Offered As A Lucky Bride To The Mad Princess To Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 73

73: The Mansion’s Physician Visits, Qingqing’s Shy Indignation…

Yu Nanqing was delicate by nature, and upon hearing that it might hurt a little at first, she refused to try.

After lingering with Xiao Qiling in bed for another hour, Yu Nanqing pulled the ice-silk brocade quilt over herself and lay face-down on the bed, watching as Xiao Qiling, bare-bodied, got up to pick up the clothes scattered on the floor—

A pair of semi-sheer undergarments was picked up and neatly folded to the side.

Yu Nanqing found it a bit hard to look at, her gaze wandering before she finally squeezed her eyes shut.

Xiao Qiling turned back to ask, “Shall we go to the warm pavilion to bathe, or have someone bring the tub into the room?”

“No need for the hassle, just bring it in here.” Yu Nanqing said softly. “Put on your inner robe. We’re married now—don’t you know you should uphold a wife’s decorum?”

Xiao Qiling picked up an inner robe, not bothering to check whether it was hers or Yu Nanqing’s. Their figures were similar enough that it fit well regardless.

Her slender fingers leisurely tied the sash, her sidelong glance shimmering in the dim light. “A wife’s decorum?”

Yu Nanqing’s lips pursed. “If you don’t understand, I’ll have Chenxiang buy a couple of copies of The Admonitions for Women and The Rules for Women.”

Xiao Qiling let out a sudden chuckle.

Yu Nanqing felt offended. “What’s so funny?”

“Then it’s fine for you to read them, isn’t it?” Xiao Qiling stepped to the bedside, crouching down and tilting Yu Nanqing’s chin. “You barely looked at me earlier. Are you that shy?”

Xiao Qiling’s question was blunt, and Yu Nanqing didn’t want to entertain it. She swatted the hand away and flopped back down. “You’re not as good-looking as me. What’s there to see?”

Xiao Qiling seemed to ponder this. “True, I’m not as delicate and exquisite as Qingqing.”

Yu Nanqing fell silent for a moment, then gritted her teeth. “Hurry up and call for the water. It’s so sticky.”

Xiao Qiling chuckled. “Alright, don’t fall asleep lying like that.”

After saying this, Xiao Qiling slipped on a skirt, covering herself completely before opening the door to summon the water.

Hearing her give instructions, Yu Nanqing relaxed, letting out a long breath with her eyes closed.

She still hadn’t recovered, her body soft and weak, her thighs trembling slightly, too drained to get up. Xiao Qiling, trained in martial arts for years, had far better stamina. Yu Nanqing wasn’t sure if Xiao Qiling’s body had truly been weakened by the gu poison, as her reactions seemed somewhat sluggish.

She’d have to call the mansion’s physician to check later.

When the water was brought in, Yu Nanqing was still clutching a soft pillow, unmoving.

As Xiao Qiling approached, Yu Nanqing lazily lifted her eyelids. “You wash first.”

Xiao Qiling didn’t move, pointing behind her. “It’s spilling.”

Yu Nanqing: …

There was no need for Xiao Qiling to point it out—Yu Nanqing could already feel the sticky discomfort. She even wondered if she should see the physician herself.

When she’d offered to help Xiao Qiling, Xiao Qiling had primly refused. Yet, it seemed she insisted on being so close, only finding satisfaction when Yu Nanqing was brought to tears.

As Xiao Qiling reached out, Yu Nanqing instinctively bolted upright. “I’ll wash first.”

Seeing her scramble so urgently, Xiao Qiling suppressed a laugh. “Need help?”

Yu Nanqing shot her a sidelong glance, her eyes still tinged with a peachy flush. “No, you’re not allowed to come over. The princess is going to get angry.”

Xiao Qiling conceded with a couple of “alright, alright”s, but her steps still followed.

Behind the screen, Yu Nanqing saw two tubs had been prepared, though she wasn’t sure why they bothered with such pretense.

To prove she didn’t need help, Yu Nanqing washed quickly with her back to Xiao Qiling.

“If Qingqing hadn’t married me, would you have taken the spring exams?” Xiao Qiling’s voice came from behind.

Wary of another of Xiao Qiling’s traps, Yu Nanqing didn’t turn around. “The spring exams?”

“Didn’t I tell Your Highness back at West Mountain? I have no interest in becoming an official.” It wasn’t entirely true—she just had no desire to serve Emperor Wenjing’s court.

But Yu Nanqing chose another excuse: “I’d have to dress as a man every day like Your Highness. What a hassle.”

Influenced by a dream, Xiao Qiling had asked casually, not expecting Yu Nanqing to bring up “dressing as a man.”

Xiao Qiling stared at Yu Nanqing’s back, her eyes narrowing slightly, though her voice remained soft. “So delicate.”

Yu Nanqing gave a light hum, not considering it a flaw.

“Why did Your Highness suddenly ask about this?”

Xiao Qiling replied, “The spring exams are in a few days. It just struck me that Qingqing’s talents are a bit wasted.”

Mention of the exams reminded Yu Nanqing of someone else. “How’s the Wei family’s son preparing? Can he place as a jinshi?”

“If he’s taking the exam, he won’t rank below the top three.”

Fair enough. He was, after all, personally taught by Elder Wei and had been Xiao Qiling’s study companion for years. Even with last-minute preparation, he couldn’t do poorly.

Yu Nanqing shifted to another Wei family member. “What about Wei Yunqian? Didn’t you say he’d handle things for Your Highness while Wei Yunhan prepared for the exams? Why haven’t I seen him in the mansion?”

Silence followed.

Puzzled, Yu Nanqing turned to see Xiao Qiling leaning against the tub, eyes closed, seemingly asleep.

Water droplets clung to Xiao Qiling’s long lashes, her cheeks lightly misted from the steam, her lips reddened by the hot water, the bite marks no longer visible, leaving only a damp sheen.

Yu Nanqing reached for Xiao Qiling’s lips, her fingertips grazing them, stirring a rippling itch.

So docile it made her heart flutter.

Yu Nanqing licked her lips uneasily, unable to resist rubbing Xiao Qiling’s lips again.

She even felt an urge to kiss her immediately.

Thankfully, Yu Nanqing restrained herself, slowly drying and dressing herself.

After tying her sash, she brushed her damp hair to one side, deciding not to disturb Xiao Qiling until the water cooled, then she’d wake her.

But she crept back to Xiao Qiling’s tub.

Xiao Qiling’s princely status and exceptional martial skills always gave her an imposing air. Without the intimidating python robe, Yu Nanqing noticed Xiao Qiling’s shoulders were actually quite slender.

Her gaze drifted lower.

Yu Nanqing puffed out her cheeks and closed her eyes.

One more glance, and she’d recall how much Xiao Qiling had taken advantage of her earlier.

To be precise, Yu Nanqing had never looked closely, too shy to open her eyes even when kissing Xiao Qiling’s chest.

But now, with Xiao Qiling exhausted from days without sleep, she’d finally dozed off, her usual vigilance gone.

Yu Nanqing’s heart pounded like a thief’s, and unable to resist, she rested her chin on the tub’s edge, her lashes lowered, her gaze uncontrollably drawn to the rippling water below.

With each breath, it trembled slightly—so beautiful.

Compared to her “delicate and exquisite” figure, Xiao Qiling’s was indeed graceful, but only slightly more attractive.

It didn’t feel as nice to touch as hers.

Otherwise, why would Xiao Qiling prefer hers?

Yu Nanqing mentally justified herself before reluctantly looking away.

Blushing, she continued drying her hair, wondering if she’d stared too long, as she felt something was off.

Her gaze drifted back to Xiao Qiling’s eyes, lips, then followed a droplet down her slender, pale neck, past the red-marked collarbone, and into the water.

Yu Nanqing felt dizzy, her legs unsteady.

She began to suspect the gu poison in Xiao Qiling wasn’t deadly but some kind of aphrodisiac that took effect after intimacy.

It wasn’t that she loved looking—it was Xiao Qiling’s spell.

In her past life, she’d been utterly unmoved by the capital’s handsome men and noble ladies.

Yu Nanqing bit her lip, but her fleeting rationality dissolved in the water, mingling with the room’s pleasant incense. Looking at the defenseless Xiao Qiling, her reason faltered.

Her hand couldn’t resist dipping into the water.

Her movements were gentle, careful not to disturb Xiao Qiling.

The closer to Xiao Qiling, the warmer the water. Touching her chest, Xiao Qiling tensed briefly, but Yu Nanqing, seeing her still calm, grew bolder.

Xiao Qiling’s waist wasn’t as soft as hers, yet not as muscular as a soldier’s. Tracing to her side, it softened again. Yu Nanqing touched her own waist for comparison, intrigued by the difference.

She was actually more curious about what lay lower. Xiao Qiling had stared at her so long in bed—surely it wasn’t too much for her to take a peek now?

Holding her breath, Yu Nanqing parted the water.

The atmosphere grew strange.

Her heartbeat raced unnaturally, and she took deep breaths.

Then, a damp voice broke through: “Qingqing?”

Yu Nanqing was about to pull back when a stronger hand pressed hers down, its palm burning, pinning her in place.

Xiao Qiling’s voice was tight and hoarse. “If Qingqing touches me, it’s not breaking a wife’s decorum. If you like it, keep going.”

Yu Nanqing was so startled her soul nearly left her body.

Xiao Qiling’s tone was seductive. “I’m your wife. It’s my duty to serve you. You can do anything you want to me, can’t you?”

Though Yu Nanqing had braced for Xiao Qiling catching her, she hadn’t expected such words. Her cheeks burned.

“The water’s getting cold. Since you’re awake, hurry up and get out.”

Yu Nanqing tried to pry Xiao Qiling’s hand off to flee.

But Xiao Qiling held tighter, guiding Yu Nanqing’s hand to her shoulder, her voice lazy from just waking, barely a whisper. “…I’m too weak. Help me, Qingqing.”

Without waiting for agreement, she pressed Yu Nanqing’s hand to her chest, carrying a strong, suggestive intent.

Yu Nanqing’s throat tightened, her breathing labored. She felt like she’d been keeping a seductive mistress behind Xiao Qiling’s back.

Xiao Qiling guided her hand over every place Yu Nanqing had touched, her eyes half-closed, as if reluctantly yielding to the princess’s authority.

“Why’s Qingqing’s face so red?” Xiao Qiling finally spoke, her lifted eyes teasing, her voice low in her ear. “Are you thinking naughty thoughts?”

Her remaining rationality screamed to stop, knowing that even if Xiao Qiling could fall asleep in a tub, Yu Nanqing would be the first to beg for mercy.

Yet this vulnerable Xiao Qiling was so alluring. Despite being deceived multiple times, when Xiao Qiling leaned in, saying “come here” with deliberate slowness, Yu Nanqing gave in.

Xiao Qiling held her waist, her lips curving into a relaxed smile. As Yu Nanqing let her guard down, Xiao Qiling suddenly pulled her into the tub.

Yu Nanqing wasn’t the only one still caught in the moment.

She flailed briefly, then heard Xiao Qiling’s soft laugh, as if her scheme had succeeded, before pulling her into a deep kiss.

Though Yu Nanqing was on top, hands pressing Xiao Qiling’s shoulders as if dominating her, every movement of their tongues was led by Xiao Qiling, her lips parted at the perfect angle for Xiao Qiling’s ease, drawing out Yu Nanqing’s helpless, broken gasps.

Unhappy, Yu Nanqing slapped Xiao Qiling’s shoulder, only for Xiao Qiling to grab her hand, guiding it to her chest, indulging her secret desires with lazy, permissive eyes.

Yu Nanqing’s hand hesitated, and Xiao Qiling’s breathing grew heavier, her pleased hums evident.

“Since I was young, Mother Empress insisted I do everything myself, not letting palace maids serve me, not even her own.” Xiao Qiling’s voice carried a suggestive lilt. “This time, will Qingqing help me wipe down?”

Yu Nanqing: …

She couldn’t take it anymore.

Hadn’t they just finished? Why did it feel like it was starting again? But Yu Nanqing soon had no choice, feeling like she was drowning.

Perhaps because Xiao Qiling kept a firm grip on her waist, seemingly yielding control while leaving her powerless to resist.

If a maid had come in with clothes, they’d see the princess aggressively pinning Prince Ning, unaware that Yu Nanqing’s legs were weak from the start, unable to muster any strength.

Driven to her limit, Yu Nanqing bit Xiao Qiling’s shoulder hard. Xiao Qiling only let out a few satisfied, strained gasps.

When she woke again, night had fallen.

Xiao Qiling stirred the moment Yu Nanqing moved.

Yu Nanqing froze, deciding she needed to set boundaries. “From now on…”

“My head’s a bit dizzy. Can we have Yin San fetch the mansion’s physician?” Xiao Qiling rubbed her brow, interrupting, her voice weak and her face flushed unnaturally.

Yu Nanqing noticed Xiao Qiling’s damp hair had soaked the bedding.

Touching her forehead, it was indeed feverish.

By the time the physician arrived, the bed had been changed with fresh linens.

After taking Xiao Qiling’s pulse, the physician didn’t even ask how she’d caught a cold, simply prescribing medicine and sending it to be prepared.

Xiao Qiling didn’t press, but Yu Nanqing wasn’t at ease. “Is it because Your Highness hasn’t slept well these past few nights and slept with wet hair for just two hours?”

The physician handed the prescription to an assistant, glancing at Xiao Qiling as if asking whether to tell the truth.

Yu Nanqing’s heart leaped. “Could it be the gu poison?”

At that, Xiao Qiling glanced at her faintly, seeming to chuckle.

Yu Nanqing began to understand.

No matter how delicate she was, she was still an adult woman. After their antics in the tub, even with Xiao Qiling’s stamina, she was likely exhausted. Sleeping with wet hair had let the cold take hold.

Yu Nanqing’s eyelids twitched, and she lowered her head, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.

The physician looked at Yu Nanqing with a hint of admiration, initially assuming Yu Nanqing would be the weaker one. This princess was truly impressive—

But upon taking Yu Nanqing’s pulse, the physician’s expression darkened.

Yu Nanqing’s qi and bl00d were even more depleted than Xiao Qiling’s.

The physician’s face shifted between pale and green, finally saying, “With the palace in turmoil lately, you two mustn’t overexert yourselves. Rest well.”

Yu Nanqing’s head nearly buried itself in her collar, nodding frantically, wishing the physician would leave.

Xiao Qiling’s slender fingers touched her lips to stifle a cough, seemingly chuckling, her pale neck rising and falling without a trace of regret.

“Understood. You may leave.”

The physician, as if pardoned, grabbed the medicine box and left.

“We can’t do this again.” Yu Nanqing said firmly, meeting Xiao Qiling’s drowning gaze.

Xiao Qiling feigned ignorance. “Do what?”

Yu Nanqing’s eyes darted. “You know what.”

“Was it your sore legs? The cold water getting in? Or…”

Xiao Qiling’s words were cut off by Yu Nanqing’s hand.

“None of it! The physician knew everything just from taking our pulses!”

Yu Nanqing braced for Xiao Qiling’s teasing, but instead, Xiao Qiling gently held her wrist, lowering her eyes. “Qingqing’s so fierce.”

Yu Nanqing: …

Xiao Qiling’s weak voice, even more disarming than her deliberate vulnerability, was unbearable.

With a sickly fragility, Xiao Qiling’s pale lips parted. “Alright, I won’t cling to you next time.”

Her tone made it sound like she’d begged for affection and Yu Nanqing had taken advantage of her.

When clearly, Xiao Qiling had held her waist the whole time, leaving Yu Nanqing’s kneeling legs numb.

But seeing Xiao Qiling’s cold, Yu Nanqing let it slide, accepting the blame. “Anywhere else feel off? Headaches?”

Xiao Qiling’s head dipped slightly, her lips curving faintly.

There were indeed irregularities.

Since realizing her feelings for Yu Nanqing, all her restlessness had been soothed, especially when Yu Nanqing sat atop her, as if actively drawing closer.

Hearing Yu Nanqing’s suppressed, unwilling whimpers brought her an unparalleled satisfaction.

Even after days with less than five hours of sleep, she couldn’t let go of Yu Nanqing, addicted to that decadent allure.

Xiao Qiling shook her head. “It’s fine.”

Yu Nanqing sighed in relief, replaced the cold cloth on Xiao Qiling’s forehead, and checked her temperature, which had dropped.

She swapped for a fresh cloth, carefully tucking Xiao Qiling in. “Sleep for a bit. I’ll wake you when the medicine’s ready.”

Xiao Qiling nodded, not resisting, and added, “If the hidden guards bring news, wake me.”

“Will the mansion collapse without you? Can’t you rest properly?” Yu Nanqing was already worried about Xiao Qiling overworking, fearing she wouldn’t survive the eventual detoxification.

Seeing her so weak yet still fretting over everything, Yu Nanqing wished she could storm the palace and end Emperor Wenjing herself.

What was wrong with seizing the throne? Hadn’t Emperor Wenjing done the same? The rebel leader in her past life hadn’t exactly been legitimate either.

History was written by the victors, and she didn’t want Xiao Qiling to suffer so much.

But after entering Prince Ning’s mansion, Yu Nanqing had seen Xiao Qiling’s burdens and ambitions up close.

Xiao Qiling didn’t just want the throne—she wanted the people’s rightful allegiance, not the infamy of a traitor.

So Yu Nanqing kept these thoughts to herself, unable to voice them lest she hurt Xiao Qiling.

Taking a deep breath to quell her frustration, she leaned in and kissed Xiao Qiling’s lips softly. “I’ll listen to the news first. If it’s urgent, I’ll wake you… I can listen, right?”

“What are you probing for?” Xiao Qiling flicked her finger. “Do as you say.”

Satisfied, Yu Nanqing coaxed Xiao Qiling to close her eyes. Xiao Qiling’s hand, hidden under the covers, clenched slightly, her breathing deliberately slowed.

With Emperor Wenjing’s stroke, Xiao Qijun and Xiao Qimin were at odds. The cases under review at the Dali Temple didn’t require her interference—any misjudgments would reflect on the emperor, who most wanted them corrected.

But meddling might make wavering courtiers suspect her of revenge, while standing by made her uneasy.

Yu Nanqing could hear the news, but the Dali Temple’s reopened cases were bloody and grim, and Xiao Qiling didn’t want her too involved.

The emperor’s millennial celebration granted a two-day rest. Tomorrow, the palace gates would reopen for court.

This cold was ill-timed, but stealing half a day’s leisure, with Yu Nanqing’s active affection and confession, was too joyful to resist. Years of self-control crumbled.

Before tomorrow’s court, she’d steal another half-day at most.