Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 19

19:

Ye Xuejin paused, softly asking, “Does it hurt?”

Yun Chi instinctively straightened. “Not really.”

As if, she was in agony.

Ye Xuejin pursed her lips. “Use more force next time. I can’t act. Real pain avoids suspicion.”

Earlier, Yun Chi’s blows seemed fierce but were light, only making her hair disheveled and landing a light hit on her shoulder, even whispering for her to cry out…

Yun Chi stopped. “You think Zeng Laosan saw through our act?”

Ye Xuejin considered. “There might be other reasons.”

Yun Chi looked puzzled. Other reasons?

The night deepened, cold winds blowing.

Ye Xuejin gazed at the bright moon, saying slowly, “I should be more miserable, perhaps even die on the road, to fulfill his wishes.”

“Who’s he?” Yun Chi asked instinctively.

Ye Xuejin turned to her. “Who do you think, Consort, dares to treat this princess so?”

In the moonlight, she appeared as usual—calm eyes, faint expression—but her aura was starkly different, no longer submissive, her true self emerging, confident and composed.

Yun Chi’s heart tightened. If Ye Xuejin had said “who would,” she might not have understood.

But she said “who dares.”

It clicked. No wonder sorting through the original consort’s memories felt off.

The embroidered ball just happened to land in the original consort’s hands, the emperor just happened to be incognito, and with “no jest from a ruler,” Ye Xuejin’s consort had to be a beggar.

The emperor was the problem!

The one who wanted Ye Xuejin dead was the emperor!

Yun Chi froze. If the emperor was the mastermind, how did the heroine later convince him to clear Ye Xuejin’s name?

Seeing Yun Chi’s realization, Ye Xuejin’s beautiful face flashed with self-mockery.

“Consort, do you still think my name can be cleared?”

Yun Chi dodged the question, asking instead, “Do you have a close friend, the prime minister’s beloved daughter?”

Ye Xuejin frowned, unsure why she mentioned her friend, but nodded.

“She’s like a sister to you and had a past with the emperor, correct?”

“That’s true.”

Yun Chi relaxed slightly. Her cousin had mentioned the person who cleared Ye Xuejin’s name—the story’s heroine, the prime minister’s daughter, and Ye Xuejin’s sister-like friend.

Whatever she did, since this person existed, the plot should hold.

With this in mind, Yun Chi said, “After tonight, eleven days remain. You’ll be vindicated.”

Ye Xuejin stared at her. “Why?”

Yun Chi replied, “Trust me.”

With that, Ye Xuejin asked no more.

They fell silent, heading back to the city gate.

Moments later, two figures emerged from under a nearby tree.

“Father, the Princess…” Zhou Qishan trailed off, shocked.

Old Censor Zhou nodded knowingly. “You saw right. That’s the Princess—or rather, the true Princess.”

Majestic and imposing, the Princess He’an.

He had nearly misjudged her.

They’d planned to return after their talk but saw Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin approaching and hesitated to reveal themselves.

Zhou Qishan struggled to process. “You guessed earlier?”

Old Censor Zhou stroked his beard. “Not at first. It was when the Princess stood to protect the consort that I sensed something off.”

To the unaware, she might seem a weak woman lost in love, muddled.

But as a courtier who’d witnessed the embroidered ball farce, he knew there was no affection between Ye Xuejin and Yun Chi.

If Ye Xuejin were broken by setbacks, her submissive demeanor might be believable.

But to say she was so enamored with a beggar consort that she’d face an escort’s wrath for her? That he didn’t buy.

Zhou Qishan shook his head, more confused. “What about the consort?”

From their talk, the beatings were an act?

Old Censor Zhou’s gaze sharpened. “Keep watching. For now, follow your sister’s lead.”

Perhaps their Zhou family might return to the capital one day…

Zhou Qishan’s breath caught. “I understand.”

The night deepened, cold winds relentless, everyone huddled together, sleeping fitfully.

Some prisoners, too cold to sleep, muttered complaints.

“This wretched weather.”

“I’m freezing to death.”

Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin, in thermal underwear, fared better but still clung close.

Suddenly, pebbles flew, precisely striking each person’s neck.

Silence fell instantly.

Shiniang scanned the group, strode to Yun Chi, grabbed her collar, and dragged her away.

Behind, Yu Lu opened his hand, dropping a pebble, and quietly followed.

At the river, Shiniang was about to dunk Yun Chi’s head in the water.

“Stop!” Yu Lu shouted, drawing his sword and slashing her arm.

Shiniang released Yun Chi, dodging swiftly.

“Lord Yu hides his skill well,” she said, having been outmaneuvered.

Yu Lu replied, “Likewise.”

Shiniang’s lips curved, her smile eerie in the moonlight. “I grew up in an escort agency, with only rudimentary skills—not half as good as yours.”

“Why harm her?”

“I can’t stand those who bully women.”

Yu Lu’s brow twitched, testing her. “I can ensure Her Highness won’t be mistreated again, save for verbal abuse.”

Meaning, if Yun Chi struck Ye Xuejin again, he’d intervene.

After a moment’s stare, Shiniang fell silent.

Yu Lu studied her, sheathing his sword. “If you’re smart, you know killing her isn’t wise.”

If Yun Chi died, Zeng Laosan and his backers would devise new schemes.

Keeping her alive allowed them to counter moves.

Shiniang’s tone softened. “I didn’t plan to kill, I just want to ask questions.”

She wasn’t foolish; she knew open attacks were easier to dodge than hidden ones.

Though unspoken, they recognized their shared goal—enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Yu Lu offered, “Ask. I’ll watch.”

As long as she caused no trouble, an ally was welcome.

“Why not listen too?” Shiniang said meaningfully, approaching Yun Chi.

But the supposedly unconscious Yun Chi scrambled up.

“I’m awake. Say what you want, don’t come closer!” She crossed her arms, looking terrified.