The Possessive Villain Is Too Clingy [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 50

Upon returning to the princess’s residence, Princess Ninghua immediately ordered Ye Zhixia to follow her into her chambers.

As soon as they entered, a violent storm erupted outside, with thunder and lightning splitting the sky.

Ye Zhixia asked urgently, “Is His Majesty planning to arrange a marriage for the Princess?”

Princess Ninghua’s eyes darkened with malice. She clenched her teeth and remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.

“Father demands that I surrender all the military power in my hands.”

Ye Zhixia felt a surge of relief.

In the original plot, the power struggle between the emperor and Princess Ninghua wasn’t described in detail. But now, with the first mention of transferring military authority, the princess was already well-prepared. For her side, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Given the circumstances, I must ask boldly—exactly how many troops does the Princess command?” Ye Zhixia asked solemnly.

Princess Ninghua’s distant gaze suddenly sharpened.

After a brief moment of thought, she replied:

“Between the forces my mother left me and those I’ve recruited on the battlefield, I have roughly five thousand elite soldiers. My mother’s side has promised more reinforcements—about seven thousand. Additionally, the small states stationed along the borders have around twelve thousand troops that can help us stall the forces Father sends to the front lines.”

Ye Zhixia was stunned. Five thousand? And that didn’t even include non-combat logistical personnel?

“Princess, are these five thousand troops stationed outside the city, ready to be mobilized at any time?” she asked in disbelief.

A cryptic smile flickered across Princess Ninghua’s face. She nodded, then said mockingly, “When Father ordered my army to serve as the vanguard in the attack on Nansheng, I didn’t hesitate at all. That must have given him the illusion that he could easily control my forces.”

“These five thousand soldiers of mine—Father probably already considers them his own imperial guards.”

Ye Zhixia stepped forward urgently. “Then what does the Princess plan to do?”

Ninghua moved closer to Ye Zhixia, leaning in to whisper in her ear, “I’ve agreed to Father’s demand. Tomorrow, I’ll go outside the city to retrieve the military tally, and tomorrow night, I’ll deliver it to him in the palace.”

Hearing this, Ye Zhixia immediately grasped the deeper implication.

“I’ll notify the Nansheng side at once!”

–

The next morning, after a night of torrential rain, the sky was clear and bright.

Princess Ninghua left the city at the third mark of the Chen hour. Within less than an hour, many people disguised as commoners began to infiltrate the city in scattered groups.

When the princess returned in the afternoon, she faintly overheard the city gate guards grumbling about the unusually large number of people entering that day.

Pretending not to hear, she simply turned her horse toward the residence of the Second Prince, Duan Run, the Prince of Liang.

Duan Run and Princess Ninghua met in his study.

When she was ushered in, Duan Run was seated in an armchair, head bowed as he reviewed documents.

“Ninth Sister pays her respects to Second Imperial Brother,” Princess Ninghua greeted respectfully.

Duan Run had never gotten along with this younger sister of his.

His mother was the emperor’s favored consort, and from the moment of his birth, the emperor had been determined to make him the heir apparent—even the eldest prince, born of the empress, had to step aside.

Raised according to the standards of a crown prince, Duan Run had studied statecraft from childhood. Naturally, he understood that suppressing women’s status was beneficial for consolidating his own power.

As for this imperial sister of his, who refused to stay confined to the inner chambers and instead preferred wielding swords on the battlefield, he had always regarded her as a thorn in his side.

Deliberately pretending not to hear her, Duan Run kept his head down, still engrossed in the documents before him.

“Imperial Brother! Imperial Brother!” Princess Ninghua feigned urgency.

Hearing Princess Ninghua’s urging, Duan Run finally snapped out of his daze and looked up, “When did my dear sister arrive? Forgive your elder brother for being too engrossed in state affairs and neglecting you. Please, take a seat!”

Princess Ninghua paid no mind to his affected words and simply plopped down onto a chair.

“Today, I’ve come to discuss a matter with you, brother,” she said, her face filled with worry.

Duan Run was genuinely curious. What could his headstrong younger sister possibly have to discuss with him?

He composed himself and looked at the visibly uneasy princess. “Do you need my help, sister?”

Princess Ninghua hesitated, her eyes darting around as she stared at the ground. “It’s about the troops under my command.”

The mention of military power immediately sharpened Duan Run’s focus.

The combat prowess of Princess Ninghua’s five thousand soldiers had been unmistakably demonstrated in the battles against Nansheng. Over the years, this orphaned princess, bereft of her mother’s protection, had relied on the loyalty of these troops to maintain her standing in the royal family.

To say Duan Run had never coveted those five thousand soldiers would be a lie.

He recalled the report from his spy yesterday—the emperor had summoned the princess to the palace. Could it be…?

He remained silent, waiting for Ninghua to reveal the matter herself.

“Father ordered me to hand over my military token to him, but… but…” Princess Ninghua stammered, unable to finish her sentence.

Duan Run was far more interested in the first part of her statement.

After all, when the emperor had dispatched troops to the border, he had told Duan Run that even part of the imperial guards had been sent north for defense. As a candidate for the future throne, Duan Run was expected to prioritize the greater good.

Without suspicion, Duan Run had obeyed the order and withdrawn a large portion of his own forces to reinforce the border.

But now, with the emperor’s military strength replenished, Duan Run’s own power had been weakened in comparison.

It took him a moment to regain his composure before he gestured to Princess Ninghua. “Don’t rush. Speak slowly. But what?”

Princess Ninghua exuded an air of sorrow. “Brother, you know as well as I do that our eldest and third brothers were killed one after another in the capital. I live alone in the princess’s residence. Without my forces, I’ll have no means to protect myself. I beg you, Second Brother, to shelter your ninth sister!”

Duan Run lowered his gaze, took a sip of tea, and then said, “What are you saying, sister? Father will naturally take care of you.”

Suddenly, Princess Ninghua’s eyes brightened as if she had thought of something. “Father sent Fourth Brother to the north—likely for his safety. Why don’t you plead with Father on my behalf, brother, and have me sent away as well?”

Hearing this, Duan Run immediately began to ponder.

The deaths of the eldest and third princes had, of course, been his doing.

He had originally planned to target the fourth prince next, but just before he could act, he had learned that the emperor intended to send the fourth prince away.

When the emperor summoned him, he claimed that he was clearing the path for Duan Run to become crown prince by transferring the fourth prince to the north while deploying Duan Run’s troops south.

But Duan Run couldn’t shake the feeling that as long as his enemies weren’t completely eliminated, the threat would remain.

Now, hearing Ninghua’s words, it did seem as though the emperor had used this method to protect the fourth prince’s life.

Tears welled up in Princess Ninghua’s eyes and fell pattering to the ground. “Brother, what am I to do? In the past, I relied on my power to bully many people. Without protection now, I’ll surely face retaliation. Save me, brother!”

Duan Run had no patience for Princess Ninghua’s melodrama. His mind was wholly occupied with deciphering the true intentions behind the emperor’s recent maneuvers.

Early in the day, he received news that the Nan Sheng slaves would attempt a joint escape tonight. However, there were only five or six hundred of them, including the elderly and children, and as slaves, they were completely unarmed.

Sending two hundred soldiers to intercept them would be more than enough.

“Tonight, your elder brother will accompany you into the palace,” he said with a cold expression.

Then, his face softened into one of concern: “Your elder brother will discuss with our father how to ensure your safety.”

–

Princess Ninghua returned to her residence first and handed the military tally to Ye Zhixia.

Ye Zhixia didn’t hesitate in the slightest—she was the blade in Princess Ninghua’s hand, and this trust was something she was destined to earn sooner or later.

“Do you need someone to accompany you into the palace?” she asked, uneasy.

Princess Ninghua replied confidently, “I have my own arrangements.”

At the hour of Hai, strange bird calls echoed from the back gates of the mansions belonging to high-ranking officials in the city.

Under the cover of darkness, the back gate of the general’s residence opened. Qi Xin slipped out with a few sisters, while several black-clad figures seized the opportunity to infiltrate the premises.

The same scene played out in the grand mansions throughout the imperial city.

However, the black-clad figures who entered the general’s residence were immediately stopped by two guards.

“The general is the princess’s man. What business do you have here?” The guards blocked the intruders with their swords.

The black-clad figures replied, “The princess said the act must be complete.”

The guards pursed their lips. “Fine, then follow us and act together.”

Before long, the Nan Sheng people gathered at the western city gate, where an insider opened the gates for them.

The five or six hundred Nan Sheng slaves, who had been brought in batches, carried their belongings and fled the city under cover of darkness.

Yet, less than two li from the city, a troop of soldiers lit torches and blocked their path.

“Hmph, you’ve got some nerve, daring to escape,” the troop leader sneered, pointing his broadsword at the Nan Sheng people.

Standing beside the leader was a familiar face—Chen Fengtian, the same man who had once accused Ye Zhixia during their forced march to the Kingdom of Li.

Qi Xin immediately realized that it must have been this man who had betrayed them to Li.

“Chen Fengtian! You sold us out!” Qi Xin shouted furiously.

Chen Fengtian showed no remorse. Instead, he spoke with righteous indignation: “Working for the households of Li at least gives you shelter from the wind and rain. If you escape, Nan Sheng won’t take you back, and you’ll be left to survive in the wilderness. What’s the point?”

He even feigned concern for the group: “Just go back. The Second Prince has promised that those who return willingly won’t be punished.”

Qi Xin didn’t answer. Instead, she turned to look at Chen Fengtian’s family.

The Chen family had been absolute loyalists of Nan Sheng. Among the five grandchildren, three had died on the battlefield alongside their parents, leaving only the elderly matriarch and the remaining grandchildren to be exiled to Li.

The old woman leaned on her cane and spat, “You beast! Your parents and siblings lived and died with loyalty, yet you bow to the enemy as your master!”

Chen Fengtian, instead of feeling shame, grew angry at his grandmother’s scolding. “What do you know, old hag? I’m just being pragmatic! A wise man knows when to yield!”

His voice turned shrill: “You lot can only bow your heads and work, but I used my wits to become the Second Prince’s trusted advisor! Once I rise in status, do you think I’d forget my own family? Ungrateful wretches!”

“It’s not me who betrayed Nan Sheng’s court—it’s Nan Sheng’s court that betrayed us!”

Among the Nan Sheng people, Qi Xin had been the one to coordinate their plans.

Precisely because she didn’t want them to feel indebted to Li’s royal family, she had only mentioned Ye Zhixia’s involvement in the escape plan, never revealing that Princess Ninghua had also played a part.

Now she was even more convinced of her approach. Chen Fengtian had betrayed them for the second prince’s petty favors—if they revealed Princess Ninghua’s plan to help them escape, more people might lose their fighting spirit.

“Enough excuses!” Qi Xin’s tone was fierce.

Chen Fengtian found them utterly ridiculous. “A bunch of unarmed women, and you think you can stand against the second prince’s troops?”

“Form ranks!” Qi Xin commanded.

Chen Fengtian and the squad leader immediately sensed trouble.

The people from Nansheng opened the bundles they carried—inside were not clothes, but weapons.

Those capable of fighting took up arms and stepped forward, shielding the elderly and children behind them.

The squad leader’s expression darkened. “Chen Fengtian, didn’t you say this was just a slave escape? Where did these weapons come from?”

Since the weapons bore Nansheng’s insignia, the Nansheng people assumed General Ye Zhixia had somehow procured them.

Though most of the Nansheng group were women, they were all descendants of military families, and their numbers were substantial. The second prince’s forces hesitated to act rashly.

Just as tensions between the two sides reached a boiling point, the clashing of blades suddenly rang out from within the city, accompanied by the glow of raging flames in the distance.

“Damn it! We’ve fallen for a diversion!” The squad leader realized something was wrong and barked orders. “Retreat! Back to the city, now!”

But at that moment, the sound of galloping horses rose behind the Nansheng group.

Neither side knew whether the newcomers were friend or foe.

The approaching force numbered about a hundred, led by the female general who had mocked Duan Run at the emperor’s birthday banquet.

The armed contingent positioned themselves in front of the Nansheng people, weapons pointed at the second prince’s troops.

“General Xie, you—” Qi Xin was bewildered.

General Xie dismounted and murmured softly, “Trying to run away? Was I not good enough to you?”

Qi Xin’s face flushed instantly.

Then, General Xie addressed the opposing soldiers. “Lay down your weapons, and we’ll spare your lives.”

Only then did the enemy grasp that not only had they been lured away, but they had also been set up for defeat in detail.

The squad leader weighed his options. With General Xie involved, these couldn’t be Nansheng’s forces. The unrest in the city was likely just infighting among the Duan family.

“Drop your weapons!” the squad leader shouted.

Chen Fengtian panicked. “You—you betrayed us even faster than I did!”

The squad leader slapped him across the face. “How dare you compare yourself to me?!”

–

Princess Ninghua and Duan Run entered the palace together, startling the old emperor.

His love for this son was genuine, as was his desire to make him crown prince. But faced with this ambitious son who had murdered his brothers for power, he couldn’t help but feel wary.

His urgency to reclaim command of the five thousand troops from Princess Ninghua was, of course, for self-preservation.

Instead of mentioning the military tally to the princess, the emperor first spoke gently to Duan Run. “Run’er, what brings you here?”

Duan Run’s expression was calm and solemn. “Imperial Sister came to me in tears today, begging for my protection. My heart ached for my younger sister, so I agreed to accompany her to the palace.”

Hearing that Princess Ninghua had brought Duan Run here, the emperor immediately frowned and glared at her, scolding sharply, “Why trouble your imperial brother with such trivial matters?!”

Princess Ninghua put on a pitiful act. “But… Eldest Brother and Third Brother died under suspicious circumstances. I was scared.”

Though the emperor had never favored the first and third princes, they were still his own sons.

Sending the Fourth Prince to the northern border indeed carried a certain intent of protection.

But before the emperor could speak, urgent news arrived from outside.

Without waiting for the emperor’s permission, an official rushed into the chamber: “Your Majesty! A troop of soldiers has stormed the city gates and is heading straight for the palace!”

The emperor immediately shouted, “Protect the emperor! Protect the emperor!”

Princess Ninghua also cried out in alarm, “Quick, protect His Majesty!”

Meanwhile, Duan Run gazed toward the commotion outside, pondering—was there a connection between the escaped Nan Sheng slaves today and this sudden attack?

His gaze lingered in that direction.

To the emperor, however, this hesitation carried a different meaning.

With armed forces breaching the imperial city and threatening his safety, Duan Run showed no sign of panic.

Surrounded by four personal guards armed with swords, the emperor stood and pointed accusingly at Duan Run: “So impatient, are you? Killing your own kin wasn’t enough—now you dare to stage a coup?”

A sudden realization struck Duan Run. First, his father had dispatched his troops southward, then used the escape of the Nan Sheng people as a pretext to lure his forces to the western gate. Had he remained in the Crown Prince’s residence tonight, he would have been trapped like a turtle in a jar, utterly defenseless!

Now, the imperial guards were the only substantial force within the city—strongest in numbers and power. How could another army have breached the palace so easily?

This was clearly a staged act, a pretext to capture him, the unwelcome intruder!

His expression darkened. Taking a desperate risk, he seized a guard’s broadsword and slit the man’s throat.

Sword in hand, he pointed it at the emperor. “So Your Majesty’s affection was a lie—plotting to frame me was your true intent all along!”

Princess Ninghua stepped protectively beside the emperor, loudly “pleading,” “Brother, calm yourself! Lower your weapon! His Majesty is merciful—he would never sentence you to death!”

Provoked by her words, Duan Run resolved to burn his bridges.

If he killed the emperor now, he would be the most legitimate heir to the throne within the palace.

Without waiting for the emperor’s next words, he charged forward, sword raised.

It was the dead of night. Aside from the few guards stationed in the hall, the rest were patrolling the palace, now engaged in battle against the invading forces.

Duan Run was no weak fighter, and driven by his do-or-die resolve, he cut down another guard.

But Princess Ninghua seized the moment, kicking the emperor into the midst of the skirmish.

Duan Run’s blade slashed across the emperor’s neck.

Blood gushed forth, splattering the golden drapes. The emperor collapsed, eyes wide open, body convulsing violently.

Yet Duan Run was outnumbered. Soon, the remaining two guards subdued him.

As he was forced to his knees, Ye Zhixia stormed into the hall, driving his sword through Duan Run’s neck from behind!

The entire sequence was executed flawlessly—swift and decisive. Before the guards could react, Duan Run lay lifeless on the ground.

Princess Ninghua shed her feigned panic, striding confidently to the emperor’s throne and seating herself.

Ye Zhixia stepped forward, sword in hand, standing guard at her side.

Her voice was calm, yet laced with imperial authority: “The Crown Prince committed regicide, murdering His Majesty in his bid for the throne. My general, sensing treachery, rushed here to protect the emperor—but arrived too late, forced to slay the murderer in His Majesty’s stead. You two bear witness to this. Any objections?”

One of the quick-witted guards realized that if they were to be charged with failing to protect the emperor by the court officials later, it would mean certain death—perhaps even implicating their families. But testifying for Princess Ninghua might offer a slim chance of survival.

He quickly tested the waters: “This humble servant failed in his duty to protect His Majesty. I wonder if I still have the life left to testify for Your Highness?”

Princess Ninghua smiled faintly. “Didn’t you both protect the new emperor?”

The other guard, though slower to react, quickly grasped their meaning and immediately knelt alongside his companion. “Thank you for Your Highness’s mercy!”

Ye Zhixia produced the forged imperial decree, which did not specify an heir but only mentioned selecting a virtuous and capable ruler.

–

The next day, the officials attended court as usual.

Whether willing or not, civil and military officials alike had no choice but to comply with the situation and acknowledge the princess as the new empress.

The imperial capital’s standing army still numbered ten thousand, but excluding non-combat logistics personnel, only a thousand soldiers had been on duty the previous night. Moreover, with the residences of high-ranking officials under control, the troops Ye Zhixia led had even held a numerical advantage when storming the palace.

That night, the families of officials within the capital had been seized by Ninghua’s forces, while the troops that defeated the imperial guards opened the city gates, allowing the princess’s army to enter.

Outside the city, a contingent sent by Princess Jiarong took control.

After Ninghua ascended the throne and set the coronation date, General Xie came to report.

“Your Majesty, the Nansheng slaves have safely departed. I have made it clear to them that it was by Your Majesty’s grace they were freed.”

Every move Qi Xin had made had been under General Xie’s surveillance.

The general knew Qi Xin had not informed everyone of the princess’s mercy.

But upon learning this, the princess believed it actually helped keep the secret and thus did not intervene.

Though General Xie’s martial skills were inferior to Ye Zhixia’s, she surpassed her in understanding human psychology.

Outside the city that night, after confiscating the weapons, she informed everyone present that it was Princess Ninghua who had decided to help the Nansheng people escape.

After the war with Nansheng, Princess Ninghua had secretly spent half a month hiding captured weapons within the capital for future use.

The weapons the Nansheng people carried were precisely those the princess had stashed away.

The hibiscus insignia engraved on the weapons was the clearest proof.

After her explanation, Qi Xin also nodded in confirmation, dispelling any remaining doubts among the Nansheng people.

General Xie’s clarification wasn’t merely about attributing credit to the princess.

Soon, this would become a pivotal factor in Empress Ninghua’s rise to dominance.

In the court, the Fifth Prince arrived in haste.

Ninghua and Ye Zhixia, standing by her side, were surprised. They had expected the prince to await judgment, not come forward himself.

“Long live Her Majesty, ten thousand years!”

The Fifth Prince knelt and bowed as soon as he entered the hall.

The assembled officials cast disdainful glances his way.

Then, with genuine emotion, he spoke.

“Ninth Sister—no, Your Majesty. You must know that my mother was but an orphan. I have always been the most disappointing child in Father’s eyes, never qualified to contend for anything. I beg Your Majesty to spare me and my family.”

Ye Zhixia glanced at Ninghua in confusion, and the empress gave her a slight nod.

Ye Zhixia whispered a reminder: “The Two Kings and Three Dukes precedent.”

Understanding, Ninghua spoke. “Fifth Brother is a man of pure kindness. I have always held you in high regard. Please set your heart at ease.”

Then she hinted pointedly, “The northern frontier is bitterly cold. Fourth Imperial Brother has been away for several months—it’s time for him to rest.”

General Xie quickly clasped his hands in salute. “This subject will immediately dispatch a messenger to urge Prince Cheng’s return to the capital!”

Afterward, Ninghua primarily arranged for her subordinates to take over the various military camps in the city.

Thanks to Ninghua’s well-trained troops, who enjoyed immense prestige throughout the Li Kingdom’s army, the takeover proceeded remarkably smoothly.

Ye Zhixia spent the entire day rearranging the city’s defenses before being summoned back to the palace by an official sent by Empress Ninghua to urge her return.

Previously, at the princess’s residence, which was small, she would always meet with Ninghua first before returning to her own quarters.

Now in the imperial palace, she had to return to her own chambers first—after all, respect for the empress was still necessary.

Ye Zhixia quickly bathed in the quarters Ninghua had arranged for her, then changed into light, comfortable clothing before heading to the empress’s bedchamber.

As soon as she entered, Ye Zhixia bowed her head in greeting: “Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years—”

Before she could finish, a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind.

Ninghua then stood on her tiptoes and rested her head on Ye Zhixia’s shoulder. “Why so formal, General Ye?”

Ye Zhixia placed her hands over Ninghua’s arms, tilting her head slightly so that her cheek brushed lightly against Ninghua’s nose.

“This subject should show Your Majesty proper respect.”

Ninghua nudged Ye Zhixia forward from behind, steering her toward the bed.

The emperor’s bedchamber was resplendent, with a grand and intricately carved pearwood canopy bed.

As she guided Ye Zhixia to sit on the golden bedding, Ninghua waved her hand, letting the pale yellow silk curtains, previously tied to the sides, cascade down.

Then, she swung a leg over Ye Zhixia’s thighs, pressing her down onto the bed.

Their eyes met, faces mere inches apart.

This time, it was Ye Zhixia’s heart that raced wildly. Since meeting Ninghua, she had never seen her so bold, so alluring.

Ninghua’s breath was sweet as orchids, her eyes shy yet seductive.

She wore a high-waisted ruqun that revealed a swath of snow-white skin around her collarbone.

Ye Zhixia couldn’t help but reach out to touch that delicate smoothness.

Warm fragrance enveloped them as she gazed into Ninghua’s mesmerizing eyes, watching her rosy lips part slightly. “General Ye, would you be willing to become this emperor’s empress?”

A mischievous smile suddenly played on Ye Zhixia’s lips. “Has this subject not already belonged to Your Majesty?”

With that, she flipped them over, placing Ninghua beside the pillow.

Side by side, they lost themselves in a passionate kiss.

Ye Zhixia’s tongue slipped past Ninghua’s lips, delving deep.

Breaths grew heavy and damp, the bed filled with amorous warmth.

Ninghua was like a delicate spring blossom, while Ye Zhixia was the vibrant butterfly dancing around her.

The butterfly lingered, savoring the flower’s sweet nectar.

Silhouettes intertwined, filling the chamber with intoxicating fragrance.