After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 25

Zheng Zhiyi was visibly anxious, and Lan Yue placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Though Lan Yue emotionally wanted to trust Qun Qing, the fact remained that Qun Qing hadn’t been with them for very long.

If she truly harbored ulterior motives, lurking by Zheng’s side and waiting for an opportunity to exact revenge on Han Wan Yi, wouldn’t they all be left in the dark?

The Imperial Guards, who had just left, quickly returned. 

“Lady Qing is right outside the hall!” 

Two tall guards dragged in a slender palace maid, half pulling, half dragging her into the hall.

At once, all eyes in the hall focused on Qun Qing.

She was slim and graceful, her posture upright. From a distance, her pale face and neck gleamed strikingly under the light. The soft, delicate fabrics of her attendant’s uniform gave her an air of elegance. But up close, her facial features and expression were that of a humble servant.

Qun Qing hadn’t intended to return late.

At that time, she had seen Jian Su waiting at the gate of the viewing hall. She instructed Su Run to activate a secret tunnel switch, allowing Jian Su to exit through the gate while she escaped through the underground passage.

However, the tunnel system had been part of Chu’s kingdom defense works from nearly a century ago, and most of the nearby exits were either rusted shut or blocked by tree roots. She couldn’t push open any of the hidden doors.

It wasn’t until she reached an area near the Jade Banquet Palace that she resurfaced, but by then, she was already far from Han Yuan Hall. Rushing back had taken considerable time, and ultimately, she was brought in by the Imperial Guards.

Now, standing alone on the carpet, she faced the imperial throne from afar. The Emperor and Empress, dressed in their formal robes, sat high above on the jade steps, their faces indistinguishable, exuding a formidable aura.

Qun Qing could keenly feel the piercing gazes from all sides: confusion from Zheng Zhiyi, solemnity from Lan Yue, coldness from Li Xuan, satisfaction from Bao Shu, and regret from Yang Fu. Her eyes swept over the varied expressions of those present, searching for Lu Huating.

Through the crowd, his strikingly dark eyes met hers, unblinking and emotionless. Yet, his focused gaze reflected an icy brilliance, like obsidian.

The story Su Run had shared earlier struck her like a thunderbolt. Whether Lu Huating, like her, had returned to three years ago, or if he had, as the legends suggested, foreseen the future in a prophetic dream, one thing was clear: he knew she was a spy, and there was deep enmity between them.

In that case, the faint malice and tension she had sensed from him during their previous encounters finally made sense.

She didn’t hate Lu Huating, simply because he hadn’t been the one to kill her. But for those like Li Huan, who had taken her life, even the thought of their names stirred deep loathing. If given the chance, she would have ended them long ago.

Lu Huating likely felt the same about her.

He hated her.

But instead of killing her outright, Lu Huating had chosen caution, seemingly using the guise of seeking talent to draw her close and observe her. However, she had incinerated that possibility. The heavy silence that now filled the room was his response to her defiance.

— Some things are destined, like the rivalry between mice and cats, or spiders and flies. They are naturally opposed. Any other dynamic feels out of place; only as natural enemies do they thrive.

Qun Qing suddenly recalled this phrase amidst the string of fateful missteps.

The oppressive atmosphere of the hall felt like a crushing weight on her shoulders, akin to Buddha’s mountain pressing down, threatening to force her to kneel. Yet, amid her turbulent emotions, she offered him a faint smile, like the light flicker of a blade cutting through a flower.

She wasn’t afraid. She wouldn’t kneel.

— Then let us be enemies.

Her slight expression caused a ripple in Lu Huating’s cold gaze, which in turn stirred something fiery within her.

Qun Qing bowed towards the throne and greeted,

“This servant Qun Qing greets His Majesty and Her Highness.”

Her voice was steady and clear, showing no signs of panic. The Empress, intrigued, softened her tone and asked, 

“Where have you been, and why have you been gone for so long?”

Qun Qing replied, “This servant was summoned by my former mentor from the Department of Palace Affairs, Master Jin. Since Lady Zheng was being attended by Lan Yue, I ran the errand for him. Although I rushed back, I still delayed the start of the banquet.”

She was still catching her breath as she spoke. Eunuch Zheng Fu, standing beside the imperial couple, leaned forward and took a closer look. Recognizing this unfortunate maid, he sighed.

“Did you think a mere maid like you could keep everyone waiting? Do you know what happened while you were gone?”

“This servant does not know.”

“Lady Han Wan Yi almost had a miscarriage!” Concubine Chen exclaimed, before quickly recounting the events.

Zheng Fu walked over and used the handle of his duster to tap Qun Qing’s sleeve. Seeing nothing fall out, he carefully inspected her hands and even sniffed them before reporting, 

“Your Majesty, she does not have any osmanthus on her body, nor is there any trace of the fragrance on her hands.”

Qun Qing sneered inwardly.

In the previous life, Han Wan Yi had framed Yang Fu, but this time the accusation had been intercepted and turned onto her. She organized her thoughts and spoke calmly, 

“Your Majesty, please consider: if this servant had placed osmanthus in Lady Wan Yi’s dish, wouldn’t it have been wiser to do so discreetly? Why would I leave such an obvious clue as the flowers in Lady Zheng’s hair, handing others such clear evidence?”

The Empress glanced at Emperor Chen Ming, noticing that his eyes were closed as if in deep thought, uninterested in asking further questions.

Bao Shu, glaring at the maid who had humiliated her time and again, retorted angrily, 

“What does that prove? You adorned Lady Zheng with flowers, harming her in the process, and then used those flowers as an excuse to get osmanthus. You’ve been gone long enough to wash away any lingering scent. Otherwise, osmanthus has such a strong fragrance—how could you pin flowers without leaving a trace of it? You’re too clever for your own good. Her Majesty needn’t waste more words. Send her to the Court of Punishments for interrogation!”

Zheng Zhiyi grew anxious, exclaiming,

“The Court of Punishments? Are you out of your mind? How dare you try to dismiss my personal maid with a few words?”

Qun Qing intervened calmly, stopping her, “Lady Zheng, please mind your words.” 

She recognized that Bao Shu was acting out of personal grudges and addressed the matter directly, 

“Lady Bao Shu’s words are biased. Osmanthus is not unique to Qing Xuan Pavilion.”

She then turned to Zheng Fu and instructed,

“Eunuch Zheng, kindly step outside, turn right, and pluck a branch of golden osmanthus from the tree by the corridor.”

Few in the palace paid attention to the location of specific flowers, apart from those in the gardening bureau. That Qun Qing not only knew but was bold enough to direct the emperor’s personal attendant raised murmurs of intrigue among the concubines. Despite the stir, their curiosity held them back from further comment.

The Emperor Chen Ming ignored the commotion entirely, while the Empress remained uncertain. Zheng Fu, ever the considerate one, promptly ordered a young eunuch to retrieve the branch, which was soon placed on a wooden tray and presented to Qun Qing. 

“What does Lady Qing have to say?” he asked.

Qun Qing did not touch the branch but simply instructed, 

“Please smell it, Eunuch Zheng, and describe its color and fragrance.”

Zheng Fu leaned in, inhaling deeply. 

“Its color is a deep golden yellow, and the scent, naturally, is sweet.”

Qun Qing then turned toward the screen where the physicians stood and inquired, 

“May I ask the doctors: What part of the osmanthus poses the greatest risk to pregnant women—the petals, the stamens, or the pollen?”

One of the physicians paused before answering, 

“The pollen. Osmanthus pollen is known to have medicinal properties that can promote circulation, which is why pregnant women should avoid it.”

“Very well,” Qun Qing replied, turning her gaze forward. 

“I ask that the osmanthus cake be brought forth and compared with the flowers from Lady Zheng’s hair.”

Naturally, it was Zheng Fu who conducted the comparison.

After carefully examining both sets of flowers, Zheng Fu reported to the Empress, 

“The osmanthus from Lady Han’s dish is paler in color, with thinner petals and a fainter scent. The flowers are small, clearly different from the ones found in the palace. They do indeed resemble the flowers from Lady Zheng’s hair.”

What was happening? The Empress Ma felt utterly confused, as though she were lost in a cloud of uncertainty. Wasn’t this as good as an admission of guilt?

Qun Qing, however, quickly prompted, 

“Please peel the petals and check for pollen.”

Realizing the oversight, Zheng Fu carefully peeled the petals and then reported,

“Lady Zheng’s flowers have almost no pollen inside. The fragrance of osmanthus comes from its pollen, which explains why these flowers had such a faint scent.”

Qun Qing bowed and continued, 

“If this servant had truly intended to harm Lady Han Wan Yi, wouldn’t it have been much easier to use the fully bloomed osmanthus from the palace? Why would I choose flowers with so little pollen, barely potent? The reason the flowers in Lady Zheng’s hair were pale, faintly fragrant, and small is because they hadn’t yet bloomed earlier today. I personally coaxed them open using warm water.”

The room erupted in murmurs, then fell into complete silence. Countless eyes turned toward Qun Qing, captivated by the way her words flowed like the plucking of a guqin’s strings—resonant, steady, and deeply moving. They couldn’t help but want to hear her speak more.

Zheng Fu asked, “And the flowers in the dish?”

“The flowers in the dish did come from Lady Zheng’s hair. However, with so little pollen, they could hardly have affected Lady Han’s condition. It’s likely someone picked the fallen flowers to stir confusion. But the plan was hastily made, leaving many flaws behind.” As Qun Qing spoke, she cast a glance aside.

Lu Huating, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly smiled—a genuine, good-natured smile.

“Who could be so wicked? That’s just too much!” Jian Su slapped his leg in disbelief, only to feel something handed to him by Lu Huating under the table. When he looked down, it was a bare branch of osmanthus, and immediately, cold sweat broke out across his body.

Lu Huating subtly gestured toward a maid in the distance, one of the Empress Yan’s attendants. When Jian Su glanced her way, she nodded toward him.

Palace attendants weren’t as elaborately dressed as the concubines, with their uniforms and hairstyles regulated to the point of near uniformity, making them hard to distinguish from one another. It became clear that this maid had been responsible for slipping into the chaos and scattering the osmanthus into the dish.

Jian Su, drenched in cold sweat, quickly hid the branch.

Zheng Zhiyi spoke up once more, “Mother Empress, did you see? My personal maid was merely late, yet others took advantage of that to create a scandal! Mother Empress, please allow Lady Qing to rise.”

Empress Ma sat rigidly, feeling overwhelmed.

She had no talent for solving cases, and had ordered the Imperial Guards to apprehend someone in hopes of finding a quick explanation, all to prevent Han Wan Yi from truly miscarrying and risking the Emperor’s wrath.

She hadn’t expected this maid to be so articulate, taking control of the entire situation.

From behind the screen, the hesitant voice of Xiang Mao, one of Han Wan Yi’s attendants, spoke up,

“Your Majesty, Lady Han has always been particular about food and avoids raisins, walnuts, and other dried fruits. She certainly didn’t consume any osmanthus. The problem seems to be with the spices, not the flowers.”

“Do you have any definitive answers?” the Empress snapped.

The questioning had come full circle, leaving things more chaotic the longer it dragged on. The Empress increasingly appeared incompetent and indecisive.

Looking toward Qun Qing, the Empress finally asked stiffly,

“Since you claim the osmanthus was a red herring, what do you think the real motive is?”

Qun Qing remained silent.

“So, now you’re speechless,” the Empress remarked sarcastically. “Anyone can shout their innocence…”

Qun Qing calmly replied, “I believe that Lady Han Wan Yi’s and her unborn child’s wellbeing is of utmost importance right now.”

“Do you think I don’t understand that?” The Empress’s voice was sharp, irritated by what she saw as an obvious statement.

“The physician has already done all he can. If no one can identify the cause soon and give Lady Han a proper explanation, what more help can you offer?”

Qun Qing responded, “I possess skill in acupuncture and can examine Lady Han. If my assistance proves useful, it would surely be more productive than kneeling here.”

The Empress was taken aback, as was everyone else.

Bao Shu’s heart sank immediately. She never expected Qun Qing, a servant from the lowest ranks of the palace, to possess any medical skills.

Receiving permission, Qun Qing stood, dusted her robes, and walked behind the screen.

Lu Huating silently watched her retreating figure. If she had experienced the same fate as him, returning from four years in the future, she should have known that Han Wan Yi’s pregnancy was doomed. Having just escaped a crisis herself, it made no sense for her to risk herself by intervening now.

“Chief Officer, you’ve poured too much wine.” Jian Su whispered nervously. Lu Huating, however, continued pouring, filling the cup to the brim without spilling a drop, though it seemed it would overflow at any moment. He watched the wine’s still surface, his expression contemplative. 

The idea that acupuncture alone could save a pregnancy was almost unheard of. This was more like a gamble with fate, something Lu Huating enjoyed, but not a move he expected from Qun Qing. Unless, of course, she truly had no knowledge of the future…

—
The physician guarding the bed immediately stood up warily when Qun Qing arrived.

Han Wan Yi lay on the bed, her face pale, lips cracked, and her sleep induced by medicine, yet her brow was furrowed in pain. Blood had stained the hem of her skirt, now dry, while another maid knelt by her, continually wiping fresh blood that trickled down her ankles with a warm cloth.

Qun Qing observed for a while, then picked up Han Wan Yi’s skirt, inspecting the bloodstains, even smelling them.

The physician and maid exchanged uneasy glances.

Qun Qing scratched at the dried blood on the skirt with her nails.

“What on earth are you doing?” the physician asked in alarm. “If you’re treating her, why aren’t you following the usual method of observation and pulse diagnosis?”

“There are many approaches to diagnosis. This is mine, so please refrain from interrupting,” Qun Qing said coldly, before kneeling at the bedside and grasping Han Wan Yi’s cold hand.

“Your Majesty,” she called out toward the Empress, “based on the bleeding, this case does not resemble the typical miscarriages I have encountered.”

“What do you mean?” came the Empress’s puzzled voice from beyond the screen.

“It means that the situation is not as dire as it seems, and there’s a good chance it can be saved,” Qun Qing answered, pressing firmly on a pressure point at the base of Han Wan Yi’s thumb. The woman’s brow twitched slightly.

“You can’t use that much force!” the physician whispered anxiously. She could see that Qun Qing hadn’t even checked the pulse but was merely pressing random points on Han Wan Yi’s hand with unnecessary strength.

Before she could intervene, Han Wan Yi slowly opened her eyes, her dark pupils blinking up at Qun Qing from beneath heavy lashes.

Qun Qing returned her gaze, bowed slightly, then turned and walked out from behind the screen.

“So soon?” the Empress asked, astonished.

“It was merely a folk remedy, worth trying,” Qun Qing replied.

Before the Empress could feel disappointment, the physician emerged hastily from behind the screen, her voice brimming with excitement as she followed closely behind Qun Qing. 

“Your Majesty, the bleeding has stopped! With proper care, Lady Han should recover!”

Finally, the Empress’s face lit up with joy. 

“Heavens be praised, that’s wonderful news! Let her rest for a while, then prepare a soft palanquin. Have six men carry Lady Han carefully back to her palace to recover—make sure everything is handled with the utmost care.”

The hall filled with congratulations, but Qun Qing’s expression remained calm and unruffled.

Not a drop had spilled from Lu Huating’s wine cup.

He raised his eyes to watch Qun Qing’s face. Her lashes were slightly lowered, casting shadows on her pale cheeks, making her appear weary, her skin almost translucent.

He casually picked an apricot from the fruit platter, cleaned it, and tossed it lightly toward her. “Lady Qing, you haven’t eaten or drunk anything since the feast began. You look like you’re about to faint.”

Qun Qing caught the apricot without looking up.

The fruit was cool, heavy, and slightly damp in her hand.

Soon, other concubines followed suit, tossing fruits into her lap. 

“Try the loquats first; they’re the best this season.”

“Loquats are tedious to peel. Try a pear, it’s more filling.”

“Lady Qing, taste this peach. I’ve already tasted it myself—guaranteed sweet. Once you’re done, turn and let me see your face.”

Now that Han Wan Yi had stabilized, the atmosphere at the banquet lightened, and soon everyone was playfully tossing fruits at Qun Qing. At first, she caught them, but eventually, she stopped bothering to acknowledge them.

The Empress sighed.

“You needn’t kneel anymore. Get up and have something to eat—you’ve been put through quite an ordeal today. Zheng Fu, bring her a plate of soft, glutinous rice cakes to start.”

Qun Qing, however, remained kneeling, her voice weak. 

“Your Majesty, I’ve just recalled something.”

“Speak,” the Empress said, her patience for Qun Qing having grown.

“It has been raining for over ten consecutive days, which is an unusual sign. According to the rules, it would be appropriate to ask the Astronomical Bureau for a reading. Moreover, ever since Lady Han met with Princess Bao An, her health has deteriorated, and today her pregnancy was at risk. I believe it would be prudent to ask the Astronomical Bureau to determine if Princess Bao An’s and Lady Han’s fates are in conflict.”

No one could trample on Qun Qing without consequence.

Bao Shu’s face instantly turned pale. If it were decreed that her fate conflicted with that of a favored concubine carrying the Emperor’s child, any future misfortune for Han Wan Yi would be blamed on Bao An Princess. And given Han Wan Yi’s clear malice toward them, Qun Qing’s suggestion was like handing her the weapon to strike back.

“Your Majesty, please be just…” Bao Shu pleaded.

But the Empress said thoughtfully, 

“How could I have not considered that? You are right.”

Today’s events were shrouded in mystery, delaying the Autumn Banquet and giving everyone quite a spectacle to watch. With endless investigations and no resolution in sight, much like the fragrance of snow orchid and osmanthus, perhaps it was simply that Han Wanyi was unwell to begin with. If this matter is left unresolved, what would become of the royal family’s dignity?

Yet, Qun Qing provided the perfect reason to bring the matter to a close on the spot.

The Empress silenced Baoshu and immediately summoned the Astronomical Bureau, then glanced at Qun Qing with much gentler words, “I hear that Zhi Yi is growing flowers in the palace; was that your idea?”

Qun Qing replied, “It was Liangdi who, upon hearing that Your Majesty had reduced palace clothing and headpieces to fund the war efforts against Xifan, wanted to share your burden. I only suggested it.”

“Very good,” the Empress smiled, “You are clever and composed, protecting Han Wanyi and her child. I think you deserve a reward, but I wonder what His Majesty thinks…”

She turned to look at Emperor Chenming, who had his eyes closed but spoke in a deep, deliberate tone, 

“Promote her to First-Class Palace Attendant. From now on, she will assist Liangdi, attending to every detail.”

First-Class Palace Attendant!

The Empress was stunned, and so was Lanyue. Even among the concubines, such a position was extremely rare.

A First-Class Palace Attendant held a rank above a seventh-ranked female official, with the authority to command palace affairs, even surpassing that of noblewomen. Normally, the noblewomen preferred to keep such power in their own hands.

Now that Qingxuan Hall had gained a First-Class Palace Attendant, there could only be one reason.

Zheng Zhiyi, being young, would need someone more capable to guide her as she rises in status. Qun Qing would now be her assistant, offering counsel from behind the scenes and stepping in when necessary. Alone, Zheng Zhiyi couldn’t control the harem, but with a First-Class Palace Attendant by her side, she would be formidable.

The Emperor clearly had intentions of making Liangdi the Crown Princess.

Heavens, if it weren’t the middle of a banquet, Lanyue would have leaped in joy.

Qun Qing returned to Zheng Zhiyi’s side, her arms full of fruit wrapped in a shawl. She wolfed down a plate of snow cakes, and Lanyue, gently rubbing her back, looked at her with an unsettling tenderness, 

“Eat slowly, there’s more if you need it.”

With food in her stomach, Qun Qing felt better, though a bit overwhelmed by the sweetness. She held the apricot she had been given, now warm in her hand, but for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to take a bite.

Li Xuan glanced at her and said, “Lanyue, pour her some wine, or she’ll choke.”

The main show hadn’t even begun, yet she’d already taken the spotlight.

Just as she thought this, a military report and the chief official of the Astronomical Bureau arrived in quick succession. 

“Reporting to His Majesty, the war report has arrived!”

Emperor Chenming, who had been distracted all evening due to his concern over the war in Xifan, suddenly opened his eyes. He hurriedly took the report, glanced at it, and immediately left his seat, walking behind the western screen. 

“Let everyone resume the banquet. As for the matter with the Astronomical Bureau, the Empress will handle it.”

Diligent as always, the Emperor’s table and writing tools were already set up in the adjacent space, where he would occasionally deal with state affairs. As the soft music began to play, a sharp sound rang out—the Emperor had thrown the report to the ground.

Li Xuan’s heart sank. Shouxi, observing his expression, asked, 

“Your Highness, the secret report…”

Li Xuan shook his head, leaning back in his chair, his face heavy. 

“The opportunity has been missed.”

Judging by his reaction, his second brother, Li Pan, who had been sent to suppress the rebellion in Xifan, must have suffered a major defeat—an overwhelming loss.

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