Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 52

52: House Arrest

…Was it her?

For a moment, Jiang Ci was in a daze. She didn’t think about why Xi Lingxue appeared here, nor how she found her. When she caught a whiff of that faint, dark fragrance, the first thought that surfaced in Jiang Ci’s heart was an inexplicable and subtle joy.

Joy, because in such a moment that could easily be misunderstood.

Joy, because the person she had been longing for had finally appeared.

Jiang Ci had suffered deeply and cried bitterly, so after her rebirth, she had always told herself to forget the past and embrace a new life.

During those months in Songxiang Town, she had indeed managed to do so. In a completely different environment, with a new identity. Even when she thought of Xi Lingxue, it was only a gentle tug at her heart, like a stone thrown into water, causing ripples that would eventually settle.

Perhaps if she continued like this, over time, she would eventually forget Xi Lingxue’s appearance, forget the unique pheromones that belonged to her.

Jiang Ci had never felt that she missed Xi Lingxue that much; she had always been moving forward. She could even coldly say to that woman, “Stop bothering me.”

But until today, strolling through the streets and alleys of the capital with Helian Ping, when the autumn wind rose and golden leaves filled the sky, in that instant, a sense of desolation suddenly welled up in Jiang Ci’s heart.

If only the person beside her were Xi Lingxue, how wonderful that would be.

No deceit, no exploitation, no unseen rivals, just the two of them, leaving everything behind.

It turned out, she had never let go of that longing.

The arm around her neck tightened, as if sensing her distraction, Helian Ping leaned in closer.

With a “bang” fireworks shot into the sky, bursting into brilliant colors in the night.

Jiang Ci was startled awake and immediately broke free.

However, when she turned around, she did not see the person she expected. Even the faint, dark fragrance in the air was elusive, as if it were just an illusion.

The fireworks illuminated the dark alley, and two envoys had already spotted them, heading their way.

So fast.

Helian Ping’s eyes flickered; if she missed this chance, there might never be another opportunity to be alone with Jiang Ci.

They would surely tighten their surveillance.

Helian Ping pulled Jiang Ci back and whispered, “Release your pheromones, quick!”

Jiang Ci understood this was for show, otherwise how could they explain their sudden escape.

But Xi Lingxue, was that really an illusion…

Hearing the footsteps approaching, Jiang Ci gritted her teeth and also embraced Helian Ping.

One of the two envoys was a Qianjun, and as soon as he stepped into the alley, he caught the scent of two rich fragrances.

He frowned and stopped his companion.

Really…

His companion gave him a puzzled look, “What’s wrong?”

He scratched his head irritably, somewhat affected by the pheromones, “Don’t you see?”

A temporary mark!

The companion glanced at the two again; just as the fireworks burst, they were “kissing” passionately, inseparable, full of affection, and extremely romantic.

“Tsk—then, let’s wait a bit!”

They were sent by the Empress Dowager to monitor Helian Ping, to prevent her from colluding with external forces. As for Helian Ping messing around with some pretty girl in private, they couldn’t care less. This princess had always been outrageous, especially fond of toying with beauties.

The envoys didn’t get closer but didn’t leave either, stopping at the alley entrance.

Helian Ping knew they wouldn’t wait long, at most a few minutes, she had to win Jiang Ci over.

The two were now closely pressed together, and a little movement wouldn’t be noticed.

Helian Ping stood on tiptoe, her lips close to Jiang Ci’s ear, “Liang Kingdom is indeed in turmoil, but isn’t that also an opportunity for you? You need a chance, and I happen to need you too.”

“Why me?”

“The mountain god guided me.”

Jiang Ci was slightly stunned, what kind of answer was that?

She looked at Helian Ping, the woman wearing an ancient mask, under the fireworks, Jiang Ci could clearly see the patterns on it, eerie and mysterious.

Through the mask were a pair of enchanting, deep eyes, fixed on her.

The envoys coughed twice, indeed starting to urge, “Princess.”

Helian Ping didn’t dare to linger, her voice changing to a coquettish tone, “You’re so annoying, even this you have to control.”

She caressed Jiang Ci’s cheek, pinching her voice to a delicate tone, “Lord Jiang, we have plenty of time ahead~”

After saying that, Helian Ping twisted her slender waist and left contentedly.

The two envoys didn’t suspect anything, just glanced at Jiang Ci, secretly sneering in their hearts.

Another poor soul bewitched by the princess, who knows how long she’ll stay interested.

…

Jiang Ci stayed alone in the alley, her thoughts tangled, a complete mess.

This is terrible.

Why did Helian Ping choose her to be the consort? She had no power, no influence, and couldn’t help at all.

Could it be that Helian Ping knew she was a transmigrator?

The mountain god guided…

Was this really a revelation, or just an excuse Helian Ping used to deceive her?

Jiang Ci couldn’t figure it out, what troubled her more was Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci felt like she was going crazy, having so many hallucinations in one day.

The fireworks stopped at some point, and the alley returned to darkness.

Jiang Ci stood in the cold wind for a long time, just about to leave when she looked up and saw someone suddenly appear at the alley entrance.

A figure in red, hair like satin, standing in the shadows, her expression unclear.

The woman walked step by step towards Jiang Ci, her graceful figure unmistakable at a glance.

“Xiaoxue…?”

Not an illusion?

The woman didn’t respond, just slightly lowered her head, and when she reached Jiang Ci, she grabbed her wrist tightly.

Xi Lingxue walked quickly, pulling her out of the alley towards the direction of the princess’s residence.

Jiang Ci tried to break free but was afraid of hurting her, “How did you know I was here? When did you arrive?”

If it wasn’t an illusion earlier, did Xi Lingxue see her with Helian Ping…

The hand on her wrist was slender and pale, cold, and very forceful, even trembling slightly.

Even without seeing her face, she could imagine the woman biting her lip hard, trying to suppress her emotions.

Jiang Ci’s heart felt like it was pricked.

She didn’t want Xi Lingxue to misunderstand, nor did she want to hurt her.

Even if they parted, she hoped the other could live a better life.

Someone deeply loved, how could she bear to be cruel.

“…Xiaoxue, let’s talk.”

Jiang Ci had thought a lot today, and finally decided, since she couldn’t let go, maybe they should try to be together.

Forget about Liang Kingdom, why wade into those muddy waters, just develop here.

She needed to readjust to the changes in their identities, find a new balance.

Perhaps, she should try to compromise, try to accept Xi Lingxue’s dominance, after all, the other was in a high position, a powerful princess, she couldn’t always expect her to conform to modern thoughts.

“Okay.”

Xi Lingxue softly agreed.

They walked in silence until Jiang Ci stepped into the princess’s residence, the former Dingyuan Marquis’s residence, before she could reminisce, Jiang Ci was dragged by Xi Lingxue to the bedroom.

Yes, dragged, Xi Lingxue walked too quickly, as if afraid she would run away.

As soon as they entered, the door behind them slammed shut heavily.

Candles were lit in the room, and by the dim candlelight, Jiang Ci finally saw the woman before her clearly.

Those cold eyes were now crimson, burning like fire, yet when they looked over, they were also tender and lingering, with a hint of near madness in their smile.

Jiang Ci was a bit confused, was she… excited?

“Xiaoxue—”

Soft red lips pressed against hers, the woman embraced her and walked inside, both falling onto the bed.

The scent of plum blossoms filled the room, fragrant and intoxicating.

Xi Lingxue removed her clothes and untied Jiang Ci’s hair.

Skin against skin, when teeth once again bit into the gland, a thought flashed through Jiang Ci’s mind, good thing she soaked in goji berries every day.

…

After a night of passion, they finally fell asleep as dawn approached.

Perhaps still concerned about Helian Ping, Jiang Ci didn’t sleep long, waking up while it was still day.

But as soon as she opened her eyes, she found the woman who should have been lying in bed had already gotten up and disappeared without a trace.

Jiang Ci didn’t think much of it, just dressed herself.

She had been out all night, she didn’t know if Xi Lingxue had sent any messages to Cao Ya, she needed to go out and check.

Jiang Ci walked to the door and pushed, but it didn’t budge, as if locked.

Jiang Ci was stunned, a bad feeling rising in her heart.

She knocked hard on the door, “Is anyone there? What’s going on?”

Hearing her noise, a maid immediately came up, “Lord Jiang, please wait a moment, the princess will be back soon.”

“No, why are you locking people in?”

The maid didn’t answer anymore.

Jiang Ci was a bit angry, no need to guess, this was definitely Xi Lingxue’s order.

She looked through the crack in the door and saw many guards outside, and talismans pasted on the walls, she didn’t know what they were for.

Jiang Ci’s heart turned cold, she tried to suppress the fear, and then tried to open the windows, but without exception, they were all sealed from the outside.

She looked through the cracks in the doors and windows, and was shocked to find that the entire courtyard was heavily guarded.

Even if she forced her way out of this room, she couldn’t escape the many guards outside.

Only then did Jiang Ci finally realize a fact, she had actually been placed under house arrest by Xi Lingxue?!

Jiang Ci was stunned for two seconds, the anger in her heart gradually becoming uncontrollable.

She gritted her teeth, picked up a chair, and smashed it against the door, “Why are you locking me up?! Where is Xi Lingxue? Where did she go!”

No one answered outside, they were only responsible for guarding here.

Jiang Ci angrily overturned the tea set on the table, with a crash, the fine jade porcelain shattered on the ground. She stood amidst the mess, looking around the room, her chest heaving violently.

How ridiculous, last night Helian Ping said she couldn’t leave the capital. That was overestimating her, she couldn’t even leave the princess’s residence.

Not long after, Xi Lingxue hurried back from outside and had someone open the door.

Jiang Ci looked behind her and even saw several Taoist priests.

What’s going on…

Were they afraid she would self-destruct? So they prepared Taoist priests and talismans in advance?

Jiang Ci didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

If she really died, would Xi Lingxue summon her spirit?

Seeing the fragments on the ground, Xi Lingxue didn’t say anything, just had the maid clean up and bring a new set.

“A Ci, why not sleep more? Are you hungry?”

The woman’s eyes were gentle, as if nothing had happened.

Jiang Ci stared at her for a while, then coldly asked, “Aren’t you going to give me an explanation?”

Xi Lingxue blinked, a smile on her red lips, “I just want to be with A Ci forever.”

Jiang Ci paused for two seconds, her heart aching, her tone softening, “I want to be with you too, but not like this…”

“Xiaoxue, are you angry? Because of last night? It was fake with Helian Ping, she was being watched by the envoys, she had no choice but to put on an act with me. Let’s try to start over… can you, not lock me up…”

Jiang Ci said this, but as she spoke, she vaguely guessed the answer.

“I’m not angry.” Xi Lingxue gently caressed her face, her eyes full of infatuation, “But, I can’t let you go.”

Her A Ci was too good, so many people coveted her.

She had to hide her well.

Jiang Ci was stunned, after a long time she said, “Xi Lingxue, you can’t lock me up forever.”

Such a big living person suddenly disappearing, Cao Ya would look for her.

…Even if he didn’t, she still had a master?

Well, if the master couldn’t be relied on, then, then there’s still Helian Ping?

Right, didn’t she say something about the mountain god guiding her?

She wasn’t just teasing her, was she?!

The more Jiang Ci thought, the more desperate she felt, facing Xi Lingxue, she found no one around her could stand up to her.

The woman leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth, “I say it’s possible, then it’s possible.”