After Transmigrating into a Book, I Was Entangled by the Paranoid Eldest Princess - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

When the first bowl of medicine was delivered, Si Jinghua waited until Wen Chenqing had left before expressionlessly pouring it away. Then, when Wen Chenqing returned, she made a show of dabbing the corners of her lips with a handkerchief.

“Hiss.”

Wen Chenqing’s gaze swept over. Seeing A-Jin’s curved brows slightly furrowed, she asked, “What is it? Is something wrong with the medicine?”

Could it be too bitter? Her eyes fell on the empty bowl, which held only a few remaining drops of residue. Recalling the pitch-black color of the liquid and the pungent smell that made one want to cover their nose when she brought it in, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of admiration as she looked at A-Jin.

Si Jinghua offered a fake smile, already mastering a certain piteous tone: “No, it’s just that I drank the last mouthful a bit too quickly.”

The grass-green handkerchief was embroidered with a few winter jasmine flowers, half-concealing Si Jinghua’s lips.

Wen Chenqing took her at her word and said seriously, “Drinking medicine too fast can lead to choking; if it enters the lungs, it easily causes coughing and physical discomfort. Be careful next time.”

In reality, Si Jinghua had simply been pricked by the coarse craftsmanship of the handkerchief: “…”

She lowered the camouflaging cloth, revealing clean corners of her mouth, and looked curious: “Does Miss Wen understand pharmacology as well?”

“I do not,” Wen Chenqing denied. “Medical texts are, for me, rather obscure.”

She couldn’t even understand many professional terms in modern medical books, let alone the abstract language of ancient medicine. Seeming to feel it was inappropriate to offer advice on a subject she didn’t understand, Wen Chenqing gave an embarrassed smile: “It’s just that I have been choked before, and the sensation was truly unpleasant. I merely have a bit of experience.”

Si Jinghua replied, “Miss Wen is concerned for me out of kindness. I shall remember it.”

After their brief exchange, Wen Chenqing left with the empty bowl. Although this body belonged to an official’s family, Wen Chenqing herself was a commoner from the modern world; helping someone carry something was a natural habit.

Meanwhile, Si Jinghua was a “golden branch and jade leaf,” a princess pampered since birth. Having been surrounded by servants since childhood, being served was etched into her very bones. For a moment, she didn’t even question why the “Second Miss Wen” was so practiced and handy at “servant’s work.”

It wasn’t until Fuqu—who had been secretly observing after disposing of the medicine—opened a crack in the window and offered a nearly identical handkerchief.

“Is this Second Miss Wen’s personality truly this amiable after falling into the water?”

Fuqu didn’t know the full backstory, but as the Princess’s most capable maid, she naturally didn’t do coarse labor; her duties involved small tasks like serving tea and water. She noticed immediately that everything Second Miss Wen had done this morning was exactly the work she should have been doing. As she spoke, she felt a strange, inexplicable sense of urgency.

Being reminded, Si Jinghua’s train of thought suddenly expanded. She glanced at the unrefined posture of Fuqu and gave a light huff: “Why are you always acting so shiftily? If that Wen Chenqing discovers you and ruins my business, I will hold you accountable.”

Fuqu’s heart tightened. She gave the Princess a pleading look and carefully latched the window.

Having reclined on the bed for half the day, Si Jinghua was bored and prepared to put on her boots to head outside, but she stumbled at the very first step. When she went out yesterday, she had specifically changed into hunting leathers and black deerskin boots. She had removed the blood-stained outer robe last night, but the exquisitely crafted boots were now sitting neatly by the bedside.

Si Jinghua, who was always dressed by others, stared down at the neatly placed boots and frowned. Indeed, I should have just locked up this strange Wen Chenqing and interrogated her directly.

“Is there a problem with the shoes?” When Wen Chenqing entered again, she saw A-Jin seemingly lost in thought.

“After you fainted last night, you had nothing on you except these clothes. I haven’t moved anything,” Wen Chenqing explained. Then, remembering something, she added, “By the way, I need to take your measurements. It isn’t quite proper to keep wearing your undergarments. If there are no suitable clothes for you here, I’ll need to go buy some.”

Si Jinghua lifted her head: “I feel that I don’t quite know how to put on shoes.”

Wen Chenqing: “Ah?”

What does that mean? She doesn’t know how, so she wants me to do it?

She stared at A-Jin with slightly rounded eyes, her gaze sweeping briefly over the beautiful face that had regained some color. To need help even with shoes… this amnesiac A-Jin likely comes from a very wealthy family.

Si Jinghua’s phoenix eyes looked straight at her. Captured by those soul-stirring eyes, Wen Chenqing felt a sudden, heavy sense of authority. The hair standing up on her neck felt like an illusion. Wen Chenqing pursed her lips and met her gaze directly: “Do you want me to help you put them on?”

Si Jinghua’s original intent was for her to call a maid to serve, but hearing Wen Chenqing’s words, she thought: She’s just an exiled concubine-born daughter. She nodded as if it were only natural.

Wen Chenqing frowned at her attitude, sensing something peculiar. Si Jinghua’s eyelashes fluttered, and she lowered her head, saying, “Perhaps it is asking too much, but I…”

She deliberately left the sentence half-finished, her posture perfectly conveying embarrassment. Wen Chenqing stared at her piteous face for a few seconds. Unable to bear it, she looked away slightly and said, “One must learn the things they do not know. You are alone now; the only person you can rely on is yourself.”

Hearing this, Si Jinghua felt a flash of annoyance. If you don’t want to do it, then don’t. She decided to give Wen Chenqing one more chance, intentionally putting on a look of alarm.

Seeing that the girl was about the same age as her, Wen Chenqing continued trying to guide this presumably wealthy A-Jin: “In this world, a person can only truly rely on themselves, because only you will never abandon yourself. Even if you don’t do these basic survival skills often, you must learn them and keep them in your own hands.”

How does Wen Chenqing dare use this lecturing tone with me? Truly boring and presumptuous! Si Jinghua’s eyes darkened with anger.

She was just about to lash out when Wen Chenqing’s sudden movement, crouching down to help her with her shoes, interrupted her building rage.

“Just this once. You must do it yourself in the future.”

The woman’s voice below her was somewhat cold and sounded quite reluctant, but her clumsy movements were very gentle. Si Jinghua looked down, her gaze passing over the dark hair tied simply with two pins, resting on Wen Chenqing’s exposed ear. Slowly, her gaze turned suspicious. Why are Wen Chenqing’s earlobes pink?

“Done.”

Wen Chenqing stood up. The atmosphere between them was momentarily stiff. After this encounter, Wen Chenqing felt that while A-Jin might be kind-hearted, her personality wasn’t as gentle as she had imagined. She mused to herself: I should help this A-Jin find her family as soon as possible.

After taking A-Jin’s measurements, Wen Chenqing found her own clothes were a bit ill-fitting on her, so she took A-Jin to the county town to buy some new ones. While buying clothes, A-Jin’s expression showed neither like nor dislike; her emotions were muted.

Wen Chenqing took the lead, choosing several pieces with good fabric and simple yet exquisite craftsmanship. After paying, she led A-Jin to the front of a clinic.

“I think we should have another doctor take a look.”

Wen Chenqing pulled A-Jin into the clinic. When they came out, the two were momentarily speechless.

“It’s okay if you can’t remember for now. We’ll go to the government office to see if there is any news of your family.”

Seeing the faint layer of melancholy on A-Jin’s face, Wen Chenqing had become quite practiced at the art of comforting people. A-Jin nodded obediently: “Okay.”

However, after coming out of the government office, even the habitually calm Wen Chenqing couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated. She had reported to the authorities as soon as A-Jin woke up, but several days had passed without any word.

She looked at A-Jin considerately, trying to distract her: “You’ve been resting for days. Since we’re out today, why don’t we have a good look around?”

Si Jinghua surveyed the surroundings with little interest. But it was indeed her first time in such a place, so she gave a reserved nod and said in a soft voice, “I shall follow Miss Wen’s lead.”

Wen Chenqing had Mrs. Chen lead the way. As they walked, she turned and said, “We’ve known each other for several days. Calling me ‘Miss Wen’ all the time feels a bit awkward. Just call me by my name.”

Then she heard A-Jin softly say: “A-Qing.”

“…”

Si Jinghua saw her face stiffen and asked intentionally, “Have I offended you?”

Wen Chenqing had already returned to normal and shook her head: “No, I’m just not used to it.” When she was very young, her grandparents called her that; no one else had called her that since.

Si Jinghua asked, “Then may I call you that from now on?”

Wen Chenqing said, “Of course you can.”

Memories of the past didn’t linger long. Wen Chenqing looked at the bustling market district ahead; the vibrant atmosphere of the mundane world instantly revived her somewhat dampened spirits.

Yaoding County wasn’t too far from the capital. Being at the foot of the Imperial City, the people’s standard of living was naturally higher, so the prosperity of Yaoding County actually far exceeded others. In Wen Chenqing’s eyes, the shops and vendors lining the streets were filled with a dazzling array of goods. People came and went, chatting and laughing—a scene of peace and prosperity.

As they strolled along the street, Wen Chenqing considerately asked A-Jin if there was anything she wanted, but the other party shook her head. They passed a jewelry stall; Wen Chenqing wanted her to pick something, but A-Jin refused again.

“I have what you gave me; there is no need to spend more money.” These ornaments were all vulgar things; Si Jinghua couldn’t stand a single one of them.

Wen Chenqing thought about it. Seeing A-Jin’s serious expression, she took the initiative to pick one for her. “It is spring now, with flowers blooming and butterflies fluttering. This hairpin is quite fitting for the season.”

She held a butterfly-styled hairpin up to A-Jin’s temple. The butterfly wings were embellished with thin colored stones, looking remarkably lifelike. Beside it, fine wires held several small flowers, making it look as if a living butterfly was fluttering around blossoms.

But—the person is lovelier than the flowers, Wen Chenqing thought, stealing a glance at A-Jin’s face.

The vendor, his face wrinkled into a joyful smile, squeezed out: “This lady has truly good eyes! This piece is the treasure of our shop. Look at this craftsmanship, these materials—they are all top-tier.” He babbled about techniques and materials, though Wen Chenqing barely understood a word of it.

She had looked around and picked what she thought was the most beautiful and suitable for A-Jin; she hadn’t expected it to be the most expensive. Upon hearing the price, Wen Chenqing’s first reaction was regret.

But she looked at Ginkgo, who was nodding in agreement with her taste, and then at A-Jin’s face with its rosy complexion and vermilion lips. She thought with a twinge of “heart-ache” for her wallet: At the very least, this hairpin truly suits her.

She paid decisively and handed the wrapped hairpin to A-Jin. She said, “I hope you like it.”

Si Jinghua admitted the hairpin was somewhat clever, but she still didn’t value it. However, while Wen Chenqing thought she had hidden her “heart-ache” over the money well, Si Jinghua saw it clearly. Suddenly, Si Jinghua felt the hairpin was actually quite decent.

She curled her lips and said in a very good mood, “Thank you, A-Qing. I like it very much.”

This was the first time in several days she had offered thanks.