After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 31

A dense fog obscured all figures.

The lantern in Lu Huating’s hand floated within the white mist, resembling a pair of eerie, amber eyes.

The lantern light pierced through the thick fog, tracing over the hall and illuminating the rough walls of the prison cell.

A minor official led him to the Ministry of Justice’s prison for suspects and opened the door with a brass key.

Before even entering, Cui Shi’s voice echoed outside: “Just a handful of charcoal? Are you trying to freeze me to death? With the windows sealed so tightly, are you trying to suffocate me? The entire Beifang region’s one hundred ready-made clothing shops under Pinyang Fang’s Siyelou are owned by my elder brother. To put it bluntly, even if the dynasty changes, it won’t shake the foundations of the Cui family.”

“Living comfortably for someone in jail, aren’t you?” Lu Huating asked the official.

“The person imprisoned here, Cui Shi, is the half-brother of Cui Zhu, the owner of Siyelou,” the official at the door explained. “The Cui family is influential, well-connected with many officials, and no one dares to offend them. Who would dare to interrogate him?”

Lu Huating’s slender, knuckled hand rested on the door latch, giving it a light push. “I dare.”

Cui Shi stopped complaining. The door opened, and someone entered.

The person carried a faint scent of citrus. Cui Shi turned to see a very young man, not wearing official robes, leaving his rank unclear. Lu Huating held Liu Bao, bound and gagged, in his right hand and threw her onto the ground. He then sat amidst the straw, his upturned eyes holding a cold smile, dark as a deep pool in the shadows.

“Who are you?” Cui Shi asked, “What’s your rank? Who let you in here?”

Lu Huating ordered someone to remove the charcoal brazier and bring in a basin of ice water. Holding a long piece of straw-like material, he focused intently on weaving it and casually asked the recorder, “Has he been in here before?”

“I’ve come in three times, and each time, you asked me to leave,” Cui Shi answered himself. “I am asking you two, how much do you get paid each month? You can’t even afford a pair of stinky shoes for my servants. Why do you have to make things difficult for me? Why don’t you show some consideration and show some favor to me so that you can have a smooth career in the future?”

“Shut up!” The recorder’s face flushed with anger. “I’m asking you—why did you pursue Lady Chun that day, causing her to fall from the second floor to her death?”

“I was drunk, just playing with her. Who knew she would suddenly jump?” Cui Shi repeated his usual excuse. The official beside him abruptly scooped a ladle of ice water and splashed it onto his face, leaving Cui Shi stunned. “You’ve all lost your minds, daring to splash me?”

“Hold on.” Lu Huating stopped them and stood with amusement.

He held something heavy, causing shadows in the cell to shift. “It seems you don’t know how to handle this. Step aside, and I’ll show you.”

Cui Shi’s heart skipped a beat as two officials obediently covered the windows with black paper. In the sudden darkness, Cui Shi finally saw what Lu Huating was holding. It was no straw!

It was a whip entwined with thorns and silver threads, trailing like a snake’s tail.

The whip dipped into the ice water, making a crisp splash.

Lu Huating approached, studying him closely, his gaze devoid of humor, dark as ink.
“Take off his shirt.”

The dull thuds, pained cries, and muffled screams from Liu Bao echoed, nearly shaking the prison walls.

Xiao Jingxing hurried from the duty room, face tense, and tried to push the door open but was stopped by two officials. “Who let him in here? If anything goes wrong…”

“The advisor said he wouldn’t die—The external injuries are minor, though the internal ones may be severe!” The two officials had their own reasons. “Officer Xiao, if this case isn’t solved soon, we’ll all bear the responsibility and be punished. However it is another matter if the advisor and the prince’s consort is supporting us, we just have to lean on the big tree and pretend that we don’t know!”

Xiao Jingxing stood in place, heart gnawed by worry, “Are you trying to ruin him? Let me in!”

At that moment, another petty official reported that someone from the Cui family had come to pay for Cui Shi’s release: “The Cui family’s attendants are causing a scene at the gate, saying it’s been two months without a confession, and in ten days, it’ll exceed the detention period. If he’s not released, they’ll bring it to His Majesty, accusing you of personal vengeance.”

The official explained, “This has happened twice before. Those brought in knew the Cui family’s influence and found ways to save themselves, firmly denying any wrongdoing. All we could do was release them after detaining them repeatedly.”

“They’re seeking personal revenge… I’ll go talk to them,” Xiao Jingxing said, his whole body trembling with anger as he strode towards the front door

After some time, Lu Huating emerged, sweat dampening his temples and his clothes soaked, yet he still appeared calm. In his hand, he held two confessions marked with fresh red fingerprints.

The clerks were thrilled upon receiving the confession, but Xiao Jingxing, waiting at the door, remained serious. He glanced into the cell and saw that those inside were barely breathing. He pulled Lu Huating aside, saying, “I’ll go back to Prince Yan’s mansion with you. I need to speak with my sister.”

They walked side by side

Xiao Jingxing spoke up, “I can only detain him for ten days, at most. Treating him this way—if he returns to the Cui family, you’ll never be able to bring them down, and you’ll make them your enemy for good.”

Lu Huating stayed silent for a moment.

Xiao Jingxing glanced over and saw Lu Huating wiping blood from his hand with a handkerchief. Noticing his sleeve was also stained, he rolled it up, feeling a deep discomfort.

It had been a long time since he’d conducted an execution himself.

“Curious about the outcome?” Lu Huating muttered, “Cui Shi was ordered by Cui Zhu to go after Lady Chun.”

He continued, “Lady Chun became Cui Zhu’s lover to find the account book, secretly copied it, and notified the Dali Court. When Cui Zhu found out, he ordered her capture and torture to retrieve the copy. Lady Chun had no choice but to jump from the second floor.”

Xiao Jingxing pieced it together: on that day, Dali Court received a clue and came to search the account books. Cui Zhu ordered the capture of Lady Chun, who jumped, causing a stir among the nobles gathered on the first floor, who then fled.

Among those who escaped that night was Meng Guanlou, taken by carriage to a private residence. Lu Huating had men from Dali Court follow him, uncovering that he had a mistress, which eventually caused Princess Danyang to cancel their engagement.

“The last time we took action, we tipped Cui Zhu off. He’ll hide the account book even more carefully now,” Xiao Jingxing frowned. “Our best chance is to find the transcribed copy, but Lady Chun died, and no one knows where she hid it.”

“Maybe not. Madam Liu mentioned that Lady Chun had no close friends in the Sixe Tower, except a dancer named Yunu, whom she treated like a sister. They often danced ‘Pipa Xing’ together,” Lu Huating said. “If Lady Chun shared anything, it would likely be with Yunu.”

“Yunu… that name rings a bell,” Xiao Jingxing said, recalling. “Isn’t Yunu Meng Guanlou’s mistress?”

“Yes, she’s Meng Guanlou’s lover, so she may not help us. Besides, two months is enough time for Meng Guanlou to destroy the evidence,” he added.

“No, remember?” Lu Huating plucked a leaf, using it to wipe more blood from his hand. “Yunu was taken by Princess Danyang’s maid the day of the incident. By law, she should now be a servant in Ye Ting.”

“The palace has strict rules. Yunu might not have had a chance to tell Meng Guanlou anything. If we question her, we could still get a lead,” Xiao Jingxing said with a hint of relief. “I’ll go to the palace and find Yunu soon!”

As Xiao Jingxing was speaking, Lu Huating suddenly pulled him behind a rock for cover.

Ahead in the corridor was a palace maid.

Drizzle fell from the sky.

She walked back and forth with a lantern, lifting her skirt to avoid the mud, her sock-covered calves catching the light briefly.

Being foreign officials, they had to be careful. Xiao Jingxing, ever polite, ducked behind the rocks.

The rain suddenly intensified, catching him off guard and soaking him from head to toe. He glared at Lu Huating, who was just as drenched. “Did you plan this?”

Lu Huating blinked, the rain streaming down his face. “How could I control the rain?”

Xiao Jingxing peeked out at the palace maid.

She was squatting in the grass, searching for something, ignoring the mud and the rain soaking her clothes. Xiao Jingxing pulled his head back, commenting, “Looks like she’s looking for something. Maybe some lady lost a hairpin or a pendant again, and she’ll be punished if she can’t find it?”

Lu Huating’s faint smile disappeared, his gaze sharpening.

The rain ran down his neck, and he felt as if it was washing away the blood stains on him.

This pavilion, this spot… he knew what she was looking for.

Qun Qing was looking for his lost seventeenth sandalwood bead.

That day, she had broken his string of beads and promised to help him find it. He thought she’d forgotten, but here she was, really searching. Her hair glistened under the mist, like a kingfisher in the rain, feathers wet and radiant.

Lu Huating fingered the cold bead in his sleeve, watching her intently.

Couldn’t find it? Still looking?

He wasn’t sure how long he had been staring when Xiao Jingxing’s voice broke through his thoughts.

“Look at that man, why isn’t he moving aside?”

Lu Huating then noticed a man in a dark green official’s robe walking toward the corridor, umbrella in hand, shielding Qun Qing from the rain.

In the foggy drizzle, his presence blocked the view so completely.

The man’s voice and expression flashed through Lu Huating’s mind: “Qingqing, have you forgotten that we grew up together by the Wei River, and that you are engaged…”

This was the man who called Qun Qing “Qingqing,” her childhood friend.

Lin Yujia stood behind her, as Qun Qing smoothly took his umbrella, like she had been waiting for him all along.

“Why did you choose to meet here today?” Lin Yujia asked, looking around carefully. “There’s no one here now, but we still have to pass Cheng’an Gate to leave. It’s a bit risky.”

“I saw a young eunuch wandering near our usual spot, so I thought someone might have noticed Taiji Hall. I moved the location. A palace maid giving directions to a civil servant shouldn’t raise suspicion.”

Qun Qing lowered the umbrella to cover his face. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lin Yujia turning, worried he might reveal himself.

Lin Yujia dropped his concerns and got to the point: “I didn’t expect you to get close to the prince and gain his trust so quickly. With Liu Niang’s skills, you’re not only moving up in Dachen but could even surpass me in Nanchu.”

“Just say what you came here to say,” Qun Qing replied.

Lin Yujia’s face showed anger. “You were there when the Emperor gave the decree, so you should’ve known the route first. Why did the ‘Celestial’ outside the palace hear about it before you?”

Ah.

That was because Qun Qing had passed the news to An Lin first.

“Then I don’t know,” Qun Qing said softly and sincerely. “The ‘Celestial’ outside the palace may not be without ‘elites’ within the palace.”

“Why didn’t you respond to my letters?” Lin Yujia’s anger grew. “Are you so focused on your promotion in Dachen that you’ve forgotten our master’s mission?”

“Li Huan set off that night with a light escort, traveling by post horse with a golden belt. He changed horses at each post station, riding west day and night,” Qun Qing replied. “It’s rained three of the last five days, making the roads muddy. He’s likely between Shun’an Post Station and Qian’an Post Station now.”

Lin Yujia’s face grew tense. “You know everything, yet you don’t inform me?”

“If you want to report back to the Master, go ahead. I didn’t send the letter because…” Qun Qingpaused, “I didn’t want the Master to act hastily. Prince Yan is heading to the battlefield. Why not wait for his return? If the Western Fan Kingdom attacks now, our people could be killed, and our city could fall.”

That was why she told An Lin instead. An Lin cared for the people and saw the bigger picture, while Lin Yujia did not.

Lin Yujia’s face turned pale and blue as he absorbed her reasons. After a long silence, he said, “I’m not careless. You could have discussed it with me instead of acting alone! What you want to do and whether we act is not up to you.”

He was certain that Qun Qing wasn’t right for him; she was too headstrong, and her independent thinking had been an issue for a while.

“Fine, I understand your point, and I’ll inform the master. I called you here today because I’ve arranged something important with the Ministry of Rites, and I need your help to carry it out.”

Qun Qing’s eyelashes fluttered. The Ministry of Rites’ only task these days was to welcome the Buddha’s relics.

Such an important ceremony was closely tied to her plans for leaving the palace. Could Kingdom Chu be aiming to sabotage it?

“What do you need me to do?” Qun Qing asked calmly, though her heart was beating a little faster.

“The Ministry of Rites has made a list of items, like prayer flags, carpets, and noble ladies’ robes for the ceremony. These are all prepared by the Sixth Shang,” Lin Yujia said. “Since you’re now a seventh-rank female official, you should be able to find a way to check on these items from the Shangfu Bureau. If you can’t, the Princess of Yan is currently selecting palace maids. I believe with your abilities, you could be accepted into the Shangfu Bureau…”

Before he could finish, a rock suddenly flew over and struck Lin Yujia’s back, making his face change instantly.

Just then, Qun Qing’s blue umbrella spun, and water droplets flew off like sharp blades, splashing right onto the person nearby.

Xiao Jingxing wiped the water from his face, and as he opened his eyes, he saw the sixth-rank official had vanished. Only a lady with an umbrella stood before him, looking at him with concern.

Water had gotten into his eyes, making them red. He blinked and grumbled,
“What are you doing here in the rain?”

Qun Qing’s expression softened, finding it a bit funny. Here was a drenched man complaining to her when she, at least, wasn’t soaked.

Are you hoping to use this pavilion for shelter but too embarrassed to say so?

This face looked oddly familiar. She stared at him, realizing he was the one she had mistaken for Lu Huating in her past life…

“Lord Xiao?” Qun Qing blurted out.

Xiao Jingxing felt embarrassed.

Just a moment ago, Lu Huating had convinced him to play rock-paper-scissors, with the loser having to do something for the winner.

Since palace maids and outside officials shouldn’t meet privately, Lu Huating asked him to interrupt the secret meeting between the two. Xiao Jingxing agreed, thinking it was harmless, so he had tossed the stone without hesitation. He didn’t expect her to actually recognize him!

Xiao Jingxing’s serious and proper image was shattered.

Meanwhile, Qun Qing was looking around.

In her past life, Lord Xiao and Lu Huating had been close friends, often seated together at palace banquets. Could they be traveling together today? Her heart sped up as she gripped the umbrella handle.

Sure enough, Xiao Jingxing seemed flustered, looking repeatedly at the rockery. Qun Qing followed his gaze but saw only rocks; whoever hid there was well-concealed.

Watching him wipe down his soaked face, Qun Qing thought, You must be pretty embarrassed. Lu Huating would never show such a soaked appearance to others.

“I’m just looking for something here,” she began, but before she could continue, Xiao Jingxing quickly cut in, “You’ve got the wrong person. My last name isn’t Xiao.”

Inexperienced in talking to unfamiliar ladies, he could only frown and repeat Lu Huating’s words: “What are you looking for out here in the rain? Couldn’t you come back when it’s sunny? Someone wants you back in the palace. Now, go on!”

His stern tone left Qun Qing with no choice but to leave. She took a few steps, turned back, and left the umbrella on the ground—she didn’t want to keep Lin Yujia’s unlucky umbrella.

She glanced at the rockery in the rainy mist, then looked at Xiao Jingxing, who was busy drying his face. “It seems you have a bit of a journey ahead,” she said gently. “Perhaps you’d like to take the umbrella.”

Xiao Jingxing: “…”

—

When Qun Qing returned to the palace, she changed clothes and dried her hair, with Lanyue following her closely. “Today’s a rest day, so Advisor Lu didn’t go to court, but he was at Dali Court early this morning. I told you this earlier, remember?”

“Yes, I remember,” Qun Qing replied.

“Just now, the Chief Secretary and Junior Secretary of Dali Court left through Cheng’an Gate and headed to Prince Yan’s Mansion,” Lanyue said proudly, sharing her latest scoop.

Qun Qing nodded and continued drying her hair.

So, it was confirmed that Xiao Jingxing had indeed been traveling with Lu Huating, who might have met with Lin Yujia. Waiting in the rain had paid off.

In her past life, Lu Huating had captured Lin Yujia, so he would likely remember her. Since Lu Huating already knew she was a spy from Kingdom Chu, he would not forget Lin Yujia.

He, too, was a spy, and she came to warn him.

An Lin had mentioned that Prince Zhao of Kingdom Chu had promised Lin Yujia the position of prime minister, and his official uniform was already embroidered. Though just a minor official in Dachen, he was a prime minister in Kingdom Chu. His ambition had made him reckless, which could implicate her if he failed.

Now that Lin Yujia was pressuring her daily and planning to disrupt the ceremony for the Buddha’s relics, Qun Qing knew she had to remove this “Celestial” master that is pressing down on her.

Rather than let others catch Lin Yujia, it was better to involve Lu Huating. He already knew she was working for Lin Yujia.

It was risky, but there was something she wanted to confirm—and she hadn’t yet reached her goal, so there was still a chance to gamble on this…

After changing, Qun Qing picked up a string of sandalwood beads.

“Sister, still searching?” Ruo Chan was sitting by the window, embroidering. She saw more than twenty colorful knots neatly arranged, all woven with shades of ultramarine.

The first few were loose, but they became neater toward the right, and the last one was finely braided, perfect.

Qun Qing always found a way to master whatever she set her mind to.

“No more searching.” Now that the work was done, Qun Qing picked the best-woven one and threaded it, tying a knot. She wiped each bead with a silk handkerchief and handed it to Ruo Chan. “Ruo Chan, pray for a blessing for him and let’s be done with this.”

“Pray for a blessing?” Ruo Chan, a nun, often made wishes for Qun Qing’s safety.

“Yes, it was broken once, and the beads were changed, so it should be re-consecrated.” Ruo Chan took it, surprised that Qun Qing was more thoughtful than she was in this regard. “Sister, what should I wish for?”

Qun Qing thought of the amulet from her childhood. Master Zengjia might have said something similar when he blessed it. She lay down, her fingers catching the light from the window, and said, “Wish him a long life.”