Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 50

The skin near Yan Qinglan’s ears tingled with a mix of numbness and warmth.

She pressed her fingers against Wen Zhuojin’s cheek, trying to push her away, but Wen Zhuojin caught her hand and leaned in even closer.

“If we could be as intimate as we were that day, I…” Wen Zhuojin murmured softly.

“Wen Zhuojin, stop talking!” Yan Qinglan quickly interjected.

What on earth was this little brat thinking about all day?

To make her obedient, all it took was…

Was she really going to have to “serve with her beauty”?

“…” Wen Zhuojin found it amusing when Yan Qinglan called her by her full name, but she stopped speaking.

She looked closely at Yan Qinglan, whose face and ears had turned completely red.

Wen Zhuojin had previously heard that the beautiful sister had been “married for seven or eight years.”

Yet, she was still so shy.

On one hand, Wen Zhuojin adored this about her, but on the other, she felt a pang of jealousy and anger.

That scholar from the Hanlin Academy had possessed Yan Qinglan for seven or eight years. How could he have such a wonderful wife and still mistreat her?

As Wen Zhuojin’s emotions churned, she felt a cool, smooth hand press against her cheek.

“A’Zhuo, let’s talk about something serious. What kind of social interactions do you usually have? Or is there someone you want to befriend but don’t know how? Maybe we can discuss it.” Yan Qinglan said, her voice calm and steady.

Yan Qinglan knew a fair bit about the officials and nobles in the court, and even if she didn’t, she could always ask Yan Zisang.

If she could help Wen Zhuojin in this regard, it would be a way to repay part of her “debt.”

Hearing Yan Qinglan’s question, Wen Zhuojin’s lips curled into a smile.

Hmm, the beautiful sister truly had the demeanor of a mistress!

She even wanted to help with these matters!

“Sister, there is actually something I’d like to discuss. You know I’ve already fallen out with the Prince of Anqing’s household. I’m not sure how they’ll treat me in the future or if others will try to pressure me. I need to find someone who can intimidate the Prince of Anqing’s household and form an alliance with them. That way, I’ll have a backer, and as I grow stronger, I won’t have to fear those who might try to take advantage of me. Sister, among the nobles in Yunjing City, who do you think I should choose?” Wen Zhuojin thought for a moment and shared what she had been considering.

In truth, she had already made up her mind and had a general direction in mind, but she hadn’t worked out the specifics yet.

Yan Qinglan hadn’t expected Wen Zhuojin to discuss this with her.

Choosing the right ally was a significant decision.

If she chose someone connected to the Northern Army’s leader, it would essentially drag Wen Zhuojin into the fray. After that, Yan Qinglan might not need to worry much, as Wen Zhuojin would likely act according to her own plans.

Listening to Wen Zhuojin’s voice and feeling her warmth, Yan Qinglan hesitated.

“Sister, if you don’t know, don’t strain yourself. I was just asking casually. From what I can see, the Prime Minister’s household is one option, but they probably wouldn’t collaborate with someone from Tianxuan Palace. They’re the leaders of the current scholarly faction and disdain anything related to commerce, so it would be hard to break through. Another option is the Duke of Yu’s household. They have a daughter in the palace as a concubine, and they’re an established aristocratic family. Even the lower-ranking imperial relatives wouldn’t dare offend them. Coincidentally, they approached Tianxuan Palace a few days ago to propose a marriage alliance with me, so…” Wen Zhuojin’s voice trailed off.

Yan Qinglan listened and took a slight breath.

If Wen Zhuojin were left to her own devices, she might end up choosing a formidable opponent, thereby strengthening their position.

Moreover, how could she collaborate with someone who had once sought to marry her?

“A’Zhuo, have you heard of Princess Le’an? She’s the current emperor’s aunt and has contributed to his ascension to the throne. Although she has no children and her husband passed away early, her status is exceptional. You might consider collaborating with her. It wouldn’t harm your reputation.” Yan Qinglan suggested after some thought.

Princess Le’an had prestige and a high status among the imperial relatives. Moreover, her identity carried another layer—her beloved had been a military general with close ties to the Northern region. She herself harbored a sense of duty toward the nation and its people. If something were to happen in the North and someone sought her help, she wouldn’t stand idly by.

“Princess Le’an? I’ve heard of her. They say she lives in seclusion, enjoys peace and quiet, and stays away from worldly affairs. She’s a devout practitioner. She might be even harder to collaborate with than the Prime Minister’s faction. Sister, are you familiar with her?” Wen Zhuojin asked.

“I’ve heard some things about her. She also enjoys fragrances, particularly lotus scent. If you could create a fresh and elegant lotus fragrance, you might be able to persuade her.” Yan Qinglan said.

Wen Zhuojin’s eyes lit up, and she hugged Yan Qinglan tightly.

“Sister, you’re truly my wise helper, my Zhuge Liang!” Wen Zhuojin praised without restraint.

Yan Qinglan’s expression turned slightly uncomfortable.

Dragging Wen Zhuojin into this situation—was it for the best or not?

When the time came, she would reward her generously for her efforts.

Besides, this was just her suggestion. Who Wen Zhuojin would ultimately choose was still unknown.

In matters of such importance, Wen Zhuojin had her own ideas. How could she be swayed by a few casual words?

The outcome was still uncertain.

Wen Zhuojin and Yan Qinglan chatted for a while longer before calling the maid to bring dinner, which they ate together.

From dinner to washing up and lying down, Wen Zhuojin seemed to have an endless stream of things to say, constantly sharing stories about her experiences outside.

The fragrances she had developed, the bottlenecks she had encountered, the attempts to create certain scents, the rare ingredients she had acquired—Wen Zhuojin spoke enthusiastically about it all.

Yan Qinglan listened and responded, which only encouraged Wen Zhuojin to talk more.

In the past, Wen Zhuojin rarely mentioned her outside life, and Yan Qinglan had been too absorbed in her own thoughts to engage in such conversations.

Now, as she listened to Wen Zhuojin, Yan Qinglan suddenly felt that Wen Zhuojin had become more vivid in her heart.

Countless failures had led to a single success, yet Wen Zhuojin embraced it all with joy.

She had a relentless determination when it came to her passions.

This little brat wasn’t just full of vitality in her voice and warmth—she also had an unwavering, fearless drive in everything she did.

Listening to her speak, Yan Qinglan felt that if Wen Zhuojin set her mind to something, it would be hard for her not to succeed.

As Yan Qinglan drifted off to sleep, Wen Zhuojin’s voice grew softer until it faded away. She felt Wen Zhuojin move closer to her.

“Sister, be good. Kiss me, and I’ll let you sleep…” Yan Qinglan felt her head being supported as a voice whispered in her ear, its warm breath carrying a familiar and pleasant scent.

In her drowsy state, Yan Qinglan’s face grew warm, and she felt a flicker of confusion.

What harm would it do to kiss her voluntarily?

Why did she have to ask for it?

Why now, when she was about to fall asleep?

Feeling slightly annoyed, Yan Qinglan leaned in and kissed Wen Zhuojin.

Her lips brushed against the corner of Wen Zhuojin’s mouth, and she could feel the exaggerated curve of her smile.

“Good, open your mouth a little…” A muffled voice came through, and Yan Qinglan frowned but parted her lips slightly.

In an instant, their tongues met, and their lips and teeth intertwined.

Wen Zhuojin had discovered that Yan Qinglan, when half-asleep and groggy, was especially adorable and easy to tease. Even when she seemed reluctant, she would obediently comply.

Pitiful yet endearing.

It made Wen Zhuojin’s heart itch, and she wanted to kiss her longer and more deeply.

Wen Zhuojin only let go when she felt she was losing control, reluctantly pulling away.

The area around Yan Qinglan’s peach-blossom eyes was tinged with red, and her half-closed eyes glistened with a layer of moisture. Paired with her freshly kissed, rosy lips, she looked both dazed and alluring.

Wen Zhuojin couldn’t resist kissing Yan Qinglan’s lips once more.

“Stop fooling around…” Yan Qinglan said, her voice soft and slightly hoarse.

“Sister, go to sleep. I won’t bother you anymore.” Wen Zhuojin whispered, patting Yan Qinglan’s back before withdrawing her supporting hand.

Yan Qinglan felt the area around her eyes grow warm. As she was about to close her eyes, she glanced up and saw Wen Zhuojin’s face gradually moving away. Her vision suddenly became much clearer.

She saw Wen Zhuojin’s lips and the glimpse of her teeth—a smiling expression.

Though it was just her lips and teeth, Yan Qinglan felt a sweetness in her heart, and her face grew warm again.

Was it these lips and teeth that had been intimately entangled with hers?

Before she could see the full picture, Wen Zhuojin’s lips pressed against her eyelids.

Yan Qinglan was forced to close her eyes.

“Sleep… I’ll go try making the lotus fragrance later. The lotus flowers haven’t bloomed yet, so it’s a bit tricky, but I have some stored ingredients. I should be able to create a blend… Hmm, Sister, I won’t talk anymore. You sleep well…” Wen Zhuojin murmured softly, gently patting Yan Qinglan until she fell silent, lulling her to sleep.

Yan Qinglan’s eyelids fluttered slightly, and her vision blurred again. As Wen Zhuojin whispered soothingly, her eyelids grew too heavy to lift.

Wen Zhuojin waited until Yan Qinglan was asleep before getting up to work.

She stayed up until midnight before finally going to bed.

The next morning, after breakfast, Wen Zhuojin didn’t rush out. Instead, she took the time to dress Yan Qinglan in outdoor clothes.

“Did you forget what I mentioned yesterday? Today, I’ll take you to see.” Wen Zhuojin said with a smile.

Yan Qinglan didn’t know what Wen Zhuojin was up to, but she didn’t ask further, allowing herself to be dressed up.

“Why does it smell a bit strange?” Wen Zhuojin frowned as she admired Yan Qinglan’s appearance, her nose twitching.

“What’s wrong?” Yan Qinglan asked.

“Hmm, it feels like someone’s been in the house. The smell is different. There’s also a familiar scent—Sister, do you know Qing Chenning, the top scholar? He always has a strange smell, like scented ointment, mixed with a feminine fragrance… I can smell that now. Did he sneak into our house?”

Wen Zhuojin frowned as she spoke.

Yan Qinglan’s heart skipped a beat. She had almost forgotten how sharp Wen Zhuojin’s sense of smell was.

Previously, Yan Qinglan had thought Wen Zhuojin’s claims were exaggerated.

Qing Chenning and Yan Zisang didn’t know about Wen Zhuojin’s plans. Even if they hid and didn’t show themselves today, their scents would still linger.

Wen Zhuojin had actually detected it!

Not only that, but she could also identify the scented ointment and feminine fragrance on Qing Chenning?!

Her nose was sharper than a dog’s!

“A’Zhuo, maybe it’s just someone passing by. Don’t worry about it. Where are you taking me today? Are we going on a spring outing? I can’t see, so going out makes me a bit nervous…” Yan Qinglan asked, reaching out to tug at Wen Zhuojin.

Wen Zhuojin leaned closer to Yan Qinglan, her eyes blinking a few times, looking both pitiful and dependent. The unfamiliar scent was temporarily forgotten as she hugged Yan Qinglan.

“Sister, don’t be afraid. I’ll stay by your side the whole time. Let’s go now.” Wen Zhuojin said, placing a veil hat on Yan Qinglan and picking her up.

The new carriage they had bought was already waiting in the courtyard. Wen Zhuojin carried Yan Qinglan a few steps and helped her into the carriage.

Seeing that Wen Zhuojin didn’t bring it up again, Yan Qinglan breathed a sigh of relief.

Once inside the carriage, Wen Zhuojin stayed true to her word, keeping Yan Qinglan close and never letting go.

A delicate beauty, blind and frail, who hadn’t left the house in months, was naturally fearful and needed to be held.