The Entire Harem has Transmigrated - Chapter 28

In her previous life, Ruan Qingqing lacked nothing. Silks and satins, rare treasures, literary curiosities, and ancient paintings—any exquisite item would be ceaselessly brought to the palace and presented before the Emperor.

That year, during the Lantern Festival, the palace remained a scene of vibrant splendor and bustling activity.

A thousand trees ablaze with multicolored lights, A night sky painted crimson and violet.

After admiring the renowned paintings by contemporary masters and examining the luminous amber cups presented by her attendants, Ruan Qingqing suddenly felt her interest wane. She approached Jiang Li and asked, “Does the Imperial Preceptor have nothing to offer This Emperor?”

Jiang Li replied coldly, “You lack nothing.”

Ruan Qingqing pouted unhappily, twirling her long, silky hair around her fingertip with a hint of grievance. “Even though This Emperor lacks for nothing in food, clothing, or material wealth, there are still things I long to do but cannot.”

Jiang Li: “What do you wish to do?”

Ruan Qingqing: “I want to wear a woman’s attire! I want to take a pleasure boat out of the palace! I want to release flower lanterns on the river, to stroll freely through the streets like those carefree maidens, guessing riddles and wandering at leisure…”

At first, Ruan Qingqing was brimming with excitement, but as she spoke, her mood gradually dampened, and her voice turned heavy. “Of course, This Emperor knows these are impossible dreams, so there’s no need to indulge in such fantasies… Besides, I still have memorials to review…”

“Your Majesty,” Jiang Li said, turning to her with a stern tone, “do you wish to go out?”

“This Emperor…”

“Do you?”

“This Emperor… I—I do!”

Jiang Li rose to her feet and said coldly, “Then come with me.”

The entire night felt like a dream.

Jiang Li somehow summoned the soul of a phoenix. The translucent, ethereal phoenix carried them southward, flying thousands of miles in a single journey.

White clouds brushed against their sides, and stars seemed within reach.

Ruan Qingqing felt both wonder and disbelief, barely registering Jiang Li’s explanation: “The Capital is too crowded with acquaintances, making it unsafe. That’s why I brought you here.”

“What?” The wind roared in her ears, jolting Ruan Qingqing awake. Gradually regaining her senses, she finally couldn’t contain her joy, laughing and shouting, “What did the Imperial Preceptor just say?!”

Jiang Li tightened her grip around Ruan Qingqing’s waist, unable to completely suppress her emotions. “Be careful,” she murmured.

Ruan Qingqing didn’t seem to notice her reply, waving her arms wildly. “Aaaah! I’m flying!”

The person behind her watched her gleeful antics, a rare crack appearing on their usually icy face.

Jiang Li’s lips curved into a faint smile, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

It was a pleasant, melodious sound, but Ruan Qingqing was too absorbed in the joy of soaring through the air to hear it clearly.

They landed in Jiangdu.

Jiang Li led her into the city, first finding a tailor shop where Ruan Qingqing could change into the women’s clothing she had longed for. Then, hand in hand, they strolled through the night market.

Ruan Qingqing rarely had such opportunities to revel freely among crowds, to twirl her skirt without restraint. Shedding her inhibitions and forgetting her status, she indulged in a night of unbridled joy.

On the way back, Ruan Qingqing fell asleep nestled in Jiang Li’s arms. The phoenix didn’t return them to the imperial palace but instead landed atop the Star-Picking Pavilion, where the Imperial Preceptor conducted his annual blessing rituals.

When Ruan Qingqing woke up, she gazed down at the ground, which seemed a dizzying distance away. Terrified, she nearly slipped off the glazed-tile roof of the pavilion, but Jiang Li swiftly secured her waist.

“Imperial Preceptor…”

Without hesitation, Ruan Qingqing threw herself into Jiang Li’s arms, clinging to her and cooing softly, “Why did you bring This Emperor here?”

“The sky is still dark.”

“Hmm?”

“The stars and the moon are always present, but the stars and moon here are unlike any Your Majesty has ever seen.”

Ruan Qingqing’s fan-like eyelashes fluttered, and a spark lit up her almond-shaped eyes.

Everyone said the Star-Picking Pavilion offered breathtaking views, but Ruan Qingqing had never actually seen the stars and moon from this place.

“Wow!”

Her legs felt a little weak, so she let Jiang Li help her stand. Clutching Jiang Li’s hand, she cautiously peered over the edge.

The Star-Picking Pavilion stood beside the river, with mountains to the left and water to the right, offering a unique and stunning panorama. From the highest point, the entire landscape stretched out before them. Even though the lush trees and vibrant flowers were obscured by the darkness, their colors indistinguishable, the scene remained a rare and awe-inspiring spectacle of beauty.

Moreover, the distant glow of countless lights reflected in the river, their brilliance contrasting with the surrounding darkness. The moon’s reflection danced on the water’s surface, creating shimmering golden ripples. Stars dotted the twilight sky, and a gentle evening breeze brushed against their fingertips. All these elements intertwined to create a scene that was both visually stunning and deeply soothing, leaving one’s heart and mind refreshed.

“It’s so beautiful,” Ruan Qingqing murmured.

“Mm,” Jiang Li replied, holding her tightly, her voice detached. “It’s the hour of Yin.”

“What’s special about the hour of Yin?” Ruan Qingqing asked. “Does that mean we should go back?”

Jiang Li shook her head, leaned close to Ruan Qingqing’s ear, and whispered, “It’s time for the fireworks.”

No sooner had she spoken than vibrant fireworks erupted in the distance, painting the sky with fiery reds, lush greens, and sunset oranges. The dazzling display filled the heavens, each burst fleeting yet eternally etched in Ruan Qingqing’s memory.

“So beautiful!” Ruan Qingqing clapped her hands in delight, her eyes inexplicably brimming with tears despite her overwhelming joy.

Amidst the continuous cascade of fireworks, Jiang Li asked, “Qingqing, do you like it?”

“Mm,” Ruan Qingqing nodded emphatically. As the fireworks faded, she turned to embrace Jiang Li and asked, “So, the starlight and fireworks… are these the gifts the Imperial Preceptor has given me?”

Ruan Qingqing still held high expectations.

After all, Jiang Li had always created countless romantic surprises for her in the past.

She lay her head on the pillow and drifted into a peaceful sleep, dreaming not at all that night.

Meanwhile, Jiang Li remained unaware of Ruan Qingqing’s arrival.

After her usual morning run, she returned for breakfast and prepared to leave. But this time, the security guard blocked her way.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Jiang Li demanded, her brows furrowing and her face turning icy.

The guard, avoiding her gaze, replied, “These are Madam’s orders, Miss Jiang. We have no choice.”

Jiang Minhui?

What was she up to now?

Jiang Li returned to the villa, intending to confront Jiang Minhui, but the housekeeper stopped her, saying the Madam was still resting.

Resting?

Jiang Li found this even more puzzling.

Never one to be easily manipulated, she decided to scale the back wall when the front gate was blocked. But as she pushed open the terrace door, she spotted the girl watering plants with a watering can.

Ruan Qingqing was wearing a simple white dress made of French jacquard fabric. Though the design was understated and clean, it seemed to float and shimmer on her, radiating an indescribable lightness and vitality.

Under the morning sun, on the spring lawn, a girl hummed a tuneless melody as she skipped and sprinkled water. The atmosphere alone was impossibly beautiful, let alone her striking beauty.

The thin white dress perfectly complemented Ruan Qingqing’s pure and lovely aura. Combined with the soft, flattering light and the neatly trimmed, lush greenery, the environment transformed her into a vision—a fairy who had mistakenly wandered into the mortal realm.

Jiang Li stood transfixed.

After a long moment, she finally tore her gaze away, realizing aloud, “Am I still dreaming?”

She turned to walk back, then returned.

Turned again, walked away, then came back.

She blinked repeatedly, but the girl remained there, her beauty captivating and thought-provoking.

“I must have taken a wrong turn,” Jiang Li muttered, disoriented. As she turned, she didn’t notice the pillar and bumped right into it.

Finally, Ruan Qingqing noticed her.

“Jiang Li?”

“Sorry,” Jiang Li waved her hand. “I’ll be going now.”

Ruan Qingqing gritted her teeth, tossed the watering can aside, and called after the retreating figure, “Stop right there!”

Jiang Li stopped but didn’t turn to look at her.

Ruan Qingqing deliberately moved to stand in front of her, but Jiang Li awkwardly averted her gaze.

Ruan Qingqing frowned, her displeasure evident. “Why won’t you look at me?” she demanded. “Do you hate me that much?”

Jiang Li glanced at her, her gaze lingering on Ruan Qingqing’s soft, red lips. Unbidden, the memory of that hot spring dream resurfaced.

“Why are you dressed so nicely?” Jiang Li blurted out.

Ruan Qingqing frowned in confusion. “What?”

“Never mind.”

It’s just a lingering effect from that dream, Jiang Li told herself. It has to be.

Jiang Li had always believed she harbored no feelings for Ruan Qingqing. But ever since that dream, thinking about Ruan Qingqing now evoked a strange, unsettling sensation.

“Grandma probably asked you to come, right?” Jiang Li said, her eyes darting around, deliberately avoiding Ruan Qingqing’s gaze.

“Yes,” Ruan Qingqing replied. “Why?”

“I remember you saying you wanted me to be absent when you met Jiang Minhui. You said you’d be in a bad mood and might do something irreversible.” Jiang Li gestured toward the high wall behind her. “I’ll just climb over the wall and leave now.”

“Wait!”

Ruan Qingqing had been in a good mood, but hearing Jiang Li speak to her like that immediately soured her mood.

Hadn’t Grandma Jiang said Jiang Li had prepared a gift to apologize? Was this Jiang Li’s idea of an apology?

Unable to contain her anger, Ruan Qingqing took two steps forward and grabbed Jiang Li’s arm. Jiang Li, flustered and disoriented, was just descending the stairs. The sudden tug threw her off balance, sending her stumbling toward the edge.

Ruan Qingqing, still kind-hearted, reached out to steady her. But the momentum carried Jiang Li forward, pressing her against Ruan Qingqing and placing her hand where it shouldn’t be.

Ruan Qingqing, her back pressed against a corridor pillar, stared down in stunned silence at Jiang Li’s hand.

Jiang Li apologized again, but didn’t immediately remove her hand from that soft curve.

Shame and fury surged through Ruan Qingqing. She raised her hand and slapped Jiang Li across the face.

Even after being struck, Jiang Li knew she was in the wrong. She apologized again, “I-I’m sorry…”

A blush crept across Ruan Qingqing’s pale cheeks. She bit her lower lip, straightened her collar, and couldn’t resist asking, “Were you just being a pervert with me?”

“Absolutely not!” Jiang Li hurriedly explained, her words tumbling over each other. “I know I touched you where I shouldn’t have, but it was completely unintentional. Besides, I have no romantic interest in you whatsoever. Even if I were to act like a pervert, I’d never do it to you.”

Ruan Qingqing: “???”

Is this even human language?

Ruan Qingqing laughed in exasperation, unable to formulate a response. After a moment’s thought, Jiang Li stepped forward again, her expression serious and her tone earnest. “Miss Ruan, I know many people are attracted to you, and you are indeed very charming. But I assure you, I am not among those drawn to you.”

“I know you’re not interested in me!” Ruan Qingqing snapped, her anger flaring. “But Jiang Li, how many more times do you need to repeat yourself?”

“I…”

“Just shut up!”

“Okay.”

Ruan Qingqing, who usually appeared gentle and harmless, could be genuinely fierce when provoked. Jiang Li, seeing her face contorted with fury, felt flustered, unsure whether to leave or stay.

Fortunately, Jiang Minhui arrived at that moment. She approached Ruan Qingqing with a cheerful smile and asked, “Qingqing, why are you up so early? Have you had breakfast yet?”

Ruan Qingqing replied sullenly, “Not yet.”

Jiang Minhui immediately instructed the staff to prepare breakfast for Ruan Qingqing. Jiang Li tried to slip away, but Jiang Minhui stopped her and ordered her to return.

Jiang Li’s expression twisted with conflict. “Grandma, I’ve already eaten.”

Jiang Minhui slammed her cane against the floor with a thunderous crash. “Even if you’ve eaten, you’ll keep Miss Ruan company and eat again!” she roared.

Ruan Qingqing: “……”

Ruan Qingqing finally understood: the only person in the Jiang Family who truly liked her was Grandma Jiang. Jiang Meimei believed she was a scheming, flirtatious vixen, while Jiang Li clearly loathed her.

So, the promised apology gift was just a lie, wasn’t it? Judging by Jiang Li’s current demeanor, there was no way she had prepared anything.

Ruan Qingqing had already vented her anger and now felt strangely calm.

After eating breakfast peacefully, she went to the reception room with Jiang Minhui. Glancing at Jiang Li, who sat beside them with a forced expression, she said flatly, “Since Miss Jiang is so unwilling to be here, why don’t you just leave?”

Jiang Li brewed tea, brought it over, glanced at Ruan Qingqing, then looked at Jiang Minhui. “Should I leave?”

“You stay right here!” Jiang Minhui snapped.

The old madam Jiang was fierce with Jiang Li, but when she turned to Ruan Qingqing, her demeanor softened into extraordinary kindness and gentleness.

Smiling at Ruan Qingqing, she said, “Qingqing, our Xiao Li is just putting on a tough act. Once I bring up that painting, you’ll understand everything.”

Ruan Qingqing and Jiang Li asked almost in unison, “What painting?”

“What painting?”

Ruan Qingqing genuinely had no idea what was going on, but Jiang Li immediately guessed the truth after asking.

Jiang Li’s face paled.

That morning, she had indeed painted a portrait of Ruan Qingqing. Later, the cleaning lady told her she had accidentally thrown it away as trash.

But considering the cleaning lady’s strange attitude and tone that day, Jiang Li now understood everything.

The Beauty Bathing painting she had created hadn’t been discarded at all—it had been secretly kept by Old Madam Jiang!

Jiang Li was mortified. She tried to stop the cleaning lady, but the framed painting had already been brought upstairs.

“Wait! Wait! I can explain!” Jiang Li made a final desperate attempt to salvage the situation.

Old Madam Jiang, however, used her cane to push Jiang Minhui aside, allowing Ruan Qingqing to get a clear view of the painting.

“This is it,” Jiang Minhui said, pointing to the portrait of the beauty as if presenting a treasure. “I know our Xiao Li well. She never paints people, yet her first attempt is this perfect—so lifelike and vibrant. If this isn’t proof she has feelings for you, what is?”

Ruan Qingqing stood up and studied the painting intently. Seeing her serious expression, Jiang Li wished she could dig a hole in the ground and disappear.

This is the Imperial Preceptor’s style.

Though the brush, ink, and paper differed from those used in the Qian Dynasty, Ruan Qingqing immediately recognized the Imperial Preceptor’s hand.

She pursed her lips, pondered for a few seconds, then turned to Jiang Minhui with a faint smile. “Though I don’t know why, I suspect you’re trying to set me up with Jiang Li, aren’t you?”

Before Old Madam Jiang could answer, Ruan Qingqing continued, “But I’m sorry, I have no interest in Jiang Li. Seeing this painting only makes me want to slap her across the face again.”