Glass House (Jinshi x Reader)

Covert Operations

Your POV

I panted heavily as I placed my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath. I had just finished my morning training, the sun barely starting to turn the sky from dark to light. This was the reason I was more muscular than other girls. But it was also my biggest secret.

I was a trained fighter. From the ages of 6 to 12, I was taught to fight by my uncle. His trainings were brutal and resulted in the scars that littered my back, even 6 years later.  The mental wounds go far deeper, though.

Even though I wanted nothing more than to forget that awful man, I had to keep training. Not for my sake, but for Maomao's. I had to protect her at any cost. I would not allow her to go through the things I did.

So far, I had managed to keep my daily exercises secret. If anyone found out about this, I would surely be mocked or possibly even punished. See, women are meant to be delicate and refined. That's what's attractive I suppose. I am neither of those things. I am undesirable at the cost of being able to protect myself and the people I care about.

Brushing these reoccurring thoughts from my head, I quickly pulled my top on to cover the bandages wrapping my chest and left collar bone. I began my stealthy walk back to my room, making sure to peer around corners.

I made it safely back to our room and slowly entered, finding Maomao just stirring. "Morning," I spoke softly as to not overwhelm her waking senses.

"Morning," she grumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. I walked into my room and left our doors open so we could talk. "Need help with your back?" She asked, seeing that I was using a wet cloth to clean myself.

"If you wouldn't mind," I smiled, passing it to her. She gently ran the cloth over my back, the sight of my scars nothing new to her. "Not exactly concubine material, am I?" I asked with a slight chuckle, although the observation was serious.

She paused for a moment before answering, "The right person will love you for who you are. Scars and all."

"I suppose you're right," I sighed, standing up and taking the cloth from her and tossing it back in the bucket. "Thanks."

A Little While Later...

"I knew I'd find it!" I exclaimed with a giggle as I pulled the mushrooms from the ground. "And over here! Over here too!"

Maomao smiled giddily as she thought aloud, "Where should we eat it? The kitchen? No, not there, I don't want everyone asking where we found it. Oh, but before we figure that out..."

We went and found Xiaolan, who we promised to share some of our baozi with her.

"Wow, it looks amazing!" She chirped, "Thanks for coming through as usual you guys! It's such a treat when your higher-ups share their snacks with you. And it's even more special when it feels like a real tea party!"

Of course, all of this extra food was a result of the other ladies in waiting pampering Maomao and me for our services at Lady Lihua's. Maomao and I had both lost weight from our time over there, her more than me.

"Oh, hey, did you hear?"

"Huh?" I asked the girl.

She, as always, began telling us the latest gossip, "So supposedly, this palace servant was able to seduce a military officer who was infamous for hating women!"

"Wow," Maomao replied sarcastically.

Xiaolan grew a devilish grin on her face as she asked, "Do you know how she did it?"

"Nope."

"She used an aphrodisiac!"

Both Maomao and I perked up, asking simultaneously, "Aphrodisiac?" My face fell as I realized where that aphrodisiac had come from.