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

Back at the Zheng residence, Bai Jie's emotions remained unsettled for a long time. Lin Xiaoyan's entrustment weighed heavily on her shoulders. Her residence, "Tingxuexuan," was located in a secluded corner of the Zheng residence, usually very quiet, which provided her with a convenient cover.

Sitting before her dressing table, gazing at her beautiful yet slightly aloof face reflected in the bronze mirror, Bai Jie gently stroked her temples. For years, she had carefully played the role of a docile, capable, and loyal stewardess to the Zheng family, earning Zheng Hongyuan's deep trust. Zheng Hongyuan even entrusted her with handling some of the household's more confidential accounts, a great favor and sign of trust in the strictly hierarchical Zheng household. It was precisely because of this that she had access to core information.

“Black Wind Pass…” Bai Jie murmured the name of the place to herself. She had heard the elders in the manor say that it was a treacherous mountain pass in the harsh border region, where sandstorms raged year-round and it was rarely visited by people. It was a secret passage frequently used by smugglers. Zheng’s choice to trade with the Northern Di there was indeed a deliberate scheme, as she wanted to take advantage of its remoteness and seclusion.

In the following days, Bai Jie appeared outwardly normal, handling household affairs and treating Zheng Hongyuan with utmost respect. But inwardly, she was on edge. She carefully observed Zheng Hongyuan's every move, paying attention to everyone he interacted with, even memorizing when the light in his study was turned off.

Zheng Hongyuan seemed to have sensed something, or rather, his deal with the Northern Barbarians had entered a crucial stage. He became more cautious, and his words and actions carried a subtle anxiety and vigilance. He often stayed alone in his study and instructed his servants that no one was to approach him without his summons.

This brought Bai Jie's investigation to a standstill. She couldn't enter the study, nor could she find out what Zheng Hongyuan was doing inside, let alone find evidence of the transaction.

"I can't just wait passively like this anymore," Bai Jie thought to herself. She knew time was of the essence, and Lin Xiaoyan was still waiting for her news. She had to take the initiative and create an opportunity.

The opportunity soon arrived. That day, Zheng Hongyuan got into an argument with the accountant over a tea deal from the south, and was quite displeased. The accountant, reprimanded by Zheng Hongyuan, was sweating profusely and at a loss for what to do.

Bai Jie entered at the opportune moment, carrying a bowl of chilled plum juice. She said softly, "Master, calm down. It's hot; have some plum juice to cool off. The accountant's getting senile; he just didn't quite grasp the situation." As she spoke, she placed the plum juice beside Zheng Hongyuan, subtly helping the accountant out of the predicament, "Accountant Wang, hurry up and double-check the accounts. See if there's any mistake. The Master is busy with countless affairs; he doesn't have time to worry about such trivial matters."

Accountant Wang felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly agreed and withdrew.

Zheng Hongyuan took a sip of plum juice, feeling his agitated mood calm down a bit. He looked at Bai Jie; this woman was not only beautiful, but more importantly, she was meticulous and efficient, always able to share his burdens at crucial moments. "You're so sensible," he sighed, his tone much gentler.

"It is Bai Jie's duty to share the burdens of the family head." Bai Jie lowered her head slightly, her posture respectful.

Zheng Hongyuan remained silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. Only the chirping of cicadas outside the window and the light tapping of his fingertips on the table filled the study. Bai Jie's heart leaped into her throat; she knew this might be a breakthrough.

Sure enough, Zheng Hongyuan seemed to have made up his mind and looked up at Bai Jie: "Bai Jie, how many years have you been by my side?"

Bai Jie's heart stirred, but her face remained calm and composed: "Reporting to the patriarch, Bai Jie entered the manor at the age of thirteen, and this is now her tenth year."

"Ten years have passed..." Zheng Hongyuan said with emotion. "Time flies. You've worked hard all these years."

"It's no trouble at all. The patriarch has shown Bai Jie immense kindness, which Bai Jie has no way to repay."

Zheng Hongyuan looked at her, his eyes filled with complex emotions—a mixture of scrutiny, trust, and a barely perceptible hesitation. “Of all the people in the manor, you’re the one I trust most. There are some things that shouldn’t involve a woman like you, but now…” He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, “I need someone absolutely reliable to help me handle some… matters outside.”

Bai Jie's heart skipped a beat! It's here! She suppressed her excitement and showed just the right amount of surprise and a hint of fear on her face: "Master... what important matter is it? Bai Jie... Bai Jie is afraid she is not up to the task." She deliberately showed some timidity to fit the image of a sheltered young lady.

Zheng Hongyuan waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "Although this matter is somewhat risky, you will certainly reap the rewards after it's done. I know you are reliable and discreet. I trust you with this matter." He seemed to have no more hesitation, took out a palm-sized black oilcloth package from the drawer, and handed it to Bai Jie. "Keep this safe. At midnight three days from now, take this to the 'Welcoming Guests' Inn in the south of the city and find a man in black with a scar on his left eye. You only need to give this to him and then bring back a message: 'The goods are ready, just waiting for the right opportunity.' Remember, this matter must not be known to a third party, including anyone in the manor! If anything goes wrong, both of our lives will be in danger!"

Bai Jie accepted the heavy package with both hands. It was cold and hard to the touch, seemingly made of some kind of metal. Her fingertips trembled slightly, but she tried her best to remain calm: "Don't worry, Master, Bai Jie understands the implications and will do her utmost to fulfill my mission!"

"Good!" Zheng Hongyuan nodded in satisfaction. "You should stay in your room for the next few days and not move around unnecessarily to avoid any trouble. I will send my trusted confidant, Lao Liu, to take you there when the time comes."

"Yes, Bai Jie obeys." Bai Jie carefully hid the package close to her body, then bowed and withdrew.

Stepping out of the study, she realized her back was soaked with cold sweat. But her heart was filled with ecstatic joy! She knew that what she had obtained was very likely the key token or proof of the transaction between the Zheng family and the Northern Di!