Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 47

47: “Then I’ll Lock You Up”

It was a day of rest, and the main gate of Prefect Lu’s residence was wide open. Servants lined both sides, dressed in attire distinct from the household’s usual garb, standing in tense silence.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside the mansion. The steward rushed forward to report, “My lord, Princess Rongxi has arrived. Concubine Chen is accompanying the young master in the front hall.”

Prefect Lu’s steps halted abruptly. “Why is Huan’er in the front hall? Who permitted him to come out?”

Having served as the prefect of the capital for many years, Prefect Lu carried an air of authority that intimidated without anger. His stern rebuke and furrowed brow caused the steward to drop to his knees in fear. “It was Princess Rongxi who wished to see the young master, so the concubine had no choice but to bring him.”

“Fool!” Prefect Lu’s brows knitted tightly, the silver fish-shaped pendant at his waist clinking heavily against his crimson official robe as he moved.

The steward lowered his head further.

Pacing for a moment, Prefect Lu suppressed the rage in his heart as he always did. In a low voice, he ordered, “Take me to see the princess.”

The steward scrambled to his feet, respectfully leading the way.

As they approached the front hall, cheerful laughter and conversation spilled out. Princess Rongxi, adorned in an opulent gown with her hair glittering with jeweled ornaments, was playfully pinching the cheeks of the child before her. Smiling, she unfastened a jade pendant from her waist and handed it to him.

“It’s been a while, and you’ve grown so much! You’re almost old enough to start attending the academy, aren’t you? Here, take this jade pendant. When you’re out in the world, no one will dare bully you when they see it.”

The child’s round eyes sparkled as he accepted the pendant, asking curiously, “So if I can’t memorize my lessons, will the teacher not dare to punish me either?”

Princess Rongxi covered her mouth and laughed. “The teacher might not punish you, but he’ll surely report it to your father.”

The child’s face fell, and he pouted, “Didn’t you say no one would dare punish me? Do you have to listen to my father too?”

“Huan’er, watch your words!”

Prefect Lu stepped into the hall just in time to hear this, his voice low and reprimanding. He then bowed to Princess Rongxi. “This humble official greets Your Highness.”

“Lü, it’s been a while,” Princess Rongxi said, releasing the child and offering a slight smile in Prefect Lu’s direction. “How has Your Excellency been faring lately?”

The child, sensing he’d said something wrong, scurried to hide in Concubine Chen’s arms. Seeing this, Prefect Lu’s brow furrowed further, but in the presence of Princess Rongxi, he dared not say more. He replied respectfully, “Thanks to Your Highness’s blessings, this official is faring well.”

Princess Rongxi studied his suppressed anger with amusement. “Prefect Lu truly is devoted to the people. Even on a day of rest, you’re still dressed in your official robes. Has someone come to the prefecture with a complaint?”

Prefect Lu responded, “Just some trivial household disputes among the commoners. Since I had no pressing matters today, I handled them myself.”

“I see,” Princess Rongxi said slowly, pouring a cup of tea and personally handing it to him. Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly. “Ten years ago, I told His Majesty there was no one in the capital as dedicated to the people as you, Prefect Lu. A decade later, you remain just as steadfast, which brings me great comfort.”

She paused, her tone deliberate. “Especially with His Majesty’s Thousand Autumn Festival approaching. We must ensure nothing in the capital disturbs his peace. Don’t you agree, Prefect Lu?”

Prefect Lu’s fingers, hidden in his wide sleeves, trembled slightly as he accepted the teacup.

Princess Rongxi smiled again, gesturing to the chair below her. “Look at me, offering tea but forgetting to invite you to sit. Please, Prefect Lu, don’t stand on ceremony.”

The two main seats were occupied—one by Princess Rongxi and the other by Concubine Chen, who held the child on her lap, clearly at the princess’s behest.

Prefect Lu, accustomed to such scenes, sat in the lower seat without a change in expression. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Princess Rongxi continued, “I happened to be passing by today and thought to pay you a visit. Huan’er is now old enough for the academy, so you should pay more attention to family matters. Leave the trivial affairs of the prefecture to others; there’s no need for you to handle everything personally.”

Her words carried an underlying meaning, but this time, Prefect Lu defied her subtly. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but as an official serving the people, I must attend to matters personally.”

At this, Princess Rongxi’s gaze turned cold, her crimson-painted nails scraping sharply across the table.

“What does Prefect Lu mean by this?”

Concubine Chen, still smiling, gently nudged the child. “Your Highness is upset. Go cheer her up.”

Unaware of the adults’ subtle tensions, the child, recalling the jade pendant and the kind “auntie” who could protect him from his teacher, toddled over to Princess Rongxi’s side. He reached out with chubby hands and said in a sweet voice, “Your Highness, smile!”

Princess Rongxi took the child’s hand and shook it gently. “Auntie is just teasing your father. Isn’t that right, Prefect Lu?”

Prefect Lu’s hands clenched tightly, his eyes fixed on his only son, the child of his late wife. After a long pause, he relented. “The man has been detained in the prison. I will ensure he signs the confession promptly and that no word of this leaks out.”

Princess Rongxi lifted the child into her arms, her posture relaxing. “I knew you were a reasonable man. However, someone daring to slander the imperial family must have been driven mad by some shock. I happen to know a skilled physician who can examine him.”

Prefect Lu’s eyes were bloodshot, his teeth gritted. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Princess Rongxi then turned to Concubine Chen with a sigh. “If everyone were as capable as you, Cui Niang, I wouldn’t have to run around so much. At my age, my sisters are enjoying their grandchildren, yet here I am, unable to escape matters of court and state. I was only away from the capital for a few months, and already some people’s ambitions have stirred. Wouldn’t you agree, Prefect Lu?”

Prefect Lu stood and bowed. “This official would not dare.”

Princess Rongxi rose, leading the child forward and standing before Prefect Lu. She leaned in slightly, her voice low. “It’s best that you don’t. But let me remind you, Prefect Lu—the bl00d on your hands over the years could implicate several clans, even disturb the grave of your late wife…”

Her voice dropped further. “…leaving her no peace.”

At such close proximity, Prefect Lu could see the striking resemblance between her eyes and those of Emperor Wenjing. His stomach churned violently, and he stepped back, bowing deeply. “Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. I will be cautious in word and deed.”

Princess Rongxi leisurely raised a hand to help him up. “As long as you understand, I can rest assured. It’s getting late, and I’ve sent invitations for a lotus-viewing banquet two days from now. I must return to my residence to oversee preparations. If Cui Niang is free, she should join me.”

Concubine Chen quickly declined. “Your Highness, as a mere concubine, it wouldn’t be proper for me to visit your residence.”

Princess Rongxi smiled. “You came from my princess residence and now manage the Lu household’s affairs. What’s improper about that? Or is it that you’ve grown distant since marrying?”

Concubine Chen bowed respectfully. “Your Highness’s words humble me. Tomorrow, after sending Huan’er to his tutor, I’ll come to assist you.”

Princess Rongxi turned to Prefect Lu. “Then I’ll be borrowing Cui Niang for half a day tomorrow.”

“It is an honor for my wife and me to serve Your Highness.” Prefect Lu replied.

“Good, good, good.” Princess Rongxi said thrice, taking her maid’s hand and departing.

Upon returning to the princess residence, a guard reported, “Your Highness, Ahu from Changxing Street has arrived.”

Princess Rongxi had little impression of the man. “Where’s Liang Yin?”

“Liang Yin and Tian Ji went out to handle business,” the guard explained. “With His Majesty’s Thousand Autumn Festival nearing, they couldn’t act in the capital per your orders, so they went outside to recruit new people to bring back for the young master’s selection.”

Princess Rongxi frowned. “Didn’t we just add a new girl to Chengli’s quarters?”

The guard’s expression stiffened, and he replied tactfully, “The young master finds the residence restrictive. The West Garden is more secluded and allows him to… enjoy himself more freely.”

Princess Rongxi hummed. “You’ve been with the young master lately. Keep an eye on him. As for Liang Yin and Tian Ji, let’s see if they can redeem themselves.”

Liang Yin and Tian Ji had likely fled the capital to avoid punishment for letting someone escape. Loyal for years and useful in delivering beauties to resolve tricky matters, Princess Rongxi chose not to dwell on their mistake. She ordered, “Bring Ahu to me.”

Moments later, Ahu knelt before her, kowtowing. “This humble one pays respects to Your Highness.”

Princess Rongxi’s expression was indifferent as she brushed her sleeve, revealing a string of prayer beads she toyed with. “Do you know why I summoned you?”

“Is it regarding Managers Liang and Tian?” Under her imposing presence, Ahu’s knees trembled. He recited the words he’d been instructed to say, terrified of making a fatal mistake.

Princess Rongxi nodded, probing, “Today was supposed to be the day they sent someone to the West Garden, but I’ve heard nothing. So I called you here to ask. Go back and ensure the person is delivered to the West Garden before nightfall. Understood?”

Ahu’s face showed hesitation.

“What’s wrong? Is there a problem?” Princess Rongxi’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing through countless possibilities of exposure.

But even if something were exposed, what could be done? So many court officials were involved, and even the upright Lü Pingguang had become her executioner, forced to comply for the sake of their families and titles. Besides, Emperor Wenjing was her brother, and her late husband had died for him—those two facts alone ensured the princess residence’s safety for a century.

Still, she couldn’t ignore potential risks. As her suspicions grew, Ahu suddenly pleaded, “Your Highness, this humble one doesn’t know the West Garden’s location. When Manager Liang took me out, my eyes were always blindfolded. That’s why I didn’t answer immediately. Please forgive me!”

“Useless!” a nearby maid snapped, kicking Ahu. “The princess is right here. How could she not know the West Garden’s location?”

Ahu tumbled to the ground, scrambling to kowtow again. “This humble one is blind. Please forgive me, Your Highness!”

“Enough, my ears are tired of this,” Princess Rongxi said, stopping him. “How many people are left in the house?”

Ahu replied, “There are still over ten people selected by Manager Liang for the West Garden—seven women and four men. I’ll bring them there after I return.”

Princess Rongxi’s jeweled nail tapped lightly.

If something had happened to Liang Yin and Tian Ji, those captives would have been released, not kept in the house.

Rubbing her brow, Princess Rongxi half-closed her eyes, chiding herself for becoming paranoid after her exhausting journey back to the capital.

“No need,” she said, standing and heading toward the inner courtyard. “Go back and watch the house. Don’t leave for the time being.”

Ahu agreed and stood, only to hear a woman’s startled cry from behind the princess. He instinctively glanced toward the sound, catching a glimpse of a goose-yellow hem disappearing.

He almost thought he’d imagined it.

When he looked back, a piercing gaze met his. Ahu hurriedly begged, “This humble one saw nothing!”

Princess Rongxi squinted, then gave an enigmatic smile. “It’s just the young master’s bedroom amusements. Nothing to make a fuss about. When you marry, you’ll understand.”

Ahu nodded repeatedly. “I heed Your Highness’s teachings.”

As the princess’s guard escorted him out, Ahu was still shaken. The guard, seeing his pathetic state, shoved him and sneered, “You’ve worked under Liang Yin for so long, and you’re still this spineless? Is this your first time seeing such a scene?”

Ahu snapped back to reality. “W-What do you mean? Aren’t those beauties sent to entertain the nobles?”

“There are many ways to ‘entertain,’” the guard said with a lecherous grin, recalling past glimpses. “Hurry back and guard that house. If even one person goes missing, your head will roll.”

A quarter of an hour after leaving the princess residence, Ahu was abducted. Yin Si arrived at a private room in a teahouse, hearing sighs from within and hesitating to knock.

Inside, Wei Yunhan, who had hoped for a half-day’s respite, stared glumly at the ink, brush, and paper before him. Meanwhile, Yu Nanqing’s table was laden with exquisite dishes, and Her Highness Prince Ning was attentively serving her food.

Faced with such delicacies, Wei Yunhan could only bury himself in practicing policy essays. He stole a glance, swallowing his tears and forcing composure. “Your Highness, I ordered a book on Changyun Street. If there’s nothing else, may I take my leave?”

“Didn’t you want to rest? Have you rested enough?” Xiao Qiling, in an unusually good mood these days, spoke with a gentle tone that felt like a spring breeze.

But Wei Yunhan, having served Xiao Qiling for years, sensed trouble in her tone. “Your Highness, do you call this rest? Your princess consort has been timing me, making me write for nearly an entire day—five essays! Five policy essays! Even my grandfather never tortured me like this.”

Hearing his earnest complaint, Yu Nanqing felt a twinge of guilt.

Since yesterday in the study, she’d felt uneasy around Xiao Qiling, more so than when they’d been at odds before. But she couldn’t pinpoint why.

Even watching Xiao Qiling sip porridge drew her eyes to that soft, slick tongue, uncontrollably recalling when it had tangled with hers. When Xiao Qiling bit into a sweet pastry, she thought of her own tongue being nibbled. When Xiao Qiling pursed her lips, she imagined her own being ground against. Everything felt off.

Xiao Qiling must have corrupted her. She needed to read some Confucian classics to cleanse her eyes.

But she couldn’t read classics in the mansion—Xiao Qiling would surely follow and distract her. That’s when she thought of Wei Yunhan, whom she’d previously roped into trouble, and decided to check on his studies.

Yu Nanqing coughed lightly. “It’s for your own good. Once you pass the exams, you can ask Her Highness for anything, and I’ll make sure it happens.”

Wei Yunhan wasn’t one to make unreasonable demands. Skeptical, he asked, “Really?”

“Of course.” Yu Nanqing said, bluffing with a straight face. “Even if you want to travel and enjoy the mountains and rivers.”

Wei Yunhan, who lacked for nothing, genuinely wanted this. He took the bait. “I can really leave the capital? You’re not tricking me, are you?”

Yu Nanqing gave a cryptic smile. “Of course not.”

Unless Grand Tutor Wei, the chief minister, couldn’t pull strings to get his grandson demoted from the Hanlin Academy to the Honglu Temple.

“If you can’t leave, I’ll owe you a favor,” she continued. “As long as it’s not against morality, you can ask anything. If you do leave…”

Wei Yunhan, ever loyal, chimed in, “Then I’ll owe you a favor. As long as it’s not against morality, I’ll handle it without question.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled. “That doesn’t seem right.”

Yu Nanqing shot her a glare.

Don’t ruin this. I’ve hooked a big fish.

Xiao Qiling raised a brow, pretending not to notice, and advised, “Think it over.”

Wei Yunhan, missing the subtext, thought Xiao Qiling was defending Yu Nanqing. “Your Highness, you can’t play favorites. I can’t always be the one losing out!”

Yu Nanqing almost felt bad. A promise from the Wei family was a rare prize, too tempting to resist. “So, it’s settled?”

Wei Yunhan clapped his hands happily. “Settled!”

Yin Si, waiting outside, finally knocked and entered, reporting what she’d seen. “…Ahu shouldn’t have aroused Princess Rongxi’s suspicion, but she’s cautious. We likely can’t use the people in the house to find the West Garden’s location.”

Yu Nanqing, who’d been taken to Changxing Street by Xiao Qiling earlier, hadn’t asked about the outcome, trusting Xiao Qiling’s thoroughness. Hesitating, she asked, “Will those abducted people still be sent to the West Garden?”

Yin Si clarified, “The princess consort misunderstands. Except for the one sent to the prefecture, the others have been reunited with their families. Even the one at the prefecture will be handled carefully to ensure no further harm.”

“As for those to be sent to the West Garden, they’re our people—highly skilled and unlikely to be disadvantaged.”

Relieved, Yu Nanqing raised another matter. “Since we can’t locate the West Garden through the princess, does Your Highness have other plans?”

“Yin Er has been tailing Si Chengli. We’ll have news eventually.”

Yu Nanqing, having learned some details about the princess residence from Yin San, had an idea. “Your Highness, I have a thought. Si Chengli’s love for beauties suggests the West Garden exists because his household can’t satisfy him. He’s been restrained lately because the princess is back and watching him closely. What if we create an opportunity to make him lose control?”

Wei Yunhan asked, “Like what?”

Yu Nanqing replied, “Like provoking him a little.”

Xiao Qiling’s voice turned cold. “This prince doesn’t use such tactics.”

Yu Nanqing realized the misunderstanding and quickly clarified, “I know Your Highness wouldn’t force another woman to seduce, but I could do it.”

She touched her face thoughtfully. “I’m pretty enough, right?”

Xiao Qiling’s tone grew icier, almost bone-chilling. “Are you sure?”

Stung by the frost in her voice, Yu Nanqing backpedaled with a dry laugh. “I was just joking. Don’t take it seriously.”

Xiao Qiling stood, pulling Yu Nanqing up. “Come with me.”

Wei Yunhan’s eyes lit up, ink dripping unnoticed from his brush as he stared at Yu Nanqing’s gripped hand, wishing for more drama.

But his show was cut short when Xiao Qiling’s gaze turned to him. She ordered Yin Si, “Escort Young Master Wei back to the Wei residence after he finishes two more essays.”

Wei Yunhan muttered, “Your Highness, I haven’t had dinner yet.”

Xiao Qiling replied coolly, “Two essays are nothing for you. You can eat after.”

Yu Nanqing was dragged to the next room. She’d only meant to tease Xiao Qiling, not expecting such a strong reaction. Now, unable to avoid the one-on-one she’d dodged all day, she fidgeted nervously. “I was joking earlier. I’d never go to Si Chengli.”

To bolster her case, she boldly added, “After all, Si Chengli’s not even as good-looking as Xiao Qijun.”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze grew colder.

Yu Nanqing’s voice shrank. “I mean, I rejected Xiao Qijun back then.”

“Hm,” Xiao Qiling responded, her gaze softening. Yu Nanqing relaxed, cautiously gauging her mood. “You’re not angry anymore, right?”

Xiao Qiling ruffled her hair gently. “Why would I be? If you want to do it, go ahead. Yin San will be with you. You’ll be fine.”

Yu Nanqing, braced for a scolding, was caught off guard by Xiao Qiling’s lack of reproach and subtle encouragement. Her chest felt heavy. Looking at Xiao Qiling with growing unease, she said, “I’ll be attending the lotus-viewing banquet at the princess residence in two days. I’ll likely see Si Chengli.”

Xiao Qiling smiled, her voice still gentle. “You don’t know many of those noblewomen. No need to force connections for my sake—it’ll seem deliberate.”

Yu Nanqing finally understood the source of her unease. She nodded slowly. “Alright, I won’t cause you trouble.”

Xiao Qiling nodded back, saying nothing more, and left the room.

Yu Nanqing’s gaze followed her, lingering before she forced herself to look away, trying to clear her mind.

But the more she tried not to think, the more her heart soured.

Could Xiao Qiling have lost interest in her after that kiss?

She’d spent the whole day worrying about how to face Xiao Qiling, avoiding her gaze. And now Xiao Qiling had lost interest first?

It’s human nature—when something’s out of reach, you cherish it; once attained, it loses its allure.

Yu Nanqing’s eyes widened, incredulous. Even when she jokingly said she’d seduce Si Chengli, Xiao Qiling hadn’t objected, only advising her to avoid other noblewomen.

What did that mean?

She’d fallen out of favor?

Her gaze bore into Xiao Qiling’s back, practically drilling a hole. Xiao Qiling, steady as a mountain, seemed unaffected. Noticing Yu Nanqing lagging behind, she turned and beckoned. “Not coming?”

Yu Nanqing moved slowly. “My skirt’s too long. I have to walk carefully.”

Xiao Qiling waited as Yu Nanqing dawdled. In those few steps, Yu Nanqing mentally cursed her a thousand times, even mocking her lack of sophistication.

One kiss, and she thought she knew everything?

All those Confucian classics and tutelage under old-fashioned Grand Tutor Wei—had she ever seen an erotic book?

Tch.

No more thoughtful princess consort to teach her with novels.

She’d draw a clear line with Xiao Qiling—this time for real.

Lost in her thoughts, Yu Nanqing’s expression betrayed her. A sudden laugh broke her reverie.

She snapped back, face blank. “What’s so funny?”

“Is Qingqing mad at me?” Xiao Qiling leaned closer, feigning realization. “Are you upset I’ve been neglecting you?”

Yu Nanqing: …Aaaargh!

“There are people downstairs. Behave,” she said flatly, pushing Xiao Qiling away.

Xiao Qiling glanced at the bustling crowd below, stepping back leisurely. Once they left the teahouse and reached the main street, she asked, “Really mad?”

Yu Nanqing muttered, “Do you have to ask?”

Xiao Qiling smiled, taking her hand. “Hearing you say you’d flirt with someone else made me jealous. I’m human too, Qingqing. Can’t you understand?”

Yu Nanqing’s anger dissolved, her palm burning where Xiao Qiling held it. She didn’t respond, and Xiao Qiling leaned closer, bending slightly as if in submission, her peach-blossom eyes meeting Yu Nanqing’s. “Alright, I was wrong to expect you to understand. It’s always been my wishful thinking. You never promised me anything.”

Stared at like that, Yu Nanqing’s face flushed. “Stop acting pitiful.”

“So fierce.” Xiao Qiling teased, her eyes still locked on her.

“No smiling!” Yu Nanqing glared, shaking off Xiao Qiling’s hand. Her ear pendants swung wildly. “There are so many people on the street. Stop tugging at me. What if someone sees and it ruins Prince Ning’s fearsome reputation?”

Thanks to a month of storytelling by a local performer and charitable acts by Master Xichen of Huguo Temple, the capital’s people no longer feared the bloodthirsty Prince Ning as before. But Yu Nanqing’s words were a deliberate reminder to maintain boundaries.

Xiao Qiling, unfazed, said, “This prince has been reformed by the princess consort’s influence, following her lead.”

Yu Nanqing quickly covered Xiao Qiling’s mouth, almost pleading. “Please, don’t say such things in public.”

Xiao Qiling pulled her hand away, amused. “Weren’t you quite bold when you first came to the Ning residence? All that talk of love at first sight, and now you’re shy?”

“I never—” Yu Nanqing began.

Xiao Qiling cut in, her tone suggestive. “Mm, never.”

Yu Nanqing changed the subject. “Let’s go buy some food.”

The street was lined with vendors, and Yu Nanqing bought plenty as they strolled. Xiao Qiling didn’t touch anything, even giving the rabbit cake she’d bought to Yu Nanqing.

“If you don’t like this food, why leave the teahouse?” Yu Nanqing asked, puzzled. “At least there were chairs there.”

Xiao Qiling paused, wiping Yu Nanqing’s hand with a handkerchief in the flickering lantern light. “Why do you think?”

Yu Nanqing swallowed the last of her candied haw, her lips glossy with sugar. “Your Highness has so many schemes. How could I guess?”

After a brief silence, Xiao Qiling chuckled, her tone rising. “To keep you from sneaking off to the princess residence at midnight?”

Yu Nanqing met her gaze, then burst out laughing. “What then? Will Your Highness follow me to the princess residence tomorrow?”

Xiao Qiling looked into her eyes. “That wouldn’t do.”

She leaned closer, her breath brushing Yu Nanqing’s ear. “I meant it about avoiding those noblewomen. You’re too pure-hearted and unaware of court politics. Be careful they don’t use you.”

Yu Nanqing mumbled, “I’m not stupid…”

Xiao Qiling chuckled. “Don’t act coy.”

“I’m not!” Yu Nanqing protested.

In the distance, the night sky lit up with prayer lanterns floating upward, accompanied by the joyful chatter of people by the riverbank.

Xiao Qiling said softly, “I have some leads on the West Garden’s location. At the princess residence tomorrow, just stay away from Si Chengli.”

Yu Nanqing fell silent, then smiled, leaning in provocatively. “And if I don’t listen?”

Xiao Qiling smiled back, pressing lightly on Yu Nanqing’s nape, her voice teasing her ear. “Then I’ll catch you and lock you up.”