Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 66

On the day the palace examination results were announced, Wen Zhuojin was in the fragrant tea shop discussing a new tea recipe with the tea master when the sound of gongs and drums came from outside. A servant rushed in to deliver the good news.

“Miss, your cousin has been named the third-place scholar by His Majesty!”

Hearing the servant’s report, Wen Zhuojin’s heart, which had been hanging for days, finally settled.

“Good, good, good! Today, everyone gets a reward! Jinrui, exchange some copper coins and give lucky money to everyone who comes to the shop!” Wen Zhuojin said excitedly, turning to Jinrui.

Jinrui was also delighted and quickly went to prepare.

His Majesty had personally named Wu Yuanheng as the third-place scholar, which meant that Wu Yuanheng hadn’t been affected by the case involving the upright officials. This indicated that her uncle and his family might also be able to return someday.

Although she had spent some silver behind the scenes, the result seemed worth it.

Wen Zhuojin quickly finished her tasks at the shop, eager to return home and share the good news with her beautiful sister. Just as she stepped out of the shop, she saw Wu Yuanheng riding on horseback as part of the scholar’s parade, stopping right in front of the shop and smiling at her from his horse.

Since her uncle and aunt had gotten into trouble, the two of them had only met in secret, and later, they hadn’t even met face-to-face, only communicating through servants.

This was the first time they had met in broad daylight, in public.

Wu Yuanheng dismounted and walked toward Wen Zhuojin.

“Congratulations, cousin!” Wen Zhuojin clasped her hands and smiled brightly. Finally, they didn’t have to hide anymore.

“Thank you, Ah Zhuo. May I come in for a cup of tea?” Wu Yuanheng bowed slightly and asked with a smile.

“Of course!” Wen Zhuojin gestured for Wu Yuanheng to enter the shop.

The shop was a fragrant tea shop, and there were many customers inside.

The arrival of the newly appointed third-place scholar attracted even more people to the shop.

As Wen Zhuojin and Wu Yuanheng entered the shop, an inconspicuous carriage was stuck in the middle of the road, blocked by the crowd.

Inside the carriage sat Yan Qinglan and Qing Chenning.

At that moment, Yan Qinglan had just lowered the carriage curtain. Under her veiled hat, her expression was grim.

Wu Yuanheng was indeed a handsome and talented man. As soon as the results were announced, he had rushed to see Wen Zhuojin.

Wen Zhuojin had smiled so warmly at him and even invited him inside!

How wonderful, truly wonderful!

Yan Qinglan’s hands clenched slightly.

“Your Highness, Wu Yuanheng is indeed lucky. The case involving the upright officials was carried out in Your Highness’s name. The upright officials were very dissatisfied with Your Highness, and there was widespread discontent. During this period when Your Highness was recuperating and resting, many matters were set aside. The spring examinations were entirely handled by His Majesty, who appointed some descendants of upright officials to appease the remaining upright officials. That’s why Wu Yuanheng was able to achieve such a high rank. This is very unfavorable for Your Highness.”

Qing Chenning whispered.

Yan Qinglan listened to Qing Chenning’s words and had to admit that Yan Qi’s strategy had likely won the loyalty of this batch of newly appointed officials, who would now be indebted to him.

However, the methods were ruthless, and the cost was too high.

“Let’s go see the Vice Minister of Revenue first.” Yan Qinglan said softly.

In the end, right and wrong were determined by those in power.

The Vice Minister of Revenue had been promoted by Yan Qinglan in the past and could be considered one of her people.

As the crowd outside dispersed, Yan Qinglan’s carriage finally passed through the street.

Meanwhile, in the private room of the fragrant tea shop, Wen Zhuojin was talking with Wu Yuanheng.

“Cousin, what did you say? Did I hear you correctly?” Wen Zhuojin was shocked and asked for confirmation.

“You heard correctly. Ah Zhuo, I know you don’t like restrictions, but now there are rumors that Tianxuan Palace might arrange for you to enter the palace as a concubine. Would you be willing?” Wu Yuanheng looked at Wen Zhuojin and asked.

“Of course not! Who’s spreading these rumors? There’s no such thing. But what does this have to do with you proposing to me? You and I are cousins. How can we become husband and wife?” Wen Zhuojin said.

“Ah Zhuo, listen to me first. I guessed that your answer would be no, which is why I brought this up. Earlier, I heard that several people had proposed to Tianxuan Palace to marry you, but they were all rejected. I looked into those people, and none of them were suitable matches, so it’s good that they were rejected. But their status and position in Yunjing City were already quite high. If even they were rejected, it shows that Tianxuan Palace has even higher plans for you. You’re doing well in business now, and your performance at the polo match during His Majesty’s birthday banquet was outstanding. You’ve already caught His Majesty’s eye. If you don’t want to enter the palace as a concubine, how can you defy the orders of Tianxuan Palace and His Majesty? If you’re willing, at the Qionglin Banquet three days from now, I will ask His Majesty for a marriage decree. This might solve your dilemma.” Wu Yuanheng said calmly, his expression serious.

“…” Wen Zhuojin listened to Wu Yuanheng’s words and knew he was trying to help her.

He still saw her as a child who needed protection.

There had been no official decree yet, and Wen Zhuojin had heard rumors before but hadn’t paid much attention.

She had already told Jiangxiao that she liked women. Would Jiangxiao still make arrangements for her?

If Jiangxiao only saw her as a tool, why would she care about her preferences?

Listening to Wu Yuanheng’s analysis, it made sense. It felt like something could happen at any moment.

That damn emperor! Did helping him win the polo match earn her this?

“Cousin, have you thought about it? If His Majesty really intends to take me as a concubine, wouldn’t your request for a marriage decree offend him? What about your future career?” Wen Zhuojin thought for a moment and sighed.

“Since I’ve been named third-place scholar by His Majesty, it shows that His Majesty wants to win over the upright officials. By requesting a marriage decree now, I’m gambling on His Majesty’s resolve. As for my career, if I can’t even protect you, what use is a career? Don’t overthink it. Even if my father were here, he would support me in doing this. If you marry me, I won’t restrict you. If one day you meet someone you like, we can divorce at any time.” Wu Yuanheng said.

“Cousin, unfortunately, I’ve already met someone I like, and I’m preparing for the wedding. I was planning to invite you to attend.” Wen Zhuojin paused and then smiled.

“You’ve met someone you like? You’re already preparing for the wedding? How come I’ve never heard of this?” Wu Yuanheng was shocked.

“This is something I’ve been doing privately. It’s a bit embarrassing, so I haven’t told anyone else. Since you brought it up, I’m telling you now. I really like this person, and we’re already living together. I need to give her a proper status through marriage. Cousin, don’t think about requesting a marriage decree. We’re destined to be siblings, not husband and wife.” Wen Zhuojin said.

Wu Yuanheng paused, meeting Wen Zhuojin’s frank gaze. His expression gradually relaxed.

Wen Zhuojin also breathed a sigh of relief.

“Ah, indeed. Who is the person you like? Have I met them before?” Wu Yuanheng asked, his tone relaxed.

“You haven’t met her. You’ll know when you come to the wedding. I’ll keep it a secret for now.” Wen Zhuojin said, deciding not to reveal too much. Otherwise, on such a joyous day, she might have to explain herself to Wu Yuanheng for hours. If he thought that a marriage between two women was improper and that the emperor wouldn’t approve, he might still go and request a marriage decree, which would be disastrous.

“Cousin, don’t worry about me. I’m an adult now. If something happens, I’ll find a way to handle it. If I can’t, I’ll naturally come to you for help. Now that you’ve passed the imperial exams, focus on doing well and strive for a promotion. Bring my uncle and aunt back, and then marry a beautiful, virtuous, and kind sister-in-law!” Wen Zhuojin said with a smile.

“Alright, I’ll work hard. Ah Zhuo, you’re truly capable. I can’t compare.” Wu Yuanheng smiled.

Wen Zhuojin chatted with Wu Yuanheng for a while and then saw him off.

After resolving the matter with Wu Yuanheng, Wen Zhuojin had another thing on her mind.

If a decree really came down, Wen Zhuojin would absolutely refuse to comply.

But defying an imperial decree was a serious offense, and no matter what she said, if the other party had only one goal, what could she do?

She needed to think of a solution.

Wen Zhuojin pondered for a moment and came up with a few ideas, though she wasn’t sure if they would work.

Outside, the sky was overcast, and thunder rumbled. Wen Zhuojin snapped out of her thoughts.

Hearing the rain pattering on the ground, Wen Zhuojin didn’t want to stay in the shop any longer. She wanted to go home and see her beautiful sister.

Over the past few days, Wen Zhuojin had finished her wedding dress, and the one from the tailor shop was almost ready.

The only thing missing was the “divorce letter” from her beautiful sister’s “scoundrel husband.” The people she had sent to find him had returned empty-handed.

Technically, given their current situation—one exiled and the other registered as a low-status person—they were no longer connected.

But to help her beautiful sister completely let go, Wen Zhuojin still wanted to obtain a divorce letter.

However, the people she sent to the exile location couldn’t find the Chu Hanlin.

It was unclear whether he had died during the exile or what had happened.

Even though they couldn’t find him, the lack of a divorce letter didn’t stop Wen Zhuojin from continuing her preparations.

On her way back, Wen Zhuojin wore an oilcloth coat and carried an umbrella. She took a detour to buy some pastries before hurrying home.

When the carriage entered the estate, Wen Zhuojin removed her oilcloth coat and headed to the inner room.

A maid was brewing tea in the outer room. Wen Zhuojin casually asked a few questions and then lifted the curtain to enter the inner room.

The bell on the curtain jingled as Wen Zhuojin called out.

“Sister!”

There was no response.

Wen Zhuojin quickened her steps and lifted the gauze curtain of the canopy bed. The bed was empty!

Wen Zhuojin’s excitement at returning to see her beautiful sister instantly shattered. A cold sensation rose from the soles of her feet to the top of her head, and cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

She wasn’t here?!

A few days ago, the little maid had mentioned this, and although Wen Zhuojin had felt uneasy, she thought her beautiful sister was too gentle to leave.

The reality before her left Wen Zhuojin momentarily at a loss.

Wen Zhuojin lifted the blankets and checked the wardrobe, but there was nothing.

However, she noticed that a set of outdoor clothes and a pair of shoes were missing!

Wen Zhuojin’s heart pounded, and her breathing became labored.

Still unwilling to accept it, she went to the washroom to look, but there was no one there either.

“Where is Madam Liu? Did she go out?” Wen Zhuojin asked the maid.

“I’ve been here the whole time. I didn’t see Madam Liu leave.” the maid said, startled.

Wen Zhuojin exhaled.

She called a few more people and questioned them one by one.

No one had seen her.

Wen Zhuojin rushed back into the inner room, searching for any suspicious traces.

If she hadn’t left through the main door, had she climbed out the window?!

How could her beautiful sister climb out a window and over a wall?

Wen Zhuojin pushed open the window. Outside, the rain had washed away most traces, but upon closer inspection, she could see some flattened grass.

Wen Zhuojin searched the room again and, confirming that her beautiful sister wasn’t there, called for people to thoroughly search the estate.

Meanwhile, Wen Zhuojin climbed out the window, crossed the garden, and scaled the wall to the outside.

In just a short while, Wen Zhuojin’s clothes were soaked.

She didn’t care. Her mind was blank, with only one thought: she had to find her.

In the rain, the air was filled with the smell of earth and leaves, making it difficult to track by scent.

Wen Zhuojin ran along the road outside the estate for a while before being stopped by a carriage. It was Jinrui, who had followed Wen Zhuojin back. Seeing Wen Zhuojin leave, she had hurried out and asked the coachman to drive the carriage to the road exit to pick up Wen Zhuojin.

“Miss, get in the carriage first. You’ll get sick if you keep standing in the rain.” Jinrui said, holding an umbrella as she helped Wen Zhuojin into the carriage.