I Transmigrated and Already Had a Wife - Chapter 48

“Wife.” Jiang Zhou called softly, but the woman beside her kept her eyes tightly closed.

Jiang Zhou instantly discovered a new world, and then, as if intentionally mischievous, she called out softly again and again. The woman beside her feigned composure, and by the moonlight, Jiang Zhou faintly saw the woman’s trembling eyelashes. Her lips gradually curved into a smile, and she kissed the woman’s eyes.

Lin Muwan’s breathing was ragged, finding it hard to bear. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly.

Feeling Jiang Zhou’s fingertips brush against her cheek, the skin beneath her thumb instantly grew scorching hot. Her body could no longer hold back and trembled lightly. She was forced to open her eyes, her voice quivering slightly, “Stop fooling around, I’m tired.”

“Wife.” Seeing her prank succeed, Jiang Zhou let out a low chuckle.

Muwan glared at her, turned her back, and chose to ignore her. Seeing that she wasn’t pretending anymore, how could Jiang Zhou let her off so easily? She simply turned the person over and lay face-to-face with her. After a long pause, she chuckled softly, “Actually, I really want to consummate the marriage. But if you’re not mentally prepared yet, I won’t force you.”

Lin Muwan was somewhat moved. In the darkness, she opened her mouth but didn’t know how to respond. Her cheeks were burning with shyness. She really couldn’t look her in the eye, so she pursed her lips, lowered her gaze, and concealed all her helplessness.

She didn’t know that this shy and timid appearance made her even more tempting.

Jiang Zhou’s breathing deepened. She flipped over again, pinning the person beneath her. She swallowed hard, and her breath trembled. Her lips landed on her eyebrows, eyes, and nose, moving downward until they finally found a source of sweet dew. Like a fish about to dry up, she rushed to suckle the only sweetness.

Until the person beneath her could completely endure no more and started to push her away.

“Wife.” Jiang Zhou released her, slightly propping up her arms to protect the person beneath her.

“Husband, I…” The woman gasped for air, her fingers gripping tightly onto Jiang Zhou’s front collar. Her voice trembled, laced with a hint of a sob, “I… I’m a little tired.”

Jiang Zhou’s slightly heavy breathing slowed. Sensing the woman’s unease, she softly coaxed, “Alright, let’s sleep.”

Though disappointed, she considered Lin Muwan’s feelings and held back. She lay back in her own spot. After her breathing stabilized, she wrapped her arms around the person as usual. “Go to sleep quickly. It’s my fault. I forgot about your physical condition. I won’t do it again.”

“Mm.” Lin Muwan answered softly. Only then did she realize that besides her overwhelming shyness, she didn’t feel a hint of annoyance.

She pursed her lips. Did she also feel desire for her?

Under the quilt, she gently stroked her flat stomach and kept her lips tightly sealed. Fortunately, this ruffian still had some sense. Otherwise, given the commotion of that night, she was genuinely worried about harming the child.

The Qingzhou rebels only held out for ten days before being utterly defeated by the imperial army. Zhao Mao was beheaded directly on the battlefield, and the entire Zhao family was executed for treason.

When Jiang Zhou brought this news back, Mother Lin’s body swayed slightly, but she didn’t say much, as if those people were merely strangers.

“It’s a pity about Cousin…” Jiang Zhou regretted. Although Zhao Shigao wasn’t particularly talented, he was genuinely honest. She never expected him to suffer such a fate, implicated by Zhao Mao.

“The moment he knew Uncle was rebelling, he already knew the outcome. Husband, you don’t need to feel regretful. Everyone has their own choice, and this was Cousin’s choice.” Lin Muwan pursed her lips, her face devoid of visible sorrow or joy.

What kind of choice is that, Jiang Zhou thought, but she didn’t pursue the topic. This Zhao Mao truly caused a lot of trouble. Not wanting to talk about him anymore, she changed the subject, saying, “With the account book reaching the capital this time, I believe it won’t be long before your father is released.”

Lin Muwan curved her lips and nodded in agreement, “Mm.”

Subsequently, a sense of unease welled up in her heart. She looked at Jiang Zhou, met her burning gaze, and then quickly averted her eyes, trying to avoid the pressure coming from Jiang Zhou.

Once Father was released, she and Mother would have to return to the capital to reunite with him. Will this person come with her?

If she doesn’t want to go to the capital… Lin Muwan lowered her eyes, feeling a bit of bitterness in her heart. If she truly doesn’t want to go, then I’ll return to the capital to see Father and then come back to live with her forever, right here.

When she looked up again, her eyes were back to normal, smiling as she looked at Jiang Zhou.

“Wife.” Jiang Zhou’s breath hitched. She cleared her throat, glanced at her mother-in-law and her cheap mother beside them, and suppressed the impulse to hug her.

Calm, calm.

Lin Muwan seemed to see through her intentions. Her cheeks, as pale as porcelain, were flushed. She gave her an exasperated look and turned to stand behind Mother Lin.

Jiang Zhou: “…”

Who are you guarding against?

Am I that kind of person, to be looked at with the eyes used for guarding against a pervert?

She cleared her throat. “Well, about that…”

About what?

She suddenly got stuck, forgetting what she wanted to say.

Fine, it’s all Lin Muwan’s fault for interrupting her train of thought. She was silent for a moment, finally remembering what she needed to say. “Well, in a few days when the snow stops, we’ll go to the capital. We’ll leave early and return early. We might not make it back for the New Year.”

She remembered that in the novel, Lin Muwan’s father was released and reinstated after the New Year.

The reason she wanted to go earlier was simply out of fear that there might be further complications on the way, such as the evidence not being presented to the Emperor by the Fourth Prince this time.

Would there be complications with the Emperor?

All of these were now unknowns.

After hearing her plans, Lin Muwan looked up at her and pursed her lips. With the end of the year approaching, she hadn’t expected Jiang Zhou would be willing not to stay in Jiang Family Village for the New Year because of her.

Mother Jiang frowned. She couldn’t tell if she was pleased or displeased with Jiang Zhou’s arrangements. Compared to celebrating the New Year together, saving her in-law was naturally more important.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, she reached out and patted Jiang Zhou’s shoulder, saying with relief, “Azhou has truly grown up.”

Linyang County had several more days of heavy snow. By the time the snow stopped, it was already the eleventh lunar month. A guest suddenly arrived at their home, bringing an Imperial Edict from the Emperor.

Jiang Family Village was remote. Not only did high-ranking officials from the capital rarely visit, but even outsiders seldom came. Now, with soldiers clearing the way and a carved carriage pulled by four horses, the crowd of onlookers completely blocked the entrance to Jiang Zhou’s house.

Jiang Zhou stepped out to see that the visitor was Xiao Qi. Before she could speak, the eunuch accompanying Xiao Qi loudly announced, “Jiang Zhou, receive the Edict.”

With a sharp, piercing sound, people inside and outside knelt down. It was an Imperial Edict. How could these common people dare not kneel to receive the words of the Emperor?

Jiang Zhou was a bit bewildered. Lin Muwan behind her suddenly tugged at her sleeve. Jiang Zhou came back to her senses, glanced around, and seeing everyone on their knees, she quickly knelt down.

Although she really didn’t want to kneel, she also didn’t want to lose her life over this. Forget it, if I must kneel, I must.

The eunuch who came to proclaim the Edict unrolled it, and the sharp voice rang out again, giving everyone goosebumps. After the Edict was read, the surrounding villagers looked at Jiang Zhou with awe. Jiang Zhou had actually accomplished such a great feat without saying a word. No wonder the Qingzhou rebels were defeated so quickly—it turned out it was all thanks to Jiang Zhou.

It seems Jiang Zhou is a person of great talent, everyone thought, their eyes filled with admiration.

Regarding this blind admiration, Jiang Zhou twitched the corner of her mouth. This Imperial Edict was more than a little exaggerated; it could even be said to be extremely exaggerated. She couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Qi. Coincidentally, Xiao Qi also looked over and smiled and nodded at her.

?!

What “bravely defeated the enemy,” and “to have such a talent is the fortune of our Dynasty,” and to be specially appointed as this year’s top military scholar .

How exactly did this person manage to secure such an Imperial Edict for her? Did the Emperor become senile? She thought, That’s impossible, right?

Jiang Zhou felt embarrassed just listening to it. With a stiff face, she accepted the Imperial Edict with both hands.

Xiao Qi smiled and nodded.

‘Brother Jiang, don’t let this Prince down in the future!’

Although the inner voice clearly contained high expectations, Jiang Zhou sensed a chilling apprehension within it. It seems Xiao Qi’s effort to get this Imperial Edict for her wasn’t simple.

Suddenly, the Edict felt a little hot to the touch.

“Brother Jiang, congratulations,” Xiao Qi said with a smile.

Why does that smile seem a little insincere?

Jiang Zhou twitched her lips, her expression a mix of emotions. She felt that Xiao Qi was deliberately setting her up.

Zhao Mao was someone the Crown Prince had deployed in Qingzhou early on. This Imperial Edict was undoubtedly a blatant declaration to the Crown Prince that she was the one who ruined his plan. Her feud with the Crown Prince was sealed.

The more she looked at Xiao Qi now, the more she felt that this person was intentionally dragging her into trouble.

She had to be wary.

Since a distinguished guest had arrived, Mother Jiang led the person into the main reception room and offered tea.

Xiao Qi picked up the teacup and chuckled, “His Majesty has granted Brother Jiang permission to spend the New Year with his family before coming to the capital to offer thanks.”

Jiang Zhou pouted.

Jiang Zhou’s trip to the capital this time was indeed Xiao Qi’s doing. She didn’t have many people she could use right now. The court was largely filled with supporters of the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince, and as for her…

A flicker of hatred crossed Xiao Qi’s eyes. I’ve been reborn. Yes, she had come back to life. In this lifetime, she wanted to change her destiny. Since meeting Jiang Zhou, many things had changed from her previous life. Therefore, she needed to bring this person over to her side.

Whether she came willingly or was forcibly tied down, this person could only be on her side.

Perhaps Jiang Zhou was the key to whether she could win this time.

Furthermore, after this incident, Jiang Zhou was already a thorn in the eyes of the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince. Keeping her close could also be considered protecting her life. After this incident, they were practically in the same boat.

Peh! They are not grasshoppers in a boat; they should be good sisters helping each other.

As for Jiang Zhou being a woman, she had noticed it the first time they met. Others might not notice, but she was different. After all, she had dressed as a man for many years. Whether someone was a man or not could be discerned with a single glance.

This was also one of the reasons she dared to trust Jiang Zhou. She didn’t know why she was dressed as a man, but holding something over her head was the safest guarantee.

Lin Muwan had naturally seen this Seventh Prince when she was in the capital. She didn’t have a deep impression of her, mostly because this Prince kept a low profile. The few times she had caught sight of her were at banquets for officials in the palace.

She wondered how this Prince and Jiang Zhou had met and seemed to be acquainted. Lin Muwan pursed her lips, suppressing the doubt in her heart.

Then she heard Jiang Zhou say to Xiao Qi, “What about the thing you promised me?”

Xiao Qi smiled in reply, “It’s naturally been taken care of. Minister Lin’s case will be closed by the beginning of next year at the latest, and he will be reinstated to his original position.”

Jiang Zhou nodded. It aligned with the timeline in the novel. In her dream, after Lin Muwan brought the evidence to the capital, Minister Lin was indeed reinstated after the New Year.

It seems this Xiao Qi didn’t lie to me.

Hearing Minister Lin’s name, Lin Muwan’s heart trembled. She suddenly looked at Jiang Zhou. This person actually… An indescribable mix of feelings welled up in her heart, gradually spreading through her limbs.

Mother Lin was also filled with emotion at this moment. She held Lin Muwan’s hand, her eyes teary, not knowing what to say.

Jiang Zhou: “Thank you.”

“We are friends. There’s no need to be so polite,” Xiao Qi said, then glanced meaningfully at Lin Muwan and her mother behind Jiang Zhou, clearly having recognized the two of them.