Transmigrated as the Doomed Scumbag Alpha of the Eldest Princess - Chapter 62

The journey to Nanliang would take seven days. Jiang Si and Mowan Ci shared a single carriage. Occasionally, Jiang Si would step out to ride her horse and get some fresh air, but most of the time, the two of them sat in silence inside the carriage.

Ever since the events of the day before their departure, both Jiang Si and Mowan Ci had become noticeably quieter.

The heat of estrus had passed, and the effects of the temporary mark had long faded. Sitting together now sparked no tension between them. Still, out of concern for the Nangong siblings, Jiang Si could not bring herself to leave Mowan Ci alone in the carriage. So they ate and lived side by side, and when staying at inns, they naturally shared the same bed.

“Jiang Si, would you like to try the grilled fish I made?”

By the time they reached the border of Nanliang, rivers became more frequent. Nangong Yan was skilled at fishing and often insisted that Jiang Si try her grilled fish. Jiang Si had declined the first two times, claiming she was already full. But today, the air inside the carriage felt especially stifling, so she stepped outside.

She joined them for food and drink.

Nangong Xiao, who was supposed to stay farther away, unexpectedly joined them as well. Jiang Si had been beginning to relax, but the moment he approached, she became alert again.

“Fishing is a common trade in Nanliang, and the fish here are unusually tender and flavorful. I doubt you could taste anything like this in the northern territories,” Nangong Xiao said.

The fish was indeed tender, though it was clear that Nangong Xiao was exaggerating.

Jiang Si had a fondness for food and was not picky about meat. Even before arriving here, she had tasted excellent fish. Since coming to Nanliang, the fish cooked in Mowan Ci’s copper hotpot was no less delicious.

She saw no need to pretend and replied honestly, “That’s probably because you haven’t tried sliced fish in a copper hotpot. It’s far more flavorful.”

“Copper hotpot? What is that? I’ve never heard of it before,” Nangong Xiao asked curiously.

Neither he nor Nangong Yan had heard of it. Both turned their eyes to Jiang Si with curiosity.

That gaze left Jiang Si momentarily unsure how to respond.

She had wanted to say that copper hotpot was a specialty from the capital and that Mowan Ci had brought it to the northern borders. But she did not want to mention Mowan Ci, so she simply said, “The copper hotpot from the capital is well known throughout Yue. One day, I will take you to try it.”

“Let’s not talk about Yue. You are in Nanliang now. You should try the food here first,” Nangong Yan said with a smile.

Although Jiang Si had not mentioned Mowan Ci by name, it was obvious that the food she had tasted from the capital was probably introduced to her by Mowan Ci. Nangong Yan’s smile became slightly forced, but she still tried to hide her discomfort and spoke cheerfully to Jiang Si. She even offered her another piece of grilled fish.

Jiang Si accepted it with a smile, but she did not eat much.

Nanliang cuisine leaned toward the sweet side, even the grilled fish had a sweet and salty flavor. Jiang Si was not used to it.

But Nangong Yan misunderstood. She thought Jiang Si simply did not like her cooking.

That Jiang Si preferred the food given to her by Mowan Ci.

Thinking back to what Nangong Xiao had told her a few days ago before their departure, Nangong Yan began to hesitate.

According to her brother, Mowan Ci now had Jiang Si’s protection. No one could do anything to her. If they could not take her by force, they could create a situation where Jiang Si would mark her. If that happened, regardless of their relationship, Jiang Si would not be able to walk away easily because of their alliance.

But when Nangong Xiao had mentioned it, Nangong Yan had rejected the idea immediately.

She could accept being marked by Jiang Si, but if it happened through manipulation, she knew she would never win Jiang Si’s heart.

And that was what she truly wanted.

If Mowan Ci could be gentle, so could she.

If Mowan Ci could be obedient, she could do the same.

Everything Mowan Ci could do, she would try to do better. And what Mowan Ci could not do, she would find a way to accomplish.

If Jiang Si wanted to rule the world, then everything under the command of the Nanliang royal house would be hers to command.

But for that, Jiang Si had to trust her and care for her.

“Is the fish good?” Nangong Yan asked again, not ready to give up.

The truth was obvious. Jiang Si had not eaten much. Still, if she offered even a small white lie, Nangong Yan would gladly accept it.

The fish from Nanliang’s rivers was indeed tender, but Nangong Yan’s cooking skills were… difficult to judge.

“It’s… quite good.” Jiang Si struggled to lie, and her answer sounded unconvincing.

She thought her meaning was clear. Nangong Yan should have known not to push further. But to her surprise, Nangong Yan giggled sweetly and said, “Since you like it, I’ll grill some for you every day.”

Coughing suddenly broke out nearby. Nangong Xiao coughed hard a few times and clutched his chest, eyes closed.

He was clearly doing it on purpose. Nangong Yan could see that. She pressed her lips together in mild annoyance and said, “Brother, what’s wrong? If you are unwell, why not rest inside the carriage?”

“It’s nothing. I just choked on water,” Nangong Xiao replied, refusing to leave. Nangong Yan had no choice but to let it go.

The interruption gave Jiang Si a chance. She quietly set down the grilled fish and stood up.

“Jiang Si, where are you going?”

“I’m tired. I want to rest in the carriage,” Jiang Si answered simply and walked away.

She was not truly tired. She had just seen Mowan Ci preparing the hotpot beside the carriage.

The carriage they were using belonged to the Hou Manor. It was spacious and even equipped with an icebox. Inside were fresh ingredients, which allowed Mowan Ci to set up a hotpot and eat comfortably.

“Was the grilled fish really that bad? Why did Your Excellency return so soon?” Mowan Ci asked, her attention focused on the ingredients in the pot.

Ever since she had been questioned that day, Mowan Ci’s attitude had changed. She no longer spoke freely as before and always addressed Jiang Si as Your Excellency, keeping a respectful distance.

Jiang Si was not happy about that. Since the day she failed to get a clear answer, Mowan Ci had grown cold and distant.

Jiang Si sat down beside her and admitted, “It wasn’t good. I would rather have hotpot.”

Mowan Ci said nothing. She calmly continued preparing the meat, letting Jiang Si eat as she pleased.

Most of the food had been brought from the Hou Manor. The icebox could preserve it for a time, but if it was not eaten soon, it would spoil.

Mowan Ci did not eat much herself. Instead, she kept adding food to Jiang Si’s bowl. “Eat more.”

Jiang Si’s bowl was already full, and Mowan Ci added even more. Jiang Si looked over and saw that Mowan Ci’s bowl barely had any meat.

“Eat some yourself,” Jiang Si said quietly.

“It is only right for a concubine to serve her lord.”

“I… you…” Jiang Si stammered. She frowned at Mowan Ci, who remained calm and gentle, her face carrying a soft smile as she continued to add food to Jiang Si’s bowl.

Jiang Si began to wonder if she had gone too far that day.

Mowan Ci had answered her, though vaguely. She had said, “You will understand once we reach Nanliang.”

Jiang Si still had doubts. She did not believe Mowan Ci so easily and had gone quiet that evening.

Since their departure, it was Mowan Ci who had become silent. Aside from polite conversation, she said very little. Her way of addressing Jiang Si had also changed from “you” to “Your Excellency.”

Jiang Si had no choice but to follow suit.

“Princess, we have been on the road for two days. You should eat more,” Jiang Si said.

“It’s all right. I have been sitting in the carriage and don’t feel tired, unlike Your Excellency who even rides on horseback at times,” Mowan Ci replied, her words carrying a hidden meaning.

Jiang Si felt a strange sense of guilt, though she could not explain why.

She was sure this distance between them was not her fault alone. So why did she feel this way?

For the first time, the copper hotpot tasted bland. Feeling confused, Jiang Si grew even more silent.

The rest of the journey continued in this way until they finally arrived at the Nanliang royal residence.

The King of Nanliang personally received them. Jiang Si and Mowan Ci stayed one more night. Around midnight, Jiang Si returned after discussing military matters with the others.

Mowan Ci was standing beside the bed, just like that day she had waited for the carrier pigeon.

Jiang Si felt something stir in her chest. For the first time in days, she took the initiative to speak to her.

“Why are you standing there?”

“You should be able to guess that, shouldn’t you?” Mowan Ci didn’t turn around. Her voice was calm, even cold.

Ever since Jiang Si accused her of not being honest, Mowan Ci had felt deeply wronged. She no longer treated Jiang Si with her usual warmth, and the colder she became, the further Jiang Si seemed to drift away from her.

If it weren’t for their identities keeping them together, Jiang Si might have already left her.

Frustrated, Mowan Ci no longer held back her words. Her tone was distant.

“You said that once we reached Nanliang, I would understand…”

“If Your Excellency trusts me so little, then what is the point of explaining?” Mowan Ci lowered her eyes and let out a soft, bitter laugh.

That same uncomfortable feeling spread through Jiang Si’s whole body. Her limbs felt heavy, as if weighed down by lead. She could not bring herself to walk over to Mowan Ci.

Mowan Ci glanced at her. She did not want to circle around the topic anymore and spoke frankly.

“As the Princess of Yue, it would be impossible for me not to have any means to protect myself.”

“In the past, I relied on you because…”

She suddenly paused. A faint flush of red rose to her cheeks. Seeing that, Jiang Si became anxious and rushed to her side, grasping her arm in alarm.

“Did Nangong Xiao really drug you?”

“No,” Mowan Ci said, gently pushing her away and stepping back. “I’m just a little unwell.”

She knew her body. Even though the medicine Lan Shao developed was already very mild, she had taken imperial prescriptions for years. The side effects had taken their toll.

She was no longer like an ordinary Omega. If she wanted to survive, she needed Jiang Si.

And she needed Jiang Si’s trust.

“This isn’t the right place to talk. We’re leaving the Nanliang Palace first thing in the morning, aren’t we?”

“Yes…”

“Jiang Si, tomorrow just follow what I say. Will you?”

Mowan Ci’s voice was almost pleading. Jiang Si looked at her and began to soften. Uncertainty stirred in her heart.

“If you really want to know what I plan to do, then we need a place that is absolutely safe.”

“And the Nanliang Palace is not the right place.”

That made sense. Even if an alliance had been reached, they were still on someone else’s turf.

If Jiang Si didn’t fully trust Mowan Ci, then she trusted the people in Nanliang Palace even less.

The next morning, the King and Queen of Nanliang personally saw them off. The previous day, only the King had met them. Now seeing the Queen, Jiang Si was surprised to find the woman openly hostile.

The Queen did not even bother to hide her displeasure when she looked at Jiang Si.

In contrast, the King was friendly and gracious. When it came time to say goodbye, he looked genuinely regretful and wanted to talk more with Jiang Si.

“No need to worry, Your Majesty. I’m only planning to rent a residence in the city and stay for a while. I’ll likely be paying you and Her Majesty a visit again soon.”

“Very well. I’ll be waiting.”

After saying goodbye, Jiang Si and Mowan Ci began searching for a residence in Nanyue City.

Following Mowan Ci’s plan, they viewed three residences in the morning and another one in the afternoon before settling on one.

The place they chose was within the city, neither too far nor too close to the palace. The streets were lively and noisy.

The courtyard and rooms were quickly cleaned up, and they moved in that same day. After bathing, Jiang Si came out to find Mowan Ci still standing by the window.

Given what she knew about her, this kind of residence was unlikely to be her actual choice.

Her behavior was suspicious.

“For just a rental, you sure took us around in circles,” Jiang Si said.

“This courtyard belongs to my mother. I looked at the others just to avoid suspicion.”

Jiang Si’s eyes widened in shock. She stared at Mowan Ci, speechless.

Before she could say anything, a carrier pigeon flew in.

Mowan Ci took the letter, glanced at it briefly, then handed it to Jiang Si.

“Everything you’ve been curious about is in here.”

Jiang Si hesitated for a moment, then looked down at the letter as Mowan Ci nodded toward it.

The contents of the letter were nothing like what she had expected.

There were many things Jiang Si had suspected about Mowan Ci. Maybe it was contact with Mu Zesheng, or perhaps ties to officials in Yue. But what she hadn’t expected was…

“Ziwus Academy?” Jiang Si asked, confused. She had never heard the name in any of the official documents. But after arriving here, she had occasionally heard it mentioned. It was said to be powerful, though it only accepted Omega students.

“Yes, Ziwus Academy.”

“The world thinks it’s just a special academy that only takes Omegas. But in truth, it serves a much deeper purpose. It maintains ties between nations and secretly transmits intelligence.”

“It stands above all kingdoms. No one dares offend it lightly.”

“Jiang Si, this is my gift to you. Do you have the courage to accept it?”

Maybe… just maybe, little Jiang had finally fallen for her after all.

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