Chapter 421

Volume 1_Chapter 421   Hostage vs. Arrogant Princess (1)

"Have you heard? The mute hostage angered the Crown Prince yesterday, was thrown into the Cold Pool, running a high fever that won't subside; he's likely on his last breath."

"Everyone knows the Crown Prince is the most beloved imperial prince in the palace aside from the Sixteenth Princess; no one dares to meddle in this."

Facing Wind Academy.

Jiang Zhi, upon waking, heard voices coming from behind her.

She struggled to ease the discomfort brought from the previous world, and her pale complexion slightly returned to normal.

"Brother Seven, is this ancient times?"

The furnishings before her were antiquated, a faint sandalwood scent permeated the air, she wore a soft green garment, her fingers rested on a dark wooden table with clear grain, an expensive pearwood incense table.

777 replied: "Yes, Host."

Before Jiang Zhi could receive the memories, a pretty-faced woman approached her, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, the polo match is about to start."

Jiang Zhi feigned discomfort, saying, "I'm feeling unwell; you go first."

The woman, seeing this, grew worried: "Your Highness, what's wrong? I'll fetch the Imperial Physician."

Jiang Zhi quickly stopped her: "It's fine, just fatigue."

The woman breathed a sigh of relief, took her leave, and departed.

Jiang Zhi closed her eyes to receive the original host's memories.

The original host was named Jiang Zhi Zhi, the Emperor of Ginger State's most beloved youngest daughter; the imperial harem housed many consorts but few offspring, the original host was the youngest and only daughter, ranked sixteenth, with fifteen imperial brothers above her.

The original host's mother was the Empress; from birth she enjoyed endless favor, entering the academy at age nine by special exception, her nature naturally became arrogant and domineering, willful and reckless; though only nine years old, no matter how much mischief she caused, her father and mother would indulge her.

Those nine years of childhood passed in extreme comfort.

In the storyline, however, the ending was especially grim.

The antagonist is a prince of Esteemedfar State; his mother was of low status and not favored, originally a gift from a neighboring state to the Esteemedfar Emperor, forgotten in the deep palace after a night of spring, and she died shortly after giving birth to him. The antagonist endured endless abuse and torment in the imperial harem, and was soon sent by the Emperor to Ginger State as a hostage— the very word 'hostage' meaning a short life.

Upon arriving in Ginger State, the antagonist's striking looks aroused jealousy among many imperial princes; Jiang Chu, the one honored as Crown Prince, took a dislike to him and often sought trouble for him, while other princes, eager to curry favor with him, devised every means to humiliate the antagonist.

The antagonist escaped one sea of suffering only to fall into another, deeper sea of suffering.

This also caused the plot to develop in a twisted direction thereafter.

The antagonist lay low, biding his time for years, continually building his power abroad; after eight years, upon returning to Esteemedfar State he swiftly ascended the throne, staining the court with blood and ruthlessly eliminating anyone who stood in his way.

As for Ginger State, it was the very nation the antagonist personally led troops to destroy; the original host was beheaded by him in a single stroke, dying with eyes unclosed.

Jiang Zhi couldn't help but shiver; thinking of her future fate, her spirits plummeted to the depths.

This world has two tasks: one is to maintain the original host's settings and follow her storyline; the other is to save the antagonist.

The original host was the most cruel person in this palace toward the antagonist.

If she follows the original host's storyline, she will likely never be able to complete the second task.

"Is this not demanding my life?"

777 dared not speak; upon seeing these two tasks, he felt the same—there was simply no way to leave the Host any room to survive.

【Upon plot activation: harshly mock the antagonist in one sentence.】

Jiang Zhi: ………

Having just received the plot, the plot task activated.

"Your Highness~ Your Highness~" several palace maids entered, their faces full of worry, obviously having waited outside for a long time, thinking something had happened to her inside.

Jiang Zhi rose, still unaccustomed to this nine‑year‑old body—short and petite, her cheeks still bearing baby fat, her black hair tied up into a cute little bun, lips red, teeth white, eyebrows and eyes delicate, she looked utterly endearing.

"This Highness is here."

The palace maid leading the way, Xiao Lian, was a trusted aide of the Empress, highly skilled in martial arts, specially assigned to protect and attend to her.

"Your Highness, aren't you going to watch the polo match?"

The original host secretly admired the legitimate son of the Second‑Rank High Official, Cui Wenluo— not only exceptionally talented, his looks were top‑notch, gentle and refined; he had once saved the original host, which led her to greatly admire him.

Today the martial field hosted a polo match; Cui Wenluo attended every time he played, and the original host had, early this morning, instructed servants to prepare snacks and send them to him.

Jiang Zhi's mind was now filled with the task.

This plot task is time‑limited; it must be completed today, or else she will suffer punishment if the deadline passes.

"What's there to watch in polo? I'm heading to the Cold Moon Palace."

The Cold Moon Palace is as desolate and chilly as its name suggests, much like a cold palace, but it is the residence where the antagonist hostage lives.

The antagonist has been in Ginger State for two years; though eligible to attend the academy, he is often bullied, frail and prone to illness, frequently bedridden and taking sick leave.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lian hurried to dissuade her: "Your Highness, the Cold Moon Palace is yin‑cold and damp; it will harm your health."

Jiang Zhi planted her hands on her hips, fuming: "No way!! I heard that mute fellow spoke ill of my Brother Cui; I will certainly teach him a lesson!"

Xiao Lian silently cursed the gossips, knowing she couldn't persuade Your Highness, so she gave a glance to the palace attendant behind her and then followed behind Your Highness.

With her short little legs, she walked for a long time before reaching the side hall.

Weeds grew wildly chaotic, making even the pebble-strewn path indistinct, full of pits and holes; several times she almost fell.

"What kind of godforsaken place is this?"

The palace attendant leading the way bowed and whispered, "Your Highness, this is the road to the Cold Moon Palace."

Jiang Zhi pinched her nose and said irritably, "Even the place where Wangcai lives is better than this."

Wangcai is a dog she raised.

The palace attendant dared not speak more, leading the way earnestly.

They stopped before a palace.

Jiang Zhi tilted her head up and strained to read the characters on the plaque.

"Is this the place?"

The palace attendant nodded, "Your Highness, this is the hostage's residence."

Jiang Zhi took out a handkerchief to cover her mouth and nose, her face full of disgust.

Except for Xiao Lian, she had all the other palace servants wait outside.

Crossing the threshold, Jiang Zhi walked step by step to the door, ordering Xiao Lian to push it open.

Xiao Lian pushed but it wouldn't budge; the door was bolted from inside. She increased her force, gave a hard shove, and the precarious door crashed to the ground with a clang, kicking up clouds of dust.

Jiang Zhi startled at the sight, hiding behind Xiao Lian.

Xiao Lian whispered reassuringly: "Your Highness, don't be afraid."

Jiang Zhi snorted: "I'm not afraid at all."

Having said that, she clenched her small fists and strode into the room.

"Cough cough cough..."

Intermittent coughing came from the inner room.

As soon as Jiang Zhi entered, she saw a boy curled up on the bed, his breath faint.

The boy's black hair, like weeds, had lost its luster; his complexion was pallid and colorless, his frail body on the bed resembled a stranded fish, giving the impression he wouldn't live much longer.