The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 29

Xie Zhizhen certainly understood her meaning. Recalling the brief touch of their lips earlier, she realized she didn’t feel any sense of rejection at all.

With that thought, Xie Zhizhen decided to take this step forward. She gave a slight nod, though her cheeks grew increasingly warm.

Gu Qing had already prepared herself for rejection, so when Xie Zhizhen actually nodded, she was pleasantly surprised. Trying not to startle her, Gu Qing leaned in slowly.

Their soft lips met, and in that moment, they could feel each other’s warmth, scent, and breath. The confined space around them seemed to fill with a faint, intoxicating tension. Almost instinctively, Gu Qing’s tongue lightly traced Xie Zhizhen’s lips.

It was sweet, sweeter than peach blossom cakes.

But the sudden touch startled Xie Zhizhen. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively wanted to push Gu Qing away. Yet, the sensation beneath her fingertips made her hesitate, unsure whether to use force.

Gu Qing watched her reaction with amusement, she looked like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on.

Still, Gu Qing knew better than to rush things. She soon released Xie Zhizhen, resting her head on her shoulder with a soft chuckle.

That laugh sent a shiver down Xie Zhizhen’s spine, as if a feather had lightly brushed against her heart.

Prosperity, Democracy, Civility, Harmony.
Patriotism, Dedication, Integrity, Friendship.
Freedom, Equality, Justice, Rule of Law.

At the same time, because of Gu Qing’s movement, the two were now very close.

Xie Zhizhen’s thoughts began to drift.

(Deleted. Prosperity, Democracy, Civility, Harmony, Patriotism, Dedication, Integrity, Friendship, Freedom, Equality, Justice, Rule of Law.)

Noticing Xie Zhizhen’s distraction, Gu Qing pulled her back to reality. (Already deleted, alas.)

When Xie Zhizhen realized what she had just been thinking about, her face burned red. If Gu Qing hadn’t been leaning on her shoulder, she probably would have fled, wishing she could hide in a hole somewhere.

What Xie Zhizhen could feel, Gu Qing naturally could too though her perception painted a different scene.

Gu Qing’s fingers twitched slightly, but she quickly restrained herself.

There would be plenty of opportunities later, no need to rush things now.

Prosperity, Democracy, Civility, Harmony.
Patriotism, Dedication, Integrity, Friendship.
Freedom, Equality, Justice, Rule of Law.

She released Xie Zhizhen, who took a shaky breath, her hand accidentally brushing against some nearby clothes.

It shouldn’t have been a big deal they were just discarded garments meant for washing. Xie Zhizhen was about to pick them up when Gu Qing snatched them first.

Watching Gu Qing frantically search through the clothes, Xie Zhizhen frowned in confusion. “What are you looking for?”

Gu Qing didn’t answer, too focused on rummaging through the layers of the intricate wedding dress.

For the first time, Gu Qing ignored Xie Zhizhen’s words, and Xie Zhizhen didn’t like it one bit.

She had never been brushed off by Gu Qing before. They had just gotten married, and moments ago, they had been sweetly kissing. Yet now, Gu Qing could simply disregard her.

A wave of hurt washed over Xie Zhizhen.

She had heard stories about people changing after marriage before, you were their treasure; after, you were just grass.

She had thought Gu Qing, having grown up with her, would never be like that. Yet here they were, barely married, and Gu Qing was already ignoring her.

“Hmph.” Xie Zhizhen deliberately let out a cold snort, expecting Gu Qing to finally turn and comfort her. Instead, Gu Qing suddenly smiled, as if she had finally found her “treasure.”

Xie Zhizhen grew increasingly displeased, unable to comprehend what could possibly be more important than her. With a hint of stubborn competitiveness, she stealthily peeked to see what “treasure” could make Gu Qing ignore her words.

At the sight, she froze.

It was a red cloth pouch embroidered with a Taiji symbol, its threads frayed from frequent handling, yet impeccably clean, clearly cherished and often carried close by its owner.

Of course, the true value didn’t lie in the pouch itself but in the yellow talisman inside, one she had specially sought from a temple when they had first confessed their feelings for each other.

The protective talismans from Ganying Temple were renowned for their efficacy, but they also adhered to the principle that sincerity alone could invoke their power. Donating money wouldn’t suffice; one had to personally ascend to the temple, kowtowing with each step, to obtain one. She had done just that to secure this talisman.

She still remembered it vividly: the usually delicate her, who would whimper for half a day over the slightest scrape, had bruised her forehead and knees in the process. To hide the marks, she had even asked Sujuan to style her hair to cover her forehead.

Yet, when Gu Qing received the talisman back then, she hadn’t shown any joy. Instead, she had scolded sternly, “Superstition is pointless. Look at the state of your forehead!”

Now, seeing how deeply Gu Qing treasured the talisman, Xie Zhizhen felt a stir in her heart. “Have you been carrying this with you all along?”

The corners of Gu Qing’s lips curled slightly as she recalled how, over the past two years, this talisman had been her solace in sleepless nights, her lifeline when gravely injured clutching it tightly, fueled by the thought of marrying Xie Zhizhen. She nodded. “After all, you went through such lengths to get it for me.”

Though the words were sweet, Xie Zhizhen wasn’t inclined to indulge her. With a cold snort, she retorted, “Then why carry it? Weren’t you the one who said, ‘Don’t believe in superstitions’? So why keep it?”

With that, she snatched the talisman and threw it to the ground. Were it not for the fact that she had been the one to procure it, she might have even stomped on it. “You always said not to believe in this nonsense. Why hold onto it?”

Back then, after pouring her heart into obtaining the talisman only to be lectured by Gu Qing, she had flung it at her and refused to speak to her for a month or two.

Gu Qing realized Xie Zhizhen had misunderstood. Glancing at the talisman on the floor, she knew she had to placate the little princess first otherwise, not only would the talisman be abandoned, but she might not even find a place to sleep in their bridal chamber. Quickly, she took Xie Zhizhen’s hand and pressed it against her left breast. “I was just worried about you.”

Under Xie Zhizhen’s palm lay the soft warmth of Gu Qing’s heart. Through the thin undergarment, she could feel the rapid, pounding beats against her skin almost scalding.

She hastily withdrew her hand and turned away, refusing to engage.

The spring air still carried a chill, and Gu Qing stood clad only in her undergarments. With puppy-dog eyes that begged for favor, she asked pitifully, “Can I at least put some clothes on first?”

Only then did Xie Zhizhen notice Gu Qing’s bare arms. Despite her anger, she couldn’t bear the thought of her falling ill. Grabbing a clean robe from the table, she shoved it into Gu Qing’s arms without a word, her face icy.

Gu Qing put on her inner garment before explaining, “I know you sought the protective talisman for my sake, but seeing you kneel until your forehead bled for me, my heart ached for you. I was afraid you might do such things for me again, which is why I said those words in front of you.”

The moment she thought of entering the palace and seeing the little princess she cherished so dearly, her forehead marred with wounds left there for her sake Gu Qing couldn’t tell whether her heart had been filled more with pain or guilt at the time.

Realizing that Gu Qing had actually been distressed for her, Xie Zhizhen’s expression softened slightly, though she still seemed a bit dissatisfied. “Well, you still shouldn’t have acted like that.”

She had been so upset back then that she nearly decided to cut ties with Gu Qing.

Noticing her softened attitude, Gu Qing stepped closer, pressing her lips to Xie Zhizhen’s forehead as if kissing the wounded skin across time. “I’m sorry, I was wrong.”

The young general, who usually feared nothing in the world, was quick to admit her mistakes in front of Xie Zhizhen. “I shouldn’t have disregarded your heartfelt intentions.”

Xie Zhizhen’s lips curled unconsciously. Seeing how the edges of the talisman had been worn from frequent handling, it was clear Gu Qing still treasured it. Her eyes lifted with the same haughty pride of the spoiled little princess from years past. “Fine, this princess will reluctantly forgive you this time. But don’t let it happen again.”

Gu Qing clasped her hands in a respectful gesture. “As my princess commands.”

However, while the past incident had indeed been her fault.

“But please, don’t do such things again.” Gu Qing cupped Xie Zhizhen’s face, her gaze earnest. “I don’t want you to harm yourself for me. Nothing is more important than you.”

Meeting Gu Qing’s sincere emotions, Xie Zhizhen flushed slightly and took a step back. “Hurry and put your clothes on properly, or you’ll catch a chill.”

Once she had placated her, Gu Qing picked up the talisman from the floor, running her fingers over its familiar texture before tucking it close to her chest. By the time she stood, Xie Zhizhen had already moved behind the screen.

On the other side, Xie Zhizhen absentmindedly picked up a cup from the table and took a sip, her mind still lingering on the intimate moment with Gu Qing. The more she thought about it, the drier her throat felt, prompting her to pour herself several more cups.

Strangely, the tea did nothing to cool her down. Instead, her face grew hotter, her body began to burn, and her limbs turned weak and limp. A faint dizziness settled in, and a subtle sweetness teased her taste buds. Why was the tea sweet?

Wait, sweet?

Something felt off. Xie Zhizhen brought the cup closer to her nose and immediately caught the scent of peach blossoms and alcohol.

This wasn’t tea. it was the ceremonial wine she and Gu Qing had shared during their wedding!

But by the time she realized, she had already drunk several cups.

Her head spun. She wanted to sleep!

Right, when dizzy, one should sleep.

Xie Zhizhen swayed unsteadily toward the bed, about to lie down when she suddenly remembered she hadn’t bathed yet. She sniffed at her clothes, frowned her nose seemed dulled, detecting nothing but even if she couldn’t smell anything, she still needed to bathe!

Mistaking this for her princess’s residence, she instinctively headed for the door, calling out for Sujuan.

Gu Qing, now fully dressed, emerged from behind the screen just in time to see Xie Zhizhen staggering, her cheeks flushed, as she cried out, “Sujuan, I need to bathe!”

Su Juan, hearing the commotion outside, quickly pushed the door open and entered, only to see Gu Qing supporting their princess with gentle coaxing, “Alright, alright, I’ll let you bathe in a moment.”

The tender tone made Su Juan cover her mouth to stifle a giggle, but then Gu Qing called her out, “Go change the water quickly.”

Su Juan hastily directed a few maids to replace the water.

Gu Qing helped Xie Zhizhen sit by the table and noticed that the ceremonial wine cups were already half-empty. She lightly tapped Xie Zhizhen’s forehead with a bent finger, teasing, “You have such a low tolerance for alcohol, yet you drank so much.”

Prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony; patriotism, dedication, integrity, and friendship; freedom, equality, justice, and rule of law.

She hadn’t used much force, but the next moment, Xie Zhizhen began to whimper, “You hit me! You’re so mean!”

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