My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 43.1

The name Shen Ruì brought with it a great stabilizing effect. Xiè Yú understood Xiāo Kūnníng’s subtle feelings for Shen Ruì too well; gratitude and affection were two different things. Shen Ruì had done too much for Xiāo Kūnníng, so much that it was woven into every moment over the years.

The two quietly walked toward the study. Xiāo Wénxuě was led over by her maid but paused when she saw their tightly clasped hands. She felt like she had come at the wrong time, and without getting close, she pulled her maid behind the rockery to hide.

Has Teacher Xiè finally opened up?

The possibility wasn’t great. She chose to continue observing, peering out from behind the rockery. As the two drew closer, Ah Níng’s brows were deeply furrowed, while Teacher Xiè’s lips curved into a smile. This was different from what she had imagined.

Could it be that even holding hands is forced? If Teacher Xiè has opened up, maybe it would have been better if she hadn’t. Ah Níng’s nature follows Zhào Xīirán’s; soft persuasion might work, but forcing her will only push her further away.

Only after they had walked far away did she dare to step out from behind the rockery. Her maid did not understand her intention: “The Teacher is right there, why did the young lady hide?”

Xiāo Kūnníng smiled gently: “So as not to ruin other people’s good deeds.”

The maid did not understand, and escorted Miss Xiāo back to her quarters.

Nòng Qín followed and bowed to Xiāo Wénxuě, saying, “The Teacher asked me to deliver a message. She understands Miss Xiāo’s kind intentions, and if you ever face difficulties in the future, the Teacher will certainly assist with all her might. This is her private token.”

Xiè Yú’s gift was too grand, causing Xiāo Wénxuě to hesitate to accept it. Setting aside the events of the previous life, the current Xiè Yú was still her respected teacher, a saint in the public eye. Accepting such a major gift from her was inappropriate.

She smiled and refused: “I cannot accept such a grand gift from the Teacher.”

Nòng Qín presented a jade huáng (a semi-circular pendant) to her. The character “Xiè” was engraved upon it. She insisted, “The Teacher’s private token will be very helpful to you in the future. She said that she will need your help later on.”

Taking a gift obligates one. Xiāo Wénxuě felt like she had been tricked by Xiè Yú. Although Xiè Yú was a deeply prejudiced person, she was true to her word. If the tragedy of the previous life were to happen again in the future, she could hold this jade huáng and ask Xiè Yú to reconsider.

Thinking this way, she accepted it with a clear conscience, saying, “Please tell the Teacher not to let Ah Níng know about this matter.”

Nòng Qín nodded in agreement.

****

Inside the study, Xiāo Kūnníng was satisfied as she reviewed the documents and letters on the desk. The events that occurred last night had also happened in her previous life, but it was on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in the following year. It was said that on that day, the assassins were driven to a bloodthirsty frenzy, killing everyone they saw, regardless of whether they were children or the elderly.

Compared to the hundred or so people now, there had clearly been some change. However, some people still died. The names on the list were the same as those in her memory, such as the wife of the Minister of Revenue, who was reportedly hacked several times before she died. When collecting the body, her fingers were incomplete.

When Zhào Jì returned and spoke of it that day, his face was pale, showing how miserable the sight was.

The timing had been moved forward, but it hadn’t completely deviated from the trajectory of the original world. Perhaps because Yán Rúyù had become the Noble Consort, many things had changed accordingly. For example, the young prince was still safe to this day. Prime Minister Yán had become Zhào Miǎn’s father-in-law, and he would probably have to change his political faction.

Xiè Yú saw her staring at the list, felt a pang in her heart, took it back, and instead handed her the documents concerning the border: “This is what you should be looking at.”

Battles continuously broke out on the border. Shen Ruì led the troops to resist the enemy. With her father and brother absent, she had become the leader of the Shěn Family Army, maintaining a clean reputation, free of scandal. Xiāo Kūnníng felt very content. A person like Shen Ruì deserved to live openly and honestly in the world, obtain the love she desires, and live a happy life.

The most critical matter was the return of the Shěn family’s heir. How would the court deal with the affairs of the Zhennan Princely Estate? Xiè Yú was a favorite of Zhào Miǎn. Thinking of this, she tentatively asked, “Will the Heir succeed to the title?”

Succeeding to the title would mean that the Zhennan Princely Estate was safe.

“If you want to know the court’s decision regarding the Zhennan Princely Estate, you can just say so directly. Why beat around the bush and drag things out?” Xiè Yú was displeased. All Xiāo Kūnníng thought about was Wén Yuké and Shen Ruì. She even handled matters for Shen Ruì after receiving money.

Xiè Yú was still the same person who was unforgiving when she was right. Xiāo Kūnníng dismissed the idea that Xiè Yú had taken the wrong medicine. After a moment of hesitation, she pretended not to want to know: “Teacher is overthinking. You and Shen Ruì are also friends. Aren’t you concerned?”

Concerned? Xiè Yú sneered. Shen Ruì had high martial arts skills, and even though her father was dead, she still had an elder brother. Why should she worry too much?

Instead of worrying about Shen Ruì, she should worry about when the little fool, Xiāo Kūnníng, would open up. Xiāo Wénxuě could figure things out, so why couldn’t the little fool perceive anything? Gù Níng said it was her fault.

If it were her fault, how did Xiāo Wénxuě know? Clearly, Xiāo Kūnníng was still a little dim-witted.

Gù Níng said to coax her, so she had to coax her. She said, “The things you do outside will be investigated sooner or later. It’s not too late to stop now.”

Xiāo Kūnníng pretended to be dull: “A student like me, who doesn’t step outside the door, looks like someone who would do bad things?”

Xiè Yú’s gaze fell on the disciplinary ruler on the table. How should a student who repeatedly fails to mend their ways be dealt with? Hitting the palm of the hand was light. A student who repeatedly fails to mend their ways should be expelled from the school.

“Whether you look like it or not, only you know. If something truly goes wrong, don’t claim to be my student.”

Xiāo Kūnníng was utterly annoyed and refused to continue the conversation with her. She then opened several other letters, which were all about minor local affairs and had no major impact. When she put them down casually, Xiè Yú said, “Small matters can also become big matters in the future. For example, the local official’s corruption in your hand. It seems insignificant, but if you connect it to what’s behind it, you might discover something big. If you think deeper, it is highly likely to be linked to certain officials within the capital.”

“To think about every single letter like this, when will I finish reading?” Xiāo Kūnníng was astonished. She had assisted Zhào Jì in reviewing memorials and had seen countless major and minor affairs. Most of them were just glanced over, not as intricate as Xiè Yú described.

Xiè Yú was taking advantage of her ignorance.

“To achieve control over every matter, do you think it’s very simple? Your weakness is your slight laziness,” Xiè Yú said.

Being lectured for no reason made Xiāo Kūnníng inexplicably irritable, but Xiè Yú’s words were reasonable. The knowledge Zhào Jì gained back then came from memorials from all over the country. He was often deceived by court officials, which made his grasp of affairs less comprehensive than Xiè Yú’s.

She blinked, curiously asking, “Teacher, what time do you sleep every day?”

The girl was lively and cunning, like a little fox who had just emerged from the mountains, feeling clever but being played by others in the dark. Since she was being played regardless, Xiè Yú felt peace of mind while teasing her and poked her between the brows: “The end of the hài hour [9:00 PM to 11:00 PM].”

Xiāo Kūnníng was puzzled. That wasn’t late. Zhào Jì sometimes didn’t rest until the zǐ hour [11:00 PM to 1:00 AM]. In comparison, Xiè Yú seemed very relaxed. She didn’t understand.

“Taking everything upon yourself will make you tired as an ox. It’s better to choose a few trusted confidants,” Xiè Yú exposed the little fool’s confusion.

Xiāo Kūnníng: “…”

Xiè Yú continued, “Knowing people is also a skill. How do you think your judgment is?”

Xiāo Kūnníng stayed silent. In her previous life, she had quite a network of contacts, but most of them had been scared away by Xiè Yú. The only one who proved useful was Wén Yuké.

In this sense, her judgment was extremely poor. She would die before speaking the truth.

Xiè Yú’s lips curved into a smile. She didn’t press, letting her continue reading, and sat to the side waiting for her.

Xiāo Kūnníng roughly looked over the documents and was once again shocked by the source of Xiè Yú’s intelligence. Since Xiè Yú had seen through her intentions, she stopped pretending and said, “Teacher, where did these documents come from?”

“What? Are you trying to uncover my secrets?” Xiè Yú glanced at her, then found her honest and cute, so she said, “If you find this interesting, you are welcome to stay here.”

Xiāo Kūnníng was not a fool. For Xiè Yú to accomplish so many things, she must have her own network. Thinking about how quickly Xiè Yú took over the court in the previous life, it was clear she had been planning for a long time.

After her death, Xiè Yú faced no obstacles and should have become the Female Emperor.

She directly refused Xiè Yú’s invitation. One must have the capability to conspire with a tiger, and in this regard, she had a very strong self-awareness.

The two casually ate lunch in the study and didn’t leave until dusk.

At this time, the latest intelligence was delivered: the Patrol Army had mutinied.

Zhào Miǎn had been on the throne for four years, and Lǐ Yè had commanded the Patrol Army for eight years. His roots were clearly deep. His subordinates were protesting on behalf of their commander, disregarding the principle of respecting the Son of Heaven.

A court attendant came to summon Xiè Yú to the palace to formulate a countermeasure. After receiving the decree, Xiè Yú rushed to the palace without even changing her robes. Remembering Wén Yuké in the courtyard, she took Xiāo Kūnníng with her.

Zhào Càn was taking things as they came; he would absolutely not leave unless Xiè Yú drove him away. As for Xiāo Wénxuě, she also stayed, concerned about Xiāo Kūnníng’s situation. After learning that Xiè Yú had taken Ah Níng away, she ordered a chessboard and played a game with Zhào Càn to pass the time.

****

The young Emperor sat in the Hánguāng Hall, furious. Yán Huáizhēn leaned back casually in a seat below, while the others did not dare to sit so calmly, anxiously pacing in the hall.

The Patrol Army consisted of twenty thousand men. During the mutiny, thousands of soldiers shouted that Commander Lǐ was innocent, openly challenging the court.

Xiè Yú arrived last, followed by a little tag-along. Everyone knew that the person who followed her out of Guānzhī Study was most likely the female official Xiè Yú had chosen.

Zhào Miǎn was in no mood to worry about the arrival of this one girl. Before Xiè Yú could sit down, he spoke: “Did the Grand Tutor see the protesting soldiers outside when you arrived? They are simply reckless and audacious, daring to sing against Us! They are unforgivable.”

Xiè Yú slowly sat down. Xiāo Kūnníng was unaware of the situation today and quietly observed the several officials. The Six Ministers were all present. They sat together, speaking, but their seats were to Xiè Yú’s left, acknowledging her as the superior. Directly opposite Xiè Yú was Yán Huáizhēn. The two sat facing each other, which showed that Xiè Yú and Yán Huáizhēn were on equal footing.

Everyone said the Prime Minister was the head of all officials, but judging by the seating arrangement for today’s deliberation, Xiè Yú was surpassing her elders.

Xiè Yú spoke without looking up: “Their mutiny is indeed for Lǐ Yè, but they have neglected the fact that Your Majesty is the sovereign. Mutiny is tantamount to rebellion. This trend must not be allowed to grow. If they want to save Lǐ Yè, Your Majesty should execute Lǐ Yè right in front of them. Firstly, for inadequate governance. Secondly, for rebellion. He should be punished according to the law. Furthermore, immediately instruct the Jīnwǔ Guard (Golden Feather Guard) to take command of the Patrol Army’s soldiers. Anyone who resists should be executed on the spot.”

Everyone was shocked. Even Xiāo Kūnníng was stunned by Xiè Yú’s suggestion: Use chaos to quell chaos, use killing to quell killing.

Qí Shānbăi, the Minister of Rites, felt this was inappropriate and said, “It is too ruthless; I fear they will be disgruntled.”

Xiè Yú said, “I just said that rebellion is punishable by death. Giving them a chance to repent is Your Majesty’s benevolence, not a reason for them to stir up trouble.”

Yán Huáizhēn was secretly delighted. Xiè Yú’s move would undoubtedly offend the Patrol Army. He seized the opportunity to retort, “The Grand Tutor is too heartless. Lǐ Yè’s negligence is one thing, but it does not warrant the crime of rebellion.”

Xiè Yú was gentle and looked smilingly at Prime Minister Yán opposite her: “Then tell me, who instigated today’s mutiny? Was it His Majesty?”

“Of course, it was not His Majesty, but the Grand Tutor does not need to go to such extremes,” Yán Huáizhēn felt that Xiè Yú was confused. The Great Zhōu Dynasty governed with benevolence, and would never be so arbitrary. By standing against the Patrol Army, Xiè Yú was forcing herself into a dead end.

Xiè Yú showed no sign of ‘realization’ and continued, “Killing a chicken to scare the monkeys.”

Prime Minister Yán wanted to say more, but Zhào Miǎn called out, “Summon the Commander of the Jīnwǔ Guard to see Us.”

The Emperor adopted Xiè Yú’s suggestion. Xiāo Kūnníng was not at all surprised. At his core, Zhào Miǎn believed in the absolute supremacy of the Emperor. Anyone disloyal to him must be eliminated.

Zhào Miǎn ordered the Jīnwǔ Guard to surround the Patrol Army’s barracks, and to additionally dispatch troops to guard the palace city. The officials were to remain in the hall and not be allowed to leave, to prevent them from sending messages. He then ordered Xiè Yú to take command of the Patrol Army.

Prime Minister Yán was shocked when he heard the last sentence. He rose and bowed, saying, “Your Majesty, the Grand Tutor is but a woman. How can she take command of the Patrol Army?”

Xiè Yú also said, “Prime Minister Yán has a point.”

The others felt relieved after hearing that Xiè Yú was to take command of the Patrol Army and did not echo Prime Minister Yán’s objection. The Emperor waved his hand at Prime Minister Yán, “We trust the Grand Tutor to handle this matter.”

Xiāo Kūnníng inwardly scoffed. Both of the Zhào brothers deeply trusted Xiè Yú, and she didn’t know what they were thinking.

After the matter was settled, Xiè Yú received the decree and left the palace. Xiāo Kūnníng was about to follow her steps, but Zhào Miǎn said, “Young Lady, stay.”

Xiè Yú’s footsteps halted. Dark clouds gathered in her eyes, and she subconsciously said, “Wait for me to return.” She turned and nodded to the Minister of Rites, who understood her meaning and bowed back.

Xiāo Kūnníng stayed behind, serving as the Emperor’s hostage.

The happiest person was undoubtedly Yán Huáizhēn. The Emperor keeping Xiè Yú’s person as a hostage showed that he did not completely trust Xiè Yú either.

The Emperor waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave. The Minister of Rites, having been instructed by Xiè Yú, wanted to escort Xiāo Kūnníng out, but the Emperor stopped him: “This young lady looks familiar. Which family are you from?”

The Minister of Rites felt helpless and had no choice but to wait outside the hall.

Xiāo Kūnníng was not afraid. Zhào Miǎn wouldn’t dare to do anything to her; he was merely keeping her to talk. Zhào Miǎn’s actions were disheartening, but she could not show her dissatisfaction. She smiled and said, “This subject’s daughter is Xiāo Kūnníng, the legitimate second daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Xiāo Míngwàng.”

Zhào Miǎn contemplated briefly. The daughter raised by the Zhào family in Jiāngnán (South of the Yangtze River). He recalled the affairs of the Jiāngnán Merchant Association and felt a sense of melancholy. He continued, “Jiāngnán is a good place.