Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 26

26: “I’m About to Commit an Act of Treason…”

The moonlight on the terrace was as cool as water.

In the tent, everything before Yu Nanqing’s eyes seemed to fade inch by inch, losing its color. The only vivid hue was the pair of gentle, smiling eyes of Xiao Qiling, which carried a hidden danger.

The four words “greatly treasonous” struck her heart heavily, yet a faint flush of excitement crept onto Yu Nanqing’s face.

How could her treasonous thoughts have only begun at this moment? From her past life, which she could never return to, from the moment she betrayed Xiao Qijun and the Great Qi Dynasty, she had already been irrevocably bound to those four words.

During her time in the Ning Prince’s residence, she had wavered, hesitated, and even given in to despair. The lifespan of Xiao Qiling in her previous life had always made her indecisive, constantly looking back and forth.

She had treated the events she foresaw from her past life as her fallback, pinning her hopes on the yet-to-appear rebel leader as her salvation.

But when Xiao Qijun set his sights on the Yu family, and when Emperor Wenjing began to press the Ning Prince’s residence step by step, Yu Nanqing realized she could not remain uninvolved.

“The present is not the same as the past.” Master Xichen had already given her the answer long ago.

The current situation was no longer the same as her previous life. She shouldn’t have been hesitating between Xiao Qiling and the future rebel leader because she never had a choice to begin with. From the moment of her rebirth, she had been drawn into the game of vying for the throne, with no way to stay on the sidelines.

Yu Nanqing leaned closer, rubbing her face gently against Xiao Qiling’s hand. “But I privately believe that only a treasonous person can be worthy of Your Highness. Doesn’t Your Highness find that pleasing?”

“Pleasing? Naturally, I find it pleasing.” Xiao Qiling said, giving her cheek a couple of playful pinches.

Then, her tone shifted, and she asked in a low voice, “But Princess, you’ve given this prince such a fright today. How should I deal with you?”

Yu Nanqing saw no trace of fear on Xiao Qiling’s face, but upon reflection, she realized she had kept secrets from Xiao Qiling for so long. It was only natural for Xiao Qiling to be upset and want to punish her.

Her heart tightened, but her expression remained calm and smiling. “How does Your Highness wish to deal with me?”

Leaning closer, Xiao Qiling whispered in an even softer, lower voice, setting her punishment: “…How about you serve this prince tonight?”

Yu Nanqing’s ears flushed bright red. “Ah… ah?”

Xiao Qiling burst into laughter, bending her fingers to tap Yu Nanqing’s forehead. “Where’s your mind wandering to? I meant you’ll serve as my little maid tonight.”

Yu Nanqing swatted her hand away, the heat on her face refusing to subside. “It’s your fault for using such ambiguous words! Go out and say that to any random maid and see if they don’t misunderstand!”

Xiao Qiling pictured the scene and shook her head. “That wouldn’t do.”

Yu Nanqing replied, “See? You know it’s inappropriate.”

Xiao Qiling shook her head again. “With my looks, if they took it seriously and tried to take advantage of me, that would be troublesome.”

Yu Nanqing blurted out, “You? Taken advantage of?”

Propping herself up with one hand, Xiao Qiling leaned lazily against the back of the couch. Her stern black riding attire couldn’t suppress the tender allure in her eyes. “Indeed. My hidden guards are all highly skilled. Only the Princess can be trusted with such tasks.”

Those hidden guards were utterly loyal to Xiao Qiling, even donning palace attire at the Xishan hunting grounds. Did they look like they’d disobey? Yu Nanqing couldn’t be bothered to call out Xiao Qiling’s nonsense—she just wanted to get through this “serving” business tonight.

Xiao Qiling quickly slipped into the role of the master, instructing Yu Nanqing, “Go outside and announce that I’m feeling unwell and won’t attend the evening banquet.”

Yu Nanqing hadn’t expected Xiao Qiling to take it so seriously and start giving orders right away. Reluctantly, she stood, gave a perfunctory curtsy, and went outside to relay the message.

When she returned, Xiao Qiling had sprawled across the soft couch, leaving no room for Yu Nanqing. Scanning her up and down, Xiao Qiling asked with an ambiguous tone, “You came back empty-handed?”

Yu Nanqing forced a smile. “Please, Your Highness, enlighten me.”

Xiao Qiling’s fingertips tapped idly on the edge of the velvet blanket. “After watching the literary exam all afternoon, I’m a bit hungry. I recall we brought plenty of snacks when we left the residence, didn’t we? Have some brought over. Oh, and that milk tea you love—bring me a cup. Not too rich, not too sweet.”

After giving her orders, she paused her tapping, touched her shoulder, and frowned with mild impatience. “I’ve been sitting upright all day, and my shoulders are sore. Come and massage them for me.”

Yu Nanqing’s expression grew strange. The more she listened, the more something felt off. Wasn’t this exactly what she had said when she was shooing Xiao Qiling away earlier? She’d asked Chenxiang to prepare snacks and milk tea and told Xiao Qiling not to call her for dinner.

Now, Xiao Qiling was throwing it all back at her, with an added shoulder massage.

Yu Nanqing stood still, unwilling to move.

Xiao Qiling didn’t rush her, simply watching her with a leisurely air.

Gradually, Yu Nanqing gave in first, bending her knees in defeat. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling, thoroughly satisfied, waved her hand with a smile. “Good. Hurry along.”

By the time Yu Nanqing had prepared everything Xiao Qiling requested, a quarter of an hour had passed. Exquisite pastries were laid out on the low table beside them, each served in gold-rimmed, jade-inlaid dishes that made even the simplest snacks look refined and appetizing.

Xiao Qiling had been sitting all day, but hadn’t Yu Nanqing as well? In comparison, Xiao Qiling only had to maintain the dignity of a prince, while Yu Nanqing had poured considerable effort into crafting her essay—carefully balancing it to be impressive enough to catch Emperor Wenjing’s eye without overshadowing the top scholars of the imperial exams.

Yu Nanqing was starving. Her eyes practically glowed at the sight of the pastries, especially the steaming cup of milk tea, fragrant with her favorite jasmine scent.

She took a deep breath, lowering her gaze obediently, trying not to let her eyes linger on the table.

But just as she managed to restrain herself, Xiao Qiling spoke again. “You’re just going to stand there? Don’t you know how to serve?”

Yu Nanqing did know, but Xiao Qiling wasn’t usually one to demand service, and the Ning Prince’s residence rarely had maids bustling about. Hesitantly, she picked up a pair of chopsticks and lifted a piece of peach blossom pastry.

Halfway to Xiao Qiling, she suddenly said, “Your Highness, this pastry was made this morning. It might not be fresh. Allow me to taste it for you first.”

Xiao Qiling let out an “Oh?” and saw through her at once. “If you want to eat, just say so.”

Yu Nanqing stared stubbornly at the pastry. “No, I’m genuinely concerned for Your Highness.”

“Your Highness doesn’t need your concern.”

“As a noble of the imperial bloodline, how can Your Highness not cherish your health? What if someone poisoned this? I’m willing to bear the risk for you.”

Yu Nanqing spoke with a straight face, and Xiao Qiling smiled, thinking to herself that she didn’t believe a word of it.

Yu Nanqing just wanted to eat.

Her eyes were practically glued to the pastries, unable to tear away. If Xiao Qiling turned her head, a piece might already be in Yu Nanqing’s mouth.

“Dinner will take a while. Sit and have some,” Xiao Qiling said, taking a sip of clear tea. “If you starve, you won’t have the energy to serve tonight.”

Yu Nanqing protested, “I’m not that frail,” but her body betrayed her words, swiftly sitting beside Xiao Qiling. She didn’t even put down the chopsticks, taking her first bite immediately.

Seeing her wolfish demeanor, Xiao Qiling’s lips curved subtly.

After Yu Nanqing devoured half a plate of pastries, her pace finally slowed. The peach blossom pastry was a bit dry, and she discreetly pressed her chest, as if choking slightly.

At that moment, the steaming milk tea was pushed toward her. Xiao Qiling instructed, “It smells too rich. Have them make another.”

Yu Nanqing sniffed it and thought it was fine, but since Xiao Qiling had spoken, she had to comply. “Then… I’ll take care of this one for Your Highness?”

Xiao Qiling took another sip of her bitter tea, her movements elegantly refined. “As you wish.”

Most of the snacks ended up in Yu Nanqing’s stomach, leaving her slightly embarrassed. So, when massaging Xiao Qiling’s shoulders, she was extra diligent—gentle when needed, firm when required. She even thoughtfully suggested, “Your Highness, there are guards outside, so no one will barge in. Would you like to change into something more comfortable?”

“Good idea.” Xiao Qiling said, sounding pleased. She spread her arms. “Change my clothes for me.”

Since they were at the Xishan hunting grounds, Yu Nanqing didn’t dare pick out a skirt, choosing instead a loose-sleeved men’s robe. She then fulfilled her duties as a “maid.”

Under Xiao Qiling’s gaze, Yu Nanqing lowered her head, slowly undoing Xiao Qiling’s intricate riding attire. Her slender, fair fingers unfastened the arm guards and removed the heavy belt, her movements careful and deliberate.

This wasn’t the first time Yu Nanqing had been so close to Xiao Qiling—she’d even thrown herself into her arms before—but now, she felt an inexplicable hesitation. Xiao Qiling’s breath brushed her forehead, and Yu Nanqing’s head dipped lower, her ears reddening again.

Perhaps it was the realization that she’d have to undo several more layers, and she was starting to regret her suggestion.

Xiao Qiling waited patiently, not rushing her, letting Yu Nanqing’s soft hands move cautiously over her.

Clearly, Xiao Qiling was the one being “taken advantage of,” yet Yu Nanqing seemed more like the one being teased. A faint flush spread from her neck, like spring water reflecting pear blossoms, delicate and radiant.

After removing the outer robe, Yu Nanqing let out a relieved breath, finally finding an excuse to stop. “Your Highness, this should be comfortable enough. If His Majesty summons you urgently, you’ll have time to change. No need to remove the inner layers, right?”

“Who said I’m comfortable?” Xiao Qiling glanced at her, then looked down at her chest. “Undo it.”

Yu Nanqing froze, hopping back three steps like a startled rabbit. “What did you say?”

Xiao Qiling pulled her back. The layered black inner robe hinted at the pale, restrained skin beneath. “Are my words so hard to understand?”

“I-I understand,” Yu Nanqing stammered, awkwardly averting her gaze. Closing her eyes, she reached out with trembling hands to undo Xiao Qiling’s inner robe.

But as the robe came off and she reached out to feel for Xiao Qiling, her hands found nothing.

Had Xiao Qiling slipped away with her lightness skill?

Yu Nanqing peeked open her eyes and saw Xiao Qiling had turned around, her inner clothes already removed, slowly unwrapping the bindings around her chest.

The end of the binding cloth brushed Yu Nanqing’s hand, still warm with Xiao Qiling’s body heat. Yu Nanqing instinctively pinched it, and a chuckle sounded in her ear.

“I thought you’d be shy, so I was going to do it myself. But it seems I was overthinking.” Xiao Qiling said, casually pressing the half-unwrapped bindings against her chest, as if about to let go.

Yu Nanqing’s face changed, and she quickly grabbed Xiao Qiling’s hand, pleading softly, “Your Highness, please don’t test me.”

She paused, her voice dropping lower. “If this keeps up, I really will commit an act of treason.”

Xiao Qiling stifled a laugh, curious to see how Yu Nanqing would “commit treason.” “Oh? Why don’t you try?”

Yu Nanqing immediately pounced, wrapping Xiao Qiling’s loosened clothes tightly around her shoulders to ensure not a glimpse of skin was exposed. Then, she bent her knees and knelt properly. “Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling’s phoenix-like eyes glanced at the spot where Yu Nanqing knelt.

A soft couch, cushioned with pillows.

Not sincere at all.

Xiao Qiling didn’t tell her to rise, and Yu Nanqing, not finding kneeling uncomfortable, stayed put. Time passed slowly, growing agonizing.

Yu Nanqing softly reminded, “Your Highness, be careful not to catch a chill.”

Xiao Qiling, knowing Yu Nanqing was nearing her limit but still unsatisfied, leisurely asked, “Your knowledge—was it taught by tutors your mother hired?”

Xiao Qiling hadn’t brought it up earlier, but that didn’t mean she’d forgotten or wouldn’t ask again.

Yu Nanqing started to look up in protest but caught sight of Xiao Qiling’s still-loose collar and quickly lowered her head again.

Xiao Qiling leaned closer, placing the binding cloth in Yu Nanqing’s hand. “Help me dress.”

Yu Nanqing’s hand trembled as she answered honestly, “…Yes.”

“Even the Duke’s household didn’t know?”

“Yes. My father rarely visited my mother’s courtyard.” As for how those tutors came and went, Yu Nanqing didn’t elaborate, and Xiao Qiling could likely guess.

“The strategies in your essay show you’ve been specifically trained. You’ve thought about taking the imperial exams.” Xiao Qiling said with certainty.

Not all who read the classics could write policy essays, but those who could had surely studied them extensively.

“Who taught you?”

“Many tutors. And, well, I practiced writing for years on my own.”

“Have you ever taken the exams?”

At this point, even if she didn’t say it, Xiao Qiling would likely investigate. So, Yu Nanqing gave up resisting. “I have.”

“When?”

“The prefectural exam in the 14th year of Zhaoyuan, and the provincial exam in the 16th year.”

“I’ll have someone investigate in the south.” Xiao Qiling said, already guessing how Yu Nanqing had obtained exam eligibility. Having passed the provincial exam last year, she should be preparing for the metropolitan exam this year.

“If not for the imperial marriage decree, you’d be studying for it now?”

Yu Nanqing quickly shook her head. “No, no. I much prefer being Your Highness’s Princess.”

“There are indeed many around me who don’t care for the exams.” Xiao Qiling said, her tone cooling. “So how did you know from the start?”

Know that she planned to rebel?

“Can’t it be that I’ve admired Your Highness from the beginning?” Yu Nanqing was nearly pushed off the couch. Desperately, she grabbed Xiao Qiling’s inner robe and hugged her tightly to stop the “fox spirit” from teasing her further.

“I’ve been lovesick for Your Highness, praying to the gods daily, visiting the Huguo Temple every year to make wishes, and finally, my dreams came true.”

“Sharp-tongued, always coaxing your prince.” Xiao Qiling said, pinching the back of Yu Nanqing’s neck to pull her away.

But Yu Nanqing clung tighter, her long hair spilling over her back as she nestled into Xiao Qiling’s arms, utterly dependent.

Don’t ask, don’t ask. Please, no more questions.

Otherwise, she might really have to “serve” Xiao Qiling to silence her.

“Yu Nanqing, you’re truly full of secrets.” Xiao Qiling chuckled softly, relaxing her grip and letting Yu Nanqing stay in her arms.

Yu Nanqing hung her head, accepting the reprimand.

Seeing her low spirits, Xiao Qiling patted her back gently, teasing, “Alright, dinner should be ready soon. The Princess ate so many pastries earlier, but this prince barely had a bite.”

Yu Nanqing, caught off guard, shifted back, causing Xiao Qiling’s loosely draped inner robe to slip.

She let out a short “Ah!” and moved to fix it, but Xiao Qiling caught her wrist.

Xiao Qiling laughed, tilting her head. “You were so bold hiding in my arms. Why so scared from one look?”

Yu Nanqing’s face burned hotter, and Xiao Qiling’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

“Turn around.” Xiao Qiling said.

When dinner was brought in, Xiao Qiling had changed into a flowing, wide-sleeved men’s robe. From behind, she looked like a dashing young noble from the capital.

But knowing this “young noble” could turn back into a fox spirit at any moment, Yu Nanqing quickly averted her gaze, focusing on eating quietly.

Halfway through the meal, a guard reported that Duke Yu missed his daughter and requested the Princess’s presence.

Without looking up, Yu Nanqing borrowed Xiao Qiling’s authority. “Tell him I’m serving His Highness tonight and can’t go.”

Yin San’s hand trembled as he looked at Xiao Qiling.

Xiao Qiling set down her chopsticks, thought for a moment, and suggested, “The Duke must be full of regret now, trying to win you over while guarding against you. Your siblings’ expressions must be quite a sight. Don’t you want to see?”

Yu Nanqing made a thoughtful sound, swayed. “Fine, I’ll go take a look.”

“Let Yin San accompany you.”

Yu Nanqing only got half the spectacle she’d hoped for. By the time she arrived, Yu Nanbo and Yu Nanrou had been sent away by Yu Bingru, and even Lady Li was nowhere to be seen.

Somewhat disappointed, Yu Nanqing casually surveyed Yu Bingru’s tent, her gaze lingering on the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls. The Duke sure likes to play the cultured noble.

“I won’t hold it against you for hiding things from me before, but if you’d told me earlier, I wouldn’t have let you marry into the Ning Prince’s residence. Listen to your father’s advice: always weigh the pros and cons before acting.” Yu Bingru said meaningfully.

Yu Nanqing’s gaze shifted from the wall’s calligraphy, and she smiled. “The Ning Prince treats me well. Father saw today—I even defied His Majesty for him. Convincing me won’t be easy.”

Yu Nanqing took the main seat, tilting her head slightly to look at Yu Bingru. “Why don’t you tell me plainly what benefits you’re planning for me, Father? I’ll weigh them and make my decision.”

As a Princess, Yu Nanqing could demand Yu Bingru kneel and bow if she wished. Seeing her take the main seat, Yu Bingru merely frowned before sitting to her left.

“In front of so many people today, I understand your difficulties. But I’ll say it again: the poison in the Ning Prince’s body is a variable. At best, a few years; at worst… the hunt is already fraught with danger.”

Yu Bingru paused, lowering his voice. “You need to plan ahead.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes narrowed briefly before she smiled again. “But how do I know that once the Ning Prince is gone, you won’t turn on me completely?”

Yu Bingru laughed. “Elder Li is a renowned scholar, rich in knowledge. Even when your brother wanted to study under him as a child, he didn’t accept him despite their familial ties.”

“I can arrange for you to study under him. You’ve already shown your talent before His Majesty today. He values talent and would surely allow you to take the exams if you wished. I’ll give you a great teacher and a prestigious background, so you needn’t worry about the Duke’s household turning against you. What do you think?”

To be honest, Yu Nanqing was surprised that Yu Bingru would plan so much for her. Studying under Elder Li meant not only learning from his vast knowledge but also gaining access to his network of disciples.

While princes couldn’t openly form factions, courtiers’ private alliances were limited to a few groups. Few officials could stand alone, and those who rose too quickly were often suppressed before they could shine.

Yu Nanqing considered it for a moment, then commented, “That sounds like a solid fallback. Did Elder Li really not accept my second brother?”

“Not formally,” Yu Bingru said, guiding her patiently. “He’s still Elder Li’s grandson, so the familial tie remains. But today, His Majesty chose you, and Elder Li isn’t shortsighted.”

Yu Nanqing toyed with the jade bracelet on her wrist. “That’s quite tempting.”

Yu Bingru smiled. “My daughter is so clever, she’ll surely see the wisdom in it.”

“But isn’t there another possibility?” Yu Nanqing suddenly lowered her voice, and Yu Bingru frowned as she continued, “Perhaps the Ning Prince would grow wary of me studying under Elder Li. Then, before anything happens to him, I might quietly disappear.”

Yu Nanqing clapped her hands. “No need to bear the stigma of harming your daughter, and you could even use it to denounce the Ning Prince. What a brilliant move, Father.”

Yu Bingru’s eyes sharpened.

“If I stay as I am, I’ll live as long as the Ning Prince does. But if I entertain even the slightest disloyal thought, my life might end immediately. So, Father, you needn’t waste effort on me.”

Smiling, Yu Nanqing stood and gave Yu Bingru a curtsy. “As for the Duke’s household, as long as you don’t disturb me, I won’t do anything to harm its interests and trouble you.”

The Duke’s household had raised her for years, which was why Yu Nanqing came today. All her obligations were fulfilled in that statement.

Yu Bingru frowned tightly, taking two steps forward. “Yu Nanqing, do you know the Ning Prince’s true identity?”

Yu Nanqing turned back. “What else do you want to say?”

“The Ning Prince isn’t Emperor Wenjing’s true son. He can never ascend the throne, nor will he live much longer.”

Yu Nanqing’s smile faded. “Father, you shouldn’t speak such nonsense.”

“How could I joke about this?” Thinking she didn’t believe him, Yu Bingru briefly recounted the events of Emperor Wuxuan’s illness years ago.

“Few know this—it’s a royal secret. I’m telling you so you won’t make the wrong choice…”

Yu Nanqing cut him off. “So that’s why you said the hunt is fraught with danger?”

Yu Bingru froze, staring at her face without speaking.

Yu Nanqing nodded. “I understand.”