Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 19

19: Touched?

Winning the hearts of the people is the key to ruling the world, but reaching that point is no easy feat. One must always think twice before acting, often feeling constrained, and sometimes even being manipulated like Xi Lingxue.

But Jiang Ci is not a good person. With Gao Yi’s face, she has the audacity and isn’t afraid of damaging her reputation.

After all, Gao Yi’s reputation is already in the gutter.

Wang Shichang was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure, smiling as he said, “Since the Marquis has spoken, I, Wang, will get to it right away.”

The staff at Ningxiang Pavilion were quick and efficient. Stack after stack of account books were brought in, piling up on the desk like a small mountain.

Jin Yu’s frown deepened. There were so many… How were they supposed to check them all?

Xi Lingxue glanced at Jiang Ci, who appeared calm and confident, as if she had everything under control. Xi Lingxue couldn’t tell what Jiang Ci was planning. Even if they could spot any discrepancies, Wang Shichang had handed over the account books so readily, which meant he must have been prepared.

Wang Shichang smiled and said, “Marquis, Princess, these are the account books of Ningxiang Pavilion. Please take a look.”

Seeing his attitude, Xi Lingxue already had a rough idea.

Old fox…

It seemed they wouldn’t be able to find anything.

Wang Shichang maintained a smile, but inwardly he was sneering, “Go ahead, try to find something! Stupid Marquis, stupid Princess, your combined ages don’t even match mine. Who do you think you are?”

These were indeed fake account books, but he had crafted them meticulously. Even seasoned accountants wouldn’t be able to spot the flaws. How could these two youngsters possibly see through them?

Wang Shichang had earned Yao Zhi’s favor precisely because of his skill in cooking the books!

Jiang Ci noticed Xi Lingxue looking at her and, with a smirk, gave her a wink: Don’t worry, leave it to me~

Xi Lingxue was stunned, her ears instantly turning red.

How could this person flirt with her so openly in public? Shameless…!

But deep down, she was also curious, eager to see what Gao Yi would do next.

Jiang Ci smiled and said, “Thank you for the trouble, Boss Wang. I’ll need to trouble your staff again to help me take these account books away.”

“Take… take them away?” Wang Shichang was momentarily taken aback. “Does the Marquis plan to review them at your residence?”

That wouldn’t be a problem. Even if they took them back, they wouldn’t be able to find anything.

“Why take them back to my residence? I can’t understand them anyway.” Jiang Ci casually picked up two account books, flipping through them as she spoke. “I’m having them delivered to the Grand Tutor’s residence. There are plenty of clever people there. With everyone working together, we should be done in half a day, right? Come on, you guys, pack these up.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Shichang panicked and quickly stopped the staff. “No, Marquis, the Grand Tutor is a figure of great importance. How could a mere Ningxiang Pavilion trouble him with checking our accounts?”

Jiang Ci brushed his hand away, displeased. “You may think it’s trivial, but I don’t. I’m a first-rank Marquis of the court. What’s wrong with asking the Grand Tutor for a favor? You guys hurry up, don’t waste time.”

The shop staff didn’t dare to disobey the Marquis. At her command, they immediately sprang into action.

“Marquis! Please, don’t make things difficult!”

Wang Shichang was on the verge of losing his mind. He was Yao Zhi’s subordinate, naturally aligned with Consort Yao and Prince Duan’s faction. The Grand Tutor, on the other hand, was a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince. The two factions had been at odds for years, constantly scheming against each other.

As for Gao Yi, her mother and concubine were both from the Yao family, making her part of Prince Duan’s faction. Weren’t they all on the same side?

How could she turn to the enemy camp? Was she out of her mind?!

This would only end badly for everyone!

Wang Shichang urgently said, “You know how the Grand Tutor is. If these account books fall into his hands, even if there’s no problem, he’ll make one up!”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ci’s expression suddenly turned stern, and she barked, “How dare you! How dare you insult the Grand Tutor of the court? Seize him!”

She hadn’t brought any soldiers with her on this trip, so only Jin Yu moved at her command. But Wang Shichang also had two skilled bodyguards with him, who immediately drew their swords when they saw Jin Yu act.

Jiang Ci shouted, “Are you planning to rebel?!”

The two men froze, not daring to make another move.

They were indeed employed by Wang Shichang, but the person before them was the Marquis of Dingyuan. With just a word, she could decide their fate.

With no further obstacles, Jin Yu moved swiftly, lifting Wang Shichang with one hand. She had been wanting to teach this Wang guy a lesson for a while now.

Wang Shichang was so frightened by this that he howled in panic, almost losing control of his bladder.

Jiang Ci glanced at him, as if seeing herself on the day she first transmigrated—back then, she had also been lifted into the air by Jin Yu.

Jiang Ci: “Little King Kongp… I meant to apprehend him, not lift him. Put him down first.”

Jin Yu: “Oh.”

As soon as Wang Shichang’s feet touched the ground, he burst into tears. “I spoke out of turn! I spoke out of turn! If you want Wu Wei, I’ll give her to you! Why go to such lengths?”

Jiang Ci’s villainous demeanor was spot on. “Boss Wang, why make things difficult? My wife taking a liking to your employee is an honor for you. How dare you demand three thousand taels?”

Wang Shichang: “Yes, yes! Name your price, anything will do!”

Jiang Ci mimicked Xi Lingxue’s tone, “I won’t take advantage of you.”

Xi Lingxue, who had been watching the scene with amusement, couldn’t help but feel both annoyed and amused upon hearing this. She reached out to pinch the soft flesh at Jiang Ci’s waist.

How could she still make fun of her at a time like this!

Jiang Ci reacted quickly, catching Xi Lingxue’s hand and holding it firmly.

Xi Lingxue narrowed her eyes in warning: Let go.

Jiang Ci: No~

Wang Shichang was still kneeling on the ground, utterly shocked to see the two of them flirting in front of him.

This Marquis of Dingyuan is truly insane…

First, she stood up for Huang Fu, and now she’s standing up for Xi Lingxue. It seems all she cares about are the Kunjuns! What kind of person is this?!

Now, for the sake of a commoner princess, she’s even disregarding Prince Duan’s grand plans and threatening to take this matter to the Grand Tutor?

Even when beating a dog, one must consider its owner! He would definitely report this to Yao Zhi and have her find a way to deal with this Marquis of Dingyuan!

Jiang Ci noticed that Xi Lingxue’s hand was cold and began to warm it in her own.

Xi Lingxue stiffened slightly but didn’t pull away.

Jiang Ci secretly rejoiced, but there was still business to attend to. She turned back to Wang Shichang and said, “I’ll give you two hundred and fifty taels—”

Wang Shichang didn’t dare to argue and immediately nodded like a chicken pecking at rice. “Fine, fine!”

Two hundred and fifty taels it is. At least it’s gold, and it should be enough to explain things.

Jiang Ci: “Silver.”

Wang Shichang: “???”

Tears welled up in Wang Shichang’s eyes. “Marquis, you can’t be serious! People usually haggle over the amount, but you’re haggling over the unit…”

Jiang Ci: “Keep talking, and you won’t even get the two hundred and fifty!”

Wang Shichang: “Yes, yes! I’ll have someone bring the deed of sale right away!”

Jiang Ci was satisfied. She raised an eyebrow at Xi Lingxue: How about that? Did I just score another big win for us?

Her hand was still being held, and though Xi Lingxue’s expression remained cold, the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her true feelings.

This person is quite capable…

…

Wu Wei had recently left the capital to search for materials for making incense. However, with the deed of sale now in hand, she could switch workplaces as soon as she returned.

Jiang Ci had initially planned to take the two hundred and fifty taels of silver from her private treasury, but Xi Lingxue insisted on paying it herself. In the end, Jiang Ci had no choice but to let her have her way.

After such a tiring day, Jiang Ci was exhausted and just wanted to eat and sleep after returning to the manor. She asked the servants a few questions and learned that Yao Qin hadn’t caused any major trouble. She had attempted to hang herself twice, but both times she was stopped by servants who burst in just as she was about to tie the noose.

Jiang Ci praised them with a “Good job” and added more guards to keep an eye on Yao Qin.

After dinner, this time Xi Lingxue didn’t mention returning to her own courtyard and instead stayed voluntarily.

Jiang Ci, as usual, slept on the floor, while Xi Lingxue took the bed.

Once the candles were blown out, the room was plunged into darkness, and the only sound was their quiet breathing.

Xi Lingxue suddenly spoke up, “Thank you for today… Consider this a favor I owe you.”

Jiang Ci lay on her back, feeling a warm glow in her heart at these words.

Was the Black Lotus… finally touched by her?

Jiang Ci said, “I told you I’d help you.”

“…Why?” Xi Lingxue seized the opportunity to press further. “Why are you helping me? Wang Shichang is Yao Zhi’s subordinate. By offending the Yao family repeatedly, do you think they’ll just let it go?”

“If they bully you, I won’t let it go either.”

The words slipped out before Jiang Ci could stop herself, and she suddenly felt nervous, her palms sweating.

Why did I say that so quickly…?

Was that too straightforward?

Xi Lingxue was genuinely surprised and didn’t know how to respond.

What did Gao Yi mean…?

If it was just her looks she was after, Xi Lingxue could understand, but if it was something else…

Forget it, she was probably overthinking it.

Gao Yi’s sudden change in temperament might just be due to some mental illness. She’d wait and see what this person wanted to tell her tomorrow.

If it really was an illness, she’d take her words with a grain of salt.