When a "Sea King" is Bound to a System [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 62.1

Qin Xu’s eyes flickered when the eunuch announced that the Ninth Princess had come to visit.

Her sister had become much more reserved in the past half a year, almost to the point of being untraceable. She never attended the gatherings of the various consorts. Every time someone was sent to invite her, she would decline, citing being confined to her palace.

Anyone with discerning eyes could tell she was deliberately making excuses. How could Royal Father bear to confine her for so long? Even if he had said such a thing in anger, he would have found a way to resolve the situation for both parties later.

It was just that Qin Yan, for some reason, hadn’t lifted the confinement this time.

Qin Xu’s mind raced, contemplating Qin Yan’s purpose for visiting, while she went out to greet her.

“What brings Ninth Sister here? Please come in quickly.”

A warm smile spread across her face, as if she were genuinely delighted.

Jiang Yan also smiled, linking arms with her. “I just missed Seventh Sister, so I came to see you. I hope I haven’t disturbed you?”

Qin Xu said, “What are you saying, Sister? I’m overjoyed you came; how could you be a disturbance? We sisters should visit each other more often.”

Jiang Yan’s smile became even brighter, and she sat down with Qin Xu.

Palace maids served tea and snacks. Jiang Yan displayed her foodie nature, tasting everything without fail, and praising the quality of the snacks in Qin Xu’s palace, making Qin Xu believe that she was truly here to catch up and enjoy some food.

The two talked about trivial things, and Qin Xu gradually grew impatient.

“Ninth Sister, are you here today just to talk about these things?”

Jiang Yan took a small sip of tea, her eyes unchanged. “Does Seventh Sister think I have another motive?”

Qin Xu said nothing, turning her head to the palace maids and eunuchs waiting nearby. “You all may withdraw for now.”

The palace maids and eunuchs left one by one, closing the palace doors.

“It’s just the two of us now. Ninth Sister, you can speak freely.”

“I just wanted to chat with Sister; there is nothing else.”

The two looked at each other for a moment. Qin Xu covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed softly.

“Ninth Sister, do you think our relationship is one where we can sit down and talk extensively about sisterly affection?”

Her voice held a hint of a mocking laugh.

Jiang Yan also smiled. She liked talking to intelligent people; it was less taxing.

“After Seventh Sister’s engagement was broken off, did Consort Shu look for any other suitable consort for you?”

This was a painful subject for Qin Xu. No one in the palace dared to mention it in front of her, yet Jiang Yan brought it up so brazenly. Naturally, she was not pleased.

“If Sister came to ridicule me, then your goal has been achieved. Please leave.”

Jiang Yan thought, Sure enough. Regardless of how much of a womanizer or morally corrupt the fiancé was, Qin Xu still harbored resentment over the broken engagement.

After all, this damaged the Princess’s dignity and compromised the honor of the royal family.

“Sister, don’t rush to send me away. I have a piece of news that might interest you.”

“I’m not interested in other people’s affairs, nor do I want to hear what you have to say. Ninth Sister, please excuse yourself.”

Qin Xu stood up, flicked her sleeves, and walked toward the inner chamber.

“Even marrying the ruler of the State of Chen means nothing to you?”

After Jiang Yan said this, Qin Xu abruptly turned around, staring at her in silence.

Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow, unafraid of her ominous gaze. “I heard an interesting piece of news today regarding Sister’s marriage. Crown Prince Brother proposed to Royal Father that Sister be sent to make peace and become a concubine to the ruler of the State of Chen. If Sister finds this acceptable, then consider me speaking out of turn.”

Jiang Yan finished speaking, slowly stood up, smoothed the creases in her clothes, and calmly walked toward the door.

“Stop!” Qin Xu’s voice was cold, matching her current expression. “You specifically came to Chenqing Palace today. Surely it wasn’t just to inform me of this news, was it?”

“Of course not. I know Sister doesn’t like me, and I don’t like Sister either. Telling you this news in advance is to do Sister a favor, so that Sister can cooperate with me.”

Jiang Yan no longer held back, directly stating her purpose.

Since Qin Ji ruined Qin Xu’s marriage, the two were already at odds. Consort Shu’s and the Empress’s maternal families were also in open conflict, despising each other. There would absolutely be no day when they would set aside their differences.

It was precisely because Jiang Yan knew this that she dared to come and seek cooperation from Qin Xu.

Qin Xu frowned, clearly distrusting Jiang Yan. “Didn’t you and the Crown Prince always have a good relationship? Why would you tell me this?”

She was more inclined to believe this was a trap. The Crown Prince sent Jiang Yan to reveal the news in advance, waiting for her to lose her composure, and then find fault with her. Regardless of the outcome, the Crown Prince would benefit.

Thinking this way, Qin Xu’s eyes became even colder, and her gaze toward Jiang Yan grew more hostile.

“That was all in the past.”

“Seventh Sister may not know, but I’ve been confined to my palace for the past six months, deliberately avoiding the Crown Prince. In the past, no one threatened his position, so he was naturally good to me. After all, I grew up under the Empress’s care, and our relationship was closer. But now, things are different from before. If Consort Rong gives birth to a Prince, it will create competition for him. At that time, the fate of us sisters will be precarious. I had no choice but to devise a countermeasure early to ensure I don’t become a sacrifice for his consolidation of power.”

Qin Xu still didn’t believe Qin Yan. Even if she spoke more eloquently than a song, she dared not gamble with her and her mother’s lives.

“That’s your business. What does it have to do with me? I’ll pretend today’s events never happened. Ninth Sister, don’t come to my Chenqing Palace again without reason. I cannot afford to entertain you.”

Jiang Yan smiled meaningfully and slowly walked out. Qin Xu’s reaction was within her expectations; she was not someone who easily trusted others.

However, the seed of suspicion had been sown in her heart. When it took root and sprouted, Qin Xu would naturally come to find her. She would just wait quietly.

As she reached the door, Jiang Yan paused. “If Sister comes to a decision, you can send someone to Zhaoyang Palace. I await Sister’s visit at any time.”

Qin Xu watched the retreating figure and clenched her fists.

She naturally didn’t believe Qin Yan’s words, but the Crown Prince’s actions might not be false, either. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to ruin her marriage.

As time wore on, Qin Xu’s gaze fell on the last sliver of sunlight streaming in through the window, her eyes dark and uncertain.

Baili Qi had been worried about Jiang Yan since the moment she stepped out of Zhaoyang Palace. After waiting for a long time without her return, she was frantic. If Su Yi hadn’t held her back, she would have already rushed to the Hall of Diligent Governance to demand her return.

The sun completely set, and the evening glow stained the sky red. The light gradually dimmed. Baili Qi truly couldn’t wait any longer. She picked up the sword by her side and walked out.

Su Yi saw this and was so frightened she quickly hugged her legs. “Hero, please spare us! If you go out like this, you’ll be arrested by the Imperial Guards before you even reach the Hall of Diligent Governance. They’ll frame you for treason, and the entire Zhaoyang Palace will be doomed!”

Baili Qi’s grip on the sword loosened slightly. Just as she was about to say something, Jiang Yan entered from outside.

Jiang Yan looked at the two in their strange posture, and the corner of her mouth twitched. “Su Yi, are you trying to seduce my person while I’m away?”

Su Yi quickly let go of Baili Qi’s leg and explained, “No, Princess, she was trying to take a weapon to the Hall of Diligent Governance to find you. I had no choice but to do this to stop her.”

She didn’t like Baili Qi at all! She was cold and distant, with a deadpan face all day long. Who could see her smile besides the Princess?

Baili Qi dropped the sword and immediately hugged Jiang Yan, whispering, “Worried about you.”

Jiang Yan immediately beamed, hugging her waist. “Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’m Royal Father’s most beloved child. Who would dare do anything to me?”

Baili Qi frowned, holding her tighter. It was precisely because she was the most beloved that she was in the most danger. Once the King of Qin died, she would lose her protection, with no maternal clan to rely on, leaving her vulnerable to bullying.

She had to quickly gather all her former subordinates. Even if they couldn’t overthrow the State of Qin at that time, they could at least protect her from Qin Ji’s harm.

Jiang Yan felt the warmth in her embrace, and her resolve strengthened: she had to protect her, protect the palace maids and eunuchs of Zhaoyang Palace, and keep them safe and sound.

The two embraced openly, ignoring everyone else. Su Yi pitifully picked up the sword and silently retreated.

Through her training over the past few days, her heart had grown strong enough that she no longer felt sad because she wasn’t the Princess’s favorite.

But she still hated Baili Qi!

Later that evening, news arrived from the Hall of Diligent Governance that the King of Qin had coughed up blood and fainted again. Jiang Yan was somewhat worried and went to attend to him in the middle of the night, her hair disheveled.

This time, she brought Baili Qi and Su Yi, instructing them to wait outside the hall like other palace maids, while she personally attended to the medicine by the King of Qin’s bed.

The King of Qin woke up just before dawn. Seeing his youngest daughter dozing by the bed, he lovingly stroked her head.

“Yan’er, if you’re tired, go to sleep. I’m fine now.”

Jiang Yan, with her messy “bird’s nest” hair, rubbed her bloodshot eyes. “Father, your daughter is not tired. I can only feel at ease watching over you here.”

Jiang Yan’s idea was simple: she needed the King of Qin to hold on for a little longer, at least until her plan succeeded. She had to keep him alive, no matter what means she used.

The King of Qin’s gaze became even gentler. He said to Jiang Yan, “I know your kind intentions, but you can’t neglect your own body like this. Go rest in the side chamber for a bit. You need to be well-rested to accompany Royal Father.”

Jiang Yan didn’t decline further. She bowed and withdrew, taking the two maids to the side chamber. As she left, she bumped into Qin Xu. Qin Xu’s eyes were somewhat complex, and she moved her lips, as if she had something to say.

“Seventh Sister, you’re here to visit Royal Father, aren’t you? Please go in.”

Qin Xu didn’t hesitate anymore and walked in. The palace maid behind her was carrying a food box, presumably containing food prepared for the King of Qin.

Even when sleeping in the Hall of Diligent Governance, Jiang Yan still had to hug Baili Qi. It made her feel safer.

Su Yi slept alone on the small couch, looking rather wronged.

She had served the Princess for a longer time, so why didn’t the Princess hug her? It wasn’t fair!

When Jiang Yan woke up, Baili Qi was no longer beside her. Su Yi was already seated at the table. Seeing her wake up, she quickly stepped forward to wait on her.

“Princess, should I instruct the kitchen to prepare food?”

Jiang Yan nodded. It wasn’t until Su Yi left that she remembered to ask her where Baili Qi had gone.

After eating, Jiang Yan went to check on the King of Qin again. A group of imperial physicians looked as if they had seen a savior upon her arrival.

“He refuses to take his medicine! Ninth Princess, please hurry and persuade him!” The Chief Imperial Physician, sweating profusely, bowed to her with cupped hands.

Jiang Yan walked over. Sure enough, the King of Qin’s personal attendant was waiting nearby with a bowl of medicine, while the King of Qin was reading a memorial, his eyes focused.

Jiang Yan picked up the bowl of medicine and sat down by the bed. “Royal Father, please drink your medicine before reviewing the memorials.”

“Yan’er, put it down. I don’t want to drink it.” The King of Qin glanced at the bowl of medicine in Jiang Yan’s hand, his entire face scrunching up.

It was evident that he truly didn’t want to drink it; his whole body language screamed refusal.

Jiang Yan didn’t press him. Instead, she asked all the imperial physicians and palace maids in the room to withdraw. Only then did she offer a preserved fruit to the King of Qin.

“Royal Father, have a preserved fruit. That way, you won’t be afraid of the bitterness.”

The King of Qin took the preserved fruit from her hand, tossed it into his mouth, and smiled as he gently tapped her forehead. “Yan’er, you must think I’m like you, thinking I’m afraid of bitterness.”

“Then why won’t Royal Father drink it?” Jiang Yan truly couldn’t understand how someone could disregard their own life.

The King of Qin put down the memorial in his hand and said faintly, “I want to see your Mother Consort sooner.”

Jiang Yan’s breathing hitched. She was speechless for a moment.

She didn’t know the full story back then, but she always felt the King of Qin’s attitude toward Mother Consort was strange. Besides longing, there was… guilt?

Guilt about what? Why the guilt? She had no way of knowing.

Consort Mei’s name was like a taboo, rarely mentioned in the palace.

“Yan’er, take the medicine away. Just talk to me.”

Jiang Yan was stubborn for the first time. She scooped a spoonful of medicine and brought it to the King of Qin’s lips.

“Royal Father, if Mother Consort knew you were neglecting your body like this, she definitely wouldn’t be happy. She might even blame me for not taking good care of you. Even if it’s for your daughter’s sake, please take care of your body.”

Jiang Yan’s voice was tearful toward the end. No matter how much she resented this man before, the bond of father and daughter still existed. The thought of him dying made Jiang Yan’s heart feel heavy.

The King of Qin looked at her, his expression somewhat complex. After a long moment, he finally smiled and took the bowl of medicine from Jiang Yan’s hand.

“My little Princess hasn’t cried in a long time. I can’t make you cry. I’ll drink it.”

He lifted the bowl and finished the dark brown liquid in one gulp, then his face scrunched up.

“It’s really bitter.”

Jiang Yan offered him another preserved fruit and placed the empty bowl aside.

“Royal Father said he wasn’t afraid of bitterness. Your lie has been exposed by your daughter.”

The King of Qin smiled and stroked her head, his spirits lifted.

Afterward, Jiang Yan kept him company. They occasionally chatted, but most of the time, the King of Qin reviewed memorials, and Jiang Yan sat beside him reading a novel. Every now and then, she would massage his shoulders and legs. They got along very harmoniously.

Jiang Yan had only been happy for a few hours when Qin Ji arrived.

He brought many people, each carrying a box of a different shape.

Upon entering the sleeping chamber, he saw Jiang Yan. His expression changed momentarily, then he quickly adjusted his demeanor and said to the King of Qin, “Royal Father, your son heard you were unwell and specially sought out these items to present to you.”

He then signaled to the eunuch behind him, who opened the box in his hand, almost blinding Jiang Yan’s “titanium alloy dog eyes.”

Ginseng, lingzhi mushrooms, deer antler velvet, and many other precious items she couldn’t name were neatly displayed before her, making her instantly feel insignificant. After all, she had only brought some food, and most of it had ended up in her stomach.

The King of Qin’s expression was as before, showing no sign of delight or otherwise. He said vaguely, “The East Palace has more fine things than my national treasury. It’s difficult for the Crown Prince to show such filial piety.”

Qin Ji bowed. “Your son naturally presents the best to Royal Father.”

Standing between the two, Jiang Yan clearly saw the fleeting darkness in Qin Ji’s eyes, and she felt a slight worry.

Although the father and son maintained a surface peace, it was no longer the same as before. The King of Qin’s words were thought-provoking, and Qin Ji might hold a grudge.

If the King of Qin was truly dissatisfied with Qin Ji, he might no longer trust him as before. In that case, Qin Ji’s position as Crown Prince would be unstable.

The biggest problem was that, apart from Qin Ji, no one in the State of Qin was capable of handling the great responsibilities of the state.

The King of Qin had few offspring to begin with. Aside from the Second Prince who died young and the Fourth Prince who was mentally disabled, the other four princes were all mediocre, lacking the ability to contend with Qin Ji, let alone having the country entrusted to them.

This was one of the reasons Qin Ji was so confident. He knew that the King of Qin would not treat state affairs as a trivial matter and would be extremely cautious in choosing an heir. And he was the most suitable person.

Jiang Yan sighed inwardly, a headache starting to set in.

Other families had nine sons fighting for the throne, a truly exciting spectacle. Here, one after another, they were all useless, not even daring to contradict Qin Ji. Were they even members of the royal family?

Since the King of Qin fell ill, Qin Ji had slowly begun to reveal his true nature. Even when visiting the King of Qin, he would leave quickly, never staying this long.

Jiang Yan had a vague premonition that the reason Qin Ji hadn’t left yet was because of her.

The King of Qin continued to review memorials, acting as if Qin Ji weren’t even there. Jiang Yan felt a tingling on her scalp from being stared at. Just as she was about to find an excuse to leave, the King of Qin slowly spoke, “Crown Prince, if you have no business, you may withdraw. I have things to discuss with your sister.”

Qin Ji stood up, showing no embarrassment at being dismissed. Instead, he said to the King of Qin, “Then Royal Father, please rest well. Your son will not disturb you. Ninth Sister, please see me out?”

Jiang Yan inwardly refused, but feared that if she didn’t comply with Qin Ji’s wish, he might harm the King of Qin. Reluctantly, she saw him out.

Just as they reached the doorway, Qin Ji suddenly embraced Jiang Yan, startling her so much that the hairpins on her head nearly fell off.

Suppressing the goosebumps and her psychological revulsion, she asked, “Crown Prince Brother, what’s wrong?”

Qin Ji slowly released Jiang Yan, his eyes firm. “Yan’er, don’t misunderstand your brother. Your brother will never use you.”

Jiang Yan’s heart tightened, but her face remained unchanged. She even curved her lips into a smile.

“What are you talking about, Crown Prince Brother? Did you hear some rumors? How could Yan’er blame you? Crown Prince Brother will always be Yan’er’s brother.”