Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 32

32: “Write a Love Letter to This Prince”

After midnight, Wei Yunhan was escorted by a shadow guard into Xiao Qiling’s meeting tent.

The basin of Firefly Herb, a gift from Emperor Wenjing, was placed at the center of the guest tent. Wei Yunhan found it intriguing and was about to ask Xiao Qiling if he could pick one when he heard light footsteps approaching from behind.

Turning around, he saw Xiao Qiling dressed in night-travel attire, pulling down the black cloth covering his face as he entered, revealing sharp, piercing eyes.

Wei Yunhan hadn’t expected Xiao Qiling to have come from outside. Surprised, he exclaimed, “Your Highness, were you out assassinating someone in the dead of night?”

Xiao Qiling cast him a cold glance, placed an item on the table, and began unwinding the straps around her wrists. “Why are you here?”

Wei Yunhan invoked the name of the Grand Tutor: “My grandfather heard about the assassination attempt on Your Highness. To avoid drawing attention, he specifically sent me to check on you tonight.”

“They say Your Highness was struck by a poisoned arrow and took several stabs, yet you recovered so quickly after falling off a waterfall. Truly impressive.” Wei Yunhan said with a playful grin. But only after confirming that Xiao Qiling’s complexion showed no major issues did the weight in his heart finally lift.

That day, after a black bear broke into the hunting grounds and injured people, they had tried to gather news about Xiao Qiling but found nothing for a long time. Later, Wei Yunhan managed to extract information from a shadow guard and learned of the ordeal Xiao Qiling and Yu Nanqing had endured, leaving him with lingering fear.

At that moment, two guards lifted the tent flap and brought in a brazier.

Xiao Qiling unfolded the black cloth she had brought, revealing a piece of goose-yellow fabric inside. When it caught the flames from the brazier, it quickly burned.

“Your Highness, what’s this?” Wei Yunhan asked.

“The inner garment of the person who killed the bear cub.” Xiao Qiling explained briefly, a trace of ruthlessness in her expression.

“So, Prince Chen’s faction tried to target the Princess Consort, but they didn’t expect to be outplayed by Prince Xuan, who swapped the garment?” Wei Yunhan clapped twice. “Prince Chen must be furious!”

“No, no, the most furious one should be the Emperor. Even if he’s truly angry, he can’t punish his two sons. Otherwise, with only Your Highness left as an adult prince, he’d be losing sleep worrying about the stability of the throne.”

“He’s already taken action.” Xiao Qiling said, glancing at him. “Xiao Qimin has been allowed to enter the Six Ministries, and Xiao Qijun has been demoted from a position above the Six Ministries to one within them.”

The Cabinet, as the Emperor’s advisory body, held authority over the Six Ministries, but the real power of the six Grand Tutors came from their other official titles. For instance, Grand Tutor Wei held the rank of First-Grade Tutor to the Crown Prince. Only the Emperor and the Crown Prince held true authority over the Six Ministries.

Xiao Qijun had previously been akin to half a Crown Prince, so this demotion was no small blow.

But… there was still room to stir things up further.

Xiao Qiling lowered her gaze to the charred remains of the garment in the brazier. After a moment of thought, she said, “The Emperor has pinned the blame on the entire Imperial Observatory this time. Perfect. Inform the Court of Judicial Review to investigate thoroughly.”

The Imperial Observatory was filled with skilled diviners and mystics who often used their supposed divine insights to curry favor with nobles, securing their positions by feeding Emperor Wenjing cryptic “heavenly omens” at opportune moments.

Emperor Wenjing needed to provide an explanation to the court, and many in the Imperial Observatory would likely face consequences. But which faction would bear the brunt depended on the Court of Judicial Review’s stance. Wei Yunhan gave a meaningful smile. “It seems those rumors have helped us too.”

Xiao Qiling frowned slightly, giving him a faint glance.

Wei Yunhan quickly changed his tone. “It’s outrageous that a group of men would spread rumors about a delicate woman like the Princess Consort.”

Xiao Qiling’s expression softened. After a moment, her narrow eyes squinted slightly as she asked, “I recall the second son of the Yu family had quite a good reputation in the capital?”

Among noble families, there were different cliques. Wei Yunhan, who disdained those like Yu Nanbo who relied on family influence, spoke with scorn. “He just handed out porridge and tea for a few years, fooling the commoners and earning some fame. I even heard people call him a reincarnated immortal or the Star of Literature. But didn’t the Spring Qiong Banquet expose his true caliber?”

On that note, Wei Yunhan added, “When the people were prosperous, he was generous with his porridge. But with the recent spring rains ruining crops, where’s his charity now? When we came to Xishan, I didn’t see his stalls. Is he so confident that Emperor Wenjing will grant him an official post that he’s stopped pretending?”

Xiao Qiling raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Wei Yunhan discreetly observed Xiao Qiling’s expression. Xiao Qiling wouldn’t ask about an irrelevant person without reason. Connecting it to their earlier discussion about rumors involving Yu Nanqing… Wei Yunhan suddenly understood.

His interest piqued. “Your Highness, how do you plan to deal with the Yu family’s second son?”

Xiao Qiling didn’t answer, instead saying, “You’ve asked what you needed. If there’s nothing else, head back.”

“No, I have one more thing.” Wei Yunhan dropped his playful demeanor, moved a candelabrum closer, and took out a small packet from his sleeve, unfolding it.

Inside were white crystalline granules. Wei Yunhan pinched some into his palm and showed it to Xiao Qiling. “Your Highness, please look.”

Xiao Qiling asked, “What’s this?”

“Salt,” Wei Yunhan said, tasting a bit. “This salt is much purer and finer than before, with significantly less bitterness. After Your Highness gave me the salt formula, I sought out several experienced salt makers to experiment. This is only the first refined version. With further research, we could make it even purer and better-tasting.”

The salt used by the imperial household was refined but required complex processes, unsuitable for widespread use. However, Yu Nanqing’s formula involved mixing sun-dried salt with certain substances and re-drying it to remove impurities.

This was a major boon for the common people.

When Wei Yunhan first received the formula, he found it unbelievable—ashes from burned plants and powdered shells mixed with water and sun-dried salt could remove bitterness? It sounded like a fantasy.

But after multiple experiments with seasoned salt makers, they managed to reduce the bitterness in the brine significantly.

“Then arrange for it to be done,” Xiao Qiling instructed. “The capital and wealthy regions tightly control salt. Have it tested in the western regions first. And do not compete with the people’s interests.”

Three hours later, as the sun rose, the courtiers emerged from their tents. According to Great Qi’s tradition, the spring hunt lasted a week, but most had lost interest in hunting, and rumors about the black bear incident abounded.

Last night, many witnessed the execution of an Imperial Observatory official, and Court of Judicial Review officials had returned to the capital overnight. Though some had suspicions, no one dared speak openly. With Prince Chen and Prince Xuan staying secluded in their tents, the matter grew even more mysterious.

The only one eager to enter the hunting grounds today was likely Prince Ning.

Yu Nanqing was dragged out of bed early by Xiao Qiling, bundled in layers, and pulled onto a horse to enter the hunting grounds.

True to her promise, Xiao Qiling headed straight for the area where foxes roamed. Within half an hour, she spotted a fox with fiery red fur, drew her bow, shot, and bagged it.

The morning was filled with hunting. At first, Yu Nanqing clapped and praised Xiao Qiling’s shots, but after seeing so many, she grew bored, nestling in Xiao Qiling’s arms, halfheartedly holding the horse’s reins.

“Tired?” Xiao Qiling asked, noticing Yu Nanqing yawn three times in a row. She finally lowered his bow.

“A bit hungry,” Yu Nanqing admitted, rubbing her stomach.

She pointed at a pheasant a guard had just picked up. “Can we eat that?”

Wild game from the mountains, roasted over an open fire, had a unique flavor compared to regular meals.

Xiao Qiling looked at the pheasant thoughtfully. “Sure. Since I hunted it, how about the Princess Consort roasts it?”

Yu Nanqing froze, visibly troubled. “Your Highness, I don’t know how…”

Forget roasting—she didn’t even know how to pluck feathers, let alone cook.

Xiao Qiling, unusually insistent, said, “No, I have to deliver the game to the Emperor, which will take some time. The guards can handle the skinning. All you need to do is roast it.”

Yu Nanqing hesitated, but then saw Xiao Qiling touch the arrow wound on her left shoulder, frowning slightly. “The physician said I shouldn’t raise my arm for long. I’m not sure if it’s suitable.”

Yu Nanqing: …

She hadn’t noticed any issue with her arm when she was shooting arrows earlier.

But since she took that arrow for her, Yu Nanqing bit back her retort and forced a smile. “Your Highness, I’ll do it.”

Xiao Qiling feigned reluctance. “How could I trouble the Princess Consort?”

Gritting her teeth, Yu Nanqing smiled harder. “No, this is my duty as the Princess Consort. Leave it to me.”

It was customary to present game after entering the hunting grounds. Xiao Qiling picked out a few inferior specimens—some with broken wings or missing legs, perhaps as a subtle jab at someone.

The remaining guards stayed with Yu Nanqing, starting a fire in a nearby grove. Yu Nanqing stayed behind, sighing heavily.

Xiao Qiling’s guards were efficient, quickly preparing the meat and skewering it on branches.

Yu Nanqing took a skewer and held it over the fire. The flames licked the pheasant’s br3ast, and soon a patch turned black. Yin San, a guard, noticed and said, “Princess Consort, flip it over.”

“I just did,” Yu Nanqing replied, then stopped short, staring silently at the blackened patch on the pheasant’s back.

After a pause, Yin San heard her ask oddly, “Am I… not suited for this?”

“It’s just a small burnt spot. You can scrape it off with a dagger. Don’t worry too much, Princess Consort.” Yin San reassured her. “As long as you made it yourself, His Highness won’t mind.”

Yu Nanqing asked, “Did you bring any salt or seasonings?”

She’s asking about seasonings—good sign, Yin San thought, relaxing slightly. “Yes, we did.”

She fetched a few jars from a nearby bundle and handed them to Yu Nanqing. Seeing Yu Nanqing stare blankly, she asked softly, “Princess Consort, do you not recognize these?”

Yu Nanqing admitted, “I can’t really tell them apart.”

Yin San’s vision darkened, but she forced a smile. “Let me teach you.”

Fifteen minutes later, Yin San gave up.

Perhaps Yu Nanqing was truly hopeless at this. Even Yin San, a shadow guard trained in survival skills since childhood, was at a loss.

Staring at the third skewer of completely charred, unrecognizable meat, Yin San’s voice stiffened. “P-Princess Consort, how about I roast one for you? If His Highness asks, just say you did it…”

Such a fine pheasant, ruined like this—Yin San felt heartbroken. If His Highness took a bite, the physicians would have their hands full.

Xiao Qiling had insisted she roast it, so what was there to be embarrassed about?

Yu Nanqing grew stubborn, smiling slightly. “How could that work? If His Highness finds out, he’ll blame you.”

When Xiao Qiling returned from presenting the game, Emperor Wenjing was playing chess and sipping tea with the Grand Tutors, putting on a show of fatherly and filial affection. It was half an hour before she returned.

Back at the fire, the rack in front of Yu Nanqing was empty. Xiao Qiling dismounted, eager to taste her consort’s handiwork.

Yu Nanqing smiled faintly, suddenly presenting half a pheasant, charred on the outside and questionable inside, like a treasure. “I just roasted this pheasant. Yin San taught me the seasonings. It’s sure to suit your taste.”

Xiao Qiling stared silently at the skewer for a long moment before asking, “What did you say this is?”

“Roasted pheasant.” Yu Nanqing said enthusiastically.

Xiao Qiling fell silent again. The surrounding guards tactfully turned away, clutching their own fragrant skewers.

Xiao Qiling’s brows furrowed, as if it took great effort to find a suitable description. “It’s… thoroughly roasted.”

Yu Nanqing took it as praise, her smile deepening. “I roasted it myself. Your guards can vouch for it. Try it, Your Highness.”

She tugged lightly at Xiao Qiling’s sleeve, leaving two black smudges. “I roasted it for so long, I nearly choked on the smoke.”

Xiao Qiling stepped back half a pace, struggling to say, “Even if you’re upset with me, you don’t need to resort to this.”

“Upset? Not at all. I followed Yin San’s advice, slicing the meat to ensure it was fully cooked before taking it off the fire. Won’t you try it?”

Looking at her own creation, Yu Nanqing felt it wasn’t quite right to offer such a thing to Xiao Qiling. Hesitantly, she asked, “Your Highness, are you worried I poisoned it? Should I take a bite first?”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze settled on Yu Nanqing’s face.

Yu Nanqing looked at her expectantly, hoping for a gentle, “No need, I trust you.”

Instead, as soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Qiling replied politely, with a hint of apology, “Then please, Princess Consort, try it first.”

Yu Nanqing: …

Nearly choking on her breath, she stared at the pheasant, then reluctantly said, “Oh, it’s my duty.”

She raised the pheasant, closed her eyes, and leaned in to bite. The burnt smell grew closer and closer.

A laugh came from above.

At the same time, Xiao Qiling took the pheasant from her hand. “It’s burnt to this state, and you’d still eat it? I call you foolish, and you still deny it.”

Yu Nanqing glared at Xiao Qiling, puffing up indignantly. Before she could speak, she noticed Xiao Qiling holding the pheasant closer to her.

She promptly shut her mouth.

“Fine, I’ll do it.” Xiao Qiling took another prepared pheasant from a guard and began roasting it over the fire, turning it carefully.

The black smoke from the fire seemed less than when Yu Nanqing had tried. Through the flickering flames, Yu Nanqing sat by the fire, her gaze tracing Xiao Qiling’s features.

A gentleman stays far from the kitchen; a lady avoids menial tasks. Yet this noble prince was roasting a pheasant for her. Yu Nanqing couldn’t look away.

Look at that captivating face, those hands that could roast a pheasant and wield a sword with deadly precision—hm, and for now, this was the person she’d married.

As Xiao Qiling sprinkled seasonings and turned, she caught Yu Nanqing staring, her hands hugging her knees, chin resting on them, gazing at her for who knows how long.

Xiao Qiling coughed lightly and handed her the roasted pheasant. “Eat.”

Yu Nanqing glanced down, reluctant to dirty her freshly cleaned hands. “It’s too big. It’s not refined to eat like this.”

“Then don’t eat.” Xiao Qiling moved to pull it back.

Quick as a flash, Yu Nanqing grabbed her arm and took a bite from the pheasant’s leg.

Xiao Qiling teased, “Lazy to death, aren’t you?”

Yu Nanqing chewed twice, then leaned in to tear off another piece, praising as she ate, “Your Highness, you’re so skilled.”

A smile touched Xiao Qiling’s eyes. “Don’t talk while eating. Where’s your ladylike demeanor?”

Yu Nanqing shot her a look. “None. If you can’t stand it, divorce me.”

Xiao Qiling found it amusing. “Yu Nanqing, you’re getting bolder. Not afraid of being kicked out of the Prince’s Mansion?”

Chewing the tender pheasant, Yu Nanqing said smugly, “Your Highness wouldn’t. You cherish me too much.”

Xiao Qiling’s tone rose. “Oh? Tell me, how do I cherish you?”

“My writing surpasses everyone else’s. Your Highness values talent and wouldn’t bear to let me go.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled softly. “Bold.”

Though her tone was stern, her voice carried a lilt.

Yu Nanqing boasted, “If Your Highness doubts me, set a challenge. I’ll compete with that Wei fellow.”

“No need to compete with him to prove your talent. I can give you a challenge of my own.”

“What’s that?”

With a barely concealed smile, Xiao Qiling said, “Since you’re so free every day, how about writing an essay expressing your love for this Prince?”

Yu Nanqing froze. “Huh?”

Xiao Qiling laughed. “If your other writings got out, it might harm your reputation. So, write a love letter to me. Let me see your literary prowess.”

Yu Nanqing was stunned.

Express love for Xiao Qiling?

She’d studied the classics of sages, not the romantic tales from pleasure houses. How could she write such a thing?

After a moment’s thought, she said, “How about Your Highness just kicks me out of the mansion instead?”

Xiao Qiling laughed again, pinching Yu Nanqing’s cheek with her free hand. “Just teasing you.”

At that moment, Yin Er came to report to Xiao Qiling. Handing the pheasant to Yu Nanqing, she said, “Hold this.”

Yu Nanqing didn’t mind the oil this time, mimicking Xiao Qiling’s roasting technique and rolling the pheasant over the fire.

“…Your Highness, when should they act?” Yin Er finished reporting, awaiting orders.

Xiao Qiling glanced at Yu Nanqing and instructed, “On the day of our return. The people will be watching—perfect timing.”

Yin Er nodded and left.

Xiao Qiling returned to Yu Nanqing, rescuing the now-darkened pheasant from the fire and holding it to her mouth. Yu Nanqing shook her head, unusually considerate. “Your Highness, you eat first.”

Caught off guard, Xiao Qiling tore off a piece and ate it. Her chewing paused, and after swallowing, she asked calmly, “Princess Consort, why is this pheasant so sour?”

Yu Nanqing feigned surprise. “Is it? I heard Yin San and the others say roasted meat needs chili powder to taste good, so I asked her to add some. Did she sneak in vinegar instead?”

Yin San, packing the seasonings: ???

“But vinegar aids digestion and cuts grease,” Yu Nanqing continued, her fox-like eyes twinkling mischievously. “Your Highness worked hard hunting and needs it for your health. You roasted this yourself, so eat up.”

Xiao Qiling: …

Yin San broke into a cold sweat.

When had His Highness ever liked sour food? Such blatant teasing—how could her wise and valiant Highness not see through it?

Yin San perked up her ears, expecting to hear Yu Nanqing’s punishment.

Instead, she heard Xiao Qiling’s soft laugh. “So that’s it. Thank you, Princess Consort.”

With that, Xiao Qiling tore off another golden piece of meat, ate it without a flinch, and didn’t even frown.

Yin San: …