Chapter 24: Arrest The Murder Suspect Pei Wenxuan

Li Rong felt like she had hallucinated, so she quickly had a fragrant bath prepared. After washing up, she went to bed feeling content.

Just as the two were about to sleep, a eunuch accompanied by palace maids hurriedly entered the consort Ning’s palace.

Consort Ning was sitting in her position, reading letters. She heard the maidservant’s announcement from outside, “Mistress Ning, minister Ming requests an audience.”

Upon hearing this, consort Ning paused for a moment, then urgently said, “Let him in!”

A man in his early forties rushed in from outside. After entering the hall, he respectfully knelt down. The maidservant beside him quickly retreated. Consort Ning, upon seeing the man, lowered her voice and asked, “Did other send a message?!”

“Princess Rong has already surrounded the young master and the old lady in the mansion this afternoon,” the man quickly reported, “Before princess Rong arrived, the old lady sent someone out to convey the message that now everything in the Yang family is under Ning Ning’s control.”

“Does Mother still need to send a message for this?!” Consort Ning angrily exclaimed. The man’s expression remained unchanged, only saying, “Ning Ning, please calm down.”

Consort Ning didn’t speak. She took a deep breath and retreated to a nearby seat, sitting down.

Ming Hui was a spy placed by the Yang family in the palace. He wouldn’t come directly to her unless it was an urgent situation. After calming down for a moment, she looked up and asked, “Why are you here?”

“Just now, princess Yanzhao sent a message, saying that the account books have been stolen.”

Consort Ning was stunned for a moment, unable to react immediately. After a while, she finally understood and said incredulously, “He actually left the account books?”

“Yes,” Ming Hui’s eyes showed a cold light, “And he also mentioned that there is more than one set of account books.”

This statement is a threat.

Ning sat in her position, unable to speak, looking stunned.

Now, with her father and brothers suffering defeats on the battlefield, her nephew killed by the impoverished legitimate son of the Pei family, and the entire family’s women and children trapped in the mansion by a girl, the entire family relied on her alone.

Ming Hui saw Ningfei in a daze and waited for a moment before reminding, “Ning Ning, time is running out. The matter of the account book needs to be decided early.”

“Who took the account book?”

After thinking for a while, Ning looked at Ming Hui. Ming Hui presented a portrait and said, “This is the portrait given by Taibai Yan. It is said that these two people might be involved. I’ve examined it; it is princess Rong, and also,” Ming Hui raised his head and said coldly, “Pei Wenxuan.”

Upon hearing this, Ning seemed to find it absurd. She couldn’t help but laugh and asked, “Pei Wenxuan?”

She said unbelievably, “Is it the Pei Wenxuan who killed Quan’er?”

“Yes.”

“Too audacious…” Ning took a step back, her chest heaving violently. “This child is too audacious!”

“Ning Ning,” Ming Hui calmly said, “To kill or spare, please make it clear immediately.”

“Cannot kill,” Ning raised her hand, stopping Ming Hui’s movement, and said, “It can’t be done now. The account book was taken by him and Rong together. Killing him will only leave more evidence.”

“What does Ning mean?”

Ming Hui stared at Ning, and after a moment of contemplation, Ning said, “Is Pei Wenxuan’s uncle Pei Lixian? Has Pei Lixian always wanted to kill him?”

“Yes,” Ming Hui immediately replied, “If Pei Wenxuan dies, Pei Lizhi’s family business will rightfully belong to Pei Lixian. Now Pei Lixian is also controlling the Pei family’s property in the name of Pei Wenxuan’s mother after his father’s death.”

“Tonight, you go find Pei Lizhi,” Ning quickly instructed, “ask him for something belonging to Pei Wenxuan. Then contact Taibai Yan’s steward, Wang Shun. Tell him you’ve raised him for so long; he should be useful now.”

“What does Ning Ning mean?”

“Taibai Yan needs to be dead, and his account book has no living witnesses, then it’s an inanimate object. If Taibai Yan is dead, and there’s only this account book, it’s not enough to serve as evidence. It must be matched with the military and border financial records. Therefore, without Taibai Yan, princess Rong dare not bring it out. We take advantage of Taibai Yan’s death to first throw that boy into prison and stabilize the situation.”

Ning spoke, and her emotions slowly calmed down. She looked at the clean floor and continued, “The news of Quan’er’s death has been sent to the front line. When my father and brothers receive the news on the front line, they will find a solution for us. Before that, as long as we don’t let Pei Wenxuan investigate further, it will be fine.”

“Understood.”

After Ming Hui responded, he got up and said, “Ning’er, I’ll go take care of it now.”

Ning nodded, and Ming Hui respectfully withdrew. When there was no one left in the room, only the moonlight pouring onto the ground, Ning raised her hand, covered her forehead, and closed her eyes in pain.

Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan slept until dawn in their respective rooms. After Li Rong finished dressing, she went to the carriage to wait for Pei Wenxuan. After a short while, footsteps were heard outside, followed by someone lifting the curtain and jumping in.

Li Rong was startled. Seeing that it was Pei Wenxuan, today’s Pei Wenxuan was somewhat different from usual. He wore a silver-patterned sky-blue silk outer garment, with a white silk undershirt imprinted with cloud patterns. His hair was half-tied with a hairband, and a few strands fell casually. He held a folding fan in his hand, giving him a somewhat youthful and elegant appearance.

“What are you doing?” Li Rong looked him up and down, showing some disdain. “Quite impulsive.”

“You rushed me,” Pei Wenxuan sat down gracefully, picked up a pastry, and said, “I was still shaving when they lined up outside, saying His Highness is waiting for me,” he looked at her and smiled, “How could I dare to make His Highness wait?”

He threw the pastry into his mouth and poured tea for himself.

Seeing that he seemed to be in good spirits, Li Rong couldn’t help but say, “Did you drink wine or some rejuvenation potion last night? You look like a sprouting bean sprout today, full of vitality.”

“I’ve thought it through,” Pei Wenxuan took a sip of tea and sighed, “Our situation is rare in ancient and modern times. We should cherish it. Since I’ve turned twenty again, I’ll just be a twenty-year-old.”

Listening to his words, Li Rong sipped her tea without saying anything. Pei Wenxuan turned his head to look outside the carriage, a smile on his face. “Let’s take a good look at how Hua Jing looked thirty years ago. Trying to be young again is not a bad thing.”

Speaking, Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong, “What does Your Highness think?”

Li Rong looked at Pei Wenxuan and smiled gently, “This princess doesn’t need such experiences.”

Pei Wenxuan raised his hand, about to offer some persuasion, but heard Li Rong continue, “This princess will always be in the best years.”

Pei Wenxuan froze for a moment. After a while, he sighed, “In terms of shamelessness, you are indeed stronger.”

Saying that, he glanced at the road outside and turned to Li Rong, “Shall we go directly to Jiulu Mountain?”

“Yes,” Li Rong sipped her tea lightly, “You know Qin Lin’s temper. Since it’s the first time going, we won’t meet anyone anyway. We’ll send a greeting from Chuan, have some tea, and it will be fine when we come back.”

Pei Wenxuan nodded. In the previous life, when Li Chuan went to find Qin Lin, it was already two years later. The Yang family’s war had reignited, and they were entrenched in the northwest, entangling with Li Ming. Li Ming had patience, gradually wearing down the Yang family and the northwest defense. He arranged a group of people to dismantle the Yang family, but two years later, when the enemy attacked again, these people were completely defeated on the battlefield.

Li Chuan found Qin Lin at this time, recommended by Qin Zhenzhen.

Qin Lin was born on the battlefield, growing up on the border until the age of fifteen. He once led eight hundred light cavalry to raid the enemy camp, killing three thousand enemies, making him a fierce general in the northern borders. However, at that time, he was still too young, and his father was the commander, so few people knew about him. Later, his father died in battle, and he was brought back to Hua Jing. Since he was not skilled in the affairs of Hua Jing, he settled on Jiulu Mountain, where he stayed for seven years.

If it weren’t for Qin Zhenzhen’s recommendation, Qin Lin might never have returned to the battlefield in his lifetime.

At that time, Li Chuan was still the crown prince, but in order to invite Qin Lin, he went to Jiulu Mountain every day, enduring exposure to the elements day and night, anxiously waiting. It took five days before he finally saw Qin Lin. It was said that he had sent countless gifts and personally helped Qin Lin onto the carriage before successfully summoning him.

Li Chuan vigorously defended the battlefield for Qin Lin, and Qin Lin did not disappoint this expectation. In just fifteen days, he recaptured the lost cities and stabilized the northwest defense line.

The stability of the northwest defense line seemed to indicate a transfer of military power, which completely irritated Li Ming. So Li Ming signaled concubine Rou to host a banquet, then accused the crown prince Li Chuan of insulting the noble consort. After Li Chuan was imprisoned, he quickly placed the empress under house arrest. Li Rong was also imprisoned. Pei Wenxuan and Li Ming pretended to cooperate, falsely expressing their willingness to help capture Qin Lin, thus avoiding trouble themselves.

That was probably the darkest moment of their lives.

Li Chuan harbored thoughts of death, and Li Rong told him that she was willing to sacrifice her life for his future.

But in the end, they still managed to overcome this predicament.

Qin Zhenzhen alone climbed over the snowy mountains to find Qin Lin, allowing him to escape an ambush.

Pei Wenxuan jumped into the river to escape from Hua Jing, persuaded prominent families to support Li Chuan, accumulated enough resources, and raised soldiers, allowing Qin Lin to besiege Hua Jing.

Then, Pei Wenxuan, along with courtiers, forced their way into the palace, finally securing Li Chuan’s ascension to the throne.

However, the throne obtained in this way destined the subsequent flourishing of noble families, creating a situation where the power structure remained unchanged.

The emperor Li Chuan born in such an environment completely smoothed out his youthful nature.

In the previous life, amidst the turbulent political changes, a fleeting moment passed between the two of them, but they tacitly chose not to mention it. Li Rong looked at the book, and Pei Wenxuan turned his head to look outside the carriage.

After half an hour, they arrived at Jiulu Mountain together. Qin Lin’s bamboo house was built halfway up the mountain, and the two of them walked up together.

Jiulu Mountain had picturesque scenery. As they ascended, the winding mountain path led them halfway up the mountain. Before reaching Qin Lin’s bamboo house, they saw a sign: “No strangers or dogs allowed inside.”

“He’s afraid of dogs.”

Pei Wenxuan whispered a reminder, and Li Rong raised her eyebrows before directly asking, “Is anyone there?”

Soon, a young man walked out from the courtyard gate. He wore a green robe, with half of his hair tied up, and had a fair and gentle appearance.

Approaching them respectfully, he said, “May I ask who you are…”

“I am Pei Wenxuan,” Pei Wenxuan knew that this person was Cui Qinghe, a good friend of Qin Lin. However, he didn’t show it on his face and pretended to treat him as a servant. He politely said, “This is princess Rong. We, under the order of His Royal Highness the crown prince, seek to meet master Qin.”

“You two must be joking,” Cui Qinghe placed his hand in front of him, “My master has been avoiding the world for a long time. How could the crown prince know about him? Have you got the wrong person?”

“Our master, as reincarnated with the power of a war god. Back then, he led eight hundred light cavalry to cut down three thousand enemies at Pingqiu, displaying unparalleled valor. His Royal Highness the crown prince values talents and has specially sent us to deliver a letter of invitation. He will personally come here tomorrow, hoping that master Qin will meet him.”

Saying this, Pei Wenxuan handed over the invitation, and Cui Qinghe took the letter, glancing at the words on it.

Pei Wenxuan’s handwriting was excellent. Later, when he became the prime minister, he formed a unique style in Hua Jing, becoming a model for many to imitate and learn from.

After looking at the letter for a moment, Cui Qinghe smiled and said, “Is this letter written by master Pei?”

“Yes.”

“It’s beautifully written,” Cui Qinghe accepted the letter, “Because of this handwriting, I’ll consider introducing master Pei. However, my master has a peculiar temperament. Even if the crown prince comes tomorrow, it’s not guaranteed that he will meet.”

“No problem.”

Li Rong smiled, “It’s fine for talented people to be a bit capricious. If a talented person is also good-looking and capricious, that’s even more natural.”

Hearing this, Cui Qinghe burst into laughter, “The princess is truly amusing.”

With that, Cui Qinghe looked at the sky and then said, “It’s already late in the day. The bamboo house won’t host you today. Please go back.”

The two had anticipated this, but they didn’t mind. After bidding farewell to Cui Qinghe, they descended the mountain together.

By now, it was nearing dusk. Pei Wenxuan was still lively and refreshed, but Li Rong was starting to feel a bit tired.

Li Rong didn’t show any signs on her face. She followed Pei Wenxuan down the mountain as the setting sun descended slowly. Evening glow flowed by, and birds soared into the sky. Looking down from the mountain, one could see golden waves flowing through the lush green wheat fields. In the gentle breeze of the twilight, a tender and warm color spread.

Li Rong’s steps became slower, and Pei Wenxuan noticed. He turned to look at Li Rong a few times, seeing her still trying to keep up. He cleared his throat, opened his fan, and sighed, “A few years ago, when Qin Lin left, he said he wanted to be buried here. I accompanied him up the mountain. By this point, I felt it was too much. But now, coming back again, I’ve taken a turn, and I don’t feel tired at all.”

With a mix of joy and emotion, Pei Wenxuan continued, “Indeed, youth is wonderful!”

Upon hearing this, Li Rong became unhappy. Exhausted to the point of half death, she saw Pei Wenxuan still so lively and spirited, feeling a bit resentful.

She stopped walking, and Pei Wenxuan turned his head to see Li Rong standing still, raising her eyebrows. He pretended not to know and asked, “Why stop?”

Li Rong didn’t speak; instead, she waved at him.

Pei Wenxuan walked up to her, stopping in front of her. “What’s wrong?”

“Turn around.”

Li Rong spoke, and Pei Wenxuan understood what she wanted to do. He turned around, and then heard Li Rong speak again, “Now, squat down.”

With so many words, Pei Wenxuan could tell that Li Rong’s breath was unstable. While listening to her, he squatted down as she requested, and then he chuckled, “Your Highness, seems like your stamina isn’t quite there.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Rong suddenly lunged at him. Pei Wenxuan staggered, but luckily reacted quickly enough to steady himself. Sensing Li Rong lying on top of him, he turned his head and smiled, “Your Highness, what are you doing?”

“Isn’t my stamina good?” Li Rong said lightly, “Adding some difficulty for you, carry me down.”

“Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan teased, “this doesn’t seem quite appropriate, does it? It’s against the rules.”

“No one will see it,” Li Rong said directly, “Besides, when did I care about the rules?”

“That’s true. If there were rules back then, Su Rongqing wouldn’t have been raised either.”

Pei Wenxuan pretended to sigh, “Your Highness is bullying me.”

Li Rong rolled her eyes, hanging on his neck, urging, “Hurry, don’t delay, it’s getting dark.”

Pei Wenxuan accepted his fate and stood up, carrying Li Rong forward. As he walked, he couldn’t help but remark, “Your Highness, you eat quite a lot.”

“Master Pei,” Li Rong mimicked Pei Wenxuan’s tone, “it’s because your stamina is not good.”

“If you could be as light as a swallow, then my stamina would be sufficient.”

“If I were as light as a swallow, your stamina would indeed be enough,” Li Rong said, leaning on his shoulder, with a teasing smile, “After all, master Pei prefers someone a bit leaner, right?”

Pei Wenxuan was momentarily at a loss for words, but after a moment, he reacted and fell silent.

“Li Rong…” After a while, he finally squeezed out a sound, “If a woman could be like you, I would truly admire her.”

“Am I successful? Am I happy?” Li Rong continued, “No need to envy; there are very few as outstanding as this princess.”

Pei Wenxuan was amused by Li Rong’s teasing. As they walked, he bantered with her.

The sunset slowly descended, the bright moon illuminated the night sky, and moonlight seeped through the gaps in the leaves, falling on the two of them.

Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan, tired of arguing, couldn’t help but lean on Pei Wenxuan’s shoulder, feeling a bit sleepy.

Seeing her tired, Pei Wenxuan didn’t argue anymore. He continued to carry Li Rong, descending the mountain at a slow pace. At the foot of the mountain, the croaking of frogs in the fields could be heard in the distance, accompanied by a gentle breeze. He carried the girl, listening to the murmurs of the mountain forest.

For a fleeting moment, Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt an indescribable tranquility in his heart.

Unconsciously, he slowed down his pace, moving forward slowly. Li Rong noticed the change and whispered, “Pei Wenxuan, are you tired?”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but smile.

“Not at all,” he looked ahead, “You can rest assured and sleep. I’ll carry you back.”

“Mmm.”

Li Rong hugged him tightly.

After a while, Li Rong spoke softly, “Pei Wenxuan.”

“Hmm?”

“I feel that you were cuter when you were younger.”

Pei Wenxuan paused, then heard Li Rong continue, “Even if your mind wasn’t very clear back then, and many things were remained unclear, I still think you were good at that time.”

“At least,” she chuckled, “you looked better.”

“You…” Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but want to say something about her, but didn’t know what to say. After hesitating for a while, he ultimately didn’t say anything.

Back in the carriage, Li Rong rested on a small couch. Pei Wenxuan covered her with a blanket, extinguished the lamp for her, and sat on the side, gazing at the night scenery in the fields.

A kind of indescribable tranquility surged in his heart. He turned his head to look at Li Rong. Under the moonlight, she curled up, and he couldn’t help but smile.

He didn’t know why, but suddenly he felt that being reborn was also quite good.

After coming back to life, being unavoidably entangled with Li Rong again, he was initially lost and confused. He felt a sense of helplessness, as being forced by destiny made everyone feel uncomfortable.

But at this moment, sitting here, he suddenly felt that in this world, things might not be known to be good or bad until the end.

It was like unwrapping a gift. Without seeing the moment the gift was revealed, you wouldn’t know if you really liked it.

The carriage was about to take him back to the Pei residence. Sensing that it was about to arrive, he packed his things. He thought about whether to tell Li Rong or not, but decided not to disturb her. Thus, he planned to leave quietly.

When the carriage stopped, Pei Wenxuan took his belongings, lifted the curtain, and as he peered out, he saw a group of people in constable attire approaching. They had knives at their waists and surrounded the carriage.

The person leading the group pulled out a badge and said coldly, “Investigation by the Ministry of Justice, apprehending the suspect Pei Wenxuan. master Pei,” he stared at Pei Wenxuan, “please accompany me for a trip.”

Author’s note:

【Short Scene】

Pei Wenxuan: “Darling, look, we’ve both been reborn, we’re young again. Don’t you feel amazing?”

Li Rong: “No.”

Pei Wenxuan: “Why not? Don’t you like the feeling of being young again?”

Li Rong: “I will always be a beauty. What’s there to go back to being young? Shut up, you old man!”

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