After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 64

Lin Yujia turned around, and Qun Qing appeared behind him.

It seemed that the nourishing food in the Eastern Palace had done wonders. After not seeing her for some time, she no longer resembled a bag of bones. Instead, her figure was now graceful and well-proportioned. In the dim light, her face bore a resemblance to the celestial Jade Goddess.

Lin Yujia’s gaze turned strange. Today, she was markedly different from usual.

Qun Qing, who was typically reserved and aloof, now stood with disheveled attire and a faint flush on her cheeks. Lin Yujia had never seen such an unrestrained expression on her face before. For a moment, he was captivated, but this was quickly replaced by a surge of hidden anger as countless suspicions flooded his mind. He forced a smile. 

“It’s been months since we last met, Liu niang. What have you been up to?”

As Lin Yujia approached her, he grabbed her shoulders and scrutinized her expression. 

“You haven’t already given yourself to Advisor Lu, have you?”

Before he could finish, Qun Qing raised her hand and struck him.

She hit him hard. Lin Yujia’s head buzzed, followed by sharp pain that made him groan. Seeing the blood on his hand from the corner of his mouth, a flash of fury appeared in his eyes.

She actually hit him.

“Consider it merciful that I only hit you once.” Qun Qing’s dark, unlit eyes momentarily left Lin Yujia stunned. “You call yourself my fiancé, yet the moment someone comes along, you cower like a turtle. How dare you show your face to me?”

Lin Yujia’s mind thundered. 

“Liu niang, are you really involved with Lu Huating?”

“If you were even slightly useful, would I need to turn to someone else?” Qun Qing shot him a glance. Her calm words made Lin Yujia’s blood surge, as though ants were gnawing at his heart, leaving his dignity in tatters.

After a long pause, he managed to squeeze out a sentence. 

“…You truly dare to admit it. This is betrayal!”

“Why didn’t you report it to me or inform the master?” Lin Yujia sneered, holding his face. “You’ve colluded with Prince Yan’s household, sabotaging the plans for the Six Offices. Liu niang, do you think your words still hold weight with me? I’m afraid you’ve long forgotten your father and brother’s vengeance!”

“Precisely because I remember their vengeance that I’ve placed my life at risk,” Qun Qing said serenely, though a kind of madness seemed to burn in her dark eyes. “He’s so distrustful. How could I gain his trust without feigning allegiance? Do you think your petty tricks could fool Prince Yan’s household?”

Lin Yujia was stunned. Knowing Qun Qing’s temperament, if she truly had to submit to an enemy, she would’ve long taken her own life. It turned out she was burning her bridges, intending to use a beauty trap. 

“You’ve gone mad.”

“I’ve long seen through you. You only care about your achievements, and Princess Bao’an only seeks wealth and honor,” Qun Qing said. “In any case, my life holds no meaning. If that’s so, I might as well take revenge myself.”

Her pupils were pitch-black and brimming with resentment. She stepped forward, forcing Lin Yujia to take a step back. 

“I called you here to tell you that this operation must succeed. There can be no failure. I want them all to pay the price.”

In the dim light of night, her expression made her look like a vengeful spirit. Lin Yujia’s face changed several times, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. He could only nod and say, “Rest assured,” before leaving in haste.

After sending Lin Yujia away, Qun Qing felt relieved.

Lu Huating clapped his hands behind her. 

“I didn’t expect you to resort to violence, my lady.”

So much for stepping back, yet he still overheard everything.

Qun Qing’s face grew hot as she ignored the faint sting in her palm. 

“Would Advisor Lu show mercy to someone who betrayed him?”

Lu Huating deliberately stepped behind her, studying the redness behind her ears. His tone turned cool. 

“You let him go. You won’t choose me, yet you expect me to help you? It seems you’re toying with me.”

Qun Qing turned, blocking his path with her body. 

“Advisor Lu, aren’t you trying to find something to use against me? Why rush? I can’t escape anyway. He’s still useful to me. After the consecration of the Buddha relic is over, I’ll personally deliver him to you.”

Hearing this, Lu Huating’s expression shifted. 

“If you’re counting on something going wrong with the Buddha relic ceremony…”

“Trust me. Nothing will go wrong. I haven’t finished telling you about the favor I plan to repay you,” Qun Qing interrupted him. “I wonder if Advisor Lu has noticed that in the early morning, there’s mist around the Zhaixing Tower. After an hour of sunrise, the mist entirely disperses toward the northeast.”

Lu Huating listened quietly.

“This is because the southwest of the Zhaixing Tower is Lake Taize. During sunrise, the land breeze from the lake is funneled by the Sanqing Hall and the side halls of the Scholars’ Courtyard, blowing away the dense mist.”

Seeing his understanding, Qun Qing prepared to leave. She then heard Lu Huating’s amused voice behind her. 

“Is what you said earlier true, my lady?”

Qun Qing asked, “Which part are you referring to?”

She slightly turned her head, only to be met with silence. Just as she turned back to question him, Lu Huating spoke. 

“In any case, my life holds no meaning. If that’s so, I might as well take revenge myself.'”

“Everything but that is false. Advisor Lu need not concern himself,” Qun Qing replied without looking back as she quickly descended the mountain.

—

A few days later, the entourage returned to the palace in grand procession.

As for the Southern Chu spy who had shot an arrow at the envoy, the matter was left unresolved. Concubine Lu vented her anger by slapping two of her trusted guards. The incident became fodder for gossip across the various palaces, but it was soon replaced by fresher scandals.

After returning, Qun Qing resumed packing her belongings in secret.

She couldn’t take the palace attendants’ attire, so she only brought two plain outfits. Qun Qing stuffed all the money she had earned into three chests and handed them to Lan Yue.

Lan Yue asked, “Do you want them converted into luminous pearls or gold ingots?”

Qun Qing said, “Gold ingots and silver ingots, I suppose.”

“How about this,” Lan Yue suggested, counting on her fingers. “I’ll exchange a few luminous pearls for you, along with some gold and silver ingots, a bit of broken silver, and the rest into coins strung on a red thread for easy use. When you’re out, try to keep a low profile and spend the smaller denominations first.”

Her thoughtful consideration warmed Qun Qing’s heart. The three large chests were converted into a small pouch that could fit into her bag. Suddenly, Lan Yue hugged her tightly and choked out, 

“Are you really leaving?”

Lan Yue’s tears slowed Qun Qing’s packing. She had grown attached to everyone in Qingxuan Pavilion, and now, at the moment of parting, warmth surged through her chest. 

“When you’re freed, I’ll come find you,” Qun Qing said.

“That’ll be after my death,” Lan Yue replied. “I have no family outside and must stay by the Crown Princess’s side…”

At that moment, Zheng Zhiyi entered the hall and, seeing the two embracing, averted her gaze. Lan Yue hurriedly greeted, 

“Your Highness.”

Zheng Zhiyi nodded slightly, picked up a book, and left the side hall.

“Don’t you think the Crown Princess has been acting strange lately?” Lan Yue remarked.

Qun Qing had noticed too. Since returning from Xianyou Temple, Zheng Zhiyi had been visibly upset. Being young and unable to hide her emotions, even her smiles vanished when she looked at Qun Qing.

Thinking of this, Qun Qing followed her. 

“Your Highness, is there something you wish to say to this servant?”

“There’s nothing to say,” Zheng Zhiyi replied, lifting her skirt as she stepped over the threshold.

“Leaving books in the side hall is inconvenient. How about I make a bookshelf for you?” Qun Qing suggested.

Zheng Zhiyi’s fists clenched inside her sleeves. Turning back, she commanded sternly, 

“Qun Qing, kneel.”

Lan Yue was startled, and Qun Qing froze for a moment before obeying and kneeling before Zheng Zhiyi.

A look of grievance flickered across Zheng Zhiyi’s face. 

“Is there something you’re hiding from me?”

Qun Qing’s lashes quivered. 

“This servant has nothing to hide.”

“You dare say that again!” Zheng Zhiyi smashed a flower vase near the door, its shattering sound sharp and alarming. 

“How long have you been meeting Li Xuan in secret while holding the lamp at night?!”

Lan Yue’s mouth gaped open in shock.

This matter had begun a few days earlier.

Shortly after Qun Qing was taken away by Concubine Lu’s people, Meng Baoshu had sneaked into the meditation room under the cover of night, claiming she had something to report.

Her claim? That Qun Qing and Li Xuan secretly met while Zheng Zhiyi slept, and that Li Xuan’s frequent visits to Qingxuan Pavilion were not for Zheng Zhiyi, but to see Qun Qing.

Naturally, Zheng Zhiyi thought it was nonsense.

Baoshu insisted, “If Your Highness doesn’t believe me, stay awake at night and see for yourself!”

After that, she left with a bow, saying no more.

Back at the palace, Zheng Zhiyi recalled Baoshu’s words and pretended to sleep one night while keeping her eyes open. Sure enough, in the middle of the night, she saw through the gap in the bed curtain that Qun Qing and Li Xuan were discussing official documents under the lamplight.

All the little details from before—the midnight sounds, Li Xuan’s looks, his gestures toward Qun Qing—came together like a thunderbolt.

She didn’t care deeply for Li Xuan, but that didn’t mean she didn’t care at all.

Now, Zheng Zhiyi said coldly, “Lady Qing, do you know what I despise the most? Betrayal.”

Sensing the worsening situation, Lan Yue interjected, 

“Your Highness, it’s a misunderstanding! His Highness only asked Lady Qing to help with state affairs.”

“Who gave you permission to speak? I want to hear it from her!” Zheng Zhiyi snapped.

Seeing her expression, Qun Qing felt as though her heart were being cut by a knife. 

“It’s my fault. I did assist His Highness with state matters and didn’t inform the Crown Princess. But I swear, I have no personal feelings for him.”

“Your Highness, please don’t misunderstand Lady Qing!” Lan Yue pleaded urgently. “She’s leaving the palace soon to reunite with her lover.”

Zheng Zhiyi’s anger turned to surprise, leaving her momentarily stunned. 

“You’re leaving the palace? You’re leaving me?”

Qun Qing bowed deeply. 

“Your Highness is now self-sufficient, and it’s time for this servant to fulfill her own wishes. I plan to leave the palace and reunite with my family. My name is already on the roster of dismissed palace maids. Since I am determined to leave, I could not possibly have any involvement with His Highness. If Your Highness doubts me, you may check the records.”

“I’ll check!” Zheng Zhiyi took a deep breath, spun on her heel, and left the room. “If you’re lying, you’ll see what happens!”

Zheng Zhiyi immediately dismissed her attendants, went to the Bureau of Palace Affairs, and forcefully obtained the roster. One glance at the list brought tears streaming down her face.

Qun Qing’s name was indeed there.

Zheng Zhiyi rushed back. Seeing Qun Qing still kneeling, she said, 

“Lady Qing, you taught me to stand on my own and helped me get this far. I don’t care if you have feelings for Li Xuan or not. I just… I already see you as a sister. Did you keep everything from me because you think I’m a fool?”

A dull ache filled Qun Qing’s heart. Zheng Zhiyi didn’t know why she had helped her in this lifetime. Pressing her lips together, Qun Qing said, 

“In my heart, I already see Your Highness as family. It’s just that I have important matters to attend to and tend to be cautious. But I have never meant to deceive you. I sincerely hope Your Highness will have a peaceful and prosperous life ahead.”

“Don’t say anything more.” Zheng Zhiyi wiped away her tears, sobbing as she said, “If you want to leave, then leave. Qingxuan Pavilion was never able to keep you, and I cannot bear to share a husband with someone else. Listen to me—under no circumstances must you let the Crown Prince know.”

Zheng Zhiyi, decisive by nature, wept as she helped Qun Qing pack her belongings. She also petitioned the emperor for special grace to participate in the ritual alongside the flower-bearing palace maids.

Qun Qing gradually calmed down. She knelt before the ram’s-head sachet in reverence, offering one final stick of incense.

Perhaps this was the best outcome.

On the third day of the tenth month, the Liuli Kingdom celebrated the Buddha’s birthday. Before dawn, the faithful in Chang’an bathed, burned incense, and donned freshly perfumed clothes. Women discreetly hid incense seals in their sleeves, while young girls carefully carried white lotus flowers. As the heavy Chongxuan Gate opened, they surged into the palace city, shoulder to shoulder in a throng.

Those in the back could only see the heads of those in front, but in their eagerness to glimpse the grand ceremony of welcoming the Buddha’s relics, the crowd clogged the roads, leaving no space to move.

The towering Zhaixing Tower stood shrouded in a light white mist. From afar, the leading citizens caught sight of a resplendent maroon velvet carpet laid beneath the tower, stretching grandly to the gates of the Southern Palace.

Someone lifted their child onto their shoulders. 

“Look! That’s where the Buddha’s relics will be carried into the pagoda!”

In the chill of the morning dew, Lin Yujia adjusted his ceremonial robe, nodding occasionally to the ritual officers passing by. He was the ritual officer responsible for burning incense and offerings that day.

Sensing someone lingering beside him, Lin Yujia looked up and was startled. Through the strange makeup, he finally recognized Qun Qing.

She was dressed in simple robes, her hair styled in a low bun, her face painted with a light golden lacquer, and her lips painted black with red eyebrows—a look called the “Buddha Makeup,” identical to the other flower-bearing palace maids.

Qun Qing had managed to blend into the team of flower-bearing palace maids. Now, she said, “I’m ready. You know what to do.”

Lin Yujia’s brow twitched, and he urged her to leave. “Rest assured.”

However, as he watched Qun Qing walk away with the flower, Lin Yujia smirked disdainfully.

That day, upon returning to the palace, he went to the bamboo grove behind the Six Department of Palace Services. Before long, a shadow embraced him from behind—it was Chu Dianyi.

It turned out the two had long been secretly involved. Chu Dianyi’s docile, tender demeanor deeply captivated him, leaving Qun Qing, his cold and rigid fiancée, entirely forgotten.

Lin Yujia revealed Qun Qing’s plans to Chu Dianyi. 

She said, “Do you trust her? During the Six Department of Palace Services exam, I saw everything clearly from the hall. Liu Siyu was caught, yet she remained unscathed. I pushed Cui Ying into the water, and she held the token but escaped unharmed. When we tampered with the arrangements, she immediately told Lu Huating. If she isn’t connected to Lu Huating, I’d find it hard to believe.”

Hearing this, Lin Yujia felt a pang of unease but laughed it off. 

“Do you think I’m a fool? She wants me to act, so I will?”

“Then what’s your plan?”

“If she insists on acting, we’ll help her—but on our terms. Keep an eye on her these days. If she enters Shangfu Bureau, don’t forget to gather evidence,” Lin Yujia said. “If she doesn’t act, the master won’t spare her. And if she succeeds, well, it’s all her doing—I’ll have done nothing.”

Upon returning, Lin Yujia soaked his ceremonial robe in alum water and left it to dry. Not long after, Chu Dianyi reported that Qun Qing had again visited Shangfu Bureau to replace the velvet carpet—this must be what she had referred to as her “preparations.” Lin Yujia instructed Chu Dianyi to sprinkle castor oil on the new carpet.

As the event approached, Lin Yujia felt a twinge of guilt.

Yet the thought of how Qun Qing had given him nothing but cold indifference, while she devoted herself to Lu Huating, made him push past his reservations. The bitterness in his heart left no room for sentimentality.

Lin Yujia lit a stick of incense on the three-tiered platform, where the candles blazed brightly. He noticed that the arrangement of the incense platform and copper basins seemed different today. Yet, seeing that the rest of the setup, including the nobles’ positions, had all shifted as well, he dismissed the thought.

When it came to organizing rituals, Prince Yan’s household was an outsider. As for Lu Huating, a mere soldier, he could only hope no major mishaps occurred while hosting this grand event for the imperial will.

On the second floor of Delin Hall, Lu Huating sat at a high platform, drinking wine.

The old monk from the Liuli Kingdom had recovered and was attending the event, so Lu Huating had excused himself to avoid upsetting him.

From this vantage point, he had a clear view of the Zhaixing Tower and its surroundings.

He noticed Qun Qing speaking to Lin Yujia briefly. Soon after, Lin Yujia’s attire seemed to glimmer faintly. 

“What is that?” he asked.

Jian Su replied, “Lady Qing sprinkled phosphorus powder on him.”

Lu Huating paused mid-sip, smiling with evident amusement.

Observing Qun Qing in her Buddha Makeup blending into the flower-bearing maids’ team, a hint of puzzlement surfaced in his mind.

These palace maids would be permitted to leave the palace after the ceremony.

But upon reflection, it made sense. Regular palace maids couldn’t remain close to the nobles during the ritual. Only these flower-bearing maids, with their mobility, could effectively control the situation.

This woman was cunning. Dressed like this, she clearly had other plans. He was curious to see what they were.