Transmigrated into the Scum Female Consort - Chapter 27

The two spoke almost simultaneously. Young Ying’er was momentarily confused, unsure which question to answer first.

Zhou Qiyue, realizing the situation, spoke with extreme speed: “The Aunt Fairy refers to His Highness! The Fairy Aunt in Ying’er’s mouth is Princess Consort He’an!”

“What are you saying!” Old Imperial Censor Zhou was utterly shocked. The Venerable Star of Literature is the Princess Consort! No, the Celestial Maiden is the Princess Consort? That was also wrong. Could it be that the Venerable Star of Literature also favors the Princess Consort? Several guesses cycled through his mind, and Old Imperial Censor Zhou’s head was in a chaotic tangle.

“The Fairy Aunt is back!” Just then, young Ying’er shouted happily.

Immediately, several people simultaneously focused on the approaching figures, staring at Ye Xuejin, who was walking hand-in-hand with Yun Chi.

Only when the two reached the fire pit, sat down opposite them, and looked over did they silently retract their gazes, suppressing their shock and questions.

Zhou Qishan, who followed behind, was puzzled by his family’s direct stare and walked back to ask: “Father, why were you all staring at me just now?” They must have been looking at him, right?

Old Imperial Censor Zhou casually brushed him off: “Your eyesight is poor; you misread it.” As soon as he finished speaking, he remembered the promise he had made to his son and turned to his granddaughter: “Ying’er, after you finish eating, can you let your father smell the scent?” Although he had agreed that his son could taste the food if the Star Venerable bestowed more, this time it was not bestowed by the Star Venerable, yet it was exactly the same as the food bestowed by the Star Venerable. Old Imperial Censor Zhou quickly decided to let his son merely smell the scent. As a father, Da Lang should not contend with his daughter for a bite of food. This way, as the head of the family, he would be seen as keeping his word.

To his surprise, young Ying’er frowned seriously and said: “No, Aunt Fairy said Father cannot know, only Grandfather and Grandmother can know, and… Auntie.” Since Auntie already knew, then she did not need to be kept in the dark, right? Young Ying’er thought about it and came up with a conclusion that she deemed reasonable in her five-year-old brain.

Old Imperial Censor Zhou froze. Can’t let Da Lang know? Does the Princess Consort have some deeper meaning? Unconsciously, he glanced at Ye Xuejin.

Ye Xuejin happened to meet his gaze and nodded lightly.

Old Imperial Censor Zhou instinctively clutched his beard, pulling at his chin until it hurt, before finally controlling his internal storm of thoughts.

“Father, Ying’er, what are you talking about? What can’t I know?” Zhou Qishan was utterly confused.

Old Imperial Censor Zhou released his beard: “Your hearing is poor; you misheard.” After speaking, he gave a look to his old wife and daughter, and then specifically sent his son away: “Da Lang, go over there and talk to the others, and reassure them.”

Zhou Qishan wrinkled his face, having just sat down, but rose again and walked toward the fire pit surrounded by the Zhou family servants. Halfway there, he looked back and saw his father, mother, and younger sister whispering something, their heads bowed together. Zhou Qishan suddenly felt a little uneasy, feeling as if this family had become crowded without his knowledge. Could it be that he really was adopted?

Behind him, Old Imperial Censor Zhou lowered his voice: “Did you both hear what Ying’er said?”

Old Madam Zhou nodded: “Since His Highness has given this instruction, she must have her reasons. Let us keep it from Da Lang for now.”

Zhou Qiyue’s eyes were shining brightly in agreement: “Yes, yes, we will listen to His Highness!” Aha! His Highness did not keep it from her! “Father, should we go ask His Highness what exactly is going on?”

Old Imperial Censor Zhou pondered for a moment, then nodded and shook his head: “No rush. Let this old man think.” He recalled the words he and his son had overheard in the woods earlier, and he thought of Yu Lu and Shi Niang, who protected Ye Xuejin. His eyes quietly deepened. He must not be wrong. He almost misjudged the situation!

“Xiao Yue, you go…” Old Imperial Censor Zhou instructed his daughter, then stood up and announced to the Zhou family members: “It is cold, so everyone move around to warm up your bodies. Do not catch a chill.”

Old Madam Zhou was the first to respond, leading young Ying’er to stand up. Zhou Qiyue immediately followed. The Zhou family servants actually did not want to move because they were too hungry, too thirsty, and too weak. But their master had given the order, and the old madam and young lady had led the way, so they had no choice but to move around.

This way, it would appear perfectly normal for anyone to leave the group.

However, contrary to Old Imperial Censor Zhou’s expectation, Ye Xuejin remained seated by the fire and showed no intention of leaving. Old Imperial Censor Zhou stroked his beard, his heart wavering. Did he guess wrong?

On the other side, Zhou Qiyue separated from her mother after walking some distance. Estimating that the distance was sufficient, she stopped walking forward. Her father said that His Highness would likely follow her. The thought of what she was about to say made her unbearably excited. Her heart felt like firecrackers popping, unable to settle down.

After a long time, Zhou Qiyue looked at the empty path they had taken, and her heart became calm, then sank. What the hell? His Highness never intended to come! Then how was she supposed to ask about the divine matter?

Zhou Qiyue lost patience. She had not walked far back when she saw her father approaching her.

“Father…”

“Is there anyone behind me?” Old Imperial Censor Zhou interrupted his daughter, asking in a low voice.

Only then did Zhou Qiyue look behind him. When she saw it, she almost shouted in excitement.

“His… His… His…”

“Enough, hurry back.” Old Imperial Censor Zhou’s brows relaxed. Indeed, the Princess Consort only intended to share information with him.

Zhou Qiyue walked away, turning her head every few steps. His Highness really came!

A moment later, Old Imperial Censor Zhou stopped, turned around, and knelt down: “This old official pays his respects to Her Royal Highness Princess Consort He’an! May Your Highness live for a thousand thousand years.”

Ye Xuejin released Yun Chi’s hand and stepped forward to offer a slight, symbolic lift: “Lord Zhou, please rise quickly.”

Hearing the long-unspoken words ‘Lord Zhou,’ Old Imperial Censor Zhou slowly breathed and quickly stood up: “I dare not trouble Your Highness.”

Then, he looked at Yun Chi, who was standing behind Ye Xuejin, his eyes showing hesitation. Was it appropriate for the Fù Mǎ to be here?

Witnessing the ancient ritual of kneeling and bowing, Yun Chi also felt a little uncomfortable. Furthermore, the ensuing conversation might very well confirm Ye Xuejin’s crime… Thinking of a certain possibility, she felt inexplicably nervous.

Ye Xuejin noticed Old Imperial Censor Zhou’s concern, and her expression became serious: “Lord Zhou, the Fù Mǎ is the person this Princess trusts the most.” This sentence was meant to tell others, and also to reassure herself. Without Yun Chi’s help, she would not have survived this long in such a stable manner, nor would she have seen hope. She trusted her Fù Mǎ.

Old Imperial Censor Zhou was silent for a few breaths, then deferentially bowed to Yun Chi: “This old official pays his respects to the Fù Mǎ.”

Yun Chi quickly waved her hand: “Lord… Lord Zhou, please do not do this! Just pretend I do not exist. You two talk. I will stand guard.” The collapse of the plot was too exciting. She needed a moment to recover.

“This…” Old Imperial Censor Zhou started to speak but stopped.

Ye Xuejin looked at him coolly: “Lord Zhou, please speak freely.”

Speak freely! How could he speak freely? The slightest slip-up could lead to eternal ruin.

As thoughts raced through Old Imperial Censor Zhou’s mind, he ultimately dared not risk everything. “Seeing Your Highness like this, this old official is truly surprised,” he said vaguely, then asked, “Has Your Highness witnessed divine miracles?”

“This Princess is also surprised by Lord Zhou,” Ye Xuejin’s eyes narrowed slightly. Who said Old Imperial Censor Zhou was straightforward and inflexible? Was he not quite adept at pretending to be confused? He was beating around the bush yet asking a question he clearly knew the answer to.

Ye Xuejin considered it briefly and answered according to his line of questioning: “This Princess has no intention of concealing anything, but the celestial beings have their taboos.” The words were brief but to the point.

“Can Your Highness communicate with celestial beings!” Old Imperial Censor Zhou looked at her with burning eyes, stating a relatively reasonable speculation.

Ye Xuejin did not deny it. Her Fù Mǎ certainly had divine methods, so this statement was not entirely wrong.

Seeing her silence, Old Imperial Censor Zhou wisely said: “This old official has been foolish. I ask Your Highness to enlighten me.” It seemed this Princess did not intend to tell him the full story. That made sense; trust was mutual. Since he dared not go all in, the Princess Consort would naturally not tell him the truth.

Ye Xuejin said softly: “It is getting late. Lord Zhou should go back.” After a pause, she added lightly, “In the future, Lord Zhou can rest assured and accept things; there is no need to worry excessively.” They both knew exactly what ‘accept things’ referred to.

“This old official takes his leave.” Old Imperial Censor Zhou looked at Ye Xuejin’s retreating figure, his heart still undecided. No rush. He will observe a little longer. His own fate was one thing, but behind him was the entire Zhou family.

Not far away, Ye Xuejin had reached Yun Chi’s side: “Fù Mǎ, let us go back.”

Yun Chi wanted to say something, but the words died in her throat. She only offered a reminder: “Be careful in everything.”

Ye Xuejin smiled silently: “Fù Mǎ, do you know how Old Imperial Censor Zhou views these methods?”

Yun Chi’s curiosity was piqued: “What did he say?” He hasn’t already guessed it’s me, has he?

Ye Xuejin looked at her gently with her eyes, her tone light: “He speculated that I can communicate with celestial beings. What do you think, Fù Mǎ?” The person before her possessed inconceivable divine methods and a heart full of sincerity to take her out of her prison. She had never believed in deities before, but now, she was fortunate enough to have a divine being’s favor.

Yun Chi was stunned, not because of Ye Xuejin’s words, but because of Ye Xuejin’s expression at that moment. Her lips were slightly curved, and her eyes were bright and composed, as if they held the morning sun, revealing boundless confidence and assurance.

“Fù Mǎ?”

“Hmm?”

“What are you thinking, Fù Mǎ?”

Yun Chi snapped back: “I am thinking that if possible, I hope you do not mention my secret to anyone. Just let others believe that you can communicate with celestial beings.” Never mention it, ever.

Ye Xuejin misunderstood, turning her head to look at her: “Sometimes, I really do not know how to thank you.”

Yun Chi was confused: “Thank me for what? I am also doing this for myself.” Possessing a treasure makes one vulnerable to crime. She currently had no ability to protect herself; it was better to be low-key.

Ye Xuejin took her hand: “That day will come.” That day, everyone would know how wonderful and resourceful her Fù Mǎ was—like a divine being. But not yet. Right now, she could not offer Yun Chi any guarantee…

“Which day?” Yun Chi was bewildered. She felt like their conversation was not on the same channel.

Ye Xuejin slowly laced her fingers with Yun Chi’s: “Perhaps the day my innocence is fully restored.” Perhaps the day the world is remade.

Yun Chi thought she understood this time, so she probed: “That means only nine days are left. If you really want to thank me, why not grant me one more request then?”

“Good,” Ye Xuejin agreed without hesitation.

Yun Chi immediately smiled: “Then it is settled!” As a Princess Consort of the state, she should be able to afford tens of thousands of silver notes, right? Hahaha. As long as she survives these nine days, she can live a life of carefree happiness.

Yun Chi was just happily lost in her pleasant thoughts when her face suddenly felt cold. Something was falling.

“It is raining!”