Offered as a Lucky Bride to the Mad Princess to Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 4

4: “So it really is a romantic debt from the past?”

That night, the study in Prince Ning’s residence was brightly lit. The screen depicted rolling green mountains, and moonlight filtered through the cloud-patterned silk curtains, casting a glow on the face of the woman behind the desk.

Xiao Qiling wore loose robes, a golden hairpin securing her dark hair, showing none of the madness or illness that outsiders whispered about. Her eyes were clear, her demeanor elegant, and her presence imposing.

Standing on the other side of the desk, Wei Yunhan had just finished his report. Xiao Qiling’s initially indifferent eyes instantly turned icy, her lips curling with a hint of boredom, as if everything was within her expectations.

“Yu Bingru doesn’t have that kind of ability.”

Wei Yunhan hesitated slightly: “Your Highness means… this was done by the one in the palace? But the Minister of Rites has served the Great Qi Dynasty diligently all these years and has never privately associated with any of the princes. Could it be that His Majesty is paving the way for Prince Chen?”

Yu Bingru, the current Duke of Yu, held the position of Vice Minister of Rites. Once the Minister of Rites retired, the position would naturally fall into his hands.

The Ministry of Rites had always been a gathering place for the Qingliu faction, but since it oversaw the imperial examinations, it was also the best place to recruit young officials. Thus, the stance of the Minister of Rites was crucial.

Due to marital ties with the Li family, the Duke of Yu’s residence had grown closer to Prince Chen’s faction in recent years. If the Duke of Yu truly became the Minister of Rites, the new talents would likely join Prince Chen’s side—something Emperor Wenjing couldn’t possibly be unaware of.

Yet, Emperor Wenjing still allowed it to happen.

Xiao Qiling’s jade-white fingers flipped through the roster of officials on the table as she scoffed: “After finally dragging me down from the crown prince’s position, he’s still worried I have tricks up my sleeve. First, he selects a daughter from the Yu family to issue an imperial marriage decree, then he can’t wait to force the Minister of Rites into retirement—”

She paused, “As expected, he doesn’t trust me at all.”

Wei Yunhan: “So that imperial marriage decree is Emperor Wenjing’s way of spying on us?”

“Not necessarily.”

After saying this, Xiao Qiling suddenly turned toward the window. In an instant, the wariness on her face faded as she said, “Come in.”

Wei Yunhan, the grandson of the Grand Secretary, was a frail scholar with no martial skills and hadn’t noticed any movement outside. Hearing this, he instinctively took half a step back. Only after seeing the newcomer’s face did he tap his chest with his folding fan and sigh: “Yin Er, can’t you make some noise next time you come?”

The woman in black ignored him, bowing directly to Xiao Qiling: “Your Highness, today Prince Chen took the heirs and young ladies of Prince Rong, Prince Shun, and Prince Li’s residences to the Duke of Yu’s mansion.”

She recounted what had happened in the Duke of Yu’s rear courtyard. Wei Yunhan listened with great interest: “Your Highness, could it be that our esteemed Emperor knows we’re short on funds and specially sent us a golden opportunity? Our military provisions might finally be secured.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at him, her lips curving in amusement: “Weren’t you just saying she was sent by Emperor Wenjing to spy on us?”

Wei Yunhan fanned himself rapidly, his eyes gleaming as he boldly suggested: “Why don’t you use a beauty trap, Your Highness?”

Clang!

Before Xiao Qiling could respond, Yin Er’s sword was already at Wei Yunhan’s throat. His folding fan clattered to the ground as he swallowed hard, carefully pushing the blade away.

“Yin Er, sheathe your sword.” Xiao Qiling’s gaze lingered on Wei Yunhan’s trembling hand as she chuckled softly. “If you scare Young Master Wei to death, I’ll have to apologize to my teacher tomorrow.”

Yin Er immediately withdrew her sword. As the blade moved away, Wei Yunhan gasped for breath, grumbling inwardly: Was what I said really that wrong? Xiao Qiling usually appeared in men’s attire, and in the years before she feigned illness, her looks had captivated countless young ladies. Charming a sheltered girl shouldn’t be too difficult, right?

But he didn’t dare voice these thoughts aloud.

Yin Er continued her report. When she mentioned Xiao Qunjun seeking out Yu Nanqing alone, Wei Yunhan’s expression turned serious. Just as he was about to indignantly declare that they should forget about the military provisions, he noticed Yin Er’s hesitant expression.

He urged: “What did Yu Nanqing say to Prince Chen?”

“She said she once saw Your Highness on Chang’an Street, and also…”

Yin Er closed her eyes, “She said she has long admired Your Highness and that no one else will do.”

Thud—

Wei Yunhan’s fan hit the ground again as he exclaimed: “So it really is a romantic debt from the past?”

Yin Er’s sword twitched, and Wei Yunhan immediately shut his mouth.

The study fell into silence, the wind rustling the pages of the books by the window.

Xiao Qiling’s deep, beautiful eyes rested on the roster of Ministry of Rites officials. After a moment, she slowly smiled. “How interesting.”

Same time, Duke of Yu’s residence, Bilan Pavilion.

“Father came to see me so late at night—have you already investigated the incident of me falling into the water?” Yu Nanqing sat on the bed, nodding coolly in lieu of a proper greeting.

Yu Bingru usually summoned Yu Nanqing to the front courtyard for discussions. Tonight’s visit was already a rare gesture of humility. Seeing Yu Nanqing still lying in bed, his frown deepened.

“I heard you made quite a scene in the courtyard this afternoon. Now you can’t even get out of bed?”

Yu Nanqing covered her lips with her hand, coughing lightly twice. Chenxiang, who was attending to her, answered: “Replying to Master, the Third Young Lady caught a chill this afternoon and just had another fever.”

An empty medicine bowl sat by the bedside. Yu Bingru glanced at it and reluctantly accepted the explanation.

“I know you’re aggrieved about marrying Prince Ning, but the imperial decree cannot be changed.”

Yu Nanqing stroked the warm jade inlaid on her hand warmer, tilting her head in silence.

Yu Bingru’s frown deepened. He was deeply dissatisfied with Yu Nanqing’s reaction and scolded in a low voice: “You’re still a princess consort. After you marry, you must behave properly. Don’t stir up trouble like you did today.”

Yu Nanqing blinked, her tone innocent: “What do you mean, Father? What trouble did I stir up today? Did I lie even once about what happened?”

Yu Bingru was momentarily speechless, realizing that his daughter was indeed the victim in this matter.

The medicine Yu Nanqing had taken earlier began to take effect. Her fever had subsided somewhat, and a thin layer of sweat glistened on her forehead. Her light-colored pupils swept over Yu Bingru’s face, not missing a single flicker of emotion.

There was regret, irritation—but not a trace of parental love or concern.

She found it utterly absurd.

Her first question upon Yu Bingru’s arrival had been about Yu Nanrou’s involvement, yet her father’s response? He told her to behave properly after marrying into the deposed crown prince’s household—to not cause trouble.

As if she should stand there obediently even if the deposed crown prince went mad, dying quietly without a sound.

Of course. If she hadn’t insisted that Haitang retrieve the hairpin that afternoon, no one would have known Yu Nanrou was behind it all. Yu Nanrou would still be the kind and innocent young lady in everyone’s eyes.

Yet it was Yu Nanqing who had nearly drowned in the lake, who had burned with fever to the point where even the physician was at a loss.

And now, it was her fault?

Yu Bingru softened his tone: “I will deal with Haitang properly.”

Yu Nanqing lowered her eyes, hiding her mockery as she tugged at her pale lips. “Is Haitang enough? Haitang told me that even my marriage decree was suggested by Fourth Sister. Is that true?”

“Don’t rush to dismiss me. You know better than anyone how this marriage came about. You’re right about one thing—after marrying into Prince Ning’s household, I will at least be a first-rank princess consort. There are things I can’t do now, but that won’t always be the case.”

Yu Nanqing smiled, though the warmth didn’t reach her eyes: “Does Father think Prince Ning will definitely kill me on our wedding night? Or that Fourth Sister will never leave the Duke’s residence in the future?”

“You dare threaten your own sister?” Yu Bingru slammed the table, furious. “Since when have you become so vicious? It was Haitang who pushed you into the water. Your sister made mistakes today, but you actually want to harm her? If this gets out, aren’t you afraid people will call you cruel and domineering?”

Yu Nanqing chuckled lightly, utterly indifferent: “There are already plenty of rumors about me being cruel, domineering, and bringing misfortune to my brothers and mother. What’s one more about bringing misfortune to my sister? What do you think, Duke?”

Before coming, Yu Bingru had listened to Lady Li’s tearful complaints about Yu Nanqing’s behavior and thought she was exaggerating. In his memory, his daughter had always been submissive. But now, he finally realized—Yu Nanqing was no longer someone he could control at will.

Yet the very title of princess consort that Yu Nanqing now wielded was something he had suggested to the Emperor. Swallowing his anger, Yu Bingru asked: “What exactly do you want?”

Yu Nanqing sighed softly, her voice gentle: “The matter this afternoon is already clear. I thought Father would stand up for me, but it seems you had no intention of punishing Fourth Sister.”

“She’s kneeling in the ancestral hall in reflection.”

“The ancestral hall?” Yu Nanqing bit the words lightly, gesturing for Chenxiang to refill the hand warmer with charcoal.

“That’s not suitable, is it? My mother’s memorial tablet is there. After all, Lady Li has been using my mother’s dowry for so many years. If her spirit were to appear in the middle of the night and give Fourth Sister a scare, that wouldn’t be good. What do you think, Father?”

Yu Bingru narrowed his eyes, gritting his teeth: “You want your mother’s dowry?”

Yu Nanqing adjusted the quilt, her ten fingers as white as jade, the tips faintly pink from exertion—every inch of her exuded refinement. She met Yu Bingru’s gaze calmly, her lips curving into a soft smile as she slowly enunciated:

“Father is wise.”

The most important matter now was ensuring Yu Nanqing married into the deposed crown prince’s household. As long as the Emperor was satisfied, the Duke’s residence would have a bright future. Unlike in the past, with the Emperor and Prince Chen’s favor, they no longer needed to bribe their way into power. If Yu Nanqing wanted the dowry, so be it.

“Once you have the dowry, you’ll stop causing trouble?” Yu Bingru remained wary.

“I just want something to secure my future. Whether I can survive in the deposed crown prince’s household depends entirely on the Duke’s residence. What good would it do me to completely sever ties with you?”

Yu Bingru clenched his jaw: “Before you marry, I’ll have everything prepared.”

Yu Nanqing reminded him coolly: “No need for the silver. Just make sure all the antiques, jewelry, and precious stones are accounted for.”

“Do you think I’d withhold anything after agreeing?” Yu Bingru’s temper flared again at her words.

“That’s for the best.” Yu Nanqing covered her lips with a light cough, reverting to her frail, weak demeanor. “My health is poor, so I won’t see you out, Father.”

After Yu Bingru left, Chenxiang brought in a bowl of bird’s nest soup and tucked the freshly warmed hand warmer into Yu Nanqing’s arms: “Miss, do you really plan to marry into the deposed crown prince’s household? Why didn’t you ask the Master to send Fourth Miss instead?”

The bird’s nest soup was mixed with milk, served in a small golden bowl. Yu Nanqing took a sip, recalling how Yu Nanrou had taken her place in the marriage in her past life.

Yu Bingru had always been opportunistic—willing to abandon Lady Li and marry her mother for wealth, and now willing to push his own daughter into the wolf’s den for the Emperor’s favor.

The Grand Secretariat’s power surpassed the Six Ministries. The only path to the Hanlin Academy was through the imperial examinations—a privilege that hereditary titles could never grant.

The Emperor wanted the Duke’s legitimate daughter—whether it was her or Yu Nanrou made no difference. In her past life, she had been the only one in the Duke’s residence with the scholarly rank of juren, so Yu Bingru had been willing to send his favored daughter in her place.

But she didn’t plan to explain this to Chenxiang. Instead, she countered: “Do you think my father would agree?”

Chenxiang grimaced: “The imperial decree has been issued, so probably not. But since Lady Li was elevated to the main wife, she’s hoarded the dowry. It’s good that you’re reclaiming it—otherwise, it might all end up as gifts for Prince Chen.”

Yu Nanqing looked surprised: “You figured that out?”

Chenxiang: “…I’m not stupid.”

“You’re not, but they’ve always treated me like a fool.” Yu Nanqing finished the last of the bird’s nest soup and handed the bowl to Chenxiang, gazing at the moonlight outside the window. “It seems many people will lose sleep tonight.”

The following days passed peacefully. Yu Nanqing went to bed early and rose early, her illness fading and her complexion improving.

Yu Nanrou didn’t bother her again. On the day Haitang was to be sold out of the residence, Yu Nanqing intercepted her and sent her to work at a manor she owned in the outskirts, sparing her life—though her days would no longer be as comfortable as they had been as a personal maid in the Duke’s residence.

Rumors said Lady Li had thrown several tantrums in Qiushui Pavilion, leaving the servants walking on eggshells, afraid to provoke the Duchess’s wrath.

At the time, Yu Nanqing had been leaning against the windowsill reading a novel, her skin translucent in the sunlight. Chenxiang recounted the gossip with great enthusiasm, and for the first time in a long while, Yu Nanqing smiled genuinely.

Chenxiang smiled too, but as the wedding date approached, her expression fell. She crouched beside Yu Nanqing, resting her head on her lap and looking up: “Miss, do you really plan to marry into Prince Ning’s household?”

“Before, you kept calling him the deposed crown prince. Why so polite today?” Yu Nanqing scratched Chenxiang’s chin playfully, as if teasing a cat.

“Miss, what if we forget about the dowry? I’ll go with you to find Uncle, to Jiangnan—let’s leave all this behind, okay?”

Chenxiang had been holding these words in for a long time, finally mustering the courage to voice them. Yu Nanqing didn’t want to disappoint her but had to shatter her illusions:

“If I flee to Jiangnan, do you think my father would report it to the Emperor? Last year’s harsh winter saw the Huns repeatedly invading our borders. The national treasury allocated vast sums to support the troops, to the point where raising taxes might become unavoidable.”

“If I run away, would the Emperor seize the opportunity to make the Ji family fill the gap?”

Chenxiang’s eyes widened in shock, stammering: “…Is it really that serious?”

“It’s exactly that serious.”

Chenxiang was about to say more when Yu Nanqing remarked offhandedly: “Actually, Prince Ning might not be as terrifying as you think.”

Chenxiang: “Is Prince Ning’s madness fake?”

Yu Nanqing shook her head, the warmth in her eyes fading as her lips curved into a cold, reserved smile: “Everyone dies.”

She wasn’t afraid of death—but who said she would be the one to die?

Time flew, and soon it was the thirteenth day of the second month—her wedding day with Prince Ning.