After Being Marked by the Eldest Princess, I Got Pregnant with Her Child [Transmigration into a Novel] - Chapter 14

“Master , here is a letter from the monarch.”

A maidservant with twin spiral buns stepped forward, presenting an envelope.

The woman addressed as Master Shao wore a deep gray robe, with a red cinnabar mole the size of a mung bean beneath her right eye. Her expression was grim as she accepted the letter. After reading it, a faint smile curled on her lips, her voice echoing in the empty chamber.

The monarch urged her to act swiftly. Once finished, Master Shao walked to the table and held the letter over a burning lamp, watching it quickly turn to ash.

She picked up a brush, swiftly wrote another letter, and handed it to the maidservant. “Send it back by carrier pigeon.”

Lately, the city had quietly tightened its defenses. The woman she had captured was the last one, but the experiment was nearing its end, she couldn’t afford to stall now.

The monarch was still waiting for her perfected elixir.

“Tell me, where is the busiest gathering spot here?”

Master Shao gazed at her poison-stained hand and murmured the question.

Lanyue Pavilion.

Madame Mei, her face powdered, fluttered her handkerchief with exaggerated charm as she beckoned customers. “Hurry, hurry, ladies and misses! Tonight, Lanyue Pavilion’s courtesan makes her debut! Be lively now, and try your luck to catch her favor~”

Madame Mei was overjoyed at the endless stream of visitors.

Last month’s earnings had exceeded expectations, and this month was already halfway there. Money flowed like water, all into her hands.

As she watched the diverse faces entering, she truly believed every customer was beautiful and dear they were all family to her.

“Madame Mei, you always joke with us. Every time, you trick us into spending, yet we never even get to touch the courtesan’s hand.”

The woman who entered walked with a swaying grace, her tone playful and coquettish. She extended a fingertip to lightly tap Madame Mei’s, making the powdered old woman beam even brighter before grasping her hand.

“Oh my, my dear Lu  Shao ! You’re Lanyue Pavilion’s most valued patron! How about this tonight, if you still can’t get close, I’ll arrange a private meeting for you.”

She lowered her voice at the last sentence, pressing close to Lu  Shao . The latter, understanding the implication, slapped away her hand in mock anger, pitching her voice higher.

“Liar! I think you just want me to pay extra for that ‘private meeting.'”

Madame Mei remained unbothered, her face blooming like a peach blossom. “Who doesn’t know your porcelain shop is the finest in the capital? What’s a little silver to you?”

Flattered, Lu  Shao instantly brightened. She pulled out a stack of banknotes from her sleeve and slapped them into Madame Mei’s hands.

“Then it’s settled tonight, I shake the courtesan’s hand.”

At the sight of the money, Madame Mei’s grin widened. “Of course, of course.”

This exchange fell into the cold gaze of a figure who had just entered. Master Shao, cloaked in gray with a large hood, watched Lü Shao’s retreating back.

She had been here before, casually administering poison. That day, she had only tested lightly, using a small dose. The target wasn’t some lowly maid either she wondered if the woman had died from it.

Everyone from Zhao Kingdom deserved to die.

Lanyue Pavilion bustled with elites, a constant flow of people. This place was far more than just a den of extravagance. That woman earlier seemed exceedingly wealthy.

Heh, when she came to Zhao Kingdom, aside from refining poisons, she also had a fondness for wealthy patrons. Unlike Yue Kingdom, which was constantly embroiled in wars with its regicide monarch, their land was remote and inconvenient for commerce. The national treasury relied solely on pillaging and plundering only through such endless wickedness could they maintain their overflowing coffers.

That woman just now, dressed so lavishly with delicate features, the young master couldn’t help but follow the path she had taken.

“Well now, dear customer, you look unfamiliar. First time here?”

Auntie Mei blocked her path, beaming as she reached to undo the stranger’s hood. “No need to be so covered up when you’re already here.” She winked, her voice dripping with charm.

The young master’s expression darkened. With a swift motion, she seized the approaching arm, twisting it sharply. Auntie Mei immediately cried out, “Ow ow ow! This old woman’s arm is about to break!”

Cold-faced, the young master shoved her several meters away. Auntie Mei staggered back before barely regaining her footing. A calculating glint flashed in her eyes before she softened her tone. “Ah, the reserved type, I see. No matter, Auntie here has all types. Whatever lid you are, we’ve got the matching pot.”

Disgusted, the young master strode inward. Such an establishment wasn’t worthy of her footsteps were it not for her lord’s mission.

Watching the retreating figure, Auntie Mei hurried to a corridor and summoned a servant with a wave. “Inform the princess,” she whispered. “We have a situation here.”

That person just now, a hidden martial artist. She’d seen plenty of those wandering knights at Lanyue Pavilion, but this one radiated gloom, carrying a faint, elusive fragrance, one she’d smelled just days ago.

In Nightingale’s chamber.

Auntie Mei’s eyes gleamed with schemes. Her establishment wasn’t some serial crime scene. “Tell Hongchou to keep eyes on her.”

Upstairs!

Thrush pushed open the door to find Hongchou dabbing Nightingale’s forehead. Noticing her odd expression, Hongchou set down the silk cloth. “What’s wrong?”

At the grand princess’s estate, as Yan Chen’s carriage departed, Song Shujiu followed silently. Did he think she couldn’t track him just because he wouldn’t disclose his destination? Seeing his route wasn’t headed toward the palace, she raised a brow and signaled, “Xiaotao, follow them.”

Meanwhile, Lü Yao weaved through the bustling crowds until—”Oof!”, she stumbled against someone.

A gray wide-brimmed robe, the large hood obscuring the face all she saw was a sharp chin that hurt where it bumped her.

Cold. Ruthless. Her sharp instincts, honed from countless encounters, screamed that this woman was dangerous. Even her usual boldness shrank by three parts.

“You alright?” Lu  Shao asked softly.

The young master gave no response.

A moment later, Lu  Shao ‘s gaze glazed over as if entranced. With a vacant smile, she hooked onto the stranger’s sleeve, letting herself be led away.

The young master smirked silently. Night’s Enchantment worked perfectly in such pleasure quarters just enough to avoid suspicion while effortlessly controlling someone. Pity it could only handle one person at a time.

Turning, she headed for the exit.

The departure went smoothly.

Internally, the young master scoffed. Zhao Kingdom’s women might be wealthy, but they were still just pitiful test subjects for her to manipulate at will.

Passing through the streets to a secluded spot, Lu Shao gazed ahead with continuous giggles.

Suddenly, a gust of wind rushed from behind, a long sword pierced past her ear.

Flicking the hem of Shao Shi’s robe, she swiftly retreated several steps in a spin, drawing her curved blade as she faced the woman radiating thick killing intent before her.

Seventeen’s expression was icy. “Leave the person behind.”

Shao Shi raised her voice in a drawn-out “Oh?” “Then let’s see if you have what it takes to make me stay.”

Within the narrow alley, the clashing of blades rang out, sending chills down one’s spine.

Song Shujiu had been following Yan Chen’s carriage the entire way, only to see her enter the Moonlit Pavilion.

Recalling how, not long ago, Concubine Mei had appeared at the Princess’s estate, she frowned and followed.

Moments later.

“Tricked.”

Emerging from the Moonlit Pavilion, Song Shujiu wore an indignant expression. “Yan Chen isn’t inside.”

Had she come all this way for nothing?

In the alley, blades flashed in a dizzying dance now fast, now slow. Seventeen’s sword swept through empty air as Shao Shi swung her arm, sending the curved blade spinning toward her with terrifying speed and ferocity. At the critical moment, someone yanked Seventeen from behind, dragging her dozens of meters away before she steadied herself. A flash of blue darted forward.

Sword light flickered like lightning, tracing a graceful arc through the air. Shao Shi was forced into retreat under the relentless assault, each strike carrying a cold, lethal intent.

Occasional passersby in the alley gasped and fled at the sight of the battle.

Soon, Shao Shi began to falter under the relentless onslaught. Yan Chen’s figure blurred as she appeared behind her, raising her sword for the decisive strike.

“Yan Chen!”

Song Shujiu arrived, panting heavily. She had heard rumors of the commotion here and rushed over, only to find it really was her.

She hadn’t expected her skills to be this impressive.

Distracted by the call, Yan Chen turned giving Shao Shi the opening she needed. With a flick of her sleeve, a thick white smoke erupted, cutting her off from the others. In the blinding fog, nothing was visible. Yan Chen was forced back several steps, and by the time the air cleared, Shao Shi had vanished.

Yan Chen frowned at the newcomer, shooting her an exasperated look. “Why are you here?”

Song Shujiu stared back, as if she had committed some grave mistake, and muttered sheepishly, “Looking for you.”

It wasn’t like she wasn’t going home, what was there to look for?

“Who was that just now?”

Yan Chen studied her with mild annoyance. This girl really knew how to cause trouble. Still, at least Seventeen had given chase. That woman was no weak fighter, skilled in poison, and she had even taken the captive from the ground before fleeing. It seemed they urgently needed fresh recruits for their next move.

“We’ll talk later.”

Yan Chen sheathed her sword.

Song Shujiu grabbed her arm and tugged her along. “We might as well make the most of our trip.”

Yan Chen glanced down at her. Song Shujiu’s eyes sparkled as she took in their surroundings they stood on one of the capital’s streets, just steps away from the bustling market district.

Did she want to go shopping?

Seeing her eager, almost childish expression, Yan Chen relented. Seventeen was on the trail, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Now that they had a target, and she was within their grasp, they would catch her eventually.

A faint smile touched Yan Chen’s lips. “So?”

Song Shujiu immediately brightened. “Naturally, we shouldn’t waste this opportunity. Let’s make it worthwhile!”

Hand in hand, Yan Chen let herself be led forward.

Since transmigrating into this world, she had only wandered the streets once alone. Now, she had company.

Every day when Yan Chen attended court meetings, she would pass through the capital’s busiest and most bustling streets in her carriage. Back then, she never imagined these streets could hold such delight. Now, walking the same path she’d trod countless times, hand in hand with Song Shujiu, arms intimately linked, a gentle breeze carrying the feeling of tranquil years and a lifetime of shared warmth.
Song Shujiu’s sharp eyes spotted a sugar painting stall ahead and she tugged Yan Chen toward it: “Let’s get one made.”

Yan Chen frowned. In broad daylight, was she really going to a street stall for sugar paintings with her?

Noticing her hesitation, Song Shujiu gripped her sleeve tightly as if afraid she might flee, coaxing: “It’ll be fun! We still haven’t had any proper rituals.”

They were dating after all, weren’t they?

Wasn’t it perfectly normal for lovers to stroll together and get matching couple portraits?

Dragged to the stall, the shopkeeper greeted them warmly: “Hey there, want a painting?”

Song Shujiu nodded eagerly: “Yes, yes!”

“How would you like it done?”

The shopkeeper eyed their attire though dressed casually, their refined bearing was unmistakable, especially the noble air of the woman being pulled along. With a knowing smile, she gestured: “Three taels of silver per custom portrait.”

Song Shujiu’s eyes widened. Three taels? This was daylight robbery!

Her smile collapsed as she looked pleadingly at Yan Chen. “Maybe we should try something else? Sugar-coated hawthorns sound nice too.”

Yan Chen pulled her back firmly: “Didn’t you just get your monthly allowance?”

If she recalled correctly, the princess’s residence had distributed stipends just days ago.
Song Shujiu shrank back in horror, whispering: “That pittance? Barely enough for snacks! Spending it all would leave me broke!”

She’d been hoping to save for retirement.

“It’s enough for this,” Yan Chen deadpanned, now the one clutching Song Shujiu’s arm to prevent escape.

Meeting those determined eyes, Song Shujiu’s vision blurred with tears: “Yan Chen, isn’t frugality important in relationships? Whatever I save now will be yours when I die, right?”

Yan Chen nodded reasonably: “That’s for the future.”

Right now, she wanted that sugar painting.

Regret washed over Song Shujiu, she never should have brought her here. With a pained expression, she reached for her purse. Yan Chen struggled to maintain composure, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter.

“Never mind. Clearly you don’t wish to have a portrait with me,” Yan Chen sighed dramatically, pretending to leave.

Song Shujiu instantly grabbed her arm. After two seconds of internal struggle, she relented this was money Yan Chen had given her anyway, and since she loved this woman, what choice did she have? The coins were doomed to disappear.

The crisp clink of silver brought a radiant smile to the shopkeeper’s face.

“Right this way! Would you like a kissing pose or holding hands?”

In the private booth, Yan Chen pulled her close and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.

The finished artwork captured them perfectly, one lively and charming, the other elegantly aloof, framed together in harmonious contrast: the kisser’s gaze tender, the kissed one bashfully shy.

Staring at their edible portrait, Song Shujiu decided it was worth every coin. This sugar painting would never be eaten, she was taking it home to frame.

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