The Rake Takes a Beating

To reach the South Courtyard, Li Weiyang had to pass through the secluded rear garden. She had all the maids and matrons hide out of sight, taking only Bai Zhi with her as she walked slowly forward beneath an umbrella.

In the torrential rain, Bai Zhi did her best to hold the umbrella steady, but half of Li Weiyang’s shoulder still got wet.

Gao Jin was hiding beneath the banana leaves, with his pageboy behind him struggling to hold an umbrella over them.

“Young Master, Third Miss is coming!” the pageboy warned him.

Gao Jin’s eyes were fixed firmly on Li Weiyang. She wore a cloud-brocade jacket and skirt embroidered with magpies perched on plum blossoms against a pink ground, trimmed with golden-yellow piping. Her matching red brocade skirt swayed gracefully as she walked. Gao Jin looked her up and down, growing more excited with every glance.

Ha! Once today is over, this little beauty will be mine!

Bai Zhi had the uneasy feeling that someone was watching them. Her heart filled with trepidation. “Miss, this servant is a little scared.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Her voice rang like ice bells struck by the wind. Gao Jin felt as if something had scratched at his heart, and he could no longer restrain himself. He lunged out, ready to pull her into his arms.

The instant he lunged, Gao Jin’s hand went numb. Then a stabbing pain shot through him...