Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 27

27: Look at Me

Jiang Ci has been very busy lately.

Every day, she starts with an early court session, then heads straight to the general store. She has been walking around several streets in the capital with Huang Fu, finally deciding on a location for the new store. After that, she hired more staff and personally conducted “new employee training” covering rules and regulations, job responsibilities, sales techniques, and more.

Returning to the Marquis’s residence in the evening, Jiang Ci would work tirelessly, sketching renovation plans and writing employee manuals.

While Jiang Ci wrote, Xi Lingxue would watch by her side, adding a touch of elegance to the scene.

Xi Lingxue has been paying extra attention to Gao Yi recently. This person’s mind is filled with many novel and peculiar ideas, things Xi Lingxue had never heard of before. But she had to admit, there was some logic to what Gao Yi said.

Xi Lingxue couldn’t figure out where she had learned all this.

One day, the two stayed up late again in the study. Jiang Ci finished writing another page and placed it on the table to dry, rubbing her sore hand.

Xi Lingxue picked it up and examined it, frowning slightly. “This handwriting… did you write it like this on purpose?”

It was outrageously bad, worse than a three-year-old’s, and there were many characters she didn’t recognize.

Although Gao Yi was a military officer, her handwriting shouldn’t be this bad.

Jiang Ci pouted, “…”

What did she mean by “on purpose”? Who was she insulting?

She had tried her best to write neatly, but this body had its own muscle memory, and her mind was filled with her own writing habits. The clash between her hand and her brain resulted in this mess.

Not hearing a response, Xi Lingxue didn’t mind and continued reading, guessing and piecing together the words. “Employee benefits…?”

There were many items listed, filling the entire page.

“Benefits are important, don’t underestimate them.” Jiang Ci said. “Better treatment naturally helps retain employees and is more conducive to cultivating talent.”

Xi Lingxue raised an eyebrow. “Selecting people from the general store?”

“Of course.” Jiang Ci gazed at her picturesque features, hinting, “Great talents often hide in plain sight. These seemingly insignificant people are often easier to gather intelligence from.”

The latter part was a bit too straightforward. She deliberately brought this up to see if the Black Lotus would open up to her.

A subtle flicker passed through Xi Lingxue’s eyes, quickly masked. She casually said, “Intelligence? The Marquis of Dingyuan is quite scheming. Could it be that you’re planning to…”

Rebel.

She didn’t say the word outright, but the implication was clear.

“Come on…” Jiang Ci said, “I’m just helping you lay the groundwork!”

Xi Lingxue put down the paper, saying indifferently, “I have no such intentions.”

Jiang Ci’s mouth twitched.

Keep pretending. What kind of proper princess studies poison? And goes to great lengths to recruit talents like Wu Wei! If the Black Lotus wasn’t up to something, she’d wash her hair standing on her head!

…

After half a month of early mornings and late nights, Huang Runfa’s new store finally began to take shape.

With Jiang Ci’s investment, the new store was located in the capital’s most famous red-light district, making it the largest general store, comparable in size to a restaurant.

On Huang Runfa’s signboard, Jiang Ci specifically had the letters “HRF” engraved. Additionally, the product packaging also featured Huang Runfa’s abbreviation.

If there were other time travelers, they would definitely notice this!

Huang Runfa’s products were novel, and the staff’s attitude was more enthusiastic than other stores. Samples of face masks and soap were provided, glass accessories could be returned within seven days, and there were various promotions, including membership discounts, buy-one-get-one-free, and free lucky draws.

On the opening day, Huang Runfa attracted a large crowd of people, both buyers and onlookers.

The glass accessories were sold out immediately. Since they could be returned, people bought them like they were free, but in the end, no one wanted to return them, keeping the items after seeing their quality.

Huang Fu counted money until her hands were sore, staying up late to do the accounts. The day’s revenue alone was over eighty taels! Compared to the original general store, this wasn’t just a doubling—it was a meteoric rise!

Wang Shichang was green with envy but didn’t dare to cause trouble.

Because he knew Huang Fu was the Marquis of Dingyuan’s mistress.

…

Late at night, when all the staff at Huang Runfa had left, a candle still burned on the second floor.

Huang Fu closed the account book, tired but happy. “Sister Yi is truly a genius!”

“This is just the beginning.” Jiang Ci said with a proud smile. Her ambitions didn’t stop here. “Now it’s just one store, but in the future, we’ll open more branches, expanding beyond the capital to the entire Yu Kingdom!”

Huang Fu was excited but didn’t forget the princess’s instructions.

She poured Jiang Ci a cup of hot water, casually asking, “Sister Yi, aren’t you a military officer? I heard you went to the battlefield right after your differentiation… Where did you learn all this business knowledge? I’ve never seen these methods in any books.”

“Well.” Jiang Ci thought for a moment, stroking her chin. It wouldn’t hurt to share a bit. “I once went to a place where the pace of life was very fast, and people were under a lot of pressure. To live better, they had to be extremely competitive.”

“Uh… what does ‘competitive’ mean?”

“Simply put, it means competition.”

Jiang Ci felt a bit nostalgic. Unknowingly, she had been in this world for almost a month.

“Stores like Huang Runfa are everywhere in that place. To attract customers, they have all sorts of flashy promotions… What I know is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Modern tactics, when brought here, were unique—a dimensional strike!

“This is just the tip of the iceberg…” Huang Fu sighed. “The people from that place must be geniuses!”

Jiang Ci nodded in agreement. “Geniuses are everywhere.”

Jiang Ci trusted Huang Fu, partly because the female knight had given Huang Fu the recipe. Being fellow time travelers, she trusted that person’s judgment. On the other hand, Huang Fu gave her a good impression. After so many years, Huang Fu still remembered her roots, and Jiang Ci admired her character, hoping to make Huang Fu one of her own.

In the future, when establishing an intelligence network, Huang Fu was her ideal candidate to lead it.

Of course, Jiang Ci didn’t know that all her conversations with Huang Fu would reach Xi Lingxue’s ears.

That day, the princess said to relay everything verbatim. Over these days, Huang Fu’s memory had improved significantly, and now she could almost replicate the conversations perfectly.

Two days later, still at Huang Runfa’s new store, Jiang Ci was talking to the staff when Xi Lingxue, Jin Yu, and Huang Fu went upstairs together.

At times like this, Jin Yu admired her princess.

…Wasn’t this plotting right in front of the Marquis? And it felt so natural. As Gao Yi would say, they were now shareholders.

Huang Fu reported as usual, “That day, I observed the Marquis speaking with genuine emotion, not like she was making things up.”

Xi Lingxue’s gaze was distant. “…Is there really such a place within the Yu Kingdom?”

Could Zhou Yilun and Huang Rong also be from there?

Xi Lingxue hadn’t traveled much outside the capital and felt that the world was full of wonders.

On the desk was the employee manual Gao Yi had written, with its crooked handwriting. Xi Lingxue flipped through it casually, her mind in turmoil.

The more she interacted with Gao Yi, the more she doubted that this person’s condition was as simple as a mental disorder.

The talents she displayed were extraordinary.

Xi Lingxue had secretly consulted Zhang Chengji several times, and now the calming medicine had been replaced with tonics.

Perhaps due to the recent busyness, Gao Yi hadn’t noticed that the Qianjun’s sensitive period hadn’t arrived yet.

The issue of the gland remained a heavy burden on Xi Lingxue’s heart. Many nights, she lay awake until dawn.

She didn’t know how much longer she could delay…

–

In terms of managing the store, Huang Fu was quite adept, having learned a lot from Jiang Ci these days. Eventually, Jiang Ci could let her handle things independently.

Meanwhile, Wu Wei, who had been sent to find spices, finally returned to the capital. Wang Shichang brought her to the Marquis’s residence, bringing a generous gift.

When the servant announced their arrival, Jiang Ci was still teaching Xi Lingxue business insights.

The two sat close together, Jiang Ci holding a brush, writing and drawing on paper, offering pointers. Xi Lingxue listened attentively, leaning slightly towards her, her posture elegant and graceful.

From the servant’s perspective, if you blocked out the Marquis’s face, they truly looked like a perfect couple, a match made in heaven.

As for Yao Qin, since Yao Zhi developed “mental disorders” she had become much more subdued, not daring to disturb them much these days, only occasionally coming to pay her respects.

The servants at the Marquis’s residence were much more at ease than before, no longer fearing punishment or scolding.

They noticed that although the princess was cold, her temperament was much better than Yao Qin’s, never harsh on the servants. Under her influence, even the Marquis’s temper had noticeably improved.

The people of the Marquis’s residence now truly admired the princess from the bottom of their hearts.

The servant came to deliver the message.

Upon hearing of Wang Shichang’s visit, Jiang Ci paused her work and went with Xi Lingxue to the main hall to wait.

Soon, Wang Shichang’s round face appeared, beaming with joy. “Greetings, Marquis, Princess. Since we last met, I’ve been thinking of you—”

Jiang Ci waved her hand. “Enough, get to the point.”

Thinking of her? She didn’t believe this guy hadn’t reported to Yao Zhi.

“Of course, of course.” Wang Shichang chuckled awkwardly, stepping aside to reveal the person behind him. “This is Wu Wei, she just returned to the capital this morning, and I brought her to you immediately.”

Jiang Ci looked at the person, a cute and petite girl with lively eyes. No one would guess that such a young girl was a master perfumer.

Upon seeing Xi Lingxue, Wu Wei smiled brightly, calling out, “Princess~~”

If it weren’t for the princess helping her gain freedom, she might have been exploited by Wang Shichang for life.

Xi Lingxue nodded slightly, her expression indifferent.

They were old acquaintances, and Jiang Ci figured they might have some private matters to discuss, so she said, “Mr. Wang, shall we take a walk?”

Wang Shichang bowed eagerly, accepting the invitation.

Leaving the main hall, the two headed towards the back garden.

Last time, Jiang Ci had mentioned planting a plum grove, and she immediately had many saplings transplanted. It wasn’t yet the blooming season, so the view was filled with green leaves.

Wang Shichang recognized the plum trees and flattered, “The Marquis has such refined tastes. In a couple of years, these saplings will bloom.”

A couple of years…

Jiang Ci sighed inwardly. Her marriage with Xi Lingxue was only for a year, and now only ten months remained.

She suddenly felt time was pressing, and the days were passing too quickly.

Would there be a possibility of extending this marriage?

From her own perspective, their relationship had grown much closer than at the beginning.

But if they still ended up divorcing, then…

She would be left alone, guarding this plum grove.

As a memento.

“By the way,” Jiang Ci suddenly asked, “How is Yao Zhi lately?”

Since being carried out of the Marquis’s residence, he hadn’t attended court for a long time, always claiming to be taking medicine at home.

Wang Shichang rubbed his hands together, feeling awkward about this topic.

He was the one who had secretly reported to Yao Zhi, hoping he could reprimand Gao Yi, but instead, Yao Zhi went mad?!

Whether from shock or something else, he became delusional.

“…Young Master Yao,” Wang Shichang chuckled dryly, “I heard he’s been resting at home and has been doing much better lately.”

Resting all this time?

How pitiful~~~

She was so happy.

Jiang Ci could imagine him drinking medicine every day, becoming drowsy and disoriented.

…

On the other side of the Marquis’s residence, Xi Lingxue and Wu Wei were having a secret conversation.

Regarding Wu Wei, Xi Lingxue appreciated her talents and genuinely admired her. The girl was an orphan with a tragic past, yet she remained optimistic, never complaining about her fate.

Unlike Wang Shichang, Xi Lingxue didn’t exploit her but returned her deed of sale.

In the main hall, Jin Yu locked the door, leaving only the three of them.

Xi Lingxue got straight to the point. “You’re a free person now. You can choose to make a living on your own or work for me.”

Wu Wei didn’t hesitate. “Of course, I’ll follow the princess!”

“Don’t agree so quickly.” Xi Lingxue smiled faintly, lowering her voice. “Following me comes with risks. In the future, it might cost you your life.”

Wu Wei’s smile faded, her expression turning serious. Despite her youthful face, her determination was firm. “Without the princess, I would have been trapped in the small Ningxiang Pavilion for life… The books say, ‘A scholar dies for one who understands him.’ I am grateful for Your Highness’s recognition and am willing to follow you to the death.”

…

As night fell, the bright moon hung in the sky, and summer insects chirped outside.

After dinner that day, Xi Lingxue brought the medicine again.

With Huang Runfa no longer taking up much of her energy, Huang Fu was doing well, so Jiang Ci had some free time.

With this free time, she finally remembered the gland issue.

Previously, due to the gland injury, Jiang Ci had to take medicine three times a day. After being diagnosed with a “mental disorder” she had to take an additional type.

Later, Zhang Chengji adjusted the prescription several times, eventually consolidating it into one dose after dinner.

He confidently claimed that this single prescription could treat both the gland and the mental disorder.

Jiang Ci reluctantly believed him.

Placing the empty bowl on the table, Jiang Ci smacked her lips. “…This medicine tastes different. Did the prescription change again?”

“Yes.” Xi Lingxue handed the bowl to Jin Yu, who silently left.

Jiang Ci asked again, “It’s been so long. Why do I feel like the gland isn’t getting better?”

Not only was it not improving, but her stamina seemed to be declining? She had repeatedly doubted whether Zhang Chengji, the divine doctor, was a fraud.

According to the original book’s description, the Gao family had a strong bloodline, with each Qianjuns being exceptionally powerful.

…So Gao Yi shouldn’t be naturally strong? She felt this body wasn’t as powerful as the book described, at least 30% weaker, and she tired easily.

Xi Lingxue didn’t look at her, silently sitting in front of the mirror, removing her hair ornaments. “Maybe you’ve been too busy lately and haven’t rested well.”

“…Is that so?” Jiang Ci deflated like a balloon. The Black Lotus made a good point; she had been pushing herself too hard recently. She muttered, “But I don’t want to take medicine anymore. I can’t even eat spicy food.”

After being here for so long, she had avoided all spicy and greasy foods, her mouth feeling bland. Was this the treatment a Marquis deserved?!

Jin Yu came in again, this time with medicine for Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci glanced at it. “…Are you sick?”

Xi Lingxue took small sips, explaining, “No. My heat period is approaching, so I’m taking precautions.”

“Ah.”

Jiang Ci nodded in understanding, thinking to herself that the Black Lotus was quite cautious for her age, taking precautions in advance.

Perhaps because the gland wasn’t fully healed, her body didn’t seem to have a sensitive period.

Now, the servants at the Marquis’s residence all believed that she and Xi Lingxue were deeply in love. They were all neutral, unable to detect pheromones, so it was easy to deceive them. But others, like Yao Qin, Yao Zhi, or other Qianjuns and Kunjuns they met outside, wouldn’t be so easily fooled.

After sharing a room for so long, she had never marked Xi Lingxue, not even temporarily. Thus, Xi Lingxue bore no trace of Gao Yi’s scent.

If someone noticed, it would be hard to explain.

Thinking of this, Jiang Ci looked at Xi Lingxue. Her hairpins had been removed, her black hair cascading like satin, her waist slender, her silhouette elegant.

Jiang Ci was momentarily dazed. After a while, she spoke up. “Um… about the marking…”

“What about it?”

Xi Lingxue was combing her hair when her hand suddenly froze mid-air.

Seeing her reaction, Jiang Ci quickly added, “I mean, I’ve never marked you… We need to think of a solution, or it’ll be obvious.”

These Qianjuns and Kunjuns were extremely sensitive to pheromones. If someone got close to Xi Lingxue, they would easily notice.

After speaking, Jiang Ci carefully observed her reaction, feeling that the Black Lotus seemed unusually heavy.

“I actually have a solution—”

“I’ve already asked Wu Wei to prepare something.”

Their voices overlapped, and the room fell into brief silence.

Jiang Ci reacted first, smiling. “So you thought the same as me? I was also thinking of having Wu Wei make a scented candle, something that mimics my pheromone scent.”

“Yes.” Xi Lingxue responded faintly, her eyes downcast, hesitating.

Jiang Ci felt something was off, as if Xi Lingxue was hiding something. This subdued demeanor was unlike her.

What couldn’t she say…?

Huang Runfa’s success was enough to prove her abilities. The Black Lotus wasn’t foolish; she must have seen it.

Jiang Ci really wanted to say, aren’t you looking for talents? Then look at me!

…

That night, they lay in bed together, each with their own thoughts.

The candles had been extinguished, and the room was pitch black, only the sound of each other’s breathing audible in the quiet night.

Jiang Ci silently calculated in her heart. According to the timeline, Prince Duan would soon return from quelling the rebellion.

This rebellion was actually instigated by enemy spies. Prince Duan achieved a great victory, capturing the spies alive. Originally planning to escort them back to the capital, an accident occurred on the way, and the spies were rescued.

The emperor was furious, and instead of being rewarded, Prince Duan and his group were blamed for negligence.

Having read the original book, Jiang Ci knew that the person who rescued the spies was actually the crown prince, Xi Chenfeng.

She wasn’t colluding with the enemy; she simply wanted to undermine Prince Duan’s success.

The two had always been at odds.

Now, before anything happened, this was an opportunity for Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci already had a plan in mind.

As she pondered, she felt the person beside her turn over, seemingly also awake. Jiang Ci asked, “I haven’t seen Wu Wei in the residence. Where did she go?”

“Wu Wei is a talent. Naturally, she can’t be a maid in the residence, wasting her potential.” Xi Lingxue said slowly. “I’ve arranged a house for her in the suburbs.”

Jiang Ci: I see, so it’s like setting up a studio, dedicated to researching scented candles.

Planning her next steps, Jiang Ci poked Xi Lingxue with her finger. “Xiaoxue~~”

Xi Lingxue shivered, silently pulling her hand back. “…What do you want to say? Just say it.”

“Ahem.” Jiang Ci rubbed her hands. “Well, I’ve been too tired lately. I want to go out and relax.”

“Relax?” Xi Lingxue thought for a moment, then asked with a faint smile, “Are you going to Zuixian Pavilion?”

Zuixian Pavilion was the capital’s largest brothel. Huang Runfa’s new store was on the same street, and Jiang Ci had passed by it countless times. It was indeed a place frequented by the nobility.

“What are you thinking?!” Jiang Ci said. “I want to go on an outing with you!”