After Rebirth, I Married my Archenemy - Chapter 99

At Jiangling Temple in Yunzhou, the air was thick with incense smoke.

Yunzhou’s Governor, Officer Liu, knelt on a prayer cushion before the jade statue of the Buddha and bowed deeply.

“Prince Yan should be arriving soon, shouldn’t he?”

“I’ve already sent a carriage to the docks to meet him,” replied Officer Liu’s son, Liu You, a little flustered. “I’m just worried that he’s coming to dig up dirt on us—he might be looking for trouble.”

Officer Liu remained calm. 

“It’s alright. We’ve done everything necessary to address the disaster. We’ve reinforced the dam and cleared the old well. The outer city is calm, and they will be able to see it when they arrive. People are gathered in the inner city, which is separated from the Governor’s Mansion by a long embankment. When Prince Yan arrives, I’ve already instructed you to bring them to the mansion and treat them well. There are more than a hundred people there. Even if the Prince brings a few secret guards, he will have to assess the situation carefully.”

Liu You gave a short “Mm,” feeling a little reassured. “But Prince Yan is known for being ruthless in how he handles things. I’m just afraid he’s set on treating Yunzhou the same way he did to Xuzhou.”

Officer Liu gave a cold smile. 

“His consort is several months pregnant. He’s just here to put on a show for the Emperor, that’s all. You really think he’s here to save flood victims? Unless, of course, he doesn’t care about his wife anymore.”

His voice had taken on a chilling edge by the end.

As Officer Liu stared at the Buddha statue, Liu You glanced at it too—only to be startled as two coins clinked and rolled out from behind the curtain, landing on the offering table.

Someone was hiding behind the statue.

That someone had been listening to their conversation—or perhaps, his father had been speaking to the person behind it all along.

Liu You took another look at the coins. The markings didn’t match those of the Dachen Dynasty; instead, they bore a coiled serpent insignia—the currency of Southern Chu.

He dared not say a single word.

Officer Liu bowed low again. 

“I understand.”

Inside the cramped carriage, even the smallest movement brought one’s arm brushing against another’s sleeve. Qun Qing kept as still as she could.

Every now and then, she lifted the curtain with her finger to peek outside.

The days of rain had passed. In the distance, ragged townspeople walked dully along the long embankment. It seemed the floods had begun to recede.

Lu Huating turned his head and caught sight of Qun Qing’s slender neck. She was curled up in the corner of the carriage, silent for most of the journey. Clearly, the ride was making her sick.

He decided to speak on purpose.

“Yunzhou can’t even produce its tribute properly. Where does my lady plan to find extra yunjin brocade?”

Qun Qing paused before answering quietly, “Most tribute items are kept in the regional governor’s private storehouse. Yunzhou has flooded, the common folk’s homes are submerged… but has the governor’s manor been flooded too?”

According to old Southern Chu customs, government estates in the Jiangnan region were built atop high ground, towering above the city, visible from afar.

“So, you think Officer Liu deliberately collected cheap, stained, or damaged brocade and presented it as tribute? And that there’s more hidden within the city?”

Qun Qing didn’t reply.

She knew perfectly well that Lu Huating’s mission was to confiscate the governor’s estate.
If she were to be honest about her intentions, they were simple: let Lu Huating do the hard work, then follow behind and pick up whatever he left behind.

But of course, such plans were not for him to know.

She turned her face away, looking instead at the sachet of fragrant yellow herbs tied at his waist. The bumpy ride was worsening her nausea—she needed something to ease it.

Lu Huating followed her gaze and understood immediately. His dark eyes settled on her face.

“This is a talisman for protection,” he said. “I’m not supposed to take it off. But if you ask for it, I’ll give it to you.”

Qun Qing closed her eyes.

Lu Huating watched her for a moment, then shrugged off his outer robe. She flinched slightly at the sound, but he simply laid it over her knees. The robe still carried the faint scent of yellow herbs.

Without a word, she draped it over her shoulders.

Lu Huating realized he rather enjoyed seeing her pushed into a corner like this.

But just as that thought crossed his mind, Qun Qing suddenly reached for his waist.

He caught her wrist—too late. There was a soft tearing sound as the silver needle in her hand sliced the sachet’s cord. In the next instant, the pouch was in her hand.

She raised it to her nose, inhaled twice, then tucked it into her clothes.

“The Advisor’s life-saving talisman is with me now,” she said. “Remember to keep close to it.”

Lu Huating ran his fingers over the torn string, his face darkening.

But then she slumped back weakly against the carriage wall, pale in profile, looking half-dead.

Before the tension could settle, the carriage jolted to a sudden halt. Lu Huating braced himself against the wall; Qun Qing nearly tumbled forward.

A flurry of apologies sounded from outside, and then a white-bearded, round-faced man popped his head in and bowed.

“Your subordinate, Officer Liu, is here to meet Lord Lu. We’ll be taking a boat from here—please, come aboard.”

The sudden stop and warm reception felt a little overdone. But the carriage had stopped, and Qun Qing had no choice but to get down.

Outside stood a woman and a pair of well-dressed young siblings, all smiling pleasantly at her as they bowed.

“This is my wife, and our son and daughter,” Officer Liu said. “We’ve all come to greet our honored guests. Please, allow us to escort you to the boat.”

Qun Qing said nothing, merely eyeing the boat they’d prepared—a narrow, black-canopied vessel, covered in old nicks and scratches, clearly aged.

Beside her, she heard Lu Huating return the bow.

“Officer Liu, is your mansion all right?”

“It’s been affected by the floods—quite a mess, I’m afraid,” Officer Liu replied smoothly. “Might I suggest we first settle our guests in an outer city inn? We’ve prepared drinks at Yanhuan Tower.”

Lu Huating declined. “His Royal Highness, Prince Yan didn’t come here for leisure. How could we possibly let you host him when you’ve only just endured a disaster?”

He leaned forward slightly and placed a jade pendant in his palm. “This trip to Yunzhou—food, clothing, lodging, and transport—everything is covered by Prince Yan’s household.”

The jade pendant was exquisite and translucent, flawless in clarity. He gestured for Officer Liu to accept it. Startled, Officer Liu hesitated, then accepted it with some embarrassment and thanked him repeatedly.

Qun Qing watched as he exchanged glances with his wife, and several people nearby smiled and nodded, appearing somewhat pleased.

Her gaze shifted and landed on the hem of Officer Liu’s daughter’s skirt. The silk skirt was a bit too short, revealing the embroidered tips of her shoes as she moved.

As Qun Qing was still caught in thought, her hand suddenly felt cold. Lu Huating’s hand grasped her wrist—the one holding the boat—firmly, preventing her from turning around. 

“Madam, why don’t you get on the boat?”

Qun Qing paused for a moment, then silently stepped aboard.

At that moment, Li Huan stood like mist on the deck, gave a soft snort toward Lu Huating, and asked in a low voice,

“What’s going on?”

Li Huan turned his head and pointed ahead. A pleasure boat was docked at the pier, with several people standing below.

He had assumed that was the proper way to receive the prince. It seemed unusual for the governor to come in person, with his family but no guards. With Princess Yan accompanying them this time, he had to stay alert.

Lu Huating followed Qun Qing onto the small boat, leaned his head out, and said mildly, “Since Officer Liu has brought his whole household to receive us, Your Highness, let’s board. No need to let the wine and dishes go cold.”

Officer Liu quickly replied, “Yes, yes,” then bent at the waist and raised his hand, inviting the Prince and Princess Yan aboard.

The black-canopied boat skimmed across the water, gradually drifting farther away.

By the painted barge nearby, the richly dressed young lord pacing anxiously along the riverbank was indeed Officer Liu’s son, Liu You.

Upon hearing the report from his subordinate, Liu You could hardly believe his ears. “What? Taken away? I’ve been standing here for two hours without moving—who took them?”

“There’s only an empty carriage left on shore.”

“Who dared to intercept the people from the Governor’s Mansion? Where did they go? Why are you not pursuing them?”

The subordinate broke into a cold sweat, unable to answer his questions.

Just then, the sound of approaching hooves. Zhu Su rode up, dismounted, cupped his fist in greeting, and said coldly, “The road is long. His Highness has gone ahead to the largest wine house in the outer city to refresh himself. After bathing and resting, he’ll pay a visit tomorrow morning.”

With that, he turned his horse and left without waiting for Liu You to reply.

Though Liu You was displeased, the panic on his face subsided slightly.

“As expected of a noble from the palace. Even the Governor’s residence is beneath him. Coming here only to eat and drink at a wine house first… Go find out—did they really go outside the city?”

Before long, a subordinate reported, “It seems they went to Yanhuan Tower. Shall we report to the Governor, young master?”

“Since the visit is tomorrow, tidy up and prepare to receive them then,” Liu You said. “Looks like Father was right. Judging by Prince Yan’s bearing, they’re probably not here to provide disaster relief at all.”

Inside Yanhuan Tower, Prince Yan’s household was already seated at the same table with Officer Liu’s family.

Qun Qing heard Lu Huating lean close and speak idly near her ear, “Madam, having served in the Shangyi Bureau, what’s your opinion of the governor’s wife’s conduct?”

Qun Qing lifted her eyes to look at Officer Liu’s wife and daughters. These few covered their mouths with sleeves when drinking, and answered Princess Yan with proper decorum. She replied, “Acceptable.”

At that moment, Jian Su brought in two chests of gold and silver. Upon seeing the contents, Officer Liu immediately stood up and exclaimed,

“How could we accept gifts from noble guests?”

“Officer Liu must not be familiar with His Highness’s temperament,” Lu Huating smiled, raising his cup to toast. “Please host us well these next few days. Tomorrow, allow me to visit your residence.”

Officer Liu repeatedly agreed, though sweat began to bead on his forehead. He hadn’t been sitting long before he stood again, hand on his head, saying, 

“This official suffers from vertigo. I’m afraid I can’t drink more tonight.”

Madam Liu rose to support him, looking worried, and said they should return home.

Lu Huating set his wine cup down—not too heavy, not too light—his handsome face devoid of a smile.

“You’ve taken the gifts and eaten the meal, and now you’re saying you want to leave?”

Officer Liu stiffened and forced a calm expression. “What does Lord Lu mean by this?”

Before the words had fully left his lips, six covert guards suddenly burst through the door, surrounding the group with crossbows drawn. A soft cry came from one of the young ladies, who covered her face in panic.

Officer Liu glanced around, a hint of ferocity flashing in his eyes.

Qun Qing saw the way he clenched his fingers, veins bulging on the back of his hand. His posture hinted at martial skill—he was likely weighing the odds of escaping through the window. She set down her cup, flicked her fingers, and a hidden needle struck his pressure point.

“The wine was drugged. Without the antidote, you won’t escape,” she said.

Officer Liu cried out in pain, his expression contorting.

The other three dropped to their knees, abandoning their earlier composure. They kowtowed to Prince Yan, crying out in unison, 

“Your Highness, spare us! These are hard times. Yunzhou is suffering from disaster—we had no other way to make a living, so we resorted to this scheme!”

Li Huan slammed his wine cup down. 

“Lu Huating, explain.”

Lu Huating took a slow sip of his wine and said, 

“Your Highness should ask him.”

Jian Su tied the imposters up. With a tug, the fake Officer Liu’s beard peeled away, leaving raw red skin underneath.

A blade to his throat, the imposter had no choice but to confess in broken speech: 

“I… I’m a street performer from Jiangzhou. I heard that officials from Xuzhou and Yunzhou often come and go, so we cooperated with Zhuangzi, who sells information, and started this business. Most of the officials who come to Yunzhou have never met each other. We can pretend to be officials and trick them into paying for gifts and hospitality. It was enough to get by before fleeing. By the time the authorities discovered the fraud, we’d be long gone—and since gifts were involved, no one would dare report it openly. But I didn’t expect…”

He didn’t expect a swindler to be swindled himself.

“How did Your Highness find out?” he asked.

Li Huan sneered. “You played the part well—aside from that shabby boat, your manner of speech was almost convincing.”

Qun Qing added, “The young lady’s dress was altered. She lifted her hem every time she walked, as if reluctant to let it drag on the ground. Likely a reused silk gown. A real young lady of the Governor’s household would have a custom-made dress and wouldn’t treat it with such care.”

Hearing this, the fake young lady blinked and nodded subconsciously. Realizing there would be no next time, she began sobbing.

Li Huan fell silent.

Xiao Yunru turned to him and asked, “What does Your Highness plan to do with them?”

“I was expecting to meet the real Officer Liu today,” Li Huan said. “Now I’ve been strung along for nothing.”

“Your Highness, the real Governor’s people must be nearby. If they catch wind of this, it’ll get messy,” Lu Huating said, gazing down at the four captives. “Let’s give them a task. One last job.”

Qun Qing’s lashes trembled slightly—she couldn’t help admiring his boldness.

It was fate, perhaps. Four of them—two men, two women.

Li Huan and Xiao Yunru both looked at Lu Huating. Li Huan pointed at him, then at himself. “You—are you sure?”

The four kneeling on the ground froze. They didn’t know what was going on, but sensed a slim chance of survival. The fake Officer Liu immediately said, “Whatever Your Highness needs, I’ll do it.”

Lu Huating smiled. “You four saw what I look like today. Can you go to the Governor’s mansion tomorrow and not give yourselves away?”

“I, Cai Laoliu, have never failed a disguise,” he boasted. “My act, my speech, even my posture—I could impersonate the Jade Emperor himself and not miss a line!”

“Good,” Lu Huating said. “Bring them costumes and masks. If you can hold it together for three days, come to the ferry dock for your reward—and the antidote.”

At dawn the next day, Prince Yan’s carriage rolled into the Governor’s residence.

Officer Liu and Liu You saw members of Prince Yan’s household for the first time and stared wide-eyed as the prince stepped down. A trace of unease flickered in their hearts.

Just as the rumors said, Prince Yan wore a mask, his presence brimming with murderous authority. Officer Liu’s gaze quickly shifted to the heavily pregnant Princess Yan.

She looked due in just a few months. He remembered his orders from Southern Chu: if the princess were to die here, the waves it would stir would be immense.

Next came Lu Huating and his wife. The two strolled forward gracefully and halted before him. Officer Liu fixed his eyes on Lu Huating.

Grand Chancellor Meng had warned him this man was especially dangerous and cunning. Although he looked ordinary, Officer Liu dared not let his guard down.

Just then, Lu Huating’s wife spoke up: “I hear Yunzhou is rich in jade. I’ve heard there’s a Guanyin statue in your estate—might I take a look?”

It was common enough to ask for gifts, but this was the first time he’d seen someone start asking for tributes before even entering the door. Liu You frowned.

Officer Liu, however, gave a scornful smile. 

“Of course. You may rest in our garden for now. Later, my son will have it wrapped and delivered.”

Asking for gifts like this would make Lu Huating implicated in the future. 

It is better to ask for money than to ask for a life.