Chapter 5: Today, Who Will She Speak To First, And Who Will She Ask To Stay?

After a brief moment of daze, upon hearing Su Rongqing’s voice, Li Rong finally snapped out of it.

The same person, similar words, spoken at different times, ultimately carried a different flavor. When Su Rongqing said these words back then, it was always accompanied by respect, caution, and many unclear meanings that she couldn’t decipher. Now, when Su Rongqing spoke, it was straightforward, gentlemanly, just a polite greeting, far from the multitude of meanings it once held.

This was Su Rongqing’s prime time; the Su family was still flourishing, and Su Rongqing was the legitimate eldest son, deeply favored by the emperor. Even facing the princess, he had the confidence that was neither servile nor overbearing.

Seeing this version of Su Rongqing, Li Rong couldn’t help but smile. She had never spoken to Su Rongqing at this time before and couldn’t help but compliment him, “It is rumored that master Su is the number one son of Hua Jing, and now that I see you, your reputation is well-deserved.”

“Thank you for the praise,” Su Rongqing lowered his head and chuckled, seeming somewhat embarrassed, “Just a joke.”

“Where is the joke?” Li Rong couldn’t help but lower her voice, “The moment I saw you, I felt extraordinary. If master Su doesn’t dare to claim the first place, I’m afraid no one in Hua Jing would dare to say so.”

“I, Pei Wenxuan,” just as Li Rong finished speaking, a clear voice smoothly entered, calmly saying, “pay my respects to princess Your Highness.”

Upon hearing Pei Wenxuan’s voice, Li Rong turned her head.

Pei Wenxuan quietly looked at her, and his heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

It had been many years since he last saw the eighteen-year-old Li Rong.

In his memory, Li Rong, for some reason, had always been heavily made up, with a gloomy atmosphere. She always carried the scent of alcohol, and every time he saw her, she was either listening to music or watching dances, as if she had no bones, always sticking with Su Rongqing.

He didn’t like this version of Li Rong, and this version had become his only memory of her. Until now, suddenly seeing the eighteen-year-old Li Rong in a bright red embroidered phoenix palace dress, with golden hairpins swaying, her bright features only slightly adorned with makeup, standing gracefully, full of smiles. When she turned to look at him, her eyes and eyebrows seemed to be drawn with a brush, captivating hearts.

Of course, his heart wouldn’t be captivated, but that didn’t prevent him from appreciating Li Rong’s beauty. However, just as he was slightly stunned, when he reacted, Li Rong had already started talking with Su Rongqing.

Li Rong was used to appreciating people like Su Rongqing, and Pei Wenxuan instantly realized that the situation was a bit tricky. In the past, without this spring banquet, Li Rong hadn’t seen much of Su Rongqing. Now that she saw him, would she still be willing to marry him?

If it were the later, more calculating Li Rong, he would have some confidence. But the eighteen-year-old Li Rong, would she be willing to manipulate her marriage? That was something he couldn’t quite grasp.

What if she acted a bit foolishly, fell in love with Su Rongqing at first sight, and refused to marry him? What would he do then?

In that case, Li Rong would be in real trouble.

Pei Wenxuan quickly ran through the current situation in his mind and decided to take the initiative, diverting Li Rong’s attention.

He remembered that his wife, from a young age until her death, was someone who valued appearances. Conveniently, his biggest advantage might just be his good looks. If it wasn’t for him admitting to having feelings for Qin Zhenzhen back then, Su Rongqing might not have had this opportunity.

So, summoning great courage, he interjected into the conversation between Li Rong and Su Rongqing with a forced “Greetings, princess Your Highness.”

He had hoped that, seeing his appearance, Li Rong would at least exchange a few words with him. However, after he spoke, Li Rong fell silent for a moment and then simply said, “Oh, no need for formalities.”

After that, she turned her head, smiling at Su Rongqing with a softened tone, “Master Su, please.”

Su Rongqing sensed the strange atmosphere but pretended not to notice. He graciously followed Li Rong, saying gently, “Princess, please.”

As they walked side by side into the courtyard, Pei Wenxuan raised his head, watching their backs as they walked together. He tightened his lips and remained silent.

Seeing his master’s expression, Tong Yezhan couldn’t help but feel a bit worried, “Master?”

Pei Wenxuan took a deep breath and then said, “It’s nothing.”

After saying that, he joined the others and walked inside. Li Rong and Su Rongqing continued strolling leisurely forward. Su Rongqing, being considerate, slowed his pace to match Li Rong’s, always staying half a step behind her.

If it were in the past, Li Rong would have already taken the hand of the person and chatted while being affectionate. But now, Li Rong remembers her identity and only talks about some interesting things with Su Rongqing.

Su Rongqing comes from a prestigious family, skilled in various arts. No matter what Li Rong talks about, Su Rongqing can immediately join in the conversation. As the conversation flows smoothly, Li Rong couldn’t help but feel pleased. In these days since her rebirth, she relaxed for the first time.

For a moment, she felt as if she were still in the princess’s residence, with Su Rongqing accompanying her. Although her youth had passed, this person had been with her all along. In fact, she couldn’t clearly define her relationship with Su Rongqing.

Su Rongqing had never expressed liking for her, and she had only vaguely said to him on a rainy night, “Rongqing, if you’re not happy, I can divorce Pei Wenxuan.”

Su Rongqing didn’t speak. After a long time, he took a step back, knelt in front of her, lowered his voice, and said, “Princess, I dare not presume. I only wish to serve you for a lifetime, accompany you through life and death. After death, I hope to be by the princess’s side, leaving a pillar of yellow earth, scattered bones here, always by your side, it would be a great fortune. As for other matters, I dare not imagine.”

“Moreover, prime minister Pei is a great help to the princess. In terms of reputation, reason, and weighing interests, it’s not advisable. I hope the princess thinks twice.”

For Li Rong, this could be considered a gentle refusal.

She couldn’t invest too much sincerity in someone who rejected her. However, being together for twenty years, not giving some genuine feelings was also unlikely. Sometimes she felt like she was just used to Su Rongqing, after all, in her whole life, there was no one else who pleased her like this.

But sometimes she also wondered if she had ever liked anyone in her life. She couldn’t figure it out, and later, she didn’t want to think about it. After all, when people get old, many things become unimportant. Having that person by her side was enough.

Whether she liked Su Rongqing or not, this person was different in her heart. She tapped the golden fan and chatted with Su Rongqing with a smile, feeling a bit regretful in her heart.

It’s a pity; she couldn’t marry Su Rongqing.

If she dared to tell Li Ming that she wanted to marry Su Rongqing, perhaps the next day she would receive a marriage decree, and Li Ming would likely send her to some remote place, only to die on the way without clear reasons.

Thinking of this, Li Rong gathered her thoughts, smiled, and walked into the courtyard with Su Rongqing. They each went their separate ways, as if it was indeed just an ordinary encounter.

Pei Wenxuan, behind them, had been silently watching them. Even after sitting down, he didn’t take his eyes off them.

Tong Yezhan poured tea for him, squatting beside him and whispering, “Young master, that’s the princess. Even if she’s beautiful, don’t stare too much. If she catches you, you’ll be punished.”

“Shut up.”

Pei Wenxuan softly scolded.

Tong Yezhan shrank his neck. At this moment, Li Rong and Su Rongqing finally exchanged greetings and separated. Only then did Pei Wenxuan finally divert his gaze, picked up the tea cup, and with a dignified demeanor, said, “I didn’t look at the princess.”

Tong Yezhan: “…”

The young master’s attitude has been getting bigger lately, and his mind has become more wicked.

After having tea by himself for a while, when the guests were almost all here, Li Rong announced the start of the spring banquet from a high place, and then retreated to a private courtyard at the back.

For such a spring banquet, as a princess, being willing to enjoy with the people is a way of bonding with the subjects. Returning alone to greet guests is the normal procedure.

As Li Rong stepped back, Pei Wenxuan’s heart finally settled. He vaguely guessed the purpose of Li Rong hosting the spring banquet, not entirely certain, but close enough.

He waited quietly in his seat, and after a while, a young eunuch approached and whispered, “Young master Pei, the princess summons you. Please follow this servant for a moment.”

Hearing this, Tong Ye became somewhat flustered. He looked at Pei Wenxuan, who put down the cup and said, “Wait for me here, don’t wander around causing trouble.”

After saying that, he stood up and followed the young eunuch out of the crowd.

He didn’t ask anything, which surprised the young eunuch a bit, but it also saved him trouble. Tong Yezhan couldn’t help but feel a bit more favorable towards Pei Wenxuan. Leading him, the young eunuch walked towards the back, smiling and saying, “Young master Pei, no need to worry. If the princess summons you, it’s not a bad thing.”

“To be invited by the princess is a great honor for Wenxuan.”

Pei Wenxuan replied calmly, “Rest assured, I understand.”

The young eunuch smiled and said, “Young master is a clever person.”

Guided into the backyard, as soon as Pei Wenxuan entered the courtyard, he felt the hustle and bustle outside being separated from the backyard.

Li Rong’s private courtyard was connected to a peach blossom forest. Her backyard was established at the boundary between the peach blossom forest and the front courtyard. As he walked further inside, more peach blossoms adorned the wooden corridor, creating a tranquil beauty.

Led by the eunuch, Pei Wenxuan entered a room. As soon as he entered, he saw three people already kneeling on the ground, waiting. Upon hearing Pei Wenxuan’s entrance, they all turned their heads, their gazes falling on him – some confused, some contemplative, and some eager for drama. In a moment, it seemed like a grand stage, as if waiting for the audience to settle before starting a lively performance.

With just a glance, Pei Wenxuan knew who the people kneeling on the ground were.

Feeling stifled inside, he didn’t know whether to be annoyed or frustrated. He felt that this life was too absurd. The matter of arranged marriage – Li Rong could have simply chosen in the palace. Did he really need to compete with these people?

He felt annoyed, but he didn’t show it on his face. Following the guidance of attendants, he knelt down beside Cui Yulang.

Cui Yulang fanned himself, smiling, “Unexpectedly, Lord Pei is here too. Does lord Pei know why the princess summoned us?”

“I don’t know.”

Pei Wenxuan spoke with a cold tone. Cui Yulang chuckled and asked, “Lord Pei truly doesn’t know?”

“I don’t know.”

“I’ve heard a piece of news,” Cui Yulang lowered his voice and whispered, “It’s said that His Majesty intends to choose a husband for the princess. What do you think? The princess called us here…”

The conversation was cut short as a eunuch’s loud shout came from outside: “Princess is here—”

In the midst of speaking, a woman with a golden fan in hand, dressed in a palace outfit embroidered with golden phoenix patterns, revealing her shoulders through wide sleeves, gracefully entered from the door.

Pei Wenxuan was the first to lower his head in accordance with etiquette, kneeling on the ground to await Li Rong’s entrance. Seeing Pei Wenxuan kneel, the others followed suit, bowing their heads one by one. Only Cui Yulang kept his body straight, craning his neck to look outside and murmuring, “A princess of such beauty, it’s a sin to see her even once…”

Before he could finish speaking, Pei Wenxuan immediately pressed his head down, causing him to crash onto the ground.

Cui Yulang cried out in pain, and at this moment, Li Rong arrived at the door.

Walking past Pei Wenxuan, he could only see the trailing hem of her long skirt and the red phoenix-embroidered shoes faintly visible beneath. As she passed, a fragrant breeze lifted, carrying an extremely elegant scent, like the fragrance of flowers carried by spring winds, lingering at the tip of one’s nose.

Li Rong then sat behind the pearl curtain, casually leaning against the chair. Her crisp voice, mixed with a naturally charming tone, softly said, “Please rise.”

As she spoke, the four men slowly lifted their heads. Li Rong propped up her chin, looking at the four men kneeling below.

Lu Yusheng knelt at the innermost position, dressed in all white, kneeling upright, not daring to look up at her. He wasn’t as handsome as the others, but there was a certain charm, a purity and innocence that seemed to be still in the midst of understanding the world.

Next to him, Yang Quan wore a black strong suit, his hair tied high with a cloth band behind him. He had a cold and indifferent expression, kneeling as if a sword unsheathed, exuding an indescribable chill. However, his features were handsome, and this cold demeanor became a captivating pose.

Cui Yulang was a bit more lively, wearing a light green brocade robe with subtle bamboo patterns. With a jade crown on his head and a paper fan in his hand, he covered his forehead, frowning slightly. He looked like a finely carved white jade, living up to his title as the “Hua Jing Jade Gentleman.”

As for Pei Wenxuan, he knelt at the edge of the door, quietly observing her. Clad in a blue robe with embroidered cranes, his expression was calm, standing like a lone crane, proud yet with a touch of indescribable loneliness.

The four men silently looked at her as Li Rong propped up her chin and glanced at them, lightly tapping the armrest.

Today, she had to leave one person behind.

After all, she had spoken with Su Rongqing for so long today. If there was no obvious direction today, Li Ming might start to worry. So, who should she talk to first today, and who should she leave behind?

The author has something to say: Come on, continue to choose. 

If you are Li Rong—

1. Talk to Lu Yusheng first.

2. Talk to Yang Quan first.

3. Talk to Cui Yulang first.

4. Talk to Pei Wenxuan first.

【Short Play】

Pei Wenxuan: Even if there’s no plot, I have to forcefully add one for myself!! Princess, I, your humble subject Pei Wenxuan…

Li Rong: Ugh, take him away, take him away.

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