The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 3

Guan Qigui’s tone lifted slightly, a hint of mischief sparkling in her dark eyes. “The Princess hasn’t finished her tea yet.”

Before Ling Jun could even step into Changyang Palace, Xiao Mei rushed forward, standing anxiously beside her and offering a tentative arm for support. “Princess, why are you so late? Did you run into the other princesses?”

Ling Jun, gripping her Mystic Staff, felt a surge of annoyance. Though blind, she wasn’t physically disabled and resented needing assistance to walk. “Lian Chen simply got lost and wandered in the forest for a long time. I didn’t encounter any of my sisters.”

“That’s good, that’s good…” Xiao Mei’s heart finally settled. Meeting those princesses would have inevitably led to another round of physical punishment.

“Xiao Mei…” Ling Jun’s voice was calm but carried no hint of blame.

“Yes?”

“From now on… you don’t need to support Lian Chen anymore.” Ling Jun sighed, her tone heavy with emotion.

Hearing this, Xiao Mei immediately blocked Ling Jun’s path, kneeling before her with wide, frightened eyes. “Princess, have I done something wrong? I deserve to die… I’m foolish. Please tell me what I’ve done.”

Although the kneeling and bowing rituals of feudal culture were uncommon in Ling Jun’s world, for some reason, she felt these gestures were inconsequential and didn’t bother her. Her previous understanding had taught her that human dignity forbade such frequent displays of obeisance, yet she now felt that hierarchical order was only natural.

I must be broken…

“You’ve done nothing wrong. Rise, Xiao Mei. Lian Chen simply feels she must grow up and stop relying on others. With hands and feet of her own, she should walk her own path.” Ling Jun brushed past Xiao Mei, no longer waiting for her, and strode back to her chambers.

Xiao Mei hurried after Ling Jun, her brow furrowed in confusion. The Princess seemed changed, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Perhaps it was simply the Princess maturing and gaining wisdom…

The palace nights were far from tranquil. That evening, the imperial harem was abuzz with activity. The Emperor, having finally finished his state affairs, intended to spend the night with Noble Consort Qian. Upon hearing this, the Noble Consort Yun, whose palace was nearby, began playing her zither and singing a folk tune as Yuchi Gong passed by. The moment Yuchi Gong heard Noble Consort Yun’s voice, he waved his hand, ordering his carriage to Eternal Spring Palace. Chief Eunuch An, who stood beside Yuchi Gong, ventured a question, prompting the Emperor to dispatch him to Noble Consort Qian’s residence with a message: the Emperor would be spending the night at Eternal Spring Palace, and Noble Consort Qian should retire early.

Noble Consort Qian, furious, smashed the delicate blue-and-white porcelain vase beside her into shards. The palace maids around her held their breath, not daring to make a sound, lest they inadvertently become the target of her wrath.

The palace intrigues held no interest for Ling Jun. Her only concern was tomorrow’s appointment with Guan Qigui. She couldn’t fathom Guan Qigui’s true motives for inviting her to the Qiqiao Festival. Ling Jun knew it wasn’t purely for leisure. Refusing would only provoke Guan Qigui’s resentment, potentially leading to murderous intent. Sigh! What a headache! This is truly driving me mad…

Cicadas buzzed outside the courtyard. Changyang Palace, located on the outer perimeter, was a tranquil haven. After weighing her options, Ling Jun realized she had no choice but to attend. Come what may, I’ll face it as it comes. She rose, grasped her Mystic Staff, and strolled into the courtyard. The only redeeming feature of the Princess’s Residence was its scenic beauty.

In the courtyard, a pavilion with upturned eaves nestled among the trees—a peaceful retreat Ling Jun had painstakingly recalled from her memories. She entered the pavilion and sat on a stone bench, lost in thought. Though she now enjoyed the Empress Dowager’s secret protection, this was no long-term solution. She lacked any trusted confidantes. As for Xiao Mei… nominally her attendant, she was in truth the Empress’s spy. The original Yuchi Lingjun had been unaware of this, but Ling Jun had unearthed a fleeting childhood memory of a nanny mentioning it. Xiao Mei was someone she had to be wary of.

But now, how was she to conduct herself? Where could she find someone she could trust? In this palace, she was insignificant, merely Princess Lianchen in name. Everyone knew she ranked only slightly above palace maids and eunuchs, and perhaps even below them. Guan Qigui… she must have connections, but… if she didn’t kill Ling Jun herself, that would already be a miracle. How could she possibly help her? Guan Qigui was likely struggling to survive herself, with no time to spare for others.

As night deepened, the weight of her worries crushed the fallen leaves into the ground.

On the day of Qiqiao, Capital Street was transformed. Before the chen hour had even passed, the streets were already overflowing with dazzling displays.

Though the Rin Kingdom’s customs weren’t wildly unrestrained, they still allowed for a degree of freedom. The true festivities began at night, when unmarried noble ladies ventured out to stroll the streets, admire the lanterns, and watch the lantern festival in the inner city. They might even release flower lanterns by the river with their young lovers, creating a lively and romantic atmosphere.

That morning, Ling Jun rose early and took Xiao Mei to Shoukang Palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. As they entered the inner hall, they found Empress Dowager Yuxi seated beside an unfamiliar palace attendant.

Ling Jun bowed with a smile. “Greetings, Imperial Grandmother. May you enjoy boundless blessings.” She waved to Xiao Mei, signaling her to bring forth the Western Regions grapes sent by the Imperial Household Department that day. “The Imperial Household Department sent some Western Regions grapes today. Lian Chen tasted one, and its sweetness melted into my heart. I rushed to bring them to you, Imperial Grandmother, hoping you’ll taste their sweetness as well.”

Empress Dowager Yuxi didn’t stand on ceremony. She gestured naturally for Fang Xian to place the grapes on the table, her voice warm. “You’re as sweet as honey this morning, child. I’ll try them later to see if they truly melt into the heart. Have you had breakfast yet? The Empress just sent over some Osmanthus Cake. Come, try some.”

So, the other person was the Empress. Ling Jun’s mind began to piece things together.

“The Princess is truly filial, visiting the Empress Dowager so early in the morning,” remarked the Empress, Zuoqiu Wanyan. She wore a bright yellow phoenix robe, her hair adorned with only a single golden hairpin shaped like a hundred birds. From a distance, Ling Jun couldn’t discern her expression, but the corners of her lips seemed to hint at displeasure.

Ling Jun rose and bowed hastily, eager to explain herself lest the Empress misunderstand her visit to Shoukang Palace as a slight to Kunning Palace. “Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress. May you enjoy boundless blessings. Please forgive my tardiness, Your Majesty. I woke up late today and haven’t yet had the chance to pay my respects at Kunning Palace.” As she spoke, Ling Jun deliberately adjusted her bow to ensure Zuoqiu Wanyan could clearly see the pearl-flower hairpin in her hair.

As expected, Zuoqiu Wanyan noticed the silver pearl hairpin. Her gaze deepened slightly, and she smiled faintly. “What are you saying, Princess? I am well aware of your eye ailment. How could I possibly blame you?” Zuoqiu Wanyan’s mind was as clear as a mirror. The pearl hairpin resembled one belonging to the Empress Dowager. Could it be…?

Empress Dowager Yuxi glanced at the Empress Dowager and waved her hand. “Enough. There’s no need to summon An Lianchen from the rear palace. Lianchen’s eye condition makes such a journey troublesome.” She plucked a grape from the Western Regions and popped it into her mouth, savoring the taste. The grape melted instantly, its sweetness spreading through her mouth like nectar. “Hmm, truly sweet to the heart.”

Zuoqiu Wanyan quickly echoed her sentiment. “Your Majesty’s wisdom guides us. This concubine’s oversight is regrettable.”

Yuchi Lingjun had never been one to pay frequent courtesy calls to the ladies of the rear palace, rarely even visiting the Empress Dowager herself. Unfavored by the court and deliberately neglected by the Emperor, she had been instructed to remain in Changyang Palace unless necessary. Thus, her absence from formal greetings went unnoticed. The Empress’s mention of this matter might have been a test of the Empress Dowager’s attitude. Regardless, Lingjun resolved to tread carefully.

Having finally bid farewell to Empress Dowager Yuxi and Zuoqiu Wanyan, Yuchi Lingjun had barely stepped out of Shoukang Palace when Zuoqiu Wanyan hurried after her, calling out, “Princess, please wait!”

Lingjun paused. “Does Your Majesty the Empress have further business?”

“This humble one has just made some jujube cakes,” Zuoqiu Wanyan replied. “I’d like the Princess to try some.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Lingjun said, bowing slightly.

Zuoqiu Wanyan exchanged a meaningful glance with Xiao Mei, then said, as if after careful consideration, “Given the Princess’s visual impairment, perhaps it would be best if your attendant accompanied me back to retrieve them.”

So that’s what she was waiting for, Lingjun thought, suppressing a sigh. She replied smoothly, “That would be fine. Xiao Mei can also deliver some Western Regions grapes to Your Majesty.”

Clutching her Mystic Staff, Lingjun showed no emotion as she headed toward Guanglan Palace. As soon as she entered, Guan Qigui, as if expecting her, was seated at the camphor wood table.

“The Princess is truly impatient, arriving at my humble abode so early,” Guan Qigui said, raising an eyebrow with a cold sneer. Yet her hands moved without pause, brewing a pot of strong tea with a perverse pleasure and filling a cup for Lingjun.

Ling Jun first bowed respectfully, “Greetings, Young Master Guan,” before naturally taking a seat opposite Guan Qigui. She picked up the small cup before her and took a shallow sip, her delicate brows furrowing at the bitter taste.

Seeing Ling Jun’s expression, Guan Qigui’s mood brightened considerably. She curled her lips into a smile and fanned herself with a scholar’s fan. “May I inquire as to the Princess’s purpose for this visit?”

“Lian Chen is here for our appointment,” Ling Jun replied, her brow furrowing. Didn’t I ask her to go out with me today?

Guan Qigui was momentarily speechless. Her willow-leaf-shaped eyes arched upward, as if she had heard a joke. “Does the Princess truly not know what Qiqiao is?” she asked with a hint of mockery.

“Of course I know.”

“Then tell me about it,” Guan Qigui said, setting her fan on the table and picking up her own cup for a shallow sip.

“You wanted to go on a date with Lian Chen outside the palace,” Ling Jun said, her brow furrowing. Isn’t it just the ancient version of Valentine’s Day? Why else would I invite her out?

Guan Qigui nearly spat out the tea she had just swallowed, choking on her mouthful. She struggled to describe her current feelings. What Yuchi Lingjun said wasn’t entirely wrong, but it wasn’t entirely right either.

“Isn’t that the reason?” Ling Jun pressed.

“Hiss… It’s not entirely wrong, but… the Princess’s choice of words is rather bold, quite unexpected,” Guan Qigui replied.

“Then what time…”

“Just return to the palace and wait. I’ll come find you tonight.”

“Then Lian Chen will take her leave.” Ling Jun rose to depart.

“Wait.”

“What is it?”

Guan Qigui’s voice lifted slightly, a hint of mischief sparkling in her dark eyes. “The Princess hasn’t finished her tea.”

Ling Jun frowned, lifting the teacup and draining it in one gulp. The bitter taste jolted every nerve, her small face wrinkling as she finished. She turned to leave immediately.

“Farewell, Princess. I won’t see you off,” Guan Qigui called out cheerfully, humming a little tune. Only after Ling Jun had disappeared into the distance did she slip out of Guanglan Palace.