Chapter 30: He Won’t Treat Me Well Because Of Feelings, I Remember, You Must Remember Too

After agreeing to Li Rong’s request, Pei Wenxuan returned to the desk, took up the pen, and began to contemplate how to help Li Rong write the report.

If they both went out, and Li Rong took the initiative to write, it wouldn’t be good; it would seem like she was too eager to bring down the Yang family. Given Li Ming’s personality, he might think too much.

The role Li Rong had to play now was that of a somewhat clever princess who, due to trust in her parents, knew almost nothing about the power struggle between the crown prince and the emperor.

Just like the past eighteen years of her life, she saw whatever was in front of her, couldn’t have too many other thoughts.

Checking on the Yang family was because of Yang Quan’s offense, and beyond that, there couldn’t be more connections. If Li Chuan received good news earlier, he would immediately investigate, fearing it might arouse suspicion.

So, Li Rong wanted him to write this report, but if he did, the first thing to explain would be how he obtained the information. 

He could say he used Li Rong, or he could mention the secret lines left by his father. However, one lie always requires countless lies to cover it, and the more lies, the more loopholes.

Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment, then put down the pen.

“Your Highness,” he called Li Rong, who was waiting for him to write a report. Li Rong heard him say, “I cannot write this report.”

“Hmm?” Li Rong understood that Pei Wenxuan had other considerations. She directly asked, “Then how do you plan to proceed?”

Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment and whispered, “Find the empress.”

Upon hearing this, Li Rong immediately understood. She was about to respond when Pei Wenxuan explained in detail, “First, have the crown prince provide a list. Put anyone he deems unsuitable on this list and have the crown prince request rewards from the emperor. It’s best to include many people from the northwest aristocratic families and some loyal generals to the emperor.”

“The northwest border is rarely touched by the emperor. The real confidants were framed by the Yang family in previous battles. The ordinary generals below are not familiar to the emperor. If these people appear on the list for the crown prince’s rewards, the emperor will surely suspect them to be the crown prince’s people and remove them instead.”

Li Rong pondered and, following Pei Wenxuan’s words, he continued, “If these people have a background in aristocratic families, they shouldn’t be too prominent. When the emperor removes them, it will naturally chill the hearts of those northwest families.”

“The emperor removing these people will make him think of dealing with the Yang family,” Li Rong tapped her palm with a small fan. “At that time, the emperor will send people to the border, replace the crown prince’s personnel, recall the crown prince, and let us start investigating the Yang family’s case and eliminate them.”

“So, in fact, staying unchanged in our approach is the best. When the emperor remembers us, he will naturally come to our aid. At that time, release Taibai Yan proactively, and when the emperor’s people find Taibai Yan, the problem will be minimized,” Pei Wenxuan chuckled. “Even the account books don’t need to be touched. When the emperor sends people to the border, we ask him for the account books.”

“You make sense.”

“But there is one thing,” Pei Wenxuan said seriously, “Can you control Taibai Yan?”

“I have already located his wife and children,” Li Rong said casually, “There shouldn’t be a problem.”

“That’s good,” Pei Wenxuan nodded. “You go and handle it.”

So Pei Wenxuan didn’t write the report, but Li Rong, after the arrival of Jinglan the next day, had Jinglan pass the message to the Eastern Palace through a messenger pigeon from Hua Jing, conveying Li Rong’s intentions to Li Chuan.

Li Chuan received the news at the border and immediately summoned Qin Lin and Cui Qinghe along with others overnight. They secretly formulated a list, preserving some talented individuals, selecting moderate aristocratic families, and loyal generals to Li Ming. Additionally, they included some generals whom Li Chuan used as a diversion, all mixed together, and sent it to Hua Jing, seeking rewards from Li Ming.

Li Ming, upon receiving the request for rewards from Li Chuan, was infuriated and smashed a cup in the study.

The next day, Jinglan came to deliver the message to Li Rong and whispered, “It is said that His Majesty is extremely angry, saying that as soon as the crown prince went to the border, he became ambitious, trying to win people’s hearts and gather supporters. It was only after several old ministers advised him for a long time that His Majesty calmed down.”

Li Rong nodded upon hearing this, and Jinglan, observing her expression, whispered, “Your Highness, don’t be too upset.”

“What do I have to be upset about?” Li Rong lightly smiled.

Jinglan chuckled, “His Majesty is like that, I knew it long ago.”

Jinglan was somewhat surprised, knowing the princess had always had an excellent relationship with Li Ming. However, after Li Rong spoke, she understood she misspoke and sighed, “I’m not stupid; can’t I see through this marriage thing?”

Hearing this, Jinglan understood the source of the princess’s change. She quickly said, “It’s good that Your Highness takes it lightly.”

Li Ming received the report from Li Chuan, and after confirming that the frontline situation was stable, he immediately summoned Li Chuan back. Simultaneously, he dispatched his own trusted generals to take over the positions of the northwest military, reassigning the generals listed for rewards by Li Chuan from their original positions, scattering them among various civilian roles in other military units.

In the military, when a general is moved, it’s equivalent to a loss of power. The transferred general understands this well – even if they are given a flattering title, it’s a removal from their original position. For a while, banquets lamenting the situation became prevalent in the northwest. Many old generals wept at these feasts, and although the words were not spoken explicitly, both sides understood what was in each other’s hearts.

A few days after Li Chuan returned from the northwest, Li Ming’s newly appointed generals escorted him out of the city. Standing on the carriage, Li Chuan turned to the generals and said, “Lord Zhang, there’s no need to send me off. I’m setting off alone. May lord Zhang have a prosperous official career in the northwest,” Li Chuan smiled meaningfully.

Zhang Qiu respectfully bowed and said, “Sending off Your Highness with respect.”

Li Chuan turned around, seeing the soldiers kneeling like waves. The summer wind in the northwest brought yellow sand, carrying hot air. As he looked over the army, he caught sight of a few young faces unintentionally.

Qin Lin, Cui Qinghe, and the others blended into the crowd, discreetly lifting their eyes to quietly watch Li Chuan. Li Chuan remained expressionless, nodding slightly before turning and entering the carriage.

Once inside the carriage, he turned his head to glance at the scorching sun over the vast desert.

The endless wilderness, carrying the fate of tens of thousands, made Li Chuan, the young prince who emerged from the struggles of blood and sword, deeply feel the weight beneath the words – soldiers, civilians, the nation, imperial authority – all under the burden of accumulated bones.

He closed his eyes, silent and contemplative.

With all orders given and seeing that Li Chuan had finally decided to return, Li Ming breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that this time the Shangguan family had admitted defeat.

His people had thoroughly investigated; the Shangguan family had paid a hefty price this time. Nearly half of the troops that the Shangguan main branch could mobilize were depleted, and many of their businesses were sold off, all to gather funds to assist the crown prince.

The crown prince was the hope of the Shangguan family, and Li Ming’s plan was to slowly wear down the Shangguan family’s vitality. He aimed to destroy the desperate hope that the Shangguan family was trying to preserve.

By destroying the Yang family this time and weakening the crown prince, Li Ming could be considered victorious.

Thinking about this, Li Ming remembered the person who had given him advice. After a moment of contemplation, he called over the eunuch Fulai who was beside him and instructed, “Regarding the case of Pei Wenxuan, send someone to investigate.”

Fulai smiled and promptly left. Two days later, a disheveled merchant rushed to the Shuntian Prefecture, beating a drum and pleading for justice. When the officials of Shuntian Prefecture came out, they frowned and asked, “Who are you? Why are you beating the drum?”

The destitute merchant raised his head and hoarsely said, “This humble one is Taibai Yan. I’ve come to file a complaint against General Yang’s residence for corruption, injustice, collusion with the enemy, treason, oppression of the common people, and condoning murder!”

Upon hearing this, the officials of Shuntian Prefecture were shocked, and even the onlookers couldn’t help but feel perplexed. The person who was reported dead just a few days ago, how could he be alive?

If he didn’t die, then who did Pei Wenxuan, currently imprisoned, allegedly murder?

Shuntian Prefecture dared not handle the case and directly reported it to the Ministry of Justice. The case was then transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Imperial Censorate. Finally, on the same night, it came into the hands of Li Ming.

With such a significant case that also involved his beloved daughter, Li Ming decided to personally preside over the trial. He notified the Ministry of Justice at night, prepared all the materials, and three days later, before dawn, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were still half-asleep in prison when they heard footsteps outside. Soon after, Su Rongqing led guards carrying lanterns into the prison, illuminating the entire cell.

Li Rong’s cell was covered with curtains, while Pei Wenxuan was awakened by the flickering light. He opened his eyes and saw guards standing on both sides of the corridor without entering. Su Rongqing walked to the front of the cell, respectfully bowed to Li Rong’s cell, and said, “Your Highness, His Majesty has requested your assistance in presiding over the trial. Please get up and accompany me to the court.”

Li Rong responded from within the cell. Su Rongqing continued, “Your Highness, I have brought attendants from the princess’s residence to serve you. May I enter?”

This was indeed considerate.

Pei Wenxuan, washing his face, paused and couldn’t help but glance at Su Rongqing.

Su Rongqing remained composed. The sound of curtains being drawn came from beside him. Then, Li Rong, wearing a red gauzy garment, her hair down, holding a small golden fan, leaned to the side and yawned, saying, “Come in.”

Su Rongqing didn’t raise his eyes and respectfully opened the cell door. Several maids carrying water basins walked in. Su Rongqing closed the curtain for Li Rong, and then waited outside.

When Li Rong finished grooming and came out, Pei Wenxuan had also finished. The two of them left the cell together, following Su Rongqing. They exited the prison together.

It was still dark, but everyone was surprisingly energetic. Li Rong boarded the carriage first, and as Pei Wenxuan was about to walk towards the carriage behind, he saw Su Rongqing, without any hesitation, directly jumping onto Li Rong’s carriage.

Pei Wenxuan’s movement paused, and after a moment, he made a decision.

He also boarded Li Rong’s carriage.

When Li Rong entered the carriage, she looked a bit puzzled. Soon after, she saw Su Rongqing jumping onto the carriage, startling her. Without thinking, she asked, “What are you doing coming up?”

“There are many things to discuss with Your Highness. I’m afraid there won’t be time once we reach the palace. I hope Your Highness forgives me,” Su Rongqing answered respectfully. Li Rong hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, “Master Su is considerate…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Pei Wenxuan pulled back the curtain and jumped in. Li Rong couldn’t help but ask again, “What are you doing coming up again?”

Pei Wenxuan instinctively wanted to say, “If he can come up, why can’t I?” But when he saw Su Rongqing’s face, he held back. No matter how much they quarreled in private, they had to maintain decorum in public. So, he respectfully said, “There are some matters to discuss with Your Highness. I’m afraid there won’t be time once we reach the palace. I hope Your Highness forgives me.”

Li Rong: “…”

The excuses were so similar that she felt awkward refusing.

“Then, master Pei, please join us.”

Li Rong invited both of them in. Without the need for discussion, they each found a seat. Li Rong sat in the main seat at the top. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable sense of anxiety and awkwardness.

The three of them sat in silent contemplation. Su Rongqing remained silent with lowered eyes, and Pei Wenxuan fanned himself without uttering a word.

Li Rong, with nothing else to do, poured tea for herself. The sound of pouring water filled the air. Both men looked at her, and as she lifted the teapot, she hesitated. After a moment, she forced an awkward smile and persuaded them, “Have some tea.”

Saying that, she personally poured a cup of tea for each of them. Then, when it came to lifting a cup, deciding who to offer it to first became a dilemma.

She hesitated between giving the tea to Su Rongqing first, fearing that Pei Wenxuan’s petty nature might find a way to retaliate later if she chose him first. On the other hand, giving it to Pei Wenxuan first wouldn’t make sense based on their official ranks, considering Su Rongqing’s higher position.

She held the cup awkwardly, both men silently watching the tea in her hands. For a moment, Li Rong felt as if she wasn’t holding tea but a firework that could explode at any moment.

After a moment, Li Rong bit her lip and decided to drink the tea in one go. Calmly, she said, “I was a bit thirsty. Let’s have another cup. Master Su,” she dispelled the awkward atmosphere and went straight to the point, turning to Su Rongqing, “Is there anything you need to inform me?”

Su Rongqing’s report was organized, providing Li Rong with every detail he knew. After finishing, he summarized, “The accounts from the northwest border arrived yesterday. Since I was overseeing this matter before, and now that both the princess and master Pei are in prison together, I took over. I immediately had the military accounts, Taibai Yan’s, and the frontline records cross-verified. With Taibai Yan’s confession and the testimonies previously examined by Your Highness, there should be no major issues with this case.”

Li Rong nodded in gratitude, saying, “Master Su, your efforts are appreciated.”

“Working for Your Highness is my duty.”

As they continued their conversation, Pei Wenxuan quietly listened. Once Su Rongqing and Li Rong finished, she turned to him with a smile, “Master Pei, is there anything you’d like to inform me?”

“Oh, it’s a trivial matter,” Pei Wenxuan smiled, lifting his fan and pointing at the hairpin on Li Rong’s head, “Your Highness, your hairpin is crooked.”

Li Rong: “…”

He really didn’t give her any face, not even bothering to be diplomatic.

Li Rong was just about to signal the carriage to stop, intending to dismiss Pei Wenxuan. However, she suddenly noticed the people around her standing up. A hand lifted, gently adjusting her hairpin, and a calm voice said, “Your Highness, it’s alright.”

Li Rong was momentarily stunned, unable to react. Pei Wenxuan coldly observed Su Rongqing, who calmly returned to his seat, his expression undisturbed, completely ignoring Pei Wenxuan’s gaze.

Feeling the awkwardness intensify, Li Rong coughed lightly, and both of them turned their attention to her. Li Rong quickly picked up a teacup and persuaded, “Have some tea.”

The two remained silent, making Li Rong feel even more uncomfortable.

Fortunately, the carriage soon arrived at the palace. Li Rong hurriedly said, “We’ve arrived; let’s go quickly.”

Without waiting for the two to stand up, she jumped off the carriage. Outside, the morning breeze greeted them, and Li Rong felt a sense of relief. Holding her fan and taking a step forward, she said to Jinglan, “Let’s go in first.”

“Do we not wait for the two nobles?” Jinglan asked, somewhat puzzled. According to etiquette, Li Rong should enter the palace with them. However, Li Rong, after hearing her question, quickly covered half of her face with the fan, revealing a disdainful expression, “Hurry up and let’s go, stay away from them.”

Saying this, Li Rong led Jinglan ahead.

Pei Wenxuan and Su Rongqing walked side by side into the palace. Su Rongqing gently said, “Lord Pei seems to have some opinions about this one?”

“Doesn’t lord Su think so?” Pei Wenxuan turned his head to look at him and said lightly, “Is lord Su showing too much concern for the princess?”

“Oh?” Su Rongqing smiled, seemingly indifferent, “Is that so? This one is just fulfilling the duties of a courtier.”

“Is lord Su planning to get married?”

Pei Wenxuan suddenly inquired, and Su Rongqing found it strange, “Why does lord Pei ask this?”

“I hope lord Su continues to adhere to the duties of a courtier,” Pei Wenxuan turned and smiled lightly, “especially in front of the honored lady.”

Su Rongqing’s expression remained unchanged. Pei Wenxuan bowed and said, “Lord Su is going to the palace; I won’t disturb lord Su any longer.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan straightened up and walked away.

Su Rongqing, like an ordinary courtier, positioned himself in the queue at the beginning of the morning court session. Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan waited at the door for the summon. Li Rong noticed Pei Wenxuan approaching with a smirking face and sensed that his mood was not very good.

If Pei Wenxuan were truly happy, his smile wouldn’t look like this. In the previous lifetime when he was the prime minister, such a smile usually foreshadowed trouble.

Li Rong remained composed, waiting for Pei Wenxuan to make a move. Pei Wenxuan stood beside Li Rong, holding a tablet, and remained silent.

Seeing Pei Wenxuan silent, Li Rong started to think about other matters. She mentally went through everything that could happen today. Just as she was lost in thought, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t hold back any longer and spoke, “Your Highness, is there anything you’d like to ask this humble servant?”

“Hmm?” Li Rong snapped out of her thoughts and, decisively, replied, “No, not interested.”

Pei Wenxuan: “…”

Li Rong continued to daydream, and after enduring for a while, Pei Wenxuan finally said, “But this humble servant has something to say.”

“I know I can’t stop you,” Li Rong sighed, “Go ahead, say it. I’m afraid you’ll choke if you don’t.”

“This statement of Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan said blandly, “almost choked this humble servant.”

“How about you try choking a bit more?”

Li Rong earnestly suggested, and Pei Wenxuan couldn’t hold back any longer. He directly said, “I think Su Rongqing has ulterior motives towards you.”

“Really?” Li Rong’s voice remained calm, showing no ripples. “I’m so thrilled.”

“Li Rong,” Pei Wenxuan called her name, “I’m being serious. Su Rongqing is too good to you.”

Listening to Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong stopped playing around with him. She listened to the eunuch announcing the start of the court session and observed the ministers entering one by one. Calmly, she said to Pei Wenxuan, “Do you know the biggest difference between Su Rongqing and you?”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t respond. Following Li Rong’s gaze, he looked at the ministers under the morning light, displaying various expressions of worry, joy, numbness, or arrogance. Li Rong spoke indifferently, “He’s more ruthless than you.”

“Family, honor, legacy.” The two observed a young man in the distance under the morning light. Dressed in crimson official robes and holding a tablet, he moved with elegance and grace as he ascended the white jade steps into the hall representing the vortex of a nation’s power.

“These are the burdens that Su Rongqing has carried throughout his life. Under these, he learned from a young age to be restrained, calm, and patient.”

Li Rong’s voice sounded somewhat distant, carrying a hint of pity and vague sympathy.

“He won’t have the emotions you think he should.”

“He won’t treat me well because of emotions,” Li Rong said calmly. “What he values is not me, but Chuan. I always remember this, and you,” Li Rong looked up at him, her phoenix eyes like a cold pond, restrained and calm. In this absolute “silence,” there was a beauty that carried an irresistible allure. She emphasized each word, “also need to remember.”

Previous

Next