Chapter 39: Anger Part 3

So that was the ‘wrong’ she had done. Yesterday, she had simply felt upset and wanted to vent, never expecting such consequences. Xun Changqing smiled humbly, her smile blooming. “In that case, Sister, you guard here. I’ll just go in for a look and come right out.”

Xian Yu didn’t dare truly block her—after all, this was their mansion, and they were guests under another’s roof. She needed to urge the County Princess Mansion’s people to repair the buildings quickly so they could leave soon.

Xun Changqing entered lightly on tiptoe. Xian Yun was tidying the room, with incense burning in the censer—peach blossom scent, light and not cloying. She moved the censer to the inner bedroom. Xian Yun curtsied upon seeing her, then quietly withdrew.

The moment the door closed, Wei Lingci opened her eyes. She seemed to have slept deeply, like when she had awakened after rebirth—her mind foggy, but her body much lighter. Turning, she saw the person adding charcoal to the fire.

Her figure was as before, but the ornate brocade dress added a touch of alluring beauty. Under Xun Changqing’s slightly dazed gaze, she turned, her lips curving gently. “You’re awake. Is there anywhere you’re still uncomfortable?”

The room was warmed by the charcoal fire, and Xun Changqing had stood by the brazier for a moment, leaving her cheeks flushed red. Wei Lingci was covered in a thick brocade quilt and felt a bit hot, but her face remained very pale. Xun Changqing came close and adjusted the quilt downward a little.

Her gaze lingered on Wei Lingci’s cheek for an instant, her fingertips rubbing the quilt edge. Xun Changqing paused for a long while before saying apologetically, “Yesterday, though I did it on purpose, I didn’t expect your wound to split open and cause a low fever at night.”

“It’s nothing,” Wei Lingci replied softly, a faint smile on her plain features, though lacking some of her usual radiant poise. Her brows furrowed slightly, as if struggling inwardly. After a pause, she said warmly, “Did venting yesterday make you feel better? Did it avenge your expulsion from my tutelage?”

This question confirmed Xun Changqing’s guess—Wei Lingci, like her, was a person of two lives.

Though she had long known it, Xun Changqing was still startled. She stumbled back, hit a stool, and fell to the floor. Biting her lip, the faint hatred and lingering resentment in her eyes were diluted by tears, replaced by stubborn brilliance. She said mournfully, “Since you know everything, why did you still take me in? Why help me? Why…”

Wei Lingci sat up, her eyes pale—indifferent, emotionless, as if disavowing the past. “After all these years, why are you still fixated on those things? Right now, you should be thinking about how to survive in the Imperial Capital. The Emperor’s guilt toward you will fade day by day. You should focus on changing your own fate.”

“If you’re not fixated, then why are you still by my side? Why return to the Imperial Capital?” Xun Changqing wiped her tears. Perhaps she saw through Wei Lingci’s heart—refusing to speak was mere evasion, as in her previous life and now. She stood, turning to stare intently, gritting her teeth. “Do you know how much I hate you?”

Xun Changqing’s heart-wrenching words sounded mostly like petulance to Wei Lingci. Unable to get out of bed, she beckoned her over. Xun Changqing, grief-stricken, ignored her and stood rigidly by the side.

The two stalemated for a moment until Xian Yun entered with medicine. Sensing the odd atmosphere upon stepping into the bedroom, the clever girl set the bowl on the table and left.

After piercing that gossamer window paper, Xun Changqing didn’t know how to face Wei Lingci. Seeing Xian Yun leave, she wanted to go too. Her gaze fell on the medicine bowl. She approached, picked it up, placed it on the bedside table, and turned to leave.

They were very close. Wei Lingci smoothly caught her hand, a trace of amusement in her eyes. “Is your anger gone? I don’t have the strength to argue with you a second time.”

Why was she always so at ease and natural? Xun Changqing pulled her hand back, her eyes reflecting Wei Lingci’s desolate beauty. “Focus on recovering. I can handle things outside. The Second Imperial Prince went to the County Princess Mansion last night, but he probably won’t have time to seek you out now.”

Though injured, Wei Lingci’s right hand was intact. She exerted some force and pulled her back. “Sit and talk. I’ve only met Xun Yiran a few times— no need to overthink.”

Xun Changqing did sit, lowering her eyes to fiddle with the jade pendant at her waist. “What does it have to do with me? Even if you become Empress, it’s none of my concern.”

Mentioning “Empress” made Wei Lingci’s eyes tremble, reopening an untouchable scar in her heart. Past events surged in her mind. She knew Xun Changqing meant no harm and exhaled deeply.

Her gaze softened as much as possible, shedding its usual chill. She said, “Do you really hate me?” Pausing, she reminded, “Think carefully before answering. If you do, I’ll try to disappear from your life. If not, I’ll stay in the prince’s mansion.”

Xun Changqing jerked her head up, meeting those spring-water eyes where light and shadow flowed, holding a warmth different from before and emotions she couldn’t discern. She opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say.

Her lips moved without sound—silence spoke louder than words, a warm current surging in her heart. Wei Lingci smiled faintly, suddenly straightening and touching Xun Changqing’s cheek with her fingertip. She leaned down and planted a kiss on the corner of her lips, the gentle motion reminiscent of that night by the riverbank. Reborn into this life, she didn’t want any more misunderstandings.

In the quiet bedroom, only their breathing could be heard. Xun Changqing froze for a moment, staring dazedly until Wei Lingci released her. Even after one breath, a faint blush spread across her cheeks. As she tried to speak, she heard Wei Lingci say, “If you’re still angry, I can move out.”