Chapter 103: Those Who Use Emotion As A Blade Will Eventually Be Hurt By It

Li Rong hurried out of the Princess’s residence. At the gate, she turned and whispered to her attendant, “Go find Deputy Director Shangguan immediately. Tell her to investigate the list of court officials that Hua Le and Consort Rou have recently interacted with. Find out who submitted the Prince Consort’s name to the Ministry of Personnel. She must get to the bottom of this at once.”

The attendant responded quietly, and Li Rong boarded the carriage, heading straight for the palace.

While Li Rong rushed to the palace, Consort Rou was with Hua Le, painting their nails.

“Pei Wenxuan actually fainted?” Hua Le sat beside Consort Rou, handing her fingers to a maid for trimming, puzzled. “Isn’t being Vice Minister of Personnel a good thing? Did he faint from anger or from joy?”

“If he fainted from joy, I’d be happy,” Consort Rou said lazily, eyes closed as a servant massaged her back and did her nails. “But I fear he fainted from anger.”

“Angry after a promotion?” Hua Le frowned. “How’s that possible?”

“Why not?” Consort Rou replied slowly, not even glancing at her. “If he’s smart, he wouldn’t be happy.”

“Why?”

“If he becomes Vice Minister of Personnel, the court officials won’t accept it,” Consort Rou said calmly, watching her nails being painted bright red. “Not only will he fail to take the position, but it will also make His Majesty suspicious—wondering how much power the Princess really holds. If the Princess has too much power, His Majesty will worry. And once he starts worrying…” Consort Rou looked up and smiled gently, “the Princess’s political path will come to an end.”

“A retreat in disguise,” Hua Le brightened. “Mother, you’re brilliant! That old fool Liu Hangchun—he chose her over you. Blind!”

“I have no real power now, only His Majesty’s favor,” Consort Rou said slowly, not angered by Hua Le’s words. “Pingle holds the Inspectorate. Naturally, the officials fear her. But if the officials fear her…” Consort Rou looked at Hua Le with a smile, “your father fears her too.”

She turned her head toward the Imperial Study. “Pingle is still too young.”

“Father is really unfair,” Hua Le pouted. “He gave Pingle such an important role, but gave me nothing. So unfair.”

Consort Rou looked at Hua Le with a smile, as if watching a child who never grows up.

“Do you know what you lack compared to Pingle?”

“I’m worse than her?” Hua Le got upset. “How am I worse than her?”

“Pingle knows what she wants. She fights for it, she grabs it,” Consort Rou said, smiling. “She knows clearly that the most important thing for a woman is power. But you, silly child, only think about finding a perfect husband.”

“To have power, you need to marry someone powerful,” Hua Le said, snuggling up to Consort Rou and holding her hand. “Just like you—married Father and became a noble consort.”

“You’re wrong,” Consort Rou gently pulled her hand away. “Remember this: your power must be seized by yourself. A man is just a means,” her voice grew softer, “never the goal.”

“I don’t believe that,” Hua Le turned her head proudly. “Father loves you the most. If it weren’t for the Shangguan family holding you back, you’d be Empress by now.”

Consort Rou smiled faintly at her words and said, “Silly child.”

Then she turned her gaze to the vibrant weeds in the courtyard.

Spring had arrived. The plants flourished. From Ming Le Palace to the Imperial Study, everything was full of life.

Li Ming paced in the grand hall, glaring at Wang Houwen, who knelt before him. He wanted to scold him but didn’t want to embarrass the old minister. Wang Houwen was a veteran; he deserved some respect.

“What qualifications does Pei Wenxuan have? How dare you put him in the Vice Minister of Personnel position?”

Li Ming was furious. He stared at Wang Houwen. “Such an important role, and you choose a mediocre person. I’ve never interfered with your Ministry’s affairs because I trust your judgment. But what’s the meaning of this now? Pei Wenxuan is just a greenhorn!” Li Ming shouted, “And you dare put him in such a high position?!”

“Though Pei is young,” Wang Houwen hesitated, trying to praise him, “he is the Princess’s consort, and the Princess…”

“What about the Princess?!”

Li Ming roared, “So the Princess can override the law, bypass the court, and even bypass me?! Tell me—what qualifications does Pei Wenxuan have to be Vice Minister of Personnel? What gives him the right?!”

Just as he finished shouting, a report came from outside: Li Rong had arrived.

Li Ming looked up and barked, “I won’t see her!”

But then, as the eunuch hurried off, he called him back. “Forget it,” Li Ming said, conflicted. “Bring her in.”

He lowered his gaze to Wang Houwen and waved his hand, sighing, “The damage is done. You may leave and reflect on your actions. I’ll have someone investigate the rest.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Wang Houwen bowed respectfully, stood up, and left.

Li Rong stood at the entrance for a moment, thinking about how to speak to Li Ming.

The position of Vice Minister of Personnel couldn’t be kept. But if she gave it up, Pei Wenxuan would miss the window for reassignment. Without this post, he couldn’t be transferred elsewhere either. If he missed this chance, he’d have to wait until next year.

More importantly, without a reassignment, he’d miss this year’s imperial examination cycle entirely. Waiting for another chance at the prestigious “Dragon-Tiger List” might mean waiting until the next life.

She had to secure Pei Wenxuan’s position. But if she insisted on keeping it, Li Ming would surely grow suspicious of her.

Consort Rou’s scheme was clearly designed to trap her—forcing her into a dilemma. Either she risked Li Ming’s suspicion, or she gave up Pei Wenxuan’s promotion. If she followed Consort Rou’s logic, she’d lose either way. So her best move now was to appeal emotionally and use a diversion tactic.

Consort Rou had made it look like Li Rong was secretly lobbying officials to secure Pei Wenxuan’s position. So she would admit to it directly—and then accuse Consort Rou in turn.

She had colluded with officials, while Consort Rou had colluded with noble families.

Li Rong sneered. She wanted to see which of the two Li Ming would consider more serious.

As she pondered, Wang Houwen came out.

At the doorway, Wang Houwen bowed respectfully to Li Rong. She kept a stern face and said coldly, “Minister Wang, a third-rank official and a senior statesman—this bow, I dare not accept.”

“What does rank matter?” Wang Houwen sighed. “Xie Lanqing, Minister of Justice and head of the Xie family—didn’t Your Highness say he could be toppled, and he was?”

Li Rong raised her head and stared coldly at him.

Wang Houwen smiled faintly, bowed again, and said, “Your Highness, I take my leave.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

Li Rong entered the Imperial Study and bowed respectfully. Li Ming, face cold, told her to rise and asked sharply, “Why are you here now?”

Then, unable to contain his anger, he added, “Pei Wenxuan’s appointment is already settled. What more do you want?”

“I came precisely for that matter,” Li Rong said, quickly kneeling again. “I beg Father to reconsider the appointment of Vice Minister of Personnel!”

Li Ming’s expression softened slightly. “Pei Wenxuan’s appointment is a good thing. Why do you want to change it?”

“Father,” Li Rong said urgently, “I must speak frankly. I secretly helped Pei Wenxuan with this reassignment. I lobbied behind the scenes.”

“I know,” Li Ming sneered. “Otherwise, how could he have gotten the position?”

“But the position I sought for him wasn’t Vice Minister of Personnel,” Li Rong said anxiously, lifting her head. “Father, the position I wanted was merely Principal Clerk of Merits, a sixth-rank post.”

“A Principal Clerk? You needed to pull strings for that?” Li Ming frowned.

Li Rong’s eyes reddened at his words, and her voice turned hoarse. “Father, you don’t know. Ever since I became head of the Inspectorate, I’ve offended many in court. Because of me, the Prince Consort has faced endless obstacles. By tradition, after marrying me, regardless of his previous rank, he should’ve been promoted to sixth rank. He’s worked diligently at the Censorate for a year and helped me solve several major cases. By reason and merit, he more than deserves a transfer to Principal Clerk. But because of me, no department will accept him. He can’t remain a Censor forever, can he?”

“Isn’t the Censorate under Shangguan Minzhi?” Li Ming tapped the table, thinking. “Why not keep him there?”

“That’s exactly the problem!” Li Rong’s tears fell. “You know how many people from the Shangguan family I’ve investigated. Minzhi’s uncle resents me for not sparing even family. He makes things difficult for the Prince Consort at every turn. If I had any other option, I wouldn’t be so desperate, running around trying to find him a place. The Censorate won’t keep him, and no other department will take him. I had no choice but to beg officials everywhere. Even if he couldn’t be a senior clerk, at least a principal one. But everyone made excuses. I was forced to spend a fortune just to secure that sixth-rank position. And now, suddenly, he’s been made Vice Minister!”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Li Ming studied her expression.

Li Rong wiped her tears. “Father, I may crave power, but I also understand the danger of overreaching. Wenxuan and I are still young. He’s only been in court for a year. A sudden leap to Vice Minister—how many eyes will be on him? If he takes that post, how many will resent him, accuse me of using my power to pave his way? If he were talentless, fine. But he’s capable. To subject him to this—it’s not helping him, it’s harming him!”

Li Ming frowned, falling silent for a long time before finally saying, “If you were struggling, why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“If I have difficulties, doesn’t Father have them too?” Li Rong choked back sobs. “I created the Inspectorate to ease your burdens. If I can’t help, I shouldn’t add to them. It was wrong of me to secretly seek a post for him. If they won’t promote him, so be it. If they mock me, I’ll endure it. But I shouldn’t have gone behind your back. I deserve punishment. But please, Father, do something—he can’t be Vice Minister.”

She kowtowed, sobbing uncontrollably.

Li Ming, hearing her cry and mention being mocked, felt a pang of guilt. He had raised her himself. She used to be fierce and proud—now she was like this. His heart softened, and he asked angrily, “Who dares mock you? I want to know who has the nerve to ridicule you!”

Li Rong said nothing.

Li Ming grew impatient. “Why won’t you speak? Just crying—what’s the use?”

“Father, it’s not that I won’t say. I’m afraid if I do, you’ll think I’m stirring up trouble again.”

Li Ming frowned, beginning to guess. “Someone in the palace?”

Li Rong lowered her head, looking weary.

Li Ming grew more irritated. “Speak.”

“If you insist, then I’ll speak the truth,” Li Rong said, lifting her tear-streaked face with a bitter smile. “Since my marriage, I’ve been mocked by the other princesses. Sister Hua Le said Pei Wenxuan is low-born, and that Father must not love me—otherwise, why would you marry me to him?”

“Nonsense!” Li Ming shouted, his face turning pale with anger. “How could Hua Le say such a thing?!”

“What do you mean by that, Father?” Li Rong laughed through her tears. “Do you mean Hua Le wouldn’t say such a thing—or that she shouldn’t?”

Li Ming was speechless.

Li Rong continued, “Do you know why I was so afraid today? Why I rushed into the palace, begging you to revoke the appointment? It’s not just because Wenxuan is too young. Su Rongqing is young too—yet he’s Minister of Justice. Why can’t my husband be a Vice Minister? But I still came. Because I knew, if I didn’t, you’d think I was behind it all—that I pulled strings to get him the post. I was afraid.”

“I…” Li Ming looked embarrassed. “Why would you think I’d believe that?”

“Because I’ve grown used to being afraid,” Li Rong said, choking up. “If I were Hua Le, I wouldn’t be afraid. Because I’d know you trust me. But I’m a daughter of the Shangguan family.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Li Ming said anxiously. “You’re still my eldest princess!”

“But Hua Le said,” Li Rong looked him in the eye, “that you married me to a commoner because you distrust the Shangguan family.”

“She’s outrageous! Utter nonsense!” Li Ming slammed the table. “Pei Wenxuan is the son of Pei Lizhi, a former top scholar—talented and virtuous. I chose him for his character!”

“I know you meant well. That’s why I was happy when I married him,” Li Rong said, exhausted. “But after hearing it so many times… I started to fear. I always hoped you’d think well of me, trust me more. So I never fought, never asked for anything. My husband isn’t from a noble family, his rank is low—I never complained. Even when they mocked me behind my back, I pretended not to hear.”

“I’m tired,” Li Rong said, bowing again. “I only ask that Father not doubt me. I’m not that capable. Even with all my efforts, all I wanted… was fairness. So that my husband wouldn’t be denied even a sixth-rank post just because of me.”

“Pingle…” Li Ming’s heart ached as he listened to her.

“I beg Father’s grace.”

Li Ming didn’t speak. After a long silence, he sighed and walked over to Li Rong, personally helping her up.

“Stand up first,” he said gently. “I’ll see that justice is done. You may go back now.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Li Rong bowed respectfully, but her tone carried a hint of distance. Li Ming suddenly felt a pang of sorrow.

Li Rong used to love to act playfully with him. He had always thought that with so many children, he wouldn’t care much about their comings and goings. But now, seeing her truly disappointed in him, he realized that deep down, he had always held a special fatherly affection for his eldest daughter.

“Go on,” he said, restraining his emotions and patting her shoulder.

Li Rong bowed again, graceful and composed as ever. After she left, Li Ming stood in place, quietly watching her retreating figure.

Fulai brought over tea and respectfully said, “Your Majesty, Her Highness has left.”

“Fulai,” Li Ming suddenly asked, “have I treated Rong’er poorly?”

“Why would Your Majesty say that?” Fulai replied tactfully. “You treat all the princesses well. You are a most loving father.”

“I feel… Pingle is disappointed in me.”

Li Ming spoke slowly. Fulai smiled and said, “Your Majesty must be joking. Her Highness Pingle has always trusted you. No matter what you say, she believes you are the best father. She would never be disappointed in you.”

“That makes me feel even worse,” Li Ming said, turning away with a sigh. “In this palace, anyone who tries to use affection as a blade… will end up wounded by it.”

Fulai reached out to support him as he sat down again. After a moment’s hesitation, Li Ming finally said, “Send someone to investigate. Find out who orchestrated Pei Wenxuan’s appointment to the Ministry of Personnel.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Fulai pressed down his sleeve and picked up the ink stick to grind ink for Li Ming. He asked cautiously, “But Your Majesty, regardless of whether Her Highness Pingle was involved… isn’t Lord Pei a bit…”

“A bit what?”

Li Ming looked up at Fulai.

“…a bit too young?” Fulai forced a smile.

“Why do you always say Pei Wenxuan is too young, but never say that about Su Rongqing?”

“Well, Minister Su comes from a noble family…”

“So you all look down on Pei Wenxuan for being from a humble background, for losing his father early, is that it?”

Li Ming sneered. Fulai immediately knelt in panic. “Please calm your anger, Your Majesty. This servant is guilty. I only repeated what others said…”

“By that logic, are many people truly mocking Pingle behind her back?”

Fulai didn’t dare respond.

Li Ming took a deep breath. “Fine,” he said, pointing at Fulai. “Very well.”

Fulai remained kneeling, repeatedly kowtowing and begging for forgiveness.

Li Ming just pointed at him silently. After a long pause, he took another deep breath. “Start the investigation. I want the truth.”

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