Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - Chapter 9

Xiao Yue gave a cold snort. “You can’t even take care of your own fiancée. How can you expect to achieve anything greater? Go stand in the central courtyard!”

But A’Shi’s face was full of joy—the joy of seeing a familiar person after a long time.

She walked over, smiling brightly.

“Qingzhi, why not wait inside?”

The moment Su Qingzhi saw A’Shi, her eyes lit up with joy.

“I wanted to see you sooner, Sister.”

Exactly the same words as in the previous life…

A’Shi walked past her, directly into the residence under Qingzhi’s eager gaze.

“It’s getting windy. Let’s talk inside.”

“Yes, Sister.”

Su Qingzhi’s lips twitched. Her hand, half-raised, slowly fell. The handkerchief she held was wrinkled in her grip, and the light in her eyes dimmed for a moment.

A’Shi’s eyes were full of concern. “Coming out of the palace this late… did Father grant you permission?”

Su Qingzhi let out a soft laugh. “Of course Father allowed it. He said I should stay with Sister for a few days, to keep her company.”

Su Qishi paused, her brows faintly knitting together.

“Is that so? But I’ll be staying in the military camp these next few days—I’m afraid I won’t be able to accompany you, Qingzhi.”

Hearing this, Su Qingzhi’s eyes dimmed, the slight lift of her lips faltering as disappointment washed over her.

“Is it… because of Sister A’Li?”

“I heard you’ve been teaching her archery lately.”

Su Qishi observed Qingzhi’s every move. How did I never realize how good she was at acting in the past?

“Not anymore.”

At those words, Su Qingzhi gently placed her hand on A’Shi’s, her eyes filled with worry, voice tender and soft. “Did Sister A’Li upset you? Qingzhi only ever wants to care for you, not make you sad.”

The moment Qingzhi’s hand touched hers, A’Shi nearly recoiled. A wave of revulsion rose from deep within her.

Feigning the need for a drink, Su Qishi subtly withdrew her hand. “Of course not. It’s just that the annual spring hunt is coming soon, and I need to prepare.”

Su Qingzhi savored the lingering warmth on her palm, then responded with a look of sudden understanding. “Ah, I see. But Sister, you’ve just won a battle—can your body really endure this? Why not rest for a few days? With your skills, claiming the top prize at the hunt will be effortless.”

Qingzhi tried hard to persuade her, but Su Qishi was overwhelmed with irritation.

“I know you’re worried, Qingzhi, but Mother is watching. I don’t want to disappoint her.”

As she spoke, her eyes grew misty, red-tinged with carefully crafted vulnerability—her pain laid bare for all to see.

Su Qingzhi was thrown off, panicked. She reached out to wipe away A’Shi’s tears, but A’Shi’s sharp gaze caught the motion, and she deliberately moved away first.

Her hand missed again. Su Qingzhi awkwardly pulled it back.

“Sister, don’t say that. In my heart, you’ll always be the best.”

Her eyes were sincere, gleaming like stars.

A’Shi lowered her gaze to hide the storm within. The more sincere Qingzhi seemed, the more deeply her betrayal in the previous life cut. Her emotions churned, magnified.

Who would have thought—the sister I loved most could so easily raise her hand against me, all for a man she barely knew.

Forcing a smile, A’Shi replied, “Is that so, Qingzhi? In my heart, you’re the best too.”

Her words made Qingzhi beam with joy, her eyes unable to hide their delight.

Qingzhi’s gaze flickered, her voice tinged with regret. “Then I won’t disturb Sister further. I’ll return to the palace and come see you again after the spring hunt.”

“But Sister, don’t get hurt. If you do, it will break my heart.”

A’Shi smiled. “Alright, I know. I’ll have Nian Qi escort you.”

The carriage was uncomfortably silent—only the sound of breathing broke the stillness. Nian Qi, who normally lounged about carelessly, now sat upright by the curtain, breathing lightly and moving cautiously.

She glanced at Su Qingzhi, who sat poised on the couch. To her surprise, Qingzhi’s gaze was cold, far removed from her usual sweetness.

Nian Qi quickly looked away, unsettled.

But curiosity got the better of her. She stole another glance—not subtle this time, but bold.

In that brief moment their eyes met, Su Qingzhi’s coldness had vanished, replaced by a gentle smile, her eyes curved like crescent moons.

Did I imagine it?

Su Qingzhi smiled sweetly. “Miss Nian Qi, is something the matter?”

Caught red-handed—or so she thought—Nian Qi let out an awkward laugh. “No, no. Nothing at all.” She averted her gaze and didn’t dare sneak another look.

Su Sheng’s sharp gaze swept over the gathered officials.
“Why is Prince Yue not present?”

The eunuch beside him quickly stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, you had granted Prince Yue five days’ leave from morning court. Today happens to be the fifth day.”

Su Sheng waved his hand, signaling that he understood. His personal eunuch, Zhao Nan, bowed and stepped back.

At that moment, Minister of Personnel Xu Zheng stepped forward, cupping his hands.
“Your Majesty, the annual spring examinations are approaching. The number of candidates continues to increase year after year, a clear sign that under your wise governance, the people live in peace and prosperity.”

He then openly praised the Emperor’s wisdom.

The officials in the court echoed in unison,
“Long live His Majesty’s wisdom!”

Flattery like this was tailor-made for those in high places.

Su Sheng laughed heartily.
“Beloved ministers, you may rise. Minister Xu, your diligence has not gone unnoticed.”
Then his tone shifted.
“You shall serve as the chief examiner for this year’s spring trials. Where is Prince Chen?”

Su Qi stepped forward and bowed.
“Your son is here.”

Su Sheng nodded.
“You shall assist Minister Xu and serve as deputy examiner.”

“Your son obeys!”

The court echoed once more,
“Long live His Majesty’s wisdom!”

Su Sheng, clearly pleased, scanned the assembly with satisfaction before signaling to his eunuch.

Zhao Nan called out loudly,
“Court is adjourned!”

Outside the Xuanzheng Hall, the officials departed in small groups, each aligned with their own factions.

Minister of Justice Wang Zeren commented,
“That Xu Nan is getting more eloquent by the day.”

Several nearby officials nodded in agreement.
“Indeed, indeed.”

Then they saw Xu Nan walking alongside Su Qi.

Wang Zeren smirked,
“Look at that—he’s latched onto Prince Chen now.”

Prime Minister Liu Shichen, hearing Wang’s remark, paused and glanced toward Xu Nan. His expression was unreadable, but after a brief look, he quickened his pace and left without a word.

—Imperial Study—

“What brings you here? Have you gone to visit your mother yet?”

Su Qishi lounged casually in the chair,
“I was just about to. But of course I had to come see Father first. Don’t you miss me, Father?”

Su Sheng laughed,
“Of course I do. But your mother misses you too. Don’t be fooled by her strict demeanor—deep down, you’re the one she cares for most.”

His words echoed in A’Shi’s heart like a thunderclap.

Her mother wanted her dead. After being reborn, every time she saw those people, disgust rose from the depths of her soul. But she had to suppress it all. She constantly reminded herself—until my wings are fully grown, I must not reveal my strength too soon.

She forced herself to respond with words she didn’t mean,
“Your child understands. Please don’t tire yourself, Father. I’ll go visit Mother now.”

“Is there anything else, Father?”

“Don’t forget morning court tomorrow!”

Su Qishi chuckled lightly, “Got it, Father.”

After she left, Su Sheng slowly walked to the window, letting out a quiet sigh. His eyes were heavy with emotion that refused to fade.

Once outside the imperial study, Su Qishi strolled leisurely along the palace walls. She had no desire to meet the Empress early—just offer formal greetings and leave swiftly.

In her past life, she had thought the same as her father—that her mother was simply strict, but still cared for her deep down. That illusion had been shattered completely one day. Her mother truly didn’t love her. It would be more accurate to say… she disliked her.

But none of that mattered anymore. It was all in the past, not worth dwelling on.

In her previous life, Su Qi’s rise to Crown Prince had been half due to her support. The battle between Su Qi and Su Hui for the title had been brutal. Naturally, she had sided with Su Qi, being close with him since childhood. But this time, she would remain a bystander—quietly watching the show.

I wonder how Royal Grandmother is doing now…
In this vast and cold imperial harem, the only warmth left came from her.

At the thought, a rare tenderness appeared on Su Qishi’s face.

Her steps quickened. After visiting Changchun Palace, she planned to head to Cining Palace. Surely, after so long apart, Grandmother must be missing her.

Just as she reached Changchun Palace, a familiar voice sounded behind her.

That cool, clear voice, like a mountain spring, once refreshing—now pierced her like ice from the deep sea.
“A’Shi.”

Su Qishi took a deep breath, raising the corners of her lips slightly. “A’Li, what brings you here?”

Liu Jiangli lowered her gaze, long lashes fluttering slightly as she replied gently, “The Empress summoned me.”

Su Qishi responded, “Perfect. I’m also here to see Mother. Let’s go together.”

They walked side by side, but the distance between them felt vast.
Su Qishi deliberately kept her distance, unwilling to get close, while A’Li’s natural aloofness added to the gap.

In the past, A’Shi had been the one to keep conversation alive, always talking, always smiling. But now, her silence turned the atmosphere cold, stifling. The pressure around them was almost suffocating.

A’Shi’s behavior didn’t go unnoticed by A’Li, but she chose silence.

Inside the Main Hall of Changchun Palace

Empress Xiao Yue sat regally on her phoenix throne, a night pearl embedded at its center. The hall’s decor contrasted sharply with the Empress’s austere demeanor.

“Greetings, Mother.”

“Your servant, Liu Jiangli, greets Her Majesty the Empress.”

Xiao Yue gave Su Qishi a cold glance, lifting her chin slightly to signal she may rise. Then her expression softened as she turned to Liu Jiangli.

“Rise, Lier. You look thinner. Did Prince Yue upset you?”

A’Li glanced briefly at Su Qishi, then replied softly, “Prince Yue treats me well. I merely caught a chill a few days ago but have since recovered.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yue’s expression darkened, displeasure flashing in her eyes.

She turned sharply to Su Qishi, rebuking, “Prince Yue, were you unaware your fiancée was unwell?”

Su Qishi gave A’Li a sidelong glance and replied calmly, “I did not know.”

Funny… she was strolling around Yaoxiang Pavilion just yesterday. Didn’t look sick then.

Xiao Yue snorted coldly.
“You can’t even care for your fiancée. How do you expect to accomplish anything? Go kneel in the center courtyard—now!”