Transmigrated into the Scum Female Consort - Chapter 60

Ye Xuejin frowned, her expression becoming serious: “Shi Niang, I have other plans for this matter. You simply need to watch him closely, but you must not act on your own authority.”

“Yes.” Shi Niang opened her mouth, then lowered her head and assented.

Although she agreed, she couldn’t hide the gloom on her face and walked away dejectedly.

Ye Xuejin watched her retreating figure and sighed softly.

“Are you worried Shi Niang will act without permission?” Yun Chi asked, seeing her sigh.

Ye Xuejin nodded, admitting that she was indeed still worried about Shi Niang.

“Shi Niang has been traveling with the security company since she was young. Even though she spent a few years at the Prime Minister’s residence, her actions still carry a certain martial spirit.”

For example, when she wanted to kill Yu Lu, no one could stop her.

And for another, regardless of my displeasure, she still publicly questioned the Royal Consort…

Yun Chi, however, felt there was no problem: “What’s wrong with a martial spirit? It’s about settling grievances quickly and heartily.”

Ye Xuejin gently shook her head: “I also admire her swift settling of grievances, but ‘a quick cut’ doesn’t apply to all situations. There are some people who cannot be killed yet.”

Furthermore, many things cannot be resolved rashly.

She was slightly worried that Shi Niang might act rashly.

Yun Chi was unconcerned: “Then why don’t you just explain it clearly to Shi Niang?”

Ye Xuejin’s brows furrowed upon hearing this: “You want me to explain to her why he cannot be killed right now?”

Yun Chi subconsciously nodded, thinking, Yes, why not?

Ye Xuejin looked at her quietly for a moment: “Explain this time, what about next time? If Shi Niang requires an explanation, what about the others?”

“What do you mean?” Yun Chi didn’t quite understand.

Ye Xuejin slowly replied: “My thoughts do not need to be explained to anyone.”

Yun Chi was stunned. Their eyes met. Ye Xuejin’s eyes were deep and unfathomable, carrying the scrutiny and certainty of a person in a position of power.

She seemed to understand.

If people were likened to weapons, Ye Xuejin needed obedient tools right now—weapons that would strike exactly where they were aimed.

Not like Shi Niang, who had her own ideas, might strike off-target, or even draw her blade without permission when she shouldn’t.

Perhaps there was an even deeper meaning…

Mulling this over, Yun Chi felt a wave of complex emotions.

It was like suddenly discovering that the person walking beside you was actually standing on high ground. You thought your gazes were level, but the other person was looking down on everything from above.

The days of sharing hardship had made her overlook many things, overlooking the fact that this was a strictly hierarchical ancient society.

Overlooking the fact that Ye Xuejin was born a high and mighty Royal Princess…

All in all, they were not the same kind of people. Modern thinking and ancient concepts could hardly coexist.

Ye Xuejin looked at Yun Chi’s enlightened expression. From that look, she sensed an extra layer of emotion. She was unsure what that emotion meant, but she felt an inexplicable sense of panic.

Following her intuition, she instinctively wanted to say something: “Royal Consort, I value Shi Niang’s capability, admire her character, and believe in her loyalty…”

“You don’t need to explain, I understand.” Yun Chi interrupted, Why should I, someone who is about to leave, care so much?

Ye Xuejin pursed her lips: “Does the Royal Consort truly understand?”

Yun Chi smiled: “I know. You currently need subordinates who will obey you unconditionally, not subordinates who are too assertive or question you regardless of the situation.”

Clearly, in Ye Xuejin’s eyes, Shi Niang belonged to the latter, which was why she was uneasy.

Ye Xuejin remained silent. It sounded correct, but for some reason, she felt a slight discomfort in her heart.

Yun Chi’s look of knowing amusement made her feel helpless.

The atmosphere suddenly fell quiet.

Eventually, everyone returned from washing up by the river, naturally lining up in three rows, standing nearby to await instructions.

The six women led by Shi Niang stood on the far left. In the middle were the five constables led by Yu Lu, plus Mu Er, making six people as well.

On the far right were the sixteen members of the Zhou family, old and young.

Ye Xuejin collected her thoughts, first looking up at the white clouds in the sky, then at Yu Lu: “Everyone turn your backs. Do not offend the immortal.”

The implication was that the immortal was about to bestow food, and mortals must not gaze upon it.

Everyone immediately turned around. Some, overly excited and afraid they might look back, tightly covered their eyes.

Only then did Ye Xuejin look at Yun Chi, signaling with her eyes.

Yun Chi nodded and retrieved a cage of soup dumplings (Guantang Bao). As soon as she handed it to Ye Xuejin, she took out a second cage.

Soon, nine cages of soup dumplings were stacked by Ye Xuejin’s feet.

Yun Chi handed her the final cage, leaning close to whisper: “You already ate one from this cage before.”

In other words, this one was for the two of them to keep and eat.

Ye Xuejin nodded, then allowed Zhou Qiyue to step forward, still having her distribute the food to everyone.

One cage held ten soup dumplings. With thirty people, everyone would likely be about six or seven-tenths full.

“Be careful of the soup inside the dumplings; it’s hot,” Ye Xuejin reminded them on an impulse. After speaking, she involuntarily looked at Yun Chi.

She seemed to understand now where her earlier panic and helplessness came from.

Yun Chi blinked blankly: “I know, I’ll be careful. You should hurry and eat yours too.”

Ye Xuejin lowered her eyes, thinking, You don’t know…

They quietly ate their dumplings in small bites. The others, however, kept shouting and yelping.

Even with Ye Xuejin’s prior warning, many of them felt that the dumplings in their hands were not particularly hot, and eating them at this temperature must feel wonderfully warm in their stomachs.

So, one by one, they eagerly bit into them. The rich, savory meat broth instantly filled their mouths, burning them and making them jump up and down.

Despite this, their eyes were still bright. They showed no sign of being scalded, their faces filled with pleasant surprise.

“Delicious! Hiss, the flavor is incredible.”

“So fragrant! I’ve never eaten anything like this in my life! Hiss.”

But having learned their lesson, when they ate the second one, they all carefully blew on it. The meticulous ones even watched Ye Xuejin and Yun Chi’s movements, silently imitating them: biting a small hole first, slowly sipping the broth a few times, and then enjoying the rest.

Yun Chi and Ye Xuejin felt sufficiently full after eating three each. They gave the remaining three to Shi Niang, asking her to distribute them.

Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju all shook their heads, politely stating they were full.

Only Shi Song straightforwardly took them, swallowing one whole, and then rubbing her stomach after finishing.

She was full now.

Seeing everyone’s satisfied expressions, Ye Xuejin couldn’t help but smile: “Then let us set off.”

With that, she took Yun Chi’s hand again, the action natural, just as always.

Yun Chi habitually squeezed her hand back, turning to lean closer to her ear and recounting the rewards she received after giving out the dumplings: “Now I have over three hundred pieces of compressed biscuits, and three backpacks. You can pack things into them later, which will make carrying them easy.”

The clear and pleasant voice, accompanied by a warm breath, fell near Ye Xuejin’s ear. Ye Xuejin’s heartbeat suddenly quickened. Her fingers unconsciously tightened, and even her ears seemed to be quietly flushed with heat.

“What’s wrong?” Yun Chi shook her hand, looking confused.

Why is she gripping my hand so tightly all of a sudden?

Ye Xuejin’s fingers paused, and she quickly released her hand: “Nothing. Thank you, Royal Consort.”

Yun Chi offered a smile: “No need to thank me. I’m not giving them away for free. In three days, remember to leave me plenty of gold.”

Perhaps because everything was laid bare, or perhaps because she recognized the difference in their status in this dynasty, Yun Chi spoke much more directly, treating this purely as a transaction for mutual benefit.

“Good.” Ye Xuejin smiled faintly, yet she felt a chill in her ears, and her heart completely calmed down, falling emptily.

She looked down at her hands, her eyes sinking, then, as if unintentionally, she took Yun Chi’s hand again.

What should I do?

My goddess thinks every day about leaving, but I basely wish to keep my goddess by my side.

Yun Chi felt her mood lift further when she saw the smile lingering on Ye Xuejin’s lips.

This must mean Ye Xuejin was willing to give her more gold, which was exciting to think about. She was about to become extremely wealthy.

Heaven and Earth, all the Gods and Buddhas, please ensure Ye Xuejin is safe and sound, and that there are no more accidents.

Perhaps in response to her heartfelt wish, the exile party arrived safely at the next city by twilight.

“Your Highness, we have now reached Mozhou in the Southern Territory. This is the prefectural city of Mozhou, Moyang City.” Yu Lu put away the map and continued, “Leaving Mozhou, if we head southeast, we will reach Yangzhou City, which is about six days’ journey away.”

Ye Xuejin nodded: “Let’s enter the city. We will rest properly for one day and set off the day after tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

Yu Lu took out the official document and stepped forward, using the same excuse as last time: the extra women were the Royal Consort’s beggar friends.

Unlike the strictness of Caozhou City, Moyang City was as relaxed as Zhenshan County had been initially. They were allowed entry with hardly any questions.

However, once inside the city, the atmosphere was distinctly different. The few pedestrians on the street quickly gathered, pointing and loudly discussing the members of the exile party.

“Look, exiles! They’re exiles!”

“It’s been years since prisoners were exiled to the Southern Territory! They must be from the capital.”

“Look at those women, their appearance… Tsk, tsk…”

Unlike the false kindness of Zhenshan County and the obedience of Caozhou City, the people of Moyang City seemed bold.

Their words were even disrespectful.

“Make way, commoners!” Yu Lu sternly faced the obstructing crowd, his eyes filled with gravity.

He suddenly had a premonition of danger, the same feeling he had at the Zhenshan County Yamen.

The men leading the group laughed mockingly, unafraid even when he drew his sword.

“A bunch of exiles! Do you still think you’re nobles from the capital?” The speaker’s expression was fearless, his tone scornful.

“Exactly! Shouting so loudly, you scared me!”

Yu Lu clenched his fist and drew his sword: “Move aside!”

“Why is the officer showing us his blade? We are all law-abiding citizens! Where is the justice?” Seeing Yu Lu draw his sword, the group sullenly made way, but their mouths kept running.

Yu Lu frowned, noticing the constant, uncomfortable gazes directed their way along the road.

He couldn’t help but confirm with Ye Xuejin again: “Your Highness, should we still go to the posthouse?”

Ye Xuejin was also quietly observing. She hesitated slightly, but upon spotting soldiers mingled among the pedestrians in her peripheral vision, she said calmly: “Go straight to the official posthouse.”

“Yes.”

Behind them, a city guard soldier looked down at his clothes, then glanced at the exile party, turned his head, and ran toward the Prefectural Yamen.

When the exile party finally found the official posthouse, they were stunned.

The posthouse was dilapidated and deserted, without a single person in sight, looking as if it had been abandoned for many years.

“Your Highness?” Yu Lu turned back, his eyes questioning. How can we stay here?

Ye Xuejin said coolly: “We survived the wilderness.”

With that single statement, Yu Lu understood. They would stay. It at least had rooms and a courtyard, and at least it bore the sign of an official posthouse.

Since they wouldn’t be leaving until the day after tomorrow, everyone specially gave the place a thorough cleaning. After tidying up the rooms, they felt much more satisfied.

With beds and stoves, and spacious rooms, it was indeed much better than staying in the wild.