Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 47

47: Escape

Pei Shiyuan was stunned for a moment before she finally realized that Jiang Ci was indeed the “ghost” she had been referring to. This was her residence, so what was there to be afraid of?

Moreover, judging by the pheromones, those two should still be inside the house.

A faint sound came from the window again, “Pei…”

Accompany? Jin Yu grew even more frightened, “Is she trying to drag us down to hell with her?!”

Pei Shiyuan: “…”

She pondered over the two words the “ghost” had called out, “Pei… Yuan,” and realized it seemed to be calling her name.

Honestly, Pei Shiyuan had always thought her name was quite pleasant, but just now, being called out like that, it did send a chill down her spine.

Pei Shiyuan was now almost certain that the “ghost” was Jiang Ci. She told Jin Yu to stay put while she went to investigate.

“Be careful!” Jin Yu urged.

Pei Shiyuan slowly approached the window and tentatively called out, “Jiang Ci?”

“Yes…”

Hearing the weak voice, Pei Shiyuan could easily imagine how intense the “battle” had been. “Is Lingxue there too?”

Jiang Ci had already slid down the wall to sit on the floor, while Xi Lingxue was unconsciously nibbling on her neck, her clothes loosely draped over her, as if she had been possessed.

“Yes…” Jiang Ci was on the verge of tears, tilting her head away from Xi Lingxue, “Please take her away…”

Pei Shiyuan covered her mouth in shock. Oh heavens, it seemed things had indeed gone as she had imagined. Jiang Ci was about to be drained dry!

“Are… are you both dressed? Jin Yu and I are coming in!”

“Wait!” Jiang Ci paused, then said, “Better boil some hot water first.”

She glanced at Xi Lingxue, whose snow-white body was marked with various shades of red, and glistening with an unknown liquid. It was utterly scandalous, far from her usual dignified appearance.

If they were to leave, they needed to clean up and change clothes first.

Jin Yu couldn’t smell the pheromones and had no idea what had happened inside. She only heard Pei Shiyuan say they needed to prepare a carriage because Xi Lingxue wasn’t in a condition to move. Jin Yu had a belly full of questions but decided to hold them back for now and quickly returned to the inn.

Pei Shiyuan boiled the water and brought it in. She was curious to gossip, but unfortunately, the screen blocked her view of the situation inside.

“I’ve prepared everything. How’s Lingxue? Do you need my help?”

“No need,” Jiang Ci drank some water, feeling as if she had been reborn, and regained some strength. “Wait in the yard for a bit, we’ll be out soon. Also, could you spare me some food…”

Damn Xi Lingxue, Jiang Ci almost wanted to cry. She had been worked to the bone without even a bite to eat! How could any Qianjun endure this?!

“I’ve already told Jin Yu,” Pei Shiyuan said, noticing that Jiang Ci’s voice sounded stronger than before. “I’ll wait outside for you.”

Jiang Ci: “Okay!”

Xi Lingxue clung to her, kissing her eyebrows and nose, lost in a daze, “I miss you, A’Ci, don’t go—”

Jiang Ci swallowed her murmurs, ravaging her lips, and finally bit her, replying fiercely, “I’m not going! But first, come with me to bathe!”

The woman groaned in pain, her hazy eyes opening slightly, as if she had regained some clarity.

Bathing… right, she remembered Jiang Ci cared a lot about this.

“Okay, I’ll wash up and wait for you.”

Xi Lingxue tried to stand up, but the soreness and pain in her body made her movements falter. Her legs couldn’t support her, and she weakly collapsed again.

“Stop messing around!”

Jiang Ci quickly caught her, pulling off her clothes and carrying her to the bathtub. Her smooth, jade-like skin pressed against Jiang Ci, dotted with crimson marks, trembling slightly.

Jiang Ci’s breathing grew heavy. This woman was truly a nation-toppling enchantress. Just one more glance could make someone lose their mind, unable to resist.

Whether it was the comfortable water temperature, Xi Lingxue’s exhaustion, or the effect of Jiang Ci’s earlier words, the woman finally fell asleep again.

Jiang Ci quickly washed both of them. When her gaze swept over the red and swollen areas, she paused for a few seconds, then blushed and went to fetch some ointment.

Dipping her finger in the ointment, Jiang Ci gently applied it, careful not to wake Xi Lingxue. Fortunately, Xi Lingxue was truly exhausted and slept soundly, showing no reaction. After applying the ointment, Jiang Ci dressed her.

By then, Jin Yu had already returned with the carriage and, following Pei Shiyuan’s instructions, brought a lot of food. A fragrant feast was laid out in the yard.

Jin Yu was puzzled, “Miss Pei, are there starving ghosts in this yard?”

Pei Shiyuan rubbed her nose, “Something like that…”

Jin Yu was about to ask more when she saw Jiang Ci carrying her mistress out of the house.

The woman’s long hair was disheveled, her exquisite side profile still flushed, her lips slightly swollen, as if someone had kissed her fiercely, giving her a ravished appearance.

Jin Yu was startled by her own thoughts, but seeing Jiang Ci’s pale and somewhat thinner face, she quickly dismissed them.

Miss Jiang is a good person, she shouldn’t speculate wildly!

“Mis… miss!” Jin Yu went over to take Xi Lingxue from Jiang Ci. She was strong and had no trouble carrying someone. “Miss Jiang, what happened to her…?”

“She…” Jiang Ci said with a straight face, bravely continuing, “She wasn’t feeling well, so I treated her. It’s nothing, she’s just asleep. She’ll be fine after a few days of rest.”

“Oh, okay.” Jin Yu still had some doubts, but she didn’t dare delay and quickly carried Xi Lingxue to the carriage.

Jiang Ci smelled the food and almost cried in excitement. She pulled up a lounge chair and sat down, seeing the table laden with lamb, oysters, sea cucumbers, and other kidney-nourishing foods.

Jiang Ci gave Pei Shiyuan a deep look, “Thank you so much…”

“Don’t mention it,” Pei Shiyuan also sat down and poured her a glass of water, “Drink some first.”

Jiang Ci looked down and saw that the water was thoughtfully infused with goji berries.

“…”

This person really seemed to understand her needs!

Jin Yu took Xi Lingxue back, while Pei Shiyuan stayed behind to chat with Jiang Ci.

Jiang Ci remained silent, quietly devouring the food, eating two more bowls of rice than usual.

Pei Shiyuan watched her wolf down the food with a complex expression, “So, you and Lingxue—”

“When are you leaving Songxiang Town?” Jiang Ci interrupted before she could finish.

After experiencing this shameless, no, this outrageous day and night, Jiang Ci realized she was no match for Xi Lingxue.

Damn, she had lost more than she gained.

Who would have thought that the cold and aloof princess in public could be so wanton and insatiable in private.

Xi Lingxue was truly two-faced, demanding, and terrifying. She was the real demon!

If Xi Lingxue was going to stay in Songxiang Town, then Jiang Ci would leave.

If she couldn’t win, she could at least avoid her.

Pei Shiyuan blinked, “Probably… soon?”

She had no idea how long they would stay. It all depended on Xi Lingxue’s word.

Jiang Ci asked again, “Any news about my master?”

“Oh, yes,” Pei Shiyuan said, “Huang Runfa’s scouts found her. She actually went to the capital. But that person’s movements are very elusive. Our people lost track of her later, so we’re not sure where she is now. But she definitely hasn’t left the city.”

The capital?

This was truly unexpected. Why had Mo Sanqi suddenly gone there?

Although this person was known for her capriciousness, always doing as she pleased, Jiang Ci felt that Mo Sanqi had really run into trouble this time. At least in the few months they had been together, Mo Sanqi had never done anything like this, leaving without a word and going so far.

Her master wasn’t as carefree as she appeared.

Jiang Ci pondered. If that was the case, she would head to the capital, find Mo Sanqi first, and then figure out what to do next. She could even wander the world.

Right now, she just wanted to leave Songxiang Town and Xi Lingxue behind.

“By the way, speaking of Mo Sanqi—” Pei Shiyuan pulled out a few IOUs and slapped them on the table, “You’re her disciple, so I can only collect the debt from you.”

Jiang Ci raised an eyebrow, her eyes widening, “What the hell?”

Mo Sanqi owed money?!

The black and white words were clear, but at this moment, all Jiang Ci could think about was how Xi Lingxue hadn’t paid her yet!

A free ride?!

Pei Shiyuan continued indignantly, “Do you know how despicable this Mo Sanqi is? She had no money but still drank, and all on my tab!”

If it weren’t for this, the scouts wouldn’t have found Mo Sanqi’s whereabouts.

Pei Shiyuan was furious just thinking about this person, especially since she had spanked her! New and old grievances piled up.

Jiang Ci came to her senses and trudged into the house to fetch some silver.

As for her “service fee” it was all verbally agreed upon with Xi Lingxue, without any written proof. She could only rely on the other party’s conscience.

Damn, Jiang Ci suddenly felt she was worse off than the Qianjun in brothels. At least their “transactions” were guaranteed, with payment upfront and by the session.

How many times had she been marked?!

She was totally ripped off…

Jiang Ci took out some loose silver, “Here you go.”

Pei Shiyuan accepted it, looking at Jiang Ci’s thin face. After hesitating for a long time, she finally asked, “So, you and Lingxue… are you planning to reconcile?”

“No,” Jiang Ci frowned, clearly displeased, “It’s just a temporary mark, a transaction.”

In other words, it was a one-night stand, all about the body, not the heart.

Pei Shiyuan was troubled. How could this be just a transaction? When had Xi Lingxue ever been so reckless?

She was the most noble Kunjun in Yu Kingdom, second only to the emperor. How could she just give herself away like this, allowing herself to be manipulated? Even if it was a permanent mark, with just the two of them, how could she have any room to resist?

“Jiang Ci, I’m going to say something you might not like,” Pei Shiyuan said gravely, “But don’t reveal yourself yet.”

Jiang Ci glanced at her, thinking, I wish I could, but I don’t have the ability!

“Go on.”

Pei Shiyuan observed Jiang Ci’s expression, seeing that she was relatively calm, and continued, “Have you considered that Lingxue might have already recognized you?”

Jiang Ci silently looked down. Of course, she had thought about it. Perhaps from the moment they reunited, Xi Lingxue had already set her sights on her, and everything that followed was a deliberate approach.

But so what? Xi Lingxue wanted to reconcile, but Jiang Ci didn’t.

Did Xi Lingxue really think she could forget everything that had happened, forget the deceit and exploitation?

Her trust in Xi Lingxue had long since crumbled; the person she had loved with all her strength had ended up hurting her the most.

When she met Xi Lingxue again, Jiang Ci knew she might not have let go yet. She could still be moved by her, could still feel infatuated, but at the same time, she was also aware that this love was buried deep with resentment.

These two extreme emotions tormented her, hard to resolve, repelling her while secretly anticipating Xi Lingxue’s approach, otherwise she wouldn’t have compromised time and time again.

Jiang Ci knew this wasn’t good, and she didn’t want to suffer like this anymore; for her, separation was the best choice. A long pain is worse than a short pain, and everything would eventually fade with time.

“It doesn’t matter,” Jiang Ci chuckled lightly, her tone indifferent, “It’s good that she recognized me, I won’t have to live like a fugitive, scared and hiding anymore. If she wakes up, please tell her for me, don’t bother me anymore.”

With that, Jiang Ci’s attitude was clear.

Pei Shiyuan sighed deeply, and didn’t say more, concerned about Xi Lingxue, she left first.

Jiang Ci leaned back alone on the recliner, the night breeze bringing a slight chill, a lone moon hung silently in the sky, lonely and desolate. She suddenly wanted to drink, and somewhat understood Mo Sanqi.

Alcohol was indeed a good thing, it could numb the nerves, allowing one to briefly forget all worries.

But, nothing changes after the alcohol wears off.

Jiang Ci lay there, drifting off into a hazy sleep.

She slept until the next morning, then got up, stretching her stiff and sore limbs in the morning sun.

The leftovers from last night were still on the table, she tidied up a bit.

While Xi Lingxue was still unconscious, she needed to hurry to the capital, lest that woman catch up again.

Jiang Ci returned to her room, bypassing the screen to enter the inner chamber. The air still carried a faint scent of plum blossoms and cypress, the soft bedding on the bed was in disarray, the medicine bottles originally placed on the cabinet were scattered on the floor, the room was a mess, a scene of debauchery.

Jiang Ci couldn’t help but recall those intimate scenes, the woman as cold and distant as the moon was utterly enchanting, seductive and alluring, and she too couldn’t control her own frenzy, joining in the passionate encounter.

The lingering scent, just a day and a night, this room was filled with Xi Lingxue, as if her shadow was everywhere.

Jiang Ci pinched the bridge of her nose, trying hard not to think about it, the sting from the back of her neck brought her thoughts back.

Better leave quickly, she really couldn’t stay here any longer.

The sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers were all replaced by Jiang Ci, intending to throw them away. While moving them, she felt something metallic under the pillow.

It must have been left by Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci took it out and found it was a lock slightly smaller than her palm.

It looked familiar, Jiang Ci turned it over and saw a few letters engraved on the back—JC & XLX.

This was…

She suddenly remembered, during a prayer at Shenwu Temple years ago, she had bought a love lock, engraved with her and Xi Lingxue’s names.

But, shouldn’t this be at Shenwu Temple, where she had personally hung it on the railing, how did it end up here?

Jiang Ci stared at it, observing carefully, the lock was well-maintained, with no scratches on its surface. Could it be that Xi Lingxue later had a locksmith open it?

Had she been carrying it all this time???

Jiang Ci was stunned for a long time, until the corners of her eyes turned red, and she suddenly laughed at herself.

What was Xi Lingxue playing at…

This lock no longer held any meaning for her.

Did she leave it here on purpose? To test her reaction, thinking she would be moved and reconsider?

Indeed, Xi Lingxue had recognized her.

“Do you like calling the name of your Qianjun in bed?”

“I… only called you…”

Jiang Ci tightly covered her ears, as if that could erase the voice in her head.

Xi Lingxue knew her identity, so that woman must have said it on purpose!

She must not fall for it again.

Jiang Ci took a deep breath, quickly packing her belongings—clothes, dry food, water, money, and some miraculous elixirs, that was about it.

Jiang Ci slung her bag over her shoulder and left, buying two buns in town for breakfast, then wandering around the market. The silver notes Jin Yu gave her amounted to three hundred taels, enough to buy the best horse in Songxiang Town.

Jiang Ci finally chose a white one, and before setting off, she detoured to the inn where Xi Lingxue was staying.

Early in the morning, there weren’t many people around, only a few staff bustling about on the first floor.

Jiang Ci placed the love lock in an envelope, along with a note, and handed it to the front desk manager.

“This belongs to a guest upstairs, just say Jiang Ci brought it over, they’ll know who to give it to.”

Jiang Ci remembered Pei Shiyuan saying the entire inn had been booked by them, no one else was there.

“Alright, alright,” the manager took the envelope, seeing the young woman with her travel bag, he asked, “Dr. Jiang, are you going on a long trip?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Ci responded, her gaze sweeping over the staircase, thinking for a moment but deciding not to ask more, she turned and left.

…

Xi Lingxue hadn’t woken up yet, Jin Yu was initially quite anxious, but seeing her complexion rosy and her breathing steady, she didn’t seem ill, in fact, she looked better than before.

Miss Jiang said she had treated Her Highness, it seemed the treatment was quite effective.

Her Highness hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in a long time.

Jin Yu decided not to disturb her further.

Two full days passed, until dusk fell, Xi Lingxue finally woke up from the spacious, soft bed.

She slowly opened her eyes, a faint scent of cypress still lingering in her nose, seemingly emanating from the back of her neck. Jiang Ci was no longer by the bed, she looked around anxiously, realizing she was back at the inn.

“A Ci?”

Xi Lingxue called out, wanting to get up, but her body was too weak, the soreness deep within making it impossible for her to exert any strength.

She had shamelessly used the transaction as an excuse, crazily and recklessly clinging to Jiang Ci for more.

After being marked, she only craved and relied on Jiang Ci more, wishing that person could stay by her side, even if they said nothing, just sitting quietly would be enough.

Jin Yu heard the noise and quickly came in.

“Miss, you’re finally awake? How do you feel, do you want something to eat?”

Xi Lingxue nodded, she was indeed hungry, her mind still a bit foggy, her moist eyes covered with a layer of mist, “How long have I been asleep? Where’s A Ci?”

Jin Yu pursed her lips, her lady really liked Miss Jiang…

She even asked for her as soon as she opened her eyes, not even mentioning “Gao Yi” anymore!

Jin Yu naturally hoped she could move on from the past, not obsess over a ghostly illusion. Compared to “Gao Yi” Miss Jiang was beautiful and kind, skilled in medicine, for a Kunjun, she was the perfect dream lover, so suitable for her lady!

The only downside was Miss Jiang’s reluctance.

What to do then?

Jin Yu pondered, of course, her lady’s wishes came first. If necessary, use force, tie her up if needed! With her lady’s beauty and status, could Miss Jiang really be wronged?

Having decided, Jin Yu said, “I’ll have someone prepare food. Miss Jiang seems to have gone on a long trip, she left two days ago.”

“Left?!”

Xi Lingxue’s gaze lost focus, her voice trembling slightly, “Where did she go?”

The woman bit her lip trying to sit up, but just a slight movement caused intense pain at the back of her neck, bringing a tingling sensation that made her moan softly.

“Miss, don’t rush.” Jin Yu stepped forward to hold her down, quickly saying, “Miss Pei guessed she might have gone to the capital, to find her master. Also, Miss Jiang left an envelope for you.”

“An envelope? Where is it?”

“I’ll go get it.”

Jin Yu could see it now, Miss Jiang was her lady’s treasure. So this Jiang Ci, she had to help secure her!

Jin Yu hurried downstairs, asking the manager to send some food up, and to call for a doctor.

When Xi Lingxue got the envelope, it felt heavy, and from the outside, she knew what was inside.

The love lock.

She had placed it under the pillow when changing clothes before the moxibustion. Later, in the chaos, she didn’t know how she left, so she didn’t take it with her.

Xi Lingxue suddenly felt a bit panicked, now that Jiang Ci had seen it, would she guess that she already knew her identity?

Would she expose herself and run away?!

But then again, Jin Yu had just said she went to the capital.

Xi Lingxue calmed down a bit, having finally found Jiang Ci, she was terrified that the person would disappear silently like ten years ago.

Fortunately, she hadn’t.

There seemed to be a note inside the envelope, she took it out and unfolded it, it only had two short lines, “Six hundred taels, only accept silver notes, place under the stone in front of the small yard, press down firmly.”

Using this method to settle the payment, Jiang Ci no longer wanted to see her again…

Even the love lock was returned intact, she must have known everything, yet still chose to refuse, to avoid.

She still wouldn’t accept her.

Xi Lingxue’s heart ached, her eyes gradually reddening, her hand holding the note trembling slightly.

“Miss, what’s wrong?”

Jin Yu looked at the tearful person with concern, not knowing what was written on the note.

To her, Miss Jiang returning the lock her lady had left, returning it to its owner, seemed quite normal.

Why was her lady so sad?

“It’s nothing.” Xi Lingxue gently wiped the corner of her eye, regaining her usual cold and dignified demeanor, “Jin Yu, bring me the writing tools.”

She couldn’t catch up to Jiang Ci now, but she could send a pigeon letter first, to the capital.

…

Meanwhile, Jiang Ci, having just lost a lot of pheromones and not having rested properly, was still a bit weak, needing to rest after riding for a while, stopping and going.

She brought a jar of goji berries, soaking them in water these past few days. Finally, on the fifth day, Jiang Ci arrived at the gates of the capital.

Returning here again, Jiang Ci looked at the city gates from afar, her feelings quite complex. Ten years had passed, she wondered how much it had changed.

The Marquis of Dingyuan was probably gone, and the plum blossoms she had planted…

Jiang Ci shook her head, pulling herself out of her memories.

There was a long line at the city gates, everyone entering the city was being searched by the guards.

Jiang Ci had her travel permit, and her bag didn’t contain any weapons or the like, so she dismounted and stood in line patiently.

Luckily, she wasn’t a blacklisted individual, having been reborn just as the empress ascended the throne, granting amnesty to the world. Otherwise, without an identity, it would have been difficult to get anywhere.

“Why is it so strict recently?”

“Ah, looks like you don’t pay attention to national affairs. Haven’t you heard? The envoys from Liang Kingdom are arriving in a few days!”

Liang Kingdom?

Jiang Ci overheard the chatter among the commoners. She had no impression of other countries, the original book only covered up to the empress’s ascension.

Now that Xi Lingxue had abdicated to become the princess, the plot she knew was long useless.

“The princess from Liang Kingdom is also coming, to choose a consort in our Yu Kingdom, of course the capital needs to be on high alert!”

“Really? What does the Liang princess look like, is she beautiful?”

“Of course! They say she’s a once-in-a-century beauty, a fairy descended from heaven! Haven’t you noticed how the noble Qianjuns are all dressing up lately?”

“Really, is the Liang princess that sought after? Is she as beautiful as our princess?”

“That…”