After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 46

Gu Shangyi and Liu Siyi handed each candidate a wooden board.

Ten fabric samples of different textures, cut into neat squares, were pinned to the boards using silver needles.

Qun Qing received her board and gently touched the fabric samples with her fingertips.

The candidates were required to identify the fabrics and their uses based on sight and touch and then write their answers on the exam sheet.

The samples included colorful brocade, cotton gauze, mulberry silk, and ramie. However, starting from the sixth sample, Qun Qing no longer recognized the materials.

Some fabrics were smooth and delicate, others were sheer with slight wrinkles, and a few shimmered with a pearl-like glow. Fortunately, from her time serving Princess Bao’an, she barely managed to recognize the shimmering fabric as shark silk imported from overseas—a rare and costly material worth a thousand gold coins.

But what about the rest?

Logically, having served the princess for years, she should have encountered all common fabrics. Could the others recognize these unfamiliar materials?

Glancing around, Qun Qing noticed the palace maids frowning and sweating nervously. Only Cui Ying appeared unbothered, her expression tinged with disdain as she wrote confidently.

“What’s the matter?” Gu Shangyi noticed Qun Qing standing and asked, puzzled.

Qun Qing placed the board aside. 

“May I ask, was this second test designed by Princess Yan?”

Behind the screen, Xiao Yunru, who was about to drink her medicinal tea, paused and set the cup down.

“Just focus on answering. What does it matter who set the question?” Liu Siyi replied. Gu Shangyi shot Qun Qing a glance and added, “This second test wasn’t set by Princess Yan. These are basic skills that don’t require her input. Wait until the fourth test if you wish to meet the princess.”

Qun Qing nodded and raised her voice. 

“I just knew the princess, being fair and thoughtful, wouldn’t create such biased questions.”

“She must’ve guessed you’re observing behind the screen,” remarked Lu Huating, noticing Xiao Yunru had set aside her tea, her attention fully drawn to Qun Qing.

Xiao Yunru raised a finger to her lips to silence him. 

“She’s just a maid. Could she intentionally flatter me? Don’t overthink it.”

Lu Huating blinked and leaned back silently in his chair.

Qun Qing’s remark caused a stir among the maids, interrupting their work. Gu Shangyi smiled. 

“If you think the question is biased, perhaps you should reconsider whether your own abilities are sufficient.”

“This test might be standard, but its contents are clearly unfair. It should be corrected,” Qun Qing retorted, meeting Gu Shangyi’s gaze with a faint smile, which made Gu Shangyi’s heart skip.

This unprecedented boldness left Gu Shangyi momentarily at a loss for words.

Liu Siyi leaned in and whispered, 

“That maid seems to have been recommended by Eunuch Shouxie, who serves the Crown Prince.”

Gu Shangyi waved her off and turned pale. No wonder Qun Qing was so confident—she had the Crown Prince’s backing.

“You call it biased? I think you’re just causing trouble because you can’t answer. If you’re unwilling to take the test, leave!” Cui Ying sneered. “It’s not that difficult. I’ve answered everything.”

Cui Ying’s confidence drew agreement from several noblewomen.

“Of course, Second Miss Cui would excel, given her family owns a clothing business and always uses the latest fabrics,” Qun Qing retorted coolly. “Some materials haven’t even entered the palace yet.”

“So my broader experience is a fault now? Your inability to answer doesn’t make you right,” Cui Ying countered, laughing.

“Indeed, this selection is about merit. Why should the strong yield to the weak?” another candidate chimed in.

With a sudden “snick,” Qun Qing cut a piece of her sleeve with a dagger and pinned it to her board. She turned to Cui Ying. 

“Second Miss Cui, can you identify this material?”

The maids instantly recognized it as water-surrounding gauze, a fabric commonly used for their uniforms, made from old stock left from the previous dynasty.

Cui Ying, however, stared blankly at the board, unable to answer. Unfamiliar with such outdated materials, her face flushed red with embarrassment.

The maids stifled their laughter.

“Miss Cui’s so-called extensive knowledge seems limited to the latest materials her family uses. She isn’t familiar with palace fabrics. So why should palace maids be expected to know outside materials?” Qun Qing remarked. “Testing only new fabrics and excluding old ones—how is this not biased?”

Gu Shangyi and Liu Siyi exchanged uneasy glances before Gu Shangyi retorted, 

“Old materials are obsolete. What’s the use of knowing them? Familiarity with new materials ensures reform within the palace.”

Qun Qing, undeterred, replied, 

“The current priority isn’t reform.”

“And what would you prioritize?” Gu Shangyi asked mockingly.

“Given the nation’s strained treasury, the palace still holds a surplus of silk and fabrics from the former kingdom of Chu. These old materials, prone to deterioration, should be used promptly to create garments for the court rather than purchasing new materials,” Qun Qing explained calmly. “Thus, the test should focus on recognizing old fabrics.”

Her words resonated, silencing the hall.

Behind the screen, Xiao Yunru exhaled deeply, her worries over finances slightly eased. Qun Qing’s practicality impressed her, making her take the young maid seriously.

Though Qun Qing’s argument embarrassed Gu Shangyi, with Princess Yan listening, she didn’t dare retaliate and sought guidance.

“Since there’s doubt about fairness, this test will be voided,” Xiao Yunru declared from behind the screen, her voice steady and authoritative.

The candidates, startled to realize the princess was present, hurriedly adjusted their appearances.

Qun Qing discreetly fingered a scented sachet in her pouch, confident she’d made a favorable impression on the princess.

Cui Ying, unsettled by the change, received a reassuring look from Gu Shangyi.

“Stay calm,” coaxed another candidate. “The next test holds the real challenge.”

The third test, a timed embroidery challenge, didn’t worry Qun Qing. With practiced ease, she began stitching a golden dragon motif on a delicate silk fabric.

However, as she worked, a thin tear appeared in the fabric near her needle.

Startled, Qun Qing paused. Such a mishap had never occurred in her years of embroidery.

Attempting to mend the tear only caused the fabric to split further, leaving her at a loss.

Qun Qing glanced at her side, where Cui Ying’s fabric remained smooth and unblemished. Her embroidery was meticulous, with the dragon’s head and body already taking shape. Gu Shangyi observed Qun Qing’s torn threads, shook her head, and walked away.

At that moment, the sharp voice of an attendant announced, 

“Han Wanyi has arrived—”

Supported by palace maids from Fengyi Palace, Han Wanyi entered the hall, bringing with her a light and elegant incense fragrance. She spoke gently, 

“I, along with Consort Lu and the Princess Consort Yan, oversee the inner palace. Hearing that the Shangfu Bureau is selecting female officials, I decided to set this challenge.”

She continued, “The fabric on your embroidery frames is no ordinary cloth. It’s prayer garment material for a ceremony offering Buddha’s relics, made from ‘Huanxue Silk’ crafted in Fusang of the Western Regions. Thin as cicada wings and pure as snow, only those capable of working with such material are suited for the role.”

The crowd responded in agreement. Qun Qing did not lift her head but felt uneasy, sensing retaliation from Han Wanyi, whom she had previously threatened. It was clear Han Wanyi seized this moment for revenge.

Sure enough, the fragrance drew closer. Han Wanyi saw her embroidery frame and gently waved her small fan, saying, 

“Those who only have a sharp tongue but lack basic skills need not be selected.”

Gu Shangyi glanced at Qun Qing with pity. The girl had previously offended Han Wanyi, indulging in her earlier triumphs, but now found herself as vulnerable as a mantis unaware of the lurking predator.

For the noble ladies, this Huanxue Silk wasn’t unfamiliar. Cui Ying smiled confidently, feeling assured of success. Bao Shu whispered softly, 

“When we can’t deal with something, there will always be someone better to handle it.”

Qun Qing pinned the needle onto the fabric and stopped embroidering. After all, her participation was solely for the Princess Consort Yan, and being selected wasn’t her priority. She decided to wait and see Han Wanyi’s next move.

Outside, the skies shifted between light and dark as muffled thunder rolled, followed by steady rain. The damp air seeped into the hall as Han Wanyi glanced outside and remarked, 

“It seems the weather isn’t cooperating. The hour is up, and the female officials of the Shangfu Bureau must also attend to their duties. Today’s selection will end here and resume another day.”

The abrupt end was due to interruptions during the earlier trials. Although they had gone overtime, dividing an exam into two parts was unprecedented.

Han Wanyi, however, stated, 

“Tasks will frequently interrupt your embroidery in the future. Only those who can resume seamlessly and without flaws can claim to have exceptional skills.”

Having left the hall amidst gasps of dismay, she had no choice but to retreat. The women reluctantly rose, massaging their stiff shoulders and backs as they prepared to leave and await further news.

As Han Wanyi’s maid, Xiangmao, passed by Qun Qing, she whispered, 

“Her Highness is waiting for you at the lakeside pavilion.”

Han Wanyi indeed wished to see her.

Qun Qing followed Xiangmao out. They crossed winding corridors over water, with raindrops dancing on the lake’s surface, creating misty ripples. From afar, two slender figures in the lakeside pavilion appeared like an ink painting.

Han Wanyi, seated inside, remarked, 

“I didn’t involve you to spare you, yet you dared to threaten me. I hadn’t come for you earlier only because I wasn’t physically well. Do not think of me as easy prey. Now, tell me—how did you learn of that matter?”

Qun Qing’s gaze fell on her rounded belly. Naturally, Han Wanyi referred to her feigned pregnancy. Her current intimidation was likely driven by fear. Such an offense—deceiving the emperor—was far graver than any Shangfu Bureau examination.

Han Wanyi’s maids blocked all exits. Amidst the heavy rain and the desolation of the surroundings, even if they threw Qun Qing into the lake, no one would witness it. Escape was evidently impossible today.

Qun Qing calmly stated, 

“Not only do I know about Your Highness’s miscarriage, but I am also aware that the wife of Scholar Xu is, in fact, your younger half-sister, married off by your family.”

Han Wanyi’s refined and scholarly features contorted in disbelief as she forgot her original intent, instead focusing solely on Qun Qing’s revelations. 

“What did you say? Explain yourself!”

“At sixteen, Your Highness and Scholar Xu exchanged plum blossom tokens of love. But while the Han family plotted to send you into the palace to win the emperor’s favor, they secretly arranged for your younger half-sister to seduce Scholar Xu. He didn’t refuse her, and the two were later sent to Huainan. Meanwhile, the family fabricated stories of his misfortune to sever your attachment and push you into the palace. Were you aware of this?”

Her words, unearthed from meticulous investigations in her previous life, were delivered in a cold, steady tone. 

“After that, they deceived you by claiming Scholar Xu faced familial calamities and disappeared, forcing you to abandon him and enter the palace. Did you know?”

Han Wanyi’s hand lashed out in a slap, her sharp nails cutting into Qun Qing’s face. Pain stung her skin, but she held her ground. 

“Everything I’ve said is true, so why do you pursue in mourning an unfaithful man?”

Having never loved a man, Qun Qing failed to understand why women like Yang Fu and Han Wanyi became irrational over matters of affection. Otherwise, she would have dodged the slap.

From a distance, Xiao Yunru and Lu Huating were conversing when they noticed the commotion. Xiao Yunru hesitated and asked, 

“Should I intervene?”

Her maid cautioned, 

“Han Wanyi is clever and carrying the emperor’s child. It’s best not to interfere.”

Xiao Yunru nodded. 

“Being a palace maid is indeed a bit demeaning, but once promoted to an official, her circumstances will change.”

Amid the rain, Qun Qing clutched her stinging cheek. Nearby, Lu Huating refrained from commenting for once and merely remarked, 

“If the Princess Consort has made her decision, there’s no need for further external involvement.”

Han Wanyi, regaining her composure, leaned against a post for support. Her face was pale as she panted, grappling with the betrayal she’d endured. The truths about the plum blossom token, Scholar Xu, and her half-sister were undeniable. Connecting the dots, it became clear that Qun Qing hadn’t fabricated her claims. 

“Whose side are you on? What do you want?”

“The Crown Prince sympathizes with Your Highness’s situation and has refrained from exposing your deception,” Qun Qing replied. “But should Your Highness forget Scholar Xu and your family, and instead live for yourself in the palace, you may enjoy a good alliance with the Crown Prince.”

“So, you serve the Crown Prince,” Han Wanyi sneered. “How is allying with him considered living for myself?”

Her hand drifted to her abdomen. 

“Besides, I still carry this child I don’t know how to handle.”

Qun Qing grasped her implication. This “imperial child,” embodying hopes of emperor and empress alike, had become a burden Han Wanyi couldn’t afford to maintain without escalating risk.

Han Wanyi challenged, 

“You’re a clever woman, Qun Qing. Let’s make a wager. If you devise a way to resolve this issue without angering the emperor, I’ll align myself with the Crown Prince. Deal?”

“Agreed.” Qun Qing produced a signaling device from her pouch, triggering a bird’s cry that echoed through the air and scattered petals onto their shoulders. 

“When I find a solution, I’ll release this signal. Please follow it to meet me.”

“I didn’t intend to ruin your examination,” Han Wanyi remarked as Qun Qing walked away. 

“You still have time to prepare for the second round.”

As Qun Qing left, the rain intensified. She sought shelter under an eave, her gaze catching Bao Shu and Cui Ying heading toward Luan Yi Pavilion.

The downpour grew heavier. Upon entering the pavilion, Cui Ying accepted a letter from Bao Shu, addressed to her mother, Lady Xie. 

“I can no longer endure serving Princess Bao’an! If I fail this selection, I beg the Xie family’s compassion to remove me from the palace.”

Cui Ying, disliking the muddy conditions, quickly left. Suddenly, she realized her token of authority had fallen. Retracing her steps to the pond, she searched frantically. A hand suddenly shoved her, and she tumbled into the murky water. The sound was muffled by the rain.

Hours passed, and her family waited anxiously outside the palace gate. By the next day, her swollen, waterlogged body was discovered in the pond.

T/L notes:

Hello readers! 👋

Thank you so much for reading and supporting this story—it truly means a lot to me! 💖

You might have noticed that I’ve increased the coin price for advanced chapters. I wanted to share the reason behind this: After Rebirth has really long chapters, most of them over 3k words! As the story progresses, more characters are introduced, along with complex terms and hierarchical dynamics. Translating all this takes a lot of time and effort since I aim to keep everything as consistent and accurate as possible.

I also spend extra time doing research and revising earlier chapters to ensure the translations align with any adjustments I make to better fit the story’s meaning. It’s a lot of work, but I’m committed to delivering the best quality translations I can for you!

Thank you for your understanding and continued support—it truly keeps me going. Happy reading! 📖💕