Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 42

42: “Good Highness, Please Forgive Me…”

Having spent a night in the ancestral hall, even without kneeling the entire time and with only a thin cushion for support, Yu Nanqing’s legs felt sore and unsteady. She slept fitfully, half-dreaming, half-awake, never quite at ease.

When she opened her eyes, only two hours had passed.

The heavy bed curtains blocked the harsh midday light, leaving only a faint golden glow around the bed’s edge. A gentle breeze lifted a corner of the curtains, casting a veil-like shimmer that fell upon Xiao Qiling’s refined and striking features.

Xiao Qiling was still asleep.

At some point, their positions had shifted to face each other, lying on their sides. Xiao Qiling’s arm rested around Yu Nanqing’s back, their breaths close enough that Yu Nanqing could easily lean forward and kiss her.

Yu Nanqing tried to create some distance, instinctively inching downward. Halfway through, she realized the hairpins in her hair were gone.

It must have been Xiao Qiling’s doing.

She burrowed lower still.

Her ear pressed against Xiao Qiling’s chest, catching the steady, powerful rhythm of her heartbeat through her ribcage.

No matter how much Yu Nanqing refused to admit her sensitivity and fragility, she couldn’t deceive herself. In both her past life and this one after her rebirth, she had often entertained thoughts of escaping through self-destruction.

Yet, she suddenly realized that, at some point, her desire to live had surpassed her longing for death. It had been a long time since she last thought of harming herself.

Xiao Qiling had taken her away from the Duke’s Mansion, giving her the chance to showcase her talents and ambitions. Every day in the Prince Ning’s Mansion felt vibrant and alive.

Though Yu Nanqing was displeased with Xiao Qiling holding her while sleeping, reflecting on these changes stirred an inexplicable sense of security, making her reluctant to pull away.

The room was quiet. The servants in Lanshi Garden deliberately softened their steps, making almost no sound.

Yu Nanqing shifted her shoulder slightly, intending to turn over and sleep more, when a slightly husky voice sounded perfectly timed above her head.

“What did you do to me while I was asleep?”

The tender moment shattered instantly. Yu Nanqing, startled, scooted back. “What?”

Xiao Qiling glanced at her slightly loosened collar, a lazy smile spreading in her eyes. “I dreamt a naughty fox was nuzzling my chest, and I was about to catch and devour it, but when I woke up, it was gone.”

Yu Nanqing: ?

Since when had she become a fox?

“Who nuzzled you?” Yu Nanqing snapped, itching to hit her. Unfortunately, her left hand lacked strength, and her pat on Xiao Qiling’s shoulder was as light as a scratch.

Xiao Qiling let out a meaningful “Oh.” “So it was you, the naughty fox who nuzzled me.”

Yu Nanqing: “Xiao Qiling—”

“Ai,” Xiao Qiling’s tone rose playfully. She reached out, brushing her fingers over Yu Nanqing’s lips, chuckling briefly. “Sharp-tongued and quick-witted, you really are like a fox.”

Yu Nanqing wanted to hit her again but worried her feeble strength would only excite Xiao Qiling further. Fuming, she retorted, “You’re the fox! Why bother fighting for the throne in the capital? You might as well go to Xishan Hunting Grounds and be a bandit king.”

Xiao Qiling propped herself up with one hand, her dark hair cascading over the pillow. “Hmm, if I fail to seize the throne, I’ll consider it.”

Yu Nanqing: …

She frowned. “Don’t say such unlucky things.”

Xiao Qiling smiled, finally relenting. “Alright.”

But Yu Nanqing wasn’t pleased.

Xiao Qiling glanced at the sunlight outside—it was about time. She got up first, turning to the still-pouting Yu Nanqing. “Get up for lunch.”

Yu Nanqing was indeed hungry. She hadn’t eaten anything since entering the ancestral hall last night, nor had she drunk much water, leaving her throat dry and sore.

Her hairpins had been removed, but her clothes were still properly on, even the outer robe that had been steeped in the ancestral hall’s incense all night. If it were Xiao Qiling visiting her courtyard, Yu Nanqing would never let her climb into bed like that.

This thought sparked a twinge of guilt in Yu Nanqing. When she looked up, she saw Xiao Qiling peeling off her robes, layer by layer.

Yu Nanqing’s gaze froze.

Xiao Qiling’s back was to her. As the final inner layer slipped off, a broad expanse of smooth, fair skin was revealed. The thin red strap of her undergarment hung delicately at her waist, and when she bent slightly, the curve of her waist dimpled, stirring… wandering thoughts.

Just looking at her, Yu Nanqing’s throat felt even drier, and her eyes darted away in panic.

She suspected Xiao Qiling was teasing her again.

Lost in thought, Xiao Qiling glanced over. “What are you looking at?”

Yu Nanqing snapped back to reality, watching as Xiao Qiling turned and approached, still not having changed into new inner garments, looking down at her from above.

Yu Nanqing closed her eyes. “…Your Highness, please put on your inner robe. Don’t catch a cold.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t respond, her gaze still burning on Yu Nanqing’s face.

Unable to bear the scrutiny, Yu Nanqing opened her eyes, pretending to be fierce. “Have you forgotten what I told you that day?”

“What did you say?” Xiao Qiling recalled. “Not to say those things in front of you? But I don’t think I said anything just now, did I?”

Yu Nanqing: “You can’t do these strange things either, or else, or else…”

“Or else you’ll take your travel pass and return to Jiangnan?” Xiao Qiling chuckled, leaning down to meet Yu Nanqing’s eyes. “This is my room. If I don’t change here, should I go out to the courtyard?”

Xiao Qiling even entertained the thought, her peach-blossom eyes glinting with amusement. “If I really did that, the mansion’s reaction wouldn’t be as big as yours.”

Despite knowing Prince Ning’s Mansion was firmly under Xiao Qiling’s control, Yu Nanqing found the idea absurd.

She even cast aside decorum, pointing at Xiao Qiling. “Can’t you act a bit more like a proper lady?”

“When have I not?” Xiao Qiling countered patiently. “Hasn’t your personal maid ever changed your undergarments?”

Yu Nanqing stubbornly denied it. “Never. Not once.”

“You have.”

“That was when I was very young.”

Xiao Qiling’s voice softened. “Alright, let’s say it never happened.”

“I know you palace folk are used to being waited on, but at your age, can’t you be a bit more mindful?” Xiao Qiling’s undergarment strap was still swaying in front of her, and Yu Nanqing couldn’t help muttering, trying to sidestep her to reach the vanity. But Xiao Qiling grabbed her wrist, pressing her back onto the bed.

As a child in the palace, Xiao Qiling could never reveal her true gender, so how could she let others change her clothes?

But she didn’t explain, simply nodding along with her princess consort’s words. “Mm.”

Yu Nanqing met Xiao Qiling’s gaze, surprised. “…You admit you were wrong?”

“Mm, I shouldn’t wear so little in front of others.” Xiao Qiling said, word for word, her eyes fully reflecting Yu Nanqing’s image.

Because they were so close, her words carried a subtle, almost imperceptible depth.

Yu Nanqing licked her lips and added for her, “You can’t do it in front of me either.”

“I’m afraid that won’t do.” Xiao Qiling’s voice was unhurried. “After all, Qingqing is my consort. Being open and honest with each other is the most basic principle between husband and wife.”

Yu Nanqing instinctively shrank back. “That’s not what ‘open and honest’ means. It’s, it’s—”

Xiao Qiling’s tone was calm, feigning ignorance. “It really doesn’t mean that?”

As her breath drew closer, Yu Nanqing’s mind flashed with memories of Xiao Qiling teasing her before, and she immediately caved. “It does, it does! Your Highness is always right.”

Xiao Qiling leaned closer, their foreheads touching. Yu Nanqing’s plea for mercy halted instantly.

In those brief three seconds, Yu Nanqing felt time stretch endlessly, thoughts swirling in her mind until Xiao Qiling let her go.

“You didn’t catch a fever after a night in the ancestral hall. You’re tougher than before.” Xiao Qiling said, turning to pick up a clean inner robe to change into.

Yu Nanqing turned her head away, her tone unintentionally cold. “Who needs your concern? I’ve always been healthy.”

Xiao Qiling paused, her gaze lingering on Yu Nanqing for a moment before she continued dressing in her middle and outer robes, saying nothing more.

Two days passed uneventfully, and then a storm hit the capital. Thunder roared, and the rain tore down the blooming flowers in the courtyard.

Yu Nanqing stayed indoors, finishing the final essay assigned by Elder Wei. She heard Chenxiang, her maid, enter to report, “Miss, Her Highness is here.”

Yu Nanqing set down her brush, rereading her essay to check for errors, and said in surprise, “She’s being so proper today, announcing her arrival?”

Chenxiang handed her a cup of cooled milk tea, tidying her writing tools as she spoke. “The past few times you were writing, Her Highness didn’t ask me to announce her. She’d stand for a bit and leave.”

Yu Nanqing paused mid-sip, casually looking up. “Oh, really?”

Chenxiang smiled. “Yes. Her Highness is quite kind. Back at the Duke’s Mansion, I heard from the people at Qiushui Pavilion that Prince Chen never bothered with formalities when visiting the second young master.”

“What formalities?” Xiao Qiling walked in at that moment, standing by the door. “The door was open, and I heard you chatting, so I assume you’ve finished writing.”

Yu Nanqing shot her a glance. “You’re already inside. Am I supposed to grab a broom and chase you out?”

Perhaps influenced by Chenxiang’s words, Yu Nanqing was in a good mood. Her words carried a teasing, almost flirtatious tone, though she was entirely unaware of it.

With Chenxiang in the room, Xiao Qiling refrained from teasing her, sparing her some dignity.

“Have you finished the essays for Elder Wei?”

“Yes. Would Your Highness like to review them first?” Yu Nanqing gathered the other completed essays and handed them to Xiao Qiling.

Seeing Yu Nanqing’s expression practically begging for praise, Xiao Qiling knew the essays were likely flawless. “No need. My princess consort’s work is naturally excellent.”

Yu Nanqing teased, “Aren’t you afraid I wrote nonsense and embarrassed you?”

Xiao Qiling waved Chenxiang away and sat in Yu Nanqing’s chair. “Yu Nanbo caused such a mess in Xishan, and Xiao Qijun, despite being under house arrest, still sneaks to the Duke’s Mansion every few days. Am I really less capable than him?”

If Xiao Qiling hadn’t mentioned it, Yu Nanqing would have forgotten Xiao Qijun was under house arrest. Skipping over the connection between Yu Nanbo and Xiao Qijun, she asked, “Prince Xuan hasn’t left the capital, has he? Isn’t Xiao Qijun afraid of being reported?”

Xiao Qiling toyed with a clean brush on Yu Nanqing’s desk, casually explaining, “Have you forgotten your sister was summoned to the palace by the Noble Consort? Xiao Qijun is nearly twenty and of marriageable age. It’s only natural for him to meet his betrothed princess. Even if it’s reported to the Emperor, he’d likely be lenient, and the accuser would seem unreasonable.”

“Then can’t Xiao Qijun use the Duke’s Mansion to pass messages outside?”

Seeing Xiao Qiling’s lack of reaction, still focused on the brush, Yu Nanqing walked over and snatched it. “Aren’t you having the Court of Judicial Review investigate a case? What if he finds out?”

Xiao Qiling looked at the brush, rubbing her fingers regretfully. “If he wants to know, he’ll find out even if he’s locked up. Besides, the Imperial Observatory is shielding Xiao Qijun and Xiao Qimin. Unless they’re fools, they won’t interfere with the Court of Judicial Review.”

Yu Nanqing realized this made sense. If either side got involved, the other would surely seize the opportunity to strike. The Imperial Observatory had saved their people but at the cost of implicating themselves.

It wasn’t worth it.

Yu Nanqing didn’t press further, hanging the brush back on the rack and adopting a dismissive tone. “I’ve finished my essays. If Your Highness isn’t going to read them, you can leave.”

“It’s still raining outside.”

“There are plenty of people to hold an umbrella for you, ensuring not a drop touches Your Highness.”

“No. If it were your second brother, he’d never let Xiao Qijun go back in the rain.” Xiao Qiling’s tone was shameless. “Both from the Yu family, yet you fall short of Yu Nanbo in this.”

Yu Nanqing pushed Xiao Qiling. “If you like him so much, why don’t you marry my sister? She’d never let you get wet.”

Xiao Qiling stood unmoved, her golden cloud-shaped earrings steady. “No, I don’t like her.”

Yu Nanqing kept pushing. “Well, I don’t like you staying here either.”

Xiao Qiling sighed faintly. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Fine.” Xiao Qiling adjusted her skirt and stood. “I was planning to take you to the Wei residence once the rain stopped, but it seems I was being presumptuous—”

Before she could finish, Yu Nanqing grabbed her. “I was wrong. Please take me, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t even glance at her.

Yu Nanqing immediately softened, admitting her fault. “I was ungrateful and shouldn’t have tried to chase Your Highness away. In such heavy rain, even if I were made into an umbrella, I wouldn’t be worthy of Your Highness’s noble self. Of course, Your Highness should stay in my room until the rain stops. Please, Your Highness, don’t hold it against me. Forgive me this once, alright?”

Fully aware of her position, her tone was appeasing, her fox-like eyes wide and pleading.

Xiao Qiling raised a brow. “Your Highness?”

Yu Nanqing quickly corrected herself. “Good Highness, please forgive me.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t respond, calmly meeting Yu Nanqing’s gaze with endless patience. After a long moment, just as Yu Nanqing was about to drop the act, the jade pendant on Xiao Qiling’s forehead swayed, her expression softening. “Alright, I’ll stay.”

At the same time, in a mansion on Changxing Street, west of the capital, things were lively.

Despite the storm outside, the house was lit with candles, and a large pot simmered with spicy, fragrant red broth. A worker poured in a plate of thinly sliced meat, saying, “Steward Liang, try this. It’s my hometown’s recipe. The meat is delicious.”

Liang Yin, the steward of the mansion, gulped down a bowl of wine, grabbed a piece of meat, and wiped his mouth roughly with his sleeve. “Tell them to quiet down. All that crying—crying so much I can’t sleep at night. If they keep it up, I’ll gag them.”

Faint sobs could be heard from the back courtyard. Two attendants quickly stood. “Steward Liang, calm down. We’ll make them shut up.”

Liang Yin waved them off impatiently.

Once they left, Tian Ji, the deputy steward and Liang’s close associate, poured him more wine. “Old Liang, everyone’s trying to cheer you up. We’ve been busy all day. Show some appreciation.”

Liang Yin downed another gulp, his voice rough. “The Imperial Observatory people got arrested by the Court of Judicial Review. The ones we were supposed to deliver haven’t been picked up. I’m uneasy.”

Tian Ji dismissed it. “We already looked into this, didn’t we? The Emperor’s just going through the motions with the Observatory. Their masters’ estates are fine, aren’t they? Even if something goes wrong, it’s got nothing to do with us. What, you think the Emperor’s case will dig into their backyards? At most, they’ll grab someone and execute a few clans. Would the Court of Judicial Review care about a few maids or wives?”

Liang Yin remained uneasy. “Still, I’ve got a bad feeling these past few days. Something’s about to happen.”

“Even if something happens, Lord Si’s got our backs. Plus, the Eldest Princess is returning to the capital—the Emperor’s favorite sister. Who’d dare touch her? With the Emperor’s birthday festival approaching, we’ve been keeping a low profile. Half the rooms in the back are empty. You’re just too idle, worrying yourself sick.”

Tian Ji scoffed, his small eyes narrowing with a lewd grin. “Or maybe you’re uneasy because you’ve got your eye on that Xiao Qi and can’t decide whether to keep him for yourself behind the master’s back? If you like him, go for it. Xiyuan won’t need anyone for a while. Take him tonight, and I’ll cover for you.”

At this, Liang Yin’s expression finally softened. He grabbed a few more slices of meat, his usually stern face showing a hint of embarrassment. “Eat your food. Can’t even shut your mouth.”

Tian Ji picked up his chopsticks, rallying the others. “Come on, everyone, dig in!”

Liang Yin, once a eunuch in the Eldest Princess’s palace, had been castrated early and developed a particular fondness for young, beautiful men.

Assigned to this estate to procure various attractive men for the Si family, he occasionally had to provide young boys and girls who hadn’t yet matured, especially after the Si family grew close to the Imperial Observatory a few years ago.

Yesterday was the agreed-upon day for the Observatory’s Spring Official to collect someone, but no one came, and Liang Yin sent a servant to inquire. With no news yet, he grew anxious.

The rain poured harder. By the time Liang Yin reached the back courtyard, his shoulders were soaked. He touched them, assuming the servant had been delayed by the storm.

Relieved, Liang Yin quickened his pace, thinking of Xiao Qi.

He reached the innermost room, ignoring the two sword-wielding guards at the door, and kicked it open. Inside, a young man was gnawing on a plain steamed bun, his eyes red from recent tears.

It was Xiao Qi.

Liang Yin grinned, revealing yellowed teeth, and approached with feigned concern. “What are those servants doing, giving you this to eat? Look at your little face, practically starving. Come to my room, and I’ll get you something good.”

Xiao Qi shuddered, dropping the bun and grabbing a wooden stool for defense. “Stay back.”

“What’s this talk of ‘you’ and ‘me’? Xiyuan’s no good place. They like using boys like you just as much as girls. You’re better off with me.” Liang Yin licked his lips, reaching for Xiao Qi’s face.

Xiao Qi dodged, brandishing the stool’s legs. “Stay back, or I’ll fight!”

His voice, caught between boyhood and manhood, trembled with panic and fear from days of captivity. “Let me go, and I’ll pretend this never happened.”

Liang Yin sneered, unfazed by the stool. “Let me tell you, in here, I’m the law. Everything’s my call. If you don’t want to suffer, you’d better behave.”

Xiao Qi gripped the stool tightly, teeth clenched, ready to fight despite knowing he was no match.

At that moment, a voice called urgently from outside. “Old Liang! Old Liang! Ahu’s back.”

Tian Ji glanced at the scene, knocking on the door theatrically. “Weren’t you worried about that matter? Ahu’s here. Let him tell you and ease your mind.”

Liang Yin pointed at Xiao Qi menacingly. “Stay put.”

Ahu, drenched to the bone, sat under the eaves wrapped in a dry cloth. Seeing Liang Yin, he shivered. “S-Steward Liang.”

“Well? How’d it go?” Liang Yin’s face was full of irritation at being interrupted.

“They… they said the master’s still at the Court of Judicial Review…”

Before Ahu could finish, Liang Yin kicked him. “You can’t even speak clearly after a trip? Talk properly!”

Ahu clutched his stomach, rolling on the ground, sweating coldly. He scrambled up, kowtowing. “Forgive me, Steward Liang! They said the master’s still at the Court, and they don’t know what type he wants. They told us to come back in a few days.”

“Is that so?” Liang Yin toyed with his gold ring, his face darkening. “You little bastard, daring to lie to me? The Spring Official’s preferences were set long ago. Did you go drinking instead of going to the mansion? Believe me, I’ll castrate you right now!”

Ahu’s face paled, avoiding Liang Yin’s gaze. “I swear, Steward Liang, I’ve followed you for years. I wouldn’t dare deceive you!”

Liang Yin figured Ahu didn’t have the guts. Snorting at his cowardice, he dismissed him. “Fine, go dry off.”

Thinking of Xiao Qi, his desire reignited, and he cursed Ahu as a “coward” before heading back.

Just then, a bloodied guard stumbled toward him. Liang Yin dodged, only for a second corpse to be thrown his way.

Horrified, Liang Yin looked toward the back courtyard.

A group of masked, armed men had appeared, swiftly subduing the estate’s guards. The captive men and women inside fled desperately. Liang Yin’s eyes widened in rage, turning to Ahu. “You betrayed me!”

Ahu, already fleeing, shouted, “Steward Liang, I want to live! I don’t want to die!”

“You—!”

Before Liang Yin could finish, Ahu escaped.

The masked intruders quickly took control of the estate. On the highest rooftop, two figures stood under umbrellas, overlooking the scene.

The rain washed away the bloodstains on the ground, leaving no trace.

“Is this the place you mentioned, where they abduct innocent citizens?” Yu Nanqing asked softly.

“This is just their first stronghold in the capital. The abducted are brought here first, then sent to a place called ‘Xiyuan.’”

“Xiyuan?” Yu Nanqing rolled the name over her tongue twice. “What’s that?”

“Ahu doesn’t have access to Xiyuan. They’re very discreet. Likely only the steward of this estate knows.” Xiao Qiling tightened her grip on the umbrella. “We need to investigate further.”

Yu Nanqing asked quietly, “Will any of those who escaped report this to the authorities? Will the officials act?”

Xiao Qiling’s brow furrowed.

With only this estate’s evidence, the authorities likely wouldn’t act. The captives bore no visible injuries, and such abductions weren’t new. Surely, families of the missing had reported it before.

Clearly, someone had suppressed it.

“I could pressure the authorities to act now, but that wouldn’t root out the masterminds or stop this. It might even alert them, letting them destroy evidence at Xiyuan.” Xiao Qiling said, laying out the harsh truth.

Yu Nanqing nodded, her mind flashing to the bound and gagged men and women she’d seen, but the sight of their fleeing footsteps lightened her shadowed heart.

She clutched Xiao Qiling’s sleeve, drawing warmth from her to ground herself in this cold, ruthless estate.

Standing side by side on the rooftop, they felt the chill of the rain, gazing out at the capital’s expanse, wondering how many dark secrets hid beneath its countless lights.

For a moment, both were silent.

Xiao Qiling spoke first, her voice calm. “To do this at the foot of the imperial city, the power behind it must be far greater than you imagine. If you want to leave the capital, there’s still time.”

The first time Yu Nanqing heard this, she appreciated Xiao Qiling’s good intentions. Now, knowing what Xiao Qiling was investigating, the words grated on her.

Her face darkened, her usually gentle eyes tinged with rare defiance. “Have you not considered the consequences?”

Xiao Qiling shook her head firmly. “This is my duty as a royal descendant.”

When Emperor Wuxuan defended the borders, leading the army himself, her father risked his life to protect this land. How could she allow it to be trampled now?

“I studied and practiced calligraphy not for wealth or status, but for the people’s peace and prosperity.” Yu Nanqing said, placing her hand on Xiao Qiling’s wrist.

At that, their eyes met, and they both smiled.

The rain blurred the world around them. After a moment, Xiao Qiling pulled her hand free, grasping Yu Nanqing’s instead. “Good.”

In that moment, Yu Nanqing felt a fleeting flutter in her heart. She hesitated, as if forgetting to pull away.