Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 80

Wen Zhuojin slept restlessly, still haunted by scenes of being chased in her dreams. People were everywhere, leaving no escape. In the middle of the night, she clung tightly to Yan Qinglan.

“Sister, run quickly…”

“Old traitor Jiangxiao, I’ll fight you to the death!”

“No one can take my sister away from me!”

Yan Qinglan was startled awake by Wen Zhuojin’s embrace, only to be pushed away moments later, hearing her mutter in her sleep.

A candle still flickered in the room, allowing Yan Qinglan to vaguely make out Wen Zhuojin’s expression.

Her eyes were closed, her brows furrowed tightly.

“No, no, don’t take my sister away, please…”

Yan Qinglan, already moved, softened further upon hearing Wen Zhuojin’s pleading tone, tears spilling from the corners of her eyes.

Yan Qinglan’s heart ached with a mix of sourness, bitterness, and pain.

Wen Zhuojin had vowed to protect her and declared Jiangxiao her enemy, but the worry in her heart was impossible to hide.

“Ah Zhuo, wake up, I’m here.” Yan Qinglan whispered, gently patting Wen Zhuojin.

Wen Zhuojin stirred awake, her eyes damp as she opened them. Recognizing Yan Qinglan, she immediately pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Sister, wuwuwu… I dreamed that so many people came to take you away. I tried so hard to protect you, but I couldn’t…” Wen Zhuojin clung to Yan Qinglan, her voice trembling with tears.

“Don’t be afraid, no one can take me away.” Yan Qinglan comforted her.

But her words did little to soothe Wen Zhuojin, whose body continued to tremble.

“Sister, is this a dream or reality? Am I awake or still asleep?” Wen Zhuojin murmured, her mind still foggy from sleep, fearing it might still be a nightmare.

Yan Qinglan felt an indescribable emotion well up inside her.

Wen Zhuojin was still young, having grown up in the stable and uneventful environment of the Marquis’s household. Being pursued by so many people was something she had never experienced before. That she had managed to hold out until the Embroidered Uniform Guards arrived was already remarkable, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t scared.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Yan Qinglan leaned down to kiss Wen Zhuojin’s forehead, then her lips, using the gesture to calm Wen Zhuojin’s unease.

The gentle, soothing kiss made Wen Zhuojin melt.

Yan Qinglan knew Wen Zhuojin loved the touch of her tongue, so she didn’t hold back, actively engaging her.

Their lips intertwined, their breaths mingling.

The warmth of their skin rose, emitting a fragrant heat.

A hidden desire stirred within Yan Qinglan.

Wen Zhuojin’s breathing quickened, her damp eyes turning red. A simple kiss was no longer enough.

Wen Zhuojin reached to untie the sash of her sleeping robe but winced in pain.

“Ouch…” As their lips parted, Wen Zhuojin lifted her bandaged hand, pouting.

“You’re injured. Wait until you’re healed…” Yan Qinglan said, her voice low and husky.

“I want to be close to you, sister…” Wen Zhuojin whimpered, still trying to untie the sash, but Yan Qinglan stopped her.

“Let me do it…” Yan Qinglan said, her voice trembling slightly, her breath warm.

Her face flushed as her hands trembled while untying the sash.

Hearing Wen Zhuojin’s soft moans, Yan Qinglan only wanted to soothe her, doing what she knew would calm her, setting aside all other emotions.

As the sash loosened, Wen Zhuojin eagerly pressed closer.

Their soft, supple skin met, and Wen Zhuojin let out a low sigh, nuzzling against Yan Qinglan.

With her injured hand, she couldn’t pull Yan Qinglan closer, so she slid down instead, unwilling to part from her.

Their heated bodies pressed together, magnetically drawn to each other.

Their connection was intricate and intimate.

Like ripe summer fruit, a slight squeeze released sweet juices.

The bedsheet was stained with a deep hue.

“Sister…” Wen Zhuojin called out softly, her tone no longer distressed but filled with pleasure.

Her slender, flexible waist moved rhythmically.

The ripe fruit was repeatedly pressed, yielding its sweetness.

Yan Qinglan’s previously steady breathing grew erratic.

This little rascal was becoming more and more skilled at teasing.

This… was indeed a delightful thing.

Something pleasurable, capable of making one forget their worries.

“Sister, I ran so much today, I’m out of strength. Wuwu…” Not long after, Yan Qinglan heard Wen Zhuojin whimper.

“…Let me.”

Yan Qinglan whispered.

As dawn approached, the crowing of roosters roused Yan Qinglan from her lingering ecstasy.

Wen Zhuojin had already fallen asleep on top of her.

After the day’s exhaustion and their earlier indulgence, she couldn’t hold on any longer.

Yan Qinglan glanced at Wen Zhuojin, brushing aside the sweaty strands of hair from her forehead. Looking at her peaceful, youthful face, it was hard to imagine that the same person had been so clingy just moments ago!

Though she grumbled inwardly, Yan Qinglan couldn’t help but lean in to kiss Wen Zhuojin’s still-sweaty cheek, unbothered by it.

Remembering Wen Zhuojin’s injuries, Yan Qinglan worried that the sweat might worsen her wounds and decided to get up.

But Yan Qinglan herself was utterly spent, her legs weak and her core lacking strength.

She tried to rise but failed.

She had no choice but to give up.

While Wen Zhuojin slept soundly, Yan Qinglan found it hard to fall back asleep.

How could she sleep like this?

It seemed the thoughts from earlier were resurfacing.

Wen Zhuojin had reached her peak faster, and her stamina had given out…

Yan Qinglan bit her lip.

No, it couldn’t be.

She wasn’t someone driven by desire.

It was just that the little rascal was too close!

Yan Qinglan distracted herself with other thoughts, and soon, exhausted, she fell asleep.

The estate had many chickens, and before long, the roosters’ crowing filled the air.

At daybreak, Manager Lin didn’t disturb them, instead carefully preparing a meal and waiting for Wen Zhuojin to wake on her own.

Wen Zhuojin was soon roused by the noise.

She was about to call for someone when she felt the warm, soft body in her arms and decided against it. Instead, she covered Yan Qinglan’s ears with her hands and kissed her a few times.

The contact stirred something within her, and Wen Zhuojin’s face flushed as she recalled their earlier intimacy. Her heart filled with tenderness and joy, and a smile unconsciously curved her lips.

Her beautiful sister must really like her too.

If not for her lack of stamina, she wouldn’t have known that her sister could be so alluring…

She had even taken the initiative…

Wuwuwu!

It was just a shame her hand was injured.

Damn that Jiangxiao!

Thinking of yesterday’s events, Wen Zhuojin felt her own weakness.

For now, she could only lay low, ensuring Jiangxiao didn’t discover them, protecting her life and her sister’s.

If they were discovered, she needed to be strong enough to fight, at least buying time to escape.

Having money alone wasn’t enough; she needed to turn that money into usable power, something that could make a difference when it mattered.

Or perhaps they could leave Northern Jin and go to Southern Chu or another country.

No matter how extensive Jiangxiao’s influence was, could it reach another nation?

As Wen Zhuojin pondered this, the daylight outside grew brighter, and she found herself unable to sleep any longer. Though she didn’t want to part from Yan Qinglan, she knew her sister preferred cleanliness, and being so sticky together must be uncomfortable for her.

Wen Zhuojin’s injuries were mostly superficial, and after resting, her strength had returned. Aside from the pain of her small wounds and the inconvenience of her hand, she was otherwise fine.

Carefully, she got up, wrapped Yan Qinglan in the blanket, and put on her sleeping robe before calling for a maid to prepare water.

When Yan Qinglan woke, she saw Wen Zhuojin’s head.

Heat rushed to her face, and she blushed furiously.

“Wen Zhuojin, what are you doing?” Yan Qinglan pushed her away, both embarrassed and annoyed.

“Sister, you’re awake. I saw you hadn’t gotten up yet, so I wanted to help you clean up…” Wen Zhuojin looked up innocently.

“…” Seeing the damp cloth in Wen Zhuojin’s hand, Yan Qinglan understood.

“…Your injuries can’t get wet. Why don’t you listen? I’ll do it myself.” Yan Qinglan said, still annoyed, taking the cloth from Wen Zhuojin.

Noticing Yan Qinglan’s red ears, Wen Zhuojin smiled but didn’t tease further.

Yan Qinglan cleaned herself first, changed into a fresh sleeping robe, and then helped Wen Zhuojin wash.

“Sister, don’t overexert yourself. You said your back was sore and you had no strength earlier. Are you feeling better now?” Wen Zhuojin asked softly.

“Be quiet, don’t move!” Yan Qinglan said sternly, and Wen Zhuojin immediately fell silent.

Once they were both cleaned up, Yan Qinglan reapplied Wen Zhuojin’s medicine before finally looking at her properly.

Wen Zhuojin’s eyes curved into a smile, bright and sparkling. She cautiously moved closer, and seeing that Yan Qinglan wasn’t angry, she hugged her.

“Sister, can we stay at the estate for a few more days? I’m afraid there might be people checking the roads, and I don’t know what’s happening in the city. Let’s wait until someone reports back before deciding when to return, okay?” Wen Zhuojin whispered, avoiding playful remarks and focusing on practical matters.

“Alright.” Yan Qinglan agreed. She had been thinking the same thing.

The city was likely in turmoil right now.

Although Xuanzhen had been captured, with Jiangxiao around, his subordinates wouldn’t be idle. They would likely redouble their efforts to capture her.

It was best to send someone to observe and see how the conflict between the two sides played out.

“The estate’s provisions are rough, so I’m sorry for making you endure this. I’ll send someone back to the city to deliver a message to Nurse Jiang and the others, saying we’re staying at the estate for a few days. Also, we need to bring your medicine and Doctor Mo here. Your treatment can’t be interrupted…”

As Wen Zhuojin spoke, a maid’s voice came from outside, announcing that breakfast was ready.

Not wanting too many people to see Yan Qinglan in her current state, Wen Zhuojin went out to bring the food in herself, and they ate together.

After breakfast, Wen Zhuojin felt like her old self again.

Only the wound on her hand hadn’t fully healed.

“Sister, rest for a while. I’ll go out and have Manager Lin send someone back to the capital. I’ll also see if there’s anything interesting around the estate.” Wen Zhuojin said after they finished eating.

“Mm.” Yan Qinglan acknowledged, already planning her own affairs.

She wondered how Qing Chenning was doing. After using the golden fish tally, she was supposed to return it. Yan Qinglan needed to send someone to find her.

Although she trusted Qing Chenning, and the Embroidered Uniform Guards were with her, Yan Qinglan still felt uneasy and wanted to retrieve the tally as soon as possible.

After some thought, Yan Qinglan dressed, put on a veil, and went out to meet with the Embroidered Uniform Guards stationed at the estate.

Meanwhile, Wen Zhuojin found Manager Lin and gave him some instructions before asking about the estate’s guard force.

“We currently have sixty guards in training, all bound by life contracts. According to the escort leaders, about twenty are ready for use, and the rest…” Manager Lin explained the situation with the guards.

“Uncle Lin, that’s still too few. After yesterday’s encounter with the bandits, I’m still shaken. We need to increase the guard force to at least two hundred. If that’s too many, we can split them into separate training groups, but we must keep it from the authorities. Please send someone to investigate where disasters have struck this year. We can take in some homeless people and put them to work, but you’ll need to vet their character.”

“Also, business in the capital is getting harder. Most people who want incense have already bought it. I’m thinking of opening a shop elsewhere, like in the capital of Southern Chu. I remember your eldest son is in his twenties and has worked as an accountant. I’d like to send him to Southern Chu to scout things out, along with a few skilled guards…”

Wen Zhuojin discussed her plans with Manager Lin.

Expanding the guard force to create a stronger power base, and exploring business opportunities in other countries to secure a fallback plan.

Manager Lin had long known that Wen Zhuojin was more capable than most men. Hearing her plans, he was impressed.

Wen Zhuojin’s business was growing rapidly, and his family, trusted and relied upon by her, would naturally do their utmost to assist.

After finalizing the details with Manager Lin, Wen Zhuojin returned to Yan Qinglan.