Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 58

58: This Chapter Has No Protagonist

Inside the foreign envoy’s residence.

Gulanduo lay sprawled on the bed, wincing and sucking in sharp breaths: “Ouch, ouch, ouch, be gentle!”

The maid applying medicine softened her touch, blowing lightly on the wound: “Please bear with it, Princess. The Second Prince is waiting outside, and he doesn’t look happy.”

Gulanduo glanced toward the door, where a familiar figure stood under the glow of a rising sky lantern. She rolled her eyes in annoyance: “The people of Great Qi are always cunning. He trusts them so easily, he’s bound to be deceived sooner or later. If I hadn’t gone to approach that Princess Ning tonight, we’d still be in the dark! That person is clearly working for their emperor to trick us!”

“You really need to learn your lesson. If I hadn’t arrived in time, you’d be dead in their dungeon by now.” A stern-faced man with foreign features pushed the door open. The maid applying medicine stood and bowed, addressing him as “Second Prince.”

The man was none other than Gulanduo’s brother from the same mother, Muerle.

Muerle took the swelling-reducing ointment from the maid’s hands and waved dismissively: “Everyone, leave.”

Without Gulanduo’s permission, the two maids hesitated: “Second Prince, the Princess, she…”

“I said leave. Are you deaf?” Muerle’s mood was foul, and he pointed at the maids menacingly. “Where were you when the Princess was injured like this? What kind of service is this?”

The two maids knelt in unison: “Second Prince, please spare us.”

“They’re my maids. If anyone’s to punish or discipline them, it’s me. If you’re angry, take it out on me!” Gulanduo made a move to get out of bed.

Muerle quickly stopped her, relenting toward the maids: “Go on, leave.”

The maids, relieved, bowed and exited.

As the door closed, Gulanduo’s anger didn’t subside. She snatched the ointment from Muerle’s hand and smashed it to the floor, shattering it: “Muerle, what’s your problem, coming here to throw a fit? So what if I made you run to the magistrate’s office? Even if you hadn’t come, I could’ve handled it. Do you really think they’d dare kill me, a princess?”

“You still remember you’re a princess? A dignified princess, fawning over Great Qi’s lowlifes and getting hurt like this—how do you plan to attend tomorrow’s palace banquet?” Muerle frowned at Gulanduo’s swollen arm. “This isn’t the grasslands. You can’t act recklessly here. If something really happened to you, how would I explain it to Father?”

“Explain to Father, always explain to Father. If you’re so eager to report to him, why even come to Great Qi? Just stay by his side, be his good son, and when Big Brother takes the throne, you can be his pathetic little brother!” Gulanduo didn’t spare Muerle’s feelings, waving him off irritably. “My arm will be fine by tomorrow with some treatment. It won’t delay the marriage alliance, so don’t worry.”

Muerle stared at her intently, taking a deep breath to soften his tone: “You know that’s not what I mean. You’re my only sister—how could I let you suffer? If you refuse the marriage alliance, I won’t mention a word of it at tomorrow’s banquet.”

Gulanduo smirked mockingly: “If I don’t marry into Great Qi’s royal family, Big Brother will just send me off to some barbarian. I might survive, but what about you? Have you forgotten how Father’s brothers died? Or your newborn nephew—you don’t care about him either?”

A flicker of struggle crossed Muerle’s face. His braided hair shifted on his shoulders, betraying his unease: “Father can still hold on for a while. I’ll find a way.”

Gulanduo grasped his hand: “Great Qi won’t trust us immediately either. If Father’s condition worsens, it’ll be too late.”

Muerle covered her hand with his, patting it gently. He picked up the broken ointment bottle, warmed some in his palm, and applied it carefully to her arm: “Don’t worry. Even if you stay in Great Qi, I’ll never let you be mistreated.”

His touch was gentler than the maids’, and Gulanduo’s temper softened, her voice quieter: “Brother, do you really trust that Princess Rongxi? She’s so favored, with endless wealth and glory—why would she work with us? She wants to pull us to Prince Chen’s side, but isn’t she afraid we’ll betray her?”

Muerle finished bandaging her arm and said calmly: “Great Qi people are always full of schemes, but they wouldn’t go so far as to use us to threaten our royal court. Big Brother would love nothing more than for us to die here, so you don’t need to worry about that.”

Gulanduo fell silent, glancing at him as if she wanted to say more.

Muerle prompted, “What else do you want to say?”

“If, and I mean if,” Gulanduo propped herself up and whispered in his ear, “Great Qi’s princes aren’t limited to just Prince Chen. Can’t we choose another? Prince Ning, suppressed by Emperor Wenjing for years, or Prince Xuan, who commands a strong army—aren’t they better options than Prince Chen?”

“Prince Ning won’t do. Have you forgotten who his father was? There’s a bl00d feud between us—he’d never work with us.” Muerle scrutinized her with suspicion, his frown deepening. “Don’t tell me you’ve taken a liking to him?”

Gulanduo’s eyes flickered: “His skills are better than Prince Chen’s, he’s better-looking, and even his consort is more appealing than the women in Prince Chen’s household.”

Muerle was exasperated: “You…”

Gulanduo met his gaze: “Besides, if he’s really Emperor Wuxuan’s son, he must hate Emperor Wenjing and Great Qi to the core. If I offer him troops to help him succeed, would he refuse? As for what happens after, that depends on what I do. Don’t underestimate me, Brother.”

Muerle locked eyes with her for a long moment before conceding: “Let me think about it. Let me think.”

The day before the Qianqiu Festival, Princess Rongxi sent a set of clothes to the Duke of Yu’s residence, tailored from a palace gown she wore before her marriage. She also prepared one for Si Chengli, intending to finalize the matter during Emperor Wenjing’s birthday celebration.

When the gown arrived at the Duke’s residence, Lady Li’s face showed no joy. Seeing the dazzling gold thread on the gown, she quickly averted her eyes.

The nanny bowed respectfully: “Is the Fourth Miss’s cold better? The Princess is very concerned about her. If it’s convenient, may I see her to report back to the Princess?”

“Rourou is taking a medicinal bath and can’t receive visitors,” Lady Li stammered, signaling a maid nearby.

The maid immediately dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief: “Our Miss was so frightened that day, she cries at the sight of anyone. She’s a bit better today, but I’m not sure if seeing you would remind her of what happened at the Princess’s residence. If you don’t mind, please follow me.”

The nanny halted mid-step, her lips pursed, deepening the lines around her nose: “Then what about tomorrow’s palace banquet?”

“Tomorrow, bathed in His Majesty’s imperial aura, Miss’s illness will surely improve,” the maid said tearfully.

The Duke’s household was clearly lying to avoid letting her see Yu Nanrou. Bound by her status, the nanny couldn’t force her way in and smiled instead: “Then may I see Miss Yu from a distance, so I can report back?”

Lady Li stroked her jade bracelet, still blocking the nanny: “What’s this about? Rourou is the Duke’s daughter. You think you can just ‘see’ her like that? What do you take her for? If she marries into the Princess’s household, are you going to keep watching her every move?”

Her words were harsh, and the nanny knelt quickly: “I wouldn’t dare. Miss Yu is the future consort; I would never offend her. Please forgive me, Madam.”

“You’d better not.” Lady Li helped the maid up. “Take the clothes to Miss’s room. See the guest out.”

After the nanny left, Lady Li’s stern facade crumbled, and she stumbled.

The maid caught her, calling out, “Someone, get a doctor! Hurry!”

The Duke’s rear courtyard descended into chaos. When Lady Li awoke, night had fallen completely. Duke Yu and Yu Nanbo sat by her bed, the room heavy with an ominous air.

“Madam, where is Rourou?” Duke Yu set down his teacup, his usually gentle eyes glinting with ferocity.

Since the truth was out, Lady Li didn’t panic. She had the maid help her sit up, took a cup of water, and sipped slowly: “With so many women at the Princess’s residence, Si Chengli dared to lay hands on Rourou. Where do you think she’d go?”

Duke Yu snatched the cup and smashed it to the floor, his hands trembling: “No matter what, Rourou is his future consort, her status unmatched. Si Chengli may be reckless, but he wouldn’t harm her. If you don’t hand her over, what am I supposed to do when the Emperor grants the marriage tomorrow? Bear the crime of deceiving the Emperor?”

Lady Li glanced at the shattered cup, sneering without responding.

She had always been submissive before him, and this was the first time in years she’d defied him. Duke Yu’s brows furrowed, and he slammed the table: “I’m telling you, Rourou must attend the palace banquet with me tomorrow.”

The booming voice made Lady Li flinch, but Duke Yu didn’t want to argue further. He just wanted to find his daughter quickly. He signaled Yu Nanbo.

Yu Nanbo, limping on his still-healing leg, hobbled to Lady Li’s bedside: “Mother, I know you love Sister, but think of me too. My path to the imperial exams is ruined. My only hope is Prince Chen ascending the throne. If he does, I’ll have a chance at an official post, and then I can secure a first-rank noble title for you!”

“Besides, Si Chengli has plenty of women in his harem to keep him occupied. Sister will be his consort—however reckless he is, he wouldn’t dare harm her. Isn’t marriage just about bearing children? Once Sister has a legitimate heir, the Duke’s household will have its foundation!”

Hearing her son say this, Lady Li’s last shred of hope shattered. She gave a bitter smile, staring at Yu Nanbo for a moment.

Unnerved by her gaze, he stammered, “Mother, why are you looking at me like that?”

Her eyes dimmed, and she asked mockingly, “A first-rank noble title? I’m half in the grave already—what use is it to me?”

“Where did you send Rourou?” Duke Yu, out of patience, stood and glared at her coldly. “We’ve said all there is to say. It’s up to you to listen. If Rourou doesn’t return this time, her next marriage won’t be so favorable. And if you anger Princess Rongxi, don’t be surprised if Rourou vanishes one day, and you’ll just have to watch!”

With that, he stormed out, sleeves flapping.

“Heartless.”

Duke Yu froze at the threshold, turning back sharply: “What did you say?”

Lady Li threw off the covers, standing with fury in her eyes: “I said heartless! For your career, you’d sacrifice Rourou’s future to a man like that. Are you even fit to be a father? A grand Minister of Rites, selling his daughter for glory. Rourou escaped, and good for her! Even if she hadn’t, I’d have sent her away myself. I won’t let that beast Si Chengli ruin my daughter!”

Shock froze on Duke Yu’s face. He couldn’t believe Lady Li dared speak to him like this.

She had always been gentle and compliant, never once losing her temper, even when he married Lady Ji first.

For a moment, Duke Yu thought he’d misheard. His gaze shifted to Yu Nanbo, who looked equally stunned.

But Lady Li laughed at their shocked expressions: “Rourou may be spoiled, but she’s not foolish enough to cause a scene in Si Chengli’s harem. Haven’t you figured out who put her up to it? You want to find Rourou? Fine, go to Prince Ning’s residence and ask the other daughter you cast out!”

“Mother, are you mad? How could Yu Nanqing help Sister?” Yu Nanbo’s anger flared, then stopped abruptly. “Is Prince Ning trying to sabotage Prince Chen and Princess Rongxi’s alliance?”

Lady Li sneered, clearly thinking the same.

“Bo’er, I know you’ve been down since West Mountain, but Rourou is my daughter too, born through my pain. I can’t pretend I don’t know and send her to her death.”

She grabbed Yu Nanbo’s hand, pleading: “Bo’er, there are other paths to success. I still have some money—let your father buy you an official post. Prince Chen values you; he won’t let you down in the future.”

“But Princess Rongxi has announced the marriage to everyone. Rourou running away slaps the Princess’s face. The Emperor values her so much—do you think our household has a future? Prince Xuan’s confinement is lifted, and he’s now vying with Prince Chen in court. Things aren’t like they were at the start of the year. Mother, you care so much for Sister, but tell me—what about me? What am I supposed to do?” Yu Nanbo’s composure broke, his eyes bloodshot as he gripped her shoulders. “Tell me, Mother, what am I supposed to do?”

“Then I’ve failed you.” Lady Li said, lips trembling, before breaking into loud sobs.

Yu Nanbo let go, grabbed his cane, and left without looking back.

Outside, he saw Duke Yu waiting. Limping over, he said, “Father, what now? Should I go to Prince Chen’s residence and ask His Highness for a solution?”

Duke Yu’s expression darkened, his gaze on Yu Nanbo inscrutable: “Bo’er, you wouldn’t be hiding something from me too, would you?”

First Yu Nanqing, now Lady Li—decades of trust had betrayed him. Duke Yu was paranoid, unable to fully trust even Yu Nanbo.

“Father, what are you saying? The Duke’s household is my life too. What you want is what I want.” Yu Nanbo tossed aside his cane and knelt. “Father, tomorrow’s the banquet. We can’t delay—you need to decide now!”

Duke Yu’s gaze wavered. He looked around the familiar house he’d lived in since youth, now feeling alien.

Finally, he sighed heavily and helped Yu Nanbo up: “I’ll go to the Princess’s residence myself to apologize. Your leg isn’t healed—stay here, watch your mother, and persuade her to tell us where Rourou is.”

Yu Nanbo nodded solemnly: “Father, don’t worry.”

Duke Yu, anxious the whole way, rehearsed countless apologies for Princess Rongxi. Passing Prince Ning’s residence, he briefly considered seeking out Yu Nanqing but suppressed the thought.

Since Yu Nanqing burned the Duke’s courtyard, she’d completely cut ties with the family. In court, her suggestions were always countered by Prince Ning, who argued logically, leaving Duke Yu frustrated but powerless.

Going to Prince Ning’s residence now would likely yield nothing.

He went straight to the Princess’s residence.

In the Princess’s Buddhist hall, Princess Rongxi was fingering prayer beads before a statue. Hearing movement, she said lightly, “If it’s those people outside, ignore them.”

A guard bowed and reported, “Your Highness, it’s Duke Yu.”

Princess Rongxi paused, put away the beads, and took a red jade finger guard from her nanny, slipping it on slowly: “Duke Yu’s ambitions are bold. Knowing I’ll ask my brother for a marriage edict tomorrow, he’s already here tonight to demand favors?”

The nanny chuckled: “His Majesty values Your Highness so much, and the princes rely on you. What can Duke Yu want that isn’t yours to give? Why not hear him out? If it’s convenient, what’s the harm in granting it?”

Princess Rongxi gave her a playful glare: “You old thing, one might think you’re from the Duke’s household, always speaking for him.”

The nanny helped her toward the front hall, smiling wider: “Oh, Your Highness, I’ve served you for years—haven’t I always put you first? You’ve wanted to deal with the Wei family for ages. When the Cabinet opens up, someone from the Six Ministries will fill it. Whichever Minister position opens for the Duke, isn’t it just a word from you?”

They spoke openly. Princess Rongxi had long seen the Wei family as a thorn in her side. Over the years, half the court officials who annoyed Emperor Wenjing were removed by her, but the Wei family always escaped, with only minor officials taken down.

Xiao Qiling’s ties to the Wei family were deep, and their influence in court was unmatched. Only by removing them could Xiao Qiling’s chances of being reinstated as Crown Prince be fully eliminated.

Everyone said Prince Chen was unmatched, even the commoners in Great Qi’s remote cities knew he was Emperor Wenjing’s favorite, and his mother, the Noble Consort, would soon be Empress.

But Princess Rongxi didn’t think so.

Not because she’d watched Xiao Qiling grow up and admired his talent and cunning, but because she believed in the Empress.

A prince born to the Empress, raised personally by her—how could he give up over a cup of poison? How could he truly languish just because he was deposed as Crown Prince?

And how could he, over all these years, really be content to linger in the Ministry of Works?

When Emperor Wuxuan fought the Xiongnu, the fierce nomads were forced to retreat and recover. Great Qi’s other borders remained stable, and Emperor Wenjing’s easy rise to power had dulled his vigilance over the years.

He might have forgotten, but she couldn’t.

This Great Qi empire…

Princess Rongxi paused, gazing at the vibrant garden flowers, and smiled faintly before speaking to the nanny: “Yes, once the Wei family falls, I’ll have no worries.”

The nanny, thinking she meant her and Prince Chen’s prosperity, laughed: “Indeed, Your Highness will rest easy.”

Princess Rongxi raised an eyebrow.

Rest easy?

If the Wei family truly fell, how long would it take her brother to wake up?

By then, it would be too late.

She shook her head, took a different path, and headed to the front courtyard: “Let’s go. Don’t keep the Duke waiting.”