Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - Chapter 34
A’Shi, Can You Give Me One More Chance?
Su Hui was certain she wouldn’t dare defy Emperor Su Sheng now. His urgency proved that her first move had taken effect—and Su Sheng’s ruthlessness exceeded her expectations.
This “reward” appeared to be an honor, but in truth, it was a death sentence. From now on, she would be a thorn in everyone’s side, a target for all.
Su Qishi rose to her feet, her gaze steady as it landed on Su Sheng. Her heart was calm, her expression relaxed.
“I, too, believe it’s a fine idea. I’ve long heard that the Li family of Qingzhou hails from a military lineage. Minister Li’s swordsmanship must be exceptional.”
Li Yuande also rose, his usual arrogance replaced by composure.
“Your Highness flatters me. You led troops into battle at just seventeen—how could I compare?”
Su Hui interjected sharply,
“Enough talking. Let’s begin at once.”
Suddenly, Gu Congran stood up and bowed toward Su Sheng.
“Your Majesty, Prince Yue has only just survived an assassination and is still recovering. Please, allow this subject to spar with Minister Li in her stead.”
Su Hui scoffed, cutting in,
“General Gu, we all know you’re close with my royal sister, but you’re worrying too much—and looking down on her abilities.”
Su Qishi’s voice rang through the hall, calm and unwavering.
“Royal Brother, your eloquence truly humbles me. I thank General Gu for her concern.”
Su Qi observed their clash in silence. The more they fought, the better for him.
Empress Xiao Yue then spoke,
“General Gu’s concern isn’t without reason. In my view, it’s best to forgo this duel.”
Su Sheng remained expressionless, the corner of his lips curling into a faint, unreadable smile. He took this opportunity to demonstrate his so-called affection for the Empress.
“Since the Empress has spoken, the sparring match will be canceled.”
A storm seemed to pass through the hall. The atmosphere turned tense and strange. Officials exchanged uneasy glances—no one dared speak out.
Just then, a clear voice rang out.
“Father, I’ve learned a duet with Sister Wanxuan called ‘Phoenix and Harmony’, which I’d like to perform for Mother Empress.”
Su Qingzhi, dressed in a flowing pale gown, her eyes bright as blooming flowers, stepped forward.
Su Sheng looked at her with affection and smiled.
“Granted.”
The two bowed and moved to the instruments.
Su Qingzhi plucked the strings gently, a delicate melody flowing from her fingers, filling the cold tension of the hall with grace.
Qi Wanxuan stood poised beside her, playing a jade flute. The zither and flute harmonized, creating a captivating sound.
Su Qishi seemed indifferent to the earlier drama. As the music played, she quietly sipped her wine, not sparing even a glance at the person whose eyes had never left her.
When the music ended, the two performers bowed again.
Su Sheng turned to Xiao Yue, a subtle smile in his eyes.
“What does the Empress think of this piece?”
Xiao Yue met his gaze evenly, her voice steady.
“Of course, it was lovely. The melody was seamless—I enjoyed it greatly.”
She looked at the young women and added warmly,
“Qingzhi has such a thoughtful heart. And Lady Qi—graceful and talented. I’m very fond of her. Minister Qi must have raised her with great care.”
Minister Qi Yunshan replied humbly,
“I have only one daughter, and naturally, I’ve been strict.”
Su Sheng nodded.
“Minister Qi has raised her well…” He paused, then added,
“Since it’s the Empress’s birthday, both Qingzhi and Lady Qi should be rewarded. What does the Empress suggest?”
Xiao Yue smiled slightly.
“I defer to His Majesty.”
What a harmonious display between Emperor and Empress.
Su Sheng chuckled.
“Then I shall play matchmaker today.”
At these words, Su Qishi felt a chill of unease.
“Where is Shen Wang?”
Shen Wang rose, head bowed.
“Your servant is here.”
Su Sheng’s voice boomed.
“Shen Wang is the newly appointed top scholar, a talent I value highly. My youngest daughter Qingzhi is virtuous and gifted—a perfect match. Thus, on this joyous occasion, I hereby bestow marriage upon the two of you. What say you?”
His words left no room for refusal.
“Long live His Majesty!” the court echoed.
Shen Wang froze, stunned. Then, quickly regaining composure, she stepped to the center and knelt.
She is a woman—how could she marry another woman? It would be irresponsible to both herself and her would-be bride.
Meanwhile, Su Qingzhi’s heart sank. She wanted to refuse, but her father’s tone allowed no opposition. Just like in her past life, she was being used as a political pawn. Yet this life… would her sister help her?
Then again, marrying Shen Wang might have one benefit—she’d be closer to her sister.
Su Qingzhi glanced sideways at Su Qishi and caught the panic and concern in her sister’s eyes. Her heart stirred.
Shen Wang’s voice rang out.
“Your Majesty, I beg you—please rescind this decree!”
Emperor Su Sheng’s eyes flashed with sharpness.
“Oh? Shen Wang—do you mean to say that my daughter Qingzhi is not worthy of you?”
A wave of crushing imperial pressure fell upon Shen Wang.
She immediately lowered her head and replied anxiously,
“Your Majesty, that is not what I meant! I come from a humble background. If Her Highness were to marry me, I fear she would suffer undeserved hardship.”
Su Sheng chuckled.
“You’ve certainly thought this through. But don’t worry—if Qingzhi marries you, I naturally won’t let her endure any hardship.”
“Since that’s settled, do you still have anything to say?”
Shen Wang’s eyes flickered, sorrow etched in her brows.
“…This servant obeys.”
Su Sheng turned to Su Qingzhi,
“Qingzhi, are you willing?”
Though phrased as a question, Su Qingzhi knew she could never say no.
Her lashes trembled. She bowed again.
“Your daughter is willing.”
Su Sheng rose and lifted his wine cup. Seeing this, the court followed suit.
“Let Us drink with Our beloved ministers!”
At his command, all drank.
Empress Xiao Yue chose that moment to speak,
“Your Majesty, Lady Qi has not yet received her reward.”
Su Sheng set down his cup, his tone gentle,
“Let the Empress grant Lady Qi a reward—what do you think?”
Xiao Yue lowered her gaze, masking the flicker of a smile.
“This consort obeys.”
She turned to Qi Wanxuan, her tone warm.
“There is a jade bracelet, passed down from my mother, now in my possession. I shall bestow it upon Wanxuan.”
Qi Wanxuan quickly bowed,
“Your Majesty, the bracelet is too precious—I cannot accept it.”
Xiao Yue said nothing more. She gracefully descended from her seat, took Qi Wanxuan’s right hand, and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.
“You and Shier are of similar age. It would be good for you to spend more time together.”
With no choice, Qi Wanxuan bowed again,
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous gift.”
This remark stirred waves beneath the surface. Many officials cast glances at Prime Minister Liu Shichen.
Yet Liu Shichen’s expression remained calm, his eyes unreadable. Those hoping to see him flustered were disappointed.
Su Sheng observed the entire scene, a flicker of calculating intent glinting in his eyes.
The political undercurrents shifted rapidly.
Liu Jiangli, ever watchful, sensed something was wrong. She suspected Xiao Yue had also been reborn—and was now deliberately pairing Qi Wanxuan with A’Shi…
No. She won’t allow A’Shi to be with any woman but her.
Fear and jealousy tangled inside her, threatening to tear her apart.
The banquet resumed. Musicians played their instruments, and dancers moved in elegant patterns, like living scrolls unfolding.
Su Qishi sighed softly. Lifting her eyes, she met Qi Wanxuan’s gaze. In that fleeting moment, both seemed to understand the thoughts behind each other’s eyes.
Quietly, Su Qishi slipped away from the hall, her steps unhurried as she wandered behind an artificial rock garden. She stood, gazing at the moon, as the cool night wind cleared the haze of wine.
Soon, soft footsteps approached and stopped beside her.
“Miss Qi, do you find tonight’s breeze cold?”
“…Especially cold.”
Su Qishi turned, meeting Qi Wanxuan’s eyes. Both smiled faintly.
Then Su Qishi spoke softly,
“I know your heart doesn’t belong to the inner palace. It yearns for something greater… Tell me, Miss Qi, have you ever thought of fighting for yourself?”
Qi Wanxuan’s voice was calm, with a trace of bitterness.
“When one’s life is already arranged, how can one dare to dream of anything more—let alone fight for it?”
Qi Wanxuan’s tone was calm, betraying nothing of her inner thoughts. But Su Qishi, perceptive as ever, caught the subtle injustice and frustration behind her soft sigh.
Su Qishi spoke gently,
“But if you don’t take that step, Miss Qi, how will you ever find that world you long for? …We are the same, you and I. If you’re willing, the gates of Prince Yue’s Manor will always be open to you.”
Qi Wanxuan lowered her gaze, her thoughts caught in a tangled web, wavering back and forth like a thread pulled taut along an unseen red string. Su Qishi’s words dropped into her heart like a stone, stirring waves that could not be calmed.
After a long silence, Qi Wanxuan finally spoke, her voice firm, ringing softly in Su Qishi’s ear.
“This humble woman is willing…”
“Ever since I heard Your Highness speak not long ago, I’ve often dreamed of one day standing tall like you. What I once thought was mere fantasy—today, it feels… possible.”
Su Qishi responded, her voice low and steady,
“All things are fate, and yet… none of it is. If they can do it, so can we.”
Qi Wanxuan’s eyes flickered with a strange light, her gaze at Su Qishi carrying a hint of emotion not easily named.
Unbeknownst to them, this serene and harmonious scene was being watched from a distance—by Liu Jiangli, who had come seeking Su Qishi. Her heart ached as if torn apart.
With her was Prince Su Zhi, whom she had run into moments earlier.
Su Zhi frowned slightly, offering comfort.
“Miss Liu, don’t take it to heart. I can vouch for A’Shi’s character.”
But Liu Jiangli’s gaze was fixed intently on their close proximity—their shoulders nearly touching. Her heart, already unsteady, sank like a stone.
“Thank you for your concern, Prince An,” she said, her voice distant. “I’m fine now. I’ll take my leave first.”
She turned and left in haste. Su Zhi watched her retreating figure, a subtle smile flickering in his eyes.
Liu Jiangli hid behind another rock garden. She had been too far earlier to hear what Su Qishi and Qi Wanxuan discussed. Now that she was closer, she realized they were only admiring the moon together.
Still, the tranquil air between them, their peaceful companionship, made her heart clench painfully with jealousy.
She didn’t know how much time passed before she heard Su Qishi’s voice.
“Wanxuan, you should head back. I’ll stay here a bit longer.”
“…Mm.”
Footsteps echoed softly as Qi Wanxuan walked away.
Su Qishi lingered a while longer, then finally turned to leave. As she rounded the edge of the rock garden, a figure in white suddenly blocked her path.
She paused, eyes narrowing.
It was Liu Jiangli.
Annoyance immediately flared in Su Qishi’s eyes.
“What do you want?”
Liu Jiangli stepped closer, her eyes filled with sorrow and stubbornness.
“A’Shi, you can laugh and speak freely with Miss Qi… Why is it that when it’s me, all I see in your eyes is disgust? A’Shi, I know I was wrong. Can’t you give me another chance?”
Her beautiful eyes were fixed on Su Qishi, her voice choked yet defiant.
No matter how pitiful Liu Jiangli seemed, Su Qishi’s heart would never be moved again.
Her voice was cold as frost.
“No. Get out of my sight.”
Caught off guard, Su Qishi was suddenly pushed hard by Liu Jiangli, her back slamming into the rock wall. In the next instant, Liu Jiangli’s lips crushed against hers, kissing her fiercely, desperately…