Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - Chapter 17
Liu Jiangli, soft and pliant like boneless silk, gently caressed Prince Yue’s chest, her voice like a whisper, “A’Shi, your heart is beating so fast.”
The woman in her arms seemed displeased by Prince Yue’s distraction. She gently bit Prince Yue’s lower lip, demanding her attention.
After a long moment, Prince Yue slowly loosened her hold on Liu Jiangli’s waist. Liu Jiangli panted softly, the corners of her eyes tinged red, and her lips now fuller, glistening with a lush, cherry-red hue.
Once more, Liu Jiangli lightly traced Prince Yue’s chest with her hand, murmuring, “A’Shi, your heart is racing.”
Prince Yue stood upright, staring into the empty shadows nearby, and responded coolly, “Is that so?”
“At noon, there’s a flower-viewing banquet at Prince Nan’s residence. Will A’Li attend?”
Liu Jiangli remained nestled in Prince Yue’s arms, reluctant to rise. “I want to stay with you, A’Shi.”
Prince Yue lightly patted her shoulder, a fleeting smile appearing in her eyes — only to vanish without reaching them.
Noon, after class.
Prince Yue walked side by side with Gu Congran.
Gu Congran quipped, “A’Shi, did you see Su Qi today? His face was darker than storm clouds.”
“No idea who provoked him, but he actually dared to argue with the Grand Tutor.”
Prince Yue’s brows twitched slightly. She coughed twice, as if covering something up.
“Hurry up, or we’ll be late.”
Meanwhile, Liu Jiangli had already arrived at the pavilion, waiting. Her crimson gown stood out strikingly.
Gu Congran exclaimed, “Miss Liu’s red dress really matches yours today — what’s this? Back together again?”
“We’ve always been fine,” Prince Yue replied nonchalantly, then walked toward Liu Jiangli.
Gu Congran rolled his eyes behind her and muttered, “Stubborn,” before lifting his robe and following.
Liu Jiangli called out softly, “A’Shi,” then approached and cautiously reached for Prince Yue’s hand. Her slender fingers gently pried open Prince Yue’s clenched hand, carefully watching her expression. Seeing no hint of displeasure, she quickly intertwined their fingers.
Turning to look at Prince Yue’s profile, Liu Jiangli’s gaze overflowed with affection.
When Gu Congran arrived, his eyes immediately landed on their joined hands. With a teasing smile, he remarked, “Miss Liu, it’s been days, and even your style has changed?”
Liu Jiangli blushed and tightened her grip on Prince Yue’s hand. “This way, everyone will know A’Shi and I are a couple at a glance.”
Gu Congran looked at Prince Yue with frustration, as if to say: She loves you this much, and you’re still seeing someone else behind her back?!
After a moment’s inner struggle, Gu Congran decided he couldn’t let Liu Jiangli remain in the dark. Hinting, he asked, “Miss Liu, have you noticed anything unusual about Prince Yue lately?”
Liu Jiangli shook her head and looked at Prince Yue, her eyes full of curiosity, as if asking, What does she mean?
Prince Yue replied, unimpressed, “I think it’s you who’s acting strange lately.” Then, tugging Liu Jiangli by the hand, she began walking away.
As Liu Jiangli followed, she called back, “Miss Gu, aren’t you coming?”
Gu Congran followed behind, calling out, “Wait for me, seriously!”
In the Southern Prince’s Residence, the banquet was held in the rear garden. The lush trees, blooming flowers, and intricately arranged pavilions created an elegant scene, with arched bridges connecting the lakeside structures.
Inside one of the pavilions, seated at the head table was the host of the banquet — Prince Nan, Su Hui. To his left sat Su Qi, while the seat across from Su Qi was clearly reserved for Prince Yue. Further down sat the Sixth Prince, Su Zhi, and not far away, Second Princess Su Qingzhi and several noble ladies admired the blossoming flowers.
Seeing that Prince Yue and her group had not yet arrived, Su Qi seized the opportunity to strike first. Appearing every bit the considerate elder brother, he subtly provoked Su Hui, aiming to stir his dissatisfaction toward Prince Yue.
Raising his wine cup with practiced grace, Su Qi smiled warmly. “It’s well past noon, yet our imperial sister has not arrived. Perhaps something delayed her on the way. Here, dear brother — on behalf of our sister, allow your younger brother to offer a toast. Please do not blame her for her tardiness.”
The intent behind his words couldn’t have been clearer — a subtle insult to both Prince Yue and Prince Nan, while simultaneously elevating himself.
In this banquet, where many attending ministers were targets Su Hui aimed to draw into his faction, inviting royal siblings served as a signal: some ministers had already taken his side, and outsiders would do well to consider their strength before attempting to intervene.
Su Hui glanced at Su Qi with calm eyes, yet beneath that serenity brewed a storm.
The atmosphere grew tense in an instant, the entire pavilion falling into uncomfortable silence.
Just then, a woman’s voice broke through the frost, allowing the guests to breathe a sigh of relief.
“Fourth Brother, you’re truly thoughtful.”
Prince Yue deliberately held Liu Jiangli’s hand as she entered, walking confidently under the watchful gazes of all present.
She met Su Qi’s eyes without hesitation. Sparks flew in their silent exchange, a clash of wills beneath the surface.
With eyes full of scorn, Prince Yue looked sideways at Su Qi, then withdrew her gaze. Holding Liu Jiangli’s hand, she approached her seat, lifted a cup of wine, and turned to Su Hui. “I’ve arrived late. As your imperial sister, I will punish myself with a drink.” Without waiting for a response, she downed the strong liquor and took her seat. Liu Jiangli quietly sat beside her.
Su Hui’s gaze turned sharp, but he chuckled. “Since our imperial sister has already taken a drink in apology, what else can your elder brother say? Right, Fourth Brother?”
Su Qi forced a laugh and sat down, his eyes glinting with malice. He couldn’t swallow this insult.
Su Hui, meanwhile, clearly sensed the tension between Su Qi and Prince Yue. The once-close siblings now seemed divided — a rift that only widened. This was good for him. Pleased, he smiled and said, “Let’s not be too formal today. We’re here to enjoy the beauty of spring. Gentlemen, let us relax and enjoy the flowers.” He clapped his hands.
Musicians began to play ancient melodies, and dancers in sheer robes emerged in two groups. Their hair flowed over their shoulders, and their snow-white skin shimmered in the air. They danced gracefully, every movement captivating the heart.
The dancers immediately drew everyone’s attention. Encouraged by Su Hui’s words, even the previously solemn ministers relaxed, letting their gazes linger boldly on the performers.
Prince Yue, expressionless, stared ahead. Her eyes flicked coldly over the gathered men, her brows furrowed in disgust at the hypocrisy before her.
Liu Jiangli, watching closely, mistook Prince Yue’s indifference for attraction — believing she, like the others, was fully engrossed by the dancers, leaving no attention for her. Jealousy welled up in her chest. She gave a small huff, resting her head gently on Prince Yue’s shoulder and said in a delicate voice, “A’Shi… I have a headache…”
Chapter 19
Liu Jiangli, breath warm as orchid, her soft, crimson lips close to Prince Yue’s ear, whispered, “A’Shi, why won’t you open your eyes and look at me?”
Qi Wanxuan’s eyes still showed signs of fright, her gaze bloodshot — clearly shaken by the fall. She clutched Prince Yue’s wrists tightly, curling into herself.
The crowd rushed over.
Su Qingzhi reached her side and asked with concern, “Sister Qi, are you alright?”
Qi Wanxuan answered faintly, “I’m fine…” Then, turning gratefully to Prince Yue, her hair still dripping, she added, “Thank you, Prince Yue, for saving me.”
A flicker of guilt passed through Prince Yue’s eyes. “It’s good you’re unharmed, Miss Qi.”
Realizing she was still holding Prince Yue’s wrist, Qi Wanxuan quickly let go.
Prince Yue turned and saw Liu Jiangli rushing toward her.
Liu Jiangli was the first to reach her side, anxiously inspecting her for injuries. Prince Yue lowered her head slightly and saw tears glimmering in Liu Jiangli’s eyes, ready to fall.
“A’Shi, are you hurt anywhere?”
For some reason, Prince Yue felt a faint flutter in her heart, as if brushed by a feather, touched by her concern.
“I’m fine, A’Li.”
Liu Jiangli threw herself into Prince Yue’s arms, holding her tightly, as if afraid she’d vanish if she let go.
Su Hui roared in anger, “Find out immediately who dared to commit such misdeeds under my very eyes!” Then, in a gentler tone to Qi Wanxuan, “Rest assured, Miss Qi, I will see justice done.”
Qi Wanxuan said nothing.
Prince Yue gently released Liu Jiangli and walked over to Su Hui. “Second Brother, Miss Qi has just fallen into the water. Perhaps she should change into dry clothes first. The rest can be investigated afterward.”
Su Hui nodded slightly in agreement.
Prince Yue’s lips curled into a faint smile.
Not far away, behind the rock garden, Gu Congran watched, a complex look in his eyes.
Later, Su Qingzhi accompanied Qi Wanxuan to change clothes. Afterward, Qi Wanxuan returned to her family’s estate.
Prince Yue also took her carriage back to Prince Yue’s residence — this time, with Liu Jiangli as her companion.