Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 17

17: “This Prince Will Ensure the Princess Consort Enjoys Nightly Revelry”

When Yu Nanqing went to the main courtyard that evening, she found it empty. The guards at the door informed her that Xiao Qiling was not in the prince’s residence.

It wasn’t until the third quarter of the Hour of the Snake (around 10:45 AM) the next day that Chen Xiang, her maid, entered the room to report that Xiao Qiling had returned and was heading her way.

Yu Nanqing thought for a moment and instructed Chen Xiang to retrieve the spring palace (erotic) picture book she had brought with her originally.

As she flipped through the book, she sighed with myriad emotions. She never imagined that, after so long, she’d find a use for it again.

When Xiao Qiling pushed open the door, this was the scene that greeted her.

Yu Nanqing, whom she hadn’t seen in days, had her long hair unbound, draped in a light-colored robe, lounging lazily and harmlessly on a beauty couch. One hand held the book, the other toyed with a hand warmer. A censer burned with aloeswood incense. Seeing Xiao Qiling enter, Yu Nanqing lazily raised her eyes. “Your Highness has arrived.”

The room was warmed by a blazing charcoal brazier. Xiao Qiling removed her cloak and hung it aside. “I heard you came looking for me last night? Was it something important?”

“It was important then, but not anymore,” Yu Nanqing replied unhurriedly, flipping another page in her book and continuing to read with focus.

Xiao Qiling, puzzled by her vague response, noticed Yu Nanqing’s absorption in the book and glanced at it. “What are you reading?”

“This?” Yu Nanqing waved the book lightly, smiling charmingly. “Naturally, it’s a sage’s book that can help me escape my predicament and guide me through my confusion.”

Xiao Qiling assumed this was related to whatever issue had prompted Yu Nanqing to seek her out the previous night. Curious about the nature of Yu Nanqing’s troubles, she stepped closer to take a look.

Yu Nanqing didn’t hide the book, allowing Xiao Qiling to easily pluck it from her hands. She blinked, watching Xiao Qiling’s face for any flicker of expression.

Xiao Qiling had heard from the residence’s hidden guards that Yu Nanqing had been visiting shops for days, so she assumed the matter involved commerce. But as she opened the book, she was met with an explicit illustration of two naked figures entwined, lost in the throes of passion.

Even the ever-composed Prince Ning faltered, her hand trembling violently under the impact of the brazen spring palace book. Thanks to years of martial training, she managed not to fling it away in shock.

Suppressing her reaction, Xiao Qiling shifted her gaze and caught Yu Nanqing’s expression—teetering on the edge of laughter but holding it back. A vein pulsed at her temple as she lowered her voice. “This is your so-called sage’s book?”

“Indeed.” Yu Nanqing nodded nonchalantly. “Since our last parting, Your Highness has left me to sleep alone for days. At first, I comforted myself that you were busy with official duties. But when I heard yesterday that you made an excuse about not being in the residence to avoid me, I realized I’d better study this sage’s book to learn how to please you. Otherwise, I might soon receive a letter of divorce, wouldn’t I?”

Xiao Qiling had brought up their wedding ceremony to curb Yu Nanqing’s unrestrained tongue. She hadn’t expected that, after a few days apart, Yu Nanqing would become even bolder.

Xiao Qiling repeated, her tone enigmatic, “How to please me?”

Yu Nanqing met her gaze with feigned devotion. “Exactly.”

After a pause, Xiao Qiling let out a low chuckle. “Yu Nanqing, most people avoid me like the plague. Sometimes, I wonder where you get the courage to keep throwing yourself at me, time and again.”

“If you’ve come to the prince’s residence seeking my help, you can just say it outright. No need for such roundabout tactics. Though, I might not necessarily agree to help.”

“I appreciate Your Highness’s kindness, but I have a question of my own.” Yu Nanqing asked, “Why should I avoid you?”

Meeting Xiao Qiling’s eyes, she said earnestly, “Others steer clear of Your Highness because they don’t understand you. This world is full of vile people—countless as fish crossing a river—who harm the loyal, exploit the common folk, and act with disloyalty and injustice. Everything Your Highness does is for self-preservation. The evils attributed to you are mere rumors from the streets. What fault is there in that?”

Her clear eyes reflected the sparkling glow of the charcoal fire. Yu Nanqing’s brows curved with a smile, her white robes flowing elegantly as she calmly expressed her fearlessness toward Xiao Qiling.

Xiao Qiling gazed at her, her expression unreadable.

What fault is there in that?

If she told Yu Nanqing that she had actively killed many people, or that one day she might aim her sword at the imperial throne, would Yu Nanqing still be so naively fearless?

Yet, seeing the anticipation in Yu Nanqing’s bright eyes, Xiao Qiling suddenly didn’t want to expose such harsh truths to her. She sat beside Yu Nanqing, feeling, for the first time, a strange pang of guilt for deceiving her.

She said, “Fine. I am faultless.”

Yu Nanqing smiled in response.

But her compliance didn’t last long. Glancing at the spring palace book in Xiao Qiling’s hands, her mischievous thoughts resurfaced.

Pointing at the book, she suggested, “Your Highness, shouldn’t we…?”

Xiao Qiling glanced at Yu Nanqing’s hand reaching for her waistband, her eyes flickering. “You’re eager to do this with me?”

Yu Nanqing nodded. “Very eager.”

Xiao Qiling smiled. “Then why is your hand trembling?”

Yu Nanqing struggled to suppress her resolute expression, but she couldn’t stop her hand from shaking. Defiantly, she lied, “I’m a bit cold.”

“Yin Er,” Xiao Qiling called casually, summoning a servant from outside. “Bring in a larger brazier.”

The room was already warm enough with the existing brazier—adding a larger one might suffocate them.

But since Yu Nanqing had made the excuse, she could only endure it.

When Yin Er, the maid, hauled in a brazier wide enough for two people and slammed it onto the carpet beside Yu Nanqing’s couch with a loud thud, Yu Nanqing let out several alarmed “Ah, ah, ah!” but couldn’t articulate a proper objection.

As expected of an imperial-grade brazier, it instantly warmed the room to a summer-like heat. Yu Nanqing stared at the brazier, her trembling hand gradually steadying.

Xiao Qiling touched the back of her hand, satisfied. “Your hand isn’t cold anymore.”

Snapping back to reality, Yu Nanqing grabbed Xiao Qiling’s hand, reverting to her earlier ploy like a fox spirit eager to drain someone’s essence. “Your Highness, now that we have the brazier, shall I help you undress?”

Xiao Qiling flipped through the spring palace book, not looking up. “Intimacy, like channeling true qi, tends to trigger the poison in my body. If the Princess Consort is truly desperate with loneliness, you can handle it yourself—or force yourself upon me. If I perish, the entire Prince Ning’s residence will be yours.”

Yu Nanqing: …

She wanted to glare at Xiao Qiling but didn’t dare.

What kind of ruthless person mocked others while dragging themselves into it? How had she ever thought she could seduce Xiao Qiling to gain her trust and assistance?

Now she’d made a fool of herself.

Yu Nanqing’s ears reddened, and she couldn’t utter a word.

Xiao Qiling watched her lowered head for a long moment, then flipped another page in the book, saying offhandedly, “But on our wedding night, I fought someone and survived just fine. It depends on my physical condition.”

Yu Nanqing had already abandoned her seduction plan, and hearing Xiao Qiling’s comment about her “physical condition” only killed her intentions further. It sounded like she’d need to fast, pray, bathe, burn incense, and pick an auspicious day.

Ever considerate, Yu Nanqing said, “Your Highness’s health is paramount. I won’t bring this up again.”

Xiao Qiling paused her page-turning, and for some reason, her smile faded.

“Didn’t I tell you before, Princess Consort? Using the bl00d of a living person as medicine can replenish my vitality. If you go to the residence’s physician and let some bl00d, I could certainly ensure you enjoy nightly revelry.”

Yu Nanqing: …

She’d been genuinely concerned for Xiao Qiling’s health, and now Xiao Qiling was fixating on her bl00d again?

Yu Nanqing was furious, tempted to grab the brazier and smash it over Xiao Qiling’s head.

But reason prevailed—she knew her slender arms couldn’t lift the massive brazier.

Unable to take it out on Xiao Qiling, Yu Nanqing turned her anger on herself for coming up with such a foolish seduction plan.

She slid off the beauty couch and bent to put on her shoes.

Xiao Qiling grabbed her. “Where are you going?”

Yu Nanqing replied expressionlessly, “To find a lake to jump into.”

Now it was Xiao Qiling’s turn to fall silent.

Yu Nanqing ignored her, shaking off her hand to storm out. Xiao Qiling caught up and pulled her back. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Yu Nanqing insisted on leaving, not even bothering to grab a warm coat.

With a soft tsk, Xiao Qiling hooked an arm around Yu Nanqing’s waist and lifted her into a bridal carry.

Yu Nanqing’s thin inner robe fluttered like butterfly wings, her dark hair swaying as she landed in Xiao Qiling’s arms.

The warmth of Xiao Qiling’s body enveloped her, the faint scent of morning dew and cool fragrance seeping into Yu Nanqing’s senses, making her tense. “Put me down!”

“I’ve been suffering from a poison flare-up and lack vitality these past few days. Behave, or you’ll be the one who falls,” Xiao Qiling said, feigning a light cough.

Yu Nanqing froze, nervously scanning Xiao Qiling’s face. “Is… is your poison severe?”

It wasn’t particularly severe—just that every so often, she needed to induce some toxicity to keep her complexion pale, lest she appear too healthy.

“It’s fine,” Xiao Qiling said.

Hearing “it’s fine,” Yu Nanqing assumed Xiao Qiling was putting on a brave front and grew even more worried. Her heart leapt to her throat, recalling how Xiao Qiling had once been pricked like a pincushion by the residence’s physician. The more she thought, the more alarmed she became.

She distinctly remembered that in her past life, Xiao Qiling hadn’t died so soon. She’d been in the Western Regions when she heard Qi soldiers mention Prince Ning’s death from poison.

Frowning deeply, Yu Nanqing asked, “The residence physician is so skilled—haven’t they found a solution? Have you consulted other doctors?”

Xiao Qiling caught the concern in Yu Nanqing’s eyes. The teasing words she’d meant to say stuck in her throat.

Instead, she found herself saying, “After all these years, no progress has been made. Life and death are fated.”

Yu Nanqing fell silent for a moment, then suddenly reached out to wrap her arms around Xiao Qiling’s waist. “Your Highness must not give up. There has to be a way.”

Xiao Qiling’s raised hand hesitated in midair for an instant before gently settling on Yu Nanqing’s back.

So easy to fool, she thought.

If someone this gullible were let loose, wouldn’t they be bullied to death, just like in the Duke’s residence?

Xiao Qiling’s fingertips threaded through Yu Nanqing’s soft hair, lightly twisting a strand. “Alright.”

After leaving Yu Nanqing, Xiao Qiling summoned her hidden guard to bring Wei Yunhan to her. At that moment, Young Master Wei was attempting to run away from home, carrying a small bundle on his back and riding a tall horse. He had just passed the city gate’s inspection and hadn’t even breathed a whiff of the fresh suburban air when he was abruptly whisked away.

Yin Er tossed a dejected Wei Yunhan into Xiao Qiling’s study. Xiao Qiling was reading a note Yu Nanqing had slipped to her before leaving.

Hearing the commotion, she turned her head and barely recognized Wei Yunhan. “You…”

Even her sharp-witted taunts faltered for a moment.

To successfully evade his family and achieve his dream of wandering the world, Wei Yunhan had gone so far as to wear a tattered, patched-up beggar’s outfit.

His dream of roaming the land cut short, Wei Yunhan didn’t dare lash out at Xiao Qiling. He first gave a respectful bow before asking, “What does Your Highness require of me?”

Xiao Qiling’s brows furrowed.

She began to reconsider whether she should choose someone else from the Wei family.

But over the years, she had grown accustomed to Wei Yunhan. Aside from his constant yearning to travel and explore, he was quite reliable. She handed him the note. “Find someone to look into this. See if the method written here is feasible.”

Wei Yunhan took the note and skimmed it, exclaiming in surprise, “There’s a salt-making method like this? It sounds too fantastical!”

Xiao Qiling didn’t think so.

Currently, the salt in Great Qi was primarily derived from water. After drying, the salt could be cleared of visible impurities, but it still carried the fishy or even bitter taste of its source.

For common folk, who used little salt in their meals, the faint bitterness was negligible. But for the nobility, the difference was significant.

Yu Nanqing had mentioned that this method came from a younger member of the Wei family who had traveled to the Western Regions and observed a local technique used in their cuisine. Upon returning, they experimented with salt multiple times but failed to replicate it, so they entrusted Yu Nanqing to find an expert in the capital.

Xiao Qiling knew something of the Ji family, who were salt merchants among other things. Salt was tightly controlled by the court, with strict quotas on annual sales. To maximize profits, they naturally needed to refine high-quality salt from the existing supply.

“Go find someone to test it,” she instructed.

Wei Yunhan sighed heavily. “Your Highness, I’ll get right on it. But could you, considering how promptly I answer your calls, do me a favor?”

Xiao Qiling could guess what he wanted without him saying it. “In a few days, I’ll be visiting my teacher. I’ll mention it to him then, and I’m sure you’ll be able to leave the Wei residence smoothly.”

Whether that “leaving” meant being kicked out was another matter. Wei Yunhan already felt his backside aching at the thought.

As expected, all crows under heaven are black—royalty was no good, not a single one of them.

Two days later, a banquet was held in the palace. The rumored “revived by a joyous marriage” Prince Ning, accompanied by his Princess Consort, entered the palace to pay respects to the Emperor. The Emperor, greatly pleased, made an exception by inviting Duke Yu and his family to the imperial family banquet, a gesture of great honor.

Yu Nanqing first followed Xiao Qiling to pay respects to Emperor Wenjing. With Great Qi currently free of external threats or internal strife, Emperor Wenjing, dressed in his dragon robe and crowned with a ceremonial cap, exuded immense authority seated high on his throne—a stark contrast to the frail, white-haired old man ravaged by elixirs Yu Nanqing had seen in her previous life.

Yu Nanqing followed Xiao Qiling in performing the kowtow ceremony. After rising, Emperor Wenjing asked her a few questions about whether she was adjusting to life in the Prince Ning’s residence, then had a palace maid escort her to a side hall, clearly intending to speak privately with Xiao Qiling.

Xiao Qiling’s complexion looked worse than it had a few days ago, and Yu Nanqing, concerned, kept glancing back every few steps. Noticing this, Emperor Wenjing remarked thoughtfully, “Ling’er, your Princess Consort seems quite attached to you, reluctant to part.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t look at Yu Nanqing, bowing respectfully before replying, “The person Father Emperor chose is naturally excellent.”

Her words reminded Emperor Wenjing that he had forced this marriage on Xiao Qiling. The Yu family’s daughter, neglected in the Duke’s residence, would naturally seek Xiao Qiling’s protection in the Prince Ning’s residence.

But Xiao Qiling’s cold demeanor clearly showed her dissatisfaction.

Her displeasure pleased Emperor Wenjing, and his smile grew more genuine. “Still, you must like her for it to matter. If you’re not fond of the Princess Consort, I can arrange for two side consorts. What do you think?”

Yu Nanqing, still within earshot at the hall’s threshold, felt no jealousy at the Emperor’s words. She only thought him overly ambitious, trying to plant two spies in the Prince Ning’s residence.

Curious how Xiao Qiling would refuse, Yu Nanqing slowed her steps, pricking up her ears—

“My thanks for Father Emperor’s kindness, but when my condition flares up, I’m not myself. If I were to lose control and harm a side consort again, it wouldn’t be good.”

Again?

It seemed Emperor Wenjing had previously sent women to “please” Xiao Qiling, only for them to die at her hands during a flare-up.

Yu Nanqing chuckled silently and followed the guiding eunuch out of the hall.

She saw Xiao Qiling again half an hour later.

Running over, she took the palace maid’s place to support Xiao Qiling, asking, “He didn’t make things difficult for you, did he?”

“No. He just dragged the entire Imperial Medical Academy to check my pulse again,” Xiao Qiling said, her tone laced with mockery. “All these years, it’s always the same result. He’s remarkably persistent.”

Yu Nanqing nodded silently.

As they rode a sedan chair to the Xining Palace, where the banquet was held, Xiao Qiling noticed Yu Nanqing’s silence.

Was it because of her comment about “the same result all these years”?

Xiao Qiling considered explaining, but doing so would inevitably touch on the poison in her body. Her gaze drifted to the palace path, and in the end, she said nothing.

When they arrived at Xining Palace, most of the princes and princesses were already present, their gazes—surprised, nervous, or curious—fixed on the arriving pair.

Xiao Qijun was in high spirits today, as Emperor Wenjing had permitted the Noble Consort to attend, seating her beside him.

After the Empress’s passing, the Noble Consort had managed the phoenix seal, but no news of Emperor Wenjing naming a new Empress had ever surfaced. Even someone as exalted as the Noble Consort typically sat with the other consorts at banquets, never beside the Emperor.

Today, however, was different.

Emperor Wenjing’s attitude was intriguing, hinting at the possibility of naming a new Empress.

If the Noble Consort truly ascended to the Empress’s position, Xiao Qijun would become another legitimate heir alongside Xiao Qiling, elevating his status above the other princes—a clear sign of the Emperor’s favor.

Xiao Qijun approached Yu Nanqing and Xiao Qiling with a smile, dressed in a deep indigo prince’s robe, exuding noble elegance. “Greetings, Elder Imperial Brother. Greetings, Imperial Sister-in-Law.”

Xiao Qiling nodded casually, surveying the banquet’s arrangements and offering a perfunctory compliment. “I heard Fourth Brother helped the Noble Consort organize today’s banquet. You’ve worked hard.”

“What effort is there to speak of?” Xiao Qijun had been waiting for this moment, waving a hand in feigned modesty. “Elder Brother rarely visits the palace, so I naturally had to ensure a proper welcome.”

At his words, Yu Nanqing, who had been quietly standing by like a decorative piece, couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Qijun.

She had always known of Xiao Qijun’s arrogance, but with the Noble Consort not yet elevated, for him to act as the palace’s host… was he not overreaching?

Yu Nanqing instinctively looked at Xiao Qiling, only to see her smile gently, seemingly unbothered by the Noble Consort encroaching on her late mother’s position as Empress.

“It’s been a while since I returned to the palace, and I was worried they’d forgotten my preferences. Seeing Fourth Brother handle the banquet today puts my mind at ease.”

Xiao Qijun laughed. “Elder Brother, you’re too kind.”

“Not at all.” Xiao Qiling said lightly, glancing at Yu Nanqing before adding, “But my Princess Consort is quite delicate. She can’t handle spicy food or garnishes like scallions. Please, Fourth Brother, ensure the dishes are mild and palatable.”

Yu Nanqing: …

She had no idea when she’d become unable to eat spicy food or so picky.

Xiao Qijun glanced around, maintaining his composure in front of the other princes and princesses. “Very well, Elder Brother, rest assured.”

Once seated, Yu Nanqing leaned toward Xiao Qiling and whispered, “Why haven’t we seen anyone from the Duke’s residence yet?”

It wouldn’t do for external officials to keep princes and princesses waiting, would it?

Xiao Qiling removed her outer robe and handed it to a palace maid behind her, saying casually, “They’re meeting the Emperor.”

Yu Nanqing mimicked her, shedding her robe and scooting closer to continue her questions. “When will the drama Your Highness promised me start? The Noble Consort is so favored now—what if she pleads with His Majesty and he wavers?”

“What was His Majesty’s attitude when you spoke with him earlier?”

“Your Highness, is it wrong of me to hope my father gets into trouble? Talk to me!”

Xiao Qiling finally responded.

She handed Yu Nanqing a fruit tray, her gaze sweeping over it before drifting away.

Yu Nanqing nodded eagerly with a series of “Oh, oh, oh!” and peeled an orange, offering a segment to Xiao Qiling’s lips.

Xiao Qiling tilted her head, frowning.

Realizing her mistake, Yu Nanqing immediately cleaned off the white pith until not a single strand remained, then offered it again with a placating smile.

This time, Xiao Qiling looked at the juice-dripping segment, her frown deepening.

Yu Nanqing, puzzled, asked, “Your Highness, won’t you eat it?”

Xiao Qiling: “You eat it. Eat more.”

So you’ll talk less.

Finally understanding, Yu Nanqing obediently ate her orange.

By the time she finished, Emperor Wenjing arrived.

A eunuch outside announced loudly, “His Majesty has arrived—”

Everyone in the hall stopped what they were doing and bowed toward the entrance.

Xiao Qiling’s guess was correct: Duke Yu Bingru had indeed taken his family to the Yangxin Hall first. He entered with Yu Nanbo and Yu Nanrou trailing behind, while Lady Li and the Noble Consort walked arm-in-arm on the Emperor’s other side.

Once Emperor Wenjing was seated, the banquet officially began, with an array of fine wines and dishes served to each guest’s table. The Emperor and the Noble Consort’s tables, as per protocol, were especially lavish.

The others’ dishes were more or less similar. Xiao Qiling and Xiao Qijun were seated on either side of the Emperor’s lower dais. Yu Nanqing initially found the food appealing, but when she looked up, she caught Xiao Qijun staring at her.

Yu Nanqing: ???

Confused, she shifted closer to Xiao Qiling and whispered, “Is something wrong with me?”

Xiao Qiling understood immediately but didn’t explain, saying only, “With your captivating beauty, it’s only natural for others to steal a few glances.”

Yu Nanqing, biting her chopsticks: “Huh?”

“Don’t mind it. Just eat.”

Feeling the stare was intrusive, Yu Nanqing lowered her head and focused on eating.

After three rounds of wine, the Noble Consort, smiling, proposed the matter of today’s promotions to Emperor Wenjing. In her thirties, she was well-preserved, her charm undiminished, her voice soft and delicate—befitting the most favored woman in the harem for years.

“Your Majesty, today is truly an auspicious day. Just a month ago, Prince Ning couldn’t even leave his bed, yet your decree of marriage has brought him to the palace to pay respects. Your Majesty is truly wise.”

Emperor Wenjing lowered his eyes to pick up a dish, his expression unreadable. Yu Nanqing glanced at Yu Bingru and saw the Duke’s family had set down their chopsticks, looking toward the high seat as if preparing to receive a title.

Yu Nanqing raised an eyebrow, then resumed eating, watching the drama unfold.

The Noble Consort continued laying the groundwork. “Master Liaowen’s predictions were spot-on. The Duke’s residence has excellent feng shui, and Duke Yu’s fine upbringing produced such an exceptional Princess Consort.”

This was the perfect segue to declare, “Duke Yu, virtuous and accomplished, is promoted to Minister of Rites.”

But a flicker of hesitation crossed Emperor Wenjing’s face as he glanced at Xiao Qiling.

Xiao Qiling’s expression remained indifferent, as if the matter didn’t concern her.

The Noble Consort, keenly attuned to Emperor Wenjing, sensed something amiss. Smiling, she adjusted her hair ornament. “Speaking of which, my palace’s fishpond is quite empty these days. I heard the Duke’s residence has many fine koi. Would Duke Yu be so kind as to part with a few, so I might share in the Duke’s residence’s good fortune?”

Duke Yu Bingru stood promptly. “It’s my honor to be so favored by Your Ladyship. Tomorrow, I’ll have the finest koi sent to you.”

The Noble Consort smiled, satisfied. “Have your wife deliver them. I’d love to have a private chat with her.”

Lady Li rose as well. “Rest assured, Your Ladyship.”

After the couple sat down, Emperor Wenjing asked, “I recall your palace had many koi. They were fine not long ago—how did they suddenly die?”

The Noble Consort had been waiting for this question. Sighing deeply, a trace of sorrow crossed her face. “A few days ago, some careless servant fed them something they shouldn’t have. Half the fish in the pond died within days, and we still haven’t found the culprit.”

Emperor Wenjing: “None of the attending palace staff saw anything?”

The Noble Consort shook her head. “No. I wanted to investigate, but with no leads, I had to let it go.”

Hearing the Noble Consort’s veiled jab at Xiao Qiling’s unproven accusations, Yu Nanqing grew worried.

Xiao Qiling’s gamble hinged on Emperor Wenjing not knowing whether she had kept any assassins alive. With the Noble Consort’s interruption, the Minister of Rites position seemed…

Yu Nanqing glanced nervously at Xiao Qiling, questioning with her eyes.

Xiao Qiling shook her head, and Yu Nanqing’s worry deepened.

Sure enough, Emperor Wenjing was swayed. “Duke Yu—”

He had barely begun when a young eunuch rushed in, knelt, and whispered something in his ear.

Emperor Wenjing, who had made up his mind, suddenly looked sharply at Xiao Qiling. The eunuch whispered, “The person has been detained. They were spotted by several officials leaving the palace, and the news has spread.”

Emperor Wenjing’s grip on his wine cup tightened, a chilling glint of killing intent flashing in his dark eyes.

Startled by his expression, the Noble Consort asked, “Your Majesty, what’s happened?”

Emperor Wenjing took a deep breath, speaking through gritted teeth, “Pass my decree: Effective immediately, Minister of Works Chen Xian is transferred to fill the Minister of Rites position. The Minister of Works position will be…”

He listed several officials’ names, concluding the reshuffle.

Silence fell over the hall.

Except for Xiao Qiling, no one knew why Emperor Wenjing had changed his mind. The Duke’s family, expecting a promotion, glared at Yu Nanqing from across the hall, their eyes practically sparking with anger.

Yu Nanqing met their gazes defiantly.

As if staring would change anything.

What use was glaring at her? She hadn’t sabotaged their plans.

Would staring harder make the Minister of Rites position go to the Duke’s residence?

After a while, Yu Nanqing’s eyes grew tired, and she looked away, ignoring them.

Then, she tugged at Xiao Qiling’s sleeve, her drooping eyes silently accusing: Your Highness, they’re bullying me again.