Chapter 68

Neither side would yield. The Second Princess was dead set on taking her anger out on Tao Chuyi, vowing not to let up until they handed the Prince Consort over.

Nangong Yunshang’s attendants were no pushovers either. They refused to let the others lay a finger on Tao Chuyi.

The two maids knelt on the ground, sobbing pitifully. They acted as if they were innocent victims being dragged into this mess, all because the Prince Consort was being unreasonable.

The Second Princess’s people were causing chaos on the Pleasure Barge when Nangong Yunshang suddenly slammed her hand on the table. Silence fell in an instant.

“Why did the Prince Consort push them? Does Second Imperial Sister not know, or are you just playing dumb? You want me to hand over the Prince Consort for their sake? That’s no reason at all!”

Nangong Yunshang’s attitude had shifted, pressing her advantage step by step. This left the Second Princess at a loss for words.

“Second Imperial Sister’s maids sure have some nerve, badmouthing me behind my back.”

Nangong Yunshang stepped right up to the Second Princess, forcing her to back away.

“Now the Prince Consort merely meted out a little punishment on my behalf, and Second Imperial Sister comes demanding an explanation? Why don’t we go before Father Emperor and the ministers to settle this fairly?”

The Second Princess was already in the wrong, and the mention of airing it out publicly snuffed out her arrogance in a flash.

“No need to make a big fuss over us sisters.”

At that, Nangong Yunshang smiled. “Of course not.”

With things at this point, the Second Princess was fuming but had nowhere to vent it. She lashed out at her own maids instead, slapping each one across the face before storming off. Her people slunk after her in defeat, leaving the two maids—who had served as her pretext—utterly abandoned.

Though the Second Princess hadn’t gained any advantage, the rumors about the Third Princess only grew more vicious. Even the eunuchs and palace maids were whispering whether the Third Princess Consort had been cuckolded.

Nangong Yunshang paid no heed to any of it. She didn’t care for gossip, as long as her conscience was clear.

But Tao Chuyi couldn’t stand hearing anyone badmouth her sister. She directed all her resentment at the Second Princess.

For two straight days, she did just one thing: sat by the boat’s edge, fishing.

Yinghong and Zishan exchanged glances, baffled by the Prince Consort’s sudden passion for angling.

Tao Chuyi was unusually persistent. Though she hadn’t caught anything the first day, she didn’t get discouraged.

“Prince Consort, what kind of fish are you trying to catch?”

Zishan whispered, afraid of scaring off the fish.

Tao Chuyi gazed out at the river, rod in hand, sitting as steady as an old monk.

“Carp.”

It seemed the Prince Consort really had a thing for carp, Zishan thought.

Suddenly, the line tugged. Tao Chuyi reeled it in frantically. The fish thrashed wildly in the water with tremendous strength. If she hadn’t been so strong herself, it might have dragged her right into the river.

A massive carp leaped out of the water and flopped onto the deck.

Tao Chuyi clapped her hands. “I did it!”

Zishan cheered along with her and quickly had the servants scoop up the fish to prepare braised carp.

It was the first time Nangong Yunshang had seen such a huge carp. She lavished praise on Tao Chuyi, nearly lifting her to the heavens.

“Why the sudden craving for carp?”

Tao Chuyi beamed. “Sister said to win them over with carp.”

Nangong Yunshang hadn’t caught the pun at the time. It only clicked during dinner, when the Second Princess came over to stir trouble.

“My little sister sure is lucky, dining on such a big carp.”

Nangong Yunshang smiled. “The Prince Consort caught it herself. She said I love fish, so she reeled it in just for me. Second Imperial Sister, why not join us? Yinghong, set another place.”

The Second Princess had come with ill intent but took the seat anyway. Once the bowl and chopsticks were ready, she picked up a piece of fish and nibbled at it.

“Mm, not bad at all.”

“Glad Second Imperial Sister likes it.”

Nangong Yunshang served Tao Chuyi some vegetables, urging her to eat well.

Tao Chuyi kept sneaking glances at the Second Princess, biding her time.

After just a few bites, the Second Princess set down her chopsticks and smiled. “The Prince Consort is so devoted to my little sister. But don’t blame her—she was abducted by bandits… It wasn’t her choice. Just turn a blind eye and move on.”

Nangong Yunshang’s eyes chilled. “Second Imperial Sister, if you have something to say, out with it.”

“Oh, my little sister misunderstands. I’m just here to comfort the Prince Consort.”

The Second Princess covered her mouth with a light laugh, then dropped the pretense.

“The Third Imperial Sister should show some self-awareness. She ought to stay out of the public eye to avoid giving people fodder for gossip and shaming the royal family. Otherwise, everyone will remember there’s a princess in the royal house who was defiled by bandits.”

“Second Imperial Sister, mind your words. Don’t spout nonsense.”

The Second Princess didn’t care, continuing bluntly. “Pretending to be so pure—who doesn’t know… Ah!”

A piercing shriek cut through the tension between them. The entire dish of braised carp had been dumped on the Second Princess’s head by Tao Chuyi. Scalding fish soup poured down her collar, sending her jumping up and scrambling around the room before rolling on the floor.

The attendants scrambled after her in panic, chasing her all the way out to the deck.

Tao Chuyi planted her hands on her hips. “Win them over with carp—get it?”

Nangong Yunshang was stunned for a long moment before finally understanding what the little troublemaker meant. She could only laugh helplessly.

By the time everyone rushed to the deck, the Second Princess was sprawled miserably at the bow. Spotting them, she jabbed a finger at Tao Chuyi and cursed.

“You damned fool! How dare you treat me like this!”

Tao Chuyi didn’t reply, thinking to herself that it wasn’t the first time she’d dumped something on her head—shouldn’t she be used to it by now?

“Second Imperial Sister, you wouldn’t understand.”

Nangong Yunshang replied with a straight face. “Back home, the Prince Consort has a custom: dumping braised carp on a guest’s head means bestowing red-hot luck from above.”

“Then I’ll dump it on you too!”

With that, the Second Princess scrambled to her feet and charged straight at Nangong Yunshang.

Before anyone could react, Tao Chuyi kicked her right into the river, sparking even greater pandemonium.

Amid the chaos, the Second Princess was fished out half-dead. Her people had no time to settle scores; they rushed her off to the imperial physicians.

Tao Chuyi tilted her head back. “Pah! Second Bad Egg, convinced yet?”

Nangong Yunshang sighed and tapped her forehead. “You…”

Tao Chuyi clutched her head and grinned dopily. “Me!”

The Second Princess was carried back and, according to the imperial physicians, had merely suffered a scare. By the next day, she had fallen ill.

Once the farce was over, its instigator had reaped what she sowed. The Emperor had no cause to complain and simply decreed that Tao Chuyi reflect on her actions behind closed doors.

The silver lining was that no one dared gossip after this. After all, the Third Princess Consort had dared to kick the Second Princess—what would happen to anyone else? They’d lose their lives.

With the incident resolved, Tao Chuyi—though confined for reflection—had become a hero on the Third Princess’s side, adored by the servants.

“Where’s Sister?”

Tao Chuyi asked, bored.

Zishan had no choice but to tell the truth. “Your Highness is bathing and will be out soon. Hey, Prince Consort!”

But Tao Chuyi was already off—she was going to find her sister.

The room’s doors and windows were shut tight, with Yinghong standing guard outside for any summons.

Tao Chuyi slipped quietly through the window but tumbled straight into the bath barrel, sending up a huge splash.

Nangong Yunshang let out a sharp cry. Only after the water settled did she see who it was, relaxing a bit—but not entirely.

Yinghong called from outside. “Your Highness, any orders?”

Nangong Yunshang raised her voice. “All is well.”

She clung to the edge of the barrel, her body submerged. Once the door was quiet again, she turned to the mischief-maker. “Why didn’t you use the door?”

Tao Chuyi splashed around in the water, gulped down a few mouthfuls, and spat them out as she surfaced.

“Someone’s at the door. They won’t let me in.”

Nangong Yunshang gave her a look. At least she knew that much.

Steam rose in wisps, veiling the air in mist. Nangong Yunshang had soaked in the hot water too long; her skin had taken on a faint blush. Her ink-black hair clung wetly to her shoulders, like a peony freshly watered—vibrant and alluring.

“Could you go out first? I’ll come find you in a bit.”

“No way!”

Tao Chuyi splashed playfully, refusing to leave. She wanted to bathe together.

Nangong Yunshang had no choice but to give in.

It took some doing to finally bathe the little rascal. Exhausted, Nangong Yunshang leaned against the barrel wall to rest for a good while.

Tao Chuyi turned back and saw her with eyes closed, resting. She quietly paddled closer and, catching her off guard, threw herself into her arms for a tight hug.

Startled, Nangong Yunshang nearly slipped under. She barely steadied herself, only to find Tao Chuyi in her embrace.

“You… get up.”

Nangong Yunshang’s face flushed like a peach blossom. She couldn’t move.

Tao Chuyi paid no mind, nestling into a comfortable spot and staying put.

The two lingered in the wooden barrel for nearly half an hour. If Yinghong hadn’t called out again, they might have stayed until dawn.

Once out of the bath, Tao Chuyi changed into her young lord outfit. Brimming with energy, she couldn’t sit still—now lying down, now sitting up.

Yinghong came in to tidy up and gaped in shock. When had the Prince Consort gotten in?

Nangong Yunshang combed her own hair, calm and composed as ever. She dismissed them once everything was sorted.

As soon as the servants left, Tao Chuyi tugged at her sleeve.

“Sister, I’m hungry.”

Nangong Yunshang couldn’t help staring at her stomach. How did she eat so much without gaining any weight?

Tao Chuyi led Nangong Yunshang sneaking off to the kitchen for food. Nangong Yunshang felt she must be mad—why else would she indulge Tao Chuyi’s nonsense?

They found half a roast chicken left in the kitchen. Tao Chuyi tore off a drumstick and offered it to Nangong Yunshang.

“Sister, eat.”

Nangong Yunshang shook her head. “Sister’s not hungry. You eat.”

In short order, the half chicken vanished into Tao Chuyi’s belly. Bellies full, they retraced their steps, ducking behind a rack in a hurry.

Nangong Yunshang’s heart pounded like a drum. She’d never done anything so thrilling. If they were caught, her princessly dignity would be ruined.

“Sister, don’t be afraid. Come with me.”

Tao Chuyi led the way ahead, holding Nangong Yunshang’s hand to make sure she didn’t get separated. The path they took was extremely circuitous—one no ordinary person would ever choose.

Nangong Yunshang thought to herself, So she’s a habitual offender.

Once back in the room, Tao Chuyi poured herself a cup of tea and drank it, but her mouth still felt like it was missing something sweet.

She flopped onto the couch. “If only there were some candy.”

Nangong Yunshang sat at the edge of the couch, fiddling with her ears. “Who says there isn’t?”

Tao Chuyi’s eyes lit up at that. “Where is it?”

With those words, Nangong Yunshang pulled two pieces of peanut candy from her sleeve. She handed one to Tao Chuyi and kept the other for herself.

Occasionally indulging like this shouldn’t be too much.

Tao Chuyi popped the candy into her mouth, her energy instantly renewed.

“Sister, where’d you get the candy?”

Nangong Yunshang smiled faintly. “I snagged it from the kitchen just now.”

Tao Chuyi’s mouth fell open in an instant. What do I do if Sister’s turned naughty?