My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 51

With Prince Gaoyang’s disruptive influence gone, Chang’an immediately settled down. The Yan family descendants soon returned to their former ways. Bi Shu, having been left behind in Chang’an, moved into the Princess Le Yang Manor. The Emperor bestowed valuable treasures, maids, and guards upon her, showing great favor.

A prince had recently died in the palace, and Zhao Mian was gloomy. He summoned Xie Yu for a game of Go. Seeing the woman he constantly thought of, his mood slightly improved. Halfway through the game, a eunuch rushed in to report: “Your Majesty, Princess Bi Shu was assassinated at her manor.”

With a ‘thud’, the Go piece in Zhao Mian’s hand dropped. Xie Yu bent down to pick it up. Zhao Mian quickly regained his composure and questioned the eunuch: “Where is the assassin?”

The eunuch kowtowed: “They fled.”

Zhao Mian slammed his hand onto the Go board. The pieces scattered, one hitting Xie Yu’s forehead and leaving a red mark. Zhao Mian, in his extreme rage, did not notice. He paced the hall furiously. Xie Yu waved her hand, signaling the eunuch to leave, and then comforted the Emperor: “The situation is urgent. Your servant will immediately go to the Ministry of Personnel to investigate.”

“No. Order the Ministry of Personnel, the Court of the Imperial Clan, and the Grand Court of Judicial Review—the three departments must investigate jointly. If the culprits are not found, all of you will lose your heads!” Zhao Mian’s expression was sinister, with a deep abyss hidden in his eyes.

Xie Yu accepted the decree.

Zhao Mian felt this was still not enough. Bi Shu had only one enemy, Prime Minister Yan and his wife. He said angrily, “Do they think I am blind, or an idiot? To act so quickly shows they have no regard for me.”

Xie Yu gazed at the chessboard: “Does Your Majesty know why lychees are so expensive in Chang’an?”

Zhao Mian was simmering with anger. Hearing this unexpected question, he was initially confused. Then, seeing the deep, meaningful look in Xie Yu’s eyes, he had a sudden realization. He unconsciously stepped back a few paces. After taking a few breaths, he pulled himself together as if making a huge decision and said, “Grand Tutor, go and investigate. I can only rely on you.”

“It is my duty to share Your Majesty’s burdens.” Xie Yu rose to take her leave.

As she walked out of the Hanguang Hall, she saw Wen Yuke approaching, holding something in her hands. Getting closer, Xie Yu saw it was a booklet.

Wen Yuke’s official robes had bloodstains on the cuffs and even on her shoes. Upon seeing Xie Yu, she reported the details: “The assassin went to the manor yesterday. Your subordinate suspects someone inside the manor assisted the killer; it was done silently. Furthermore, your subordinate remembers that Bi Shu knows martial arts.”

Xie Yu took the booklet and quickly glanced through the content: “His Majesty has ordered the three departments to investigate: the Ministry of Personnel, the Grand Court of Judicial Review, and the Court of the Imperial Clan.”

Wen Yuke was not surprised. After the Prince died, people had begun discussing establishing a Grand Imperial Brother. In the previous life, Zhao Ji only had a chance after the Prince died.

The two met on the steps and spoke a few words about state affairs. Xie Yu handed the booklet back to her: “Has Xiao Kunning written to you?”

Wen Yuke took the booklet back and walked past her, ascending the steps, not wanting to say a single word.

Xie Yu’s face chilled slightly, but she did not become angry, slowly walking out of the Chui Long Dao (Hanging Dragon Path) of the Hanguang Hall.

At the end of the path, a magnificent woman approached. Yan Ruyu was wearing a rose-red palace dress with wide sleeves. The jewels on her hairpiece shimmered brilliantly, causing Xie Yu to slightly narrow her eyes.

The two met. Xie Yu half-bowed in salute. Yan Ruyu straightened her back, her eyes sweeping over Xie Yu’s face: “The Grand Tutor has become thin.”

“The Lady Consort has become rounder,” Xie Yu said without changing her expression.

Yan Ruyu choked. She said unhappily, “The Grand Tutor is thin because she is troubled. This Consort is very happy to hear that Bi Shu died. What are your thoughts, Grand Tutor?”

“No thoughts. No one wants to stop what your biological mother wants to do, especially since I hear that face looks exactly like Princess Le Yang’s.” Xie Yu was too lazy to look her in the eye.

Yan Ruyu’s spring dress was thin, her neck long and slender, and her figure was more delicate and fragile than before, evoking pity—men liked gentle women. Xie Yu opposite her looked like a saint as always, unsullied, with a beauty that made it hard to discern her true nature.

She scoffed, “Being similar is useless. The person is dead. I heard the face was completely ruined first.”

A miserable death.

Xie Yu stood aside, looking at the majestic and solemn eaves of the Hanguang Hall. She was puzzled: “The Ministry of Personnel just sent the news. How does the Lady Consort know about this? Do you have the ability to foresee the future?”

The boastful Yan Ruyu forgot the details. She was not annoyed at being exposed by Xie Yu. Instead, she sneered: “Say what you want. I am going to see His Majesty. I have good news to share with you: I am pregnant, already two months along.”

“Oh, congratulations, Lady Consort. Your servant takes her leave first.” Xie Yu smiled faintly, bowed, and departed.

Xie Yu always maintained this goddess-like demeanor in public: stunningly beautiful, impeccably behaved, and humbly spoken. Yan Ruyu wished she could tear off her hypocritical face and let the world see her ugly interior.

When Zhao Mian got rid of Zhao Ji and the Empress Dowager, it would be Xie Yu’s turn.

After encountering the two, Xie Yu walked out of the palace much faster. After boarding the carriage, Yu Yin pulled out a letter. She wanted to give it but didn’t, hesitating before handing it to her: “Sir, this seems inappropriate.”

“What is inappropriate?” Xie Yu took the letter. It was addressed to Minister Wen Yuke. Tearing open the envelope, she saw Xiao Kunning’s elegant handwriting.

The little liar would not write to her. This was a letter that Nong Qin had intercepted from Xiao Kunning and specifically delivered. Nong Qin was simple-minded and entirely devoted to Xie Yu, while Yu Yin was more meticulous. The two complemented each other, but after Nong Qin left to protect Xiao Kunning and started acting alone, she revealed her true colors.

She actually intercepted the letter.

The entire letter was filled with interesting anecdotes from the road, such as seeing many talented girls at the pleasure boats who were skilled in singing and dancing, and also quite beautiful. There was also a river encounter with a fish as tall as a person, which they bought and was enough for the entire Zhao manor to eat. Pages of rambling, meaningless talk were written, concluding by telling Wen Yuke to be careful and not to provoke Xie Yu.

Don’t provoke Xie Yu… Xie Yu’s head ached with anger. Was she a monster or a vicious wolf that Xiao Kunning felt the need to write a letter warning Wen Yuke?

Reaching the extreme of her anger, she lost all reason and simply tore the letter to shreds. Yu Yin could not stand to see her so self-destructive. Especially after Miss Xiao left, Sir’s temper had grown increasingly volatile. Every now and then, she would tear up things, and stay up late grinding her dagger.

Staying up all night was one thing, but she should lie down and sleep during the day. However, Sir seemed possessed during the day. The backlog of cases at the Ministry of Personnel was huge. She ordered the Ministry clerks to review old cases, causing widespread resentment throughout the Ministry.

As the carriage passed through the bustling market, the cries of vendors drifted in. Xie Yu was impatient. Just as she was about to say something, Yu Yin quickly said, “Sir, go to Jiangnan.”

Xie Yu’s face was cold: “No.”

Yu Yin persuaded: “You should go. The local officials in Jiangnan have embezzled a lot of money. You can petition the Emperor to go there. Miss Xiao is not the temperament to be idle; she will definitely be out playing everywhere in Jiangnan. Even without Minister Wen, there are many other gentle girls.”

The important thing was that Miss Xiao’s face was too beautiful. Which girl wouldn’t like her?

Xie Yu fell silent. Yu Yin immediately took out a document from Jiangnan from a hidden compartment and handed it to Xie Yu: “If Sir does not make a decision, Minister Wen will go. Bi Shu brought this upon herself. You do not need to be angry for her. Think about Miss Xiao. If you do not go, it will be too late.”

Having followed Xie Yu for so many years, Yu Yin understood her temper. She appeared cold and reserved, but at heart, she was like a child, responding well to coaxing but resisting force.

The direction of the wind in Chang’an changed again. Zhao Mian decreed that Princess Jing Yang should confine herself to her manor. She was not allowed to leave until the murderer was found. The three judicial departments mobilized over a thousand people to investigate the case, implicating many people.

After half a month of investigation, the clue ended with the maid that the Emperor had bestowed. The maid committed suicide in the Ministry of Personnel prison.

All the blame was shifted onto the Emperor.

When the news reached Jiangnan, Xiao Kunning was with Zhao Can, picking lotus flowers. Zhao Can wobbly paddled the small boat. A small boat drifted out from among the green lotus leaves.

Zhao Can’s boat swayed precariously. Xiao Kunning sat inside, rocking back and forth. The small boat opposite floated steadily on the water. The girl on the boat was only sixteen or seventeen, with large, dark eyes. She wore a pink overlapping gown, revealing her delicate collarbone. Seeing the two struggling to row, she covered her mouth and chuckled: “You must sit down, or you won’t be steady.”

Zhao Can’s eyes lit up when she saw the girl. Xiao Kunning pulled her down to sit. The girl’s boat came closer, and she handed them a few lotus seed pods: “Are you new here? You don’t look like locals.”

Xiao Kunning took them and handed them to Zhao Can: “Why do you say that, Miss?”

“I heard two beautiful girls came to the manor’s master’s residence who don’t know the water. I guessed it must be you. You have to paddle the small boat. Standing up will make you lose balance. And one boat each is enough.”

The girl’s smile was hearty. Her few words made Zhao Can squint and laugh: “Elder Sister knows so much.”

“I am here every day, so naturally, I know more. Since you don’t know the water, don’t go into the deep area. The boat can easily overturn. I have to go.”

Zhao Can said anxiously: “Where are you going, Elder Sister?”

As soon as she spoke, the small boat had already moved far away. Zhao Can reluctantly wanted to chase, annoyed that their boat only spun in place. She was so angry she wanted to smash the boat. Xiao Kunning held her forehead. The little pervert has grown up and is now focused on girls.

Zhao Can failed to catch up to the girl and was sullen on the way back. Prince Gaoyang and Zhao Xiran returned together from outside. They were wearing similar clothes, as if specially made, but no one paid any mind.

The steward delivered a letter from Chang’an. Prince Gaoyang read it without emotion. Instead, Xiao Kunning was anxious: “Is something wrong in Chang’an?”

“Nothing major. I am returning to my fiefdom. Do you want to come?” Prince Gaoyang tucked the letter back into her sleeve and turned to Zhao Can: “You should not return yet. Stay out here and enjoy yourself.”

Zhao Can hummed and agreed. Prince Gaoyang then invited Xiao Kunning outside to talk. When they were alone, she asked, “When did you and Xie Yu meet?”

Xiao Kunning thought for a moment: “Five or six years ago.”

The air outside was fresh. A gentle breeze carried a refreshing scent, which felt comfortable and less oppressive than inside.

Prince Gaoyang was silent for a while. Thinking of what had just happened, she did not want to say too much to Xiao Kunning, so she changed her words: “Xie Yu is deeply insightful. She sees through everything in the court. I don’t think she is an ordinary person. A proper, beautiful woman is the most potent weapon.”

She had suspected Xie Yu. Xie Yu was too outstanding, flawless. Such a woman was a man’s most fatal temptation. Initially, she thought Xie Yu was aiming for Zhao Mian, wanting to be the Empress. But after several interactions, Xie Yu’s demonstrated wisdom, composure, and confidence showed that she was indifferent to everything.

Women were different from men. That kind of battlefield was unfair to women, yet Xie Yu handled it with ease. Such a Xie Yu reminded her of someone.

Her older sister, Princess Le Yang.

The similarity in temperament and demeanor between two seemingly unrelated people shocked her, but their appearances were vastly different. Her sister was bold and passionate, while Xie Yu was as cold as snow—they were completely mismatched.

Xie Yu’s past was clearly laid out for anyone to find, but being so easy to check made it seem strange.

Logically, as allies, they should not suspect each other, but Bi Shu’s death made her wonder if she had walked into a trap.

Walked into a trap custom-made by Xie Yu.

Xiao Kunning was a reborn person and only partially understood Xie Yu’s past. She just knew a little more than Prince Gaoyang: Xie Yu was a demon, a demon driven by hatred, or perhaps she wanted to be the Emperor.

She did not know if Xie Yu became the Emperor after her death. All members of the Zhao royal family who could become the Emperor were dead, wiped out. If Xie Yu changed the dynasty in the end, no one would refuse.

She considered her words and said, “Xie Yu is wise to the point of being a demon. You should be careful.”

“What do you know?” Prince Gaoyang pressed.

More potted peonies were placed under the eaves. Xiao Kunning remembered encountering Xie Yu in the Peony Garden in her previous life. The spring weather was beautiful. Xie Yu was walking alone. When she saw Xiao Kunning, she was not surprised. Instead, she stepped forward and picked a peony.

Xie Yu that day was beautiful. Her distinct knuckles held a flower, white snow and red plum, pure and pristine yet intensely red.

It was like walking between kindness and evil. She thought kindness was white snow, and evil was the vibrant red peony.

Xie Yu rarely handed the flower to her: “Princess Consort, today you greatly resemble a peony.”

She did not understand what she meant. When she tried to ask for clarification, Xie Yu smiled and left, offering no explanation.

She still did not understand the meaning of that sentence today. How was she like a peony?

Xiao Kunning remained silent. Prince Gaoyang felt she was hiding something and decided to be frank: “Xie Yu likes you. Her feelings must be very deep.”

Xie Yu seemed indifferent to everything, but her willingness to form an alliance with her over a verbal agreement would make any sensible person realize Xiao Kunning’s importance.

Xiao Kunning’s reaction was first stunned, then sarcastic: “You are overthinking it.”

“I thought the two of you were of one mind. It turns out one is interested and the other is not. It is laughable.” Prince Gaoyang suddenly felt a sense of relief. Finally, someone will deal with Xie Yu. She said generously: “Xie Yu ordered Zhao Xiran not to interfere with your marriage. Before, Zhao Xiran set up a scheme that made your father a laughingstock in Chang’an. The Emperor was furious. It was Xie Yu who calmed him down and saved your father’s official position. That is all I know. There might be much more.”

Xiao Kunning shook her head in disbelief: “I once had a dream that I had a feud with Xie Yu, and I ultimately died by her hand.”

It was a serious matter, but Prince Gaoyang found it strangely amusing. Xie Yu, oh Xie Yu, you should hear this yourself. You used a counterfeit to manipulate me.

“Since that is the case, pretend I said nothing.”

Xiao Kunning did not understand what she was trying to convey and still did not believe this bizarre claim. Xie Yu wanted ultimate power. She would not be thinking about romantic feelings at this time.

Xie Yu was destined to be lonely for life.

After getting her answer from Xiao Kunning, Prince Gaoyang immediately transcribed the original words and had them delivered by express courier. To express her hatred, she temporarily decided to stay for a few days, taking Xiao Kunning and Zhao Can to meet local officials.

Prince Gaoyang had little power in Chang’an, but she was a significant figure in smaller places. Prince Gaoyang introduced the two to many people, including beautiful women.

Zhao Can was still thinking about the girl from that day. She had her servants search every household. After several days of searching without a trace, she was disheartened and spent two days lying around the Zhao manor, eventually dragging Xiao Kunning out to eat local delicacies. If the little sister is gone, she can only eat something.

Xiao Kunning saw many talented women, skilled in both arts and beauty. The exquisite sound of the konghou and the affectionate melodies of the pipa were local specialties. While enjoying herself, she could not help but comfort Zhao Can a few times.

Zhao Can was not satisfied after eating at all the local restaurants. She went to the lotus pond every day to wait. After seven or eight days of waiting, she finally saw the girl.

The girl’s surname was Wang, a local who picked lotus seeds for a living. Up close, her large eyes were particularly charming, clever, and lovable. She was about the same height as Zhao Can. The two looked quite compatible standing together.

Zhao Can abandoned her fragrant Elder Sister Xiao and spent every day playing with the girl. They quickly became close. Prince Gaoyang left at this time; her fiefdom was in an emergency, and she had no choice but to depart.

Xiao Kunning received invitations every day. Although the Zhao family was a merchant household, their business spanned Jiangnan, and local officials would not actively offend them. With Zhao Can there, she naturally became the most welcomed person.

Zhao Xiran wished she would forget Xie Yu and Wen Yuke and did not restrain her. To forget a past relationship, one must start a new one. What Xiao Kunning lacked was a kind and caring girl.

The Gu family found their way there at this time. Gu Ning led Su Ying to call on them for advice. The promise made before could not be changed. Zhao Xiran settled the two and hid Xiao Kunning.

Gu Ning and Xie Yu were in cahoots; neither was good news.

She hid Xiao Kunning in the Prefectural Magistrate’s manor.

The Prefectural Magistrate here was named Sun. The manor was simple. Magistrate Sun had not taken any concubines and had two sons and one daughter. The sons had gone to Chang’an for the examinations. One got a position in the Hanlin Academy and had not returned. Only the daughter, Sun Zhilan, who was two years younger than Xiao Kunning, was in the manor.

Zhao Xiran delivered Xiao Kunning and rushed back to the Zhao manor. Zhao Can was still there, and she repeatedly warned her not to let anything slip.

Zhao Can spent every day with Miss Wang. The two were inseparable, close enough to share a pair of trousers. When she saw Su Ying, she would walk a wide circle around her.

As time went on, even the slow-witted Su Ying would realize something was going on. She specially made some pastries and sent them to Zhao Can.

Zhao Can was most easily tempted. After eating the pastries, she beamed with joy. Su Ying seized the opportunity to ask her: “I heard you came with Xiao Kunning. Why haven’t I seen her?”

“Elder Sister Xiao…” Zhao Can clamped her small mouth shut, her eyes darting around cautiously. Seeing this, Su Ying knew there was a big secret. She did not rush to ask, smiling faintly and remaining silent.

Zhao Can quickly ate a few more bites and ran off, afraid she might accidentally say the wrong thing.

When Gu Ning returned in the evening, Su Ying personally told her. Gu Ning thought it was normal: “Zhao Xiran is guarding against us, which is essentially guarding against that wicked wolf, Xie Yu.”

Su Ying: “…”

The early summer sun held a hint of heat. Zhao Xiran had summer clothes sent to the Sun manor. Xiao Kunning did not know what Zhao Xiran was up to, guessing there must be something going on behind the scenes.

Miss Sun was gentle. Jiangnan women had soft smiles, calm voices, and were empathetic in their interactions. Seeing so many clothes, she teased: “Shopkeeper Zhao must intend for you to live here permanently, but that’s fine. We can be companions.”

Xiao Kunning could not match her gentle tone. Feeling depressed and bored, she forced herself to be enthusiastic: “That’s good.”

Sun Rou pulled her down to sit: “I will teach you how to embroider.”

Xiao Kunning always saw a shadow of Xiao Wenxue in her. Both were conventional young ladies, confined by rigid rules. Xiao Kunning could not refuse and followed her, slowly picking up the needle and thread.

Sun Rou was excellent at embroidery and rarely left the manor on normal days. She pulled Xiao Kunning into embroidering together. Over time, Xiao Kunning also developed some patience.

One day, the Prefectural Magistrate sent word, asking the two to change into proper attire. An official from Chang’an had arrived, and the Sun manor was hosting a banquet to entertain them.

Xiao Kunning did not know who it was. There was no reason for them to meet the guest. Perhaps a family member had come. If so, that would make sense.

Sun Rou rarely met outsiders. Hearing the message, she became slightly nervous. She paced back and forth in the room, wringing her hands: “A-Ning, I am nervous.”

Xiao Kunning rested her chin on her hand, paying little mind to Sun Rou’s nervousness. She had felt the same way when she first went to Chang’an. Being nervous was not about losing face herself, but about being looked down upon.

“You don’t need to be afraid. Madam will be present. You just need to sit quietly.”

“Really?” Sun Rou was unconvinced.

Xiao Kunning reassured her again: “Really. Just listen then.”

Sun Rou finally quieted down, feeling great admiration for Xiao Kunning in her heart. She pulled her to ask about things in Chang’an: “I heard there is a Grand Tutor Xie who is quick-witted, knowledgeable about ancient and modern times, and highly learned?”

Sure enough, people only hear rumors. Xiao Kunning was utterly disgusted. Xie Yu deserved the title of ‘sanctimonious’ (道貌岸然) to the extreme. She patiently said, “Grand Tutor Xie is indeed very capable.”

Unexpectedly, Sun Rou became even more excited and could not help but say: “I must go to Chang’an to meet Sir Xie one day in my lifetime.”

Xiao Kunning: “…” Xie Yu, you liar.

The two changed their clothes and left together. Xiao Kunning walked slowly. Sun Rou tugged at her sleeve from the front: “You don’t seem nervous at all.”

“You are too nervous. You should go out more in the future,” Xiao Kunning said helplessly, speeding up her pace to keep up with Sun Rou.

As they neared the guest courtyard, the Prefectural Magistrate’s wife sent a message to Sun Rou, asking her to return and fetch something. Xiao Kunning waited for her by the courtyard wall.

The summer sun was strong, making her feel a little dizzy. She moved slightly toward a shady spot. Before she could get closer, her wrist was suddenly pulled, and she was automatically yanked into a dark area.

Xiao Kunning instinctively tried to cry for help. She opened her mouth but saw a familiar figure. Xie Yu covered her mouth with a hand.

“It has been a long time. Your courage has diminished.”

Xiao Kunning was terrified and shocked. What kind of fit is Xie Yu having? She pushed Xie Yu away helplessly: “What are you doing?”

In Xiao Kunning’s eyes were aversion, displeasure, and the fear that had just faded. Xie Yu retracted her outstretched hand and put it behind her back: “Zhao Xiran hid you. Is she afraid of me?”

“Hidden?” Xiao Kunning connected this to the recent events. Did Zhao Xiran know Xie Yu was coming beforehand? She laughed, annoyed: “Hidden? Does Sir think I would run away?”

Xie Yu stared at her quietly: “You have quite the nerve. Running away after drawing a turtle—if that is not fleeing, what is it?”