Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 74

“Miss, the celestial maiden from Tianxuan Palace has come to offer her congratulations.”

Wen Zhuojin had just placed a lock of her hair into a sachet and given it to Yan Qinglan when she heard the maid’s voice.

Yan Qinglan, who had been staring at the sachet in her hand, feeling as though her palm was burning, snapped out of her reverie upon hearing the maid’s announcement and froze.

Had Wen Zhuojin even informed Tianxuan Palace about their wedding?!

“Don’t be afraid, sister. I’ve already told the people at Tianxuan Palace that I prefer women, and they seemed quite accepting. When I happened to run into Senior Sister Xuanzhen from Tianxuan Palace outside, I told her about the wedding. She’s just here to celebrate, so there’s no need to worry.” Wen Zhuojin whispered reassuringly, noticing Yan Qinglan’s uneasy expression.

“…” Yan Qinglan remained silent, clenching her fingers. She didn’t want any bloodshed on the day she and Wen Zhuojin were to “marry.”

But if Xuanzhen came in to see her, then…

“Sister, wait for me. I’ll go out to greet her and be back soon.” Wen Zhuojin said, stuffing a piece of candied fruit into Yan Qinglan’s mouth to comfort her.

After Wen Zhuojin left, Yan Qinglan retrieved the dagger she had hidden and re-covered her head with the veil that Wen Zhuojin had removed earlier.

Although there were embroidered guards in the mansion who could be called upon, if Xuanzhen were to enter, she couldn’t afford to be defenseless.

When Wen Zhuojin stepped outside, she immediately spotted Xuanzhen dressed in a plain Taoist robe.

“Ah, Zhuojin, I’m so sorry. I went to Tianxuan Palace to see our master and was delayed. I rushed here as fast as I could to offer my congratulations.” Xuanzhen said with a smile.

“It’s an honor that you could come, Senior Sister.” Wen Zhuojin replied, greeting her with a smile.

“I told our master about your wedding, and she even wrote a congratulatory message for you. Thanks to your happy occasion, our master didn’t punish me. I owe you one.” Xuanzhen said with a laugh, instructing her attendants to present the gifts to Wen Zhuojin.

Wen Zhuojin accepted the gifts with thanks, invited Xuanzhen to sit, and offered her a cup of wine.

“You should bring your wife to Tianxuan Palace to offer incense sometime. Our master said she’d like to meet her. I’m also curious to see what she looks like.” Xuanzhen said after drinking a cup of wine.

“Senior Sister, I should have brought my wife out to greet you, but she’s quite shy and delicate. If you don’t mind, I can take you to the bridal chamber to see her.” Wen Zhuojin offered.

She didn’t really want Xuanzhen to see Yan Qinglan, but if she refused, Xuanzhen might become even more curious.

Xuanzhen seemed tempted by Wen Zhuojin’s suggestion.

“Never mind. I’m dressed too plainly today, and it’s your wedding night. It wouldn’t be proper for me to intrude. Bring her to see me when you come to offer incense.” Xuanzhen said, waving her hand as Wen Zhuojin stood up.

Shy and delicate? Even though Xuanzhen was curious, she wasn’t particularly interested.

She preferred women like Jiangxiao, who feared nothing.

Wen Zhuojin breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down to chat with Xuanzhen.

After a while, Xuanzhen prepared to leave, and Wen Zhuojin didn’t press her to stay.

“Our master has ordered me to set another trap. This time, we must catch that woman. Although I don’t want to, our master has given strict orders. Tsk, I still have to obey. I won’t stay here any longer.” Xuanzhen whispered to Wen Zhuojin as she escorted her out, already treating Wen Zhuojin as a trusted confidante.

“It must be difficult for you, Senior Sister. I hope our master realizes your loyalty sooner rather than later. That kind of woman, even if caught, won’t be sincere. Our master will understand who is truly loyal.” Wen Zhuojin said.

“Thanks for your kind words. Alright, I’ll take my leave now. Go back to your wedding night.” Xuanzhen said, patting Wen Zhuojin’s shoulder, clearly touched by her words.

After seeing Xuanzhen off, Wen Zhuojin’s expression turned serious.

The capital was likely to face turmoil again.

She just needed to protect her own family.

Returning to the wedding banquet, Wen Zhuojin remembered that she still had to toast the guests and picked up a cup to pour wine.

“Nanny Jiang, did you see? Even the Celestial Maiden has approved of my marriage. Our master even sent gifts.” Wen Zhuojin said to Nanny Jiang, seizing the opportunity.

Nanny Jiang, a devout follower of the Celestial Maiden, had witnessed everything and was further convinced by Wen Zhuojin’s words.

If the Celestial Maiden approved, it must be right!

Seeing Nanny Jiang’s expression, Wen Zhuojin pursed her lips and continued to greet the other guests.

She hadn’t noticed earlier, but Wu Yuanheng was also present.

“Are you happy, Zhuojin?” Wu Yuanheng asked softly when Wen Zhuojin offered him a toast.

“Of course I am.” Wen Zhuojin replied.

“Good. As long as you’re happy, I’ll stand by your side. I’ll help you explain things to Father and Mother. However, your marriage isn’t officially registered, so it might not be recognized. Don’t forget what I mentioned last time. If you need my help, just send someone to find me. Don’t hesitate.” Wu Yuanheng said, his voice tinged with concern.

Wen Zhuojin paused for a moment before remembering what Wu Yuanheng was referring to.

There had been no imperial edicts or news of a selection of concubines recently, so Wen Zhuojin hadn’t paid much attention.

She didn’t have time to think of a solution now, but if it came to that, she would go all out.

“Thank you, cousin.” Wen Zhuojin said sincerely.

Having grown up together, Wu Yuanheng knew Wen Zhuojin well.

After exchanging a few more words, Wen Zhuojin moved on to toast the other guests.

By the time she returned to the inner chamber, she was slightly drunk.

Yan Qinglan, who had been on high alert, listening for any movement outside, waited for a while, but no one entered.

When she heard movement again, she saw that it was Wen Zhuojin alone who had returned. She quickly hid the dagger and removed the veil from her head.

Wen Zhuojin’s cheeks were flushed, and she wore a silly smile as she approached Yan Qinglan.

“Sister, I’m back…” Wen Zhuojin said, stumbling toward the bed.

Yan Qinglan, seeing Wen Zhuojin’s state, knew she was drunk.

She decided to let her be for now and removed the heavy gold and jade hairpins, placing them in a jewelry box, then took off her outer wedding robe.

Just as she felt a momentary relief, Wen Zhuojin hugged her tightly.

“Sister, I’m so happy! From now on, we’re married, the closest of people. You’re my wife, and I’m your wife…”

Wen Zhuojin whispered in Yan Qinglan’s ear, causing her ears to turn red. She knew how much importance Wen Zhuojin placed on this marriage, even if others didn’t recognize it.

Pressed down by Wen Zhuojin, Yan Qinglan caught the scent of alcohol on her.

The peach blossom wine had a light aroma, more floral than alcoholic, and wasn’t unpleasant.

Just a bit strong.

Yan Qinglan helped Wen Zhuojin remove her hair ornaments and took off her heavy wedding robe.

“Sister, today is our wedding day. Do you know what the final step of a wedding is? It’s the consummation, the act of marital intimacy…” Wen Zhuojin whispered again, her warm breath brushing against Yan Qinglan’s neck, leaving a red flush.

Yan Qinglan recalled Wen Zhuojin’s words when she had a fever, about waiting until their wedding night to be intimate.

Fine, she would indulge her tonight.

As Yan Qinglan was thinking this, Wen Zhuojin climbed onto the bed and pulled out a booklet from a hidden compartment.

“Sister, let’s look at this together. Tell me which picture you like…” Wen Zhuojin said, holding the booklet up for Yan Qinglan to see.

Yan Qinglan, seeing the sparkle in Wen Zhuojin’s clear, innocent eyes and her flushed cheeks, found her adorable.

But when she looked down at the booklet, her expression changed, and she quickly turned her face away, unable to look.

How could someone with such a sweet, innocent face be so… in this regard?

“Sister, do you like this one? Sister, I’ve been taking good care of my hands these past few days, and my nails are neatly trimmed. Feel my hands, aren’t they much softer now? Sister… is it okay?”

Wen Zhuojin spoke in a soft, pleading voice, pulling Yan Qinglan’s hand to feel her own.

Yan Qinglan felt her bl00d rush to her head.

This little rascal!

No wonder Wen Zhuojin had been soaking her hands every night and applying various creams. Her hands did look much softer and smoother.

So this was why…

“Let’s go wash up first!” Yan Qinglan pressed down on Wen Zhuojin and managed to say.

“Okay, okay, let’s wash up first!” Wen Zhuojin nodded repeatedly. Despite her drunken state, she still cared about cleanliness.

“Sister, let’s go together. There’s a large bath here, big enough for both of us.” Wen Zhuojin said, pulling Yan Qinglan up.

Yan Qinglan was about to refuse the idea of bathing together, but hearing that the bath was large and seeing Wen Zhuojin’s unsteady state, she feared she might drown. Reluctantly, she got up and followed her.

The bath was located in the direction of the washroom. As they entered, they were greeted by the scent of flowers and steam.

It was indeed a large bath.

The bathwater seemed to have been infused with flower essence, giving off a floral aroma, with petals floating on the surface and steam rising.

“Be good, you wash first, and I’ll wash after. If you don’t listen, no consummation tonight.” Yan Qinglan said, recalling the last time they were in the bathtub. She was still a bit shaken, especially since Wen Zhuojin had mentioned her hands earlier. She feared Wen Zhuojin might be even more unrestrained in her current state.

Wen Zhuojin obediently undressed and got into the water. After she finished washing, Yan Qinglan helped her out, wrapped her in a towel, and sent her back to the inner chamber. She instructed Wen Zhuojin to dry her hair with a towel while she went to wash herself.

After washing, Yan Qinglan changed into her nightgown and slowly dried her hair, her face growing hotter.

The images from the booklet, though she had only glanced at them, were now etched in her mind.

Combined with Wen Zhuojin’s words, Yan Qinglan realized that their previous intimacy had only been superficial.

Taking a few deep breaths, Yan Qinglan thought about all the ways Wen Zhuojin had treated her and managed to calm her uneasy heart.

Yan Qinglan thought she was mentally prepared, but when she returned to the inner chamber, she found Wen Zhuojin asleep on the red wedding quilt.

Yan Qinglan approached and gently touched Wen Zhuojin’s cheek.

“Sister… sister, Zhuojin wants…”

Wen Zhuojin murmured in her sleep, clutching the quilt tightly.

“…” Seeing that Wen Zhuojin was asleep and likely dreaming something inappropriate, Yan Qinglan felt a sense of relief.

Given Wen Zhuojin’s current state, if she were to do anything, Yan Qinglan would have been a bit scared.

Yan Qinglan used a dry towel to wipe Wen Zhuojin’s hair, going through several towels before it was finally dry. Wen Zhuojin showed no signs of waking up.

Yan Qinglan pulled the quilt over Wen Zhuojin and glanced at the still-burning red wedding candles. Remembering Wen Zhuojin’s words that the candles were to burn all night, she left them alone, simply drawing the curtains and lying down beside Wen Zhuojin with a separate quilt.

The person beside her murmured a few times before falling silent. Yan Qinglan, feeling drowsy, soon closed her eyes and fell asleep.

The next morning, Wen Zhuojin woke up with a headache. As she regained her senses, she realized what had happened.

Looking around, she saw the beautiful sister sleeping neatly in the corner, covered by a quilt.

Wen Zhuojin pinched her brow, realizing she had been so drunk that she had fallen asleep.

It was fortunate that nothing had happened. Consummating the marriage in such a state would have been a disservice to all the preparations.

Wen Zhuojin crawled over and hugged Yan Qinglan.

Yan Qinglan’s eyelids fluttered, and she opened her eyes to see Wen Zhuojin.

“Wuwuwu, sister, I’m sorry. I fell asleep before we could consummate the marriage last night…” Wen Zhuojin said with a pout.

Yan Qinglan, now fully awake, found Wen Zhuojin’s expression amusing and pinched her cheek.

“How much did you drink to get so drunk?” Yan Qinglan asked.

“I toasted all the guests and lost count. The peach blossom wine was quite mild. Didn’t you try it too? Mmm, sister, we missed our chance last night…” Wen Zhuojin said, burying her face in Yan Qinglan’s neck, lamenting.

“It’s alright. If we missed last night, there’s always tonight.” Yan Qinglan said, patting Wen Zhuojin to comfort her.

Wen Zhuojin immediately lifted her head, her expression brightening.

“Wuwu, sister, you said it. I’ll remember that, hehe…” Wen Zhuojin said, hugging Yan Qinglan tightly and kissing her.

Yan Qinglan was speechless.

Was Wen Zhuojin just waiting for her to say that?

It was already late, and neither of them had eaten much the previous day. By morning, they were both hungry.

Wen Zhuojin pulled Yan Qinglan up, and they went to wash up together.

After washing, they had the maid serve breakfast.

“Sister, I was so drunk last night that I forgot something important. I prepared a box for you as a dowry.”

After breakfast, Wen Zhuojin remembered something and took out an exquisitely carved wooden box.

Yan Qinglan was surprised. A dowry?

“There are some silver notes, as well as deeds to farmland and estates. All future income will go directly to you. You can spend it however you like.” Wen Zhuojin said, opening the box to show Yan Qinglan.

Yan Qinglan glanced inside and saw a thick stack of silver notes, totaling around thirty to forty thousand taels of silver.

Wen Zhuojin had earned quite a bit of money recently, but she had also been opening new shops and had to share profits with Tianxuan Palace and Princess Le’an. She didn’t have much cash on hand, so giving Yan Qinglan this much was likely all she had.

Yan Qinglan had been wondering how to reasonably ask for some money while managing Wen Zhuojin’s household, aside from the funds from Princess Le’an. Now, Wen Zhuojin had given it to her.

“Sister, do you feel more at ease now?” Wen Zhuojin asked, placing the box in Yan Qinglan’s hands and smiling.

The silver, though not an enormous amount, felt heavy in Yan Qinglan’s hands.

Hearing Wen Zhuojin’s words and seeing the warmth in her eyes, Yan Qinglan felt touched but didn’t respond immediately.

“Zhuojin, could you return my deed of sale to me?” Yan Qinglan asked.

Yan Qinglan had already had the embroidered guards in the mansion help her find Liu Suniang’s deed of sale, which was kept in a small box with several locks where Wen Zhuojin stored her silver notes.

Although she had already placed people around Wen Zhuojin and had Qing Chenning arrange people at the government office, Yan Qinglan still felt uneasy.

She hadn’t expected Wen Zhuojin to be on such good terms with Xuanzhen and the others, even informing them about the wedding.

Interacting with those people could easily lead to fatal consequences.

It would be better to take this opportunity to retrieve the deed of sale and remind Wen Zhuojin.

“…” Wen Zhuojin paused, looking at Yan Qinglan. She had been planning to help Yan Qinglan obtain a legitimate identity token. If Yan Qinglan took the deed of sale, how would she proceed?

“Zhuojin, are you unwilling?” Yan Qinglan asked.

“Of course not.” Wen Zhuojin said, her mind racing but quickly agreeing.

Wen Zhuojin went to find her small box and took out the deed of sale, handing it to Yan Qinglan.

“Sister, you can lock these things in this cabinet. Here’s the key.” Wen Zhuojin said, giving Yan Qinglan a key.

“Zhuojin, thank you.” Yan Qinglan said.

“Sister, you’ve forgotten. Starting from yesterday, we’re family. There’s no need to thank me. If you really want to thank me, kiss me…” Wen Zhuojin said, leaning in.

Yan Qinglan kissed Wen Zhuojin.

Wen Zhuojin’s lips curved into a smile.

The morning kiss made Wen Zhuojin want to consummate the marriage immediately.

But she couldn’t be so impatient.

When Yan Qinglan patted her, Wen Zhuojin let go.

The two of them huddled together and chatted.

“Sister, do you know what Xuanzhen said yesterday?” Wen Zhuojin brought up the topic with Yan Qinglan.

“What did she say?” Yan Qinglan asked lazily.

“She said she went to Tianxuan Palace to see Jiangxiao, and Jiangxiao asked her to bring congratulatory gifts and words for me. She also said we should go to Tianxuan Palace to offer incense in a few days and let Jiangxiao meet you. Would you like to go?” Wen Zhuojin asked.

“Zhuojin, Tianxuan Palace is involved in creating poisonous incense. I don’t want to go. Moreover, my identity is special and could cause a lot of trouble. If Xuanzhen and the others find out, it could bring disaster upon you.” Yan Qinglan said after a pause.

How could she go to see Jiangxiao?

Wen Zhuojin didn’t know, so she could speak so casually without realizing the implications.

But if she weren’t careful and revealed something that Tianxuan Palace might find suspicious, it could bring great trouble to Wen Zhuojin.

“Sister, the Qingliu case seems to have eased up a lot. Are you still worried?” Wen Zhuojin asked.

“The Wu family’s case is different from mine. It’s involved in a rebellion case, and a single misstep could lead to the execution of nine generations. Ah Zhuojin, don’t take it lightly.” Yan Qinglan emphasized, making it sound more severe.

Wen Zhuojin, seeing Yan Qinglan’s serious expression, thought about how she had spent a lot of money to help her uncle’s family. Her uncle’s official status was still intact, though he had been demoted.

The emperor had only reinstated the Qingliu officials who hadn’t been involved in the rebellion case, mostly from humble backgrounds.

“Alright, I’ll remember. Sister, you don’t need to be so afraid. We won’t go to Tianxuan Palace to see them. They are busy with other matters lately and probably only mentioned it casually, not sincerely inviting us.” Wen Zhuojin said, comforting Yan Qinglan.

Hearing this, Yan Qinglan felt slightly relieved.

The rebellion and the execution of nine generations that Yan Qinglan mentioned, and the potential trouble it could bring to Wen Zhuojin, weren’t just scare tactics. They were her genuine concerns.

What she had done was far more serious than the fabricated rebellion case in the Qingliu incident.

She only hoped that if things went south, Wen Zhuojin wouldn’t be implicated.

“Sister, remember when I mentioned that Jiangxiao seemed to have a lover who ran away and couldn’t be found? They are still looking for her. Xuanzhen said they set a trap last time and thought they would surely catch her, but she escaped. This time, they’ve set another trap with more people, saying they will definitely catch her. I think that since she escaped, she probably isn’t in the capital anymore. I wonder what Jiangxiao and the others did to make her run away. I hope they don’t catch her.”

Wen Zhuojin changed the subject, not noticing the changes in Yan Qinglan’s expression.

Another trap?

What kind of trap this time?

She hadn’t expected that through Wen Zhuojin’s interactions with Xuanzhen, she would receive such information.

Although the details were unclear, it made Yan Qinglan more vigilant.

Hearing Wen Zhuojin’s tone, she seemed to sympathize with the “unknown” woman and didn’t want her to be caught. This made Yan Qinglan feel closer to Wen Zhuojin.

The two of them chatted for a while, and Wen Zhuojin wanted to take Yan Qinglan out to play, so they went to the lotus pond.

When Yan Qinglan went out, she wore a veil to cover half of her face, as Qin Yuerou had seen her before.

On their “wedding” day, Wen Zhuojin took Yan Qinglan boating, fishing, playing chess, and flying kites, enjoying a relaxing day.

At night, Wen Zhuojin eagerly anticipated the consummation and quickly finished dinner. As she was about to go wash up, Yan Qinglan clutched her stomach, looking uncomfortable.

“Sister, what’s wrong? Did you eat something bad?” Wen Zhuojin asked with concern.

“No, it’s just… I think my period has come.” Yan Qinglan said, looking up at Wen Zhuojin.

Since her last period, Yan Qinglan hadn’t had another one. She hadn’t paid much attention to it, but now, on this day of all days, it had arrived. She felt a bit sorry for Wen Zhuojin, who had been looking forward to this night.

“…It’s good that it came. Auntie Zheng said having it once a month is normal. It’s been delayed for so long, so it’s good that it’s here.” Wen Zhuojin said, hugging Yan Qinglan.

Although she was disappointed, it was indeed good that Yan Qinglan’s period had come.

She just hoped that after drinking the medicine for so long, Yan Qinglan’s body would be better than last time.

“I’ll go find the menstrual cloth, prepare a hot water bottle, and brew the medicine Auntie Zheng prescribed…” Wen Zhuojin said, wrapping Yan Qinglan in a quilt before hurrying off to prepare.

Yan Qinglan watched Wen Zhuojin busy herself, her eyes trembling.

With her previous experience, Wen Zhuojin methodically prepared everything, trying to minimize Yan Qinglan’s discomfort.

Once Yan Qinglan lay down, her body warm and the dull ache in her abdomen somewhat alleviated, she felt better than before.

“Sister, be good. Rest assured and sleep. I’ll keep you warm.” Wen Zhuojin said, hugging Yan Qinglan from behind and placing her hand on Yan Qinglan’s abdomen to warm her.

Yan Qinglan gradually relaxed.

Just like last time, with Wen Zhuojin by her side, the dreaded period became less frightening.

Yan Qinglan nestled in Wen Zhuojin’s arms and soon fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, Yan Qinglan got up to use the bathroom, and Wen Zhuojin accompanied her.

“Does it still hurt?” Wen Zhuojin asked sleepily.

“It hurts…” Yan Qinglan whispered, taking Wen Zhuojin’s hand and placing it on her abdomen.

Wen Zhuojin’s heart ached, and she hugged Yan Qinglan tightly.

Wen Zhuojin thought again of the female doctor who had retired from the palace, whom Auntie Zheng had mentioned.

She had already sent someone to invite her, offering a generous fee.

But for some reason, the woman had declined.

Wen Zhuojin increased the fee and sent someone again.

She didn’t know if the woman had arrived yet.

It seemed she would have to send someone on horseback tomorrow to check if the woman had come and bring her as soon as possible to examine Yan Qinglan.

The next morning, Wen Zhuojin sent the hired escort to fetch the woman on horseback.

Yan Qinglan was in pain all day, and Wen Zhuojin tried various methods, but they only provided slight relief.

By the third morning, the female doctor finally arrived.

She was a plump woman in her fifties, with a dignified air, resembling a noblewoman Wen Zhuojin had seen before.

“Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Mo. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you to examine my wife before you rest.” Wen Zhuojin said, bowing to the doctor.

“It’s my duty. Please lead the way, Miss Wen.” Dr. Mo said calmly, clearly experienced and unflappable.

Wen Zhuojin only hoped that this woman could truly cure Yan Qinglan.

Dr. Mo was led by Wen Zhuojin to the inner chamber to examine Yan Qinglan.

Since the examination required observation, questioning, and pulse-taking, and Yan Qinglan was in the inner chamber, she didn’t cover her face.

Wen Zhuojin entered first, then invited the doctor in.

Dr. Mo walked in calmly, but when she saw Yan Qinglan leaning against the soft pillow, her expression changed, and her eyes widened slightly.

“Are you the doctor who was invited? I heard you retired from the palace. Thanks to Ah Zhuojin, I have the honor of meeting such a skilled doctor. Did you notice any illness from my face?” Yan Qinglan asked softly, looking up at the doctor.

Seeing the doctor’s expression, Yan Qinglan guessed that she might have recognized her.

Even if she hadn’t, she likely had some suspicions.

So Yan Qinglan hinted at her.

“Greetings, Madam. I need to carefully take your pulse and ask some questions before I can determine anything. I can’t diagnose just by looking at your face.” Dr. Mo said, quickly regaining her composure.

“Then please proceed, Doctor.” Yan Qinglan said, extending her slender, pale wrist.