The Shadowy Princess's Husband-Slave Consort (Transmigration) - Chapter 5

In the distance, the crimson sunset silently faded, swallowed by the ink-blue night that claimed most of the sky. Only a lingering afterglow remained, its bl00d-red reflection staining the lake’s tranquil surface like a crimson stain on the picturesque scenery.

Gondolas adorned with lanterns glided across the lake, their festive music and joyous laughter spilling into the night. Within an elegant chamber of a lakeside pavilion, wisps of incense drifted faintly in the flickering candlelight, their hazy glow accentuating Xuan Yizhen’s figure. Clad in a moon-white gown embroidered with golden threads, she radiated a dazzling brilliance, her luminous presence captivating all who beheld her.

Xuan Yizhen lowered her gaze to the peach blossoms, her eyelashes fluttering gently, casting dappled shadows that veiled her serene expression. Her tranquil demeanor resembled that of a jade Buddha, a compassionate bodhisattva guiding all sentient beings.

Yin Xing gazed at the overly vibrant peach blossoms and suddenly felt they were mismatched, even gaudy. His earlier enthusiasm waned, and he nervously explained, The jade pendant Yizhen gave me last time was too precious. But I didn’t know exactly what flowers you liked, so I chose these seasonal peach blossoms as a return gift. Do you like them?

If only I had more time, I could have learned more about her preferences.

These blossoms are delicate and full, very lovely, Xuan Yizhen replied gently.

That’s good, Yin Xing said, relieved, completely missing Xuan Yizhen’s subtle evasion of the question about whether she liked them.

Having rushed to escape the guards earlier, Yin Xing was tired. He casually sat down beside the couch to rest, poured himself a cup of tea, and drank it heartily. Curious, he asked, By the way, Yizhen, how did you know I was staying at Wenbin Garden?

Xuan Yizhen stared at Yin Xing, who had so casually settled beside her. Her thin lips pressed together slightly as she smoothed the hem of her moon-white skirt, subtly shifting her posture away. She replied slowly, The jade pendant you wear is marked with Wenbin Garden’s insignia. I simply instructed my men to escort you there.

Oh, I see, Yin Xing said, setting down his teacup without dwelling on it. He turned to look at Xuan Yizhen, and only then, due to their close proximity, did he notice the exquisite jade and pearls adorning her hair and ears. The ornaments were refined and elegant, exuding nobility without being ostentatious. Yizhen, you look absolutely stunning tonight.

As the saying goes, Clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse. But Yin Xing believed that Xuan Yizhen would shine even in simple clothes and a wooden hairpin.

The fact that Yin Xing hadn’t even noticed her jewelry earlier proved just how captivating her beauty was, rendering the jade and pearls almost superfluous.

At his words, Xuan Yizhen’s beautiful eyes shifted slightly, her gaze lingering on Yin Xing’s sincere expression for a moment before she asked, with a hint of amusement, So, did you invite me here tonight just to flatter me?

Realizing he might have been acting a bit foolish and presumptuous, Yin Xing’s face flushed. He shook his head vigorously. No, I actually came to say goodbye.

Yin Xing had deliberately avoided mentioning Xuan Yizhen’s name when inquiring about her at Wenbin Garden, wanting to avoid involving her.

Few people at Wenbin Garden knew he had been captured and returned after his escape attempt that night.

Most had only heard rumors that he had tried to set himself on fire and failed, unaware that he had ever escaped Wenbin Garden.

Having witnessed the consequences of defying the Imperial Edict and fleeing marriage at Wenbin Garden, Yin Xing knew it was a capital offense. He dared not openly inquire about Xuan Yizhen’s whereabouts.

After failing to find any news of Xuan Yizhen, Yin Xing had grown disheartened. He never expected to receive an invitation to meet, an almost unbelievable turn of events.

Xuan Yizhen looked puzzled. Farewell? Where are you going?

Yin Xing sighed, sitting cross-legged beside her, his small face etched with worry. I don’t really know where I’ll go, but I definitely can’t stay in the Capital City. Tonight, I had to evade the Third Princess’s invitation just to see you. Now the streets are swarming with guards.

You needn’t fear the Third Princess so much, Xuan Yizhen said logically. Moreover, fleeing the Capital City violates the Imperial Edict. Compared to that, the crime of deceiving the Emperor is far more dangerous.

But I’ve already committed the crime of deceiving the Emperor, Yin Xing replied. That’s why I must leave the Capital City as soon as possible. Tonight might be our last meeting. His mood darkened as he spoke. He reached into his pouch, retrieved the Jade Pendant, and said softly, But I’ll always carry this beautiful Jade Pendant you gave me!

Do you know the meaning of the pattern on this Jade Pendant?

No, but I saw the phoenix design was beautifully carved and assumed it must be very valuable. That’s why I keep it safe in my pouch.

In the ensuing silence, Xuan Yizhen wordlessly reached out to gently stroke the cluster of flowers. After a long moment, she murmured softly, Why must you leave the Capital City? A fish dies when it leaves its pond. Aren’t you afraid?

It seemed Yin Xing’s illness was more severe than she had imagined, as if he had completely lost his memory.

Yin Xing blinked, puzzled by Xuan Yizhen’s sudden words. His gaze followed her as she lowered her eyes to the flowers, her delicate features bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, making her appear even more gentle and beautiful.

Yet Xuan Yizhen’s beautiful eyes, veiled in a misty haze, held little light, their depths ethereal and distant.

Sensing her concern, Yin Xing quickly reassured her, Yizhen, don’t worry. I’ve made detailed arrangements. This lake connects to the Capital City’s moat, which flows into the rivers and lakes beyond.

Rumor had it that smugglers used this route to transport goods into the city. Yin Xing had paid a considerable sum to gather this intelligence.

But the rivers and lakes aren’t necessarily safe. Besides, how will you evade the Capital City’s moat defenses? Xuan Yizhen slowly lifted her gaze to Yin Xing, unable to comprehend his desperate desire to flee.

Well, I’ll figure something else out, Yin Xing replied, avoiding any mention of the assassins pursuing him. He could only take things one step at a time.

If those men had managed to infiltrate Wenbin Garden and set it ablaze, they would undoubtedly stop at nothing. Yin Xing refused to endanger Xuan Yizhen further.

As the words left his lips, the clatter of armor echoed from the corridor outside the door, followed by a deep voice demanding, We are under orders from the Third Princess to find Yin Xing, the Son of the Marquis of Xizhou, who failed to keep his appointment. Why are you obstructing our search?

Yin Xing immediately straightened up in alarm, his face turning deathly pale. He rose to his feet, muttering, Yizhen, I have to leave now! Otherwise, you’ll be implicated!

The Imperial Dynasty’s princesses were known for their terrifying ruthlessness—this was no idle threat!

With that, Yin Xing leaned out the window, desperately searching for an escape route. But Xuan Yizhen blocked his movement.

Xuan Yizhen placed her hand on the window frame, warning, This is a high floor. If you panic and lose your footing, you’ll fall to your death.

Yin Xing gazed at Xuan Yizhen, who sat calmly and composed as ever. Her serene demeanor gradually calmed his racing heart. He took a deep breath and replied, Alright.

Meanwhile, the commotion at the door intensified. With a sudden crash, the door burst open, blades clashing as a faint metallic tang of bl00d filled the air.

The night breeze from the lake carried the calming scent of incense. Beneath the low couch by the window, Yin Xing lay hidden, his form obscured by the moon-white, gold-embroidered skirt. Though he couldn’t see clearly, he sensed the gravity of the situation, his heart pounding relentlessly.

Commander, are you planning to assassinate us?

This humble subordinate would never dare! Please forgive me!

Yin Xing watched the formidable guards kneel in unison, wondering why the Third Princess’s men seemed more afraid of Xuan Yizhen than of their own mistress.

In the silent room, Xuan Yizhen sat gracefully on a low couch, her skirt shifting slightly as she arranged a sprig of flowers. Her gentle features now held only a detached indifference as she spoke slowly, This flower was a gift from Yin Xing, the Son of the Marquis of Xizhou. Please convey this message to the Third Princess to avoid misunderstandings and further complications.

Yes, Commander. Your orders will be obeyed, the Commander replied with a hesitant nod, his peripheral vision catching the distinct outline of someone hidden beneath the couch. Though puzzled, he could only withdraw from the room.

Now that Princess Zhanghua had openly warned the Third Princess, it was clear she wouldn’t surrender the Son of the Marquis of Xizhou without a fight.

But if the Son of the Marquis of Xizhou had already aligned himself with Princess Zhanghua, why was he still hiding? It was truly strange.

At that moment, Yin Xing reached for the hem of his skirt to cover himself, but the smooth, golden-threaded fabric slipped through his fingers, leaving him grasping at air.

This is so hard to grab… Is she doing this on purpose?

As silence returned to the room, Xuan Yizhen’s clear, gentle voice echoed, Are you still hiding? Do you plan to stay there until dawn?

Hearing this, Yin Xing crawled out from under the low couch, propping himself up on one hand. He tilted his head back to gaze at Xuan Yizhen, who sat regally on the couch, his jade-like figure radiating an otherworldly aura. Yizhen, Yin Xing exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief, how did you scare them off so easily?

Xuan Yizhen lowered his gaze, his jade-like eyes meeting Yin Xing’s bright, inquisitive gaze. He lightly tapped his forehead with a jade-like finger and sighed, Even with your head injury, amnesia, and lack of formal education, haven’t you ever attended a lecture or consulted a book at Wenbin Garden to learn the significance of the Nine-Headed Phoenix Pattern?

The jade pendant had been the most direct reminder Yin Xing could receive.

If Yin Xing were willing to pledge his allegiance, he would have nothing to fear within the Capital City. Xuan Yizhen would provide him with the finest care and resources.

No, I never liked Wenbin Garden’s lectures. The Imperial Dynasty’s princesses always seemed so intimidating. Besides, I can’t read very well. So, what does it mean? Yin Xing climbed to his feet and sat beside the low couch, asking earnestly.

As the words left his lips, Xuan Yizhen’s gaze, filled with complex emotions, drifted across Yin Xing’s fair and delicate features. She murmured, Are you truly the son of the Marquis of Xizhou?

Noble families were expected to train their sons in horsemanship, archery, martial arts, literacy, and scholarship. Unless this young man was an imposter posing as the Marquis’s son.

Yin Xing froze at her words, his gaze meeting Xuan Yizhen’s. Unable to bring himself to lie, he leaned closer and whispered, Actually, the real Yin Xing was a woman disguised as a man. She’s already dead. I’m just a soul inhabiting her body. That’s why I can’t implicate you—I must flee the Capital City before the Imperial Consort selection.

The moment he finished speaking, fireworks erupted outside the window, illuminating the night sky. The lakeside buzzed with revelry, yet the room fell into deathly silence.

Xuan Yizhen lowered her eyes, scrutinizing Yin Xing’s face, now inches away. Only then did she understand why she had felt something strange about him from their first encounter.

Yin Xing’s unnaturally pure, youthful aura stemmed from the fact that she was not a young man at all, but a maiden. This explained the crystalline clarity in her eyes and why her audacious behavior, though unconventional, never seemed offensive.

However, if Yin Xing’s deception were discovered, the entire Yin Clan of Xizhou—three generations—would likely be executed for treason.

Seeing this, Yin Xing knew she couldn’t delay any longer. Just as she was about to bid farewell, a deafening explosion erupted from the lakeside, sending flames soaring into the sky like a bomb blast. The entire Jinglou Pavilion shook violently, terrifying everyone inside.

Instantly, Yin Xing wrapped her arms around Xuan Yizhen, urgently warning, Be careful!

The lamp on the table shattered, the screen toppled over, and cries of alarm echoed through the pavilion amidst the chaotic commotion.

Mm, it’s alright, Xuan Yizhen murmured, her gaze softening as she looked down at Yin Xing, who was trembling with fear but clinging to her. A hint of curiosity flickered in her eyes as she didn’t push Yin Xing away. Her gaze shifted to the shattered remains of the grand ship on the lake, the flickering flames casting a faint glow in her deep, beautiful eyes, adding a touch of predatory vitality to her expression.

This is quite the uniquely interesting opening act.

Yizhen, that looks like the Third Princess’s pleasure barge! Yin Xing exclaimed, snapping out of her daze. She craned her neck, catching a blurry glimpse of the gruesome scene on the lake—scattered corpses and faint screams. A chill ran down her spine.

If she hadn’t accepted Xuan Yizhen’s invitation tonight and had instead boarded the Third Princess’s barge, she would likely be at the bottom of the lake right now, feeding the fish.

Help! Is this some kind of Final Destination plot?!