Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 88

Wen Zhuojin has always been a woman of action. The next day, she went to find the female doctor, Mo, to collaborate on the formulation of fragrant pills. Together, they developed several different types of soft incense that could melt with body heat. By adding medicinal herbs, they enhanced the effects of the incense, creating varieties that could either invigorate or simply nourish and moisturize the skin.

After finalizing several fragrance recipes, Wen Zhuojin instructed her own incense workshop to produce them in larger quantities.

A few days later, news arrived from the capital, Yunjing City, indicating that the situation had improved significantly.

However, knowing what the Tianxuan Palace had done to Yan Qinglan, Wen Zhuojin still felt that Yunjing City was not entirely safe. For the time being, she decided not to return to the capital with Yan Qinglan.

During this period, Wen Zhuojin attended a gathering of noblewomen, where she introduced her new fragrances. She gave a few samples to some loyal customers of her incense products, and the feedback was quite positive.

Wen Zhuojin occasionally returned to Yunjing City but spent most of her time at her estate in the countryside, where she felt relatively at ease.

However, it wasn’t long before someone urged her to return.

The Marquis’s household sent someone to Lanyuan to find Wen Zhuojin. The Nanny, Jiang, hurriedly arrived at the countryside estate.

Wen Zhuojin was surprised to see Nanny Jiang.

She had informed Nanny Jiang of her whereabouts and had been sending regular messages back. Seeing Nanny Jiang arrive in person, she sensed that something was wrong.

“Miss, this year’s imperial selection for the palace has specifically named you. You are to participate in the selection. This is an imperial decree and cannot be disobeyed.” Nanny Jiang said as soon as she saw Wen Zhuojin, her expression anxious and grave.

When Wu Yuanheng had mentioned this earlier, Wen Zhuojin hadn’t paid much attention. At that time, there had been no signs of this happening. Moreover, her marriage was supposed to be arranged by the Tianxuan Palace. She had already conceded a portion of her profits to the Tianxuan Palace and had even revealed her preference for women. Both Xuanzhen and Jiangxiao had been supportive of her, even congratulating her on her marriage. She had thought that the Tianxuan Palace would at least help her navigate this situation.

She hadn’t expected the imperial decree for the selection to come so quickly.

“There’s another matter. The Emperor has pardoned the Earl of Changyuan and has sent people to bring them back to the capital.” Nanny Jiang added.

Wen Zhuojin had been considering leaving the Northern Jin Empire altogether when she heard this, and her heart tightened.

The Earl of Changyuan was Wen Zhuojin’s uncle. She wasn’t sure whether this pardon was an act of benevolence or a threat.

If her uncle and aunt were to return, and she were to defy the imperial decree, they might be implicated because of her…

“Miss, your marriage to that woman was just a formality within your own household. It doesn’t count. You will still have to marry eventually. Don’t let this trouble you.” Nanny Jiang said, not fully understanding the implications. She simply saw Wen Zhuojin’s heavy expression and feared that she might become stubborn and do something irreversible.

“How many days do I have?” Wen Zhuojin asked, her face darkening slightly.

“Five days.” Nanny Jiang replied.

“Alright, I understand. Nanny, has anyone from the Tianxuan Palace come looking for me?” Wen Zhuojin asked again.

She wasn’t sure what role the Tianxuan Palace had played in this matter and whether she could still seek their help to navigate the situation.

As long as she hadn’t openly broken ties with the Tianxuan Palace, she was still considered one of their own.

“Yes, when the Emperor’s decree arrived, the Tianxuan Palace sent a nun to look for you. When she found you weren’t there, she asked me to relay a message, saying that you should go to the Tianxuan Palace today. It seems that participating in the selection is also the will of the Celestial Lady. You must return to prepare for the selection and can no longer stay at the countryside estate.” Nanny Jiang explained, her expression filled with concern.

“Alright, Nanny, you must be tired from the journey. Go and rest first. I’ll pack my things.” Wen Zhuojin said after a pause.

Jiangxiao had asked her to come, so perhaps there was still room for negotiation. She would have to go and find out.

After speaking with Nanny Jiang, Wen Zhuojin had a maid take Nanny Jiang to settle in. She then went to find Yan Qinglan.

Being selected to participate didn’t necessarily mean she would be chosen. There were ways to ensure she wouldn’t be selected. Wen Zhuojin had a rough idea in mind, but she wanted to discuss it with Yan Qinglan first to avoid any misunderstandings.

When Wen Zhuojin went to find Yan Qinglan, Yan Qinglan had already learned about the situation from the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

“Jiangxiao has compromised with the Emperor over the recent events. One of the conditions was to hand over Miss Wen to the Emperor, along with the profits she earns and the fragrance recipes she has developed.”

These were the exact words of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Yan Qinglan had never imagined that the conflict she had tried to stir up would end with Wen Zhuojin as the sacrificial lamb!

Wen Zhuojin’s abilities had caught the attention of Yan Qi, and Jiangxiao, for reasons unknown, had decided to use Wen Zhuojin as a pawn to settle the dispute between the two sides.

What did they think Wen Zhuojin was?!

These people, who had once betrayed her, now wanted to take Wen Zhuojin away from her?!

Yan Qinglan’s expression grew darker, and a sense of rage began to build within her, until she was suddenly embraced from behind.

“Sister!” a soft voice whispered in her ear.

“Why are you back so soon?” Yan Qinglan stiffened slightly and asked in a low voice, trying to keep her tone calm.

“Sister, I came to tell you something.” Wen Zhuojin said, releasing Yan Qinglan and stepping in front of her.

“What is it?” Yan Qinglan asked.

“It’s like this…” Wen Zhuojin explained the situation about the imperial selection.

“I have some ideas on how to avoid being chosen. Don’t worry too much, sister. I haven’t broken ties with the Tianxuan Palace yet, so I’ll go there first to see what their plans are and whether I can use their influence. If that doesn’t work, I’ll think of another way during the selection. Sister, trust me.” Wen Zhuojin said, trying to reassure Yan Qinglan.

Seeing Wen Zhuojin’s efforts to calm her, Yan Qinglan’s heart, which had been filled with rage, softened with tenderness.

Back then, Wen Zhuojin had promised that she would never marry anyone else and that she was committed to Yan Qinglan alone.

Even if the other party was Yan Qi, Wen Zhuojin had shown no interest.

However, seeking help from the Tianxuan Palace might be a futile effort.

“A’Zhuo, I trust you. If you go to the Tianxuan Palace, be careful.” Yan Qinglan said, pulling Wen Zhuojin into an embrace.

“Sister, I will. I’ll go out today, but don’t be afraid. Wait for me.” Wen Zhuojin said softly.

“A’Zhuo, if the Tianxuan Palace can’t help, you can go to Princess Le’an. She might be able to intervene.” Yan Qinglan suggested after a moment’s thought.

Yan Qinglan naturally wouldn’t allow Wen Zhuojin to be chosen. She would also help Wen Zhuojin think of a way, perhaps through Princess Le’an’s influence.

“Alright.” Wen Zhuojin replied. She wanted to spend more time with Yan Qinglan, but her mind was preoccupied. After a brief moment, she left to head to the Tianxuan Palace.

The Tianxuan Palace was located in the outskirts of Yunjing City, so the journey from the countryside estate was shorter than from the city itself.

In less than half an hour, Wen Zhuojin arrived at the foot of the Tianxuan Palace’s steps.

After climbing the steps and entering through the main gate, Wen Zhuojin was led by a young acolyte to meet Jiangxiao.

Before she could see Jiangxiao, however, she first encountered Xuanzhen.

Xuanzhen looked somewhat guilty and quickly approached Wen Zhuojin, grabbing her arm.

“A’Zhuo, I’m really sorry.” Xuanzhen said first.

Wen Zhuojin didn’t fully understand Xuanzhen’s meaning.

But she felt a sense of discomfort at Xuanzhen grabbing her arm and had to suppress her irritation.

“Why would this have anything to do with you, Senior Sister? There’s no need for you to blame yourself.” Wen Zhuojin said.

“You’ve only just gotten married, and now this… I couldn’t help you, and I feel terrible.” Xuanzhen said, changing the subject as per Jiangxiao’s instructions.

If it hadn’t been for her attempt to capture Yan Qinglan, which had backfired, the Emperor wouldn’t have taken the opportunity to pressure the Tianxuan Palace. The Tianxuan Palace wouldn’t have had to compromise by offering Wen Zhuojin as a “peace offering.”

Wen Zhuojin didn’t know the full details, but from Xuanzhen’s words, she gathered that the imperial selection was a condition imposed by the Emperor on the Tianxuan Palace, which had “reluctantly” agreed.

This made Wen Zhuojin’s heart grow colder.

If it were just a matter of defying the Tianxuan Palace and leaving Yunjing City, it might not have implicated her uncle’s family. But if she were to offend the Emperor as well, the entire Marquis’s household and her uncle’s family could suffer.

Wen Zhuojin’s mind raced as she followed the acolyte to the quiet chamber where Jiangxiao was waiting.

Inside the chamber, Jiangxiao sat on a cushion beneath the golden statue of the Celestial Lady, holding a horsetail whisk. Her back was turned, and her slender figure seemed to be in deep devotion, not turning around as Wen Zhuojin entered.

“Greetings, Master. May I ask why you summoned me?” Wen Zhuojin asked after bowing.

“Participating in the imperial selection is the Emperor’s will, and I am powerless to change it. Do you resent me?” Jiangxiao’s cold voice echoed.

“How could I resent you, Master? The Emperor’s will is not something anyone can change. I only fear that I may not be able to serve you as well in the future.” Wen Zhuojin said, gritting her teeth but maintaining a respectful tone.

“I know you prefer women and have no interest in men. This is a hardship for you. The Emperor is being forceful, and I had no choice but to compromise. He doesn’t know about your preferences, so you need not worry. He is only interested in your ability to generate wealth and your skill in creating fragrances. The horse-training fragrance recipe and the shops under your name will no longer belong to the Tianxuan Palace. The Emperor will take them over.” Jiangxiao said calmly and slowly.

“Master, what do you mean? You’re giving up those things? Why hand them over to him? This is outrageous!” Wen Zhuojin paused, her tone filled with anger and a hint of disrespect.

From Qing Chenning, she had learned that the Emperor and Jiangxiao were not on good terms.

If the Emperor was demanding these things, regardless of his intentions, Jiangxiao would surely be unwilling. Wen Zhuojin naturally expressed her own dissatisfaction.

“A’Zhuo, do you want the freedom to choose your own marriage and to openly marry the woman you love?” Jiangxiao asked, ignoring Wen Zhuojin’s outburst.

“Of course I do!” Wen Zhuojin replied immediately.

“Good. Then you will have to endure this for a while. Enter the palace and do some work on my behalf. Once I am ready, I will help you achieve your goal. Do you trust me?” Jiangxiao said.

“…Of course I trust you, Master!” Wen Zhuojin replied, though inwardly she was shocked. Jiangxiao clearly had rebellious intentions.

Empty promises, all to get her to enter the palace and work for her. How cunning!

“Xuanzhen, give A’Zhuo the fragrance recipe.” Jiangxiao added.

Xuanzhen handed Wen Zhuojin a piece of paper. Wen Zhuojin didn’t dare to let her guard down and took the paper, glancing at it. It was the recipe for the divine fragrance she had long desired.

If she had obtained this recipe earlier, she might have been able to develop her medicinal fragrances more quickly.

But it wasn’t too late. She could still improve her formulations.

Moreover, Yan Qinglan still had some lingering toxins in her body, and this recipe might help find a solution.

“This divine fragrance recipe is now yours. From this day forward, you are my direct disciple. However, this will not be publicly announced until our plans come to fruition.” Jiangxiao said.

“Thank you, Master!” Wen Zhuojin said, bowing her head in apparent excitement.

“Xuanzhen, take A’Zhuo to familiarize herself with the ingredients for the divine fragrance and inform her of the other matters.” Jiangxiao said dismissively, seeming tired and leaving the rest to Xuanzhen.