Marrying the Sweet Story’s Melodramatic Villainess [Transmigration] - Chapter 34

The trendy perfumes of Chang’an had become a sensation within aristocratic circles. Distinct from the monotonous scent of traditional incense, perfume—with its sophisticated and rich fragrance—was deeply favored by the upper class. Complemented by exquisite and luxurious glass bottles as packaging, it struck a chord with the elite and spread through their circles like wildfire.

Cui Yi’s business was thriving, and Yan Zhen, as her partner, shared in the profits. Having previously made a fortune from various glass mirrors, he no longer placed much weight on mere money. Currently by his side was Shen Li, a brother he had befriended back when he was still a simple farm youth. Recognizing Shen Li’s cleverness, Yan Zhen was willing to promote him and had tasked him with managing his industrial properties.

Shen Li handed this month’s account books to Yan Zhen. His long eyes were sharp and cunning, yet he remained humble and submissive before his former brother. “Young Lord, imitations of our soaps and scented bars have already appeared outside. Although the method for making glass is precise, we cannot hide the fact that there are Taoist priests in our glassworks. The Zheng family has gone so far as to hire the senior apprentice-brother of Priest Zhang. We must remain on guard.”

It must be noted why the Zheng family dared to clash with the Imperial clan. The Zheng family of Chang’an hailed from Xingyang; their scions held various official posts at court. Among them, the head of the main branch, Zheng Minghan, served as the Right Vice-Director of the Department of State Affairs. His daughter held the rank of Noble Consort of the first rank in the palace. Currently, as the Empress was confined to the inner palace, Noble Consort Zheng presided over the harem. Furthermore, the Emperor bestowed favor upon her above all others. Thus, the Zheng family was in a state of “roaring fire and blossoming flowers”—at the very peak of their prosperity.

Although the one making moves was merely a distant relative of the Zheng family, whether the main house had a hand in it was a matter where “the benevolent see benevolence, and the wise see wisdom.”

Yan Zhen’s thick brows furrowed. He once had a grievance with Zheng Minghan’s youngest son, Zheng Xinran, but the two had truly “become friends through a fight.” Now, they were so close they were practically sworn brothers. After a moment of contemplation, he said, “I shall ask Xinran about this.”

Seeing that he had reached a decision, Shen Li moved on to other matters: “The Eldest Miss of the Gu family has not sent a letter for a long time.”

Upon hearing this name, Yan Zhen’s frown deepened. Gu Ning was a very peculiar person; she acted as if she understood him perfectly, yet she possessed a high-and-mighty arrogance toward everything without realizing it. Her thoughts, however, were shallow. To put it simply: she was foolish without being aware of it. Yan Zhen thought for a moment, then took up his brush to write a letter to Gu Ning.

Gu Ning was unaware that the Male Lead had remembered her again. She was currently very busy. Because of the Eldest Princess, she could only offer suggestions from behind the scenes. She had now become a strategist for Yan Yuanyi. The Female Emperor… Gu Ning felt her blood begin to burn at the mere thought. This was the true purpose of her transmigration.

Cui Yi was oblivious to the fact that the Male Lead and Female Lead were now in opposing camps. At this moment, she and Pei Mingjiao were soaking in the hot springs in the western suburbs.

Mist swirled as heat rose from the oval-shaped spring. Cui Yi, wrapped in a simple robe, leaned halfway into the pool. Pei Mingjiao had her long hair pinned up, her face bare of makeup. Holding a white jade wine cup, she handed it to Cui Yi with a beaming smile. “I have asked the Imperial Physician; your body can handle this fruit wine. Come, have a taste.”

Cui Yi did not open her eyes. She lazily gestured with an arm soaked in the water. Pei Mingjiao pouted slightly but followed the command, placing the cup on a white jade stone and sitting down beside her. As the warm water submerged her body, Pei Mingjiao let out a comfortable, triumphant sigh. “Is it not comfortable?”

Cui Yi’s hair was damp with mist, and the coldness of her features was softened by the steam. She looked drenched and carried a hint of languid indolence. She gave a soft, affirmative “mm.”

Pei Mingjiao took a sip of the fruit wine, feeling her body grow warm. Emboldened by the wine, she stole a glance at Cui Yi, who was napping. Her hand reached through the warm water. Cui Yi, who had been resting with closed eyes, suddenly opened them. Her slightly intoxicated eyes stared straight at the person causing trouble.

Pei Mingjiao, without a shred of guilt, pressed closer. Their two warm, soft bodies were pressed tightly together without a gap. Pei Mingjiao flashed a sly smile at Cui Yi, puckered her lips, and leaned in. Cui Yi, realizing what she intended, was too slow to dodge, and a mouthful of warm fruit wine was forced into her mouth.

It tasted of pear.

Cui Yi’s eyes widened involuntarily. Pei Mingjiao did not close her eyes; she stared fixedly at her wife, her usual gaze carrying a hint of aggressiveness.

It was a long, clingy kiss.

Cui Yi’s eyelashes trembled, and she cooperatively closed her eyes.

Heat and a tingling sensation.

Their senses were in perfect sync.

After a long while, Pei Mingjiao let out a gasp, her legs suddenly going weak. Her eyes brimmed with tears: “Your hand…”

Cui Yi moved with deliberate slowness. Her dark eyes were slightly lowered, observing every inch of the other’s reaction. Her voice was soft: “Is this not what you wanted to try?”

Pei Mingjiao leaned against Cui Yi’s shoulder, thinking that her wife was truly cunning.

The hot springs in the western suburbs were delightful. Pei Mingjiao and Cui Yi stayed for three consecutive days. Due to heavy snow blocking the mountain paths, Pei Mingjiao’s promise to hunt fox fur for Cui Yi went unfulfilled. With a bit of hidden intent, she said, “Let us come back again next time.”

Cui Yi’s body had been rendered soft and mellow by the hot springs these past few days. Hearing this, she lifted her eyes: “That would be fine.”

Pei Mingjiao’s body shuddered inexplicably.

Unexpectedly, as soon as the two arrived back at the estate, Cui Yi received an invitation from the Female Lead, Gu Ning.

For Cui Yi, this felt both unexpected and entirely logical—a sense of the final shoe dropping.

She did not hide the invitation from Pei Mingjiao. Pei Mingjiao had no liking for Gu Yue’s sister, especially since Gu Ning had harmed her before. She immediately tried to make the decision for Cui Yi: “Do not go to see her. Who knows what mischief she is planning?”