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Chapter 48: Willing To Be Your Blade, Striking In All Directions

Li Rong assisted Qin Zhenzhen, immediately calling for others. While sending someone to fetch a carriage, she had the surroundings checked. After confirming that no one had seen them, she helped Qin Zhenzhen onto the carriage and rushed back to the princess’s residence.

Qin Zhenzhen was injured, and Li Rong took out the prepared medicine from the drawer, bandaging her wounds. Qin Zhenzhen gritted her teeth and didn’t utter a word. Upon reaching the princess’s residence, Li Rong summoned the palace physician for consultation. After cleaning the wounds and prescribing medicine, the physician turned to Li Rong and said, “The young lady has only skin injuries. With some rest, there’s no need for concern, Your Highness.”

Li Rong nodded, dismissing the physician. She stood by the bedside for a moment, and Qin Zhenzhen, with her eyes closed, seemed to be resting. Just as Li Rong was about to speak, noises came from outside. Hurriedly leaving the inner room, Li Rong saw Pei Wenxuan and Li Chuan entering.

“What’s the situation?”

Li Rong immediately looked at Pei Wenxuan. He still had rainwater on him, his expression grave. “The process of sealing the Qin family has no issues. Now, His Majesty can only increase the manpower and ensure they don’t make mistakes.”

“Who did he add?”

“Su Rongqing. He’s the Assistant Minister of Justice, high-ranking and uninvolved in this dispute.”

Upon hearing Su Rongqing’s name, Li Rong felt a bit relieved. Seeing the change in Li Rong’s expression, Pei Wenxuan paused for a moment before continuing, “I met the crown prince at the palace gate. He wanted to see you, so I brought him back together.”

Li Rong responded with a sound. She turned to look at Li Chuan. Although Li Chuan’s eyes were slightly red, his expression was extremely cold. Li Rong knew that something must have happened in the palace, so she asked, “How did you enter the palace?”

“I went to see the empress mother.”

Li Chuan hoarsely replied. Li Rong paused and hesitated, “And then?”

Li Chuan remained silent. After a while, he suddenly said, “Let my sister handle this case.”

Li Rong stood still, and Li Chuan calmly continued, “I can’t act rashly. If I do, the backlash from the aristocracy would be too great. I’m afraid they would immediately consider ways to eliminate me. Now that the emperor doesn’t trust me, I can’t be too forceful with the aristocracy.”

“You want your sister to deal with those involved in this case.”

Li Rong affirmed, “They are all uncle’s people. Have you thought it through?”

“I have.”

Li Chuan calmly said, “A knife that doesn’t listen, I don’t want it unless it sharpens its edge. I won’t do it.”

Li Rong remained silent. After a moment, she spoke slowly, “What did the empress mother say to you?”

“After I learned about the Qin family’s matter, I questioned her when I entered the palace. This matter is too risky. If we can twist the truth like this and turn a case involving a humble family into an ironclad case solely based on the relationships within the aristocratic family, it would be something that the Emperor fears. Moreover, in the court’s struggle, falsely accusing and wiping out an entire family, the methods are too extreme.”

Li Chuan closed his eyes and added, “It’s too much.”

“Mother, what did she say?”

“She asked me if I had an affair with Qin Zhenzhen.” Li Chuan laughed, finding it absurd. “She inquired whether I was unwilling to marry Shangguan Ya because of this.”

“She had someone investigate me. She found out about my previous visit to Qin Lin and thought I went there for Qin Zhenzhen. Then, at the palace banquet, when Qin Zhenzhen ranked second in fragrance blending, and I exchanged a few words with her, my mother found out.”

“Add to that the recent attention due to Qin Zhenzhen’s success in fragrance blending, rumors spreading in the palace, and it seems that the emperor intends to appoint her as the crown prince’s consort. Mother is concerned that Qin Zhenzhen poses a threat to Shangguan Ya’s position, so she passed on the information to my uncle.”

Li Chuan smiled wryly, “Uncle happened to be preparing to use a family as an example, so he chose the Qin family.”

“They wanted to use a family as a scapegoat, and I wasn’t surprised. However, I never thought it would be such a thunderous approach.”

Li Rong also guessed that the Shangguan family would choose a family to suppress, but she didn’t expect them to be accused of treason. Such a serious crime is evident to anyone; it’s a warning from the Shangguan family to Li Ming.

And now, it seems like a warning to Li Chuan, who is unwilling to marry the crown prince’s consort.

Li Chuan looked somewhat weary, and Li Rong remained silent. Li Chuan raised his eyes to her and spoke slowly, “Sister, you once said that a person must be strong enough to have the power to choose.”

“Yes.”

“So, today, I ask you a question,” Li Chuan looked at her intently. “Are you willing to get involved in this case?”

Li Rong remained silent, and Li Chuan calmly continued, “If you are willing, I will support you wholeheartedly. Today, you can find a suitable reason, pledge allegiance to the emperor, and take this opportunity to establish a supervisory office in the name of investigating this case. This office can be directly under the emperor’s control, not under the jurisdiction of the three ministries, serving as an independent oversight outside the court, with the power of life and death.”

“You are a princess, and no one will dare to treat you recklessly, considering my and mother’s influence. Your involvement in this matter is most fitting.”

“And in the future, if I ascend to the throne,” Li Chuan lowered his voice, promising, “the supervisory office will still be under your control.”

This would be a power entirely under her authority.

Li Rong remained silent, and Li Chuan immediately said, “However, this matter carries great risks. Sister doesn’t need to rush into a decision. If you are unwilling, it’s also fine,” Li Chuan looked at her, paused, and with a serious expression, said, “Regardless, you are still a princess.”

Li Chuan finished speaking, turned to look at the pouring rain outside, and spoke softly, “I need to prepare for the morning court. Sister, rest well, I’ll leave first.”

Finally, Li Rong responded and, together with Pei Wenxuan, bowed and saw off Li Chuan.

After a long time, he finally said, “Go back and put on more clothes first. The Qin family has been imprisoned. This matter is not urgent…”

Before he could finish speaking, a soft call came from beside, “Your Highness.”

Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan turned their heads together, seeing Qin Zhenzhen standing next to the screen. Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong with surprise, wanting to ask something but hesitated not to speak much. He discreetly took a step back and stood behind Li Rong.

Li Rong quietly looked at Qin Zhenzhen, and then saw Qin Zhenzhen holding a sword, kneeling down in front of her.

“The humble girl implores Your Highness to establish a Supervisory Office.”

“You plead with me, what can you give me?” Li Rong sneered, Qin Zhenzhen pursed her lips and could only grit her teeth, saying, “I will not hesitate to go through fire and water, without any hesitation.”

“Go through fire and water?” Li Rong chuckled, “As a girl from a humble family, what can you do? Can I even arrange a marriage for you? “

“The humble girl has nothing but a long sword in her hand. If Your Highness is willing,” Qin Zhenzhen raised her head, staring directly at Li Rong, “there will be no Miss Qin in this world anymore.”

Li Rong looked into Qin Zhenzhen’s eyes and suddenly understood what she wanted.

Qin Zhenzhen indeed did not belong to Hua Jing, nor did she belong to the court.

“Do you want me to kill someone?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want me to go to Northwest?”

“Yes.”

“Qin Zhenzhen, I won’t make such a decision just for you.”

“I understand. But I have to try.”

Li Rong remained silent. The two looked at each other in silence, and after a long time, Li Rong turned around and said, “Rest for now, I’ll think about it.”

Saying this, Li Rong instructed the people nearby to take care of Qin Zhenzhen and walked out directly.

Pei Wenxuan walked beside Li Rong, the two walking side by side in the long corridor. Li Rong touched the golden fan in her hand, not saying a word.

Outside, the heavy rain drizzled down, darkening the sky with thick clouds. Lanterns on the long corridor swayed gently in the wind. Pei Wenxuan walked beside Li Rong, shielding her from the oncoming cold wind.

The two remained silent for a long time. Suddenly, Li Rong said, “Do I still have a choice?”

“If Your Highness is willing to let go of power,” Pei Wenxuan looked towards the end of the corridor, hands clasped in his sleeves, and spoke slowly, “what can’t be chosen?”

“Without establishing a Supervisory Office, even if you turn a blind eye to the crown prince, you are still my wife, princess Rong.”

Pei Wenxuan turned around and smiled, “Establishing the Supervisory Office, if we win, you will be the grand princess, with power over all. If we lose, we’ll be torn apart, and our remains will be annihilated.”

“If I have nothing, would I still be your wife?” Li Rong found it somewhat amusing, and Pei Wenxuan remained silent.

As Li Rong’s question flashed through his mind, he couldn’t help but feel restless, in that moment. If Li Rong had nothing, perhaps she could be his wife for a lifetime.

But this thought passed in an instant. He didn’t delve into it. Whether it was true or not, this answer wasn’t suitable to tell Li Rong at this moment. He knew well that Li Rong not only wouldn’t believe it, but might even step on it.

So, he chuckled lightly, “Maybe one day, when the time comes, you’ll know?”

“Well, forget it,” Li Rong smiled, “the cost is too high. It’s better not to know.”

As they spoke, they walked together to the door. Li Rong spoke slowly, “You should be getting ready for court, right? Go to another room and change, I’ll think things through.”

Pei Wenxuan should have spoken out. When Li Rong pushed open the door, he suddenly stopped her, saying, “Your Highness.”

Li Rong didn’t turn around, but heard someone behind her say, “Actually, no matter which path you choose, if one day you’re in deep trouble, I’ll definitely be ahead of you.”

If she was just his wife, and she died, it would surely be someone stepping over his corpse.

If she established the Supervisory Office, she would be finished, and he would be finished as well.

Whether as husband and wife or as allies, they had long shared life and death.

“So,” Pei Wenxuan lowered his voice, “choose a path you like.”

Li Rong, with her back to Pei Wenxuan, involuntarily raised the corners of her mouth and said, “Got it, noisy.”

Saying that, she entered the room and closed the door. After entering the room, standing in the darkness, she then walked to the desk and found a seat. Establishing the Supervisory Office, in the previous life, she had done similar things.

The source of a person’s power must come from what is in their hands, deciding the power of others. The more people one can decide, and the larger the scope of decisions, the more power they truly control.

For example, the current Pei Wenxuan was under her control. The core was that Pei Wenxuan needed her money, her people, and her identity as a princess, allowing him to silently intimidate others in the officialdom.

However, money, people, and identity are not scarce resources.

To build a power center with herself at the core, she must involve matters of wielding authority. In the previous life, she also established similar institutions like the Supervisory Office, but mostly relying on the identity of the eldest princess, without directly establishing an institution independent of the Three Departments.

The Supervisory Office is a sharp blade. If not used properly, she might end up hurting herself.

Li Rong closed her eyes, lightly tapping her palm with the fan, and thoroughly went through the entire situation.

Now she had three paths to take. The first one, just like the previous life, persuade Li Chuan to marry Shangguan Ya as the main wife and Qin Zhenzhen as the side concubine. As long as Qin Zhenzhen doesn’t affect the crown princess, the empress won’t insist on eliminating the Qin family.

But in doing so, Li Chuan would completely expose Qin Lin’s identity to the Shangguan family, relying entirely on the aristocratic families. In the future, Li Ming might find a reason to depose the crown prince, and Li Chuan would have to rely on the power of the aristocratic families again to ascend the throne. However, with the Yang family falling too early in this life, the future changes were unknown. Relying on the aristocratic families, the contradictions between them and Li Chuan would still erupt in the future.

The second option, regardless of everything, let Li Chuan and Pei Wenxuan handle it themselves. Either Li Chuan completely gives up on the Qin family, or he will return to the first path. But in any case, Li Chuan would still be under the control of the Shangguan family.

The third option, establish the Supervisory Office.

Li Rong opened her eyes, looking at the faint light after dawn shining through the window, her eyes bright.

The aristocratic families are the blade, but a blade must have a sheath, and the current prince is not enough to be a sheath. So, she must become that sheath.

Establishing the Supervisory Office, investigating individuals involved in the Qin family case, using her Supervisory Office to intimidate the aristocratic families, and then secretly contacting other members of the Shangguan family to support a new Shangguan family head.

This way, she could completely control the Shangguan family, intimidate the aristocratic families, and even have the power to directly overthrow the Imperial Consort, without being constantly hindered as it is now.

The aristocratic families would become a blade with a sheath controlled by her, resolving the future conflicts between Li Chuan and the aristocratic families. The Shangguan family wouldn’t end up like the previous life, with only Shangguan Ya left in the palace. If it weren’t for her desperate protection, most of them would have met a tragic end.

Power had to be in her hands for her to have room for choice.

Thinking of all this, Li Rong felt a familiar surge of passion in her veins.

As Pei Wenxuan said, the path of the Supervisory Office was the best and the most dangerous.

“A thousand cuts…”

Li Rong lightly tapped her palm with the fan. After a moment, she chuckled.

She stood up, went to the desk, envisioned the entire plan for setting up the Supervisory Office, then wrote it down in a document. While writing, she instructed Jinglan outside, “Jinglan, go and invite Miss Qin. Ask her to come over, and also send someone to the palace to intercept the Marquis when he comes down from the morning court. Tell him to come and see me.”

Jinglan acknowledged, and soon Qin Zhenzhen was led into the room.

Qin Zhenzhen changed into a new set of clothes, her complexion still a bit pale. She bowed to Li Rong upon entering, and Li Rong gestured for her to rise. While writing on the document, she asked, “I will enter the palace later to request an investigation into the Qin family’s case. Do you have anything to give me?”

Upon hearing these words, Qin Zhenzhen lifted her gaze to look at Li Rong, with a hint of anticipation in her eyes. “Has His Highness agreed?”

“The matter of the Inspectorate will be discussed with His Majesty. As for you,” Li Rong looked at Qin Zhenzhen, “I’ll provide you with two options.”

Qin Zhenzhen paused, and Li Rong continued, “You’re not suitable for Hua Jing, nor are you suitable for marriages within prominent families. Today, you have two choices. Hand over the belongings I asked you to bring from the Qin family, and I’ll ensure you’re safely returned to the Qin family. You will still be Miss Qin, and in the future, you’ll marry into a good family in Hua Jing, taking on the role of a wife and mother for the rest of your life.”

“And the second option?”

Qin Zhenzhen looked at Li Rong and asked directly. Li Rong gazed into Qin Zhenzhen’s eyes, recalling the moment when Qin Zhenzhen was enclosed in a coffin in her previous life.

Lying in the coffin, embracing a long sword in her arms – it wasn’t the customary etiquette for a noble concubine; it was something Li Chuan forcefully placed in the coffin.

Li Rong looked at her, and after a long silence, she spoke, “If the Inspectorate is established and investigates the Qin family’s case, it may require unconventional methods. I need someone skilled in martial arts to assist me. After taking action, there might be extreme retaliation from the prominent families. They won’t dare to approach me but might trouble my subordinates.”

“You want me to be that person,” Qin Zhenzhen immediately spoke.

Li Rong affirmed, “Yes, once the Qin family’s case is resolved, you cannot stay in Hua Jing any longer. I’ll directly send you to the Northwest. The Yang family in the northwest has fallen, causing chaos. Establish yourself in the northwest as part of the Inspectorate, assist Qin Lin in gaining control of the military in the northwest, and stabilize the region. When my wings are fully grown, we can plan for the future.”

“After this,” Li Rong’s voice grew solemn, “you are no longer surnamed Qin, nor are you part of the Qin family, to avoid implicating them in your actions. As for Qin Zhenzhen, I will arrange a fitting end for her.”

Qin Zhenzhen remained silent, not speaking. Li Rong lowered her head to write the final line on the document. Then, she set down her pen and looked up. “Give me an answer.”

Qin Zhenzhen spread her arms wide, knelt down, and bowed deeply. Respectfully, she spoke, “Please bestow a name upon me, Your Highness.”

Li Rong wasn’t surprised by Qin Zhenzhen’s choice. She silently watched her and asked, “Do you have no regrets?”

“I am not just for the Qin family,” Li Rong met her gaze, “If you are repaying kindness, there’s no need for this.”

“I also do this for myself,” Qin Zhenzhen replied earnestly.

Li Rong watched her for a long while, then picked up the document and walked past Qin Zhenzhen. “From now on, you will be called Xun Chuan. Get up now and accompany me into the palace.”

Qin Zhenzhen stood up and followed behind Li Rong. Li Rong asked, “What did your family give you?”

“An internal family token of the Qin family,” Qin Zhenzhen replied softly, “and a letter from my grandfather declaring his innocence, originally meant for me to deliver to my uncle and brother in the northwest.”

“Good,” Li Rong nodded, leading Qin Zhenzhen out. Qin Zhenzhen’s wounds began to bleed, and she instinctively raised her hand to cover them. Li Rong glanced over and smiled, “You might have to endure some discomfort today. The more pitiful, the better.”

“I will follow Your Highness’s orders.”

They boarded a carriage and soon arrived at the palace gates. Li Rong waited at the gate for a while. As soon as Pei Wenxuan finished court, Li Rong’s people came to inform him to meet her at the palace gate. Pei Wenxuan received the message, eagerly rushed over, lifted the curtain with joy, and exclaimed, “Today, you have something to ask…”

Before he could finish, Pei Wenxuan froze. He looked inside the carriage and then at Li Rong. After hesitating for a moment, he turned and said, “Should I change carriages…”

“Sit down,” Li Rong said directly. Pei Wenxuan immediately sat down beside Li Rong, as if being closer to her would provide a sense of security.

Li Rong glanced at him strangely and continued, “I will enter the palace to see the Emperor. I will say that Qin Zhenzhen is an acquaintance of yours who ran into you after escaping danger. You recommended her to me. Unable to bear witnessing the tragic fate of the Pei family, I decided to intervene on behalf of the Qin family.”

Pei Wenxuan agreed and said, “Yes, I will explain to the Emperor that I provoked your relationship with the Empress, prompting you to seek control over your own authority, hence your intention to establish the Surveillance Bureau.”

“Good.”

“Take a look at this document,” Li Rong handed the document to Pei Wenxuan, “see if there are any issues.”

Pei Wenxuan took it, scanned Li Rong’s document, and then said, “It’s fine.”

The two discussed and agreed on the details of their testimonies, instructing Qin Zhenzhen to tell the truth. They would change the person who saved her to Pei Wenxuan, not mentioning Li Rong.

With all three parties agreeing on their testimonies, they arrived at the study room. Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong got out, leaving Qin Zhenzhen, who was injured, to rest in the carriage. They stood together at the door of the study room, waiting for Emperor Li Ming to be informed.

Standing at the door, Pei Wenxuan visibly relaxed a lot. Li Rong glanced at him lightly and said, “Why are you nervous in the carriage?”

“I don’t know either,” Pei Wenxuan sighed and thought for a moment, unable to help but say, “Probably like how you felt when Su Rongqing was in the carriage.”

Li Rong suddenly understood his reaction and after thinking for a moment, she leaned over and whispered softly, “I need to trouble you with something.”

Pei Wenxuan’s instinctive unease grew as he turned his head, looking at Li Rong warily. “When you speak like this, it usually means trouble.”

Li Rong smiled, showing a pleasing expression. “Could you make an appointment with Su Rongqing at the government office later?”

Pei Wenxuan hesitated. “…”

Raising an eyebrow, Li Rong teased, “You won’t even help me with this little favor? Can you still call yourself a friend?”

“Time and place,” Pei Wenxuan turned his head back, his demeanor calm and casual. “If you don’t know where to set it, I can help.”

“Then could you recommend a place for me?”

“Listening to the wind and enjoying the moon on the rooftop of Tingfeng Pavilion. It’s very classy.”

Li Rong liked this suggestion, even if it was for serious matters, she preferred a touch of elegance. She playfully tapped her fan against her palm and said happily, “Excellent. Let’s set it for this afternoon at Tingfeng Pavilion. It’ll be charming to enjoy a drink at dusk.”

“Don’t daydream,” Pei Wenxuan glanced at her sideways, mocking, “That place is bustling. You need to book a month in advance. Just find any teahouse and discuss it there. What’s with all this emphasis on elegance?”

“You’re not being fair.”

Li Rong corrected him immediately, “Master Su…”

Before she could finish, Fulai came out and interrupted them.

“Princess, Marquis, His Majesty requests both of you to come in.”

The two exchanged a glance. Li Rong nodded and stepped forward.

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