Chapter 54: When She Sees Pei Wenxuan, The First Thing She Wants To Do Is Give Him A Hard Slap

In that fleeting moment, Pei Wenxuan was a little startled. Behind him, Li Rong’s steady breathing filled the air. Pei Wenxuan remained stiff, his eyes wide open in the darkness, unwilling to think any further. But his mind wouldn’t stop, and he couldn’t help but imagine Li Rong with Su Rongqing. That scene wasn’t unfamiliar—it was something he had seen countless times in his memories.

However, this fantasy was even more cruel than the memories, for this life was different from the last.

In the previous life, Pei Wenxuan knew very clearly that Su Rongqing could never truly take Li Rong away. He was physically flawed, of low status, and separated from Li Rong by a sea of blood and deep enmity. Their relationship had been nothing more than seeking warmth in the dark, and he could never truly have her. Li Rong was Pei Wenxuan’s wife—forever.

But this time was different.

Su Rongqing was now a young master from a prestigious family, born into a centuries-old clan. He could marry Li Rong in a grand procession, have children with her, and from that moment on, Li Rong would have no connection to Pei Wenxuan whatsoever. When this thought surfaced in his mind, Pei Wenxuan felt a sharp pain in his heart like never before. The pain seemed to serve as a reminder, almost a warning.

It made him realize that, when it came to letting Li Rong and Su Rongqing be together, it was merely a superficial desire on his part. He had always coveted everything about Li Rong—just like in his past life, and in this life, he hadn’t truly let go. In his past life, Pei Wenxuan knew he couldn’t have Li Rong, so he kept telling himself he didn’t care. He struggled in a web of lies and fleeting moments of clarity, until in this life, he could finally say with full honesty that his greatest regret was Li Rong.

And now, it was as if he were reflecting on his past life’s path. He knew that he couldn’t have Li Rong—he was very clear about that.

Someone like Li Rong wouldn’t easily turn back. The love she once had for him was but a passing fancy—what could he expect now?

He had hurt Li Rong, wounded her trust, and he was far from perfect. He was petty, indecisive, emotionally driven, deep-thinking, and his family situation was a mess. In comparison, Su Rongqing was a far better match. Others might still call him “Young Master Pei,” but Li Rong saw through him completely. She knew he was nothing more than a mere ordinary man beneath his façade.

Pei Wenxuan knew that someone like him could never make Li Rong turn back. So, he pretended as though he had never looked back himself, but in reality, Li Rong was like strong wine, like opium—once touched, it was an addiction he couldn’t break. No matter how many times they met, he would always fall again.

Pei Wenxuan realized this, closed his eyes, and felt a painful pang.

He didn’t want to think any further.

He lay with his eyes closed, perhaps too tired from the day, and finally drifted off to sleep. But throughout the night, his dreams were filled with scenes from his past life, and he recalled the day he married Li Rong. He saw her lowering her fan, lifting her eyes to smile at him, calling out, “Rongqing.”

He woke suddenly from the dream, gasping in the darkness. Outside, someone quietly reminded him it was time for court. Pei Wenxuan took a moment to compose himself, then answered softly. He was about to get up to wash and prepare, not wanting to disturb Li Rong, when she sat up, rubbing her eyes and asking, “Is it time for court?”

“Yes.”

Pei Wenxuan replied, then remembered that since Li Rong had established the Supervisory Department and taken on an official post, she also had to attend court in the mornings.

On her first day at court, Li Rong struggled to get up, looking particularly pained. The sight amused Pei Wenxuan. He reached out to support her, calling for someone to help, and gently assisted her out of bed, laughing, “You’re going to court today, but didn’t go to bed early last night, huh? Looks like you’re suffering a bit now.”

“Pei Wenxuan,” Li Rong closed her eyes, trying to get a bit more sleep, and mumbled, “How do you get up every day?”

Pei Wenxuan chuckled at her question but didn’t respond. A maid came in and helped Li Rong get dressed.

Once they changed clothes, Li Rong yawned and left with him. It was still dark outside. As she got into the carriage, she turned to Pei Wenxuan and said, “Wake me when we get there. I need to sleep a little more.”

Pei Wenxuan agreed. He watched as Li Rong leaned her head on the side of the carriage, dozing off. He quietly watched her for a while, feeling conflicted. He wasn’t sure if he should get closer to Li Rong or distance himself from her. He watched as she remained unaware of everything, as if nothing had changed, casually napping as usual.

After a long while, just before she almost fell, he quickly reached out to support her. Li Rong looked up in confusion, and Pei Wenxuan sat next to her, gently pressing her head to his shoulder, whispering, “Lean on me.”

Li Rong responded with a simple acknowledgment and rested on his shoulder without noticing anything unusual. When they arrived at the palace, the sky was starting to lighten. They got out of the carriage and walked into the palace together.

The cool morning breeze woke Li Rong up a little more. She became more alert and turned to Pei Wenxuan, who had been silent, saying, “You’re acting strangely today.”

Pei Wenxuan, holding a tablet, kept a calm expression, replying casually, “Oh?”

“What were you thinking? You waited until I almost fell before you helped me? You’re not usually like this.”

“Hmm?” Pei Wenxuan pretended nothing was wrong, “I didn’t notice. Maybe I didn’t rest well, didn’t think of it.”

“Yeah,” Li Rong nodded, then suddenly remembered something and smiled, “I haven’t felt this tired from lack of sleep in a long time. Now I understand how uncomfortable it is. You should be careful not to overwork yourself when you’re busy.”

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged, speaking lightly, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Noticing that he seemed upset, Li Rong looked at him suspiciously, but she couldn’t figure out what was on his mind. Fortunately, they soon reached the main hall, and they parted ways, standing separately. Li Rong, with her higher status, stood in the front, while Pei Wenxuan stood in the back of the line. Since they were standing far apart, there wasn’t much conversation.

As soon as Li Rong stood in the crowd, everyone started to sneak glances at her. The imperial edict from the previous day had already been issued by the Inspection Bureau, which was staffed by the emperor’s closest confidants, showing how much the emperor cared about the matter. Now that Li Rong had arrived to attend the morning court, everyone was both curious and confused, sneaking looks at her to see how she would conduct herself in the court.

Aware of the attention on her, Li Rong showed no signs of the typical shyness of a young girl. She calmly stood there with her eyes closed, sneaking in a nap.

After a while, Li Ming arrived and began announcing the start of the court session. All the officials entered the hall in succession. Li Rong entered with Shang Guan Xu, standing in a row. Once inside the hall, she showed no embarrassment. After everyone knelt, she stood up, and when Li Ming saw her standing in the middle of the hall, he couldn’t help but laugh, “Why are you standing next to Shang Guan Daren? Come here, stand by me.”

At his words, Li Rong smiled and replied, “Yes.”

She then climbed the steps to stand on the left side of Li Ming, in the designated spot.

That became her position. With her standing there, everyone had a clearer understanding that the emperor’s intention to establish the Inspection Bureau was likely a done deal.

Li Ming arranged Li Rong’s position and then turned to smile, asking, “Gentlemen, does anyone have something to report today?”

As soon as Li Ming finished speaking, Su Rongqing and Pei Wenxuan stood up simultaneously and spoke in unison, “Your Majesty, this minister has something to report!”

Both stepped forward, which left Li Ming momentarily stunned. After hesitating for a moment, Li Ming pointed to Su Rongqing and said, “Let Su Shilang speak first.”

“Your Majesty,” Su Rongqing began, “This minister wishes to report on the actions of the Inspector General Pei Wenxuan. Yesterday, Master Pei unlawfully entered the Ministry of Justice, injured the Court Recorder Master Chen, and seized important documents. We ask Your Majesty to severely punish such a villain!”

Once Su Rongqing finished speaking, all eyes turned to Pei Wenxuan. Li Ming chuckled and turned to Pei Wenxuan, saying, “Pei Wenxuan, do you have anything to say in your defense?”

“Replying to Your Majesty,” Pei Wenxuan spoke calmly, “This minister wishes to report on Master Chen Ping of the Ministry of Justice. He disobeyed the imperial edict, obstructed the handling of the Qin case by Her Highness, and even attempted to harm Her Highness. We ask Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly. Furthermore, as Su Rongqing is Master Chen’s superior, his lack of discipline also makes him culpable.”

“I understand,” Li Ming nodded after listening to both sides. He turned to Li Rong, “Rong, explain this matter.”

“Replying to Father,” Li Rong respectfully answered, “Yesterday, I received the imperial edict to request the Qin case file from the Ministry of Justice. According to Your Majesty’s instructions, the Ministry should have fully cooperated. However, the Ministry caused difficulties for me. In my moment of urgency, I had a conflict with Master Chen. He became enraged and struck out, at which point my guards restrained him. It was only then that Master Su arrived, and he mistakenly thought that the Marquis Consort had struck him.”

“I see,” Li Ming nodded thoughtfully and turned to Su Rongqing. “Su Daren, is this what truly happened?”

“Your Majesty,” Su Rongqing replied in a calm voice, “There has been some misunderstanding. Yesterday, the imperial edict had just been issued, and Master Chen had not yet received notification from his superiors in the Ministry. As the case file is classified, even though Her Highness presented the edict, without authorization from his superiors, Master Chen could not freely release the documents. It was not an intentional obstruction. As for the incident where Master Chen supposedly struck, I believe this was a misunderstanding as well. Master Chen merely raised his voice, which likely startled Her Highness. I am aware of the disturbance yesterday, and I deeply regret it. Therefore, this minister’s report is not about Her Highness but about Master Pei.”

With that, Su Rongqing turned his attention to Pei Wenxuan. “The Princess is the head of the Inspection Bureau. It was within her duties to request the case file from the Ministry of Justice, which was reasonable and proper. But Pei Wenxuan is an official of the Imperial Court, and who gave him the authority to intrude into the Ministry of Justice in such a manner? If we do not hold Pei Wenxuan accountable today, anyone could come to the Ministry and act so recklessly. How can the Ministry of Justice maintain order and carry out its duties in the future?”

Su Rongqing’s harsh words made Li Ming feel somewhat embarrassed.

Pei Wenxuan raised his head and glanced at Li Rong, who gently shook her head at him.

At this moment, it wasn’t impossible to confront Su Rongqing directly, but what Su Rongqing said had some truth to it. After all, the Ministry of Justice was the judicial institution of the country. If they barged in forcefully, they would ultimately be in the wrong. If they continued to argue, Emperor Li Ming would still have to give the Ministry of Justice some face.

In any case, they had already obtained the case files, so they had to give the Ministry of Justice a way out.

Pei Wenxuan understood Li Rong’s intention, sighed, knelt down, and respectfully bowed to Emperor Li Ming: “Your Majesty, yesterday, I rashly barged into the Ministry of Justice out of concern for the princess. Though I am a subject, I am also the princess’s husband. In a moment of panic, I forgot my position. Although my actions were driven by concern, they were still against the law. I hope Your Majesty and the officials of the Ministry of Justice can forgive me.”

Pei Wenxuan apologized humbly, and Li Ming waved his hand, nodding. “Alright, the situation is clear. I had the Supervisory Bureau handle the matter, but Chen Ping blocked it. Not only did he block it, but he also injured Pingle. Pingle’s action of forcefully entering the Ministry of Justice was wrong, and the Ministry of Justice ignoring its own words was also wrong. Let’s each take a blow. Minister Chen will have three months of salary withheld, and Pingle and Pei Wenxuan will also have their salaries withheld for three months. Is that alright?”

“Your Majesty, this…” Someone from the Ministry of Justice wanted to speak, but Emperor Li Ming interrupted directly. “What, is the Ministry of Justice not satisfied?”

“Your Majesty is wise,” Su Rongqing immediately spoke, respectfully adding, “This humble official has no objections.”

With Su Rongqing speaking, no one else dared to say anything.

Emperor Li Ming nodded with satisfaction. “Alright, it’s settled then. Pei Daren, you may rise. Are there any other matters, gentlemen?”

Li Ming shifted the topic, and everyone, understanding, no longer pressed further and dispersed to the sides. Li Rong secretly glanced at the expressionless Pei Wenxuan, noticing that he still had a stern face. She couldn’t help but wonder, for someone like Pei Wenxuan, did the withholding of three months’ salary cause him any pain?

As they were heading to court, the sky had just brightened. Shangguan Ya had already gotten ready and, under the guise of going to the poetry society for a casual conversation, headed to the playhouse. Before returning last night, she had received a message from Li Rong, knowing that Li Rong had agreed to her request. Thus, early in the morning, she arrived at the casino. After searching for a while, she found Su Ronghua, who was enthusiastically placing bets at a gambling table.

She wasn’t very familiar with Su Ronghua, but they had met before, and since he often came to gamble, they had some interaction. She approached him from behind and, seeing him engrossed in his betting, lightly tapped his shoulder. “Master Su.”

“Hey, don’t bother me…”

Before Su Ronghua could finish his sentence, he realized who was behind him. He looked back in surprise, eyeing Shangguan Ya up and down, and uncertainly asked, “Shangguan… Young Master?”

“Does Young Master have time to speak with me for a moment?”

Shangguan Ya smiled and spoke. Upon hearing her words, Su Ronghua immediately laughed. “If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t have time, but for Young Master Shangguan…”

Su Ronghua gave her a teasing look, his eyes full of mischief, making Shangguan Ya frown. He then bent slightly and leaned forward, whispering with a smile, “I always have time.”

“Looks like that slap from last time wasn’t enough,” Shangguan Ya said slowly, turning around. “Let’s go.”

With that, Shangguan Ya led Su Ronghua upstairs. The two entered a private room and sat on opposite sides of a gambling table. Shangguan Ya dismissed the attendants, and Su Ronghua, placing his fan in his belt, stood up to pour tea for her, saying with a smile, “No one comes to the Three Treasures Hall without reason. Is there something you need from me, Miss Shangguan?”

“I was hoping for a bit of luck, but I didn’t expect to really run into you.”

Shangguan Ya crossed her arms, looking at Su Ronghua across from her, and scoffed. “You’re quite something, coming to the casino so early in the morning.”

“Same to you,” Su Ronghua put down the teapot, elegantly waving his fan. “Miss Shangguan, a lady from a noble family, skilled in the arts of the guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, a candidate for the Crown Prince’s consort, spending your time here… As for me, a mere seventh-rank official, not even a special official of the Censorate, I don’t need to attend the morning court, so it’s only natural for me to stay here and gamble.”

After a bit of conversation, Shangguan Ya had a good sense of what kind of person Su Ronghua was. She didn’t bother to argue and directly said, “I want to discuss something with you. The princess wants to meet your younger brother. Could you get him out? The princess will host, and we can have a meal together.”

Su Ronghua was silent for a moment. He picked up his cup and took a sip of tea.

Shangguan Ya continued, “There will be benefits for you. I know you’ve made an appointment to fight cocks with the third young master of the Xie family next month. He has the best rooster in Huajing, and you’re looking for a rooster that can defeat him. Coincidentally, I have one. It’s a champion rooster from Youzhou, undefeated on the battlefield. I’ll give it to you. How about it?”

Su Ronghua nearly spat out his tea upon hearing this.

Coughing from the tea that went down the wrong way, he shook his head, smiling wryly as he looked up. “Miss Shangguan, are you seriously offering me a rooster in exchange for my brother? Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

“Of course, that’s a good deal,” Shangguan Ya replied nonchalantly. “As for the bad parts, there’s no need to discuss them unless necessary, and we don’t want to damage our relationship, right? After all, it’s just a matter of meeting and having a meal together. I believe Second Young Master Su might even have the same intention and won’t refuse, don’t you think?”

“Hmm,” Su Ronghua pondered for a moment. “Getting him out to have a meal with you, he might not agree, but if it’s the princess, it’s a different story. However,” Su Ronghua looked up at Shangguan Ya, “why should I help him help you?”

“What does the Young Master want then?” Shangguan Ya noticed the underlying expectation in his words, and it seemed he was asking for something in return. Su Ronghua glanced at the gambling table, smiling as he said, “How about a bet?”

“A bet? On what?”

“On dice,” Su Ronghua suggested. “Best of three, first to two wins. If you win, I’ll help you. But if I win…”

Shangguan Ya, still sipping her tea, remained silent, listening to Su Ronghua continue, “You’ll wear women’s clothes for me once.”

Hearing Su Ronghua’s teasing words, Shangguan Ya snorted coldly.

“Then you might as well get ready to lose. I’ve never lost a game of dice in my life.”

“Oh?” Su Ronghua raised a hand to his chest dramatically. “Then I’m terribly scared.”

“Come here!” Shangguan Ya called to the attendant outside the door, giving instructions. “Go to the palace gates and wait. When the princess finishes court, let her know to clear her evening schedule and dress nicely. I’ve arranged a dinner with her.”

The attendant who came with Shangguan Ya was assigned to her by Li Rong. Upon hearing her orders, the attendant immediately went to carry them out.

Shangguan Ya picked up the dice and said confidently, “Shall we start?”

Su Ronghua, resting his chin in his hand, looked at Shangguan Ya with an infatuated expression and smiled, “You roll, I like watching you roll the dice.”

“You’re crazy!”

Shangguan Ya rolled her eyes. She then began shaking the dice furiously. Su Ronghua closed his eyes, seemingly listening to some exquisite music, his face filled with rapture.

When Shangguan Ya placed the dice down, he lightly tapped the “Big” on the table with his fan, not even opening his eyes, and smiling said, “Big.”

Shangguan Ya froze for a moment, then opened the dice cup to reveal that it was indeed “Big.”

After shaking the dice for three rounds, Su Ronghua got every guess correct. Shangguan Ya started to get anxious and coldly said, “No, this doesn’t count, it’s all been me shaking the dice. You try shaking them.”

“Alright,” Su Ronghua said, extending his elegant hand to take the dice. “Since you asked, I can’t refuse.”

While Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua were in a standoff, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were just leaving the imperial court. Seeing that Pei Wenxuan looked upset, Li Rong comforted him, “I’ll make up for your monthly salary, don’t dwell on it. Are you feeling wronged? You’re not someone who would be upset over this…”

Hearing Li Rong’s nagging, Pei Wenxuan lowered his voice, “Your Highness, I was just thinking about official matters. There’s no need to worry, it’s nothing major. I’m not bothered by it.”

Li Rong knew Pei Wenxuan well and didn’t believe his words, but she felt it was inappropriate to press him, so she just nodded, “Alright, I won’t ask more, but if you’re upset about anything, you must tell me.”

Pei Wenxuan nodded in response. As the two were leaving the palace gate, someone sent by Shangguan Ya stopped them and relayed her exact words. Li Rong smiled and said, “She invited me to dinner and asked me to dress beautifully? Where is she?”

“At the casino,” the attendant reported seriously. “She’s gambling with Master Su.”

Upon hearing this, Li Rong raised an eyebrow, “Su Ronghua?”

“Yes.”

Li Rong paused for a moment before directly saying, “Let’s go, take me there.”

She turned to Pei Wenxuan and asked, “Do you have something else to do?”

“If Your Highness is going to the gambling house, I’ll accompany you.”

Pei Wenxuan frowned; he was worried about Li Rong going to such a place alone. Li Rong smiled, “If you have something to do…”

“I finished everything last night,” Pei Wenxuan interrupted her. After hearing this, Li Rong felt reassured and said, “Then let’s go.”

The two of them, accompanied by the attendants, headed to the casino.

Once inside the private room, they saw Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua sitting opposite each other. Shangguan Ya was holding a card, her eyes bloodshot, and her hair disheveled, resembling a gambler who had lost control. Across from her, Su Ronghua sat leisurely sipping tea, speaking slowly, “Miss Shangguan, the princess is here. After losing so many rounds, it’s time to give up.”

“No way,” Shangguan Ya immediately retorted, “I can win, I’ll win soon!”

Li Rong could tell from her words that Shangguan Ya was gambling recklessly. Pei Wenxuan whispered, “We should take her away, this gamble is going nowhere.”

Li Rong walked behind Shangguan Ya and patted her shoulder. “Ah Ya.”

Shangguan Ya was startled and, seeing Li Rong, she suddenly remembered and stammered, “P-Princess!”

“What are you doing?” Li Rong smiled. It was rare for her to see Shangguan Ya so flustered. She then looked up and nodded toward Su Ronghua. He stood up and bowed, while Pei Wenxuan also returned the gesture, “Master Su.”

“Minister Pei.”

“How did you and Miss Shangguan end up gambling?” Li Rong asked, sensing that Shangguan Ya was embarrassed. She turned to Su Ronghua, who smiled and looked at Shangguan Ya. “Miss Shangguan wanted to arrange a meal with my younger brother, and said we should bet on a round of dice. I lost and promised her, but now she’s refusing to let me off.”

“Oh?” Li Rong was amused, “I didn’t know that Master Su had such exceptional gambling skills.”

“Please forgive me,” Su Ronghua replied with a smile.

“Your Highness…” Shangguan Ya said somewhat awkwardly, speaking in a soft voice, “My luck is bad today.”

“You’re gambling with him to treat Su Rongqing to a meal?” Li Rong asked.

“Yes,” Shangguan Ya answered in a low voice, “I didn’t handle things well…”

“Hmm,” Li Rong thought for a moment, then smiled and said, “This matter was entrusted to you by me. You’ve tried your best. How about this,” she turned and looked at Su Ronghua with a smile, “Why don’t we have the Prince Consort and Master Su gamble a round?”

“Still gambling over treating my younger brother to a meal?” Su Ronghua looked at Pei Wenxuan, who was standing nearby with a neutral expression. Li Rong smiled and said, “Yes, if Master Pei loses, I’ll have Ah Ya accompany you to dinner.”

“Ah?” Shangguan Ya was a little confused. Su Ronghua clapped his hands in excitement, “Excellent! Master Pei, please.”

Pei Wenxuan remained still, and Li Rong personally pulled a chair for him and said, “Wenxuan, come, let Master Su see your skills.”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t speak, and Li Rong raised an eyebrow, “Wenxuan?”

Pei Wenxuan looked up at Li Rong. Seeing her urging and expectant gaze, he took a deep breath and finally sat down in the chair.

Li Rong gently massaged his shoulders, leaning in to whisper in his ear, “Do your best. If you win, there will be a reward.”

Pei Wenxuan lowered his gaze, and Su Ronghua raised his hand, “Master Pei, what would you like to bet?”

“Let’s play Pai Gow,” Li Rong decided for him. She knew what Pei Wenxuan was skilled at. Pei Wenxuan’s expression remained unchanged. Su Ronghua confirmed, “Master Pei?”

“Listen to the Princess’s orders,” Pei Wenxuan responded.

Su Ronghua nodded slightly and then brought out the cards.

Pai Gow involves using a set of bone tiles, dealing them to both parties. At the beginning of each round, players can choose to take one tile, discard one, and place it on the table, or take two tiles at once, ensuring that the total number of tiles in hand doesn’t exceed ten; otherwise, they lose. Either player can call a stop at any time. Once stopped, both sides compare their hands. If the total is less than ten, the higher total wins. If no one calls a stop, the game continues until all the tiles are dealt, and the hands are revealed to compare the sizes.

Playing push cards isn’t just about luck; the most important thing is calculating the cards. Pei Wenxuan is not addicted to gambling, but when it comes to playing push cards, he’s nearly unbeatable.

The servant cleared the table and began dealing cards to both players. Li Rong stood behind Pei Wenxuan, watching him pick up his cards. Su Ronghua leisurely rested his chin on his hand, staring at his own cards, deciding whether to take one or two. Pei Wenxuan doesn’t like to speak while pushing cards. Li Rong, standing behind him, anxiously watched him pick up his cards.

Pei Wenxuan noticed Li Rong’s nervousness. His expression remained unchanged, but inside, he felt a bit uneasy. He almost wanted to lose on purpose and leave, but he knew he couldn’t do that. His feelings are his own, but he needs to help Li Rong. Whatever Li Rong wants to do, he should support her. He can’t let his discomfort or his feelings for Li Rong prevent her from walking the path she desires.

He is her friend, and she trusts him. He shouldn’t betray that trust.

If he likes this person, he should help her succeed.

He pressed his cards firmly in his hand. Li Rong focused intently, seeing that the two cards he had were already eight points. At this point, he could choose to discard one card and draw another, or draw two cards. Eight points were already a decent hand. Seeing him hesitate, Li Rong quickly advised, “Discard a card.”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. Su Ronghua chuckled, “Looks like Lord Pei has a strong hand.”

“Lord Su’s hand is also not bad.”

Pei Wenxuan’s hands, with distinct joints, rubbed his cards. Li Rong noticed that Pei Wenxuan didn’t speak, so she didn’t dare to say anything either. She suddenly understood the thrill of gambling that Shangguan Ya was so addicted to. She stood by Pei Wenxuan, waiting for his decision.

After a moment, Pei Wenxuan smiled softly, lifted his clear eyes to look at her, and asked, “Do you want to win?”

“Of course,” Li Rong replied naturally.

Pei Wenxuan pushed his cards forward and said directly, “Two cards, show the cards.”

“Lord Pei is bold,” Su Ronghua raised an eyebrow.

Pei Wenxuan didn’t respond. He picked up his tea from the side, took a leisurely sip.

The servant pushed two cards forward and flipped them over—two ones. Combined with Pei Wenxuan’s already-held cards, the total was exactly ten points. Su Ronghua chuckled, pushing his own cards aside to reveal a nine-point hand.

“Lord Su, when and where would you like to set this up?” Pei Wenxuan asked as if discussing business.

Su Ronghua sighed, “Tonight, at Mingyue Tower.”

“Good.” Pei Wenxuan nodded, stood up, and said, “Since the matter is settled, the prince and I will leave now. Excuse us.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan pulled Li Rong and walked toward the door.

Li Rong gave Shangguan Ya a farewell gesture. Shangguan Ya looked at Pei Wenxuan with admiration, while Su Ronghua hesitated before calling out, “Lord Pei, how about one more round?”

Pei Wenxuan ignored them and dragged Li Rong out. Once they left, Shangguan Ya couldn’t help but sigh, “So handsome.”

Su Ronghua cleared his throat, walked up behind Shangguan Ya, and waved his fan, “My luck wasn’t great today. But Miss Shangguan, since you’ve lost so many rounds, how do you plan to compensate?”

“How would you like me to compensate?” Shangguan Ya turned around, somewhat puzzled. Su Ronghua smiled, “How about a meal?”

“That’s fine,” Shangguan Ya waved her hand, “I’m leaving.”

“Then I’ll go to the Shangguan residence to invite Lord Shangguan for a meal?”

Su Ronghua continued, and Shangguan Ya immediately turned back, saying softly, “Where do you think would be suitable, Young Master Su?”

Li Rong was pulled out of the casino by Pei Wenxuan, and as soon as they stepped outside, she smiled.

“What are you laughing at?” Pei Wenxuan asked, still holding her hand, feeling an unexpected reluctance to let go.

He pretended to be oblivious to everything, forgetting that he was still holding her hand. Li Rong hadn’t quite recovered from the tension she had felt earlier. She gently placed her fan on her chest and said, “I finally understand why Ah Ya is so addicted to gambling. When the cards were revealed just now, my heart was racing, and I was actually nervous.”

“Even the prince gets nervous sometimes.”

Pei Wenxuan, still holding her hand, walked slowly forward. Li Rong spoke softly, “Yes, I didn’t expect it myself. But to be honest, Pei Wenxuan,” she said, glancing at him with a smile, “you really looked quite handsome just now.”

Pei Wenxuan chuckled lightly. “It seems the prince has moments when she finds me pleasing to the eye.”

“Most of the time, don’t I always find you quite agreeable?”

As Li Rong spoke, she slowly became aware of the warmth in her hand. She suddenly realized that Pei Wenxuan was still holding her hand, and he clearly hadn’t noticed.

For a moment, she wasn’t sure how to bring it up. If she reminded him, she feared that Pei Wenxuan’s awkward nature might cause him to feel embarrassed and apologize repeatedly. But if she didn’t say anything, she also wasn’t sure what to do. Perhaps it was the awkwardness of the moment, but she felt her heart rate quicken.

She raised her fan to cool her face, trying to dispel the warmth, and continued their conversation. “By the way, how did you know that the last two cards were ones?”

“I calculated it.”

Pei Wenxuan’s expression remained calm as he held her hand, feeling a sweetness spreading inside him. As they walked down the long corridor, Li Rong, with her heartbeat in her ears, listened to his clear and steady voice as he explained, “I remembered every card that was discarded by both sides. I roughly guessed the points in his hand and calculated the subsequent cards. It wasn’t that difficult.”

“You’re still so smart. I couldn’t remember so many details.”

Li Rong smiled. “No wonder you’re always first in your studies.”

“Because the prince doesn’t need to remember these things. Your wisdom lies in seeing the bigger picture.”

Pei Wenxuan said as they reached the carriage.

Once they reached the carriage, he had no choice but to let go. He lowered his eyes, helping Li Rong into the carriage before finally releasing her hand. He smiled and said, “I didn’t even realize…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Li Rong quickly reassured him. “I didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable, so I didn’t remind you. Are you heading to the office?”

“And you?” Pei Wenxuan asked, looking at Li Rong. “Are you going back?”

“I have to go back and prepare.”

Li Rong replied happily, “Ya went to so much trouble setting this up. I can’t let her down. I need to pick out an outfit and do my makeup…”

Li Rong smiled, seeming a bit embarrassed: “I have to look like a proper lady.”

Pei Wenxuan quietly watched Li Rong, noticing the joy, shyness, and girlish anticipation in her smile. He blurted out, “Do you really have to go?”

Li Rong looked at him curiously. Pei Wenxuan quickly explained, “I mean, the case files of the Qin family…”

“I’ve read them all.”

“And Luo Juan and other people involved in the battle of Huangping County…”

“I’ve asked Xun Chuan to find them.” Li Rong knew what he was worried about and explained, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. The most important thing now is to get the list of people responsible for sealing the Qin mansion and Yang Lie’s letter. As long as Su Rongqing agrees, everything will be fine. I’m going to meet him today. Do you have any other concerns?”

“No.”

Pei Wenxuan looked at her. Li Rong smiled: “Don’t worry, I’ll be back early today. You should also be careful. I guess many people in the court are watching you. Don’t get into trouble.”

“Yes.” Pei Wenxuan lowered his eyes and bowed: “Rest assured, Your Highness, I will take good care of myself. I wish Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan felt a bitter taste in his mouth, “success today and everything goes smoothly.”

“Thank you. Alright, you go ahead with your work. I’m leaving.”

Li Rong made a gesture and got into the carriage.

Not long after she got into the carriage, Jinglan and Jingmei also got in.

Usually, when Pei Wenxuan was around, Jinglan and Jingmei would follow in the carriage behind. Now that Pei Wenxuan had left in the carriage behind, Jinglan and Jingmei came forward to take care of Li Rong.

One poured tea and placed snacks for Li Rong, while the other massaged her shoulders.

“The prince consort doesn’t seem very happy today. Did Your Highness have a quarrel with him?” Jingmei asked curiously. Li Rong quickly said: “Don’t wrong me; I’ve been good to him.”

“The prince consort has been preoccupied these past few days,” Jinglan said softly. “Your Highness should pay more attention to him. The most important thing between husband and wife is not to keep secrets.”

“You’re so young,” Li Rong laughed at Jinglan’s words, “you don’t even have a husband yet, but you talk like an old lady.”

Jinglan smiled without saying anything. Li Rong thought for a moment: “But you’re right. You two help me keep an eye on things more often. I’m not very meticulous, and the prince consort is very sensitive. I might upset him without even knowing it.”

The two laughed at Li Rong’s words, and they chatted about Pei Wenxuan all the way back.

Back at the princess’s mansion, Li Rong confirmed that Xun Chuan had already taken people to find Luo Juan and other veterans from the battle of Huangping County. Then she pulled out lists of various people and after some thought, gave out a list and corresponding gifts to be sent out.

After finishing her official duties, she began to bathe with incense, choose clothes and makeup, and select hairpins and jewelry.

These things seemed simple but were very time-consuming when done by women. After much deliberation, Li Rong regretted not calling Pei Wenxuan over.

Pei Wenxuan had excellent taste; his choice of clothes and accessories was much better than those chosen by these maids. After a long selection process, Li Rong finally decided on a red dress embroidered with peonies in gold thread, with a slim waist and wide sleeves that accentuated her figure perfectly.

After dressing up, it was already dark outside when news came that Shangguan Ya had arrived at the door. Li Rong got up and went out to see Shangguan Ya leaning out of the carriage window in a light blue dress waiting for her.

Li Rong lightly tapped her with a fan and smiled: “You’re getting more unruly in front of me.”

“I’ve already lost all face in front of you,” Shangguan Ya leaned out of the carriage window looking at the bustling scene outside with a lifeless expression, “I don’t care about face anymore.”

“What happened to you to make you like this?”

“I’ll drop you off at Mingyue Tower,” Shangguan Ya straightened up and sighed, “You have dinner with Su Rongqing; I have to have dinner with Su Ronghua.”

“Why did you agree to have dinner with him?” Li Rong asked curiously. Shangguan Ya helplessly replied: “He said he would tell my father that I gamble.”

Li Rong was amused by her and laughed until her stomach hurt.

Shangguan Ya slumped for a while before perking up: “I’m so hungry; it’s just a meal; I’m not afraid of him. Tonight’s focus is on Your Highness,” Shangguan Ya said as she looked up at Li Rong from head to toe with a frown, “Aren’t you dressed too formally?”

“Hmm?” Li Rong raised her hand, “Does it look bad?”

“It’s not that it looks bad,” Shangguan Ya thought for a moment, “It’s just that the aura is too strong, a bit overwhelming. But it’s okay,” Shangguan Ya looked her up and down, “You look good no matter what. Let’s practice what we need to do tonight.”

“Hmm?” Li Rong was puzzled, “Practice?”

“Of course.” Shangguan Ya said decisively, “Everything needs a plan and preparation. Although you’re married, we both know the nature of your relationship, but Su Rongqing doesn’t. If you speak too bluntly, you might scare him. So tonight, focus on the main topic and use your charm to win him over.”

“So what should I do?”

“When you speak, stick to the main topic, but you need to use your eyes.”

Shangguan Ya said, sitting up straight and demonstrating: “Watch me. You need to look slowly, like this.”

Shangguan Ya demonstrated, first lowering her head and then raising it, her eyes full of expression, gently sweeping towards Li Rong.

Li Rong was stunned for a moment, then clapped her hands: “You’re good! Let me try.”

Li Rong began to practice.

The two girls started practicing their eye expressions in the carriage.

While Li Rong and Shangguan Ya were on their way to Mingyue Tower, Pei Wenxuan had just finished reviewing the last document.

He wasn’t a high-ranking official, so he didn’t have much work. He usually worked diligently, and now he couldn’t find anything else to do.

He sat in the office for a while, calculating that Li Rong had probably left, then got up and walked out.

Tong Ye was waiting at the door. When he saw Pei Wenxuan come out, he said, “Young Master, you’re leaving so early today? Are you going back to the mansion?”

“Yes.”

Pei Wenxuan responded softly. Tong Ye sighed, “Young Master, it’s only been a few years since you last returned to Huajing. Those young masters who used to accompany you have all dispersed, and there’s no one to talk to on a daily basis. If we had known it would be like this, you might as well have stayed in Luzhou.”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t say anything and got into the carriage.

He didn’t remember much about his childhood friends; it had been too many years. His later friends were people like Li Chuan and Qin Lin.

Now, Li Chuan was still the Crown Prince, and Qin Lin and others were far away at the border. Besides Li Rong, there was no one else by his side.

Pei Wenxuan felt a bit tired. He raised his hand to cover his head and said softly, “Let’s go back.”

The carriage moved slowly, transitioning from the bustling streets to a quieter area. Before they could exit the alley, an urgent voice called out from ahead, “Young Master! Eldest Young Master!”

The carriage came to an abrupt stop. Pei Wenxuan looked up coldly, and then Tong Ye lifted the curtain and entered, speaking urgently, “Young Master, Madam is gravely ill. She wants you to return to the Pei residence immediately.”

Pei Wenxuan said nothing, lifting the curtain to look at the messenger. It was indeed his mother’s personal attendant, who was crying bitterly, “Eldest Young Master, please hurry home.”

“Mother is gravely ill, why wasn’t I informed earlier?”

Pei Wenxuan looked at the attendant coldly. The attendant sobbed, “It wasn’t serious before. Madam didn’t want to alarm you. Since your marriage, you haven’t visited her often. Madam thought you were busy. Half an hour ago, she suddenly fainted, and we couldn’t find a doctor. The household staff made things difficult, and I had no other choice…”

“Young Master, don’t ask anymore,” Tong Ye urged, “Just hurry back.”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent, gripping the curtain tightly. After a long pause, he suddenly smiled.

“Alright.”

He turned to Tong Ye and said, “Go to Mingyue Tower. When the princess finishes her business, have her come to the Pei residence to pick me up.”

He then whispered in Tong Ye’s ear, “Bring more people.”

Tong Ye was momentarily stunned. Pei Wenxuan said softly, “Go, wait at the door, and don’t alarm the princess.”

After speaking, Pei Wenxuan returned to the carriage and instructed the driver, “To the Pei residence.” The carriage slowly departed. Tong Ye stood there for a long time before realizing what Pei Wenxuan had instructed.

His young master was always clever and must have sensed something was wrong to give such instructions. Tong Ye, feeling both anxious and hurried, ran towards Mingyue Tower.

But before Tong Ye could set off, a secret guard had already left to relay the message.

Li Rong was still in the carriage, playfully bantering with Shangguan Ya, when the secret guard urgently stopped the carriage. Li Rong lifted the curtain and asked coldly, “What’s the matter?”

“The Pei family has summoned the prince consort.”

“For what reason?”

Li Rong frowned. The secret guard immediately replied, “Madam Wen is gravely ill.”

Li Rong said nothing. After a moment, she turned to Shangguan Ya and said, “Get out of the carriage.”

“Huh?”

Shangguan Ya looked confused. Li Rong said directly, “Something happened to Pei Wenxuan. Go to Mingyue Tower and explain to Su Rongqing for me.”

“But,” Shangguan Ya said anxiously, “Can anything serious happen at the Pei residence? We’re already at Mingyue Tower. Just meet him and then leave.”

“No.”

Li Rong said firmly, “I can’t rest easy. Hurry up.”

With that, Li Rong pushed her out of the carriage and instructed the secret guard, “Go to the princess’s residence and gather people. Head directly to the Pei residence.”

The secret guard responded, and Li Rong had the carriage turn around and head towards the Pei residence.

She sat in the carriage, closing her eyes.

She thought about Pei Wenxuan’s intentions and the possible events at the Pei residence. After a while, she couldn’t help but laugh in anger.

She had decided what she would do first when she saw Pei Wenxuan.

She would give him a hard slap.

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