My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 47

Zhao Mian received the Heir of the Zhennan Prince’s Manor, Shen Nan, who was returning with his father’s remains. Prime Minister Yan stood nearby, his face full of smiles, occasionally glancing at Gu Zheng, the Minister of Personnel.

Gu Zheng felt uneasy. He avoided Prime Minister Yan’s gaze, lowered his eyes, and pretended to adjust his sleeve. Xie Yu had already left.

The winter was desolate. Occasionally, a few withered, yellow leaves could be seen on the palace road. Xie Yu walked leisurely, the Heir of the Shen family’s words ringing in her mind. He was restless the moment he returned to the capital. It would be better to send him away—out of sight, out of mind.

Xiao Kunning was unconcerned with the events that just transpired, but from the few simple words, she could imagine the terrifying moment just passed. She was curious whether Zhao Mian intended to kill the Heir or if it was solely the Prime Minister’s doing. Xie Yu’s steps were very slow, her face tinged with a slight red from the wind, walking with an air of cold indifference, truly the posture of an immortal. Her heart pounding, Xiao Kunning had to admit one thing.

Xie Yu indeed had some capability. Looking across the imperial court, only she could contend with the Yan family.

The cold wind blew, numbing her limbs. The indifference in Xie Yu’s eyes deepened. As they walked, she resolved Xiao Kunning’s confusion: “The Imperial Guards (Jinwu Guards) are divided into three armies, and you know which three. Not all three armies belong to Zhao Mian. On the contrary, the Retainers Army (Shiwei Jun) belongs to Zhao Mian and guards the Hanguang Hall. The Left Guard Army (Zuowei Jun) belongs to Zhao Ji, and the Right Guard Army (Youwei Jun) belongs to Yan Huaizhen. The army guarding the palace gate today was the Right Guard Army.”

“Does Sir mean that it was Yan Huaizhen who wanted to kill the Heir?” Xiao Kunning asked hesitantly. Zhao Mian, this Emperor, seemed honored, but he was more like a puppet, allowing Yan Huaizhen to act as he pleased.

Xie Yu was calm and composed, unconcerned with Xiao Kunning’s foolishness, and explained again: “The border has been peaceful for many years. This year, an attack came and killed the Zhennan Prince.”

The topic changed too quickly, and Xiao Kunning could not follow: “We were talking about the Left and Right Guards; why did it jump to the border?”

Xie Yu gave her a meaningful look, feeling that teaching her was fruitless. Yet, her patience with the little silly girl deepened, and she explained: “The two are connected.”

Xiao Kunning stumbled on a small stone she did not notice, shaking her whole body. Xie Yu reached out to support her: “You do not even know how to walk properly.”

Xiao Kunning ignored the scolding. She looked up into Xie Yu’s clear, cold eyes: “There is an abnormality at the border, and the Yan family wants to kill someone. The two are connected—is the Yan family seizing military power?”

The hand Xie Yu used to steady her waist froze. She inexplicably pinched her and said, “Foolish.”

“Then how is it solved?” Xiao Kunning could not figure it out. This event did not happen in the previous life. She only knew that Zhao Mian wanted to kill the Zhennan Prince to reclaim military power to deal with Yan Huaizhen. But in this life, there was the added complication of the strange situation at the border. Zhao Mian would certainly not pass information about the Great Zhou to an enemy country.

Therefore, the explanation made no sense.

Xie Yu remained silent. If she could not figure it out even after prompting, spending more effort would be futile. She walked on indifferently, ignoring Xiao Kunning’s questions.

Xiao Kunning sighed. Where did I go wrong?

After entering the middle of the twelfth lunar month, the Guan Zhi Study was closed for holidays. Zhao Can went to Luoyang with her father to celebrate the New Year. Before leaving, she sent Xiao Kunning a box of pastries and preserved fruits.

Xiao Wenxue did not receive even a single preserved fruit pit, which made her curse Zhao Can a few times, but she paid it no mind afterward.

The Zhennan Prince’s Manor was in mourning this year. They sent New Year gifts to every household but did not venture out. The gift sent to Xiao Kunning was a pair of bracelets made of yellow Tianyu jade. Yellow Tianyu jade was rare and in short supply, showing the Zhennan Prince’s Manor’s generosity.

As Xiao Kunning was Xie Yu’s student, she thought it over and casually chose an inkstone to send to Xie Yu. An inkstone was a common item, countless on the market. Xiao Wenxue thought she was being careless.

The light from the south window reflected onto the black inkstone. Xiao Wenxue’s expression was full of disdain: “So careless. Be careful the Sir hits your palm next year.”

Xie Yu sought revenge for the smallest offenses and might very well do something to settle a private score. Xiao Kunning felt a lingering fear, but she did not have extra money to buy anything else, so she simply used a knife to carve Xie Yu’s name onto the inkstone.

Now it is unique.

Xiao Wenxue held her forehead. Could she be any more stingy?

The inkstone was sent to the Xie Residence along with Xiao Kunning’s brush rest. Xiao Wenxue’s brush rest was said to be an artifact from the previous dynasty, given to her by Zhao Kaizhi when he visited that day. However, the quality of the brush rest made no difference to her, so she also gifted it to Xie Yu.

After the New Year, the Spring Imperial Examination would take place, and the chief examiner this time was Xie Yu. Zhao Mian personally appointed her, and no one else objected.

The Heir of the Shen family was scheduled to return to the border in the third month, but the Yan faction opposed it. Zhao Mian was hesitant. The Zhennan Prince’s merits and demerits canceled each other out, and the Yan faction’s insistence was all about the military power.

With his return date uncertain, the Heir of the Shen family paid a visit to the Xiao Residence.

Xie Yu was busy with the Spring Imperial Examination, so the Guan Zhi Study was closed. The Xiao sisters were glad for the break, but Madam Luo was busy arranging marriage prospects for them, restricting them from leaving the manor. Unable to meet them, the Heir of the Shen family had to ask Xie Yu for an invitation.

Xie Yu took time out of her busy schedule to receive Shen Nan. Shen Nan was also generous, giving her an inkstone that had belonged to a great figure from the previous dynasty. It was much nicer than Xiao Kunning’s.

A maid poured tea, and Needleman stood to one side. Xie Yu looked down on Shen Nan with an unhappy expression, but outsiders all said Xie Yu had the bearing of a celestial being. Shen Nan did not overthink it and said, “I came to see the Grand Tutor today for one matter.”

Xie Yu lowered her eyelids and did not look at him, saying: “It is not difficult for the Heir to leave. The investigation into the Zhennan Prince’s case will conclude in a few days.”

Shen Nan waved his hand: “The Grand Tutor is overthinking. I want to meet Second Miss Xiao and would like to ask you to convey a message on my behalf.”

The smile vanished from Xie Yu’s lips: “Madam Luo is strict with rules and does not wish for her sisters to meet outsiders.”

Even the foolish Shen Nan could feel the Grand Tutor’s rejection. He weighed the matter in his heart and did not dare to offend her, so he left disappointed.

Xie Yu summoned Needleman: “Return the inkstone to the Zhennan Prince’s Manor.”

Sir was unhappy, so Needleman dared not say much and hurried to catch up with the Heir of the Shen family.

Shen Nan went to the East Market and vanished in a flash. Unable to find him, Needleman could only go directly to the Zhennan Prince’s Manor. With many people in the busy city, the horse could not move quickly, so Needleman dismounted and led it.

The East Market was bustling with traffic. There were also many open-air stalls selling tea. A steaming bowl of tea made one feel comfortable both physically and mentally.

Four or five tables were crowded with men in long robes and short hemp clothes, as well as a few women sitting down to rest. They were all gathered together.

Many people were drinking large bowls of tea and talking about the Zhennan Prince’s Manor: “I heard the Heir of the Shen family cannot inherit the title. The Zhennan Prince fought enemies and guarded the border. In the end, this is all he gets.”

“No, the Zhennan Prince is someone we should respect. I heard it is Prime Minister Yan’s idea not to allow the inheritance and not to let the Heir return to the border.”

“Prime Minister Yan is the Emperor’s maternal uncle. In a few days, he might even be the Emperor’s grandfather-in-law, but he is just a civil official who has no real power despite all the fuss he makes. The 300,000 Shen family troops are a fat piece of meat. I heard the border raid this time was very sudden. I just feel like something is not right. What do you all think? The Zhennan Prince has been at the border for more than thirty years and knows every brick and tile clearly. How did he die so quickly?”

“You cannot talk nonsense about these things. I heard Prime Minister Yan thinks the Zhennan Prince lost the battle himself and is blaming it on the instability of the city walls. I wonder who is telling the truth and who is lying.”

Needleman stopped to look. These were just common people discussing these matters.

People spoke of whatever they heard, passing it from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred, thus spreading the rumor. She led her horse, asked the shop owner for a bowl of tea, and sat down.

A proud scholar, wearing a long robe, spoke: “I heard the Yan family refused and is opposing the Zhennan Prince’s Manor for the 300,000 troops. They even say that the current Emperor is not his true nephew by marriage. At the root of it, Minister Zhang of the Hanlin Academy is the Emperor’s true maternal uncle’s family. Minister Zhang has been studying books all his life. He has sat on this bench for so many years and has no real capability.”

Needleman found it amusing that these people knew so much.

The scholar’s words spread, and the rumor that Prime Minister Yan murdered a loyal official and seized military power became known throughout Chang’an.

Furthermore, a few arrogant scholars, during the examination, wrote about the current situation, angering the group of examiners. Xie Yu suppressed the exam paper.

A few days later, the scholar disappeared.

Everyone assumed the matter would end there, but one morning, the missing scholar knocked the drum outside the Ministry of Personnel, clamoring to see Minister Wen Yuke.

Wen Yuke rushed out and brought the man into the Ministry of Personnel. Afterward, the Yan family came to the Ministry of Personnel to demand his custody.

The Ministry of Personnel was afraid of causing trouble and wanted to hand the man over, but Wen Yuke blocked them, refusing. Gu Zheng came forward, actively sought out the Prime Minister Yan, and after some negotiation, agreed to hand the man over to the Yan family for handling.

Officials covering for each other was not an unusual thing. Furthermore, this was an internal matter of the Ministry of Personnel. To call it a big deal was an exaggeration, and to call it a small thing meant it could be easily dismissed.

It was supposed to be suppressed like before, but everyone forgot about the stubborn stick, Wen Yuke.

Before the Yan family could come to retrieve the man, she filed a complaint directly to His Majesty. She accused her own superior, Gu Zheng, and the Prime Minister Yan in front of the assembled civil and military officials.

The aged and solemn official robe looked elegant and graceful on Wen Yuke. Her back was straight like a green bamboo. Her expression was calm, upright, and resolute. No one dared to touch her, admiring her spirit of facing difficulty head-on.

Prime Minister Yan’s expression was poor. Gu Zheng’s face was flushed red. He stepped forward, holding his ceremonial tablet, and explained: “Your Majesty, this scholar is utterly arrogant. He claimed he was being hunted, but he could not produce any evidence. Your servant was only planning to release him. Minister Wen must have some misunderstanding.”

Prime Minister Yan followed up with a sneer: “Minister Gu’s lax management has caused me to be ridiculed.”

The Yan faction on the side agreed, all blaming Wen Yuke for not knowing her place and causing a foolish scene.

Xie Yu glanced over from the side, standing lazily and saying nothing. The trap was set by Xiao Kunning, and Wen Yuke had walked straight into it without investigating.

Wen Yuke, who had been silent for a long time, bowed to Gu Zheng: “Where is the scholar, Qin Zhi?”

Gu Zheng snorted: “In the Ministry of Personnel prison.”

Wen Yuke’s expression was calm, her gaze like ice. She said coldly, “When do you plan to release him?”

“Today, at the start of the Sì hour (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.).”

Wen Yuke pulled a piece of paper from her sleeve. Her slender fingers pinched the edge of the white paper, the two almost merging. She handed the paper to Gu Zheng and said: “This is the scholar’s confession. It states that you told him to apologize to Prime Minister Yan and settle the matter. When the scholar refused, you left in a huff.”

Gu Zheng was startled: “Do not let him fool you. Your humble official has never seen him. Furthermore, this is a case you took over. Your humble official would not interfere.”

Wen Yuke was neither humble nor arrogant: “You yourself said it is your subordinate’s case. Why did you insist on releasing the man? Let me ask the Right Assistant Minister, were you present when the Minister met with the Yan family’s people?”

Zhao Mian immediately said, “Right Assistant Minister, speak the truth.”

The Right Assistant Minister was a thirty-year-old man with a beard on his chin. Hearing the Emperor’s angry shout, he was so frightened he knelt and kowtowed: “Your servant… Your servant did not see it.”

“He truly did not see it,” Wen Yuke said softly. She pulled another letter from her sleeve and presented it to the ruler: “This is the letter the scholar wrote to His Majesty, asking your servant to deliver it.”

Xie Yu curved her lips, curious how Wen Yuke would win this battle. This matter did not require Prime Minister Yan to act; Gu Zheng would have completed the task. Wen Yuke was hitting a stone with an egg.

The letter was delivered to Zhao Mian’s desk. He looked at it, slammed the desk, and angrily shouted: “Gu Zheng, how dare you! Protecting each other—do you even have Me in your eyes anymore?”

The assembled court officials exchanged glances. What did His Majesty see to make him so furious? Gu Zheng knelt and kowtowed: “Your Majesty, your servant is innocent. The scholar was arrogant, insulting the Prime Minister on his exam paper. Your servant was merely handling public business. Why don’t you ask the Grand Tutor?”

Xie Yu, who was suddenly called out, had to step forward. Her deep gaze held the gloomy light in the hall. She bowed and said: “The scholar’s writing skill was good. Rumors outside say that Prime Minister Yan seized military power and wishes to usurp the state. The scholar referenced classical texts in his exam paper. Your servant stripped the scholar of his status. This man was not disheartened. Instead, he bowed deeply to your servant, saying he was returning home to engage in trade. He then disappeared without a trace.”

Gu Zheng did not understand the Grand Tutor’s meaning. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and defended himself: “This scholar is indeed arrogant.”

The Emperor, however, said: “The matter of murder must be thoroughly investigated. Gu Zheng no longer needs to manage this case. This matter will be investigated by Wen Yuke. I will only give you three days. If you cannot find anything, Wen Yuke, your head will be taken.”

Wen Yuke accepted the decree. Gu Zheng collapsed onto the floor. The crowd dared not interject and quickly left the Hanguang Hall.

Xiao Mingwang walked slowly among the crowd. Wen Yuke had a good nature, but going against the Prime Minister meant he did not know if she had a backup plan to deal with it.

After Yan Huaizhen returned to his residence, he was displeased. A staff member reported: “Prime Minister, that boy is out. Wen Yuke released him as soon as she returned to the yamen.”

Once the person is dead, nothing can be investigated. Don’t even talk about three days, not even three months. He ordered: “Follow him. Kill him when necessary.”

The staff member took the order and immediately rushed to execute it.

At this time, Xiao Kunning, dressed as a man, ran out of the manor. Madam Luo’s people failed to keep an eye on her. Xie Yu had been invited to visit by Xiao Mingwang, and she caught sight of a familiar figure running out of the alley behind the back gate. She glanced at Needleman, who immediately gave chase.

Xiao Kunning was going to see that scholar.

She had spent money to buy the scholar. Even the essay was written by someone she hired, as the imperial examination questions of the previous life were practically public knowledge later on. She used the student to indirectly implicate the Zhennan Prince’s Manor matter. If the matter escalated, Prime Minister Yan would inevitably kill him. When it was brought before His Majesty, the Prime Minister would have no reason to convict the Zhennan Prince’s Manor again.

The more he tried to stop it, the greater his suspicion would be.

After running out of the alley of the Xiao Residence, she arrived at the Guest’s Delight Tavern and quietly slipped inside. Needleman, who was following her, did not understand. Sneaking into a tavern to eat?

As soon as Xiao Kunning went up to the second floor, intending to go to the last private room, someone covered her mouth and dragged her into an unknown room before she could knock.

When she tried to shout, she found that the person holding her was Wen Yuke. She covered her own mouth and blinked, her anxiety temporarily receding.

Wen Yuke looked down and adjusted her gray robe. She, too, had changed into a gray gown. Not only was she handsome, but her cold face was also intriguing. Xiao Kunning wanted to laugh, but Wen Yuke scolded her with a cold expression: “What are you doing here? It is dangerous.”

Xiao Kunning’s eyelashes fluttered. Being yelled at like this confused her even more. She blinked like an obedient kitten: “What is wrong?”

As soon as her voice fell, the door next door was knocked. Wen Yuke instinctively pushed her behind her and signaled to the people in the room to check.

The people in the room were skilled agents from the Ministry of Personnel. Although surprised to see a strange woman, they did not dwell on it. They hid their knives and went out.

Before they could knock, they heard a noise from the room. They immediately kicked the door in. The scholar had been cut on the arm, bleeding profusely, and the assassin jumped out the window and fled.

Wen Yuke rushed to the window and looked down. The assassin was caught as he landed, his mouth gagged and his limbs tied. He howled a few times on the ground.

She let out a sigh of relief. She turned back to Xiao Kunning and said: “Keep this matter completely to yourself. You do not know this person, understood?”

Wen Yuke was relatively thin. Her features were less refined than Xie Yu’s, and her cold, firm tone made her look fierce. Xiao Kunning dryly nodded.

As she was about to leave, she glanced at Xiao Kunning, who was standing there stunned and silent. She quickly changed her tone: “I scared you. You must not admit you were ever here.”

In her urgency, she was flustered. She pulled out a delicate small box from her sleeve and hurriedly shoved it at her: “I apologize. This is my compensation. I have an important matter; I will apologize properly another day.”

Without waiting for Xiao Kunning’s response, she rushed out.

Xiao Kunning came back to her senses and looked out the window first. The assassin was caught and sent to the prisoner cart. Clearly, the prisoner cart had been prepared in advance.

The people gathered around to watch the excitement. The assassin’s mouth was gagged, his eyes blindfolded, and his limbs were tightly bound. Wen Yuke went down and led the people back to the Ministry of Personnel.

When Xiao Kunning chased after her, Wen Yuke’s back was already swallowed by the crowd. She took a few steps after her, clutching the box tightly in her hand.

A large group of people returned to the Ministry of Personnel. Gu Zheng was startled when he saw the assassin and quickly went to take a look. Wen Yuke ordered the assassin to be sent to prison, bowed to Gu Zheng, and then went straight to the Ministry of Personnel prison without another word.

Wen Yuke was truly not an easy person to deal with. He recalled the Emperor’s attitude that day. If this matter succeeded, his position would also be precarious.

After much thought, the Ministry of Personnel was his territory. No one could stop him from doing what he wanted.

Xiao Kunning did not dare to stay outside for long. She quickly climbed the wall and returned to the manor. No one noticed, but Xiao Wenxue was waiting in her room.

When she returned, Xiao Wenxue hurriedly grabbed a skirt for A-Ning: “Hurry up and change. Sir has been here for a long time. I wonder if she will see you.”

Xiao Kunning held the box, the corners of her lips curving. She said, “I will change right away.”

Xiao Wenxue rested her chin on her hand, noticing something amiss: “A-Ning, what are you holding?”

“Lip balm,” Xiao Kunning said. She walked into the inner room and placed the box on the dressing table. Wen Yuke’s thoughtfulness was truly unique. The cold block of wood from the previous life was different in private. This box of lip balm today showed her meticulous nature.

Xiao Wenxue walked over: “This box does not look like something you bought. Who gave it to you?” The Xiao Kunning she knew was carefree and simple-minded, with no intention of harming others, and likewise, she did not know much about these accessories for young women.

Xiao Kunning changed out of the oversized robe and washed off her makeup, revealing her true face—fair skin and crimson lips. She said happily, “I bought it.”

Xiao Wenxue did not believe her. She opened the box and smelled the scent of roses. The lip balm was made from roses, with a rich fragrance and smooth texture. She did not expose A-Ning’s lie and asked, “How much money was it?”

“Two taels of silver,” Xiao Kunning said casually. She changed into a snowy fox-fur jacket in front of the bronze mirror. Her waist looked much slimmer, and her face became vibrant.

The light in the room was poor. After carelessly dressing, she took the lip balm from Xiao Wenxue: “Let me try it first.”

Lip balm colors varied; some were too mature, but the one Xiao Kunning held was bright without being garish, making her skin look snow-white. Xiao Wenxue was slightly surprised. This item was definitely not from Xie Yu’s hands.

Xiao Kunning did not know her thoughts. She was very pleased after applying the lip balm. Meanwhile, Xie Yu had not yet left the study in the front courtyard.

Xiao Mingwang wanted to select a husband for Xiao Kunning. After looking at many candidates, there were no suitable choices. Princess Shen Rui was gone and would certainly be guarding the border. He could not bear to see A-Ning suffer and definitely wanted to choose a suitable husband in Chang’an for her.

Madam Luo personally drafted a list of names and had been diligently investigating them these days. A-Ning’s character was different from that of a typical noble lady. She had been raised by Zhao Xiran and was a bit rough around the edges. Her act of going out dressed as a man was not something an ordinary woman would do.

Xie Yu slowly flipped through the list. The smile on her lips deepened, and the light in her eyes dimmed considerably. Xiao Mingwang saw her unhappy face and asked confusedly, “Does the Grand Tutor think this is inappropriate?”

“These are all reputable families in Chang’an. Madam Xiao must have put a lot of thought into this.” Xie Yu slowly closed the list, her slender finger pointing at the page. “I think a few people are missing. I heard you speak highly of Wen Yuke.”

Xiao Mingwang was startled. He had indeed spoken a few words to his colleagues, but he had never considered her for marriage. He had only this one biological daughter in the manor and naturally wanted her to marry a satisfactory husband and have a child.

The Grand Tutor’s attitude was hard to figure out. He weighed the matter: “The Grand Tutor thinks none of these are good. Do you have a suggestion?”

Xie Yu did not answer, but her gaze deepened.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door. Xiao Mingwang opened the door, and Needleman entered to report: “Sir, Minister Wen of the Ministry of Personnel caught the assassin who attacked the scholar, and also…”

She hesitated to speak in front of Xiao Mingwang.

Xie Yu chuckled: “Congratulations to Minister Wen. Inform the young ladies to prepare thoroughly. The assessment is in ten days. Those who fail will be sent back to their manors.”

Xie Yu’s tone was unfriendly. Xiao Mingwang dared not say much. His two daughters would certainly be “sent back to the manor.”

Xiao Wenxue’s scholarship was not bad, but A-Ning was hopeless. He heard she was asleep nine out of ten times in class, and the tenth time she was daydreaming.

It was probably a good thing for them to return home sooner. Their marriages should be arranged to prevent them from becoming old maids.

After Xie Yu boarded the carriage, Needleman swallowed and said, “When the Ministry of Personnel caught the assassin, Second Miss Xiao was also there. Afterward, Minister Wen gave the Miss an item. The distance was too great; I could not see what it was.”

Xie Yu calmed down. Thinking of the marriage list, she felt increasingly uneasy. Xiao Kunning was indeed not young anymore. Girls from ordinary families would be married by now.

The families Madam Luo had chosen were all conventional, but Xiao Kunning’s wild nature might not make her a good wife for an ordinary family.

She calculated the time and said: “Go and ask Xiao Wenxue what Wen Yuke gave her. Also, after court tomorrow, go and invite Xiao Kunning to the Xie Residence.”

Handling the two matters separately allowed for plenty of buffer time.

In the evening, the Xiao Residence sent a reply. Two characters were written on the snow-white paper: Lip balm.

Xie Yu immediately tore the letter to shreds. Her eyes were like torches, burning with anger. Wen Yuke’s intentions were indeed sharp—solving a case while remembering to use lip balm to court a girl. Such leisurely elegance made one unable to look away.

Wen Yuke dared to send it, and Xiao Kunning actually dared to receive it.