Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 71

71: His Highness Declines, Qingqing Confesses

Xiao Qiling smiled faintly: “Are you going to tease me until I’m interested, then find an excuse to kick me out of bed?”

Yu Nanqing blinked, feeling a bit swayed.

Earlier, when she pushed Xiao Qiling into the pond and fled, she hadn’t seen the look of unfulfilled desire on Xiao Qiling’s face.

What a pity.

But Yu Nanqing maintained a serious expression: “As if I would…”

Xiao Qiling’s smile deepened.

Feeling exposed, Yu Nanqing glanced at the broken pieces outside the bed and found a suitable excuse: “That would hurt you.”

Xiao Qiling looked at her, letting out a soft, breathy “Mm.”

Their breaths were close, brushing against each other’s cheeks, creating a tingling sensation.

Xiao Qiling’s fingertip pressed against Yu Nanqing’s lips. After a brief pause, she asked slowly, “Do you know how to ‘help’?”

The implication of where this “help” would come from hit Yu Nanqing almost instantly.

She fell silent for a moment, then quietly propped herself up to draw the bed curtains, pulling each layer down until no light could seep through.

Xiao Qiling remained seated, unmoving, but her intense gaze followed Yu Nanqing’s every move.

The subtle atmosphere lingered until Yu Nanqing slipped back under the covers.

As they drew closer, Yu Nanqing appeared calm but was inwardly flustered, feeling like a lamb willingly walking into a hunter’s trap in the West Mountains hunting grounds.

“You can still back out now.” Xiao Qiling said suddenly.

Hearing the tone that seemed to assume she was already caught, Yu Nanqing grew displeased: “Who’s backing out?”

Xiao Qiling suppressed a laugh: “Mm.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

Yu Nanqing grumbled inwardly. The darkness obscured her vision but heightened her other senses, making every inch of Xiao Qiling’s approach a torment.

Just as Yu Nanqing reached out to find Xiao Qiling, the latter moved faster, grabbing her and pulling her into an embrace, pressing her against the bed and leaning over her.

“You—”

Caught off guard, Yu Nanqing’s back hit the bed. It didn’t hurt, but the sudden move startled her. Before she could complain, her eyes adjusted to the dimness, and she met Xiao Qiling’s gaze as she leaned closer. The words she meant to say froze.

Even in the faint light, she could see the subtle, captivating warmth in Xiao Qiling’s familiar peach-blossom eyes.

It was unclear who initiated it, but their lips met in an inseparable kiss, the intimate sounds of their breaths mingling and dissolving between them.

By the end, both were breathing heavily.

Xiao Qiling’s kisses deepened, as if retaliating for Yu Nanqing’s earlier actions in the warm pavilion. Yu Nanqing, dizzy and trembling, let out occasional gasps, all swallowed by Xiao Qiling.

“Be gentle…”

Yu Nanqing’s voice softened, wanting to say more, but Xiao Qiling’s kiss covered her lips again, silencing her.

Their bodies pressed together, temperatures rising. A mere kiss no longer seemed enough.

Before Yu Nanqing could struggle again, Xiao Qiling finally released her, brushing aside her long hair and kissing the damp redness at the corner of Yu Nanqing’s eye. She chuckled softly: “Do you still have the energy to help?”

Yu Nanqing glared at her, as if to prove herself. Her hand slid along Xiao Qiling’s neck, touching somewhere that made Xiao Qiling draw a faint breath.

“Are you really hurt?” Yu Nanqing’s brow furrowed.

“I accidentally bumped into a pillar.” Xiao Qiling said lightly.

But Yu Nanqing wasn’t so easily fooled. A mere bump wouldn’t warrant the manor physician’s specific instructions for a medicinal bath, nor would it cause Xiao Qiling to react so strongly to a light touch.

So many frail scholars needed protection—she should have realized sooner.

During the scene at the Golden Throne Hall, she was too far away, blocked by layers of imperial guards and tall generals, unable to see clearly. Now, with Xiao Qiling unwilling to elaborate, Yu Nanqing was helpless.

Coldly, she said, “Why didn’t it just knock you out?”

Xiao Qiling laughed softly: “If I were unconscious, who would serve you?”

Yu Nanqing’s legs tightened, and she flipped over to pin Xiao Qiling down, her fingers teasingly lifting Xiao Qiling’s chin: “Your Highness Ning, with your beauty, even unconscious, you’d still be useful.”

Xiao Qiling froze for a moment, then lowered her eyes and chuckled, her laughter pleasing to the ear.

In a low voice, she said, “Qingqing, I’m so scared.”

The upward lilt in her voice made Yu Nanqing’s cheeks flush. Her hand on Xiao Qiling’s back tightened, her eyes growing misty: “You’re not allowed to speak or move, or I won’t help you next time.”

Xiao Qiling gently stroked Yu Nanqing’s back, understanding her meaning. Her lips slid to Yu Nanqing’s neck, slowly trailing downward, lingering at her collarbone with a soft nip before whispering, “If Qingqing truly cares for me, apply some medicine for me.”

Yu Nanqing took a deep breath, at a loss for words.

Struggling to catch her breath, she said, “You really don’t want it? I won’t help next time.”

Xiao Qiling replied, “It’s almost dawn. Keep it in mind for now, and get some sleep.”

She lifted the bed curtain and handed Yu Nanqing a cup of water: “Moisten your throat.”

Yu Nanqing sipped slowly, secretly aroused but too shy to admit it.

Xiao Qiling leaned in, took the cup, and kissed her again: “Apply the medicine for me?”

There were no visible wounds on Xiao Qiling, but there were bruises. Seeing them, Yu Nanqing’s fleeting desire faded.

With utmost care, she gently applied the ointment with her fingertips, only for Xiao Qiling to draw a sharp breath.

Thinking she’d hurt her, Yu Nanqing said, “Bear with it, I’ll be gentler.”

Xiao Qiling, biting back a breath, her long hair swept to the front, said helplessly, “Maybe be a bit firmer.”

Yu Nanqing: “Huh?”

Xiao Qiling didn’t explain, her deep gaze seeming to pull Yu Nanqing in.

Realizing her meaning, Yu Nanqing shot her a sharp look: “You’re the one who said no earlier.”

Xiao Qiling nodded: “Yes, it was me.”

Yu Nanqing hesitated: “Then…”

Xiao Qiling covered her mouth, pleading, “Good Qingqing, don’t tease me anymore.”

Yu Nanqing let out a soft “Oh,” muttering, “It’s already this late; a bit longer wouldn’t matter.”

“But you’re frail. You’ve already exerted yourself twice today—you can’t do more.”

“Who said I…” Yu Nanqing paused, eyes widening. “How did you know?”

She thought Xiao Qiling hadn’t noticed the first time, when it happened by accident.

Xiao Qiling smiled at her without explaining.

If she admitted it, Yu Nanqing might explode and kick her out.

Xiao Qiling took the ointment jar from Yu Nanqing, calmly tied her robe, and pulled her into an embrace, pressing her head down: “Alright, close your eyes and sleep.”

Soon, hearing Yu Nanqing’s steady breathing, Xiao Qiling held her closer, even her dreams filled with Yu Nanqing’s faint fragrance.

Xiao Qiling rarely dreamed, but lulled by the calming lotus scent, she found herself in another courtyard.

It was spring, yet Yu Nanqing wore heavy furs, sitting quietly at a desk, her face pale and sickly, lips colorless.

Chenxiang, at her side, pleaded, “Miss, rest a bit. You only slept two hours last night. The physician said your body is weak and needs rest—you can’t keep pushing like this.”

Yu Nanqing wrote for a moment, then coughed, turning to Chenxiang: “I escaped a marriage with Prince Ning’s residence once, but I can’t escape a second time. The spring exams are my only way out. Say no more.”

Chenxiang patted her back, indignant: “But His Highness Prince Chen said—”

“Prince Chen said becoming a scholar would suffice, and you believed him?” Yu Nanqing interrupted, coughing weakly. “My mother bore a son and daughter for the Duke’s residence, yet couldn’t rely on her husband. If even the closest can’t be trusted, who can?”

“I trust no one but myself. As long as I live, there’s always hope.”

Chenxiang wanted to say more but saw the veins bulging on Yu Nanqing’s hand from effort and held back. Wiping her tears, she said softly, “Miss, let me grind more ink for you.”

Yu Nanqing nodded, continuing to write without looking back.

A cool breeze swept leaves through the window. Yu Nanqing’s unbound hair scattered, her lively eyes now filled only with obsession and defiance.

Xiao Qiling tried to approach, but her steps shifted her to another scene. When she opened her eyes, she was seated high in a tavern, with Wei Yunhan pouring her a cup of wine, fanning himself and pointing outside: “Your Highness, thanks to your early booking, every tavern along Chang’an Street is packed today.”

“Look, that’s the youngest son the Duke of Yu just acknowledged, winning the top scholar’s title in one go. Next time my father urges me to take the exams, maybe I’ll suggest he look for his own lost debts.”

Xiao Qiling glanced at Wei Yunhan coolly, ignoring his jest and not taking the wine. She stood, gazing out the window.

On the bustling Chang’an Street, a newly crowned top scholar rode past on a decorated horse, his brows sharp as ink, his presence dazzling, outshining even this year’s third-place scholar.

His fleeting glance, filled with relief and joy, made Xiao Qiling’s heart race uncontrollably.

She stared at the figure passing below, and as if sensing her, the scholar turned back. Xiao Qiling lowered the curtain, closed her eyes, and sat back down.

“They say this top scholar passed the provincial exam in Yuezhou. Does Your Highness know how old he is?” Wei Yunhan teased, then exclaimed, “Seventeen! Only seventeen! No top scholar this young in nearly twenty years. Is the Yu family’s ancestral grave smoking? A random son they claim wins the top spot?”

Xiao Qiling downed the wine, while Wei Yunhan continued: “It’s a pity the Duke’s people can’t be used by us. I’d love to befriend him.”

Befriend? Impossible.

Even an imperial marriage edict couldn’t bring them together—fate had already decided.

That top scholar was none other than the third miss of the Yu family, Yu Nanqing, promised to her in marriage.

She had fallen from her lofty position as crown prince, while Yu Nanqing, now a top scholar, had broken free from the Duke’s residence.

Years had passed. Even standing before Yu Nanqing, they were strangers, changed by time.

Yu Nanqing would walk a bright path as an official, while Xiao Qiling, bound by her mission, would become a traitor, stirring chaos in the court, opposing the very side Yu Nanqing served, destined to meet a bad end.

Perhaps their paths were always meant to diverge. The Duke’s residence and the crown prince’s mansion had never aligned. Even their childhood acquaintance was but a fleeting dream.

The world was ever-changing, yet they were always separated by mountains.

“They say the third miss of the Yu family, meant to marry Your Highness, just died, and now their newly claimed son wins top scholar. Doesn’t Your Highness find it suspicious? I’ve heard of western sorcery that borrows luck. Could it be…”

“No.” Xiao Qiling set down her cup, displeasure flashing in her eyes.

Wei Yunhan coughed, probing: “Your Highness is so certain. Could it be… you know this young lord?”

Xiao Qiling turned, listening to the fading clamor outside, her dark hair swaying, obscuring her face.

“I don’t.”

…

Xiao Qiling awoke early, having slept barely an hour.

The dream felt too real, its aching sense of unfulfilled longing gripping her even after waking.

Beside her, Yu Nanqing slept soundly, nestled close, her cool fingers warmed in Xiao Qiling’s palm.

Xiao Qiling exhaled heavily, shaking off the nightmare. She gently withdrew her hand, slipped out of bed, and dressed as the maids entered with clothes and washing items.

She gestured for them to leave, taking only the robe, and returned to Lanshi Court. Yin Er stood in the study, reporting palace affairs.

“Emperor Wenjing woke at dawn. He hit his head on a rock after falling into water. His condition isn’t good. The physicians say… it’s a stroke.”

Xiao Qiling’s pen paused, her eyes lifting: “Go on.”

“The impact caused a bl00d clot in his brain, paralyzing his right side. It’s unclear if he’ll walk again. He can’t hold a pen or review memorials. The symptoms match a stroke. This morning’s edicts were penned by Prince Chen.”

“Xiao Qijun wrote them?” Xiao Qiling gave a cryptic smile. “No movement from Xiao Qimin?”

“There is.” Yin Er replied. “After last night’s palace upheaval, the noble consort and her son guarded Qianqing Palace, barring entry. After Your Highness returned, Prince Xuan led troops to force entry. If Emperor Wenjing hadn’t woken, there might’ve been conflict.”

Conflict was an understatement. If the emperor hadn’t woken, Xiao Qimin and Xiao Qijun would’ve fought to the death for the throne.

Xiao Qiling’s lips curved into a cold smile.

The emperor’s brief coma had his sons restless—one guarding the palace to secure the will, the other bold enough to abandon capturing Princess Rongxi to siege the palace with General Zhenyuan’s troops.

If the emperor had a third option, he’d likely throw both rebellious sons into prison.

Xiao Qiling set aside her half-written paper, starting anew: “Did you check with the Imperial Hospital?”

Yin Er: “Yes. Recovery to his former state is unlikely, but the physicians won’t say so publicly.”

Xiao Qiling ordered, “Keep a close watch. Ensure the emperor stays alive.”

“Yes.”

Yin Er reported more palace matters. Emperor Wenjing’s new edicts tied to Princess Rongxi’s accusations at the Golden Throne Hall, ordering the Ministry of Justice to investigate cases like the West Garden massacre without delay.

He acted like a just ruler eager to right wrongs.

But how could Emperor Wenjing admit his involvement?

Princess Rongxi’s death wasn’t yet public, and the emperor clearly planned to use it to his advantage.

Xiao Qiling had no intention of interfering.

Yin Er, unwilling to let it go, urged, “Your Highness, with such an opportunity, can’t we expose the real truth?”

Xiao Qiling, as if expecting this, said calmly, “That’s why I sent you to the Imperial Hospital. Ensure the emperor lives a long, long life.”

Princess Rongxi took the blame this time, but the officials weren’t ignorant commoners.

Seeds of doubt were sown in their hearts, waiting to sprout and challenge imperial power.

Yin Er mentioned other palace matters. The banquet had stirred too many issues, even unsettling foreign envoys at the relay station.

Fortunately, Xiao Qiling was prepared, using General Zhenyuan’s name to quell their ambitions.

After Yin Er left, Xiao Qiling stayed in the study, entrusting several letters to her shadow guards.

Yu Nanqing woke in the afternoon.

After a quick bowl of hot porridge, she rushed to Lanshi Court, dragging Prince Ning to the manor physician’s courtyard.

The physician was drying herbs under the rare sunny sky, a contrast to the previous day’s palace dangers.

Handing Xiao Qiling’s wrist to the physician, Yu Nanqing’s voice betrayed her tension: “Auntie, how is the poison in His Highness’s body?”

Startled by the address, the physician nearly lost the pulse, maintaining a cryptic air: “I’m only three years older than His Highness, and you call me Auntie?”

Yu Nanqing quickly corrected, “Sister.”

Xiao Qiling’s brow furrowed tightly.

The physician, amused, teased, “My surname’s Miao. Call me Sister Miao, and I’ll tell you everything. How’s that?”

Yu Nanqing complied: “Sister Miao.”

Xiao Qiling’s face darkened completely.

Yu Nanqing grabbed Xiao Qiling’s other hand, smiling appeasingly.

Xiao Qiling’s expression softened, saying lightly, “Ask her whatever you want.”

Unaware Yu Nanqing knew the truth about the gu poison, the physician said, “The poison is well-suppressed, no major issues.”

Yu Nanqing poked Xiao Qiling’s palm, signaling her to explain.

“Tell the princess about the antidote that can fully eliminate the gu poison.” Xiao Qiling said, emphasizing, “The one that can completely cure it.”

The physician froze.

She understood—His Highness had slipped up, and the princess knew the truth.

No wonder Yu Nanqing called her “sister,” and Xiao Qiling didn’t dare object. Normally, she’d be sent to mine gold.

The physician dropped her playful demeanor, addressing Yu Nanqing: “Without the antidote, monthly purges and medicinal soups can keep her safe for twenty years.”

“And after twenty years?” Yu Nanqing asked.

The physician was vague: “By then, His Highness will be older, her inner strength nearly gone, and her tasks likely done. That’s that.”

“Is there another way?” Yu Nanqing stared intently. “Tell me the truth, no sugarcoating.”

The physician sighed: “There’s an antidote to cure it, but it’s risky. With her current state, it’d take half a month to clear the poison. But with the palace’s scrutiny, where’s the time for that?”

Yu Nanqing fell silent, her eyes reddening as Xiao Qiling noticed.

The physician continued, “But don’t worry, Princess. With so many guards, even if His Highness is half-dead for half a month, once the poison is gone, she’ll be fine.”

“Enough, stop.” Xiao Qiling pulled Yu Nanqing away.

The physician touched her nose, realizing she’d overstepped. But wasn’t this what Xiao Qiling told her to say?

She’d exaggerated the poison’s severity for Xiao Qiling’s sake—playing the pity card worked wonders. So unromantic.

Outside the physician’s courtyard, Yu Nanqing couldn’t hold back. Hot tears streamed down, and she slapped away Xiao Qiling’s outstretched hand.

Choking, she turned away: “Let me be alone.”

Xiao Qiling, thinking the visit would ease Yu Nanqing’s worries, hadn’t expected to make her cry. She couldn’t leave her alone.

Ignoring her struggles, Xiao Qiling pulled her into an embrace: “The physician exaggerated the consequences to spite me for not following her advice before.”

“Her medicine’s so bitter—didn’t you secretly pour it out once, Qingqing?”

Normally, Yu Nanqing would’ve seized the chance to tease, asking, “Is that so?” But now, she kept her eyes down, visibly upset and uncooperative.

“Qingqing?” Xiao Qiling tried.

Yu Nanqing mumbled, “So is there really a risk with the antidote?”

Her voice was stubborn, demanding clarity.

The atmosphere grew quiet.

Xiao Qiling lowered her lashes, her dark eyes sweeping over Yu Nanqing’s profile. Softly, she said, “If you want the truth, I don’t know.”

Yu Nanqing leaned against Xiao Qiling’s shoulder, taking a deep breath.

The thought of that deadly poison lingering in Xiao Qiling’s body made it hard to breathe.

In her past life, Xiao Qiling died young. Though Ning Prince’s residence was weaker then, the assets left by Emperor Wuxuan and the Empress—loyal courtiers like Elder Wei and private troops—remained.

Yet Xiao Qiling still died early.

Before news of Prince Ning’s death, Xiao Qijun never mentioned it, so it wasn’t court intrigue. It was likely the gu poison.

If it was only “slightly risky,” why didn’t Prince Ning survive in her past life?

The more Yu Nanqing thought, the more panicked she felt. Her barely stopped tears fell again, soaking Xiao Qiling’s shoulder.

Feeling the dampness, Xiao Qiling’s embrace stiffened. She probed, “Qingqing?”

Yu Nanqing sniffled, pushing Xiao Qiling away, studying her face through teary eyes.

The thought of Emperor Wenjing and his sons thriving in the palace while Xiao Qiling endured years of poison made her heart ache unbearably.

Wiping her tears with her sleeve, she swatted Xiao Qiling’s hand away again: “Don’t you have other things to do?”

Her handkerchief fell to the stone steps. Xiao Qiling paused: “What?”

Yu Nanqing’s gaze darkened, as if peering through Xiao Qiling into the future. Closing her eyes briefly, she said hoarsely as Xiao Qiling took her hand, “If you need money, tell me.”

Uncertain, Xiao Qiling nodded, sensing Yu Nanqing’s emotional turmoil.

Yu Nanqing, seeing she wasn’t taken seriously, grew irritated: “Delegate tasks to your people. Don’t do everything yourself. You stayed up nights for West Garden before the banquet and barely slept last night. Normal people can’t handle that, let alone someone poisoned. Are you trying to die early?”

Xiao Qiling’s silence fueled Yu Nanqing’s anger.

“Hiring people and making deals is about profit, right? If you need money, tell me. I can provide any amount.”

Yu Nanqing’s confidence came not just from her dowry or the Ji family, but her past life’s knowledge of commerce’s vast profits.

As Princess Ning, engaging in trade risked accusations of competing with the people, but if it meant sparing Xiao Qiling exhaustion or aiding her detoxification, she’d choose it without hesitation.

Waiting for Xiao Qiling’s response, Yu Nanqing grew more anxious as the silence stretched.

Grabbing Xiao Qiling’s hand, she said, “I’m talking to you. Why aren’t you answering?”

“Qingqing, if the physician’s words burdened you, you don’t need to worry so much. My body isn’t that bad. A few sleepless hours won’t hurt. You don’t need to think so far ahead.”

Xiao Qiling, helpless, met Yu Nanqing’s increasingly uneasy eyes and steeled herself: “We’re both women; dowries and gifts needn’t be so distinct. But I hope you keep your money. You know my path is dangerous. If I fail and can’t secure a future for you, I want what you have now to protect you.”

Yu Nanqing frowned, stunned: “I’m your princess. Of course I’ll stand with you. Why talk of a fallback?”

“Our marriage began with an imperial edict. You’re not obligated to stay with me to the end.” Xiao Qiling said, her smile fading, voice serious. “Last night’s palace upheaval scared you. You’re not suited for this. Why force yourself?”

Holding Yu Nanqing close, her gaze softened: “Leaving Qinfang Court this morning, I thought it over. You’re more comfortable there than in Lanshi Court. You only stay with me there because I insist.”

Yu Nanqing grew confused. “No, I…”

Xiao Qiling pressed a finger to her lips. “Qingqing, let me finish, alright?”

“You may not realize it, but many of your actions are to please me. We’re not heartless. Living together, as my nominal princess, you’re softened by my constant attention. Before the banquet, you were cautious even kissing me. After, you’re bold enough to tease me.”

Xiao Qiling paused, smiling.

“Maybe the banquet scared you, making you pity me, so you do things to make me happy.”

“I’m happy, but I can’t bear to let you do this.” Xiao Qiling brushed Yu Nanqing’s reddened eyes, chuckling helplessly. “So, Qingqing, you don’t need to help me like that. If I need money, I’ll find a way. Call it my selfishness—I want you to be safe if I fall.”

Yu Nanqing’s mind was a mess.

The thought that Xiao Qiling died from detoxification in her past life had already thrown her into panic. Hearing “pity,” “force,” “sympathy”… she could barely process the words.

Watching Xiao Qiling’s lips move until she stopped, Yu Nanqing realized Xiao Qiling was trying to push her away, to plan a different future for her.

What did she mean, “be safe if I fall”? Did she think Yu Nanqing would flee if things turned bad?

What did she mean, her closeness after the upheaval was out of pity? Did she think Yu Nanqing would sleep with anyone she pitied?

And saying she stayed at Lanshi Court only because she couldn’t refuse? Wasn’t it because Xiao Qiling never asked her to move in?

Or was this all an excuse, and Xiao Qiling just wanted to cast her aside?

Yu Nanqing tried to hold back but couldn’t. Her anger flared, especially seeing Xiao Qiling’s dim, helpless gaze—

She lunged forward, biting Xiao Qiling’s lip.

The tree trunk shook, cherry blossoms scattering to the ground.

Bl00d mingled between their lips, the earlier tenderness swept away by a storm.

Yu Nanqing seemed delicate but was fiercely stubborn. Once decided, nothing could sway her.

Xiao Qiling tried to steady herself, but her shoulders were pinned against the tree, unable to break free. Despite her martial training and countless ways to turn a fight, she couldn’t push Yu Nanqing away.

Yu Nanqing released her bite, kissing Xiao Qiling frantically until she stopped struggling, then bit her lip hard again before pulling back.

Her hands still gripped Xiao Qiling’s shoulders tightly, her wide sleeves revealing pale arms with veins bulging, teetering on the edge of losing control.

Xiao Qiling, stunned, slowed her struggles. She opened her mouth to speak, but Yu Nanqing cut her off: “From today, I’m moving to Lanshi Court. Your Highness must live with me.”

“We’ll do everything other couples do.”

Yu Nanqing leaned in, licking the bl00d from Xiao Qiling’s lip. As if driven to a corner, feeling Xiao Qiling’s warmth brought a strange, thrilling satisfaction.

In that moment, the words she’d been reluctant to say felt easier.

“It’s me who wants to do those things with Your Highness. I want to be with you every day, sleep with you every night… and yes, I like you.”

“Your Highness can refuse, but I won’t agree.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, then darkened: “But if Your Highness ever tries to cast me aside…”

“I won’t live alone.”