The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 18

Fa Yilian’s opinion didn’t shake Wei Zhao’s decision in the slightest, nor did her words stir even a flicker of emotion in her. When the Princess made up her mind, a slave had neither the right nor the duty to stop her.

“Miss, here’s what you asked for.”

Wei Zhao’s ears twitched. She heard the knock at the door, heard Fa Yilian slowly pull it open. The door was old, and it groaned like an old man straining his back. Then Fa Yilian thanked the inn boy in her odd accent. The boy was sharp and probably used to seeing all kinds of sea travelers—he even managed a bit of small talk.

“Are you a merchant, traveling through Da Zhou?”

Fa Yilian responded with a vague hum. The boy laughed. “Da Zhou is a land full of talented people and warm hospitality. I’m sure you’ll come to like it here.”

Wei Zhao rested her chin on her hand, silently scoffing. Da Zhou might be whatever, but someone like Fa Yilian liking this place? She remembered the gleam in Fa Yilian’s eyes as she once told her, “The world is vast, much bigger than Da Zhou.” Wei Zhao clicked her tongue and lowered her gaze. Her fingers brushed against the shell of her ear—it felt hot, burning against her cool fingertips.

A slave who speaks too well… isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Wei Zhao thought to herself.

Fa Yilian had bought a change of clothes and a pointed hat. She turned and presented them to Wei Zhao, then glanced up at the sky. “We’ll head out in half an hour.”

“You know where those people are?” Wei Zhao asked casually as she picked up one of the outfits. It wasn’t much to look at, and the fabric scratched at her fingers. She frowned. Even the lowest servants in her princess manor would never wear something like this.

“I don’t know yet. I’ll ask around while you’re changing.”

Wei Zhao gave a brief hum and waved her hand to send Fa Yilian out. But Fa Yilian didn’t leave. She looked at Wei Zhao earnestly. “Will you change clothes, Master? Do you need my help?”

Back at the palace, Wei Zhao of course never dressed herself—she just had to lift her arms and others would clothe her. But now, she raised her eyes and sneered, “In your dreams. Get out!”

Fa Yilian bowed and quickly left. Wei Zhao stood alone, dazed for a moment.

It was quiet—completely empty. No one around. It felt lonely and cold, like all the energy and life had been drained from the air, leaving only a chill that crept into her bones. Wei Zhao pressed a hand to her forehead, forcing herself out of that strange, nameless mood. Then she picked up the clothes.

By the time Wei Zhao stepped outside, the sky was already dark. But the noise outside hadn’t quieted at all. It remained loud and lively, as if nightfall hadn’t changed a thing.

Ever since the third emperor of Da Zhou abolished the curfew, people had grown used to life after dark. In the capital and even in Wei Zhao’s own manor, the streets stayed busy deep into the night. But after spending so much time in the quiet of the mountains, the noise now felt overwhelming. Everything was too loud, too chaotic—it made her feel like she no longer belonged here.

Wei Zhao paused, her gaze drifting downstairs. She spotted a familiar figure. That flaming red hair stood out easily. Fa Yilian was leaning casually, chatting with some others.

Wei Zhao had never seen this side of her slave before. She lowered her eyes, hiding the lake-like blue of her gaze behind her lashes. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly—half-smile, half-sneer. Among the other laborers, Fa Yilian’s tanned skin didn’t seem out of place, but it held a striking strength and beauty. She blended in, but at the same time, stood out like the single star of a famous painting.

As if sensing someone watching, Fa Yilian looked up and met Wei Zhao’s eyes—though the veil on her hat obscured her face.

Fa Yilian straightened, murmured something to the people around her, then strode over to Wei Zhao. Wei Zhao didn’t move. She watched Fa Yilian approach, step by step, until she was right beside her. Fa Yilian lowered her head slightly and asked softly, “Shall we go? Or would you like to eat something first?”

Wei Zhao shook her head. “Let’s take care of business first.”

Fa Yilian nodded. “I found out where to go. It’s a chaotic place. No matter what anyone offers you to eat or drink, don’t take it.”

Chaotic? Could it be more corrupt than the palace, full of secrets and filth? Wei Zhao thought. But she didn’t argue—just nodded. It made her look unexpectedly obedient, and Fa Yilian’s gaze softened a little. She reached out her hand. “Hold on to me. It’s crowded and messy here—if we get separated, it’ll be trouble.”

Wei Zhao thought that made sense, so she reached out too. Their hands touched, and both paused for a second. Back in the mountains, they were always holding hands. Back then, it was just the two of them, relying on each other. But now, back in the world, that simple touch felt… different somehow.

Though Wei Zhao couldn’t figure out exactly what changed—and she didn’t want to.

This was the outer city, home to manual laborers. The air wasn’t pleasant, and the city’s water and waste systems didn’t extend this far. The smell hung heavy around them. A slow river flowed nearby, connecting all the way into the city. Now and then a cargo boat would pass, and laborers would call out, hoping to pick up some work. Narrow streets lined with fabric banners and shop signs swayed in the breeze. The air was thick with the mixed smells of food and filth. Street vendors hawked their wares, barefoot children ran around laughing, voices rang out from every direction, surrounding Wei Zhao.

This wasn’t exactly the kind of place that made one feel cheerful.

Wei Zhao moved a little closer to Fa Yilian.

Fa Yilian, however, walked like she was completely at ease. She steered Wei Zhao away from puddles, pulled her aside to dodge mischievous children, yanked her from the path of pickpockets, and glared fiercely at every leering glance they attracted.

Wei Zhao felt unexpectedly calm. Even though it was noisy, smelly, and the road ahead was confusing and uncertain.

“We’re here.” Fa Yilian led her to a small, low building.

Wei Zhao looked up and saw a sign with the character “gamble” painted on it—and a circled character for “pawn.” So it was both a gambling house and a pawn shop.

Two young men stood at the entrance, neatly dressed. When they saw the women, they didn’t react with the usual curiosity of locals. Instead, they simply cupped their hands respectfully. “Honored guests—here to play a few rounds? Or looking to exchange some silver?”

“Neither,” Fa Yilian said, tossing them a small piece of silver, her tone arrogant. Wei Zhao’s mouth twitched—they only had one small pouch of silver coins to begin with. Who knew how much was left now?

“We’ve got some business that needs handling.”

The two young men clearly knew the routine. One of them checked the silver, then bowed again. “Please follow me.”

This place really was running quite the operation.

Wei Zhao was led into a small room where a middle-aged man stood waiting. She didn’t say a word; Fa Yilian took over everything. As someone not from Da Zhou, Fa Yilian naturally spoke more directly and openly. She was blunt, even bold, but Wei Zhao didn’t stop her. She wanted to see what her slave could really do.

To her surprise, the man was all business. He quickly went over the procedure, looked at both of them, and took notes. Once done, he set down his brush and said, “Normally it takes three days. If you want it rushed, it’ll be ready by tomorrow morning. What’s your choice?”

Fa Yilian looked to Wei Zhao, who gave no sign. So Fa Yilian answered, “Rush it.”

“In that case—” the man tapped on his abacus with a clatter, “—twenty silver taels for both.”

Fa Yilian handed over the money. The man weighed the pouch, then chuckled, “If you two ladies ever run short, our pawn shop is right here. Fair prices, satisfaction guaranteed.”

Fa Yilian’s face darkened, and she said nothing. She just turned and led Wei Zhao out.

The streets had quieted a bit. They walked in silence for a while before Wei Zhao finally spoke. “Is it always like this?”

Fa Yilian paused, thought for a moment about what Wei Zhao really meant, then answered, “Da Zhou is full of wealth. Sea travelers all come here to make money. Big cities have more work and attract a lot of drifters.”

Fake documents. Fake identities. All of it was fake. But the people—the ones hiding who they really were—were real. Chased by money, freedom, and the hope for a better life, they ran toward the future with everything they had.

“Life’s never easy,” Fa Yilian said at last.

And this time, Wei Zhao didn’t argue. She didn’t mock her either. After a long silence, she finally said, “Take my clothes. Pawn them.”

Because the money was gone. And now she understood—every step they took would cost silver, and their road was still long.