The Prime Minister Knows How to Handle Her Wife (ABO, GL) - Chapter 53

Chapter 53

In another camp, armored guards with swords stood watch around the perimeter, while a blazing bonfire in the center cast shadows of the figures inside the main tent.

“Hiss…”

Sheng Xianyin let out a suppressed cry of pain, her brows tightly furrowed into a deep crease.

The person beside her quickly turned and snapped, “What are you doing? So clumsy, be gentler!”

The scolded person, kneeling in an awkward position, hurriedly nodded at the words, bandaging with even lighter movements, sweat beading on their forehead from nervousness.

The person standing nearby then turned, bowing low with utmost respect, and said, “Your Highness, you should rest well these few days to avoid reopening the wound.”

Sheng Xianyin waved her hand, as if to show she understood.

Her body was wrapped in white cloth from shoulder to waist, looking severely injured.

Then, Sheng Xianyin frowned again and asked, “Why is it so noisy outside?”

The person lowered their head and quickly replied, “It’s that Qu family member clashing with the Ninth Princess.”

“Oh?” Sheng Xianyin tilted her head, signaling her to continue.

A trace of mockery flashed across the person’s face as they flattered, “It’s all thanks to Your Highness’s cleverness. You deliberately had someone praise the new martial champion and belittle Qu Yu in front of her, making her so angry she couldn’t hold back. Then, with a small trick, you lured the martial champion to Qu Yu, causing a conflict between them.”

While speaking, they observed Sheng Xianyin’s expression. Seeing her eyes closed, seemingly enjoying it, they continued, “Your Highness then played the good person, stepping in to stop the two who wouldn’t back down. You seemed to mediate, but in truth, you kept praising the martial champion, subtly showing your intent to win them over. Though Qu Yu is under the Eighth Princess’s camp, she couldn’t stand seeing the Sixth Princess praise someone else so much in her presence.”

“So, while the conflict was stopped, it planted an even bigger hidden danger.”

Sheng Xianyin nodded slightly and suddenly said, “You’re getting smarter.”

The person quickly humbled themselves, saying, “It’s all from being by Your Highness’s side, learning through observation.”

They continued, “So, as soon as Qu Yu entered the forest, she started searching for the martial champion. We don’t know what happened between them…”

Their expression changed as they added, “The martial champion must be in bad shape now. Otherwise, Qu Yu wouldn’t make such a big scene searching for her, even reaching the Ninth Princess’s camp. With the Ninth Princess’s temper, there’s no way she’d agree.”

They paused, then flattered again, “It’s all thanks to the Sixth Princess’s small scheme, achieving two goals at once. Now the Ninth Princess and Qu Yu are at odds, their conflict deepening, likely impossible to resolve.”

Sheng Xianyin raised her eyes slightly, waving away the person bandaging her. The pain from the movement flashed a hint of resentment in her eyes, quickly suppressed, as she coldly said, “Resolve?”

She sneered and added, “This princess already gave Ning Qingge a chance. If she insists on entangling with a useless person, don’t blame this princess for being unjust.”

Hearing this, the person beside her seemed to tremble, growing even more cautious about speaking.

Outside, the bonfire roared, devouring the wood and sending flames high into the sky.

Gritting her teeth, Sheng Xianyin asked, “Have today’s events been reported to the Huainan King?”

The person immediately answered, “The spy has already informed the Huainan King of everything that happened today.”

The Huainan King of the Liang Kingdom was the late emperor’s sister, now the current emperor’s aunt. During the late emperor’s reign, she was highly favored, granted land, gold, and significant power. She was the only one who joined the struggle for the throne but was merely stripped of her position, keeping her life and title.

Before passing, the late emperor worried the new emperor might resent the Huainan King for the succession dispute. He made Sheng Lishu swear at his bedside that as long as the Huainan King showed no disloyalty, her mansion would remain untouched. He also granted her five thousand private soldiers, showing immense favor.

The Huainan King was wise, staying secluded in her fief since Sheng Lishu’s ascension, rarely appearing. Years ago, she entered the capital to request a title for her heir, and it was then that Sheng Xianyin met the Huainan King’s granddaughter.

Though Sheng Xianyin had feelings for Ning Qingge, she didn’t hesitate to build other connections, just in case.

Thus, over the years, she exchanged letters with the Huainan King’s granddaughter—not too eagerly, just vague words of concern paired with rare trinkets and Bianjing pastries. Gradually, the granddaughter fell for it, believing the Sixth Princess was a humble, courteous, and tragically unrequited lover.

The Huainan King, aware of this, allowed it, subtly showing interest in the throne succession again.

Sheng Xianyin instructed, “In a few days, send word to the Huainan King’s mansion that this princess, due to Ning Qingge, is depressed and unwell. During the summer hunt, I gained nothing and fell ill from heartbreak. After the hunt, I returned to my mansion by carriage.”

“Yes.”

A determined glint flashed in Sheng Xianyin’s eyes.

Her actions today, though seemingly reckless, had deeper intent. First, she tried one last time to win over Ning Qingge. If Ning Qingge yielded, she’d reveal what the Eighth Princess had done these days. If Ning Qingge promised to marry her later, she’d help her through this crisis.

If Ning Qingge remained stubborn, she could use today’s events to distance herself from her, reassuring the Huainan King’s mansion.

Her thoughts paused as she recalled the mocking glances from others when she rode back, as if ridiculing a royal heir for chasing her own sister-in-law.

Sheng Xianyin clenched her fist, unable to suppress her rage.

Today’s humiliation would be repaid tenfold.

“Your Highness, in a few days, should we…” the person asked tentatively.

Sheng Xianyin scoffed and said, “Doesn’t Lord Xu hate Sheng Shiyue? Let her stir things up herself.”

The person seemed shocked and said, “That’s not an easy task.”

“Did she think I didn’t know her youngest son’s close ties with the Qu family? Trying to play both sides and take all the benefits—there’s no such easy thing in this world.”

The night wind blew, carrying her words into the darkness, as sparks from the fire scattered, landing on nearby stones.

The firelight reflected Qu Yu’s furious face. After a long standoff, she gritted her teeth and shouted, “Go!”

Her group turned and headed into the forest.

Once farther away, someone beside Qu Yu spoke, “Miss, we’ve searched every inch of this stream. Without help, how could an injured person escape?”

Qu Yu, fuming, kicked them and cursed, “You’re asking me? Who should I ask? Useless bunch—how could you let her get away?”

“Find her! If I don’t find her, I’ll suffer, and none of you will live!” she yelled.

Fear spread across their faces as they scattered to search further.

Qu Yu’s expression shifted, her clenched fists sweaty, as she muttered, “I just wanted to steal Zhong Qianfan’s prey to humiliate her. I didn’t expect her to be so hot-tempered and draw her sword.”

“I was forced to fight back. Yes, it wasn’t intentional.”

Her trembling teeth clenched, a ruthless glint in her eyes. In the Liang Kingdom’s early days, a noble, jealous of a common-born champion, injured them. The founding emperor, enraged, set a precedent by executing the noble’s entire clan.

Though the current emperor didn’t need such extreme measures to control her court, she had to give an explanation to the people and scholars aiming to change their fates through exams.

If caught, even with her mother as Lieutenant, Qu Yu’s head wouldn’t be spared, and her family would face consequences.

She had to find Zhong Qianfan!

Make it look like she was mauled by a beast and bled to death.

Though searching so openly would draw attention, she had no choice. As long as she cleaned up the traces, others could only harbor suspicions in silence.

As for Ning Qingge and Sheng Shiyue…

She smirked and said, “I hope in a few days, you’ll still be this arrogant.”

The night deepened, the moon hidden by thin clouds, its outline fading. Torches in the surrounding forest burned through the night, spreading in all directions.

After they left, Sheng Shiyue led her group to sit.

Before she could speak, she saw Ning Qingge had finished her roasted meat. Sheng Shiyue grabbed another skewer, turned it, and complained, “It’s all Qu Yu’s fault for talking too much. The meat’s overcooked.”

She waved for a few raw skewers, planning to roast them herself.

Ning Qingge, amused, said, “I didn’t know Your Highness had this skill.”

Ye Liuyun, relaxing, smiled and said, “Madam, you don’t know—our princess knows many things. The stranger the skill, the more she’s interested.”

Ye Chili added, “Yes, yes. This roasting method—our princess had the mansion’s chef come, refining it from old recipes. The spices seem simple, but there’s a lot of knowledge behind it.”

Ye Chili, usually quiet and less talkative than the hoarse-voiced Qu Li, surprised Ning Qingge with her chatter, her eyes shining in the firelight.

She said, “Not just roasting meat—there’s the method to make orchids bloom year-round, carving flowers on eggshells, and drinking without getting drunk.”

“Oh?” Ning Qingge showed slight surprise.

Ye Liuyun continued, “But our princess is lazy. Once she masters something, she won’t show it off. She lets us steal the spotlight to look clever.”

Sheng Shiyue didn’t speak, just raised an eyebrow at Ning Qingge, her smugness uncontained. The reliable demeanor she briefly showed reverted to her usual self.

Meanwhile, she turned the meat, brushing on wild honey, the aroma rising. The color looked far more appetizing than the others’ attempts.

Looking at the meat, Sheng Shiyue said, “Just tricks from random books. When you’re free later, I’ll show you more.”

Ning Qingge’s eyes softened as she said, “Good.”

Sheng Shiyue’s lips curved upward, her eyes gleaming like a cat proudly presenting a toy, chest puffed out, almost meowing for praise.

As the meat’s bl00d faded, Sheng Shiyue sprinkled sesame seeds, roasted it a bit more, cooled it, and offered it to Ning Qingge.

As for the others?

They weren’t so lucky. Little Ancestor Sheng found the fire too hot. Even from a distance, her delicate arms couldn’t handle the heat long. She’d rather eat others’ less tasty skewers than roast her own.

Moments later, a sound came from the tent.

Everyone looked over.

Zhong Qianfan woke from pain. Before opening her eyes, she recalled what happened, a chill running through her. Feeling clean bedding beneath her, she thought…

She was caught.

Cold sweat broke out, knowing if Qu Yu had her, escape was impossible. Her face filled with despair as she opened her eyes.

As her vision cleared, she saw a familiar yet unfamiliar face.

The Prime Minister.

New to the capital, Zhong Qianfan had only glimpsed the Prime Minister, revered as the Liang Kingdom’s pillar, during the literary exam and the summer hunt ritual. Though brief, the impression was deep.

She struggled to speak, hope in her eyes.

But Sheng Shiyue, arms crossed, said sarcastically, “Well, look who’s awake, the great martial champion.”

With a fake smile, she continued, “Tell us, what did you do to make Qu Yu this crazy?”

“If you lie, I don’t mind tossing you back into the stream.”

Zhong Qianfan swallowed hard. This must be the notorious Bianjing playboy, Sheng Shiyue, whom everyone warned her to avoid before and after entering the capital.

Sweat dripped from her forehead.

But however bad this playboy was, could she be worse than Qu Yu, who tried to kill her for no reason?

Glancing at Ning Qingge, Zhong Qianfan gritted her teeth and said, “I’ll talk!”

Her strained voice mixed with the wind. As the night deepened, the mountain’s chill grew, mist rising to fill the area.

The guards added wood to the fire twice, their wary gazes scanning the surroundings, never relaxing. Any rustle drew their attention until confirmed harmless.

The weak voice paused, and those inside began speaking.

Sheng Shiyue frowned and repeated, “You’re saying Qu Yu suddenly surrounded you with people on the way to the hunting ground?”

Ye Liuyun added, “If the Sixth Princess hadn’t stopped them in time, you would’ve fought?”

Qu Li, voice hoarse, said, “After entering the forest, someone told you Qu Yu was searching for you, likely to avenge you taking her martial champion title. You tried to go deeper into the forest to avoid her, but a black bear delayed you, and Qu Yu’s group found you?”

Zhong Qianfan nodded, gritting her teeth. “I thought they wouldn’t attack, so I only drew my sword to defend, pretending to guard. But Qu Yu actually swung at me, and I let my guard down…”

Everyone was shocked.

“This is a crime that could wipe out nine generations. How could Qu Yu be so bold?”

Even the usually lawless Sheng Shiyue was stunned, realizing Qu Yu was the one quietly doing big things.

Ning Qingge frowned, silent, as if troubled by the matter.

Such a grave crime—Qu Yu must be desperate, determined to find her even if it meant turning the area upside down.

“Hiss…” Sheng Shiyue rubbed her chin, now realizing she’d brought back a big problem.

Before she could speak, Ning Qingge suddenly said, “You have two choices.”

“First, crawl back to the stream, pretend we never saved you, and let fate decide.”

“Second, we’ll have someone take you out another way. After you recover, go to the capital yourself and demand justice.”

Her voice was clear, her dark eyes steady, as if she’d thought long before deciding.

Sheng Shiyue frowned, thinking Zhong Qianfan’s situation was partly her fault. If she hadn’t thrown Qu Yu off her horse, Qu Yu wouldn’t have targeted Zhong Qianfan or attacked her.

Though Sheng Shiyue said she didn’t care, she was already thinking of how to get Zhong Qianfan out.

But Ning Qingge’s options both distanced them, as if fearing Zhong Qianfan would drag them down.

Sheng Shiyue couldn’t help saying, “Wangshu, this matter…”

Ning Qingge cut her off, her eyes complex and unreadable, saying only, “Your Highness, it’s not time yet.”

Not time for what?

Sheng Shiyue’s brows tightened, sensing something off but unable to pinpoint it.

Ning Qingge said no more, turning to Zhong Qianfan and asking, “What do you choose?”

Zhong Qianfan ground her lips, finally saying, “I choose the second.”