My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 55

Gu Ning added fuel to the fire, recounting things that were non-existent. The words exchanged between them were baseless, and Xie Yu’s attempts to argue were futile. Regardless of whether it was true or false, Xiao Kunning believed it all. She gripped Xie Yu’s hand, her eyes blazing red with anger: “I must have been blind to give you money for a doctor back then. Giving it to a street beggar would have been better than giving it to you.”

Xie Yu was too weary to argue, lacking even the desire to talk back. She slowly got up, the storm in her eyes dissipating as she rose, and looked seriously at Gu Ning: “Are you also unable to leave the Gu manor?”

“You got that right. I wanted to go see Su Ying, but I had people following me, so I gave up.” Gu Ning stood at the doorway, afraid that if she got too close, Xie Yu would beat her to death.

Xie Yu focused for a moment. The situation was indeed tricky, especially since she didn’t know if Zhao Xiran would cooperate. If she didn’t, today’s plan would be a waste of effort. Xiao Kunning had her back to Xie Yu, drawing circles on the table. Eventually, she started poking the table’s surface, as if poking Xie Yu’s face, which made her feel much better.

The situation was at a stalemate. Gu Ning was only worried about Su Ying’s plight, but the fact that Xie Yu could use Su Ying as a threat showed she was confident. Gu Ning wasn’t worried now; she just wanted to figure out one thing: who her father was working for. This was the most crucial point.

The maid who went to fetch the whips returned. As soon as she crossed the courtyard gate, Gu Ning hurriedly said: “Xie Yu, I will try to pass a message to Zhao Xiran. Take care of yourself.” The maid then placed the whips she found on the table and quickly left, but her eyes never stopped watching the three of them.

Gu Ning joked and talked about random, insignificant old matters, which reignited Xiao Kunning’s suppressed anger. She was about to make a move but was held back by Xie Yu. Xie Yu spoke to Gu Ning: “I will write a letter to Zhao Xiran, inviting her to the ceremony.” Hearing the words “ceremony,” Gu Ning felt there was a huge trap ahead, and Xie Yu was leading her into it step by step. Xie Yu was playing with fire. She tentatively asked: “Are you sure?”

“Yes, get me a brush and ink,” Xie Yu nodded. Xiao Kunning didn’t say a single word from beginning to end, expressing neither opposition nor agreement, remaining silent as if listening to someone else’s business. Gu Ning was utterly confused. These two were strange no matter how she looked at them.

Xie Yu held the brush, catching a glimpse of Xiao Kunning’s indifferent attitude. Her hand felt heavy as she wrote: “Xiao Kunning, do you still want to marry?”

Xiao Kunning turned her head to look at her: “Xie Yu, it’s just a play. Are you getting too involved yourself?”

Xie Yu gave a self-deprecating smile: “Yes, it’s just a play.” She lowered her head and wrote the letter. The rustling sound made Gu Ning’s heart clutch nervously.

The letter would pass through Gu Zong’s hands. He wouldn’t tolerate Xie Yu causing trouble right under his nose. He read the simple letter multiple times, confirming it was only an invitation for Zhao Xiran to come to the Gu manor before having it sent.

In the evening, the Gu manor’s steward came to find Xie Yu to inquire about the wedding arrangements. Xiao Kunning was lying on the couch in the inner chamber, while Xie Yu played chess against herself. The chessboard was covered with a dense array of pieces. Xie Yu didn’t make a move for a long time, and the steward waited quietly. As the chess game stalled, the steward’s heart tensed up. He feared Xie Yu and dared not be presumptuous in front of her. After a long silence, Xie Yu made her move decisively and then said: “Follow the Gu family’s customs. There’s no need to invite guests, just invite Shopkeeper Zhao II.” The steward acknowledged the order, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and quickly retreated. Xie Yu remained locked in the chess game, sitting alone until midnight before going into the inner chamber.

When her foot landed on the floorboard, Xiao Kunning suddenly opened her eyes and climbed up, vigilantly staring at her. She looked exactly like a rabbit staring at a wolf coveting her. Xie Yu smiled inexplicably: “Zhao Xiran is astute, but your temperament is more like the Luo family’s.”

Xiao Kunning sat up. The room was quiet, and she also calmed down: “My foolishness is my own business. Why did you have to provoke me? Xie Yu, you are very smart, but I am very foolish. So there’s a chasm between us that we are destined not to cross. Xie Yu, I used to like you, but later I gradually realized that we are not from the same world. You are smart and insightful, even possessing the ambition of an emperor, while I just want to live a peaceful life.”

Feelings are not a dish that can be consumed if palatable and discarded if not. She had experienced the pain of consuming that dish and didn’t want to try again. The dish was bitter, and eating more wouldn’t change the taste. Xie Yu was silent, gazing at the still sea in Xiao Kunning’s eyes, seemingly sensing the dead silence in her heart. She had seen that dead silence in her mother’s eyes. Her mother had said she lost hope, and mediocrity was better than the pain and sadness she felt now. The disappointment after striving is not just disappointment; it is surrender.

She chose to sit beside her. She wanted to say something but didn’t know how to speak. Remembering Wen Yuke’s warning, the tip of her tongue suddenly felt bitter: “Xiao Kunning, I never thought of being an emperor. Have you ever truly understood me? It’s like I thought I understood you well, but I didn’t understand you at all.”

Xiao Kunning: “Xie Yu, don’t force yourself. In the end, you’ll be the one battered and bruised, and you’ll be the one hurt. Do what you want to do. That is your responsibility, and what they owe you, but I don’t owe you. I feel gratitude towards Wen Yuke, trust towards Shen Rui, and towards you, it’s not hatred, but the calm after the storm.”

Xie Yu didn’t believe her: “Calm? You’re calm? Your calmness has made you idle and listless.”

Xiao Kunning shook her head: “Xie Yu, you are too prejudiced. If you open your mind and release your narrow thoughts, you will find that you shouldn’t be confined to past memories. You possess the way of a ruler, the ability of an emperor. Emotions are dispensable to you. You can live an even better life.”

Xie Yu fell silent, numbly returning to the outer chamber to sit. Her heart didn’t ache; there was just a sense of loneliness. The person was right there, but she couldn’t reach her. Unlike in the past, she was now facing her true feelings, while Xiao Kunning was running away.

After their frank conversation, Xiao Kunning started avoiding Xie Yu. Gu Zong’s people were watching. Although they lived in the same room, Xie Yu stayed in the outer chamber while she stayed in the inner one.

After a few confused days, Zhao Xiran indeed arrived, bringing Princess Gaoyang with her. Their ostentatious carriage stopped proudly at the entrance of the Gu manor. Gu Zong felt his scalp tingle upon seeing the rumored Demon King and dared not delay, rushing out to greet her.

The Zhao family had money, and Gaoyang had power. Together, they wielded both power and influence, capable of almost anything. On his way to greet them, Gu Zong suddenly realized that a princess could not leave her fiefdom arbitrarily. Had Gaoyang come so openly with an imperial decree?

Gaoyang wore a dazzling red peony dress. The skirt was embroidered with large golden peonies, and a closer look revealed tiny diamonds sparkling in the stamens. Diamonds were rare. One dress was worth a house. Gu Zong choked, swayed slightly on the steps, and managed a weak smile to welcome Princess Gaoyang. Gaoyang stood at the manor entrance, looking at the stone lions, and nodded in praise: “They are quite imposing.” Gu Zong laughed: “Your Highness is too kind. They are used to guard the Gu family house.” Gaoyang looked at them again and didn’t feel like talking to Gu Zong, walking straight into the manor with Zhao Xiran.

They clearly didn’t come with good intentions. Gu Zong dared not offend the Princess and immediately ordered a fast horse to send a letter to Chang’an. Gaoyang leaving her fiefdom without an imperial decree was a serious crime.

After the two entered the hall, Gaoyang spoke directly about Xiao Kunning’s marriage: “The wedding is too rushed. I think it should be conducted from Chang’an. Xie Yu is from Luoyang, so marrying in Chang’an is also acceptable. Why is it at the Gu manor?” Gu Zong explained: “Grand Tutor Xie grew up with my daughter, and they are like sisters.” The reason was flimsy. Gaoyang didn’t expose it and instead said: “That seems acceptable. Since the daughter of Shopkeeper Zhao II is getting married, I must attend the ceremony. There’s no time like the present. The day after tomorrow is a good day.” Gu Zong: “…” Who was in a hurry? “Your Highness is joking. We can’t just set the date like that. However, Grand Tutor Xie does seem very eager. Why don’t you discuss it with her?” Gaoyang said: “That works. Have Xie Yu come to see me. You and Shopkeeper Zhao II are colleagues; you two should talk.” Zhao Xiran hadn’t shown a pleasant face since she arrived. Xie Yu bumped her boat and kidnapped her daughter, and now, inexplicably, a wedding was about to happen. She would not accept such a great grievance. She invited Gu Zong outside to talk.

Xie Yu arrived alone. Xiao Kunning didn’t want to follow her, so she didn’t come. There were maids waiting in the hall. Xie Yu sat opposite Gaoyang. After adding tea, the maids stood aside, showing no intention of leaving. Gaoyang spoke first: “Congratulations to Grand Tutor Xie for winning the beauty. Are you snatching a bride or forcing a marriage?” Xie Yu lowered her eyes: “Both.” “You admit it so readily.” Gaoyang almost choked. Even when trapped, Xie Yu was still so arrogant. At this critical moment, her first thought wasn’t to escape but to tempt someone to marry her. She was truly a formidable figure. She put down her teacup and said: “The day after tomorrow is a good day. Why not get married then?” Xie Yu put down her teacup: “That would be nice.” Gaoyang: “…” She really wanted to curse. She had seen shameless people, but never one so shameless. Xie Yu was simply the ancestor of thick skin. Xie Yu was her ally, so she couldn’t be too rude. She said: “Fine, how about I help you arrange it?” “Thank you, Your Highness. Xie Yu will remember your kindness and certainly repay you,” Xie Yu smiled, her eyes as deep and calm as an abyss. Gaoyang sighed. Zhao Xiran was going to skin her alive. Dealing with a tiger, she had to wear a tiger skin first. She said: “Remembering it is enough. Tell me what you want, and I’ll handle it for you.” By doing this, she felt as if she had become Xie Yu’s junior. Was she being taken advantage of? Xie Yu showed no emotion, treating it as an ordinary matter, calm as water: “Your Highness, you have gone to great trouble.” “No trouble. Just remember to give me the money then. I won’t be a sucker,” Gaoyang felt tired. Working with Xie Yu required extreme caution and repeated planning. If she was tricked, she would have no one to complain to. What exactly Xie Yu wanted to do this time, she had thought about all the way here but still didn’t understand. The Gu family worked for the Yan family in Chang’an, and they had come to investigate the Yan family’s background. Yan Huaizhen certainly wouldn’t just sit and wait.

After a few words, Zhao Xiran returned, looking displeased. Fortunately, she managed to keep her temper and didn’t completely lose face. Zhao Xiran didn’t say a word, but Xie Yu discerned things from her expression. Xie Yu didn’t linger and got up to take her leave. Gaoyang also wanted to return to the relay station, and she rode the ostentatious carriage with Zhao Xiran. Gu Zong watched them from a distance. As soon as they left, he immediately called his confidant: “Go notify the Jiangnan Provincial Army and tell them Princess Gaoyang has arrived. Also, Xie Yu cannot leave Jiangnan alive.” The situation was tense. The confidant dared not delay and immediately left the manor.

Princess Gaoyang came and went, causing unrest in the Gu manor. Gu Ning couldn’t get answers from Gu Zong, so she wandered over to Xie Yu to probe for information. In one game of chess, Xie Yu could take an entire day, pausing and playing—it was extremely time-consuming. Gu Ning dismissed the maids, sat opposite her, and took a big sip of hot tea, whispering: “Are you really marrying? I heard Princess Gaoyang wrote you a marriage certificate, and your birth characters have been calculated. Although the calculation was good, isn’t this just an act?” Xie Yu held a piece, hesitant to move. After a while of stalemate, she said: “Whether it’s a real marriage or a fake one, it’s the same.” Gu Ning was confused: “Xie Yu, you want to marry her, but she doesn’t want to marry you?” With a pa-da sound, Xie Yu placed a piece. The black pieces tightly surrounded the white ones. Gu Ning’s heart jumped. The white pieces on the board were utterly decimated. “Xie Yu, you are sick.” And seriously so. Xie Yu didn’t respond, collecting the chess pieces back into the container one by one.

Chang’an was in turmoil. The Prince of Yanping’s manor was in mourning. The Empress Dowager fainted several times in the palace, and the court was steeped in gloom. Yan Ruyu had become the Emperor’s cherished favorite. After Zhao Ji’s death and the Concubine’s pregnancy, the Empress Dowager cried bitterly upon hearing the news. She sent people to find Yan Huaizhen several times but never saw him. She pounded the bed and wept, cursing Yan Huaizhen and Jingyang, that wretched couple. After cursing a few times, she still felt unsatisfied, and the pain in her heart was known to no one. She conjured up scheme after poisonous scheme in her mind. Just then, Wen Yuke, the Minister of Personnel, requested an audience to report the results of his investigation to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager’s eyes were red and swollen from crying. She used makeup to cover it up, changed into a majestic court dress, and then summoned Wen Yuke. Wen Yuke entered and immediately said: “Please ask the Empress Dowager to dismiss all attendants.”

Palace maids and eunuchs filed out. Meanwhile, Yan Huaizhen was discussing state affairs with the Emperor. Xie Yu had been gone for a month with no progress. The Emperor was worried and wanted to send someone to rush her, but he didn’t know who to send. With the Concubine pregnant, Chancellor Yan hinted that she should be named Empress. The two disagreed and both paused their conversation. The Emperor was troubled. The position of Empress was reserved for Xie Yu. The Yan family was disloyal, and he didn’t trust Yan Huaizhen. Xie Yu was different. Since his ascension, she had been helping him behind the scenes. Such a beautiful and intelligent woman was the best candidate in his heart. Yan Huaizhen also sensed the Emperor’s hesitation and felt uneasy. He didn’t bring it up again in front of the Emperor. He bowed and left the palace. Upon returning to his manor, a letter from Jiangnan arrived. Xie Yu had investigated the Zhao family. Remembering Yan Ruyu’s words, Xie Yu was indeed a great threat. She could not be allowed to live. He quickly ordered his confidant to make arrangements, ensuring that Gu Zong eliminated Xie Yu. The Emperor was constantly thinking of Xie Yu. If Xie Yu did not die, he would not appoint an Empress.

The next day, the Empress Dowager proposed to the Emperor to posthumously honor Zhao Ji as Emperor. Yan Huaizhen was the first to refuse. The brother and sister had a nasty fallout. Not long after, the Emperor ordered Wen Yuke to go to Jiangnan. Wen Yuke asked the Emperor for some troops and set off for Jiangnan with a large entourage.

Jiangnan had a lot of rain. After a downpour during the day, the evening heat diminished greatly. Xiao Kunning held a lantern and sat by the pond. The maids guarded from a distance. Cicadas chirped from the grass, and the fresh air after the rain was intoxicating. Xie Yu walked over from afar, first spotting the lantern, then Xiao Kunning’s slender back. She walked closer step by step. Xiao Kunning turned her head. “Why are you here?”

Xiao Kunning was very calm. Tomorrow’s wedding was a show that everyone knew about, and for Xie Yu, it was a plot to draw the king into the urn. But she vaguely knew other things. Xie Yu always acted unconventionally, especially that marriage certificate, which seemed real and made her uneasy. Xie Yu had dug a hole that could bury everyone. Now that things had reached this point, she wanted to refuse, but everyone was already at the bottom of the pit, unable to get out. The silvery moonlight slowly fell on the pond’s surface, shimmering brightly. The lantern on the shore appeared dim, its faint candlelight only illuminating a small area. The light refracted from the lake surface fell into Xie Yu’s eyes, forming an invisible sea. She hesitated, moving her feet slowly to approach Xiao Kunning until she stood behind her: “Xiao Kunning, you should go back.” “The scenery is so lovely. Shall we chat?” Xiao Kunning moved the lantern away, signaling Xie Yu to sit down. Xie Yu did as she was told.

Xiao Kunning smiled at the lake surface: “Xie Yu, seeing you like this reminds me of my old self. Not only were I prejudiced, but I always felt like others looked down on me. You have hate in your heart, and you are controlled by it. Xie Yu, try to open your heart. You can be a perfect person.” “If I open my heart, will you accept me?” Xie Yu asked helplessly. Xiao Kunning shook her head: “Opening your heart is for yourself, not for me.” Xie Yu adamantly refused: “I only want it to be for you.”

Xiao Kunning couldn’t help but glare at her fiercely: “Xie Yu, you need to be responsible for yourself. You are very intelligent. There’s no need to let feelings delay your future.” The little liar had rambled on for so long, still trying to escape. Xie Yu chose to ignore her words selectively: “Little liar, do you think feelings and career have to be mutually exclusive?” Hearing her call her a “little liar,” Xiao Kunning irritably covered her ears: “Your temper is so direct. You’re not suitable for a girl who likes to be accommodated. You’re suitable for a girl who indulges you. I don’t want to indulge you; I just want to live more freely.” Xie Yu gently pulled her hands away and leaned close to her ear: “I can give up anything, as long as it’s you. I’ll accommodate you. I can try my best to do anything you say.” Xiao Kunning felt a flush on her chest from the closeness. The warmth spread to her cheeks. She tried her best to steady herself: “Anything I say, you’ll try your best to do?” Xie Yu nodded. Xiao Kunning said directly: “Then go like someone else.” Xie Yu frowned: “That, I cannot do.”

Xiao Kunning was angry. Thinking of this person’s condescending appearance in her previous life, she was so furious that she felt fire rushing through her body. Without thinking, she pushed her into the river: “Go wash your brain out.” Xie Yu couldn’t swim. After struggling twice in the water, she sank to the bottom. The maids screamed, shouting for help. Xiao Kunning stood with her hands on her hips at the edge of the pond. She stopped the maid who was about to jump in to rescue her, fearing it would make Gu Zong suspicious, and made an excuse: “You all step aside. Our argument has nothing to do with you.” It was perfectly normal for a couple to argue. Even teeth can bite the tongue, let alone two people. The maids stood on the bank, watching the ripples in the water, their legs trembling with fear: “Miss, staying underwater for too long will cause a chill.” Xiao Kunning didn’t answer, a ball of anger still burning in her heart. Xie Yu was too arrogant; she deserved a good drink of water. Only when the surface of the water showed no more shadows did she jump into the water and pull the person ashore. Xie Yu had already passed out. The maids rushed off in fear to fetch a doctor. Gu Ning hurried over in a panic. Seeing the two soaking wet people, she worried about assassins and pulled Xie Yu to check for injuries: “Are there assassins?”

Xiao Kunning sat on the ground panting. She took the clothes the maid handed her and draped them over herself. She took full responsibility: “I pushed her.” Gu Ning was stunned: “Why did you push her?” Xiao Kunning said directly: “She was too arrogant. She needed to learn a lesson.” Hearing such a righteous statement, two words popped into Gu Ning’s mind: Fierce Wife. Xie Yu was going to suffer. Evil people are dealt with by evil people. Gu Ning clapped her hands in delight. Everyone moved Xie Yu back inside. Xiao Kunning was pulled by Gu Ning: “Look at the mess you made. Change her clothes.” “I won’t. Let the maids change her,” Xiao Kunning shrank back. She wasn’t afraid of the cunning person, but she was afraid of someone as shameless as Xie Yu. Gu Ning ignored her refusal, shoved the clothes the maid handed her into her hand: “You committed the mistake, so you have to bear the consequences. The maids didn’t make a mistake, they don’t have to bear the consequences for you. Change her clothes yourself. Xie Yu’s health is poor, and she can easily catch a chill. Hurry up.” Xiao Kunning shook her head and tried to leave. Gu Ning didn’t care about the extent of her relationship with Xie Yu. She pushed her straight into the room, slammed the door shut, and ordered the maids: “No helping them inside.”

Such a major incident occurred, and Gu Zong rushed over upon hearing the news, afraid that something might happen to delay the wedding tomorrow. Gu Ning was standing at the door scolding the maids. He hurried over: “I heard someone fell into the water.” “It’s nothing. Miss Xiao pushed Grand Tutor Xie in because he was disobedient. You can go back to your business, sir. A little bickering between a couple is normal,” Gu Ning gently pushed her father towards the courtyard exit. Gu Zong felt relieved after hearing this but, still uneasy, ordered his people to keep a close watch.

Inside the room, Xiao Kunning changed into a set of clean clothes for herself and covered Xie Yu with a thick quilt, thinking that the summer heat would surely dry her out. It would be even better if she caught a chill; the wedding tomorrow would be postponed. After covering her tightly, a maid knocked on the door: “Miss Xiao, our mistress has brought the manor doctor.” “Come in,” Xiao Kunning was glad she didn’t have to deal with Xie Yu anymore. The doctor was an old man with a white beard. He carried his medicine box, glanced around the room, and walked to the couch. He frowned at the thick quilt: “Wearing a thick quilt in such hot weather will cause illness even if she wasn’t sick. Take it off quickly. A thin layer will suffice.” The maid quickly removed it. When she touched Xie Yu’s clothes, they were still soaking wet. She shrank her hand back in surprise and said with difficulty: “Should I change Miss Xie’s clothes first?” Xiao Kunning waved her hand: “You change her, you change her.” “Why isn’t Miss Xiao jealous at all?” The maid said in an afterthought. The two women were about to get married, and even if they argued, they shouldn’t ignore each other. “Jealous?” Xiao Kunning was suspicious. Why should she be jealous? The maid’s gaze was evasive. Xiao Kunning suddenly realized something and said: “Doctor, take her pulse first. I’ll change her clothes later.” She almost gave the game away.

The old doctor prescribed a medicine to dispel the cold and asked the maid to fetch and brew it. He then told the young woman what to pay attention to. After nagging for a while, he left, not knowing if the young woman had heard clearly. These young people nowadays were truly worrisome; an argument could actually end up in the water. Xiao Kunning let the doctor’s instructions go in one ear and out the other, only remembering two or three sentences. After he left, she brought Xie Yu’s clean clothes and placed them on the couch. To avoid future trouble, she poked Xie Yu’s face: “It’s not the first time I’ve seen you naked. I’m being forced to do this. If you’re going to wake up, wake up now. If you wake up halfway through, I won’t admit to anything.”