patted her forehead. How could she not have thought of this good idea earlier? She quickly took out the few pages she had already copied and placed them on the table.
"Brother Jiayu, it's truly blissful to have met you."
With that, she quickly beckoned Chen Jiayu to come and sit down to copy with her.
When Chen Jiayu saw the handwriting, he was completely stunned. Even a five-year-old in the capital, tracing the characters, wouldn't write like this. This was a difficult task for him, harder to imitate than beautiful calligraphy.
"Brother Jiayu, do you dislike my ugly handwriting?" She lowered her head with a wronged expression. Chen Jiayu quickly denied it.
"Eldest sister is the most talented woman in the capital. I was overshadowed by her from a young age. At home, I had to avoid her brilliance and dared not be too outstanding, which delayed my learning."
Tears sprang to her eyes, making her look extremely pitiable. Unfortunately, Chen Jiayu was immune to it; he felt her words were exaggerated.
"Don't be afraid, you have me from now on."
They stayed up all night copying, constantly on edge, fearing someone would come to inspect.
After one night, Chen Jiayu felt his eyes were about to go blind. His wrists were sore and weak, and the injury on his face was both painful and itchy.
He knew he couldn't delay any longer. Carrying Zhao Jingwan on his back, he continuously searched for a way out.