Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 2

02: Character Collapse

“The edge of a sword is honed through grinding, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from enduring the bitter cold.”

Based on this saying, the author of the novel arranged numerous hardships for Xi Lingxue, especially during the period after she married Gao Yi. Jiang Ci felt particularly heartbroken while reading about it.

Xi Lingxue’s pheromones resemble the scent of plum blossoms—elegant and understated, not as sweet as those of other kunjun. Scholars and poets prefer to describe it as a subtle, lingering fragrance.

Jiang Ci loved this scent, but as for the original body’s owner, Gao Yi, Jiang Ci couldn’t detect any pheromones at all. It was as if there were none.

Could it be that Gao Yi had some hidden ailment? But in the book, Gao Yi had a harem of wives and concubines and fathered many children. It couldn’t all be due to infidelity, could it?

Compared to Zhongjun, Qianjun and Kunjun are more akin to beasts, experiencing periods of heightened sensitivity and heat. During these times, they rely on each other’s pheromones for comfort.

The canine teeth of Qianjun are longer, allowing them to pierce the glands of Kunjun and inject their pheromones, creating a temporary mark. When Jiang Ci read this part, she couldn’t help but think of vampires—superficially, they seemed quite similar.

In the original book’s setting, the customs of Yu Country were liberal. Kunjun in heat would choose suitable Qianjun for temporary marking. Since the marks would eventually fade with metabolism, brothels and pleasure houses were abundant in Yu Country.

Permanent marking, however, was different. Qianjun would inject their pheromones into the Kunjun’s unique reproductive cavity, which could result in pregnancy. This type of marking was lifelong and typically occurred after marriage.

Regardless of the type of marking, Jiang Ci dared not attempt either. Even if her glands weren’t injured, she couldn’t do such a thing while Xi Lingxue was in a confused state.

Jiang Ci pursed her lips, kept her eyes forward, and resisted Xi Lingxue’s “seduction” as she strode ahead. However, Xi Lingxue, in her dazed state and under the influence of drugs, uncontrollably pressed against her.

“This is deadly… I’m no Liu Xiahui!”

Jiang Ci tilted her head back, trying to avoid Xi Lingxue’s advances, but as a Kunjun, Xi Lingxue was like a kitten seeking food, sniffing along Jiang Ci’s neck and instinctively finding the Qianjun’s gland.

Jiang Ci’s breathing became erratic, her voice trembling, “Madam, please behave…”

Putting aside the whole Qianjun and Kunjun dynamic, Jiang Ci was naturally inclined toward women! She had always been attracted to beautiful women since she was young! This was pure torture!

Jiang Ci couldn’t free her hands, so she hurried toward Xi Lingxue’s room. She hadn’t inherited any memories from the original body and had to ask the servants for directions.

The bandages were peeled away, and a soft tongue touched the gland, causing both pain and a tingling sensation. Jiang Ci shuddered, her legs nearly giving way.

Xi Lingxue’s lips were stained with bl00d, her eyes dazed, exuding a particularly decadent and alluring aura.

It was too hot. She hooked one arm around Jiang Ci’s neck while the other began tearing at her own clothes. This level of closeness wasn’t enough—she wanted more.

“Xi Lingxue!” Jiang Ci exclaimed urgently, “Do you know who I am!?”

Xi Lingxue, startled by the shout, regained some clarity. The heat subsided, replaced by a surge of hatred and pain.

“Gao Yi…”

“I’m not him!”

As soon as Jiang Ci spoke, a “ding” sounded in her mind.

Jiang Ci, irritated: What now?!

[System Notification: Host, allow me to interject—please maintain Gao Yi’s villainous character setting.]

Jiang Ci: [The character’s already collapsed!]

System: [!!!]

It was only a few minutes late…

A flicker of confusion passed through Xi Lingxue’s eyes. Gao Yi had drugged her, dragged her into the woodshed, and assaulted her. But now, he was carrying her out. What was he planning?!

Xi Lingxue clutched Jiang Ci’s collar, desperately trying to suppress her body’s urges. “Where are you taking me…”

Jiang Ci walked briskly, “To your courtyard!”

After marrying, Xi Lingxue and Gao Yi slept in separate rooms, living in different courtyards. Gao Yi was fickle and had no interest in coaxing the princess, who showed her no affection and had no backing. Instead, she turned to other Kunjun. In the capital, there were plenty of people eager to curry favor with her.

As Jiang Ci entered the courtyard, she was met by an old woman.

“Your Highness!” Nanny Zhang hurriedly put down her work and rushed over, “Marquis, what’s wrong with Her Highness…”

Nanny Zhang was startled by the bl00d on both of them, but as an experienced woman, she quickly recognized Xi Lingxue’s condition. However, being in the Marquis’s residence, she, a mere servant, dared not criticize Gao Yi.

Jiang Ci didn’t explain much, carrying Xi Lingxue straight into the room.

Nanny Zhang was Xi Lingxue’s wet nurse and had been sent by her mother. Besides her, Xi Lingxue should have had a maid named Jin Yu, but Jiang Ci didn’t see her around.

Nanny Zhang was timid and easily bullied, while Jin Yu was a clueless young girl. Both were loyal, but in the original book, they often caused trouble for the female lead, leading to many hardships. Despite this, Xi Lingxue remained devoted to them, never abandoning them.

Once inside, Jiang Ci placed Xi Lingxue on the bed and quickly adjusted her disheveled clothes, wrapping her up tightly like a dumpling.

“Hold on a little longer. I’ve already called for a doctor.”

Xi Lingxue stared at her intently. Logically, she shouldn’t easily trust this person, but at this moment, perhaps because she was too vulnerable, or perhaps due to an indescribable premonition… she didn’t push Jiang Ci away.

Nanny Zhang hurried in, fearing that Gao Yi might punish Xi Lingxue again. But upon seeing the scene, it didn’t seem to be what she had expected.

This Gao Yi was much gentler than before.

What was going on?!

“Nanny Zhang, I’ll stay here with her.” Jiang Ci said kindly, “Could you please check on the doctor? Why hasn’t he arrived yet?”

“Oh, yes, yes…”

Nanny Zhang was full of questions, but with the Marquis’s orders, she dared not disobey. Soon, a servant dragged the doctor over, with Nanny Zhang following behind, all three panting heavily.

The doctor’s hat was askew, “Sir, slow down! At my age, my bones are about to fall apart!”

Servant: “We can’t slow down! My life’s at stake!”

As they arrived, the servant said, “Marquis! I made it in time, right?”

“Yes, yes.” Jiang Ci had no patience for the useless servant and waved him off, “You can leave now!”

Servant: “Yes!”

My head is safe! This master is becoming more unpredictable by the day!

The doctor first gave Xi Lingxue a pill to temporarily suppress her condition. “Her Highness’s heat is too intense. The Marquis must provide more comfort. This kind of recklessness won’t do.”

The latter part of his statement subtly expressed disapproval. How could the Marquis drug his own wife!

“Yes, I understand.”

Jiang Ci didn’t plan to explain anything to outsiders. She simply held Xi Lingxue, offering what comfort she could.

Kunjun in heat heavily rely on their partners, and Xi Lingxue was no exception. She couldn’t help but want to get closer, as if only by being tightly held, possessed, and skin-to-skin could her primal desires be somewhat alleviated.

Xi Lingxue clung to Jiang Ci’s arm, her gland becoming increasingly swollen, her consciousness flickering in and out.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Jiang Ci gently patted Xi Lingxue’s back, comforting her, “I’m here now. No one will dare bully you anymore.”

While reading the book, Jiang Ci had fantasized about changing the female lead’s fate. Now, that opportunity was right before her.

Xi Lingxue curled up in Jiang Ci’s arms. As the medicine took effect, her eyelids grew heavier.

Gao Yi wasn’t as good as the rumors suggested. Being fickle and暴躁 were just the surface. Her cruelty and sick tendencies were things Xi Lingxue discovered only after marrying into the Marquis’s residence.

Gentleness had nothing to do with Gao Yi. She was a scoundrel!

But now, the eyes looking at her held an unfamiliar emotion.

It was as if… she had become a different person.

How could that be? Gao Yi should have been tearing her apart…

Xi Lingxue’s breathing gradually steadied, as if she had fallen asleep.

Nanny Zhang breathed a sigh of relief, only then noticing the bl00d seeping from Jiang Ci’s neck.

“Marquis, let the doctor take a look at your wound.” Nanny Zhang said hesitantly, as it was her mistress who had caused the injury. “It looks quite serious…”

Jiang Ci looked up, “Serious? Really?”

She had thought the gland injury was minor, but after the doctor’s examination, his expression turned grave.

Jiang Ci asked, “What’s the situation? Do I need to take medicine?”

The doctor was inwardly shocked. That cut was too precise! Although not deep, it…

The Marquis might be rendered infertile!

Of course, he didn’t dare say that. Such a blow to a Qianjun, especially one of the Marquis’s status, was too much. He didn’t want to bring trouble upon himself, so he simply said, “I’ll rebandage the Marquis’s wound. Take the medicine on time, and it should help…”

Jiang Ci pouted, “Oh, alright.”

The thought of bitter medicine made her unhappy.

After cleaning the bl00d from her neck and applying fresh bandages, Jiang Ci said, “Doctor, please take a good look at Her Highness. Check if she has any other injuries. I’m worried about her.”

In the original book, Xi Lingxue suffered much abuse after marrying into the Marquis’s residence, even having her left leg broken by Gao Yi. Jiang Ci wasn’t sure where the current plot stood, so it was best to have the doctor check.

Nanny Zhang was visibly moved, her emotions complex.

The Marquis had never shown such concern for her mistress before. Was this a change of heart? Was she planning to treat Her Highness better from now on?

Though Nanny Zhang didn’t understand the reasons, she felt a sense of relief for Xi Lingxue.

This was good. At least her mistress would suffer less…

As the doctor examined Xi Lingxue, Jiang Ci stood up and wandered around the room, taking in the surroundings.

Though Xi Lingxue wasn’t favored by the royal family, as the Marquis’s wife, she should have lived in better conditions. Yet the courtyard was as desolate as a cold palace, with peeling walls and no proper servants. Only Nanny Zhang was around.

Jiang Ci pondered this when she heard the doctor sigh.

Nanny Zhang sobbed softly, “Your Highness, you’ve suffered so much!”

Jiang Ci turned around. The doctor was adjusting Xi Lingxue’s clothes, but she caught a glimpse of bruises on her waist. The contrast against her fair skin was stark.

Fragments of memories flashed in Jiang Ci’s mind—moments before she transmigrated, the original Gao Yi, in a fit of rage, had dragged Xi Lingxue to the woodshed, leading to a violent confrontation.

Xi Lingxue’s injuries were from being kicked by the original body.

…Damn it, Gao Yi, you scum!

The doctor applied medicine to Xi Lingxue and prescribed a tonic before hastily leaving. With no one she trusted here, Jiang Ci had to rely on Nanny Zhang to prepare the medicine.

Once everyone was gone, only Jiang Ci and Xi Lingxue remained in the room.

Even in her sleep, Xi Lingxue frowned, clutching the blanket, restless.

“Xiaoxue,” Jiang Ci sat by the bed, brushing aside the strands of hair on Xi Lingxue’s forehead. “You won’t suffer anymore, I’m here now.”

I won’t harm you.

Xi Lingxue, with her eyes closed, seemed to mistake her for someone else and suddenly grabbed Jiang Ci’s hand. As if afraid she would leave, Xi Lingxue wrapped both arms around Jiang Ci’s arm. Jiang Ci had no choice but to lean down, staying close to Xi Lingxue.

Outside, Nanny Zhang saw this scene through the crack in the door and finally left with a sense of relief.

It seems the Marquis has really changed!

note:

The name “Liu Xiahui” is often cited as an example of Confucian virtues, such as humility, self-control, and a strong moral character.