The Possessive Villain Is Too Clingy [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 48

Ye Zhixia, who had been feeling conflicted, now found her mood much lighter.

She had been eager to meet Princess Ninghua, worried that a girl of fourteen or fifteen might possess ample martial prowess but lack the maturity to fully grasp the power struggles behind the imperial throne.

Now, it seemed she could save her breath in persuading the princess.

“Keep at it tomorrow,” Ye Zhixia said, clasping her hands behind her back as she gazed at the full moon in the night sky, her tone relaxed.

“Keep at what?” A clear, resonant voice rang out, startling Ye Zhixia.

She spun around to find Princess Ninghua standing behind her, having appeared without notice.

Xiao Mi, sensing the newcomer, instinctively hid.

Uncertain how much the princess had overheard, Ye Zhixia decided to take a gamble. “I was talking to myself, telling myself to keep working hard tomorrow.”

Princess Ninghua’s expression turned skeptical, her features scrunching together in mild disdain. “Talking to yourself in the middle of the night instead of resting properly?”

Ye Zhixia reconsidered. She had been longing for a chance to speak with the princess—wasn’t this the perfect opportunity?

“Forgive my foolishness, Your Highness,” Ye Zhixia said with a bright smile, seizing the moment. “Since arriving at the estate, I’ve been working in the kitchen. If I don’t encourage myself now and then, the monotony becomes unbearable.”

Only then did Princess Ninghua remember that, amid her recent busyness, she had completely forgotten about Ye Zhixia.

After glancing around, she invited Ye Zhixia into her bedchamber.

The room was sparsely furnished, save for a fine sandalwood table and chairs, and a few masterful calligraphy and paintings adorning the walls.

She gestured for Ye Zhixia to sit at the table in the center of the room.

The two settled on opposite sides, and once they had adjusted their postures, Ye Zhixia spoke first.

“Has Your Highness realized how tense the current situation has become?”

She couldn’t outright admit she knew about the princess’s recent activities, so she feigned ignorance.

With the memories of the original plot and recent events to guide her, Princess Ninghua was no longer the impulsive teenager she once was.

She understood Ye Zhixia’s intent but had no intention of revealing all her plans.

“Li Kingdom has been troubled lately. With the passing of my two elder brothers, as their younger sister, it’s only natural for me to feel unsettled.”

A trace of sorrow flickered in Princess Ninghua’s eyes.

The night was still, the candlelight in the room flickering across Ye Zhixia’s sharply defined features, accentuating the authority of a general.

“I was born into a military family and raised in the barracks. From a young age, I knew I would join the army and go to war.”

“Your Highness was born into royalty, where noblewomen are often sent away for political marriages…”

Princess Ninghua recalled the fragments of memory flooding her mind—how, as soon as she turned sixteen, her father and brothers had rushed to send her off to Yanlin for a political alliance.

At the thought, her brows furrowed, her heart heavy with frustration.

Ye Zhixia lifted the teapot before her, pouring a cup for both the princess and herself, then gently placed one before the princess.

“But Your Highness has trained in martial arts since childhood, wielding spears and riding into battle at fourteen. You hardly seem like the type to be used as a mere bargaining chip in a political marriage.”

Princess Ninghua’s heart hardened.

She was certainly not that kind of princess. Even in those fragmented memories, her purpose in going to Yanlin had only been to force the other side to break off the engagement.

Now that she knew it had all been part of a grand scheme, she was even more determined not to let her father and brothers have their way.

“However, as a royal child, I have my own duties after all. For the sake of peace between the two nations…” Princess Ninghua said, her words not matching her true feelings.

Xiao Mi suddenly appeared invisibly beside Ye Zhixia and whispered telepathically: Why are you still pretending?

Ye Zhixia sipped her tea nonchalantly, but in reality, she was explaining to Xiao Mi telepathically: The princess doesn’t fully trust me yet and doesn’t want to reveal any progress to me.

In her heart, she acknowledged Princess Ninghua’s caution.

Her current identity was that of a defeated general from an enemy nation. If the Li Kingdom could use spies to dismantle the Southern Sheng court, then it was entirely reasonable for Princess Ninghua to suspect her of being a Southern Sheng spy and remain guarded against her.

After all, her identity as a Southern Sheng citizen was something she could never shed.

As the saying goes, unwarranted kindness is either deceit or theft.

No one would believe that someone would suddenly appear out of nowhere solely to rescue them from peril.

“Princess, I’d like to request leave tomorrow to visit my former sisters at the horse farm,” Ye Zhixia abruptly changed the subject.

Princess Ninghua assumed she had bought her excuse and, thinking she had neglected this retainer lately, granted her the day off.

–

Early the next morning, Ye Zhixia set off for the horse farm.

She went to the stables to check on Liying’s condition.

Upon seeing Ye Zhixia, Liying excitedly lifted its hooves.

But when Ye Zhixia led it out for a walk around the field, it stubbornly refused to move.

Ye Zhixia patted its hindquarters: “Xiao Mi has other things to do today. I’ll bring her to see you tomorrow!”

Hearing this, Liying immediately perked up, raised its hooves, and began happily galloping around the field.

After the walk, she gathered her familiar sisters around her.

Working in the stables was physically demanding, so most of the women there were skilled in martial arts.

“The Li royal family is plagued by misfortunes. If chaos breaks out, would you be willing to join me in protecting others and fleeing the Li Kingdom?”

The group hesitated.

Ye Zhixia reassured them, “You don’t have to answer now. Discuss it with your families first.”

Then, she quietly slipped to the back gate of the Li Kingdom’s Guardian General’s residence and hid behind a garbage cart, disguising herself as a servant pushing the cart to sneak inside.

When she saw Qi Xin again, there seemed to be a renewed sparkle in her eyes. Though she no longer lived in the luxury of Southern Sheng, dressed in fine silks, the Qi Xin before her now, clad in rough hemp clothes, bustled about with a smile, as if she had found hope in life once more.

Ye Zhixia approached stealthily, and Qi Xin, spotting her, quickly pulled her into a secluded corner.

“What are you doing here?” Qi Xin asked warily, glancing around.

Qi Xin had been the original host’s childhood friend, and Ye Zhixia trusted her character completely.

Leaning close to Qi Xin’s ear, Ye Zhixia detailed her plan.

After listening, Qi Xin’s eyes lit up with excitement. She had secretly been planning an escape herself, but her abilities and resources were limited, forcing her to proceed step by step.

Ye Zhixia continued, “However, we’re still missing a few things. First, ask those around you with combat skills if they’d be willing to flee with us.”

Qi Xin nodded vigorously. “Just focus on the preparations. Leave the arrangements here to me!”

–

By evening, before Ye Zhixia could return to the princess’s residence, Xiao Mi rushed to her side.

Xiao Mi was flustered, her fur standing on end. “I—I think I’ve been discovered!”

Seeing no pedestrians on the road, Ye Zhixia asked in confusion, “You didn’t reveal your true form, so how could you have been spotted?”

Xiao Mi flitted about anxiously. “I’m not sure either, but that person definitely turned around and stared at me twice.”

The surroundings were eerily quiet, and Ye Zhixia felt their conversation was far too conspicuous in the empty street. She quickly led Xiao Mi through the back gate of the princess’s residence.

“Alright, tell me what happened today,” Ye Zhixia asked softly, folding her arms.

Xiao Mi explained that Princess Ninghua had met with a merchant from the Western Regions today.

And Princess Ninghua had actually addressed this merchant as her mother!

“Oh? So this Western Rong princess, sent for a political marriage, has also come back from the dead like me?”

Xiao Mi didn’t answer Ye Zhixia’s question, simply recounting the details of the conversation between Princess Ninghua and her mother.

The Western Rong princess told Princess Ninghua that if she intended to raise an army, she could not only provide ample provisions but even muster forces capable of turning the tide of battle.

“But when they were saying goodbye, just as Princess Ninghua’s mother reached the door, she suddenly turned and stared at me—for a long time!” Xiao Mi recalled the Western Rong princess’s gaze and still felt a chill.

“Xiaxia, you have to believe me, she was definitely looking at me!” Xiao Mi was terrified. “In this state, I shouldn’t be visible to people in this world! There’s definitely something wrong with her!”

Ye Zhixia patted her head reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Even if we were exposed, we’re here to help Princess Ninghua—we’re allies!”

Xiao Mi had been too panicked to consider this earlier, but now, hearing Ye Zhixia’s words, her fear eased.

“Right, we’re both helping Princess Ninghua.”

–

With everything prepared, Ye Zhixia didn’t return to the servants’ quarters but instead waited by Princess Ninghua’s door for her return.

Princess Ninghua didn’t come back early. It wasn’t until the setting sun stretched the shadows of the trees long that she finally skipped her way back to the residence.

As she walked up the path to the steps of her quarters, she spotted Ye Zhixia, who had been waiting for some time.

“Is there something else?” Princess Ninghua asked cheerfully, in high spirits.

Ye Zhixia also wore a bright smile. “Your Highness must have everything planned out by now. It’s time for me to have a proper talk with you.”

Princess Ninghua’s expression instantly darkened. She grabbed Ye Zhixia’s arm, pulled her into the room, and slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

Inside, the princess shed her usual easygoing demeanor, radiating an intimidating aura.

The scene reminded Ye Zhixia of the first time she had met Princess Ninghua in the military camp—back then, clad in armor, the princess had been just as formidable.

Standing in the center of the room, three feet away from Ye Zhixia, Princess Ninghua demanded warily, “What do you know?”

Ye Zhixia could show the princess respect, but borrowing the general’s body, she refused to grovel.

She stood firm like a statue and answered sincerely, “Your Highness, all I know is that you’ve accepted my suggestion and have already made the necessary preparations.”

Before Princess Ninghua could question her further, Ye Zhixia stated the purpose of her visit.

“I’d like to make a deal with you,” she said, her tone measured, as if she truly intended to exploit the princess’s weakness for personal gain.

A person with vulnerabilities could be controlled. Hearing that Ye Zhixia had a request, Princess Ninghua actually relaxed slightly.

“Sit down and talk.”

Princess Ninghua pointed to the chairs in the room and sat down first, waiting for Ye Zhixia to approach.

“What do you want? Wealth or power?” Princess Ninghua guessed.

Throughout history, these were the things people pursued.

Yet, to her surprise, Ye Zhixia walked up to her but did not sit. Instead, she shook her head. “These are not what I seek.”

Princess Ninghua raised her brows and studied Ye Zhixia intently.

Ye Zhixia turned her back to the princess and sighed softly. “I am a subject of Nancheng, yet the Nancheng court is corrupt and incompetent—ceding territory, oppressing the people, and persecuting loyal officials. It deserves to be overthrown!”

“Pitiful are the descendants of loyal generals and ministers, exploited by the court and sent to the Kingdom of Li as slaves.”

At this, she turned and clasped her hands toward Princess Ninghua. “As a soldier, leading troops into battle is no challenge for me. I am willing to serve Your Highness with all my loyalty, only asking that you spare the families of Nancheng’s loyal officials!”

A smile appeared on Princess Ninghua’s face. “I knew a Nancheng general approaching me must have a purpose.”

Ye Zhixia lowered her gaze, curling the corners of her lips. “Your Highness is wise.”

Princess Ninghua now let down her guard. “If you want me to help slaves escape, you’d best offer an equivalent condition.”

Ye Zhixia lifted her head confidently. “Though Nancheng slaves are of low status, they are numerous and pass through the city gates daily…”

Hearing this, Princess Ninghua’s heart stirred even more.

Aside from her own guards, if she could also rely on the hundreds of slaves sent in batches from Nancheng—acting as spies before battle and as insiders during war—her chances of success would surely increase by another measure.

“Very well, I agree to this trade,” Princess Ninghua said, unable to conceal her delight.

Upon hearing the deal was struck, Ye Zhixia quickly took a seat on the stool opposite the princess.

Suddenly, her expression shifted to one of puzzlement. “But there is one more thing I do not understand.”

“Speak,” Princess Ninghua said solemnly, assuming she would inquire about the current political situation.

“That Western Regions merchant woman you met today—does she have a special identity?” Ye Zhixia cut straight to the point.

Princess Ninghua’s heart tightened, then she recalled her mother’s words from earlier that day: “If someone knows of our meeting today and that I am your mother, you can trust them completely.”

Though she did not know how her mother had foreseen this, she unconditionally believed her words.

“Indeed, she is my mother,” Princess Ninghua answered truthfully. “My mother faked her death to leave the Kingdom of Li, with my father’s tacit approval.”

“Oh?” Ye Zhixia stared at Princess Ninghua in shock.

Only then did Princess Ninghua reveal the truth.

Her mother, Princess Jiarong of Xirong, had once arrived with a thousand guards for a political marriage. However, Princess Jiarong had no interest whatsoever in the Emperor of Li.

As it happened, the Emperor of Li had always favored delicate, submissive consorts and frowned upon a martial princess like Jiarong.

Once the two understood each other’s stance, they reached an agreement of mutual non-interference.

But Princess Jiarong had a talent for leading troops, and the Emperor of Li was more than willing to accept free military strength. Thus, the bride Consort Rong became General Rong on the battlefield.

To preserve the royal family’s dignity, Princess Jiarong even claimed a little girl she found on the battlefield as her child with the Emperor of Li—and the emperor praised her for her tact.

Princess Jiarong fought her way through countless hardships outside, simultaneously incorporating her thousand guards into the army. Over time, this force continued to expand, and her prestige within the military camp grew to an unrivaled level.

At this point, the civil officials and strategists of the Li Kingdom advised, saying, “Those not of our kind will surely have different hearts,” and warned that an outsider princess leading troops would bring great calamity.

Upon learning of this, Princess Jiarong decided to strike first. She proactively disbanded two-thirds of her forces and ordered the remaining soldiers to protect Princess Ninghua at all costs.

Then, she took a feigned-death drug in the palace and left a will requesting the Li Kingdom’s emperor to bury her in the Western Regions.

The entire nation knew Princess Jiarong had been wronged, and since she had already made the contents of her will public, the emperor had no choice but to comply, sending her body to the Western Regions.

What happened next was obvious—Princess Jiarong switched her body along the way and escaped. The disbanded soldiers secretly followed her to the wastelands bordering the Southern Barbarians and the Western Regions, where they began reclaiming land.

To protect the newly built city, everyone—men and women alike—trained year-round, making the entire populace soldiers.

From then on, with ample labor and armed protection for their grain-producing lands, the princess transformed into a grain merchant who operated between various nations.

Ye Zhixia listened with great interest, but she couldn’t understand why such a formidable Princess Jiarong had never appeared in the original storyline.

However, the answer to this could only be found if she met the princess in person one day.

“You don’t despise me?” Princess Ninghua suddenly asked.

Ye Zhixia didn’t understand her meaning and blurted out, “Huh?”

“I was that little girl picked up on the battlefield.” Princess Ninghua suddenly smiled, though her smile carried a trace of sorrow. “I’m not the bloodline of my father or mother.”

“My three elder sisters are true nobility, raised without ever lifting a finger. Once they came of age, Father quickly arranged good marriages for them, and they live comfortably at the foot of the imperial city.”

“I grew up by Mother’s side, practicing martial arts and swordsmanship. The first time I met Father, though I was young, I could see the disdain in his eyes for my rough, toughened appearance.”

She raised her hands. “I, too, wished to have parents’ protection and live a life of ease from childhood.”

Smack! A crisp slap rang out as Ye Zhixia’s hand struck Princess Ninghua’s. “Only your enemies would wish for you to be weak!”

Princess Ninghua, stung by the heavy slap, quickly clutched her hand to her chest. “What was that for?!”

Ye Zhixia stood before her, face filled with anger, looking down as she scolded sharply, “The Li Kingdom has princesses—does Nan Sheng not? When a nation is strong, princesses cling to power for a good life. When a nation falls, a princess without support is worthless! Worse, she’ll suffer all kinds of humiliation!”

The slap jolted Princess Ninghua awake, and after hearing Ye Zhixia’s words, she suddenly realized she had failed her mother’s teachings.

“Are the soldiers under your command not stronger than those prince consorts in the princess’s mansions?” Ye Zhixia asked earnestly.

Princess Ninghua stood up, meeting Ye Zhixia’s gaze, then whispered in a voice only the two could hear, “Soldiers are stronger than prince consorts—and an empress is stronger than a princess.”

Hearing this, Ye Zhixia smiled in approval.

“But,” Princess Ninghua suddenly changed her tone.

Ye Zhixia’s smile vanished instantly—had the princess changed her mind?

Princess Ninghua’s brows and eyes were now scrunched together in pain. “General Ye, your hand is so strong! That really hurt!”

With that, she raised her hand to strike back.

But unexpectedly, Ye Zhixia swiftly grabbed her hands and gently rubbed them. “Does it still hurt?”

Princess Ninghua’s gaze was as cold as frost as she stared at Ye Zhixia.

Ye Zhixia had no choice but to lower her hands, rubbing them behind her clothes for a moment before extending them out in front of Princess Ninghua.

Slap! Princess Ninghua mercilessly smacked her palm down. “I, Ninghua, have always been fair.”

Then she stretched out her hand. “May we cooperate happily from now on.”

Ye Zhixia pursed her lips and shook hands with Ninghua, sealing their truce.

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