Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 23

23: “Your Highness is the Most Beloved in My Heart…”

On the twenty-third day of the third lunar month, a warm breeze swept through, grass grew lush, and orioles soared in flight.

In the capital, commoners shed their heavy winter garments to go on spring outings. However, for the nobility, the most significant event of the third month was the annual Spring Hunt.

Since the reign of Emperor Taizu, every spring, the emperor would lead civil and military officials, along with their families, to the Western Hills hunting grounds outside the capital for a grand hunt. Each year, tales of new betrothals emerged, and it was also a prime opportunity for younger generations to rise in prominence.

Today, the morning court was canceled, and the imperial procession set out from the palace in a grand display, the sound of the commoners’ chatter filtering into the carriages.

“Is that the emperor’s carriage coming out of the palace?”

“I saw it! It’s the Noble Consort accompanying His Majesty. Truly a beauty that could topple cities—three times more stunning than the former Empress, if you ask me.”

“Forget the Noble Consort, look at Prince Chen and Prince Xuan behind them—so majestic! I wonder who’ll take the top prize at this year’s hunt?”

“It definitely won’t be that Prince Ning!”

…

By rank, Xiao Qiling should have led the procession of princes, but as the only “prince” riding in a carriage, Prince Ning voluntarily took a backseat, positioning herself just ahead of the princes’ concubines.

Inside the spacious and comfortable carriage, Xiao Qiling leisurely critiqued Ning Wangfei’s hairstyle, directing Chenxiang to change Yu Nanqing’s hair accessories to her liking, utterly at ease.

“Try swapping the gold hairpin for this one,” Xiao Qiling said.

Yu Nanqing glanced at the jade step-shake hairpin, its tassels dangling low enough to brush her ears, and shook her head in alarm. “Isn’t the style of this jade hairpin a bit too grand?”

If she recalled correctly, Xiao Qiling had once mentioned that this particular hairpin belonged to the late Empress.

“What’s inappropriate about it? Gold looks fine in the city, but out here, jade suits better,” Xiao Qiling replied, leaning forward to carefully place the hairpin in Yu Nanqing’s hair. After admiring it for a moment, she praised, “Clearly, Wangfei is the one with the beauty to topple cities.”

Yu Nanqing hadn’t expected Xiao Qiling’s comment to be a retort to the commoners’ chatter about the Noble Consort surpassing the Empress. Staring at Xiao Qiling for a long moment, she suddenly burst out laughing.

Xiao Qiling’s smile faltered, her hand reaching to pinch Yu Nanqing’s chin, her eyes narrowing slightly. “What’s so funny, Wangfei? Share it with this prince so I can have a laugh too.”

Seeing Xiao Qiling’s swift change in demeanor, Yu Nanqing couldn’t hold back and laughed again.

Xiao Qiling’s smile froze. “You…”

Yu Nanqing, still chuckling, teased, “Is Your Highness going to throw me out of the carriage? With so many people watching, that wouldn’t look good, would it?”

“Such a beautiful Wangfei—how could this prince bear to let you lose face in front of the masses?” Xiao Qiling caught Yu Nanqing’s playful intent and released her, leaning back with a fleeting glint of amusement in her dark eyes. “Better to wait until we reach the hunting grounds and feed Wangfei to a bear that’s been starving all winter.”

The smile in Yu Nanqing’s eyes vanished, replaced by an indignant glare at Xiao Qiling.

Unfazed, Xiao Qiling continued with mock patience, “Not fond of bears? How about a pack of wolves, then? Each one could tear off a piece of Wangfei’s flesh—it’d be over quickly.”

Yu Nanqing decided to ignore her completely, shoving the jewelry box into Chenxiang’s arms and leaning against the window to rest her eyes.

As the carriage left the city gates, the road grew less smooth than the capital’s streets, and the jostling woke Yu Nanqing from her brief nap.

When she opened her eyes, she was stunned to see Prince Ning’s noble hands peeling melon seeds.

This couldn’t be right—she must still be dreaming.

Yu Nanqing closed her eyes again.

The sound of cracking seed shells continued, sometimes light, sometimes heavy, never ceasing. The seeds were prepared in the prince’s mansion, roasted with spices Yu Nanqing loved, and their aroma filled the air. Her eyelashes fluttered, and finally, unable to resist, she opened her eyes.

Chenxiang had been sent out of the carriage at some point, and it was indeed Xiao Qiling peeling the seeds. Yet, she didn’t eat them, instead placing the shelled seeds on a small dish within Yu Nanqing’s reach.

Noticing her stir, Xiao Qiling lazily lifted her gaze. “Awake?”

Today, Xiao Qiling wore a black, narrow-sleeved riding outfit, her long hair tied up with a jade crown, exuding the air of a dashing prince. If she rode alongside the other princes, she’d likely steal the spotlight.

Yet, her current demeanor—every gesture and smile, with those peach-blossom eyes tinged with softness—made Yu Nanqing see not a trace of martial valor but rather a bewitching charm, like a fox spirit ready to ensnare her prey.

Resisting the pull of those eyes, Yu Nanqing averted her gaze and suggested, “The scenery outside is so lovely. Why doesn’t Your Highness go ride a horse?”

“No,” Xiao Qiling replied, continuing to peel seeds with deliberate care.

Her neatly trimmed fingertips, free of polish, made even the mundane task of shelling seeds look elegant.

“But the other princes are all riding,” Yu Nanqing pressed.

Xiao Qiling glanced up with a smile. “My riding skills are poor. What if I fall?”

Yu Nanqing: …

She didn’t believe a word of it!

With Xiao Qiling’s martial prowess, how could she not know how to ride? Even if she didn’t, would any horse dare let her fall? Did horses not value their lives?

“But…”

“Want some seeds?” Xiao Qiling interrupted.

Yu Nanqing’s eyes lit up. The pile of peeled seeds had been tempting her for a while. “May I?”

Xiao Qiling continued, “Then help peel some, so you don’t fall back asleep.”

Yu Nanqing tugged at Xiao Qiling’s sleeve, blinking playfully. “Can’t the mighty and valiant Prince Ning peel them for me?”

Xiao Qiling teased, holding the seeds just out of reach. “This weak prince has been slaving away all this time. How could Wangfei bear to steal them—”

A faint scent of cotton and magnolia enveloped her as Yu Nanqing leaned forward, playfully collapsing into Xiao Qiling’s arms. Her long lashes lowered, hiding her glass-like eyes, while the phoenix hairpin in her hair brushed impudently against Xiao Qiling’s jaw, its jade pendant swaying in a delicate arc.

Xiao Qiling froze for a moment, captivated by the hairpin. In that instant, Yu Nanqing’s hand darted to the dish, snatching half the seeds and popping them into her mouth with a triumphant grin. “Your Highness’s seeds are so fragrant! Thank you for your favor. Truly, Your Highness is the most beloved in my heart!”

Xiao Qiling let out a scoff. “Bought over by a few seeds?”

Yu Nanqing, eyes closed in exaggerated bliss, continued, “These were peeled by the most noble Prince Ning himself. How could they compare to anyone else’s?”

Xiao Qiling lifted the carriage curtain, letting in a breeze of fresh floral air, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “No ambition.”

By noon, the grand procession finally halted outside the Western Hills hunting grounds.

Servants disembarked, carrying their masters’ belongings to set up camp. Back in Emperor Taizu’s time, tents were used during the hunt, a tradition that persisted.

As Yu Nanqing followed Xiao Qiling out of the carriage, the camp was already bustling with young nobles in splendid robes. Unlike the other princes, who arrived alone without their concubines, Prince Ning and his Wangfei stepping out together drew curious glances.

Though Xiao Qiling’s notorious reputation preceded her, few could actually recognize her.

“Who’s that? So strikingly handsome.”

“Coming from a royal carriage, probably some unfavored minor prince. He’s not as tall as Prince Chen or Prince Xuan—likely not yet of age?”

Unmarried young ladies giggled among themselves, while their older sisters-in-law, initially teasing their youthful fancies, paled upon recognizing Xiao Qiling.

Years ago, before Xiao Qiling was poisoned, these women were of similar age and had seen her gallop through Chang’an Street in her prime as the Crown Prince, radiating unmatched charisma. Their admiration for her then far surpassed what these younger girls felt now.

The sisters-in-law immediately recognized her and scolded, “What are you gossiping about? That’s Prince Ning!”

The dreamlike heartthrob transformed into a bloodthirsty demon in their minds, and the young ladies’ faces blanched. “P-Prince Ning?”

“Look at the Wangfei behind him. Among all the princes, he’s the only one with a legal wife.”

The girls, who moments ago had been swooning, sighed in disappointment. “Actually, Prince Ning doesn’t seem as brutal as the rumors say. His side consort positions are still vacant…”

“Don’t even think about it,” their sisters-in-law snapped, quashing such dangerous thoughts. “Look at Ning Wangfei. Do you think you could compete with her?”

Only then did the girls turn their attention to Yu Nanqing. Dressed in an elegant green gown, she stood gracefully, her skin fair as snow, a faint blush on her cheeks like fallen peach blossoms—an breathtaking beauty.

A chorus of sighs followed.

Yu Nanqing deliberately trailed a step behind Xiao Qiling, eavesdropping on the girls’ chatter about her with relish. She hadn’t expected the conversation to shift to her.

Unlike Xiao Qiling’s aloofness, Yu Nanqing turned and flashed a friendly smile at the girls.

The group, as if soothed, returned her smiles.

Tilting her head toward Xiao Qiling, Yu Nanqing said, “My mother used to host flower-viewing banquets to build connections with other ladies. As Wangfei, shouldn’t I do the same to win them over?”

Xiao Qiling paused, eyeing Yu Nanqing’s flirtatious demeanor with a cold refusal. “No need.”

Yu Nanqing tried to persuade her. “It’s such a good opportunity! I’m still alive, which proves you’re not as bad as the rumors. We could improve Your Highness’s reputation.”

Xiao Qiling’s voice, disguised as a man’s, grew colder. “I said, no need.”

“But—”

“The Emperor and Noble Consort have arrived!” a eunuch’s high-pitched announcement interrupted, forcing Yu Nanqing to drop her argument with Xiao Qiling.

All eyes turned as Emperor Wenjing and the Noble Consort approached, surrounded by attendants. The chatter and laughter ceased, and everyone knelt, shouting, “Long live the Emperor! A thousand years to the Noble Consort!”

“Rise, all of you,” Emperor Wenjing said with a casual wave, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before settling on Xiao Qiling. “Prince Ning looks healthier today than in days past. But Wangfei’s attire…”

He paused, chuckling. “It might not be suitable for hunting.”

The Noble Consort chimed in with a smile. “There’s no hunting today—His Majesty is holding a banquet to test their skills, isn’t he? Even tomorrow, with Prince Ning’s condition, he likely can’t participate. With so many sons, Your Majesty, show some leniency to Prince Ning. Let Wangfei accompany him to enjoy the spring scenery and relax.”

Emperor Wenjing laughed. “I was thoughtless.”

Most of the young ladies wore skirts, and compared to them, Yu Nanqing’s attire was far from ostentatious—it could even be called refined. The Emperor and Consort’s subtle jabs were clearly ill-intentioned.

Unable to openly criticize Xiao Qiling’s health, they targeted Yu Nanqing instead. She found it amusing in her heart.

What good was verbally belittling Xiao Qiling’s illness? Not one of the assassins sent after her had returned alive.

The Emperor then acknowledged a few key ministers’ families with pleasantries before ordering the palace staff to begin the midday banquet.

As Yu Nanqing started to follow the crowd to the banquet venue, Xiao Qiling held her back, bending down to gently brush the dust from her skirt, earned from kneeling.

Caught off guard, Yu Nanqing froze. When Xiao Qiling straightened up and walked forward as if nothing had happened, she caught up, teasing, “Is Your Highness feeling sorry for me?”

Xiao Qiling turned, her tone unusually free of mockery. “You were indeed wronged just now.”

Anyone else would have taken the opportunity to accept Xiao Qiling’s gesture gracefully, but was Yu Nanqing just anyone? She was Ning Wangfei, bold enough to steal Xiao Qiling’s peeled seeds without being tossed from the carriage. With so many nobles watching, she was even less afraid.

Seizing the moment, Yu Nanqing pressed, “Exactly! Being called out for my attire in front of everyone! So, Your Highness, how about some compensation?”

Xiao Qiling glanced at her, amused. “What does Wangfei want?”

Yu Nanqing drew out a long, “Hmm…” before saying, “Next time we play chess, let me have two pieces as a handicap.”

Xiao Qiling pushed her away and walked on. “Don’t even think about it. If your chess skills are lacking, practice.”

Yu Nanqing grumbled inwardly that she’d never thought her chess skills were poor until she met Xiao Qiling.

Chasing after her, she proposed another compensation. “Then teach me to scale rooftops and leap walls—the quick way.”

“There’s no quick way. With your aptitude, it’d take at least three years.”

“This won’t do, that won’t do.” Yu Nanqing muttered under her breath. “What use are you, then?”

Xiao Qiling stopped, a hint of coldness flashing through her smiling eyes.

Yu Nanqing immediately sensed danger and flashed an obedient smile. “Your Highness is wise and valiant, the best at everything.”

Xiao Qiling tapped her forehead. “With such little courage, what use are you?”

Realizing she’d been teased, Yu Nanqing was about to argue when Xiao Qiling casually added, “If you like gold hairpins, I’ll hunt a red fox for a cloak.”

Yu Nanqing swallowed her retort and beamed. “I’ll follow Your Highness’s lead.”

The surrounding nobles kept their distance, unable to hear their conversation but clearly witnessing Prince Ning’s unusually good mood, leaving them in a daze.

“Brother, didn’t you say Prince Ning would surely kill Yu Nanqing? Why is she still alive? Father lost his position as Minister because of her. Are we just going to let her strut around?” Yu Nanrou trailed behind Yu Nanbo, glaring at Yu Nanqing and Xiao Qiling with gritted teeth.

Yu Nanbo, unsure what had gone wrong, replied tersely, “The imperial physicians were sent by His Majesty to treat her. Prince Ning’s just temporarily stable.”

“Then can’t we make him…” Yu Nanrou began.

“Shut up!” Yu Nanbo hissed. “This is no place to speak recklessly. Do you want to die?”

Yu Nanrou looked at him, her almond eyes brimming with tears.

“Why so harsh, Second Brother? Third Sister is still young,” said Xiao Qijun, turning around with a gentle smile. “Besides, she’s not wrong.”

“Your Highness, you too!” Yu Nanbo paled.

“Didn’t we already agree?” Xiao Qijun patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I won’t say more. I’m just cheering up your sister, treating her like my own.”

Turning to Yu Nanrou, he said warmly, “At the banquet, don’t just focus on eating. The Duke lost his Minister position, but your brother will reclaim that honor for you.”

Yu Nanrou blinked. “Really?”

Xiao Qijun glanced at Yu Nanbo, smiling confidently. “Of course.”

The banquet was ready, and once Emperor Wenjing was seated, palace staff served the dishes. After a morning’s journey, even the Emperor was hungry, and with a few words, he declared the feast open.

Named the “Spring Magnolia Banquet” by Emperor Wenjing, the event carried the prestige of the post-imperial examination Magnolia Banquet, signaling its importance.

After the meal, the Spring Magnolia Banquet officially began.

A eunuch read the rules from an imperial edict. The hunt required teams, and for the banquet, the six princes aged fifteen or older would each select young nobles without official titles to join their teams. The written exam questions, set by the Emperor, would be reviewed by six cabinet ministers, who would select the best essays from each team, with the Emperor determining the final rankings.

The announcement caused a stir. Allowing the princes to choose teammates openly was tantamount to declaring their allegiances to the Emperor. With Emperor Wenjing in good health, being accused of forming factions could be deadly.

The princes exchanged wary glances, none daring to choose first. Yet silence wasn’t an option either—defying the Emperor’s command would be disobedience.

The younger princes, sweating under the Emperor’s stern gaze, hesitated.

“I’m familiar with the Ministry of Works, so their families’ essays can go under my name.” Xiao Qiling’s voice broke the silence.

Emperor Wenjing glanced at her, his expression neutral—neither approving nor rejecting, a tacit acceptance.

The other princes quickly followed suit. “Father knows I prefer martial pursuits, so the Ministry of War suits me,” said Prince Xuan.

“My two study companions are from the Ministry of Rites. I hope they don’t mind joining me,” said Prince Chen.

With the Ministries of Works, Rites, and War taken, the remaining talent-rich Ministries of Personnel, Revenue, and Justice went to the younger princes. Emperor Wenjing’s expression softened, clearly pleased with their choices.

“For tomorrow’s hunt, this is just a prelude. No need to be overly tense. Those from other ministries, choose a prince to join as well,” the Emperor said with a faint smile, his gaze sweeping from the princes to the young nobles. “There are fewer rules here than in the capital. The exam topic is the Western Hills—write about what you see and hear. Emperor Taizu said our dynasty’s descendants can stabilize the nation with their pens and expand it with their swords. Show me your talents, and I’ll grant titles and ranks!”

The promise of imperial favor ignited the young nobles’ ambitions.

Amid the excitement, a palace maid approached Xiao Qiling, pouring her tea. “Young Master Wei asks if Your Highness needs them to participate in the written exam.”

Xiao Qiling sipped her tea, her calm gaze fixed on Emperor Wenjing. “No need.”

“Yes.” The maid set down the teapot and withdrew.

Yu Nanqing leaned in. “The Ministry of Works is the weakest of the six. Does Your Highness really not need more people?”

Xiao Qiling set down her cup, unfazed. “No need. I have no one in court to rely on.”

Yu Nanqing had overheard the maid mention names of future literary giants and inwardly scoffed at Xiao Qiling’s pretense, choosing not to call her out.

As she grumbled, Xiao Qiling added, “But there’s one thing.”

“What?” Yu Nanqing asked.

Xiao Qiling’s expression grew serious. “According to my spies, the Emperor plans to promote the Yu family at this banquet.”

Several Yu family youths were present, including one favored by the Emperor. Yu Nanbo’s years of charitable acts had earned praise, with the Emperor once saying that if not for his youth, he’d have been granted an official post.

The court’s promotion system meant the Duke’s family, despite generations of favor, couldn’t advance further without a standout talent. The Spring Hunt, testing both literary and martial skills, was the perfect stage to prove their worth before the court.

Yu Nanqing wasn’t surprised the Emperor favored the Yu family, given the Noble Consort’s influence, Prince Chen’s support, and Duke Yu Bingru’s loyalty.

Still, she leaned closer, whispering, “Are Yu Nanbo’s essays and archery really that good?”

Compared to pleasure-seeking nobles, Yu Nanbo stood out, but against the meticulously trained heirs of court officials, he fell short.

Xiao Qiling replied softly, “He doesn’t need to be exceptional.”

Yu Nanqing frowned, puzzled. “Please explain, Your Highness.”

“The Spring Magnolia Banquet isn’t about statecraft essays.” Xiao Qiling said pointedly, highlighting the exam’s simplicity.

Unlike the imperial exams’ complex policy essays, this banquet required only descriptive pieces about the scenery, a far easier task. If Yu Nanbo had prepared, he could outshine bookish scholars.

Xiao Qiling didn’t add that several truly talented youths, like Wei Yunhan, wouldn’t participate in this year’s exams, leaving the stage clear.

Her eyes darkened. “So, this time, the Yu family will rise further.”

Yu Nanqing fell silent.

She looked toward Xiao Qijun and saw Yu Nanbo by his side, looking confident.

After a moment’s thought, she turned back to Xiao Qiling. “Anyone under Your Highness without a title can participate in the banquet, right?”

Sensing her intent, Xiao Qiling’s gaze probed. “What are you getting at?”

“I don’t want to see the Yu family gloat.” Yu Nanqing said, squinting playfully and tugging Xiao Qiling’s pinky. “I can write too. Let me try, Your Highness.”