Offered as a Lucky Bride to the Mad Princess to Ward Off Misfortune - Chapter 9

9: “You actually believed it when I tricked you, silly…”

When Yu Nanqing followed Xiao Qiling out the door, Chen Xiang, who had been waiting outside, was about to greet them upon hearing the commotion. But then she saw Prince Ning emerge from the room with a face full of springtime joy, the golden phoenix embroidery on the hem of the robe vivid and lifelike, exuding nobility and splendor.

Her young mistress, on the other hand, had a numb expression, as if she were being marched to the execution grounds.

Chen Xiang was slightly taken aback, finding it rather peculiar. After Ji Shi left, Yu Nanqing had spent her days cooped up in her room studying, her once pampered and flamboyant personality gradually becoming withdrawn and melancholic.

Yet, after just two days in Prince Ning’s residence, Chen Xiang actually saw a range of genuine and fluctuating emotions on Yu Nanqing’s face.

Yu Nanqing clearly had no time to pay attention to Chen Xiang. She stared gloomily at Xiao Qiling’s retreating back, nearly grinding her teeth to dust.

She had even resorted to deliberately disgusting tactics. According to her original plan, Xiao Qiling should have thrown her out immediately, along with canceling tonight’s bedchamber duties.

Yu Nanqing didn’t understand Xiao Qiling, but she could infer from Xiao Qijun’s behavior—how could someone of royal bl00d tolerate such insolence from others?

But Xiao Qiling had actually insisted on personally bathing her. Yu Nanqing couldn’t help but entertain the absurd thought—was Xiao Qiling really planning to use her as medicine?

Yu Nanqing followed reluctantly behind, watching Xiao Qiling’s back. Suddenly, footsteps sounded from behind.

Her heart leaped with joy.

It must be someone coming to discuss important matters with Xiao Qiling.

Suppressing her delight, Yu Nanqing calmly turned her head.

With just one glance, her lifted face instantly fell.

The newcomer wasn’t some profound strategist but merely a few cleaning servants from the prince’s residence, carrying steaming bathtubs in their direction.

Yu Nanqing’s eyelids twitched violently. She suddenly reached out and grabbed Xiao Qiling’s cloak, stopping her in her tracks.

“Your Highness.”

Xiao Qiling’s cloak was tugged askew. Frowning, she turned to see what mischief Yu Nanqing was up to now.

Yu Nanqing’s face was pale from the wind. Just the short distance to another courtyard had left her panting from walking too quickly, her sickly demeanor evident as she coughed lightly. “I—I can’t walk anymore. How about Your Highness goes ahead, and I’ll join you later?”

Xiao Qiling’s gaze fell on the fresh bite marks on Yu Nanqing’s lips, as if she had suffered some great abuse. She couldn’t help but press her thumb against them, gently separating the lips. “What’s wrong?”

Yu Nanqing, caught off guard by this touch, had no time to react before a cool hand suddenly clasped her wrist and pulled hard.

The moment her feet left the ground, Yu Nanqing was so startled that she wrapped her arms around Xiao Qiling’s neck. “What are you doing—?”

Xiao Qiling looked down at the person in her arms with amusement—dark hair spilling over both their collars, slender fingers unconsciously clutching the brocade robe, a picture of endurance and fragility.

“You were bold enough to kiss me, so why are you so distraught at the mention of drawing bl00d?” Xiao Qiling let out a low laugh. “You actually believed it when I tricked you. Silly.”

Though Yu Nanqing’s face maintained its usual composure, her ears burned at that last word. She turned her head away, refusing to look at Xiao Qiling.

This gave Xiao Qiling a clear view of the changes behind Yu Nanqing’s ears.

The corners of her lips lifted imperceptibly as she quickly carried her into the room.

The layout of the warm pavilion was exquisite, with a central pool of water. The indoor heating system was blazing, making Yu Nanqing’s Qinfang Pavilion seem shabby in comparison.

Only the imperial family was allowed to use such heating systems. Even in the palace, concubines of high rank rarely enjoyed such luxury. Yu Nanqing hadn’t expected Prince Ning’s residence to have such arrangements.

A maid lifted the beaded curtain, and Xiao Qiling set Yu Nanqing down on a daybed, summoning two maids to attend to her before heading inside, where the arranged physician was already waiting.

About half a cup of tea later, the physician, after taking her pulse, withdrew his hand with a furrowed brow. “The toxicity from the other day hasn’t been fully expelled, and you exerted yourself again yesterday. It’ll take at least half a month to recover.”

Had Yu Nanqing been present, she would have been shocked by the physician’s description of Xiao Qiling’s condition.

The attending maids silently withdrew. Xiao Qiling calmly removed her outer robe, her ink-black hair cascading down her straight back like silk, revealing large stretches of porcelain-like skin.

“Your Highness, I’m going to administer the needles now. Please bear with it.” The physician disinfected the silver needles and skillfully inserted them along her meridians.

Xiao Qiling lay on the bed, eyes lightly closed. At this moment, she didn’t carry the relaxed, teasing demeanor she had shown Yu Nanqing earlier. Instead, she exuded the cold, imperious aura of royalty.

Even as the veins on her back bulged and the residual poison burned inside her, Xiao Qiling’s eyelids didn’t so much as flicker. An outsider might have thought the slender needles weren’t actually piercing her flesh.

But the physician knew better than anyone the state of the poison in Xiao Qiling’s body. It couldn’t be fully eradicated, yet it couldn’t be left unchecked. The suppressed toxicity would slowly eat away at Xiao Qiling’s vitality, only to be reignited whenever she exerted herself.

Xiao Qiling had endured this for three years, progressing from unbearable pain to her current stoicism. The physician’s eyes reflected both admiration and pity.

If Emperor Wuxuan hadn’t died early, Xiao Qiling would have been the most noble princess of Great Qi, not forced to survive under Emperor Wenjing’s rule. Yet it was precisely these circumstances that made Xiao Qiling their master, earning their loyalty.

“As long as you continue with the usual treatments and needles, the poison won’t reach your heart or lungs. However…” The physician paused, glancing toward the beaded curtain. “Your Highness, this Third Miss Yu is from the Duke’s residence. You could have sent her far away. Why keep her by your side?”

Xiao Qiling replied indifferently, “Her relationship with the Duke’s residence is complicated. If I didn’t keep her close, it would be hard to discern her motives.”

The physician nodded. “True. If she was truly an innocent victim forced into this marriage, she’s quite pitiable.”

While waiting for the needles to take effect, the physician mentioned another rumor he’d heard: “Before Third Miss Yu entered the residence, she was apparently pushed into a lake by her sisters. No wonder she’s so frail—a gust of wind is enough to make her ill.”

Xiao Qiling lifted her eyelids, recalling the incident on their way to the warm pavilion earlier. A hint of amusement flashed in her dark pupils. “Yes, not only frail but also timid and spoiled.”

Meanwhile, Yu Nanqing, once settled on the soft daybed, had no desire to move. She lazily curled up, not wanting to budge an inch.

Prince Ning’s residence might appear unassuming, but not only did it have a cross-dressing master like Xiao Qiling, it also boasted luxuries like this warm pavilion—things Yu Nanqing could never enjoy, no matter how wealthy she was. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

The maids had asked several times if she wished to change and enter the water, but Yu Nanqing refused each time, using the excuse of waiting for Xiao Qiling to join her.

Wrapped in warmth, Yu Nanqing dozed off briefly on the daybed. When she awoke, Xiao Qiling was still nowhere to be seen. Remembering how Xiao Qiling had teased her earlier, she felt a surge of indignation, as if she’d been duped.

But she didn’t want to leave either. Just as she hesitated, the beaded curtain was pushed aside, and the physician emerged from the inner chamber carrying his familiar medicine chest. Spotting Yu Nanqing, he addressed her as “Princess Consort” and gestured inside. “I need to prepare a prescription. Could you please look after His Highness for me?”

Yu Nanqing couldn’t imagine what needed looking after for someone as robust as Xiao Qiling, who had carried her without breaking a sweat.

Until she stepped into the inner chamber and saw the orderly array of slender silver needles on Xiao Qiling’s back. Memories of the rumors about Xiao Qiling’s poisoning surfaced. She watched quietly for a moment before Xiao Qiling called out, “Come here.”

Yu Nanqing approached and crouched slightly to explain, “The physician asked me to come.”

It wasn’t her idea.

Xiao Qiling reached out and pinched Yu Nanqing’s cheek lightly. “Did you fall asleep again earlier?”

Yu Nanqing looked puzzled. “Huh?”

“You’ve got marks.” The fabric pressed against her face for too long had left red imprints, as if she’d been mistreated without realizing it.

Falling asleep wherever she went, completely unguarded—how had she survived in the Duke’s residence like this?

“Awake now?” Seeing her nod, Xiao Qiling’s smile deepened. “Since you’re awake, come help me remove these needles.”

Yu Nanqing was about to comply when she suddenly caught sight of a glimpse of pale yellow undergarment beneath Xiao Qiling’s fair arm. Her breath hitched.

“Th—that’s too improper.” Yu Nanqing squeezed her eyes shut and decisively withdrew her hand. “I’m not skilled enough. Let’s wait for the physician to remove them.”

Xiao Qiling, noticing her hesitation, turned to follow Yu Nanqing’s gaze. Realizing the issue, she chuckled. “These needles won’t bite. What are you afraid of?”

Yu Nanqing bit her lip, feeling the temperature in the warm pavilion rise. The needles might not bite, but Xiao Qiling certainly might.

She still remembered Xiao Qiling’s words about her serving in the bedchamber tonight.

When Yu Nanqing didn’t respond, Xiao Qiling waited patiently, her smile widening, clearly anticipating her reaction.

Yu Nanqing could only steel herself and say, “I’m not afraid.”

“Good girl.” Xiao Qiling coaxed softly. “Since you’re not afraid, remove the needles for me.”

Yu Nanqing considered suggesting a maid do it instead, but then remembered her current status as Xiao Qiling’s nominal princess consort. Having a maid perform such a task might seem disrespectful.

Taking a deep breath, Princess Consort Ning tried her best to ignore the expanse of exposed skin and quickly pulled out the needles, not daring to pause for even a second.

Xiao Qiling turned her head to instruct her on the removal sequence, her gaze fixed intently on Yu Nanqing the entire time. When her warm breath brushed against Yu Nanqing’s ear, the latter couldn’t help but shiver.

One of the needle holes began to bleed as Yu Nanqing pulled it halfway out. Her hand froze, unsure whether to continue.

Then, she heard a soft laugh.

Yu Nanqing’s already tense heart leaped into her throat.

“Keep going.” Xiao Qiling’s voice was lazy, carrying the contentment of relaxed meridians.

Yu Nanqing proceeded with extra caution.

The further down she went, the closer she got to Xiao Qiling’s lower back. The physician hadn’t held back despite Xiao Qiling’s status. Though Yu Nanqing tried to keep her eyes averted, her peripheral vision caught glimpses of the slightly indented waistline.

Xiao Qiling’s body, lean from years of martial arts training, lacked the bulky, explosive muscles of a man. Lying prone, her snow-white skin truly embodied the phrase “a branch of gold.”

But Yu Nanqing had witnessed Xiao Qiling’s lethal sword skills on their wedding night and knew better than to underestimate her. That fair, smooth skin flushed a delicate pink as the needles were removed, like a trap set by a dangerous yet enchanting siren.

Yu Nanqing’s hands began to tremble. She hastily pulled out the last few needles and lowered her head. “Done.”

“Done?” Xiao Qiling’s tone was pointed.

Confused, Yu Nanqing thought it might be because she hadn’t tidied the needles, so she gathered them haphazardly into a pile in one corner.

Xiao Qiling’s lips twitched slightly. “We haven’t bathed yet.”

“Then let me help Your Highness over.”

As Yu Nanqing placed her hand on Xiao Qiling’s arm, she felt the latter’s long hair spill over her shoulder. Xiao Qiling’s next words followed closely: “Since my consort has thoroughly studied the spring palace paintings, I trust you’re well-prepared and won’t disappoint me.”

Her voice was laced with amusement. When she stood, she didn’t bother to adjust her fallen robe, wearing only a thin undergarment. Her warm breath brushed Yu Nanqing’s ear, sending tingles of warmth through her.

Yu Nanqing instinctively shifted half a step away.

But Xiao Qiling also stood, leaning toward her, closing the gap once more.

“I…”

“Hmm?”

Yu Nanqing glanced around the warm pavilion. Escape was impossible. If she tried to flee, those carefully gathered needles would likely come flying at her in an instant.

“I certainly won’t disappoint Your Highness.” Yu Nanqing forced a bright smile and helped Xiao Qiling into the pool. Before entering, she even thoughtfully tested the water temperature.

“It’s ready.”

Xiao Qiling nodded slightly, shedding her cumbersome outer robe with graceful movements that didn’t so much as splash the water.

Once in the water, she turned and extended a hand to Yu Nanqing. “Let me hold you so you don’t slip.”

Yu Nanqing smiled faintly, lowering her head as if shy.

Like Xiao Qiling, she wore only an undergarment. Ripples spread across the water’s surface, and neither found anything improper about their state of undress.

In the water, Xiao Qiling’s hand hovered lightly at Yu Nanqing’s waist—not quite touching, yet giving the illusion of an embrace. Watching Yu Nanqing’s back, the slender and vulnerable curve of her neck, a flicker of something dark passed through Xiao Qiling’s eyes before she quickly suppressed it.

Steam curled between them. Yu Nanqing closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and lightly hooked her arms around Xiao Qiling’s neck.

Xiao Qiling’s lips curved slightly, as if encouraging her.

Yu Nanqing leaned in, the water rippling softly around them. Her clenched fingers turned pale as she calculated the time it would take to pull the hairpin from her bun.

Tilting her head up through the mist, her upturned eyes naturally carried a seductive allure. “May I kiss Your Highness?”

“No.” Xiao Qiling lazily lifted a hand and flicked Yu Nanqing’s hairpin away. It clattered to the ground outside the pool, her hair cascading down like a waterfall.

Yu Nanqing hadn’t expected her last hidden weapon to be so easily confiscated by Xiao Qiling’s sharp reflexes.

Xiao Qiling’s palm pressed against her back, moving up and down with varying pressure. Yu Nanqing soon lost her balance and tumbled into Xiao Qiling’s arms.

Only then did Xiao Qiling stop, confirming that Yu Nanqing truly had no martial training.

As soon as she loosened her grip, Yu Nanqing seized the opportunity to retaliate, biting down hard on Xiao Qiling’s shoulder.

Yu Nanqing felt as though her bones were being crushed. “What were you doing just now?”

Her face was deathly pale, only her fox-like eyes blazing brilliantly, the corners reddened, tears dampening her lashes—a mix of grievance and inexplicable allure.

Pain shot through Xiao Qiling’s collarbone, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she reached up to brush the dampness at the corner of Yu Nanqing’s eye. “Why didn’t you dodge if it hurt?”

Even without martial training, Yu Nanqing could guess Xiao Qiling’s intentions.

She had been gambling.

Betting that Xiao Qiling wouldn’t kill her.

After all, winning or losing didn’t matter much to her.

“It hurt too much,” Yu Nanqing muttered.

Xiao Qiling had expected Yu Nanqing to say something about trusting her out of admiration. But when the words “it hurt too much” came out, she found it perfectly in line with Yu Nanqing’s spoiled nature.

A bit of wind gave her a fever, a few extra steps made her tired. Of course she’d be too pained to speak after such probing.

Xiao Qiling patted Yu Nanqing’s shoulder reassuringly. “If anyone touches the spots I just did, avoid them immediately. Otherwise…”

The areas she’d pressed were all fatal points, but Xiao Qiling didn’t want to frighten Yu Nanqing further. Instead, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind Yu Nanqing’s ear.

“Otherwise, you’ll end up like this.”

She leaned in, her voice soft. “At my mercy.”