Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 44

44: Betraying a Friend

After ten long years of searching, the person she had been looking for was finally right before her eyes. How could Pei Shiyuan refuse?

The cold and dignified woman, who had been on the verge of tears, suddenly smiled, though her excitement triggered a coughing fit. Her jade-like skin flushed with a sickly red hue as she tightly gripped the love lock in her hand, trying her best to restrain her emotions.

Pei Shiyuan’s heart was a whirlwind of mixed feelings. She couldn’t help but think that love was truly the most complicated emotion of all. Even Xi Lingxue, it seemed, couldn’t escape its grasp.

Jiang Ci had been lying alone in bed for a long time, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Her mind kept circling back to the fact that she hadn’t been marked.

Ten years…

Hadn’t Xi Lingxue already been an empress? Didn’t she have a harem? What kind of Qianjun couldn’t she have?

And yet, she was said to be lovesick…

Was it true?

Now, Jin Yu had grown into a graceful young woman, much taller than before, even capable of disguising herself as a man. Jiang Ci had already reunited with most of her old friends, except for Xi Lingxue. Unfortunately, Xi Lingxue had been wearing a veil, so Jiang Ci hadn’t been able to see her face clearly.

“Why am I even thinking about her? What does she have to do with me?”

Jiang Ci was annoyed. She pulled the blanket over her head, as if trying to isolate herself from the world.

She needed to fall asleep quickly. When dawn broke, she would return to her master. If Songxiang Town became untenable, she and her master could always take to the road, living as wandering swordsmen. With their skills, they wouldn’t have to worry about food or shelter.

Not long after, Pei Shiyuan returned from next door, only to find Jiang Ci wrapped up like a silkworm cocoon, her head buried under the blankets.

Wasn’t she going to suffocate herself?

Sure enough, the next second, Jiang Ci emerged, taking a deep breath.

“Oh, Doctor Jiang, still awake?” Pei Shiyuan smirked mischievously. “If you can’t sleep, why not get up and check Lingxue’s pulse? She seems quite ill this time.”

Jiang Ci glared at her. “Sister, do you know what time it is? Checking her pulse now…”

If this were the past, she would have been preparing to go to court.

Pei Shiyuan shrugged. “What does it matter? You’re already awake. Maybe a walk will help you sleep.”

“I’m not awake because of insomnia; I had too much tea tonight!” Jiang Ci turned over, facing away from Pei Shiyuan. “I’m not skilled enough to treat her. Tell her to go see my master in town tomorrow.”

As the two spoke, neither noticed the figure quietly approaching from outside.

Xi Lingxue had been waiting in her room, but she couldn’t control her longing. Even just hearing Jiang Ci’s voice would be enough.

She had once possessed all of Jiang Ci’s love but had failed to cherish it. Although she had been the one to fall out of love, she had been too cowardly to admit it, thinking that driving Jiang Ci away would set everything right.

She had been wrong…

She had hurt the person who loved her the most.

Xi Lingxue clutched her chest, overwhelmed by bitterness.

Countless times, she had woken from dreams of that fateful night, her cold expression and hurtful words replaying in her mind.

Each time, she would wake up in tears.

Heaven’s punishment was justified, she had brought it upon herself.

But now, miraculously, she had found Jiang Ci again.

Inside the room, Pei Shiyuan was still trying to persuade Jiang Ci. “Come on, Doctor Jiang. I’ve heard you’re quite famous in Songxiang Town.”

Jiang Ci snorted. “You’ve really done your homework.”

“Of course.” Pei Shiyuan said. “So, Doctor Jiang, could you please take a look at her? There will be a generous reward.”

“Don’t waste your breath.” Jiang Ci said, her voice low. “Do you think that bottle of medicine means I still have feelings for her?”

Outside the door, Xi Lingxue’s heart skipped a beat.

“Uh… doesn’t it?” Pei Shiyuan scratched her nose.

“Pei Shiyuan, you’re a good person. I gave her the medicine out of respect for your friendship.” Jiang Ci said coldly. “There won’t be a next time.”

Her words were as much for herself as for anyone else.

Pei Shiyuan stood frozen, thinking, This is bad. She had thought there was still a chance for them, but perhaps she was wrong. Maybe Jiang Ci really wouldn’t look back.

What would happen to Lingxue then?

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

A faint, cautious voice came from outside. Xi Lingxue wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, trying to steady her emotions. “Miss Jiang, I’m sorry to disturb you. May I come in?”

Pei Shiyuan was startled. This wasn’t part of the plan. Why was Xi Lingxue so impatient? She had come on her own.

Standing at the door, she must have heard everything…

After a moment of silence, Jiang Ci replied, “Please go back. I’m already in bed.”

“Miss Jiang, I… don’t mean anything else. I just wanted to thank you in person. After we part this time, the mountains and rivers will separate us, and we may never meet again.”

Her voice was filled with sorrow, painting a picture of a heartbroken woman.

Was this still the cold and aloof “Black Lotus”?

Jiang Ci gritted her teeth and sat up. “Come in.”

It was just a thank-you. She would leave soon, and that would be the end of it.

Pei Shiyuan quickly opened the door.

Jiang Ci had been sleeping in her clothes, so she simply smoothed her hair.

As soon as Xi Lingxue entered, her eyes locked onto Jiang Ci. It wasn’t until Pei Shiyuan subtly nudged her that she lowered her gaze, slightly flustered, afraid of revealing too much.

Fortunately, Jiang Ci didn’t look at her.

Pei Shiyuan considerately closed the door. “You two talk. I’ll be next door.”

Jiang Ci wanted to stop her—why leave?—but Pei Shiyuan was already gone.

Glancing at the woman in the room, Jiang Ci quickly averted her eyes and gestured to a chair. “Sit.”

The young woman was exquisitely beautiful, with delicate features and an air of rebelliousness.

She was so young, even a few years younger than Xi Lingxue.

Xi Lingxue’s eyes trembled, and her breathing quickened. She clenched her hands, trying to suppress another coughing fit.

Her face flushed red, and tears welled up in her eyes. The delicate veins on her slender neck stood out, making her appear fragile and delicate.

“Are you… not well?” Jiang Ci frowned, helping her sit down. “You shouldn’t be out in this condition.”

“It’s nothing, just an old ailment.” Xi Lingxue said, her gaze lingering on Jiang Ci. “May I call you A Ci?”

Jiang Ci inadvertently looked up, meeting her eyes.

Xi Lingxue had grown thinner and more haggard, her fragile body seemingly on the verge of collapse at the slightest breeze. Yet, even in this state, her beauty was undeniable.

She had become more gentle and tender, her red-rimmed eyes like a pool of spring water, filled with an unspoken depth of emotion.

This wasn’t what Jiang Ci had expected…

For a moment, Jiang Ci was stunned, but she quickly looked away. “Sure. Since you’re here, let me check your pulse. I know a bit of medicine.”

Xi Lingxue was slightly surprised, a flicker of joy in her eyes. She quickly lowered her head, hiding the emotions swirling within her. When she spoke again, her voice carried a hint of grievance. “Okay…”

Jiang Ci was also annoyed. She hadn’t intended to offer, but that brief eye contact had thrown her off balance, and the words had slipped out. Now, it was too late to take them back.

She had to admit, even after all these years, this woman still captivated her.

Oh well, it was just checking her pulse.

Jiang Ci forced herself to remain calm. “It’s nothing. You’re Pei Shiyuan’s friend.”

Xi Lingxue’s heart clenched, a sour feeling spreading through her.

Pei Shiyuan… once again, it was because of her.

Her eyes dimmed as she stared at the slender, pale fingers resting on her wrist. For a moment, Xi Lingxue wanted to grab that hand and never let go.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Both women were lost in their own thoughts.

Perhaps distracted, Jiang Ci took longer than usual to check the pulse. “You’re overthinking, and your qi and bl00d are weak. You need more rest.”

The illness wasn’t severe, but it had been dragging on for too long.

“Mm.” Xi Lingxue withdrew her hand, her fingertips lightly brushing the spot where Jiang Ci had touched her, as if trying to hold onto the warmth. “Thank you, A Ci. I came to thank you, but I’ve troubled you again.”

“It’s fine, go rest.” Jiang Ci said, standing up to usher her out, not giving her a chance to linger.

Xi Lingxue’s gaze was filled with longing, but she had no reason to stay. Slowly, she made her way to the door.

Jiang Ci knocked on the next room’s door. “Pei Shiyuan, come over. She needs to rest.”

However, no matter how much she knocked, there was no response from inside.

Jiang Ci felt a sense of foreboding. Could it be what she was thinking…?

Xi Lingxue said calmly, “They must already be asleep.”

What?!

This was like a bolt from the blue. Jiang Ci was stunned. Had Pei Shiyuan really pulled such a stunt?!

How treacherous!

They had taken the next room, so this room could only—

Xi Lingxue sighed softly. “It seems I’ll have to trouble A Ci to let me stay the night.”

“No, no, this…” Jiang Ci turned and knocked on the door again, almost gnashing her teeth. “Pei Shiyuan!”

Damn it, was she really selling her out like this?!

There was still no sound from inside. The two of them were as silent as the dead.

Pei Shiyuan, hiding under the blankets, silently prayed. This was a bold move, but she hoped Jiang Ci wouldn’t blow up.

After knocking for a while with no response, Jiang Ci asked Xi Lingxue, “Your servant, she just left you like this?”

Wasn’t Jin Yu her maid? How could she be so careless, leaving Xi Lingxue with a Qianjun she had just met today?!

“A Ci is Shiyuan’s friend, so of course I trust you.” Xi Lingxue said with a soft smile, her eyes gentle. “Besides, we’re both Qianjun. Sharing a room isn’t a problem.”

You’re no Qianjun…

Jiang Ci massaged her temples in frustration. Unfortunately, she couldn’t expose Xi Lingxue without revealing herself.

Jiang Ci suddenly realized how good this woman had become at acting. She could lie so naturally!

Oh well, they would just have to make do for the night.

She needed to rest quickly. Tomorrow, she would ride back to Songxiang Town, and after that, she would never have anything to do with this woman again!

Jiang Ci and Xi Lingxue returned to the room. Inside, there were two single beds, separated only by a nightstand.

This time, Jiang Ci didn’t say much. After turning off the light, she lay facing the wall.

She couldn’t believe she was once again sharing a room with her “ex-wife” in such a clichéd way.

Wasn’t this just supposed to be a simple thank-you? How had it turned into this…?

In the darkness, Xi Lingxue kept her eyes on Jiang Ci’s back, afraid that if she closed them, Jiang Ci would disappear again, just like she had ten years ago.

Though they were only an arm’s length apart, Xi Lingxue didn’t dare make any move.

The next morning, Jiang Ci woke up at dawn, dark circles under her eyes. She hadn’t slept well.

She realized that some people had a strong presence, even when they were silent.

Xi Lingxue’s eyes were tightly shut, her brows furrowed even in sleep. Her long, thick lashes fluttered slightly, as if she were having a restless dream.

Jiang Ci quietly got up, but the moment she moved, Xi Lingxue opened her eyes.

“Where are you going?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Xi Lingxue regretted them. She had been too eager. Biting her lip, she added, “I mean, A Ci, won’t you sleep a little longer?”

Jiang Ci turned back, puzzled. Xi Lingxue was sitting up, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall. Her slightly loose collar revealed a glimpse of her fair skin, delicate and alluring, though she seemed unaware of it.

Jiang Ci’s mind went blank for a moment, and she couldn’t help but stare. Had she imagined the hint of panic in Xi Lingxue’s voice just now?

“I’m not sleeping anymore,” Jiang Ci said, her face flushing as she looked away. “I’m going downstairs to eat.”

“I’ll join you. Wait for me, A Ci.”

Jiang Ci didn’t want to wait, but seeing how frail Xi Lingxue looked, she couldn’t just leave her behind.

She never expected the “Black Lotus” to become so delicate…

What if she fell?

Oh well, Jiang Ci comforted herself. It was just breakfast. Soon, they would go their separate ways.

Both women had slept in their clothes, so they only needed to freshen up a bit before heading out.

As they passed the next room, Jiang Ci shot a glare at the door.

Well done, you two slept soundly!

They went downstairs together. Just as they reached the bottom, Xi Lingxue suddenly had a “severe” coughing fit, her body swaying as if she might fall. Jiang Ci quickly reached out to steady her.

But then, Xi Lingxue leaned into her.

Jiang Ci: “…”

Her hand rested on Xi Lingxue’s soft waist, and the sudden closeness made Jiang Ci catch a faint whiff of plum blossoms. Though masked by the scent of a Qianjun, the fragrance was unmistakable, like a small flame igniting in her heart. If she wasn’t careful, the fire would spread.

Jiang Ci jerked her hand away as if burned, stepping back half a step.

In an instant, she was drenched in cold sweat. That had been close—her instincts had almost taken over. This was the first time since her rebirth that she had nearly lost control. Back in Songxiang Town, no matter how many Kunjuns had tried to seduce her, she had always remained composed, never showing any physical reaction.

Jiang Ci had always prided herself on her ability to control her instincts, but just now…

This woman was dangerous!

Xi Lingxue steadied herself on the stairs, her eyes red-rimmed. “Sorry, A Ci. I felt a bit dizzy just now.”

“It’s fine.” Jiang Ci said, her eyes darkening. “You should really stay in your room. You can have breakfast brought up.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll feel better after eating.” Xi Lingxue said with a soft smile. “I just feel a bit reluctant to part with you, A Ci.”

Jiang Ci’s mouth twitched. Heh, the Black Lotus has really improved over the years! Her words were like honey, something Jiang Ci had never seen before.

They had only known each other for less than a day. What was there to be reluctant about?

Jiang Ci looked away. “There’s nothing in this world that can’t be let go of. You’ll get used to it.”

“Has A Ci experienced many partings?”

Many?

Jiang Ci thought of her parents, her classmates. Not really, most of them had just drifted apart over time.

Now that she thought about it, perhaps no one could accompany another forever.

In the end, she couldn’t hold onto anything.

Before she could answer, Xi Lingxue continued, “I’ve experienced a sudden parting once. The person was talking to me one moment, and the next, they were gone. Without a sound, without a trace.”

“She probably never knew that I regretted it the very same day,” Xi Lingxue said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I wanted to make it up to her, but she didn’t even give me the chance.”

Jiang Ci’s gaze froze. Of course, she knew who Xi Lingxue was talking about.

But what was the point of saying all this now?

Belated affection was worthless.

Back then, Xi Lingxue had been so stingy with her feelings, never speaking a word of truth, always deceiving her. Jiang Ci had loved until she was utterly exhausted.

Now that she wanted to leave the past behind and start anew, why was this woman coming to repent?

Had she really fallen in love with her substitute?

Jiang Ci sneered inwardly. How cliché.

“Maybe that person doesn’t need any compensation.” Jiang Ci said. “Since she’s already let go, you should move on too. There’s no need to cling to the past.”

“What if I insist on clinging?”

Xi Lingxue’s frail body seemed even more delicate, her face pale with illness, her eyes filled with a maddening stubbornness.

Jiang Ci was taken aback for a moment, then smiled. “That’s your business.”

Her reply was so casual, as if nothing mattered to her anymore, as if everything was irrelevant.

Xi Lingxue stared into Jiang Ci’s eyes, searching for even a hint of resentment, something that would prove she still cared.

But Jiang Ci’s gaze was as indifferent as if she were looking at a stranger, devoid of joy or sorrow.

Xi Lingxue felt as if a dull knife were slowly piercing her chest, each heartbeat an unbearable torment.

Her breathing grew rapid, her delicate collarbone rising and falling. The corners of her eyes reddened, adding a touch of allure to her fragile beauty.

Jiang Ci didn’t linger. She turned and went to order breakfast, leaving Xi Lingxue standing alone. Xi Lingxue leaned weakly against the railing, almost collapsing.

Pei Shiyuan watched them from upstairs, shaking her head with a sigh.

Despite her efforts to bring them together last night, it seemed Jiang Ci’s heart was truly set. She was determined to move on.

Pei Shiyuan, being a martial artist, had heard the door next door open and had quietly followed to observe. She had witnessed Xi Lingxue’s blatant attempts to seduce Jiang Ci and had heard Jiang Ci’s cutting remarks. It left her with mixed feelings.

She went downstairs and guided the despondent Xi Lingxue to the table.

“There’s still time.” Pei Shiyuan comforted her. “She’s not married yet. You still have a chance.”

“I know.” Xi Lingxue said, forcing herself to stay strong despite the bitterness in her heart. “Where’s Jin Yu? Is she still asleep?”

Pei Shiyuan awkwardly rubbed her nose. “She should be up soon.”

Xi Lingxue sighed. “You were too heavy-handed.”

Jiang Ci’s identity couldn’t be revealed to Jin Yu yet, but Jin Yu kept pressing for answers. Pei Shiyuan had resorted to her old method: knocking her out.

Jin Yu was still unconscious.

Jiang Ci returned with a plate of steamed buns, her eyes blazing when she saw Pei Shiyuan. “You fell asleep pretty quickly last night, huh?”

Pei Shiyuan picked up her chopsticks and started eating. “Yeah, I did.”

Jiang Ci: Damn it, she’s not even making excuses.

After breakfast, Jin Yu finally woke up, and Xi Lingxue brought her some food.

As soon as dawn broke, Jiang Ci was ready to leave, but when she asked, she found out that everyone was heading to Songxiang Town. Reluctantly, she agreed to travel with them.

Because of last night’s “betrayal” Pei Shiyuan offered her own horse to Jiang Ci as a peace offering.

“Here, the fastest horse in Yu Kingdom, Zhuying.”

Jiang Ci shot her a glare but didn’t refuse. With a quick leap, she mounted the horse.

She had been impressed by the black steed when she first saw it. Jiang Ci decided she would get herself a fine horse like this someday. How majestic it would be!

Pei Shiyuan rode the horse Jiang Ci had “borrowed” from Huang Fu and caught up to her. “Where did you get this body? It’s not another possession, is it?”

Jiang Ci: “It’s my own.”

Pei Shiyuan was surprised. So this was the real body of the “demon.” So young…

She pinched Jiang Ci’s cheek. “So tender.”

Jiang Ci swatted her hand away. “What are you doing, taking advantage?”

“What’s wrong with letting your sister touch you?” Pei Shiyuan chuckled. “I didn’t get a chance to ask yesterday. Where have you been all these years? There’s been no news of you at all.”

“Uh… just wandering around, I guess.” Jiang Ci said, embarrassed to admit she had been sleeping all this time.

Xi Lingxue sat in the carriage, lifting the curtain to watch Jiang Ci.

The young woman rode the tall black horse, bathed in the morning sun, her hair flying in the wind, radiant like fire.

Xi Lingxue was mesmerized. She didn’t know what they were talking about, but when Jiang Ci smiled and reached over to pluck a leaf from Pei Shiyuan’s shoulder, the two of them rode side by side, chatting and laughing.

Xi Lingxue’s expression darkened. There was a time when she had been the closest to Jiang Ci.

“Miss, look.” Jin Yu said. “Miss Pei and Miss Jiang seem so close. She even let her ride her horse. Actually, they look quite well-matched.”

Jiang Ci was the most handsome Qianjun Jin Yu had ever seen. Aside from her, Pei Shiyuan didn’t seem to get along with any other Qianjun. Most importantly, they had shared a room last night!

“Matched?” Xi Lingxue’s eyes darkened, a faint red glint appearing. “She can only be mine.”

Hearing this, Jin Yu was stunned.

What did she mean? Had her Highness also taken a liking to this Qianjun?

After a long pause, Jin Yu realized this was good news!

Her Highness had finally shifted her affections!!!

Liking Jiang Ci was much better than searching everywhere for “Gao Yi”!

Jin Yu had a good impression of Jiang Ci. If it hadn’t been for her giving up her room last night, they would have had nowhere to sleep. Besides, when her Highness had grabbed Jiang Ci’s wrist yesterday, Jiang Ci had been very understanding and hadn’t blamed her.

Jin Yu didn’t understand why Xi Lingxue had suddenly changed, but her thoughts were simple: as long as it made Xi Lingxue happy, it was fine.

“Miss Jiang!” Jin Yu called out. “Could you come over for a moment?”

Jiang Ci turned around, frowning when she saw it was Jin Yu calling her.

It must be Xi Lingxue again.

Pei Shiyuan patted her. “Go on, what are you waiting for?”

Jiang Ci narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t tell her my identity, did you?”

Pei Shiyuan’s heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t answer directly. “You’ll know by her reaction.”

Jiang Ci thought for a moment. Xi Lingxue hadn’t shown any unusual behavior. If she had known Jiang Ci was “Gao Yi” she probably wouldn’t have been so calm.

Of course, it was also possible that she was just acting. This woman’s acting skills had improved greatly.

In any case, it was best to keep their relationship at a polite distance.

Xi Lingxue was only here for a short trip. She would stay in Songxiang Town for a few days and then leave. After that, they would go their separate ways, never to cross paths again.

With these thoughts in mind, Jiang Ci rode over to the carriage and stopped beside Jin Yu. “What is it?”

Before Jin Yu could answer, the carriage curtain was lifted, and a soft voice came from inside. “A Ci, it’s me.”

Jiang Ci pursed her lips. Of course, she knew. She had asked Jin Yu on purpose because she didn’t want to talk to Xi Lingxue.

“Oh, what is it?” Jiang Ci’s voice was slightly cold, betraying no emotion.

Xi Lingxue’s face flushed, and she struggled to suppress the emotions surging within her. Biting her lip, she said, “I… also want to ride a horse. Could you take me, A Ci?”