Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 18

18: “Because Xiao Qiling… She Can’t!”

In the brightly lit Duke’s Mansion, Yu Nanbo paced anxiously outside the courtyard.

The door was pushed open, and the imperial physician emerged first, carrying his medicine box, followed by Lady Li. Wiping her tear-reddened eyes with a handkerchief, Lady Li said to Yu Nanbo, “Your father is awake. He wants you to go in.”

“Father’s awake?” Yu Nanbo’s expression was fraught with worry. “I’ll go see him now.”

Yu Nanrou, standing nearby, hurriedly supported Lady Li. “Mother, take care of yourself too.”

Lady Li forced a faint smile. “Come sit with me for a bit. You can go in after he’s done talking with your brother.”

As they reached the door, Lady Li grabbed Yu Nanbo’s arm. “Your father just woke up. Be mindful of his condition and don’t say anything to upset him.”

Yu Nanbo nodded. “I understand, Mother. I won’t bring it up.”

Ever since the palace banquet, Duke Yu Bingru’s complexion had been poor. At the time, Yu Nanrou had wanted to confront Yu Nanqing, but Lady Li’s startled cry rang out behind them: “My lord!”

Yu Bingru had fainted from anger. Prince Chen had summoned an imperial physician for them, and now, two hours later, the situation had stabilized.

Upon waking, Yu Bingru seemed to have aged drastically, deep wrinkles etched at the corners of his eyes. He sat silently against the headboard.

It was clear to him now that Xiao Qiling’s actions at the palace were aimed at the Duke’s Mansion. At this moment, he finally realized that his daughter, Yu Nanqing, hadn’t taken his words to heart at all. She had completely aligned herself with Xiao Qiling.

But why?

Emperor Wenjing’s favor toward Xiao Qijun was unmatched. Xiao Qijun was the first prince allowed to participate in court discussions, a privilege even the deposed Crown Prince Xiao Qiling had never received.

So why would Yu Nanqing choose Xiao Qiling?

Yu Bingru couldn’t fathom it. As he pondered, a wave of frustration triggered a coughing fit.

Yu Nanbo, who had just entered the room, rushed to his side, patting his father’s back to comfort him. “Father, you must stay strong. Losing the position of Minister of Rites is only temporary. You need to take care of yourself to plan for the future.”

Yu Bingru’s expression shifted slightly.

Yu Nanbo knew how much his father valued the Minister of Rites position. Overseeing the imperial examinations allowed Yu Bingru to extend olive branches to other officials, elevating his status in Emperor Wenjing’s eyes and securing the Duke’s Mansion’s prosperity for a century.

He gripped his father’s hand, his tone resolute. “This time, the one most displeased isn’t us—it’s His Majesty. As long as we follow His Majesty’s will, opportunities for advancement will come.”

Yu Bingru seemed to snap out of his daze, tightly grasping his son’s hand in return. “Nanbo, has Prince Chen said anything to you?”

“I wanted to stay and discuss with His Highness, but you fainted so suddenly, and I was worried, so I returned with you.” Yu Nanbo replied. Seeing his father’s expression darken, he quickly added, “Father, Mother and Noble Consort Li share a deep sisterly bond, and I’ve been Prince Chen’s study companion since childhood. He won’t abandon us.”

“Sisterly bond?” Yu Bingru let out a scoff, as if he’d heard a grand joke. “Back then, didn’t Emperor Wenjing and… share a brotherly bond too?”

He gave a bitter laugh, unsure whether he was mocking Yu Nanbo’s naivety or his own wasted years.

“The imperial family is the most heartless of all.”

Hearing this, Yu Nanbo felt uneasy. He lowered his voice. “Father, His Highness mentioned the Spring Hunt in March. All officials above the third rank will bring their families. Should we…?”

Yu Bingru was silent for a long time—so long that Yu Nanbo thought he wouldn’t agree. Then, a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Yu Bingru patted twice, speaking deliberately, “You are the sole heir to the Duke’s Mansion. Wealth and glory can cloud one’s judgment, Nanbo. You must see clearly and strive for greatness!”

A spark of joy flashed across Yu Nanbo’s face as he nodded solemnly. “Father, I will.”

While the Duke’s Mansion was shrouded in gloom, the atmosphere in Prince Ning’s Mansion was festive by contrast.

Yu Nanqing felt immense guilt over Yu Bingru’s collapse. But the moment she stepped off the carriage, she sprang back to life, urging Chenxiang to fetch a jug of fine wine and ordering hot water for a bath.

The wine had been a gift from the Ji family earlier that year. Back at the Duke’s Mansion, Yu Nanqing rarely drank, wary of losing control. But in Prince Ning’s Mansion, she was less cautious.

After all, Xiao Qiling’s poor health meant they couldn’t consummate their marriage.

Add to that the satisfaction of watching the Duke’s Mansion squirm today—a double cause for celebration. Feeling emboldened, Yu Nanqing picked up the cup Chenxiang poured, sniffed the wine’s aroma, and took a sip.

The wine was rich and mellow, with a hint of tart plum and a sweet aftertaste, distinct from what she’d had before.

She hadn’t brought Chenxiang to the palace today, instead borrowing a skilled guard from Xiao Qiling to accompany Chenxiang to inspect the remaining shops.

As Chenxiang poured more wine, she grumbled about the Duke’s Mansion. “No wonder your dowry lacked silver. All these years, Lady Li took every cent of the shops’ profits, while your mother’s dowry covered their operating costs. Miss, you can’t let them off! You must make them pay!”

Yu Nanqing, not much of a drinker, was already tipsy after a few cups. The alcohol clouded her mind. “Make them pay? Impossible.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “I already had Prince Ning step in once. Making a fuss again with her influence would be humiliating.”

Not to mention whether Xiao Qiling would agree—she herself found it beneath her to squabble over the dowry again.

“So you’re just going to let them off?” Chenxiang asked.

Yu Nanqing handed her cup back. “One more.”

Chenxiang clutched the jug protectively. “Miss, you can’t drink too much while soaking in the bath. Let’s get out first, then drink more, alright?”

Yu Nanqing frowned but nodded.

Knowing Yu Nanqing disliked close attendants, Chenxiang hung a dry towel within reach and turned away. The sound of dripping water echoed as Chenxiang passed her clothes.

When they finally settled Yu Nanqing into bed, she suddenly grabbed Chenxiang’s arm, whispering unevenly, “They stole my things, but Prince Ning will take them back for me.”

Chenxiang was confused. “Miss, didn’t you say Prince Ning wouldn’t confront the Duke about the shops’ losses?”

“There’s more.” Yu Nanqing mumbled before her eyes fluttered shut, succumbing to drunken slumber.

Chenxiang called softly twice, but seeing Yu Nanqing fast asleep, she pulled the blanket over her, extinguished the candle, and left.

An hour later, the door creaked open again.

Yu Nanqing was rudely shaken awake, her face full of displeasure. Opening her eyes to see Xiao Qiling’s pale face, she mistook her for a ghost, shoved her away, and collapsed back into sleep.

Caught off guard, Xiao Qiling steadied herself against the bedpost to avoid falling. Her cold, shackle-like hand gripped Yu Nanqing’s neck, pulling her from the covers. “Wake up. I have questions.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes opened, but her gaze was sluggish. She stared at Xiao Qiling for a long moment. “You’re…”

Xiao Qiling raised an eyebrow. “Don’t recognize me?”

Yu Nanqing giggled. “You’re Xiao Qiling!”

Being addressed so directly, Prince Ning’s brow twitched, ready to scold her, but the scent of wine overwhelmed her—Yu Nanqing was practically steeped in it.

Earlier, the guard Yin Si, who accompanied Chenxiang, reported that Yu Nanqing’s shops had been plundered by the Duke’s Mansion. Xiao Qiling, timing her visit, had come to witness Yu Nanqing’s tearful complaints. Now, she regretted it.

Disgusted, she let go, intending to leave.

But as she stood, Yu Nanqing grabbed her robe, muttering drunkenly, “Thirsty.”

It took Xiao Qiling several seconds to process that Yu Nanqing had mistaken her for a servant. Torn between chopping off her hand and tossing her out of the mansion, Xiao Qiling… poured her a cup of water.

Otherwise, Yu Nanqing would surely cry, she reasoned.

As she moved to get water, Yu Nanqing grabbed her again. Xiao Qiling slapped her hand. “Let go, or I can’t pour it.”

Yu Nanqing seemed to understand, releasing her obediently. “Make it cold.”

Xiao Qiling tested the teapot’s temperature with her hand and passed it over coolly. “Only hot.”

Yu Nanqing glared accusingly but took the cup, drinking greedily.

The aged wine was deceptively smooth, but its potency hit hard. The warm water did nothing to ease her thirst or the heat coursing through her—it only intensified.

“More,” she demanded, handing the cup back, her glassy eyes pleading.

Xiao Qiling sighed and poured another.

Yu Nanqing, overheating, tugged at her collar, exposing a swath of fair skin glistening with sweat, glowing softly in the candlelight.

Xiao Qiling froze mid-step.

Oblivious, Yu Nanqing fumbled with her inner garments’ buttons, tilting her head. “Why’re you standing there?”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes narrowed, the water in the cup rippling slightly. “Put your clothes on.”

Yu Nanqing blinked slowly, her long lashes casting curved shadows. “This is my room. I’ll dress how I want. You can’t tell me what to do.”

Defiantly, she kicked off the blanket, her trousers already bunched up, revealing flushed calves.

Xiao Qiling’s expression darkened. “Do you know who I am?”

Yu Nanqing looked puzzled, then beckoned. “Come here.”

Xiao Qiling approached, leaning slightly to meet her gaze. “See clearly now?”

Yu Nanqing blinked slowly again, then suddenly yanked Xiao Qiling’s collar, pulling her down. With a swift motion, she straddled her.

Xiao Qiling watched her antics with cold detachment.

Yu Nanqing’s flushed eyes gleamed with a bold, triumphant smile. “Of course I know you. You’re Xiao Qiling.”

Her voice carried a smug delight.

This usually respectful princess consort—Xiao Qiling had tested her countless times, yet her first slip came from a single jug of wine.

Just one jug…

Was it really that easy?

Had she known, why had she bothered with all the scheming before?

Xiao Qiling’s gaze lifted, her hand sliding slowly up Yu Nanqing’s arm, finally pinching her chin to force eye contact. “Tell me, were you happy tonight seeing your father lose the Minister of Rites position?”

“Happy.” Yu Nanqing replied, her wine-reddened eyes glinting as she reached for Xiao Qiling’s hand.

She tugged a few times, but it didn’t budge.

“How dare you!” Yu Nanqing huffed, convinced this was her dream, where even the emperor would obey her.

Xiao Qiling chuckled lowly and asked, “Do you want to kill me?”

Yu Nanqing fell silent.

The room grew deathly still.

With infinite patience, Xiao Qiling repeated, “Yu Nanqing, do you want to kill me?”

Her tone was almost seductive, her thumb brushing upward from Yu Nanqing’s chin to linger on her lips, stroking gently as if soothing a small animal.

“The emperor must be furious tonight. The Duke’s Mansion now sees your allegiance clearly. The emperor hasn’t found the right moment to eliminate me while maintaining appearances, but to pressure me, you’d be the first target. Tell me, are you afraid?”

“If you’re afraid, kill me tonight. With your eloquence, you could twist the truth and become the hero who killed the deposed Crown Prince.”

Yu Nanqing shook her head. “Can’t.”

Xiao Qiling pressed, “Why not?”

Drunk beyond reason, Yu Nanqing still analyzed her situation. “If I killed you, the dog emperor would praise me publicly but secretly fear I’d reveal it. He’d send assassins to silence me.”

Xiao Qiling’s fingers traced Yu Nanqing’s warm cheek, feeling the pulse of life beneath her palm.

She recalled the first time she tested Yu Nanqing, when she’d just married into the mansion. Back then, Xiao Qiling had considered letting her leave. Now, Yu Nanqing was more vivid, bold, and real. Perhaps this was her true nature, hidden beneath the surface.

But whether this nature was good or bad, Xiao Qiling couldn’t yet judge.

“I’m starting to doubt if you’re really drunk.” Xiao Qiling teased, scratching Yu Nanqing’s cheek like one would a kitten. “One more question: what’s your connection to Prince Chen, Xiao Qijun?”

Years as Crown Prince had ingrained in Xiao Qiling a need to probe every detail. Yu Nanqing might resent the Duke’s Mansion and Xiao Qijun because of the forced marriage, but what about before?

From what she knew, Xiao Qijun had been close to the Duke’s Mansion, and reports from her spies suggested he treated Yu Nanqing with great courtesy before the marriage.

With limited exposure to men, Xiao Qijun—thanks to Lady Li’s connection—could freely visit the Duke’s Mansion without gossip. He was likely the most powerful and kind figure Yu Nanqing encountered before her marriage.

So what caused Yu Nanqing’s drastic change, rejecting Xiao Qijun’s promises of protection and daring to marry into the deposed Crown Prince’s mansion?

Could it be she discovered an affair between Yu Nanbo and Xiao Qijun?

Xiao Qiling could never understand women fighting over a man, though she could empathize. But what about Yu Nanqing?

If Yu Nanqing could betray Xiao Qijun over romantic feelings, she might one day return to him for the same reason.

Yu Nanqing stared blankly, either too drunk or pretending to be. Xiao Qiling’s patience waned, her grip tightening.

Before she could press harder, Yu Nanqing’s tongue darted out, wrapping around her fingers.

The soft tongue licked lightly, then sucked.

Xiao Qiling’s grip slackened instantly.

Oblivious, Yu Nanqing nibbled and licked, dissatisfied when she couldn’t find the taste she wanted. She pushed Xiao Qiling’s hand away with her tongue and wiped her mouth with her sleeve, flashing a glimpse of smooth skin before her clothes settled back.

Drunk as she was, there was no point in questioning further. Xiao Qiling gave up, ready to drag her off.

But Yu Nanqing spoke. “Xiao Qijun… he’s unreliable.”

Something sensitive and forbidden had been touched, and Yu Nanqing’s hate-filled gaze met Xiao Qiling’s. “Anyone who relies on him will meet a bad end.”

Xiao Qiling, stung by that look, couldn’t quite read her. “Why do you say that?”

“Because… I just know!” Yu Nanqing, heedless of her exposed collar, leaned in and whispered, “That’s why I can’t be with him or the Duke’s Mansion. I have to stay far away.”

“And me?” Xiao Qiling, wary of her drunken confusion, rephrased, “Is Xiao Qiling reliable?”

“Xiao Qiling…” Yu Nanqing seemed exhausted. She leaned down, her loose hair and clothes spilling over Xiao Qiling, whispering near her ear, “I’m not sure yet.”

Her already flushed eyes grew moist, her lips parted, breath warm against Xiao Qiling’s neck.

Xiao Qiling’s voice turned husky. “Why not?”

Drunk again, Yu Nanqing nestled closer, nibbling Xiao Qiling’s collarbone. “Too sick.”

As if worried Xiao Qiling wouldn’t understand, she whispered like sharing a secret, “She can’t even consummate… She’s no good.”