The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 16

The Emperor, by nature suspicious, could hardly trust Ling Jun’s unsubstantiated claims. After she left, he immediately dispatched messengers to consult the Imperial Preceptor. Only upon receiving confirmation from the Preceptor did he finally lower his guard.

The moon hung dimly in the night sky, its shape barely discernible. Ling Jun gazed at the hazy orb, her thoughts swirling. Her immediate priority should be establishing her position in this cutthroat imperial palace, where one could be devoured without a trace. She needed to find a way to maintain outward harmony with that heartless man, yet… how could someone without a heart possibly understand that her words weren’t just a jest?

Her confidence wavered again. But she had already come this far, already been drawn into the vortex of imperial power struggles. Retreating now would likely prove impossible.

A gentle breeze rustled through the flowers and grasses, carrying their fragrant breath into Ling Jun’s nostrils. Her thoughts remained troubled as she strolled through the Imperial Garden with Xiao Mei. The autumn air was crisp and refreshing, the breeze bringing a welcome sense of comfort.

Faint footsteps echoed nearby. Ling Jun, wanting to avoid trouble, quickly pulled Xiao Mei into the shadows of a nearby thicket.

The two figures hurried past in a fluster, as if something urgent had occurred. The one trailing behind, distracted by his haste, tripped over a protruding pebble. He yelped, and the man ahead immediately turned back to help him up, scolding him impatiently, “Look at you! Can’t even walk properly! If we delay the Emperor’s medical examination, both our heads will be on the chopping block!”

“Yes, yes…” the man replied anxiously, fearing they were already late.

“I wonder what’s wrong with the Emperor… Why is he bedridden all of a sudden?”

As the pair moved further away, their voices faded into indistinct murmurs. Ling Jun and Xiao Mei waited a while before emerging from the shadows.

I just saw the Emperor this morning, Ling Jun thought, frowning. He seemed perfectly robust. How could he suddenly be bedridden? She turned to Xiao Mei, her brow furrowed. “Why are so many people in the palace falling ill lately?”

“Perhaps it’s the changing seasons that make people more susceptible to illness?” Xiao Mei murmured, equally shocked. The Emperor bedridden was no small matter; if this news reached the wrong ears, it could spark chaos.

With no one else around, Ling Jun pondered for a moment, then bit her lower lip and turned to gaze intently at Xiao Mei. Xiao Mei met her burning peach-blossom eyes, her heart trembling. Ling Jun’s voice was cold and clear as she asked, “What do you know about the illnesses in the Imperial Harem?”

Xiao Mei froze. Could the Princess have guessed something? Then… No matter. I serve the Princess; I must tell her the truth. After a moment’s struggle, she confessed, “Young Master Guan gave me two medicinal pills some time ago and instructed me to slip them into the incense burners of the Empress Dowager and the Zuoqiu Clan. It was only later that I heard they had fallen ill…”

What?! So she really was involved… Though Ling Jun had suspected as much, hearing it confirmed by Xiao Mei still sent a shock through her. She pressed on, “Do you know what kind of medicine he gave you?”

“This servant doesn’t know,” Xiao Mei said, shaking her head.

Ling Jun pressed her lips together in silence, standing before the lotus pond, her gaze unfocused as she stared at the gently rippling water. Her mind was a tangled mess of thoughts, impossible to untangle. She couldn’t understand Guan Qigui’s motives. Was it merely to disrupt the Imperial Harem’s administration? But… the benefits to her were minimal. Why would she risk such drastic measures for so little gain? If she had the energy, wouldn’t it be more effective to target officials in the imperial court?

Ling Jun wanted to indulge in wishful thinking, to believe Guan Qigui had poisoned those two for her sake. But… having already resolved to maintain only a transactional relationship with her, how could she entertain such thoughts? Wouldn’t that be demeaning herself? Like willow catkins scattered by the wind, where in the world is there no fragrant grass? She preferred to believe Guan Qigui’s actions were solely to disrupt the Imperial Harem, with no intention of colluding with the imperial court.

“Princess, the night is growing cold…” Xiao Mei asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she turned to Ling Jun. “Should we check on the Emperor?”

The sky at this hour…

“Absolutely not! It’s late already, and even if the news hasn’t spread throughout the palace yet, how can we rush there? Even in broad daylight, we’d have to wait a day for the news to circulate before going. Otherwise… we both know the consequences!” Ling Jun recalled recent rumors about Yuchi Gong’s increasingly volatile temper, especially when it came to matters of power. He had become utterly domineering and autocratic. Moreover, after their conversation earlier today… the best course of action was to wait until he trusted her enough to send for her.

Xiao Mei, having survived the massacre of her family, understood the gravity of the situation all too well. The moment those haunting images resurfaced in her mind, darkness seemed to engulf her vision, and her head swam. Seeing the perilous path the Princess was now treading, Xiao Mei’s worry deepened, her delicate brows furrowing relentlessly. After a moment of internal struggle, she finally urged, “Princess… perhaps it’s best to abandon this struggle? Life and death hang by a thread, and your strength is limited. The pursuit of power is fraught with suffering. Why not withdraw to a quiet corner of the world, find contentment in peace, and live a fulfilling life? Wouldn’t that be the wisest course?”

Ling Jun’s lips curled into a bitter smile as she turned to face Xiao Mei, her eyes flashing with profound bitterness. “Lian Chen is already a piece on the chessboard,” she scoffed. “Every move, every advance or retreat, is not mine to decide alone. If I don’t fight, how can I ever find refuge in this world? If I don’t fight, I’ll be discarded like a useless pawn! If I don’t fight, I’ll end up as forgotten bones, not even worthy of a mass burial! In this imperial court, you tell me not to fight?”

If she didn’t fight, even the chance to stand against Lian Chen and advocate for equality would vanish. How foolish she had been to believe they could ever be friends! Though she wasn’t from this world and cared little for the political struggles between nations, what about Guan Qigui? They were ultimately on opposing sides; how could they ever be friends? Rather than trust in the empty promises Guan Qigui had painted for her, Ling Jun would seize what she wanted herself!

Each word struck Xiao Mei’s heart like a poisoned blade. Her crimson lips parted, but she couldn’t find an answer. The Princess’s words rang with truth; she had been naive, imagining things far too simply… With a contrite gaze, Xiao Mei knelt solemnly. “This servant has been foolish… My life ended long ago in Ye Manor. Since Your Highness intends to contend for power, I pledge to be your blade, following you to the death.”

Ling Jun closed her eyes and sighed softly. “Lian Chen understands your intentions. It’s late now. Return to the palace…”

In the deep night of the palace courtyard, within the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Imperial Physician Yuan, the chief physician of the Imperial Hospital, was taking the Emperor’s pulse. He carefully palpated the Emperor’s wrist, then sighed softly and said, “Your Majesty, your anger has injured your heart and body. Given your current condition… in the future…”

Yuchi Gong was completely paralyzed, able to move only his head slightly, see with his eyes, and speak with his mouth. He wanted to wave his hand, but he couldn’t move. Suppressing his frustration, he said, “Report the truth. I will pardon you.”

Having received the Emperor’s assurance, Imperial Physician Yuan focused again on the pulse. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he said in a trembling voice, “Your Majesty, your pulse is weak and faint. With your anger attacking your heart, your body is paralyzed. These symptoms closely resemble those caused by a Mind-Stirring Toxin from the Outer Frontier.”

“What effects does this toxin have on me?”

“It causes erratic mood swings, making you prone to anger and easily agitated,” Imperial Physician Yuan replied truthfully. He had only read about it in rare texts, mentioned in passing. He had always believed such a substance no longer existed in the world.

“No wonder… I’ve been wondering why my temper has been so volatile lately. Imperial Physician Yuan, tell me plainly, is there any hope of recovery?” Yuchi Gong’s expression was dark and inscrutable. The poison had likely already seeped deep into his bones. To have been administered so close to him… the Imperial Princes… ha!

“Your Majesty, please calm yourself. There is no antidote for this poison. This humble servant… is powerless…” Imperial Physician Yuan hastily kowtowed in apology, terrified that the Emperor’s mind would be clouded by the poison, stirring murderous intent.

“How many days do I have left?”

“At most three months… at least… less than two…” Imperial Physician Yuan closed his eyes wearily, cold sweat soaking his back. The Emperor’s silence made him tremble. Though he had lived long enough to no longer fear death, he dreaded for his family, his children…

“How long have you served in the palace?”

The question felt like an invisible hand emerging from the abyss of withered bones, gripping Imperial Physician Yuan’s throat. Fine beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. “This humble servant has served in the palace for over thirty years…”

“I shall retire and return to my hometown…” The Emperor suppressed his murderous intent, knowing his current rage and bloodlust were fueled by the Mind-Stirring Toxin. He must resist its influence.

Did I hear correctly? Imperial Physician Yuan thought in astonishment. He quickly thanked the Emperor and withdrew, fearing that even a moment’s delay might cause the Emperor to change his mind and unleash his unchecked fury.

“Hechun! Draft an imperial edict: Third Imperial Prince Yuchi Heng has plotted treason. My heart aches with grief. He shall be exiled to the frontier and forbidden from entering the capital for the rest of his days.”

Hechun’s trembling hand penned the decree, which was immediately dispatched to the Third Prince’s residence.

At the Third Prince’s residence, Yuchi Heng’s eyes narrowed in disbelief as he stared at the edict. What does this mean? What does Imperial Father intend? How could my minor transgressions compare to the outrageous acts of my eldest and second brothers? He gripped the edict tightly, his fingertips trembling uncontrollably, veins bulging on the back of his hand.

Earlier, he had received news that his Imperial Father was bedridden with illness. Now is the perfect opportunity. If I miss this chance and Imperial Father recovers… what hope will I have left? A sinister glint flashed in Yuchi Heng’s eyes as he muttered through clenched teeth, “You forced me to do this!”

A fierce wind howled, whipping through the autumn night and disturbing the tranquility of the Imperial City. The wind tonight was chaotic, its gusts erratic and unpredictable.

Yuchi Heng led the soldiers of the Three Armies Camp to surround the entire Imperial City. He then entered the palace with five hundred elite troops, arriving before the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Alone, he stepped inside and gazed at Yuchi Gong, who lay pale and weak on the bed. His eyes darkened as he said, “Imperial Father, your son has come to see you.”

“What do you want? Didn’t I order you to pack your belongings and relocate to the frontier?” Yuchi Gong thought grimly, sensing that this visit was no simple matter.

Seeing that Yuchi Gong remained lying down, Yuchi Heng’s suspicions deepened. He picked up a teacup that had long gone cold from the table and toyed with it as he slowly approached the bed. “Imperial Father, I heard you were unwell and wanted to see you one last time before I leave… Why won’t you even sit up to look at me? Or is it… that you can’t?”

The distinct footsteps, each step landing like a hammer blow on Yuchi Gong’s heart, echoed Yuchi Heng’s words. Could it be… the medicine… he really did it! Overwhelmed by fury, Yuchi Gong roared, his neck straining, “You rebellious son! You poisoned me!”

Medicine? What medicine? Yuchi Heng frowned in feigned confusion for a moment, then, as if confirming his suspicions, tilted the teacup in his hand, pouring the contents over Yuchi Gong’s face. Yuchi Gong could only sputter insults, calling him “rebellious son” repeatedly. Yuchi Heng realized someone had poisoned his father first—talk about perfect timing! He scoffed, “This humble son doesn’t understand what Imperial Father means. I’ve never poisoned you. My influence is too meager for such a scheme. Perhaps Imperial Father should consider Eldest Brother or Second Brother? If Imperial Father were to… pass the throne to me, I would investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure justice is served.”

If not him, then who?! Pass the throne… I’m not dead yet, and they’re already scheming to seize it! Yuchi Gong glared, his eyes bloodshot, “You came here late at night, you must have come prepared!”

Yuchi Heng laughed heartily. “Ha ha… Imperial Father is wise. My five hundred elite soldiers are already waiting outside the hall, awaiting only your word of approval.”

“Traitorous son!”

“Third Brother might be disappointed…”

Yu Chi Lan’s voice preceded his arrival. He entered the hall clad in golden armor, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

Yu Chi Lan is here! Yuchi Heng instinctively turned to face him, the sight of the golden armor making his head spin. Losing his nerve, he demanded, “What do you mean by that, Second Brother?”

“I heard Third Brother brought five hundred elite soldiers and mobilized the Three Armies Camp to storm the Hall of Mental Cultivation tonight… Second Brother is merely here to dissuade you from acting rashly in the heat of the moment, before you do something irreversible.”

Dissuade? What a joke! Did Yu Chi Lan think he was a fool? Yuchi Heng snarled, “Have you already captured my five hundred elite soldiers outside?”

Seeing Yu Chi Lan’s silence, Yuchi Heng knelt down weakly, mocking himself. “If only I had acted sooner, I wouldn’t have wasted so much time talking! So you’ve been setting this trap all along, waiting for me to walk right into it!”

“Third Prince Yu Chi Lan has launched a night raid on the imperial palace, attempting to force His Majesty to abdicate! His Majesty’s health has been weakened by this treachery! Feng Yi! Seize these treasonous ministers at once!”

Feng Yi had been waiting outside the hall. Upon hearing the command, he entered and subdued Yuchi Heng, who was already as helpless as a fish on a chopping block, and dragged him away.

With a swift stroke, the Third Prince was executed.

Though the Emperor had never trusted Yu Chi Lan, he now had no choice but to believe him. He showered Yu Chi Lan with praise, hinting that he intended to name him his heir.

More empty promises, Yu Chi Lan thought with disdain.

No sooner had Yu Chi Lan left the palace than Feng Yi slipped quietly into the Hall of Mental Cultivation. He presented evidence against Prince Lan to the Emperor, reading it aloud and then holding it up for the Emperor to examine closely.

The Emperor assured him that he understood the situation and dismissed him.

In the now-empty hall, the Emperor hissed, “Iron Bl00d Hand, eliminate Feng Yi for me!”

As the night’s turmoil subsided, a new storm was brewing for the dawn.