Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 52

52: The Return of Her Highness

Time was running out for Yu Nanqing. The commotion caused by Yu Nanrou in the backyard quickly reached the ears of Princess Rongxi.

Surrounded by a throng of female attendants, the guards had to wait a considerable time before being granted an audience with the princess.

Standing nearby, Princess Ruiqian, unlike the other women who kept their distance, teased Princess Rongxi with a playful smile, “Your daughter-in-law is quite the spirited one, Royal Sister. She’s got a bit of your boldness from back in the day.”

Princess Rongxi, her expression initially sour, couldn’t help but laugh at the remark. She shot Ruiqian a mock-reproachful glance. “That was ages ago, and you’re still teasing me about it?”

She smoothed her long, manicured nails and turned to Lady Li, the wife of Duke Guo, with a smile. “She’s still young and impulsive, unable to hold back her feelings. Not even married yet, and she’s already storming into Chengli’s courtyard. It seems we need to settle on a wedding date soon. I’ll ask His Majesty to issue the decree promptly. If we delay too long, I’m afraid neither of them will be able to wait.”

“Yes, yes, everything shall be as Your Highness decides,” Lady Li replied, her face beaming with a smile, though her heart was pounding with anxiety.

Yu Nanrou had been confined at home for several days. That morning, when Lady Li visited her, Yu Nanrou had suddenly seemed to come around, clinging to her and speaking heartfelt words.

But the moment Lady Li turned her back, Yu Nanrou vanished. Later, a servant reported that she had left the mansion.

Before coming to the princess’s residence, Lady Li had prepared excuses to deflect Princess Rongxi’s inquiries. She never expected Yu Nanrou to show up on her own. Despite her apparent reluctance to marry, Yu Nanrou was now acting as if she were eager, even going so far as to confront the concubines in Chengli’s courtyard. This only heightened Lady Li’s unease.

“They say marriages are decided by parents and matchmakers. Since our families have already agreed, why not let the two young ones meet today?” Princess Rongxi’s tone was inquiring, but she had no intention of waiting for Lady Li’s opinion. She turned to her attendant and, with a meaningful glint in her eyes, instructed, “The backyard is full of girls, and Rou’er might struggle to handle them. Bring Chengli over and have him look after her properly. Make sure she isn’t mistreated.”

The attendant nodded obediently.

Placing Si Chengli and Yu Nanrou together in the backyard—if something were to happen… Lady Li’s face paled, and she tried to object. “Your Highness, this might not be appropriate, don’t you think?”

“What’s inappropriate about it?” Princess Rongxi said, taking Lady Li’s hand with a smile. “No matter what, Rou’er will be Chengli’s legitimate wife, the daughter-in-law I’ve chosen. What is there to worry about?”

With Princess Rongxi’s assurance, even if something did happen, Yu Nanrou would not be demoted to a concubine. Lady Li hesitated for a moment, meeting the princess’s authoritative gaze, and finally nodded in agreement.

In Si Chengli’s Backyard

The women stood in a line, heads bowed, listening to the lecture.

When Yu Nanqing’s mother was alive, she had never bothered to compete with Lady Li, so the backyard was rarely a place of strife. As a result, Yu Nanrou’s repeated declarations to the women boiled down to a few lines: “My father is the Duke, my father is the Vice Minister of Rites, I am the future lady of this household, and you must respect me.”

Exhausted from her tirade and mindful of the need to buy time for Yu Nanqing, Yu Nanrou grew bored and summoned a maid to recite the rules of the Duke’s household, passing the time.

When the maid reached the seventeenth rule, a loud announcement came from outside the courtyard: “The Young Master has arrived.”

Yu Nanrou turned and saw Si Chengli approaching.

Dressed in a navy-blue robe embroidered with crane patterns, Si Chengli’s tall, slender figure stood out under the corridor. From a distance, he carried the air of a refined nobleman of the imperial family.

But as he drew closer, the dark circles under his eyes became apparent, and his unusually pale complexion undermined the elegance of his fine attire. A strong smell of alcohol wafted from him, suggesting he was either still drunk from lunch or hadn’t sobered up from the previous night.

Si Chengli’s emotions were written plainly on his face. He scanned the group with impatience. “Who’s causing trouble? Why did my mother summon me to deal with this?”

The women lowered their heads timidly, but Yu Nanrou held his gaze. Si Chengli’s eyes soon settled on her, pausing briefly as his displeasure softened slightly. “You look somewhat familiar. Are you the one stirring things up?”

A servant whispered in his ear, “This is the fourth young lady of Duke Yu’s household, the future lady chosen for you by Her Highness. She’s here to meet you, and…”

The servant glanced at Yu Nanrou and lowered his voice. “Her Highness instructed that the princess’s residence has its own rules. Since Miss Yu is unaware of them, you’re to discipline her properly in the courtyard and ensure she doesn’t embarrass the princess’s household in the front courtyard.”

Si Chengli understood the implication immediately. His gaze toward Yu Nanrou took on a blatant hint of desire. “Is that what my mother said?”

The servant smiled and confirmed, “Absolutely, it was Madam Yu who delivered the message.”

Si Chengli waved dismissively. “Fine, I understand.”

Yu Nanrou didn’t catch what the servant whispered to Si Chengli, but the sudden shift in his demeanor and the way he looked at her made her deeply uncomfortable. She furrowed her brow but maintained a calm demeanor, curtsying slightly. “This humble girl, Yu Nanrou, greets the Young Master.”

“So, you’re the girl from Duke Yu’s household? They say the Duke’s daughters are beauties, and seeing you today, it’s true.” Si Chengli adjusted his sleeves and stepped closer.

When he reached out, Yu Nanrou instinctively stepped back, avoiding his touch, and curtsied again. “The Young Master is as impressive as the rumors say, truly a refined gentleman.”

Her retreat caused Si Chengli to frown. It had been a long time since anyone dared defy him like this. A flash of menace crossed his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Miss Yu has a way with words. I’m sure you’ll bring some liveliness to this courtyard once you’re married.”

With that, Si Chengli signaled to the guards around him. They moved swiftly, grabbing the women Yu Nanrou had brought out of the room.

Their rough handling was clearly not how one would treat a mistress. Yu Nanrou froze for a moment, but when the guards seized her maid, she snapped back to reality. Pulling the maid’s hand, she forced herself to stay calm and asked, “Young Master, what is the meaning of this?”

“These people are in the way,” Si Chengli said with a sinister smile, reaching for her again. “Since you’ve come to see me, I’ll naturally clear the space for us to be alone.”

Yu Nanrou dodged to the side in alarm.

Si Chengli wasn’t in a hurry. He followed her every step, confident she couldn’t escape the courtyard.

Yu Nanrou’s voice trembled with panic. “What do you mean by this, Young Master?!”

“I’ve heard the Duke’s household lacks proper upbringing,” Si Chengli sneered, shaking his head. “I saw you from afar at the Xishan hunting grounds, but I didn’t think much of it then. Now, look at you—who gave you the right to come to my courtyard and make a scene? Our engagement? What a joke!”

“You think once you’re married, I’ll treat you with respect?” he continued, tugging at his belt, his robe now disheveled. “I may not understand court politics, but I know you’re just a pawn your father used to curry favor with my mother and Prince Chen. Last night, I dealt with someone troublesome, and I’m in a foul mood. You’d better come here now, or when you’re married… you’ll regret it.”

Yu Nanrou’s hand trembled as she gripped a sturdy tree branch. She had prepared herself mentally for facing Si Chengli, but now, confronted with his blatant disdain, she realized she was powerless. Even as a daughter of the Duke’s household, not yet married into the princess’s residence, Si Chengli dared to belittle her so openly. Thinking of the women who had been dragged away and locked up, she gritted her teeth, pinning her hopes on Yu Nanqing to uncover some leverage against the princess’s household.

Behind her was a pond, and the ground beneath her feet was muddy. Though the weather had warmed, the breeze from the lake carried a damp chill.

As Si Chengli closed in, Yu Nanrou’s mind didn’t fill with fear but with a memory—the winter day she had pushed Yu Nanqing into a lake. The ice had barely thawed, and Yu Nanqing, pushed by her maid, was declared beyond saving by several doctors. She burned with fever for three days before waking. How cold must that have been?

When Yu Nanrou was abandoned by the parents and brother she trusted, only this sister, whom she had tormented endlessly, was willing to help her.

Even if Prince Ning’s household investigated the West Garden, Yu Nanqing wouldn’t have risked herself so early if not for her.

Yu Nanqing was still somewhere in this courtyard, and she couldn’t let Si Chengli find her. Yu Nanrou tightened her grip. She couldn’t marry into the princess’s residence, and Yu Nanqing finding evidence in the West Garden was her only way out.

With Princess Rongxi hosting a grand lotus-viewing banquet today, Yu Nanrou decided to take a gamble. As Si Chengli reached for her, she closed her eyes and leaped backward into the pond.

Splash—

The loud splash triggered screams from the maids who hadn’t been taken away.

“Miss!”

“Someone, save my lady! She can’t swim!”

The women at the doorway also cried out in panic. Amid the chaos, some rushed to save her, while others ran to report to Princess Rongxi in the front courtyard. The princess’s backyard descended into pandemonium.

Seizing the opportunity, Yu Nanqing had Yin San escort her over the wall. At a corner, she instructed Yin San, “Go check on Yu Nanrou.”

“With so many people there, she won’t die,” Yin San replied, unimpressed by Yu Nanrou’s past actions. Seeing Yu Nanqing’s insistence, she reluctantly complied. “The princess won’t let her die either.”

Princess Rongxi wouldn’t easily find another noble family willing to marry their daughter into her household. Still, Yu Nanqing persisted, “Just go check, for my peace of mind.”

Unable to refuse, Yin San leaped onto the wall and vanished.

The gathering sunset painted the sky, and the sunlight outside the courtyard pierced through the gloom, slanting into Yu Nanqing’s eyes. Leaning against the wall, she clutched the ledger hidden at her chest and let out a heavy breath.

She hoped Xiao Qiling wouldn’t be too angry when she saw this ledger. No, perhaps a little anger was fine—just a tiny bit, considering the lengths she went to obtain it.

Yin San’s lightness skill was swift, and she soon reappeared before Yu Nanqing. “She’s been pulled out, still conscious. A doctor is with her.”

Yu Nanqing asked, “Have the ladies arrived?”

Yin San nodded. “Several ladies and young misses were already there when I left, including Lady Li.”

Relieved, Yu Nanqing knew Yu Nanrou would be safe with so many witnesses. She oriented herself and headed toward their arrival route. “Let’s find a chance to leave the residence soon.”

Yin San agreed, “Alright.”

But as they passed through the garden between the front and back courtyards, a madam who served Princess Rongxi appeared, bowing respectfully to Yu Nanqing with a smile. “Greetings, Princess Ning.”

Yu Nanqing eyed the guards behind the madam and frowned. “What is the meaning of this, madam?”

The madam smiled. “Her Highness requests your presence for a talk. She apologizes for her poor hospitality earlier and sent me to find you. It took quite some time to locate you.”

Clearly a seasoned servant from the palace, the madam’s demeanor was impeccable, her words laced with subtle barbs.

Yu Nanqing pretended not to catch the insinuation and smiled. “It’s my first time at the princess’s residence, and everything feels so novel. I wandered a bit too far. The estate is so vast, it took asking several people to find my way back. But since Madam says she searched for me so long, I suppose I’m not entirely to blame.”

The madam’s smile stiffened briefly before she recovered. “The Princess is quite right.”

Yu Nanqing nodded, intending to sidestep her, but a guard stepped forward, blocking her path.

Yin San immediately positioned herself in front of Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing gently patted Yin San’s arm. After a shared glance, Yin San stepped back.

Smiling at the madam, Yu Nanqing said, “My maid hasn’t been fully trained and lacks manners—my apologies for the embarrassment. But what’s the meaning of these guards?”

The madam didn’t answer, suddenly recalling something. “Speaking of maids, I remember Her Highness assigned one to guide you. Where is she now?”

Her sharp, narrowed eyes gave off the air of a seasoned palace servant, as if she could see through anyone’s heart.

Yu Nanqing, prepared for such questioning, smiled calmly. “With your future lady falling into the pond, she rushed to help and make a name for herself. How could she bother with an overlooked princess like me?”

Her tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction. The madam, picking up on it, studied her for a moment before bowing apologetically. “I’ll ensure that maid is disciplined properly for the Princess.”

Yu Nanqing, tired of circling with the madam, said bluntly, “No need. I’m tired and would like to leave. Please step aside.”

But the madam had no intention of letting her go. Smiling, she said, “Oh, I nearly forgot—Her Highness wishes to speak with you.”

Yu Nanqing’s heart skipped a beat.

The ledger from Miss Mei was still tucked against her chest, and she feared Princess Rongxi might suspect something. Instinctively, she stepped closer to Yin San.

Yin San’s brow furrowed sharply.

Accompanying Yu Nanqing to Si Chengli’s backyard was already a breach of Xiao Qiling’s orders. If something happened to Yu Nanqing now, Yin San would have no way to explain herself to Xiao Qiling.

Stepping forward, Yin San blocked Yu Nanqing’s path, offering not a curtsy but a formal bow, her movements revealing her martial prowess. “The Princess is unwell and must return to the residence. Please inform Her Highness that Prince Ning will personally visit to apologize another day.”

The madam smiled. “What are you saying? Her Highness sent me specifically to apologize for her future daughter-in-law’s behavior, to avoid straining relations between the princess’s and Prince Ning’s households. Surely the Princess won’t deny her this courtesy?”

Yin San’s brow tightened, and the madam bowed again, joined by the guards who blocked Yu Nanqing’s path.

Yu Nanqing frowned.

Princess Rongxi was only requesting a meeting. Refusing outright might seem overly defensive and arouse her suspicion.

Seeing Yu Nanqing’s silence, the madam smiled and stepped aside. “Princess, please.”

Yin San, still wary, tried to intervene as Yu Nanqing stepped forward, but a single glance from Yu Nanqing stopped her. Clenching her fists, Yin San followed silently.

At the entrance to Princess Rongxi’s pavilion, the madam stopped Yin San, her smile deepening. “No need to worry, miss. Her Highness bears no ill will toward the Princess. She’ll be returned safely. We’ve prepared food for you—come with me.”

Yin San’s eyes flashed with menace, her hand brushing the dagger in her sleeve. “No need. I’ll wait here for the Princess.”

The madam didn’t press, pointing to a corner by the door. “Very well, wait there.”

Inside, Princess Rongxi, tired from entertaining the ladies, was having her shoulders massaged by a maid when she heard footsteps. She glanced up faintly.

Yu Nanqing curtsied. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Dressed in a teal cloud-patterned silk gown with a sheer gauze robe, Yu Nanqing wore only simple jade hairpins. At the lotus-viewing event, Princess Rongxi hadn’t paid her much attention, but now, up close, she noticed one of the hairpins—a double-phoenix jade piece—had belonged to the late Empress.

Did Xiao Qiling value this princess so highly?

Princess Rongxi straightened slightly, reappraising Yu Nanqing. She had heard Yu Nanqing’s mother came from a merchant family. The Ji family of Yuezhou might be an enviable imperial merchant to others, but to her, they were insignificant.

What refinement could a merchant’s daughter have?

Yet, Yu Nanqing had made waves at the Xishan hunting grounds, and her effortless grace now rivaled even princesses raised in the palace’s luxury.

No wonder she had captivated her discerning nephew.

Xiao Qiling had never been close to her, and she couldn’t entirely blame him for her opposition to him. If he ever ascended the throne, what would become of her princess’s residence and its wealth?

Back when Emperor Wuxuan fought across the realm, his valor as Crown Prince didn’t secure him the throne. Now, his son was equally unfit for such glory.

Princess Rongxi withdrew her scrutinizing gaze, her brow lifting slightly as she gestured to a cushioned seat. “No need for formalities, Aunt thought you felt my hospitality lacking and were unwilling to meet.”

“With Your Highness’s gracious invitation, how could I refuse?” Yu Nanqing smiled faintly, bypassing the soft seat and choosing a nearby chair.

Princess Rongxi waved the maid away. “Leave us. Have some food brought in.”

The maid replied respectfully, “Yes, Your Highness.”

Yu Nanqing lowered her gaze, saying nothing.

Soon, servants entered with exquisite dishes, each served in delicate celadon bowls with ice-crack patterns, distinct from those used at the lotus-viewing event. The dishes, clearly prepared with care, were Jiangnan specialties.

The centerpiece, a vinegar fish dish, glistened with thick, tangy sauce, its sharp aroma filling the air.

Yu Nanqing smiled inwardly—not all Jiangnan natives enjoyed this dish. Sitting across from Princess Rongxi, she didn’t touch her chopsticks and asked directly, “Your Highness, what matter do you wish to discuss? Please speak plainly.”

“This is a chef I brought back to the capital,” Princess Rongxi said, pouring wine for herself and Yu Nanqing. “He’s not often needed, but he improves my meals occasionally. Your visit today is perfect timing. Try it?” The wine wasn’t the usual clear liquor of the capital but a yellowish-brown hue, more fitting for Yuezhou than the vinegar fish.

Princess Rongxi sipped half her cup, gesturing to Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing hesitated, eyeing the wine poured from the same jug. It shouldn’t be poisoned—Princess Rongxi wouldn’t be so foolish as to risk her household’s reputation. Knowing her own tolerance, Yu Nanqing noted yellow wine’s lower potency but stronger aftereffect. Unable to refuse, she drank half a cup.

Princess Rongxi refilled both cups with a smile and began eating.

“When Qiling was young, the Empress was often unwell, so I helped raise him,” Princess Rongxi said fondly, then sighed. “But now that he’s grown, he’s grown distant from me.”

Yu Nanqing offered a gentle smile. “How could that be, Aunt? You’re overthinking. As His Majesty’s most cherished sister, you’re naturally the aunt most respected by the princes. With Your Highness back in court and often plagued by your condition, it’s only natural you’re busier than Prince Chen, who can accompany you for wine and tea. That leaves idle people like me to attend to you.”

Her words were sharp, and Princess Rongxi’s smile froze, a flicker of anger in her eyes quickly suppressed. “What are you saying? All the princes are my nephews, treated equally. Now that Prince Chen’s confinement is lifted, he can serve His Majesty again. I urge Prince Ning to take care of his health and not overexert himself—his well-being comes first.”

Feigning concern, she added, “At the recent palace banquet, you caught a chill and couldn’t attend. Did you pass it to Prince Ning? I noticed his complexion wasn’t good that day. Could his poison have flared up, and he’s hiding it?”

Yu Nanqing’s expression turned cold. “Your Highness speaks of concern for Prince Ning, yet every sentence circles back to his poison. What exactly do you mean?”

Seeing Yu Nanqing’s composure crack, Princess Rongxi felt a secret thrill. She had always clashed with the Empress, who rose from her companion to Crown Princess and then Empress, surpassing her in status. How could she accept that?

Watching the Empress’s only son grow into the most outstanding prince, beloved by the people and praised by officials, filled her with pain.

Jealousy? Not quite. It was the resentment that, even after Emperor Wuxuan’s death, the Empress still held her brother’s favor—a bitterness that had driven her to madness over the years.

So, she would never allow Xiao Qiling a chance at the throne—not just to protect Emperor Wenjing’s line, but to prove she was no less than the Empress, the true noblewoman of Great Qi.

“I’m merely concerned for Prince Ning,” Princess Rongxi said, smiling as she patted Yu Nanqing’s hand. “The Empress and I were like sisters. With our years of bond, how could I watch Prince Ning suffer without helping? If you need rare herbs, just ask. I have easier access in the capital and can procure anything, no matter how difficult.”

The wine’s aftereffect was creeping in, and Yu Nanqing felt dizzy but forced herself to stay alert, mindful of the ledger. After a moment, she replied stiffly, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. The herbs needed are already in the residence—not rare at all. No need to trouble you.”

Princess Rongxi, unfazed by the rejection, smiled wider. “Good, good. I heard Prince Ning was gravely ill and needed a marriage for luck. I worried I wouldn’t return to the capital in time to mourn. Seems I was mistaken.”

She raised her cup to Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing, done pretending, dropped her facade and downed her wine. Standing, she said, “Your Highness is back, and I should return as well. Thank you for your hospitality.”

Princess Rongxi didn’t stop her, setting down her chopsticks slowly. “Very well. Your sister has had a fright, and the ladies must be waiting. I need to manage things, so I won’t keep you.”

At that moment, the madam rushed in, reporting, “Prince Ning has arrived.”

Princess Rongxi raised a brow, smiling at Yu Nanqing. “My nephew is truly devoted to you. Go, don’t keep him waiting, lest he storms in and disturbs the ladies—that would be my fault.”

Yin San, helping Yu Nanqing up, overheard and rolled her eyes inwardly. The one most likely to harass women in this residence was the princess’s son, who drove someone into a pond.

But Yin San had no time for such thoughts. Yu Nanqing’s lips were bright red, her half-closed eyes vacant. Noticing the wine cup, Yin San supported her, asking, “Princess? Princess?”

Yu Nanqing, relieved that Princess Rongxi let her go, succumbed to the wine’s effects. Dazed, she looked at Yin San, touching her face.

Yin San dodged instinctively, and Yu Nanqing, exhausted, grabbed her sleeve. “It’s you. Good. Take me back.”

Princess Rongxi watched with interest as Yu Nanqing was led out. The madam draped a golden robe over her. “Your Highness, it’s getting chilly.”

Princess Rongxi adjusted her robe carelessly, stroking the embroidered phoenix. “All these years, when has the capital’s wind ever stopped?”

It merely ebbed and flowed.

Instead of attending to the ladies, Princess Rongxi turned back into the room, her ornate robe trailing behind her.

The madam, standing by, asked cautiously, “Your Highness, it seems Prince Ning’s poison remains unresolved?”

Princess Rongxi sneered. “Young and naive, thinking a few clever words make her superior. She can’t even hide her emotions. I thought she was formidable, but she’s nothing special—just enough to fool someone like the Consort, who’s been in the palace for years yet never became Empress.”

Her long nails opened a hidden compartment, retrieving a porcelain vial with a few pills. Swallowing two without water, she closed the compartment and smiled. “Whether Prince Ning’s poison is real or not, we’ll soon find out. The Empress has been gone for three years. My brother may cling to old ties, but I don’t.”

The madam echoed, “Indeed, Your Highness. The capital’s affairs, big and small, rely on you.”

Pleased, Princess Rongxi touched her jade earrings, gazing at the sinking sunset. “Yes, it’s time for the winds in the capital to stir again.”

After leaving the room, Yu Nanqing tugged at Yin San’s sleeve, slurring, “Slow… slow down, or I’ll throw up…”

Yin San, thinking her incoherent, was surprised. “Princess, are you alright?”

“I’m perfectly fine,” Yu Nanqing insisted, not as drunk as she seemed but succumbing to her stubborn streak. “I could drink ten more cups!”

Yin San humored her, “Yes, yes, Princess, you’re the best. You could drink ten cups.”

Unsatisfied, Yu Nanqing upped the ante. “No, twenty!”

Yin San, steadying her wobbly steps, said, “…You could drink a hundred, a whole barrel.”

Satisfied, Yu Nanqing cooperated as they walked.

But Yin San’s heart raced. Yu Nanqing had infiltrated Si Chengli’s backyard, stolen the ledger, and was now drunk. How would she explain this to Xiao Qiling?

Her steps slowed instinctively.

As they exited the princess’s residence, Yin San spotted Xiao Qiling in black court robes, atop a tall horse, looking down at them. Her gaze, seeing Yu Nanqing’s state, was cold enough to kill.

Yin San: …I’m done for.

Hurrying forward, she propped Yu Nanqing up, trying to make her stand straighter.

At Xiao Qiling’s horse, before Yin San could explain, Xiao Qiling dismounted, lifted Yu Nanqing onto the carriage, and slammed the door.

Yin San exhaled in relief, narrowly escaping.

Inside, the smell of wine filled the carriage. Unaware, Yu Nanqing, recognizing Xiao Qiling, lunged at her, mumbling complaints. “Your aunt invited me to drink, kept mentioning your poison—she’s awful! Stay away from her, she’s no good!”

“She blamed you for not visiting her—pah! Who’d want to see her? Without her title, I wouldn’t bother with her.”

“She even praised Xiao Qijun, saying he visits her. They’re just snakes in a nest, bad luck!”

Weak and unsteady, Yu Nanqing leaned into Xiao Qiling, who held her waist to keep her from falling, listening with a cold expression.

Yu Nanqing rambled on, then pushed Xiao Qiling in frustration. “Why aren’t you responding? I played dumb to avoid her suspicion, humiliated myself, and you ignore me? Waaah!”

Drunk and irrational, she burst into tears, her fox-like eyes misty, tears streaming down as her cheeks flushed red.

Xiao Qiling’s expression softened. Grasping her flailing hand, she said, “I’m not ignoring you.”

Yu Nanqing, hearing only those five words after her tirade, cried harder, her eyes red as rouge. Gasping, she pulled the ledger from her chest, slapped it onto Xiao Qiling’s face, and tugged at the hand on her waist. “Here’s the ledger. I’m done with you—this time for real!”

Caught off guard, Xiao Qiling took the ledger to the face. The soft blow didn’t hurt, but it was the first time anyone had dared such a thing, leaving her momentarily stunned.

As Yu Nanqing collapsed, sobbing and unable to get up, Xiao Qiling’s anger dissipated.

Smiling helplessly, she tried to lift Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing resisted, squirming and muttering.

Xiao Qiling swatted her backside lightly. “Behave.”

Yu Nanqing froze, staring at Xiao Qiling with accusatory eyes, too intimidated to speak.

Xiao Qiling sighed, covering Yu Nanqing’s eyes. “Don’t look at me like that.”

Yu Nanqing bit her hand weakly. “I will.”

Her voice was faint, and she tried to escape, turning the small carriage into a chaotic space.

The carriage rocked, and Yin San outside feared Xiao Qiling might storm out and end her.

Inside, Xiao Qiling restrained Yu Nanqing, calming her. She opened the ledger, expecting a trivial novel, but her grip tightened after a glance.

Snap—

She closed it, pulling Yu Nanqing’s head from her chest. “What is this?”

Squirming, Yu Nanqing boasted, “West Garden! From Miss Mei! I stole it! I’m the Princess!”

Good—she remembered the ledger, that she stole it, and her title as Princess Ning.

So, Xiao Qiling hadn’t misjudged her.

“Yin San, get in!” Xiao Qiling lifted the curtain, her voice cold.

The axe fell. Yin San, in her maid’s attire, hesitated before kneeling inside. “Your Highness.”

“Anything to report?” Xiao Qiling asked, holding Yu Nanqing and the ledger.

Facing Xiao Qiling’s murderous gaze, Yin San recounted everything—from Yu Nanrou’s plea at Prince Ning’s residence to their escape from the princess’s residence.

The dim carriage hid Xiao Qiling’s expression, but Yin San felt the chilling pressure. Bracing for punishment, she waited.

After a long silence, Xiao Qiling handed her the ledger. “Take Yin Er and Yin Si. Investigate West Garden tonight. Don’t alert anyone. If anything goes wrong, don’t bother returning.”

Yin San took the ledger with both hands. “Yes.”

As Yin San left, Yu Nanqing kept burrowing into Xiao Qiling’s arms. Xiao Qiling tugged her collar, warning, “Acting cute won’t help. You’d better think how to explain your reckless actions.”

Forced to look up, Yu Nanqing, dazed, saw countless shadows before recognizing Xiao Qiling. She enunciated, “Xiao… Qi… Ling.”

“Yes, your Highness,” Xiao Qiling said, pinching her flushed cheek. “No titles needed—another strike against you.”

Still restless, Yu Nanqing clung to her. As the carriage turned a corner, she mumbled incoherently, hanging onto Xiao Qiling.

Xiao Qiling softened, patting her back. “We’ll be home soon.”

Yu Nanqing grew hotter, and Xiao Qiling, sensing something wrong, darkened. She ordered the driver, “Faster.”

The door shut, Xiao Qiling gripped Yu Nanqing’s shoulders with a punitive force. “What did you eat at the princess’s residence?”

Yu Nanqing was too far gone to respond coherently, her lashes trembling.

Xiao Qiling’s impatience grew. “Yu Nanqing, do you know who I am?”

After a long pause, she managed, “High…”

The carriage stopped, and Xiao Qiling, carrying Yu Nanqing, used her lightness skill to head to the backyard.

Yu Nanqing flailed briefly, tightly held, as Xiao Qiling’s voice, both fierce and exasperated, warned, “You’d better learn your lesson.”