Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - Chapter 24
Su Qishi subtly shifted his body away, his voice flustered. “It’s nothing… Ah Li, you should get some sleep.”
Liu Jiangli responded with a disappointed “Oh.” Sleepiness soon crept in, and she decided not to tease Su Qishi any further. Still, her arms remained tightly wrapped around his.
Su Qishi waited, expecting her to speak again, but after a long silence, he looked down. She had fallen asleep, leaning closely against him, her brows relaxed in peaceful slumber.
Lowering his gaze, Su Qishi’s expression grew complicated.
After a while, he gently withdrew his arm, careful not to disturb her. He then pulled back the covers and stepped out of bed. Quietly, he retrieved the clothes he had prepared for her from the table, placing them by her bedside, and silently left the room.
Study Room.
Su Qishi sat in his chair, calmly listening to Nianqi’s report.
Nianqi said, “Your Highness, the gray-robed man is a well-known thug from the western part of the city. As for the two guards outside, they carry no identification, and both insist they are not from Prince Chen’s residence.”
Su Qishi’s voice was low. “Have they been tortured?”
Nianqi nodded. “Yes, but they still refuse to speak. It’s unclear what leverage Prince Chen has over them.”
Unfazed, Su Qishi unrolled a sheet of xuan paper and asked unhurriedly, “What about the thug?”
Nianqi sighed. “Him? He’s like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water. Nothing works, soft or hard.”
Su Qishi sneered. “If nothing works, then start cutting off one hand each day until someone opens their mouth.”
Nianqi bowed. “Understood!”
Su Qishi sighed to himself, Royal Brother, you truly couldn’t restrain yourself, could you?
Prince Chen’s Residence.
“Your Highness, all three of them have been captured…”
Su Qi erupted in fury, kicking the kneeling informant before him.
“Useless! I gave him such a perfect opportunity, yet he didn’t even manage to touch a single hair on her head—and now Su Qishi has caught us by the tail!”
The informant trembled. “Your Highness, what should we do?”
Murderous intent flickered in Su Qi’s eyes. “What should we do? Only the dead can never betray me!”
The informant’s eyes shifted; he immediately understood the meaning behind Su Qi’s words. “I understand, Your Highness.”
For several days, it rained steadily, leaving the air unusually fresh.
Today was the day of the imperial palace examination. The skies cleared, sunlight piercing through after days of gloom, as though paving a bright path for the aspiring scholars.
Inside the grand hall, the top three candidates of the examination had already been determined: Shen Wang, Li Yuande, and Gao Yuanfeng.
The three stood at the center of the hall, awaiting the Emperor’s challenge—and their imperial appointments.
Su Sheng addressed the three men before him. “For the three of you to rise as the top scholars of this examination, you must possess exceptional talent. I shall pose a single question—each of you shall answer in turn.”
The three men responded in unison, “As Your Majesty commands.”
Su Qishi stood expressionlessly in her place, inwardly clenching her fists in nervous anticipation for Shen Wang. In her previous life, Shen Wang had only secured the third rank, Tanhua. While that was already an impressive feat, it would not bring him any closer to avenging his family. He needed time—time that the position of Zhuangyuan, or top scholar, could help him obtain. The Yun Dynasty held the Zhuangyuan in the highest regard.
Would things change in this lifetime? Even if he couldn’t seize the top rank, it mattered not. She would help him—no matter what.
As Su Qishi pondered, she heard Su Sheng speak in a steady, resonant tone: “Then, speak on the relationship between sovereign and subject.”
At this, Su Qishi’s heart sank, her gaze passing swiftly, unreadably, over Su Sheng.
What is Father planning…?
Su Sheng’s question sent a ripple of unease through the assembled ministers. Many secretly worried for the three scholars standing at the center. A single misstep in wording could result in catastrophe—not merely a ruined career but imprisonment, or worse.
Su Qi’s gaze flitted toward Shen Wang with undisguised disdain, followed by a cold scoff, clearly not taking him seriously.
Shen Wang, however, remained calm and composed, exuding a steady confidence that inspired trust. His gaze, however, lingered subtly on Su Qishi. He had imagined she might be the daughter of some influential official—but never had he guessed she was the only female prince of the Yun Dynasty. Shock aside, he now felt deep admiration, even reverence.
As for Li Yuande, the moment he laid eyes on Su Qishi, he had been startled—only to feel relief shortly after. That day, Qingzhi had clearly known Su Qishi. This meant Qingzhi was likely a princess.
To think the task Father entrusted me with would reach its conclusion so soon.
Su Sheng’s voice echoed in the hall, “Which of you shall answer first?”
The three exchanged glances before Gao Yuanfeng stepped forward. Calm and composed, his every move reflected deliberation and restraint.
Gao Yuanfeng spoke, “Your Majesty, I believe: ‘Under Heaven, all lands belong to the king. Within the seas, all subjects serve the sovereign.’ The ruler is master, the subject subordinate.”
Next, Li Yuande stepped up. He cast a scornful glance at Shen Wang and said slowly, “I believe that a subject must always be loyal to the sovereign, obeying without question and without… deviation.”
Su Qishi’s lips curled in a cold smile. On the surface, Li Yuande served Su Qi—but in truth, he secretly provided intelligence to Su Hui, plotting rebellion. In the end, she had executed him under the gates of Tianxuan. Qingzhi had even betrayed her for this man, unaware that Li Yuande had only ever manipulated her for gain, offering no genuine affection.
Finally, Shen Wang stepped forward, and his answer ran contrary to the previous two. If their responses were standard and safe, his was a tightrope walk over blades.
Shen Wang spoke, “Your Majesty, I believe the relationship between sovereign and subject is reciprocal—each bears responsibilities toward the other…”
His words stunned the court into silence. Murmurs erupted among the officials on both sides of the hall.
Su Sheng gazed at Shen Wang without expression. “You dare to speak such words.”
In the stillness that followed, the only sound in the hall was that of Su Sheng’s dragon-engraved sandalwood prayer beads clinking softly as he turned them in his hand.
Even the sound of breathing seemed to fade away.
In that tense atmosphere, time felt excruciatingly slow.
At last, Su Sheng’s voice rang out, clear and forceful, leaving no room for dispute: “In this imperial examination, the Tanhua is Gao Yuanfeng. The second-ranked Bangyan is Li Yuande. The Zhuangyuan—Shen Wang. As for the rewards, titles, and estates, they shall be conferred after the Spring Hunt.”
All present bowed. “Your Majesty is wise and just.”
Though no one dared challenge the emperor’s decision, many were deep in thought, each forming private judgments.
The outcome now set, Su Qishi exhaled in quiet relief. Yet, a thought lingered. In her past life, Li Yuande had taken first place. What had changed this time? Was it today’s question? She clearly remembered that while there had been a question last time, it had not been this one…
Su Sheng, seated upon the dragon throne, silently swept his gaze over the assembled court, his presence radiating imperial majesty.
Su Sheng addressed the three men before him. “For the three of you to rise as the top scholars of this examination, you must possess exceptional talent. I shall pose a single question—each of you shall answer in turn.”
The three men responded in unison, “As Your Majesty commands.”
Su Qishi stood expressionlessly in her place, inwardly clenching her fists in nervous anticipation for Shen Wang. In her previous life, Shen Wang had only secured the third rank, Tanhua. While that was already an impressive feat, it would not bring him any closer to avenging his family. He needed time—time that the position of Zhuangyuan, or top scholar, could help him obtain. The Yun Dynasty held the Zhuangyuan in the highest regard.
Would things change in this lifetime? Even if he couldn’t seize the top rank, it mattered not. She would help him—no matter what.
As Su Qishi pondered, she heard Su Sheng speak in a steady, resonant tone: “Then, speak on the relationship between sovereign and subject.”
At this, Su Qishi’s heart sank, her gaze passing swiftly, unreadably, over Su Sheng.
What is Father planning…?
Su Sheng’s question sent a ripple of unease through the assembled ministers. Many secretly worried for the three scholars standing at the center. A single misstep in wording could result in catastrophe—not merely a ruined career but imprisonment, or worse.
Su Qi’s gaze flitted toward Shen Wang with undisguised disdain, followed by a cold scoff, clearly not taking him seriously.
Shen Wang, however, remained calm and composed, exuding a steady confidence that inspired trust. His gaze, however, lingered subtly on Su Qishi. He had imagined she might be the daughter of some influential official—but never had he guessed she was the only female prince of the Yun Dynasty. Shock aside, he now felt deep admiration, even reverence.
As for Li Yuande, the moment he laid eyes on Su Qishi, he had been startled—only to feel relief shortly after. That day, Qingzhi had clearly known Su Qishi. This meant Qingzhi was likely a princess.
To think the task Father entrusted me with would reach its conclusion so soon.
Su Sheng’s voice echoed in the hall, “Which of you shall answer first?”
The three exchanged glances before Gao Yuanfeng stepped forward. Calm and composed, his every move reflected deliberation and restraint.
Gao Yuanfeng spoke, “Your Majesty, I believe: ‘Under Heaven, all lands belong to the king. Within the seas, all subjects serve the sovereign.’ The ruler is master, the subject subordinate.”
Next, Li Yuande stepped up. He cast a scornful glance at Shen Wang and said slowly, “I believe that a subject must always be loyal to the sovereign, obeying without question and without… deviation.”
Su Qishi’s lips curled in a cold smile. On the surface, Li Yuande served Su Qi—but in truth, he secretly provided intelligence to Su Hui, plotting rebellion. In the end, she had executed him under the gates of Tianxuan. Qingzhi had even betrayed her for this man, unaware that Li Yuande had only ever manipulated her for gain, offering no genuine affection.
Finally, Shen Wang stepped forward, and his answer ran contrary to the previous two. If their responses were standard and safe, his was a tightrope walk over blades.
Shen Wang spoke, “Your Majesty, I believe the relationship between sovereign and subject is reciprocal—each bears responsibilities toward the other…”
His words stunned the court into silence. Murmurs erupted among the officials on both sides of the hall.
Su Sheng gazed at Shen Wang without expression. “You dare to speak such words.”
In the stillness that followed, the only sound in the hall was that of Su Sheng’s dragon-engraved sandalwood prayer beads clinking softly as he turned them in his hand.
Even the sound of breathing seemed to fade away.
In that tense atmosphere, time felt excruciatingly slow.
At last, Su Sheng’s voice rang out, clear and forceful, leaving no room for dispute: “In this imperial examination, the Tanhua is Gao Yuanfeng. The second-ranked Bangyan is Li Yuande. The Zhuangyuan—Shen Wang. As for the rewards, titles, and estates, they shall be conferred after the Spring Hunt.”
All present bowed. “Your Majesty is wise and just.”
Though no one dared challenge the emperor’s decision, many were deep in thought, each forming private judgments.
The outcome now set, Su Qishi exhaled in quiet relief. Yet, a thought lingered. In her past life, Li Yuande had taken first place. What had changed this time? Was it today’s question? She clearly remembered that while there had been a question last time, it had not been this one…
However, where there is joy, there is also sorrow.
Su Qishi tilted her head slightly, her gaze sweeping past Su Hui and Su Qi before finally resting on Shen Wang. She caught, with sharp precision, the glimmer of tears welling in his eyes, then slowly withdrew her gaze.
As for Gao Yuanfeng, she hadn’t paid much attention to him in her previous life. Her understanding of him was limited, only knowing that he never displayed emotion—a man of deep reserve and likely deeper schemes.
Inside the carriage of Prince Yue’s residence.
Now that Shen Wang had learned of Su Qishi’s true identity, he appeared somewhat ill at ease. “I hadn’t expected that Lady Shi would be none other than His Highness, Prince Yue.”
Su Qishi smiled lightly. “The title of Prince Yue comes with many inconveniences, so I fabricated a false identity. I hope you won’t take offense, Master Shen…” She paused, then added with a smile, “No, I should now address you as Lord Shen.”
Shen Wang hurriedly replied, “I do not deserve such honor.”
Su Qishi lifted her hand gently, her tone warm. “You are now the Zhuangyuan, personally chosen by His Majesty. How could you not deserve it? Moreover, the Emperor has granted you permission to participate in the upcoming Spring Hunt.” Then, as if casually, she added, “After all, the Spring Hunt is of great importance in our dynasty—it typically lasts for about a month.”
Shen Wang heard the subtle warning in her words and felt a warm current rise in his heart.
“Your Highness is indeed just as the rumors say.”
Su Qishi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? Let me hear them.”
Shen Wang’s eyes shimmered with a smile as he replied slowly, “Kind to others, upright in character…”
Su Qishi coughed lightly, her gaze shifting away in slight embarrassment, a faint blush on her cheeks. “Enough, enough—any more praise and I might float away. Still, I must say, your way with words is something worth learning.”
Shen Wang lowered her gaze with a soft smile, the femininity in her demeanor catching Su Qishi off guard. In that fleeting moment, Su Qishi couldn’t help but wonder—if Shen Wang hadn’t been wronged by corrupt officials, forced into hardship and sorrow, could she have lived freely under her parents’ protection, doing as she pleased?
Shen Wang spoke softly, “Your Highness jests.”
After sharing a meal at Yipin Pavilion, Su Qishi personally escorted Shen Wang back to her residence. She deliberately stationed guards there for protection—times had changed, and with increased recognition came envy and danger. Since she couldn’t openly bring Shen Wang into her own residence, this was the best she could do.
Upon returning, Su Qishi ordered Nianqi to investigate Gao Yuanfeng.
She spread out a sheet of letter paper, her brush dancing swiftly across it, as if a thousand thoughts demanded expression.
At last, she finished, folding the paper into an envelope. On the front, she wrote: “To Master, Personal.”
“Nianqi, have someone deliver this letter to Tianyuan Gate.”
Nianqi accepted it with a bow. “Understood.”
Su Qishi’s voice turned solemn. “Have those three confessed?”
Nianqi replied, “Your Highness, they’re close to breaking.”
Su Qishi nodded. “Then press harder. We need them to talk—and ensure there’s evidence. We cannot afford delay.” She seemed to recall something, then added, “Increase the number of guards watching them. Not even the slightest mishap is allowed.”
Nianqi cupped his hands. “Yes!”
Early the next morning, Su Qishi stood at the gates of the General’s Manor, waiting. She believed there was a misunderstanding between herself and Gu Congran. No matter what, it had to be addressed first.