Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 16

16:

Under the moonlight, standing so close, Yun Chi stared at Ye Xuejin’s face, catching the captivating smile.

Ye Xuejin was indeed the beauty her cousin had lamented over for half a day, her face truly deserved to be called breathtaking.

Her features were refined and striking, usually marked by a calm indifference that gave her an ethereal, aloof air.

Now, with a smile softening her eyes, the indifference faded, replaced by a gentle warmth, making her appear radiant and wise.

Yun Chi couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. Truly a sight to behold—if such a person perished on this exile journey, it would be a pity.

“What?”

Noticing Yun Chi’s unwavering gaze, Ye Xuejin touched her cheek self-consciously. “Is my face dirty? I’ll wash it at the river.”

The exile journey was harsh, hunger and lack of warmth were the norm, and even washing had become a luxury.

Yun Chi was about to shake her head but thinking of something, nodded instead. “Let’s go together.”

She stood first. With no escorts watching and everyone scattered, it was a rare opportunity.

Why not find a secluded spot to eat their fill?

With that thought, Yun Chi glanced back at the city gate, where only the four Zhou family members remained.

Perfect timing.

She focused, sensing the storage space, and remotely sent four compressed biscuits, then took Ye Xuejin’s hand and hurried away.

Meanwhile, Old Censor Zhou sat cross-legged, eyes closed, pondering the water’s origin. The next moment, he froze, staring in disbelief at the objects on his lap.

Shock surged through him as he quickly pressed his hand over the square items that had appeared out of nowhere.

No wonder he’d felt something land on him.

“Father—” Zhou Qiyue gasped, quickly covering her mouth, eyes wide at his hand.

Old Censor Zhou looked up sharply. “You saw it?”

“Saw what?” Old Madam Zhou asked, confused, looking between them.

He gestured for silence, scanning the area and sighing in relief, only the four of them were there.

“Come with me.” He tucked the items into his robe, picked up his granddaughter, and headed in the opposite direction of the water-fetching group.

Moments later, the four savored the taste, smacking their lips.

The biscuits were delicious—salty and fragrant—but too few, one per person, not enough to fill their stomachs.

Nah, having food at all was something. Old Censor Zhou chastised his greed, recalling the moment, and looked at his daughter.

“Xiao Yue, what did you see just now?”

Zhou Qiyue snapped back, nodding instinctively, then shaking her head. “I only saw something appear on your lap, Father. What’s going on?”

She’d been watching him closely because of the water. Her mother hadn’t explained, only saying he’d gotten it discreetly.

She’d thought she was seeing things until he covered it, confirming she wasn’t mistaken, and couldn’t help exclaiming.

Old Madam Zhou, hearing this, turned to her husband.

Old Censor Zhou wanted to say he didn’t know, but seeing his wife and daughter’s expectant, puzzled gazes, he stroked his disheveled beard, saying gravely, “I’ve always told you to follow the righteous path and hold goodwill, Heaven will aid us. This is the Literary Star Lord blessing our Zhou family.”

What other explanation was there? Heaven couldn’t bear to see his suffering.

Zhou Qiyue gaped. “Father, how do you know it’s the Literary Star Lord?”

Was this her father? Not only blessed by a deity but knowing which one? It felt like a dream.

Old Censor Zhou, exuding confidence, said, “What do you know? I was the top scholar in three exams. Even the late emperor praised me as the Literary Star Lord incarnate. Though I’m no match for Star Lord, I’m worthy to be his celestial attendant.”

Panicked inside, he spun the tale—whether others believed it didn’t matter, as long as it comforted his family and gave them hope.

Zhou Qiyue, awestruck, bowed to her father.

This wasn’t her father, this was the Literary Star Lord’s attendant!

Old Madam Zhou, less gullible than her teenage daughter, found it incredible but seeing his earnestness, pursed her lips and repeatedly cautioned Ying’er not to mention this to anyone.

Elsewhere, Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin walked far enough to see no one and hear nothing before stopping.

Yun Chi let go of Ye Xuejin’s hand, turned her by the shoulders without pretext, and Ye Xuejin cooperatively faced away, not turning back or asking questions.

In a way, they’d reached a silent understanding.

Yun Chi didn’t explain, and Ye Xuejin didn’t ask.

Helping others helps themselves.

Without delay, Yun Chi retrieved two bowls of spicy pea noodles, complete with chopsticks—a thoughtful touch from her golden finger.

“Ye Xuejin.”

At the soft call, Ye Xuejin turned.

Yun Chi handed her a bowl. “Eat quick.”

Ye Xuejin pursed her lips. “Thank you… Consort.” She took the bowl.

In the moonlight, it was clearly a steaming bowl of noodles, the aroma of meat sauce wafting up.

The sauce coated soft peas and chewy noodles, rich and spicy, leaving a lingering taste.

Ye Xuejin glanced up, savoring the meal while studying Yun Chi.

She was spacing out again…

Yun Chi was too distracted to eat. When giving Ye Xuejin the noodles, she’d mentally wished for more food. The result was satisfying.

[Gave one bowl of spicy pea noodles. Please choose a reward: one jin of beef jerky or one jin of pork jerky.]

(1 jin = 500 grams)

She wasn’t picky—either was fine, but…

On a whim, Yun Chi looked up. “Do you prefer beef or pork?”

Ye Xuejin paused, then answered, “Beef.”

Was she planning to conjure beef next?

“Mm, eat up.” Yun Chi dug into her noodles, choosing beef jerky.

After eating, she took back the bowls and chopsticks, stashing them in the storage space behind her back, then retrieved the watermelon juice.

Ye Xuejin didn’t turn away, watching Yun Chi pull the cup from behind, her gaze pausing briefly.

Yun Chi handed it over unfazed. “Drink up.”

This dynamic relaxed Yun Chi, making her feel at ease.

Ye Xuejin was discreet, never asking questions, sparing her the need to explain.

“Thank you, Consort.” Ye Xuejin took it smoothly, her thanks flowing naturally.

The sweet watermelon juice perfectly countered the noodles’ spice.

[Gave half a cup of watermelon juice. Please choose a reward: ten taels of silver or one stun baton.]

Yun Chi’s eyes lit up. She hadn’t wished for anything specific this time, wanting to test her golden finger’s pattern, as some rewards had been timely and essential.

Trusting her gut, she chose the stun baton for emergencies.

Seeing her snap back, Ye Xuejin handed over the remaining juice.

Yun Chi didn’t hesitate, gulping it down.

“Let’s head back now?”

Ye Xuejin nodded. “To the river.” To wash up and be seen, avoiding suspicion.

At the river, prisoners were drinking nearby.

Ye Xuejin bent to wash her face, then froze with a hiss.

“What’s wrong?” Yun Chi turned quickly.

Ye Xuejin pressed her lips, shaking her head. “It’s fine.”

Her wounds had just scabbed, and large movements tugged at them.

Though she didn’t say, Yun Chi could guess.

“Did you pull your wounds?”

Ye Xuejin shook her head again. “It’s nothing.” She could endure the pain.

Yun Chi paused, mentally wishing for a bucket of hot water, then handed her an anti-inflammatory pill. “Your wounds aren’t healed. Take this.”

As Ye Xuejin took it, a glowing text appeared before Yun Chi.

[Gave one anti-inflammatory pill. Please choose a reward: one bucket of hot water or one bucket of warm water.]

Yun Chi’s lips curved, choosing warm water. She mentally wished for two sets of thermal underwear, then reached behind to retrieve a bottle of water. “Drink some more.”