Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 67

67: Crisis Resolved, Emperor in a Coma

Xiao Qiling stepped forward from her seat, her demeanor starkly different from the panic-stricken expressions of Emperor Wenjing and others. Her gold-embroidered boots moved slowly, causing the personal guards surrounding Princess Rongxi to instinctively step back.

“This prince guesses that Aunt must have much to say, so I had General Zhenyuan buy some time,” she said, her voice clear and refined.

“General Zhenyuan?”

“Is General Zhenyuan back?”

“We’re saved! With General Zhenyuan here, what are the imperial guards?”

The courtiers, as if seeing a glimmer of hope, began shouting excitedly. Especially the military officials in the hall, they gained newfound confidence against the imperial guards, standing tall with pride.

Princess Rongxi stood within the circle of her guards, her ornate phoenix-embroidered robes pooling on the luxurious carpet, like a fading flower that had once bloomed vibrantly. The clamor of the courtiers echoed in her ears for a while before she shook her head. “If General Zhenyuan could truly stop this, how could Commander Si have entered the hall?”

Xiao Qiling’s steps faltered slightly.

Princess Rongxi fixed her gaze on her, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You’ve long known your true identity. But I’m more curious—do you want to save him?”

Following her gaze, Xiao Qiling’s eyes landed on Emperor Wenjing, surrounded by princes and consorts. Her hand, hidden in her sleeve, clenched suddenly.

Princess Rongxi burst into laughter. “Once I reveal those matters to the world, how long do you think he’ll let you live? See, I haven’t lost yet.”

“Are you trying to turn me against him, Aunt?” Xiao Qiling drawled lazily. “General Zhenyuan is Prince Xuan’s uncle. Do you think he’d follow my orders? Commander Si has fled to the Golden Throne Hall. If Aunt wants to turn the tables, you’d better act quickly.”

Princess Rongxi: …

Listening to Xiao Qiling’s sarcastic tone, Princess Rongxi showed no anger, only a meaningful smile. “All these years, you’ve managed to survive under Xiao Jingyu’s watchful eye. Knowing it was a gu poison, you still dared to swallow it. With such painstaking effort, do you truly not want that position?”

“Even if you seized it, you wouldn’t live long—just like your short-lived father, Emperor Wuxuan.”

She deliberately lowered her voice, but when she mentioned Emperor Wuxuan, a flash of killing intent passed through Xiao Qiling’s eyes.

Back then, Xiao Qiling had indeed learned of Emperor Wenjing’s plan to poison her in advance, allowing the mansion’s physician to prepare countermeasures. It wasn’t a coincidence.

But what did it matter? Princess Rongxi had tried to kill her so many times. Did one act of restraint mean she should forgive her?

Xiao Qiling glanced outside the hall.

The sounds of clashing steel resumed outside. Initially, it was the imperial guards fighting among themselves; now, it was the victorious guards facing off against General Zhenyuan’s forces.

“Instead of sowing discord here, Aunt, why don’t you choose a way to die?” Xiao Qiling said coldly.

Princess Rongxi clearly heard the commotion outside and shouted sharply, “Commander Si, what are you waiting for?”

With a wave of her hand, the imperial guards, led by Si Zonghe, split into groups, charging toward the courtiers and royal kin.

At the same moment, Emperor Wenjing’s furious voice rang out, “Rongxi! You’ve violated ancestral laws! You’ll die a miserable death!”

Princess Rongxi paid him no heed, turning to Xiao Qiling with a raised brow. “What about now, Prince Ning? Don’t you want to fight for yourself?”

The Golden Throne Hall descended into chaos. The military officials, with some martial skills, set aside their usual grievances with the civil officials. They restrained the attacking guards, seizing their swords.

But the military officials were few, and the imperial guards kept pouring in. Xiao Qiling’s expression darkened, her eyes narrowing. She snatched a sword from one of Princess Rongxi’s guards and, with a leap, deflected a blade aimed at an official.

Another blade came from behind, but Xiao Qiling dodged nimbly, spinning gracefully to deliver a precise, throat-slitting strike.

The rescued official, certain of his doom moments ago, was overjoyed. “Prince Ning!”

“Step back.” Xiao Qiling ordered, her eyes gleaming with a long-suppressed killing intent, reminiscent of the bloodthirsty state rumored to follow her poison’s flare-ups. Yet every strike was steady, precise, targeting only the rebellious guards, reassuring the officials behind her.

“Be careful, Your Highness!”

“Watch your left—no, the right!”

Meanwhile, Si Zonghe led an elite squad straight for Emperor Wenjing, quickly engaging Xiao Qimin and Xiao Qijun in combat. Xiao Qimin, trained in martial arts, could hold his own, but Xiao Qijun was soon overpowered and held hostage by Si Zonghe’s guards. The Noble Consort screamed, “Let him go! Someone, save Prince Chen!”

But the guards holding them were the palace’s last line of defense, and soon, many princes and princesses were captured.

Time passed swiftly amid the carnage in the Golden Throne Hall. The sounds of fighting outside grew quieter, signaling an impending resolution. Seeing that Si Zonghe still hadn’t reached Emperor Wenjing, Princess Rongxi’s expression soured.

Her patience exhausted, she led her guards toward the captured royals and ordered, “Do it.”

At that moment, Xiao Qijun looked up sharply. “Aunt!”

Ignoring him, Princess Rongxi added coldly, “Kill them all.”

The younger royals burst into terrified sobs. The blades at their throats needed only to move a few inches to end their lives.

But in the next moment, Princess Rongxi’s face changed drastically. The guards, still holding their captives, did not act.

“Didn’t you hear me? I said kill them!” she demanded.

At that moment, Si Zonghe finally broke through Xiao Qimin’s defense, charging toward Emperor Wenjing and pressing a blade to his throat. He roared at the crowd, “The Emperor is in my hands! Stand down!”

“Your Majesty!”

“Traitor, release His Majesty at once!”

As the guards hesitated, the courtiers, seeing the Emperor held hostage, erupted in righteous indignation, pointing and cursing.

“Commander Si, release me, and I’ll pardon all your crimes today.” Emperor Wenjing said, his voice trembling from the ordeal, lacking its usual authority, not daring to struggle.

“What exactly do you want, Si Zonghe?” Princess Rongxi, far more furious than the Emperor, demanded.

The imperial guards were her last card. Even with General Zhenyuan’s arrival, what did it matter? If she slaughtered everyone in the Golden Throne Hall, the Great Qi would fall.

But just as her plan seemed to be succeeding, Si Zonghe dared to defy her orders!

Si Zonghe avoided Princess Rongxi’s gaze, tightening his grip on the Emperor. “If you want to die, don’t drag the Si family with you. I’m securing my own way out.”

“Your way out is holding Xiao Jingyu hostage? Fool! Do you think escaping tonight means you’ll evade capture later?” Princess Rongxi had always thought Si Zonghe was incompetent, but as her brother-in-law, he was the only one who could control the imperial guards. Now, her eyes blazed with fury, her earlier composure before the court entirely gone.

As her words fell, Emperor Wenjing felt the blade at his throat press closer, his heart pounding. “Commander Si, I give you my word. Release me, and I’ll hold nothing against you!”

Si Zonghe wavered. When Princess Rongxi had ordered him to mobilize the guards, he thought it was for self-preservation. He hadn’t anticipated her ambition to destroy the entire Great Qi.

Madwoman! She was insane!

She might not care to live, but he did!

When General Zhenyuan stormed in, Si Zonghe had left only half his forces to fight outside. He planned to hold the Emperor hostage to secure his escape.

“Mother! What are you doing?” Si Chengli’s terrified cry suddenly pierced the air.

Si Zonghe looked down to see Si Chengli tightly held by Princess Rongxi’s guards, their grip on his throat tightening, veins bulging on his forehead.

Si Zonghe gritted his teeth, realizing how ruthless Princess Rongxi was. Si Chengli had been raised in the princess’s mansion for over twenty years—long enough to grow fond of even a dog—yet she could sacrifice him for her goals.

“Let him go!” Si Zonghe roared, his eyes bloodshot.

The Si family had always struggled with heirs. Si Chengli was his only son. If he died, the Si family line would end. What would be the point of all this?

“That depends on your choice, Commander Si.” Princess Rongxi said, signaling the guard holding Si Chengli. His cries for help abruptly weakened.

“Do it! Kill them—” Si Zonghe’s order to the guards was cut off as Xiao Qimin, having regained his strength, launched a surprise attack.

A long blade grazed Si Zonghe’s waist, leaving a deep, bloody gash. Though not fatal, it was shocking.

Biting down hard, Si Zonghe dodged Xiao Qimin’s next strike, leaping out of the hall with the Emperor in tow, his guards following closely.

Injured and dragging the Emperor, Si Zonghe saw the path out of the palace blocked by General Zhenyuan’s forces. He fled deeper into the palace, regretting his alliance with Princess Rongxi.

Emperor Wenjing kept pleading for release, but Si Zonghe, teeth clenched, leapt onto a palace rooftop, only to see the true scale of General Zhenyuan’s forces.

In that moment, his face drained of color. They’d been deceived!

If General Zhenyuan had truly brought tens of thousands of troops, how had they not received word? The only explanation was that he had come alone, like other generals, with forces cobbled together from the capital. A direct clash with the imperial guards might not guarantee victory.

Si Zonghe’s morale had crumbled the moment he saw General Zhenyuan, leading to this disastrous situation.

The tide had turned completely. Cursing inwardly, Si Zonghe fled in the opposite direction of his pursuers, still holding the Emperor.

More and more gave chase—General Zhenyuan, Xiao Qimin, and others, all seeing him as a prize for promotion. But with the Emperor as his hostage, they kept their distance. Eventually, Si Zonghe reached the Imperial Garden, only to find all escape routes blocked by General Zhenyuan’s soldiers.

General Zhenyuan and Xiao Qimin closed in. Xiao Qimin shouted, “Traitor, release my father! Let him go, and I’ll spare your life.”

Emperor Wenjing, barely conscious after being dragged from the Golden Throne Hall, added weakly, “Indeed, tonight’s chaos is Rongxi’s fault. Release me, confess her crimes, and I’ll absolve you of everything.”

“You’ll really let me go?” Si Zonghe, cornered, trembled, his grip on the blade shaking. The Emperor was his only lifeline, and he wasn’t ready to let go.

“Your Majesty!”

More people gathered in the Imperial Garden. The Noble Consort, seeing the Emperor’s plight, fainted from shock.

Xiao Qijun caught her, handing her to a palace maid, and called out to Si Zonghe, “Commander Si, if you need a hostage, I’ll trade places with my father. Take me out of the palace, and once you’re safe, you can leave. How about it?”

Xiao Qimin’s composure broke. The Emperor was a far better hostage than Xiao Qijun in both status and stamina. Si Zonghe would be mad to agree.

He hadn’t expected Xiao Qijun, who’d done nothing all night, to curry favor with the Emperor now.

Si Zonghe scoffed, “Does Prince Chen think I’m a fool? Trade the Emperor for you?”

Xiao Qijun gritted his teeth, drawing a sword from a guard. “If you release my father, I’ll let you choose where this blade falls. I won’t resist!”

The Noble Consort, barely conscious, fainted again at his words.

Seeing Si Zonghe hesitate, Xiao Qijun pressed, “Holding a prince is a lesser crime than holding the Emperor. If you insist on keeping my father, do you think you’ll even escape the palace?”

Emperor Wenjing was visibly moved. “Jun’er…”

Xiao Qimin watched Xiao Qijun’s performance with a cold sneer, while even General Zhenyuan grew impatient.

As the standoff continued, a sharp whistle cut through the air. An arrow struck Si Zonghe squarely between the eyes, killing him instantly.

Freed from his grip, Emperor Wenjing fell from the pavilion into the lake with a splash.

The crowd searched for the archer, their gazes landing on Prince Ning, standing atop a high wall. Her chest bore the fierce, embroidered golden python, her robes billowing, her bow still trembling from the shot. Her deep, shadowed eyes were lowered.

All looked up at her, as if she were a deity under the moonlight. To shoot so precisely from fifty meters, avoiding the Emperor and hitting Si Zonghe’s forehead, was a feat even the capital’s best archers couldn’t match. On a target range, perhaps, but in the dark of night, with the Emperor as a hostage, no one else would dare take the shot. A miss would mean execution for their entire clan.

Yu Nanqing, escorted by Yin San, arrived just in time to witness Xiao Qiling’s shot. Watching from afar, she realized how much Xiao Qiling had held back at West Mountain. Since Princess Rongxi exposed her identity, it was as if a mask had been torn away, revealing a sharpened blade, its edge gleaming.

As if sensing her, Xiao Qiling lowered her bow and turned toward Yu Nanqing.

Across dozens of meters, their eyes met.

Yu Nanqing’s heart, which had been racing since Xiao Qiling sprang into action, finally settled. Exhausted, she stumbled, but Yin San caught her. “Princess, be careful.”

Steadying herself with Yin San’s help, Yu Nanqing said softly, “Take me back to the mansion.”

Her health had always been frail, though improved by the mansion’s physician. Her complexion was no longer as pale as when she first arrived, but tonight, solving the Linglong chess game had drained her, and watching Xiao Qiling fight amidst blades had kept her on edge. Now, as her tension eased, cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

Rapid footsteps approached. Yin San turned to see Xiao Qiling rushing over, pulling Yu Nanqing into her arms.

Clinging to Xiao Qiling’s shoulders, Yu Nanqing felt her heart race. She patted Xiao Qiling’s back weakly. “I’m fine. Your Highness still has palace matters to handle, right? Let Yin San take me back.”

Xiao Qiling’s breathing was heavy, her calm heart finally unraveling. “Have the physician check on you. I’ll be back soon.”

Yu Nanqing murmured a soft “Okay,” squeezing Xiao Qiling’s hand briefly before letting go.

Xiao Qiling suddenly didn’t want to let her go.

But palace affairs awaited. She wrapped Yu Nanqing’s robe tighter and instructed Yin San, “When you return, have the physician see her first, then have the kitchen prepare something easy to digest.”

Yin San nodded, leading Yu Nanqing into the night.

The night was deep, the clouds parting to reveal the moonlight. When Xiao Qiling returned to the Imperial Garden, Emperor Wenjing had been pulled from the lake. Skilled soldiers pressed his chest, forcing out the water he’d swallowed.

After coughing up water, the Emperor opened his eyes briefly, looking at Xiao Qijun and Xiao Qimin. His lips moved, but he fainted again.

Chaos erupted in the Imperial Garden.

Si Zonghe was dead, his guards detained. But when the group returned to the Golden Throne Hall, Princess Rongxi was gone. Si Chengli and the Si family were in custody.

According to the courtiers still in the hall, her guards had taken her and fled during the chaos of the Emperor’s capture.

“The palace gates were sealed when General Zhenyuan arrived. Aunt can’t escape.” Xiao Qimin said, assisting Xiao Qiling with the aftermath. “Brother, should we search Zhaoyang Hall?”

Zhaoyang Hall was Princess Rongxi’s residence before her marriage. After she wed, it remained unoccupied due to Emperor Wuxuan’s lack of heirs. When Emperor Wenjing ascended, it was designated as her palace chamber.

Xiao Qiling considered, then shook her head. “She’s not in Zhaoyang Hall.”

Xiao Qimin frowned. “Then Yangxin Hall?”

Yangxin Hall, where Emperor Wenjing reviewed memorials and met courtiers, housed critical documents. Had Princess Rongxi gone there to destroy evidence?

Xiao Qiling closed her eyes, exhaling deeply, her dark eyes deeper than the night. “To Fengyi Palace.”

“Fengyi…” Xiao Qimin’s voice cut off, his breath catching.

Fengyi Palace was the former residence of the Empress.

The revelations Princess Rongxi made in the hall had sparked suspicion in Xiao Qimin, but he hadn’t dared confirm or ask.

Yet Xiao Qiling’s words confirmed it.

Xiao Qimin hesitated, looking at her. “Brother, are you really…”

With everything laid bare by Princess Rongxi, Xiao Qiling saw no need to hide. “Didn’t your mother tell you your father is my uncle?”

“It’s… it’s true?” Xiao Qimin hadn’t believed Princess Rongxi’s claims, unable to fathom Xiao Qiling as Emperor Wuxuan’s child or his revered father as a murderer of loyal subjects.

Xiao Qiling let him process the truth, leading her mansion’s soldiers out of the hall.

General Zhenyuan couldn’t have brought an army without being branded a traitor. His forces tonight were drawn from Prince Ning and Prince Xuan’s mansions.

“Escort the lords back.” Xiao Qiling ordered her soldiers, striding out.

Few courtiers were injured, and none severely. The dead imperial guards, however, stained the carpets red, the stench of bl00d lingering.

Most bore similar wounds. The rescued courtiers bowed to Xiao Qiling, ready to thank her or apologize for past misunderstandings, but she hurried out.

“Your Highness—”

“His Highness must find Princess Rongxi to prevent further trouble. He’s ordered us to escort you home,” a Ning Mansion guard said, bowing respectfully.

The courtiers had much to say—gratitude, apologies, or questions about Emperor Wuxuan. But Elder Wei spoke up, “The Emperor hasn’t awakened, and the princes are busy. Let’s not add to their burdens.”

His words snapped the courtiers back to reality. If Princess Rongxi’s claims were true, pursuing Prince Ning now would only cause trouble.

The Assistant Minister of Rites reacted first, turning to the Minister of Justice. “The West Garden case is far-reaching, Lord Guo. Any other leads?”

As Xiao Qimin left the hall, he overheard the courtiers discussing the West Garden case, their words subtly defending Xiao Qiling. His hand, hidden in his sleeve, clenched and relaxed. He hurried after her.

In the Imperial Garden, he caught up. “Brother!”

Xiao Qiling paused, as if expecting him, and looked at him calmly. “Third Brother, joining me at Fengyi Palace?”

Xiao Qimin’s prepared words caught in his throat. He nodded slowly. “Aunt might have a backup plan. Why not take me along?”

Xiao Qiling’s expression remained cool, unconcerned by his mention of a “backup plan.” “Come if you want.”

Their guards trailed a few steps behind. Xiao Qimin’s feelings toward Xiao Qiling were complex. Emperor Wenjing rarely visited Consort Shu, paying him little attention. When Xiao Qimin was born, Xiao Qiling was already the celebrated crown prince, excelling in both literature and martial arts. Xiao Qimin harbored little jealousy.

But three years ago, when Xiao Qiling was poisoned and stripped of the crown prince title, the vacant position stirred his ambition.

His greatest rival was Xiao Qijun. To compete, he’d sought Xiao Qiling’s help, and the more they interacted, the more he felt relieved Xiao Qiling wasn’t his rival.

Yet, hearing Princess Rongxi reveal Xiao Qiling’s true identity and seeing the courtiers’ shifting attitudes, Xiao Qimin couldn’t suppress his unease.

“Your shot earlier was timely, Brother. If Xiao Qijun had replaced Father as a hostage, Father might favor him more.” Xiao Qimin said casually, testing the waters.

“General Zhenyuan’s rescue was the key. Even if Xiao Qijun had been a hostage, his public merit wouldn’t compare to yours. Don’t worry.” Xiao Qiling replied evenly.

“How can I not worry? In the mansion, the Noble Consort was Father’s legal wife, and Xiao Qijun, his first legitimate son, was named ‘Prince Chen.’ ” Xiao Qimin paused, then asked, “Brother, do you know what ‘Chen’ means?”

Before Xiao Qiling could answer, he lowered his voice. “ ‘Chen’ refers to the North Star, a symbol of the emperor! Was Father planning everything when he gave him that title? Brother, do I even have a chance at the throne?”

Xiao Qimin wasn’t naive to Emperor Wenjing’s favoritism toward Xiao Qijun. Tonight, Xiao Qijun hadn’t succeeded as a hostage, and Xiao Qimin had earned merit. He shouldn’t have asked this.

Xiao Qiling paused, glancing at him.

The air grew still. Her calm gaze, unchanged, carried an intense pressure.

Xiao Qimin’s lips quivered, regretting his probing words. But having gone this far, he couldn’t back down. Sweat trickled down his temple. Though taller, he felt no confidence. “Brother, do you still want that position?”

The crown prince’s seat…

Xiao Qiling’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “The crown prince’s position is perilous. I can’t withstand another poisoning. Having stepped down, I’ve no intention of returning.”

Her gaze was open, and after studying her, Xiao Qimin found no trace of deceit. Relieved, he said, “Good, good.”

One worry resolved, he turned to her health. “In the hall, Aunt said your poison is a gu. I’ll send someone to the Western Regions to find a shaman. Maybe they can cure you.”

Xiao Qiling replied lazily, “Thank you, Third Brother.”

“No need for thanks.” Xiao Qimin said, his mood lifting, his steps lighter as he headed to Fengyi Palace.

Xiao Qiling followed, her earlier calm dissipating like mist. Watching his back, the amusement in her eyes faded.

The crown prince’s position?

It was no longer part of her plans.