The Seventh Princess Insists on Making Me Live Off Her - Chapter 3

Lian Liejin, whose thoughts had nearly drifted into the heavens, was startled awake by the softness and warmth in her palm. After a brief pause, she lowered her eyes and pretended to consider the matter.

“This humble subject will respectfully obey Your Highness’s wishes.”

She tried to withdraw her hand, but Gao Jingxi only tightened her grip. If Lian Liejin forcibly pulled free, the other two would undoubtedly notice something was amiss.

Chen Yu stared at their intertwined hands, her heart aching with jealousy.

Perhaps the Seventh Princess truly liked this Lian Liejin. In the past, she had never been willing to make physical contact with anyone, yet this time she had taken the initiative to hold another person’s hand.

Even if the imperial family and the Duke of Yan’s Residence acknowledged Lian Liejin’s noble status as a legitimate daughter, she was still nothing more than a coarse savage who had grown up in the wilderness. Moreover, she had been born incapable of wielding stellar power. No matter how noble her status, she was still a useless good-for-nothing.

It would not be easy for a useless person to gain the recognition of Changyong’s aristocracy.

As for the proud sons and daughters of heaven in Changyong, they had plenty of time to drive Lian Liejin to her death!

At that thought, Chen Yu sneered and pulled her second brother along to bow to Gao Jingxi. The two of them then left the Princess’s Residence.

There were three or four braziers burning in the flower hall, yet Gao Jingxi still felt cold. She had suffered a severe injury in autumn, and her body had not fully recovered.

Now that the two visitors had left, she no longer wished to keep pretending.

“Princess Consort, you may do as you please. You only need to come to the Princess’s Residence once every ten days.”

This was a rule of the Lan Geng Kingdom. To prevent scandals within the imperial family and promote affection between a princess and her consort, the princess consort had to stay overnight at the Princess’s Residence at least once every ten days.

Outside, the accumulated snow was already a chi deep. Heaven and earth were blanketed in white, and icy grains of snow whipped through the wind, making it nearly impossible to keep one’s eyes open.

Lian Liejin bowed to Gao Jingxi and walked straight out of the Princess’s Residence.

Outside the gates, there was only a thin figure dressed in gray standing beneath the eaves.

Lian Liejin accepted the paper umbrella A-You handed her. After thanking her, she walked toward the small figure.

A-You watched as Lian Liejin allowed the wind and snow to settle over her shoulders. She sighed, then turned and went back inside.

“Little Radish, why didn’t you wait for me at the Princess Consort’s Residence?”

Lian Liejin finally opened the umbrella and held it above both their heads.

The girl before her looked no more than twelve or thirteen, though she had actually already turned sixteen. She was round-faced and adorable, and her most distinctive feature was the small red birthmark between her brows, which added a hint of bewitching beauty.

“Guan Xie, Senior Sister sent me to take care of you, so of course I have to be thorough. Besides, you carry the power of shadow, which opposes stellar power. Do not let a Star Master discover it.”

When the people of Pengqiu Continent observed the stars and entered the Dao, their star chart would manifest above their heads. They would then study and comprehend that star chart. Once they attained understanding, they became the lowest-ranking Stellar Observers.

Stellar Observers could continuously absorb stellar power from heaven and earth. By strengthening both their stellar power and the attributes of their star charts, they could acquire corresponding abilities.

Generally speaking, stellar power enhanced a person’s constitution and potential. The ranks progressed from Stellar Observer to Star Discerner, Astrologer, Starbreaker, Star Master, and finally Astromancer. The higher one’s rank, the closer one came to the constellations in the heavens. It was even said that one could become the successor of one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions, tread upon the stars, and ascend to godhood.

However, no one had ever successfully walked the path to godhood. Perhaps it was nothing more than baseless nonsense.

At the very least, Lian Liejin, as a transmigrator, did not believe it at all.

She had no desire to cultivate into a god. She only wanted to become rich.

Her parents had originally sent her to the Stellar Medicine Sect to study medicine, so she had simply taken advantage of the opportunity to open a shop and sell remedies.

Her business had been doing perfectly well, but the moment she got married, she could no longer even set up a roadside stall.

Because the snowstorm was so heavy, there were hardly any pedestrians on the street.

Lian Liejin placed a finger against her lips in a shushing gesture.

“Here, I am Lian Liejin. No one will discover me. The black jade I carry can absorb fluctuations from my shadow power.”

“Honestly, your shadow power is so strong that you could devour everyone’s starlight with a single move. Why are you still hiding everywhere and acting afraid?”

Lian Liejin shook her head.

“We inheritors of shadow power are not a people who indiscriminately slaughter the innocent. Besides, without the stars, there would be no shadows. The two complement one another, and neither can exist without the other.”

Little Radish curled her lips and said angrily, “Other people do not think that way. Do not forget that Pengqiu Continent has been chanting slogans like ‘Annihilate the shadows, glorify the stars’ for more than a hundred years.”

“Of course I know. Otherwise, I would not be practically the only member of the Shadow Clan left on the continent.”

Lian Liejin spoke quietly, then patted Little Radish on the shoulder.

“Enough. Talking about it will not change anything. I am more worried about whether my pharmacy has received any customer complaints. Those junior sisters who handle operations have rather terrible tempers.”

As a transmigrator, Lian Liejin had fulfilled her dream of opening an online shop.

Using the name of her sect, the Stellar Medicine Sect, she had opened a chain pharmacy called Guanxie Residence, which sold its products both online and in physical stores.

Within three years, Guanxie Residence had broken even. Within five years, its profits had doubled. All that remained was to secure financing and go public within ten years.

At such a critical moment, she had to devote herself wholeheartedly to the business. She could not simply rest on her past achievements.

“All right, Lielie. Let’s go back and eat hot pot. Changyong’s winters are far too cold. They cannot compare to our Qingyue Mountain, where it feels like spring all year round.”

Little Radish curled her lips, her enormous eyes filled with disdain.

“That pharmacy of yours, Guanxie Residence, sells medicine, medicinal cuisine, medicinal hot pots, and all sorts of strange little snacks overseas. Our entire Stellar Medicine Sect does not earn as much in one year as you do in a month. You truly are obsessed with money.”

Lian Liejin gazed up at the sky. A tiny snowflake landed on her eyelashes.

She shook her head and said solemnly, “You have never managed a household, so you do not know how expensive firewood, rice, oil, and salt are.”

Inside the Princess’s Residence, Gao Jingxi was wrapped in a thick fox-fur cloak and reclining against a soft couch. An indescribable melancholy colored her voice.

“You truly did not find Guan Xie? Not anywhere on Qingyue Mountain?”

A-You handed Gao Jingxi a cup of hot tea, lowered her head, and replied respectfully, “Your Highness, our people went to Qingyue Mountain. Everyone at the Stellar Medicine Sect said that Physician Guan Xie was not on the mountain. The workers at Guanxie Residence also said their owner was not in the shop. After that, our people searched Qingyue City and the surrounding counties for a long time, but they did not find any woman who favored black clothing and wore a black mask.”

“Did you not search the other medical clinics?”

“Your Highness, wandering physicians are eccentric by nature. Physician Guan Xie may simply have gone traveling. If you are eager to express your gratitude, perhaps you could instead offer more support to the major medical clinics?”

A-You emphasized the words “express your gratitude.”

She sincerely hoped that the Seventh Princess could let go of her feelings for a wandering physician, or at least stop being so persistent.

“You do not even know what Physician Guan Xie looks like. Where did this affection come from?”

Hearing A-You’s words, Gao Jingxi immediately deflated, and a sense of confusion arose in her heart.

Was she no longer permitted even the slightest struggle?

She had already compromised by marrying Lian Liejin.

She simply could not forget the warmth of Guan Xie’s embrace when she had been gravely injured.

Perhaps it had been love at first sight. Perhaps it had merely been the first time she had ever been so close to someone, causing her to lose her sense of restraint.

“Your Highness, this servant actually feels that Third Young Lady Lian is not nearly as unbearable as the rumors claim.”

“Is that so?”

A-You could not help defending Lian Liejin.

Before her arrival, rumors had spread throughout Changyong that the Third Young Lady of the Lian family was hideously ugly and unbearably vulgar.

In summary: an ugly, illiterate country bumpkin.

“In truth, the Princess Consort is very attractive. Every movement she makes carries a refined and noble bearing. Her only shortcoming is that her eyes are a little cold. Besides, Your Highness has already reached the rank of Star Master and is only one step away from becoming an Astromancer. It is hardly a serious matter if the Princess Consort is somewhat weaker.”

Ordinarily, a servant discussing her masters would be committing a serious offense.

However, A-You and Gao Jingxi had grown up together. Though they were mistress and servant in status, their bond was far deeper than that.

Thus, Gao Jingxi merely contemplated A-You’s words in silence.

She remembered Lian Liejin’s eyes.

They were long, narrow peach-blossom eyes, yet they were filled with such coolness that it completely destroyed their natural seductive charm. Instead, they gave her a uniquely aloof and elegant air.

Unfortunately, the words that came out of Lian Liejin’s mouth were sometimes infuriating enough to make anyone want to hit her.

Still, Gao Jingxi had to admit that she liked those eyes.

They seemed capable of holding all the frost and storms in the world.

Last night, Gao Jingxi had been completely naked in Lian Liejin’s arms, yet the woman had not taken advantage of her vulnerability.

In truth, she did not dislike Lian Liejin.

Had she never met Guan Xie, perhaps she would have been satisfied with this marriage. She might even have been pleased by it.

Perhaps it was simply because rebelliousness ran in her bones. She instinctively despised having her marriage arranged by others.

“A-You, send more people to search for Guan Xie.”

On the twenty-ninth day of the eleventh lunar month, nine days after the Seventh Princess Gao Jingxi’s wedding, the princess and her consort were required by custom to return to the palace together. They would pay their respects to the emperor and empress, and the palace would hold a grand banquet in celebration.

After meeting the emperor, Gao Jingxi and Lian Liejin went together to Changchun Palace—the residence of the current empress, who was also Gao Jingxi’s biological mother.

The underfloor heating in the hall was burning fiercely, and four or five braziers filled with the finest silver-thread charcoal had also been lit.

The moment Lian Liejin entered, a wave of heat carrying a sweet fragrance rushed toward her, making her feel faint.

She wore the dark formal robes of a princess consort, which made her appear even more refined and striking.

The empress was already over thirty, but she had maintained herself so well that she looked barely past twenty. She was bright, beautiful, and full of mature charm. Gao Jingxi resembled her by roughly seventy percent.

“Jin’er, Xi’er, come quickly. Let Mother have a good look at you.”

The empress beckoned to them with a beaming smile, then immediately instructed, “Bring over the wild mushroom and chicken soup that has been simmering since yesterday. Look at how thin the two of you are. You are still growing and must eat more.”

The instant she heard they would be drinking soup, Gao Jingxi’s expression became deeply pained.

“Imperial Mother, every time I enter the palace, you make me drink soup and eat pastries. This daughter has already gained weight.”

“Nonsense. Where have you gained weight?”

The empress scolded her affectionately, then turned toward Lian Liejin.

“Jin’er is much more obedient than you. She has already finished her soup.”

Lian Liejin once again paid her respects to the empress, then drank another bowl of soup.

The empress smiled so widely that the fine lines around her eyes became much more visible.

While the empress was not looking, Gao Jingxi shot Lian Liejin a vicious glare.

She had no idea what was wrong with this woman. Whenever someone handed her food, she ate it without refusing anything.

“Jin’er, has Xi’er been bullying you? Tell me, and I will teach her a lesson on your behalf.”

Beneath the table, Gao Jingxi kicked Lian Liejin.

The meaning was obvious: speak carefully and do not say anything you should not.

Lian Liejin remained unmoved. With a smile at the corners of her lips, she said, “The princess bullies this humble subject every day.”

No one had expected Lian Liejin to answer such a polite question so seriously.

Nothing was more frightening than the air suddenly falling silent.

Yet the person responsible still looked perfectly pleased with herself.

“Her Highness the Princess is always kicking me in her sleep. Imperial Mother, this daughter has nearly been kicked out of bed several times.”

The empress finally relaxed.

For a moment, she had thought the Princess Consort truly intended to complain. It turned out she was only joking.

After all, the empress knew that the princess and her consort had spent only one night together. Her daughter might not be angry with her over the drugging incident, but it was entirely possible that she would despise Lian Liejin because of it.

“Xi’er has always slept inelegantly. Jin’er, you must be more tolerant of her in the future.”

Under the table, Gao Jingxi was nearly crushing Lian Liejin’s foot.

Enduring the pain, Lian Liejin stood and bowed.

“Imperial Mother, this daughter will certainly take good care of Her Highness the Princess.”

The empress smiled in satisfaction and told Lian Liejin to rise. She then brought out all kinds of pastries for the two of them to eat.

The three women chatted for a long while. Eventually, the empress became tired and dismissed them.

“Take your Princess Consort around the palace. If you become tired, you may rest in the side hall. Just do not forget tonight’s banquet.”

The daylight was excellent, a rare clear winter day.

Gao Jingxi dragged Lian Liejin into the imperial garden with a gloomy expression. The bitter wind howled around them as the two stood behind an artificial rockery.

“Why did you say that?”

“Her Majesty the Empress naturally wishes to see this humble subject and the princess remain loving for a hundred years. Besides, that night, the princess truly did almost kick this humble subject out of bed.”

The two had not seen each other for eight days since their wedding.

Gao Jingxi glared at Lian Liejin, and Lian Liejin returned her stare without showing the slightest weakness.

To outsiders, they naturally appeared to be a deeply affectionate married couple, unable to bear parting even while walking and exchanging tender glances.

In reality, one of them was furious while the other remained perfectly calm.

Gao Jingxi felt as though she had swung her fist with all her strength, only for it to land against cotton.

“Do not delude yourself into thinking that these tricks will attract my attention. They will only make you more detestable.”

After walking a little farther, Gao Jingxi suddenly stopped and turned around. She spoke softly yet firmly to Lian Liejin.

Unfortunately, the Seventh Princess had misjudged the distance between them and nearly threw herself directly into Lian Liejin’s arms.

An alluring fragrance washed over her.

Without attempting to hide it, Lian Liejin took several deep breaths before nodding carelessly.

“Whatever the princess says. The princess is absolutely right.”

Seeing how unconcerned Lian Liejin appeared, Gao Jingxi immediately became even angrier.

It had been the same earlier. Before her imperial mother, Lian Liejin had looked calm and graceful, every inch the refined gentlewoman, yet everything she said was infuriating.

She was also constantly taking liberties with Gao Jingxi!

“Isn’t this my seventh imperial sister? Oh, my sister-in-law is here as well. I thought the two of you newlyweds were so sweetly wrapped up in each other that you might have forgotten to enter the palace.”

A woman’s teasing voice sounded behind them.

Gao Jingxi turned around and discovered that they had encountered her fifth imperial sister.

A smile immediately blossomed across her face.

“Imperial Sister, how do you have time to visit the imperial garden?”

Her smile resembled a hundred flowers blooming at once, so extraordinarily beautiful that every palace servant present felt their heart tremble. They hurriedly lowered their heads, not daring to look again.

“Yes, I managed to steal a little leisure from my busy schedule. Come to think of it, I have the two of you to thank. Were it not for tonight’s banquet, I would still be working at the Ministry of Rites.”