My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 39

Yan Huaizhen was led out of the estate by Nuongqin, completely baffled as to what had made her so hurried. As he boarded his carriage, he ordered his men to follow Xie Yu.

The Prime Minister’s estate had many masters. Following Xie Yu was not a problem. They trailed her all the way to the Lantern Festival market, where both the person and the carriage disappeared.

The festival was lively. It was the end of the year, and travelers had returned, making the crowd dense. Xie Yu also had masters around her, so they dared not get too close. They followed from a distance but lost her after only a few steps. Not wanting to return empty-handed, they too entered the festival.

Nuongqin saw them enter the festival before returning to report. The Master was sitting in the carriage. She lifted the curtain and saw Xie Yu with her eyes closed. Nuongqin whispered: “They’ve gone in. Where should we go?”

Xie Yu said: “With the Lantern Festival being such a good occasion, Gu Ning will certainly be out. Go to Hengxiang Pavilion.”

That made sense. There were many girls at the festival, and it was the end of the year. They would have some money, making it the best time to earn some cash.

The coachman turned the carriage toward Hengxiang Pavilion. From afar, they saw a pair of bright red lanterns at the entrance. The Mo Xiang Zhai opposite had long since closed its doors, suggesting Xiao Kunning wasn’t managing it well.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of Hengxiang Pavilion. Gu Ning rushed out immediately, poking her head out to ask: “Master Xie, are you going to the Lantern Festival?”

Nuongqin half-bowed to Gu Ning: “The Master intends to. Is Proprietor Gu leaving?”

“Yes, wait for me.” Gu Ning hastily waved, turned back to instruct her staff, put on a fox fur cloak, and boarded the Xie estate’s carriage.

Once in the carriage, Gu Ning restrained her smile, wrapped her cloak around herself, and spoke: “After all this fuss, there are rumors outside that the Yan family wants to seize the Shen family’s military power. Did you spread this?”

Xie Yu shook her head: “Not me.”

Gu Ning was puzzled: “Then who did it?”

“Nine times out of ten, it’s Xiao Kunning,” Xie Yu said. Other than Xiao Kunning, no one else would be so foolish. She had received twenty thousand taels of silver a while ago and had nowhere to spend it. She was bold enough to meddle in these muddy waters.

Gu Ning did not ask further but continued: “The heir of Zhennan is returning to the capital, but Shen Rui hasn’t come back. I always feel the border is unsafe.”

Ostensibly, the Prince of Zhennan was killed while chasing someone, but why would he have no plan? He wouldn’t have rushed out without a comprehensive plan.

Xie Yu was quite calm, showing none of Gu Ning’s agitation or curiosity. She simply said: “We’ll have to wait until the heir of Zhennan returns.”

Gu Ning scoffed: “Can he even return?”

“That depends on the Shen family’s capability. If they don’t even have this plan, how can they talk about revitalizing the Shen family’s army?” Xie Yu said.

Gu Ning brought up another point: “The matter of inheriting the title will likely be even more difficult. The difference between the heir and the Prince of Zhennan is significant, and the Yan faction will definitely oppose it now.”

As the carriage approached the festival, the voices of the people became clearer, a lively sound infused with human warmth.

Xie Yu did not answer the question. She was silent, lost in her thoughts about Xiao Wenxue’s letter. The three of them were going to the festival, so why send a letter to inform her?

What exactly was Xiao Wenxue trying to say?

Gu Ning didn’t understand her thoughts. She had come out to have fun. It was boring to be miserable and dawdle. As soon as they reached the festival entrance, the carriage couldn’t squeeze any further. As she got out, she remembered something: “You rarely leave the estate. Why are you at the Lantern Festival?”

“Important business,” Xie Yu said indifferently.

Gu Ning didn’t believe her: “Is Xiao Kunning out? And she must be with someone else, right?”

The festival was filled not only with lanterns but also ornaments and small trinkets. Vendors cried out constantly, and stalls were everywhere. Finely dressed people were visible everywhere, crowding the paths—a scene of Chang’an’s bustling prosperity.

Nuongqin followed Xie Yu closely. After Gu Ning arrived at the festival by carriage, she left immediately to find Su Ying. Hengxiang Pavilion had set up a stall to sell zithers at the festival. Su Ying was watching it. Gu Ning rushed to find her and saw a familiar figure in front of a rabbit lantern: Wen Yu-ke, of the Ministry of Justice.

Wen Yu-ke and the girl opposite her were selling rouge and lip balm, all homemade. The boxes were simple, not as exquisite as those from a professional rouge shop.

Gu Ning stopped behind her and distinctly heard her words: “Are you suggesting the temperature wasn’t right?”

The girl said: “Yes. Based on what you said, the temperature must have been off. The rouge formed, but the colors blended improperly, showing a problem with the baking process.”

Wen Yu-ke makes rouge? Gu Ning was utterly surprised. The esteemed Assistant Minister of Justice was researching how to make rouge at home. Had she misheard? She pretended to be waiting for someone and peered at Wen Yu-ke.

Wen Yu-ke held a small, palm-sized box. She opened it, sniffed the scent, and examined the color. The girl opposite smiled: “Why don’t you buy a box to compare? Lip balm doesn’t have to be made only with peonies. Flowers are too expensive. You can definitely switch to another variety and only use peonies when you have mastered it.”

So she was making lip balm. This straightforward Assistant Minister of Justice, who seemed to have no romantic inclination, had a mind more meticulous than that of an ordinary girl, understanding how to make lip balm to please the girl she liked.

Truly, morals are declining. You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Having heard such a rare piece of news, Gu Ning dared not linger. She left to find Su Ying before she could be discovered.

Su Ying was no longer at the festival. A patient had found the festival looking for a doctor and had called her away. Gu Ning missed her and started wandering around the festival, waiting for Xie Yu.

Xie Yu wore a heavy fox fur cloak, but the lively festival did not reduce the coldness one bit. She felt better only when holding a hand warmer. The Master and her servant strolled along. Nuongqin bought a lantern and carried it, finally feeling like they belonged in the scene.

Zhao Can liked excitement, so she was probably wherever the crowd was thickest. Before long, a guard approached, whispered a few words into Nuongqin’s ear. Nuongqin nodded and led Xie Yu toward a tavern.

Zhao Can was pulling Xiao Kunning, guessing lantern riddles. Those who guessed correctly could win a plate of pastries. The pastries were exquisite, shaped like small red lanterns. Ordinary people would fall in love with them at a glance.

Xiao Kunning was completely clueless about the riddles, and Xiao Wenxue was equally stumped. Zhao Can pouted, refusing to leave, racking her brain to guess. The three of them stood fixed in front of the riddle display.

At some point, Nuongqin approached. Zhao Can looked left and right and, seeing Xie Yu, excitedly dragged her over: “Master, guess the riddles!”

The streets were full of beautiful lanterns. As night deepened, they sparkled like brocade. Xie Yu stood under the lights, her posture serene, looking like an immortal. The mortal smoke could not diminish her coolness.

Xiao Kunning looked at her and silently stepped back. Zhao Can unconsciously pushed the Master inward, bumping into the retreating Xiao Kunning.

The two collided. Xiao Kunning instinctively reached out to steady Xie Yu. Her hand touched Xie Yu’s waist. Beneath the heavy fox fur was a jade pendant, which somehow she accidentally pulled off.

The jade pendant was warm and smooth in her grasp.

Xie Yu quickly stood straight, actively pulling Xiao Kunning closer to her, and whispered: “Why are you hiding?”

There were people in front and behind them. They were practically shoulder-to-shoulder. Xiao Kunning didn’t like being so close to Xie Yu. She shoved the jade pendant into Xie Yu’s hand and tried to leave.

Xie Yu took the pendant but held her hand tightly: “It’s crowded. Be careful.”

Everything seemed natural, but Xiao Wenxue, standing behind them, caught a trace of a smile on Xie Yu’s lips. Xie Yu was still the same Master Xie, unromantic and only capable of secretly manipulating things. Xiao Wenxue stepped out of the crowd and, seeing Wen Yu-ke’s relieved expression, instinctively avoided her.

There were too many people, and avoidance was impossible. People were rubbing shoulders. Wen Yu-ke was squeezed in front of her. The two met face-to-face. Xiao Kunning bowed first: “Minister Wen.”

The girl’s eyes were smiling. Her delicate body was jostled by passersby. Wen Yu-ke frowned and said: “It’s too crowded here. Why don’t you find a tavern to rest?”

Xiao Wenxue didn’t object. She also wanted to give Xie Yu and A’ning a chance. She turned to look for Zhao Can.

Xie Yu had guessed the riddle. Zhao Can hugged the plate of steaming pastries and walked away. Xie Yu saw Wen Yu-ke on the side and instinctively blocked Xiao Kunning’s view: “Why are you out today?”

“Sister and the County Princess wanted to come out,” Xiao Kunning said. Facing Xie Yu, the wide robe blocked the light in front of her. Looking up, she could see the lantern light reflecting in Xie Yu’s eyes, bright and brilliant.

She felt it was improper to be so close to Xie Yu and consciously stepped back a few steps. Xie Yu grabbed her wrist: “Let’s go outside.”

Zhao Can was long gone, having disappeared without a trace after getting the pastries. Even Nuongqin was separated by the crowd. It was easy to get separated in a lively place.

The two had no choice but to wait by the roadside. Finely dressed people were common at the festival. Some noble families had also brought their relatives out to play. Xie Yu, in a light-colored robe, was not conspicuous in the dim night.

They waited by the roadside for a moment. Meanwhile, Zhao Can was sitting in a tavern, eating pastries in small bites. Xiao Wenxue frowned beside her: “County Princess, aren’t you worried about them being dirty?”

Zhao Can took a big bite of a ‘little lantern.’ Her mouth was sweet, and her heart was even sweeter. She comfortably squinted: “No. They won’t be poisoned. As long as there’s no poison, it’s fine. Sister Xiao, do you want a piece?”

“No, I won’t fight you for it,” Xiao Wenxue smiled. Wen Yu-ke stood by the window, looking down, her gaze fixed on Xiao Kunning by the roadside.

It was night. Even with the lights, she couldn’t clearly see the people below. She couldn’t see Xiao Kunning’s expression, but she could see Xie Yu holding her hand.

Xiao Wenxue also walked over and saw the people below. She breathed a sigh of relief, hoping Xie Yu wouldn’t mess things up again. A’ning was someone who responded to kindness, not coercion. If you were tough on her, she could be tougher than you. She was eight parts like Zhao Xiran in temperament.

Tonight’s outing was not bad. Xie Yu finally getting a clue was the best thing. As she turned, she noticed Wen Yu-ke still standing there, seeming to stare at Xie Yu and A’ning. She felt something was wrong. What was Wen Yu-ke looking at?

“Minister Wen, what are you looking at?”

Wen Yu-ke’s tense expression eased slightly. She turned around, her frown resolving. She smiled and said: “It’s crowded today. Just looking around randomly.”

Randomly? The focused look just now was not randomly looking around. Xiao Wenxue saw through it but didn’t reveal it, refraining from asking further questions. Not asking didn’t mean she believed her, and she became more cautious.

At the other end of the market, Gaoyang was slowly walking, dragging the unwilling Zhao Xiran. Zhao Xiran was full of reluctance. Being dragged out by a woman like this made him lose face, especially at the boring Lantern Festival. What was so fun about it?

Gaoyang didn’t care whether he was willing or not. It was a rare chance to relax today. If she didn’t come out to relieve her frustration, she would be suffocated. She bought a lantern and handed it to Zhao Xiran: “Here.”

Zhao Xiran couldn’t help but give her a sharp look: “How old are you? Are you childish? My daughter doesn’t even play with this. How can you still play?”

Gaoyang immediately changed her expression: “Say that again. Do you believe I’ll let Bishu propose marriage to the Xiao estate tomorrow? If we can’t be a couple, let the two of them marry. We can be joyful in-laws who oppose each other.”

Zhao Xiran obediently shut up. That Bishu looked weird and didn’t seem like a good person. Ningning marrying Xie Yu was better than marrying Bishu.

The two walked aimlessly until they encountered Xie Yu, instantly surprised. Seeing the person next to her, they immediately understood. They planned to go forward but heard a scream: “Murder…”

Regardless of whether it was Xie Yu or Bai Yu, Gaoyang grabbed Zhao Xiran and ran. Zhao Xiran refused to go: “A’ning is there!”

“Xie Yu is there! What are you afraid of? Saving ourselves is more important,” Gaoyang dragged him away. That little fox Xie Yu was there. Going over would be seeking death. Xie Yu, being so austere, coming to the Lantern Festival must mean she had some sinister plot.

Zhao Xiran was dragged away, realizing that Gaoyang’s speed in escaping was extremely fast. She would definitely be first in an 800-meter race.

After the two fled, the tavern became completely chaotic. The assassins were not targeting Xie Yu. Instead, they rushed into the tavern and started slashing and killing indiscriminately, scaring the common people, who all hid under the tables.

Xiao Kunning initially thought the assassins were coming to kill Xie Yu, but upon seeing over ten people rush inside, she relaxed. She grabbed Xie Yu’s hand and followed the crowd to escape.

As they fled, Xie Yu glanced at the tavern, her look profound. Her cool face showed a hint of disturbance. The assassins came from the east, so they fled to the west.

People were stepping on each other, making it impossible to go far. Fortunately, the assassins had all gone to the tavern, but the people outside, unaware of the assassins’ intentions, desperately fled west.

Xiao Kunning was worried about Xiao Wenxue’s safety. She couldn’t find her for a moment. Looking left and right, she was accidentally bumped, falling to the ground, and someone stepped on the back of her hand.

Xie Yu did not hesitate. She reached out and pulled her up, supporting her as they walked west. When they left the festival, many people had scattered. Xiao Kunning’s small face was pale with pain. They couldn’t worry about that now. Xie Yu held her wrist, watching the passersby flee anxiously.

The entire market was in chaos. The sudden appearance of murderers had caused people to panic and run.

Xie Yu grasped Xiao Kunning’s wrist, worried that this clumsy girl would be pushed down again. Xiao Kunning ignored the burning pain, looking around for Xiao Wenxue and Zhao Can. Xie Yu refused to let go. Xiao Kunning’s hand was already numb from the pain and she didn’t care until Nuongqin appeared from nowhere.

Nuongqin bowed to them: “Master, it’s dangerous here. The carriage is not far ahead. Let’s return to the estate first. The City Defense Camp is arriving soon.”

Xiao Kunning anxiously said: “The County Princess is still inside.” Zhao Can’s status was more honorable than Xiao Wenxue’s, so she could only use Zhao Can as an excuse.

Nuongqin replied: “Forget the County Princess. Even if His Majesty were inside, he couldn’t be rescued right now.”

Xiao Kunning was frantic. She suddenly felt a strong pull on her wrist. She realized Xie Yu was still there and immediately spoke to her: “Master, go save them.”

Xie Yu did not hesitate. She nodded to Nuongqin: “Escort the two of them out safely.”

Around 9 PM, Li Ye, the commander of the City Defense Camp, arrived, riding his horse slowly without any sense of urgency. Xiao Kunning looked on disdainfully. Xie Yu timely pressed her down: “Listen, don’t speak carelessly. Use your brain.”

Xiao Kunning: “…” She was indeed unconvinced, but she hadn’t intended to speak to this commander. Xie Yu is still so self-righteous.

Xie Yu finally released Xiao Kunning and stepped forward, calling out: “Li Ye.”

Li Ye was impatient, wondering who had the audacity to call him by his full name. Seeing the person by the roadside, he was so shocked he tumbled off his horse. He ran to Xie Yu in small steps: “It’s the Grand Tutor! Why are you here? Were you disturbed?”

Xiao Kunning looked away dismissively. Li Ye was one of Prime Minister Yan’s men. In the previous life, after Prime Minister Yan died, Xie Yu confiscated his property and executed him by dismemberment in public on the street.

Dismemberment meant slicing the flesh off the criminal piece by piece, ensuring that the criminal did not die until the last cut. It was said that day that Li Ye’s screams were so terrifying that even strong men were scared, and children went home with nightmares.

Xie Yu glanced at the hundreds of men behind him and said flatly: “By the time Commander Li arrived, the assassins had long fled.”

Li Ye was terrified. He was usually sleepless, and now he had encountered Xie Yu. Everyone knew this Grand Tutor was easy to talk to, but she wouldn’t tolerate any rubbish. Tonight, the people above had deliberately told him to arrive late, but they hadn’t said Xie Yu would be there.

If he had known Xie Yu was present, he would have arrived early. Even if he wanted to explain now, Xie Yu would not believe him.

Xie Yu had no intention of arguing with him. She kindly reminded him: “The little County Princess of Prince Gaoyang is inside. If you are slow, you won’t see her.”

Prince Gaoyang only had this daughter after turning forty. If anything happened to her… Li Ye felt a headache coming on just thinking about it. Without waiting for the Grand Tutor to urge him, he flipped onto his horse and rushed inside to search for people.

Xie Yu settled the matter with a single sentence and was about to lead Xiao Kunning away as usual.

Xiao Kunning was not so foolish. She didn’t let her hold her hand: “I can walk by myself.”

Her cold refusal reminded Xie Yu of Wen Yu-ke tonight. She stiffly reached out and grabbed her wrist: “I’m afraid you’ll fall again. You’re so grown up, yet you fall when you walk. Shouldn’t you think about what’s wrong with that?”

I have to think about what’s wrong with falling? Xiao Kunning fell into the pit Xie Yu dug: “What’s wrong with that?”

Xie Yu’s lips curved slightly: “Everything is wrong.”

Xiao Kunning: “…” Why did I believe this woman’s nonsense again?

After the City Defense Camp entered, the two finally boarded the carriage. Xie Yu instructed the coachman: “Return to the Xie estate.”

Xiao Kunning’s eyelid twitched: “I want to return to the Xiao estate.”

Xie Yu had already released her and was leaning against the carriage wall, looking tired. She said indifferently: “Madam Xiao has many rules. Not only are you returning so haggard, but if you tell her that Miss Xiao Wenxue is lost, you will be scolded again. You’ll be resentful and will definitely argue, causing chaos throughout the estate.”

The words were so clearly stated that the breath caught in Xiao Kunning’s throat, making it impossible to refute. Given Luo Shi’s temper, she really might cause a scene, which would be embarrassing for everyone. Moreover, they were the ones who left the estate first. Causing such an incident was not entirely Luo Shi’s fault for being angry.

Hiding out at the Xie estate for a while was not a bad idea.

Before the carriage left the main street, they saw large numbers of soldiers rushing toward the festival. The heavy sound of footsteps drowned out the shouting from the market, adding a chilling atmosphere to the late night.

When they arrived at the Xie estate gate, the doorman came to greet them. Gu Ning walked out from inside the estate. Seeing the two of them unharmed, she said: “Those people were targeting Wen Yu-ke.”

Xiao Kunning shuddered, almost in disbelief. Wen Yu-ke had no enemies. Why would someone go to such lengths to kill her?

Gu Ning hadn’t noticed her reaction. Xie Yu, standing in front of her, glanced at Gu Ning: “No one thinks you’re mute if you don’t speak. If they weren’t targeting her, you can pick a sash and hang yourself from the southeast branch.”

“Why are you so fierce?” Gu Ning was confused by the scolding. After thinking it over, she didn’t feel she had said anything wrong. Wen Yu-ke was destined to have a short life the moment she took on that old case. Prime Minister Yan valued his reputation so much that he wouldn’t let her go.

She looked at Xie Yu. She remembered that Xie Yu had recommended Wen Yu-ke to the Emperor. What exactly was Xie Yu’s intention?

Behind every coincidence in the world is a problem. She didn’t believe Xie Yu trusted Wen Yu-ke so much as to painstakingly cultivate her.

Xiao Kunning vaguely followed Xie Yu into the estate. Gu Ning trailed behind, wanting to ask Xie Yu but not daring to. It was indeed inconvenient to speak in front of Xiao Kunning.

Hot water was ready in the hall. Xie Yu wrung out a cloth and walked toward Xiao Kunning’s wrist.

Xiao Kunning was in good health, but her skin was snowy white, bruising easily. Now, the entire back of her hand was red and swollen. How could she dare let Xie Yu wait on her? She quickly stood up and said: “Your student will do it herself.”

Xie Yu held her hand and didn’t let go: “Do you consider yourself my student? How many of the Master’s words have you listened to? When I tell you to sit down, it is an order.”

Gu Ning, on the side, twitched her mouth. Was Xie Yu coaxing a girl or ordering a student? Her good intentions were ruined by her mouth. She shook her head and sighed: “Master Xie, do you know that the couple next door to my house got divorced?”

Xie Yu’s words were harsh, but her touch was very gentle and soft. The cloth lightly wiped the bruised area, causing only a mild, bearable pain. Hearing Gu Ning’s words, she curiously asked: “Why did they divorce?”

Gu Ning walked over to her, sighing deeply: “The wife felt her husband didn’t pay enough attention to her. He always called her foolish and disobedient and never said a single word of concern. After three years of marriage, she felt no warmth whatsoever. In a fit of anger, she divorced him. They separated, and each went their own way to find happiness.”

Xiao Kunning didn’t understand the underlying meaning and criticized the husband: “It was only a matter of words. Why couldn’t he say something pleasant?”

Gu Ning clapped her hands: “Exactly! Do you think it’s fair? Look, he took care of her. He did everything. He was clearly concerned about her, but his mouth was stubborn, causing her to feel resentment. Miss Xiao, if you met someone like that, would you divorce him?”

Since it didn’t concern her, Xiao Kunning said casually: “If I loved him, I would tolerate it. If I didn’t love him, I definitely wouldn’t, and I would divorce him.”

Xie Yu, who was turning to wet the cloth, lifted her eyelids and looked at Gu Ning.

Gu Ning felt a chill down her spine, but she also felt wronged. She had kindly helped her, only to receive a scornful look. It was truly a thankless task. She turned to Xiao Kunning and said: “I wouldn’t tolerate such a person. Liking him is worse than liking wood outside or ice in a lake. If all else fails, it’s better to grow old alone than suffer cold words every day. Miss Xiao, you must not be soft-hearted.”

Xiao Kunning became increasingly confused. What did she mean by ‘she must not be soft-hearted’? The couple’s divorce had nothing to do with her. Thinking this, the water in the basin splashed out. She heard a voice filled with anger: “Get out.”

Xie Yu was angry.

Gu Ning grumbled twice and sat down on the rosewood chair, refusing to leave. Instead, she leaned against the back of the chair, crossed her legs, looking comfortable and carefree. She pointed at Xie Yu and said: “Miss Xiao, your Master is exactly this kind of person. That’s why she’s twenty-two, almost twenty-three after the New Year, and no one wants to marry her. If I were your Master, I would have long since shaved my head and become a nun to avoid harming any more girls.”

Xiao Kunning finally understood what was going on. Xie Yu had a girl she liked. She winked at Gu Ning: “Who is the Master interested in?”

Gu Ning smiled playfully: “You want to know?”