Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 55

55: Farewell

The princess ordered a thorough search throughout the night and personally led the guards in pursuit, causing quite a commotion.

Some people had already guessed that the only person who could make Xi Lingxue go to such lengths was Jiang Ci.

At that time, Helian Ping was still at the post station, munching on melon seeds and wondering how Jiang Ci had managed to escape unnoticed and leave the city. The next second, a figure flashed into her room.

Helian Ping was momentarily stunned.

“Don’t make a sound, it’s me.”

After speaking, Jiang Ci dragged the two unconscious envoys into the room, dropped them on the floor, and closed the door securely.

Helian Ping blinked, still a bit dazed, “You… didn’t you leave the city?”

Jiang Ci: “It was just a diversion.”

The person pretending to be her wouldn’t be able to stall for long. Once Xi Lingxue found out, she would immediately rush back to the capital.

“Helian Ping, I don’t have much time, so I’ll make it quick. Why did you choose me?”

“I’ve already told you, it was the mountain—”

“Don’t give me that mountain god nonsense, I want the truth.” Jiang Ci stared directly at Helian Ping, her brows sharp with determination. “Right now, you need me, not the other way around.”

Successfully escaping from the princess’s residence had restored some of Jiang Ci’s confidence.

She had brains, martial arts skills, medical knowledge, and the ability to detoxify. In this world without surveillance, internet, or timely information, she would always find a way to carve out her own path.

But what about Helian Ping?

Why did she have to choose her?

If they were to cooperate, Jiang Ci needed the other party to show sincerity first.

How deep was this water? What kind of risks would she face? Helian Ping needed to tell her these things first. She couldn’t just blindly follow her to Liang Kingdom without knowing the details.

She needed an opportunity, but she couldn’t be a reckless fool, trusting someone whose background she didn’t even know.

If the other party wasn’t willing to be honest, then there was no point in discussing cooperation. She could leave immediately.

Helian Ping bit her lip, her beautiful eyes fixed on Jiang Ci.

The two of them stood in a stalemate for a while. Helian Ping realized she couldn’t win this battle and, feeling both angry and helpless, said, “You’re really… fine, I’ll tell you.”

“You’ve seen my situation,” the woman lowered her eyes, her voice soft. “I have no other choice…”

Her elder sister ascended the throne at a young age, and real power was still held by the Empress Dowager. Additionally, there was a third faction led by the general. The internal situation in Liang Kingdom was far from unified.

As a princess, her marriage would inevitably be tied to political interests.

The Empress Dowager wanted to place her own people around her, while the empress naturally tried to prevent this. After years of tug-of-war, it was the high priest who finally stepped in, giving her the opportunity to come to Yu Kingdom to choose a consort. This way, the consort would neither be from the Empress Dowager’s faction nor the empress’s.

Helian Ping had always presented herself as harmless and only interested in fun. Despite this, the Empress Dowager was still wary, which was why she sent envoys to keep an eye on her.

Jiang Ci nodded, indicating she understood. “The Empress Dowager doesn’t want you to ally with Yu Kingdom’s forces, so you should find a way to break through. For example, why not try to win over Prince Duan?”

Xi Lanhua had never married, and her status was a perfect match. In terms of strength, she was also a powerful ally. By all accounts, she seemed like the best choice.

“That’s too obvious. Do you think the Empress Dowager is stupid?”

If she really did that, she would be placed under house arrest upon her return, and Prince Duan would likely be controlled as well. She might even die without knowing how.

But Jiang Ci was different. She had a clean background.

Helian Ping said, “You’re different. You’re just a lowly reception deputy with no rank, no power or influence in Yu Kingdom. When people inquire about you, they only say you seduced the empress with your looks to get your position. Then you seduced the princess, causing a huge scandal.”

Jiang Ci: “…”

Alright, she got it. In the eyes of others, she was just a pretty face, a femme fatale.

She came from humble origins, and her “resume” was so clean that aside from gossip, there was nothing else.

So, choosing her as a consort would make the Empress Dowager think that Helian Ping was only interested in her looks, posing no threat. This would also make the Empress Dowager lower her guard against Helian Ping.

“But, the part about the mountain god guiding me isn’t a lie.” Helian Ping smiled slightly, swaying her slender waist as she approached Jiang Ci. Her hand mischievously lifted Jiang Ci’s chin. “The mountain god told me that something from beyond this world would help me. The first time I saw you, I thought it was you.”

Jiang Ci’s mouth twitched, and she pushed Helian Ping’s hand away. “Sister, I’m a human.”

That said, upon reflection, it wasn’t entirely wrong. She was indeed “something from beyond this world.” She didn’t belong to this world in the first place.

“I trust my intuition.” Helian Ping chuckled. “See, you’re quite capable, aren’t you? I never expected you to fool Xi Lingxue.”

What kind of person was Xi Lingxue?

She rose from the inner chambers to the court, eliminating political enemies along the way, seizing the throne, and then stepping down to become the princess. In Yu Kingdom, she was a figure of immense power.

Helian Ping summarized her as a mad widow who had lost her lord.

Jiang Ci was at a loss for words.

She now roughly understood the situation in Liang Kingdom.

Cooperating with Helian Ping meant siding with the empress’s faction, helping her consolidate royal power. Their primary enemy would be the Empress Dowager, followed by the general and others.

This time, there was no guidebook.

Once she entered this game, it would be hard to withdraw. One misstep could lead to total defeat, and she might even lose her life.

No wonder Mo Sanqi didn’t want her to go to Liang Kingdom.

But during those days of house arrest, Jiang Ci had had enough.

She would rather take a risk, no matter how great, than be controlled by others again.

Staying in Yu Kingdom, she felt like she was trapped in a giant web. From the moment her identity was exposed, she was destined to never live as an ordinary person again.

Jiang Ci said, “I can go to Liang Kingdom with you, but let’s be clear: I won’t be your consort.”

Helian Ping was stunned for a moment. After recovering, she asked angrily, “Why not?”

Jiang Ci’s eyes darkened as she stared at the ground. “We can find a way to delay the marriage. One day, you’ll meet someone you truly love, so don’t sacrifice your happiness for this.”

Helian Ping pursed her lips. The logic made sense, but why did it feel so unpleasant?

Was this person looking down on her?

She was one of the most beautiful women in Liang Kingdom, with countless people vying to marry her. Yet this Jiang Ci seemed reluctant…

“Fine, fine,” Helian Ping said irritably. “Then come with me now to meet the empress.”

Jiang Ci nodded.

Helian Ping took her hand and headed for the door, only to step over the two unconscious envoys.

“What about them…?”

If they reported this to the Empress Dowager, it would raise suspicions!

Jiang Ci: “Just act like I was never here. Wake them up later and scold them for negligence. Always strike first. I’ll leave now, see you later~”

“Hey?”

Helian Ping wanted to chase after her, but Jiang Ci disappeared in a flash.

During her month of house arrest, she had often “sparred” with Xi Lingxue’s guards, and her skills had improved.

“Always strike first…” Helian Ping was momentarily lost in thought, recalling how Jiang Ci had helped her shake off the envoys last time. She muttered, “This person is full of tricks.”

…

To take Jiang Ci away, they still needed to use the consort ruse.

Only then would Yu Kingdom have no reason to stop them. Once they reached Liang Kingdom, they could find various excuses to delay the marriage.

Jiang Ci followed Helian Ping into the palace to meet the empress.

Xi Tingyue was already annoyed by her elder sister’s actions. Was a mere Qianjun worth all this fuss?

They had conducted a massive search in the capital and even personally led troops to chase beyond the city walls!

She thought Xi Lingxue had gone mad. No matter how good Jiang Ci was, she wasn’t worth this!

Xi Tingyue slammed a report shut. She had been sitting in the study for hours without reading a single word.

Just then, the eunuch steward cautiously approached, bowing his head. “Your Majesty, Princess Helian and Deputy Envoy Jiang are here to see you…”

“What?” Xi Tingyue frowned, disbelief written all over her face. “Deputy Envoy Jiang? Jiang Ci?”

Hadn’t she already escaped beyond the city walls?

“Summon them!”

In a moment, Jiang Ci appeared before her, alive and well.

Xi Tingyue’s expression darkened.

So, who had her elder sister been chasing? A fake?

“Your Majesty,” Helian Ping smiled, “we’ve found her, so I’ll be taking her back now. We’ve caused quite a disturbance these past few days, and Liang Kingdom will surely send generous gifts.”

“…” Xi Tingyue was silent for a moment before saying in a deep voice, “You’re too kind, Princess. Congratulations on finding your match.”

She emphasized the word “match.”

Jiang Ci raised an eyebrow. She had expected Xi Tingyue to at least say a few words on behalf of her elder sister, but this was all?

Little did Jiang Ci know that Xi Tingyue had once wanted to cultivate her, but now she just wanted to send her away as quickly as possible.

A femme fatale! A disaster for her sister! Just seeing her was annoying!

The farewell was surprisingly smooth, and Xi Tingyue even “kindly” provided the envoy with fast horses.

Thus, before Xi Lingxue could return to the capital, Jiang Ci had already left with Helian Ping.

Helian Ping was eager to return home, partly because she was afraid the mad widow might chase after them. The group traveled day and night without rest.

When they had arrived, it was with great fanfare—a long procession of over ten carriages filled with betrothal gifts.

Now, they were traveling light, galloping non-stop as if fleeing.

The contrast was stark.

The envoys had been in Yu Kingdom for over three months. Never did they expect that the consort would end up being someone the princess had to beg for!

…

After several days of travel, Jiang Ci and the others finally reached the border town, where they would spend the night.

With the empress’s green light, they had encountered no obstacles along the way, and everything had gone smoothly. As for what Xi Lingxue was up to, Jiang Ci had no idea.

What she didn’t expect was to run into an old acquaintance here—Xi Lanhua.

As soon as the Liang Kingdom envoy entered the city, Prince Duan was informed and immediately led troops to greet them.

“Little Jiang, we meet again!” Xi Lanhua couldn’t quite explain why, but she felt an instant connection with Jiang Ci. “Ah, I initially thought you and my sister might end up together. What a pity.”

The news of the Liang Kingdom princess choosing Jiang Ci as her consort had already spread, and Xi Lanhua had heard all sorts of versions. Most revolved around the love triangle between Xi Lingxue, Helian Ping, and Jiang Ci.

Jiang Ci was surprised, especially when she saw the soldiers accompanying Xi Lanhua.

“Prince Duan, why are you here…”

Since her house arrest, she hadn’t paid attention to Xi Lanhua’s whereabouts and had almost forgotten about her. Who would have thought she’d suddenly appear in the border town!

“Ugh, don’t mention it!” Xi Lanhua said with a bitter face. “I was demoted—er, sent here to deal with bandits.”

Thinking about it still made her feel wronged.

Xi Lingxue hadn’t explained clearly in her letter. She had only treated Jiang Ci like a younger sister! How could she be blamed?

Xi Lingxue, so petty! A jealous fool!

After silently venting, Xi Lanhua sighed. “Let’s go. I’ll escort you back to the residence. Stay the night and leave at dawn. You have no idea how fierce the bandits here are!”

Helian Ping frowned. “Are they that bad? We didn’t hear anything about this when we came through.”

“Princess, that was four months ago, wasn’t it?” Xi Lanhua said. “Back then, they weren’t a big deal. But later, more and more bandits started coming from Liang Kingdom. These guys are ruthless—they even dared to rob my supplies!”

“That bold?”

Jiang Ci suddenly felt that Liang Kingdom might be even more chaotic than she had imagined.

…

That night, the group stayed at Prince Duan’s temporary residence.

After half a day’s journey, they would cross into Liang Kingdom. Even if Xi Lingxue had extraordinary abilities, she couldn’t extend her reach there.

Jiang Ci’s heart was anything but light. She felt a heavy weight. Unable to sleep, she climbed onto the roof to gaze at the moon.

As she brooded, a cold wind brushed past her.

Mo Sanqi appeared silently out of nowhere.

Jiang Ci had already witnessed her master’s skills and wasn’t surprised. Her master was always elusive.

“Have you made up your mind?”

Mo Sanqi sat down beside her, handing over a gourd.

Jiang Ci took it and took a swig of wine. “Yes.”

The two chatted casually, as if they were back in Songxiang Town.

Jiang Ci couldn’t help but think how simple life had been back then. Every day was spent working at the pharmacy, practicing calligraphy, studying medicine, and living in a small farmhouse. At night, she would lie on the wooden board with Mo Sanqi, stargazing.

Those were her most carefree days.

Perhaps… she could never return to that life.

“If you go to Liang Kingdom, I won’t be following you.”

“…Alright.”

The master and disciple sat quietly for a while. The night wind in the border town was much colder than in Songxiang, chilling their hands and feet.

Jiang Ci sniffled but didn’t move. She wanted to stay with Mo Sanqi a little longer.

Among the people she knew—Jin Yu, Pei Shiyuan, Huang Fu, even Prince Duan—though they were friendly, they were ultimately loyal to Xi Lingxue. Helian Ping had approached her with ulterior motives.

Only Mo Sanqi.

She wouldn’t betray her, but she also wouldn’t directly save her.

[If you can’t even handle such a small matter, you might as well stay here and not go to Liang Kingdom.]

Jiang Ci suddenly felt a lump in her throat. “Master, thank you…”

“Ugh, so sentimental,” Mo Sanqi said, rubbing her arms as if to ward off the discomfort. “I can’t help you much, so I’ll give you some things instead.”

“Here, some golden wound medicine, strength pills, life-saving elixirs…” She handed Jiang Ci one item after another, as if pulling them out of thin air. “And this manual on lightness skills—a unique secret of the Xiaoyao Sect.”

“You know the saying, ‘In martial arts, speed is supreme.’ Master this, and you’ll be like me—go wherever you want, fight when you can, run when you can’t. Live freely~”

Jiang Ci couldn’t help but laugh. Her master had come prepared.

Finally, Mo Sanqi handed her a white jade token. “If you run into trouble you can’t handle, go find the high priest of Liang Kingdom, Long Yin. She’ll help you.”

“Wait, what? The high priest?” Jiang Ci was stunned. “Such a big shot—how did you get to know her, Master?”

“Tsk, what do you mean ‘get to know’? She’s my junior sister, your martial aunt. Got it?”

“Wow, I actually have a martial aunt… She’s been roaming abroad all this time?”

It wasn’t Jiang Ci’s fault for not knowing. Mo Sanqi rarely mentioned the Xiaoyao Sect, and Jiang Ci had never met any other members.

Mo Sanqi hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t elaborate further. “That’s it. I won’t see you off tomorrow.”

She was as carefree as ever, dumping all the items on Jiang Ci and turning to leave.

It was as if she was afraid of showing even a hint of reluctance.

“Master!” Jiang Ci suddenly called out. “You’re like a mother to me. I’ll take care of you in your old age!”

Mo Sanqi stopped in her tracks but didn’t turn around.

Her hands trembled slightly under her sleeves. After a long silence, she finally whispered, “Why not stay in Yu Kingdom? Life in the princess’s residence wasn’t bad—food, clothing, and someone who cares for you deeply…”

Jiang Ci was momentarily stunned. She countered, “If it were you, would you stay?”

“I would.”

Mo Sanqi answered without hesitation. Jiang Ci couldn’t believe it. Was this something her master would say?

Someone as free-spirited as her, willing to give up freedom?

But two seconds later, Mo Sanqi chuckled, her tone light and joking. “Too bad I don’t have that fortune.”

…

At dawn the next day, Xi Lanhua personally led her troops to escort the envoy out of the city.

The bandits often roamed the border, and she didn’t want any mishaps. If anything happened to the Liang Kingdom princess within Yu Kingdom’s borders, she would be held responsible.

However, as the saying goes, fear often attracts the very thing one dreads.

After half a day’s journey, with Liang Kingdom in sight, the bandits appeared once more.

In the distance, a cloud of yellow dust rose, followed by the trembling of the earth. The heavy sound of hooves grew louder, rumbling like thunder.

Xi Lanhua cursed under her breath and immediately ordered her troops to engage.

But these bandits were no ordinary foes. Jiang Ci noticed that these Liang Kingdom bandits were all skilled fighters, each capable of taking on ten soldiers with ease.

Xi Lanhua’s troops were no match.

Jiang Ci only had a dagger she had taken from the secret chamber. She stood guard beside Helian Ping, alert. “Why are they so bold? Even daring to rob an envoy?”

Helian Ping clung tightly to Jiang Ci. “This is the border. Once they cross into Liang Kingdom, Yu Kingdom’s troops can’t pursue them, and vice versa. Of course they’re bold!”

Damn it, Jiang Ci cursed silently. This was practically giving the bandits an advantage.

In truth, Jiang Ci and the others weren’t carrying anything valuable. The bandits were after their horses—the thousand-mile steeds gifted by the empress of Yu Kingdom.

Xi Tingyue had intended for them to travel quickly, but she hadn’t anticipated this trouble.

The bandits gradually gained the upper hand, and Jiang Ci was nearing her limit. Just then, another group of riders charged in.

The leader was a woman in black, her skills exceptional. With a single spear thrust, she knocked a bandit off his horse.

Jiang Ci’s heart skipped a beat when she saw her.

“Pei Shiyuan…”

Looking closer, she noticed the attire of the newcomers—they were all personal guards of the princess.

Not only that, but a figure in fiery red was also riding toward her.

The woman’s expression was cold, her crimson eyes locking onto Jiang Ci through the crowd.

Jiang Ci froze, and Helian Ping was equally stunned.

This was insane… How had she chased them all the way here?!

Among the crowd, only Xi Lanhua was delighted. She raised her arm and cheered, “Reinforcements are here! Sister, I’m over here!”

The most famous generals of Yu Kingdom, the Pei family mother and daughter, had arrived.

Seeing the situation turn against them, the bandits immediately retreated toward Liang Kingdom. Xi Lingxue, of course, didn’t pursue them.

The woman rode past Xi Lanhua, heading straight for Jiang Ci, her beautiful face dark with anger.

Xi Lanhua was ignored, leaving her to awkwardly lower her arm.

Helian Ping instinctively shrank behind Jiang Ci, a small movement that deeply stung Xi Lingxue.

Jiang Ci realized they were now surrounded by the princess’s guards, with no chance of escape.

They had been so close, yet Xi Lingxue had still caught up.

Was this the difference in their strength?

Jiang Ci glanced at the people behind Xi Lingxue. Great, even Pei Yun had been alerted.

“The princess really thinks highly of me.”

Pei Shiyuan frowned, wanting to say something but holding back.

She wasn’t here to capture Jiang Ci but to ensure Xi Lingxue’s safety on the road. As for her mother, Pei Shiyuan wasn’t sure why she had come. She didn’t know who this Mo Sanqi was or why her mother harbored such hatred for her.

Xi Lingxue ignored Jiang Ci’s sarcastic tone, suppressing all her anger, grievances, and bitterness. Her red-rimmed eyes glistened with tears as she tried to steady her trembling voice. “A Ci, come back with me…”

She could overlook the deception, the days of relentless pursuit, as long as Jiang Ci would return.

“No.” Jiang Ci refused firmly. “Xi Lingxue, let go. I have my own path to follow. You can’t keep me locked up.”

The air grew heavy with silence.

Helian Ping stole a glance at Xi Lingxue, sensing the woman was on the verge of breaking.

Not far away, Prince Duan seemed to notice the tense atmosphere and quietly began to retreat.

After a long pause, Xi Lingxue suddenly laughed, a hint of ferocity in her eyes. “Fine, let’s see. I’ll lock you up day and night, ensuring you never get a second chance to escape!”

Though she smiled, her eyes were filled with sorrow.