Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 79

“Yes, that’s right.” Yan Qinglan no longer hid it and admitted.

“So, you escaped while being imprisoned by Jiangxiao? The iron rings on your body and the incense poison you were subjected to were all from Jiangxiao, right?” Wen Zhuojin asked again, her voice trembling.

“Yes.” Yan Qinglan replied, her voice strained.

Hearing that Wen Zhuojin had already guessed so much, Yan Qinglan felt increasingly alarmed and chilled inside.

Her identity was like a thin layer of paper, ready to be torn apart at any moment.

“Ah Zhuo, you and I now…”

“That old hag Jiangxiao!”

Yan Qinglan was about to suggest that Wen Zhuojin cut ties with her to save her life, but before she could finish, she heard Wen Zhuojin’s angry voice, gritted through her teeth.

After confirming that Yan Qinglan was the person Xuan Zhen had mentioned, Wen Zhuojin recalled the various things Xuan Zhen had said, and her anger surged. At the same time, she felt even more heartache for Yan Qinglan.

She knew that Jiangxiao and Xuan Zhen were not good people, and her interactions with them were merely for business and making money. She didn’t harbor much ill will towards them.

When her preference for women was acknowledged, and Xuan Zhen even discussed it with her several times, offering “enthusiastic” help, she even felt that getting along with Xuan Zhen was quite pleasant, and they could be friends who could talk freely.

When Jiangxiao sent her wedding blessings, her impression of Jiangxiao improved slightly.

Who would have thought that the person they had been searching for was Yan Qinglan herself!

“That old hag actually coveted my sister and tried to force herself on her! Bullying people with her power, she deserves to die! Sister, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you suffered so much. I even invited Xuan Zhen to our wedding. Although I was accepted as a disciple by Jiangxiao, I have no affection for her and will not respect her as a teacher.” Wen Zhuojin continued, her voice less angry but choked with sobs, as if she was about to cry.

Thinking about Yan Qinglan’s previous concealments, it was probably due to her own identity and the need for caution.

Yan Qinglan didn’t expect Wen Zhuojin to say such things. Hearing her tearful voice, something inside her was deeply moved.

“Ah Zhuo, Jiangxiao’s influence is greater than you think. Not only do aristocratic families in the court obey her, but there are also concubines in the palace who are her people. If she finds out you’re hiding me, she might kill you.” Yan Qinglan said slowly.

From Wen Zhuojin’s tone, it seemed she hadn’t guessed Yan Qinglan’s true identity, only thinking she was a pitiful person being hunted and imprisoned.

But even without knowing her identity, facing such a powerful force like Jiangxiao and the potential threat to her life, what could the affection born from appearance really amount to?

Could it really make her risk her life?

“Sister, you and I are already family. Jiangxiao’s actions towards you make her my sworn enemy! No matter how powerful she is, even if she is the princess, she is still my enemy. Sister, don’t be afraid. Although my abilities are limited, I will do everything in my power to protect you. Today, you asked Qing Chenning for help because of me, and I will repay this favor.” Wen Zhuojin said, her tone firming up.

“…” Yan Qinglan was speechless.

Wen Zhuojin had given a “reasonable” explanation for everything based on her understanding of the situation.

But this was only part of the truth; more was still hidden.

She didn’t know that the princess in the palace was an imposter, so she couldn’t guess who Yan Qinglan really was.

Unless Yan Qinglan told her.

The moon hid behind the clouds, and the surroundings grew darker.

The sounds of insects and the clatter of horse hooves filled the air, along with the heartbeats of Wen Zhuojin and Yan Qinglan.

She had lost much.

But it seemed she had gained something even more significant.

But would this thing truly belong to her?

Or would it be just a fleeting moment?

Like the things she once had?

Young Yan Qi had once risked his life to save her, leading the rebel army away, and Jiangxiao had even left her with a leg injury because of her.

They were once the people she trusted and was closest to.

“Sister, there’s a manor not far from the city. Shall we go there first?” Wen Zhuojin suggested after calming down a bit.

It was too dark to travel safely, and encountering the imperial guards again would be even worse.

Wen Zhuojin had previously planned to start a merchant convoy and needed to establish her own guard team. The guards in training were staying at the manor Wen Zhuojin mentioned, being trained by hired armed escorts.

With the darkness and the sense of insecurity everywhere, Wen Zhuojin thought it would be safer to take Yan Qinglan to the manor.

At least there, the people were her own, and they had some martial skills and weapons, making it relatively safe.

“Alright.” Yan Qinglan responded softly, and Wen Zhuojin urged the horse towards the manor.

On the way, they encountered a stream. Feeling too disheveled, Wen Zhuojin dismounted, took off her mud-stained coat, washed her face, tied up her hair roughly, and put on a clean scarf before continuing.

They were not far from the manor, and after about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, they arrived.

At the manor gate, Wen Zhuojin dismounted first, holding the reins, and knocked on the door.

“I’m from the Marquis’s residence, call Manager Lin.” Wen Zhuojin said to the guard who opened the door, showing her identity token with the character “Wen.”

The guard didn’t dare to delay and quickly went to wake up Manager Lin, whom Wen Zhuojin had mentioned.

Manager Lin was specifically arranged by Wen Zhuojin to manage the guard team at the manor. He was also a capable manager from her uncle’s family. After her uncle’s family was raided and the servants were sold, Wen Zhuojin used her money to buy him back.

Manager Lin naturally recognized Wen Zhuojin and held her in high regard.

“Miss, come in quickly. What happened to you?” Manager Lin was shocked to see Wen Zhuojin’s disheveled state, even though she had cleaned up a bit, she still looked quite in a mess.

“We encountered bandits on the road, it’s a long story. First, prepare hot water and two sets of clean clothes.” Wen Zhuojin said.

“Alright, I’ll go arrange it. Miss, rest assured, I’ll keep the servants’ mouths shut.” Manager Lin whispered to Wen Zhuojin.

Knowing Manager Lin was reliable, Wen Zhuojin followed him into the manor.

“Sister, we’re safe here.” Wen Zhuojin held Yan Qinglan’s hand until they reached the room.

After the maid left, Yan Qinglan took off her veil.

It was too dark outside. Although Wen Zhuojin had washed the mud off her face, her hair and clothes were still stained, and there were bloodstains on her forehead, neck, and exposed hands.

“Sister, let’s wash our hands and eat something. Did you skip lunch? I didn’t eat either, I’m starving.” Wen Zhuojin said to Yan Qinglan, her tone lightening a bit.

Seeing Yan Qinglan’s brows still furrowed with worry, Wen Zhuojin didn’t want to let the atmosphere sink further and tried to lighten the mood.

“Ah Zhuo, you’re injured.” Yan Qinglan said, her voice clearly filled with concern.

“It’s nothing, it doesn’t hurt, just minor injuries…” Wen Zhuojin tried to comfort Yan Qinglan, but when she saw her own hands, she couldn’t keep up the pretense.

Her once well-maintained hands, with their jade-white skin, delicate and free of calluses, with evenly shaped fingers, were now covered in bloodstains, with two nails broken and her thumb swollen, too painful to touch.

Her carefully maintained hands were ruined!

She would never forgive Jiangxiao!

“Sister, my hands are ruined! I took such good care of them, and you haven’t even used them yet, wuwuwu.” Wen Zhuojin couldn’t help but raise her hands to show Yan Qinglan.

These hands, which hadn’t even fulfilled their purpose, were now in such a sorry state!

Wen Zhuojin’s earlier attempt to lighten the mood hadn’t worked, but her pitiful display now brought a subtle change to Yan Qinglan’s mood.

Yan Qinglan remembered how Wen Zhuojin had shown her hands before, saying…

You little rascal, so pitiful.

“Can you move them? Wiggle your fingers. It shouldn’t be broken, just superficial wounds. They’ll heal with some care. Don’t cry.” Yan Qinglan reached out to touch Wen Zhuojin’s face, comforting her.

Seeing Wen Zhuojin wanting to hug her but afraid of getting her dirty, Yan Qinglan took the initiative to embrace her.

“You’re already dirty, don’t worry about it. Ask Manager Lin to bring some ointment, and I’ll apply it for you.” Yan Qinglan said softly.

Hearing Yan Qinglan’s gentle voice, Wen Zhuojin’s broken heart felt slightly better.

Wen Zhuojin went out to give some instructions, and when she returned to wash her hands, Yan Qinglan had already finished.

“Let me wipe your hands, don’t let the wounds touch water.” Yan Qinglan said, taking a cloth.

Wen Zhuojin obediently extended her hands for Yan Qinglan to clean.

After Yan Qinglan carefully cleaned Wen Zhuojin’s hands, they had some food.

They were both hungry after the day’s events.

After they finished eating, hot water was prepared, and the medicine was brought in.

Wen Zhuojin couldn’t possibly not bathe, covered in dirt.

“Don’t move, I’ll wash your hair and the rest of your body, try not to get the wounds wet. After washing, I’ll apply the medicine.” Yan Qinglan said, her tone leaving no room for refusal.

Wen Zhuojin’s spirits lifted, feeling that being injured wasn’t so bad after all.

The washroom had a small wooden tub, naturally not as good as the conditions in the mansion in the capital.

But neither of them minded at the moment.

While Yan Qinglan went to get a towel, she turned to see Wen Zhuojin had already taken off her clothes, her slender body fully exposed.

Before discovering her blindness, Yan Qinglan had seen this many times and wasn’t particularly embarrassed.

But seeing the many scratches on Wen Zhuojin’s body, her heart ached again.

Yan Qinglan had never served anyone before, so her washing of Wen Zhuojin was a bit clumsy but very careful, avoiding her wounds.

After washing Wen Zhuojin’s body, Yan Qinglan washed her hair.

Yan Qinglan, who usually had poor stamina, was already breathing heavily after washing Wen Zhuojin’s hair.

After helping Wen Zhuojin change into sleeping clothes and drying her hair, Yan Qinglan, without resting, took the ointment and applied it to Wen Zhuojin’s wounds.

“Sister, you’re so good!” Wen Zhuojin blurted out, looking at Yan Qinglan.

“…Good? These injuries are because of me.” Yan Qinglan said.

She sighed inwardly. Was she really good just for this?

“It’s not you who hurt me, sister, don’t think like that. I’m willing to do anything for you. As long as it’s for you, I’m willing. What’s a few injuries?” Wen Zhuojin quickly said.

Yan Qinglan looked at Wen Zhuojin, feeling that the person before her was very, very foolish.

“Alright, I understand.” Yan Qinglan reached out to touch Wen Zhuojin’s face and continued applying the ointment.

After tending to Wen Zhuojin, Yan Qinglan went to wash up.

Wen Zhuojin was very tired and wanted to sleep, but she wanted to wait for Yan Qinglan, forcing herself to stay awake.

By the time Yan Qinglan returned, Wen Zhuojin’s eyelids were heavy.

“If you want to sleep, go ahead.” Yan Qinglan said as she approached Wen Zhuojin.

“I want to sleep with you.” Wen Zhuojin said, blinking her eyes open wide.

Yan Qinglan looked at the person before her, finding her extremely adorable.

Yan Qinglan’s hair wasn’t dry yet, and as she dried it, Wen Zhuojin stayed by her side.

“Ah Zhuo, what do you like about me? Why are you willing to face such trouble for me?” Yan Qinglan asked softly as she dried her hair.

“I like everything about you. You’re the gentlest, kindest, most beautiful, most…” Wen Zhuojin, drowsy, responded with a string of superlatives.

Yan Qinglan paused. Were those qualities Wen Zhuojin described really hers?

The imperial guards followed orders, and not all of them were evil. Tonight, she had ordered the deaths of many.

“What about someone like the princess? What do you think of her?” Yan Qinglan asked again.

“The princess and Jiangxiao are in cahoots, both are scheming and malicious. How can they compare to you? Claiming to be the reincarnation of the Mystic Lady to deceive the world, extorting money by any means necessary…” Wen Zhuojin yawned and said.

“…” Yan Qinglan didn’t respond.

She shouldn’t have asked these questions.

After drying her hair and getting into bed, Wen Zhuojin naturally reached out to hug Yan Qinglan.

“Today, I made you worry. Don’t think about anything, just sleep.” Wen Zhuojin whispered.

Yan Qinglan felt Wen Zhuojin’s warmth, smelled her familiar scent, and hugged her back, closing her eyes.

She was indeed malicious, just as Wen Zhuojin had said.