The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 42

Wei Zhao had been in a daze, her mind repeatedly echoing the words of Fa Yilian and the look in her eyes when she spoke to her. Even as she stepped outside, those thoughts continued to swirl in her head.

She was starting to understand the difference between silently guessing and openly admitting something. But when she turned her head and saw Fa Yilian’s calm expression, a subtle discomfort stirred inside her.

Why did she have to be so confused and lost, while Fa Yilian seemed so carefree? Moreover, wasn’t being a good consort enough? Why refuse her and then ask what she planned to do about it?

Feeling irritable, Wei Zhao waved her hand at Fa Yilian. Fa Yilian blinked and came over. Wei Zhao pinched Fa Yilian’s ear and twisted it, hearing her whimper in pain before finally letting go. Pleased, Wei Zhao clapped her hands and happily walked ahead. Fa Yilian, rubbing her reddened ear, followed with a mischievous grin, ignoring the surprised and confused looks from others, who also seemed to be filled with concern and suspicion.

No one dared to speak.

A Zong, glancing around at the others, noticed that everyone was walking cautiously, almost as if holding their breath. Realizing that this place was likely more strictly organized than Songhe Gate, she dared not say anything, quietly following behind Wei Zhao.

Among the people waiting were Yu Jinye, the governor of Haizhou; Chen Mian, the provincial governor; and Wang Youzhi, the military commander. They had all been waiting anxiously, but once they saw Wei Zhao, they finally relaxed and greeted her with a bow. A Zong noticed that, compared to the cautious and overly flattering behavior of the innkeeper, these people seemed much more composed and spoke in a much more straightforward manner, without the exaggerated airs of flattery.

Wei Zhao saw that the two men were dressed in plain clothes and nodded inwardly. The message had been sent through the Duobao Pavilion, so she did not want to make a big deal of revealing her identity. These two were no fools and had chosen to dress simply and discreetly.

“Has any of my guards reached Haizhou yet?” Wei Zhao asked after a bit of small talk, trying to establish the connection.

Yu Jinye, as the governor and with a higher rank, stepped forward and replied, “Your Highness, I have stationed people at the entrance of Haizhou, but so far we have received no news.”

Wei Zhao nodded, her face showing signs of concern. “I’ve safely arrived in Haizhou, all thanks to the many guards who risked their lives to protect me. They are still unaccounted for, and I hope you will keep them in your thoughts, helping me fulfill my duty.”

“Your Highness’s concerns are greatly appreciated. We will certainly do our utmost,” Yu Jinye said, then hesitated for a moment before continuing with a hopeful tone, “Since Your Highness has received orders from the saint, is there any good news?”

Wei Zhao gave a faint smile. “There’s no rush. I expect to hear soon. Are there any changes in the military situation?”

Wang Youzhi, a soldier, didn’t wait for Yu Jinye to speak, and quickly responded, “Recently, the coastal pirates have been quiet, and nothing major has happened. Several official ships have set sail without any issues, so it seems they are safe.”

“Really?” Wei Zhao nodded thoughtfully. “The imperial merchant ships have been robbed three times already. If the pirates had tasted success, they shouldn’t have given up so easily.”

“We’ve increased our manpower since then,” Wang Youzhi explained, a bit embarrassed, “I believe the pirates have become wary and stopped raiding.”

“They stopped raiding the imperial ships, but what about other merchant vessels?” Wei Zhao asked.

Wang Youzhi hesitated, then replied, “The Great Zhou naval forces guard the imperial merchant ships, so…”

Before he could finish, Yu Jinye interrupted, “Your Highness, what you may not know is that the sea is vast and boundless, unlike land where we can always have escort ships. Moreover, warships are expensive, and our navy is limited. The navy’s main duty is to protect the imperial merchant ships and patrol the coastline. If they encounter pirates, they must deal with them severely, but if there are any unfortunate accidents, there is little that can be done.”

“I see.” Wei Zhao didn’t show any particular reaction but nodded politely. “I understand now.”

Yu Jinye quickly stood up and bowed deeply. “Your Highness is too kind.”

The innkeeper, seeing the conversation winding down, laughed and tried to lighten the mood, “Since Your Highness has arrived safely, allow me to host a banquet for everyone. The dishes are ready, just waiting for you all to sit down.”

Having said most of what needed to be said, there was little more to discuss for now. Wei Zhao also hadn’t yet presented the imperial edict, so technically, she had not yet formally taken up her duties. Everyone smiled, and the previously stiff atmosphere immediately turned more relaxed and friendly. A Zong was left watching in stunned silence.

Fa Yilian saw A Zong’s expression and immediately understood what she was thinking. She patted her on the shoulder with a meaningful look. “You’ll get used to it.”

The atmosphere at the banquet was fine. It was the first such banquet, and Wei Zhao didn’t want to ruin it, so she sat there, watching the innkeeper skillfully work the room, and drank quite a bit of wine. When the wine began to take effect, Wei Zhao stood up, excused herself to change, and left. Fa Yilian immediately stood up, about to follow, but Wei Zhao gently placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered in her ear, “Watch them.”

Fa Yilian froze, looking at Wei Zhao. Even though Wei Zhao’s eyes were slightly reddened, showing the effects of the alcohol, her gaze remained bright and clear.

She was no longer just a servant in Fa Yilian’s eyes but someone she could entrust with important matters. Fa Yilian lowered her head, her hand gently clenched into a fist, then she turned and told A Zong, “Follow His Highness.”

A Zong nodded, stood up, and supported Wei Zhao’s arm.

Fa Yilian’s gaze lingered on Wei Zhao’s arm. Wei Zhao didn’t push A Zong away but instead, leaned slightly on her, swaying a bit as they walked before straightening up. She smiled and sighed, “I’m afraid I’ve had too much to drink.”

The innkeeper hurriedly called for someone to lead the way, and the two of them walked ahead together.

Fa Yilian’s gaze left Wei Zhao’s back, and she lowered her eyes before turning back to the banquet table.

Wei Zhao, still carrying the scent of wine, mixed with the fragrance of makeup, left a subtle lingering scent in the air. This smell was different from the medicinal scent A Zong was used to, and for a moment, she felt disoriented. Song Sisi never allowed her to interact with others, so it was hard for her to identify the scents on different people.

But when alone, she often felt restricted, as if something were holding her back—except when it came to Song Sisi.

“You all can leave now,” Wei Zhao’s languid voice broke the silence. The maidservants did not object and softly responded, then withdrew.

Seeing this, Wei Zhao’s expression softened slightly.

“Why? You seem happier now,” A Zong’s voice came. Noticing Wei Zhao’s gaze, she lowered her eyes, then quietly asked, “Did I ask something wrong? If so, I apologize…”

“It’s fine,” Wei Zhao replied, looking at the timid A Zong and sighing. “You’re skilled in martial arts, you should have a bit more confidence. I’m just relieved they’re not here to spy on me.”

A Zong, not stupid but unversed in affairs, quickly understood. If they were spies, they wouldn’t be so easy to talk to and would have found some excuse to be harsh. She couldn’t help but sigh. “It’s really complicated…”

“If you want absolute safety and stability, go back to a cage,” Wei Zhao responded. She turned to look at A Zong. “What are you still doing here? Go out already.”

A Zong hurriedly exited.

Wei Zhao waited a moment, then, after the effects of the alcohol faded, she adjusted her appearance and opened the window. Outside, there was a figure standing in the moonlight, solitary and still. Wei Zhao glanced out and froze when she saw the red hair that stood out even in the dim moonlight.

She suddenly called out, “Fa Yilian!”

The figure turned around.

Wei Zhao saw the woman’s tanned skin and those calm, green eyes—like a still pond. Her confusion lifted, and with a sharp motion, she climbed out the window and ran toward the woman, grabbing her sleeve.

The rough texture of the sleeve shocked her and sobered her up from her alcohol-induced daze. She looked at the woman before her, who also looked down at her.

The woman had the same red hair and green eyes, but she was older, her skin rougher, though her sharply defined features gave her a captivating beauty that couldn’t be ignored. This reminded Wei Zhao of Fa Yilian, but she was not Fa Yilian.

“You…” Wei Zhao shook her head, her hairpins making a clattering sound. She let go and took a step back, wearing a noble air and a polite smile. “Sorry, I mistook you for someone.”

“It’s fine,” the woman replied with a strange accent. If Wei Zhao hadn’t gotten used to hearing Fa Yilian speak, she might have had trouble placing the voice, which was gentle and smooth despite the accent.

Wei Zhao, feeling apologetic, nodded to the woman. She was about to leave when the woman’s face caught her attention. Hesitating, she asked, “You are…?”

“My name is Judith. According to your Great Zhou customs, you can call me Manager Zhu. I have a fleet that does business between Great Zhou and other countries,” the woman explained, looking curiously at Wei Zhao, noting her expensive headpiece and the lavish silk clothing that even the innkeeper, who usually didn’t spare any expense, would never have shown off.

“You mistook me for someone?”

“A… friend,” Wei Zhao smiled, glancing sideways. She gave a polite nod before turning to leave.

“Please wait,” the woman took a step forward but then quickly stepped back, her hand resting on the hilt of a short sword at her waist.

A shadow appeared in front of her like a ghost. The woman raised her eyebrows. “It’s you.”

Wei Zhao turned back and saw A Zong and Judith. “Do you two know each other?”

“No,” A Zong replied. “We’ve only met once.”

Judith remained silent.

A Zong then turned to her, “Don’t come too close, or I’ll take it as a challenge.”

Judith raised her hands and took a step back. Seeing A Zong’s expression soften, she said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean any harm. I was just curious. Actually, I’ve been searching for a girl named Fa Yilian. She’s my sister.”

Wei Zhao froze, her eyes widening as she looked at Judith’s red hair.