After Being Marked by the Eldest Princess, I Got Pregnant with Her Child [Transmigration into a Novel] - Chapter 21

“Awake?”

The moment Song Shuijiu opened her eyes, she noticed the shimmering sapphire gauze canopy above her this pale blue drapery definitely didn’t belong to her Yafang Residence.

Looking around, she realized this was Yan Chen’s room.

She had drunk too much last night and passed out, only to wake up in Yan Chen’s territory.

“Awake?”

A cold whisper brushed against her ear, sending a shiver down Song Shuijiu’s spine. She looked up to see the very woman who had been the center of attention last night. Today, Yan Chen was dressed in a deep indigo floral brocade robe, her phoenix eyes alluring and her lips a blazing red. The color suited her complexion perfectly, but Song Shuijiu blinked, feeling something was missing.

After a moment of contemplation, she sat up and flashed a sweet smile.

At the vanity.

Yan Chen was half-pushed into sitting before the bronze mirror as Song Shuijiu picked up a brush, dipped it into a peach-colored rouge, and began tracing delicate strokes on her forehead. Moments later, Song Shuijiu set the brush aside and smiled at the reflection. “Done.”

A fiery lotus bloomed proudly at the center of Yan Chen’s forehead, its radiant hues complementing her deep indigo attire. The intricate design exuded an aura of dominance, perfectly matching Yan Chen’s temperament. With this adornment, Yan Chen looked even more exquisite and formidable, Song Shuijiu was utterly smitten by that face.

Leaning down, she planted a quick kiss on Yan Chen’s cheek and grinned. “Morning kiss.”

Seventeen entered just as the two were whispering and cleared his throat. “Your Highness.”

Yan Chen glanced up, her gaze lingering briefly on Song Shuijiu before rising. “Get dressed properly.”

Song Shuijiu nodded.

Outside the bedchamber.

Seventeen reported, “Huang Ying has regained consciousness. Though the medicine Hong Chou prepared can’t fully cure her, it has stopped her from being bedridden all day.”

The dosage of the Dream Fragrance poison hadn’t been excessive otherwise, even with Hong Chou’s exceptional medical skills, an antidote wouldn’t have been developed so swiftly.

Yan Chen gave a faint hum.

Then, “What about the envoy?”

Seventeen replied, “Your Highness mentioned she seemed familiar. I’ve already instructed our spies in Yue to investigate her background as soon as possible.”

Xie Mingyou within just two years, she had risen to become Yue’s renowned Grand Preceptor, commanding her own forces.

If she was willing to maintain friendly relations with Zhao, all would be well. But if she turned out to be another Xiao Yunli, Zhao would have yet another formidable adversary to contend with.

As for Yan Yue’s situation, it remained uncertain. After today’s court session, she would need to check on her.

Envoy’s Residence.

Yan Yue ascended the steps alone, having brought no attendants, Xie Mingyou had made it clear she wasn’t to bring unnecessary company.

Zhao’s military strength was already lacking; they couldn’t afford to provoke this woman.

The residence was enveloped in silence, the layered drapes casting sparse, flickering shadows. Stepping inside, the plush carpet muffled her footsteps as the scent of cedar incense meant to calm the mind filled the air. Ahead, on a huanghuali wood couch, Xie Mingyou lounged lazily, a golden cup in hand. Tipping her head back for a drink, she didn’t bother adjusting her posture when Yan Yue entered, merely curling her lips into a cold smirk. “You’re here.”

Yan Yue stood motionless, watching her in silence.

Xie Mingyou taunted, “Your Noble Majesty, are you waiting for me to invite you over?”

Yan Yue pressed her lips together. This woman’s words were deliberately cutting, she had never been treated with such disrespect.

“Come here.”

Xie Mingyou patted the empty space beside her, gesturing.

A sudden unease gripped Yan Yue. Had she been too impulsive in coming here today?

“I don’t have all day to waste on you. If you’re having second thoughts, get out.”

Seeing her hesitate to act, Xie Mingyou suddenly flung the golden goblet onto the tea table before the couch. The loud clatter echoed through the silent hall.

Yan Yue’s heart trembled along with the sound.

Moving toward her with slow, deliberate steps, Xie Mingyou exuded an aura of danger that made Yan Yue feel unprotected unlike when she was with Yan Chen.

“Pick it up.”

Xan Mingyou tilted her chin imperiously. After a moment’s hesitation, Yan Yue walked over and righted the toppled wine vessel. As she withdrew her hand, the other woman commanded coldly, “Pour another cup.”

Yan Yue couldn’t help but ask, “Are you, drunk?”

“Pour.”

Xie Mingyou glared at her, her voice dropping lower as a sudden ferocity flashed across her features. Startled, Yan Yue immediately stepped forward and tilted the wine flask to refill the cup.

She presented it to her.

Xie Mingyou locked eyes with her for several seconds. The icy gaze sent shivers down Yan Yue’s spine, making her hands tremble slightly as she held the cup. “Feed me.”

What?

Yan Yue’s hand jerked, tilting the cup and spilling wine onto the other woman’s robes. Xie Mingyou wore a form-fitting violet gown embroidered with gold thread, its narrow cut accentuating her slender waist and the alluring curves of her figure. The tightly cinched fabric even revealed the faint outline of her toned abdomen beneath. The half-open collar exposed a glimpse of her chest, and Yan Yue’s eyes inadvertently flickered there before she quickly averted her gaze, her face flushing.

The wine seeped into the inner layers of Xie Mingyou’s robes, dampening the undergarment, with a few trickles trailing down her neck.

Xie Mingyou’s expression darkened.

“I’m sorry!” Yan Yue blurted out in panic.

She truly hadn’t meant to she had simply lost her grip. Under Xie Mingyou’s withering glare, Yan Yue set down the goblet and retrieved a silk handkerchief from her sleeve, stepping forward to dab at the spilled wine.

The outer robe could be wiped clean, but what about beneath?

Gritting her teeth, Yan Yue’s face burned hotter. She didn’t dare look up into those piercing eyes.

“Undo it.”

Xie Mingyou lounged with her robes parted, one leg bent and the other stretched out, exuding an air of lazy arrogance. Standing before her in this disheveled state, Yan Yue’s hand holding the handkerchief shook slightly. Finally, under the other woman’s impatient glare, she steeled herself and reached out.

Xie Mingyou’s skin was flawless. With careful movements, Yan Yue unfastened the outer garment, then the white underrobe beneath, revealing more of her chest. Seeing her this close for the first time, Yan Yue realized what it meant to have skin like jade pure, smooth, and radiant.

The spilled liquor glistened against that snowy expanse, enhancing its allure. Holding the handkerchief, Yan Yue lowered her eyes, preparing to wipe it away.

“Did I say to use that?”

Xie Mingyou’s voice cut in sharply. Confused, Yan Yue froze as Xie Mingyou shifted slightly, sitting up straighter to lean closer, her gaze burning. “Use this.”

A slender finger tapped lightly against Yan Yue’s lips. Her face instantly paled.

“I can’t!” She couldn’t possibly.

Trembling, Yan Yue realized she was being ordered to lick the wine away with her mouth. As a ruler of a nation, stooping to wipe the spill was already humiliating enough, yet now this woman had the audacity to demand she clean it with her tongue? A wave of dizziness and shame washed over her.

Xie Mingyou took in her reluctant expression, her own face turning cold. “You came here willingly. Why pretend to be above it now?”

“Did Your Majesty truly not understand what the High Priestess summoned you for?”

Seeing Yan Yue’s aggrieved, forced expression only fueled her irritation. Who was coercing her? She had invited her yesterday, and Yan Yue had come of her own accord. Now she wore this lofty, untouchable demeanor was she some pristine saint enshrined in a temple?

So pure and untainted?

What a coincidence, she loved tarnishing everything pure with dust.

“Forget it. I don’t like forcing people. Take your handkerchief and leave.”

Yan Yue listened to her biting sarcasm once again. Having come this far, what was the point of turning back now?

The woman before her carried a strange, cold fragrance, one that grew stronger when her emotions flared. Watching the wine seep into the undergarments, Yan Yue stepped forward, half-kneeling before her, gripping her sleeves as she leaned in.

Xie Mingyou’s dark green pupils constricted the moment Yan Yue touched her. That slender frame, those soft lips like budding cherries every inch of her seemed to brazenly ignite a fire within Xie Mingyou. The faint scent from her hair coiled around them, and Xie Mingyou’s breath hitched.

Yan Yue kept her eyes shut, too afraid to look at this humiliating act. Suddenly, Xie Mingyou yanked her up, sending her stumbling into her arms, dazed. Seeing those clear, innocent eyes as if she understood nothing Xie Mingyou felt the emotions she had suppressed for years threatening to erupt.

“Enough.”

With faint irritation, she pushed Yan Yue aside, straightening her clothes as she stood. Her voice was steady again, though her eyes burned red. “Go back.”

Yan Yue stared at her, on the verge of tears. Was Xie Mingyou dissatisfied?

Did she think she hadn’t done enough?

After humiliating her inside and out, now she wanted to send her away? Blurred by tears, Yan Yue whispered, “What do you want?”

That fragile voice, as if she had suffered some great injustice. Xie Mingyou turned and closed in, her expression dark. “If I say what I want, will you obey?”

If that was the case.She smirked, pulling Yan Yue down onto the couch she had just occupied. “Since you’re so eager to stay, wouldn’t it be rude of me not to oblige?”

Ungrateful. She had already let her go, yet Yan Yue kept weeping, indecisive, did she really think Xie Mingyou wouldn’t dare?

As if realizing she truly meant to release her, Yan Yue panicked, her voice breaking. “Don’t—”

Xie Mingyou’s hand was already at her waist, fingers loosening the sash as it slid downward. Terror flooded Yan Yue’s heart, tears spilling freely, trickling down her temples onto Xie Mingyou’s sleeve. For a moment, that ruthless expression faltered, restraint flickering before she finally let go.

“Get out.”

Yan Yue pulled up her sleeves, cast her one last glance, then staggered out without looking back.

Once she was gone, Xie Mingyou shut her eyes. She still couldn’t bring herself to hurt her. What was wrong with her?

Yan Yue was nothing but a deceitful liar. And now, just a few pitiful acts in front of her had left Xie Mingyou unsettled, weak enough to let her go.

Ten years ago.

“Ah-You! Come here. There’s a young lady your age visiting soon, you two can play together.”

At eight years old, blinking in confusion, she was led out by her mother.

Soon, she met the girl, slightly shorter, delicate and sweet and yet, she adored her instantly.

“My name is Ah-Yue. Yue as in ‘delight.’”

“My name is Ah-You. You as in ‘excellence.’” Her mother had hoped she would bring honor to their family, to be someone outstanding.

Gu You held her hand as they crossed the high threshold together, spinning beneath the trees in play.

Some memories held moments of warmth. Xie Mingyou stared blankly at the spot where Yan Yue had lain.

The sweeter the past, the more unforgivable it became when remembered later. Rage surged, and with one swipe, Xie Mingyou sent the wine cups and porcelain bottles on the table crashing to the floor.

She tried to cover up the traces of her recent presence.

Yan Yue stumbled back to her bedchamber in a daze.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Yan Chen came out from the inner chamber to greet her. Seeing her so distraught, it was the first time he’d witnessed such panic on his younger sister’s face.

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