Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 55

55: The Loyal Bear Infamy, While the Vile Reap Profits…

A heat more scalding than the hot springs swept through Yu Nanqing’s entire body, a surge of palpitations triggered once again by Xiao Qiling.

The moment she closed the door to the warm pavilion, Yu Nanqing couldn’t hold back and kicked the door hard.

From inside came an immediate inquiry: “Qingqing?”

Startled, Yu Nanqing hurriedly fled, terrified that Xiao Qiling might actually chase after her. She rushed back toward Lanshi Courtyard, only to encounter Yin San, who was approaching her with a beaming expression.

“Princess, Princess!” Yin San’s face was alight with excitement. “Mei’s booklet is real—we’ve found West Garden!”

Yu Nanqing paused, adjusting her inner robe. “What’s the situation?”

Before addressing the matter, Yin San asked with concern, “Princess, shall I fetch you some clean clothes first?”

Yu Nanqing waved dismissively. “No need for the trouble. Just tell me what’s going on.”

Yin San rubbed her hands together, unable to restrain her admiration for the cleverness of West Garden’s location, even though Yu Nanqing already knew its whereabouts from the booklet. “That area is far from the bustling city, relatively remote, mostly filled with villas purchased by high-ranking officials. The estates are spaced far apart, typically used for temporary stays or to house mistresses. Even if something unusual happens, no one would bother to investigate.”

What she didn’t mention was that last night, they had even spotted a court official heading from a neighboring estate to West Garden.

It was clear that West Garden had been surrounded by like-minded individuals, forming an impenetrable defensive line.

Yu Nanqing wasn’t sure if Xiao Qiling, in her current state, was fit to investigate West Garden. She asked directly, “Have you looked into the owner of West Garden?”

Yin San replied, “His Highness specifically instructed us to check on this. West Garden is registered under a distant relative of the Si family. We just learned that this relative was expelled from the capital for some offense and hasn’t been seen in a long time.”

“That makes things tricky,” Yu Nanqing said, her mind clearing as the cold breeze outside the pavilion hit her. “If this gets exposed, the Si family and Princess Rongxi likely won’t face any repercussions. Reporting it to the authorities probably won’t work either.”

It had been some time since they had taken control of the residence on Changxing Street. If the authorities were going to act, they would have done so by now.

Yin San hesitated before suggesting, “Could His Highness pressure the prefect?”

Yu Nanqing glanced back toward the pavilion, thinking to herself that in Xiao Qiling’s current state, she was hardly suited to bullying a prefect.

Moreover, the prefect’s backer was almost certainly Princess Rongxi. In the current political landscape, the deposed Crown Prince, whom Emperor Wenjing despised, had no chance against the emperor’s favored princess.

“Have you thoroughly investigated West Garden’s terrain? Any new secret passages or escape routes discovered?” Yu Nanqing’s real concern was this. The booklet Mei had provided described West Garden’s layout from over half a year ago, and they couldn’t rule out new changes.

Yin San fell silent for a moment before replying, “West Garden is heavily guarded. We could only conduct a cursory inspection last night. It’ll take more time.”

Even the residence on Changxing Street had two guards stationed at every room, let alone West Garden. Yu Nanqing could understand the difficulty.

However, Emperor Wenjing’s Thousand Autumn Banquet was just days away. Missing this opportunity would mean waiting for who-knows-how-long for the next one.

If the shadow guards couldn’t infiltrate, perhaps they could make West Garden’s occupants provide the answers themselves. After a moment’s thought, Yu Nanqing said, “When you report to His Highness, mention the maid you knocked out at the Princess’s Mansion.”

Yin San, reminded of yesterday’s oversight, tensed. “Princess, could this be discovered?”

“It’s certain to be discovered,” Yu Nanqing replied. “It just depends on His Highness’s intentions. As the Princess of Ning, if I don’t want a maid from the Princess’s Mansion following me, knocking her out is just that. But if my goal is Si Chengli’s inner courtyard, there must be a follow-up plan. Whether to let Princess Rongxi notice depends on His Highness’s decision.”

Yin San was a bit confused. “Won’t this alert the snake?”

Yu Nanqing shook her head mysteriously. “It won’t.”

West Garden housed many people, all tools used by Princess Rongxi to control court officials. Unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn’t harm them. But any hint of trouble would prompt her to consider relocating them, as gathering such a group again would take time and effort.

How far to push this “alert” was something Yu Nanqing couldn’t precisely determine. It would have to be judged by Xiao Qiling, who understood Princess Rongxi better.

She didn’t explain further, only saying, “Just report to His Highness about the maid. He’ll make the decision. Go now.”

Yin San bowed and, as Yu Nanqing was about to leave, called out, “Princess, one more thing. Miss Yu the Fourth has been safely escorted to Huguo Temple.”

Yu Nanqing nodded, relieved of one worry. She looked up at a corner of the sky, where the sun was gradually rising, slowly dispelling the filth hidden in the night.

She would have to wait a little longer.

Princess Rongxi’s Mansion

A senior maid who always attended Princess Rongxi hurried in from outside the courtyard, followed by two guards dragging a maid. At the door, the senior maid signaled for them to wait outside, adjusted her attire, and knocked on the hall’s door.

“Your Highness, this servant has something to report.”

A cold voice came from within: “Enter.”

The senior maid pushed open the door, and a wave of musky incense hit her. This was the Princess’s Mansion’s Buddhist hall, a place where no one was allowed to disturb, not even Si Chengli.

Princess Rongxi, dressed in a rare, plain gray-white robe, knelt before the Buddha statue. She had been in this position when the senior maid left last night, and now, hours later at dawn, she remained in the same devout kneeling posture.

Without makeup, Princess Rongxi shed the haughty demeanor she displayed in public. Her eyes were closed, lips tightly pressed, as if she had entered a meditative state like the gilded Buddha statues.

Before the statue lay an exquisite mutton-fat jade bracelet with faint red veins, a rare tribute from the Western Regions. It was said to possess spiritual properties that could protect its wearer. At the time, the empress was frail and anxious, and Emperor Wenjing, delighted by the gift, personally placed it on her wrist.

Through various twists of fate, the bracelet had ended up in Princess Rongxi’s hands. Yet the senior maid had never seen her wear it; it was kept in the Buddhist hall, as if each prayer allowed the princess to relive the joy of receiving it and the status it represented.

The senior maid withdrew her gaze and respectfully bowed. “Your Highness, we’ve found Fuling.”

Princess Rongxi paused her prayer beads, opening her phoenix-like eyes. “Where did she go?”

The senior maid replied, “She was found unconscious in the southern bamboo grove, knocked out and left there. She woke at dawn and came out on her own. I had her injuries checked—the technique was very precise.”

Princess Rongxi gave a faint “hm” and said coolly, “It was the maid by Princess Ning’s side, wasn’t it?”

The senior maid nodded. “Yesterday, when I tried to intercept Princess Ning, I noticed her maid’s skills. If the princess hadn’t ordered her to stop, she might have acted.”

“The empress’s father and brothers died fighting for Emperor Wuxuan. The Su family, descended from a general who helped the Founding Emperor conquer the realm, always held military posts. If not for their fall in the northern wars, they wouldn’t have been wiped out. But for the Su family, raising loyal assassins for Prince Ning would be no difficult task.”

Princess Rongxi glanced at the compassionate Buddha statue, lifted her skirt, and stood. Perhaps from kneeling too long, she staggered slightly, and the senior maid rushed to support her.

“Your Highness, you must take care of yourself. Praying for the nation and the emperor needn’t be so urgent.”

“For the nation and the emperor?” Princess Rongxi’s lips curled into a cryptic smile. “As a princess of Great Qi, I naturally cannot disgrace my status.”

The senior maid, still worried, brought up the maid again. “Your Highness, where do you think Princess Ning went during the half-hour she ditched Fuling yesterday? Could she have entered the young master’s inner courtyard?”

Princess Rongxi’s eyes snapped up, sharp and piercing, her voice lowering. “What would she do in the inner courtyard? Doesn’t she have a feud with Yu Nanrou?”

At this, the senior maid felt she might have been overthinking. The entire capital knew of the enmity between Yu Nanqing and Yu Nanrou, especially after the fire at the Duke’s Mansion that shamed the entire household. Why would Yu Nanqing meddle in Si Chengli’s inner courtyard?

Princess Rongxi’s expression quickly calmed. Stroking the vivid red polish on her nails, she said, “Even if she did go to Chengli’s courtyard, so what? Which noble household doesn’t have its share of beauties? Are you suggesting she’s investigating West Garden?”

“No, I just find her actions suspicious,” the senior maid explained, her hands clasped tightly as she chose her words carefully. “Some time ago, someone escaped from Changxing Street and reported to the authorities. West Garden isn’t entirely secure. Prince Chen’s influence is growing, and while Prince Ning seems to still have some fight in him, the poison in his body will eventually claim him. He’s no real threat. Shouldn’t Your Highness start planning for yourself?”

The senior maid released her grip on Princess Rongxi and knelt, lowering her voice. “Your Highness, have you considered that if this comes to light, whether it’s the current emperor or Prince Chen in the future, they’ll make you bear the blame for everything?”

Princess Rongxi shook her head dismissively. “That depends on whether they have the ability.”

“Your Highness!” The senior maid raised her voice.

Princess Rongxi fell silent, her smile fading. In a hoarse voice, she said, “But I haven’t destroyed the Wei family yet. As long as the Wei family stands, I cannot rest easy, and West Garden’s hold over the court officials cannot be loosened.”

“No one knows when Prince Ning’s poison will fully take him, but as long as the Ji family remains in court, he’s far from powerless.”

The court’s balance would not shift significantly.

How could she accept that?

“The Wei family has deep roots in Great Qi’s court. Do you have a plan, Your Highness?” the senior maid asked.

Princess Rongxi helped her up, feigning regret. “Prince Chen has been profiting from smuggling salt in Jiangzhou for years. It’s time to put an end to it. If those salt shipments are exposed, the salt inspector, hailing from the Ji family and being Minister Wei’s son, would be guilty of knowingly smuggling salt—a crime compounded by his position. How much of Minister Wei’s lifelong reputation for integrity will remain then?”

The loyal bear infamy, while the vile reap profits—what a splendid drama.

The senior maid was shocked, increasingly unable to fathom Princess Rongxi’s intentions. “This is Prince Chen’s doing. If it implicates him by mistake, what then?”

As the candles burned low, Princess Rongxi unhurriedly took out two new ones, peeled off the wax seal, and held the wicks to the dying flame. The flickering light cast shadows on her face, making her expression unreadable.

Sensing something amiss, the senior maid was about to speak when Princess Rongxi asked, “You mentioned Prince Ning’s poison earlier. Has it truly been triggered?”

Relieved that she was still focused on Prince Ning, the senior maid stepped forward to replace the spent candles. “Prince Ning took leave today and didn’t even attend morning court. They say his poison flared up again.”

It was common knowledge that Prince Ning’s poison acted up monthly. Princess Rongxi asked, “Doesn’t Ning’s Mansion have a princess said to bring good fortune and keep him alive?”

The question clearly wasn’t about fortune. The senior maid understood immediately. “The imperial physician who checked her pulse said the princess has overexerted her vitality and needs a few days’ rest to recover.”

Princess Rongxi’s lips twitched slightly.

No man of the royal family could resist a beauty. She had gotten him half-drunk, and her nephew had still spent the night in passion.

No wonder his poison had flared.

Princess Rongxi placed the lit candles, the incense stinging her eyes. Blinking, a tear fell unexpectedly.

The empress’s only heir had indeed been poisoned by her three years ago.

The senior maid, stunned, took out a handkerchief to wipe Princess Rongxi’s tear. “Prince Ning’s fate was inevitable. Please take care, Your Highness.”

“I will, of course.” Princess Rongxi said, gently wiping her face. How could the one who poisoned him truly pity the victim?

She looked at the Buddha statue, closing her eyes devoutly. “It seems all is fated.”

Turning, she opened the Buddhist hall’s door. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating her pale face. As she tilted her head, the simple wooden hairpin in her hair glinted faintly with gold.

Expressionless, she passed Fuling, who had served her for years. Seeing her, Fuling immediately knelt. “Your Highness, I failed to keep an eye on Princess Ning. Please punish me.”

Princess Rongxi paused, as if just remembering her existence, and without turning, said, “Dispose of her on the spot.”

Not only Fuling but even the two guards holding her thought they had misheard.

Fuling’s face paled, and as she opened her mouth to beg, the senior maid, emerging from the hall, signaled the guards. Fuling’s mouth and nose were covered, and in an instant, bl00d sprayed out.

After returning to her room, Yu Nanqing changed into clean, comfortable clothes and slept until noon. While getting ready, she couldn’t help recalling the events of last night and this morning, letting out a soft chuckle.

Hearing this, Chenxiang leaned over. “Miss, what’s wrong?”

Yu Nanqing shook her head calmly. “Keep combing. Don’t mind me.”

Chenxiang didn’t press, but not long after, Yu Nanqing abruptly asked, “What do you think of His Highness Prince Ning?”

Unsure what Yu Nanqing wanted to hear, Chenxiang cautiously ventured, “His Highness is… very dignified?”

Yu Nanqing paused, then shook her head. “Where’s the dignity?”

Chenxiang followed her lead. “Then what does Miss think of His Highness?”

Yu Nanqing recalled Xiao Qiling’s stern expression when telling her to leave the medicinal pool, bit her lip, and smiled. “Her… she’s soft.”

Soft-hearted, soft-natured, soft in person.

How could someone restrain their instincts and stop at such a moment? Yet Xiao Qiling did.

Chenxiang almost suspected her miss was speaking scandalously.

Yet Yu Nanqing’s face was open and honest, as if she genuinely thought Prince Ning was soft.

Fine, perhaps Prince Ning did have such a side.

After dressing, Yu Nanqing couldn’t resist and quietly slipped toward the warm pavilion, intending to soothe the “soft” Prince Ning.

When she arrived, Xiao Qiling was gone. According to the guards outside, the mansion’s physician had taken her back to Lanshi Courtyard.

Yu Nanqing headed there.

The study door in Lanshi Courtyard was tightly shut. Yu Nanqing planned to wait for Xiao Qiling to finish her business, but a guard approached. “His Highness instructed that if the Princess arrives, she may enter at any time.”

The guard’s voice carried a trace of inner force, as if signaling someone. Yu Nanqing had no chance to decline before the study door was opened.

The poisoned Prince Ning sat behind an antique desk, her crimson dress blending with her jet-black hair. A luxurious golden waist ornament accentuated her slender waistline. When she glanced over, a faint rouge-like hue lingered in her pupils.

The surrounding hidden guards kept their heads down, seemingly accustomed to their prince’s captivating appearance during a poison flare-up.

Yu Nanqing froze, unsure whether to advance or retreat.

Xiao Qiling raised an eyebrow, her smile teasing. “It’s only been a few hours, and Qingqing doesn’t recognize me anymore?”

Before Yu Nanqing could respond, Xiao Qiling let out an “ah” of realization. “It seems I’m only familiar to the Princess when I’m weak and vulnerable, at her mercy, right?”

Yu Nanqing: …

Was Xiao Qiling mocking her for that “overstepping” incident?

The urge to comfort Xiao Qiling vanished.

Expressionless, she said, “Your Highness jests.”

Xiao Qiling actually laughed, raising her wrist to beckon her, her wide sleeve slipping to reveal a dazzlingly white forearm. “Come in. We were just discussing the maid you knocked out at the Princess’s Mansion.”

Yu Nanqing’s ears twitched as she hesitantly stepped inside. “Has Your Highness decided how to handle it?”

“If you had a plan, you’d have told Yin San to act already,” Xiao Qiling said bluntly. “I’d like to hear your thoughts first. Let’s see if we’re on the same page.”

The three hidden guards turned to her. Yu Nanqing hesitated but met their gazes and spoke. “To uproot West Garden, we need an occasion that catches Princess Rongxi off guard. The emperor’s Thousand Autumn Banquet, with all officials present, is perfect. Investigating West Garden in just two days is too risky. Instead, let’s make Princess Rongxi suspicious, so she reveals whether West Garden has other contingency measures.”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes curved with approval, lazily stirring a medicinal bowl. She glanced at the guards. “Understood?”

The guards nodded and asked, “Is it enough to let Princess Rongxi discover the knocked-out maid?”

“Not enough,” Xiao Qiling said, her gaze shifting to Yu Nanqing. “Will you continue, or shall I?”

Yu Nanqing, less familiar with Princess Rongxi, knew leaving the maid could spark suspicion, but controlling the degree of that suspicion required Xiao Qiling’s finesse. “Your Highness is meticulous. It’s best you arrange it.”

Xiao Qiling frowned slightly, unimpressed by the flattery, her smile fading. “Tomorrow night, leak that you’ve been tracking Si Chengli to Princess Rongxi. Send a few less skilled people to show their faces outside her mansion.”

Yin Er asked, “Your Highness, no one to West Garden?”

“Going to West Garden would confirm to Princess Rongxi that we know about it, possibly prompting her to destroy it.” Yu Nanqing explained when Xiao Qiling didn’t. “If you only follow Si Chengli and watch the Princess’s Mansion, she’ll think the target is just him. Especially since Yu Nanrou caused a scene in Si Chengli’s courtyard while I was ‘missing’ yesterday, she might assume the Duke’s Mansion wants to break the engagement and is colluding with us.”

It wasn’t impossible, given Yu Nanrou had approached her.

Xiao Qiling clapped lightly twice, approving. “The Princess is correct.”

The soft claps seemed to echo in Yu Nanqing’s ears. Unable to handle Xiao Qiling’s not-fully-rational state, she prepared to leave after finishing.

“Go handle it.” Xiao Qiling said faster, dismissing the three guards before Yu Nanqing could exit.

Yu Nanqing paused at the door, turning helplessly. “Your Highness, don’t you have other matters to attend to?”

Xiao Qiling considered seriously. “Everything has been assigned. Does Qingqing have other business?”

Yu Nanqing: “…I need to check the restaurant’s accounts.”

Xiao Qiling saw through her. “That’s Chenxiang’s job. If you take it, her monthly stipend will be halved.”

Yu Nanqing: “I need to pick an outfit for the palace banquet, with matching hairpins and hairstyle.”

When had Yu Nanqing’s palace attire not been chosen by her?

Xiao Qiling, unruffled, let her gaze linger on Yu Nanqing’s lips. “Has Qingqing forgotten we should be more… intimate?”

Yu Nanqing hadn’t expected such a direct question, her face heating up. “I said we need to get used to it gradually, not force it like this. Especially… Your Highness shouldn’t always wear such clothes.”

Xiao Qiling glanced down. “Oh? Why not?”

Yu Nanqing mumbled, “Too beautiful. It’s… tempting.”

Xiao Qiling: …

She tugged off the ornate waist ornament, letting the vibrant crimson robe fall loosely, revealing a white inner layer. Smiling, she asked, “Like this?”

Yu Nanqing realized Xiao Qiling wasn’t wearing a middle layer—because she was wearing it, having taken it earlier.

“Don’t catch a cold, Your Highness.” Yu Nanqing said, unfazed by beauty, draping the robe back over Xiao Qiling’s shoulders. “The physician will blame me.”

Xiao Qiling pressed, “If I put it on, is there a reward?”

Yu Nanqing thought. “I’ll dine with Your Highness?”

Xiao Qiling leaned back lazily. “If I refuse?”

As Yu Nanqing nearly snapped, Then freeze, Xiao Qiling added, “The emperor’s banquet feels rushed. West Garden can wait, don’t you think?”

Waiting meant the marriage edict would come, Yu Nanrou would wed Si Chengli, and West Garden’s innocent victims would suffer longer.

Yu Nanqing’s thoughts churned, a flood of retorts reduced to a sullen, “Then I won’t try with you anymore.”

Despite her weaker position—lacking subordinates or status—her soft, almost petulant tone somehow tamed the seasoned Prince Ning, who had navigated the treacherous palace for years.

“Fine, Qingqing’s threat terrifies me. I’ve no choice but to yield to your… coercion.” Xiao Qiling laughed, confirming, “So, Qingqing’s decided to try with me, right?”

Yu Nanqing hesitated. “Your words sound odd, like I’m…”

She paused, her voice softer. “…selling myself.”

Xiao Qiling’s brow rose, amused. Standing, her robe slipped off, leaving only a thin inner layer. As she approached, the medicinal scent seemed to transform into an intoxicating fragrance. “Clearly, I’m the one begging for your favor.”

Yu Nanqing clenched her fists, dazed by Xiao Qiling’s talk of “intimacy” and “favor.” Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the robe. “Put it on properly first.”

Xiao Qiling complied with a hum.

Seeing her cooperation, Yu Nanqing noticed the neglected waist ornament and personally adjusted Xiao Qiling’s attire.

“Raise your arms, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling obeyed, letting Yu Nanqing thread the robe around her waist, smooth the collar, and fasten the belt, carefully positioning the ornament. It was an elaborate piece, covering her waist and abdomen, with dangling gold threads that had tangled after being removed. Though no outsiders were present, Yu Nanqing felt the disarray marred Xiao Qiling’s image.

Kneeling to untangle the threads was cumbersome, so she pushed Xiao Qiling into a chair, half-kneeling to work, muttering, “So troublesome. Why pick this to wear? How did you even manage these gold threads before? They’re all tangled…”

Xiao Qiling barely heard her.

Yu Nanqing grumbled, then looked up, puzzled. “What’s wrong? Doesn’t Your Highness think a messy ornament looks improper?”

Such accessories were meant to refine a lady’s demeanor, and Yu Nanqing couldn’t stand the disorder.

Xiao Qiling snapped out of her daze, responding faintly, “You’re right. I should be more careful.”

Yu Nanqing hadn’t meant to criticize, blinking. “You look good no matter what, Your Highness.”

Elegance or not, if Yu Nanqing didn’t like it, she wouldn’t appreciate it.

Xiao Qiling’s gaze flickered.

Yu Nanqing continued, her eyes catching something. “Your Highness, your ears… are they red?”

Xiao Qiling: …

Leaning forward, her hair brushed her ears, falling over her chest. Maintaining her princely composure, she smiled. “They’re not.”

Yu Nanqing insisted, reaching to lift her hair. “They are red.”

Xiao Qiling: …

No one could resist Yu Nanqing’s innocent teasing.

Rubbing her brow helplessly, Xiao Qiling said, “Get up. Don’t kneel.”

“It’s easier to fix the ornament this way.” Yu Nanqing replied, nearly pressed against Xiao Qiling, her light breaths grazing her waist, fingers occasionally brushing her.

Seeing Yu Nanqing inch closer, Xiao Qiling said wryly, “Princess Ning, you’ve read so many stories. Tell me, isn’t this behavior rather… bold? Are you a bold one?”

Yu Nanqing considered. “Maybe, but Your Highness agreed to take it slow. So, technically, this isn’t bold.”

Xiao Qiling laughed, exasperated. “So you’re doing it on purpose?”

Yu Nanqing hummed, finishing the last gold thread. Rising, she boldly sat on Xiao Qiling’s lap, arms looping around her neck. “Don’t be mad, Your Highness.”

Suppressing her shyness, she leaned close, whispering seductively, “How about I let Your Highness kiss me as much as you want?”