Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - Chapter 32

Apologize to Her, Now!

“Shouyue, why are you here?”

Yun Shouyue rose gracefully and walked to Su Qishi’s side, lifting her head slightly, her voice gentle.
“Qishi, since you haven’t come to find me, I had no choice but to come to you myself.”

Su Qishi took Yun Shouyue by the wrist and led her into the hall. The two of them sat down side by side, and Su Qishi explained,
“I’ve been busy these days and haven’t visited Yaoxiang Pavilion. How have you been, Shouyue? Has anyone troubled you?”

Yun Shouyue shook her head slightly, her delicate brows furrowing. She spoke with quiet concern,
“Qishi, yesterday I heard one of the officials visiting Yaoxiang Pavilion mention that you went missing during the spring hunt. Were you hurt?”

Seeing the genuine worry in her eyes, Su Qishi couldn’t help but smile.
“So you’ve heard… I’m fine, Shouyue. Don’t worry.”

“Qishi, you are my… only friend. How could I not worry about you?”

Su Qishi was momentarily stunned, then smiled warmly.
“Shouyue, you are such a good woman. I wonder who will be fortunate enough to marry you in the future.”

Yun Shouyue lowered her gaze, hiding the dimness in her eyes. Her slender jade-like hand seemed to land on Su Qishi’s wrist unintentionally as she spoke softly,
“Qishi, don’t tease me. I’m just a woman of the brothel—who would be willing to marry someone like me?”

Her tone was faintly sorrowful, enough to move anyone’s heart.

Su Qishi’s brows knit slightly as she replied in a warm tone,
“Shouyue, don’t belittle yourself. Despite your circumstances, you’ve never succumbed to them. Your strength of character is something few can match. A woman like you—anyone would admire you.”

Yun Shouyue’s eyes shimmered, a trace of emotion flickering within them. Her lips curved into a gentle smile tinged with teasing.
“Does ‘anyone’… include you, Qishi?”

Su Qishi hesitated briefly, realizing she was joking. Her tension eased as she replied,
“Of course. Shouyue, you’re my confidante. Naturally, I like you.”

A fleeting shadow passed through Yun Shouyue’s gaze, and her heart sank once again.

Then Su Qishi’s voice rang softly in her ear.

“Shouyue, let me buy your freedom.”

Su Qishi’s heart was a little anxious. In her past life, she had made this offer many times, yet Yun Shouyue had always refused.

Time seemed to stand still.

Yun Shouyue appeared to ponder for a moment, then parted her lips lightly.
“There’s no need, Qishi. In this life, I’ve never thought of marrying. As long as I have you, that’s enough.”

As expected, she refused again. But Su Qishi wasn’t ready to give up.

“Shouyue, that’s not what I meant. If I redeem you, you’ll be free. You could go wherever you wish, no longer confined to Yaoxiang Pavilion.”

Yun Shouyue lowered her head, seeming to seriously consider the offer. After a while, she replied quietly,
“The madam at Yaoxiang Pavilion treats me well. I have no other desires in this life—I only seek peace. Having you by my side is enough.”

At that, Su Qishi stopped trying to persuade her.

Glancing out the window, Su Qishi made a suggestion.
“It’s getting late. Why not stay the night here at the manor?”

Yun Shouyue looked at Su Qishi’s elegant profile, her eyes shimmering. She nodded softly.

Moshang Teahouse, the largest teahouse in the capital, was an elegant, antique-styled place filled with a subtle fragrance. Upon entering, a central platform immediately caught the eye. The main hall contained fifteen Eight Immortals Tables, and exquisite wall paintings and fine porcelain adorned every corner. People came and went in a constant flow.

The second floor had private rooms, each offering a clear view of the platform below. During the day, storytellers would stand there, recounting tales of wonder and intrigue; at night, musicians would perform.

Today, one such storyteller stood on the platform.
“They say that in the previous dynasty, the emperor had three sons and two daughters. Today’s story concerns the second prince. His mother hailed from a prestigious noble family. However, that emperor, wary of the aristocracy, secretly worked to suppress them. The second prince, seeking to protect his mother’s clan, tried to gain the support of court officials. But the emperor was determined to weaken all noble houses. The second prince fell from favor, and unrest stirred in his heart. What he did next struck fear into the realm…”

The audience was completely captivated. When the storyteller paused, someone quickly urged,
“Come on—what happened next?”

The storyteller sighed and continued,
“Sigh… Seeing himself about to be removed from the line of succession, the second prince could no longer remain passive. He joined forces with the noble clans and his loyal officials to plot rebellion. But in the end, he failed—and was executed.”

As soon as the words fell, a murmur rose from the crowd.

“Why does this story sound familiar? Doesn’t our current dynasty also have three sons and two daughters? And the current second prince’s maternal family is also from a noble house… which the emperor has also been suppressing.”

A nearby man quickly interrupted him in alarm,
“Do you want to die? Talking about court matters so carelessly?!”

“Yes, yes, I spoke out of turn. But lately, I’ve heard rumors… that the second prince bears the appearance of an emperor!”

“Where did you hear that?”

“It’s just street gossip,” someone replied. “Everyone’s saying it, but whether it’s true or not—who can really know?”

In a shadowed corner of the teahouse’s main hall, two men sat, their eyes locked on the storyteller. One of them, his face dark as iron, hissed coldly,
“Have you found out who’s behind this nonsense or not?!”

Yuan Guang wiped the sweat from his brow, his voice low and tense.
“We’re still investigating, Your Highness. But it seems the culprit was well-prepared—there’s no trace left behind. It’s proving very difficult to track them.”

Su Hui snarled, “Then why are you still sitting here? Get out there and find them! This is a dangerous time. If word of this reaches Father, we’re both dead men!”

“The Emperor is already furious at the noble families for enjoying their titles while doing nothing. The situation grows more urgent by the day… Since they’ve given me no path forward, I won’t wait any longer! It’s time to make my move.”

A sinister light flashed in Su Hui’s eyes.

“Go summon Prince Qi Yan. Tell him I have urgent matters to discuss.”

Yuan Guang responded quickly, “Yes, Your Highness,” and hurried away.

Unbeknownst to them, everything that transpired in the hall had already fallen into Su Qishi’s eyes.

Her slender fingers traced the rim of her teacup, feeling the warmth of the porcelain seep into her skin. A faint, almost imperceptible smile hovered on her lips.

Across from her, Yun Shouyue set her teacup down, glanced at the scene below, and spoke in a gentle tone,
“Qishi, you didn’t come here just to hear stories today, did you?”

Su Qishi nodded without hesitation, not bothering to conceal the truth.
“You’re right, Shouyue. I came mainly to see how Su Hui would react.”

Yun Shouyue looked up, complex emotions flickering in her eyes.
“Qishi, do you intend to fight for it?”

Meeting her gaze, laced with subtle concern, Su Qishi smiled.
“Yes, and there’s nothing wrong with fighting… Don’t worry so much, Shouyue.” She then teased with a grin, “Even if I lose, it won’t affect you. I’ll send you away in advance.”

“You won’t lose!” Yun Shouyue’s voice rose suddenly, a rare trace of agitation breaking through. Su Qishi blinked in surprise.

Realizing she’d lost composure, Yun Shouyue’s face flushed faintly. She lowered her voice,
“Qishi, you’re the only person close to me. You can’t lose. If you fall… what am I to do?”

Su Qishi looked down, her eyes hiding the complexity that surfaced within. She had never realized just how much she meant to Yun Shouyue.

Her long lashes trembled slightly. She softened her tone.
“You won’t need to worry, Shouyue. I was only joking. I will win.”

Yun Shouyue was the one who understood her best.

Yun Shouyue’s eyes darkened as if deep in thought.
“Qishi, I want to help you…”

Su Qishi’s eyes flickered. “Alright, have some pastries first. Moshang Teahouse has the best ones.” She handed a piece to Yun Shouyue, then took one for herself.

The two exchanged smiles.

Each harboring their own thoughts.

The weather was unusually warm that day, the skies clear and cloudless.

After leaving Moshang Teahouse, Su Qishi and Yun Shouyue strolled through the bustling main street.

Pedestrians filled the roads. Shops lined both sides of the street, their vendors shouting out with endless energy.

Passing by a jewelry shop, Yun Shouyue’s eyes were caught by a beautiful hairpin.

She picked it up gently. The hairpin was a delicate lavender color, with a tassel dangling from its tip that swayed with elegance and mystery.

Su Qishi asked,
“Shouyue, do you like this hairpin?”

Yun Shouyue gave a small nod. “Mm.”

The shopkeeper, noting that although the two women were plainly dressed, the fabric they wore was of high quality, immediately guessed their noble origins. He spoke directly,
“Young lady, you have excellent taste. This hairpin is made from amethyst, a specialty of our kingdom. It suits you perfectly.”

Let me know if you’d like to continue the scene, or if you’d like to explore Su Hui’s alliance with Qi Yan or Su Qishi’s political moves next!

Su Qishi placed a silver ingot on the vendor’s counter with decisive ease.

“Let’s go, Shouyue. Let’s keep walking.”

Yun Shouyue held the hairpin in her hand, her heart feeling inexplicably full. A gentle smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Then, sensing that the person beside her had stopped, Yun Shouyue looked up.

Not far away stood Liu Jiangli, her gaze calm as she looked at them. Yet Yun Shouyue could see the faded light in her eyes.

Her features were delicate, as if painted, her demeanor cold and ethereal. At that moment, standing perfectly still, she resembled a flawless piece of white jade.

Yun Shouyue couldn’t deny that Liu Jiangli was indeed beautiful. There was something about her unique aura that naturally drew others in.

Su Qishi only paused for a moment, then walked on as if she hadn’t seen Liu Jiangli, her steps light and unbothered. She murmured,
“Shouyue, let’s go.”

Inwardly, Su Qishi couldn’t help but sigh. Why do I run into her everywhere?

Just as they were about to pass by, Liu Jiangli suddenly stepped forward to block Su Qishi’s path. Su Qishi stopped, her arms falling loosely to her sides.

“A’Shi… who is this young lady?”

Yun Shouyue took a graceful step forward and answered with composure,
“I am Yun Shouyue. And you must be Miss Liu, daughter of the Prime Minister?”

Liu Jiangli’s brows furrowed. Her voice was cold.
“I wasn’t speaking to you. Kindly move aside.”

Su Qishi immediately pulled Yun Shouyue behind her, her eyes filled with annoyance. Her voice was icy.
“Liu Jiangli, don’t go too far. Out of respect for your father, I’ve shown you some courtesy. Now, apologize to Shouyue—immediately.”

Liu Jiangli’s mind reeled. Su Qishi was telling her to apologize to another woman? Her beautiful eyes welled with unshed tears. She whispered softly,
“A’Shi… I…”

But Su Qishi’s heart had long turned cold toward her. There was no trace of pity in her eyes, only stern rejection.

Liu Jiangli glanced past Su Qishi at Yun Shouyue, who now wore a look of quiet triumph. The apology caught in Liu Jiangli’s throat, her heart aching as if stabbed by a blade.

Her eyes turned red. Stubbornly, she looked away, silently conveying that she would not apologize—no matter what.

Su Qishi’s expression darkened. She was just about to speak when Yun Shouyue gently tugged on her sleeve. Turning, Su Qishi looked at her with slight confusion. Yun Shouyue smiled softly.
“Qishi, it’s fine. I’m sure Miss Liu has simply misunderstood. I’ll take my leave. I’ll let you two talk.”

Su Qishi quickly held onto Yun Shouyue’s hand and said in a low voice,
“No need. Let’s go together—ignore her.”

Liu Jiangli stood frozen, watching as the two walked away, growing ever more distant. Regret surged in her chest. She had underestimated Yun Shouyue, and she had been far too willful. Now, A’Shi was utterly fed up with her. She shouldn’t have acted out.

From a distance, Hua Yun, having finished her shopping, hurried over. At the sight of her lady’s pale expression, she asked worriedly,
“Miss, who bullied you? Just say the word, and I’ll go teach her a lesson!”

Liu Jiangli forced a smile, tinged with bitterness.
“It’s nothing, Hua Yun.”

Meanwhile, preparations for the Empress’s birthday banquet were well underway. Palace servants moved in orderly fashion, hanging lanterns at the entrances of the halls. Every palace was meticulously cleaned and decorated, the entire atmosphere brimming with festivity.

As night fell, the palace glowed with brilliant light. Under the shimmering glazed lamps, the halls gleamed with grandeur and solemnity. It was clear that this banquet was being treated with utmost importance.

Although the banquet had yet to begin, the servants bustled about, arranging the venue. Each table was made of fine sandalwood, radiating the Emperor’s regard for the Empress. Gold bowls and jade dishes filled every surface.

With the sound of court musicians striking up their instruments, the banquet officially began…