The Entire Harem has Transmigrated - Chapter 25

Ruan Qingqing understood Jiang Li’s implication: she was accusing her of “raising fish”—a metaphor for juggling multiple romantic interests.

Perhaps Jiang Li thinks I’m just like those girls in the group chat, Ruan Qingqing mused, a fickle, promiscuous, manipulative “fishing” green tea fox spirit?

Realizing this, Ruan Qingqing felt more amused than offended. Before she could respond, Fu Yeqiu spoke up, her voice low and serious: “I hope Miss Jiang will remember her words today.”

Jiang Li met her gaze calmly, her usually warm, peach-blossom eyes now devoid of warmth. “Of course,” she said indifferently. “I stand by my word.”

An eerie silence suddenly hung in the air.

Ye Shiyu broke the tension by pulling Ruan Qingqing close, draping an arm around her shoulder with a smile. “Even if our Qingqing did have a pond of fish,” she declared, “I’d gladly jump in.”

“Me too,” Yu Yunfei chimed in, stepping forward with her hands on her hips. Her voice was soft and charming, yet her tone was utterly defiant. “I’d willingly be one of Qingqing’s fish.”

Jiang Li maintained her composure. “Suit yourselves.”

Ye Shiyu smoothed her long hair and approached Jiang Li with graceful steps and an elegant smile. “Of course, Miss Jiang,” she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. “I know your character is as pure as ice and as flawless as jade, like a noble crane unwilling to share the same pond with us lest you taint your eyes and soil your dignity. But I must ask, why did you come here so quietly, and why did you specifically follow Ruan Qingqing to her hotel? Is this some peculiar hobby, or do you have ulterior motives?”

Jiang Li fell silent, impressed by Ye Shiyu’s sharp wit.

These women are formidable, she thought. Ruan Qingqing may seem like a naive, tearful, and worldly-inexperienced girl, but her “dear sisters” are each more formidable than the last.

Knowing she couldn’t win this verbal sparring match, Jiang Li calmly explained, “You’re joking. I came to see Miss Ruan on official business…”

Ruan Qingqing, growing impatient, interrupted her. “Just say what you need to say and leave. I don’t want to see you right now.”

Without hesitation, Jiang Li handed over a QR code, stating it was Jiang Minhui’s contact information.

Ruan Qingqing scanned the code, added the contact, and held up her phone to Jiang Li, her tone impatient. “Is that all?”

“Mm.”

Ruan Qingqing immediately dismissed her. “Then you can leave now.”

Jiang Li turned to leave, but paused at the door and glanced back, offering a further explanation. “Yesterday, I reported to Jiang Minhui that I’d secured your agreement, but she didn’t believe me. She demanded proof, so I tried calling you, but I couldn’t get through. That’s why I came to the hotel today.”

“I understand,” Ruan Qingqing scoffed. “You just want to make it clear that you don’t like me, have no interest in me whatsoever, and only came here because you were forced to by circumstances and other people, right?”

Jiang Li remained silent, tacitly acknowledging the accusation.

“Don’t worry,” Ruan Qingqing said coldly. “I have no interest in the current you either. Though you share the Imperial Preceptor’s appearance, your repulsive demeanor makes you nothing like her. I hope you won’t be present when I meet Grandma Jiang. If I’m in a bad mood, I might do something irreversible.”

“Alright,” Jiang Li agreed, turning away again.

This time, she truly left.

Ruan Qingqing watched her retreating figure, knowing she shouldn’t feel this way, yet unable to suppress a lingering sense of loss.

In her previous life, she had never imagined that her relationship with Jiang Li would end up like this.

Why did things turn out this way?

“Don’t be angry anymore,” Yu Yunfei said, sidling up to Ruan Qingqing and looping her arm through hers, her voice indignant. “The Imperial Preceptor has forgotten you entirely. It’s not worth breaking your heart over her.”

“That’s true,” Ruan Qingqing replied calmly. “But I’m still angry.”

“Why?” Yu Yunfei asked.

Ruan Qingqing withdrew her arm and gave Yu Yunfei two sharp taps on the head, continuing to settle scores. “I’m angry with you, Yu Yunfei! Where have I ever wronged you? How could you repay kindness with malice and harbor such thoughts about me?”

Yu Yunfei pouted pitifully, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Your Majesty is being unreasonable. If you had treated me badly, I wouldn’t have entertained such fantasies. It’s precisely because you were so kind to me that these impure thoughts arose.”

“You…” Ruan Qingqing pointed at her, her small hand rising and falling. “Anyone who lusts after another’s body does so out of lust at first sight. What does my kindness have to do with it? Is it wrong of me to be kind to you?”

“Of course I’m not wrong,” Yu Yunfei said, biting her lip and casting a seductive glance with eyes that seemed to hold the autumn waters. Her voice dripped with allure. “What’s wrong with wanting to sleep with Your Majesty? It’s just a matter of desire. Besides, Qingqing, my dear sister, I’m quite skilled. Why don’t you try it first before deciding whether to refuse?”

Ruan Qingqing: “?”

Ye Shiyu & Fu Yeqiu: “……”

Li Qianxuan immediately stepped forward and covered Ruan Qingqing’s ears with her hands. “Don’t listen to her filthy words,” she hissed. “It’s disgusting.”

Yu Yunfei sneered. “I haven’t uttered a single vulgar word. How is that disgusting? Could it be that the Noble Consort herself is lacking in that area and can’t bear to hear others talk about it?”

Li Qianxuan instantly flared up. “Yu Yunfei, you’re asking for a beating, aren’t you?”

Yu Yunfei coyly covered her mouth with her hand, her smile radiant. “Speaking of which, the Noble Consort was a martial arts enthusiast in her previous life, and she’s still a boxer in this one. While her finger dexterity remains questionable, there’s no doubt she lacks restraint when she strikes, wouldn’t you agree?”

Ruan Qingqing: “……”

She seemed to understand, yet didn’t quite grasp it. In the end, Fu Yeqiu guided her by the shoulders into the bedroom, telling her to forget everything and get some rest.

“Okay,” Ruan Qingqing replied obediently, eager to escape Yu Yunfei’s nonsense and go to sleep.

Outside the bedroom, Fu Yeqiu closed the door and immediately faced several pairs of predatory eyes.

Yu Yunfei was the first to speak. “Now that Qingqing’s gone, there’s no need to keep up the act, is there?”

But Yu Yunfei’s punch landed like a blow against cotton. Fu Yeqiu remained unfazed, calmly replying, “I’m afraid I don’t understand what Miss Yu is implying.”

Yu Yunfei was about to retort when Fu Yeqiu suddenly turned, a faint smile playing on her lips, and unleashed her full aura. “Speaking of which, Miss Yu, as an actress, you seem to have rather too much free time, don’t you?”

Yu Yunfei sensed danger. “What do you mean by that?”

“People can’t just laze around forever,” Fu Yeqiu said with a smile. “I’ll transfer the funds as soon as possible to resume filming The Legend of the Great Qian’s Consort Shu. Miss Yu, you should pack your things and prepare to return to the set.”

Yu Yunfei stomped her foot in fury, powerless to retaliate. “You—you—you…”

Fu Yeqiu didn’t give Yu Yunfei another glance before leaving the room expressionlessly.

Yu Yunfei turned to her two Imperial Harem sisters, looking on the verge of tears. “Aren’t you going to help me?”

Ye Shiyu walked to the bookshelf, pulled out a book, and flipped through it casually, sighing helplessly. “Consort Shu, I wish I could help you, but Fu Yeqiu has all the power and influence, plus shares in your company. What can I possibly do?”

Li Qianxuan shook her fist at the air. “I’d love to beat her to death for you, but this is a society governed by law. Besides, if I laid a finger on Fu Yeqiu, Qingqing would be furious. So, I’m powerless too.”

“Aaaaaah!”

Yu Yunfei raged impotently. “Damn capitalists!”

That night, after reporting to Jiang Li and Jiang Minhui, Jiang Li returned to her room to rest.

But as she stared at the ceiling, she couldn’t help but think of Ruan Qingqing’s bright, red-rimmed eyes, still glistening with tears.

Ruan Qingqing.

A strange name, a strange person.

The girl was undeniably cute, but the room was filled with other beauties, each with their own unique charm. Why did everyone seem to adore her?

Truly baffling.

Jiang Li sighed, but didn’t dwell on it. She turned over, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep alone.

In her dream:

The moon hung like a jade disc, casting a light as bright as day.

The palace shimmered with splendor, its scenery reminiscent of the final years of the Qian Dynasty.

Jiang Li stood beneath the swaying shadows of ancient trees, her robes fluttering in the night breeze. Her crimson lips parted slightly, her voice as cold and sharp as glacial ice, piercing to the bone: “Where is Your Majesty?”

A young eunuch dropped to his knees with a thud, trembling as he replied, “Your Majesty… Your Majesty is with the Empress…”

Without hesitation, Jiang Li strode toward Eternal Autumn Palace.

A white silk blindfold covered her eyes, yet she moved with swift, fluid grace, never stumbling or bumping into obstacles. Clearly, she could see something.

But how?

The Imperial Preceptor’s authority far surpassed that of anyone in the Imperial Harem, and she had been granted special privileges by the Emperor. Wherever she went, no one dared obstruct her path. Palace maids retreated respectfully, clearing the way.

Jiang Li reached the Eternal Autumn Palace without encountering any obstacles.

There, she saw the Empress cradling the Little Emperor in her arms, pressing fervent kisses to the girl’s forehead, eyes, and cheeks, her lips drifting downward.

Jiang Li’s pupils constricted.

Almost without thinking, she snatched the child away, holding her firmly as she turned to leave. The Empress, pale from her recent illness, struggled to sit up and tried to stop them. “Your Majesty…”

Jiang Li warned coldly, “Don’t lay a hand on her.”

When Ruan Qingqing was lowered into the hot spring, she stirred drowsily. Blinking at the familiar figure before her, she leaned against Jiang Li, nuzzling her neck and murmuring affectionately, “Imperial Preceptor, This Emperor has missed you so much…”

Jiang Li replied expressionlessly, “We were only apart for a day.”

As she spoke, she began to remove Ruan Qingqing’s outer robe.

Confused, Ruan Qingqing pressed her cheek against Jiang Li’s, murmuring sleepily, “Even half a day apart makes This Emperor miss the Imperial Preceptor…”

Jiang Li lifted Ruan Qingqing’s chin, removed the white blindfold, and let her chaotic peach blossom eyes sweep over the girl’s brows, nose, and soft lips.

Jiang Li finally softened her tone and asked Ruan Qingqing, “Why are you resting at Eternal Autumn Palace?”

Ruan Qingqing yawned, “Because I had to take care of Qiuqiu and review memorials. I was so, so tired that I accidentally fell asleep.”

“Your position is unique. You must be more careful. If there’s any close contact, even my magic won’t be able to conceal your true gender.”

“Mm… I’ll be more careful next time…”

Ruan Qingqing’s eyes were barely open, her body limp and completely yielding to Jiang Li’s movements. By the time she realized it, her clothes had been completely removed, leaving only the fabric pressed against the side closest to Jiang Li.

The fabric of Jiang Li’s own robes.

“Imperial Preceptor…” Ruan Qingqing murmured, wrapping her arms around Jiang Li’s waist and looking up from her embrace. Before she could even make out the woman’s face, Jiang Li covered her eyes.

“What are you doing?” Ruan Qingqing pouted, clearly displeased.

Jiang Li tied a white silk ribbon over her eyes, her voice low and firm. “Stay still. Be good.”

“Oh,” Ruan Qingqing rested her head back on Jiang Li’s shoulder, yawning again. “But Imperial Preceptor, This Emperor is so sleepy. I want to rest, not soak in a hot spring in the middle of the night…”

She grumbled, but Jiang Li remained unmoved.

Jiang Li gripped Ruan Qingqing’s delicate shoulders, her gaze sweeping from head to toe. Her voice was stern: “Wait until I’ve finished examining you.”

Confused, Ruan Qingqing tried to protest, “Examining what? Imperial Physician Xu just checked my pulse yesterday and declared me in perfect health…”

There were no marks.

Jiang Li must have returned in time; the Empress hadn’t had a chance to do more.

Jiang Li betrayed no emotion, her voice steady and flawless: “It’s a baptism to bless you.”

She scooped up a handful of water and poured it over Ruan Qingqing’s brow, where she had just been kissed, then carefully rubbed the spot with her index finger.

Ruan Qingqing began to whimper, “Are you done yet?”

Though she wanted to throw a tantrum, she instead wrapped her arms around Jiang Li, snuggling against her chest and whining, “Sister, I’m so, so, so sleepy… Please, take me back to bed.”

A faint smile curved Jiang Li’s lips, so subtle it was barely perceptible.

She held the sweet, soft girl close, ruffled her hair, and finally relented, saying, “Sleep well.”

Jiang Li tapped a spot on Ruan Qingqing’s body. Overwhelmed by drowsiness, Ruan Qingqing finally drifted back into slumber.

Leaning against Jiang Li, her warm breath brushed against Jiang Li’s throat, the heat spreading through her veins.

“Qingqing…”

Jiang Li closed her eyes as well, lost in the moment.

Just as she was about to succumb completely, a voice rang out beside them, calling to her, “Hey, Jiang Li, what mischief are you up to?”

Jiang Li draped her outer robe over Ruan Qingqing and glanced up at the white-haired woman perched in the tree.

Her tone remained calm. “Master.”

The Female Daoist tucked her hands into her sleeves, sat cross-legged, and hummed. “If I’d returned any later, would my precious little disciple still be intact?”

Jiang Li untied the white silk blindfold from Ruan Qingqing’s eyes and resecured it in its original place. Her voice was cool and composed. “I had no intention of harming Qingqing. Master is overthinking things.”

The Female Daoist burst into laughter as if she’d heard a joke, nearly falling from the tree. She snapped a branch, then hugged the trunk and scrambled higher to find a safer perch. Leaning back casually, she pulled out a packet of candied fruit, tossed a piece into the air, and caught it in her mouth.

“Munch, munch, munch,” she chewed loudly, followed by a swig of wine. Leaning against the trunk with her legs crossed, she sighed dramatically. “My dear eldest disciple, have you ever heard the saying ‘the fox guarding the henhouse’?”

Jiang Li said coldly, “Master, please speak plainly.”

The Female Daoist shook her head repeatedly. “Now that things have come to this, I truly regret entrusting Qingqing to you.”

Jiang Li remained unmoved, simply stating, “I’ve taken excellent care of Qingqing.”

“Truly excellent?” The Female Daoist sat up straight, her expression grave. “In half a year, Qingqing will be twenty. If she were a man, she would be old enough to perform the coming-of-age ceremony and rule on her own. Even as a woman, she should be capable of standing on her own by now. But Qingqing?”

The Female Daoist sighed deeply. “You’ve raised her to be so naive and innocent, completely unaware of life’s hardships and the world’s dangers. She still doesn’t understand love, yet she was born with a warm and affectionate nature… Tsk tsk…”

Jiang Li cradled the person in her arms, gently stroking her soft, long hair. “I think this is perfect,” she said slowly. “With me watching over her, she can live a carefree life, never having to grow up.”

The Female Daoist shook her head in dismay. “Jiang Li, I want Qingqing to be happy too. But you know her fate is to be the last ruler of a doomed kingdom. Her destiny cannot be altered, and she will ultimately meet a tragic end.”

Jiang Li’s grip on Ruan Qingqing’s jade-like hand tightened abruptly.

“I’ll take her away,” she declared. “To the ends of the earth, if necessary. There has to be a way.”

“Even if you possessed the power to move mountains, you couldn’t alter the fate of a nation, let alone defy the destiny of a monarch.”

Jiang Li stubbornly repeated, “There has to be a way.”

The Female Daoist shook her head and silently retrieved a candied fruit, popping it into her mouth.

The fruit, soaked in sweet syrup, offered an indescribably sweet taste at first bite, but after swallowing, it left a bitter aftertaste that lingered in her heart.

“Ah, it’s a pity. This old Master is growing frail. Who knows how many more years I have before I ascend to the heavens? If only… if only…”

Jiang Li rose from the hot spring, cradling Ruan Qingqing in her arms. Her expression remained cold as she said, “Seeing how lively and energetic you are, perhaps you should refrain from speaking such nonsense.”

The Female Daoist burst into hearty laughter again.

When her laughter subsided, she sprang from beneath the tree and caught up with Jiang Li. She reached out to touch Ruan Qingqing’s cheek, her eyes crinkling with amusement. “Not bad, not bad. Still looks a bit naive, but at least you’ve fattened her up.”

“Keep your hands off her,” Jiang Li warned, striding away.

The Female Daoist, hands on her hips, cursed vehemently, “Qingqing is my own flesh and bl00d, raised with my own sweat and tears! How dare you tell me I can’t touch her? You only have the guts to bark at your Master. With so many beauties in Qingqing’s Imperial Harem, do you think you can stop them all?”

“Yes,” Jiang Li replied.

The Female Daoist clicked her tongue in amazement, then began wringing her hands. “I entrusted Qingqing to you because I thought you were cold and detached. Who could have imagined…”

Her eyes darted around before she chuckled again. “Speaking of which, Qingqing treats everyone better than she treats you. My dear disciple, aren’t you jealous?”

Jiang Li gently placed Ruan Qingqing on the couch and tucked the blanket around her, lowering her voice. “I don’t need her to treat me well. It’s enough for me to treat her well.”

The Female Daoist gasped in surprise. “You’re so noble! Why didn’t Master know this?”

Jiang Li traced the girl’s features with her finger. “I only wish for her happiness. Nothing else matters.”

The Female Daoist burst into laughter again.

Before leaving, she gulped down a large mouthful of wine and swayed drunkenly as she asked, “Jiang Li, search your heart. Do you truly desire nothing else?”

Do you truly desire nothing else?

When Jiang Li woke up, she couldn’t clearly remember the details of her dream.

Vaguely, she recalled holding a girl and playing in a hot spring, indulging in carefree joy.

And then there was that inexplicable voice: Jiang Li, do you truly desire nothing else?

It was utterly perplexing.

After a quick breakfast, Jiang Li went to her studio, intending to capture the dream’s scene on canvas.

She didn’t paint herself, only the girl lying naked by the hot spring’s edge, turning to look at her.

In the painting, the water covered the girl’s slender waist, obscuring much of her figure, but her beautiful butterfly bones remained exposed, radiating an irresistible allure.

The facial features were the last details she added. Jiang Li poured her heart into each stroke, guided by instinct, meticulously recreating the dream girl in her entirety.

Then she realized with a shock: the woman in the painting was none other than Ruan Qingqing, her features identical, without the slightest difference.

With the final brushstroke completed, Jiang Li snapped back to reality, startled so badly she dropped her brush.

Jiang Li: “……”

How could it be Ruan Qingqing?

This is absurd!

It must still be a dream.

Jiang Li scratched her short hair, grabbed her car keys, and went for a drive. When she returned, she discovered the painting was gone.

“Where’s the painting?” she asked the housekeeper.

The housekeeper feigned surprise. “Oh dear! That was just a piece of paper, wasn’t it? I accidentally threw it away while cleaning earlier… I’m so sorry, Miss Jiang! Was it expensive? Should I reimburse you?”

Jiang Li stared at her, speechless.

Forget it.

“It’s fine,” Jiang Li said indifferently. “I was going to throw it away anyway.”

After Jiang Li left, the housekeeper let out a long sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the villa, Jiang Minhui had put on her glasses to examine the painting closely.

“It’s Miss Ruan, absolutely Miss Ruan!” Jiang Minhui exclaimed, slapping her thigh. “Youth is truly wonderful—so full of energy and vitality!”

Grandma Jiang rolled her eyes and sent Ruan Qingqing a message:

Miss Ruan, when will you be visiting? My granddaughter has prepared a special gift for you. I think it should be presented in person.

Ruan Qingqing: “?”

Is this a joke?

Jiang Li had made it clear yesterday that she wanted nothing to do with Ruan Qingqing, yet she had prepared a gift?

Skeptical, Ruan Qingqing replied:  I have some urgent matters to attend to, so I can’t confirm a time yet. If I can finalize a date, I’ll let you know as soon as possible. Is that alright?

“Of course, of course!” Jiang Minhui chuckled warmly in a voice message. “I’ll keep the gift Jiang Li prepared safe for you. When you come, I’ll personally hand it over.”

Ruan Qingqing agreed, though she remained puzzled.

Meanwhile, Ruan Qingqing genuinely couldn’t leave, at least not right now. Yu Yunfei was clinging to her leg, sobbing, “Capitalism is killing us! Qingqing, can’t you do something about the Empress?”

Ruan Qingqing retorted firmly, “Qiuqiu isn’t my Empress anymore. She’s just my sister now.”

Yu Yunfei threw a tantrum. “But I don’t want to join the production team! I don’t want to leave your side! I just want to stay here and be with you.”

“A-Yun,” Ruan Qingqing said sternly, pulling her up. “You shouldn’t act like this.”

Ruan Qingqing’s stern expression silenced Yu Yunfei for a moment.

“I remember you telling me that after all these years in the industry, you’ve never played a lead role,” Ruan Qingqing said, her voice sharp. “You were especially bitter about The Legend of the Great Qian’s Consort Shu. You were so close to landing the lead, but Bai Qiaoying snatched it away. You were devastated, and that’s why I went to the Qian Family to stage those supernatural events—not just to avenge you, but to help you realize your dream.”

Ruan Qingqing challenged her: “Now that the opportunity is right in front of you, within reach, you’re going to abandon it because of me? How can you betray your past self? How can you betray me?”

“I… but…” Yu Yunfei stammered.

“No buts!” Ruan Qingqing snapped.

“But the Noble Consort and the Virtuous Consort are always fawning over you too!” Yu Yunfei protested, her voice tinged with resentment.

Li Qianxuan, standing by the window, sneered, “I’m a world champion with countless gold medals and championship belts. Do you have any of that?”

Ye Shiyu sat gracefully, slowly turning the pages of her book. “I have two doctoral degrees and am an honorary professor at A University. I’ve received countless awards over the years. I’m currently on sabbatical, visiting Qingqing and working on my book.”

Ruan Qingqing added, “And Qiuqiu? She’s been targeted recently, and even leaving the house is dangerous. Yet she still insists on working.”

Yu Yunfei felt like crying. “So I’m the only useless one here?”

“You’re not useless,” Ruan Qingqing said gently, patting Yu Yunfei’s head. “A-Yun, I’ve seen your plays. You’re a great actress, you just need a chance. This is your chance, so don’t give up, okay?”

Under Ruan Qingqing’s clear gaze, Yu Yunfei felt healed.

She nodded, about to speak, when Li Qianxuan interjected, “A penniless, jobless loser mooning over romance? It’s laughable.”

Yu Yunfei jumped up in anger. “You—!”

Li Qianxuan retorted, “I’m rich, free, and beautiful. Being by Qingqing’s side is perfectly logical.”

“Don’t listen to her,” Ruan Qingqing said, pulling Yu Yunfei back before she could explode. “You’ll definitely earn a lot of money in the future, become incredibly famous, and achieve great success. Now hurry up and pack your things to join the crew. Don’t waste any more time here.”

“Then give me one last hug before I go, sniffle.”

“Hugs, hugs, hugs,” Ruan Qingqing said, opening her arms for a quick embrace before pushing Yu Yunfei out the door without further delay.

The person who framed Qiuqiu hadn’t been found yet, and Ruan Qingqing needed to calculate the divination.

But for some reason, the divination results were… strange.