Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 45

45: “So, you’ve been jealous these past few days? …”

As the sun set in the evening, Princess Rongxi’s grand entourage entered the capital, heading straight for the imperial city.

Upon passing through the palace gates, palace attendants carrying a sedan chair greeted her. Princess Rongxi was assisted onto the sedan by her maids, her hands skillfully resting on the armrests. Her gold-inlaid, jade-encrusted, pearl-adorned nail guards made her fingers appear slender and elegant, exuding an air of regal splendor.

A long line of palace attendants followed the sedan, a treatment even the imperial consorts in the harem could not rival, inspiring envy in onlookers.

The sedan was carried across the gilded stone steps and stopped outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation. A pair of white boots peeked out from the elaborate palace attire, finally touching solid ground within the imperial palace. Princess Rongxi was in no hurry to enter the hall. She surveyed her surroundings and remarked with a smile, “I hear Prince Chen and Prince Xuan are still under house arrest. The palace seems much quieter without them.”

The maid supporting her, who had served her for over thirty years and could guess most of her thoughts, responded with a smile, “Indeed, Your Highness. In the past, whenever you returned to the capital, both princes would come out to greet you early, especially Prince Chen, who would ride out to meet you beyond the city gates.”

“Exactly. It was just a black bear. Was it really worth our imperial brother confining those children?” Princess Rongxi adjusted the exquisite phoenix hairpin in her hair. “With the empress gone, that consort is still so temperamental, never learning to bend a little. If it were my son confined, I’d make sure to drag those gallivanting outside into confinement as well.”

The maid smiled but dared not respond to this.

Rongxi let out a soft scoff. “Come, accompany me to see His Majesty.”

The guiding eunuch led her into the Hall of Mental Cultivation, stopping before a jade screen adorned with a hundred chirping birds. Bowing, he announced respectfully, “Your Majesty, Princess Rongxi has arrived.”

“Come in,” came Emperor Wenjing’s voice.

Rongxi adjusted her dress and hair behind the screen, ensuring nothing was out of place before stepping forward with a smile. “Greetings, Imperial Brother.”

“Dispense with the formalities,” Emperor Wenjing said, setting aside a memorial. A hint of warmth appeared in his stern eyes.

Rongxi rose after paying her respects and smiled. “It’s been half a year since we last met, and Imperial Brother, you look even more spirited. Unlike me, who’s been fasting and praying—having to dig out my finest jewelry just to conceal my fatigue before daring to visit you.”

Emperor Wenjing nodded with amusement and pointed at her. “Didn’t I tell you not to go? You insisted on suffering, so who’s to blame?”

“Praying for Imperial Brother and Great Qi is my duty. Speaking of which, Master Huijing even read my fortune this time.” Rongxi stepped closer, her wide golden sleeves brushing the desk. “The master said, ‘The Jade Balance will fall.’”

Emperor Wenjing’s gaze slowly lifted. Rongxi met his eyes with a slight smile. “Your sister congratulates you, Imperial Brother, on achieving your long-cherished wish.”

Emperor Wenjing rose from behind his desk and moved to a nearby couch, habitually stroking the carved dragon pattern on it. His smile faded slightly, and he said meaningfully, “You, always so outspoken, even at your age.”

Rongxi chuckled. “I’m your sister. As long as you allow it, who dares to restrain me?”

Her tone shifted. “However, I do have two matters to request of you, Imperial Brother.”

“Oh?” Emperor Wenjing gestured to a chair beside him, studying her smile. “Is it about good news for Chengli?”

Rongxi sat next to him. “Indeed. Chengli is of marriageable age, but he’s been unsettled. I thought to arrange a virtuous wife for him soon, so his firstborn can come from a proper wife.”

Though Si Chengli had many women in his household, he had no children after all these years. Princess Rongxi had visited temples across Great Qi under the guise of praying for Emperor Wenjing, but everyone knew she was also praying for her son.

“Before I left the capital, Prince Ning looked half-dead, yet your marriage decree gave him a burst of life. I thought Duke Yu’s household has good fortune, so why not try a bit of superstition myself?”

“You mean Duke Yu’s youngest daughter?” Emperor Wenjing, who had once favored Yu Nanbo, recalled Yu Nanrou. “She’s quite beautiful. Her background matters little to you, though it’s significant for others. Whether her mother was originally a primary wife or later elevated, she’d still have to bow respectfully to you.”

“Exactly.” Rongxi said, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she laughed. “Duke Yu’s household has good fortune. I only have this one son, so shouldn’t I improve his luck?”

Emperor Wenjing nodded but didn’t immediately agree.

A month ago, he would have gladly granted Rongxi’s request for a marriage decree. But after the spring hunt at West Mountain, his impression of the Yu family had soured. Duke Yu Bingru, a grand duke, failed to notice his own daughter’s years of study right under his nose, letting Xiao Qiling benefit. And Yu Nanbo, whom he once favored, had proven more trouble than he was worth, turning the hunting grounds into chaos.

If he truly targeted Duke Yu’s household, it would be like trampling on Consort Gui and Prince Chen’s dignity. So, despite his displeasure, Emperor Wenjing hadn’t taken any substantial action against them.

He had planned to sideline Duke Yu’s household, letting it fade once Yu Bingru retired. Yet now, Rongxi was asking for Yu Nanrou.

If Yu Nanrou were to marry into the imperial family, Emperor Wenjing felt more at ease with her going to the princess’s household than to Prince Chen’s.

After a moment of thought, he looked at Rongxi. “If I recall correctly, Consort Gui has already summoned that Yu girl to the palace, and the Fourth Prince has shown interest in her. There are so many unwed girls in the capital—why are you all fixated on the Yu girl?”

Si Chengli’s notorious habits were no secret among the capital’s elites. Tormenting common girls was one thing—Rongxi could suppress any scandals with her status—but finding a suitable wife was another matter. Few noble families would agree to such a match.

A low-born girl wouldn’t meet Rongxi’s standards, but a high-born one risked embarrassment if things went awry.

The decline of Duke Yu’s household was only relative to other dukes. Yu Bingru’s third-rank position as Vice Minister of Rites was still out of reach for most.

Moreover, with Duke Yu’s eldest daughter recently married to Prince Ning as his primary wife, it was fitting for the younger daughter to marry into the princess’s household.

Besides, it was Consort Gui who had suggested this to her. Consort Gui didn’t want Yu Nanrou as Prince Chen’s primary wife, but Rongxi didn’t mind and was even willing to owe her a favor.

But she couldn’t say this to Emperor Wenjing. “Though we marry for virtue, our imperial family has high standards. The Yu girl caught everyone’s eye because she’s exceptionally beautiful. As a mother, I understand Chengli. As long as he settles down after marriage and gives me a healthy grandson, I’ll be content.”

“As for Consort Gui, I’ll go apologize to her later. I’ve had Yu Nanrou’s birth chart read, and it’s highly auspicious. If Consort Gui objects, I’ll kneel until she agrees.”

Emperor Wenjing burst into laughter. “You, kneeling to Consort Gui? If word got out, would you still have any face as a princess?”

Rongxi’s eyes flickered with a hint of delight. “Does that mean you approve of the marriage, Imperial Brother?”

“I’ve never treated Chengli any less than my own sons. Since you’ve come to me with this request, how could I refuse?” Emperor Wenjing smiled. “Besides, Duke Yu has served me loyally for decades. This marriage will strengthen ties, a grace from me. But you must ensure Chengli doesn’t mistreat the girl.”

Rongxi knew Emperor Wenjing’s ruthlessness. His mention of “grace” sent a chill through her for the Yu family. This wasn’t grace—it was a precaution against Duke Yu aligning with Prince Ning’s faction.

Duke Yu had been Emperor Wenjing’s study companion since childhood, serving him loyally for decades, only to sacrifice his daughter for power. It was truly pitiable.

But that was none of her concern.

Rongxi playfully chided Emperor Wenjing. “How could I mistreat the Yu girl? She’ll enter my princess’s residence in a grand eight-bearer sedan. Once she’s married, I’ll keep Chengli in line and treat her like royalty. I’ll make sure she gives me a legitimate grandson before you, Imperial Brother.”

Emperor Wenjing laughed and scolded her. “Enough. I’ve agreed to this. What’s the other matter?”

“The other matter… I’m here to plead for the two princes.” Princess Rongxi cautiously observed Emperor Wenjing’s expression. Seeing no resistance, she boldly continued, “Your Majesty’s birthday is approaching. Keeping them confined isn’t ideal. For my sake, could you pardon them?”

“You say it’s for my birthday, but you’re really trying to curry favor with Consort Gui for your daughter-in-law, aren’t you?” Emperor Wenjing saw through her.

Rongxi laughed, unfazed. “After all these years, how do you still see through me so easily? Where’s my dignity?”

Emperor Wenjing asked, “Dignity or imperial decree?”

Rongxi knelt promptly. “The decree, thank you for your grace, Imperial Brother.”

Emperor Wenjing strode to his desk, unrolled two blank decrees, and began writing.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, he beckoned Rongxi. “Come here.”

“This marriage decree—discuss it with Consort Gui before presenting it. As for the decree lifting the house arrest, I’ve only pardoned Prince Chen. Prince Xuan will be pardoned in a few days, so you’ll have something to say to Consort Gui.”

Rongxi was overjoyed. “Thank you, Imperial Brother.”

Emperor Wenjing didn’t keep her longer. “It’s getting late. If you don’t go to Consort Gui’s palace now, the gates will be locked, and you won’t see Chengli tonight.”

With a beaming smile, Princess Rongxi left the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Only after turning a corner did her tense body relax, cold sweat dampening her back.

Her gaze fell to the two decrees in her hand, and she let out a heavy breath, relieved she hadn’t aroused Emperor Wenjing’s suspicion.

The marriage with the Yu family had indeed been proposed by Duchess Yu to Consort Gui, but not, as others assumed, for the position of Prince Chen’s wife.

Duke Yu had always intended to align with the princess’s household.

The princess’s household needed a bride of suitable status, and Duke Yu needed a new backer. Prince Chen also saw this as a chance to win her over.

Among Emperor Wenjing’s sons, only Prince Chen and Prince Xuan were of age, but those two… Rongxi let out a derisive laugh.

Compared to the previous dynasty, they were far inferior.

Fortunately, the other princes were still young. By the time they entered court, the resources would likely have been divided by their elder brothers, leaving them nothing.

Duke Yu’s move was clever, earning her newfound respect.

Seated in her sedan, Rongxi’s thoughts churned as the palace attendants carried her forward, finally arriving at Consort Gui’s Jinxiu Palace.

Word of Princess Rongxi’s return spread quickly. As noblewomen pondered which day to visit her, invitations to a lotus-viewing banquet were sent to every prominent household in the capital.

Prince Ning’s residence received one as well.

This was the third day of Yu Nanqing’s cold war with Xiao Qiling. She had written a reply to Ji Zhiyun, but delivering it posed a dilemma.

Bypassing Xiao Qiling risked her intercepting and mocking the letter. Going through Xiao Qiling meant seeking her out first.

But Xiao Qiling hadn’t come to her since that day. Seeking her out would make Yu Nanqing feel like she was lowering herself.

No way she’d do that.

Yu Nanqing plucked a handful of flowers from a nearby bush, picking off petals to decide.

Go to her, don’t go to her; go to her, don’t go to her…

The last petal landed on going to Xiao Qiling.

Annoyed, Yu Nanqing grabbed another handful and started over. As she counted, her thoughts wandered, and warmed by the sun, she grew drowsy.

Yawning as she stepped off the recliner, half-asleep, she bumped into someone approaching. She instinctively apologized, “Sorry—”

Xiao Qiling’s voice sounded. “I heard from the physician about people with nightmares, saying they can walk while sleeping. I didn’t believe it before, but now I do.”

Yu Nanqing snapped awake, her vacant gaze sharpening. Seeing Xiao Qiling, she frowned and refused to speak.

As she moved to pass, Xiao Qiling grabbed her. “I have something to say. Your room or mine?”

Xiao Qiling’s place was crowded, so Yu Nanqing chose quickly. “Yours.”

Xiao Qiling nodded, still holding her arm as they walked. “Alright, but I don’t want to walk that far. Let’s go to your room.”

Chenxiang, her maid, tried to intervene, but a single glance from Xiao Qiling froze her in place.

That fleeting, oppressive look stopped Chenxiang’s steps, even as Xiao Qiling turned away.

In that brief moment, Xiao Qiling had already pulled Yu Nanqing into her room.

Once inside, Yu Nanqing yanked her arm free. “What are you doing? Don’t make me get physical.”

Her hair was unbound today, tied loosely with a white silk ribbon. In their struggle, strands fell loose at her temples, framing her sleepy, slightly red-rimmed eyes, giving her an indescribable allure.

Xiao Qiling’s gaze darkened. She tapped Yu Nanqing’s forehead. “You sure you want to fight your prince?”

Yu Nanqing: …

Against someone like Xiao Qiling, who could kill with a single strike, a hundred of her wouldn’t stand a chance.

Yu Nanqing stepped aside, muttering, “Why are you here? Is there a palace event I need to attend with you?”

With the princess’s return, a family banquet was expected.

Xiao Qiling replied, “We held a banquet to welcome her last night. I said you caught a cold and couldn’t attend.”

Yu Nanqing nodded. “Oh.”

Xiao Qiling withdrew her hand. “It’s been three days. Have you had enough of ignoring me? Can we make up?”

Yu Nanqing glared at her. “You think I’m throwing a tantrum?”

Xiao Qiling raised her hands, her voice soft and patient. “Whatever I did to upset you, I apologize.”

“No need. I can’t accept it.” Yu Nanqing stepped further away, her words sharp. “Let’s keep our distance from now on. I’ll serve you loyally as before. My ties to Duke Yu’s household are severed, and Prince Ning’s residence is my only reliance. You don’t need to worry about me having other intentions.”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze darkened. “That’s all you have to say?”

“That’s all. You understand, don’t you?” Yu Nanqing insisted. “I’m a princess in name only. How could I deserve you rejecting your ‘good sisters’ for me? If I block your romantic prospects in the future, I couldn’t bear the responsibility.”

Xiao Qiling caught the key point. “Rejecting good sisters? Blocking romantic prospects?”

“Isn’t that the case?” Yu Nanqing didn’t hold back. “No matter how noble your status, you married me reluctantly. Who knows if it’ll happen again?”

She gave Xiao Qiling a disdainful once-over, then shifted her tone. “Oh, I almost forgot. You were reluctant with me, but you’re more than happy with other girls.”

Xiao Qiling suddenly realized something. Her gaze shifted, and she laughed. “So, these past few days, you’ve been glaring at me, finding fault with everything, because you’re jealous?”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes widened in disbelief, slapping away Xiao Qiling’s hand. “Xiao Qiling, have some shame!”

Calling her by name—she was really upset.

Xiao Qiling asked, “If it’s not jealousy, then what? If I’m forced to marry or take new lovers, what’s it to you?”

“As your princess, it concerns me.” Yu Nanqing pursed her lips. “After all, after all…”

Xiao Qiling waited quietly for her excuse.

Yu Nanqing mumbled, “…after all, everything in the back courtyard is mine now. If someone else comes, I’d have to share.”

She silently added: And you.

But the thought was quickly dismissed. Losing other things would be a pity, but Xiao Qiling? She could give her to those “sisters.”

She didn’t care one bit!

“Anyway, whoever you take into your courtyard later has nothing to do with me. You don’t need to feel embarrassed accepting them in front of me, like at the Wei residence. A noble prince like you deserves a few beauties to match your status.”

“A few beauties?” Xiao Qiling repeated.

Yu Nanqing nodded.

Xiao Qiling stared at her, letting out a short, cold laugh. “You’re right. I should have a few beauties.”

Yu Nanqing: …

She hadn’t expected Xiao Qiling to agree so readily.

As expected, no imperial princess was any good.

Xiao Qiling continued, “But this prince is too noble for just anyone. If I take someone unworthy, am I the one who benefits, or are they the ones basking in my glory?”

Yu Nanqing hesitated, wavering. “In that case, it does seem like you’d be the one losing out?”

With Xiao Qiling’s looks and power, ordinary beauties wouldn’t measure up. It would be like they were the ones benefiting.

Seeing Yu Nanqing’s softened expression, Xiao Qiling pressed gently, “So, only someone exceptional in both character and appearance could catch my eye. If anyone could enter my residence, what would that make me? Even a courtesan in a pleasure house wouldn’t be as dedicated. Stop worrying over nothing, Princess.”

Yu Nanqing realized Xiao Qiling wasn’t taking her concerns seriously. She straightened her face. “Your Highness, after you leave here, go to the southwest corner.”

Xiao Qiling blinked. “The southwest corner? Of the residence?”

“Yes.” Yu Nanqing nodded. “The physician’s quarters are there. I suggest you get your head checked.”

Xiao Qiling raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Oh, alright.”

Yu Nanqing: …

Laughing about seeing a doctor? Her head definitely needed checking.

Fuming, Yu Nanqing grabbed Xiao Qiling’s hand and bit it.

Xiao Qiling’s pupils contracted slightly but didn’t move, letting her.

After leaving a ring of teeth marks on Xiao Qiling’s palm, Yu Nanqing let go. “I warned you I’d get physical.”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze moved from her hand to her lips, lingering briefly. “Hmm, want to bite again?”

Yu Nanqing met her eyes and felt her face heat up. She slapped Xiao Qiling’s hand away. “Who cares to?”

Xiao Qiling seemed to smile, covering the bite mark with her sleeve. Without a word, she opened the door and held out her hand. “The letter you wrote—hand it over.”

“How did you know?” Yu Nanqing asked, surprised.

Xiao Qiling tapped her left ear. “Next time you’re counting petals and cursing, don’t say it so loudly. Walls have ears.”

Yu Nanqing handed her a sealed letter. “It’s sealed. No peeking.”

Xiao Qiling took the envelope, feeling its thickness—over a dozen pages. “What did you write that I can’t know?”

“Nothing much. Just telling them I can’t leave the capital for now.” Yu Nanqing paused, then added, “Once things settle, I’ll head south.”

Xiao Qiling said, “Fine, but I need a good reason to leave the capital for court duties.”

“You don’t need to come with me,” Yu Nanqing said primly, echoing Xiao Qiling’s rejection of Wei Jialuo. “You’ve worked hard for your position in court. Taking on lesser tasks to accompany me to Jiangnan might disappoint the court officials. How could I delay—”

Xiao Qiling pinched Yu Nanqing’s cheeks, cutting her off into muffled sounds. “Mmmph.”

Yu Nanqing tried to pull her hands away, but the more she struggled, the tighter Xiao Qiling pinched.

“So, you want to leave the capital alone?”

Sensing danger in Xiao Qiling’s eyes, Yu Nanqing stubbornly nodded.

“Why?”

Yu Nanqing looked away.

“Speak.”

Yu Nanqing pointed at Xiao Qiling’s hands, indicating she couldn’t talk.

Xiao Qiling stared for a moment before letting go. Her face showed faint pink marks from the struggle, her brow twitching slightly.

Rubbing her cheeks, Yu Nanqing reluctantly said, “My mother is better-looking than my father.”

So, her beauty came from the Ji family.

Xiao Qiling, catching the logic, nearly laughed in exasperation. “In your eyes, am I so desperate that I’d fall for your sisters just by visiting Yuezhou?”

Yu Nanqing, scolded so bluntly, also felt that her behavior was somewhat disrespectful. But she stubbornly stiffened her neck and issued a firm warning to Xiao Qiling: “The girls of the Ji family are all very beautiful, and they bear some resemblance to me. In short, you can take anyone you want in the future—just not any of the Ji family girls. Otherwise, not only will I ignore you, but I’ll also… find another prince to conspire with and betray you.”

Xiao Qiling fell into a meaningful silence for a moment before asking: “So, anyone except the Ji family girls is acceptable?”

Her gaze was far too blatant and direct, leaving Yu Nanqing no room to feign ignorance.

Yu Nanqing stretched out both hands and pushed against Xiao Qiling’s shoulders, shoving her completely out of the room: “I’m not an option either—don’t even think about it!”

With the door slammed shut, it completely severed the intensity of that scorching gaze.