Transmigrated into the Scum Female Consort - Chapter 58

She could see that Princess Yi in the Southwest had a close relationship with the Grand Princess. If they were to start an uprising, the Southwest, being open to the plains, was a better location for a base.

The Southern Territory, on the other hand, was remote and separated from the plains by a large mountain range. The only convenient route for travel was through the Southwest.

If that day truly came, they would most likely still have to pass through the Southwest for convenience.

Shi Niang truly couldn’t understand why they needed to travel all the way to the Southern Territory, expending so much effort.

Ye Xuejin looked up at the continuous mountain range and slowly said: “The Southern Territory is a must.”

Hearing this, Yun Chi silently added in her heart: It’s probably not going to happen.

After the vindication, even if Ye Xuejin didn’t plan to return to the capital, there would be no need to go to the Southern Territory. At that point, she could head straight back to the Southwest, where Princess Yi and the Caozhou Garrison were, making an uprising much easier.

However, none of that concerned her. In three days, she could safely and successfully make her exit.

After the divorce, they would go their separate ways, and no one would drag her down.

Seeing that Ye Xuejin was reluctant to say more, Shi Niang wisely did not press further. She returned to the girls and started practicing with Shi Song and the others again. Those who should be doing horse stance did it, and those who should be sparring sparred.

Seeing this, the others couldn’t help but glance at Ye Xuejin.

The women are practicing so hard; it must be the Princess’s will. What about us?

Yu Lu thought for a moment, then waved directly at Little Gao and the other constables: “Before it gets dark, I’ll take you through a few moves too.”

Seeing that the constables also started moving, the Zhou family could no longer sit still.

Zhou Qiyue was already keen to learn. At this point, she couldn’t hold back anymore: “Big Brother, look at them! We shouldn’t be idle either. If we wait until we reach the Southern Territory, we’ll be left far behind everyone else.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qishan was also tempted and looked toward Old Imperial Censor Zhou: “Father, what do you think?”

Old Imperial Censor Zhou had been reflecting on his past words and actions, appearing much dejected throughout the day.

He waved his hand: “Go on, all of you.”

I am old, and I chose the wrong path. I shouldn’t burden the young ones anymore.

All at once, dust flew and shouts rang out around the bonfire.

Yun Chi quietly got up, took Ye Xuejin’s hand, and stood a little farther away. They were already traveling every day, and even a bath was a luxury; she didn’t want to get dust splashed on her.

She also took the opportunity to discuss how to manage the supplies in the storage space.

After tonight, there were only three days left until the vindication. Everything in the storage space was highly useful to Ye Xuejin.

As for herself… Yun Chi glanced at Ye Xuejin. She could leave everything behind. A few tens of thousands of gold taels would be enough.

“Does the Royal Consort have something to tell me?” Ye Xuejin turned her head just then.

Yun Chi spoke frankly: “I do have something to discuss with you. When I leave, I must leave all the items for you. Do you want to select a few trustworthy people to manage the inventory?”

Ye Xuejin froze, as if caught off guard by the question.

She pressed her lips together, and after a long moment, she replied softly: “I will make arrangements.”

Trustworthy people. In this exile party, who could be more trustworthy than my goddess?

Yet my goddess thinks every day about leaving me…

After discussing this matter, Yun Chi asked: “How about eating rice tonight? Is there anything you particularly want to eat, or anything else you need?”

The thirty portions of rice were obtained through the one-for-one exchange, meaning they had already been ‘sent out’ to Ye Xuejin and could no longer generate rewards.

However, thanks to the large pot of Corn and Pork Rib Soup, there were still many items in the storage space that hadn’t passed through Ye Xuejin’s hands.

With the separation imminent, Yun Chi wanted to leave as many trump cards as possible for Ye Xuejin in these last three days.

Afterward, the mountains will be high and the waters distant. The outcome will depend on their own abilities.

Ye Xuejin lowered her eyes. Is there anything else I need…?

She subtly clenched her fingers, then looked up and gave a gentle smile: “The Royal Consort has already helped me a great deal. I don’t need anything else.”

Hearing this, Yun Chi sighed in admiration. To be able to remain ungreedy in such circumstances was truly respectable.

She inexplicably felt a little softer inside, and her tone became gentle: “Still, think about it. Think if there’s anything you urgently need. It’s better to be prepared.”

This way, they could also part on good terms.

Ye Xuejin still shook her head, maintaining a faint smile: “Alright. If I think of anything, I will certainly tell the Royal Consort. Please rest for a while first. I need to go discuss some matters with Shi Niang.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she released Yun Chi’s hand.

Turning away, that faint smile silently vanished.

Ye Xuejin gently closed her eyes, then walked toward Shi Niang with a normal expression.

“Your Highness.” Shi Niang quickly walked a few steps forward when she saw Ye Xuejin approaching, adopting a stance of waiting for orders.

Ye Xuejin glanced at the zealously training crowd and gestured for Shi Niang to talk a little farther away.

“Tomorrow we will enter the Southern Territory. Tell everyone to be careful. Also, later, you will…”

Shi Niang nodded repeatedly: “This subordinate understands.”

Ye Xuejin then returned to Yun Chi’s side: “Royal Consort, later, please help me retrieve six bulletproof vests.”

As she spoke, Shi Niang had already led the girls over.

Yun Chi naturally didn’t refuse, and she secretly gave Ye Xuejin a thumbs-up. In this short time, she’s already arranged for six sets of bulletproof vests. Such high efficiency.

The girls followed Shi Niang behind Ye Xuejin and Yun Chi, filled with expectation.

They didn’t know what they were going to do; they only knew that the Grand Princess had something to instruct.

Whatever it was, if the Princess instructed it, it was important.

The fact that the Princess would entrust important tasks to them showed she trusted them and recognized their abilities.

They would do it even if it cost them their lives.

But to their surprise, the Grand Princess didn’t give instructions but instead handed each of them a strange piece of clothing, asking them to put it on.

Ye Xuejin curved her lips slightly, her voice calm and gentle: “This clothing is bestowed by the immortal. It can withstand ordinary swords and knives, especially hidden arrows coming from a distance, making the wearer almost completely unharmed. You are the people I rely on most. I do not wish for any of you to be harmed. Put them on.”

Shi Niang took the bulletproof vest, looking at it excitedly: “It’s truly that miraculous!”

Shi Mei and Shi Ju exchanged glances, their eyes becoming even more resolute. They would never complain of being tired in the future. If they weren’t as skilled as others, they would practice more. They absolutely could not disgrace the Princess.

Shi Zhu looked down at the bulletproof vest in her hand, tears faintly resurfacing in her eyes. She would never betray the Princess’s trust.

Shi Lan sniffed and knelt down: “Shi Lan is useless. Please, Your Highness, take back this magical clothing and bestow it upon someone more useful.”

Among the six people, she was the weakest. After only half an hour of horse stance, her legs were shaking so much she couldn’t stand straight.

She suddenly regretted why she had only ever known how to hold a brush and read books…

“Get up quickly and speak.” Ye Xuejin recalled what Shi Zhu had said before: Shi Lan was the daughter of a scholar, well-read, introverted, and extremely meticulous.

“Shi Lan, do not force yourself to practice martial arts in the future. You can spend more time reading military strategies. Our paths are not all the same. Focus on your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses to find the path best suited for you. Only then can you proceed smoothly.”

“Your Highness…” Shi Lan understood. Because she understood, she felt ashamed.

She had read so many books, yet she hadn’t thought of this point. Besides physical combat, she clearly could use her mind more.

Shi Song was very decisive. In the meantime, she had already put on the bulletproof vest. She didn’t rush to put on her outer prison clothes but instead looked excitedly at Shi Niang: “Sister Shi Niang, quickly try cutting me with your sword.”

The other girls: “…” Truly the bravest among them.

With Shi Song’s interjection, everyone’s mood lightened considerably, and they were all eager to try.

Shi Niang couldn’t help but look at Ye Xuejin, meaning: Should I really cut her?

“It’s alright to test it.” Ye Xuejin nodded slightly. She believed the Royal Consort wouldn’t make a claim without basis.

Hearing this, Shi Niang gritted her teeth, drew her sword, and cautiously thrust it toward Shi Song.

“Be quick.” Seeing this, Yun Chi remembered the vest’s properties and reminded her.

These bulletproof vests were rigid. While they could defend against cold weapons, they might still be cut if someone intentionally sawed at them with a knife.

In contrast, they were more effective against fast-moving sharp objects like hidden arrows—the faster the object, the better the vest’s blocking effect.

“Listen to the Royal Consort,” Ye Xuejin quickly echoed.

Shi Niang clenched her jaw, applying some force, and quickly stabbed the sword toward Shi Song’s abdomen.

Shi Song did not dodge or evade, bravely taking the blow.

“Ah!”

“Shi Song!”

Seeing Shi Song bend over, clutching her stomach, the others immediately panicked.

“I’m fine, it just hurt a little. I’m not injured.” Shi Song lifted her head, thinking Shi Niang is really strong.

She was indeed fine. Bending over was an unconscious action. The moment her hand touched where the sword struck, she knew she hadn’t been injured.

The clothes were intact, and her skin wasn’t even broken. The pain was caused by the sheer impact, which lasted only for a few breaths.

“You scared me to death!” Shi Niang couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She had nearly fallen to her knees. If something had truly happened to Shi Song, she would have cried until she died.

The others crowded around Shi Song, touching the area. Seeing that the bulletproof vest was completely undamaged, they quickly put theirs on too.

As soon as they put on the clothes, they felt boundless confidence. Several of them took turns begging Shi Niang to cut them with the sword, also wanting to experience the feeling of not fearing a blade.

Yun Chi was speechless for a moment, then quietly took Ye Xuejin’s hand and said solemnly: “What four words would you use to describe them?”

Ye Xuejin smiled knowingly: “Utterly fearless.”

Yun Chi smiled, then took out another bulletproof vest and handed it to Ye Xuejin, simultaneously wishing for a copy of Sun Tzu’s Art of War.

When she had given the six sets of bulletproof vests to Ye Xuejin earlier, she had wished for compressed biscuits in return.

She had heard Yu Lu’s words; there were still six or seven days left until the place of exile.

But she would be gone in three days.

What if the exile party encountered the same situation as before, spending several days in the wilderness without a trace of civilization?

So, she had stocked up on some food, compressed biscuits of various flavors.

Yun Chi took out this one set of bulletproof clothing because of Ye Xuejin’s earlier comment: since Shi Lan was suited for studying military strategy, then Sun Tzu’s Art of War would be a good fit.

Ye Xuejin looked at Yun Chi, puzzled: “What is the meaning of this, Royal Consort?”

“I’m wearing this one; this is for you.” Yun Chi took the bulletproof vest, handed over the copy of Sun Tzu’s Art of War, and continued to wish for compressed biscuits, this time with the spring onion flavor.

Besides, since everyone else was wearing a bulletproof vest, it would be odd if she didn’t join in.

Mainly, she also wanted to experience the feeling of having a knife strike her body without fear.

Yun Chi quickly put it on, draped her prison clothes over Ye Xuejin’s arm, and rushed toward Shi Niang, who was excitedly cutting away.

“Shi Niang, give me a cut too!”

Ye Xuejin: “…” The utterly fearless person has increased by one.