Offered as a Lucky Bride to the Mad Princess to Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 10

10: “Your Highness Pressed Me Down and Kissed Me Hard”

Yu Nanqing’s heart pounded wildly.

If Xiao Qiling had said such words to her from the start, Yu Nanqing might have genuinely needed to find a way to deflect.

But how long had they been soaking in this pool by now? Xiao Qiling’s hands on her shoulders remained restrained. A night of springtime passion was worth a fortune in gold, yet at this point, Xiao Qiling was still using words to intimidate her—clearly, she had no such intentions.

Who would have thought that Xiao Qiling, who appeared so breathtakingly beautiful and coldly alluring, would remain so pure-hearted despite the decadence of the imperial harem?

Or perhaps… she simply had no interest in women?

Either way, it eased Yu Nanqing’s mind considerably, and a plan quickly formed.

She tilted her head slightly, gazing at Xiao Qiling with a feigned look of deep affection. Her eyes, like tiny hooks, lingered with apparent longing over Xiao Qiling’s brows, the bridge of her nose, and finally settled on those thin lips.

Xiao Qiling’s undergarments might as well have been stripped away by Yu Nanqing’s gaze.

“Your Highness,” Yu Nanqing’s eyes curved mischievously, her fox-like eyes naturally upturned and brimming with endless tenderness when focused intently on someone. “You’ve already touched me all over just now. I’m afraid I won’t be able to serve you properly tonight.”

Xiao Qiling’s brow twitched slightly.

Yu Nanqing wriggled her waist, adjusting herself more comfortably on Xiao Qiling’s lap. “So, later, I’ll have to trouble Your Highness to be a little rougher.”

Xiao Qiling paused for a moment. “Rougher?”

“Kiss me more, hold me tighter,” Yu Nanqing, her mischievousness bubbling up, smiled sweetly. “My back hurts terribly. I’ll definitely struggle later, so Your Highness must press me down and kiss me hard. No matter what I say, don’t let go.”

Xiao Qiling: “…”

Seeing Xiao Qiling’s silence, Yu Nanqing grew even bolder. She clasped one wrist with her other hand, mimicking a tight grip.

Then, a low chuckle sounded in her ear.

Xiao Qiling pulled Yu Nanqing’s hand away, holding it gently while stroking it. “So, the Princess Consort enjoys this sort of thing.”

Yu Nanqing immediately put on a bashful smile.

“But tonight won’t do,” Xiao Qiling released her hand and glanced at Yu Nanqing, as if waiting for this moment. “Come in.”

The last three words were clearly not directed at Yu Nanqing. As soon as she spoke, the sound of the door opening echoed from outside.

The bathing pool was surrounded by thick beaded curtains, through which shadowy figures could vaguely be seen moving. The person stopped respectfully outside the curtains and bowed. “Your Highness, the medicinal herbs have been brought.”

Yu Nanqing remembered the acupuncture Xiao Qiling had just undergone and was about to discreetly climb off her lap when a shocked exclamation came from ahead: “You two actually—while I was gone—!”

Xiao Qiling frowned and turned her head.

The physician stood inside the curtains with a freshly replenished medicine box, looking utterly dismayed.

Yu Nanqing was amused and immediately halted her movements.

Xiao Qiling had just undergone acupuncture and was now entangled in the pool with her—was the physician about to explode in anger?

Yu Nanqing, clad in translucent undergarments, leisurely watched the scene, barely suppressing her laughter. The corners of her eyes, reddened by the steam, burned strikingly, as vivid as a vixen who had just descended from the mountains.

Xiao Qiling glanced at Yu Nanqing from the corner of her eye.

Yu Nanqing instantly adopted a solemn expression, climbing off her and sitting properly against the pool’s edge.

Xiao Qiling: “…”

The physician looked furious. Seeing that the vixen was still exchanging flirtatious glances with her Highness as if nothing had happened, she strode over, grabbed Xiao Qiling’s wrist, and began taking her pulse with a pained expression.

“Your Highness, your qi and bl00d are unstable right now. You must not engage in strenuous activities. Have you been ignoring my advice again?”

The physician took Xiao Qiling’s pulse with one hand while opening the medicine box with the other. The moment the lid was lifted, the bitter aroma of herbs filled the air, overpowering even the warm incense in the room.

The herbs quickly dissolved into the water. The physician rambled on for a long time, occasionally casting suspicious glances at Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing couldn’t care less about the physician’s suspicions. She hadn’t taken advantage of Xiao Qiling—the entire pool of water could testify to her innocence.

However, Yu Nanqing soon learned the consequences of her amusement.

—The physician’s skills were exceptional. The herbs dissolved into the water and quickly took effect. A burning sensation spread across her back, which had been abused by Xiao Qiling earlier.

Yu Nanqing’s face instantly paled.

Now, she didn’t need to pretend. Her brows furrowed in genuine pain, her breathing grew rapid, and tears began to spill uncontrollably from her eyes.

Xiao Qiling had initially ignored the physician’s nagging, as if accustomed to it, but then movement caught her attention from the side.

She turned.

Yu Nanqing truly couldn’t endure even the slightest pain. Crystal tears fell in rapid succession, her expression dazed, as if she couldn’t understand why this was happening.

…And this was just from medicinal herbs meant to nourish the meridians.

Noticing Xiao Qiling’s gaze, Yu Nanqing looked up, her pale lips parting slightly to reveal a reddened tongue. “Your Highness, did you crush my bones?”

The physician, hearing this, suddenly turned to Yu Nanqing.

Her herbs had no effect on normal people, so she hadn’t considered Yu Nanqing when adding them to the water. Now, seeing Yu Nanqing in this state, she momentarily forgot about whether the vixen had seduced her Highness and reached into the water to check Yu Nanqing’s pulse.

“They’re not crushed.”

Xiao Qiling stepped in first, lifting Yu Nanqing out of the water and placing her on the nearby chaise lounge. She turned to the physician. “Examine her.”

Out of the water, Yu Nanqing did feel slightly better.

Xiao Qiling draped an inner robe over herself and studied Yu Nanqing’s fragile appearance. Softly, she said, “Don’t be afraid. Those herbs won’t harm you. You’re just weak and couldn’t handle them.”

“Feeling better now?”

Yu Nanqing blinked her damp lashes lightly, shaking her head before nodding. “I’ll wait here for Your Highness. You should continue your medicinal bath.”

Xiao Qiling seemed still uneasy. She turned to the physician and gave instructions about the bone-grinding treatment before asking Yu Nanqing, “Would you allow the physician to give you a few acupuncture needles? You’ll feel better by morning.”

Yu Nanqing obediently nodded. “I trust Your Highness.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she fainted into Xiao Qiling’s arms.

—

When she awoke, the morning light was already faint.

Yu Nanqing had initially faked her faint last night.

Xiao Qiling was too vigilant. Afraid that continuing would lead to demands for consummation, she decided to use her injury as an excuse to feign unconsciousness.

For some reason, the physician hadn’t given her acupuncture either. Later, something warm seemed to have been applied to her back, seeping into her skin and lulling her into a deep sleep.

When she woke, her back no longer hurt at all—only to find Xiao Qiling’s face right in front of her.

In both lifetimes, Yu Nanqing had never shared a bed with anyone except during childhood with Lady Ji. Opening her eyes now to Xiao Qiling’s sleeping face… honestly, it was a little startling.

Xiao Qiling was actually quite beautiful, with flawless features—delicate yet defined, her brows not the typical willow-leaf or moth shape seen on women, making it impossible to tell she was female when disguised as a man.

“Does this prince’s appearance please the Princess Consort?”

Xiao Qiling opened her eyes at some point, revealing the most striking part of her face—those eyes.

Yu Nanqing startled, instinctively scooting backward before forcing a smile. “Good morning, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling lazily propped herself up, her ink-black hair cascading with the movement. She studied her consort with amusement. “It seems the Princess Consort has recovered.”

Yu Nanqing asked quietly, “Thank you for taking care of me last night. After I fainted… was there anything improper?”

Xiao Qiling raised a brow.

Naturally, there was.

She had originally intended to leave Yu Nanqing to the physician, but the woman had clung to her robes, refusing to let go.

When the physician applied a milder herbal paste to Yu Nanqing’s back, Yu Nanqing’s tears had smeared all over her clothes. Worse, even in sleep, Yu Nanqing was restless, murmuring “Mother” in her dreams, pitifully.

Remembering that the original Duchess of Yu had passed away years ago, Xiao Qiling felt a twinge of sympathy and didn’t throw her out of the warm chamber immediately.

Still, Xiao Qiling was irritated. Now, seeing Yu Nanqing’s prim and proper demeanor upon waking, she chuckled darkly. “The Princess Consort comes from a century-old ducal household. Naturally, her words and actions are beyond reproach.”

Yu Nanqing exhaled in relief.

Xiao Qiling: “Especially in bed—you were very cooperative. This prince is quite satisfied.”

“Cough—cough cough—!” Yu Nanqing erupted into violent coughs. “What did you say?”

Even the honorifics were forgotten.

Xiao Qiling didn’t mind. Watching Yu Nanqing’s bewildered eyes, she found traces of the docility from last night’s faint.

Yu Nanqing’s shock lasted only a moment before she quickly regained her composure.

Xiao Qiling was lying to her again.

If Xiao Qiling wanted to act, she’d play along to the end.

Yu Nanqing’s fingers tightened on the quilt, her knuckles whitening. She lowered her head, cheeks flushing faintly, as if utterly flustered.

Xiao Qiling admired the sight before throwing off the covers. “Come dress me.”

Yu Nanqing didn’t want to.

Xiao Qiling had hands, feet, and countless maids eager to serve her. Why should she go?

Yu Nanqing continued to feign shyness.

Xiao Qiling paused mid-movement, not standing up but instead lingering meaningfully.

The atmosphere grew silent.

Yu Nanqing closed her eyes for a moment before weakly crawling over. “Your Highness, please wait a moment.”

Xiao Qiling pushed aside the bed curtains, smiling gently. “The Princess Consort is so considerate.”

The maids outside, hearing the commotion, entered and respectfully handed Xiao Qiling’s robes to Yu Nanqing.

From Xiao Qiling’s angle, she could clearly see Yu Nanqing’s lowered lashes. Yu Nanqing’s fingers were exquisitely beautiful—slender and dexterous as they threaded through the sash, a sight quite pleasing to the eye.

Xiao Qiling studied Yu Nanqing’s movements carefully, recalling a detail she’d noticed the night before. “The Princess Consort is exquisite in every way, but it’s a pity her hands bear calluses. A slight flaw.”

Yu Nanqing’s fingers stilled on the sash. She agreed wholeheartedly with the first part of the statement, but the latter half was less pleasing.

Xiao Qiling wasn’t expressing regret—she was probing the origin of those calluses.

Noble young ladies never lifted a finger, so their hands should be flawless.

Having been tested repeatedly, Yu Nanqing felt no ripple of emotion now—if anything, she found it amusing. Years of diligent study naturally left marks.

Yu Nanqing feigned bashful irritation. “Does Your highness disapprove of me now?”

“Not at all,” Xiao Qiling stroked her cheek. “Does the Princess Consort perform manual labor in the Duke’s household?”

Yu Nanqing replied haltingly, “I’ve never been skilled at needlework. Practicing too much left marks.”

Xiao Qiling released her hand, smiling. “Few could develop calluses like yours from embroidery. It seems the Princess Consort holds herself to high standards. This handkerchief of mine is rather plain—would you mind embellishing it?”

Yu Nanqing tied Xiao Qiling’s sash into a tight knot without batting an eye. “…Of course.”

“Something simple, like mandarin ducks playing in water,” Xiao Qiling suggested.

Yu Nanqing gritted her teeth. “Of course.”

Forget elegant mandarin ducks—she couldn’t even embroider a decent duck.

She’d give Xiao Qiling two molting ducks and call it a day.

…

After breakfast, Xiao Qiling took Yu Nanqing to the study.

This was Yu Nanqing’s second time entering this space. The first had been to seek Xiao Qiling’s support—a place of such importance that she’d carefully restrained her gaze to avoid trouble.

Once inside, Yu Nanqing learned the reason for their visit.

The stewardess was already waiting with a ledger in hand. Seeing them, she bowed courteously. “Your Highness, Princess Consort, this is the inventory of the consort’s dowry. All discrepancies have been circled.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at Yu Nanqing, and the stewardess immediately turned, presenting the ledger respectfully. “Princess Consort, please review.”

Yu Nanqing had expected to wait a few more days—she hadn’t anticipated the Ning Manor’s efficiency. Flipping through the pages casually, her gaze gradually chilled.

What could she do to make the Duke’s household repay every single debt?

Should she shatter Yu Nanbo’s dreams of securing a spot in the imperial exams and rising to prominence? Or expose her dear father’s crimes of selling smuggled salt for Prince Chen?

Xiao Qiling studied Yu Nanqing for a long time. The latter continued flipping through the ledger, standing by the window in a green dress, her sleeves fluttering in the breeze, exuding a faint, forced desolation.

Her gaze followed Yu Nanqing’s to the red markings on the ledger.

Xiao Qiling frowned.

How could there be so many?

A dowry was a woman’s foundation in her marital home—the more substantial it was, the more respect she commanded.

When Yu Nanqing’s dowry had entered the manor, even Xiao Qiling, accustomed to palace weddings, had been slightly surprised. Yet now, it seemed every item had been tampered with. The Duke’s household wasn’t merely skimping—they were ensuring Yu Nanqing would never hold her head high in the Ning Manor.

This wasn’t a marriage alliance—it was a declaration of enmity.

Recalling Yu Nanqing’s complaint the day before, Xiao Qiling had initially found it troublesome. But now, seeing Yu Nanqing’s pitiful, spineless demeanor, she gestured for the stewardess to leave before approaching Yu Nanqing and snatching the ledger away.

Yu Nanqing snapped out of her thoughts, the coldness in her eyes vanishing instantly, unsure what whim had struck Xiao Qiling now.

Xiao Qiling mocked, “What’s the point of staring? Will your dowry magically return if you look long enough?”

Yu Nanqing’s complaint the day before had been impulsive—a test to see if Xiao Qiling could extend her influence into the Duke’s household.

Now, calmer, she realized it was an unreasonable demand.

“Your Highness needn’t trouble yourself.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at the sky outside, tapping the ledger lightly with her fingers. “Today is the third-day bridal return, isn’t it?”

Yu Nanqing, no longer in the mood to act, replied dismissively, “Mm.”

Xiao Qiling gripped Yu Nanqing’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. Smiling faintly, she said, “Then I’ll accompany you.”

Yu Nanqing frowned.

Xiao Qiling’s relaxed expression, framed by the golden python embroidery of her Shu-style robes, carried a hint of wicked allure. Her icy gaze swept over the ledger as if contemplating fresh torment.

“After all, I can’t let your complaint go unanswered, can I?”