Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 50

50: Princess of Liang

This was a face both unfamiliar and youthful.

The woman was strikingly beautiful, with deep, sculpted features and slightly curly long hair, exuding an exotic charm rarely seen in Yu Kingdom.

Both of them were hiding behind a pile of firewood. Jiang Ci, up close, met her gaze and felt as if her lively eyes sparkled like stars, possessing a mysterious power that seemed to peer into one’s soul.

“Miss Jiang, come out now, stop hiding!”

Jin Yu’s voice echoed from the alley, abruptly snapping Jiang Ci out of her reverie.

The person chasing her was right outside. Afraid of being discovered by Jin Yu, Jiang Ci quickly raised her index finger to her lips, signaling the woman to stay quiet.

The woman, still holding a piece of pineapple cake in her mouth, forgot to swallow for a moment, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Jiang Ci.

Jiang Ci knew her sudden appearance was abrupt, but it wasn’t something she could explain in a few words. She could only offer an apologetic smile and pointed outside.

Fortunately, the woman remained calm and didn’t make a sound to expose her.

Jin Yu called out a couple more times. Jiang Ci stayed hidden, occasionally meeting the woman’s gaze and offering an awkward smile. She knew the woman hadn’t looked away and was unabashedly studying her.

Perhaps the atmosphere was too peculiar. Jiang Ci glanced at the pineapple cake in the woman’s hand and, almost involuntarily, asked, “Is it good…?”

The woman swallowed the pastry and replied, “A bit too sweet?”

Her voice was unexpectedly pleasant.

“Oh…” Jiang Ci said, “Actually, there’s a shop in the southern part of the city, deep in an alley. Their pineapple cakes are the best.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Ci: Don’t ask me how I know.

Pineapple cake—it was Xi Lingxue’s favorite. Back when Jiang Ci first attended court, she had asked around among the officials and waited in line for a long time to buy some.

Thinking back now, it felt like a lifetime ago.

Back then, she was so infatuated, willing to go through fire and water for even the smallest request from Xi Lingxue.

“Miss Jiang, hiding from me now is pointless. Aren’t you still going to the Honglu Temple tomorrow? Every inch of this land belongs to the Emperor. Where can you run?”

Listening to Jin Yu’s words, Jiang Ci clenched her fists.

She wasn’t wrong. The entire Yu Kingdom was under Xi Lingxue’s control. Right now, Jiang Ci was only maintaining a fragile lie, and Xi Lingxue didn’t dare to act rashly.

But once the lie was exposed, there would be no more restraints. Jiang Ci had no doubt that Xi Lingxue would imprison her.

She could feel that Xi Lingxue was holding back.

Deep down, Jiang Ci was a little afraid. She didn’t want to be controlled and manipulated, eventually caged like a canary. But she also felt powerless to resist.

What was she, after all? Just a temporary reception deputy, a position without any real rank. How could she stand against the Princess?

Jin Yu didn’t search the courtyard thoroughly. She wasn’t entirely sure if Jiang Ci was hiding. After calling out a few times with no response, she continued chasing deeper into the alley.

Jiang Ci waited until the footsteps faded away before standing up from behind the firewood and stepping out.

“Wait,” the woman behind her suddenly called out, “Miss Jiang… are you Jiang Ci?”

Jiang Ci paused and turned back, “You know me?”

The woman smiled slightly, her eyes curving into a breathtakingly beautiful expression, “With matchmakers knocking down your door, your fame in the capital is unmatched. Everyone knows of you, Miss Jiang.”

She had just arrived but had already heard the people of the capital praising Jiang Ci to the skies, making her curious about what kind of person this Qianjun was.

Now that she had seen her, while she couldn’t judge everything else, Jiang Ci’s looks were indeed impressive.

Jiang Ci was stunned for a moment, recalling the recent scandal. It all felt absurd and ridiculous, not as exaggerated as the woman made it sound.

She glanced at the woman a few more times. It was strange to be hiding here at night, sneaking bites of pineapple cake.

However, Jiang Ci didn’t plan to ask further. She didn’t want to meddle in others’ affairs, nor was she in the mood. So she nodded and turned to leave.

Helian Ping watched her retreating figure, still holding half a piece of pineapple cake. After a long while, she murmured, “Jiang Ci… interesting.”

She had sneaked out and needed to return before anyone noticed.

…

Jiang Ci thought she would see Xi Lingxue again the next day, but she didn’t. Jin Yu didn’t come looking for her either. Two peaceful days passed, and finally, it was time to welcome the Liang Kingdom delegation.

Jiang Ci had done some last-minute studying and knew that Liang Kingdom was located northwest of Yu, with many mountains and deserts. They worshipped mountain gods, believing deities would bring them bountiful harvests and protection.

However, the people of Liang were not as simple and kind as one might imagine. On the contrary, Liang was known for its fierce and martial culture. There, strength was the ultimate truth.

As the reception deputy, Jiang Ci was essentially a glorified errand girl, following behind the Assistant Minister of the Honglu Temple.

The Liang delegation arrived in the capital, and their first stop was to be accommodated by the Honglu Temple.

Jiang Ci blended into the crowd and caught a distant glimpse of the Liang princess.

Helian Ping was tall, with slightly curly brown hair braided into two small strands. She wore a half-mask of a deity, primitive and imposing, covering most of her face, revealing only her red, slightly thin lips and a delicate chin.

Her deep blue dress accentuated her snow-white skin, and her slender waist was exposed. As she moved, the ornaments on her body jingled softly, and glimpses of her long, fair legs could be seen.

Jiang Ci noticed her hair—the curls reminded her of the woman hiding behind the firewood, sneaking bites of pineapple cake.

The Liang delegation was settled in the guesthouse, and they would enter the palace to meet the Empress the next day, followed by a banquet.

Jiang Ci followed the Honglu Temple officials throughout the day, completing her tasks. She wasn’t supposed to attend the banquet the next day due to her low rank, but the Empress personally sent her an invitation, forcing her to attend.

She remembered the palace banquet’s dishes being delicious, a feast for the senses. She decided to treat it as a free dinner.

Last time, as Gao Yi, she had been seated close to the royal family. This time, she sat next to the Assistant Minister of the Honglu Temple, far from the royals, with many people in between.

Even so, she immediately spotted Xi Lingxue. The woman stood out in the crowd, wearing a deep red palace dress, her figure graceful and striking.

Coincidentally, Xi Lingxue was also looking at her. Their eyes met briefly, and Jiang Ci was the first to look away.

She didn’t see Jin Yu around.

Jiang Ci didn’t dwell on it. The Assistant Minister raised his glass to her, and she drank with him.

The banquet followed the usual routine, with the grand hall filled with music, dance, and clinking glasses.

Unlike when she was Gao Yi, no one bothered her this time. Most approached her with the intention of networking, offering flattery. Jiang Ci handled them with ease.

Halfway through the banquet, Xi Lanhua suddenly approached with a glass.

Jiang Ci noticed that Xi Lanhua had been listless all evening, unlike her usual lively self. Remembering how Xi Lanhua had accompanied her when she first arrived in the capital, Jiang Ci stood up to greet her with a smile, “Your Highness, it should be my honor to toast you. Why—”

“Jiang Ci,” Xi Lanhua pursed her lips, as if holding back a flood of grievances. But when her gaze swept over Xi Lingxue, she swallowed her words and said earnestly, “Sacrifice the small for the greater good.”

Jiang Ci: “???”

What?

Jiang Ci didn’t understand but still drank with Xi Lanhua. Recalling some news, she said, “I heard Your Highness volunteered to suppress bandits at the border. Such bravery deserves another toast.”

“Please, don’t. I didn’t ‘volunteer.’ I…” Xi Lanhua hesitated, her eyes welling up, “I beg you, speak well of me in front of the Princess. My life would be much easier.”

Jiang Ci was slightly surprised, wondering how Xi Lanhua had offended Xi Lingxue.

No wonder Xi Lanhua, who was neither scholarly nor martial, had gone to suppress bandits. She had been forced. Xi Lingxue’s power was indeed vast.

As they spoke, the Empress’s voice rang out from above, “Princess of Liang, do you have someone special in your heart?”

Xi Tingyue’s voice wasn’t loud, but everyone present was keenly interested in the question. The hall fell silent as they awaited Helian Ping’s answer.

The banquet had invited many eligible Qianjuns of high status, essentially to help Helian Ping choose a consort.

With the Empress’s question, all eyes turned to Helian Ping, waiting for her answer—except for Xi Lingxue, who seemed indifferent.

Her attention was on Jiang Ci, occasionally glancing over to observe her every move.

“I’m afraid not, Your Majesty.”

The voice…

Helian Ping had barely spoken a few words since her arrival. Jiang Ci, busy with her duties, hadn’t paid much attention earlier. But now, listening closely, the voice was eerily similar to the woman who had been sneaking pineapple cake.

Looking at the dignified princess, Jiang Ci was stunned.

No way, it must be her imagination. How could a princess of Liang sneak around eating cake?

But the next moment, Helian Ping turned and looked directly at Jiang Ci, smiling softly, “However, there is someone I’m interested in getting to know better.”

She didn’t name anyone, but Xi Lingxue tensed, especially since Jiang Ci was in that direction.

According to Huang Runfa’s intelligence, Helian Ping was known for her indulgence and had countless young, fair-skinned lovers.

Xi Lanhua gasped, “She’s not interested in me, is she? I don’t want to go to Liang!”

Jiang Ci: “…”

She patted Xi Lanhua’s shoulder reassuringly, “With so many people here, she might not be looking at you. Maybe it’s… Young Master Zhang, right?”

The young man next to her shyly lowered his head, secretly pleased, “You flatter me, Miss Jiang.”

As a prince, Xi Lanhua naturally didn’t want to go. But others might feel differently. Many would jump at the chance to become the princess’s consort.

Xi Tingyue said, “That’s fine. The princess will be staying in Yu for a few more days. There’s no rush to decide.”

The minor incident passed, and the banquet resumed its lively atmosphere. Just as everyone was speculating about Helian Ping’s intentions, the princess suddenly stood up.

Xi Lanhua watched as the woman walked gracefully toward them, momentarily dazzled by her beauty, her mind filled with images of slender waists and long legs.

By the time Helian Ping stood before them, Xi Lanhua snapped out of it and stammered, “Uh, Your Highness, I really—”

Helian Ping ignored her and smiled at Jiang Ci, her lips glistening, “Miss Jiang, hearing about you is nothing compared to seeing you in person.”

Xi Lanhua: “???”

Miss Jiang? So she’s here for Jiang Ci? That’s great!

…Wait, Jiang Ci?!

Xi Lanhua instinctively glanced at her sister and saw Xi Lingxue’s face darken as she also stood up.

Seeing the situation turning sour, Xi Lanhua quickly made herself scarce.

This is no place for me. Don’t let me get caught in the crossfire!

But before Xi Lingxue could take a step, Xi Tingyue called her back.

Jiang Ci, unaware of the commotion, felt that the closer she got to Helian Ping, the more she resembled the woman from that night. She couldn’t help but wonder.

She stood up and bowed slightly, “Your Highness flatters me.”

The palace attendants were quick-witted, realizing that Jiang Ci was the “person of interest” Helian Ping had mentioned. Seeing that Helian Ping showed no intention of leaving, they quickly added a seat next to Jiang Ci.

Helian Ping sat down without hesitation.

Now everyone understood—the Liang princess was quite forward!

Instantly, envious and jealous glances fell upon Jiang Ci. What luck did this woman have? She was nothing special, just pretty!

Jiang Ci didn’t think Helian Ping was genuinely interested in her. Perhaps she just wanted to talk further.

Helian Ping leaned closer, “Miss Jiang, you don’t mind me sitting here, do you?”

Jiang Ci’s mouth twitched. Whether she minded or not, Helian Ping was already seated.

She shook her head and smiled, testing the waters, “Your Highness, having traveled so far, have you tried our Yu Kingdom’s pineapple cake?”

“Not yet,” Helian Ping smiled, “But I’ve heard there’s a shop deep in the southern alleys that makes the best.”

They locked eyes for a moment, and Jiang Ci finally confirmed—it was her!

What Jiang Ci couldn’t figure out was, what was the princess of Liang up to? Had she sneaked into the capital two days early? And was hiding to eat pineapple cake?

As she pondered, Helian Ping suddenly leaned forward, her hand resting on Jiang Ci’s leg under the table, “Miss Jiang, as the reception deputy, shouldn’t you show me around the capital?”

The movement was subtle, hidden by the table. But in that instant, Jiang Ci felt a chill, as if an inexplicable force was probing her.

Jiang Ci stared at Helian Ping, and through the ancient mask, she met a pair of surprised eyes, not flirtatious.

“You’re… special.”

Helian Ping’s voice was soft, only audible to the two of them.

Jiang Ci was deeply shaken, suddenly tense, feeling as if this woman had sensed something.

Like, she wasn’t from this world.

Remembering that Liang worshipped mountain gods, Jiang Ci glanced at the mask and whispered, “Are you a witch?”

Helian Ping: “…”

A witch? Such an old-fashioned term!

She was about to retort when her wrist was suddenly gripped, the touch icy cold.

Xi Lingxue had appeared out of nowhere. Though her face wore a smile, her eyes were frosty, beautiful yet chilling.

“If the princess wishes to experience the capital’s culture, I’ll have the Assistant Minister of the Honglu Temple accompany you.”

The Assistant Minister trembled: I’d rather not get involved!

The temperature seemed to drop suddenly. Those nearby instinctively moved away, not expecting the Princess to intervene.

Helian Ping chuckled and withdrew her hand, tilting her head provocatively, “No, I want Miss Jiang to accompany me. Is that not allowed?”

Her crisp voice contrasted sharply with her ancient mask. When silent, Helian Ping was a dignified and majestic princess, but when she spoke, she sounded like a mischievous girl, almost cute, making it hard to refuse.

However, Xi Lingxue had no such soft spot. She looked down at the girl and said coldly, “No.”

Their eyes locked, an electric current seemed to be between them.

Xi Lanhua forgot to chew her melon seeds, fearing Helian Ping might start bleeding from the nose any second.

That would be disastrous. After all, she was the princess of Liang. A conflict would escalate things!

Xi Tingyue also looked grave. She had just advised the imperial sister not to be impulsive. The imperial sister agreed, but in the blink of an eye, she took action!

Helian Ping sat unmoved, unaffected by the intimidating presence, and laughed out loud, “The princess is not Miss Jiang, so her words don’t count.”

After that, she looked at Jiang Ci, “What do you think?”

Xi Lingxue’s gaze trembled, suddenly afraid of hearing Jiang Ci’s answer.

She hated this feeling of losing control, as if something uniquely hers was being taken away, and she was powerless to stop it.

“A Ci…”

“I am willing,” Jiang Ci smiled. “Your Highness, as the deputy reception envoy, it is my duty and responsibility to receive the Princess of Liang.”

She wasn’t trying to use Helian Ping to provoke Xi Lingxue, but Helian Ping was indeed suspicious and seemed to know her secret. Jiang Ci naturally couldn’t let this go; she wanted to find an opportunity to probe the depths of this Liang princess.

Intuitively, Jiang Ci felt that Helian Ping was not simple.

Moreover, she was somewhat annoyed that Xi Lingxue had made the decision for her directly.

“Did you hear that?” Helian Ping laughed. “Even Miss Jiang has spoken. Would the Princess still want to stop her?”

Xi Lingxue didn’t speak, just lowered her gaze to look at Jiang Ci, her hands hidden in her sleeves clenching tightly.

Amid the standoff, Xi Tingyue spoke up, “The Princess certainly won’t stop her. Since the Princess has designated Jiang Ci, let her show you around the capital.”

…

As the banquet ended, the guests dispersed.

Jiang Ci left the grand hall, and Xi Lingxue caught up with her.

The woman walked hurriedly, her red skirt slightly lifted, like a blooming red lotus.

“A Ci,” Xi Lingxue grabbed her sleeve, “you don’t understand Helian Ping—”

“Your Highness, be cautious with your words,” Jiang Ci coldly withdrew her sleeve, creating distance between them. “And please, maintain your dignity.”

Xi Lingxue was stunned for a moment, then slowly lowered her hand, her red-rimmed eyes softly saying, “A Ci, are you still angry? I have already punished Jin Yu…”

Jin Yu was currently reflecting on her actions, which is why she hadn’t attended the banquet.

To this explanation, Jiang Ci only sneered, “I’m not angry.”

Jin Yu was mindless, only loyal to her mistress. Jiang Ci had no reason to hold a grudge against her.

What bothered her was that when Jin Yu came to seize her, Xi Lingxue had not stopped her.

In fact, if Xi Lingxue had given the order, even slightly firmly, Jin Yu wouldn’t have dared to disobey.

So, she had tacitly approved it.

Deep down, she also wanted to capture her, to imprison her in a cage.

Just like earlier, when Xi Lingxue had made the decision for her, treating her as if she were her possession, not allowing anyone else to touch her.

The lie of “self-destruction” would eventually be exposed. Xi Lingxue was so clever; with enough probing, she would surely notice.

Then she would lose her last trump card, and how could she escape the grasp of the other?

This was undoubtedly a huge boulder, pressing down on Jiang Ci, making it hard for her to breathe.

She wanted to escape, to break free from this tightly bound fate.

Xi Lingxue, the powerful Princess, with the Empress as her sister, Prince Duan as her elder sister, and with Huang Fu, Pei Shiyuan, and so many talented individuals under her command.

And she was just alone, what could she do?

Until just now, when facing Helian Ping, Jiang Ci suddenly thought of a way out.

What if she went to Liang?

Jiang Ci’s gaze made Xi Lingxue’s heart uneasy. “A Ci, Helian Ping is not suitable for you.”

Jiang Ci wanted to laugh, “And you are?”

The woman, as pure as the moon, bit her lip tightly, the corners of her eyes tinged with a hint of red, her eyes watery, pitiful and moving.

Jiang Ci couldn’t help but turn her head away, “I don’t want to be a consort.”

That would just be another form of bondage; she wasn’t foolish.

“Really?”

Because of this one sentence, a glimmer of light appeared in the woman’s eyes again.

“Yes.” Jiang Ci casually responded.

As they spoke, Helian Ping and a group of envoys walked up from behind.

The young girl twisted her slender waist, and as she passed Jiang Ci, she casually touched her face, her steps light, “So tender.”

Jiang Ci: ???

The group of envoys only felt a chill down their backs, as if a volley of arrows had turned them and the princess into sieves.

This Princess was notoriously difficult to deal with, a reputation that had even reached Liang.

An envoy whispered a reminder, “Perhaps you should choose someone else? There are many beauties in Yu Kingdom, not just Miss Jiang.”

Helian Ping acted as if she hadn’t heard, turning back to blow a kiss to Jiang Ci, ignoring Xi Lingxue’s murderous glare.

“Little Miss Jiang, see you tomorrow~”