My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 33.1

In the previous life, Wen Yuke was personally promoted by Xie Yu. Her reserved nature was incompatible with the other court officials, and Xie Yu valued her. Yet, it was Xie Yu herself who ultimately exposed Wen Yuke’s demonic nature.

Wen Yuke shared a similar background with Xie Yu, hailing from the prestigious Wen scholarly family in Luoyang. Her scholarly background imbued her with an unwavering integrity, and her character was marked by a pure, uncorrupted spirit.

Xie Yu held her in high regard, promoting her from the Jingzhao Office to the Grand Court of Judicial Review, then to the Court of the Imperial Clan, and finally to the position of Minister of the Court of the Imperial Clan.

Xie Yu was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, while Wen Yuke was a lamb in wolf’s clothing. She simply didn’t understand matters of love and was a unique, untainted presence in the officialdom, preferring to operate alone.

When Xie Yu occupied the Hanguang Hall, the officials dared not speak, but Wen Yuke alone wrote a memorial criticizing her. Xie Yu was furious, but Wen Yuke insisted that the Empress should be the ultimate authority, and that a scion of the Imperial Clan should be chosen, not an outsider ruling the court. The two confronted each other in the imperial hall.

Both her integrity and capability were extraordinary. Among all the court officials, only Wen Yuke truly regarded Xie Yu as the Empress.

An austere plum blossom defying the snow—nothing more, nothing less.

In those final moments, Xie Yu was genuinely grateful to Wen Yuke.

As for little Xie Yu’s mention of “liking”… Xiao Kunning  chuckled foolishly. Wen Yuke was upright. In the previous life, she seemed never to have married. It was rumored that her mother died during childbirth and her father passed away from illness, earning her the title of an “isolated and unlucky star.”

She was also constantly traveling for her official duties, and few men wished to marry her. Later, it was rumored she preferred women, and there were some who were willing to marry her, but she was eventually stripped of her office. Whether she lived or died afterward was unknown.

Xie Yu was vengeful. No one who offended her could possibly survive. Wen Yuke was nine times out of ten unlikely to have escaped.

The carriage stopped at the Moxiang Study. Su Ying had already returned and was sitting in the courtyard grinding herbs, looking much more relaxed.

Seeing the two return, she smiled and greeted them, “You are back. The Xie Manor has sent people to inquire about the case. I heard the Jingzhao Official is Official Wen, so I was reassured.”

Hearing Wen Yuke’s name again, Xie Yu’s eyes lit up. She walked over and sat opposite Su Ying. “Doctor Su, does this Official Wen look pretty?”

Pretty? Su Ying stopped what she was doing, her movements slowing. She said, “Wen Yuke was raised by her grandmother. I heard she carries the name of an ‘isolated and unlucky star,’ and is a rare example of integrity. She was personally transferred to Chang’an by His Majesty. I heard her personality is cold, and she doesn’t like to socialize.”

Little Xie Yu nodded. Xiao Kunning beside her was somewhat lost in thought. This incident hadn’t occurred in the previous life. Due to Gaoyang’s appearance, some things had changed, but the overall trajectory hadn’t deviated from the previous life’s path.

As dusk approached, Gu Ning  returned. He had people open the Hengxiang Pavilion door. The shop was cleaned and spotless, but the main hall lacked many qin instruments, making it look somewhat empty. He had the doors opened for business, with gongs and drums playing, making it even livelier than in the morning.

Xiao Kunning needed to return to the Xiao Manor and paid no attention to the matter across the street. Xie Yu stayed inside, carving her wooden figurine, and also didn’t go out. Su Ying was relieved and carried her medicine chest back to the pharmacy. No one went out to welcome Gu Ning.

The setting sun’s light sprinkled across the rooftops on both sides of the street, shimmering brightly. Pedestrians hurried their steps, seemingly eager to return home.

The carriage moved through the hurrying crowd. The tavern, as usual, was filled with customers and boisterous chatter. Xiao Kunning lifted the carriage curtain, her gaze sweeping past the front of the tavern. Amidst the unfamiliar backs, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure. She quickly urged the coachman to stop the carriage.

A woman in a blue-green gown stood in front of the tavern. Her back was slender but straight. Though she couldn’t see her face, Xiao Kunning knew who it was.

It was Wen Yuke.

She had returned.

Wen Yuke, who had refused to be subordinate to Xie Yu and insisted on the Empress’s authority in the previous life, had returned.

In the previous life, Xiao Kunning didn’t particularly like Wen Yuke. The woman was stubborn, pedantic, and inflexible. Xiao Kunning even felt a sense of dislike. Although Xie Yu was cold as ice, she often smiled in private, even if she was particularly cold about matters of emotion. In contrast, Wen Yuke was like a red plum blossom in frost and snow, clean but utterly cold, regardless of the time or place.

After Zhao Ji  died, Xiao Kunning was helpless and stood in opposition to Xie Yu, attempting to rally the princes of the Imperial Clan. Yet, Xie Yu was vicious. If Xiao Kunning met with a prince one day, someone would impeach him in court the next day. Who could truly distance themselves from the accusation of corruption?

Finally, Xiao Kunning sought out Wen Yuke. Wen Yuke was upright. Every penny she earned was clean. To say she had pure intentions and only focused on official duties was no exaggeration.

Through her interactions, Xiao Kunning discovered that Wen Yuke’s thoughts were unique. She didn’t say Xie Yu was wrong, only stating, “Grand Tutor Xie did not err. Corrupt officials deserve to be killed; this is their due. But Grand Tutor Xie’s original intention was not for the common people, but for herself. She must have had underlying difficulties when she slaughtered the Zhao clan and confined Minister Yan for public display.”

That day, Wen Yuke remained impartial. Her actions and thoughts did not favor anyone. Xie Yu had a good eye to choose such a talented person.

In a short while, someone came out of the tavern to greet her—a woman with a proper appearance, wearing a married woman’s hair bun, who bowed to Wen Yuke. Wen Yuke turned her body, not accepting the courtesy, and walked into the tavern. The figure was quickly swallowed by the crowd and disappeared.

The carriage slowly moved towards the Xiao Manor. At this time, the gate of the Xie Manor was being knocked on by Princess Jingyang’s guards. Princess Jingyang had invited Xie Yu for a visit. Xie Yu was easy to talk to. Wen Yuke had been recommended by her, and since the “hard nut to crack” couldn’t be moved, only Xie Yu could intervene.

The gate of the Xie Manor opened. The staff member came out to greet them and said, “Our Master is not here. Please come back another day.”

The guard was aggressive, his eyes showing ruthlessness. He held the door with one hand. “The Grand Tutor appeared at the Hengxiang Pavilion today. It’s only been a few hours. How could she not be here?”

The staff member was good-natured and replied, “The Master is not at the manor. As for where she is, she has not sent word back.”

The guard still didn’t believe it and insisted on entering to check, his demeanor rude and his words vulgar. The staff member was not annoyed, smiling pleasantly. “Your arguing is useless. The Master hasn’t returned to the manor for many days. She is also justified before His Majesty. If you dare to trespass, the Master will seek justice in the palace upon her return.”

During the dispute, passersby stopped and peered at them. Seeing that it was a noble residence, they quickly lowered their heads and hurried away.

The guard was deterred and hesitated greatly. Before leaving, he glared at the staff member and rode away on his horse.

The staff member smiled faintly.

After all this commotion, Xiao Kunning had already entered the manor through the side gate. She changed into a set of casual clothes and walked out of the courtyard only to see Xiao Wenxue  hurrying towards her, her face anxious. “You are back just in time. Zhao Xiran has arrived and is speaking with Father in the front hall.” Zhao Xiran, from inside to out, from head to toe, was trouble. At this crucial moment, she was still thinking of coming to settle old scores with Xiao Mingwang.

“Let’s quietly go to the front to see.”

Xiao Wenxue had the same intention. As she walked, she mentioned the affairs of the manor. “Mother is still recovering from her illness. I had people conceal the news, but the people in Mother’s courtyard may not all listen to me.”

Madam Luo  managed the Xiao Manor. The authority of the main mistress was well established. Xiao Wenxue had never tried to take over the affairs of the manor. Madam Luo’s people only listened to their mistress. Whether to conceal the news or not was not up to Xiao Wenxue.

The front courtyard was quiet. The young servants and maids stood under the corridor. Fallen leaves drifted in the courtyard, twirling in the air before settling on the steps. Xiao Kunning stepped on the leaves, making a crunching sound. The maids were startled and quietly invited her to one side. “The Master is angry. Should the two Young Ladies wait?”

Xiao Wenxue looked inside. The door was tightly shut, and voices faintly transmitted from within, though not clearly. She crouched down to look. Xiao Kunning found it incredible—a well-bred young lady like Xiao Wenxue would also eavesdrop? And on her parents’ romantic affairs?

Xiao Kunning dismissed the maids and servants and also looked in the direction of Xiao Wenxue’s gaze. Figures were moving inside the room, seemingly Xiao Mingwang.

Xiao Mingwang’s entire life’s glory had been ruined by Zhao Xiran. He had been upright for half his life, rising to the position of Vice Minister. With more effort, he might have been promoted to Minister. Now, Zhao Xiran had returned for revenge, and he was in a very awkward position.

The two were very quiet, not exhibiting the hostility one might expect of enemies meeting. Looking through the crack in the door, Zhao Xiran sat in a chair, holding a teacup, remaining silent, while Xiao Mingwang paced back and forth. Xiao Wenxue was unaware that Zhao Xiran liked women. The Zhao family in Jiangnan held a significant position. Although they were merchants, everyone in Chang’an knew their influence was far greater than eighteen years ago.

She felt malicious intent behind Zhao Xiran’s visit and whispered, “A’ning, is she still interested in Father?”

The proper eldest Miss of the Xiao family forgot one thing: women could also like women, and they could also marry. They didn’t have to rely on men to survive.

Xiao Kunning lowered her eyes, observing the scene inside. A hint of wildness flickered in her brows. She poked Xiao Wenxue’s forehead. “Zhao Xiran likes women.”

“Likes women?” Xiao Wenxue was instantly shocked. She vaguely remembered the little Princess’s crush on A’ning. Her face flushed, and she quietly stood up. The thing she worried about most wouldn’t happen. She felt relieved. “In that case, let’s go back. Father will get into trouble if he knows.”

Xiao Kunning thought the same. Since she wasn’t rushing to become a concubine, Madam Luo wouldn’t have trouble, so what were they worried about?

The sisters returned to their respective courtyards. Passing the main courtyard, Xiao Kunning turned to enter, but Xiao Wenxue continued towards her own courtyard. She usually lingered here, but passing by without entering was a little strange. Xiao Kunning called out to her. “Is she still angry with you?”

Xiao Wenxue’s face was etched with bitterness and unspoken difficulty. Madam Luo seemed gentle but was strong-willed and hard-hearted in her actions. Not only did she refuse to see her, but a few days ago, she wanted to send her away. If her father hadn’t refused, she would have long been gone from the Xiao Manor.

Not only that, but a few days ago, she stirred up trouble about getting a concubine for her father, choosing a maid who served in the main courtyard. The Xiao Manor only had daughters and no sons. Madam Luo couldn’t rely on Xiao Wenxue and instead placed her hopes on the child in the concubine’s womb.

Xiao Kunning was stunned after hearing this, speechless at Madam Luo’s harmful and pointless actions. If she couldn’t give birth, she let a concubine do it? And she just abandoned Xiao Wenxue?

A daughter raised in a noble family was even less open-minded than a merchant’s daughter. Regardless of whose blood flowed in Xiao Wenxue’s veins, the bond of many years of nurturing was present. She couldn’t be abandoned just like that, which would put Xiao Wenxue in a difficult position. Zhao Xiran truly understood Madam Luo. She used a vicious, emotionally devastating plan. After waiting for so many years, one move brought victory.

She retracted her foot from stepping into the main courtyard. If she went now, Madam Luo would only think she was there to mock her, and might not appreciate her kind intentions. It was better not to go and avoid extra trouble and complications.

Xiao Wenxue saw her stop. A look of helplessness appeared on her beautiful face. “She doesn’t like me, but you were the one she carried for ten months.”

“She doesn’t like anyone now. Before, she loved you so much, even locking me up out of fear that I would steal your position as Princess Consort. Now she is giving you the cold shoulder. Why should I go and provoke her?”

Xiao Wenxue smiled faintly. The personalities of this mother and daughter were indeed somewhat similar. Since she couldn’t be persuaded, she swallowed her words and left with her maid.

During dinner, Xiao Kunning returned to the Moxiang Study. Su Ying was decocting medicine under the corridor. The bitter scent of the herbs permeated the courtyard. The lanterns at the door were bright, and a figure was moving inside the house—it was Gu Ning.

Xiao Kunning walked in. Su Ying looked up and saw her, smiling. “Miss Xiao is back. I am decocting medicine for Teacher Xie. She might recover in the next few days, so don’t be surprised.”

Gu Ning walked out of the room, wearing a purple dress. Her figure looked graceful in the firelight. “Xie Yu will recover sooner or later. Send her back to the Xie Manor tomorrow. She can deal with the matter that happened today.” Princess Jingyang was not a kind person. Since Xie Yu protected the Hengxiang Pavilion today, there would be some subsequent trouble.

Xiao Kunning didn’t think much of it. What if it was Jingyang? Even the Emperor Zhao Ji died at Xie Yu’s hands. These small matters were nothing to worry about.

Su Ying secretly tugged at Gu Ning’s clothes, signaling her not to speak carelessly. Gu Ning spoke seriously. “With Gaoyang’s arrival, Chang’an is in chaos. The old matter of Princess Leyang was inexplicably brought up, which shows that Gaoyang’s intentions are not simple.”

Since it involved a major matter, Su Ying withdrew her hand. Indeed, Chang’an was in chaos. All sorts of events were happening simultaneously, prompting much speculation.

Xiao Kunning noticed their small actions and nodded. “Alright, I will send Teacher Xie back tomorrow.”

Su Ying gently said, “We trust your judgment, but you still need to stay at the Xie Manor for a few days. If you’re not there, it might expose the truth.”

Xiao Kunning wanted to refute but couldn’t find a reason. At the most crucial moment, she couldn’t be negligent. Xie Yu’s manor was not a tiger’s den. Staying there for a few days wouldn’t be a problem.