Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 24

24: “If You Can’t Win, Don’t Come to Me for Chess in the Future…”

A brief silence.

Yu Nanqing leaned closer: “Your Highness, may I?”

Xiao Qiling’s lips curved faintly, her voice calm: “Do you really want to try?”

She didn’t question why a sheltered young lady like Yu Nanqing would have the confidence to compete with men in scholarly pursuits, nor did she reprimand her for an action that might arouse the emperor’s suspicion.

She simply asked if she wanted to.

The officials from the Six Ministries, along with their families, took their seats behind the various princes. Those outside the Six Ministries gradually aligned themselves with other princes’ factions. By contrast, Prince Ning’s side could be described as deserted.

Regardless of how others perceived it, Yu Nanqing knew clearly that Xiao Qiling had no intention of standing out in this Spring Hunt, whether in literary or martial trials.

She had been so focused on the lack of scholars in Xiao Qiling’s camp and on not letting the Duke’s household gain an advantage that she hadn’t considered the trouble this might cause Xiao Qiling.

Yu Nanqing gradually calmed down, her voice softening: “I was thoughtless.”

With her eyes half-lowered, Yu Nanqing resembled a little fox that had mustered the courage to poke its head out only to retreat, its ears drooping in quiet grievance.

Xiao Qiling subtly pressed her tongue against her teeth.

From what she knew, Yu Nanbo had participated in the provincial exams and had served as a study companion to Xiao Qijun in the Imperial Study for years, so his scholarly abilities were not insignificant. For her princess consort to make such a bold request, it surely wasn’t mere bravado.

Just how much did Duke Yu really know about his daughter?

Xiao Qiling turned her head and instructed a palace maid: “Go fetch a set of writing materials.”

Yu Nanqing’s head snapped up, her tone tinged with excitement: “Does Your Highness agree?”

Xiao Qiling gave a soft laugh, adjusting a phoenix hairpin that had slipped slightly from Yu Nanqing’s hair: “If you can’t win, don’t come to me for chess in the future.”

Yu Nanqing let out a long “Ahh” and negotiated, “But then Your Highness would have no one to entertain you.”

Xiao Qiling smiled: “This prince doesn’t need a fool to entertain her.”

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the princes had submitted their lists of participants for the Spring Hunt’s literary competition. Each contestant was represented by a number instead of a name. The essays would first be reviewed by the senior ministers to select the top ten, and then Emperor Wenjing would determine the final rankings.

Aside from Yu Nanqing, several young ladies also participated. While they might not excel at writing policy essays for the imperial exams, crafting a few lines about spring scenery to gain favor in front of the princes was something they were happy to do.

The most attention, naturally, fell on Prince Chen. The officials chosen by Prince Chen from the Ministry of Rites might not have been as outstanding in scholarship as those from the Ministries of Personnel or Revenue, but the Ministry of Rites oversaw the imperial exams and was most familiar with Emperor Wenjing’s preferences in literature. The descendants of Rites officials had always produced the most successful candidates in the imperial exams among the Six Ministries.

Desks, ink, brushes, and paper were arranged anew behind each prince. Scholars took their seats, rolled up their flowing sleeves, and began grinding ink while contemplating their compositions. A silent tension filled the air. The ministers sat below Emperor Wenjing, their gazes fixed on the participants, awaiting the results.

When the bronze bell sounded, many had already begun writing. Yu Nanbo, seated behind Xiao Qijun, surveyed the surrounding scenery with calm confidence, in no hurry to start.

The Imperial Consort tactfully refilled Emperor Wenjing’s tea and softly gestured toward Xiao Qijun’s direction: “Your Majesty, Young Master Yu’s demeanor has grown steadier over time. I still remember the first time he was brought to the palace with Jun’er, nearly causing a commotion in Your Majesty’s presence.”

Emperor Wenjing recalled the incident from ten years ago and smiled: “Indeed, that child has always been loyal to Prince Chen. He’s become much more composed and is a fine young man.”

Yu Nanbo, with his refined and elegant appearance, stood out even among the crowd of scholars. His white headband fluttered lightly in the breeze, and his unhurried manner made him appear especially composed compared to the other young men, who were already having palace attendants replace their spoiled proclamation papers.

Emperor Wenjing then pointed to Fan Zhijing, the Minister of Revenue: “Is that one behind Old Seven from the Fan family?”

Fan Zhijing rose to salute: “Your Majesty, that is my youngest son, Fan Xulin, aged seventeen. He passed the prefectural exam two years ago.”

Emperor Wenjing nodded meaningfully: “Minister Fan has raised his son well. This boy seems a promising talent.”

Fan Zhijing was overjoyed and quickly bowed in gratitude. The Spring Hunt Banquet was, after all, a shortcut for the offspring of the elite to enter the court. As Emperor Wenjing acknowledged the families of his key ministers and familiarized himself with their faces, half an hour passed.

To avoid suspicion, Yu Nanqing deliberately chose a secluded corner behind the Ministry of Works, preparing to roll up her sleeves and grind ink. But then, a mocking voice came from nearby: “Yu Nanqing, you barely know a few characters. Don’t tell me you’re so overconfident as to think you can write an essay like the others?”

Yu Nanqing recognized Yu Nanrou’s voice immediately but didn’t turn her head.

Yu Nanrou had only meant to toss out a couple of taunts as she passed by. Seeing Yu Nanqing ignore her, she forcefully dragged an empty stool over and sat down beside her: “I’m talking to you.”

Yu Nanqing maintained a gentle smile: “Is Fourth Sister also participating in the literary competition? I can ask His Highness to prepare a set of writing materials for you too.”

“I’m not—” Yu Nanrou began, but Yu Nanqing cut her off, feigning sudden realization: “Oh, I nearly forgot. According to the rules, Fourth Sister’s essay would fall under Prince Chen’s camp. But with Second Brother already serving Prince Chen, your work might seem inferior. No need to bother writing, then.”

Provoked, Yu Nanrou swallowed her refusal, her eyes flashing with disdain as she glanced at Yu Nanqing’s empty desk. “Just you wait. Even if my work is inferior, it’ll still be better than yours.”

Yu Nanqing gave a casual “Oh?” in a deliberately infuriating tone: “Is that so?”

“Of course it’s true.” Fuming, Yu Nanrou lifted her skirt and stormed off.

Watching her retreat and confirming that she had indeed taken a seat at another desk, Yu Nanqing finally exhaled in relief, muttering under her breath: “Finally, some peace.”

Many participants had already begun writing on the designated proclamation paper. Yu Nanqing added water to the inkstone, picked up an ink stick, and began grinding it while mentally drafting her essay.

Her technique was graceful, deliberate, and orderly, her posture upright and her wrist steady. Her clear, bright eyes shone with focus and determination.

When Wei Yunhan, who had been assisting the Grand Chancellor, came to deliver a stamped proclamation paper, he nearly thought he’d come to the wrong place.

“Hey, did Prince Ning’s side add an extra person? Where are they?”

“Leave it here,” Yu Nanqing said, gesturing to the writing materials on her desk. “Thank you, Young Master Wei.”

Wei Yunhan looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “Your brother’s been writing for nearly half an hour already. Can you even finish in time? Why don’t we just avoid the embarrassment?”

Yu Nanqing, finding him noisy, covered one ear. “If you don’t shut up, I really won’t have time.”

Given Yu Nanqing’s unique status, a poor performance might not just embarrass her but could disgrace the entire Prince Ning’s household. Even if someone from the Ministry of Works’ families produced a fine essay, it wouldn’t save face for Prince Ning.

Still uneasy, Wei Yunhan offered, “Well, I’m decent at writing. How about I suggest an opening for you?”

Yu Nanqing paused her ink-grinding and turned to tease him: “No good. I don’t know many characters. I wouldn’t be able to write what you say.”

Wei Yunhan: “???”

“Does Prince Ning know you’re like this?”

Yu Nanqing, fully committed to the act, replied confidently: “Do you think she wouldn’t know?”

Having once thoroughly humiliated Yu Nanbo at Zuixianju, Wei Yunhan was well aware of the Yu family’s scholarly limitations. Now, he was seven or eight parts convinced.

He felt the sky was falling. After scrutinizing Yu Nanqing’s face for a long moment, he finally accepted a harsh truth: Prince Ning had finally been swayed by beauty over wisdom.

To give Yu Nanqing a chance to perform better, Wei Yunhan reluctantly dismissed the nearby palace attendants, hoping to give her a clear view of the scenery for inspiration. Then, with a sigh at every step, he returned to Grand Chancellor Wei’s side.

Noticing his grandson’s distracted glances toward Prince Ning’s camp, Grand Chancellor Wei frowned, about to offer some advice.

But Wei Yunhan leaned down and whispered, “The Princess Consort of Ning has entered the competition, seated at the very back. Grandfather, is this appropriate?”

Having served through three reigns with countless disciples, Grand Chancellor Wei’s sharp eyes followed his grandson’s direction.

He saw Yu Nanqing, calmly meditating before picking up her brush and writing with fluid, dragon-like strokes. Her simple desk and the sparse grass around her couldn’t conceal her refined grace. Her steady demeanor already surpassed most of the men in the field.

It took Yu Nanqing just a quarter of an hour to grind her ink, during which she had already composed a thousand-word essay in her mind.

The theme was the West Mountain Hunting Ground. Beyond the scenery, the hunting ground itself was paramount. Since the founding of the dynasty under Emperor Taizu, West Mountain had been a historic site where countless heroes had drawn bows and wielded swords.

By combining these two central ideas, referencing a few of Emperor Wenjing’s past hunting triumphs, praising his virtues, and concluding with a flourish about the prosperity of Great Qi under such an emperor, the essay would be complete.

It would be conventional but, with the addition of eloquent diction and historical allusions, sufficient to outshine Yu Nanbo.

Yet Yu Nanqing wasn’t satisfied with that.

Everyone in Great Qi knew Emperor Wenjing valued literature. Adding a literary competition to the Spring Hunt clearly showed his desire to create a unique event distinct from Emperor Taizu’s era.

A few might echo the blend of martial and literary prowess, which would surely please Emperor Wenjing. But if everyone wrote similarly, the emperor’s intentions would become too obvious, and he’d be displeased. It was best to avoid directly contrasting literature and martial valor.

Pausing her brush, Yu Nanqing frowned, crossed out a line about past emperors, and summoned a palace attendant to fetch another sheet of proclamation paper.

Yu Nanrou, seated late and also placed at a rear desk, raised an eyebrow with a knowing look when she saw a palace maid hurriedly delivering fresh paper to Yu Nanqing. As expected, she thought—Yu Nanqing, like her, idled away her days at the Duke’s residence. What kind of essay could she possibly write? It was absurd.

As the maid arrived with the paper, Yin San, disguised as a serving girl, leaned in while pouring tea and whispered, “His Highness sent me to remind you: there’s one hour left. Will the Princess Consort continue?”

The maid delivered the paper just then. Yu Nanqing set aside the flawed sheet, narrowed her eyes, and began copying anew with even neater, more elegant handwriting.

Yin San returned to report to Xiao Qiling.

By now, some participants from other princes’ camps had submitted their essays, which were being passed among the six senior ministers for review. Though the essays were anonymous, each was marked with the prince’s title, allowing the ministers to roughly deduce the authors based on seating arrangements.

Marking the prince’s title also ensured that essays from each camp reached Emperor Wenjing, sparing any prince from embarrassment.

The ministers judged impartially but made slight adjustments for balance.

After submitting his essay, Yu Nanbo closely watched the ministers’ reactions. Before the banquet, he and Xiao Qijun had studied the ministers’ preferences, tailoring his style to be elegant and unrestrained, avoiding any hint of sycophancy.

A eunuch waiting by the ministers’ side caught Yu Nanbo’s eye when his essay reached their hands.

Soon after, the ministers’ faces lit up with appreciation, and they placed his essay among the candidates—the first to be selected thus far.

Yu Nanbo and Xiao Qijun exchanged a glance, both visibly relieved.

Subsequently, essays from other princes’ camps were chosen, filling the ten slots. Some previously selected were later removed.

The venue was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Even the Imperial Consort, usually talkative, held her tongue, clutching her handkerchief tightly.

Beyond observing the ministers, the officials also scrutinized the princes’ reactions. The literary competition, meant to recruit talent, was in truth the first direct clash among the grown princes since the crown prince’s deposition.

Xiao Qiling remained composed, Xiao Qimin appeared nonchalant, Xiao Qijun was calm and confident, while the seventh, eighth, and ninth princes showed tension or quiet delight, clearly less steady than the others.

Finally, the chief eunuch, holding a whisk, descended from the high platform. After bowing to the ministers, he approached the ten selected essays to check which princes’ camps they represented.

Upon reaching the last one, his smile faded slightly. He asked softly, “Are these the ten?”

Minister Li, nearby, glanced over and nodded: “Indeed.”

With few essays remaining, the eunuch forced a smile, counting pointedly: “Two each from the seventh, eighth, and ninth princes, one from Prince Xuan, and three from Prince Chen.”

Minister Li, the Imperial Consort’s father, bristled: “If the eunuch has something to say, speak plainly. Don’t tarnish my reputation!”

Minister Wei, a three-reign veteran and former tutor to the crown prince, supported him: “These were chosen by all six of us. We have no qualms, even if His Majesty asks. Mind your words.”

As a paragon of integrity, Minister Wei’s words carried weight. The eunuch quickly bowed in apology: “This servant was blind. Please forgive me, Minister.”

“Go report to His Majesty.” Minister Wei said.

After the eunuch left, the other ministers set down their essays and looked to Minister Wei with concern: “What now? Should we replace one?”

With all eyes watching, Minister Wei couldn’t decide alone, so he had let the eunuch report first. Glancing at the platform, he sighed: “Let His Majesty decide.”

When the eunuch presented the ten essays to Emperor Wenjing, the outspoken Imperial Consort immediately asked, “What about Prince Ning? How many for him?”

The eunuch gave a dry smile. “Your Ladyship, the ten slots are full.”

A collective gasp rose.

This meant that none of Prince Ning’s talents would receive recognition—a public slap to his face.

Standing by Xiao Qijun, Yu Nanbo overheard the whispers. Dressed in a narrow-sleeved brocade robe, he stood tall, brimming with pride: “Nanbo congratulates Your Highness in advance.”

Xiao Qijun was about to return the congratulations when two palace maids hurriedly delivered a few more essays to the ministers: “These are the last ones.”

Yu Nanbo frowned, worried: “There won’t be any surprises, will there?”

Xiao Qijun reassured him: “All the talented ones filled the front rows early. Even the ladies seeking attention are seated upfront. Those at the back are from minor officials’ families—what’s there to worry about?”

Yu Nanbo considered this and relaxed.

Lowering his voice, Xiao Qijun confided, “Besides, my grandfather intends to help this time. Your essay will be presented first to my father.”

Yu Nanbo was elated: “Truly?”

Xiao Qijun fanned himself: “Of course.”

Both Lady Li and the Imperial Consort were daughters of Minister Li, but their treatment differed vastly due to their mothers’ status. The Imperial Consort’s mother was Minister Li’s legal wife, while Lady Li’s was a concubine, not even elevated to a side wife when Lady Li came of marriageable age.

Due to her lineage, Lady Li couldn’t marry as the Duke’s legal wife. Thus, Yu Nanbo both revered and feared his grandfather, Minister Li, trembling during lessons with Xiao Qijun and earning little favor.

Hearing that his grandfather would support him now, Yu Nanbo couldn’t hide his excitement.

But then, one of the reviewing ministers suddenly exclaimed, “I must revise the results. This essay is marvelous, truly marvelous!”

“It’s refreshingly novel and delights me greatly.”

“The Ministry of Works hides a dragon among tigers!”

The first two comments drew little attention, only stirring slight tension in Prince Xuan’s camp, which had secured just one slot.

But the third remark stunned the Six Ministries’ officials.

The Ministry of Works?

An essay from the Ministry of Works had earned such praise from the ministers?

The turn was so sudden that even the emperor grew curious, urging the eunuch to collect the final ten essays.

With an essay from Prince Ning’s camp added, one from another prince’s camp had to be cut. Logically, it should come from Prince Chen’s camp to maintain balance, but Minister Li acted swiftly, pulling the sole essay from Prince Xuan’s camp: “This one was barely selected earlier. Let’s remove it.”

Though reasonable, Minister Li’s decisive move drew side-glances from two other ministers. Standing firm, he handed the final ten essays to the eunuch.

As Emperor Wenjing reviewed the essays, his eyes showed appreciation. The earlier essays focused on the youthful vigor of the Spring Hunt and heroic aspirations.

One essay argued that while skilled archers earned respect, individuals should excel in their own fields to serve Great Qi devotedly. Pleased, Emperor Wenjing summoned the eunuch: “Who is the third candidate from Prince Chen’s camp?”

Knowing the emperor’s mind, the eunuch checked the roster and beamed: “Your Majesty, it’s the second son of Duke Yu’s household, Yu Nanbo.”

Yu Nanbo, hearing his name, adjusted his sleeves and stepped forward: “I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Wenjing raised a hand: “So it’s Young Master Yu. Truly a man who considers the people. Your essay’s perspective pleases me greatly.”

Yu Nanbo bowed again: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s praise.”

Emperor Wenjing set his essay aside and took up the next few. During this time, the ministers’ gazes fell on Yu Nanbo, many casting envious looks toward Duke Yu.

A consensus formed: the Duke’s household was poised to take the top spot and soar.

Yet, after half an incense stick’s time, Emperor Wenjing furrowed his brow, then gradually showed surprise.

The clear, spirited handwriting leapt off the page, its descriptions and arguments vibrant and full of life, mirroring the elegance of its calligraphy.

This time, Emperor Wenjing hesitated, not immediately summoning the author. Instead, he sent the essay, along with others, to the ministers: “My dear ministers, review these.”

The ten essays circulated among the officials, each distinct.

Below, Yu Nanqing had returned to Xiao Qiling’s side, eagerly eating from her fruit tray to quench her thirst. Though spring had not fully arrived, these imperial tributes were rare.

Emperor Wenjing was clearly testing the ministers’ opinions before deciding whether to adjust the top rank.

Xiao Qiling’s attention lingered on the circulating essays, but when she glanced over, the one who had written the praised essay was now casually eating beside her, carefree. She couldn’t help but laugh.

“The results are coming soon. Can’t you pause for a moment?”

Yu Nanqing, famished from writing, didn’t look up: “Whether I watch or not, will the results change?”

“No,” Xiao Qiling admitted, curious. “Yu Nanbo was specifically called to speak. Aren’t you worried about falling behind him?”

“Not at all,” Yu Nanqing said, turning her head with brazen confidence. “Unless they’re pretending to be blind.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled softly: “Without the ministers’ hurdle, they might pretend a bit.”

After the ten essays made a small round, the ministers were uniformly curious about the author from the Ministry of Works: “To weave the changing seasons and celestial shifts into ancient rites and modern reforms, with insights even I feel inferior to.”

“Minus the Spring Hunt theme, this could earn a top rank in next month’s imperial exams.”

“Your Majesty, I boldly submit that this is today’s finest work.”

“I concur.”

“I also concur.”

The ministers’ praises echoed, and Emperor Wenjing raised a hand to quiet them.

The Minister of Works stepped forward and asked, “May I ask Your Majesty, who wrote this essay?”

Emperor Wenjing’s expression was unreadable, his dark eyes sweeping over the ministers, lingering briefly on Yu Nanbo and Xiao Qijun before moving on.

He wanted to award Yu Nanbo the top spot, but compared to this other essay, both in descriptive eloquence and elevated arguments, Yu Nanbo’s fell far short.

Though biased, Emperor Wenjing valued talent. Resolved, he planned to test the author further after ranking them, intending to employ them if they proved worthy.

He summoned the eunuch with the roster: “Check who wrote that essay from the Ministry of Works.”

All eyes fixed on the eunuch’s roster, eager to know who, in just two hours, could display such talent and insight.

If their lineage was also fitting, they might truly steal the Duke’s household’s glory.

The eunuch flipped to the last entry in Prince Ning’s camp, his face stunned. Against protocol, he double-checked the essay’s number in another official’s hands before daring to believe.

He announced loudly: “Your Majesty, this is not from the Ministry of Works. It is from Prince Ning’s household—the Princess Consort of Ning.”

The hall fell silent, as if a needle could be heard dropping.

Then, an uproar erupted.