Offered as a Lucky Bride to the Mad Princess to Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 15

15: “Your Highness Pampers Me…”

“Your Highness?”

“Forget it, just a pair of lovebirds.” Xiao Qijun patted Yu Nanbo’s shoulder reassuringly and smiled. “You too—don’t let that Wei Yunhan ruin your mood. As long as the Duke smoothly ascends to the Minister’s position, no matter how much they dislike it, they’ll still have to show you respect.”

Yu Nanbo hesitated. “But the Wei family has always valued knowledge over background.”

“Once you stand in the Golden Hall, your origins alone will earn His Majesty’s favor.” Xiao Qijun chuckled and led him away. “Relax.”

Only after the two had walked far away did Yu Nanqing finally relax her tense nerves.

But before she could fully exhale, she immediately sensed Xiao Qiling’s deep, probing gaze fixed on her.

The familiar scent of sandalwood from Xiao Qiling filled her nostrils, and Yu Nanqing’s ears burned crimson. Separated by two identical fox masks, she offered a placating smile. “Your Highness, they’ve left. Shouldn’t we… also go?”

“No rush.” Xiao Qiling suddenly grabbed Yu Nanqing’s hand—the one resting on her shoulder—and pressed her against the tree trunk. Yu Nanqing was both startled and terrified.

“Wouldn’t leaving now waste this beautiful scenery, as well as the effort my consort put into panting for me?”

Yu Nanqing: “…”

She swore she had only resorted to such a shameless method in an emergency.

In her past life, after entering the Prince Ning’s residence, Yu Nanqing had avoided socializing to conceal her true gender. In her free time, she read romance novels and occasionally chatted with her own shadow on the wall at night.

Those words had been amusing to say at the time, but being held accountable for them afterward was anything but. Weakly raising a hand, Yu Nanqing gestured with a pale face: “Your Highness, Prince Ning… aren’t you hungry? Your esteemed health shouldn’t suffer from hunger.”

Yu Nanqing had always believed that, having lived a second life, she could disregard many things and had thick skin. But facing Xiao Qiling, who had concealed her true self in the palace for twenty-one years—how could she compare?

Xiao Qiling lazily curled her lips, implying, “Skipping one meal is nothing. This moment is far more precious.”

“But I’m hungry.” Yu Nanqing pretended not to understand and continued pleading. “Can we go back?”

Xiao Qiling: “Didn’t you eat those two milk cakes?”

Yu Nanqing: “I’m hungry again.”

Xiao Qiling laughed and lifted Yu Nanqing’s chin with her fingers.

With Yu Nanqing’s back against the willow tree, Xiao Qiling’s movement felt both domineering and teasing. Yet when Xiao Qiling smiled, her enchanting eyes were the only brightness in sight.

“My consort actually remembered I hadn’t eaten anything after devouring two large milk cakes. How ungrateful of me.”

Yu Nanqing listened to Xiao Qiling’s familiar sarcastic tone and realized she was being teased again. She replied numbly, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Xiao Qiling: “Where’s the ‘wouldn’t dare’? I think you’re quite bold.”

“If I weren’t bold, how could I stay by Your Highness’s side… right?” Yu Nanqing tentatively added the “right,” and seeing that Xiao Qiling didn’t look displeased, she slowly inched backward, widening the distance between them while sweet-talking.

“My heart belongs entirely to Your Highness. I toss and turn at night, and my greatest wish is to see you every day.”

“Your Highness is like a goddess descended from heaven. I wouldn’t dare disrespect you, only indulge in wicked fantasies at times like these.”

“I know my words are improper, but my heart is unshakable.”

With each sentence, she retreated another inch, her slender waist arching into a graceful curve.

Just as she was about to escape Xiao Qiling’s grasp, the latter’s hand shot out, hooking Yu Nanqing’s waist and dragging her back.

“If my consort can’t bear to leave me, why are you running?”

Yu Nanqing struggled but couldn’t break free. “I’m afraid if I stay with Your Highness any longer, I really won’t be able to resist disrespecting you.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled and was about to respond when a man’s voice sounded behind Yu Nanqing: “Your Highness likes me best, how could she be unhap—uh.”

The hidden guard who had brought Wei Yunhan bowed to Xiao Qiling before vanishing into the night, leaving only the man who had ruined Xiao Qiling’s mood shivering in the darkness.

Yu Nanqing’s waist was still arched forward, frozen in an intimate posture. The words “disrespecting Your Highness” and Wei Yunhan’s statement hung in the air.

After a brief pause, Yu Nanqing lowered her head and buried it in Xiao Qiling’s chest, playing dead.

But Wei Yunhan remained rooted in place, staring unabashedly. Xiao Qiling flicked her mask aside, revealing cold, detached eyes.

Wei Yunhan immediately averted his gaze and bowed deeply. “Your Highness is in high spirits tonight! Haha, please continue. I won’t disturb you further.”

Xiao Qiling smiled. “I like you best, how could I be unhappy? Surely Scholar Wei doesn’t think disturbing us is disrespectful.”

Wei Yunhan’s back stiffened, not daring to straighten up.

Cold sweat dripped down his forehead in the winter night as he inwardly cursed himself for rushing over to claim credit.

“I meant… Your Highness admires my grandfather greatly, so naturally, you’d extend that fondness to me for bringing you news.”

Xiao Qiling idly stroked Yu Nanqing’s head, enjoying the rare docility under her palm. “Then someday, I’ll barge into Teacher’s courtyard late at night. He’ll surely be delighted by my sudden visit.”

Wei Yunhan: “…”

Xiao Qiling’s sharp tongue nearly drove him to disregard propriety and curse. Not wanting to overstay his welcome, he suggested, “The night scenery is lovely. Shall I arrange a flower boat for Your Highness to enjoy the moonlit river?”

Xiao Qiling glanced at Yu Nanqing’s flushed ears and smiled faintly. “What moon?”

She turned to the woman in her arms. “What does my consort think?”

Yu Nanqing shuddered, not expecting to be dragged into this. Muffled, she replied, “No.”

“Then let’s return to the manor.” Xiao Qiling looked at Wei Yunhan. “You’re coming too.”

Wei Yunhan, as if granted amnesty, was about to cheerfully agree when Prince Ning wrapped an arm around the masked woman and vanished into thin air.

Wei Yunhan: “?”

She just left him behind?

When Yu Nanqing was swept into the air, she flailed in panic, completely unlike the cool composure she’d seen from the hidden guards earlier. Peeking down briefly, she squeezed her eyes shut again.

She hoped Xiao Qiling wouldn’t find her too heavy and drop her mid-flight.

Yu Nanqing didn’t dare breathe until her feet touched solid ground. Then, her legs gave way, and she collapsed to her knees.

Xiao Qiling chuckled. “Even if my consort wishes to thank me, such a grand gesture isn’t necessary.”

Yu Nanqing muttered, “I’m afraid of heights.”

Xiao Qiling feigned realization. “Ah, that’s my fault. I didn’t know my consort was so delicate that even a short flight would overwhelm her. My apologies. I should’ve let you walk back with Scholar Wei.”

Yu Nanqing: “…”

The more she spoke, the more Xiao Qiling would taunt her, so she stayed silent.

But Xiao Qiling seemed to find it amusing, crouching down with feigned concern. “Is my consort too frightened to stand? Shall I carry you back?”

Yu Nanqing recoiled like a startled fox, terrified Xiao Qiling might take her flying again.

“I can walk back on my own. Really.”

Xiao Qiling pulled her up, checked her legs for injuries, and smiled. “I have matters to discuss with Scholar Wei. Wait for me in the warm pavilion?”

…Warm pavilion.

Wasn’t that where Xiao Qiling’s private bath was?

Having just flirted verbally with Xiao Qiling, Yu Nanqing panicked at the mention of the warm pavilion. “No need! I can just use the bathtub in my room. No need for the warm pavilion.”

“Fine.” Yu Nanqing sighed in relief, but before she could relax, Xiao Qiling added calmly, “After bathing, come serve me.”

Without waiting for a response, she strode off.

—

By the time Wei Yunhan, panting and sweating, circled three streets to reach Prince Ning’s manor, Xiao Qiling had already rewritten the memorial about the assassination attempt on her wedding night.

Wei Yunhan, determined to leave alive, knocked properly this time and waited for permission before entering.

The candlelight in the study softened Xiao Qiling’s sharp features, making her less intimidating. Wei Yunhan relaxed slightly and poured himself two cups of water without waiting for an invitation.

“I thought Yu Nanbo was some prodigy. Turns out he didn’t even take the provincial exam in the capital—probably arranged by the Duke in some backwater. Acts like he’s already the top scholar, as if the Duke can shield him forever. What a joke.”

“And that Xiao Qijun, seizing the chance while you were ‘ill,’ is already making moves for the Emperor’s birthday. Do you think His Majesty…”

Xiao Qiling, annoyed, set down her brush. “You’re noisy.”

Wei Yunhan, accustomed to chatter, ignored the complaint. “Your Highness, next time you leave, can you leave a hidden guard for me? Walking is exhausting. Unlike you, who just vanishes into thin air.”

Xiao Qiling, irritated, called out, “Hidden Four.”

The door opened, and a woman in tight attire entered. “Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling smiled. “Scholar Wei has trouble walking. From now on, you’ll escort him here—no matter how heavy he is. Understood?”

Hidden Four bowed.

Wei Yunhan, embarrassed at the thought of being carried by a woman, protested. “Wait, wait! Your Highness, Hidden Four, I can walk! Really!”

Flustered, he changed the subject. “It’s late, and I have a curfew. I’ll take my leave now.”

Xiao Qiling dismissed Hidden Four and stopped him. “What did he propose to the Emperor?”

Wei Yunhan halted, his expression turning serious. “After allocating funds for fallen soldiers’ families and with the Emperor’s birthday approaching, the treasury is strained. He suggested cutting military pay.”

Xiao Qiling nodded, unsurprised.

Emperor Wenjing had always favored scholars, the opposite of the martial Emperor Wuxuan. The battle twenty-one years ago had cost Da Qi its emperor and left the Huns decimated, leading to a decade-long truce.

But five years ago, the Hun chieftain changed, and the new leader repeatedly harassed the borders. Last winter, he personally led an attack. Da Qi narrowly won, securing temporary peace.

Wei Yunhan continued, “I’ve also heard the Emperor sent General Meng to search for mines. If they find nothing next month, he might really target the border troops.”

Xiao Qiling toyed with an emerald ring, indifferent.

“Your Highness, aren’t you worried?” Wei Yunhan paced anxiously. “Rumors say Emperor Wuxuan found a gold mine during his northern campaign that could sustain Da Qi for centuries. The Emperor’s been searching for years. If he discovers evidence of your business and troops, he’ll kill you!”

Xiao Qiling’s fingers stilled. “When has he ever wanted me alive?”

“Your Highness!” Wei Yunhan exclaimed.

“I never intended to stay in the capital long.” Xiao Qiling removed the imperial-seal-inscribed ring, examined it, and snapped it in half.

Her voice was icy. “Let him investigate.”

After two rounds of tea and finalizing their plans, Wei Yunhan’s curiosity got the better of him. “Your Highness, was that woman earlier the Duke’s little consort?”

Xiao Qiling smirked. “You’re so free—should I suggest to Teacher that you take this year’s imperial exams? The Chief Grand Secretary’s grandson, with eyes and ears everywhere, must be a genius. First place would be effortless, no?”

Wei Yunhan regretted asking. “Genius” was clearly sarcasm for his idleness and gossip-mongering.

But he wasn’t interested in just anyone’s gossip. His grandfather had chosen Xiao Qiling, so wasn’t it natural to care about her household? What if it burned down?

Xiao Qiling asked, “Have you ever fished?”

Wei Yunhan nodded. “A few times at country estates.”

“Ever heard of ‘guide fish’?”

Wei Yunhan tapped his head with a fan. “I’ve barely caught anything. How would I know one fish from another?”

Xiao Qiling explained, “Guide fish lurk in shallow waters, luring fishermen deeper. Agile, they lead them to the lake’s depths, where larger fish swarm.”

Wei Yunhan understood. “So Your Highness is pretending to dote on the consort to lure out bigger fish? Brilliant!”

He added, “Women rely on fathers before marriage and husbands after. Now, you’re her second father. If she’s loyal, she won’t find your kindness odd. Perfect!”

Second father…

Xiao Qiling gave him a cold look.

Wei Yunhan, oblivious, beamed. “Your Highness, was I wrong?”

Xiao Qiling didn’t bother explaining and summoned Hidden Four to escort him out.

After Wei Yunhan left, Xiao Qiling stood by the window, her gentle features shadowed. She wrote a letter and handed it to Hidden Three. “To the Minister of Works.”

—

Yu Nanqing waited in the warm pavilion for an hour without Xiao Qiling appearing. The bathwater had been refilled, kept warm by the underground heating system.

She lay on a nearby couch, staring at the steaming water.

Wei Yunhan’s name wasn’t unfamiliar—the Chief Grand Secretary’s grandson, a carefree prodigy who became a scholar at nine and a provincial graduate at twelve, once stirring the capital. Rumors said Emperor Wenjing had considered naming him top scholar to achieve a rare triple-crown honor.

In her past life’s imperial exams, Wei Yunhan was rumored to participate but never showed, claiming disinterest in politics and preferring travel. Even the Chief Grand Secretary couldn’t control him, leaving many disappointed.

Now, it seemed Wei Yunhan’s avoidance of the exams was tied to Xiao Qiling.

Passing would bind him to court routines, unlike his current freedom.

With the Chief Grand Secretary’s many disciples in court, Wei Yunhan’s absence mattered little.

But Yu Nanqing wasn’t concerned about his career or Xiao Qiling’s political gains. What troubled her was—in her past life, Wei Yunhan had defected to the rebels.

Had he always been disloyal, or had he turned after Xiao Qiling’s death?

The thought made her smile wryly. Hadn’t she, before her death, betrayed Xiao Qijun too?

Yu Nanqing pitied the Xiao Qiling of this life.

Her most trusted strategist and lawfully wedded consort were both rebels. Surprise!

A wild idea crossed her mind: What if she took Xiao Qiling to join the rebel leader?

But Xiao Qiling, as Emperor Wuxuan’s only heir, would never yield.

And everyone had their fate—hadn’t her past life taught her that?

Yu Nanqing tossed and turned, the steam making her chest heavy. Just as she decided to leave, the door opened.

Xiao Qiling, seeing Yu Nanqing still dressed, raised a brow. “You haven’t bathed?”

Yu Nanqing nodded meekly. “Is everything settled?”

“Mostly.” Xiao Qiling’s gaze traveled over her. “Can your body handle a palace visit?”

Yu Nanqing blinked. “The palace?”

“Yes, I must pay respects to the Emperor. Sedan chairs can be used, but there’ll be many rituals. You…”

Xiao Qiling trailed off, letting her choose.

“I’ll go with you.” Yu Nanqing decided instantly.

She leaned in. “Is it about the assassination? Can I listen?”

Xiao Qiling smiled. “The more you know, the more danger you’re in. Sure?”

“Danger or not, I want to see how my father loses his ministerial position.” Yu Nanqing sighed. “The Ministry of Rites is a prestigious post. For someone of his… modest talents to rise so high—our ancestors must’ve been blind.”

“Is Yu Bingru really your father?” Xiao Qiling teased, tilting Yu Nanqing’s chin.

Yu Nanqing swatted her hand away. “My mother adored him, so yes. I wish I had another father.”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze seemed to drift, perhaps thinking of Emperor Wuxuan.

But since Xiao Qiling never mentioned her, Yu Nanqing wouldn’t either.

Her brief sympathy vanished as Xiao Qiling pinched her chin again.

“Bold, aren’t you? Swatting your prince’s hand?”

Yu Nanqing, for the sake of witnessing the palace drama, clung to Xiao Qiling’s hand and cooed, “Your Highness wouldn’t mind. Just like you thought of me first for the palace visit.”

Xiao Qiling pushed her away. “Care to bathe together?”

Last time, they’d both worn undergarments. This time, it’d be bare.

Yu Nanqing turned away. “Your medicinal bath doesn’t suit me. You go first.”

Xiao Qiling nodded and headed for the bath.

Soon, splashing sounds came from behind the bead curtain. Yu Nanqing, exhausted, tiptoed toward the side door.

Before she could escape, Xiao Qiling’s voice rang out. “The Duke’s residence plans to send your sister to Prince Cheng’s manor.”

Yu Nanqing froze. “Lady Li mentioned it. Yu Nanrou is unmarried, and Prince Cheng is of age with no primary consort. They’re also related by marriage—a perfect match.”

“Lady Li is Yu Bingru’s second wife?” Xiao Qiling recalled. “The Duke’s residence wants this, but the Noble Consort may not.”

With Yu Nanqing marrying into Prince Ning’s residence first, Yu Nanrou could also become Prince Cheng’s primary consort.

But the Noble Consort, who’d ignored her half-sister in the Duke’s residence, likely despised Lady Li’s status. Only after Lady Li became the legal wife and Yu Bingru rose to Fourth Rank did she allow Xiao Qijun to befriend them.

If Yu Nanrou became Xiao Qijun’s primary consort, would the Noble Consort bow to her former maid as mother?

Moreover, with the Emperor favoring Xiao Qijun, daughters of high-ranking officials or generals would be better matches than the hollow-titled Duke’s residence.

Yu Nanqing agreed. In her past life, after leaving Prince Ning’s residence, Yu Nanrou became Prince Cheng’s secondary consort. Prince Cheng, sentimental, had considered making her primary consort but was blocked by the Noble Consort.

“If he marries Yu Nanrou, his political alliances will weaken, and the Emperor may favor other princes.” Yu Nanqing sighed. “And with Yu Nanbo around, Prince Cheng’s household will be lively.”

Xiao Qiling’s brow rose. “My consort sounds regretful?”

“Of course.” Yu Nanqing twirled a bead curtain, her fox-like eyes gleaming. “Causing chaos in the rear courtyard is boring. Why not stir trouble before she enters?”

If Yu Nanrou turned back in time, she’d avoid heartbreak. If not, Yu Nanqing couldn’t help her.

“Have a plan?”

“Not yet. I’ll think it over.” Yu Nanqing fell silent, pondering.

Only the soft sound of water remained.

After a while, Xiao Qiling called, “Bring me my clothes.”

Yu Nanqing stiffened. “M-me?”

“Yes.” Xiao Qiling teased. “Unless my consort prefers I come over naked?”

The clothes weren’t by the bath to avoid dampness. Yu Nanqing eyed the neatly folded garments and shuffled forward.

Peeking through the bead curtain, she squeezed her eyes shut, refusing to look at Xiao Qiling in the bath.

Having just teased Xiao Qiling earlier, one glance might drag her into the water.

Unthinkable.

But Xiao Qiling wouldn’t let her off. “Why walk with your eyes closed? If you slip, what then?”

Yu Nanqing kept her eyes shut, inching forward blindly, guided by Xiao Qiling’s voice.

Then, the water sounds faded.

Yu Nanqing frowned. “Your Highness?”

Xiao Qiling’s voice came from right in front of her. “Hmm?”

Yu Nanqing suddenly opened her eyes and saw Xiao Qiling, who had emerged from the water at some point and now stood before her. Her strikingly beautiful peach-blossom eyes reflected the flickering candlelight, and the dripping ends of her hair brushed against the back of her hand with an almost intimate closeness.

Xiao Qiling’s posture was languid, her tone indulgent: “Indeed, you didn’t step into the water, but if you kept walking, my consort, you would have walked straight into a pillar.”

Yu Nanqing’s gaze shifted slowly, first to the pillar behind Xiao Qiling, then back to her devilishly handsome face, before she decisively closed her eyes again.

In a voice tinged with pleading, she said, “Your Highness, please go change your clothes quickly. Be careful not to catch a chill.”

“As my consort says.”

The weight on Yu Nanqing’s hands lightened as Xiao Qiling took the top layer of clothing.

The rustling of fabric continued from beside her, and after listening for a while, Yu Nanqing’s cheeks burned with an uncontainable flush.

As she silently repeated to herself, “See no evil,” she felt someone hook a finger around hers, followed by a low chuckle: “I wondered why the servants were so careless today, failing to prepare a dry towel. Turns out my consort hid it at the very bottom.”

Yu Nanqing flexed her fingers, feeling the distinct texture of the dry towel beneath the layers. She hurriedly pulled it out and respectfully offered it to him: “Your Highness, here.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t take it. Instead, she grasped her wrist—loosely enough to seem gentle, yet firmly enough to prevent escape—and pulled her into her embrace. Her soft, mischievous laughter brushed against her ear as she teased, “Didn’t my consort say you couldn’t take any more before returning to the manor? Why else would you hide a dry towel to keep me from drying off?”

Her gaze swept over her, as if suddenly realizing something, and then, with a tone of feigned resignation and affection, she said, “Very well. This prince shall humor you just this once.”