Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 49

49: Forcefulness

Jin Yu clearly noticed that after being treated by Miss Jiang, her mistress’ health had significantly improved.

The last time they had ridden such a long distance was ten years ago, on the night Gao Yi died suddenly. Xi Lingxue had rushed all the way to the Shenwu Temple outside the capital.

After that, her health had never been great, and she hadn’t ridden a horse again—until she met Miss Jiang.

This time, something seemed to have triggered her. One moment, she was reading a letter, and the next, her face darkened as she stormed out of the inn. Everyone was left bewildered.

Later, they hurriedly chased after her, and on the way, Huang Fu took the opportunity to share some news from the capital.

After hearing it, Jin Yu guessed that Prince Duan was about to face serious trouble.

Sure enough, Xi Lingxue galloped all the way into the city. Without even stopping to bathe or change clothes, she headed straight for the prince’s residence.

The night was deep, the moon bright and the stars sparse. Faint music could be heard from the prince’s residence.

A night watchman, beating his gong, slowly walked around the corner.

“Third watch of the night, all is peaceful.”

Just as he finished calling out, he suddenly paused, thinking he had seen something wrong.

Tonight, a group of people had gathered at the prince’s gate. The woman at the front was tall and elegant, dressed in white, as pure as a fairy under the moonlight. Beautiful as she was, her face was cold and stern, sending a chill down anyone’s spine.

The night watchman, well-versed in the art of survival, immediately turned back.

The less you know, the longer you live.

As soon as he left, Jin Yu smashed the gate open with a hammer.

The Prince Duan’s residence was still brightly lit late at night. Xi Lanhua was happily enjoying the dancers when a loud crash startled everyone.

Xi Lanhua spilled her wine, “What’s going on? A rebellion?”

“Your Highness!” A servant rushed in, trembling, “The Princess is here!”

And she looked furious!

Xi Lanhua was shocked. Wasn’t the princess supposed to return to the capital tomorrow? Why was she here in the middle of the night? And why the commotion? She had scared the dancers!

“It’s alright, continue.”

The dancers exchanged uneasy glances but dared not disobey, so they resumed their performance.

Prince Duan neither married nor took concubines. She simply enjoyed surrounding herself with beautiful women, hosting nightly banquets with music and dance.

A figure in white was approaching from outside. Xi Lanhua straightened her clothes and stood up with a smile, “Sister? What brings you here at this hour? You should have given me some notice.”

She didn’t notice the woman’s dark expression, still thinking about how to boast, “Don’t worry, that young master Jiang Ci you mentioned, I’ve taken good care of her. She’s become quite the celebrity in the capital! You should see the number of matchmakers flocking to her door! Hahaha!”

Huang Fu: “…”

Jin Yu: “…”

Sometimes, you have to admire Prince Duan’s audacity.

Xi Lanhua was still laughing when the icy-faced woman suddenly smiled, her beauty breathtaking.

“That’s my future consort.”

Xi Lanhua’s face stiffened, and she shivered, “…Jiang Ci? Wait, weren’t you out catching ghosts?”

“…” Jin Yu coughed lightly, reminding her, “Your Highness, we weren’t catching ghosts. We were searching for a soul.”

Prince Duan: “???”

Is there a difference?

The woman’s phoenix eyes narrowed, coldly staring at her, not a hint of jest in her expression.

Xi Lanhua felt a chill down her spine, recalling how she had been carousing with Jiang Ci these past few days. Her heart sank, “This… this isn’t my fault. Your letter didn’t say anything. How could I have guessed you’d suddenly change your mind…”

“I don’t care what method you use,” the woman said coldly, “but stop those matchmakers and any young ladies from approaching her.”

She even used the royal “we.” This was serious!

“Stop them, of course, I’ll stop them,” Xi Lanhua observed her expression cautiously, hesitating, “But Jiang Ci has already collected the portraits. If she’s already taken a liking to someone, there’s nothing I can do.”

Xi Lingxue didn’t speak, her hands clenched tightly, as if radiating cold.

The dancers in the room all lowered their heads, not daring to breathe. These women had been carefully selected by Prince Duan, each one beautiful and graceful.

Xi Lingxue’s gaze swept over them, frowning slightly.

Half an incense stick later, all the dancers in Prince Duan’s residence were dismissed, their contracts returned. They would never have to come back.

At midnight, a piercing scream broke the silence of the prince’s residence.

“…My beauties!” Xi Lanhua’s voice cracked, “Xi Lingxue! Have you gone mad? Take it out on me if you must!”

Xi Lanhua angrily thought that this woman was too dark! Having lost her own consort, she couldn’t stand seeing others surrounded by beauty!

“Fine,” Xi Lingxue smiled faintly, her red lips curving, “I’ve heard there’s a band of stubborn bandits in the northwest. Why don’t you lead the troops there, sister, to showcase the royal family’s dignity?”

Xi Lanhua: “!!!”

“No, no, I won’t go. I want to stay in the capital…”

…

Ever since the matchmakers had flooded their doorstep, Cao Ya had hired a dozen guards to prevent being dragged around at the door.

During this time, Mo Sanqi had been missing, so Jiang Ci had asked some new friends for help, hoping to find some leads.

The day after tomorrow, the Liang Kingdom’s envoy would arrive. Jiang Ci had been cramming information. Just as she left the Honglu Temple, she saw a low-key yet luxurious carriage waiting at the entrance.

Jin Yu had changed back into her maid attire, no longer sporting a fake mustache. As soon as she saw Jiang Ci, she approached.

Jiang Ci pretended not to see her, walking faster and quickly boarding another carriage.

Inside sat a young woman, bright-eyed and radiant, the Kunjun Cao Ya had mentioned, Li Yunzhu.

Among all the Kunjun introduced by the matchmakers, her conditions were the best. Whether in character, appearance, talent, or family background, Li Yunzhu excelled in every aspect. Cao Ya had specifically set her portrait aside.

Being favored by her, Jiang Ci had become the envy of many young masters in the capital.

However, Jiang Ci had met Li Yunzhu on that painted boat, thanks to Xi Lanhua.

It was quite a coincidence. Li Yunzhu’s father, Li Xun, was the very person Jiang Ci had recommended to Xi Lingxue. Back then, she was still Gao Yi, and before attending the palace banquet, she had specifically compiled a list of capable officials and generals, intending to introduce them to Xi Lingxue.

Now, ten years later, Li Xun had risen to the position of Minister of Justice, overseeing the nation’s laws and prisons. The Li family’s status had also risen accordingly.

Thus, when Jiang Ci met Li Yunzhu on the painted boat, they ended up chatting more. They got along well and had a pleasant conversation.

Jiang Ci, under Li Yunzhu’s surprised gaze, jumped onto the carriage and smiled, “Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Li. I’ll ask the driver to hurry.”

They had previously agreed that Li Yunzhu would pick her up and take her to a teahouse. Unexpectedly, they ran into Xi Lingxue’s carriage at the Honglu Temple gate.

As soon as the wheels started turning, a voice called out from behind, “Hey, Miss Jiang!”

Jiang Ci patted the carriage door, urging the driver, “Hurry, go!”

“Uh, Miss Jiang, that seems to be the Princess’s maid…”

“You’re mistaken.”

“…”

Jin Yu watched as the distance grew, and in a panic, she threw her hammer, hitting the carriage with a loud clang.

The two inside jolted, nearly falling over.

Li Yunzhu looked alarmed, “Assassins?!”

“…” Jiang Ci helped her sit properly, “No.”

If only she hadn’t given Jin Yu that hammer. She should have bought walnuts instead!

The carriage eventually stopped, and Jiang Ci jumped down.

“Really, why run?” Jin Yu caught up, smiling, “Miss Jiang, do you remember me? In Songxiang Town, I was disguised as a man, staying in the same inn as you with my mistress.”

Jiang Ci internally scoffed but feigned surprise, “Oh, it’s you. No wonder you looked so delicate. You’re a woman.”

“Miss Jiang, you flatter me,” Jin Yu, pleased by the compliment, pointed into the distance, “My mistress is waiting for you over there, in that carriage.”

Jiang Ci looked troubled, “Not today. I have plans with Miss Li. I can’t accompany you.”

“Huh?”

As Jiang Ci was about to leave, Xi Lingxue stepped out of the carriage and softly called, “A Ci.”

The woman was dressed in a deep red palace gown, her ink-black hair cascading down to her waist, exuding elegance and nobility. Yet, her gaze towards Jiang Ci held a pleading tone.

It had been several days since they parted in Songxiang Town.

The young woman stood amidst the shadows of trees, her features as delicate as a painting, her bright red official robe exuding charm and grace. Xi Lingxue couldn’t help but gaze at her a little longer, recalling the phrase “rising with the wind, shining brilliantly.” It didn’t seem exaggerated.

The driver immediately bowed in respect. The Princess! He inwardly complained about Jiang Ci, “Mistaken? The real one is here!”

Hearing the commotion, Li Yunzhu also quickly stepped out of the carriage, “Greetings, Princess.”

At the same time, she tugged at Jiang Ci’s sleeve: Hurry and bow, don’t look at her!

Xi Lingxue slightly frowned. Li Yunzhu’s intimate gesture didn’t escape her notice.

Jiang Ci snapped out of her daze, remembering Chief Steward Chang’s advice—when meeting the Princess, keep your head down and don’t look directly at her! Especially as a Qianjun!

At the time, she hadn’t believed it, but now she understood.

Jiang Ci avoided the other’s intense gaze, but before she could speak, Xi Lingxue said, “A Ci, no need for formalities.”

Li Yunzhu raised an eyebrow, sensing something unusual about the Princess’s behavior. She had always been cold before. When had she ever been this gentle… Could it be that she also had her eyes on Jiang Ci?

Jiang Ci still bowed respectfully, polite yet distant.

Xi Lingxue bit her lip, her gaze lowered, “A Ci, must we be like this?”

Their identities were already exposed, and both were well aware of it.

Jiang Ci clenched her hand, wanting to say something but held back due to the presence of others.

So she said, “Your Highness, I have prior arrangements with Miss Li today. I cannot stay long.”

Seeing her refusal, Li Yunzhu understood. It seemed the Princess’s feelings were one-sided.

Xi Lingxue softly said, “It’s alright. I’ll wait for you.”

Jiang Ci paused for a few seconds, then indeed took Li Yunzhu’s hand and boarded the carriage.

Li Yunzhu: “???”

Just like that, leaving the Princess behind?

The driver was also sweating. Who would have thought that one day, her mistress would be competing with the Princess for a Qianjun, and actually win! This was something to boast about for a lifetime!

…

The two carriages traveled one after the other until they stopped in front of a teahouse.

Xi Lingxue had said she would wait, and she truly followed them. She watched as Jiang Ci stepped out first, then reached out to help Li Yunzhu down. The two exchanged smiles and entered the teahouse together.

The woman’s eyes darkened as she slowly lowered the carriage curtain.

Just a few days ago, they had been intimately entwined, her body still bearing the marks from that time. Yet now, Jiang Ci was smiling and being considerate with someone else.

A sharp pain spread through her heart. Xi Lingxue tightly gripped the love lock in her hand, desperately holding back the urge to chase after her.

After a long while, she gently set it down. Fine, she would wait here until Jiang Ci had time.

Pei Shiyuan had said she would self-destruct. She was afraid Jiang Ci would disappear again like last time…

Jin Yu, seeing her mistress’s red-rimmed eyes, was deeply concerned. Prince Duan had been right about one thing—she was on the verge of losing her mind!

It seemed this Miss Jiang…

Jin Yu touched the hammer at her waist, as if making a decision.

Jiang Ci had been sitting in the teahouse with Li Yunzhu for a long time. In fact, this meeting was because Li Yunzhu had news about Mo Sanqi.

A few days ago, Li Yunzhu had returned home late. As she passed by the general’s residence, she happened to hear the sound of fighting inside.

She hadn’t paid much attention at first. The Pei family was full of military officers, and it wasn’t uncommon for them to spar late at night. But the next moment, a woman suddenly leaped out from within the walls. Her movements were extremely strange and elusive, and with a few light steps, she disappeared into the night.

However, Li Yunzhu had caught a glimpse of her profile, which matched the portrait Jiang Ci had provided.

“Could my master have some grudge against the Pei family?”

Jiang Ci fell into deep thought. She remembered that Mo Sanqi had once run up a tab at a wine shop and put it under Pei Shiyuan’s name. Moreover, her sudden decision to head to the capital had come after being captured by Pei Shiyuan.

Previously, questioning Pei Shiyuan hadn’t yielded any useful clues. Jiang Ci felt like she was missing some crucial detail.

As night fell, Jiang Ci looked out the window. Xi Lingxue’s carriage was still parked below.

Li Yunzhu also noticed and hesitated for a moment before tentatively asking, “A Ci, what’s going on between you and the Princess—”

“Nothing.” Jiang Ci replied without any emotion.

Li Yunzhu was slightly taken aback but didn’t press further.

Clearly, there was something. She could sense Jiang Ci’s emotional turmoil. The usually bright and cheerful Miss Jiang became cold and hard whenever the Princess was mentioned.

After finishing their business, Jiang Ci didn’t linger. She left the teahouse with Li Yunzhu.

Originally, she planned to part ways, but upon seeing Xi Lingxue’s carriage, Jiang Ci insisted on escorting Li Yunzhu home.

She believed Xi Lingxue was capable of anything now. If she could send herself to her bed and make those Qianjun disappear mysteriously, then making Li Yunzhu vanish wasn’t out of the question.

The two carriages traveled one after the other again. Being followed by the Princess the entire way, Li Yunzhu and the driver were feeling the pressure.

After seeing Li Yunzhu safely home, Jiang Ci bid her farewell. Before she could turn around, a faint fragrance wafted over.

Xi Lingxue was already standing behind her, softly saying, “Now can you stay with me, A Ci?”

Jiang Ci turned and looked at her deeply.

The elegant and noble woman stood under the moonlight, her deep red dress accentuating her snow-white skin, making her look enchantingly beautiful.

As their eyes met, Xi Lingxue’s long lashes fluttered, her heart stirring.

She leaned in closer to the young woman, but the latter sidestepped, avoiding her.

Jiang Ci walked past her with a stern expression, “Is the six hundred taels settled?”

Hearing this, the woman paused for a moment before quickly catching up, “Yes. As you requested, it’s in silver notes, hidden under the stone in front of the courtyard.”

Jiang Ci pursed her lips. Ever since that marking incident, she had been drinking goji berry tea. Not that she was weak, but she had started taking care of herself out of a strange sense of competition, unwilling to admit that she was weaker than Xi Lingxue in that aspect.

As they spoke, Jin Yu and the driver followed at a distance.

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

“None. Elder Mo is deliberately hiding. How could we easily find her…”

“Alright.” Jiang Ci said indifferently, “Then that’s it. We’ll meet again if there’s news.”

“Wait,” the woman hurriedly called out to her, biting her lip, looking somewhat aggrieved, “You’re leaving so soon?”

Couldn’t she stay a little longer? She had spent so much time with Li Yunzhu earlier.

“Or what?” Jiang Ci stopped but didn’t turn around. After a moment of silence, she said, “I’ve already returned the love lock to you. My intentions are clear. If Pei Shiyuan didn’t tell you, then I’ll say it again.”

“A Ci, can we start over?”

“Xi Lingxue, stop pestering me.”

Their voices overlapped, and both were slightly stunned.

Jiang Ci looked up at the endless night and suddenly laughed softly, “Why should I start over with you? There are so many Kunjun in the world. Wouldn’t it be better for me to find a simple woman and live a peaceful life?”

Simple.

She was deliberately reminding Xi Lingxue of how she had deceived her, time and time again, using her sincerity, only to treat her as a replacement in the end.

It was laughable that Xi Lingxue thought a shattered mirror could be pieced back together. Even after ten years, the cracks wouldn’t disappear on their own.

Jiang Ci realized she was quite vindictive. She wasn’t as carefree as she had imagined.

At the very least, she had always been bothered by Xi Lingxue’s secrecy and cared deeply about the place that female knight held in her heart.

Jiang Ci didn’t ask about that unseen rival because she knew Xi Lingxue would never forget her.

“A Ci, I can give up everything,” Xi Lingxue grabbed her sleeve, her voice trembling, “I only want you.”

Don’t go…

“Sorry.” Jiang Ci slowly pulled her sleeve free, “I won’t believe you anymore. Also, don’t make things difficult for Li Yunzhu.”

Let’s end it here. It’s better for everyone. Why carry the weight of the past?

If the farewell ten years ago was too abrupt, then now it’s clear.

Giving up everything? Who would believe such words from a powerful Princess?

Jiang Ci clenched her hand, trying to keep her steps steady. She didn’t look back, unable to see the woman’s expression, but she felt an eerie silence behind her, as if everything had frozen.

But the next moment, a sharp sound cut through the air.

“My apologies, Miss Jiang!”

“Jin Yu!”

Hearing the shout, Jiang Ci instinctively sidestepped, narrowly avoiding a slender hand.

Jiang Ci: “!!!”

What the hell? Xi Lingxue couldn’t persuade her, so she resorted to force?

Fortunately, she was familiar with Gao Yi’s martial arts techniques. She immediately used her lightness skill, leaping onto the rooftops and darting far away.

Jin Yu missed her grasp but wasn’t angry. Instead, her eyes lit up.

So Miss Jiang knows martial arts! How rare! Such a fine Qianjun shouldn’t be wasted on others!

Ignoring the protests, Jin Yu grabbed her hammer and gave chase, “Your Highness, don’t worry. I’ll catch her!”

“Jin Yu! Don’t!”

She’ll self-destruct!

Xi Lingxue was terrified. She hurried after them, but the two had already disappeared.

Catch me?

Jiang Ci snorted. She might not be able to defeat Pei Shiyuan now, but she could handle Jin Yu.

Just as she thought this, Jin Yu threw her hammer, creating a large crater in the ground ahead. Jiang Ci nearly fell in and quickly changed direction.

“Hey! Are you crazy!”

How could Jin Yu cause such a ruckus without anyone stopping her? This was lawlessness!

“Miss Jiang, stop struggling!” Jin Yu even pulled out a sack, “I can tell you, our spies are everywhere in Yu Kingdom. Where can you escape to?”

Jiang Ci thought, of course I know! Damn, I was the one who set up this network!

The two chased each other through the streets. Jiang Ci deliberately chose crowded areas with many houses, forcing Jin Yu to be cautious and not throw her hammer at her.

Jiang Ci ducked into a bustling market, weaving left and right. She had an idea and slipped into a dark alley.

While Jin Yu hadn’t turned the corner yet, Jiang Ci quickly scaled a wall, rolled on the ground, and hid behind a pile of firewood.

“Whew… I’m exhausted. How is this kid so strong?”

Jiang Ci panted, trying to keep quiet.

In the silence, she caught a whiff of pineapple cake.

Yes, that pastry!

Jiang Ci slowly turned her head and met a pair of lively eyes.

Beside her, a woman holding a half-eaten pineapple cake stared at her in shock.