The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 7

Mountain mists, born from the rain, clung to the winding mountain path, following the dense, humid air. The pines stood solemn, the stones weathered and ancient, their shadows swaying gently. Looking up, the trees seemed draped in lush green cloaks, their overlapping branches merging with the mist as it surged toward the clouds. From afar, the mountain twilight glowed like a thousand flickering lights, warming both heart and soul.

The path, slick with mist, led to Zhenshan Temple, a cornerstone of the nation. Skilled artisans had carved a broad, stone-paved road through the winding terrain, its steps making the journey less arduous for Ling Jun.

Palace regulations were strict; Ling Jun required a travel token to visit Zhenshan Temple. She had pleaded for days before her first visit. The Empress Dowager, taking pity on her, finally granted the token, reasoning that Ling Jun needed to leave the palace occasionally to avoid stifling her health.

In recent days, Ling Jun had been visiting Zhenshan Temple with Xiao Mei. Inside, she received instruction from the Imperial Preceptor on scriptures, natural principles, and human history, while Xiao Mei waited outside.

Xiao Mei couldn’t hear the details of the lessons, but on their way back each day, she would invent new ways to ask Ling Jun what the Imperial Preceptor had discussed with her.

Just like today, Xiao Mei asked her, “This servant heard laughter several times today. It seems the Princess had a delightful conversation with the Imperial Preceptor. I’m truly happy for you, Princess. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you this cheerful.”

Ling Jun understood Xiao Mei’s intentions perfectly. First, Xiao Mei was genuinely pleased for her. Second, the Empress was eager to learn more about their interactions.

“Today, the Imperial Preceptor shared stories of Jiangnan’s customs and traditions with Lian Chen,” Ling Jun explained. “He described the outside world so vividly, as if Lian Chen had seen it all with her own eyes. Naturally, Lian Chen was delighted.”

Xiao Mei’s eyes curved into crescents as she genuinely rejoiced for Ling Jun. “I’m so glad you’re happy, Princess. You used to be so withdrawn and gloomy in your chambers. This servant never knew how to cheer you up. Thank goodness for the Imperial Preceptor.”

The journey back to the palace was uneventful. Ling Jun followed her usual route, winding through the narrow path beside the Imperial Garden. Ahead, a figure stood waiting with several attendants. Before Ling Jun could squint to make out the person’s features, Xiao Mei tugged urgently at her sleeve, her voice trembling. “Princess, the path ahead is rough. Let’s take another route…”

Ling Jun was puzzled but said nothing, silently acquiescing to Xiao Mei’s suggestion.

Seeing Ling Jun about to leave, the figure ahead, hands on hips and a delicate fan fluttering, glided toward her with measured steps, a forced laugh escaping her lips. “What a coincidence, Sister Lian Chen.”

Upon hearing the visitor’s affectedly sweet voice, Xiao Mei froze, unable to move a muscle. Damn it, she thought, there’s no escaping now.

Ling Jun instinctively trembled, a primal fear rising from the depths of her being. The sensation was deeply unsettling. She knew who it was—her!

Fourth Princess Yu Chi Yanqing!

“Sister, long time no see,” Yuchi Yanqing purred, her voice naturally laced with a coquettish tone.

But to Ling Jun, that affected sweetness brought only dizziness and phantom pains, as if invisible needles were pricking her skin.

Yuchi Yanqing approached Ling Jun and curtsied, then grasped her hands. The Mystic Staff clattered to the ground with a crisp sound. With a swift kick, Yuchi Yanqing sent the staff skidding aside. “Sister, why are you so speechless? Have you forgotten your manners?”

Ling Jun quickly curtsied, her delicate brows furrowing. “Sister, what are you talking about? My vision is poor. I couldn’t tell if you were calling from afar or coming to reminisce.”

The Mystic Staff lay discarded in the nearby grass. Xiao Mei knelt beside it, head bowed, trying to fade into the background. She dared not retrieve the staff, fearing Yuchi Yanqing would use it as an excuse to make trouble.

Hiss!

Yuchi Yanqing pinched her! Ling Jun gripped her sleeve tightly, remaining silent.

“Sister, I recently heard some wild rumors from who knows where. They sounded so convincing, saying… you’re going to marry Crown Prince Fengyi. Is there any truth to this?”

“There’s no truth to it,” Ling Jun replied, forcing herself to ignore the pain and the tremor that ran through her body. “I wonder whose malicious gossip you’ve been listening to. With my eye condition, how could I possibly burden someone else?”

Yuchi Yanqing narrowed her eyes, a cruel smile curving her lips as she twisted Ling Jun’s arm. “Don’t lie to your little sister, or you’ll break my heart.”

Hiss! Pain. Agony! Not physical pain, but a deep, visceral ache—a spiritual torment that crushed her spirit. Before Ling Jun could speak, Yanqing’s grip tightened, forcing a gasp from her lips.

“Ah!”

Xiao Mei, terrified, bowed her head and trembled. “This servant can vouch for the Princess’s words. Please, Fourth Princess, calm your anger.”

Yanqing shot her a venomous glare, then smiled sweetly, her voice dripping with false affection. “Huafang, the mistress hasn’t spoken yet. What’s that dog barking about? Slap her.”

Huafang, Yanqing’s personal maid, stepped forward and delivered a brutal slap across Xiao Mei’s face with practiced ease.

“Sister! Enough! Lian Chen is telling the truth! Imperial Grandmother has announced a flower-viewing banquet next month. Crown Prince Fengyi will choose a bride, and whoever catches his eye will be betrothed to him. If you don’t trust Lian Chen, ask Imperial Grandmother yourself!” Ling Jun tried to resist, but the terror gripping her body was overwhelming. Her arms felt like they were weighed down by a thousand-pound stone, rendering her utterly immobile.

Yuchi Yanqing shook off Ling Jun’s arm and gestured for Huafang to withdraw. In an unusually good mood, she refrained from further torment, tilting her chin and scoffing lightly, “Sister, watch your step. Oh, how clumsy of me! I meant, be careful where you walk, for your precious health. I have matters to attend to. Farewell.”

With that, Yuchi Yanqing turned and left without a backward glance, her attendants trailing behind her.

“Xiao Mei… where are you?” Ling Jun called out, her voice trembling with tears as she raised her hand slightly. Now separated from her Mystic Staff, she was effectively blind. No matter how clearly she sensed Xiao Mei’s presence, she dared not move an inch.

Xiao Mei sobbed as she looked up. Ling Jun stood helplessly in place, repeatedly calling her name. Xiao Mei turned to retrieve the Mystic Staff, rose, and hurried to Ling Jun’s side, pressing the staff into her hand. She gripped Ling Jun’s hand tightly, her voice shaking, “Princess, I’m here.”

Ling Jun embraced Xiao Mei tightly. For the first time in a long time, she felt the terror that had once kept Yuchi Lingjun confined to her chambers. Xiao Mei was in agony, so much so that she dared not cry out, enduring the pain until her palms bled from clenching them so tightly.

Why would Yuchi Yanqing say such things? Could this be the true cause of Yuchi Lingjun’s death? Even a fool could see the affection Yuchi Yanqing harbored for Feng Yi, and Empress Dowager Yuxi had made it clear she intended to betroth her to him…

That poisoned wine… was it Yuchi Yanqing?

Ling Jun cradled Xiao Mei’s face, the dampness of her palms and the bl00d before her filling her with anguish. Why would Yuchi Yanqing even target her maidservant? “Does it hurt?” she asked, her voice thick with concern.

Xiao Mei shook her head, tears welling in her eyes and sliding down her cheeks. Remembering Ling Jun’s poor eyesight, she quickly added, “It doesn’t hurt at all…” The palm print on Xiao Mei’s face was swollen and red, streaks of bl00d trickling from the corner of her mouth.

Changyang Palace was quiet. The people Guan Qigui had brought back were waiting in the courtyard. Since her presence in Ling Jun’s chambers wouldn’t delay matters, she pulled out the military treatise she had requested and began reading.

Guan Qigui was engrossed in the text, particularly captivated by the ingenious strategies for achieving victory against overwhelming odds—turning nothing into something. Just as a flash of insight struck her, a shadow fell across the page. Looking up, she saw the princess she had been waiting for had finally returned home.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” Guan Qigui said, bowing to Ling Jun. Her sharp eyes immediately noticed the swollen, distinct palm print on Xiao Mei’s face. She narrowed her eyes and asked, “What happened here?”

Ling Jun waved her hand dismissively. Xiao Mei, ever perceptive, withdrew, leaving the two women alone in the room. Yet inwardly, she was shocked. Since when had Her Highness become so familiar with Young Master Guan…? If the Empress were to hear of this… the Princess would surely suffer…

“Lian Chen returned late from Zhenguo Temple today,” Ling Jun said, pressing her lips together, unwilling to elaborate. She refused to dwell on the earlier incident.

Seeing Ling Jun’s reluctance to answer, Guan Qigui frowned and pressed, “You know Xiao Mei works for the Empress, don’t you?”

Ling Jun’s eyes widened in shock. Did she mean… that I struck her myself?! The pain in her injured arm flared anew with anger. “Are you implying I did this?! Guan Qigui! Is that how you see me?!”

Ling Jun gasped for breath, as if struggling to breathe. She knew she was no saint, but she would never stoop to such a vile act!

Guan Qigui pressed her crimson lips together, then feigned nonchalance. “I was only joking, Your Highness. Please don’t take it to heart.” She stepped forward and gently patted Ling Jun’s back, guiding her toward a seat to discuss more serious matters.

The moment Guan Qigui touched Ling Jun’s arm, Ling Jun abruptly slapped her hand away, her fingers digging into her palm to distract herself. For a moment, she couldn’t hold back.

“Hiss…”

Guan Qigui frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Ling Jun pressed her lips together, unwilling to answer. Sensing her reluctance, Guan Qigui recalled the information she had researched earlier.

The Rin Kingdom Dynasty had no shortage of heirs, including four princesses. Yuchi Lingjun ranked third among them. Due to her eye ailment and the slanderous whispers of petty courtiers, her status was precarious, leaving her vulnerable to abuse. Among her tormentors, the Fourth Princess, Yu Chi Yanqing—also an illegitimate daughter—was the most ruthless, often subjecting Ling Jun to secret beatings and humiliation.

Could it be…?

Before Ling Jun could reply, Guan Qigui spoke softly for the first time, her voice gentle and soothing. “Let me see. Don’t be afraid. I’ll be careful.”

Ling Jun silently acquiesced.

Guan Qigui gently rolled up Ling Jun’s sleeve, revealing a shocking array of livid pinch marks that marred the delicate skin of her forearm. Frowning, she rolled up the other sleeve… and found the same horrifying pattern.

“Do you have any medicine in your room?” Guan Qigui asked, noticing Ling Jun’s tightly clenched fist. She gently pried it open, releasing the tension. The tender flesh of Ling Jun’s palm was bruised and bleeding from the self-inflicted pinches.

Ling Jun shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. Her lips trembled, and crystalline droplets spilled despite her having already cried her heart out. Guan Qigui’s gentle question and tender treatment stirred a fresh wave of anguish within her. The grievances she had kept bottled up surged to the surface, overwhelming her. She couldn’t hold back any longer. She threw her arms around Guan Qigui, burying her face in the crook of her neck, as if pouring out an endless stream of pent-up emotions.

The moment came too quickly for Guan Qigui to react. The soft, fragrant girl in her arms radiated a scent that assaulted her senses—a unique warmth woven from the rich fragrance of roses and the sweet, woody aroma of blooming flowers. This scent struck her soul, causing her heart to tremble. Stunned, she didn’t know how to comfort Ling Jun. Her hovering hands slowly wrapped around the girl, patting her back rhythmically.

“Black Hawk,” Guan Qigui called out softly.

“Master,” Black Hawk responded instantly, appearing at her side. He glanced up briefly and saw the delicate figure sobbing in his master’s embrace. His usually stern and unyielding master was… comforting the Princess? He dared not look longer or ask questions. He was genuinely astonished. After serving his master for so many years, he had never seen her show such… intimacy with any woman.

“Fetch some trauma medicine and Snow Trace Ointment,” Guan Qigui ordered, her sharp gaze cutting through Black Hawk’s dazed expression.

A shiver ran down Black Hawk’s spine. He immediately fled at the sight of his master’s piercing glare, daring not linger a moment longer. Even if Guan Qigui didn’t flay him alive, the mere terror of her presence would scare him half to death.

Meanwhile, the delicate woman cradled in Guan Qigui’s arms gradually calmed down. She greedily inhaled the gentle, understated fragrance of white tea mingled with woody notes emanating from Guan Qigui’s body. The woody scent warmed her heart and filled her with a sense of mystery, as if she were strolling through a verdant meadow, basking in the boundless vitality of spring.

Guan Qigui’s ears flushed slightly at Ling Jun’s actions. She was comforting the injured Second Princess, yet this princess, fully aware of her true gender, was still… still… behaving so…

“Are you… feeling better now?” Guan Qigui asked cautiously.

A blush like wild roses crept across Ling Jun’s cheeks. She released her grip on Guan Qigui and nodded faintly, tears still clinging to the tip of her nose. Guan Qigui reached out to wipe them away, and the two women gazed at each other in silence.