I Escaped My Story But They Found Me

Three years after faking my death, I thought the plot had truly ended.

Until I pushed open my door to find a dozen cold gleaming swords pointed at me.

The male lead I had once stabbed turned around, grinning at me ferociously: "Long time no see, Imperial Sister."

My legs instantly went weak, and I subconsciously stepped back a few paces, only to be stopped by a hand.

I trembled as I turned to look—it was my former fiancé whom I had humiliated.

Beside him stood the female lead whose reputation I had destroyed.

Chu Lan gritted her teeth, her tone cold and hateful.

"You're really a woman!"

Chapter 1

I was a vicious female antagonist. This was the third year of my fake death.

It was also the twenty-first year since I transmigrated into this world.

For nineteen years, I worked diligently, perfectly completing all the tasks the system gave me. Maintaining the vicious female antagonist persona, striving to drive the plot forward.

Over these many years, I had to create trouble for the protagonists on the surface while secretly helping them counter various major villains.

Sometimes when I got ruthless, I wouldn't spare even myself.

Who asked me to be the number one villain in this story—Princess Xiao Yunxiu, who wielded power over the entire court.

Fortunately, my hard work wasn't in vain.

After the grand finale, the system gave me wealth that would last me several lifetimes according to our agreement.

The current emperor, my former imperial brother, this world's male lead. He was diligent in governance, knew how to employ people, and the court was filled with talented and virtuous officials.

Thanks to them, over the past two years, the realm had been peaceful and the people content.

I could wander the streets of Yangzhou city all day without worry—either teasing cats and dogs, or flirting with decent men and women.

Life was truly delightful.

It seemed everything was so calm. Those bloody, tear-filled, hateful, sword-wielding idiotic plotlines had really ended.

Chapter 2

I chuckled foolishly, swaying as I stepped out of the Nuanxiang Tower.

Wanyue, the daughter of the proprietress who had a good relationship with me, called worriedly from behind: "Xiao Yunxiu, be careful on your way!"

I waved at her.

It was already approaching the Zi hour (11 PM), the sky was completely dark, and there were few people on the street.

Fortunately, I had walked this route thousands of times—I could find my way back with my eyes closed.

Plus, being quite drunk, alcohol gave a coward courage, so I walked home alone swaggeringly without a trace of fear.

Nothing happened along the way.

Seeing the familiar gate, I fumbled in my robe for the key. Just as I was about to insert it while leaning against the door, the door moved and I fell forward through it.

I landed flat on my back, seeing stars.

Enduring the dizziness, I climbed up holding the door, and finally my vision cleared.

But when I looked closely, I discovered more than a dozen cold gleaming swords pointed at me.

The sword-wielders were a group of black-clad men who were clearly skilled martial artists.

What was worse, behind them, a man in a black cloak heard the sound and slowly turned to look.

The moment I recognized his face, my drunkenness vanished instantly.

Xiao Ji looked at me, baring his teeth in a smile, his tone grim, like an evil spirit crawling up from hell.

"Long time no see, Imperial Sister."

My legs instantly went weak, and I subconsciously stepped back a few paces.

Suddenly, a large hand pressed against me from behind.

My whole body went cold as I trembled and turned to look.

It was actually my former fiancé, the second male lead whom I had humiliated and who hated me like bitter enemies—now the renowned powerful minister, Shen Zhan.

Beside him stood the female lead of this world, whose reputation I had destroyed.

Chu Lan wore martial attire, no longer resembling the delicate white flower she once was. Instead, she carried a heavy sword on her back, looking heroic and valiant.

She looked at me gritting her teeth, her voice sounding cold and hateful.

"Xiao Lan, you really are a woman!"

Each of them looked at me with complex, fierce eyes, as if they wanted to execute me on the spot and dismember me into eight pieces.

Damn!

I'm finished!

Chapter 3

I tried calling out to the system in my mind for help.

But no matter how many times I shouted, it didn't respond.

Actually, the system had disappeared three years ago after I successfully faked my death and never appeared again.

But I still held a sliver of hope.

Damn system!

Didn't you promise to protect me for a lifetime of peace and wealth after completing the plot?!

Does enjoying that for three years count as a lifetime!

Xiao Ji seemed quite interested as he watched my panicked expression for a while, finally raising his hand to signal his men.

"Please invite Imperial Sister onto the carriage. It's time to return to the palace."

I... of course I could only agree.

Chapter 4

Returning to the imperial palace after three years, my state of mind was completely different.

Three years ago, I was the great villain who crushed the protagonist group; now, I was just a fish on the chopping block, waiting for the knife to fall on my neck at any moment.

As for asking how I managed to be a villain before.

Of course, it was through the system's help and the assistance of my god's-eye view from having read the plot in advance.

In the original plot, the male lead Xiao Ji was the illegitimate son of the late emperor's beloved, though granted the title of prince, his identity was basically known to everyone.

The late emperor also disliked him, causing him to be bullied in the palace.

As for me, Xiao Lan, courtesy name Yunxiu. I was the late emperor's only and most beloved daughter. Although I had several older brothers, he still treated me best.

He even gave me the right to participate in politics like the other princes.

Father Emperor thought I was just a woman—no matter what, I couldn't create too big waves.

Until one day he suddenly discovered that my influence had infiltrated almost half the court.

Father Emperor began to fear me.

I, of course, wouldn't easily give up the power I had obtained.

I designed the deaths of several brothers and began supporting the young Xiao Ji.

After Father Emperor died, I pushed Xiao Ji to the throne, treating him as a puppet while I ruled from behind the curtain.

As for Chu Lan, she saw the nearly dying Xiao Ji being bullied at a banquet and saved him.

From then on, Xiao Ji's dark world had light, and that light was Chu Lan.

As for Shen Zhan, he was the only son of the former Prime Minister, who scored first in the imperial examinations and became the top scholar.

I took a fancy to him and wanted to recruit him as my princess consort.

But he refused, preferring to resist the imperial edict rather than marry me.

In my anger, I had people tie him up and bring him to the princess's residence.

I even brazenly declared: "If you won't be my consort, then be my male favorite!"

Shen Zhan detested me and joined the male and female leads.

Chapter 5

Three years ago, according to the original plot, it was only a matter of time before the grand finale, and both the system and I had completely given up trying.

Under my influence, Xiao Ji had already gained great power, the female lead's affection level was maxed out, and Shen Zhan had become a powerful minister who could stir up storms.

My people in the court were eliminated one by one, my power was hollowed out, and even the servants serving in the palace no longer performed their duties diligently.

Late at night, the vast palace was left with only me—no one even kept watch or added charcoal to the fire.

It had quite the feeling of people leaving and tea growing cold.

Perhaps my inner voice was too loud, as the system couldn't sleep and spoke up asking me: "It's so late, why aren't you sleeping yet?"

I wrapped myself in the blanket lying on the bed, my eyes clear and fixed on the bed frame, answering him in my mind.

"After working like a beast for over a decade, I'm finally about to retire. Could you sleep if you were in my position..."

The system woke up too: "After completing this world, I can also take a good long vacation."

I suddenly became nervous: "Hey, when exactly is the final plot coming? What if I accidentally kill Xiao Ji while stabbing him?"

"Relax, just go ahead and stab. You could die and the male lead wouldn't die."

I grunted and was about to speak when the system suddenly interrupted.

"It's coming, it's coming!"

"What?"

"The male lead brought people here!"

I immediately understood—the grand finale was tonight.

Xiao Ji had accidentally learned from a palace maid that it was my birth mother who had caused his mother's death, and he came seeking revenge.

Chapter 6

Xiao Ji came in alone.

He came so suddenly that I had no time to groom myself properly. I could only sit on the bed with my hair down, pretending to be cold and aloof, my clothes not properly arranged.

"Imperial Sister, were you waiting for me?"

Xiao Ji walked toward me step by step, his expression calm.

I coldly rebuked him: "Who allowed you to enter?"

Xiao Ji was angered by my words into a smile. He suddenly reached out, grabbed my chin, and forced me to raise my head to meet his gaze.

"Imperial Sister, do you still think I'm the useless trash who wouldn't dare fight back even when you bullied me?"

I raised my hand and slapped him.

But there wasn't even a red mark on his face.

This was how I used to treat Xiao Ji—casually hitting and scolding him, treating him like a dog.

But today, this dog wasn't listening anymore.

Xiao Ji seemed to have developed rabies, his eyes suddenly turning blood-red as he stared at me, and he actually laughed.

He said hoarsely: "Imperial Sister, one more time."

Damn.

Both the system and I fell silent.

After a long moment, the system finally spoke sarcastically: "Look what you've driven this child to—he's become a pervert."

I almost laughed out loud and secretly pinched myself hard, bringing tears to my eyes from the pain.

I took a long breath in my mind, raised my hand, and slapped him again.

This time I used more force, and Xiao Ji's head turned to the side from the slap.

His expression didn't change at all. He slowly turned his head back and continued to meet my gaze.

I was about to hit him again, but he grabbed my wrist.

Suddenly, the world spun, and I was pressed onto the bed by Xiao Ji.

He controlled both my wrists with one hand, making me unable to move, and even sniffed around my body like a dog.

I asked the system tremblingly in my mind: "System, what... what is this... has the male lead really become a dog?"

The system fell silent again for a long time before勉强 saying: "Maybe you should hurry up and stab him..."

I followed the system's advice. When Xiao Ji suddenly started taking off his clothes for no reason, I grabbed the knife from under the pillow and stabbed him.

Then I shouted: "Xiao Ji, I've killed you!"

Sure enough, the next moment, a group of imperial guards rushed in.

But faster than them were their arrows.

All of them perfectly avoided Xiao Ji and stuck into me uniformly.

Before closing my eyes, I thought: the male lead really is the male lead—it's so cold in this palace, yet he's so hot he's taking off his clothes.

Chapter 7

During the few days I was placed in the coffin, I asked the system how my stabbing technique was.

The system was speechless: "Stabbing what? The male lead at most got his skin scraped!"

If it was just scraping his skin, it's been three years—why is Xiao Ji still thinking about revenge against me?

I died so cleanly back then, how did he find me?

Just as I was pondering this, the room door was suddenly pushed open.

The person who entered was none other than Xiao Ji, whom I had just been thinking about.

Chapter 8

I hadn't looked carefully just now, only now realizing that after so many years apart, he had changed greatly.

His features had fully matured, his face flawless like jade, but his overall temperament was extremely sinister and intimidating.

Indeed, working long hours really harms people.

When I held power, I had to wake up at the Yin hour (5 AM) and sleep at the Hai hour (9 PM) every day.

Xiao Ji was probably the same.

Working such long hours, it's normal to have a bit more resentment.

"Imperial Sister, you're spacing out again."

Xiao Ji didn't know when he had stood before me. His breath hit my ear as he spoke, instantly bringing me back to my senses.

Honestly, he looks quite terrifying now.

The way he looks at me reminds me of some dangerous beast, as if he could swallow a person whole in one bite.

I tried my best to meet his gaze, maintaining my persona as I revealed a disgusted expression and spoke coldly.

"What do you want?"

Xiao Ji twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing a stiff smile as he moved closer, grabbing my shoulders, almost pressing against me.

"Imperial Sister, for these past three years, I've been thinking of you every moment..."

Given Xiao Ji's vengeful personality, he probably meant he was thinking every moment about how to bring me back and dismember me into a thousand pieces...

But before he could finish speaking, the room door was suddenly opened again.

Chu Lan shouted: "Your Majesty!"

But there seemed to be a strange undertone in her voice that instantly reminded Xiao Ji.

His breathing suddenly grew heavier as he stared at me intently.

Only then did I notice that his eyes had become... almost fanatical.

As if he wanted to chew my flesh and blood piece by piece and swallow it into his stomach to take revenge!

Chapter 9

I was originally just an ordinary corporate drone from the 21st century. After dying from overwork, I transmigrated here.

I thought I was finally going to live a life of wealth and luxury.

But I didn't expect that being a princess wasn't so easy either.

Every day I had to study hard, practice political schemes, and also take care of the male lead who was freezing to death in the cold palace.

The system said I couldn't let the princess identity go against the persona in front of anyone other than myself.

So even when I wanted to give something to the male lead, I had to sneak in under the cover of night when no one was around.

The young Xiao Ji was skinny, wearing only a thin padded jacket, his hands purple from the cold, his face pale, only his lips dry and cracked, stained red with blood.

Probably because few people came to the cold palace, hearing the noise, Xiao Ji immediately stood up from the bed, vigilantly looking in my direction.

I wore a black robe and a mask, and tapped twice on the lantern handle. He recognized me.

A hint of childlike surprise appeared in his eyes, and he called me softly.

"Sister, you're here."

I didn't speak.

Because at this moment, my identity was the mute daughter of the nanny who had served Xiao Ji's mother.

God knows how many sleepless nights I endured to make Xiao Ji believe this identity.

Chapter 10

Perhaps due to his miserable childhood, Xiao Ji was much more mature and suspicious than ordinary children, making it difficult for him to trust me.

Fortunately, at this time, he was still a forgotten prince in the cold palace. Even if there were real enemies, they were too lazy to bother with him.

I came to bring him things every few days, leaving immediately after delivery without communicating with him.

Slowly, he finally trusted me.

This time was the same.

I handed him the bulging cloth bundle in my hand and turned to leave.

But Xiao Ji suddenly reached out and grabbed the hem of my clothes.

His tone was very cautious, his eyes timid.

"Sister, can you stay with me a little longer?"

This was the first time he had shown weakness to me in all the time we had known each other.

I was stunned for a moment before realizing that no matter what, he was still just a six-year-old child.

Living alone in this cold, damp palace, it was normal to be afraid.

The system reminded me: "Host, be careful not to reveal your identity."

But looking at Xiao Ji's pitiful appearance, I really couldn't bring myself to refuse.

"Don't worry, he trusts me completely now."

Xiao Ji curled up on the only bed in the cold palace. Even in his sleep, his small hand tightly gripped mine.

I pinched his tender cheek and carefully withdrew my hand.

It wasn't that I didn't want to continue staying with him, but once dawn came, the guards in the cold palace would increase.

It would be difficult to leave then.

Chapter 11

Under my intermittent care, Xiao Ji survived to age fourteen relatively unharmed.

His appearances in front of others became more and more frequent.

At a palace banquet, I saw Xiao Ji whom I hadn't seen for a long time.

The system reminded me.

"Xiao Ji's birth mother was a princess from the previous dynasty. The current emperor came to power through rebellion. Perhaps feeling guilty, several former dynasty ministers related to the princess are still alive and in court, though their positions aren't high."

"They also care about Xiao Ji. They had to wait until he was older before they could mention him to the emperor."

I casually looked in Xiao Ji's direction, secretly observing him.

Children at this age really grow fast.

After not seeing him for a few months, he seemed to have grown taller again, sitting there alone.

I glanced casually at the emperor sitting in the high position.

The man, just as the plot described, couldn't look away the moment he saw Xiao Ji.

Xiao Ji looked almost exactly like his mother.

With refined features and a cold temperament, even at such a young age, he had the appearance of someone who shouldn't be approached.

From today on, the emperor would change from being indifferent to Xiao Ji to doting on him due to his appearance.

This was also the first step on Xiao Ji's path to becoming king.

Chapter 12

As I was pondering this, I suddenly heard a scream.

A little eunuch had accidentally spilled hot soup on me.

I maintained a stern expression on the surface, but my mind went completely blank.

"Come... come, twenty strokes of the cane..."

I tried my best to relax my speech, but my voice couldn't stop trembling.

I wanted to save him.

The system detected my intention and calmly reminded me: "It's difficult to drive the plot, but changing it isn't easy either."

"This little eunuch is someone who helped the male lead. He's also the first step in your feud with the male lead. According to the plot, he must die by your hand tonight for the male lead to hold a grudge against you."

"Host, don't overthink it. Would it feel better to treat all these people as NPCs?"

Treat all these people as NPCs...

I bit my lip hard but couldn't speak.

Just when everyone thought I was furious, the emperor sitting in the high position also noticed the commotion below.

He just frowned and said lightly: "How dare you disturb the princess's pleasure. Take him away."

The little eunuch desperately clung to my sleeve, kowtowing and begging for mercy, but how could he struggle against the imperial guards.

After a round of wails, the sounds outside the hall gradually ceased.

The string and bamboo music in the hall continued, melodious music playing as everyone returned to their cheerful conversations.

Only I sat in place, opening my mouth to find I had lost my voice.

The hand of that little eunuch that had clung to my sleeve was clearly warm...

Clearly a person with flesh and blood just like me...

Chapter 13

My persona was that of a princess spoiled by the empress mother since childhood, raised with an arrogant and domineering nature.

"Princess" was my code name; killing was my pleasure.

I took lives casually, dealing death to those who displeased me. Whoever provoked me, I would simply and crudely send them to meet the King of Hell.

Although I tried to avoid it, people still died one after another because of me.

This little eunuch tonight wasn't the first person.

In my fifth year in this world.

Qingya, the palace maid who had taken care of me since childhood, was executed by the empress for inadequate care just because I frowned at the fish in her bowl while dining with the empress.

I stared blankly ahead.

Qingya, who had long since left, and the little eunuch from earlier all stood there.

They shed tears of blood, silently accusing me.

I spent the rest of the banquet in a daze.

Because of this, I didn't notice how strange the look in Xiao Ji's eyes was.

It wasn't the hatred of someone whose benefactor had been killed, but rather a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

Chapter 14

As the plot developed, I became more exhausted every day.

Being a princess had become second nature to me.

But being a princess who wielded power over the entire court was difficult.

Even with the system's help, I could barely manage.

Watching Xiao Ji grow day by day, even securing his own place in the court, I finally no longer had to play two roles. I could let the mute palace maid bid him farewell.

The last time I went to see Xiao Ji, I didn't bring him anything—just some small trinkets from outside the palace.

Because he now had his own palace and no longer suffered from hunger or cold.

I handed him the items but didn't turn to leave immediately.

Xiao Ji seemed to sense something; a hint of panic appeared on his usually expressionless face.

I knew what he was afraid of.

Having grown up this way, the mute palace maid was probably one of the few people who had brought him warmth for so long.

But it didn't matter. Once the female lead appeared in his life, it would be fine.

Xiao Ji would have a true companion who could stay with him for life.

"Sister, I'll go find the managing head maid and have her transfer you to my palace."

Xiao Ji suddenly spoke, staring at me without blinking.

We rarely communicated, so only then did I notice that his voice was no longer the clear voice of a youth but had become somewhat deep and hoarse.

I shook my head and gestured to him.

"No need, I'm already familiar with my current place."

Xiao Ji didn't say more, giving me a rare smile before bidding me farewell.

Chapter 15

After that day, I never appeared again as the mute palace maid.

So I didn't see Xiao Ji for a long time.

When he appeared at the flower-viewing banquet and主动 stood before me, not only was I shocked.

The system was shocked too.

"The female lead is on the guest list for this banquet. Has the plot advanced to this point already?"

I looked at Xiao Ji without changing my expression.

He leaned forward slightly and called me softly: "Imperial Sister."

I held my fan and casually lifted his chin, saying disdainfully: "A bastard, and you dare call me Imperial Sister?"

The first prince, who usually didn't get along with me, surprisingly shared my hostility.

He mocked Xiao Ji: "Isn't this Fourth Prince? Why aren't you studying hard today?"

But Xiao Ji seemed to have only wanted to greet me. Even after being humiliated, he didn't reply and just turned to sit at his seat.

Chapter 16

The purpose of this flower-viewing banquet was to select suitable marriage partners for the princes of appropriate age.

Those who could attend were famous young talents and young ladies from noble families in the capital city.

I lazily propped my head up, looking as if I was spacing out doing nothing, but actually secretly observing.

"System, has the female lead arrived yet? The banquet is about to start, why hasn't she appeared?"

The system was also a bit anxious.

"She should have arrived by now. Let me check."

After a moment, the system spoke anxiously.

"The first prince has taken a fancy to the female lead's general father status and has designed to trap the female lead, wanting to directly force the issue and frame Xiao Ji. Quick, find a way to save the female lead first!"

I froze: "Originally there wasn't this part..."

"There wasn't originally, but Xiao Ji's career progression has been too fast, alerting the first prince."

"The female lead's father is a general, and her status perfectly matches the first prince's requirements for a wife. They can also eliminate Xiao Ji in the process. For them, this action kills two birds with one stone."

"Where is the female lead?"

"The nearest side hall."

Chapter 17

I gritted my teeth and ran wildly, my throat so dry I felt like vomiting blood.

Fortunately, when I arrived, I happened to see the girl being carried into the room.

They hadn't had time to do anything yet.

I took advantage of their departure, before the first prince arrived, rushed in, picked up the female lead on my back, and ran.

Poor me—someone who couldn't even pass the 800-meter run in my previous life, and in this life, I was a weakling who had never done any heavy work since birth.

I actually carried someone almost as heavy as me for nearly a quarter of an hour before reaching the place where the ladies attending the banquet changed clothes.

When I put the female lead down, I was so exhausted I couldn't speak.

After resting for a while and looking up, I found that the female lead's mouth and eyes were still gagged with cloth, tears streaming down her face, soaking the cloth strips.

I quickly removed the cloth from her mouth and untied the ropes on her hands, leaving only the blindfold, then stammered an excuse I made up on the spot.

"Um... that, Miss Chu, I'm from Fourth Prince's side. Our prince discovered the first prince's scheme and couldn't bear to see an innocent person harmed, so he specially sent me to protect you!"

I deliberately lowered my voice, pretending to be just an ordinary guard.

Unexpectedly, Chu Lan suddenly used force and pressed me beneath her.

Her face was flushed, her breath fragrant as orchids—she seemed to be in great discomfort.

"I've been drugged... help me..."

I froze in place.

"Wait, wait..."

I struggled, trying to negotiate with her.

But the run just now had exhausted all my strength, and I was easily overpowered by the female lead.

The system was also helpless.

"What should we do, the female lead's beauty-saves-hero scene is coming up!"

I got angry: "Who cares about the plot at a time like this, find a solution quickly!"

"Find a solution, find a solution..."

"Isn't there some golden finger? You're a system, for god's sake!"

The system thought for a long time and said reluctantly.

"Fine, there is one, that can transfer the drug's effects from the female lead to you, but the golden finger can only be used once. Are you sure you want to use it now?"

"Transfer, transfer!"

I didn't have time to think too much!

Chapter 18

Chu Lan's panting gradually subsided.

She seemed to notice the change in herself and made a puzzled sound.

I took the opportunity to push her away and ran.

The more I ran, the weaker I felt.

The itching seemed to seep from my bones. By the time I returned to the banquet, my body was as soft as noodles.

I could barely support myself to sit properly.

I couldn't have an OOC moment in front of anyone, so I had to handle this kind of thing myself.

What kind of villain works two jobs like me?

Chapter 19

In the eyes of others, I had just gone out for a stroll because I was bored.

My presence or absence made no difference.

No one knew how I was suffering at this moment.

So much so that shortly after the banquet began, I deliberately threw my jade pendant into the nearby lake.

Then I looked in Xiao Ji's direction.

Unexpectedly, I met his gaze.

It gave me the strange feeling that he had been watching me for some time.

I felt somewhat flustered but still maintained a playful expression as I delivered my lines.

"Fourth Prince, can you retrieve this jade pendant for me?"

Chapter 20

The scene instantly fell silent.

My action of throwing it down wasn't hidden—it was deliberate.

But I was known for my arrogance, with a volatile temperament, and had an antagonistic relationship with Xiao Ji at court.

Suddenly targeting him was normal.

Many people noticed.

For a moment, some were watching the drama, some were feeling pity.

But Xiao Ji stood up neatly and jumped into the lake without saying a word.

Although it was already summer, the lake water was still very cold.

Some secretly sweated for him.

Xiao Ji actively submerged himself, staying underwater for a long time before coming up for air.

He repeated this more than ten times, but the jade pendant still wasn't found.

After about two quarters of an hour, I couldn't wait any longer and pretended to be impatient as I stood up from my seat.

I left the banquet after leaving just one sentence.

"How boring. Tell Xiao Ji I don't want the jade pendant anymore."

Although the male lead suffered terribly, after everyone left, the female lead would bring him warmth.

I was the truly lonely one.

Back in the palace, I had all the servants leave and soaked myself in cold water.

I shivered from the cold, but my body still felt terrible.

In this situation, I couldn't seek an imperial physician. I had to endure it myself.

I suppressed my instincts, submerging my entire body in the water.

Chapter 21

After the male and female leads met, the plot officially entered its course.

The only problem I needed to worry about was Chu Lan's affection level.

No matter how hard I tried to create opportunities for her and Xiao Ji to interact, her affection level didn't rise at all.

The system applied to its superiors for inspection and came back with devastating news.

"Chu Lan hasn't fallen for the male lead. Her affection target... has become you... or rather, you disguised as the guard who saved her..."

Hearing this, my vision went dark.

Chapter 22

Fortunately, Xiao Ji was competent enough.

While I was busy trying to win over Chu Lan to increase her affection level, Xiao Ji had already thrown the court into chaos.

I also successfully infiltrated the general's residence, becoming one of Chu Lan's personal guards.

I had no martial arts skills—I got in entirely by asking Chu Lan to pull strings for me based on the favor of saving her that day.

Fortunately, the guards at the general's residence worked in shifts, and I only had duty once every three days.

Although Chu Lan looked like a delicate white flower, she was the general's legitimate daughter and a tiger's cub from a military family. Though naturally weak, she was kind-hearted and loved to roar at injustice.

Roar what?

Of course, she roared at us unlucky guards.

"Tables, stools, spoons, chopsticks, get them!"

Tables, spoons, and chopsticks were my colleagues; the stool was me.

These were our code names.

The young lady gave the order, and we minions dared not disobey.

Fortunately, Tables and the others had real skills, so I always slacked off hiding among them.

But because I was too weak, I was easily injured in the crossfire.

After a battle, I was definitely the one who looked most like I was fighting desperately for Chu Lan.

This way, the female lead remembered me.

"I thought you were even more delicate than me, but I didn't expect you to be so brave."

Chu Lan personally applied medicine to my face while praising me.

I immediately grasped her hand, looking into her eyes sincerely, trying to make her understand my loyalty.

"This is what this subordinate should do!"

Chu Lan's face suddenly turned red, and she stammered: "Um, um..."

Only then did I remember that I was currently disguised as a man, and my own face grew hot.

The system said sarcastically: "You're quite good at this."

I said modestly: "Just average, just average."

Chapter 23

To win her over, I made various tireless efforts, including but not limited to heroic rescues, elegant appearances, taking blades for her, playing with her, writing love letters for her, giving her flowers, and other methods.

Perhaps you'll ask me, did my conscience bother me deceiving an innocent young girl?

I can only say that those feelings of love were fake, but the joy in my eyes when playing with her, the worry when I saw her in danger, the heartache when caring for her while she was sick... these were all real.

Soon, Chu Lan, a young girl in love, easily fell for me.

I immediately arranged a perfect "accident"—during an outing with Chu Lan, I was stabbed to death by mountain bandits while trying to save her.

Of course, it wasn't a real stabbing. All the bandits were my people.

The moment I closed my eyes, her affection level finally reached its peak.

I thought it was because my departure was too tragic and heroic, making Chu Lan's feelings for me too profound.

Her father, after becoming Xiao Ji's person, suggested that Chu Lan and Xiao Ji marry.

But Chu Lan refused and told everyone that she was no longer pure, that she had long been with the little guard who died saving her.

Once these words were out, the reputation of Dingyuan General's legitimate daughter was completely ruined.

No noble family's son would be willing to marry a woman who had an affair with a guard, even if she was a general's daughter.

Chapter 24

I saw the male and female leads again at the first prince's funeral.

Everyone was dressed in plain clothes, standing in the line for the wake.

The emperor had three princes and one princess.

Among them, the first prince's maternal family had the most power. His birth mother was Noble Consort Zhao, and Old Chancellor Zhao was his maternal grandfather.

Next was the second prince, whose uncle was the Censor, responsible for supervising all officials—also not to be underestimated.

Xiao Ji was very clever and always remained hidden in the shadows. With a little instigation, he made the second prince, who rarely took action, solve his greatest threat for him.

Of course, the second prince also suffered a thousand casualties himself.

I discreetly observed my surroundings and suddenly saw a strange handsome face.

The system introduced him.

"That's the second male lead, Shen Zhan. Impressive, right? His reputation as the number one gentleman in the capital isn't just talk."

I silently exclaimed in agreement: "Truly impressive."

"You and Shen Zhan do have some relationship. His mother was your mother's distant cousin. By seniority, he's your younger cousin."

"According to the plot, Shen Zhan's father originally supported you, but after you humiliated his son, the Shen family sided with the male lead."

"Forced conquest..."

I clicked my tongue. "Finally, a plot I like has arrived."

Chapter 25

No wonder so many novel male leads like to use force.

Looking at Shen Zhan, stripped naked and tied to my bed, I coughed lightly and comforted him.

"Don't worry, I won't force you to do anything."

The system was speechless.

"If you're not going to do anything, why did you tie him up? Be careful of OOC."

I quickly tried to make up for it.

"I'm a very conservative person. I believe some things should only be done after marriage. Surely you think the same, Cousin, haha..."

Shen Zhan remained silent with a cold expression, treating me as air.

I felt somewhat frustrated but still struggled to continue.

"If you're unwilling to be my consort, then be my male favorite..."

After these words, Shen Zhan's face became extremely ugly.

He gritted his teeth and spat out four words.

"I. Would. Rather. Die."

Chapter 26

"Has my reputation really fallen to this level?"

I asked the system sadly.

If you don't want to, you don't want to—but would rather die!

"Look on the bright side—your persona hasn't collapsed at all."

I was too lazy to deal with him.

Shen Zhan's father requested to see me. His attitude was quite good at the beginning of the conversation.

Roughly meaning that since the princess had taken a fancy to his son, there was no need for such force. After all, we were on the same side. When it came to marriage, we could sit down and discuss it properly.

My goal was to anger him, so of course I wouldn't say anything nice.

I smiled and told him that his son didn't know when to accept favors. With his personality, he wasn't worthy of being my consort, at most a male favorite.

Prime Minister Shen was so angry he immediately stormed off.

Because I had made too much noise when bringing Shen Zhan to the princess's residence, for his sake, Prime Minister Shen still approached the emperor and asked him to arrange our marriage.

Chapter 27

The marriage engagement was just a facade.

The day after Prime Minister Shen left my princess's residence, he submitted his pledge of allegiance to Xiao Ji.

The system was somewhat worried.

"Xiao Ji is growing too fast. After Prime Minister Shen sided with him, at least half the court is his people. How will you still wield power over the court?"

It turned out that no one stays unlucky forever.

I finally got lucky once.

Urgent news from the frontier—the Xiongnu were invading, and the flames of war had already spread to several cities.

At such a critical moment, Xiao Ji actually volunteered to lead the expedition to the front lines.

Before he left, the second prince had already been suppressed to the point of no longer being able to make a comeback.

The emperor's health had been declining day by day since the first prince's death, and he hadn't even attended morning court for several days.

The vast court, for a time, was dominated by me alone.

Chapter 28

By the time Xiao Ji returned after pacifying the frontier, I had completely controlled the situation.

On New Year's Eve, when the palace was peaceful and harmonious.

The emperor passed away.

I led people to storm into Xiao Ji's palace, only to find him standing there as if he had known I would come.

Seeing me, he turned around, actually with a somewhat shy smile on his face, calling me softly.

"Imperial Sister, you've come."

I froze for a moment, not understanding what he meant.

The system suddenly spoke: "Wait, something's not right with the male lead."

Xiao Ji bent down and embraced my waist, saying softly.

"Or perhaps I should call you... sister..."

[Warning! Warning! Host exhibiting OOC behavior! Please correct persona within 30 minutes, or you will die immediately! Warning! Warning...]

The piercing alarm sounded in my mind, and my body instantly broke into a cold sweat.

The system struggled to speak.

"The male lead... static... knows you're that... static... mute palace maid. Quick, find a way to fix your persona, or you'll be erased by the world's consciousness!"

Chapter 29

I raised my trembling hand and slapped Xiao Ji hard across the face.

Then I looked at him with a playful expression and sneered.

"I already told you, a bastard isn't allowed to call me Imperial Sister."

Xiao Ji's hands fell limply as he stared blankly at me.

"I was just playing a little trick with you because of your status. Did Fourth Prince really take it seriously?"

The alarm gradually faded.

I clapped my hands, and a group of palace servants entered in single file, carrying bright yellow dragon robes.

"Quick, dress our emperor. Prepare for the enthronement ceremony..."

Chapter 30

What does it feel like to step on the emperor?

Thanks for asking—it doesn't feel good.

Xiao Ji knelt on the ground as I casually used him as a footstool.

Two palace maids behind me fanned me with cool breezes, while beside me a cold beauty—Shen Zhan—was peeling grapes for me.

Although it looked quite satisfying, no one knew the bitterness in my heart.

What I was doing to Xiao Ji now, I feared he would repay me piece by piece at the grand finale.

I just hoped the system wouldn't fail me then.

Xiao Ji was indeed the male lead.

After seeing my true colors, he began to secretly take back what belonged to him bit by bit.

I was happy to let this happen, carefully and covertly letting him win.

I also pretended to be someone blinded by power, either playing with my male favorites all day or taking pleasure in humiliating Xiao Ji.

I hit and scolded him, venting my frustrations on him whenever I was displeased.

He was also very patient, never once fighting back.

If I didn't have the god's-eye view, I might have really thought he was completely under my control.

Chapter 31

Thinking back now, I was quite lucky when I faked my death back then.

Xiao Ji didn't even have time to torture me.

If I were him, an emperor being humiliated like this every day, I would want to flay that person alive, and that wouldn't be enough—I'd use all eighteen tortures!

The more I thought about it, the more scared I became.

Although he didn't have time back then, now the opportunity had come again.

"Imperial Sister, I won't give you another chance to leave."

Xiao Ji finally spoke.

Chapter 32

He truly meant what he said.

I was confined to Xiao Ji's sleeping quarters, unable to go anywhere, and he personally watched me every day.

During the day, I sat by the window spacing out from boredom, while Xiao Ji sat opposite me handling state affairs.

Even at night, he slept on a small couch not far from me, with only a screen between us, each other's breathing clearly audible.

As time passed, I gradually understood—this was Xiao Ji's method of torturing me.

As long as he didn't make a move, I would be terrified every day.

It would be better if he just killed me cleanly. What I feared was that one day he would suddenly take a fancy to dragging me to the dungeon for some proper torture.

Then it would truly be a situation of being unable to live or die.

After realizing this, I couldn't eat or sleep well. Within a few days, dark circles appeared under my eyes, and I had lost a lot of weight.

Chapter 33

Perhaps because I was sighing every day, I was affecting Xiao Ji.

He looked at me with increasing displeasure, often frowning while staring at me.

I became even more scared and hid a hairpin in my sleeve, just in case.

Sure enough, my sixth sense was usually accurate.

It seemed some general had won a great victory and returned, so the palace held a celebration banquet.

When the sky was completely dark, Xiao Ji still hadn't returned.

When he wasn't here, I felt very safe and fell into a deep sleep.

I had probably slept for less than an hour when someone choked me awake.

That person was very strong, smelling faintly of alcohol, as if drunk and not knowing his own strength.

Clearly intending to choke me, his hands couldn't find the right place, and he nearly tore my clothes to shreds.

I failed to struggle and felt my life was bitter—might as well just die.

So I simply spread my hands and stopped resisting.

This day had finally come...

Thinking that I had lived two lives, enjoying only three years of true happiness. The rest of the time was either overtime for a black-hearted boss or working for a damn system.

The black-hearted boss at least had annual leave. For the damn system, I worked nineteen years straight without a single day off.

What was the point of living like this!

Grief overcame me, and tears couldn't help but flow.

But the person on top of me suddenly stopped.

"What are you crying for?"

Chapter 34

His voice was deep, with a confusing hint of anger.

"Do you hate me that much?"

So it was Xiao Ji who was going to do it himself.

Since I was going to die anyway, I wasn't afraid of him anymore and fearlessly turned my head away.

Xiao Ji's hands moved again to my neck.

He didn't seem to want to hear my reply and continued on his own.

"Why were you so good to everyone... making them still miss you to this day... Do you know, Chu Lan won a great battle, and her requested reward was to release you from the palace..."

Xiao Ji suddenly laughed, but the laughter strangely contained a hint of sorrow, as if I had done something to him.

"Imperial Sister, I really want to..."

Kill me, right.

I tightly closed my eyes, waiting for death to arrive.

But what I felt first was the softness on my lips.

And something slightly wet and salty... like tears...

Chapter 35

When I opened my eyes the next day, it was already evening.

I looked at the ceiling in a daze, recalling last night's events, and my body suddenly shuddered.

The vast palace was empty, as if it had all been a nightmare.

My last memory remained of being frozen in place by Xiao Ji's kiss.

Then I finally, for the first time with genuine emotion, slapped him and said that line I had read in certain incest-themed novels in my previous life.

I'm your X!

Just without the same impact—I was so scared my voice was trembling.

"I'm your sister, sister..."

Xiao Ji sighed, his voice full of satisfaction.

"So what if you are, my... Imperial Sister..."

I wiped my face hard, truly unable to understand how a perfectly clean historical romance had sprinted all the way to this unfamiliar incest-themed path!

Chapter 36

As I was worrying, the sound of palace maids arguing suddenly came from outside the door.

"Changle Palace caught fire last night, did you hear?"

"The fire was so bright, did you need to hear about it? Everyone saw it!"

"Fortunately, His Majesty wasn't harmed..."

"Only one person died last night—that was the princess who had just been found..."

"What a pity, I heard this princess was in the prime of her youth..."

Changle Palace was on fire?

The princess had passed away?

My mind was full of question marks. Just as I was about to get out of bed to ask about the situation, I hit my head on the railing.

I looked up and was shocked to find that I, along with the bed, was locked in a huge golden cage!

The cage was very sturdy. No matter how hard I shook it, it didn't move at all.

Chapter 37

I shouted for people.

But I don't know if there was no one outside or if the room had good soundproofing.

I shouted all afternoon, my throat was about to smoke, but no one paid me any attention.

Until it grew dark, the door was opened from outside.

Xiao Ji entered silently from outside.

As he walked, he took off his outer clothes, saying nothing, his expression blank.

I trembled on the bed, sweating profusely, desperately calling for the system.

Damn system!

If you don't come back soon, this story is going to develop in a direction that can't be broadcast!

Xiao Ji unlocked the cage door with a key and approached the bed step by step.

I buried myself in the blanket and couldn't see his expression.

"Imperial Sister, it's time to rest."

Xiao Ji's tone was very calm, even somewhat cheerful.

At this critical moment, a familiar voice suddenly came from my mind.

"Host, I'm here!"

Chapter 38

I almost wept with joy.

"System! Quick, save me!"

The system observed the current situation and clicked its tongue twice.

"On my way here, I've already applied for a second fake death opportunity for you. Find a way to anger Xiao Ji and have him kill you again."

"Fine."

I gritted my teeth and slapped him when Xiao Ji touched me.

But I had forgotten that this move no longer worked on him.

Xiao Ji's breathing grew somewhat ragged, his voice panting.

"Again, Imperial Sister..."

As he spoke, he leaned down and bit hard into my right shoulder, which was exposed due to my struggling.

I closed my eyes, took out the hairpin from my sleeve, hardened my heart, and stabbed down hard.

Chapter 39

Over so many years, my stabbing technique had improved somewhat.

At least from the level of just scraping skin to being able to penetrate flesh.

"I didn't expect this, Host. You're quite ruthless when it comes to yourself."

My face was deathly pale as I smiled weakly, taking it as a compliment.

The system wouldn't let me go, continuing to mock me.

"Tsk, it would have been better not to stab at all. You can't die anyway, and you'd suffer less."

I was too lazy to deal with him, clutching my wound and struggling to continue running.

Yes, I ran again.

Xiao Ji had locked me in a secret chamber of a palace, not letting anyone know of my existence.

I had thought about committing suicide to fake my death, but I didn't manage to stab myself to death, so I had to take advantage of Xiao Ji going to call for the imperial physician to escape.

Fortunately, I was quite familiar with the palace and knew of a secret passage leading outside the city.

But I knew that Xiao Ji might know about it too.

So I couldn't relax for a moment.

I ran for almost a whole day, and no one chased me from behind.

Fortunately, I had gambled correctly.

The path ahead gradually became brighter.

I used my last bit of strength to rush forward.

A person firmly caught me in their arms.

Chapter 40

"Your wound has healed quite well."

Chu Lan looked carefully for a moment and concluded.

I was truly embarrassed and stammered my reply.

"Th... thank you, Miss Chu..."

This was the third time I had seen Chu Lan since she rescued me.

She seemed to be very busy every day.

Although I knew this was wrong, I couldn't help but feel it was better that she was busy.

Because... I felt guilty toward her and didn't dare to look at her.

Although the identity I transmigrated into was that of a villain, the education I received since childhood made me unwilling to harm anyone casually.

In this world, the only people I had wronged were those three.

The little eunuch, Qingya, and one more—Chu Lan.

In an era where a woman's reputation was more important than her life, I had ruined hers.

Chapter 41

In our previous meetings, either I was half-conscious, or Chu Lan had urgent business and no time to speak with me.

Today she seemed to have plenty of time and had been sitting beside me for quite a while.

Chu Lan looked at me quietly and suddenly spoke.

"Your Highness, do you know how I discovered it?"

I had always guessed that Chu Lan knew my true identity because of the flaw I left when I first saved her.

I had lied then, saying I was from Xiao Ji's side. Chu Lan might have discovered something was amiss when she later allied with Xiao Ji.

But she shattered my guess with her own words.

"After you died, I went back and begged my father to avenge you. He investigated thoroughly and found that the bandits that day were highly suspicious."

"The capital is heavily guarded. Ordinary bandits wouldn't dare approach the vicinity. How did they dare to do so?"

Chu Lan looked at me without blinking and continued slowly.

"I sensed something was wrong and decided to open the coffin for an autopsy. Inside the coffin... there was nothing..."

"I told myself that you must have had your reasons... Father wanted me to marry, so I refused to the death... I kept looking for you until I saw the princess at the first prince's funeral..."

"How could the figure of the high and mighty princess be so similar to the little guard I thought about day and night?"

"I didn't dare believe it until after the princess died, His Majesty got drunk and ran to the imperial mausoleum alone, opened the coffin, and it was also... empty..."

"After that, you should be able to guess..."

I never dared to raise my head.

"Xiao Lan, there must be a powerful sorcerer helping you, helping you successfully fake your death twice. Otherwise, Xiao Ji personally watched you get pierced by countless arrows, and I personally watched you get stabbed through the heart... How could you still be alive?"

Chu Lan suddenly approached, and only then did I notice the tears faintly welling in the corners of her eyes.

"I know you don't like the palace, don't like holding power, but you care about the world. You saw that the first and second princes were flashy on the outside but rotten on the inside, and you saw Xiao Ji's talent. You thought he could be a wise ruler."

"So you secretly helped him, even helped him get close to me, saved me, made me think you were truly his person, and made my father support him."

"After Xiao Ji successfully ascended the throne, you were relieved."

"You yearned for freedom, so you left... I can understand that."

"After Xiao Ji ascended the throne, he promised that as a woman, I could inherit my father's position. For these three years, I have trained hard every day, following my father to battle everywhere. Although blades and arrows on the battlefield are blind, and I might die at any moment, I like this feeling... I no longer want to be a young lady who never steps outside her door."

A drop of coolness landed on my cheek.

"I forgive you..."

Chapter 42

Xiao Ji found me in the fifth month after I left the palace.

Chu Lan protected me behind her, facing him in silent confrontation.

The soldiers behind us had already turned their blades toward Chu Lan and me the moment Xiao Ji appeared.

After many days apart, Xiao Ji seemed even crazier, the bottom of his eyes bloodshot, his gaze when looking at people terrifying.

He seemed to be ill, his face extremely pale, his voice very hoarse.

"Chu Lan, release my Imperial Sister, and I'll spare your life."

The system was somewhat worried and reminded me: "The male lead's condition isn't right. Try to stabilize him. The male and female leads are the core of this world. If either of them has a problem, the world will collapse."

I sighed deeply and replied in my mind that I understood.

Then I stepped forward to face Xiao Ji.

"I'll go with you. Don't make things difficult for her."

Xiao Ji's face became even more unpleasant, but he still took my hand.

"Fine."

Chapter 43

Xiao Ji seemed to have understood something overnight.

Although he forcibly brought me back to the palace and occasionally made physical advances, he was actually willing to let me leave the palace.

"Imperial Sister, in one month, remember to return."

Xiao Ji's fingers caressed my cheek ambiguously as he said in a deep voice.

I nodded.

I had resigned myself to my fate.

As long as Xiao Ji didn't get tired of me in this lifetime, I could never escape him.

Fortunately, he was sincere enough that I could also use this to control him and make things a bit easier for myself.

Chapter 44

Two people came to see me off on the day I first legitimately left the palace.

I wanted to travel while it was cool, so I was ready before dawn.

Chu Lan handed me a heavy bundle and expressionlessly instructed: "Be careful of everything when you're out... remember to write."

I smiled and agreed.

She gave me a deep look, said nothing more, and turned to leave before I did.

After she had gone far, I looked at Shen Zhan beside me, mentally cheered myself on, and spoke awkwardly.

"About what happened back then... I'm sorry..."

Shen Zhan looked at me too, still with that cold expression, but with something in his eyes I couldn't understand.

Fortunately, his tone was very peaceful, just asking a very abrupt question.

"Was Your Highness's action back then only to help His Majesty win my father's support?"

Besides that, what other reason could I give?

Should I tell him it was all the system's fault...

I could only nod.

Shen Zhan paused for a long time before speaking.

"Your Highness truly thinks of the people."

I smiled guiltily.

"His Majesty now... values Your Highness greatly... so don't stay out too long. Come back often to visit."

I murmured in agreement.

Chu Lan had told me that when I was hiding in her residence, Shen Zhan had also helped cover for me.

In my heart, he was indeed a good person.

Just a bit too quiet.

Shen Zhan fell silent again, just looking at me, making the atmosphere quite awkward.

I waited for a moment and finally gathered the courage to say: "Lord Shen, I'm leaving now..."

Shen Zhan nodded.

Chapter 45

As I turned to leave on horseback, I sensed the gaze of someone on the city wall who should have been on his way to morning court.

But remembering how excessive he had been last night, I deliberately didn't turn back.

The system sighed: "Completing missions is too hard. I want to apply for a bonus!"

I nodded in agreement.

"There shouldn't be any major issues now. Host, I'm heading back."

"Goodbye, System. I hope this time we really won't meet again, haha..."

The system didn't reply again.

The sun gradually rose, bright light illuminating the path ahead.

I rode my horse and galloped forward.