Chapter 49: Her Highness the Princess Is Very Beautiful
The two followed Fulai closely, Li Rong leaned closer to Pei Wenxuan and whispered in a very low voice, “Cooperate a bit.”
Before Pei Wenxuan could react, Li Rong saw Li Ming, then took a step forward and quickly knelt down, loudly saying, “Father! Please come and be judge for your subjects!”
This sudden cry startled Li Ming, causing his hand to tremble. Pei Wenxuan was also taken aback, but he maintained his composure and respectfully greeted Li Ming, “Your Majesty.”
“What major incident has occurred?” Li Ming frowned, looking up. “All this fuss, don’t you still have some princess demeanor?”
Li Rong’s face showed anger as she said, “Father Emperor, please listen to what your daughter has to report. This morning when I just woke up, I heard about the Qin family…”
“Stop for now,” Li Ming interrupted Li Rong upon hearing it involved the Qin family. He raised his hand to signal them to sit down, then turned to Pei Wenxuan and said, “You mentioned this when you came to the palace last night.”
“Yes,” Pei Wenxuan calmly replied, “Last night, His Highness and I were in the Princess’s residence when we heard that the Ministry of Punishments had surrounded the Qin residence. I hurried to the palace to see Your Majesty. Your Majesty sent Lord Su over, but the documents from the Ministry of Punishments were all in order, so Lord Su could only let it proceed.”
The process of adjudication in Daxia usually involves local government offices handling ordinary cases, while serious cases involving officials are referred to the Ministry of Punishments or the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Punishments handles ordinary and official cases, while the Ministry of Justice deals with cases involving imperial relatives.
After the Ministry of Punishments decides to arrest someone, an internal official issues the arrest warrant. If the person’s rank is too high, it is reported to the Left and Right Grand Preceptors, also known as the Left and Right Chancellors.
In cases handled by the Ministry of Justice, approval from the Emperor is required.
The Qin family is not of royal blood, and the highest rank in their family is only the fourth rank. The Ministry of Justice proposed the case, the Ministry of Punishments approved it, and it was reported to the Left Grand Preceptor, Shangguan Xu, for the arrest warrant. The entire process was flawless. Even if Li Ming had intervened, there would have been no reason to stop it.
On ordinary days, this process would be nothing unusual. But considering the recent dispute over the appointment of officials in the northwest, it’s clear where their hearts lie.
Li Ming had already known about this in the morning. He poured tea and spoke calmly, “So, why did you rush in here like this?”
“After informing Your Majesty, on the way back home, I suddenly encountered a woman seeking help. I rescued her, only to find out she was the second Miss Qin from the Qin residence. My father and the Qin family have known each other for a long time, and I’ve known the second Miss Qin since childhood. She told me about the Qin family’s injustice. Outraged by this, I brought her to the palace,” Pei Wenxuan said, glancing at Li Rong before continuing, “Therefore, she came to the palace with me.”
“The second Miss Qin escaped?” Li Ming pondered for a moment and looked up, “Where is she?”
“Outside,” Pei Wenxuan replied. Li Ming glanced at Fulai, who hurried out and brought the person back.
Qin Zhenzhen was covered in wounds, and blood had soaked through her white clothes long ago. She knelt in front of Li Ming with a pale face and respectfully said, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
Seeing her appearance, Li Ming sighed, “How did a young girl like you end up like this?”
With that, he raised his hand, “Please rise.”
The attendants helped Qin Zhenzhen up. After she sat down, Li Ming asked, “What’s the matter? Tell me.”
Qin Zhenzhen whispered, “Reporting to Your Majesty, last night, officials surrounded the Qin residence, accusing the Qin family of colluding with the Yang family to betray the country. This is all nonsense concocted under pressure. In a critical situation, my grandfather wrote this declaration of innocence in blood and entrusted it to this commoner girl, instructing her to find an opportunity to present it to Your Majesty.”
With that, Qin Zhenzhen knelt down again and handed over a box with both hands. Fulai quickly went up and handed the box to Li Ming.
Li Ming opened the box and saw a bright red blood-written declaration. It was a confession from the entire Qin family, asserting their complete innocence. In addition to this blood-written declaration, there was another stack of signed and sealed papers detailing accounts of several battles participated in by the Qin family, along with battlefield conditions. These “testimonies” were signed by each member of the Qin family and dated, with explanations provided. Regardless of any future testimonies, these would serve as the definitive records.
Li Ming carefully examined each document. After a moment’s pause, he looked around at these young people and then said, “Miss Qin is severely injured. Rong, take care of Miss Qin for now.”
Upon hearing this, Li Rong stood up, supporting Qin Zhenzhen to leave. Qin Zhenzhen’s gaze fell on the box containing the testimonies as Li Rong patted her hand and whispered, “Don’t worry.”
Taking a deep breath, Qin Zhenzhen finally walked out with Li Rong.
After Li Rong left, Li Ming and Pei Wenxuan remained in the hall. Li Ming leisurely closed the box and said in a calm tone, “You brought this girl here too early.”
As of now, there has been no review of the Qin family’s case, so these pieces of evidence are currently ineffective. Only when the case is settled can these testimonies be used as grounds for reopening the case.
Pei Wenxuan understood what Li Ming meant and smiled, saying, “It might be early to clear the Qin family’s name, but it’s never too early to prepare.”
Li Ming looked up at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan lowered his voice, seeming to hint at something, “Your Majesty, Princess Rong has arrived.”
“What riddles are you selling?”
Li Ming chuckled, “So young, yet you’ve learned quite a few tricks from those old ministers who like to play tricks.”
Pei Wenxuan heard Li Ming’s jest but remained unruffled, smiling amiably, “Your Majesty, during the Yang Quan case, Her Highness was imprisoned for nearly two months, yet the Empress did not inquire. Now that Princess Rong has married, seeing such injustice naturally stirs up frustration in her heart.”
Listening to Pei Wenxuan’s words, Li Ming gained some insight. He understood that Pei Wenxuan was hinting at a rift between Li Rong and the Empress. Now that Li Rong had married, Pei Wenxuan was inciting discord with other intentions. Perhaps he aimed to gain something through the Qin family’s case.
Li Ming didn’t mind if his ministers gained something from him, as long as they provided enough in return. Moreover, Pei Wenxuan was dealing with Li Rong, his own daughter.
After picking up a cup of tea from the table, Li Ming asked, “What does she want?”
“I discussed it with Her Highness,” Pei Wenxuan respectfully replied, “The noble families in the court are vast, and with the current decline in governance, there is always a need for a few individuals to break through. Her Highness holds a high position, being the elder sister of the Crown Prince. In terms of rank, apart from matters directly involving Your Majesty, whoever His Highness manages in the court, as long as Your Majesty agrees, is appropriate.”
Li Ming toyed with a sandalwood bead in his hand as he listened to Pei Wenxuan continue his analysis, “What Her Highness lacks now is just a position.”
“She desires power.”
Li Ming spoke softly, “How much power does she want?”
“It depends on what Your Majesty wishes her to do.”
Pei Wenxuan calmly replied, “What do you think she is capable of?”
With a derisive laugh, Li Ming continued, “If I grant her power, can she handle it?”
“She also has me,” Pei Wenxuan smiled, reminding him, “After all, I am Her Highness’s husband. And the Crown Prince is also Her Highness’s brother.”
The Crown Prince represented the aristocratic families, and regardless of their influence, they had to consider both the Crown Prince and the Empress.
Many things, if done by others, might just lead to death. But if Li Rong did them, she would face the wrath of the Crown Prince, the Empress, and the Emperor. Li Rong could do far more than ordinary people, up to a limit.
Li Ming thought for a moment, then said, “Do you already have ideas?”
“We do,” Pei Wenxuan respectfully replied, “They are all outlined in the documents Princess wants to present.”
“In that case,” Li Ming hesitated, then said slowly, “Give me the documents. I will think about it. You take Rong back first and ask her to take good care of Miss Qin.”
Pei Wenxuan acknowledged and, grateful for Li Ming’s words, hurried out. He retrieved the documents prepared by Li Rong and returned promptly.
Pei Wenxuan took his leave with Li Ming’s permission. Before leaving, he noticed the evidence on Li Ming’s desk. Seeing him not leave, but staring at the wooden box beside him, Li Ming responded with a mix of amusement and annoyance, “If you want something, just say it. Why are you staring at this thing?”
Pei Wenxuan respectfully smiled, “Your Majesty has bestowed it upon me, so only then dare I ask for it. If Your Majesty doesn’t speak, how can I dare to ask?”
Pei Wenxuan smoothly flattered Li Ming, who knew he was being praised but still felt pleased. He waved his hand, letting Pei Wenxuan leave first.
Pei Wenxuan took the wooden box and respectfully withdrew. After he left, Fulai came in to pour tea for Li Ming and said with a smile, “Master Pei is young, but he’s quite insightful.”
“Crafty fellow,” Li Ming chuckled, then after a moment’s thought, nodded, “Indeed, he’s quite capable.”
Pei Wenxuan emerged with the wooden box and found Li Rong waiting for him at the door. He handed the box to her and said, “It’s about done. Let’s go back.”
“How confident are you?” Li Rong lightly tapped her palm with a fan. After a moment’s thought, Pei Wenxuan replied slowly, “From His Majesty’s tone, it should be fine. I’ll take all the blame and say I instigated you. That way, he won’t think you’re too clever and will be more at ease.”
Li Rong nodded. After thinking for a while, she suddenly realized that Li Ming and Pei Wenxuan seemed to have a good relationship now. Feeling somewhat curious, she turned to Pei Wenxuan and said, “It’s strange. No matter which emperor it is, you seem to be able to please them easily. How come you never try to please me?”
“Aren’t I pleasing you enough?” Pei Wenxuan turned back in surprise.
Li Rong raised an eyebrow, “When have you ever pleased me?”
“Every moment, without exception,” Pei Wenxuan spoke with deep sincerity, “Your Highness, you’re truly hard to please.”
“Nonsense.”
Li Rong lightly tapped Pei Wenxuan’s head with her folding fan and walked up with a smile.
Pei Wenxuan followed behind Li Rong, somewhat displeased: “Your Highness, I need to discuss something with you.”
“I Refuse.”
Li Rong stretched her voice: “It’s definitely not something good.”
“Don’t tap my head again in public.”
Li Rong tilted her eyes and tapped Pei Wenxuan’s head obliquely, raising her eyebrows: “Hmm?”
Seeing Li Rong’s expression, Pei Wenxuan took a step back and negotiated, “Don’t do it in front of others.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Rong lightly tapped Pei Wenxuan’s head with her folding fan, gently saying, “Silly, what can you do if I tap you again?”
Pei Wenxuan: “…”
Seeing him at a loss, Li Rong laughed out loud, opened her fan, and walked away shaking it. Pei Wenxuan quietly watched her receding figure. In late July, the girl wore a crimson thin shirt, outlining her enchanting and graceful figure. Paired with the courtyard and red columns starting to show autumn colors, the whole scene exuded a warm and bold atmosphere.
Pei Wenxuan felt his heart like the warm autumn sun, gently radiating a gentle warmth just right.
The two left the palace together and went their separate ways. Li Rong took Qin Zhenzhen back to the Princess’s Mansion, while Pei Wenxuan went back to the government office to continue his work.
Qin Zhenzhen was injured, so Li Rong had her wounds bandaged when they returned, allowing her to rest completely. Afterwards, Li Rong began to check her accounts to see how much money she had left, as both maintaining the weaving department and establishing the Inspectorate required money.
Li Rong woke up early in the morning and felt tired as soon as it got dark. She tried to stay awake and read the latest intelligence reports, but her vision blurred as she read. Yawning a few times without realizing it, she closed her eyes and dozed off.
Pei Wenxuan returned from the government office, expecting Li Rong to be asleep. To his surprise, when he reached the door, he saw the lights still on inside. Jinglan and Jingmei were waiting outside. Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but feel a little strange. He took off his coat and quietly asked Jinglan, “Hasn’t Your Highness slept yet?”
“Not yet,” Jinglan whispered back, “still working on official business.”
Pei Wenxuan nodded and pushed open the door.
As soon as he entered, he saw Li Rong sitting at the desk, chin in hand, seemingly bored with something. Pei Wenxuan walked over without making a sound. Just as he was about to speak, he saw that although Li Rong was propping up her head, her eyes were already closed.
Normally beautiful and accustomed to being sharp, she always felt high and mighty. But now, with her eyes closed and trying to stay awake, she inadvertently revealed a charming side that was indescribably lovely. This charm softened her features, transforming her usual beauty into spring flowers on a rippling lake, making people unconsciously smile.
Seeing her asleep, Pei Wenxuan gently took away the accounts from her hand. He originally wanted to wake her up, but after hesitating for a moment, he thought that abruptly waking her might make her uncomfortable. So, he simply decided to pick her up horizontally.
He picked up Li Rong, and when she opened her eyes and saw Pei Wenxuan, she leaned into his arms like a cat, yawning, “You’re back?”
Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but smile when he saw her snuggling against him without any alertness. “How come you’re not even a bit cautious? I’ve already picked you up, and you’re not even startled.”
“What’s there to be startled about?”
Half-asleep, Li Rong replied lazily, “Am I supposed to be afraid of you?”
“I’m still a man after all,” Pei Wenxuan said helplessly, laughing. “Could you at least be a little wary?”
“What difference does it make if you’re a man?” Li Rong bantered with him, half sleepy and wanting to chat. “Anyway, you look good enough to be a ‘lover’. I don’t mind.”
This remark left Pei Wenxuan speechless.
At first resigned, then he realized it wasn’t surprising for Li Rong to say such things. After all, she had indeed raised ‘lover’ before.
Whether it was one that she had feelings for or a dozen she didn’t care about, everyone knew the truth. Considering Li Rong’s personality, if she hadn’t fallen for someone back then, it wouldn’t be surprising for her to raise several ‘lovers’.
Pei Wenxuan didn’t know whether it was better for Li Rong to have feelings for one ‘lover’ or not care about a bunch of them. But regardless, he felt a pang of jealousy. Especially thinking about how she habitually leaned into someone’s arms when half asleep made him feel uneasy.
But he couldn’t say anything. After all, he and Li Rong were only nominal husband and wife. He couldn’t control her back then, and he certainly couldn’t now.
He realized he was just used to it—used to being jealous of those around Li Rong, used to disliking Su Rongqing.
This habit would have to change in the future.
After gently placing Li Rong on the bed and seeing how peacefully she slept, he sighed. It seemed she never thought about these things that occupied his mind every day.
Pei Wenxuan sighed again, seeing Li Rong still in her makeup. He got up to fetch water, washed her face, removed the hair accessories, and softly said, “Take off your clothes and sleep.”
Li Rong mumbled a response, and Pei Wenxuan went to freshen up. When he returned from his shower, Li Rong had already undressed and was lying in a nightshirt on the bed.
Pei Wenxuan slipped under the covers and saw Li Rong turn over to face him. She seemed awake now and asked, “Did you pass on the message for me today?”
“What message?” Pei Wenxuan frowned, and Li Rong raised her eyebrows, “Forgot?”
Pei Wenxuan recalled the morning’s incident in the imperial study and turned away from Li Rong, muttering, “I’ll tell him tomorrow.”
“You usually have a good memory, don’t you?” Li Rong smiled. “I reminded you this morning. Did you forget?”
“So many things on my mind,” Pei Wenxuan muttered. After a moment, he turned back to Li Rong and asked, “Why do you suddenly want to find him?”
“Suddenly?” Li Rong looked puzzled, propping herself on her elbows. “Isn’t it obvious? If I want to establish a supervisory office, I need some manpower. Su Rongqing is the deputy minister of the Ministry of Justice and was involved in the recent Qin family case. If I can get him to cooperate with me, I’ll have some influence in the Ministry of Justice.”
She continued, counting on her fingers, “Not just Su Rongqing, but also the Grand Court of Revision, the Imperial Censorate, Shuntian Prefecture… I need contacts everywhere. It’s going to take time and effort.”
Listening to Li Rong talk about her plans, Pei Wenxuan turned over on the bed, mimicking her posture. He listened quietly, then asked in a subdued voice, “Is that why?”
“Otherwise, what else could it be?” Li Rong looked puzzled for a moment, then recalled, “Of course, establishing connections is also important. Chatting with him during work wouldn’t hurt either.”
Pei Wenxuan remained silent, prompting Li Rong to look up at him. “Why so quiet?”
“Oh,” Pei Wenxuan pretended to snap out of his thoughts and replied calmly, “I was just thinking that if you really want to develop something with Su Rongqing, you need a plan.”
“That’s true,” Li Rong rested her chin on her hand, speaking slowly. “I used to resist marrying him, but thinking about it today, if I could really be with him, it wouldn’t be bad at all. We were just a bit short on fate in our previous lives. He will definitely inherit the Su family in the future, and with my supervisory office and my background from the Shangguan family, marrying into the Su family would secure my position.”
Pei Wenxuan listened quietly as Li Rong spoke enthusiastically about her plans. “I actually quite liked him before. However you look at it, it’s a good match.”
“You didn’t used to think this way,” Pei Wenxuan said flatly. Li Rong pondered for a moment and then said slowly, “Maybe because the knots in my heart from the previous life have slowly unraveled.”
Turning to look at Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong smiled. “Actually, I have to thank you for this. Since I came back to life, I feel like I’ve gained a deeper understanding of many things.”
“Like what?”
“I’m not sure,” Li Rong shrugged, placing her head on her arm and looking at Pei Wenxuan sideways. “I just feel that many things have become clearer to me, and my heart is getting calmer. Looking at you, Qin Zhenzhen, Chuan’er, from a different perspective, it’s like a different world. So if I look at Su Rongqing from a different angle,” she added with a hint of anticipation in her voice, “Maybe I’ll discover something new?”
Pei Wenxuan remained silent. After a moment, Li Rong leaned closer to him and nudged him with her elbow. “Speaking of Qin Zhenzhen giving up her identity from the Qin family, and her and Chuan’er being impossible now, have you really not considered it?”
“Not considering it,” Pei Wenxuan replied decisively.
Li Rong hummed in response, suddenly interested. “Then tell me, what kind of person do you like? Do you have any preferences? Should I help you find someone?”
“I don’t have any plans for that at the moment,” Pei Wenxuan said calmly. “My current status is awkward. Let’s leave these matters for the future.”
“Fair enough,” Li Rong nodded. “You’re different from me. I have to worry about when Su Rongqing might accidentally get engaged to someone else. You don’t have anyone in mind, so it doesn’t matter to you.”
Pei Wenxuan responded softly. He didn’t want to discuss the matter further and asked, “What are your plans for the Qin family’s case?”
“Wait,” Li Rong replied leisurely, swinging her legs in the air. “Once my uncle’s people handle this case, we’ll investigate. The Qins shouldn’t have any problems. What substantial evidence can they produce? Pursuing this further will likely bring surprises.”
Pei Wenxuan noticed Li Rong’s enthusiasm when discussing the case and pondered for a moment before curiously asking, “Why don’t you choose another path?”
“Which path?”
“Not establishing the Inspectorate,” Pei Wenxuan suggested, looking at her. “With our relationship and your status, not establishing it wouldn’t be a big deal. You’re Princess Rong, and if I gain influence, I will protect you.”
“If you gain influence?” Li Rong smiled. “You’re quite confident in yourself, Master Pei. But what if you fail?”
Pei Wenxuan was momentarily speechless. Li Rong turned away and said gently, “Pei Wenxuan, I don’t like handing my fate over to others. I prefer to control my own destiny. That’s why I must crave power and have it.”
“Why should I rely on you for protection?” Li Rong turned to Pei Wenxuan with a childlike smile. “I find joy in protecting others.”
Pei Wenxuan remained silent, observing Li Rong before him.
Li Rong wore a loose white blouse with her hair down. Her blouse was slightly open, revealing subtle curves. Her arms emerged from the sleeves, and her feet dangled playfully in the moonlight, emitting a faint glow.
As she spoke, her candidness carried a hint of innocence and her actions exuded a youthful charm, like a girl dreaming of a beautiful fantasy.
Yet Pei Wenxuan understood the weight behind her words. He couldn’t explain why, but seeing Li Rong’s blend of innocence and ambitious desire, he felt an inexplicable attraction. This version of Li Rong belonged only to him, and perhaps few others could see her this way.
He felt his mind slightly foggy, finding it difficult to shift his gaze away from her.
Sensing Pei Wenxuan staring at her absentmindedly, Li Rong raised her hand and waved. “What are you daydreaming about? Are you listening to me?”
“Hmm?” Pei Wenxuan forcibly withdrew his gaze, shifting it elsewhere, and casually replied, “What were you saying just now?”
“Forget it, you’re always daydreaming, no fun,” Li Rong sighed, lying down. “Go to sleep.”
Pei Wenxuan agreed. After a while, unable to resist, Li Rong asked, “What were you thinking just now? You seemed lost in thought.”
“I was thinking,” Pei Wenxuan’s voice was hoarse, but he controlled it. “Princess, you look very beautiful.”
Li Rong burst into laughter upon hearing this.
“You said earlier that you’re always flattering me,” she said. “Now I believe you. Anyway,” Li Rong sighed contentedly and settled down, “I’ll forgive you for zoning out. Sleep now.”
Pei Wenxuan knew Li Rong thought he was joking. He sighed helplessly, lying awake in the night, eyes open and body tense.
After a while, he finally closed his eyes.
They should sleep in separate beds.
Before closing his eyes, Pei Wenxuan was acutely aware that he was not a wise man like Liu Xiaohui.
Li Rong, even as a friend, unintentionally possessed a charm that could easily stir a man’s emotions if he wasn’t careful.
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