Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 20

20:

Shiniang’s expression darkened. “You were awake the whole time, not unconscious.”

Yun Chi feigned confusion. “No, I just woke up from your noise. Where am I? How’d I get here?”

In truth, she hadn’t slept or fainted.

She’d been preoccupied, trying to recall her cousin’s rants for useful information.

While deep in thought, she saw pebbles flying through the air.

Startled, she tensed, only for a pebble to strike her head by mistake.

Though she didn’t pass out, the pain left her dazed until Shiniang, dodging Yu Lu’s sword, threw her to the ground, snapping her fully awake.

Yu Lu spoke, his tone certain. “So you heard everything.”

This person couldn’t be left alive.

“If I say I didn’t, would you believe me?” Yun Chi stepped back, panicking. Was she about to be silenced?

Yu Lu didn’t reply, drawing his sword, his meaning clear—he didn’t believe her.

“Hold on, Lord Yu, let me ask a few questions first,” Shiniang interjected, stopping him.

Yu Lu frowned, clutching his sword in silence.

Shiniang turned to Yun Chi. “Were you and Her Highness acting?”

Yun Chi’s eyes lit up, nodding eagerly. “Yes, we were acting! You saw through it, you are brilliant! We’re on the same side!”

So, could allies spare allies?

Yu Lu, confused, asked, “What does that mean?” How were they on the same side?

Before Shiniang could share her suspicions, Yun Chi jumped in. “You both want to protect Ye Xuejin, right? So do I. I’d give my life to keep her safe, honestly.”

No way she’d miss her chance to clarify, she didn’t want to end up dead under a blade.

Yu Lu glanced at Shiniang.

Shiniang nodded, explaining quickly, “Last night, when you were looking for the missing packs, she grumbled and took Her Highness away from the group. I’m trained in martial arts, with sharper senses than most. Something felt off, so I checked afterward and found they had been eating.”

Chicken eggs, no less—though where they came from was a mystery.

Yu Lu looked at Yun Chi, surprised. “Is she right?”

“Absolutely, spot on,” Yun Chi nodded vigorously, adding, “I was a beggar before. Starvation scared me, so even in the princess’s mansion, I didn’t dare touch anything. I hid food on me, fearing that lavish life was a dream. Turns out, it was, but hiding food was the right call.”

She sighed dramatically, inwardly shocked.

Shiniang must’ve seen the eggshells. She’d need to be more cautious, no more slip-ups.

Who would have thought Shiniang, a martial artist with keen senses, would inspect their spot?

These ancient folks were terrifying. Luckily, she’d covered her tracks.

Yu Lu asked, “What’s this about acting?”

Yun Chi didn’t answer first, looking at Shiniang—she wanted to know how she’d figured it out.

Shiniang raised a brow. “Her Highness has no new injuries and even protected her.”

At first, she thought Yun Chi’s abuse was real, landing heavy blows. But when she pulled her away, Ye Xuejin’s face showed no swelling, only disheveled hair, and Yun Chi’s hands were covered in dirt.

That raised her suspicions, though she wasn’t sure.

When Yu Lu struck Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin recklessly shielded her, Shiniang realized it was likely all a facade.

Having observed Ye Xuejin from the shadows countless times, she knew the Princess was clear-headed, not someone swayed by love.

Her lady often praised, “Her Highness is flawless,” “She’s calm and wise—I can’t compare,” “Her grace is unmatched…”

So, for Ye Xuejin to protect someone who abused her, despite being mistreated, didn’t add up—she wasn’t a fool.

Yu Lu turned to Yun Chi. “Why protect Her Highness?”

“I love her deeply,” Yun Chi blurted, hoping the excuse held.

Yu Lu and Shiniang looked skeptical, her reason sounded absurd.

Yun Chi coughed, amending, “The Princess promised me ten thousand taels of gold if she’s vindicated.”

Yu Lu and Shiniang nodded. That sounded more reasonable.

Yun Chi was speechless for a moment before turning the question back. “Why are you two protecting her?”

Yu Lu cleared his throat. “It’s my duty.”

Shiniang smiled faintly. “Just can’t stand injustice.”

Yun Chi: “…” Their reasons sounded less convincing than hers.

With everything out in the open, the three lowered their guards, aligning against a common foe.

Yu Lu analyzed it first. “Her Highness’s intervention might quiet Zeng Laosan for a couple of days. He and his backers can’t openly target her, but they won’t stay cautious forever. When pushed, they’ll strike hard.”

Shiniang couldn’t help asking, “Can you confirm who else besides Zeng Laosan was planted here?”

If he was the only threat, why not eliminate him?

“He can’t be killed,” Yu Lu shook his head. “First, I’m not sure if others in the group are also their agents. Second, if he dies, I, a mere eighth-rank jailer, would take the blame. I’m not afraid of death, but it would implicate others.”

On one side, the emperor wanted no blame, staying clean, with backup plans ready.

On the other hand, their patron, a mere minister, couldn’t openly defy the emperor, only protecting in secret.

Yun Chi agreed. “I think so too. Whether Zeng Laosan has accomplices or not, we can’t act rashly. We must stay vigilant and respond as needed.”

Shiniang glanced at Yun Chi. “Then we counter their moves. But let me be clear: anyone who harms Her Highness, I’ll take their head.”

Yu Lu looked at Yun Chi too. “It goes the same with me. If anything happens to Her Highness, no one sees tomorrow’s sun.”

With that, they exchanged a glance and turned back.

Yun Chi: “…”

Who were they giving the warning?

The next day, before dawn, everyone woke up—frozen and starved awake.

Thankfully, the city gate opened soon.

This place was Zhenshan County, named for the mountains at its back.

From here southward stretched endless mountain ranges, spanning thousands of li without plains.

The steep terrain and poor roads meant few merchants passed through, making the southern regions increasingly remote and impoverished.

As the gate opened, two soldiers guarding it spotted the exile group. Noticing eight or nine young women, they exchanged a look and eagerly approached.