My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 46

The Wen family resides in the bustling city center, with shops right outside the door. Wen Yuke deliberately chose this location for the convenience of her grandmother’s comings and goings, sparing her many detours.

Xiao Kunning followed the address and knocked on the door of the Wen Residence. The person who opened the door was an elderly woman.

The old woman’s temples were speckled with white, and her expression was kind and gentle. Upon seeing the vibrant young woman, her heart gave a start, but seeing the young woman’s pleasant demeanor, she relaxed. However, the girl was too beautiful, as if she had stepped out of a painting, making it impossible to look away.

She opened the door wide and asked, “Who are you looking for, Miss?”

This was the first time Xiao Kunning, across both lifetimes, had met Wen Yuke’s grandmother—a frail elderly woman whose life’s effort had been poured into Wen Yuke, raising a child of upright character.

Xiao Kunning presented the gift box in her hand: “This was entrusted to me by Minister Wen. She was dispatched out of Chang’an by His Majesty and asked me to inform you.”

Madam Wang, however, shook her head: “She is habitually cautious. Even if she were to leave Chang’an, she would return personally to tell me. Miss, you do not need to hide anything from me. Tell me the truth—has something happened to her?”

Xiao Kunning was astonished and dared not speak for a long while. It was understandable; the person who understood Wen Yuke best in the world was her grandmother. She confessed honestly: “Minister Wen is at the Grand Tutor’s residence. She suffered a slight injury, and she should be able to return in about three or four days.”

“A slight injury, you say?” Madam Wang hesitated, wanting to ask more, but seeing the young woman’s clear smile, she felt it was inappropriate to press further, lest she upset the young woman. She accepted the gift box and invited, “Would you like to come in and sit down, Miss?”

Xiao Kunning did not refuse and stepped into the small house. The courtyard was small, and it seemed a bit noisy being in the city center, but the benefit was the convenience of entry and exit.

The winter air was chilly, and there was no charcoal fire in the Wen Residence. The Old Madam held a bowl of hot soybean milk and presented it to her: “I freshly ground this this morning. It smells fragrant, and I added a little honey, so it is sweet to drink.”

Xiao Kunning accepted it with a smile, saying, “You are so kind.”

“You have a kind heart, Miss.” Madam Wang smiled warmly. She noticed Xiao Kunning’s lips were a vibrant red, seemingly without lipstick. Thinking of the lipstick Little Ke made a few days ago, she tentatively asked, “I notice your beauty, Miss, and it looks like you are not wearing any powder or rouge.”

“Powder and rouge?” Xiao Kunning realized belatedly and touched her face, recalling that she had left the house in a hurry today and appeared bare-faced. However, the elderly woman probably did not favor heavily made-up girls. She laughed, “I was busy and forgot on my way out.”

Madam Wang’s smile deepened. Seeing that she was not in a rush to leave, she pressed her: “How about you stay for lunch, Miss?”

“No, there is no need. I need to return and tell Minister Wen so that she does not worry. Thank you for your kind invitation,” Xiao Kunning said. After drinking the soybean milk, she prepared to leave.

Madam Wang did not insist on keeping her. Instead, she took Xiao Kunning’s hand and said, “Little Ke is a bit slow to catch on. Please do not take offense at her.”

Xiao Kunning understood the implication of her words, and her face instantly flushed crimson with embarrassment. She quickly explained, “You have misunderstood.”

Madam Wang did not press the matter. Xiao Kunning was beautiful, and it would be hard to find anyone comparable in Luoyang. Little Ke was too ambitious, and the young woman was thin-skinned, so she did not say more and escorted her out.

The noise of the busy city was loud. As Xiao Kunning walked down the street, she felt completely relaxed. Wen Yuke’s unusual background was what forged her resilient character.

All around were vendors hawking their goods, housewives haggling over vegetables, and pedestrians coming and going in a continuous stream—a rich atmosphere of daily life.

After only a few steps, she saw the Xie Residence’s carriage.

Xie Yu is out causing trouble even before her illness is cured. I will ignore her. Xiao Kunning turned and walked away, going to a shop to buy some pastry for Zhao Can and some embroidery silk for Xiao Wenxue, who seemed to be embroidering something. Remembering that Wen Yuke was drinking medicine these days, she also bought some preserved fruits to take back.

By the time she returned to the Xie Residence, it was already noon. Xiao Kunning first returned to the guest courtyard before going to see Wen Yuke.

Unfortunately, the guard at the gate would not let her enter. Xiao Kunning cursed Xie Yu in her heart but dared not reveal any of it on her face. She handed the preserved fruits to the gatekeeper: “Please deliver this to Minister Wen.”

The gatekeeper smiled and agreed. As soon as Xiao Kunning left, he delivered them to Xie Yu.

Xie Yu had just returned herself, having met with the Elder Master Gu. He agreed to move the Gu family’s business to the capital, which relieved Gu Ning. Encountering Xiao Kunning halfway, Xie Yu’s expression soured.

Xiao Kunning went to the Wen family’s residence, which was unexpected. Needleman had followed to protect her and reported her movements to Xie Yu.

Sir Xie’s expression grew even more unpleasant.

Gu Ning sat on the side, sipping fine clear tea. Upon hearing this, she mocked, “You care about Princess Zhao, Xiao Wenxue, and even Wen Yuke, whom you have only met a few times, gets preserved fruits. You get nothing. Wait, no, she left you a belly full of anger.”

Xie Yu remained silently sullen. Her gaze fell on the preserved fruits handed over by the gatekeeper. Her eyes froze, and after a long while, she told the gatekeeper to take them away. Gu Ning laughed: “The vinegar jar has spilled! I think you are the Grand Tutor. Why are you pursuing her so blandly? You have so many strategies on a normal day; surely setting a few traps would work?”

One would say Xie Yu was clever, yet she was acting as stupid as a donkey. What could Wen Yuke use to compete with her? Just a little brainpower would suffice.

Like Su Ying, she set so many traps for me that I do not dare even glance at other girls. Learn from Su Ying; even the most difficult wife can be pursued and won.

She remembered something, leaned close to Xie Yu’s ear, and whispered: “Before, there was a girl who liked me. Su Ying went straight to her and completely disparaged me, scaring the girl away in a hurry. Bring out your talent for ‘harming others to no benefit of your own.’ If that does not work, marry her first, and slowly cultivate the relationship.”

Xie Yu’s face was unappeased. She ignored Gu Ning’s terrible suggestion and only said: “Needleman, escort the three of them back. Class resumes tomorrow.”

Gu Ning clapped her hands in approval: “That is right. If you do not give them a chance to interact, it will work.”

Needleman took the order and escorted the three away. It was improper for Xiao Kunning to stay any longer, so she returned to the capital with Xiao Wenxue.

Before she left, Xie Yu gave her a letter: The Heir of the Zhennan Prince’s Manor will return to Chang’an in three days.

The news came from the palace and was concealed from the court officials. Xiao Kunning returned to the manor, read the letter, and burned it, pretending that nothing had happened.

The next day, when they entered the Palace for the Guan Zhi Study, there were only a few people scattered inside. Several had been injured or even killed during the lantern festival.

The atmosphere in the hall was grim, but everyone avoided mentioning the lantern festival incident. Today was not Xie Yu’s lecture day, and everyone was dispirited, casually listening to the lesson before returning to rest.

Shen Yunzhi ran faster than anyone else. On the way back, she said to Xiao Kunning: “Zhou Wenqing injured one leg and will never be able to stand straight again.”

Xiao Kunning was not surprised. Zhao Can clicked her tongue: “Serves him right.”

Xiao Wenxue, being the elder, calmly led the two away. She believed that the case of the lantern festival was mostly Xie Yu’s doing. Compared to the events of the previous life, the only difference was the changes in the case and Zhou Wenqing.

She remembered that Zhou Wenqing was not injured then. With an injured leg in this life, it showed that Xie Yu was retaliating. Duke Dingguo had designs on A-Ning some time ago, and Xie Yu must have known. Solving the Zhou Wenqing problem under the guise of the lantern festival assassination case was the best outcome.

Although Sir was good and could protect A-Ning for life, A-Ning herself was unwilling, making the matter very difficult.

Three days passed quickly. Xiao Kunning listened to Xie Yu’s lecture absent-mindedly. As soon as class ended, she chased after Xie Yu: “Sir, Sir.”

Shen Yunzhi muttered sarcastically from behind: “Going to Sir will surely bring no good.”

Zhao Can made a face at her: “People with impure thoughts think like that. Unlike you, who only think about other filthy things every day.”

“You…” Shen Yunzhi’s face turned red with anger. She glared fiercely and then ran away.

Zhao Can took preserved fruits out of her pouch and popped them into her mouth. After chewing a couple of bites, she said to Xiao Wenxue: “The remains of the Zhennan Prince are returning to the capital today.”

Xiao Wenxue nodded: “A-Ning is close with the Princess. She is chasing after Sir to ask about the Zhennan Prince’s Manor.”

The sweets in Zhao Can’s mouth were overly sweet, and her heart felt sweet, too. She whispered, “Elder Sister Xiao, do you think Sir likes Shen Yunzhi?”

Xiao Wenxue scoffed: “Sir has good eyesight.” She is not blind. Shen Yunzhi lacked intelligence, and her looks were not as good as A-Ning’s.

Zhao Can covered her mouth and giggled: “Yes, Sir is not blind. I think Elder Sister Xiao is beautiful. If I were Sir, liking Elder Sister Xiao would be the right thing.”

The two carried their books, chatting and laughing together as they walked toward their sleeping quarters.

Meanwhile, Xiao Kunning clung to Xie Yu, insisting on going to the palace gate to see the Zhennan Prince’s coffin. Xie Yu refused to agree, but Xiao Kunning stuck to her, refusing to leave.

In the past, Xiao Kunning had been aloof toward her. Today, she was clinging to her for the sake of an outsider. Xie Yu felt a lump in her chest and said with a cold face: “You only come to me when you have something to ask. Why do I not see you coming to me normally?”

Xiao Kunning felt guilty: “Sir is busy. It would be inappropriate for me to disturb you unnecessarily. How about next time, when I have nothing to do, I will come to talk with you?”

I do not care; I will just trick Xie Yu for now.

Xie Yu organized the documents on her desk. Listening to the little liar’s mouth chattering non-stop, she could not help but set aside the documents and say: “You smile sweetly at Wen Yuke; why do you not go ask her for help?”

“Wen Yuke?” Xiao Kunning did not understand what she meant. Meeting Xie Yu’s deep and placid eyes, her heart thumped. How did I offend Xie Yu again?

She did not know how to say the compliments she had prepared. She thought for a moment and softened her tone: “If Sir is displeased with me, you can just say so directly.”

Hearing her deliberately butter her up did not alleviate Xie Yu’s mood at all; instead, she felt increasingly uncomfortable in her heart. “Displeased? How dare I be displeased with you.”

Xiao Kunning was terrified: “Sir, those words really humble me. How am I supposed to handle myself when you say that? I listened to the lecture very carefully today and did not slack off.”

Did Xie Yu take the wrong medicine today, or is she planning some dirty trick against me? At this point, she was only the daughter of a minor official, behaving properly. She had not done anything privately, so she should not have angered Xie Yu.

Where did I go wrong?

Xiao Kunning was so frightened she dared not speak, lost in thought, head drooping as she stared at the ground.

The young girl was so scared that she did not even dare to lift her head. Her two fair hands were clutching her sleeves at her sides, looking quite pitiful. Xie Yu’s anger subsided. Without thinking, she grabbed her hand and held it, saying: “Stay away from Wen Yuke, and I will take you.”

“Why?” Xiao Kunning did not understand. She looked up into Xie Yu’s deep, placid eyes, and her heart trembled. She dared not ask the question that came to her lips.

Xiao Kunning was easily startled. Her face lost its color, and her eyelashes fluttered. The lighting in the hall was dim and bright, making her look unwell. Xie Yu held her fair, jade-like hand and said: “Wen Yuke is too extreme in her actions.”

So that is it. Xiao Kunning suddenly sighed with relief. She pulled her hand back from Xie Yu’s grasp and said: “Understood.”

I cannot afford to offend this temperamental ancestor.

Xie Yu stared at her empty palm, a look of regret in her eyes: “Are you still going or not?”

Xiao Kunning had been so frightened by her that she no longer had the heart to go. She hid the hand that Xie Yu had held behind her back and carefully wiped it, yet she knew she still had to go. Xie Yu continued to stare blankly at her own hand. Xiao Kunning was a little confused by her meaning. What is the point of looking at a hand?

She vaguely remembered something. When Yan Ruyu first entered the palace, she liked to be led by Zhao Ji’s hand privately, and then she would show off in front of her.

Does Xie Yu mean she wants to hold hands?

Is Xie Yu’s mind faulty again today? She clearly dislikes me, so why would she hold my hand now? She could not help but compliment her. Xie Yu’s hand had clearly defined joints and round, pink nails, which were much more likable than her face.

Xiao Kunning felt aggrieved. She reached out and held Xie Yu’s hand: “Is Sir satisfied now?”

Xie Yu’s hand was as cold as her blood, chilling enough to make one shiver. In the winter, she should be holding a hand warmer, so why hold her hand for no reason?

Xie Yu was truly getting more and more annoying.

Xiao Kunning pursed her lips and remained silent. Xie Yu felt satisfied. Gu Ning was right; with just a little strategy, Xiao Kunning would comply.

However, bullying a little silly girl did not seem right.

The two walked out of the Guan Zhi Study together. As they walked onto the palace road, they encountered palace servants sweeping. The palace had many rules, and they were cautious in their behavior, not daring to look up.

Xiao Kunning’s hand was warm, like a hand warmer when held. Xie Yu unconsciously curved her lips. Seeing the Minister of Personnel approaching ahead, she instinctively stopped, and her wide sleeve covered their clasped hands.

Gu Zheng, a rough and blunt man, never imagined that the upright and proper Xie Yu would be holding someone else’s hand. He quickly glanced past Xiao Kunning behind her, bowed to Xie Yu, and said: “Grand Tutor, where are you going? I was just looking for you on an urgent matter.”

Xie Yu said: “I heard the Heir of the Zhennan Prince’s Manor has returned. I am going to take a look. What is your matter, Minister Gu?”

“His Majesty is ahead. It is not our turn yet. Why do we not return to the Guan Zhi Study? I have not yet congratulated you on taking command of the Patrol Camp,” Gu Zheng said.

Xie Yu sensed something was wrong. Gu Zheng was normally an eloquent man, but his words today were off. She subconsciously refused: “Another day.”

The three stood on the palace road, where many palace servants and eunuchs passed by, all avoiding them.

The palace road blocked the already weak winter sun. Gu Zheng ignored Xie Yu’s objection and insisted on going to the Guan Zhi Study: “I have something urgent to consult with the Grand Tutor.”

Xie Yu said sternly: “Another day.”

Gu Zheng was rebuffed and felt he had lost face, but he was determined to delay Xie Yu today. He had calculated the time she finished class to come, and he could not let her pass even if he could not stop her. He bowed to her and said: “Grand Tutor Xie, I truly have an urgent matter.”

Xiao Kunning felt something was amiss. Why was Gu Zheng blocking Xie Yu for no reason?

Xie Yu seemed approachable, but her nature was to keep people at a distance. If she said no, she would not go. She exposed him in front of Gu Zheng: “Does Minister Gu know what is happening up ahead?”

Gu Zheng understood her implication: “What could be happening up ahead?”

“He told you to stop me, but you do not know what is happening. Minister Gu, you are making a mistake. How will you explain yourself to the Zhennan Prince after you die?” Xie Yu sneered. Her entire person was encased in ice. If her hand had not been warmed by Xiao Kunning, she would have been a living ice sculpture.

Xiao Kunning finally understood. She could not help but feel anxious, but since Xie Yu could guess it, she would not let it happen. She squeezed Xie Yu’s hand slightly, signaling her to hurry.

Gu Zheng had been in the imperial court for many years. He would be a fool if he did not understand such a direct message. He immediately lifted his robe and ran toward the palace gate, shouting as he went: “I will go first, Grand Tutor. You must follow quickly.”

Xie Yu then slowly walked toward the palace gate. Feeling the sweat on Xiao Kunning’s palm, she slowed her pace even more, asking casually, “Why did you choose Wen Yuke and not Shen Rui?”

Xiao Kunning was not interested in these meaningless questions. When did I choose Wen Yuke? Is it wrong to interact with a friend?

She speculated that Xie Yu’s mind must still not have fully recovered after the poisoning, or she would not be asking such strange questions. The Xie Yu of her previous life had never spoken much to her. The fact that she was more talkative in this life must be due to the poisoning.

Seeing Xie Yu walk slower and slower, she finally had to speak: “Sir is overthinking. My feelings for Minister Wen are merely gratitude.”

Xie Yu ignored her lie and countered: “You bought preserved fruits for her.”

Xiao Kunning rolled her eyes: “I also bought pastries for Zhao Can and embroidery silk for my Elder Sister. Why do you not mention those, and only remember the things I bought for Wen Yuke?”

Xie Yu felt something was wrong and still insisted that there was a hidden motive: “You and Zhao Can are classmates and friends. Xiao Wenxue is your sister. What is your relationship with Wen Yuke?”

“With her…” Xiao Kunning could not explain it. She felt gratitude and admiration for Wen Yuke, but the romantic feelings Xie Yu implied did not exist at all. Xie Yu was simply judging a gentleman’s actions with a villain’s mind; her thinking was abnormal.

She countered: “Is it forbidden for friends to give each other food?”

“It is allowed, but the two of you only just met,” Xie Yu easily exposed her flaw.

Xiao Kunning’s small face was full of sarcasm. Her long, fan-like eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes conveyed the meaning of, Sir has a screw loose today. However, she could not be perfunctory with Xie Yu. She tried her best to show her attitude: “A meeting of minds despite the late acquaintance.”

Xie Yu clenched her teeth: “Are you and I not considered friends?”

“No, we are teacher and student,” Xiao Kunning refused righteously. She would have to check the almanac before considering being friends with Xie Yu.

Xie Yu shook off her hand: “I will go alone.”

Xiao Kunning squinted against the light. So, how did I manage to annoy Xie Yu this time?

She was almost there and would not leave just like that. She jogged to catch up to Xie Yu, reluctantly flattering her: “Sir is generous; please do not bother with a student like me. If you say we are friends, then we are friends. It is an honor for a student to be friends with Sir.”

Xie Yu ignored her. The little liar’s words sounded nice, but she would forget them completely at a critical moment. She did not want to deal with this little liar.

Xiao Kunning did not know what she was angry about now. She coaxed her with a thick skin a few times, and finally, having no other option, she said: “This student has made great progress in researching pastries recently. How about I make some for Sir another day?”

Upon hearing this, Xie Yu compared it to Wen Yuke’s preserved fruits. Home-made pastry was much better than bought preserved fruits. She reluctantly agreed.

Xiao Kunning breathed a sigh of relief. The palace gate was right in front of them. The Imperial Guards stood armed with swords, majestic and intimidating, but the area outside the palace gate was too quiet, with hardly anyone passing by.

Gu Zheng stood anxiously at the palace gate. Seeing Xie Yu, he said, “The Heir entered the palace late; it has already been over a quarter of an hour.”

If he had not been late by a quarter of an hour, he would have been captured now.

Xie Yu did not care. Instead, she reached out and grabbed the little liar’s hand, pulling her close to her, shoulder to shoulder. She increasingly felt that Gu Ning’s words were right; learning from Su Ying once was not impossible.

Gu Zheng pretended not to see the two of them. Since the mutiny of the Patrol Camp, everyone with eyes knew that this Miss Xiao was highly regarded by Xie Yu. Her presence today was expected. Seeing the two standing side-by-side, and Xie Yu’s cold expression, he seemed to understand something.

Xie Yu was a solitary person who liked beautiful women. Previously, people, in an attempt to curry favor with her, had sent beautiful women to her residence, but Xie Yu had simply released them.

She unexpectedly ended up setting her sights on her own student after all this time. However, the two were not exactly proper teacher and student. Gu Zheng had almost offended Xie Yu today. He walked over to Xie Yu and said, “Grand Tutor, do you need my help?”

Xie Yu was intelligent, but she had almost no experience in matters of the heart, only acting when Gu Ning pushed her. Hearing Gu Zheng’s words, she released Xiao Kunning’s hand out of curiosity and walked to one side with Gu Zheng: “What did you mean just now?”

Gu Zheng whispered to her: “An Imperial marriage is a shortcut.”

Xie Yu stood tall and graceful, her whole demeanor composed. Her features were picturesque, making her noticeable even at the palace gate, but she only wore plain-colored clothes, which somewhat suppressed her brilliance, making her less beautiful than Xiao Kunning.

She watched Xiao Kunning’s figure in the wind—her cloud-like hair, slender neck—and said, “Minister Gu is overthinking.”

Gu Zheng found it strange. Looking at Xie Yu’s restrained expression, could it be that she did not have such feelings for the Xiao girl? As far as he knew, there were many students in the Guan Zhi Study, and Xiao Kunning was not the cleverest, even perhaps the most disobedient one.

Only she dared to sleep during Xie Yu’s class, and Xie Yu had always indulged her.

As he was still thinking, a sound came from the palace gate. Xie Yu walked back, and Xiao Kunning followed. Both looked beautiful. If they did not like women, marrying into any family would be a good thing.

What a pity, what a pity.

The one leading the group was the Heir of the Shen family. He wore a black robe, and his features were heroic, bearing some resemblance to Shen Rui. Seeing the young women at the palace gate, he guessed the person at the front was Xie Yu.

He came alone. The coffin had been sent back to the Prince’s Manor. He dared not delay and immediately rode into the palace, his heart uneasy. Seeing Xie Yu, he felt much more relieved.

Gu Zheng also stepped forward to meet him. The Imperial Guards guarding the palace gate, seeing the crowd, held their hands on their sword hilts, forcefully suppressing the impulse to draw their blades.

Xie Yu glanced at him lightly and said, “The Heir of the Shen family entering the palace is a good thing. Why are you so agitated? Be careful that your sword might draw itself for no reason. That will be your trouble then.”

The Heir of the Shen family immediately understood. A fierce look crossed his face, and he turned to the guard: “I will spar with you sometime?”

The Imperial Guard quickly replied that he dared not and respectfully bowed and retreated.

Xiao Kunning let out a long breath upon seeing the living person. The Zhennan Prince’s Manor was cleared, and Shen Rui was a Princess who would openly guard the border.

The Heir of the Shen family exchanged a few pleasantries with Xie Yu, then subconsciously said: “Miss Xiao, my sister asked me to send her regards to you.”

Xiao Kunning returned the greeting: “Please tell the Princess I am grateful for her concern.”

The Heir of the Shen family was hearty and found it inappropriate to talk in front of everyone. When Xie Yu moved to walk, he deliberately slowed down a few steps and walked alongside Xiao Kunning. He seized the opportunity to say: “Shen Rui told me that if you have not married when I return, you should wait for her. She will come back to marry you. Or, you could come with me to the border; it is safer there, and you will both have more freedom.”

Xie Yu, walking ahead, paused and turned back to stare at the Heir of the Shen family: “Your Heir is being a little too nosy.”

Gu Zheng did not hear the Heir’s words, but he clearly sensed the Grand Tutor’s displeasure. This is their first meeting. How did the Heir offend the Grand Tutor?

He did not understand, and the Heir of the Shen family did not understand either. He had promised Shen Rui to pass on the message. Seeing her today was a coincidence, and unsure if he would have another chance to meet her, he spoke out in his eagerness.

But thinking about it carefully, he was not wrong. He was confessing on behalf of his sister. That was not nosy. Why was the Grand Tutor displeased?