My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 37

Princess Gaoyang had a capricious nature, partly because she was spoiled by Emperor Gaozong throughout her childhood, making her extravagant and overbearing. After Gaozong’s death, no one restrained her. In the late Emperor’s reign, she often clashed with Princess Jingyang, and now, under Zhao Mian, their feud became even more intractable.

The ruckus was just a ruckus, nothing major, and it barely qualified as a ‘political matter.’ However, with the assassination attempt, Prime Minister Yan, Yan Huaizhen, impeached her in front of all the ministers.

He cited her disregard for the law, outrageous conduct, and more. Zhao Mian replied awkwardly: “To be honest, my Aunt Gaoyang visited me this morning. I have seen the portrait, and Bishu indeed bears a resemblance to Aunt Leyang. Aunt Gaoyang said that if you are still angry, she can let Bishu apologize to you. She has recorded Bishu under her name, and from now on, Bishu will be a County Princess of Princess Gaoyang’s estate.”

The ministers exchanged glances. Some even mentally calculated: Gaoyang was thirty, and Bishu was twenty-two—only an eight-year difference. How could they be mother and daughter?

Despite the surprise, those who understood realized that the Emperor never once mentioned who Bishu’s father was, completely avoiding the scandal of that year.

Yan Huaizhen was dissatisfied and directly challenged the Emperor in front of the assembled officials: “Your subject had no illicit relationship with Princess Leyang. That woman claimed your subject poisoned Princess Leyang. If Your Majesty does not clarify this, Princess Gaoyang will continue to use this excuse to insult your subject in the future.”

Zhao Mian’s face was sullen. He looked as if he wanted to speak but stopped. Finally, he said helplessly: “In that old matter, you both have different versions. My Uncle says no, and Aunt Gaoyang insists. Why don’t we instruct the Ministry of Justice to investigate, which will also restore Uncle’s good name.”

“Investigate…” Yan Huaizhen’s face turned livid. Investigating his past romantic indiscretions, regardless of the outcome, would lead to a complete loss of face and dignity.

It absolutely could not be investigated.

He immediately said: “Your Majesty, you may not know the old details, but the Empress Dowager does. Princess Leyang died of an illness back then, and her remains are interred in the mausoleum. How could she have been harmed by your subject?”

Zhao Mian looked around at the ministers, sighing: “Aunt Gaoyang has long mentioned the cause of Aunt Leyang’s death. This time, it would be best to conduct an investigation.”

“Your Majesty!” Yan Huaizhen gasped, kneeling and desperately kowtowing: “A woman’s biased view cannot be taken seriously…”

“Prime Minister Yan,” Zhao Mian interrupted him, his gaze purposefully falling on Xie Yu. Everyone in the hall was male, so those words could be spoken, but Xie Yu was a woman. Wouldn’t saying ‘a woman’s biased view’ be a slap in her face?

Yan Huaizhen realized his mistake and quickly changed his tone: “Princess Gaoyang is slandering your subject. The Empress Dowager can testify.”

Xie Yu stood still, offering no eye contact. She closed her eyes in thought, then heard someone else open their mouth: “The Empress Dowager and Prime Minister Yan are siblings.”

Yan Huaizhen snapped: “Are you suggesting the Empress Dowager would show favoritism?”

Xie Yu said: “The Empress Dowager is fair. It’s not about favoritism. The matter passed over twenty years ago; it is difficult to investigate or explain clearly. However, I find one thing strange: how did Princess Leyang die of illness? And who is the father of the child she bore? If we find the father, it will clear Prime Minister Yan’s name.”

“Right, right, right, the Grand Tutor speaks wisely.”

“Why don’t we perform a blood recognition test?”

“Nonsense! Just a few words from others, and you want me to perform a blood test? How can I hold my head up in the world?” Yan Huaizhen flatly refused. His expression was no longer calm, showing a hint of grimness as he scanned the ministers who had spoken out of turn.

Zhao Mian ignored him, looking instead at Xie Yu: “Grand Tutor, what is your suggestion?”

Yan Huaizhen felt resentment. Why must everything be asked of Xie Yu? He was about to object, but Xie Yu spoke: “The most convenient and fastest way is the blood recognition test. If the blood does not mix, it can also clear Prime Minister Yan’s innocence.”

“Absurd! The Grand Tutor also believes in such folk methods? I refuse.”

Xie Yu turned and bowed to him: “If the Prime Minister refuses, the only option is to let the Ministry of Justice investigate. I believe an exhumation and autopsy can be performed.”

Zhao Mian seized the opportunity: “If it can restore Uncle’s innocence, disturbing Aunt Leyang’s spirit is acceptable. I’m sure Aunt will understand.”

The two worked in concert, leaving Yan Huaizhen speechless. His subordinates, seeing his expression, quickly turned to Xie Yu: “Grand Tutor Xie’s words seem to imply that she believes Prime Minister Yan did harm Princess Leyang.”

Xie Yu smiled: “Your endless arguments are giving me a headache. Prime Minister Yan asks His Majesty to restore his reputation and innocence, but he must provide convincing evidence. His Majesty cannot simply rule on the case, otherwise Princess Gaoyang will cause endless trouble. Going back and forth, the blood recognition test is the most impartial method.”

The Minister of Justice also found this reasonable and said: “The Grand Tutor is right. Princess Gaoyang is not an unreasonable person. If there is evidence, she will not object further. This way, Prime Minister Yan can also face people with a clear conscience.”

Zhao Mian nodded: “Let’s do that. Go and invite Princess Gaoyang, and bring Bishu with her.”

“Your Majesty…” Yan Huaizhen still wanted the Emperor to change his mind. His hands, hidden in his sleeves, trembled, and his eyelids twitched wildly. It must be false. Gaoyang must be plotting against me.

After the morning court adjourned, Princess Gaoyang rushed over, followed by Bishu. Meanwhile, Xie Yu walked quickly towards Guanzhi Study.

The two met on the palace path. The autumn wind was mournful. Gaoyang was curious about Xie Yu’s destination: “Grand Tutor, where are you going? Not staying to watch the show?”

Xie Yu smiled faintly: “My students are waiting for me. I can’t watch the show. I imagine Your Highness will relay the events. I await your news.”

“Is that so?” Gaoyang looked at her coldly, her eyes shimmering. She took two steps forward, a slight curve on her lips: “The Grand Tutor is abstinent. I wonder if you would be willing to play a Bright Moon tune with me? Your Jiuxiao zither is still with me. Come and fetch it if you want it.”

“Fetch it?” Xie Yu was surprised. Meeting the brilliant gaze in Gaoyang’s eyes, she also took a step closer, saying across the small distance: “Fetch the zither or marry the person?”

The teaser was teased in return, leaving Gaoyang embarrassed. She shot a look of exasperated anger at Xie Yu, raised her head, and departed.

Xie Yu’s lips curved into a slight, sarcastic smile, and she continued toward Guanzhi Study.

Today, Xie Yu was teaching strategy. Everyone had a chessboard in front of them, but she came empty-handed. After surveying the room, she said: “I won’t lecture today. Let’s discuss court affairs. Feel free to speak candidly.”

The students exchanged bewildered glances. They usually only studied a few classics. When had they learned about political affairs?

Xiao Kunning was also curious about why Xie Yu brought up this topic out of the blue.

Xie Yu smiled as usual. “Family affairs, state affairs, world affairs—an official cannot be blind and deaf. One should listen and think more. Today’s court discussion was about one matter. I imagine you have all heard of it. What are your thoughts?”

The students at Guanzhi Study were all family members of high officials, and they would certainly inquire about events in the front court. Prime Minister Yan’s matter was a huge scandal, and they had long bribed little eunuchs for details. Knowing was one thing, but openly discussing it was another.

If the Master asked them, was she not afraid of being targeted?

Zhou Wenqing was friends with Yan Ruyu. Hearing the Master’s words at this moment, she felt it was improper and whispered: “Master, speaking of such things behind closed doors may not be appropriate.”

Xie Yu looked at her: “Miss Zhou, what part do you find inappropriate?”

Zhou Wenqing stood up and said: “The front court has little to do with us. And it is Prime Minister Yan’s private matter. It is disrespectful for us to openly discuss it.”

“The front court has little to do with us?” Xie Yu’s eyes were full of amusement. She nodded slightly, surveying the students: “Does it have little to do with you?”

Master Xie was displeased.

The students dared not be insolent. Everyone was on edge. The Master was usually gentle, but she was clearly angry just now. They looked left and right at each other. Shen Yunzhi spoke: “Master chose us to enter Guanzhi Study so that we may become officials in the future. The matters of the front court are intimately connected to us.”

Hearing this, Zhou Wenqing’s face flushed red. Xie Yu looked slightly disappointed: “Miss Zhou, why did you enter Guanzhi Study?”

“Your subject…” Zhou Wenqing felt a chill run down her spine. The Master seemed to be deliberately targeting her today. She didn’t feel she was wrong. The affairs of the front court were the business of men; women should not interfere.

Xie Yu waved her hand, signaling her to sit down, and said: “Miss Zhou feels it has little to do with us, so let it be. Let’s change the topic and discuss the current situation.”

Xiao Kunning could not figure out Xie Yu’s intentions. Zhou Wenqing had no interest in court affairs to begin with. Rather, like Yan Ruyu, she entered Guanzhi Study for the position of Princess of Yanping.

Everyone carefully considered their words before answering, trembling with apprehension, while Zhou Wenqing stifled her grievance until Xie Yu left.

Xiao Wenxue pulled Xiao Kunning away, speaking to her on the road: “Zhou Wenqing is probably going to be expelled.”

The Master herself was a woman, and her presence in court was already controversial. Zhou Wenqing’s words were undoubtedly a criticism of her. Such a student was not adding to her prestige but insulting her.

Xiao Kunning said nothing. The Duke of Dingguo’s estate and Prime Minister Yan were on the same side. When Yan Ruyu entered the palace, the position of Princess of Yanping became vacant. As for Miss Yan, she was just a figurehead. Zhou Wenqing definitely had to show favor to the Yan family at this time.

Not long after the sisters returned, Gaoyang came to Guanzhi Study to corner Xie Yu.

Zhao Can had gotten a plate of pastries from Xie Yu and, seeing Aunt Gaoyang arrive in a furious state, was scared and ran back to her room to find Xiao Kunning.

Shen Yunzhi heard the news and secretly ran over to watch. Zhao Can, not to be outdone, dragged Xiao Kunning as a shield and followed. Xiao Wenxue, worried that something might happen, lifted her skirt and went along too.

Princess Gaoyang’s face was not good. She entered the hall with a confrontational posture. Xie Yu was about to leave but was stopped by her. Xie Yu personally poured her tea and asked: “Your Highness, why are you angry?”

“I heard you insisted on the blood recognition test?” Gaoyang asked coldly.

Xie Yu was relaxed. She sat down on the side, leisurely sipping her tea, and asked: “Did the blood not mix?”

“It mixed,” Gaoyang suppressed her anger.

Xie Yu smiled: “Since it mixed, why are you angry, Your Highness?”

The more Gaoyang thought about it, the angrier she became: “But her blood also mixed with mine! Not only that, but it also mixed with others’ blood! The test is useless.”

“It was useless, indeed. Then Your Highness finding the result is no different from finding nothing. Why don’t you go find His Majesty? I can recommend someone to you. Wen Yu-ke, the Prefect of Jingzhao, is meticulous and swift in investigating cases.” Xie Yu stood up to pour herself more tea. Seeing Gaoyang’s teacup untouched, she kindly said: “This tea was bestowed by His Majesty. You can try it.”

Gaoyang was initially full of rage. After Xie Yu’s words, most of her anger dissipated. Seeing Xie Yu’s skin, which was fairer than snow, and her rosy thin lips, the remaining anger completely vanished. “Does Wen Yu-ke dare to investigate?”

Xie Yu said: “The Emperor’s will is absolute.”

With an imperial decree, the three judicial offices would cooperate, the palace gates would be wide open, and she could move in and out freely.

Gaoyang was moved. She also knew Xie Yu was good at reading expressions. She suppressed her thoughts, picked up the tea, and took a sip. Then, she immediately changed the subject: “I’m curious, Grand Tutor Xie, since you are so beautiful, why have you neither married a husband nor taken a wife?”

The few people eavesdropping heard this gossip as soon as they arrived and were stunned. Xiao Kunning also wanted to ask that question. If Xie Yu liked Shen Rui, she should confess her feelings. What was the use of enduring in silence?

Zhao Can’s eyes lit up, Xiao Wenxue frowned, and only Shen Yunzhi looked very happy.

Xie Yu’s back was to the window, so she did not notice it. Gaoyang, however, immediately sensed something was wrong. A smile appeared on her lips. She leaned slightly closer to Xie Yu, staring into her cool, clear eyes: “What do you think of me, Master?”

Xie Yu was calm, but she leaned back, putting more distance between her and Gaoyang. She said seriously: “Your Highness is beautiful. However, your subject does not like you.”

Zhao Can, who was eavesdropping, nearly burst out laughing and was immediately muffled by Xiao Kunning. The two were pressed close together. Xiao Wenxue pulled Xiao Kunning, urging her to leave. Eavesdropping on the Master’s private matters was improper.

Xiao Kunning still wanted to listen, but Xiao Wenxue pulled her away without explanation: “Princess Gaoyang saw us just now. If we continue to listen, it will cause trouble.”

The two walked a few steps, and Zhao Can chased after them. Only Shen Yunzhi remained outside the window.

When Gaoyang leaned close to Xie Yu, she felt a chill that seemed to penetrate her bones. Unlike others, Xie Yu’s beauty was too cool and stunning. She was clearly smiling, yet she gave people a sense of aloofness.

Compared to Xiao Kunning, Xie Yu was coolly beautiful, while Xiao Kunning was enchantingly beautiful.

The former made people afraid to approach; the latter was beautiful enough to steal one’s soul.

Gaoyang sat up again, suddenly losing interest. Xie Yu’s beauty was like a lotus rising unstained from the mud—to be viewed from afar, not to be played with.

To put it plainly: she was boring.

Gaoyang gracefully rose to leave. Xie Yu watched her go. As she stepped out of the hall door, Shen Yunzhi ran away.

Nuongqin, guarding the door, asked: “Master, why did you recommend Wen Yu-ke?” Wen Yu-ke was like a stone—no knife could cut her, and no sword could pierce her.

Xie Yu did not speak, gazing at the floating clouds in the sky. The name Wen Yu-ke repeatedly surfaced in her mind. There would always be a knife that could cut through.

In early winter, it rained. It was a drizzling rain that lasted for days without clearing up. The area under the eaves was always wet, making it feel uncomfortable.

Wen Yu-ke was transferred to the Ministry of Justice as the Assistant Minister, her promotion speed faster than turning a page. But many people did not envy her. The first thing she had to do at the Ministry of Justice was investigate an old case from many years ago. After twenty-two years, who could investigate it clearly? Looking up, there were three major figures pressuring her: Prime Minister Yan, Princess Gaoyang, and the Emperor.

Over the years, those who should have died were already dead. Without witnesses, the investigation was even more difficult. In short, this was not an easy case to investigate.

No matter how she investigated, she would offend someone.

Classes at Guanzhi Study continued. A few days ago, Zhou Wenqing was escorted out by the Duke of Dingguo and would not be returning. Guanzhi Study was much quieter without Yan Ruyu and Zhou Wenqing. Only Zhao Can spoke loudly on ordinary days.

The weather was much clearer today. Noble Consort Yan sent people to invite everyone to the gardens to appreciate the flowers. The Empress Dowager would also be present. Zhao Can found it difficult to refuse and followed the eunuch, full of suppressed anger.

Girls were afraid of the cold in winter, so they all wore fox fur cloaks of various colors, walking slowly on the path, like flowers blooming in the garden.

Wen Yu-ke and the Minister of Justice emerged from a deserted palace hall. Seeing the girls, bright as blooming flowers, they couldn’t help but stop, their gazes falling on the last girl in red.

The Minister of Justice saw her pause and kindly explained: “Those are the Grand Tutor’s female students.”

Wen Yu-ke retracted her gaze and walked in the opposite direction. The palace path was deep and quiet, with no palace servants or eunuchs in sight. The Minister of Justice, assuming she was unaware, repeated: “Master Xie selected several daughters of officials to enter the palace for study this year, intending to select female officials next year.”

The two walked for a while and met the Grand Tutor, Xie Yu. The Minister of Justice joked: “I just saw your students. They were clustered together like flowers.”

Wen Yu-ke held a lower official rank, so she lagged half a step behind the Minister of Justice, her head lowered and silent. Xie Yu didn’t look at her, casually saying: “A few days ago, the Duke of Dingyuan came to propose marriage for one of them, but I refused. He was so embarrassed. It seems my students are indeed too eye-catching.”

The Minister of Justice was amused and said: “Indeed. Does the Master have anyone in mind?”

Xie Yu’s eyes were clear. Her hands were wrapped around a hand warmer. The wind blew, making the tip of her nose slightly red. She had the demeanor of a sage. The Minister of Justice felt she was kind yet intelligent, full of literary knowledge. Such a woman was rare, and he held her in greater respect.

Thinking of his subordinate, who was also a woman, he specially recommended her: “This is Wen Yu-ke, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice. Does the Master have a favorable opinion of her?”

Xie Yu offered a smile with an ambiguous meaning: “I do not know much about Minister Wen.”

This made the atmosphere slightly awkward. The Minister of Justice genuinely liked Wen Yu-ke and spoke a few good words for her. Xie Yu was impatient to listen and instead asked him: “Where did you say my students went just now?”

The Minister of Justice was taken aback and pointed backward: “Over there.”

Xie Yu frowned. The palace was huge; ‘over there’ was too vague.

The silently observed Wen Yu-ke suddenly spoke: “Your subject just heard that Noble Consort Yan invited them to appreciate flowers in the garden. The Empress Dowager is also present.”

Xie Yu’s brow furrowed deeper. The Minister of Justice continued to praise Wen Yu-ke as young and promising, with appropriate conduct.

Xie Yu ignored him, bid farewell, and left. Wen Yu-ke’s conduct is appropriate?

Those were empty words. If Wen Yu-ke’s conduct was appropriate, there would be no audacious people in the world.

Wen Yu-ke walked about ten steps before realizing her waist felt empty. Looking down, she saw her jade pendant was missing. She stopped suddenly. The Minister of Justice noticed and asked: “Did you leave something behind?”

“The jade pendant left by my father has accidentally been lost.”

The Minister of Justice said: “Then go back and look for it. I will proceed to Hanguang Hall to see His Majesty.”

Wen Yu-ke bowed and thanked him, then turned around to search in a hurry.

A group of girls stood outside the pavilion, enduring the cold wind. Their faces were red with cold. The palace servants were all watching nearby, so they dared not make any small movements, standing rigidly and letting the wind blow.

Zhao Can was intolerant of the cold. She mumbled a few words under her breath, which others couldn’t hear clearly. Xiao Kunning looked towards the pavilion obscured by curtains. Xiao Wenxue, behind her, tugged at her hand and slipped something warm into her palm.

She immediately felt much warmer. Xiao Kunning looked down to see a small hand warmer, intricately carved with golden thread, just the right size to fit in her fist.

Xiao Wenxue was more observant than many other women. Just like today, no one else had thought to bring such small items, and everyone’s legs and feet were cold. Xiao Kunning held the hand warmer and smiled gratefully at Xiao Wenxue, who nodded.

No one noticed their small gestures. Everyone was freezing. Suddenly, they saw the Master in white attire and felt saved.

As Xie Yu approached, the curtain was drawn, and palace servants welcomed her inside. A few red plum trees stood in front of the pavilion, blooming in the wind. A hint of red was visible before the snow fell—a beautiful color. Xie Yu walked up and observed them: “Is this the flower you are appreciating?”

No one dared to speak. It was hardly flower appreciation; they had clearly been called here to endure the cold wind.

Xie Yu bowed to the Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort outside the pavilion. She did not go inside to warm up. Noble Consort Yan had no choice but to be helped out by a palace servant.

The Noble Consort was thinly dressed. The cold wind made her tremble. Her hair was pulled up high, and she felt the wind blowing into her neck. She was unbearably cold and spoke with a forced smile: “Master, why don’t you come inside for a cup of tea?”

Xie Yu held a hand warmer, and her fox fur cloak was warm. She wasn’t particularly cold. Looking at Yan Ruyu, who was still in autumn clothing, her neck was clearly exposed, and her lips were purple from the cold as she spoke. Xie Yu did not go in. Instead, she pointed to the red plum: “The winter snow has not fallen, so the red plums are not as red.”

The Empress Dowager in the pavilion remained silent, dispatching a servant to relay a message: “The red plums are beautiful. Send some to Guanzhi Study for the young ladies.”

Xie Yu was grateful but pulled Yan Ruyu aside to speak. The students exchanged glances, thinking the Master was so kind to rush over and rescue them. They all bowed to thank the Master.

Xie Yu’s questions were tricky and bizarre. She asked Yan Ruyu why plums were red, whether there were green plums, and mentioned that scholars had seen green plums, but she regretted that she had not. As she spoke, she glanced at the departing students, her expression turning as cold as snow. She whispered: “I was the one who expelled Zhou Wenqing from Guanzhi Study. If Your Ladyship has a complaint, you can tell me. They are not as knowledgeable as Your Ladyship, and their minds are simple. They do not understand your intentions, but I do.”

Yan Ruyu shivered in the cold wind. Hearing these words, she became enraged. Remembering the events of her past life, she completely dropped the pretense: “The Grand Tutor is deeply cunning, and others are not fools. Stop pretending.”

A sheep wearing a wolf’s skin—one day, I will peel off that skin.

Xie Yu’s face was calm, without a trace of emotion. She ignored the viciousness in Yan Ruyu’s eyes and said: “Noble Consort Yan, do not think that just because Princess Gaoyang sent you into the palace, you have a powerful backer. Princess Jingyang is the first person who wants you dead right now.”

Indeed, when Yan Ruyu entered the palace in Gaoyang’s carriage, she stood in opposition to her foster mother.

Xie Yu bowed to the Empress Dowager and turned to leave.

The cold wind raged. The red plums in front of the pavilion swayed with the wind. The gaze in Yan Ruyu’s eyes as she watched Xie Yu’s receding figure was fierce and cruel. She would not accept defeat so easily.

As long as Zhao Mian did not die, she still had hope of becoming Empress. She would certainly remember the humiliation of today. Xie Yu was ambitious and ruthless, and she would definitely find leverage. Once Xie Yu was removed, Xiao Kunning would not escape either.

Everyone was so cold their legs and feet were numb, making them walk slowly. Zhao Can was straightforward. The resentment in her heart led her to chatter endlessly, cursing Yan Ruyu from inside out.

After cursing, she still felt unsatisfied. Her eyes were slightly red with anger, and she walked back, limping slightly.

Xiao Kunning followed slowly, and Xie Yu caught up to her.

Xie Yu slipped a hand warmer into her hand and walked forward as if nothing had happened. Xiao Wenxue noticed and smiled slightly. Xiao Kunning suddenly stopped, and the hand warmer in her hand fell out.

Wen Yu-ke, in a scarlet official robe, stood rigidly at the entrance of the palace path, her eyes fixed straight ahead, meeting Xiao Kunning’s gaze.

She bowed slightly. The hand warmer rolled to her feet. She bent down to pick it up, walked two more steps, and handed it to Xiao Kunning.

Under the scarlet official robe, her expression was cool and clear. Her lips were slightly pursed, and her demeanor was sharp, but her hands were fair, delicate, and long, contrasting with her temperament.

Xiao Kunning stared intently at these hands, recalling their last meeting in her previous life.

At that time, Xie Yu occupied Hanguang Hall, and most of the court officials had been killed or demoted by her. Wen Yu-ke had been stripped of her official position. No one dared to resist Xie Yu. Xiao Kunning was shocked by the news and specially went out of the palace to see her.

Wen Yu-ke had removed her official robe and was dressed in simple, exquisite blue civilian clothes. Her appearance was clean and beautiful. Seeing Xiao Kunning, she smiled as usual: “Your subject failed to live up to Her Ladyship’s expectations. You must walk the rest of the path yourself.”