The Heroine Pays Me to Fall in Love (Quick Transmigration) - Chapter 24.2

Thinking thus, Sun Jin finally followed the villager up the hill to pay tribute to the deceased couple.

His thoughts were in disarray. Investigating the affair between Jiang Chengxuan and Jiang Yu’an had already consumed all his energy, and now this sudden revelation involving his friend Ying Wanyan had thrown him into deeper confusion.

No—he couldn’t even call her Ying Wanyan. That identity was a lie. Everything about her was false.

She should be called A’ning, shouldn’t she?

Sun Jin frowned slightly.

If His Majesty ever found out, this would be considered deceiving the throne—a crime punishable by death.

If he reported this to the Emperor, he’d surely be handsomely rewarded. He had served as Minister of Rites for some time without advancement—this could be the perfect opportunity.

But, Sun Jin sighed, unable to steel his heart.

He had known A’ning for so long, treating her as a trusted friend. How could he possibly push someone so important to him into the line of fire?

A cool wind swept across the hill, strong enough to blow the hat from his head.

Sun Jin chased after it, but couldn’t catch up in time—he could only watch as it tumbled down the slope.

“It’s just a hat,” the villager chuckled upon seeing the scene. “Why care so much about it?”

“What did you say?” Sun Jin froze, turning sharply toward him.

Startled, the villager repeated the words honestly.

It was an offhand remark—but at that moment, it struck Sun Jin like a revelation.

Yes. It was just an official’s hat. What did it matter compared to a friend?

Everything happens for a reason. A’ning must have had her reasons for doing what she did.

He should trust her.

With that thought, Sun Jin stepped forward and bowed deeply to the two gravestones before descending the hill. His pace was noticeably lighter than when he came.

“You seem to be in good spirits, my lord,” one of his attendants remarked.

Sun Jin smiled. “I just figured out something that’s been bothering me for a while, that’s all.”

“Then congratulations, my lord,” the attendant said with a grin. “Shall we return home to celebrate.”

“No need.” Sun Jin cut him off with a shake of his head. “Keep investigating. Next, we’ll go to the residence where Governor Jiang used to live.”

He would continue the search, but not for the sake of his duty.

This time, it was for the sake of understanding—whether A’ning had been forced by circumstance, and whether she truly had any connection to the Jiang family.

The streets were silent. Not a soul lingered outside; even the beggars had retreated to the ruined temple to sleep.

Jiang Zhinan was still fast asleep. A’ning couldn’t bear to wake her, so she carefully wrapped her in a blanket, carried her downstairs, and laid her gently in the carriage.

But Jiang Zhinan had always been a light sleeper. Soon, she stirred and opened her eyes.

“Where are we going?” she asked softly. Her voice was drowsy, sweet and milky from just waking—adorably tender.

“Home,” A’ning replied with a gentle smile, lowering her head to plant a light kiss on her cheek.

Jiang Zhinan nuzzled closer, resting her head on A’ning’s shoulder, snuggling into her arms.

“Be careful,” she murmured. “Don’t let anyone find out.”

“I know.” A’ning nodded, patting her shoulder affectionately. “Go back to sleep for a bit, hmm?”

“Alright.” Jiang Zhinan closed her eyes again and soon drifted back into slumber.

The night air was cold. Though Jiang Zhinan was wrapped tightly in blankets, A’ning still worried she’d catch a chill. She pulled her closer, holding her even tighter in her arms.

It was close to dawn now. The guards stationed around the city gates were far less strict than during the day. Besides, A’ning was an imperial official—she had the authority to pass freely. No one would dare stop her.

Thus, their journey went smoothly. The carriage rolled through the night toward A’ning’s residence.

To avoid drawing attention, A’ning instructed her men to take the back roads—unwittingly passing by Sun Jin’s carriage heading from the opposite direction.

Two carriages, one northbound and one southbound, passing each other by fate.

Jiang Zhinan slept soundly through the night. When she woke the next day, she found herself back in her bed once more.

A’ning lay beside her, fast asleep. She must have stayed up the entire night—her eyes were rimmed with faint shadows, her face pale and tired.

Jiang Zhinan held her breath, afraid of waking her, and quietly studied the woman before her.

A’ning had grown up so much. Though her features still bore traces of the past, her expression had become firmer, her once-cautious demeanor replaced by calm decisiveness.

And a tenderness that only surfaced when she looked at Jiang Zhinan.

Jiang Zhinan’s lips curved faintly as a wistful warmth rose in her chest. Time truly had flown by.

But before she could drift further into thought, the “sleeping” A’ning suddenly leaned forward and brushed a kiss against her forehead.

“You’re awake?” Jiang Zhinan startled.

“Mhm.” A’ning nodded, a teasing smile touching her lips. “With Miss looking at me so intently, how could I possibly keep sleeping?”

“Was I?”

“Oh yes, very much so,” A’ning said, deliberately teasing. She didn’t mention that she herself was a light sleeper, easily roused by the smallest sound.

“Do you want to sleep a little longer?” Jiang Zhinan asked, seeing through her mischief. “It’s still early.”

“No need.” A’ning shook her head and sat up. “There’s still work to be done. I need to take care of a few things first.”

“Shall I come with you?” Jiang Zhinan offered.

“Stay here, Yu’an.” A’ning reached out to stop her gently. “Rest a little more. I’ll be back soon.”

“Alright.” Seeing that A’ning didn’t want her to follow, Jiang Zhinan didn’t insist. She simply nodded in agreement.

A’ning smiled, tucked the blanket around her, washed up quickly, and left.

Jiang Zhinan watched her go, her gaze lingering until A’ning disappeared from sight. A faint helplessness welled up in her chest.

It was unbearable—watching A’ning risk everything while she herself could do nothing.

The system in her mind comforted her gently, telling her that this was only temporary. Once they endured this period, things would get better. She shouldn’t overthink it.

“Mm.” Jiang Zhinan nodded quietly.

She had to stay strong.

By the time A’ning returned, dusk had already fallen.

Jiang Zhinan sat by the table, finishing the last page of her book. When she looked up and saw A’ning walking through the door, the gloom that had shadowed her face all day finally lifted, replaced by a faint, relieved smile.

“Didn’t you say you’d be right back?” she asked, worried that A’ning might have run into trouble outside. “Why did you take so long?”

“I went to fetch something,” A’ning replied, looking a little regretful as she quickly sat down beside Jiang Zhinan. “But I miscalculated the time. I thought it would only take half a day, but she ended up working on it for an entire day.”

“What was it?” Jiang Zhinan asked, curious.

“It’s for you.” A’ning smiled faintly and drew a small pouch from her pocket, setting it in front of Jiang Zhinan before opening it carefully.

Jiang Zhinan lowered her head to look—and immediately froze. Inside was a handful of lifelike fake moles and birthmarks.

“Hiss.” The sight was so realistic that it made her stomach turn. She instinctively scooted back a little.

A’ning couldn’t help laughing at her reaction. Then, with a teasing glint in her eye, she picked up the pouch and chased after her. The two ended up tumbling and playing around the room for quite a while.

If anyone had walked in on them just then, they probably would’ve laughed themselves silly.

But Jiang Zhinan wasn’t as strong as A’ning. After just two rounds of dodging, she was already out of breath—especially since her waist and back were still sore from the “torment” A’ning had put her through these past two days. She waved her hands, panting. “Alright, alright, no more fooling around.”

“Alright.” A’ning chuckled, sitting back down beside her. Her expression then turned serious.

At present, Jiang Zhinan was still a wanted fugitive. Her face was plastered all over the city walls, so it wasn’t easy for her to go out.

Given that, disguise was their only real option—something convincing enough that even if someone passed her on the street, they wouldn’t recognize her.

Last time, Jiang Zhinan had disguised herself as a beggar, smearing mud all over her face. But A’ning couldn’t bear to see her do that again, so she had to come up with something better.

“Yu’an, try putting one on,” A’ning coaxed gently. “Be good—once it’s on, I’ll take you out for a walk.”

“Do I really have to?” Jiang Zhinan asked, clearly reluctant.

“You do.” A’ning nodded firmly, her tone leaving no room for debate.

“Fine.” Jiang Zhinan sighed in defeat. Seeing A’ning so serious, she reluctantly took the pouch and pulled out a fake mole the size of a soybean.

It was soft—soft and tacky to the touch. The sensation was indescribable.

Just holding it made her skin crawl, let alone sticking it to her face.

“It’s alright,” A’ning encouraged, though she was clearly holding back laughter.

Jiang Zhinan blushed at her teasing tone and, with a huff, decided to just get it over with. She stuck the mole to her face in one go.

“How does it look?” she asked afterward.

“Beautiful,” A’ning replied, nodding solemnly before breaking into laughter. “Maybe add a few more—then no one will recognize you at all.”

“Mm.” Having survived the first one, the rest was easier. Jiang Zhinan quickly pasted on the remaining moles and birthmarks, then turned to A’ning for approval. “How about now?”

A’ning nodded. “Completely unrecognizable.”

“Good.” Jiang Zhinan went to the bronze mirror and nearly recoiled. Her reflection was so hideous it defied description.

“It’s fine,” A’ning said behind her, amusement still coloring her voice. “Yu’an is beautiful no matter what.”

Yeah, right.

Jiang Zhinan sighed, remembering how A’ning had earlier used the same moles to gross her out. Turning back around, she silently sat down in front of A’ning, staring at her intently.

“What is it?” A’ning asked, puzzled by her sudden seriousness.

“Now that I look like this,” Jiang Zhinan said with a sly glint in her eyes, “do you still dare to kiss me?”

So that was it—she was threatening her with the disguise.

A’ning raised an eyebrow, then leaned in and kissed her square on the cheek.

“Why wouldn’t I dare?” she said with a smirk. “Didn’t I tell you? I like you no matter what you look like.”

Jiang Zhinan stared at her for a moment and then let out a defeated sigh. This woman really had no fear.

It was already getting late, so A’ning had the servants prepare hot water. She insisted that Jiang Zhinan bathe with her.

But Jiang Zhinan, having already been “tricked” twice, wasn’t falling for it again. No matter how A’ning coaxed or pleaded, she refused to go in. In the end, A’ning had no choice but to bathe alone.

Jiang Zhinan waited by the table, reading a book until A’ning was done. Then she had the servants bring up fresh water for herself and quickly washed up as well.

When everything was done, the two lay down on the bed together, still fully dressed.

“Do you think I’ll make it through this?” Jiang Zhinan asked softly after a moment of silence.

“Of course you will.” A’ning turned toward her. “Yu’an, just trust me. We still have a long life ahead of us.”

“I’m going to marry you,” she said tenderly, eyes filled with warmth. “I want to spend my life with you, do countless things together. So no matter what obstacles lie ahead, I’ll never back down. No one can stop me.”

“Mm.” Jiang Zhinan nodded and instinctively tightened her grip on A’ning’s hand.

A’ning gazed at her for a long while, then leaned in and kissed her again.

There was, however, one thing she hadn’t told Jiang Zhinan.

She hadn’t just fetched disguise supplies earlier—she’d also gone to retrieve something she had ordered long ago.

A wedding robe.

Back when she first earned the title of top scholar, she’d commissioned a seamstress to make it especially for her lady, using all of her prize money.

But since she hadn’t been able to see Jiang Zhinan afterward, she’d left it in the shop for safekeeping, afraid it might be damaged.

Now, finally, she could bring it home.

She would dress her lady with her own hands.

Just thinking about it filled A’ning’s heart with a happiness too deep for words.

The next morning, A’ning rose early.

Jiang Zhinan was still fast asleep, looking serene and lovely, her breathing soft and even.

Not wanting to disturb her, A’ning quietly got out of bed, dressed, and slipped out the door.

Her subordinates were already waiting outside. When they saw her, they started to speak, but she raised a finger to her lips. “She’s still sleeping,” she whispered.

They nodded, instantly understanding.

“Post a few guards by the door,” A’ning instructed, glancing back one last time. “If she so much as loses a single strand of hair, you all know what will happen.”

“Yes, my lady,” they replied at once.

Satisfied, A’ning smiled faintly and strode away.

She had business to take care of today.

There was a pharmacy in the capital—an old and well-known establishment selling every kind of medicine imaginable, always bustling with common folk.

On the surface, it looked no different from any other pharmacy.

But only a few knew that the shop also dealt in forbidden drugs.

Poisons—colorless, tasteless, and deadly.

Ordinary people had no idea, and even high-ranking officials rarely had access to such things. But for someone of A’ning’s position, it wasn’t surprising that she knew how to get them.

Those kinds of medicines weren’t kept on display; they were only brought out for special orders. Today, A’ning was there to collect hers.

It was still early. The streets were quiet, and A’ning, dressed plainly with a hat pulled low, drew no attention as she slipped into the shop.

Just as she entered, the shopkeeper arrived at the counter.

“Did you bring what I asked for?” she asked softly, lowering the brim of her hat.

“What thing?” the shopkeeper asked, raising a brow.

A’ning didn’t answer. She reached into her pocket and placed a blood-red stone on the counter.

The shopkeeper nodded. “Wait here a moment.” He turned to fetch the goods.

As he disappeared into the back, one of A’ning’s men hurried in, looking anxious. Clearly, he had urgent news.

A’ning leaned in to listen.

It was about Sun Jin.

Just as she’d expected, Sun Jin had indeed gone to Jiang Zhinan’s former residence—and had dug deep into her past there.

But what truly surprised her was that.

Indeed, Sun Jin wasn’t investigating the movements of Jiang Yu’an or Jiang Chengxuan.

He had visited countless moneylenders and even questioned many people who had previously worked with Governor Jiang, seemingly trying to cross-check accounts.

Wasn’t the embezzlement case already settled? The emperor had already made a final ruling—so why was he reopening the investigation now?

Could it be.

A suspicion slowly began to take shape in A’ning’s mind.

Just then, the shopkeeper returned with the medicines. A’ning dismissed her subordinate, instructing him to report back immediately if anything happened.

She herself remained in the pharmacy, in no hurry to leave.

“Do you need anything else?” the shopkeeper asked. “We have plenty of other medicines—eliminating someone would be a piece of cake.”

“No, thank you.” A’ning shook her head, frowning as if deep in thought.

“Bring some of the best tonics,” she said after a moment. “I have a friend whose health is poor; whenever it rains or turns gloomy, he feels pain all over his body. I want to take something back to help him.”