The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 44

Xie Zhizhen was persuaded. It was undeniable that Gu Qing’s reasoning was sound; her earlier plea had merely been an impulsive outburst. She could not, for the sake of her own peace of mind, allow thousands of unnecessary casualties to occur just to keep Gu Qing by her side.

Back at the Princess’s Manor, Gu Qing arranged for a meeting. “I have already dispatched people to find the families of the other seventeen women,” she informed Zhizhen.

Zhizhen was stunned. She hadn’t expected Gu Qing to have prepared even this, especially since she had never voiced the request. Looking up into Gu Qing’s tender eyes, Zhizhen felt a wave of warmth. But then, a shadow crossed her face.

“A year ago, after I buried them, I tried to find their families too. For some reason, it seemed they were all orphans,” Zhizhen sighed.

A mocking curve touched Gu Qing’s lips. “The National Preceptor was always meticulous; it’s only natural you couldn’t find anything. I’ve taken over the cleanup of his estate; searching from the inside will be much more effective.”

Zhizhen nodded, finding the logic sound. Having been on their feet since the morning visit to the outskirts, both women were exhausted. Once the old burdens felt somewhat lifted, Zhizhen felt a sudden release of tension and allowed Su Juan to lead her away for a short nap.

Su Juan expected Gu Qing to join her after all, they were newlyweds but Gu Qing declined, claiming she had business in the study.

At the study, the guards teased her. “General, why aren’t you with the Princess? What are you doing here?” Gu Qing shot them a glare and ignored them. She went inside, laid a cloak over the desk like she used to do with her school jacket in high school, and put her head down to rest.

She had already won her “soft jade and fragrant flower” through a proper marriage, but with the shadow of Lin Chenzhi still looming, she knew her touch might make Zhizhen uncomfortable. It was better to wait.

For the next three days, Gu Qing practiced strict self-restraint. She wore extra layers at night and only held Zhizhen lightly, refraining from any intimate moves. Zhizhen, occupied with the preparations for the national mourning period, didn’t notice the subtle distance.

Finally, the day of departure arrived. Zhizhen had prepared ample supplies dried rations, clothing, and medicinal salves. Though she wished for Gu Qing never to need the medicine, she knew better than to leave her unprepared.

Gu Qing looked at the massive crates and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “What general goes to war with this much luggage? I’m going to battle, not on a scenic tour.”

Zhizhen glared at her, her eyes rimmed with red and tears trembling on her lashes. Her nose was flushed—a clear sign she had been crying in secret. “My general does!” she snapped.

Seeing her like this, Gu Qing forgot her resolve to avoid touch. She reached out to wipe the tears away, coaxing her softly, “Don’t cry. Since I knew this was coming, I’ve been prepared for a long time. This war won’t be as grueling as you imagine. Besides, I’m the commanding general; if there’s any good food, I’ll be the first to get it.”

As her thumb brushed the hot tears, Gu Qing recalled Zhizhen’s previous reaction. She watched her face closely, but Zhizhen didn’t seem to recoil. Relieved but still cautious, Gu Qing took a handkerchief from Su Juan to finish drying Zhizhen’s face. “I promise, when I return, I won’t have a single new scar, and I won’t lose a pound.”

Zhizhen didn’t believe her for a second. No one could guarantee safety on a battlefield. It was clearly a white lie.

As dawn approached, Gu Qing gave Su Juan final instructions to care for the Princess. They were departing under the cover of darkness to reach the border before the enemy could react. Zhizhen clutched Gu Qing’s sleeve one last time, her eyes watery as she threatened, “If… if anything happens to you, I’ll have Zhibai strip you of your Consort title! I’ll fill this manor with a dozen handsome young men to serve me!”

Gu Qing’s fists tightened. Even knowing it was a hollow threat, the image of the manor filled with other men made her want to pin Zhizhen against the wall and kiss her senseless. But with so many people watching, she settled for a firm pinch on Zhizhen’s cheek. “Just you wait. I’m coming back in one piece.”

“Ow—that hurts!”

Gu Qing quickly let go, only to see a vivid red mark on Zhizhen’s cheek. Combined with her teary eyes, she looked heart-wrenchingly pitiable. Gu Qing felt a pang of guilt; her temper had gotten the better of her strength. “Wait for me at home,” she whispered, then mounted her horse and rode out of the capital.

Zhizhen watched her figure fade. Before Gu Qing had even left her sight, she was already missing her. After two years of waiting to reunite, they were being pulled apart again so soon.

Su Juan stepped forward and handed her a letter. “The Consort left this for you.”

Zhizhen looked at the bold calligraphy: To be opened by my wife, Zhenzhen. She smiled. “She always has a trick up her sleeve.” She started to open it, but seeing the guards and maids around, she tucked it away into her robes, a smile finally breaking through her tears.

Three months passed. Gu Qing sent occasional letters home to report her safety, and Zhizhen’s residence was officially renamed the Grand Princess’s Manor.

Using Gu Qing’s network and information from the Preceptor’s estate, Zhizhen finally found the families of the other seventeen girls, including Xiao Mei’s. When she asked Xiao Lan if she wanted to meet them, Xiao Lan refused.

“I was too young to remember them when I was sold,” Xiao Lan explained sadly. “But my sister remembered. She said they were poor and tried to sell her to a village chief’s son as a bride. He was a violent man who had outlived several wives. That’s why she fled and sold herself into service instead. Sister ran away from that family; if you want to honor her, please leave them be.”

Zhizhen decided then to let the matter rest. Dealing with the other seventeen families showed her the cold realities of human nature some were desperate to bring their daughters’ remains home for a proper burial, while others only sought to extort money from her.

One day, as Zhizhen prepared to visit the Empress Dowager (formerly Consort Shu), Gu Yin arrived. Zhizhen knew Gu Yin liked Zhibai, but since Zhibai remained indifferent, Gu Yin could only rely on her friendship with Zhizhen to gain access to the palace. Zhizhen saw a bit of Gu Qing in the girl’s features, which was the only reason she didn’t turn her away.

They arrived at the Palace of Longevity and Health, where Pei Fang now the Minister of Rites was already chatting with the Dowager. Despite the complicated history involving her mother, Zhizhen treated Pei Fang with the affection of a niece. He had, after all, protected her for years by posing as a chef in the palace.

The Dowager and Pei Fang had been playing chess and likely reminiscing about the late Consort Xian. Seeing the girls enter, the Dowager smiled. “Why do you two run to the palace every day instead of playing with friends?”

Zhizhen leaned her head against the Dowager’s knee, blinking her bright eyes. “Because I missed you, Aunt.”

The Dowager pinched her nose playfully. “You little flatterer. You’re just here to ask for news from the front, aren’t you?”

Zhizhen blushed but didn’t deny it. “So… is there news?”

The Dowager pulled out a letter sent by Zhibai that morning. “The war is over. They should be back in the capital within a few days.”

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