Cuddling with the Cold Female Protagonist – Chapter 72
by Little PandaVolume 3: Courtly Winds and Clouds, Each Finds Their Place
If Your Highness is willing to comply, I will be with Your Highness.
If that grey-robed woman had looked up, Ji Qingchi would have discovered that the person was precisely the steward surnamed Xiao whom she had met just a few days ago.
However, the wrinkles on her face were gone, her spine was ramrod straight, and her hair had changed from salt-and-pepper to glossy black.
She looked as if she had suddenly become twenty years younger.
When the two reached a secluded spot, she bowed and called out, “Young Master.”
Hua Wushang stood with his hands behind his back and responded faintly, “How are things at the Su Manor? Did they discover you?”
“No, I usually stay in the guest room and do not go out.”
A smile appeared on Hua Wushang’s face. “Mm, not bad. Chen Zhou1, you are much smarter and more loyal than Shui Qing and Chen Bi. Xuanji Tower did not raise you in vain.”
The matter of Shui Qing and Chen Bi acting as undercover agents, only to defect and remain in the enemy camp, had spread throughout Xuanji Tower. Hua Wushang had already ordered his top ten masters to cut the weeds and eliminate the roots.
The master who had raised them had repeatedly warned them, even issuing another warning when Xi Yun died.
The punishments in the Punishment Hal were so terrifying that the mere thought of the word “betrayal” caused Chen Zhou’s entire body to start aching.
Trembling, she lowered her head even further. “This subordinate wouldn’t dare.”
“It’s good that you wouldn’t dare. You stay in the Su Manor and keep an eye on that Su Yi. Watch for any new moves she makes. Also, that Ninth Highness—I hear she is on good terms with Su Yi. If you see her with Su Yi, pay attention to her as well.”
Chen Zhou found it strange. Wasn’t the Young Master just speaking with the young lady of the Su Manor and that Ninth Imperial Daughter? Why did it seem, from this situation, that he almost didn’t recognize them?
Constrained by the Young Master’s imposing aura, she did not voice her question, only lowering her head and saying, “This subordinate understands.”
“Mm, you may go back. Also, arrange for people to monitor the Chancellor’s Manor. If there’s anything unusual, report it to me.”
Hua Wushang was only thinking about talking to the young lady and hadn’t asked for her name. He had considerable patience and was waiting for her to tell him her name herself, so he hadn’t sent anyone to investigate Ji Qingchi and her companion’s origins.
“Yes.” The woman clasped her fist in a salute and disappeared around the corner.
Hua Wushang, fanning himself, thought to go find Su Yi and her companion again. When he reached the stall, however, he found they were gone.
The tea stall owner kindly told him, “The young ladies have gone back. Young Sir, perhaps you can come again later.”
Hua Wushang frowned. “But where am I to find her? I don’t even know her name.”
He loitered in place for a full shichen2, but saw no one return. Just as he was about to leave in disappointment, Chen Zhou approached again, reporting to him, “This servant girl received news from the Chancellor’s Manor. Xiao Zhengyun has implored the First Prince to host a flower-viewing banquet, and it seems he intends to make a move at the banquet.”
“It seems he’s ready to make his move.” Hua Wushang tapped his fan, pondered for a moment, then took out a small, cyan-colored bottle carved with plum blossoms. “You also take this opportunity to sneak in and find a chance to administer this to that Ninth Imperial Daughter.”
Drugging was a common tactic for Xuanji Tower. Upon receiving the bottle, Chen Zhou knew what it contained. Looking at the floral pattern on it, she hesitated slightly and said, “The Prince’s manor will be crowded with many eyes and ears. This subordinate is worried this drug might be detected.”
“You don’t need to worry about that.” Hua Wushang flicked his fan open and smiled with an air of refined elegance. “This is a new poison developed by Changsheng Valley. It’s colorless and odorless. Mixed into food or drink, no one can detect it.”
Only then did Chen Zhou feel reassured. “This subordinate understands. This subordinate will go attend to it immediately.”
“Mm, I trust you to handle things. Go.”
Chen Zhou vanished from his sight once more. Hua Wushang, unwilling to give up, circled the stall area two more times. Seeing no sign of anyone, he left, sighing repeatedly.
Actually, Ji Qingchi was right inside the Su Manor.
It was cold outside. After sitting for a while, Su Yi’s nose turned red from the chill. Ji Qingchi, afraid she would get too cold, instructed two Shadow Guards to secretly monitor the shop’s movements, and returned to the Su Manor with Su Yi.
Back in the Su Manor, shortly after they had sat down, the steward of her own manor sent someone to deliver an invitation to her.
The red-sealed invitation3 was very conspicuous. Su Yi, holding a hand warmer, saw it from a great distance and curiously approached. “Whose wedding invitation is it?”
Ji Qingchi smiled. “This is an invitation to Elder Imperial Brother’s flower-viewing banquet.”
At the mention of the First Prince, the image of that pig-head mask began to frantically make its presence felt in Su Yi’s mind.
She swore that this time, she would definitely wear the most stunning mask and make a dazzling entrance!
“Another flower-viewing banquet?” Su Yi craned her little head closer and indeed saw the words “Flower-Viewing Banquet” written on the bright red invitation. “It hasn’t been that long since that incident with Su Tianci. How does the First Prince still have the nerve to host one?”
“That incident was publicly attributed to Su Tianci bringing it upon himself, so it couldn’t be blamed on him. He was only scolded by the Emperor Mother and confined for a month. There were no other punishments, so of course, he’s not afraid.” Ji Qingchi took her hand; its icy touch made her frown. She pulled Su Yi to sit beside her, warming her with her zhenqi4.
Su Yi, enjoying her care, shook her head and said, “Hmph, the First Prince really only remembers the treats and not the beatings5. But it’s understandable; he gains so many benefits each time he hosts one, why wouldn’t he?”
After saying that with a “hmph,” she told Ji Qingchi about the previous incident involving the attendant merchants.
“No wonder this imperial brother of mine is so fond of hosting flower-viewing banquets.” Ji Qingchi smiled. “It seems he has reaped quite a few benefits.”
“Then, will Your Highness go this time?”
“Go? Why wouldn’t I go? A banquet this entertaining, one might just run into some extraordinary people or witness some extraordinary events. Of course, I must go.”
Su Yi lowered her head, feigning pitifulness. “Hearing Your Highness make it sound so interesting, I want to go too. But no one sent me an invitation, so I can’t go even if I want to.”
Ji Qingchi knew what trick she was up to6 and couldn’t help but stroke her face, saying in a low voice, “If you follow This Palace, where can you not go?”
Su Yi slowly took a step back, distancing herself from her demonic claws. “Your Highness, if you want to speak, then speak. Why are you getting handsy?”
Ji Qingchi’s hand, paused in mid-air, eventually retracted. She smiled somewhat helplessly. “It has been some time. What are Miss Su’s thoughts on what This Palace said before?”
“A lifetime is still long. If Your Highness truly manages not to take an Imperial Husband or Attendant Lords, then we can talk.”
Ji Qingchi’s eyes drooped in disappointment, and she said no more. She also knew that determination was something no one would believe if merely spoken; it had to be demonstrated through actions for people to acknowledge it.
Before she could recover from her dejection, Su Yi lowered her head, extended a slender, well-defined hand, and slowly lifted her chin.
Their eyes met. In that gaze, she surprisingly saw such a forceful presence in the seemingly delicate Su Yi. “However—I once read in a book about a country with such a custom: those who cherish and love each other, without the bond of a marriage contract, if one party forsakes the other, then the other party can also leave on their own. This is called ‘breaking up.’ Afterwards, everyone goes their separate ways7, becoming strangers, and their future marriages are of no concern to each other.”
Ji Qingchi’s gaze roamed inch by inch over her beautiful yet frail face, love surging in her heart. Her eyes lingered on those pale pink lips as she murmured, “Breaking up…”
“Correct.” Su Yi smiled faintly. “If Your Highness is also willing to comply with this custom, then I will be with Your Highness.”
Su Yi had also slowly come to terms with things. During this period, she had received much care from Ji Qingchi. In any case, she couldn’t return to her original world. Here, aside from Ji Qingchi, she probably wouldn’t find a second person who was powerful, highly skilled in martial arts, good-looking, and also willing to get with her8. Since the person had practically delivered herself to her doorstep, it would be a waste not to accept; having a romance wouldn’t be so bad.
Ji Qingchi mulled over her words in her mind, dissecting them and thinking them through twice, then nodded emphatically. “Alright, This Palace is willing.”
Afraid Su Yi wouldn’t believe her, she even raised four fingers and swore to the heavens, “Ji Qingchi, the Ninth Imperial Daughter of Yanxue Kingdom, hereby swears to abide by the custom spoken of by Su Yi of Pingyang Marquis Manor. If I violate this oath, may I be struck down by heaven and destroyed by earth, my body to die and my soul to perish!”9
Su Yi slowly withdrew her hand, lowered her head, and pressed her cool forehead against Ji Qingchi’s. “Very well, from this moment on, I am with Your Highness.”
The hard-won joy instantly exploded in Ji Qingchi’s chest. She was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond. After a good while, she managed to suppress her emotions, coughed, and said somewhat nervously, “Then… then can This Palace hug you now?”
Su Yi chuckled lightly. “Of course, you can.”
Ji Qingchi’s hands trembled as she wrapped them around Su Yi’s slender waist, drawing her into an embrace. The moment she touched Su Yi’s cool body, the medicinal fragrance mixed with Su Yi’s own incense made Ji Qingchi feel a little intoxicated. She couldn’t help but pull Su Yi tighter into her arms. If not for her concern for Su Yi’s delicate health, she would have wanted to meld Su Yi into her own body.
As they embraced, Ji Qingchi’s face, buried in Su Yi’s neck, slowly moved, her lips almost touching Su Yi’s snow-white skin. “This Palace wants… wants to kiss you, may I?”
As the words fell, Su Yi gently pushed her away slightly, then slowly leaned in.
When their lips were but a hair’s breadth apart, cool fingers intercepted hers.
Su Yi’s slender fingers pressed against her lips, and Ji Qingchi could feel their scorching temperature. Su Yi smiled lightly and winked at her. “Your Highness is being a bit too greedy. One can’t ask for too much all at once. You must proceed step by step.”
Unlike before she had agreed, now her words and actions seemed to wield a tiny hook, slowly and leisurely scratching at Ji Qingchi, making her itch all over, especially in her heart. It was a sweet, ticklish feeling that made her utterly restless.
Ji Qingchi moved her lips and almost instantly took Su Yi’s fingers into her mouth. Su Yi was startled and quickly pulled them back. Seeing the moisture on them, she said helplessly, “Your Highness is truly…”
Ji Qingchi stared at her intently, her voice hoarse. “Then… when can I kiss you?”
At such a moment, she surprisingly didn’t refer to herself as “This Palace.” Su Yi was somewhat taken aback. Meeting her scorching gaze, Su Yi had originally wanted to say “Guess,” but she swallowed the words. After thinking for a moment, she said, “That will depend on Your Highness’s performance.”
“Alright.” Ji Qingchi agreed, then reached out and pulled her into her embrace again. “Then don’t move, let me hug you to my heart’s content.”
Her fiery body made Su Yi a little uncomfortable. She wanted to loosen the embrace slightly, but was forcefully pulled back, even held tighter. “You just said I could hug you.”
Her tone was like someone had snatched something from her. Su Yi felt a bit helpless and had no choice but to let her hold her.
Footnotes
- Original: 沉舟 | Chén Zhōu
- 时辰 | shíchén | A traditional Chinese unit of time, equivalent to two modern hours. “A full shichen” means two hours.
- 红封的请帖 | hóngfēng de qǐngtiě | Invitations, especially for joyous or formal occasions, are often in red envelopes (hongfeng) in Chinese culture. “Qingtie” is an invitation card.
- 真气 | zhēnqì | True Qi or vital energy, a common concept in Chinese martial arts (wuxia) and cultivation (xianxia) narratives, referring to an internal energy that can be cultivated and used for various purposes, including healing or enhancing physical abilities.
- 记吃不记打 | jìchī bù jìdǎ | A common saying meaning someone learns nothing from past mistakes or punishments, only remembering the good things.
- 葫芦里卖得是什么药 | húlu lǐ mài de shì shénme yào | Literally “what medicine is being sold in the gourd?”; an idiom meaning “what is one up to?” or “what is one’s hidden intention?”.
- 桥归桥路归路 | qiáo guī qiáo, lù guī lù | Literally “bridge to bridge, road to road”; an idiom meaning each goes their own way, severing ties completely.
- 搞姬 | gǎo jī | An informal slang term, often used in online communities, referring to a same-sex romantic or sexual relationship between women (lesbianism). “Ji” is a homophone for “chicken” but here is part of the slang construction.
- 天诛地灭, 身死魂消 | tiānzhūdìmiè, shēnsǐhúnxiāo | A very strong oath. “Tian zhu di mie” means “may heaven strike one down and earth exterminate one.” “Shen si hun xiao” means “body dies and soul vanishes,” signifying utter destruction.
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