Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 27

27: “Then Never Be Stained by Bl00d and Filth”

Tonight, Emperor Wenjing was likely irritated by the literary competition at the Spring Feast, and the banquet ended early. Outside the camp, people came and went intermittently. After leaving Duke Yu Bingru’s tent, Yu Nanqing walked with Yin San toward a secluded area, heading to the edge of the hunting grounds.

She rested her hand on the wooden fence, watching the guards in imperial uniforms riding into the mountains for a final sweep of wild beasts. Her gaze lingered on their galloping horses, slightly lost in thought.

Yin San, who had been standing guard outside Yu Bingru’s tent, could hear most of the conversation inside with her keen senses. Assuming Yu Nanqing was upset, she approached slowly and called softly, “Princess?”

Yu Nanqing turned, leaning lazily against the fence. She glanced at Yin San, a playful smile curling her lips. “Alright, alright, I’ll head back to serve His Highness in bed.”

Yin San: …

Yin San stared at her expressionlessly, regretting her assumption. How could she have been so blind as to think Yu Nanqing was heartbroken?

“His Highness the Prince of Ning can ride a horse, right?” Yu Nanqing said with a mischievous grin. “But I can’t. What should I do? Tomorrow, I’ll have to trouble His Highness to hold me tightly while we ride.”

Yin San: “…Stop spouting nonsense!”

Yu Nanqing giggled, the frustration from her encounter with Yu Bingru dissipating. She adjusted her sleeves and stepped away from the fence, teasing, “His Highness is so clever, so how did he end up with such a rigid shadow guard?”

Yin San clenched her fists, but Yu Nanqing, sensing the mood, stopped teasing. “Alright, walk me back. You should know the way, right? I don’t quite remember.”

Yin San gave her a strange look, seemingly unable to fathom how someone could forget the way in such a large hunting ground.

Yu Nanqing averted her gaze, urging unnaturally, “Come on, let’s go. If we don’t hurry, His Highness will start missing me.”

Without further questions, Yin San led the way. As they turned a corner, a sudden cough interrupted them. “Wait.”

Yin San instinctively stepped in front of Yu Nanqing. As the figure approached, they saw a man in a crimson official robe—it was the Grand Chancellor, Lord Wei.

As Yin San bowed, Yu Nanqing also paid her respects as a junior.

Lord Wei scrutinized her with clear, concerned eyes. “How old are you this year?”

Yu Nanqing and Lord Wei had never met before, and for him to ask a woman’s age so directly was rather forward. Having served through three reigns with countless disciples, Lord Wei was a figure whose every word and action was emulated by court officials. How could he not know this was improper?

Puzzled but polite, Yu Nanqing answered.

Lord Wei’s gaze softened further. “Have you studied at an academy or under any teacher before?”

Yu Nanqing shook her head. “I’ve never attended an academy. My mother hired some teachers for me.”

Lord Wei stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming. “Some teachers, then. So you haven’t formally taken a master?”

Before Yu Nanqing could respond, a casual voice interrupted from behind. “Grandfather, what are you doing? Trying to snag a bargain?”

Lord Wei frowned and turned to see his troublesome grandson, Wei Yunhan.

With a stern face, Lord Wei snatched the folding fan from Wei Yunhan’s hand and rapped him on the head. “Instead of studying, you’re out here wandering again? Are you even planning to take next month’s imperial exams?”

“I’ve said I’m not taking them, so I’m not.” Wei Yunhan retorted, dodging behind Yin San. He winked at Yu Nanqing. “Little Princess, I underestimated you today. Don’t hold those things I said during the literary competition against me.”

Yu Nanqing smiled. “Of course not.”

“Then I’ll take my grandfather back now.”

As Lord Wei’s fan swung at him again, Wei Yunhan let out an exaggerated yelp, half-dragging, half-pulling his grandfather away.

Watching their retreating figures, Yu Nanqing chuckled. “No wonder he gets to stay by His Highness’s side.”

With people milling about the camp, if someone with ulterior motives reported Lord Wei’s approach to Emperor Wenjing, it could cause trouble. But if Lord Wei was merely disciplining his grandson and happened to run into her, no fault could be found.

Yin San, not grasping their subtle exchange, continued leading the way silently.

The next morning, when Yu Nanqing woke, Xiao Qiling was already at the table, eating breakfast.

Rubbing her eyes, Yu Nanqing asked, “When did Your Highness return last night? Why didn’t you wake me?”

“I did.” Xiao Qiling replied without looking up, studying a topographic map of the Western Mountain hunting grounds. “As soon as I called, you made room for me on half the bed. Didn’t you know?”

Yu Nanqing instinctively glanced at the bed, staring hard, trying to spot any trace of Xiao Qiling’s presence where she had rolled.

Xiao Qiling leisurely set down the map, lifting her gaze. “This is a camp, after all, with many eyes around. We can’t add another bed. Or perhaps you’d prefer sleeping on the floor?”

“I want the bed.” Yu Nanqing declared. It was only just warming up; sleeping on the floor for the next few days would freeze her to death.

Xiao Qiling nodded. “I also think you’d rather serve me in bed.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes widened. Xiao Qiling met her gaze with a smile, as if anticipating her question. “Yin San already told me yesterday. I had no idea that in my absence, you were so preoccupied with thoughts of serving me in bed. That’s my fault.”

Unable to outtalk her, Yu Nanqing got up to change.

As she finished dressing, she heard Xiao Qiling ask, “I heard you upset the Duke again last night?”

Yu Nanqing blinked innocently. “I just didn’t want to trouble Father with running around to find me a teacher. How could that make him angry?”

Xiao Qiling covered her lips, chuckling. She stood, taking a cloth from Chen Xiang and pressing it to Yu Nanqing’s face. “If he didn’t have such intentions, I’d actually find it strange.”

Yu Nanqing’s face was covered by the cloth, unable to see anything, and she swatted at Xiao Qiling’s hand. “Your Highness, is the point about Lord Li? The real point is that Emperor Wenjing wants to move against you.”

“When doesn’t the Emperor want to move against me?” Xiao Qiling held her hand down, intent on wiping her face.

Yu Nanqing thought about it and realized it was true. Emperor Wenjing schemed against Xiao Qiling daily. Did that mean Xiao Qiling had to be on guard every day?

Still hesitant, she said, “But the hunting grounds aren’t the capital. An accident here would seem more reasonable, wouldn’t it?”

Xiao Qiling’s tone was light. “True. Then it’d also be reasonable for others to have accidents, no?”

Yu Nanqing let out an exaggerated gasp, almost thinking she’d misheard. “You… you’re planning to move against someone?”

Xiao Qiling laughed. “I didn’t say that.”

Feeling her face being rubbed red, Yu Nanqing glared at Xiao Qiling as the cloth was removed. “Your Highness, if I go to my father now and agree to study under Lord Wei, is it too late?”

Xiao Qiling paused thoughtfully, a few strands of dark hair falling over her chest, brushing Yu Nanqing’s hand. “Then you might be silenced by me first.”

Yu Nanqing pouted. “Oh, really? Would you kill me with a sword or just bite me to death? The poison in Your Highness’s body hasn’t been sated by bl00d in a while, has it? Want to take a sip before entering the hunting grounds?”

Xiao Qiling tossed the cloth into a basin, pointing at her with a long laugh. “Not necessary now. If I’m exhausted from an assassination attempt later, I’ll use you to replenish.”

Yu Nanqing let out an “oh,” slumping onto the table to eat breakfast. “Then I’d better eat more so Your Highness can drink your fill.”

Half an hour later, everyone was ready to set out. After the Emperor’s eunuch announced the hunting rules, Emperor Wenjing led the way on a prized steed, followed closely by the imperial guards, kicking up dust.

After yesterday’s literary competition, several young ladies approached Yu Nanqing, asking when she’d studied and under whom—some out of curiosity, others likely on behalf of their elders.

Yu Nanqing looked to Xiao Qiling for help. With a gentle smile, Xiao Qiling pulled her close. “The Princess caught a chill yesterday and has a sore throat, so she can’t talk much. The hunt lasts several days; there’s no need to rush.”

With the Prince of Ning speaking, the ladies tactfully offered a few words of concern before joining their fathers and brothers in the hunting grounds.

Once they left, Yu Nanqing extricated herself from Xiao Qiling’s embrace. Xiao Qiling summoned a guard with a horse and asked, “Can you ride, or shall I take you?”

“Not really.” Yu Nanqing admitted. Even in her past life, she’d never learned to ride, always traveling by carriage.

Xiao Qiling mounted the horse and extended a hand. “Come, give me your hand.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes were practically glued to the horse, but she feigned restraint. “Your Highness better not let me fall.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled, circling her arm around Yu Nanqing’s waist and lifting her onto the horse, settling her in front. She wrapped her arms around Yu Nanqing’s waist, holding her securely.

Riding together for the first time, Yu Nanqing found the experience entirely different from watching others. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. “Your Highness, let’s go!”

With a soft laugh, Xiao Qiling spurred the horse forward. “Hyah!”

The forest scenery unfolded before them, the wind whistling past their ears. They’d entered late, and the sound of hooves echoed ahead. Wild animals darted through the grass, but the horse moved so fast that Yu Nanqing could barely catch a glimpse before they were gone.

Fascinated, she urged Xiao Qiling to show her the map. “What does Your Highness want to hunt? I’ll guide you.”

Xiao Qiling pressed down Yu Nanqing’s eager hand, pulling the reins to stop. “Sit still, or you’ll fall off.”

Yu Nanqing settled down but kept scanning the surroundings. Deeper into the forest, the woods grew quieter. Her sharp eyes spotted a gray rabbit nestled in the grass, its ears drooping, larger than the white rabbits she’d seen, nibbling on leaves.

Tugging at Xiao Qiling, she gestured for silence and pointed at the rabbit.

Xiao Qiling raised a brow, handing her a bow and arrow, mouthing, “You try?”

Yu Nanqing had no idea how to use it—she couldn’t even draw the bow, let alone aim properly.

Xiao Qiling lifted her hands, adjusting them into the proper stance. Their already close proximity grew closer. As Xiao Qiling whispered “Try,” Yu Nanqing released the arrow.

It flew briefly before dropping three meters away. Startled, the rabbit hopped off and vanished.

A soft chuckle came from behind.

Yu Nanqing turned, glaring at Xiao Qiling. “You’re laughing at me.”

“I’m not.” Xiao Qiling said, suppressing her smile.

“You are!” Yu Nanqing insisted.

Xiao Qiling paused, consoling her. “This bow is indeed heavy for you. Many men in this hunting ground probably couldn’t draw it.”

Yu Nanqing wasn’t comforted. “But you can.”

They were similar in build, so why the huge gap?

Frustrated, she asked, “If I start practicing martial arts every morning, how long until I can draw this bow?”

Xiao Qiling: “At least a year.”

Yu Nanqing gave up. “Then I’ll just sleep more.”

Xiao Qiling laughed, taking her hand again. “It’s rare to come to the hunting grounds. Shall I teach you to shoot?”

Yu Nanqing didn’t respond. Xiao Qiling, thinking she was worried about the bow, added, “I’ll help you draw it. It won’t happen like before.”

Yu Nanqing wasn’t scared of potential assassins; it was Xiao Qiling’s breath brushing her ear with every word, making her squirm at the closeness.

As Xiao Qiling leaned in to help her nock an arrow, Yu Nanqing pulled away, saying against her heart, “No, I don’t like it. Just hunt the animals.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at her reddened ears, understanding dawning. She took the reins, turning the horse. “Hyah.”

To avoid startling prey, the horse slowed, and the guards kept a ten-meter distance—close enough to protect without disturbing the animals.

Soon, they encountered a beautiful spotted leopard. By their position, they shouldn’t have met such a large beast. Yu Nanqing was intrigued, watching Xiao Qiling raise her bow, only to lower it suddenly.

The leopard didn’t flee. Yu Nanqing asked, “Why not shoot?”

“That leopard likely just gave birth,” Xiao Qiling said, experienced from years of hunting before her poisoning. “If we kill it, its cubs won’t survive long.”

Curious, Yu Nanqing peered at the leopard’s underbelly but couldn’t see clearly. As she urged Xiao Qiling to move closer, a hand covered her eyes.

Xiao Qiling’s teasing laugh rang out. “Don’t look at what’s improper. Why so curious, Princess?”

Blushing, Yu Nanqing yanked her hand down and bit it. Xiao Qiling let out an exaggerated “Ah!” and teased, “Is the Princess trying to murder me to claim credit from him?”

The “him” was clearly Emperor Wenjing. Yu Nanqing didn’t take the bait. “With all these guards around, if I could kill you in front of them, I wouldn’t escape either.”

Xiao Qiling followed her lead. “Then shall we find a different spot?”

Yu Nanqing shot her a sidelong glance. “This terrain is flat, easy to defend, hard to attack. Your Highness shouldn’t bother.”

“You can read topographic maps?” Xiao Qiling had only left the map on the table briefly during breakfast, and the hunting grounds had no markers. Most wouldn’t remember the layout.

“Your Highness has been acting like you’re on a leisurely outing since we entered,” Yu Nanqing said with a sly smile. “Isn’t it obvious? If you think the prey here isn’t fierce enough, we can take another path.”

Xiao Qiling raised a brow. “Oh?”

Yu Nanqing scanned the horizon dramatically, speaking slowly. “Prince Chen, aiming for first place, will surely head to the northwest corner for fierce beasts. That terrain’s dangerous, but if something happens, can’t we use them as shields? And we could steal their kills.”

Her fox-like eyes gleamed, her expression livelier than usual, her schemes practically audible.

Xiao Qiling smiled, finding the idea appealing. As she reached for the map to check directions, her peripheral vision caught something, and she froze.

“Don’t move.”

Sensing the seriousness in her eyes, Yu Nanqing froze, realizing something was wrong.

Behind her, a green snake slithered down a vine, its tongue flickering toward her. Its body blended with the vine, nearly invisible.

Yu Nanqing’s eyes followed Xiao Qiling’s gaze, catching the snake’s form in her peripheral vision. Cold sweat broke out, her body trembling. She was terrified of such slimy, cold-blooded creatures, and the snake’s damp breath grazed her ear, making her shake uncontrollably.

The snake, sensing their alertness, coiled, its head raised in an attack stance.

Xiao Qiling nocked an arrow, her expression turning icy and sharp.

Yu Nanqing held her breath.

In an instant, the snake lunged, and Xiao Qiling’s arrow flew, slicing through the air past Yu Nanqing’s cheek, piercing the snake’s vital spot.

The snake writhed briefly before going still.

“It’s dead.” Xiao Qiling said softly, noticing Yu Nanqing still frozen in a half-turned position.

Like a drowning person gasping for air, Yu Nanqing exhaled sharply, panting heavily.

Sensing something was off, Xiao Qiling turned her to face her, pulling her close to lean against her. She pressed a hand to Yu Nanqing’s lips to slow her frantic breathing, coaxing gently, “Don’t rush. Breathe slowly.”

Yu Nanqing struggled, her eyes trembling, tears welling from the ordeal. The hand muffling her made it harder to breathe, and she twisted to break free.

Xiao Qiling tightened her grip, not letting her move. “Breathe through your nose. Be good.”

Finally realizing she could use her nose, Yu Nanqing’s breathing steadied over time.

“Don’t talk to me yet,” she said hoarsely, head bowed, wanting to hide.

Xiao Qiling didn’t tease her this time. Dismounting, she reached out. “Come down. I’ll catch you.”

Yu Nanqing, seeing every green plant as a snake, clung to the reins. “No, I’m not getting down.”

Xiao Qiling tugged her arm, pulling her into an embrace. “How are you so timid?”

Regaining some strength, Yu Nanqing snapped back, “If you’re so brave, let that snake bite you and see if you survive.”

Xiao Qiling pulled her toward the snake. “That’s not certain. The poison in my body is strong—snake venom might not kill me.”

Hearing her mention the poison, Yu Nanqing’s defiance faded.

Fine, she wouldn’t argue with someone carrying such deadly poison.

Xiao Qiling parted the grass, revealing the green snake, its bl00d pooling from the wound, red mingling with green, its long fangs still menacing.

Producing a dagger from somewhere, Xiao Qiling pressed it into Yu Nanqing’s hand. “Use this. Cut it.”

Yu Nanqing’s grip tightened, shaking her head. “No, I can’t.”

Xiao Qiling coaxed, “It’s already dead. It can’t hurt you. Just one more cut to overcome your fear.”

Had Yu Nanqing’s reaction not been so intense, Xiao Qiling wouldn’t have pushed. She’d heard of people trapped in nightmares from unresolved trauma, unable to escape.

Yu Nanqing’s lips tightened, unable to bend her knees despite trying.

“I…” Her breathing quickened again. “I…”

Could she not do it?

Reading her thoughts, Xiao Qiling’s tone hardened. “I’m not joking.”

Yu Nanqing froze, seeing the seriousness in Xiao Qiling’s eyes.

Xiao Qiling was insistent.

It had been a while since Xiao Qiling showed her the commanding side of Prince Ning. The warm atmosphere chilled instantly.

Yu Nanqing had no regrets about shining in the literary competition and drawing Emperor Wenjing’s ire. As long as Xiao Qiling accepted her, she was content.

She’d been delighted when Xiao Qiling teased her about being rebellious.

But how had she forgotten? Xiao Qiling was royalty.

Royalty carried an inherent, lofty coldness.

Like Emperor Wenjing. Like Xiao Qijun.

After a moment, Yu Nanqing gave a short laugh. “Alright, I’ll try.”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze grew complex, watching Yu Nanqing’s tense back. A flicker passed through her eyes.

Yu Nanqing squatted slowly, her brows furrowing, her delicate face flushed from the scare.

But she didn’t plead or speak further.

She grew silent.

Bracing herself, she closed her eyes, raising the dagger. As it hung in the air, Xiao Qiling suddenly grasped her hand.

Yu Nanqing trembled violently, thinking Xiao Qiling would guide her as she had with the bow.

But Xiao Qiling’s fingers pried hers open, deftly taking the dagger.

The blade fell, and the snake was gone when Yu Nanqing’s vision cleared.

“I pushed you too far.” Xiao Qiling said, covering Yu Nanqing’s eyes as she struck.

The sound of the blade slicing rang out. Yu Nanqing tilted her head, and when her eyes adjusted, the snake’s body was gone.

“You’ve never taken a life,” Xiao Qiling said, lifting Yu Nanqing’s clean hands, her voice low, both a sigh and a promise. “Then never be stained by bl00d and filth.”