Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 56

56: “Then, I’ll Choose This Lady…”

Yu Nanqing had reached her limit with those words, yet Xiao Qiling did nothing, simply gazing at her deeply. She found it hard to withstand that gaze, the butterfly-and-flower jade hairpin in her hair swaying gently as she bit her lip.

“Stop staring at me like that. If you don’t want to kiss me, just say so.”

Xiao Qiling placed a hand on Yu Nanqing’s back, teasing, “I’m just checking if my Qingqing has been possessed by something.”

How else could she be so obedient?

Yu Nanqing also found her behavior odd—fleeing in a panic from the hot spring that morning, only to now throw herself into Xiao Qiling’s arms. Fortunately, she was quick to admit her faults and honest about it.

“This morning, I suddenly remembered what happened last night. You were delirious from the poison, so I got scared.” Yu Nanqing whispered. “I’m here to make it up to Your Highness, alright?”

Xiao Qiling chuckled softly. “So this is just an apology?”

Not entirely, but Yu Nanqing was too shy to say it outright. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded.

Xiao Qiling released the hand on Yu Nanqing’s back and leaned back in her chair. “Then there’s no need. Your Highness isn’t so petty as to hold a grudge over something like this.”

This left Yu Nanqing stunned. She waited, but Xiao Qiling truly showed no intention of kissing her. Undeterred, she remained seated on Xiao Qiling’s lap, toying with the forbidden-step ornament on her waistband.

When she had adjusted the gold-threaded waistband earlier, her hand had brushed against Xiao Qiling unintentionally. This time, she deliberately touched her waist.

She refused to believe Xiao Qiling would remain unmoved.

But Yu Nanqing had underestimated Xiao Qiling’s patience.

Xiao Qiling had endured years of lying low under Emperor Wenjing’s watchful eye, evading the scrutiny of both court and harem, even tolerating a reputation for cruelty and the agony of a poison that corroded her heart. What was Yu Nanqing’s teasing compared to that?

Yu Nanqing raised her eyes, locking gazes with Xiao Qiling for a moment before leaning in to bite her lip. “Actually, it’s not just an apology.”

Xiao Qiling raised an eyebrow, still unmoving, coaxing her to explain. “Then what is it?”

Unable to bear Xiao Qiling’s gaze, Yu Nanqing covered her eyes with her hand. “Your restrained and composed Highness is so likable—much more than the Highness who returned last night threatening to punish me. I couldn’t help but come to you.”

Xiao Qiling let out a low laugh, her tone suggestive. “You’ve reminded me. I haven’t settled the matter of you sneaking into Si Chengli’s backyard to search for clues about West Garden. You even took that booklet and dared to drink with Princess Rongxi. What if you’d been caught?”

Yu Nanqing blinked, leaning in to kiss Xiao Qiling again. “What matter? Explain, Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling repeated, “Sneaking into Si Chengli’s backyard to search for West Garden clues…”

Yu Nanqing kissed her again, feigning innocence. “Sneaking where?”

Xiao Qiling saw through her intentions. Pressing a hand to the back of Yu Nanqing’s head, she pulled her closer and kissed her deeply. “Keep teasing me, then.”

Their lips met, breaths intertwining. Yu Nanqing’s face flushed with shy warmth after a few kisses. The vast study was filled with her muffled whimpers. This kiss was entirely different from the one in the medicinal pool—no fear of Xiao Qiling’s poison-induced frenzy or of being pinned down and ravaged like in those novels.

Surrounded by Xiao Qiling’s pleasant scent, Yu Nanqing instinctively tightened her grip, her heartbeat syncing with the rhythm of the kiss, as if she were addicted.

During a brief pause, Yu Nanqing pushed Xiao Qiling back, panting. “Wait, hold on.”

Fearing she might scare her off again, Xiao Qiling loosened her hold, their foreheads touching. “Hm?”

Yu Nanqing caught her breath. “I need a moment. I’m not feeling well.”

Xiao Qiling’s expression grew serious. “Where does it hurt?”

Suppressing her embarrassment, Yu Nanqing took her hand and placed it on her chest. “Here. It’s beating too fast. It’s uncomfortable.”

Her innocent yet bold words made Xiao Qiling’s breath hitch, a delighted laugh escaping her as she leaned close to Yu Nanqing’s ear. “No need to call the manor’s physician.”

“Really?” Yu Nanqing asked knowingly, as if she truly believed she had a heart condition. “Maybe I should have the physician check anyway.”

She made to stand, but Xiao Qiling pulled her back down.

“What are you—”

Unable to resist, Xiao Qiling pressed her hand to the back of Yu Nanqing’s head and kissed her deeply again.

Yu Nanqing felt her entire body heat up in Xiao Qiling’s embrace, as if drugged, though this warmth was different from the forced heat of the medicinal pool. Every finger trembled with pleasure, her mind blank from the kiss.

Her hand, which had been playing with Xiao Qiling’s waistband, gradually slid to her waist, sneaking beneath the fabric. It was softer than she’d imagined, nothing like the hardened warriors described in novels.

After a long while, they parted. Xiao Qiling’s waistband was askew, her robe loosened, revealing a glimpse of her undergarment, as if she’d been thoroughly ravished.

Yu Nanqing, on the other hand, remained impeccably neat, her hair barely mussed, showing no signs of disarray beyond the glistening traces at her eyes and lips.

To an outsider, it might seem the Princess had overpowered the Prince.

But a closer look would reveal Yu Nanqing’s breath was utterly disordered.

Xiao Qiling gently brushed her thumb over Yu Nanqing’s lips, stealing another kiss before chuckling softly. “You don’t mind this kind of kiss, do you?”

Yu Nanqing caught her breath, nodding reservedly. “It’s… alright.”

“Just alright?” Xiao Qiling’s lips curved, her smile warm.

In her princely robes, she was sharp and imposing, exuding the innate dignity of royalty. But in loose attire, with intent, her sharp features softened into something tender and captivating.

“I didn’t think it through before. I hadn’t considered that despite all the novels you’ve read, you’d be so innocent when it comes to real intimacy.” Xiao Qiling teased, playing with a strand of Yu Nanqing’s hair.

Was she mocking her?

Mocking her for reading so many novels yet being so naive?

Yu Nanqing was indignant but didn’t dare retort, fearing Xiao Qiling might “punish” her on the spot.

“I’m just not used to it yet,” she said slowly. “Once I am, you won’t be able to handle me.”

Xiao Qiling suppressed a laugh, watching Yu Nanqing nervously tug at her robe without realizing it. “I look forward to the day Qingqing overwhelms me.”

Anyone else tugging at Prince Ning’s undergarments would likely have been thrown into a pond to feed the fish.

Xiao Qiling’s hand slid down, tracing over the back of Yu Nanqing’s mischievous hand, slipping through her fingers, rubbing and teasing her palm before pulling her hand from the undergarment.

Biting her ear, her warm breath brushing against it, she murmured, “Qingqing, you’re quite something. Your Highness is almost overwhelmed by your touch.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes darted, unsure if Xiao Qiling was truly overwhelmed, but she herself was on the verge of surrender.

Xiao Qiling seemed placated. Surely she wouldn’t hold the morning’s events against her now?

A clear-headed Xiao Qiling was indeed reasonable.

Yu Nanqing lingered on Xiao Qiling’s shoulder, biting a strand of her hair, torn between anticipation and refusal.

After a long moment, a soft chuckle sounded by her ear, and warm lips brushed against it again.

Yu Nanqing let out an involuntary whimper, embarrassed by her overly soft voice. Annoyed, she pushed Xiao Qiling’s face away. “I have something important to discuss.”

Xiao Qiling pulled her hand away, staying close. “Speak. I’m listening.”

Yu Nanqing took a breath. “I had Yin San send Yu Nanrou to Huguo Temple. I don’t know how long we can keep this hidden. If the Duke’s Mansion reports it to Princess Rongxi, she’ll likely notice something’s off soon.”

“Knowing Duke Yu, even if he finds out, he won’t immediately inform Princess Rongxi. After your dear sister caused a scene at the Princess’s Mansion, he’s already guilt-ridden. He’ll search for a few days before reporting it if he can’t resolve it.” Xiao Qiling said nonchalantly, tidying Yu Nanqing’s hair and adjusting a hairpin into a small braid.

“Much better.”

Yu Nanqing touched it, noting this wasn’t the first time. Xiao Qiling loved playing with her hair and preparing beautiful dresses for her—a curious habit.

She swatted Xiao Qiling’s hand. “Should I undo my hair entirely for Your Highness to play with? You seem so fond of braiding. You’d suit having a daughter.”

“A clever, obedient daughter would be nice.” Xiao Qiling mused, her gaze drifting to Yu Nanqing’s stomach. “Pity you can’t bear one.”

Yu Nanqing retorted, “I can! It’s you who can’t!”

Xiao Qiling glanced at her, her tone suggestive. “You’re right. Without consummation, no one’s bearing anything.”

Yu Nanqing covered Xiao Qiling’s eyes, glaring. “Even with consummation, it’s not happening. Give up, Your Highness.”

Without waiting for a reply, she leapt off Xiao Qiling’s lap and stormed out.

Xiao Qiling called after her, “Not eating together?”

Yu Nanqing slammed the door. “I’m taking Chenxiang out. Eat alone, Your Highness!”

Xiao Qiling smiled, letting her go.

With the Emperor’s Thousand Autumn Festival two days away, Xiao Qiling had urgent matters to attend to. After a quick lunch, she planned to leave, but Yin Liu and Yin Qi, who had been investigating the private salt trade in Jiangzhou, returned quietly to Prince Ning’s Mansion.

As Xiao Qiling downed two bowls of bitter medicine prescribed by the manor’s physician, the scent filled the study. Yin Liu and Yin Qi, entering, grew concerned. “Has Your Highness’s poison flared again? Your complexion looks worse than last time. What did the physician say?”

“It’s nothing serious. Don’t worry.” Xiao Qiling said, her face resuming its usual cold composure as she ushered them into the study. “Is there new progress on the Jiangzhou matter?”

“Indeed. Following Your Highness’s mention of Jiangzhou’s recurring floods, we investigated the hardest-hit counties. The floods occur around the same time each year, and after a major flood, the disasters mysteriously cease.”

Natural disasters, especially floods, were common in river-heavy Jiangzhou. Locals, busy rebuilding after a flood, were too grateful for the respite to question why the disasters stopped.

“Are you suggesting the floods are man-made?” Xiao Qiling, planning to personally investigate West Garden that night, picked up a dagger, wiping its sharp edge with a cloth, its cold glint reflecting in her eyes. “Is it Xiao Qijun’s doing?”

“Man-made, but we can’t confirm if it’s Prince Chen’s work,” they replied. “The worst-affected counties reinforce their dikes annually, yet the new dikes always fail under upstream surges, requiring massive court funds each year.”

“I’m no expert in hydraulics, but I understand the principle of clearing upstream or diverting downstream. Rerouting rivers is the most effective solution, yet Jiangzhou’s governor opts for the conservative approach of building dikes. Initially, I thought the governor was just unwilling to address the floods properly, but after tracing the river to its source with Yin Liu, we found something significant.”

Yin Liu and Yin Qi exchanged a glance, their voices low. “Your Highness, Prince Chen’s private salt mine is at the river’s source. Between the river and the mine, a massive dam isolates an upstream reservoir, masking the salt mine perfectly.”

Xiao Qiling’s eyes narrowed. “Has the upstream dam ever been breached?”

“Never,” Yin Liu replied.

Xiao Qiling’s gaze flickered. “The upstream dam faces far greater pressure than the midstream. To uncover the truth behind Jiangzhou’s floods, we’ll need to wait for this year’s flood to erupt.”

Yin Liu hesitated. “But by the time it happens, will we have time to report back to the capital?”

Yin Qi’s eyes lit up. “Is Your Highness planning to leave the capital?”

Xiao Qiling sheathed the dagger, her calm eyes betraying a fleeting struggle, caught by Yin Qi.

“Is Your Highness worried about the Princess?” Yin Qi ventured.

Even if Xiao Qiling found a chance to leave, Emperor Wenjing would likely not let Yu Nanqing go so easily.

Yin Qi sighed softly, producing a sealed letter bearing a familiar “Su” seal, linked to the once-prominent Su family, the late Empress’s kin.

When Emperor Wuxuan died en route to the capital, a rebellion erupted in the city. The Empress, a frail woman, acknowledged the edict naming the Crown Prince but, with the Prince too young, ceded the throne to Emperor Wenjing. When Wuxuan’s coffin returned, the capital was draped in white, the Empress grieving not only her husband but her fallen father and brothers, leaving her the last of the Su family’s glory. Over the years, as noble families rose and fell, the Su family faded into obscurity.

Unbeknownst to Emperor Wenjing, the Empress had sent a secret letter out of the capital before the coffin’s return.

“How is Uncle?” Xiao Qiling opened the letter, which began with pleasantries before detailing northern military affairs.

Yin Qi replied, “The General is in good health but deeply concerned for Your Highness in the capital. He sent rare herbs, which I’ve given to the physician to prepare for you.”

Xiao Qiling nodded, the phrase “deeply concerned” lingering in her mind.

The letter mentioned recent capital events, showing the north’s constant worry for her.

Months ago, Xiao Qiling would have left the capital without hesitation at the right opportunity.

But now…

She stood silent, like a rigid statue, the veins on her hand clutching the letter betraying her turmoil.

Yin Liu and Yin Qi remained quiet.

Emperor Wenjing’s tolerance for Xiao Qiling was waning, and his favoritism toward his sons, Princes Chen and Xuan, was clear after the Xishan hunting incident, making her position increasingly precarious.

They understood her hesitation. They didn’t serve the cold, ruthless Prince Ning of rumors but a leader who cared for the people, sought justice, and deserved to feel human warmth and selfishness.

“With Emperor Wenjing’s current stance, he may not detain the Princess. Jiangzhou is a perfect chance to leave. We’ve planned for years, and the troops await you in the north.” Yin Liu urged.

Xiao Qiling held the letter to the candle, watching the words burn to ash.

As the last piece turned to dust, she closed her eyes, opening them with clear resolve. “I’ll decide on Jiangzhou. Until then, don’t alert anyone.”

Yin Liu and Yin Qi, elated, replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”

After lunch outside with Chenxiang, Yu Nanqing inspected her shops in the capital. By the time she finished half, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over Chang’an Street.

Knowing Xiao Qiling’s nature, she’d likely investigate West Garden with her guards tonight. With no reason to return early, Yu Nanqing wandered with Chenxiang.

By chance, they encountered the same troupe with the panda from before. Chenxiang, excited by the round creature, was even more thrilled than last time.

“Miss, is that a bear? It’s huge!”

“But it looks so clumsy. I wonder what it feels like? It’s like our koi, just eating all day!”

Yu Nanqing smiled, handing her a silver ingot. “When they ask for tips, you can ask to touch it.”

Chenxiang, delighted, was about to ask if Yu Nanqing had touched the panda when someone rushed into the troupe’s circle, startling the panda. From a cuddly ball, it rose taller than a man, scaring off the intruder.

The tamer scolded it with a whip, calming it down.

Chenxiang shivered, returning the ingot. “Miss, I think I’ll pass.”

Yu Nanqing, amused by her timidity, noticed a tall man nearby, clearly of foreign descent like the tamer. A box as tall as her stood beside him, barely reaching his shoulder.

He opened it, revealing an empty interior. “Come see! Is my box truly empty?”

The box was small, its emptiness obvious at a glance.

The crowd grew curious. “Is there a trick to it?”

“Can you shrink yourself to fit inside?”

“Shrinking’s boring. Put the panda in—that’d be impressive!”

The suggestion sparked excitement. “Is he really putting the panda in?”

The man wagged a finger mysteriously. “Stuffing things in is nothing special. I’ll make a person appear!”

The crowd roared. “Do it! Make a beautiful lady appear!”

Chenxiang craned her neck. “Miss, will it be a gentleman or a lady?”

Yu Nanqing frowned. She hadn’t seen this man when she watched the troupe with Xiao Qiling. How many foreigners had infiltrated the capital for Emperor Wenjing’s upcoming birthday?

The man, sensing the mood, covered the box with a red cloth as other performers played drums and foreign instruments, heightening the anticipation.

“Don’t blink! The person’s about to appear!”

With a shout, he yanked off the cloth. A strange fragrance wafted from the box, followed by the chime of bells.

A woman with countless braided locks, adorned with a foreign veil, stepped out. Her deep, exotic eyes and graceful movements captivated the crowd. A breeze lifted her veil, revealing a delicate face.

A real beauty?

Chenxiang was about to praise her when she saw Yu Nanqing’s frown deepen, her expression turning grim.

“Miss, what’s wrong?” Chenxiang whispered.

Yu Nanqing’s hands trembled as memories of her past life flooded back—battlefields, bl00d, and bones, stirring uncontrollable anxiety and fear.

This wasn’t just any foreign woman. This was Princess Gulanduo, the most favored of the Xiongnu royal court, Xiao Qijun’s wife in her past life, who lent him troops while scheming to swallow Great Qi.

In her past life, Xiao Qijun married Gulanduo after the rebellion. Had she already entered the capital this early?

Had she and Xiao Qijun already met?

Or had Emperor Wenjing already allied with the Xiongnu?

When the Xiongnu invaded the north, Great Qi had fought with all its might, and even Emperor Wuxuan never returned. How could Emperor Wenjing dare ally with them after such a cost?

Perhaps Yu Nanqing’s stare was too intense, as Gulanduo’s gaze swept the crowd and landed on her.

Pointing with a hand adorned with exotic bracelets, she said, “Then, I’ll choose this lady.”

Yu Nanqing’s guard rose as Gulanduo pointed at her. She asked Chenxiang, “What did she say?”

Chenxiang whispered, “She said she’s performing another act and needs someone to join her in the box—something about being impervious to swords.”

Yu Nanqing glanced at a larger box nearby. Gulanduo stood before her, her eyes shimmering, red lips parting. “You’re the prettiest here. Will you join me in the box?”