The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 67

Gu Qing had indeed possessed Xie Zhizhen’s body, but she had also successfully incensed her.

Xie Zhizhen lay on her side in bed, refusing to pay Gu Qing any mind. She had classes to teach tomorrow, yet her voice had turned into this; how was she supposed to speak?

Having tasted the sweetness of their union, Gu Qing reached out to embrace Xie Zhizhen’s waist, which had gained a bit of healthy weight. Although her muscle lines had faded, the soft skin that replaced them felt much more comfortable than before.

Xie Zhizhen was still fuming. She slapped Gu Qing’s hand away and rejected her embrace. The soreness in her body and the parched rasp in her throat made her extremely displeased.

As the softness left her palm once more, Gu Qing felt a bit aggrieved. “The Princess is already talking about keeping male favorites; is this humble servant not even allowed to protest a little?”

She was still jealous over Zhou Xianyun, yet Xie Zhizhen had been gloating nearby; talking about keeping favorites was clearly a deliberate attempt to provoke her.

Xie Zhizhen rolled over, the bells on her ankles jingling crisply. She glared at Gu Qing, her voice now hoarse and no longer as soft and beautiful as before. “You know full well I was only joking.”

Who knew Gu Qing would be so excessive? Xie Zhizhen found it a struggle just to turn over. Between her exhaustion and the discomfort in her throat, she felt increasingly wronged.

Gu Qing rubbed her nose. She had certainly seen that Zhizhen was only joking, and while she had intended to be a bit playful, she truly was feeling quite jealous. “You are not allowed to say that again. I am still feeling very bitter.”

She regretted it to death now. Why did she have to bring Zhou Xianyun back to the capital! But the person was already here, and as Zhou Xianyun was a free citizen, Gu Qing could not simply drive her away; after all, the capital did not belong to her family.

Xie Zhizhen had long seen through Gu Qing’s mischievous intentions. Previously, she felt that a married couple’s bickering was a small matter, but this time she had gone too far! Her voice was hoarse, and she had repeatedly said no, yet Gu Qing refused to let go.

This time, Xie Zhizhen was truly angry! Enduring the soreness in her body, she rolled over again to face away from Gu Qing, deciding to ignore her completely.

The next morning, when Xie Zhizhen woke up, Gu Qing had already left. She massaged her tired thighs and immediately noticed the honey water on the table. At least she had some conscience. Xie Zhizhen took a sip; the sweet honey slid down her throat, soothing her dry and raspy voice.

When Gu Qing returned, she saw Xie Zhizhen drinking the honey water. She smiled and asked, “Is your throat feeling better?”

Xie Zhizhen still remembered the madness of last night. She gave a huff and did not acknowledge her. Knowing she was still angry, Gu Qing felt quite helpless. Yesterday, she had skipped the morning court session to help boost the student count at the school, but today it was necessary for her to attend.

Gu Qing stroked Xie Zhizhen’s head and changed into her court robes. “I will come find you after court is dismissed.”

Every morning court session was quite boring—at least, that was what Gu Qing thought. It was like punching a clock at a modern job; just show up on time and leave on time.

However, today there was something different. Representatives from the Western Regions had brought their tributes—specialties from their lands—to show their sincerity toward the Geng Dynasty. The representatives for this diplomatic exchange were Prince Attila and Princess Rosanna. They even subtly hinted at the idea of Princess Rosanna entering into a marriage alliance.

Generally, such a marriage meant entering the palace as a concubine, but that was Xie Zhibai’s concern and had nothing to do with her, so Gu Qing did not pay it much mind.

However… Gu Qing glanced at the Hami melons and other fruits they had contributed. Her lips curved up slightly as she immediately thought of Xie Zhizhen. With so much fruit, she could make a fruit bowl for Zhizhen. In the summer, her appetite was not great, and a fruit bowl would be refreshing and filling.

While Gu Qing was lost in thought, someone suddenly called her name. “General Gu? General Gu?”

Hearing someone call her, Gu Qing snapped back to reality to see Prince Attila standing before her. He had distinct Western features: a high nose and deep-set eyes, much like people from the Xinjiang region in the modern world. Dressed in the attire of his own tribe and wearing a smile, Gu Qing felt the man looked familiar, as if she had seen him somewhere before.

However, as a representative of a vassal state, he had to be treated with friendliness. Gu Qing curled her lips into a professional fake smile. “Prince Attila, how can I help you?”

Having received a response, Attila appeared somewhat flustered. He said nervously, “General Gu, do you still remember me? A year ago, we met in Ningcheng.”

Seeing her brother’s useless state, Rosanna pinched him from behind and stepped forward. But when she faced Gu Qing, she, like her brother, displayed a puppy-like, expectant smile.

Gu Qing: “…” It would be a bit awkward if she said she didn’t remember at this moment.

She glanced sideways at the surrounding courtiers and Xie Zhibai. Since they were in court, and especially since the other party was here as a vassal state to show loyalty, she had to save some face for them. Gu Qing nodded with a smile. “Naturally, I remember. Such unique looks as yours are rare even in Ningcheng.”

Ningcheng was Geng Dynasty territory, where most people had Eastern features; Western looks were indeed rare. Although she didn’t remember meeting these siblings in Ningcheng, saying this could not be wrong.

Sure enough, Attila and Rosanna’s eyes lit up. Rosanna cut in before her brother could speak, “That day, my brother and I had our money stolen by thieves. Fortunately, General Gu helped us; otherwise, the two of us might not have even been able to return home.”

So that was it. Gu Qing nodded inwardly, still having no memory of it. She couldn’t help it; she did too many good deeds and couldn’t remember them all.

Xie Zhibai took the opportunity to praise Gu Qing. “A good deed a day; you all should learn from General Gu.”

As the Emperor had spoken, the courtiers folded their hands before them and bowed. “We understand.” Watching such a grand display, she knew they were all just for show.

Facing the siblings, Gu Qing waved her hand casually. “It is no matter. It is good that you both arrived home safely.”

Rosanna turned to face Xie Zhibai, placed her hand over her heart, and performed their traditional salute. “We are old acquaintances with General Gu. We wonder if the Emperor would allow General Gu to show us around the capital? It would be fine if we stayed at General Gu’s residence.”

“No!” Before Xie Zhibai could answer, Gu Qing had instinctively refused.

Showing them around the capital was fine, but coming to the Eldest Princess’s Manor was absolutely out of the question! She and Zhizhen had finally gotten together and hadn’t even had a few sweet days yet; she didn’t want two giant “lightbulbs” watching them. Furthermore, Zhizhen was shy; if these siblings stayed at the Manor, Gu Qing feared she wouldn’t even be able to touch her wife.

Receiving Gu Qing’s intense opposition, Attila and Rosanna were somewhat confused. “Is General Gu not welcoming us?” Even if the Western Regions was a vassal state, they had contributed many tributes and were allies.

Xie Zhibai timely stepped in to de-escalate. “It is indeed inappropriate. After all, Gu Qing currently resides at the Eldest Princess’s Manor. My Royal Sister has always disliked outsiders. Please find another place.”

Rosanna was puzzled. “General Gu, why are you at the Eldest Princess’s Manor?” Although she didn’t fully understand Geng Dynasty customs, she knew the Manor was the Princess’s residence but wasn’t Gu Qing a General?

Xie Zhibai gave a hearty laugh and replied, “Because Gu Qing married my Royal Sister long ago, so of course she lives in the Eldest Princess’s Manor.”

Though she still didn’t understand the underlying reasons, Rosanna understood what “married” meant. Her exquisite face stiffened, and her expression turned a bit sour.

“Why don’t the two of you stay at the Gu residence? After all, it is the home of Gu Qing’s parents.” Considering he had just rejected them, Xie Zhibai decided to give them a bit of a consolation prize. “While you cannot stay with Gu Qing, it is fine for Gu Qing to lead the way and show you around the capital.”

After court was dismissed, Gu Qing found herself with two “tag-alongs,” which was quite annoying. She wondered how Zhizhen was doing at the school.

On the other side, Xie Zhizhen had called Zhou Xianyun to the school’s study early in the morning—the place Gu Qing jokingly called the “Headmaster’s Office.” Bickerings with Gu Qing were one thing, but Xie Zhizhen kept things clear; she hadn’t known before, but now that she did, she certainly had to have a proper talk with Zhou Xianyun. After all, they shared the relationship of teaching at the same school.

Xie Zhizhen did not beat around the bush. Her first words went straight to the point: “I heard from Gu Qing that you like me, is that so?”

Her voice was still a bit raspy from the overexertion of the night before.

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