When a "Sea King" is Bound to a System [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 60.2

Baili Qi was not surprised by their reaction; many people had reacted this way before. However, seeing Jiang Yan secretly look at her from the corner of her eye, she felt a strange, quiet thrill.

She sat down between the two, staring at the yet-to-be-cooked sweet potatoes, her eyes showing the eager, simple gaze of a child.

This was the first time Jiang Yan had seen her express such an emotion, and her heart began to beat a little faster. She admitted she was a horny person, mesmerized by beauty.

Who doesn’t like a pretty girl, especially a mute, wild-tempered girl? She only heightened her desire.

At that moment, she even thought of slightly unhealthy things.

Su Yi recovered from the shock of Baili Qi’s beauty, glanced at the sweet potato in Jiang Yan’s hand that Baili Qi had bitten twice, and her expression darkened.

“Princess, give it to me. I’ll throw it away.”

Jiang Yan was a little reluctant and clutched the sweet potato tightly, “No need. What a waste.”

Su Yi lowered her head, glanced at Baili Qi, gave a cold snort, and sat down. When the sweet potatoes were done, she ate hers without offering any to Baili Qi.

Baili Qi only wanted to participate with them; whether she ate the sweet potato or not was irrelevant. She lowered her eyes and looked at the firelight, her emotions unclear.

Jiang Yan looked at her profile, feeling she was very lonely. She broke off half of her own sweet potato and gave it to Baili Qi, saying, “It’s too big. I can’t finish it. Help me share some.”

Baili Qi turned to look at her, her eyes bright like the stars in the sky. She accepted the sweet potato from Jiang Yan’s hand, took a bite, and it was sweeter than the one she had eaten before.

Pink bubbles popped in Jiang Yan’s heart as she thought about how to win the beautiful girl over.

Su Yi held two sweet potatoes, ready to cry. She had only wanted to give Baili Qi a cold shoulder, not actually eat this much! Why was the Princess so nice to her? It was unfair!

After this incident, the relationship between Jiang Yan and Baili Qi progressed, specifically evident in the drop of the Blackening Value.

Before going to sleep that night, Oscar’s notification sound came.

【Congratulations to the Host! The Target’s Blackening Value has dropped by ten. The current total Blackening Value is ninety. Please continue your efforts and win her over soon!】

His voice held a hint of excitement, God knows what nonsense he was thinking.

Jiang Yan looked at Baili Qi, who was still sitting at the table, and discreetly took off her clothes until she was wearing only a thin undergarment.

“Come to bed now. It’s too cold, and you might catch a chill sitting there.”

Baili Qi looked over. Jiang Yan was already tucked into the covers, and she couldn’t tell what was happening with her.

She slowly walked over, blew out the candle, and groped her way onto the bed in the darkness, sleeping on the outer side.

Jiang Yan intentionally or unintentionally snuck closer. Her fair, delicate leg touched Baili Qi’s hand. Baili Qi immediately pulled her hand out and placed it outside the covers, moving her body outward a little, seemingly very resistant.

Jiang Yan was slightly hurt, but then snuggled back in. Before Baili Qi could react, Jiang Yan’s hand wrapped around her waist.

“It’s too cold. You need to fulfill your duty of warming the bed.”

Baili Qi’s breathing became slightly ragged. She lay stiffly on her back and breathed a sigh of relief only after confirming that Jiang Yan made no further moves.

Once calm, she felt a quiet regret. Why didn’t she push her away immediately? Instead, she felt a vague anticipation. What was she anticipating?

Jiang Yan’s scheme succeeded. The corner of her lips slowly curved into a proud smile, hidden by the darkness of the night.

This sort of thing couldn’t be rushed. It had to be done slowly.

Cuddling a person, Jiang Yan slept soundly until daylight. She woke up feeling refreshed, but Baili Qi looked somewhat drained.

Jiang Yan reflected on whether she had been restless in her sleep, kicking the covers or something, disturbing her.

“I slept soundly, didn’t I? Did I disturb you?”

Baili Qi sat up, somewhat afraid to meet Jiang Yan’s eyes.

Nothing much happened last night, except that she couldn’t sleep because there was an extra person on the bed. Yes, just an extra person.

Jiang Yan kept moving around. Baili Qi had no choice but to hold her in her arms. Unexpectedly, Jiang Yan took advantage, climbing directly onto her and rubbing against her from time to time, preventing her from sleeping all night.

Seeing Baili Qi look unwell, Jiang Yan grew even more suspicious of herself, spending the whole morning thinking about whether she had made any improper moves.

In the afternoon, what should have been a happy time for the mistress and servants roasting sweet potatoes was interrupted by the arrival of one person.

Qin Ji entered, treading on the snow. He took off his large cloak as soon as he entered and, carrying the cold air, touched Jiang Yan’s cheek.

“Haven’t seen you for a few days, Yaner. You seem to have put on some weight.”

Jiang Yan disliked physical contact with him. She subtly moved away and forced a smile, “Crown Prince Brother, don’t you have to be with Royal Father? Why do you have time to visit me?”

Qin Ji seemed oblivious to Jiang Yan’s resistance. He took her hand and sat down, his voice gentle, “I took time out to see you. Don’t you welcome me?”

Jiang Yan smiled and pulled her hand away, replying, “Of course not. I’m overjoyed that Crown Prince Brother is here. How could I not welcome you?”

Qin Ji took Jiang Yan’s hand again, squeezing slightly, not giving Jiang Yan another chance to escape.

“Your expression doesn’t look happy, though.”

As he spoke, flames flickered in his eyes, giving her inexplicable pressure. Jiang Yan was also afraid that if he got angry, he would immediately marry her off, so she chose her words carefully.

“How can I make Crown Prince Brother believe me? How about staying for dinner tonight?”

Qin Ji wanted exactly that and immediately agreed without a word.

Jiang Yan felt she had been tricked, but she was helpless against this man. She could only humor him with meaningless pleasantries, hoping for the evening to come quickly.

To avoid being discovered, Baili Qi stayed in the inner room. She could see outside, but the outside couldn’t see her. She had been sitting quietly, but when she saw Qin Ji holding Jiang Yan’s hand the whole time, his eyes filled with obscure emotions, she couldn’t hold back and walked out.

Without the veil, Baili Qi’s appearance was completely revealed to Qin Ji. Qin Ji’s gaze deepened as he watched her. He asked Jiang Yan, “Is this the beauty you’ve been secretly hiding?”

Jiang Yan gave an awkward smile, turned to give Baili Qi a look, signaling her to leave quickly. Baili Qi acted as if she hadn’t seen it, walked between the two, and made a move to pour tea. Qin Ji had to release Jiang Yan’s hand. He looked at Baili Qi and said, “She is indeed a rare beauty. No wonder Yaner was reluctant to let me see her.”

Jiang Yan chuckled dryly and pushed the tea toward Qin Ji, “Crown Prince Brother, have some tea.”

Qin Ji picked up the teacup, looked down at the pale tea inside, and a flash of darkness crossed his eyes.

Baili Qi stood behind Jiang Yan, appearing meek and compliant. Jiang Yan was terrified, afraid that Baili Qi would impulsively grab a weapon again. She secretly tugged at Baili Qi’s sleeve twice, and her hand was caught by Baili Qi.

Jiang Yan’s palm felt a tickle—Baili Qi was writing on it, telling her not to worry; she wouldn’t do anything to Qin Ji.

Jiang Yan’s heart eased slightly, hoping Qin Ji would leave soon.

Whether intentional or not, during dinner, Qin Ji specifically requested Baili Qi to serve him, his eyes fixed on her every move.

Jiang Yan felt full before she even started eating. Afterward, the meal tasted like chewing wax. It was the most unappetizing dinner she had ever had.

After eating and drinking, Qin Ji leaned lazily against the table and suddenly asked Jiang Yan, “Yaner, do you want to get married?”

Jiang Yan choked on a mouthful of tea, coughed several times, and then said, “No, I don’t want to at all. Crown Prince Brother, please don’t randomly play matchmaker for me.”

A hint of a smile appeared in Qin Ji’s eyes, and his expression relaxed. “Alright. Since you say so, I’ll help you.”

“Thank you, Crown Prince Brother. You’re so kind!” Jiang Yan, like an unconscious robot, showered him with meaningless flattery.

Royal Father was very supportive of Qin Ji. As long as he interfered with her marriage, she should be safe for a short while.

But this wasn’t a long-term solution. She still had to find a permanent fix.

Qin Ji’s smile remained on his face until he left. Jiang Yan walked him out. In the darkness, Qin Ji embraced her, his voice husky, “I truly hope you remain this simple and happy forever.”

The hug was sudden, and Jiang Yan didn’t react. By the time she finally realized what happened, Qin Ji had already walked far away.

Qin Ji seemed to harbor a different kind of affection for her.

On the way back, Jiang Yan kept thinking about this, ignoring the gloomy expression of Baili Qi.

From that day until the New Year, Qin Ji didn’t visit Zhaoyang Palace again. He was likely busy with New Year preparations. Regardless of what happened in the palace, Jiang Yan adopted a detached attitude. She slept until late morning, ate breakfast and lunch together, and roasted things to eat in the afternoon. Simple and happy.

On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, Wan Si Rong sent someone to invite her to Yuxiu Palace, saying she had something to tell her. Jiang Yan procrastinated for half an hour, but eventually put on a fur cloak and went.

Wan Si Rong stood in front of the courtyard. Seeing her arrive, she showed a smile that was neither fawning nor flattering.

“Ninth Princess, please come in quickly. You must be frozen from the walk?”

She seemed to be speaking to Jiang Yan, but her eyes were intentionally or unintentionally glancing at Baili Qi behind Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan knew that Wan Si Rong’s invitation was not simple. It was likely that she wanted to see Baili Qi, so she deliberately brought Baili Qi along to see what she was up to.

Upon entering the room, Jiang Yan wrinkled her nose, overwhelmed by a strange, strong scent.

Wan Si Rong seemed like a tasteful person, yet she liked this type of cloyingly sweet incense. Jiang Yan held a handkerchief to her mouth, feigning a cough, but actually covering her nose to prevent the offensive smell from polluting her.

Wan Si Rong sat opposite Jiang Yan and took out a sachet and some unusual trinkets. She smiled and said, “Ninth Princess, these are specialties from my hometown. If you don’t mind, please accept them as a New Year’s gift.”

Jiang Yan picked up the sachet and smelled it. It was a very clean, faint herbal scent, a sharp contrast to the strong fragrance in Wan Si Rong’s hall.

“Given Your Ladyship’s kindness, how could Qin Yan refuse? However, I hadn’t anticipated Your Ladyship would give me a gift, so I haven’t prepared a return gift. Please forgive me.”

“It’s just a small token from me. It’s enough that the Ninth Princess likes it.”

Jiang Yan didn’t think much of it and let Su Yi take the items. She turned to leave but was stopped by Wan Si Rong.

“Princess, please stay and have a cup of tea. We have newly arrived ‘Before the Rain Dragon Well’ tea.”

Jiang Yan, whose backside had just lifted, sat down again. “Then I will not decline your courtesy.” Her expression remained unchanged. She glanced at Baili Qi, who was waiting by the side, and said faintly, “Your Ladyship may have something to say to her. Go on.”

Wan Si Rong’s face subtly froze, but she then stood up graciously and went out with Baili Qi.

This time, Baili Qi was not as calm as before. She grabbed Wan Si Rong’s hand and stared at her angrily.

“Don’t look at me like that. I told you before that I have my own plan. Now that everything is ready, are you planning to go soft?”

Baili Qi frowned, harshly flung her hand away, pointed at Jiang Yan, and made a ‘no’ gesture.

Wan Si Rong looked at her gloomily for a long time, then asked in a cold voice, “Why not her? She’s also a member of the Qin State’s Imperial family. Have you forgotten how miserably we were persecuted? If it weren’t for them, you would be a carefree little princess just like Qin Yan. How would you have ended up leaving your home and living in hiding?!”

Wan Si Rong grew more agitated, a ferocious expression appearing on her face. The skin around her jaw wrinkled, making her look quite ugly.

Baili Qi made no further gesture but her eyes were firm. She could agree to anything Wan Si Rong asked, except for this one thing.

She would not allow anyone to hurt Jiang Yan.

Their conversation ended on bad terms. When they returned, Jiang Yan had mostly finished her tea and bid farewell to Wan Si Rong.

“Princess, that sachet has the effect of calming and aiding sleep. You can place it by your bed at night.”

“I understand. Thank you, Your Ladyship.”

Jiang Yan took her people back, and the first thing she did was examine the sachet. Based on years of experience, when an item is repeatedly mentioned, there is always something suspicious about it.

Baili Qi took the sachet from her hand and shook her head.

Jiang Yan immediately understood. Pointing at the sachet, she asked, “Is there poison inside?”

Baili Qi shook her head.

“Then what is it?” Jiang Yan lost patience. She pulled Baili Qi to the table and handed her a brush. “Write it down.”

Baili Qi slowly began to write, but Jiang Yan started thinking about other things.

Not being able to speak was too inconvenient. What if there was an emergency and no paper or brush was available?

Before Baili Qi finished writing, Jiang Yan suddenly spoke.

“Have you ever thought about treating your throat?”

The brush that had been lifted remained suspended for a long time. The ink dripped onto the white paper, blooming into an ink wash painting.

It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought about it. It was that it was useless to think. When she was little, she had seen all the famous doctors, and none of them could cure her. Could it be cured now?

It was better not to have expectations. She had understood the principle that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment, long ago.

Baili Qi put the brush down again, completing her message, and handed it to Jiang Yan.

After reading it, Jiang Yan was instantly terrified of the sachet and understood the malicious intent of the woman Wan Si Rong.

She actually wanted to cause her heart and lung failure and make her die—what a vicious woman.

But why would Baili Qi tell her this? Weren’t she and Wan Si Rong allies?

Jiang Yan moved closer to Baili Qi, looked up at her, her eyes sparkling. “Why did you tell me this? You’re worried about me, aren’t you?”

Baili Qi couldn’t bear her burning gaze. She averted her eyes, her heart pounding like a drum.

Jiang Yan was amused by her attempt to cover up. Her mood began to improve.

“You really do like me, don’t you? I like you very much too, oh.” A confession from a silver-tongued Princess.

Baili Qi’s pupils suddenly dilated upon hearing this. She quickly pushed Jiang Yan away and walked to the side, clutching her rapidly beating heart. Her brows furrowed.

The Princess of Qin State is shameless! How could she say such a thing so casually!

Jiang Yan knew she was only teasing her. Seeing her look startled only deepened the smile on her face.

Although Baili Qi looked cold, some aspects of her were very cute, like a child. She admitted her actions weren’t right, but she couldn’t help but want to tease her and see her flustered.

After knowing the truth, Jiang Yan would no longer keep the sachet. She had the other items checked as well. After confirming they were safe, she threw them into the storeroom, where they joined the ranks of the dust-collecting items.

On New Year’s Eve, the Imperial Palace held a family banquet. All the concubines, princes, and princesses gathered together, making it very lively.

The first piece of news King Qin announced at the family banquet was that Wan Si Rong was pregnant with an Imperial Heir. He planned to grant a general amnesty to the world and celebrate with the common people.

The previously bustling hall instantly fell silent. Even if the concubines were jealous, they did not show it, only twisting their handkerchiefs in their hands.

The Empress remained seated above, showing no reaction to King Qin’s words, like an outsider.

Qin Ji was the first to stand up and offer congratulations. Only then did the others awaken from their stupor and grudgingly rise to offer their congratulations.

King Qin was overjoyed. Before the banquet even began, he summoned Wan Si Rong to his side to eat with him.

Jiang Yan gained a new understanding of this Consort Rong’s favor. She quietly lowered her head and ate her own food. Qin Ji sat next to her, occasionally feeding her, which Jiang Yan accepted. But her heart no longer held the joy she felt the first time.

This brother was too dangerous. It was better to keep her distance.

She wouldn’t participate in palace intrigue or political struggles. She just wanted to complete her task safely and peacefully. After all, she was a slacker.

Halfway through the meal, an incident occurred. King Qin, perhaps too excited or for some other reason, fainted on the table. Wan Si Rong was the first to notice and cried out in panic several times. The Empress calmly and composedly dispatched someone to summon the Imperial Physician. New Year’s Eve was spent in a commotion.

Lying in bed, Jiang Yan couldn’t sleep. The more she thought about it, the more suspicious the whole event seemed.

“Did Wan Si Rong poison Royal Father?” She turned her head to look at Baili Qi and asked with a serious expression.

If it wasn’t poison, it was difficult to explain why King Qin, a middle-aged man who regularly went hunting and was strong and robust, suddenly fainted.

Baili Qi’s eyes flickered. Jiang Yan grew even more certain of her conjecture. She leaned close to Baili Qi, lowering her voice, “Did I guess correctly?”

Baili Qi looked at the face so close to hers, and her heart began to race wildly again. To prevent Jiang Yan from noticing, she pulled the girl tightly into her arms.

Jiang Yan: “…” A pleasant surprise?

Jiang Yan didn’t move, letting her hold her. She fell asleep without realizing it. Baili Qi heard her steady breathing. Just as she was about to let go, the girl clung to her. Baili Qi’s fingers curled slightly, but she didn’t push away the person in her arms.

The next day, Jiang Yan visited King Qin and incidentally warned Wan Si Rong not to set her sights on him. Unexpectedly, Wan Si Rong laughed instead of becoming angry, and said eerily, “Then are you not afraid that I will tell His Majesty about you harboring an assassin?”

Jiang Yan was momentarily speechless. She looked at the venomous beauty before her, her face hardening. She hadn’t wanted to be enemies with Wan Si Rong, but now she was forced to stand on the opposite side.

Even if she didn’t feel much father-daughter affection for King Qin, she couldn’t stand by and watch Wan Si Rong harm him.

This woman even dared to deceive him with a fake pregnancy. She was incredibly audacious.

Jiang Yan grabbed Wan Si Rong’s hand. Her expression changed slightly—it wasn’t a fake pregnancy after all!

Wan Si Rong pulled her hand back and said sweetly, “Princess, what are you doing? You hurt me.”

Seeing her pout with a look of grievance, Jiang Yan felt sickened. Before she could speak, she heard King Qin’s voice.

“Yaner, what are you doing?”

A hint of triumph flashed in Wan Si Rong’s eyes. She walked up to King Qin and said considerately, “Your Majesty, the Princess and I were just playing around.”

Shut up! Jiang Yan roared internally. There was nothing going on, but her explanation made it seem like there was! She truly deserved to be able to charm King Qin so completely. She clearly had skills.

King Qin’s face was stern, “Yaner, I know you are dissatisfied with Rong’er, but now that she is pregnant with my child, can you not be more accommodating?”

Wan Si Rong sobbed and nestled into King Qin’s arms, “Your Majesty, it’s all my fault. Please don’t blame the Princess.”

Jiang Yan was disgusted by the blatant act. Overwhelmed by anger, she said to King Qin, “Royal Father, do you know that Wan Si Rong is…”

“Silence! How have I taught you? How can you call an elder by their given name?”

King Yan was calmed by his roar. She bowed and said, “It is your subject’s fault. Your subject should not have argued with Consort Rong. I shall return to confinement now and will not come out unless summoned.”

After saying this, she turned and left, regardless of King Qin’s reaction. She had said what she needed to say. If he chose to believe Wan Si Rong, then so be it. She only hoped he wouldn’t regret it later.

Fuming, she returned to Zhaoyang Palace. Jiang Yan drank three cups of tea but still couldn’t quell the anger in her chest.

“Su Yi, throw out all those messy things Wan Si Rong sent. Throw them as far away as you can! I don’t want to see them!”

Su Yi didn’t dare to console her. She answered and retreated. Only Jiang Yan and Baili Qi remained in the hall.

Baili Qi glanced at Jiang Yan with slight concern, only to find the other person looking back. As their eyes met, the surroundings fell silent.

Jiang Yan pouted, sounding very wronged, “My heart hurts. I need Qi Qi to hug me.”