Transmigrated as the Imperial Princess's Scumbag Alpha Ex-Wife - Chapter 28

The thirty minutes Zhu Yu spent waiting in the pristine white corridor blurred into a mere number.

Like a hibernating beast suddenly awakening at midnight, devouring all will, scientists in white uniforms hurried past, leaving only fleeting, bewildered shadows.

Zhu Yu could only stand outside and wait.

At first, she leaned against the glass, hoping to glean clues from the scientists’ expressions about what was happening inside. But she quickly realized she was obstructing the doorway and couldn’t offer any assistance. She retreated to the opposite wall, standing stiffly as if being punished.

As personnel hurried by, they addressed her as “Your Highness the Princess,” which she acknowledged with a nod, her expression unreadable as she numbly accepted their urgency.

This scene hadn’t occurred in the original novel—at least, not in the parts Zhu Yu remembered.

Bai Shuzhou was supposed to have a perfect life, rising from a gifted and beloved princess to a prima ballerina. After her descent into darkness, she ascended even further, becoming the ruler of the vast Empire after Bai Qianze’s disappearance.

Her first “scumbag Alpha” wife was the only blemish on her otherwise flawless record.

Could her arrival have altered something? Zhu Yu had once mentioned the butterfly effect and wondered what the changed future might look like. Perhaps Bai Shuzhou wouldn’t have to endure so much suffering, and Zhu Yu wouldn’t have to die. Maybe they could even have a child together.

The moment her wings fluttered, the world seemed to spiral out of control.

The sense of security Zhu Yu had derived from her knowledge of the future crumbled into nothingness, torn to shreds on this fateful night.

Having lived a remarkably smooth life, Zhu Yu had rarely faced setbacks. She grew up ordinarily, progressed through school without incident, and even during her passionate adolescence, she formed no truly unforgettable memories.

For most people, turning eighteen meant romance, challenges, and exploring the vast unknown.

But Zhu Yu simply enrolled in the university she had always expected, pursued a major she loved, and spent her days immersed in mechanical parts, with virtually no new social interactions.

If she hadn’t met Bai Shuzhou, even after transmigrating to another world, she likely would have remained in some small city, continuing her research, eking out a living, and living out her days in quiet obscurity.

Now, however, she craved more—to stand by Bai Shuzhou’s side, share in her brilliance, and shoulder her burdens.

She had originally believed that simply returning to Feng Jiyan would be enough.

Feng Jiyan, to Zhu Yu, was an absolute sanctuary, a place of shelter and safety. Returning there meant security.

But arriving here brought Zhu Yu none of the sense of security she had expected. Only in places where Bai Shuzhou’s presence lingered could she find even a sliver of peace.

Feng Jiyan arrived quickly. He glanced at Zhu Yu in surprise, and she returned his gaze.

Her once-bright black eyes now lacked their usual luster. In her confusion, she inadvertently revealed a hint of aggression, like a young beast lurking outside its den, baring its teeth in a futile display of ferocity.

Feng Jiyan controlled the Academy of Sciences, making her the prime suspect.

Those scars from the surgeries… what exactly did you do to her?!

Her gaze deepened, still carrying the unique scent of Bai Shuzhou—a faint woody fragrance that escaped through the gaps between her fingers, where she clutched something tightly in her palm.

She remained utterly unaware of how terrifying she appeared. The incongruous white protective suit, far from diminishing her aura, only intensified the oppressive atmosphere around her, making the palpable killing intent almost tangible. Passing researchers instinctively fell silent and detoured around her.

Soon after, Feng Jiyan emerged, his face ashen. Seeing Zhu Yu, his brow furrowed even deeper.

“How is she?”

“We need to talk.”

Both spoke almost simultaneously.

In the office, electronic barriers silently rose, sealing off external surveillance. Feng Jiyan impatiently tapped her fingers on the desk, her fox tail drooping.

“Your Majesty has manipulated us all,” she declared coldly, her voice tinged with anger at being deceived.

Zhu Yu: “That’s not what I’m concerned about. How is the Princess?”

“She’s not in critical condition. It’s just memory regression caused by abnormal Mental Power fluctuations. We’re still determining whether it was triggered by trauma or medication, but her levels remain within normal parameters.”

As the de facto head of the Academy of Sciences, Feng Jiyan spoke with detached nonchalance, as if the matter held no personal significance for her.

Zhu Yu: “Memory regression? To what period exactly? When will she recover?”

“We’re working on restoring her memories at the Academy. If all goes well, about a week. But,” Feng Jiyan raised her gaze, fixing Zhu Yu with a piercing stare, “Your Majesty seems reluctant to let us proceed, fearing further harm to the Princess.”

This was a transparent, clumsy excuse.

“A teenage Princess, her mother recently deceased, regressing to a time when all her tragedies began, forced to rely entirely on her only sister…” Feng Jiyan’s smile twisted into something both amused and icy. “How fascinating. How utterly endearing.”

The entire Interstellar community knew how deeply Bai Qianze cherished her younger sister. They were each other’s only family in the world.

Bai Shuzhou preferred tranquility. When Bai Qianze fell ill, no matter how busy the Emperor was with state affairs, she would stay by her side day and night, sleepless and tireless… Sister.

“Did Bai Qianze do this?”

“I never said that,” Feng Jiyan shrugged innocently. “She just loves her too much.”

She deliberately emphasized the word “love,” her gaze locked on Zhu Yu like a spider observing its prey’s reaction, waiting.

“So, the Princess’s life isn’t in danger, but what about her legs? Will the treatment be painful?”

“Stop.” Feng Jiyan frowned, displeased at losing control of the conversation.

She raised a hand to halt Zhu Yu, her gesture radiating the arrogance and refinement characteristic of the nobility:

“First, I deeply regret the Princess’s injuries. However, I don’t handle external wounds; my expertise lies in brain science. Second, don’t doubt the technological capabilities of the Imperial Royal Academy of Sciences. You should worry more about yourself.”

“Huh?” Zhu Yu frowned, racking her brain. The biggest problem she faced was that Bai Shuzhou seemed to have completely forgotten about herself.

Feng Jiyan’s voice dripped with disappointment. “Need I remind you? There are only six days left until you sign the divorce papers.”

She sneered. “And of course, the Princess loses her memory at this precise moment…”

She paused meaningfully. “Think about it. When has Your Majesty ever supported your relationship? Once you’re divorced and lose the Princess’s protection, do you really think you can escape unscathed from all your past deeds?”

“You’ve clearly done your fair share of work for the Emperor, haven’t you?”

Her voice lowered, each word a poisoned dart. “But what has all your life-risking combat earned you? The Princess doesn’t belong to you, the Emperor distrusts you, the nobles despise you, and even Izalia, your most ardent supporter, has been betrayed by you—”

“You should know that your position rightfully belonged to your former superior, Izalia. She and the Princess are childhood sweethearts, destined for each other.”

Feng Jiyan watched with satisfaction as Zhu Yu’s face gradually paled. “Once you’re gone, the Princess will naturally reunite with Izalia. The most powerful knight and her princess—what a perfect union of strength and strength.”

“I don’t understand,” Zhu Yu murmured after a moment of silence, sidestepping Feng Jiyan’s provocation. Her voice was hoarse. “I don’t understand why Your Majesty would turn against her own family for such a reason.”

Zhu Yu also had a sister. She found it hard to believe that Bai Qianze would risk his only sister’s life for such an absurd reason. Was it merely to control her?

“Don’t be naive,” Feng Jiyan sneered. “This is the way of emperors.”

Bai Qianze had indeed eagerly anticipated his sister’s birth. But Bai Shuzhou’s talent was simply too astonishing. If not for her severe genetic condition, she would undoubtedly be sitting on the throne in this martial-supremacy Empire.

Moreover, Bai Shuzhou’s SSS-Rank data had been detected when she was only six years old—the maximum possible score, not her true potential.

In contrast, Bai Qianze had barely reached the threshold of SSS-Rank after his adult differentiation.

As Crown Princes, they were constantly compared.

Could Bai Qianze truly harbor no resentment after all these years? Feng Jiyan certainly didn’t believe it. The sisters’ close relationship was the only thing that genuinely surprised her.

When Bai Shuzhou found herself stranded abroad, she didn’t contact the Emperor first; instead, she reached out to Feng Jiyan. Feng Jiyan was ecstatic.

Bai Shuzhou undoubtedly trusted her sister deeply, but human hearts are fragile. Once a crack of suspicion appears, it inevitably widens.

Moreover, they were caught in a power struggle, destined for conflict and division.

Seeing the cracks in Zhu Yu’s eyes where her faith had shattered, Feng Jiyan knew the moment was ripe. He approached her with elegant grace, like a persuasive mentor, and coaxed, “Listen, you must use these next few days to win the Princess’s favor and secure external support. Make her abandon the divorce and support the smooth advancement of our medical initiatives.”

“This is your only choice.”

He had laid out the situation with perfect clarity. Zhu Yu had no reason to refuse.

But Shao Wei, her hands clasped behind her back, pondered for a long time before asking in a hoarse voice, “Will this put the Princess in any danger?”

She couldn’t forget the Princess’s horrifying scars. If remembering meant reliving that pain… she would rather the Princess abandon those memories altogether.

“……”

Feng Jiyan stared at Zhu Yu in disbelief, as if she had seen a ghost. It was hard to imagine that someone as ruthless as Zhu Yu could return from exile transformed into a lovesick fool.

What exactly was in the Chaos Zone that could cause such a drastic change in a person? The irony was almost comical.

But no matter. This meant Zhu Yu’s weakness had become glaringly obvious, eliminating the need for any further guesswork.

“A doctor’s heart is benevolent,” Feng Jiyan said, instantly donning a mask of false benevolence, her tone warm yet subtly pointed. “We simply wish to help the Princess regain her health and reclaim her rightful place.”

She suddenly shifted her tone. “Of course, that depends on whether Your Majesty approves, and the only one who can wield this ‘surgical blade’…”

She paused meaningfully. “Besides Your Majesty, only I can.”

So, you have no choice but to rely on me.

A cunning glint flashed in her fox eyes. “I’m just curious why this is happening now. Did the Princess say something after returning? Like a canary tightly held in a cage suddenly trying to fly free, only to have its wings clipped…?”

“Zhu Yu, you’ve always held a special place in the Princess’s heart, haven’t you?” Feng Jiyan said with a smile, praising her to the skies.

“Ah, Zhu Yu, because of you, the Princess defied the Emperor. And because of you, she brought about her own destruction.”

From the moment Feng Jiyan began investigating Zhu Yu’s abduction of the Princess, he sensed something was amiss.

The Emperor’s control over Bai Shuzhou was absolute. From childhood, every aspect of her life had been meticulously planned and managed. Yet, despite her furious reaction to the Princess’s disappearance, the Emperor refrained from deploying the highest-level search teams.

Had the Military been mobilized, even if it meant flattening the entire universe, the Princess would have been recovered within hours.

But the Emperor chose not to take such drastic measures.

Initially, Feng Jiyan assumed Bai Qianze intended to use him to eliminate Zhu Yu discreetly, ensuring Bai Shuzhou wouldn’t discover the plot and become enraged.

It was natural for a young princess, raised in a gilded cage, to rebel and yearn for the outside world. But what if that world was dangerous, and a scoundrel had kidnapped her?

Would a canary, raised in captivity, still long for such a filthy world?

How could Zhu Yu, a mere commoner, have abducted the Princess without leaving a trace?

Feng Jiyan, tasked with conducting a sweeping investigation, had uncovered numerous pests from the Northern District, the Southern District’s counterpart. Even the Grey Wolf Heir had been imprisoned for interrogation.

Everyone believed Feng Jiyan was merely flexing her authority, eliminating dissidents under the Emperor’s shadow. She suffered in silence, overwhelmed by her workload and forced to deal with the Academy of Sciences’ chaotic mess.

The Emperor expected Feng Jiyan to handle the dirty work, yet refused to grant her greater authority. How could she possibly accept such a situation?

Zhu Yu was an unpredictable variable for everyone involved.

The haughty nobles had always looked down on Zhu Yu, yet it was she who repeatedly accomplished feats beyond their reach.

“The Princess loves you so dearly, Zhu Yu. Don’t disappoint her.”

Feng Jiyan approached gracefully, placing a hand on Zhu Yu’s shoulder and forcing her to meet her gaze. “When she chose you, she took a great risk. What outrageous act has she committed now to provoke such anger?”

“Your cowardice and inferiority will eventually harm her.” The devilish whisper echoed in Zhu Yu’s ear.

Shao Wei’s expression turned icy, as if covered in frost. She clenched her fists, her knuckles white, and asked in a low voice, “What do you want me to do?”

Feng Jiyan wouldn’t have said so much without a plan. Zhu Yu didn’t trust her, but at that moment, she trusted Bai Qianze even less. They shared a common enemy.

“It’s simple. I’ll help you,” Feng Jiyan said with a satisfied smile.

“Your Majesty certainly doesn’t want you contacting the Princess again. You’ll need a little assistance—the voice of the people, for example.”

As a civilian star, this was Zhu Yu’s greatest asset.

Since her reputation had spread, even the number of people enlisting in the military and applying to military academies had increased significantly.

“You’re riding high after the auction, and the Federation is interested in cooperation. The Beastman smuggling scandal has caused too much damage. Unless you step forward to clarify some rumors…”

“As far as I know, you have good relationships with certain Federation officers. By working together, we can maximize our mutual benefits. This is also what the people desire.”

Feng Jiyan’s magnetic voice delivered the final lure: “If you do as I say, you’ll gain the Federation’s support. Even Your Majesty won’t dare to separate you two rashly.”

“At least, during this sensitive time, no one will dare to touch you. I’ll help you too, Zhu Yu.”

What a perfect plan.

Zhu Yu gazed at her, recalling Bai Shuzhou’s words as she carefully analyzed them, her hand clasped in Zhu Yu’s. Even in her exhaustion, Bai Shuzhou had insisted on delivering these warnings.

Could she have sensed something? Zhu Yu wondered. But if she knew the truth, what expression would she wear when facing the sister she had always adored?

Zhu Yu clenched her palm, as if still feeling Bai Shuzhou’s icy touch and the faint scent of roses lingering there.

“Alright,” Zhu Yu murmured, her fingertips lightly tracing Feng Jiyan’s palm as she extended her hand. “Pleasure doing business with you.”

Feng Jiyan remained silent.

His plan rapidly unfolded.

The next day, everyone learned that the Princess and Zhu Yu had both lost their memories after their bonding. The Princess, a frail Omega, had even fallen seriously ill and was receiving treatment at the Academy of Sciences.

Simultaneously, the Life Tree report and their compatibility scores became the subject of intense scrutiny.

Humanity’s struggle with reproduction after extensive genetic modifications had led to the development of the Life Tree’s auxiliary system. Its primary function was to identify suitable bonding pairs, essentially genetic matchmaking with an exceptionally low error rate.

While cross-spectrum compatibility was common, Zhu Yu’s D-Rank matching with an SSS-Rank was unprecedented.

Statistically speaking, it was like not buying a lottery ticket and still winning a billion-credit jackpot.

The magic of love, so often praised in songs, had now backfired. People couldn’t help but wonder if something had gone wrong along the way.

Bai Shuzhou’s carefully crafted “amnesia” narrative, intended to protect Zhu Yu upon her admission to the hospital, had unexpectedly become a boomerang at this critical moment.

Feng Jiyan, having skillfully manipulated public opinion and completed his satisfying counterattack loop, was in high spirits. He personally drafted a speech for Zhu Yu.

Reclaiming the Chaos Zone, rescuing Beastmen from remote interstellar regions, crushing Star Pirates, the underdog’s triumph over captivity… Each of these points was enough to ignite public sentiment and fuel multiple blockbuster propaganda films.

Such perfect momentum—how could he possibly let it go to waste?

If Zhu Yu claimed all the credit for herself, cooperated with the Federation, and delivered a tearful performance of deep affection, even the Emperor would be forced to compromise under public pressure.

With everything in place, Feng Jiyan was exceptionally pleased with his arrangements. The initial draft of Zhu Yu’s speech remained in his hand, while a backup plan lay to his left—a speech designed to exacerbate the conflict between commoners and nobles.

The Empire’s rigid system, where the upper and middle classes were almost entirely monopolized by nobles, had long been a source of public discontent.

Zhu Yu had become a double-edged sword, a fuse that could ignite anywhere.

Fox Eyes’ eyes curved into crescent moons as she raised her hand, brimming with confidence, and gently swirled the wine in her glass.

The media was already in place. To prevent interference from the Imperial family, she had opted for an interstellar live broadcast.

The stage Feng Jiyan had built for Zhu Yu’s speech was no smaller than the auction hall. She thrived in such grand, bustling settings.

Under countless dazzling lights, Zhu Yu’s appearance—from her clean, approachable attire to every detail—had been meticulously crafted by a professional team.

Instead of military uniform, which would have reminded the Imperial citizens of her sacrifices on the battlefield, they chose a more gentle, everyday look.

A simple white blouse and a high ponytail—these ubiquitous elements softened the young woman’s sharp edges. The Great British Heroine, currently the most celebrated figure in the interstellar realm, presented herself with such approachable charm.

Through the glass, Feng Jiyan gazed at Zhu Yu’s slightly distorted silhouette behind the podium and chuckled with satisfaction.

Everything was proceeding according to plan.

In this protracted game of strategy, victory would ultimately be hers.

Feng Jiyan had always known she couldn’t lose, nor should she. Though her beast form was merely a fox—a creature easily preyed upon by any predator—she refused to be underestimated.

They were inherently unable to contend with ferocious beasts like tigers and dragons. Every encounter filled them with primal fear, leaving them no choice but to kneel before the imperial authority—utterly humiliated.

But why?

The times had changed. Wisdom and science were now paramount! She seemed to glimpse the dawn of victory, envisioning Feng Jiyan leading them to the pinnacle of power.

Zhu Yu’s voice was slightly hoarse. Since Bai Shuzhou fell ill, she seemed to have matured overnight. Even backstage, she didn’t casually slump down to rest as she used to.

If the Zhu Yu of the past had been a sword with its edge fully exposed, she now concealed her sharpness, smiling warmly at everyone.

Following her prepared speech, she first thanked all those who had shown concern for the unfolding events, then vehemently condemned the Star Pirates and called for peace among nations.

Feng Jiyan’s speech draft was undeniably stirring.

Many in the audience were already moved to tears, as if Zhu Yu’s words had transported them into the heart of the conflict, fighting alongside her.

Feng Jiyan chuckled softly, observing the impassioned expressions of the crowd through surveillance cameras.

With a mischievous streak, she had preserved subtle details that, should relations with the United States deteriorate, would become sharp blades of extreme prejudice, turning against Zhu Yu.

What expressions will these fools wear then? she wondered. Will they still be so excited? Truly… this is too amusing!

Manipulating hearts was as easy as flipping her hand.

Even Zhu Yu, despite her rise from humble origins, remained trapped by her limited perspective. Like a frog at the bottom of a well, she lacked a grasp of the bigger picture. When faced with danger, she would cling desperately to any straw of salvation.

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind it. Perhaps Zhu Yu would even thank her in the end. The fox’s tail curled upward with glee.