After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 22

The Hanyuan Hall was filled with the glow of lamps and candles, and people sat all around. The young eunuchs moved back and forth, sometimes bringing cloth for the noble ladies to wipe their sweat, sometimes adding incense to the burners.

Behind a twelve-fold carved screen, the concubines of the entire palace were seated, fanning themselves and whispering softly.

They were merely discussing the invasion of the Western Tribes and the reduction of expenses in the inner palace.

Concubine Chen complained, 

“According to Eunuch Zheng, this year’s precious incense wasn’t given to the inner palace but was instead sent to those few envoys from the Kingdom of Liuli.”

Another said, “The Emperor shows them much courtesy. Why didn’t he invite them to the banquet today?”

“The people of Liuli are monks, aren’t they? They’re vegetarians, so they probably wouldn’t be able to eat the feast.”

A gentle voice added, “”The Great Chen is currently at war with the Western Tribes, and the Kingdom of Liuli, as the leader of the Eighteen Kingdoms of the Western Regions, is more aligned with the Western Tribes. Since they are here for Buddhist exchanges, it’s best to focus on discussing Buddhism rather than letting them hear news of the war.”

The other concubines were enlightened: “I see, Wan Yi Han, you are indeed knowledgeable.”

Wan Yi Han smiled faintly, but an older concubine, not convinced, said sourly, 

“Concubine Chen was mistaken. It’s not that we older ones haven’t received any incense—Wan Yi Han and Concubine Lu have both received plenty of rewards from the Emperor.”

Emperor Chenming’s harem was home to over a dozen concubines, divided into two groups. The first group included older concubines taken when he was the Grand Governor of Huaiyuan. They came from humble origins and held titles but received no affection. The second group consisted of new concubines chosen after his ascension, led by the young and beautiful Wan Yi Han, who were favored by the Emperor.

The eunuch announced that the Crown Prince’s Consort had arrived, and their conversation ceased as countless pairs of eyes waited to see Zheng Zhiyi enter.

This Consort, who came from the countryside, had made quite a few jokes—about her attire, her speech, her way of gnawing on bones. With her around, even the most low-born concubines felt superior, thinking they weren’t the crudest, and could mock Zheng Zhiyi in their own palaces.

As everyone held their breath in anticipation, Consort Zheng stepped over the threshold of Hanyuan Hall, and the surroundings went quiet.

—Is this Zheng Zhiyi?

Zheng Zhiyi wore a heavy cloak embroidered with gold thread, supported by two maids. She was small, but only due to her young age. Over the past few months, she had grown taller, and her high bun, revealing her smooth forehead, lent her a delicate elegance.

She walked slowly, her nose glistening with sweat, but her posture and expression were remarkably composed. She never looked around randomly as she made her way to her seat, unaware of how much attention she had attracted.

In the ensuing silence, the thoughts of the concubines were mixed; those hoping for entertainment were disappointed, left with a twisted feeling inside.

“She seems to have gained some weight.”

“She’s gotten fairer too.”

“Chang’an’s climate really nurtures people. In less than a year, she has developed a demeanor of elegance befitting the principal consort. Indeed, being young has its advantages.”

Li Xuan, now in ordinary court attire, sat behind the table, his gaze falling on Zheng Zhiyi’s flushed face. 

“Where are you going now?”

Zheng Zhiyi lowered her head, muttering, 

“Weren’t we always supposed to sit separately?”

Lan Yue tugged at her sleeve. Li Xuan frowned and took a sip of tea. Zheng Zhiyi circled back and sat beside him. Across from them, the concubines, watching for entertainment, laughed quietly behind their fans.

The concubines sat on the right side of the Hanyuan Hall, while the seats for close ministers and princes were placed on the left side.

Qun Qing glanced around; Li Huan hadn’t come, and Princess Yan’s consort, Xiao Yunru, sat alone.

Her expression remained dignified, smiling and nodding at Consort Zheng in greeting.

Next to Prince Yan’s seat was an empty table, filled with angelica root and fruits—a memorial for the Fourth Prince Li Miao, who went missing in his youth.

Emperor Chenming was a nostalgic ruler who liked to show that he hadn’t forgotten those from the past through such gestures.

From afar, a concubine inquired, “The flower on Consort Zheng’s head looks particularly vivid—who made it?”

Zheng Zhiyi had never received so much attention before. She gave a half-bow in their direction, then in another: 

“Replying to Mother Concubine, they’re fresh flowers that I grew myself.”

“What? You grew them yourself?” The concubines burst into laughter.

Among them were daughters of farmers, and in their impression, this was something only the poorest would do. They never imagined having to cultivate after entering the palace.

But a slender concubine smiled and said, 

“Isn’t this an imitation of Emperor Jing of Chu, who grew rice in the palace to emphasize agriculture? Liangdi has a heart for the right cause.”

She wore a long gown with wide sleeves, gently waving a small fan, her makeup simple yet elegant, accentuating her scholarly air.

Suddenly, the concubines showered her with praise, and those who had just laughed wished they could find a hole to crawl into.

Qun Qing glanced at the person who spoke and recognized her as Wan Yi Han. Wan Yi Han was loved by Emperor Chenming for her talents and was now pregnant with his child, soon to be granted a higher title.

Wan Yi Han’s words were just as Qun Qing had suggested. Zheng Zhiyi’s heart settled, and she looked at Qun Qing excitedly. She had never received so much praise, but since this wasn’t her own idea, she wanted to mention the maid who came up with it. Qun Qing, however, patted her on the shoulder, signaling her to sit down.

Li Xuan poured Zheng Zhiyi a cup of tea. 

“No more talking. You’re hot, take off your cloak.”

Zheng Zhiyi replied, “Oh,” and struggled to take off the stiff cloak, her arms awkwardly in mid-air. Qun Qing saw this but didn’t reach out, and Li Xuan, glaring at her, finally helped.

In the eyes of the distant concubines, the Crown Prince and Liangdi seemed like a perfect couple, which made the nearby Princess Bao’an look even more lonely and pitiable.

There had been previous rumors in the palace that the Crown Prince truly loved Princess Bao’an and despised his wife. However, seeing the Crown Prince and Liangdi’s obvious affection today, the ridicule and gossip quickly turned on Yang Fu.

At that moment, the eunuch announced: “Meng, Chief Official, presents a red coral piece obtained from the South Sea mining case to Princess Bao’an.”

The red coral was presented, as big as a fist, vivid as blood, instantly drawing countless envious eyes.

Red coral was rare, and even Yang Fu’s sickly face showed surprise. Baoshu smiled, 

“Look, Princess, my brother is here. Don’t worry, you’ll save face.”

“Does the Princess like it?” Meng Guanlou arrived next, bowing in greeting.

Qun Qing had heard that Prime Minister Meng had Xianbei blood, and his children were all of beautiful appearance, which was confirmed today.

Meng Guanlou had high cheekbones and fair skin, his long black hair tied back. He wore crimson robes that enhanced his elegant appearance, though his eyes were dark-ringed, as if from excess.

Rumor had it he liked to drink and indulge himself—perhaps a consequence of overindulgence.

Baoshu accepted the coral, and Yang Fu glanced at it, thanking Meng Guanlou.

“No need for courtesy. The Seventeenth Princess is a peerless beauty—this red coral, purple or black jade, they are all vulgar objects, unworthy of you.” Meng Guanlou smiled, “I present it on behalf of the Crown Prince. If the Princess likes it, that’s enough.”

Yang Fu’s pale face finally showed a hint of shyness.

Her smile was so captivating that Meng Guanlou was deeply impressed. As he approached Li Xuan to greet him, he couldn’t help joking, “Princess Bao’an truly has a face capable of toppling kingdoms. How could Your Highness bear to let her be downcast?”

Li Xuan, however, replied indifferently, “The Chancellor isn’t coming?”

“My father has been sleeping early lately, not up for the excitement. I was craving the imperial chef’s lamb stew, so I came straight here without eating dinner.”

Li Xuan’s expression remained unchanged, 

“Then eat well, eat plenty.”

Meng Guanlou sensed his displeasure and smiled, 

“Your Highness wouldn’t be angry at my unsolicited gift, would you? It’s all Baoshu’s doing, pestering me to help her make a good impression since it’s her first task in the palace. Little girls always want to prove themselves. If even Baoshu is like this, then surely Princess Bao’an, of noble birth, cannot endure others’ disdain. Your Highness should treat them equally, lest others speculate.”

Li Xuan glanced at him, his expression darkening, 

“Oh? You seem to have thought of more than I have.”

Meng Guanlou continued, holding his cup and speaking softly, 

“I am always devoted to Your Highness, hoping only for the best for you. Princess Bao’an is an extraordinary woman, truly deserving of Your Highness. What could you possibly dislike about her?”

Zheng Zhiyi listened to their exchange. Meng Guanlou hadn’t even looked at her properly since entering, treating her as if she were invisible. Unable to bear it any longer, she slapped her hand on the table. 

“Meng Guanlou, how could you be so snobbish? You used to call me sister-in-law, did you forget?”

Only then did Meng Guanlou lower his gaze, pretending to notice Zheng Zhiyi for the first time. 

“Oh, I didn’t see you before. Why is the Liangdi sitting here? The hairstyle has changed; I almost didn’t recognize you. This high bun is elegant, but Liangdi can hardly pull it off.”

That was really too much.

Zheng Zhiyi suddenly stood up, revealing her true nature as the daughter of a horse thief. She grabbed the freshly poured cup of tea, ready to splash it on Meng Guanlou’s face.

Qun Qing grabbed her wrist to stop her, calling out loudly, 

“Liangdi, look, Princess Danyang is here!”

Zheng Zhiyi stared blankly at the door.

In fact, Princess Danyang had just stepped across the threshold. Hearing someone call her, she truly led her group grandly over to them.

Meng Guanlou’s expression instantly looked like that of a mouse caught in a door.

Princess Danyang, Li Tong, was Emperor Chenming’s niece. She had followed the army since childhood and was quite fierce. Her loud, clear voice quickly echoed throughout the entire hall: 

“Who do we have here? Lord Meng, with a heap of troubles of his own, meddling in others’ family affairs. When you were trying to marry a princess, I didn’t see you trying to win favor with me, a proper princess bestowed by His Majesty, but instead sucking up to some—who knows which so-called princess.”

Yang Fu’s face went pale, biting her lip. Meng Guanlou’s expression darkened, while Li Xuan couldn’t help but let out a slight chuckle.

“That was someone else’s instigation. I was confused at the time. I hope Your Highness will not be angry,” Meng Guanlou said softly, “Your Highness, it’s a banquet today, and everyone is watching…”

He had cut ties with Princess Danyang over a mere mistress, which ended their childhood friendship and caused Princess Danyang to remain unforgiving. 

She snapped, “I can’t stand heartless people. If you don’t want to be humiliated like this, next time just stay away from me and don’t appear in my sight. Come, bring the gift to Lord Meng as congratulations in advance for a happy marriage with Miss Cui.”

This time, even the Meng family’s plans for another marriage were revealed. The Cui family wasn’t even an official family but merchants. It seemed that as someone abandoned by Danyang, Meng Guanlou’s marriage was greatly affected. The palace consorts were thrilled to watch, whispering among themselves.

Meng Guanlou endured it and said, “Your Highness, there’s no need to go this far, even if you’re angry.”

Behind Princess Danyang were four or five young and handsome attendants, dressed in plain white round-collared robes with heavy makeup, looking somewhat like actors—totally improper.

“You think too highly of yourself.” Princess Danyang’s demeanor was lazy, evidently having feasted in the palace earlier. She swaggered in with her retinue. 

“These are all my retainers, ranked as seventh-grade officials, the same as you, Lord Meng. Show some respect.”

The consorts in the hall had heard rumors that a princess kept male companions, but this was their first time witnessing it. Unable to resist, they covered their mouths with their fans, sneaking glances in Danyang’s direction, watching how her attendants poured wine and massaged her shoulders.

Qun Qing already knew Princess Danyang was wild. In the fourth year of Shenglin, she had her nightly revels, once bringing a dozen retainers to her frolics.

Four attendants were hardly worth a second look.

Qun Qing gazed at the entrance, waiting for Li Huan’s arrival.

Emperor Chenming often took advantage of palace banquets to announce decrees concerning members of the royal family, such as marriages, promotions, or rewards, and sometimes punishments. It had been widely spread in the palace that the decree for Prince Yan to take up duties in the border regions would be announced tonight. Qun Qing was curious about what fate awaited Li Huan.

But there was no sign of Li Huan at the entrance, nor was there Lu Huating—only a retainer who had fallen behind.

This person wore a white round-collared robe, his hair loose, his figure somewhat familiar.

The light fell slantwise on his shoulder, his hands holding up the hem of his robe as he glanced at the servants coming and going, unsure if he should enter—his bewilderment making him look even more pitiful.

The lantern above illuminated his face, and Qun Qing felt a shock.

Who was this? Su Run?

Not far away, Meng Guanlou was drinking. In Qun Qing’s mind, she saw Su Run’s rotting wounds and the corpse carried out of the Yeting…

She made an excuse about going to the restroom and hurried to the entrance, bumping into a servant carrying a tea tray just as she was about to enter. The water spilled on the retainer’s robe.

“The side hall has a place to change clothes, come with me.” She grabbed Su Run’s collar and forcefully led him out of the hall.

Prince Yan staggered a little upon entering the hall. Xiao Yunru reached out to help, but he avoided her and slowly sat down, saying, 

“It’s fine. Kneeling for too long just made my legs a bit numb.”

“What did His Majesty say?” Xiao Yunru naturally retracted her hand. The two of them both sat upright, a space between them that could fit a person.

Li Huan spoke after a long pause, 

“His Majesty had an urgent matter, so I couldn’t explain myself. I knelt in vain again this time.” For the banquet, he had swapped his bronze mask for a half gold leaf mask, revealing his pursed lips.

The note Lu Huating had slipped him wasn’t used after all—the writing had become smeared by sweat, so he simply crumpled it up.

“I’ve thought it over. It’s just Qinghai—if I have to go, I’ll go. It’s no big deal. Back then, I made it out of Huaiyuan, and I can make it out of Qinghai just the same.” Li Huan said, “The only thing is that I’ve implicated you, my princess. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t say that, Your Highness. We’re husband and wife, how could we talk of burdening one another? Nothing has been finalized yet. I hope Your Highness won’t give up too soon.” Despite her disappointment, Xiao Yunru remained calm and gentle. “The fruits and medicinal wine you wanted to send to Princess Bao’an have already been delivered by me.”

Li Huan was embarrassed. 

“This has nothing to do with you; you needn’t concern yourself with it in the future.”

Xiao Yunru added incense to the burner, her expression tranquil and serene. 

“It’s all within my duties.”

The hall felt stuffy like a steaming cage. After a moment of silence, Li Huan grabbed a fan and started fanning himself vigorously.

Xiao Yunru asked, “Where is Lu Huating?”

Li Huan pointed with his fan, 

“Over there. Look at him, still having the leisure to shoot arrows.”

The target, suspended high in the air, was covered with flowers for good fortune. Meng Guanlou shot an arrow that hit the bullseye, causing the target to sway back and forth like a swing.

The surrounding ministers offered their praise, but suddenly there was a soft “whoosh” sound. A bamboo arrow shot through the air, striking the flower right in the center. The previous arrow was split in half, falling to the ground along with the petals.

The ministers were stunned. Meng Guanlou turned around and saw Lu Huating placing the bamboo bow on a tray, his dark eyes looking at Meng with a smile, 

“I concede.”

Meng Guanlou looked as if he could eat someone alive. A confrontation between the two was never a good thing. Princess Danyang, her sharp eyes catching this, squeezed her way over.

With Danyang present, Meng Guanlou suppressed his anger, only casting a glance at the bloodstained bandage on Lu Huating’s hand and muttering viciously, 

“A mere black-boned chicken, even if covered in feathers, will never become a phoenix.”

With that, he brushed past Lu Huating. Princess Danyang grabbed at Lu Huating’s sleeve, which he deftly pulled away without a word. Danyang didn’t mind and repeated herself, 

“Lord Lu, don’t take it to heart that I scolded you before when I was in a bad mood. Disrupting a bad engagement—you’ve actually saved me.”

As Danyang was about to put her hand on his shoulder, Lu Huating, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, crouched down and picked up a flower branch from the carpet. Its owner, Zheng Zhiyi—whose head was covered with flowers—was facing away from him, eating grapes.

Instinctively glancing to Zheng Zhiyi’s side, Lu Huating didn’t see the person he was looking for, so he quietly put the flower branch into his sleeve, saying, 

“Meng Guanlou was never worthy.”

Danyang withdrew her hand, smiling as she looked Lu Huating up and down, 

“No wonder you’re a born brother. You are even more attractive than he is, and I suppose you surpass him in other ways too. If he isn’t worthy, are you willing to serve me?”

Lu Huating’s smile stiffened slightly, clearly offended, but as he sat down lazily, his smile deepened. His upturned eyes gave him a radiant, carefree charm, though his tone remained indifferent, 

“If Your Highness wanted someone, did I not already send someone?”

“Who could compare to you, Lord Lu?” Danyang replied.

Li Huan couldn’t stand it anymore, 

“Sister, aren’t you being annoying? He’s much younger than you, why do you keep teasing him?”

“Third brother, you sure know what to say. I’m just joking, not taking your person away. I’m just curious about Lord Lu since he’s been single for so many years, wondering what kind of person he likes.” Princess Danyang threw him an apricot, leaned back on a cushion, and complained to Lu Huating, 

“That Su surnamed retainer you gave me is like a block of wood. If he weren’t so skilled at painting and calligraphy, I’d have kicked him out long ago. Where did you find such a pedantic scholar? Was it just to spite me?”

Lu Huating glanced at Danyang’s retainers, his smile fading slightly, 

“Didn’t I ask Your Highness to bring him along?”

He wasn’t used to things happening outside of his expectations.

“I always listen to you.” Danyang spat out a cherry pit, “He’s clumsy. Just now, a palace maid spilled water on him, so he went to change clothes.”

A palace maid? Lu Huating turned his head, his eyes scanning through the swaying crowd, seeing only Lan Yue beside Zheng Zhiyi—Qun Qing was still absent.

Danyang added, “It was the maid serving Lady Zheng.”

Veins pulsed on the back of Lu Huating’s hand. After sitting for a while, he found an excuse to leave.

—

Night had deepened, with lights brightening all around.

The Hanyuan Hall had an east and a west wing, both full of people. Lu Huating glanced towards the side halls, then resolutely turned and left.

Moving against the flow of people heading to the banquet, he walked quickly. His face flickered between light and shadow as lanterns passed by, but his eyes remained bright.

In his past life, during the interrogation of a spy from Southern Chu, he obtained a detailed map of the secret pathways within the palace.

The map in his mind was as vivid as if it were right before his eyes.

Ahead stood an old shrine, hidden behind a grove of cypress trees. It was a remnant from the previous dynasty, the closest and most concealed location near Hanyuan Hall containing a secret passage.

Lu Huating crouched down, carefully examining the wild grass in front of the door. The grass had been trampled, and there were chaotic footprints inside, as if two people had supported each other, leading directly into the shrine.

He stared at the footprints for a moment, his face like white jade showing no expression. Then he stood up and kicked the door open.

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