The Night Before the Divorce, She Was Reborn to Before Her Marriage - Chapter 36

Ning Fu’s rebirth was initially thought to be due to the heavens favoring her, but now she couldn’t help but wonder: Was her rebirth orchestrated by someone else? If so, who would go to such great lengths to allow her to live a second life?

“This Floating Splendor Dream  grows only in extremely cold lands and rarely flowers or bears fruit. Encountering one in bloom is extremely fortunate; one might lose their life trying to pick it without a moment’s inattention, resulting in both the person and the treasure being lost. However, the talk of resurrection is merely an ancient legend with no successful precedent.”

Ning Fu sighed emotionally, “There are actually people willing to risk death for this rumor.”

“Those who risk death for it are countless, all because of one person they cannot bear to part with,” the Divine Doctor Mu, accustomed to life and death, was not as moved as she was. “When one cannot bear to watch someone they care about die, they will risk everything.”

Ning Fu remained silent.

The Divine Doctor Mu continued, “Scholars like me who study medicine are most fond of delving into such strange and unusual matters. The young lady need not dwell on it.”

Ning Fu managed to maintain her composure and feigned surprise: “This rumor is quite bizarre.”

“Aren’t the young lady’s dreams equally bizarre?” the Divine Doctor Mu observed her with a smile.

Ning Fu didn’t know how much he truly believed, leaning toward the idea that he suspected her. However, since he brought up resurrection, which she had experienced firsthand (she had almost not been saved after falling into the water last year—an event known throughout the capital and easily verifiable), she decided to use it to her advantage. Since meeting Old Song, he would naturally investigate and learn she was a daughter of the Duke of Ning’s Residence; Ning Fu hadn’t concealed that, as she likely wouldn’t have met the Divine Doctor without revealing her true identity.

Regardless of his speculation, for now, she could only pretend ignorance. It was best to subtly reveal her value to ensure her own safety.

Ning Fu thought for a moment and showed a trace of confusion: “I have not only dreamt this bizarre dream once. Before the Prince of Xuan’s Residence went on campaign earlier this year, I dreamt that Second Young Master Zong was attacked on the road, and that also came true.” One instance of dreaming could be coincidence, but two instances certainly were not. By proactively mentioning this, she appeared candid. Furthermore, if the Divine Doctor Mu had a powerful backer, that person would naturally value her foreknowledge. For the sake of the Duke of Ning’s Residence, Ning Fu didn’t mind trying to form a connection with that backer. Multiple fallback options meant multiple opportunities.

“Has the young lady mentioned this matter to anyone else?”

“No,” Ning Fu shook her head. “It was only after hearing the Divine Doctor discuss something as strange as resurrection today that I thought to ask the Divine Doctor to examine my dream and find out the reason.”

Mu Ruheng stated, “The young lady need not worry, but this matter must absolutely not be mentioned to outsiders. If the young lady dreams of anything dangerous again, she can come to Linglong Terrace to inform me.”

“I also have a favor to ask. I wonder if the Divine Doctor has the antidote for the Jade Hibiscus?” Ning Fu requested.

“It’s quite a coincidence. The ingredient I have not yet seen in the formula you dreamt of happens to be the key to creating the Jade Hibiscus antidote. However, I cannot give it to the young lady right now; I must first verify the effect of the antidote,” Mu Ruheng replied.

Ning Fu was once again inwardly shaken. If she hadn’t used Mu Ruheng’s name to open this shop, allowing Mu Ruheng to obtain that new medicinal ingredient earlier, wouldn’t the antidote for the Jade Hibiscus have appeared several years later? Zong Si needed the Jade Hibiscus precisely, and without his help, the shop might not have even opened. Everything was linked too tightly, causing Ning Fu to break out in a cold sweat. At this moment, she couldn’t help but believe in karma and destiny.

“Thank you, Divine Doctor,” she said after coming back to herself.

Mu Ruheng only smiled, then pulled the bell cord beside him. Song Bo heard the sound and pushed the door open to come in. His eyes were still as sharp as an eagle’s, but they no longer held the killing intent they did moments ago.

“See Miss Ning out for me.” Mu Ruheng then said to Ning Fu, “I will notify the young lady when it is time to collect the antidote.”

Ning Fu nodded and gave a parting bow.

After Ning Fu left, Song Bo couldn’t help but ask, “Master, what did you find out?”

Mu Ruheng merely smiled and glanced at the Floating Splendor Dream in his hand. “If it has value, what difference is there between truth and falsehood?”

“The Sixth Prince is familiar with her; I fear her relationship with the Sixth Prince is not shallow,” Song Bo worried.

Mu Ruheng seemed unconcerned: “No need to worry.”

Upon leaving Linglong Terrace, it was the same woman who escorted Ning Fu.

“Does the Young Master need to make an appointment with Murong in advance?” the woman asked.

“Yes,” Ning Fu smiled, then tossed out a bag of silver. “For this entire month, if I come, Murong will accompany me. If I do not come, let him rest.”

The woman was overjoyed: “Everything will be arranged according to the Young Master’s wishes.”

Dong Zhu stomped her foot in anger: “Young Master!”

The woman’s eyes darted around, teasing her: “Don’t worry, Young Miss. Murong is just a passerby; he will not threaten your position.” She mistook Dong Zhu for Ning Fu’s concubine.

Dong Zhu opened her eyes wide, while Ning Fu couldn’t help but chuckle and nod repeatedly: “Naturally.”

Once they were in the carriage, Dong Zhu complained indignantly, “Young Miss, that Murong is definitely not a proper man; he was intentionally seducing you.”

Ning Fu asked curiously, “On what grounds do you say that?”

“The way you used the folding fan like that… like that toward him, and he didn’t even dodge! If you hadn’t said you had a wife and concubines at home, he probably would have given in to you long ago and wanted you as his only one. No proper man acts like that.”

“I was only doing it for convenience in handling business; don’t worry about me,” Ning Fu replied. She didn’t think the men at Linglong Terrace were that simple, nor did she have the inclination to actually seek pleasure. She would likely have to make several more visits to solidify the impression that she was being utterly infatuated and lured away.

Ning Fu should have immediately informed Zong Si upon receiving the information, but meeting him was inappropriate right now, so she first returned to the Duke of Ning’s Residence. The maid who was impersonating her was relieved when she saw her return: “Fourth Miss.”

“Has my mother come by?” Ning Fu asked while taking off her men’s clothing.

“She came to take a look, thought the young lady was asleep, and then left.” Having made private excursions so often, Ning Fu no longer felt the usual apprehension. After changing into her underclothes, Ning Fu sat at her desk and began writing a letter, using the invisible ink Zong Si had given her, and sent someone to Fu Jiahui that very night. Obtaining the Jade Hibiscus antidote was simpler than she imagined, but she knew Mu Ruheng was testing her—seeing where the antidote would be used to infer who was behind her.

Ning Fu had a restless night. She couldn’t help but wonder if her rebirth was truly related to the miraculous item Floating Splendor Dream. The only person around her who could gather such a thing seemed to be Zong Si. However, given their relationship, he wouldn’t necessarily do something like that for her. Unless someone exchanged something of immense value with him. Could it be that Mother exchanged something with him?

This sleepless night caused Ning Fu to wake up a bit late. When eating snacks with Ning He and Wei Ziyi the next day, Wei Ziyi teased, “Did Fourth Sister sneak out to play last night? Why are you up so late today?” Ning Fu inwardly admired Wei Ziyi’s perceptiveness but knew she hadn’t gone out to play. She smiled brightly, “For some reason, I just couldn’t sleep last night.”

“It’s probably going to rain in the next few days; the weather is too stuffy. I also wake up easily at night. Your eldest brother just rolls over, and I wake up,” Wei Ziyi said. She blushed slightly, recalling that a few nights ago, after Ning Yu woke her up in the middle of the night, he had rolled over and pinned her beneath him. Ning Fu naturally noticed this. Recalling that in the previous life, Sister Wei and her elder brother developed estrangement because Sister Wei couldn’t conceive for a long time, Ning Fu made a plan: the next time she saw the Divine Doctor, she needed to ask him for a remedy to regulate that.

The pastries today were made by the pastry chef from Madam Ning’s small kitchen—a rare treat for the others in the Duke of Ning’s Residence. Wei Ziyi asked Ning Fu, “The taste of these pastries is excellent. Fourth Sister, can I take some back for my mother-in-law?”

“Of course, you can.” Ning Fu only envied that Madam Wei had gained such a thoughtful daughter-in-law, yet sadly, Madam Wei didn’t cherish it. She ordered Dong Zhu to pack two portions. Since Wei Ziyi asked for some, Zhang Shi (Concubine of the Second Branch) could not be neglected; in the interactions between the Elder Branch and the Second Branch, impartiality was key.

Wei Ziyi added, “Second Miss Xie is leaving the academy soon and is holding a farewell banquet. Did you receive her invitation?” Young ladies were permitted to leave the academy after reaching the age of majority, and Xie Ruyi had stayed a few extra years because her marriage was not settled. Now that it was close to being finalized, she naturally had to leave. As for Wei Ziyi’s achievements in the Six Arts, they were excellent; so far, she had four top grades. Since the founding of the Great Yan Dynasty, only two people had achieved such results. The academy had conferred upon her the honor of a Female Talented Scholar. The next selection for Female Talented Scholar would be in two years. Ning Fu’s archery and horsemanship were already top grade, and her music skills were almost certain; she could still compete.

“I received the invitation today,” Ning Fu replied. Not only Ning Fu but also Ning He had received an invitation. Today, Zhang Shi was overjoyed upon hearing the news and repeatedly praised Second Miss Xie’s magnanimity, saying she would surely achieve great things in the future. The Duke of Qing’s Residence was currently flourishing; Duke Xie, Xie Laoye, was currently serving in the Censorate, responsible for inspecting all officials, a high position that made him the object of flattery. It was precisely in comparison to them that the Duke of Ning’s Residence appeared increasingly in decline.

Ning Fu went with Ning He and Wei Ziyi; their seats were together. Xie Ruyi wore a light green lingduan robe today, fresh and refined, like a celestial maiden untouched by worldly affairs, matching her persona. Ning Fu believed the most beautiful women were like Xie Ruyi—beauty rooted in the bone, an extraordinary aura that could never be decorated by the most beautiful dresses or the most dazzling hair ornaments; having a beautiful face only added to the perfection.

“Thank you to all the young ladies for coming today. I have been troubled by you all these past few years; Ruyi will never forget it,” Xie Ruyi said with a slight smile.

“It is our honor to have known Sister Xie,” Rong Min immediately responded.

“Yes, Sister Xie. I was timid and dared not speak to anyone before. Thanks to Sister Xie taking me along to play, I have been very happy these past few years,” said the Sixth Miss Lin.

Zong Ning smiled, “The young ladies of our academy are the best. We must all continue to get along well in the future.” Everyone present could not help but agree inwardly.

“If there are any shortcomings in the hospitality today, I ask for everyone’s understanding,” Xie Ruyi said with an apologetic tone. In fact, the young ladies who came to the Duke of Qing’s Residence today spanned all ages; there were many over twenty whom Ning Fu didn’t even know, yet they had excellent relationships with Xie Ruyi, showing the breadth of her connections. Xie Ruyi did not neglect anyone among the guests, exchanging pleasantries with each one.

When she reached Ning Fu, Xie Ruyi paused for a moment.

“Sister Xie, I wish you all the best in the future,” Ning Fu said sincerely. After leaving the academy, especially after marrying, opportunities to meet would become fewer; only during major family events would they see each other.

Xie Ruyi paused for a moment, then smiled, “Thank you, Sister Ning. I thought Sister Ning might be constrained by the Duke’s Residence…” She didn’t finish her sentence.

Ning Fu looked at her. Her relationship with Xie Ruyi was certainly not very good due to their families being rivals, but admiration and affection between young ladies in private was another matter. “Sister Xie has always been my role model.” Xie Ruyi’s smile became a bit more genuine; she quite liked Ning Fu as well and didn’t say more before moving on to Cheng Shuang.

Cheng Shuang responded outwardly, but she was in extreme emotional pain inwardly. She was suffering because of Zong Si and Xie Ruyi’s impending marriage. Xie Ruyi naturally noticed Cheng Shuang’s feelings but didn’t expose them. No matter how much Cheng Shuang liked Zong Si, it couldn’t change anything; her family background wouldn’t turn the tide for her marriage either—many things were predetermined by fate. Xie Ruyi felt a bit of pity for her. The biggest mistake for a woman from an official family was to love someone too blindly; even if one loved, one had to consider the family first. She exchanged pleasantries kindly and then slowly walked away. Cheng Shuang couldn’t stop her eyes from reddening. At the peak of her sadness, she paid no attention to anything else and drank a great deal of wine. She wanted to find Zong Si; no matter the outcome, she should be brave once.

Ning Fu had only chatted with Wei Ziyi for a few sentences when she saw Fu Jiahui come looking for her.

“Sister Fu,” Ning Fu couldn’t help but stand up from her seat.

“Sister Ning, do you happen to have a moment to speak with me?” Fu Jiahui looked at Ning He and Wei Ziyi with grace.

“You go ahead,” Wei Ziyi said. “I will look after Ah-He.”

Ning Fu followed Fu Jiahui. Once the surrounding people thinned out, she heard her say, “I have already delivered the letter to the Heir Apparent. The Heir Apparent wishes to meet with you. My carriage is right outside the door; please come with me.”

“Must it be today?” Ning Fu asked with a frown.

“The Heir Apparent leaves the capital tomorrow,” Fu Jiahui looked at her. “Don’t you want to see the Heir Apparent?”

Ning Fu certainly did not want to see Zong Si right now. The matter of that explicit album had not passed yet; meeting him now would surely be awkward, especially since his engagement was settled.