Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 56

56: Unable to Spare a Thought for Others

The wind grew fiercer, and the woman’s laughter turned maniacal, her robes fluttering like a bewitching red lotus, both tragic and beautiful.

Helian Ping felt a momentary tremor. She had always known Xi Lingxue was a madwoman, but she never expected her madness to reach such extremes.

For the sake of a Qianjun, the esteemed princess had traveled thousands of miles, personally leading her guards to the border. Had she no regard for her reputation or the emperor’s decree?

“Xi Lingxue! Do you realize what you’re doing? Jiang Ci is now the consort of my Liang Kingdom. Do you intend to snatch her away by force?!”

The implication was clear: if she dared to act, it would mean declaring war on Liang Kingdom.

The guards had already surrounded the envoy, and the numbers were vastly uneven. The envoys from Liang Kingdom were on high alert, their faces grave.

A clash seemed imminent.

Not far away, Xi Lanhua was terrified by the scene. This was no longer just a matter between the two of them.

Pei Yun also sensed the gravity of the situation and was about to intervene when a cold laugh rang out.

“What if I do snatch her away?!”

At Xi Lingxue’s command, the guards immediately surged forward.

“Madwoman!”

Helian Ping was shielded by her envoys as they retreated, but Jiang Ci stood alone.

She refused to be captured without a fight. Having fled all the way to the border, how could she allow herself to be taken back now?!

Her anger flared. In the past, she had never resorted to using weapons to harm others, but now, pushed to this point, Jiang Ci was ready to do whatever it took.

Whoever tried to seize her, she struck back with a dagger.

“Come on! Anyone who isn’t afraid of death, step forward!”

The guards dared not harm Jiang Ci, but she no longer held back.

Someone’s bl00d splattered onto her face, a streak of crimson, her aura turning fierce.

Xi Lingxue’s face paled, her entire body trembling with panic.

Stop, A Ci, please stop…

Helian Ping, seeing this, quickly pushed the stunned envoys. “What are you waiting for? Attack! They’re trampling over us!”

Though these envoys had been sent by the Empress Dowager to monitor Helian Ping, they were still subjects of Liang Kingdom.

Spurred by Helian Ping’s words, their fighting spirit was roused.

No matter the internal conflicts, they had to unite against external threats!

“Protect the consort!”

Over twenty envoys rushed forward, and the two sides clashed in a fierce battle.

But the Liang Kingdom envoys were outnumbered and soon found themselves at a disadvantage.

Jiang Ci was like a trapped beast, filled with rage and unwillingness, knowing the inevitable outcome but still fighting desperately.

Helian Ping, who had no martial skills, could only watch helplessly from the sidelines.

She glanced at Xi Lingxue, who stood in the wind, her cold and aloof demeanor exuding an intimidating aura, like an unshakable deity.

Helian Ping could only smile bitterly. What a princess, what a Xi Lingxue!

In truth, no one could see that the woman was merely putting on a brave front.

Xi Lingxue watched as Jiang Ci fought fiercely, each dagger strike feeling as though it pierced her own body, leaving her riddled with wounds, bleeding profusely.

How desperately Jiang Ci wanted to leave her!

Why was it that the harder she tried to hold on, the further she pushed Jiang Ci away?

What more could she do?!

She wanted to lock Jiang Ci away day and night, but that was impossible!

Even if she captured her, what then? Living in constant fear of losing her, knowing that the slightest lapse in vigilance could allow Jiang Ci to escape.

Jiang Ci was no ordinary person. If she wanted to leave, there was nothing Xi Lingxue could do to stop her. Xi Lingxue knew this better than anyone.

As long as Jiang Ci’s heart was not with her, she could never truly hold her.

Everyone saw the princess as all-powerful, but no one knew that in this moment, facing Jiang Ci, Xi Lingxue had lost her confidence.

Pei Yun spoke gravely, “Lingxue, stop this!”

Snatching Liang Kingdom’s consort was beyond improper!

The envoys were outmatched, and Jiang Ci was nearing her limit. Her strength was almost gone.

Just then, a white figure descended from the sky, and within moments, the guards surrounding Jiang Ci were repelled.

“Think numbers matter? My disciple stays or leaves as she pleases. No one can stop her!”

Jiang Ci, half-kneeling on the ground, looked up with effort, her eyes first catching sight of a wine gourd.

The woman moved with grace, leaving only afterimages in the air, her movements so fast they were a blur.

A smile tugged at Jiang Ci’s lips. “Master…”

She never expected Mo Sanqi to come to her rescue, and to openly defy the princess no less.

Jiang Ci’s eyes reddened, and she suddenly felt like crying.

At least someone was on her side.

Pei Yun, who had just been urging restraint, suddenly changed her expression and lunged toward Mo Sanqi, striking out with a palm.

Mo Sanqi, startled, quickly sidestepped.

“Why is she here?! Disciple, you’re on your own. I’m out of here!”

Jiang Ci: “Huh???”

Her tears froze in an instant.

“Wait, Master, you’re just going to leave me?!”

Mo Sanqi didn’t even look back, already several meters away.

Jiang Ci: “…”

Pei Yun, biting her lip, gave chase. “Mo Sanqi! Stop right there!”

The two figures, one in black and one in white, chased and tangled with each other. Pei Yun’s martial skills were exceptional, but Mo Sanqi was always a step ahead, effortlessly dodging every move.

Pei Shiyuan was stunned. Her mother, always composed and calm, had been semi-retired for years, rarely leaving the general’s residence. When had she ever been so enraged?

Should she help?

The answer was clear!

Now it was two against one. The two strongest generals of Yu Kingdom, mother and daughter, fought in perfect harmony.

Mo Sanqi was truly cornered and could only grit her teeth and scold Pei Shiyuan. “This is adult business. What’s a kid like you doing meddling?!”

“Hmph, you provoked my mother and hit me. Let’s settle old and new scores together!”

“She hit you too?” Pei Yun’s expression darkened.

“Don’t twist my words! Was that a hit? I just tapped her butt!”

Besides, it was Pei Shiyuan who had started it by kidnapping her. Mo Sanqi was wronged.

Pei Shiyuan: “Ahhh, shut up!”

…

Somehow, the three of them ended up in a brawl, leaving everyone else dumbfounded.

The envoys and guards, after a moment of stunned silence, resumed their fight.

Jiang Ci, seizing the chaos, managed to break through the encirclement, only to find Xi Lingxue blocking her path.

“No one can save you now. A Ci, come back with me…”

“Xi Lingxue, don’t you find yourself ridiculous?” Helian Ping also caught up. “She should decide where she wants to go!”

Jiang Ci looked at the two women before her. Coincidentally, their robes were of opposite colors—one crimson, the other deep blue.

It was like the classic dilemma: she had to make a choice.

Stay or leave, Yu Kingdom or Liang Kingdom.

This step would lead to two entirely different lives, with no turning back.

…

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Xi Lanhua wisely retreated, watching from a safe distance.

Emotionally, she should help her Imperial sister. Rationally, she should intervene.

Neither choice was appropriate, so it was best not to get involved.

The situation was already a headache, and now, with the Pei mother-daughter duo and Mo Sanqi in a brawl, the envoys and guards locked in combat, and Jiang Ci caught between two princesses, everything had turned into a complete mess!

“Your Highness, what should we do?”

“Who am I supposed to ask?!”

No sooner had she spoken than the bandits who had fled earlier suddenly turned back.

Laughable. Why not take advantage of the chaos and loot?

Xi Lanhua rubbed her eyes and cursed.

She was now isolated, and her small troop couldn’t hold them off.

“Imperial sister! General Pei! Stop fighting! Come save me!”

However, her cry fell on deaf ears. No one responded.

Everyone was too busy.

The bandits charged in swiftly, avoiding the princess’s guards. Their target was clear: the supplies of Prince Duan’s troops—horses, weapons, anything valuable.

Even Xi Lanhua was dragged down, rolling on the ground, her crown askew, covered in dust, a pitiful sight.

“Is there no law anymore?!” Xi Lanhua trembled with rage. “First, they steal my provisions, then my horses. Why not just take me too?!”

The bandits, who had been leaving, seemed inspired by her words. The leader, a woman, immediately turned back.

Prince Duan and her soldiers were petrified.

“R-really? I was just joking…”

Without weapons, they were no match. Everyone scattered in the face of disaster.

Xi Lanhua hadn’t run far before she was grabbed by the waist and thrown onto a horse.

“Thanks for the suggestion,” the woman said with a smug grin. “Prince Duan is worth more than those supplies.”

Xi Lanhua, trembling, struggled. “I warn you, the princess and general of Yu Kingdom are right ahead. Dare to harm me, and you’ll see!”

The woman laughed heartily, pointing at the chaotic scene. “Go on, shout. No one’s coming to save you.”

Xi Lanhua mustered all her strength. “Xi Lingxue! Pei Yun! Pei Shiyuan! Jiang Ci, Helian Ping…”

Her voice grew weaker, her face ashen.

…

Meanwhile, Mo Sanqi, relying on her agility, sealed Pei Shiyuan’s pressure points and broke free from Pei Yun, making her way to Jiang Ci.

“Let’s go!”

Though she couldn’t win in a direct fight, escaping was still an option.

Mo Sanqi was confident she could take Jiang Ci away in the chaos. As for the Liang Kingdom envoys, Xi Lingxue surely wouldn’t harm them.

However, Jiang Ci didn’t move.

After a brief pause, Pei Yun blocked their path.

Mo Sanqi frowned. “What are you doing? That was the perfect chance!”

Now, escaping alone was possible, but taking someone else would be difficult.

“I’m not running.”

“Huh?”

Helian Ping, hearing this, was shocked. “You’re not going back with her, are you? Jiang Ci, you promised me!”

Jiang Ci remained silent, her gaze fixed on Xi Lingxue. The woman’s black hair fluttered in the wind, her rage and madness masking deep exhaustion and sorrow. The earlier imposing aura was gone.

It seemed that after this battle, Xi Lingxue had finally realized that hearts cannot be forced.

Jiang Ci was no fool. She knew Xi Lingxue had searched for her for ten years, chased her for thousands of miles, likely without a moment’s rest or peace…

Meeting those reddened eyes felt like a stab to Jiang Ci’s heart.

This woman was truly her weakness.

When Xi Lingxue was strong, Jiang Ci could be stronger.

But when Xi Lingxue showed vulnerability, Jiang Ci’s resolve wavered.

Despite all the ugliness between them, letting go was so hard…

“Xiaoxue, do you remember what the first thing I gave you ten years ago was?”

The woman paused, her heart skipping a beat.

How could she forget?

Ten years ago, Jiang Ci was still possessing Gao Yi. Their first meeting was in the woodshed.

Back then, she was the one under house arrest…

The first thing Jiang Ci gave her was a token.

From then on, they could come and go from the marquis’s residence as they pleased, commanding the servants at will.

The token was as good as the Marquis of Dingyuan’s presence.

“I remember,” Xi Lingxue bit her lip, struggling to speak. “It was… freedom.”

Jiang Ci looked into the woman’s dim eyes, then took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Xi Lingxue stood still, watching Jiang Ci approach. When they were side by side, their hands hung less than half a foot apart.

If she wanted, she could reach out and take Jiang Ci’s hand, never letting go.

But…

Her hands trembled uncontrollably.

In that moment of hesitation, Xi Lingxue moved. But as she raised her hand slightly, Jiang Ci had already walked past her.

Their hands never touched.

Neither looked back.

Helian Ping hadn’t expected Jiang Ci to break through so easily. She quickly called back the envoys. “Stop fighting! Let’s go!”

Without the princess’s order, the guards didn’t pursue, and the envoys retreated.

Jiang Ci passed through the ranks of guards and, under everyone’s watchful eyes, mounted her horse once more.

Xi Lingxue remained where she was, her gaze fixed, as if frozen.

Jiang Ci led the envoys onward, heading toward Liang Kingdom.

Mo Sanqi, after a glance of admiration, waved her hand. “I’ll be off too. Farewell.”

“To Liang Kingdom?” Pei Yun snorted. “Going to see your dear shimei?”

Mo Sanqi also snorted, turning to follow Jiang Ci. “Why do you care who I see? General Pei, since you’re at the border, why not visit Liang Kingdom? It’s a chance for your family to reunite.”

Family reunion?!

Pei Shiyuan’s eyes widened. Her mother was in Liang Kingdom? Why had her mother never mentioned this?

Pei Yun’s heart clenched, her red eyes fixed on Mo Sanqi’s retreating figure. “You believed my words so easily, never doubting them…”

Her voice was so soft that only Pei Shiyuan, standing close, could barely hear.

“What do you mean, Mother?” Pei Shiyuan asked, confused.

At first, she thought Mo Sanqi was Pei Yun’s enemy, but now it seemed there was something more… ambiguous between them.

Who was Mo Sanqi’s shimei?

Her mother’s tone was dripping with jealousy!

“Mother,” Pei Shiyuan’s heart raced with anxiety, “why have you never told me my other mother’s name all these years?”

Pei Yun bit her lip, remaining silent, her inner turmoil evident. After a long pause, she closed her eyes in pain.

“Is it Mo Sanqi…?”

Pei Shiyuan wasn’t blind. Even if Pei Yun didn’t admit it, she could see the truth.

Her mother’s reaction to that woman was too unusual.

The envoys had gone far, but Xi Lingxue still hadn’t turned around, as if her soul had been drained. She stared at the ground, lost in thought.

Jin Yu looked at the three women with a complex expression. Each had her own heartbreak.

Of course, her heart ached most for her princess.

She had chased Jiang Ci all the way from the capital to the border, only to let go at the last moment.

Had all her efforts been in vain?

How could Jiang Ci’s words sway the princess so easily?

Had they met ten years ago?

After a long while, Xi Lingxue came to her senses, the ferocity in her eyes replaced by emptiness, cold and still as a frozen lake.

Gone…

She could no longer see her.

So, she had truly let go.

If this brought Jiang Ci’s heart closer to hers, she would do it.

Xi Lingxue turned around, her gaze falling on Prince Duan’s soldiers, who were huddled together, trembling.

She paused, taking a moment to regain her thoughts, then spoke wearily, “What is it?”

“Y-your Highness,” one soldier mustered the courage to speak, “Prince Duan has been captured by bandits…”

Silence fell.

The Pei mother-daughter, still immersed in their grief, were drawn back to the present.

Xi Lingxue’s brow furrowed, the news jolting her back to alertness. “Such an important matter, why wasn’t it reported sooner?!”

The soldiers lowered their heads, their faces grim. “We… we’ve been shouting for a while…”

But no one had listened!

Pei Shiyuan quickly asked, “Where was Prince Duan taken?”

“General, the bandits fled toward Liang Kingdom!”