My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 38

Xiao Kunning looked up, meeting the gaze of the newly appointed Assistant Minister of Justice before her. After a long pause, she wanted to reach out for the hand warmer, but a pair of hands was quicker than hers.

Xie Yu took the hand warmer first. A sense of cool displeasure faintly gathered between her brows, yet a smile played on her lips: “I believe Minister Wen should be reporting to His Majesty.”

Wen Yu-ke lowered her eyes, striving to control her urge to look up. She took half a step back before bowing to Xie Yu: “Your subordinate lost a jade pendant and came back to search for it.”

“Oh, you lost a jade pendant.” Xie Yu’s voice was even. Her gaze intentionally swept across Wen Yu-ke’s waist. There was indeed a jade pendant there. She found it amusing: “Now that you’ve found it, you should go report your mission’s completion.”

Zhao Can pursed her lips. Remembering the rumors circulating in the capital, her eyes flashed brightly. Xiao Wenxue was calm; she even reached out and pulled Xiao Kunning back, offering a thank you to Wen Yu-ke.

Xiao Kunning looked disappointed and followed Xiao Wenxue, her spirit somewhat lost, as they left.

Xie Yu held the hand warmer, watching the person opposite her with a composed and unhurried posture. She gazed at Wen Yu-ke’s indifferent face, then turned and departed.

It wasn’t until everyone had left that Wen Yu-ke looked up. The empty palace path was deserted. The deep palace was lonely, full of endless scheming. Walking this path was incredibly difficult.

After the students returned to Guanzhi Study, they retreated to their respective rooms without saying a word. They called for palace servants to bring hot water and waited on them. They all drank ginger water before lying down.

Xie Yu granted a two-day holiday, allowing them to return to their estates to rest. Everyone was grateful and left the palace early the next morning.

Luo Shi’s illness was gradually improving. With the Ministry of Justice investigating the case, people were panicking. They knew Wen Yu-ke was incorruptible, but such a person was the most difficult to deal with. It was said that money could make the devil turn the millstone, but even with money and power at play, Wen Yu-ke remained completely unswayed.

The powerful and noble closely watched this matter. Wen Yu-ke’s every move was scrutinized. Such an upright official was truly rare. Throughout the entire winter, the most discussed person in Guanzhi Study was Wen Yu-ke.

Someone inevitably started comparing Minister Wen to Xie Yu.

Shen Yunzhi had liked the Grand Tutor in both lifetimes. Hearing someone so obscure being mentioned alongside her, her words turned sour. She openly brought up Minister Wen’s humble background and the rumor that she was a bad omen (煞星).

Zhao Can’s little mouth never stopped moving. Hearing such harsh words, she grabbed a piece of fruit and stuffed it into her mouth: “Though the Grand Tutor is excellent, Minister Wen is not bad either. It’s a good thing for female officials to appear in court. But I hear a kind of reluctance in Sister Shen’s words. I’m curious, why are you reluctant? Could it be that you are jealous of her?”

Shen Yunzhi frowned, contempt showing in her eyes: “Why should I be jealous of a harbinger of doom? If I were to be jealous, it would be of someone like the Master.”

Xiao Kunning was peeling a piece of fruit. Zhao Can ate one piece as soon as it was peeled, leaving nothing on the plate. She hadn’t had time to speak to them, but hearing the word ‘bad omen’ often, she spoke up, unhappy: “She still achieved this honor despite the death of her parents. If Sister Shen had her experience, you would probably just cry. You are not jealous of the Master; you admire her. If I were the Master, I wouldn’t like a sharp-tongued student like you.”

“You, Xiao Kunning, you, what do you mean?” A different kind of light flashed in Shen Yunzhi’s eyes, though a closer look still revealed a hint of shyness.

Zhao Can ate her fruit, her mouth full: “It means you like the Master, but the Master doesn’t like harsh people. Why are you so slow? Wait, the Master doesn’t seem to like slow students either. You don’t have a chance.”

Sister Shen is so annoying, always arguing with Sister Xiao.

Shen Yunzhi hadn’t expected to be exposed like this. She no longer hid it and openly said: “The Master is so outstanding. Liking her shows I have good taste.”

Xiao Wenxue covered her mouth and laughed: “Just make sure you don’t freeze to death.”

Everyone knew the Grand Tutor Xie was like ice when it came to romance. Even Princess Gaoyang, who loved romance, gave up, let alone ordinary girls.

Shen Yunzhi still tried to defend Xie Yu: “The Master is in poor health; holding a hand warmer is enough in winter.”

Zhao Can quietly leaned in close and whispered: “If that’s not enough, you can be her hand warmer this winter.”

“County Princess!” Shen Yunzhi was so embarrassed that her face turned crimson. She stood up and ran away.

The others burst into laughter. Zhao Can put her hands on her hips and continued: “I think Minister Wen is also quite good. She’s beautiful and has a righteous heart. As for those rumors about her background, I—I heard they were fabricated by the Wen family and shouldn’t be believed. In time, she will surely stand alongside the Master.”

Zhao Can was young, outspoken, and very clever. She usually didn’t offend people and often spoke well of them, so the others didn’t take her words too seriously. Xiao Kunning felt relieved and continued peeling her fruit.

When silence returned to the room, Xie Yu leisurely strolled in. She saw Xiao Kunning peeling a fruit and Zhao Can reaching out to grab it as soon as it was peeled.

They cooperated well and had great chemistry.

She glanced at them and said: “Princess Gaoyang has sent someone. She will attend classes with you from now on.”

Hearing this, everyone knew who it was.

The assassination attempt that had caused a huge stir a few days ago—the one that even got Zhou Wenqing kicked out—had everyone instantly attentive.

Xie Yu continued: “She will arrive tomorrow. I am letting you know in advance. Prepare yourselves.”

The Xiao sisters exchanged glances and remained silent. Zhao Can continued to eat her fruit. If Sister Xiao didn’t peel one for her, she did it herself. She looked up and suddenly met the Master’s icy gaze. Startled, her hand shook, and the fruit fell to the floor.

Utterly confused, she instinctively picked up the plate of fruit and obediently handed it to the Master: “Master, would you like to eat these?”

Xie Yu ignored her, turned, and walked away.

Zhao Can was heartbroken like a kitten that had been abandoned. She turned to her equally confused companions: “Why did the Master ignore me?”

Xiao Wenxue smiled faintly: “It’s your fault for being greedy and lazy.”

Zhao Can peeled another fruit and stuffed it into her mouth, mumbling: “Everyone who likes good food is lazy. It’s not my fault. The Master must be unhappy. Why would the Princess send Miss Bishu here?”

Chen Mingyi, the legitimate eldest daughter of the Director of the Imperial Academy, who had been silent for a long time, guessed: “You and I both know what this place is for. Princess Gaoyang is merely letting people know she has such a County Princess, building momentum for her.”

Gaining knowledge was secondary; reputation was key. Entering Guanzhi Study showed that one was valued by the Grand Tutor. Even if such a woman wasn’t selected for office, her marriage prospects would be easier later on.

Of course, Gaoyang sending her here was not for future marriage prospects. The water in the palace was too clear. How could she fish in troubled waters without stirring things up?

Everyone was curious about the new student, especially Zhao Can. While eating her fruit, her little mouth kept chattering: “This Miss Bishu is actually my older cousin. Let me see, I think she’s seven years older than me. She seems to be the same age as the Master. Don’t you think it’s embarrassing to come here when they’re the same age?”

No one responded, only Xiao Kunning felt compelled to say something: “Why would it be embarrassing?”

Zhao Can lowered her gaze and whispered: “She might even be older than the Master, yet she’s coming here to be the Master’s student. It shows her academic talent is inferior to the Master’s. Shouldn’t she feel embarrassed?”

Everyone: “…” That actually makes some sense.

On the holiday, the students of Guanzhi Study returned to their estates. Bishu was the exception. Princess Gaoyang came to pick her up personally. After everyone bowed, they left Guanzhi Study with light steps.

The snow and wind were strong. Everyone wore heavy cloaks. As they left the palace, they suddenly encountered the Prince of Yanping.

They had no time to avoid him and could only alight from their carriages to bow.

The Prince of Yanping looked sickly and lacked spirit. Seeing Xiao Wenxue, his complexion recovered somewhat. He personally got out of his carriage to greet them, asking where they were going.

Zhao Can stood in front, hugging his arm and calling him “brother.” Xiao Wenxue, noticing his gaze, unhappily stepped back half a step. Xiao Kunning knew the feelings of both people. Even now, she didn’t want Xiao Wenxue to fall into the murky waters of the imperial family. She stepped forward to block the Prince of Yanping’s view and smiled sweetly: “Your Highness seems much better. It appears your happy event is approaching. Your subject congratulates you here.”

The wind howled at the palace gate. The Prince of Yanping’s body shivered constantly. Xiao Kunning seemed to be smiling, but the cold sharpness in her eyes made his heart tremble. The meaning of her words was also very clear. He replied dejectedly: “Soon. This Prince must enter the palace to see the Empress Dowager first.”

Xiao Kunning bowed: “Safe journey, Your Highness.”

Zhao Can waved at him, slightly regretful: “It seems as soon as he got engaged, my brother’s health worsened.” Her tone was also unhappy. She turned and held Xiao Kunning’s hand, saying: “Sister, have you ever met that legitimate eldest daughter of the Yan family?”

“No, I haven’t,” Xiao Kunning lied. She had met her once in her past life. The illegitimate daughter of the Yan family had come to the estate banquet on the day of the wedding. She wasn’t remarkable when they met in the bridal chamber. Her appearance was ordinary. She heard her mother was a maid, so she wasn’t presentable.

The three got into a carriage. Xiao Wenxue sat to one side, while Zhao Can nestled close to Xiao Kunning, whispering to her: “That sister isn’t very pretty. The day we met, she was already the Princess of Yanping, but she was still timid and hesitant. When Aunt Jingyang said something, she didn’t even dare to respond. It’s a pity my brother likes such a timid girl.”

Xiao Kunning held her hand warmer. Her small face, framed by the red fox fur, was fair and rosy. Her jade-like nose and skin, and her eyes, held a faint light. To Zhao Can, she was beautiful and approachable. Zhao Can couldn’t resist moving closer to her: “Compared to you, Sister, that girl is truly not pretty.”

Xiao Wenxue pretended not to hear, but seeing the light in Zhao Can’s eyes, she didn’t look further. A’ning was indeed likable, but too much of this liking would also harm her.

A’ning was unrestrained and quick-witted, like an unpolished piece of jade. With her unique nature, she would be liked wherever she went. But given Master Xie’s previous high regard for her, and the outcome of the last life, she wondered if things could change this time.

She remembered the last time she saw Xie Yu was after the new Emperor was established—a girl who had emerged from nowhere, only eight or nine years old.

A woman becoming Emperor was unheard of throughout history. Xie Yu wholeheartedly supported her. Though people were discontent, they dared not say anything.

After A’ning’s death, the Zhao imperial family was considered completely defeated. However, Xie Yu did not become Empress herself, which brought some relief to the imperial family. Support was fine, as long as the new Emperor was surnamed Zhao.

That day, it was also heavy snow. She returned to the Xiao estate to worship her parents. She encountered Xie Yu’s carriage in front of the gate. Xie Yu was Prime Minister then, controlling the court.

Xie Yu wore white clothing, carrying a hint of coldness. Her entire presence conveyed a distant, serene quality. She slowly stepped down from the carriage and looked up at Xiao Wenxue.

That single glance sent a chill down her spine. High-ranking officials carried their own imposing aura, but Xie Yu, who seemed to see through people’s thoughts, was even more terrifying.

Xie Yu saw her, yet offered no smile. After walking into the back courtyard together, Xie Yu stopped outside the door. She gazed at the withered scenery of the North Courtyard and said: “Have you been to see Xiao Kunning?”

“No. A’ning doesn’t like me.”

Xie Yu turned to look at her, her eyes filled with a dead, gray despair. It was completely different from the imposing aura she had moments before, as if she was carrying some deep sorrow. Xiao Wenxue didn’t know why Xie Yu had come, but her presence at the Xiao estate suggested some sentiment towards her father.

As she thought this, Xie Yu spoke again: “She should hate me.”

Facing the all-powerful Xie Yu, she dared not speak further. A’ning was unrestrained in nature. Although she had a bit of a temper, as long as one didn’t provoke her, there would be no trouble. The relationship between Xiao Wenxue and A’ning was too complicated. With A’ning’s passing, everything turned to dust.

But there was no personal grudge between Xie Yu and A’ning. They were simply on opposing sides, vying for power, which was not a petty issue.

The winter was bitterly cold. Even holding a hand warmer, Xiao Wenxue felt a chill. Xie Yu covered her mouth and coughed a few times from the cold. She looked at the dark door of the ancestral hall and said mournfully: “Go see her when you have time.”

Xiao Wenxue found it strange and said: “The Prime Minister can also go see her when you have time. A’ning might not hate you. She once liked you.”

A’ning also had her time of first love. Her every word and action revealed it. Unfortunately, she liked the wrong person. Liking anyone else would have been better than Xie Yu. Xie Yu was obsessively prejudiced and ruthless. Such a person was destined not to understand love and to die alone.

The door to the ancestral hall opened. After a moment of hesitation, Xie Yu still walked in. Xiao Wenxue followed closely. The air inside the room was heavy with the smoke of incense and candles, and the sandalwood scent was thick. Xie Yu was unaccustomed to it and covered her mouth, coughing a few times, but still chose to walk forward.

Xie Yu stood before the memorial tablet, holding fresh incense, and said: “She is different from you Xiao family members.”

Xiao Wenxue laughed: “A’ning is easygoing. She only cares about what she likes. She seems to be striving and fighting, but those are not important matters.”

Xie Yu’s eyes were filled with moisture. A faint smile curved her lips: “You are wrong. What I mean is that she was very foolish.”

Xiao Wenxue was startled: “A’ning was not foolish.”

Xie Yu insisted: “She was very foolish.”

Xiao Wenxue couldn’t argue further and stood with her head bowed. A’ning was not foolish; her nature was simply different from others.

After the incense burned down, Xie Yu turned and left. Xiao Wenxue escorted her to the estate gate. Xie Yu stopped and said: “Do you think she and I were on opposing sides?”

Opposing sides? A’ning was the Empress, concerned for the Zhao imperial family, while Xie Yu killed the imperial descendants and was overly self-interested. They should have been on opposing sides. Most importantly, Xie Yu forced A’ning to die. That definitely put them on opposing sides.

Xiao Wenxue nodded, not daring to speak.

The icy expression on Xie Yu’s face fractured, revealing a very strange expression, seemingly a mixture of sarcasm, regret, and a sense of helpless confusion.

Xie Yu was highly intelligent, good at planning, and always calculated correctly. When would she ever be confused? Xiao Wenxue was shocked, and Xie Yu strode away.

That was the last time they met. Within a few months, word spread that Xie Yu had resigned her post. General Shen led her troops into Chang’an, overthrowing the Zhao dynasty.

That General Shen was today’s little County Princess, Shen Rui.

Later, she heard Shen Rui say that Xie Yu liked A’ning, but used the wrong method.

Looking at Zhao Can hugging Xiao Kunning’s arm, Xiao Wenxue sighed helplessly. A’ning’s nature was kind. If she had been ruthless when dealing with Xie Yu, she wouldn’t have ended up that way.

Zhao Can was a chatterbox, picking up on subjects that interested her: “Sister Xiao, there are many lantern festivals at the end of the year. Why don’t we go have some fun?”

Xiao Kunning shook her head. Xiao Wenxue said: “That’s fine. We haven’t been out for a long time.”

Xiao Kunning did not refuse either, saying: “Alright, which day?”

Zhao Can counted on her fingers: “Let’s go tomorrow night.”

Xiao Kunning rolled her eyes: “Do you need to count? We have to return to the palace the day after tomorrow.”

Zhao Can smiled vaguely: “Counting makes it feel like we have plenty of time to play.”

The Prince Gaoyang estate was close to the palace gate. Zhao Can got out of the carriage first. Xiao Kunning smiled brightly. Xiao Wenxue silently shook her head. She asked curiously: “I heard you saved the Master’s life once?”

Xiao Kunning said carelessly: “You could say that. She was injured on a snowy day and had nowhere to go, so I let her ride in the carriage for a while. Later, when she ran into assassins again, she was almost dying from sickness, so I carried her on my back to find a doctor.”

If I had known, you couldn’t have killed me to make me save Xie Yu. I brought trouble upon myself.

Xiao Kunning leaned against the carriage wall, a smile on her lips. In a few days, the coffin of the Prince of Zhennan would return. A bigger commotion would begin then.

Prime Minister Yan had always wanted the Shen family’s military power. His intentions were obvious to everyone, but no one dared to mention it openly. Why not help him out? After Shen Rui stabilized the situation, she could leave Chang’an with Zhao Xiran.

In this life, she wanted to live comfortably. Power and wealth were just burdens to her.

Upon reaching the estate, Xiao Wenxue returned to her courtyard, called for brush and ink, and wrote a letter. She handed it to a maidservant: “Send it to the Xie estate.”

The maidservant dared not be negligent. She quietly left through the back gate and took some effort to knock on the Xie estate’s door.

The doorman opened the door and saw it was just a small maidservant. He immediately became impatient and blocked her entry. The maidservant waited until nightfall but still didn’t see Xie Yu. She returned dejected with the letter.

Xiao Wenxue lost her temper. She instructed the maidservant to go again, holding the Xiao estate’s calling card.

The maidservant made another special trip. The doorman accepted the calling card and the letter, telling the maidservant to go back and wait. The maidservant was unhappy, but the Xie estate’s gate was grand, and she couldn’t cause trouble. She returned to report the situation to her Mistress.

Xiao Wenxue laughed angrily. Her good intentions were being completely disregarded. Xie Yu deserves to die alone and not be liked by A’ning. If only she had even a little of the County Princess’s awareness, how could things have ended that way?

The more she thought about it, the more confused she felt. She decided to let it go and not worry about it.

The next day, the wind picked up, and a light snow began to fall. The fluttering flakes were quite beautiful.

In the late afternoon, Zhao Can, wrapped in an apricot-colored fox fur cloak, darted into the Xiao estate like the wind. Xiao Kunning was very lazy and hadn’t wanted to go. Seeing the snow made her even lazier.

Zhao Can urged: “The Imperial Astrologer calculated that the snow won’t be heavy, just a light dusting. It’s perfect for going out to play.”

Xiao Kunning changed into a casual inner jacket and put on a new green fox fur cloak over it. The soft white fur around the collar made her small face look as fair as jade. She held a hand warmer and stood firmly by the door. Zhao Can pinched her cheek: “Why aren’t you going? All you do is slack off. Do you know you’ve gained quite a bit of weight recently?”

“Gained weight?” Xiao Kunning touched her waist. It did seem a bit wider. No wonder her old clothes felt a little tight today. Relaxation leads to weight gain. Indeed, not striving or fighting made life much more comfortable.

Xiao Wenxue walked in at that moment. Seeing the two of them tussling, she frowned and said: “It’s getting late.”

A’ning was even more carefree than in her past life. Before, she would worry about this and that, but now, she didn’t care. She also no longer held any feelings for the Master.

With that, the Master Xie’s chances were even slimmer.

The three left the house together. Luo Shi hadn’t initially allowed them to show their faces, but with Zhao Can present, the rules were held back. She instructed people to follow them closely and return early.

Zhao Can was extremely excited. Sitting in the carriage, she felt ecstatic. She pulled back the carriage curtain and spoke, immediately spotting Wen Yu-ke on the roadside, holding a pot of peonies.

“I thought Minister Wen was straightforward and didn’t like colorful things, but she likes peonies after all! Look, she’s holding such a large pot of flowers and doesn’t look burdened. Why don’t we give her a ride?”

Xiao Kunning also quickly opened the window to look. Wen Yu-ke’s slender figure stood there like a green bamboo, tall and elegant. Xiao Kunning nodded to agree, but the person inside the carriage refused: “There’s no room.”

Xiao Wenxue’s refusal was a little strange. Zhao Can also felt something was off and said: “Sister, don’t you like Minister Wen?”

“Why would I? Minister Wen is a clear-minded official. Who wouldn’t like her? It’s just that the carriage is too small,” Xiao Wenxue explained. She glanced sideways at Xiao Kunning, whose eyebrows were slightly raised and whose lips were curved, clearly showing delight in Wen Yu-ke.

Master Xie’s hopes are fading even more.

The Prince Gaoyang estate’s carriage was not small; it was larger than ordinary estate carriages. The “no room” claim was false. Xiao Kunning sensed something was wrong but didn’t expose her. She insisted: “Minister Wen’s residence is on the way to the Lantern Festival.”

Zhao Can nodded repeatedly: “Then let’s give her a ride.”

Xiao Wenxue realized something was wrong: “A’ning, how do you know it’s on the way?”

Just as she finished speaking, Wen Yu-ke’s voice came through: “There is no need. Thank you for your kindness, County Princess.”

Xiao Kunning still decided to get out of the carriage. As she moved, Xiao Wenxue grabbed her, urging: “Don’t be willful. Minister Wen is different from you and me.”

Xiao Kunning was puzzled: “It’s just offering a ride. You’re overthinking it.”

Xiao Wenxue let go, watching her alight to meet Wen Yu-ke. Minister Wen, outside the carriage, was startled to see Xiao Kunning. She didn’t approach; she retreated. The veins in her hands holding the potted plant stood out, showing how tightly she was gripping it.

Not waiting for a second look, Wen Yu-ke placed the potted plant on the ground and bowed to Xiao Kunning: “Miss Xiao.”

Xiao Kunning raised an eyebrow: “Minister Wen, how do you know my surname is Xiao?”

Wen Yu-ke froze, her face turning slightly bitter. She tucked her hands into her sleeves, suppressing her nervousness and anticipation: “Your hand warmer dropped that day.”

So that was it. Xiao Kunning didn’t ask further. She took the potted plant and handed it to the coachman: “Minister Wen seems to be free. Why don’t you come to the Lantern Festival? Consider it me repaying you for picking up the hand warmer.”

Xiao Wenxue in the carriage covered her forehead. My fears have come true.

At this moment, the Xie estate was bustling with visitors. The people paying their respects had not yet left. Nuongqin received a letter from the gatehouse and hurried towards the study.

Prime Minister Yan had come to visit today and had been sitting in the estate all afternoon. The people outside stretched their necks, waiting.

Yan Huaizhen’s visit was for both public and private matters. Xie Yu dealt with him patiently. Seeing Nuongqin loitering by the door for a long time, she beckoned her inside.

Nuongqin handed her a letter from the Xiao estate’s Xiao Wenxue. Xie Yu didn’t pay attention at first. With Prime Minister Yan still present, she placed the letter on the desk and continued to play a diplomatic game with Yan Huaizhen.

She grew impatient with Prime Minister Yan’s dull words, finding them meaningless. She opened Xiao Wenxue’s letter and saw only the words “Lantern Festival.” Her heart leaped, and she immediately understood.

Prime Minister Yan was still talking non-stop, bringing up the old matter of Princess Leyang: “My acquaintance with Princess Leyang was merely a few brief meetings. I truly should not be subject to those rumors outside…”

“Prime Minister Yan, forgive me, I have some urgent matters. Please leave slowly.” Xie Yu took the letter and left, instructing Nuongqin to see the guest out.

Yan Huaizhen swallowed the words he was about to say. After half a day of groundwork, at the crucial moment, Xie Yu was so disrespectful.