Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 30

30: “It’s Time to Give Prince Xuan a Chance to Shine…”

At the fifth watch of the morning, the sound of shattering porcelain echoed from the southeast corner of the camp.

As the effects of the anesthetic wore off, Yu Nanbo awoke from his coma. A piercing pain shot through his reattached broken leg, and memories of being attacked by a black bear at the hunting grounds flooded his mind. In a frenzy, he began smashing every object within reach.

Known for his refined and gentle demeanor in public, Yu Nanbo’s sudden outburst terrified the servants attending him. None dared to intervene, and they all knelt on the ground in fear.

Lady Li rushed over upon hearing the commotion. Seeing the chaos by Yu Nanbo’s bedside, her eyes immediately reddened. “My son, my dear son, what are you doing? The imperial physician has only just set your bones. You mustn’t move recklessly now!”

“Where is Yu Nanqing? How is Yu Nanqing, Mother? Is she dead?” Yu Nanbo suddenly grabbed his mother’s hand as she sat down, his expression wild with frenzy. “And Prince Ning, what about Prince Ning?”

“What kind of talk is this? A grown man gets injured and wakes up with his mind in disarray?” Yu Bingru, who had followed closely behind, roared in anger upon hearing these words.

Lady Li hurriedly defended her son. “My lord, don’t be angry. Bo’er has just suffered a great ordeal and can’t calm himself yet.”

“Be quiet for now. I have questions for him.” Yu Bingru’s face had been grim since entering the tent. In the past, seeing Yu Nanbo injured like this would have elicited a different reaction, but today’s circumstances left no room for delay.

“Why can’t it wait until morning?” Lady Li clutched her handkerchief tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.

“If we wait until morning, he might not have a life left to answer!” Yu Bingru growled.

“How did you know about the assassination attempt on your third sister and Prince Ning?” Yu Bingru’s eyes locked onto Yu Nanbo, scrutinizing every flicker of emotion on his face.

“Didn’t Father tell me about Prince Ning’s assassination attempt?” Yu Nanbo feigned confusion. “Or did it not happen?”

“They were indeed attacked.” Unable to discern any clues, Yu Bingru set the matter aside for the moment and moved to another issue. “Bo’er, let me ask you this: Are you the one spreading the rumors outside that your third sister’s literary exam provoked divine retribution? And was that black bear part of your scheme?”

Yu Nanbo’s pupils contracted briefly before returning to a calm facade. His bloodless face took on a weary expression. “So, to get revenge on my third sister for stealing the spotlight at the literary exam, I arranged for a black bear to attack, only to end up suffering retribution myself?”

He let out a low chuckle. “If Father already believes this, why bother asking me?”

Yu Bingru’s burning anger fizzled out in that moment. Seeing the barely bandaged wound on Yu Nanbo’s neck, his heart softened slightly. “So it really wasn’t you?”

Yu Nanbo met his gaze unflinchingly. “If Father doesn’t believe me, you can always ask Prince Chen.”

How could Yu Bingru have the authority to question Xiao Qijun?

“I was too hasty. As long as it wasn’t your doing, that’s enough.” Yu Bingru, half-convinced, felt a slight relief. He explained to Yu Nanbo, “The rumors following the black bear incident are harmful to your sister. Prince Ning’s side will surely investigate thoroughly. We cannot let this implicate you. Do you understand what I mean?”

Yu Nanbo’s hand, hidden beneath the blanket, clenched tightly, but a smile spread across his face. “I understand, Father. You can rest assured.”

With the weight lifted from his chest, Yu Bingru let out a breath and finally smiled. After expressing concern for Yu Nanbo’s condition, he left the tent.

The moment Yu Bingru stepped out, the smile on Yu Nanbo’s face vanished.

Lady Li had just picked up a warm towel to wipe her son’s face when she saw his expression and grew nervous. “Bo’er, your father was only harsh because he’s worried about you. He stayed by your side most of the night while you were unconscious. You mustn’t hold a grudge against him.”

“Hold a grudge?” Yu Nanbo let out a cold laugh, his tone laced with mockery. “Mother, why do you think he stayed by my side all night and interrogated me so fiercely just now?”

Raising his head, his gaze sharp, he continued, “Do you think his heart is still with us?”

Lady Li, unfamiliar with such intrigues, had always followed Yu Bingru’s lead. Hearing her son’s words, she instinctively defended her husband. “Bo’er, are you speaking out of turn because of the shock from the black bear? He’s your father—how could he not be on your side?”

“But he’s also Yu Nanqing’s father!” Yu Nanbo retorted. “Mother, do you know that Father went to Grandfather to plead for Yu Nanqing? If Grandfather takes her under his wing, with his prestige, even if Prince Ning dies, Yu Nanqing will thrive. And if Father persuades her to secretly support His Highness, where will that leave me? Will the entire Duke’s estate have to change its traditions to allow a female duke in the future?”

These words struck Lady Li’s heart like a dagger.

Years ago, she had gone to great lengths to ensure Lady Ji lost her eldest son, securing her own son’s position as the next duke. If the title were to fall back into the hands of Lady Ji’s daughter, how could she accept it?

“Your father wouldn’t do that to you, and neither would your grandfather.” As a traditional wife, Lady Li began to cry again in her distress. “It’s all my fault. If I were a full sister to the Noble Consort, you and your sister wouldn’t have to endure such grievances. I’m truly…”

“Enough.” Yu Nanbo grew increasingly irritated by her sobbing. “My head hurts, and I want to rest. I’m only reminding you to keep an eye on Father’s intentions. Don’t worry too much about the rest. Go back and rest, Mother.”

Worried about his health, Lady Li didn’t dare upset him further. She tucked him in carefully. “Rest well. Don’t worry, I’ll go talk to your father and get to the bottom of this.”

Yu Nanbo turned over, not expecting much from Lady Li’s ability to confront Yu Bingru. It was already a miracle if she wasn’t swayed by his sweet words. Otherwise, over the years, Yu Nanqing wouldn’t still have so much of her dowry intact, nor would they have failed to notice her reading in her room.

Thinking of reading… Yu Nanbo instinctively reached for his leg, his gaze darkening. The bear’s paw had struck his leg directly, and though a tree trunk had cushioned the blow, the injury was severe.

Since the founding of Great Qi, it had been decreed that those with disabilities could not serve in court. If his leg couldn’t be healed, Yu Bingru would surely abandon him and turn to Yu Nanqing. If the entire Duke’s estate aligned with her, how could Yu Nanqing not be swayed?

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became. This could not be allowed to happen.

After a moment of contemplation, Yu Nanbo called out, “Someone!”

A servant rushed in from outside the tent, fearing another outburst, and immediately knelt. “Second Young Master.”

“Go to Prince Chen’s tent and wait. As soon as he rises, request an audience and ask him to come here.”

As the first rays of morning light filtered into the Western Mountains, Yin Wu stood before Xiao Qiling, reporting on the investigation into the black bear incident. Xiao Qiling’s long hair was tied up with an ink-jade crown, the four-clawed golden python embroidered on her shoulder exuding an imposing aura.

“…Besides the inner garment belonging to the Yu family’s young master found on the bear cub, my subordinates discovered another piece of women’s clothing behind the cave, mixed with bear fur. I suspect it may belong to the Princess Consort.”

Xiao Qiling glanced up at her, then lowered her eyes, placing the jade comb with cloud patterns on the table.

The sound was soft, almost pleasant, and Xiao Qiling showed no trace of anger. Yet her deep eyes narrowed slightly, radiating a chilling intensity.

“My guess is that someone killed the cub first, then tied human clothing to its body to provoke the mother bear’s retaliation.” Yin Wu continued, explaining why she hadn’t retrieved the cub’s body. “When I arrived, Prince Xuan’s men were already there. I couldn’t act in time, and they took both the bear and the clothing. Your Highness, could this cause complications?”

“No need to worry.” Xiao Qiling said coldly.

She stood, her wide sleeves brushing the table as she glanced out the window at the rising sun. Below, a group of guards was moving the slain black bear from its rack, likely under Emperor Wenjing’s orders.

The matter had clearly been reported to the emperor by Xiao Qimin.

The black bear had initially charged at Yu Nanqing, and it was obvious to whom the women’s clothing belonged.

Yin Wu asked, “Your Highness, should I destroy that piece of women’s clothing? Could it implicate the Princess Consort?”

It would certainly cause trouble, but it depended on what Xiao Qimin intended to do.

With several parties investigating the bear’s den, Xiao Qimin’s ability to reach it so quickly suggested familiarity with the bear. When he had visited Prince Ning’s residence, he had inquired about Xiao Qijun’s weaknesses, and his move had been swift.

Xiao Qiling quickly pieced together the situation.

“No need to interfere. Taking the clothing by force would only backfire.”

“The Noble Consort and her son have been dreaming of the Empress and Crown Prince titles for some time. It’s time to give Prince Xuan a chance to shine.”

On the other side, after waking, Yu Nanqing was attended by Chenxiang, who helped her wash and forced her to eat some breakfast. Listless, she leaned against the headboard, staring blankly at a newly potted peach blossom.

She had assumed that Xiao Qiling, injured the previous night, wouldn’t return to the camp and would rest elsewhere. To her surprise, Prince Ning arrived early in the morning.

Without rising to greet him, Yu Nanqing, citing her cold, turned over and asked, “Why is Your Highness here so early? Have you had breakfast?”

Xiao Qiling responded affirmatively, then said, “Show me your inner garments.”

“Cough, cough, cough—” Yu Nanqing choked on her own saliva.

Coughing, she yanked the blanket up to cover herself completely.

Seeing her cough and bury herself in the blanket, Xiao Qiling frowned. “Why are you still coughing so badly? Has the morning medicine been delivered?”

Yu Nanqing paused, her eyes darting to the peach blossom pot.

—The medicine had been delivered, but she’d poured it onto the plant.

In her past life, Yu Nanqing hated drinking medicine. In her final year, she had killed many plants this way. But in this life, her body hadn’t yet been worn down by the northwest’s sandstorms or overwork. Her cold was minor, and her fever had subsided, so she saw no need for medicine.

Noticing her hesitant and evasive demeanor, Xiao Qiling knew the medicine hadn’t been properly taken.

She called Chenxiang, who was waiting outside, and gave her a few quiet instructions. Chenxiang curtsied, glanced worriedly at the peach blossom, and retreated.

Xiao Qiling caught the glance and noticed the damp soil beneath the peach blossom branches, her expression thoughtful.

Turning back, she saw Yu Nanqing’s pitiful, drooping eyes, feigning weakness. “Your Highness, the medicine is so bitter. I might die from the bitterness before the cold kills me.”

Xiao Qiling let out a soft, amused “Oh.” “You’re afraid of bitterness, but the peach blossom isn’t?”

Caught, Yu Nanqing struggled for an excuse. “The peach blossom absorbs the medicine’s effects through its roots. Keeping it by my bedside helps treat my illness. A few sniffs, and I’ll be cured.”

Xiao Qiling let out a short laugh, unable to contain her amusement. “A grown woman, making such absurd excuses to avoid medicine. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

Yu Nanqing retorted quietly, “Has Your Highness taken your medicine on time today?”

“I have, right in front of the residence physician. Want me to call him to confirm?” Xiao Qiling’s hair crown held only half her long hair, the rest cascading down her back. Sitting by the bed, teasing Yu Nanqing, she exuded a relaxed, almost lazy charm. “My medicine is far more complex than yours. Want to try it?”

Recalling the poison Xiao Qiling carried, Yu Nanqing didn’t dare take the risk.

It might actually kill her.

She tried to change the subject. “Your Highness was gravely injured yesterday. Shouldn’t you rest more?”

“My injuries aren’t serious. Resting here with you is just as good.” Xiao Qiling replied.

Yu Nanqing faltered, unsure how an arrow wound nearly piercing bone could be “not serious.”

“Fine, I’ll drink it.”

But no sooner had she spoken than Chenxiang brought in three large bowls of medicinal soup, plunging Yu Nanqing into deep self-doubt.

What kind of physician brews multiple batches of medicine, as if anticipating she’d pour it out, preparing extras to heat and serve as needed? And this was far more than what Chenxiang had brought earlier.

Yu Nanqing stared silently at the three bowls, her gaze dark and brooding.

“Set them down and leave.” Xiao Qiling said, maintaining her dignified and aloof Prince Ning demeanor in front of others.

Once alone, Xiao Qiling looked at Yu Nanqing’s dazed, adorable expression and pinched her cheek. “Sit up. I’ll watch you drink.”

Yu Nanqing bit Xiao Qiling’s hand. Xiao Qiling’s other hand swiftly pinched Yu Nanqing’s mouth, turning her words into muffled “mmphs.”

Yu Nanqing, always preferring to lounge over sitting and sit over standing, felt soft and pliable. What started as teasing became addictive for Xiao Qiling, who pinched and rubbed Yu Nanqing’s resentful face. “This biting habit of yours isn’t good, Princess Consort. You’ll need to break it.”

Furious but powerless, Yu Nanqing closed her eyes and played dead.

Seizing the moment, Xiao Qiling lifted the blanket, pulled Yu Nanqing up by her waist, and propped her against the headboard. Testing the temperature of a bowl, she scooped a spoonful and held it to Yu Nanqing’s lips. “Open your mouth.”

Yu Nanqing, utterly reluctant, looked like she was being forced to drink poison. Her lips stayed tightly shut.

Xiao Qiling raised an eyebrow. “By my count, Ji Zhiyun should be nearing home. Spring rains make mountain roads slippery for carriages.”

Yu Nanqing’s head snapped up. “You—”

Xiao Qiling seized the chance to slip a spoonful of medicine into her mouth, using the spoon to keep her from spitting it out.

Yu Nanqing swallowed with difficulty, her eyes red from the bitterness. “Why is this so bitter?”

Xiao Qiling leisurely scooped another spoonful. “Perhaps they added calming herbs since you were frightened yesterday.”

Yu Nanqing shrank back. “I feel calm enough.”

Xiao Qiling held the bowl in one hand and caught Yu Nanqing’s flailing hand with the other, warning gently, “If you spill the medicine, I’ll add two more bowls.”

Yu Nanqing froze, sitting obediently.

Xiao Qiling offered another spoonful. “Open.”

Afraid of being spoon-fed, Yu Nanqing grabbed the bowl. “I’ll do it myself, no need to trouble Your Highness.”

Not daring to pull any more tricks, she faced the bitter medicine—worse than the poisoned wine she’d drunk in her past life—and sipped reluctantly.

It was bitter.

Another sip—it was worse than the poison that had ended her previous life.

As she drank slowly, Xiao Qiling watched without urging. From her angle, Yu Nanqing’s medicine-stained lips glistened, opening and closing like they were painted with rouge, strikingly vivid.

Xiao Qiling’s gaze lingered briefly.

She’d seen countless beauties in the palace and, with a face rivaling the Empress’s, thought herself immune to such charms. Yet Yu Nanqing felt different—her alluring features somehow pure, a contradictory yet harmonious blend.

“Your Highness?” Yu Nanqing raised her voice. “Your Highness, Xiao Qi—”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze slid over, catching Yu Nanqing falter on the “-ling,” her voice dropping to a timid whisper.

“Go on, keep calling. Why stop?” Xiao Qiling teased with a half-smile. “You were quite bold calling my name after falling from the waterfall.”

Leaning closer, she encouraged, “Call it again for me.”

Yu Nanqing shook her head slightly, meeting Xiao Qiling’s gaze with guilt. “I only called because you ignored my questions.”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes left Yu Nanqing’s lips as she swapped out the bowl for another. “What did you say?”

Yu Nanqing, dismayed at having to drink another bowl, answered, “I was asking if Prince Chen’s men are still tracking my cousin.”

Xiao Qiling summoned Yin Er. “You’ve been handling messages from Yin Ba. Tell the Princess Consort.”

Yin Er reported Ji Zhiyun’s southward route to Yu Nanqing, who, worried, interrupted, “Have they encountered Prince Chen’s men along the way? Is anyone following them?”

Yin Er began, “Well, along the road…”

Xiao Qiling, who had operated under the emperor’s nose for years, knew her shadow guards excelled at concealing their tracks. How could Prince Chen’s inexperienced guards keep up?

She gave Yin Er a lazy glance.

Yin Er saluted. “Rest assured, Princess Consort. Though they were ambushed several times, Miss Ji is safe and will reach home without issue.”

“I knew they wouldn’t let the Ji family go so easily.” Yu Nanqing said, worried. “Could Your Highness send men to protect my cousin for a while longer?”

Xiao Qiling said nothing, her eyes on the medicine bowl.

Yu Nanqing closed her eyes tightly and downed the second bowl in one go.

As she drank, Xiao Qiling watched, chuckling softly. The more she looked, the more interesting Yu Nanqing seemed.

Smart as she was, Yu Nanqing knew better than to expose her weaknesses. Yet when it came to the Ji family, she’d bend over backward.

Did she not realize how easily such vulnerabilities could be exploited?

Finishing the second bowl, Yu Nanqing squinted from the bitterness, showing Xiao Qiling the empty bowl as if she’d suffered a great injustice.

Amused, Xiao Qiling relented. “I’ll have Yin Ba keep men at the Ji household.”

The medicine suddenly didn’t seem so bitter. Yu Nanqing set the bowl down and grabbed Xiao Qiling’s hand. “Thank you, Your Highness. You’re truly a good person.”

Yin Er, reading the room, saluted and left.

Yu Nanqing’s hands nearly flung into Xiao Qiling’s arms. Xiao Qiling, unfazed, grew lazier in tone. “I’m no good person. I might demand repayment from the Ji family someday.”

Yu Nanqing froze, her smile stiffening. “What repayment would Your Highness want? I’d like to prepare.”

Xiao Qiling’s smile widened, casual yet deliberate. “Naturally, their most valuable asset.”

She added kindly, “I’m not short on money, so I’m not after their wealth.”

Missing the shift in Xiao Qiling’s tone, Yu Nanqing ventured, “Does Your Highness want them to use their connections for new trade ventures? Or to win over major merchants in the region?”

Xiao Qiling shook her head.

In her past life, Yu Nanqing had served as a junior minister in the Court of State Ceremonial, overseeing trade with the Western Regions. She’d worked hard to convince Xiao Qijun to propose the matter to Emperor Wenjing.

Cautiously, she asked, “Does Your Highness want the Ji family to spearhead border trade? It’s complex—currency conversions and tariffs are tricky. My uncle often travels to the Western Regions; he could try.”

Xiao Qiling was silent longer this time but shook her head again.

Having overseen border trade policy, Yu Nanqing knew its greatest benefit wasn’t just commerce but border taxes.

Clearing her throat, she ventured, “Is Your Highness interested in tariffs?”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes snapped up.

Yu Nanqing regretted it instantly, clamping her mouth shut. “I spoke out of turn. Please don’t take it to heart, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling’s coldness lasted only a moment before she scanned Yu Nanqing’s face. “The Princess Consort studies tariffs too?”

A sheltered noblewoman might write essays, but few courtiers in the capital could discuss border trade, let alone pinpoint currency conversions and tariffs.

Yu Nanqing waited, seeing no real anger or rejection from Xiao Qiling, and answered carefully. “I enjoy reading geographical texts and descriptions of the Western Regions’ landscapes. My uncle often sends me rare items, so I think trade could be profitable.”

Using the Ji family’s merchant background, Yu Nanqing was testing Xiao Qiling’s stance on border trade. The current Xiao Qiling couldn’t pursue it, but what about the future?

Border trade benefited the nation and its people. Yu Nanqing aimed to plant a seed in Xiao Qiling’s mind, to sprout at the right time.

Xiao Qiling seemed convinced. “I see. The Princess Consort has varied interests.”

Nonchalantly, she took Yu Nanqing’s wrist, her cool fingertips slowly tracing the pulsing vein.

Feeling the lively rhythm beneath her touch, Xiao Qiling smiled and circled back. “But what I want from the Ji family isn’t that.”

Yu Nanqing was stumped. “Please clarify, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t release her hand, her fingers pressing harder.

The Ji family had little to offer besides wealth. Thinking from Prince Ning’s perspective, did Xiao Qiling want their loyalty?

Recalling how other merchant families curried favor with Xiao Qijun in her past life, Yu Nanqing mentally reviewed her cousins. Though she’d once thought them refined, they paled beside Xiao Qiling.

She glanced at Xiao Qiling secretly. “Ah… I think I understand?”

Xiao Qiling caught the glint in her eyes. “What do you understand? Tell me.”

“My eldest cousin is married, so he’s unsuitable, and my fourth cousin is too young. My second and third cousins—one scholarly, one martial—are both untainted. Which does Your Highness prefer?”

Xiao Qiling stared for a moment, her tone ambiguous. “You want me to take your cousins into my household? What about you?”

Thinking Xiao Qiling was concerned for her, Yu Nanqing said casually, “Our marriage is a sham. Though we performed the rites, I’ve been thinking—the heavens and ancestors probably don’t take it seriously. So it doesn’t count. With Your Highness’s beauty, even if it’s to control the Ji family by taking one of them, they’d be the ones benefiting. I think it’s feasible.”

Xiao Qiling’s expression grew colder, and she stood, brushing her sleeves. “You might be fine with it, but this Prince isn’t.”

It was the first time today she used “this Prince.” Yu Nanqing, confused by her sudden anger, softened her tone. “Your Highness, I still have one bowl of medicine left.”

Xiao Qiling walked away without looking back. “Drink it yourself.”

Yu Nanqing called after her. “Your Highness, what about the inner garments you mentioned earlier?”

Lifting the tent flap, Xiao Qiling’s final words were, “Figure it out yourself.”