Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 22

22: “Qingqing, No Regrets Once the Piece Is Played”

When Master Xichen brought Yu Nanqing back to Xiao Qiling’s side, Xiao Qiling was standing at the mountaintop, admiring the early spring scenery of the mountains.

Yu Nanqing hurriedly ran to Xiao Qiling, grabbing her sleeve and immediately starting to complain, “Your Highness, let’s hurry down the mountain. If we don’t leave soon, that monk will ask me for more money!”

Her voice was sticky and soft, utterly endearing.

Xiao Qiling turned her head. “Hmm? He asked you for money?”

Yu Nanqing continued her complaints, “He insisted I draw a fortune stick. Drawing the stick costs money, interpreting it costs money, and resolving it costs money too. On top of that, passing by a Buddha hall, he made me donate incense money!”

Xiao Qiling tried to push Yu Nanqing’s hand away but failed to dislodge her, so she let her hold on. “This Prince will look into it.”

Yu Nanqing’s little face scrunched up, as if she wanted to say more but tightly shut her mouth, though her grip on Xiao Qiling remained resolute.

This caused Master Xichen, standing nearby, to crack a slow, strained smile.

Xiao Qiling turned to Xichen, her voice turning icy. “This Prince entrusted the Princess Consort to you, Master, and this is how you handle it?”

Xichen fell silent.

A quarter of an hour ago, he had indeed received a promise of three thousand taels of gold from Yu Nanqing. But that gold was something Yu Nanqing insisted on giving him, forcing him to interpret her fortune stick as an auspicious one.

Half a quarter ago, he had received another promise of two thousand taels of gold from her. But that sum was also her initiative, a bribe to keep quiet about the fortune stick.

As an enlightened monk, Xichen regarded money as an external trifle and would not bend for it.

Yet, one tael of silver could sustain a modest family of three for half a year, and one tael of gold equaled ten taels of silver. Five thousand taels of gold was enough to fund relief for tens of thousands of disaster victims at Huguo Temple—a temptation too great to ignore.

If there was anything that truly dissatisfied Yu Nanqing, it was her final question: “Can His Highness Ning’s lifespan be extended?”

Naturally, Xichen did not answer, only stating that the secrets of heaven could not be revealed.

And because of this, Yu Nanqing turned around and complained to Xiao Qiling.

Xichen shook his head with a smile. “The Princess Consort is kind-hearted. The incense money donated today will surely turn into merit to protect her in the future.”

Xiao Qiling’s expression seemed to soften slightly.

Yu Nanqing didn’t care for such intangible merits, and her restless thoughts surged again.

She didn’t care much about whether her fortune was good or bad. Spending five thousand taels of gold was solely to seek an answer about Xiao Qiling’s lifespan.

If Xiao Qiling’s lifespan held hope, the future of the realm might differ from her previous life. But if it remained the same as before… Yu Nanqing frowned and tugged at Xiao Qiling’s sleeve again.

“Your Highness…”

Xiao Qiling seemed to be pondering something.

Yu Nanqing, dissatisfied, tugged again. “Your Highness…”

Five thousand taels of gold wasn’t much to her. Over the years, the mother and son of the Li family had likely embezzled a similar amount, so when Chenxiang asked, she didn’t bother confronting the Duke’s household.

But giving five thousand taels of gold to a smiling monk for nothing made Yu Nanqing feel it wasn’t worth it.

She was about to tug again when Xiao Qiling grabbed her hand, holding it firmly in her palm to stop her from fidgeting.

Yu Nanqing’s other hand reached out to pull again but was stopped by a sharp glance from Xiao Qiling.

Yu Nanqing’s face fell, and her displeasure extended to Xiao Qiling as well.

Xiao Qiling asked, “Does the Master have anything to say in his defense?”

Xichen continued to finger his prayer beads, his face calm. “The gold was merely a verbal promise. If the Princess Consort feels it’s not worth it, she need not send it. Cause and effect, sowing and reaping—it all depends on the Princess Consort’s will.”

Xiao Qiling looked at Yu Nanqing. “What do you think?”

Yu Nanqing hesitated. “Can I speak with him a bit more?”

Xiao Qiling nodded and stepped a few meters away.

Xichen, true to his reputation as a high monk, remained kind and patient even after Yu Nanqing’s accusations of greed. He gently asked, “Does the Princess Consort have other concerns?”

Yu Nanqing thought she’d met a tough nut to crack. Lowering her voice, she raised the stakes. “Same question. I’ll add another five thousand taels. What do you say, Master?”

Even Xichen, accustomed to the extravagance of nobles, was momentarily stunned by the offer of ten thousand taels of gold. “Ten thousand taels, just for His Highness Ning’s lifespan?”

As he spoke, Xiao Qiling, standing several meters away, turned her gaze toward Yu Nanqing, her eyes carrying a trace of complexity.

Unaware, Yu Nanqing faced another refusal from Xichen. Dejected, she bid farewell, promising that the original five thousand taels would be sent to Huguo Temple in the name of Ning Wang’s household within three days.

On the way down the mountain, Yu Nanqing was visibly downcast, her mood extremely low.

Perhaps out of a rare moment of compassion, Xiao Qiling offered a comforting remark. “Xichen only speaks of what he knows. For things he doesn’t, he often resorts to cryptic nonsense, so don’t take it to heart.”

Yu Nanqing pouted. “What if he thinks it’s too cruel and deliberately didn’t tell me?”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes flickered, and she feigned ignorance. “What did you ask him? There are many eminent monks in the world. I can send someone to inquire with others for you.”

Yu Nanqing opened her mouth but couldn’t speak. She couldn’t exactly tell Xiao Qiling that she wanted to know if Xiao Qiling had only one year left to live, so she could prepare to flee in advance, could she?

Yu Nanqing lowered her eyes. This outing, meant to clear her mind, seemed to have left her feeling worse than when she arrived.

Xiao Qiling wanted to speak several times but ultimately said nothing.

When the carriage returned to Ning Wang’s residence, dinner had already been prepared. The lunch at Huguo Temple had been vegetarian, and neither Yu Nanqing nor Xiao Qiling had eaten much, so they were indeed hungry.

Yu Nanqing first sent someone to retrieve five thousand taels of gold from her dowry and deliver it to Huguo Temple, then dined with Xiao Qiling.

“Have you counted how many grains of rice are in your bowl?” Halfway through the meal, Xiao Qiling suddenly tapped the back of Yu Nanqing’s hand with the end of her chopsticks.

Yu Nanqing listlessly raised her eyes. “Your Highness, I’m in a bad mood. Can you not talk to me?”

“You still need to eat, even if you’re in a bad mood.” Xiao Qiling’s voice was gentle, coaxing for once. “Finish your soup. It’s been simmering all afternoon, hmm?”

Yu Nanqing couldn’t keep up the act. She put down her chopsticks and said helplessly, “Your Highness, at the temple today, did you overhear what I said to Master Xichen?”

Xiao Qiling set down her chopsticks and admitted candidly, “If you’d practiced martial arts, you’d have made me stand farther away.”

Yu Nanqing knew it. She sighed, unsure of Xiao Qiling’s thoughts. “Your Highness doesn’t mind that I asked such a thing?”

“Why would I mind?” Xiao Qiling took a handkerchief from a maid and wiped her mouth. “Do you, like others, hope I die sooner?”

Yu Nanqing was stunned, hesitating before asking, “Are there many such people?”

“There are plenty who wish for my early death.” Xiao Qiling said as if it weren’t about her, her tone light as she listed them. “The commoners who’ve heard of my reputation, your father, your brother, many princes I’ve blocked, and even the one sitting on the dragon throne.”

“But those are all slanders against you. The commoners don’t know the truth!” Yu Nanqing thought of her previous life when news of Xiao Qiling’s death spread—most people were indifferent, some even clapped in approval. Her pity for Xiao Qiling peaked at this moment.

“If… Your Highness, I mean, if,” Yu Nanqing ventured cautiously, “if I could help improve your reputation among the people, could I do that? Would it interfere with your plans?”

A faint glint appeared in Xiao Qiling’s eyes. She looked at Yu Nanqing quietly for a long time, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, only asking, “Why help me?”

“You’re my ‘husband.’ Is it wrong to help you?”

“Don’t give me that nonsense.”

“Fine.” Yu Nanqing came up with another excuse. “The Emperor forced me to marry you, and I’m unhappy about it. I’m unhappy with everyone involved in arranging this marriage. Is that enough?”

“That’ll do.” Xiao Qiling smiled as she heard these rebellious words, even encouraging her slightly. “Indeed, they should be made unhappy. The Emperor used the poison in my body to strip me of my position as Crown Prince long ago. Now Xiao Qijun and Xiao Qimin are gradually gaining favor among the officials. I’m no longer a threat to him, so do as you wish.”

As she spoke, a flicker of candlelight reflected in her eyes, making them seem to glow faintly. Yu Nanqing couldn’t help but be drawn into those peach-blossom eyes.

It wasn’t until Xiao Qiling called her “Princess Consort” that she snapped out of her daze.

Avoiding Xiao Qiling’s gaze, she changed the subject. “Your Highness, aren’t you afraid I’ll tell my father all this?”

Xiao Qiling replied, “You’ve learned quite a bit since we married. Compared to that, I’m more curious about how much you know about me.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes flickered slightly. “How much does Your Highness think I should know?”

“Your Highness thinks you should eat more.” Xiao Qiling tapped Yu Nanqing’s forehead. “Stop trying to pry into my thoughts. Eat before it gets cold.”

Yu Nanqing let out a mock cry of pain, picked up her bowl, and ate faster than before.

After dinner, Xiao Qiling and Yu Nanqing returned to their respective courtyards.

When Xiao Qiling reached her study, Wei Yunhan, who had finally been released from confinement, was already waiting.

Xiao Qiling frowned. “I don’t recall summoning you.”

Wei Yunhan ignored her displeasure, following her into the study and closing the door after her.

Today, he wore a moon-white robe with wide sleeves, tempered by a snow-white fox-fur cloak, looking far more presentable than his last visit.

Excitedly, he began chattering, “I heard Your Highness donated five thousand taels of gold to Huguo Temple today. Is that true? Don’t you always dismiss gods and Buddhas?”

Xiao Qiling sipped her freshly brewed tea, her movements graceful. “How did you know?”

“Plenty of people returning from Huguo Temple saw it. It’s spread everywhere.” Wei Yunhan marveled, “Master Xichen’s swindling skills have gotten impressive, managing to get that much money from Your Highness?”

He recalled the difficulty of securing military funds from Xiao Qiling in the past and sighed. “Your Highness wasn’t so generous with us before.”

Xiao Qiling gave him a cool glance. “Have I ever shorted you on funds?”

Wei Yunhan gestured animatedly. “It’s not the same as five thousand taels of gold. That’s enough to cover military expenses for ages.”

Xiao Qiling set down her cup and explained, “It was the Princess Consort’s money, donated in the name of the Prince’s household.”

Wei Yunhan blinked. “So the Princess Consort was the one swindled?”

He sighed in relief. “Good thing it wasn’t Your Highness. I was worried sick on my way here, thinking you’d hit your head or something.”

Xiao Qiling let out a soft “oh,” her tone flat. “So, Young Master Wei thought I’d lost my mind?”

Calling him “Young Master” made Wei Yunhan freeze in fear. “No, I wouldn’t dare! Your Highness, weren’t we talking about the Princess Consort? With your intelligence, how could you let her get swindled by that monk?”

“She asked Xichen if my lifespan could be extended.” In the flickering lamplight, a faint smile curved Xiao Qiling’s lips. “Did you expect me to stop her and tell her I won’t die?”

Wei Yunhan didn’t dare respond to that. Few knew the truth about the poison in Xiao Qiling’s body, only her most trusted confidants.

“That’s still five thousand taels of gold.” Wei Yunhan said, still pained. “Enough to buy a batch of warhorses.”

Then, a sudden idea struck him. “Your Highness, the Princess Consort’s dowry is massive. Why not use some of it to bolster our forces? If she’s a spy, she’s doomed anyway. If she’s loyal, using her dowry to aid your cause shouldn’t be an issue, right?”

Xiao Qiling countered, “Would your father use your mother’s dowry?”

A woman’s dowry was her foundation after marriage, and even a husband using it would be scorned.

But… “Your Highness, aren’t you and the Princess Consort both women? There shouldn’t be any taboo, right? Just treat it as her contribution to our cause. You can reward her with a title like County Princess and let her remarry gloriously later.”

Xiao Qiling’s brows furrowed, her tone chilling. “No.”

Wei Yunhan tried to persuade her. “Why not? We need funds now. The Emperor is watching our every move, trying to locate the gold mine. Your Highness, can’t we just borrow it temporarily?”

“The Emperor has his eyes on Ning Wang’s residence. Moving such a large dowry would cause a stir, and if anything is discovered, it’ll only cause more trouble.”

Xiao Qiling’s expression remained calm, revealing nothing of her true thoughts.

“You just ruined Yu Bingru’s chance at promotion and joined the Ministry of Works. The Emperor is likely keeping a close eye on Ning Wang’s residence. It’s indeed not the right time.”

Switching topics, Wei Yunhan brought up another matter. “After court today, Emperor Wenjing took my grandfather and a few other Grand Secretaries to the Imperial Study, asking them to prepare examination questions for the Spring Hunt.”

“There’s a literary exam for this year’s Spring Hunt too?” Xiao Qiling frowned, clearly displeased.

The Spring Hunt in March, followed by the Spring Examinations in April.

The Spring Examinations were meant to recruit the realm’s talents, but last year, Emperor Wenjing had whimsically ordered several ministers’ relatives to compose impromptu poems during the hunt.

After the hunt, several noble scions who couldn’t even pass the county-level exams were granted official posts by Emperor Wenjing, with ranks higher than those awarded to martial achievers in the hunt.

Emperor Wenjing’s preference for scholars over warriors was clear, but last year was the first time, and people assumed it was a whim.

Yet this year, his early request for exam questions showed he intended to continue selecting noble scions during the Spring Hunt.

“If it was based on real talent, fine. But last year, those people got official posts with a few nonsensical auspicious phrases. What does that say to those who’ve studied diligently for over a decade?” Wei Yunhan was indignant.

Xiao Qiling, by contrast, was much calmer. “Many enter court through family connections. Granting posts via the Spring Hunt is at least better than appointing them without any pretext.”

Wei Yunhan protested, “But…”

Xiao Qiling cut him off. “What did your grandfather say?”

“He strictly forbade Wei family members from gaining merit this way, but he also said if Your Highness has someone to recommend to the court, he wouldn’t object.”

Wei Yunhan asked, “Your Highness, should we do anything?”

“No need,” Xiao Qiling said after a moment’s thought. “I have no suitable candidates to recommend to the Emperor.”

Wei Yunhan understood her meaning. “Your Highness is wise.”

As night fell, Wei Yunhan was about to leave when Xiao Qiling stopped him. “One more thing.”

Wei Yunhan turned back. “Please, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling said, “Stop coming to my residence for every little thing. You’re treating Ning Wang’s residence like your own garden.”

Wei Yunhan shrugged it off. “But when Your Highness was still in the palace, I was your study companion. Haven’t we always been like this?”

“I’m married now.” Xiao Qiling said, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. “Young Master Wei, you should keep some distance.”

Wei Yunhan: Huh?

What?!

The next morning, as dawn broke, Xiao Qiling finished reading a military text and left her study, intending to practice swordsmanship. To her surprise, she found Yu Nanqing sprawled on a stone bench.

Approaching, she nudged her twice, uncertainly calling, “Yu Nanqing?”

Yu Nanqing weakly turned her head. “Ah…”

It was indeed her Princess Consort.

“Did you sleepwalk here last night?” Xiao Qiling found it amusing, circling to face Yu Nanqing and crouching down to look at her. The delicate hairpins dangling from her head swayed lightly, contrasting sharply with Yu Nanqing’s disheveled appearance.

“I don’t sleepwalk.” Yu Nanqing muttered, too exhausted to even argue.

Hurried footsteps approached. Xiao Qiling looked up to see Chenxiang and two other maids bowing to her before helping Yu Nanqing up and giving her some tea.

“What happened to her?” Xiao Qiling asked.

Chenxiang replied, “Your Highness, the Princess Consort ran several laps around the garden earlier and overexerted herself.”

Yu Nanqing, despite her exhaustion, clarified, “It was many, many, many laps.”

“Oh.” Xiao Qiling’s tone rose playfully. “So the Princess Consort ran many, many, many laps and is now too tired to move?”

Knowing she’d be teased, Yu Nanqing pushed Xiao Qiling weakly. “Go away.”

Xiao Qiling grabbed her arm, helping her walk slowly. “Your body is indeed frail. Walking in the morning is good, but don’t collapse right after. It messes with your breathing.”

“I don’t need your advice.” Yu Nanqing grumbled, simply unwilling to walk more after her exertion.

Xiao Qiling chuckled softly.

After half a lap, Yu Nanqing’s breathing steadied, and Xiao Qiling brought up, “You already sent someone to deliver the five thousand taels of gold to Huguo Temple yesterday?”

Yu Nanqing nodded. “It had to be sent eventually. I was afraid I’d forget in a few days. Consider it doing good deeds.”

“With this Prince’s fearsome reputation, your good deeds reflect well on me too.” Xiao Qiling signaled Chenxiang to pour Yu Nanqing more water. “This Prince rewards and punishes fairly. What reward do you want?”

Yu Nanqing sipped the water, mumbling, “It was just a small thing.”

Whether it was in her name or Ning Wang’s residence made no difference to her.

If she had any wish… Yu Nanqing hoped Xiao Qiling could live longer than in her previous life. The peaceful days at Ning Wang’s residence had grown on her, making her reluctant to let them go.

Xiao Qiling seemed to sense this. “I’ll have the residence’s physicians treat my poison carefully and try to live longer. You don’t need to worry too much, Princess Consort.”

Yu Nanqing handed the teacup back to Chenxiang, smiling faintly. “I’ve heard Your Highness is skilled at chess. If you truly want to reward me, how about a game?”

It was a casual remark. Yu Nanqing had been standing too long and just wanted a place to sit and rest.

In her previous life, when she first arrived at Chen Wang’s residence, she played chess with Xiao Qijun a few times. Over time, it grew tedious, as she had to carefully lose to preserve his pride.

It had been years since she played chess with anyone, just like these peaceful days at Ning Wang’s residence—something she’d never experienced in her previous life. She no longer had to constantly guard against the Duke’s household or worry daily about Xiao Qijun’s missteps.

Yu Nanqing couldn’t help but smile, feeling almost spoiled by Xiao Qiling.

A sharp pain on her forehead snapped her back to reality.

Xiao Qiling’s hand, still resting on her forehead, hadn’t moved. Yu Nanqing, confused, followed Xiao Qiling’s hand to her face, suddenly coming to her senses.

“You dare zone out while playing chess with me?” Xiao Qiling’s tone was icy, clearly having tolerated her for a while. “Yu Nanqing, do you believe I’ll really throw you into the lake to feed the fish?”

They were in a pavilion surrounded by the lake on three sides. Though the weather was warming, the playful sound of fish leaping could still be heard.

Yu Nanqing let out an “ah,” her gaze shifting to the chessboard. Seeing her nearly decimated black pieces, she realized how long she’d been distracted.

No wonder Xiao Qiling had acted.

Yu Nanqing sat up straight. “I’ll play seriously now.”

“No need.” Xiao Qiling placed a white piece, surrounding and wiping out the last of Yu Nanqing’s black pieces. “You’ve already lost.”

Even as a young girl learning chess, Yu Nanqing had never lost so badly. Her competitive spirit flared. “Your Highness, give me another chance. One more game.”

Xiao Qiling toyed with a white piece, then swept the black pieces aside. “If you zone out again, I’ll really throw you in.”

Yu Nanqing nodded eagerly. “I know, I know. I’ll play seriously.”

As the sun rose, the lake shimmered with light.

When Yu Nanqing focused, the game became much closer. They went back and forth, and after an entire hour, the match still hadn’t concluded.

“The Princess Consort truly surprises me,” Xiao Qiling said, a hint of admiration in her eyes. “The Duke’s chess skills are quite average. Was it the Duchess who taught you?”

She clearly wasn’t referring to the current Lady Li of the Duke’s household.

“Yes, my mother introduced me to it, and later hired many teachers,” Yu Nanqing said, a smile unconsciously forming as she thought of her mother. “She was very attentive and supportive of all my interests.”

Xiao Qiling praised, “Even royal princesses might not have such an enlightened mother. A merchant’s daughter, the Duchess is truly admirable.”

Mentioning her mother reminded Yu Nanqing of Ji Zhiyun from that day. Xiao Qiling wasn’t wrong—in her previous life, Xiao Qijun had approached her for the Ji family’s wealth.

Even in this life, having chosen Xiao Qiling, Xiao Qijun still targeted the Ji family’s fortune. Without her connection, he could use other means—enticement or coercion.

Yu Nanqing couldn’t help but worry.

“Your Highness, about the Ji family you mentioned last time…”

“Why are you distracted again?” Xiao Qiling interrupted, gesturing with her eyes to the piece Yu Nanqing had just placed.

Yu Nanqing looked at the board, biting her lip in regret. The piece was poorly placed, serving little purpose. At this critical moment in the game, her mistake cost her the initiative.

She reached to adjust it, but a slender, strong hand stopped her mid-air, the warmth of the palm pressing against her hand.

Yu Nanqing looked up, meeting Xiao Qiling’s meaningful gaze.

“Qingqing, no regrets once the piece is played.”