The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 33.2

Since ancient times, it was believed that one’s body, hair, and skin were gifts from one’s parents. In the past, some even cut their hair as a sign of mourning. Back then, when Xie Zhizhen had severed Gu Qing’s hair with a single stroke of the sword, she had worried whether Gu Qing would resent her for it.

Now, seeing how utterly indifferent Gu Qing was, it was as if cutting hair was as mundane as trimming nails to her.

Gu Qing smiled mysteriously, neither confirming nor denying it. “Maybe your feeling is right?”

Having known Gu Qing for so many years, Xie Zhizhen could tell truth from lies, which made her somewhat surprised.

But then she thought of Gu Qing’s usual eccentric ideas and found it not so unexpected after all.

Her round, almond-shaped eyes fixed on Gu Qing, brimming with curiosity about that unseen world. “Then, can you tell me what your world is like?”

Though Gu Qing wanted to, she was bound by some inexplicable restriction. Whether it was anything about the modern world or the fact that she had transmigrated into a book, she couldn’t voice it even if she tried, the words would be automatically silenced. She could only shake her head.

Xie Zhizhen felt a pang of regret, but she considered it a blessing that fate had brought Gu Qing to her side. Though it was a pity she hadn’t been part of Gu Qing’s past world, what mattered now was cherishing the present, so she didn’t press further.

Having just moved into the princess’s residence, though they didn’t need to do the packing themselves, many of Gu Qing’s belongings had to be moved into Xie Zhizhen’s chambers. Even Sujuan wouldn’t dare to rearrange the items in her private quarters without permission, so Xie Zhizhen had to be present to oversee the process.

Meanwhile, Gu Qing took the opportunity to organize the study.

After all, the study was an extremely important place, and many things were inconvenient to leave to the servants.

When Sujuan entered Xie Zhizhen’s boudoir, she saw her princess smiling at the items belonging to both her and the consort, her face filled with happiness. This only made Sujuan feel even more that the princess deserved better.

“Princess,” she curtsied. “The consort has summoned Xiaolan to the study. Right now, it’s just the two of them inside.”

She hadn’t been present when Xie Zhili gifted the maidservant last time, so although she didn’t know Xiaolan’s background, she noticed the girl bore some resemblance to the princess. However, the princess had simply dismissed her to the outer courtyard to work as a cleaning maid.

It was only during a recent chat with Shaoyao that Sujuan learned of Xiaolan’s origins. And now, just as Gu Qing had moved into the princess’s residence, she had summoned Xiaolan to the study such an important place for a private meeting.

It was truly hard not to let one’s imagination run wild.

Xie Zhizhen was taken aback for a moment before understanding dawned on her.

Xiaolan’s revelation about Xie Zhili’s usurpation had already come to an end, and she and Gu Qing had benefited from it by getting married. Now, the next step was for Gu Qing to help Xiaolan find her sister.

“It’s fine.”

Xie Zhizhen fiddled with the accessories belonging to both her and Gu Qing. Originally, she hadn’t thought her own collection was excessive, but comparing it with Gu Qing’s today made her realize she did indeed have quite a lot.

Sujuan grew anxious. How could it be fine? A maidservant who bore some resemblance to the princess and had ulterior motives not selling her off was already an act of the princess’s mercy. How could she be allowed to be alone with the consort?

“Princess, I know you trust the consort, but that Xiaolan girl is not to be trusted. What if she tries something?”

Xie Zhizhen found it somewhat amusing. “You’re underestimating her too much. Gu Qing is a general she wouldn’t be so easily taken advantage of by a little maidservant.”

“But that girl resembles you. What if the consort softens for a moment.” Seeing the princess so indifferent only made Sujuan more frantic.

Xie Zhizhen knew Sujuan meant well, but she couldn’t simply explain the whole situation, as it involved royal secrets. Still, she was starting to miss Gu Qing, so she nodded. “Fine, go prepare a bowl of soup and accompany me there.”

With the princess’s approval, Sujuan finally smiled.

The study was a confidential area, guarded by several soldiers outside. Though they were Gu Qing’s subordinates, they also knew this was the princess’s residence, and she was the true master here. Moreover, the princess was their general’s wife, so they neither stopped her nor announced her arrival, simply letting them enter.

Often, the attitude of subordinates reflected their master’s stance. Seeing the soldiers’ respectful demeanor toward Xie Zhizhen, Sujuan nodded inwardly.

Perhaps she really had overthought things. Maybe the consort had summoned Xiaolan for legitimate reasons.

When Xie Zhizhen entered the study, she saw Gu Qing standing by the desk while Xiaolan knelt before her. The two were separated by the table, maintaining a perfectly normal distance, there wasn’t a hint of ambiguity in the air.

“This servant thanks the consort for her kindness.” Xiaolan was acutely aware of her status. Now that she belonged to the princess’s household, she naturally addressed Gu Qing as “consort.”

“I’ll do my best regarding your sister’s matter, but you must also prepare for the worst.” That is, the possibility that Xiaomei might already be dead.

Xiaolan stiffened slightly before nodding.

Gu Qing finally allowed her to leave. Seeing Xie Zhizhen’s originally somewhat stern face instantly light up with a smile, her dark eyes sparkling like a sky full of stars, she walked over to Xie Zhizhen and instinctively took her hand. “What brings you here?”

Xie Zhizhen gestured toward Su Juan with a slight nod of her chin. Understanding her mistress’s intention, Su Juan placed the prepared soup on the table and then withdrew along with Xiao Lan.

She had always been extremely perceptive, knowing exactly when to leave and when to stay.

“Su Juan doesn’t trust you, so she sent me to keep an eye on you and see if you’re up to any mischief.”

Gu Qing chuckled helplessly, understanding the reason behind Su Juan’s concern. Without taking offense, she simply led Xie Zhizhen to the desk. With a strong arm around her waist, she lifted Xie Zhizhen onto the desk, bringing their eyes level. “Then I welcome the princess to keep a close watch on me.”

With that, she lightly kissed the corner of Xie Zhizhen’s upturned lips. “So sweet.”

A fleeting taste, nothing more.

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