Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 53

In the afternoon, Wen Zhuojin received an invitation sent by Princess Le’an to visit the residence of County Mistress Yunshu.

County Mistress Yunshu was the organizer of the noble ladies’ polo team, responsible for training the ladies and leading them in the upcoming match.

Wen Zhuojin had learned about this during a recent gathering.

Every year, on the birthday of the Northern Jin Emperor, foreign envoys would come to celebrate.

Among the many activities, women’s polo was one of them.

Participants were all children of noble families, and the visiting foreign delegations would also send their own women’s polo teams.

Winning against a foreign team would bring substantial rewards.

In the past, Wen Zhuojin would have avoided such events if possible.

But now, for the sake of earning more silver for her shop, she couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.

However, since the event involved foreign envoys and palace banquets, only those with invitations could attend.

Wen Zhuojin had initially considered bribing a eunuch she knew to secure a spot, but with Princess Le’an’s connections, she didn’t hesitate to use them.

Princess Le’an was indeed impressive, effortlessly arranging for Wen Zhuojin to join the noble ladies’ polo team.

Not only would this allow her to build relationships with the noble ladies during the polo matches, but it would also give her the chance to meet foreign envoys at the banquet.

If she could expand her business to other countries, she could earn even more silver.

Wen Zhuojin had heard that members of the royal family from the Dashi Kingdom would also be attending.

She had long coveted the fragrant materials from Dashi. If she could establish connections with their royal family, she might be able to purchase a wider variety of fragrant materials at lower prices, or even collaborate on a fragrant materials trade.

Wen Zhuojin’s mind was buzzing with plans. As soon as she received the invitation, she immediately headed to County Mistress Yunshu’s residence.

County Mistress Yunshu was in her twenties, dressed in a fitted, narrow-sleeved polo uniform with a folded collar, her hair tied up, exuding a natural air of vigor.

“You must have some way with Princess Le’an to get her recommendation. What did you do?” County Mistress Yunshu asked curiously after seeing the invitation and glancing at Wen Zhuojin.

“I only know how to make fragrances, so I created a scent that pleased Her Highness. Would County Mistress like some fragrance? What scents do you prefer?” Wen Zhuojin smiled.

“I don’t care for fragrances. Why bother with all that? It’s like a peacock showing off. I’m a rough person; after a bit of polo, I’m drenched in sweat. Tsk, you look so thin. Polo isn’t just for fun. You need to know how to ride, control the horse, use the polo mallet while on horseback, and not be afraid of collisions. Can you do that?” County Mistress Yunshu waved her hand dismissively, showing clear disdain for fragrances and skepticism about Wen Zhuojin’s abilities.

“I’ll give it a try.” Wen Zhuojin replied without taking offense, her eyes curving into a smile.

County Mistress Yunshu, being the descendant of a military family, spoke directly and boldly, which suited Wen Zhuojin’s temperament.

Hearing that the County Mistress didn’t use fragrances only made Wen Zhuojin more interested.

She was a potential customer.

“Don’t be scared. Falling off a horse is no joke. Although you were recommended by Princess Le’an, if you’re not up to par, you’ll only be a substitute and won’t get to play. Your outfit today won’t do. Come back tomorrow in something more practical.” County Mistress Yunshu said.

Wen Zhuojin didn’t push to prove herself and agreed to the County Mistress’s request.

That evening, Wen Zhuojin returned home excitedly to find Yan Qinglan holding a kitten while listening to Qin Yuerou play the zither.

After the performance, Wen Zhuojin asked Qin Yuerou to rest and then embraced Yan Qinglan, telling her about the day’s events.

Wen Zhuojin thought Yan Qinglan had been bored at home all day, unaware that Yan Qinglan had also just returned.

Now, with Yan Qinglan’s people both inside and outside Wen Zhuojin’s residence, Yan Qinglan was always informed of Wen Zhuojin’s comings and goings, allowing her to time her own returns more precisely.

Still, listening to Wen Zhuojin talk made Yan Qinglan feel more at ease.

Though she was motivated in her own endeavors, she lacked the same drive and enthusiasm that Wen Zhuojin had, as if everything Wen Zhuojin did was incredibly fascinating.

“Do you know how to play polo?” Yan Qinglan asked, surprised as she listened to Wen Zhuojin.

“I’ve never played in a large match, but I’ve played with my cousins before. It’s not too difficult.” Wen Zhuojin replied.

“You’re amazing.” Yan Qinglan praised.

The annual women’s polo tournament had actually been initiated by Yan Qinglan.

Initially, the competitions were mostly for men, often bloody and brutal. Later, women’s events were added, which were more elegant and visually appealing, gradually becoming a tradition.

Praised by Yan Qinglan, Wen Zhuojin blushed slightly and nuzzled closer to her.

“Polo is dangerous, You must be careful.” Yan Qinglan said softly.

“I will be careful.” Wen Zhuojin replied, feeling encouraged by Yan Qinglan’s concern.

Yan Qinglan, having expended much energy during the day, soon grew tired and yawned.

After Yan Qinglan fell asleep, Wen Zhuojin went to work on her fragrances, pondering how to make County Mistress Yunshu appreciate them.

The next day, Wen Zhuojin changed into a narrow-sleeved, round-collared robe with a fitted waist, tied her hair simply, and rode her newly purchased chestnut horse to County Mistress Yunshu’s residence.

The day before, Wen Zhuojin had only met County Mistress Yunshu, but today she encountered over a dozen people.

“You’re skilled at making fragrances, I admire that. But polo isn’t for everyone. Have you heard of people falling off horses and being trampled? It can be deadly if you’re not careful.” one of the young ladies who knew Wen Zhuojin pulled her aside.

“Thank you for your concern, sister. I’ve ridden horses before, so don’t worry about me. I’ll give it a try.” Wen Zhuojin smiled.

“Let’s have you play alone first, with no one competing against you. If you can score three goals within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, you pass.” County Mistress Yunshu said, tossing a polo mallet to Wen Zhuojin.

“Alright.” Wen Zhuojin accepted the mallet, mounted her horse, and rode onto the field.

Most of the participants came from military families and had participated in previous years.

This was Wen Zhuojin’s first time, so they weren’t familiar with her skills.

Without boasting, Wen Zhuojin swiftly mounted her horse and rode toward the brightly painted wooden ball on the field.

Bending down, she swung the mallet. Before the onlookers could react, they heard a clink as Wen Zhuojin sent the ball into the goal.

County Mistress Yunshu, finding this interesting, tossed another ball for Wen Zhuojin to hit.

She threw several more, all of which Wen Zhuojin accurately sent into the narrow goal.

County Mistress Yunshu had set a time limit of one incense stick, but Wen Zhuojin completed the task in just a few breaths.

County Mistress Yunshu then called a few others to compete against Wen Zhuojin. Wen Zhuojin remained calm, skillfully maneuvering her horse, appearing to be a seasoned player.

The others who had doubted her now looked at her with newfound respect.

Wen Zhuojin always strived for excellence in everything she did. To master horsemanship, she had once broken her leg and fractured her arm. Her current skills were nearly on par with County Mistress Yunshu, who had been practicing since childhood.

After playing for a while, Wen Zhuojin was drenched in sweat.

During the break, maids brought water for them.

None of the others drank, instead curiously watching Wen Zhuojin.

“How come you smell so good after playing polo? Do you wear fragrance even while playing? I didn’t notice it earlier, but now it’s so strong. What’s the secret?”

“Yeah, what fragrance covers the smell of sweat?”

The young ladies questioned Wen Zhuojin.

Wen Zhuojin smiled and took a sip of water first.

“This is a new fragrance I’ve created. It can be worn on the wrist or neck and becomes more fragrant when it comes into contact with water. That’s why the scent was faint earlier but became stronger after I sweated. This fragrance masks the smell of sweat and even repels mosquitoes in the summer. If you like it, I can give each of you a bracelet.”

Wen Zhuojin explained.

“That’s amazing! I want one. Is it expensive? If it’s too pricey, I can’t accept it.” someone said.

“Sisters, since I offered to give them to you, I wouldn’t ask for money.” Wen Zhuojin replied, not discussing payment. She had her maid fetch the bracelets and distributed one to each person.

The bracelets were intricately woven with a soft fragrance bead fixed to them, colored vermilion. Worn on the wrist, they looked like stylish bracelets.

When it was County Mistress Yunshu’s turn, she initially wanted to refuse but was too curious.

“County Mistress, this fragrance isn’t just for decoration; it has many other uses. You can try it. If you don’t like it, just throw it away. If you find it useful, I’ll bring you more next time.” Wen Zhuojin said with a smile.

“Alright, thank you.” County Mistress Yunshu replied, finding Wen Zhuojin’s attitude pleasant and accepting the fragrance.

The fragrance beads would be used up quickly, and once they were, the ladies would have to buy more from Wen Zhuojin’s shop. Either way, Wen Zhuojin wouldn’t lose out.

The noble ladies practiced for half a day, and Wen Zhuojin joined them, honing her skills.

Although her basics were solid, teamwork and strategy required more practice.

Only by winning could they earn rewards, and Wen Zhuojin was determined to win.

On days without practice, Wen Zhuojin was busy at her shops.

Her fragrance powder shop was open, as was her fragrant materials shop. With several shops running, Wen Zhuojin was constantly occupied.

In the evenings, after dinner and a fragrant bath with Yan Qinglan, both would often fall asleep in each other’s arms, exhausted.

As a result, Wen Zhuojin hadn’t even had time to properly look at the small white dog she had bought, leaving it to the maids to care for during the day and accompany Yan Qinglan.

Yan Qinglan wanted to take good care of the puppy, but she was also busy during the day and hadn’t grown close to it.

Ten days passed like this, and finally, it was the Northern Jin Emperor’s birthday.

Wen Zhuojin woke up at dawn.

Yan Qinglan was still asleep, so Wen Zhuojin gently kissed her before getting up.

The polo match wasn’t scheduled for so early, but attending the palace banquet required a lengthy process and preparation, so she needed to arrive early to queue at the palace gates.

Shortly after Wen Zhuojin left, Yan Qinglan sat up.

Today, Yan Qinglan was also going to the palace.

That fortress-like palace had once been her home.

Now, she had to sneak in, which left her with an uneasy feeling.

But knowing Wen Zhuojin would also be in the palace made her feel more secure.

Yan Qinglan got up, tidied herself, and soon Yan Zisang and Qing Chenning arrived.

“The palace maids said that today, the person at the banquet will be wearing a palace dress made of floating light brocade… and carrying a pouch with a lotus vine pattern… I had someone replicate it. When you arrive at the palace, you can change into it. For now, you’ll have to wear a maid’s uniform.” Yan Zisang whispered.

“Qing Chenning, check if there’s a similar floating light brocade dress here, and the pouch. Let Yan Zisang see if they match.” Yan Qinglan paused and said.

Floating light brocade was rare, and if it was supplied to the palace, Wen Zhuojin might have something similar.

As for the pouch, Wen Zhuojin had given Yan Qinglan several to play with, and she remembered one with a lotus vine pattern.

“This… it’s the same. The dress style is slightly different, but the pattern looks identical.” Yan Zisang confirmed after checking.

“The one you had replicated, was the fabric also replicated? Let’s use these clothes and pouch instead.” Yan Qinglan decided after some thought.