The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 53

After leaving the Jin residence, Yu Jinye sent a group of guards under the guise of protection. Wei Zhao smiled and accepted them, continuing her usual routine of attending the various banquets around Haizhou City, where she was a frequent guest at the tables of the city’s noble families and officials.

“Now that the pirates are rampant, my family’s business has been heavily affected,” a young master sighed at the table. Recently, the black flag rebels had been caught, and investigations were taking place across the region. People in Haizhou City were anxious, and the flow of people on the streets had decreased significantly. The usual troublemakers among the wealthy young masters had lost some of their playful energy. Some subtly glanced at Wei Zhao and made a gesture with their mouths.

It was well known that the young lady, who claimed to be surnamed Lin, had quite a powerful background, with her ties to Duobao Pavilion, and she spent extravagantly, making even the wealthiest young men envious. It had already been widely spread that the governor had visited the Jin residence recently and returned to take bold actions, stirring much gossip throughout the city. Those who knew the details watched her carefully, while those who didn’t were increasingly uneasy, uncertain of what was happening.

Fortunately, although the young lady appeared proud, she was approachable when someone sent an invitation, always accepting without refusal. As a result, many people intentionally sought to get close to her, trying to coax her into revealing something. But Wei Zhao would always smile and say, “What do the matters of the adults have to do with me? I simply want to do business. I’ve heard of the prosperity of Haizhou City for a long time, but now that I see it, it’s nothing special. Pirates roam freely in Haizhou City!”

This remark made the locals’ faces darken. Some of the more hot-headed young men considered confronting her but thought better of it when they saw her guards. They held their tongues, though not without grumbling a bit. Soon enough, the whispers spread throughout the city, and in just a few days, it was widely known that the Jin family’s young lady was an arrogant woman who looked down on the common people of Haizhou.

“My lady, my lady, what are you planning?” Manager Jin fretted, pacing back and forth. He was a businessman, and recently, there had been disturbances at Duobao Pavilion, with rumors swirling in the business world. Wei Zhao could handle her affairs and leave, but Manager Jin had to stay here and continue his business. Seeing Wei Zhao’s cold expression made him want to cry out in frustration.

Indeed, Wei Zhao had been wearing this cold expression for several days, and by now, everyone knew her mood was anything but pleasant.

Wei Zhao snorted and opened her sandalwood fan with a snap, covering her lips with it, gently fanning herself while casting a cold glance at Manager Jin. “Did I say something wrong? Haizhou City really is nothing like its reputation.”

Manager Jin wiped the sweat from his forehead and stammered, “But, but…” People care about their faces, and Her Highness’ words left no room for dignity or respect.

Just as Manager Jin was about to focus on her cold gaze and try to explain, someone outside announced, “Governor Wang Youzhi has sent a letter of greeting.”

“Wang, Lord Wang?” Manager Jin was taken aback, glancing at Wei Zhao. “What’s he here for?”

Did she summon him? When did that happen?

Wei Zhao smiled lightly. “With the pirates causing chaos in Haizhou City, is this the fault of the governor? The governor is in charge of the region’s affairs and people’s welfare, but he can’t control the pirates.”

She sat up straight, reaching out for the greeting letter that A Zong had stepped forward to hand her. Wei Zhao looked at the golden letter and, feeling a wave of bittersweet emotion, quietly sighed to herself.

Her fingers were so pale and delicate, almost fragile. It made her think of another pair of hands, those hands that had once held hers as they walked through forests and rivers. Now… Wei Zhao’s heart twinged slightly, a dull ache that wasn’t deep but felt like it was pulling her.

She closed her eyes, then opened them again, her expression once more unreadable. She took the letter, examined it for a moment, and handed it to Manager Jin. “Please, have him come in.”

Manager Jin quickly turned to give instructions, then turned back, glancing at Wei Zhao expectantly. Wei Zhao smiled. “Whether he comes or not, what does it have to do with me? I didn’t invite him.”

Manager Jin chuckled nervously. “Your Highness is truly wise. I’m just a humble servant, not worthy of praise.”

“Save the flattery,” Wei Zhao stood up, her gaze cold. “He’s come too late. There must be something he’s up to.”

Wang Youzhi, dressed in embroidered robes with arrow sleeves, was a man of military bearing. His strides were large and swift, pushing others aside as he moved. His servant was chasing after him, calling out, “Lord Governor, please wait!”

Finally, Wang Youzhi stopped in front of the hall, adjusted his attire, and bowed deeply. “Governor Wang Youzhi requests an audience with Miss Lin.”

After a short moment, A Zong came out and eyed Wang Youzhi, scanning his bulging waist with a cold expression. “Please, come in.”

Though the people inside couldn’t see it, Wang Youzhi still bowed respectfully and pushed aside his robe to enter. Wei Zhao had been waiting for him. Seeing his appearance, her gaze was frosty, but her face showed a smile. “Lord Governor has arrived.”

Wang Youzhi returned the greeting and then said, “I’ve been patrolling the seas and just returned yesterday. I heard that pirates have infiltrated Haizhou City. This is my failure in oversight. Please forgive me, Miss Lin.”

Although Wang Youzhi seemed to have a grudge with Yu Jinye, he now completely distanced himself, acting as though he were innocent. The enemy of my enemy is not always my friend. Wei Zhao nodded, “The governor is dedicated to serving the Great Zhou, it’s truly hard work.”

“That is my duty. I dare not take credit,” Wang Youzhi replied, though his expression showed some pride.

Wei Zhao said, “The pirate situation has caused widespread panic. But there are limits to human strength, and as long as the pirates remain persistent, they will find gaps to exploit. This isn’t the governor’s fault.”

Wang Youzhi breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his hands. “Miss, please, speak freely.”

“I’ve come incognito this time. It was inconvenient to speak at the banquets, but over the past few days, I have some questions. I hope you can enlighten me,” Wei Zhao said, looking at Wang Youzhi, her tone measured.

“Ships spotted ahead!”

“A black flag! It’s a patrol ship from the Black Flag!”

The sea breeze blew, and the surface of the ocean rose and fell like a giant, soft piece of silk. The small boats, like tiny ants on this vast expanse, bobbed along. Sailors climbed the rails like monkeys, securing their legs around the long poles, occasionally shouting commands. The helmsman would follow with adjustments, steering the ship by the compass.

On one such ship stood Faye, holding the railing and gazing at Haizhou City. She had changed out of her Great Zhou clothing and now wore an outfit from a foreign tribe—a white shirt, two buttons at the collar revealing her honey-colored collarbones. The collar fluttered in the wind, and her red hair was casually tied with a scarf, cascading down her shoulder.

She looked every bit like a foreigner now.

Judith approached her, observing. Faye turned her head slightly, her face cold, exuding an air of indifference. “What is it?”

“We’re finally back in these waters. Don’t you feel excited?” Judith smiled. “Why return to land? There are better places out there. Why settle for being a rat stuck in a cave? We should just leave.”

Faye rubbed her nose and replied, “You’re a businessman. Businessmen should have integrity.”

“But we’re pirates,” Judith grinned. “Pirates never talk about integrity.”

Faye stared at the place where the sea met the sky for a long time. Finally, she spoke in a low, heavy tone, “If there were no integrity, you wouldn’t have come to me. After all these years, with the ships and the waters, you’re the true master of them now.”

At her words, Judith rarely stopped smiling. She turned her gaze back to the ship. The Great Zhou had the best maritime skills and shipbuilding technology in the world. Her ship, like many others, was modified from Great Zhou vessels. But on the prow, they had added a ram, and at the stern, there was a statue of the sea god—elements filled with their culture. It was about plunder, the desire for wealth, the thrill of bloodshed, but also perseverance, the last bit of compassion and kindness in the long, difficult struggle.

“I swore to your parents,” Judith looked at Faye. “You are our leader. That will never change.”

“The world is ever-changing,” Faye replied, turning to slap Judith on the shoulder. She shouted, “Raise the mast, set the sails, we’re going to plunder!”

The crew turned to look as Faye drew her curved sword. The excited roar of the pirates filled the air as they clashed their swords against their shields, creating a terrifying noise that could be heard far and wide. With their strength and the sharp prow of their ship, they collided with the black-flagged ship ahead.

The grinding sound of metal scraping against metal pierced the air as the collision shook everyone on board.

Faye, too, was shaken, but she heard the sound of her own bl00d pounding in her veins, wrapped in the wind and sea spray. The wind tugged at her clothes, coiling around her arms. With a swift motion, she grabbed the rope and swung herself onto the enemy’s ship, cutting down a panicked pirate with a single blow.

The smell of bl00d spread through the air, and dark fish fins appeared, circling the ship like vultures.

The red-haired warrior stood tall on the ship, facing her enemies with no fear, no anger—just calm and poise, as if the sea was her domain, and she was its one true ruler.

“A born pirate,” Judith chuckled.

Also, a born queen.