Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 22

22: A Blessing in Disguise

The Gao family was known for its lineage of military generals, but by Gao Yi’s generation, she was the only one left. Her father and brothers had died in battle when she was very young, and her mother passed away from grief a few years later. At the age of fourteen, Gao Yi differentiated into a “Qianjun” and soon after, she joined the battlefield. Her exceptional bravery led her to win several battles, earning her widespread fame. It wasn’t until this year, when the war had stabilized, that Gao Yi finally returned to the capital.

As the sole heir of the Gao family, the emperor treated her with great favor, even more so than his own princes. Consort Yao went to great lengths to ensure her niece, Yao Qin, became Gao Yi’s concubine, hoping to secure an heir and strengthen the ties between their families. With Gao Yi’s military power, she was a valuable ally for Prince Duan.

But now, Gao Yi’s gland had been destroyed by none other than the princess herself…

If the emperor didn’t punish her, how could he justify it to the Gao family? How could he face his officials? And how could Consort Yao ever let her off the hook?

After Zhang Chengji left, Xi Lingxue stayed by Gao Yi’s bedside. For some reason, instead of worrying about her own safety, her mind kept drifting back to that night when Gao Yi drank the medicine. It was a dark, foul-smelling concoction, yet Gao Yi had downed it in one go.

“This is fucking unbearable, I’m telling you, it’s not that I’m being delicate, but I have to drink this three times a day! Yuck…”

“…Why not switch to a topical medicine? Stop drinking it.”

“The doctor said oral medicine works better, and I’m also afraid of drawing suspicion if I act too differently from Gao Yi.”

Xi Lingxue thought, if this secret couldn’t be leaked, wouldn’t she have to keep drinking the medicine?

Zhang Chengji had said that the destruction of the gland was a serious matter. Not only did it concern her life and safety, but it also had a devastating impact on the Qianjun herself. Gao Yi was already suffering from delusions, and any further stress could worsen her condition.

As Xi Lingxue gazed at Gao Yi’s face, she was filled with guilt. She had only wanted to protect herself and teach Gao Yi a lesson, as she had hated her deeply. But now, looking at Gao Yi lying in bed, she found that she couldn’t bring herself to hate her anymore.

Xi Lingxue stayed by her side until Jin Yu returned from outside.

“Your Highness, the person has already left the capital…”

Jin Yu had inquired around the neighborhood and learned that the doctor had packed up and left the city two days ago, with no one knowing where he went.

Xi Lingxue thought to herself that the doctor had acted quickly—he was clever. Since she couldn’t find him now, it would be even harder for others to track him down later. She decided to let the matter go.

Jin Yu glanced at Gao Yi, who now seemed like a pitiful wreck. Not only was she suffering from delusions, but she had also lost her gland. She had no heirs and could no longer mark anyone.

…It was too tragic. Jin Yu resolved to treat Gao Yi better from now on.

…

Jiang Ci had been unconscious for an entire day. When she woke up, the room was empty except for her. She realized she was lying in bed, which meant Xi Lingxue hadn’t stayed the night but had returned to her own courtyard.

Despite having slept in, Jiang Ci wasn’t happy. She didn’t rush to get up but lay in bed, lost in thought.

She remembered a silver needle piercing her head before she passed out. It didn’t take a genius to figure out it was Zhang Chengji’s doing.

Seriously…

This so-called “divine doctor” Zhang—what a fraud! His skills must be watered down!

There was no doubt that yesterday’s “proof” had failed. She was now undoubtedly seen as a lunatic by Xi Lingxue.

Damn it…

Jiang Ci couldn’t figure it out. What was going on with Huang Fu? Why couldn’t she connect the dots? Was she not a transmigrator after all?!

But how could she explain the three things she had come up with?

As Jiang Ci pondered, she heard a noise outside the door.

“Your Highness… the Marquis is still resting.”

“It’s fine.” Xi Lingxue said. “I’ll go in and see her.”

…Was the “Black Lotus” here to see her?

Jiang Ci was somewhat pleased, but then it occurred to her that Xi Lingxue might just be visiting her as a patient.

Ugh…

When Jiang Ci was bored, she had once searched online: if a normal person was locked in a mental hospital, how could they prove their sanity?

Options A and B involved telling the doctors various truths or historical facts every day, like how the Earth is round or how Qin Shi Huang was the first to unify China. None of that worked.

Only Option C worked: eat, sleep, and greet the doctors normally every day. After a month, they were released.

So, she should probably lay low now and stop trying so hard to prove anything. She had been too impatient. Maybe only time could tell.

When Xi Lingxue entered the room, she saw that Gao Yi was awake, leaning against the headboard and looking at her calmly, without any fuss or tears.

Jiang Ci smiled and raised her hand in greeting, “Good morning.”

Xi Lingxue paused, then mimicked her response, “…Good morning.”

It felt strange…

Facing such a calm Gao Yi, Xi Lingxue actually felt a bit unaccustomed to it.

Jiang Ci continued to smile, “Good morning, Little King Kong.”

Jin Yu’s mouth twitched, “Goo… good morning…”

Little King Kong it is! She could endure it—she wouldn’t argue with a pitiful creature!

Xi Lingxue sat by the bed and reached out to tidy the hair on Jiang Ci’s forehead. “When did you wake up? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

Jiang Ci was utterly flabbergasted. The “Black Lotus” had never been this gentle with her before!

…So being treated as a lunatic had its perks?

“No, I’m fine.” Jiang Ci said with a grin. “I’m just hungry, I want some tofu pudding.”

Xi Lingxue also smiled, surprised that Gao Yi could be so docile. But the thought of the destroyed gland made her heart ache again.

Gao Yi would eventually notice it.

Zhang Chengji had said that a Qianjun who lost their gland would gradually weaken, eventually becoming as fragile as a “Zhongjun” and would no longer be able to detect pheromones.

For a military general, this was undoubtedly fatal.

Seeing the “Black Lotus” staring at her in a daze with a troubled expression, Jiang Ci asked, “What’s wrong? Did you not sleep well last night?”

Could it be that her Popping performance had scared her…

“It’s nothing.” Xi Lingxue snapped out of her thoughts and patiently asked Jiang Ci, “Do you want anything else to eat?”

Jiang Ci: “Then add a tea egg and some buns, with meat filling… Oh, have you eaten yet? Do you want to join me?”

Facing those innocent eyes, Xi Lingxue felt even more guilty.

“I’ve already eaten.” she quickly adjusted her emotions and stood up. “You freshen up first. I’ll go have breakfast prepared.”

This meal was exceptionally enjoyable for Jiang Ci. Xi Lingxue sat nearby reading a book, occasionally exchanging a few words with her. Jin Yu no longer snapped at her, and they could even joke around together.

Blissful, truly blissful.

…So, is this the happiness of being a lunatic?

She felt the love from everyone!

…

After the meal, it was time to take medicine again, though it wasn’t that dark, bitter concoction anymore. It looked much more normal and didn’t smell as harsh.

“Did the divine doctor Zhang prescribe this?” Jiang Ci held the bowl and asked, “…Can I ask what it’s for?”

She wasn’t actually sick—she didn’t want to end up getting dumber from taking it.

Xi Lingxue replied, “It’s just some calming and body-strengthening medicine.”

As for Gao Yi’s delusions, Zhang Chengji wasn’t very confident this time. These calming medicines were only meant to stabilize her emotions, preventing sudden convulsions that could scare people to death. As for her gland, it was beyond repair. The medicine was just to strengthen her physique.

Jiang Ci thought, fine, calming it is. I’ll behave and take it for a month!

As she took a sip, the medicine actually tasted quite good, with a faint hint of sweetness.

Jiang Ci asked, “Did you add sugar?”

“Yes,” Xi Lingxue said, “just a little. It doesn’t affect the medicine’s efficacy.”

Wow, Jiang Ci thought, are they treating her like a child? Sweetened medicine?

But did this mean the “Black Lotus” actually cared for her?

Hahaha, Jiang Ci felt delighted inside. Look! She cares about me!

Xi Lingxue: “What are you laughing about?”

Jiang Ci seized the opportunity to climb the ladder. After taking a sip, she pretended to be weak and said, “My hands feel weak. Yesterday’s convulsions were too intense…”

Then she looked at Xi Lingxue with pitiful eyes.

Xi Lingxue: “…So?”

Jiang Ci hesitated, “Well… I haven’t finished the medicine. Could you feed me, my lady?”

Jin Yu’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. This… this has to be an act!

She was so energetic during the meal, and now she’s too weak to drink medicine? And she wants the princess to feed her?!

Jin Yu was about to speak up but then remembered she was supposed to be nicer to Gao Yi.

Fine, poor thing. She doesn’t even know she’s already ruined.

Seeing Xi Lingxue still hesitating, Jiang Ci added, “Ah~ my head is starting to hurt too. That divine doctor Zhang yesterday was like Aunt Rong, stabbing me to death, sob.”

Jin Yu: Aunt Rong? Who’s Aunt Rong?

Xi Lingxue pursed her lips, silently took the bowl, and sat down beside her.

A faint plum fragrance lingered in the air. Jiang Ci took a deep breath, feeling her body and mind relax. Closing her eyes, she felt as if she were in a snowy world, with a few plum blossoms blooming alone in the cold, exuding an elegant fragrance.

Jiang Ci loved her pheromones so much.

This was the first time Xi Lingxue had taken care of someone like this. She scooped a spoonful of medicine, gently blew on it, and then fed it to Jiang Ci.

Jiang Ci was ecstatic inside but had to maintain her weak facade, struggling to hold back her excitement.

She took a sip and sighed, “My lady, having you is so wonderful~”

Xi Lingxue lowered her eyes and replied softly, “It’s only natural.”

It’s only natural… she said it’s only natural!

Heavens! A blessing in disguise!

Jiang Ci thought this wasn’t so bad after all.

But just then, a servant hurried in to report.

“Marquis, Lady Qin is here.”

Yao Qin?

Xi Lingxue’s hand paused. She really came running here as soon as she was out of confinement.

Hearing the name, Jiang Ci’s good mood was instantly ruined.

What is she doing here so early in the morning?