My Love Rivals Have All Reborn - Chapter 56

Xiao Kunning hurriedly changed Xie Yu’s clothes, and finally called a maid to change the bedding as well.

It was nearly midnight when things finally quieted down. The maid brought the prepared medicine. Xie Yu was not awake, so the medicine had to be force-fed. When Xiao Kunning picked up the medicine bowl to feed her, she noticed that the maid who delivered the medicine hadn’t left. The familiar scene reminded Xiao Kunning of an unpleasant memory; the medicine might not be ordinary, so she had to be careful and cautious.

“You go get me a clean set of clothes first, I need to change too,” she said, finding an excuse to send the maid away.

The maid hesitated, glancing at the medicine in Xiao Kunning’s hand, unwilling to leave. Xiao Kunning put the medicine bowl down first, then helped Xie Yu up alone, preparing to feed her. The maid still wouldn’t leave, so she impatiently urged: “Hurry up! Are the maids in your Gu manor too difficult to command?”

“Don’t be angry, Miss. I’ll go get it right away.” The maid couldn’t resist and rushed off quickly.

Xiao Kunning took the opportunity to put Xie Yu down. Whether the medicine in the bowl was poisonous or not, it couldn’t be drunk. She searched the room and finally poured the medicine into a cabinet. Once the wedding was over tomorrow, they would probably leave, and no one would discover it here.

When the maid returned, the bowl was already empty. Xiao Kunning was carefully wiping the medicine stains from Xie Yu’s lips. The maid took the bowl, bowed, and excused herself. As she left the courtyard, she ‘accidentally’ dropped and smashed the bowl, then collected the pieces and took them to the kitchen.

The summer night was still a little cool. The room was dim, and Xiao Kunning slept alone on the floor.

Xie Yu woke up around the third watch (midnight to 2 AM), feeling dizzy and muddle-headed. She rubbed her forehead and sat up. She immediately saw the person sleeping on the floor. Recalling what happened before she fainted, she got up to wake Xiao Kunning. She had something important to tell Xiao Kunning last night, but the push had made her forget it. Fortunately, she woke up before dawn.

Xiao Kunning was groggy. After climbing up and seeing Xie Yu, she felt inexplicably guilty, so she spoke ‘righteously’: “I changed your clothes. I saw everything there was to see. Don’t come here and cause trouble.”

Xie Yu’s pale face suddenly turned red. Her long eyelashes trembled at Xiao Kunning’s confident assertion, feeling a little helpless. Her usually cold eyes were filled with shyness. She chose to avoid Xiao Kunning’s direct gaze and pretended to be calm: “Someone will take you to see the Gu manor during the morning preparations.”

Xiao Kunning was puzzled: “Then who are you marrying?”

“After you leave, don’t rush out of the city. Go find Zhao Xiran. Wen Yuke is on his way to Jiangnan; she will take you back to Chang’an.” Xie Yu stood up and walked toward the couch. Her body swayed as she stepped onto the platform; she was still feeling dizzy.

For some reason, Xiao Kunning noticed a hint of vulnerability in her back. She pressed her tongue against her teeth, unable to speak, and tentatively asked: “Have you investigated everything clearly?”

“The account books of the Zhao and Gu families are enough to prove many things. Also, Wen Yuke will investigate. My trip to Jiangnan was just a facade to divert the attention of those people. The one truly investigating the case is Wen Yuke.”

Xiao Kunning was not surprised. It was the same in her previous life, but she hadn’t expected it to be so dangerous. If the Gu family belonged to the Yan faction, then had Wen Yuke discovered it, or was he deliberately letting it go? She couldn’t understand these things. Xie Yu continued: “The Gu family belongs to the Yan faction, but Gu Zong may not be working for Yan Huaizhen. Sometimes, what is covered is not just a single layer of paper.”

“The Gu family belongs to the Yan faction, but Gu Zong has someone else behind him?” Xiao Kunning held her head. Going around in circles, what exactly was going on? In her previous life, Xie Yu was the victor, yet she, as an observer, hadn’t seen anything clearly? She felt her stupidity again. Compared to Xie Yu, she was an idiot.

“I’m leaving. How will you handle things here?”

Xie Yu lay down on the couch, “Naturally, someone will get married tomorrow.”

Xiao Kunning sensed a hint of loneliness in her words, which was very clear. The room was strangely quiet. Both chose to remain silent. When the east started to lighten, a maid came to knock on the door: “Miss, it’s time to get up.”

People in Jiangnan chose to marry at dusk, symbolizing the ‘Dusk Ceremony’ (hunli). They needed to get up early to wash, dress, and prepare to welcome guests.

Xiao Kunning tidied up the quilt and placed it on the couch. She opened the door and let the maids in. The maids brought in all sorts of tools and items. The room became a little cluttered, and one had to be careful where to step. Maids streamed in, filling the room, making it noisy and chaotic.

Xiao Kunning sat properly in front of the dressing table, waiting to be made up. Xie Yu sat on the side, reading a book, appearing broad, quiet, and ethereal, like an immortal. After half an hour of noise, Gu Ning finally couldn’t stand it and drove everyone out. While scolding the steward, she also had people move the clutter out. The courtyard was packed with people. After the scolding, they all swarmed out again. At this moment, only Xie Yu was left in the room.

Xie Yu leaned against the couch, quietly watching the people leaving with the crowd. The page of the book in her hand hadn’t turned for a long time. She felt a profound sense of loss. After the maids left, Gu Ning slammed the door shut: “Xie Yu, she’s gone. Who will be the bride?”

Xie Yu slowly raised her eyes, smiling gently like water: “Old Master Gu is hosting a feast for the entire city. Isn’t this a good day for you to get married?”

“I’m getting married?” Gu Ning was stunned. The wedding was rushed, and they hadn’t invited relatives and friends, but once the joyous news was spread, many people would come uninvited. This was indeed a rare opportunity. She smiled happily: “Xie Yu, you’ve helped me so much. I will definitely repay you later.”

Xie Yu glanced at her: “Can you make Xiao Kunning marry me?”

Gu Ning’s face immediately fell: “I can’t. Does Xiao Kunning have any feelings for you? No, not at all, not even a crack. How can I help? After we get married, I’ll let Su Ying repay you for this great favor.”

Xie Yu showed no happiness. Instead, her face darkened: “No invitations were sent out today. The guests who come won’t know who is getting married. How you explain it is your business. Also, I had someone prepare a marriage certificate for you and Su Ying. The rest is up to you. Furthermore, something will happen tonight. Do you know where the Gu family’s account books are?”

What Xie Yu did always came as a surprise. Gu Ning’s smile froze: “The Gu family’s account books are not in my hands. Just spare the old man’s life.”

“If you find the account books and use them to atone for his crime, I will spare him,” Xie Yu was unmoved.

Gu Ning stopped smiling: “Fine, I’ll try my best. Where is Su Ying?”

“She must be in the manor already. You leave here. Don’t let anyone find out.” Xie Yu signaled Gu Ning to hurry away. Her heart was calm. She lowered her head and continued reading the book as usual.

Over the years, Gu Ning had learned one thing: whatever Xie Yu decided to do would surely succeed, especially this matter that she had planned for a long time. For Xie Yu, nothing was more important than revenge. Faced with the unknown difficulty, she still chose to trust Xie Yu. Because Xie Yu was like her, an ’emotional person.’

After leaving the Gu family, Xiao Kunning lost her sense of direction. She asked a passerby how to get to the relay station. The Gu manor was in a remote area, with few houses nearby. After wandering around, she was still close to the Gu manor. As the sun rose in the east, many carriages rushed towards the Gu manor. Xiao Kunning was wearing a maid’s uniform from the Gu family and no one paid much attention to her as she walked with her head lowered. She finally reached the street, but many shops were closed. She asked a few people and learned that the Gu family was getting married today, and everyone had gone to the feast.

She circled the city a few times before finding the relay station. As soon as she entered the alley, she encountered many infantry soldiers surrounding the relay station. The ostentatious carriage was still parked at the entrance. Gaoyang was in trouble. Over a thousand soldiers had surrounded the small relay station; there was no way to escape. She circled the relay station a few times and grabbed a passerby to ask: “What happened here?”

The passerby also craned his neck to look inside the relay station and whispered to Xiao Kunning: “I heard the noble person here committed a crime and is going to be arrested.” Xiao Kunning quietly thanked him and hurried away from the crowd. Gaoyang wouldn’t commit a crime; someone must be targeting her. This was not Chang’an. Whatever the local official wanted to do, help from afar couldn’t arrive in time. The infantry surrounded the relay station without any action, and no one emerged, suggesting that Gaoyang would not be in immediate danger. The only military force nearby was the Jiangnan Provincial Army, which maintained public order and rarely intervened in internal political affairs. Their presence now was clearly intentional.

After avoiding the infantry, she turned and ran back towards the Gu manor. If the bride was absent, Xie Yu would face greater danger. The Provincial Army had been deployed. It was clear they would not let Xie Yu leave the Gu manor alive. When she arrived at the Gu manor, the entrance was packed with people, surrounded by many common folk. Gu Ning was standing at the entrance scattering copper coins and handing out rice. No wonder everyone had closed their shops to attend the feast.

More and more people were squeezing into the Gu manor entrance. It was almost impassable. Xiao Kunning stopped a hundred steps away from the manor gate. People were scrambling forward. Those who had received the rice couldn’t get out, and with the crowding both front and back, the path became even more impassable. Gu Ning was happy and shouted to the crowd: “Don’t come to the front anymore! Go to the three side gates for rice! Today is a great joyous day for the Gu family. Everyone who sees it gets a share!”

Hearing this, Xiao Kunning felt something was wrong. Xie Yu was getting married. Was Gu Ning really so happy scattering money and giving away rice, not feeling bad about her own money? After Gu Ning’s shout, the common folk outside ran towards the side gates. An old man emerged from the main gate and forcefully dragged her back into the manor. Xiao Kunning, far away, hadn’t seen clearly and was forced to move outwards with the crowd.

Gu Zong, who had received the news, was furious behind the door: “What are you doing?” Gu Ning smiled sweetly: “Xie Yu asked me to do it. She is overjoyed. I just lent these to her. Don’t worry, she wrote an IOU and will repay you when she returns to Chang’an. Besides, you know Xie Yu’s character. She won’t default.” Gu Zong’s face was ashen: “With so many people blocking the gate, we can’t get out, and they can’t get in. No movement in or out! Are you trying to stage a rebellion?” “Father, Xie Yu said she doesn’t need anyone else to witness the ceremony, just you. You are her savior, and she only wants you to witness it. Look, it’s getting late. It’s too late for you to back out now. They won’t leave.” Gu Ning pretended not to understand her father’s meaning and turned to run outside, approaching the common folk: “Hurry up! If you don’t come now, there won’t be enough rice!” Hearing this, the common folk completely blocked the entrance of the Gu manor.

At this moment, Su Ying was sitting in the room, having her makeup done. She had personally embroidered the wedding dress, and even the phoenix coronet on her hair was her own creation. The woman in the bronze mirror was gentle and graceful. She herself looked very happy. Xie Yu sat on the side, reading a book she had held for the entire morning. The woman in front of the mirror showed joy in her eyes and eyebrows, clearly very happy in her heart. Unfortunately, she was making the wedding dress for Gu Ning. Su Ying was perceptive. Since she came in, Xie Yu hadn’t said a word, and she sensed a feeling of loneliness.

She smiled and comforted Xie Yu: “Mr. Xie’s plan is sound. Miss Xiao will certainly still be yours.”

The Gu manor’s rice flowed out like water, and copper coins were scattered everywhere. In just half an hour, the area around the Gu manor was completely blocked. Many guests who came to offer congratulations were blocked by the crowd. People from the entire city heard the news and came, one to share the good fortune, and two because they wanted the free food. Gu Zong sent people to drive the common folk away, even stopping the scattering of coins and distribution of rice, but the crowd only grew larger. Those who hadn’t received rice surrounded the Gu manor unwilling to leave. The agitated people were extremely dissatisfied, throwing things they had on hand at the Gu manor’s servants.

Just as the situation was becoming unmanageable, the auspicious hour was approaching. Gu Zong watched the path in front of the gate being completely blocked and paced anxiously. Gu Ning, however, was happily returning to change into her new clothes. Xie Yu placed the red veil over Su Ying’s head, her expression softening slightly. She sincerely said: “May you and Gu Ning grow old together, be brave and determined in adversity. Only with the power of resilience can you overcome difficulties.”

Hearing such serious words, Su Ying, under the veil, laughed out loud: “These words should be returned to you, Mr. Xie.” Xie Yu’s smile was bitter: “I am different from you after all.” “Mr. is too modest. Miss Xiao should be on her way back,” Su Ying smiled. Xie Yu looked distant, a faint smile appearing: “Xiao Kunning’s nature is to see things through to the end.” Su Ying chuckled. Under the veil, she couldn’t see Xie Yu’s expression, but she could imagine the hint of sarcasm on her lips. She sighed helplessly: “Mr. should let go of the past, face Miss Xiao with your heart, and tell her your affection. Miss Xiao is not heartless; she will slowly accept you.”

“Miss Xiao, are you ready?”

The voice of the xiniang (wedding matron) urging them came from outside. Both of them tacitly stopped talking. The xiniang waited for a moment before pushing the door open. Xie Yu was sitting on the edge of the couch, still wearing plain silk clothes. She immediately became anxious: “Why haven’t you changed your clothes yet?” Xie Yu put down her book: “You take her out for the ceremony. I will follow shortly.” The xiniang wanted to refuse, but the auspicious hour was about to arrive. She helped the bride leave, and before going, urged Xie Yu uneasily: “You must hurry.” Xie Yu nodded.

Many guests stood in the Gu family’s main hall, looking diverse. They gathered to talk, all praising the Gu family’s extravagance in hosting the event. The amount of rice given away today reached a thousand dan. Some were also curious as to why they chose to get married on the Ghost Festival today. The activities outside hadn’t ended and wouldn’t until sunset, costing no less than two thousand dan. The auspicious hour was imminent, but the bride and groom were nowhere to be seen. They were all chatting, curious about today’s joyous event. They had all come uninvited out of respect for the Gu family’s reputation.

As soon as the auspicious hour arrived, the xiniang was seen helping the bride out. Then, Miss Gu, Gu Ning, walked in wearing a wedding robe. The guests in the hall cheered and applauded. Gu Ning walked and smiled: “Thank you all for attending the ceremony. Today is the day I marry Su Ying. In the future, the Gu family’s business will rely on all of you to show some respect. Tonight, let’s drink until we drop. Please drink more, and forgive us for any inadequate hospitality.”

Gu Zong, sitting in the main seat, stood up in anger, wanting to stop Gu Ning’s absurd act. Xie Yu appeared at the right time and blocked him: “Today is Gu Ning’s big day. If you break them up, the whole of Jiangnan will mock you in the future. Besides, all four gates of the Gu manor are blocked by the common folk. The people you invited can’t come.” Gu Zong waved her away: “Xie Yu, even if Gu Ning is getting married today, you won’t escape the Gu manor.” Xie Yu smiled faintly, not caring about his threat. She whispered to Gu Zong: “Let’s see who can’t leave today. I don’t know who the person behind you is right now, but I believe he is on his way.”

Gu Zong’s expression was sinister. His cheek muscles trembled. The bridal couple outside entered to perform the ritual. He watched them approach and then sat back down in his seat. Seeing Gu Ning, the xiniang felt something was wrong, but Old Master Gu didn’t say a word, so she could only guide the couple through the ritual. After the ceremony was complete, everyone moved towards the bridal chamber. Xie Yu took the opportunity to leave. Gu Zong, quick as lightning, blocked her path. With a hall full of guests, Gu Zong didn’t care about propriety anymore. The fact that Xie Yu could make Xiao Kunning vanish into thin air meant she had a backup plan. His sudden move scared the guests, who hid behind the tables. The Gu manor’s servants came forward fiercely, holding knives.

Xie Yu turned to look at Gu Zong: “I am the current Grand Tutor, and also the Minister of Justice. Are you sure about this, Old Master Gu?” Gu Zong was anxious, the muscles in his cheeks trembling. The events outside the gate today were certainly Xie Yu’s plan to escape. He couldn’t let Xie Yu succeed: “You say you’re the Grand Tutor. How can I believe you?” Xie Yu showed a look of pity and sighed: “Old Master Gu, you should choose the right occasion to kill people. There are so many people here. Can you kill them all?” Gu Zong was alert: “When did I say I was going to kill people?” Xie Yu reminded the guests who hadn’t left: “Gu Zong killing a court official is a capital crime. You all saw it. Only by killing you can he cover it up.” The people who came today were all merchants. They traveled between regions, and going to Chang’an was frequent. They had long heard of Xie Yu’s reputation. Thinking about this, they all felt chilled to the bone and started to curse. The bolder ones tried to snatch the knives from the servants’ hands. There were only about a dozen servants, but the guests swarmed over them. The situation spiraled out of control. Gu Zong was surrounded and shouted, trying to explain the whole story. However, facts spoke louder than words. No amount of explanation could outweigh the truth before their eyes. Xie Yu took the opportunity to leave the main hall and went out through the side gate alone.

The side gate was blocked. Xiao Kunning was trapped in the crowd, trying hard to walk towards the Gu manor. When she reached the gate, she found that the Gu manor’s servants wouldn’t let her in. Multiple explanations were useless. Instead, she was scolded by the common folk demanding rice. At a loss, Xie Yu emerged from the side gate and ran into the fool arguing with people. Su Ying’s words suddenly echoed in her ear: “Miss Xiao should be on her way back.” She couldn’t hear Xiao Kunning’s words through the crowd, but her flushed face proved she was anxious, and the panic in her eyes showed her worry. Separated by the crowd, she felt a warmth. It burned her whole body, making her blood boil.

After explaining for a long time and getting no response, Xiao Kunning tried to force her way in. During the conflict, she was pushed back and bumped into a woman. The woman found her in the way and pushed her away again, anxiously demanding rice from the Gu manor servants. Xie Yu walked over and supported the person who almost fell. Without saying a word, she pulled her through the crowd. There were too many people. They stopped and walked, finally getting out of the crowd by dark. Both of their clothes were soaked and stuck to their backs. They still saw people heading towards the Gu manor.

The two who had escaped the crowd looked at each other and smiled. Xie Yu decisively held her hand: “Following me will be very dangerous.” Xiao Kunning didn’t understand: “Why?” Xie Yu gripped her hand tighter, her heart feeling warm: “I need to wait for him to appear.” “Why are you so sure that person will definitely come out?” Xiao Kunning felt confused about who the person behind everything was. Xie Yu shook her head: “Gu Zong is outwardly working for the Yan family, but fundamentally, it may not be so. The Yan family wouldn’t save me, but Gu Zong dared to take me in, which shows that he is certainly not sincere to Yan Huaizhen.” Xiao Kunning couldn’t figure it out: “If he saved you, why would he want to kill you at this time?”

The two walked and talked. Gradually, there were fewer people. Many people carried rice happily walking home. They almost stumbled because they couldn’t see the road, yet their steps were light. This rice would be enough to eat for some time. Xie Yu envied the simple life of the common folk at the bottom layer. She couldn’t help but grip Xiao Kunning’s hand tighter: “Because Zhao Ji is dead. The Empress Dowager has no son. If she wants to bring down Zhao Mian, she needs to find an ally.” They couldn’t see the road under their feet. Both walked unsteadily, constantly being tripped by stones. It was difficult going. Xiao Kunning couldn’t see the road in the darkness and could only rely on Xie Yu to walk. Thoughts of her previous life came to mind, and she still couldn’t figure out who the person Xie Yu mentioned was. Saving someone and then killing them—wouldn’t that be shooting oneself in the foot?

They walked for over an hour for just one stretch of road. They finally found an inn. When the innkeeper asked for money, both checked their pockets and found them empty. The innkeeper immediately frowned, impatiently saying: “Staying at an inn requires money. You two look quite well-off. Why are you trying to stay for free?” Xie Yu’s face turned red, and Xiao Kunning was too ashamed to lift her head. They walked out of the inn with their heads down. Fortunately, it was summer. Being kicked out didn’t feel cold. Xiao Kunning now calmly let Xie Yu hold her hand. She knew how to prioritize. At this moment, she had no money and no desire to cause trouble.

They walked down the street for a while. Xiao Kunning’s feet were hurting, so she sat down on the steps in front of a shop. Xie Yu also sat down. “Xie Yu, where is your Yu Yin Nong Qin (servant)?” Xiao Kunning clutched her stomach, hungry. Xie Yu hadn’t eaten all day either, but maintained her composure: “They’ve gone to find people. The Jiangnan Provincial Army mobilizing troops without an imperial edict is a major crime.” Xiao Kunning hugged her knees and slowly closed her eyes: “Xie Yu, I’m hungry.” Xie Yu turned to look at her: “Why didn’t you go find Zhao Xiran?” “The relay station is surrounded. I couldn’t get in, and I don’t know if Zhao Xiran has left.” Xiao Kunning felt even hungrier, especially the more she thought about it. She opened her eyes and looked around: “Should we buy something to eat?” Xie Yu felt her waist and sleeve pockets. She apologized: “I don’t even have money to buy a steamed bun.” Xiao Kunning was dejected: “Xie Yu, why didn’t you remember to give me money when you sent me out?” The night sky was poor tonight. There was no moon, only a few stars hanging in the sky. The stars were dim, and the ground was dark. A faint light could be seen in the distance. Xie Yu couldn’t speak, but Xiao Kunning stared eagerly at that spot. If a light was still on at this hour, it must be a restaurant. She pulled Xie Yu and started walking: “Let’s go eat.” Xie Yu frowned: “We have no money.” “Let’s get credit,” Xiao Kunning said recklessly. She had eaten last night. She was starving, her stomach pressed against her back. Between face and hunger, she should choose the latter. “That’s not right. You’ll get beaten up,” Xie Yu pulled her back in time. Scamming food while traveling was a serious offense. She tried to persuade her: “Let’s think of another way.” Xiao Kunning was impatient: “Shut up. From now on, you listen to me.”