My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 50

With Zhao Can gone, the rest of the group was about to disperse. Xie Yu’s arrival at the end made them too constrained to leave first.

Xiao Kunning, with her ‘disrespectful of her teacher’ behavior of poking the Sir’s forehead, made everyone extremely nervous. Yet, observing Sir, she was not as angry as they had imagined. Her expression was as usual, but on closer inspection, it seemed to hold a trace of indulgence.

Wen Yuke sat silently, holding a cup of grape wine. Complex emotions surged in her cold eyes. Due to the distance, she could not hear Xiao Kunning’s quiet words.

In the final period of her previous life, Xiao Kunning’s feelings for Xie Yu went from initial love to hatred. Wen Yuke had become her best listener. Xiao Kunning had revealed her emotions without reservation—both love and hatred were evident in her every unintended word. But Xie Yu was a person burdened by hatred, not a simple courtier.

Xie Yu was a saint in the eyes of the world, but a demon to the Zhao royal family.

The abdication of Zhao Mian, the succession of Zhao Ji, the Empress Dowager hanging herself, her body being exposed to the wilderness after death, Prime Minister Yan being confined to an iron cage and enduring the scorn of his subordinates, and Jing Yang’s face being completely destroyed—all these major events were inseparable from Xie Yu.

While Xiao Kunning laughed drunkenly at herself, Wen Yuke put down her wine cup and walked towards Xie Yu step by step: “Grand Tutor.”

Xiao Wenxue’s eyelid twitched, and her heart clenched.

Xie Yu slowly turned her eyes: “Does Minister Wen have something to say?”

“Yes, please step aside.” Wen Yuke was not afraid.

Xie Yu tightened her grip on Xiao Kunning’s hand and gently pulled her. The girl leaned into her embrace.

Wen Yuke frowned, clenching her hands.

Xie Yu said, “If it is about politics, we can discuss it tomorrow at the Ministry of Personnel yamen.”

Wen Yuke refused: “It is a private matter.”

Xiao Wenxue only knew the two were superior and subordinate, both belonging to the Ministry of Personnel. As for a private matter, it could only be about A-Ning. She did not want A-Ning to get involved in their trouble and kindly suggested: “Sir, please give A-Ning to me. I will take her back.”

“No need. Ask Prince Gaoyang to lend a room. I will discuss what needs to be said with Assistant Minister Wen and then send her back to the Xiao Residence.” Xie Yu held Xiao Kunning firmly, her eyes sharp.

Xie Yu was a person who commanded respect even without anger, and her expression now showed impatience. The other girls were too frightened to stay any longer and all rose to take their leave.

Only four people remained in the room. Xiao Wenxue hated noisy situations the most. Ignoring the two women’s intentions, she said coldly, “It is getting late. I must take A-Ning back. Sir and Minister Wen should stay at the Prince’s residence to talk.”

Xie Yu disregarded her suggestion and walked toward the door, embracing Xiao Kunning. Xiao Wenxue stomped her foot anxiously: “Sir!”

Wen Yuke was composed, without any superfluous emotion. She tidied her collar and followed the two.

Prince Gaoyang rushed over. Seeing Xie Yu’s displeasure, he did not know what had happened and offered: “Grand Tutor, why not stay overnight? I see your guards are not here. It is dangerous outside, and it is not a good time to leave.”

The relationship between Xie Yu and Prime Minister Yan was at the breaking point, almost to a public confrontation. There was also the old case in Wen Yuke’s hands that everyone was watching. Assassins appeared every three days. Leaving at this time would only please Yan’s faction.

Xiao Wenxue knew it was unreasonable but agreed first, quickly taking A-Ning from Xie Yu’s grasp: “That would be good. We apologize for imposing on the Prince.”

Xie Yu’s hands felt empty. Her heart suddenly felt hollow. She restrained herself from looking at Xiao Kunning and walked straight back to the Tingfeng Pavilion: “Assistant Minister Wen, say what you need to say quickly.”

Wen Yuke turned and followed. Prince Gaoyang directed a maid to assist the Xiao sisters and, feeling uneasy, went to check on the two women.

Xiao Wenxue had never imagined that the two would quarrel in this life. In the previous life, the three of them were a complete mess in the end, but Wen Yuke and Xie Yu were both taciturn, and A-Ning was oblivious to everything, so they coexisted peacefully. In this life, the two quiet ones had actually wised up and put things on the table.

It would be fine if they were ordinary people, but both were formidable forces. Not to mention Xie Yu, Wen Yuke’s ability was also excellent.

Xiao Wenxue, preoccupied with worry, followed the maid back to the guest room to stay. Xiao Kunning was unconscious, just like Zhao Can, lying on the bed with her head crooked. In the dim light, she looked surprisingly bright and stunning. Xiao Wenxue was both annoyed and helpless. She pinched A-Ning’s nose: “Hurry up and leave. Tomorrow, I will send word to Zhao, the Second Shopkeeper, to take you away immediately, far from these two disasters.”

She was so frustrated. In the Listening Snow Pavilion, Prince Gaoyang was at his wit’s end. He ordered hot wine to be brought and intended to sit down and drink with the two, but they both wore cold expressions and clearly did not welcome him.

If they chose to ignore him, so be it. He excused himself and left.

Zhao Can’s grape wine was still unfinished. Wen Yuke first offered a cup of wine to Xie Yu as a courtesy, her tone softening: “Grand Tutor, you must be very clear about the case of Princess Le Yang. Bi Shu is twenty-three years old, and you are also twenty-three. Also, Sir Xie, you claim to be from the Xie family in Luoyang. I checked, and though I couldn’t find any evidence, you are hostile towards the Yan family. You appear to maintain a distance from Prime Minister Yan, but everything you do behind the scenes is setting traps for him. If I am not mistaken, you are the daughter of Princess Le Yang.”

Xie Yu toyed with the white jade cup, a playful smile on her lips: “If you say so, then it is so. If not, then it is not.”

Wen Yuke looked up and stared at the person opposite her: “Prime Minister Xie.”

The wine cup in Xie Yu’s hand paused. Wen Yuke smiled faintly: “You should know how A-Ning died. You are a saint, and also a demon. A-Ning is simple-minded and not complex. Her refusal to become the Princess Consort of Yanping proves she has moved on. She no longer has feelings for you.”

Xie Yu remained unfazed: “Then you have hope? You know better than I what kind of manor the Wen family in Luoyang is. Even if I do nothing, they will not allow you to choose Xiao Kunning. The Wen family values rules, and she is the most unconventional person.”

“Does Sir Xie think A-Ning will still choose you? I ask you, who would like a person who once forced them to die? A-Ning seems bold, but she will choose to escape when facing difficulties. If you push her too hard, she will only run away from you. Furthermore, you should be clear about the forces behind you. The Gu family in Jiangnan, Princess Gaoyang, and the person who rescued you from the palace back then—they are all waiting for your move. People who walk in the darkness are destined not to understand the thoughts of people who live in the sunlight. A-Ning is a blank slate. Have you never considered why she refused to be the Princess Consort of Yanping?”

Xie Yu’s long eyelashes trembled slightly. The veins on the back of her hands suddenly bulged. Wen Yuke felt it was not enough and continued: “Why did she reconcile with the Xiao sisters? Why did she choose to go back to Zhao Xiran? Why is she not fighting or striving? Xie Yu, she has memories of her previous life.”

From the first moment she saw her, she knew Xiao Kunning, like herself, carried the memories of her previous life.

Xiao Kunning chose a path different from before, indicating she no longer had feelings for Xie Yu. Xie Yu was simply indulging in wishful thinking.

The cold air of the deep spring night seeped in from outside. Xie Yu felt cold all over, her limbs stiff. Her sinister gaze fell on Wen Yuke’s calm face: “I protected her for thirteen years.”

Wen Yuke mocked: “What does it matter if it was one hundred and thirty years?”

The next morning, a bird flew into the corridor and chirped incessantly, annoying the person under the quilt, who threw a pillow at it.

Xiao Wenxue had not slept all night. She woke up early and sat in the room, feeling a headache. Xiao Kunning walked out, looking angry. Seeing her sister listless, she was curious: “What is wrong with you?”

“My little ancestor, you are awake?” Xiao Wenxue roused herself to respond, instructing the maid to bring stomach-soothing porridge and side dishes, not mentioning a word about last night.

Xiao Kunning did not know that Xie Yu had come later. She sat down to drink the porridge. After only two sips, Zhao Can rushed in, her gaze lingering on Xiao Kunning, and she said excitedly: “Elder Sister Xiao, did Sir come last night?”

“I don’t know. I was drunk just like you. If Sir came, she came.” Xiao Kunning said indifferently. However, the matter of the turtle must have been discovered. To avoid being found out, she suggested: “Princess, do you still want to go to Luoyang?”

“Yes, yes! We will leave in the afternoon. I’ll have someone pack our things. Wait for me.” Zhao Can turned and ran.

Xiao Wenxue no longer stopped her. She also did not want to go. She had sent a message to Zhao Xiran today. Given Zhao Xiran’s nature, there would soon be a resolution.

The two sisters rose to take their leave after breakfast. Zhao Can had someone see them off while she busied herself packing.

Not long after Xiao Kunning returned to the manor, Xie Yu arrived. Madam Luo personally went to meet her. They had only been sitting for a moment when Prince Gaoyang arrived with a large entourage.

Madam Luo did not know what kind of wind was blowing today; it was truly rare to have such guests. She personally went to greet them. Prince Gaoyang smiled and took her hand warmly: “Madam, you may not know, but I am returning to my fiefdom and would like to invite the two Xiao girls to visit my fiefdom. I will ensure they are safely returned to you. The scenery in the fiefdom is beautiful, perfect for the two girls to play in. Zhao Can is also going.”

Madam Luo did not agree and mumbled without a word. Prince Gaoyang squeezed her hand and said intimately, “Madam, do not worry. I sincerely invite them. Zhao Can will be lonely going alone, so I wanted to invite her friends.” After speaking, she saw Xie Yu sitting in the room. Her eyes twitched, and she suddenly lost her composure: “Grand… Grand Tutor is here too.”

Zhao Xiran, oh Zhao Xiran. If Xie Yu causes you trouble, I will not interfere.

Xie Yu’s face looked somewhat haggard. She stood up and bowed to Prince Gaoyang: “Your Highness.”

Prince Gaoyang suddenly felt something was wrong: “Is the Grand Tutor unwell?”

“I had a headache last night,” Xie Yu said, looking down.

“Oh, I see.” Prince Gaoyang drew out the end of her sentence. She did not believe it. Xiao Wenxue had sent a message for help today, saying that Xie Yu and Wen Yuke were both obsessively watching Xiao Kunning and things had become ugly. Having a headache at this time? No, no.

She was too lazy to bother and continued speaking to Madam Luo: “I am leaving this afternoon. Does Madam agree or not?”

Madam Luo was in a difficult position. The Grand Princess was the Emperor’s aunt, and the Xiao Residence could not afford to offend her. She glanced at Xie Yu for a hint, but Xie Yu gave no response. She said with difficulty: “It is their fortune to be invited by Your Highness, but today is too rushed.”

“Not rushed at all. Just pack a few pieces of clothing. We can buy new ones when we get to the fiefdom. No matter, no matter. Since Madam agrees, I will return now and send someone to pick them up in the afternoon.” Prince Gaoyang waved her hand. She thought Xie Yu was acting like an idiot sitting there. Not daring to stay long, she led her people and quickly left.

Xie Yu did not stay either and excused herself hastily.

Madam Luo sighed. She instructed her maid to inform the two girls, cautioning them that they must return before the Dragon Boat Festival.

Xiao Kunning was thrilled, but Xiao Wenxue stayed behind. She did not want to see Zhao Xiran and remained to keep Madam Luo company.

Madam Luo sighed in her heart, holding her hand and saying emotionally: “This is hard on you.”

Xiao Wenxue shook her head: “Mother is joking.”

The mother and daughter watched Xiao Kunning leave. Prince Gaoyang was waiting outside the city. Zhao Xiran was leaning lazily against a cushion, looking a bit tired.

Prince Gaoyang’s carriage was too conspicuous and could be seen from a distance. Pedestrians were curious about such a grand display and craned their necks to see which noble person it was.

Xiao Kunning’s carriage was stopped before reaching the city gate. When she lifted the curtain, she found Wen Yuke standing beside it. Xiao Kunning smiled, her lips curving: “Where are you going, Minister Wen?”

Wen Yuke was wearing a sky-blue skirt today, with a matching plain silk ribbon tied around her waist, from which hung a pouch of the same color. Her long hair draped over her shoulders. She was slender and elegant, just as Xiao Kunning had last seen her in the previous life.

“Miss Xiao, I have something I want to say to you.” Wen Yuke smiled softly, radiantly bright, very different from before.

Xiao Kunning’s mind drifted to that last period of time. Seeing the real person now, her heart felt warm. She obediently got out of the carriage and walked up to her: “Shall we walk?”

She was dressed simply today, with only one hairpin in her black hair, looking pure and peerless.

Wen Yuke’s heart tingled slightly. The street was crowded, bustling and noisy. She liked Xiao Kunning like this.

“Where are you going, Miss?” she asked softly.

Xiao Kunning did not know the complex changes in Wen Yuke’s heart. Her lips curved: “I don’t know where I am going. Minister Wen, take care of yourself, and do not clash with Grand Tutor Xie.”

She is protecting Xie Yu. Wen Yuke was unwilling and countered: “Why?”

Xiao Kunning frowned, unsure how to explain it to her. Telling her about the past life was too absurd, and she did not want Wen Yuke to be in danger. She made up an excuse: “Xie Yu is no ordinary person. You should provoke her less.”

Wen Yuke nodded: “Fine, I will not provoke her.”

After walking a few steps, they saw the city gate in the distance. Xiao Kunning was worried that the Zhou family’s marriage proposal would be detrimental to her and casually reminded her: “How is the Zhou family matter?”

Wen Yuke felt guilty and said: “I heard you were implicated because of this matter. I… I apologize. It will be over when you return.”

Xiao Kunning waved her hand heartily: “It’s fine. I don’t care about my reputation. The court politics are deep. You, you need to be strong.”

Seeing her hesitation, Wen Yuke felt extremely relieved. She looked at Xiao Kunning’s hair, took out a wooden box from her sleeve, and bravely handed it to her: “My compensation. When you are out, do not worry about Chang’an. You can write and tell me about any interesting or sad things.”

You can treat me as your confidant, just like in the previous life.

Xiao Kunning felt she should not accept another gift and refused with a blush: “No need, no need. I truly do not mind this matter. You should keep it.”

Wen Yuke shook her head: “It is not suitable for me. It suits you best. Good things should go together, just like people. Only when natures are compatible can they be together.”

Xiao Kunning did not understand the underlying meaning. Refusing again would be impolite, so she accepted with a smile and said, “I will bring you a little something when I return.”

Wen Yuke smiled deeply. Looking at Xiao Kunning opposite her also made her feel comforted: “Good, I will wait for you. It is getting late. Hurry along.”

Xiao Kunning did not think too much. She bid her farewell and boarded the carriage.

After the carriage left, Wen Yuke looked at the open window of a building to the side, and the corner of her lips curved. Xie Yu is truly an inescapable spirit.

Xie Yu was indeed in the window. Seeing Xiao Kunning willingly accept Wen Yuke’s gift, she became completely rigid. Yu Yin, behind her, also saw it. She was much more cautious than Nong Qin. Sensing her Sir’s mood, she offered comfort: “Sir, Minister Wen is different from you.”

Xie Yu did not speak. After returning to the Ministry of Personnel, Wen Yuke submitted the case of Princess Le Yang: “Everyone involved is dead. We only found records in the Imperial Academy suggesting that the late Emperor’s step-Empress had ordered the Imperial Physicians to prepare some medicine. There are no files in the palace; we found it by reviewing the records of the Imperial Academy.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Princess Gaoyang has left. Conclude this case,” Xie Yu said.

Wen Yuke was confused: “How should I conclude it?”

Xie Yu lifted her eyes. Her features were imbued with anger, and even her eyes concealed much displeasure: “Conclude it however you see fit.”

Wen Yuke was silent for a long time. Finally, she bowed: “Your subordinate believes this case cannot be concluded. If we continue to investigate, concluding it now would only prove that the late Emperor’s step-Empress concocted a medicine, which would at most be her crime. As for Prime Minister Yan, he would be completely unscathed.”

Xie Yu stared at her, meeting her respectful eyes: “If you want to investigate, go ahead. I will not stop you. But after Gaoyang leaves, Jing Yang will not stop. If you want to know, I will tell you: Zhao Mian witnessed the entire event himself back then. What good will it do if you find out?”

“Zhao…” Wen Yuke was shocked. Zhao Mian was five years older than Xie Yu. He was only a five-year-old child at the time. Yet, for all these years, he had never mentioned a word, putting on a show of impartiality in court. She found it hard to believe. Le Yang was his paternal aunt.

Xie Yu said: “Stop now, and you can live to see Xiao Kunning return.”

Wen Yuke bowed: “Your subordinate thanks the Grand Tutor for informing me. If you say to conclude the case, then I shall conclude it.”

Xie Yu did not want to see her insincerity and directly dismissed her. Yu Yin entered, timing it perfectly, and said quietly: “Commander Sun wishes to see you.”

“I will not see him. Instruct him to do his work himself,” Xie Yu said cautiously.

Yu Yin dared not say more. She glanced at her Sir. Xiao Kunning had only been gone for half a day, and she was already so displeased. If she did not return for a few months, the roof of the Ministry of Personnel yamen might be blown off.

After leaving the Chang’an territory, Zhao Xiran separated from Prince Gaoyang. Prince Gaoyang clung to Zhao Xiran for a moment, unable to let go, showing her reluctance.

Zhao Can, unaware of the situation, watched with sparkling eyes. She tugged at Elder Sister Xiao’s hand in the carriage: “Elder Sister, Elder Sister, does my Aunt Gaoyang like your foster mother?”

“Hmm, probably.” Xiao Kunning covered her eyes, refusing to watch. Prince Gaoyang’s flirtatiousness was hard to resist, and Zhao Xiran was hard-pressed to resist the temptation. The two were a good match, but their status difference was too great, and Prince Gaoyang’s hasty departure from Chang’an likely had a story behind it.

The case was abandoned halfway through, suggesting a reluctance to expose the events of the past. This old matter was becoming increasingly strange.

Zhao Can hugged the side of the carriage, staring intently at the two reluctant figures outside. She offered to speak for her Aunt Gaoyang: “Aunt, why don’t you travel with us? You can send your people back and come back after a few months of fun.”

Prince Gaoyang thought it was a good idea: “Fine, I will reluctantly agree.”

Zhao Xiran: “You reluctantly agreed? I do not agree! Go back to your fiefdom!”

Zhao Can was dumbfounded: “She is so fierce! Why does my little aunt like such a fierce woman? Isn’t a sweet and gentle one better?”

“Not suitable for minors.” Xiao Kunning had no choice. She covered Zhao Can’s eyes and pulled her back into the carriage, drawing the curtain shut. Her foster mother was always unconventional. In her eyes, there were only elders and juniors, no hierarchy of status.

Zhao Can could not see with her eyes covered, only smelling a faint fragrance. She could not help but ask curiously: “Elder Sister smells so fragrant.”

Xiao Kunning replied: “You also smell fragrant.”

Zhao Can giggled and burrowed into Xiao Kunning’s arms. The fragrance at her nose grew thicker. She said happily: “Not as fragrant as Elder Sister. What kind of girl does Elder Sister like? How about you like me? I promise to be obedient and listen to everything Elder Sister says.”

“You should focus on your food. They smell better,” Xiao Kunning said. She did not like such intimacy and reached out to push Zhao Can away. Just then, Zhao Xiran lifted the carriage curtain: “One of you get out. I am staying here.”

Zhao Can sniffed her nose, acutely sensing danger. She waved her hands in refusal: “No, I am staying with Elder Sister. We will live and die together!”

“Good, a girl from the Zhao family should be like this! Second Shopkeeper Zhao, if you do not get out of the carriage, I will have this carriage chopped up. Then all three of you can enjoy the north wind.”

Prince Gaoyang’s bossy and unreasonable voice came from outside. Zhao Can shivered, holding onto Elder Sister Xiao’s neck: “Second Shopkeeper, hurry and leave! My Aunt Gaoyang means what she says.”

“Little ingrate.” Zhao Xiran glanced at the two little things. She threw the curtain shut and walked away in a huff.

Xiao Kunning smiled faintly. Zhao Xiran’s temper could only be tempered by Princess Gaoyang.

The carriage traveled south for three or four days. The weather became warmer, and the green leaves on both sides of the official road slowly increased. People changed into thin spring clothes.

Zhao Xiran was always generous and provided new clothes for everyone. Prince Gaoyang insisted on using Shu brocade for her clothes. The two bickered along the way, making it lively.

News came from Chang’an. The old case of Princess Le Yang was settled. Bi Shu, with the help of the Ministry of Personnel, opened the coffin, but unexpectedly, it was empty.

There was nothing inside the coffin.

The Emperor was furious and ordered the Ministry of Personnel to continue the investigation. A new storm swept through Chang’an. The news only reached them several days later.

Prince Gaoyang did not show much emotion. The group continued to laugh and enjoy themselves, acting as if nothing had happened.

Major matters were unsettled in Chang’an. A war broke out on the border. Shen Rui led his men to repel several waves of attacks. Young Master Shen rushed back overnight. Yan’s faction could not stop him and ordered ambushes along the way.

Prince Gaoyang could not help but curse when she received the news. She did not want to continue in front of the juniors. She winked at Zhao Xiran, who acted as if she saw nothing and continued drinking tea.

The Zhao family had many manors in Jiangnan. The group went to the Zhao family’s ancestral manor.

The ancient manor possessed a deep, old charm, as well as the solemnity of a century-old residence. Madam Zhao, the Second Madam of the family, led the household to welcome them.

After entering the Zhao manor, Prince Gaoyang received a letter from Chang’an: the little prince had died of illness.

Chang’an was about to change. She pressed the letter down and recalled Xie Yu’s words: “Investigating the old matter or not does not mean much. Even if you find the truth, it will be erased.”

Zhao Xiran pushed the door open, holding a cup of rosehip tea: “What are you thinking about?”

“I’m thinking about whether Second Shopkeeper Zhao can lend me money.” Prince Gaoyang quickly placed the letter over the candlelight. Her face was dark and uncertain. The paper quickly burned to ashes, leaving no trace.

Zhao Xiran was not surprised by her words. All the nobles in Chang’an were like this. She said, “Fine. Marry me, and I will lend it to you.”

Prince Gaoyang extinguished the candle flame with her hand. Her fair fingertips were scalded red, but she felt no pain. Instead, she felt a burst of exhilaration: “Fine. I will become the Empress, and the entire empire will be yours.”

Zhao Xiran rolled her eyes: “Go dream your beautiful autumn dream.”

Prince Gaoyang winked at her, her eyes cunning. She beckoned to her: “Dreaming is fine too. Let’s dream together.”

Zhao Xiran did not refuse. She lifted her chin: “Make me happy, and I will give you the money.”

Prince Gaoyang scoffed: “You truly have some nerve.”

Zhao Xiran: “And you are truly slutty.”