The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 49

Involuntarily, Xie Zhizhen kissed her back.

Because Xie Zhizhen took the initiative this time, Gu Qing remained obedient and accepting. This kiss was not as intense as the one moments ago, but it was precisely this gentler pace that Xie Zhizhen found most comfortable, allowing her to truly savor Gu Qing’s taste.

Unbeknownst to her, Gu Qing’s hand had already found its way to her snow-white, jade-like back. The red ribbons holding her garment had been untied, and in the next second, Xie Zhizhen suddenly felt the tension around her neck loosen.

Facing Gu Qing’s burning gaze, Xie Zhizhen felt her heart accelerate, thumping so hard it felt as if it might leap from her chest. Then, Gu Qing’s warm lips pressed against her collarbone, leaving behind faint red marks on that delicate bone. As Gu Qing slowly moved downward, Xie Zhizhen’s breathing grew ragged.

Parts of her that had never been touched before were now being kissed by Gu Qing as if they were precious treasures. Xie Zhizhen ran her fingers through Gu Qing’s hair and let out a soft moan, which only served to further stimulate Gu Qing.

Feeling Gu Qing’s movements become noticeably more excited, as if she wanted to swallow her whole, Xie Zhizhen shrank back slightly, feeling a surge of fear. Although she could accept the intimacy now, facing these entirely new experiences still made her a bit afraid. She quickly called for Gu Qing to stop, her voice trembling. “Gu Qing, I can’t, I’m scared.”

Sensing Xie Zhizhen’s fear, Gu Qing suppressed the urge to pin her down. She pulled Xie Zhizhen into her arms, resting her chin on her shoulder and taking deep breaths. The scorching breath fanned against the hollow of her neck. Her fearful heart settled once more because Gu Qing had stopped without a moment’s hesitation. It was true; even if she was afraid, Gu Qing would never force her against her will. This thought brought Xie Zhizhen a sense of relief, and feeling Gu Qing’s aura, she even found it a bit funny.

Due to Gu Qing’s heavy breathing, her chest was rising and falling. Gu Qing was still fully dressed, while Xie Zhizhen was practically bare. Though the fabric of the outer robe was excellent, it was still an outer garment and not as soft as an undergarment. Her snow-white skin, already a bit tender from Gu Qing’s kisses, felt the friction. Xie Zhizhen used a little strength to push Gu Qing away. Gu Qing did not resist, following the force and stepping back.

The marked, snowy skin was exposed before her once again. In the next instant, Gu Qing’s world went dark as a warm, soft little hand blocked her vision. Xie Zhizhen quickly used her other hand to grab the undergarment from the bed to cover herself before letting go, allowing Gu Qing to see again.

Gu Qing leaned in, her cheek gently brushing against Xie Zhizhen’s. She asked softly, “What is it? Are you still unable to accept it?”

This was her greatest fear. Although Xie Zhizhen said she was better, psychological barriers were tricky, and perhaps Xie Zhizhen herself wasn’t sure how much she could handle.

Xie Zhizhen’s face was flushed. Looking at Gu Qing’s reddened lips, which were still stained with a bit of her own lip balm and blood, and her earlobes which were red enough to bleed, Xie Zhizhen realized she loved Gu Qing like this. She loved this Gu Qing, whose every emotion was dictated by her.

She pursed her slightly aching lips and said somewhat aggrievedly, “No, I’m just a little scared. You were so fierce just now.”

Gu Qing noticed Xie Zhizhen’s reaction. She nuzzled against her cheek, pulled her into a hug, and tapped her nose with a finger. “It’s my fault. It was the first time, and I was a bit excited.”

She couldn’t help it. With a beauty in her arms who had come to her voluntarily, and though they had kissed before, this was the first time she had touched that softness. She had simply lost control in the heat of the moment. Recalling the sensation of that softness, so plush and carrying a faint milky scent different from the peach blossoms on Xie Zhizhen’s body, even Gu Qing found it hard to restrain herself.

Faced with such blunt words, Xie Zhizhen felt bashful, yet she couldn’t suppress the secret joy in her heart. She gave Gu Qing a nudge. “Fine, go away now. I need to get dressed.”

Gu Qing glanced down at Xie Zhizhen’s snowy skin. One hand was holding the undergarment against her chest, barely preventing her from being fully exposed, but the thin fabric could not entirely hide the view beneath, offering a glimpse of the curves. Her gaze flickered. Although they had already been intimate, it was the first time she was directly facing such a sight. “Ahem, alright.” She turned around, her movements stiff.

Seeing her so nervous, a complete contrast to her fierce offensive earlier, Xie Zhizhen hid her smile behind her hand and looked down at herself. So, this was enough to make Gu Qing shy? How amusing. Xie Zhizhen felt like she had discovered something interesting. She pursed her lips to stifle her laughter. She wanted to massage herself a bit where it felt tender, but she felt too embarrassed. Finally, she put on her undergarment and, after confirming there was no obvious discomfort, she put on the rest of her clothes.

Gu Qing listened to the rustling sounds behind her. After a while, the noise stopped, followed by Xie Zhizhen’s slightly husky voice. “You can turn around now.”

When Gu Qing faced Xie Zhizhen, both were clearly still bashful after their recent intimacy. Gu Qing bit her lip, feeling she should be the one to speak first. “Just now, it was also my first time. I might have been a bit too rough. Don’t worry, next time, next time I will definitely exercise more restraint.”

These words made Xie Zhizhen even more embarrassed. What “next time”! It’s enough to know it in your heart; why say it to my face! How humiliating!

Xie Zhizhen said coquettishly, “Next time, you’re not allowed to be like that!” She could still feel Gu Qing’s scent and warmth lingering on her chest.

The next day, during the morning court session, Xie Zhibai took the opportunity to announce what Gu Qing had initially suggested: that women could enter the court as officials, take the imperial examinations, and attend schools. Just as Gu Qing expected, it sparked opposition from some of the ministers.

Regarding women becoming officials, most were fine with it. After all, Gu Qing was a living example. The late Emperor had recognized her rank as a General, she was now the Prince Consort to the Grand Princess, and the recent three-month war had made her abilities clear to everyone. Opposing women in office now seemed unnecessary and likely to offend. Besides, most officials didn’t believe other women had the ability anyway; they assumed any who came would just be sidelined.

However, many officials voiced their opposition regarding the imperial examinations and schooling.

“The imperial examination is a matter of national importance! How can women be allowed to participate?” A long-bearded minister was the first to object. He glared fiercely at Gu Qing as if he wanted to skin her alive.

Gu Qing stepped forward, her gaze sharp as she confronted him directly. “Lord Cheng, you are mistaken. Precisely because the imperial examination is a matter of national importance, the Geng Dynasty needs talent, not just men!”

As a general who had seen blood and death on the battlefield, she wasn’t about to be intimidated by a mere look.

Lord Cheng stroked his white beard and glared. “Since ancient times, women should stay at home to assist their husbands and teach their children. That our Geng Dynasty allows women to be officials is already a great favor! General Gu is being a bit too biased toward women!”

“Lord Cheng, the Emperor is merely allowing women to participate in the examinations. As for the results, they will be based purely on strength.” Gu Qing snorted, looking down on the ways of these “old antiques.” “Unless Lord Cheng knows in his heart that many men cannot compare to women and is afraid they will steal the top scholar title.”

Lord Cheng was so angry his beard trembled. He pointed a shaking finger at Gu Qing. If not for the officials behind him holding him up, he might have collapsed right there. “You! You! This old man will not stoop to your level!”

At this moment, Pei Fang stepped out to support Gu Qing. “Lord Cheng, I believe what General Gu says is correct. The Emperor is providing an opportunity for women, but the final results are still judged fairly through blind grading by officials. The examination is for selecting talent, not just selecting men. Why be so upset?”

Lord Cheng flicked his sleeve. He wasn’t as bold with Pei Fang. He knew Pei Fang was talented; it was only due to bad luck that the late Emperor had taken his wife, leading to his disappearance from the capital. Because of this, everyone still felt somewhat ashamed toward him.

The officials present weren’t blind. Since the Emperor had brought it up in court, his intention was clear. Although the new Emperor was young, they had seen his methods over the last three months; playing the seniority card didn’t work on him. Furthermore, with military generals like Gu Qing and Yin Lang backing him, who dared to truly dissent? Civil officials, at the end of the day, couldn’t win a fight against military ones.

So, although a small group led by Lord Cheng firmly believed women shouldn’t participate, it didn’t change the outcome.

After court, Gu Qing leisurely returned home. She bumped into Lord Cheng on the way out and gave him a polite, formal greeting before leaving, completely ignoring the fact that the man was fuming.

Back at the manor, Xie Zhizhen was waiting for Gu Qing on a swing. A small table sat nearby, topped with fruit still glistening with water droplets and large blocks of ice to ward off the heat. Xie Zhizhen was holding a book, wearing a water-red dress similar to yesterday’s. Because of the heat, the style she chose exposed the snowy skin of her chest, making the red marks hidden beneath her bodice faintly visible.

Her long hair fell loosely without gold or silver ornaments, making her look exceptionally pure. Yet the slight upward tilt of her eyes carried a hint of allure. As she sat on the swing, her embroidered shoes lay on the ground, leaving a pair of exquisite jade-like feet exposed to the air. Her pink, tender feet swung gently, causing the swing to sway slightly.

Looking at those feet, so white in the sunlight they appeared almost translucent, Gu Qing thought they would look and sound even better with bells attached.

Gu Qing walked slowly behind Xie Zhizhen. While she wasn’t looking, Gu Qing leaned down, resting her head on her shoulder and wrapping her arms around her waist. She pressed a shallow kiss to her lips before letting go. “How come you aren’t wearing shoes?”

Xie Zhizhen set her book on the small table and turned to wrap her arms around Gu Qing’s neck, her voice as sweet as honey. “It’s so hot, I don’t want to wear them.”

Gu Qing released her, walked in front of her, and knelt down. She took hold of a snow-white foot. Despite it being summer, her feet were still cool to the touch. Gu Qing picked up the socks nearby to put them on her.

Watching the world-renowned general kneeling on one knee before her, holding her foot, Xie Zhizhen found it both funny and bashful. Although she had intentionally taken off her shoes and socks to see Gu Qing’s reaction, her feet were private; since the age of ten, no one had seen them. Now, exposed to the sun and Gu Qing’s sight, she felt shy.

She tried to pull her foot back to stop Gu Qing, but Gu Qing held on tighter. Her hands, somewhat rough from exposure to the elements, gripped the delicate foot firmly. Xie Zhizhen could even feel the callouses on Gu Qing’s hands.

One, two, three, four. Her left hand had one more callous than it did three months ago.

Gu Qing had little experience serving others, and her movements in putting on the socks were very clumsy. Accidentally, she brushed against the sole of the foot. Xie Zhizhen instinctively pulled back. “Haha, that tickles!”

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