Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 15

15:

The evening breeze blew as Old Madam Zhou pretended to wipe her face with her sleeve, discreetly sipping from the bottle.

The cool water seemed magical, or perhaps it was psychological, but it not only quenched her thirst but also made her feel refreshed, even giving her the strength to lift her legs.

Old Censor Zhou, watching his wife’s expression, felt a pang of sorrow. “Wife, drink more.”

Old Madam Zhou glanced at him, coughed lightly, and turned to her daughter. “Xiao Yue, your father’s tired. Come support me.”

Water was as precious as gold now, how could she bear to drink more?

“Alright.” Zhou Qiyue stepped forward, taking her mother’s arm.

Old Madam Zhou repeated the motion, passing the bottle to her daughter under cover of her sleeve, whispering, “Don’t make a fuss. Act normal, like me.”

Zhou Qiyue was stunned. What had she heard? Her father had gotten water, her mother had drunk it, and now it was in her hands…

When the water touched her lips, she nearly cried. It was real water—delicious, so delicious.

Nearby, Old Censor Zhou approached his son. “Dalang, let me hold Ying’er. Go look after the others.”

“Oh, alright,” Zhou Qishan replied instinctively.

Old Censor Zhou took little Ying’er, whispering, “Ying’er, stop crying. Listen to Grandfather. No matter what happens, don’t make a sound… and don’t tell anyone, or you’ll never get water again.”

He coaxed her repeatedly until her sobs stopped and she responded clearly.

Reassured, he carried her to Zhou Qiyue’s side, clearing his throat.

Zhou Qiyue understood, carefully passing the bottle.

Not far off, Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin watched Old Censor Zhou’s actions since returning—huddling with his wife, calling his daughter over, holding his granddaughter…

They exchanged a glance, both certain of the outcome.

Ye Xuejin unconsciously looked at the person beside her. Her consort indeed had remarkable abilities. She hoped the Zhou family would fare better, pure scholars like Old Censor Zhou shouldn’t be treated so harshly…

Yun Chi, in a good mood, looked away. It had worked, the water had reached Old Censor Zhou. Her “golden finger” had given her another surprise today.

Unexpectedly, their eyes met again.

Yun Chi paused, whispering, “I tried giving a bottle of water. If there’s still no food later, I’ll try again.”

Ye Xuejin shook her head gently. “No rush. Be cautious to avoid suspicion.”

She wanted to help the Zhou family more, but with escorts watching and the Zhou servants unlikely to be discreet, helping quietly like this was already good.

In times like these, something was better than nothing—rushing could backfire.

Yun Chi nodded. “I’ll be careful. For now, I’ll only give to Old Censor Zhou and just help their family.”

She wouldn’t recklessly feed all the prisoners, her supplies weren’t enough anyway.

Besides, on this exile journey with prying eyes and Ye Xuejin’s sensitive identity, she couldn’t take big risks.

Ye Xuejin nodded softly. “Thank you.”

Yun Chi smiled. “Why thank me? I want to help him too.”

A court official in ancient times, risking his safety to defy the emperor in court for women’s rights deserved admiration.

Thinking of this, Yun Chi glanced at Old Censor Zhou’s back. This old man was worth the risk.

“Achoo!” Old Censor Zhou sneezed suddenly, looking around, perhaps guiltily feeling watched.

Little Ying’er, clutching the empty bottle in her arms, looked up at the sneeze, blinking. Grandfather said staying quiet meant a deity would give water. Though she’d already drunk, she didn’t dare speak, fearing no more water.

Noticing her gaze, Old Censor Zhou smiled. “Ying’er, you can talk now, but don’t mention the water to anyone.”

The “deity” excuse was carefully chosen. A child might slip up, but blaming it on supernatural forces, though laughable, was hard to question.

Ying’er hugged the bottle, mimicking his whisper. “Grandfather, what about this?”

The bottle was so light.

Old Censor Zhou glanced at it, whispering, “Is it still there?”

Ying’er replied, “Yes.” She’d been holding it, it was still there.

“Give it to your father quietly later.” As the night deepened, he hadn’t noticed the bottle was empty. He carried Ying’er to Zhou Qishan. “Dalang, take Ying’er. Be careful.”

His son was dependable, like him, so he trusted him.

“Alright.”

Zhou Qishan took his daughter, puzzled. That last “be careful” seemed loaded.

Curious, he examined Ying’er and saw her clutching something.

His heart tightened. Before he could ask, she stuffed it into his arms.

“Father, Grandfather told me to give this to you.”

“Ying’er, walk on your own for a bit,” Zhou Qishan said calmly, setting her down and feeling the object.

He grew more confused. What was this container? It felt empty.

He looked at his daughter.

Ying’er covered her mouth, mumbling, “Grandfather said not to tell.”

Zhou Qishan’s heart clenched. He tucked the empty bottle deeper into his robe. His father must have a reason, he’d follow through.

The night was cold, the wind relentless, making everyone shiver.

Seeing the city gate tower ahead, the group quickened their pace without urging.

At the gate, Shiniang and the girls approached Yu Lu. “Lord Yu, we didn’t make it in time.”

They’d hurried but arrived just as the gates closed.

The group froze. Didn’t make it?

That meant another hungry night.

This was the epitome of adding insult to injury, a leaking roof in a storm.

They’d pinned their hopes on the gate, exhausting themselves to reach it. Shiniang’s words hit like a blow.

The atmosphere fell eerily silent.

Yu Lu knew it wasn’t their fault and reassured them. “There’s a river half a li south. Don’t lose hope, go get water.”

He’d scouted earlier and knew of the river. No food, but at least they could drink.

His words deepened the heavy mood until two escorts grabbed water pouches and headed south, prompting prisoners to follow.

The Mu brothers were first.

Without pouches, prisoners had to go to the river to drink.

Old Censor Zhou waved to the servants. “Go on.”

The Zhou family followed. Zhou Qishan, seeing his parents, sister, and daughter stay behind, touched the empty bottle and realized his father’s intent—he needed to fetch water.

Yu Lu sighed inwardly, telling the remaining escorts, “Follow me with torches to the river.”

He’d seen fish in the river earlier, maybe they could catch some to ease their hunger.

Shiniang subtly glanced at Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin, raising her voice. “Anyone else need water? Give me your pouches.”

The girls followed her closely, unwilling to part.

Shiniang glanced at Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin again, frowning slightly, then left with the girls.

Soon, only Old Censor Zhou, his wife, Zhou Qiyue, Ying’er, Yun Chi, and Ye Xuejin remained at the gate.

Yun Chi asked, “Did Shiniang… just look at us deliberately?”

Ye Xuejin glanced at her water pouch, guessing, “Maybe she meant well.”

Yun Chi looked down, understanding. She might want to fetch water for them but wasn’t sure.

They were strangers, all struggling, wasn’t Shiniang being too kind?

Yun Chi set aside Shiniang’s intentions, moving closer to Ye Xuejin. “Are you hungry? Thirsty?”

Hearing the concern, Ye Xuejin’s lips curved slightly. “Do what’s convenient. Don’t worry about me.”