The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 24

At this moment, her mind was blank, with only Gu Qing before her as the sole existence.

“Gu Qing!”

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

Gu Qing supported Xie Zhizhen, clearly sensing something different in her gaze, though she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was.

For a brief moment, reason returned to Xie Zhizhen. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she buried her face in Gu Qing’s embrace, holding her tightly without saying a word.

The soft sensation against her face was something Xie Zhizhen had never experienced so closely with another woman. For a moment, she even forgot to breathe.

After what felt like an eternity, Xie Zhizhen, nearly suffocating, quickly released Gu Qing and turned away, cupping her slightly burning cheeks in her hands, her mind filled with regret.

Ahhhhhhh!

What was she doing?!

She actually wanted to kiss Gu Qing!

Even if she thought about it, why did she have to bury herself in Gu Qing’s embrace like that?!

At the thought of that soft sensation, Xie Zhizhen pursed her lips.

Actually, it was quite nice.

Ahhh! Stop it, stop it! What are you thinking?! Stop these thoughts immediately!

Taking advantage of Gu Qing’s momentary daze, Xie Zhizhen blurted out, “I’m leaving first,” and hastily fled the Gu residence with Su Juan and Xiao Lan in tow.

Gu Qing watched Xie Zhizhen’s retreating figure and instinctively placed a hand over her chest. Though spring still carried a slight chill, her rigorous training since childhood had made her resilient to the cold, and her physical condition was better than most. Thus, she had already switched to summer attire.

Summer garments were generally thinner, and Xie Zhizhen had pressed so closely against her, holding her with such force that Gu Qing could even feel Xie Zhizhen’s faint breath against her chest.

It was a bit ticklish.

Not just on her skin, but in her heart as well.

It felt as though a tiny brush were sweeping across her heart, creating a tingling itch that made her want to scratch. But the more she indulged it, the more it itched, and the more she couldn’t resist.

Only after Xie Zhizhen left did Gu Qing emerge from this strange sensation. The faint scent of peach blossoms still lingered on her chest beneath her palm.

Unconsciously, the corners of her lips curled into a slight smile, and her heart inexplicably felt sweet.

Xiao Lan suddenly received orders to follow Xie Zhizhen, which she didn’t mind. To her, it made no difference where she went. Her primary goal was still to wait for Xie Zhili’s usurpation. If Gu Qing succeeded in protecting the emperor as a result, finding her sister would be a sure thing.

Back at the princess’s residence, Xie Zhizhen instructed Su Juan to assign Xiao Lan to simple menial tasks in the outer courtyard but specifically reminded her not to let Xiao Lan be mistreated.

Though she didn’t like Xiao Lan, if what Xiao Lan said was true, there was no need to mistreat her in a mere transaction.

For the past two years, Su Juan had been inseparable from Xie Zhizhen. But since Gu Qing’s return, considering their unusual relationship, Su Juan would quietly withdraw whenever Gu Qing was present.

Thus, she wasn’t entirely clear about Xiao Lan’s identity, only knowing she was a maid brought from Lady Gu’s courtyard.

Though unsure why the princess would bring a maid from the Gu residence to the outer courtyard, Su Juan knew her duty was simply to follow orders.

After seeing Xie Zhizhen off, Gu Qing quietly made her way to the Yin residence, where Xie Zhizhi was also waiting.

“Mother has investigated. Father’s medicine has indeed been tampered with,” Xie Zhizhi said solemnly. “I never imagined the court sorcerer would dare to harm Father just to save Lin Chenzhi.”

Gu Qing raised an eyebrow, sitting to the side as she poured herself a cup of tea, a faint smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “You’re underestimating the Imperial Preceptor too much.”

Yin Lang gave her a surprised glance. “How so?”

“Xie Zhili is merely a stepping stone for him,” Gu Qing took a sip of tea before continuing, “His true goal has always been that position.”

Xie Zhibai shook his head in disbelief. “How is that possible? If the Imperial Preceptor aids the Sixth Prince, it would be justified. But if he intends to ascend the throne himself, how could he ever convince the people?!”

Not only Xie Zhibai, even Yin Lang found it implausible.

Gu Qing understood their reactions and chuckled. “Don’t forget, who did Lin Chenzhi originally intend to marry?”

Xie Zhizhi!

“What does it matter if Xie Zhili takes the throne? He has no heirs in his household. Once he uses Xie Zhili to drive you brothers out of the capital, and the princess bears Lin Chenzhi’s child, wouldn’t that child then have a legitimate claim?” Gu Qing recalled the Imperial Preceptor’s initial plan from the original story and snorted. “Distant water can’t quench a nearby fire. By the time the other princes rush back to the capital, Xie Zhili would likely be long gone, and the throne firmly under the Imperial Preceptor’s control.”

After a long silence, Xie Zhibai finally found his voice again. “The Imperial Preceptor actually harbors such treacherous ambitions.”

This revelation was truly beyond his expectations.

However, their gathering today wasn’t to discuss Lin Chenzhi’s ambitions but to focus on Xie Zhili’s usurpation.

With Lin Chenzhi set to die in four days, Xie Zhili would surely attempt his coup within that timeframe, leaving them with little time to act.

Gu Qing produced a detailed map of the Qianqing Palace and discussed rescue plans with Xie Zhibai and Yin Lang.

Time flew as they deliberated late into the night. Given the urgency, they needed to finalize their strategy and make arrangements quickly, so dinner was a simple meal brought in.

The three of them ate intermittently while thinking and debating.

Finally, as dawn approached, they settled on a viable plan.

Yin Lang patted Gu Qing’s shoulder in admiration. “Impressive. Even after two years away from the capital, you still know it so well and even left hidden preparations in the palace.”

He had assumed Gu Qing, having spent those two years in the military camp, might have grown unfamiliar with many affairs in the capital. Yet, she had laid groundwork long ago.

“When did you first realize the Imperial Preceptor’s disloyal intentions?” Xie Zhibai had always been puzzled by this.

Given the preparations and the fact that Gu Qing had left the capital two years prior, she must have started planning four or five years ago.

How old was she back then?

How could she have discerned the Imperial Preceptor’s designs so early and begun making arrangements?

Gu Qing placed a finger to her lips and grinned mischievously. “Guess? It was much earlier than you’d imagine.”

As dawn broke and the moon hadn’t fully set, Gu Qing looked at the dim sky. Knowing she still had to attend court, she bid farewell to the two and left to change into court robes.

Returning to her courtyard, her first task was to bathe, yesterday’s discussions had left no time for it.

After freshening up and donning her court attire, she enjoyed a fragrant breakfast before heading to court.

The morning court session passed without any unexpected incidents. As the assembly adjourned, Gu Qing couldn’t help but yawn, feeling that attending the morning court was as dull as clocking in for work in modern times.

Returning to her courtyard, Gu Qing, who had stayed up all night and then attended the morning court, could barely hold on any longer. She collapsed onto her bed as soon as she got back, knowing that any moment these days could be the perfect opportunity for the Imperial Preceptor to make his move.

Before drifting off to sleep, Gu Qing instructed her people to keep a close watch on the palace and the Imperial Preceptor’s residence. If anyone from the Imperial Preceptor’s side entered the palace, she was to be awakened immediately.

Then she went to sleep, gathering her strength for what might come.

The unexpected arrived sooner than anticipated. Gu Qing was still in the midst of slumber when she was abruptly awakened. Rubbing her head, her mind still foggy from sleep, she suddenly heard a voice from the rooftop: “We’ve received word that the Imperial Preceptor unexpectedly requested an audience with the emperor just one incense stick’s time ago.”

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