The Shadowy Princess's Husband-Slave Consort (Transmigration) - Chapter 2

The flickering candlelight cast a dim, yellowish veil over the room, making it difficult for Yin Xing to discern the woman’s features and expression, let alone tell if she was joking.

Yet Yin Xing could see her slender figure and graceful bearing. Though she wore no gold, jade, or pearl ornaments, her noble air was unmistakable, suggesting she came from a distinguished family.

She probably isn’t a cruel and terrifying villain, right?

Don’t worry, Yin Xing said, carefully stepping over the potted plants in the hall. I was very careful not to damage any of the flowers or grass.

The woman didn’t respond, her slender neck still bent as she admired the vibrant floral arrangement. Her dark hair was styled in a high bun, like moonlit water lilies, radiating a serene tranquility that even the flickering candlelight seemed reluctant to disturb.

Yin Xing, holding his breath, tiptoed closer, his curiosity growing. He called out eagerly, My name is Yin Xing, like the stars in the sky. What’s yours?

At your age, don’t you know it’s considered impudent to ask a woman’s name? the woman replied, tilting her head slightly. The dappled candlelight danced in her eyes before being swallowed by an unfathomable darkness. Yet her voice remained gentle and refined, as if she weren’t scolding him.

Yin Xing, who should have responded, found his mind blank at the sight of her exquisite beauty. He stammered, Oh, I’m sorry.

Though the lanterns cast a dim, hazy glow, the woman’s skin shone like luminous jade, outshining any precious gem. Her eyes, veiled in a misty, ethereal beauty, were both captivating and elusive, drawing the gaze yet making direct eye contact feel almost shameful.

Such an impudent stare, showing not a shred of remorse.

Then I won’t look anymore. Please don’t be angry.

Yin Xing explained, his face flushed, and quickly lowered his head, daring not to meet the woman’s gaze again. He nearly forgot he was currently disguised as a young master with his hair tied up.

Silence fell. Yin Xing stared at the corner of the water-blue skirt before him, noticing the intricate, dense stitching that shimmered faintly under the candlelight like moonlight rippling across a lake’s surface. The garment was truly exquisite and luxurious.

This woman must be a noble lady from a prominent family, he thought.

After a long pause, Yin Xing, unable to discern the woman’s thoughts, hesitantly explained, Tonight, I was being chased and took refuge in this flower carriage, accidentally ending up here. Is this the outskirts of the Capital?

Earlier, when Yin Xing had passed through the garden, he barely noticed any walls, only dense foliage and lush greenery.

Within the Capital, where every inch of land was precious, it seemed impossible for such a vast garden to exist.

The woman replied with a calm, yet exasperated tone, The Capital gates haven’t opened yet. This is naturally within the Capital. If you didn’t even know that, no wonder you’re being chased with bl00d streaming down your face.

Yin Xing raised a hand to touch the gauze band on his forehead, only to realize the earlier impact had reopened the wound, causing it to bleed.

He glanced up at the woman, relieved to see no anger on her face. He offered a sheepish smile and said soothingly, Ah, my head injury has made me forget many things, so I’m a bit clueless. Please forgive my ignorance and don’t be angry.

The woman scrutinized Yin Xing’s ingratiating, goofy grin, then chuckled thoughtfully. So that’s it. I thought all the young men in the Capital were like you—wearing flowers in their hair and sneaking around at night for mischief.

As she spoke, her smile softened, gaining a gentle beauty that hadn’t been there before. Yin Xing, completely missing the meaning of her words, simply grinned back. Glancing at his reflection in the glazed wall, he noticed the chaotic arrangement of flower petals in his hair, resembling a peacock’s fanned tail—utterly ridiculous.

Embarrassed, Yin Xing’s smile froze.

Since you stumbled in here while being chased, you should leave now.

But I can’t find my way out.

In truth, Yin Xing worried the pursuers might be lying in wait. He thought it would be safer to hide until dawn.

However, the woman seemed unaware of the danger. Yin Xing refrained from mentioning the pursuers’ brutality, not wanting to alarm or inconvenience her.

As she finished speaking, the sound of fluttering wings grew distinct outside, accompanied by eerie caws. Yin Xing, his heart pounding with fear, asked, Was that a ghost?

The woman glanced calmly toward the window. Nothing to worry about, she replied. Just crows scavenging for food.

Under the moonlight, the garden stretched out beyond the flowerbeds and green lawns, its perimeter ringed by layers of protective corridors. Countless flowering plants filled the space within, and the entire garden was located in the inner city of the bustling capital.

Now, corpses lay scattered among the outermost flower trees, while crows swarmed overhead, swooping down to peck at the bodies. Flesh and bl00d splattered as the birds tore at the remains, crimson droplets staining the soil.

The only assassin still clinging to consciousness watched in despair as he saw the nine-headed phoenix emblem engraved on the copper rings dangling from the crows’ talons—a sight that sent shivers down his spine.

In the entire Wangchao Dynasty, only the current Empress and Princess Zhanghua were entitled to use such a noble symbol. He had never imagined he would mistakenly trespass into the private domain of the imperial family.

A crow lunged forward, pecking at the assassin’s eyes. Darkness engulfed him, leaving only the rustling of wings and the faint clinking of metal—a terrifying end.

The night wind carried a chill, causing the branches and leaves to sway. Yin Xing followed the woman closely, lantern in hand, his senses on high alert. His gaze swept across the dense flowerbeds, each plant seeming to watch him with predatory eyes.

The moonlight tonight was too dim, making the wildly overgrown flowers resemble snarling demons clawing at the darkness. Their rustling movements in the wind sent Yin Xing’s heart pounding in his chest.

Thank you for guiding me out of here, Yin Xing said, trying to distract himself from his fear.

It’s no trouble at all. I came to admire the flowers tonight anyway. This is just the way, the woman replied. Her posture was elegant and slender, her steps measured, and the azure hem of her dress billowed like ocean waves. Her voice was gentle and refined.

Feeling reassured, Yin Xing followed her through layers of corridors and courtyard gates, his curiosity piqued. But didn’t you already admire the flowers earlier? he asked.

These are different flowers. Here grows a century-old Jade Plate Night-Blooming Cereus, which blooms only once every ten years. Tonight is its night to blossom.

Then I’ve come at the perfect time! May I see it?

As soon as the words left his mouth, Yin Xing regretted his forwardness, inwardly scolding himself for his modern habits. To his surprise, the woman nodded, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

The pair continued to a spacious pond garden. Yin Xing removed his outer robe and draped it over the stone steps beside the pond. Please, have a seat, he offered.

The woman gracefully settled into her seat, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Yin Xing sat beside her, straining his eyes but seeing nothing. He struck up a casual conversation. I don’t even know your name. What should I call you?

Are you really that curious?

Absolutely!

The woman tilted her head slightly, her slender, jade-like neck and elegant bearing captivating. Her misty, rain-like eyes met his steadily as she replied in a clear, gentle voice, Xuan Clan, Yizhen.

Yin Xing felt a strange embarrassment under her gaze, inwardly sighing at her undeniable beauty—a lethal charm that transcended gender. He forced himself to remain calm and replied, Your surname is quite rare, but your given name is lovely.

It seems your head injury is indeed quite severe. Xuan Yizhen withdrew her scrutinizing gaze, her interest waning.

Xuan was the imperial surname of the Wangchao dynasty, something everyone should have known. Perhaps this was truly an unexpected incident.

Hearing this, Yin Xing remembered the gash on his forehead reopening and bleeding. Thinking he had frightened her, he quickly explained, It’s nothing serious. This wound won’t kill me. Can I call you Yizhen from now on? What do you think?

No. You’re being disrespectful.

But I like calling you that. It sounds so familiar and warm.

Yin Xing, sensing that Xuan Yizhen wasn’t one to lose her temper, shed her earlier fear and felt a newfound warmth toward her.

After speaking, Xuan Yizhen glanced at the person before her, whose eyes curved into a bright, fearless smile. She turned her head away, saying nothing more.

This person’s head injury must be severe, she thought. To think I’m approachable…

Seeing this, Yin Xing mistakenly assumed Xuan Yizhen had agreed. Her smile widened, and she rested her chin in her hand, patiently waiting alongside her for the Night-blooming Cereus to bloom.

After a long while, as Yin Xing began to feel drowsy, she suddenly noticed a pale, moonlit glow gradually emerging from the dark, expansive pool. The flower cluster unfurled, and she exclaimed, Yizhen, look!

In the empty green pool, a massive, pristine white Ghost Orchid bloomed silently, its radiant glow illuminating the surroundings. Even the water reflected its silvery light, explaining why it was called the Jade Plate Night-Blooming Cereus.

After marveling at the sight, Yin Xing turned to Xuan Yizhen, who was observing the scene calmly. Her serene expression and the distant, ethereal quality in her soft, dark eyes revealed little joy. Puzzled, Yin Xing asked, Yizhen, aren’t you happy?

Xuan Yizhen gazed at the blooming Night-blooming Cereus, her expression unwavering. Her voice remained calm as she replied, No.

This so-called once-in-a-decade spectacle of the night-blooming cereus was nothing special, really quite dull.

Seeing Xuan Yizhen’s immediate and unhesitating response, Yin Xing hesitated to press further. His gaze lingered on her beautiful face, unable to tear himself away, and he sighed inwardly, thinking, She’s just too beautiful.

Why are you staring at me again?

Nothing. I just think Yizhen is more beautiful than the night-blooming cereus. If I weren’t being hunted, I might want to visit you often.

As he spoke, a hint of curiosity slowly surfaced in Xuan Yizhen’s ethereal eyes, like a flickering glow emerging from a deep, empty valley. The faint light added a unique radiance to her already exquisite features. Why would you want to visit me? she asked.

Perhaps only the peerless beauties in ancient paintings could capture such a subtle yet expressive change, Yin Xing thought, his cheeks flushing. He quickly averted his gaze, composed himself, and replied earnestly, Ever since I was injured, I’ve been restless. But when I’m with you, my heart feels at peace.

Perhaps it’s because Xuan Yizhen is so quiet and gentle, he mused.

Why are you being hunted?

It’s a long story. It’s better you don’t know. Otherwise, you might get implicated and face the death penalty.

Having said his piece, Yin Xing had no time to linger. He glanced up at the serene and elegant Xuan Yizhen, reluctant to disturb her nocturnal stroll among the blossoms.

But the shallow smile that had been playing on Xuan Yizhen’s lips vanished abruptly. Her voice turned cold as she commanded, Don’t move.

What’s wrong? Yin Xing froze, momentarily stunned, his gaze fixed on Xuan Yizhen’s rapidly shifting expression. Every flicker of her features, every smile and frown, seemed to reveal a new and breathtaking facet of her beauty.

Suddenly, a red dot appeared in his right eye’s vision, followed by the familiar dizziness and blurred vision. Yin Xing inwardly cursed his recklessness.

Looks like I overexerted myself tonight!

Beside the pond’s stone steps, the conversation abruptly ceased as Yin Xing’s body slumped forward. Xuan Yizhen lowered her gaze in confusion, only to notice the warm, wet bl00d staining the back of her jade-white hand. Her eyes drifted to Yin Xing, now unconscious with bl00d seeping through the gauze on his forehead, before settling on the jade pendant at his side. It seems you’ll bring some amusement after all, she murmured indifferently. I’ll spare you this time.

The night wind rustled through the garden’s riot of blossoms, where hidden guards stood motionless as shadows among the branches. Their cold blades glinted faintly in the darkness, silent and deadly.