Chapter 120: Princess Pingle Chased The Prince Consort’s Carriage Down An Entire Street

Li Rong didn’t say anything after hearing those words. Seeing her lost in thought, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but ask, “Your Highness?”

Li Rong thought for a moment, then suddenly said, “Actually, it was you who killed Hongde, wasn’t it?”

Pei Wenxuan froze, just about to explain when Li Rong pressed a fan against his shoulder.

“There’s no need to say more. I don’t really care,” Li Rong looked up and smiled. “Now that you’ve told me where your boundaries lie, I care even less. Just let me know next time.”

Pei Wenxuan stood stiffly for a long time before finally responding, “As Your Highness says.”

Li Rong didn’t reply. She quietly looked at him.

She suddenly realized that when it came to emotions, she and Pei Wenxuan seemed to have returned to being twenty years old.

Back then, she was a young girl—playful and willful.

And Pei Wenxuan, at that time, still carried the unease and anxiety born from years of criticism.

He feared not being his best self in front of her, and feared her seeing the dark, ugly side of him.

Li Rong couldn’t help but laugh. She turned around, hands clasped behind her back. “Pei Wenxuan, I can accept both black and white.”

“But the fact that you want to fulfill my dreamlike expectations,” Li Rong paused, “makes me quite happy.”

After speaking, Li Rong waved her hand. “Let’s go back.”

Pei Wenxuan watched her figure as she walked away. She strolled down the corridor, hands behind her back holding a fan. The red tassel on the fan swayed gently with her movements. She skipped up the steps with a lively bounce—graceful and full of life.

Li Rong rarely showed this side of herself to others.

She was different with everyone: proud and clever with Li Ming, decisive and commanding as Princess Pingle to others. But only in front of him did she seem like a flower blooming quietly beneath a thawing layer of ice.

Seeing her so joyful, he couldn’t help but smile.

He watched her walk off into the distance before turning back to his room.

The next morning, it was time to officially confirm the reassignment of officials in court.

Generally, once the evaluation period ends, the appointed officials are rarely changed. So the so-called final confirmation was just Li Ming reviewing the list. If any changes were needed, they would be raised individually.

Li Ming glanced over the finalized list, then looked up at everyone. “Does anyone have objections to this year’s personnel changes?”

Just as he finished speaking, Su Rongqing, seemingly prepared, stepped forward.

“Minister Su?” Li Ming frowned. “What are your thoughts?”

“Your Majesty,” Su Rongqing knelt down respectfully and said, “I am shallow in learning and lacking in experience. Since temporarily taking over the position of Minister of Justice, I have felt overwhelmed and unworthy of the role. I respectfully request Your Majesty to appoint someone else to the position.”

Upon hearing this, Li Rong raised her eyes and glanced at Su Rongqing.

Voluntarily giving up the position of Minister of Justice was clearly not his own wish. After such a major incident, Li Ming had seized leverage to force Su Rongqing to withdraw from the competition for the position—this was understandable.

But if Su Rongqing wouldn’t be Minister of Justice, then who would?

Li Rong’s gaze swept across the court for a moment before Li Ming spoke calmly: “Since Su Rongqing has requested to resign, I won’t make things difficult. Let’s do this…”

After pondering for a long time, Li Ming slowly said, “The position of Minister of Justice will remain vacant for now. The daily affairs of the Ministry of Justice will be handled jointly by the Left and Right Vice Ministers. If they cannot reach a decision, they shall report directly to me. What do you think, Vice Minister Su?”

Reporting directly to him meant Li Ming would bypass the Ministry and take direct control of the Justice Department. Su Minzhi frowned and was about to speak, but Su Rongqing respectfully replied, “Your Majesty is wise.”

“Good.” Li Ming nodded and continued, “Does anyone else have any opinions?”

No one in the court spoke. Li Ming knew the matter was settled. He closed the list and said calmly, “Then it’s decided. From today onward, everyone shall report to their newly assigned posts as listed. All departments should prepare to receive them. In addition, regarding the reconstruction of the Memorial Hall, the Ministry of Rites should begin preparations immediately. Before the Memorial Hall is rebuilt, to avoid delays in governance, I plan to establish a small cabinet to take over its duties—reviewing and categorizing memorials to ease my burden.”

Without waiting for others to speak, Li Ming continued, “Minister Pei, Prime Minister Su, Chancellor Shangguan, and Marquis of Ningguo—please assist me by reviewing memorials daily. If any of you are too busy, just let me know in advance and I’ll make other arrangements.”

The Memorial Hall was originally set up by noble families to restrain Li Ming. Now that it had been burned down, Li Ming was creating a new “cabinet” to replace it. No one dared object, no matter how busy they were.

The four named ministers stepped forward to bow. These four represented all factions in the court, making the arrangement appear fair, so no one raised objections.

Seeing no one speak, Li Ming continued, “However, since these ministers are all very busy, others may be added later. We’ll decide that in due time.”

Li Rong understood Li Ming’s intentions.

This so-called “cabinet” wasn’t really about the four ministers named—it was about those who would be added later. These four were high-ranking and busy; the cabinet’s work was mostly laborious—sorting memorials by urgency and type to reduce Li Ming’s workload.

Without the Memorial Hall, Li Ming couldn’t manage alone. But could these senior ministers handle the grunt work?

Though the Memorial Hall was laborious, it controlled the first step of memorials entering the palace—an important role. No one wanted to give up that power. Eventually, the actual review of memorials would fall to the “additional” members.

So, who those additional members were would be crucial.

Li Rong thought of this and looked at Su Rongqing. At this point, she began to understand his true motive for burning down the Memorial Hall.

A Memorial Hall monitored by Pei Wenxuan was less useful than a cabinet paving the way for Prince Su.

Li Rong pondered as she listened to Li Ming and the ministers discussing the structure of the new cabinet. After court was dismissed, she left the palace and boarded her carriage, where she saw Pei Wenxuan waiting for her. She couldn’t help but smile: “We left court together—how did you get here so fast?”

“I have long legs,” Pei Wenxuan replied with a smile as he poured her tea. “Since we couldn’t walk side by side, I thought I’d come ahead and wait for Your Highness.”

“You smooth talker,” Li Rong teased him with a mix of mock annoyance and amusement. She turned and sat down, took the tea he offered, and said, “They didn’t mention the imperial examination today.”

“There was too much going on,” Pei Wenxuan said after sipping his tea. “Just wait—an imperial edict will be issued soon.”

Li Rong considered his words and asked, “Who do you think the edict will go to first?”

“How about this,” Pei Wenxuan looked up at her, “Let’s make a bet—two rounds.”

“What are we betting on?” Li Rong raised an eyebrow.

“First, who the first edict will be given to,” Pei Wenxuan said. “Second, what our edict will say.”

“Alright,” Li Rong agreed readily. “What’s the wager?”

“What does Your Highness want?” Pei Wenxuan asked.

Li Rong paused, unsure what to ask for. Pei Wenxuan had always indulged her—there didn’t seem to be anything worth betting over.

Seeing her hesitate, Pei Wenxuan said, “Then I’ll owe Your Highness a favor. Whenever you decide what you want, just come and collect.”

“Isn’t that a bit unfair to you?”

“You still have to win first.”

“Fair enough.” Li Rong nodded. “And what about you? What do you want?”

Pei Wenxuan coughed lightly, turned his head, and placed his hands on his knees, looking a bit embarrassed. “Uh, well…”

“Hm?”

“It’s been years since Your Highness went out for leisure.”

“You want to go out and have fun with me?”

Li Rong laughed. “That’s easy.”

“Well, I remember when we traveled together years ago, Your Highness saw a Persian dancer and got quite excited. It was a hot day, and the city was bustling with merchants…”

“Get to the point,” Li Rong interrupted him directly.

Pei Wenxuan couldn’t keep up the story and turned to her, saying plainly, “I bought an outfit tailored to your measurements. I know Your Highness can dance.”

Li Rong: “……”

Pei Wenxuan had spoken, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his ears flushed red, yet he still maintained a serious expression and said, “Your Highness, do you want to bet?”

Li Rong didn’t respond. She looked at Pei Wenxuan with interest, her gaze sweeping from top to bottom and back again. Her eyes seemed almost tangible, as if probing for something.

Pei Wenxuan stood stiffly, letting her scrutinize him like a meditating monk, calm and composed.

“Your Highness?”

Seeing that Li Rong remained silent for a long time, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but urge her. Li Rong chuckled, crossed one leg over the other, leaned casually against the small table, and with a flirtatious glance from her phoenix eyes, she smiled meaningfully: “Alright.”

Pei Wenxuan picked up a cup of tea and calmly analyzed, “After last night’s events, His Majesty will surely think carefully. From his perspective, the one thing he can confirm is that the matter with Hongde was indeed orchestrated by Consort Rou and the Su family. So there will definitely be an imperial decree for Consort Rou.”

“As for the remaining three matters, His Majesty cannot confirm: first, whether the person Hongde identified was truly Su Rongqing; second, who set the fire in the Hall of Affairs; and third, whether Your Highness has been secretly colluding with the Crown Prince. So most likely, His Majesty will punish everyone equally. He has already removed Su Rongqing from his position as Minister, and we haven’t been dealt with yet—but that punishment will surely come. So there will be another decree, either for me or for Your Highness.”

Pei Wenxuan looked up: “I bet the decree will come to us first.”

“Why?” Li Rong rested her head on her hand and looked at him.

“Just a hunch. What about you, Your Highness?”

“Then I’ll bet it goes to Consort Rou first.” Li Rong’s foot, which was crossed over her knee, gently swayed. Occasionally, it peeked out from her skirt, revealing a red embroidered shoe with white pear blossoms, flickering in front of Pei Wenxuan. His gaze involuntarily followed it. Li Rong noticed and looked up: “What are you looking at?”

Caught red-handed, Pei Wenxuan quickly looked away and chuckled, “Nothing.”

After returning to the Princess’s residence, Pei Wenxuan walked stiffly toward his own courtyard. Li Rong chased after him, tugging at him as if they were arguing, and pulled him into the inner courtyard.

Once inside, confirming they were among trusted people, the two finally relaxed. Li Rong spun around and sat at the small table, while Pei Wenxuan changed out of his official robes. When he returned, they set up a chessboard and chatted while waiting for the imperial decree.

According to their prediction, the decree would arrive sooner or later—the only question was whose it would be.

Before they finished a game of chess, Jinglan walked in and respectfully bowed, then said, “Your Highness, news from the palace.”

“Yes?”

“They say Consort Rou contradicted His Majesty last night and has now been stripped of her title as Noble Consort, demoted to Consort Rou.”

Upon hearing this, Li Rong smiled and looked at Pei Wenxuan: “Looks like I won.”

“There’s still one more round, isn’t there?”

Pei Wenxuan lowered his head: “I might not lose.”

“We’re definitely not going to win this one,” Li Rong waved her hand at Jinglan, who then quietly retreated. Li Rong looked up, “What should we bet on next?”

“What do you think His Majesty will do to punish us now that he’s dealt with Consort Rou?”

Pei Wenxuan tapped the edge of the chessboard with a chess piece, producing a crisp sound that drew Li Rong’s attention.

The young man’s fingers were long and clean, with distinct joints and neatly trimmed nails. The way he held the chess piece between two fingers was unexpectedly elegant.

“He’s all about ‘balance’ in his decisions. He’s already stripped Su Rongqing of his ministerial post, and hasn’t touched your position as Vice Minister. That means my role in the Inspectorate might not be safe.”

Li Rong smiled: “I’m guessing he’ll target the Inspectorate.”

“It’s too early to move against the Inspectorate. If you leave, the aristocratic families will tear it apart. He probably won’t touch it.”

“So?”

Li Rong made her move and asked, “What do you think he’ll go after?”

“Word from the palace last night said Consort Rou was crying and making a scene with His Majesty,” Pei Wenxuan said softly. “I suspect the trouble stems from the harem, so maybe it’s you, Your Highness,” he looked up with a half-smile, “who’s about to lose some funding.”

Li Rong’s expression changed instantly. “Then I’d rather they dismantle the Inspectorate.”

Ever since she started handling major affairs, money had been tight. If Li Ming cut her funding again, she’d truly lose motivation.

Pei Wenxuan was amused by her sudden change in expression and placed his piece with a suppressed chuckle: “The verdict isn’t out yet. Don’t panic. Maybe he won’t touch your money.”

“If it’s not money, it’ll be power. Either way, it’s bad. Right now, I just hope Consort Rou and Su Rongqing fall out soon,” Li Rong sighed and looked at Pei Wenxuan, “so your efforts won’t be in vain. I’ve been acting my part pretty hard too.”

Pei Wenxuan smiled without replying, only reminding her, “It’s your move.”

They continued playing for a long while. As night approached, palace messengers finally arrived, summoning Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong to receive the imperial decree.

The two exchanged a glance. Li Rong whispered, “It’s here.”

They stood, dressed in their official robes, and led their attendants to the entrance to receive the decree.

After exchanging pleasantries with the eunuch delivering the decree, they knelt down. The eunuch opened the scroll and began reading the day’s verdict.

Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan waited anxiously, wondering whether Li Ming would take their money or their power.

To their surprise, the decree began by praising Pei Wenxuan.

Both of them were stunned and couldn’t help but glance at each other.

Then, Li Ming praised Li Rong as well.

They grew even more anxious, unable to figure out what Li Ming was up to. Was he planning to punish both of them?

Finally, they heard the key line:

“Though the gentleman is talented and the lady beautiful, fate is cruel to such a match. Their personalities are incompatible, and the marriage cannot continue. Thus, by Pei Wenxuan’s request, the union is hereby dissolved…”

Divorce.

Li Rong was stunned for a moment. She couldn’t help but look at Pei Wenxuan.

Divorce??

Pei Wenxuan was also taken aback, but he signaled Li Rong to stay calm.

The two exchanged glances, hesitated for a long time, and finally accepted the decree.

Back in their room, Li Rong couldn’t help but ask, “That’s it?”

Pei Wenxuan chuckled, understanding what she meant. Standing behind her, he smiled and said, “Yes, Your Highness. You didn’t lose your money or your power—just your man.”

“Now you’re just talking nonsense,” Li Rong quickly turned around, worried he might overthink it. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re still here. As long as you don’t want to leave, even a decree can’t take you away.”

Pei Wenxuan smiled without replying. Li Rong thought for a moment, then tiptoed and whispered, “Besides, doesn’t Lord Pei find late-night visits to an ex-wife… thrilling?”

Pei Wenxuan looked at her with a smile: “Whether it’s thrilling, I don’t know. But I do know that Your Highness seems very excited.”

Li Rong blushed slightly and coughed: “Not that excited…”

Pei Wenxuan smiled meaningfully. After a moment, he gently reminded her, “It’s fine to be happy inside the residence, but outside, we still need to keep up appearances.”

“I know.” Li Rong gave him a sly glance. “I’ve got it under control.”

That very night, Pei Wenxuan packed his things and left the Princess’s residence, as if he couldn’t wait to get out.

Li Rong chased after him to the gates and stood there for a quarter of an hour.

The next day, news spread throughout the court: Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan had divorced, Pei Wenxuan had moved back to the Pei family estate, and Li Rong had chased his carriage down the street, crying and begging him to come back.

At first, people didn’t quite believe it. But when they saw Li Rong’s swollen eyes the next day, most were convinced.

Only heaven knew how much effort Li Rong had put into making her eyes look swollen.

She spent half the night secretly eating a big bowl of spicy noodles made by a Sichuan chef.

She cried while eating, the spiciness coursing through her body, oddly satisfying.

For a moment, the entire court felt a bit sympathetic toward Li Rong. And by the time court was dismissed, Li Chuan couldn’t hold back anymore—he secretly snuck over to the Princess’s residence to comfort her.

At that moment, Li Rong was lying on a rocking chair, rolling a boiled egg over her swollen eyes. Li Chuan had pulled up a small stool and was squatting beside her, gently comforting her: “Sis, don’t be too upset. Brother Pei must have his own plans. You two can remarry later.”

Li Rong ignored him and continued rolling the egg. Seeing that she didn’t want to talk, Li Chuan assumed she was deeply hurt and continued: “I know you like him. Otherwise, with your personality, you wouldn’t have chased his carriage down the street. But honestly, sis, your stamina is impressive…”

“Wait.”

Li Rong raised her hand to stop him, took the egg away, and looked at Li Chuan with her swollen eyes.

“Who chased a carriage down the street?”

“You did,” Li Chuan said confidently. “Everyone knows.”

Li Rong looked confused. Li Chuan kept trying to comfort her: “Divorce is better than both of you getting into trouble. Don’t be sad…”

“I’m not sad.”

Li Rong frowned and slapped away the hand Li Chuan was about to place on her shoulder. She turned over and closed her eyes to rest.

“I’m actually very happy.”

She hadn’t lost her money or her position—why wouldn’t she be happy?

Meanwhile, Hua Le was vividly describing the scene of Li Rong chasing the carriage and crying to Consort Rou, clearly delighted: “You wouldn’t believe it, Mother. I didn’t believe either at first. But then the whole court saw Pingle’s swollen eyes, and I believed it. Mother, you’re brilliant.”

Hua Le gave a thumbs-up: “Attack the heart. Now that Pei Wenxuan has divorced for the sake of power, with Li Rong’s temper, she probably won’t be able to forgive him. Alone, Li Rong is no match for you.”

Consort Rou listened with a smile. Though she didn’t openly agree, she didn’t deny it either.

After being suppressed by Li Rong for so long—from losing her authority over the Six Palaces to being demoted to Consort Rou—she finally felt vindicated.

She had known Li Rong couldn’t let go of Pei Wenxuan. So when Li Ming wanted to cut Li Rong’s funding, she persuaded him not to, still wary of Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong joining forces.

Now, seeing Li Rong cry like that, she finally felt relieved.

Clearly, to Li Rong, men mattered more than power or money.

That was their biggest difference—and the reason she would win.

Xiao Rou didn’t care about men.

She could be ruthless.

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