Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 52

Wen Zhuojin waited for a while at the gatehouse of Princess Le’an’s residence, contemplating who to approach next if the princess refused to see her. Just then, a matron from the princess’s household approached and bowed to Wen Zhuojin.

“Young Lady Wen, our princess requests your presence.” the matron said.

Delighted, Wen Zhuojin followed the matron inside.

Princess Le’an’s residence was modest, clean, and serene, with a simple ambiance.

As Wen Zhuojin walked further in, she caught a faint, familiar scent.

Among the fragrances was one from her own perfume shop, used to mask odors, and another…

Wen Zhuojin sniffed carefully, detecting a subtle, cold fragrance that seemed familiar.

But she wasn’t sure.

It was too faint.

She had only ever smelled that cold fragrance on her “beauty sister.”

How could her beauty sister be here?

“Your Highness, separated by a covered walkway and a waterside pavilion, that Miss Wen seems to have noticed something and is looking around. Is her sense of smell really that sharp?”

In the nearby waterside pavilion, surrounded by gauze curtains, Qing Chenning glanced outside and whispered to Yan Qinglan.

“Burn more incense to mask the scents,” Yan Qinglan said after a pause.

Both Qing Chenning and Yan Zisang had purchased the masking fragrance from Wen Zhuojin’s shop, but Yan Qinglan wasn’t entirely sure if it could completely conceal the scents from Wen Zhuojin’s keen nose.

From what Qing Chenning said, it seemed the distance wasn’t sufficient.

As the incense burned in the pavilion, Wen Zhuojin was led further away, and the faint scent disappeared.

Wen Zhuojin speculated that it might be a blended fragrance that coincidentally resembled her beauty sister’s scent.

Before she could ponder further, she was ushered into a reception hall, where Princess Le’an soon arrived.

Princess Le’an, in her thirties, had elegant features and a gentle, refined demeanor, exuding an air of tranquility.

Seeing the princess, Wen Zhuojin was momentarily stunned, feeling that the princess’s appearance was somewhat familiar.

“Greetings, Princess Le’an. I heard that Your Highness enjoys fragrances, so I brought some for you to sample. I hope you won’t find them unworthy.” Wen Zhuojin said, bowing as the princess entered.

“I’ve long heard of Miss Wen’s expertise in the art of fragrance and her exceptional skill in creating scents. The fragrances you’ve brought must be extraordinary.” Princess Le’an said, studying Wen Zhuojin.

Although she also appreciated fine fragrances, she hadn’t intended to engage with Wen Zhuojin.

However, Yan Qinglan had suggested she meet Wen Zhuojin, hinting at a possible pleasant surprise, so she obliged.

Seeing Wen Zhuojin’s appearance, Princess Le’an believed the rumors of her beauty, but she was skeptical about her supposed mastery of fragrance, thinking such claims were likely exaggerated.

Princess Le’an kept her thoughts to herself, smiling and exchanging pleasantries with Wen Zhuojin.

“Unfortunately, lotus flowers are not in bloom now, making it impossible to capture their fresh scent. However, I once encountered the fragrance of lotus flowers and managed to recreate it in a blend I made last summer. By combining several scents, I was able to replicate the lotus fragrance. Now, even in winter, one can enjoy the scent of lotus flowers. Would Your Highness like to try the fragrance I’ve prepared? May I demonstrate it for you?”

Wen Zhuojin mentioned Princess Le’an’s fondness for lotus fragrance and looked at her expectantly.

“Is that so? Please, Miss Wen, demonstrate. I’m curious to see.” Princess Le’an said with interest.

Seeing the princess’s interest, Wen Zhuojin felt a bit more confident and took out the prepared blend.

“This is a traditional pagoda-shaped incense cone. Once lit, it will release the fragrance continuously.”

Wen Zhuojin lit the incense and placed it in the burner.

Princess Le’an had only ever smelled lotus fragrance during the summer bloom and was surprised to experience it now.

A fresh, elegant scent filled the air, as if the lotus flowers outside had suddenly blossomed.

“Your Highness, this is a scented balm I made, infused with lotus fragrance. When applied to the skin, it releases the scent. You can try it, perhaps on your hands, to enjoy the fragrance throughout the day.”

Wen Zhuojin handed a small jade jar to Princess Le’an.

“No wonder, it is quite ingenious. I will accept this gift. Miss Wen, do you have a request? Please speak plainly; I dislike roundabout talk.” Princess Le’an said.

“Since Your Highness is so direct, I will speak frankly. I heard that Your Highness also appreciates the art of fragrance and would like to propose a joint venture to open a perfume shop. Your Highness need only lend your name to the shop, and in return, you will receive ten percent of the profits. Additionally, I will create any fragrance you desire, and the shop will supply you with scents regularly.”

Wen Zhuojin’s offer was negotiable, depending on Princess Le’an’s interest.

Princess Le’an paused.

She had her own fiefdom and a monthly stipend, with little need for additional income. However, the idea of having this intriguing young woman create fragrances for her in exchange for simply lending her name was appealing.

“Your Highness, there is one more thing I must mention. Before coming to you, several others sought to collaborate with me. The Prince of Anqing even resorted to underhanded tactics to force my hand. I have no desire to work with such people. After much consideration and inquiry, I believe only Your Highness can help me out of this predicament. Would you be willing? If you find it troublesome or have other conditions, please let me know.”

Wen Zhuojin observed Princess Le’an’s expression and added.

“You are an honest child. I generally avoid such entanglements. However, I do like your fragrances. Let me think about it.” Princess Le’an said.

“Of course, take your time.” Wen Zhuojin replied.

After a few more words, Princess Le’an had Wen Zhuojin escorted out.

Though she didn’t receive a definitive answer, the fact that Princess Le’an was considering it gave Wen Zhuojin hope.

After Wen Zhuojin left, Princess Le’an went to the waterside pavilion where Yan Qinglan and the others were.

“The fragrance is indeed delightful, a pleasant surprise. However, the young lady proposed a joint venture, offering me ten percent of the profits in exchange for lending my name to her shop. While I do enjoy the fragrances, her shop has attracted much attention, and collaborating with her might bring unwanted trouble, disrupting my peace. It’s quite a dilemma. Qinglan, since you’re here, what do you think?” Princess Le’an asked Yan Qinglan.

Yan Qinglan smiled slightly, as if proud.

Before Princess Le’an met Wen Zhuojin, Yan Qinglan hadn’t said much, wanting to see Wen Zhuojin’s capabilities for herself.

The fact that Princess Le’an was now conflicted suggested that Wen Zhuojin’s fragrances were indeed unique and to the princess’s taste.

She had some talent.

“Aunt, do you know that Uncle Wei’s northern border troops are running out of provisions? You may not care for wealth, but money is useful. Besides, what trouble could the likes of the Prince of Anqing possibly cause you?” Yan Qinglan said, clearing her throat.

“The northern border troops defend our frontier, protecting us from the Qiang and Xiongnu. How could the court not provide for them? Qinglan, how could you let this happen? Aren’t the northern border troops under your command?” Princess Le’an frowned.

Yan Qinglan’s visit to Princess Le’an was incognito.

Princess Le’an was unaware of palace affairs, and Yan Qinglan hadn’t explained.

“Aunt, precisely because the northern border troops are under my faction, other factions are suppressing them. Now I am at a loss, trying to find a solution. If you could help me, I would be deeply grateful.” Yan Qinglan said.

Princess Le’an, though averse to political strife, was not ignorant.

After a moment of silence, she said, “Very well, I will collaborate with Miss Wen.”

“Thank you, Aunt. However, ten percent is too little. Tomorrow, send a trusted matron to inform Wen Zhuojin that you want twenty percent, and you will send your matron with your seal to accompany her in public.” Yan Qinglan said.

“Twenty percent? Will she agree?” Princess Le’an asked.

“Let’s try.” Yan Qinglan said.

Princess Le’an, not wanting to think too much about it, agreed.

Yan Qinglan didn’t stay long and soon returned to Lanyuan.

Shortly after her return, Wen Zhuojin came back.

Wen Zhuojin washed her hands and face, changed her clothes, and then went to see Yan Qinglan in the inner chamber.

“Sister, I have something to tell you…” Wen Zhuojin embraced Yan Qinglan and eagerly began recounting the day’s events, from the scholarly gathering to the incident with the Prince of Anqing’s son, and finally her visit to Princess Le’an.

“If the princess doesn’t agree, I’ll have to think of another way. It’s such a headache, more taxing than making fragrances… Sister, help me massage my temples…”

Wen Zhuojin rested her head on Yan Qinglan’s shoulder and pulled her hand to her temples.

“Don’t overthink it.” Yan Qinglan murmured.

Though Wen Zhuojin complained of a headache, her tone was cheerful. Yan Qinglan knew she was just finding an excuse to be close.

Yan Qinglan pretended not to notice, her slender fingers gently massaging Wen Zhuojin’s temples.

The next day, not long after Wen Zhuojin arrived at her perfume shop, someone came to see her—the same matron from the day before.

Wen Zhuojin took the matron to a private room to talk.

“Princess Le’an has agreed to collaborate on the shop, but she wants twenty percent. She won’t take it for nothing; whenever you need, I will accompany you with the princess’s seal. Within the imperial city, apart from His Majesty and the Grand Princess, no one will dare to slight or disrespect you.”

The matron spoke with an air of authority that surpassed even Wen Zhuojin’s stepmother from the marquis’s household.

After taxes and the share taken by Tianxuan Palace, giving Princess Le’an twenty percent would leave Wen Zhuojin with little profit.

But some sacrifices were necessary.

After some thought, she gritted her teeth and agreed.

Fortunately, the agreement only pertained to the perfume shop’s profits; other ventures could remain separate.

However, others wouldn’t know the details, and as long as it was known that she was associated with Princess Le’an, both parties would benefit.

Wen Zhuojin chatted with the matron for a while, then remembered a few matters she needed help with. Now was the perfect opportunity to leverage this new alliance.

Since they were now partners, Wen Zhuojin didn’t hold back.

“Matron, I have a favor to ask. I heard that in a few days, for His Majesty’s birthday, the palace will host a grand celebration with many foreign envoys attending. There will be banquets and competitions, quite a lively affair. Could you ask Princess Le’an to help me join in the festivities? Ideally, I’d like to be part of the noble ladies’ polo team. I’ll make more fragrances for the princess overnight!”

Wen Zhuojin made her request to the matron.