My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 53

Xiao Kunning was never a peaceable person. She had the restraints of the Luo family in Chang’an, but once out of Chang’an, she was like a wild horse unbridled, with Zhao Xiran as the whip-wielding rider.

Xie Yu was not surprised. She placed the remaining ledgers aside and called Yu Yin: “Secretly send these accounts back to Chang’an.”

Yu Yin said: “Why don’t we let Nong Qin go? I’ll stay with Sir.”

Xie Yu looked up at her: “You don’t trust me?”

Yu Yin was embarrassed: “Sir is overthinking. It’s just that Nong Qin is faster. Besides, she has other matters to attend to in Chang’an.”

“There’s more to your words. Whether it’s you or Nong Qin, just safely deliver the accounts to Wen Yuke,” Xie Yu didn’t argue further, her tone carrying a hint of impatience. After a while, she slowly asked Yu Yin: “Which pleasure boat did she go to?”

“Sir, you might not know, but there are the most pleasure boats here. Jiangnan women are excellent in both art and skills, and there are many rivers here. The women receive guests on boats, but Xiao Kunning is on the Zhao family’s boat,” Yu Yin explained. Seeing a spark of interest in Sir’s eyes, she added fuel to the fire: “Sir might not know, but Shopkeeper Zhao II has a playful nature, and the Zhao family owns several pleasure boats.”

With a mother like Zhao Xiran, Xiao Kunning wouldn’t be far off.

As their conversation ended, the guard Li Gai spoke outside. Yu Yin invited him in. Li Gai reported: “Sir, Shopkeeper Gu has returned to the old Gu family manor and asked me to pass a message to you.”

“Returning so quickly?” Xie Yu was somewhat unconvinced. The accounts provided by the Zhao family were the greatest progress in the Jiangnan corruption case, and the next target should be the Gu family. Was Gu Ning going to retrieve accounts or was it something else?

Yu Yin also found it strange: “Does Sir find it odd?”

“Gu Ning left too quickly, Li Gai,” Xie Yu called out.

Li Gai replied: “What are Sir’s orders?”

Xie Yu felt something was wrong: “Have someone follow Gu Ning. If Gu Ning and Su Ying separate, have someone keep a close eye on Gu Ning. If necessary, take Su Ying away.”

Li Gai took the order. Yu Yin was worried: “Does Sir think the Old Master Gu has a problem?”

“Perhaps,” Xie Yu couldn’t be sure. Her gaze fell back on the Zhao family ledgers, and her eyes grew deep. The accounts… the Zhao family’s ledgers were extremely crucial. She instructed Yu Yin: “You said the little Princess Consort has a girl she likes?”

Yu Yin answered her: “Yes, it’s that Miss Wang, the one who picks lotuses.”

Xie Yu said: “Go outside and buy some lotus pods. We’ll eat lotus pods tonight. Also, send these ledgers out of the Zhao manor. Lotus pods come in, and you go out.”

Yu Yin didn’t understand the connection between lotus pods and accounts. Sir’s instructions were a bit strange. She agreed and immediately sent someone to handle it.

Xiao Kunning returned from the pleasure boat around dusk. Her ears ached from listening to music all day. Dazed, she lay on the bed. Zhao Can came over with candied lotus seeds: “Sister Xiao, Sir steamed lotus leaf cakes and made candied lotus seeds. Would you like to try some?”

Miss Wang still followed Zhao Can. She also held a plate of green pastries and smiled, praising: “Grand Tutor Xie’s hands are very skillful. The pastries are very delicate.”

Zhao Can eagerly bit into two pieces: “Yes, Sir seems to be in a good mood today.”

The two girls’ harmonious chatter annoyed Xiao Kunning. She covered her ears with a quilt, refusing to respond. Just when she was free from hearing Xie Yu’s name, here came a pair of chattering girls.

The candied lotus seeds were slightly bitter at first, but a refreshing sweetness followed—first bitter, then sweet, a good omen.

Zhao Can had received instructions from Xie Yu: she could eat the candy, but only if Sister Xiao agreed to go on the pleasure boat tomorrow. She bit hard into two lotus seeds and said eagerly: “Sister Xiao, did you have fun today?”

She tugged at Miss Wang’s hand: “Qingqing, you promised to speak for me.”

Wang Qingqing immediately said: “I guess Sister Xiao had a lot of fun. How about we all go together? What do you say?”

Hearing this, Xiao Kunning had no reaction. Instead, Zhao Can happily gave her a thumbs-up: “You’re good.”

Wang Qingqing smiled happily and returned the thumbs-up.

The person under the quilt could not see the secret gestures. Her head was dizzy from the music, and she didn’t want to listen again tomorrow, so she refused the two girls: “I’m tired. You two go.”

Zhao Can clutched her heart in distress: “Sister Xiao, don’t you like me anymore? You used to go out with me.”

Wang Qingqing was amused and covered her mouth. Zhao Can raised her eyebrows at her and then added: “Sister, why don’t you come with us? We can keep each other company on the way. We’ll just look at the river water, eat some pastries and fruits, and not interact with those people. Okay?”

Sir said no outsiders are allowed on the boat.

Xiao Kunning’s head also ached from the noise, and she had no choice but to agree, wishing to send the two away quickly.

Zhao Can was satisfied. She held Miss Wang’s hand and happily returned to her room. On the way, they met servants of the Zhao manor, carrying two large dark red wooden boxes together. The boxes were heavy, making the lifting difficult.

The steward was walking outside and specifically greeted Zhao Can: “Little Princess Consort, where have you been?”

Zhao Can curiously pointed at the boxes: “They look very tired carrying those.”

The steward smiled: “To be honest, it’s a tribute from someone superior. Our Shopkeeper is sending it over.”

Zhao Can understood the meaning of the word ‘tribute’ very well. She held back her disgust and said nothing, letting Wang Qingqing move aside for them.

The brief encounter ended quickly. The steward hurried the employees, telling them to walk faster and not block the noble lady’s path.

Zhao Can felt extremely uncomfortable. Her eyebrows drooped. Wang Qingqing looked in the direction the steward had left: “Princess Consort, who are they sending this to?”

“I don’t know, probably to a corrupt official. It’s so heavy and carried so carefully, it must be full of treasures,” Zhao Can said. Thinking of the flatterers in Chang’an, she felt angry. It was too easy for officials to bully the common people. Even Shopkeeper Zhao was being bullied like this, let alone others.

Officials taking the court’s salary to bully the people. The thought made her furious.

Zhao Can left angrily. Wang Qingqing chased her for a few steps but couldn’t catch up. She turned and went after the steward and the young servants.

The steward had people load the boxes onto a carriage and sent a dozen people to escort it personally. Wang Qingqing watched the carriage and the boxes behind the door, etching them deeply into her mind.

Then, she quietly left the Zhao manor through the side door, sending a message to Zhao Can that she was going home to fetch something.

Zhao Can, who received the message, didn’t pay much attention and had dinner alone that night.

Wang Qingqing, who returned home, changed into a bright green floral dress, wrapped a cloth around her hair, and left the house with a bamboo basket. She walked to Magistrate Sun’s manor under the cover of darkness.

Magistrate Sun, dressed in splendid official robes, was seeing off noble guests from Chang’an. Seeing the woman from the ‘countryside,’ he had her led to the backyard first, and followed shortly after.

Wang Qingqing put down the basket. When she turned around, she saw Magistrate Sun walk in and close the door. She sneered: “Being so impatient is not your style. Don’t you want to know why Xie Yu came?”

The mention of Xie Yu shattered Magistrate Sun’s greedy desire. He was stunned, and the hand unbuttoning his collar paused: “What exactly is she here for?”

Wang Qingqing sneered: “Last night, she was looking at ledgers. Today, the Zhao family secretly sent things out. What do you think she’s here for?”

“She’s here to check the accounts? Not a single word came out of Chang’an. Are you sure?” Magistrate Sun’s heart began to panic. He no longer had a mind for the beautiful Wang Qingqing and paced anxiously in the room: “Xie Yu is not someone to mess with. She also has a Wen Yuke under her. Neither of them is easy to deal with. Once they target someone, they’ll be skinned alive.”

“Are you that afraid of her? Xie Yu is just a woman. How much power can she have? Did you ask me to approach the Zhao family just because of Xie Yu?” Wang Qingqing frowned. Zhao Can called Xie Yu ‘Sir’ and was extremely respectful, but that woman, besides her beauty, had an unspeakable aura that made people dare not approach her.

Such a woman was indeed terrifying to look at, but that didn’t mean she could contend with so many officials in Jiangnan.

Magistrate Sun cursed: “What do you know? Where were those things sent?”

Wang Qingqing said contemptuously: “The Zhao family people sent them out of the city. Hurry and chase them.”

“Go back quickly,” Magistrate Sun didn’t wait for her to say another word. He put on his clothes and pushed the door open, calling people to chase the Zhao family’s carriage. Still worried, he secretly discussed with his confidants for a while. The accounts must not be leaked, and Xie Yu must not leave Jiangnan alive. With so many officials in Jiangnan, it might not be traced back to him.

After dealing with the local matters, Magistrate Sun was still uneasy and had a message sent to Chang’an to warn the higher-ups.

Wang Qingqing returned the next morning, bringing back oil cakes and soy milk in her bamboo basket.

Zhao Can ate everything herself, her mouth glistening with oil. Wang Qingqing found her simple and silly appearance amusing, so she wiped her mouth with a handkerchief: “Are we going to the pleasure boat today?”

“Yes, I can’t forget what Sir said.” Zhao Can enjoyed Wang Qingqing’s care, having completely forgotten about yesterday. She presented her face: “Qingqing, look, have I gotten fairer?”

“Silly, how can you get fairer overnight?” Wang Qingqing laughed.

Zhao Can refused to believe it. She grabbed Wang Qingqing’s hand to touch her face: “Feel it. Isn’t it soft?”

Wang Qingqing was constrained. She was dragged by Zhao Can’s wrist to touch her smooth skin. Feeling the softness on her palm, her heart fluttered. She was forced to say: “Stop messing around. We’re running out of time.”

“It’s fine,” Zhao Can smiled happily, seizing the opportunity to touch Wang Qingqing’s face: “You touched mine, so I’m going to touch yours.”

Having spent several days together, Zhao Can had a good temper. She rarely got angry, just muttered a few curses when things didn’t go her way. Wang Qingqing, having figured out her temper, let her touch her face and said: “Go ahead and touch it. If we don’t leave soon, your Sir will get angry.”

Zhao Can was satisfied. She held Wang Qingqing’s fair hand and walked out. She looked at her with every step, smiling foolishly: “Sister is so beautiful, even more beautiful than Sir.”

Wang Qingqing smiled faintly, saying nothing, and went with her to see Miss Xiao.

Xiao Kunning wore a red peony dress today. Her already vibrant appearance, coupled with the red, added a hint of seduction. Under the summer sun, her skin looked like snow, and her face was radiant.

She boarded the carriage first and leaned against the wall to doze. Hearing someone get in, she assumed it was Zhao Can and said softly: “I’m quite sleepy today. Wake me up when we arrive.”

Xie Yu looked at the beautiful face, and a gentle smile played on her lips. The carriage driver cracked the whip, and the carriage started moving. Only then did Xie Yu reach out and poke Xiao Kunning’s cheek: “Miss Xiao, what did you do last night?”

Hearing the annoying voice, Xiao Kunning instantly sat up and glared at the person: “What are you doing here?”

Xie Yu leaned against the wall, her posture more relaxed than usual. She raised her eyes, which held a smile, seeming to have more charm than before.

Xiao Kunning admitted this was a Xie Yu she had never seen—flirty, graceful, stunningly beautiful. This Xie Yu reminded her of a woman who ruined a nation. Her words became impolite: “Did Sir change her personality? She looks quite similar to that courtesan.”

Xie Yu drawled: “You are my student. If I am a courtesan, aren’t you a courtesan too?”

A single sentence brought Xiao Kunning back to reality. Even in anger, she maintained her reason. She definitely couldn’t win an argument with Xie Yu.

One should simply give no face to a person like Xie Yu. She turned her body to look out the carriage window, ignoring Xie Yu.

Xie Yu seemed very sleepy. If Xiao Kunning didn’t talk, she closed her eyes and slept.

The journey was silent. The one who was supposed to be sleeping watched the scenery the entire way, while the unwelcome guest slept for a long time.

When the carriage stopped, Zhao Can’s voice came through: “It’s so quiet today. Why are there no other boats?”

Looking around, there was only the Zhao family’s boat on the calm lake. Prince Gaoyang’s carriage was flashy, and the Zhao family’s flower boat was the same. The carved railings were inlaid with gold, and the two-story boat glittered under the strong sun, a little dazzling.

Xiao Kunning shielded her eyes. This was not the boat she was on yesterday. Since Zhao Xiran started following Prince Gaoyang, her taste had plunged into gold and silver.

Xie Yu, who had been catching up on sleep, walked over with Yu Yin’s support. She scanned the calm lake. One side of the lake connected to a large river, and both banks were forested. They stood on one side of the pier.

Zhao Can was straightforward: “This boat is ugly.”

No one responded this time. Wang Qingqing pulled her onto the boat first, offering her a way out of the awkwardness.

Xiao Kunning had no choice but to board. Xie Yu, however, stood still, pondering something. Her demeanor changed quickly and strangely. Xiao Kunning asked curiously: “Is something wrong?”

Xie Yu smiled faintly: “Nothing much. Are you going to play? The scenery isn’t very good today.”

Xie Yu was not someone who made trouble for no reason. If she said these words, something unusual was definitely happening. Xiao Kunning worried: “Should we go back?”

“How can one catch the tiger cub without entering the tiger’s lair? Let’s go,” Xie Yu held her hand and led her onto the boat, instructing her: “Just act normal today. There’s no need to be afraid.”

“Me, afraid?” Xiao Kunning sneered, trying to shake off Xie Yu’s hand. When she exerted force, Xie Yu held on tighter. She couldn’t suppress her temper anymore: “Xie Yu, let go of me!”

The wind blew across the lake, and the calm atmosphere suddenly froze. Xiao Kunning reached out, wanting to push her into the river to wake her up.

Xie Yu calmly wrapped her arm around Xiao Kunning, her hand resting brazenly on her waist, and kindly advised: “It’s easy to push me, but be careful I don’t drag you into the river with me. Be careful not to lose the grain while trying to steal the chicken.”

“Who is stealing the chicken here?” Xiao Kunning blushed fiercely. Her lips were tightly pursed. Unable to push Xie Yu away, she fiercely bit Xie Yu’s wrist.

The force was strong, letting out all her resentment and hatred.

The person standing on the deck trembled slightly at the temples. She watched as Xiao Kunning bit her wrist fiercely. She reached out with her free hand and touched the back of Xiao Kunning’s neck. The warm, delicate feeling suddenly warmed her heart.

“Don’t touch me,” Xiao Kunning felt her whole body go weak from the touch. She pushed Xie Yu away hard and climbed up to the second floor alone.

Yu Yin on the shore ordered the boat to start. The flower boat gradually sailed away from the pier. On the second floor, Wang Qingqing leaned against the railing, her lips slightly curled, while Zhao Can covered her eyes from behind: “Qingqing, do you like me?”

Xiao Kunning, who had just stepped onto the deck, heard this and retreated to the first floor. She walked past Xie Yu and went straight into the cabin.

The second floor offered an open view and the scenery of the lake, while the cabin on the first floor felt stuffy, with only the window for ventilation.

Snacks and fruits were set on the table, along with hot tea. A stove was burning hot water nearby to keep the tea from cooling.

Xiao Kunning sat at a table and poured herself some tea. She caught sight of Xie Yu entering, rubbing her wrist. Having nowhere to avoid her, she poured her a cup of tea: “What did you come to Jiangnan for?”

The force of Xiao Kunning’s bite was not small. A deep mark was left on the wrist. Xie Yu felt no pain, perhaps she was a person who didn’t know pain, numbly sitting down on the side: “To investigate a case.”

Xiao Kunning’s heart skipped a beat: “The corruption case?” The corruption case that led to the collapse of the Yan family in the previous life. Wen Yuke handled the investigation back then, and the final result presented to the Emperor was ironclad evidence. Every confession made it impossible to argue. Wen Yuke was meticulous, and Xie Yu’s tactics were so deep that they were almost flawless.

This time, Xie Yu was doing it herself. Although Wen Yuke seemed to handle the case in the previous life, it was ultimately Xie Yu’s manipulation, and Wen Yuke was merely a pawn.

She pressed her rapidly beating heart, pretending to know nothing.

Seeing her surprised expression, Xie Yu confirmed Wen Yuke’s words. She put down the teacup: “You don’t need to be afraid. This case has little to do with the Zhao family.”

Xiao Kunning fell silent, her mind a tangled mess. She randomly peeled a fruit from the plate. Thinking of the final outcome, which was satisfying, she chose to tacitly approve of Xie Yu’s actions.

The two sat opposite each other. Xie Yu abandoned her usual thoughts and stared intently at the person across from her: “Xiao Kunning, you don’t like Chang’an?”

“Whether I like it or not makes little difference to Sir,” Xiao Kunning’s lips curved slightly, a half-smile. Xie Yu was someone who wanted to be the emperor. Her thoughts and aspirations were worlds apart from hers.

Xie Yu said seriously: “You don’t like Wen Yuke. You admire her, and you pity Shen Rui. So your heart is empty. You feel idle here, and you’re not happy playing all day. Xiao Kunning, your heart still belongs to Chang’an.”

“Xie Yu,” Xiao Kunning roared suddenly, standing up to face her: “My heart belongs to me, not to you. How it beats, how it lives, is up to me. What is the meaning of your judgment?”

“Hmm, it all belongs to you.” Xie Yu’s voice softened considerably. Facing the person ready for a confrontation, anything she said now would be wrong, useless. It was better to let her calm down first.

Xie Yu’s uncharacteristic display of weakness didn’t make Xiao Kunning feel her guilt, only a sense of sarcasm: “Grand Tutor Xie is arrogant and eloquent. Are you playing mute today?”

Xie Yu smiled faintly: “I learned a lesson from you: anything I say is wrong, so it’s better not to speak.”

“You…” Xiao Kunning was choked, not knowing how to reply.

The girl across from her was so angry that her eyes were stained with ink. Her crescent-shaped eyes had long lost their smile. Her hands tightly clenched the corner of the table. The fire in her heart must be burning fiercely. Xie Yu stood up, her long arm reaching out to cup Xiao Kunning’s jaw: “Angry?”

“Hands-on and touching is not Grand Tutor Xie’s habit,” Xiao Kunning’s tone became stiff, avoiding Xie Yu’s outstretched hand.

Xie Yu’s hand paused in mid-air: “If it were Wen Yuke, would you refuse?”

Xiao Kunning didn’t shy away: “Except for Xie Yu, I wouldn’t refuse anyone.”

A hint of ferocity appeared in Xie Yu’s eyes. The hand in mid-air tightly clenched into a fist: “Do you hate me that much?”

Xiao Kunning said: “No, why should I hate you? If you were friends with me, I would treat you as a friend.”

Xie Yu could barely restrain herself: “I don’t want to be friends with you. Ten years ago, I already considered you the person I would walk with for life.”

“Don’t mention things from back then to me. I was young and don’t remember anything. I’ve completely forgotten. You’ve worked so hard to remember it, you must be tired. Why don’t you forget it? You can still be the original Xie Yu,” Xiao Kunning’s lips held anger. Since the past no longer existed, there was no connection between her and Xie Yu.

Yu Yin on the shore guarded the boat from a distance, holding her sword. Nong Qin ran over, her clothes and sleeves torn, saying dejectedly: “They were intercepted.”

The Zhao family’s people were cautious and careful, but they encountered robbers just after leaving the city last night. It seemed they were prepared. The Zhao family’s people were ordinary household members, so they were no match and were inevitably robbed.

Yu Yin patted her shoulder comfortingly: “Don’t be discouraged. We’ll start over.”

Nong Qin brushed her hand away: “Keep it clean. No hands-on, no touching.”

Yu Yin sneered: “You wish I wouldn’t touch you. Keep a good eye on Sir.”

The two stood back to back, ignoring each other. The surface of the lake was calm and still. The two on the second floor lay on the couch, whispering secrets in the clear breeze.

The boat stopped when it sailed to the center of the river. Xiao Kunning felt something was wrong. She looked out the window. The ripples on the lake stopped, and the surrounding trees were still.

A boat should never stop in the middle of the lake.

Xie Yu also leaned out to look. Footsteps sounded on the outer deck, gradually approaching them. She instinctively turned back and saw a middle-aged man walk in, clutching a knife hilt.

Xiao Kunning subconsciously remembered something: “This is not one of the Zhao family’s people.”

An assassination attempt on Xie Yu on the Zhao family’s boat—this move was ruthless.

The middle-aged man was burly and strong, with thick cheeks and a ferocious look. Without waiting for the two to respond, he raised his knife to strike.

The cabin was small. After a few steps, there was nowhere to hide. Xiao Kunning pulled Xie Yu behind her: “You are a jinx. Hurry up and go!”

“The boat is only this big. I’ll go into your arms,” Xie Yu teased. Seeing the man charging with the knife, she pushed Xiao Kunning towards the window: “Jump out.”

Xiao Kunning’s head ached: “Every time I meet you, I get assassinated.”

“Jump quickly,” Xie Yu casually threw the stove at the burly man, pushing Xiao Kunning towards the window: “Hurry!”

As soon as her voice fell, the big man pushed the stove aside and rushed over. Xiao Kunning jumped straight into the water.

With a splash, the two people on the shore, standing back-to-back, were startled and looked over. Nong Qin was surprised: “Who fell into the water?”

The two girls on the second floor were playing by the railing, so it shouldn’t be them. Yu Yin immediately thought of something: “Sir can swim. No need to worry.”

Nong Qin kicked Yu Yin away: “Swim what? Sir is a landlubber. Hurry and fish them out!”