Transmigrated into the Scum Female Consort - Chapter 64

She had intended to hint to Yun Chi subtly, not to be so blunt.

When some words become too direct, they lose their delicate warmth and profound meaning, becoming purely transparent and utilitarian…

Ye Xuejin calmed down and explained softly: “This Princess meant that Shushui believes that since we have performed the wedding ceremony, the next step should be for us to know each other better, not be so estranged.”

Yun Chi subconsciously replied, “But we don’t need to know each other.”

After tonight, there were only two days left. In two days, they would go their separate ways, so what was there left to learn?

“Why is there no need? The Consort is too heartless…” Shushui raised her voice.

“Shushui, stop interfering.” Ye Xuejin frowned, interrupting her, and then spoke to Yun Chi: “Shushui doesn’t know the full situation. Consort, please ignore her nonsense. Go to sleep, both of you.”

She confirmed it: the Consort was not only emotionally naive but also utterly dense.

She truly is a blockhead.

Ye Xuejin sadly rubbed the bridge of her nose, but frustratingly, she had fallen for this blockhead…

The room fell into complete silence.

Shushui turned over, facing the outside, and stopped trying to squeeze them.

Everything must be done in moderation. Her Highness was right; she needed to manage the boundaries and proceed slowly.

Yun Chi, however, was tremendously unsettled. Although she had no experience with dating, she wasn’t completely stupid. Even with her slow reactions, she felt that something was amiss.

She pondered the conversation they just had and suddenly grasped a key point.

Could it be that Ye Xuejin wants to consummate the marriage with her?

It shouldn’t be that outrageous. Perhaps it was Shushui, the young maid, who wanted them to get together sooner.

Yes, it must be that. Ye Xuejin herself had said that Shushui didn’t know the full situation and mistakenly thought they were in love.

But even thinking this, it still felt strange.

Just as Yun Chi was utterly perplexed, Ye Xuejin gently hugged her arm.

“Consort, don’t overthink it. This Princess hasn’t forgotten her promise to you. Hurry and sleep.”

“I’m not overthinking it; I just can’t sleep a little.”

As soon as she spoke, Shushui’s snoring started again.

Yun Chi: “…” Was that on purpose, or on purpose this time?

The atmosphere was quiet for a moment. Ye Xuejin slid her hand down Yun Chi’s arm and grasped her hand, saying with a helpless tone, “She must truly be asleep.”

Such rhythmic snoring did not sound feigned, and the young maid was exhausted from traveling day and night.

Yun Chi’s attention was no longer on Shushui, however. She uncomfortably pulled her hand away.

They were people on the verge of separation, and being this physically intimate was perhaps inappropriate.

But why hadn’t she felt this way before, when she also hadn’t planned on staying?

Feeling the sudden emptiness in her hand, Ye Xuejin’s eyes dimmed slightly.

“Consort…”

The low, soft call carried a hint of grievance, causing Yun Chi to pause.

“What is it?”

Ye Xuejin took her hand again, pulled her arm into her embrace, and lowered her voice: “In two days, I won’t be able to see the Consort anymore. This Princess feels somewhat reluctant.”

Yun Chi’s heart softened, and all her previous thoughts vanished. She only wanted to hold Ye Xuejin close.

She thought this, and she did this. She lightly patted the back of the person in her arms, her voice gentle: “Don’t be sad. I believe we will meet again in the future. Go to sleep.”

“Mm.” Ye Xuejin lowered her eyes, a silent smile curving her lips.

Her Goddess is very soft-hearted.

The next morning, Yun Chi was the first to wake up. She looked at the person in her arms. Just as she moved her arm away, she saw that Ye Xuejin was also awake.

“Shh,” Yun Chi gestured for her to be quiet. The young maid was still fast asleep.

Ye Xuejin smiled gently. Rising with her, the two quietly dressed and went out.

After washing up, people started waking up in twos and threes.

“Your Highness, I’ll take people to buy more dried provisions. When shall we depart?” Yu Lu knew that yesterday was spent waiting for Shushui. Now that she had arrived, it was time to leave.

Ye Xuejin nodded: “We will depart when you return.”

The Prefect of Moyang City must have received news of them long ago and knew their identities, which was why the relay station felt safe.

Just like in Zhenshan County, people in high positions cherish their lives the most and don’t want trouble to happen within their jurisdiction.

The officials in the Moyang yamen had not shown their faces precisely because they wanted the group to leave peacefully.

The exiled group successfully left the city. Only then did a man dressed in the Prefect’s official robes appear on the city gate tower.

“Has the news reached Yangzhou City?”

“Reporting to Your Excellency, the message was delivered last night.”

“That’s good. Return to the residence.” The Prefect finished speaking, looked up at the sky, and, while descending the stairs, missed a step and stumbled.

“Prefect!”

“Your Excellency!”

The city gate instantly fell into a flurry of chaos. A person quietly slipped out of the city gate.

In contrast, the exiled group’s journey this day was very smooth.

However, everyone noticed one thing.

It seemed the relationship between the Eldest Princess and the Consort had deepened again. Throughout the day, their hands were hardly separated.

Shushui was secretly delighted. In just one night, Her Highness and the Consort were inseparable. I am simply too brilliant.

“Consort, are you unhappy?” Seeing Yun Chi frowning, Ye Xuejin couldn’t help but ask.

Yun Chi looked at her calm and detached expression, feeling inexplicably stifled: “No, I’m not unhappy.”

It was just that the thought of having to leave the exiled group tomorrow made her feel a sense of reluctance.

People are not made of wood, and hearts are not made of stone. Having gone through hardships together, it was inevitable that feelings would grow.

Yun Chi understood why she was reluctant, but she didn’t understand why Ye Xuejin, who repeatedly claimed to be reluctant and kept holding her hand, looked so cheerful.

This woman is too inconsistent. She doesn’t look reluctant at all.

Ye Xuejin observed her closely for a few moments, then suddenly smiled: “This Princess hasn’t asked yet: which direction do you plan to head tomorrow, Consort?”

Yun Chi shook her head: “I don’t know either; I’ll take it one step at a time. Never mind me. Have you figured out your arrangements?”

Who will keep the items in the storage space, and how will the gold be carried?

Ye Xuejin desperately wanted to evade the question, as she had done many times before, because that person would never allow her to return to the capital alive. Only her death would make her vindication possible.

Since she knew that no news of vindication would arrive tomorrow, she had never planned to arrange those items.

“Consort.”

“Yes?”

Ye Xuejin pursed her lips, her fingers clenching involuntarily: “It’s nothing. Consort, please retrieve the cotton quilts first.”

As darkness descended, the group stopped by a small river. Everyone was gathered around the large iron pot, which was being used to boil dried meat soup—the same pot that had previously held the pork rib soup.

“Mother, Shi Lan said this kind of wild vegetable is edible. Just blanch it in the pot and scoop it out.” Zhou Qiyue and Shi Lan each held a bunch of wild vegetables, busy around the iron pot.

The old steward and a few elderly servants of the Zhou family watched them with smiles, occasionally adding firewood.

Little Ying’er held a stick and was writing characters on the ground, guided by Old Imperial Censor Zhou.

The rest of the people, led by Yu Lu and Shi Niang, were practicing martial arts.

Shushui, who had just joined, was astonished. Although she had heard Her Highness mention it last night, she hadn’t expected these people to be so earnest and loyal.

The only troublesome one was Mu Er; Her Highness had instructed her to keep a close eye on him as well.

Yun Chi saw that Ye Xuejin still wouldn’t talk about her plans, which raised her suspicions. Was it necessary to keep something they would know tomorrow a secret from her?

But seeing that Ye Xuejin didn’t want to speak, she didn’t press the matter further.

Just then, a man walked past the roadside.

Everyone stopped what they were doing. Although they had encountered people along the way, this was the first time they saw someone traveling so late.

Yu Lu and Shi Niang exchanged glances, quietly gripping the hilts of the knives at their waists. They subtly moved closer, shielding Ye Xuejin.

The middle-aged man seemed oblivious to their vigilance. He made no unusual movements and walked forward without looking to the side or stopping. After walking ten or more meters, he paused and turned back.

Everyone held their breath, staring fixedly at him.

He merely cupped his fist towards them, dropped something on the ground, turned and walked away, quickly disappearing from sight.

“Your Highness, this person is not simple,” Yu Lu was the first to speak. Having a military background, he could tell at a glance that the man’s gait and demeanor were unusual and seemed to come from a military background.

And the lack of abnormality was precisely the biggest abnormality. Ordinary people seeing an exiled group should not behave this way.

Especially the item dropped on the ground, which seemed to be intentionally left for them.

Ye Xuejin slightly frowned and gestured to Yu Lu: “Go check.”

Soon, Yu Lu returned with a book: “It’s a Thousand Character Classic (Qianzi Wen). It looks normal.”

He checked it repeatedly; it was just an ordinary Thousand Character Classic.

Ye Xuejin extended her hand, and Yu Lu quickly handed it over.

Ye Xuejin flipped through the book in her hand, then suddenly paused, rapidly turning a few more pages.

(Do not advance, do not retreat; only entering the mountains will bring life.)

On the bottom of the last eight pages, a tiny script was written on each, which, when read together, formed these eight characters.

Ye Xuejin pondered for a moment, walked directly to the campfire, and threw the book into the flames.

Since this person was so cautious, he definitely didn’t want to be discovered by anyone with malicious intent.

“Your Highness?” Yu Lu asked when he saw that she seemed to have found something.

Ye Xuejin motioned for him and Shi Niang to walk a distance away to talk, and after a moment’s thought, she called Yun Chi and Shushui as well.

“Someone left a message in the book, warning us not to go forward or backward, and that entering the mountains is the only way to survive. What are your thoughts on this?”

My thoughts? Yun Chi blinked; she couldn’t discern anything.

The other three exchanged unconscious glances, then pondered individually, none speaking rashly.

Seeing this, Ye Xuejin calmly said: “If this message is false, then there are traps waiting for us in the mountains. If this message is true, then there are blockades ahead and pursuing troops behind, and we will face danger before reaching Yangzhou City.”

Yangzhou City was the destination of their exile.

Pausing, Ye Xuejin lowered her brows: “I believe it is the latter. The journey to Yangzhou City is only about five days. What do you think we should do?”

“This subordinate will follow Your Highness’s orders.” Yu Lu couldn’t think of a better solution and could only answer this way.

Ye Xuejin looked at Shi Niang.

Shi Niang also said: “This subordinate will also follow Your Highness’s orders.”

When it was Shushui’s turn, she hesitated slightly and then spoke: “This servant also believes it is the latter, but if we enter the mountains, we will be delayed and will still be accused of a crime.”

As she finished speaking, she glanced at Yu Lu, noting that the officers responsible for escorting the exiled group would face the heaviest penalties.

Ye Xuejin offered no comment and finally looked at Yun Chi.

Yun Chi understood the situation clearly and said without hesitation: “I suggest we enter the mountains immediately and evade them tonight first.”

News of Ye Xuejin’s vindication would arrive tomorrow, and by then, they could freely take a detour back to the capital.

“Does the Consort know that something will happen tonight?” Shi Niang immediately caught the key phrase in Yun Chi’s words and pressed her.

Hearing this, Yu Lu also looked at Yun Chi. That’s right, why should we evade it tonight first?

Shushui rubbed her temples and remained silent. She knew the reason. Her Highness mentioned yesterday that the Consort was inexplicably certain that news of vindication would arrive tomorrow, but that was clearly impossible.

Seeing the situation, Ye Xuejin directly commanded: “You all return first. This Princess has something to discuss with the Consort.”

Shi Niang opened her mouth. The Consort hadn’t fully explained what was going on! Before she could speak, Shushui quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her away.

The three then returned to the exiled group.

“Lady Shushui, why did you stop me?” Shi Niang frowned, her expression turning cold.

Shushui rolled her eyes and said bluntly: “If I hadn’t stopped you, would you have questioned the Consort?”

What kind of brain does this person have? She’s perceptive, yes, but she should consider who she’s talking to. Is she actually going to suspect the Consort?

Shi Niang retorted: “Why shouldn’t I question her?”

Upon hearing this, Shushui’s face also turned cold: “Shi Niang, if I remember correctly, Her Highness reminded us yesterday that seeing the Consort is like seeing Her Highness. Do you intend to question Her Highness too?”

“How can the Consort be the same as Her Highness?” Shi Niang blurted out.

Shushui stared into her eyes and said word by word: “She is the same, in Her Highness’s eyes, and in our eyes.”

Shi Niang froze, and Shushui’s gaze made her turn her head away.

The rest of the people were also silent, wondering why these two started arguing as soon as they returned.

Yu Lu frowned and waved his hand at everyone: “Stop looking. Let’s eat.”

He then walked toward the large pot, ignoring Shushui and Shi Niang.

There was a difference between men and women, and both of them were currently favored by Her Highness. He didn’t know who to support.

Meanwhile, Ye Xuejin contemplated deeply and finally asked the question that had troubled her for so long: “Consort, why are you so certain that news of vindication will arrive tomorrow?”

Yun Chi was silent. Why am I certain? Of course, because I know the plot.

Seeing her remain quiet, Ye Xuejin gently took her hand: “I never doubt the Consort’s words, and I know the Consort would not lie to me. If it troubles you, then let it be.”

Her Consort possesses the abilities of an immortal and has no reason to deceive her.

Then why does the Consort believe this will happen?

Seeing her looking disappointed, Yun Chi hesitated.

“Actually… I can occasionally see the future, like foreknowledge.”

Ye Xuejin’s fingers tightened slightly, and she managed a smile: “I’d like to hear the details.”

Yun Chi provided a reason that seemed plausible enough, and from there, it became easier to speak: “I saw that tomorrow, an official will arrive with an imperial decree, saying that the Noble Consort found important evidence, and the Emperor has ordered an investigation which confirms you were indeed wrongly accused. He also ordered you to return to the capital immediately and restore your title as Eldest Princess.”

The Noble Consort, which means Qianhua found the evidence.

Ye Xuejin’s eyes flickered almost imperceptibly. She was wronged before, but now that might not be the case.

Wait. Her being wrongly accused was clearly orchestrated by the Emperor himself. If the Emperor investigates himself, how could he possibly clear her name?

She suddenly thought of something and looked intently at Yun Chi: “Consort, what about This Princess?”

Yun Chi didn’t immediately grasp the meaning: “What?”

Ye Xuejin tightened her grip on Yun Chi’s hand, her gaze deep: “Consort, in the tomorrow you saw, was I safe and sound?”

Yun Chi’s breathing hitched, and she instinctively didn’t want to answer.

But sometimes, not answering is an answer.

Seeing her fall silent again, Ye Xuejin’s eyelids trembled, and her voice dropped low.

“Am I dead?”

So, if the Consort’s ability is not wrong, will I die tonight?

Yun Chi’s heart tightened, and she quickly squeezed Ye Xuejin’s hand: “You won’t have any accidents.”

With just that one sentence, Ye Xuejin understood: “It seems This Princess truly didn’t live to see tomorrow.”

She suddenly felt a profound coldness, as if she had fallen into an ice lake, unable to breathe, enveloped by despair.

So, vindication truly comes tomorrow because tonight is the night of my death.

How laughable that I still harbored the delusion of keeping my Goddess. How laughable that I made so many plans. Truly laughable.

“No, you will definitely live to see tomorrow. You have already survived.” Seeing that she misunderstood her words, Yun Chi quickly clarified: “I saw the future on the day I was imprisoned. Originally, you were supposed to have an accident a few days ago, but you’re fine now, aren’t you? So you will definitely live to see tomorrow’s vindication, and you will live well in the future too.”

Ye Xuejin froze. Her voice was strained and uncertain: “Consort, are you saying that in the future you initially saw, I was supposed to die a few days ago, and that’s why the vindication could happen tomorrow?”

Yun Chi nodded. After nodding, she still felt a little confused: “Is there some kind of causal relationship?”

Receiving the affirmation, Ye Xuejin almost forgot to breathe. Her heart felt alive again.

The sudden reversal was too swift, making her unable to control her emotions any longer. She immediately flung herself into Yun Chi’s arms.

“Consort, Consort…”

She had never doubted the Goddess’s methods and believed that the Consort’s words would surely come true.

It turns out nothing has been definitively decided.

Yun Chi had never seen her so emotional before. Her heart softened, and she gently hugged her.

“It’s alright. You’ve passed the death calamity. Trust me, you will be fine.”

Ye Xuejin held her tightly. This feeling of instant life and death was too great a test for one’s mental endurance; she had nearly collapsed moments ago.

Seeing her so distressed, Yun Chi instinctively softened her voice, comforting and soothing her: “So, you will definitely be vindicated tomorrow. In the future, no matter what you want to do, you can take it step by step. At least your situation won’t be this difficult anymore.”

Ye Xuejin instinctively shook her head. No. Precisely because I escaped the death calamity and survived, the vindication is even less likely to happen tomorrow.

Yun Chi didn’t understand why she was shaking her head and couldn’t help but smile: “What’s wrong, lacking confidence in yourself?”

Ye Xuejin shook her head again. She had confidence.

“Consort, please keep me company tonight, alright?” Without waiting for Yun Chi’s answer, she added, “Whenever I think of the matter of life and death, my heart feels terribly anxious. Consort…”

The lingering sound was soft, evocative, and moving.

Yun Chi hadn’t planned to refuse. Hearing her say this only made her more compliant. She smiled: “Alright. Tonight, everything will be up to you. Princess, just give the order. This Consort will surely obey.”

Since they were parting tomorrow, they really should say a proper farewell tonight.

Ye Xuejin lightly bit her lip, her ears faintly warm. Although she was six years older than the Consort, and the Consort was only barely twenty, at this moment, she felt like the Consort was indulging and doting on her.

Moreover, she loved it when the Consort said such things and enjoyed hearing those three words.

‘This Consort.’ It sounded so pleasing to the ear—her Consort.

Seeing that her emotions seemed to have settled down, Yun Chi felt reassured and smiled: “Then, Your Highness, have you decided how you wish to direct me tonight?”

Ye Xuejin pursed her lips, then looked up: “Consort, just hold This Princess for a while longer. Hold me tightly.”

Yun Chi was startled, then nodded happily, cooperating perfectly by tightening her arms around her.

She thought that Ye Xuejin must also be a little reluctant—reluctant to part with her.

The two embraced silently, seemingly feeling each other’s heartbeat.

The wind seemed to stand still, and the darkness felt less cold until Shushui’s voice drifted in from a distance.

“Your Highness, Consort, dinner is served.”

Ye Xuejin finally pulled away from Yun Chi’s embrace, then immediately grasped Yun Chi’s hand again.

She said nothing more, only smiled as she looked ahead, her steps light.

Yun Chi couldn’t help but smile too, a strangely gentle feeling welling up in her heart. Then she froze, looking at the person beside her in confusion.

Why am I so happy? Why do I feel so joyful?

They were clearly about to separate, and they felt reluctant. Shouldn’t they be sad?

After dinner, lying down, Yun Chi became even more confused.

Because Ye Xuejin not only burrowed into her arms but also wrapped her arms around Yun Chi’s neck, and her legs were wrapped around Yun Chi’s body.

This… Isn’t this a little too intimate?

“Consort.” As if anticipating what Yun Chi was about to say, Ye Xuejin spoke first: “This Princess has never been this way with anyone else.”

Yun Chi was momentarily stunned, and she replied casually: “Me too.”