Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 31

31: Emperor Wenjing Can Still Protect His Sons…

Yu Nanbo had finally managed to get Xiao Qijun to visit his tent, but he was greeted with a furious reprimand: “Everyone, get out.”

The servant attending to Yu Nanbo’s medicine didn’t dare disobey and hurriedly left.

Yu Nanbo struggled to sit up from the bed, weakly asking, “Your Highness, what’s wrong?”

Xiao Qijun approached the bed, his handsome features gradually illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the window, his expression dark and brooding. “Didn’t I tell you to discuss things with me before acting on your own? With so many eyes watching at the West Mountain hunting grounds, my father will surely have to give the court an explanation to appease them. And yet, you’ve made things even messier.”

“Yesterday, I was injured so badly—can’t I retaliate?” Yu Nanbo had managed to deflect questions from Yu Bingru by feigning weakness due to his injuries, but he knew he couldn’t fool Xiao Qijun. So, he admitted it outright.

Feeling deeply wronged, Yu Nanbo reached out as if to grab Xiao Qijun’s sleeve, but the movement aggravated his injured leg, making him wince in pain: “Hiss…”

“Lie back down and don’t move.” Xiao Qijun, mindful that Yu Nanbo’s leg injury was sustained while protecting him, felt a pang of guilt and helped him settle back.

“If you wanted to strike back, you should’ve ensured the black bear killed someone from Prince Ning’s household, or sent men to finish them off yesterday. That way, there’d be no evidence against us, and Father might even reward you.”

Xiao Qijun rubbed his temples, his eyes dark with frustration, his tone still laced with anger. “But you failed to let the bear kill them, and instead, you spread those rumors slandering your sister. Are you trying to make it obvious to my father that we’re behind it?”

Yu Nanbo’s eyes widened. “Your Highness, you… you know?”

Xiao Qijun snapped, “Others might not guess it was you spreading those rumors, but how could I not? You were unconscious last night, so I’ll let it slide that you couldn’t stop the original plan. But tell me, the report from the Imperial Observatory today about the Tianrui Star encroaching on the Ziwei Star—was that your doing too?”

Yu Nanbo stiffly nodded. “The black bear didn’t harm Prince Ning’s people, and since His Majesty believes in omens, I thought I’d fan the flames and solidify the rumor that Prince Ning’s household is inauspicious.”

“We grew up together, so I know exactly who you’re targeting—Prince Ning or your sister.” Xiao Qijun said, exasperated. “But there’s a limit to what you can do. To dare speak of shaking the Ziwei Star? Are you trying to bring trouble to the Duke’s Manor and Prince Chen’s household?”

At these words, Yu Nanbo froze, the consequences dawning on him. He protested loudly, “Impossible! His Majesty has always favored you—he even considered naming you Crown Prince!”

“Yes, Father has privately entertained the idea of making me Crown Prince. The court officials treat me with deference, as if I’m already half a prince. And then you go and spread rumors about the Ziwei Star being disturbed.”

Xiao Qijun’s voice was soft, no longer hysterical, yet it pressed down on Yu Nanbo like a mountain. “My father’s greatest fear is an unstable imperial star. Do you think he’ll first investigate the so-called Tianrui Star in the rumors, or the ones who spread tales of his throne being unsteady?”

Yu Nanbo’s rigid posture collapsed in an instant. “I… I didn’t mean…”

He instinctively tried to deny it, but the facts were undeniable. Overwhelming fear surged over him, and he tremblingly clutched Xiao Qijun’s sleeve like a lifeline. “Your Highness, I know I was wrong. Please, save me.”

“When I sent people to the bear’s den, the cub’s body was already gone, likely taken care of by the mother bear. As long as this isn’t exposed, the rumors won’t trace back to us.” Xiao Qijun sighed. “Stop spreading those rumors for now. I’ll have my mother gauge Father’s stance on the black bear incident.”

Yu Nanbo nodded repeatedly, a wave of lingering fear washing over him. They had previously used public opinion to spread word of Xiao Qiling’s supposed madness, and when assassins sent to Prince Ning’s household were carried out, it cemented the public’s belief in her illness.

Achieving their goal without shedding a drop of bl00d—this time, against Yu Nanqing, he had instinctively used the same tactic.

Who could’ve imagined it would backfire so spectacularly?

After Xiao Qijun left, Yu Nanbo remained in the tent, anxious and on edge. Even the servant bringing his medicine startled him, nearly causing him to fall to the ground.

The day passed quietly until nightfall, when Prince Xuan, Xiao Qimin, entered the imperial tent carrying a pot of glowing Firefly Herb.

Emperor Wenjing was reviewing memorials, while a young Imperial Observatory official, the Lingtai Attendant, knelt below. This official had been recommended multiple times by the Observatory’s Director and was tasked with performing divinations during the emperor’s visit to West Mountain for good fortune. Unexpectedly, he had reported a celestial anomaly.

When Xiao Qimin entered, the Lingtai Attendant was still kneeling, and the atmosphere in the tent was oppressively tense. After paying his respects, Xiao Qimin felt the emperor’s sharp gaze sweep over him. “Qimin, your skills are impressive. Unlike your brothers, who were quite a mess, you’ve avoided embarrassment.”

The words sounded like praise, but Xiao Qimin felt a chill. In the past, he might have responded, but this time, among the three adult princes, he was the only one uninjured.

Emperor Wenjing’s dark expression hinted at an impending storm, and Xiao Qimin’s voice trembled slightly. “My martial skills were honed under Father’s guidance, and my archery was personally taught by you, so naturally, I outshine my brothers.”

The emperor’s demeanor softened slightly as he glanced at the guard kneeling behind Xiao Qimin. “Why have you come to see me, Qimin?”

Xiao Qimin let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief, stepping back to unveil a black cloth covering a potted plant held by the guard. A plant emerged, its green vines adorned with purple buds that faintly glowed, exuding an otherworldly aura.

“This is something I found in the restricted area of the hunting grounds today. It seemed extraordinary, so I took the risk to pick it. I consulted the imperial physicians, who identified it as the legendary Firefly Herb. Consuming its flowers can enhance clarity of the senses, and seven doses can grant night vision. Upon learning its effects, I hurried to present it to Father.”

“You’re quite filial.” Emperor Wenjing remarked. He had heard of the Firefly Herb but had never seen it. Observing the glowing purple light around the buds, his frustration eased considerably.

He instructed the nearby eunuch, “Bring it over for a closer look.”

As the Firefly Herb was presented, Emperor Wenjing toyed with the buds, clearly intrigued, and seemed to forget Xiao Qimin entirely.

Xiao Qimin waited quietly for a moment, hearing no further questions from the emperor, and clenched his fist subtly.

He was so close.

“Father, I’ll take my leave—”

“Wait.” Emperor Wenjing finally spoke, stopping Xiao Qimin as if casually asking, “I don’t recall permitting hunting in the restricted area. Why did you go there today?”

Beyond the guarded and secured hunting grounds, the rest of West Mountain was fraught with danger and off-limits.

Xiao Qimin had deliberately mentioned the restricted area, waiting for this question. His heart raced. “To answer Father, I found it suspicious that the black bear appeared yesterday and suspected someone might be manipulating events behind the scenes. So, I took men to patrol the restricted area.”

“Manipulating behind the scenes? What did you find?” Emperor Wenjing glanced at the kneeling Lingtai Attendant, the words “manipulating behind the scenes” reigniting his barely subdued anger.

“When I arrived, I found the cub had been strangled with a cloth strip from someone’s undergarment. On the other side of the bear’s den, I discovered another undergarment—a woman’s—stained with black bear fur. I speculate the black bear initially chased Princess Ning, then attacked my fourth brother, likely due to these two garments.”

“You’re unusually sharp.” Emperor Wenjing said, his gaze icy.

The emperor’s bright yellow dragon robe exuded authority, the dragon on his chest glaring fiercely. As Xiao Qimin met its eyes, he instantly grasped the emperor’s unspoken meaning. “Father, I only investigated because I found it suspicious. I never imagined someone would dare plot against a prince!”

He kowtowed heavily.

Emperor Wenjing’s piercing gaze lingered on his kneeling son. Xiao Qimin had always been brash and unskilled in courtly schemes, likely lacking the cunning for such a plot.

His gaze shifted to the Lingtai Attendant, his tone growing colder. “Did the heavens tell you, my dear subject, that someone seeks to harm my princes?”

The Lingtai Attendant’s legs were already numb. He had merely reported the celestial anomaly as ordered, never expecting it to escalate to accusations of plotting against princes. His heart pounded like a drum, barely able to compose himself.

Finally, he managed, “Your Majesty, my abilities are lacking, and I have failed your grace. I did not detect…”

“Of course you didn’t, or you wouldn’t dare report this to me.” Emperor Wenjing said, giving him a deep look before commanding, “Summon Prince Ning, Prince Chen, and the two from the Duke’s Manor as well.”

The imperial guards obeyed, and Xiao Qimin instinctively asked, “Father, isn’t Young Master Yu from the Duke’s Manor still bedridden?”

“Then carry him here.” Emperor Wenjing ordered, pacing briefly before adding, “Also, no one is to enter tonight without my summons.”

This cut off any chance for others to plead on their behalf.

Xiao Qimin hadn’t expected Emperor Wenjing to be so resolute this time and began to question whether coming tonight was the right move.

When Xiao Qiling arrived with Yu Nanqing, Xiao Qijun and Yu Nanbo were already there. The imperial tent was filled with kneeling figures, alongside the black bear cub that had sparked the incident and a ferocious wolfhound standing half a man’s height.

Xiao Qiling and Yu Nanqing bowed in unison: “Greetings, Father.”

Emperor Wenjing signaled to the guards, who loosened the wolfhound’s leash, sending it lunging toward Yu Nanqing.

The sudden movement caught Yu Nanqing off guard, too startled to dodge. Xiao Qiling swiftly stepped in front of her, but upon seeing the wolfhound showed no intent to attack, she stepped aside slightly.

The wolfhound stopped at Yu Nanqing’s feet, sniffing gently.

“Don’t be afraid.” Xiao Qiling said, taking Yu Nanqing’s cold hand, a flash of menace in her eyes as she glanced at the wolfhound.

Yu Nanqing’s body was rigid as the wolfhound circled her, sniffing, before finally lying down at her feet as if confirming something.

Before they entered, Emperor Wenjing had the wolfhound sniff the undergarment tied to the cub, confirming it belonged to Yu Nanbo. Now, the other garment—a woman’s—was confirmed to be Yu Nanqing’s.

It was clear the matter was far from simple. At best, it pointed to discord within the Duke’s Manor; at worst, it suggested a plot to harm a prince.

Emperor Wenjing’s eyes narrowed. “Princess Ning, come identify this. Is it yours?”

Yu Nanqing bowed and stepped forward. Xiao Qiling had already briefed her on the situation, including why she had asked for her undergarment that morning.

The garment bore embroidery by Madam Qin, unmistakably hers.

“Your Majesty, it is indeed mine.” Yu Nanqing said, puzzled. “But this undergarment was from before my marriage. I don’t know how it ended up at the hunting grounds.”

At her words, Emperor Wenjing’s gaze shot to Yu Nanbo, growing colder.

It was undeniable—someone in the Duke’s Manor had stolen the garments to orchestrate events during the spring hunt.

Suddenly, Xiao Qimin chuckled. “Why is my sister-in-law so confused? I heard that when you married, even your dowry was retrieved by my brother. Once you left the Duke’s Manor, couldn’t anyone take what was left in your quarters?”

“No wonder the black bear attacked in broad daylight, and by evening, rumors of my sister-in-law’s inauspiciousness spread, even escalating to tales of celestial anomalies and ghostly nonsense.”

Xiao Qimin glanced pointedly at the Lingtai Attendant, sighing. “Clever, truly clever. My sister-in-law merely wrote an article, and it drove these petty villains to envy so much they sought to ruin her. I can’t imagine what vile tactics these failures will resort to after next month’s imperial exams.”

“Third Brother, don’t slander me!” Xiao Qijun argued, bowing to Emperor Wenjing. “The anomaly reported by the Imperial Observatory was real. He was merely doing his duty by reporting it to Father. Don’t cast aspersions!”

“Oh, why so defensive, Fourth Brother?” Xiao Qimin, eager to seize the chance to vent years of resentment, pounced. “The evidence is clear. Is my reasoning flawed? Wasn’t my sister-in-law’s undergarment stolen from the Duke’s Manor? Aren’t those rumors born of jealousy over her talent? I haven’t even named names, yet you’re the first to jump out!”

“You—” Xiao Qijun hadn’t expected Xiao Qimin, usually a brash warrior, to be so sharp and relentless in this moment.

In a flash, realization hit.

“I see it now. You’re behind this, aren’t you?”

The undergarment on the cub had been swapped, and someone had preemptively removed the cub’s body, making them think the mother bear had disposed of it, lowering their guard.

And Yu Nanbo had taken the bait, spreading rumors to smear Yu Nanqing. In an instant, Xiao Qijun realized tonight was a trap.

He had underestimated Xiao Qimin, assuming he was merely a martial brute uninterested in scholarly pursuits. He forgot that Xiao Qimin was also their father’s son—and which prince who survived to adulthood was ever simple?

If Emperor Wenjing believed Xiao Qimin, the consequences…

Xiao Qijun didn’t dare dwell on it, arguing fiercely with Xiao Qimin.

The two bickered before Emperor Wenjing, each accusing the other of masterminding the black bear incident—one claiming Xiao Qijun staged his injury to deflect suspicion, the other insisting Xiao Qimin framed him.

But one fact was undeniable: after the black bear incident, rumors about Yu Nanqing spread rapidly, even involving the Imperial Observatory.

Xiao Qimin listed those who had supported the Lingtai Attendant’s promotion, claiming they acted on Xiao Qijun’s orders.

Emperor Wenjing sat silently on his dragon throne, his expression growing darker, shrouded in a menacing aura. He finally spoke, “Enough.”

The tent fell silent; no one dared speak.

“Prince Chen, I’ll ask you once: are you involved in the black bear incident?”

Emperor Wenjing’s gaze locked onto Xiao Qijun, who broke out in a cold sweat. His lips parted several times, but after catching Yu Nanbo’s pleading look, he gritted his teeth and kowtowed. “I ask Father to investigate clearly.”

The emperor seemed unsurprised by the response and turned to Xiao Qimin. “And you, Prince Xuan?”

If Xiao Qijun wouldn’t admit it, neither would he. Mimicking his brother, he said, “I ask Father to investigate clearly.”

“Very well,” Emperor Wenjing said, standing and flicking his sleeve. “The black bear matter ends here. No further investigation.”

At this, everyone in the tent looked at the emperor in shock. His cold gaze fell on the Lingtai Attendant. “Drag him out and execute him on the spot for plotting against a prince.”

“Proclaim my decree: the Imperial Observatory is to be thoroughly investigated by the Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.”

The Lingtai Attendant, who had only relayed a rumor for Xiao Qijun, never expected to bear the full blame. He cried out, “Your Majesty, I’m innocent! Please investigate clearly!”

Xiao Qijun signaled to a guard, who quickly silenced the attendant.

“As for the Third Prince and Fourth Prince, you’ve read the classics on brotherly harmony into the dogs’ bellies. Both of you are fined a year’s stipend and confined for half a month, forbidden from seeing outsiders.”

“We obey.” Xiao Qijun and Xiao Qimin knelt in unison.

Emperor Wenjing’s tone shifted. “Prince Xuan’s investigation into the black bear attack is commendable, and Prince Chen’s protection of the court officials yesterday deserves reward.”

“Upon returning to the capital, each of you will choose a ministry to serve in, alongside your elder brother, to share my burdens.”

Xiao Qimin was slightly surprised. The fine and confinement were trivial, but entering a ministry was a tangible benefit.

Previously, only Xiao Qiling had been assigned to the Ministry of Works, while Xiao Qijun had no such role. This assignment was a boon for Xiao Qimin but a demotion for Xiao Qijun.

It also signaled the end of Xiao Qijun’s favored status with Emperor Wenjing.

Xiao Qimin could barely contain his joy, quickly accepting the decree. “I will heed Father’s teachings and achieve great things to share your burdens.”

Xiao Qijun clenched his fists, helpless, and bowed. “I will do the same.”

“As for the Duke’s Manor…” Emperor Wenjing’s gaze fell on Yu Nanbo. “Both garments came from your household. It seems I must remind Duke Yu that while serving me, he should also mind his household.”

“I recall Young Master Yu is set to take the imperial exams next month, correct?”

Yu Nanbo, struggling with his injured leg, bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Emperor Wenjing gave his leg a meaningful look. “Your leg likely won’t heal in time. Rest well and skip this year’s exams.”

Yu Nanbo’s bl00d ran cold.

In Great Qi, those with disabilities couldn’t enter officialdom. His leg, treated by the Imperial Medical Academy’s best bone-setter, would not leave permanent damage.

The exams were over a month away. Even if not fully healed, he could walk, and by the time results were announced, his leg would be fine.

But Emperor Wenjing’s words—“won’t heal”—meant it mustn’t heal.

Was this “won’t heal” just for this year’s exams, or forever?

Xiao Qijun, realizing the implication, quickly spoke. “Father, the next exams are three years away. Isn’t that too long?”

Emperor Wenjing chuckled. “Too long?”

Yu Nanbo knew that agreeing would doom his leg permanently. Biting his tongue until he tasted bl00d, he forced out, “Not long. I thank Your Majesty for your concern and grace.”

Emperor Wenjing seemed satisfied with his response, his gaze sweeping the group before settling on Xiao Qiling.

“This matter has caused Prince Ning and Princess Ning much distress, though fortunately, it was a false alarm. Qimin’s Firefly Herb, whose effects are yet unproven, is a rare find from the cliffs. Let it be a token for Prince Ning’s swift recovery.”

Emperor Wenjing, accustomed to his word being law, didn’t wait for Xiao Qiling’s consent and ordered the eunuch to deliver the plant.

“That’s all. This matter ends tonight. You’re dismissed.”

Once out of Emperor Wenjing’s sight, Xiao Qijun and Xiao Qimin’s brotherly facade crumbled, and they began arguing as soon as they left the tent.

The cool night breeze brushed Yu Nanqing’s face as she watched their retreating figures, finding the night’s events bitterly ironic.

Even Emperor Wenjing likely hadn’t anticipated that this would involve his only two adult princes.

Despite rumors shaking the Ziwei Star, he couldn’t truly punish them and instead found a scapegoat in the Imperial Observatory.

How many more times could Emperor Wenjing shield his sons?

Yu Nanqing suddenly felt that Emperor Wenjing’s reign was somewhat pathetic.

His discomfort brought her a strange satisfaction.

Lost in her thoughts, Yu Nanqing didn’t hear Xiao Qiling calling her until the soft, wet touch of a petal brushed her lips, snapping her back to reality. “What?”

Xiao Qiling studied her for a moment, swallowing her intended words of comfort. “You don’t seem too upset, Princess.”

“Oh, it’s awful.” Yu Nanqing said, instantly playing along. “Unjustly chased by a black bear, falling off a cliff, and now my article’s wasted because of those rumors. I’m heartbroken, utterly devastated.”

Xiao Qiling laughed at her melodramatic tone. “What can we do about it?”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Perhaps if Your Highness answers a question, I’ll feel better.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why did you leave so suddenly this morning?”

Yu Nanqing spread her hands, counting off her cousins. “If Your Highness thinks my cousin from a merchant family is too lowly, I could write to my cousin’s wife. If she knew your thoughts, she’d surely push him to pursue scholarly honors.”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze paused, her smile fading slightly.

Yu Nanqing, feeling a bit embarrassed under her stare, lowered her voice. “I can’t figure out what’s most valuable in the Ji family. Could Your Highness enlighten me?”

Xiao Qiling looked at her as if she were a fool, then let out a teasing chuckle. “No, you have to guess.”

Helpfully, she ruled out another wrong answer. “I’m not interested in your so-called exceptional cousins.”

Yu Nanqing muttered, “They’re not that exceptional.”

Xiao Qiling shot her a look.

Yu Nanqing promptly covered her mouth, nodding obediently. Her gaze drifted to the glowing Firefly Herb.

“The manor’s physician said you must avoid worry and overthinking, so stop scheming about my household.” Xiao Qiling said, amused, handing her the radiant Firefly Herb. “Coincidentally, the emperor said this flower sharpens the senses. It’s perfect for you.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes gleamed as brightly as the buds, though she protested, “I don’t need it. I’m fine.”

“Take it.” Xiao Qiling said, pressing a finger to her lips. “If you worry yourself silly, I won’t take care of you.”

Her voice was soft, coaxing, like a gentle breeze or drifting clouds.

It landed in Yu Nanqing’s ears, quietly turning them red.