After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 55

Qun Qing had no choice but to step forward and bow.

i Xuan, surprised to find an inner room hidden within the rockery, frowned and asked, 

“What are you doing here?”

Shouxi smiled and spoke up, “The other night, Chancellor Meng and His Highness discussed government matters late into the night and thought it would be helpful for Miss Qing to listen in. Yet, every time someone was sent to call her, Miss Ruo Chan claimed you were unwell. When His Highness wanted to summon the royal physician, she refused. One wonders if Miss Qing is using her status as an excuse or hiding something from His Highness.”

Li Xuan, already suspicious by nature, grew more so. Qun Qing had spent the night outside the palace, and Meng Guangshen specifically mentioned her at such a moment.

Before she could reply, a voice called out from the woods. 

“Sister!” 

It was Ruo Chan.

Ruo Chan bowed to the Crown Prince, then glanced at the bundle in Qun Qing’s hands. Timidly, she said, “Just now, this maid was heading to the Shanggong Bureau and gave my sister Liangdi’s bag of clothes to take back. We talked briefly in the cave.”

Qun Qing felt a wave of relief and nodded in agreement, but she noticed Shouxi signaling a young eunuch to search behind the rockery. Her chest tightened in anxiety.

If Lu Huating appeared now, she wouldn’t be able to explain herself.

A while later, the eunuchs returned empty-handed.

He hid well… He’s smart enough to escape, she thought.

Li Xuan’s sharp gaze fell on the bundle in Qun Qing’s hands. 

“Why did you need to hide there to talk?” he demanded.

“This bundle contains only the Crown Princess’s undergarments and inner clothes. It wouldn’t be appropriate to inspect them out in the open.” Qun Qing explained, starting to unwrap the bundle.

“Enough, stop,” Li Xuan said quickly. “I don’t need to see.”

But as he spoke, his eyes caught the bloodstains seeping through Qun Qing’s sleeve. His expression hardened as he grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer. Qun Qing winced in pain.

Ruo Chan hurriedly explained, “Your Highness, my sister isn’t unwell. A few days ago, while embroidering the huanxue silk late at night, she accidentally knocked over a candlestick and burned her hand. The wound hasn’t healed and even caused a fever, but she didn’t want to worry Your Highness…”

“Ruo Chan.” Qun Qing interrupted gently, her tone light, “don’t exaggerate. A little medicine will heal it soon enough.”

With some effort, she pulled her arm back despite the pain. Li Xuan noticed the cold sweat forming on her brow.

Shouxi, observing the prince’s thoughtful silence, recalled the prayer gown embroidered with silver thread scripture. It was flawless, but the effort had left a mark on the young embroiderer’s arm.

“Take a couple of days to rest.” Li Xuan paused briefly before instructing Shouxi, “Summon the physician.”

“Chancellor Meng already misunderstands this maid. With my lowly status, it wouldn’t be appropriate to call a physician,” Qun Qing said. “However, I heard that precious purple flower powder can reduce inflammation and prevent scarring. If Your Highness could grant me some, I’ll seek treatment myself.”

Li Xuan replied, “Shouxi, have someone fetch the medicine.”

“There is one more matter, Your Highness,” Qun Qing said. “This maid is preparing for the Six Bureaus examination while also attending to Your Highness’s writing, which will delay my embroidery work for Qingxuan Pavilion. I would like to recommend Ruo Chan be promoted to second-class maid of honor, so I can entrust her with the embroidery tasks.”

Li Xuan glanced at Ruo Chan and immediately agreed. Overjoyed, Ruo Chan quickly expressed her gratitude.

“Both of you, help the Crown Princess freshen up and prepare to accompany me to Penglai Palace to meet the Emperor,” Li Xuan instructed.

Once Li Xuan left, Qun Qing looked at Ruo Chan. 

“I didn’t expect you to be so sharp.”

Ruo Chan’s face flushed instantly. She hurriedly explained, 

“I’ve been in Qingxuan Pavilion for almost a year now, observing and learning daily how to please our masters. I can’t bear to see others mistreat you, Sister—it’s not just about gaining favor as a maid.”

As she reached to check Qun Qing’s injury, Qun Qing waved her off. 

“You’re clever and skillful. You deserve to be in the palace.”

Qun Qing thought back to how timid Ruo Chan had been when she first arrived. She had grown quickly, and Qun Qing believed Ruo Chan could take over the embroidery work after she left, possibly even rise higher in rank. With that in mind, she offered one piece of advice: 

“Just don’t overthink people’s intentions too much. It might lead to unnecessary trouble.”

Ruo Chan, unaware of Qun Qing’s deeper thoughts, smiled and held her hand. “I only wish to stay by your side and pray for you, Sister. I don’t need to second-guess anyone’s intentions.”

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were heading to Penglai Palace because it was the late Empress Yuan’s birthday. On this day, Emperor Chenming would join Li Xuan and Li Pan to offer incense at the Empress’s memorial tablet and then dine together.

When Qun Qing supported Zheng Zhiyi on their way there, they were stopped at the inner hall’s entrance. Zheng Fu bowed and said, 

“His Majesty has a headache today, and Consort Lu is attending to him closely. His Highness and Her Highness may first have some tea and fruits in the side hall.”

“Is Father all right?” Zheng Zhiyi asked worriedly, her concern evident. But just then, a sharp crack echoed from inside.

In the solemn and quiet royal palace, the sound of shattering porcelain was piercing. A moment later, there was laughter.

“How is Concubine Lu taking care of someone sick like this?” Li Xuan asked with a dark expression.

“His Majesty is angry and frustrated, unable to sleep,” Zheng Fu explained. “Concubine Lu is trying to cheer him up.”

Emperor Chenming was known for indulging Concubine Lu, who excelled at pleasing him, even at the cost of neglecting occasions like Empress Yuan’s birthday. After a long pause, Li Xuan said coldly, 

“Then we’ll wait in the side hall.”

With a grim expression, he led Zheng Zhiyi away. Qun Qing stayed outside and quietly asked Zheng Fu, 

“Is Concubine Lu breaking things?”

“They’re just clay pots,” Zheng Fu replied with a faint smile.

At that moment, Qun Qing noticed Lu Huating approaching.

It was no surprise he had disappeared earlier—he must have changed into his official robes to meet the emperor. Now he looked sharp and dignified. His freshly combed hair, still carrying the scent of soapberry, shone darker than usual.

Neither Lu Huating nor Qun Qing acknowledged each other. They both pretended not to notice as they crossed paths..

Zheng Fu remarked, “His Majesty is in a foul mood. Anyone who goes in will get scolded.”

The younger attendants exchanged knowing looks. They suspected Concubine Lu had been influenced by Lu Huating, now a key figure in the Prince Yan faction. If that were true, there was little chance she would face any reprimand. They could only hope Lu Huating fulfilled his role and delivered the ledger.

Inside the hall, shards of porcelain covered the floor. Concubine Lu, dressed in thin clothing, was flushed from the exertion. She hurled another ceramic bowl to the ground, her reckless anger somehow captivating.

“I’ve smashed everything and everyone troubling the emperor,” she said with a sly grin. “You mustn’t let them upset you, Your Majesty. In a few days, I’ll organize the autumn hunt to help you relax.”

Since ascending the throne, Emperor Chenming had been burdened with complex government affairs. His once-black hair had begun to gray at the temples, and his face betrayed the strain of his responsibilities. His reserved nature kept his emotions hidden, but Concubine Lu’s carefree manner eased some of his tension.

With a faint smile, he said, “If dealing problems were as simple as smashing bowls, I wouldn’t have these headaches.”

Consort Lu replied, “Your Majesty holds supreme power over life and death. You’ve done nothing wrong. If anything, you’ve been too lenient, letting unfit officials cause trouble. The treasury is empty, and families like the Cui and Gu clans evade taxes with impunity.”

Emperor Chenming said, “I’ve only been on the throne for a year. The civil and military officials kneel before me daily. But do I truly know what’s in their hearts? Water can carry a boat, but it can also sink it. I may sit on the throne, but I feel isolated. One misstep, and they could unite against me, leaving me as powerless as the King of Chu in the previous dynasty.”

He flipped through the ledger in his hands, his fingers trembling with anger. The frustration and fear in his chest were overwhelming, but he dared not show it. Emperor Chenming was a cautious man, and now he found himself trapped in his own restraint, unable to see a way forward.

Lu Bin thought for a moment and then smashed another bowl. 

“People follow what they see. The emperor only needs to make an example of one person—show what happens when His Majesty is displeased. The rest will fall in line, obedient and afraid.”

The sound of breaking porcelain echoed through the hall, drawing Emperor Chenming’s attention. His expression turned thoughtful. For some time, he had wanted to assert his authority. “But how will history record such an act?” he said, hesitating.

Concubine Lu was momentarily taken aback. She knew Emperor Chenming cared deeply about his legacy. She said, 

“If someone is willing to share your burdens as their ruler, let them handle it.”

With a subtle gesture, she signaled the eunuch to open the door. A man entered, walking steadily toward them. Emperor Chenming’s eyes fell on Lu Huating, who knelt quietly just outside the curtain.

“I still remember what you were like as a child. Sanlang was reckless, and you’ve had a hard time advising him all these years.” After a pause, the Emperor continued, “You realize, don’t you, that this action will offend the court officials, and it will not benefit your career.”

Lu Huating replied, “Sanlang once saved my mother and sister’s lives. As a commoner, I joined the court to repay Your Majesty’s kindness. I simply wish to alleviate your burdens as my ruler. I have no interest in fame or personal gain.”

A glimmer of appreciation flashed in Emperor Chenming’s eyes, and he nodded. Slowly, he picked up a ceramic bowl beside his bed, raising it high.

Outside, Qun Qing heard a sharp, piercing sound of another bowl shattering. The intensity of it made her flinch.

Moments later, the palace door opened. Lu Huating stepped out, his expression unreadable as he glanced at Qun Qing. 

“I’ve done what you asked me to do,” he said evenly.

Qun Qing stood firm and replied,“Don’t forget the other promise you made me, Advisor,” 

Lu Huating paused, his gaze sharpening slightly.

“When the case is resolved, release Yunu.” Qun Qing added, her tone resolute.

After that day, the once-flourishing Cui family was reduced to ruins, as broken as shattered porcelain.

That night, soldiers surrounded the Cui family’s ancestral home, sealing it off tightly.

The once finely dressed concubines screamed, cried, and pleaded, their voices drowned by the glinting blades surrounding them. When the soldiers left, the mansion was empty, stripped of its former grandeur.

The Cui family was charged with treason, and their property was confiscated. Dozens of prison carts carried the family members—men and women alike—from Jiannan Road to Chang’an. Their once-proud faces were now shadowed by disheveled hair and dirt. As they passed through the marketplace, refugees cursed and threw wilted vegetables at them.

The public watched as the ever-glowing lanterns on either side of the Siye Tower’s plaque were extinguished one by one. The majestic plaque, adorned with intricate carvings, fell to the ground, its splendor reduced to dust.

Meanwhile, the palace’s Zhaixing Tower was completed, layer upon layer, as its red cloth coverings were removed. With the fines and confiscated assets of the Cui family, Xiao Yunru finally slept soundly for the first time.

Xiao Jingxing instructed that the woman who had rolled over nails and boards to make her plea be escorted out of the Dali Court. Limping, she emerged to find her daughter waiting at the gate. The woman, now dressed in simple clothes with her hair adorned only with a wooden pin, had tears streaming down her pale face as she threw herself into her daughter’s arms.

Within the ruins of the Siye Tower, over a hundred women were held captive. Half of them were once respectable citizens, tricked into the tower and subjected to severe beatings and abuse. Minister of Revenue Zhang Jun petitioned for their documents to be restored so they could reunite with their families.

In the quiet night, Qun Qing listened to the news, her gaze resting on the empty swing swaying gently in the wind. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of relief. Though trapped in the palace, unable to practice medicine like she once had, she had still accomplished something meaningful.

Lan Yue tugged at her. 

“There’s a lady outside looking for you. You’re impressive; even the people from the Music Division know you.”

Qun Qing stepped out of Qingxuan Pavilion and saw Yunu.

It had been some time since they’d last met. Yunu wore a light pink gauze robe, her hair in a cascading bun, and carried a scarf over her arm. The palace’s musician attire lent her alluring features a newfound elegance.

Yunu smiled shyly at Qun Qing. 

“Xiao Shaoqing knew I was skilled in dance and had no family. He recommended me for the palace’s Music Division and I was selected. I’ve been wanting to visit you, but couldn’t find the time until now.”

The Music Division provided a monthly allowance, a perfect refuge for someone adrift without roots. Qun Qing was genuinely happy for her. Seeing the paper pipa in Yunu’s hand, she asked, 

“What’s that?”

“Now that the Siye Tower is gone, I want to burn this for Sister Chun.” Yunu’s eyes brimmed with tears.

Burning paper was forbidden in the palace, but Qun Qing thought for a moment and said, 

“I know a place. Follow me.”

Yunu, like a child, gleefully grabbed Qun Qing’s hand.

It had been ages since Qun Qing allowed such closeness. Her nerves almost bristled, yet she didn’t pull away. Clumsily, she held Yunu’s hand as they avoided palace servants and walked far, arriving at Baima Temple.

The place, surrounded by quiet bamboo and bubbling springs, was rarely visited by palace staff.

Looking around at the lush greenery, Qun Qing said, 

“You can burn it here.”

Kneeling by the grass, Yunu lit the paper pipa. The rising smoke seemed to trace the silhouette of a figure often leaning by the window—Sister Chun, holding her pipa, now transcending the mortal world with a serene smile as she listened.

Qun Qing sat beside her, quietly watching Yunu weep.

Her thoughts wandered back to the spring when she was thirteen.

That year, not long after entering the palace, her elder brother Shi Yuming also passed the military exam and was appointed an official.

During a holiday, the two of them went to the outskirts to pick locust flowers. They only had one horse, and after a short ride, Shi Yuming had made her get off, taking the reins himself.

Qun Qing clung to the stirrup, forcing herself to sit behind him on the horse. Following his gaze, she saw a young maiden standing on a rock in the stream beneath the spring willows.

She lifted one leg over her shoulder, spreading her red skirt like a fan, struggling to balance while sweat glistened on her face under the sunlight.

The noble girls playing with her clapped and laughed, scattering with jeers: 

“The daughter of the Chen family is a fool! Say a few words, and she takes it seriously. Who performs dances outside? Her skirt flew up—what a disgrace!”

The Chen family girl, confused, lowered her leg and tried to follow them but was pushed into the stream by a companion. 

“You’re bullying me. The gods will drop fruit from the heavens to punish you!” she said.

Her words were met with more laughter: 

“What nonsense! Do you think fruits will fall from the sky to punish us?”

At that moment, green fruits rained down from the paulownia tree above, pelting the women’s heads and shoulders. Their laughter turned to shrieks.

Qun Qing saw Shi Yuming lowering his bow.

Qun Qing glanced at Shi Yuming, who had lowered his bow with a sly smile. He’d shot an arrow into the tree, loosening the fruits. 

The girl’s tears gave way to a smile as she turned, her face glowing like an apple. Startled, Qun Qing spurred the horse, and they galloped away before the girl could see them.

Shi Yuming nearly fell off, furious as he looked at the bustling road. Gone were the stream and the laughter. 

“What are you doing?”

Qun Qing answered blankly, “If someone saw us, how could we pretend to be gods?”

To her surprise, Shi Yuming’s ears turned red. His face obscured, he said seriously, 

“Liu Niang, let me ask you: if your future sister-in-law is a bit foolish, you wouldn’t mind, would you? You wouldn’t bully her, right?”

Qun Qing, realizing his meaning, grew flustered. She led the horse back, but the maiden on the stream rocks had vanished. Only a few green fruits remained. She turned to Shi Yuming. 

“Do you know which family she’s from?”

“Why did you run so fast?” Shi Yuming replied wistfully. “I only know her surname is Chen.”

…

Yunu’s face gradually merged with the memory of that young girl. Now calmer, her eyes red and swollen, she held Qun Qing’s hand. 

“You didn’t even know me, yet you were willing to help me like this. You’re as kind as Sister Chun. I will surely repay you.”

Qun Qing fiddled with a green fruit she had picked up, burying it among the fallen leaves. The wind stirred her hair, and she smiled faintly. 

“No need to repay me. As long as you live well, that will be enough for me.”