Transmigrated as the Doomed Scumbag Alpha of the Eldest Princess - Chapter 40

It took Jiang Si a moment to realize that Mowan Ci had begun acting differently ever since Nangong Yan appeared.

It felt like the butterfly effect. Her early interaction with Nangong Yan had changed the course of events, and now Mowan Ci was behaving in ways Jiang Si couldn’t explain.

Everything had deviated from the original storyline. Jiang Si had mentally prepared herself for this. Even if she had done nothing to hurt Mowan Ci since arriving here, the actions of the original Jiang Si couldn’t be undone—the fact that she had humiliated a princess by making her a concubine remained.

First, there had been pursuit, then indifference, and now apologies served with tea.

Jiang Si couldn’t tell how much of it was genuine and how much was a facade. But she knew one thing for sure: someone as proud as Mowan Ci wouldn’t change so suddenly without a reason.

And now, with their hands tightly clasped and their bodies standing so close, Jiang Si understood. It wasn’t about her. It was about Nangong Yan.

Jiang Si had no feelings for Nangong Yan. But with Mowan Ci clinging to her hand like this, she decided to play along.

Mowan Ci’s beauty was the kind that left no room for indifference. The kind that stirred something deep, no matter how one tried to resist.

It made sense, then, that the fury in Nangong Yan’s eyes was impossible to miss. In her mind, Jiang Si and Mowan Ci must truly be together.

Winters in Nanliang were never this harsh, so Nangong Yan was dressed in layers. But with her graceful figure, her curves were still apparent. As she walked toward them, Jiang Si could feel Mowan Ci’s body relaxing slightly, even shifting farther away.

The hostility in Nangong Yan’s eyes was obvious. She gave Mowan Ci a cold once-over, her lips curled into a mocking smile.

Once she was close enough, she no longer looked at Mowan Ci. Instead, she stood beside Jiang Si and asked, just loudly enough for Mowan Ci to hear, “She really didn’t drug you?”

By she, she clearly meant Mowan Ci. Nangong Yan wasn’t trying to hide it. She wanted Mowan Ci to hear every word.

Jiang Si, on the other hand, was curious to see what Mowan Ci would do in response.

So she leaned in slightly and said in a very low voice, “Why don’t you guess?”

Frustration instantly showed on Nangong Yan’s face. She let out a short breath through her nose and glared at Jiang Si. That’s when her eyes caught the faint red marks on Jiang Si’s neck.

Her voice dropped, tinged with coldness. “Is being with her really that satisfying?”

“So satisfying you forgot yourself?”

Jiang Si knew exactly where her gaze had landed. It was because of what happened between her and Mowan Ci.

But she didn’t want to completely anger Nangong Yan. The alliance with Nanliang was still important. It wasn’t something that could be replaced.

Mu Zesheng had already begun taking action in Huai City. He wasn’t ready to tear the alliance apart, which meant he could send people to Ling Shang City at any time. If she completely drove Nangong Yan away now, it would be meaningless when Mu Zesheng’s men eventually arrived.

So she let go of Mowan Ci’s hand and bowed slightly.

“Your Highness,” she said respectfully to Mowan Ci, “I need to speak with the Junzhu about military matters. Would you mind if Zhi Miao accompanied you for a walk? I’ll come find you shortly.”

Every word sounded respectful and polite, as though she were asking for permission. But in truth, she left Mowan Ci with no room to say no.

Mowan Ci could not involve herself in military discussions, so all she could do was watch as the two of them walked away.

“Are you up to date on the situation in Pingjin and Fengcheng?” Nangong Yan asked.

“I am,” Jiang Si replied.

“Then why—”

“What does this have to do with her?”

“How does it not?” Nangong Yan’s voice sharpened. “The Emperor of Yue sent an envoy to the southern border, claiming it was a routine inspection. But it’s obvious he wants to assess the threat.”

“Is that not expected?” Jiang Si said calmly. “You don’t actually believe Mu Zesheng intends to hide forever.”

The joint capture of Huai City by the Jingyuan Army and Nanliang’s forces had not been publicly declared, but both sides knew the truth. Mu Zesheng and Mu Shuyang kept a low profile to avoid political unrest, but behind the scenes, they were quietly preparing for more.

“Mowan Ci is still a Yue royal,” Nangong Yan said sharply. “The Emperor was raised by her hand. When it comes to battle, would she really stand on your side?”

“If you won’t publicly declare your rebellion, then I will do it for you.”

“No need,” Jiang Si cut her off. She had considered this many times. If the day ever came when Mowan Ci stood by her brother’s side, it wouldn’t surprise her. She was prepared for that possibility.

But Nangong Yan wasn’t someone she fully trusted either.

After all, the Nangong family wasn’t under Nangong Yan’s control. No one could predict what the future held.

“Rest assured, Junzhu,” Jiang Si said. “I have a full grasp of the southern front. I will not let you down. Our alliance remains.”

Those words—our alliance—hit a nerve.

Nangong Yan hadn’t come to speak on behalf of an alliance. Her emotions had nothing to do with strategy.

Her eyes reddened with frustration. She turned to glare at Mowan Ci in the distance.

“You really don’t get it,” she said bitterly. “I’m warning you because I don’t want her to fool you.”

Jiang Si had been clear. Yet Nangong Yan remained obsessed with Mowan Ci. Jiang Si felt helpless and finally responded more firmly.

“Junzhu, you hold a noble status, but what happens in my household is not your concern.”

Nangong Yan gave a cold laugh. She crossed her arms and said with a mocking tone, “A bed of sweetness is still laced with poison.”

Jiang Si paused in her step, glanced back, then shook her head and walked away.

That calm, unaffected departure made Nangong Yan so angry she stomped her foot.

She had wanted to warn Jiang Si that people only gathered around profit. When it was gone, they would scatter.

The royal family of Yue was like that. So was Nanliang.

Only by holding power in her own hands could someone be truly safe.

But now, there was no point. Let Jiang Si learn the hard way.

Jiang Si had no idea what Nangong Yan was thinking. She walked straight back to Mowan Ci and smiled as she explained.

“The Junzhu and I were discussing Huai City. It’s secure for now, guarded by Ye Chan and Cheng Pu. But Mu Zesheng is pretending not to know and has sent an envoy south.”

Jiang Si had no intention of hiding this from Mowan Ci. In fact, she wanted to see how she would respond.

While Jiang Si spoke, Mowan Ci’s gaze remained on Nangong Yan, distracted. It wasn’t until Mu Zesheng’s name came up that she returned to the conversation.

After a moment of thought, she asked, “Why haven’t you declared open rebellion?”

It was a question not only Mowan Ci had. Su Xun, Ye Chan, and many others in the Jingyuan Army likely wondered the same thing. But they didn’t dare ask.

Nangong Yan, by contrast, was bold enough to want to make decisions for her.

Now that Mowan Ci had asked directly, Jiang Si was willing to answer.

Her reasoning was simple, though she doubted anyone would believe her.

She looked toward the brightly lit night market. Her gaze softened as she turned back to Mowan Ci and smiled.

“This war must be fought. Whether sooner or later, it makes little difference.”

“And besides, starting a rebellion carries great risk. If we begin too soon, the people of the north might not even get to enjoy a peaceful New Year.”

After Jiang Si spoke, Mowan Ci stopped walking and looked at her with a trace of surprise.

It was obvious. Mowan Ci didn’t believe her.

Jiang Si turned to face her, eyes calm, voice low. “Mowan Ci, your expression tells me you don’t believe a word I said.” She didn’t wait for a reply. Her eyes lifted toward the sky, watching the bursts of fireworks bloom overhead.

They had eaten dinner early. By the time they returned to the Marquis’s residence, Jiang Si was already feeling hungry. She tapped Mowan Ci gently on the shoulder and asked, “I heard there’s a kind of copper hotpot that originated in the capital. Did Your Highness happen to bring it here to the northern border?”

Her voice was casual and cheerful, something Mowan Ci wasn’t quite used to.

She studied Jiang Si’s face. Seeing the genuine look of anticipation in her eyes, she nodded. “Yes.” Then she turned to Zhi Miao and instructed, “Go prepare the copper hotpot and bring the ingredients.”

Outside, the cold air bit through layers, but inside, the heated floor kept the room warm and comfortable. Once the copper pot began to boil, the warmth intensified. Jiang Si, dressed down to just her inner garments, sat cross-legged and happily dropped slices of meat into the bubbling broth.

After tasting the beef, she chewed slowly, then asked, “The beef here is much chewier than in the capital. Is it to Your Highness’s taste?”

Mowan Ci looked at the simmering meat and raised an eyebrow. Before she could answer, Jiang Si had already called Liu Jin inside.

“Her Highness prefers tender cuts. Go down to the lake and catch a few fresh fish. Have the kitchen prepare them, clean and thinly sliced.”

“There’s no need to go to such lengths,” Mowan Ci interrupted. “It’s cold outside, and it’s already late.”

Jiang Si paused mid-sentence and looked at Liu Jin.

Liu Jin bowed and replied, “We were planning to prepare fish for tomorrow. Fresh catch came in this afternoon, and the kitchen is keeping them in holding tanks. Would Your Highness like us to prepare some now?”

“Perfect. Have them sliced thinly. The thinner, the better,” Jiang Si said with a smile. She added more beef to the pot as she spoke.

The beef really did have a firm texture. For those with weak teeth, it would be a challenge.

Fortunately, Jiang Si enjoyed that toughness and was eating with great satisfaction.

Just as she was beginning to feel full, Liu Jin returned with the chef. They placed the prepared fish on the table. Jiang Si finally set down her chopsticks and gently laid a few slices into the pot for Mowan Ci.

“The fish is fresh and delicate. Try a bite.”

Mowan Ci had never cooked fish in a copper hotpot before, but she knew that cold-water fish from the north were famously delicious.

She dipped a slice in the sauce and took a small bite. Jiang Si waited patiently for her reaction.

“It’s very good. Soft and smooth,” Mowan Ci said. Then she picked up the serving chopsticks and held a piece of fish to Jiang Si’s lips.

Without hesitation, Jiang Si reached up, caught her hand, and accepted the bite. She swallowed it quickly and grinned.

“Delicious.”

When she glanced up, she noticed Zhi Miao, Liu Jin, and the chef all looking at her. She didn’t seem embarrassed at all. Instead, she smiled proudly.

“Fish tastes even better when it’s fed by the Princess.”

Only when she noticed Mowan Ci grow slightly uncomfortable did Jiang Si feel satisfied. If she had been the only one acting flustered, wouldn’t that mean she had lost?

That night, Jiang Si stayed in the South Courtyard. The space was quiet and much less crowded than the North Courtyard, which made it feel more peaceful.

They bathed separately. Mowan Ci took longer, so Jiang Si returned to the room first, removed her outer robes, and waited.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the study area and scattered the papers on the desk.

Jiang Si bent down to gather them, but something caught her eye.

The character for “Yue.”

Page after page, the same word.

Her first thought was the Yue Kingdom. But something about it felt different. It reminded her of the name Mowan Ci had once repeated during a half-conscious moment.

Ayue.

She stared at the writing for a long while, then gently collected the papers.

Just then, Mowan Ci entered the room. Her eyes fell on Jiang Si, crouched down with the papers in hand. Her expression froze for a second, then turned visibly displeased.

The look vanished almost instantly, but Jiang Si caught it. She had been watching closely.

She calmly placed the papers back on the desk and explained, “The wind scattered them. I was just picking them up.”

“It’s fine,” Mowan Ci replied softly. She stepped forward as if nothing had happened, took Jiang Si’s hand, and led her to the bed.

The scent of pheromones lingered in the air, wrapping around them both. Jiang Si started to feel a familiar heat rise inside her.

The effects of the reversed marking were beginning again. She took a slow breath, unsure why she hesitated.

Maybe it was what she had just seen. Or maybe it was the unreadable look in Mowan Ci’s eyes.

Something didn’t feel quite right.

Still, Mowan Ci was surprisingly forward. She wrapped her arms around Jiang Si’s neck and leaned in close.

Her breath smelled faintly of snow lotus.

This was the most intense phase after a reversed marking. Jiang Si’s mind stayed clear, but the back of her neck was already aching for more of that scent.

Her earlier doubts faded, replaced by rising heat.

Mowan Ci’s boldness left no room for thought. One was poisoned, the other marked, and neither had the strength to resist.

So once again, Jiang Si was marked in reverse.

The heated floor kept the chill at bay. Jiang Si’s robe had slipped to her shoulders. Mowan Ci, draped in only a gauzy layer, looked perfectly composed.

Jiang Si felt flushed and weak, while Mowan Ci, cheeks red and breath soft, looked more exhausted than overwhelmed.

After the second bite, Jiang Si’s neck ached with discomfort. Mowan Ci lay curled in the corner of the bed. Jiang Si reached over and pulled her into her arms.

With a quiet challenge, she said, “If Your Highness takes so much from me, shouldn’t I give something back?”

Mowan Ci turned toward her. Her expression was calm, as if she had already thought everything through and accepted whatever came next.

Jiang Si didn’t hesitate any longer.

She had already asked Lan Shao about this. There were ways to reduce the influence of snow lotus scent without using temporary or permanent marking.

What she was about to do didn’t even count as marking. Just a gentle hold on the gland, nothing more.

Mowan Ci’s eyes filled with tears, but Jiang Si showed no softness.

After all, she had just been treated the same way a moment ago.

There was still a faint trace of medicine beneath the scent at Mowan Ci’s neck. Jiang Si was careful, gentle. She didn’t press too hard.

But that made it even harder to endure.

Mowan Ci’s eyes turned hazy. Jiang Si smiled as she whispered, “Your Highness, there’s something I still don’t understand.”

“What is it?” Mowan Ci asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Jiang Si didn’t answer immediately. She kissed along her jaw, slowly tracing downward. When Mowan Ci finally tilted her neck back, exposing the vulnerable curve of it, Jiang Si asked softly,

“I want to know. Who is Ayue?”

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