Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 34

34: A Chilling Realization

In the Kingdom of Yu, officials were granted a day off every five days, and today happened to be Jiang Ci’s day off from court duties.

Perhaps because her mind was preoccupied with many thoughts, Jiang Ci woke up early despite having the day off.

Xi Lingxue was still asleep. Although she had been lying with her back to Jiang Ci the previous night, she now clung to her like a docile kitten, her arms wrapped around Jiang Ci’s waist, using her as a human pillow.

Her dark hair cascaded around her, creating a stark contrast against her fair, jade-like skin. Her soft, rosy lips were just a breath away from Jiang Ci’s neck, and the warm exhales against her skin made Jiang Ci swallow hard.

Her gaze wandered unintentionally, landing on Xi Lingxue’s partially exposed shoulder. The collar of her robe had slipped down at some point, revealing a delicate collarbone and, from Jiang Ci’s angle, a glimpse of the deep cleavage below.

Full and round, like two soft, fluffy clouds, they seemed to have a certain elasticity…

Jiang Ci’s breath hitched, her face burning, yet her eyes remained fixed.

How could this “black lotus” barely eighteen or nineteen, be both slender and so well-endowed?

If she kept staring, she feared she might not be able to resist the urge to touch. Reluctantly, she quietly got up, careful not to wake Xi Lingxue.

The sky was just beginning to lighten, the first rays of dawn painting the dull sky with vibrant hues.

After dressing, Jiang Ci stepped outside, where the servants of the estate were already bustling about.

Jin Yu was leading Nanny Zhang toward the kitchen when she caught sight of Jiang Ci, and the two changed direction to approach her.

Jin Yu asked, “Marquis, you returned so late last night. Why didn’t you sleep in a bit longer?”

Jiang Ci coughed lightly, touching her still-warm face. “Well, the early bird catches the worm… or something like that.”

Jin Yu gave her a suspicious look: How strange… She’s always hated waking up early.

Nanny Zhang glanced toward the bedroom, hearing no movement from inside, and asked, “Has the princess risen yet? I’ll hurry the kitchen to prepare breakfast.”

Jiang Ci quickly replied, “No need to rush. The princess might sleep a bit longer. She was quite tired last night.”

Jiang Ci’s intention was to refer to the many events of the previous day, but to Nanny Zhang’s ears, it took on a different meaning.

Nanny Zhang was older, and Xi Lingxue had always shielded her from worries, not wanting to burden her. Additionally, Nanny Zhang was terrible at hiding her emotions, everything showed on her face.

Last night, after returning, Xi Lingxue had said nothing about the incident with Yao Zhi. Nanny Zhang was also unaware that Jiang Ci’s gland had been rendered useless. Hearing this, a hint of joy spread across her face. “Oh, then she must eat well to replenish her strength!”

She pondered how long the princess and the marquis had been sharing a room, and it seemed their relationship was getting better and better. Shouldn’t there be some progress by now?

Jiang Ci blinked, thought for a moment, and then smiled, “You’re so thoughtful!”

Why hadn’t she thought of giving Xi Lingxue something delicious to eat?

Good food could also be comforting!

Nanny Zhang smiled, “Not at all, isn’t the marquis also very fond of the princess?”

Jiang Ci felt quite pleased with this remark. Now, the two closest people to Xi Lingxue, Nanny Zhang and Jin Yu, had clearly shown their support for her and Xi Lingxue being together.

As they say, the early bird catches the worm. Before the destined Qianjun even appeared, she had already won over everyone around her!

However, recalling the person Pei Shiyuan mentioned, Jiang Ci’s smile faded.

Since Nanny Zhang and Jin Yu were both here, she decided to ask, “I heard that Xiaoxue had someone she liked before?”

Nanny Zhang immediately froze, her smile stiffening.

…Wasn’t she referring to the female knight? How did the marquis find out about this?

Now that the couple was finally making progress in their relationship, how could they let any discord arise?

Nanny Zhang quickly denied, “No, our princess has never liked anyone else!”

Jin Yu frowned, about to mention the female knight, but as soon as she uttered the word “female” Nanny Zhang covered her mouth, giving her a warning look.

Jiang Ci: ???

This was too obvious!

Jiang Ci: “What are you—”

“We have things to do, we’ll go ahead and get busy.” Nanny Zhang said cheerfully, dragging Jin Yu away.

Jiang Ci stood there, watching their retreating figures, her expression gradually darkening.

The answer was clear. Pei Shiyuan hadn’t lied to her. Xi Lingxue did have someone she liked.

But Xi Lingxue had kissed her last night…

What did that mean?

Nanny Zhang’s reaction was so strong, as if she was afraid Jiang Ci would find out.

So, that person must be very important to Xi Lingxue, important enough to affect their relationship.

Jiang Ci thought it over. It seemed she needed to probe Jin Yu for some information about this rival.

…

Nanny Zhang kept pulling Jin Yu along until they were in a secluded spot before finally letting go.

Jin Yu said, “Why did you cover my mouth? The princess really liked the female knight!”

“You little girl, use your brain, will you?” Nanny Zhang poked her forehead. “Don’t you want the princess and the marquis to be happy?”

Jin Yu pouted, muttering softly, “Of course I do…”

“Then don’t say anything, just pretend that person doesn’t exist.” Nanny Zhang also felt uneasy. “The female knight was good, but it’s been so many years. If she still cared about the princess, she would have come back by now. Besides, the princess is now married to the marquis. Let’s not bring up the female knight anymore. If the marquis finds out, she’ll definitely be upset.”

Jin Yu murmured an “Oh” understanding the reasoning but still feeling conflicted.

Would the marquis really be upset?

But since she had asked, wouldn’t it be bad to keep hiding it…

…

Breakfast would take a while, so Jiang Ci went to the study first.

Having decided to bring down the Yao family, she immediately got to work.

She first sent people to investigate both the palace and the Yao residence. Last night in the imperial garden, after Xi Lingxue left, those people had found nothing but an out-of-control Yao Zhi. The matter was eventually dropped, and it was only heard that Yao Zhi had been punished by his father to kneel in the ancestral hall all night.

Listening to her subordinate’s report, Jiang Ci sneered inwardly.

Yao Zhi got off easy. His father was quite capable, keeping everything under wraps. After all, with only Yao Zhi left, it could be dismissed as mere drunkenness, with no real consequences.

If the plot hadn’t derailed, Jiang Ci remembered that Yao Zhi’s father, Yao Jin’an, the Minister of Revenue, had embezzled a lot of government funds. Yao’s concubine was also heavily involved in these scandals.

Jiang Ci took a piece of paper and wrote down a few key names and locations as she recalled them.

Dealing with the Yao family wasn’t difficult. Jiang Ci didn’t even need to investigate personally. She just needed to leak some crucial information to the crown prince’s faction, and naturally, someone would act as her “blade.”

Of course, Yao Zhi was likely just a pawn. The mastermind behind this scheme was someone else.

…

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Xi Lingxue lazily turned over. Her hand groped around the bed for a while, and then she suddenly opened her eyes.

The room was empty, with only her inside.

Xi Lingxue immediately got up, not even bothering to put on her shoes, walking barefoot on the floor. In her haste, she accidentally bumped into the table.

Jin Yu was outside talking to someone when she heard the noise and hurried over, knocking on the door, “Princess? Are you awake?”

The door opened from the inside. Xi Lingxue had only casually thrown on an outer robe, her smooth black hair cascading like a waterfall, her snow-white skin glowing in the sunlight.

She frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping past Jin Yu, scanning the courtyard. A faint trace of panic flickered in her eyes, “Where’s Gao Yi?”

Waking up and immediately looking for someone, Nanny Zhang was pleased to see her reaction, silently marveling at how much closer the two had become.

Nanny Zhang smiled, “The marquis went to the study early this morning. Would the princess like to have breakfast now? The marquis hasn’t eaten yet either, insisting on waiting for you.”

Hearing this, Xi Lingxue was momentarily stunned, then her brows relaxed, and she said indifferently, “Alright.”

Although she still appeared cold, no different from usual, Nanny Zhang could tell she must be very happy inside.

…

Breakfast was spread across the table, with meat, soup, and a variety of dishes, more sumptuous than usual.

By the time Jiang Ci arrived, Xi Lingxue had already finished grooming and was seated at the table.

If it were any other Kunjun, after an incident like last night, they might have broken down in tears, leaving a psychological scar, or even falling into depression.

But Xi Lingxue seemed unaffected. She had changed into a black dress, which added a sharp edge to her demeanor, her eyes like deep pools, clear and cold.

When she looked up and saw Jiang Ci, the chill in her eyes instantly dissipated.

Jiang Ci reasonably suspected that she had been mentally plotting how to dismember Yao Zhi.

Jiang Ci served her a bowl of porridge and placed it in front of her, “I’ve already sent people to keep an eye on Yao Zhi.”

Now, Huang Runfa had opened four shops in the capital, located in the east, south, west, and north, aiming to better monitor the movements of various factions. Keeping tabs on Yao Zhi wasn’t difficult.

“By the way,” Jiang Ci remembered something else, “let’s invite Doctor Zhang over later. I feel like there’s something wrong with my body…”

She had consulted Zhang Chengji several times before, but perhaps due to some personal grudge against Gao Yi, Zhang Chengji had been particularly dismissive of her. Each time after the diagnosis, he would only give a few instructions, repeating the same things over and over, and her gland had shown no improvement.

Jiang Ci now suspected that the old man might be taking out his personal grievances on her.

Xi Lingxue was in the middle of serving Jiang Ci some food when she froze at her words. After a moment, she lowered her eyes, not daring to look at Jiang Ci, “Yesterday you mentioned wanting to see him. Is there something wrong with your body?”

“My gland, I want him to take a look.” Jiang Ci stared at the food in her bowl, completely missing Xi Lingxue’s expression. “I know it’s very private, but I really feel it’s quite serious… I’ve been taking medicine, but there’s been no improvement after all this time.”

“You have no idea, if it weren’t for General Pei stepping in yesterday, I would have definitely lost to Pei Shiyuan. This isn’t right… How could I lose to her?”

“Please talk to Zhang Chengji for me. He’ll only listen to you.” Jiang Ci muttered, “I suspect he hasn’t been treating me properly, just dragging it out. Does he still hold a grudge against me?”

Xi Lingxue’s eyes dimmed slightly, her hand unconsciously gripping the spoon tighter, emotions swirling in her eyes. After a long pause, she said, “…Alright, I’ll talk to him.”

…

Doctor Zhang had morning consultations and only had time in the afternoon. When he arrived at the marquis’s residence, he happened to run into Pei Shiyuan at the gate.

Pei Shiyuan had come to visit Xi Lingxue, bringing many supplements. Seeing him, she said, “Doctor Zhang, what a coincidence! Are you here to see Lingxue too?”

“Not exactly.” Doctor Zhang shook his head, his face filled with worry as they entered the residence together. “I’m here to see the Marquis of Dingyuan.”

“Gao Yi?” Pei Shiyuan was very surprised. “What’s wrong with her?”

Is it contagious? What about Lingxue?!

Wait, wasn’t she fine yesterday?

Well… she did seem a bit off.

Doctor Zhang sighed, clearly troubled.

He wasn’t entirely sure about Gao Yi’s condition either. It didn’t seem like hysteria, but her behavior and style had completely changed. That wasn’t the most pressing issue, though. The main problem was her gland. Letting this drag on wasn’t a solution.

But this matter concerned the princess’s safety, so no matter what, he would keep it a secret.

…

Xi Lingxue, knowing they had arrived, went out to greet them personally, while Jiang Ci waited inside.

Xi Lingxue had intended to discuss things with Doctor Zhang, but then she saw Pei Shiyuan had come too.

After exchanging a few words, Pei Shiyuan, seeing that Xi Lingxue seemed in good spirits and unaffected by Yao Zhi’s actions, finally felt relieved.

Before entering the room, Xi Lingxue pulled Doctor Zhang aside for a private conversation.

“Doctor Zhang, she’s already suspicious about the gland issue.” Xi Lingxue frowned, clutching her handkerchief tightly, struggling to speak. “I don’t want to keep hiding it from her…”

“You mustn’t, Princess!” Doctor Zhang’s expression immediately turned grave upon hearing this. “I’ve also noticed Gao Yi’s changes, but this matter is of great importance. Who can guarantee she won’t pursue it? If the emperor finds out, you can forget about entering the court!”

“Given the circumstances, we had no choice.” Doctor Zhang sighed. “I’ll do my best to delay. If we must tell her, it can’t be now.”

His meaning was clear: they had to wait until after seizing the throne and resolving their concerns before revealing the truth.

This could take years.

Xi Lingxue tightly closed her eyes. This situation had long since spiraled out of her control. Doctor Zhang and Jin Yu were both tied to her on this precarious path, leaving no room for risk.

After a few moments, Xi Lingxue slowly opened her eyes, her usual indifference returning.

Pei Shiyuan found their behavior odd. What were they discussing that she couldn’t hear?

Both of them had their backs to her, so she couldn’t see their expressions, but she suddenly felt that Xi Lingxue wasn’t as bright as before. Perhaps it was just her imagination.

Xi Lingxue appeared very slender, with a graceful figure, standing tall and elegant, naturally exuding an aura of cold solitude. In fact, this was true. She rarely opened up to others, maintaining a strong sense of distance. Even after knowing her for many years, Pei Shiyuan couldn’t always discern what she was thinking.

Perhaps it was the rare change into a black dress, but Pei Shiyuan felt she seemed even more reserved than before, with more secrets hidden in her heart.

Xi Lingxue led them inside. She and Pei Shiyuan sat at the table, brewing a pot of tea. Behind a screen, in the inner room, were Jiang Ci and Doctor Zhang.

Pei Shiyuan had been away from the capital for some time, and she had a lot to say to Xi Lingxue. She didn’t want anyone else to overhear their conversation.

She suggested, “The weather looks nice. Why don’t we take a walk outside?”

Xi Lingxue glanced at the screen, frowning slightly. “No, let’s talk here. It’s fine.”

“Ugh…” Pei Shiyuan pouted, whispering, “It’s just a medical consultation. You’re really guarding her like this. Sis, you’re way too devoted…”

This wasn’t about devotion…

Xi Lingxue rubbed her temples, not wanting to explain further. She changed the subject, “During your time away from the capital, did you meet anyone you liked?”

Xi Lingxue knew her standards when it came to choosing a partner. But the Pei family’s bloodline was exceptionally strong, and Pei Shiyuan had been trained by the general since childhood. Her martial skills were among the best of the younger generation.

Since her differentiation, she had never met anyone who met her expectations.

“No,” Pei Shiyuan sighed. “Their skills are too weak. None of them are worth my attention. Why are all the Qianjuns these days so useless?”

The word “useless” struck a nerve with Xi Lingxue. Her eyes darkened, and she fell silent.

While their conversation was hushed, the voices from the inner room were anything but quiet. Jiang Ci and Zhang Chengji were practically shouting at each other, their voices growing louder by the minute.

“Old Zhang, are you even competent? The more I drink your medicine, the weaker I feel. Are you poisoning me slowly or something?”

“Nonsense! Why would I do that?”

“Who knows? You call yourself a divine doctor, but maybe it’s all just marketing? A fabricated persona?”

“What are you even talking about? I don’t understand your nonsense.” Zhang Chengji lost his composure every time he argued with her. “Your gland condition is unique. Recovery is slow. I’ll research further and try a different prescription.”

“Another one? Fine, for the princess’s sake, I’ll give you one last chance. If it still doesn’t work, I’m replacing you!”

“Replacing me won’t change anything! If I can’t cure you, no one else can!”

…

Pei Shiyuan finally understood and was utterly shocked. She never expected to stumble upon such a juicy piece of gossip today!

“Her… her condition is problematic…” Pei Shiyuan whispered to Xi Lingxue. “It seems quite serious!”

Xi Lingxue nodded awkwardly, not wanting to elaborate.

With this bombshell revelation, Pei Shiyuan recalled last night’s events. No wonder Gao Yi’s skills seemed lacking—her crucial part was injured, affecting her performance!

As Pei Shiyuan pondered, she began to recall other overlooked details.

[“Didn’t you smell it? There seemed to be a scent of pheromones…”]
[“What? I didn’t notice anything.”]

At the time, she hadn’t paid attention, but now it sent chills down her spine.

An Qianjun, so slow to pheromones—Gao Yi could practically be considered half-crippled!

However, one thing Pei Shiyuan now realized was that Gao Yi was indeed very different from the person she remembered.

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

Pei Shiyuan pointed to her head and whispered, “…Is there something wrong with her up here?”

Xi Lingxue’s expression was complicated. After a long pause, she nodded, then shook her head. “At first, we thought it was hysteria, but even Doctor Zhang isn’t sure anymore.”

Pei Shiyuan was stunned and pressed further, “Can you elaborate?”

Xi Lingxue narrowed her eyes, carefully recalling the events of the past few months. “It was very sudden, with no warning. Her behavior, personality, habits, even her thoughts… it was as if, in an instant, she became a completely different person.”

Although Pei Shiyuan didn’t know the details of what had happened between them, she felt deeply moved. “Since even Doctor Zhang can’t figure it out, could it be possible… that she’s been possessed by a wandering spirit?”

Possessed by a wandering spirit?!

Xi Lingxue’s heart trembled. She had entertained similar thoughts before but dismissed them as too fantastical.

“Let me tell you, the world is full of strange things,” Pei Shiyuan said mysteriously. “I’ve seen it with my own eyes! A person who had already died suddenly came back to life, and their temperament changed completely. There happened to be an old Taoist priest in the area, and with a simple calculation, he determined that the person had been possessed by a wandering ghost! I think we should also find a Taoist priest—”

“This is infuriating!” Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Zhang Chengji’s roar.

He stormed out of the inner room, his gaze sweeping over Xi Lingxue as he suppressed his anger. In a low voice, he said, “Princess, Miss Pei, I’ll take my leave for today. The marquis’s condition is quite complex. I’ll return another day.”

Xi Lingxue nodded politely. “Very well. Thank you for your efforts, Doctor Zhang.”

Zhang Chengji gave a curt nod and left in a huff.

Pei Shiyuan watched him go, having never seen anyone provoke Zhang Chengji to such an extent. His hair was practically standing on end!

…

Pei Shiyuan stayed for lunch, but unfortunately, she never got another chance to speak privately with Xi Lingxue. The matter of finding a Taoist priest remained unresolved.

However, based on her observations, both Jin Yu and Nanny Zhang now treated Gao Yi extremely well, their attitudes completely different from before!

Pei Shiyuan became even more convinced of her theory.

Gao Yi must have been possessed by some kind of spirit. The question was, what kind of demon was it, and did it drain people’s vitality?!

Jiang Ci set down her chopsticks, suddenly feeling a chill run down her spine. She looked up to see Pei Shiyuan staring at her from across the table, her gaze eerily unsettling.

It felt like Sun Wukong encountering the White Bone Spirit disguised as a gentle maiden, her eyes gleaming with dangerous light. [“Hah! What kind of demon are you? How dare you bewitch my master! Take this!”]

“…”

Jiang Ci instantly broke out in goosebumps.

Just then, a servant arrived with a sealed letter.

Jiang Ci snapped out of her reverie and took the letter, opening it directly.

Xi Lingxue, sitting beside her, leaned over to read it as well.

The two of them—one not bothering to hide the contents, the other not hesitating to look—behaved like a couple who had been together for years. Pei Shiyuan couldn’t help but sigh at the sight.

If Gao Yi really had been possessed by a demon, and Xi Lingxue had genuinely fallen for the demon, what then?!

She resolved to find an opportunity to speak with Xi Lingxue alone. This matter couldn’t be delayed!

“Yao Zhi has reserved a private room at the Zuixian Pavilion, three days from now…” After reading the letter, Jiang Ci smiled.

This was the perfect opportunity to strike.

She looked up at Pei Shiyuan across the table. “Are you free three days from now? I could use your help.”