Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 46

46: Qingqing Has Been Coaxed

Yu Nanqing leaned against the door for a while, only belatedly realizing that she had grown bold enough to drive Her Highness Prince Ning out the door.

For a moment, her impulsiveness felt satisfying, but upon reflection, regret crept in.

Her legs felt weak, and she slowly slid down against the door, her layered skirts pooling around her like a cascade. Her mind was a chaotic tangle of thoughts.

Xiao Qiling had already figured out why she had been ignoring her, casually joking that ordinary people weren’t worthy of her and telling her to ease her heart.

But what if, in the future, a woman appeared who surpassed her in beauty and talent, someone truly worthy of Xiao Qiling? Would she then marry that woman?

Only now did Yu Nanqing realize that Xiao Qiling might not have understood what truly troubled her. She was viewing royal marriages from the perspective of an ordinary person, while Xiao Qiling, clearly, was addressing her unease as if they were an ordinary couple.

This made her seem like a petulant, unreasonable noblewoman throwing a tantrum.

Yet, she hadn’t even accepted Xiao Qiling’s courtship.

Yu Nanqing pounded the floor in frustration. How could she have driven Xiao Qiling away? At the very least, she should have cleared up this misunderstanding first.

She wasn’t some resentful, cloistered wife.

She was clearly the most sensible princess consort in the entire capital.

But thinking of this, she couldn’t muster a smile. Her eyes lowered, her irritation overwhelming.

She felt like she was truly done for. In her previous life, her temperament had been calmer and more composed than most, but ever since arriving at Prince Ning’s residence, she had become increasingly unable to control her emotions.

From the moment she first laid eyes on Xiao Qiling on their wedding night, those emotions had taken root like a tiny seed. They began to grow when Xiao Qiling accompanied her back to her family home to reclaim her dowry, sprouted when Xiao Qiling praised her literary talents at the Spring Qiong Banquet, and budded when Xiao Qiling shielded her from an arrow.

Since then, her emotions had grown increasingly uncontrollable, until that night when she played Phoenix Seeks Phoenix on the zither. The budding feelings branched out, and though she knew she shouldn’t indulge them, there was nowhere to escape.

Meanwhile, at Lanshi Courtyard.

After leaving Yu Nanqing’s quarters, Xiao Qiling instructed the hidden guards still in the residence to summon Wei Yunhan and several other advisors to Prince Ning’s mansion.

Just as the words left her mouth, she called the guards back. “Wait.”

It was rare for Xiao Qiling to summon so many advisors at once, so it must be an urgent matter concerning Princess Rongxi. The hidden guards stood at attention, awaiting her orders.

After a moment of thought, Xiao Qiling dismissed them. “Never mind.”

The guards exchanged confused glances, looking to Yin San, the third-ranking guard, for guidance. Yin San, steeling himself, asked, “Your Highness, are you sure you don’t need us to fetch the gentlemen?”

“No need. You’re dismissed.” Xiao Qiling said, rubbing her temples.

If she actually consulted her advisors about this matter, Yu Nanqing would likely be too embarrassed to face her again.

Xiao Qiling could only ponder it herself.

She rummaged through the books in her study, from familiar texts on calligraphy and strategy to Confucian histories, but found no answers to her dilemma.

In the past, whenever she was perplexed, these books always provided clarity. If she couldn’t decide, she’d consult her advisors. It had been years since she’d encountered something so vexing.

Even when she learned the emperor planned to poison her, she hadn’t hesitated to have the mansion’s physician concoct a poison with identical effects but under her control.

Yet this rift with Yu Nanqing left her utterly stumped.

That is, until she came across a romantic novel Yu Nanqing had left in her study.

Perhaps out of longing, Xiao Qiling couldn’t focus on her usual scholarly texts and decided to see what Yu Nanqing had been reading.

Flipping open a page, she found a story of a human and a demon falling in love.

It began with a clichéd setup: a scholar, traveling to the capital for the imperial exams, heroically saved a fox demon in her first human form. The two grew close, their bond deepening into love. Even when the scholar learned the woman was a fox demon, he remained steadfast, vowing to marry no one but her.

True to his word, the scholar married the fox demon on the day he passed the imperial exams. Their marriage was harmonious, with the scholar’s gentle nature and the fox demon’s quick apologies smoothing over any quarrels, making them more loving than most human couples.

But trouble arose during a spring outing with the scholar’s friend. Far from civilization, amidst abundant wildlife, the friend began hunting. This was unremarkable, as the fox demon herself had hunted before. But when the friend shot a fox, an arrow piercing its forehead, it was as if the arrow struck the fox demon herself, awakening her to a harsh reality.

Upon returning, the fox demon, haunted by the dead fox, had her biggest fight with the scholar since they met. In the end, the scholar compromised as usual, but the fox demon still left home in anger.

Xiao Qiling closed the book. Though it was an entirely different matter, it struck her like a revelation.

The fox demon and the scholar stood on different grounds. The fox demon saw her kind being killed and feared she might one day meet the same fate, even if not by the scholar’s hand. She worried he’d side with his human peers. The scholar, however, thought her concerns unnecessary and tried to soothe her with the same affectionate words as always.

They weren’t seeing the same reality, and so the rift between them grew.

Applying this to her situation with Yu Nanqing, Xiao Qiling finally understood what Yu Nanqing cared about.

It wasn’t about Wei Jialuo from the Wei household or any hypothetical “sisters.” What Yu Nanqing cared about, from start to finish, was the royal custom of taking multiple consorts.

When Xiao Qiling rejected Wei Jialuo in front of Yu Nanqing and teased her for overthinking, wasn’t she acting like the self-assured scholar in the story?

Born into royalty, Xiao Qiling was accustomed to the tradition of multiple consorts. She didn’t like it, but she didn’t oppose it either, nor did she think to explicitly reassure Yu Nanqing about her stance on such an accepted norm.

It wasn’t because she, as Prince Ning and a royal, was too lofty to relinquish her privileges or make a promise of lifelong fidelity.

It was because she hadn’t even considered it.

Before meeting Yu Nanqing, Xiao Qiling had never been moved by anyone. The beauties in her harem were merely spies sent by various factions, unworthy of her attention.

After meeting Yu Nanqing and realizing her feelings, she never considered anyone else.

Perhaps it was this lack of consideration that caused the three-day rift between her and Yu Nanqing.

If Yu Nanqing cared about whether others would enter her harem, did that mean Yu Nanqing wanted to stay by her side as her princess consort for the long haul?

With this realization, Xiao Qiling stood abruptly and headed to Qinfang Pavilion.

The hidden guards scattered throughout the mansion, watching their master rush back and forth in a single day, were utterly baffled.

The mansion’s physician, taking advantage of a rare sunny day to dry herbs in the garden, saw Xiao Qiling’s hurried figure and tsked, shaking his head.

The young apprentice beside him, thinking he’d ruined the herbs, nervously asked, “Did I do something wrong? I followed your instructions from last time!”

“You did nothing wrong,” the physician said, pointing toward Xiao Qiling’s retreating figure. “That one’s the problem.”

The apprentice looked over. “There’s no one there.”

“I mean Her Highness Prince Ning,” the physician said, bending to sort through the herbs, muttering disdainfully, “So useless. It’s been days, and she still hasn’t managed to coax her. Just let me give her a couple of acupuncture needles to draw out the poison, and everything would be fine.”

By then, with sparks flying, all awkwardness would surely vanish.

The apprentice gaped in horror. “You’re plotting to harm Her Highness?”

The physician picked up a stalk of ephedra, used for clearing heat and detoxifying, and waved it at the apprentice. “Come, help me test how many stalks it takes to poison Her Highness.”

Meanwhile, Xiao Qiling, the subject of the physician’s grumbling, faced another closed door at Qinfang Pavilion.

Chenxiang, with a mournful expression, had to defy Xiao Qiling. “After Your Highness left earlier, the young lady—er, the princess consort—locked herself in her room for a long time. She’s asleep now. Perhaps Your Highness could return later?”

Xiao Qiling gazed at the tightly shut door and waved Chenxiang off. “I’ll wait for her here.”

It was her fault for not considering Yu Nanqing’s feelings, so it was only right to let Yu Nanqing cool off.

Chenxiang bowed. “As Your Highness wishes.”

She waited for an hour.

As the sun set, a breeze picked up, carrying a chill. Though not as harsh as winter, the unlit courtyard felt somewhat desolate.

Staring at the blooming crabapple flowers in the yard, Xiao Qiling recalled the first night Yu Nanqing arrived at the mansion.

That night, Yu Nanqing had stumbled upon a courtyard filled with bloodshed and was seized by the hidden guards, forced to kneel on the cold ground for a long time. Having just recovered from falling into water, Yu Nanqing’s health was still fragile, and a bit of wind could have made her ill. Yet Xiao Qiling had let her endure it.

Over the years, too many people had tried to gain her sympathy, and Yu Nanqing’s prior connection to Prince Xiao Qijun through the Duke’s household made Xiao Qiling wary.

Despite their childhood acquaintance, so many years had passed, and things had changed.

In the treacherous game of royal power, a single misstep could cost lives.

That night, her only selfish act was wearing a woman’s wedding dress beneath her heavy cloak to exchange vows with Yu Nanqing and revealing her true gender to her from the start.

Thinking back to that night months ago, Xiao Qiling suddenly felt a pang of regret.

Had she known she’d care so much for Yu Nanqing, she would have treated her better on their wedding night.

When Yu Nanqing woke, her eyes slowly opened, catching a glimpse of a figure leaving outside the window. She froze.

Her gaze fixed on the window as Chenxiang adjusted the bed curtains, hooking them to the sides. In a hoarse voice, Yu Nanqing asked, “Is that Her Highness?”

“Yes, Her Highness waited outside for an hour. Yin San came to speak with her just now, likely about some urgent matter, so she left.” Chenxiang said, observing Yu Nanqing’s reaction and emphasizing “an hour” for effect.

Still groggy from waking, Yu Nanqing was easily swayed. “An hour? She just stood out there?”

Chenxiang helped her up, fetching an outer robe. “Yes, a breeze even came up, and Her Highness’s hairpin got tangled with her hair.”

Yu Nanqing frowned. “There are so many rooms in Qinfang Pavilion. You didn’t invite Her Highness to wait inside? You didn’t offer her tea? Is this how I taught you to treat guests?”

Chenxiang thought to herself that she had tried, but Prince Ning’s focus was solely on this room and didn’t want others fussing around her.

Yu Nanqing fell silent for a moment. “Forget it. She’s in good health anyway. She recovered from an arrow wound in just a few days.”

She wasn’t worried about Xiao Qiling at all.

Several hours later, in the dead of night, Yu Nanqing jolted awake from a dream and instinctively glanced at the window, but it was tightly shut, offering no view outside.

Rubbing her temples, she scolded herself for being paranoid. Why would Xiao Qiling come looking for her at this hour? She was the one who’d climb into Xiao Qiling’s bed in the middle of the night.

Her movement alerted the night guard outside, who tapped lightly on the window. “Princess Consort, is there anything you need?”

Yu Nanqing opened the window and shook her head. “Nothing. I’m just thirsty. Don’t mind me.”

As the window opened, she instinctively scanned the courtyard. Some corners were blocked by the guard, so she stood on her toes.

The guard, curious, asked, “Is the Princess Consort looking for someone?”

Looking for someone?

Why would she be looking for someone in her own courtyard in the middle of the night?

Looking for an assassin infiltrating the mansion?

She wasn’t looking for anyone.

Yu Nanqing’s heels settled back to the ground. After a moment’s thought, she found an excuse that could satisfy both the guard and herself.

“I was looking for Princess Rongxi’s invitation, but it might still be with Her Highness. I must have remembered wrong.”

When she woke again, it was Chenxiang calling her.

“Miss, the head housekeeper is here. It seems urgent. Would you like to get up and see?”

Yu Nanqing yawned, still groggy.

The last time this housekeeper came to her courtyard, it was about her dowry. After so long, could there be another issue with it?

The housekeeper arrived with a few maids, all dressed in festive colors. Upon seeing Yu Nanqing, they showered her with compliments. “Her Highness has declared that the Princess Consort is virtuous, gentle, and a model for the women of the household. She has entrusted all the mansion’s finances to you, along with these two identity tokens. Please accept them, Princess Consort.”

Yu Nanqing listened quietly, her expression neutral as she accepted the tray lined with silk. She curtsied slightly. “Thank you for Her Highness’s grace.”

Virtuous and gentle? A model of grace?

Such words from others were one thing, but how could Xiao Qiling, who had spent so much time with her, say them with a straight face?

With so many eyes watching, Yu Nanqing felt like she’d been handed a hot potato. Her composure began to falter, so she took a ledger, pretending to examine it to avoid their gazes.

The housekeeper offered a few more congratulatory words. “Her Highness said that from now on, the entire harem of Prince Ning’s mansion will be under your command.”

“I’ll keep the tokens, but you can continue managing the ledgers.” Yu Nanqing replied. If everyone in the mansion had to report to her for every purchase, she’d spend her days buried in accounts. She wasn’t about to do Xiao Qiling’s work for free.

The housekeeper didn’t object and reached to take them back.

As Yu Nanqing picked up a ledger, she noticed a thinner booklet beneath it. Flipping it open, she saw detailed records of the mansion’s income sources, every entry meticulously clear, even including accounts that couldn’t be made public.

Her slender hand gripped the booklet, her gaze casually sweeping over the housekeeper before returning to the ink on the page.

It was unmistakably Xiao Qiling’s handwriting.

Yu Nanqing slowly closed the booklet. “This must have been sent by mistake. Return it to Her Highness for me.”

“This was deliberately included by Her Highness, with instructions that only the Princess Consort may handle it,” the housekeeper said solemnly. “If you don’t wish to keep it, please return it to Her Highness yourself.”

Yu Nanqing gave a noncommittal “hm,” her eyes lingering on the booklet.

There were records of the prince’s official stipend, palace rewards, and covert trade dealings.

These weren’t surprising. Many of the capital’s elite had their own ways of generating wealth; a court salary alone couldn’t sustain a large household.

But what shocked Yu Nanqing was that the booklet also documented the mansion’s hidden guards, private soldiers, and even stationed troops.

These troops were scattered across various locations. Yu Nanqing couldn’t tell if Xiao Qiling had established them or if they were descendants of Emperor Wuxuan’s forces.

Undoubtedly, they were now under Xiao Qiling’s control.

Yu Nanqing suddenly felt the booklet was like a sword hanging over her head, filling her with dread. From Lanshi Courtyard to Qinfang Pavilion, wasn’t Xiao Qiling worried it might be stolen?

If it fell into the wrong hands, Prince Ning’s mansion would be branded as rebels amassing troops.

Yu Nanqing took a deep breath and slammed the booklet shut. “Where is Her Highness now?”

“He should be in the study at Lanshi Courtyard,” the housekeeper replied tentatively. “Will you accept the rest of these, Princess Consort?”

Yu Nanqing’s hand paused imperceptibly, her tone light. “Hm, leave them.”

The housekeeper visibly relaxed.

“After all, I’m virtuous and gentle, a model of grace. How could I refuse Her Highness’s kindness?” Yu Nanqing smiled faintly. “Chenxiang, come with me to the treasury to pick out some jewelry.”

She was going to take every beautiful piece from the mansion’s treasury back to Qinfang Pavilion, leaving Xiao Qiling with nothing to show off.

“Lead the way, Madam.”

At the treasury, Yu Nanqing picked and chose. The keys and tokens Xiao Qiling had given her granted full access, even to the late empress’s dowry jewelry.

Yu Nanqing didn’t touch the empress’s items but selected a pair of elegant long hairpins from Xiao Qiling’s collection. “These are nice.”

The housekeeper, once a confidante of the late empress, was familiar with the treasury’s contents. Seeing the hairpins, she smiled. “The Princess Consort has excellent taste. These were a gift from Her Majesty to Her Highness for her eleventh birthday.”

Yu Nanqing was surprised. “Her Highness hadn’t left the palace to establish her residence at eleven. Why would Her Majesty give her women’s accessories?”

“Her Majesty had Her Highness dress as a man in public but never restricted her nature. The first time Her Highness applied lipstick was when she sneaked some from Her Majesty’s vanity.”

The housekeeper, lost in memories, spoke more freely. “When Her Majesty caught her, her face was a mess, like a painted cat. She personally cleaned her face and reapplied her makeup.”

Yu Nanqing grew curious. “How old was Her Highness then?”

“About seven or eight. It’s been so long, I can’t recall exactly,” the housekeeper said.

Seven or eight—not a naive child, but a young girl old enough to love beauty.

By day, diligently studying under Master Wei in the imperial study; by night, sneaking into the empress’s chambers to try on makeup. Yu Nanqing couldn’t help but smile. “The empress is quite different from the stern consort I imagined.”

“Yes, but sadly, she passed too soon,” the housekeeper said, her voice catching. She quickly curtsied and hurried out.

Yu Nanqing took the hairpins, paired them with a jade-green dress embroidered with bamboo, and, carrying the critical booklet, headed to Lanshi Courtyard.

At Lanshi Courtyard, Yin Er was reporting to Xiao Qiling.

“The heir and Prince Chen met at Wanhuo Tower for lunch. Prince Chen’s guards stood watch outside, so I couldn’t get close enough to overhear their discussion. I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes lowered calmly. “No matter. Si Chengli has always been closer to Xiao Qijun than the other princes. Likely, Princess Rongxi’s return to the capital prompted him to advise Si Chengli.”

Setting the novel aside, she asked, “Still no news from Prince Xuan?”

Yin Er replied, “No word of his house arrest being lifted.”

Xiao Qiling lightly stroked the illustration of a charming fox in the novel, saying leisurely, “The emperor plays favorites so blatantly, unafraid of wounding the heart of the great general stationed thousands of miles away.”

Yin Er vaguely grasped Xiao Qiling’s intentions, and sure enough, she instructed, “Spread the news of Xiao Qijun and Si Chengli’s meeting, especially around Prince Xuan’s residence. Ensure Prince Xuan hears of it.”

“Yes, sir.” Yin Er reached the study door but turned back. “Your Highness, may I borrow the storytellers under the Princess Consort’s command?”

Xiao Qiling frowned. “You don’t know how to spread a few words yourself?”

Yin Er grinned. “The teahouses spread news faster and more convincingly.”

Xiao Qiling waved him off. “Ask her yourself.”

After a pause, she added, “Don’t say I told you to.”

Yin Er understood and left.

By chance, as he exited the study, he ran into Yu Nanqing. After explaining his request, Yu Nanqing generously assigned Chenxiang to assist him. “Chenxiang usually handles them for me. Whatever you need, tell her.”

Yin Er bowed. “Thank you, Princess Consort.”

“No need for formalities.”

Hearing her voice, Xiao Qiling stepped out and froze for a moment upon seeing Yu Nanqing.

In the open courtyard, Yu Nanqing’s green dress shimmered with silver embroidery, her hair adorned with jade hairpins swaying to her shoulders. A delicate flower mark at the corner of her upturned eyes enhanced her already striking features, making her radiantly captivating.

The moment of distraction passed, and Xiao Qiling waved her over casually. “What brings you here?”

This was their first meeting since Xiao Qiling sent gifts to Qinfang Pavilion, and her opening line was so ordinary, as if no rift existed between them.

“Since Your Highness gave me the treasury keys, shouldn’t I pick out something nice? Otherwise, wouldn’t I be disrespecting you?” Yu Nanqing replied, eyeing Xiao Qiling up and down. Noting her plainer attire, she huffed lightly. “Let’s talk inside.”

Once the study door closed, Yu Nanqing produced the sensitive booklet. “This is yours. I accidentally read a few pages, but you gave it to me by mistake, so don’t blame me.”

Xiao Qiling, sipping tea, glanced at her with calm eyes but didn’t respond immediately.

Yu Nanqing nudged Xiao Qiling’s boot with her foot, displeased. “What, are you actually going to hold me accountable?”

Setting down the teacup, Xiao Qiling said casually, “Those troops might be redeployed elsewhere in the future. For now, there’s no significant issue.”

Yu Nanqing realized, “So you gave it to me on purpose?”

Showing her troop records and mansion accounts—could Xiao Qiling be short on funds?

Feeling momentarily superior, Yu Nanqing cleared her throat. “If you need money to maintain your troops, just say so. I’m not unwilling to help.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t explain, only asking, “Did you see the map at the back?”

Unaware, Yu Nanqing flipped to the end and found a detailed map of the northern border, complete with terrain descriptions and gold mine locations.

Her breath caught. When she saw the troop records, she’d worried Xiao Qiling was short on funds, especially since even Emperor Wenjing had considered cutting military budgets. She’d even thought of using her dowry to support Xiao Qiling’s troops while planning to generate more wealth.

But this map clearly showed Xiao Qiling wasn’t lacking money at all. Seeing the amusement in Xiao Qiling’s eyes, Yu Nanqing snapped, “You did this on purpose, putting the map at the end to make me worry for nothing.”

Realizing this, her irritation grew, and she turned to leave.

Xiao Qiling grabbed her wrist, pulling her back. Yu Nanqing’s long skirt caught underfoot, and she stumbled toward Xiao Qiling, steadying herself with hands on her shoulders.

Though the study door was closed, Xiao Qiling’s hidden guards were everywhere, with keen hearing. Yu Nanqing quickly pushed Xiao Qiling away and let go.

Xiao Qiling released her slowly, explaining, “The map just happened to be at the end. I didn’t give you the booklet for advice, but to let you know about these things.”

Yu Nanqing didn’t understand. “What good does knowing do me?”

Xiao Qiling replied, “If you go to Jiangnan and don’t want to return to the capital, thinking of those troops might bring you back on time.”

Yu Nanqing: …

She was certain Xiao Qiling was teasing her.

Before she could explode, Xiao Qiling clarified, “The private troops and gold mines are my greatest assets for seizing power. Besides my orders, your token can command them too.”

Looking at Yu Nanqing, she smiled. “This is my biggest secret. If you don’t want it, you can return it.”

Yu Nanqing froze. “You think I’d betray you?”

Xiao Qiling nodded calmly. “If one day I, or any minister working for me, upsets you, you can do so.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes darted warily to the window. If Xiao Qiling’s loyal guards overheard, would she dare sleep alone?

She shoved Xiao Qiling. “Stop being so sentimental. I’m not falling for it.”

Xiao Qiling swayed slightly but stood firm. “If you think it’s sentimental, so be it. Qingqing always rejects my kindness, and I’m used to it.”

Unable to stand Xiao Qiling’s tone, Yu Nanqing turned away, poured herself a cup of water, and drank deeply.

With the conversation reaching this point, Xiao Qiling must have guessed why she’d been distant. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have shared such sensitive secrets.

Xiao Qiling knew.

She knew Yu Nanqing was worried about their status gap, about the royal custom of multiple consorts.

By giving her this leverage, even if Xiao Qiling one day no longer cared for her as she did now, Yu Nanqing would have the power to ruin her.

But how could Xiao Qiling do this?

Hadn’t she considered the consequences, or her other vassals?

A voice in Yu Nanqing’s heart told her: Xiao Qiling, meticulous as she was, must have considered everything.

Lost in thought, the cool tea did little to quell the burning in her chest.

Desperate to distract herself, her gaze landed on the teapot, then on the novel she’d left behind.

“Don’t touch it.” Xiao Qiling’s voice came from behind.

Thinking Xiao Qiling was avoiding the topic, Yu Nanqing retorted, “It’s my book. Why can’t I touch it?”

Xiao Qiling met her eyes, then looked away. “Fine, read it then.”

Yu Nanqing, suspicious, opened the book and understood why Xiao Qiling had stopped her—Xiao Qiling hadn’t just read it; she’d annotated it like a Confucian classic. The handwriting that critiqued memorials now marked a romantic novel. Yu Nanqing’s expression grew complex as she read.

Where the scholar rejected a royal marriage after passing the exams, Xiao Qiling wrote: Defying an imperial edict.

Where the scholar brought hot chestnuts to the fox demon, carrying them from the west to the east of the city, still warm, Xiao Qiling noted: Such a long distance, keeping them against his chest wouldn’t help.

Reading a few more, Yu Nanqing couldn’t help but laugh, teasingly glancing at Xiao Qiling. Annotating a romantic novel like a sage’s text—Xiao Qiling was likely the first in history.

She continued reading. The story reached the part where the scholar and fox demon quarreled over the killed fox, with the fox demon returning to the mountains. The scholar chased after her, skipping morning court.

Yu Nanqing didn’t need to look to know Xiao Qiling would write Crime compounded. Sure enough, there it was.

Later, the scholar found the fox demon, and they bared their hearts, resolving their misunderstandings. The scholar swore never to kill again and to cherish her forever. Moved to tears, the fox demon placed his hand on her belly, revealing they were expecting a child.

The story ended there.

At the resolution, Xiao Qiling had written several notes:

Can the scholar’s words really be so effective, cheering the fox demon with just a few lines?

If his peers invite him to hunt again, won’t he still kill foxes?

What use are his promises then?

Does the fox demon truly believe him?

Yu Nanqing’s gaze lingered on these lines, her lashes lowering, her thoughts drifting.

Until Xiao Qiling grabbed the book’s other end. “Stop reading. The author’s skill is poor, and the logic is full of flaws.”

Yu Nanqing tugged the book back, half-turning. “Flaws? I read it quickly and missed them. It seemed fine to me.”

Xiao Qiling, recalling no obscure parts in the story, followed her. “What didn’t you understand?”

Yu Nanqing pursed her lips, her ears reddening as she flipped the pages. “Here.”

Xiao Qiling took the book and saw the passage about the scholar and fox demon’s first kiss under a peach tree, sealing their bond.

The study fell silent, the air thick and still.

Yu Nanqing, already at her limit admitting this, waited, but Xiao Qiling said nothing.

On her third glance, Yu Nanqing couldn’t take it anymore and reached for the book. “If you don’t understand either, forget it.”

As she spoke, she saw Xiao Qiling’s expression shift, a flicker of regret rising. But caught by Xiao Qiling’s grip, she couldn’t escape and said stiffly, “Pretend you didn’t hear that.”

Xiao Qiling looked at her. “I understand, but I can’t explain it alone.”

Yu Nanqing blurted out, “Why not? You have a mouth.”

Xiao Qiling countered, “The book describes it clearly, and you still don’t get it. Why do you think I can’t explain it alone?”

Yu Nanqing’s head spun from the circular logic. Before she could retort, the book was placed back in her hands, and Xiao Qiling leaned in without warning, one hand cupping her cheek.

Yu Nanqing tried to dodge, but her heel hit a chair, making it wobble.

In that moment of distraction, Xiao Qiling’s lips met hers.

Yu Nanqing’s mind blanked, heat spreading from her ears to her cheeks, burning against Xiao Qiling’s palm.

Neither closed their eyes, gazing into each other’s pupils. After a moment, Yu Nanqing’s senses returned, her eyes shifting slowly, pausing. With all her willpower, she steadied her trembling voice.

“Is this Your Highness’s interpretation of the book?”

Xiao Qiling asked, “Is your curiosity that strong?”

Yu Nanqing looked down. “Just explain it.”

A moment later, Xiao Qiling’s hand slid to the back of her head, pulling her closer. The elegant hairpins traced an arc in the air as Xiao Qiling parted her lips.

Their heated breaths mingled, and Yu Nanqing instinctively leaned back, her eyes widening before fluttering shut, her lashes trembling. A trace of makeup trailed from her eye to the delicate flower mark, vivid and alluring.

The intense kiss overwhelmed her, leaving her breathless. Xiao Qiling’s eyes flickered but didn’t stop.

Her hand slid to Yu Nanqing’s nape, gently kneading to soothe her, the kiss slowing to a tender, lingering pace, their tongues entwining intimately.

As the kiss ended, Xiao Qiling’s lips brushed against Yu Nanqing’s before slowly pulling away.

“Now do you understand?”

Yu Nanqing’s gaze wavered, silent.

Xiao Qiling chuckled. “If there’s anything else you don’t get, you can ask me.”

Yu Nanqing shot her a look and walked past her to leave.

At the door, Xiao Qiling called out, “Won’t you stay for dinner?”

Yu Nanqing turned, meeting Xiao Qiling’s amused eyes, and said haughtily, “I know how to dine from the book.”

Xiao Qiling let out a meaningful “oh,” chuckling like she was humoring a child. “My mistake. Qingqing naturally knows how to dine.”

Yu Nanqing, flushed with embarrassment, strode out of the study.

Leaving Lanshi Courtyard, the cool breeze outside calmed her burning face. She wandered aimlessly through the garden, stopping on a bridge to gaze at the koi in the pond, lost in thought.

After a while, she let out a soft hum.