Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 39

39: “Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix” Is My Way of…

Xiao Qiling went outside to arrange dinner, leaving Yu Nanqing alone in the room, her mind tangled in confusion.

Xiao Qiling was a person of deep cunning and ruthless actions, capable of masquerading as a man under Emperor Wenjing’s nose for over twenty years. Neither in her past life nor this one had Yu Nanqing ever heard of Prince Ning having any romantic entanglements, male or female.

How could someone like that fall into the trap of worldly emotions?

Yet, Xiao Qiling’s actions spoke otherwise. They weren’t playful teasing or mere gestures of courtesy to win her over. Yu Nanqing recalled how, when she had recommended her talented cousins to Xiao Qiling, the latter had stormed off in a huff. No matter how absurd it seemed, Yu Nanqing couldn’t deny it any longer—

Xiao Qiling might actually like her.

Yu Nanqing’s eyes widened, and she hurriedly covered her face with both hands, collapsing onto the soft couch. Her neatly arranged hair loosened as she squirmed, but she quickly stopped herself, afraid that Xiao Qiling might notice the creases in her clothing and sense her unease.

When Xiao Qiling returned, Yu Nanqing was in the middle of fixing her hair. Her slender, pale fingers wove through the jade beads on her hairpin, their whiteness blending indistinguishably with the adornment. Her silky black hair slipped between her fingers, making the bun even messier.

“Let me help.” Xiao Qiling said, seemingly oblivious to Yu Nanqing’s discomfort. She assumed the hairpin had simply come loose. “Sit still and don’t move.”

Xiao Qiling’s voice was clear and gentle, but it made Yu Nanqing’s heart tighten. Instinctively, she tried to dodge Xiao Qiling’s touch. “I can do it myself. No need to trouble Your Highness with such a small matter.”

Xiao Qiling made a sound of acknowledgment but ignored her words, deftly removing the last jade hairpin that held Yu Nanqing’s hair in place.

Her long, dark hair cascaded down, brushing past her tightly cinched waist. Xiao Qiling patiently separated strands of hair, each subtle movement sending a shiver through Yu Nanqing’s scalp.

Seeing Xiao Qiling’s insistence, Yu Nanqing took two deep breaths, trying to ignore the awkwardness. Boldly, she grabbed Xiao Qiling’s wrist. “Just a simple style will do. I’ll be heading back to the mansion soon anyway.”

Xiao Qiling studied Yu Nanqing’s reflection in the mirror, casually asking, “After dinner, you don’t want to go anywhere else?”

Yu Nanqing tilted her head, attempting to hide her face in her hair. “The simpler, the better…” She trailed off, her body suddenly trembling as she instinctively leaned forward to escape.

As if anticipating her reaction, Xiao Qiling gently but firmly pressed her right shoulder, feigning confusion. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”

Yu Nanqing’s face flushed red, and she stammered, “W-What are you doing?”

Xiao Qiling replied calmly, “Your hair’s tangled at the roots. I need to undo the knots.”

Yu Nanqing’s cheeks burned, unsure if it was because she’d realized Xiao Qiling’s feelings. Every time Xiao Qiling’s fingertips brushed her scalp, she couldn’t help but tremble. “You don’t need to press like that! Just… just stop, I’ll do it myself—ahh!”

“You didn’t manage to fix it earlier,” Xiao Qiling said, her fingers gently massaging Yu Nanqing’s scalp. “Next time you go out, don’t let Chenxiang style your hair so elaborately. No one’s going to notice at night.”

Yu Nanqing’s shoulders shrank under Xiao Qiling’s touch, and she squirmed slightly, nearly exasperated. “Who says no one’s looking? Plenty of people were staring at me earlier. Let go already!”

The gaze resting on Yu Nanqing’s head suddenly turned cold.

“Don’t move.”

Perhaps it was Yu Nanqing’s ingrained respect for Prince Ning’s authority, but the moment Xiao Qiling’s voice grew stern, she fell silent, though her eyes glared resentfully at the figure in the mirror.

A faint smile tugged at Xiao Qiling’s lips. Knowing not to push too far, she finally smoothed Yu Nanqing’s hair and began to style it properly.

Soon, she inserted the jade hairpin, securing the bun, and called out to the servants, “Bring it in.”

The prepared dinner was brought in, filling the table with delicate dishes, mostly pastries. Regardless of taste, their presentation was unlike anything Yu Nanqing usually ate. The buns were shaped into adorable rabbits and tabby cats.

Even the peach blossom pastries were crafted with creativity. Yu Nanqing picked one up, and the sweet floral aroma melted on her tongue. Her eyes lit up. “Delicious.”

Xiao Qiling handed her a bowl of bird’s nest porridge. “Try this. The chefs at Ningxiang Pavilion are renowned. Many court officials come here just for this.”

Yu Nanqing slowed her chewing, her eyes darting as she teased, “So, Your Highness is explaining that your visits to Ningxiang Pavilion were for the food, not to see the girls?”

Xiao Qiling paused. “What girls would I be looking at?”

Xiao Qiling had never considered herself interested in other women.

Ningxiang Pavilion was a place of mixed company. In her younger days, when her influence was still growing, she chose it as a discreet meeting place with court officials. Now, that necessity was gone.

“The girls at Ningxiang Pavilion are so beautiful, with graceful figures and captivating dances.” Yu Nanqing said, her tone tinged with jealousy. She took a bite of a rabbit-shaped bun and reached for a pink tabby cat one.

A pair of chopsticks swooped in, casually snatching the best-looking tabby cat bun.

Yu Nanqing: …

She shot Xiao Qiling a resentful glance.

Xiao Qiling bit into the tabby cat’s head without a care, noticing Yu Nanqing’s gaze and saying lightly, “If you like them so much, I can redeem a few to bring back to the mansion. You can watch them whenever you want.”

Yu Nanqing had no such hobby. Just then, the door was knocked on again, and a steaming plate of buns shaped like pandas, complete with inked ears and eyes, was brought in.

They were placed in front of Xiao Qiling. Yu Nanqing stretched her chopsticks but couldn’t quite reach unless she knelt up.

The serving girl, noticing Yu Nanqing’s struggle, thought to herself that the other gentleman, though refined and approachable, seemed to lack any sense of chivalry.

Yu Nanqing frowned and said to the girl, “Could you help us arrange the dishes?”

“No need to trouble her.” Xiao Qiling said kindly to the girl. “I don’t find it inconvenient.”

Yu Nanqing snapped, “Well, I do.”

The girl’s eyes darted between them, finally sensing something. She quickly bowed and left.

Seeing the girl ignore her, Yu Nanqing fumed. Once the door closed, she grabbed her bowl and sat next to Xiao Qiling, tilting her head nonchalantly. “This won’t crowd Your Highness’s meal, will it?”

Xiao Qiling had many dining etiquette rules, and Yu Nanqing’s chatter had often been met with disapproval. Now, she was practically pushing Xiao Qiling aside.

Xiao Qiling raised her displaced left hand, resting it on Yu Nanqing’s shoulder, and handed her the plate of panda-shaped buns. “You don’t know if you’re crowding me?”

Yu Nanqing let out a soft “oh,” picked up a bun, and nibbled on it.

Her carefully planned retort was effortlessly diffused.

Half an hour later, they boarded the carriage back to Prince Ning’s mansion.

As they passed through the front courtyard, heading to their respective quarters, Xiao Qiling called out, “Come with me.”

It was late at night, the moon dark and the wind high. Yu Nanqing hesitated, replying slowly, “Chenxiang said I’ve been sleeping poorly lately and grinding my teeth at night. I wouldn’t want to disturb Your Highness. I’ll go to the mansion’s physician for some calming tea before heading to Lanshi Court.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled. “Come to my study. I have something for you. Where’s your mind wandering?”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes darted, as if afraid Xiao Qiling would notice her unease. She blustered, “It’s been so long since Your Highness summoned me to your bed. Can’t I miss it? Since Your Highness has no such intentions, I won’t entertain such thoughts either! Let’s go to the study then—just the study!”

She strode toward the study before Xiao Qiling, who squinted slightly, a smile playing on her lips as she shook her head. “Alright, just the study.”

Soon after Yu Nanqing entered the study, a maid brought in her favorite milk tea and several plates of candied fruit.

Xiao Qiling retrieved a wooden box and placed it before Yu Nanqing. “These are deeds to properties I’ve acquired along the route from the capital to Yuezhou, along with travel permits.”

Yu Nanqing froze.

Properties? Travel permits? Was Xiao Qiling trying to send her away?

Just because she pretended not to understand “Phoenix Seeks Phoenix,” had she upset Xiao Qiling?

Yu Nanqing opened her mouth, struggling to find words. “You…”

“And this.” Xiao Qiling produced a token—the Prince Ning token Yu Nanqing had once climbed into her bed to steal for Ji Zhiyun.

“Even without the token, people in the mansion respect you. But outside, it’s better to carry this,” Xiao Qiling said, sliding the token toward her. “Aren’t you always worried about your cousin? This is a good chance to stay with the Ji family for a while. The permits have been stamped by the Ministry of Revenue, so you won’t face inspections at city gates.”

Yu Nanqing grew even more confused.

“Why would I return to Jiangnan?”

“And even if you’re sending me back, shouldn’t Your Highness at least give me a divorce letter?”

Xiao Qiling’s expression darkened instantly.

Yu Nanqing’s mouth had moved faster than her mind, and she regretted it immediately. Xiao Qiling’s actions clearly had another purpose. Pretending not to understand the tune at Ningxiang Pavilion was one thing, but bringing up divorce? Was she trying to get herself thrown out to feed the fish?

She quickly backtracked. “Ahem, I was just talking nonsense. Please don’t take it to heart, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling suddenly burst into laughter.

She laughed for a long time, making Yu Nanqing’s face heat up. She lowered her head, hurriedly pushing the token back.

Xiao Qiling rubbed the top of Yu Nanqing’s head, her eyes full of amusement. “Keep what I give you.”

A prince’s token was as good as the prince’s presence. Other princes’ tokens might only hold sway among court officials in the capital, but Xiao Qiling’s was different. The visible guards in the mansion were already top-tier, not to mention the hidden forces.

Yu Nanqing hesitated. “It’s a long journey. Aren’t you afraid I’ll cause trouble with your token?”

Xiao Qiling understood, her smile deepening. “If my princess can uncover my hidden forces and cause trouble, so be it. Just come back to the mansion.”

Before, Yu Nanqing would have thought Xiao Qiling was being sarcastic. But now, her words carried a hint of retention.

That retention made her uneasy. Unable to lash out at Xiao Qiling, she pushed the offending box again. “I’m not one of those stray cats in the mansion that runs off and never returns.”

The box slid toward the table’s edge, but Xiao Qiling caught it, chuckling. “Indeed, you’re not like those stray cats.”

You won’t run off and never return.

Seeing Xiao Qiling’s confident assumption that she wouldn’t leave, Yu Nanqing’s temper flared. “You still haven’t said why you’re sending me to Jiangnan. Is it to make connections with the Ji family? Tell me what you want them to do.”

Her lips pursed, and she added, “But it can’t be too dangerous or excessive. My cousin and her family are honest merchants, not like… not like you people.”

Xiao Qiling leaned closer. “You people?”

Yu Nanqing: “Nothing.”

Xiao Qiling leaned even closer.

It felt like she was trying to seduce her again.

Yu Nanqing glared, throwing caution to the wind. “Not like you scheming, manipulative imperial offspring who thrive on intrigue.”

Xiao Qiling laughed again. “Fine, my princess has a pure heart, unlike someone like me who schemes and manipulates.”

Yu Nanqing thought Xiao Qiling was mocking her and was about to retort when Xiao Qiling raised a hand, sighing. “That’s why I want you to leave for a while.”

“The emperor’s fortieth birthday is on the third of next month. All imperial relatives will return to the capital to celebrate. Princess Rongxi, who’s been away praying, will surely return as well. You should claim illness and retreat to Jiangnan to avoid her.”

Yu Nanqing had heard of Princess Rongxi but knew little about her.

Princess Rongxi was Emperor Wenjing’s full sister, and her husband came from the Si family, which controlled the capital’s imperial guard. Yu Nanqing had heard from Xiao Qijun that when Emperor Wenjing ascended the throne, supporters of the previous Emperor Wuxuan had caused a brief rebellion.

Princess Rongxi’s husband had taken a fatal arrow for Wenjing during that rebellion, proving his loyalty. At the time, Rongxi was about to give birth. After her son was born, she navigated the capital’s noblewomen, stabilizing the court for Wenjing, earning her the title of Grand Princess.

Since then, the Si family had been deeply trusted by Wenjing, controlling the entire capital’s guard.

Rongxi was devoutly Buddhist. In Yu Nanqing’s past life, she had been kind to Xiao Qijun but died in a flash flood during a prayer trip, after which Wenjing held a grand state funeral for her.

“My mother was her companion in their youth, and they were as close as sisters for twenty years,” Xiao Qiling said. “After my father’s death, my mother exhausted herself stabilizing the court. Yet, Princess Rongxi sided with the emperor.”

“Rongxi is a staunch royalist. She can’t touch me yet, but she’ll definitely target you, my princess.” Xiao Qiling had seen the palace’s tactics. She could shield Yu Nanqing from Wenjing, Xiao Qijun, and other court schemes, but not from Rongxi.

Women’s gatherings, restricted by etiquette, were hard for her “male” persona to infiltrate. Yu Nanqing couldn’t always decline them either. Leaving the capital was the safest option.

Rongxi could target Prince Ning’s wife more easily than the empress dowager could target consorts.

Yu Nanqing bit her lip, her mind slow to process. “She wouldn’t go so far as to punish me physically, would she? At worst, I could say I’m pregnant with Your Highness’s heir. She wouldn’t dare touch me then, right?”

Silence fell.

It was a flawed plan.

Xiao Qiling didn’t mock her, instead considering it seriously before saying, “That might not be appropriate.”

Yu Nanqing laughed first. “Yeah, it does seem a bit off.”

Xiao Qiling raised an eyebrow, giving her time to decide.

Yu Nanqing bit her lip again. “I’m still Prince Ning’s legitimate wife. Even if she dislikes Your Highness, she wouldn’t publicly harm me. At most, she’d embarrass me. I’m thick-skinned; I can handle it. I’d rather not leave the capital.”

Xiao Qiling’s lips parted in a faint smile. “You blush at the slightest tease. Are you sure?”

“I don’t!”

“Don’t you?”

As she spoke, Xiao Qiling’s breath brushed Yu Nanqing’s ear, making her face flush uncontrollably.

Yu Nanqing didn’t know how Rongxi might embarrass her, but if Xiao Qiling got any closer, she’d flee the capital herself.

“Open your eyes. I’m done teasing.” Xiao Qiling said, sitting back and tucking the Prince Ning token into the box. Her tone grew serious. “There’s another reason I’m wary of Rongxi.”

Yu Nanqing opened one eye. “Hm?”

“Remember the black bear incident at the West Mountain hunting grounds, blamed on the Imperial Observatory?”

Yu Nanqing opened her other eye, sitting up straight. “Yes. Is there more to it?”

“Some among them were found to be involved in shady matters, possibly linked to missing commoners. The Court of Judicial Review is still investigating, and no conclusions have been reached.”

Xiao Qiling spoke tactfully, not wanting to taint Yu Nanqing’s ears with unsavory details before the case was settled.

“I plan to resolve this before the emperor’s birthday. It might involve many forces in the capital.”

Xiao Qiling’s tone was unusually grave. Even during the assassination attempt at West Mountain, she hadn’t used the phrase “many forces.” Yu Nanqing could sense the depth of the matter.

But she wasn’t naive. Since showcasing her talents at the Spring Qiong Banquet, she’d never considered abandoning Xiao Qiling’s ship.

Nor had she thought of seeking out the rebel leader from her past life.

If she fled before the scheme even began, wouldn’t that make her a deserter, ungrateful and disloyal?

“So you want me to leave the capital?”

“What if I don’t?”

Xiao Qiling lowered her eyes, her stance clear.

Seeing her silence, Yu Nanqing grew anxious and grabbed her hand.

Her movement was too sudden, and she bumped the table corner, pain shooting through her abdomen. She flinched. “Ugh—”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes sharpened, and she stood to support her. “Why so hasty?”

The pain hit Yu Nanqing’s stomach, and she dry-heaved, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead.

But she ignored it, gripping Xiao Qiling tighter. “No wonder Your Highness is so generous, even giving me your personal token. Why not throw in more properties so I can settle comfortably in Jiangnan? If I find a new match, I’ll bring my husband to your grave to offer a toast and kowtow in gratitude.”

Xiao Qiling: …

Having spent so much time with Xiao Qiling, Yu Nanqing had picked up some of her sarcastic tone, leaving Xiao Qiling speechless for a moment.

But Prince Ning quickly gleaned the key point: Yu Nanqing didn’t want to leave the capital.

Seeing Xiao Qiling still silent, Yu Nanqing opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by another pang from her abdomen. She gasped, tugging at Xiao Qiling. “What’s Your Highness’s decision?”

Seeing Yu Nanqing’s cold sweat, Xiao Qiling’s heart clenched. She wiped her forehead. “Don’t talk. I’ll call the physician.”

Yu Nanqing: “Xiao Qiling!”

Xiao Qiling looked down at her.

“I don’t need a physician. Even if I see one, you’ll still send me away.” Yu Nanqing, provoked by Xiao Qiling’s gaze, flared up. “What are you staring at? Names are for calling, aren’t they?”

“Xiao Qiling, Xiao Qiling, Xiao Qiling!”

“When you’re asleep or not around, I’ve called your name countless times. Since you’re kicking me out, what’s a little offense? Xiao Qiling, Xiao Qiling, Xiao Qiling!”

Xiao Qiling: …

For once, Xiao Qiling was silent, her expression a mix of shock, confusion, and hesitation—utterly unlike Prince Ning’s decisive, ruthless demeanor.

Yu Nanqing held the upper hand at first, but gradually, under Xiao Qiling’s gaze, her fire fizzled out.

Xiao Qiling’s bewildered eyes flickered, softening. “Fine, you can call me that.”

Yu Nanqing let out a soft “hmph,” but the pain in her abdomen tightened under Xiao Qiling’s touch. “Can you still sit? Should I carry you back?”

Yu Nanqing: …

Being carried out of Lanshi Court by Xiao Qiling at night would look like they’d done something scandalous.

Too embarrassing.

She shook her head quickly. “No need. I’m fine now.”

She tugged Xiao Qiling’s sleeve. “So, do I have to leave the capital?”

Xiao Qiling gazed at her quietly, as if relenting. “If you don’t want to leave, you don’t have to. Stay in the mansion. I can keep an eye on you and not worry about accidents on the road.”

Xiao Qiling’s hand gently rubbed her abdomen, easing Yu Nanqing’s discomfort. Her tone lightened. “You said it. No takebacks.”

Xiao Qiling couldn’t hold back a laugh, adding, “If you don’t leave now, you might not get the chance later. Don’t blame me for not giving you an out.”

It sounded like a reference to Princess Rongxi’s return, but with the tension of leaving dispelled, Yu Nanqing’s thoughts wandered back to her confusion at Ningxiang Pavilion.

Mimicking Xiao Qiling’s earlier tone, she teased, “Yes, yes, Your Highness kindly prepared permits and a token, even promising me wealth. It’s my fault for missing my chance. I’m stuck here forever.”

Xiao Qiling laughed. “Hm.”

But Yu Nanqing couldn’t continue the banter.

Shouldn’t Xiao Qiling urge her to leave or admit the impropriety of her words, promising not to trap her?

Why… why just “hm”?

Yu Nanqing had dug her own pit and had to jump in. After a pause, she said, “But Your Highness is gracious and will surely give me another way out.”

Xiao Qiling seemed to laugh again, her voice lowering. “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.”

Perhaps it was Xiao Qiling’s hand pressed too closely to her waist, or the tone and look in her eyes. Yu Nanqing clenched her fists, sensing danger.

She pulled Xiao Qiling’s hand away, leaning back slightly. “Leaving or staying doesn’t matter. Your guards don’t leave either, right? We’re all the same, um, all the same.”

“It’s late. Your Highness should rest. I’ll head back.”

As Yu Nanqing turned to flee, Xiao Qiling pulled her back, preventing escape.

Xiao Qiling’s hands rested naturally on Yu Nanqing’s shoulders. The warm candlelight cast an intimate glow in the dark night, illuminating her eyes. “I didn’t want to say it so soon, but you’ve been testing me all night.”

Yu Nanqing’s heart skipped. “W-Who’s testing you? Don’t accuse me!”

Xiao Qiling smiled, indulgent. “Alright, you didn’t.”

“Then let’s say I just have to tell you.”

Yu Nanqing’s hands tightened. “I don’t want to hear it. I’m tired. I’m going—”

Xiao Qiling suddenly pressed the back of Yu Nanqing’s neck, pulling her close and pressing their lips together.

Yu Nanqing’s voice cut off, her lashes trembling fiercely.

The kiss was brief, a light touch before parting, with no lingering or deepening, yet it carried absolute sincerity and possessiveness.

Xiao Qiling wore no makeup, still dressed in the men’s attire from earlier, but in that moment, she seemed to shed all her sharp edges. Her beauty was radiant and bewitching, exuding the innate nobility and dominance of royalty.

Trapped in a corner by Xiao Qiling, Yu Nanqing heard her soft, ardent voice: “‘Phoenix Seeks Phoenix’ is my way of confessing my love to you, Qingqing.”