Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 51

51: High-Level Tactics

Jiang Ci had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, and coupled with a mind full of worries, she emerged from the palace utterly exhausted.

Fortunately, Cao Ya had been waiting at the palace gates. Upon seeing her, he jumped down from the carriage, “My lady!”

Jiang Ci turned towards the voice, “Uncle Cao?”

It was deep autumn, with heavy frost and dew. Cao Ya, fearing she might catch a chill, had specially brought a cloak when he came to fetch her in the evening. Now, like a fussy old maid, he draped it over her, chattering away, “My lady, you don’t look well. Are you tired? I’ve already had someone prepare sobering soup. Let’s head back to the manor.”

Jiang Ci wrapped herself in the jade-white, cloud-patterned cloak, feeling a bit warmer.

It seemed she wasn’t entirely alone; there was the honest and simple Cao Ya, and her elusive master.

Although Cao Ya had been assigned to her by Xi Tingyue, it seemed he only acknowledged her as his mistress, which was why he had recommended Li Yunzhu to her.

If she were to leave Yu Kingdom, Jiang Ci would indeed feel a bit reluctant.

Since the princess of Liang Kingdom had specifically requested her company, Jiang Ci wouldn’t have to run to the Honglu Temple in the coming days. She just needed to be a good “tour guide.”

Returning to the manor, Jiang Ci bathed, changed her clothes, and then went to the study.

Thinking about it, being a tour guide was somewhat absurd. She hadn’t even thoroughly explored the capital herself, and now she had to cram and prepare some itineraries.

Actually, the capital wasn’t as vast as modern cities, with only a few scenic spots, but there were plenty of entertainment activities. From soccer and polo to riddles and lanterns, opera and acrobatics, and in the evening, a bustling night market with all kinds of delicious snacks.

However, despite so many interesting activities, she and Xi Lingxue had never participated in them together.

They had spent over half a year together, during which they only went for an outing outside the city and visited the Shenwu Temple once. After that, there were no other activities. The beautiful memories were indeed pitifully few.

And tomorrow, she would be touring the capital with another woman.

Jiang Ci suddenly felt a pang of sadness.

What was she sad about?

Perhaps it was the gap between fantasy and reality.

It should have been that person. She had fantasized countless times, always unconsciously picturing that cold and noble face in her mind.

Yet, things always turned out contrary to her wishes.

…

The next day, Jiang Ci appeared at the posthouse, dressed neatly. Cao Ya had chosen a light green round-collar robe for her, with an orange-red contrast collar, like a slanting sunbeam breaking through the clouds, warm and poetic.

Helian Ping was still wearing a mask, followed by a group of envoys. When she saw Jiang Ci, she slightly curled her lips.

Even in autumn, Helian Ping wore a waist-baring dark blue dress, adorned with jingling ornaments, her skin like congealed fat, radiant as the sun.

“Little Jiang, did you sleep well last night?”

Her rising tone indicated she was in a good mood.

Jiang Ci offered a polite smile, “Thanks to Your Highness, I slept very soundly.”

“Oh~~” Helian Ping deliberately drew out her words, sighing, “I wasn’t so lucky, tossing and turning all night, thinking about you, Little Jiang.”

Jiang Ci felt goosebumps, but looking at the envoys behind, all expressionless, it seemed they were used to this.

“Hehe,” Jiang Ci tried to remain calm, then briefly outlined the day’s schedule.

Helian Ping kept staring at Jiang Ci, almost clinging to her, “I have no objections, I’ll follow Little Jiang’s lead~”

“That’s good.” Jiang Ci was already feeling mentally exhausted before they even set off.

Helian Ping boarded the carriage, and the twenty-some envoys followed out of the posthouse, standing silently behind, a dark mass.

Jiang Ci: “And these gentlemen are…?”

“We are here to protect the princess.” the lead envoy replied.

“Yes, I understand.” Jiang Ci wiped her sweat, “A few people would suffice, there’s no need for so many… Are you all going to follow on horseback?”

Jiang Ci imagined the scene. Could they even enjoy themselves properly? It was almost like forming a cavalry unit, which might scare the capital’s citizens.

The envoy didn’t joke, solemnly stating, “Little Jiang, no need to worry. We will follow on foot.”

Jiang Ci: “???”

What? On foot? All these people running behind the carriage?

Liang Kingdom truly had a robust folk culture.

“No, you’re exaggerating,” Jiang Ci said, “This is the capital. Do you not trust our Yu Kingdom?”

The envoy looked troubled, “That’s not what we mean…”

“Then what is it?”

“This…”

“Alright,” Helian Ping lifted the carriage curtain, sounding somewhat impatient, “Just leave two, the rest can go back.”

“Princess, that might not be appropriate,” the envoy said, “We are under the Empress Dowager’s orders—”

“Enough, didn’t you hear Little Jiang? You’re showing distrust towards Yu Kingdom. How would that look if word got out?”

At this point, Jiang Ci very cooperatively gave a “displeased” look, forcing the envoy to compromise. Following Helian Ping’s wishes, only two were left to follow.

The Empress Dowager…

Jiang Ci had originally thought these envoys were appointed by their queen. It seemed the rumors were true; Liang Kingdom’s internal situation was indeed complicated.

Jiang Ci hadn’t arrived early, and by the time they set off, it was nearly noon. Thus, she first took them to a restaurant to try some local dishes.

The afternoon passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was dark.

She hadn’t seen Xi Lingxue all day.

What was she doing at this time?

Jiang Ci guessed she was probably helping with state affairs. After all, Xi Tingyue was still young and had only recently ascended the throne; there must be things she didn’t understand.

Helian Ping sensed her distraction, “Little Jiang, aren’t you taking me to try pineapple cakes?”

“Pineapple cakes?” Jiang Ci snapped back to reality; she had almost forgotten, “We’ll have to wait until tomorrow. That shop usually sells out by morning; you have to queue up early.”

“Is that so,” Helian Ping’s tone was tinged with disappointment, “I thought you had it all prepared.”

Jiang Ci: “Next time, next time.”

She had specifically mentioned it yesterday. Jiang Ci could have easily sent a servant from her manor to handle it, a simple matter. But she had completely forgotten, utterly.

At this moment, Jiang Ci realized that apart from Xi Lingxue, she wouldn’t put so much thought into anyone else.

At least, not for the time being.

From the Kunjuns of Songxiang Town to the noble ladies of the capital, and now the princess of Liang Kingdom, she didn’t seem to care much for any of them.

This wasn’t right, Jiang Ci thought. Wasn’t she supposed to start anew?

She should try to discover the beauty in others, accept their kindness.

Instead of pondering where Xi Lingxue was while strolling with Helian Ping.

She should be happy that Xi Lingxue wasn’t bothering her anymore.

“Little Jiang,” Helian Ping linked arms with her, leaning in, “Are you tired after walking all day?”

Jiang Ci: “…”

She was about to pull her arm away when she heard a faint, rapid whisper, “Help me shake them off.”

“???”

Jiang Ci was momentarily stunned, almost thinking she had imagined it, but the voice indeed seemed to be Helian Ping’s.

“Oh Little Jiang, you’re so shy~” Helian Ping cooed, patting her lightly, half her body leaning in, “Don’t just stand there, they’ll notice!”

The brief contact quickly ended, appearing as if the woman had taken the opportunity to get close.

Only Jiang Ci heard what Helian Ping had said!

She instantly realized that Helian Ping was wary of the envoys behind them!

The two envoys had been shadowing them all along, silent, just following step by step. Helian Ping, seemingly of high status, was actually under strict surveillance, more like being monitored than protected.

“Not at all, I was just a bit surprised,” Jiang Ci played along, smoothly wrapping an arm around Helian Ping’s slender waist, her lips near Helian Ping’s ear, whispering, “Wait for my signal.”

After a light hug, she let go, eliciting a giggle from the woman, who covered her ear, “Little Jiang, you’re so naughty, that tickled~~”

Jiang Ci pursed her lips.

Damn, Helian Ping was more skilled than her, such a good actress?!

Just then, a flash of red caught her eye, a slender figure. The person seemed to have ink-black hair, much like Xi Lingxue’s.

Jiang Ci immediately looked over, perhaps unconsciously hoping for something.

“What is it?” Helian Ping followed her gaze, only seeing an empty alley.

Jiang Ci blinked her dry eyes, “Nothing.”

She must have been mistaken. Why would Xi Lingxue suddenly appear here, staging a scene of “turning back to find that person amidst the dimming lights”?

Jiang Ci took a deep breath, refocusing, “Princess, let’s go to the night market. There’s lots of fun to be had, and fireworks later.”

Helian Ping smiled lightly, “Alright, I love that~”

To outsiders, they seemed like two people in the early stages of romance, flirting and testing each other’s boundaries through physical contact.

The envoys could hardly bear to watch.

Indeed, the princess was as frivolous as ever, only interested in flirting with Qianjuns! This Jiang Ci was nothing special, just a pretty face.

The four headed towards the night market, completely unaware of a graceful figure emerging from the deep alley, following them from a distance.

Xi Lingxue had been dealing with accumulated affairs, rushing over alone without bringing Jin Yu. She had intended to catch up to Jiang Ci, but just a few steps away, she saw Jiang Ci intimately embrace Helian Ping.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Didn’t she say she didn’t want to be her consort?

Xi Lingxue stayed rooted, and when Jiang Ci looked over, she inexplicably hid.

She didn’t know what she was avoiding.

Perhaps it was a fact she had long been unwilling to face, an answer that had been on the verge of revealing itself.

But as Jiang Ci walked away, Xi Lingxue couldn’t help but follow.

Jiang Ci couldn’t be with Helian Ping; Helian Ping was no good.

Liang Kingdom was dangerous.

Xi Lingxue found herself a very legitimate reason, whether subjectively or objectively. She told herself she had to follow, she must follow.

…

Jiang Ci led Helian Ping quickly, deliberately weaving through crowded areas to shake off the envoys behind.

However, at most, they only managed to create a few steps of distance; the two always caught up, sticking like glue.

The envoys were skilled in martial arts; Jiang Ci could tell from their steady stances.

She might be able to take them on, but she represented Yu Kingdom and absolutely could not confront them directly.

Jiang Ci surveyed her surroundings, trying to find another opportunity.

Coincidentally, she did spot one.

Tonight, the citizens of the capital were all waiting to watch the fireworks, making the city livelier than usual. Crowds often led to disputes.

Jiang Ci noticed a burly man loudly berating someone.

“Little girl, are you blind? Trying to kill me?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

Nearby onlookers clearly saw that the girl had only lightly bumped into him, but the man wouldn’t let it go.

Despite this, no one dared to intervene. The man looked intimidating, and no one wanted to provoke him.

Jiang Ci secretly palmed a piece of silver, pulling Helian Ping towards the burly man, “Excuse us, excuse us.”

They passed through smoothly, but as the two envoys followed, Jiang Ci flicked the silver piece, hitting the man’s backside hard.

“Ouch, what the hell?!”

The man turned around cursing, facing the two envoys.

The envoys frowned at him, “What are you looking at? Move!”

The burly man, enraged, grabbed one by the collar and threw a punch, “Looking for death!”

The three immediately started brawling.

Jiang Ci glanced back, then took Helian Ping’s hand and ran.

“Little Jiang, that was quite the trick, diverting trouble?”

“I’ve shaken them off. What’s really going on with you?”

Helian Ping didn’t dare run too far, fearing the envoys would get suspicious, so they ducked into a nearby deserted alley.

Time was pressing, and she got straight to the point, “Become my consort and come with me to Liang Kingdom.”

“Wait, wait,” Jiang Ci crossed her arms, “You’re not even going to explain before dragging me onto your ship?”

Helian Ping glanced at the alley entrance, urgent, “Can’t I explain later? I can see you want to escape Xi Lingxue. Becoming my consort is the perfect solution. Only by going to Liang Kingdom can you avoid her.”

“I could go on my own.”

“You can’t even leave the capital!”

“You seem well-informed,” Jiang Ci narrowed her eyes, “But I’ve also heard your Kingdom has internal conflicts, multiple forces at play. The princess’s situation must be quite precarious. Being a consort wouldn’t be easy.”

“That’s why I need you,” Helian Ping looked at her deeply, “You’re a variable, special.”

Jiang Ci was slightly taken aback.

What did that mean?

She was about to ask when the woman suddenly hooked an arm around her neck, slender fingers pressing the back of her head, pulling her down.

Jiang Ci: What are you doing?!

Helian Ping: Someone’s coming!

Jiang Ci didn’t resist, going along with the motion, pretending to be in an intimate embrace.

Jiang Ci’s back was to the alley entrance, unable to see who was coming, assuming it was the two envoys, thinking they were quick.

However, she caught a familiar faint scent.