The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 46

If the capital city of Shen is the heart of the Great Zhou Empire, then the Chang Le Palace in Shen is its soul. Over the course of thirteen generations, the Great Zhou has had emperors who were indulgent and extravagant, and there were times when the empire was on the brink of collapse. However, since the restoration leader, Wei Nanfeng, things had been steadily improving. The following generations had been working diligently, focused on progress and stability.

Even Wei Zhao, who had once loathed her mother-empress, was part of this trend.

“Why hasn’t my sister come in yet to discuss matters?” came her brother’s voice from the warm inner chambers.

Wei Zhao turned her head and saw her newly appointed brother. For a moment, she felt a bit disoriented, as if it had been a long time since she had seen him.

Her brother didn’t resemble her much. His mother had once been a trusted palace maid of the empress, and as the eldest son, he was raised by Wei Zhao’s mother, growing up alongside her. In terms of emotional connection, they were closer than other siblings.

During the hardest years, when they were separated and tormented, their bond had only grown stronger.

It was still the middle of winter, and her new emperor brother had wrapped himself up like a bear, looking completely unroyal. He was shivering and said, “I know you dislike this place, but sometimes, we have no choice but to meet here. When spring comes, I’ll have everything changed, so that even if the empress were to come back, she wouldn’t recognize it.”

Her brother was good at heart, but he could be so talkative, sometimes like an old mother.

Wei Zhao sighed. “No need, it’s not like I’m staying here. Do as you wish, Brother.”

“Such words,” her brother glared at her, then his expression grew serious. “Actually, the reason I called you here is to discuss something important.”

Wei Zhao nodded, feeling something was off, and said, “Let’s talk here.”

Her brother slowly turned around, his face dark, and muttered, “Why haven’t you chosen a husband yet?”

“I… I don’t have anyone I like!” Wei Zhao blushed, not even realizing that her brother’s tone was strange, as she was too focused on explaining herself.

“Nonsense! You clearly have someone! She even kissed you!”

“Kissed you!”

“Kissed!”

“Kissed!”

Wei Zhao screamed, abruptly waking up. It was bright outside, the sunlight pouring in from the window, filling the room with warmth. The pale light spots were so bright that even with her eyes closed, she could feel the heat.

“Your Highness?” came a low voice from outside the curtain. It was Fa Yilian.

Wei Zhao: “…”

At this moment, she didn’t feel like dealing with Fa Yilian. She hadn’t quite recovered from the dream about her brother forcing her into marriage, and she was still processing the bold slave’s earlier actions.

The curtain shook suspiciously, and Wei Zhao said loudly, “I’m fine, don’t come in.”

The shaking stopped immediately, and a sulking voice replied, “Yes.”

Wei Zhao could almost imagine the pitiful, wronged look in Fa Yilian’s eyes. Yes, it was the same look she had before kissing her, as if she had been wronged, as if Wei Zhao had hurt her.

Wei Zhao pressed her forehead, determined not to think about it any further. Otherwise, she would remember her foolishness, and the unsatisfied hunger that came with it.

Taking a deep breath, Wei Zhao glanced at her attire. Though she wore only her undergarments, it was still tidy. She adjusted her collar, wrapped herself up a little more, then pulled back the curtain and got out of bed.

Fa Yilian was kneeling beside her. Hearing Wei Zhao’s voice, she didn’t look up but simply lowered her head and said, “Mistress.”

Seeing this, Wei Zhao said with some annoyance, “Why are you kneeling here?”

“To apologize,” Fa Yilian raised her head. Her green eyes met Wei Zhao’s, full of tears. Wei Zhao almost thought that if Fa Yilian blinked, golden tears would fall from her eyes.

Wei Zhao turned away. “It’s fine. You…”

She paused, remembering the dream of her brother’s nagging and the whole talk about a husband. How could she ever pick a slave as her husband? That dream was absurd.

Wei Zhao lifted her chin and said, “If you serve me well, I won’t hold it against you.”

“Really?”

Fa Yilian stood up in an instant, faster than climbing a pole. Wei Zhao stared at her, watching her smile broadly and move closer. “Really? Mistress likes it?”

“Like… like…” Wei Zhao trailed off, her words interrupted.

“That’s great. I like it too.”

“No, I didn’t mean—”

Before she could finish, a fragrance filled the air, and Fa Yilian naturally pressed her lips to Wei Zhao’s again. Her eyes were even more watery now, full of embarrassment and affection.

“Though I like it too, it’s getting late, and Manager Jin has been waiting for quite some time.”

Wei Zhao’s surprise and anger were repeatedly triggered and then suppressed. She was growing tired of it. And…

Who could resist the temptation of beauty after longing for it for so long?

No one!

Who could resist such a pair of affectionate eyes, looking at them with such devotion?

No one!

With that in mind, Wei Zhao pushed aside her pride as the eldest princess and her doubts about being tricked. She willingly let herself be seduced by beauty.

Forget it, forget it. What harm could a potential lover have? She had only done what any lover would do.

Wei Zhao reassured herself that she genuinely enjoyed Fa Yilian’s service.

Even when she saw Manager Jin’s round, plump figure, her mood was subtly lifted, her expression peaceful but with a hint of joy.

Manager Jin, sensing the change, didn’t ask anything but simply had a thick ledger brought in, bowing and saying, “Your Highness, here is a record of goods entering and leaving the Duobao Pavilion over the years. This copy contains the ones with questionable origins.”

Wei Zhao smiled lightly as she took the ledger, pulling a page and making it rustle. The handwriting and ink differed from page to page, the paper yellowing in places, and she could already tell what was going on.

She nodded and said, “I understand.”

Her tone was casual, without revealing any emotion. Manager Jin, his heart racing, wiped his forehead and said, “Your Highness, after all the trials, you finally made it to Haizhou City. I’ve overstepped by taking the liberty.”

“National matters are more important. My own affairs are nothing compared to the Great Zhou,” Wei Zhao responded, not believing Manager Jin’s words but keeping her tone polite. “You’ve acted with good intentions, I appreciate it.”

With these soothing words, Manager Jin relaxed and smiled, “Your Highness, your concern for the Great Zhou is truly a blessing. We’ve already contacted the Wei Guard, and they know you are safe and will come to your aid.”

When Wei Zhao had initially left, she had done so in haste, as her entourage included not only guards but also various officials and advisors. She had grown impatient with them and also worried about her brother’s concerns, so she set out early on her own.

She hadn’t expected to be caught in an ambush that almost cost her life. Every time she thought about it, she felt a surge of anger, but her own forces were too weak. Even after arriving in Haizhou City, she had to put on a show, knowing that the city governor and others were involved, yet she still had to deal with them.

Now, learning that help was on the way, she couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s great. I’m here to investigate the pirates. These pirates have been attacking the government ships, which is a direct insult to the government. We can’t let this go. Your message was effective, and your arrangements were good. I’m very satisfied and will report this to my brother.”

Looking at Manager Jin, her meaning was clear—she wouldn’t be involved in anything else.

Manager Jin was overjoyed and repeated, “I will fully assist Your Highness!”

Having settled the matter, Wei Zhao felt a sense of relief. She stepped outside, feeling at ease for the first time. “Now, at least I’ve got one thing off my mind.”

Fa Yilian made a soft sound, her gaze shifting toward Wei Zhao. “Would you like to go for a walk at the docks?”

Wei Zhao knew that Fa Yilian never spoke without purpose. She thought for a moment, then nodded. The two of them took a carriage and headed out.

On the carriage, A Zong looked back. “There are quite a few people watching us.”

Wei Zhao knew it must be the governor and others. She gave a cold laugh and glanced at Fa Yilian, who nodded. “It’s fine, we’re just strolling.”

Wei Zhao nodded, narrowing her eyes. Fa Yilian understood her so well. Even with just a glance, she could tell what Wei Zhao was thinking.

Such a person… such a person…

Wei Zhao touched her temple, her eyes downcast, but her thoughts lingered on Judith.

Now that the situation was looking up, perhaps it wouldn’t matter if she ignored Judith…

They arrived at the docks, and Fa Yilian pointed to the distant sails. “I suspect there are other ports. This one can’t accommodate so many ships.”

Wei Zhao pursed her lips. She looked out, seeing the sails packed closely together on the horizon. It looked like a busy, prosperous scene, but she had no knowledge of sea affairs. From this distance, it seemed like a beautiful sight, but she now realized they were probably doing something shady right under her nose.

This was intolerable!

Thinking about the people she brought, Wei Zhao silently took a deep breath. Most of them probably wouldn’t be able to help either. This was something that required a keen eye and experience. Fa Yilian knew this, but others didn’t. However, Fa Yilian couldn’t be running all over the place—it would draw too much attention. She needed someone who could act without being noticed.

And at this moment, the best person for the job was Judith.

Wei Zhao sighed and turned to Fa Yilian, her voice filled with a hint of longing, “I look at this sea and can’t help but think of you…”

Fa Yilian blinked. Wei Zhao looked at her, then asked softly, “Do you want freedom? What if I let you go, to find your family?”

“Impossible,” Fa Yilian replied, reaching out as though to grab Wei Zhao, but hesitated, considering the situation. Wei Zhao placed her hand into Fa Yilian’s, and Fa Yilian grasped it tightly, her eyes locked onto Wei Zhao’s. “I have no family. I’ll never leave.”

This scene was quietly observed by A Zong, who was nearby. She couldn’t help but sneer.

Tch, women.

Liars.