Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 6

06: The Concubine

Jiang Ci sat in the bathtub, finally getting her long-awaited hot bath.

Previously, she had only known Xi Lingxue from novels, but now this character had come to life before her eyes, breaking through the dimensional barrier. This was still early in the storyline, and Xi Lingxue should be younger than her, yet her courage, wisdom, and ability to assess situations far surpassed those of her peers.

No wonder she would become the future empress.

Jiang Ci admired Xi Lingxue even more.

She sank into the water, leaving only her eyes above the surface.

In her previous world, she had wandered alone, living a lonely and monotonous life. Now, reborn into a new identity, she had become Xi Lingxue’s sovereign—albeit only nominally, and with a one-year expiration date. But could this be a chance given to her by the matchmaker?

In all those transmigration novels she had read, didn’t the protagonists always end up with the female lead?

Jiang Ci secretly thought, it seems her destined fate has arrived!

According to the timeline, Xi Lingxue’s official love interest hasn’t appeared yet, so she still has a chance!

As Jiang Ci toweled herself off, she reminisced about her earlier heart-to-heart with Xi Lingxue. The bridge of trust between them was only just beginning to form and was still fragile. Even if she wanted to help Xi Lingxue, the other might misinterpret her intentions.

After her bath, Jiang Ci changed into fresh clothes and sat at her desk. To gain trust, she needed to accomplish something tangible. In the future, when Xi Lingxue vied for the throne, she would undoubtedly need funds. The savings of a single marquisate would be far from enough, so Jiang Ci needed to find ways to make money.

This wasn’t difficult for her. As a transmigrator, Jiang Ci had some knowledge stored in her mind. Feeling motivated, she began to write, and soon filled an entire sheet of paper.

Just then, the same lecherous servant from yesterday knocked on the door, “Marquis, it’s time for your medicine.”

“Oh, come in.”

Jiang Ci set the paper aside and took the bowl. The dark, bitter-smelling liquid made her grimace.

“Can I… not drink this?”

“Absolutely not, Marquis!” the servant said. “Injuring your glands is a serious matter. The physician said bitter medicine is good for you. Only by taking it consistently will you heal faster.”

“…”

Jiang Ci held the bowl, wrestling with herself. After a moment, she closed her eyes as if facing death and gulped it down in one go.

Before she could swallow, a loud shout came from the courtyard, “Marquis, something terrible has happened!”

Jiang Ci nearly spat out the medicine. She forced it down and yelled, “What is it? Has the sky fallen? Why all the panic?”

“It’s almost as bad!” The servants in the mansion were quick to notice changes. Seeing Gao Yi and Xi Lingxue “respecting each other like guests” they rushed to report the news as soon as they heard it. “It’s the concubine… uh, Lady Qin… she returned from her Buddhist prayers today and happened to run into the princess on the road! The two sides started fighting!”

…Lady Qin? Yao Qin?

The original body’s concubine?!

Oh no…

Jiang Ci slapped her forehead, realizing she had forgotten about this troublemaker!

No wonder the mansion had been so quiet this morning—Yao Qin had been out praying!

Jiang Ci urgently said, “Quick, quick! Take me there!”

…

Half a year ago, through Xi Lingxue’s covert efforts, Zhang Momo’s long-lost daughter, Huang Fu, was finally brought to the capital. Later, a shop was opened under Huang Fu’s name, selling various goods, but the real owner was Xi Lingxue.

During this time, the two had maintained contact. Earlier, Xi Lingxue had learned that Huang Fu was in trouble, but before she could address it, she was confined to the marquisate by Gao Yi.

With numerous guards and tight security, escaping was not easy.

Now, with Gao Yi’s permission, Xi Lingxue decided to visit the shop first. The capital was a place of hidden talents, and Xi Lingxue feared Huang Fu might have offended someone, especially since they sold many novel items among their goods.

As the master and servant walked through the capital’s streets, Jin Yu glanced at Xi Lingxue. The princess wore a veil, but even with half her face covered, her beauty was undeniable. A ray of golden light fell on her shoulder, her hair shimmering faintly, like a celestial being who had strayed into the mortal world.

No, her highness was a celestial being!

Jin Yu thought it was fortunate they had obtained the divorce letter; otherwise, pairing with Gao Yi’s face would have been a travesty!

Noticing the gaze, Xi Lingxue turned, “What is it?”

“Nothing…” Jin Yu quickly looked away, then after a moment added, “Princess, do you really believe what that dog marquis said?”

Xi Lingxue countered, “What do you think?”

“Well, I think…”

Jin Yu pondered for a while but could only come up with the word “strange.” The idea of a soul swap was too bizarre, yet she couldn’t explain Gao Yi’s sudden changes otherwise.

Jin Yu was at a loss, “I’m not sure… What do you think, Princess?”

Xi Lingxue said, “Trust is still out of the question.”

She was merely making the most advantageous choice for herself.

She had indeed noticed the differences in that person and couldn’t explain the unusual behavior, but that didn’t mean she believed Gao Yi’s words.

The idea of ghosts and gods was too absurd.

For now, obtaining the written agreement was her top priority. A year later, no matter how Gao Yi acted or changed, they would have no further connection.

Once it was signed in black and white, even if it came before the emperor, it would be recognized.

As for why the agreement was set for one year, Xi Lingxue had actually gained an advantage.

She had initially opposed the marriage, but after marrying, she realized that the title of “Marchioness of Dingyuan” carried more weight and freedom than “Princess.” At least she wasn’t confined to the deep palace.

The only miscalculation was Gao Yi’s beastly nature, which had caused her considerable hardship.

As the two walked, they were suddenly blocked by a group of people. A heavily made-up, extravagantly dressed young woman stepped down from a carriage.

“Well, if it isn’t Her Highness the Princess.” Yao Qin said with a sneer. “No guards with you? Did you sneak out of the marquisate?”

Jin Yu retorted, “Nonsense! Gao Yi has lifted our confinement!”

“Impudence!” Yao Qin snapped. “I’m speaking to your princess. Who are you to interrupt? A country bumpkin like you dares to address the marquis by name? Someone, rip her mouth off!”

“Hold it!” Xi Lingxue said. “My maid is not for you, a mere concubine, to discipline.”

The word “concubine” was emphasized, hitting Yao Qin’s sore spot.

Gao Yi’s mother was also surnamed Yao, and she was a cousin of Consort Yao. With her passing, the ties between the Gao and Yao families weren’t as strong as before. To win over Gao Yi and stabilize Prince Duan’s faction, Consort Yao had planned for Gao Yi to marry a kunjun from the Yao family. But Gao Yi had set his sights on Xi Lingxue first.

The marriage had gone through with the empress’s behind-the-scenes efforts. Consort Yao had been furious for three days, but in the end, she had to settle for making her niece a concubine, placing her below Xi Lingxue.

Yao Qin hated the title “concubine” so the marquisate’s servants called her “Lady Qin.”

Of course, Yao Qin hated Xi Lingxue even more. Fuming, she sneered, “Discipline? Fine, let’s see how you discipline her!”

Xi Lingxue said, “Go back and copy scriptures.”

Jin Yu replied, “Yes.”

“…That’s it?!” Yao Qin glared. “You’re just brushing it off! What about the marquis’s dignity?”

Xi Lingxue smiled lightly, “It’s on her own face, of course.”

Yao Qin was left speechless.

The onlookers stifled laughs. The Yao family had always thrown their weight around, but this was the first time someone had publicly humiliated them like this.

“What are you looking at!” Yao Qin, red-faced and furious, shouted, “Xi Lingxue, stop changing the subject! You defied the marquis’s orders and sneaked out of the mansion. Do you think you’re in the right?”

Xi Lingxue produced an object, “With this token, how is it defiance?”

Yao Qin didn’t believe it and stepped forward to inspect the token. It was genuine. “Impossible… You stabbed the marquis, and yesterday she locked you in the woodshed. How could she have given you a token?”

Xi Lingxue coldly laughed, “You were off praying, yet you know everything that happened in the marquisate… Yao Qin, your information network is quite fast, isn’t it?”

Gao Yi hated being spied on. Back when she led troops, even long-time subordinates would be executed without mercy if they showed the slightest disloyalty.

Yao Qin wouldn’t face death, but Gao Yi’s temper was fierce, and a beating was inevitable.

“…How I know is none of your business!” Yao Qin paled but tried to maintain composure. “You must have stolen that token! Like mother, like daughter. Consort An was ill-bred, and so are you!”

“What did you say?”

Xi Lingxue’s eyes turned icy. Jin Yu, familiar with her highness, knew she was truly angry now.

Yao Qin wasn’t afraid. She was deeply favored by Gao Yi, backed by the Yao family, and even the crown prince treated her with respect. What was an overlooked princess to her?

Seeing Xi Lingxue’s expression change, Yao Qin grew even more arrogant. “Didn’t hear me? Fine, I’ll say it again. Like mother, like—”

“Slap!”

Xi Lingxue swiftly slapped her. The sound was sharp, and everyone—the onlookers, Yao Qin’s maids, and guards—was stunned. The scene froze in silence.

After a moment, Yao Qin clutched her reddened cheek, incredulous. “…Xi Lingxue, you dare hit me? You idiots, what are you standing around for? Didn’t you see her hit me? Grab her!”

At Yao Qin’s shout, the guards snapped into action.

Jin Yu immediately stepped in front of Xi Lingxue, punching one of the approaching men so hard he flew back.

Yao Qin was shocked. How could a little maid be so strong? What had she been eating?

But the Yao family guards were numerous, and Jin Yu, though strong, wasn’t a martial artist. She was eventually subdued. Xi Lingxue was also restrained by two guards, her arms twisted behind her.

Yao Qin was satisfied now. So what if she was a princess? Just an empty title!

“Xi Lingxue, blame your bad luck. Your mother was just a commoner, after all.”

“Princess!” Jin Yu, pinned down by seven or eight burly men, could only shout at Yao Qin, “If you harm even a hair on my princess’s head, the marquis won’t let you off!”

Jin Yu was desperate, using this to scare Yao Qin, though she had no idea how Gao Yi would react. After all, Yao Qin was deeply favored by the marquis.

Jin Yu silently prayed, heaven help us, let this Gao Yi truly be a changed soul!

“Still bringing up the marquis? Your princess injured my face. Do you think the marquis will spare you?” Yao Qin stepped in front of Xi Lingxue, pinching her chin. The more aloof and cold Xi Lingxue looked, the angrier Yao Qin became. “Hmph, the most beautiful woman in Yu Kingdom…?”

Yao Qin raised her hand, about to slap Xi Lingxue, when suddenly someone shouted from behind, “Stop!”

The voice was… Gao Yi?!