The Bad Girl's Quick Transmigration System: Traveling Back and Forth

The night was as dark as ink, spilled across the Bian River outside Xingyang City. The shimmering light, broken by the moonlight, transformed into countless dancing silver scales. Sparse lights lined the banks, and the occasional bark of a dog pierced the silence, further emphasizing the waters' depth and mystery. On this seemingly tranquil surface, several lavishly decorated, brightly lit, enormous pleasure boats swayed gently with the current, like colossal beasts lurking in the darkness, exhaling dazzling light and shadow.

This place is the "money pit" of the Zheng family of Xingyang, and also one of the important venues for their core power circle to hold private gatherings and discuss important matters. The Zheng family, a powerful clan with hundreds of years of history, has a deep-rooted and powerful lineage. Although it has suffered a hidden loss and was severely weakened in its dealings with Lin Ping's modern armed forces, its stronghold remains as solid as a rock, and its internal operations are still in good order, exuding the confidence of a centipede that does not fall dead.

Lin Ping was engaged in fierce fighting with Zheng's main force at the front lines. Every day that was delayed allowed Luoyang to better prepare for defense and counterattack. She knew that Zheng's forces were powerful and that a direct confrontation would be too costly, so intelligence became the key to victory. Therefore, after winning several ambushes and temporarily slowing Zheng's northward advance, she decisively dispatched her three most trusted and capable women—Lin Xiaoyan, Lin Xue, and Bai Jie—to infiltrate Xingyang, targeting the pleasure boats frequented by Zheng's key figures.

At this moment, on the third deck of the largest and most magnificent pleasure boat, named "Inviting the Moon," in a spacious and luxurious hall, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air. A faint scent of incense and wine permeated the atmosphere. Elegantly dressed members of the Zheng family, their retainers, and even several powerful elders sat or stood, chatting and laughing. Their conversation ranged from romantic tales to subtle references to the war outside the city. While their brows betrayed some worry, they also displayed the arrogance characteristic of scions of aristocratic families and a blind confidence in their own power.

"Have you heard? Those bandits outside the city, relying on some novel firearms, have been running rampant for a few days. However, the men of the Zheng family are not to be trifled with. We lost some men, but we also taught them a lesson." A middle-aged man with a mustache and a ruddy complexion said loudly, holding a wine cup, his tone deliberately relaxed.

Beside him, an old man in a brocade robe with a sinister face stroked his beard and sneered, "Hmph, a bunch of clowns. If they hadn't been so secretive and dared not confront my army head-on, they would have been wiped out long ago. However... the power of those firearms is indeed a bit strange. We need to find out their source and principle as soon as possible, otherwise they will eventually become a disaster."

“Seventh Uncle is right,” the middle-aged man quickly agreed. “However, let’s not talk about these troublesome matters tonight. I heard that the manager has found several stunningly beautiful singers and dancers with extraordinary skills, which will be perfect for entertaining you gentlemen.”

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze to the open space in the center of the hall, which was covered with an exquisite carpet, and their faces showed anticipation.

Just then, a man who looked like a steward strode in and bowed to an elderly man with a dignified demeanor and deep eyes sitting in the main seat, saying, "Reporting to the master, the three newly arrived young ladies are waiting outside."

The elderly man, addressed as "Master," was none other than Zheng Hongye, the current head of the Zheng family. He nodded slightly, his voice deep and authoritative: "Let them in."

"Yes."

The steward withdrew, and a moment later, a soft tinkling sound of jade pendants rang out, and three figures, like fairies on water, slowly entered the hall.

Leading the way was Lin Xiaoyan. Today, she was completely different from her usual self; her usual decisive and efficient style was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a unique and captivating charm. She wore a vibrant emerald green bodice, paired with delicate, narrow thong underwear, her slender waist and long, beautiful legs subtly revealed. Every step she took was so light and graceful, like a fairy dancing in the air. Her face was even more stunning: rosy cheeks, delicately arched eyebrows; her large, watery eyes, like deep lakes, held a hint of shyness, like an elf just entering the world, innocent and enchanting; the slight upturn of her lips revealed a subtle, alluring charm, making her appear both pure and lovely, utterly captivating.

Following closely behind was Lin Xue. She had chosen a fiery red dance dress, like a flame burning in the dark night, instantly drawing everyone's attention. The skirt was layered, embroidered with intricate phoenix patterns, shimmering with light as she moved. Her makeup was also relatively bright, her eyes sparkling and radiant, carrying an innate pride and liveliness. Her beauty was passionate and flamboyant, like a red rose in full bloom, full of allure and vitality.

Last to enter was Bai Jie. She wore a moon-white, light gauze dance dress, the fabric so thin that one could almost see the skin beneath, creating a hazy, ethereal beauty. Her hair was simply tied up, adorned only with a jade hairpin. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, her demeanor aloof and detached, like a celestial being untouched by worldly concerns. Her eyes were indifferent, seemingly unconcerned with everything around her, yet somehow they aroused a desire to explore.

The three women—one quiet, one warm, and one cold—each possessed a distinctly different aura, yet all were equally stunningly beautiful. Their appearance instantly silenced the noisy hall. Many people stared, their hands holding wine glasses frozen in mid-air.

A fleeting hint of amazement flashed in Zheng Hongye's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and simply asked, "Where are you from? What skills do you possess?"

Lin Xiaoyan stepped forward, curtsied, and spoke in a soft, melodious voice with a slight Jiangnan accent: "This humble servant is Xiaoyan. These two are my sisters, Lin Xue and Bai Jie. We are orphans from Jiangnan. Our hometown suffered from war, and we wandered here. We know a little about singing and dancing, and we hope that you, sir, will not despise us and will give us a meal." She spoke with sincerity, and her eyes revealed a hint of fear and expectation.

"Oh? From Jiangnan?" A young man next to Zheng Hongye's eyes lit up, and he licked his lips. "Jiangnan is known for its beautiful women, it's true. Let's hear you sing a song first."

Lin Xiaoyan responded with a "Yes," then gestured to Lin Xue and Bai Jie. The three exchanged a subtle glance, a signal they had agreed upon before setting off.

Soon, the accompanying musicians adjusted the strings. Lin Xiaoyan walked to the guqin that had been prepared and sat down. With a light flick of her jade-like fingers, a series of clear and melodious notes, like jade beads falling onto a plate, flowed out. The music was melodious and gentle, carrying the unique tenderness and lingering charm of the Jiangnan water towns, as if it could transport people to that misty, rainy Jiangnan town.

Immediately following, Lin Xue began to dance gracefully to the music. Her movements were passionate and unrestrained, full of power and beauty. Her red dress bloomed like a flower as she twirled and leaped, each movement precise and full of tension. At times, it was like a raging fire, powerful and majestic; at other times, it was like a willow swaying in the breeze, delicate and charming. Her eyes boldly interacted with those around her, drawing cheers from the audience.

Bai Jie, holding a long flute, stood to the side, waiting for the zither music to subside before beginning to play. The flute's sound was clear, cold, and high-pitched, like a secluded orchid in a valley, carrying a hint of melancholy. Her playing technique was superb, her tone pure, blending perfectly with Lin Xiaoyan's zither music and Lin Xue's dance, creating a breathtaking audio-visual feast.

As Lin Xiaoyan played the zither, she quickly scanned everyone present with the corner of her eye. Her gaze was like a highly precise scanner, recording everyone's appearance, clothing, expression, and interactions. Zheng Hongye, sitting at the head of the table, appeared calm, but his fingers were lightly tapping the table, as if he were deep in thought; the old man known as "Seventh Uncle" had a sinister look in his eyes, glancing at them from time to time with a scrutinizing air; and the middle-aged man who spoke first had his eyes almost glued to Lin Xue, making no attempt to hide his desire; the other young men were mostly attracted by the three women's beauty and talent, their expressions varying.

As Lin Xue danced, she also kept observing. Her large movements allowed her to see more clearly the situation in every corner of the hall. She noticed several guards with wary eyes and bulging temples standing in one corner, their hands always on the hilts of their swords. She also saw that the screen behind Zheng Hongye seemed to be swaying slightly, indicating that someone was behind it.

Bai Jie's flute playing was clear and cold. She lowered her eyes, seemingly immersed in the music, but in reality, her ears were capturing every sound around her. She could tell who was breathing rapidly, whose heart was beating fast, and who was talking in hushed tones. Although the content of their conversations was vague, she keenly picked up on keywords such as "supplies," "reinforcements," "firearms," ​​and "Luoyang," and memorized them.

As the music ended, its lingering melody resonated in the air. A brief silence fell over the hall, followed by thunderous applause and cheers.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" The middle-aged man slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "I never imagined that Xingyang would have such beautiful women with such skills! Xiaoyan's zither playing, Linxue's dancing, and Baijie's flute playing are all top-notch!"

The young man shouted impatiently, "One more! One more! Especially Miss Lin Xue, she danced so well!"

Zheng Hongye nodded slightly, a satisfied look on his face: "Hmm, you do have some skill. From today onwards, you will stay at the Invitation Moon Pavilion. Serve well, and you will be rewarded accordingly."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency!" Lin Xiaoyan, along with Lin Xue and Bai Jie, bowed again, secretly relieved. The first step had been successfully taken, infiltrating the inner circle.

In the days that followed, Lin Xiaoyan and her two companions stayed at the Yaoyue Pavilion as kabuki performers. With their outstanding looks and superb skills, they quickly became popular figures on the pavilion and were deeply loved by the core circle of the Zheng family.

Lin Xiaoyan was gentle and meticulous, not only a skilled zither player but also an expert tea connoisseur. She was often invited to serve tea to elders like Zheng Hongye and chat with them. She never actively sought information, but subtly guided the conversation, gleaning useful details from their casual remarks. She learned about Zheng Hongye's most trusted sons, and that the Zheng family was not a monolithic entity, but rather involved in power struggles and conflicts of interest. She also discovered that the Zheng family was secretly contacting other prominent families who shared dissatisfaction with Lin Ping's new policies, attempting to form an alliance to oppose Lin Ping.

Lin Xue fully utilized her outgoing and enthusiastic nature, quickly becoming friends with the young members of the Zheng family. Her exceptional dancing skills and cheerful personality soon made her the object of many men's affections. She exploited their vanity and infatuation to subtly gather intelligence on the military. From their boasts and complaints, she learned about the organization and deployment of the Zheng army, as well as the personalities and preferences of some high-ranking officers. She even managed to extract the location of the Zheng family's secret stockpiles of grain and weapons from a drunken young man. Of course, all of this was done with utmost secrecy; she always gathered information through flirtatious banter and playful banter, never arousing any suspicion.

Bai Jie maintained her aloof demeanor. She spoke little, but her flute playing became increasingly ethereal and captivating, attracting the attention of some introverted, quiet-loving high-ranking members of the Zheng family. She was frequently invited to smaller, more private gatherings. At these gatherings, the discussions tended to be more in-depth and focused. She played silently, taking in every word she heard. She heard their fear and apprehension about Lin Ping's modern weaponry, their debates about how to counter and counter it, and even their plan to infiltrate Luoyang and assassinate Lin Ping.

The three women each had their own roles, yet they worked closely together. Every night, as the noise on the pleasure boat gradually subsided, they would secretly meet in Lin Xiaoyan's room to summarize, analyze, and organize the intelligence they had gathered. They used a special potion to write key information on extremely thin silk, which they then sewed into the lining of their clothing. Every few days, a seemingly ordinary peddler would arrive near the pleasure boat in a small boat to deliver goods; he was their contact person with the outside world.