Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 47

47:

Yun Chi didn’t react at first, instinctively pulling her into an embrace.

Then, both of them froze.

Yun Chi: “…” This action felt a bit off.

Although it was Ye Xuejin who had taken her hand and guided it to hold her, it still felt a bit too intimate.

But if she pulled her hand away now, wouldn’t that make things even more awkward?

Ye Xuejin also came to her senses, a subtle yet nervous feeling suddenly rising in her heart, her cheeks faintly warming.

She pursed her lips and lowered her gaze: “It’s a bit cold. Staying close is warmer.”

Hearing this, Yun Chi inexplicably felt a pang of guilt. Ye Xuejin was just cold, and she had almost overthought it.

She immediately tightened her arms, pulling her closer.

“Then I’ll hold you tighter. Are you especially sensitive to the cold?”

Ye Xuejin paused for a moment: “Mm.”

Yun Chi smiled: “We’re opposites then. I’m not too bothered by the cold, but I can’t stand the heat. In summer, I don’t even want to step outside.”

“Consort, you weren’t a beggar before, were you?” Ye Xuejin asked casually.

Not going out in summer implied having a home to stay in, one that was cool and likely equipped with ice.

No ordinary household…

In a flash, she gleaned this much from Yun Chi’s words.

So, who was the Consort before? How did she end up as a beggar, and how did she come to possess those extraordinary, almost divine abilities?

Yun Chi’s breath hitched, and after a moment’s thought, she said, “When I was young, my family was fairly well-off.”

Ye Xuejin caught the perfunctory tone in her words and didn’t press further.

For a moment, both fell silent, staring at the ground without speaking.

Just then, someone emerged from the stable.

Ye Xuejin looked back, her expression unsurprised: “Let’s go over there to talk.”

She glanced at Shiniang, signaling Yun Chi to follow.

Yun Chi didn’t ask what they were going to do and followed, curious about why Shiniang would come out at this moment.

Based on her guesses, the person Ye Xuejin was waiting for should have been Princess Yi, not Shiniang.

Her reasoning stemmed from the moment the soldiers came to search them. Yun Chi had been standing to Ye Xuejin’s left, constantly watching her, wary of any soldiers like Mu Da who might attempt a sneak attack.

So, she noticed Ye Xuejin’s hand by her side move slightly, her left index finger tapping in a deliberate, rhythmic manner.

It wasn’t a casual gesture, it was distinct.

In that instant, a scene from Journey to the West flashed through Yun Chi’s mind: Patriarch Bodhi tapping Sun Wukong’s head three times, hands behind his back… hinting for Sun Wukong to come at the third watch of the night…

At that moment, she quietly observed and noticed Princess Yi, standing to the left-front, glancing subtly in their direction.

Specifically at Ye Xuejin’s left hand!

…

The three moved farther from the stable, arriving at the well.

Shiniang immediately knelt: “Your Highness, please understand, I had no intention of eavesdropping.”

As a martial artist, her hearing was sharp, and she had overheard Ye Xuejin instructing Shi Song and Zhou Qiyue to watch everyone and prevent anyone from coming out to eavesdrop.

She had originally planned to wait until the two girls’ excitement waned and the Princess and Consort finished talking and rested, then found a chance to slip out.

Unexpectedly, Shi Song and Zhou Qiyue did indeed grow sleepy after their initial enthusiasm.

The Princess and Consort stopped talking, but they showed no intention of going inside to rest, instead staying outside the stable.

Left with no choice, Shiniang had to come out.

Otherwise, with the night growing late, she feared she’d miss her chance.

“I knew you intended to go outside the post station.” Ye Xuejin reached out to help her up. “I waited for you only to say a few words.”

Shiniang stood, realizing that Her Highness had been waiting outside specifically for her?

“Qianhua has entered the palace, hasn’t she?” Ye Xuejin’s tone was slow, tinged with a trace of melancholy.

“My lady is now… a Noble Consort,” Shiniang replied quickly, no longer daring to conceal anything.

As if receiving confirmation, Ye Xuejin nodded slightly: “Are you going out to send a message to Qianhua?”

“Yes, I thought I should report the misdeeds of the Zhenshan County Office to my lady. She will definitely handle it.”

“And what else?”

“And…” Shiniang faltered, at a loss for words.

Ye Xuejin suddenly reached out, resting a hand on her shoulder: “Shiniang, if you’re determined to say certain things, go back to the capital yourself and say them. But do not appear before me again.”

“Your Highness…” Shiniang’s expression was complex, unable to speak for a long moment.

Ye Xuejin smiled: “Go. Whether you return soon or never return, follow your heart.”

If she returned soon, it meant she chose to stay by Ye Xuejin’s side, keeping silent about what shouldn’t be said.

If she never returned, it meant she would reveal everything, both what should and shouldn’t be said.

Shiniang lowered her head, staring at Ye Xuejin for a moment before turning to leave.

Watching the whole scene, Yun Chi couldn’t help but mutter, “She wouldn’t really leave for good, would she?”

That would mean Shiniang would tell the female lead about Ye Xuejin’s plans to plot a rebellion.

But it didn’t seem like there was much to worry about.

In the original story, the female lead, Tao Qianhua, was Ye Xuejin’s close confidant. Their bond was deep, and Tao Qianhua even entered the palace as a consort, serving an emperor she initially didn’t like, all to help clear Ye Xuejin’s name.

And she succeeded.

That day was approaching—after tonight, only five days remained.

Ye Xuejin was about to respond to Yun Chi when she suddenly paused, turning her head.

A faint, pleasant sound of wind chimes came from behind.

Ye Xuejin’s lips curved slightly as she looked toward the sound: “Since an old friend has come, why not show yourself?”

“You still remember, Your Highness.” Princess Yi emerged from the darkness, smiling at Ye Xuejin first, but her smile faded when her gaze landed on Yun Chi.

Yun Chi: “…” Nice face change.

Ye Xuejin calmly took Yun Chi’s hand, her tone carrying a hint of amusement: “Sister Yi, this is my Consort, Yun Chi, the person I trust most.”

Her words made her stance clear.

A flash of surprise crossed Princess Yi’s eyes, and she quickly gave Yun Chi a respectful greeting: “Greetings, Consort Yun.”

“Greetings, Princess Yi.” Yun Chi returned the gesture, still not quite used to people bowing to her.

“No need for formalities, Sister Yi. Did you hear everything just now?” Ye Xuejin, noticing Yun Chi’s discomfort, smoothly took over the conversation.

Princess Yi nodded, her tone brimming with confidence: “Your Highness, rest assured. If she doesn’t return, she won’t leave Caozhou City by morning.”

The Prime Minister’s influence in Caozhou was limited to just a couple of families, and she had always kept a close watch on officials transferred from the capital.

Ye Xuejin couldn’t help but smile: “I trust Sister Yi to handle things.”

Yun Chi: “…” At this point, how could she not understand? She’d been too naive, Ye Xuejin had no intention of letting Shiniang leave. Ruthless!

Princess Yi also smiled: “Your Highness deliberately detoured to Caozhou. Is it to take control of the Caozhou Guard?”

Ye Xuejin shook her head: “It’s not the right time yet.”

“Then why?”

“I am only here to take what my mother left behind.”

Princess Yi looked puzzled: “How will you take it?” There was so much of it. It would be easier to take the Caozhou Guard, at least they were living people who could move themselves.

Ye Xuejin subtly glanced at Yun Chi: “It’s a long story. I’ll explain to Sister Yi another time. Tonight, you only need to take me and the Consort there.”

Out of her longstanding trust in Ye Xuejin, Princess Yi didn’t press further and nodded in agreement.

“Speaking of which, when I left the capital in a hurry back then, I didn’t get to properly bid farewell to Your Highness. It’s been a regret of mine. Since we met by chance, how about tonight?”

Ye Xuejin smiled: “Good.”

With that, she held Yun Chi’s hand and followed Princess Yi as they headed out.

Yun Chi was momentarily stunned, wanting to ask what they’d do if someone noticed them leaving like this. But seeing how calm Ye Xuejin and Princess Yi were, she held her tongue.

Outside the post station, the guards silently saluted Princess Yi, showing no intention of stopping them or even speaking. Yun Chi finally understood.

Wow, this Princess Yi was something else—her influence in Caozhou was clearly significant.

Outside the post station, Princess Yi had come prepared, with a carriage ready.

After Ye Xuejin and Yun Chi boarded, Princess Yi personally drove the carriage toward the Princess’ residence.

Inside the carriage, Ye Xuejin still held Yun Chi’s hand, her expression unusually relaxed: “Consort, are you curious about Sister Yi?”

She hadn’t missed the flashes of confusion and amazement on Yun Chi’s face earlier.

Yun Chi shook her head, then nodded: “A little curious, but not that curious.”

Meaning, if you want to tell me, go ahead; if not, that’s fine too.