My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 49

After the assessment at the Guan Zhi Study concluded, the young ladies returned to their dormitories to pack their belongings and return to their manors. Zhao Can was the most joyful, completely unconcerned about the assessment results. As she packed, she constantly chattered.

“Luoyang is very lively, especially in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom. We can go boating and read books. I heard they have pleasure boats there. The girls on the boats are skilled in qin, poetry, calligraphy, and painting. How about we invite a few girls? They can compose poems and couplets while we drink. Also, also, my father allowed me to travel outside! We should all go together—Jiangnan, Shu, or even the border to find Shen Rui. We can go anywhere!”

The lively Zhao Can’s few words immediately lifted the atmosphere in the dormitory. Even the conventional Xiao Wenxue was intrigued: “I heard the women on the Luoyang pleasure boats are skilled in poetry and their qin technique is exquisite, effortlessly playing the konghou and pipa.”

Zhao Can’s eyes sparkled. She eagerly walked up to Xiao Wenxue: “Yes, yes, yes! How about we go together, play for a few months, and then return? How does that sound?”

“Good. Let’s set off tomorrow.” Xiao Kunning slammed her hand down, making the decision. Based on the turtle she drew on the exam paper, Xie Yu would not spare her. It was better to seize the opportunity to leave and return only after the dust settled and Xie Yu had selected the female officials.

Xiao Wenxue, unaware of the inside story, hesitated when she saw her so keen: “Isn’t that too quick a decision?”

“Not quick, not quick. Just say that the Princess invited us, and we have no choice but to go,” Xiao Kunning said, pulling Zhao Can closer to discuss it.

Zhao Can was so happy her eyes curved, and her face was rosy. She immediately grabbed Elder Sister Xiao’s hands: “Good, good, good! Tomorrow it is, let’s meet at the East City Gate.”

Xiao Wenxue held her forehead. A-Ning’s haste definitely meant something was wrong. It did not look like she was going on a trip, but rather fleeing for her life.

The other girls were anxiously waiting for Xie Yu’s reply, especially Shen Yunzhi, who sat there preoccupied. Zhao Can was overjoyed and invited her to join them as well.

Shen Yunzhi snapped out of her daze. She could not stand to see Xiao Kunning happy, especially after her father had said that Grand Tutor Xie was interested in choosing Xiao Kunning. That meant she herself had no hope.

Feeling unhappy, she could not help but speak rudely, saying sarcastically, “Why do I feel like Xiao Kunning is rushing to escape? Is she feeling guilty about something?”

Xiao Kunning’s heart trembled. She remembered that no one seemed to see her draw the turtle. How did Shen Yunzhi know?

She remained silent. Zhao Can was indignant: “How is going out to play an act of guilt?”

Shen Yunzhi sneered: “Don’t you know? Xiao Kunning shamelessly tried to snatch the marriage of the Dingyuan Marquis Manor.”

Xiao Wenxue’s eyebrows chilled at the remark: “Miss Shen, you should measure your words carefully.”

Everyone else fell silent, waiting quietly for Shen Yunzhi’s next words.

Shen Yunzhi became energized: “A while ago, the Dingyuan Marquis Manor and Minister Wen of the Ministry of Personnel had arranged a marriage. Xiao Kunning brazenly went to see Minister Wen and had someone beat up Minister Wen’s uncle. I heard his leg was broken. Now, Minister Wen has broken off the engagement, and Miss Zhou almost took her own life at the manor.”

Zhao Can was stunned. How did all this messy business get blamed on Elder Sister Xiao? She immediately slammed the table: “You are lying! Minister Wen never agreed to the marriage. It was the Wen family in Luoyang who secretly agreed. Miss Zhou, with her bad leg, tried to force the marriage. What does that have to do with Elder Sister Xiao? Shen Yunzhi, do not talk nonsense! Be careful of divine retribution!”

Zhao Can was just a fierce little rabbit. Her father, Prince Gaoyang, was not very capable, no better than an ordinary noble. Shen Yunzhi had never taken her seriously and completely ignored her, saying: “It is true that Minister Wen’s uncle had his leg broken. It is also true that Xiao Kunning and Minister Wen went in and out of the Ink Fragrance Chamber together. What is it? Minister Wen is a rising star in the court. Are you that impatient?”

Zhao Can was so angry that she ground her teeth. She rolled up her sleeves, ready for a fight. Xiao Kunning held her down: “I was the one who hit him. It was because he insulted me and called me lowly. Minister Wen came to my Ink Fragrance Chamber to buy a qin. It is proper etiquette to see a guest off. As for the rising star matter, the Zhou family forced the marriage first. Minister Wen and I are completely innocent.”

Shen Yunzhi shrieked: “If you didn’t try to seduce Minister Wen, why would he insult you? You behaved improperly yourself; should others not be allowed to criticize you?”

Xiao Wenxue pulled Xiao Kunning away, freeing Zhao Can, who, without a word, slapped Shen Yunzhi: “I will tell Sir!”

The others quickly retreated, cleanly separating themselves from the incident. Shen Yunzhi clutched her face and cried out, her screams making hearts tremble. She glared fiercely at Zhao Can: “What are you going to tell Sir? She tried to seduce someone else first. Shouldn’t I be allowed to talk about it?”

Zhao Can rolled up her sleeves and put her right hand on her hip: “I will tell Sir that you like Sir, and Sir likes Elder Sister Xiao, so you are jealous of Elder Sister Xiao and are trying to slander her!”

The others: “…” So, privately, this is a story of love, hate, and enmity.

Shen Yunzhi was going insane. How did this idiot Zhao Can know? She pounced on her, ready to fight.

Xiao Kunning and Xiao Wenxue exchanged a glance and quickly rushed forward to pull them apart. Things only got worse. Shen Yunzhi screamed: “Who is kicking me? Who, who is scratching my face?”

The others dared not stay. Regardless of whether their luggage was packed, they fled the dormitory: This is none of our business.

It was three people against one in the room. Shen Yunzhi’s face was scratched, and the Xiao sisters grabbed Zhao Can and ran away.

Xie Yu heard the noise and came to find Shen Yunzhi looking like she had been attacked by a ghost. She was alarmed: “What happened, Miss Shen?”

Shen Yunzhi was kicked so badly she could not stand up. She covered her scratched face and cried, bursting into tears, stammering out what had just happened.

Xie Yu did not hear clearly. She personally walked over and helped the girl up.

Xie Yu’s robe was clean, her skin fair, and her hands were slender with distinct knuckles. As she moved closer, Shen Yunzhi’s heart skipped a beat. She smelled a faint, clean fragrance and offered her hand to Xie Yu.

Seeing her initiative, Xie Yu realized something and stood up straight instead: “It looks like a serious injury. I will have someone summon the Imperial Physician.”

Shen Yunzhi was both ashamed and angry. Her hands clenched in her sleeves: “Sir, it was Xiao Kunning who hit me.”

Hearing Xiao Kunning’s name, Xie Yu’s steps paused: “Why?”

Shen Yunzhi seized the opportunity: “It was because Xiao Kunning was shameless, seduced Minister Wen, and messed up the marriage between the Zhou and Wen families. When I said a few words to her, she hit me.”

The light in Xie Yu’s eyes dimmed. She turned and walked away. Shen Yunzhi called out again and again in the room, but Xie Yu did not look back.

Shen Yunzhi touched her face, her eyes flashing with a venomous light. She refused to believe that Sir Xie would still choose Xiao Kunning.

The carriage carrying Xiao Kunning and the two others drove out of the palace gate. Inside the carriage, Zhao Can was still cursing Shen Yunzhi, spilling everything she knew like beans from a bamboo tube.

It turned out that Shen Yunzhi’s mother was originally a concubine and was only elevated after the legitimate wife died. Shen Yunzhi naturally became a legitimate daughter, but her nature had not changed. She was greedy and narrow-minded, always desiring things she should not have, and was rumored to often beat and curse her servants at the manor.

She rambled on for a long time, finally closing her mouth only after her throat was dry. Xiao Kunning felt she was more open-minded than in her previous life. Thinking of Prince Gaoyang’s fate in the end, she felt sad and said, “Calm down. She is not worth it.”

Zhao Can agreed. Her father always said one should be more open-minded. She pulled out a preserved fruit from her purse and popped it into her mouth, immediately feeling the sweetness. She said, “Elder Sister, you should also stay away from Minister Wen.”

“Why?” Xiao Kunning did not understand. Wen Yuke acted cautiously and was a rare honest official in the court. What was wrong with her?

Zhao Can said, “My father says Minister Wen is good, but her family affairs are a mess and she is easily implicated. The Wen family in Luoyang is declining with each generation and has become insatiably greedy. Elder Sister, you were only selling her a qin this time and were already slandered. Moreover, the marriage between the Wen and Zhou families was agreed upon by the Wen family in Luoyang. Elder Sister, you should see the big picture.”

Xiao Wenxue was curious: “How do you know so much?”

Zhao Can snorted, leaning in close to the two: “Did my two Elder Sisters forget? I just returned from Luoyang. The Wen family in Luoyang is using Minister Wen’s name to seek benefits everywhere. This marriage is likely to happen.”

Xiao Kunning knew about these things but did not worry. Wen Yuke was also forced into marriage in her previous life, though it was not the Zhou family. She heard it was also a noble, but she did not know the specifics. She only met Minister Wen after Zhao Ji died, and by then, the Wen family did not dare to provoke her.

They were all disgusting people; there was no need to dwell on it.

The carriage first arrived at the Prince Gaoyang Residence. Zhao Can said, “Don’t be unhappy about these things. Come to my manor tonight to have fun. I have lots of fine wine. A few drinks will make you feel better before you go home.”

If they drank like this, they probably would not be able to leave tomorrow. Xiao Wenxue agreed, thinking of this: “Good, we will impose on you then.”

Zhao Can waved her hand. Remembering that they were about to part, she also invited Sir Xie, along with a few other young friends.

In the palace, Xie Yu was invited by the Emperor to play Go. Yan Ruyu brewed tea on the side. The three were harmonious in the afternoon. Spring sunlight streamed in through the window, slowly falling upon the Go board opposite Xie Yu.

Zhao Mian was absent-minded, his gaze fixed on Xie Yu’s fair, distinct fingers. Her two fingers held a black Go piece. She was proper like a goddess, pure like a saint.

Yan Ruyu detected his gaze and sneered inwardly. Xie Yu would never enter the palace. The more a man could not obtain something, the more he longed for it. Zhao Mian had been lusting after her since he ascended the throne. After so many years of looking but not being able to taste, how uncomfortable must he feel?

She crushed the tea cake and put it into the boiling water, chuckling: “I heard there was an assessment today. Whom did Sir favor?”

Xie Yu did not answer. The black pieces surrounded Zhao Mian’s pieces. Zhao Mian sighed: “The Grand Tutor wins. I am also curious whom the Grand Tutor will choose?”

“The exam papers are in the hands of the other instructors. I have not seen them yet,” Xie Yu said, with no joy of victory on her face. Zhao Mian was merely letting her win.

For the Emperor to defer to his subject, there must be a reason.

“Is that so?” Zhao Mian gazed at her moist, red lips.

Yan Ruyu presented the brewed tea to the Emperor, smiling brightly: “Sir must already have a candidate in mind. However, I think Minister Shen’s daughter is good—smart and well-mannered, and her scholarship is also decent. Unlike Vice Minister Xiao’s second daughter, who is playful and never listens to Sir.”

After speaking, she handed a cup of tea to Xie Yu.

Xie Yu received it and placed it aside without even glancing at it. She looked coldly at Noble Consort Yan: “It is natural for the Noble Consort to think Miss Shen is good, as you are close to her. You have always been at odds with Xiao Kunning, so no matter how smart she is, she will not catch your eye. People are like this: they only help those who benefit them.”

Yan Ruyu, pouring the tea, froze. Xie Yu was giving her no face. After the tea was full, she immediately retaliated: “The Grand Tutor is joking. I heard you also favor Xiao Kunning very much. Could it be that you also only help those who benefit you?”

Xie Yu said, “I have not helped her. Since the Noble Consort is so concerned about this matter, why don’t you choose someone for your servant?”

The atmosphere in the hall was tense. Xie Yu smiled faintly, but her eyes were cold like a deep abyss. She calmly gazed at Yan Ruyu across from her.

Zhao Mian sensed Xie Yu’s unusual attitude. A person who was usually easy to get along with was being aggressive today, which must be for a reason. He blamed the Noble Consort.

The Emperor set down his teacup, displeased: “The Noble Consort is being thoughtless. Grand Tutor, I still have some things to discuss with you.”

Yan Ruyu knew she was no match for Xie Yu, and she also knew the Emperor coveted Xie Yu’s beauty. She rose with a smile: “This concubine will return first.”

Xie Yu stood up to see her off. Zhao Mian signaled her to sit down: “The Noble Consort is tactless. Grand Tutor, please do not take it to heart.”

“Your servant does not mind.”

Zhao Mian looked troubled and said: “Some people mention that Prime Minister Yan’s power in court is greater than in the late Emperor’s time…”

The Emperor hesitated, appearing very troubled.

As a subject, Xie Yu could not pretend to be mute and could only console him: “Your Majesty is a wise ruler. Prime Minister Yan has no major faults.”

“No major faults? Do you know how my Aunt Le Yang died?” Zhao Mian looked pained, the scene from twenty-three years ago flashing through his mind. He was only five years old then. He went to play in Empress Ji’s palace and saw palace servants leading his Aunt Le Yang into the hall.

In the extremely lavish palace sat his mother and Empress Ji. Aunt Le Yang sat down without speaking. Empress Ji personally poured wine and chuckled: “Princess, your talent is unmatched. I wonder if you have a suitable match?”

Aunt Le Yang was coaxed into drinking a cup of wine. Not long after, he saw his maternal uncle rush into the hall. There was a crash inside, sounding like a bowl breaking. Empress Ji and his mother rushed out in a panic, and his maternal uncle remained inside.

He did not know what happened. When he tried to step forward to ask, he heard a woman’s cry from inside, shouting for help and protesting.

His mother lied that his aunt was drunk and speaking nonsense, and that his uncle had never gone inside.

It was only after Aunt Le Yang died, and he grew up, that he learned she was not drunk. Empress Ji had drugged Aunt Le Yang and had his uncle force himself upon her.

His aunt was devastated. Forget about seizing the throne; she later became insane and could not even recognize people.

The Emperor had misspoke. Xie Yu pretended not to hear and still praised Prime Minister Yan: “When Your Majesty ascended the throne, Prime Minister Yan made great contributions and is also your maternal uncle. Now his daughter is your Noble Consort. The Yan family’s glory is tied to you.”

Zhao Mian clenched his fist, his expression sinister. The Empress Dowager’s actions were growing bolder. The princes were repeatedly endangered in the inner palace. If he endured any longer, he would be a coward. Xie Yu, on the other hand, was different. She was as pure as a white lotus on a snow mountain, as sacred as a goddess. She was highly talented, and most importantly, she was alone. Her willingness to give up the Patrol Camp showed she had no intention of dominating the court.

He was confident he could conquer this woman. Not fearing to expose the ugly secrets of the past, he said helplessly: “Bi Shu is indeed Prime Minister Yan’s daughter.”

Xie Yu could not help but sneer: “Does Your Majesty mean that Princess Gaoyang was right?”

Zhao Mian nodded: “This matter is too absurd.”

Xie Yu said calmly: “Your servant is listening.”

When Xiao Kunning left the manor, Madam Luo could not help but lecture her: “You just came back and you are going out to play? And at night? How could you agree?”

Xiao Mingwang happened to return to the manor. Xiao Kunning immediately pushed him out: “Father is back. Mother said she missed you. We are leaving now.”

Madam Luo’s face flushed red, outmaneuvered by Xiao Kunning. Feeling embarrassed, she clutched her handkerchief and walked toward the inner courtyard, no longer bothering with her two daughters.

Xiao Wenxue gave A-Ning a thumbs-up. The two got into the carriage together.

When they arrived at the Prince Gaoyang Residence, Zhao Can greeted them sullenly. She grabbed Xiao Kunning’s hand and sighed: “Minister Wen came and talked with my father in the study for a long time. I overheard a few words about Aunt Le Yang.”

The Prince Gaoyang Residence was elegant, its layout suggesting a lively greenness. Greenery could be seen everywhere, similar to Zhao Can’s personality.

Zhao Can said a few unhappy words. Xiao Wenxue recalled the events of her previous life. When Shen Rui became Emperor, he posthumously made A-Ning Empress. He also excavated the remains of Princess Le Yang from the inner palace and posthumously named her Emperor.

Many people disagreed. Since when did a dead person from a previous dynasty become an Emperor? But the officials could not contend with Shen Rui and watched helplessly as Shen Rui performed the ritual for Le Yang.

When the news broke, the entire country erupted, but even then, Bi Shu did not appear.

What does Bi Shu’s appearance mean in this life?

Walking towards the backyard, they encountered Prince Gaoyang and Wen Yuke. The two stopped. Wen Yuke’s heart fluttered when she saw the fair and rosy-cheeked young woman. She bowed to the three of them, using the etiquette for peers. Xiao Kunning smiled, first bowing to Prince Gaoyang, and then moving half a step to the side.

Prince Gaoyang saw that Wen Yuke and the Xiao sisters were of similar age and kindly asked Wen Yuke to stay: “Minister Wen, if you have no business, why not stay and dine with my daughters? It would be good for you all to get acquainted.”

Wen Yuke was an honest official of the court; ordinary people wanted to make her acquaintance.

Zhao Can blinked her nimble eyes. It was hard to refuse her father’s request, so she reluctantly agreed: “Minister Wen, do you drink? We are playing drinking games tonight. It would be more fun with you here.”

Xiao Kunning was also curious and could not help but gaze at the person across from her.

Wen Yuke’s face turned slightly red under her gaze. She looked down at her feet and replied, “Since the Prince asks, your servant obeys.”

Prince Gaoyang chuckled and praised her a few times, then left alone.

Xiao Wenxue felt that fate was inescapable. No matter where she went, she would run into Wen Yuke. Conversely, she had not run into Xie Yu even once. Thinking of Xie Yu, she pulled Zhao Can aside and asked: “Is Sir coming today?”

Her voice was very low. Zhao Can almost did not hear her. She nodded blankly: “I invited her, but I don’t know if she will come. It is better if she doesn’t; we will be more at ease.”

Xiao Wenxue gave up. A-Ning’s relationship with Minister Wen was growing increasingly close. Not only were they exchanging affectionate glances, but A-Ning also really liked that box of lip balm.

The banquet was held in the Tingfeng Pavilion in the backyard of the Prince Gaoyang Residence. Flowers were placed all along the corridor. Wooden racks for barbecue were set up in the courtyard, and chefs were roasting lamb legs to be eaten immediately. Zhao Can was very happy. She pointed at the chefs and said joyfully, “I invited them from Jiangnan. I heard it is fashionable to eat like this in Jiangnan.”

Xiao Kunning understood. This was influenced by Zhao Xiran. Eating with bamboo skewers, fine wine and delicacies paired with roasted lamb legs—it was delicious and comfortable.

As the group walked out, they smelled a strong fruity fragrance. Zhao Can opened a jar of wine and poured four cups. She had the maid deliver them to the other three and said happily, “This is grape wine from the Zhao family in Jiangnan. I heard it tastes great.”

Xiao Kunning had drunk it since childhood. Zhao Xiran said it could delay aging, though she did not know if that was true.

Wen Yuke took a small sip. Seeing Xiao Kunning drink it down in one gulp, she also finished the rest of her wine. The little Princess across from her added, “The things from the Zhao family in Jiangnan are always new and unique. I also asked someone to buy some flower tea. I heard it can beautify the skin, but I wonder if it’s a lie.”

After drinking the grape wine, two or three other girls arrived sporadically. They waited for a long time but did not see Xie Yu arrive.

Zhao Can said happily: “Sir is probably not coming. Let us start the banquet.”

As soon as she spoke, she joyfully pulled Xiao Kunning towards the barbecue. The remaining girls saw Wen Yuke in person and could not help but stare curiously, their eyes full of excitement.

Xiao Kunning slowly took a sip of wine. These girls were all misled by external flattery and thought highly of Minister Wen. She smiled and spoke to Wen Yuke: “I heard Minister Wen is engaged?”

Wen Yuke paused her drinking and slowly shook her head: “No.”

Xiao Wenxue added, “Today, Minister Shen’s daughter accused A-Ning of being shameless and destroying your engagement with the Zhou family.”

The words were obvious. Wen Yuke understood immediately without thinking. She apologized: “I am sorry. I caused her trouble. I will deal with this matter.”

A mocking smile flashed across Xiao Wenxue’s beautiful face. She did not hide her displeasure: “A-Ning is simple-minded. Many people misunderstand her. The Wen family’s words were too foul. I imagine the Grand Tutor will not let this go, after all…” She paused inexplicably, her gaze slowly falling on A-Ning outside, her tone becoming much colder: “The Grand Tutor values A-Ning.”

The word ‘values’ was emphasized heavily. Wen Yuke’s heart trembled: “This matter is indeed my fault.”

She admitted her mistake quickly, without making excuses. Xiao Wenxue gave up her attack.

Zhao Can was greedy for wine. She had drunk an unknown amount of grape wine and was stumbling and swaying along the corridor, holding a white porcelain cup. She was shaking her head and reciting ancient poetry. She swayed right up to Xiao Kunning.

Xiao Kunning had drunk a few cups of wine, and her face was flushed red. Her lips were moist and shiny. In the lamplight, they looked like bright red fruits. She rested her chin on her hand, watching Zhao Can. Zhao Can poked her nose: “Elder Sister, you remind me of a line of poetry.”

Xiao Wenxue’s eyelids twitched. Drunks were prone to causing trouble. Just as she was about to pull them apart, Zhao Can leaned close to Xiao Kunning and chanted: “The reeds are green, the dew is white frost. The one I seek is on the water’s side.”

Xiao Kunning’s eyes were misty. Hearing the line, she did not blink, acting as if she had not heard it. She kindly stuffed a piece of sliced roast lamb into Zhao Can’s mouth.

Zhao Can spat it out, muttering a few words: “It is not tasty. Not as fragrant as Elder Sister.”

Xiao Wenxue’s biggest headache had finally occurred. She reached out and pulled the two apart. Zhao Can, however, refused to let go. She held Xiao Kunning’s hand tightly, determined to whisper a sentence to her: “Elder Sister smells very fragrant. I like it…”

Xiao Wenxue quickly covered her mouth and instructed the maid to send the Princess back. As she turned back to settle Xiao Kunning, a pair of hands reached out.

The plain robe was spotless, and the wrists were slender.

It was Xie Yu.

Xiao Wenxue willingly let go. Xiao Kunning swayed and sat back down. She looked up at Xie Yu: “Prime Minister…”

Xie Yu frowned: “You are drunk.”

Xiao Kunning covered her forehead, rubbing the fair skin red with the back of her hand. Xie Yu held her hot hand and, without thinking, helped her up: “I will take you back.”

“Back to the central palace. I do not want to go back…” Xiao Kunning pushed her away for no reason.

Xie Yu was not angry. She held her hand firmly: “Back to the Xiao Residence.”

Xiao Kunning struggled to break free and instead poked Xie Yu’s forehead: “If you do too many bad things, be careful of ghosts knocking on your door in the middle of the night.”

Xie Yu grabbed the hand that was poking her: “Only you would come knocking on my door.”