The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 21

“Explain yourself clearly, Wumuge! How could he suddenly die?” Mengxiba Ha, unable to believe what he had just heard, rushed forward and gripped Wumuge’s shoulders.

“He’d been acting strange for days—trembling, barely speaking. We just thought he was a coward,” Wumuge said, licking his dry lips before continuing. “But who knew he’d just… die while drinking water?”

Further discussion proved futile. Halsji rose. “This khan will investigate himself.”

The Gomu Clan, by nature free-spirited and unrestrained, even housed their prisoners of war in open-air straw stacks, sheltered from the rain by simple awnings.

When Halsji reached Yu Chi Lan, he first checked beneath the man’s nose, then pressed his fingers to his neck several times to confirm.

“Undoubtedly a sudden death.”

“He must be faking…” Mengxiba Ha stared wide-eyed, shaking his head, unable to accept the situation.

Halsji ordered Physician Mu to be summoned, and the group waited another quarter of an hour.

After a thorough examination, Physician Mu rose and whispered to Halsji, “He died from poisoning. It appears to be a slow-acting, fatal toxin. If my deduction is correct, it’s likely Lu’s Bl00d Epiphyllum.”

Upon hearing this, Halsji immediately dismissed the crowd, retaining only Wumuge and Physician Mu. “Great Elder,” he pressed, “could your assessment be mistaken?”

Physician Mu pointed to a mole-like mark near Yu Chi Lan’s thigh. “Your Majesty, though it resembles a cinnabar mole, observe closely—its color is paler. Moreover, Wumuge mentioned that the prince trembled violently without uttering a sound, which aligns perfectly with the legends of Lu’s Bl00d Epiphyllum. Normally, the epiphyllum’s effects manifest at least a month after exposure, and sometimes as long as a year or more. However… if concentrated, it could act within a quarter of an hour, a cup’s worth, or even an hour. Given the incomplete information we have, I can’t be absolutely certain, but I’m about eighty percent confident. It’s this unpredictable Bl00d Epiphyllum that troubles me.”

Lu’s Bl00d Epiphyllum? How could it appear here? Halsji wondered aloud, “Great Elder, I have a question. If this Bl00d Epiphyllum is merely a legend, it must be exceedingly rare. Then…”

Physician Mu replied without hesitation, “Though rare, it’s not without precedent. Ancient texts mention that the High Sage Hermit of Lu possessed such methods.”

“They never meddle in worldly affairs,” Halsji stated firmly.

“Once, while searching for medicinal herbs in Lu, I happened to see a woman disguised as a man seeking myrrh.”

“Does the Great Elder have any insights?”

“Myrrh is both antidote and poison. No physician dares use it… except…”

“The High Sage lineage?”

Wumuge, dizzy from their cryptic conversation, interrupted, “I’ve been listening for ages and still don’t understand. Is the High Sage Hermit a single person or an entire family of hermits?”

Physician Mu chuckled. “Little Wumuge, they are hermits who pass down their knowledge through generations. We don’t know their exact numbers. Possessing wisdom and skills that could overturn the world, they never meddle in worldly affairs or interfere in mortal conflicts. Only during times of great chaos do they reveal themselves, guiding the lost with their wisdom. Since records began, their presence has only been noted during periods of warring kingdoms.”

Still confused, Wumuge pressed, “So, Great Elder, are you suggesting this incident is connected to them?”

Physician Mu shook his head. “This doesn’t match their usual methods. It’s more like… the Lu Imperial Family.”

Halsji’s eyes widened with sudden realization. “Damn it! We’ve been played by Lu!”

Seven days later, Rin Kingdom.

In the Hall of Central Harmony, a square table of crimson-lacquered sandalwood stood, its surface carved with exquisitely lifelike dragons. Piles of memorials awaiting review lay scattered across the table.

Yuchi Lingjun sat alone in the hall, listening intently as Xiao Mei read from a memorial in her hands.

“Request for an appropriation of five thousand taels of silver to repair the damaged walls and structures caused by the Jiangnan floods. Your Highness, I humbly request your imperial decision.” Xiao Mei finished reading and placed the memorial on the table, pointing to the relevant passage for Yuchi Lingjun’s attention.

Yuchi Lingjun picked up her vermilion brush and wrote, “Three thousand taels will suffice.”

After she finished writing, Xiao Mei neatly categorized and filed the approved memorial.

Suddenly, Black Hawk rushed into the hall, a sealed letter in his hand. “Princess,” he said urgently, “this is a secret dispatch from the master, sent by eight-hundred-li express.”

At the mention of Guan Qigui, Lingjun’s grip tightened on her vermilion brush, and she pressed her lips into a thin line. “Has something gone wrong in Yanbei?”

“The princess will know as soon as she reads it.”

Ling Jun waved her hand, and Xiao Mei took the secret letter from Black Hawk. Ling Jun set down her vermilion brush, took a deep breath, and said, “Xiao Mei, read it aloud.”

“All is well. The battle at Wild Goose Pass against the Northern Herdsmen has been won. The Northern Herdsmen have agreed to become a tributary state of the Rin Kingdom, begging for the Princess’s forgiveness. General Qi Man’s memorial will provide detailed specifics. There is also a critical matter: Yu Chi Lan was captured by Halsji and died suddenly two days ago.”

Ling Jun shot to her feet, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Who did you say died suddenly?”

This was the first time Xiao Mei had encountered such a grave matter. Overwhelmed, she abruptly knelt and took a deep breath. “Your Highness, the Second Prince… Yu Chi Lan.”

The words “the collapse of the realms” seemed to echo in her ears, and she imagined once more the scene of widespread devastation. Ling Jun suddenly felt her strength drain away, collapsing back into her seat. Xiao Mei rushed forward to support her. Ling Jun glanced sideways and said calmly, “Is that all?”

“Ah… there’s more written at the end…” Xiao Mei stared at the final lines of the letter, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She swallowed hard and continued, “With the threat from behind eliminated, ascend the throne swiftly. Do not forget my deeds. Lian Chen’an.”

The rear is secure? What did that mean? Ling Jun closed her eyes, understanding that the path ahead wouldn’t be as she had imagined—it was impossible to tread without staining her hands with bl00d. Throughout her regency, court officials had constantly impeached her. As a mere woman in a world dominated by men, she had countless enemies eager to tear her apart and destroy her.

Having come this far, she couldn’t retreat. A single step back would plunge her into an abyss. She had no room left to retreat; she had to suppress all her self-reproach, fear, and pressure.

Since Guan Qigui’s urgent message had arrived at breakneck speed, the situation there must have stabilized. Within days, all the ministers would learn of this. And when that time came, she would face far more than just impeachment from court officials.

Clearing her mind, Ling Jun’s resolve to become Empress solidified. Her gaze sharpened, her voice firm as she declared, “Prepare the imperial carriage. We’re going to see the Imperial Father.”

The Hall of Mental Cultivation, where Yuchi Gong resided, was nearby. Ling Jun arrived without delay and strode directly toward the hall. At the entrance, Xiao Mei dismissed the guarding eunuchs.

On the golden, resplendent bed, Yuchi Gong lay with his eyes tightly shut, appearing frail and weak.

“Imperial Father, your daughter has come to see you,” Ling Jun said, stopping beside the bed. She remained standing, her gaze cool and clear.

Yuchi Gong slowly opened his eyes and spoke with difficulty, “Lian… Chen… you’re thoughtful…”

Before he could finish, Ling Jun lowered her voice. “I just received an urgent report: Second Prince Yuchi Lan has fallen in battle.”

Yuchi Gong’s eyes widened sharply, a flicker of agitation crossing his pale face. He didn’t want to dwell on the worst possibilities, but now that all three of his sons had perished, was the Rin Kingdom truly nearing its end under his rule? He also refused to see the Imperial Family’s surname changed, but did he even have a choice anymore? Among his four daughters, only the Third Princess, Yu Chi Lingjun, possessed a grasp of statecraft; the others were preoccupied with matters of the heart.

Resigned, Yuchi Gong slowly closed his eyes. After a long silence, he spoke with labored breath, “I know… my time is short… I must… see… the Imperial Preceptor…”

“See the Imperial Preceptor?” Ling Jun smiled faintly. “Your subject will summon him immediately.”

Since Ling Jun had assumed power, the Imperial Preceptor had moved from Zhenshan Temple to the Hall of Central Harmony. This arrangement allowed Yuchi Gong to summon him at any time and facilitated Ling Jun’s consultations on state affairs.

While the Imperial Preceptor and Yuchi Gong conferred privately, Ling Jun returned to the Hall of Central Harmony to continue reviewing official documents.

Two hours later, the Imperial Preceptor arrived before the hall, carrying a gleaming Imperial Edict. He handed it to Ling Jun, saying, “This is the edict of succession. Read it yourself; I’m too lazy to recite it.”

Ling Jun accepted the edict, her gaze momentarily frozen. She lowered her head to examine the scroll before looking up at her Master. “Such a momentous occasion,” she said, “shouldn’t Master at least go through the motions of proper ceremony?”

The Imperial Preceptor tucked his hands into his sleeves and scoffed. “I told you, I’m too lazy to recite it. Royal formalities are tedious. Why bother with such formalities between us? It would only make our master-disciple bond seem distant. Now that the Princess is about to ascend the throne as the first Empress in Rin Kingdom’s history, meticulous preparations are essential. You must also plan carefully for the future and remain vigilant against Prince Lan’s remaining loyalists.” He couldn’t exactly admit that he found Ling Jun’s elaborate kneeling rituals unbearable.

Though his words were well-intentioned, they sounded strangely off. How could a mere ceremonial formality possibly strain their master-disciple bond? Ling Jun cleared her throat. “Your disciple understands. Thank you for your guidance, Master.” She decided to chalk it up to the eccentricities of a capable individual.

Three days later, in the Golden Luan Hall, Xiao Mei read aloud Qi Man’s memorial before the assembled court.

“Victory at Yanbei. The Gomu Clan, acknowledging their guilt in capturing Prince Lan, leading to his untimely demise, has repented and willingly submits to becoming a tributary state of the Rin Kingdom. They humbly beg Her Highness the Princess for forgiveness, setting aside past grievances, and request silk brocade, fine silk, and provisions. The Gomu Clan pledges to offer annual tribute of one hundred warhorses, twenty dwarf horses, one thousand taels of silver, one thousand bolts of cloth, and quantities of ginseng and pine nuts. We await Your Imperial Majesty’s judgment.”

Ling Jun immediately granted the Gomu Clan’s request, declaring solemnly, “This Princess approves Halsji’s petition. However, I decree that the Gomu Clan shall not set foot in Yanbei territory for any purpose—trade, commerce, or otherwise—for the next three years. During this period, they must offer daily prayers and chant sutras for Prince Lan’s soul. If Halsji has no objections, Great General Qi Man may return to the capital to report on his duties and receive commendation.”

The officials below were shocked by the news of Prince Lan’s sudden death. While the battlefield is unpredictable, it was inconceivable that a prince could be captured alive. Yet the Princess’s intention was not to punish Qi Man for failing to protect Prince Lan, but rather to reward him for his supposed merits. The implications of this…

“This humble servant, Qiu Chengzhi, petitions to report General Qi Man’s dereliction of duty in failing to safeguard Prince Lan,” Minister of Revenue Qiu Chengzhi declared, bowing deeply.

“Oh?” Ling Jun narrowed her eyes, gazing toward the source of the voice. She couldn’t discern the expressions or movements of the officials below, but the Minister of Revenue’s bold intervention made it clear that many still harbored dissent and dissatisfaction with her judgment. She repeated her question, “To punish General Qi Man for dereliction of duty?”

Qiu Chengzhi replied with unwavering composure, “Precisely. This minister believes Qi Man bears grave responsibility for Prince Lan’s misfortune!”

Ling Jun seized the warm teacup beside her and hurled it violently to the side. “Audacious!” she roared.

The assembled civil and military officials, along with palace servants, immediately knelt. The Imperial Preceptor, seated nearby, hastily interjected, “Your Highness, please temper your anger.”

Ignoring Qiu Chengzhi’s dignity entirely, Ling Jun continued her furious rebuke: “General Qi Man assisted General Kang Sheng in defending Wild Goose Pass for a full year, and after Kang Sheng’s withdrawal, he remained to guard the pass for another decade. Is it thanks to you, Qiu Chengzhi, that the people of Yanbei in the Rin Kingdom have enjoyed peace? Was it you who resolved the Northern Herdsmen issue? No! It was Qi Man, the hero of our Rin Kingdom! Yet before he has even returned from the battlefield, you dare accuse him of dereliction of duty? Such actions would only chill Qi Man’s heart and the hearts of all the Rin Kingdom’s people!”

With that, Qiu Chengzhi could no longer press the matter of Qi Man’s alleged dereliction of duty, regardless of whether the accusation was true. Prince Lan’s influence had waned, and His Majesty’s condition showed no improvement. Now, it seemed the Third Princess was the most likely…

Qiu Chengzhi paused, then relented, “Forgive my lack of foresight, Your Highness. I beg you to temper your anger.”

Ling Jun rose, leaving only the words “Court is dismissed” before departing without a backward glance.

As soon as she entered the Hall of Central Harmony, Ling Jun called out, “Black Hawk!”

Black Hawk materialized instantly within the hall. “Your Highness, what are your orders?”

“Investigate Qiu Chengzhi,” Ling Jun commanded, “especially his correspondence. See if he’s been secretly colluding with anyone. Also, check his accounts. Are they clean?” Ling Jun knew without a doubt that Qiu Chengzhi had been deeply involved with Prince Lan. Though his words seemed to express dissatisfaction with Qi Man’s performance, their true meaning was far more complex.

“Understood.”

In the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Yuchi Gong lay deathly pale, his breathing growing weaker until it ceased altogether. A eunuch who had come to assist with his robes touched Yuchi Gong’s forehead, finding it ice-cold as if plunged into a frozen abyss. The eunuch’s breath caught in his throat as he shakily reached out to check Yuchi Gong’s nostrils. His face paled further.

He cried out in terror, “Your Majesty…”

Several maids and eunuchs rushed in. Upon seeing the scene, they immediately dispatched guards to summon the imperial physician.

But the Emperor had already passed away. No matter how hard they tried, there was no hope of reviving him. The imperial physician shook his head and sighed.

“The Emperor… has passed away…”

A wave of mourning swept through the palace.

In the fifteenth year of the Rin Kingdom, Third Princess Yu Chi Lingjun, clad in a golden-threaded white bird and dawn-cloud bright yellow imperial dragon robe, stood before the Golden Dragon Throne, a red jade-inlaid golden belt cinching her waist. As the Imperial Preceptor solemnly read Yuchi Gong’s final decree, she slowly took her seat.

“By the Mandate of Heaven and the Emperor’s will: Recognizing Princess Lianchen’s exceptional intelligence and noble character, she is hereby appointed to inherit the great lineage and ascend as Empress of the Rin Kingdom. Let this proclamation be known throughout the realm.”

The assembled civil and military officials prostrated themselves in unison, chanting, “Long live Our Sovereign! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years!” They had no other choice; Yu Chi Lingjun was the sole remaining member of the Rin Kingdom’s Imperial Family capable of shouldering this immense responsibility.

“Rise, my lords,” Ling Jun said, her gaze gentle.

“We thank Our Sovereign for her great benevolence.”

As the words left her lips, a voice rang out from beyond the Golden Luan Hall: “Your subjects kneel before Our Sovereign! Long live Your Majesty! Ten thousand years!”

The clear, resonant voice echoed through the hall, sending a tremor through the hearts of all present.

Yuchi Lingjun, her heart filled with suspicion, declared, “All ministers, rise.”

“We thank Your Majesty for your grace,” the group replied in unison, rising to their feet and advancing toward the center of the hall.

The leader stepped forward and announced, “Your Majesty, I am Qi Man, garrison commander of Wild Goose Pass. I have brought Qi Wenyu, Geng Bohan, and Qi Gui to report on our duties.”

Lingjun’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Qi Gui. “Granted,” she replied. Though she couldn’t clearly see the four figures, she sensed a burning gaze fixed upon her.

“Your Majesty,” Qi Man said solemnly, bowing his head, “the Northern Herdsmen have willingly become our vassals. Military Advisor Qi Gui’s contributions were indispensable.”

Lingjun’s fingers traced the warm jade pendant at her waist as she declared in a clear voice, “You are all pillars of the realm, loyal subjects of the throne. Qi Man shall be appointed Great General of Pacification, First-Rank. Qi Wenyu and Geng Bohan shall be appointed Central Army Great General and Garrison Army Great General, respectively, both Second-Rank. Rewards shall be bestowed!”

“We thank Your Majesty for your grace!”

Qi Man, having not heard Guan Qigui’s name mentioned, reminded the emperor again, “Your Majesty, Military Advisor Qi Gui’s contributions are immeasurable.”

Ling Jun, seated on the Golden Dragon Throne, surveyed the assembled officials and spoke slowly, “From this day forward, you must all serve me with utmost loyalty and diligence. I will not neglect any of you. However, if any of you abuse your positions for personal gain, I will show no leniency! Zou Chengzhi! Do you acknowledge your crimes?”

Zou Chengzhi immediately knelt, a bead of cold sweat trickling down his forehead. “This humble subject was foolish!”

“You are charged with bribery of palace guards and servants, tax evasion, accepting bribes, and conspiring to undermine the court and disrupt the foundations of the state… These multiple crimes warrant demotion to commoner status and execution. The sentence will be carried out at noon three days hence at Meridian Gate. In consideration of your past service, your household servants will also be demoted to commoner status and exiled to West Gaochang Prefecture, never to return to the capital or hold public office again!” With that, Ling Jun took the scroll detailing Zou Chengzhi’s crimes from Xiao Mei and tossed it down.

“Your Majesty… I am innocent! This must be… this must be a conspiracy against me! Your Majesty…” Zou Chengzhi’s face paled with terror as he frantically protested his innocence.

“Take him away,” Ling Jun waved dismissively.

“Esteemed Ministers, do any of you have any objections?”

The ministers rose in unison, declaring, “Your Majesty, we dare not object.”

Ling Jun nodded in satisfaction. “Very well. I trust you will all take this as a warning and avoid repeating such offenses. From this day forward, I hereby establish the position of Regent King to assist me in managing state affairs, a First-Rank official position. This role will be filled by… Guan Qigui!”