Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 27

27:

Both spoke almost simultaneously, and little Ying’er, caught off guard, didn’t know which question to answer first.

It was Zhou Qiyue who realized something and quickly said, “The Fairy Aunt refers to Her Highness. The Fairy Aunt in Ying’er’s words is Princess He’an.”

“What did you say?!” Old Censor Zhou was utterly shocked. The Star of Literature was the Princess?!

No, was the Fairy the Princess?

Or perhaps, could it be that even the Star of Literature himself was favoring the Princess?

A flurry of guesses swirled in Old Censor Zhou’s mind, throwing his thoughts into chaos.

“The Fairy Aunt is back!”

At that moment, little Ying’er joyfully shouted.

All at once, everyone turned their gazes toward the approaching figure, staring at Ye Xuejin, who was walking hand in hand with Yun Chi.

It wasn’t until the two reached the firepit and sat down across from them, glancing their way, that the group silently averted their eyes, each suppressing their shock and questions.

Zhou Qishan, trailing behind, noticed his family’s intense stares and couldn’t help but feel puzzled. Returning to them, he asked, “Father, why were you all staring at me just now?” It must have been him they were looking at, right?

Old Censor Zhou brushed it off casually, “Your eyesight’s poor; you saw it wrong.”

As soon as he spoke, he recalled the promise he had made to his son. Turning to his granddaughter, he said, “Ying’er, after you finish eating later, can you let your father have a whiff of the food?”

Though he had promised that if food bestowed by the Star of Literature appeared again, he’d let his son try it, this time it wasn’t exactly from the Star Literature. Yet, it was identical to the food the Star Literature Lord had granted.

After a quick thought, Old Censor Zhou decided to let his son at least smell it.

A grown man like his son couldn’t possibly compete with his daughter over a bite of food.

This way, as the head of the family, he’d have kept his word.

Unexpectedly, little Ying’er furrowed her tiny brows with a serious expression and said, “No, that won’t do. Fairy Aunt said Father can’t know. Only Grandfather, Grandmother, and Aunt can know.”

Since her aunt already knew, there was no need to keep it a secret, right?

After pondering, the five-year-old reached what she thought was a reasonable conclusion.

Old Censor Zhou froze. Not letting his son know, did the Princess have some deeper intent?

Instinctively, he glanced at Ye Xuejin.

Ye Xuejin happened to meet his gaze and gave a subtle nod.

Old Censor Zhou subconsciously tugged at his beard, pulling so hard his chin ached, barely managing to rein in his spiraling thoughts.

“Father, Ying’er, what are you talking about? What can’t I know?” Zhou Qishan was utterly confused.

Old Censor Zhou let go of his beard. “Your hearing’s poor; you misheard.”

With that, he shot a look at his wife and daughter, then deliberately sent his son away. “Qishan, go over there and chat with everyone to ease their minds.”

Zhou Qishan’s face scrunched up. He’d barely sat down before standing again, heading toward the firepit where the Zhou family’s servants were gathered.

Halfway there, he glanced back and saw his parents and little sister huddled together, whispering.

A sudden unease gripped Zhou Qishan’s heart. He couldn’t shake the feeling that, at some point, this family had started to feel a bit crowded.

Could it be… was he really adopted?

Behind him, Old Censor Zhou lowered his voice. “You all heard what Ying’er said, right?”

Old Madam Zhou nodded. “Since Her Highness has given such instructions, she must have her reasons. Let’s keep it from Qishan for now.”

Zhou Qiyue’s eyes sparkled with agreement. “Yes, yes, let’s follow Her Highness’s lead.”

Oh, how thrilling! Her Highness hadn’t hidden anything from her!

“Father, should we ask Her Highness what’s going on?”

Old Censor Zhou hesitated, nodding then shaking his head. “No rush. Let me think it over.”

He recalled the conversation he’d overheard with his son in the woods, thought of Yu Lu and Shiniang protecting Ye Xuejin, and his gaze darkened slightly.

He hadn’t guessed wrong. He’d nearly misjudged things.

“Xiao Yue, you go…” Old Censor Zhou instructed his daughter quietly before standing to address the Zhou family. “It’s cold out here. Everyone, move around a bit to warm up and avoid catching a chill.”

Old Madam Zhou was the first to respond, taking little Ying’er’s hand to stand. Zhou Qiyue quickly followed.

The Zhou family’s servants, though reluctant—exhausted, hungry, and thirsty—had no choice but to comply since the head of the family had spoken, and the madam and young miss had taken the lead.

This way, anyone leaving the group would seem unremarkable.

But, to Old Censor Zhou’s surprise, Ye Xuejin remained seated by the firepit, showing no intention of leaving.

Old Censor Zhou stroked his beard, doubt creeping in. Had he misjudged after all?

Meanwhile, Zhou Qiyue walked a distance away before parting from her mother. Estimating she’d gone far enough, she stopped.

Her father had said Her Highness would likely follow. Thinking of what she was about to say, she was buzzing with excitement, her heart bursting like firecrackers, unable to settle.

After a long wait, Zhou Qiyue stared at the empty path she’d come from, her excitement fading, her heart sinking.

What? Her Highness had no intention of coming, did she?

How was she supposed to ask about the immortals now?

Losing patience, Zhou Qiyue started back but hadn’t gone far when she saw her father approaching.

“Father…”

“Is anyone behind me?” Old Censor Zhou interrupted in a low voice.

Zhou Qiyue looked past him and nearly squealed in excitement.

“Your High—!”

“Alright, hurry back,” Old Censor Zhou said, his brows relaxing.

As expected, the Princess only intended to confide in him.

Zhou Qiyue walked away, glancing back every few steps. Her Highness had really come!

Moments later, Old Censor Zhou stopped, turned, and knelt. “This old minister pays respects to Her Highness, Princess He’an. May Your Highness live a thousand years!”

Ye Xuejin released Yun Chi’s hand and stepped forward, offering a slight gesture to help him up. “Lord Zhou, please rise.”

Hearing the familiar address “Lord Zhou,” Old Censor Zhou’s breath steadied, and he quickly stood up. “I dare not trouble Your Highness.”

Then, he glanced at Yun Chi standing behind Ye Xuejin, hesitation in his eyes.

Was it appropriate for the consort to be here?

Witnessing an ancient kneeling ceremony, Yun Chi felt a bit uneasy. Moreover, their upcoming conversation might confirm Ye Xuejin’s guilt…

Thinking of a certain possibility, her heart inexplicably tightened.

Ye Xuejin noticed Old Censor Zhou’s concern and her expression grew serious. “Lord Zhou, the consort is my most trusted confidant.”

Her words were as much for others as for herself.

Without Yun Chi’s help, she wouldn’t have survived so peacefully to this day, nor seen hope.

She trusted her consort.

Old Censor Zhou fell silent for a moment before courteously bowing to Yun Chi. “This old minister pays respects to the Consort.”

Yun Chi hurriedly waved her hands. “Lord Zhou, please, no need for that. Just pretend I’m not here. You two talk; I’ll keep watch.”

This plot twist was too thrilling, she needed a moment to process.

“This…” Old Censor Zhou hesitated.

Ye Xuejin glanced at him calmly. “Lord Zhou, speak freely.”

Speak freely? How could he? One misstep could lead to ruin!

Old Censor Zhou’s mind raced, but he didn’t dare take the risk.

“Seeing Your Highness like this truly surprises this old minister,” he said ambiguously before shifting the topic. “Has Your Highness ever witnessed a miracle?”

“I, too, am surprised by Lord Zhou,” Ye Xuejin said, her gaze sharpening. Who said Lord Zhou was stubbornly inflexible? He was quite adept at playing dumb.

Beating around the bush while pretending ignorance.

After a brief thought, Ye Xuejin followed his lead. “I have no intention of hiding anything, but immortals have their taboos.”

She left it at that.

“Your Highness can communicate with immortals!” Old Censor Zhou’s eyes burned as he voiced a relatively plausible guess.

Ye Xuejin didn’t deny it. Her consort did indeed possess immortal-like abilities, so the statement wasn’t entirely false.

Seeing her silence, Old Censor Zhou tactfully said, “This old minister is muddled. Please, Your Highness, enlighten me.”

It seemed Her Highness wasn’t ready to confide in him. Fair enough, trust was mutual.

Since he wasn’t willing to risk everything, the Princess naturally wouldn’t reveal the truth.

Ye Xuejin said calmly, “It’s getting late, Lord Zhou. You should return.” Pausing, she added lightly, “In the future, accept it with peace of mind and don’t overthink.”

What to accept was clear to both.

“This old minister takes his leave,” Old Censor Zhou said, watching Ye Xuejin’s retreating figure with lingering doubts.

No rush. He observed further. His own fate didn’t matter, but he had the entire Zhou family to consider.

Not far away, Ye Xuejin reached Yun Chi’s side. “Consort, let’s go back.”

Yun Chi wanted to say something but held back, only cautioning, “Be careful in all things.”

Ye Xuejin’s lips curved silently. “Consort, do you know how Lord Zhou views those abilities?”

Yun Chi’s curiosity piqued. “What did he say?” He hadn’t already guessed it was her, had he?

Ye Xuejin’s gaze softened as she glanced at her, her tone gentle. “He suspects I can communicate with immortals. What do you think, Consort?”

The person before her wielded unbelievable, godlike powers and had wholeheartedly helped her escape her plight.

She’d never believed in deities before, but now, she was fortunate to be favored by one.

Yun Chi froze, not because of Ye Xuejin’s words, but because of her expression.

Her lips curved slightly, her eyes bright yet serene, as if holding the sunrise within them, radiating boundless confidence and conviction.

“Consort?”

“Hm?”

“What are you thinking?”

Yun Chi snapped back to reality. “I’m thinking, if possible, I hope you won’t tell anyone about my secrets. Let them think you’re the one who can communicate with immortals.”

Ye Xuejin misunderstood, turning to her. “Sometimes, I don’t know how to thank you.”

Yun Chi was puzzled. “Thank me for what? I’m doing this for myself too.”

Carrying such a treasure was a crime in itself. Without the means to protect herself, she’d better keep a low profile.

Ye Xuejin took her hand. “That day will come.”

The day when everyone would know how extraordinary and divine her consort was.

But not yet. For now, she couldn’t offer Yun Chi any guarantees…

“What day?” Yun Chi was confused.

Why did it feel like they weren’t on the same wavelength?

Ye Xuejin slowly interlaced their fingers. “Perhaps the day when justice is served.”

Or perhaps the day when the world changes.

This time, Yun Chi thought she understood and ventured, “Then we only have nine days left. If you really want to thank me, how about granting me one more request then?”

“Alright,” Ye Xuejin agreed without hesitation.

Yun Chi grinned. “It’s a deal, then.”

As a princess of the realm, a few tens of thousands in silver notes should be no issue, right?

Hahaha, if she could just make it through these nine days, she’d be free to live happily ever after.

As Yun Chi gleefully imagined her future, a cool sensation brushed her face, something was falling.

“It’s raining!”