Chapter 111: If You Keep This Up, Tonight Either You Or I Will Surely Die

When Pei Wenxuan rushed to the dock with his sword, Li Rong had already arrived at the lakeside.

Even while still in the carriage, she noticed something unusual about the streets—men and women bustling about, far livelier than usual. When she reached the lake, it was even more crowded. The lakeside, usually spacious, was now packed with carriages from various households. As Li Rong stepped out of her carriage, she frowned slightly and asked in confusion, “Why are there so many people?”

“Your Highness,” a guard accompanying her stepped forward immediately, “Today is the sky lantern festival. There are many people around. Please be cautious.”

Only then did Li Rong recall that this was the lantern festival Pei Wenxuan had mentioned earlier.

Thinking of Pei Wenxuan brought a tinge of bitterness to her heart. She turned her head away, pretending to be calm, and asked, “Is the flower boat prepared?”

“It is, Your Highness. All the performers aboard are discreet. Please wear your veil, and I’ll escort you there.”

Li Rong nodded and was escorted to a quieter area, where she boarded the reserved flower boat.

There were many people today, and boats of all sizes filled the lake. On the shore, men and women were releasing river lanterns before the sky lanterns were set off. The lake sparkled like a starry sky, with boats weaving through the glowing lights.

Li Rong’s boat was modest—not too big or small—and didn’t stand out among the others. Once aboard, the boat headed toward the center of the lake. As the attendant led her below deck, he explained, “The best spots to view the lanterns were reserved early. Our servants managed to secure a position, but since we arrived late, we’ll have to share the lake with the common folk. It might be a bit noisy. Please forgive us, Your Highness.”

“No matter,” Li Rong replied calmly. “As long as he’s here.”

As she spoke, the attendant opened the cabin door, revealing rows of handsome young men kneeling respectfully. Upon seeing Li Rong, they bowed and greeted her, “Greetings, Lady.”

Naturally, Li Rong couldn’t use her real identity to meet these performers, so she had assumed the title of “Lady” for the occasion.

She had seen such scenes before, but this was the first time since her rebirth. These men weren’t as striking as Pei Wenxuan or Su Rongqing, but their sheer number made an impression.

One attractive person is simply pleasing to the eye.

A group of attractive people creates a visual impact several times stronger.

Even though she came with a purpose, Li Rong couldn’t help but feel her heart skip a beat when she saw all these handsome men gazing at her with deep affection.

She suddenly felt she had made the right choice. Smiling, she walked in and raised her hand, saying, “You may rise.”

Then she took the main seat. The men immediately came forward to pour her wine and massage her shoulders.

Not knowing her boundaries, they kept their actions modest. Li Rong waved her hand, scattering a few silver pieces on the floor, and lifted her chin: “Those who can play music, play. Those who can sing, sing. Those who can dance, dance. If you can’t do any of that, just entertain yourselves. Make it lively.”

With her command and the silver reward, the performers brightened up. The cabin was soon filled with laughter and music as the boat sailed toward the center of the lake.

Amid the melodies of string and wind instruments, Li Rong reclined on a cushion, smiling as she watched the performers. Occasionally, she sipped wine or ate grapes offered by them, listening to their jokes, her mood gradually improving.

She didn’t want to think about Pei Wenxuan anymore. After all, once she boarded this flower boat, news would reach the palace by morning. As long as Pei Wenxuan calmed down, he would have to explain to Li Ming that their relationship wasn’t as close as it seemed.

She couldn’t let Pei Wenxuan ruin his future for her.

As she thought this, she clapped and called out, “Good! A reward!”

Just as she finished speaking, one performer left and another stepped up. Li Rong was eating grapes offered by a nearby performer when she heard a familiar voice say with a smile, “Your Highness, I can’t play music or dance. How about I tell you a story instead?”

Li Rong felt the voice was familiar and grew alert. She looked up and saw a young man in white, with a jade-like face, smiling at her.

As soon as Li Rong saw the man, she choked on a grape in shock and began coughing violently.

She pointed at him while coughing, gasping, “You… you…”

The young man smiled calmly, as if he knew exactly what Li Rong was afraid of. The nearby performers rushed to her side, patting her back anxiously. “Your Highness, are you alright?”

“Out… out…” Li Rong waved her hand urgently. “Everyone leave.”

The performers hesitated, glancing at Li Rong and then at the white-robed young man in the center. After a moment, they reluctantly stood and left the cabin.

Once everyone was gone, Li Rong finally caught her breath. The white-robed young man slowly approached her, crouched down, and offered her a cup of tea with a gentle smile. “Your Highness, would you like some water?”

Li Rong didn’t take the tea. After a moment, she turned her head and frowned. “Why are you here?”

While Li Rong’s boat was heading toward the center of the lake, Pei Wenxuan had already arrived at the shore.

He found the attendants from the Princess’s residence who had been ordered to wait at the dock and asked breathlessly, “Where is Her Highness?”

The attendants were stunned to see Pei Wenxuan, clearly not expecting him. They froze, unsure whether to respond.

Pei Wenxuan saw their hesitation and realized they were debating whether to cover for Li Rong. He restrained his emotions and said, “I know Her Highness summoned performers from the Nanfeng Pavilion. I’m not here to cause trouble. Where is she?”

The attendants didn’t reply but glanced meaningfully at the sword in Pei Wenxuan’s hand.

He didn’t look like someone coming for a peaceful conversation.

Pei Wenxuan noticed their expression and didn’t waste time. He pressed the sword against one attendant’s neck and shouted, “Speak!”

Now certain that the prince consort was serious, the attendant didn’t dare hide anything. He immediately knelt and bowed his head. “Prince Consort, Her Highness’s boat has already departed.”

“Which one?”

“The one with floral decorations, two levels, heading toward the center of the lake.”

The attendant pointed toward the lake’s center. Pei Wenxuan didn’t say another word and rushed to the shore, found the boat he had arranged earlier, and asked, “Where’s my boat?”

“Sir, are you going alone?” the boatman asked, surprised. “Weren’t you bringing your wife?”

“There’s been a change. I’m going alone.”

Pei Wenxuan jumped onto the boat. The boatman untied the rope and asked worriedly, “Do you know how to row?”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t answer. He hung his sword at his waist, grabbed the pole, and began rowing toward the center of the lake.

As Pei Wenxuan approached, Li Rong looked at the young man crouching in front of her. He spoke with a hint of helplessness, “I’ve wanted to speak with Your Highness for a long time but never had the chance. When I saw you heading to the lake today, I quickly joined the performers and boarded the flower boat—never expected it to be your banquet. Your Highness’s elegance truly opened my eyes.”

As he spoke, the young man sat down. Li Rong saw his boldness and sneered, “Since you know it’s me, why haven’t you paid your respects? Cui Yulang, you’re quite daring.”

“Your Highness didn’t want to reveal her identity. I was merely respecting that.”

Cui Yulang fanned himself casually. Li Rong didn’t want to waste words and asked directly, “What do you want?”

“I’d like to ask Your Highness for a favor.”

Cui Yulang’s expression turned serious. “I want to seek justice for my friend, Chen Houzhao, a scholar from Qingcheng.”

“What kind of justice,” Li Rong asked coolly, “that you’d come to me for?”

“Chen Houzhao is an old friend of mine, very talented. In the recent imperial exams, he won top honors in the local trials and qualified to enter the capital for the spring examination. But a local noble, Xiao Pingzhang, colluded with officials to steal his spot and gave it to his own son, Xiao Shunwen. My friend tried to appeal all the way to the capital, but was pursued and attacked along the way. Now that he’s here, no official will hear his case. I’ve long admired Your Highness’s reputation for justice and righteousness. Please, help my friend!”

Li Rong didn’t respond immediately.

The case was unclear, and she wouldn’t make promises lightly. She began weighing its political value when she heard a commotion outside.

Pei Wenxuan’s boat had already reached Li Rong’s flower boat. Her boat was anchored and stable, so Pei Wenxuan pulled up alongside and jumped aboard.

The guard at the bow saw him and turned pale. “Prince Consort…”

“Step aside.”  

Pei Wenxuan shoved the guard aside and strode straight inside. The attendants hurriedly tried to block him, but Pei Wenxuan simply drew his sword and barked, “Move!”  

Intimidated by his aura—and considering he was the imperial consort—no one dared to stop him. Pei Wenxuan marched into the cabin and headed straight for the second floor.  

Li Rong was still hesitating over Cui Yulang’s words when he scoffed at her indecision and said leisurely, “Your Highness must be thinking this case offers no benefits, right?”  

Li Rong glanced at him and couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh? Do you have something to offer me?”  

“Most of what Cui can give, Your Highness would likely disdain. But there is one thing—would you like to see if it interests you?”  

“Go on.”  

Li Rong raised an eyebrow. Cui Yulang smirked, leaning forward as he loosened his sash, murmuring in a low voice, “Your Highness holds great power, yet tonight you wander a pleasure boat. Could it be you lack a companion for your curtained chambers? If Your Highness doesn’t mind, Yulang would gladly offer himself—”  

Before he could finish, the door was kicked open with a bang. Cui Yulang and Li Rong turned simultaneously to see Pei Wenxuan standing at the threshold, sword in hand.  

Both of them froze. Cui Yulang’s hand still rested on his half-undone sash, his already loose robe slipping further off his shoulder from his leaning posture.  

Pei Wenxuan let out a cold laugh. Though he had only caught part of the conversation, he understood enough.  

“A companion for your curtained chambers. Offering himself.”  

He repeated the words mockingly before his voice turned icy. “Cui Yulang, you’ve got some nerve.”  

The moment the words left his mouth, Pei Wenxuan raised his sword and swung straight at Cui Yulang.  

Li Rong reacted swiftly, shouting, “Stop him! Hurry, stop him!”  

As Pei Wenxuan was momentarily blocked, Cui Yulang scrambled to the ground in terror, hastily tying his sash. Pei Wenxuan chased him around the room, slashing wildly while Cui Yulang cried out, “Consort Pei, let me explain—”  

Pei Wenxuan said nothing, continuing his relentless pursuit. The room descended into chaos. Li Rong forced herself to stay calm—she couldn’t panic. She needed to think clearly. Taking a deep breath, she roared, “Everyone, STOP!”  

At her command, Pei Wenxuan finally halted. Just as Li Rong was about to speak, he seemed to snap back to his senses. In three quick strides, he seized her wrist and dragged her out.  

Not wanting to make a scene in front of others, Li Rong let him pull her downstairs and off the pleasure boat. But as they neared the shore, she grew anxious and snapped, “Pei Wenxuan, if you have something to say, say it on the boat! Let go of me! Let—”  

“Board the boat!”  

With a sharp tug, Pei Wenxuan forced her onto his own vessel.  

No one dared to intervene under his furious glare. Once inside the cabin, Li Rong immediately struggled, shouting, “Pei Wenxuan, have you lost your—”  

Before she could finish, Pei Wenxuan slammed his sword down beside her with a clang. His gaze was wolf-like, a silent warning as he growled, “If you keep fighting me, one of us will die tonight.”  

“You—you’re insane!” Li Rong stammered, genuinely frightened.  

Pei Wenxuan stood, rolled up the cabin curtain, and stepped out. Raising the boat pole, he ordered the guards, “I’m taking her. Go ashore and find Tong Ye—he’ll handle the rest.”

“Step aside.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan pushed off with the pole, steering Li Rong’s small boat away from the dock and deeper into the heart of the lake.  

He remained outside, rowing steadily. As the voices of the crowd faded, replaced only by the sounds of insects, birds, and lapping water, Li Rong’s unease grew.  

She glanced around. The boat wasn’t large, but it was warmly furnished—a delicate table set with fresh flowers, tea, wine, snacks, and even blankets. Two wide windows on either side offered a view of the scenery outside, which only made it clearer how desolate their surroundings had become. The shore was now far behind them.  

Li Rong told herself to stay calm. Pei Wenxuan was a man of restraint—even when furious, he was still rational. If he had truly gone mad and intended to perish with her tonight, there would at least be some logic to it.  

She shouldn’t panic. First, she’d pour some tea, take a sip of wine, nibble on snacks—anything to steady her nerves.  

As she ate, the motions distracted her, allowing her to regain her composure and consider Pei Wenxuan’s intentions.  

Had her earlier provocation—gathering men to her boat—truly agitated him this much?  

Just how deeply had it affected him, to resort to outright kidnapping?  

Lost in thought, Li Rong absentmindedly took another bite of plum blossom cake—her favorite pastry, unmistakably from her preferred bakery.  

Just then, Pei Wenxuan stepped inside.  

Li Rong looked up abruptly, and he saw the crumbs at the corner of her lips, the flicker of alarm in her eyes before she forced a veneer of calm.  

They had reached the center of the lake, an area Pei Wenxuan had reserved. No other boats were in sight—just theirs, adrift under the cold moonlight, the mist over the water enclosing them in an isolated world of their own.  

Pei Wenxuan stared at her. She stared back.  

A long silence stretched between them before Li Rong finally swallowed the last of her cake and stammered, “You—you’re here.”  

Pei Wenxuan almost laughed, but he kept his expression stern as he strode in and sat across from her.  

He said nothing.  

Li Rong’s nerves tightened. She stole a glance at him, thinking quickly.  

If Pei Wenxuan had come for her, it must mean he still wanted cooperation—not just a fight. His outburst earlier was likely due to stumbling upon Cui Yulang’s advances.  

To break the tension, Li Rong cleared her throat and spoke first. “About what happened earlier… there’s been a misunderstanding. I can explain.”  

“No need.” Pei Wenxuan sipped his tea, his tone languid. “Your Highness has always been like this. I’m used to it.”  

“Don’t say that.” His words didn’t reassure her—if anything, they made her more uneasy. She spoke slowly, carefully. “Cui Yulang really was here to report a case.”  

Pei Wenxuan turned to her, scrutinizing her before letting out a derisive chuckle.  

“Do you think I’m an idiot?”  

“No!” Frustration prickled at his stubbornness. “Why won’t you listen? He really was reporting a case. He has a friend who—”  

“Let’s not talk about that tonight.”  

Pei Wenxuan set down his cup and met her gaze squarely. “Tonight, I only want to talk about us.”  

Li Rong stilled. After a pause, she lowered her eyes and murmured, “Mm.”  

“Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan poured her a cup of wine, “we both like to lie.”  

“I lie to others. You lie to yourself.” He pushed the cup toward her. “Tonight, let’s drink together—and neither of us will lie. If I can convince you, tomorrow, I’ll resign from court. If you can convince me, tomorrow, I’ll petition His Majesty for our divorce.”  

His eyes held hers, unwavering.  

“Your Highness—do we have a deal?”

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