The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 18

The atmosphere in the Hall of Mental Cultivation was subtly charged. In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Ling Jun had already considered several possibilities.

“Why aren’t you accepting the imperial decree and expressing your gratitude?” Yuchi Gong interrupted her thoughts.

Ling Jun was speechless. Hadn’t she come here precisely for this? Why did she suddenly feel so awkward now that the authority was within her grasp?

“Lian Chen accepts the imperial decree and thanks Imperial Father for entrusting this responsibility to me,” Ling Jun said, rising to perform the proper courtesies. She gazed at the young man lying before her, his body still and only his neck able to move.

Yuchi Gong struggled to turn his head, fixing Ling Jun with a deep, penetrating gaze before turning away again. “I have high expectations for you. Don’t disappoint me. You may leave now; I need to rest.”

“Imperial Father, please take care…”

Who could have imagined that in less than half an hour, the political landscape of the Rin Kingdom would shift so dramatically?

This transfer of power was merely a verbal declaration. As Ling Jun approached Changyang Palace, less than half a kilometer away, she was stopped by a guard in official robes.

“Princess, please halt,” the guard said, clasping his hands in a respectful salute. His tone was flat, showing no urgency.

Seeing Ling Jun stop without uttering a word, the man paused, then realized he hadn’t introduced himself. He quickly apologized, “Forgive my rudeness, Your Highness. I am Lu Cheng, Commander of the Great Inner Brocade Guard.”

Ling Jun nodded without bowing, her fingers tracing the Mystic Staff. “Commander Lu Cheng, what brings you here?”

“I carry a message from His Majesty,” Lu Cheng replied, shifting to stand beside Ling Jun, his fingertips resting on the hilt of his sword. “The Princess left something behind at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. His Majesty urges you to take good care of it. It’s a valuable item, and I’ve been entrusted to deliver it personally to prevent any damage.”

Ling Jun glanced sideways, taking in everything with an impassive expression, though her mind raced. What object could warrant a third-rank Commander’s personal delivery?

Overthinking wouldn’t help. Since I’m here, I might as well make the best of it. During the return journey, the palace staff treated Ling Jun with utmost respect. Those who recognized Commander Lu Cheng from afar straightened their backs and called out, “Long live the Princess!”

As Ling Jun stepped into Changyang Palace, Lu Cheng produced a rectangular wooden box from his robes.

“Your Highness, this is what you left at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. His Majesty instructs you to safeguard it carefully and not lose it again.”

It was a wonder how Lu Cheng hadn’t felt the wooden box pressing against his chest. Ling Jun accepted the box, her gentle almond eyes gaining a hint of regal authority. “This princess understands,” she replied. “Please convey my sincere gratitude to the Imperial Father.”

“Of course, Your Highness. I have official duties to attend to and must take my leave.” Even before learning of Ling Jun’s improved eyesight, Lu Cheng maintained perfect decorum, showing not the slightest hint of disrespect.

Before Lu Cheng had walked far, Ling Jun turned and returned to her chambers. Without a moment’s hesitation, she placed the wooden box on the table and reached for the latch. But at the crucial moment, her fingers paused, trembling slightly. After a brief hesitation, she pressed down.

The box opened easily, revealing a piece of exquisitely carved jade. The creature depicted was unlike anything she had ever seen: two antlers like a deer, a scaled body like a snake, whiskers like a shrimp, and sharp claws like an eagle…

As these features combined, it dawned on her: this was the legendary dragon.

The jade carving of a dragon… bore inscribed characters on its base. Struggling to read them, she decided to trace them with her fingers to discern their meaning.

“Entrusted by Heaven to bless all people, embodying righteousness and boundless integrity…” This was the Imperial Jade Seal!

The following day, in the Golden Luan Hall, the assembled officials—both civil and military—stared wide-eyed at the scene before them, their disbelief palpable.

Seated on the throne above was a woman in magnificent robes of crimson, embroidered with golden and black threads. Auspicious phoenixes adorned her sleeves, the delicate needlework a testament to the renowned Pingjin Dazi embroidery of the Rin Kingdom’s capital. She sat upright, her gaze fixed forward, her bearing both dignified and regal—a woman of exquisite grace and commanding presence.

Eunuch Hechun stood beside her, watching the murmuring officials below grow increasingly restless. He raised his voice, “Silence!”

As the hall fell silent, Eunuch Hechun unfurled the Imperial Edict: “By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Feeling unwell due to the cold, His Majesty requires rest. The foundation of the nation lies in upholding ancestral traditions and safeguarding the realm. Princess Lianchen’s wisdom, filial piety, and virtuous character make her eminently suited to oversee state affairs. Her flourishing legacy and unwavering dedication to the nation’s prosperity make her the ideal candidate to serve as Regent. Let Princess Lianchen assume this responsibility in His Majesty’s stead. So it is decreed!”

The officials exchanged glances, none daring to speak.

Yu Chi Lan’s phoenix eyes narrowed, his fists clenched at his sides, trembling slightly. He swept his sleeves aside, bowed deeply, and declared in a clear voice, “Long live the Princess!”

Prince Lan bowed in obeisance. Though the assembled officials cared little for Princess Lianchen, they couldn’t disregard Prince Lan’s deference and followed suit. “Long live the Princess!”

Ling Jun observed this scene with a keen eye. Yu Chi Lan’s discontent was understandable. She cleared her throat and declared, “Report any matters of state. Otherwise, the court is adjourned.” She couldn’t discern whether Yu Chi Lan’s actions stemmed from a desire to preserve imperial dignity or from lingering grievances. Unable to see through his motives, she resolved to meet each challenge as it arose.

Silence filled the Golden Luan Hall. Ling Jun was about to raise her hand to dismiss the court when a soldier burst into the hall, shouting, “Report!”

A murmur rippled through the assembly. The soldier held a sealed scroll adorned with a chicken feather, indicating the urgency of its contents.

Ling Jun gestured for him to continue.

The soldier swallowed nervously, glancing at Ling Jun on the throne before steeling himself to read aloud: “This humble servant, Qi Man, commander of Wild Goose Pass, reports that the Northern Herdsmen of the Rin Kingdom have been repeatedly harassing our borders. Yanbei’s food supplies are dwindling, and our forces are outnumbered. We implore Your Majesty to dispatch valiant and capable troops to assist us.”

Deploying troops for war was no trivial matter. Ling Jun frowned, her brow furrowing. “Did everyone hear that? Are there any generals willing to lead an expedition north?”

Since General Kang Sheng’s departure, few remained capable of fighting the Northern Herdsmen. Not a single general volunteered, even after the time it would take an incense stick to burn.

Yu Chi Lan strode to the center of the Golden Luan Hall, bowed, and declared, “This subject is willing to lead the northern campaign.”

Ling Jun had anticipated someone would accept the mission, but she never expected it would be him. “Prince Lan,” she said, “you must exercise utmost caution in the north. I grant you two thousand elite troops.”

Yu Chi Lan smiled, his lips curving upward. “Princess, you jest. Two thousand elite troops would be excessive; one thousand will suffice. However… for this northern campaign, this subject wishes to recommend a military advisor to accompany me.”

“Speak your mind.”

Yu Chi Lan fixed his gaze on Ling Jun’s pupils and slowly pronounced, “Guan… Qi… Gui.”

What?!

Ling Jun’s fingers tightened on the dragon throne’s armrest, her breath catching for a moment. “Prince Lan, are you jesting?” she asked. “I’ve heard Guan Qigui is a tributary prince from the Lu Kingdom…”

The words hung unfinished, but everyone present knew Guan Qigui’s true status. A military advisor? How could Guan Qigui possibly be qualified?

“Since this prince will lead the campaign, Princess, simply await the results,” Yu Chi Lan retorted. “As for Guan Qigui, can’t I keep her in line?” His aggressive tone made it clear he was determined to bring Guan Qigui along.

Ling Jun gritted her teeth. “Granted! Court dismissed!” With that, she rose, grasped the Mystic Staff, and Xiao Mei stepped forward to assist her as she departed.

After leaving the Golden Luan Hall, Xiao Mei glanced around to ensure no one was nearby before daring to speak. “Princess, please don’t let your anger harm your health.”

Ling Jun shot Xiao Mei a sidelong glance and snorted coldly. “Why would Lian Chen be angry?”

Xiao Mei quickly replied, “Princess, you are no longer the same as before. You should refer to yourself as ‘this palace.’ Besides, just now, this servant was referring to Young Master Guan…”

“What does her affairs have to do with this palace?” Ling Jun snapped, her displeasure evident. Even Xiao Mei could see her lingering feelings for that damned Guan Qigui…

Just as she was about to retort, Ling Jun frowned. “Shh… listen.”

The surrounding flowers and birds were in full bloom, yet Xiao Mei frowned in confusion. “This servant hears nothing.”

“Someone is crying,” Ling Jun said, her keen ears picking up the faint sobs.

Crying? Xiao Mei realized they were closest to Yikun Palace. “Princess, Yikun Palace is just ahead. That’s where the Fourth Princess and her Imperial Mother reside.”

If someone was crying in Yikun Palace, and considering recent news, it could only be Yuchi Yanqing. Ling Jun hadn’t imagined Yanqing’s feelings for Feng Yi ran so deep.

“Go to the Imperial Kitchen and fetch Yanqing’s favorite pastries. Then have them prepare some pear soup to soothe her throat and clear her heat. I’ll wait for you at Lifu Palace.”

“But Princess, you’ll be alone. This servant is worried…”

“It’s fine,” Ling Jun said, patting Xiao Mei’s shoulder.

As they approached Lifu Palace, the sound of weeping grew heart-wrenching.

“How can she still have the strength to cry out like that, after crying herself hoarse?” Ling Jun sighed and stepped inside.

The palace was deserted, not a single servant in sight. They had likely fled to escape Yanqing’s incessant wailing.

Following the sound, Ling Jun reached the door and knocked.

Tap, tap, tap.

No response. She knocked again, three times.

Tap, tap, tap.

After a moment of rustling inside, the door creaked open.

Yuchi Yanqing stared at the visitor, biting her lip. Her voice was hoarse as she rasped, “What do you want? Now that you’re Regent, have you come to gloat? Cough, cough…”

Ling Jun patted Yanqing’s shoulder. “Your throat is raw. Stop crying. The dead cannot return. If Feng Yi were here, he wouldn’t want you to ruin yourself like this.”

Yuchi Yanqing slapped Ling Jun’s hand away, her voice choked with emotion. “Mind your own business…” she muttered before storming inside.

The door remained ajar. Ling Jun smiled; Yuchi Yanqing wasn’t as hopeless as she remembered. She entered the room and sat beside Yanqing, reaching for the teapot on the table to pour water.

The water spilled down Ling Jun’s hand. Yanqing quickly steadied the teapot, pulled a silk handkerchief from her sleeve, and wiped Ling Jun’s fingertips, scolding, “You should be grateful the servants avoided me earlier—the water in this pot is ice-cold. What’s a blind woman doing pouring water? If I’m thirsty, I don’t need your help!”

Though her words sounded harsh, they were laced with concern. Ling Jun lowered her gaze and smiled softly.

“What are you grinning at?” Yanqing glared at Ling Jun, then remembered she couldn’t see. She tugged Ling Jun’s hand closer to her chest. For some reason, holding Ling Jun’s fingertips felt warm and soothing, as if her inner sorrow were being smoothed away.

“Princess,” Xiao Mei called from outside the door.

“My maid has arrived,” Ling Jun said, patting Yanqing’s fingertips.

Yuchi Yanqing recoiled as if she’d been shocked.

Ling Jun raised her hand, and Xiao Mei opened the food box she carried, placing a bowl of pear soup on the table.

“This pear soup was prepared by the servants. It soothes the throat and clears heat. Your voice must be strained from all your recent efforts. Drink it while it’s warm.”

Yuchi Yanqing cradled the warm bowl, tears welling up in her red-rimmed eyes. She took a spoonful and asked, “Why?”

“Why what?” Ling Jun replied, puzzled.

“After how I treated you before, why are you being so kind to me now?”

Ling Jun rose and walked toward the door, saying, “There are many things beyond our control. Born into the imperial family, I don’t blame you. I only believe in not anticipating the future, not dwelling on the present, and not clinging to the past.”

Yuchi Yanqing’s hard-won composure crumbled again, replaced by a fresh wave of guilt. She murmured repeatedly to the empty room, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”

That night, as Ling Jun slept peacefully, the woody fragrance of white tea drifted into her nostrils. She sat up abruptly, unable to see anything in the darkness, yet she knew.

“You’ve come,” Ling Jun said, casually draping a thin gauze robe over her shoulders.

“The Princess is truly skilled,” Guan Qigui sneered, leaning against the window. “Becoming regent without a word.”

Ling Jun frowned, her bare feet touching the cold floor as she walked toward Guan Qigui. Even through the thick, warm carpet, the early winter chill seeped into her bones.

Seeing her like this, Guan Qigui frowned and swept her up into her arms, carrying her back to the bed. “If you’re so frail, don’t abuse your body.”

Ling Jun remained silent. She was the one who had provoked her, she was the one who had declared her love was false, and now she was the one who had broken into Changyang Palace in the dead of night. Ling Jun bit her lip and said, “Nothing but lies.”

Guan Qigui refused to meet her gaze, turning her back to her. “I’m leaving for Yanbei tomorrow.”

“I know.”

“With Yu Chi Lan.”

“I know.”

This calm response enraged Guan Qigui. She faced Ling Jun, her voice icy. “You approved it!”

“Yes!” Ling Jun averted her gaze, unable to meet her eyes.

Guan Qigui gripped Ling Jun’s face, forcing her to look at her. Fury blazed in her eyes. “Yuchi Lingjun! Do you really want to push me away so badly?”

“Weren’t you the one who pushed me away?” Guan Qigui actually had the nerve to say that, earning a furious glare from Ling Jun.

Momentarily stunned, Guan Qigui released her grip and rubbed her nose. Earlier that day, when she overheard Yu Chi Lan telling Ling Jun that she had agreed to let them travel north together, she had nearly chopped him to pieces on the spot! Without considering any other possibilities, her mind was consumed by the thought that Yuchi Lingjun had already abandoned her and was now here to confront her.

Seeing Guan Qigui’s silence, Ling Jun took it as an admission. She gradually leaned closer, drawn by Guan Qigui’s irresistible scent—a scent that unconsciously tempted one to commit crimes.

Guan Qigui was too preoccupied with regretting her impulsive actions to notice the shrinking distance between them. It wasn’t until their bodies pressed together, soft against soft, that she realized she had been deeply ensnared long ago, firmly held in the little princess’s grasp. No longer retreating or hiding, she cupped the back of Ling Jun’s head, their lips meeting in a tender kiss, the air filled with soft, lingering sounds.

When the kiss ended, they remained entwined. Ling Jun’s breath came in ragged gasps, her jade-like cheeks flushed crimson to the tips of her ears. “Why did you kiss me?” she scolded softly.

Guan Qigui’s lips curved upward as she denied, “Why would I kiss you?”

“You’re so contradictory…” Ling Jun, having tasted sweetness, buried her face deeper into Guan Qigui’s embrace.

Afraid she might catch a chill, Guan Qigui draped her cloak around Ling Jun, tightening her arms around her. After a long moment, she finally murmured, “You’re being unreasonable.”

The moment was tender, and both women wished time could freeze, casting aside all the schemes and betrayals.

“I don’t know when I’ll return from this northern expedition. I have a subordinate named Black Hawk. If you need anything, summon him—he’s at your disposal.” Guan Qigui stroked Ling Jun’s hair, her fingertips sliding down the strands, her gaze lingering on Ling Jun’s earlobe. The emerald earring gleamed brightly, searing her heart, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t suppress the curve of her lips.

“Alright. Safe travels. Remember to write to me,” Ling Jun said, capturing Guan Qigui’s restless fingers and interlacing their hands.

“I will,” Guan Qigui promised.

Their warm embrace lingered, filled with wishes for safe travels and peaceful days.