Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 25

25:

Yun Chi’s eyes snapped open as she registered the situation. She quickly stowed the cotton blankets.

At that moment, a figure broke through the rain curtain and entered, it was Shiniang.

Seeing Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin lying close together on the ground, with Yun Chi’s hand resting on Ye Xuejin’s waist, Shiniang paused, immediately turning away. “This commoner is sorry for the offense. Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

With no outsiders present, she softened her usual sharpness, showing due respect to Ye Xuejin.

“It’s no problem, Shiniang. You needn’t be so formal. Turn around,” came Ye Xuejin’s calm voice.

Only then did Shiniang turn back.

Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin stood side by side—one warm like the morning sun, the other cool like the evening moon. Together, they seemed like the sun and moon in harmony, a serene and beautiful sight.

The thought flickered through Shiniang’s mind that this beggar sometimes seemed quite a match for Her Highness, but she quickly dismissed it and handed over the items she carried.

“This rain might last a while. Your Highness, please eat something.”

Ye Xuejin gently shook her head. “Take it back and share it with the others. The consort and I can manage.”

“Your Highness…”

“Go ahead.”

Shiniang turned to leave but paused at the cave entrance, saying stiffly, “Your Highness, may I borrow Yun Chi for a moment?”

Ye Xuejin’s gaze shifted slightly, her tone firm. “Yun Chi is the consort I’ve chosen. We are one, sharing honor and disgrace alike.”

“Forgive me, Your Highness. Forgive me, Princess’ Consort.” Shiniang, catching the meaning in Ye Xuejin’s words, quickly apologized.

Ye Xuejin looked at Yun Chi. “Consort?”

Yun Chi understood she was being asked for her opinion and smiled. “It’s fine. I’ll be right back.”

Truthfully, she didn’t care about being called “consort” or not. It didn’t matter how others addressed her, only ten days remained.

Once Ye Xuejin returned to the capital, Yun Chi would have fulfilled her role and could step back.

Outside the cave, under the rock wall to avoid the rain, Shiniang restrained her urge to scold and said brusquely, “There’s some dry straw in the cave where I’m resting. Come with me to get some to pad your spot.”

The cave floor was all stone, hard and cold.

Last night, after deciding to rest here, she had taken the girls to gather plenty of dry straw to spread on the ground, just before the rain hit. Otherwise, they’d have suffered even more.

Recalling the scene she’d just witnessed, Shiniang felt exasperated. Those two had slept on the cold ground! The princess, delicate and noble, might not think of such things, but this so-called consort, a beggar by origin, lacked even basic sense.

What a useless beggar.

Shiniang wanted to reprimand Yun Chi further but, mindful of Ye Xuejin’s words, held her temper.

No matter why the princess protected Yun Chi, she had to obey and not act against her wishes.

Yun Chi shook her head. “No need. It’s pouring, and the straw would get soaked. I’m tough, I can handle it.”

She’d noticed Shiniang was nearly drenched from coming over.

She wasn’t about to get wet herself. What if she caught a cold? She had no spare clothes.

Besides, they had blankets; they didn’t need straw.

Shiniang tried to hold back but couldn’t. Lowering her voice, she said, “You might be tough, but Her Highness is delicate. If you’re worried about the straw getting wet, tuck it under your clothes.”

Yun Chi was speechless for a moment, rolling her eyes before heading back to the cave.

Delicate? They were sharing the same blanket, far cozier than straw.

Tuck it under her clothes? For some straw? That was absurd. She was worried about getting herself wet.

Seeing Yun Chi roll her eyes and leave, Shiniang pressed her temples. She’d chosen to speak to Yun Chi alone, thinking the princess might not agree to let her go through the trouble.

But Yun Chi refused too. How did the princess end up with such a consort?

With the rain unrelenting, the escorts stayed in the caves to rest, still not distributing food.

First, with no end to the rain in sight, their food supplies were limited and needed to be rationed.

Second, the prisoners had bought some supplies in Zhenshan County, enough for a few meals, so the escorts decided to hold off for now.

Thus, like the previous night, the Mu brothers ate quietly, Shiniang’s group managed on their own, and everyone ate what they had.

In the cave, Ye Xuejin saw Yun Chi return and gave her a questioning look.

“It’s nothing. Let’s eat something quickly.”

To avoid attracting attention with the smell, Yun Chi took out compressed biscuits.

“These are called compressed biscuits. Eat them with some water, and they’ll keep you full.”

Yun Chi gave a brief explanation, watching Ye Xuejin expectantly while silently wishing for more food.

Ye Xuejin seemed to sense something, giving her a deep look before eating slowly.

This person always seemed eager to watch her eat, even hoping she’d eat and drink more…

[Given two compressed biscuits. Please choose your reward: one box of fresh bread or one box of instant noodles.]

[Given half a bottle of mineral water. Please choose your reward: one compressed biscuit or one compressed biscuit.]

Yun Chi: “…”

She knew the rewards for mineral water were getting less valuable, but one biscuit as a reward? That was stingy.

She wanted the noodles, but the smell could cause trouble. For convenience, she chose the bread.

The escorts were right—most had some food, except the Zhou family.

The Zhou servants, seeing the family of five not eating, knew they’d go hungry for breakfast.

By noon, with Censor Zhou and the others still absent, the old steward finally went to ask.

The answer was grim: they had no food left and could only hope the escorts would distribute some.

The steward left, soaked and disheartened.

Zhou Qishan worried, “Father, what if the escorts don’t give us food?”

Censor Zhou tugged his beard, frowning silently. What could they do? He had no answers.

Old Madam Zhou sighed. “What else can we do? Go hungry. Or wait for the rain to ease and see if there’s anything edible in these mountains.”

Zhou Qishan’s face was bitter. “What’s there to eat here? Are we really going to eat grass roots and tree bark?”

Censor Zhou snapped, “What’s wrong with grass roots and tree bark? It’s enough to survive.”

At this point, were they worried about digestion?

Chastised, Zhou Qishan sat quietly by the cave entrance, no longer asking.

In the silence, little Ying’er piped up, “Grandfather, are grass roots and tree bark tasty? Can I eat them now? I’m so hungry.”

Censor Zhou’s lips twitched, unable to respond.

Hearing her niece, Zhou Qiyue’s nose stung. Ignoring propriety, she said, “Father, has the Literary Star abandoned us?”

Censor Zhou’s eyes lit up, then dimmed. “Who can speak with the affairs of gods? Perhaps Literaty Star Lord is too busy and forgot.”

Her words reminded him of the bottle of water that appeared out of nowhere and the four filling pastries.

But he didn’t know the circumstances or whether such luck would come again.

At the cave entrance, Zhou Qishan overheard, confused. “What Literary Star?”

Censor Zhou stroked his beard, adopting a profound air. “Didn’t Ying’er give it to you last time? That transparent, lightweight bottle and the water inside were gifts from the Literary Star Lord. You weren’t there, but he also granted us some pastries.”

“Water? What water? Wasn’t it an empty bottle?” Zhou Qishan’s voice rose. “And pastries!”

A god had granted his family water and pastries, and he hadn’t tasted a thing.

An empty bottle? Censor Zhou froze, clearing his throat awkwardly. “Why are you shouting? Next time, you’ll get a taste.”

Zhou Qishan’s heart sank. Would there even be a next time?

They’d gone hungry for two meals.

“Father, am I still your son?”

Everyone else had eaten and drunk, and he hadn’t even smelled it.

Censor Zhou’s face darkened. “You’re not my son.”

Zhou Qishan: “!!!” What? He wasn’t his son?

“You’re your mother’s son, you muddled fool.”

Zhou Qishan: “…” Couldn’t he speak without pausing like that? He almost believed it.

Seeing her father and brother bicker, Zhou Qiyue said listlessly, “If you have the energy to argue, pray to the gods instead. Maybe the Literary Star Lord will hear us and send food once he’s free.”

“Makes sense.” Feeling desperate, Censor Zhou knelt on the ground, praying to the heavens.

The others exchanged glances and joined him.

They were starving anyway, might as well pray. It gave them hope, and maybe it would work.

Sadly, they prayed until noon, and even when the rain stopped, no divine favor came.

Censor Zhou sighed deeply. “Dalang, take everyone to look for food outside.”

Old Madam Zhou cautioned, “The ground’s slippery from the rain. Don’t go far. Grass roots and tree bark won’t hurt.”

“Seems the Literary Star Lord is too busy,” Zhou Qiyue said, disappointed, standing up. “I’ll go with Big Brother.”

Once the rain stopped, everyone left the caves—some to breathe fresh air, others to forage.

Yu Lu stared at the cloudy sky, his heart heavy with worry.

He wanted to get far from Zhenshan County quickly, but another rain could leave them stranded without even a cave for shelter.

Yet staying put made him uneasy, fearing Cai might catch up.

He even suspected Cai’s men were already tailing them, hidden in the shadows.

After much hesitation, Yu Lu gritted his teeth and called everyone to eat quickly and prepare to move.

Rather than give Cai time to plan, it was better for both sides to be in disarray, it might keep them safer.

Yun Chi, sensing the urgency, handed Ye Xuejin a compressed biscuit.

Ye Xuejin didn’t eat it, handing it back. “This biscuit is very filling. I’m not hungry yet.”

Yun Chi paused, then firmly pressed it back. “Keep it. Eat when you’re hungry.”

How could she take it back? No wonder the reward hadn’t appeared, Ye Xuejin hadn’t accepted it.

Ye Xuejin pursed her lips. “Consort, do you have more of these filling foods?”

Yun Chi replied casually, “Some. Why?”

Ye Xuejin quietly tucked the biscuit into her sleeve.

Yun Chi, as hoped, received two more compressed biscuits. Though the rewards’ value decreased with repetition, trading one for two was still a good deal.

Ye Xuejin said slowly, “The Zhou family probably has no food left.”

Yun Chi understood immediately.

“I’ll find a chance to try.”

Ye Xuejin’s fingers tightened silently, her gaze complex as she looked at Yun Chi. “Consort, aren’t you going to ask why?”

She’d said before that helping once was already generous.

Yet now she’d brought it up again.

Yun Chi smiled. “No need. If you want to help someone, just tell me. If I can help and it’s convenient, I will.”

Do good deeds and don’t worry about the future.

She was willing to help within her means.

Ye Xuejin watched her smile, her bright eyes, and couldn’t help but curve her lips. “Earlier, I saw the Zhou siblings digging for roots, but the escorts stopped them.”

Likely, the escorts feared they’d eat poisonous or contaminated plants.

“They’re digging roots to eat?” Yun Chi was surprised. She’d seen them but thought they were gathering herbs, not food.

Ye Xuejin nodded. “Likely so.”

She then recounted what happened at the post station after Yun Chi left, including how the Zhou family’s only remaining assets were the gold locket and a jade pendant, and how Old Madam Zhou had paid her respects in private.

In times of crisis, those who still acknowledged her as the princess, didn’t kick her when she was down, and showed genuine kindness earned her regard.

Of course, this regard stemmed from the confidence Yun Chi gave her. Otherwise, she’d be too busy surviving to help others.

Yun Chi glanced at the Zhou family and saw Zhou Qiyue muttering to the air, looking delirious. Was she starving mad?

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this. As long as you’re not starving, I can help them.”

As long as she kept feeding Ye Xuejin, the rewards would keep coming, no big deal.

Ye Xuejin froze, finding the words odd but oddly warming.

After a moment, she took Yun Chi’s hand, earnestly saying, “Consort, thank you.”

If she ever cleared her name, she’d repay her consort with the best the world could offer.

Yun Chi chuckled. “No need to thank me.”

Ye Xuejin’s breath caught, and she lowered her eyes, warmth silently spreading in her heart.

Yes, this was her consort. They were one, inseparable.

Thoughts swirled, and her heart seemed to bloom with soft, fuzzy flowers, swaying in the breeze, lifting her spirits.

Soon, the group set off.

The post-rain mountain paths were slippery, but everyone was cautious, and no accidents occurred.

Two hours later, nearing dusk, Yu Lu didn’t stop, planning to continue until dark.

Most prisoners managed, but the Zhou family struggled.

After a night of hunger and cold, followed by another day without food, many were exhausted.

Yun Chi kept looking for a chance to help, but the narrow path mixed escorts and prisoners closely together.

Censor Zhou was right beside Zeng Laosan, and Old Madam Zhou was supported by Zhou Qishan and a servant.

The two steadiest Zhou family members were inaccessible, so Yun Chi didn’t dare act.

Zhou Qiyue’s legs felt heavy, and leading little Ying’er, she lagged behind.

Ye Xuejin subtly tightened her grip on Yun Chi’s hand.

Yun Chi shook her head, signaling she hadn’t found an opportunity.

Just then, Zhou Qiyue cried out, “Ying’er… Ying’er!”

Little Ying’er, exhausted, had fainted.

Unlike adults who could push through with willpower, a five-year-old lacked such resilience.

The Zhou family turned back, wanting to rush to her.

“No one moves back! Keep going!” Yu Lu shouted, decisively drawing his whip. “Hurry, we’ll rest after this narrow stretch.”

The path was too narrow, chaos could lead to a dangerous pile-up or someone falling off the mountain.

The Zhou family looked to Censor Zhou.

Censor Zhou said gravely, “Listen to the lord. Move.”

Relieved that Censor Zhou wasn’t reckless, Yu Lu softened his tone. “Speed up. The escorts in the back will take turns carrying the child.”

Order was restored.

The stretch wasn’t long, and as dusk fell, the path widened.

Yu Lu ordered a rest, and Censor Zhou and the others rushed to Ying’er.

Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin exchanged a glance and moved closer.

Fortunately, Censor Zhou knew some medical skills. After checking Ying’er’s pulse, he reassured, “Ying’er just fainted from hunger. She’s fine.”

But the Zhou family found no comfort in this. Fainting from hunger wasn’t serious?

They had no food left and had been starving for a day and a night.

They felt like they could devour a whole cow.

Censor Zhou knew food was critical now.

Tugging his beard, he stood, resolute, and approached Yu Lu.

“Please, Lord Yu, have mercy. Give my granddaughter some food,” Censor Zhou said, bowing low, hands clasped, his tone pleading.

Yu Lu’s throat tightened, his heart conflicted.

He’d heard of this two-dynasty veteran of the Censorate, known among officials for his unyielding integrity. Proud and uncompromising, he even called out the emperor’s faults.

Yet now, the Censorate’s staunchest spine was bent.

Yu Lu called Xiao Gao over. “What food do we have? Get some for the child.”

Xiao Gao looked troubled. “Sir, we only have seven steamed buns left, just enough for the escorts.”

After a day and a night, they had one bun each, no more.

Censor Zhou stiffened, still bowed, unmoving.

Yu Lu frowned. “Bring my bun.”

Xiao Gao hesitated but seeing his resolve, didn’t argue.

“Thank you, Lord Yu,” Censor Zhou said, taking the bun and hurrying back.

But Ying’er, unconscious, wouldn’t open her mouth. Even with the bun stuffed in, she couldn’t chew or swallow.

Panicking, Censor Zhou looked wife. “Quick, get the waterskin.”

Old Madam Zhou froze, her grip on the waterskin whitening. She’d traded the gold locket for food and a waterskin.

But after a day and night, the water was gone. She’d shaken it several times, nothing remained.

Seeing her expression, Censor Zhou froze too.

The Zhou family had only one waterskin, no spare water.

In desperation, they looked to others, pleading with their eyes.

The Mu brothers avoided their gazes, the escorts shook their heads, and even Yu Lu shook his head.

Each had only one waterskin, long emptied after a day and night.

On a mountain with no visible water source and night falling, searching wasn’t an option.

Ye Xuejin looked at Yun Chi, who shook her head. Water alone wouldn’t help, she had another idea.

In the silence, Yu Lu stood, drawing his knife and approaching his horse.

Xiao Gao, guessing his intent, stopped him. “Sir, people starving can’t drink horse bl00d. I’ve heard of someone who did, grew thirstier, and died.”

Yu Lu froze, out of options.

Yun Chi knew Xiao Gao was right. Ying’er, starved to low bl00d sugar and fainting from brain oxygen deprivation, shouldn’t consume something denser than bodily fluids, like horse bl00d.

Oral glucose was the best solution.

Seeing no one watching, Yun Chi took a dagger from her storage space and slipped it to Ye Xuejin, whispering, “For you. Keep it safe.”

Among the items she hadn’t given Ye Xuejin, the dagger was small and easy to conceal.

Ye Xuejin, puzzled, gripped it tightly, stowing it without question.

[You gifted one dagger. Please choose your reward: one bottle of oral glucose or one packet of glucose powder.]

Seeing the prompt, Yun Chi relaxed. As expected, her golden finger’s rewards followed a pattern. The first dagger gift was delivered as hoped.

Choosing the glucose, she stepped away, turned her back, and quickly poured half the bottle into the waterskin.

Ye Xuejin, seeing her clutch her stomach and returning, asked with concern, “Are you unwell?”

Yun Chi took her hand, smiling faintly. “Give it to me. I’ll hold onto it.”

Ye Xuejin understood she meant the dagger. Their hands, hidden in their sleeves, moved silently.

Then Yun Chi handed her the waterskin. “Don’t let anyone else touch it.”

The waterskin, a product of her golden finger, was lightweight and noticeably different from this era’s.

Plus, Ye Xuejin’s reputation made her more trustworthy—no one would dare openly challenge or covet her possessions.

Ye Xuejin’s eyes flickered, and she nodded.

“I have some water here.”

Her clear, pleasant voice broke the oppressive silence.

“Your Highness!” Old Madam Zhou looked at Ye Xuejin in surprise, blurting out.

But no one minded her slip, everyone’s eyes were on the waterskin in Ye Xuejin’s hand.

Censor Zhou’s gaze wavered. If he recalled correctly, both Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin had shaken their heads earlier.

Looking at the approaching figure, he bowed slightly. “Thank you.”

He reached for the waterskin.

But Ye Xuejin didn’t hand it over, saying calmly, “I’ll feed her myself.”