After Being Marked by the Eldest Princess, I Got Pregnant with Her Child [Transmigration into a Novel] - Chapter 10

“The envoys from Li Kingdom will soon visit our nation.”

In the golden hall, Yan Yue concealed her sickly pallor behind exquisite makeup as she sat upon the dragon throne.

“Grand Chancellor, you shall oversee the Ministry of Rites in preparing the welcoming ceremony.”

Song Lan stepped forward, bowing to receive the imperial decree.

Then, gazing ahead, he spoke gently, “Your Majesty, aside from the matter of Li Kingdom’s envoys, there is another pressing issue that requires your attention.”

Yan Yue frowned slightly and nodded in acknowledgment.

Song Lan continued, “Recently, numerous young women in the city have fallen ill with a strange disease, and there have also been several unexplained disappearances under investigation.”

His words instantly stirred the quiet hall into murmurs. The court officials exchanged glances, voices rising in discussion: “How bizarre! Since the founding of our Zhao Kingdom, such eerie occurrences have never happened before.”

“What kind of illness is it? How is it transmitted…?”

Yan Yue swept her gaze across the assembly before finally settling on the figure standing at the front of the hall, clad in sapphire-blue brocade embroidered with peonies.

Yan Chen stood tall and poised, holding a red silk fan with a sandalwood frame inlaid with ivory and silver wire, its surface depicting fish playing among lotus leaves. She fanned herself leisurely, her eyes fixed ahead. Meeting Yan Yue’s gaze, she paused briefly before speaking calmly, “This matter was reported to me days ago. I have already dispatched investigators. It may be the onset of a plague, but there is no need for undue alarm.”

Zhao Kingdom had stood for over a century since its founding. During the reign of the late emperor, a large-scale epidemic had broken out due to prolonged floods that spread into a nationwide disaster. Now, in this era of peace and prosperity, how could such a strange illness suddenly emerge?

“Exactly twenty years have passed since the last outbreak.”

Yan Chen’s dark eyes remained steady, her tone measured. “The city may soon face unrest. Preparations must be made in advance.”

Yan Yue nodded, straightening her posture as she addressed the court. “This matter shall be entrusted to the Grand Princess.”

“As for the disappearances, Grand Chancellor…”

In Chang Le Palace,

Yan Yue studied Yan Chen, concern in her eyes. “Sister, what is truly happening?”

She knew Yan Chen well and trusted her judgment. Plagues required catalysts, back in the late emperor’s reign, the epidemic had been triggered by floods leading to widespread disease. But now, in this time of stability, how could such an anomaly arise?

Yan Chen watched the candlelight flicker atop the crane-shaped holder, her voice cool. “The investigation is ongoing. Everything remains speculative for now.”

She offered Yan Yue a reassuring smile, urging her not to worry.

Yan Yue lowered her gaze. “Even if you don’t say it, I know. Someone on our borders is stirring trouble again.”

Xiao Yunli remained a lingering threat to Zhao Kingdom.

Yet, under her leadership, Li Kingdom had risen rapidly, seizing vast northern territories through relentless conquest.

“She dreams of unification, but does she even possess the capability?”

Yan Chen’s eyes turned icy, her voice devoid of warmth.

Xiao Yunli, she had better hope their paths never crossed again. Yan Chen’s grip on her fan tightened imperceptibly.

“With the envoys from Yue Kingdom arriving soon, Li Kingdom won’t dare cause trouble for now.”

Yan Chen softened her expression, unwilling to let these matters dampen Yan Yue’s spirits.

“Don’t let these affairs harm your health. I’ve prepared heart-nourishing pills and calming tonic for you take them as prescribed.”

Yan Yue stepped closer, resting her head against Yan Chen’s shoulder, her voice tender. “I’ve grown tired of those medicines.”

Every ingredient prescribed by the imperial physician was of the finest tonic quality. Yet having consumed them since childhood, her body had practically turned into a medicine vessel. The sight of the porcelain bowl brought by the maids each day made her nauseous, but seeing the hope in Yan Chen’s eyes, she couldn’t bear to worry her further.

“Ah Yue, I will definitely cure you.”

Yan Chen straightened her shoulders, slender and delicate. Born from the same womb, she stood a head taller than Yan Yue, who was perpetually inseparable from her hand warmer, requiring heated floors in her chambers year-round. Yan Chen’s heart sank as she gripped her sister’s hand tighter.

Yan Yue frowned, realizing she had caused concern again.

Forcing a lighter smile, she said, “Sister, next time you visit, I’ll give you something.”

Yan Chen raised a brow. “What is it?”

Yan Yue grinned. “You’ll find out then.”

With a playful wink, her spirits visibly lifted, joy radiating from within.

Yan Chen helped her sit and draped a blanket over her.

Hua Ling stood nearby, observing. Only when the elder princess visited did Her Majesty’s mood brighten, her words flowing more freely. In this vast palace, without the elder princess, who knew how the emperor would endure her days?

“What happened to your hand?”

As Yan Chen bent down, she suddenly took Yan Yue’s right hand, revealing countless tiny wounds dotting her palm. The room’s warmth seemed to plummet instantly.

Yan Yue quickly explained, “I accidentally brushed against a long-life cactus that’s all.”

She glanced cautiously at Yan Chen, whose expression darkened dangerously. Knowing her health was a sore subject, Yan Yue hugged her. “The cactus had bloomed bright yellow, so beautiful, I couldn’t resist touching it. But then…”

Her voice trailed off like a chastened child.

Yan Chen’s frown deepened before she sighed in exasperation. “Touching a long-life cactus so carelessly, what am I to do with you?”

“Did you summon the physician?”

Relieved the topic was dropped, Yan Yue nodded. “Hua Ling applied medicinal wine. It won’t fester just minor scratches.”

“You are the sovereign. There is no such thing as ‘minor’ on your person.”

Yan Chen’s tone was cool.

“The cactus spines carry mild toxins. How many times has it been treated today?”

Yan Yue peeked at Hua Ling, who stepped forward and bowed. “Your Highness, Her Majesty was tended to at dawn. The physicians have been monitoring closely.”

Yan Chen nodded, a frosty glint in her eyes. “Serve Her Majesty well.”

Hua Ling immediately knelt. “This servant has failed in duty.”

Yan Yue tugged her sister’s sleeve, shaking it gently. “I’m fine now, really.”

Yan Chen pinched her nose sternly. “If this happens again, I’ll have them punished severely.”

After Yan Chen left, Yan Yue motioned to Hua Ling. “Rise.”

Hua Ling stood, hesitating. “Your Majesty, why did you?”

Yan Yue walked to the bed and retrieved an unfinished item from beneath her embroidered cloud-patterned pillow, turning it over in her hands.

“If I told her earlier, she’d scold me for neglecting my health over trivial matters.”

It was a square double-sided brocade pouch, crimson silk embroidered with a golden dragon coiling through clouds majestic and awe-inspiring. Along the dragon’s flank, tiny characters read: Blessing of Peace.

“She never wears such things. I know she scoffs at superstitions, but I fear for her safety. Last time she was injured, she hid it from me to avoid worrying me.”

Yan Yue studied the half-finished pouch, taught by the palace’s elderly matrons. Several discarded attempts lay in pieces before she had managed this far.

Looking at the fresh cut on her fingertip, Yan Yue sighed helplessly: “She’s just too stubborn, always worrying I might get hurt.”

Yan Chen protected her without counting the cost.

Could she only accept this silent protection passively? She wanted to do something for her too.

Hua Ling gazed at the embroidered pouch and said: “The Eldest Princess will surely be delighted when she receives this.”

Sisters share hearts nothing compares to the sincerity of this bond.

“Achoo—”

Song Shujiu sneezed in the kitchen.

How strange, why was she suddenly catching a cold?

She was reviewing a culinary manual, remaking the rabbit-shaped pastries for the umpteenth time. Juggling duties as both study companion and kitchen maid, she wondered if Yan Chen would have a sudden attack of conscience and pay her double wages at month’s end.

Speaking of Yan Chen, Song Shujiu realized she hadn’t seen her since morning. She seemed terribly busy.

Wonder what she’s doing now?

Her eyes drifted to the stove, the very spot where she and Yan Chen had made such a mess not long ago, with oil, salt, and firewood scattered everywhere.

Unconsciously, her fingers brushed the spot behind her left ear. How peculiar that area always grew warm and swollen whenever Yan Chen was near, leaving her unsettled.

The memory of Yan Chen’s slender fingers tracing that sensitive spot surfaced that indescribable mixture of strangeness and tenderness that shattered all her inner restraints, making her want to wrap her arms around Yan Chen’s neck and never let go.

She shivered. What was happening to her?

Why these bizarre sensations?

How could she entertain such absurd thoughts about another woman? And worse acted upon them several times already.

Wait! Song Shujiu recalled the first dream where Yan Chen pinned her down, whispering “Kunniang”.

No. She must find time to ask Yan Chen directly. This ambiguity couldn’t continue they’d already kissed, but what if Yan Chen had other lovers elsewhere?

The thought ruined her culinary mood.

Tucking the recipe book away, she turned to leave.

Rounding a corridor corner.

“Oof!”

She collided headlong into someone, looking up to see Yan Chen’s startled face.

Instantly, the words poised on Song Shujiu’s tongue stuck in her throat.

Yan Chen observed her flustered state. “What is it?”

Song Shujiu hemmed and hawed before blurting: “Looking for you.”

Yan Chen blinked, raising an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Song Shujiu seeking her out? This promised amusement.

What surprise did this little rabbit have in store now?

Biting her lip, Song Shujiu said: “Yesterday in town, I saw notices about young women disappearing mysteriously, with rewards for finding the culprit.”

Yan Chen crossed her arms, gesturing for her to continue.

“Any leads?”

That’s it? All this fuss for that?

Yan Chen shook her head, unimpressed. “Nothing else?”

Song Shujiu pondered. “Well…”

“Yes?”

“I heard there’s a strange illness spreading in the city. Many have fallen sick.”

Seeing her evasive manner and the telltale reddening of her ears, Yan Chen suddenly closed the distance. Tilting Song Shujiu’s chin up with one finger, her narrowed eyes glinted with mischief: “Lady Song, do you know what happens when one lies to this princess?”

The girl’s hastily concocted excuses were transparent.

What did she truly want?

Yan Chen found herself curious.

Trapped by Yan Chen’s grip, Song Shujiu’s bright eyes reflected the princess’s image. Ask, ask, ask!

Why couldn’t she just ask?

She’d meant to inquire whether Yan Chen had other romantic interests.

Yet face-to-face, the words evaporated.

After all, she was confronting a paper character from a book, no matter how formidable, still just ink on a page.

But Song Shujiu deflated like a punctured balloon, instantly losing her earlier courage.

She swallowed hard. “N-no lies… I just wanted to tell you that I might know what illness it is.”

Yan Chen was half-convinced, half-skeptical. Was that flushed little face just for this?

Noticing her pink earlobes, Yan Chen pinched and kneaded them with her fingertips, murmuring softly, “You know what illness is spreading outside? If you dare promise me but fail to cure it, you’ll be punished.”

Song Shujiu blinked, nodding blankly.

Yan Chen’s fingers, which had been toying with her earlobes, now drifted to her lips soft and pink like delicate petals. With a bright voice, she declared, “Perfect timing. I was just about to investigate this matter.”

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