The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 60

Xie Zhizhen pushed at her, mumbling in a low voice, “The Eldest Princess’s Manor has so many maidservants. If you want someone, you can take any of them.”

Gu Qing let out a soft laugh, her low, husky voice falling against Xie Zhizhen’s ear. “But, I only want Headmistress Xie.”

Her usually gentle voice softened even further, carrying a hint of beguilement that made Xie Zhizhen’s cheeks flush. She felt that Gu Qing was being particularly seductive like this.

“Th-there are plenty of people who like this Headmistress,” Xie Zhizhen retorted, unwilling to lose ground. “Must I satisfy everyone’s wishes?”

Like?

Gu Qing froze for a moment. She hadn’t considered that possibility until now. Recalling the way Zhou Xianyun looked at Xie Zhizhen, the more Gu Qing thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

Seeing that Gu Qing had stopped talking, Xie Zhizhen waved a hand in front of her eyes. “What is it?”

Gu Qing shook her head. She hadn’t confirmed Zhou Xianyun’s situation yet; even if she did, there was no need to tell Zhizhen. At most, it was just a case of unrequited love. That said, the thought of her treasure being coveted by someone else made her feel a twinge of displeasure. But when her gaze landed on the woman half-reclining on the desk before her, her eyes softened again.

Fine. If Zhou Xianyun really had such thoughts, she would handle it herself. For now, Zhizhen was right here in front of her.

Gu Qing pressed her lips against Xie Zhizhen’s eyes. Subconsciously, Xie Zhizhen closed them, missing the flash of possessiveness in Gu Qing’s gaze. Warm, moist lips trailed over her eyelids, and Gu Qing’s hand reached beneath her skirt to find the smooth skin of her inner thigh.

Almost instinctively, Xie Zhizhen pulled her leg back. Remembering the thrill of that previous night, she felt a mix of resistance and a secret, hidden anticipation. Gu Qing saw it all. She smiled and nuzzled against Xie Zhizhen’s cheek. “Zhizhen, shall we try one more time?”

Since the last time, although they were always kissing and hugging, they hadn’t had the chance to go further. Now… they could certainly try.

Before Xie Zhizhen could say anything, Gu Qing kissed her.

Outside the window, a light breeze rustled the leaves, the sound mingling with the summer cicadas to create a poetic atmosphere. Outside the study, a few soldiers on guard duty began to chat quietly to pass the time.

“I’m telling you, it’s our General’s fortune to have married the Eldest Princess.”

“Exactly. I used to think our General was a great beauty, but I didn’t expect the Princess to be even lovelier.”

“I’d say our General is better looking. The Princess is beautiful, but she’s too delicate. You’d be afraid of breaking her if you held her, or melting her if you kept her in your mouth.”

“You guys don’t get it. Our General’s beauty is the valiant, heroic kind. The Princess’s beauty is like a spring of water gentle and soft, making everyone feel comfortable just being near her.”

The other soldiers laughed and patted his shoulder. “When did you become so poetic, talking about springs of water?”

While they joked outside, the scene inside the study was entirely different. An intimate atmosphere filled the room as the scents of peach blossom and green grass intertwined, mixed with shallow breaths and soft whimpers. The delicate sound of bells jingled repeatedly, sounding exceptionally loud in the empty, quiet study.

Xie Zhizhen’s peripheral vision caught the scenery outside. Green leaves framed red flowers, and water droplets fell from the petals. A leaf caught a drop on its surface, and she suddenly snapped back to reality.

Caught off guard, Gu Qing was pushed away.

Xie Zhizhen never expected she would almost—just almost—do that with Gu Qing during the day again! She glared at Gu Qing, clutching her chest, her spoiled tone filled with indignation. “Why do you always like doing these things in broad daylight!”

Gu Qing looked out the window and realized it was indeed daytime. Thinking back to their last encounter which was also during the day, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “It’s a pure coincidence.” To her, day or night made no difference. She didn’t have a preference for the daytime; it just so happened that they were always intimate then.

Xie Zhizhen didn’t believe her and huffed. Gu Qing didn’t know how to explain. She withdrew her hand from the soft, snowy skin, which still carried the faint fragrance of the woman. She was a bit reluctant to leave.

Seeing this, Xie Zhizhen’s face turned bright red. She pulled her clothes together, her voice sharp as she tried to sound tough. “In the middle of the day! Hurry up and find my students. If I don’t have any students in three days, I won’t forgive you!”

Gu Qing saw how shy she was and didn’t force the issue. She helped tidy Xie Zhizhen’s clothes. Xie Zhizhen, thinking she wanted to continue, hurriedly stepped back.

Gu Qing sighed. “I’m just helping you with your clothes. It’s almost time for lunch; don’t let yourself go hungry.”

Xie Zhizhen looked at her suspiciously. “You… turn around!”

Gu Qing rubbed her nose. She didn’t know when she had lost all credibility in Zhizhen’s eyes, but to put her at ease, she turned her back. “Don’t worry about those students. I promise that when classes officially start in three days, I’ll bring at least ten girls to you.”

Xie Zhizhen was skeptical but eventually decided Gu Qing wouldn’t lie to her, so she gave a distracted nod and continued fixing her dress. When her eyes caught the large area of red marks on her chest, her face flushed again, and she hurriedly covered them. She didn’t know what kind of fetish Gu Qing had, always liking to kiss her there, burying her face in that softness as she breathed deeply against skin that had never been touched by anyone else.

It was embarrassing to death!

For the next few days, Xie Zhizhen was busy preparing for the school. Having no teaching experience, she spent every day with Meng Jing, discussing how to instruct the students. As for Zhou Xianyun, she hadn’t appeared, seemingly busy with work at the magistrate’s office.

Xie Zhizhen had only just learned that Zhou Xianyun was actually a female constable. She was surprised that the refined-looking Zhou Xianyun was responsible for catching thieves.

As the start of school approached, Gu Qing still hadn’t spoken to her about the students. Xie Zhizhen grew anxious. She planned to ask Gu Qing today, but she hadn’t seen her all day.

“Where is the Prince Consort?”

Su Juan bowed, a smile playing in her eyes as she remembered what Gu Qing had said that morning. “This servant does not know.”

Xie Zhizhen felt Su Juan’s smile was a bit strange, but she didn’t think much of it. Su Juan had grown up with her and would never deceive her. Unable to find Gu Qing, Xie Zhizhen grew worried. She wanted to go out but was stopped by Su Juan. “Princess, the weather is lovely today, and the Imperial Clothing Bureau just sent over several new outfits.”

Xie Zhizhen frowned. With school starting tomorrow, she was in no mood to change clothes. Seeing her lack of interest, Su Juan had to tell the truth. “Princess, if you want to find the Prince Consort, I’m afraid you must change your clothes first.”

Xie Zhizhen grew even more confused. Why must she change? But facing Su Juan’s determined gaze, she could only nod helplessly, muttering, “One would think you were her maid, given how well you listen to her.” She had even learned to help Gu Qing threaten her.

Su Juan laughed softly. “The Princess will understand once she changes.”

The outfit was a silver-red color, bold yet slightly understated. The exquisite embroidery combined with the smooth silk made it beautiful and comfortable. Once dressed, Xie Zhizhen wanted to ask where Gu Qing was, but Su Juan pushed her into a chair to redo her makeup and hair.

“Why is this as troublesome as a wedding?”

Despite her protests, Su Juan’s actions made her suspect the truth. Such finery meant a surprise was waiting. Su Juan had been styling Xie Zhizhen’s hair for over a decade and was highly skilled. Through the bronze mirror, Xie Zhizhen watched Su Juan’s nimble hands.

When Xie Zhizhen finally opened her eyes, she saw her lips were cherry-red and her cheeks carried a faint pink glow. Her eyes were clear as autumn water, and a red floral design was painted on her forehead, adding a touch of spring. A simple bun paired with a peach blossom hairpin complemented her dress. The pearl-tasseled hairpins swayed and clinked with her movements, and smaller ornaments added detail without distracting. Su Juan looked at her and smiled with satisfaction.

It was late evening. Su Juan led Xie Zhizhen to the peach trees outside. There stood a woman also dressed in silver-red, her back straight and tall as she faced the trees. Su Juan smiled secretly and withdrew, leaving the couple alone. The late summer evening breeze was no longer scorching, but carried a faint chill.

“Gu Qing? Why did you have Su Juan bring me here?” For some reason, the scene made her heart race. As she approached, she heard the crisp sound of the bells she had given her.

Gu Qing turned around with a smile. It was then that Xie Zhizhen noticed that Gu Qing, who usually disliked dressing up, had actually styled her hair properly today.

“I knew you would forget what day it is.”

Over the past few days, Gu Qing had watched Xie Zhizhen work tirelessly for the school. It made her heart ache, and she had offered to take over, but Xie Zhizhen, participating in such a major project for the first time, refused to give up.

Xie Zhizhen looked confused. “Today? What day is it?” She had been so busy she hadn’t noticed. School started tomorrow, which was the eighth day of the seventh month. That meant today was…

Xie Zhizhen’s eyes widened. No wonder Gu Qing had Su Juan dress her up. Seeing that she finally realized, Gu Qing curled her finger to flick her forehead as usual, but seeing the red floral design, she changed her mind and tapped the tip of her nose instead.

“Remember now? Today is the Qixi Festival, the first Qixi Festival since we married.”

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