The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 2

With a hawk’s cry, Ling Jun’s scattered thoughts gradually coalesced.

As soon as she landed, Ling Jun quickly surveyed her surroundings. This must be the inner residence Guan Qigui had mentioned earlier. The air inside was a strange mix of medicinal herbs and other unidentifiable scents. The furnishings were spartan—just a few simple items, even less than what was in her own neglected Princess’s Residence.

Judging by the wind speed she had just experienced, Ling Jun was certain that Guan Qigui was no ordinary person, shattering the rumors of her being a useless cripple.

Guan Qigui walked directly to the camphor wood table, where a teapot and two small porcelain cups were neatly arranged. The tea inside the pot was still warm. She poured half a cup for Ling Jun and then filled her own cup, draining it in one gulp. The room fell silent. Guan Qigui chuckled derisively, her words sharp as daggers: “I’ve heard the Princess is blind, but I never knew she was also mute.”

She was referring to Ling Jun’s refusal to answer her earlier question! She was still clinging to that point! Ling Jun clenched her fists, gritting her teeth. “Young Master Guan is also quite different from the rumors.”

“Oh? How so?” Guan Qigui raised an eyebrow, her expression expectant, as if anticipating Ling Jun’s next words.

She’s just mimicking me! Hmph! Like a parrot repeating words.

“Who would have thought that Young Master Guan, with his Pan An-like beauty, is actually a woman?”

Guan Qigui’s eyes narrowed at these words, her gaze as cold and sharp as an ice-piercing sword aimed directly at Ling Jun. In an instant, she was before Ling Jun, gripping her jaw. “The Princess is not as foolish as I thought. I underestimated you. But how did you discover this?” As she spoke, she tightened her grip.

The pressure nearly dislocated Ling Jun’s jaw. She frowned, maintaining her composure, and replied with unwavering dignity, “Though Lian Chen is blind, she still has her senses of smell and touch.”

“Oh?” The chilling aura emanating from Guan Qigui threatened to send Ling Jun to the afterlife with the slightest misstep.

“Your skin is as smooth and soft as jade, and your neck carries a captivating fragrance. It’s not the sweet scent of ordinary women, but rather a unique leafy aroma.” Ling Jun stared intently into Guan Qigui’s deep, piercing eyes—eyes that, once seen, could never be forgotten, like those of a wolf lurking in the forest, ready to pounce the moment you let your guard down.

This answer seemed to catch Guan Qigui off guard. She released Ling Jun’s jaw, a sardonic smile twisting her lips as she returned to her seat at the table.

“Sharp-tongued.”

Ling Jun rubbed her jaw and followed Guan Qigui’s gaze, crouching down to feel for the chair before slowly sitting across from her. “Lian Chen and you are merely pawns of those in power,” she said. “Both pitiful souls. Why torment yourself with guilt? I imagine your story must be filled with sorrow, resentment, and injustice. Lian Chen only wishes to live well and see the world’s beauty. What do the world’s troubles have to do with her?”

Seeing Ling Jun’s earnest words, Guan Qigui poured the tea, which had cooled slightly, into a fresh cup. “Drink,” she said. When Ling Jun didn’t move, she added, “It’s not poisoned.”

Ling Jun wasn’t foolish enough to take her word for it. Seeing this, Guan Qigui raised the cup and took a sip, dispelling Ling Jun’s doubts. Ling Jun then picked up the cup and drained it.

So bitter. The tea’s bitterness seemed to seep into her very soul, leaving a lingering astringency in her mouth.

Watching Ling Jun’s grimace, Guan Qigui chuckled softly and finally returned the Mystic Staff she had hidden. “It seems the Princess’s eyes haven’t fully healed.”

“Young Master Guan is perceptive,” Ling Jun replied. “But how can I distinguish people and objects by light alone? I can’t be without this Mystic Staff.” When her eyes were mentioned, Ling Jun felt an inexplicable sense of fortune. She had never dared to dream of such a thing before, and she still couldn’t tell if it was a blessing or a curse.

“In that case… tomorrow is Qiqiao. Would the Princess care to join me on an outing?” Guan Qigui mused, determined to give the Princess a warning, regardless of her true intentions. She needed to learn what to say and what to keep silent.

She must believe I mean no harm, Ling Jun thought, nodding slightly. She rose and bowed farewell. “It’s getting late. Lian Chen should return. I trust Young Master Guan will keep today’s conversation confidential.”

“Of course,” Guan Qigui replied. She thoughtfully set down her teacup. Previously, she had dismissed the Princess as foolish, someone easily bullied. Now, she realized her misjudgment. The imperial court truly seethed with hidden currents, regardless of the dynasty.

As soon as Ling Jun stepped out the gate, a rustle in the treetops revealed a figure kneeling before Guan Qigui. “Master, shall we eliminate her?”

Guan Qigui narrowed her eyes in contemplation. Her plan remains on track. I’ll keep her around a while longer. It might add some amusement. “No need.”

“Understood.” The black-robed man vanished as swiftly as he had appeared, leaving only the rustling leaves as evidence of his presence. Impressive agility.

After leaving Guan Qigui’s residence, Ling Jun’s back was drenched, her skirt clinging damply to her skin. So this is the dangerous figure from the Collapsing World. Even speaking to her requires utmost caution. Saving the world is proving to be quite the challenge.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Guan Qigui resided in Guanglan Palace, a secluded corner of the imperial grounds. The roof tiles here differed from the glazed tiles of her Changyang Palace, appearing to be made of gray-green porcelain. This stark contrast revealed the extent of Yuchi Gong’s disdain for the Lu Kingdom’s tributary prince, almost as if he sought to humiliate Guan Qigui so thoroughly that even the Huang Family’s dignity was disregarded. Every other palace in the imperial grounds boasted glazed tiles, yet only Guanglan Palace was an exception.

The path back proved difficult to navigate; Ling Jun had only arrived at the imperial palace that very day. She followed the winding forest trails, unsure of her destination, until she spotted a palace-like structure ahead. Approaching it to ask for directions would risk spreading word of her confusion throughout the harem.

Just as Ling Jun was growing increasingly anxious, the sharp-eyed Head Maid noticed her. Aunt Fangxian stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, Princess Lianchen,” she said, her words and demeanor perfectly proper.

Ling Jun quickly returned the bow, maintaining proper decorum to avoid giving anyone cause for suspicion. “Greetings, Aunt Fangxian,” she replied. In her memory, the Head Maid’s voice seemed familiar, perhaps belonging to someone of high rank she had briefly overheard at a palace banquet.

“Does Princess Lianchen appear to be troubled?” Aunt Fangxian asked.

“Aunt, you flatter me. Lian Chen simply lost her way. You know of my eye ailment, don’t you?” Ling Jun maintained a careful distance during their close conversation, her pupils deliberately unfocused to conceal the fact that her vision had partially recovered.

“The Empress Dowager is in the small chamber, enjoying tea and copying poetry. Would the Princess care to join her for a brief visit? The Empress Dowager hasn’t seen you in quite some time,” Fang Xian suggested, thinking that tomorrow was Qiqiao, the Double Seventh Festival, and the Princess was such a pitiable figure. Perhaps seeing Princess Lianchen would help the Empress Dowager consider her future course of action.

“Lead the way, Aunt. I haven’t seen my Imperial Grandmother in ages either, and I have some private matters to discuss with her.” Ling Jun agreed, though she couldn’t help but wonder what Aunt Fangxian’s true intentions were. This doesn’t feel like a friendly visit…

Her eyes still hadn’t fully healed. She couldn’t even make out the ornate palace walls clearly. Ah… humans are never satisfied. Ling Jun gripped her Mystic Staff, while Aunt Fangxian offered a light guiding hand as she led her into the inner chamber.

The inner chamber was simple yet elegant. Since the Emperor’s ascension, Empress Dowager Yuxi had devoted herself to vegetarianism and Buddhist chanting. Perhaps this was penance for the Late Emperor’s many cruel deeds during his reign. Could the Empress Dowager have played a role in Consort Yan’s death?

“Empress Dowager, Princess Lianchen has arrived,” Aunt Fangxian announced with a bow.

Empress Dowager Yuxi didn’t pause her hand as she copied scriptures with her Mystic Brush. She merely glanced at Ling Jun before resuming her work, murmuring, “In this fleeting world, we come alone and depart alone, born and dying in solitude. Joy and sorrow are our own burdens, none can bear them for us.”

Ling Jun stood upright before Empress Dowager Yuxi’s couch, bowing respectfully. “Lianchen greets Imperial Grandmother. May Imperial Grandmother enjoy boundless blessings.”

The Empress Dowager ignored her. Ling Jun dared not move, remaining motionless and attentive. Only when Yuxi finished copying the verse did she finally set down her Mystic Brush, frowning as she scrutinized Ling Jun. “Princess, what brings you to see this old woman?”

“Lianchen has been unwell and unable to visit Imperial Grandmother for some time,” Ling Jun replied. “Now that my health has improved, I felt it was my duty to pay my respects to Imperial Grandmother first.” Beads of sweat trickled down Ling Jun’s back, unsure if her answer pleased the Empress Dowager.

“Hmm, the Princess is thoughtful. It has indeed been a while since I last saw you. How have you been lately?” Empress Dowager Yuxi, realizing this conversation wouldn’t end quickly, waved her hand. Aunt Fangxian, understanding the gesture, stepped forward to gather the books and Mystic Brush.

“Thanks to Imperial Grandmother’s blessings, Lianchen is doing very well,” Ling Jun replied with a faint smile.

After Aunt Fangxian cleared the table, Empress Dowager Yuxi patted the square couch beside her. “Sit. Let this old one take a good look at you.”

“Yes,” Ling Jun replied obediently, settling beside the Empress Dowager.

“It’s been months since I last saw you, Princess. You’ve shed your childishness and gained a remarkable composure. Well done.”

“Imperial Grandmother,” Ling Jun said, “Lian Chen has grown up too. The Lian Chen of the past was somewhat naive, but now I understand that among everyone in the palace, you are the kindest. If you wish, I would visit you every day.” Ling Jun knew that to survive in this palace, she needed to secure protection. Currently, the Empress Dowager was her only option. She wondered if the Empress Dowager would accept this olive branch.

Empress Dowager Yuxi lowered her head and smiled faintly. She knew perfectly well that although Princess Lianchen appeared to be out of favor with the Emperor, she had matured considerably and now bore a striking resemblance to the late Consort Yan. Without hesitation, the Empress Dowager made her decision swiftly. “I would be delighted to have you visit. Lian Chen has indeed grown up…” She reached into her elaborate hairstyle and withdrew a plain silver hairpin, tucking it into Ling Jun’s hair. “I give you this hairpin as a welcome gift.”

“Thank you, Imperial Grandmother,” Ling Jun said, rising quickly to bow. This gesture seemed to indicate her acceptance of the Empress Dowager’s olive branch. However, she couldn’t afford to relax; after all, there wasn’t a single harmless soul in the entire palace.

“Fang Xian, go to the Imperial Household Department and have them send some ice to Lian Chen.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Ice? What could this mean? Ling Jun, you idiot! It’s summer—it’s obviously for cooling down. “Thank you, Imperial Grandmother. You’ve gone to so much trouble.”

“My dear child, you’ve suffered for far too long,” Empress Dowager Yuxi said with a smile. Though her face was kind, the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Lian Chen won’t trouble Imperial Grandmother any further. I’ll take my leave now,” Ling Jun said, curtsying. Although she couldn’t discern the Empress Dowager’s true intentions, they were clearly in a mutually exploitative relationship, so she likely wouldn’t face any immediate danger. Her priority was simply to survive until she passed the critical point of death.

After bidding farewell to the Empress Dowager, Ling Jun was escorted back to her residence by a clever young maid. As she walked, she pondered the Emperor’s prolific lineage. He had more than six daughters alone. Excluding the three youngest, there were still three Princesses close to her age: Yuchi Xiangyun, Yuchi Shinan, and Yuchi Yanqing… Which one could it be…?