Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 44

44: Xiao Qiling Has Never Called Her Nanqing…

Yu Nanqing saw that Xiao Qiling was still following her and forced a smile: “Elder Wei left me an essay topic, and I plan to finish it tonight. Your Highness, your presence would disturb my thoughts.”

Xiao Qiling stared into Yu Nanqing’s eyes: “Didn’t you just say you were tired?”

Yu Nanqing replied earnestly, “I suddenly remembered Elder Wei’s teachings and decided to burn the midnight oil.”

In any case, she absolutely could not share a bed with Xiao Qiling.

Xiao Qiling asked directly, “Who upset you this late at night?”

Yu Nanqing gave a half-hearted smile: “No one, Your Highness. Don’t wrong me.”

“That’s for the best.” Xiao Qiling didn’t argue further and headed straight toward Qinfang Pavilion.

Seeing she couldn’t stop her, Yu Nanqing gave up trying.

Xiao Qiling first summoned Chenxiang to the study and instructed her to prepare some tea and snacks.

When Chenxiang asked about Xiao Qiling’s preferred flavors, she glanced meaningfully at Yu Nanqing, who was sitting at the desk: “Prepare them according to the Princess Consort’s taste. She barely ate at dinner due to formalities. Ask her what she’d like.”

Chenxiang acknowledged with a curtsy and approached Yu Nanqing.

In truth, Elder Wei hadn’t assigned Yu Nanqing any essay topics. She stared blankly at the blank paper on the desk, unaware that she had crushed a corner of the ink stick.

Seeing this, Chenxiang let out a startled “Oh!” and quickly took the ink stick from Yu Nanqing’s hand, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe her fingers: “Miss, let me grind the ink for you.”

Yu Nanqing snapped back to reality, noticing the ruined inkstone and biting her lip in frustration.

Xiao Qiling took it all in and waved a hand at Chenxiang: “Take this inkstone out to be cleaned, then prepare some of your specialty snacks and bring them in later.”

“Why clean it? I can just add some water and use it.” Yu Nanqing said, stopping Chenxiang from leaving. “Put it down.”

Xiao Qiling insisted, “Take it out. How can you write with ink like that?”

Chenxiang wanted to obey Yu Nanqing, but her survival instincts trumped her loyalty when faced with Xiao Qiling: “Yes, Your Highness.”

Yu Nanqing watched helplessly as her trusted maid was so obediently dismissed, her dissatisfaction with Xiao Qiling growing even more tonight.

Xiao Qiling reached out, her cool fingertips brushing her forehead: “You say you’re not upset, yet you’ve been sulking since we returned to the manor. What’s on your mind?”

Yu Nanqing instinctively frowned and leaned back, the gold butterfly hairpin in her hair trembling. She snapped, “Don’t touch me.”

Someone who flirts with others should stay far away from her.

Back off, back off, back off.

Xiao Qiling’s movement paused, catching the impatience in her eyes: “…Did I really offend you?”

Maintaining a safe distance, Yu Nanqing let out a cold huff, too embarrassed to admit she couldn’t get past her own feelings.

Xiao Qiling, who had played Phoenix Seeks Phoenix for her and paved the way for her, truly seemed to have feelings for her. Yet, one visit to the Wei residence, and she ran into a “dear sister.”

Good thing she woke up in time.

“How dare I accuse Your Highness of offending me? Do I not value my head?” Yu Nanqing said sarcastically, pulling Xiao Qiling to the desk and pressing her to sit. “Since Your Highness insists on using my study, go ahead. I’m going to bathe.”

She needed to get used to keeping her distance from Xiao Qiling, to treating her as His Highness Prince Ning.

This time, she meant it—no pretense.

Xiao Qiling didn’t press further, her gaze sweeping over Yu Nanqing’s sullen face before she stayed put.

Yu Nanqing quickly bathed and hid in her bedroom, shutting every window tightly and dragging a table to block the door before slowly climbing into bed, forcing herself to sleep.

Xiao Qiling, timing her visit, was stopped by Chenxiang outside her room.

“Your Highness, the miss has already gone to bed and doesn’t want to be disturbed. Perhaps you could come back tomorrow?”

The night grew colder, and the python embroidered on Xiao Qiling’s brocade robe glinted faintly. She gave Chenxiang a cold look, making her shrink back with an awkward smile: “Your Highness, I already defied the Princess Consort earlier. If I let you in now, she’ll surely be upset.”

Xiao Qiling said nothing and turned to leave.

Back at Lanshi Garden, Yin Er and Yin San leaped down from the wall to report on the Changxing Street matter: “The stewards of the estate, Liang Yin and Tian Ji, took their own lives before we could act. By the time the manor’s physician arrived, they were already gone.”

Xiao Qiling’s phoenix-like eyes narrowed, a trace of ruthlessness flashing through: “Those two were loyal. I underestimated that aunt of mine.”

“This is the confession from A’Hu.” Yin Er said, handing over a document.

“According to A’Hu, Liang Yin and Tian Ji were extremely cautious, only allowing their subordinates to interact with a few members of the Imperial Observatory. When transporting young men and women, they blindfolded them, so A’Hu still doesn’t know the exact location of Xiyuan. He only learned of the Si family and the Eldest Princess through overheard snippets.”

“Beyond that, he also heard the names of a few other officials, all written in the confession.”

The confession offered little concrete information, mostly fragmented remarks A’Hu had overheard, and even he wasn’t sure why Liang Yin and Tian Ji mentioned those court officials.

Xiao Qiling held the confession over a candle, the paper consumed by flames in an instant.

“I’ve received word that Princess Rongxi will arrive in the capital tomorrow. Instruct the Court of Judicial Review to submit the Imperial Observatory case findings to the Emperor before her return, ensuring she doesn’t catch wind of anything.”

Yin San, standing by her side, bowed: “Yes. Should we start searching every household in the western part of the capital for Xiyuan?”

Xiao Qiling considered for a moment before dismissing the idea: “A thorough search without alarming the public would be too broad.”

Yin Er asked, “What does Your Highness propose?”

“Wait,” Xiao Qiling said, a glint passing through her narrowed eyes as she leaned back in her chair, calm and composed. “The Si family and the Eldest Princess are cautious, but that doesn’t mean they’re flawless.”

The Si family’s biggest flaw was well-known: Princess Rongxi’s only son, Si Chengli.

Yin Er immediately understood: “Your Highness means the young master is involved?”

“Given what Xiyuan is involved in, do you think Si Chengli, with his obsession for beauty, would stay uninvolved?” Xiao Qiling’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Didn’t he take two new concubines last month?”

Yin Er nodded: “Yes. I heard that on the day they entered the manor, one of the girls’ brothers caused a scene outside the Princess’s residence. He was taken to the authorities, but who would dare offend the young master? The matter was dropped.”

Not to mention abducting women, even the person who escaped from Changxing Street to report to the authorities hadn’t prompted any action from the magistrate. Clearly, they had no intention of pursuing the case. Locking the complainant up for a few days and sending them home with some travel money was considered generous.

“Among the imperial family, Si Chengli lives the most carefree life. Even Prince Chen and Prince Xuan’s households combined can’t match his.” Xiao Qiling remarked lightly before ordering, “Start following him today. Report any unusual activity immediately.”

“Yes.”

The next morning, just after dawn, Yin San returned from Qinfang Pavilion looking dejected: “Your Highness, the Princess Consort said she’s already eaten and doesn’t need you to wait for her.”

Yin Er had left to handle matters the previous night, and Yin San had been about to join him when Xiao Qiling stopped her, saying she had a more important task.

She hadn’t expected that task to be inviting the Princess Consort to breakfast.

Yin San initially thought her master had lost her mind, but after failing to persuade the Princess Consort despite her best efforts, she realized how tricky the situation was.

Dressed in a flowing white robe with subtle patterns, Xiao Qiling’s waist was adorned with translucent jade, and her usual gold hairpin was replaced with a simple white jade one, exuding an air of refined elegance.

“Did she tell you herself, or did Chenxiang relay the message?”

Yin San reported diligently: “The Princess Consort told me herself. She’s currently strolling in the garden to aid digestion, so she likely has eaten.”

“She usually sleeps until mid-morning. Today she woke more than an hour earlier.” Xiao Qiling said, glancing toward the door of Lanshi Garden with a slight frown. “Is she avoiding me?”

Having protected Yu Nanqing for a long time, Yin San was the guard most familiar with Xiao Qiling’s feelings for her. She quickly reassured her: “Your Highness is overthinking. The Princess Consort just woke early today. The manor’s physician has advised her to adjust her schedule before, so perhaps she’s taken it to heart.”

Xiao Qiling gave a short laugh and dropped the subject: “Did you deliver the letter to her?”

Yin San replied, “The Princess Consort had her maid take it. It was still unopened when I left.”

Xiao Qiling couldn’t sit still any longer: “I’ll go see her.”

When she arrived, Yu Nanqing was lounging on a swing in the garden, basking in the sun. The weather was clear, and the sunlight felt pleasant on her skin.

Chenxiang gently pushed the swing from behind as Yu Nanqing, with a book on her lap, chatted with her. Her unbound hair cascaded loosely over her chest, and her relaxed demeanor sparkled with a bright smile in her soft eyes.

But when her gaze landed on Xiao Qiling, the smile visibly faded, and she greeted her perfunctorily: “Why is Your Highness here?”

Xiao Qiling approached: “Can’t I come?”

After Yin San pulled Chenxiang away, Yu Nanqing had to push the swing herself with her feet, her tone laced with displeasure: “No, I just thought Your Highness wouldn’t finish breakfast so soon. If Your Highness needs company, you could send Yin Si to the Wei residence. I’m sure someone would be happy to accompany you.”

Xiao Qiling gave her a deep look: “So it’s about Jialuo?”

Yu Nanqing didn’t like being stared at so condescendingly. She raised her book to block her gaze: “I’m joking. It’s not my place to meddle. I almost forgot—Your Highness already rejected Miss Wei yesterday. So, finding another ‘sister’ wouldn’t be out of the question.”

Jialuo, Jialuo—what an affectionate name.

Xiao Qiling had never even called her Nanqing.

Hmph.

Xiao Qiling immediately asked, “What ‘sister’ are you talking about?”

Oh, no wonder Wei Jialuo only dared call her “Sister Consort” yesterday but not Xiao Qiling.

So Xiao Qiling had set boundaries.

Tch, tch, tch—not an ounce of tenderness for the fairer s3x.

Yu Nanqing lost all interest in talking to Xiao Qiling and lowered her eyes to her book.

Xiao Qiling pointed out, “Your book is upside down.”

Yu Nanqing ignored him, slowly turning a page and reading with increasing enthusiasm.

Xiao Qiling stood quietly beside her for a while, the faint scent of suhe incense on her clothes wafting toward her.

Yu Nanqing’s eyes instinctively darted toward her.

She hadn’t noticed earlier, but now she gripped the book tighter.

Xiao Qiling’s male attire was usually dark and somber, while her female attire was vibrant and flamboyant, outshining even the most elaborate outfits. Thus, Yu Nanqing rarely saw her in such understated elegance. The breeze lifted her sash, carrying a delicate fragrance. The sash slipped through her fingers, almost grasped, only to be blown away again. In the sunlight, she looked like a divine being descended to the mortal realm—dignified yet restrained.

Yu Nanqing silently added to herself: Xiao Qiling looks good in light-colored clothes too.

But not as good as her.

So this charm offensive wouldn’t work on her.

Yu Nanqing leisurely turned another page, only for a slender, well-defined hand to cover the text.

Her gaze traveled upward, and, as expected, it was Xiao Qiling’s hand.

“Does Your Highness have something else to say?”

Xiao Qiling looked at her now-cold eyes: “Did you read the letter I sent you?”

Yu Nanqing pulled an unsealed envelope from the back of her book: “This one?”

Who knew what Xiao Qiling had written in it? She had no interest in reading it.

The envelope was meticulously sealed with wax. Yu Nanqing tossed it to Xiao Qiling: “Didn’t read it. Don’t want to.”

Xiao Qiling said, “You don’t want to know what’s in it?”

Yu Nanqing huffed dismissively: “Why should I care what’s in it? If I don’t want to read it, I don’t.”

Xiao Qiling sighed: “If that’s the case, I’ll reply to the Ji family on your behalf.”

“Wait.” Yu Nanqing hesitated. “What does this have to do with the Ji family?”

Xiao Qiling replied, “The letter is from Ji Zhiyun.”

Yu Nanqing blurted, “It’s not from you—”

She swallowed the word “you” under Xiao Qiling’s knowing gaze.

Facing her scrutiny, Yu Nanqing steeled herself and reached for the letter: “Ahem, Your Highness, give it back. It’s too much trouble for you to reply on my behalf. I’ll handle it myself.”

Just as she was about to grab the envelope, Xiao Qiling raised her hand, leaving her grasping at air.

“So you are avoiding me.”

Xiao Qiling took two steps forward, forcing Yu Nanqing to stand on her toes and shift the swing backward. Her gaze made her heart skip, and her raised toes began to tremble slightly. Xiao Qiling stood before her, her shadow enveloping her entirely.

Yu Nanqing, thoroughly annoyed, finally spoke after a tense standoff: “…What do you want?”

Xiao Qiling bent down, her voice low: “That’s my question. What do you want?”

Yu Nanqing wanted to snap back but held her tongue.

She didn’t seem to have any standing to criticize Xiao Qiling.

Officially, her title as Princess Consort was forced upon Xiao Qiling by Emperor Wenjing. Privately, when Xiao Qiling confessed her feelings, she had fled in panic.

Publicly or privately, she had no right to care how many “sisters” Xiao Qiling had.

But she was still upset—very upset.

Xiao Qiling suddenly stepped closer, pressing her shoulders to stop the swing and leaning in.

Caught off guard, Yu Nanqing saw her face loom large in her vision and instinctively turned her head: “Don’t get handsy.”

Xiao Qiling’s breath lingered at her neck: “Is it because of Wei Jialuo? She’s just a young girl who’s barely come of age, her character still unformed. Her words don’t matter. Besides, I clearly rejected her yesterday. Didn’t you hear?”

She heard, but that was only a public rejection. In a few years, when Wei Jialuo’s talents shone, who knew what might change?

She herself was barely past coming of age—two years wasn’t that long. Hadn’t she become the Princess Consort?

Even if Wei Jialuo truly had no chance of entering the manor, what about the other girls she didn’t know about? Was Xiao Qiling planning to live a life of abstinence forever?

Yu Nanqing hadn’t thought deeply about this before, but Wei Jialuo’s appearance made her see the obstacles posed by Xiao Qiling’s status.

“Don’t get so close.” Yu Nanqing said, lowering her eyes and pushing against her. “And give me my sister’s letter.”

Xiao Qiling held her hands down: “I’ll give it to you later. First, let’s clear things up.”

Yu Nanqing bit her wrist—not too hard, more like a cub baring its teeth to show off: “If you don’t leave, I’ll bite your hand off.”

Xiao Qiling: …

A strange glint appeared in her eyes: “You really can’t stand me that much?”

Yu Nanqing wiped her mouth on her sleeve: “You know why.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at her sleeve, about to say something, but when she met the anger in her eyes, she paused. Her words softened: “Your cousin invited you south to sightsee. Here’s the letter, but with Princess Rongxi returning to the capital today, you won’t be able to leave for a while. If you want to reply, you’ll have to wait.”

Yu Nanqing listened, her heart unmoved: “Oh, thank you for your graciousness, Your Highness.”

The more powerful someone was, the easier it was for them to obtain what others couldn’t—objects or people. In the imperial family, having multiple wives and concubines was normal, regardless of gender. It was just entertainment.

Some courtiers would even urge them to take more concubines if they had too few.

Yu Nanqing didn’t care how others saw it, but she refused to be dragged into it.

“Must you be so sarcastic?” Xiao Qiling lifted her chin, her deep eyes locking onto hers. Though calm, her gaze was intense.

Yu Nanqing felt scorched by her stare, forced to meet her eyes.

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, its rapid rhythm lingering, indistinguishable from whose it was.

The edges of her book were crumpled tighter and tighter. Finally, Xiao Qiling looked away first, placed the letter on the book, and left.

Yu Nanqing’s tension eased, and though she instinctively wanted to chase after her retreating figure, her rationality held her back.

After Xiao Qiling left, Chenxiang cautiously returned, seeing Yu Nanqing’s distracted expression and suggesting softly: “Miss, Her Highness has come to you so many times. Why not stop being upset with her?”

Yu Nanqing took a deep breath, turning to Chenxiang with a smile: “Do I look like I’m upset?”

Chenxiang gave an awkward smile.

Fine, you’re the most reasonable one.