My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 44

The Grand Tutor, Xiè Yú, rode away, leaving behind thousands of Jīnwǔ Guard troops. Everyone assumed the Grand Tutor was in a hurry to return to the palace to report and said little.

Xiè Yú galloped her horse to the front of the Hánguāng Hall. A court attendant personally came forward to take the reins. Others felt displeasure seeing Xiè Yú ride a horse into the palace, but Xiè Yú paid them no mind and entered the hall alone.

The charcoal fire was blazing fiercely inside the Hánguāng Hall. Xiè Yú walked in, covered in cold air, and suddenly coughed twice. Feeling a slight dizziness, she steadied her steps. The court attendant, being observant, quickly offered her a hand-warmer. Xiè Yú thanked him softly, bowed to the Emperor, and immediately spoke: “The two Deputy Commanders of the Patrol Army will soon come to beg Your Majesty for forgiveness. There must be someone behind them instigating this. Your Majesty should first appease the situation, and then investigate the person behind it.”

Xiè Yú’s nose was red from the cold, her hair slightly dishevelled, yet her overall demeanor was as stable as Mount Tai, prompting people to instinctively overlook her slight discomfiture.

Zhào Miǎn ordered a seat to be granted to her and said in a relaxed tone, “We knew the Grand Tutor would not disappoint Us. However, Lǐ Yè cannot be spared. As for those two Deputy Commanders, they also harboured ill intentions, but since the Grand Tutor intercedes, We will merely deduct some of their salary. Now that the Grand Tutor has resolved this matter, does the Grand Tutor have a candidate for the new Commander?”

The hall was brightly lit. Xiè Yú, illuminated by the candlelight, was beautiful and coolly elegant. The Emperor stared at her, unable to look away. A woman being talented was also a good thing for him.

One day, sooner or later, he would bring Xiè Yú into his imperial bed.

Xiè Yú smiled lightly: “We presume Your Majesty already has a candidate in mind?”

Zhào Miǎn possessed the talent of an Emperor and also had ruthless methods. Although there were many inconveniences under the restraint of the Empress Dowager, he had accomplished everything he needed to do. Now, with the Empress Dowager and Prime Minister Yán slightly at odds, Zhào Miǎn was the fisherman who benefited.

Zhào Miǎn gazed at Xiè Yú’s beauty, the corner of his lips curving diagonally, not concealing his desire, and said, “We favour the Grand Tutor.”

Xiè Yú replied with a faint smile: “It is my honour to be trusted by Your Highness.”

“Good. The Grand Tutor is truly an exceptional woman. It is settled then.” Zhào Miǎn decided with a slam of his hand. He knew he could not take down the Yán family and the Empress Dowager without her strength.

Xiè Yú covered her lips and coughed a few times. Zhào Miǎn immediately felt concern: “Is the Grand Tutor unwell?”

Xiè Yú stood up and apologized: “I caught some wind, but it is nothing serious. May I know where Xiāo Kūnníng is? I will go and fetch her back to the manor.”

Speaking of Xiāo Kūnníng, a look of delight appeared on Zhào Miǎn’s face, and he said, “This Miss Xiāo is extremely intelligent. The Grand Tutor has excellent judgement.”

Xiè Yú deliberately feigned indifference: “Xiāo Kūnníng is indeed quite good. I intend to select her for court service.”

Zhào Miǎn refused: “Joining the court may not be suitable for her. Is she engaged?”

Xiè Yú’s hands, holding the hand-warmer, trembled slightly. Her expression remained as composed as water, and she said, “I do not know.”

“So you don’t know. Well, let it be then. We will summon Minister Xiāo another day to ask,” Zhào Miǎn said regretfully.

Xiè Yú, however, said, “I heard that she had a slight dispute with the Noble Consort in the Guānzhī Study.”

Zhào Miǎn was surprised: “Why?”

Xiè Yú shook her head, feigning ignorance: “Matters between young girls can be complicated, but they are all trivial things that should not be taken to court.”

Zhào Miǎn now relied on Yán Rúyù, using her to muddy the waters between the Empress Dowager and Prime Minister Yán. Xiāo Kūnníng had no powerful backing, and to Zhào Miǎn, she was useless apart from a beautiful face.

Zhào Miǎn was displeased but did not show it. His eyes darkened with gloom, and he seemed dispirited, saying, “The Grand Tutor has worked hard. Please return to your residence to rest. We will have someone guide you to fetch her.”

“I take my leave.” Xiè Yú did not say another word, bowed, and withdrew. She returned the hand-warmer to the court attendant and rushed without stopping to find Xiāo Kūnníng.

The residence where Xiāo Kūnníng was resting was not far from the Hánguāng Hall. The cold wind blew against her face, and the palace lantern in her hand swayed violently. The wind whistled loudly, making the sound alone feel cold.

When Xiè Yú arrived, she felt her whole body was numb from the wind. She walked on stiff legs toward the hall.

As the hall door opened, Xiāo Kūnníng sat up in surprise and hastily walked out. Seeing it was Xiè Yú, she let out a sigh of relief. Xiè Yú’s face was extremely pale, like white paper, as if she might collapse at any moment.

Xiāo Kūnníng instinctively walked towards her and reached out without thinking. When her warm hand touched Xiè Yú’s icy one, she recoiled in alarm: “Teacher, your body is so cold.”

In her haste, she forgot the events of her previous life. She pulled Xiè Yú to the charcoal basin to warm her hands.

Xiè Yú noticed the anxiety in her expression and, somehow, her heart felt entirely at ease in that moment. She gazed at the hand that was holding hers.

The long, jade-like fingers were glowing, being warmed by the charcoal fire. They were beautiful, with more distinct edges than the plump little hand of many years ago.

Xiāo Kūnníng didn’t notice these details. She only felt that the two of them were now grasshoppers on the same string and couldn’t afford to be estranged. When Xiè Yú’s hand felt slightly warmer, she proactively let go: “Can we leave now?”

“Yes.” Xiè Yú felt a little dizzy. After resting for a while, she felt better and left the palace with Xiāo Kūnníng.

When they left the palace, the soldiers of the Patrol Army who had been petitioning were already gone. Xiāo Kūnníng lifted the carriage curtain for a look. The palace gate was empty, majestic, and eerie.

Xiè Yú leaned against the carriage wall. She wanted to talk to Xiāo Kūnníng but felt too weak. Fearing that she might say something she shouldn’t, she decided to remain silent.

Upon reaching the Xiè Manor, Nòng Qín came to greet them, helped Xiè Yú out of the carriage, and simultaneously reported the follow-up events regarding the Patrol Army.

Xiè Yú’s head was heavy and her feet were light. She leaned on Nòng Qín’s arm and walked toward the manor. Nòng Qín’s words buzzed in her ears, but she didn’t catch any of it. As she stepped over the threshold, a wave of dizziness hit her, and she collapsed forward.

Nòng Qín cried out in alarm for the Teacher. Xiāo Kūnníng, who was half a step behind, was also startled and rushed over. Xiè Yú had already fainted.

Sū Yìng was still at the manor. Nòng Qín rushed to invite her to take Xiè Yú’s pulse. Xiāo Kūnníng waited in the room.

Under the lamplight, Xiè Yú’s face was not only pale, but her lips were white, too. Her entire person was lifeless. Xiāo Kūnníng leaned over to observe her, then patted Xiè Yú on the forehead: “That’s what you get for not being well-behaved, that’s what you get for forcing me to commit suicide, that’s what you get for being utterly insane, that’s what you get for…”

Unable to think of any more insults, Xiāo Kūnníng paused. She simply gave up on reasons and slapped her forehead two more times. She glanced outside, but Nòng Qín still hadn’t returned.

Seizing the opportunity, she did another bad deed.

Xiāo Kūnníng put her hand on Xiè Yú’s shoulder, vigorously pinched her ear, and whispered: “Dare to continue acting unscrupulously, and I’ll deal with you.”

After satisfying herself, she immediately sat down on the side, waiting for Sū Yìng to come and take the pulse.

Xiè Yú lay motionless, looking somewhat pitiful.

Sū Yìng was practically dragged over by Nòng Qín, almost forgetting to bring her medicine box. She looked a little dishevelled. After glancing at Xiāo Kūnníng on the side, she motioned for her to hold the medical box.

Xiāo Kūnníng felt very pleased in her heart and did not refuse the instruction. After Sū Yìng took the pulse, she asked curiously: “What happened to the Teacher?”

Sū Yìng said, “She is physically weak, yet she insisted on going out into the wind. She will have a fever tonight. Keep a close watch and make sure she drinks the medicine later.”

Nòng Qín nodded repeatedly in panic. Xiāo Kūnníng felt it had nothing to do with her and got up to leave.

Before she could walk out, Sū Yìng called out to her: “Miss Xiāo, where are you going?”

“To rest,” Xiāo Kūnníng replied.

Sū Yìng gently said, “Teacher Xiè cannot be left alone. Why don’t you stay and take care of her?”

Xiāo Kūnníng did not understand: “Xiè Manor has maids.”

Nòng Qín also said, “Yes, I can handle things here.”

Sū Yìng glared at Nòng Qín: “You be quiet.” Then she turned back to Xiāo Kūnníng: “You took very good care of the Teacher a while ago. Perhaps you can endure the hardship again? It would be a disaster if the fever burned her brain.”

Nòng Qín was confused but dared not speak, quietly retreating to the side. Sū Yìng gave her instructions without waiting for Xiāo Kūnníng to refuse: “Nòng Qín, go brew the medicine. Miss Xiāo, just stay here and watch over her.”

As a person of benevolence, Xiāo Kūnníng did not refuse, nor did she waste this opportunity, and proceeded to ask about Wén Yuké’s injuries.

Sū Yìng took out silver needles from the medicine box, preparing to perform acupuncture on Xiè Yú. Hearing Xiāo Kūnníng’s words, she paused, “I feel like you are very concerned about Official Wén.”

She hadn’t shown this much concern when Xiè Yú was poisoned. Xiè Yú had gained another rival on the path of wooing her wife.

Xiāo Kūnníng cast a look of surprise at Sū Yìng. Sū Yìng’s gentle face was the same as before, but her eyes carried a hint of inexplicable amusement, and perhaps some scrutiny. Sū Yìng’s words exceeded what a normal doctor should ask.

She pretended to be casual: “I was the one who invited Official Wén to travel with me.”

“You invited her?” Sū Yìng was slightly surprised. Xiāo Kūnníng looked cheerful, but privately she kept people at a distance and did not like to socialize with others.

Going out to enjoy the Lantern Market was not an ordinary thing, so an active invitation carried a subtle meaning.

Xiāo Kūnníng nodded.

Sū Yìng unfastened Xiè Yú’s collar. She paused, then gave Xiāo Kūnníng a warm and gentle smile: “Miss Xiāo, would you lend a hand?”

Xiāo Kūnníng was standing at one end of the bed and couldn’t clearly see the scene on the bed. Hearing this, she walked over. Sū Yìng said, “Xiè Yú’s body is too weak. She will recover faster with a few needles. Undress her.”

“What?” Xiāo Kūnníng was so startled that she took two steps back and waved her hands, refusing.

Sū Yìng’s bright eyes held a smile: “What are you afraid of? Just support her.”

Xiāo Kūnníng decisively refused: “No, absolutely not.”

Sū Yìng found it amusing: “What are you afraid of?”

Afraid of what? Xiāo Kūnníng didn’t know, perhaps she just didn’t want to have any connection with Xiè Yú.

Xiè Yú’s face was pale, devoid of blood, and her lips were tightly pursed, as if in pain.

Sū Yìng sighed helplessly: “I’m just asking you to support her. I didn’t ask you to marry her. It’s just lending a hand. Why are you unwilling?”

Xiāo Kūnníng had no choice and grudgingly walked over. Sū Yìng ignored her reluctance and motioned for her to help Xiè Yú sit up. She then unfastened the collar, revealing the snow-white skin.

A maid was holding water and was about to enter. Sū Yìng, in the interval of twirling the needle, spoke to dismiss her. The maid placed the water on the table outside and gently closed the door.

This was the first time in both of Xiāo Kūnníng’s lives that she saw Xiè Yú’s body. The arm she was supporting was slightly sweaty. That snow-white earlobe, so close, had just been pinched by her and seemed a little red. Yet, none of this concealed the beauty.

Xiè Yú leaned against her weakly, face-to-face. When the needle pierced the acupuncture point, she could hear a low groan in her ear.

Xiāo Kūnníng had excellent self-control, but she had never touched anyone else’s body in either of her two lives. After Zhào Jì married her, his health was consistently poor, and he gradually lost the ability to engage in physical intimacy.

Just supporting Xiè Yú was nothing, but from time to time, a soft, faint sound entered her ear, like stepping on clouds, making her feel weak at the knees.

Xiè Yú’s warm breath was fanning her earlobe. When she lowered her eyes, she saw Xiè Yú’s shoulder, the elegant curve of which exuded refinement.

They were too close. She could touch her with a mere extension of her hand.

Sū Yìng focused and inserted the needles. Her peripheral vision caught Xiāo Kūnníng’s stiff expression, and she found it inexplicably funny. Xiè Yú had poisonous judgment to be so fond of such a naive girl.

However, Gù Níng had once mentioned that Xiè Yú had been fond of a girl from Jiāngnán since childhood and went to Qīngchéng once a year. Connecting this to Miss Xiāo, who was from Jiāngnán, the pieces seemed to fit.

It’s not the girl’s beauty that is to be feared, but being coveted by someone with ill intentions.

The needle insertion was a little heavier, causing Xiè Yú to suddenly open her eyes. Besides the piercing pain in her neck, she opened her eyes to see Xiāo Kūnníng’s dark, clear eyes.

Xiāo Kūnníng’s scalp felt numb. Xiè Yú was awake…

I’m going to die.

Sū Yìng sternly interrupted the eye contact between the two: “It’s good that you’re awake. There are still a few needles left. Don’t move.”

When Xiè Yú heard Sū Yìng’s voice, her heart leaped. Seeing Xiāo Kūnníng’s ‘righteous’ gaze, something in her heart cracked. She gritted her teeth and asked, “Why acupuncture?”

Sū Yìng countered, “Why did you have a premature birth?”

This single sentence blocked the stream of curses Xiè Yú was about to utter. Xiāo Kūnníng, seeing that she was awake, slowly shifted her hand, her eyes seemingly unintentionally sweeping past Xiè Yú’s flushed eyes and over the parts that shouldn’t be seen on her chest, before quickly standing up.

“I… I’ll be leaving first.” With that, she fled in panic.

The temperature in the room instantly soared. An atmosphere of ambiguity erupted all around.

Xiè Yú tightly gripped the quilt in front of her: “Sū Yìng, you’d better explain yourself.”

Hearing the voice, Sū Yìng pulled out the last needle, raised her arm tiredly, and said, “I didn’t see anything. I was performing acupuncture behind you. Your body is already weak and cannot withstand the cold. Acupuncture will help you recover faster.”

Xiè Yú’s head ached from anger. She couldn’t distinguish Sū Yìng’s sincerity. She quickly put on her clothes, her eyes sharp: “Doctor Sū’s medical skills are getting worse.”

Sū Yìng smiled gently: “Say whatever you like. Anyway, you must not leave the house for the next few days. Drink some herbal soup to nourish your body, and with a beautiful woman accompanying you, you’ll feel comfortable.”

Xiè Yú had no strength to argue with her. After lying down, she fell into a deep sleep again. Sū Yìng touched her forehead—the fever had started.

Xiāo Kūnníng had fled, so they could only let the maid serve her. Sū Yìng stayed until the second half of the night. Xiè Yú’s fever worsened, her cheeks were flushed, and she was constantly mumbling in her dream.

By dawn, the fever still hadn’t broken.

As the East began to lighten, people came with calling cards to visit. The Minister of Personnel knocked on the door before the morning court. Nòng Qín handled the replies properly and sent the visitor away.

When it was fully light, the court attendant by the Emperor’s side came to summon her to the palace to discuss important matters. Xiè Yú was unconscious, so the attendant had no choice but to return disappointed.

After the court session ended, the Emperor personally came to the residence with his imperial procession to pay a visit.

Xiè Yú’s residence was cool and elegant, just like Xiè Yú herself, exuding a unique air of detachment from worldly concerns. It was Zhào Miǎn’s first time visiting, and seeing the unique scenery, he praised Xiè Yú greatly.

He had intended to demonstrate his benevolence and say a few kind words to Xiè Yú, but she still hadn’t woken up. After walking around the courtyard, he returned to the palace.

The Xiè Manor was bustling and crowded all morning. Visitors came and went, and new guests arrived shortly after the previous ones left.

At noon, Xiè Yú’s fever subsided slightly, and she woke up. Just then, Gāo Yáng led people to visit.

After waking up, Xiè Yú covered herself with the quilt, not wanting to see anyone. Recalling the acupuncture incident made her feel extremely ashamed. Hearing the message that Gāo Yáng had come to visit, she immediately asked for her to be refused.

She didn’t want to see people.

Xiāo Kūnníng’s eyes last night were clear and bright, and her little eyes darted about, showing her restless mind.

Gāo Yáng wasn’t offended by the refusal and left the gifts before departing. Nòng Qín escorted her out of the manor.

The sick Teacher refused to see anyone, not even drinking her medicine. Nòng Qín tried to find a solution but failed, so she had to turn to Sū Yìng for help.

Sū Yìng was in a room having her pulse taken by Wén Yuké. Hearing that Xiè Yú refused to take medicine, she looked at Wén Yuké and said, “Go find the Second Miss Xiāo. She will definitely be helpful.”

Nòng Qín was confused: “What method does Miss Xiāo have?”

Sū Yìng said, “An illness of the heart needs to be cured with medicine for the heart. Xiāo Kūnníng is your Teacher’s antidote.”

“Miss Xiāo is the antidote?” Nòng Qín still didn’t understand. How could a good girl become the Teacher’s antidote, and why was the Teacher’s ailment a heart problem and not a cold?

She couldn’t ignore Doctor Sū’s words, so she obediently went to find Xiāo Kūnníng.

Wén Yuké, lying on the bed, heard these words and her eyes drifted for a moment. It sounded like she heard something bad. She looked at Doctor Sū, whose eyes were bright and amiable, with a gentle smile on her face, showing great kindness and benevolence. She did not want to be a person of Xiè Yú. Wén Yuké knew that Doctor Sū was intentionally speaking for her to hear. It was true that Xiāo Kūnníng was Xiè Yú’s antidote, but Xiè Yú was Xiāo Kūnníng’s poison for this life.

She didn’t ask, closed her eyes, and pretended not to have heard Sū Yìng’s words.

Sū Yìng waited for a long time without her speaking. Could it be that she guessed wrong? Did Wén Yuké have only righteous thoughts in her heart, with no interest in Xiāo Kūnníng?

****

The chef at Xiè Manor prepared exquisite and delicious dishes. The meals were constantly varied for Zhào Càn, who was so satisfied that she didn’t even want to return home.

Xiāo Kūnníng racked her brains, wanting to see Wén Yuké and hear her speak in person. However, Xiè Yú’s security was tight, and she was not allowed to move around freely. Across from her, Zhào Càn was biting into a fish fillet glazed with syrup, looking utterly content and relaxed.

Xiāo Wénxuě had nothing to do, so she played chess against herself, occasionally glancing at the listless Xiāo Kūnníng. Ever since Ah Níng saw Wén Yuké, she had become preoccupied. This was especially true after returning last night, as she would space out alone and occasionally sneak a smile.

It was worrying.

Nòng Qín walked in at this moment, her expression awkward. She bowed to Xiāo Kūnníng: “Miss, are you free?”

Xiāo Kūnníng took a breath before answering: “I’m free. What’s the matter?”

Nòng Qín hesitated for a moment before timidly speaking: “The Teacher woke up but refuses to see anyone, not even drinking her medicine. Could you go and see her?”

Zhào Càn was surprised: “A grown-up like the Teacher also refuses to take medicine? Let’s see how she criticizes us in the future.”

Xiāo Kūnníng guessed that Xiè Yú was too ashamed to see people. How could she miss such a good opportunity? She immediately stood up and said, “I will go with you to see.”

Xiāo Wénxuě watched the two leave. The jade huáng in her sleeve felt slightly warm. Xiè Yú seemed to have changed somewhat. Zhào Càn on the other side felt there was a show to watch and put down her chopsticks, ready to follow. Xiāo Wénxuě’s eyelids twitched, and she quickly called out to her: “Teacher Yìhuá is currently unhappy. If you go now, you’ll be scolded.”

“Ah, then I won’t go.” Zhào Càn retracted her neck and sat back down on the chair, feeling sorry for Sister Xiāo in her heart. Going over now would definitely result in a scolding.

Poor Sister Xiāo.

****

After waking up, Xiè Yú couldn’t fall back asleep. Her mind was filled with the events of last night, which turned her entire brain into a tangled mess. Sometimes, Xiāo Kūnníng’s restless gaze would flash by, and sometimes, the image of the little fool from their first meeting would appear. She had become someone she couldn’t accept herself being.

When Xiāo Kūnníng peeked her head in, she pretended not to see her, pulled the quilt over her head, and turned her back to the outside of the bed.

A person who is sick is often proud and cute. Xiāo Kūnníng temporarily forgot her previous unhappiness, leaned over, and poked Xiè Yú’s shoulder with her hand: “Teacher, aren’t you taking your medicine?”

Xiè Yú didn’t respond, and even wrapped the quilt tighter.

Xiāo Kūnníng sat on the edge of the couch, treating the person in front of her as the younger Xiè Yú, coaxing and mocking her at the same time: “A grown-up like the Teacher not taking medicine—I wonder if anyone would laugh if word got out. Are you angry about what happened last night? Doctor Sū called me over last night, and even though you are so beautiful, I absolutely did not see anything.”

If she didn’t see anything, how would she know I’m beautiful? Anger rose in Xiè Yú’s heart. Yet, she was also in the wrong and was too ashamed to answer, so she covered her ears with her hands and pretended not to hear.

Nòng Qín brought the medicine in. Seeing that the Teacher was still resistant, she sighed in her heart. What major event had the Teacher encountered to be tormented like this?

Xiāo Kūnníng was at her most triumphant moment. She directly chased Nòng Qín out, held the medicine bowl herself, and deliberately tapped the bottom of the bowl with the white porcelain spoon. The clanging sound was a little mocking.

It was mocking Xiè Yú for being a coward who hid her head.

Xiāo Kūnníng almost burst out laughing, but to avoid future retaliation, she forcefully suppressed her smile and put on a gentle expression: “Teacher, are you afraid of bitterness? Look, Nòng Qín even prepared candied fruit.”

Xiè Yú still didn’t say anything, not even moving.

Xiāo Kūnníng couldn’t hold back anymore and laughed, covering her mouth. Having seen the demonic side of Xiè Yú in her previous life, she still held some fear, but now? She just wanted to ‘properly’ tease Xiè Yú. If she couldn’t beat her or outplay her, wasn’t she allowed to tease her a little?

She spoke earnestly: “Teacher, you always say I’m stupid, but last night I was very clever. I definitely didn’t look at what I should, and I also didn’t look at what I shouldn’t. Think about it: how could a well-behaved person like me have wicked intentions? So, please rest assured, I didn’t see anything. Look, your medicine is almost cold. It doesn’t matter if you’re afraid of bitterness. Why don’t you drink the medicine first, and then eat the candied fruit if it’s too bitter?”

Xiāo Kūnníng was ecstatic, finally having her moment of glory. If Xiè Yú ignored her, she would continue talking, repeating the same few phrases: Teacher, please rest assured, a well-behaved person like me won’t have bad intentions. I definitely didn’t look. I didn’t look improperly. I didn’t look at what I should or shouldn’t have.

She talked for a long time, and the herbal soup was cold, but Xiè Yú still showed no reaction.

Xiāo Kūnníng had run out of options, but she was still overjoyed. If Xiè Yú dared to deal with her again, she would draw a picture and spread it around.

Xiè Yú was a demon, but she wasn’t a good person either.

Thinking this way, she felt completely relaxed. She happily patted the person hiding under the quilt: “Teacher, why won’t you listen to persuasion?”

She felt some weight on her shoulder from under the quilt. Xiè Yú slowly sat up. Her pale face showed no emotion, but under Xiāo Kūnníng’s gaze, it added a sharp coldness and a quiet elegance.

Xiāo Kūnníng quickly handed the medicine over. Before she could speak, she saw a shadow sweep towards her wrist.

The medicine bowl slipped from her grasp. She felt a push from behind and stumbled forward towards Xiè Yú.

The medicine bowl crashed onto the carpet with a clang. Xiāo Kūnníng was confronted with Xiè Yú’s expressionless face. Just then, a sharp pain struck her lips as they touched the cold lips opposite her.

This feeling was somewhat familiar.