Rebirth and Rewriting Fate

"When did you recognize me?" Ye Xingchen couldn't help but ask.

“When Cui kidnapped you, I recognized the dagger and had some suspicions. Later, on Xiyan Mountain, your aunt said that you were wearing a black velvet coat when you went up the mountain alone. I checked and the Ye family villa is indeed in Sifang Town, and it is indeed a two-day walk from where we met to Xiyan Mountain.”

"What a coincidence," Ye Xingchen exclaimed. A chance encounter in youth, a reunion in adulthood—even novels wouldn't dare to write something like this.

Hearing this from the treetop, Chengfeng touched his nose. This Ye Xingchen was actually that girl from back then. He'd have to tell Chiwu this explosive news later.

Night deepened, and a cool breeze carried a gentle chill. Tonight must be the fifteenth; the moon is so round, hanging high in the sky. Moonlight, like water, softly spills across the still lake, shimmering like stars fallen from the sky, quietly twinkling in the darkness. An indescribable tranquility permeates the surrounding air; even the breeze seems to slow its pace, afraid to disturb this rare peace.

"Achoo!" A sneeze came from the top of the tree, and Chengfeng quickly covered his mouth.

"I should go back now." Ye Xingchen smiled.

"I'll see you off." Gu Ruoxiao got up and walked forward.

The moonlight fell on him, hazy and ambiguous.

Ye Xingchen watched his retreating figure. This man had shared a bond with her in childhood, had tried to kill her as an adult, and had also saved her many times. Now, they both shared memories of their past. Such a serene and composed person must have had a harmonious wife and a happy family in his past life.

"Gu Ruoxiao!" she called out.

He turned to look at her.

"I have another question for you."

"You said."

"In your previous life, was the woman you asked the Emperor to marry Shangguan Wan'er?"

The wind rustled through the treetops, and Gu Ruoxiao answered with silence; the answer was self-evident.

Ye Xingchen looked at the distance between them, which was only a little over ten feet, but at this moment it felt so far away.

She smiled sadly, "It's fine."

The carriage stopped at the back gate of the Ye residence; it was already late at night.

Gu Ruoxiao got out of the car with her and handed her a medicine bottle. "This is a miraculous pill I got from the palace. It can cure all poisons. Why don't you try it?"

Ye Xingchen looked at the medicine bottle in his hand, "Thank you, but it's useless." Then she turned around.

Gu Ruoxiao stopped her, "How will you know if you don't try?"

She looked up at him. "Last time, Luo Yan gave me a bottle of Qi Ling Dan. I tried it, but it didn't work."

Gu Ruoxiao frowned.

The back door creaked open, and Nan Rao's head popped out. "Miss."

Ye Xingchen quickly slipped inside. "What are you doing here? Still awake? Didn't Chiwu come by?"

“Lord Chiwu has come. I was worried about Miss. Rather than staying in the room, I thought it would be better to wait at the back door. I’ll be able to wait for Miss eventually,” Nan Rao said.

She hugged Nanrao. "Nanrao, thank you. I'm alright now."

Today, His Majesty has issued a special decree to summon those brave and fearless personnel who supported Linchuan to the palace, and to reward them for their contributions with a grand ceremony.

As dawn broke, the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City shimmered with a solemn and magnificent light under the morning glow. Inside the palace courtyard, drums and music resounded, creating a joyous atmosphere. The Emperor, dressed in his dragon robe, sat regally on his golden throne, his eyes both imposing and benevolent as he surveyed the orderly ranks of relief workers and his court officials below. With a eunuch's sharp, drawn-out voice announcing, "His Majesty has arrived—," the officials and relief workers knelt in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" their cries echoing across the rooftops. The Emperor gently raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to rise. Then, a solemn yet compassionate ceremony to reward those who had contributed to the relief effort officially began.

A large, dark crowd had gathered. Ye Xingchen was hiding in the crowd, feeling bored and sleepy. He just hoped that this episode would end soon.

"Where is the young lady of the Ye family?" Eunuch Xuan Zhao called out. Someone patted Ye Xingchen on the shoulder. "Is someone calling you?"

"Damn it, who pushed me out here, this weak and invisible person?" Ye Xingchen thought to himself.

"This humble woman is here." She had no choice but to bite the bullet and ascend the main hall.

"Your subject Ye Xingchen greets Your Majesty!" She bowed and knelt.

"Rise," the Emperor said.

"Father, this is Ye Xingchen I was talking about. He was a great help in Linchuan this time! Uncle, don't you think so?" Gu Chengjie said enthusiastically, while also winking at Ye Xingchen.

Damn it, it was you!

"Your Majesty, the daughter of the Ye family has indeed rendered meritorious service," Gu Ruoxiao said.

"Your Majesty, it is my daughter's good fortune to be able to go to Linchuan, and I dare not take credit for it," Minister Ye said humbly as he stepped forward.

"Hahaha, I will certainly reward those who have rendered meritorious service. Daughter of the Ye family, tell me, what do you want?" the Emperor said with a smile.

What if he were to announce the annulment of the royal engagement now? Ye Xingchen pondered this, then looked up at Gu Ruoxiao. He frowned slightly when he saw her looking at him.

That's enough, we can't let Nanrao and the others be in danger.

"Your Majesty, I was merely doing my duty," Ye Xingchen replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Hahaha, Minister Ye, you have indeed raised a fine daughter!" the Emperor laughed. "Here, reward her with a thousand taels of gold!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty." He bowed deeply in gratitude.

"Father, Father, your son has just acquired a huge luminous pearl today!" A man burst into the hall.

Ye Xingchen was startled by the sound; what was meant to happen could not be avoided.

Gu Chenglin has always been the emperor's most beloved child, which is why he can so disregard etiquette and barge into the court.

"You silly child, today is the day to reward those who have made contributions, so don't cause any trouble," the Emperor said indulgently.

"Are you Ye Xingchen?" Gu Chenglin asked.

"Ye Xingchen greets the Eighth Prince." He quickly bowed.

"No need for formalities." Gu Chenglin raised his hand and handed over a brocade box. "This luminous pearl is for you."

She stared at him, her eyes wide.

"Very good, very good. A pearl is a perfect match for a beautiful woman. Lin'er really knows how to choose a gift," the Emperor said happily.

"Eighth Prince, I am unworthy of such a title," Ye Xingchen said, bowing her head.

"You don't like it?" Gu Chenglin asked, puzzled.

"Your Highness, Chen'er is just overjoyed. Thank you for your generous gift," Minister Ye quickly interjected for Ye Xingchen.

"Your Majesty, there are still many soldiers waiting in the rear," Gu Ruoxiao reminded him.

"Your Majesty, please retire."

As Ye Xingchen stepped out of the palace gates, he sighed helplessly. He had planned everything, but he never expected to run into the Eighth Prince here.

"Miss, shall we go back now? Or wait for the master?" the coachman asked as he saw his young mistress come out.

"Let's wait a bit," Ye Xingchen thought, "we should wait until Gu Ruoxiao comes out first."

She kept glancing inside; the journey to receive the rewards seemed far too long.

When she looked inside again, she didn't see Gu Ruoxiao, but instead saw Gu Chenglin.

Ye Xingchen quickly turned around.

"Miss Ye!" Gu Chenglin called out.

"Greetings, Eighth Prince." Ye Xingchen reluctantly bowed.

"No need for formalities. You don't need to bow to me next time," Gu Chenglin said with a smile.

"Do you remember me?" Gu Chenglin asked.

"Huh?" Ye Xingchen was full of questions. Wasn't this the first time we'd met?