Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 48

48: In High Demand

In Jiang Ci’s memory, Xi Tingyue was still that undifferentiated little girl. They had met once at a palace banquet, and Jiang Ci remembered that she got along quite well with Xi Lingxue.

Later, when Xi Lingxue was tricked away by a palace eunuch, it was Xi Tingyue who noticed. Despite her young age, she was far more reliable than her “broccoli sister.”

However, Jiang Ci couldn’t understand why Xi Tingyue had summoned her to the palace.

It had been ten years since they last met, and she had no idea what that little girl had become. Familial bonds within the royal family were always uncertain; once interests were involved, people’s hearts were hard to predict. Perhaps they had been close before, but now, who could say?

Xi Lingxue had abdicated in her favor, but who knew what her true motives were?

Jiang Ci grew wary, but with a dozen armed guards watching her, she had no choice but to comply.

“Miss Jiang, please.”

“Understood.” Jiang Ci could only reply.

Thus, under the astonished gazes of the common folk, Jiang Ci was “escorted” into the capital by soldiers and then boarded a luxurious, comfortable carriage. Her horse was also taken care of by a dedicated handler.

Jiang Ci was both surprised and flustered. The carriage was incredibly spacious, stocked with various fruits and snacks. She casually picked up an apple to munch on and lifted the curtain to look at the bustling streets of the capital.

Ten years had passed, and the place was far livelier than she remembered. The streets were lined with shops, and the flow of people and carriages was endless. It wasn’t until they reached the palace gates that Jiang Ci finally stepped out of the carriage.

An older, portly eunuch approached, his fingers delicately poised as he said, “You must be Jiang Ci. My, what a fine figure you are.”

Jiang Ci found him somewhat familiar and forced a smile. “…And you are?”

“Oh, how forgetful of me. My name is Chang Shun, the chief eunuch of the palace.”

Jiang Ci remembered now—no wonder he looked familiar.

Back when she was still Gao Yi, she would see Chang Shun every time she attended court. He had been by the old emperor’s side then, and now, with Xi Tingyue as the empress, he remained the chief eunuch.

He was a veteran of the palace, surely privy to many royal secrets.

Jiang Ci smiled, “Chief Eunuch Chang, it’s a pleasure.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Chang Shun replied with a smile. “Come along now, Her Majesty has been waiting for you.”

“Alright.”

As Jiang Ci followed him into the palace, she couldn’t help but wonder: it sounded like Xi Tingyue had known she was coming all along?

Jiang Ci asked, “What does Her Majesty want with me?”

“That, I do not know. But since Her Majesty values you so, it surely can’t be a bad thing~”

Not necessarily.

Jiang Ci thought to herself that if she were just an ordinary person, meeting the emperor face-to-face would be thrilling. But she wasn’t ordinary—she was hiding a pile of secrets.

Jiang Ci hated this feeling of not knowing what the other party was up to; it made her feel vulnerable.

When she was Gao Yi, she had almost complete freedom and held the script in her hands. Aside from the major twist with Xi Lingxue, Jiang Ci knew exactly how everyone else’s story would unfold.

But now, everything had changed.

She was just a commoner, insignificant in the eyes of the powerful, who could dispose of her at will. She had no control over the future.

Jiang Ci had originally come to the capital to find her master, but before she could even set foot in the city, she was “invited” into the palace with no right to refuse.

But she wasn’t someone who would just wait to be slaughtered.

“Chief Eunuch Chang,” Jiang Ci said, seeing that no one was around, she discreetly handed him a few taels of silver and smiled, “I’m new here and don’t know the rules. I hope Chief Eunuch Chang can guide me a little.”

Her implication was clear: she hoped he could share some information.

Chang Shun pretended to refuse, “Oh, what is this for?”

Jiang Ci pushed it back, “Just a little something for Chief Eunuch Chang to buy some tea.”

After a few rounds of back-and-forth, Chang Shun finally “reluctantly” accepted.

“Miss Jiang, you’re too kind,” he said with a grin. “Actually, Her Majesty is very benevolent and treats people kindly. The reason she summoned you is mainly because you’re close to the Eldest Princess. Her Majesty just wanted to meet you.”

The Eldest Princess? That would be Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci pondered silently. It seemed the empress had her own spies; otherwise, how would she know about this? Moreover, she seemed particularly concerned about Xi Lingxue.

“Are the two sisters close?” Jiang Ci asked. “Why did the Eldest Princess suddenly abdicate?”

Chang Shun panicked at her question, “Oh, Miss Jiang, you must be careful with your words! This is not something to be discussed lightly!”

Jiang Ci: “I know, it’s just between us. Can’t you tell me secretly?”

“I really dare not say more,” Chang Shun said with a pained expression. “Miss Jiang, you should be careful too! I don’t know what rumors are circulating among the common folk, but in the palace, you must never discuss the Eldest Princess. If you see her, keep your head down and don’t look directly at her! Especially since you’re a Qianjun!”

Having served in the palace for many years, Chang Shun knew Xi Lingxue’s temper all too well.

During her reign, the imperial harem remained empty. Countless people had tried every means possible, overtly and covertly, to catch her attention.

But in the end, none of them fared well. Her personal maid, Jin Yu, was like a jade-faced demoness. Anyone who tried to get close with ulterior motives would be thrown out single-handedly.

These people were either severely punished or mysteriously disappeared.

Everyone knew this, and eventually, no one dared to harbor any ill intentions, not even daring to look at her directly.

Of course, Chang Shun wouldn’t gossip about such matters, but he gave Jiang Ci a subtle warning.

Jiang Ci blinked. She hadn’t expected that Xi Lingxue, who seemed so gentle and delicate, could inspire such fear in the palace.

Soon, Jiang Ci was led to the imperial study.

A young Qianjun was seated at the desk, reviewing memorials. Her features were as exquisite as a painting, her beauty as serene as the moon, and she wore a majestic black dragon robe, exuding an aura of authority.

Jiang Ci bowed, “Your humble subject, Jiang Ci, pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Hearing this, Xi Tingyue slightly raised her head, her phoenix eyes scrutinizing Jiang Ci.

So this was the person her elder sister fancied?

She was indeed good-looking, though a bit young, seemingly only a few years older than herself. However, for someone meeting the emperor for the first time, she showed no signs of nervousness, which indicated some courage.

Xi Tingyue spoke in a deep voice, “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Jiang Ci remained neither humble nor overbearing and got straight to the point, “May I ask why Your Majesty has summoned me?”

Xi Tingyue stared at her for a while, then, without beating around the bush, said directly, “My elder sister has been searching extensively for someone named Mo Sanqi, all to help you find your master?”

Jiang Ci was slightly surprised. How had this matter reached the empress? Just how many people had Xi Lingxue mobilized?

“Your humble subject did indeed ask a young lady for help,” Jiang Ci feigned panic. “Could that young lady be the Eldest Princess? I truly had no idea!”

Xi Tingyue narrowed her eyes, “You truly didn’t know she was the Eldest Princess?”

Jiang Ci thought to herself, this little brat was quite suspicious now.

“Heaven is my witness! If I had known she was the Eldest Princess, I would have stayed far away!”

Stay away?

Xi Tingyue frowned. The way she said it made it sound like Xi Lingxue was some kind of monster. For her elder sister to take a liking to her was a blessing many could only dream of, yet she wanted to stay away?!

Chang Shun coughed lightly, reminding Jiang Ci to watch her words.

Xi Tingyue sneered, “Is the Eldest Princess that frightening?”

Jiang Ci replied honestly, “Yes, she is.”

Chang Shun covered his face. Oh dear, this child was so blunt! Couldn’t she read the room?

No matter what the royal family members were like, in front of the emperor, one should always choose their words carefully. That was common sense!

Especially when it came to the Eldest Princess—the empress wouldn’t tolerate any criticism.

Sure enough, Xi Tingyue’s expression darkened, and she said coldly, “What if I were to betroth you to the Eldest Princess?”

“Cough, cough,” Chang Shun signaled Jiang Ci with his eyes, urging her to quickly express her gratitude! Becoming the Eldest Princess’s consort was something many could only dream of!

Jiang Ci frowned, completely ignoring his hint, “Your humble subject would rather jump into a lake.”

“You!”

Chang Shun broke out in a cold sweat, quickly wiping his forehead with his sleeve.

The last time he had seen someone so reckless was ten years ago, when Marquis Dingyuan had openly rebuked the old emperor.

But he was a marquis! If he had known Jiang Ci, a commoner, would be just as bold, he would have given her more advice!

Xi Tingyue was furious. She had summoned Jiang Ci to see what kind of person she was. If her character was decent, she could arrange the marriage to make her elder sister happy.

Who would have thought this person would be so stubborn, avoiding Xi Lingxue as if she were the plague!

Xi Tingyue wanted to punish her but was afraid Xi Lingxue would blame her, so she hesitated.

At that moment, a woman’s voice came from outside.

“Your Majesty, is Jiang Ci here?” Xi Lanhua, dressed in a bright green brocade robe, strode into the imperial study. “Ah, I was just a step too late. You moved quickly!”

Jiang Ci was stunned. How had she run into so many familiar faces just after arriving in the capital?

And this “broccoli”… she was still as green as ever!

Xi Tingyue’s expression remained impassive. “What, is my elder sister looking for her too?”

“Of course,” Xi Lanhua said. “But I was also asked by someone to take care of Jiang Ci’s accommodations. They specifically wrote to me, emphasizing the importance of arranging everything properly. How could I dare to neglect it?”

Xi Tingyue’s eyes darkened. This person was undoubtedly Xi Lingxue. She reached out, and Xi Lanhua handed her the letter.

The handwriting on the letter was indeed Xi Lingxue’s, filling an entire page, which showed how much she valued Jiang Ci.

While she read the letter, Xi Lanhua scrutinized Jiang Ci with narrowed eyes. She wanted to see what was so special about this Qianjun that Xi Lingxue cared so much about her.

Jiang Ci felt uncomfortable under her intense gaze, which was as if she were admiring some piece of art, occasionally making “tsk tsk” sounds.

After reading the letter, Xi Tingyue folded it and handed it back, saying in a deep voice, “In that case, take her to my elder sister.”

“As you command!” Xi Lanhua turned to Jiang Ci. “What are you waiting for? Come with me.”

…

Jiang Ci had no idea what was written in the letter, but Xi Lanhua was extremely enthusiastic.

After leaving the palace, Xi Lanhua took Jiang Ci to the Zuixian Pavilion, where she had already reserved a private room and arranged for many dancers.

Most of these dancers were Zhongjun, with a few who had differentiated into Qianjun or Kunjun, all of them stunningly beautiful with slender waists and long legs. The room was filled with their enchanting presence.

The Zuixian Pavilion was the most famous brothel in the capital. When Jiang Ci entered, she suddenly remembered that years ago, she and Jin Yu had kidnapped Yao Zhi here and beaten him up.

“Congratulations, Jiang Ci.” Xi Lanhua said with a sly smile. “To have gained the Eldest Princess’s favor, you’re sure to rise rapidly in the future!”

What was there to congratulate…

Jiang Ci helplessly raised her cup, her mood complicated. “Your Highness flatters me.”

She was quite familiar with Xi Lanhua, so having a meal together wasn’t awkward. Seeing an old acquaintance brought her some joy.

“This is no flattery.” Xi Lanhua said, refilling her cup. “The Eldest Princess specifically asked me to take care of you. Her sister is my sister, so if you encounter any difficulties in the capital, just come to me.”

That’s right, sister.

The letter hadn’t specified their relationship, so Xi Lanhua didn’t think much of it, assuming Xi Lingxue was looking for some kind of ghost.

Jiang Ci opened her mouth but ultimately didn’t explain.

Sister it is… their relationship was too complicated, and no one would believe they were just casual acquaintances.

Before they could finish their meal, an imperial decree arrived.

Jiang Ci was baffled as she received the decree. It turned out the empress had assigned her a task—she was to be the deputy envoy for receiving the Liang Kingdom’s delegation.

Jiang Ci: “…”

What the hell? She had just stepped into the capital and was already being put to work?!

She was here to find her master, not to work!

Chang Shun, who had just parted ways with her, reappeared at the Zuixian Pavilion, pointing with a delicate finger, “Deputy Envoy Jiang, hurry up and thank the emperor for this grace~”

Chang Shun could see that the empress intended to cultivate her. With the Liang Kingdom’s delegation arriving, it was a great opportunity to gain experience. If she handled it well, she might even stay in the Ministry of Rites!

Xi Lanhua patted her shoulder, “See? What did I tell you? Rapid rise to prominence!”

Jiang Ci: Damn it… could she refuse the decree?

…

The answer, of course, was no.

After the meal, Xi Lanhua took Jiang Ci to the mansion bestowed by the emperor, located in a quiet alley in the capital. Though not as grand as Marquis Dingyuan’s residence, it was simple and elegant.

Xi Tingyue’s efficiency was impressive. Along with the mansion, she had also provided a steward, maidservants, servants, laborers, cooks, guards, and more—over a dozen people in total. Even the white horse Jiang Ci had ridden into the capital was stabled in the mansion’s stable.

As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, a middle-aged man in his fifties approached, bowing with a delighted expression, “My lord, this humble servant is the steward of the mansion, Cao Ya. Please let me know if you need anything.”

Behind him, a crowd of over a dozen people also bowed, “My lord!”

Jiang Ci felt dizzy.

Good heavens, she had been assigned a job, a house, and so many people!

Jiang Ci steadied herself, “Uh, I’m not one for many rules. Cao… Cao Ya?”

“Your servant is here!”

Jiang Ci thought to herself that the name was quite strange. “You can arrange these people. I’d like to rest for now. Call me for dinner.”

“Understood. I’ll take you to your bedroom.”

As soon as Jiang Ci left, the servants began whispering among themselves.

“Who would have thought our master would be so young!”

“Yes, and so good-looking too, with such a good temper!”

“Alright, stop daydreaming. Let’s get to cleaning.”

…

Jiang Ci enjoyed a comfortable hot bath, changed into clean clothes, and slept until evening. It wasn’t until Cao Ya knocked on her door that she groggily woke up.

The room was dim, and lying on the soft bed, Jiang Ci felt a moment of confusion, almost thinking she was still Gao Yi.

“My lord, are you awake? Dinner is ready.”

Hearing Cao Ya’s voice, Jiang Ci finally came to her senses. “I’m awake. I’ll be there shortly.”

She sat quietly on the bed for a while, slowly accepting her new identity.

She was once again the master of a mansion, with a large estate in the capital and over a dozen servants attending to her. This time, she was Jiang Ci, not Gao Yi.

Hmm, this sudden wealth made Jiang Ci feel a little excited…

Actually, being an official wasn’t so bad, was it?

Now she had money! She could buy better wine for her master!

Well, of course, she had to find Mo Sanqi first.

Jiang Ci came out for dinner. The mansion’s cook was exceptional, and the dishes were all to her taste. Jiang Ci really wanted Mo Sanqi to try them. Thinking about how her master couldn’t even afford wine made her feel ashamed.

“By the way, Uncle Cao, could you help me look for someone?”

Cao Ya replied, “Who are you looking for?”

Jiang Ci gave him a rough description of Mo Sanqi. Cao Ya said he would pass the information along and have everyone in the mansion keep an eye out. They would notify her as soon as they had any news.

After that, Cao Ya reported another piece of news.

“My lord, while you were sleeping, the palace sent over your official robes!”

Jiang Ci facepalmed. Damn it, that was fast!

So, she was starting work tomorrow?!

…

What Jiang Ci didn’t know was that news traveled quickly in the capital. Overnight, her name had spread throughout the noble circles.

A young, outsider Qianjun, deeply favored by the empress, had been appointed as the deputy envoy for receiving foreign delegations as soon as she arrived! Moreover, she was on good terms with Prince Duan, who had personally accompanied her on her first day in the capital!

Most importantly, Jiang Ci was still unmarried.

The next day, Jiang Ci rode her white horse to the Ministry of Rites to assume her post.

The fresh-faced young woman, dressed in a crimson official robe, stood tall and elegant, instantly attracting everyone’s attention.

The Minister of Rites had already heard of her and didn’t dare to neglect her, almost serving her tea and treating her as an honored guest.

With such polite colleagues and superiors, Jiang Ci had never had such a comfortable workday.

As a newcomer, she wasn’t assigned any important tasks, just familiarizing herself with the environment. Jiang Ci took the initiative to read some documents, mainly about the Liang Kingdom.

In a few days, the Liang Kingdom’s delegation would arrive. As the deputy envoy, she only needed to follow the Vice Minister of Rites through the formalities. But Jiang Ci thought it would be good to know a bit more, so she wouldn’t be completely clueless.

The day passed relatively easily. As evening approached, Jiang Ci left the Ministry of Rites and rode back to her mansion.

To her surprise, a crowd had gathered at her doorstep, surrounding Cao Ya.

Jiang Ci dismounted and went over to ask, “Uncle Cao, what’s going on?”

These matchmakers had come with a mission. Seeing the stunning young woman in the crimson official robe, they immediately guessed she was Jiang Ci and swarmed around her.

“Deputy Envoy Jiang, take a look at our young lady! The most beautiful flower in the capital, virtuous and talented!”

“Our family is a wealthy merchant in the capital, with a whole street of shops as dowry!”

“Deputy Envoy Jiang, the Minister of Revenue’s eldest daughter! We even brought her portrait!”

…

The matchmakers chattered and pushed, making Jiang Ci’s head spin.

Even passersby stopped to watch the spectacle. It was the first time they had seen such a sought-after Qianjun—it was truly a sight to behold!

On just her second day in her new home, the threshold of Jiang Mansion had been worn down by matchmakers.

Finally, with the help of a few servants, Jiang Ci and Cao Ya managed to get back inside.

“My goodness, this is too much!” Jiang Ci gasped for breath, her collar pulled loose. “I just arrived in the capital. Do they even know me? Why are they so eager to marry off their daughters?”

Cao Ya wiped his sweat, looking disheveled. “My lord, haven’t you heard? The whole capital is talking about you, saying you’re the empress’s favorite! All the young ladies must have seen your portrait by now!”

The people in the capital were all shrewd. Even a fool could see that Jiang Ci was a rising star.

Just then, a servant came to report, “My lord, Prince Duan has invited you to a banquet!”

Jiang Ci: “…”

How had her life in the capital suddenly become so colorful?

Jiang Ci went back to bathe and change, then re-tied her hair.

Prince Duan had specially rented a painted boat, inviting many talented scholars and beauties to enjoy the moonlit lake, compose poetry, and have fun.

Since Xi Lingxue had asked her to take good care of Jiang Ci, of course she had to include her in all the fun!

Jiang Ci, unaware of this, felt like she had walked into a spider’s web as soon as she arrived. The Kunjun looked at her as if she were a piece of succulent meat, their eyes gleaming.

A group of women surrounded her, pouring her wine, almost fighting to claim her.

Xi Lanhua watched the scene with amusement, even joining in the teasing.

Jiang Ci, dizzy from the wine, couldn’t take it anymore and finally found an excuse to slip away.

Fortunately, Cao Ya had already prepared some sobering soup.

Jiang Ci gulped it down, “This is too much… Are all the Kunjun in the capital this crazy?”

“My lord, you should think about what to do tomorrow…” Cao Ya reminded her. “Those matchmakers will be back!”

Jiang Ci: “!!!”

Jiang Ci: “We need to hire more guards. From now on, keep those matchmakers outside. Don’t let a single one in.”

Thinking of the chaotic scene, she felt a headache coming on.

“Leave it to me. But,” Cao Ya observed her expression and advised kindly, “My lord, you are indeed at the right age to marry. Why not choose one from these young ladies? I think some of them are quite beautiful!”

Although the matchmakers were kept outside, Cao Ya had collected all the portraits.

The Minister of Revenue’s eldest daughter, for instance, seemed quite suitable, with both status and beauty.

Jiang Ci sighed, waving her hand in annoyance, “Let’s talk about it later.”

She hadn’t found her master yet, and now she had to receive the Liang Kingdom’s delegation. She simply didn’t have the time to think about marriage.

…

Meanwhile, Xi Lingxue, feeling unwell, had stayed in Songxiang Town for a couple more days. After Jiang Ci’s pheromones integrated into her body, her complexion had noticeably improved.

Jin Yu had been singing Jiang Ci’s praises these past few days. Her lady had been depressed for so many years, and with just one treatment from Jiang Ci, she had shown significant improvement.

Whatever method she had used, it was far more effective than Zhang Chengji’s. It seemed they would need to seek her out for more treatments.

Once she had regained some strength, Xi Lingxue set off back to the capital. Halfway through the journey, they stopped at an inn for the night.

At that moment, Prince Duan’s reply and Huang Runfa’s message arrived simultaneously, so Huang Fu brought both to Xi Lingxue.

Prince Duan’s reply was brief, just a few words: “Rising rapidly, shining brightly!”

Xi Lingxue chuckled softly, shaking her head at the exaggerated phrasing. However, it did indicate that Jiang Ci was being well taken care of.

Xi Lingxue had specifically written to Prince Duan, fearing that Jiang Ci, having been away from the capital for so long, might feel out of place. Since Jiang Ci was an old acquaintance, with Prince Duan looking after her, no one would give her trouble.

With that in mind, Xi Lingxue opened the message from Huang Runfa.

Jin Yu was packing their belongings when she glanced up and saw the woman’s expression darken.

She silently asked Huang Fu with her eyes: What’s going on? What does it say?

Huang Fu pursed her lips, gesturing for her not to ask.

The cold, jade-like woman’s eyes turned red, her slender fingers clutching Prince Duan’s reply, crumpling it into a ball, her knuckles cracking.

“Xi Lanhua… Is this how you take care of someone for me?!”

Jin Yu was confused, but the next second, she saw the woman stand up abruptly.

“Ah? Miss, where are you going?”

That night, the Eldest Princess abandoned her carriage and galloped back to the capital on horseback.