The Traitor Crown Princess (Transmigration) - Chapter 7

“Thinking this way is only natural for Your Highness, but I feel that since you are a dragon among men, you surely would not wish to submit to others.”

Chu Yun asked, “What do you expect me to use to trust you?”

Shen Yi feigned sincerity and said, “Since I have already married Your Highness, I am now your person; we shall share life and death, and never part.”

As soon as Shen Yi finished speaking, he stood up. With a splash of water, Shen Yi quickly lowered his head, refusing to look at him.

I do not know how much time passed, but when Shen Yi looked up, he saw Chu Yun standing before him, tossing over a small porcelain bottle.

Shen Yi asked, “What is this?”

Chu Yun replied, “Poison.”

Shen Yi stammered, “…This consort does not understand.”

Chu Yun sneered and leaned over. “Didn’t you say you wanted to cooperate with me? Consume it, and I will cooperate with you.”

If he consumed it, he would die from the poison; but if he did not…

After much hesitation, Shen Yi opened the lid. Under Chu Yun’s watchful gaze, he poured out a red pill and shoved it into his mouth.

“Well?”

Chu Yun’s eyes narrowed slightly. He picked up the peach blossom wine from the table and walked toward Shen Yi step by step. He reached out to pinch Shen Yi’s jaw, while his other hand used the wine bottle to pry open Shen Yi’s teeth.

The cold, spicy wine poured into his mouth, leaving Shen Yi gasping for breath. The pill that had been hidden under his tongue slipped out and rolled down his throat.

Shen Yi’s body trembled. He struck Chu Yun’s wrist with his palm, sending the wine bottle flying a meter away, where it smashed against the wall into fragments and fell wretchedly to the floor.

Shen Yi clutched his throat and backed away, his gaze cold and terrifying; he wished he could skin this man alive.

He had clearly been kind and sincere in wanting to help him, yet the man not only ungratefully rejected it but also forced him to consume poison. They had no enmity between them!

Seeing Shen Yi’s attitude, Chu Yun was finally satisfied. “This poison leaves you with only one week to live. In one week, if you do not take the antidote, you will bleed from your seven orifices and die. This is the sincerity you show for our cooperation.”

Shen Yi was furious. However, upon second thought, the book mentioned a “Doctor Wan” who could cure all illnesses; it would not hurt to consult him for a few days when the time came, so he stopped holding a grudge. “If Your Highness is satisfied, I will now state my conditions.”

Chu Yun was somewhat displeased that Shen Yi referred to himself as “I” (wo), but there was no need to argue with a chess piece, so he lifted his chin, signaling for him to continue.

Shen Yi said, “Redress the injustice of the Shen estate.”

Chu Yun said indifferently, “What relationship do you have with the Shen estate?”

Shen Yi casually made up an excuse. “Our two families are old acquaintances… If Your Highness is willing, I will arrange for my cousin to enter the palace tomorrow. Your Highness can grant him an official title so that he has the authority to act on your behalf.”

Chu Yun smiled without saying a word. Shen Yi was given the creeps by his stare, unable to fathom what Chu Yun was thinking.

The reason he had changed his persona to help Chu Yun was precisely because he understood Chu Yun’s personality; he had no choice but to resort to such a measure.

After all, one can never truly know a person’s heart. If he did good deeds openly, he would easily end up isolated and helpless. It is difficult for a high-ranking minister to be punished, but for a consort, he could be killed on a whim. Therefore, using a hidden identity for court matters was the best course of action.

Chu Yun replied coldly, “As you wish.”

Shen Yi’s eyes lit up. He performed a curtsy, “I thank Your Highness. This consort will now take his leave.”

Before Chu Yun could speak, Shen Yi assumed his consent, finished his salute, and turned to leave.

Chu Yun watched his departing figure, tilted his head to drink the remaining peach blossom wine, and stepped back into the bath.

Qiushui and Hanxiang were guarding the doorway. Seeing Shen Yi return, they were both surprised and delighted, hurrying over to greet him.

Qiushui asked, “Oh my, my Lady, why are you soaked all over? Did you not bathe just now?”

Shen Yi replied, “No, it is a long story. You and Hanxiang go and bring me a basin of water; I can just wash up simply.”

Hanxiang said, “I will go. Qiushui, you assist the Princess in changing clothes.”

Qiushui replied, “Yes.”

After speaking, Qiushui pulled Shen Yi into the room, and shortly after, Hanxiang returned with the washbasin.

Behind the screen in the inner chamber, Shen Yi used a towel dipped in water to wipe his skin, then changed into brand-new undergarments. After washing up, he lay comfortably on the bed, preparing to sleep.

Hanxiang lit the soothing incense for Shen Yi, then extinguished the candles inside and exited the room.

There had been too many chaotic events during the day; as soon as Shen Yi’s head hit the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep.

In the middle of the night.

A black figure pushed open the main door. The hazy moonlight passed through the half-open window, shining on Shen Yi’s youthful face.

The man stopped before the bed and reached out to lift the quilt.

Shen Yi woke up with a start. He quickly drew a dagger from under his pillow and, without a word, stabbed it toward the man.

The man clearly had not expected Shen Yi to have such a trick up his sleeve. He dodged to the side and grabbed Shen Yi’s wrist. Shen Yi instantly felt a piercing pain in his wrist. He used his other hand to hook the man’s neck and delivered an elbow strike. The man lost his center of gravity and fell squarely onto the bed.

Shen Yi took the opportunity to flip over and sit on the man’s lap, holding the dagger to his throat, and reprimanded him sternly, “Who sent you?”

The man did not speak, but through the darkness, Shen Yi could sense that the man seemed to be laughing.

The sound of the two of them fighting soon alarmed Qiushui, who was keeping vigil outside.

Bang,

Qiushui shouted anxiously, “My Lady, what is wrong!”

Under the faint moonlight, Shen Yi was sitting on Chu Yun’s waist, his ink-black hair draped over his shoulders, his undergarments half-open, revealing his slender, muscular waist. A small, red mole on his chest was particularly conspicuous against his fair skin. His delicate face looked both pure and seductive, much like a small milk cat meowing in anger.

Meanwhile, Chu Yun had one hand resting on Shen Yi’s waist. Shen Yi’s waist was very slender, as if it could be snapped with a light squeeze.

Qiushui’s eyes widened at this scene. At this moment, Shen Yi also furrowed his brows deeply: “How could it be you?”

Chu Yun scoffed coldly, “Is there a problem with me returning to my own room to sleep? I hope you haven’t forgotten who the bridegroom is today.”

“You didn’t say anything in advance…” Shen Yi retracted his hand awkwardly. “Qiushui, you may leave.”

Qiushui replied, “Yes.”

After she exited the room, Shen Yi climbed off Chu Yun and got up to put on his shoes. “I will sleep on the lounge chair tonight.”

Chu Yun raised his eyelids and glanced at him gloomily. “Why?”

Shen Yi found a random excuse and retreated to the bedside. “I have caught a cold recently; I do not wish to infect Your Highness.”

After saying this, he pretended to cough a few times. Chu Yun did not commit either way, instead slapping the bed frame with his palm. With the vibration, the red curtains fell, blocking Shen Yi’s view.

Shen Yi withdrew his gaze, opened the wardrobe, took out a brocade quilt, and laid it on the lounge chair. He then crawled inside and began to sleep.

The next day.

Knock, knock,

The bedroom door was knocked. Shen Yi opened his sleepy eyes and sat up, supporting himself with his hands.

He looked up at the bed in the inner chamber, but it was already empty.

“Wait a moment.” Shen Yi drew his dagger, pulled up his pant leg, and made a light cut. A few drops of fresh blood dripped onto the center of the white cloth on the bed sheet.

After doing all this, Shen Yi wiped the knife clean and put it away. He then lay back down on the bed, pretending to have just woken up.

“Come in.”

The door was pushed open. A group of maids dressed in pink casual clothes entered, carrying washbasins and incense.

The group stood in an orderly line in the outer chamber, while Qiushui and Hanxiang entered the inner chamber to comb Shen Yi’s hair.

Because it was the second day of the wedding, they changed Shen Yi into a bright red palace dress, adorned his head with gold phoenix-and-peony ornaments, and added small red-gemstone hairpins for embellishment, looking elegant and generous.

Shen Yi asked, “Where is the Crown Prince?”

As Hanxiang helped Shen Yi straighten his dress, she replied, “I heard from the palace servants that the Crown Prince went out early this morning. I do not know where he went. Does the Princess wish to go to the Empress’s palace to pay her respects first?”

“Very well.” Shen Yi stood up. “Lead the way.”

Sounds of silk and bamboo instruments emanated from the main hall. Lan Nishang sat in the center of the hall, her fingers plucking the strings of a zither, the clear, cold melody pouring out like flowing water, lingering among the carved beams and painted pillars.

Feng Xi sat on the main seat, gently stroking the Persian cat in her arms, her expression weary.

Shen Yi walked into the hall. “Greetings, Mother Empress.”

Feng Xi smiled and said, “Please, take a seat.”

Feng Xi smiled, yet there was not the slightest bit of warmth in her eyes.

Clearly, it is forced.

Shen Yi also maintained superficial politeness. After sitting in the chair, Lan Nishang also rose and sat beside the Empress, while palace maids removed the jade zither and served tea.

Feng Xi raised her eyes. “Since the Crown Princess has just arrived, is there anything you do not understand?”

Shen Yi replied, “Replying to Mother Empress, everything is well.”

Shen Yi did not see the Emperor around and asked curiously, “Does the Emperor have something on today?”

Feng Xi replied, “His Majesty is busy today and could not come over. I, as the Mother Empress, must be the one to receive you. I assume the Crown Princess does not mind, right?”

Shen Yi replied, “Naturally not.”

Feng Xi stroked the cat in her arms, her voice unexpectedly gentle. “Look at you, still pretending. Later, I will arrange for a few palace maids to accompany you back. You should come here more often to keep me company and chat.”

Shen Yi offered a forced smile. “The Eastern Palace does not lack maids to serve, and I thank Mother Empress for her concern.”

Feng Xi’s hand, which was stroking the cat, paused, and she let out a light laugh. “The Crown Princess is truly distant with me. If you have the heart to associate with me more, I can ensure your smooth journey in this palace in the future.”

Shen Yi replied, “No need to trouble yourself, Mother Empress. I am feeling a bit unwell today, so I will come to pay my respects to you again tomorrow.”

Feng Xi waved her hand with a smile. “Return then.”

After Shen Yi left, her expression changed instantly. Lan Nishang observed Feng Xi’s expression and spoke at the opportune moment: “Mother Empress, do not worry. We have our eyes and ears in the Eastern Palace, and since Miss Feng will be entering the palace in some time, she cannot threaten us yet.”

Feng Xi’s expression appeared casual, but there was deep disgust in her eyes. “I am not worried that he will threaten my position, but rather that I am forced to endure the nausea of seeing her.”

Lan Nishang paused, guessing Feng Xi’s meaning. Feng Xi suddenly laughed and tossed the Persian cat aside. “Do not let the rest of these matters worry me.”

Lan Nishang replied, “Yes.”