Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 36

36: “The One Selling Private Salt is Prince Chen”

At the Yu family ancestral hall, hundreds of ancestral tablets were enshrined, perpetually surrounded by the fragrance of burning incense.

Yu Nanqing skillfully located her mother Ji’s tablet, placed a cushion in the corner, lit incense, and inserted it into the censer.

“Mother,” Yu Nanqing knelt down, “I burned down Bilan Pavilion. From now on, I won’t return to the Duke’s Mansion.”

The newly lit incense released curling wisps of smoke, swaying without wind as if responding to her.

Yu Nanqing knelt silently, waiting as the incense gradually burned out. The ashes, unable to bear their own weight, broke off and fell silently as fine dust onto the hem of her skirt.

Then, as if she had reached an understanding with her mother, Ji, she gave a faint smile. “Since Mother has no objections, I’ll take you with me.”

Ji would never respond.

As Yu Nanqing stood, another cushion was moved beside her. She turned her head and saw Xiao Qiling kneeling down.

Yu Nanqing instinctively reached out to stop her. “Your Highness, this isn’t proper.”

Xiao Qiling gently pressed her hand down and knelt. “If you’re taking Aunt Ji to Prince Ning’s Mansion, I, as the master of the house, should personally invite her. We can’t break protocol.”

Yu Nanqing had never heard of such a rule, even when Ji’s tablet was enshrined at Huguo Temple. But Xiao Qiling was of royal bl00d, and perhaps royal customs were more intricate. Without suspicion, she softly thanked her.

Xiao Qiling knelt for a while longer before rising gracefully. “It’s done. Go get it.”

Yu Nanqing carefully wrapped her mother’s tablet in red cloth and carried it out of the ancestral hall. As she closed the door, she caught a glimpse through the gap of the nearly burned-out incense, its white smoke faintly forming the gentle, benevolent image of Ji.

“Let’s go.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes stung slightly. She tightened her grip on the tablet and shut the ancestral hall’s door firmly.

“This is the Duke’s Mansion! Let me in!” As they stepped out of the inner courtyard, Yu Bingru’s voice faintly reached them. Yin San, wary that Yu Nanqing might not want to see him, warned her in advance, “Princess, Duke Yu is here.”

The warmth and nostalgia vanished, pulling her back to harsh reality.

“No need to stop him. We’ll have to meet eventually.” Yu Nanqing handed the tablet to Nanny Ji behind her. “Nanny, please hold this for me and take good care of Mother.”

Nanny Ji accepted it with both hands. “Yes, Miss, don’t worry.”

As they exited the ancestral hall, the blinding sunlight spilled from the eaves. Yu Nanqing raised a hand to shield her eyes and saw Yu Bingru’s furious face.

“What have you done today, you wretched girl? Did you have my permission to burn down the Duke’s Mansion?”

Yu Nanqing slowly lowered her hand, her voice hoarse. “Father already knows, don’t you? Seeing it means you’ve agreed.”

Yu Bingru froze, his face turning ashen with rage. “What nonsense is this? Unfilial! Unfilial! Is this how you speak to your father? Have all the books you’ve read been for nothing?”

Yu Nanqing replied lightly, “Father never gave me any books to read. Which ones are you referring to?”

Yu Bingru clutched his chest, gasping in anger, muttering “wretch” and “unfilial daughter.” Yu Nanqing let him vent. When he finally quieted, she spoke as if informing him, “I’m taking Mother’s tablet. The Duke’s Mansion needn’t trouble itself with her offerings anymore.”

Yu Bingru’s barely calmed emotions flared again. “Your mother was married into this mansion with full ceremony. You think you can just take her away?”

Yu Nanqing sneered mockingly. “Has Father forgotten how, when Mother’s body wasn’t even cold, you elevated Lady Li to the main wife? You refused to let Mother be buried in the ancestral tomb, so I took her remains back to Yuezhou to rest with my brother, who died young. And now you bring up the formalities of marriage?”

She paused, as if recalling something, and let out a meaningful “Oh.” “Or is Father angry because you’ve lost the leverage to threaten me?”

“You should be angry, then. That black bear wasn’t clever enough. Next time, stealing my inner garments won’t be so easy.”

At this, the amusement in Yu Nanqing’s eyes faded, her light-colored pupils revealing a cold, lifeless indifference.

Yu Bingru’s expression stiffened. “Is that why you burned Bilan Pavilion? Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you to His Majesty tomorrow?”

“The Minister of Rites sets an example of righteousness over family ties. This Prince admires that,” Xiao Qiling interjected, pulling Yu Nanqing slightly. Her thin lips moved coolly. “When you submit your report, make sure to clarify that it was the Duchess who first disregarded propriety by leading soldiers to trespass into Prince Ning’s Mansion. This Prince only brought the Princess here to seek justice.”

Yu Bingru glared, inwardly cursing Lady Li for her foolishness. Burning Bilan Pavilion only destroyed Yu Nanqing’s own courtyard, but trespassing into Prince Ning’s Mansion carried a far graver charge.

Offending the royal family could cost even a Minister of Rites his position.

His lips trembled for a moment before he shouted, “Lady Li was only trying to save her son. She didn’t order any violence!”

Yu Nanqing cut through his excuse. “The outside world only saw Lady Li storming in with mansion guards. As long as they believe it, it’s true. I’ve done what I came to do. Father, please step aside.”

Yu Bingru pointed a trembling finger at her. “No. Leave that doctor behind, and I won’t pursue this matter further.”

Yu Nanqing’s hand faltered, accidentally tugging Xiao Qiling’s hair. She turned and gave her a light glare.

She quickly released her hair, playfully blinking at her as if nothing happened before turning back to Yu Bingru. “So, is Father ready to tell me whose idea the black bear was? Lady Li must have told you that Second Brother’s injury requires the bl00d of a close relative for treatment, right?”

Yu Bingru stared at her, his pupils trembling. “Don’t play tricks. We both know whether bl00d is needed or not.”

“Then I can’t help you.” Yu Nanqing shook her head, reminding him, “I have no interest in Lady Li’s father or Prince Chen’s faction. So, from now on, Father, you’d better speak to me politely. Otherwise, if I get impulsive one day, it won’t just be Bilan Pavilion I burn—it might be the ancestral hall, or the entire Duke’s Mansion.”

With that, she ignored whatever Yu Bingru might say, turned, and tugged at Xiao Qiling’s sleeve. “Your Highness, let’s go.”

Yin San immediately signaled the guards to clear a path, and the Duke’s Mansion guards didn’t dare intervene.

Their departure was unimpeded.

Just as they were about to leave the Duke’s Mansion, Lady Li’s voice called out hurriedly from behind. “Prince Ning, Princess, wait!”

Yu Nanqing sighed and turned to see Lady Li, breathless, her hair half-loose. “Please save your second brother. All the wrongs of the past were my fault. But his leg can’t be left with a lingering ailment!”

With that, she knelt, her legs bending for the first time before Yu Nanqing. “I beg you, save my son.”

A breeze swept through, scattering fallen leaves from the steps. Yu Nanqing gazed at her kneeling figure, momentarily lost in thought.

After a moment, she regained her composure and descended the steps, stopping in front of Lady Li. “When my mother knelt before you, begging you to find a doctor to save my brother, did you save him?”

Lady Li shook her head in denial. “Your brother fell ill suddenly, and it was late. We were powerless!”

“Powerless?” Yu Nanqing gave a faint laugh, sighing. “But what’s the use of saving Yu Nanbo? Have you forgotten how his scholar title was stolen from a candidate who died unjustly? Do you think he can still pursue an official career? Don’t you think his leg injury is that wronged soul coming to claim him? Go ahead and treat him, let him take the exams. Next time, it might not just be a leg.”

Her low, calm voice struck Lady Li like thunder, freezing her in place.

“How… how do you know?” It was midday, the sun blazing, yet Lady Li felt a chill, her inner garments soaked with cold sweat.

Yu Nanqing chuckled lightly, ascended the steps, and crossed the threshold of the Duke’s Mansion.

Why did she know?

Because in her previous life, Yu Nanbo had told her himself at Prince Chen’s Mansion. Back then, she had won the top scholar title, and Xiao Qijun treated her with great respect. In contrast, though Yu Nanbo failed the imperial exams, he still held significant influence in Prince Chen’s circle.

It was then, in a boastful moment, that Yu Nanbo revealed his scholar title was secured by Duke Yu and Prince Chen, who had eliminated a higher-ranking candidate to make room for him.

Duke Yu, by then the Minister of Rites and a favorite of Emperor Wenjing, had secured that title for him.

How ironic that in her previous life, the talentless Yu Nanbo could still hold a place in Prince Chen’s Mansion.

After they left the Duke’s Mansion, a maid helped Lady Li to her feet. Yu Bingru stood nearby, exhaling a breath of frustration.

The fire at Bilan Pavilion had died down, leaving the entire courtyard in ruins.

Prince Ning’s people were meticulous. Yu Nanqing had ensured the fire stayed contained to Bilan Pavilion, giving Yu Bingru no grounds to report her to Emperor Wenjing.

With Prince Ning showing signs of resurgence, Yu Bingru’s concerns extended beyond Xiao Qiling to the newly favored Prince Xuan, Xiao Qimin.

The capital of Great Qi was prosperous, but the borders were plagued by constant warfare. Last year, General Zhenyuan returned victorious, yet Emperor Wenjing granted him treasures and a royal marriage rather than a promotion. If unrest flared at the border again and General Zhenyuan triumphed, the emperor would have no choice but to promote him, further strengthening Prince Xuan’s faction.

Prince Xuan had already swapped the clothes on the bear cub at the Xishan hunting grounds, clearly targeting Prince Chen and the Duke’s Mansion. The Duke’s Mansion could not afford to sever ties with Prince Chen at such a time.

Lady Li approached Yu Bingru, seeing his grim expression. She couldn’t help but ask, “My lord, is there truly no hope for our son’s injury?”

“We can only leave it to fate,” Yu Bingru said, gazing toward the inner courtyard. Suddenly, he asked, “What about the marriage arrangements I asked you to handle? Any progress?”

Lady Li’s face grew even gloomier. “I followed your instructions and visited several ladies at Xishan. The granddaughter of the Minister of Personnel just came of age and isn’t ready to marry. The princess of Prince Anle’s Mansion is frail and fears the burdens of childbirth. And the daughter of Duke Lu…”

She listed several eligible young women in the capital, her voice growing weaker.

Yu Bingru knew why these families refused. He had elevated a concubine to the main wife, and no noble daughter wanted to serve a former concubine as a mother-in-law. Though Lady Li, as the daughter of Elder Li, had been the legitimate wife for years, his face darkened.

“I had planned to hold a flower-viewing banquet at the Duke’s Mansion to let them meet, but when I mentioned it to Nanbo, he firmly refused, saying he already has someone in his heart.”

“Someone in his heart? Which family’s daughter is he entangled with before marriage?” Yu Bingru, already in a foul mood, grew angrier. “If word gets out, what respectable girl would marry into our mansion?”

Lady Li quickly clarified, “No, I think he meant Prince Chen approves of it. Could it be a lady from the palace?”

Yu Bingru was startled, mentally reviewing Emperor Wenjing’s princesses. He lowered his voice. “You’re saying Prince Chen is willing to arrange a princess for Nanbo?”

“The princesses’ mothers are of modest origins, and our mansion’s status is sufficient. But that was before Xishan. Given the current situation…”

“The current situation is perfect,” Yu Bingru said, a cryptic smile forming. “Nanbo’s injury was for Prince Chen. His recovery will take time, so it’s not ideal for Prince Chen to arrange a princess now.”

As his confidante, Lady Li knew Yu Bingru had been sleepless, worrying that Prince Chen would abandon the Duke’s Mansion. Seeing his smile, she knew he had a plan. “My lord, have you thought of something?”

“The plan is the same, but not for a princess.” Yu Bingru placed his hands on her shoulders, meeting her gaze. “Wait one week. If Nanbo’s leg is still unsalvageable, request an audience with Consort Gui. Ask her thoughts on Prince Xuan’s rise.

“Prince Xuan’s ascent is the emperor’s test for him and Prince Chen. Whoever eliminates Prince Ning, the emperor’s thorn, will win his favor. Tell Consort Gui that our Yu family is still willing to assist. Ask if she wants Prince Chen to reclaim his favored status from two years ago.”

Ten days later, Yu Nanrou was summoned to the palace by Consort Gui under the pretext of keeping her company, staying overnight.

Though no other news spread, Consort Gui keeping an unmarried girl in the palace inevitably led to speculation about Prince Chen.

When Yin San reported this to Xiao Qiling, Yu Nanqing was dining with her. She teased, “Looks like the Duke’s Mansion is planning another royal marriage. Good thing I married Your Highness early, or I might’ve ended up as your concubine.”

Xiao Qiling leisurely set down her chopsticks. “How do you know it wouldn’t be the main wife?”

Yu Nanqing propped her chin. “Consort Gui has high standards. With Yu Nanbo, the heir, gone, the Duke’s Mansion relies solely on Duke Yu. Securing a main wife position isn’t easy unless she’s certain…”

She glanced at Xiao Qiling, shaking her head. “But that seems unlikely.”

Xiao Qiling raised a brow. “What’s unlikely?”

“Don’t blame me for being disrespectful if I say it.”

“Speak freely.”

Yu Nanqing licked her lips, speaking slowly. “If Duke Yu can eliminate Your Highness for Prince Chen, the emperor will surely reward him handsomely. Then, not only will he rise above a third-rank Minister of Rites, but Consort Gui will also reconsider the value of the Duke’s daughters.”

She instinctively scooted her chair away from Xiao Qiling. “You told me to speak. Don’t get mad.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at her chair. “I’m not mad. Move back.”

Relieved, Yu Nanqing shifted her chair back. “Your Highness, what do you think they’re planning? Should we send someone to investigate? Or I could talk to my sister—she’s loose-lipped and easy to trick.”

Xiao Qiling tapped her forehead. “You said I shouldn’t blame you.”

“You said you wouldn’t, but you didn’t say I could risk myself.” Xiao Qiling studied her. “Don’t worry about unconfirmed matters. Have you forgotten what the mansion doctor said?”

“I haven’t, and I’ve recovered. But Your Highness, after your last poisoning, you’re always out. What are you busy with?” Yu Nanqing muttered.

Xiao Qiling raised a brow, looking at her curiously. “Are you upset I haven’t been with you?”

Yu Nanqing complained, “When you’re not here, the food’s quality drops.”

Xiao Qiling turned to a nearby guard. “Is this true?”

The guard, not always present at meals, saluted. “Your Highness, allow me to check with the kitchen.”

“No, no, I was joking. One person’s meal is naturally less than two. I can’t eat extra dishes anyway.” Yu Nanqing wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, chuckling at the guard’s nervousness. “I’m not tattling. When you’re not here, they treat me respectfully.”

She waved at the guard, then noticed two women dressed as shadow guards outside the lake pavilion. Pointing, she said, “Your Highness, are they here for you? I’m done eating, so I’ll head back.”

Xiao Qiling turned, saw Yin Liu and Yin Qi, and signaled them.

“Eat more. If you don’t like it, have them make your favorites.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes curved with a smile. “Then I won’t hold back.”

She whispered to Chenxiang, ordering a few dishes, including some for Xiao Qiling.

Yin Liu and Yin Qi crossed the lake path to the pavilion. “Greetings, Your Highness, Princess.”

Yu Nanqing propped her arm, smiling. “Which Yin numbers are you?”

“I am Yin Liu.”

“I am Yin Qi.”

Her smile froze. Weren’t these the two shadow guards the doctor said were half-dead from Xiao Qiling’s poisoning outburst, still recovering at the villa?

So the doctor lied about them being beaten?

Xiao Qiling teased her, and the doctor scared her. Was anything in this mansion real?

Her resentful gaze made Xiao Qiling cough lightly. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Yu Nanqing looked away, changing the subject. “Don’t let me delay your business.”

Xiao Qiling studied her, unable to guess her thoughts, and let it go.

“How’s the investigation?”

Yin Liu reported, “Your Highness, as per your orders, we searched for major salt merchants in the Central Plains. In Jiangzhou, we found a privately operated salt field with dozens of salt wells, abundant in yield.”

“Have you identified who’s behind it?”

Yin Qi stepped forward. “After weeks of tracking the field’s overseers, we learned the truth. The one selling private salt is Prince Chen.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes flickered, a subtle smile curling her lips.

This was what she’d been waiting for since giving Xiao Qiling the salt purification method.

With the method, Xiao Qiling would need to buy large quantities of salt. The court strictly controlled salt trade, requiring merchants to obtain permits. Screening those merchants would inevitably lead to Xiao Qijun’s salt field.

For Xiao Qijun, private salt trading might not carry the heaviest penalty, but cutting off his treasury was a satisfying blow.

Yu Nanqing fanned the flames. “Your Highness, throughout history, salt merchants have amassed fortunes. Dozens of salt wells—tsk, tsk, I’m almost jealous.”

Her words might convince others, but coming from her, they seemed deliberate. Xiao Qiling teased, “Shall I have the steward count how many salt wells your dowry is worth?”

“No need for the trouble.” Yu Nanqing laughed, cupping her chin and looking at him earnestly. “Put it this way: while Prince Chen hoards wealth from the people, Your Highness ensures salt production benefits the masses without competing with them. I find myself admiring you more each day.”

Yin Liu and Yin Qi, meeting Yu Nanqing for the first time, were stunned by her bold affection, forgetting to look away.

Xiao Qiling, however, was unfazed, as if used to it. “If you want me to deal with Xiao Qijun, just say it. No need to beat around the bush.”

Yu Nanqing, caught up in her act, couldn’t stop. “Beat around the bush? They say couples grow tired of each other, but I see you daily and find new reasons to adore you. My heart for you is as constant as the sun and moon, enduring until seas dry and stones crumble.”

Xiao Qiling let her ramble, her slender fingers pointing lazily at the lake. “Fine, I’m craving fish. Since your love is so deep, go catch one for me.”

Yu Nanqing shook her head playfully. “Your Princess can’t swim.”

Xiao Qiling coolly replied, “Then keep your mouth shut, or I’ll toss you in to be the fish.”

Yu Nanqing turned away. “…Oh!”

Yin Liu and Yin Qi’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Yu Nanqing sighed. “Why does Your Highness always want to throw me in the lake? If your Princess is gone, who’ll keep you company or warm your bed at night?”

Yin Liu and Yin Qi, unprepared for such boldness, blushed, abandoning their shadow guard composure.

Xiao Qiling’s breath hitched, her mind flashing to the day she placed Yu Nanqing on the bed during her poisoning, her tearful eyes beautiful, her lips soft.

But… “Haven’t you been sleeping elsewhere, not in Lanshi Garden?”

She asked bluntly.

Yu Nanqing: …

Xiao Qiling propped her chin lazily, smirking. “So, are you coming over tonight?”