Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - Chapter 10
As Su Qishi hesitated briefly, a cool voice rang out, chilling the silent imperial garden.
“A’Shi, what are you doing?”
Lowering her gaze, Su Qishi swept her eyes over A’Li, who was already kneeling.
Without another word, she walked out of the hall and knelt beside her.
Xiao Yue’s orders were not easily overturned.
She spoke softly, “Lier, you mustn’t get agitated; your body has only just recovered. Someone, prepare a seat.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Liu Jiangli replied.
Inside the hall, Xiao Yue and Liu Jiangli chatted pleasantly, while Su Qishi remained kneeling outside.
From time to time, Liu Jiangli glanced toward the door, her heart pulled taut like a string, unable to find peace. The pain in her eyes was impossible to conceal.
The scorching sunlight beat down on Su Qishi’s back, burning her skin. The glare made it hard to keep her eyes open, so she lowered her gaze to the ground. Her shadow stretched long and distorted.
Su Qishi’s heart was consumed with hatred. Her eyes brimmed with cold fury, and her clenched fists beneath her sleeves dug fingernails into flesh—yet she felt no pain.
It was as if she’d returned to the past. Back then, no matter what happened, as long as Xiao Yue disliked her, she would curse or beat her without hesitation.
A cold smile curled on Su Qishi’s lips. She lifted her chin slightly and straightened her back, proud as a peacock.
“Do you know your mistake?”
Xiao Yue’s icy voice pierced through the warm summer air and struck straight at her heart.
But that heart, riddled with wounds, no longer felt pain. The bl00d had long run dry—and a heart drained of bl00d cannot ache.
Su Qishi’s gaze was calm, numb.
“Your daughter knows her mistake.”
A long pause. Then Xiao Yue’s voice rang out again.
“Good. Knowing your mistake and correcting it—that is what matters. It’s late. Everyone, leave. I will rest now.”
“Prince Yue shall kneel for two more hours. You may leave afterward.”
“Your daughter understands.”
Liu Jiangli wanted to speak up but was silenced by a look from Xiao Yue.
The Empress rose and walked toward the inner chamber. Liu Jiangli, her snowy-white gown fluttering, quietly followed her to the doorway.
Her eyes clouded over with sorrow, and she whispered, “I’m sorry, A’Shi.”
Su Qishi knew this had nothing to do with Liu Jiangli. Since childhood, Xiao Yue had never liked her. She would seize any excuse to punish her.
Su Qishi replied coldly, “This has nothing to do with you. Don’t dwell on it.”
Liu Jiangli’s eyes filled with a faint sorrow. Concern lingered on her brow as she slowly knelt beside Su Qishi. Without a sound, she moved closer, until their gowns overlapped—red and white interwoven, like their tangled fates.
“A’Shi, I want to stay with you.”
Su Qishi didn’t respond. Let her do as she wishes.
She merely glanced at A’Li, her gaze growing complicated.
Shortly after Liu Jiangli knelt down, Xiao Yue sent word—they need not kneel anymore.
Su Qishi immediately looked at A’Li and noticed the subtle sigh of relief she let out. That, too, Su Qishi saw clearly.
She had long known Liu Jiangli frequented Changchun Palace, well-favored by the Empress.
But now it seemed… there was more to it.
Why did Xiao Yue truly go after Su Jue?
A’Li tugged lightly at Su Qishi’s sleeve, head lowered, long lashes trembling. A faint, cool scent lingered between them.
Suddenly, Liu Jiangli’s body gave out, collapsing directly into Su Qishi’s arms. A soft cry escaped her lips. Instinctively, Su Qishi caught her.
Warmth filled her embrace; Liu Jiangli’s soft form curled against her, like a startled creature, trembling but motionless.
Her breath came fast, brushing against Su Qishi’s neck, warm and erratic.
Su Qishi glanced down. Those bright, shimmering eyes pulled at her, drawing her in. Her red lips parted, glistening with nervous tension.
A’Shi’s eyes darted away. She helped Liu Jiangli upright, stood, turned—and left in one swift motion, as if fleeing from a monster. Not even the sharp pain in her knees registered.
At Changchun Palace’s gates, Nian Qi and Hua Yun rushed forward.
Su Qishi spoke softly, “Go check on your lady.” Then she hurried off.
“Your Highness! Wait for me!” Nian Qi called out.
But Su Qishi only quickened her pace.
After leaving the palace, Su Qishi wandered alone to the riverside. Her heart was in turmoil, her thoughts in disarray.
She constantly reminded herself—never repeat the mistakes of her past life, never soften.
Back then, after her grand victory at Geyue, her father didn’t push her into court politics. Instead, he sent her back to the Imperial Academy under Grand Tutor An Xianzhi.
It wasn’t until she claimed victory at the Spring Hunt that her father entrusted her with the Northern City Army, the hardest to command. Only then did the ministers begin to align themselves with her.
As for Xiao Yue, backed by the powerful Xiao family, she should have stood united with them. Yet when Su Qishi rose to power, the first sword she drew cut through the Xiao family.
How deep did that betrayal go?
The night breeze stirred, carrying her unsettled thoughts.
She sighed, picked up a stone, and hurled it into the river. It struck the water at a perfect angle, creating ripples before sinking.
The half-hung moon glowed bright tonight, its light streaming through clouds, casting a soft glow on the river and its banks.
In the shadows, Su Qishi’s crimson hair ribbon was hidden in darkness.
Today in court, her father decreed that she join the Imperial Academy to study under Grand Tutor An Xianzhi.
Just like in her past life. But this time, An Xianzhi would be key to her plans. As a righteous man and tutor to two emperors, his support mattered.
With the Crown Prince yet undecided, this was her chance. Since her father had paved the way, she would overcome every obstacle.
“Royal Grandmother! Your granddaughter Su Qishi greets you.”
The Cining Palace was adorned with elegant simplicity, and upon entering, the scent of sandalwood was particularly calming.
The Grand Empress Dowager’s brows lifted slightly as she looked at Su Qishi with loving eyes, her voice gentle.
“Xiaoshi, what’s wrong? Have you been wronged?”
Su Qishi smiled, revealing two small tiger teeth, her expression relaxed.
“No, Royal Grandmother. I’m already so grown—how could I still feel wronged?”
The Grand Empress Dowager feigned slight displeasure, frowning.
“No matter how old you are, Xiaoshi will always be my granddaughter. If you ever feel wronged, come to me.”
Su Qishi’s eyes shimmered briefly.
“I understand, Grandmother.”
Half an hour later, Su Qishi accompanied the Grand Empress Dowager to the Imperial Garden.
They walked among the flowers, chatting casually.
Su Qishi pointed,
“Royal Grandmother, look at that flower. Amid the blooms, it stands out the most.”
The Grand Empress Dowager followed her gaze and said softly,
“But drawing too much attention only invites jealousy.”
Her words to Su Qishi were both a warning and a reminder.
Su Qishi’s eyes dimmed momentarily as she reflected on her current circumstances. Then she smiled.
“Your granddaughter will remember.”
“Your granddaughter Qingzhi greets Royal Grandmother.”
Su Qingzhi’s voice pulled Su Qishi from her thoughts. Lifting her gaze, she saw Qingzhi standing nearby.
The girl was always so bright and cheerful, her smile full of warmth—yet when had that warmth begun to rot beneath the surface?
“Qingzhi, what brings you here?”
Qingzhi walked to the Grand Empress Dowager’s other side, gently taking her arm and playfully said,
“Of course I missed Grandmother. I went to Cining Palace, but the maids said you were in the garden with Sister, so I came to find you.”
As she spoke, she cast a sideways glance at Su Qishi, who noticed but remained silent, standing calmly.
The Grand Empress Dowager laughed.
“I think you came to see Xiaoshi instead.”
Qingzhi’s cheeks flushed.
“That’s not true, Grandmother.”
The Grand Empress Dowager gave Su Qishi a knowing look and patted her hand gently.
“Enough, I’m tired. I’ll leave the garden to you two. Continue enjoying it together.”
The two bowed in unison,
“We respectfully see Royal Grandmother off.”
Once she left, Su Qishi had no desire to linger.
“Qingzhi, I have matters to attend to. Let’s talk another day, alright?”
Qingzhi’s eyes immediately filled with disappointment. Her tone was laced with sorrow.
“Sister, I’ve been feeling restless lately, my mind clouded with troubling thoughts… could you comfort me?”
Su Qishi was speechless. If you’re sick, go see the court physician.
Still, her eyes softened with feigned concern.
“Qingzhi, did something happen?”
Qingzhi shook her head.
“Just dreams… they leave me unsettled.”
Su Qishi, standing her ground, offered calm reassurance.
“Dreams are false, Qingzhi. Don’t let them weigh on you.”
Qingzhi stepped closer, her voice low.
“Mm… I hope so.”
Then she whispered,
“Sister… can I have a hug?”
Her gaze was full of hope. Su Qishi hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and embraced her.
Qingzhi’s eyes flickered with a hint of satisfaction as she nestled into Su Qishi’s arms. Her sister’s embrace was still so warm, still so desirable.
Meanwhile, Su Qishi thought—At this time in my past life, Qingzhi and I were still “loving sisters.” If I act too cold now, it might raise suspicion.
Just as she was lost in thought, a cool voice cut through the quiet garden, even colder in the stillness.
“A’Shi, what are you two doing?”
Su Qishi’s gaze instinctively followed the voice. In the distance stood Liu Jiangli, alone, wearing a light blue gown. Her long black hair flowed in the breeze. Those serene, beautiful eyes, half-lowered, glimmered under her lashes, calm and clear. As she blinked, they seemed to ripple like water.
Liu Jiangli approached, her steps light, her skirt swaying.