When a "Sea King" is Bound to a System [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 62.2

She deliberately emphasized the word “brother.” Sure enough, Qin Ji’s face changed. He retracted his hands from Jiang Yan’s shoulders and said, “That’s good. Brother is leaving now. Yan’er, take good care of Royal Father.”

“Alright, safe journey, Crown Prince Brother.”

Jiang Yan smiled brightly, as pure as an innocent child. Qin Ji’s eyes grew darker, and he clenched his fists as he turned to leave.

Jiang Yan stood where she was, waiting for him to disappear before letting her smile fade. She brushed her clothes on her shoulders, her expression full of disdain.

She knew what Qin Ji was thinking. Precisely because of that, she had to remind him of their relationship again and again.

If he had any conscience, he shouldn’t harbor any feelings for his sister other than kinship.

Baili Qi had left the palace once more. Having bribed the Imperial Guards at the palace gate, her comings and goings were easier than before. She could leave without a trace and return just as silently.

She happened to see Qin Ji and Jiang Yan embracing when she snuck back to the Hall of Diligent Governance. Her face immediately turned cold, and dark clouds churned in her eyes.

After Qin Ji left, she walked up behind Jiang Yan, embraced her, and nuzzled her neck, like a kitten seeking attention.

“Where did you go?” Jiang Yan stroked her hand, asking softly.

She knew the answer without asking, but she still wanted her to tell her personally.

Baili Qi didn’t answer. She released Jiang Yan, turned her body to face her, and stood face-to-face.

“He hugged you. I don’t like it.”

Jiang Yan was a little surprised. This was the first time Baili Qi had spoken so much, and her speech was very coherent, with hardly any pauses.

She leaned closer, looking at her cold face, and teased her with a smile. “I didn’t hear clearly. Say it again.”

Baili Qi pressed Jiang Yan’s head into her embrace, pursing her lips. She couldn’t say the same words a second time, but Qin Ji truly deserved to die. Since he was so idle, she should give him something to do, lest he keeps harassing other people’s property.

The two hugged for a keri before parting. Jiang Yan was reluctant. “I have to go back in to take care of Royal Father. If you’re hungry, find Su Yi and ask her to take you to eat.”

Baili Qi nodded. She pulled back Jiang Yan, who was about to turn and leave, and placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Be careful.”

Jiang Yan loved her occasional small gestures and her brief but gentle instructions. Whenever this happened, she couldn’t help but want to press the person in front of her for a kiss.

“I know. You, too. No matter what you do, be mindful of your own safety.”

Baili Qi released her hand, watched her figure disappear, and her eyes sank.

She wouldn’t spare either the King of Qin or his son. However, the King of Qin was already beyond cure. To avoid upsetting that person, she would let him live a few more days. As for Qin Ji, whether he could become the ruler depended on if he had the fate for it.

Baili Qi quietly slipped out again, moving through the heavily guarded palace as if no one were around.

The next day, news of unrest in the capital spread. The King of Qin ordered the Crown Prince to investigate the matter. Qin Ji searched everywhere but found no clues. The King of Qin rebuked him for being incompetent in front of all the officials in court.

Time flew by, and it was now June. The King of Qin’s illness was temporarily suppressed. On the surface, he looked completely fine.

The imperial physicians also publicly declared that His Majesty’s health had greatly improved and that he only needed two or three months of recuperation.

Everyone in the palace believed the King of Qin had recovered, except for a few who knew the truth.

Jiang Yan knew that the King of Qin was terminally ill and beyond cure. His current state was merely a brief return of vitality before death.

That woman Wan’erong was so ruthless. How could she possibly leave the King of Qin a way out?

The weather was hot. The buzzing of the cicadas made it hard to sleep. Jiang Yan faced Baili Qi and asked, “Qi Qi, are you willing to continue like this with me forever?”

Baili Qi nodded without hesitation, tucking the hair on Jiang Yan’s cheek behind her ear.

“As long as you don’t disdain me, I will always be by your side.”

Jiang Yan instantly smiled, her eyes curved and bright, as if crushed stars were mixed within them.

She had always been uneasy before, never asking her if she was willing to stay by her side forever. After all, their acquaintance began under those circumstances. She had her revenge to pursue, and she had her own responsibilities.

Fortunately, their hostility only existed at the very beginning. Now, they were people who could embrace each other without any guard.

“When the new ruler ascends the throne, let’s wander the world together. Let’s see all the sights we haven’t seen. Do you have any specific place you’d like to go?”

Baili Qi thought for a moment and replied, “I’ve always wanted to go to the former site of Nan Yue to pay respects to my parents.”

Jiang Yan was silent for a moment, then reached out and hugged her. “I’m sorry.”

She didn’t know why she had to apologize. After all, those wrongs weren’t committed by her, and the fall of Nan Yue was, to a certain extent, their own doing; they couldn’t blame anyone else.

But when Baili Qi said she wanted to pay respects to her parents, Jiang Yan’s nose still felt sore, and she wanted to give her a hug.

Jiang Yan nodded into her embrace, saying softly, “I can always trust you, right?”

No matter what you’re doing right now.

Baili Qi paused, then nodded. “You can always trust me. I won’t deceive you, and I won’t let you down.”

Jiang Yan’s face slowly blushed. People who have just regained their ability to speak are delightful to listen to. They could make her blush and her heart pound at any moment.

They embraced and slept, just like every other night in the past.

Jiang Yan thought the King of Qin’s illness could only hold out until July, but July was half over, and he was still alive and well.

She went to the Imperial Hospital again to look at the records and confirmed that his illness hadn’t lessened at all. His current seemingly normal state was just rapidly burning his life force.

In late July, Wan’erong was already confined to bed. Her baby was growing too large, and her belly was a round sphere. The King of Qin spent his days accompanying her, only leaving for necessary court duties. He even personally fed her medicine and wiped her face, astounding the palace staff and once again damaging the precarious self-esteem of the consorts.

Jiang Yan and Qin Xu sat in the pavilion, leisurely feeding fish.

Qin Xu came to find Jiang Yan one day in June, and after showing her sincerity, the two began to cooperate.

As one of the four ranking consorts, Consort Shu held a high position in the palace. More importantly, she had a powerful maternal family, one that could contend with the Crown Prince’s maternal family.

This was Jiang Yan’s primary reason for choosing to cooperate with Qin Xu.

“Ninth Sister, I heard from the imperial physicians that Consort Rong’s fetus is in the wrong position and might be induced early. If she gives birth to a Prince, will the current situation of the Crown Prince having sole dominance change?”

Jiang Yan tossed in some fish food and said meaningfully, “Does Sister think the Crown Prince would allow such a thing to happen?”

Qin Xu paused, then said, “The Crown Prince might not be unable to tolerate this child. After all, it’s just an infant. How could it threaten him?”

Jiang Yan chuckled, leaning back lazily in her chair, appearing relaxed and self-satisfied.

“Sister, haven’t you noticed the contradiction in your words? If the Crown Prince allows Consort Rong to give birth, then this child definitely can’t threaten his position. If it could threaten him, the child wouldn’t be born at all. Now, Consort Rong’s palace and the Hall of Diligent Governance are probably full of the Crown Prince’s people. Sister, you need to work harder. Whether we can avoid being led by the nose by the Crown Prince depends entirely on you.”

Qin Xu sat up straight, looking at Jiang Yan with a half-smile. “And what about you, Sister? Will you just watch from the side and let my grandfather and uncle spend money and effort?”

Jiang Yan stood up and walked to the edge of the pond, watching the fish scramble for food, her eyes gradually darkening.

“I will naturally accompany Royal Father. When necessary, I can let him replace the Crown Prince.”

Qin Xu was so startled that she threw all the fish food in her hand into the pond. A large fish that had been circling nearby snatched it and quickly swam away.

Jiang Yan kept her eyes lowered, ignoring Qin Xu’s shock. Since they were already in this together, there was no harm in telling Qin Xu.

If you are the fish to be slaughtered by the knife, the only way to avoid being butchered is to fight back. She refused to believe that Qin Ji could control everything.

After that conversation, Qin Xu trusted Jiang Yan a little more, and her communication with her maternal family became more frequent in secret.

In early August, Wan’erong’s belly grew larger, and she vomited everything she ate. In just a few days, she was emaciated. The King of Qin was enraged, rebuking the imperial physicians every day.

Later, the Crown Prince somehow found a small snack. Wan’erong not only stopped vomiting after eating it but also grew fond of the taste. The King of Qin praised the Crown Prince and kept the person who made the snack in Consort Rong’s palace.

Wan’erong was absent from the Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet. The King of Qin also left after a short while. Jiang Yan made a gesture, preparing to leave, when the Empress called out to her.

“Yan’er is almost seventeen. It’s time for her to marry.”

Everyone present’s expression changed. Baili Qi’s eyes were filled with frost. Qin Ji also looked displeased. Qin Xu felt the danger of mutual destruction and her face also darkened.

Jiang Yan didn’t refute. She immediately replied, “I leave it to Mother Empress to decide.”

A smile appeared on the Empress’s face, and she glanced meaningfully at Qin Ji. “I will select suitable young talents from the Great Qin to ensure you find a desirable husband.”

“Thank you, Mother Empress.”

After responding, Jiang Yan continued to eat and drink as usual, her mood completely unaffected. Baili Qi stared at her all night. After returning to Zhaoyang Palace, she immediately threw Jiang Yan onto the bed and kissed her like a madwoman.

“You’re going to marry?”

Jiang Yan had been drinking. Her cheeks were flushed, and she laughed derisively at her. “Yes, I’m getting married.”

Baili Qi was so angry she couldn’t speak. She fiercely bit Jiang Yan’s neck.

“Who do you want to marry, huh?”

Jiang Yan immediately wrapped her arms around Baili Qi’s neck, pulling her face down toward her, and lightly pecked her lips. “Marry you, of course. Don’t you want to marry me?”

Baili Qi froze for a moment, then fiercely bit and kissed her lips until she completely deprived the person beneath her of air before releasing her.

The young woman’s face was red, and her eyes were also slightly tipsy. They weren’t as bright as usual, but they held a different kind of charm.

“Qi Qi, it’s so hot.” Jiang Yan groaned and started to pull at her clothes.

Baili Qi cursed softly, using her teeth to tear open Jiang Yan’s collar. “I didn’t want to touch you, but you asked for it.”

Jiang Yan giggled, bit Baili Qi’s chin, and the breath she exhaled was sweet and mixed with the scent of wine. Baili Qi felt she was also intoxicated.

The long night stretched on. Some were engaged in meaningful activities, while others sought solace in drink.

Qin Ji’s eyes were red, and the cup in his hand shattered with a crash. Blood flowed down his palm. He stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly began to laugh ominously.

“What morality and ethics? As long as I like her, I will definitely have her! No one can stop me! No one can stop me!”

The attendant beside him trembled, wanting to advise him but not daring to. After a long time, he stammered, “Your Highness, it’s late. You should go back to rest.”

Qin Ji glanced at him, the gloomy curve of his lips still present. He walked over, grabbed the attendant’s neck, and said wildly, “Ah Fu, why did Mother Empress do this? She clearly knows I like Yan’er! Why did she do this!”

The force in his hand was great. Ah Fu’s face turned completely red from being choked. He desperately pleaded with Qin Ji, but Qin Ji acted as if he didn’t see him, his actions completely unrelenting.

Just as Ah Fu thought he was surely going to die and stopped struggling, Qin Ji suddenly let go of him, tossing him onto the ground. Ah Fu gasped for air, like a fish that had been stranded on the beach suddenly returning to the sea.

“Ah Fu, are you alright?” Qin Ji squatted down, his tone slightly concerned.

Ah Fu was terrified. He instinctively backed away, shaking his head. “I’m fine, this servant is fine.”

Qin Ji smiled again. Under the influence of the night, he looked like a vengeful ghost escaped from hell.

“Since you’re fine, then drink with me.”

He said this while grabbing the back of Ah Fu’s neck, forcing him to open his mouth. He tilted the wine pot in his hand, pouring wine into Ah Fu’s mouth.

Ah Fu was soaked in wine, some of it going into his nose, causing him great discomfort. Qin Ji only laughed heartily, uncaring of whether he lived or died.

The next day, heavy rain suddenly started. Jiang Yan particularly loved rainy days because she could sleep late.

Jiang Yan was spooning with Baili Qi in bed when she heard Su Yi’s sobbing.

“Did you hear crying?”

Baili Qi nodded. She had woken up a long time ago. Su Yi seemed to have gone out and started crying upon her return.

Jiang Yan couldn’t sleep anymore. She put on her clothes and called Su Yi over.

Su Yi’s eyes were red and swollen, and she was hiccupping. She had clearly been crying for a long time.

“Why are you crying? Who bullied you?”

Su Yi saw Jiang Yan and burst into tears. “Princess, little Fuzi is dead! He said he was going to come find me to leave the palace together yesterday! How could such a good person just die like that?”

Jiang Yan recalled and recognized this “little Fuzi.” He was the eunuch beside Qin Ji, honest and reliable, with a round face that made him look likable.

“How did he suddenly die? What did the Crown Prince say?”

His personal attendant died mysteriously. Would Qin Ji just ignore it?

“He was killed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. They said he made a mistake and was beaten to death overnight.” Su Yi was crying so hard she was out of breath, tears smearing her face. “He was always so careful with his work! I don’t believe he would make such a big mistake!”

Jiang Yan and Baili Qi exchanged a look, knowing the truth.

Qin Ji acted arbitrarily and was ruthless. He could execute the eunuch who had served him since childhood without batting an eye. Killing a small eunuch was all too normal.

Jiang Yan stepped out of bed barefoot and hugged Su Yi. “Stop crying. Crying won’t help now. If you want to avenge him, you need to pull yourself together.”

Baili Qi was displeased. She unceremoniously separated the two, led Jiang Yan back to the bed to sit down, and knelt to put on her shoes.

Su Yi was even sadder. She walked out, picked up a rag, and wiped the cabinet while weeping.

The rain lasted all day. Jiang Yan stayed in Zhaoyang Palace all day and didn’t go out. When night fell and everything was quiet, Baili Qi took her out. At the palace gate, she saw a somewhat familiar face.

“Your humble servant Kong Xiu greets Her Royal Highness the Ninth Princess.”

Upon hearing the name, Jiang Yan remembered who he was. He was the Bangyan (second-place graduate) who had been suppressed for refusing to submit to Qin Ji and was currently a minor official in the Dali Temple (Court of Judicial Review).

“No need for such formality. There’s no need to adhere to such customs outside.”

Kong Xiu withdrew his cupped hands and handed a list to Jiang Yan. “Ninth Princess, this is a list of officials who are currently on our side and those who support the Crown Prince. Your humble servant will try to persuade the rest who remain neutral, but I cannot guarantee success.”

Jiang Yan quickly scanned the list. Good heavens! The number of officials on their side was almost the same as those supporting Qin Ji. What were those people thinking, daring to oppose Qin Ji?

“Kong Xiu, how did you persuade them?”

Kong Xiu smiled mysteriously and ambiguously. “With your humble servant’s eloquent tongue.”

Jiang Yan thought, I don’t believe a word of it, you cunning old man!

Those officials weren’t idiots. They wouldn’t do something so dangerous just because of a few words from him. Kong Xiu must have promised them some benefits. But since he wasn’t willing to say, she wouldn’t ask.

“Princess, the Crown Prince has people watching your humble servant. I cannot be away from home for too long. I must take my leave.”

Jiang Yan nodded, watched his figure disappear into the night, and turned to look at Baili Qi.

Baili Qi felt uncomfortable under her gaze. She embraced her, pulling her head into her chest to avoid eye contact.

Jiang Yan laughed. This woman always used this move; it had no novelty at all.

“Burying my head in your chest won’t work, I’m telling you. Quickly confess how many ‘surprises’ you have that I don’t know about.”

Baili Qi smiled charmingly, kissing the top of her head. “It’s too dangerous for us to stay here. How about I tell you when we get back?”

Jiang Yan thought it made sense and agreed.

On their way back, they were almost discovered by the Imperial Guards. Fortunately, Baili Qi was highly skilled in martial arts. She embraced Jiang Yan and leaped back to Zhaoyang Palace in a few jumps.

After calming down, Jiang Yan opened the list and found the distribution of personnel to be very interesting, almost like a copy-and-paste job.

When Qin Ji brought in the Left Chancellor, Kong Xiu would pull in the Right Chancellor. The six Ministers of the Six Ministries were split, three on each side. There was also the Minister of Dali Temple and the General Who Conquers the West. If it came down to a direct comparison, Qin Ji might not necessarily be able to overpower her.

But if there were a coup, Qin Ji would definitely have the upper hand, as she lacked experience in leading troops and deploying personnel.

Moreover, the General with Supreme Military Command, Qin Ge, still remained neutral and hadn’t sided with anyone. He was the most crucial factor in determining the outcome of this battle.

After reading the list, Jiang Yan began her “interrogation,” looking deeply into Baili Qi’s eyes until she couldn’t take it anymore and confessed.

“Most of the officials on this list have connections to Nan…”