Offered as a Lucky Bride to the Mad Princess to Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 14

14: “I can’t take it anymore…”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze shifted slightly, her eyelids twitching just a little, bringing out a hint of amusement.

How could this person speak such bold, outrageous words while looking so pitiful and weak?

Truly…

Xiao Qiling’s other hand wrapped around Yu Nanqing’s waist, pressing her back onto the bed, her voice indulgent: “There are ears behind the walls of the Duke’s manor. How about we wait until we return to the residence?”

Yu Nanqing instinctively glanced toward the door. A faint shadow was approaching it.

She lowered her eyes. “Of course.”

The door was lightly knocked twice, and when there was no answer, a small crack was opened. At that very moment, Xiao Qiling lifted Yu Nanqing’s chin with elegant fingers and leaned in, as if to kiss her.

The crack quickly closed again, not making the slightest sound.

“Can you guess who was at the door?” Yu Nanqing tilted her head and looked up teasingly at Xiao Qiling.

She chuckled softly—a pleasing sound.

Then, at her ear, she said, “Naturally someone worthy of me properly disciplining my princess consort for.”

She suggested, “Since Father Yu seems so impatient, he must’ve finished inventorying the dowry. Perhaps we should go check it too.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes lit up. “They found everything that quickly?”

Xiao Qiling rose from the bed and casually smoothed the wrinkles in her robe, her manner nonchalant. “If not, he’ll compensate with other items of equivalent value.”

One-third of the items listed in the dowry records were missing—of immeasurable worth. Yu Nanqing had thought Xiao Qiling was only making a casual remark, but upon arriving at the front hall, Yu Bingru really had added several land deeds to make up for the shortfall.

“These were part of the betrothal gifts when I married your mother, later returned to the Duke’s manor by her,” Yu Bingru explained. “Some of her jewelry was damaged before she passed. It wouldn’t be auspicious for you to take them, so I took the liberty of replacing them with these. What do you think?”

Clearly aware of what had transpired earlier at Bilan Pavilion, Yu Bingru had read the change in Xiao Qiling’s attitude toward Yu Nanqing. Hoping to bypass Xiao Qiling, he addressed her directly.

Xiao Qiling toyed with a jade ring on her finger, not objecting.

Yu Bingru breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Yu Nanqing with newfound warmth, as if already envisioning Xiao Qiling striking his name from that memorial to the emperor.

“These lands are near the Ning Prince’s residence. Your Highness, do you enjoy the opera?” Yu Nanqing suddenly asked.

Xiao Qiling caught her smiling gaze and seemed to guess her intent. She indulgently replied, “I do.”

Yu Nanqing clapped her hands in delight. “Then may I convert one of the properties into an opera house? Watching operas might cheer you up and aid your recovery.”

Yu Bingru’s smile faded. In society, opera performers were considered low-born. Turning a gifted property into an opera house was a public insult.

Still, with Xiao Qiling present, he held back his anger.

But Yu Nanqing wasn’t done: “Why doesn’t Father say anything? I just told His Highness how highly you esteem him. Surely someone so respectful wouldn’t stoop to secret assassination after marrying off his daughter.”

“Surely you wouldn’t want to ruin His Highness’s good mood, would you?”

With every word, Yu Bingru’s face darkened further. Only when he finally nodded did Yu Nanqing graciously bow. “Thank you, Father.”

Having achieved her goal, Yu Nanqing was about to leave when she swept her gaze across the Yu family and remembered something amusing.

“Why didn’t Second Brother come to see me off?”

Yu Nanrou answered for him, “There’s a poetry gathering at Hexian Tower today. Brother and Prince Chen both went.”

Yu Nanqing gave a soft laugh. “I see. While everyone else scrambles about, Second Brother finds time to relax.”

Lady Li had been the official wife for many years. In the manor, all referred to her as ‘Madam.’ Even those who disapproved of her being promoted from concubine kept up appearances.

But Yu Nanqing’s deliberate “Concubine” jab dragged her back to her old status. Furious, Yu Nanrou retorted, “My brother’s not avoiding anything! He’s socializing with poets—you wouldn’t understand!”

Yu Nanqing replied with a smile, “You’re right, I don’t. I just admire how hard Concubine Li manages the household. Now that Second Brother is of age, perhaps you can help him find a noble wife. It would also benefit you.”

Lady Li, holding Yu Nanrou’s hand and patting it, said proudly, “You see? You’ll never be as thoughtful as your sister. But I accept the princess consort’s kind intentions. Nanbo is soon taking the Spring Examinations. A man should aim high—marriage can wait.”

The pride in her eyes was unmistakable, as if she were finally standing tall after all these years.

Yu Nanqing feigned surprise. “Ah, then I spoke too soon. Since Second Brother has such lofty aspirations, let me wish him success in advance.”

She chatted cheerfully with the Yu family for a while before departing with Xiao Qiling.

The red silk-wrapped dowry boxes were loaded behind their carriage. As the sky darkened, Yu Bingru tried to keep them for dinner, but Xiao Qiling found an excuse to decline. On the way back to the Prince’s residence, Yu Nanqing’s stomach growled audibly.

With keen hearing, Xiao Qiling asked, “Hungry?”

“I was already hungry at the Duke’s manor,” she complained. “They rarely serve such good food.”

Xiao Qiling scoffed. “As if I’d let you miss a meal.”

Yu Nanqing smacked her lips, giving in. “Then please, Your Highness, come inside.”

“Go change clothes,” Xiao Qiling said, leading her to the rear courtyard. “Tonight is the Flower Festival. Come out with me.”

Yu Nanqing froze, lifting her skirts to follow. “Really? You want to take me out?”

Xiao Qiling offered no explanation. “Ask one more question, and you’re staying in.”

A tea’s time later, she pushed open the door to see Yu Nanqing waiting outside.

The princess, now without her elaborate daytime headdress, had taken it down, leaving only a few soft ornaments. Her long hair was tied back loosely with a ribbon.

Even in a plain outfit, her exquisite features couldn’t be hidden. Xiao Qiling looked her over and said, “Not bad.”

She herself had changed into simple garb to avoid attention.

A modest carriage left the Ning Prince’s residence, heading toward the bustling market.

Inside, Xiao Qiling warned, “Once we’re off the carriage, don’t call me ‘Your Highness.’ You’ll give us away.”

Yu Nanqing asked, “Then what should I call you?”

With a crowd, calling just ‘you’ wouldn’t do.

Xiao Qiling’s peach blossom eyes glinted with amusement. “I’m the son of an official family. You’re the maid I brought along. Call me ‘Young Master.’”

Yu Nanqing frowned. Xiao Qiling expected her to object, but instead, she leaned in close. “Then I’m your bed-warming maid. In the residence, we shared passionate nights. Even when you go out, you can’t bear to leave me behind. Are you planning to sail under the moon with me?”

“Sail under the moon, sleep under the stars…” Xiao Qiling drawled, tapping her forehead lightly with his folding fan. “Seems the princess is eager to go fishing.”

She batted her fan away. “Your Highness, please have mercy.”

She put the fan away, smiling.

As they stepped off the carriage, she asked, “Did you bring coins?”

Among the common folk, things were mostly paid for in copper coins. Yu Nanqing blinked. “You know about copper coins?”

She had assumed she only dealt in gold and silver.

“If I want to know, I will. But…” She paused and asked, “Have you decided what to call me?”

Yu Nanqing blinked. “I don’t want to call you ‘Young Master’ or ‘Brother.’”

Despite the male attire, she was still used to the elegant, feminine Xiao Qiling from the residence. The new terms just didn’t fit.

“Then don’t call me anything. Just stay close and don’t get lost.”

From the Ning Prince’s residence to the city center, night had fully fallen. The streets sparkled with lights. With daytime prayers for the Flower Festival already completed, the evening was left for grand lantern displays.

Vendors lined the roads, calling out to passersby—selling snacks, trinkets, joy all around. Lanterns floated along the riverside, red ribbons for love tied to drooping willows, young lovers whispering under the night sky.

A true scene of prosperity.

Yu Nanqing hadn’t seen the capital like this in a long time. In her past life, after the 23rd year of Emperor Zhaoyuan, the empire fell into chaos. Even the noble families lived in fear.

Years of war followed. So many were displaced. Such splendor was never seen again.

She stared at the street in a daze.

Until something warm and soft touched her lips—Xiao Qiling had brought a milk cake to her mouth.

She parted her lips. “I—”

“You were staring at that stall for so long. If you want it, just buy it. You’re rich now. No need to scrimp.”

Her closeness, breath brushing her cheek, made her ears burn.

“Don’t call me that…”

“Then what should I call you? Plum? Lotus? Chrysanthemum? Frost?”

All common maid names.

Yu Nanqing deadpanned: “Stick with what you were saying before.”

“Good girl,” Xiao Qiling said, satisfied.

For the cake’s sake, she let it go. She bit into it—it lacked milk’s aroma but had a subtle almond blossom scent and a texture full of everyday comfort.

She tried to offer him the second piece, but he refused with visible disdain.

A royal prince, eating on the street? Unthinkable.

Let her starve then, Yu Nanqing shrugged.

Just then, a vendor called out, “Young lady, buy a mask! The Flower Goddess will bless you with love!”

She looked at the colorful masks when suddenly one was slapped on her face.

“What is this!?”

“A beast with fangs and claws,” Xiao Qiling said, paying. “Suits you. Let’s go.”

She fumed. “I’m not that fierce. You should wear it instead!”

She stopped walking, smiling. “Getting bolder, aren’t you?”

The festive noise faded, the pressure between them growing. She went stiff.

But then Xiao Qiling’s voice softened: “Still so easy to scare.”

She tossed the vendor a couple more coins, took a matching fox mask, and wore it herself. “There’s a restaurant ahead. Come eat with me.”

As she walked away, she took off her mask and saw it was a chubby little fox. Her heart eased, and she followed.

Outside the restaurant, she recognized the sign: Hexian Tower—where Yu Nanbo and Prince Chen were attending the poetry gathering.

Just then, the two men stepped out. Yu Nanqing quickly pulled Xiao Qiling aside to hide.

Yu Nanbo walked ahead, Prince Chen behind. “Wait up, Second Brother!”

Yu Nanbo didn’t even turn back.

Yu Nanqing, thoughtful, tugged Xiao Qiling’s sleeve. “Should we follow them?”

Xiao Qiling looked at her, silent.

She tugged again, whispering, “Please? What if it’s important?”

She studied her, then agreed.

They trailed the pair to a quiet riverbank.

“Wei Yunhan humiliated me today. And you still defend him?” Yu Nanbo snapped.

“He’s from the Wei family—like the Grand Councilor—pure and upright, untouched by politics. Even my father can’t touch them,” Prince Chen replied. “Besides, you already have your spot in the exam. Why care what he says? My father thinks highly of you. Pass the exam, and you’ll enter the inner court.”

Yu Nanbo hesitated. “You’re sure nothing will go wrong?”

“Trust me. As my study companion, once you pass, you’ll rise fast.”

Their voices stopped. Yu Nanqing turned to Xiao Qiling but was blocked by a hand over her eyes.

“Don’t look.”

She reached to swat it away, brushing the willow leaves, causing a prayer plaque to fall.

Clack—

“Who’s there?!”

The two men walked toward them.

Xiao Qiling’s eyes narrowed.

The footsteps neared. Yu Nanqing’s heart raced. Thinking fast, she pinched her arm and forced out tears, then began sobbing, “Please… I can’t take it anymore…”

The footsteps stopped.

Xiao Qiling’s brow twitched. She looked like she might toss her in the river.

Yu Nanqing, knowing she’d pushed too far earlier, leaned against the tree, sleeves fluttering, looking like she’d just been ravished.

As the footsteps resumed, she grabbed Xiao Qiling and whispered desperately, “Master, I really can’t take it anymore…”