Chapter 21: It Is Me, Your Highness

Li Rong looked into Pei Wenxuan’s eyes, listening to his seemingly playful yet serious inquiry. After a while, she smiled gently, “Lord Pei, your question is peculiar. How could I not have cared sincerely? For every handsome man, I have had sincere feelings.”

“Does the princess know what true sincerity is?”

Pei Wenxuan continued to inquire, and Li Rong tapped her palm with a small fan, asking, “What do you think true sincerity is, lord Pei?”

“I believe that true sincerity is placing that person in your heart, trusting and caring for them, seeking no return, unafraid of the future. Wholehearted, flawless in heart. For a lifetime, for only one person. If the princess claims to have had true feelings, I wonder who that heart was given to?”

Upon hearing this, Li Rong bit her lip and smiled. She lowered her head, finding it amusing.

Pei Wenxuan furrowed his brow, “What’s amusing, princess?”

“Pei Wenxuan,” Li Rong raised her head, using a golden fan to cover half of her face, her eyes full of teasing, “I didn’t expect that at your age, you would still entertain such youthful dreams.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Wenxuan’s face stiffened for a moment. Then, he put away his smile, turned calmly, pressed his hand to the back of his head, and calmly said, “It seems the princess has never thought about these matters.”

“Yes,” Li Rong chuckled, “I, unlike lord Pei, don’t have the leisure and elegance to think about such things. Truly admirable, a person who has guarded his emotions for a lifetime.” Li Rong nodded, “Such a childlike heart, I admire it.”

Pei Wenxuan, hearing her mockery, wanted to say something but felt that whether he explained or argued, it would be somewhat inferior. So, he held back for a while, swallowed his words, turned away, and pretended to fall asleep.

Seeing him leaving her with his back, Li Rong tapped the fan lightly, slowly suppressing her smile.

In matters of emotions, Pei Wenxuan and she had significant differences. She was strict and resolute in her approach to emotions, always calculating how much others gave her, ensuring that she gave back only what was necessary. Between two people, it was a matter of ‘you’ and ‘me’ only. She was stingy with emotions, with high demands, afraid to give, yet desiring wholehearted and complete devotion in return.

On the other hand, Pei Wenxuan was much more generous. Once he determined his affection, he could give everything to the other person. He could love someone like Qin Zhenzhen for a lifetime, even if she married someone else and showed no response. He could silently guard this emotion wholeheartedly, even after Qin Zhenzhen’s death for nearly twenty-seven years, he could remain pure for her soul.

At that time, Li Rong had decisively severed ties with Pei Wenxuan. Firstly, she couldn’t tolerate any impurities in her own feelings and had misjudged her affections. Secondly, she vaguely sensed that Pei Wenxuan might not be entirely indifferent to her. However, Pei Wenxuan, having promised his affection to Qin Zhenzhen, couldn’t accept developing feelings for anyone else.

They each had their own stubbornness, and now, looking back, this deep-rooted stubbornness in their bones was destined. Even without Qin Zhenzhen, they would not have ended up together.

Her sincerity was too scarce. Even if she gave everything she had to Pei Wenxuan, it would always be an unjust sentiment for him. Even if Pei Wenxuan accepted it, she would find it difficult to balance within herself.

She was different from Su Rongqing. Su Rongqing was more similar to her, born into prestigious families where genuine emotions were rare. In their world of power, family, life, and death, offering a bit of true affection was already significant. Li Rong didn’t need someone to give her much, but if someone could give her everything they had, that would be enough.

So, even though she knew Su Rongqing might kill her and understood that hatred and calculations might be hidden in Su Rongqing’s feelings towards her, she never harbored resentment. Because Su Rongqing had given all the genuine affection he could offer to her alone.

In the previous lifetime, even though Pei Wenxuan hadn’t done anything to her and hadn’t truly betrayed her, she always felt that he fell short in matters of the heart.

The carriage swayed, and Li Rong closed her eyes for a moment. After a while, the carriage suddenly stopped. A shadow guard lifted the curtain and jumped onto the carriage, whispering, “Your Highness, the invitations have been obtained.”

With that, the shadow guard handed over the invitations and detailed documents outlining the identities of the two individuals. He also offered clothes, explaining, “It was sent over by the crown prince. They are supposed to be a wealthy merchant couple from Yangzhou Wang silk and satin shop, and not many people should recognize them.”

“Good.” Li Rong looked through the invitations, nodded after confirming the names, and said, “You may leave.”

“Your Highness,” the shadow guard hesitated for a moment, “Taibai Yan’s connections are extremely complicated. His residence might not be very safe. If Your Highness truly intends to take such a risk…”

“Stay alert,” Li Rong said calmly, “I brought signal flares. If anything happens, just surround the residence directly.”

The shadow guard, seeing Li Rong’s resolute will, responded and went down. Beside her, Pei Wenxuan was still sleeping with his head down. Li Rong used her fan to tap him, driving him out, “I’m changing clothes, you go out.”

Pei Wenxuan opened his eyes with a bit of confusion. He seemed to have just fallen asleep, abruptly awakened and not quite clear-headed. Seeing him in this state, Li Rong couldn’t help but smile.

He had a habit of loving to sleep in since he was young. When he first got married, it was a difficult task to wake him up every morning for court.

Li Rong gently shook her small fan and said with kindness, “How come, after all these years, lord Pei hasn’t changed his habit of loving to sleep in?”

Upon hearing Li Rong’s question, Pei Wenxuan became a bit more awake. He rolled over, sat up, shook his head, and then smoothly rolled up the curtain, saying lightly, “Let me know when you’re ready.”

Afterward, he jumped off the carriage.

Li Rong changed her clothes, got off the carriage, and saw a merchant’s carriage already prepared by the side, attended by servants.

This carriage was not as luxurious and spacious as Li Rong’s, and many regulations were tailored to the identity of a merchant. After Li Rong got on the carriage and waited for a while, Pei Wenxuan walked up.

As the two sat in the carriage, Li Rong held the document detailing the couple’s life and chatted with Pei Wenxuan for a while. Pei Wenxuan then asked, “What should we do when we reach the mansion?”

“The secret chamber of Taibai Yan is in the backyard. Once inside, you approach Taibai Yan and find a way for him to lead us into the backyard. I will use the name of paying respects to circle around to the secret chamber. After obtaining the account book, we can leave.”

“How do I make him lead us to the backyard?” Pei Wenxuan furrowed his brows, and Li Rong gave him a glance, saying, “Figure it out yourself.”

As they conversed, the carriage arrived at Taibai Yan’s mansion.

This mansion was located on the outskirts of Hua Jing, with mountains and water nearby, and it was incredibly large.

After getting off the carriage, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan saw people coming and going around. Despite being late at night, it was bustling. As they approached the entrance, the sounds of silk and bamboo music were already heard.

Following Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong presented the invitation, and with the disguised guards, they were led in after the gatekeeper checked the invitation.

Upon entering the mansion, they saw a diverse crowd with people of different nationalities, and Persian dancers were moving around. Many women from Daxia were even dressed as Persian dancers, accompanying others in the long corridors.

In such a lively atmosphere, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan walked straight and appeared somewhat out of place.

Among the group of merchants, Pei Wenxuan looked too upright, exceptionally handsome. With the enchanting and beautiful Li Rong following behind, they attracted quite a few glances.

Sensing the awkwardness, Pei Wenxuan was about to do something when he felt Li Rong reaching out and leaning against him, coquettishly saying, “You walk so fast, I can’t keep up.”

Pei Wenxuan’s body slightly stiffened, but he quickly reacted, gently smiling as if indulging her, “Madam is right, it’s my fault.”

With the two embracing and smiling, they blended in better. Although Pei Wenxuan seemed out of place in this environment, Li Rong’s charm and Pei Wenxuan’s gentle demeanor made them appear as an elegant merchant couple, causing less attention. After all, aside from merchants, noble families rarely married such undignified women.

Guided by the attendant, the two entered a room where laughter could be heard. Li Rong looked up and saw a man with thick eyebrows and a beard sitting at the top, holding a dancer and laughing with others. Led by the attendant, they approached Taibai Yan and said, “Master, this is master and mistress Wang from the Yangzhou Wang Silk and Satin Workshop.”

Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong bowed to Taibai Yan and respectfully said, “Sixth master.”

Taibai Yan, being the sixth in the family and having a non-native surname, was addressed as the sixth master since the Daxia people found his name difficult. Taibai Yan sized up the two, lingering his gaze on Li Rong for a moment before smiling, “Brother Wang, I didn’t expect you and sister-in-law to be so young. I thought you were an old man. Come, have a seat.”

Taibai Yan pointed to a nearby spot and instructed someone to pour wine, saying, “Come, have a drink.”

As merchants appreciated good wine, Pei Wenxuan didn’t refuse and drank the cup in one go. Taibai Yan, impressed by Pei Wenxuan’s boldness, exclaimed, “I didn’t expect brother Wang to appear refined but be quite a man. Come, let me have a drink with you.”

Pei Wenxuan gained Taibai Yan’s favor, and they began chatting and drinking. When Pei Wenxuan wanted to get close to someone, his broad knowledge allowed him to find common ground easily.

As they chatted, Pei Wenxuan and Taibai Yan became like old friends. After a few drinks, Taibai Yan even declared Pei Wenxuan as his sworn brother. Seeing the opportunity, Li Rong signaled Pei Wenxuan. He caught her glance, maintaining his composure while continuing the conversation with Taibai Yan. However, the topic gradually shifted to flowers and plants.

“I have a fondness for flowers and plants, especially peonies. I once spent a fortune to acquire several Wei Purple peonies. When they bloomed in the courtyard, their beauty was unparalleled. Brother, do you have any preferences?” Pei Wenxuan asked.

Conversation about rare treasures, antiques, paintings, flowers, and exotic birds was common among merchants. Considering Taibai Yan’s status as a wealthy magnate, Pei Wenxuan’s mention of flowers piqued his interest. Taibai Yan laughed heartily, “I haven’t seen good peonies. What is Wei Purple? Come, let me show you what a real blooming season in the capital looks like.”

“What treasures do you possess, brother?” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “Although I may not be as wealthy as you, I have encountered numerous flowers and plants. When you speak so highly of it, I wonder if you’re being deceived?”

“You lack insight!” Taibai Yan was somewhat displeased by Pei Wenxuan’s words. Grabbing him, Taibai Yan said, “Come, I’ll take you to the courtyard and let you see if I’m deceiving you or not.”

“Brother, take your time,” Pei Wenxuan was pulled along by Taibai Yan, looking back at Li Rong, “Madam, please come quickly. Brother, don’t rush, let’s take our time.”

As Pei Wenxuan walked with Taibai Yan, Li Rong smiled and stood up, saying to the nearby maid, “The sixth master is quite impatient.”

The maid chuckled softly and replied in a gentle tone, “Master has always been like this.”

With that, Li Rong led her people and followed the maid, joining Pei Wenxuan and Tuoba Yan in the backyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, Li Rong quickly scanned the surroundings. The courtyard remained unchanged from her memories; she had thoroughly searched every inch of it when investigating Taibai Yan back then, and she was very familiar with this place. Seeing that there seemed to be some people in the courtyard, she couldn’t help but ask, “Are there still people in the backyard?”

“The guests at the banquet are quite intoxicated,” the maid smiled, “If they are the master’s close friends, they will be brought to the backyard to rest.”

Li Rong nodded, roughly understanding the situation. As she pondered the route, she slowed down her pace. After a while, she showed a troubled expression. The maid noticed the change in her expression and couldn’t help but ask, “Madam, is something bothering you?”

“I want to leave respectfully, but I don’t know where to go…”

The maid, seeing Li Rong’s inquiry, hurriedly said, “Madam, please follow me.”

Li Rong nodded, turned and instructed others, saying to the attendants behind her, “An Xiang, come with me. The rest of you follow the master.”

The other three followed orders, leaving a maid named An Xiang to accompany Li Rong. The two followed the maid towards the eastern courtyard. As they walked, Li Rong calculated the distance to the artificial hill. When they reached the most suitable location, Li Rong signaled to An Xiang with her eyes. An Xiang raised her hands, using a swift chop motion to knock out the two maids in front of them.

Li Rong and An Xiang dragged the unconscious maids into a hidden place, quickly changed into their clothes, and then headed straight for the artificial hill.

Arriving at the hill, Li Rong entered a cave, feeling her way based on memory. After stepping on an empty space, she squatted down, pressed a button beside her, and said to An Xiang, “Sword.”

An Xiang handed the sword to Li Rong. Li Rong inserted the sword into the ground and leveraged it, opening a metal plate. Beneath the plate was a staircase. An Xiang handed the sword to Li Rong and said, “I’ll go down first.”

With that, An Xiang agilely jumped down, and then a few muffled sounds were heard from below. An Xiang said, “Your Highness, it’s safe now.”

Li Rong responded and went down.

Below was a dungeon, and the guards had already been knocked unconscious on the ground. Li Rong ignored the imprisoned individuals and headed straight for a side door. There was a rotating button on the side door with Persian script beside it. Li Rong gestured to An Xiang with a nod, “Go get the token from the guard.”

An Xiang complied and took the token from the guard.

The door here required a passphrase, which was the name of the guard on duty in Persian. Li Rong had obtained the names of these guards, translated them into Persian, and twisted the knob next to the Persian script accordingly. The door then swung open.

After the door opened, there was an extremely small room with bookshelves on all sides, densely filled with scrolls. Taibai Yan organized these accounts in a systematic way. Following her understanding of Taibai Yan’s habits, Li Rong quickly found the Yang family’s accounts, took them out, and after confirming they were the right ones, she put them into her sleeve. She then said, “Let’s go.”

An Xiang responded, and Li Rong closed the door. She turned back towards the artificial hill. Not long after they left the hill, they heard a voice behind them: “Two maids in front, catch them!”

Hearing this, Li Rong knew that the two maids had been exposed. She instructed An Xiang, “Split up.”

She then rushed towards the direction of the guest rooms, while An Xiang stayed behind to intercept the pursuers and headed in another direction.

Li Rong sprinted along the corridor, eager to reach the front courtyard and escape. The sound of pursuers from behind grew louder, and her heart raced. Hearing them approaching, she quickly turned down the corridor. Just as she was running forward, a door to one of the guest rooms suddenly opened. Someone pulled her in forcefully and closed the door.

The person covered her mouth with one hand and embraced her waist with the other. Li Rong leaned against him, and he leaned against the door.

Li Rong could clearly sense the warmth of the person, and the familiar fragrance surrounded her nose. She stiffened, not daring to move. Outside, the sounds of pursuers shouting as they ran past could be heard. The person lowered his head, whispered by her ear, “It’s me, Your Highness.”

Previous

Next