The Villainous Consort (GL) - Chapter 15

Qi Yu’s heart was filled with bitterness. In this era where martial arts were practically a “cheat code,” everyone else seemed to have an advantage while she was just a “little rookie.”

The Eldest Princess tilted her head slightly, her eyes fixed on Qi Yu, whose acting was undeniably clumsy. This Consort was proving to be quite interesting. “Oh? Since the Consort has always been acting against her will, this Princess shall give you an opportunity.”

Qi Yu nodded frantically. “Whatever the Princess says, I will do it.”

I’ll stabilize both of you villainous factions first, she thought. Once I escape the city on the wedding day, who cares how you two play your games?

The Princess smiled at her. “I want you to feign agreement to cooperate with these remnants of the former dynasty. However, from now on, what you do and how you do it must follow my orders. Is the Consort willing?”

If utilized properly, this rebel force could become a powerful asset. Even if she couldn’t change their treasonous intent, she could at least use them to cause trouble for her Imperial Brother.

As for Qi Yu—once she entered the Princess’s Estate and became the Prince Consort, she would be like a grasshopper with its legs tied. How she jumped would be entirely up to the Princess.

“But… I just rejected him,” Qi Yu said, her brows furrowing. “To suddenly approach them might seem suspicious. He said he would return for my answer after the wedding; to avoid raising their doubts, why don’t I wait until after the big day to agree?”

Qi Yu didn’t want to risk her life, nor did she want to draw too much attention before the wedding. If her plan to flee failed, she would be facing execution by dismemberment.

She recalled the novel mentioning that the female lead meets the male lead at the villainous Consort’s wedding. If she could help push that plot along, it might distract everyone and make her own escape smoother.

As for the Eldest Princess and the rebels—sorry, survival comes first. She would pretend to compromise for now, but once she left the capital, it would be every woman for herself.

The Princess watched Qi Yu’s expression, that nagging sense of incongruity lingering in her mind. She suppressed her doubts. “The Consort is right. Having rejected them multiple times, it would be unwise to be too proactive now. It is better to wait and see.”

She was also curious why these people were so certain Qi Yu would change her mind after the wedding. She would have to handle the wedding day carefully to ensure no “jokes” were made at her expense.

Fortunately, though her Consort seemed somewhat lacking in ability, she at least understood the gravity of the situation and was willing to cooperate.

As the conversation lulled, a silence fell over the room. Han Shui looked at her contemplative Princess and then at Qi Yu, whose eyes were almost glued to the Princess.

Han Shui felt a sense of satisfaction. Although the Princess wore a veil, half her face was visible. This “useless” young lady from the Preceptor’s Estate might be incompetent at many things, but her taste was excellent—she could never look away whenever the Princess was near.

Seeing the two remains silent, Han Shui quietly withdrew. Since the Princess had chosen this woman to be the future Consort, they needed time alone to develop some genuine affection.

The door made a soft clicking sound as Han Shui closed it from the outside. The late afternoon sun of early summer cast a dim, golden light into the room. Qi Yu looked at the pensive Princess and reluctantly pulled her gaze away.

“Is the Princess returning to the Palace tonight?”

“Hmm?” The Princess snapped out of her thoughts, realizing only she and Qi Yu remained. She looked at Qi Yu as if she hadn’t quite heard the question.

Qi Yu composed herself, forcing a smile to her lips. “Is the Princess returning to the Palace? Mama Li isn’t here, but if you aren’t leaving, I’ll go make arrangements.”

She watched the Princess, wondering if this “Second Villain” had become addicted to staying at their little villa. Did she really not care about the gossip? Technically, they hadn’t even performed the wedding ceremony yet.

“No need to trouble yourself. Han Shui and I will stay in the same room as last time.”

The Princess paused, then tilted her head to stare at Qi Yu. “If the Consort doesn’t want to smile, she shouldn’t force herself. That expression is truly… quite unpleasant to look at.”

Qi Yu: “…” If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all! What do you mean ‘unpleasant to look at’? Her appearance was nearly identical to the original host’s—perhaps not “country-toppling,” but at least strikingly elegant.

She forced another smile and said with feigned lightness, “What is the Princess saying? I am happy to see the Princess, so I smile naturally. It is a pity this commoner is not as naturally gifted with beauty as the Princess. If I have startled you, I hope you won’t take offense.”

If you think I’m ugly, then don’t look! You look and then complain? Is being a Princess a license to do whatever you want?

Well… apparently, it is. Qi Yu cursed the feudal class system. Why hadn’t she transmigrated as an Empress?

The Princess let out a light laugh. “Fine, I won’t look at you then. I wonder if the Consort is willing to push me out for a walk?”

Qi Yu looked at her. She’s really committed to the act. She had to admire the Princess’s acting skills; sitting in a wheelchair for years when her legs were perfectly fine was a level of dedication few could match. These villains were truly ruthless—even to themselves.

“It is my honor to serve the Princess. I am more than willing.”

The Princess: “…” Just keep smiling and stop talking. That flattering tone is nauseating.

Seeing the Princess fall silent, Qi Yu smiled inwardly. Competing with an ancient person to see who had thicker skin or better acting skills? She could win with her eyes closed.

In the courtyard, Han Shui felt a spark of satisfaction as she saw Qi Yu slowly pushing the Princess out. For the first time, she didn’t step in to take over the wheelchair. Instead, she signaled the guards, and the group quickly withdrew to the perimeter of the villa.

The Princess glanced up but said nothing.

Qi Yu opened her mouth to protest, but sighed. Fine, the Princess is addicted to being pushed. She had volunteered for the job; now she had to finish it, even if she wanted to cry.

With a look of utter resignation, she began pushing the wheelchair in circles around the small courtyard.

From a distance, the man in black watched for a long while. Seeing Qi Yu endlessly pushing the Princess in circles, he sneered and returned to the city.

He went straight to the Second Prince’s Estate, kneeling to report. “Subordinate saw the Princess’s people heading out of the city, and fearing something was amiss, I followed. The Eldest Princess and Qi Yu stayed in a room alone for a while before coming out.”

“And then?” the Second Prince pressed. He had spent his childhood following his sister; he knew her capabilities all too well and never underestimated her.

The man in black looked up. “Then… that Qi Yu just pushed the Princess around the yard in circles. Over and over. So, I returned.”

The Second Prince knitted his brows. After a long silence, his lips curled. “It seems my ‘good’ Imperial Sister is staying outside the city again tonight. Interesting… very interesting. Since that path is blocked, we can only arrange the final route. They chose this themselves. You may leave.”

After the man left, the Second Prince turned to Li Chuanlian and Fang Hai. “In your opinion, is there truly only romance between my sister and Qi Yu?”

He didn’t believe it for a second. Flirting at a critical time like this? His sister was a master strategist, nothing like those women who only cared about domestic squabbles in the back courtyard.

Li Chuanlian looked awkward. Being unmarried, he didn’t care much for such things and didn’t know how to judge.

Seeing Fang Hai looking dejected and defeated, Li Chuanlian took over the conversation. “If there truly is something between them, it’s a good thing for us. Think about it, Your Highness: if the Princess cares for Qi Yu, she has a weakness. Even if the Princess’s Estate is as solid as iron, once we have Qi Yu as a ‘soft nail’ inside, what do we have to fear?”

He figured that once a woman had a sweetheart, she lost her usual logic. If they could use Qi Yu as a pawn, wouldn’t the Princess be forced to comply?

The Second Prince spun the jade ring on his right index finger, his gaze turning cold and hateful. “You haven’t worked with her. Others might lose their heads over romance, but my sister won’t. She is cold-blooded and cold-hearted. Why would she ever care for someone like Qi Yu?”

His eyes were icy as he recalled a scene from his childhood. The people in this palace were all wolves in sheep’s clothing. There were no fools who gave away their hearts.

Li Chuanlian was stunned; he hadn’t expected such a strong reaction. “Your Highness is right. We were short-sighted.”

“Is the arrangement on your end ready?” the Second Prince asked, his expression returning to a calm mask.

Li Chuanlian bowed. “The whistleblowing letter and the evidence are ready. The right person has been found. We are just waiting for the wedding.”

“I trust your work. Just ensure it is handled properly.” The Second Prince then glanced at the listless Fang Hai. Since Minister Fang’s demotion, this “capable assistant” had become useless.

By all rights, such a burden should be discarded. However, since everyone knew the Fangs were his people, discarding them now would look like “burning the bridge after crossing it.” If people thought he was disloyal, he would never be able to recruit more officials.

Suppressing his disgust, the Second Prince spoke warmly. “Fang Hai, how is your recovery? Have the Imperial Physician check you later. I have some rare mountain ginseng here; take it to nourish your body. You must recover quickly so you can continue to advise me.”

“Your Highness… Your Highness…” Fang Hai was too moved to speak. He had expected to be kicked out now that his father was gone. He never expected the Second Prince to be so loyal and value his “talent” so much.