Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 25

25: “You Truly Are… Treasonous”

“Is it that Princess Ning? The one from Prince Ning’s household?”

“You old fool, are you possessed or something? There’s only one Prince Ning in Great Qi, and he’s only married one official consort. Who else could it be?”

“Duke, how is it that your household has such a talented daughter, and yet you’ve never mentioned her?”

The ministers were practically in an uproar.

Though the literary requirements of the Spring Qiong Banquet were not as stringent as the imperial examinations, they still gathered many privileged young men who had been immersed in scholarly studies since childhood. Among them were even study companions to the princes, all tutored by learned masters from the Imperial Study.

Yet, Princess Ning, a woman from the inner quarters, discarded by the Duke’s household and sent to Prince Ning’s residence for a rushed marriage, had outshone all the competing men. How could such a shocking event not stir excitement?

Yu Nanbo’s body swayed, and he stiffly turned to look at Xiao Qijun, who also wore an expression of disbelief.

Xiao Qijun had initially intended to win over Yu Nanqing. When he learned that Duke Yu had sent such a treasure to Prince Ning’s household, he had complained to the Imperial Consort about the Duke’s shortsightedness.

The Consort had dismissed it at the time, casually stroking her ornate nail guards and consoling him: “Prince Ning has already been stripped of his position as Crown Prince and is afflicted with that strange poison. No amount of wealth can be spent if he’s dead. No official would bet on him. Once he’s gone, the third Miss Yu will have to pull the Ji family into your camp to secure her survival.”

Xiao Qijun, having just been rejected by Yu Nanqing, found the Consort’s words reasonable and thus didn’t interfere, allowing Yu Nanqing to marry into Prince Ning’s household.

But who could have predicted that Yu Nanqing’s literary talent would surpass all others, earning recognition in front of so many ministers before the Emperor?

As a prince, Xiao Qijun felt an unprecedented sense of crisis welling up from the depths of his heart.

While Xiao Qijun was gripped by unease, the Third Prince, Xiao Qimin, was even more excited and thrilled than Xiao Qiling.

What did it matter if Elder Li, due to his familial ties with Xiao Qijun, swapped out the Ministry of War’s only submission? The men of the Ministry of War were better at wielding swords than pens, and not being selected didn’t shame them. Afterward, Elder Li could even use the opportunity to play the victim before Emperor Wenjing, reaping no small benefit.

But Xiao Qijun? He had worked tirelessly to secure this opportunity from Emperor Wenjing, even enlisting Elder Li’s help, only to end up paving the way for Prince Ning’s triumph.

Xiao Qimin clicked his tongue, his bold brows relaxing into a smile. “It seems Young Master Yu’s literary talent isn’t much to speak of. He couldn’t even outdo a woman stitching embroidery in the inner quarters. No wonder he lacks confidence for next month’s imperial exams and has resorted to making a scene at the Spring Qiong Banquet.”

Xiao Qimin was tall and spoke loudly enough for over half the court to hear his mocking words. The faces of Yu Nanbo and Xiao Qijun darkened.

It was precisely these words that made the ministers realize something: among those preparing for next month’s exams, aside from Yu Nanbo, only three others had competed, and none were from the capital. How much padding was in their credentials?

The admiring gazes that had moments ago been directed at the competitors turned skeptical in an instant.

Princess Ning’s essay needed no further judgment—it was exceptional. But the others? They were merely the tallest among dwarves.

Xiao Qimin smirked triumphantly at Xiao Qijun and strode forward to Emperor Wenjing. “Father, my sister-in-law possesses such remarkable talent. It truly astonishes your son. You must reward her generously.”

Emperor Wenjing rubbed the armrest of his dragon throne, gazing at the son below. Xiao Qimin’s eagerness to secure a reward for Yu Nanqing wasn’t out of loyalty to Prince Ning’s household but to oppose Xiao Qijun.

But Prince Ning’s household…

Why did it have to be Princess Ning?

Even if a woman couldn’t participate in court discussions, such talent, confined to the inner quarters, could still be immensely useful—offering counsel and strategies with greater loyalty than most ministers.

If he had known earlier, he could have brought her into the palace or betrothed her to any of his sons. How did such a talent end up with Xiao Qiling?

Emperor Wenjing’s gaze shot toward Yu Bingru, sharp as a tempered blade.

Xiao Qiling’s eyes narrowed slightly. As Yu Nanqing glanced around, she gripped her wrist, applying a subtle pressure.

Yu Nanqing, puzzled, thought Xiao Qiling was displeased. She whispered, “Your Highness, how about we say the essay was written by you?”

As the former Crown Prince, it wouldn’t be surprising for her to produce such work, would it?

Xiao Qiling shot her a sidelong glance. “Be quiet.”

So fierce. Yu Nanqing let out an “oh” and obediently closed her mouth.

There were also many young ladies participating in the literary contest, so Emperor Wenjing couldn’t use Yu Nanqing’s gender as an issue. With things as they were, he had no other choice. “Qimin is right. For Princess Ning to possess such talent is truly a blessing for Great Qi. Does anyone object to her being named the top scholar of this literary contest?”

All the ministers shook their heads. Emperor Wenjing turned to Yu Nanqing. “You have no objections, but I do. Princess Ning.”

Yu Nanqing stepped forward. “Your subject is here.”

“Is this essay truly your own work, completed independently?”

Yu Nanqing replied calmly, “When I was writing, the palace maids can attest to it. Your Majesty may question anyone at will.”

“Very well. I noticed your essay seems to leave something unsaid at the end, as if your thoughts were not fully expressed?”

At Emperor Wenjing’s words, even Elder Wei’s gaze locked onto Yu Nanqing. Not only the Emperor but he, too, was eager to know what more this young woman had to say.

Yu Nanqing’s essay began with a comparison between the current dynasty’s new policies and the old systems of the past, using the strength of the nation to argue the correctness of today’s policies. However, in the latter part, she raised a new question.

Corrupt officials, excessive taxes, and forced labor—problems that plagued nearly every declining dynasty. Many final emperors attempted reforms, so why did those efforts often hasten their downfall? And why could some dynasties, despite flawed policies, still maintain prosperity?

Thus, the continuation of a flourishing dynasty depended not only on the policies discussed by ministers but also on the emperor making decisions at the right time. Determining when to innovate was the most critical exploration.

Yu Nanqing’s essay ended there, leaving out specific methods for choosing the right timing or ensuring the correctness of new policies.

So when Emperor Wenjing asked, Yu Nanqing was prepared. “Your Majesty, indeed, that is the case. However, I left the latter part blank because my knowledge is limited, and I still need to seek further evidence for a prudent approach. I have no definitive conclusions yet and dared not write carelessly. I ask Your Majesty to forgive my presumptuous discourse.”

After ascending the throne, Emperor Wenjing had enacted reforms to erase the legacy of Emperor Wuxuan. Especially after the Empress’s death and the Crown Prince’s deposition, the court had grown increasingly chaotic in recent years, drawing criticism.

Yu Nanqing’s essay provided Emperor Wenjing with a perfect justification to quell dissent: the vibrant life of the West Mountain hunting grounds and the thriving state of Great Qi were all thanks to his control over the court.

This was why, upon reading her essay, Emperor Wenjing considered abandoning Yu Nanbo. He nodded. “Well said. Though young and confined to the inner quarters, you possess such insight. I am truly pleased. Duke Yu has a fine daughter, and Prince Ning has a fine consort.”

Yu Bingru’s smile was uglier than a grimace, but he had to step forward. “Your Majesty flatters me.”

“Miss Yu, today you are the top scholar of the literary contest. If you were not yet married, I would surely appoint you to serve in the court. However…” Emperor Wenjing paused before continuing, “Is there any reward you desire?”

His words were clear. He didn’t mention her being a woman but instead expressed regret that she was already married.

Even if a woman couldn’t stand among the ministers, serving as a scribe in the Imperial Study or managing memorials would far surpass the status of a minor official.

It would certainly be better than living in constant fear in Prince Ning’s household.

Emperor Wenjing was all but openly suggesting she request a divorce.

All eyes turned to Yu Nanqing, expecting her to utter the words “I wish to divorce.”

Yu Nanqing raised her head and looked at Emperor Wenjing. “Your Majesty, can it be any reward?”

Emperor Wenjing gave a warm smile. “Speak, and as long as it does not violate propriety, I will grant it.”

“When I last entered the palace, I heard Your Majesty wished to arrange for Prince Ning to take several concubines.”

At her words, the ministers all thought the same thing: Princess Ning was laying the groundwork for her divorce.

If Prince Ning took a new consort so soon after marrying her, and she found it intolerable, she could use this opportunity to leave his household without being accused of chasing fame.

Brilliant, truly brilliant.

Even Emperor Wenjing thought so. Out of concern, he spoke before she could. “If Prince Ning is to take new consorts, it is indeed unfair to you. So, I shall grant you a divorce. What do you think?”

“Your Majesty, please wait—”

Just as the ministers thought Princess Ning would joyfully accept the decree, she knelt with a thud and pleaded, “Your Majesty may have misunderstood my intent. I ask that you do not arrange for Prince Ning to take concubines or maids. I am deeply devoted to him and wish to remain by his side for years to come. Thus, I hope the inner quarters of Prince Ning’s household will consist of me alone.”

The ministers’ shock was no less than when they learned Yu Nanqing had written the essay.

How could someone forgo fame and fortune for the title of Princess Ning, using such a significant reward to ensure her husband took no concubines?

Even if the Emperor didn’t arrange for concubines, if Prince Ning wanted ten or eight in the future, what could she, as his consort, do but watch?

What was the point of such a reward? Just to prove her devotion to Prince Ning?

If this were Prince Ning three years ago, when he was still the Crown Prince, her request might make sense. As the Crown Princess, she would have unmatched prestige and wealth.

But now? Prince Ning had been stripped of his title, poisoned, and afflicted with madness that drove him to kill and drink bl00d without awareness. Staying with him wasn’t just about losing wealth—it was risking her life.

What was Yu Nanqing after?

Was it truly just Prince Ning himself?

The probing gazes on Yu Nanqing shifted to Xiao Qiling. Looking at his refined, elegant face and then at their wrinkled colleagues, the ministers… somewhat understood.

But how could this be? How could someone with such insight and talent be so shallow?

Yet Yu Nanqing, through her defiance of the Emperor, told them she was indeed that shallow.

Fame and fortune couldn’t compare to Prince Ning’s face.

Many senior ministers sighed in dismay. “Absurd!”

“Utterly absurd!”

Yu Nanqing ignored their criticism and turned to smile at Xiao Qiling.

Xiao Qiling, who had been staring at her back, was caught off guard by her radiant smile. Her heart felt as if it had been lightly scratched, a faint tingling spreading, stirring unfamiliar emotions.

“Have you thought this through?” Emperor Wenjing asked, narrowing his eyes as he observed their exchanged glances.

Yu Nanqing turned back, smiling shyly. “I ask Your Majesty to grant my wish.”

Emperor Wenjing nodded. “A pity.”

Others thought he meant the loss of Yu Nanqing’s potential career, and even the Imperial Consort by his side didn’t catch the fleeting killing intent in his eyes.

Only Xiao Qiling noticed it, his hands behind his back clenching tightly.

Afterward, Emperor Wenjing rewarded the other literary contestants. Perhaps influenced by Yu Nanqing, he granted no substantial positions, only honorary scholar titles and minor gifts.

For those who might later gain official posts, these titles could be a stepping stone. But after today’s contest, it was clear to all that their skills were limited, and these titles were likely the extent of their achievements.

After Emperor Wenjing left, the ministers dispersed, and palace servants began preparing the venue for the evening banquet.

Yu Nanqing quietly followed Xiao Qiling back to their tent. Having shone so brightly before the crowd, she now felt uneasy as Xiao Qiling led her back.

Her once-eloquent mind seemed to cloud over, muddled and heavy. She walked with her head down, not noticing when Xiao Qiling stopped, and bumped straight into her.

“Ah…”

Xiao Qiling steadied her, looking down with a mocking smile. “Is my consort so eager to throw herself into my arms?”

Yu Nanqing thought, Here it comes. She was finally settling the score.

But she refused to be interrogated like a criminal. Instead, she spread her arms, leaning into the moment and burying her face in Xiao Qiling’s shoulder, refusing to come out. “I was almost driven out of Prince Ning’s household, and Your Highness doesn’t even comfort me?”

Xiao Qiling frowned.

The fair-skinned woman rubbed against her, her jade hairpins clinking softly. Half-accusing, half-aggrieved, she continued, “When I was writing, Your Highness didn’t even come to check on me. A bug the size of a fingernail nearly crawled onto my foot.”

“I earned you prestige, and you don’t even give me a smile.”

“The Emperor wanted me to divorce, and you didn’t stop him. You just want me gone, don’t you? In your eyes, I’m just a spy sent by my father—everything I do is either to harm you or about to harm you.”

“And you’re always so harsh with me.”

Yu Nanqing’s soft complaints grew quieter. “I’m very aggrieved.”

She looked up, her beautiful eyes glaring at Xiao Qiling, misty and filled with apparent injustice. “So aggrieved, I want to lock Your Highness in a room, where you’d see only me day and night. That’s better than watching you take concubines and spend romantic nights with them.”

Xiao Qiling, caught by her gaze, faltered slightly.

When she did those things, she hadn’t thought much of it. But hearing them listed from her mouth, it did seem like she’d been a bit excessive.

“It’s fine, though. I’m used to being aggrieved.” Yu Nanqing seemed to deflate, leaning limply against Xiao Qiling, her voice softening.

“When I was young… I argued with Yu Nanrou. She insulted me and my mother, saying we were unwanted. I said her mother was my father’s mistress. My father overheard and punished me by making me kneel in the ancestral hall…”

“In the dead of winter, without even a cushion, I knelt on the floor copying a thick book of scriptures all night, my hands and feet frozen stiff.”

“He was much harsher than you.”

Xiao Qiling’s hand, supporting her, froze. A pang of sympathy struck her.

She had struggled to survive in the palace, hiding even her true gender, always vigilant and precise, all for that future day. But Yu Nanqing, sent by her own father to Prince Ning’s household, was her situation any better?

She had loyal ministers left by her father and the power her mother fought for, protecting her as she grew. By contrast, with Duke Yu so biased toward his mistress, Yu Nanqing’s mother would have planned early, ruling out marriage as an option.

This explained Yu Nanqing’s occasional insights, her exceptional chess skills, and the literary talent she displayed today.

If Duke Yu had known, he would have paraded her before Emperor Wenjing, never sending her to Xiao Qiling.

Xiao Qiling raised her hand, circling her back, and softly coaxed, “Be good, and I won’t be harsh with you anymore.”

Yu Nanqing looked up, her eyes clear and bright. “Really?”

Xiao Qiling: “Of course.”

Reassured, Yu Nanqing broke free from her embrace, her aggrieved expression vanishing. She looked as triumphant as if she’d won a royal pardon, brimming with confidence.

“Then Your Highness can leave. My hands are sore—call Chenxiang to massage them. Oh, and have her bring the snacks we brought, and make me a cup of sweet milk tea. You don’t need to call me for dinner!”

Xiao Qiling: …

The servants had already retreated when Yu Nanqing threw herself at her. She grabbed her consort, who was treating her like a servant, and pinned her to a nearby chair, looming over her.

Yu Nanqing abruptly stopped talking, urging, “There’s a banquet tonight. Shouldn’t Your Highness head there soon?”

Xiao Qiling stared at her silently for a moment before breaking into a slow smile. Her beauty was otherworldly, breathtakingly unreal.

“My consort gave up fame and fortune for me. In gratitude for your devotion, a night of warmth in the lotus tent—surely the Emperor won’t mind.”

Yu Nanqing’s expression cracked, her voice timid. “I only said that for the Emperor to hear.”

Xiao Qiling let out a cryptic chuckle.

Yu Nanqing cautiously asked, “Does Your Highness find me troublesome and truly want me gone?”

Xiao Qiling toyed with a strand of her hair, maintaining his commanding stance, her tone light. “Didn’t you see the Emperor and Prince Chen’s expressions? They’re full of regret—regret that they didn’t claim you for their own households.”

Yu Nanqing’s face paled slightly. She had realized this when the Emperor suggested divorce. The Emperor and Prince Chen’s households were chaotic, taking in siblings or twins without discrimination.

To Emperor Wenjing, the Empress, taken from Emperor Wuxuan, was his wife, deserving some respect. Others, even the current Imperial Consort, were mere playthings. Prince Chen was no different.

In her past life, her status as top scholar had made Prince Chen hesitate. In this life, Yu Nanqing didn’t dare take the risk.

When the Emperor offered her a reward, he had shifted from calling her “Princess Ning” to “Miss Yu.” Leaving Prince Ning’s household would be stepping into a true den of danger. She wasn’t foolish.

Yu Nanqing wrapped her arms around Xiao Qiling’s neck, coaxing, “Don’t scare me anymore, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled, noting how she’d grown adept at flattery. She teased, “Is that so? But your essay so pleased the Emperor. If I were him, I’d misunderstand your intentions.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes darted nervously.

Xiao Qiling released her hair, gently pinching her cheek to turn her face back. “My consort is so eloquent. Why so quiet now?”

Yu Nanqing didn’t want to talk and pushed her away to get up.

Xiao Qiling laughed softly, pulling her back and pressing her onto the chair. Dropping her playful demeanor, she said seriously, “I knew about the Spring Qiong Banquet’s contest in advance, but in my current position, I couldn’t change anything. If Yu Nanbo had reached the Emperor’s presence, the Consort’s enthronement would be imminent, followed by Prince Chen’s claim to the Crown Prince title. The future would hold more unpredictable variables. Do you know how much you’ve helped me?”

Yu Nanqing lowered her eyes. She understood.

In her past life, it had all happened. Many in the court were opportunists, and Yu Nanbo was just the beginning. More would later side with Prince Chen.

Originally, Emperor Wenjing had intended to balance Prince Chen with Xiao Qimin, but Prince Chen’s ambitions grew, and the Crown Prince title naturally fell to him.

“Yu Nanqing, thank you.”

She looked up sharply, thinking she’d misheard.

Xiao Qiling found her startled expression endearing.

She dared to compete with hundreds of noble sons, to speak fluently before the Emperor, yet was flustered by a single word of thanks.

She was delicate, physically frail, yet carried an unyielding spirit—a youthful boldness unpolished by the confines of the inner quarters.

Xiao Qiling admired this quality. She smiled, pinching her cheek again before letting her go, no longer teasing.

But then, Yu Nanqing grabbed her sleeve. “…Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling turned. “Hm?”

“Have you read my essay?” Yu Nanqing seemed to have steeled herself, her lips nearly pale from biting.

Xiao Qiling saw she had something to say and spoke gently. “I glanced at it when the ministers passed it around, but not closely. If needed, I can have it retrieved from the Emperor.”

“A glance is enough.” Yu Nanqing didn’t think her writing was some masterpiece worthy of scrutiny.

“Your Highness misunderstood something. The reforms I wrote about in my essay weren’t referring to Emperor Wenjing.”

“With border wars and heavy taxes driving the people to displacement, and the nation’s affairs shrouded in corruption, how can Emperor Wenjing be considered a ruler of a golden age? His actions are driven by self-interest. How can they be true reform?”

“Only one who truly saves the people from suffering is the enlightened ruler I serve.”

“I…”

Xiao Qiling covered her mouth, her gaze turning complex, her tone unusually cold. “Yu Nanqing, you dare test me?”

Her face retained its gentle smile. Tilting her head, she revealed her delicate neck. “Will Your Highness silence me?”

Xiao Qiling watched her silently.

After a moment, her expression broke into a radiant smile, like peach blossoms in bloom. Her fingers on her face were impossibly gentle. “You truly are… treasonous.”