The Prime Minister Knows How to Handle Her Wife (ABO, GL) - Chapter 47

Chapter 47

“…Madam Ning is usually busy with countless tasks. It’s good to rest for a moment now, but this princess has some important matters to discuss with Madam Ning, so I must bother her for a while.”

Sheng Xianyin tightly gripped the reins, suppressing her anger and striving to maintain a gentle tone.

She always liked to use this approach: first praising the other person, then shifting the tone to show a hint of guilt before making her request.

Her advisors always fell for this tactic. Once she spoke this way, they would abandon their own tasks, gratefully following behind Sheng Xianyin.

But Sheng Shiyue wasn’t one of her advisors, nor did she fall for this. With a playful, raised voice, she immediately said, “My wife has indeed been busy these days and should take this chance to rest a couple of days. Sixth Sister, please spare your sister-in-law for now. If there’s anything, we can talk about it after the summer hunt, so she doesn’t have to frown again.”

Sheng Shiyue wasn’t done, was she? Every three sentences, she reminded everyone of Ning Qingge’s current status.

Sheng Xianyin clenched her back teeth, her expression darkening as she threatened, “This is an important matter.”

“There are other officials around. If Sixth Sister is in a hurry, you can discuss it with them. The Liang Kingdom doesn’t only have Ning Qingge as an official,” Sheng Shiyue said, her words tinged with annoyance, as if she was fed up with Sheng Xianyin’s persistence.

And indeed, she was. Sheng Shiyue grabbed Ning Qingge’s wrist, pulled it toward her lips, and bit down.

What a flirtatious troublemaker.

Though she put on an aggressive front, the bite wasn’t hard—like a cat annoyed and giving a warning nip, not even leaving a mark, just a slight wet trace.

Ning Qingge’s eyes lowered, undisturbed by the voices outside the carriage, only looking at her.

The hand that escaped the little cat’s mouth didn’t pull away. Instead, it moved closer, the pad of her index finger brushing over Sheng Shiyue’s lips, as if toying with something amusing.

Still not placated, Sheng Shiyue glared at her, cheeks puffed out, looking fiercely bristled.

Ning Qingge opened her hand, pinched Sheng Shiyue’s cheeks, and squeezed, deflating the puffed-up cheeks instantly. Then her calloused fingertips slid downward, resting on the rounded lip bead.

Sheng Shiyue’s lips were beautifully shaped, with elegant contours and clear lines. Even when she was stone-faced, the corners of her lips slightly curved upward—not like the forced smile of a people-pleaser, but carrying an enigmatic charm.

Paired with her vibrant and proud eyes, as she grew older and shed her childishness, she was like a blooming peony, stunning everyone.

If the Yuanfeng era of prosperity had to have a specific image, it would be Sheng Shiyue—radiant and bold, shining like a star or the bright moon even in the long records of history.

Ning Qingge’s eyes deepened. Her fingertip pressed slightly harder, rubbing Sheng Shiyue’s lips until they were red and glossy, giving them a delicate, vulnerable look.

Annoyed after being teased for so long, Sheng Shiyue thought this person was relentless. She opened her mouth and bit down on the troublesome finger, refusing to let her continue the mischief.

But for some reason, Ning Qingge didn’t stop while she was ahead. Instead, she probed further, her fingertip slightly curling to lightly scratch upward.

Sheng Shiyue froze, finding the sensation odd, especially since Ning Qingge had just peeled a lychee, leaving a faint fruity taste on her finger, making it even harder to describe.

The fingertip pressed downward again. Because of its softness, even though Sheng Shiyue didn’t intentionally curl her lips, the pressure made them sink, creating a wrapped-up feeling.

The people outside the carriage still wouldn’t give up. They circled back to Ning Qingge, saying loudly, “Is Madam Ning free right now? This princess truly has important matters to discuss with her. Please step down to meet.”

Sheng Shiyue, already irritated from being teased, saw that Sheng Xianyin wouldn’t let go. She slapped Ning Qingge’s wrist hard, the sound ringing out with a sharp “pa.”

The troublesome hand was slapped away, and Sheng Shiyue immediately said, “What exactly is this matter?”

“Is Sixth Sister so idle? Should I go to His Majesty now and arrange a suitable marriage for you, so you’ll have someone close to talk to and stop coming to me? If someone with intentions sees this, who knows what rumors will spread!”

Her words were extremely blunt, leaving Sheng Xianyin no face at all.

Sheng Xianyin’s face turned livid with anger, and she immediately scolded, “What nonsense are you talking about?!”

They didn’t lower their voices, and their quarreling tone quickly drew attention from those nearby, who turned to look.

“Then what does Sixth Sister want me to think? The Mother Emperor said that during the summer hunt, unless it’s urgent, everything else can be delayed to let the officials rest for a few days. But you keep sticking around, nagging about some nonsense matter?”

The voice inside grew louder, “What do you want me to think, Sister?!”

Hearing this, the surrounding people showed knowing looks, their gazes turning complex.

The Sixth Princess was…

No one doubted Sheng Shiyue’s words. She always acted this way—her emotions dictated her actions. When angry, she didn’t care about your status and would scold directly. Though impulsive, it was considered straightforward.

Besides, with the Sixth Princess and Eighth Princess still unmarried because of Ning Qingge, even with Sheng Xianyin’s good reputation in the past, she now seemed like someone unable to let go of her sister-in-law, still pining.

Murmurs of gossip arose. A group of people riding horses followed along, bored and looking for entertainment. Now they finally had something to talk about.

A few people chatting wasn’t a big deal, but a crowd whispering and glancing over, even if they tried to keep quiet, sounded like buzzing mosquitoes. Even Sheng Xianyin, who could usually stay composed, felt her wounds ache from anger.

Her injuries were far worse than Sheng Shiyue’s, yet she had to pretend nothing was wrong, attending court daily while worrying, her wounds refusing to heal. In her anger, they nearly tore open again.

Sheng Xianyin took a deep breath and only said, “I don’t know what you’re imagining all day.”

With that, she yanked the reins and left, not daring to stay longer, fearing more rumors. Ning Qingge was married, but she hadn’t taken a wife yet and had to think of her future.

Seeing her leave, Sheng Shiyue didn’t calm down. Instead, she turned to Ning Qingge, pouting unhappily, “You flirtatious bad thing.”

As the Liang Kingdom’s only top-tier Kunze, Ning Qingge was far more popular than Sheng Shiyue. Even with rumors, people didn’t dare pursue her openly, but covert attention never stopped, even after her marriage. Some even saw it as a rare opportunity, hoping one day Madam Ning would tire of her roguish wife and choose another after a divorce.

Thinking of this, Sheng Shiyue grew angrier. Seizing the earlier topic, she shouted, “Ning Qingge, you’re bullying me!”

The Prime Minister, who had long seen through her thoughts, didn’t stop her. Instead, she indulged the tantrum, asking softly, “How am I bullying you again?”

“You just are.”

Still lying on Ning Qingge’s lap, Sheng Shiyue, to show her extreme displeasure, rolled left and right, acting like she was throwing a tantrum. But Ning Qingge’s lap wasn’t that long—certainly not enough for a big, fluffy head to roll a full circle. So she rolled left and had to twist back, rolled right and buried herself in Ning Qingge’s stomach.

It didn’t look like a tantrum—more like she was taking advantage.

Ning Qingge raised her hand to block, afraid she might roll off, then said, “How did I bully you?”

Sheng Shiyue quickly rolled back, facing Ning Qingge, and immediately said, “You’re flirting everywhere, and, and…”

She stumbled, unable to pinpoint exactly what Ning Qingge had done or say it out loud.

“Hmm?” Ning Qingge tilted her head, encouraging her to continue.

Her lips, still red and slightly swollen from the earlier teasing, paired with Sheng Shiyue’s aggrieved expression, looked truly pitiful.

Ning Qingge’s lips curved slightly, teasingly. She grabbed Sheng Shiyue’s wrist, brought it to her own lips, and nibbled.

She asked, “Like this?”

The feeling of nibbling and being nibbled was entirely different.

Sheng Shiyue had only felt it strange before, not understanding why Ning Qingge suddenly acted this way. Now she realized the fun in it.

Fingertips were sensitive, especially Sheng Shiyue’s, which didn’t even have a small callus. Compared to her soft fingers, even Ning Qingge’s smooth tongue felt slightly rough, making the sensation more vivid.

A damp, warm, and slightly rough touch.

When teeth accidentally grazed, it brought a slight sting, yet it couldn’t suppress the itchy, numbing, electric feeling.

Sheng Shiyue couldn’t help curling her finger, causing Ning Qingge to let out a muffled “mm.” She glanced at her reproachfully.

Though not entirely proper, with lingering moisture at her lip corners and a suggestive look in her upturned eyes, it was like a silver hook dropped in water—no bait, yet fish would bite recklessly.

Her subtle Adam’s apple bobbed briefly. Sheng Shiyue panicked, forgetting even what Ning Qingge had taught her before, frozen in place.

Ning Qingge seemed to smile, her eyes curving. If she could speak, she’d surely tease Sheng Shiyue for being so hopeless.

Indeed, quite hopeless. Even after the most intimate moments, she’d still be dazed by a small tease.

The noise outside the carriage continued. As Sheng Xianyin left, the gossip grew louder, now discussing what Sheng Xianyin had done to pursue Ning Qingge.

Like how she sacrificed her own interests in court to speak for Ning Qingge.

Like how, on Ning Qingge’s birthday, she braved the cold night mist to play “Phoenix Seeking Phoenix” on a flute outside the wall, her green robe and gentle demeanor becoming a celebrated tale in the capital.

Like how she rejected many high-born Kunze for Ning Qingge, still without a formal wife.

Whether intentional or not, those people seemed afraid Sheng Shiyue wouldn’t hear, practically shouting the stories by the carriage, hoping the reckless troublemaker would cause a big scene this time, adding some fun to the dull summer hunt.

But the person inside didn’t act as they expected, didn’t lift the curtain to confront the Sixth Princess with a shouting match, and instead responded with silent stillness.

Had Sheng Shiyue changed her ways or fallen asleep?

The crowd was puzzled, not daring to peek through the curtain, only guessing wildly outside.

The person inside was indeed affected but didn’t have time to get angry. The warmth enveloping her fingertip doused her fire, leaving her only able to curl her finger and fidget to express her displeasure.

Ning Qingge let her mess around, at most letting out a few muffled sounds to indicate it was too much, but still gently enveloped her.

The mischievous one came aggressively but faltered under such indulgence.

She was always soft, not hard.

If Ning Qingge bit her now, Sheng Shiyue would surely fight back fiercely, showing her what Bianjing’s top rogue was like. But if Ning Qingge kept indulging her antics, she couldn’t even bristle, shrinking back and wanting to escape.

Sheng Shiyue pulled her hand back, grabbed a handkerchief from the low table, and vigorously wiped her damp fingers. Then she turned and pressed it against Ning Qingge’s mouth. Though she looked fierce, the touch was light, wiping away the wet traces in a couple of strokes.

Ning Qingge lowered her head, cooperating fully, then spoke softly, “We’re almost there.”

Sheng Shiyue tossed the handkerchief aside and looked at her.

Ning Qingge added, “Didn’t Your Highness promise last night to teach me to ride?”

At this, Sheng Shiyue’s brows lifted, instantly smug.

Who’d have thought Ning Qingge, who seemed skilled at everything, was terrible at riding and archery?

But it made sense. When the Ning family fell, Ning Qingge was young, perhaps not even as tall as a horse’s leg, naturally unable to learn riding. After entering the palace, she was busy with various tasks, barely finding time to read, let alone anything else. Later, serving by His Majesty’s side until becoming an official, she rarely had time for riding or archery.

During past summer and autumn hunts, Ning Qingge only circled the hunting grounds’ edges, letting servants hunt a few rabbits to barely pass muster.

Others, knowing the Prime Minister was busy, assumed she rushed back for work, not mocking but praising her.

But last night, lying in bed together, Ning Qingge suddenly brought it up, asking Sheng Shiyue to teach her to ride.

Sheng Shiyue, long tormented by Ning Qingge’s teaching, saw this as her chance to shine. Without hesitation, she agreed enthusiastically.

“There’s still a smooth official road now, good for riding. In the forest, it’ll be bumpy and obstructed,” Ning Qingge explained softly.

For someone like her, who could barely mount and trot briefly, starting on a flat road was best.

Sheng Shiyue agreed, immediately standing, saying, “Then let’s do it now. I’ll have Liuyun and the others bring the horses.”

Ning Qingge nodded.