Chapter 50: He Just Needs To Take A Few More Cold Showers

Pei Wenxuan stayed up most of the night. Finally drifting off into a daze, he felt like he hadn’t slept long before being awakened again, preparing to attend the morning court session.

As he got up, Li Rong was still sleeping soundly. Pei Wenxuan felt a mix of emotions, unable to resist, he reached out and pinched Li Rong’s cheek. Li Rong frowned, swatted his hand away, and muttered, “What are you doing?”

Feeling somewhat relieved that Li Rong seemed displeased, Pei Wenxuan stood up and left.

Li Rong, annoyed by Pei Wenxuan’s cheek-pinching, felt a bit disgruntled but was too tired to dwell on it. She drifted back to sleep.

Upon waking up, Li Rong remembered what Pei Wenxuan had done. While washing her face, she smirked coldly. Jingmei noticed the coldness in Li Rong’s smile and couldn’t help but ask, “Your Highness, is something bothering you?”

When Li Rong showed this kind of expression, someone was usually in trouble. Li Rong took a handkerchief from the side and calmly said, “Nothing. When the marquis returns, switch his tea with saltwater.”

Jingmei was momentarily stunned, glanced quickly at Jinglan, and then both suppressed their smiles. Li Rong glanced at them and said, “Laughing at me? Feeling bold?”

“Your Highness has become much more mature in handling things lately,” Jinglan quickly interjected. “We can’t help but reminisce about the past.”

Li Rong found comfort in these words, realizing she was growing younger in spirit. She waved her fan and didn’t pursue the topic further, turning back into the room and summoning someone. “Have the doctor check on Miss Qin, and send a message to the Ministry of Punishments. I want to visit the Qin family and see how they respond.”

Jingmei responded with acknowledgment and instructed someone to handle the matter.

Li Rong sat in the courtyard, reclining on a lounge chair, feeling a rare sense of leisure. She had been busy with arranging marriages, dealing with the Yang family’s affairs, and then managing her own marriage and the selection of concubines for Li Chuan. Now that everything was settled, the Inspectorate was to be established, previous matters were resolved, and she was waiting for Li Ming’s reply. Finding herself with unexpected free time, she lay in the chair, gazing at the blue sky, unsure of what to do next.

Rarely having such leisure, she had a book brought out, along with some fruits and melon seeds. While snacking on seeds, she read the book with amusement.

When Pei Wenxuan returned, he found Li Rong lying on the rocking chair, thoroughly enjoying the book. He walked up to her and lightly tapped her with a tablet, asking, “What are you laughing so much about?”

“This book is so interesting,” Li Rong replied with a smile, setting the book down and sitting up. “A princess, a minister’s daughter, and a courtesan all chasing after a poor scholar relentlessly. The minister’s daughter elopes with him, the princess commits suicide for him. It made me laugh until tears came out. Where does this poor scholar come from? He must be daydreaming all day long. Has he ever even seen a princess?”

“Who writes such things seriously?” Pei Wenxuan chuckled, placing a document in Li Rong’s lap. “His Majesty has responded. The establishment of the Inspectorate is up to you. But to build such an institution, we still need a pretext.”

“His Majesty said,” Pei Wenxuan continued nonchalantly, tucking his hands into his sleeves, “come up with a way to give him a face-saving excuse. If he not only approves your Inspectorate but also grants you ten more counties as fiefs.”

“Really?” Li Rong sat up straight, her eyes brightening. Pei Wenxuan chuckled at her excitement. “Just ten counties, and Your Highness is this pleased?”

“One doesn’t know the value of rice until one runs a household,” Li Rong retorted, giving him a sharp look. “Always asking me for money, how would you understand my difficulties?”

Leaning against a tree, Pei Wenxuan grinned, “As a parasite, I rely on Princess for everything.”

“Get lost.” Li Rong stood up and headed towards the dining hall, with Pei Wenxuan following behind, murmuring softly, “Now isn’t the right time to cause trouble. Wait until the Qin family’s case is settled. Stir up some commotion then, and your Inspectorate will be established legitimately.”

“I understand. Today, I had someone inquire at the Ministry of Justice to see how things stand,” Li Rong recalled suddenly, “Did you tell Su Rongqing that I want to meet him?”

Pei Wenxuan’s smile faded a bit at her question. He replied casually, “I mentioned it during morning court.”

“Did he agree?”

Pei Wenxuan turned to her with a smirk, enjoying the drama, “He declined.”

“Declined?!” Li Rong stopped in her tracks, shocked. “He actually refused to see me?”

“You’re not a celestial being,” Pei Wenxuan rolled his eyes at her surprise. “Why must he agree to everything you propose?”

Li Rong remained silent. She hadn’t considered that Su Rongqing might refuse. Perhaps it was because of her past life’s habits, or maybe Su Rongqing had initially shown friendliness towards her in this life, making his sudden rejection surprising. Pursuing Pei Wenxuan upstairs, she asked in puzzlement, “Why did he refuse? Did he give a reason?”

“He simply refused. Why rush it?” Pei Wenxuan saw her displeasure and his tone turned sharper. “He said he knows why you want to see him and told you not to meddle in the Qin case.”

Li Rong got her answer and pondered for a moment, understanding Su Rongqing’s intentions.

Previously, Su Rongqing had helped with the Yang case because the Yang family was a noble house outside of Hua Jing, with little interaction with the capital’s nobility. It could even be said that the Yang family, armed with soldiers, maintained a hostile yet cooperative relationship with the noble families of Hua Jing. Su Rongqing helped her without any resistance.

But this time was different. The families involved were complex, and many of the noble families in Hua Jing had intermarried. Even the Su family might be implicated. Even if they weren’t allies, they wouldn’t obstruct her.

Tapping her fan, Li Rong understood Su Rongqing’s thoughts and found herself somewhat amused.

She laughed quietly, and Pei Wenxuan turned to her, asking, “What’s so funny?”

“I’m just reaffirming,” Li Rong looked at Pei Wenxuan, “that you understand me better than I do.”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t quite understand, silently asking with his eyes, and Li Rong sighed, “You previously mentioned that I might still have feelings for him deep down. I was skeptical then, but now I believe it. If I didn’t have some sentiment left for him, how could I not have anticipated that he wouldn’t help me this time?”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. Li Rong shook her head with a light laugh, “I’ve been foolish. Well, let’s change our approach.”

“You…” Pei Wenxuan paused, then slowly said, “There’s no need to be upset. He’s not familiar with you now, so everything is based on self-interest. It’s normal.”

“How come you’re consoling me now?” Li Rong raised an eyebrow. “Do you think I can’t handle such a small matter? Anyway, do you have plans this afternoon?”

“I intend to visit Shangguan Ya,” Li Rong said, fanning herself. “If you’re free, why not accompany me?”

Pei Wenxuan understood her meaning. Shangguan Ya was likely going to the gambling house, and if that was the case, she would need his company.

So he nodded and replied, “Sure.”

The two found Shangguan Ya and, after learning she was at a teahouse, headed straight to the gambling house without detouring.

Pei Wenxuan obtained a token from a friend again and led the way inside. Li Rong couldn’t help but remark, “Next time, let’s just get our own token.”

“Sure.”

Otherwise, always borrowing a token was a bit embarrassing.

He escorted Li Rong through the crowd, searching, and they finally spotted Shangguan Ya at a table playing leaf cards.

Shangguan Ya, dressed in men’s clothing, was fully engrossed in the game. As Li Rong approached from behind and tapped her shoulder, Shangguan Ya impatiently said, “I’m playing cards, young master…”

The conversation abruptly stopped when Shangguan Ya froze. Li Rong smiled at her and said, “I need to speak with you.”

Shangguan Ya forced a smile, “Could you wait until I finish this round? I’m about to win.”

Li Rong nodded lightly and turned away, “I’ll wait for you in the private room then.”

Gambling halls often had private rooms for esteemed guests where one could enter upon meeting a certain betting threshold.

Li Rong went straight to the private room upstairs. As she settled in and played with a dice cup for a while, she heard Shangguan Ya standing at the door, sounding a bit nervous, “Um, can I come in?”

Li Rong set down the cup and stood up straight, “Come in.”

Shangguan Ya pushed open the door and entered. After closing it behind her, she smiled and walked to the table, “It feels unusual meeting you in a place like this.”

She took a seat, and Pei Wenxuan stood beside her, pouring tea. Shangguan Ya sized him up and, raising her tea cup like a wine glass, took a sip before setting it down and leaning comfortably on the chair’s armrest, smiling, “Your choice of husband is quite good, I must say.”

Pei Wenxuan smiled but remained silent, standing behind Li Rong and observing Shangguan Ya without speaking.

Li Rong glanced at Pei Wenxuan and then back at Shangguan Ya, who was candidly speaking in front of her. Li Rong chuckled softly, “You’re quite audacious.”

“I know Your Highness wouldn’t mind,” Shangguan Ya raised her tea cup, almost like a toast, took a sip, and then put it down, leaning slightly on the chair’s armrest, “Is Your Highness here to discuss the case of the Qin family?”

“Why does everyone seem to know I’m interested in that case?”

While Li Rong wasn’t surprised that Shangguan Ya knew about her interest in the case, she was curious. Shangguan Ya looked at her, chin resting on her hand, “Your Highness intervened in Yang Quan’s case last time and also got involved in the palace selection of concubines. If Your Highness doesn’t intervene in the Qin case, I would find it strange.”

“Oh?”

Li Rong raised an eyebrow, “And why do you think I’m intervening? What would be my reasons?”

“Don’t you think, Your Highness,” Shangguan Ya looked at her knowingly, “that the noble families exert too much control?”

Li Rong remained silent, studying Shangguan Ya. Shangguan Ya straightened up, showing a hint of the dignity she had in the palace, “His Majesty forced Princess Rong to marry Lord Pei for the sake of the Shangguan family. Now, the noble families are pressuring Crown Prince to take a consort. Can Your Highness tolerate this? Can the Crown Prince tolerate this? Can His Majesty tolerate this?”

“Is that why you switched the incense burners in the palace?”

“Your Highness is astute,” Shangguan Ya complimented, “The last time Your Highness spoke to Ah Ya, I took it to heart. But after all, the Shangguan family isn’t under my control. I can’t make decisions.”

Shangguan Ya’s last words carried profound implications. Li Rong understood the extent of Shangguan Ya’s influence over her family.

Currently, Shangguan Ya was in a weak position. However, in a previous life, despite being in the palace, Shangguan Ya had been the true power behind the Shangguan family.

Shangguan Ya’s relationship with her family was entirely different from Shangguan Yue’s relationship with hers. Shangguan Yue lived for her family, but the Shangguan family existed for Shangguan Ya.

Li Rong folded the folding fan in her hand and said slowly, “So, what do you plan to do with the Shangguan family?”

“I share Your Highness’s intentions,” Shangguan Ya put away her smile, speaking seriously, “The Shangguan family should gradually withdraw from the court. Therefore, I hope to build a better relationship with Your Highness.”

“What kind of relationship?”

“Has Your Highness ever considered supporting someone more controllable to manage the Shangguan family?” Shangguan Ya’s voice was calm, “This way, the Shangguan family can completely pledge allegiance to Your Highness, assist Your Highness in supporting the Crown Prince’s ascension, and then slowly withdraw from the court, leaving only a few individuals to maintain appearances, while the rest return to Youzhou.”

“Why not withdraw now?” Li Rong’s lips curved with a smile. Shangguan Ya played with her tea cup, “Why ask knowingly? The Shangguan family has been oppressed by His Majesty for over a decade, festering in their hearts. If the Shangguan family withdraws now, there’s only one way out. The only way is to establish a better relationship with the Crown Prince and Your Highness, so that the two can rest assured about the Shangguan family and allow them to leave on their own when the Crown Prince ascends to the throne.”

Li Rong listened to Shangguan Ya’s words and laughed out loud, “You want to become the steward of the Shangguan family?”

“Not now,” Shangguan Ya raised an eyebrow, “but in the future?”

“Why should I help you?”

“Your Highness,” Shangguan Ya leaned closer, smiling as she spoke, “we are both women, and we think alike. If I want to become the steward of the Shangguan family in the future, I will inevitably rely on Your Highness. With me in control, wouldn’t the Shangguan family be much easier to manage?”

“Only in this way,” Shangguan Ya’s expression held deep meaning, “will the Shangguan family truly be in Your Highness’s hands.”

Li Rong thoroughly understood Shangguan Ya’s implication.

Currently, the relationship between the Shangguan family and Li Rong’s family, the Li family, was one where the Shangguan family controlled them, not the other way around.

In the long run, whether it was Li Chuan or Li Rong, they would eventually become like Li Ming today. Shangguan Ya could see this clearly, but she couldn’t change her father’s arrogance; she could only find another way.

Now, Shangguan Ya was entrusting the future of the Shangguan family to Li Rong’s hands. This was both a show of weakness and a search for a protector.

If the Shangguan family were completely handed over to Li Chuan or any sovereign, they would inevitably weaken the family for their own power and influence.

In Li Rong’s hands, the Shangguan family would be closely linked. Li Rong would not completely weaken them but rather control them. Faced with a Shangguan family controlled by Li Rong, as long as the sovereign trusted Li Rong enough, their vigilance against the Shangguan family would relax. If the sovereign did not trust Li Rong, before overthrowing the Shangguan family, they would have to deal with Li Rong first.

Now, the situation between Li Ming and the Shangguan family was a matter of life and death. Li Rong and Shangguan Ya’s goal now was to support Li Chuan and ensure that he and the Shangguan family would not fall into the current situation again. Afterward, Shangguan Ya would find a safer position for the Shangguan family, ensuring they wouldn’t be as precarious as they are today.

Whether it was Shangguan Yue or Shangguan Xu, they were born during the peak of the Shangguan family’s power and didn’t truly believe that Li Ming, the emperor, could do much to them. They firmly believed that the Shangguan family still held the advantage in their confrontation with Li Ming.

So the Empress’s method of protecting the heir apparent relied infinitely on the aristocratic families, making them an indispensable part of Li Chuan’s world. In her mind, this was the best way to ensure the safety of her son. However, she overlooked the fact that those born into the royal family placed far greater value on dignity and autonomy than they imagined.

But Shangguan Ya clearly saw this.

Being someone like Li Rong herself, she understood Li Rong’s and Li Chuan’s thoughts, and thus comprehended the precarious fate of the Shangguan family.

Li Rong looked at her former friend from the previous life without surprise at her perceptiveness. After a moment, she smiled, “Excellent. So what do you need? You can tell me.”

“In most cases, Your Highness doesn’t need to help,” Shangguan Ya seemed unsurprised that Li Rong agreed, leaning back in her chair and idly playing with the dice. She continued, “But occasionally, when help is needed, it might be significant.”

“I have plenty of places where I need your help,” Li Rong replied without hesitation. “Have you considered it?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll follow Your Highness’s instructions.” Shangguan Ya raised her eyes. “So this time, what does Your Highness want me to do?”

“Do you know who is involved this time?”

“Recently, three uncles have visited my home: the Wen family from Yingyang, the Cui family from Qinghe, and the Wang family from Longxi. You can check who among them is currently serving in the Ministry of Justice or the Imperial Censorate. That should give you an idea of who is involved in the Qin family case.”

Shangguan Ya was clearly well-prepared, and Li Rong found her easeful demeanor reassuring.

“Any other news?”

“The matter has just begun, and I’ll keep an eye on it for you. If there’s any news, I’ll inform you immediately.”

“Good.” Li Rong nodded and exchanged, “If you need anything else, feel free to tell me.”

“Twenty people,” Shangguan Ya didn’t mince words. “I want to arrange them into the Shangguan household.”

“Alright.” Li Rong immediately agreed. After the deal was made, Shangguan Ya stood up, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take a round. I don’t have much time. You opened this room, so I won’t pay.”

Li Rong felt a bit disheartened at the mention of money, but fortunately, gambling was insignificant for her. She waved her hand and sighed, “Go ahead.”

Shangguan Ya saluted and withdrew. Li Rong turned to Pei Wenxuan, helpless, saying, “Why are all of you reaching out for money? When will someone bring me a God of Wealth to ease the burden of being the head of this household?”

Pei Wenxuan chuckled upon hearing this, walking alongside her. “You know how it is with everyone asking for money. When the Emperor grants you those ten counties, the silver will come.”

Li Rong scrutinized Pei Wenxuan, causing him to feel uneasy. “What are you looking at me for?”

“I just suddenly remembered…” Li Rong lifted her hand to link arms with Pei Wenxuan, smiling mischievously. “Wenxuan, don’t you have family wealth to inherit?”

Pei Wenxuan was so caught off guard by Li Rong’s action that he couldn’t find words.

Li Rong, considering Pei Wenxuan’s family wealth, became more cheerful. “Your family’s properties were mostly earned by your father. You’re of age now; it’s not appropriate for your uncle to manage everything. Let’s find an opportunity to discuss this with your family. What do you think?”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent, overwhelmed by Li Rong’s touch and words.

Li Rong, not treating him as an outsider, continued holding his hand, speaking like two close friends. Pei Wenxuan could tell money was driving her mad. Thinking of his own family’s money, Li Rong’s tone softened. “Your grandfather was capable; he turned the Pei family from a second-rate clan into a first-rate one single-handedly. There must be quite an inheritance left behind. You should learn from him and not always ask me for money. It’s about maintaining a man’s dignity, don’t you think?”

When she mentioned dignity, Pei Wenxuan finally regained some composure. He glanced at Li Rong and replied bluntly, “I have no dignity.”

This angered Li Rong, realizing Pei Wenxuan was rejecting her proposal. She pinched his soft flesh in frustration. “Why are you so useless?!”

“Oh my goodness,” Pei Wenxuan sighed. “Can’t you be more practical? My second uncle is a high-ranking official; just a step lower than Shangguan Xu. If we go asking for money now, it’s like snatching food from a tiger’s mouth. If you want money, fine, but can’t you think of an easier way?”

Li Rong understood the logic. She sighed, distressed. “Making money is so difficult.”

Pei Wenxuan chuckled at her words, then glanced at her seriously. Seeing her genuinely troubled, he couldn’t help but laugh.

Li Rong raised an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”

With their conversation and diversion, Pei Wenxuan relaxed, walking towards the carriage hand-in-hand with Li Rong. He chuckled softly, “I never imagined Her Highness would have days worrying about money.”

“Are you mocking me?”

Li Rong raised a disapproving look. Pei Wenxuan hastened to clarify, “Never. I just find Her Highness’s current demeanor rarely seen and quite endearing.”

“Tsk,” Li Rong showed a hint of disdain. “Pei Wenxuan, you’re quite skilled at flattery.”

Pei Wenxuan laughed and turned his gaze towards the carriage ahead. He reassured her gently, “Actually, Your Highness, there’s no need to worry. Some of the ventures I invested in have started turning profits. By next year, there should be surplus. Your estate in Qingzhou is fertile; after taking over, I’ve invited Gu Chenzhi to teach farming methods to the people.”

Gu Chenzhi was renowned as the “Rice Sage” in his previous life, dedicating himself to agricultural research, particularly in rice cultivation. Although he wouldn’t write “Agricultural Arts” for a few more years in his past life, Pei Wenxuan had already secured him for Qingzhou.

“Everything is difficult at the beginning,” Pei Wenxuan comforted Li Rong. “It will get better next year.”

“Alright, I know,” Li Rong sighed. “I was just talking casually. You’re quite good at making money, and I’ve seen it for myself.”

As Li Rong spoke, she reached the side of the carriage. Pei Wenxuan helped her into the carriage, then lifted the curtain and joined her inside.

Pei Wenxuan was somewhat pleased by Li Rong’s praise. After sitting down, he looked at her and said with a smile, “Since you know, Your Highness, you can rest assured. I’ve been managing the estates for you all these years. In the future, any extra silver I make will be your dowry from me.”

Upon hearing this, Li Rong chuckled, “Pei Wenxuan, you’re really considerate. You’ve even prepared a dowry for me.”

“It’s just a formality,” Pei Wenxuan smiled and glanced at Li Rong, who was laughing beside him, “to save you from not being able to marry and blaming me forever.”

“Shameless,” Li Rong teased, poking him with a fan. “Who said I’d blame you forever?”

Pei Wenxuan chuckled softly and poured tea, avoiding a direct response.

As Li Rong fanned herself beside him, Pei Wenxuan glanced at her and noticed her slender fingers flipping the golden fan, a silent dance that exuded a unique beauty.

His gaze paused on her delicate fingers, and somehow he thought of their past life, when they dared to marry and her beautiful hands had a purpose during their time in Kui Shui.

Pei Wenxuan’s eyes dimmed slightly, and he quickly lowered them, murmuring, “Your Highness, let’s discuss something.”

“Hmm?”

“I think we should sleep in separate beds.”

“Oh?” Li Rong turned to look at him, somewhat puzzled. “Don’t you think that’s troublesome?”

“We weren’t separated before, so why now?”

Li Rong was puzzled for a moment. After a while, she smiled teasingly, “Pei Wenxuan, could it be that you have intimate desires for me?”

“You’re overestimating yourself, Your Highness.”

Pei Wenxuan quickly replied, “After knowing each other for decades, what more could I possibly aspire to?”

As he answered, Pei Wenxuan’s heart raced inexplicably. Li Rong nodded slightly and said softly, “You’re right. We’ve become such good friends. How could you think such things just by looking at my hands?”

Pei Wenxuan felt a pang of guilt at Li Rong’s words. She was right; with their current pure friendship, how could he have such thoughts just from looking at her hands? He was indeed being too base.

He nodded heavily and agreed, “You’re right, Your Highness.”

“Then why do you want to sleep separately?”

Li Rong looked up at him, blinking. Pei Wenxuan was momentarily caught off guard and struggled to answer, “I wake up early every morning for court and I’m afraid of disturbing Your Highness.”

“Is that all?” Li Rong laughed, waving her hand casually. “It’s fine. You rarely wake me up. Don’t worry too much. Sleeping separately would be too troublesome. If someone finds out we’re not getting along, His Majesty might start doubting how reliable my Inspectorate really is. After all, he trusts me largely because of you, thinking that if I marry you, I’ll adapt to your life.”

Listening to Li Rong, Pei Wenxuan dared not say more. He nodded and took out a file from the drawer, saying lightly, “If you don’t mind, let’s forget about it then.”

He would just take more cold showers.

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