The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 65

Song Sisi gave a faint, unbothered smile.
“Well, that depends on Your Highness.”

Wei Zhao’s gaze turned icy as she looked at Song Sisi, who simply met her eyes with a subtle, meaningful smile. But in everything Song Sisi said, there wasn’t a single mention of A Zong—not even a glance spared for her.

You don’t even care about your own slave. So why are you so sure I care about mine?

The words were right at Wei Zhao’s lips, but as her eyes swept over A Zong and saw the worry etched into her face—genuine concern for Fa Yilian—those words were forced back down. That thought alone turned Wei Zhao’s expression into one of barely concealed rage.

Seeing this, Song Sisi’s smile deepened—victory in sight.

Wei Zhao’s voice turned cold: “She’s just my slave. If she dies, then so be it. Why should I care? She’s a useful tool, that’s all. Lose this one, I’ll just get another.”

At that, Song Sisi sighed, almost regretfully. “Your Highness is truly ruthless. Even after years together, you can discard your slave so easily. If it were me, I couldn’t bear it.” Then she turned to A Zong, her tone softening. “A Zong, you’ve seen it yourself. The one you follow is not a wise master. Come back with me—I’ll treat you well.”

“Outrageous!” Wei Zhao snapped before A Zong could reply. She rarely lost her temper like this, but everything Song Sisi had just said—baiting words, manipulative tone—had thoroughly infuriated her. She itched to summon her guards and have the woman cut down on the spot. “Get her out of here!”

But now wasn’t the time. The pirate was still being paraded through the streets, and her elite troops needed to win the people’s favor in Haizhou. She had to hold herself back. Song Sisi chuckled lightly, bowed, and said, “If Your Highness changes your mind, you know where to find me. But I’m afraid Miss Fa doesn’t have that much time left.”

Then her tone softened again, sounding heartbreakingly sincere.
“Please don’t misunderstand, Your Highness. All my sect wants is a chance to survive. After today, I fear Songhe Sect will have no place left in Haizhou. I ask only for mercy.”

A calculated retreat. Wei Zhao knew it well. Her voice dropped low.
“Get out.”

Song Sisi gave a graceful bow and turned to leave.

Wei Zhao’s face was stormy. She knew she had lost her composure—and that Song Sisi had noticed. She didn’t know how Fa Yilian was doing now, but the moment that thought crossed her mind, that same unsettling feeling hit her again.

It felt like an omen—just like the first time it happened.

And now, two full days had passed.

A chill crept up her spine and gripped her neck like a noose.

Wei Zhao closed her eyes, forcing herself to keep calm, reviewing everything that had happened.

“Your Highness…” A Zong’s voice came softly.

Wei Zhao didn’t open her eyes. Her tone was curt.
“What is it?”

“Do you think… something’s happened to Fa Yilian? How are we supposed to find her?”

Wei Zhao pressed a hand to her forehead. How could she possibly know? Fa Yilian had always done things her own way—and Wei Zhao admired her for it. She never tried to rein her in, wanting to see how far she could go. But now…

Not even a message? Am I really that untrustworthy in her eyes? She claims to like me—this is what liking someone looks like? Leaving me here to worry myself sick?

For the first time, resentment bubbled up in Wei Zhao’s heart.

“…If they say there’s not much time, then there must be some leeway left.” She finally spoke after a long silence, voice hoarse from the weight pressing down on her chest. “That woman… she’s not going to die so easily.”

She paused, and a vision of those eyes came to mind—the same eyes she’d been watching since they were young, and never stopped watching as they grew up. Fa Yilian carried a flame inside her, one that burned bright even in the cold depths of the palace. It was a fire that belonged to the living, to those who thrived under the sun.

Wei Zhao shut her eyes and bit down hard on the inside of her cheek. The taste of bl00d cleared her mind a little.

“She’s not like the others.”

A person with eyes like that wouldn’t die silently. Even in death, she’d claw her way back from hell.

A Zong opened her mouth, but what came to mind was Judith. No one had mentioned her. Judith was pitiful. A Zong remembered it vividly—it was Judith who stood up for her that night with the Black Banner, giving her the courage to finally speak her truth. If not for that moment, maybe she still wouldn’t have the strength to face someone like Song Sisi now.

I’m really worried, A Zong thought. I wish I could go look right now.

But she had to stay by Wei Zhao’s side—she’d promised Fa Yilian that she would protect her.

Wei Zhao shoved her worries down. She knew better than anyone—this wasn’t the time to panic. She went through the motions, drank some tea, and waited for the parade to finish. Only then did she call for the guards. They’d report to the magistrate, and he would handle the legal end of things. Some of the offenders would be detained, and others would have to report to her directly.

Fine by her. She needed answers.

“Your Highness!” Wang Weiren arrived, practically glowing. He had barely set foot in Haizhou and already scored a swift victory. With the war long dormant under Great Zhou’s peaceful reign, military merits were rare—especially for generals. This win was going to be his golden ticket back to the capital.

As they went over routine matters, Wang Weiren finally noticed the dark-haired, blue-eyed figure beside Wei Zhao—and froze.

Wei Zhao noticed. A premonition struck her.
“What is it?”

Wang Weiren quickly bowed. “Forgive me. It’s just… I haven’t seen Miss Fa. I was worried.”

Wei Zhao almost cracked her expression.

Worried? About what, exactly?

She drew in a long breath, swallowed down her feelings, and asked about Fa Yilian.

Wang Weiren felt a chill down his spine, but answered honestly:
“Miss Fa left early with the fleet. I thought she would’ve arrived by now.”

“When did she leave?”

“Two days ago,” he replied after some thought. “She said she’d go first and think through her plans on the way. I think she sensed something off with the Black Banner pirates but didn’t say much.” He paused. “Did something happen?”

“She hasn’t arrived.” Wei Zhao said quietly.

“Ah…” Wang Weiren frowned.

“You needn’t concern yourself further,” she said. “You’ve just returned victorious—take your rest. From now on, the capital’s safety will rest on your shoulders.”

Wang Weiren instantly straightened up. “Yes, Your Highness!”

Jin the steward chimed in cheerily, talking of banquets and celebrations to keep the mood light. Wei Zhao didn’t linger long. She called for Wang Youzhi, told him about Fa Yilian, and frowned.
“My personal slave, a gift from the late emperor, has gone missing. Neither dead nor alive, and no sign of her. It weighs heavily on my heart.”

“Please don’t worry, Your Highness.” Wang Youzhi, now holding real military power, was riding high. Even Yu Jinye treated him more respectfully. Seeing Wei Zhao troubled, he spoke gently. “We have sea vessels. I’ll send men to search.”

“That would be most appreciated.” Wei Zhao’s expression softened. “I leave it to you.”

“I wouldn’t dare slack off. Your trust is everything to me!” Wang Youzhi declared.

Wei Zhao nodded and motioned for A Zong to come over. She said to Wang Youzhi, “This is Fa Yilian’s friend. She’s highly skilled—take her with you. She may be of help.”

A Zong opened her mouth to object, but seeing Wei Zhao’s grim expression—and the presence of so many officers—she simply nodded.
“I won’t fail Your Highness.”

Her words reassured Wei Zhao more than Wang Youzhi’s had.

“If you find her,” Wei Zhao said, “protect her well. If not…”

She paused for a long time. A feeling of emptiness, like death itself, wrapped around her like a shadow dragging her down.

Wei Zhao blinked and forced a smile.
“If not, just bring back whatever belongings of hers you find. If there’s nothing…”

The last few words were so quiet, A Zong could barely catch them.

A Zong’s heart sank. She nodded earnestly. “I’ll do everything I can to fulfill Your Highness’s wish.”

Wang Youzhi added, “Miss Fa is blessed. I’m sure she’s safe.”

“Let’s hope so,” Wei Zhao said with a faint smile.

She nudged A Zong toward Wang Youzhi and added gently, “Go on.”

“Your Highness—if I do find her… is there anything you want me to tell her?”

Wei Zhao froze. She turned her head, eyes landing on A Zong—those surprised brown eyes of hers.

Once, that look would’ve made A Zong shrink back. But not this time.

She stood her ground. She’d learned courage—real courage—from Fa Yilian, Judith, and Wei Zhao herself. She was grateful. She wanted to do something in return.

“Just tell her…” Wei Zhao paused, then smiled as if letting go of something heavy. Her smile bloomed like spring flowers.

“Tell her—if she comes back alive, all limbs intact—then she can have what she wants.”