The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 6

On the third floor of Fragrant Full House, Guan Qigui reclined in the master seat, propping her chin with one hand. Her expression was impassive, her eyes half-closed, concealing a shadow that made it impossible to discern her true mood.

Three figures knelt before her. The leader, the innkeeper who had delivered the sword, clasped his hands in a bow. “Congratulations, Young Master, on avenging your great feud!”

The other two followed suit, bowing in unison. “Congratulations, Young Master, on avenging your great feud!”

Guan Qigui’s lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, radiating an icy chill. Her delicate fingertips tapped rhythmically against the armrest. “How did you know?”

Hearing Guan Qigui’s rising tone, Zhang Chonghe felt as if he were facing a formidable enemy. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead as he glanced at the others, but they remained stiffly upright, ignoring him.

“I asked you, Zhang Chonghe, how you knew. Why are you looking at the others?” Guan Qigui’s gaze swept down from her elevated position, each tap of her fingers striking Zhang Chonghe’s heartstrings like a hammer.

Though she showed no outward anger, Zhang Chonghe prostrated himself, knocking his head against the floor three times with resounding thuds.

“Young Master, spare my life! Zhang Chonghe spoke recklessly out of ignorance and foolishness.”

“Rise, all of you.” Guan Qigui waved her hand dismissively. Zhang Chonghe was a valuable asset she couldn’t afford to lose. Despite his shrewdness, he was now begging for mercy—a testament to his limited courage.

“Young Master, the Orphan Project is progressing smoothly into its third phase,” Ding Xiaoxiao said, a captivating smile playing on her lips, her every gesture exuding charm.

“Hmm… Select a few reliable and meticulous candidates to send to Princess Lianchen.”

“Yes, Young Master!”

The Orphan Project was an indispensable step in Guan Qigui’s rebellion. These orphans, abandoned by both nations, were meticulously trained in various skills, allowing them to infiltrate key positions. This was a long-term strategic move in a grand game of power.

Guan Qigui stepped down from her throne and patted Chen Xian’s shoulder.

“In a few days, I’ll go to Lian Mountain to drill the new recruits. Chen Xian, make preparations early and don’t disappoint me.”

After issuing these instructions, Zhang Chonghe and Chen Xian departed to attend to their duties. Ding Xiaoxiao remained in the elegant chamber, her eyes fixed on Guan Qigui, who regarded her with a questioning gaze.

Ding Xiaoxiao glided forward with lotus-like steps, knelt beside the throne, and reached out to caress Guan Qigui’s leg. With a swift, controlled palm strike, Guan Qigui deflected her hand.

“I have no need for such gestures,” Guan Qigui said, her eyes narrowing into sharp, blade-like slits.

Ding Xiaoxiao forced a bitter smile and loosened her robe, revealing her smooth, delicate skin. Guan Qigui watched her intently, her brow furrowed, anticipating her next move.

Ding Xiaoxiao’s fingertips trembled as she pointed to the faint sword scar on her chest, biting her lip with a bitter smile. “This servant belongs to Your Highness. Without you, I would be nothing. You gave me a reason to live, and I have no way to repay you…” Tears welled in her eyes as she knelt before Guan Qigui, her robe half-open, her posture alluring and her gaze brimming with undisguised affection.

Seeing Guan Qigui’s silence, Ding Xiaoxiao took it as tacit approval. She gently took Guan Qigui’s left hand and guided it to the sword scar on her chest. Guan Qigui immediately withdrew her hand and turned away. Gathering her courage, Ding Xiaoxiao sat on Guan Qigui’s lap, wrapped her arms around her neck, and stared intently into her eyes.

“You wish to offer yourself to me? But I am a woman…” Guan Qigui gripped Ding Xiaoxiao’s chin, her eyes sharp and piercing.

“Your Highness…”

Guan Qigui shoved her away, turning her back and standing tall and regal. Her voice was cold as she sneered, “What do I need from you most right now?”

Ding Xiaoxiao’s hair obscured her face as she straightened her clothes, tears brimming in her eyes. Biting her lip, she reluctantly answered, “To train the orphans…”

“Then do what you’re supposed to do. Since you know my true identity, you should understand the importance of staying within your station. Don’t overstep your boundaries. You are not a slave. Why demean yourself? I saved you for a purpose, not for this. Now leave…” Guan Qigui clenched her fist, inwardly exhaling a long breath.

“This… this subordinate takes her leave…” Ding Xiaoxiao retreated from the room, tears welling up like a kite with a severed string, plummeting to the ground. Had she overestimated herself? Of course. Who was Guan Qigui, seated on that throne? To even be allowed to serve at her side was already a great honor. Why had she courted such humiliation? Yet she truly, deeply loved…

These two are such a headache, Guan Qigui thought, pinching the bridge of her nose and sighing softly. She forced herself to endure the discomfort and bathed again.

Years ago, at the age of fourteen, she had encountered Ding Xiaoxiao on her journey. A sudden calamity had struck—bandits had slaughtered Ding Xiaoxiao’s entire family. In the nick of time, Guan Qigui had saved her. After learning the details, she discovered that Ding Xiaoxiao’s family followed a path contrary to her sect’s teachings, and that night had been the night of reckoning. She had helped Ding Xiaoxiao avenge her family, and Ding Xiaoxiao had aided her in her own revenge.

“Truly vexing…” Guan Qigui leaned back against the tub, tilting her head back and exhaling deeply.

When news of General Kang Sheng’s death reached the court, Yuchi Gong flew into a rage. Later, reflecting on the matter, he wondered how mere mountain bandits could have killed such a distinguished general of his nation.

That night, he dispatched countless secret agents to investigate, but they found not a shred of evidence, only a tenuous lead pointing to bandits from Dragon-Tiger Mountain. Could it really be that simple? Dragon-Tiger Mountain… he refused to believe it!

That evening, Yuchi Gong visited Zhenshan Temple. The Imperial Preceptor, having anticipated his arrival, calmly awaited him in a small meditation room, sipping tea.

“Imperial Preceptor, what is your view on the matter of General Kang Sheng?” Yuchi Gong asked as they shared tea.

The Imperial Preceptor smiled enigmatically, picked up a tortoise shell, and tossed in two divination coins. After completing the divination, he pointed to the coins and declared, “A new Imperial Star is rising, its momentum unstoppable.”

“A new Imperial Star? Are you suggesting this was orchestrated by one of the princes?” Yuchi Gong narrowed his eyes as he drank his tea. A new Imperial Star? Good. Very good. He was still hale and hearty, yet his sons were already scheming.

“Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. I urge Your Majesty to make preparations without delay.”

“Ah, how wonderful… My filial sons are already eager for me to die! Imperial Preceptor, you should rest early. I’ll be returning now!” Yuchi Gong exhaled heavily, momentarily unsure where to begin his investigation. Investigate! All of them must be investigated! Every prince except Prince Zhan, who remains exiled beyond the border!

After Yuchi Gong departed, the Imperial Preceptor performed another divination. His earlier pronouncements had been deliberately ambiguous; the Imperial Star was not singular, but rather two stars reflecting each other, one strong and one weak. Yet this second divination… Yin prevailed… This…

Two stars reflected each other, both dominated by yin…

The heavens are about to change…

When Ling Jun arrived at Shoukang Palace, palace maids were sweeping the courtyard. Aunt Fangxian stopped her at the gate, saying, “Greetings, Princess Lianchen. Please wait outside for a moment while the maids finish clearing the broken porcelain.”

Broken porcelain?

“Please inform the Imperial Grandmother that Lianchen has arrived.”

“Of course.”

After a brief wait, Ling Jun entered the palace to pay her respects to Empress Dowager Yuxi. “Imperial Grandmother, may you live ten thousand years. What’s wrong today? Who has angered you?”

“Lianchen, you’ve come. It’s not that I’m angry, it’s the Emperor… We were just chatting when news arrived of General Kang Sheng’s death. Now only Feng Yi remains as the sole heir of the Kang family. The Emperor is fretting over Feng Yi’s marriage, and naturally, the task of selecting suitable noble ladies has fallen to me again.” The Empress Dowager pinched the bridge of her nose, her brow furrowed with worry.

So she smashed porcelain over Feng Yi’s marriage? What a joke. Ling Jun knew the Empress Dowager wasn’t telling her the truth, but she refrained from pressing further.

“Does Imperial Grandmother have any candidates in mind?” Ling Jun sat beside the Empress Dowager and gently massaged her legs.

Empress Dowager Yuxi gazed at Ling Jun, her gentle features radiating warmth. The girl’s beauty was undeniable.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up. General Kang Sheng had always been a potential threat, and his death had finally relieved the Emperor of a lingering worry. Naturally, the chosen bride should match the General’s Mansion’s prestige without wielding excessive power. The girl before her seemed the perfect candidate.

“Lian Chen is growing up and needs someone to care for her. I think Feng Yi would be a good match. What do you think, Lian Chen?” Empress Dowager Yuxi took Ling Jun’s hand and patted it affectionately.

Oh no! The Empress Dowager has her eye on me! Ling Jun’s heart skipped a beat. The General’s Mansion had always wielded immense power, but now that the General was dead, she—a princess with nominal authority—was the perfect pawn for the Emperor.

“But Lian Chen’s eye condition…” Ling Jun hesitated. “Perhaps I should stay in the palace and keep Imperial Grandmother company. Why not choose one of those proper young ladies? Or… what if we wait until after the mourning period and Imperial Grandmother hosts a flower-viewing party for Crown Prince Fengyi? He could choose someone he likes himself.” Ling Jun had no desire to marry the Crown Prince. The General’s Mansion was a treacherous place, and she couldn’t bear to be separated from Guan Qigui.

“Very well, then, let it be as you wish,” Empress Dowager Yuxi said, lowering her gaze and nodding. Crown Prince Fengyi was indeed not to be underestimated; if he were displeased with Lian Chen, it would be difficult to manage. As for the other princesses… Yuchi Xiangyun had already been betrothed as the primary wife to the Prime Minister’s heir, and Yuchi Shiyu was to marry the top scholar next year. That left only Yuchi Yanqing… but marrying Yanqing to Crown Prince Fengyi… that wouldn’t do.

Better to proceed with the flower appreciation banquet as planned, with Lian Chen as the primary wife. If the Crown Prince took a liking to someone else, they could appoint a concubine!

Ling Jun left Shoukang Palace and headed straight for Zhenshan Temple. There was no time to waste!

As she traveled, Ling Jun was accompanied by Xiao Mei, who walked beside her. “Xiao Mei,” she said, “you are Lian Chen’s person. You must never serve two masters.”

“This servant understands,” Xiao Mei replied quickly, but Ling Jun remained unconvinced.

Zhenshan Temple was shrouded in mountain mists, its air fresh and invigorating—no wonder the Imperial Preceptor had chosen this place for his cultivation.

Upon entering the courtyard, Ling Jun instructed Xiao Mei to wait outside. She proceeded alone to offer her respects.

Ling Jun held no faith, worshiping neither heaven nor earth, gods nor spirits. Her gestures were purely symbolic. After burning incense in the main hall, she made her way to the inner courtyard.

Her vision remained impaired. After groping her way through several doors, she finally found a meditating monk. Ling Jun called out from the doorway, “Elder, forgive this intrusion. Do you know where the Imperial Preceptor is?”

The Imperial Preceptor squinted at the visitor and pointed to the cushion opposite him. “I am he. Please, sit.”

Ling Jun bowed respectfully and settled onto the cushion. “Imperial Preceptor, Lian Chen seeks your guidance.”

The Imperial Preceptor gazed into her clear eyes, understanding dawning in his heart. He took her left hand. “Forgive my intrusion.”

After a long, careful examination, the Imperial Preceptor grew increasingly alarmed. The Imperial Star stood before him.

“Immeasurable Heaven and Earth! Good and evil converge, yin and yang unite!” The Imperial Preceptor clasped his hands together, sighing deeply. This matter was far beyond his involvement.

Ling Jun pressed her lips together, nervously picking at her fingers. This was her cultural desert moment; she genuinely couldn’t understand what the Imperial Preceptor was saying.

“Princess, what brings you here today?”

Ling Jun bowed and knelt. “Imperial Preceptor, please show me a clear path. Lian Chen does not wish to marry Feng Yi.”

The Imperial Preceptor calculated with his fingers, then smiled serenely. “Princess, you need not worry. Someone will come to resolve your troubles.”

“Lian Chen has another request.”

“What is it?”

“Imperial Preceptor, please accept Lian Chen’s bow.”

Ling Jun was about to prostrate herself when the Imperial Preceptor startled to his feet, stopping her. “No, I cannot accept such a grand gesture.”

“Would the Imperial Preceptor consider taking Lian Chen as a disciple? I wish to forge my own path.”

Cannot accept such a grand gesture? That’s odd. Ling Jun had never heard of the Imperial Preceptor refusing such honors. She knew even Yuchi Gong had kowtowed to him. Why couldn’t she?

“If the Princess does not mind, come find me at Zhenshan Temple. I will tell you everything I know without reservation.”

“Greetings, Imperial Preceptor,” Lian Chen said, bowing respectfully since kneeling was forbidden.

Ling Jun didn’t understand, and neither did she. Everything had gone too smoothly, as if someone had cleared the path for her in advance. Could it be… the Great Spirit? But He hadn’t contacted her since she arrived in this world. Impossible… Still, she had achieved her goal. She would proceed cautiously and observe.

From that day forward, Ling Jun’s daily routine consisted of paying her respects at Shoukang Palace and studying with the Imperial Preceptor. She seemed to have completely forgotten about Guan Qigui.

Guan Qigui led the people Ding Xiaoxiao had sent to Changyang Palace, expecting Ling Jun to be flustered, realizing she hadn’t taken her words seriously.

But to her surprise, Changyang Palace was utterly silent and empty! She had broken into an empty house!

Guan Qigui strode directly to Ling Jun’s chambers, glancing around. The Mystic Staff was nowhere to be seen, confirming Ling Jun had gone out. She sat at the redwood table and called out, “Black Hawk.”

A dark figure materialized by the window.

“At your service.”

“Investigate what the young princess has been doing these past few days.” Guan Qigui twirled the teacup on the table, holding it up to the sunlight to examine the patterns. Tsk, such low-quality furnishings for Changyang Palace. Poor Princess Lianchen.

“Understood.”