Chapter 76: As Long As Feelings Aren’t Involved, Everything Is Negotiable

Everyone looked at Qin Lin. After hesitating for a moment, Li Rong spoke up, “Lord Qin, my condolences. You should come and see your sister.”

The words “my condolences” confirmed Qin Zhenzhen’s identity. Qin Lin paused and finally stepped forward.

Qin Zhenzhen’s corpse was almost mummified, her features unrecognizable, some bones turned to white skeleton. The coroner pricked Qin Lin’s hand with a needle and then dripped blood onto the exposed white bones of the corpse.

Everyone held their breath as they watched the blood slowly seep into the bones. After observing for a moment, the coroner turned to Xie Lanqing and said, “Lord Xie, this corpse is undoubtedly Miss Qin.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Lanqing showed a shocked expression, “How is this possible!”

Xie Lanqing stepped forward, but someone nearby quickly stopped him, “Lord, this is ominous, don’t get too close.”

Xie Lanqing stared at the corpse. After a moment, he pointed at the corpse and said, “She has been dead for just over a month, and she’s already mummified like this. Is this reasonable?”

“Lord, typically, after burial, decomposition starts within three to seven days, and within one to two months, the body becomes mummified. In colder temperatures, it happens slower. If the body is not buried and remains exposed, it happens faster. Additionally, the rate of decomposition varies between genders and physical conditions. This young lady was buried in a simple manner without proper anti-decomposition treatment, and the coffin was not sealed. If she had been exposed to the elements before burial, her current state is not surprising.”

Listening to the coroner’s explanation, Xie Lanqing still seemed incredulous. Li Rong chuckled, “What is Lord Xie afraid of? If one does not do anything wrong, one does not fear ghosts knocking at the door at midnight. Even if Qin Zhenzhen has turned into a vengeful ghost, if Lord Xie has not wronged her, what is there to fear?”

“What am I afraid of?” Xie Lanqing retorted coldly, “Your Highness, stop speaking nonsense. I am only afraid that someone might use the talk of ghosts and gods to disrupt the court and break the law.”

“Lord Xie’s dedication is indeed commendable,” Li Rong applauded, “Now that the examination is done, does Lord Xie have any other doubts?”

“This…” Xie Lanqing looked at the corpse, frowning deeply, “How is this possible?”

“Lord Xie, there are many things in this world that one must believe. Miss Qin died unjustly, and now she is seeking revenge. I believe her soul is now at peace. We should not disturb her and let her rest in peace.”

“Lord Xie,” a timid courtier in the crowd couldn’t help but speak up, “Let Miss Qin rest in peace. Let’s leave it at that.”

Xie Lanqing looked up, ready to scold, but saw that it was Cui Shuxue, the brother of Cui Shuyun.

Xie Lanqing held his breath, and others persuaded him. Li Rong watched with a smile as everyone spoke to Xie Lanqing. Finally, Xie Lanqing couldn’t bear it anymore and turned to say, “Seal the coffin.”

After speaking, Xie Lanqing led the people away. On the way back, the courtiers were lively, discussing the truth of the resurrection.

Li Chuan walked up to Li Rong, his brows furrowed, and whispered, “Sister, Qin Zhenzhen…”

Li Rong looked up at him and smiled, “Come to my residence for a drink someday.”

With that, Li Rong walked past Li Chuan, and Pei Wenxuan walked alongside her, whispering, “Was I right?”

“If you’re wrong, I’ll kill you.”

Li Rong’s lips moved slightly as she whispered.

After returning to the court, the officials reported the results to Li Ming.

Li Ming was listening to music at Consort Rou’s place. When he got the results, he was somewhat surprised, but he didn’t believe in ghosts. After thinking about it, since the matter involved Li Rong, it was not appropriate for him to investigate further.

Consort Rou listened to the matter beside him. Seeing her remain silent, Li Ming turned his head, “You’ve been listening for a while, what do you think, my dear?”

“I find it quite astonishing.”

Consort Rou smiled, “A dead person coming back to life to kill, and in the imperial city no less, it’s… too unbelievable.”

As she spoke, Consort Rou sat on Li Ming’s lap, leaned against his chest, and said fearfully, “Your Majesty, this vengeful spirit won’t come to the palace, will it?”

“There’s no such thing as a vengeful spirit,” Li Ming laughed, “If there were really ghosts in this world, the palace would be the place with the most of them.”

“Do you mean it’s not a ghost?”

Consort Rou looked up at Li Ming. Li Ming put the document aside, hugged the woman, and said slowly, “There are no human-turned ghosts, only people pretending to be ghosts.”

“Then,” Consort Rou was puzzled, “why don’t you investigate, Your Majesty?”

“Investigate?” Li Ming sneered, “What’s the point of investigating this ghost? The people she killed deserved to die. If it weren’t for their elders using the matter of the Supervisory Office to threaten me, this ghost wouldn’t have troubled them, and I wouldn’t have spared them either!”

Consort Rou leaned against Li Ming. After thinking for a while, she said slowly, “Your Majesty, will you hand over the Supervisory Office to Princess Pingle?”

“Who else?” Li Ming looked at her coldly, “Who do you think is suitable?”

“Don’t be angry, Your Majesty,” Consort Rou knew Li Ming was being overly cautious, so she sighed, “I understand your feelings for me. I wouldn’t cause trouble just to compete for favor. I’m just worried that the Supervisory Office exists to supervise the noble families, and the princess is, after all, from the Shangguan family…”

Consort Rou hesitated, but Li Ming understood. He said softly, “I know your concern, but there’s no one more suitable than her to be the head of the Supervisory Office. Do you think Hua Le or you could hold this position?”

Li Ming sneered, “They would have been devoured by those old wolves long ago. Pingle is now fighting with them, so we’ll just watch. If Pingle is lenient with the noble families, I’ll take back her power. If she continues to do her job well…”

Li Ming thought for a moment and sighed, “After all, she is my daughter, a descendant of the Li family. Since she has come to me, I won’t treat her unfairly.”

“Your Majesty is right,” Consort Rou smiled. She thought for a moment, “However, the Supervisory Office holds great power. Your Majesty should keep an eye on it.”

“Alright,” Li Ming laughed, “You don’t need to worry about these matters. I have it under control.”

“I am just concerned for Your Majesty.”

Consort Rou raised her hand to embrace Li Ming, “After all, Your Majesty is my husband. I rely on you for my entire life.”

Hearing Consort Rou’s words, Li Ming’s heart softened. He hugged her and sighed, “Rest assured, as long as I am here, I will protect you and our son.”

Consort Rou responded softly and didn’t say much. Li Ming held her, thinking about the matter.

When he returned, Li Ming walked in the imperial garden with Fulai following him. After thinking for a long time, Li Ming said softly, “You said Pingle’s document was withheld?”

“Yes,” Fulai whispered, “The document has been retrieved. Do you want to see it, Your Majesty?”

Li Ming nodded, took the document from Fulai, glanced at it, and then laughed, “Instead of learning properly, she learned to threaten me like those old folks. Fine, the people are dead. If she wants to handle it, let her. Draft an edict. The military fraud case and the Qin family case will be under the jurisdiction of the Supervisory Office. The Supervisory Office will be formally established, with Pingle as the head and an additional deputy head of supervision.”

Fulai was puzzled, “Deputy head of supervision?”

“Consort Rou is right,” Li Ming said slowly, “Such great power in Pingle’s hands needs someone to balance it. What do you think of Su Ronghua?”

“Young Master Su?”

Fulai thought for a moment and laughed, “Young Master Su is Prince’s teacher and a noble family member. He will surely keep a close watch on the princess.”

“He seems unreliable, but he is actually quite clear-headed,” Li Ming raised his hand, “Let’s do it this way. Let the Secretariat draft the edict. Pingle can choose a day to formally establish the Supervisory Office.”

“Yes.”

Fulai responded. After a while, he respectfully said, “Your Majesty, all the titles for the princess have been granted. You have always favored the prince consort. Why didn’t you mention him?”

“Pei Wenxuan,” Li Ming laughed, “His reward depends on how much meat Pingle can bite off.”

Fulai was stunned. After understanding, he walked with Li Ming in the corridor and laughed, “Your Majesty indeed favors the prince consort greatly.”

“The sword is easy to break,” Li Ming said softly, looking at the snow-covered garden, “Adding more gemstones is appropriate.”

Li Ming’s edict was initiated by the Secretariat and reviewed by the Ministry of Personnel before being delivered to Li Rong.

Li Rong received the edict at the princess’s residence and formally established the Supervisory Office, announcing the acceptance of the Qin family case and the military case.

This news spread quickly throughout the imperial city, and the people talked about it enthusiastically. With the story of the female ghost coming back to life for revenge, everything became more mysterious.

Li Rong’s reputation among the people soared. As a princess who pleaded for the people and sought justice for the loyal, she became the head of the Supervisory Office, a woman who oversaw the noble families. The case of a miraculous resurrection added a touch of legend to her story.

Li Rong, full of energy, asked the Astronomical Bureau to choose an auspicious day and held the establishment ceremony of the Supervisory Office at Mingsheng Training Ground.

On that sunny day, Li Rong got up early. Her maids helped her put on a red peony-embroidered ceremonial dress and a golden crown. Pei Wenxuan also wore his official attire and smiled as he watched her dress up.

After she was ready, Pei Wenxuan slightly bowed, raised his hand, and smiled, “Princess, please.”

Li Rong glanced at him and couldn’t help but laugh, “Pei Wenxuan, you really look like a lackey.”

“Being Your Highness’s lackey,” Pei Wenxuan laughed, “is an honor for me.”

“Pei Wenxuan, I finally understand why everyone likes you.”

Li Rong placed her hand on Pei Wenxuan’s, and he supported her as they walked out. Li Rong looked at the rare sunny day, “If power can make people bow so low, it is indeed a lovable thing.”

“Your Highness is mistaken about one thing,” Pei Wenxuan walked beside her, “I don’t bow to just anyone.”

“Oh?”

Pei Wenxuan smiled, “Your Highness is special.”

Li Rong paused, then lowered her head and smiled, pretending not to know anything, and looked away.

The two got into the carriage and traveled from the princess’s residence to Mingsheng Training Ground. When they arrived, everyone was already waiting.

The Supervisory Office was now fully prepared with its designation, flag, attire, office, and structure. Li Rong’s black flag with gold peony embroidery was displayed around. Li Rong got off the carriage, supported by Pei Wenxuan, and walked to the high platform.

Pei Wenxuan then stepped back, watching Li Rong stand alone on the high platform.

“By the decree of Heaven, and with the grace of the Emperor, today we gather here to establish the Supervisory Office. To uphold the principles of governance and protect the laws and morals. The foundation of our office lies in the word ‘justice.’”

Li Rong raised her eyes and looked around, focusing on the faces of the young people.

Many citizens came to watch the event today. They stood outside the training ground, looking at Li Rong from afar and listening to her clear voice echoing across the field.

Xun Chuan and Su Ronghua stood at the forefront of the guards, while Shangguan Ya and Pei Wenxuan stood beside them, looking up at the woman in the sunlight.

“No matter your family background or status, in the Supervisory Office, the capable ones will take their place. May we be the sword that cuts through evil; may we be the candle that illuminates the world. When encountering injustice, we will return it with justice; when facing unfair matters, we will voice them for all to hear. From today, the Supervisory Office is established, the sword protects Daxia, and the pen safeguards the people.”

After speaking, Li Rong raised her wide sleeves, held three incense sticks, bowed forward, and then placed the incense into the burner.

Xun Chuan and Su Ronghua led the soldiers to kneel together.

“From today, we are dispatched by the Supervisory Office, following the orders of the head.”

“The sword protects Daxia, the pen safeguards the people!”

The voices of the crowd surged like waves. Pei Wenxuan looked up at the woman standing high in the sunlight like a phoenix.

Shangguan Ya followed Pei Wenxuan’s gaze and couldn’t help but say, “Doesn’t the prince consort feel oppressed?”

“Hmm?”

Pei Wenxuan turned his head, somewhat puzzled, “What do you mean, Miss Shangguan?”

“With such a strong wife, doesn’t the prince consort feel a lot of pressure?” Shangguan Ya laughed, “I’ve heard that men are afraid of such women and prefer gentle and supportive wives. Looking at Her Highness now,” Shangguan Ya thought for a moment, “it seems the prince consort will have to be the supportive spouse.”

“What’s wrong with being a supportive spouse?” Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong, his gaze unwavering.

“Aren’t you afraid people will say you’re spineless and incompetent?”

“Only incompetent people need their wives to be weaker to show their own abilities.” Pei Wenxuan turned to Shangguan Ya and smiled, “I only hope my wife can live as she wishes.”

“If she wants the world, I can give it to her. If she wants peace, I can provide it. As her husband, my love for her is not about giving her a gilded cage.”

“But rather, whatever she wants to do,” Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong and smiled gently, “I can let her do it freely.”

Shangguan Ya was stunned for a moment, then tentatively said, “You speak so well, but aren’t you just friends?”

Pei Wenxuan stiffened at this, and Shangguan Ya couldn’t help but laugh, “It seems the prince consort has a long way to go as a friend.”

“That’s not necessarily true.” Pei Wenxuan’s expression was indifferent. At this moment, Li Rong was awarding Xun Chuan the official seal. He looked at Li Rong, somewhat defiant, and said, “Maybe it will be soon?”

Shangguan Ya suppressed her laughter and stopped provoking Pei Wenxuan.

After the establishment ceremony, Li Rong invited the main officials of the Supervisory Office to the princess’s residence for a meal.

Xun Chuan, appointed by her as the inspector responsible for supervising local affairs, was supposed to set off earlier. However, due to her injuries and the establishment ceremony, she stayed behind.

Li Rong set up several tables in the courtyard, where they ate and drank merrily. Su Ronghua, being a good conversationalist, led the group in playing drinking games, pitching arrows, and composing poetry.

Pei Wenxuan had previously won against Su Ronghua once, and Su Ronghua clung to him all night, challenging him in various games. Pei Wenxuan, annoyed by Su Ronghua, pulled Li Chuan and Qin Lin into the fray, and the four of them engaged in a chaotic drinking battle.

Shangguan Ya, Li Rong, and Xun Chuan sat at a small table, watching the others’ antics. Shangguan Ya, who loved to talk, first shared her mischievous adventures in Youzhou with Li Rong, then gradually talked about her arrival in Huajing. She sighed, “Honestly, when I heard I was to become the crown princess, I thought my life was over. Your Highness, let’s speak frankly tonight, don’t mind me.”

Shangguan Ya said, patting Li Rong’s hand. Li Rong waved her hand, “Go ahead, I’m not that petty.”

“Then I’ll say it. When I heard I was to become the crown princess, I thought my life was over. Look at my aunt, being the empress all her life, how pitiful. What’s the use of having great power? As a lady of the Shangguan family, there’s nothing I can’t eat or play with. Entering the palace, I can’t gamble, drink, or go fishing, mountain climbing, or play polo with friends. What’s the point of living there? Watching people bow?”

“You’re right,” Li Rong nodded, drinking, “That’s true.”

“Yes,” Xun Chuan agreed, “I felt the same way, so you scared me at the palace banquet that night.”

“Sorry,” Shangguan Ya patted Xun Chuan’s shoulder, “I didn’t expect someone wouldn’t want to be the crown princess.”

“You have to think about who would want to be the crown princess,” Xun Chuan said disdainfully.

“That niece of Consort Rou,” Shangguan Ya stammered, “What’s her name?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Li Rong waved her hand, “She can’t be my sister-in-law anyway. My brother is such a good person.”

“Yes,” Shangguan Ya nodded, “Such a good person, delayed by the position of crown prince.”

Xun Chuan also nodded, “Miss Shangguan is right.”

The three women spoke quietly. Shangguan Ya, having drunk too much, rested her head on her hand and dozed off. Li Rong glanced at her, personally poured wine for Xun Chuan, and they clinked glasses. Li Rong whispered, “Leaving tomorrow?”

“Yes.” Xun Chuan replied softly, “I won’t say goodbye to Your Highness specifically.”

“Alright.” Li Rong nodded, “It’s not a big deal, just wondering what day it will be when we meet again.”

“Maybe when Your Highness has great power.” Xun Chuan laughed, “Rest assured, I will serve Your Highness well outside.”

“I know, but you need to change your temperament, don’t be too straightforward.” Li Rong clinked glasses with Xun Chuan. Xun Chuan responded, “Rest assured, Your Highness, I will be cautious in matters I don’t understand.”

Li Rong didn’t speak. Xun Chuan drank his wine, then slowly said, “Your Highness, I apologize for what I said in the snow that day.”

Li Rong was stunned, then looked up and smiled, “It’s not a big deal, you don’t need to apologize.”

“Actually, I just didn’t want to trouble Your Highness. Your Highness is kind, and Xun Chuan understands.”

“You’re right,” Li Rong said calmly, “I’m not an emotional person. Helping you indeed has selfish motives, and I won’t deny it.”

“I don’t believe that,” Xun Chuan said, looking up at Li Rong. “Actually, Your Highness has a sense of justice and wouldn’t truly treat people as pawns. The so-called struggle for power is more about self-preservation for Your Highness. Beyond that, Your Highness has a passionate heart. I know Your Highness has a vision for the world, and that is also the world Xun Chuan desires.”

Li Rong quietly looked at Xun Chuan. Xun Chuan raised his cup, “Actually, Qin Zhenzhen’s death might not be a bad thing. Following Your Highness these days, Xun Chuan has been very happy.”

“Xun Chuan toasts Your Highness, thanking you for saving my life.”

Li Rong said nothing, watching Xun Chuan drink the wine in one gulp.

Then she refilled the cup and continued, “The second cup is to thank Your Highness for recognizing my worth. Meeting Your Highness, Xun Chuan realized that women have a vast world and can live differently.”

“You’re too kind.”

Xun Chuan drank the wine and refilled the cup again, “The third cup, I say without fear of Your Highness laughing, is to express gratitude for meeting Your Highness and Ah Ya. Although our time together has been short, Xun Chuan considers you both friends. This cup is for friendship, wishing us a long journey ahead, and that we three do not waste this life.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

Shangguan Ya, who had been asleep, suddenly woke up. Xun Chuan looked over and saw Shangguan Ya raising her cup, happily saying, “Come, after this cup, I must leave too.”

“If you all drink, how can I not?”

Li Rong laughed, raising her cup and lightly touching the others’ cups.

As the cups touched, Li Rong felt a slight ripple in her heart, a feeling she had never experienced in her previous life.

It was different from the entanglement of love, different from the deep bond of family.

It was hard to describe, but it felt like this cup of wine, refreshing with a touch of sweetness, making one feel completely comfortable.

After drinking, Xun Chuan stood up and said softly, “I’ll go talk to my brother.”

“Does your brother know you’re alive?”

Shangguan Ya was quite curious. Xun Chuan nodded, “Yes.”

With that, Xun Chuan raised his cup and walked towards Qin Lin.

“I’m sleepy,” Li Rong also stood up, “I’ll go sober up.”

Shangguan Ya nodded, waving her hand, “Alright, I must leave too.”

The crowd dispersed. Li Rong returned to the corridor. She didn’t know why, but under the influence of alcohol, she swept the steps with her sleeve and sat down.

That night, the moon was bright and the stars sparse, making for good weather. Li Rong sat for a while, and Pei Wenxuan came over. He saw Li Rong sitting on the steps looking at the moon and laughed softly, “Your Highness.”

“Ah,” Li Rong turned her head to look at Pei Wenxuan, “Have all the guests left?”

“They have.”

Pei Wenxuan said, walking to Li Rong’s side, “The ground is cold, Your Highness, please get up.”

“I’ve warmed it up,” Li Rong raised her hand and patted the spot beside her, “Instead of asking me to get up, why don’t you sit down?”

Pei Wenxuan smiled gently and sat beside Li Rong, “What are you doing, Your Highness?”

“Xun Chuan is leaving tonight.”

“Your Highness isn’t going to see her off?”

Pei Wenxuan accompanied Li Rong, feeling somewhat puzzled. Li Rong smiled, “What’s the point of seeing her off? Farewells are often sad. At times like this, it’s better not to see her.”

“Your Highness is not sentimental.”

Pei Wenxuan chuckled. The two sat quietly for a while. Li Rong looked at the moon and spoke softly, “Pei Wenxuan, I have friends now.”

Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong. She smiled, her face showing some happiness, “I have friends, I have family. In this life, I feel quite happy. Although I don’t know what the future holds, right now, I feel I have everything I should.”

“Your Highness is still missing one thing,” Pei Wenxuan said gently. Li Rong looked at him curiously, and Pei Wenxuan turned his head, smiling at her, “Your Highness is missing a husband.”

Li Rong said nothing.

They were very close. Pei Wenxuan’s gaze was like a gentle net, softly falling and enveloping her.

She lowered her head and smiled, then turned away.

Seeing Li Rong not respond, Pei Wenxuan wasn’t upset. He looked at the moon, starting to outline a plan in his mind.

Everything needs a plan.

Pei Wenxuan pondered.

When he pushed Li Rong away, he had a plan. Now, wanting to win her back…

He needed a comprehensive plan.

While Pei Wenxuan was aimlessly thinking, Shangguan Ya was being helped out of the residence by Su Ronghua.

“I’m not drunk,” Shangguan Ya emphasized seriously to Su Ronghua, “I’m walking steadily, see.”

“Alright, alright,” Su Ronghua looked at Shangguan Ya’s wobbly walk and conceded, “You’re not drunk, you’re very clear-headed. Can you drink less in the future?”

“My sister is leaving,” Shangguan Ya gestured, “It’s a big deal. How can I not drink?”

“You can drink,” Su Ronghua said helplessly, “But can you not drag me along? So many people are watching.”

“Don’t you usually chase me around?” Shangguan Ya frowned, “Why are you running now?”

“I don’t want to run,” Su Ronghua glanced at the guards following them, “But you’re dragging me, it’s inappropriate.”

“I want to annoy you,” Shangguan Ya stopped and said seriously, “I’m very annoying when I drink.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“So I want to torment you, ruin your reputation, make you the target of everyone’s criticism, and disgrace you. Then, you won’t bother me anymore.”

Seeing Shangguan Ya speak seriously, Su Ronghua couldn’t stop laughing.

He originally thought Shangguan Ya was amusing, but now he found her somewhat endearing.

He glanced at the guards behind them, all from the Shangguan and Su families. He leaned forward and whispered, “Miss Shangguan, there’s actually a way to ruin my reputation immediately.”

Shangguan Ya frowned. Su Ronghua extended his hand, “If you hold my hand and walk out, I’ll be yours. If you don’t want me, my reputation will be ruined.”

Shangguan Ya, feeling a bit dizzy from drinking, frowned and thought for a moment. She found Su Ronghua’s words somewhat reasonable. She extended her hand, held Su Ronghua’s hand, and said seriously, “Alright, let’s go.”

Seeing that she truly believed him, Su Ronghua couldn’t stop laughing.

The guards behind them stepped forward to intervene, but Su Ronghua waved them off, shaking his head, “Just don’t say anything.”

Su Ronghua and Shangguan Ya pulled and tugged their way to the door. The Shangguan family members came up and, together with Su Ronghua, finally got Shangguan Ya into the carriage.

After Shangguan Ya got into the carriage, Su Ronghua turned around and saw his family’s carriage parked nearby. Su Rongqing stood beside it, holding a lantern, quietly watching the entrance of the princess’s residence.

Seeing Su Rongqing, Su Ronghua couldn’t help but laugh, “Why are you here?”

“Worried that my brother might be drunk.”

Su Rongqing smiled, “So I came to pick you up.”

“I have self-control.”

Su Ronghua said, reaching the carriage. Su Rongqing raised his hand to help Su Ronghua into the carriage. Su Ronghua waved his hand, “I’m really not drunk.”

Su Rongqing responded, handed the lantern to a servant, and got into the carriage himself.

After getting into the carriage, he turned his head and looked at the plaque of the princess’s residence from inside. Su Ronghua drank some tea and, turning back, saw Su Rongqing’s gaze. He hesitated for a moment but ultimately said nothing.

The banquet dispersed, and people went their separate ways.

After saying goodbye to Qin Lin, Xun Chuan packed her luggage and opened the door to leave.

As she opened the door, she saw a young man waiting at the entrance. Xun Chuan was stunned for a moment, then realized and said hoarsely, “Your Highness.”

Seeing Xun Chuan, Li Chuan felt a bit awkward. He stood at the door, not knowing what to say. Xun Chuan waited for a moment and calmly said, “If Your Highness has no business, Xun Chuan will take her leave.”

“Um,” Li Chuan called out to her, hurriedly saying, “Um, are you leaving today?”

“Yes.”

“Is your injury healed?”

“Healed, thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

“Yes.” Li Chuan nodded. Xun Chuan waited for a moment, seeing Li Chuan say nothing, she clasped her fists in salute and turned to leave.

She walked a few steps, and Li Chuan couldn’t hold back, calling out, “Miss Qin!”

Xun Chuan stopped. Li Chuan looked at her back, pursed his lips, and finally spread his wide sleeves, slightly bowing, “I’m sorry.”

Xun Chuan didn’t reply. After a moment, she resumed her clear, youthful voice.

She seemed to be the same girl he first met on Jiuyou Mountain, always maintaining a cool demeanor that kept people at a distance, and said softly, “It’s okay.”

After speaking, she stepped away.

Li Chuan straightened up, watching the girl in black with a long sword, walking away under the moonlight.

That was the last time Li Chuan saw her as the crown prince.

After Xun Chuan completely left, a servant came to report to Li Rong, “Your Highness, Lord Xun has left.”

Li Rong finally withdrew her gaze from the moon. She tried to get up, and as soon as she moved, Pei Wenxuan stepped forward and discreetly supported her.

Li Rong looked up at Pei Wenxuan, hearing him say with a smile, “Let’s go.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan’s hand slid down and held Li Rong’s hand.

Li Rong scrutinized him. Pei Wenxuan pretended not to notice her gaze, holding her hand gently, “Your Highness, what would you like to eat tomorrow?”

Li Rong said nothing, quietly letting Pei Wenxuan lead her. Pei Wenxuan slowly felt relieved.

He had decided that pursuing Li Rong couldn’t be rushed; it had to be done in three steps.

First, he needed to make Li Rong accustomed to his presence and his closeness.

Once Li Rong was accustomed, he would slightly pull back, playing hard to get, making Li Rong turn around and be attracted to him.

When Li Rong developed feelings for him, he would plan a big event, a heroic rescue, leading to a heartfelt confession from Li Rong.

Pei Wenxuan thought happily, almost laughing out loud. Li Rong glanced at him, finding his laughter inexplicable.

Compared to Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong’s thoughts were simpler—

As long as they didn’t talk about feelings, everything was negotiable.

Previous

Next