Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 60

60: “Dry Off Before Getting Into Bed”

When Princess Rongxi left the Si Mansion, she ordered someone to summon Si Chengli back from the West Garden, while her guards safely escorted the other nobles back to their residences.

“Your Highness, the situation at the West Garden has been handled properly,” the maid reported, relaying the message from the guards as she entered the room to report to Princess Rongxi.

Princess Rongxi acknowledged with a hum, removing her jade longevity earrings and instructing, “Give them an extra portion of silver for their efforts. It’ll ensure things are done more efficiently.”

The maid took a comb and carefully began brushing the princess’s long hair. “Your Highness, rest assured, I’ve already made the arrangements.”

However, some matters, when delayed even slightly, become impossible to catch up with.

An hour earlier, the tightly shut gates of the West Garden were pushed open. Two servants respectfully held lanterns as they escorted a man out. “Shall we arrange a carriage for you, my lord?”

The man reeked of wine and perfume, his inner and outer robes loosely tied, revealing half of his chest, marked with faint red scratches—clearly the work of fingernails.

“Get me one,” the man said, scratching at the itchy wounds and grimacing. “Hurts like hell. Next time, I’ll tie her hands up.”

The two servants, accustomed to such scenes, offered practiced apologies with a flattering tone. “Rest assured, my lord, we’ll discipline her properly to ensure she’s compliant next time.”

“No need for too much compliance,” the man said, a strange smile crossing his face as he recalled the woman from earlier. “Her fiery temper is better—lively and spirited. Worst case, I’ll personally clip her nails next time.”

The carriage soon arrived, and the man climbed in, leaning back to rest his eyes.

The carriage swayed along the wide road, nearing the edge of the West Garden’s grounds, when the horse let out a sudden whinny. The carriage lurched violently, and the man crashed into the door, dizzy and disoriented.

“What the hell are you—”

Before he could finish, a figure in black night attire appeared before him. The driver and servants lay unconscious on the ground.

Thinking it was a robbery, the man snarled, “Are you blind? Robbing an official? Do you have a death wish?”

He pulled a money pouch from his waist and tossed it at the figure’s feet. “Take it and get lost.”

The figure in black picked up the pouch, opened it, and remarked, “As expected of the Minister of Revenue—three gold ingots just for a night out. Truly generous.”

The man was none other than Fan Zhijing, the Minister of Revenue!

His disheveled clothing made it all the easier for the figure behind him. As he was hoisted over a courtyard wall, his plump face trembled, cold sweat dripping. “Who are you? How do you know I’m with the Ministry of Revenue? Where are you taking me? Speak your name!”

The figure in black glanced at him, their narrow eyes gleaming coldly under the moonlight, as deep and unreadable as ink.

Fan Zhijing’s initial anger gave way to a creeping sense of familiarity, then sheer terror. “You—you’re Prince Ning! Let me go! Mistreating a court official like this—I’ll have you impeached tomorrow!”

Xiao Qiling withdrew her gaze impassively, moving silently through a heavily guarded courtyard. The guards wore uniform armor, and Fan Zhijing’s heart sank as a sense of dread overwhelmed him, prompting him to struggle fiercely.

Xiao Qiling grabbed his wrist and twisted it back with a sickening crack. As Fan was thrown into a cell, the dim candlelight illuminated his pale, terrified face.

Unfazed, Xiao Qiling’s gaze grew colder. “If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility. For tonight, I’ll trouble Lord Guo.”

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court emerged from the other side of the cell, dressed in a crimson official robe. His imposing figure bowed respectfully to Xiao Qiling. “Your Highness, rest assured, I’ll ensure justice is served tonight for the innocent men and women of the West Garden!”

Fan Zhijing, still uncertain of where he’d been taken, paled further upon hearing “Supreme Court.” “Cases tried here require the Emperor’s direct decree, or at least a report from the local magistrate to escalate to the Supreme Court! This is a violation of imperial law—private punishment!”

“Once you confess, I’ll personally go to the palace to accept my punishment.” Xiao Qiling replied curtly, signaling a guard nearby. “Interrogate him.”

That night, the Supreme Court was brightly lit, while the West Garden buzzed with activity. All the nobles were escorted out one by one, the garden’s doors and windows sealed shut. As Xiao Qiling and her hidden guards had confirmed, there were no hidden passages for escape.

The hidden guards continued monitoring the West Garden, while Xiao Qiling returned to the Supreme Court.

Ever since the discovery of abducted children in the household of an Imperial Observatory official, the Supreme Court had relentlessly pursued the masterminds behind it. When Xiao Qiling shared the horrifying details she’d uncovered, the Chief Justice was enraged, abandoning all collegial courtesy toward the higher-ranking Minister of Revenue.

In just an hour and a half, Fan Zhijing spilled everything he knew.

When Xiao Qiling returned to the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice was washing his hands after the interrogation, his face—hardened by years of witnessing atrocities—still etched with anger and severity.

Upon seeing Xiao Qiling, he tempered his expression slightly and handed her the confession. “Your Highness, please review it.”

Xiao Qiling removed her black face covering, revealing her sharp, unadorned features, which appeared striking in the night. She took the document and asked, “Was torture used?”

“Just a few lashes, and he couldn’t hold out. He answered everything and even signed the confession willingly,” the Chief Justice said, stroking his beard with a long sigh. “To think this has been happening right under the capital’s nose for so many years—I’m ashamed to wear this official’s robe.”

The West Garden’s operations had persisted for over twenty years. The Great Qi’s laws prohibited officials from visiting brothels, but many current high-ranking officials, who had gained their positions through inherited privilege or purchased titles, sought ways to indulge their desires while evading the law. Princess Rongxi had established the West Garden for them.

Initially, the garden’s men and women were sourced from brothels across the land. Over time, the officials realized the garden’s secrecy allowed them to act without restraint, unlike public brothels where their proclivities might become gossip. The West Garden’s strict security ensured no leaks to the public.

As a result, the methods used to “train” people in the garden grew increasingly cruel. Over the years, the supply of purchased courtesans dwindled, but they made do—until Si Chengli came of age. Si Chengli, fastidious and particular, found the garden’s occupants “unclean.” After drunkenly abducting people and bringing them to the garden, he inspired other officials to do the same.

Occasional abductions could be covered up, but frequent ones drew attention. When reports surfaced, Princess Rongxi assigned dedicated agents to procure isolated beauties from rural areas.

The West Garden became a hub of activity, with participating officials protecting each other, not just shielding the garden’s filth but also colluding on court matters, forming a powerful faction over time.

“To think a man his age could commit such heinous acts—utterly despicable!” the Deputy Chief Justice fumed, having transcribed the confession himself. His hands trembled with rage, requiring multiple drafts to produce a legible document for Xiao Qiling.

“The court’s structure is long overdue for a change.” Xiao Qiling said, her grip on the confession tightening until her knuckles whitened. Dawn was breaking, dispelling the darkness.

She handed the document back to the Chief Justice, pointing to a case mentioned on the second page of Fan Zhijing’s confession. “Time is short. Before tonight’s imperial birthday banquet, I hope you can locate these case files and verify them one by one.”

The Chief Justice paused, then understood her intent, his tired eyes lighting up. “Can we have results by tonight, Your Highness? Isn’t this too rushed?”

Xiao Qiling shook her head. “Princess Rongxi likely senses our movements, and the Minister’s absence will raise suspicions. We’re running out of time.”

The Chief Justice took the document and accepted the task. “Understood. I won’t fail you, Your Highness.”

Yu Nanqing woke early for once. When Chenxiang asked about breakfast, she took a bracelet from her jewelry box and slipped it on, saying after a moment’s thought, “Let’s go to Lanshi Court. No need for you to prepare two meals.”

Chenxiang set down the comb, chuckling softly. “Miss, you’ve been going to Lanshi Court more often lately. Why not just move there and live with His Highness?”

“I’m perfectly fine here. Why doesn’t she move to my place instead?” Yu Nanqing pouted, clearly having considered the idea before.

Chenxiang, missing the hint, pressed on. “But Lanshi Court is the main residence of Prince Ning’s mansion. Who abandons a grand house for a smaller one?”

“Qinfang Pavilion isn’t small. In an ordinary mansion, it could house several concubines with room to spare.” Yu Nanqing retorted, gesturing to the blooming crabapple tree in the courtyard. “Does Lanshi Court have flowers this beautiful?”

“No.” Chenxiang admitted after a pause. “But it has some pink cherry trees. Didn’t you linger by them last time, even having a reclining chair brought out to sunbathe?”

Yu Nanqing fell silent for a moment. “I was just tired that day.”

It definitely wasn’t because she could see Xiao Qiling writing memorials through the window.

Chenxiang kept babbling about the cherry trees’ charms. Yu Nanqing, exasperated, said dryly, “The tiles on Qinfang Pavilion’s roof have gathered dust from Yin San stepping on them so many times. Why don’t you go clean them?”

Chenxiang immediately shook her head and mimed sealing her lips.

Yu Nanqing studied her reflection in the bronze mirror, smiling as she adjusted her dangling hairpins. She gave herself an excuse: “I’m not clear on tonight’s palace banquet procedures. I need to ask His Highness.”

At Lanshi Court, a maid holding the prince’s robes bowed to Yu Nanqing. “Greetings, Princess Consort.”

“Is that His Highness’s attire? Where is she?” Yu Nanqing asked.

The maid replied, “His Highness is bathing in the warm pavilion. Would you like to go over?”

“Bathing requires so many things?” Yu Nanqing asked, puzzled, eyeing the baskets the maids carried. She thought she was extravagant, but it seemed Xiao Qiling was secretly outdoing her.

The maid with the basket explained, “These are medicinal herbs prepared by the mansion’s physician, specifically for His Highness’s bath.”

Oh, medicinal herbs. That made sense. Xiao Qiling had suffered a poison flare-up recently and was still recovering, needing these to restore her strength.

The last time Yu Nanqing visited the warm pavilion was during Xiao Qiling’s poisoning. She hadn’t returned since. Knowing Xiao Qiling was bathing again, her thoughts slowed. She watched the maids file in and out, hesitating as she glanced toward the pavilion.

Chenxiang, seeing her longing look, sighed. “Miss, didn’t you want to ask about the banquet? His Highness might be busy after bathing. Why not ask now while she’s free?”

Yu Nanqing blinked, then shot Chenxiang an approving glance. “You’re right. No time to waste on important matters. I’ll go find her now.”

She waited until the maids left before quietly entering the warm pavilion.

Inside, the air was thick with steam, infused with the bitter scent of medicinal herbs.

Yu Nanqing could vaguely make out a figure with her back to her in the central pool, long hair cascading like a waterfall. The figure’s delicate shoulder blades shifted slightly as she raised her arms, water droplets gliding down her skin.

Drip—

The droplets fell, stirring ripples in Yu Nanqing’s imagination.

Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides, her ears quietly reddening. Her eyes darted around, unsure where to settle.

Xiao Qiling, fully aware, pretended not to notice.

After finishing a cup of tea left by a maid, Xiao Qiling set it down unhurriedly, glancing over as if by chance and meeting Yu Nanqing’s gaze. With a teasing smile and a sultry tone, she asked, “Qingqing, you’ve been staring for so long. Have you seen anything interesting?”

Yu Nanqing’s chaotic thoughts snapped into clarity. She ducked behind the screen, then composed herself and stepped out, feigning indifference. “Your Highness, this screen is quite nice.”

Xiao Qiling’s voice carried a playful edge. “Like it? Take it to your place. Are there any other screens you fancy? Take them all if you want.”

Many of Lanshi Court’s furnishings were gifts from the Empress, all top-quality items. Though Yu Nanqing appreciated them, she had no intention of claiming them.

“No need. They’re fine here,” she replied.

Xiao Qiling didn’t press, casually asking, “What brings you here so early?”

Yu Nanqing approached, stopping just out of Xiao Qiling’s reach. “To have breakfast with you.”

“Then I’ll have them prepare it.” Xiao Qiling called a maid in and gave instructions.

“I just returned to the mansion and was planning to see you after my bath.”

Hearing Xiao Qiling had been out all night, Yu Nanqing huffed. “Breakfast? You should go sleep right after your bath.”

Afraid of disturbing her, she turned to leave, but Xiao Qiling’s voice stopped her. “I was shaken up at the West Garden last night. Don’t you usually sleep past mid-morning? Why not stay and rest with me for a bit?”

Shaken up for no reason? That’s either mischief or trouble.

Yu Nanqing wasn’t falling for it.

“You’ve seen plenty of bloodshed. How could you be shaken? Sleep on your own.”

Xiao Qiling said, “Fine, I’ll just call a maid to sit by my bed then.”

Having a maid by the bedside wasn’t improper.

Unable to outright refuse, Yu Nanqing took a jab. “Sure, pick a maid. I’ll have someone burn calming incense for her to make sure you sleep soundly.”

Xiao Qiling spun lazily in the water, facing her with a low chuckle. “I was teasing. Did you take it seriously?”

Yu Nanqing: “Oh.”

Xiao Qiling: “So, will you stay?”

Given Xiao Qiling’s long night, Yu Nanqing figured she could indulge her a little.

She walked to the other side of the pool, crouched down, and picked up a few herbs to sniff. “Did they change the herbs? They seem more bitter than last time.”

What she meant was they smelled worse.

With the pavilion’s doors and windows sealed, standing by the pool for just a moment was nearly overwhelming.

Xiao Qiling lifted a sprig of herbs toward her. “Before Yin Liu and Yin Qi returned to the capital, they met my uncle, who brought me some rare herbs. Is this the one you mean?”

“Uncle?” Yu Nanqing’s attention shifted, forgetting her caution as she reached for the herbs. “The Empress’s brother? From the main family or a branch?”

“Her younger brother from the main family. He fought alongside my father and was gravely injured. Before returning to the capital, he received a secret letter from my mother and didn’t return with the army, claiming he’d succumbed to his wounds.” Xiao Qiling said, her eyes half-lowered, masking her true emotions.

Yu Nanqing moved closer, holding her skirt as she stepped to Xiao Qiling’s side of the pool. “Is he doing well now?”

Xiao Qiling fell silent.

The atmosphere grew heavy.

Most of the royal family had sided with Emperor Wenjing, leaving few true relatives. The surviving Su family general was likely Xiao Qiling’s only elder, but it seemed his situation wasn’t good.

Yu Nanqing took the herbs from Xiao Qiling, stumbling through words of comfort. “The general fought for the country. He’ll surely have good fortune.”

“Yes, I think so too.” Xiao Qiling replied, suddenly grasping Yu Nanqing’s hand as their fingers brushed. Rising slightly from the water, she closed the distance between them.

It had been a while since she referred to herself as “this prince” in front of Yu Nanqing, catching her off guard and triggering an instinctive deference.

In that moment, Xiao Qiling tightened her grip.

Her brows lifted, her eyes shimmering with the steam, reflecting Yu Nanqing’s image. In a deliberately husky tone, she said, “I’ll pass your words to my uncle. He’ll be pleased to hear them.”

She held Yu Nanqing’s hand firmly, her other hand emerging from the water, droplets falling rhythmically. With each drip, Yu Nanqing’s face flushed deeper.

Xiao Qiling’s fingertips traced Yu Nanqing’s brows, pausing at her lips with a gentle tap.

“But my uncle’s old injury has long healed. Instead of worrying about him, Qingqing, why not care for me?”

Yu Nanqing’s gaze lingered on Xiao Qiling’s fingertip, her voice trembling slightly from tension. “Is Your Highness… injured from last night?”

“Running between the West Garden and the Supreme Court, I saw many things. I kept thinking how fortunate it was that the Emperor investigated the Imperial Observatory after the West Mountain incident. Otherwise, how many more years would these atrocities have remained hidden in the capital, ruining countless innocent lives?”

Xiao Qiling sighed softly.

Yu Nanqing lowered her eyes, her lashes trembling. Xiao Qiling wasn’t wrong. In her past life, aligned with the Duke’s Mansion and Prince Chen, the West Mountain bear incident never happened, and the Imperial Observatory continued serving its masters. The West Garden’s secrets remained buried until her death by poison.

Thankfully, things had changed. Yu Nanqing instinctively pressed her lips together, unintentionally brushing Xiao Qiling’s fingertip.

Xiao Qiling froze, her gaze falling to her unmoved finger, then gave Yu Nanqing a meaningful look before smiling. “So, Qingqing missed me too?”

Yu Nanqing quickly released her lips.

Xiao Qiling let out a short, melodious laugh, her playful tone shifting as her gaze met Yu Nanqing’s, sparking other thoughts.

“It seems you did.”

Yu Nanqing slapped Xiao Qiling’s hand away, leaning back as if avoiding a plague. “Your Highness, hurry up and finish bathing.”

Xiao Qiling could easily pull her into the water, but seeing Yu Nanqing’s neatly styled hair, she restrained herself, retreating with a regretful sigh. “Fine.”

With Prince Chen and Prince Xuan sent by Emperor Wenjing to receive foreign envoys, Xiao Qiling chose not to interfere and even excused herself from the noon banquet, leaving a few hours for rest.

Yu Nanqing waited in Xiao Qiling’s room, expecting a long wait. But no sooner had she removed her outer robe than Xiao Qiling strode in.

Had the medicinal bath been long enough?

Fresh from bathing, Xiao Qiling’s skin glowed faintly pink, her wet hair dripping water, soaking her inner robe halfway from the pavilion to the room.

Yu Nanqing’s gaze traced upward, her heart racing uncontrollably.

Xiao Qiling’s lips curved. She loosened her grip on her outer robe, tossing it onto a couch, the lapels falling open carelessly.

Snapping out of it, Yu Nanqing turned away, pretending to focus on removing her hairpins at the mirror.

Just as she was about to tell Xiao Qiling to dry her hair, Chenxiang burst in, exclaiming, “Miss, I asked around, and there’s an empty room in Lanshi Court’s gatehouse. If you move here, I could live here too!”

Xiao Qiling glanced at Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing froze for several seconds before snapping, “Got it, now get out,” shooing Chenxiang away.

Xiao Qiling’s gaze darkened, her tone probing. “You had your maid check if there were empty rooms in Lanshi Court?”

“She did that on her own.” Yu Nanqing said, unfazed, mentally cursing Chenxiang a hundred times. “She’s long admired Your Highness and wants to serve you.”

“Oh.” Xiao Qiling didn’t call her out. “If you say so, I could have her transferred here.”

Yu Nanqing: Hmph.

Under Xiao Qiling’s meaningful stare, she removed her final hairpin, walked over, and sniffed near Xiao Qiling’s shoulder. “The medicinal smell still hasn’t faded?”

Xiao Qiling tilted her head, letting her get closer. “If you don’t like it, shall we light some incense?”

Yu Nanqing glanced up, expertly selecting and lighting incense, holding it near Xiao Qiling. Her nose brushed Xiao Qiling’s chin lightly before shifting toward the incense. “It barely covers it.”

Xiao Qiling narrowed her eyes, unsure if Yu Nanqing’s brush was intentional.

Yu Nanqing’s gaze fell again on Xiao Qiling’s damp chest, inwardly grumbling if she’d left the pavilion wet on purpose to seduce someone.

Turning, she grabbed a dry cloth from behind the screen and tossed it over. “Dry off before getting into bed.”