After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 41

That night, a torrential rainstorm descended.

Thunder and rain battered the palace walls, waking the palace attendants, who hurriedly got up to close the windows tightly.

The cat darted out from under the bed, meowing incessantly. Yang Fu, who had been confined for some time, was startled awake and trembled violently. Yet, she did not pick it up. Her beautiful eyes were filled with bewilderment.

“Qingqing…” Once she realized what she had called out, she abruptly bit her lip.

The pale bed canopy swayed above her. No one responded to her, no one comforted the cat, no one climbed into bed beside her to hold her hand.

Qun Qing had once washed her hair with soapberry, leaving a faint, cool fragrance in her locks. Yang Fu was surprised—astonished that to this day, she could recall that scent so vividly.

Yang Fu was the most beautiful princess in the State of Chu. Her mother, Consort Han, had earned favor because of her stunning daughter and devoted herself entirely to ensuring Yang Fu was adorned with the finest clothes and jewels.

Tributes flowed in from all corners of the land, and treasures poured in like an endless stream. All Yang Fu needed to do was shift her gaze from one treasure to the next, never attaching herself to anything, for something better and more interesting would always come along soon.

Qun Qing was also one of the beautiful treasures she had chosen in her youth. Originally, she was meant to enjoy fleeting favor, like a blooming ephemeral flower. But Qun Qing was too exceptional—always full of surprises—and managed to hold Yang Fu’s attention for an unusually long time.

In her dream earlier, Yang Fu had revisited her glorious youth. Back then, she and the Sixteenth Princess had not yet left the palace and sat behind a screen during a banquet. A brazen envoy, under the pretense of drunkenness, dared to intrude past the screen, hoping to catch a glimpse of Princess Bao’an’s beauty.

Before the unpleasant smell of alcohol fully wafted in, Qun Qing had already stood up and thrown a fan. It struck the envoy square on the bridge of his nose, leaving his face swollen like a pig’s head.

“The Seventeenth Princess of Great Chu commands this servant to teach the esteemed guest some manners,” she said.

Her voice was crisp and sharp. The envoy, terrified, bowed repeatedly, stammering apologies as he scrambled away. Yang Fu and the Sixteenth Princess laughed until tears fell.

“He’s so tall and fat! How dare you be so fierce?”

Fourteen-year-old Qun Qing returned to her seat and carefully peeled water chestnuts. She loved them but had to shell them for the two princesses first. Being slow, she often didn’t get to eat any herself. 

“It’s fine,” she said. “There are guards outside. If he truly overstepped, I could call for help.”

When speaking to them, Qun Qing’s tone was light and slow, carrying a hint of innocence—completely different from how she had just been.

“What if there were no guards?” Yang Fu snatched the water chestnuts from Qun Qing’s hands and pressed her further. “What if it were just the two of us? Would you still dare to protect me?”

Qun Qing turned her head to study the envoy’s figure. Her hair was styled in double buns adorned with green jade flowers. Yang Fu was suddenly struck by how beautiful and pure her maid’s neck was. Qun Qing turned back, her eyes bright. 

“I would dare.”

Yang Fu adored Qun Qing’s valor and held her tightly, showering her with boundless favor. But in Yang Fu’s heart, even the most cherished maid had to understand one thing: they were to die before their mistress, for that was the duty of all servants under heaven.

At the Qingjing Temple, Qun Qing fulfilled her promise. Yang Fu always felt her sorrow was like shattering a beloved glass vase.

Until tonight, when Yang Fu relived those memories, she suddenly realized Qun Qing probably hadn’t eaten a single water chestnut that night. She didn’t know why this thought came to her, but it brought a faint, twisting pain to her heart. Furious and heartbroken, she felt as though the vase had shattered inside her.

Yang Fu began coughing violently. Since her confinement, she had been treated with neglect. The cat was underfed, the charcoal insufficient, leaving the pavilion damp and cold. The flowers in the vase had grown moldy, their petals falling one by one. Dust from the poor-quality charcoal covered everything.

“Baoshu! Baoshu…” She called for Baoshu, but no one outside the canopy responded. “Someone, come!”

A maid hurried in. “Is the princess unwell? The cold medicine sent by Prince Yan is still in the storeroom.”

“Prince Yan,” Yang Fu wept bitterly, “tell him to get lost!” She hurled a pillow, startling the cat into a terrified yowl.

The pillow she threw had been a gift from Li Huan. The medicine she drank had also been from him. The trinkets on her bedside table were things Li Huan had brought back from the market. Surely, everyone must be mocking her? Yet in this palace that now belonged to another, how else could she make her life more bearable?

Was it because of her involvement with Li Huan that she had come to clash with Qun Qing?

Prince Yan had killed Qun Qing’s brother at the temple.

Yang Fu felt a sharp sting in her heart.

Qun Qing was merely her childhood companion, someone who could even die for her. But after discovering her affair with Li Huan, Qun Qing had dared to judge her, humiliate her at a banquet, and force her to make a choice…

If that was the case, there was no need to cling to old affections anymore.

“Go find Baoshu,” Yang Fu instructed the young eunuch.

The eunuch returned through the side gate, dragging along Baoshu, who had been secretly passing messages.

Yang Fu asked, “Has Zheng Zhiyi’s Udumbara sprouted?”

Baoshu’s dress clung damply to her body. “It’s grown two fingers tall.”

How could this be? Yang Fu froze, momentarily stunned. Even Atine had deceived her?

“And what about the task I assigned you?” Yang Fu asked.

Baoshu replied, “I’ve already written to my mother, asking the Xie family to send fresh flowers from beyond the pass. They should arrive at the palace tomorrow.”

That night, Baoshu seemed uneasy, hesitant to speak. Finally, biting her lip, she knelt down abruptly. 

“Your Highness, this confinement is too long and detrimental to you. I’ve thought of a solution. Please forgive me.”

She pulled a recommendation letter from her sleeve, looking conflicted. 

“I heard that Princess Consort Yan is selecting female officials from the palace maids. At the time…I registered my name. If you stamp it, I can leave the palace under the pretext of attending the selection. Once in the six department of palace services, I’ll find a way to lift your confinement.”

“So, you were scheming to escape all along,” Yang Fu said coldly, her gaze fixed on Baoshu before she chuckled icily. “You think I don’t know? You came to me with ulterior motives, seeking a path to the six department of palace services from the start. Now that I’m out of favor, you want to abandon ship.”

As expected of an old Chu princess, she wasn’t one to be easily fooled. Panic surged in Baoshu’s heart as she feared Princess Bao’an would punish her. 

“How could I dare? Your confinement means you can’t regain your footing. I’m only trying to help…”

“Do you realize I’ve kept evidence of you bribing the Jinwu Guards to pass messages to your family? By defying the imperial decree, you’ve ruined any chance of becoming a female official in this lifetime!” Yang Fu picked up her cat and petted it, glaring darkly at the terrified Baoshu.

Then, she smiled gently. “I can choose not to pursue it and can stamp the letter to let you take the exam. But first, your family and grandfather must help me secure the Crown Princess position. Once I’m in power, it will benefit the Meng family. How could I accept being overshadowed by the daughter of a bandit?”

Since childhood, Yang Fu’s mother, Consort Han, had instilled one thing in her: her life’s purpose was to marry a noble husband of immense power and wealth. Only then could she secure a worry-free future.

Qun Qing treated her well, but no matter how capable she was, Qun Qing was only a woman. She couldn’t entrust her life to her. Her choices were not wrong.

She needed to become the Crown Princess, regain power, and suppress Zheng Zhiyi. She had to prove she was right…and Qun Qing was wrong.

Baoshu clenched her fingers but had no choice when Yang Fu summoned attendants to bind her. She swallowed her humiliation and said, 

“I agree, Your Highness!”

When thunder struck, Qun Qing awoke with a start from her dream.

Her body tensed momentarily before she realized the date and that she was off duty. She wrapped herself in the quilt and prepared to go back to sleep.

Just as she closed her eyes, a drenched figure burst in and yanked her up. It was Lan Yue, her face full of urgency. 

“How can you sleep? The rainstorm is so heavy that all the flowers in our flowerbed are being ruined!”

Lan Yue and Zheng Zhiyi had always cherished the flower garden. Qun Qing tossed aside the quilt and got up. 

“No worries, we’ll cut bamboo poles, set up a frame, cover it with fabric, and coat it with tung oil.”

The rain outside was heavier than expected.

Amid the downpour, five people worked to spread the gauze, but it was quickly torn by the wind, leaving it flapping. The newly built frame collapsed, and the meticulously cared-for flowers were uprooted.

Lan Yue, barely able to open her eyes in the storm, shouted, 

“Hurry, hold it up! I’ll fetch a needle and thread!” With that, she dashed back to the hall through the rain.

Soaked through, Qun Qing’s clothing and hair clung to her skin. The freezing rain stung her face, and she saw the palace maids shivering and looking lost. Rouchan, barefoot, curled her toes against the cold. Qun Qing gathered everyone under the eaves. 

“Let’s wait until the rain lessens.”

She fetched dry cloaks and tossed them over the maids. 

“Next time, wear proper shoes before coming out. Remember this: while your master is important, your own health and your companions’ are just as vital. In this palace, we’re as insignificant as grass. Take care of yourselves and each other. Understand?”

No one had ever said such words to them, let alone the highest-ranking palace maid. Stunned, they nodded tearfully and replied affirmatively.

“What are you teaching them, making excuses to shirk duties?” Lan Yue returned with her needle and thread, furious to find everyone sheltering from the rain.

At that moment, the hall doors swung open. Zheng Zhiyi appeared, dressed and with her hair down. 

“How can I sleep with all this noise?”

Lan Yue was about to apologize when Zheng Zhiyi stomped her foot. 

“What are you doing outside in this weather? Get in here! I’ve ordered the kitchen to prepare wine. Let’s drink and warm up.”

The palace maids, surprised by her kindness instead of scolding, smiled at each other and hurried inside. They gathered around a table, nibbling on candied kumquats warmed by the stove. Lan Yue, initially reluctant, was dragged to sit with them. 

“I never expected such a kind mistress.”

Qun Qing eyed the stove and asked, 

“Is the chef here?”

Liu Sishan arrived, and Qun Qing finally saw the famed cook: a round-faced young woman.

“Do you have a copper pot?” Qun Qing gestured. “Let’s use it to cook meat for Liangdi. You’re welcome to join us.”

Blushing at the praise, Liu Sishan smiled happily. 

“We just received fresh lamb and venison today. Shall I bring them?”

Lan Yue was dumbfounded as Zheng Zhiyi exclaimed, 

“Slice it thin, along the grain. I loved this on the mountains!”

“Liangdi, you promised not to mention the mountains again!” Lan Yue protested.

Ignoring her, Zheng Zhiyi rolled up her sleeves and poured herself a cup of wine, downing it in one gulp. She waved her empty cup around, her eyes sparkling. 

“I am where I am today, thanks to all of you who have never left me. I offer this wine to express my gratitude. In the future, if you eat my meat, you will also drink your soup. Anyone who doesn’t drink today is not giving me, Zheng Zhiyi, face.”

Lan Yue grew nervous upon seeing Zheng Zhiyi’s wild demeanor. She turned to Qun Qing for help and pleaded, 

“What should we do?”

The wine carried a slight spiciness as it went down, but it warmed Qun Qing from within. She drained her cup and reassured Lan Yue, 

“It’s fine. Just drink. There’s no one else here to see us.”

Lan Yue glanced at her with some doubt, noting that beneath Qun Qing’s usual reliability lay a streak of audaciousness.

Qun Qing added, “Liangdi has adhered to the rules for so long—it must be exhausting. When a person is overworked, they need to relax and have some fun, or they’ll snap. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You don’t believe me? Just watch.”

Zheng Zhiyi’s background as the daughter of a mountain bandit proved unexpectedly useful. After a few toasts and some spirited words, even those who had secretly looked down on her, like Ah Jiang and a few eunuchs, were swept up in the atmosphere. They felt as if they were her long-lost sisters and began to believe that serving in Qingxuan Pavilion was their greatest fortune.

A night shift in the rain, which should have been dreary, turned into a lively gathering, with laughter and the clinking of cups filling the pavilion.

Having rarely attended banquets in her youth, Qun Qing relished the noisy atmosphere, sitting quietly with her chin in her hands, a faint smile on her face as she listened.

Suddenly, Ruochan, who had gone out, returned to the table, her expression tense. 

“Liangdi, I think I saw intruders outside Qingxuan Pavilion!”

Zheng Zhiyi let out a startled cry. “What intruders?”

“I think I saw them too,” Ah Jiang chimed in, recalling something. “Earlier, when we were setting up the frame, the South Garden gate wasn’t closed. From a distance, I saw several tall, slender shadows standing as still as cedar trees, watching us.”

Panic spread among the group, but Qun Qing, unconvinced, threw on a cloak and headed out. 

“I’ll take a look.”

She stepped into the rain, holding an umbrella and a lantern.

The light revealed a few tall, slender black shadows on the bridge, standing motionless.

After studying them for a while, Qun Qing suddenly recognized one figure as a young eunuch who frequently delivered memorials for Li Xuan. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a faint outline of someone in white under an umbrella—a figure resembling the Crown Prince.

“They’re not intruders. It seems to be the Crown Prince and some envoys,” Qun Qing said upon her return.

By then, the rain had lessened. Zheng Zhiyi hurriedly sent everyone back to their rooms, leaving only Qun Qing and Lan Yue to discuss matters under the lamp.

“The Eastern Palace is of utmost importance. If outsiders were loitering, the Jinwu Guards would have driven them away. I noticed that our nearby guards didn’t react, likely because they had the Crown Prince’s orders not to intervene,” Qun Qing explained. “So, it’s likely that the Crown Prince is accompanying some envoys on a nighttime stroll. His recent external affairs have mainly involved diplomatic talks with the Kingdom of Liuli.”

“You make a good point. The envoys are staying at Biquan Palace, which isn’t far,” Lan Yue said, her anxiety growing. “It’s my fault for forgetting to close the South Garden gate! We were soaked and disheveled in the rain—what if the envoys saw us like this? Could this bring trouble to Qingxuan Pavilion?”

Zheng Zhiyi frowned. “It’s already past curfew, and we’re staying in our own palace. They’re the ones breaking curfew, wandering around outside. How can this be our fault?”

Lan Yue hesitated. “Liangdi, I’ve heard how much the Emperor values these envoys. Even His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, personally accompanies them. So, what if they’re just walking around at night with candlelight? They’re not considered palace staff.”

“Well, then it’s Li Xuan’s fault. How can he take people on a nighttime stroll?” Zheng Zhiyi shot back.

She asked Qun Qing to dip her finger in wine and indicate the location of the Kingdom of Liuli on a makeshift map. Seeing the position, Zheng Zhiyi’s expression darkened. 

“They come to our mountain, they follow our rules. How can such a tiny kingdom strut around the palace as if they own it? If that’s the case, then tomorrow I’ll strip down and wander around the palace at night too.”

Lan Yue nearly fainted, but Qun Qing couldn’t help but chuckle.

Although Zheng Zhiyi’s words were naive, they aligned perfectly with Qun Qing’s thoughts. She also believed that Li Xuan’s demeanor toward the envoys was too soft. However, she understood from her past life that he was a benevolent and accommodating ruler, and this wasn’t something the palace staff could criticize.

Using her finger dipped in wine, Qun Qing sketched the location of Central Zhou and the Kingdom of Liuli on the table and explained, 

“Liuli may be small, but it’s situated at the heart of the Western Regions and is the origin of many religious teachings. Over time, it has become the leader of the twelve nations in the West. Whether our interactions with the Western Regions involve commerce or conflicts, the Kingdom of Liuli will always be important. This is likely why both the Emperor and the Crown Prince place great importance on the envoys.”

Zheng Zhiyi listened intently, her eyes filled with admiration. 

“Lady Qing knows so much! I’m envious. Why do I know nothing?”

“It’s all from books. If Liangdi is interested, apart from historical texts, I can find the Chronicles of the Four Seas for you. It’s even more fascinating than storybooks,” Qun Qing offered.

As Qun Qing began searching for the Chronicles of the Four Seas, Lan Yue grew anxious. Qun Qing reassured her, “You and Liangdi don’t need to worry. I’m the head palace maid; if there’s any blame, it will naturally fall on me.”

If Atine could deliver a “stone seed,” her intentions were far from pure. If the blame for this incident cost Qun Qing her prominent position, it would actually simplify her plans to leave the palace.

Under the night sky, Li Xuan silently stood on the bridge opposite Qingxuan Pavilion, with Shouxi holding an umbrella for him. Beside him were several officials from Meng Guangshen’s Court of Diplomatic Protocol.

Amidst a thunderstorm—an ominous weather phenomenon in the kingdom of Liuli—a young monk named Dewu among the envoys insisted on praying for blessings for the various palaces, forcing the others to join him in the rain.

While Dewu scribbled and painted on silk, Li Xuan’s thoughts wandered back to the events earlier at the Biquan Palace. Anger simmered within him.

After court during the day, Li Xuan had gone to Biquan Palace to engage in discussions with the envoys. As the palace doors were opened by eunuchs, he discovered people were already inside: Anye and Atine were happily chatting with a soft-voiced lady.

Noticing his entrance, the lady speaking Sanskrit immediately stood up and respectfully bowed to Li Xuan, apologizing.

She wore an immaculate prayer robe and no makeup, her long black hair and pale skin giving her an ethereal charm. She was none other than Princess Bao’an. 

“Brother Xuan, you haven’t visited me in so long. I feared you’d forgotten me. I just wanted to lighten your burden and make amends for my past mistakes.”

The interpreter of the Court of Diplomatic Protocol explained, “Your Highness, the envoys said the Crown Princess is a wise and extraordinary lady, the most remarkable they’ve met in Dachen.”

Li Xuan looked at Yang Fu without speaking.

“Atine says the Crown Princess is an insightful person. They admire her. She has explained many things on Your Highness’ behalf, and now they are willing to allow you to preside over the reception of the Buddha bone relic.”

Li Xuan’s gaze shifted behind Yang Fu. Even Anye, who usually exuded arrogance, was smiling obsequiously. Noticing Li Xuan’s glance, Anye’s grin deepened with smugness.

Before Li Xuan could express his anger, Meng Guangshen pulled him aside and also apologized. 

“Your Highness, I understand that Princess Bao’an is still under house arrest. However, to ensure the Buddha bone is smoothly delivered to Chang’an, we had no choice but to take this approach.”

“Princess Bao’an is fluent in Sanskrit and is an old acquaintance of the envoys. She immediately resolved the misunderstandings between the envoys and Your Highness upon meeting them. Now, the envoys are willing to send the Buddha bone to Chang’an. However, due to a communication error, they mistook the Princess for the Crown Princess.”

“The envoys are fond of the Princess, and the negotiations have just been settled. If we clarify now, it may upset them again. It would be better to let the misunderstanding persist until the Buddha bone is received. After all, it won’t take long. Your Highness should understand the greater importance.”

Meng Guangshen spoke with elegance and courtesy, appearing considerate, but to Li Xuan, his words carried a different implication.

Such a “let the misunderstanding persist” tactic was a clear attempt to use the Liuli envoys to pressure him into petitioning the Emperor to formally establish Yang Fu as the Crown Princess. Otherwise, the state affair might be jeopardized.

Seeing Li Xuan’s grim expression, Atine smiled and discreetly whispered to Yang Fu, 

“Don’t worry, Princess. How could some lowly, foolish woman dare to insult you? I’ve arranged a good show, just waiting for the Buddha’s birthday celebration.”

Yang Fu forced a weak smile.

Outside, thunder rumbled incessantly, and the atmosphere inside was tense. Suddenly, Dewu, one of the envoys, stood up and declared his intent to pray for blessings for all the palaces.

At present, Dewu was wandering through the inner palace in a straw raincoat, leading a group of people toward the Eastern Palace. Li Xuan grew anxious, fearing that Qingxuan Pavilion would disgrace itself, and thus ordered everyone to observe from the bridge instead.

Zheng Zhiyi lived up to her reputation. In the middle of the night, she had the envoys witness the sight of palace maids dancing wildly in the rain without shoes. Now, the maids were lighting lanterns.

Li Xuan couldn’t help but ask, 

“Have you found out what they were noisily doing with all the lights and commotion?”

The eunuch replied, “Your Highness, it seemed like they were eating hot pot.”

Li Xuan was so exasperated he laughed.

Not to mention today’s incident—whenever he came to Qingxuan Pavilion in the past, the place was lifeless. Yet when he wasn’t around, they seemed delighted enough to have a late-night hot pot feast?

After watching the envoy scribble on the silk for some time, Li Xuan grew uneasy, unsure of what was being recorded. “Go and ask the envoy if they are finished.”

Finally, Dewu put away the silk, saluted Li Xuan with a raised hand, and spoke gently. 

“Your Highness, please present this painting to the lady of this palace.”

The next day, the mounted painting was sent to Qingxuan Pavilion.

Qun Qing, initially disappointed it wasn’t an imperial decree of punishment, unrolled it. Everyone in the courtyard gathered to see its content, even Zheng Zhiyi rushing out from her quarters.

Unveiled was a painting in shades of yellow and blue.

Shouxi explained, “Yesterday, Envoy Dewu of Liuli passed by Qingxuan Pavilion and witnessed palace maids protecting flowers in the rain. Impressed by the benevolence shown by the lady of the palace, he created The Flower Rescue Painting as a gift. His Highness has also rewarded Qingxuan Pavilion with a pair of jade ruyi scepters, two Liuli beasts, and a cluster of agate beads.”

Lanyue gasped audibly.

“Reward? Did I hear that correctly? A reward?”

Zheng Zhiyi frowned as she examined the painting for a long time. 

“We were drenched in rain, and he paints a picture? Is this mockery?”

Shouxi choked out, “Not mockery, admiration…”

“This painting is so ugly, yet they dare call it admiration.” Zheng Zhiyi scrutinized it closely, her brows furrowed. “Why do the figures look so strange? Are our bodies really that thin? Are our heads that large? Can he even paint?”

Lan ue hurriedly covered Zheng Zhiyi’s mouth.

Qingqing paused and commented, “My lady, this is Liuli’s miniature painting style. It’s meant to look like this and takes great effort to create. Since the envoy gifted it, we should hang it in the main hall as a keepsake.” With that, she instructed the servants to hang it up.

Shouxi’s expression brightened slightly. “As expected of Lady Qing. Did you know the envoys highly praised Princess Bao’an? If not for Dewu’s painting praising our lady here, they wouldn’t have even acknowledged her. After all, you’re His Highness’ wife. Sigh…”

“With the Buddha’s birthday approaching, Lady Qing, you must teach our lady proper decorum. By the way, how is the Udumbara seed growing?”

Recalling the split seed, Lanyue nearly faltered, her face turning pale, but Qingqing remained composed, replying calmly, “No issues at all. Rest assured, Eunuch.”