When a "Sea King" is Bound to a System [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 59.2

Baili Qi was still arranged in the main hall. To avoid arousing suspicion, Jiang Yan did not go to the side room to sleep but shared the same bed with her.

She had a selfish motive for doing this, wanting to use this method to foster a closer relationship, at least to lessen Baili Qi’s hostility towards her and let her know that she was a good person.

What could be more stimulating than sleeping defenseless next to someone who could kill you at any moment? She wanted to use this method to let the other party understand that she genuinely wanted to save her and didn’t have any hidden agenda. Whether Baili Qi could figure it out or not was another matter.

She hoped Baili Qi wasn’t an obstinate person who would judge all people the same and transfer the hatred for her Royal Father onto her.

Thinking this, Jiang Yan became drowsy again. Before falling asleep, she naturally placed her hand on Baili Qi’s waist. Baili Qi threw her hand off as if she had received an electric shock and moved inward. Jiang Yan put her hand back on. Baili Qi moved again. After four or five repetitions, Baili Qi finally resigned herself to it.

Jiang Yan chuckled inwardly, moved closer to her, and fell asleep happily.

Baili Qi’s eyes merged with the darkness of the night, staring straight at Jiang Yan, her feelings complex.

The next morning, Su Yi brought explosive news: King Qin was going to take a new concubine.

“What?!” Jiang Yan sat up in bed, pulling the covers off Baili Qi. “Royal Father is conferring the title of Consort upon Wan Si Rong?!”

She said this and glanced at Baili Qi, pursing her lips. In this situation, she must be very sad.

They had come to seek revenge together, but she became a fugitive, while Wan Si Rong became the Emperor’s favored concubine. Anyone would feel uncomfortable about that.

“It is said that the Imperial Astronomer has already calculated the date. The investiture ceremony will be held in three days,” Su Yi continued to spread the gossip.

Jiang Yan sat for a moment, unsure what to say.

King Qin had fourteen consorts in total. Excluding the deceased Consort Mei and Consort Jia, the remaining twelve—half of them had served him when he was Crown Prince. Since ascending the throne, he had only taken five consorts, and none of them, no matter how prominent their family background, were directly given the title of Consort. Wan Si Rong was a direct “airborne” appointment, which was bound to make the consorts in the inner palace jealous.

Sure enough, in the afternoon, Qin Ying sent someone to invite her for a casual chat. Jiang Yan knew what she meant without thinking: nothing more than complaining about her mother and attempting to incite the emotions of others to resist this “airborne” Consort Rong.

Jiang Yan wasn’t foolish enough to be used as a pawn, but she didn’t mind joining in on the fun.

After changing her clothes, she suddenly remembered something and asked Baili Qi, who was still recovering in bed, “Your good sister is about to become my Royal Father’s favorite concubine. Is there anything you want me to inquire about?”

Baili Qi formed words with her lips: Take me.

Jiang Yan looked at her pale lips and rejected her request.

“No, your injury hasn’t healed. You can’t go out into the wind. Tell me anything you want to know, and I will keep an eye out for you.”

Baili Qi’s face was as cold as ice, and she shook her head. Some things she had to do personally, to ask Wan Si Rong face-to-face why she had betrayed her and betrayed Nanyue.

Seeing her cold expression, Jiang Yan stopped asking. After all, it wasn’t a good memory; the more she thought about it, the more painful it would be.

Jiang Yan went leisurely, arriving at Qin Ying’s palace to find several consorts already there. She greeted each one and chose a corner spot to sit down.

“Ninth Sister, you’re late. You missed what we were just saying.”

Qin Ying suddenly called her out and deliberately made her words so vague, hoping Jiang Yan would ask what they were talking about.

Unfortunately, Jiang Yan didn’t take the bait. She replied with a faint smile, “Don’t mind me. You can continue talking. I’m just here to join the fun.”

Qin Ying’s expression shifted, and then she smiled again. “Ninth Sister, don’t you want to hear about the rumors in the palace lately? We’ve been discussing them quite intensely.”

Your intensity has nothing to do with me. Royal Father appointing a concubine doesn’t affect me. Jiang Yan complained internally, grabbing a pastry from the table and tossing it into her mouth, unhurriedly. “I’m not very interested. I have no interest in such things.”

Seeing that her hints were ineffective, Qin Ying gave up. She glanced at Jiang Yan, her eyes hiding a hint of disgust.

She doesn’t understand anything, only knows how to eat and eat. Such a stupid, pig-headed person. I don’t know why Royal Father likes her so much and favors her so unfairly!

Jiang Yan remained unconcerned, listening to them talk about various random things until the topic finally shifted to Wan Si Rong.

“Her background is so low. If His Majesty really makes her a Consort, what will the other two kingdoms think of us?”

“But the imperial decree for the investiture has already been issued. Is there any room for retraction?”

“I truly don’t know how that vixen bewitched His Majesty to make exceptions for her again and again.”

“How else could she bewitch him? Nothing more than being pretty, skilled in bed, sweet-talking, and able to keep His Majesty happy.”

Above, Consort Li, Consort Chen, Consort Shu, and Concubine Xiu expressed their respective views. Concubine Xiu was the most resentful. After all, she had been in the palace for some time, had not been promoted, and was now being suppressed by a dancer who had only been in the palace for less than five days. She couldn’t swallow her anger.

Qin Ying glanced at Jiang Yan and said, “Ninth Sister, what’s your take on this?”

“What’s there to take? I’m sitting and watching,” Jiang Yan replied casually.

Qin Ying felt that if she continued to ask, this feigning-ignorance pig would drive her mad. She decided to ignore her and continued discussing with the other consorts.

After listening to the women’s grievances for a long time, Jiang Yan felt her head throbbing. She changed her posture and asked quietly, “So, have all the esteemed consorts seen Wan Si Rong’s true face?”

To call her a monarch-bewitching temptress, one needed evidence. Wasn’t it too hasty to label her without even seeing her?

When Jiang Yan’s words came out, everyone was momentarily stunned, exchanging glances. They had been too indignant before and hadn’t considered this question. Now that they thought about it, it seemed no one had actually seen this favored concubine of His Majesty.

Jiang Yan pouted. Sure enough, the women in the palace are terrifying. They haven’t even seen the person, yet they’ve already painted her as utterly wicked.

Although she didn’t like Wan Si Rong either, there was no need for such slander. What if the woman had gained the Emperor’s favor through unique talents or intellect?

“Ninth Sister, you were sitting next to Crown Prince Brother at the time, closest to Wan Si Rong. Didn’t you see her either?”

Qin Ying turned the subject back to Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan immediately stopped the pointless conversation and said coldly, “She was wearing a veil. How could I have seen her?”

“His Majesty favors the Ninth Princess the most. Why don’t the Ninth Princess go and see for us? That way, we can have a clear idea.”

Jiang Yan got up, having failed to gather any useful information, and lost interest. “Royal Father probably doesn’t want me to bother her. I won’t go, lest he gets annoyed when he sees me. All the esteemed consorts should try to relax. After all, the imperial decree has been issued, and Wan Si Rong’s investiture as a Consort is a done deal. Eat what you should, drink what you should, and don’t let worries bother your heart.”

Having said that, she calmly stood up, brushed the pastry crumbs from her clothes, and walked out.

Qin Ying was very displeased with her attitude, but she was helpless. After the Crown Prince’s birthday last time, she had been confined to her residence and still couldn’t leave, and she knew who was behind it.

I can’t provoke her, so I’ll stay away.

After returning, Jiang Yan relayed the limited information she had gathered to Baili Qi, looking at her expectantly, a face full of hope for praise.

Baili Qi frowned and turned her head, refusing to look at her. Jiang Yan wilted, muttering, “My devotion was misplaced. You’re quite skilled at pulling up your pants and denying the person.”

She thought Baili Qi couldn’t hear her, but her words fell into Baili Qi’s ears, word for word. Baili Qi’s frown deepened, and she mentally noted down “vulgar” next to the Qin Princess’s name.

The two were silent. Although Jiang Yan was talkative, she had no interest in talking to someone who couldn’t speak and didn’t want to talk to her. She slumped listlessly onto the table. Su Yi lifted the curtain and entered, first glaring at Baili Qi, then smiling at Jiang Yan. “Princess, the Crown Prince has sent someone to invite you to the Eastern Palace for dinner.”

Jiang Yan rejected it without thinking. “Quick, tell him I’m feeling unwell, confined to bed with sickness. Next time, absolutely.”

Su Yi watched as her Princess quickly climbed into bed and lay down peacefully, the speed of which shocked her.

“The Crown Prince said that if you don’t go, he will come to invite you personally.”

The moment Jiang Yan recalled her last interaction with Qin Ji, she felt a wave of suffocation. She covered herself with the blanket. “Let him come if he wants. I’m definitely not going.”

Su Yi had no choice but to dismiss the eunuch from the Eastern Palace. When she re-entered, she saw Jiang Yan still in bed, very close to Baili Qi. She was immediately displeased.

“Princess, your servant has made your favorite white fungus and lotus seed soup. Would you like to get up and try some?”

Jiang Yan had eaten too many pastries and felt a bit choked, so she slowly sat up and praised, “My Little Susu is the most thoughtful. It’s great to be thirsty right now.”

Su Yi smiled sweetly, glancing at Baili Qi from the corner of her eye, extremely smug.

You only have the Princess briefly. She will ultimately return to my embrace.

Baili Qi’s patience finally ran out from being provoked repeatedly. She grabbed Jiang Yan’s arm just as she was about to get out of bed.

Jiang Yan turned to look at her and asked, “What is it?”

Baili Qi blinked and wrote in Jiang Yan’s palm: Stay with me.

Jiang Yan: “!!!” Why the sudden change of heart?

“Is it okay if I drink this and then stay with you?” Jiang Yan was a typical “water collector,” unwilling to let down any of her “sisters.”

Baili Qi shook her head, holding her hand firmly, clearly intending to prevent her from drinking the soup.

Jiang Yan sighed helplessly and said to Su Yi, “Set the soup down for now. I’ll drink it later.”

Su Yi was unhappy. She turned and glared at Baili Qi, receiving a raised eyebrow in return.

This was blatant provocation, and yet she had no proof.

Su Yi huffed and carried the soup out. Jiang Yan lay back down, facing Baili Qi, and blinked twice, just as she had.

Baili Qi quietly withdrew her hand and lay flat somewhat unnaturally, staring at the canopy.

She had acted on impulse just now. Now that only the two of them remained, the atmosphere felt strangely awkward and unsettling.

“Do you still want revenge?”

Jiang Yan knew some of the truth about the destruction of Nanyue and didn’t know if she should tell Baili Qi. Would she still choose revenge after learning the whole truth, or would she remain in the dark, a mere tool for vengeance?

Baili Qi’s eyes instantly turned cold and severe. She turned her head to look at Jiang Yan, her eyes filled with murderous intent.

Jiang Yan shrank a bit under the blanket, revealing a pair of beautiful eyes. “I’m only asking you. I’m not stopping you. You wouldn’t kill me, would you?”

Baili Qi’s hand reached out and wrapped around Jiang Yan’s waist, pulling her into her arms, her eyes dark and profound.

Jiang Yan didn’t resist, wanting to see what trick she was playing. However, Baili Qi made no further moves, just staring at her.

Both had their own thoughts. Jiang Yan felt that her kindness to Baili Qi over the past few days had worked; at least she didn’t resist physical contact anymore. Baili Qi, on the other hand, was thinking that at this close distance, killing this useless Princess would be as easy as flipping her palm.

Revenge didn’t have to be that complicated. Killing King Qin’s favorite daughter first, and making him feel the pain of losing a child, was also a form of revenge.

Baili Qi’s hand on Jiang Yan’s waist slowly moved upward, stopping at her neck. Jiang Yan felt a little tickle and grabbed her hand. “What do you want to touch? My face?”

As she said this, she guided Baili Qi’s hand to her own face and even rubbed it up and down smugly. “How is it? Isn’t it smooth? Once you touch it, you’ll want to touch it again.”

Baili Qi’s fingers curled up. She abruptly pulled her hand away from Jiang Yan’s, quickly turned her back, her entire spine rigid.

Jiang Yan was puzzled. She touched her own face. It was indeed smooth. Why did she react as if she had touched a thorn?

Baili Qi’s heart was beating very fast, a sound that was clearly audible as she lay on her side. Can there truly be such a fool in the world? Does she even know what she is doing?

Baili Qi was confused. She hugged the hand that had just touched Jiang Yan to her chest; it seemed to still retain the faint scent of Jiang Yan’s body.

Jiang Yan grew sleepy while lying there. She didn’t know how long she slept before being shaken awake by Su Yi.

“Princess, Princess, wake up! The Crown Prince is here!”

Jiang Yan sat up with a start. Qin Ji’s voice reached the door.

“I heard Ninth Sister is unwell. I came to check on you. Are you alright?”

Baili Qi held a thin blade in her hand, her eyes flashing with cold light. Jiang Yan’s heart jolted. She instantly pounced on Baili Qi, covering both of them with the blanket.

“Don’t speak. Cooperate with me if you don’t want to die.”

Baili Qi withdrew the thin blade in her hand, looking at Jiang Yan with complex emotions. When Jiang Yan had pounced just now, she had been afraid that the blade in her hand would injure her.

Jiang Yan maintained a posture that avoided touching Baili Qi, her neck stiff. She simply settled her head on Baili Qi’s chest, regardless of whether she minded or not.

Qin Ji entered and keenly smelled a slightly unusual scent. His gentle eyes sharpened.

Su Yi, as usual, relayed the message. Seeing Qin Ji enter, she bowed. “Greetings, Crown Prince. My Princess has… retired for rest.”

Qin Ji saw through her lie immediately. He walked to the bedroom and lifted the curtain, his gaze turning completely cold.

Jiang Yan was embracing a woman. Although her hair covered her face, he could still tell she was not any of the women he had sent.

“I never knew Ninth Sister had such vigor.”

Jiang Yan’s old face flushed from embarrassment. She hugged the person in her arms even tighter to prevent Qin Ji from seeing her face.

“I’m sorry, Crown Prince Brother, I won’t be able to have dinner with you tonight. Should we reschedule?”

Qin Ji walked closer, staring directly at Jiang Yan, as if trying to bore a hole into her face. Jiang Yan’s heart was uneasy, but she held Baili Qi and refused to let go, protecting her carefully.

“Yan’er, you are still young. You must exercise restraint in all things. If Royal Father were to find out about this, he would surely be angry.”

Qin Ji’s eyes suddenly changed, shifting from cold to gentle, and his voice was full of helplessness. He touched Jiang Yan’s head, turned, and left with somewhat hurried steps.

Jiang Yan watched him leave until his figure was completely gone before finally relaxing. She quickly pulled back the blanket to let in air.

Good heavens! As expected of the man who would be emperor, his aura was too overwhelming, scaring her into a cold sweat.

Baili Qi sat up with her, her palm covered in blood from being cut by the thin blade. Jiang Yan’s relieved heart immediately tensed up again. She quickly asked Su Yi to call for the imperial physician.

“How did you manage that? You cut yourself with the weapon in your hand?”

Baili Qi didn’t look at her, her eyes as cold as ice. Jiang Yan remembered something and gave her a comforting hug.

Baili Qi’s eyes flickered. She clenched her hands tightly, uncharacteristically not pushing Jiang Yan away.

During the Nanyue campaign, King Qin personally led the expedition, accompanied by the Crown Prince Qin Ji, who played a crucial role in enabling the Qin Kingdom to defeat Nanyue with minimal losses.

Baili Qi was likely thinking of this, which was why she was so enraged, harming herself in the process.

Jiang Yan could only use her own clean handkerchief to press the wound. She didn’t get out of bed until the medical lady arrived. The medical lady looked at her strangely. After bandaging Baili Qi’s hand, she also examined her sword and knife wounds. She added two ingredients to the previous prescription to replenish her vital energy. Without waiting for Jiang Yan’s reward, she hurried away, as if Zhaoyang Hall were some dragon’s den or tiger’s lair.

Su Yi went out to see the medical auntie off. Only Jiang Yan and Baili Qi remained in the hall. Jiang Yan was already half-asleep and was then scared by Qin Ji. She felt utterly exhausted. She lay down again, wrapping herself in the blanket.

“Don’t be so tense. Lie down and rest. Even if you want revenge, you have to take care of your body. Otherwise, going in this state means certain death. You probably don’t know…”