Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 59

59: This Chapter Still Has No Protagonist

Yu Bingru paced restlessly in the front hall, unable to sit still.

Hearing a sound, he turned and bowed to Princess Rongxi. “Greetings, Your Highness. I apologize for disturbing you so late at night.”

Princess Rongxi gracefully took her seat, smiling as she accepted the tea offered by a servant. “Duke Yu, you’re too polite. You’re a rare guest. Had you sent word earlier, I could have prepared a proper reception for you.”

Yu Bingru wouldn’t dare let Princess Rongxi go to such lengths. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he said, “This humble official has come to confess a grave matter and seek Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

“Confess?” Princess Rongxi’s hand paused on her teacup, not yet grasping the situation.

As her attendant had mentioned, she was set to request an imperial decree for a marriage tomorrow. Could Duke Yu not be here to negotiate for additional benefits?

Princess Rongxi’s fingers traced the teacup’s rim, her gaze catching the stray hairs blown loose from Yu Bingru’s headpiece. Her eyes flickered, and the smile on her face slowly faded.

“No need to beat around the bush, Duke. Speak plainly.” Princess Rongxi leaned forward, her narrowed phoenix-like eyes piercing through the candlelight toward Yu Bingru. “When my attendant went to deliver clothes, the Duchess repeatedly obstructed her. Has something happened to Nanrou?”

Yu Bingru gave a stiff nod.

Hearing it concerned Yu Nanrou, the shadow on Princess Rongxi’s face lifted, and she dismissed it lightly. “In that case, it’s my oversight. Once Nanrou is married, I assure you she won’t share a courtyard with Chengli’s flock of concubines, and I certainly won’t let Chengli mistreat her.”

Yu Bingru felt even more ashamed by Princess Rongxi’s words. Gritting his teeth, he bowed deeply. “Nanrou is missing. She’s been gone for two days. We’ve searched everywhere, inside and outside the residence. I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

“Missing?” Princess Rongxi’s tone betrayed no emotion as a draft scattered her hair, her expression pensive.

She smiled faintly. “I’ve already announced the joyous news of our families’ union. Is Duke Yu dissatisfied with Chengli and seeking to break the engagement, or is it my Princess’s Mansion that displeases you? Tomorrow is my imperial brother’s birthday banquet. I won’t play games with you. Tell me what you want, and I can grant it tonight.”

The atmosphere grew heavy, as if frozen. Yu Bingru, observing Princess Rongxi’s expression, felt sweat bead on his forehead. “Your Highness, I’m not here to make demands. Nanrou is truly missing. My wife mentioned that she was likely taken by Princess Ning. I had no other choice but to come to you tonight to apologize.”

Princess Rongxi’s expression finally shifted. She stood abruptly. “What did you say?”

“We’ve searched everywhere, but she’s nowhere to be found. It’s likely Princess Ning knows of the connection between Prince Chen and us and seeks to ruin this marriage.” Yu Bingru voiced his suspicions carefully. “Nanrou fell into the water a few days ago. Perhaps tomorrow we could claim she caught a chill and cannot attend court, keeping the engagement intact. What does Your Highness think?”

Princess Rongxi remained silent for a moment before smiling faintly. “I understand. I’ll make other arrangements tomorrow.”

Yu Bingru hesitated. “Your Highness, what about Nanrou…?”

“Duke, send people to search again. A young lady alone outside is never safe.” Princess Rongxi calmly sipped her tea.

Uncertain of her intentions, Yu Bingru relaxed slightly when she didn’t seem to blame him. He tentatively mentioned the marriage again, confirming she still upheld it, and left with some relief.

Once he departed, Princess Rongxi’s calm demeanor turned icy. She hurled her teacup to the floor, and the servants knelt in fear. “Your Highness, please calm your anger.”

“Investigate whether anything unusual has occurred at West Garden recently. Report every detail to me. Also, send people to verify the identities of everyone at the residence on Changxing Street—quickly!”

The attendant, unsure why Yu Nanrou’s disappearance involved West Garden, didn’t dare delay and hurried to issue orders.

Before she could leave, a guard burst in without announcement and knelt before Princess Rongxi. “Your Highness, we found several spies lurking outside West Garden. While reporting, I also noticed Prince Ning’s soldiers patrolling the area, just a few estates away from West Garden. They haven’t shown intent to approach yet.”

The attendant, still present, was shocked, realizing why Princess Rongxi acted so urgently.

If Yu Nanrou was taken by Princess Ning, the lotus-viewing banquet must have been a coordinated effort. Prince Ning likely knows about West Garden!

The attendant rushed back. “Your Highness, Prince Ning dared to send his own princess to take such a risk just to find your weakness! We must deal with West Garden immediately to prevent them from exploiting it!”

“Indeed, Prince Ning’s devotion fooled us all.” Princess Rongxi clenched her fists, her sharp nail guards digging into her palm. “Have Chengli interrogate everyone in his household and find out exactly what they’ve revealed about West Garden.”

The attendant hesitated. “Your Highness, the young master went drinking tonight and is likely at West Garden by now.”

At this, the room’s temperature seemed to plummet. The kneeling guards and servants pressed their foreheads to the ground, barely daring to breathe.

“I can’t control him.” Princess Rongxi said darkly, then laughed coldly. “Let his parents deal with him.”

The attendant glanced around nervously. “Your Highness, please don’t speak recklessly.”

Princess Rongxi raised an eyebrow, sneering without explanation. “Forget West Garden. Send someone to Changxing Street to check for any clues.”

She mentally reviewed everyone connected to West Garden.

If Prince Ning was investigating West Garden, something must have been exposed.

If officials linked to West Garden were compromised, Princess Ning wouldn’t have needed to risk visiting the Princess’s Mansion.

Besides the Changxing Street residence, the only other connection was…

Princess Rongxi’s eyes widened. She barked, “Investigate the Qintian Observatory officials taken to Dali Temple. Check their homes one by one. If there’s any issue, have them come to me!”

The servants, who had just risen, knelt again. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Orders were issued swiftly, and the mansion’s guards split into several groups, hurrying off.

Princess Rongxi surveyed the half-empty courtyard, exhaling deeply. She summoned her attendant. “Come with me to change. As for tonight’s events…” Her gaze swept over the servants. “If I hear a word of this from anyone else tomorrow, you know the consequences.”

The servants trembled and responded in unison, “Yes.”

On the way to change, Princess Rongxi pondered deeply. She had long prepared for West Garden to be exposed, given its wide-reaching implications. Over the years, anyone who tried to report it was silenced, unable to stir trouble.

A thorough investigation would disrupt the entire capital’s officialdom—something no one wanted. Even if Prince Ning wanted to investigate, he’d need Emperor Wenjing and the court’s approval.

With Emperor Wenjing’s birthday banquet approaching, showcasing the Great Qi’s strength, foreign envoys from the Western Regions and even the often-hostile Xiongnu were attending. In front of so many foreigners, Emperor Wenjing would prioritize the empire’s dignity.

Otherwise, political turmoil could tempt these foreigners to exploit the chaos.

Reassured, Princess Rongxi chose a vibrant, ornate robe despite her attendant’s inquiry. Though traces of worry lingered in her eyes, the luxurious hairpins restored her regal, untouchable aura as a royal daughter.

She studied herself in the bronze mirror, then ordered, “Prepare the carriage. We’re going to the Si residence.”

The Si residence’s gatekeeper spotted Princess Rongxi’s carriage from afar and alerted the steward, who hurriedly fetched Si Zonghe from the back courtyard. “Princess Rongxi has arrived.”

Si Zonghe, the commander of the capital’s Imperial Guard, responsible for the city’s security, was also the elder brother of Princess Rongxi’s late husband. He was drinking, entertained by two beautiful new concubines playing music and dancing. Annoyed at the interruption, he snapped, “No manners! Can’t you see I’m busy?”

Clearly intoxicated, Si Zonghe couldn’t afford to offend Princess Rongxi. The steward, sweating, said, “Master, it’s Princess Rongxi. She seems to have urgent business.”

“What urgent business could she have? Did a bodhisattva send her a dream again?” Si Zonghe scoffed. “Tell her to take her dreams to the emperor. I don’t buy her mystic nonsense. I’m on duty tonight. If she has something to say, she can find me at tomorrow’s palace banquet.”

“You want to offer your head at tomorrow’s banquet?” Princess Rongxi stormed into the courtyard, ignoring the Si servants’ attempts to stop her, her armed guards trailing menacingly.

The servants didn’t dare block her, fearing offense.

Si Zonghe’s wife tried to placate her, but Princess Rongxi’s gaze flicked over Si Zonghe’s disheveled clothes, a flash of mockery in her eyes. “Commander Si, such fine taste. They say Duke Yu favors concubines over his wife, but you’re no different.”

Drunk and less deferential than usual, Si Zonghe retorted, “Did Your Highness come here in the middle of the night just to lecture me? My wife hasn’t borne children in years. By Great Qi law, I’ve already given her enough face by not elevating a concubine to wife. What’s wrong with enjoying a few beauties and some wine?”

His “giving face” wasn’t for his wife but for Princess Rongxi. His wife tensed, fearing he’d say something worse, and quickly sent the concubines away.

The two concubines, not from the capital and unfamiliar with its ways, thought the princess was there to support Si’s wife. Clinging to Si Zonghe, they cried, “Master, save us!”

“You control the court, but now you meddle in a man’s household? Is it because your husband died early and you’re lonely—”

“Silence!” Si Zonghe, not entirely drunk, clamped a hand over the concubine’s mouth, about to beg forgiveness.

But Princess Rongxi’s guards moved first, seizing the concubines and tossing them into the lake with two splashes.

The women screamed and flailed, but no one dared help. Guards stood by the lake, watching them sink.

Princess Rongxi’s face was half-shadowed, her voice cold. “Commander Si, can you listen to me now?”

The concubines’ struggles faded, leaving only a red ribbon floating on the lake. The Si household’s servants were held back by Princess Rongxi’s guards. The mighty commander of the Imperial Guard couldn’t even protect two concubines.

A chill wind blew from the lake, sobering Si Zonghe. He hurriedly dressed and bowed. “What does Your Highness command?”

Princess Rongxi glanced disdainfully at the pavilion where the concubines had been. “Find a room in the front hall,” she told Si’s wife.

Si’s wife promptly arranged tea and snacks, serving flawlessly. Princess Rongxi sipped the Biluochun tea Si’s wife prepared, its fragrance soothing her. Finally, she softened. “A few days ago, the Yu girl fell into the water at my mansion. There’s more to it. I suspect Prince Ning’s household is involved, targeting West Garden.”

“What! Prince Ning is that cunning?” Si Zonghe, a martial commander with a booming voice, slammed the table, leaving two cracks. “Is Your Highness certain Prince Ning has uncovered West Garden’s secrets? How did he find it so quickly? We’ve heard no whispers before.” His tone carried blame toward Princess Rongxi. “Your Highness, coming to me so suddenly puts me in a difficult position.”

Princess Rongxi caught his evasiveness but remained patient. “West Garden is heavily guarded. Prince Ning can’t yet penetrate its inner workings, but we’re running out of time. I need you to clean it up immediately.”

Si Zonghe, who had visited West Garden and enjoyed its unique pleasures—superior to the capital’s brothels, with no taint of the pleasure quarters—hesitated. “West Garden has so many people. It’s not something we can just ‘handle.’ If it were that easy, why hasn’t Your Highness dealt with it yourself?”

Princess Rongxi’s gaze turned icy. “Commander Si, do you think your head will stay on if West Garden is exposed? Let me tell you how it leaked.”

“It’s because of your greed. To cover your embezzlement of military funds, I bribed the Qintian Observatory to offer boys and girls for rituals, convincing my brother to spare you. How many messes have I cleaned up for you since?”

“When the emperor ordered Dali Temple to investigate the Qintian Observatory over the Xishan hunting grounds, I wasn’t in the capital and couldn’t act immediately. But you—why didn’t you plan ahead? Why didn’t you visit Dali Temple to smooth things over, letting Prince Ning dig this up?”

On her way to the Si residence, Princess Rongxi had sent people to investigate the Qintian Observatory officials’ homes. She didn’t need more evidence to piece together how Xiao Qiling had traced West Garden.

Fortunately, Changxing Street remained calm, suggesting West Garden’s exposure wasn’t as dire as feared.

But she wouldn’t tell Si Zonghe that.

“As for West Garden, it was Chengli’s offense against the Yu girl at the lotus banquet that distracted everyone, giving Princess Ning her chance. If you feel wronged, ask Chengli why he brought so many of West Garden’s people into his household, letting Princess Ning discover its location.”

“Chengli’s always at your mansion. How would I know his movements?” Si Zonghe, commander of the Imperial Guard, was used to deference, even from generals like Zhenyuan. His displeasure was evident.

“Has Commander Si forgotten that Chengli is your son? I gave him the glory of a hereditary title. Must I handle everything myself?” Princess Rongxi sneered.

Si Zonghe paled.

When Princess Rongxi married into the Si family, she bore no children for years. The Si family struggled with heirs, but no one dared gossip. Then, the day after Si Zonghe’s wife announced her pregnancy, Princess Rongxi did too. That night, she demanded the child be given to her upon birth.

Si Zonghe, then a minor seventh-rank official, owed his family’s rise to his brother, the top scholar and Princess Rongxi’s husband. Thinking his brother might be infertile or the princess unwilling to bear children, he agreed, seeing the child’s future as a titled heir.

Later, Emperor Wuxuan died in battle, and Si Zonghe’s brother took a sword for Emperor Wenjing, securing his ascension. The young Princess Rongxi, widowed, was elevated to Grand Princess, and the Si family was richly rewarded.

Over the years, Si Zonghe rose to command the Imperial Guard, a trusted imperial confidant. In quiet moments, he questioned his brother’s death but never pursued it. The Si family’s glory depended on Princess Rongxi.

As for Si Chengli…

Si Chengli was not only Princess Rongxi’s public son but the Si family’s only male heir. Few knew his true origins, and those who did were silenced. Even Si Chengli was unaware. As his “uncle,” Si Zonghe couldn’t curb his excesses, which had worsened West Garden’s depravity.

With West Garden exposed, the priority wasn’t blame but resolution.

Si Zonghe exhaled heavily. “No more words. Since Your Highness came to me, you must have a plan. Speak plainly, and I’ll act immediately.”

Princess Rongxi rubbed her temples wearily. “West Garden can’t remain. It must be dealt with quickly.”

“When West Garden was established, all secret passages were sealed to prevent escapes.” Si Zonghe said, troubled. “With Prince Ning watching, moving people out of the city tonight would be unwise.”

Princess Rongxi nodded, sharing his concern. West Garden housed over a hundred people. Moving or eliminating them would attract the spies’ attention.

Worse, Prince Ning’s soldiers were patrolling nearby. Though not yet at West Garden, any disturbance would draw them immediately.

“Does Prince Ning have any concrete evidence on West Garden?” Si Zonghe asked.

“Likely not.” Princess Rongxi replied. “Since this began, neither Changxing Street nor West Garden has kept records to avoid leaving evidence.”

“Brilliant, Your Highness.” Si Zonghe gazed at the night sky, then suggested, “Without evidence, who’d believe Prince Ning’s claims? In that area, officials often hire singers and dancers for private gatherings. A few dozen people isn’t unusual. They party tonight and leave tomorrow. What do you think?”

Princess Rongxi nodded. “Exactly.”

“So, as we said, resolving West Garden means dealing with its people. I have an idea, Your Highness.” Si Zonghe signaled his wife to pour more tea for the princess, then continued.

“You recently secured an imperial decree for sky lanterns to celebrate with the people. With the Imperial Guard ensuring the capital’s safety, the citizens are thrilled. Tomorrow is the emperor’s true birthday. Shouldn’t the people pray for his longevity?”

At the mention of sky lanterns, Princess Rongxi understood. She took the fresh tea, smiling meaningfully. “The people, eager to pray for my brother, light more lanterns than usual. If a few fall on West Garden, it’s only natural. The palace banquet will be in full swing, and it takes at least half an hour to ride from there to West Garden. By the time Prince Ning arrives, everything will be ashes.”

“People say drinking clouds the mind, but I see my brother is sharper after wine.”

Her address of “brother” flattered Si Zonghe. She raised her teacup in a toast. “With tea for wine, I wish you success tomorrow.”

Si Zonghe clinked his cup with hers. “I dare not take credit. This is my duty.”

Si Zonghe’s wife watched their exchange, accustomed to their posturing, and stood silently.

“But your Imperial Guard may face some blame. Rest assured, Commander, I won’t let you suffer.” Princess Rongxi said, rising calmly. Candlelight illuminated half her face, the other half shrouded in darkness, like a snake emerging from hibernation.

Si Zonghe and his wife bowed. “Your Highness humbles me. The Si family prospers with you and will always follow your lead.”

Pleased, Princess Rongxi nodded. After a few steps, she paused, her voice soft. “After this, I’ll request the emperor to appoint Chengli to a court position. The Six Ministries aren’t safe, so how about he joins you to temper his character? What do you think?”

Si Chengli, always at the Princess’s Mansion, was beyond Si Zonghe’s reach. This suited him perfectly. “All as Your Highness commands.”