My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 34

Upon seeing such a pure and innocent Master Xie, Nuongqin covered her forehead and gazed at the roof beam. What was she supposed to do?

Xiao Kunning ultimately stayed at the Xie estate, but they resided separately. The reason given was that there was no thunder lately. Xie Yu muttered a few unclear words, then settled into her own bedroom.

Although the Xie estate had its share of trouble, everything was convenient, and at least Xie Yu didn’t have to cook for herself.

At dusk, Su Ying entered through the side gate, arriving quietly and unnoticed by anyone.

Nuongqin was less cautious than Yuyin but still asked many questions, which Su Ying answered one by one.

Towards the end, Su Ying inquired about Yuyin. Nuongqin’s expression was strained. Su Ying’s questioning was gentle, yet she hesitated and said, “Yuyin was intercepted and killed on the way to the border. Her remains haven’t been found. The Master ordered a search, but there’s been no news so far.”

The matter of the Prince of Zhennan’s estate was too complex. The Emperor had not yet made a decision, while the faction of Prime Minister Yan was relentlessly pressing. With Master Xie also poisoned, the situation was not optimistic.

Su Ying did not ask further. Someone from the palace arrived, conveying an imperial decree and sending some tonics to Xie Yu.

Nuongqin went to receive them. The imperial attendant tightly held the decree, smiling brightly as he spoke: “I wonder if Master Xie is present. I heard she has returned. Might I be able to meet her?”

Xie Yu had returned only in the afternoon, and the imperial decree arrived at dusk. There were simply too many eyes watching the Xie estate gate.

Nuongqin dared not let Xie Yu come out to meet the guest. She bowed and lied: “The Master just returned, took her medicine, and has fallen asleep.”

The attendant laughed: “No matter, no matter. It’s still early. I can wait.”

Nuongqin dared not rush him away. She quietly retreated and sought out Xiao Kunning for advice. The attendant from the palace was no ordinary person. Not seeing him would be showing contempt for the Emperor’s will, and being summoned into the palace by the Emperor would be even more troublesome.

Xiao Kunning had not anticipated the added complication of Zhao Mian. A meeting was necessary, but how they met was up to them.

She devised a plan and instructed Nuongqin: “Find a warm chamber with a screen and let him meet her separated by the screen.”

Nuongqin thought this was a good idea and nodded before leaving. Xiao Kunning then took Xie Yu to the warm chamber.

The Xie estate was quite large, and it took a quarter of an hour to reach the warm chamber. Maidservants were inside adding tea and attending to them. The aroma of tea wafted through the air. A sandalwood screen was placed at the entrance, blocking the view of the interior from outside. Xiao Kunning took the tea utensils from a maidservant, pretending to be the maidservant pouring tea.

Xie Yu sat behind the screen, properly seated and looking straight ahead. From behind the screen, she looked no different than usual. Xiao Kunning whispered: “I’ll tell you what to say in a moment.”

As her voice faded, heavy footsteps sounded outside. She quickly stepped back, as silhouettes loomed beyond the screen.

The attendant looked intently, his words never stopping: “Greetings, Grand Tutor. His Majesty is concerned about your health and sent this servant to inquire after you.”

Xie Yu blinked, her eyes blank. Xiao Kunning nodded at her, and only then did she speak: “I am well. You have had a tiring journey.”

Xie Yu’s voice could not be altered. The attendant continued: “May I ask if the Grand Tutor’s illness has passed? His Majesty misses you greatly.”

This was a tricky question to answer. Xiao Kunning carefully weighed her words: “The doctor said it will take a few more days to fully recover. Once the Master is well, she will certainly express her gratitude to His Majesty.”

The attendant did not know who was speaking and looked toward Nuongqin. Nuongqin pretended not to notice, turning her head to look outside.

Xie Yu, having received the signal from behind the screen, said sternly: “You have also worked hard. The hour is late; return to the palace soon.”

Hearing this, the attendant said: “The Grand Tutor may not know, but a merchant has filed a complaint against the Yan family. Princess Jingyang is displeased and wishes for you to speak on the matter. You were present that day and know the circumstances.”

Xie Yu looked at Xiao Kunning, unsure how to respond.

Xiao Kunning sneered. The Yan family could not handle this matter well. Falling into the hands of Wen Yukou was like hitting a rock. Since it had caused such a big commotion, any small action by the Yan family would be drowned in public criticism. The only option was to pull someone out to mediate.

That person should ideally be Xie Yu. With the prestige of Grand Tutor Xie, she would effectively shield the Yan family from disaster.

She shook her head at Xie Yu and whispered: “Don’t agree.”

Xie Yu nodded, speaking to the person outside: “This matter is difficult to handle.”

The attendant was surprised by the refusal and asked suspiciously: “Is that your wish?”

The person behind the screen replied: “They are both tough nuts to crack. It is better for His Majesty to decide.”

“This…” The attendant bravely raised his head. He had seen Xie Yu many times. The silhouette behind the screen certainly resembled her, but the tone was different from her usual one. He suspected there was an impostor inside. Just as he was contemplating whether to insist on meeting her, the figure behind the screen moved, and Grand Tutor Xie walked out.

Xie Yu was dressed in a moon-blue, cross-collared long dress. Her features were as they always were. She looked at him and said: “I will not wade into these troubled waters. Although he is a merchant, Princess Gaoyang is still involved. If I were to go, I might only mess things up further. It is better not to go. The hour is late. You should return to the palace.”

With Grand Tutor Xie right in front of him, the attendant had no choice but to bow and take his leave. After a moment, Xiao Kunning walked out. Xie Yu completely relaxed. She disliked that attendant; he was too aggressive.

Nuongqin went to see the attendant off. The two women walked slowly back to the main courtyard. Xie Yu remained silent the entire way. Xiao Kunning considered that behind this incident, Princess Gaoyang might have an ulterior motive.

Although Gaoyang did not participate in court affairs, having sparred with Jingyang for so many years, she wouldn’t be without connections in Chang’an. This matter caused a city-wide stir. It appeared to be a dispute between a merchant and Yan Lin, but it was actually Princess Gaoyang seizing the opportunity to cause trouble.

In any case, her goal was achieved. The bigger Gaoyang stirred up trouble, the better. As for the matter of Princess Leyang, the truth was hard to discern.

After returning to the bedroom, a staff member came to see Xie Yu and spoke of the replacement of the Princess of Yanping. Xie Yu waved her hand; she had no interest in hearing about that.

The staff member was surprised. Nuongqin quickly came to cover up, taking the staff member aside to speak privately.

The staff member explained: “I went to the Yan estate, but I couldn’t see Yan Ruyu, nor could I see Miss Zhou. I suspect there is internal conflict within the Yan family.”

Nuongqin wasn’t interested in knowing this either and said: “Just keep an eye on that matter for now.”

As the twilight deepened, the front gate of the Xie estate was quiet, and even pedestrians gradually dwindled. A figure ran into the alley by the side gate.

Before the figure could approach the side gate, a man in black appeared, covering the person’s mouth, grabbing them, and tossing them into a carriage.

The carriage circled around Chang’an—East Street to West Street, West Street to South Chang’an—making many turns before disappearing into thin air.

The person was bound and taken to the palace. Just before entering, the person in the carriage was Gaoyang. She removed the cloth gag from Yan Ruyu’s mouth and smiled at her: “Jingyang has good taste. You are indeed very beautiful. What a pity you’ve become a chess piece. If I were you, I wouldn’t seek out Xie Yu. You think Xie Yu is a person of integrity and good will?”

Yan Ruyu’s look of terror was replaced by composure. She panted heavily, looking disheveled and pale. “I am seeking Xie Yu not to ask for rescue.”

The Yan family had abandoned her, so naturally, she had to show them some color.

Gaoyang smiled faintly: “To expose the Yan family’s secrets? If I were you, I’d take those secrets and go to Zhao Mian. Tell him that the Empress Dowager wants her own son to replace him. Do you think Zhao Mian would accept you? After all, he has seen your body and should take responsibility. If that fails, use your body to tempt him.”

Yan Ruyu quieted down, looking at Gaoyang with appraisal. She was considering Gaoyang’s motive.

What happened in her previous life taught her many lessons. No one helps you without reason; everyone has their own goals. Xie Yu currently acts humbly and widely makes friends. Everyone praises her, but who knows that Xie Yu will eventually bathe the court in blood?

She possessed foresight. She even knew that the Empress Dowager would poison the young prince, drug the incense given to Zhao Mian, and that behind Xie Yu’s benevolent mask was a demon.

Only she knew all this. These were her trump cards.

Regarding Gaoyang’s help, she would not easily trust her: “You must have your own purpose for helping me.”

Gaoyang curled her lips: “My purpose is very simple: to eliminate Jingyang, and bring the Yan family down with her.”

As she spoke, the hatred in her eyes startled Yan Ruyu. She couldn’t help but tremble. “Why would you do that?”

“That is my business. The palace gates are right there. If you choose Zhao Mian, walk in. If not, go back. You only get one chance. You choose for yourself.” Gaoyang raised an eyebrow and leaned back. Yan Ruyu was a bit foolish, but with her beauty, she could still be a sharp sword.

Yan Ruyu didn’t hesitate for long and agreed immediately: “I want to enter the palace.”

Gaoyang was very satisfied: “Good.”

The person was sent to Zhao Mian’s Hanguang Palace. As for what happened next, it was up to Yan Ruyu.

As the carriage headed back, it passed the Xie estate. She raised her head and looked at the gate, leaning against the carriage window. She found that Grand Tutor Xie quite interesting.

Xie Yu’s beauty was a fatal flaw. For example, during the Empress Dowager’s birthday, Zhao Mian stared at Xie Yu repeatedly. The greed and desire in a man’s eyes could not be concealed. She believed that in time, Xie Yu would inevitably become a person in the harem.

Even someone as smart as Leyang had succumbed to a man’s ways. Could Xie Yu fare any better?

Zhao Mian was not only the Emperor but also quite handsome. It just depended on whether Xie Yu had the heart for it.

The carriage paused for a moment, then slowly drove forward. Gaoyang leaned against the carriage wall, feeling uncomfortable. Next time she went out, she would use the one Zhao Xiran had sent her. A gift that came to your door should be properly enjoyed.

The Xie estate enjoyed a night of peace. As soon as dawn broke, a staff member requested a meeting.

Nuongqin had guarded Xie Yu in the room all night. Hearing the sound, she went to open the door. The staff member saw her, bowed in greeting, and said: “News from the palace: last night, His Majesty favored Yan Ruyu. The Empress Dowager was furious, and the two exchanged a few sharp words before parting unhappily. Tell the Master when she wakes up.”

The changes were too fast and caught everyone off guard.

Nuongqin listened. The Master inside hadn’t woken up yet. She sent the staff member away and quietly waited for the Master to wake up.

Closer to noon, there was still no sound from the inner chamber. She boldly went to check, but upon rounding the screen, she saw the Master sitting on the bed carving a wooden figure.

The Master’s intellect was low; she couldn’t comprehend principles. Nuongqin took a deep breath and gently asked: “Master, should you rise?”

Xie Yu didn’t even lift her head and asked: “Is Sister Xiao awake?”

Nuongqin: “…” If the Master woke up and knew she was calling her student “Sister,” would she silence her forever?

She couldn’t guarantee it. She called a maidservant to attend to the Master’s washing and dressing, and went to find Xiao Kunning herself.

Xiao Kunning had a rare good night’s sleep and woke up early, sitting in the corridor. Xie Yu’s courtyard was fresh and elegant, with potted green bamboo placed in the corridor.

Nuongqin walked over hastily. Xiao Kunning stood up and asked: “Is the Master awake?”

One calls her “Sister,” the other calls her “Master.” What exactly was this relationship?

Nuongqin couldn’t figure it out. Her mind was not as quick as Yuyin’s, and she didn’t want to bother. She bowed to Xiao Kunning and said: “The Master is awake. Should Miss Xiao come to lunch?”

“That would be good. Is there any news from the palace?” Xiao Kunning asked casually. The imperial attendant returned to the palace last night, and there had been no news since.

Nuongqin had just received news and told Xiao Kunning without hiding anything: “Last night, His Majesty favored Yan Ruyu and quarreled with the Empress Dowager.”

Xiao Kunning was surprised. Was the matter of the brother seizing his wife true?

She focused on the key question: “How did the person enter the palace? Was it her initiative or the Emperor’s?”

Nuongqin replied: “Princess Gaoyang brought the person into the palace, so it should be the former.”

Gaoyang again. Xiao Kunning quickly pieced together the situation. The Yan family abandoned Yan Ruyu, and Gaoyang sent the person directly to the Emperor. This was a ringing slap in the face. Needless to say, Jingyang must have been furious. It was equivalent to Luo Shi’s adopted daughter, Xiao Wenxue, turning around to work for Zhao Xiran; the principle was the same.

Gaoyang had the ability to plot, and Yan Ruyu had the skill to tempt the Emperor. The two complemented each other.

Arriving at the bedroom, Xie Yu had just finished changing. Her long hair was tied in a simple bun, with the rest falling like a waterfall, displaying a woman’s gentle elegance in every movement.

Although Xie Yu was beautiful, she was often overly resolute, a quality ingrained in her character that made people feel she was unapproachable. Setting aside her beauty, courtiers respected her also for her ability to mediate. The Xie Yu before her, having lost that reserved and proud demeanor, instead felt as gentle as water, inspiring affection.

Nuongqin had never seen the Master like this and was immediately stunned. Xiao Kunning felt somewhat uncomfortable. She sat behind the dining table, prioritizing food.

Xie Yu also sat down. She picked up a piece of fish, habitually removed the bones, and placed it in Xiao Kunning’s bowl.

Nuongqin was surprised. Miss Xiao didn’t even look up, indicating she was used to it. Were the two of them intimate to this degree?

She was confused, but the Master frequently looked up at Miss Xiao, almost taking a bite of food for every glance.

Had Miss Xiao become the Master’s delicious side dish?

After lunch, the gatekeeper delivered many visiting cards, including one from Princess Gaoyang. The gilded card was quite conspicuous. Major noble families cared about face in their dealings. Gaoyang exuded an aura of luxury in every detail, from start to finish.

The card was the same; holding it, one could smell a rich floral fragrance—ostentatious.

Nuongqin had people respond to the cards one by one. When it came to Gaoyang’s, she asked for Xiao Kunning’s opinion.

Xiao Kunning rubbed her aching temples and said: “Decline it for now. We can discuss it after the Master recovers.”

Nuongqin thought this made sense and had someone respond to the card.

Xie Yu sat in the room carving her wooden figure. Her slender, pale fingers were noticeable, and she didn’t pay attention to their conversation. She didn’t lift her head, no matter whose name was mentioned.

Not long after, news came from the palace: Zhao Mian conferred the title of Noble Consort upon Yan Ruyu, and the Empress Dowager refused to see visitors.

The Empress Dowager was deliberately making things difficult for the Emperor. By having a conflict with his mother over a woman, the Empress Dowager was supposedly made ill, and the Censorate would surely submit petitions.

Nuongqin instructed the servant to retreat and looked at the silent Master. She asked hesitantly: “Since the Yan clan’s daughter has been conferred the title of Noble Consort, should the Xie estate send a congratulatory gift?”

Xiao Kunning didn’t know Xie Yu’s network and couldn’t make the decision for her. She replied instead: “Go ask the staff members. Let them discuss and decide.”

Nuongqin left. Xie Yu remained in the room as if no one else were there, carving one stroke after another. Xiao Kunning propped up her cheek, staring at her: “Who are you carving?”

Xie Yu finally looked up, her eyes clear. “I’m carving you. Do you think it looks like you?”

Xiao Kunning didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This was hardly her; it was clearly an ugly doll. She felt Xie Yu was mocking her: “It’s ugly. It’s not me.”

Xie Yu grunted: “Don’t you think you were ugly when you were little?”

When she was little? Xiao Kunning became interested. She walked over and examined it closely for a while. She didn’t think it looked like her. She found it amusing: “Have you ever seen me when I was little?”

If you haven’t seen me, you’re carving randomly.

Xie Yu insisted: “I have. Did you forget?”

Xiao Kunning was shocked. When had she ever met Xie Yu? Judging by the hairstyle of the wooden doll, it was a child of five or six, and she first met Xie Yu when she was fifteen. Separated by ten years, it couldn’t possibly be her.

Was Xie Yu possessed?

Seeing that Xiao Kunning couldn’t recall, Xie Yu switched to a mocking expression and looked at her disdainfully: “Bad memory. It’s enough that I’ve seen you.”

Since little Xie Yu’s mind was unwell, Xiao Kunning didn’t trust her words, not one bit. She poked her forehead instead: “Little Xie Yu, you were ugly when you were little too.”

“Hmph, I was prettier than you. You were so ugly you cried yourself!” Xie Yu refused to yield an inch. Clearly, Xiao Kunning was the ugly one.

Not wanting to argue with a fool, Xiao Kunning gracefully turned around. She wasn’t Gu Shisui.

The days at the Xie estate were peaceful yet held a hint of alarm. News arrived from all directions, surprising and delighting those who heard it.

Xiao Kunning enjoyed this way of mastering information from all sides, giving her time to contemplate the unfolding situation. This clearly showed that Xie Yu had extensive connections in court, a point that Xiao Kunning could never catch up to. When she was with Zhao Ji at the Yanping estate, she spent her days dancing with ink and viewing paintings. When she became Empress, she handled various palace affairs, and the source of Zhao Ji’s information came only from memorials.

He believed whatever his subjects said. His ears and eyes were blocked, clearly inferior to Xie Yu.

It was understandable that she had failed. Even back then, she was not as capable as Zhao Ji. Losing to Xie Yu was, perhaps, not a loss at all.

By evening, news had been sent from all quarters, including the Yanping estate. Zhao Ji hurried to the palace to visit the Empress Dowager, having heard she was ill.

The Yan estate’s gates were crowded. Yan Ruyu was now a Noble Consort, only one step away from Empress, and she might be promoted to Empress any day.

Xiao Kunning read the letters one after another, feeling delighted. Xie Yu sat beside her, watching her like a fool, and finally couldn’t help but say: “What is Sister Xiao looking at that’s so interesting? A beauty book?”

“What is a beauty book?” Xiao Kunning was confused. As she spoke, she saw another item: Wen Yukou had handled the matter impartially and fined Yan Lin ten thousand silver taels in compensation. Yan Lin was dissatisfied and nearly overturned the public court, only to be dissuaded by the guards and sent back.

Thinking of what Wen Yukou had done in her past life—even daring to scold Xie Yu—not to mention the young Yan Lin. When the two confronted each other in the past, it was unclear whether Xie Yu yielded or Wen Yukou was in the right, but their exchange was widely circulated.

Everyone praised Minister Wen for his integrity and backbone, believing that with a loyal minister like Wen Yukou, there would have been no situation where Xie Yu could bathe the court in blood with no one daring to resist.

Thinking of the past, Xiao Kunning laughed, her eyes gleaming brightly with happiness.

Observing her foolish demeanor, Xie Yu leaned closer and immediately spotted the name Wen Yukou. Her lips pursed. She said: “She doesn’t like you. You’re too ugly.”

The only person who would call Xiao Kunning ugly was probably little Xie Yu. No matter the aesthetic, no one would call her ugly.

Xiao Kunning remembered Xie Yu’s wooden carving. It wasn’t that she was ugly; it was that Xie Yu’s carving was ugly. Without saying anything to Xie Yu, she picked up the letter and continued reading.

All major and minor events in Chang’an were written down and sent here. The letters were concise, covering the general process and result. Reading several letters gave a rough idea of what had happened in Chang’an that day.

Such manpower and resources required a significant amount of silver. Xie Yu didn’t run a business, so where did the silver come from?

After reading the letters, it was already 10 PM. Xie Yu waited quietly, holding the letter that mentioned Wen Yukou. A single letter made Sister Xiao so happy; it was a bit of an eyesore.

She quietly took the letter and set it alight, taking it outside the bedroom to burn it completely.

The figure in the moonlight was bent over, moving softly, much like a thief. Nuongqin’s mouth twitched when she saw her, and she only emerged after the Master left.

Xie Yu felt relieved after doing something satisfying. She felt relaxed, even when going to sleep, and cheerfully told Nuongqin to go to bed soon.

Xiao Kunning also felt satisfied. This was the biggest advantage of staying at the Xie estate—knowing the activities everywhere, saving her the trouble of ordering people to inquire all over the place.

After a night passed, Xie Yu woke up very early, and Prime Minister Yan personally came to visit the estate.

Xiao Kunning was woken by Nuongqin and groggily heard a voice: “Prime Minister Yan is here and wants to see the Master.”

Prime Minister Yan… Xiao Kunning suddenly woke up. She was stunned for a moment, then remembered who Prime Minister Yan was and immediately sat up. “Why is he here so early in the morning?”

Nuongqin was also very nervous and said: “Today is a rest day. I don’t know why he’s here, but he’s already in the front hall and hasn’t left.”

Prime Minister Yan coming over definitely meant no good. She instructed Nuongqin: “Just say the Master hasn’t gotten up yet. She went to bed quite late last night.”

Nuongqin thought that wouldn’t work: “Prime Minister Yan won’t believe it. He’ll just think the Master is deliberately avoiding him.”

This was difficult. Prime Minister Yan was cunning and had served in court with Xie Yu for many days. If they spoke of politics, she would surely be exposed. She pondered: “Why don’t you just say the Master was tired last night, and it would be impolite to disturb her?”

Nuongqin asked: “What do you mean by ‘tired’?”

Xiao Kunning’s face flushed. She covered her face and said: “Tired is just tired. Just say that.”

Nuongqin had no choice. She firmly memorized the sentence and went to the front courtyard to reply to Prime Minister Yan.

She felt the sentence was too simple to convince Prime Minister Yan. After conveying the original message, Prime Minister Yan’s expression became strange. He hastily said his farewells and left, without any hesitation.

Did that sentence really have such a great effect?

Xie Yu, as usual, didn’t get up until noon. Su Ying entered the estate to take her pulse. Nuongqin seized the opportunity to inquire about the Master’s illness.

After checking her pulse, Su Ying said: “It should be within these two days. The toxins have been almost cleared. Perhaps one more sleep, and she will be well.”

Nuongqin had no choice but to personally prepare the medicine, leaving Xiao Kunning to look after the Master.

After waking up today, Xie Yu no longer carved her wooden figure. She insisted on playing a game of Go with Xiao Kunning.

Go was taught by Xie Yu; Zhao Xiran couldn’t play at all. Xiao Kunning initially refused, but then she thought that since Xie Yu’s intellect was low, she should be able to win. If she couldn’t even win against her, wouldn’t she be worse than a fool?

She decided to face the fool.

To show her magnanimity, she let Xie Yu play black and take the first move.

The number of times she had played against Xie Yu could be counted on one hand. Xiao Kunning didn’t know her tactics and ended up haphazardly running into her encirclement.

In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, she was thoroughly defeated.

Xie Yu put the chess pieces back into the bowl. Looking at the person who was about to tear her hair out in frustration, her eyes held a soft, comfortable, and carefree breeze.

Xiao Kunning was completely humiliated. She covered her face, unwilling to speak. How could she not even win against a fool? It was too embarrassing to say out loud.

Xie Yu’s slender, pale fingertips tapped her forehead. Her voice was gentle and slow: “Do you feel embarrassed that you can’t even beat a fool?”

“Don’t tap my head.” Xiao Kunning dodged, knitting her brows. She belatedly felt that Xie Yu’s tone was wrong. She looked up abruptly, and opposite her, Xie Yu was smiling faintly like a wisp of smoke, impossibly ethereal.