Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 50

50: “Why Should I Offend the Eldest Princess for Your Sake?”

Yu Nanrou had come uninvited, and given the strained relations between the Duke’s Mansion and the Ning Prince’s Mansion, protocol dictated that she undergo a body search upon entering.

Yin San led Yu Nanrou to a room. Having met Yu Nanrou a few times before, Yin San was familiar with the temperament of this Fourth Miss Yu and had expected her to make a fuss. To her surprise, Yu Nanrou was unusually cooperative, even willing to remove her outer robe when asked.

The moment Yu Nanrou began to undo her waistband, Yin San coughed and quickly stopped her. “That’s enough, Miss Yu. You can put your clothes back on.”

Yu Nanrou’s tightly pursed lips relaxed, and she gave Yin San a slight nod. “Thank you.”

Yin San, holding her long sword, turned around. “Follow me.”

When they reached the front hall, Yu Nanrou saw Yu Nanqing seated at a table, calmly brewing tea.

The tea set was made of fine mutton-fat jade, intricately carved with delicate cloud and mountain patterns. Yu Nanqing’s movements were graceful and composed, a far cry from the cold neglect she had once endured in the Duke’s Mansion. Every gesture exuded an air of refined nobility, as if she were no ordinary mortal.

Yu Nanrou felt a momentary daze. When she came to her senses, she bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Your Highness, Princess Consort of Ning.”

Yu Nanqing wasn’t particularly skilled in the art of tea, but she had seen Xiao Qiling brew tea this way and had instructed the servants to bring out the tea set for her to use today.

It wasn’t for the sake of hosting Yu Nanrou; rather, it was to keep herself occupied and avoid awkward silences with her guest.

She had just finished scalding the tea cups with hot water and was recalling the steps for steeping tea when she heard Yu Nanrou’s formal greeting. Yu Nanqing paused her movements, still finding it hard to accept Yu Nanrou’s deference, even at this moment.

It was as if a weasel had suddenly come to pay New Year’s respects—her intentions were unclear.

“Just say what you came for,” Yu Nanqing said, recalling the last time Lady Li had stormed into the Ning Prince’s Mansion. She assumed Yu Nanrou was here for the same reason. “Your brother’s leg is beyond saving. If you’re here for him, don’t bother.”

“It’s not about that. What does Yu Nanbo’s leg have to do with me?” A flash of resentment crossed Yu Nanrou’s eyes, and she didn’t even call him ‘brother.’ “I’d rather he never stands again.”

Yu Nanqing caught the fleeting expression and raised an eyebrow slightly. “I’m afraid that won’t do. Yu Nanbo’s leg was treated by the Imperial Hospital. If he truly couldn’t stand, where would that leave the imperial physicians’ reputation? At most, he’ll have a lingering ailment and walk with a slight limp.”

Yu Nanrou pressed her lips together, saying nothing. Yu Nanqing leisurely poured out the first steeping of tea into a vessel, beginning the second steeping before asking, “From what you’re saying, it seems you’ve fallen out with Yu Nanbo and came here to complain. Do you want me to deal with him for you?”

After all, in her previous life, Yu Nanrou had willingly entered the Chen Prince’s Mansion. Though she had clashed with Yu Nanbo many times, she hadn’t hesitated to expose his true gender or steal his military defense plans.

Those events were long past, from a previous lifetime, and Yu Nanqing had let them go, with no intention of settling old scores in this life. However, she had no desire to get involved in the messy sibling rivalry between Yu Nanrou and Yu Nanbo over Xiao Qijun.

Yu Nanrou nodded, then shook her head, as if even she wasn’t sure how to deal with Yu Nanbo.

The man she wanted to marry was entangled with the brother she respected most. Yu Nanqing could understand her conflicted feelings and asked directly, “So, you’ve already found out about Yu Nanbo and Xiao Qijun?”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes flicked upward lazily, her smile unwavering, though her gaze was probing. “What exactly do you want me to do to help you?”

Yu Nanrou was shocked. “How… how did you know?”

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes. It’s not that surprising,” Yu Nanqing said, a trace of disgust flashing in her eyes. “Even the imperial palace has a male concubine.”

Yu Nanrou bit her lip and fell silent again. Yu Nanqing sighed, passing her a small cup of freshly brewed tea. “Alright, stop standing there. Sit down and talk.”

The steam rose gently from the teacup, warming Yu Nanrou’s cold fingers as she held it with both hands.

Though Yu Nanrou was dressed warmly, she shivered from time to time. Yu Nanqing observed her for a moment before finally confirming that Yu Nanrou was trembling. “…What are you afraid of?”

Yu Nanrou’s fingers tightened around the cup. After a long pause, she finally spoke. “Father, for the sake of the Duke’s Mansion’s future, has betrothed me to the Eldest Princess’s Mansion.”

Yu Nanqing’s gaze paused briefly, and she listened as Yu Nanrou continued. “Mother has long wanted me to enter the Chen Prince’s Mansion, as you probably know, Third Sister. So when the Noble Consort summoned me, I went eagerly. The Noble Consort kept talking to me about the Eldest Princess Rongxi and the Si family’s power. I thought she was treating me as one of her own, sharing court matters with me.”

At this point, Yu Nanrou’s suppressed sobs broke through, and she let out a soft cry. “But I never expected she meant for me to marry Si Chengli! After the Noble Consort revealed her intentions, I told my parents, and they… they…”

Yu Nanqing had already pieced together the intentions of the Duke’s Mansion, the Chen Prince’s Mansion, and the Eldest Princess’s Mansion when Yu Nanrou mentioned the princess. The arrangement benefited all three parties, with Yu Nanrou as the sole sacrifice.

Yu Nanqing calmly finished Yu Nanrou’s sentence. “But you didn’t expect your parents already knew. Yu Nanbo is crippled now, and for the Duke’s Mansion to maintain its ties with the Chen Prince’s Mansion, they need to show loyalty. The Eldest Princess Rongxi enjoys the emperor’s favor, and her only weakness is Si Chengli. Ordinary methods won’t sustain a long-term alliance—only a marriage can bind them together permanently.

Even your mother, who cares for you most, urged you to accept this marriage. After all, I’ve survived in the Ning Prince’s Mansion, and Si Chengli’s reputation is far less fearsome than the Ning Prince’s. You’d surely live comfortably there, right?”

Yu Nanrou nodded, her shocked gaze turning complex as she looked at Yu Nanqing. When she first learned of this, she had caused a scene in the Duke’s Mansion and was even locked in the ancestral hall for a night by Yu Bingru, unable to comprehend why marrying into the Eldest Princess’s Mansion was more advantageous than the Chen Prince’s Mansion.

Wasn’t being the Chen Prince’s confidante enough to save the Duke’s Mansion?

It wasn’t until the next day, when Yu Bingru explained the stakes, that she understood.

Yet Yu Nanqing had grasped the entire web of interests in mere moments. Thinking back to how she had bullied Yu Nanqing in the Duke’s Mansion, Yu Nanrou felt a chill of fear.

As if reading her thoughts, Yu Nanqing chuckled softly. “Don’t worry, I won’t kick you while you’re down.”

Yu Nanrou instinctively exhaled in relief. Did that mean Yu Nanqing had a way to help her?

Her gaze turned hopeful as she looked at Yu Nanqing. “Third Sister, you can help me, right? I’m begging you. I have no one else to turn to.”

Yu Nanqing sipped her tea, her eyes lingering on Yu Nanrou’s haggard expression. After a long pause, she asked, “The Si family controls the imperial guard, and the princess’s late husband died for the emperor. Why should I offend the Si family and the Eldest Princess Rongxi for your sake?”

“I…” Yu Nanrou wanted to say that if Yu Nanqing helped her, she’d do anything in return. She was truly desperate.

But the words caught in her throat, unsaid.

Yu Nanqing, now the Princess Consort of Ning, possessed everything Yu Nanrou had once dreamed of when she fantasized about marrying into the Chen Prince’s Mansion. What value could her vague promise of “anything” possibly hold for Yu Nanqing?

Yu Nanrou bit her lip, her eyes reddening as she gave a bitter smile. “You’re right. I treated you so poorly before—why would you help me? Even my parents and brother are scheming against me. I’m just a tool to them.”

“If I don’t help you, what will you do?” Yu Nanqing leaned forward, her gaze piercing. “As your parents said, they knew I might die marrying into the Ning Prince’s Mansion, yet they sent me anyway. Why should I help you?”

Yu Nanrou’s hands clenched tightly. “I know I wronged you back then. I… I deserve this. Honestly, Si Chengli’s reputation isn’t as bad as the rumors make it seem. If I marry him as his legal wife, the Eldest Princess will surely ensure my survival for the sake of her reputation.”

Yu Nanrou seemed to be speaking to Yu Nanqing, but it felt more like she was consoling herself. Though her knuckles were still white from gripping the teacup, she stood up. “I’ve disturbed Your Highness today. This humble girl will take her leave.”

As Yu Nanrou rose, she stumbled but quickly steadied herself. Yu Nanqing watched her retreating figure, her mind flashing with the image of Yu Nanrou’s pale face and the despair in her words.

For a woman, marriage was a matter of utmost importance. From birth, girls were taught that they must obey their husbands, that their lives depended on them.

In her previous life, Yu Nanqing had studied tirelessly to escape such a passive fate.

Si Chengli’s depraved habits were no secret among the capital’s elite. Watching Yu Nanrou’s faltering steps, Yu Nanqing’s gaze wavered, a trace of hesitation surfacing.

“Wait.”

Yu Nanrou, about to cross the threshold, froze at the sound of Yu Nanqing’s voice. She no longer held any hope. The once-arrogant Fourth Miss of the Duke’s Mansion now lacked even the courage to turn around. “Does Your Highness have further instructions?”

“Did I say you could leave?” Yu Nanqing’s voice came from behind.

Yu Nanrou had no choice but to turn back, her eyes hollow as she stared at the tea set in front of Yu Nanqing, silent.

“I can help you,” Yu Nanqing said slowly. “But in exchange, I need your help with something.”

Yu Nanrou’s body jolted, and she turned around in disbelief. Tears began to fall from her eyes. “Really?”

“Of course.” They were some distance apart, and Yu Nanqing, tired of raising her voice, pointed to the seat Yu Nanrou had just vacated. “Come back and sit. Do you expect me to crane my neck and shout at you?”

Yu Nanrou’s lips trembled as she looked at Yu Nanqing. Her silent tears turned into sobs, then full-blown crying as she sat down. “I really don’t want to marry into the Eldest Princess’s Mansion. I’m so, so scared.”

Yu Nanqing signaled for Chen Xiang to bring a basin of water and a cloth. She waited patiently for Yu Nanrou to compose herself before handing her a fresh cup of tea.

“Ruining this marriage is both difficult and simple,” Yu Nanqing said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and meeting Yu Nanrou’s gaze. “As long as the Eldest Princess’s Mansion falls, you’ll be free.”

Yu Nanrou stared at Yu Nanqing, stunned. “How is that possible? Even if the Chen Prince’s Mansion loses power, the Eldest Princess’s Mansion won’t fall.”

Rongxi, the Eldest Princess, was deeply favored by Emperor Wenjing, and her late husband’s sacrifice had earned her an immunity from death. How could her household collapse?

“Have there not been plenty of princesses who fell from grace throughout history? Rongxi relies on the emperor’s favor, but what if she threatens the stability of the realm?” Yu Nanqing took Yu Nanrou’s hand. “Do you know about the West Garden?”

Yu Nanrou calmed herself and thought for a moment before shaking her head. “What is the West Garden?”

Yu Nanqing explained, “From what I know, to curry favor with court officials and secure the emperor’s rule, Rongxi established a place called the ‘West Garden.’ It’s filled with young, attractive men and women, most of whom are abducted commoners of good standing.”

“So you want to find the West Garden?” Yu Nanrou seemed to catch on, frowning. “But with so many people involved, even if it’s reported to the emperor, it might only result in a light punishment. The Eldest Princess’s Mansion has had deaths in its backyard before. If this comes to light, it’ll be seen as a stain on the court. They’ll likely brush it off with a minor penalty, like docking a few months’ salary.”

“That’s why I need to locate the West Garden early to have the chance to expose it publicly and make a big deal out of it.” Yu Nanqing tightened her grip on Yu Nanrou’s hand. “Today, the Eldest Princess’s Mansion is holding a lotus-viewing banquet. As Si Chengli’s soon-to-be wife, I need you to channel the boldness you used to bully me in the Duke’s Mansion. Cause a scene in his backyard to give me enough time to approach and question those girls.”

Yu Nanrou took a sip of water, hesitating. “Will they know where the West Garden is?”

“I don’t know,” Yu Nanqing admitted frankly. “The capital is vast. Searching house by house, how long would it take to find the West Garden? Or perhaps it’s not even in the capital. Since the Duke’s Mansion and the Eldest Princess’s Mansion have reached an agreement, your wedding date won’t be far off. The West Garden is the only way I can think of to bring down the Eldest Princess. Whether you want to seize this chance at the lotus banquet is up to you.”

“But… but…” Yu Nanrou wavered. Her past arrogance had been backed by the Duke’s Mansion’s favor, limited to lording over others within its walls.

To cause a scene in the Eldest Princess’s Mansion, in Si Chengli’s backyard, made her heart falter.

Worse, if the plan was exposed, would the Duke’s Mansion, to appease the Eldest Princess, simply hand her over?

Would she have any way out then?

“I’m scared,” Yu Nanrou admitted, biting her lip. “I don’t know if I dare.”

Yu Nanqing had been watching Yu Nanrou’s expressions closely and guessed her true concerns. She reassured her, “Once you leave the Eldest Princess’s Mansion, I’ll have my hidden guards take you to Huguo Temple overnight. Huguo Temple protects the Great Qi dynasty. Even if Rongxi knows you’re there, she won’t dare cause trouble. Besides, I have some connection with Master Xichen. He’ll ensure your safety.”

Yu Nanrou had heard of Master Xichen, a revered monk so respected that even Emperor Wenjing would wait patiently for him to finish his meditation. “How do you have such a connection with him?” she asked, skeptical. Other claims she could believe, but Master Xichen was practically beyond the secular world.

Yu Nanqing blinked slowly. What connection did she have with Xichen?

Should she say he had seen through her reincarnation?

Or that her mother had donated vast sums to Huguo Temple for decades? Or that she herself had donated three thousand taels of gold?

If three thousand taels couldn’t protect one life, then Huguo Temple’s incense didn’t deserve to keep burning.

Yu Nanqing didn’t elaborate, instead saying cryptically, “In any case, I’ll ensure your safety.”

Yu Nanrou was out of options. Biting her lip, she nodded firmly. “Alright, I agree.”

Yu Nanqing felt a weight lift from her heart. This was a risky move for both of them, but at least this step had succeeded.

After Chen Xiang helped Yu Nanrou wash her face, Yu Nanqing instructed, “Take Fourth Miss to my courtyard. Give her that unworn butterfly-pink cloud-patterned thousand-water dress to change into and do her makeup to cover the traces of her crying.”

Yu Nanrou’s current appearance was too disheveled. Not only were her eyes swollen from crying, but her skirt hem was also dusty. If she went to the Princess’s Mansion like this, she’d hardly be able to hold her head high.

Yu Nanrou looked at Yu Nanqing gratefully and said softly, “Thank you, Third Sister.”

Yu Nanqing waved her off. “Go. Pick whatever jewelry you like, but don’t choose anything too ornate or cumbersome to avoid trouble.”

With Si Chengli at the Princess’s Mansion, Yu Nanrou wouldn’t dare dress too conspicuously, even if she hadn’t caught Rongxi’s eye. She nodded, fully compliant. “I understand.”

Once Yu Nanrou was taken to get ready, Yu Nanqing rubbed her temples and called out to the shadow guard about to leave. “Miss Yin San.”

Yin San stopped and turned. “Does Your Highness have any orders?”

“At this hour, Her Highness should have just finished the morning court session and be on her way to the Ministry of Works, right?” Yu Nanqing said considerately. “Her Highness is so busy. Some things don’t need to be reported to her, don’t you think?”

Yin San hesitated, not daring to nod.

Yu Nanqing clicked her tongue softly, walked over, and took Yin San’s hand, placing it near her cheek. In an overly gentle and intimate tone, she said, “If you report me, I’ll tell Her Highness that you molested me today.”

Yin San’s pupils shrank, and she tried to pull her hand back, but Yu Nanqing held it tighter. Her fox-like eyes gleamed with mischief. “Don’t worry. As long as you don’t snitch, I won’t make things difficult for you. You’ve been with me so long—don’t you understand my intentions?”

Yin San, who could remain calm even when surrounded by dozens of enemies, closed her eyes in despair.

Intentions? Was the word “intentions” used like that?

She didn’t dare understand Yu Nanqing’s intentions. If she did, the next time Her Highness had a poison flare-up, she’d be the one used as a punching bag.

She finally understood why her stoic, ascetic prince was so enchanted by this princess consort that she willingly handed over military funds and gold mines.

This wasn’t a person—she was a demon, the kind that devoured people without spitting out the bones!

Yin San stiffened, afraid Yu Nanqing would come closer.

Seeing her guard’s alarmed expression, Yu Nanqing couldn’t help but laugh, releasing Yin San’s hand and patting her shoulder while chuckling. “Yin San, I’m liking you more and more.”

Yin San found Yu Nanqing increasingly terrifying.

Yu Nanqing placed both hands on Yin San’s shoulders, locking eyes with her. “Look into my eyes. You won’t report me to Her Highness, right?”

Caught between negligence and molesting the princess consort, Yin San chose the former, nodding dully. “Mm.”

Yu Nanqing clapped her hands happily. “I knew we were on the same wavelength.”

Yin San: …

At the third quarter of the noon hour, Yu Nanqing and Yu Nanrou arrived at the Eldest Princess Rongxi’s Mansion in separate carriages. Many carriages were already parked at the entrance, and upon entering, Yu Nanqing recognized most of the faces. Over half of the female guests had been at the West Mountain hunting grounds, especially the families of high-ranking officials.

Clearly, Rongxi’s influence in the capital was even greater than rumored, enough to draw the wives and daughters of prominent families.

The lotus garden of the Eldest Princess’s Mansion lived up to its reputation. Upon entering, guests were greeted by vibrant clusters of blooming lotuses, their red and white petals exuding a subtle fragrance—elegant and refined, a favorite of scholars and literati.

Though it wasn’t yet the season for lotus viewing, the mansion’s lotuses, said to be a Western variety, bloomed earlier, more vibrantly, and lasted longer than others in the capital, surpassing even the imperial garden’s lotus pond.

Guests marveled and praised, finding a unique charm in the flower appreciation.

The garden was expansive, with pavilions and terraces scattered across the lotus pond, perfect for groups of women to gather, sip tea, and chat.

Rongxi signaled to a nearby maid, and servants promptly brought out delicate snacks made from lotus petals and roots, distributing them to the guests.

Standing beside Rongxi, Princess Ruiqian picked up a piece of pastry. The lotus fragrance melted in her mouth, sweet but not cloying, exquisitely crafted. She exclaimed, “Royal Sister, I didn’t have such treats when I visited your mansion last year.”

“Like it? Then try this milk tea.” Rongxi said, pointing to a nearby teacup.

Ruiqian took a sip, her smile widening. “This tastes like something from those city restaurants. Last time, I tried to buy one of their chefs, but no amount of silver worked. How did you manage it?”

Other guests also recognized the flavor. Rongxi, stroking her long, manicured nails, smiled toward Yu Nanqing. “I couldn’t buy the chef either. I even thought about using my influence, but guess what? I found out it’s the Ning Princess Consort’s business. As her aunt, how could I steal her prize? Instead, I sent lotus flowers and roots to the restaurant, and they made these delicacies. I had to share them with everyone today.”

If it were anyone else, they’d have offered the chef to Rongxi by now. But Rongxi was dealing with Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing stepped forward, bowing slightly to Rongxi. “It’s an honor for my restaurant to earn Aunt’s favor. I’ll reward those chefs when I return.”

And that was it.

Even Ruiqian’s expression stiffened slightly.

But Rongxi, true to her status as the Eldest Princess, maintained her smile without a flicker. She looked at Yu Nanqing with concern. “I heard you caught a cold a few days ago. Are you feeling better today?”

Yu Nanqing, ever courteous, bowed again. “Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I’m fully recovered.”

Rongxi adjusted the ornate phoenix hairpin in her hair, which gleamed under the light, exuding regal dignity. “That’s good to hear. When your sister marries, you can come to the Princess’s Mansion to help out.”

Her words drew surprised looks from the surrounding women. After all, it was no secret that Yu Nanrou had been summoned by the Noble Consort. Yet now, Rongxi was asking Yu Nanqing to help at the Princess’s Mansion?

Was this a sign that Yu Nanrou was to marry into the Princess’s Mansion?

The news of Yu Nanqing burning down the Duke’s Mansion had spread widely, and most of the women present knew of her rift with the Duke’s Mansion. Rongxi’s words were clearly meant to humiliate Yu Nanqing while elevating her soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

“Nanrou is my sister. Of course, I’ll help with her wedding. The Ning Prince’s Mansion will prepare generous gifts.” Yu Nanqing said, her smile impeccable, though anyone could see she was suppressing anger.

Rongxi pulled Yu Nanrou to her side, praising her repeatedly in front of everyone—her virtue, talent, and beauty. The guests, all sharp-minded, didn’t question Rongxi’s move to snatch a bride from the Noble Consort, even if they had doubts.

It was clear now: the lotus banquet was a pretext. The real purpose was to gather the capital’s elite women to give her new daughter-in-law prestige and recognition.

After Rongxi spoke, the women showered her with congratulations for finding such a fine daughter-in-law.

Yu Nanqing watched the farce, pondering how to slip away, when Rongxi smiled and patted Yu Nanrou’s hand. “Chengli is strong and healthy. On your wedding day, I’ll ask my imperial brother to have the imperial guard escort you, circling the capital three times so the entire city can witness your grand marriage. How’s that?”

Ruiqian covered her mouth, laughing. “Royal Sister, you’re going too far. The bride hasn’t even entered the mansion, and you’re already planning the escort? Three circles is excessive—do you want the bride to circle from morning to night?”

Rongxi laughed, tapping her forehead. “Look at me, so excited I forgot how big the capital is. I’ll need to consult the Ministry of Rites to avoid any embarrassment.”

Ruiqian, catching Rongxi’s intent, pointed at Yu Nanqing. “Speaking of which, didn’t the Ning Princess Consort just get married a few months ago? Why not share her experience?”

Everyone knew the Ning Prince had been bedridden on his wedding day, with no escort procession. Ruiqian’s words silenced the crowd, leaving only the sound of wind rustling through the lotus leaves.

As the atmosphere grew tense, Yu Nanqing seized the moment, rising and leaving the gathering.

Despite such an affront, Rongxi said nothing, merely smiling and gesturing to a maid. “The Ning Princess Consort must be tired of the lotuses. The mansion has other sights. Take her for a tour.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the maid said, bowing and hurrying after Yu Nanqing.

Once the maid left, laughter and chatter resumed over the lotus pond.

After all, who were they to comment on Rongxi’s attempt to put the Ning Princess Consort in her place?

Yin San accompanied Yu Nanqing through the garden for a long time. The Princess’s Mansion was lavishly built, though not as grand as the Ning Prince’s Mansion, once the Crown Prince’s residence. Every inch was meticulously crafted, with pavilions and towers every few steps.

At a heavily guarded courtyard, the maid sent by Rongxi stepped forward, blocking Yu Nanqing’s path. “Your Highness, this is the young master’s backyard. Outsiders aren’t permitted.”

The courtyard was eerily quiet, and with armed guards holding spears at the entrance, it resembled a cold prison more than a backyard.

Yu Nanqing glanced at it, then gave Yin San a subtle signal. Yin San, dressed unusually in a maid’s delicate skirt, moved swiftly despite her attire. With a single strike to the maid’s neck, she knocked her out effortlessly.

Yin San dragged the maid to a nearby bamboo grove. The entrance was heavily guarded, making entry impossible. After scouting, Yin San suggested, “We could climb the wall.”

Yu Nanqing hadn’t come up with a better plan. They had a way in, but the person meant to buy them time hadn’t arrived yet. Disappearing for too long would surely arouse Rongxi’s suspicion.

“Let’s wait a bit,” Yu Nanqing said.

Having spent much time with Yu Nanqing, Yin San was no longer as cold as before and even showed concern. “Your Highness, do you really trust your sister? What if she tells Rongxi our plan?”

Yu Nanqing’s expression remained calm. “Yu Nanrou was raised by Lady Li to believe marrying well is her path to glory. She loves power, but she’s not foolish enough to gamble her life.”

If Yu Nanrou betrayed her, then Yu Nanqing had misjudged her. In that case, she’d wish her well in enjoying wealth and honor in the Princess’s Mansion.

Yin San was about to argue when a voice rang out from the courtyard gate.

“How dare you! Is there anywhere in the Eldest Princess’s Mansion I can’t go? Open your dog eyes and look—I’m your future young mistress! If I report this to the Eldest Princess, how many heads do you have to lose?”

It was Yu Nanrou.

Yu Nanqing couldn’t help but laugh. No one was better suited to make a scene here than Yu Nanrou.

The mansion had already begun preparing for the wedding, and the guards had heard of it. They hesitated at her words.

“Miss Yu, the Ning Princess Consort isn’t inside. If you’re looking for someone, please search elsewhere. Don’t make things difficult for us.”

Yu Nanrou pointed at the gate, her hairpins shaking with fury. “What’s in there?”

The guards, after much reluctance, told the truth. “This is the young master’s backyard. It’s best if you don’t see it, Miss Yu.”

Yu Nanrou grew even more defiant, acting as if she’d force her way in. “Oh? The young master’s backyard? Then I have even more reason to take a look. By custom, shouldn’t they pay respects to me?”

The guards tried to dissuade her. “But you haven’t entered the mansion yet. This isn’t proper—it’s against etiquette.”

“Against etiquette? What a joke.” Yu Nanrou’s eyes turned icy, her voice rising. “Do you know who my father is? He’s a third-rank Vice Minister of Rites! Would I do anything improper? Get out of my way, you filthy servants!”

Without waiting for their response, Yu Nanrou charged forward.

As the future legal wife of their master, the guards hesitated to physically stop her due to propriety. In that moment of indecision, Yu Nanrou barged in.

Yu Nanqing, watching the spectacle, was thoroughly impressed. She had to admit, Yu Nanrou’s knack for throwing tantrums was quite entertaining when directed at others.

She beckoned to Yin San, strolling as casually as if she were in the Ning Prince’s Mansion. “Come on, Yin San. Time to get to work.”