After Being Marked by the Eldest Princess, I Got Pregnant with Her Child [Transmigration into a Novel] - Chapter 25

Finding a prime commercial property in the capital was no easy task. Song Shujiu stubbornly went out to scout several times, only to return disappointed each time.

“Will I ever get this shop up and running?”

She had considered opening a restaurant, but after seeing the vast scale of establishments like Piaoxiang Lou, she realized that acquiring such a large space in the capital required extraordinary financial means.

After some thought, she decided a maternity and baby store might be a better idea.

Come to think of it, this world’s fiction didn’t have a single proper children’s specialty store.

Since she was pregnant, why not lease a small shop dedicated to baby products?

After all, this was an ABO world, with countless newborns every year.

With a baby growing inside her, the more Song Shujiu thought about it, the more feasible it seemed.

“Here.”

Lost in her thoughts, a document suddenly appeared before her eyes. She snapped back to reality and saw Yan Chen’s deep, enigmatic gaze. Taking the document, she realized it was a deed.

Song Shujiu gasped. “Where did you get this?”

Impressive. Yan Chen truly had her ways. While Song Shujiu had been fruitlessly scouting around, Yan Chen had effortlessly secured something tangible for her.

Yan Chen shrugged nonchalantly. “It was nothing. Just had Seventeen handle a minor task.”

She owned quite a few prime properties in the capital transferring one to Song Shujiu for fun was no issue.

Besides, she was rather intrigued by the idea of a maternity and baby store.

“Keep it safe. It’s stamped, so it’s officially your asset now.”

Song Shujiu accepted it with a beaming smile, only for Yan Chen to add, “And this.”

Several banknotes renovating the shop and stocking inventory would require upfront capital.

Song Shujiu had come to her empty-handed, and the meager salary she received was something Yan Chen had noticed.

Absolutely incredible.

Song Shujiu hadn’t expected her to be so considerate, anticipating every need.

“Wahhh, once I start making money, I’ll hand it all over to you to manage!”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Song Shujiu hugged her tightly.

Yan Chen smirked. “I’ll hold you to that.”

After tucking away the banknotes, Song Shujiu’s mind was already racing with renovation plans.

“I need to do some research first.”

Most children’s clothing and products here were sold haphazardly on street stalls. The challenge now was to consolidate these goods into an attractive, well-designed space to catch potential customers’ attention.

“Stop overthinking it, silly girl.”

Noticing her distraction, Yan Chen flicked her forehead.

While Song Shujiu’s single-minded focus on making money was commendable, there was something far more interesting than profits at the moment.

The annual Flower Cart Festival of Zhao Kingdom had arrived.

Every year, Yan Chen celebrated it with Yan Yue, surrounded by officials, leisurely taking in the kingdom’s traditions. But this year, with someone new by her side, the festival took on extraordinary significance.

“The streets will be lively tonight.”

Yan Chen gazed at her, tucking a wind-tousled strand of hair behind her ear. With willow-leaf brows, clear sparkling eyes, and a radiant smile, Song Shujiu exuded irresistible charm.

Ever since becoming a mother-to-be, Song Shujiu had grown more radiant by the day. Her slightly rounded belly was barely noticeable under loose robes, making her movements no different from usual.

But every night, when Yan Chen held her to sleep, her hands lingering lightly at her waist, she could easily trace the subtle, daily changes.

Yan Chen’s heart was filled with both joy and complexity. She had always thought she would remain alone, helping Yan Yue navigate through life. She had promised her mother to protect every blade of grass and tree in Zhao Kingdom, and now, she still had to safeguard this land that had nurtured her, while also protecting the two people by her side.

She gently caressed Song Shujiu’s cheek, soft and smooth, giving it a playful pinch.

Song Shujiu couldn’t fathom her thoughts but simply felt that every moment spent with this person was pure happiness. She hadn’t understood before what happiness truly was. But now, looking at her, having this person by her side that must be happiness.

“Are you about to give some kind of speech?”

Song Shujiu had some understanding of the Flower Car Festival, this grand and solemn occasion where many dignitaries would take to the streets to celebrate with the people. The royal family would also gather on the city walls to address the citizens with a few words.

Afterward, everyone would encircle the city in jubilation.

Yan Chen replied, “No need.”

Tonight, she would let Yan Yue take the stage while she focused on wandering through the lively market with the person before her.

“Then I should change into something beautiful.”

Song Shujiu blinked. On such a festive day, she ought to dress her best.

“Your Majesty, today is a day of celebration. You should be happy.”

Hua Ling combed her hair as Yan Yue, reflected in the mirror, looked much better with makeup than she had upon waking. Her lips were pale, remaining wan even after being moistened. Suddenly, Yan Yue said, “Use burnt red today.”

Normally, she wore vermilion or bright red, but since this was Zhao Kingdom’s grand celebration, she ought to go for something more vibrant.

“This is the first time I’ll stand before the people, Hua Ling. Do you think I can live up to my sister’s words?”

“Your Majesty certainly can. You must learn to stand on your own eventually.”

The elder princess had deliberately stepped back halfway, hoping Yan Yue would gradually learn to control the court and everything else, to one day rule independently as the sovereign.

Yan Yue was well aware of Yan Chen’s intentions.

The throne had been handed to her without hesitation between them, there was no distinction of yours or mine. Their bond was thicker than blood, and she understood every move Yan Chen made.

“But I still haven’t fully embraced this role.”

She would never dare say such a thing in front of Yan Chen, knowing she’d be rebuked. Only here, in her own chambers, with this loyal servant, could she breathe freely and reveal a fraction of her thoughts.

She had no desire for this coveted throne.

As for tonight’s public address, she had no interest in it whatsoever. She disliked being in the spotlight for too long. In the past, she had longed to stroll through the streets and alleys with Yan Chen, free from the palace.

But now, apart from court sessions, she preferred solitude. The clamor of crowds made her feel out of place. She loved the seclusion of her chambers, this gilded cage she had been confined to.

She rested her forehead in her hand. “Perhaps some things truly shouldn’t be forced.”

She wasn’t suited to be emperor. Forced onto this throne to prolong her life, she now endured another form of psychological torment.

“What about the matter I asked you to look into?”

Yan Yue spoke abruptly.

Hua Ling hesitated before replying cautiously, “Your Majesty, why are you so concerned about the envoy from Yue Kingdom?”

She seemed reluctant to mention her.

Yan Yue said, “The moment I saw her, I felt a sense of déjà vu. But no matter how much I try to recall, I can’t place it.”

Why would a stranger from distant Yue Kingdom occupy her thoughts so completely?

When Xie Mingyou held her, the ferocity in his expression spoke volumes of his hatred.

How could he hate her so deeply when they had never even met before?

Was it because she was the Emperor of Zhao?

Or was it due to the delicate relations between their two nations?

The words still lingered in her ears: “I want you to suffer the same pain over and over.”

“But even that would be too merciful for you.”

Had they truly never met?

Yan Yue’s head throbbed as she tried to recall.

Hua Ling said, “I’ve had someone investigate. She’s the State Preceptor of Yue, who rose to power after correctly divining the new emperor’s fortune.”

“I heard that a daughter from a Zhao minister’s family once took the place of the imperial family in a marriage alliance. Has there been any news of her?”

For so long, it seemed they had never mentioned this person.

Yan Yue had considered sending envoys to check. Her memories from childhood were too hazy, she only recalled that the girl had been young. If she were still alive now, she would likely have children of her own.

They should have sent envoys long ago.

“She should have died in childbirth, or so I’ve heard.”

Hua Ling hesitated before speaking. A beauty’s life was often fleeting, the daughter of Minister Gu had withered away too soon.

All she knew was that the girl had been born to a concubine. After her departure, her mother, burdened by grief, poisoned the entire Gu family upon hearing of her daughter’s death before taking her own life.

The incident was too gruesome, suppressed by the late emperor. The Gu family faded from public memory.

Now that Yan Yue brought it up, Hua Ling, bound by the late emperor’s orders, dared not speak of the Gus in detail.

She only said vaguely, “Your Majesty, the young lady sacrificed herself for the nation, a noble act. She must have gone willingly.”

“Such loyalty and sacrifice. Did my mother grant her a posthumous honor?”

Yan Yue’s heart ached. Had it been her sent away alone, she would have wished for death.

Such a brave girl deserved recognition from Zhao even if she might not have cared, Yan Yue felt it was a debt the nation owed her.

Hua Ling lowered her head.

Understanding, Yan Yue pressed her lips together. “Where is the Gu family’s ancestral hall?”

“Their former residence was sealed off as their ancestral hall. No one has entered since.”

Yan Yue nodded. It seemed she would have to go there herself.

Gu Family Residence.

Untouched for years, the estate stood desolate, a world apart from the outside.

Xie Mingyou, cloaked in black with a bamboo hat, walked slowly along the paths of her childhood. The memories remained unchanged even the artificial rockery behind her mother’s quarters still stood, though now abandoned.

Time had blurred everything, including the memory of her mother’s beloved spotted dog.

Back then, her mother had clasped her hands, calling this a temporary measure, promising to bring her home soon.

Though reluctant, her mother’s parting words had been simple: “Take care.”

As a concubine’s daughter, she had no choice but to be sent away.

Only after crossing mountains and rivers did she realize she had been a pawn. Her childhood companion had abandoned her, Yan Yue was the one meant for the marriage alliance, while she had merely been a pitiful substitute.

The one she had trusted most had stabbed her in the back.

Yan Yueke had never mentioned the marriage alliance in front of her. In the end, she had offered her sincere heart only to have it trampled upon, becoming a vessel for suffering. During the darkest days in Yue Kingdom, thoughts of her were the only thing that gave her the courage to live.

She couldn’t die so easily otherwise, she would never see her again, never get to exact revenge with her own hands.

Xie Mingyou’s hand steadied against the doorframe, fingers digging into the rotting wood until it creaked under the pressure.

The Gu family, she had come here this time, but she would never set foot here again.

Yan Yue had used her, and the Gu family had abandoned her without hesitation.

The lingering shreds of longing for family she once held had been worn away day after day, forcing her to face reality, a mere concubine-born daughter could be discarded so easily. Her mother had used her as bait for political gain, while her birth mother was too weak to protect her.

Everything had changed. There was no need for nostalgia.

What she held in her hands now was the only truth that mattered.

Now, she was the Grand Astrologer of Yue Kingdom. After reshaping her body, she had taken her mentor’s surname, it was time to draw a line under the past.

Since she hadn’t died, she might as well live freely, following her heart’s desires.

Xie Mingyou turned away, leaving the cobwebs and dust behind. The once-glorious plaque was crushed beneath her foot.

Today was Zhao Kingdom’s Lantern Festival.

Heh. It had been so long since she last celebrated this joyous occasion. It was time to indulge in it properly.

“Yan Chen, where are we going?”

Song Shujiu sat in the carriage, dressed in a goose-yellow gown embroidered with white magnolias, draped with a white silk shawl. Her hair cascaded loosely down her back, adorned with a violet butterfly hairpin dangling pearls, giving her a lively and charming appearance.

She lifted the carriage curtain and glanced outside. The sky was darkening, and the streets were already decorated in a peaceful, festive atmosphere.

“You’ll know when we arrive.”

Yan Chen watched the excitement flickering in her eyes. Though they had just gone out two days ago, she was always especially delighted whenever they took to the streets.

The carriage wound through the streets before finally stopping beneath a large tree. Song Shujiu stepped out to find herself before an ancient temple.

Chenxiang Temple.

Ancient trees towered within the temple grounds, their steps covered in moss. The wind rustled through the leaves, creating a soft whispering sound. A string of wind chimes hung from the temple eaves, tinkling gently as Song Shujiu passed beneath them.

“Are we here to pray?”

Song Shujiu looked around. Had Yan Chen brought her here to make an offering?

“This isn’t a fertility temple, is it?”

Given that she was already carrying a child, she figured they should be visiting a Guanyin temple instead.

Yan Chen shot her a glance. “This is a temple for blessings to pray that your shop doesn’t go bankrupt too soon.”

Oh, listen to her.

Yan Chen was already ascending the steps toward the main hall, and Song Shujiu hurried after her.

A nun emerged, greeting them with a bow and pressed palms. Yan Chen returned the gesture.

Once the nun had passed, Song Shujiu caught up and teased, “The princess bowing in return? Rare.”

Yan Chen replied, “It’s called respect.”

Chenxiang Temple was the largest incense-offering temple in Zhao Kingdom, with a long-standing tradition and countless devotees coming to make wishes.

The abbot here was also a highly revered figure.

She looked at Song Shujiu. “I’m taking you somewhere.”

Bewildered, Song Shujiu let herself be led along. When she saw the towering wishing tree, its branches thick as if three children had linked arms to encircle it, she froze in awe. Red silk ribbons fluttered in the wind, covered in densely packed black characters, how many people had come here to make wishes?

Beneath the tree stood a three-legged cauldron, incense sticks burning within, their smoke curling upward.

What was Yan Chen up to, bringing her here?

“Try it.”

Yan Chen handed her a bamboo stick container, asking her to draw one. Song Shujiu was skeptical but still took one, mimicking what she’d seen in TV dramas by drawing a stick with practiced flair.

It was the best fortune.

Her face lit up with joy, what incredible luck.

“Congratulations, young lady.”

A Daoist nun in gray-blue robes approached with a warm smile, her gaze fixed intently on Song Shujiu. “Young lady, this blessing tree is two hundred years old. Drawing the best fortune before it ensures smooth sailing in all things.”

Song Shujiu glanced at Yan Chen, unable to suppress a smile.

“Then how should this fortune be interpreted?”

The nun studied the two of them before replying kindly, “To interpret it, you must follow me.”

“Venerable Yunhui is our temple’s designated fortune interpreter. Please come with me.”

Yan Chen nodded, signaling for her to go without worry.

Song Shujiu followed the nun toward a meditation room on the left.

Once inside, the nun shut the door behind them. Song Shujiu tensed, the room’s decor carried a solemn Zen aura that inspired reverence.

“Little master, where is Venerable Yunhui?”

Song Shujiu was baffled. The woman had led her here, yet the room was empty, where was the interpreter?

The woman turned back with a smile. “You have quite a poor memory, young lady.”

Her voice now bore no trace of its earlier gentleness and humility, yet it was eerily familiar as if she’d heard it somewhere before.

With a single motion, the woman tore away the skin on her face.

A human mask?

Cold sweat broke out on Song Shujiu’s back as the face of the Shaoshi appeared before her, smiling.

At last, she remembered, why the blue-robed maid beside the woman in purple at the market that day had seemed so strange.

It was her.

Noticing Song Shujiu’s shock yet lack of panic, the Shaoshi tilted her head curiously. “You’re remarkably calm, Miss Song. Do you believe the man outside will surely come to your rescue?”

Song Shujiu turned to shout! “Yan!”

Before she could finish, she was knocked unconscious.

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