Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 19

19: “Your Highness, the Princess Consort has gone to Ningxiang Pavilion”

The next morning, Xiao Qiling visited the newly appointed Minister of Rites, Chen Guangxian. Lord Chen was the second-place scholar in the third year of the Zhaoyuan era and one of the first batch of officials to enter the court through the imperial examinations during Emperor Wenjing’s reign.

After serving in the Hanlin Academy, he was appointed as a county magistrate for five years. Upon completing his term, he was transferred back to the capital and directly entered one of the Six Ministries.

Although the Six Ministries are theoretically equal in rank, their status varies greatly. The Ministry of Personnel, responsible for official promotions, has always been regarded as the most prestigious. The Ministry of Revenue, overseeing the national treasury, comes next, followed by the Ministry of Rites, which manages the imperial examinations; the Ministry of War, which authorizes military appointments; the Ministry of Justice, handling criminal cases; and finally, the often-overlooked Ministry of Works, responsible for infrastructure.

Thus, Chen’s transfer from Minister of Works to Minister of Rites, though a lateral move in rank, was still a promotion. If he could advance further to the Ministry of Personnel or Revenue, with his years of experience in officialdom, a position in the Grand Council would be within reach.

It was already noon when Xiao Qiling returned to the Prince’s Mansion.

The stewardess greeted him and asked, “Your Highness, shall we prepare lunch?”

Xiao Qiling thought for a moment and turned toward Qinfang Pavilion. “No need. I’ll dine with the Princess Consort.”

The stewardess hurried after him, hesitating before saying, “The Princess Consort hasn’t risen yet. Her personal maid has checked on her several times. Shall I send someone to wake her?”

“She hasn’t gotten up?” Xiao Qiling was slightly surprised but, recalling Yu Nanqing’s drunken state the previous night, thought it reasonable.

He instructed the stewardess, “Have the mansion’s physician prepare a sobering tonic and bring it over.”

The stewardess bowed and replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”

As the weather warmed, Xiao Qiling removed his heavy cloak, returned to his courtyard to change clothes, and then headed to Qinfang Pavilion.

The physician was highly efficient. By the time Xiao Qiling arrived at Qinfang Pavilion, a bowl of medicinal tonic was already waiting at the door. The physician, seeking praise, said, “The Princess Consort dislikes bitter or sour flavors, so I avoided certain ingredients and added some cooling mint.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at him with a half-smile, the hairpins in her hair swaying lightly. “Why not add some milk, then? It might taste even better.”

The physician scratched his head, seriously considering the bizarre combination. “That might make the flavor stranger. The Princess Consort wouldn’t like it, would she?”

Xiao Qiling reached for the bowl in the physician’s hands, and a refreshing minty scent wafted toward her. “You’re quite attentive to her.”

“Of course, I must be attentive.” the physician said, glancing at the closed door. “Speaking of which, the Princess Consort was exhausted last night. Should I prepare a nourishing tonic to help her recover?”

Xiao Qiling’s slender fingers toyed with the bowl’s lid, her narrowed eyes glinting as if weighing how to deal with the physician’s audacity.

The physician, chilled by her gaze, realized his mistake. “Your Highness… you haven’t consummated the marriage?”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze deepened.

“You didn’t do anything even after the Princess Consort got drunk? Could it be that you are unwell?” The physician, struck by a sudden revelation, nearly clapped his hands in excitement, though he was still holding the bowl. “In that case, it’s Your Highness who needs the nourishing tonic—mmph! Mmph!”

Two hidden guards appeared just in time. One took the bowl, while the other clamped a hand over the physician’s mouth and dragged him away, narrowly preventing a disaster.

Yin Er, still holding the tray, asked, “Your Highness, shall I deliver this to the Princess Consort?”

“I’ll take it in myself.” Xiao Qiling said, taking the bowl and giving a leisurely order. “The fish in the main courtyard’s pond have been listless lately. Have the physician take a look.”

Yin Er was surprised. “The physician can treat fish?”

“He’s been idle lately. Let him try, and he’ll learn.” Xiao Qiling said, her gold-embroidered phoenix robe accentuating her elegance, though her words carried a chilling edge. “For every fish that dies, deduct a month’s salary.”

The commotion outside reached the room, and Yu Nanqing finally showed signs of waking.

Back at the Duke’s Mansion, she had to pay respects to Duke Yu Bingru every morning. But in Prince Ning’s Mansion, Xiao Qiling had waived this rule, allowing Yu Nanqing to sleep until she woke naturally. Even after a hangover, she had mostly recovered, feeling quite comfortable.

She rolled over in bed, only to collide with a warm wall. Sensing something amiss, Yu Nanqing patted it twice.

It was quite soft.

She slid downward, her forehead brushing against something hard, like jade.

Combined with the smooth fabric under her palm, Yu Nanqing’s hand trembled, and she snapped awake.

Her eyes met a dazzling golden glow. Focusing, she realized it was a golden robe. Her hand was already halfway inside the robe’s collar, and her head was shamelessly burrowing toward the other’s waist.

Yu Nanqing: …I might as well die.

Her hand twitched, trying to feign sleep and pretend nothing had happened by rolling away.

But before she could fully retract her hand, a teasing voice drifted from above. “The Princess Consort is quite enthusiastic.”

Yu Nanqing whimpered twice, playing dead to avoid facing reality.

But Xiao Qiling gave her no such chance. Pinching the back of Yu Nanqing’s neck, she lifted her up and mercilessly poured the medicinal tonic down her throat.

Caught off guard, Yu Nanqing’s eyes widened in panic. More of the tonic spilled than she swallowed. Perhaps seeing her struggle too fiercely, Xiao Qiling finally relented and let go. Yu Nanqing, no longer able to pretend to be asleep, met Xiao Qiling’s gaze with a forced smile. “Good morning, Your Highness.”

“It’s nearly noon. If you hadn’t woken up soon, I’d have sent for the Duke’s Mansion to prepare your funeral.” Xiao Qiling said with a mocking smile. “Since you’re awake, drink the medicine.”

The bitter taste lingered in Yu Nanqing’s mouth. Feigning confusion, she said, “Oh, medicine?”

Xiao Qiling gave her a cold glance. “Drink it. Or I’ll have you thrown to Prince Chen’s Mansion.”

To others, that might be a desirable assignment, but for Yu Nanqing, it was something to avoid at all costs. Her brows knitted in distress, looking pitiful, but she obediently took the bowl and drank it in one go.

She was strikingly beautiful, and even drinking medicine, her movements were pleasing to the eye. Afterward, she licked the lingering medicine from her lips with her bright red tongue.

Xiao Qiling’s eyes narrowed slightly, the collarbone Yu Nanqing had licked and nibbled the previous night faintly burning.

Noticing Xiao Qiling’s sudden silence, Yu Nanqing followed her gaze and asked, “Your Highness, is there something on my lips?”

“No.” Xiao Qiling brushed a strand of hair from Yu Nanqing’s temple, asking gently, “Is the Princess Consort refusing to get up because she’s still upset about my inability to consummate the marriage?”

Inability to consummate?

Yu Nanqing blinked slowly.

In that moment, memories sealed by alcohol flooded back like a tidal wave.

“This is my room. What business is it of yours?”

“Of course I recognize you. Aren’t you Xiao Qiling?”

Not only had she verbally offended Xiao Qiling, but she’d also pinned her to the bed, tugged open her collar, and licked and bitten her like a possessed woman, committing an outrageous act of defiance.

Worst of all was her final statement before passing out: “She can’t even consummate the marriage… She’s incapable!”

Every scene from last night struck her mind like a boomerang, leaving her already foggy, hungover brain in disarray.

She’s incapable? Incapable?!

Yu Nanqing shuddered violently. The incapable one was clearly her, not Xiao Qiling!

Xiao Qiling bore a strange poison that prevented extreme emotional fluctuations, but that didn’t mean she was truly incapable of such acts.

Hadn’t the courtyard full of corpses on their wedding day proven that?

Killing an entire courtyard took only a few days of rest to recover. Killing her would probably require no effort at all—just a flick of a finger.

Yu Nanqing’s terrified gaze fixed on Xiao Qiling’s hand, fearing she might actually strangle her.

She cautiously recalled whether she’d let slip anything about her past life while frantically thinking of how to explain herself to Xiao Qiling.

Say it was a drunken slip of the tongue, that nothing said while intoxicated counts? But then wouldn’t her earlier pledges of loyalty to Xiao Qiling also be false?

Say her earlier words were true? Then wouldn’t her final statement be taken as heartfelt?

Heaven and earth bear witness—Yu Nanqing knew she had a bad habit of speaking recklessly around Xiao Qiling. After all, Prince Ning was powerful, beautiful, and had insisted on marrying her. Wasn’t it only human to indulge in some verbal bravado?

But she never imagined her drunken self would be so unrestrained, attacking Xiao Qiling’s illness and daring to say she couldn’t consummate the marriage.

That was, perhaps, maybe, probably… a provocation, wasn’t it?

She had actually dared to provoke Xiao Qiling.

Yu Nanqing suddenly wanted to die.

From Yu Nanqing’s shifting expressions, Xiao Qiling could tell she’d remembered everything. Her gaze remained amused, her loosened belt left untied, as if deeply concerned. “What’s wrong, Princess Consort? Did the alcohol damage your brain, making you forget?”

Yu Nanqing tried to smile but couldn’t.

She was mortified, her ears burning red, too ashamed to lift her head.

She could sense Xiao Qiling’s scent today—a white magnolia fragrance—drawing closer, closer, the golden robe casting a shadow as if trapping her in a corner of the bed.

“Y-Your Highness.” Yu Nanqing stammered, feeling like she could barely breathe, like a helpless cub struggling under a beast’s paw.

Forcing a fawning smile, she said, “Your Highness is wise, invincible, strong, and… capable of seven rounds in one night?”

Xiao Qiling: …

This mouth of hers never says anything good.

A vein twitched at Xiao Qiling’s temple as she snapped, “Shut up.”

Yu Nanqing immediately clamped her mouth shut.

But moments later, she cautiously tugged at the hem of Xiao Qiling’s robe, which had fallen onto her blanket, and slowly, ever so slowly, inched backward.

Xiao Qiling grabbed her and pulled her back.

“Y-Your Highness?” Yu Nanqing had been dragged across the bed like this several times before. Though she was always a bit scared, after so many instances, she wasn’t as startled.

She thought this time Xiao Qiling was just trying to intimidate her, as usual.

But as soon as she was pulled back, a hand with distinct knuckles slipped under her clothes. A warm palm pressed against her waist, gently squeezing. The cool, smooth sensation spread through her fingertips, making Yu Nanqing tremble violently.

Before long, Yu Nanqing’s clear eyes turned misty and red, her cheeks flushed as if painted with vibrant rouge.

The hand, calloused from sword practice, was usually hard to notice, but on her tender waist, it was unmistakable. Yu Nanqing’s voice trembled as she grabbed Xiao Qiling’s hand, which was sliding downward. “Your Highness, please… don’t do this to me.”

Xiao Qiling paused, her clear eyes—opposite to Yu Nanqing’s—studying her for a moment before she suddenly leaned closer.

Their breaths mingled. Yu Nanqing hurriedly grabbed Xiao Qiling’s wandering hand, her mind blank, spouting every compliment she could think of. “Your Highness is so formidable, capable of anything, extremely capable… Can Your Highness let me go now?”

Yu Nanqing’s brows knitted, her flushed eyes brimming with tears, her thick lashes clumped together. Xiao Qiling’s gaze lingered for a few seconds before her hand finally stopped at the edge of Yu Nanqing’s undergarments.

In that instant, Yu Nanqing summoned her strength, pushed Xiao Qiling away, and, trembling with a numb waist, scrambled off the bed. Her face red as if dripping bl00d, she fled the room like a rabbit.

The physician, who had been reassigned to treat the pond fish, happened to come to plead with Xiao Qiling. Seeing Yu Nanqing burst out with a flushed face, as if fleeing for her life, he curiously tried to stop her. But as soon as he reached out, Yu Nanqing leaped three steps away, as if she’d seen a terrifying figure, changed direction, and continued her escape.

Yin San, carrying a heavy cloak, flashed past overhead. The physician muttered to herself, puzzled.

She knocked twice on the door, entered with permission, and asked curiously, “Your Highness, why did the Princess Consort run so fast when she saw me? Could my tonic have been brewed with the wrong ingredients?”

She quickly dismissed the idea. “Impossible. I checked multiple times before brewing. There’s no way I made a mistake.”

Xiao Qiling leisurely poured herself a cup of cool tea, the green porcelain cup looking exquisite in her hand. “Perhaps you offended her elsewhere.”

The physician, a complete medicine nerd, was sharp only when studying herbs and often spoke without thinking. “No, no! The Princess Consort’s face was already off when she ran out, and she fled even faster when she saw me. She must have mistaken me for one of Your Highness’s people. Though, I am one of Your Highness’s people… but that’s not the point. The point is, Your Highness, you’re the one who bullied the Princess Consort, aren’t you?”

Xiao Qiling paused mid-sip, her gaze coldly sweeping over the physician.

The physician broke into a cold sweat, about to say something to salvage the situation, when Xiao Qiling’s laughter filled the room.

The physician cautiously looked up, seeing her master, who moments ago had been stormy, now laughing heartily, as if she’d succeeded in some nefarious scheme.

But the physician didn’t dare comment. The laughter alone was enough to make her scalp tingle and her back chill. One more question, and she feared she’d be feeding the fish instead of treating them.

“Why are you back?” Xiao Qiling seemed to suddenly notice her, reining in her laughter and returning to her usual calm demeanor. “Is something urgent?”

“No, I just wanted to ask if Your Highness really wants me to treat the fish. I can only treat people, not fish!” the physician said, nearly in tears. “Can’t you assign someone else?”

“It’s fine if you can’t treat them.” Xiao Qiling said, recalling Yu Nanqing’s preferences during their recent meals. “The Princess Consort likes fish. Catch a few and have the kitchen prepare a full fish banquet.”

The physician: …

You drove her away, and now I have to cook fish to appease her?

As if reading her mind, Xiao Qiling tilted her head. “Is there a problem?”

The physician: “Can the cook handle it? I’m really not good at this, Your Highness. What if the Princess Consort doesn’t like it and gets upset?”

Xiao Qiling considered this reasonable. “Then have the cook do it, but supervise the process.”

The physician knew she couldn’t escape this task, but it was still better than treating fish. Numbly, she said, “Yes, Your Highness.”

After the physician left, a servant reported, “Your Highness, the Third Prince is in the front courtyard. He wishes to see you.”

The Third Prince, Xiao Qimin, was titled Prince Xuan upon reaching adulthood last year. He was the son of Consort Shu, the only sister of the current General Zhenyuan.

When Emperor Wenjing ascended the throne, General Zhenyuan had quelled a rebellion by border troops, ensuring his smooth coronation. Thus, after taking the throne, Emperor Wenjing highly valued the Zhenyuan General’s Mansion, taking the general’s daughter as a consort and making Prince Xuan his first legitimate son.

However, as General Zhenyuan remained stationed at the border for years, rumors spread that the border troops knew only the general, not the emperor. Emperor Wenjing’s attitude toward Consort Shu and her son gradually cooled, and he increasingly supported the civil officials aligned with Consort Gui.

Xiao Qiling acknowledged with a hum. “Let him wait. I’ll change and be there shortly.”

About half an incense stick later, Xiao Qiling entered the front hall.

As the Third Prince, Xiao Qimin’s attire was far less understated than Xiao Qijun’s when he left the palace. Dressed in a flamboyant brocade robe, his martial family background gave him sharper, less gentle features than Xiao Qijun’s, with a pronounced edge to his brow.

He was already impatient, his expression brimming with irritation. Only when he saw Xiao Qiling did he temper it slightly, rising to bow. “Greetings, Elder Brother.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t return the courtesy, sitting directly across from him before gesturing. “Sit, Third Brother.”

Xiao Qimin, unable to hold back, immediately asked, “What did Father say?”

Xiao Qiling paused while lifting her cup, glancing at him before setting it down with a soft clink. “Can I fathom Father’s thoughts? If you’re so curious, why not visit the Dali Temple yourself? I’m sure the Dali Temple Minister would gladly hand over the culprits.”

Xiao Qimin stood, bowing again. “Forgive me, Elder Brother. My temper has always been disagreeable, even to Father. Please don’t hold it against me.”

Xiao Qiling remained impassive. “No need for formalities, Third Brother.”

“I hear your chess skills are exceptional. Shall I play a few rounds with you?” Xiao Qimin suggested.

Xiao Qiling agreed, and a chessboard was set up. As the servants prepared, a gust of wind blew through the hall, and Xiao Qiling coughed several times, the sound echoing like choking bl00d in the empty hall.

Xiao Qimin frowned. “Elder Brother, your health…”

Xiao Qiling coughed again. “It’s nothing.”

She took the black pieces, and after a few moves, swiftly decimated Xiao Qimin’s white pieces. Growing bored, Xiao Qiling glanced toward the mansion’s gate, wondering where Yu Nanqing had run off to.

Earlier, while changing into men’s attire, a hidden guard reported that Yu Nanqing had refused her cloak, changed into new clothes in a side room with her maid, and left the mansion to have fun.

“Elder Brother? Elder Brother?”

Xiao Qimin’s calls pulled Xiao Qiling’s thoughts back. “Hm?”

“Are you waiting for Sister-in-Law?” Xiao Qimin smiled, praising, “I’d heard the Duke’s fourth daughter was a beauty, but the third daughter is even more ethereal. You’re truly fortunate, Elder Brother.”

Xiao Qiling was unmoved. “If you want a wife, ask Father to arrange one for you.”

Xiao Qimin gave a bitter smile. “Historically, princes marry young, often betrothed before adulthood. But Father’s intentions are clear. Marriages tie us to the Six Ministries or even the Grand Council, so he’s delayed our weddings.”

“Even you… The Duke’s Mansion holds a dukedom equal to a prince, but it’s an empty title with no real power. If you were still…” He lowered his voice. “Still the Crown Prince, your consort would surely have been from a powerful Grand Council family, not the Duke’s Mansion.”

Irritated, Xiao Qiling tossed a chess piece aside. “If you think it’s unfair, take it up with Father, not me.”

Seeing her unyielding, Xiao Qimin’s impatience surfaced, and he spoke bluntly. “What about the assassins from your wedding night? Is Father truly not pursuing it further?”

Xiao Qiling smiled slowly, reaching as if to pick up a surrounded white piece. Instead, her hand darted toward Xiao Qimin.

Xiao Qimin instinctively raised his hand to counter, but before he could, Xiao Qiling’s grip closed around his throat.

Xiao Qimin’s raised hand froze. Coming from the Zhenyuan General’s Mansion, his martial skills were the best among the princes, and he could usually counter such attacks. But Xiao Qiling’s move was too fast for him to react.

Worse, he felt the clear killing intent in every pulse her fingers pressed against.

His voice strained, he asked, “Elder Brother, what are you doing?”

“I may be poisoned and have only a few years left, but my ability to make you all bow wasn’t just because of the Crown Prince title.” Xiao Qiling said with interest. “The spectacle you arranged on my wedding night was impressive, but a Minister of Rites should satisfy your appetite. As your elder brother, I’ll warn you: don’t bring down Xiao Qijun only to ruin yourself first.”

Xiao Qimin’s pupils contracted sharply. “Elder Brother, help me.”

Xiao Qiling looked down at him for a moment before releasing him.

“Among the assassins sent to the mansion that night, some were your trusted men.”

Even as Xiao Qiling returned to her seat, Xiao Qimin’s eyes flashed with panic and fear. “Elder Brother, I…”

“No need to apologize.” Xiao Qiling said, picking up her tea with a laugh. “If I cared about that, you wouldn’t be here today.”

From the moment she struck a deal with Xiao Qimin, she knew he wouldn’t honor it. Whether he sent the assassins to test her or kill her made no difference to her.

She didn’t even bother investigating whether they were truly his men.

Xiao Qimin moved to bow again, but Xiao Qiling stopped him. “Spare me the formalities. Since you’ve been respectful today, I’ll point you to a path.”

Xiao Qimin brightened. “Please, Elder Brother.”

Xiao Qiling said leisurely, “The second son of the Duke’s Mansion is deeply trusted by Xiao Qijun.”

Xiao Qimin frowned. “He’s been Xiao Qijun’s study companion since childhood, so naturally, he’s trusted.”

Xiao Qiling smiled, lowering her head to sip her tea.

“You mean we can start with him?” Xiao Qimin took a deep breath, rising eagerly. “Then I won’t disturb you further, Elder Brother.”

After Xiao Qimin left, Yin San descended from the eaves, landing before Xiao Qiling. “Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling raised her eyes. “Why are you back? Where’s the Princess Consort?”

Yin San replied respectfully, “Yin Si is watching her, but Your Highness instructed us to report any unusual activity immediately.”

Influenced by Xiao Qimin, a glint of sharpness crossed Xiao Qiling’s eyes. “Who did she go to see?”

“It’s not about meeting someone.” Yin San hesitated under Xiao Qiling’s intense gaze, apologized to Yu Nanqing in his heart, and spilled everything. “The Princess Consort has reserved the entire Ningxiang Pavilion and had all the beautiful courtesans brought to her.”