Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 61

61: “This Prince Can Also Dance”

Yu Nanqing didn’t know when Xiao Qiling planned to enter the palace, so she kept part of her mind alert and slept lightly.

When she woke, Xiao Qiling was still asleep. The exhaustion from days of travel seemed to have taken a toll on her, with faint dark circles under her eyes. Her long hair cascaded over her chest, and her refined features were partially hidden in the shadows of the bed curtains.

Yu Nanqing gazed at her for a moment, reaching out to touch Xiao Qiling’s eyes, then glanced at the sky outside, hesitating whether to wake her.

As she wavered, the eyelids under her touch twitched slightly.

Xiao Qiling grabbed Yu Nanqing’s wrist, her eyes fluttering open, squinting at her. “We’ll need to head to the palace soon. Time’s a bit tight, so I’m afraid I can’t fully indulge you.”

Caught off guard by Xiao Qiling’s sudden awakening, Yu Nanqing froze, meeting those smiling peach-blossom eyes. Her body stiffened briefly before she pulled her hand back and got out of bed to dress. “That’s because Your Highness hasn’t explored deeply enough.”

Stepping onto solid ground and putting some distance between them, Yu Nanqing cast a sidelong glance at Xiao Qiling. “If Your Highness lets me try, there’ll be plenty of time.”

Xiao Qiling had actually woken the moment she was touched, her years of habit making her a light sleeper. Yu Nanqing was shy when they were together, but when she thought Xiao Qiling was asleep, she’d stare unabashedly, never learning her lesson despite being caught multiple times.

Xiao Qiling had pretended to stay asleep, curious to see what Yu Nanqing would do this time.

To her surprise, after just two days apart, Yu Nanqing had grown bold again, catching Xiao Qiling off guard.

The last time Yu Nanqing was under the influence of a drug, it had worn off quickly. She had softened almost immediately, pliant and yielding, a stark contrast to her bold words now.

Xiao Qiling had initially planned to tease Yu Nanqing, but seeing her enthusiasm, she found herself unable to muster any mockery.

Instead, she found it faintly amusing.

Pushing aside the bed curtains, Xiao Qiling shifted into a comfortable position, leaning back with her hands casually folded in front of her. She studied Yu Nanqing, who was searching for her outer robe, her lips curving unconsciously. “Alright, if we can return to the residence smoothly tonight, I’ll let you try.”

Yu Nanqing paused mid-motion, her playful smile freezing. “Smoothly return to the residence?”

Xiao Qiling beckoned her over.

Having been fooled too many times, Yu Nanqing grumbled as she shuffled closer. “Can’t you just say it from there? Do we have to be this close?”

Xiao Qiling touched Yu Nanqing’s face and said softly, “Last night, I took the Minister of Revenue to the Dali Temple.”

The word “took” clearly didn’t mean politely escorting a second-rank court official to the Dali Temple.

Yu Nanqing understood immediately without needing further explanation.

It wasn’t just the matter of West Garden. The crimes of the officials involved would all be exposed. Once the calm facade of the capital’s officialdom was torn away, whether it was Emperor Wenjing celebrating his birthday or the courtiers attending the banquet, they would face a reckoning.

When that facade was ripped off and all the corruption laid bare, Xiao Qiling, at the center of the storm, would be fully exposed to Emperor Wenjing’s scrutiny. Years of restraint and planning since her deposition as Crown Prince would come to light.

Yu Nanqing wasn’t too surprised. Since her rebirth, the trajectory of this life had diverged far from her previous one. Since Xiao Qiling had long been preparing for this, using the West Garden incident as a catalyst wasn’t a bad move.

After a moment’s thought, Yu Nanqing retrieved her outer robe and pulled out a few sheets of paper from it. “It’s not just imperial authority that can bring those people down—there’s also the common folk.”

Xiao Qiling looked at the handwriting on the pages, recognizing the familiar script, her eyes flashing with surprise. “You wrote this story?”

As a top scholar in her previous life, Yu Nanqing’s literary talent had earned the admiration of Emperor Wenjing and the court’s senior ministers. Crafting stories came naturally to her, and having written numerous tales for the capital’s storytellers, she knew exactly what the common people liked.

Yu Nanqing blinked, waiting for praise.

Xiao Qiling said nothing.

Instead, she handed the pages back, took Yu Nanqing’s hand, and squeezed it gently. Noticing it was slightly cold, she brought it to her face to warm it, her touch tender.

After lunch, Yu Nanqing and Xiao Qiling changed into the formal attire befitting a prince and princess, and their carriage clattered toward the palace.

Before reaching the palace gates, a group of riders galloped past, stirring a gust that lifted the curtain of Prince Ning’s carriage. Yu Nanqing leaned forward to see which reckless noble dared act so brazenly on such a day, when a pouch was tossed inside.

“Huh?”

Yu Nanqing picked it up. The embroidery was exquisite, and for a moment, she almost thought some woman was boldly declaring her love for Prince Ning.

But the faint fragrance emanating from the pouch clearly wasn’t feminine. Turning to look at Xiao Qiling, who was calmly resting with her eyes closed, Yu Nanqing realized, “This was meant for you? Which official is bold enough to risk being impeached at the palace banquet?”

“Prince Xuan is receiving foreign envoys. Perhaps he’s in a rush under imperial orders. Galloping through the streets isn’t a big deal.” Xiao Qiling finally opened her eyes, meeting Yu Nanqing’s gaze. Smiling faintly, she reached for the pouch in Yu Nanqing’s hand.

As if reading her thoughts, Xiao Qiling leaned close and whispered in her ear, “It’s not from some lady. Open it and see.”

Her warm breath tickled Yu Nanqing’s sensitive ear, sending a shiver through her.

The sensation spread from her ear to her heart. Yu Nanqing turned her face, her hair ornament lightly brushing Xiao Qiling’s cheek. “We’re almost at the palace gates. Look at it yourself.”

Xiao Qiling took the pouch, loosening its drawstring while glancing at the hairpin in Yu Nanqing’s hair—one she had once worn herself—and chuckled softly. “Fine, it seems I don’t have the fortune of other princes, with a wife to add fragrance to my sleeve.”

Yu Nanqing paused, and as Xiao Qiling read the letter, she asked slowly, “Do other princesses do that?”

In stories, it seemed common for one to write while another ground ink beside them.

What had she been doing the last time Xiao Qiling was writing memorials in the study?

Oh, right—she’d been napping nearby.

Yu Nanqing rubbed her ear, feeling a twinge of guilt.

The corner where Xiao Qiling sat was dimly lit, and she held the letter up, struggling to read. “They do. If the princess doesn’t, a concubine will. There’s always someone willing.”

She didn’t seem inclined to move to better light.

Yu Nanqing pursed her lips and nudged Xiao Qiling’s boot. “Want me to read it for you?”

Xiao Qiling pressed Yu Nanqing’s leg down, subtly adjusting her jade pendant, her hand brushing her thigh through the skirt. “Weren’t you unwilling?”

Yu Nanqing: “…Who said I was unwilling?”

It was just reading a letter. Did she look illiterate?

Hmph.

Yu Nanqing lifted her chin. “Beg me, and I’ll read it for you.”

Xiao Qiling had already finished reading. “No need.”

Yu Nanqing: …

Ugh!

Ignoring her, Yu Nanqing lifted the curtain to watch the bustling crowd outside. Behind her, Xiao Qiling was giving orders to a hidden guard. Yu Nanqing pursed her lips again. “What did you promise Prince Xuan this time? How does he even tell you these things?”

Prince Xuan’s mother, Consort Shu, came from a military family, and as expected, he had joined the Ministry of War. Last night, the Imperial Guards had suddenly requested several batches of lamp oil from the ministry, claiming it was for night patrols to ensure the capital’s safety. The oil was supposedly for torches.

The Ministry of War tightly controlled lamp oil, resupplying every half-month. Yet last night, the guards had taken two months’ worth.

Even if it was to guard against foreign envoys, it was excessive.

“Princess Rongxi returned to the capital, first lifting Prince Chen’s confinement and then arranging a marriage for his heir with Duke Yu’s household. Naturally, Prince Xuan’s anxious, seeing every move as tied to Prince Chen.” Xiao Qiling explained. “It’s a fortunate coincidence.”

Before Xiao Qiling was deposed as Crown Prince, Prince Xuan wouldn’t have acted this way. But with Prince Chen now in the spotlight, he was seeking allies.

Yu Nanqing scoffed. “Prince Xuan must think you, his ‘dying’ brother, have joined his side. He’ll be furious when he learns the truth.”

Xiao Qiling shrugged. “That’s none of my concern.”

“Of course, nothing’s ever your concern.” Yu Nanqing muttered, turning away.

Out of consideration for Prince Ning’s frail health, Emperor Wenjing allowed their carriage to pass through the palace gates with only a brief stop.

Yu Nanqing adjusted her hairpiece and sat up straight. “You still haven’t answered my earlier question.”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze softened with amusement. “You really want to hear me say ‘you’re my concern’?”

Yu Nanqing silently cursed her for being obtuse and looked away. “Forget it if you don’t want to say.”

Xiao Qiling, who had shared details of troop movements and gold mines with Yu Nanqing, clearly cared. “Of course you’re my concern. How could they compare to you?” Finally moving from her dim corner, she embraced Yu Nanqing from behind.

Somewhat satisfied, Yu Nanqing reviewed with Xiao Qiling the etiquette she needed to observe as a princess at the banquet, committing it to memory.

Seeing her sit so rigidly, Xiao Qiling chuckled. “No need to be so nervous. Stay by my side, follow my lead, and don’t answer if you don’t know how.”

Yu Nanqing wasn’t unfamiliar with palace etiquette, but the memory of meeting the Xiongnu princess days earlier left her uneasy.

Sighing, she said, “Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling tilted her head. “Hm?”

Yu Nanqing: “Palace rules are so complicated. What a hassle.”

Xiao Qiling mused, “Shall I make it up to you?”

Yu Nanqing hooked a finger, and Xiao Qiling paused mid-motion. “What do you want to say?”

Turning to face her, Yu Nanqing looped her arms around Xiao Qiling’s neck, feeling the intricate gold threads of her princely robe. She stared at Xiao Qiling’s face, silent.

Xiao Qiling’s lashes flickered, but she remained composed, letting Yu Nanqing have her moment.

Despite Xiao Qiling’s calm demeanor, Yu Nanqing’s mind was a whirlwind, thinking of the people and events they’d soon face. The talk of compensation was a pretext; she was desperate for reassurance.

Instinctively, she leaned closer, seeking the warmth of Xiao Qiling’s presence.

Xiao Qiling smiled slowly. “We’ve still got some time before the palace. Want a kiss?”

Their breaths mingled, and Yu Nanqing’s grip tightened, though she worried about wrinkling the formal attire. Loosening her hold, she murmured, “I’m wearing lip rouge. It’ll smudge.”

Xiao Qiling traced Yu Nanqing’s features with her gaze, chuckling softly. “True.”

Yu Nanqing’s face warmed, and she pulled back, lifting the curtain to let in some air.

As she turned, a whisper brushed her ear: “We’ll have to wait until we’re back at the residence.”

The Golden Throne Hall was alive with music and dance. The true banquet would come later in the evening, so the midday event was merely a formal audience, with gifts from various envoys displayed for the evening presentation.

Royalty and nobles sat on one side, civil and military officials on the other. Princess Rongxi sat below Emperor Wenjing, followed by consorts and princesses. Opposite them, the princes were seated by age, with the first table reserved for Prince Ning and his consort. The other princes were already seated.

On the dragon throne, Consort Gui attended the emperor.

Since Prince Chen’s confinement at West Mountain, Consort Gui had caused quite a stir, unsettling the entire harem. Emperor Wenjing had been greatly troubled by this, but in the end, he had more than just Xiao Qijun and Xiao Qimin as his sons. His other princes were still young, and he could afford to wait.

Thus, he grew increasingly indifferent to the Noble Consort’s tantrums. The palace continued to send rewards to her quarters as per her usual favor, but the emperor himself had turned his attention to a new selection of palace maidens.

The Noble Consort gradually sensed the change in Emperor Wenjing. At that time, Princess Rongxi had just returned to the capital, and Xiao Qijun, though released from confinement, had not yet received an edict to return to court. After weighing her options, she suppressed her discontent and reverted to her former self—the tender, charming, and captivating Noble Consort who soothed Emperor Wenjing’s heart and soul.

Now, seated beside Emperor Wenjing, the Noble Consort held a wine cup to his lips, her gaze sweeping arrogantly over the consorts below, finally settling on the direction of the Xiongnu envoys.

The previous winter, Great Qi had clashed with the Xiongnu at the northern border, with conflict raging for half a month before subsiding. The Xiongnu’s old chieftain had been wounded by an arrow, and their forces were inadequate. On the surface, Great Qi seemed to have secured a complete victory, but the loss of troops far exceeded what the common people knew of the battle.

Great Qi had not seen war for a long time, and most of the border soldiers were facing bloodshed for the first time. They could barely hold their own against the Xiongnu’s ferocious cavalry, and the casualties required substantial compensation from the state treasury.

This had nearly made it impossible to hold Emperor Wenjing’s birthday banquet this time.

Half a year later, unexpectedly, the Xiongnu chieftain’s injuries worsened, and the usually arrogant Xiongnu tribe was willing to come to Great Qi to pay tribute. Notably, the princess accompanying their delegation had subtly expressed intentions of a marriage alliance during the envoys’ petitions.

However, Emperor Wenjing, mindful of his dignity, did not immediately agree and only mentioned it to the Noble Consort in passing.

A princess marrying for peace was typically a gesture of submission from a weaker state to a stronger one. The Xiongnu’s willingness to send a princess to Great Qi had already stirred Emperor Wenjing’s interest, as such a marriage, regardless of which prince was chosen, would demonstrate Great Qi’s national prestige.

Yu Nanqing sat listlessly beside Xiao Qiling, catching sight of Princess Rongxi seated opposite whenever she looked up. Instead, she turned her gaze to the song and dance. The music of strings and pipes in the Golden Throne Hall continued lively until dusk. A tributary envoy from the Western Regions, prompted by the ceremonial officer, led the presentation of gifts to congratulate Emperor Wenjing on his birthday.

“Prince Adiya of the Ruoqiang Kingdom pays respects to His Majesty of Great Qi.”

A man adorned with gold ornaments, accompanied by his envoy, performed the highest Ruoqiang courtesy to Emperor Wenjing. At the same moment, the ceremonial eunuch loudly announced the list of tributes.

“The Ruoqiang Kingdom presents one hundred dan of white sandalwood, two hundred dan of agarwood, one hundred dan of ambergris, and a hundred varieties of other spices, along with ten screens of peacock tails and five hundred sheets of kingfisher feathers, in celebration of His Majesty’s boundless longevity and eternal reverence.”

Emperor Wenjing raised his hand: “Excellent, reward them!”

The prince of Ruoqiang bowed once more and returned to his seat.

Following this, more than a dozen Western Region kingdoms paid their tributes one after another. When it was the Xiongnu’s turn to present themselves, Muerle, accompanied by Gulanduo, offered cattle, sheep, and warhorses. Just as Emperor Wenjing was about to say the customary word “reward,” Muerle bowed again and declared in a resonant voice, “Your Majesty of Great Qi, the gifts just presented were prepared to celebrate Your Majesty’s longevity. The Xiongnu and Great Qi have long been at odds, and for this reason, we have prepared another gift, hoping it will foster everlasting friendship between Great Qi and the Xiongnu.”

Emperor Wenjing, though already aware of Muerle’s intentions, feigned ignorance and asked, “Oh? If it’s for the friendship between Great Qi and the Xiongnu, then I must see whether this gift from the Second Prince is significant enough.”

Muerle stepped aside slightly, his gaze sweeping contemptuously over the dancers still lingering in the center of the hall. He spoke loudly, “Naturally, we must offer the most precious pearl of our grasslands, performed by the most beautiful princess of the Xiongnu, who will dance for Your Majesty. What do you think?”

Some of the military generals caught the look in his eyes and began to frown.

Yet Emperor Wenjing seemed oblivious. He set down his wine cup and said, “Good. Then let the princess perform a dance for us!”

Gulanduo, dressed in vibrant scarlet robes with her hair adorned with lavish gold ornaments, appeared even more alluring than she had on the streets of Chang’an. She raised her hand to her ear, letting the red veil covering her face flutter down, revealing a radiant and captivating visage. Her eyes briefly swept over the three princes before settling on Emperor Wenjing seated on the dragon throne, to whom she offered a deep bow.

Before anyone could react, she spun gracefully, her lithe figure landing at the center of the dancers. As the music of strings and pipes began, her slender waist swayed gently, and the golden bells on her wrists chimed in unison with her movements, their crisp and pleasant sound drawing the attention of even the discontented generals.

Having trained in martial arts, Gulanduo moved with a lightness and grace that made her dance appear fluid, her waist twisting like a water snake—soft yet imbued with a resilience that set her apart from the delicate dancers of Great Qi, without appearing frail.

Her exposed arms moved with enchanting and lively steps, paired with her smiling, captivating eyes, making her appear radiant and irresistibly charming.

The lengthy dance seemed to pass in an instant, and soon it concluded. Gulanduo’s skirts swirled as she caught her breath, her slightly parted lips exhaling softly, accentuating the allure of her face. She retied her veil, stepped lightly toward Muerle, and performed a traditional Hun salute to Emperor Wenjing before speaking:

“Gulanduo has long admired the culture of Great Qi. This time, I have accompanied my royal brother on this mission. On the grasslands, when a woman admires someone, she boldly expresses her love. May I ask if Your Majesty of Great Qi would grant Gulanduo’s wish?”

Gulanduo’s clear voice rang out distinctly in the hall, her accent impeccable, clearly the result of considerable effort to build ties with Great Qi.

In the Golden Throne Hall, everyone’s thoughts varied. Some initially glanced at Emperor Wenjing, but soon felt it inappropriate to do so.

The Xiongnu chieftain was only rumored to be ill, and the eldest prince, a strong contender, had led invasions against Great Qi. The Xiongnu weren’t desperate enough to offer a princess.

It had to be a marriage alliance.

The groom’s status couldn’t be low. Only three adult princes remained, and given the enmity with the Xiongnu, Gulanduo’s dance alone was enough to sway any man.

Since Emperor Wenjing’s reign, civil officials had gained prominence, many opposing war. Seeing the Xiongnu’s goodwill, they began forming opinions.

The emperor smiled. “Oh? Which Great Qi hero has caught the princess’s eye? Name him, and I’ll decide.”

General Zhenyuan, Prince Xuan’s uncle, had fought the Xiongnu extensively, ruling him out.

Prince Ning already had a consort, and a princess lowering herself to a concubine was unthinkable.

That left Prince Chen.

If he became emperor, Gulanduo would be Great Qi’s empress, securing half the empire. Great Qi could send a princess to the Xiongnu, cementing ties.

The courtiers’ gazes turned to Prince Chen.

He sat upright, nodding slightly, as if assured of victory.

Consort Gui exchanged a glance with Princess Rongxi, their eyes meeting briefly.

Just as everyone assumed the choice was settled, Gulanduo smiled at the princes’ seats and bowed to the emperor. “Gulanduo admires Great Qi’s culture. A few days ago, while touring the capital, I met Prince Ning and his consort, and we got along splendidly. The hero I seek must be able to tame me, and Prince Ning’s prowess has deeply impressed me. I ask Your Majesty to grant my request!”

Her words silenced the hall, courtiers exchanging stunned looks.

Before Xiao Qiling’s deposition, she had been trained as the Crown Prince, excelling in both civil and military arts. Defeating a foreign woman wasn’t surprising.

Three years ago, her request would’ve raised no doubts.

However, the current Prince Ning has already been stripped of his title as Crown Prince and is afflicted with an incurable poison. Most crucially, Prince Ning already has a legitimate consort. Could it be that Prince Ning would have to depose his consort, or would Princess Gulanduo become a concubine?

Upon hearing Princess Gulanduo’s words, the Noble Consort seated at the head nearly snapped her nail guard in frustration. Her gaze immediately turned to Princess Rongxi, who had already arranged this matter.

Princess Rongxi wore an equally grave expression, her eyes assessing Prince Ning, who was still calmly whispering to his consort with an air of nonchalance.

Emperor Wenjing did not immediately respond. He looked at Xiao Qiling, the smile in his eyes fading slightly compared to before. “Prince Ning already has a legitimate consort. Why don’t you first ask for Prince Ning’s opinion?”

At the moment Princess Gulanduo declared her intention to marry Xiao Qiling, Yu Nanqing felt a surreal sense of “as expected.”

This time, she didn’t let jealousy cloud her judgment. After all, compared to Prince Xuan, the one with a true bl00d feud against the Xiongnu was Xiao Qiling.

However, under the scrutiny of all present, everyone awaited Xiao Qiling’s response. The court officials hoped he would agree to this marriage that would benefit both nations, while the Noble Consort and several princes anticipated his refusal to take a concubine. Meanwhile, Emperor Wenjing’s gaze had already begun to harbor suspicions that Xiao Qiling was colluding with the Xiongnu.

Yet, Xiao Qiling leaned over and whispered to her, asking whether the dance earlier was beautiful.

Yu Nanqing nodded absentmindedly, only wishing for Xiao Qiling to quickly resolve the matter.

Then, she heard Xiao Qiling let out a sigh.

Yu Nanqing’s heart tightened, thinking he was troubled over Princess Gulanduo’s proposal and was about to offer advice.

But then, His Highness Prince Ning said faintly, “This prince can also dance.”

Yu Nanqing: ???