The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 62
“Outrageous!!”
The desk clattered loudly as Yu Jinye swept everything off it. His face darkened as he turned to his confidant. “Has any news come back yet?”
His trusted aide nodded, answering, “A scout has returned with information. The Black Banner Pirates were completely wiped out, and many captives were taken. By my estimation, they should reach Haizhou City within two days.”
“…Useless fools.” Yu Jinye pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes.
“Master, this is precisely when they’ll lower their guard, thinking they’ve won. It’s the perfect time for us to strike,” the aide suggested, watching Yu Jinye closely.
However, Yu Jinye’s expression gradually softened. After a long moment of contemplation, he finally waved his hand dismissively. “Too obvious. Besides, even if those people die, it doesn’t serve any purpose.” He returned to his seat and looked at his confidant. “What about news from the capital?”
The aide smiled wryly. “Master, the distance between the capital and Haizhou is vast, requiring over a month for information to travel. For now, the only confirmed news is that the Eldest Princess has gone missing, and His Majesty is furious.”
Yu Jinye nodded. “I see. I almost forgot—Haizhou and the capital are indeed far apart. It has been over twenty years since I came here…” His gaze drifted toward the distant sky, and he sighed again.
“Yu Jinye is originally from the capital?” Wei Zhao asked as she turned to look back.
Wang Youzhi, who had been reveling in the sight of Yu Jinye’s frustration, responded with excitement, clasping his hands in salute. “Indeed, Inspector Yu came from the capital.”
Wei Zhao tilted her head, confused. “That’s strange… I thought he was from Langya in Qingzhou?”
Wang Youzhi laughed heartily. “Perhaps the Inspector spent so much time in the capital and came from there that he claims it as his origin. After all, someone like him would take pride in being associated with the capital.”
Wei Zhao nodded and called for Manager Jin, instructing him to investigate Yu Jinye. Wang Youzhi, watching her, couldn’t help but click his tongue in astonishment. “Your Highness is truly cautious. Someone like me, a mere soldier, wouldn’t bother with such things.”
A mere soldier? Wei Zhao glanced at Wang Youzhi, her expression indifferent and dismissive. Internally, she felt a flicker of disdain. Even if it was just her slave, she wouldn’t let it go unchecked—she needed to have answers before she could rest easy. Wang Youzhi was right about one thing: he was just a soldier, and far less reliable than Fa Yilian.
Thinking about her rebellious slave, Wei Zhao sighed quietly, glancing back at Wang Youzhi. “Besides the Black Banner Pirates, who are the other two infamous pirate groups?”
Wang Youzhi’s eyes widened. “Your Highness, surely you’re not planning to eliminate the other two just because the Black Banner was defeated? That would be reckless!”
Not reckless, but worried. Wei Zhao propped her head up, feeling a headache coming on. She was concerned her arrogant, elusive slave might decide to wipe out the other two groups on a whim. Wei Zhao’s mind was troubled, though her expression remained calm. She replied coldly, “Do you think me so reckless and thoughtless?”
Reckless and thoughtless? That would be someone else entirely.
Wang Youzhi had no idea what was going through the princess’s mind. Bowing deeply, he said, “Your Highness mustn’t underestimate them just because of one victory. Haizhou is rife with pirates. Even with the imperial navy, it’s hard to control them.” He looked somewhat ashamed as he continued, “They’re like wolves—raiding and fleeing. We’re constantly chasing after them, and the islands offshore are numerous and scattered. It’s impossible to predict where they’ll show up.”
“I have a different idea,” Wei Zhao said thoughtfully.
Before she could elaborate, a servant outside announced, “Your Highness, there’s a woman requesting an audience.”
Wei Zhao’s face darkened at the interruption. Seeing her expression, Wang Youzhi quickly dismissed it, saying, “No need to see her! Don’t let random people disturb Her Highness.”
The servant hurriedly knelt, explaining fearfully, “But the woman holds a token from Your Highness and claims to know you well.”
Hearing this, Wei Zhao immediately knew who it was. She sighed softly, turning to glance at Ah Zong, who stood silently nearby. At first, Wei Zhao didn’t care, but her heart softened slightly.
“Ah Zong, do you wish to leave?” Wei Zhao asked quietly.
Ah Zong froze. The question reminded her of the time she had once rushed to Fa Yilian, only to find traces of Songhe Sect. Back then, Fa Yilian had asked her the same question. She had left, which resulted in Fa Yilian encountering the Songhe Sect alone. This time…
She wouldn’t run away again.
Biting her lip, Ah Zong shook her head firmly. Looking at Wei Zhao, her gaze became resolute. “I—I’m staying.” Though her voice trembled, Ah Zong’s determination was clear.
Wei Zhao’s eyes glimmered with faint amusement. Perhaps she wasn’t entirely hopeless after all.
“General Wang,” Wei Zhao turned to Wang Youzhi, who was still in a daze. “I have a guest. You may leave.”
“Yes, Your Highness!” Wang Youzhi saluted and prepared to leave.
Wei Zhao paused before adding, “Those pirates may plunder as much as they can, but they can’t possibly consume all they’ve taken. Their spoils must end up on the market. Manager Jin has a ledger. Go to him—you might find something useful.”
“Understood!” Wang Youzhi, realizing this was a chance to earn merit, left with renewed energy.
宋思思 (Song Sisi), meanwhile, was anxiously pacing in the side hall. After receiving a letter from the Songhe Sect, she had rushed here immediately. Though hastily written, the letter contained enough for her to piece together the situation.
Hearing footsteps outside, she looked up. Wei Zhao entered gracefully, dressed differently than on the ship. She wore a thin silk robe and a flowing skirt, her hair adorned with a golden phoenix hairpin. Her appearance was regal and majestic.
But Song Sisi’s gaze quickly shifted. She noticed Ah Zong standing beside Wei Zhao—not as the delicate, well-dressed girl she remembered, but wearing a black half-sleeve outfit, her sword in hand, looking every bit like a guard.
“Ah Zong…”
Song Sisi whispered the name, but Ah Zong didn’t look at her. At that moment, Song Sisi felt a strange sense of relief. If Ah Zong had completely ignored her, she would have been worried. But now, Ah Zong seemed too nervous to meet her gaze, which meant she still cared.
Suppressing her emotions, Song Sisi focused on the matter at hand. Bowing, she greeted Wei Zhao, “Sister Lin, it’s been a while.”
Wei Zhao smiled faintly and didn’t correct her way of addressing. After helping Song Sisi up and exchanging pleasantries, Wei Zhao asked, “What brings you here?”
Song Sisi hesitated, then asked cautiously, “I heard… Sister Lin has connections with the imperial court?”
“Oh? And how did you come to that conclusion?”
Song Sisi smiled lightly. “My senior brothers saw the slave by your side. If that slave isn’t a runaway…” She glanced at Ah Zong, who kept her head down, then sighed. “Then it must have been on your orders.”
“Pirates are a plague on Haizhou City. Assisting the imperial court is merely my duty as a merchant,” Wei Zhao replied smoothly.
“I won’t hide it from you. My sect, Songhe Sect, was also hired by merchants to eliminate pirates. However, there seems to have been some misunderstanding. If we’ve offended you in any way, I hope you won’t hold it against us. If there’s anything we can do to help in the future, just let me know,” Song Sisi offered, her tone sincere.
Hearing her tactful words and observing her poise, Wei Zhao nodded. “Do your words carry weight within your sect?”
“For small matters, yes,” Song Sisi answered.
Wei Zhao pretended to consider this before saying, “We at Duobao Pavilion only wish for thriving trade and peace. If we can avoid trouble, we will. Now, tell me—who commissioned your sect? What made them think they could handle pirates?”
A lie, as always.
Ah Zong glanced at Wei Zhao, her expression resigned.
Song Sisi caught the look, her eyes darkening. Turning back to Wei Zhao, she smiled faintly. “As merchants, you surely understand discretion. Revealing our clients would ruin our business and reputation.”
For the first time, Song Sisi didn’t seem like an innocent girl. Instead, she exuded a sense of toughness that matched her role in the martial world.
Wei Zhao narrowed her eyes, intrigued.
“Oh? Strange. For such a noble cause as eradicating pirates, one would think the clients would want widespread recognition. But with your sect, secrecy is paramount?”
Song Sisi bowed her head. “Sister Lin is right, but I must first consult my clients. After all, Songhe Sect only takes money to solve problems, not to invite trouble.”
“If they’re innocent, the authorities won’t falsely accuse them,” Wei Zhao said, smiling slightly. She wasn’t in a hurry. Whatever the Songhe Sect was hiding would come to light once the captives arrived.
Song Sisi exhaled in relief and rose to leave. “Then I’ll take my leave. Oh, and since my slave is here, I’ll be taking her back as well.”