My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 45

Gu Ning, who was born into the Gu family of Jiangnan, has seen her family’s business decline over the years. Elder Master Gu’s health is deteriorating day by day, and he appears to be powerless regarding business matters. Although he wanted Gu Ning to return home, he could not bring himself to ask. As the year-end approached, he dragged his ailing body to Chang’an.

Gu Ning’s Fragrant Pavilion  is flourishing in Chang’an, while the Ink Fragrance Study  across the street is deserted. Upon arriving in the capital, Elder Master Gu did not need to inquire to know Gu Ning’s capability. After much thought, he personally visited the Fragrant Pavilion. Since Elder Master Gu had come, Gu Ning left the Fragrant Pavilion to find Su Ying.

She had originally intended to find Xie Yu to discuss a countermeasure, but upon entering the room, she overheard Xiao Kunning’s words—something about not seeing, or having bad eyesight—with an overly delighted expression. Xie Yu was uncharacteristically lying on the bed motionless. After listening for a moment, Gu Ning realized that Xiao Kunning had peeped at Xie Yu.

When did Xie Yu, a pure and noble figure, become such a coward? If one were to quietly sneak in, they would find the two seated facing each other.

A quiet push might result in a decent scene of someone throwing themselves into the other’s arms.

Gu Ning stared intently at the unseemly sight, covered her eyes, and opened her mouth: “The two of you don’t look very suitable.”

Xiao Kunning was already in a daze when she suddenly heard Gu Ning’s mocking words. She bit her lip and tasted the scent of blood.

Xie Yu frowned, reluctantly let go of Xiao Kunning, and looked at Gu Ning with displeasure: “It is a real pity that Elder Master Gu came and did not immediately beat you to death. Such a loss of strategy. Someone like you, who attempts to seduce her cousin, should just hang yourself on a southeastern branch to end this miserable life.”

As she spoke, she still felt pain in her mouth; the silly Xiao’s teeth were genuinely sharp.

While Xiao Kunning was in a daze, Xie Yu pulled her to one side and faced Gu Ning with a cold smile.

Faced with Xie Yu’s sharp gaze, Gu Ning felt apprehensive, but as she needed a favor, she had to maintain her composure. She forced a smile: “I accidentally slipped just now. Miss Xiao, please go outside first. I have something to discuss with your, the Sir.”

She heavily emphasized the words ‘your’ and ‘the,’ and Xie Yu’s expression softened. She released Xiao Kunning: “There is something you want to see in the study.”

Xiao Kunning’s eyes lit up. There was no point in reasoning with Gu Ning, but she was happy to say to Xie Yu: “Remember to drink your medicine.”

“I know,” Xie Yu replied gently, her gaze gradually softening, filled with an indescribable tenderness. Gu Ning, opposite her, rolled her eyes and impatiently poured a basin of cold water on her: “How does a kiss feel? I am helping you. Look at your demeanor; when will you ever catch up? My wife said that Wen Yuke’s intentions are not simple, and Xiao Kunning also leans towards her. You might end up becoming a solitary person.”

Xie Yu felt dizzy; she was still running a slight fever and did not want to hear the words ‘Wen Yuke.’ She said: “Elder Master Gu has come to ask you to return home. You should go back then.”

Gu Ning could not help but shoot her a look: “I go home to marry a man, and you continue to tangle with Xiao Kunning? Let me tell you, if I leave, I will tell Xiao Kunning that you are sick. And not just lightly sick—the doctors have asserted that you will not live past twenty-five. If she likes you, she will be widowed.”

“As you please,” Xie Yu said indifferently. She simply lay down, touching the corner of her lips, and her heart suddenly warmed up.

Little silly girl.

Gu Ning stomped her foot: “Your Ladyship, my father is already at the Fragrant Pavilion, and you are still delaying the matter.”

Xie Yu turned her back: “If I cannot save face, neither of you will have a peaceful life.”

Gu Ning wanted to grab her and pull her up: “Don’t be so heartless. Miss Xiao is not a strong-willed person. If you coax her more, what she cares about is nothing more than the matters of the Zhennan Prince’s Manor. If you handle it properly for her, your business with her will be settled.”

Throughout Xie Yu’s life, she has had only one soft spot: Xiao Kunning.

Apart from Xiao Kunning, nothing else would capture her attention.

Xie Yu turned around, relishing the feeling of the earlier touch. There was a peculiar but very comfortable sensation in her heart. Faced with Gu Ning’s pressure, she could only set these feelings aside for now and formally address Gu Ning: “You can move the Gu family’s business to the capital. Zhao Xiran is not here, and the Zhao family’s business will not enter Chang’an. If Elder Master Gu refuses, then tell him that as long as the Zhao family exists, the Gu family will never be able to raise its head. It is better to come to Chang’an and fight for a path out; it is not a bad choice.”

In recent years, the Zhao family has caught up. Zhao Xiran appears to be the second-in-command of the Zhao family, but she is already the one holding the power. Zhao Xiran’s business thinking is innovative, even unconventional and surprising. For Gu Ning to fight her, she still falls short.

Zhao Xiran is simply a business genius. The Zhao family has implemented a commission system internally, where the more the shopkeeper sells, the higher their monthly salary.

Other business owners know about this method but are unwilling to use it, fearing that they will suffer a loss and that the money will all be earned by their subordinates.

Gu Ning, however, said: “I would like to. The Gu family has been severely pressured by the Zhao family over the years. I originally planned to use the Chamber of Commerce matter to save face, but who would have thought that the Emperor would actually want the Chamber of Commerce? None of them are good people. I will temporarily keep Su Ying in your residence. In a few days, I plan to seek advice from the Second Master Zhao.”

If she cannot beat Zhao Xiran, treating her as a teacher should be acceptable.

Gu Ning sighed and bid farewell. Xie Yu summoned someone to warm up the herbal soup, and she drank it without Needleman (Nong Qin) having to urge her.

Needleman sighed deeply, concluding that Miss Xiao was indeed Sir’s antidote.

Xie Yu was confined to bed for four or five days due to illness. The fever persisted, and she was repeatedly troubled. The Emperor sent people to urge her, and even the Empress Dowager sent people to visit, but they were all stopped outside and could not see Xie Yu herself.

In the imperial court, there was a fierce dispute over the position of the Commander of the Patrol Camp. Everyone was eyeing this piece of meat. The Minister of Personnel (Xingbu Shangshu) investigated the case quickly. The incident was found to be the work of Li Ye, who intended to assassinate Wen Yuke.

Li Ye confessed fully in the Ministry of Personnel’s prison, and the Emperor was furious, sentencing him to be executed by beheading.

Xie Yu was not surprised when she heard the news. At the same time, the Emperor’s edict of appointment was also delivered. A bitter medicinal smell filled the room.

Needleman opened the window, and the warm winter sun slanted in, resting on the window. Xie Yu was quietly leaning on the soft couch by the window, with the appointment letter for the Patrol Camp resting by her hand. Her gaze fell on her pale complexion, which revealed an unhealthy flush.

Xiao Wenxue sent a newly picked branch of red plum blossoms. Needleman held it and played with it, not understanding the meaning of the Eldest Miss Xiao’s gesture. She had been staying in the residence for a few days, so sending flowers suddenly—did it have a hidden meaning?

She placed the red plum blossoms in a white vase and thought of pleasant things: “Sir, does Eldest Miss Xiao have an interest in you?”

Xie Yu held a white jade chess piece in her hand and also cast her gaze on the red plum blossoms. How did Xiao Wenxue know her thoughts? The red plum blossoms were not sent to her but to remind her that the red plums were currently in bloom and that it was a good time for viewing.

Xiao Wenxue appeared to be a gentle woman, but her thoughts were far deeper than Xiao Kunning’s.

However, this branch of red plum blossoms could not be kept in the room. She instructed Needleman: “Put the red plum blossoms in your room.”

“In my room? Eldest Miss Xiao sent them to you, so why give them to me?” Needleman was confused. It was normal for Sir not to accept Eldest Miss Xiao’s kind intentions, but why involve him? That was too unkind.

There was a knock on the door: “Sir, Princess Gaoyang has arrived.”

Xie Yu ordered Needleman to take the red plum blossoms and retreat. She remained leaning on the soft couch, dropping the white jade chess piece onto the chessboard, quietly waiting for Gaoyang.

Gaoyang was draped in a large red cloak, the fur collar of which was snow-white and delicate, clearly of high value. Xie Yu glanced at it and then withdrew her gaze: “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Gaoyang pulled off the cloak, touching the circle of fur: “This is top-grade white fox fur, worth ten thousand taels of silver.”

Xie Yu felt compelled to respond: “I suppose Second Master Zhao sent it to you again?”

With the remark, Gaoyang’s face flushed slightly, and she chuckled: “So you know about it too.”

Xie Yu smiled: “A-Ning is the adopted daughter of Second Master Zhao, so I know a little. The Zhao family is currently powerful and would not be short of this money.”

Her calling her A-Ning made the atmosphere subtly strange. Gaoyang felt her ‘gossiping heart’ was stirred up. Zhao Xiran always told her she was too gossipy, a strange word. She liked to hear stories, but what did it have to do with the Eight Trigrams chart?

“I heard you think highly of, and are very fond of, the second daughter of the Xiao family?”

Xie Yu’s eyes were tinged with a smile, and she said lightly: “What does Your Highness wish to know by coming here today? Speaking of these private matters seems like a waste of time.”

Gaoyang waved her hand: “I have some connections with Zhao Xiran. If you like her, I can help you arrange a match?”

As she expressed her curiosity, Xie Yu had a sense of helplessness, wanting to support her forehead: “You must have come today wanting to see Wen Yuke, but I advise you not to see her, lest you be criticized.”

Gaoyang was different from Jingyang. Jingyang was aggressive and bossy because she had confidence; her husband was the Prime Minister who wielded great power in the court. Gaoyang was alone and acted with much caution. Especially at this juncture, going to see Wen Yuke—if others found out and it reached Jingyang’s ears, it would cause many problems.

Gaoyang, however, said: “I heard that Minister Wen is too rigid and uninteresting to meet. I came to see you. I heard you have taken the post of the Patrol Camp?”

“The Imperial Edict just arrived,” Xie Yu did not conceal it. She handed the Imperial Edict on the side to her, saying: “His Majesty’s action is unfathomable.”

Gaoyang read it carefully. It was all praise, with no substantial effect, which was very uninteresting. She came straight to the point: “The Prime Minister and you are often at odds. I came to propose an alliance with you.”

She would have to leave Chang’an sooner or later, and a distant help could not address an immediate need. Xie Yu was different. After taking charge of the Patrol Camp, she would have many conveniences in her actions.

“Your Highness is speaking so openly with me. Are you not afraid that I will inform Prime Minister Yan?” Xie Yu laughed, her eyes concealing an unspoken shift of intent.

Gaoyang sneered: “The time you went to Qingcheng, it was the Prime Minister who made a move. I do not mind if you inform him. If you do, it only proves that you are too foolish, and there is no need for an alliance.”

On the surface, the imperial court seemed to be dominated by the Yan faction, and the Emperor was weak, but Xie Yu’s appearance broke the deadlock. Xie Yu had not made any major moves, yet every matter she mediated gradually won the hearts of other officials and changed their view of her.

Xie Yu was not foolish, and furthermore, she must have ambitions.

Xie Yu’s face was very pale, and her eyes were haggard. Under Gaoyang’s gaze, she exuded an air of unattainability, like a high mountain or flowing water. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke: “What does Your Highness want?”

Gaoyang came prepared and did not intend to hide anything from Xie Yu: “I want Yan Huaizhen to pay the price. He used despicable means to drug Princess Leyang and force her to marry him.”

“I heard that Princess Leyang was Emperor Gaozong’s favorite daughter. Why would she be fooled, and why was no one aware of it afterward?” Xie Yu’s face wore a faint smile, but the gloomy expression concealed the smile, making her look somewhat frightening.

Gaoyang was fueled by hatred: “That is because a woman who loses her chastity is considered a disgrace, especially an imperial princess. Did the Grand Tutor think she would speak up?”

Xie Yu smiled faintly: “That makes some sense. How did she die?”

Gaoyang said: “Three months before Emperor Gaozong’s death, the Empress, Emperor Gaozong’s stepmother, invited Princess Leyang to a banquet in the Emperor’s name and drugged her wine. Yan Huaizhen took the opportunity to violate her. You are a junior, so you may not know that the Empress’s surname was also Yan; she was a collateral relative of the Yan family. After losing her virtue, the Princess wanted to kill Yan Huaizhen but never found the opportunity. Half a month later, she discovered she was pregnant. She gradually compromised. At this time, Emperor Gaozong became seriously ill, and she took the opportunity to eliminate the Empress. The Great Zhou originally had precedents of female emperors. Emperor Gaozong wanted to pass the throne to her, but somehow the final will was written for the late emperor.”

Xie Yu said seriously: “You said he wanted to pass the throne; he might have changed his mind at the last moment.”

Gaoyang nodded: “That is also possible. After Emperor Gaozong died, she had to go to the Imperial Mausoleum to observe mourning. She did not return for several months and died from excessive bleeding after giving birth to a daughter at the Imperial Mausoleum.”

The smile on Xie Yu’s lips froze. She rarely showed emotion, but at this time, she only frowned, saying: “Then Princess Leyang’s death is not related to Prime Minister Yan.”

“Yan Huaizhen insulted an Imperial Princess. Based on this crime alone, he cannot be pardoned. Does the Grand Tutor think he should be?” Gaoyang’s eyes were sharp, and indignation completely enveloped her.

Xie Yu, however, was calm and unruffled, showing no such great emotional fluctuations. Her eyes flickered with a subtle glow, and she merely said: “The matters of that year are difficult to investigate. It would be very hard to find out if she was drugged. Furthermore, even if it is found out, given his current position of immense power in the court, can you shake him?”

Gaoyang knew the difficulty of the matter. After so many years, her sister’s people were either killed or demoted. Even if they were alive, they would be of no use. She could only utilize Xie Yu.

Xie Yu’s casual attitude indicated she was not averse to the idea. She said: “The Grand Tutor only needs to provide assistance.”

Xie Yu curled her lips, showing a hint of interest: “I have a friend who wishes to learn some business strategies from Second Master Zhao. Is that possible?”

Gaoyang was dismissive: “That is not difficult.”

Xie Yu added: “Second Miss Xiao is the adopted daughter of Second Master Zhao and also my student. I hope Second Master Zhao will not interfere with her marriage in the future.”

A weasel is eyeing the little chicken. Gaoyang pretended not to know and agreed on behalf of Zhao Xiran: “Alright, what other requests do you have?”

Xie Yu said lightly: “None. If you trust me, let me meet the woman you brought out of the palace in your residence.”

Upon hearing this, Gaoyang’s face changed color, and she slammed the table: “Have you been secretly following me?”

Xie Yu picked up the white jade chess piece on the board. Her slender, pale fingertips blended with the chess piece, and her nails were pink and perfectly round. She slowly reached out to Gaoyang: “Since you regard me as a chess piece, you should show your sincerity. You must know in your heart whether the assassin in Qingcheng was sent by Your Highness or Prime Minister Yan.”

“You know everything,” Gaoyang gnashed her teeth.

Xie Yu sat back down lazily, not showing any displeasure or intent to settle scores. Instead, she reassured Gaoyang: “I do not care who the assassin was. As long as Your Highness is honest, we can sit down and talk. If you conceal anything, I am afraid I will be powerless to help.”

Gaoyang stood up and looked down scornfully: “You are threatening me.”

Xie Yu lowered her eyes and said: “You were using me; I am merely retaliating.”

Gaoyang knew she was in the wrong. Considering Xie Yu’s capabilities, she was the only one who dared to oppose Yan Huaizhen. Others would not even accept her help to be utilized. After a moment of consideration, she agreed: “Very well. Next spring, then.”

Xie Yu was satisfied. Her clean, pale fingertips twirled the chess piece on the table, and she smiled: “Then rest assured, I will do my best to fulfill what I promised.”

Gaoyang sat down and weighed her options: “I want to put my people into the Patrol Camp.”

Xie Yu said: “You can.”

Her quick agreement made Gaoyang feel uncertain, and she dared not mention the remaining things she wanted. What if Xie Yu was digging a pit for her? It was becoming tricky. She changed the subject: “I will tell you if I think of anything else. It seems you knew I would come today?”

“I have been waiting for your visit since the assassination attempt in Qingcheng,” Xie Yu’s smile was shallow, her eyes deep. The sickly paleness gave her an air of lofty, untouchable aloofness, making people yearn for her yet only able to watch from a distance.

Xie Yu was not simple. Gaoyang regretted it. She had rashly formed an alliance with her without knowing her background. If she was betrayed, she would not even realize it.

She felt the matter was settled too quickly, and regret spread in her heart. She said: “It is getting late; I will return to my residence first.”

Xie Yu ordered someone to escort her out. She watched Gaoyang’s retreating figure from the window, and the smile on her lips faded, replaced by a cold sharpness and an unspoken sarcasm.

Xiao Kunning did not leave the study until dusk, taking a few letters from the border region with her.

Xiao Wenxue was in her room embroidering red plum blossoms, while Zhao Can was eating fruit. The two were preoccupied with their own activities. After eating a piece of plum blossom pastry, Zhao Can remembered something and moved closer to Xiao Wenxue: “Did you ask someone to send red plum blossoms to Sir?”

Xiao Wenxue’s thick eyelashes trembled, and her needlework went slightly wrong. She felt guilty and said: “You are overthinking it. I sent the red plum blossoms merely out of gratitude to Sir for helping me relay a message back to the manor.”

Zhao Can was easily fooled and nodded: “That seems right. Then should I send some too?”

“No need. Prince Gaoyang won’t be angry with you,” Xiao Wenxue hurriedly interrupted. If she sent too many, Xie Yu might not be able to understand the true meaning.

Zhao Can nodded: “My father-Prince has never cared about my affairs.”

Xiao Wenxue suppressed the panic in her heart. She looked up and saw A-Ning standing at the door. She instinctively explained: “A-Ning, you and the Princess are overthinking it, too.”

Xiao Kunning frowned. Xiao Wenxue’s explanation only made it sound like she was guilty. She had not believed it at first, but Xiao Wenxue was clearly nervous. Could it be that she, too, had fallen for Xie Yu, just like in her previous life?

Xie Yu was a demon; anyone who got involved with her would be unlucky. She must not be touched.

Zhao Can was eating snacks in the room. Xiao Kunning took the opportunity to pull Xiao Wenxue to the corridor to talk.

The cold wind in the corridor stung her face. The sunlight refracted and fell on Xiao Wenxue’s trembling eyelashes. She did not expect A-Ning to find out. If she told the truth, A-Ning would not believe her, and if she did not say anything, a misunderstanding would occur.

Her face flushed with anxiety. In contrast, Xiao Kunning was not as angry as she had imagined; instead, she was calm: “Xie Yu is not a good person. She is destined to stand at the peak of power. Not only is she overly clever, but she is also ruthless. She has many secrets. You can like anyone, but not Xie Yu.”

The turn of events was unexpected, and Xiao Wenxue was forced to swallow the words she had prepared. A-Ning seemed to have a significant prejudice against Sir.

In the previous life, the two of them had reached such a terrible state, and Xie Yu had made many mistakes. It was understandable that A-Ning was heartbroken, but since things were still at the beginning in this life, why did A-Ning view Xie Yu this way?

She tentatively asked: “A-Ning, do you have some misunderstanding about Sir?”

Xiao Kunning was not surprised by the question. Xiao Wenxue had been confined to her room for a long time, and Xie Yu was her teacher; admiration was normal, but admiration and affection could not be confused. Faced with the innocent Xiao Wenxue, she did not know what to say. She could not possibly say that Xie Yu was a demon who would eventually kill all the court officials.

If she said that, Xiao Wenxue would definitely think she had lost her mind. She chose a roundabout approach: “On the way to Chang’an, she spoke many things in her dream. You must listen to me: she is not a normal person, and you must stay away from her.”

Xiao Wenxue: “…” Sir, you created this karma yourself. I have no way to explain, and nowhere to begin explaining.

She agreed: “Alright, I will listen to you.”

Xiao Kunning was still worried and added: “You must believe me.”

Xiao Wenxue dared not raise the alarm, so she could only placate her: “I know, you should also be careful.”

The two sisters did not dare to stay in the corridor for long. After talking for a while, they returned to the room. Before they could sit down, a maid came to relay a message: “Doctor Su invites Second Miss Xiao.”

Hearing Su Ying’s name reminded Xiao Kunning of last night’s events. She should have been angry, but after Xie Yu was defeated today, she felt delighted and no longer hated Su Ying. She happily went to see Su Ying.

Su Ying was decocting medicine in Wen Yuke’s courtyard, holding a cattail fan. Her gentle expression looked very kind in the sunlight. Xiao Kunning entered easily and could not help but look into the room. Su Ying blocked her way: “Has Sir Xie had her medicine?”

Xiao Kunning was concerned about Wen Yuke and wanted to go in and see her. She hurriedly replied: “She has. Master Gu came to see Sir. Do you want to go and check? When I left, I heard something about Elder Master Gu.”

Su Ying’s face changed. She put the cattail fan into Xiao Kunning’s hands: “Keep an eye on this for me. I will be back soon.”

Xiao Kunning was secretly delighted. She looked at the cattail fan in her hand and cautiously entered the room. Wen Yuke was awake, leaning against the bed and reading a book.

Xiao Kunning was worried about the medicine and also wanted to see Wen Yuke. After a moment of thought, she moved the medicine stove under the window and ran into the room to open the window. This way, she could talk while keeping an eye on the medicine on the stove.

The lively figure fluttered before her eyes. The person she thought of day and night was right in front of her. Wen Yuke had no mood to read and put down the book. She boldly looked up: “Miss Xiao.”

Xiao Kunning was propping up the window, and a beam of light streamed in, illuminating Xiao Kunning’s face, which was bright and beautiful.

Wen Yuke felt her heart racing. She unconsciously withdrew her gaze to show respect. Xiao Kunning looked at the medicine stove and replied: “Is Minister Wen feeling better?”

“Much better,” Wen Yuke’s voice was lighter.

Xiao Kunning felt she was more energetic after hearing that. She turned around and smiled at her: “I was wrong that day; I caused you unwarranted misfortune.”

Hearing the apology, Wen Yuke quickly shook her head: “It has nothing to do with you. They were aiming for me. Miss, please do not take it to heart.”

Xiao Kunning had heard about the assassin’s motive and felt that the Yan faction was becoming increasingly arrogant. What Xie Yu did was not entirely wrong. Princess Jingyang was not only bossy but also overly arrogant. In front of Wen Yuke, she could not mention these things, so she could only talk about others: “Did you send word home about your injury, Minister?”

Wen Yuke’s eyes were clear, and a bright smile was contained on her lips: “I sent someone to pass a message a few days ago, saying I would not be returning to the residence to stay. They must be worried after a few days. Could I ask the Miss to take a trip for me to tell my grandmother I am safe? You do not need to mention the stabbing. Just say I have left Chang’an recently and will return in a few days.”

Xiao Kunning knew she only had her grandmother to depend on at home, so she agreed without hesitation: “That works. I will take a trip for you as an act of atonement.”