The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 20

Gu Qing had been closely monitoring Xie Zhizhen’s condition, feeling her breathing gradually slow from its initial rapid pace, which finally put her somewhat at ease.

The two embraced for quite some time before Xie Zhizhen finally pulled away from her arms. She pressed her lips together and, after a long pause, said, “I want to bathe.”

Although her reaction wasn’t as intense as before, once her mind stopped recalling those happier times, the faint scent of fresh grass unique to Gu Qing still lingered on her body, making her feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Gu Qing nodded in understanding, knowing it would still be difficult for Xie Zhizhen to adjust so quickly. She instructed the servants to prepare hot water for Xie Zhizhen before leaving the room to wait outside.

At that moment, Peony happened to arrive. “Second Miss, the Old Master requests your presence.”

Gu Qing made her way to her grandfather’s study. As it was a place of importance, housing many confidential documents, the study was empty except for the Old Master himself.

Peony curtsied and withdrew, leaving only Gu Qing and the Old Master in the study.

Clearing her throat, Gu Qing knew her grandfather must have summoned her for an important matter. “Grandfather, what urgent matter brings you to call for me?”

The Old Master tapped the rice paper on the desk, and Gu Qing understood his meaning. She stepped closer and saw densely written details about the family backgrounds of various princes and their maternal clans. “I know you still haven’t given up on Princess Roujia.”

“You were willing to spend two years in the military camp for her sake. At this point, I suppose it’s impossible for me to persuade you to let her go.”

Though phrased as a question, his tone was one of certainty.

At the mention of Xie Zhizhen, Gu Qing’s expression grew solemn. She nodded earnestly. “Grandfather, I know you all have reservations about my relationship with Zhizhen, but—”

Before she could finish, the Old Master shook his head, cutting her off. “Your Third Uncle has already spoken to me about you and Princess Roujia. He’s right, children and grandchildren have their own fortunes.”

“Besides, his lineage has only you, a daughter, to carry on. There’s no need for you to continue the family line for him, so you’re free to be with whomever makes you happy. You’ve always been a decisive child since you were young. In matters of marriage, your grandfather won’t interfere.”

Gu Qing had prepared herself to exhaust all arguments to persuade the Old Master, especially since he was different from her parents.

Her parents were not particularly traditional.

Childhood sweethearts, her father had remained devoted to her mother all these years, without even a single concubine.

After her mother gave birth to her, her father adamantly refused to let her mother bear any more children, no matter how much pressure the Old Master and Old Mistress applied to produce a son to carry on the family line.

Their expectations for Gu Qing were also unlike those of most families they didn’t demand she master every refined art, as long as she was happy.

Moreover, because Gu Qing had been born with memories of her past life, her modern mindset had subtly influenced her parents over the years.

Thus, while her parents’ acceptance of Xie Zhizhen was within Gu Qing’s expectations, the Old Master’s lack of opposition truly came as a surprise.

Old Master Gu continued, “But you must understand, Princess Roujia has been raised under Consort Shu’s care since childhood. Regardless of how Consort Shu truly feels about the princess, the mere fact of their blood relation and the nominal upbringing means that choosing Princess Roujia would essentially signal to the world that you’re aligning yourself with the Ninth Prince’s faction.”

“Your choice is yours to make, and your grandfather won’t interfere. But I cannot stake the entire Zhenguo General’s Manor on your decision. Our household has always stood firmly by the Emperor’s side and will never take sides with any of the princes.”

Though advanced in years, the old man’s words were still resolute and forceful.

Gu Qing fell silent.

She had always relied on her knowledge from transmigrating into the book, knowing that Xie Zhibai would ultimately ascend the throne. But she had forgotten that, in the eyes of others, Xie Zhibai was merely a contender with potential not a certainty.

In truth, the original novel had mentioned that the Zhenguo General’s Manor refused to take sides, even earning the Sixth Prince’s resentment for it. But since it was only briefly touched upon, she hadn’t paid it much mind.

“It seems I didn’t consider this thoroughly enough. What does Grandfather suggest?”

Seeing that Gu Qing had taken his words to heart, Old Master Gu relaxed slightly. He had worried she might stubbornly dig in her heels like her father. But the matter at hand was serious. He glanced out the window, listening carefully for eavesdroppers before speaking again. “I’ll give you two options. First, wait until the Emperor names a crown prince. If it’s the Ninth Prince, then I won’t interfere in your relationship with Princess Roujia.”

“That won’t do.” Having read the original novel, Gu Qing knew better than anyone that the Emperor wouldn’t appoint a crown prince for another two years. She could wait, but Xie Zhiting couldn’t especially since the Emperor had never favored her and might betroth her off to some promising young man at any moment.

Old Master Gu had anticipated her reaction. He understood her concerns, but if this option was unacceptable, only one path remained. He sighed. “Now that you hold an official post, you may leave. Establish your own household. Your choices will no longer implicate the Zhenguo General’s Manor.”

Gu Qing was indifferent to the idea. To her, it was just a matter of a few extra steps, she could still visit the manor easily since they’d both be in the capital.

Old Master Gu, however, was an old man who cherished having his family close. Forcing his granddaughter to leave the household pained him, and seeing her so nonchalant about it only made it worse. He raised his cane and swatted at her back.

“You ungrateful girl! So eager to leave your grandfather behind for your sweetheart, are you?!”

Gu Qing dodged nimbly, avoiding the strike. The old man glared at her, brandishing his cane as if to chase her. “Heartless child!”

His aged body was no match for her speed, but Gu Qing feared less the cane than the risk of him straining himself. She quickly reassured him, “Don’t worry! Even if I leave the manor, I’ll still be in the capital. I’ll visit often!”

After some gentle coaxing, the old man finally settled down, though he shot her a reproachful look.

Establishing her own household was one thing, but she was still his granddaughter, raised under his care. With a sigh, he added, “Though you’ll be living apart, remember you’ll always be of the Zhenguo General’s Manor. If you ever face trouble, come home and tell your grandfather. Don’t keep everything to yourself.”

After speaking, Old Master Gu recalled how Gu Qing had left two years ago with just a letter, and he shot her a glare. “Although your grandfather is old, I’m not so useless that I can’t help at all. Your family is still here, why go asking others for help?”

Gu Qing helped Old Master Gu sit in a chair and poured him a cup of tea to rest. “Don’t worry, it was just that one time. It won’t happen again.”

Old Master Gu waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, alright, go on. You’re just getting in my way.”

Gu Qing smiled, her eyes curving into crescents, knowing the old man was harsh in words but soft at heart. With a wave, she left.

Returning to the courtyard, she happened to run into Madam Gu directing maids to serve dishes at the table. Seeing Gu Qing, Madam Gu’s face immediately brightened with a smile. “Go call Zhenzhen. It’s time for lunch.”

As she turned to leave, Gu Qing quickly pulled her aside, and the two moved to a more secluded spot. “Mother, we might have to temporarily move out of the Zhenguo General’s Manor.”

Madam Gu froze, as if not understanding her meaning, murmuring in repetition, “Move out of the Zhenguo General’s Manor? What do you mean?”

Though she often enjoyed going out, this was still her home, no matter how far she wandered, she always returned when tired or weary.

Gu Qing recounted the conversation she’d had with Old Master Gu in the study. Noticing Madam Gu’s reluctance, she hurried to explain and reassure, worried she might blame Xie Zhizhen. “Mother, moving out is just a change of residence. You can come back anytime you want. It’s all within the capital just a short walk away.”

“Of course, if you and Father prefer to stay at the Zhenguo General’s Manor long-term, that’s fine too. Moving out is just a formality, something for the higher-ups to see.”

Knowing her daughter best, Madam Gu immediately grasped the underlying meaning in Gu Qing’s words. She shot her a glare, somewhat displeased. “Do you think your mother is that kind of person? Zhenzhen is a good girl, why would I blame her? If anyone’s at fault, it’s you, for not handling things properly and making your grandfather worry.”

Gu Qing scratched her head, smiling sheepishly, and looped her arm through Madam Gu’s. “I just didn’t want you to form a bad impression of Zhenzhen. She’s suffered a lot waiting for me these past two years. I really don’t want her to endure any more hardship.”

Madam Gu poked Gu Qing’s forehead with her finger and gave her a sidelong glance. “My daughter’s grown up and learned to care for others.”

Though her heart ached slightly, she still felt comforted seeing her daughter mature.

“Alright, alright. I’ll talk to your father. You just focus on taking care of Zhenzhen.”

With Madam Gu’s assurance, Gu Qing beamed, her eyes crinkling with joy, and happily returned to her room to find Xie Zhizhen.

When she entered, she didn’t see anyone likely still bathing.

Gu Qing settled at the tea table behind the screen, waiting while reviewing some documents on the current political situation in the capital.

She had barely glanced at them when the sound of water from Xie Zhizhen’s bath reached her ears. The surroundings were so quiet that the sound became all the more distinct water trickling over fingertips, sliding down collarbones, and finally disappearing into the bath.

Suddenly, the sound of water grew louder as Xie Zhizhen rose from the tub.

The screen beside her obscured the view, but faint shadows were still visible.

Gu Qing struggled to restrain herself from looking, her eyes fixed firmly on the letters on the table. But the more she tried not to see, the clearer the sounds became.

The cloth moved from her neck down to her chest, then to her slender waist, gradually soaking up the moisture. Gu Qing could almost picture Xie Zhizhen’s movements in her mind.

Fortunately, she finished wiping herself quickly. Just as Gu Qing thought she was about to get dressed, the room fell silent for a moment. As Gu Qing was about to speak up and ask, a soft voice came from inside, “Gu Qing, are you there?”

Gu Qing hurriedly replied, “I’m here. What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t bring any clothes. Could you lend me some of yours?”

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