My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 36.1

Xiao Kunning sneered inwardly. Of course, Xie Yu looked at her differently. The events of that year were fresh in her mind. It would be a blessing if Xie Yu treated her as just an ordinary person.

The two sisters returned to their living quarters. The place that was usually lively was empty today. Not even many palace servants could be seen.

As Xiao Wenxue returned to her room, she recalled something and decided to go sit in Xiao Kunning’s room.

On the huanghuali wooden table in the room were several plates of pastries. The food for Guanzhi Study was separate from the inner palace, and Xie Yu strictly controlled it. Because Zhao Can loved sweets, there were a few extra snacks in everyone’s room daily.

Xiao Wenxue paid no attention. She sat down directly, her sharp gaze sweeping over the table before picking up a white pastry and putting it in her mouth. It was soft and delicate, with a slight sweetness and a hint of milk. The fragrance was very subtle. The pastry was fragile; a little pressure would make it crumble. She found it strange: “Did they change the imperial chef today?”

She was habitually meticulous. Xiao Kunning picked up a piece and put it in her mouth, also finding it good. She said: “Zhao Can is blessed. What were you planning to say just now?”

Xiao Wenxue smiled: “Mother meant well, so don’t overthink it. When she realized something was wrong that day, she pushed back the engagement. Father criticized the Duke of Dingguo both directly and indirectly. Just let that matter go.”

Xiao Kunning was not surprised. Reborn in this life, she was tired of fighting. As long as she didn’t provoke others, she thought she would be fine. But if others innocently provoked her, she feared she wouldn’t adhere to the rules.

She knew a little about the Heir of the Duke of Dingguo. Even Miss Zhou knew her own fallback: after failing to be chosen as the Princess of Yanping, she would discuss marriage with Yan Lin when he was ennobled as a prince. Being with the Yan family, one could imagine she wouldn’t have a good outcome.

Thinking about it now, the Duke of Dingguo’s estate inexplicably showing interest in her was probably still thanks to Yan Ruyu. The situation had become very delicate. Yan Ruyu still wasn’t willing to let her go.

She considered carefully before saying: “Zhou Wenqing and Yan Ruyu are too close.”

Xiao Wenxue sneered: “They’re two of a kind. Just a sickly man who harbors fantasies.”

That a person who rarely showed emotion would get angry surprised Xiao Kunning. She laughed: “Why are you angry? Who did she choose for you? It’s not someone bad, is it?”

Xiao Wenxue’s face flushed. She turned away. From Xiao Kunning’s perspective, the visible parts of her ears were red. She was unexpectedly thin-skinned. Xiao Kunning urged: “Tell me, who is it?”

In the previous life, Xiao Wenxue ultimately protected herself, which was a relatively satisfactory ending.

In the bright light, Xiao Wenxue’s ears were completely red, yet her eyes remained steady. She said: “Mother dislikes me; she wouldn’t consider such things. This is fine, too. I can live a quieter life.”

Luo Shi was intolerant. Her dislike for Zhao Xiran extended to Xiao Kunning. If that was the case for her own daughter, how could she care about someone with no blood relation?

The two sisters chatted for a while. Zhao Can rushed in excitedly. Her eyes went straight to the pastries on the table before she even saw anyone. Spotting the unique pastries, she said something to Xiao Kunning, picked one up, and started eating.

While eating, she said: “They’re fighting up front.”

“Up front” naturally referred to the Hanguang Hall where political affairs were discussed. Xiao Wenxue never cared about these political matters and rose to leave. Zhao Can took her seat and said: “Prime Minister Yan refuses to allow the remains of the Prince of Zhennan to return to the capital. After the Master returned to court, she commented that given the Prince of Zhennan’s great achievements and subsequent defeat, it was normal for Prime Minister Yan to refuse. That one sentence started the fight.”

Great achievements and defeat were contradictory terms, but when linked to the subsequent phrase, “it was normal for Prime Minister Yan to refuse,” it became meaningful.

On the surface, it seemed to suggest the Prince of Zhennan was guilty, but in reality, it hinted that he had great achievements, and Prime Minister Yan was jealous.

To those who understood, it was a condemnation. To those who didn’t, it was praise.

This sentence was very controversial, and it depended on how the ministers interpreted it.

Xiao Kunning asked: “What was the final outcome?”

Zhao Can had a mouth full of pastry. She chewed for a long time before swallowing. Her eyes wide, she said exasperatedly: “I don’t know either. A little attendant came out and said something.”

Noble Consort Yan was hosting a banquet in the inner palace. Up front, at Hanguang Hall, the ministers argued fiercely. Xie Yu, who had just arrived, sat to one side, still remaining silent. Zhao Mian was absent, leaving Prime Minister Yan as the highest authority. The two factions argued relentlessly.

Xie Yu quietly sipped her tea, her hands clenched inside her large sleeves. The weather was getting colder, and charcoal should be set up in the hall.

Prime Minister Yan, Yan Huaizhen, sat directly opposite her, occasionally glancing at her. Someone said: “Even if he is guilty and should be punished, his body should be allowed to return to the capital. Otherwise, wouldn’t it discourage the morale of the soldiers?”

“That’s wrong. How can a guilty person receive the soldiers’ respect…”

“You say he’s guilty, so he is? Do the border soldiers listen to you? The Prince of Zhennan guarded the border his whole life. Was the defeat his fault? It was clearly the city walls, which were old and decaying. Previously, memorials were submitted requesting repairs. Who opposed them? Now that we’ve lost, who is to blame?”

“What do you mean? Defeat is the responsibility of the main general. What does it have to do with us?”

“If it weren’t for you holding back the funds, so many soldiers wouldn’t have died.”

Word by word, the situation shifted towards those who had suppressed the memorial requesting repairs. Prime Minister Yan couldn’t sit still. He slammed the table, about to curse, when Xie Yu suddenly spoke: “We are discussing the return of the remains to the capital. Why bring up the issue of the repair request?”

What Prime Minister Yan wanted to say was already said. The Minister of Revenue refused to take the blame and argued self-righteously: “The Grand Tutor is right. The Ministry of Revenue didn’t hold back the silver. We acted according to the imperial decree.”

Someone coldly interjected: “You speak as if the Ministry of Revenue agreed to allocate the silver at the time. Don’t you recall who cast the first dissenting vote?”

The Minister of Revenue shouted: “I cast a vote, yes, but who was the first to cast…” He stopped himself before finishing the sentence, realizing his mistake. He sat back down sheepishly, his gaze turning to the elegantly composed Grand Tutor Xie.

Xie Yu, however, said: “Do not shift the blame onto Prime Minister Yan. Right now, the only question is whether the remains of the Prince of Zhennan can return to the capital. Prime Minister Yan is the highest authority here. What is your opinion?”

The Grand Tutor’s expression was gentle, her eyebrows soft, and her gaze toward Prime Minister Yan was sincere and respectful.

Seeing the Grand Tutor act as a mediator as always, the ministers suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. With the Grand Tutor present, chaos would be avoided.

The person who had been secretly plotting was now pulled to the forefront. He wanted to brush the matter aside, but Xie Yu continued to look at him with a ‘You are the boss, you have the final say’ attitude. He felt troubled. Rarely had he been dragged to the forefront like this over the years. For the sake of dignity, he finally spoke: “This matter is for His Majesty to decide.”

Xie Yu smiled faintly. The candlelight in the hall shone on her, giving her a soft sheen. Her posture was gentle and graceful, carrying a hint of coolness within its softness. Her upright sitting posture was like a Bodhisattva statue.

The ministers felt reassured and asked for her opinion.

Xie Yu considered this: “If you ask me, we should certainly welcome the Prince of Zhennan back. Not for any other reason, but for the border soldiers. If we do not welcome him back, the enemy will look down upon the Great Zhou. Whether he is guilty or not can be discussed after the investigation. For now, we must stabilize the military’s morale.”

Yan Huaizhen wanted to object, but the words died on his lips. Xie Yu said it was to stabilize military morale. If he objected, and the soldiers later grew discontent, all the blame would fall on him.

Looking at the other ministers, they all agreed one after another. He angrily looked around. The ministers only looked at Xie Yu, ignoring him entirely.

Xie Yu instantly gained the upper hand. If he didn’t speak, he would lose the initiative.

The matter was settled without much argument from the few influential ministers. As everyone was about to leave, the Duke of Dingguo caught up to Xie Yu. “Grand Tutor, please wait a moment.”

Xie Yu slowly stopped in the crowd, turning back to look at the Duke of Dingguo: “Does the Duke have business with me?”

The others glanced at them. Xiao Mingwang also slowed down, while Prime Minister Yan pulled him away.

Finally, only the two remained. Xie Yu invited him into Guanzhi Study.

After half a cup of tea in Guanzhi Study, the Duke of Dingguo noticed the quietness of the hall and curiously said: “Guanzhi Study is certainly quiet. I wonder who the Master favors?”

Xie Yu smiled: “The Duke is interested in my student?”

“The Grand Tutor is perceptive. Indeed, Assistant Minister Xiao’s legitimate daughter, Xiao Kunning, has good looks and a decent temperament. She is close in age to my son. I sounded out Assistant Minister Xiao a few days ago, and they have not yet set the engagement. I’m disturbing you today because I would like to ask the Grand Tutor to act as a matchmaker.”

Hearing this, the tea in Xie Yu’s mouth became even more bitter. She tightened her grip on the teacup, nearly spilling the tea. The Duke of Dingguo opposite her didn’t notice and continued: “One marries for virtue. The Duke of Dingguo’s estate doesn’t only look at family background. We simply feel Miss Xiao is very good.”

Xie Yu put down her tea, leaned back, and adopted a lazy posture. She smiled and said: “Xiao Kunning is my student, and her disposition is good. But I recall the Heir has been frail and confined to bed. Is this marriage a proper wedding or a chongxi [marriage intended to bring good luck for a sick person]?”

Her voice was flat and uninflected, soft and gentle, carrying no obvious threat.

The Duke of Dingguo had not expected the Grand Tutor to expose him directly. He was speechless. Recalling Xiao Mingwang’s mocking words, he felt choked up and immediately said: “The Grand Tutor must have heard rumors. My son is a bit weak, but marriage is certainly possible. You just said Miss Xiao has a good disposition, so we cannot miss out.”

Xie Yu, however, said: “To be honest, Xiao Kunning is a student I highly value. She is meant to enter court in the future. Does the Duke not mind?”

Xie Yu’s students were all carefully selected. She wouldn’t just let anyone choose them.

The Duke of Dingguo was dissatisfied: “Can the Grand Tutor not bear to part with her?”

Xie Yu said: “No.”

“This…” The Duke of Dingguo was rejected and utterly lost face. Resenting Xie Yu’s lack of tact, he stood up and said: “The saying goes, ‘Better to tear down ten temples than to ruin one marriage.’ Is the Grand Tutor planning to ruin a match?”

Xie Yu’s eyes were calm, and she showed little emotion. Her pale fingertips tapped the corner of the table: “Are the Heir and Miss Xiao truly in love?”

This single question stumped the Duke of Dingguo. The two hadn’t even met. How could it be ‘truly in love’? But he couldn’t put it that way. He corrected himself: “My son has long admired Miss Xiao.”

Xie Yu said: “Xiao Kunning has never met the Heir of Zhou. Therefore, this does not count as ruining a marriage.”

The Duke of Dingguo couldn’t out-argue her and left in a huff.

Xie Yu calmly drank the remaining half cup of tea and summoned Nuongqin to leave the palace with her. Tonight, she was hosting a banquet for Princess Gaoyang.

When the news reached the inner palace, Yan Ruyu was drinking wine in her hall. Everyone from Guanzhi Study was present, except for the Xiao sisters and Zhao Can.

A palace servant quietly approached, whispered a few words into the Noble Consort’s ear, and then retreated.

Yan Ruyu’s expression remained unchanged, but her eyes held a hint of malice. Zhou Wenqing saw it but pretended not to and continued to drink her fruit wine.

Everyone felt dizzy from the drinking. Palace servants were sent to escort them back to Guanzhi Study. When Zhou Wenqing was about to leave, the palace servant serving her peeked inside from outside. Zhou Wenqing walked past her as if no one were there. The maid whispered: “Miss, the Duke failed to persuade the Grand Tutor.”

Xie Yu actually refused.

This was unexpected. Zhou Wenqing waved her hand, signaling the servant to go back first. She then turned back into the hall, and once everyone had left, she spoke to the Noble Consort: “Your Ladyship, the Master refused.”

“Refused?” Yan Ruyu was surprised. Considering how fiercely the two had fought in their previous lives, Xie Yu should hate Xiao Kunning. Why would she refuse?

She couldn’t figure it out. She clutched the handkerchief in her hand. Since the direct approach failed, she would try a subtle one. As long as Xiao Kunning was married, she wouldn’t become the Princess of Yanping. Her legitimate sister was incompetent and useless; she couldn’t possibly compete with Xiao Kunning.

If I can’t have him, does Xiao Kunning think she can?

Dream on.

Zhou Wenqing felt a little scared. If Xie Yu disagreed, the matter couldn’t proceed. Her brother was indeed close to death, and they wanted to use chongxi to save him, but these were secrets that Xie Yu shouldn’t know.

She looked at the Noble Consort: “Why don’t we forget about it?”

Yan Ruyu waved her hand: “The Heir of Zhou is a good man and will surely overcome this difficulty. I will ask His Majesty myself.”

Zhou Wenqing was uncertain: “Will His Majesty agree?”

“His Majesty will definitely agree,” Yan Ruyu smiled. Granting a marriage to the Zhou family would secure the support of the Duke of Dingguo. For the Emperor, this was the most beneficial course of action.

Zhou Wenqing was apprehensive, but seeing the Noble Consort so confident, she felt slightly reassured. When she returned to Guanzhi Study, Zhao Can was sitting in the corridor eating, and Xiao Kunning was flipping through a book.

Zhao Can was eating and rambling: “I’m telling you, don’t just memorize everything. You need to understand the main idea. The Master won’t test you on phrases, she will definitely ask questions.”

Xiao Kunning couldn’t absorb a single word. In her past life, given a book like this, she might have been motivated to study. Now, her heart was indifferent, and she simply couldn’t concentrate.

Zhou Wenqing approached. Zhao Can smiled and greeted her: “Hello, Sister Zhou. You’re not drunk! Everyone else is tipsy.”

Zhou Wenqing felt nervous seeing Xiao Kunning. When Xiao Kunning looked up at her, she stumbled and nearly fell. Zhao Can rushed forward to support her, touching her icy hand. “Oh! Sister, your hand is so cold, and sweaty. Are you feeling unwell?”

“I drank a bit too much wine.” Zhou Wenqing avoided Zhao Can’s hand and hurried back to her room.

Zhao Can uttered two sounds of confusion, not understanding Zhou Wenqing’s meaning. Meanwhile, the Xie estate was very lively.