“Is it possible for someone to transmigrate to the same book twice?”
Shen Qingyao’s voice trembled, her throat dry. This time, the dream was ordinary, but it brought her the greatest shock.
[How can that be possible, Host!] The system knew what she was thinking, but such a situation was usually impossible! People who transmigrate into book worlds are automatically bound to a system to complete tasks. This is the rule of this world.
These Hosts fall into two categories: those who fail the task and are sent to another world to continue their mission, and those who succeed, receiving rewards from the system and either returning to their original world or choosing to live out their lives in the current one.
The possibility of returning to the same world a second time is almost nonexistent.
After all, having experienced it once, there would be no meaning in doing it again.
“Not even a little possibility?” Shen Qingyao asked again. If it’s truly impossible, how could this dream be explained? Could it be that the original Shen Qingyao was a transmigrator, and she is the second person to inherit this body?
Shen Qingyao’s face grew increasingly pale, and her long-dormant heart condition threatened to resurface, a sharp pain already noticeable in her chest. She let out a soft moan of discomfort, struggling to breathe.
[Well, not entirely, but…]
“Madam, are you awake?”
The system wanted to say more, but was interrupted by Hong Yun outside the door. Hong Yun first asked softly, then hearing movement inside, gently pushed the door open.
“Madam, you’re awake?” Hong Yun walked in quickly with water, smiling brightly. “Before Young Master left, he instructed us not to wake you since you didn’t sleep well last night. But just now, a guest came to visit you in the front hall. I was worried, but luckily you woke up on your own.”
Listening to her chatter, Shen Qingyao’s mind was a mess, buzzing with confusion, but her attention was somewhat diverted, and the pain in her chest became less pronounced. She raised her head and asked in confusion, “To visit me? Who would specifically come to visit me?”
“Miss, it’s Princess Yonghe and Eldest Young Master.” Cui Qiao entered at this moment, directly stating the visitors’ identities.
Only then did Shen Qingyao realize. Her Eldest Brother and Princess Yonghe both resided in the capital, and Hong Yun had only started following her in Ningcheng, so it’s no wonder Hong Yun didn’t recognize them.
Shen Qingyao felt a bit surprised and happy. Yesterday, her Eldest Brother had promised to visit her, but she didn’t expect him to come so soon after finishing his business. However, alongside the surprise, she remained puzzled. Why would Princess Yonghe come with her Eldest Brother? Princess Yonghe had clearly refused their invitation yesterday.
After a moment’s thought, she lifted the quilt and sat up, deciding not to keep them waiting any longer.
[Host, could it be that you care too much about this matter, and thus in your dream, you gained a certain degree of self-awareness, unconsciously placing yourself in the original owner and saying things only you know?]
During the time Cui Qiao was helping Shen Qingyao with her grooming, the system suddenly offered a reason that sounded very far-fetched.
Shen Qingyao murmured an acknowledgment, not sure if she believed it or not.
When Hong Yun interrupted, the system was about to say ‘but.’ But what? The sentence was left unfinished, and now the system avoided discussing it further. What was it avoiding? From the time she started dreaming about the original owner’s past, the system’s reassurances always seemed reasonable, yet something felt off.
Shen Qingyao’s eyes flickered, but she did not pursue the matter further. Time would eventually provide answers, and she was not one to press questions to the end prematurely. She preferred to let things slide if she could.
She exhaled softly. The feeling of her heart condition flaring up was unpleasant, but she seemed to have gotten somewhat used to it. By now, Cui Qiao had finished placing the last hairpin. Standing up, she said softly, “Miss, it’s done.”
Shen Qingyao nodded and rose to go outside.
Upon reaching the parlor, she found Shen Yushu and Princess Yonghe each occupying a corner of the room, each with a cup of tea and a plate of snacks before them. They exchanged no words, not even glances, creating a tense atmosphere as if they were in separate worlds.
Shen Qingyao paused. Shen Qingyao saw Princess Yonghe holding a teacup, her expression cold and aloof, with an undeniable air of pride, yet there was an inexplicable sense of incongruity.
Shen Qingyao saw her take a sip of tea, her brows furrowing as if she didn’t like it, but when she put the cup down, she wore a gentle and graceful smile.
“…Could she be so greatly shocked that she developed a split personality?” Shen Qingyao suddenly felt a bit scared.
“Yaoyao! You’re up so early?” Shen Yushu was the first to notice his younger sister had arrived, immediately setting aside what he was doing to greet her and pull her inside. He teased, completely forgetting there was a third person in the room.
Shen Qingyao rolled her eyes at hearing this. She thought to herself, “You’re only noticing now that it’s early!”
She walked in with a smile and quietly complained, “It’s all because of Eldest Brother. He came so early! How could I sleep peacefully?”
As she spoke, her eyes coincidentally met Princess Yonghe’s gaze.
Suppressing her smile, Shen Qingyao put on a composed expression and walked over, bowing lightly. “Princess, good morning.”
Princess Yonghe nodded. Unexpectedly, she didn’t make any sarcastic remarks or cause any trouble. Instead, she spoke gently, “Madam Lu, I am very sorry for visiting so abruptly and disturbing your rest.”
Shen Qingyao was momentarily stunned, but quickly waved her hands and said, “Not at all.”
Her eyes unconsciously glanced at Shen Yushu, as if asking, “What is she up to?”
But Shen Yushu didn’t catch this signal; he was engrossed in an ancient painting hanging on the wall.
“…”
Princess Yonghe remained silent. Shen Qingyao didn’t know what else to say. The only one who could handle conversation was now immersed in observing a painting, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Shen Qingyao tapped her foot nervously, feeling like she needed to be rescued. Social anxiety really made her fear such situations!
She discreetly approached Shen Yushu and tugged on his sleeve where Princess Yonghe couldn’t see, giving him a look that said, “Eldest Brother, help!”
Shen Yushu was slightly surprised by the tug. Understanding his sister’s plea in her eyes, he smiled gently, contemplating between the two girls. He recalled the rumors that Princess Yonghe seemed interested in Lu Zhao. Ah, they must have something to discuss!
He got it. So Shen Yushu confidently nodded at Shen Qingyao, then took a step forward towards Princess Yonghe, bowing slightly and softly saying, “Princess, please excuse me. I’ll go out for a walk.”
“Hmm?” Shen Qingyao furrowed her brows.
Then he turned back, casually tousling Shen Qingyao’s hair in a very suave manner, thinking, Take your time with the conversation. Eldest Brother has set the stage for you!
He even considerately winked at her and said softly, “I see your courtyard is well arranged. I’ll go out for a stroll. Take your time.”
“…Huh?” What did he say?
Shen Qingyao’s mind went blank for a moment. She looked at Shen Yushu in confusion as he briskly walked away, then turned back to face Princess Yonghe.
The so-called top scholar with high intelligence? Is this his level of understanding? Shen Qingyao couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. This straight man Eldest Brother, it’s no wonder he’s single!
She sighed and was about to awkwardly say a few meaningless words to lighten the mood when Princess Yonghe suddenly chuckled.
“Madam Lu, has it always been like this?” She paused strangely. “So… considerate?”
Shen Qingyao looked back quietly. Despite the rigid and tense atmosphere between them, Princess Yonghe’s gentle laughter dissipated some of it.
“Madam Lu, please sit.” Princess Yonghe gestured for Shen Qingyao to sit down. “I will soon be going through with the marriage, and I won’t do anything to you. There’s no need for you to be so nervous.”
“I’m not… not nervous.” She wasn’t actually nervous, just awkward. Shen Qingyao fiddled with her nails and sat down opposite her.
“I just didn’t expect… the princess to marry would be you.” Shen Qingyao lowered her head, surprised that Xiao Jing would manipulate someone to this extent. “And you… you’re different from before.”
“Heh.” Princess Yonghe chuckled again, setting down her cup with a few gentle movements that dispelled the familiarity and arrogance Shen Qingyao was familiar with. She lazily said, “How am I different? Do you think I don’t want to be myself?”
Shen Qingyao was about to speak, but Princess Yonghe didn’t give her the chance. She continued, “It’s just better to stop being myself.”
“Why?” Shen Qingyao couldn’t understand.
“The King of Nanzhao doesn’t love me. He loves this face that is seven-tenths similar to my cousin’s, and the blood in me that is similar to hers. Since I’m a substitute, why bother with myself?”
Her tone was calm, but it was more unsettling than if she had been full of resentment.
In an instant, Shen Qingyao understood. Shen Qingyao was shocked—Princess Yonghe knew! She knew she was a substitute for the former King of Nanzhao.
She knew, why would she still be willing to come?
Shen Qingyao stared at Princess Yonghe’s beautiful face, feeling stunned.
Princess Yonghe’s arrival for the marriage alliance must be to help Xiao Jing with something important in the court of Nanzhao. This might even be crucial for his future ascension to the throne.
But even if there was love in her heart, would it really drive her to this extent? A dignified princess willingly turning herself into a pawn, even losing her sense of self…
The pain in Shen Qingyao’s heart surged again. She couldn’t understand her own feelings right now. Knowing she’s a substitute, why would she still go through with it?
But at the same time, another voice inside her asked, Yes, knowing you might just be a substitute, why would you still go through with it?
“My Cousin is gentle, so I’ll imitate her and become gentle.” Princess Yonghe looked over again with a smile in her voice, as if asking if the dessert was delicious. She softly asked, “Madam Lu, do you think I’ve learned well?”
Shen Qingyao’s face turned pale in an instant…
Thanks for the chapter!!!!