The Abused Novel Heroine Became a Clingy Sweetheart [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 49.1

He Changsi had a good temper. Even Qi Yuan, who generally disliked effeminate men, had formed a rather good impression of him after their day spent together.

She spoke of the customs of the Northwest, the solitary smoke over the great desert. He listened quietly, imagining the magnificent landscapes he had never seen.

Looking at Qi Yuan, with her heroic eyebrows and bright eyes, He Changsi was reminded of You Ting.

They were clearly two completely different temperaments, yet he felt that in some ways, they were the same.

They both possessed a free heart, unconstrained by worldly norms.

When they parted, He Changsi smiled and said, “The County Princess and Princess Shunan are quite alike; you should be able to get along.”

Qi Yuan was nonchalant, but a sense of curiosity about the rumored Princess Shunan had arisen in her heart.

She hoped that in a few days, she would successfully meet that princess.

In the afternoon, when Qing Su delivered the packed belongings to the Examination Compound, You Ting received the news that the Dingxi County Princess would be temporarily moving in.

This sudden change caused You Ting to subtly furrow her delicate brows.

The Dingxi County Princess was highly skilled in martial arts. How could she possibly avoid Qi Yuan and quietly leave the Examination Compound on the thirtieth?

Qing Su said, “I heard that the Second Prince took the Dingxi County Princess sightseeing throughout the capital today, and they had a very pleasant conversation.”

You Ting’s heart stirred.

In the original plot, Emperor Ning Jing summoned Qi Yuan to the capital several years later.

When Qi Yuan first entered the palace, she was overconfident and wandered alone for half a day, unable to find the way out.

It was He Changsi who happened upon her and led her away.

The two remained in contact afterward.

As for whether feelings developed between them, the original plot did not explicitly state.

It only mentioned that on the day He Changsi died in prison from illness, a heavy snow fell in the Northwest.

Qi Yuan sat on the porch, watching the snow all night.

Now the plot had changed, but their meeting remained the same.

You Ting lowered her long lashes in thought.

Perhaps she could ask the Second Brother to keep the Dingxi County Princess occupied?

“By the way, Your Highness,” Qing Su said, “The message from the Second Prince’s side says that the Dingxi County Princess is coming to the Examination Compound because of you. As she is a guest, the Second Prince suggested that when you move into the compound, you should send her an invitation.”

“Alright,” You Ting replied.

“Before sending the invitation to the Dingxi County Princess,” she instructed Qing Su, “go find the Second Brother first.”

“Tell him… I think he’s right that she is a guest, and ask him to visit the Dingxi County Princess more often to fulfill his duties as a host.”

Qing Su looked bewildered but assented and left to carry out the order.

He Changsi was currently residing in the Examination Compound, so finding him was much easier than before.

Qing Su and her people moved the remaining boxes and luggage, and subsequently found He Changsi to relay You Ting’s message.

He Changsi showed a similarly puzzled expression, “Ask me to visit the Dingxi County Princess more often?”

He asked, “Why?”

Qing Su gave a forced laugh, “This servant does not know, I am just relaying the Princess’s words.”

“The Princess said,” Qing Su added, “that she would be very grateful to the Second Prince.”

He Changsi smiled somewhat helplessly, “I understand.”

“Since it’s something Shunan wishes for, I will certainly do it.”

This was also why You Ting dared to directly ask He Changsi for help; the honest He Changsi was genuinely good to his younger siblings.

The next day.

You Ting learned from Qing Su that He Changsi had gone to drink tea with the Dingxi County Princess.

She took this opportunity to move into the Examination Compound, securing a favorable position first—a room from which her departure could be relatively inconspicuous.

When You Ting had more or less familiarized herself with the layout of the Examination Compound, a slight commotion was heard from the front courtyard.

He Changsi and Qi Yuan had returned.

“Has Shunan already moved in?” He Changsi asked in surprise, subtly letting out a sigh of relief.

Leading Qi Yuan on tours of the capital for the past two days was merely his duty as a prince.

But today, he couldn’t find any other excuse and could only suggest they enjoy fine tea together.

He had never shared tea with a young lady before, and he felt entirely uneasy the whole time.

Having finally endured it until the end, upon hearing the news of You Ting’s arrival at the Examination Compound, he couldn’t wait to bring Qi Yuan along with him.

You Ting nodded at him, “Second Brother.”

Her gaze drifted toward Qi Yuan beside him, and she smiled slightly, “Dingxi County Princess.”

Qi Yuan folded her arms and scrutinized the woman before her with sharp eyes.

Based on the intelligence gathered by her subordinates over the past few days, Qi Yuan had a rough image of Princess Shunan in her mind.

She had expected to meet a timid and melancholy woman, or perhaps someone arrogant and domineering.

But she was neither.

Qi Yuan met a pair of calm, dark eyes.

The woman’s features were delicate and charming, her skin as white as snow—a beauty that would be admired anywhere.

Yet, looking into the depths of those dark eyes, one could only feel a faint, profound chill.

A Princess Shunan like this had the qualifications to be her ally in court.

Qi Yuan raised her eyebrows with interest, speaking frankly, “The Princess is quite different from what I imagined.”

You Ting curved her lips, “Then does the County Princess think it is a change for the better, or for the worse?”

Qi Yuan frowned in thought, “I can’t say, but it shouldn’t be for the worse.”

Seeing the two of them engaging in conversation, He Changsi quickly found a gap and politely took his leave.

Qi Yuan watched his hurried retreating back and asked You Ting in confusion, “Why do I feel like the Second Prince… is very afraid of me?”

You Ting chuckled, “The County Princess worries too much. It’s just that the Second Brother is equally unsure how to interact with any woman.”

Qi Yuan: “Ah?”

You Ting merely smiled and shook her head, saying no more.

This was all psychological trauma inflicted by the Empress, who forced He Changsi to meet with the daughters of various noble families.

Like completing a task, it was Miss Li today, Miss Zhang tomorrow.

Upon returning to the palace, the Empress would also question him about what he said and did with the young ladies that day.

Over time, He Changsi developed a degree of fear towards being alone with women.

Despite this, he still agreed to help You Ting and visit the Dingxi County Princess more often.

Truly worthy of being the only honest and good elder brother in the entire palace.

You Ting changed the topic, “County Princess, what brings you to see me?”

Qi Yuan did not conceal her purpose and candidly explained Emperor Ning Jing’s reason for summoning her to the capital.

“So, I wanted to see what kind of person this sole female Deputy Examiner is.”

You Ting’s eyes curved, “Was the County Princess disappointed?”

Qi Yuan lifted her chin and met You Ting’s gaze.

She did not answer the question directly but instead asked You Ting, “What is the Princess’s view on women holding official positions?”

You Ting stated plainly, “It is very difficult.”

Qi Yuan asked again, “Then what does the Princess believe we should do?”

You Ting suddenly straightened her posture, her deep eyes directly locking with Qi Yuan’s.

“‘Where my heart finds goodness, though I die nine times, I would not regret it.'” ($**’Yì yú xīn zhī suǒ shàn xī,’** **’suī jiǔ sǐ qí yóu wèi huǐ.’**$) she slowly articulated, word by word (Note: Qu Yuan’s Li Sao).

“If this path is dark and without light, then we shall be the ones to first light the torch.”

No one knew what lay at the end of the road.

But someone had to step forward first to inspire the masses who were still observing.

Song Yaoci was one such person.

Her birth destined her to live as a representative of the capital’s noblewomen.

Figures like You Ting, Song Yaoci, and Qi Yuan, by forging ahead bravely, could instill confidence in women from ordinary families.

Qi Yuan clapped her hands and laughed, “Well said!”

“Princess, I, Qi Yuan, acknowledge you.”

When she first picked up a sword and spear, no one was willing to believe in her.

Even though her father had carefully educated her since childhood, with military strategies memorized, and few in the barracks could surpass her in skill.

Yet, simply because she was a woman, people constantly cast doubtful glances her way.

The battle that made Qi Yuan famous, an improbable victory of the few over the many, sounded glorious, but only she knew the hardships involved and how many soldiers had died on the battlefield.

If not for the suspicion and reluctance of some main generals to commit their troops at the time, that victory would not have been so tragic.

It was then that Qi Yuan firmly resolved to make everyone change their minds.

A woman’s hands could hold an embroidery needle, write tiny characters, and also wield a sword, spear, or halberd.

Besides getting married, they could have other ways of life.

Qi Yuan and You Ting instantly hit it off, and they talked late into the night.

Only then did Qi Yuan reluctantly take her leave.

The courtyard was neither too large nor too small. Since You Ting had chosen one room to stay in, Qi Yuan could only reside in another at the end of the corridor.

If You Ting wanted to leave her room and exit the Examination Compound through the back door, this distance might be difficult for an ordinary person to notice.

But this was Qi Yuan.

To be safe, You Ting still sought out He Changsi, making him promise to find an excuse to take the Dingxi County Princess out on the thirtieth and, if possible, keep her out late.

He Changsi looked troubled but, unable to resist the earnest look in You Ting’s eyes, finally nodded and agreed.

On the thirtieth, He Changsi kept his promise and took Qi Yuan out.

You Ting asked, “What reason did the Second Brother use?”

Qing Su answered with a strange expression, “The Second Prince said… he was asking the Dingxi County Princess to teach him martial arts.”

You Ting fell silent.

It was truly difficult for He Changsi, with his small physique, to come up with such a method.

Good brother. She would definitely find a way to deal with He Zhige as a reciprocal gesture.

You Ting and Qing Su swapped clothes and instructed Qing Su to stay in the room to pretend to be her.

She had claimed earlier that she was feeling unwell and was resting in her room.

The imperial examination hadn’t officially begun, and the Dingxi County Princess had been taken out by He Changsi, so presumably, no one else would come to disturb them.

Qing Su was a little scared, as it was her first time doing something like this, “Your Highness, you must go and return quickly.”

You Ting nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fast. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

She tidied her clothes. Fortunately, she and Qing Su were similar in stature, so the outfit was not noticeable.

After quietly closing the door, You Ting followed the route she had investigated earlier, crept to the small back gate, and, seeing no one around, quickly opened it and slipped out.

She was wearing a maid’s attire and did not attract much attention on the bustling Zhuque Street.

You Ting had memorized the entire map of the capital.

She deliberately chose to walk through secluded alleys, winding and turning, until she finally spotted the Grand Tutor’s estate.

The back door was unguarded, slightly ajar—Song Yaoci must have prepared in advance.

You Ting pushed the door open, and a creaking sound echoed in the quiet backyard.

She had never been to the Grand Tutor’s estate, but the construction of noble residences in the capital was mostly similar.

There were several marks etched into the corner of the wall, which must have been left by Song Yaoci as a guide for her.

You Ting followed the marks until she found a secluded courtyard.

Through the half-open door of the courtyard, she saw clusters of orchids planted by the wall.

She suddenly recalled the sachet she had tucked into the small box, which was embroidered with orchid patterns.

Unsurprisingly, this was Song Yaoci’s courtyard.

The surroundings were silent; perhaps Song Yaoci had dismissed everyone beforehand.

The moment You Ting touched the wooden door, a strange feeling arose in her heart.

It felt as if… she was doing something illicit.

She smiled faintly at her own thought.

Their relationship was perhaps meant to be kept secret anyway.

The courtyard was very clean, and when the wind picked up, it carried the light fragrance of orchids.

Beside a stone table, someone was holding a book, reading silently with lowered eyes.

The gentle breeze wrapped around her, making even the rising and falling strands of her hair exude a quiet beauty.

You Ting walked over, and the person raised her eyes.

A pair of slightly pale pupils reflected the bright daylight, absorbing You Ting’s shadow into them.

In the silent small courtyard, only the sound of the wind rustling the pages of the book could be heard.

You Ting suddenly chuckled, “Were you waiting for me?”

Song Yaoci avoided her gaze, neither nodding nor shaking her head.

You Ting naturally sat down beside her, glancing at the book placed on Song Yaoci’s table.

“Not practicing calligraphy today?” she asked.

Song Yaoci’s eyes trembled slightly, as if remembering something, and a blush instantly spread across her face.

She forced herself to stay calm, “The day of the exam is approaching; I need to review my studies more.”

“With the talent of Miss Song, you are bound to pass the exam with flying colors.”

You Ting said, “In this lovely setting, Miss Song might as well look at something else.”

Song Yaoci asked puzzledly, “Look at what?”

You Ting curved her red lips, reached out, and placed her hand under Song Yaoci’s chin.

She said, “Look at me.”

In the stillness, someone’s heart suddenly quickened a beat.

Those dark eyes were like the sea, carrying an intense emotion that made Song Yaoci’s heart tremble.

She wanted to avoid it, but she couldn’t.

“‘To know when we who yearn for each other shall meet,'” You Ting gazed at her, smiling, and recited word by word, “‘It is hard to bear such feelings this night, this hour.'” ($**’Xiāng sī xiāng jiàn zhī hé rì,’** **’cǐ shí cǐ yè nán wéi qíng.’**$)

Her voice suddenly dropped, making the atmosphere filled with ambiguity, “Isn’t this… the reply Miss Song gave me?”

Song Yaoci bit her lip in panic, her ear tips flushed, and warmth spread throughout her body.

She wanted to explain that the Autumn Wind Song (Qiū Fēng Cí) was just a piece of calligraphy practice she had casually given to Qing Su, and held no other meaning.

But in the face of the other’s smiling eyes, she suddenly lost her voice, her lips slightly parted, unable to utter a single word.

Originally, You Ting had only intended to tease Song Yaoci, but seeing her look so shy and speechless at this moment, her eyes darkened abruptly.

Perhaps it was because of the Love Entanglement ($Xiāng Sī Chán$), or perhaps for some other reason.

In any case, at this moment, You Ting clearly realized one thing.

She wanted Song Yaoci.

She wanted to see Song Yaoci grasp her sleeve with her slender fingers, biting her lip, yet unable to suppress a slight moan.

She wanted to see her moist, red eyes, her expression hazy, yet always clinging to her shoulder, as if You Ting was the only one she could rely on in a vast, deep sea.

She wanted to hear that delicate mouth, breathing unevenly, utter her name.

A heavy thought ignited in You Ting’s eyes, burning its way to the bottom of Song Yaoci’s eyes before finally subsiding.

As if sensing the dangerous aura, Song Yaoci subconsciously lowered her lashes, concealing her alarmed eyes.

“Miss Song,” You Ting suddenly called out.

“If you can never find the antidote, what would you do?”

Song Yaoci looked somewhat lost because of the question.

She seemed to have never considered this problem, or rather, she had always been avoiding it.

Until now, You Ting had brought the matter to the surface.

Song Yaoci had to follow the thought—if she couldn’t find the antidote for the Love Entanglement, what would she do?

And what about You Ting?

She remained silent, speechless for a long time.

You Ting didn’t seem to expect an answer from her, and slightly curled her red lips.

She leaned in and kissed Song Yaoci.

The kiss was very gentle, more like a comforting touch, a fleeting brush on Song Yaoci’s lips.

It was strange. They had kissed countless times in bed, mixed with passion and desire, so intense that they felt they would suffocate the next moment.

But no kiss made Song Yaoci’s heart pound more than this one.

Her eyes half-open, she saw the other’s bright, charming features through her thick, long lashes.

The book in her hand unconsciously fell onto the stone table with a “pat,” but neither of them paid any attention to it.

Blood vessels quickly expanded and then contracted, and the temperature began to rise again, causing her heart to beat erratically.

Song Yaoci unconsciously clenched her fingers tightly.

Was the Love Entanglement starting to take effect?

She didn’t know; the only thing she knew was that the other’s hand had landed on her waist.

Her body subtly flinched, but she ultimately did not pull away.