The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 78

Their search yielded no results.

Even so, Fa Yilian wasn’t ready to give up. She stared at the sea for a long time before turning to Wei Zhao. “Do you think there could be something hidden down there?”

Wei Zhao chuckled lightly. “You should just do whatever you feel like doing.”

Fa Yilian blushed slightly at Wei Zhao’s smile. She had her own little schemes in mind. Wei Zhao always acted only in pursuit of profit. To her, Fa Yilian might hold some level of significance, but how much? How much would Wei Zhao compromise for her? Even Fa Yilian couldn’t say for sure.

Whenever she looked at the princess’s calm expression, Fa Yilian couldn’t help but recall the scene on the streets of Haizhou City—Wei Zhao walking side by side with Lan Du.

The perfect pair.

No one was more aware of how often this term was associated with Wei Zhao and Lan Du.

From the very beginning, when Wei Zhao, as the only daughter of the late emperor, entered the Eastern Palace for her studies, Lan Du had been by her and her brother’s side. They had grown up together, childhood friends. Even after the upheaval, everyone in the capital knew that Lan Du had always waited for the princess. Even the late empress had once joked at a banquet about arranging a marriage between the two.

But then, everything changed. The empress passed away under humiliating circumstances, taking her own life. Wei Zhao fell out of favor with the emperor. And suddenly, the elegant Lan Du was no longer by her side. Instead, it was Fa Yilian—a slave, someone everyone saw as lowly and unrefined.

Fa Yilian had never been one to dwell on useless matters. Yet, when she saw Lan Du again, and the wistful smile on Wei Zhao’s face, she couldn’t help but wonder. If she were to ask for something, would Wei Zhao grant her wish? She had saved Wei Zhao in that desolate forest, and yes, she had also seduced her. But to Wei Zhao, what was she?

Was she still just a disposable plaything, someone insignificant?

Even now, as Fa Yilian spoke, her gaze swept over Wei Zhao, carefully hiding her urgency. She suggested there might be clues hidden among the stones to distract from her emotions.

Deep down, Fa Yilian was insecure. Especially when she wanted something from Wei Zhao, she worked hard to maintain her dignity, refusing to yield even a little for fear of losing everything.

But Wei Zhao saw through her thoughts in an instant.

While Fa Yilian busied herself directing preparations, she couldn’t help but tug at her hair in frustration.

Wei Zhao, unable to watch any longer, beckoned to her. “Come here. What’s with your hair? Let me fix it for you.”

Fa Yilian blinked, then quickly sat down in front of Wei Zhao, pulling a wooden comb from her pocket. She sat cross-legged, her long limbs folding easily, and turned her back to Wei Zhao. With her head lowered, she resembled a sulking puppy with its tail tucked between its legs.

Wei Zhao couldn’t help but poke her. “How long has it been since you properly combed your hair? You’re hopeless.”

The gentle teasing seemed to lift Fa Yilian’s mood. Hugging her knees, she swayed slightly from side to side.

Wei Zhao chuckled softly, holding Fa Yilian’s head still as she worked to untangle the knots in her hair. Her voice was equally soft. “Don’t worry. They’ll be fine. Do you really think they’re in trouble?”

“I’m just worried…” Fa Yilian hesitated, then added, “But I feel like they’re still alive.”

Wei Zhao paused at her words, her head lowering slightly. “When my mother passed, I used to think she was still alive too.”

Fa Yilian stayed silent, unsure how to respond. The remark hit a little too close to home.

Wei Zhao laughed lightly before continuing, “When you disappeared without a trace, I believed you were still alive. Fortunately, you truly were.”

Fa Yilian murmured a quiet acknowledgment. After a moment, she watched as sailors equipped with air bladders and ropes prepared to dive. Turning her gaze back to the sea, she said, “When I was a child, I often went to sea with my parents. Every time we went out, some familiar faces wouldn’t come back. My parents told me that this was our unchanging fate—born on the sea and destined to die on the sea. The ocean is unpredictable, and so is life and death.”

Wei Zhao paused. The comb glided through Fa Yilian’s curly hair, but strands seemed to escape playfully, much like the restless woman herself. Wei Zhao poked her again. “So, are you sad?”

“…As long as there’s no body, I believe she’s still alive,” Fa Yilian replied, rubbing the spot where Wei Zhao poked her. “I believe in that. Maybe… maybe believing is its own kind of power.”

A power to make wishes come true.

Wei Zhao didn’t respond. In the past, she would’ve mocked such a naive notion, calling it foolish. Life, after all, rarely went as one wished. But now, after everything, even Wei Zhao found herself wondering if Fa Yilian’s unwavering belief had brought her back to her side.

Had allowed her to regain what she thought was lost.

But their search turned up nothing. The black oil they poured into the crevices had hardened, sealing the entrance tightly. When the report came back, Fa Yilian was silent for a long time. Just as Wei Zhao was about to suggest staying another night to allow Fa Yilian more time, Fa Yilian suddenly turned and said, “Let’s return to Haizhou.”

“But…” Wei Zhao was surprised.

Fa Yilian shook her head, ready to explain, but before she could, a sharp sound pierced the air. Wei Zhao squinted into the distance but saw no ships. Meanwhile, Fa Yilian’s face lit up with joy. She grabbed Wei Zhao’s hand and exclaimed, “It’s Judith! She’s alive!”

The pure joy on Fa Yilian’s face caught Wei Zhao off guard. Her eyes crinkled with laughter, and her wide smile was unrestrained and genuine. Wei Zhao realized she’d never seen this expression on Fa Yilian before—not even when they were reunited. Fa Yilian had been happy then but still held herself back.

Now, Wei Zhao found herself captivated by Fa Yilian’s joy.

When Fa Yilian noticed Wei Zhao’s gaze, she tilted her head curiously. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No…”

Wei Zhao silently prayed: Don’t listen to what she’s about to say!

From across the water, a young voice, full of energy, shouted, “The princess says she’ll grant you your wish!”

Wei Zhao froze in horror. She had forgotten her earlier promise to Fa Yilian. As Fa Yilian turned to her, eyes wide with surprise and delight, Wei Zhao felt a mix of dread and reluctant admiration. Even as she panicked, she couldn’t help but think: She’s smiling like that again.