Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - Chapter 16
Liu Jiangli’s cheeks flushed as she murmured like a buzzing insect, “A’Shi, if you don’t believe me, let’s marry as soon as possible.”
Shen Wang said, “Miss Yue, there’s no need to trouble yourself. I can tidy things myself. After all, it’s a good break from studying.”
Prince Yue chuckled and didn’t argue, but made a mental note.
After moving out of the inn, Prince Yue personally escorted Shen Wang to the residence and handed her the keys before leaving. Her carriage rolled steadily toward the General’s Estate.
Inside, Gu Congran kept his eyes shut, still pretending to sleep, while Prince Yue sipped her tea quietly. The carriage was silent except for the rhythmic sound of the wheels turning.
Eventually, Gu Congran couldn’t hold it in anymore. He abruptly sat up and asked, “Why are you treating that Shen Wang so well? And this ‘person you once knew’? Since when do you have a past acquaintance?”
He hesitated, then added in a low voice, “Don’t tell me… you’re finding yourself another husband?”
Prince Yue was first amazed at Gu Congran’s imagination, then laughed in exasperation. “Could you stop reading those black market novels? Where do you get such wild ideas?”
She almost revealed the truth, but on second thought, decided to keep it to herself. This might be fun.
Prince Yue nodded in agreement. “General Gu speaks the truth.”
The night sky was studded with stars, unlike the dreary, overcast evenings of the past days.
Nian Qi reported, “Your Highness, one of the guards said that Miss Liu came by earlier today.”
Prince Yue first removed her outer robe, then responded indifferently with a faint, “Mm.” Her expression was unreadable.
Nian Qi continued, “Tomorrow at noon, Prince Nan will host a flower-viewing banquet. The invitation was delivered at the hour of Chen. According to our informant, not only will ministers allied with Prince Nan attend, but many noble ladies of the capital are also on the guest list.”
Leaning back in her chair, Prince Yue said unhurriedly, “It seems this banquet is no simple affair. On the surface, it’s about appreciating flowers, but in truth…”
“It appears Su Hui can no longer sit still. In that case, it plays to our advantage.”
“Su Hui’s mother was the legitimate daughter of the Xue clan from Bingzhou, an old aristocratic family. Though grand in appearance, they’ve long since rotted at the core. All that’s left is their facade. Over the years, His Majesty has only praised them publicly while quietly demoting them.”
Nian Qi added, “But Your Highness, the Xue clan once followed the late emperor into battle across the realm…”
Prince Yue’s tone darkened. “Precisely because of that, others fear them all the more.”
“That’s why they’re in such a rush to draw ministers to their side.”
The banquet’s pomp was obvious—Si Ma Zhao’s intentions were plain as day. How could His Majesty not notice? Allowing Su Hui to act was simply a move to spark competition among the princes. But in the end—who is Father truly paving the way for?
The fog ahead thickened. One misstep could lead to utter destruction.
That night, Prince Yue pushed open her window. A cold breeze rushed in, chilling her entire body — only the biting wind seemed capable of easing the pressure inside her.
She gazed at the boundless moonlight, her heart gradually settling.
The next morning.
On the way to the Imperial Academy, Prince Yue again passed by the pavilion. This time, however, Liu Jiangli stood alone, her eyes lifting to meet Prince Yue’s the moment they crossed paths — a flicker of joy in her gaze.
Today, Liu Jiangli looked different. Gone was her white dress; she now wore a vibrant red gown. The fiery hue, paired with her natural cool elegance, exuded a unique charm. The air of distance around her softened, replaced with a subtle allure.
Without hesitation, Liu Jiangli ran toward her, every step graceful as a lotus bloom. Her skirt fluttered with each movement, a faint fragrance trailing behind as she reached Prince Yue’s side.
Liu Jiangli seemed to have forgotten everything from days prior. She gently pressed down the strands of hair blown loose by the wind. Lifting her eyes, they shimmered with a fervent glow, alluring and bright.
In a soft voice, she asked, “A’Shi, are you still angry?”
“The other day, it wasn’t that I didn’t trust you. I was just jealous… I only wanted you to comfort me.” Her voice trailed off, quieter and quieter.
Then she tilted her head slightly and smiled. “But I’ve gotten over it. I won’t be jealous so easily again.”
Now, Liu Jiangli seemed to understand how to use beauty as a weapon, deliberately pleasing her, even choosing to wear a matching color scheme. It was enough to stir suspicion in Prince Yue’s heart.
Prince Yue replied coldly, “There’s no need for this, A’Li. I saw everything between you and Su Qi these past days with my own eyes.”
She paused, then continued, “If A’Li truly likes Su Qi, I can request His Majesty to annul our engagement and grant you a marriage to Su Qi. That way, you can be together openly and no longer sneak around.”
Her words, spoken with gentleness, pierced like blades. Each syllable pounded heavily against Liu Jiangli’s chest.
“A’Shi, I love you. The one I want to be with — for the rest of my life — is you.”
Her words didn’t sound false. If she had truly returned from a past life, why would she seek Prince Yue out again? Could it be Prince Yue was overthinking things? Or had her rebirth already shifted the course of fate?
As Prince Yue pondered, Liu Jiangli’s pale, delicate fingers had quietly hooked onto her pinky.
Liu Jiangli’s cheeks flushed red, her voice as soft as a whisper. “A’Shi, if you don’t believe me… then let’s marry soon.”
Though her voice was faint, every word reached Prince Yue’s ears clearly. Her pupils contracted slightly, a wave of sorrow swelling in her eyes.
In her past life, all her love and protection had been met with cold indifference and betrayal. Now, her deliberate distance…
Prince Yue asked quietly, “A’Li, have you thought this through?”
“I have.”
“No regrets?”
“No regrets.”
Suddenly, Prince Yue pulled Liu Jiangli into her arms with force, lowering her head to kiss those rosy lips. One hand gently clasped Liu Jiangli’s slender waist, while Liu Jiangli tilted her chin upward, responding with passionate enthusiasm. Her arms wrapped around Prince Yue’s neck, pressing herself completely into her embrace. Prince Yue could clearly feel the softness pressed against her, and at Liu Jiangli’s faint moan, she paused in surprise before her other hand slid along Liu Jiangli’s delicate back, feeling the warmth beneath her palm.
Then, Prince Yue slowly lifted her eyes, casting a disdainful glance into the distance, filled with scorn.