The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 72

“Your Highness, I request permission to head out to the open seas,” Lan Du bowed deeply as he spoke to Wei Zhao.

Many pirates had been eradicated, which was undoubtedly a good thing. However, in the chaotic and unpredictable Haizhou City, rumors soon spread that these victories were not due to the imperial court. No one knew who was responsible, so people gave this mysterious fleet the title of “Robin Hood of the Seas.” For the imperial court, though, the public’s support, which had been hard-earned, quickly diminished.

This left Wei Zhao frustrated and anxious.

At that moment, Yu Jinye hosted a banquet to reward the soldiers for their efforts. During the festivities, someone brought up the issue, prompting Lan Du to step forward and volunteer.

Although Wei Zhao had some misgivings, she approved the request. They needed Lan Du to uncover the “Robin Hood of the Seas” — whether to recruit them or to treat them as enemies. Either way, they needed to locate this mysterious fleet and turn the situation to their advantage. Moreover, they had to stabilize public confidence. The maritime trade routes, which had become a crucial source of revenue for the imperial treasury, could not be disrupted. The dignity of the empire was at stake.

Yu Jinye praised him, saying, “The young general is truly admirable.”

Lan Du smiled faintly and responded modestly.

As the wine flowed and the feast continued, the atmosphere grew livelier. Wei Zhao quietly excused herself. Given her high status, her presence carried weight, but staying to indulge was inappropriate. She walked through the courtyard, accompanied by her attendants, when she suddenly noticed a shadow flicker under the moonlight near a corner of the estate.

Shortly after, eerie, laughter-like cries echoed through the yard. The sound fluctuated, almost ghostly.

Wei Zhao stopped and turned to ask, “What is that?”

Her maid lowered her head and replied, “It might be the eldest young master acting up again.”

Wei Zhao thought of Yu Jinye’s eldest son, a disfigured and paralyzed man. She frowned slightly. “Isn’t he bedridden?”

The maid explained, “The young master is paralyzed from the waist down, but his upper body still works fine. Master Yu had a wheelchair made for him. However, the young master is self-conscious and only comes out late at night.”

Wei Zhao nodded. This was a personal family matter, so she didn’t press further. “A pitiable person,” she remarked before continuing on her way.

The next day, Lan Du packed his belongings and departed for the seas once again. Meanwhile, Wei Zhao remained at the mansion to discuss affairs with her advisors. She sat at the head of the table, surrounded by her trusted strategists. Yet her thoughts were scattered.

Her hand instinctively brushed against the vibrant flower she had dried and now carried at her waist. The flower’s fragrance lingered faintly, but she knew it would fade with time, leaving no trace behind.

This pattern seemed to define her life. The people who left an impact on her always seemed to vanish unexpectedly, like a breathtaking painting that gradually lost its colors until only a faint shadow remained.

Would Fa Yilian be the same?

Wei Zhao had seen the ever-changing skies of coastal cities, chaotic and unpredictable. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like at sea. If Fa Yilian encountered such weather… she dared not dwell on it.

“Your Highness… Your Highness?”

The voice of Dr. Cai pulled Wei Zhao back to the present. She blinked and quickly composed herself. “Hmm? Yes, what you said makes sense,” she replied with a smile, piecing together fragments of the conversation she had missed.

Dr. Cai nodded and continued, “Pirates wouldn’t have such weapons without a supply chain. According to Commander Wang, the imperial armory has never been attacked or robbed, which means someone is manufacturing weapons and selling them. From interrogations, we have identified a location where these illegal arms are produced. We plan to investigate, but we need a guide.”

“Isn’t the Songhe Sect perfect for this?” Wei Zhao asked lazily, propping her head on her hand.

At this, even Treasurer Jin couldn’t help but show a wry smile. The Songhe Sect had a complicated history with Wei Zhao, and it seemed she enjoyed picking on them whenever she had the chance.

Still, there truly weren’t better candidates.

The Songhe Sect had ties to Haizhou, and their reputation ensured they would act in their best interest. While Wei Zhao’s trust in them might not be strong, their involvement seemed inevitable.

At the Songhe Sect headquarters, Sect Leader Song Qing sat at the head of the table, visibly tired. “Does Her Highness truly mean this?”

Zhu Tao, one of his younger disciples, huffed angrily. “I don’t want to go! These court officials are heartless. They’ve done nothing but boss us around since we came to Haizhou! We haven’t even made a single successful business deal, and now our funds are nearly gone!”

“…But this time, they’ve offered a hundred taels of silver,” Song Qing said calmly.

“A h-hundred taels?!” Zhu Tao stammered, his voice trembling.

Ignoring him, Song Qing turned to his junior disciple, Song Sisi. “What do you think?”

Song Sisi considered it briefly before replying, “We should accept. Haizhou is chaotic. We need an ally.”

Song Qing narrowed his eyes. “You’re implying we’ve chosen poorly so far?”

“Junior Sister!” Zhu Tao interjected loudly. “You don’t understand the ways of the world. Stay out of it!”

“Zhu Tao!” Song Qing snapped, silencing him.

Song Sisi sighed deeply and continued, “Senior Brother, tiny fish cannot overturn a massive tree. The empire is thriving, and its strength benefits us as well. Isn’t the situation clear enough?”

Song Qing fell silent for a long time before finally nodding. “You’re right.”

“Senior Brother!” Zhu Tao shouted, standing up. His frustration was evident. He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Song Sisi didn’t say another word. She gazed out the window at a sparrow chirping as it soared into the sky. Her mind wandered to A Zong’s final glance at her, a look so unfamiliar it unsettled her.

When she was young, her frailty kept her isolated, and she had little tolerance for strangers. Even now, she disliked dealing with them.

Perhaps that’s why losing A Zong didn’t feel so tragic.

Everyone was trapped in their own cages. Even sparrows seeking freedom might only find death. Still, she envied those who dared to burn brightly, even for a fleeting moment.

Wei Zhao soon received the Songhe Sect’s response — just as she had expected.

Song Qing came to meet her, disguised and cautious. He allowed himself to be “caught” by the palace guards to ensure he followed protocol. Once before Wei Zhao, he bowed politely and said, “If Your Highness trusts us, we can assist with the investigation.”

Wei Zhao noted his changed demeanor and smiled. “Who will you send?”

“It’s best if the investigator isn’t conspicuous. I’ll disguise myself and go personally,” Song Qing replied.

“You can disguise yourself?” Wei Zhao asked.

“My skills are modest, but I can avoid detection by anyone who doesn’t know me well.”

“Very well,” Wei Zhao said with a faint smile. “I’ll accompany you.”

Song Qing’s shock was evident, though he quickly masked it. “Your Highness wishes to join us?”