The Exiled Villainess and Her Shopping Dimension

A little earlier, at a certain inn, a special private room had been reserved, and no one was allowed to enter.

"Although I don’t agree with your decision to do this, I won’t stop you," said a clear voice of a young woman. She leaned back against the chair, relaxed, as she conversed with her guest.

Opposite her was a slender man, the former owner of a face marked by frightening scars. Today, he had come for an appointment to receive more medicine. The formula had already softened his skin and removed the scars; the next step was to restore his face to look like an ordinary person’s.

Since Yueqian hadn’t given him strong medicine initially, there were still slight traces left. However, these were not significant enough to be a concern. The reason he sought Yueqian today was not solely about the medicine.

Besides the medicine, the man before her had come to report on his ongoing work.

"Thank you, Miss Mu, for your understanding," he responded calmly, maintaining his usual composed demeanor as it was a trait he couldn’t change.

"I just want people to know quickly. Furen Mu’s reputation shouldn’t be tarnished any longer. Additionally, I have sent people to other towns to perform. Several troupes are interested in this play, and I’ve pretended to sell them the script for performances. I haven’t sold them any other stories, but ’The Beloved Bandit’ and ’The Proud Beauty’ have been allowed for their use."

The slender man said, expressing his intentions even though he might be reprimanded. Originally, Yueqian wanted it to spread among the nobility first and then gradually become popular among the commoners. Although this would take time, it wouldn’t be as conspicuous or suspicious.

What she feared was that some clever individuals might discern the true intent behind the performances. Not to mention that the troupe offered free shows, which made it even more suspicious and could bring danger to them.

"Still, be cautious of the high-ranking nobles. They aren’t fools. And you don’t know who is behind this slander. If you reveal yourself too much, you will become their target," Yueqian shook her head.

"Thank you, I will be careful about that," the young man recognized her concern. He couldn’t deny the warmth he felt in his heart. Having come this far, he no longer had any fears. Even if he had to face danger now, he wouldn’t be afraid.

"Hmm, I also heard that you had some trouble with certain nobles?" Yueqian raised an eyebrow and couldn’t help but smile as she thought about this. However, the leader of the troupe’s face turned sullen and irritated.

Because of his graceful appearance, which resembled that of a woman, combined with his talents, many men who liked other men had tried to court him. However, the troupe leader had a firmly masculine heart and had no interest in men. His previous retaliation had been severe—he had led the offending man straight into a gang of thugs who beat him up.

Fortunately, no one knew it was the troupe leader’s plan. Otherwise, the noble’s family might have come after him, given their extensive connections. Additionally, Yueqian couldn’t step in to help, as it might reveal too much and create an even bigger issue.

Especially since they were currently performing a play based on her story, it would make it seem as though they were defending her if everyone knew she was involved, wouldn’t it?

"He tried to molest me first. If I didn’t teach him a lesson, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep."

"Don’t worry too much about it. Men like that are always causing trouble. If you respond to every issue, you might end up being the one harmed. If your face gets exposed..."

"I understand," the former wandering actor replied seriously. He knew he had to keep his face hidden for sure. If people knew his previous face, they would be shocked and accuse him of being cursed. Even though his face had healed now, it could still be a point of contention. Some might even believe he was a demon who magically healed his face.

In the worst-case scenario, they might accuse him of performing these plays to aid Furen Mu, claiming she was a demon herself. Otherwise, how else could she have healed him?

Because he didn’t want to cause any trouble for his mistress, he continued to wear the veil, keeping his face a mystery.

However, Yueqian didn’t think the same way. She didn’t believe anyone could connect the man with a frightening face to the person in front of her. Her only fear was that his current face attracted too much attention.

In her past life, she had a chance to read novels, watched manga, and even anime where men had more beautiful faces than women. Seeing it in reality was astonishing, making her genuinely worried for the other party’s safety.

Even though he was a man, his face was exceptionally beautiful. His slender body and youthful, attractive face were mesmerizing. Even Yueqian couldn’t help but acknowledge his beauty. What about others?

Despite her concerns, Yueqian didn’t voice them directly. She knew the man in front of her admired women and aspired to be a strong head of a family. It wouldn’t be good if he thought she was viewing him in a certain way; he might feel disrespected.

"Hmm, then do as you see fit, just be more cautious," Yueqian advised him once more before the performance began, and he had to leave quickly; otherwise, it wouldn’t be good if someone saw him.

After he left, Yueqian turned to look at Xiao Long, who had been sitting quietly beside her. The young boy hadn’t said a word. He had accompanied his sister-in-law today to see for himself again. After following the troupe to perform in the palace last time, his eyes had been opened wide. He never knew a troupe could earn so much money.

Even the scholars in the Mu family village in the Du Region didn’t earn as much. A single performance by the troupe earned as much as a scholar’s annual salary.

Even though his sister-in-law explained that it took a lot of training, suitable scripts, and more to earn such an amount, Xiao Long still felt as though his understanding had been fulfilled.

What doesn’t rely on thought processes? What doesn’t require effort? To be a scholar, how much time must one spend reading books just to pass the exams? And how many years does it take to attain a position? Therefore, Xiao Long wasn’t worried about the need for effort. However, yesterday’s performance was in the royal compound, and he wanted to confirm once more how popular the troupe was among ordinary villagers.

Huan’er had originally wanted to come, but she had already apprenticed with a master and had many things to learn. Meanwhile, Mu Heng had to go to the academy to work. So, it was only Xiao Long, the young boy, who accompanied them. Outside, there was also Wan Gui, who was well-versed in the matter, taking care of them.

"Sister-in-law, if the performance ends, how can I learn from them?" Xiao Long asked after some thought, once the troupe leader had left.

"I will help with that. You already know that he is one of my people. However... your identity must remain hidden. If it is revealed, both your brother and I will be in trouble."

"Understood. I have learned some makeup skills, so I can disguise myself appropriately," Xiao Long assured confidently. He could add a mole, darken his eyes to make them sharper, or paint his face white like the actors. This way, he would not be recognized. With his identity not well known, no one would recognize him.

Yueqian understood his thinking. Besides, wearing masks or disguises would not be a problem for the troupe. However, once Xiao Long chose his own path, he wouldn’t be able to see his brother and others often. He needed to hide his identity and keep it a secret.

Ah, it might seem harsh for a young boy, but if he truly wanted to be an actor, traveling and not staying home would be normal. This could also be seen as training for him.

Until he became famous enough to establish his own theater, inviting people to watch his performances, he would be able to settle down like the Art Institute. Yueqian believed she could support him when that time came.

While the two siblings, one sister-in-law, and her husband’s younger brother were talking, the troupe acted as if they had just arrived. They cleaned up the place and began setting up for the performance. By this time, many people had started to take their seats. Fortunately, Yueqian had arrived early, so she didn’t have to squeeze through the crowd with her bulky belly. She simply waved her fan and happily ate snacks.

Down below, they took a little time to set things up before officially announcing the performance. The place was now packed with people, even the expensive tavern’s balconies were crowded with both women and men. People from lower and middle-ranking noble families had also come to watch.

"They’re about to start the performance."

"I heard the actors here are beautiful. I didn’t expect every one of them to be so stunning."

"Even the troupe leader, who’s a man, must be very handsome."

"Really? Isn’t it rumored that he has a scary face?"

"How could that be? How could someone with a scary face perform in the palace so many times?"

"Ah, I really did hear such rumors. Even the servants in the manor remember him."

"Oh, has anyone actually seen his face?" Many people focused on the troupe’s beauty first, which was normal since the performance hadn’t started yet. What they were doing was inspecting everyone in the troupe.

"Look, over there! Isn’t that the one? I heard that those people like this troupe a lot, especially the leader. He even asked his father to arrange a marriage to take him as a bed warmer."

"Ha ha, really? What does he intend to do now?" People exclaimed as a man with a swollen face suddenly jumped onto the stage.

"What are you doing up here? The performance is about to start. Please get down," a female performer blocked him, preventing him from meddling with her master. But did the man care? He pointed his finger at her face aggressively.

"Move aside! I don’t want to use force against a woman! I need to speak with Liang Rui and make things clear." he shouted. This scene captured everyone’s attention.

"What do you need to talk about?" Liang Rui asked at that moment. He didn’t even stand up to greet the man, instead acting as if he was about to start playing music.

"Liang Rui, a maid came to tell me. Are you actually in love with the bandit who attacked me last night? Out of jealousy, that scoundrel beat me up, didn’t he?"

"I have no knowledge of this, nor do I know them. Could you please leave?" Liang Rui didn’t want any trouble. He pretended to speak politely to the man and was very courteous. However, the man ignored this attitude and continued speaking.

"I also heard that you’re involved with that vile man and were beaten by them. Did they harm your face too?"

Upon hearing this question, Liang Rui realized he couldn’t play dumb any longer. It seemed someone was trying to use this fool to expose his face!

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