The Flirtatious Beauty Decides to Steal the Princess - Chapter 6

Wen Ying couldn’t help but glance toward the palace walls of the neighboring Hanguang Hall, a trace of worry in her heart.

If what Chu Ran said was true, then this imperial palace was far from safe. Aside from being wary of the consorts, there were other threats to guard against as well.

Yun Chu was equally shocked. She and Chu Ran headed to the imperial gardens to see how the Noble Consort and the others planned to handle the situation.

Wen Ying wanted to follow, but Yun Chu turned back and deliberately walked up to her, instructing, “You are not to go to the imperial gardens, understand? This is for your own safety.”

Wen Ying’s little face fell instantly, but she still waved her hand and bid Yun Chu farewell.

Though Yun Chu’s eyes were filled with concern, she stood up and left with Chu Ran nonetheless.

Watching their figures gradually disappear down the palace path, Wen Ying returned to the Ninglu Palace and gathered the dishes into a wooden bucket. Taking advantage of the still-bright sunlight, she carried them to the courtyard to wash with the water Yun Chu had just fetched.

Her small frame crouched on the ground, her plain white sleeves rolled up to reveal slender, fair arms as delicate as lotus roots.

Wen Ying scrubbed the dishes with focused attention when suddenly, she heard footsteps nearby. Her entire body froze, and she even held her breath could it be that the murderer who killed Bai Zhi had now set their sights on her?

Too afraid to lift her head and see who it was, she kept her gaze lowered, her voice trembling as she pleaded, ” I’m just an unfavored princess. Killing me won’t help you in the power struggles of the inner palace at all. Could you spare me?”

She was truly terrified. The next moment, the person drew even closer, and Wen Ying caught a whiff of a familiar, delicate fragrance.

“Bad sister!” Wen Ying couldn’t hold back any longer. Her nose stung, and tears spilled down her cheeks. Without caring about the water on her hands, she stood up and glared at Fu Qingyin in anger.

Fu Qingyin’s beautiful eyes swept over Wen Ying’s tear-streaked face, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

Hearing her laughter only made Wen Ying angrier. She balled her still-damp hands into fists and lightly pounded Fu Qingyin’s arm. Fu Qingyin didn’t dodge, allowing Wen Ying’s kitten-like strength to vent on her.

Once Wen Ying tired herself out, she huffed and crouched back down to wash the dishes, refusing to look at Fu Qingyin.

Fu Qingyin knelt beside her, softening her voice to coax her. “Little Wen Ying, why are you doing such menial work yourself? I’ll have Sangzhi come help, alright?” The sight of Wen Ying crouching here alone, washing dishes, had pained her heart. How could a princess in Emperor Wen’s palace live like this?

Even if her meals and accommodations were inferior to those of other princesses, Wen Ying didn’t even have enough to eat.

But Wen Ying shook her head. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she thought that since she had chosen to do this herself, it wouldn’t be right to trouble someone else’s maid.

Seeing Wen Ying like this, with tears still clinging to the corners of her eyes, Fu Qingyin reached out and gently wiped them away.

The touch at her eyelid made Wen Ying’s lashes flutter involuntarily, brushing against Fu Qingyin’s fingers. The slight tickle made Fu Qingyin withdraw her hand.

Wen Ying’s tears came and went quickly. Blinking rapidly, she soon finished washing the dishes and pulled Fu Qingyin into the Ninglu Palace.

Fu Qingyin surveyed the palace where Wen Ying had lived for so long, it was even more barren than a commoner’s home. At a glance, there was nothing but emptiness: a table, a dressing stand, and some cabinets that once likely held porcelain vases but now stood empty.

Wen Ying pulled Fu Qingyin to sit by the bed, the softest spot in the entire room. For the first time, Fu Qingyin felt the warmth of being truly cared for.

Wen Ying knew she had just arrived and must still be unaccustomed to the cold, hard benches even in Hanguang Palace, she had never sat on anything so unyielding.

These small details had not escaped Wen Ying’s notice. To her, they might have been insignificant, but to Fu Qingyin, they were unexpectedly comforting.

“What’s wrong?” Fu Qingyin’s voice softened. Wen Ying pulled up a small stool and sat before her, solemnly taking her hands. “Have you heard the news about Bai Zhi’s death? The palace is fraught with danger now. You must protect yourself.”

Wen Ying was genuinely worried Fu Qingyin had only just arrived, and Bai Zhi had been killed shortly after her arrival. There was no guarantee Fu Qingyin wouldn’t be next.

Moreover, both Ninglu Palace and Hanguang Palace were lightly guarded. If someone wanted to strike, it would be far easier than killing Bai Zhi.

Wen Ying had to ensure Fu Qingyin’s safety. After all, when she had been starving, Fu Qingyin had offered her food and seen through her wariness without anger.

Wen Ying was someone who repaid kindness. Her clear, guileless eyes fixed on Fu Qingyin as if she were someone irreplaceable. The intensity of that gaze unsettled Fu Qingyin, who averted her eyes.

Not understanding why she was being avoided, Wen Ying scooted her stool even closer. Finally, Fu Qingyin met her gaze and nodded seriously.

“But how can we stay safe?” Fu Qingyin parted her lips slightly, voicing the very question Wen Ying also had no answer to.

Hanguang Palace and Ninglu Palace indeed lacked guards. Even if both of them remained vigilant, it wouldn’t be enough. Wen Ying frowned in thought, and Fu Qingyin reached out to smooth the crease between her brows.

“Alright, Sang Zhi and I both know martial arts we can protect ourselves. How about this? Except for nights and mealtimes, you stay with me in Hanguang Palace. If anything happens, I can protect you in time.”

The suggestion was sound. Wen Ying had already resolved to accompany Fu Qingyin through this difficult period, so frequent visits to Hanguang Palace were inevitable. She nodded firmly, then opened the cabinet beneath the dressing stand, revealing neatly arranged books.

Fu Qingyin’s gaze drifted downward, landing on sheets of calligraphy practice. The strokes were unrefined but bore traces of the handwriting she had seen from Wen Ying that morning likely from her childhood.

Suddenly intrigued, Fu Qingyin crouched down and effortlessly pulled out the papers.

The handwriting on the paper showed an uneven grasp of the brush, with strokes alternating between light and heavy. The characters bore the innocent charm of a young girl, and Fu Qingyin could see the effort she had put into them.

Wen Ying had been engrossed in searching for books for Fu Qingyin when she suddenly noticed the latter holding the papers from her childhood. Instantly flustered, she moved to block them from view.

“Wen Ying, there’s no need to be shy. I think they’re lovely,” Fu Qingyin said earnestly, handing the papers back with respect. She was taller than Wen Ying, and with the latter crouching, the height difference became even more pronounced.

Fu Qingyin reached out and, somewhat awkwardly, gently patted Wen Ying’s head. But instead of recoiling, Wen Ying nuzzled into her palm like an affectionate kitten.

Fu Qingyin froze. After a long pause, she finally spoke, “Wen Ying, aren’t you afraid that I might be using you for something? You’re usually so cautious, why do you trust me so unconditionally?”

The question seemed to catch Wen Ying off guard. Her hands, which had been tidying the shelves, stilled. She straightened up and looked at Fu Qingyin, who towered over her, then smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. “I’m just a princess who’s even less significant than a palace maid. There’s nothing you could possibly want from me, right?”

Fu Qingyin didn’t know what experiences had led Wen Ying to say such words with such ease. Comparing herself to the younger girl, she realized her own mindset was far less mature.

Wen Ying had just reached the age of fifteen meaning she was six years younger than Fu Qingyin. The realization struck Fu Qingyin with shock. So, all this time, she had been teasing a girl six years her junior.

For the first time, Fu Qingyin felt a flush of embarrassment at her own thoughts, her cheeks warming slightly. Wen Ying, noticing the rare sight of Fu Qingyin blushing, felt as though she had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.

“Sister, why are you blushing?” Wen Ying giggled, pinching Fu Qingyin’s delicate cheeks. Suddenly, she understood why Fu Qingyin enjoyed teasing her so much seeing her flustered was unexpectedly adorable.

Fu Qingyin coughed a few times, trying to regain her composure. Just as she was about to speak, Wen Ying’s expression turned serious. “Sister, I want to visit the imperial garden. They say the Eighth Prince is very fond of Bai Zhi might he push for a thorough investigation?”

If an investigation were to take place, Wen Ying wanted to assess the situation firsthand. At least then, she could maintain some control. Yun Chu would never tell her anything—she despised Wen Ying getting involved in such matters. But Wen Ying wasn’t seeking trouble; not knowing would only lead her to imagine worse scenarios.

Truthfully, Fu Qingyin also wanted to see for herself. Since she had been the one to act, returning to the scene disguised as a mere spectator to admire her handiwork wasn’t a bad idea. Yet she was also worried about Wen Ying. But under the weight of Wen Ying’s earnest gaze, Fu Qingyin found herself unable to refuse. After all, she could always eliminate anyone who dared to pose a threat.

In the shadows where Wen Ying couldn’t see, Fu Qingyin’s eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty light. It was as if all her hatred toward Emperor Wen was being unleashed upon his lackeys. Bai Zhi had been the first she hoped no other fool would dare cross her next.

At this moment, Fu Qingyin felt an overwhelming gratitude for the martial skills she had cultivated since childhood. Even as a hostage in an enemy nation, she could still exact her own vengeance.

She wouldn’t be bullied too badly and could even protect little Wen Ying.

“Then let’s go.” No one would dare to have ill intentions toward you.

After realizing she was six years older than Wen Ying, Fu Qingyin began making an effort to embody the role of a gentle older sister, even checking to make sure Wen Ying was dressed warmly before they went out.

Until Wen Ying tilted her head and asked, “Why do you keep reminding me of things just like Yun Chu-jie does?”

Fu Qingyin coughed violently again, at a loss for words.

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