Transmigrated Into A Novel As A Scumbag Princess’ Consort - Chapter 60

60:

Ye Xuejin frowned, her expression turning serious: “Shiniang, I have other plans for this matter. Just keep a close watch on him. Do not act on your own.”

“Understood.” Shiniang opened her mouth, then lowered her head in acknowledgment.

Though she agreed, her face couldn’t hide her frustration as she walked away glumly.

Ye Xuejin watched her back, sighing softly.

“Are you worried Shiniang will act impulsively?” Yun Chi asked, seeing her sigh.

Ye Xuejin nodded, indeed concerned about Shiniang.

“Shiniang grew up with an escort agency. Even after years in the Prime Minister’s household, she still has a jianghu spirit.”

Like when she wanted to kill Yu Lu, no one could stop her.

Or when, despite Ye Xuejin’s displeasure, she publicly questioned the Consort…

Yun Chi saw no issue: “What’s wrong with a jianghu spirit? Living freely, settling scores.”

(Note: The Jianghu Spirit is the chivalric code of honor that binds the alternative society of the Martial Arts World.)

Ye Xuejin shook her head lightly: “I truly appreciate her free spirit, but slashing through problems isn’t always suitable. Some people can’t be killed yet.”

Many matters couldn’t be resolved rashly.

She was somewhat worried Shiniang might act impulsively.

Yun Chi brushed it off: “Then just explain it clearly to her.”

Ye Xuejin’s brows furrowed: “You want me to explain why he can’t be killed now?”

Yun Chi nodded instinctively. Yes.

Ye Xuejin looked at her quietly for a moment: “Explain this time, then what about next time? Shiniang needs explanations, what about others?”

“What do you mean?” Yun Chi didn’t follow.

Ye Xuejin said slowly, “My intentions need not be explained to anyone.”

Yun Chi froze. Their eyes met, Ye Xuejin’s gaze deep and inscrutable, carrying the scrutiny and authority of a superior.

She understood.

If people were blades, Ye Xuejin needed obedient ones, striking where directed.

Not like Shiniang, with her own ideas, possibly striking astray or unsheathing at the wrong time.

Perhaps there was a deeper meaning…

Yun Chi’s heart grew complicated.

It was like realizing the person you thought stood shoulder-to-shoulder with you was actually above, looking down, not on your level.

Their shared hardships had made her overlook much, forgetting this was a rigidly hierarchical ancient world.

Forgetting Ye Xuejin was born a lofty royal princess…

In short, they weren’t the same. Modern thoughts and ancient values rarely align.

Ye Xuejin saw the realization in Yun Chi’s eyes, catching a flicker of another emotion. Unsure what it meant, she felt an inexplicable panic.

Instinctively, she wanted to say something: “Consort, I value Shiniang’s ability, admire her character, and trust her loyalty…”

“No need to explain. I understand,” Yun Chi interrupted. Why care so much when she was about to leave?

Ye Xuejin pursed her lips: “Does the Consort truly understand?”

Yun Chi smiled: “I know. You need subordinates who would obey you unconditionally, not those with too many ideas or who question you out of turn.”

Clearly, in Ye Xuejin’s eyes, Shiniang was the latter, making her uneasy.

Ye Xuejin fell silent. It sounded right, but for some reason, she felt uneasy.

Yun Chi’s knowing smile left her flustered.

The atmosphere grew inexplicably quiet.

Until the group returned from washing at the river, forming three orderly lines nearby, awaiting orders.

The six women, led by Shiniang, stood on the left. In the middle were the six men, led by Yu Lu, including Mu Er. On the right were the sixteen Zhou family members.

Ye Xuejin collected her thoughts, glancing at the clouds before addressing Yu Lu: “Everyone, turn around. Do not offend the immortal.”

Meaning, the immortal was granting food, and mortals must not peek.

The group turned immediately, some so excited they covered their eyes to resist looking.

Ye Xuejin signaled Yun Chi with her eyes.

Yun Chi nodded, taking out a basket of soup dumplings, handing it to Ye Xuejin, then pulling out another.

Soon, nine baskets of dumplings were stacked by Ye Xuejin’s feet.

Yun Chi handed her the last basket, whispering, “You’ve already eaten one from this basket.”

Meaning, they’d keep it for themselves.

Ye Xuejin nodded, calling Zhou Qiyue to distribute the food.

Each basket held ten dumplings, enough for thirty people to feel mostly full.

“Careful, the soup inside is hot,” Ye Xuejin said impulsively, glancing at Yun Chi.

She seemed to understand the source of her earlier panic and unease.

Yun Chi blinked, confused: “I know, I’ll be careful. Eat up.”

Ye Xuejin lowered her eyes, thinking, You don’t know…

They ate quietly, taking small bites, while the group exclaimed noisily.

Despite Ye Xuejin’s warning, many felt the dumplings weren’t too hot, perfect for warming their stomachs.

So they bit eagerly, the rich meaty broth filling their mouths, scalding them into hopping.

Yet their eyes shone, oblivious to the burn, faces full of delight.

“So good, hiss, amazing flavor.”

“So fragrant, never had this in my life.”

Learning their lesson, they blew carefully on the second dumpling, some mimicking Ye Xuejin and Yun Chi, biting a small hole, sipping the broth, then devouring.

Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin ate three each, feeling satisfied, and gave the remaining three to Shiniang to distribute.

Mei, Lan, Ju, and Zhu politely declined, saying they were full.

Only Shi Song took them readily, swallowing one per bite, then patting her stomach.

She was full now.

Seeing everyone’s content expressions, Ye Xuejin smiled: “Let’s move.”

She took Yun Chi’s hand naturally, as always.

Yun Chi gripped back habitually, leaning to whisper her rewards from the dumplings: “Now I’ve got over three hundred compressed biscuits and three backpacks. You can pack them later, it is easy to carry.”

Her clear, pleasant voice and warm breath brushed Ye Xuejin’s ear, making her heart race, fingers tightening unconsciously, ears quietly burning.

“What’s wrong?” Yun Chi shook her hand, puzzled.

Why the sudden tight grip?

Ye Xuejin’s fingers paused, hastily letting go: “Nothing. Thank you, Consort.”

Yun Chi grinned: “No need. It’s not free. Three days from now, remember to leave me plenty of gold.”

Perhaps because everything was out in the open, or she realized their status gap in this era, she spoke bluntly, treating it as a transaction.

“Good.” Ye Xuejin smiled faintly, but a cold wind seemed to blow through her ears, her heart settling emptily, sinking.

She glanced at her hands, eyes darkening, then casually took Yun Chi’s hand again.

What to do…

Her divine being thought daily of leaving, yet she selfishly wanted her to stay.

Seeing Ye Xuejin’s smile, Yun Chi’s mood brightened.

That must mean she’d get plenty of gold. The thought was thrilling, she’d soon be rich.

Heaven and earth, all gods and Buddhas, please keep Ye Xuejin safe, no more accidents.

Perhaps her prayers were heard. At dusk, the convoy safely reached the next city.

“Your Highness, we’ve arrived at Mozhou in the southern border, the state capital, Moyang City,” Yu Lu said, folding the map. “Heading southeast from Mozhou, we’ll reach Yangzhou City in about six days.”

Ye Xuejin nodded: “Enter the city. Rest well for a day, then continue the day after.”

“Understood.”

Yu Lu presented the documents, using the same excuse as before, the extra women were the Consort’s beggar friends.

Unlike Caozhou’s strictness, Moyang City, like Zhenshan County, was lax, letting them pass with few questions.

Once inside, the atmosphere felt different. The sparse passersby crowded around, pointing and chattering loudly about the convoy.

“Look, exiles, it’s exiles.”

“It’s been years since anyone was exiled to the southern border. Must be from the capital.”

“Look at those women, tsk tsk…”

Unlike Zhenshan’s hypocrisy or Caozhou’s orderliness, Moyang’s people were bold.

Their words bordered on offensive.

“Clear the way,” Yu Lu said coldly, eyeing the blocking crowd, a heavy feeling in his gaze.

He suddenly had a bad premonition, like at Zhenshan’s yamen.

The leading men, unafraid of his drawn blade, laughed mockingly.

“A bunch of exiles, still acting like capital nobles,” one said scornfully, fearless.

“Yeah, shouting so loud, you scared me.”

Yu Lu clenched his fist, drawing his blade: “Move.”

“An officer flashing a blade at us good citizens? No justice,” they grumbled, reluctantly stepping aside but still talking.

Yu Lu frowned, noting the uncomfortable stares along the way.

He confirmed with Ye Xuejin again: “Your Highness, still to the official post?”

Ye Xuejin, observing quietly, hesitated, spotting soldiers among the crowd. She said calmly, “Go straight to the official post.”

“Understood.”

Behind them, a city guard glanced at his uniform, then at the convoy, before running toward the governor’s mansion.

At the official post, the convoy was stunned.

The post was dilapidated, deserted, looking abandoned for years.

“Your Highness?” Yu Lu turned, questioning. How could they stay here?

Ye Xuejin said evenly, “We’ve stayed in the wilderness.”

One sentence, and Yu Lu understood. They could stay, it had rooms and a courtyard, at least bearing the official post’s sign.

Since they’d rest tomorrow, the group cleaned thoroughly, tidying rooms until satisfied.

With beds and stoves, the spacious rooms were far better than the wilderness.