After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 61

The imperial physician extracted the arrow from the elderly monk.

“The envoy is fortunate—the arrow didn’t hit the heart or lungs,” the physician said. “We just need to stop the bleeding.”

Behind the screen, Han Wanyi’s strained breathing reached their ears. After a moment of silence, Lu Huating spoke, 

“If his life is not in imminent danger, I can hold this cloth in place. Please attend to Han Wanyi instead.”

Han Wanyi said firmly, “I can bear it. Someone attempted to harm the envoy—please ensure his wound is properly treated. Don’t take this lightly.”

Lu Huating raised his lashes, remaining silent, though a trace of doubt appeared in his gaze.

What kind of pregnant woman would disregard her unborn child in such a moment? Qun Qing’s last rescue operation with acupuncture was suspicious enough—perhaps he had long known Han Wanyi was hiding something.

Today’s intrusion might be another calculated move against him.

“Check Han Wanyi’s pulse immediately,” Lu Huating said. “If anything happens, I cannot take responsibility.”

“Lord Lu, aren’t you overstepping your bounds?” Han Wanyi turned to Qun Qing, cold sweat beading on her pale face. She had just swallowed a pill that could simulate a woman’s monthly cycle in her pulse, but the effects had not yet taken hold. If Lu Huating discovered the truth, the situation would spiral out of control.

Qun Qing stepped forward and blocked the physician’s path. 

“Physician Wu, you lack expertise in gynecology. What if something goes wrong under your care?”

Her words drew Lu Huating’s attention. His expression was unreadable, but his dark eyes bore into her with intensity. His gaze confirmed to Qun Qing that he had seen through her facade.

After a pause, Lu Huating said, 

“Lady Qing, walking along the riverbank too often—aren’t you afraid of getting your shoes wet?”

“I’m not wet,” Qun Qing replied. “But it seems the advisor’s robes are.”

Following her gaze, Lu Huating glanced down. Having waded into the water earlier to rescue someone, his robes had soaked through, leaving a spreading damp circle on the ground, and water droplets still clung to the strands of his hair.

“Do you have a handkerchief with you? Wipe it for me,” Lu Huating said, his nonchalant tone carrying a note of provocation.

Qun Qing pulled a plain handkerchief from her sleeve and folded it.

If he wanted a battle of wits, she was willing to delay.

She knew Lu Huating hated being touched and would never allow her to come too close. Sure enough, as her handkerchief neared his temple, he turned his head slightly, avoiding it.

He cast a glance at the bloodstained arrow on the tray. 

“How do I know that arrow wasn’t yours? Acting sweet to use me—you’ve mistaken me for someone too merciful.”

Qun Qing glanced at Physician Wu, who stood by nervously, his lips trembling. Then she pressed the handkerchief against Lu Huating’s temple. 

“What is the advisor implying? Who would dare assassinate a foreign envoy? I would never commit such an irreverent act against the divine.”

Lu Huating stared into her unwavering eyes and froze.

Qun Qing had intended to scrub vigorously, to humiliate him. But reality didn’t match her expectations. Nervous, she barely applied pressure, yet even so, her fingertips could feel the warmth through the thin fabric.

After a mere two wipes, she hastily pulled her hand back, and the handkerchief slipped onto Lu Huating’s lapel.

At that moment, a withered hand seized Lu Huating’s wrist!

The elderly monk’s eyes opened, and he began murmuring. The surrounding physician couldn’t understand Sanskrit, his face blank. However, Dewu’s expression changed drastically as he looked at Lu Huating in astonishment.

The old monk struggled to sit upright, gripping Lu Huating’s prayer beads so tightly they creaked. His clouded eyes were filled with fear and anger. 

“It’s you! The youth who killed Master Zengjia—that was you!”

Qun Qing turned to look at Lu Huating. His expression remained indifferent as the monk tugged at him, yet his eyes were steeped in a deep, inky blackness, as if submerged in a flood of memories. A sudden, murderous aura enveloped him, and it extended toward Qun Qing as well.

Her startled expression betrayed that she understood Sanskrit.

Cold sweat broke out on Qun Qing’s forehead. In her youth, she had studied Sanskrit as Yang Fu’s companion, but she had never imagined she would stumble upon such a secret.

Master Zengjia, who had given both prayer beads and a coffin, was thought to be Lu Huating’s mentor and friend. Who would have guessed that he had already died at Lu Huating’s hands?

The old monk’s grip on Lu Huating’s wrist abruptly slackened as he fainted.

It was Qun Qing’s hand strike that rendered him unconscious.

Calmly, she addressed the stunned physician and Dewu. 

“The envoy’s injury has led to a high fever and delirium. Such agitation will hinder his recovery. Let him rest, and please proceed with acupuncture, Physician Wu.”

Dewu pursed his lips, appearing convinced.

Lu Huating’s complex gaze lingered on Qun Qing. She lowered her voice and whispered close to his ear, 

“The crime on that sealed edict—was it this?”

The Great Chen dynasty has always revered teachers and upheld moral conduct. Committing treachery against a teacher is akin to patricide—both are acts of great betrayal. Moreover, Master Zengjia was a highly respected monk of the Liuli Kingdom. Although Qun Qing didn’t know the details, just judging by the outcome, such a grave breach of virtue, if presented to the Emperor, would be enough to ruin Lu Huating’s career.

“The Emperor will be here soon.” Qun Qing was still preoccupied with the current crisis. “If the Advisor leaves now, I’ll act as though I heard nothing.”

Lu Huating’s cold gaze lingered on Qun Qing’s face for a moment before he slowly pried the old monk’s hand from his wrist and left the room like a wandering spirit.

“Her Highness is bleeding!” Han Wanyi’s palace maid cried out.

The drug Han Wanyi had taken began to take effect. While it could mimic pregnancy symptoms, the pain it caused was no less severe. Han Wanyi clutched the maid’s hand so tightly that it turned red.

Qun Qing turned to the flustered Physician Wu. 

“There’s only the two of us here. You are innocent, and Her Highness will not hold you accountable. Please tend to her.”

Assessing the situation, Physician Wu nodded repeatedly.

News quickly reached Emperor Chenming, who immediately halted the hunt and strode over with Concubine Lu and a few attendants in tow.

Qun Qing explained, “Your Majesty, Consort Wanyi is unwell. This servant attempted acupuncture, but it was ineffective. The physician is currently attending to her.”

Emperor Chenming shot her a cold glance, making Qun Qing’s scalp tingle.

Before she could finish, his dragon robe swept past her, the force disheveling her hair as he pushed the door open and drew aside the curtain.

Inside, Han Wanyi was reclining on the couch, her gown pooling on the floor. She looked as withered as a wilting flower, and a basin of blood-stained water sat nearby. The doctor knelt trembling on the floor.

Concubine Lu glanced at Han Wanyi, then immediately slapped the palace maid at her side. “Why didn’t you take proper care of Her Highness?”

The Emperor’s wrath was unavoidable, and she sought to shift the blame onto the servants.

A young eunuch hesitantly explained, “We could only summon one physician nearby. Earlier, the envoy was suddenly attacked and bleeding profusely. Her Highness feared disrupting state matters and urgently called for the physician to stop the bleeding first…”

Han Wanyi sobbed, “Your Majesty, this concubine is at fault. I failed to protect the child. Please do not blame the innocent.”

Emperor Chenming glanced at the old monk lying unconscious nearby, closed his eyes, and sighed heavily, his emotions in turmoil. He had placed great hope in this unborn fifth prince, given the issues with his four other heirs. Now that hope had turned to dust. Yet in this situation, who could he blame?

“Don’t cry. It’s not your fault. It’s mine for neglecting you.” Looking at Han Wanyi’s tear-streaked face, Emperor Chenming suppressed the pain in his heart and gently wiped her tears with his thumb.

Among the new consorts, Han Wanyi was elegant and composed, though her personality was too cold to rival Concubine Lu’s favor. Now, seeing her so enduring and considerate, Emperor Chenming was overcome with guilt. 

“Someone, promote Han Wanyi the title of Concubine Han.”

Han Wanyi’s eyelashes trembled, and her grip loosened. The plum blossom token symbolizing her youthful love slipped into the basin of blood.

Concubine Lu clenched her hands in her sleeves but quickly composed herself, only to endure a reprimand from Emperor Chenming: 

“Why was there only one physician nearby? Why was the envoy unprotected? A single autumn hunt, and you’ve left so many flaws. If you lack the ability, stop scheming for the Empress’ position!”

Recently enjoying immense favor, Concubine Lu now felt as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. She bit her lip and quickly adjusted her expression. 

“This concubine is at fault and deserves to die. Please take care of yourself, Your Majesty. The envoy being injured by an arrow must mean there is a spy among us. I will investigate thoroughly.”

After leaving the pavilion, Emperor Chenming saw Qun Qing still kneeling outside the door, calm and without complaint. He sighed. 

“It’s been hard on you, taking care of the Crown Princess and still thinking of Concubine Han.”

Hearing his tone, Qun Qing knew the matter had been resolved and felt relieved. 

“Madam Wanyi is the Crown Princess’ mother, which makes her my master as well. Caring for her is my duty. I once helped Her Highness protect her pregnancy; I always pay attention to my patients.”

“Fetch a gold arrow from me and give it to her as a reward,” Emperor Chenming instructed. “Go find Zhiyi and reassure her.”

Qun Qing complied but hesitated. 

“Your Majesty, the astrologer previously calculated that Princess Bao’an would clash with Concubine Han’s child. Earlier, I seemed to see Princess Bao’an with Prince Yan…”

Emperor Chenming’s face, which had just calmed, was once again filled with anger. 

“Bring that unfilial son to me!”

Qun Qing turned to leave, a faintly cool smile playing on her lips as she distanced herself from the storm.

The wind rustled the leaves, sweeping through Qun Qing’s skirt and flowing shawl.

“Why didn’t you stop her just now, Advisor?” Jian Su glanced at Lu Huating, who remained silent, seated on his horse while adjusting the crossbow in his hands.

“Your Highness, the matter concerning Han Wanyi has been resolved,” Qun Qing handed the golden arrow to Li Xuan.

Li Xuan was watching Zheng Zhiyi hunting in the distance. 

“Did Father give you a hard time?”

“Lady Qing, look! I’ve already caught a whole pouch!” Zheng Zhiyi shouted excitedly from afar, her voice brimming with energy. She gleamed under the sunlight in her riding attire, guiding her chestnut horse with agility and grace.

Usually only considered fair in looks, Zheng Zhiyi transformed on horseback. Her cheeks flushed with color, and her demeanor was as vibrant as the sun itself. Qun Qing smiled at her, and even Li Xuan’s gaze was involuntarily drawn to her figure.

At that moment, the horse Zheng Zhiyi rode suddenly convulsed.

It stumbled, and as it twisted its head, Zheng Zhiyi tugged hard at the reins, pressing her legs against the horse’s sides. Yet, the usual methods to control the animal failed her.

The bag of game spilled across the ground as the horse bolted into the dense forest, carrying Zheng Zhiyi with it. No matter how hard she pulled on the reins, the horse refused to stop.

The hunting officer following Zheng Zhiyi turned pale and hurriedly gave chase, but her horse was already far ahead. If it crashed into a tree, she might very well break her neck!

“Why are you all standing there? Get someone to chase her!” Li Xuan’s face darkened as he barked out orders. Zheng Fu bolted away, calling for help.

“If we wait for the Imperial Guards, it’ll be too late…” Qun Qing stared into the forest, her heart sinking into an empty void.

“Then what do you suggest we do?” Li Xuan demanded, visibly anxious.

A gust of wind passed by. To his astonishment, Qun Qing had already mounted a horse, snatching an arrow pouch from a nearby consort as she climbed on. She deftly drew an arrow and jabbed it into the horse’s flank. The horse neighed in pain and galloped headlong into the forest.

Li Xuan’s face turned ashen.

Meanwhile, Yang Fu and Li Huan knelt before Emperor Chenming in another part of the hunting grounds.

Yang Fu’s hair was disheveled, her lips curled in a sly, mysterious smile. At this point, she had abandoned all pretense of modesty. Last night, she had not let Li Huan succeed; after all, a man must be kept at arm’s length to maintain his obsession.

Despite Emperor Chenming’s evident fury, Li Huan boldly insisted on marrying her as his secondary consort. Yang Fu was momentarily taken aback, but that brief flicker of surprise was quickly replaced by elation.

At least she wouldn’t be confined to a small pavilion anymore.

One day, she would wield even greater power. Whether as a spy or any other role, it was better than being forgotten.

Today, she had also orchestrated another spectacle.

Yang Fu’s lethargic gaze shifted toward the distant hunting grounds. When she spotted Qun Qing riding into the forest, a hint of malice flashed in her eyes.

That day, Qun Qing had vowed to stay by her side forever, but now she had truly sworn allegiance to that bandit’s daughter.

Then they should die together.

Qun Qing’s horse raced so fast that her robes and shawl fluttered like an arrow in flight. Soon, she caught sight of Zheng Zhiyi clinging to her runaway horse, desperately holding onto the reins.

Drawing an arrow, Qun Qing hurled it into a tree trunk. Startled, the chestnut horse reared up on its hind legs, narrowly avoiding a collision with a tree. It veered off in another direction, and Qun Qing readied another arrow.

“Wasn’t Miss Qing supposed to be bad at horseback riding?” Jian Su exclaimed in shock. 

“How is she… Advisor!”

Lu Huating had already spurred his horse into a gallop. To Jian Su’s greater astonishment, the wind seemed to carry an unsettling revelation: 

Lu Huating calmly nocked an arrow and aimed at Qun Qing’s back.

His dark eyes glinted coldly, lingering on the prayer beads around his left wrist. Yet his heart remained unmoved. The old monk’s words resurfaced in his mind, rekindling his hatred and dragging him back to those suffocating days of entrapment—a sensation akin to drowning in a sea with no escape.

He knew such a matter, once exposed to his political adversaries, would undoubtedly threaten his life.

It wasn’t his first time harboring murderous intent.

If he released the arrow now, she would die instantly without pain. The threat she posed, her interference, and all the obstacles she had caused would vanish without a trace. He was confident he could realign everything to its proper course.

Lu Huating’s aim remained steady on the slender figure ahead, but her silhouette began to sway, slipping out of his target.

Qun Qing’s horse had veered off course.

She suddenly appeared to lose control of her mount, her posture unsteady, as though she truly couldn’t ride. Her figure wobbled precariously, swaying with the erratic movements of the horse.