The Abused Novel Heroine Became a Clingy Sweetheart [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 50.2
“Furthermore,” he lowered his voice, “Father Emperor is still alive, and what he dislikes the most is us, the princes, forming factions and engaging in illicit associations with ministers.”
The Empress frowned: “What sort of illicit association is this? They are merely a group of students.”
“Sier, this is about planning ahead.”
Her expression suddenly turned cold: “To tell you the truth, your Father Emperor’s frail body won’t last much longer.”
He Changsi’s pupils contracted sharply, and he hastily advised, “Mother Empress, mind your words!”
The Empress sneered, “This Palace of Everlasting Health is filled with my people, what is there to fear?”
“Sier,” a trace of fervor appeared in her eyes as she looked at He Changsi, “You must seize this opportunity to completely defeat He Zhige and He Ting!”
He Changsi pursed his lips, looking somewhat at a loss.
Just then, a palace attendant announced: “The Princess of Dingxi requests an audience!”
The Empress’s brow furrowed tightly: “What is that girl doing here?”
She hadn’t met Qi Yuan many times, but she was very clear that this Princess of Dingxi was someone who completely disregarded rules and etiquette.
Yet, her status was high, and the Empress had to placate her.
The Empress waved her hand, “Let her in.”
She turned her gaze to He Changsi, “Sier, you should leave first.”
She had heard before that her son seemed to be quite close to the Princess of Dingxi.
The Empress did not wish for anything to happen between the two of them and quickly sent He Changsi away.
He Changsi respectfully excused himself.
As he walked out, he happened to meet Qi Yuan being led in by the palace attendant.
The young woman’s features were bold and spirited, with the dazzling morning sun behind her.
She was like a wild, uncontrollable flame.
He Changsi couldn’t help but recall the rumors about this Princess of Dingxi and felt a sense of envy.
Qi Yuan seemed not to be manipulated by anyone, able to be the most unrestrained breeze on the battlefield.
Unlike him, who was merely a puppet attempting to struggle but not yet successful.
Their eyes met; He Changsi nodded and smiled in acknowledgment.
They brushed past each other, heading in different directions.
“What?” The Empress exclaimed in surprise, “Shunan wants to move out of the palace and establish a residence?”
“It’s not Princess Shunan’s request,” Qi Yuan corrected, “It’s my request.”
“I need to stay in the capital for a period of time, and during these days, I frequently need to see Princess Shunan to ask about matters.”
“Therefore, I feel that it is the best option for Princess Shunan to establish a residence outside the palace.”
The Empress knitted her brows in contemplation.
To be honest, regarding anything about You Ting, she wanted to refuse it all.
But this was proposed by Qi Yuan.
After a long moment, she smiled: “Since that is the case, Shunan is also no longer young; establishing her own residence is acceptable. Let the Imperial Household Department select a new dwelling.”
Qi Yuan smiled and expressed her thanks: “Thank you, Your Ladyship, for your consideration!”
Having received permission, she did not linger for long, happily leaving and rushing towards the Palace of Enduring Sun (Duan Yang Dian).
The Empress rubbed her forehead, thinking, Fine, out of sight, out of mind.
After all, she is just an unloved princess.
If I don’t see that face, perhaps I can live another ten years.
…
…
The Imperial Household Department acted quickly, and soon sent people to ask You Ting to choose an empty residence for the Princess’s Mansion.
She fixed her gaze on the map for a long while, then pointed her finger to one location: “Here.”
The person from the Imperial Household Department hesitated: “This place is a bit remote, is the Princess sure?”
You Ting said, “I just like quiet places.”
“Very well, this servant has noted it down for you. After everything is prepared, someone will be sent to notify the Princess.”
Qi Yuan blinked her eyes, then suddenly said, “The place you chose seems not far from the Grand Tutor’s Mansion.”
You Ting “Mhm’d,” “I said earlier that I have some affinity with Miss Song.”
Qingsu chuckled back to Qi Yuan, “Your Highness, you may not know, but my mistress and Miss Song are good friends.”
She held up one finger and confirmed, “They are the only good friends in this capital.”
Therefore, it was not surprising that the Princess chose to live near the Grand Tutor’s Mansion.
After all, it would be much more convenient for frequent visits.
Qi Yuan nodded thoughtfully, “Let’s go. The matter of the Princess’s Mansion is settled; now we should go see that Miss Song.”
The carriage was already prepared and waiting at the entrance.
You Ting changed her clothes before boarding the carriage with Qi Yuan to leave the palace.
Before reaching the Grand Tutor’s Mansion, they first saw a long queue of people.
Their carriage couldn’t even enter the alleyway, so they had to find a random spot to stop.
Qingsu found an auntie and asked, “Auntie, what’s going on? It’s never this lively in the past.”
The auntie pointed to the innermost area and said, “It’s all because Miss Song from the Grand Tutor’s Mansion took first place in the imperial examination this time.”
She laughed merrily, “These people queuing are either here to deliver gifts to Miss Song, or they want to bring their daughters to share in Miss Song’s good fortune.”
You Ting looked closely and indeed saw that most people on the street were women with young girls.
She couldn’t help but laugh; they were treating Song Yaoci like a Bodhisattva to be worshipped.
Qi Yuan clicked her tongue in wonder: “This Miss Song really seems amazing; she can attract so many women and children without even showing her face.”
Now she was certain that with Song Yaoci’s help, they would definitely be able to generate more interest among women in joining the military and serving the country.
The more she thought about it, the more excited she became, pulling at You Ting’s sleeve and rubbing her palms together: “Come on, let’s go see her quickly!”
You Ting said helplessly, “There are people everywhere in front of us, how can we pass?”
Qi Yuan thought for a moment, then reached out and pressed down on You Ting’s wrist.
She said, “Don’t be afraid.”
You Ting: ?
The next moment, she was directly pulled by Qi Yuan to fly onto the eaves.
Just as her feet settled, Qi Yuan quickly moved forward again, carrying her.
The stunned Qingsu finally reacted and ran after them, shouting, “Pri… Miss! Wait for me!”
This unconventional method was extremely effective; it only took a few breaths for Qi Yuan to jump down from the roof of the Grand Tutor’s Mansion with You Ting.
The guards of the Grand Tutor’s Mansion arrived belatedly, “Who are you!”
Ying’er, who was nearby, called them back: “Retreat, all of you!”
Ying’er looked at the roof, then at Qi Yuan and You Ting: “Your Highness, why are you here?”
You Ting pointed to Qi Yuan beside her and introduced, “This is the Princess of Dingxi. We are here today to see your Miss about an important matter.”
“Because there were too many people at the entrance, so we just…”
Ying’er gave an understanding, dry laugh.
A Princess, a Princess of the First Rank—they just liked this sort of extraordinary entrance. What could a maidservant do?
“Please follow me,” Ying’er said, “Miss is reading in the backyard.”
Just as they were about to enter Song Yaoci’s Orchid Courtyard, You Ting suddenly stopped.
“What’s wrong?” Qi Yuan looked at her curiously.
You Ting’s gaze fell on the sword strapped to Qi Yuan’s waist, and she slowly said, “Miss Song is frail. Your Highness should remove your sword; don’t frighten her.”
Qi Yuan: “…”
She grumbled a few times softly, reluctantly handing the sword to Ying’er.
Ying’er almost failed to catch it securely.
Pushing open the door, it was still the familiar stone table.
Compared to before, Song Yaoci had not changed; she was still quietly holding a book roll and reading.
Hearing the noise, she looked up.
Upon seeing You Ting, a faint trace of joy overflowed from her clear, autumn-water eyes.
Then, seeing Qi Yuan beside You Ting, she restrained it.
“Your Highness,” Song Yaoci rose and curtsied.
“And this is?”
Qi Yuan’s gaze swept over her, examining her for a while, and said, “She is indeed a delicate, sickly beauty.”
“My title is Dingxi, you can call me by my name, Qi Yuan.”
A trace of surprise was contained in Song Yaoci’s eyes; she probably hadn’t expected Qi Yuan to come looking for her with You Ting.
“So it is the Princess of Dingxi, I apologize for not having prepared a proper welcome.”
“Let’s skip the formalities,” Qi Yuan sat down on the stone stool very casually, “I came to you because Shunan recommended you.”
She talked about the martial arts examination for women, “So I hope you can help, using your influence to let more women know that there is more than one path in this world to take.”
Qi Yuan patted her chest, “Consider it a favor that I, Qi Yuan, owe you; I will not hesitate to go through fire and water for you!”
Song Yaoci quickly said, “Your Highness, there is no need for that. This is inherently a good cause, and Yaoci is willing to help.”
“Good!” Qi Yuan laughed, “Truly worthy of being Shunan’s good friend; you speak so straightforwardly!”
She clapped her hands, and several people suddenly appeared out of nowhere, holding jars of wine.
After placing the wine jars on the ground, they left in the blink of an eye.
Qi Yuan said, “Now that this matter is settled, you are both my friends! According to our customs in the Northwest, tonight we should drink until we are drunk!”
Ying’er was dumbfounded, and a trace of blankness also appeared in Song Yaoci’s expression.
You Ting: “…When did you prepare the wine?”
Qi Yuan said, “I had someone buy it as soon as we left the palace. What, did I forget to tell you?”
You Ting: “…”
She had not.
Even the bowls were prepared.
Qi Yuan’s movements were quick and clean; before the others could react, several bowls of wine were quickly poured onto the table.
The young ladies in the capital mostly drank fruit wine, and used delicate small jade cups. They had never seen such a bold manner of drinking.
Song Yaoci hesitated to speak.
But Qi Yuan had already raised a wine bowl: “Come on! Drink this wine, and we are allies!”
She reluctantly picked up the wine bowl in front of her, holding it to her lips and taking a small sip.
The spicy sensation rushed in, making her cough a few times.
Qi Yuan had already drunk hers in one go.
Song Yaoci hesitated, then closed her eyes with a look of going to certain death, intending to finish the strong liquor in the bowl.
A hand suddenly reached over from the side, and the wine bowl in her hand was taken by that person.
Song Yaoci turned her head in a daze, meeting You Ting’s clear and beautiful eyes.
Qi Yuan asked, “Shunan, what are you doing?”
You Ting answered calmly, “Miss Song is not well; I will drink for her.”
Qi Yuan: “…Fine, fine.”
She didn’t know why, but she felt this scene was a little jarring.
Perhaps it was because she didn’t have such a good friend.
“Your Highness, I can do it…” Song Yaoci quietly advised.
Under the stone table, You Ting’s other hand slipped through her sleeve and rested on the back of Song Yaoci’s hand.
You Ting did not look at her, tilting her head back to drink the wine in the bowl.
However, this one bowl was not the end, but merely the beginning.
Perhaps because the matter was successfully settled, or perhaps because Qi Yuan hadn’t touched alcohol for so many days after arriving in the capital.
Qi Yuan was extremely excited, constantly urging You Ting and Song Yaoci to toast.
Song Yaoci felt bad about letting You Ting keep taking the drinks for her, so she also took a few shallow sips.
By the time Qingsu, breathless and exhausted, arrived after navigating the massive crowd, Qi Yuan was already passed out on the table, muttering something incoherently.
You Ting, on the other hand, had a slight frown and was continuously rubbing her forehead with her hand.
The one in the best condition was Song Yaoci, but a slight blush had also colored her face.
Qingsu: “What happened here?”
Ying’er breathed a sigh of relief, “Sister Qingsu, you’re finally here! Hurry and help me take Her Highnesses to their rooms to rest!”
She, a maidservant, had also been made to drink a few bowls by Qi Yuan, and her head was now spinning.
Song Yaoci bit her lip and said, “Ying’er, you and Qingsu take the Princess of the First Rank; I will take Her Highness the Princess.”
Ying’er hesitated for a moment but then agreed, because Qi Yuan was completely drunk and she would indeed have difficulty carrying her into the room by herself.
Qingsu thanked Song Yaoci for her trouble, then resignedly supported the most intoxicated Qi Yuan with Ying’er and headed to the guest room.
After the two had left, Song Yaoci reached out and placed her hand on You Ting’s arm.
Just as she was about to use force, she was suddenly pulled by You Ting.
The world spun, and she found herself sitting on You Ting’s lap.
“Your Highness?” Song Yaoci hadn’t realized what had happened and subconsciously hugged You Ting’s neck, calling out in astonishment.
You Ting slowly opened her ink-black eyes, looking down at her.
The usually clear gaze was covered with a faint, thin mist.
Those alluring eyes were flushed with a light red from the intoxication.
You Ting leaned in, slowly closing the distance, bringing the clear scent of alcohol and a faint fragrance. She whispered, “I’m drunk.”
Against Song Yaoci’s neck, You Ting said, “Yaoyao, I want to kiss you.”