Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 41

41: “This Prince Cannot Tolerate Filth in His Eyes”

Dali Temple Prison

As the highest judicial authority in Great Qi, the Dali Temple prison housed the most heinous criminals. Half a month ago, a group of well-dressed court officials, from the fifth-rank Imperial Astronomer to the ninth-rank Timekeeper, were brought into the prison. After half a month of interrogation in this dark, sunless dungeon, their initial arrogance had been worn away.

The prison was dim and damp, with bloodstains on the floor so deeply embedded that even clean water couldn’t wash them away. Rats, snakes, and insects scurried freely.

The Deputy Minister of the Dali Temple, upon receiving urgent news, rushed from his residence in the dead of night to respectfully greet the distinguished guest: “Your Highness, please watch your step.”

Xiao Qiling, dressed in a plain black robe with a tightly cinched waistband, exuded an aura of cold authority as the prison’s draft stirred the hem of her clothing. Her sharp eyes narrowed slightly as she asked, “Still refusing to confess?”

“Yes, the Chief Astronomer claims he doesn’t know the origins of those people. The others are tight-lipped as well, saying the individuals they received were delivered by different people. They’re stubborn and won’t say a word.” The Deputy Minister, accustomed to the prison’s chilling atmosphere, felt an unprecedented coldness standing beside this Prince Ning, as if the air around her was ten times more oppressive than usual.

“They don’t know their origins, yet he managed to climb to a sixth-rank position in just one year?” Xiao Qiling halted her steps, her gaze icy. “Bring him to me. I’ll interrogate him myself.”

“Your Highness, should we… use torture?” The Chief Astronomer was, after all, a sixth-rank official. When Emperor Wenjing ordered the Dali Temple to investigate the Imperial Observatory regarding the Xishan incident, it was merely a formality, so no harsh measures had been taken, dragging the case out for so long.

Xiao Qiling gave him a faint glance.

“Understood, Your Highness.” The Deputy Minister caught her meaning and immediately ordered his men to fetch the prisoner. He led Xiao Qiling to the largest interrogation room, which had been cleaned several times and was relatively tidy compared to the rest of the prison, though the lingering stench of bl00d remained.

“Where are the boys and girls who were found?” Xiao Qiling stood before the torture rack, her calm gaze sweeping over the bl00d-stained instruments.

The Deputy Minister froze for a moment. When he first came to the Dali Temple prison years ago, he had vomited for a week straight and fell ill for half a month before adjusting to the foul air. Yet this royal prince, raised in luxury, stood here with such composure.

He couldn’t help but recall the rumors about Prince Ning’s bloodthirsty nature, his face paling slightly.

When Xiao Qiling didn’t receive an immediate response, she turned to him. “Lord Chen?”

The Deputy Minister snapped back to attention. “Y-Your Highness?”

Xiao Qiling took a seat at the prepared table, resting one hand on it as she studied him. “You seem exhausted, Lord Chen. Have the recent interrogations been too taxing? If so, you can assign someone to stand guard here. Otherwise, I fear Lord Chen Guangxian might take issue with me when we meet next.”

Lord Chen Guangxian, formerly the Minister of Works and now the Minister of Rites, was the Deputy Minister’s uncle.

Though a high-ranking minister, Chen Guangxian would never dare openly challenge a royal prince. That left only one possibility—Xiao Qiling and Chen Guangxian had a close relationship.

Realizing this, the Deputy Minister’s head shot up. The flickering candlelight illuminated the faint smirk on Xiao Qiling’s lips, though her eyes held no warmth, as if she had already seen through his thoughts.

His uncle was a man of integrity. How could someone who earned his uncle’s loyalty be a bloodthirsty tyrant?

Moreover, Xiao Qiling’s presence here was the result of the Dali Temple’s reports. The Deputy Minister bit his tongue hard and bowed deeply. “Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

“I understand your caution.” Xiao Qiling said, tapping the table lightly with her fingers. After a pause, she continued, “However, all the missing individuals are from good families. Have their parents not reported them missing? Has the Dali Temple ever received an imperial order to investigate? This matter may seem unrelated to me, so if Lord Chen wishes to delay, so be it. After all, Prince Chen and Prince Xuan will be released from confinement in half a month. You can seek other allies then.”

A guard brought freshly brewed tea. Xiao Qiling sat composedly, holding the teacup and gently skimming the foam with the lid, her demeanor patient as she waited for the young official’s response.

The Deputy Minister bowed even lower. “Those people have been placed under the Dali Temple’s care. I implore Your Highness to seek justice for these innocent citizens.”

Xiao Qiling set the teacup lid down with a crisp clink. “Bring the Imperial Observatory officials here first.”

The interrogation room was dimly lit, the wall-mounted torches flickering as if they might go out at any moment. The Chief Astronomer, shackled and disheveled, had already lost much of his spirit without even being tortured.

Xiao Qiling’s voice was soft. “Where did those boys and girls come from? Who ordered you to do this?”

The Chief Astronomer knelt with a hunched back, silent.

Xiao Qiling raised a hand.

Yin Er, her hidden guard, suddenly pressed down on the Chief Astronomer’s neck, forcing him flat against the ground. The sound of cracking joints echoed as Yin Er tightened his grip.

“This Prince has no dealings with the Imperial Observatory, so you likely don’t know me.” Xiao Qiling said, her tone refined yet chilling. “I am the eldest prince of this dynasty, titled Prince Ning. If you reveal the origins of those boys and girls and the mastermind behind you, I can spare you from execution and ensure your family remains untouched.”

Her voice was deceptively calm, but in the eerie candlelight, it sent shivers down the spine. “Of course, if you refuse to speak, the Dali Temple has seventy-two forms of torture, and I will test each one on you. Lord Chen may hesitate without imperial orders, but I have no such qualms.”

The Chief Astronomer’s eyes were bloodshot, his throat emitting pained, incoherent gasps.

Xiao Qiling raised her hand again. Yin Er released him, but the Chief Astronomer, with a dislocated shoulder, collapsed like a heap of mud.

“Second time: the source of those boys and girls, and the person behind you.”

Bl00d poured from the Chief Astronomer’s mouth as he stared at Xiao Qiling in terror. “I am the Chief Astronomer, tasked by heaven to guide the Great Qi royal family. How dare you treat me this way?”

“Heaven?” Xiao Qiling let out a mocking laugh. “This Prince believes neither in fate nor in gods.”

At her signal, Yin Er yanked the man up, and together with the Dali Temple guards, they secured him to the torture rack.

Screams of agony filled the interrogation room.

Xiao Qiling ignored them, turning to the Deputy Minister to inquire about the boys and girls. Even with his back to the torture rack, the Deputy Minister, usually eloquent during interrogations, stumbled over his words.

“…The boys and girls rescued from their residences were aged ten to twelve. They were abducted while out and had their bl00d taken for sacrifices and alchemy…”

“…They said before being sent to the Observatory officials’ homes, they were held in a place for selection. The oldest among them was no more than eighteen, all chosen for their good looks…”

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the mood in the room grew even heavier.

After a full round of torture, Xiao Qiling stepped within a few paces of the rack, looking down at the Chief Astronomer. “Ready to talk now? I can promise no one will know you were the one who confessed. You’re the first I’m interrogating tonight. Do you think the others are as loyal as you?”

The Chief Astronomer, trembling violently and frothing bl00d, stammered, “I… I…”

Xiao Qiling shook her head. “Continue.”

By the time the third shift of guards took over, dawn was breaking. The screams finally subsided, and as the interrogation room’s door opened, the Deputy Minister, who had observed all night, stumbled on the threshold.

Xiao Qiling steadied his arm. “The floor is filthy with bl00d, Lord Chen. Be careful.”

The Deputy Minister bowed. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling studied his pale face and raised a brow. “Do you find me cruel, Lord Chen?”

“Those abducted were innocent commoners, cherished by their parents, yet taken by these monsters.” The Deputy Minister’s face hardened, devoid of any smile. “They were used as sacrificial offerings. Those older and more attractive likely faced even worse fates with their methods…”

His voice shook with rage. “Even executing them in the future would be too lenient.”

After a moment, Xiao Qiling said, “Lord Guo should be here by now. Take me to him.”

Guo Wenji, the Dali Temple Minister, a former Vice Minister of Justice under Emperor Wuxuan, had been reassigned to the Dali Temple.

Lord Guo arrived early that day, a full hour ahead of his usual time. When the Deputy Minister brought Xiao Qiling to him, Guo stepped outside to greet her. “This official pays respects to Your Highness. It is my failure that Your Highness had to personally interrogate. Please forgive me.”

“No need for formalities.” Xiao Qiling said, helping him up. “Lord Guo, you’re advanced in years. How could I let you stay up all night? Lord Chen has been most attentive, so let’s not dwell on this.”

After the Deputy Minister recounted the interrogation’s results, Guo, already aware of the abducted boys and girls, grew furious upon learning of older victims. “In the prosperous capital, right under the Emperor’s nose, they dare commit such atrocities for their own gain. The court must be rotten to its core.”

Xiao Qiling remained calm, her expression unchanging throughout the interrogation and the revelations. “If something is rotten, cut it out.”

Lord Guo, who had met Xiao Qiling several times, admired her ability to remain clear-headed. “Your Highness, I’ll arrange for men to follow the leads and uncover the masterminds.”

“No, I’ll handle it.” Xiao Qiling said, closing her eyes briefly in thought. “The Dali Temple operates under the capital’s scrutiny, and with layers of protection, the case might be buried.”

Lord Guo understood her implication. “Your Highness believes someone is shielding them?”

“If no one were protecting them, they wouldn’t dare act so boldly.”

“Your Highness is thorough.”

Xiao Qiling squinted slightly, her tone casual. “Do you think His Majesty knows about this?”

Lord Guo paled in shock. “Your Highness, you mean…?”

“Don’t panic. Even a foolish emperor wouldn’t stoop to refining elixirs with human lives or allow such things. As an emperor, he couldn’t afford the disgrace.” Xiao Qiling dismissed the idea with a sigh. “But the forces behind this are likely significant.”

Lord Guo’s expression darkened, his mind racing. After discussing the interrogation further, Xiao Qiling rose to leave.

Watching her retreating figure, Lord Guo chased after her. “Your Highness!”

Xiao Qiling half-turned. “Is there something else, Lord Guo?”

“Are you truly set on pursuing this?” Lord Guo, known for his integrity and favored by Emperor Wenjing, couldn’t help but speak. “This matter involves powerful forces. Your Highness’s position is not yet secure. If you push forward, years of restraint could be undone. Please reconsider!”

“Lord Guo, when my mother saved you, it was so you could seek justice for the people.” Xiao Qiling said, standing at the threshold under a plaque reading “Clear Blue Sky.” The wind stretched her shadow long and thin.

“As a member of the royal family, supported by the people, if I shy away from their suffering, how am I different from those who occupy positions without merit? What use is my power then?”

Tall and slender, Xiao Qiling stood straight, her expression cold, the oppressive aura from the prison growing stronger.

“This Prince cannot tolerate filth in his eyes.”

After returning to her residence and bathing, Xiao Qiling, noting the early hour, decided to seek out Yu Nanqing for breakfast.

“Your Highness, the Princess Consort is at the ancestral hall,” a servant sweeping the courtyard reported as Xiao Qiling reached Qinfang Pavilion.

Since moving Lady Ji’s memorial tablet to the hall, Yu Nanqing had visited every few days. Xiao Qiling was aware of this habit but found it unusually early today.

“She went to the hall so early?”

The servant shook her head. “The Princess Consort went last night and hasn’t returned to her quarters.”

“She hasn’t returned?” Xiao Qiling frowned and turned toward the ancestral hall.

Outside, Yin San, Yu Nanqing’s guard, explained, “Her maid said yesterday was the anniversary of the Princess Consort’s mother’s death. She stays up all night every year on this day.”

Stepping aside, Yin San revealed the scene inside the hall.

Yu Nanqing, her delicate shoulders draped in a vibrant red fox-fur cloak, looked ethereal, her beauty soothing even the most restless heart.

The candles in the hall flickered, nearly burned out, with wax dripping before Yu Nanqing. Not fully awake, she clutched her cushion and shifted back slightly.

Her leg numb from sitting, she opened her mouth to call for her maid, Chenxiang, but as she moved, her back brushed against a warm body.

A faint smell of bl00d lingered in the air.

Yu Nanqing froze.

Her groggy mind raced through possibilities, even briefly considering the spirit of Emperor Wuxuan in the hall. Moving back another inch and feeling the warmth again, she dismissed that thought.

It must be an assassin who infiltrated the residence. The closer they got, the stronger the bl00d scent became, filling the air.

Swallowing hard, Yu Nanqing clutched her cloak tighter and pushed at the figure behind her. “Chenxiang… fetch me that blanket.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t move.

Yu Nanqing’s breath trembled, and a sudden gust of cold air made her cough violently.

The empty hall amplified her coughs, each sound delicate and pitiful, tugging at the listener’s heart.

Xiao Qiling’s gaze darkened. She gently lifted Yu Nanqing into a sitting position, patting her back to ease her breathing.

Yu Nanqing didn’t dare move, her eyes red and teary as she stammered, “You… you should leave. The Prince will come for me at dawn. If you go now, I won’t tell her you were here.”

Xiao Qiling raised an eyebrow, altering her voice. “So, staying here might actually lure Prince Ning?”

Feeling the figure draw closer, Yu Nanqing shivered. Thinking quickly, she said, “Prince Ning doesn’t care for romance. Though I’m her consort, it’s in name only. Using me to threaten her won’t work!”

Xiao Qiling: …

She chuckled softly. “A beauty like you saying such things is hard to believe.”

“She’s poisoned, you know!” Yu Nanqing, growing bolder, continued to disparage Xiao Qiling. “Even if I stripped and climbed into her bed, she wouldn’t bat an eye. Everyone in the residence can attest to it. So don’t waste your time on me—she won’t care!”

Xiao Qiling: …

She burst into laughter, dropping the disguised voice for her familiar one. “It seems not having consummated our marriage weighs heavily on you, Consort.”

Their eyes met, and Yu Nanqing, mortified, squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she could vanish like the incense smoke.

Unable to escape, she feigned surprise. “When did Your Highness arrive? I must’ve been sleeping too deeply to notice.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled softly, her voice warm. “I heard my Consort is lonely in her empty chambers, so I came to serve her.”

Yu Nanqing: …

The hall fell silent. Yu Nanqing’s eyes widened, her lashes trembling with panic.

Xiao Qiling kindly adjusted the slipping cloak, her fingers deftly tying a neat knot. Looking up, she saw Yu Nanqing’s furrowed brow and tightly pursed lips, as if worried about her earlier reckless words.

Was she that frightening?

Xiao Qiling reflected on her past actions—intentionally exposing Yu Nanqing to bloody scenes when she first arrived, scaring her with talk of poison and madness, and constantly threatening to feed her to the fish. Perhaps she had gone too far.

It was only natural Yu Nanqing feared her.

About to say something comforting, Xiao Qiling began, “I…”

But Yu Nanqing covered her face, her shoulders shaking—not with fear, but with suppressed laughter.

Unable to hold it in, Yu Nanqing’s lips parted, and more laughter spilled out.

Xiao Qiling’s eyes narrowed, her voice cool. “Yu Nanqing.”

Yu Nanqing’s scalp tingled. Though she knew she’d offended Xiao Qiling, she couldn’t stop laughing, pleading between giggles, “Your Highness, I was wrong! I won’t speak out of turn again. Please forgive me this time!”

Xiao Qiling smoothed Yu Nanqing’s disheveled hair, her tone gentle. “Laugh again, and I’ll consummate our marriage right here in front of your parents’ tablets.”

Yu Nanqing clamped her mouth shut.

But the thought of Xiao Qiling’s audacity—imagining the late Emperor and Empress manifesting in the hall to berate her for three hundred rounds—made her lips quiver again.

Unable to hold back, Yu Nanqing let out a muffled whimper, pushed Xiao Qiling’s hand away, and buried her face in her chest, laughing uncontrollably.

The idea of the dignified Prince Ning stooping to play her guard was too much. Yet, fearing Xiao Qiling might act on her threat, Yu Nanqing clung tightly to her robes.

Xiao Qiling looked down at her antics, saying nothing and letting her continue.

After a while, Yu Nanqing finally stopped, though she forced a few more laughs. The quiet hall echoed with Xiao Qiling’s intense gaze.

Yu Nanqing’s courage faltered. She peeked up, meeting Xiao Qiling’s eyes, her voice trembling. “Your Highness…”

“Hm.” Xiao Qiling patiently helped her up. “My Consort laughs so earnestly to profess her love. Upon reflection, I’ve indeed neglected you.”

Yu Nanqing’s laughter died. She pushed Xiao Qiling away and scooted back. “I didn’t mean it like that,” she said, clearing her throat. “I just thought consummating in the ancestral hall is too scandalous. Your Highness surely isn’t so improper.”

“You’re right.” Xiao Qiling said, suddenly scooping Yu Nanqing into her arms. “Such things are indeed inappropriate here.”

Caught off guard, Yu Nanqing clung to Xiao Qiling’s neck, her face tense. “Then, knowing your mistake, the late Emperor and Empress won’t blame you.”

Xiao Qiling nearly laughed.

Yu Nanqing was lecturing her now.

As Xiao Qiling carried her out of the hall toward Lanshi Garden, Yu Nanqing’s composure cracked. “W-Where is Your Highness taking me?”

“My Consort is lonely and restless. Naturally, I’m taking you to consummate our marriage.”

Xiao Qiling’s teasing voice reached her ears, and Yu Nanqing’s hands curled, her face flushing. “Stop joking, Your Highness.”

“I’m not joking.” Xiao Qiling said, her restrained authority now palpable, especially with the lingering scent of bl00d.

Yu Nanqing’s mind went blank, and she squirmed like a startled fox. “I-I-I…”

Having had her fun, Xiao Qiling patted Yu Nanqing’s hip. “Your Prince has been interrogating all night and has little strength left. Stay still, or I might drop you.”

Blushing furiously, Yu Nanqing hesitated, then covered her face with a whimper.

When placed on the bed, she still covered her face. Xiao Qiling, amused, pulled her hand away. “I’m supposedly unmoved by romance, yet I’m not the one too shy to show my face. It was just a pat—does it warrant this?”

“Then turn around and let me pat you!” Yu Nanqing, exhausted from staying up all night, spoke softly, her eyes misty and her cheeks still red from embarrassment.

Her words sounded like a quarrel, but her appearance was more like a flirtation.

Xiao Qiling’s gaze sparked with interest. “Alright.”

She turned, giving Yu Nanqing permission to act.

“What’s alright?” Yu Nanqing glared, her scolding soft and her eyes mistier, likely from frustration.

Xiao Qiling chuckled. “You’re the one who didn’t take the chance.”

Annoyed, Yu Nanqing changed the subject. “The bl00d smell on you—is it from interrogating all night?”

Xiao Qiling didn’t deny it. “Yes. I bathed before returning, but some scent lingers. Sleep now; I’ll wash again.”

Yu Nanqing grabbed her. “Was it the Dali Temple?”

“Yes.”

“What exactly—”

“We’ve got leads.” Xiao Qiling said. “We’ll see when they make their move. I’ll tell you more once we catch them. Don’t worry too much.”

“Who’s worried about you?” Yu Nanqing let go and burrowed into the blankets.

“Alright, rest then.” Xiao Qiling moved toward the screen.

Her steps seemed heavier than usual. Thinking of Xiao Qiling’s night of interrogations, her visit to the hall, and now preparing to bathe again because of her comment, Yu Nanqing felt a pang of guilt.

After a moment’s hesitation, she sat up. “Um—”

Xiao Qiling paused. “Something else?”

Yu Nanqing clutched the blanket, hesitating. “The smell isn’t that strong. The room’s incense can cover it.”

Xiao Qiling raised a brow, meeting Yu Nanqing’s gaze. Feeling exposed, Yu Nanqing pulled the blanket over her head. “Wash or don’t, up to you.”

Footsteps approached, followed by the sound of shoes being removed. The bed dipped as Xiao Qiling slid in behind her.

The blanket was tugged away, and Yu Nanqing squirmed in protest. “Hey!”

Xiao Qiling held her close, soothingly. “Your Prince is exhausted and has no energy to consummate now. Sleep.”

Yu Nanqing: …

That wasn’t her concern.

Couldn’t they just sleep separately like before? Why the embrace?

Xiao Qiling’s steady breathing soon filled the air, mingling with the faint sandalwood scent of her bed. Yu Nanqing’s face grew hotter.

Too tired to resist, she feared waking Xiao Qiling and enduring more teasing about consummation. Resigned, she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and leaned into Xiao Qiling.

If she wanted to hold her, fine. She’d get bored eventually.