My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 5

The two of them were originally acquaintances in the previous life. Hearing Xie Yu’s tone, Xiao Kuning immediately felt that something was wrong. Before she could think further, Xie Yu smiled and spoke again: “The little County Princess’s protection of you surprises me. I also have a question today that I wish to ask you to enlighten me on.”

Why was that tone so sour? In front of Xiao Mingwang, Xiao Kuning dared not refuse: “Teacher, you overpraise your student. I dare not speak of enlightenment.”

Xie Yu chuckled softly: “I wonder where I have offended Miss Xiao Er?”

The phrase “Miss Xiao Er” made Xiao Kuning very uneasy. Everyone in the manor knew she disliked the word ‘Er’ (Second), so they called her ‘Miss’ and referred to Xiao Wenxue as ‘Eldest Miss.’ Only Xie Yu enjoyed poking at her sore spot.

Ever since she saw Xie Yu at her most helpless on the journey to Chang’an, she had seen clearly that this Grand Tutor, who was as pure as a gentle breeze and bright moon, comparable to a mountain hermit or the Moon Goddess, was nothing more than a pitiable person.

From beginning to end, she was heartless.

Having been used to ordering people around in the previous life, upon hearing this sentence, she almost wanted to raise her head and point at Xie Yu: I hate you. Are you completely clueless?

She had died once and still hadn’t forgotten Xie Yu’s condescending attitude when she confessed her feelings.

Before becoming Empress, she had always been very humble, unable to integrate into the wealthy circles of Chang’an, while Xie Yu disdained socializing, remaining solitary.

She knew Xie Yu’s secret, and Xie Yu knew her distress; the two of them were almost the same.

She didn’t know when, or even how the feelings began, but by the time she was being considered for the position of the Prince of Yanping’s consort, she mustered up the courage to write a letter expressing her affection.

Xie Yu did not reply and gave no answer for a long time.

Impatient with the wait, she went to ask in person. Xie Yu’s face was so cold and untainted by the mundane world. She refused her harshly, saying, “Miss Xiao Er is determined to be a Princess Consort. She will gain nothing by coming to me.”

Thinking back now, Xie Yu deserved to be lonely her whole life. Her rivalry with Xiao Wenxue was not about being determined to be a Princess Consort; it was merely to anger Madam Luo.

The daughter raised by a merchant snatching the position of Princess Consort from Xiao Wenxue, whom Madam Luo raised from childhood—Madam Luo would likely wake up furious even in her dreams.

If Xie Yu hadn’t provoked her with those words, she wouldn’t have become a Princess Consort and later been forced to be buried alive with Zhao Ji.

Seeing her again, that slap was not unwarranted.

However, she could not tell the truth, only use the nightmare as an excuse: “Yesterday, this student mentioned encountering a vicious wolf in a dream that bit down hard and wouldn’t let go. Just as I woke up, Teacher happened to be standing right before my eyes.”

Xie Yu’s eyes darkened, and her eyebrow raised imperceptibly, as if displeased: “I am a vicious wolf?”

Xiao Kuning smiled faintly without speaking. You are not a nightmare; you are a devil.

A vicious wolf is not terrifying. Xie Yu is the most feared person, having killed all the members of the Zhao imperial clan and thrown the court into chaos. A vicious wolf can be killed, but Xie Yu is unkillable.

The three people stood by the lake. It was not yet noon, and the atmosphere was extremely quiet. Willow branches drooped down to the bank, swaying gently.

Xie Yu walked along the lake and signaled for Xiao Kuning to walk over as well.

Being caught by her, Xiao Kuning felt unlucky. She reluctantly shuffled a few steps and stood on her tiptoes to look at their reflections in the water.

Xie Yu’s robes fluttered. Her features were delicate, and even her eyes were as clear as a sage’s. Beside her, Xiao Kuning was dressed in men’s clothes, her face bright and her expression unruly.

Xie Yu pointed to the water: “Which of us looks like a vicious wolf?”

Xiao Kuning felt disheartened. If she truly had to choose one, it would inevitably be her who resembled the vicious wolf. Xie Yu’s beautiful exterior was her best weapon.

With her ethereal grace and a touch of immortal aura, she could easily become an immortal.

She felt extremely wronged: “This student looks like the vicious wolf.”

“Good, very obedient.” Xie Yu patted her head with satisfaction. A teacher’s affection for a student was evident.

Xiao Mingwang, standing to one side, discerned some meaning in this. Xie Yu was struck but did not mind, indicating a degree of appreciation for Ah Ning. He was secretly pleased and guided Xie Yu toward the study.

For some reason, Xiao Mingwang was quite close to Xie Yu. Perhaps the two were discussing political affairs, which was not impossible.

Xiao Kuning felt exceptionally frustrated after betraying herself. Reincarnated, she was still utterly incapable of resistance. She hated her powerlessness.

She couldn’t help but think more deeply. The disparity between her and Xie Yu was vast. Although both were women, the other was a Grand Tutor, while she was a sheltered young lady who would be scolded for half a day for wearing men’s clothing. Forget about continuing to fight Xie Yu; even her personal freedom was a problem.

The key was that the fox, Xie Yu, was extremely clever. Even if Xiao Kuning knew what happened in the previous life, Xie Yu could deduce it through her actions. She would be killed before she even made a move.

Xie Yu’s wisdom made her tremble all over. Her bloodthirsty methods of suppression were almost unprecedented.

Walking out of the Xiao manor’s side gate in a grand manner, she intended to go to the Zhao Trading Company.

In the previous life, she resented Zhao Xiran for sending her back and thus refused to contact her or accept her help, no matter the circumstances.

Reborn, she had come to her senses. Why not use the money and silver she had? If it offered any assistance, she couldn’t pass it up. It was certainly better than being forced to death by Xie Yu.

The Zhao Xiran in her memory was unique. Her vision was far-reaching, and she was effortlessly adept at business matters, never misjudging a situation.

Whenever she spoke of Xiao Mingwang, she would always call him a “scumbag.” Initially, Xiao Kuning didn’t understand the meaning of the word ‘scumbag’ and asked several times.

Zhao Xiran explained to her that a scumbag was worse than an unfaithful man, toying with another person’s feelings and not taking them seriously.

It was hard to imagine that Zhao Xiran was once desperately devoted to Xiao Mingwang, wanting to marry into the Xiao manor even as a concubine.

The Zhao family did not have much business in Chang’an. In Zhao Xiran’s words, she did not want to see that scandalous couple, and she had so much money that she didn’t need the Chang’an area.

Leaving the Yong’an Alley entrance, she saw Shen Rui, stubbornly guarding the spot.

As soon as Xiao Kuning appeared, Shen Rui galloped over on her horse. She was leading a red date horse, and her heroic face was filled with a sincere smile: “Where are you going? I’ll take you.”

With no way to avoid her, Xiao Kuning mounted the red date horse and rode side-by-side with Shen Rui.

The street was at its busiest, with a bustling, lively atmosphere blowing toward them. The sunlight struck the densely packed rooftops, reflecting a dazzling glare.

Along the way, Shen Rui turned to look at her several times, pausing before speaking, her worry clearly visible in her eyes.

When they arrived at the Zhao family’s Moxian Hall (Ink Fragrance Studio), Shen Rui, eager to cheer Xiao Kuning up, hurriedly said: “Do you need a qin (a zither)? The qin here is a little inferior to the one at the Hengxiang Pavilion across the street. Why don’t we go and take a look there?”

From ancient times, business rivals were always at odds. Moxian Hall’s business was not as good as Hengxiang Pavilion’s because their qin prices were lower, while the shopkeeper across the street was black-hearted, buying cheap and selling high. The competitive atmosphere in Chang’an City led people to believe higher prices meant better quality. Over time, Hengxiang Pavilion’s business crushed Moxian Hall’s.

Xiao Kuning knew that the Zhao family opened this shop in Chang’an not to make money, but for Xiao Wenxue.

Before coming to Chang’an, Zhao Xiran had instructed her to tell Xiao Wenxue that she could get silver at Moxian Hall.

She was so consumed by jealousy then that she hadn’t told Xiao Wenxue, nor had she ever visited the place. Thinking of it now felt ironic.

The shopkeeper of Moxian Hall recognized her and enthusiastically led her in, instructing someone to prepare tea and pastries. “Miss, are you in need of a qin, or is there something you need to instruct us on?”

Shen Rui followed Xiao Kuning closely. Several qin were displayed in the hall. She knew nothing of their quality and merely looked around casually. Xiao Kuning did not look at the qin at all: “I do not lack a qin. I wish to see your Second Proprietress. Has she come to the capital?”

In the previous life, the Zhao family became the richest family in Great Zhou. Even Xie Yu showed them some deference. Later, when Xie Yu gained power and deliberately caused trouble, Zhao Xiran donated money and grain to ensure the Zhao family’s safety, losing most of her wealth.

Xie Yu was always ruthless and would certainly not spare anyone who posed a danger to her.

The shopkeeper was startled upon hearing this: “The Second Proprietress never comes to the capital, as you know.”

Xiao Kuning’s expression cooled: “Go and ask. If she wants to come, she can come; if not, then so be it. I won’t force her.” The current Zhao family still had some reputation in Jiangnan, but they had little influence over the Great Zhou as a whole.

The shopkeeper dared not offend Xiao Kuning. After carefully deliberating, he replied cautiously: “Alright. The junior will send someone to ask. If there is a reply, I will have someone inform you.”

Shen Rui knew the hidden owner was the Zhao family. Seeing Ah Ning’s impatience, she proactively stepped forward to express her concern: “Do you lack anything? I can help.”

Shen Rui would grant any request.

Xiao Kuning calmed down after her display of anger. She wasn’t genuinely angry, but she believed that unless she spoke this way, she wouldn’t see Zhao Xiran. She was not short of money; Shen Rui had sent many good things to her room, a whole box of bank notes, both large and small denominations. She truly had no place to spend it.

Faced with Shen Rui’s deep affection, she was genuinely worried. She smiled at her: “With a whole box, would I be short of silver? I have just been back for so long that I miss my foster mother.”

“It’s easy to see her. Why don’t I take you? With me present, your parents will also be at ease. How about we go out and relax for a few days?”

Shen Rui seemed a little nervous. She wanted to spend a few days alone with Ah Ning, and seeing Zhao Xiran was the perfect excuse.

Fearing that Ah Ning might not accept, she added: “I will speak to Vice Minister Xiao, and he will agree to your taking a break.”

Vice Minister Xiao would be afraid of his wife finding out, which would cause unrest in the manor, so he would definitely agree and keep it hidden from Madam Luo.

Xiao Kuning was somewhat tempted. It had been seven or eight years since they last met. She definitely wanted to see her. She nodded in agreement: “I still need to ask for leave from Teacher Xie.”

Shen Rui said: “The Teacher is lenient. She will certainly agree.”

Xiao Kuning did not reply. Xie Yu was anything but lenient; she was planning to settle scores this morning, petty and scheming.

With the plan decided, Xiao Kuning decided to go to the Xie manor in the afternoon to give advance notice, lest Madam Luo find out later and cause unexpected trouble.

The Xie manor was right next to the Zhennan Prince’s Manor. Shen Rui initially wanted to personally escort her inside but recalled the Teacher’s words from yesterday: “Xiao Kuning is not sharp, and neither are you. You are both women. Although accepted by society, being overly ostentatious is still improper. You should both learn the meaning of restraint.”

Out of respect for appearances, she could only watch Ah Ning enter the Xie manor alone.