Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 40

40: Ten Years

It has been ten years since Gao Yi’s death, and the capital is once again in the midst of a scorching summer, with the sun blazing fiercely.

In the imperial study, a woman reclines on a soft couch, her slender figure outlined by the light palace attire. The red fabric accentuates her porcelain-like skin, making her appear enchanting and almost bewitchingly beautiful.

Prince Duan had been in the room for half a day, chattering away, but the beauty had been fixated on a yellowed letter in her hand, not once glancing at him.

“Imperial Sister, you’re being too reckless! How could you hand the throne to Xi Tingyue? What does she know? It would have been better to give it to me!”

Prince Duan couldn’t understand. She had only left the capital to handle some official business, and upon her return, the entire kingdom had changed! Was it because those ministers kept urging Xi Lingxue to expand her harem that she got fed up and simply abdicated?

Jin Yu sighed inwardly. It had been ten years, and Prince Duan was still so obsessed with the throne.

Xi Lingxue still didn’t look up, her face as cold and exquisite as carved jade. “Tingyue is no longer a child. She’s much more steady than you.”

“How can that be? I’m older than her!”

“I’m tired.”

With those two words, Jin Yu understood. Her highness was signaling it was time for the guest to leave.

She spoke in a low voice, “Prince Duan, please.”

Xi Lanhua wanted to argue further, but seeing the situation, she swallowed her words.

Her imperial sister was no longer the indifferent young lady from years ago. Though she claimed to be stepping back as the elder princess, she still held the reins of power. This seemingly delicate and pampered woman had become increasingly unpredictable, her methods so ruthless that they inspired fear.

No one knew how Xi Lingxue had uncovered the details, but she had managed to dredge up old cases, complete with witnesses and evidence, accurately grasping the weaknesses of the Crown Prince and Yao Jin’an.

In just a few years, the court had undergone a dramatic transformation. The Crown Prince and the Yao family had fallen one after another. The Empress had committed suicide, and Consort Yao had been banished to the cold palace. Of course, Prince Duan knew that her mother had deserved it. Compared to the Crown Prince, who was still exiled in a desolate land, Consort Yao’s fate was relatively lenient.

All of this had been orchestrated by Xi Lingxue.

A woman who had lost her lord was not to be trifled with.

Prince Duan collected her thoughts, coughed lightly, and said, “Then, Imperial Sister, take care of your health. I shall take my leave.”

After the prince left, Xi Lingxue put down the letter, crossing her long, beautiful legs and shifting her posture.

“Still no news?”

Since the day “Gao Yi” left, this question had been repeated three or four times daily. Jin Yu was long accustomed to it and replied, “There are two who seem to be suffering from delusions—”

Before she could finish, the woman immediately stood up. “Let’s go see.”

Jin Yu could only follow, sighing inwardly.

Her Highness always thought she knew what she was doing, but did she really?

It seemed she was forever on a quest.

After “Gao Yi” left, she had become almost obsessed, not even behaving this way when the female knight departed.

Finding a living person was like searching for a needle in a haystack, let alone a fleeting soul. It was practically a fantasy.

Ten years had passed, and how many people had been sent from all over the country?

“Your Highness…” Jin Yu opened her mouth but couldn’t bring herself to crush her hope.

“I know what you want to say,” Xi Lingxue said coldly, her steps hurried, her ink-black hair flying in the wind. “I always feel she hasn’t gone far. She must still be in Yu Kingdom.”

Jin Yu felt that Xi Lingxue’s condition was worsening. Sometimes, she would even dance alone, letting the plum fragrance disperse, as if experiencing some hallucination.

Relying on medication to get through her heat cycles for so long had taken a heavy toll.

…

Jiang Ci had heard many stories about Xi Lingxue from the storyteller.

It was said among the people that after Gao Yi’s death, she had become even more reticent.

However, this woman seemed to have divine assistance. Not long after entering the court, she had successively brought down the Yao family and the Consort’s faction, followed by the Crown Prince.

When Jiang Ci heard this, she thought that it seemed Xi Lingxue had seriously studied the strategies she had left behind. At least her efforts hadn’t been in vain.

In governing the country, Xi Lingxue was indeed a good emperor, swift and decisive in eliminating evil. But she also had a well-known eccentricity—she was constantly arresting people with strange temperaments, suspected of suffering from delusions.

Every month, hundreds of people from all over the country were captured and sent to the capital, reportedly interrogated by Xi Lingxue herself.

No one knew how these people had offended her, but the screams from the dungeons could be heard day and night.

As a result, the public order in Yu Kingdom had never been more stable, and troublemakers had drastically decreased.

Even mischievous children dared not cause trouble, fearing they might be taken away.

According to an old grandmother, uttering the name “Xi Lingxue” could stop a child’s nighttime crying.

After finishing his tale, the storyteller specifically warned Jiang Ci, “Miss, you need to be careful with that outfit of yours. Be wary of being captured!”

Jiang Ci listened with trepidation, automatically imagining a female demon, no, a sorceress—beautiful yet terrifying.

Strange temperament, suspected of suffering from delusions—though she was reluctant to admit it, wasn’t that exactly describing her?

Why was Xi Lingxue looking for her? And to throw her into the dungeons?!

This made Jiang Ci think the worst, though she remembered their farewell had been quite peaceful. Surely Xi Lingxue wouldn’t go this far…

[“Wake up! Stop being so obsessed! She’s just a scumbag!”]

Recalling these words, Jiang Ci took a sharp breath. Okay, maybe it wasn’t so peaceful.

She had insulted Xi Lingxue’s beloved.

But was it really necessary to hold a grudge for ten years? How deep was this hatred?!

However, this seemed to be the only reason. Jiang Ci couldn’t think of any other way she might have offended her.

After all, this woman was a black lotus, deeply in love with the female knight, treasuring her so much that she wouldn’t even reveal her name. How could she bear to have her insulted by a stand-in?

[“What is there to like about her? You married Gao Yi, but did she come to save you?”]

Jiang Ci clearly remembered how cold Xi Lingxue’s expression had been when she said those words.

A bitter feeling welled up in her heart. She had struggled for over half a year, yet she couldn’t compare to a single finger of that person. She couldn’t even insult her.

Being a stand-in was truly humiliating.

“Ah, miss, you should find a place to hide!” the storyteller reminded her. “The patrol is coming!”

Jiang Ci was startled. She didn’t have time to think too much. Looking up, she saw several officers heading in their direction.

Having been reborn, she had no desire to be captured again.

This time, Jiang Ci wanted nothing to do with Xi Lingxue.

She only wanted to heal her wounds and start anew, far away from Xi Lingxue.

Seeing the officers approaching, Jiang Ci didn’t hesitate. She ducked into a nearby pharmacy.

As soon as she entered, she was hit by the strong scent of herbs. To her right was a wide counter, and behind it, a wall filled with cabinets of medicines.

The shop wasn’t large, and at the moment, there was only one woman sprawled on a recliner, fast asleep. Her hair was disheveled, but her face was vaguely beautiful.

Jiang Ci didn’t look too closely. She quickly hid behind the counter, crouching down. The woman didn’t notice at all, her breathing still steady.

Soon, two officers entered the pharmacy.

Listening to the footsteps approaching and stopping right in front of the counter, Jiang Ci held her breath.

Her clothes were already peculiar. If they found her crouching here like a lunatic, she would surely be taken away!

She didn’t want to be thrown into the dungeons!

Fortunately, the two officers didn’t search too thoroughly, only glancing around briefly.

“Sanqi’s asleep again. Honestly, she’s not afraid of the shop being robbed.”

“She’s always like this. Who knows how much she’s drunk this time? Let’s go, let’s finish the patrol and grab something to eat. I’m starving.”

Listening to the footsteps fading away, Jiang Ci finally relaxed.

Just then, the sleeping woman suddenly spoke, “Hey, what are you doing? Aren’t you coming out?”

Her voice was lazy, and it was unclear how much of her was still drunk.

But since the woman had helped her, Jiang Ci stood up and said, “I’m sorry. My clothes are a bit strange, and I was afraid they’d misunderstand. In a panic, I hid here… Thank you.”

The woman glanced at her, raising an eyebrow at the odd attire, a hint of surprise in her expression.

She immediately sat up from the recliner. “Where are you from? What’s your name?”

Jiang Ci was also sizing up the other person. This woman was clearly older, more mature, but her skin was smooth and delicate, making her appear quite young, perhaps around thirty?

Her long hair was tied up with a ribbon, a few strands floating in front of her forehead, somewhat messy. Her clothes hung loosely on her body, looking unkempt, wasting a pretty face.

“I’m from the capital. My name is Jiang Ci.”

“Jiang Ci…” Mo Sanqi repeated the name twice, her eyes suddenly lighting up with interest. “Wonderful! Let me take a good look at you.”

Jiang Ci was baffled. Look? Look at what?

This woman was strange. Jiang Ci was certain she didn’t know her and had never met her before.

Xi Lingxue didn’t even remember her name, and after ten years, the person being hunted wasn’t named “Jiang Ci” So no one should know her.

Then what was this about? Why did this woman react this way upon hearing her name?

Amidst the sharp scent of alcohol mixed with a hint of grass, Mo Sanqi swayed over to Jiang Ci, reaching out to pinch her shoulders.

“You’re a Qianjun? Excellent bones, not bad, not bad. Good material…”

Jiang Ci sniffed. Since gaining a scent gland, she had become extremely sensitive to pheromones. As soon as the other woman approached, she realized that this woman was also a Qianjun.

“Um… Sister?” Jiang Ci tried to address her politely. “What do you mean?”

Mo Sanqi looked excited. “Be my disciple? I’ll teach you medicine!”

Jiang Ci: “???”

…A disciple? What kind of path was this?

Jiang Ci looked her up and down. No matter how she saw it, this person seemed utterly unreliable, either a lunatic or a street swindler. Even the methods used were so clichéd, with the “excellent bones” line. Who was she trying to fool?

“You don’t believe me?” Mo Sanqi noticed her expression and quickly added, “This pharmacy is mine! If you become my disciple, not only will you learn skills, but you’ll also have food and lodging. How about that?”

Food and lodging…

Jiang Ci was currently homeless, without a penny to her name, and no idea where her next meal would come from. This offer solved her immediate problems.

Jiang Ci was tempted. Moreover, this person wanted to teach her medicine…

When she had transmigrated into Gao Yi’s body, it was her lack of medical knowledge that had led to her downfall, being fooled by Zhang Chengji to death. Now that she had a second chance, she had to learn properly!

Jiang Ci decided to accept. After all, she was penniless and also a Qianjun. There was nothing to scam from her.

But there was one thing she needed to clarify first. Since she had suddenly transmigrated into this world, she had no identity, including household registration.

So she had no “ID card” and this couldn’t be hidden. A simple check would reveal her lack of identity.

After some thought, Jiang Ci said with some difficulty, “Actually, I’m a runaway slave…”

Runaway slaves had no household registration. She could only use this excuse.

“Runaway slave? That’s fine.” Mo Sanqi didn’t mind at all and didn’t press further. “You’re in luck. In a few days, the new empress will ascend the throne, and there will be a general amnesty. You can take the opportunity to register.”

Jiang Ci’s eyes widened. What a coincidence? It seemed she had transmigrated at a good time?

“Then… should I call you Master?”

Jiang Ci thought she should settle down first and consider the future later.

“Sure,” the woman said. “Your master’s name is Mo Sanqi. Remember it.”

…

Jiang Ci stayed at the pharmacy that day. Mo Sanqi, as her master, generously bought her a new set of clothes, though they were just ordinary commoner’s attire, not worth much.

Jiang Ci was delighted and quickly changed out of her T-shirt and jeans, feeling much more at ease.

Songxiang Town was quite far from the capital, a remote small town. Since she had transmigrated into a completely different appearance, even if she stood in front of Xi Lingxue, she wouldn’t be recognized.

A few days later, as Mo Sanqi had predicted, Prince Jing Xi Tingyue ascended the throne as the new empress, while Xi Lingxue was granted the title of elder princess.

When Jiang Ci heard the news, she felt no emotional turmoil. She had interacted with Xi Tingyue before and had a good impression of her. She was also on good terms with Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci was more concerned about her household registration. Fortunately, everything went smoothly. With the new empress’s general amnesty, she was able to register her “household” with Mo Sanqi’s help, transforming from an illegal resident to a “law-abiding citizen.”

Jiang Ci’s heart finally settled. Now she was just an ordinary commoner. She wouldn’t dance in the streets anymore. As long as she behaved, she wouldn’t attract the attention of the searching officers.

The pharmacy where Jiang Ci worked was called Hui Chun Tang. Her main job was to assist Mo Sanqi, occasionally flipping through medical books and notes, and sometimes following Mo Sanqi up the mountain to gather herbs.

Mo Sanqi also took her along on house calls. At first, Jiang Ci thought this person was unreliable, taking on a disciple so casually. But to her surprise, Mo Sanqi was genuinely skilled.

Though she usually seemed careless, her medical skills were indeed remarkable. There was almost no herb she didn’t recognize. Whether it was a major illness or a minor ailment, the townspeople only needed a couple of prescriptions or a session of acupuncture from her.

Jiang Ci had a good memory and learned quickly. Soon, she could diagnose and treat some common illnesses, even prescribing medicines.

Jiang Ci practiced calligraphy every day, so her prescriptions looked decent. Xi Lingxue had often teased her about her ugly handwriting, so Jiang Ci channeled her frustration into motivation, starting from the basics, stroke by stroke.

Three months passed in a flash. Gradually, the townspeople learned that Mo Sanqi had taken on a young, beautiful, and talented disciple. Not only was she intelligent and studious, but she was also witty and humorous, with excellent handwriting.

Most importantly, Jiang Ci was a single Qianjun.

This stirred up the Kunjun in Songxiang Town. Mo Sanqi could clearly feel the surge in customers. Every day, several Kunjun would visit. Some shyly left gifts and ran off, while others boldly flirted.

“Dr. Jiang, I’ve been feeling weak and distracted these past few days, always dreaming of you when I sleep. What illness do I have?”

Love sickness, of course.

Mo Sanqi sat in a corner, munching on melon seeds, watching as the woman coquettishly flirted with her disciple.

Even from that distance, she could smell the Kunjun’s pheromones!

“It’s your heat cycle,” Jiang Ci remained unmoved, finishing the pulse reading and withdrawing her hand. “Rest well and take your medicine on time. If you’re really uncomfortable, my master can give you a few acupuncture sessions.”

The woman was frustrated. What acupuncture? A temporary mark would suffice!

Of course, she could tell Jiang Ci was indirectly rejecting her. A Qianjun who wasn’t affected by a Kunjun’s pheromones said it all. The woman didn’t linger, leaving disappointed.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Mo Sanqi shook her head and sighed. “How many is that now? Disciple, what kind of Kunjun do you like?”

“I don’t know,” Jiang Ci didn’t even turn her head, casually picking up a medical book to read. “I’m not in the mood to think about such things now. Besides, these things depend on fate. No need to worry.”

“Oh, you’re quite open-minded.”

Mo Sanqi opened a pack of pastries, taking a piece to taste.

The pastries were also gifts from the town’s Kunjun. Previously, they had tried to win Jiang Ci over with food, but after being rejected, they switched to currying favor with her master, hoping to put in a good word for them and “save the country through curves.”

But this little disciple was like an iron tree that wouldn’t bloom for three thousand years. Even before her estrus cycle, she would take preventive medicine, cautious and restrained.

When they first met, Mo Sanqi could still smell the faint scent of cypress on Jiang Ci. But as her control improved, from last month onwards, there was almost no trace of scent on her in daily life.

After all, one couldn’t bite the hand that fed them. Mo Sanqi still mentioned, “What do you think of that Xiao Rou who came to buy medicine the other day? That girl is gentle and lovely, with good cooking skills. I think she’s nice.”

“Oh, if you like her, why don’t you marry her?” Jiang Ci glanced at her. “Your disciple isn’t in a hurry. Master’s lifelong matters are more important.”

When they first met, Jiang Ci thought Mo Sanqi was at most thirty. Later, she found out she was already in her forties. Her appearance was remarkably well-maintained. Jiang Ci was only twenty-four, and standing next to her, they could pass as sisters.

With this youthful and charming face, Mo Sanqi was on friendly terms with the Kunjun in town. One day she would call out to Xiao Hong, the next to Xiao Lu, with countless “close friends” but she had never considered marriage.

Mo Sanqi picked up the gourd hanging at her waist and started drinking again. “I’m not getting married.”

The two of them now relied on each other. Jiang Ci had also drunk with Mo Sanqi several times. She could sense that Mo Sanqi always had a playful attitude towards Kunjun, never taking anyone seriously.

Jiang Ci didn’t know what was hidden in her heart, but since Mo Sanqi didn’t want to talk about it, she didn’t ask.

Everyone had secrets, and everyone had pasts they didn’t want to revisit.

Mo Sanqi had taken her in and taught her medicine. Jiang Ci was already grateful. In fact, she no longer wanted to leave. Living in Songxiang Town was good. Though not as wealthy as when she was the Marquis of Dingyuan, it was happy and free.

Hui Chun Tang didn’t have living quarters. The two actually lived outside the town, in a large courtyard where they could dry many herbs. When the sun set, Hui Chun Tang would close for the day.

Today was the same. Mo Sanqi locked up the shop and led Jiang Ci, strolling leisurely towards the outskirts of town.

Songxiang Town was located in the central part of Yu Kingdom. The town was shaded by green trees, and the air was fresh. Walking through the town’s streets, Jiang Ci felt particularly relaxed.

Away from the court’s intrigues, without deceit and schemes, only the daily necessities and the changing seasons. Everything here was simple.

Jiang Ci loved this feeling. Every day was fulfilling, so much so that she had little time to think about Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci knew that Xi Lingxue was now the most noble elder princess of Yu Kingdom. Though not on the throne, she still held immense power.

She didn’t deliberately seek news about Xi Lingxue, only hearing a few sentences from the storyteller.

Ten years had passed. Whether Xi Lingxue had found that female knight, Jiang Ci didn’t care. She had no interest in the palace’s secrets or Xi Lingxue’s private life. Or rather, she deliberately avoided them.

Mo Sanqi filled her gourd with wine at the tavern and eagerly took a sip, looking quite intoxicated.

Jiang Ci noticed her steps were becoming unsteady again. It seemed she was rarely sober.

Compared to herself, Jiang Ci thought Mo Sanqi should quickly find a wife, preferably a strict one who could keep her in check.

As they passed a shop on the corner, Jiang Ci noticed it had been under renovation for several days and was now taking shape. She hadn’t paid much attention before, but now the style seemed oddly familiar.

In a daze, a tall, slender woman emerged from the shop, coincidentally running into them.

“Master Mo? Long time no see. I hope you’ve been well.”

The woman smiled gracefully, her demeanor elegant and composed.

Seeing her face, Jiang Ci initially found her familiar, but the more she looked, the more alarmed she became, her back turning cold.

Though her demeanor was vastly different from before, Jiang Ci recognized her. This was Huang Fu!

Back then, she and Huang Fu had been about the same age, with no more than two years difference. Now, ten years had passed, and that youthful girl had become a shrewd businesswoman.

The younger sister had become an elder sister, her every movement exuding the charm of a mature woman.

There was some joy in seeing her, but it was quickly overshadowed by panic and a heightened sense of danger.

Huang Fu was her friend, but she was also Xi Lingxue’s person.

Even more terrifying, Huang Fu was the intelligence operative she had personally trained!

She knew her well!

Such a person had come to Songxiang Town! And she knew Mo Sanqi!

Jiang Ci suddenly felt immense pressure. Huang Fu’s appearance shattered the tranquility of the town. Jiang Ci instantly felt that this place was no longer safe.

She stepped behind Mo Sanqi, then subtly scanned her surroundings. Fortunately, there was no sign of Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci quietly sighed in relief, but she couldn’t help feeling curious. Ten years had passed. What did Xi Lingxue look like now?

It seemed she was also an elder sister now…

Jiang Ci was still in a daze when she heard Mo Sanqi warmly say, “Boss Huang, what a coincidence! How’s your health? The last time I saw you was a year ago. You’ve lost weight. What, earning so much money isn’t enough?”

“I’d like to rest, but my boss won’t let me.” Huang Fu smiled, her social skills smooth as ever. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, she turned her gaze to Jiang Ci. “And this young lady is?”

Being addressed, Jiang Ci gritted her teeth. Hiding further would only raise suspicions.

She stepped forward, meeting Huang Fu’s probing gaze. As their eyes met, she felt a chill run down her spine, as if she had been spotted by a hunter.