Chapter 777.2: Meeting Grandaunt
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S T E L L A R C L O U D
[Galetron]
O R A N G E S T A R
[Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [K.Rom]
[Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]
Y E L L O W S T A R
[Anasi G.] [Passerby] [Xena]
G O L D S T A R
[Anne C.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]
R A I N B O W S T A R
[Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Tionna M.]
T H E S U N
[kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik]
C E L E S T I A L C O N Q U E R O R
[Ava C.] [Hong] [Leeyue] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Sophia W.] [Val Nes]
Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*≧∀≦*)
The matter of Long Aotian was something Xu Gao had personally inquired about at the Crown Prince Estate. Truthfully, the Third Princess’s move was brilliant. She had calculated the Emperor’s thoughts perfectly.
In all his years at the imperial palace, Xu Gao had rarely seen anyone who could predict the Emperor’s decisions so accurately.
The Emperor's decisions to punish or not punish someone were generally his own will. Those who seized the opportunity to trip up the victims were merely acting with the Emperor's tacit consent. It didn’t mean they were particularly clever.
Xu Gao said, “Your Highness, the Third Princess must have someone advising her behind the scenes."
Imperial Noble Consort Han mused, “You might be right. I watched Shangguan Yan grow up. She’s straightforward and not very scheming. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have fallen victim to others' plots back then."
Xu Gao quickly agreed. “Exactly, Your Highness. If she had such cunning, why wait until now? She would have returned to Shengdu long ago to compete with the Second Prince for the position of heir to the throne. Moreover, even the Eldest Imperial Grandson’s personality has changed. One person changing might be plausible, but two at the same time? Who would believe that there isn’t someone guiding them?”
Imperial Noble Consort Han said coldly, “We must uncover who’s behind them. I want to see who dares to challenge me!”
Xu Gao smirked. “Rest assured, Your Highness. Our people have already infiltrated the Imperial Advisor’s Hall.”
Imperial Noble Consort Han’s expression brightened. “Oh? So quickly? Are you sure there won’t be any issues?”
Xu Gao chuckled. “They were all personally selected by Zhang Dequan. Each one is his trusted confidant. Even if their backgrounds are investigated, they have nothing to do with us.”
Imperial Noble Consort Han sneered coldly. “It’s not easy to plant confidants beside Zhang Dequan. That pawn, buried for so many years, was meant for something more important. But since Shangguan Yan and her son are so detestable, let’s use Zhang Dequan to remove these thorns in my side!”
Xu Gao flattered her. “Your Highness is brilliant!”
Imperial Noble Consort Han began imagining the fruits of victory. “Once it’s done… who should we frame? Imperial Consort Wang seems like a good choice, or maybe Imperial Consort Dong.”
She laughed indulgently as she spoke.
……
Meanwhile, Zhang Dequan arrived at the Imperial Advisor's Hall with four palace attendants.
Gu Jiao had gone to the library pavilion, leaving only Xiao Heng in Shangguan Yan’s room.
Zhang Dequan respectfully cupped his hands to Xiao Heng, who was seated. “Your Highness, these are palace attendants this servant selected personally. They are diligent, quick, and smart. They will serve the Third Princess and you well. Please rest assured, their backgrounds are spotless.”
“Understood.” Xiao Heng replied.
Zhang Dequan smiled. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to the imperial palace.”
Xiao Heng nodded.
After Zhang Dequan left, Xiao Heng drew back the curtain and looked at Shangguan Yan, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed, scooping watermelon with a spoon. “Can Zhang Dequan be trusted?”
Shangguan Yan took a bite of watermelon and said, “Oh, he’s not a bad person.”
“So, the people outside can stay?” Xiao Heng asked.
Shangguan Yan thought for a moment. “Let them stay for now. Zhang Dequan is the only one in the imperial palace who won’t harm me.”
……
At Lingbo Academy.
A carriage stopped in an alley across from the academy.
This alley was designated for students to park their carriages. Since this one arrived first, it claimed the best spot.
With the carriage parked, the coachman’s job was done, and Old Chief paid him the fare.
The coachman left, satisfied with his earnings.
Inside the carriage, Old Chief and Empress Dowager Zhuang waited.
“Are you sure we’re waiting here?” Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.
Old Chief replied, “Jing Kong is attending class at Lingbo Academy. When school ends, Ah Heng will come to pick him up. If not Ah Heng, then JiaoJiao will come.”
The summer in the State of Yan was hotter than the State of Zhao, and today was especially stifling. The carriage quickly turned into a steam room.
Empress Dowager Zhuang, drenched in sweat, leaned lifelessly against the carriage wall. “Didn’t it rain last night? Why didn’t it stay cool for longer?”
Old Chief fanned her, sweating profusely himself. “State of Yan is truly hot. I wonder if the children can handle it.”
Empress Dowager Zhuang was too drained to speak. She felt like she was suffering from heatstroke and slumped weakly in her seat.
Old Chief, seeing her in such discomfort, suggested, “There’s a teahouse nearby. Go have some tea, and I’ll wait here.”
Empress Dowager Zhuang glared at him weakly. “Tea costs money, doesn’t it?”
With the State of Yan’s high prices, the children’s travel funds were surely tight. She needed to save money for JiaoJiao.
Of course, there was another important reason—she wanted to see JiaoJiao as soon as possible.
Though it might not be JiaoJiao coming to pick up Jing Kong.
They waited from morning until afternoon, both too hot to argue anymore.
Finally, Lingbo Academy dismissed its students. One by one, students in academy uniforms walked out confidently.
Empress Dowager Zhuang strained her eyes. “Why don’t I see the little one? Go ask if the prodigy class has finished yet.”
Old Chief went to inquire.
However, ever since the Little County Princess was kidnapped near the academy, security had been heightened. Strangers asking about the academy, especially the prodigy class, were treated with suspicion.
A guard sternly warned, “You’re not allowed to inquire about the academy! If you don’t leave, I’ll report you and have you arrested!”
There were indeed patrol officers nearby.
Old Chief, being undocumented, couldn’t risk being caught. He wanted to claim he was a student’s family member, but looking down at his shabby attire, he swallowed his words.
On the way, to avoid attracting thieves, they dressed poorly, wearing the simplest clothes and riding in the most dilapidated carriage.
Old Chief planned to ask around at nearby shops, but as soon as he turned, he overheard the guard telling his companion, “Keep an eye on that old man.”
The corner of Old Chief’s mouth twitched. Was he being treated as a thief?
What was wrong with the State of Yan's academy system!
Having failed to gather any information, he could only wait patiently. “Don’t worry, I asked at the inn. This is the only gate open after school, so Jing Kong will definitely come out from here.”
“Stop talking and move aside!” Empress Dowager Zhuang turned his face away without mercy, keeping her eyes fixed on the main gate of Lingbo Academy.
Finally, their persistence paid off, and a child around ten years old walked out.
Her eyes lit up. “The prodigy class is dismissed!”
Indeed, the prodigy class had finished for the day.
But Little Jing Kong and the Little County Princess were always the slowest. Their dawdling as they packed up nearly drove Teacher Lu to despair.
The Little County Princess said to her classmate, “Jing Kong, come play at my house today!”
Little Jing Kong asked, “Where is your house?”
“Hmm… over there!” The Little County Princess pointed in the direction of the imperial palace (or what she believed to be the imperial palace). “I’ve been to your place so many times, but you’ve never visited mine!”
Little Jing Kong thought for a moment and agreed.
“Alright, but I need to inform Teacher Cheng first.”
He had tutoring with Teacher Cheng after school, but in his view, lessons could be skipped, especially since he wasn’t particularly eager to attend.
The two little ones packed their book bags and went to ask Teacher Cheng for leave.
The Little County Princess stood with her hands on her hips, glaring fiercely at Teacher Cheng, who didn’t dare refuse.
“Earlier, someone was asking when the prodigy class ends. Could it be another hooligan targeting the princess? For safety, let’s pick up the Little County Princess directly from the academy.”
“Yes!”
A seemingly ordinary but incredibly luxurious carriage, granted privileges by the Emperor, entered Lingbo Academy and stopped directly in front of the prodigy class.
Four imperial guards lined up in formation.
The wet nurse stepped out of the carriage and took the Little County Princess’s book bag. “Little County Princess, it’s time to go home.”
The Little County Princess declared, “Today, I’m inviting Jing Kong to play at my house!”
The wet nurse smiled. “If the young master’s family has no objections, of course.”
“No objections, no objections.” Little Jing Kong made the decision for himself.
After all, his troublesome brother-in-law wasn’t here. And Big Brother Chengfeng couldn’t control him.
Thus, the two little ones climbed into the carriage.
Raz P.'s Thoughts
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Description:
In the suspenseful supernatural novel “Records of Mortals,” Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang’an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to succumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he becomes a harbinger of chaos.
When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family’s young lady, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.
The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.
From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.
***
Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.
After he had slaughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"
Shi Dai responded, “You’re really amazing! I applaud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also——you have dimples when you smile!"
Jiang Baiyan: ...?
—
After seeing her at a lantern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"
Shi Dai replied, "Does it come with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"
Jiang Baiyan: ...?
—
Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don't abandon me, alri—”
Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I’ll only have you. Mwah."
Jiang Baiyan: ...?
He hasn't finished his lines yet though…