Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 63

63: Honesty

The envoy from Yu Kingdom had arrived, and Helian Ping naturally had to extend a warm welcome, ordering the finest tea to be served.

In the hall, “Qin Shuang” stood dressed in white robes. Though her features were unremarkable, her noble and refined demeanor was undeniably captivating.

Helian Ping couldn’t help but glance at her a few more times, silently musing that with Qin Shuang’s qualities, shouldn’t she have a swarm of Kunjun pursuing her? What a pity she was so fixated on Jiang Ci, clinging to this one tree.

“Qin Shuang” exchanged a few polite words before getting down to business. “Miss Jiang’s residence in Shangjing has already been arranged. I’ve come today to escort her. Since they are not yet married, it’s better for them to live separately to avoid tarnishing the princess’s reputation.”

Helian Ping smiled, thinking to herself, Well done! This woman worked fast—it was only her third day in Liang Kingdom, and she was already whisking Jiang Ci away.

“Minister Qin makes a fair point. I’ll have someone deliver A Ci’s belongings shortly.”

The residence had been chosen by the Empress and was not far from the princess’s Kingdom. Jiang Ci didn’t have much to begin with—just a few sets of clothes, some medical texts, and the various rare medicines Mo Sanqi had given her. A single trip was enough to move everything.

The servants and guards in the residence had all been personally selected by Xi Lingxue to ensure no spies from the Empress Dowager or the Empress could slip in.

Back in the Marquis’s Kingdom, Jiang Ci had loved spending time in the study. So, in Liang Kingdom, Xi Lingxue had gone to great lengths to recreate that space for her, filling it with books on Liang’s history, customs, and traditions—all of which would be useful for Jiang Ci.

“A Ci, let me know if there’s anything else you need. I’ll have it arranged immediately.”

Jiang Ci wandered around, genuinely surprised by how well Xi Lingxue understood her preferences. “No, it’s perfect.”

“Good.” The woman’s voice was soft. “The cook is also someone I brought from Yu Kingdom. She knows all your favorite dishes.”

“Mm, thank you…”

No words were needed. Xi Lingxue understood Jiang Ci’s purpose in coming to Liang Kingdom. She wouldn’t interfere—instead, she would do everything in her power to provide Jiang Ci with the greatest convenience, supporting and aiding her however she could.

Just as Jiang Ci had done for her ten years ago.

This time, she would use Jiang Ci’s own methods to slowly, firmly, keep her by her side.

The study was empty except for the two of them, with guards stationed outside to ensure their conversation remained private.

“A Ci, there’s a Huang Runfa branch in Shangjing. The spies there are at your disposal.” Xi Lingxue paused, then added, “Also, your shares have remained untouched all these years. You may withdraw them as you please.”

Jiang Ci’s heart twisted at her words.

Ten years of accumulated shares—that was no small sum.

In Jiang Ci’s original world, people would forsake family ties for money. Take her own relatives, for example. As a child, they had all been so close, gathering for holidays. But later? They tore each other apart over their grandfather’s inheritance, fracturing the family beyond repair.

Eventually, she only celebrated with her parents, cutting ties with the rest. When her parents passed, she was left utterly alone.

Back then, Jiang Ci had learned one thing: never test relationships with money.

Yet now, Xi Lingxue had held onto this vast sum for her all these years, offering it back without so much as batting an eye.

Jiang Ci had never met anyone so foolish.

Xi Lingxue smiled, her eyes tender and brimming with affection, a hint of obsession lurking beneath. “All of this was always yours. I’m just returning it to its rightful owner.”

The intensity of her gaze made Jiang Ci’s ears burn. She quickly averted her eyes. “What about Prince Duan? Any news?”

Xi Lingxue shook her head. “Not yet.”

Rebel armies and bandits roamed freely across Liang Kingdom, making it difficult to pinpoint his location in such a short time. Still, Xi Lingxue wasn’t relying solely on them. Since the Empress Dowager forbade Yu Kingdom’s interference, she had discreetly dispatched her own spies. For now, all they could do was wait.

“And you?” Xi Lingxue asked. “As your ally, you can share your plans with me. How do you intend to aid the Empress? I’ll do my best to assist.”

The scene felt eerily familiar—like a decade ago, when they had sat together in the Marquis’s study. Back then, Xi Lingxue had known nothing about strategy or governance. Jiang Ci had taught her everything, step by step. Now, she was no longer that inexperienced girl. She could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jiang Ci, strong enough to be her support.

She would never deceive or manipulate her again. She would be completely honest.

Jiang Ci was overwhelmed with emotion. After a long silence, she asked, “What do you know about the Dark hall?”

“A little. They’re a notorious assassin organization in Liang Kingdom. Though, their situation isn’t great right now.” Xi Lingxue’s eyes narrowed. “Why? Are you planning to work with them?”

“No, just asking.”

“You want to save those assassins?”

Jiang Ci stiffened, struck by how perceptive the woman was. She had only mentioned it in passing, yet Xi Lingxue had guessed her intentions.

“A Ci, it’s too risky.” Xi Lingxue’s voice was firm. “Their capture isn’t your fault. And besides, you can’t save them.”

The imperial prison was heavily guarded—not a place just anyone could break into. Even the Dark hall’s own members couldn’t manage it.

She and Jiang Ci were both from Yu Kingdom. Schemes and plots were one thing, but large-scale operations were out of the question. At least for now. Jiang Ci had just arrived in Liang Kingdom and hadn’t yet established herself. How could she possibly attempt a prison break right away?

“I know.” Jiang Ci sighed, forcing a calm tone. “I just feel sorry for them. Assassins… they must have known what fate awaited them the moment they stepped into this line of work.”

“Mm.” Xi Lingxue studied her, her gaze deep and unreadable. “So, A Ci, I’ll support you in anything else—just not this.”

As a strategist, no matter the outcome, Xi Lingxue could protect Jiang Ci. The entire might of Yu Kingdom would stand behind her.

But as an assassin? Alone, facing mortal danger, with no guarantee of even making it to negotiations—just cut down on the spot.

That was a line Xi Lingxue absolutely, under no circumstances, would allow to be crossed.

Jiang Ci was taken aback. These past few days, Xi Lingxue had constantly surprised her with her compromises and concessions. But now, Jiang Ci finally glimpsed the woman’s bottom line.

“I understand…”

…

Long Yin had only given Jiang Ci one night to consider her offer. It was time to give an answer.

But before that, Jiang Ci wanted Helian Ping to pull some strings and take her into the prison to see the assassins one last time.

In theory, high-security prisoners weren’t allowed visitors. But Helian Ping was ostensibly favored by the Empress Dowager, and the guards didn’t dare offend her. They turned a blind eye, figuring it wouldn’t hurt to let her in for a short while. With such heavy security, the assassins weren’t going anywhere.

“But only for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, no longer.” the guard said reluctantly.

Jiang Ci slipped him some silver, smiling. “Don’t worry, I understand. I’m just curious about that assassin’s throwing knives. I only want to ask him a few things. A stick of incense is plenty.”

With the guard leading the way, Helian Ping wheeled Jiang Ci into the prison.

Jiang Ci immediately spotted a bound prisoner—a disheveled man in bloodstained rags, a guard lashing him with a whip.

“Talk! Do you have accomplices? Who’s your leader?!”

The man sneered and spat. “You lackeys only know how to bark.”

The guard struck him again. “You’ll regret your stubbornness!”

Jiang Ci frowned. “What’s going on there?”

“Ah, just interrogation,” the guard said dismissively. “These types are all hardheaded. Won’t talk unless you rough them up a bit. Come, this way—we’re on a tight schedule.”

Jiang Ci clenched her teeth but let Helian Ping wheel her forward.

As they passed cell after cell, Jiang Ci noticed all the assassins bore signs of torture, shackled heavily and sprawled limply on the ground.

Her heart grew heavier.

Soon, they reached Gui Jinyang’s cell.

The guard tactfully stepped outside, leaving the three of them alone.

Gui Jinyang seemed surprised to see Jiang Ci, but his expression quickly cooled. “What are you doing here?”

Despite his injuries, his tone was sharp, bordering on disdain. He clearly held no respect for her as sect leader.

In the silence, the sounds of whips cracking, men cursing, and guards shouting assaulted Jiang Ci’s ears.

Her scalp prickled. Fists clenched, she forced out the words, “…I want to save you.”

“Save us?” Gui Jinyang scoffed. “You, the carefree recluse of the Bright Hall? With what? Have you ever even killed anyone?”

Jiang Ci heard the mockery in his voice. But the Dark hall wasn’t the only fractured part of the sect—the entire Xiaoyao Sect was in chaos.

Just then, a child’s cries echoed from outside the cell.

“Dad…”

“You beasts—let my daughter go! Take it out on me!”

“Shut up! If you don’t talk, the kid dies!”

Jiang Ci paled, her bl00d running cold.

The guards were targeting children?!

Helian Ping pressed her lips together. This sort of thing happened often. Many assassins had families, and when they were caught, their loved ones rarely escaped.

Gui Jinyang remained unfazed. “What, can’t handle it?”

Jiang Ci was infuriated by his indifference. “He’s your comrade! How can you—”

“Cold? Unfeeling?” Gui Jinyang cut her off. “Every Dark hall disciple knows what they’re signing up for.”

Jiang Ci froze.

Wasn’t this how it had always been, throughout history?

She had been naive, thinking her martial arts and cleverness could let her make a name for herself in Liang Kingdom. She had never truly faced bloodshed or cruelty—just roughed up a few people at most.

She hadn’t realized how many suffered in the shadows, giving their lives and everything they had for this country.

Outside the cell, the man suddenly laughed.

“It’s my fault you got dragged into this… You lackeys will pay for this! The Mountain God won’t let you off!”

“Dad!”

“Sh1t—he bit his tongue!”

Jiang Ci jolted, frantically signaling Helian Ping to wheel her out.

Behind her, Gui Jinyang’s cold laughter followed. “Go back to Yu Kingdom, little girl. Play sect leader there. The Dark hall’s affairs are none of your concern.”

…

The assassins’ families would share their fate—execution in five days’ time.

After leaving the prison, Jiang Ci fell into silence.

Helian Ping didn’t know how to comfort her. What they had witnessed was just a microcosm of Liang Kingdom’s turmoil. The Empress was a puppet, the Empress Dowager held the real power, favoring sycophants over loyal ministers. Meanwhile, a third faction led by the general was rising in the military. Years of infighting had claimed countless innocent lives.

“A Ci, this isn’t your fault…”

“I know.” Jiang Ci smiled bitterly.

But how could she remain indifferent?

Time was running out.

Those people didn’t deserve to die like this. The Dark hall needed to unite. With this opportunity before her, could she really walk away? Could her conscience bear it?

At midnight, Jiang Ci returned to the altar.

Long Yin was already waiting.

“I thought you weren’t coming. Well? Have you decided?”

“Yes.” Jiang Ci’s eyes hardened. “I’ll kill Liao Yi.”

If taking one life could save many, no matter how slim the hope, she was willing to risk it all.

Behind her mask, Long Yin smiled.

As expected. The Mountain God had chosen well.

With Mo Sanqi’s lightness skill, assassinating Liao Yi wouldn’t be impossible. But killing was far harder than saving lives. She lacked the ruthlessness.

In this line of work, mercy was the one thing you couldn’t afford.

“And what about that Minister Qin…?” Long Yin hinted. “What’s your plan?”

“She won’t know.”