The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 79

Wei Zhao felt like it would be better to just bash her head against something and end it all.

Who would’ve thought?

She stood, expressionless, staring at the vast ocean. Who would’ve thought this day would come? She, the esteemed Princess Royal of Great Zhou, the only child of the late emperor, a person second only to the throne in power and authority—who would’ve thought she would be forced to confess in front of everyone, here, in the middle of the ocean?

Even this boundless sea couldn’t drown the despair surging in her heart. No, before ending her own life, she’d definitely kill everyone here first, just to make sure no one could speak a word of this to the outside world.

Of course, this was just Wei Zhao’s wishful thinking. Most people had no idea what the phrase “as you wish” really implied, nor did they realize the cold and dignified woman standing before them was so mortified she could probably dig another ocean with just her toes.

Fa Yilian, smiling brightly, commanded the ships to draw closer. She wasn’t stupid—no way she’d risk provoking Wei Zhao now. As for the unlucky A Zong and Judith, who might bear the brunt of Wei Zhao’s wrath later? Well, better them than her.

Wei Zhao sneaked a glance at Fa Yilian. Seeing her grin nearly stretching to her ears, Wei Zhao felt both annoyed and embarrassed. She couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “What’s so funny? You look ridiculous.”

The ever-alert Judith caught her words and turned around, blinking at Wei Zhao with an innocent look. Wei Zhao instantly felt her hackles rise. She’d seen through this person’s seemingly harmless demeanor long ago. Sure enough, Judith’s lips moved subtly, forming the words: “Someone you like.”

Wei Zhao took a deep breath, fists clenching tightly.

Her fists were ready.

But as a soft-bodied princess, she knew relying on brute force against this trickster would only backfire. After a moment of silent fuming, she turned her gaze toward the distant ships—there was still hope in finding someone to fight on her behalf.

Soon, the ships drew close. A Zong saw Judith, who had been in the water for ages and looked exhausted despite her excitement. Feeling a bit sorry for her, A Zong quickly approached, placing a steadying hand on Judith’s waist.

Startled, Judith turned to look at her, instinctively trying to move away.

“Don’t move,” A Zong said calmly.

Though they weren’t far apart in height, A Zong’s upright posture, honed by years of martial training, made Judith seem smaller as she leaned against the railing.

“I’ll carry you over.”

Before Judith could even react, she was suddenly lifted off the ground. Startled, she instinctively wrapped her arms around A Zong’s neck. Even after being set down on the deck, she remained frozen, clinging to A Zong in disbelief.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got a steady hand,” A Zong reassured her gently. Remembering how considerate Song Sisi had been in similar situations, she hesitated, then patted Judith lightly on the back. Her voice softened. “It’s okay. Don’t be scared.”

The gentle pat on her back seemed to jolt Judith back to reality. Embarrassed, she quickly let go, jumping away as if burnt. Her face flushed, and she stammered loudly, “Who’s scared? I-I was just caught off guard!”

Her eyes darted around nervously, avoiding A Zong’s gaze. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks and cursed herself silently. How had she, someone so experienced in romance, ended up blushing over this?

She scolded herself inwardly. Usually, she was the one holding others—never the other way around!

Before A Zong could say anything, Fa Yilian chimed in with a teasing whistle. “Caught off guard? You? Really?”

Judith, reminded of the people around her, turned even redder. The blush spread down her neck as if fueled by fire.

Fa Yilian, marveling at this rare sight, chuckled. “Wow, who would’ve thought you’d have a day where you blush like this?”

Judith, realizing the more she explained, the worse it got, sulked quietly in a corner, deliberately keeping her distance from A Zong.

Though A Zong had become more outgoing lately, some things still puzzled her. Seeing Judith deliberately avoid her made her uneasy. An unfamiliar sense of inferiority crept in. After a moment of hesitation, she turned to Fa Yilian for help.

“Fa Yilian, did I do something wrong? Why is Judith avoiding me?”

Fa Yilian paused, glancing between the flustered Judith and the confused A Zong. Suppressing her mischief, she patted A Zong’s shoulder with a wide grin. “Oh, you didn’t do anything wrong! Just go sit closer to her—she won’t mind.”

Though A Zong found Fa Yilian’s tone strange, she trusted her words. Relieved, she smiled. “That’s good. Maybe I’ll wait until she’s in a better mood to talk to her again.”

Judith overheard this, feeling conflicted. She told herself that A Zong was being straightforward, with no ulterior motives. But still…

She stole a glance at A Zong. A Zong, catching her look, turned her head quickly, eyes sparkling like a puppy wagging its tail.

Judith felt her breath catch. When had she started imagining a person—an undeniably beautiful one—as “adorable”?

Shaking off the thought, Judith covered her face. “Come here,” she finally muttered, beckoning A Zong over.

A Zong hesitated, then moved closer. “Are you not mad anymore?”

Judith turned her head away. “I wasn’t mad in the first place.”

“Good to hear.” A Zong’s smile grew. “Judith, if I ever do something wrong, please tell me. Otherwise, I won’t know.”

“…You didn’t do anything wrong.” Judith’s tone was awkward but sincere.

Fa Yilian, listening nearby, quietly slipped away and moved closer to Wei Zhao. When Wei Zhao glanced back, their eyes met. Fa Yilian’s smile widened, and she edged even closer. Wei Zhao’s lips twitched but said nothing, which only made Fa Yilian grin more.

Meanwhile, Song Qing, who had refrained from using his light-foot technique, stood nearby, watching the two ships interact. He felt a strange urge to jump overboard and toss everyone else into the sea with him.

After lingering for a moment, he finally boarded the ship. With a quick bow, he addressed Wei Zhao, “Your Highness, I’ve returned.”

“You’ve done well, Song Qing,” Wei Zhao said warmly, though the momentary surprise in her eyes didn’t escape him. She hadn’t noticed his arrival at all! Ha, women, Song Qing thought to himself.

Still, he knew better than to dwell on such thoughts. The survival of the Songhe Sect depended on this alliance. After seeing the fire cannons, Song Qing understood one thing clearly—times were changing.