Chapter 37: You’ve Been Transmigrated!
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
In front of Mingde Yard, Madam Xu collapsed to the ground, her face etched with panic and confusion as she watched the massive inferno. The fire crackled, its flames leaping high, consuming everything in their path. Struggling to her feet, she saw a figure charging into the blaze with astounding speed.
“Crown Prince!!” the guards shouted in terror, their faces drained of color, as a beam came crashing down, sealing the entrance and trapping those inside.
Inside, the scorching heat attacked Crown Prince Xie Cheng Xi’s skin, causing discomfort but not deterring his resolve. With a slight frown, he urgently surveyed his surroundings. “Lu Chao Chao?!” he called out, his voice echoing through the fiery havoc.
The sight of the crown prince risking his life sent waves of panic through the guards. They scrambled from every direction, trying to douse the fire. Guided by faint, intermittent whispers of vengeance and death, Xie Cheng Xi, unsure of the direction to the bedroom, felt compelled to follow them through the inferno. His body felt as if it were being consumed by the fire, yet he persevered, pushing open the bedroom door to a scene blurred by intense heat and light. Through his blurred vision, he spotted Lu Yan Shu, the disabled member of the Lu family, with Chao Chao beside him.
For a moment, it appeared as though Lu Yan Shu was enveloped in a faint, protective glow, shielding them from the flames. Xie Cheng Xi questioned his sanity, wondering if the desperation was causing him to see things that weren’t there.
Despite his precarious state, Lu Yan Shu fiercely protected Chao Chao. When Xie Cheng Xi’s gaze met the little girl’s, he was taken aback. Known for her gentle demeanor, her eyes now burned with an intensity that was almost intimidating.
“Chao Chao, don’t be afraid, I’m here!” he declared, his voice filled with determination as he navigated through the flames to support Lu Yan Shu, guiding him and Chao Chao to what he hoped would be a safer corner. He noticed Lu Yan Shu’s condition, his face ghostly pale and covered in cold sweat.
Without hesitation, he turned to Chao Chao, comforting her with a firm voice, “Don’t be scared, Chao Chao, Brother Cheng Xi is here.” As he gently stroked her hair, trying to soothe her fears, he couldn’t help but feel the unbearable heat diminish in her presence, replaced by a surprising coolness. Together, they took refuge in the furthest corner of the bedroom, facing the relentless onslaught of the fire.
Boom!!!
An explosion reverberated through the air, followed by a sudden and intense rumble that shook the skies. A storm emerged from nowhere, the horizon alive with the roar of thunder. In an instant, a deluge of rain poured down, the heavy drops quickly subduing the raging fire below.
People scrambled to return to the safety of their homes, their voices filled with confusion and disbelief. “Strange, the Royal Observatory said it wouldn’t rain for half a month,” they exclaimed, puzzled by the sudden change in weather.
As the rain worked its magic, extinguishing the flames, Lu Yan Shu’s tense body finally relaxed, and he collapsed, overwhelmed by exhaustion.
Madam Xu, her heart heavy with worry, made her way through the doorway, her eyes widening in despair at the sight. The remnants of the fierce blaze lay before her, and amidst the ruins, she found the children. “Yan Shu! Chao Chao!” she cried out, her voice breaking as she rushed forward to embrace them.
“Your Highness, thank you, thank you so much…” she sobbed, her gratitude pouring out uncontrollably towards the crown prince for his bravery.
The royal physician, summoned to the scene, hurried to attend to the crown prince’s request. “Check on the Lu family’s eldest son first,” the prince instructed, concern evident in his voice.
The physician knelt beside Lu Yan Shu, a look of confusion crossing his face. “Strange, the Lu family’s eldest son was previously crippled, his blood vessels dried up. Now?” His thoughts were interrupted by Madam Xu’s anxious inquiry, “How is Yan Shu?”
Withdrawing his hand, the physician offered a reassuring response, “Madam, your eldest son is fine. He just inhaled some smoke and was overly tense, which caused him to faint. A good rest should see him recover.”
Before he could elaborate, the crown prince directed his attention to the little girl. Lu Chao Chao lay in Xie Cheng Xi’s arms, her once fair face now marred by black soot.
“The child is unharmed, merely frightened, it seems… emotionally agitated and upset,” the physician observed, noting the little girl’s evident distress.
Upon hearing that the children were safe, Madam Xu felt her strength leave her, and she collapsed, relieved yet exhausted.
“Where’s the Marquis?” The crown prince’s frown deepened, realizing the head of the household was missing.
“The Marquis has not returned,” Head Maid Deng Zhi answered through her tears, quickly arranging for the family to be moved to the next courtyard for safety.
Xie Cheng Xi then took it upon himself to carry Lu Chao Chao out, comforting her with gentle assurances. “Don’t be afraid, we’re safe now.”
As he did so, he couldn’t shake off the memory of the little girl’s eyes — the sheer intensity within them, a mix of fear and something far more profound, almost as if she understood things beyond her years.
[This little male lead, he’s actually a good guy…] Lu Chao Chao sighed softly in his arms, her voice barely a whisper.
[Such a good person, why did he get taken over by a transmigrated soul and become the heroine’s underling…]
[So tragic, the little prince is so diligent, yet a counterfeit takes his body, offering his kingdom up for love and causing disaster to North Zhao…]
Xie Cheng Xi paused, his mind racing. Transmigrated? What transmigration?
The revelation that someone might take over his body and masquerade as him, using the fate of North Zhao as a pawn in a game of love, sent shivers down Xie Cheng Xi’s spine. The idea of an imposter, an entity taking over his very identity, left him breathless with shock. He was keen to uncover more about this alarming situation, but just then, the little girl in his arms, overcome by exhaustion, yawned deeply and succumbed to sleep.
By the time Lu Yuan Ze made his way back, Mingde Yard was nothing but ashes and remnants.
“Marquis, Marquis…” The sight that greeted him was his servants, faces etched with sorrow, kneeling amidst the devastation.
“Yan Shu! Chao Chao, my Chao Chao…” His voice trembled falsely as he stood amidst the wreckage of what was once Mingde Yard, his figure seeming to age instantly with the weight of his despair.
A servant, trying to offer some solace, informed him, “Marquis, the little miss and your eldest son were rescued by His Highness the Crown Prince. Only Mingde Yard has been lost to the flames.”
Acting like he was struck by the news, Lu Yuan Ze appeared relieved yet disbelieving as he kneeled. “Truly, this is the grace of the gods. I am eternally grateful to His Highness for saving Yan Shu and Chao Chao…” His bow was deep, filled with supposed heartfelt thanks directed at Crown Prince Cheng Xi.
With Chao Chao still in his arms, Xie Cheng Xi reassured him, “Your eldest son and Chao Chao are safe and sound, so rise.” He then remarked with a note of reprimand, “Taking a three-day break for Mid-Autumn, Marquis must be so preoccupied with your duties that you neglect to return home. Had I been even a moment later, your daughter and son might not have survived the fire!”
Visibly shuddering as if remorseful, Lu Yuan Ze could only sigh in response. “I am deeply indebted to Your Highness for their lives.” His expression was one of someone who had no words to explain his absence after spending the Mid-Autumn festival meal away from his family.
“Marquis, please reflect on this.” Although only eight years old, Xie Cheng Xi had the insight and demeanor that belied his age, easily seeing through Lu Yuan Ze’s facade.
Afterward, the crown prince handed Chao Chao over to Head Maid Deng Zhi. With tears streaming down her face, the loyal maid managed to say, “When Madam regains consciousness, she will no doubt wish to express her gratitude personally.”
With a dismissive gesture, the crown prince reflected on his initial reason for visiting — curiosity about a prayer lantern that had led the entire city to pay homage. Little did he anticipate stumbling upon the Lu family’s catastrophe, nor did he expect to uncover the turmoil within Chao Chao’s heart. This visit had indeed been revealing.
When Madam Xu finally awoke, she was greeted by Chao Chao’s mumblings, revealing a plot to eliminate her and secure her place under the guise of protection.
[Intending to end my life just to ensure the little heroine remains under my mother’s wing, what vile intentions! To think of replacing me, they can only dream!]
Tears welled up in Madam Xu’s eyes as she rose to her feet, her movements fueled by a surge of maternal instinct. With an overwhelming sense of relief mixed with residual fear, she enveloped Chao Chao in a tight embrace, her body shaking with sobs. “Mama nearly lost you,” she cried
, her voice thick with emotion, “I nearly lost my precious Chao Chao.” The depth of her love and the fear of what could have been lost were palpable in her words, each syllable heavy with the weight of her nearly realized nightmare.