Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 119

Qing Chenning, upon hearing that Wen Zhuojin had silver, looked at her with astonishment, wondering how much silver Wen Zhuojin had to dare claim she could compete for the position of Empress with it.

“Sister, when Xuan Zhen escaped last time, I saved her, and she told me about a place where gold is hidden, at…” After the room was cleared, Wen Zhuojin whispered into Yan Qinglan’s ear.

Yan Qinglan turned her face to look at Wen Zhuojin, only to see her bright black eyes, lively and full of vitality, returning to her familiar demeanor. A warm feeling surged in her heart, and she cupped Wen Zhuojin’s face with her hands.

“Ah Zhuo, do you know how much that is? You can keep it for yourself. I just need to know it hasn’t fallen into the hands of the Southern Chu. Whether you have silver or not, you are my Empress.” Yan Qinglan interrupted Wen Zhuojin before she could reveal the location, speaking softly.

The hidden silver that Jiangxiao had stashed away was indeed urgently needed by Yan Qinglan, but now that it was in Wen Zhuojin’s hands, she didn’t want to demand that Wen Zhuojin hand it over selflessly.

Wen Zhuojin had already given her enough.

She had yet to reward Wen Zhuojin.

The amount of silver was enough to cause Northern Qiang and Southern Chu to continuously send people to harass and attempt to rescue Jiangxiao, and even the long-hidden spies had emerged, capable of sparking a war between the two countries.

This was Wen Zhuojin’s own opportunity.

“Sister, have you forgotten? I can still earn a lot of silver. That silver means nothing to me. It’s best used by you, sister. Don’t be polite, just consider it a gift from Jiangxiao to us.” Wen Zhuojin said.

“…” Yan Qinglan looked at Wen Zhuojin’s sincere expression, the vast amount of silver that everyone was fighting over seemed trivial in her words. She couldn’t help but reach out and hug Wen Zhuojin.

How could her Ah Zhuo be so good!

Always able to help her, intentionally or unintentionally.

Always sincere and unreserved.

She cherished her even more.

She wanted to keep her by her side forever.

Another thought arose in Yan Qinglan’s mind.

If others knew that such a wonderful Ah Zhuo also had so much silver, wouldn’t they go crazy trying to snatch her away?

She needed to accept this silver to make Wen Zhuojin the indisputable Empress.

“Alright. The sooner, the better. Jiangxiao said she still has a disciple who hasn’t been caught and knows the whereabouts of that silver. If it’s transferred, everything will be in vain.” Yan Qinglan said immediately after making up her mind.

“Sister, don’t worry. After I found out about that location, I moved the gold several nights in a row and emptied it all. You can send people to stake out the original location, and you might catch someone.” Wen Zhuojin said.

“Ah Zhuo, you’re truly brilliant!” Yan Qinglan didn’t know how to praise Wen Zhuojin anymore, only feeling that as long as Wen Zhuojin was by her side, darkness could be illuminated, and everything could turn into something good.

Seeing Yan Qinglan’s expression relax considerably, Wen Zhuojin also felt better, having already forgotten her planned escape route.

That silver was meant to save her life at the most critical moment, but she had just handed it over.

Knowing this news, Yan Qinglan arranged for several skilled Xiuyi envoys to ambush the courtyard where the gold was originally hidden, to see who would come to retrieve it.

As for Jiangxiao, Yan Qinglan didn’t say anything for the time being, only sent people to monitor her more closely.

Wen Zhuojin observed Yan Qinglan working up close. When giving orders to the Xiuyi envoys, her expression was very serious, exuding a natural authority, her demeanor completely different.

At this moment, she still felt a bit intimidated, but there was a new feeling, as if two different states were merging into one person.

The one before her was also her beautiful sister, the one who would be fierce in armor, the beautiful sister no one dared to bully.

After Yan Qinglan finished giving orders, the two left the prison, taking only two Xiuyi envoys, and went to the courtyard where Wen Zhuojin had bought to hide the gold.

Wen Zhuojin only took Yan Qinglan inside for a look.

Confirming that everything was still there.

Wen Zhuojin handed the items over to Yan Qinglan, who would then find trustworthy people to handle them.

“Sister, I want to go to the incense medicine shop again to see how things are there. I only gave you the incense formula before, but the specific degree of poisoning requires different formulas. I want to go and see if I can adjust them to help them recover sooner.” Wen Zhuojin said as they left.

Wen Zhuojin felt a greater responsibility towards those poisoned by the incense and wanted to cure them as soon as possible.

“No!” Upon hearing Wen Zhuojin’s words, Yan Qinglan blurted out.

“What’s wrong?” Wen Zhuojin felt that Yan Qinglan’s mood had suddenly changed and leaned in to ask.

“No, nothing. It’s late today, no need to go. You’ve been through so much already, you need to rest early.” Yan Qinglan paused, her expression softening.

Wen Zhuojin wanted to say something more, but Yan Qinglan had the carriage head straight back to the palace, leaving no room for refusal.

Very domineering.

Already knowing Yan Qinglan’s feelings, Wen Zhuojin felt quite good about this domineering attitude.

They had dinner together in the palace, then washed up.

Wen Zhuojin had injuries on her back, so Yan Qinglan helped her wash, not letting anyone else do it.

Long hair was a bit difficult to wash, and after washing, it took a while to dry with dry towels.

“Sister, don’t you find it troublesome? You can let the palace maid do it.” Wen Zhuojin said.

“How could Ah Zhuo’s matters be troublesome? Moreover, I don’t want others to see Ah Zhuo’s appearance.” Yan Qinglan said.

Wen Zhuojin heard Yan Qinglan’s frank words and couldn’t help but smile.

“Sister, what about your medicine? Didn’t Doctor Mo say you haven’t been taking your medicine properly?” Wen Zhuojin remembered Yan Qinglan’s medicine while she was applying medicine to her.

The last menstrual period seemed to be more severe, and Doctor Mo said Yan Qinglan hadn’t been taking her medicine properly.

Wen Zhuojin had been “at odds” with Yan Qinglan and hadn’t paid attention to whether she was taking her medicine properly.

“No… Ah Zhuo was about to run away, how could I have the heart to take medicine?” Yan Qinglan said in a low voice.

Hearing this, Wen Zhuojin felt both heartache and worry.

“Sister, how could you… No matter what, your health is the most important, you can’t delay it.” Wen Zhuojin turned her head to say, but seeing Yan Qinglan’s aggrieved expression, her words softened.

“Ah Zhuo, apply the medicine for me…” Yan Qinglan said in a low voice. In the past, it was always Wen Zhuojin who shamelessly begged to apply medicine for Yan Qinglan. Now, Yan Qinglan was looking at Wen Zhuojin eagerly, as if applying medicine was something she was begging Wen Zhuojin to do.

Who could resist this?

“Alright.” Wen Zhuojin swallowed and nodded.

Yan Qinglan first helped Wen Zhuojin settle down, letting her wait on the bed while she went to wash up.

While waiting for Yan Qinglan to finish washing, Wen Zhuojin quickly felt her eyelids heavy, dozing off for a while, her rising emotions wilting.

When Yan Qinglan finished washing and sat beside Wen Zhuojin, Wen Zhuojin forced her eyes open.

Still remembering to give Yan Qinglan her medicine, Wen Zhuojin half-closed her eyes and administered the medicine to Yan Qinglan.

“Sister, be good, sleep…” Wen Zhuojin didn’t do anything extra, just whispered after finishing.

Yan Qinglan’s face turned red, as if she had been teased by Wen Zhuojin in the morning.

Hearing Wen Zhuojin’s even breathing, Yan Qinglan slowly leaned closer to Wen Zhuojin, smelling her scent, her tense nerves gradually relaxing, suppressing all emotions, and falling asleep following Wen Zhuojin’s breathing rhythm.

But there was still some unease in her heart. After closing her eyes and falling asleep, Yan Qinglan had a dream.

In the dream, there was Wen Zhuojin, but it was not a good dream.

A person in red, free-spirited and full of vitality, waved to Yan Qinglan from a horse.

“Sister, I’m leaving. I want to see more of the world outside. I don’t want to be confined to one place.”

“Sister, I am free, I can go wherever I want, sister can’t stop me.”

“Sister, you are not as good as her, she is truly gentle and pure, you are fake, I don’t like you.”

The sweet voice spoke words that were like sharp thorns piercing straight through.

The figure in red faded away quickly, and no matter how Yan Qinglan tried, she couldn’t catch it. As the red figure disappeared, Yan Qinglan woke up from the nightmare, instinctively groping around, only to find nothing.

Yan Qinglan sat up suddenly.

Under the luxurious gauze canopy, on the large bed, there was only herself.

She ran away again?!

The panic from the dream extended into reality. While feeling scared, a fierce anger also rose in her heart, and her eyes involuntarily turned red.

She should tie her up, lock her by her side!

Yan Qinglan quickly crawled to the exit of the gauze canopy, her hand not yet touching the gauze, when she saw the gauze being lifted slightly, revealing Wen Zhuojin’s face.

“Sister, I went to change clothes. Do you want to go too?” Wen Zhuojin lifted the gauze and came in, seeing Yan Qinglan, she asked. Yan Qinglan’s red eyes cleared a bit, and she reached out to hug Wen Zhuojin’s neck.

Wen Zhuojin felt Yan Qinglan’s rapid breathing and gently stroked her back.

“Sister, what’s wrong?” Wen Zhuojin asked softly.

“…Nothing, I just want to sleep hugging Ah Zhuo.” Yan Qinglan said in a muffled voice.

The weak and sticky voice made Wen Zhuojin happy.

“Alright, it’s still early, we can sleep a bit more.” Wen Zhuojin said.

“Your injury…” Yan Qinglan’s hand shrank back when it was placed on Wen Zhuojin’s body.

“You can put it here on the waist, or below the waist, this area isn’t injured. Didn’t you want to hug?” Wen Zhuojin said.

Hearing this, Yan Qinglan’s hand rested on Wen Zhuojin’s waist and hips.

Wen Zhuojin lay on her side, hugging Yan Qinglan.

Feeling the warm and soft body, Yan Qinglan’s panicked heart slightly calmed.

But this closeness was not enough for Yan Qinglan.

She wanted to be even closer.

Wanting to be as intimate with Wen Zhuojin as the previous night…

Even if treated roughly, even if it hurt, as long as the two were closest…

At this moment, Wen Zhuojin, holding the fragrant and soft beauty, was not without thoughts, but the burning pain on her back kept drawing her attention, her mind not focused, her spirit tired, and after tormenting Yan Qinglan the previous night, even if she had the heart, she wanted Yan Qinglan to rest well, just holding her was enough, and soon she fell back asleep.

Yan Qinglan felt her emotions were not right, but couldn’t suppress them. What she thought did not translate into action, only trying to get closer to Wen Zhuojin, to touch more, as if this could make her feel a bit more at ease.

Yan Qinglan didn’t sleep long, as at the hour of Yin, a palace maid outside reported the time, calling Yan Qinglan to get up.

She had to attend the morning court and had to get up early.

Yan Qinglan struggled to open her eyes, finding it really hard to get up.

Yesterday, Wen Zhuojin woke up pretending to sleep, but today she woke up with Yan Qinglan, watching her struggle to get up.

Yesterday might have been because she was tormented too much, but today it still seemed very difficult.

“Sister, are you still sleepy? Can’t you sleep a bit more?” Wen Zhuojin pressed on Yan Qinglan’s waist and whispered.

“No. The morning court has a set time.” Yan Qinglan said, only staying in Wen Zhuojin’s arms for a few more breaths before struggling to get up again.

Wen Zhuojin sighed lightly, sitting up and helping Yan Qinglan up.

Being the Emperor is so hard, why bother?

“Ah Zhuo, accompany me…” After getting up, Yan Qinglan’s head rested on Wen Zhuojin’s shoulder, speaking in a soft, sticky, coquettish voice.

Wen Zhuojin was injured and should sleep more, but Yan Qinglan didn’t want to be too far from Wen Zhuojin, afraid she would disappear again.

“Alright.” Wen Zhuojin naturally agreed.

The two got up, washed, and had breakfast first.

Yan Qinglan had to wear court attire, and her hair accessories also had to be precise, so it took some more time.

Wen Zhuojin was relatively simpler, her clothes mainly soft and comfortable to prevent friction on the injured area.

“Sister, am I going to accompany you like this?” When they were about to leave, Wen Zhuojin asked. Yan Qinglan was so formal, while she herself was too casual.

“Your court attire isn’t ready yet, and your status needs to wait a bit before being conferred. If you want, we can confer it today.” Yan Qinglan said.

“…Sister, let’s stick to the plan from yesterday, I’m not in a hurry. Today is fine like this.” Wen Zhuojin waved her hand, not in a hurry about the status.

Yan Qinglan saw that Wen Zhuojin wasn’t in a hurry, but she herself was very anxious.

But her ascension to the throne was already controversial, and promoting Wen Zhuojin to Empress would cause even more controversy. She needed to pave the way for Wen Zhuojin, to silence those people, which would take a bit more time.

Yan Qinglan took Wen Zhuojin to the morning court, not letting her stand by her side, but behind a screen, in a place originally meant for the Emperor to rest temporarily, prepared with tea, snacks, and some miscellaneous books, letting Wen Zhuojin wait for her on the soft couch.

“Rest if you’re tired, call someone if you need anything.” Yan Qinglan arranged for Wen Zhuojin before going to the front.

Wen Zhuojin looked at the exquisite tea and snacks on the table, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Wen Zhuojin peeked through the screen, seeing Yan Qinglan’s back and a group of nervous ministers.

The people in the court were all very serious, handling official business, and Yan Qinglan also had to deal with serious matters, while she was so leisurely.

Wen Zhuojin adjusted for a bit, feeling no sleepiness at all, and thinking of her previous experiences going back and forth to the palace, decided to write a palace defense enhancement plan.

She asked the palace maid for paper and pen, and started writing and drawing at the desk.

While Wen Zhuojin was writing, she heard her name.

“Your Majesty, I have a report. Wen Zhuojin, the legitimate daughter of Jing’an Marquis, has meritorious service in rescuing the families of the loyal officials, assisting in capturing Jiangxiao, presenting the antidote incense formula, and the Northern Qiang horse breeding incense formula, and yesterday she also saved Your Majesty. Her merits should be rewarded.”

It was Qing Chenning’s voice.

“What do you all think should be the reward?” Yan Qinglan’s voice came.

“I believe that Wen Zhuojin is unparalleled in the art of incense medicine and should be appointed as the Female Medical Envoy. As for capturing Jiangxiao, detoxifying the incense, and saving Your Majesty, each of these merits alone is enough to confer a title.” Qing Chenning said.

“What title would be appropriate?” Yan Qinglan threw the question back.

“I believe Wen Zhuojin should be conferred the title of County Princess.”

“Just the other day, a royal merchant used one hundred thousand taels of silver to obtain the title of County Princess for his legitimate daughter. Are you saying that the legitimate daughter of a Marquis, with such great merits, should only be conferred the title of County Princess?”

“May I ask, who among you has the ability to achieve even one of Wen Zhuojin’s merits?”

Several ministers began to discuss.

Wen Zhuojin was stunned behind the screen.

Yan Qinglan and Qing Chenning were singing in harmony, conferring an official position and a title on Wen Zhuojin.

Before the matter of the silver was even mentioned, Wen Zhuojin was conferred the highest female title for non-royals, the Shuo Zhuo County Princess, a second-rank title, with a fief and a salary.

“Your Majesty has ascended the throne, and the harem is empty without a master. We are deeply concerned. I dare to suggest that Your Majesty widely accept the harem to stabilize the state and the people’s hearts…”

Just as Wen Zhuojin’s matter was settled, someone brought up the issue of Yan Qinglan’s harem.

“I have been thinking for many days, and I still believe that state affairs should be the priority. Now that the national treasury is empty, if someone can solve this major issue, I will accept them into the harem. The position in the harem should be given to the capable.”

Yan Qinglan said seriously.

This was in response to the previous minister’s suggestion of a biased approach.

Since someone wanted to use silver to squeeze into the harem, then this standard would be followed.

Let’s see who among the remaining people still has hidden silver they haven’t brought out.

As soon as Yan Qinglan’s words came out, the court became lively.

No matter how the people below discussed, Yan Qinglan did not make a decision, letting everyone discuss. Yan Qinglan got up and left her seat, turning behind the screen.

Seeing Wen Zhuojin still sitting obediently on the soft couch, Yan Qinglan’s heart relaxed.

Wen Zhuojin was holding a charcoal pen, lost in thought, when Yan Qinglan appeared in her sight.

Yan Qinglan bent down, reached out to touch Wen Zhuojin’s face, and kissed her lips.

Wen Zhuojin, realizing there was a crowd of people outside, widened her eyes, her face turning red.

“Just a bit longer, Ah Zhuo. Wait a little more. Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?” Yan Qinglan whispered in Wen Zhuojin’s ear.

“No.” Wen Zhuojin said, nuzzling Yan Qinglan’s hand.

They didn’t say much, just stayed close for a while, before Yan Qinglan went back out.

Wen Zhuojin felt Yan Qinglan had become more clingy, coming in twice during the court session.

Perhaps because they had cleared the air, they were closer now.

Wen Zhuojin had braced herself for the consequences of embracing thorns, but so far, it was all softness.

Yan Qinglan had hidden her sharp claws in front of her.

When Yan Qinglan finished the court session, they returned to the Zichen Hall for a meal.

“Sister, although the palace’s Dragon Canal has a long secret passage, with preparation, one could still sneak through. I think we could add a few iron nets in the middle to block it, and have regular patrols at the start and end of the passage. Also, the rotation of the imperial guards has loopholes. If possible…”

After the meal, Wen Zhuojin remembered her palace defense enhancement plan and started explaining it to Yan Qinglan.

Yan Qinglan looked at Wen Zhuojin’s plan, surprised that she had identified the palace’s defensive flaws after just a few trips.

“Ah Zhuo, you’re so clever. Implementing these will make the palace even more secure. You won’t be able to run away.” Yan Qinglan praised, ruffling Wen Zhuojin’s hair.

“Sister promised me freedom and won’t lock me up. Why would I run? A secure palace keeps the bad guys out.” Wen Zhuojin smiled, looking up.

Yan Qinglan had promised Wen Zhuojin freedom, and she remembered.

Seeing Wen Zhuojin’s expression, Yan Qinglan’s eyes darkened slightly, burying her face in Wen Zhuojin’s neck.

She couldn’t bear to let her go.

She wondered if she would become extreme if Wen Zhuojin really wanted to leave…

Just the thought made her heart ache.

“Sister, when can I go to the incense medicine hall? Am I not the Female Medical Envoy now?” Wen Zhuojin hugged Yan Qinglan and asked.

“Don’t rush. Rest for a few more days. Doesn’t your wound still hurt? Wait until it’s better. The situation there is fine.” Yan Qinglan said.

Wen Zhuojin wanted to start making a name for herself, appearing publicly to gain support, preparing to become the empress.

But Yan Qinglan wanted her to rest well, taking care of her in everything.

Knowing her injury had scared Yan Qinglan, who was very concerned, Wen Zhuojin didn’t rush, focusing on recovering.

In a few days, Wen Zhuojin’s body visibly improved, using many medicines, making her smell heavily of herbs.

When Wen Zhuojin felt she could go out, Yan Qinglan took her to the prison.

“The spies in the city are mostly cleared. These days, Minister Wu and the Qingliu families you redeemed played a big role. Those who were stubborn and refused to yield have now quieted down. Today, I’ll release them as a gesture of mercy. Ah Zhuo, you can welcome Minister Wu’s family. Minister Wu has merits; I’ll reinstate him and restore his title, returning his confiscated residence.” Yan Qinglan told Wen Zhuojin.

“Thank you, sister!” Hearing this, Wen Zhuojin was delighted, hugging Yan Qinglan and nuzzling her shoulder.

Fortunately, her uncle believed in her and was adaptable. Everything was moving in a good direction.

Arriving at the prison, before meeting the Qingliu faction, they encountered Qing Chenning.

“Your Majesty, the embroidered guards stationed at the residence caught someone. It’s the third daughter of the Minister of Rites. She wasn’t aware earlier but had contacted Xuan Zhen through bribed jailers several times and was recently informed. She’s now imprisoned with Jiang Xiao and the others.” Qing Chenning reported.

“Sister, shall we go see?” Wen Zhuojin’s eyes lit up. When they emptied that place, she had imagined the reactions of others who knew about it.

Especially Jiang Xiao’s reaction.

Yan Qinglan agreed, and as they walked in, they passed Jiang Xiao’s cell.

The new prisoner shocked both Jiang Xiao and Xuan Zhen.

“How did you get caught? Weren’t you supposed to get… to save Master?” Xuan Zhen asked.

“I went, but there was nothing left. I was caught as soon as I left. Does anyone else know about that place? How was it emptied…” The newcomer looked pale, trembling as she spoke.

“Emptied?!” Jiang Xiao was stunned. This was perhaps her only bargaining chip with Yan Qinglan, her only chance to get out. How could it be gone?

“Who emptied it? Did Master tell anyone else?” Xuan Zhen’s question hung in the air as she saw Yan Qinglan and Wen Zhuojin at the cell door.

“Sorry, I emptied it. Thanks to Senior Sister for telling me.” Wen Zhuojin said, meeting Xuan Zhen’s gaze directly.

Xuan Zhen’s eyes widened. She thought Yan Qinglan was still interrogating them, unaware. She didn’t expect Wen Zhuojin to have told Yan Qinglan!

Was she deliberately toying with her?

Wen Zhuojin wanted to see Jiang Xiao’s shocked and disappointed expression, but from the moment they stood at the cell door, Jiang Xiao only stared at Yan Qinglan, looking utterly entranced, which made Wen Zhuojin uncomfortable. She pulled Yan Qinglan’s arm, using her height to block Yan Qinglan from Jiang Xiao’s view.

“Dream on if you think you can use that silver to threaten sister!” Wen Zhuojin glared at Jiang Xiao.

“Your Highness, what is she? If it weren’t for me, how would she have had the chance?! What she got was mine! Mine! It should have been mine…” Jiang Xiao met Wen Zhuojin’s gaze, her eyes filled with madness and obsession.

Hearing Jiang Xiao’s questions, Yan Qinglan knew she still didn’t understand and didn’t want to say more. She reached out and caressed Wen Zhuojin’s cheek.

“Don’t be angry. Don’t listen to her nonsense. Let’s go.” Yan Qinglan said softly, her eyes only on Wen Zhuojin. She took Wen Zhuojin’s hand and left the cell door.

Wen Zhuojin only glared back at Jiang Xiao before following Yan Qinglan away.

Jiang Xiao felt something stuck in her chest. As Yan Qinglan and Wen Zhuojin left, she spat out a mouthful of bl00d.

“Master!” Xuan Zhen hurried to support Jiang Xiao, looking worried. But before she could say more, she felt a slap on her face from Jiang Xiao.

Jiang Xiao pushed Xuan Zhen away and spat out another mouthful of bl00d.

“Get away!” Xuan Zhen’s hand reached out again, only to be pushed away in disgust by Jiang Xiao, lingering in the air before slowly retracting.