The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 29
Wei Zhao extended her hand, and Wang Biao, standing nearby, quickly pushed open the door. Wei Zhao shot him a glance, and Wang Biao, eager to please, smiled at her.
Such uncultured, rough people. If this were in the palace, even the lowest-ranking servant would know that the Princess’s dignified appearance should not be casually looked at. They should lower their heads and avoid eye contact.
Wei Zhao thought to herself, her mind wandering as she spoke in a serious tone, “I don’t wish for others to know my identity.”
“Of course, everything will be as Your Highness commands.” Yu Cheng quickly replied, his beard trembling with excitement. Wei Zhao casually nodded and walked away. At that moment, Yu Cheng and Wang Biao exchanged a glance and both could see the excitement in each other’s eyes.
Who could have imagined? During this journey, there was such an important person hidden here.
If it weren’t for the water bandits…
Thinking about the water bandits made the captain’s heart sink, but soon excitement followed. If it weren’t for the water bandits, he never would have guessed that the Princess was aboard. If everything goes smoothly, the new route’s profits will no longer be his. The more he thought about the potential benefits, the more he felt that, perhaps, he should thank the water bandits.
“Wang Biao, this must remain a secret,” Yu Cheng said to Wang Biao.
Wang Biao nodded. “Of course.”
Wei Zhao had no idea about the conversation or thoughts of the two men in the room. She stepped outside and felt a bit tired. Conversations of such a level, if this were before, would have been trivial matters for her, but now, she found them unpleasant. It was as if she were a wealthy, idle person on vacation, being forced to work, and although it didn’t take much effort, it felt exhausting.
“Master,” Fa Yilian called.
Wei Zhao turned her head and saw her slave hidden in the shadows, graceful and powerful, like a leopard blending into the darkness, full of strength. She didn’t feel frightened, perhaps because this person was always by her side. She was already familiar with her presence, as if they were one.
Wei Zhao walked toward Fa Yilian and reached out her hand. Fa Yilian bent slightly, taking her hand. Wei Zhao relaxed her grip slightly, but Fa Yilian took most of the weight, standing firmly, while Wei Zhao remained still.
The two of them walked silently, the sound of water lapping against the boat reaching Wei Zhao’s ears. The corridor had two lanterns hanging, casting a hazy light that illuminated the path beneath them. The light was dim, and the road appeared indistinct. Wei Zhao, led by Fa Yilian, moved forward. There was no one else in the corridor, and the cabin smelled faintly of water. Everything around them was quiet.
“I’ve already spoken to them and given them a new route,” Wei Zhao said.
She wasn’t sure why she was telling her slave this. The map and the routes were things she had memorized before leaving the capital. She liked to be prepared, even though she didn’t fully understand the details. But Yu Cheng had been navigating this waterway for years, so he understood immediately. They needed to avoid the water bandits and take a safer, more “official” route.
It was the best solution.
But she didn’t need to explain all of this to Fa Yilian.
Fa Yilian was just her slave, after all.
Wei Zhao lowered her eyes. She didn’t know why she had said all this, but now that the words had come out, she didn’t mind securing the best interests for herself. “You’re the person I trust the most.”
Her arm, resting on Fa Yilian, tightened for a moment.
Wei Zhao turned her head and saw Fa Yilian’s bright, focused eyes, her gaze fixed entirely on Wei Zhao. Fa Yilian spoke, “Ah, of course I know.”
It sounded so natural.
She was such a rude and uncivilized person.
Wei Zhao turned away, thinking with some displeasure.
But it didn’t matter. After all, just a simple phrase like that had made this person—who looked like a big dog—perk up, full of energy, his eyes sparkling. Who could resist someone who trusted them completely?
Certainly not her.
Wei Zhao thought to herself. Good looks and this level of trust were worth more than anything anyone else could offer.
Even if she was a bit rude…
It didn’t matter. Because she was Wei Zhao, the one person who stood above all others in the Great Zhou Dynasty. As long as she was here, taking care of a disrespectful slave was as easy as could be. Who would dare say a word against her?
Wei Zhao made up her mind, narrowing her eyes as they walked ahead. She let her thoughts wander and let Fa Yilian lead her forward. They heard the sound of singing in the distance. The Great Zhou loved music and dance, indulging in merrymaking. Whether royal or common, everyone did the same. Wei Zhao was no exception; she enjoyed this unique aspect of the Great Zhou. She put a little more weight on Fa Yilian, and the latter, understanding, adjusted to support her, both leaning on the railing.
Before them, the lake water rippled, moonlight spilling over the shimmering surface like pearls scattered on soft silk, glowing gently without feeling cold, giving off a gentle hue.
Wei Zhao gazed at the scene before her and murmured, “It’s so beautiful…”
Next to her, Fa Yilian watched her mistress. Her eyes curved slightly, showing a pretty little eye fold, before she averted her gaze. She saw that below them, A Zong stood at the edge of the boat, looking at the same view. Beside A Zong was the black-clad Kunlun slave, eating food. The white rice wasn’t something a slave should be able to afford.
Was this kindness?
Fa Yilian quietly observed A Zong, who suddenly looked up. Their eyes met, and then A Zong lowered her head again. She waited for the Kunlun slave to finish and then collected the dishes, walking toward the kitchen.
There was no shortage of water on the boat, but A Zong had wasted quite a bit, drawing some disapproving looks from others.
“She’s a slave, no wonder she’s so clumsy.”
“She has the face of a seductress. I wonder who she’s trying to charm.”
The sound of flowing water drowned out those voices, but the tone changed.
“Little Junior Sister really pampers her. She’s just a lowly slave.”
“She’s just a plaything, but Little Junior Sister treats her like a treasure.”
“Little Junior Sister’s health isn’t great, when she dies…”
“Ha ha ha,” came the malicious laughter.
A Zong’s hands froze. She gripped the bowl, inhaled gently, but made no sound. She knew that her very existence made her detestable. No matter what she did, it would be twisted. People’s malice was automatically directed at her, and whatever good came from her would be credited to her mistress, while any mistakes would be blamed on her.
She was always lowly and insignificant.
A Zong expressionlessly took the bowl back and walked away.
She passed by the Kunlun slave, who was lying on the ground like a dog, showing no preference for where he slept, snoring loudly. A Zong climbed up the stairs and heard Wei Zhao’s voice.
“This time, nothing can go wrong, right?”
“I hope everything goes as you wish.”
“That’s disrespectful. You should call me ‘Mistress’.”
“Oh, then I’ll call you Mistress.”
“…What do you mean ‘then it’s fine!'”
“It’s just a title, it’s all about you.”
A Zong paused. She heard the foreign slave’s voice: “Hello, A Zong.”
A Zong met his gaze, her eyes calm. She silently nodded and turned to leave. The slave’s master leaned out and smiled at A Zong, asking, “Where’s your young lady?”
“She’s resting,” A Zong replied, bowing and answering in a formal manner. “She’s unwell, so she went to sleep early.”
“I see. It’s cold and dark tonight. She must take care of herself.” Wei Zhao smiled. “When you see her, send my regards.”
“I’ll pass on the message.” A Zong lowered her head and bowed again before leaving.
See, that’s what a proper slave should look like. Wei Zhao couldn’t help but feel envious—loyal and respectful. She glanced at the troublesome person beside her and couldn’t help but complain, “Look at them!”
Fa Yilian blinked, smiling. “There are plenty of obedient slaves, but I am the unique Fa Yilian.”
After saying this, Fa Yilian raised her chin slightly, full of pride. Wei Zhao couldn’t help but remember when they first met—when the little girl was pinned to the ground, also proudly raising her chin and calling her a “coward.”
Wei Zhao’s teeth itched. She frowned and said to Fa Yilian, “Put your hand out.”
Fa Yilian didn’t understand but extended her hand. Wei Zhao grabbed it and bit down hard, fiercely.
A Zong turned away, her martial arts and keen eyesight capturing the scene. She then left, quietly opening the door.
Song Sisi was already asleep. The room smelled of herbal medicine. A Zong stepped lightly, collected her things, and stared blankly at the dark night for a moment before quietly walking over to Song Sisi’s side. Song Sisi was deep in sleep, her breathing shallow, as if it were intermittent. A Zong reached out her hand, felt her breath, and sighed softly.
She wasn’t sure if the feeling was one of relief or disappointment.
But her actions woke Song Sisi.
“A Zong?” Song Sisi rubbed her eyes and stretched out a hand, softly speaking.
“Miss.” A Zong grasped her hand, which was soft and cool.
“You’re back?” Song Sisi leaned toward A Zong, wrapping her arms around her neck, burying herself against her.
“Mm…” A Zong hugged Song Sisi’s waist. “Don’t move, it’s cold at night. You should sleep.”
Song Sisi shook her head. “You smell like someone else.”
“…”
A Zong paused, then whispered, “I just… couldn’t stand the way others treated that Kunlun slave.”
She hadn’t finished speaking.
Song Sisi interrupted her disapprovingly, “Why do you care about others? That Kunlun slave? You’re different from him. Don’t bother with him anymore.”
A Zong fell silent. She quietly said, “But Miss, you said I’m your lover…” Her ears turned red, and her gaze softened.
Song Sisi lifted her head and said the obvious words: “But you’re also my slave. You have to listen to me forever and ever.” Song Sisi lowered her head, nervously biting her thumb. “I don’t like you like this. You’re becoming disobedient. I’ll have to punish you.”
When she spoke of punishment, a crazed light flickered in her eyes.
Her gaze shattered, and A Zong held the soft little girl, motionless, as the girl kissed her aimlessly. Finally, she closed her eyes and responded softly.