Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 34

34:

“…As for the specifics, just make it up as you go.” Yun Chi shared her plan.

Although they could use the immortal’s words as a pretext to act in private, avoiding the crowd, that wouldn’t be nearly as impactful as letting everyone witness it firsthand.

She wanted to pull off something big to solidify Ye Xuejin’s authority.

With only seven days left, as long as they could keep the exile group in check, there wouldn’t be much to worry about, right?

After hearing this, Ye Xuejin instinctively glanced at her own hands, vaguely realizing something.

Could it be that her consort’s powers weren’t limitless, and the items appearing out of thin air weren’t inexhaustible?

Otherwise, why would she repeatedly emphasize that everything had to go through her hands first?

Seeing Ye Xuejin’s reaction, Yun Chi slowed her breathing and tightly grasped her hand.

Their eyes met, and Yun Chi said softly, “Don’t ask, and don’t pry, okay?”

Ye Xuejin’s gaze flickered. “Alright.”

Then, she stood up and looked toward the pitch-black night sky.

The moment Ye Xuejin tilted her head to the heavens, everyone’s eyes widened, their hearts filled with both anticipation and fear.

They hoped the immortal would take pity and grant them food.

Yet they feared their earlier words or actions might have offended the immortal, earning punishment.

All eyes were fixed on Ye Xuejin, their hearts nearly leaping into their throats.

From time to time, Ye Xuejin nodded towards the night sky, as if receiving instructions.

Soon, she lowered her gaze and looked at Yu Lu.

Yu Lu immediately stood up straight, unconsciously brushing his clothes with both hands.

Looking at Ye Xuejin, he asked nervously, “Your Highness, does the immortal have any instructions?”

Ye Xuejin nodded. “The immortal naturally pities all beings, but there’s a divide between immortals and mortals. Everything follows a predetermined fate, and even immortals cannot interfere too much with the ways of heaven.”

The crowd felt a mix of disappointment and relief. It seemed there would be no food, but at least the immortal wasn’t angry with them.

“However,” Ye Xuejin paused, then said something astonishing, “the immortal said he shares a fated connection with me and is willing to make an exception to grant us food to fill our stomachs. But I must select three sincere individuals to work together to gain the approval of the heavens. Only then can the immortal bestow the food.”

As she spoke, she subtly changed her self-address to “this palace.”

Yu Lu hurriedly asked, “How do we gain the approval of the heavens?”

Ye Xuejin calmly replied, “The immortal has already shared the method with me. Now, we only need to choose three sincere individuals.”

With that, she cast a faint glance over the group, as if deciding on her choices.

Everyone sat up straight, their hearts filled with both hope and unease. At this moment, they were absolutely sincere towards the immortal, and their need was urgent.

As long as they were sincere, the immortal would grant food to fill their stomachs. Only a fool wouldn’t be sincere.

Yu Lu felt he could be sincere too and boldly asked, “Does Your Highness have anyone in mind?”

Was it him? It had to be him, right?

Ye Xuejin directly announced her choices: “Consort, Zhou Qiyue, Shi Song, are you willing to try with me?”

Yun Chi didn’t hesitate and stepped to Ye Xuejin’s side, mentally applauding her.

She had only provided the idea, but how to explain it to everyone and execute it was entirely up to Ye Xuejin.

Clearly, Ye Xuejin had woven a flawless story.

Shi Song reacted quickly, scrambling to her feet and hurrying to Ye Xuejin’s side.

“I’m willing.”

Only Zhou Qiyue stood frozen, unable to process it.

Ye Xuejin looked at her. “Xiao Yue?”

Zhou Qiyue shot up, both shocked and delighted. “Your Highness, are you calling me?”

Without waiting for a response, she shouted, “Mother, Her Highness chose me!”

“Father, Her Highness chose me!”

“Big Brother, Her Highness didn’t choose you!”

Zhou Qishan: “…” Yes, he heard her.

“Xiao Yue!” Old Censor Zhou scolded her for losing her composure. “Behave yourself. What kind of display is this?”

Though he said this, he couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at his lips. If Her Highness still trusted the Zhou family, that was good—it wasn’t too late, and there was still hope.

Zhou Qiyue covered her mouth, her eyes brimming with joy. As she walked toward Ye Xuejin, her legs wobbled awkwardly.

“Come with me,” Ye Xuejin said with a slight nod, turning to walk away.

“Your Highness.” Shiniang, who had been tensely awaiting Ye Xuejin’s choice, felt a pang of disappointment when she wasn’t selected. Unable to hold back, she spoke impulsively. “This selection concerns everyone’s survival. Please reconsider, Your Highness.”

Without food, if they couldn’t leave these mountains tomorrow, they’d starve to death.

Such a critical matter shouldn’t be decided so hastily.

Yu Lu had similar thoughts and echoed, “Please reconsider, Your Highness.”

He was fine with not being chosen, but why these three? Not a single officer was included.

The crowd didn’t dare speak, though they too, wanted to vie for the chance. But they had no connection with Ye Xuejin and held low status, so they didn’t dare speak out of turn.

Besides, even if they spoke up, Ye Xuejin might not choose them. It was better to stay quiet and avoid saying the wrong thing.

Ye Xuejin turned back, her gaze deep and calm. “Do you think I shouldn’t have chosen them?”

Her tone was even, devoid of emotion, yet it carried an imposing presence that made people feel pressure.

Yu Lu fell silent. Perhaps he shouldn’t have spoken up…

Shiniang paled but pressed on. “Shi Song is brave and sincere, and Miss Zhou is innocent and kind. They’re naturally fine choices.”

Her words drew everyone’s attention to Yun Chi, the implication clear: the problematic choice was the consort.

Ye Xuejin’s gaze grew colder as she looked at the group. “Is that what you all think?”

The crowd quickly averted their eyes, lowering their heads in silence.

Sometimes, silence itself was a stance.

They hadn’t forgotten how Yun Chi had treated Ye Xuejin before. Though she seemed to have changed, her past misdeeds made them question her reliability.

Ye Xuejin glanced at Shiniang but didn’t say much, only leaving one sentence: “The consort is the most sincere to me.”

With that, she turned without looking back, took Yun Chi’s hand, and walked forward.

Shi Song and Zhou Qiyue hurriedly followed.

Behind them, the crowd fell into complete silence, speechless.

Shiniang stood rigid, unable to react for a long moment…

Meanwhile, Ye Xuejin and the others had walked a short distance away. They carried no torches, and the mountain path was unobstructed, but the distance was sufficient.

Ye Xuejin looked at Shi Song and Zhou Qiyue, her tone gentle. “Do you also think I shouldn’t have chosen the consort?”

Shi Song quickly shook her head. “No.” Her thoughts were simple, she was already lucky to be chosen, so how could she question the princess’ decision?

Zhou Qiyue hesitated, then knelt. “This commoner wouldn’t dare.”

Ye Xuejin gestured for her to rise, speaking unhurriedly. “Since I chose you, I trust you. What I’m about to say must not be shared with anyone outside the four of us.”

Ye Xuejin had her reasons for choosing Shi Song and Zhou Qiyue.

First, she had observed them closely. Both were straightforward and simple-minded, and their youth made them easier to convince and manage.

Second, one was aligned with Shiniang, and the other was from the Zhou family. The exile group consisted of six officers, the two Mu brothers, fifteen Zhou family members, and six people led by Shiniang.

Thus, any selection had to include someone from the Zhou family and Shiniang’s group.

Shi Song and Zhou Qiyue nodded vigorously, pledging their silence.

“In truth, the consort wasn’t my choice but the immortal’s. The immortal can see through people’s hearts and said the consort is the most sincere to me. Because of this, the immortal granted her the ability to hear divine words.”

Shi Song and Zhou Qiyue were stunned. Did this mean… the consort could also communicate with the immortal?

Ye Xuejin continued, “Your task is simple. The immortal will first grant food to the consort’s hands, then pass it to me, and through you. If the food doesn’t disappear in anyone’s hands, it proves their sincerity.”

She then looked at Yun Chi. “Begin.”

As soon as she spoke, a self-heating rice box appeared in Yun Chi’s hands.

Immediately, Yun Chi handed it to Ye Xuejin, silently wishing for more self-heating rice boxes.

Ye Xuejin calmly took it and passed it to Shi Song, who was closer.

Shi Song, wide-eyed with shock, dazedly passed it to Zhou Qiyue.

Zhou Qiyue flinched, hesitating. The food hadn’t disappeared in the consort’s hands, nor in Her Highness’, nor in Shi Song’s.

That left her. Her sincerity was now the test.

But she didn’t know how to be sincere, what did it even mean? She feared the food would vanish once it reached her hands.

Zhou Qiyue was on the verge of tears, instinctively looking to Ye Xuejin.

Ye Xuejin smiled at her. “Don’t be nervous. Be sincere to me, and that’s enough.”

Be sincere to me!

Zhou Qiyue’s mind raced faster than ever. The consort, the most sincere to Her Highness, had earned the immortal’s favor and the ability to hear divine words.

The proof was clear, the food hadn’t disappeared.

She understood now. It was about being sincere and loyal to Her Highness.

The consort could do it, Shi Song could do it, and she had to do it too.

“This commoner swears lifelong sincerity and unwavering loyalty to Your Highness. If Your Highness says one, I won’t say two. If Your Highness goes east, I won’t go west. If Your Highness kills someone, I’ll bury the body… Your Highness! I did it!”

Zhou Qiyue, eyes closed, shouted to bolster her courage, words tumbling out without thought. She reached out, felt the weight in her hands, and snapped her eyes open.

Wahhh! She was so talented, she figured it out at the critical moment.

“Your Highness, this commoner will be loyal to you forever!”