Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 37

37: Phoenix Seeks Phoenix

Yu Nanqing couldn’t even wait for Chen Xiang to bring her favorite sweet soup before she fled in a fluster.

As she stepped out of the pavilion, she stumbled over the uneven slope.

Yu Nanqing often spoke without restraint, but when it came to shamelessness, ten of her combined couldn’t match a single Xiao Qiling.

Watching Yu Nanqing’s staggering figure retreat, Xiao Qiling couldn’t help but chuckle. Her long, narrow eyes curved into crescents, and the golden phoenix hairpin in her hair trembled as if it might take flight at any moment.

Yin Liu and Yin Qi exchanged glances, waiting until Xiao Qiling’s laughter subsided. She then composed herself, her golden sleeves billowing as she resumed the dignified and serene demeanor of Prince Ning in the eyes of her shadow guards. “Besides those salt wells, have you found anything else?”

Yin Liu thought for a moment. “What exactly does Your Highness mean?”

“Jiangzhou suffers floods every year, so much so that the court allocates funds annually for disaster relief and dam repairs,” Xiao Qiling said, her face devoid of any trace of a smile, her cool gaze sharpening. “If even sturdy dams crumble under the force of the floods, how do those salt wells remain unscathed?”

Yin Liu and Yin Qi bowed with their swords in hand. “Please forgive us, Your Highness. We’ll return to Jiangzhou immediately to investigate further.”

Xiao Qiling raised a hand. “Go.”

Back at Qinfang Pavilion, Yu Nanqing was still brooding over her embarrassment in front of Xiao Qiling, unable to sit still.

She pushed open the window and caught sight of a tabby cat with a flower bud in its mouth, leaping from a cherry blossom tree onto the roof, then departing with a spirited bound.

Spring had brought frequent rains recently. A gust of wind rustled the mountain cherry tree in the courtyard, its branches swaying and pink buds blooming further, scattering delicate petals to the ground.

“Chen Xiang,” Yu Nanqing called, noting the sky hinted at another shower. “Collect the ink and brushes outside. When the weather clears, take them out of the manor and deliver them to the shopkeepers.”

Chen Xiang, carrying several packages, entered from the courtyard with a smile. “Already done, Miss. Don’t worry, everything will be handled perfectly.”

She entered the room and unpacked the packages, exclaiming with delight, “Miss, these were brought back from the south by Prince Ning’s people. Oh, dried fruits!”

The recent warm weather had brought a mix of conditions, and Yu Nanqing’s appetite had waned. After sharing her milk tea recipe with the restaurant, the chefs, more skilled than she, had developed new desserts. Eating too many sweets had further diminished her interest in regular meals.

Chen Xiang poured the dried fruits onto a plate, and their sweet-tart aroma instantly filled the air. Yu Nanqing’s eyes caught a pentagon-shaped piece among them. Pointing, she asked, “What’s this?”

“Probably some fruit from that region?” Chen Xiang wasn’t sure. “Shall I ask Miss Yin Liu?”

“No need. If it’s edible, that’s enough.” The dried fruits were preserved in honey but retained their natural colors rather than turning the reddish-brown typical of capital city preserves.

Yu Nanqing picked up the pentagon-shaped green fruit. The outer layer was crisp, and as she bit into it, the tender fruit and honeyed sweetness melded in her mouth, tart and sweet, quite appetizing.

Her eyes squinted in enjoyment as the fruit’s sweetness melted on her tongue, reviving her appetite. The sticky honey coated her delicate fingers.

Chen Xiang suggested, “Miss, shall I fetch a skewer so you don’t dirty your hands?”

Yu Nanqing shook her head. “No trouble. You try some too.”

These snacks were best eaten by hand, especially since no one else was around to mind etiquette.

Chen Xiang took a piece and her eyes widened in surprise. “Miss, these are so sweet!”

Yu Nanqing smiled.

As Chen Xiang ate, she said, “When I went out today, I heard people at the teahouse talking about the Duke’s residence. The fire there just happened, and now they’re discussing the Fourth Miss’s marriage. Some even said they saw Prince Chen visiting the Duke’s residence multiple times recently. But…”

Chen Xiang paused, puzzled. “Prince Chen never seemed particularly attentive to the Third Miss before. Now he’s visiting every other day. Could he have suddenly fallen for her?”

Yu Nanqing picked through the dried fruits. “Did he go openly, without hiding?”

“Yes, the teahouse folks said Prince Chen rode in on horseback each time, making quite a scene.” Chen Xiang was confused. “Miss, could the Third Miss really become Princess Chen?”

Yu Nanqing popped a candied fruit into her mouth, chewing slowly. “Maybe the Third Miss’s looks suit his taste.”

If Yu Nanrou were to marry another prince, it wouldn’t matter much. But Prince Chen, Xiao Qijun, was a different story. With Yu Nanbo’s connection, the more chaotic Prince Chen’s household became, the better it would be for her.

Still, marriage was a serious matter. Yu Nanqing felt a rare pang of sympathy, her chewing slowing.

If she encountered Yu Nanrou in the future, she’d try to persuade her.

“Well, it’s true the Third Miss is quite pretty,” Chen Xiang said, then suddenly turned to Yu Nanqing. “But compared to you, Miss, she’s far behind. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

Yu Nanqing’s lips curved. “Oh? And how do I compare to Prince Ning?”

Chen Xiang fell silent for a moment. “Prince Ning and you aren’t the same kind of beauty. Her… her beauty is more striking, more distant.”

After some thought, Chen Xiang found the right words. “Like the glamorous enchantresses in storybooks. Staying near her too long feels like she’d devour you whole, leaving not even bones behind!”

Yu Nanqing laughed. “Are you saying I’d be devoured, bones and all?”

Chen Xiang hadn’t meant it that way and quickly backtracked. “How could that be? Miss, you’re destined for great wealth and fortune!”

Yu Nanqing tapped Chen Xiang’s forehead. “Your mouth is the sweetest.”

Chen Xiang unpacked the other snacks, grinning at Yu Nanqing. “I’m just speaking the truth.”

Perhaps feeling more at ease, Yu Nanqing grew drowsy after eating her fill.

She headed toward her bed, instructing Chen Xiang, “I’m going to nap. Wake me before dinner.”

She slept straight through until evening.

The light outside the window dimmed, and a cool breeze slipped through the half-open window, carrying the damp scent of rain.

Xiao Qiling had assumed Yu Nanqing’s pride would keep her away for days after being teased at lunch.

But to her surprise, Yu Nanqing had grown bolder. Having left at noon, she returned as soon as night fell, slipping into Xiao Qiling’s quarters for dinner as if it were routine.

Yin San stood guard outside the study, while Yin Liu and Yin Qi were nowhere to be seen.

When Yu Nanqing barged in, the manor’s physician had just finished examining the arrow wound on Xiao Qiling’s left shoulder. Her clothes were still partially undone, revealing half her shoulder to Yu Nanqing’s eyes.

Seeing Yu Nanqing enter, Xiao Qiling didn’t rush. She leisurely pulled her thin robes closed before asking, “It’s not fully dark yet. Isn’t it a bit early for the Princess to come to my chambers?”

Yu Nanqing ignored the “chambers” remark and approached the physician. “How is Her Highness’s recovery?”

The physician tidied the used bandages and said concisely, “It’s already scabbing.”

Yu Nanqing inquired, “Will it leave a scar? I have some scar-removal ointments. Should we check if they’re compatible with Her Highness’s treatment?”

A scar?

Having treated Xiao Qiling for years, the physician had never seen her scar. As a martial artist, her metabolism was far faster than average, and such a minor arrow wound wouldn’t leave a mark.

But since Yu Nanqing was so concerned, the physician saw an opportunity to enlist her help with a troublesome matter.

“The ointments aren’t that effective. What matters most is that Her Highness takes her medicine on time. No matter how strong her constitution, she can’t afford to lose more vitality.” The physician held up three fingers, tattling to Yu Nanqing in front of Xiao Qiling. “Her Highness has skipped her medicine for three days.”

Xiao Qiling, now dressed and opening a sealed letter, glanced at the physician, her eyes narrowing with a hint of coldness.

The physician quickly averted her gaze. “What does the Princess think?”

Yu Nanqing had come to regain her footing against Xiao Qiling, so she was eager to take on something Xiao Qiling disliked. “Go brew the medicine. I’ll make sure Her Highness drinks it.”

“Thank you, Princess.” The physician packed her medical box and left.

About the time it takes to burn an incense stick, a maid brought in two bowls of thick, bitter medicinal soup. Yu Nanqing took them, placing them on the table with great care. “Your Highness, shall I serve you the medicine?”

Hearing her tone, Xiao Qiling knew no good was coming. Without looking up from her letter, she continued writing.

Yu Nanqing snatched Xiao Qiling’s brush and stepped in front of her, blocking the letter. “Your Highness, drink.”

Xiao Qiling grabbed Yu Nanqing’s hand, easily reclaiming the brush and setting it aside, half-amused, half-exasperated. “I noticed you ate little at lunch, so I had snacks sent to you. And here you are, turning around to force medicine on me.”

The bowl was still hot to the touch. Yu Nanqing carefully lifted it, her expression innocent. “Your Highness saw my poor appetite and kindly sent me snacks. I’m only returning the favor by personally ensuring your health. Isn’t that fair?”

Xiao Qiling lowered her eyes, chuckling softly. Returning the favor? Was that how it worked?

She knew Yu Nanqing had come at this hour to get even.

Xiao Qiling reached out. “Give me the bowl. I’ll drink it myself.”

Yu Nanqing blocked her. “No, as your Princess, I should feed you myself.”

“Feed me yourself?” Xiao Qiling’s voice softened, her dark eyes meeting Yu Nanqing’s. The jewelry in her hair tilted slightly as she leaned forward, a hairpin falling to the floor with a crisp sound. Her stunning features emerged as if breaking through a mist, captivating Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing’s mind cleared in an instant, and she gave an awkward laugh. “I suppose Your Highness isn’t used to being served. I won’t insist.”

As she spoke, she tried to step away from the table, but Xiao Qiling’s hand was faster, pressing lightly on her lower back and pulling her onto her lap.

Then, Xiao Qiling handed her one of the bowls, her voice gentle yet encouraging. “Habits can change. I’ll trouble the Princess, then.”

In that moment, Yu Nanqing recalled Chen Xiang’s casual mention of an “enchantress,” and a sense of danger surged within her. She’d come to regain the upper hand, so how had Xiao Qiling turned the tables again?

But with the medicine in her hand and Xiao Qiling’s grip on her waist, Yu Nanqing took a deep breath and scooped up a spoonful. “Try it. Is it too hot?”

“It’s fine.”

Thankfully, Xiao Qiling didn’t make it difficult, drinking spoonful by spoonful, her earlier air of danger completely subdued.

Yu Nanqing fed her most of the bowl, somehow finding this obedient Xiao Qiling endearing. Such bitter medicine must be torturous. She asked, “Isn’t it bitter?”

“Bitter,” Xiao Qiling replied. “Want to try a sip?”

Yu Nanqing couldn’t continue the teasing. She held the bowl to Xiao Qiling’s lips. “If it’s bitter, don’t drink it like this. Your Highness, shall I hold the bowl for you to drink?”

“Isn’t this what you wanted to see?” Xiao Qiling gently pinched Yu Nanqing’s cheek, her gesture elegant, her expression one of mock helplessness.

The air grew quiet.

Caught out, Yu Nanqing looked away. “I didn’t really mean to torment you. If you don’t want to drink, I’ll pour it out under a tree. The physician won’t notice.”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes flickered with emotion. “No need to ruin the trees in my courtyard.”

With that, she took the bowl from Yu Nanqing and drank both bowls in one go.

Yu Nanqing could smell how bitter it was. Her temper came and went quickly, and she no longer dwelled on her earlier embarrassment. She offered, “Your Highness’s tea is too bitter. Shall I get some sweet water to wash away the taste?”

Xiao Qiling pressed her back down, laughing. “I just drank two bowls of medicine. Do you think my stomach can handle sweet water too? No need.”

Yu Nanqing thought for a moment, then pulled a folded handkerchief from her sleeve, unwrapping it to reveal a dried fruit, which she popped into Xiao Qiling’s mouth. “Try this to mask the taste.”

She fed it quickly, accidentally brushing Xiao Qiling’s tongue. The soft, warm sensation made her pull back instinctively. Xiao Qiling glanced at her, and Yu Nanqing hurriedly explained, “It wasn’t on purpose.”

“Of course it wasn’t.” Xiao Qiling said, sounding as if she believed otherwise.

Yu Nanqing stood, about to say something, when Xiao Qiling tugged her sleeve. “There’s a market tonight. Want to go?”

Yu Nanqing didn’t recall any special occasion. “Is there something festive happening?”

“The Emperor’s Longevity Festival is approaching, so people are showcasing their talents to entertain and offer blessings. Performers have been arriving in the capital, and it’ll be lively for a while. Want to check it out?”

Yu Nanqing nodded. “Sure.”

A quarter of an hour later, both changed into light, casual clothes and slipped out of Prince Ning’s manor through a side gate.

The streets were bustling, lined with steaming food stalls. Yu Nanqing picked a few items, handing what she couldn’t carry to Xiao Qiling, and they followed the crowd toward the liveliest spots.

At a street corner, a dense crowd caught Yu Nanqing’s attention. She tugged Xiao Qiling’s sleeve. “What’s happening over there? It’s so lively.”

Cheers and the sound of gongs and drums echoed from the crowd. Xiao Qiling glanced in the direction Yu Nanqing pointed, then took her hand and wove through the crowd. “Curious? Let’s go see.”

Yu Nanqing’s gaze lingered on their joined hands for a moment before Xiao Qiling pulled her to the front.

There, a group of street performers was putting on a show. Some had exotic features, rougher than the capital’s residents.

They were performing a fire-ring act, but the performer wasn’t human—it was a round, black-and-white creature that rolled onto the ground, revealing a fluffy, endearing bear-like animal with soft, clean fur.

Yu Nanqing’s eyes lit up. “Is that an iron-eating beast?”

She’d seen one in her past life, but it was wild, its fur far less pristine, and she hadn’t paid it much attention after hearing its fierce reputation from guards.

“Iron-eating beasts usually live in Shu. Don’t be fooled by its docile appearance. If provoked, it’s fiercer than the black bears of West Mountain. Stay back.” Xiao Qiling warned, holding back an eager Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing reluctantly stopped.

The beast tamer issued commands, and the iron-eating beast stood, rolled, and tumbled, delighting the crowd.

Yu Nanqing’s smile faded. Her gaze seemed fixed on the beast, but it was actually on the tamer.

The capital’s residents might not notice, but when the tamer gave commands, his accent carried traces of the Xiongnu dialect.

After the performance, the beast was led to the side. The tamer tossed it some bamboo shoots, which it clutched and ate, peeling the tough outer layers to get to the tender core.

A little girl nearby pointed excitedly. “Mother, look, it’s picky!”

The tamer smiled at her, switching fluently to Han Chinese. “It’s clever. It took us ten days in the mountains to trap it.”

The crowd tossed coins, urging him to feed the beast more.

The troupe’s skills went beyond this. Soon, another performer began breaking stones on his chest.

Yu Nanqing’s eyes scanned the scene, occasionally glancing at the tamer, until he noticed her. His wild, untamed gaze met hers.

Yu Nanqing’s breath hitched. She tugged Xiao Qiling’s sleeve, pointing at another performer. “Look, they broke another stone!”

Xiao Qiling turned, distracted. “If you like this, I can have guards perform for you tomorrow. As many as you want.”

“Martial artists are so impressive, huh?” Yu Nanqing retorted, her peripheral vision checking the tamer. His gaze had shifted, and she relaxed slightly.

“What are you looking at?” Xiao Qiling followed her gaze, assuming she was still watching the beast. “You like that bear that much?”

Yu Nanqing hesitated, then nodded. “I like it. I like all these performances.”

Foreigners weren’t strictly banned from the capital as long as they had permits, so she decided to hold off on raising alarms.

Xiao Qiling didn’t suspect anything and, seeing Yu Nanqing’s interest, patiently stayed with her. The next acts included retrieving objects from boiling oil and swallowing swords—flesh enduring scalding oil and sharp blades unharmed.

The crowd gasped, then erupted in applause. “Amazing! Incredible!”

Other performers passed around hats for tips.

Yu Nanqing gave a few gold pieces to the first few, but when the tamer approached, she slipped a jade bracelet into his hat—a clearly valuable piece.

“Can I buy that bear?” she asked, pointing at the iron-eating beast.

The tamer quickly returned the bracelet. “Miss, forgive me, but this beast is our livelihood. We can’t sell it.”

Yu Nanqing studied his features up close, persisting. “I can offer more gold ingots. If you’re worried about your livelihood, I can arrange a comfortable job for you. What do you say?”

“Miss, I’m sorry. We lost a brother capturing this beast, and it took great effort to tame it. If it went wild and harmed you, I couldn’t bear the responsibility. I’m used to freedom. Thank you for your kindness.”

With that, Yu Nanqing relented, gazing longingly at the beast.

Perhaps because she stared too long, Xiao Qiling grew curious. “You’re usually not this attached to cats or dogs. Why the fascination with an iron-eating beast?”

Many noblewomen in the capital kept pets, and they’d seen several carrying white cats on the streets tonight.

“It’s novel and cute,” Yu Nanqing said, genuinely fond of the beast despite her suspicions about the tamer. She tested Xiao Qiling. “Do you have a way?”

“No,” Xiao Qiling said, glancing at the beast munching bamboo, its mouth full of crumbs. “It’s fully grown and hard to manage. Give up.”

Yu Nanqing sighed. “This isn’t what I expected.”

“What’s that?”

“Other husbands would go to great lengths to buy it for their wives.” Yu Nanqing said, her tone wistful. “That’s how they show their love.”

Xiao Qiling’s lips curved. “Then I guess I don’t love you.”

Yu Nanqing pouted. “You can’t do that.”

“That beast is so big, even a leash wouldn’t hold it. Would you be playing with it, or would it be dragging you around?” Xiao Qiling mercilessly quashed her hopes.

Yu Nanqing’s eyes widened, unable to argue. “If I can’t hold it, neither can you!”

Xiao Qiling pulled her along, her tone cheerful. “Exactly. That’s why I only keep what I can hold.”

Yu Nanqing’s gaze fell to her arm, caught in Xiao Qiling’s grip, and she fell silent.

What did she mean by “what I can hold”?

Yu Nanqing shook her arm, failing to break free.

Resigned, she gave up.

Thankfully, Xiao Qiling didn’t tease further. “It’s lively up ahead. Want to check it out?”

As the crowd thinned, Yu Nanqing reverted to formality. “Since when does Your Highness enjoy such trivial bustle?”

Her tone carried a barb.

Xiao Qiling held her hand, smiling. “I usually have to maintain my dignity and can’t bring my people to experience this liveliness. Will the Princess indulge me?”

Yu Nanqing huffed. “Fine, I’ll grudgingly keep you company.”

Ahead, a stall was selling lanterns for a single coin. Alternatively, one coin allowed five attempts at solving lantern riddles. Each correct answer earned a chance at a finer lantern, and answering all five correctly won an exquisite phoenix lantern. But a single wrong answer reset all progress.

When Yu Nanqing arrived, the stall was crowded with noblewomen, their silk and satin attire glimmering, enhancing the lanterns’ allure.

The women were engrossed in the riddles, whispering among themselves, their faces showing both excitement and difficulty.

“‘Luo’? That doesn’t seem right. Why ‘inverted mountain’?”

“Maybe we should give up? Miss Yao, you’ve answered three correctly. You can already claim the jade rabbit lantern. It’s quite charming, isn’t it?”

“Yes, why not stop?”

Miss Yao, struggling with the riddle, was about to give up when another girl exclaimed, “Ning! It’s Miss Yu! Look, Miss Yu is here!”

The women turned, their eyes lighting up as if seeing a savior. They had witnessed Yu Nanqing’s triumph at the West Mountain literary competition and now looked to her for help.

Unable to avoid them, Yu Nanqing greeted them warmly. “Are you all guessing riddles?”

Then they noticed Xiao Qiling beside her. As they began to bow, Xiao Qiling pulled Yu Nanqing past them to ask the lantern seller about the riddle, clearly avoiding revealing her identity.

The old man selling lanterns, eager for the festive atmosphere, didn’t mind new participants. “Would the young master and lady like to start a new set of riddles or join these ladies?”

“Let’s join them,” Yu Nanqing said with a smile. “Could you tell us the riddle?”

The old man stroked his long beard and recited, “The setting sun in the ravine reflects the inverted mountain. Guess a—”

Yu Nanqing smiled. “It should be ‘Run.’”

“Well!” The old man was surprised she answered so quickly. “That makes four correct answers. Would the lady like to claim a lantern or continue?”

Yu Nanqing turned to Miss Yao. “What do you think?”

“I want to keep going!”

The old man promptly gave the next riddle. “This one’s tricky, so think carefully. Before my window, the river water ripples with spring colors. Guess a medicinal herb.”

Yu Nanqing, unfamiliar with herbs, struggled. Just then, Xiao Qiling said calmly, “It’s Kongqing.”

The old man clapped excitedly. “The young master knows pharmacology! Wonderful, truly wonderful.”

He handed the exquisite phoenix lantern to Miss Yao, who beamed brighter than the lantern itself.

The other women, envious, turned to Yu Nanqing. “Miss Yu, could you help me guess one too?”

“I want one too!”

As they pleaded, Yu Nanqing, not wanting to dampen their spirits, turned to Xiao Qiling. “I might not know some riddles. Can you help?”

Xiao Qiling’s cool gaze swept over the women, her brow furrowing as if annoyed by the hassle.

Yu Nanqing, knowing Xiao Qiling’s fearsome reputation and reluctance to meddle, tugged her sleeve.

Xiao Qiling glanced at her, her expression softening.

Yu Nanqing hooked her finger around Xiao Qiling’s.

Xiao Qiling patted her hand, relenting. “Fine.”

The women, watching nervously, were stunned that the famously cold and ruthless Prince Ning was persuaded.

The old man, oblivious to their shock, eagerly gave the next riddle. “The first watch brings a rising breeze. Guess an idiom.”

Yu Nanqing answered first. “All in one go.”

The old man continued. “A lone sail on the horizon mourns a farewell. Guess a character.”

Yu Nanqing raised an eyebrow at Xiao Qiling, who smiled and said, “Sui.”

The old man: “A thousand songs and tunes cannot exhaust it. Guess an idiom.”

Yu Nanqing and Xiao Qiling traded answers effortlessly, and soon each woman held a phoenix lantern.

Their striking appearances, quick wit, and refined aura drew a crowd of scholars to watch.

Yu Nanqing, not wanting the old man to lose out on selling such fine lanterns for a mere coin, was about to offer a gold leaf when Miss Yao, sensing her intent, quickly placed a silver ingot in the old man’s hand.

Yu Nanqing raised an eyebrow, then turned to leave the crowd. Miss Yao called after her, “Could you two spare a moment?”

Under the street’s willow trees, Miss Yao bowed. “Thank you, Prince Ning and Princess, for helping my sisters win phoenix lanterns. We couldn’t have solved all the riddles ourselves, so I’d like to gift this lantern to the Princess.”

Yu Nanqing smiled politely. “Miss Yao is too kind. We were just here to enjoy the riddles and happened to join you. This lantern is meant for you. How could I take it?”

Miss Yao laughed at her words. “Since the Princess says so, I’ll accept it graciously.”

“But I can’t take your kindness for nothing,” Miss Yao said eagerly. She reached into her sleeve, hesitating over a bracelet, then, recalling Yu Nanqing’s lavish dowry, chose a sachet instead. “I admired your talent at West Mountain, and meeting you again today is a joy. I embroidered this myself. Please accept it.”

Women’s friendships were simpler than court politics—exchanging a trinket often sealed a bond. Yu Nanqing, rarely out of the manor, wouldn’t see Miss Yao often. Since she insisted, Yu Nanqing couldn’t refuse, both out of courtesy and as Princess.

“With spring fading, I need a sachet with herbs to ward off mosquitoes. Thank you for your generosity, Miss Yao.”

Miss Yao’s maid approached, pointing toward someone, likely her family searching for her.

“It’s late. You should head home.” Xiao Qiling said coolly, pulling Yu Nanqing away without letting her say goodbye.

The maid, unaware of their identities, grumbled, “Who are they, leaving so rudely?”

“Hush, don’t disrespect them.” Miss Yao said, assuming they avoided her family. She sighed with a smile. “Prince Ning’s manor is nothing like the rumors.”

Yu Nanqing, dragged half a street away, finally pulled her sleeve free. “Why the rush? Who’s Miss Yao’s family that we had to avoid?”

“Not avoiding, just avoiding trouble. If I’m not mistaken, her ‘Yao’ is that of Yao Chengping, the Minister of Rites.”

Yu Nanqing found it curious. “Your Highness gets tired of socializing too?”

Xiao Qiling walked ahead, hands behind her back. “Only saints are courteous all the time.”

Yu Nanqing caught up. “The Minister of Rites isn’t a low position. A brief chat wouldn’t delay us, would it?”

True, but the one searching for Miss Yao was clearly a younger relative, not the powerful patriarch.

Xiao Qiling glanced at the sachet still hooked on Yu Nanqing’s finger, her tone cool. “With your fame, Princess, one Miss Yao took up so much time. Add a Master Yao, and we might not make it back tonight.”

Yu Nanqing followed her gaze to the sachet. Its stitching was meticulous, far finer than the handkerchief she’d once given Xiao Qiling.

The sachet’s front bore intertwined branches, and the back featured mandarin ducks playing in water—common motifs for noblewomen.

Not having examined it closely before, Yu Nanqing now felt the riddles were worth it.

“Pretty?” Xiao Qiling’s voice sounded beside her.

“Very,” Yu Nanqing said. “Miss Yao’s so generous to give away such a lovely sachet.”

Petty as ever, she curved her lips, her tone teasing. “Unlike Your Highness, who’d say you don’t love me over a bear and mock me for not being able to handle a black-and-white fluffball.”

Sensing her jab, Xiao Qiling didn’t take offense. “Still holding a grudge?”

Yu Nanqing, like a spurned wife, huffed, “Such a moment of disfavor must be etched in my heart, reflected on thrice daily.”

Xiao Qiling laughed, leaning closer to pinch Yu Nanqing’s ear.

The sudden closeness made Yu Nanqing swat her hand away, only to hear Xiao Qiling whisper, “I can’t bear your thrice-daily reflections, but that iron-eating beast really isn’t for you. How about I make it up with another gift?”

Her voice was close, unguarded, and on the bustling Chang’an street, her warm breath carried a coaxing tone.

Yu Nanqing’s petty grievances melted away.

Her eyes darted, trying to resist Xiao Qiling’s charm. “Your Highness said such hurtful things. I’m not so easily appeased.”

“Is that so? I’ll have to think carefully then.”

Xiao Qiling scanned the surroundings, and Yu Nanqing followed her gaze, wondering what gift she’d choose.

A whole stall of sachets? Or would she wrestle that iron-eating beast from the performers?

Both seemed possible, yet neither felt right.

Yu Nanqing wasn’t short on money, and with Miss Yao’s hand-embroidered sachet as a benchmark, material gifts seemed lackluster.

A cool breeze swept through the street. Yu Nanqing was about to suggest she was hungry when Xiao Qiling suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist, leaped lightly, and landed outside the Ningxiang Pavilion from their last visit.

The madam, spotting their refined air, approached with a beaming smile. “You two—”

Before she could finish, a gleaming gold ingot landed in her hands.

Only then did the madam notice the woman in Xiao Qiling’s arms.

“Your best room. No disturbances.”

The madam bit the gold, her eyes narrowing with delight. “Yes, yes, yes!” She led them to the finest room.

Inside, Yu Nanqing was set on a soft couch. Glancing around, she still couldn’t guess Xiao Qiling’s gift. “What are you giving me, Your Highness?”

Xiao Qiling’s fingers brushed Yu Nanqing’s face, her lips curving. “You’ve been out so long, you must be tired. Shall I play you a tune?”

Yu Nanqing hadn’t expected this. Having Prince Ning play the zither was a rare honor.

She hadn’t thought Xiao Qiling had such refined tastes.

Yu Nanqing didn’t respond immediately. Xiao Qiling waited, her tone indulgent. “It’s been a while since I played, so if I’m rusty, please spare my pride, Princess.”

She knew Yu Nanqing melted under softness.

Yu Nanqing glanced at Xiao Qiling’s half-kneeling posture on the rug, her resolve wavering. “Fine, I’ll listen.”

Xiao Qiling’s lips curved. She approached the seven-stringed zither, sitting elegantly, her presence softened by the pavilion’s lingering incense.

Her slender fingers plucked the strings, producing clear, resonant notes. After tuning, her other hand joined, striking the first note.

The flowing melody, like a clear stream, drew listeners into a world of moonlit mountains, whispering pines, and bubbling springs.

At first, Yu Nanqing was immersed, exchanging playful glances with Xiao Qiling, feeling like a patron at a pleasure house. The rare sense of dominance delighted her, her gaze toward Xiao Qiling tinged with amusement.

But as the music continued, her smile froze, replaced by hesitation, confusion, and shock.

Xiao Qiling looked at her, their eyes meeting. Her peach-blossom eyes brimmed with a smile, like snow melting into a spring pool.

Yu Nanqing finally recognized the tune.

It was Phoenix Seeks Phoenix.