Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - 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.
— Main Hall, Prince Yue’s Residence.
Su Qishi said, “A’Li, sit here and wait for a while. I’m going to wash up. Once I’m done, you can administer the acupuncture.” Leaving these words behind without glancing at Liu Jiangli’s expression, she turned and walked toward the hot spring chamber.
Inside the chamber, steam billowed, veiling Su Qishi’s figure as she leaned against the edge of the hot spring, adding an air of mystery. Her delicate collarbones and fair skin appeared faintly through the mist, exposed to the warm air.
Her long black hair flowed freely, the ends trailing in the water. Su Qishi deliberately slowed her movements, savoring the peace and relaxation. She intended to soak longer, expecting that A’Li would eventually grow impatient. Then, she could have Nian Qi escort A’Li back to the Prime Minister’s manor.
After a long while, Su Qishi judged that enough time had passed. She opened her eyes, intending to call for Nian Qi—only to catch a glimpse of a graceful feminine silhouette behind the screen. The figure appeared to be disrobing.
—Liu Jiangli! How could she be so bold!
Su Qishi inhaled sharply and quickly shut her eyes, flustered and unsure of how to respond.
With her eyes closed, her hearing became sharper. She heard the soft splash of someone entering the water, followed by warm breath brushing against her ear. A’Li’s fragrant lips lightly touched Su Qishi’s ear as she whispered, “A’Shi, why won’t you open your eyes and look at me?”
A’Li’s fingers traced gently along Su Qishi’s cheek and neck, finally pausing just below her lips. Her jade-like fingertips tapped lightly, but she made no further move.
Su Qishi quietly let out a breath of relief.
Moments later, there was more movement. A’Li took Su Qishi’s hand, gently caressing her slender fingers. Then, with graceful steps beneath the water, she eased herself into Su Qishi’s embrace, her arms draping over Su Qishi’s shoulders as she used the leverage to hook her hands around Su Qishi’s neck.
She positioned her neck near Su Qishi’s lips, slowly leaning closer until Su Qishi’s lips pressed against her skin. A’Li trembled slightly, then lowered her head and kissed Su Qishi’s lips.
Their lips met, and the air in the hot spring seemed to grow denser. A crimson haze surrounded them, the atmosphere turning thick with intimacy.
Su Qishi’s throat moved subtly, but A’Li, unsatisfied with her lack of response, extended her tongue, trying to part Su Qishi’s firmly closed lips, inviting her to join in the kiss.
Still, Su Qishi remained unmoved. Anxious, A’Li murmured sweetly, “A’Shi~”
A jolt ran through Su Qishi. A’Li’s tongue playfully explored her mouth, gradually pulling her into surrender.
At last, Su Qishi opened her eyes. Before her was A’Li, clinging to her with fervor—her entire body pressed close, inexpert yet enticing. Her eyes shimmered with red at the corners, her cool features tinged with alluring charm. The sight stirred a faint blush in Su Qishi’s eyes, as a growing desire surged in her chest.
Su Qishi’s hands slid to A’Li’s waist. A’Li’s body trembled slightly, then she nestled her head against Su Qishi’s left shoulder, breathing softly.
“A’Shi, let’s get married,” she whispered. Her tone was soft, yet filled with determination and sincerity.
Su Qishi’s lashes trembled. “Mm.” The sound was faint, almost inaudible, but A’Li heard it clearly.
Her heart filled with joy, her eyes brimming with love for Su Qishi.
Noticing Su Qishi’s restraint, A’Li chuckled softly. She took Su Qishi’s hand and guided it downward, but Su Qishi suddenly stopped her with a hoarse voice. “A’Li, let’s go to the bed.”
Blushing, A’Li softly answered, and Su Qishi immediately lifted her in her arms. It was only then that Su Qishi realized A’Li’s snow-white skin was fully exposed to the air, clothed in nothing but a thin veil.
Avoiding her gaze, Su Qishi’s eyes darted away, but A’Li caught the movement and softly asked, “A’Shi, who do you think is more beautiful—me or them?”
Su Qishi gave no reply—her actions spoke for her.
The water-patterned gauze curtains fell. The two collapsed onto the sandalwood bed, A’Li gently sinking into the softness of the silk quilt.
Su Qishi murmured, “A’Li, leave everything to me now.”
“Mm.”
Morning.
As dawn broke, mist filled the air with a crisp freshness.
Su Qishi was in excellent spirits, her steps lighter than usual.
To avoid any awkwardness, she had risen early. Thoughts of A’Li kept surfacing in her mind.
After morning court, Su Qishi was summoned by the Emperor to the Imperial Study.
Su Qishi saluted, “This son greets Father Emperor!”
Emperor Su Sheng beckoned her closer. “Rise.”
“I heard from the Minister of Personnel that you saved his only daughter yesterday.”
Su Qishi cupped her hands respectfully. “In reply to Father Emperor, yes, I did.”
The words that followed faded into silence, carrying a faint trace of regret.
“Among my sons, A’Shi has never been inferior to your elder brothers.”
Su Qishi softly called, “Father Emperor.”
A glimmer of tears flashed in Su Sheng’s eyes—true emotion was rarely seen in the eyes of an emperor.
Su Sheng said, “The Grand Tutor often praises you before me. So let me pose a question—will my son answer it?”
Su Qishi replied, “Your son obeys.”
She quietly pondered the meaning behind Su Sheng’s words.
Su Sheng’s brows furrowed slightly as he spoke in a calm tone, “Tell me, my son, what is the relationship between the people and the sovereign?”
Su Qishi contemplated briefly before straightening her posture and answering with confidence, “The ruler depends on the state, and the state depends on the people. Therefore, I believe the ruler and the people live in symbiosis, supporting and complementing each other. If the people are in danger, the nation is in danger; and if the nation is in peril, the ruler is no longer a true ruler.”
— From “Emperor Taizong of Tang on Stopping Theft”
Su Sheng’s furrowed brow gradually relaxed. Clearly, Su Qishi’s response had pleased him.
Su Sheng said, “Your insight is indeed unique. Aren’t you afraid that I might truly take offense at your words?”
Su Qishi smiled, “Father Emperor is widely recognized as a wise and virtuous ruler. Naturally, you would not truly be angered by your son’s honest reply.”
Su Sheng laughed heartily and pointed at Su Qishi, “A’Shi, you’re just the same as when you were little—so quick with words. Whenever you did something wrong, you’d always sweet-talk your way out of punishment from me and your royal grandmother.”
Su Qishi replied earnestly, “Father Emperor, everything I’ve said is sincere.”
Su Sheng sat back on the dragon throne and burst into laughter. “Hahaha, good!”
At that moment, their exchange truly reflected the harmony of a loving father and a filial child.
Outside the Imperial Palace, Su Qishi sat inside the Prince’s carriage, lost in thought over her father’s words.
She had been prepared for the Emperor’s summons today. The matter of the Minister of Personnel’s daughter falling into the water was no small incident, yet the outcome had taken an unexpected turn.
Still, for now, the results seemed favorable.
Upon returning to the residence, the first thing Su Qishi did was question Nian Qi.
“Where is A’Li?”
Nian Qi replied, “Miss Liu just left.”
Then, with deliberate emphasis, she added, “When Miss Liu left, she was still visibly angry. Your Highness, it’s fortunate you weren’t here—otherwise, I can’t guarantee she wouldn’t have devoured you whole.”
Su Qishi’s eyelid twitched, a trace of guilt rising. “Was it really that bad?” The scenes from last night flashed through her mind—it did seem like she had wronged her a little.
Nian Qi turned and said, “Miss Gu, what brings you here?”
Su Qishi also looked over and teased, “You’re up rather early today.”
Gu Congran didn’t respond to Su Qishi’s jest. With an impassive expression, she said coldly, “Su Qishi, I need to speak with you.”
Nian Qi tactfully stepped out of the hall, even closing the door behind her.
Gu Congran’s words exploded in Su Qishi’s mind.
“It was you who did something to Qi Wanxuan—why?”