Chapter 28: Willing To Dust Off The Dust And Snow For You, Willing To Struggle Half A Lifetime For You

Having known Pei Wenxuan for many years, Li Rong is well aware of Pei Wenxuan’s abilities.

When he opposes you, he can make you furious to the point of fainting. But if he intentionally tries to please someone, his ability to flatter is unparalleled.

After all, Pei Wenxuan is also the legitimate son of a prominent family. He is naturally intelligent and extraordinary. It is said that he was almost the top student in the academy, proficient in the six arts of a gentleman. To win over a girl, it’s like taking candy from a baby.

Li Rong saw his words, and her mood immediately became cheerful. After a while, Pei Wenxuan saw a note wrapped around a stone thrown from the next cell. Pei Wenxuan was stunned, not expecting Li Rong to reply. He quickly went to pick up the stone, squatted on the ground, and opened it. Li Rong’s writing was elegant but carried a hint of fierceness:

“Speak more if you can.”

Pei Wenxuan looked at the words and could almost imagine Li Rong raising her eyebrows with a smile while saying this. Somehow, Li Rong’s arrogant and domineering appearance seemed a bit cute.

Like a cat with its tail raised, proudly charming.

Pei Wenxuan felt an urge to tease. After a while, Li Rong received a reply. Pei Wenxuan, with long arms, directly handed over the note. Li Rong hurriedly took it, opened it, and found another drawing. This time it was simpler, with only a few strokes outlining a jar with the words “Peony” on top, accompanied by the four words “Aged Peony” next to it.

Seeing these four words, Li Rong immediately crumpled the paper and threw it out, ignoring Pei Wenxuan.

Seeing Li Rong crumpling the paper, Pei Wenxuan knew she was angry. He quickly spoke, “Hey hey hey, Your Highness, don’t be angry, it’s just a joke.”

“People don’t talk with dogs,” Li Rong coldly replied, “Stop barking!”

Pei Wenxuan was choked by Li Rong’s words, but he also knew she was in a bad mood. He quickly wrote several poems praising Li Rong and handed them over, whispering, “Princess, princess, take a look?”

Li Rong couldn’t be bothered to deal with him, enjoying her melon seeds while reading a book. Pei Wenxuan’s hand was sore, so he switched hands and continued shaking the paper. “Princess, I was wrong. I apologize and won’t tease you anymore. Take a look, please?”

Li Rong raised her eyes to glance at the fluttering papers outside and then lowered her head to focus on her book. Pei Wenxuan changed his tone, calling out softly, “Princess? Your Highness? Li Rong…”

Before he could finish calling, voices and footsteps could be heard outside. Pei Wenxuan immediately stood up, leaned against the wall, and just finished tidying up his clothes when a young man in crimson official attire walked out from the corridor.

He seemed to be in a hurry, with a slight sweat on his forehead. As soon as he entered the cell, his gaze landed on Li Rong. Seeing that Li Rong was still safe, he breathed a sigh of relief, bowed respectfully to Li Rong, and said, “Your Highness.”

Li Rong was somewhat surprised and looked at the newcomer with a hint of confusion. She asked, “Lord Su?”

Su Rongqing finished his bow and stood up, nodding towards Pei Wenxuan. “Lord Pei.”

Pei Wenxuan nodded indifferently. Li Rong, seeing the sweat on Su Rongqing’s forehead, couldn’t help but laugh. “Why is Lord Su in such a hurry? Wipe your sweat first.”

Saying that, she handed a handkerchief over. Su Rongqing hesitated for a moment upon seeing the handkerchief offered by Li Rong. However, before Li Rong could react, he immediately respectfully reached out and took the handkerchief with both hands. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Su Rongqing took the handkerchief, gently wiped his forehead, and Pei Wenxuan leaned against the wall, quietly watching. The rolled-up paper in his hand tapped on his shoulder with an irregular rhythm.

While wiping his forehead, Su Rongqing slowed down his breath and then said, “I came in a hurry because I heard about Your Highness’s situation. Please don’t laugh at my appearance.”

“Why are you in such a hurry?”

Li Rong chuckled. Su Rongqing respectfully explained, “Upon learning that Your Highness was in trouble today, I wanted to rush over, but I was summoned by His Majesty. It’s only now that I managed to get away from the palace. I was worried that Your Highness might face difficulties in prison, so I hurried over.”

Su Rongqing’s speech was always calm, without the ups and downs in tone like Pei Wenxuan. His every move seemed to be measured with a ruler at all times, even his voice. Li Rong, listening to him, asked in return, “What happened in the morning court today?”

“Today in the morning court, news arrived from the border,” Su Rongqing adjusted his expression. “Two days ago, the enemy attacked the city, and general Zhao Yi died in battle. Currently, the entire defense line is retreating to Fencheng, and the Yang family submitted their resignation.”

“Resignation?”

Li Rong smiled, “How did they put it?”

Su Rongqing’s expression didn’t look good, but he still repeated, “Yang Ming said that Yang Quan has caused a huge disaster, offended the princess, and the Yang family is ashamed to face the imperial family. Therefore, they request permission to retire, planning to take the Yang family’s descendants to live in seclusion in the mountains, hoping Your Highness will grant them a way out.”

“Words meant to cut the heart,” Pei Wenxuan spoke in a low voice as Li Rong lightly tapped her palm with the fan.

Under normal circumstances, if the Yang family submitted their resignation, the court might not be so alarmed. However, with the main general dead on the battlefield and the imminent threat of the enemy, the Yang family’s resignation now seemed like a form of threat.

“What do others say?”

Li Rong calmly inquired.

“Your Highness should know that most noble families are aligned with the Yang family,” Su Rongqing responded smoothly, “Noble families do not like changes, and the Yang family has guarded the border for so long. Unless it poses a real threat to the interests of the noble families, they will not change their stance. Today, with the pressure from the Yang family, the court officials and military officers are shaken, and there is a demand for Your Highness to be detained to reassure the hearts of the border soldiers.”

“I understand.”

Li Rong nodded, and Su Rongqing looked at Li Rong, asking, “What should I do, Your Highness?”

“No need,” Li Rong shook his head, “Just take care of your own affairs.”

Su Rongqing pursed his lips, seeming somewhat unwilling. He continued, “Your Highness, about what I said before…”

“I know.”

Li Rong interrupted him, earnestly saying, “But the words I said to you are sincere. I refuse you not because of caution or underestimating your abilities, but master Su, you really don’t need to get involved in these matters. My promise to master Su is not just a jest.”

Su Rongqing remained silent. Li Rong, seeing his disappointment, smiled and said, “If master Su really wants to do something, how about bringing something next time you come?”

“What does the princess want?”

Upon hearing this, Su Rongqing finally reacted, and Li Rong thought for a moment, “Bring a few books. I like to read storytelling books. Since you read a lot, recommend a few.”

Su Rongqing respectfully agreed. Li Rong then inquired about the specifics of the morning court, and after discussing it, the two fell into silence. After a moment, Su Rongqing respectfully said, “If there’s nothing else, I will take my leave.”

Li Rong nodded, saying, “Go ahead. Next time, don’t come in such a hurry. I won’t encounter any problems in the capital.”

Su Rongqing bowed and left. As he walked out, the voice of Pei Wenxuan echoed, “Your Highness, I also have read many books. Shall I recommend a few to you?”

“No need,” Li Rong replied, “I’ve grown tired of the books recommended by master Pei. I want to try a different one.”

Upon hearing these words, Pei Wenxuan instinctively wanted to retaliate, but just before the words came out, he suddenly stopped himself.

He suddenly realized that he shouldn’t continue like this, shouldn’t always argue with Li Rong, even if it was for Su Rongqing.

Li Rong was actually right. A person always hoping for the misfortune of their enemies was essentially the deep-seated insecurity within them. He disliked Su Rongqing, always saying he was no good, but it was merely his displaced anger and his own feelings of inferiority and anger when facing Su Rongqing.

It had been a lifetime already, and he was starting anew. Li Rong was a good girl, and he didn’t want to keep quarreling with her. So he restrained himself and remained silent.

Seeing Pei Wenxuan not speaking, Li Rong couldn’t help but feel a bit strange. In the past, he would explode almost instantly when it came to the matter of Su Rongqing. How could he stay silent for so long?

She cautiously asked, “Pei Wenxuan?”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t speak, and Li Rong couldn’t help but have some bad speculations. “Pei Wenxuan, why aren’t you saying anything? Did something happen to you?”

“No.”

Pei Wenxuan calmed his emotions a bit, changed his posture, leaned against the wall, adjusted his tone, and pretended to be calm. “I was just thinking about what Su Rongqing said to you before, and why you rejected him?”

Li Rong was somewhat surprised. She thought Pei Wenxuan was going to argue with her again, but unexpectedly, he seemed to be broadening his mind as well?

Seeing her not speaking, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but say, “Why aren’t you talking? Is it inconvenient?”

“No,” Li Rong came back to her senses, “Pei Wenxuan, your change is too drastic, and it scares me. Can’t you… curse at me a few more times?”

Pei Wenxuan: “…”

“I’m telling you,” Pei Wenxuan took a deep breath, “Can’t you get through without arguing?”

“That’s more like it,” Li Rong nodded, “This way, I feel a bit better.”

Pei Wenxuan: “…”

“Su Rongqing said he wants to align with the crown prince, and I didn’t agree,” Li Rong replied to Pei Wenxuan’s question once he returned to normal.

“Why didn’t you agree?” Pei Wenxuan frowned. If Su Rongqing stood on Li Chuan’s side, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.

“I feel he is not the right person for these matters,” Li Rong calmly explained, “In the last life, the troubles in the Su family were mainly because Su Rongqing had issues. This lifetime, as long as Su Rongqing stays away from the crown prince, it’s fine. He doesn’t need to follow Chuan too early. Let him be the Ministry of Justice’s assistant minister, do his job well, and Chuan won’t make things difficult for him.”

“Are you afraid of involving him too early and staining his heart?” Pei Wenxuan asked directly, and when Li Rong didn’t respond, he took it as confirmation. He felt a bit stifled, unable to move up or down.

“You treat him well,” Pei Wenxuan’s voice was flat, “but you’re not afraid of dragging me into it and staining my heart.”

“What’s dirty about your heart?” Li Rong didn’t understand Pei Wenxuan’s melodramatics and directly expressed her disdain, “You’re over a dozen years old, yet you still compare yourself to young people. Shameless.”

“And what about you?” Pei Wenxuan immediately retorted, “Over a dozen years old and still thinking about young people. Shameless.”

Li Rong fell silent, and Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt that he might have gone too far with his words.

Li Rong and Su Rongqing had emotions between them, he knew that. Even if Su Rongqing killed her, their relationship was not bad; it was just a difference in positions. Li Rong returned, wanting to change Su Rongqing’s stance, treating him better, and there was nothing wrong with that.

However, he felt a bit uncomfortable in his heart. He couldn’t help but say, “When I was young, you never advised me to stay away from these matters.”

Li Rong thought that Su Rongqing was a noble gentleman who shouldn’t get involved in the political struggles, hoping he wouldn’t be tainted by partisan affairs. But what about the young Pei Wenxuan back then? Didn’t he also have his own complexities, pretending to be indifferent?

“Did we have a choice back then?” Li Rong calmly replied, suppressing something in Pei Wenxuan’s heart. “We didn’t have a choice, but you never thought about it, did you?”

Li Rong remained silent, and Pei Wenxuan took a deep breath. “In the end, your feelings toward me and Su Rongqing are fundamentally different.”

“You know it well, so what’s the point of comparing?”

Li Rong spoke calmly, and Pei Wenxuan froze. Li Rong continued, “I spent twenty-five years with him, while I’ve been with you for less than a year. If you insist on comparing like this, aren’t you just making yourself unhappy? And what are you trying to achieve by comparing yourself to him now? As you said, you’re starting anew in this life, so are you planning to start fresh or not?”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent, and Li Rong leaned against the wall with a fan lightly resting on her shoulder.

They stood back to back, separated by a wall, each gazing down at the ground.

“You’re right,” Pei Wenxuan chuckled lightly. “Starting anew, I shouldn’t dwell on these things. I’ll change gradually, and in the future, don’t bother comparing with me.”

Li Rong responded without words, and Pei Wenxuan stood up straight, saying, “I’m going to rest now. You should get some rest too.”

His tone was gentle, but somehow, Li Rong could sense a trace of disappointment and embarrassment from within. She knew that Pei Wenxuan harbored an indescribable sense of inferiority when facing Su Rongqing.

Although both Su and Pei were from prominent families, the Su family had a century-old reputation, while the Pei family was originally considered a second-tier aristocracy. Through the efforts of Pei Wenxuan’s father and others, they managed to squeeze into the first-class aristocracy.

Pei Wenxuan was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and his handsome appearance made him stand out. Both he and Su Rongqing were the top students in the most prestigious academies in Hua Jing. However, when compared altogether, Pei Wenxuan wouldn’t naturally lose in terms of individual achievements. But some things required centuries of accumulation and inheritance to truly measure up. So, when people mentioned Pei Wenxuan, they often added a regretful “but…”

In his youth, he was somewhat overshadowed by Su Rongqing in terms of family background. Despite the emotional matters later on, even when Su Rongqing suffered palace punishment, Pei Wenxuan still lost to him.

For Pei Wenxuan, it was not something easily let go of with just the phrase “starting anew.”

If they were usually arguing, Li Rong wouldn’t bother much with his inner discomfort. But now that Pei Wenxuan’s attitude was improving, she felt a hint of reluctance towards this person.

After a moment of contemplation, she finally said, “Pei Wenxuan.”

He pretended to be asleep and remained silent. Li Rong spoke slowly, “I wanted him to stay away from these matters because he’s only in his twenties now, and I, being in my fifties, have some caring feelings as an elder, not other emotions. It’s impossible for him and me to start again. He is the twenty-year-old Su Rongqing, and I am the fifty-year-old Li Rong. I am old.”

“If you weren’t starting anew, and I met you at the age of twenty, as long as you didn’t cause trouble, I would have helped you if I could.”

Pei Wenxuan listened to Li Rong’s words and, somehow, began to feel uncomfortable.

This discomfort was different from the previous bitterness. Before, he felt uneasy about himself. But now, what bothered him was how Li Rong spoke with such a tone. She was always arrogant and never cared about others. Suddenly hearing these words made Pei Wenxuan feel more uncomfortable than being scolded by her.

“Don’t keep mentioning that you’re old,” Pei Wenxuan said in a deep voice. “We are both around twenty years old. We are very young.”

Li Rong smiled gently without saying much. After a moment of silence, Pei Wenxuan stood up and went to the corner, beckoning Li Rong, “Your Highness, come over here.”

Li Rong was a bit puzzled, but she went to the corner and crouched down, asking, “What are you doing?”

“Your Highness, give me your hand.”

Pei Wenxuan reached out his hand, and though Li Rong didn’t understand what he was doing, she extended her hand. They couldn’t see each other, but they could see each other’s hands. Pei Wenxuan grasped her hand, and Li Rong couldn’t help but tremble.

Pei Wenxuan’s hand was slender with distinct joints, warm and slightly rough, carrying a touch of male roughness.

Li Rong’s hand was delicate and soft, with smooth and fine skin. After meticulous nail care and a touch of vermillion, Pei Wenxuan’s grasp enclosed her hand.

An indescribable tingling sensation surged up in an instant, reminding both of them of some absurd years of youth. However, letting go abruptly seemed improper, so both pretended to be calm, as if they felt nothing.

Li Rong said lightly, “What are you doing? If you can’t give me a reason, you might be in trouble.”

Pei Wenxuan blushed intensely, but he forced himself to remain calm. Grateful that they couldn’t see each other now, he gently placed something in Li Rong’s hand and then calmly released her hand, saying, “Your Highness, here’s a good thing for you. Try eating it.”

Li Rong was somewhat puzzled. She brought her hand back, opened it, and saw a round little pill. She couldn’t help but be cautious, “What is this?”

“Your Highness, you’ll know if you try it.”

“What if it’s poison?”

“I don’t need to poison you now, do I? You even ate my fish before.”

Li Rong: “…”

It made sense, and after some thought, Li Rong put the pill in her mouth.

The sweet taste, accompanied by the fragrance of plum blossoms, spread in her mouth. Li Rong was a bit bewildered, then she heard Pei Wenxuan ask, “Is it sweet?”

“Sweet…”

Li Rong was puzzled, “What did you give me to eat?”

“It’s a sugar pill.” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “Didn’t you like sweet things back then? Whether at eighteen or fifty, sweet is still sweet. Li Rong, don’t care too much about age. As long as you don’t feel old, you will forever be a young girl.”

Li Rong didn’t say anything. She crouched down with Pei Wenxuan, holding the sugar pill, hugging her knees, and resting her face on her arms. She smiled and said, “Do you have any more sweet words? Say more to me.”

Pei Wenxuan heard the laughter in her words, felt content, stood up, and returned to the bed, saying, “I won’t say more, not in the mood. If you want to hear, come back tomorrow. I’ll say a few words when I’m in a good mood.”

Li Rong, upon hearing his words, spat at him, pulled the curtain, and went back to her bed.

Li Rong slept until dawn, and the next day, after waking up, Jinglan came with people to attend to Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan. After they finished grooming, they began cleaning the prison cell. Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan stood in the courtyard with nothing to do, so they started practicing Tai Chi.

When they were young, they used to be adventurous, but in their old age, they focused on health. Both of them had experienced illness, so they paid much attention to their bodies.

When Li Chuan arrived, he saw the two of them practicing Tai Chi. Standing behind Li Rong, he asked in confusion, “Sis, when did you start practicing Tai Chi?”

“I can also practice the Five Animal Frolics,” Li Rong replied unrelatedly, leaving Li Chuan puzzled. He then said, “No, I’m asking when you started doing this thing that the empress dowager likes.”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t like the tone of this conversation. He had just advised Li Rong the previous night, fearing that Li Chuan might not take it well. Immediately, he said, “It’s never too late to take care of your health. Your Highness, you should start practicing early as well.”

Li Chuan thought these two were crazy.

But before he could argue with them, he directly said, “Sis, there’s an imperial decree today.”

“You’re going?” Li Rong knew Li Chuan was referring to the Northwest matter. The Yang family had submitted their resignation, and Li Ming needed to send someone to the Northwest to resolve the conflict. Sending Li Chuan now was part of their premeditated plan.

“I’ll go as a military supervisor,” Li Chuan replied. Li Rong nodded, “Is he going too?”

Li Rong was asking about Qin Lin. Li Chuan nodded, “Yes, we’ll go in separate ways. I’ll secretly arrange an identity for him.”

“Good,” Li Rong said calmly, “After you arrive, obtain the account books as soon as possible.”

“I understand,” Li Chuan acknowledged. Li Rong continued with Tai Chi, “Go, I’ll be here.”

Hearing this, Li Chuan looked at Li Rong and then at Pei Wenxuan. After a moment, he called out to Pei Wenxuan, “Hey.”

Pretending not to hear, Pei Wenxuan continued practicing Tai Chi. Li Chuan knew he was ignoring him. Although a bit angry, he didn’t have time to argue and said, “During my absence, take good care of my sister.”

“I don’t need him to take care of me,” Li Rong immediately interjected, “Just go, and I won’t see you off.” 

“No need for a farewell,” Pei Wenxuan responded while practicing Tai Chi. Li Chuan was choked by these two, hesitated for a moment, and finally said, “Forget it, I’m leaving.”

After speaking, he shrugged his sleeves and walked out of the long corridor. After a few steps, he suddenly shouted, “Sister.”

Li Rong turned around and saw Li Chuan running back suddenly, embracing her tightly.

His body trembled slightly, and he whispered, “Sister, if I don’t come back…”

“With sister here,” Li Rong raised her hand, gently stroking Li Chuan’s back, calmly saying, “You will be safe. Whenever, sister will protect you.”

Listening to Li Rong’s words, Li Chuan felt an inexplicable sense of calm in his heart. Suddenly, he gained courage and felt as if someone had silently spread their wings, guarding him along the way.

“Sister,” Li Chuan whispered, “I will come back safely. Don’t be afraid.”

“You’ll be back, I’ll protect you.”

Listening to Li Chuan’s words, Li Rong couldn’t help but smile.

Li Chuan let her go, and this time, he didn’t look back, running out all the way.

Pei Wenxuan stood behind Li Rong, watching her expression. The calm, composed look with a hint of hope was something he hadn’t seen in decades.

“Li Rong,” he couldn’t help but call her. Li Rong turned around, somewhat puzzled, “Hmm?”

Pei Wenxuan silently watched Li Rong turning her head, seeing the girl’s clear eyes reflecting his own shadow, watching the peach blossoms falling gently from somewhere in late spring. He looked at the current Li Rong.

He suddenly had an inexplicable impulse.

He hoped that Li Rong could live her whole life with such eyes and such a smile.

If Li Rong could live her whole life like this…

He could endure a bit more, be good to her a bit more, and it wouldn’t be impossible.

“Pei Wenxuan?” Li Rong, seeing Pei Wenxuan not speaking, couldn’t help but call him. Pei Wenxuan came back to his senses, smiled gently, and brushed over her head with his hand.

“A flower fell on your head.”

He whispered, “I’ll brush it off for you.”

Willing to sweep away dust and snow for you, willing to toil for you half a lifetime.

It was just in that moment that Pei Wenxuan himself didn’t know there were so many things he could do for Li Rong.

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