Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 43

43: A True Minister of Governance

After arriving at the Wei residence, Xiao Qiling first went to pay respects to Elder Wei, while Yu Nanqing, following protocol, waited in the front courtyard’s reception room.

Wei Yunhan approached with a few young maids, handing Yu Nanqing a clean towel. “My grandfather isn’t some outsider. Is all this formality really necessary? Why don’t you just bathe and burn incense for three days before coming over?”

Yu Nanqing’s clothes were barely wet from the rain, and with the warming weather, her thin dress had already dried mostly in the breeze. She put on a serious air and said, “Etiquette must not be neglected.”

“What else do you need? Shall I have someone burn incense for you?” Wei Yunhan, accustomed to the formalities of visiting scholars at the Wei residence, offered enthusiastically, “Whatever I can arrange, I’ll make sure it’s ready for you.”

Yu Nanqing immediately dropped her lofty demeanor and said tactfully, “I do have something I need your help with…”

Wei Yunhan, ever loyal, replied, “Name it.”

“But it’s something that requires Elder Wei’s approval before we can proceed.” Yu Nanqing said mysteriously. “It’s a matter that benefits the nation and the people, and it could also aid Her Highness.”

Wei Yunhan wasn’t foolish. Hearing her beat around the bush gave him a bad feeling. “Tell me first, so I can prepare myself.”

Yu Nanqing replied, “Next month, you’ll take the spring imperial examination.”

Wei Yunhan spat out the sip of water he’d just taken. “What did you say?”

At the same time, Xiao Qiling knocked on the door of Elder Wei’s study.

Elder Wei, having served through three reigns and now past sixty, remained vigorous. When Xiao Qiling entered, he was focused on practicing calligraphy. Despite his high position, his demeanor was refined and scholarly, exuding an air of cultured elegance.

“Teacher, your brushwork is bold and masterful, naturally flawless. Even Wang Xizhi himself might pale in comparison.” Xiao Qiling said, proactively picking up an ink stick to grind ink for Elder Wei while showering him with praise.

Elder Wei glanced at her but didn’t call out her flattery.

Once he finished writing a full piece, Xiao Qiling lifted the rice paper. As the ink dried in the breeze, it revealed vigorous, powerful characters.

Xiao Qiling admired it, saying, “There seems to be no place left in Teacher’s home to hang this. Why not gift it to me? I could display it in the new courtyard at my residence, letting it absorb some of your scholarly aura.”

The Ning Prince’s residence, formerly the Crown Prince’s estate, had long been renovated. How could it lack a single piece of calligraphy?

A new courtyard— wasn’t that the one for the Ning Princess Consort?

Elder Wei smiled and pointed at Xiao Qiling. “You’re quite attentive to her.”

Apart from the late Empress, Elder Wei had been Xiao Qiling’s greatest mentor and supporter. Xiao Qiling skillfully tidied the used brushes and ink, speaking with familiarity, “Teacher, you took a liking to my consort first. Now that I’ve brought her here, you haven’t even given your opinion. If you don’t approve of us, we’ll just head back.”

“You cheeky child, always trying to goad me.” Elder Wei said, grasping Xiao Qiling’s wrist as she organized the ink. “Enough, Your Highness. I can’t accept such deference. Show me those articles of hers.”

Xiao Qiling hung the brushes according to Elder Wei’s habits before stopping. She took out a cloth bundle containing neatly preserved articles, untouched by the rain.

Elder Wei had assigned only three topics, all current issues debated in the court, not mere tests of scholarly talent. He read the six pages meticulously, his stern gaze gradually turning to astonishment.

After half an hour, Elder Wei set down the articles and asked, “How old is she this year?”

“Seventeen.” Xiao Qiling replied.

“A prodigious talent.” Elder Wei remarked.

His praise was high, but Xiao Qiling found it fitting. She asked, “Does Teacher have any plans?”

“I saw her potential at the Spring Qiong Banquet; these articles weren’t even necessary. From that one piece, I could tell her character. If she were a man, she could vie for the top scholar in the imperial exams,” Elder Wei said, his experience and status allowing him to predict exam outcomes with confidence.

He gave Xiao Qiling a deep look, stroking his white beard. “It’s not about whether I have plans—it’s whether you’ve thought this through, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling smiled. “She’s my consort, and her ambitions are vast. I’m willing to support her.”

Elder Wei nodded slightly but still hesitated.

Though he had many students, those who had formally offered tea and performed the rites of discipleship could be counted on one hand, all taken in his early years.

His most recent disciple, accepted nearly twenty years ago, was Xiao Qiling. His other disciples now held key positions in the court, pillars of support he’d prepared for her.

But Xiao Qiling’s ambitions were perilous, especially after the Empress’s death, when Emperor Wenjing stopped restraining himself, putting Xiao Qiling at a disadvantage. For a woman to seize the throne was already shocking in any dynasty, and adding Yu Nanqing to the equation…

It was clear Xiao Qiling didn’t intend for Yu Nanqing to be merely a consort or a simple subordinate.

Had he not considered this, he would’ve spoken to Yu Nanqing directly at the Spring Qiong Banquet.

Yet this was the first time in years that Xiao Qiling had asked something of him, whether as her teacher or as a guiding elder. Elder Wei felt he couldn’t refuse.

After weighing the matter carefully, he sighed. “Let her come in, and you step out. Check the almanac for an auspicious day.”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes widened slightly. “Teacher, you’re agreeing?”

Even for discipleship, there were various forms. Choosing an auspicious day signified the highest regard.

Since Yu Nanqing couldn’t participate in the imperial exams and might struggle to gain the respect of new officials who’d toiled through them, Xiao Qiling had planned for her to study under Elder Wei’s name for legitimacy.

She hadn’t expected Elder Wei to accept Yu Nanqing as a formal disciple, one requiring a ceremonial tea offering.

Elder Wei gave a heavy huff, though his face bore a kind smile. “Do you take me for some pedantic fool who’d let a gem sink into the mud?”

“I didn’t say that.” Xiao Qiling said, handing him a cup of warm tea. “Teacher, have some tea.”

Elder Wei graciously accepted and took a sip, then added, “One more thing.”

“You and your consort seem to get along quite well,” he said, giving Xiao Qiling a meaningful look, stopping short as an elder.

Xiao Qiling lowered her voice. “Teacher, I’m fond of her.”

Elder Wei asked, “And what about heirs in the future?”

“Teacher, haven’t you spent your life with only one wife?” Xiao Qiling’s eyes held a gentle, helpless smile. “Would you stand in my way?”

“Since your mother passed, aside from the one in the palace who could force you with authority, I’m likely the only one who could meddle in this.” Elder Wei said, studying the disciple he’d raised. He knew how hard her path had been and how cautious she was in her decisions.

If she didn’t truly care for the girl, why would she have come to him?

He could intervene, using his authority as her teacher to press for heirs, but he couldn’t bear to force her or bring himself to say it.

After a long gaze, Elder Wei smiled and sighed. “It seems my Wei family won’t be forming a marriage alliance with Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling grasped his hand. “Teacher…”

“Enough. Yunhan lacks discipline, and Yunqian is too dull. It’s better we don’t connect this way, lest I have to apologize to your parents in the afterlife.” Elder Wei said, patting her hand. “Go now, and send Lady Yu in.”

Xiao Qiling performed a disciple’s bow and left, closing the door behind her.

When Yu Nanqing entered Elder Wei’s study, Wei Yunhan eagerly complained to Xiao Qiling, “Your Highness, your consort just scared me, saying I should take the spring exams! With only half a month left, wouldn’t I just ruin my grandfather’s reputation if I went?”

As the grandson of the Chief Minister, failing to rank in the top three would be an embarrassment, even if he stood in the Golden Hall.

Xiao Qiling sat in the pavilion as the rain lessened, the surroundings gradually coming into focus. Her gaze lingered toward the study. Hearing Wei Yunhan, she finally lowered her eyes and chuckled, “Is that so?”

“Yes! It terrified me. I’d already planned to visit the northern frontier to see the solitary smoke over the desert. I heard the jade there is exceptional, and I was thinking of bringing back some fine accessories for you both.

If I go to the exams, I’d not only lose face for my grandfather but, as Your Highness’s study companion, I’d disgrace you too. She didn’t even consider the Ning Prince’s residence before scaring me with this.”

Wei Yunhan cleaned the teaware with hot water, poured a cup from a translucent jade teacup, and offered it to Xiao Qiling. “Your Highness, try this. It’s Dragon Well tea from my cousin who came to the capital for the exams— the first pick of this year’s tender leaves.”

Xiao Qiling gracefully lifted the cup, sniffed it lightly, and took a sip. “Not bad.”

“If Your Highness likes it, take some back—”

Before Wei Yunhan could finish, Xiao Qiling interrupted, “I won’t take what you love. After all, you’ll need this tea to stay alert.”

Wei Yunhan sensed something ominous, his expression cracking. “…Your Highness?”

“Since the Princess Consort said you should take the exam, you’ll go this year.” Xiao Qiling said, setting down the teacup and glancing toward the study with a faint smile. “With only half a month left, no need to accompany me. Go study.”

Wei Yunhan’s face fell completely. “Your Highness, you’re not joking, are you?”

Xiao Qiling sized him up, her tone teasing but her words a clear command. “Young Master Wei, with your talent and charm, I think the third-place scholar suits you perfectly.”

Wei Yunhan: …

Inside the study, Elder Wei finished reading another set of papers Yu Nanqing had handed him upon entering, falling into a long silence.

Yu Nanqing stood respectfully before the desk, awaiting his response.

After a moment, Elder Wei placed the papers down, their edges rustling softly.

“Lady Yu,” he said, his gaze complex as he looked at her. If he’d initially been swayed by her scholarly talent comparable to a man’s and Xiao Qiling’s request, this manuscript now made him reassess the young woman before him.

“Did you write this manuscript alone?”

Yu Nanqing bowed. “Yes, Elder.”

“Her Highness had no part in it?”

“Her Highness only heard me mention the Western Regions and doesn’t know about this manuscript. Otherwise, it would’ve been presented to you with the other articles.”

Elder Wei nodded. If Xiao Qiling had presented it, it would’ve carried more weight. Curiosity piqued, he asked, “Why didn’t you go through her? I’m nearly at the end of my career, with my influence in the court secure. Even if Her Highness fails, my reputation will protect the Wei family. Why should I help you?”

Coming from anyone else, such words might seem boastful. But as the Chief Minister and Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, Elder Wei was undeniably the foremost civil official in the court.

Yu Nanqing bowed again, neither servile nor overbearing. “To be honest, Elder, I’m not entirely confident.”

Elder Wei paused, stroking his beard. “What do you mean?”

“This plan benefits the people and the nation. If you reject me today, I won’t mention it to Her Highness, so you needn’t worry about causing a rift between you and him.”

Elder Wei’s gentle eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening. “Are you threatening me?”

Yu Nanqing smiled, her eyes bright. “I wouldn’t dare. My goal has always been the prosperity of the people and the land. If you’re not the one to help me achieve this, I’ll eventually find someone who understands and supports me.”

“Well said, ‘prosperity of the people and the land’!” Elder Wei beckoned her closer. “Come here.”

Yu Nanqing, slightly puzzled, stepped forward as instructed.

He pointed to an empty chair, implying more. “Sit.”

Yu Nanqing hesitated. “What does Elder mean?”

“Am I, an old man, supposed to crane my neck to talk to you?” He pointed to the chair again. “Sit. I have questions.”

Hearing his tone shift to a more personal address, Yu Nanqing relaxed, overjoyed. “Yes!”

Elder Wei rubbed his ears. “I haven’t agreed yet.”

Yu Nanqing sat upright. “Please ask, Elder. I’ll answer fully.”

Elder Wei said, “Trade between Great Qi and the Western Regions is infrequent, as it’s restricted by the court. Opening trade would raise concerns about foreign spies and border security, though those are military matters I won’t delve into.

Currently, trade caravans operate by bribing their way through checkpoints with hefty payments, which ultimately flow to the capital’s elites. If you push for open border trade, you’ll disrupt their interests. Have you considered this?”

Yu Nanqing nodded. “I have. Elder, did you notice the section on tariffs?”

Elder Wei, who’d read her manuscript thoroughly, flipped to the page on tariffs. “That was my next question. A 25% tariff is absurd.”

In Great Qi, agriculture was prioritized, with farm taxes forming the nation’s foundation at 10%. Commercial taxes were only 5%. A 25% tariff on merchants accustomed to 5% was unthinkable.

Yu Nanqing explained, “Great Qi’s silk, tea, and salt are rare commodities in the Western Regions. Merchants can earn three, four, or even five times their costs there. Does a 25% tariff still seem high?”

Elder Wei, learned but less versed in trade, was surprised. “That profitable?”

Having endured the Western Regions’ sandstorms for half a year in her past life, Yu Nanqing knew these trade prices intimately but couldn’t say so. Instead, she used her family’s name. “Elder, you know my mother hails from the Ji family of Yuezhou. My uncles, who’ve traveled to the Western Regions, inspired this manuscript.”

Elder Wei fell into thought again. Yu Nanqing added timely, “The borders are stable now, but I’ve heard the Xiongnu’s old chieftain is gravely ill. His sons, vying for leadership, will seek achievements to secure their tribes’ loyalty. How long can Great Qi remain at peace?

I’ve also heard from Duke Guo that the treasury is nearly empty. If war breaks out, how long can it sustain us? And if the Western Regions’ nations, seeing little profit from Great Qi, join in to take a share, what then?”

These weren’t hypotheticals but lessons from her past life’s tragedies. If disaster was inevitable, she’d minimize its cost before war came.

After a long pause, Elder Wei pressed the manuscript under his palm, looking at Yu Nanqing’s youthful face with a sigh. “I thought you were fortunate to meet Her Highness, but now it seems she’s the lucky one to have met you.”

Yu Nanqing humbly replied, “Her Highness recognized my worth and gave me this opportunity.”

Pleased to hear praise for his disciple, Elder Wei nodded approvingly. “If you can achieve this, you won’t just be Her Highness’s aid—you’ll be a true minister of governance.”

Yu Nanqing’s heart raced, her bl00d surging with his acknowledgment. “Elder…”

He raised a hand to stop her. “I thought Her Highness would be my last tea-offering disciple. Yet in my lifetime, I’ve met you. Remember your words today—for the nation and the people.”

Yu Nanqing stood and bowed deeply. “I will, Teacher.”

Elder Wei helped her up. “You haven’t performed the rites yet, but I’ll accept the title of Teacher today. However, you’re not in the court. How do you plan to enact this?”

“Can Teacher take on this task?” Yu Nanqing’s eyes sparkled as she passed the responsibility to him. “As a pillar of the state, if you propose it, other ministers will follow.”

Elder Wei laughed, scolding her. “You and your Highness are cut from the same cloth, setting traps for an old man like me! I won’t fall for your flattery, and since this is your plan, I’d be a villain to steal it.”

Yu Nanqing pursed her lips. “Please guide me, Teacher.”

After careful thought, Elder Wei said, “To push for border trade, the borders are key. Your claims about prices, profits, and tariffs need verification from court officials to convince His Majesty.”

Yu Nanqing’s brow twitched slightly. “Who does Teacher think is suitable?”

Elder Wei looked out the window, eyes narrowing. “The Western Regions aren’t for just anyone. Without resolve, they can’t endure the sandstorms.”

Yu Nanqing agreed. “It’s best to find someone who already yearns for the Western Regions.”

“There’s one in the Wei family who fits.” Elder Wei said, thinking of his troublesome grandson, solving a personal concern. “Let Yunhan go. After the spring exams next month, if he ranks high, I’ll secure him a post in the Honglu Temple.”

When Yu Nanqing, led by a maid, found Xiao Qiling, a girl in a goose-yellow dress sat beside her. She looked young, perhaps just past her coming-of-age ceremony, with playful bangs and eyes fixed intently on Xiao Qiling’s face.

Such a gaze, unless from someone very close, could be considered rude. Yet Xiao Qiling, usually vigilant, didn’t stop her.

Yu Nanqing glanced at the girl twice.

Approaching the pavilion, Xiao Qiling, perhaps unable to bear it any longer, tapped the girl’s forehead with a brush. “Daydreaming again? This is the second time. If you still don’t get it, go to a doctor for your head.”

Her voice was cool and stern, but those who knew her could tell there was no real reproach. Sure enough, the girl giggled and pleaded, “Your Highness’s hairpin is so pretty today, I just looked a bit longer. I’ve memorized what you said: ‘Do not instruct until moved, do not enlighten until puzzled.’ Isn’t that the method you and my grandfather always use? Not telling me anything, just watching me struggle.”

“You…” Xiao Qiling shook her head. Catching sight of Yu Nanqing, her words paused, and a smile touched her eyes. “How did it go with Teacher? He didn’t make things difficult, did he?”

“No, Elder Wei was kind.” Yu Nanqing said, her gaze drifting to Xiao Qiling’s hairpin—a plain jade hairpin for men. Used to ornate phoenix hairpins, she found it unappealing.

“This must be Sister Consort,” the girl said, standing to bow to Yu Nanqing. “Greetings, Princess Consort.”

Yu Nanqing nodded in acknowledgment. “What were you discussing?”

The girl smiled. “I didn’t understand some passages, so I was asking Her Highness for help.”

Why not call her ‘Sister Highness’? It sounds so much nicer.

The thought popped into Yu Nanqing’s mind inexplicably. Before she could dwell on it, Xiao Qiling took her hand. “Why is your hand so cold again?”

Unaccustomed to such gestures in public, Yu Nanqing brushed off the odd feeling and pushed Xiao Qiling’s hand away. “I’m not cold. Let go.”

The girl glanced over, her smile fading.

She gathered the papers and brush on the stone table, excused herself to find Elder Wei, and hurriedly bid Xiao Qiling farewell.

At dinner in the Wei residence, Yu Nanqing saw the girl again and learned she was Wei Yunhan’s cousin and Elder Wei’s granddaughter, Wei Jialuo, aged fifteen.

During the meal, Elder Wei brought up the spring exams with Wei Yunhan. Despite being somewhat prepared, Wei Yunhan tried to argue, “If I go, who’ll run errands for Her Highness?”

Before Elder Wei could respond, Wei Jialuo spoke up quickly, “I will! I’ll take your place!”

Wei Yunhan knew his sister’s feelings but, with Yu Nanqing present, was wary. Everyone knew Xiao Qiling’s devotion to Yu Nanqing. How could this be brought up in front of her?

He scolded his sister, “You’re a young lady running around all day— what’s that about? How can we not worry? This is my job. Her Highness has relied on me for years.”

Wei Jialuo retorted, “Don’t you have Sister Yin Si carry you around all the time? How often do you go to the Ning Prince’s residence yourself?”

Wei Yunhan countered, “What about meeting others? Is it proper for an unmarried girl like you? Even setting that aside, you haven’t even fully grasped The Analects. Can you keep up with those cunning old foxes?”

Unable to argue back, Wei Jialuo turned to Xiao Qiling. “Your Highness, can’t I really do it?”

Xiao Qiling glanced at her and looked away. “It’s not suitable.”

Undeterred by the rejection, Wei Jialuo pressed, “If I master The Analects, can I serve Your Highness?”

Xiao Qiling remained silent, clearly sensing something.

“You’ve got plenty more books to study. You don’t need to pass the exams, but at least have a scholar’s ability. You didn’t want to study before, and now you’re eager? By the time you’re done, you’ll be married off.” Wei Yunhan said bluntly.

Wei Jialuo snapped, “What if I don’t marry? Or if Her Highness takes me into the residence, wouldn’t that solve it?”

Wei Yunhan barked, “Nonsense!”

At that moment, Yu Nanqing realized the source of her unease.

The Wei family’s young lady was in love with Xiao Qiling.

She instinctively turned to Xiao Qiling, but upon meeting her gaze, Yu Nanqing looked away without catching her expression.

“It’s improper.” Xiao Qiling said, cutting off the siblings’ argument. “Teacher and Yunhan were secured for me by my mother against great opposition, which already displeases the Emperor. A marriage alliance between the Ning Prince’s residence and the Wei family could bring disaster. Moreover, I have a consort. As a lady of the Wei family, how could Jialuo marry me as a concubine, even in pretense?”

Her words were reasonable, and Wei Jialuo, unable to argue, let go of her hopes.

“Enough. Yunhan’s duties will be handled by Yunqian for now.” Elder Wei said, having already planned to place Wei Yunhan in the Honglu Temple.

He turned to Xiao Qiling. “Yunqian is reserved. If he falls short, Your Highness, speak freely.”

Xiao Qiling smiled at Elder Wei. “Yunqian was raised by Teacher. I trust him.”

After dinner, back at the Ning Prince’s residence, it was still early. Xiao Qiling wanted to ask about Yu Nanqing’s time in the study, but Yu Nanqing, without even a farewell, headed straight to Qinfang Pavilion.

Xiao Qiling quickened her pace and grabbed her. “Why the rush?”

Yu Nanqing brushed her hand off. “I’m tired.”

Xiao Qiling suggested, “It’s been a while since I visited Qinfang Pavilion. I miss that milk tea your maid makes. Why don’t I stay there tonight?”

“If Your Highness likes it, I’ll send Chenxiang to serve at Lanshi Garden.” Yu Nanqing said, unconvinced Xiao Qiling suddenly craved sweet milk tea. She kept walking.

Xiao Qiling grabbed her again. “Can’t I stay at your pavilion?”

Of course not. She’s a magnet for admirers, making my pavilion feel impure.

Professing love to her, playing a half-baked Phoenix Seeking Phoenix on the zither, and yet, there’s this lovely girl outside, with a good family and a powerful grandfather backing her.

Royal men and women are all the same. In her past life, Xiao Qijun loved Yu Nanbo but still filled his harem. Xiao Qiling, just a prince now, already had who-knows-how-many “sisters” out there. If she achieved her ambitions, what then?

If someone coveted her position as consort, would Yu Nanqing, a mere loyal advisor, be silenced in some palace intrigue without a chance to defend herself?

Yu Nanqing took a deep breath, her gaze toward Xiao Qiling growing more disdainful.

Starting today, she wouldn’t share a bed with Xiao Qiling. She’d be a proper, untarnished consort, lest she be misunderstood by Xiao Qiling’s true confidantes and ruin her future.