After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 56

The Emperor’s punishment of the Cui family dragged on for days, casting a shadow over the autumn breeze and leaving officials uneasy. No one knew how the Emperor planned to handle the matter, and fewer than ever dared to take leave during court sessions.

It all began when an advisor from Prince Yan’s Palace overstepping his authority to present evidence of the Cui family’s crimes directly to the Emperor.

Lu Huating’s name spread quickly. Within days, everyone knew of him. When he stepped forward in court, the ministers turned to look, their gazes heavy with scrutiny.

Lu Huating kept his composure, looking straight ahead, as if accustomed to such attention.

“Father, whether you believe it or not, this is his first step toward securing a position,” Meng Guanlou murmured. “That ledger is now in the Emperor’s hands, and our Meng family is far from clean. Be cautious of earning the Emperor’s mistrust when you receive the imperial edict.”

Meng Guangshen knew the assassins he had sent had failed. But he was confident their identities couldn’t be traced back to him, so he viewed the situation as a minor setback. Smiling faintly, he said, 

“Young people always think they can accomplish great things by stepping into the power center. But they often don’t realize they may drown in the waves when they go at it alone.”

“The Emperor may have seen the ledger, but it doesn’t threaten the Meng family,” Meng Guangshen added with a relaxed air. “I was the Emperor’s strategist when he rose to power. He values loyalty and won’t equate us with the ministers of Chu. Moreover, the Meng family’s involvement in the ledger is minor, the amount listed doesn’t amount to even a tenth of our wealth.”

He continued in a deliberate tone, “As for the Emperor, I’ve already prepared an explanation. Since our family was nearly allied with the Cui family through marriage, we can attribute our past support to shared business interests. Who could have predicted that Cui Zhu would repay kindness with betrayal, indulging in corruption and attempting to sow discord between the monarch and his subjects before his death?”

Meng Guanlou, unable to decipher his father’s intentions, asked, “If that’s the case, then what are you worried about, Father? Why did you send assassins?”

Meng Guangshen’s brow furrowed momentarily, but it was fleeting. His brown eyes rested on Meng Guanlou. 

“I’m worried about you.”

Meng Guanlou paled at the thought of what Lu Huating could do with the evidence. 

“The failure of the assassins was my recklessness. I only hope to bear the blame alone and not implicate you.”

Before he could finish, Meng Guangshen placed a hand on his shoulder. 

“Remember, navigating the treacherous waters of the court is normal. As long as we persevere, the Meng family will eventually reclaim everything it’s lost.”

Meng Guanlou nodded. When Meng Guangshen entered the Purple dawn palace to meet the Emperor, he brushed past Lu Huating without sparing him a glance.

The Emperor’s face remained hidden behind the curtain. 

“The wealth of the Cui family has already been confiscated into the state treasury, and the family members are detained by the Ministry of Justice. Just now, the vice minister reported that the Cui family members have been fighting fiercely in prison. What does Minister Meng think should be done with them?”

“I believe they should be severely punished, to the full extent of the Great Chen legal code,” Meng Guangshen replied. “All male members should be executed, and the women exiled. I can oversee this matter personally.”

“Wouldn’t that be too harsh?” the Emperor said softly. “After all, they were nearly in-laws with your family. I called you here to consider your feelings.”

Meng Guangshen’s resolve didn’t waver. 

“The Cui family harmed innocent people, stirring public anger. Their petty familial ties are insignificant compared to this national scandal. If such a case isn’t dealt with firmly, how can we intimidate other officials and uphold justice? As for my son’s marriage, I trust there will always be virtuous young ladies who value integrity over status.”

The Emperor pulled back the curtain, his expression softened. 

“When it comes to merit and integrity, who surpasses Minister Meng? You’ve always been upright and incorruptible. Without you, I don’t even know who I can confide in.”

This unexpected reaction gave Meng Guangshen pause. Forcing a smile, he asked, 

“Might I see the ledger?”

The Emperor handed it to him, and Meng Guangshen quickly flipped through it. There were no mentions of his family, but one page showed signs of being torn out.

Finally, he looked at Lu Huating, uncertain of his intentions. Lu Huating met his gaze with calm, inky black eyes.

“Minister Meng once saved my life. I dare not forget that debt of gratitude,” Lu Huating said, his voice calm yet pointed.

It was as if he deliberately offered the Meng family a favor, forcing Meng Guangshen to tolerate his presence in court.

The Emperor chuckled and mediated, “I should stand up for Yunming and say a few good words about you. Blood is thicker than water. After all these years, how can there still be such estrangement? Look at how concerned you are about Jiu Lang’s marriage, but what about Qi Lang? He’s been delayed for so long.”

Meng Guangshen stared only at Lu Huating. He disliked those eyes—eyes shaped like Lu Wan’s but with a mocking and knowing expression that was entirely his own. Seeing such shrewdness in a young man felt unnatural, like facing a monster. Suppressing his thoughts, he forced himself to remain outwardly composed.

The Emperor asked how the confiscated wealth should be handled, noting that the officials on the list were nervously awaiting judgment.

Meng Guangshen composed himself and replied, “Returning the money according to the list would be wise. It would show the Emperor’s leniency and remind the listed officials that their actions are known, creating a lasting deterrent.”

Using both mercy and pressure to win over people’s hearts, the strategy was accepted. Emperor Chen Ming nodded but hesitated.

Lu Huating offered a suggestion: “It can be returned, but since these funds evaded tax payments in the past, I suggest deducting two years’ worth of tax first, with the remainder returned. The treasury will still gain significantly.”

The emperor, pleased, praised Lu Huating’s idea. 

“If only you and your father could reconcile,” he sighed.

Lu Huating smiled faintly, while Meng Guangshen forced a polite response before leaving.

At that moment, the vice minister of justice entered with grim news: 

“Your Majesty, one of the Cui family members has escaped!”

“Who?” the Emperor asked.

“Cui Zhu had a younger brother named Cui Hao. The Cui family members staged a fight in prison to distract the guards and help Cui Hao escape. He likely fled with the key to their private treasury.”

From previous dynasties, wealthy families would often hide assets in private treasuries to evade confiscation during investigations. Despite the Ministry of Justice’s efforts, they had fallen behind.

“What is the Ministry of Justice doing? Capture him at once!” The Emperor’s displeasure was evident.

Lu Huating silently observed Meng Guangshen’s composed face crack briefly, his expression betraying a hint of unease. But the change was fleeting, and Meng Guangshen quickly regained his composure.

“Your Majesty, I am willing to assist the Ministry of Justice in apprehending Cui Hao,” Meng Guangshen said.

“Very well, Minister Meng, I leave it to you,” the Emperor said, dismissing both men.

Outside the hall, Jian Su waited for Lu Huating.

Seeing Lu Huating and Meng Guangshen exit one after the other, Jian Su was surprised. 

“Advisor, don’t you usually avoid associating with Minister Meng?”

Lu Huating paused before replying with a faint smile, “There’s a legend about Abutoné, cursed with immortality, and doomed to meet tragic ends in every lifetime. Each time he returns, he devises a new way to kill, lest his existence become too dull. Isn’t that interesting?”

Though the last cycle had reached the final killing stage, this time he had to feign weakness and amiability, which was nauseating.

He touched the sandalwood beads on his wrist, pausing at the colorful knot embedded in the center. Under the moonlight, the knot’s vibrant hues resembled a budding bellflower.

The wind lifted Lu Huating’s hair, dispelling his unease. 

“What is the person I told you to watch doing?”

The ledger is in her hands now. If the court remains calm, Southern Chu’s spies will likely contact her. Those spies must also be dealt with.

“She hasn’t done anything suspicious,” Jian Su replied. “Lady Qing hasn’t left her residence, likely busy assisting the Crown Princess with palace affairs. I’ll continue to watch her.”

Qun Qing was indeed preoccupied.

As the day to welcome the Buddha’s relic approached, she not only helped Zheng Zhiyi with ceremonial protocols but also inspected new robes and prayer attire issued by the Shangfu Bureau. After verifying the garments with Lan Yue, she worked by candlelight to alter Zheng Zhiyi’s prayer robe.

Lan Yue remarked, “Did you hear? The Cui family has fallen. That Cui family daughter, Cui Ying, who was said to have drowned during the exam, is suddenly alive again. Rumor has it she fell into an old tunnel from Southern Chu. Minister Meng petitioned to spare Cui Ying’s life and even plans to take her as a daughter-in-law for his son.”

Zheng Zhiyi was reciting her lessons when she suddenly looked up. 

“Prime Minister Meng truly has a kind heart. Even in such circumstances, he acknowledges this marriage. But I can’t imagine how he managed to raise someone as cold and heartless as Meng Guanlou!”

As Qun Qing threaded her needle, she mused that Meng Guangshen clearly understood the Emperor’s will. If Cui Ying were to be killed, it might provoke public criticism. This move, however, earned him a good reputation. 

“Cui Ying’s luck is truly terrible. Upon waking up, her entire family was confiscated, and she could only marry into the Meng family.”

“I heard that Meng Guanlou’s face turned black, and Cui Ying was still crying and making a fuss even as she boarded the bridal sedan.”

After altering the ceremonial robes, Qun Qing ensured they fit Zheng Zhiyi properly. Then, under the cover of darkness, she and Lan Yue stored the ceremonial garments in the storeroom.

In the dark, several faint green sparks flickered. 

Lan Yue yelped, “Ow! Why are the prayer robes chosen by the Ministry of Rites so thin? The static sparks are stinging my hand!”

Autumn and winter in Chang’an were dry, and clothes often generated static electricity, causing them to cling and wrinkle unattractively. The newly supplied “Huanxue Silk” was prone to this, making it neither neat nor visually appealing.

Qun Qing, having noticed this flaw earlier, remarked, “The officials at the Ministry of Rites don’t know how to make garments. They only approve what looks good. When Liangdi wears it that day, just spritz it with some water.”

Once everything was tidied up and the night grew quiet, Lan Yue departed. Qun Qing, however, stepped lightly outside and made her way into the garden.

Behind her, a faint rustling indicated someone was following. Qun Qing glanced back briefly but ignored them, allowing them to trail her.

The once-lush woods of the day appeared desolate under the night sky. Two women in hooded cloaks, holding lanterns, awaited her. Qun Qing approached them and offered a gentle bow. 

“Princess Consort.”

The two women were none other than Xiao Yunru and Cui Yu. Qun Qing said, 

“May I ask the Princess Consort to speak privately with this servant at the pavilion?”

“How dare you! The Princess Consort trusts you, so she came here late at night. If I don’t accompany her and something happens, what then?” Cui Yu exclaimed.

Xiao Yunru stopped her. “It’s fine. Lady Qing, please lead the way.”

“You sent me a note asking for a meeting. Truthfully, I’ve also wanted to see you alone to resolve my doubts,” Xiao Yunru said as they sat in the pavilion. Her gaze gently lingered on Qun Qing’s face before settling on the injury on her arm.

At this moment, Qun Qing silently thanked the gray falcon for successfully planting seeds of doubt in Xiao Yunru’s mind, which also provided her an excuse to refuse the Six Department of Palace Services’ recruitment.

“Does the Princess Consort suspect my identity, believing I am not an ordinary palace maid and wanting to know who I really am?” Qun Qing calmly asked. “In truth, I was chosen by His Highness the Crown Prince to be a shadow guard.”

Xiao Yunru was genuinely surprised.

“I deliberately used the advisor’s authority to go to Siye Tower. His Highness tasked me with retrieving the ledger for the Meng family, as it contains their name. The Meng family supports the Crown Prince. Since the Emperor’s intentions remain unclear, His Highness prefers to secure the evidence himself,” Qun Qing explained.

“That makes sense,” Xiao Yunru said unexpectedly. “But the ledger does not contain the Meng family’s name.”

Qun Qing’s eyelashes quivered, but she maintained her composure and handed over a copied version of the ledger. 

“Princess Consort, please take a look. Based on this transcription, the Meng family’s name does appear. Why it has disappeared now is something only the advisor can explain. As far as I know, there’s a grudge between the advisor and the Meng family…”

Xiao Yunru was momentarily drawn into her words.

After a pause, she said, “It doesn’t surprise me that you’re a shadow guard for the Crown Prince. What puzzles me is why the advisor knows this yet hides it from me, forcing me to verify your identity myself.”

Qun Qing was also perplexed. Why would Lu Huating conceal this? Perhaps he feared the spy’s identity would frighten Xiao Yunru?

“To be honest, the advisor… has been trying to recruit me to Prince Yan’s Palace. He probably didn’t tell you because he was worried it might create tension and make it harder for you to accept me in the future,” Qun Qing finally offered a convincing explanation.

It wasn’t entirely a lie; Lu Huating had indeed contemplated such a move but had ultimately abandoned the idea.

“Then why return the ledger and reveal all this to me?” Xiao Yunru pressed.

“I returned the ledger because, even as a pawn, I have my own integrity. Acting against my principles weighs heavily on me,” Qun Qing said earnestly, her eyes reflecting the glow of the moonlight. “I respect the Princess Consort’s capabilities and am grateful for your favor. But are you aware that my mission in joining the Six Departments of Palace Services is to replace you, seize your authority, and eventually drive you out?”

In the pavilion, there were no bystanders, no symbols of rank or status, just two women sitting calmly. Xiao Yunru’s usually composed and reserved face showed a trace of emotion.

“Do you think I’m speaking nonsense?” Qun Qing asked.

“No,” Xiao Yunru replied. “I believe you’re capable of such things, though you haven’t acted yet.”

“I invited the Princess Consort here today to make a request.” Qun Qing drew a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Xiao Yunru. “I no longer wish to be a pawn. I ask the Princess Consort to help me leave the palace and, in doing so, eliminate any future obstacles in your path.”

Xiao Yunru opened the letter, reading its heartfelt words, and gradually came to understand.

So this was her true goal.

“If I help you leave, won’t the Crown Prince blame me?” Xiao Yunru asked coolly.

“His Highness would only lose a shadow guard. He’ll find another strategist soon enough. Even if he feels resentment, it will fade in a few days. It’s far better for the Princess Consort to remove a rival now than to clash with them later,” Qun Qing said earnestly. “I trust in your capability.”

“Qun Qing, do you think I would dismiss you early out of fear that you might replace me?” Xiao Yunru laughed softly. “If you’re truly more capable than I am, what harm is there in handing you the reins of the inner palace?”

Qun Qing froze momentarily. The moonlight shone on Xiao Yunru’s hood, highlighting her upright posture and the noble air of a general’s daughter.

Thankfully, Xiao Yunru didn’t press her further. “It’s admirable that you want to follow your heart. But have you considered that you’re naturally skilled at wielding power? If you leave the palace, you’ll be nothing more than a commoner, focused only on your own survival. Staying in the Six Department of Palace Services would offer you far more opportunities—just like how you succeeded with Siye Tower.”

After a brief silence, Qun Qing responded, “I have family outside the palace whom I cannot abandon. I ask the Princess Consort to keep my departure a secret and add my name to the list of dismissed palace maids. As for my vacant position, it can be filled by someone else.”

“If you insist, I’ll respect your decision,” Xiao Yunru said, her voice tinged with regret. “The position prepared for you was a seventh-rank officer in charge of ceremonial robes. I’ll leave a recommendation letter for you. If you change your mind and want to stay in the Six Department of Palace Services, come find me.”

Qun Qing’s eyes brightened with gratitude. Suppressing her excitement, she bowed deeply. “Thank you, Princess Consort, for your grace.”

“No need to thank me yet.” Perhaps feeling stifled by the night air, Xiao Yunru covered her mouth and waved a fan to stir the air. “Before you leave, the Shangfu Bureau has some tasks you must complete on my behalf.”

Under the sparse stars and bright moon, Qun Qing quickly disappeared into the shadows. Just as the hooded Princess Consort was about to rise, Zhu Su and Jian Su sprang forth, startling Xiao Yunru and prompting simultaneous cries from Lu Huating and Cui Yu.

When the hood was pulled back to reveal Xiao Yunru, Zhu Su and Jian Su were dumbfounded. Their movements faltered mid-air, and they fell to the ground, bowing deeply. 

“Princess Consort?”

Xiao Yunru stumbled back a step, but she quickly regained her composure.

Lu Huating scanned the stone table, noting no food or drink, suggesting only conversation had taken place. His dark eyes locked onto Xiao Yunru. 

“What did she say to you?”

Xiao Yunru didn’t answer. Instead, with a hint of curiosity, she asked, 

“Advisor, does my complexion look that bad?”

“That Lady Qing is just like you,” Xiao Yunru said, touching her face lightly. “She advised me to take care of my health this year, not to overwork, and to eat more red dates.”