Chapter 129: A Rooftop Encounter, Followed By A Heavy Punch

After Li Rong received Sun Wen’s complaint and sent him away, Cui Yulang immediately contacted Consort Rou. Using Prince Su’s name, Consort Rou met with Cui Yulang, who then told her everything about Sun Wen.

“This Sun Wen is from my hometown. He was robbed of his spot to participate in the Spring Imperial Exam in Huajing by local gentry, so he came to me. I told him to report the matter to Princess Pingle. As I expected, Princess Pingle accepted the complaint early in the morning and sent him out of Huajing. Now, the boat that took him away can no longer be found.”

Hearing this, Consort Rou sat up straight and asked, “Are you telling the truth?”

“It’s true.”

Cui Yulang then took out a copy of the complaint: “This is the complaint Sun Wen left with me. Tomorrow, Your Grace can find an opportunity to summon Princess Pingle to the palace, show her this complaint first, and then we’ll find someone to formally accuse her.”

“Why should I tell her first?” Consort Rou frowned. “If she dared to kill someone who filed a complaint, wouldn’t it be better to go straight to His Majesty?”

“If Your Grace goes directly to His Majesty, he might only scold Princess Pingle and suspect Your Grace has ulterior motives. You’ve already been involved in the Hongde case; it’s best not to get involved again.” Cui Yulang knelt calmly and analyzed, “But if Your Grace lets Princess Pingle know you’re aware of the murder, she’ll be afraid. When she’s accused in court tomorrow, fearing the investigation into Sun Wen’s death, she might resign from her position as head of the Inspectorate before anything happens to avoid accountability.”

“She’s that timid?”

Consort Rou frowned. “Pingle is a clever little fox. I’m afraid your plan won’t work.”

Cui Yulang picked up his teacup and smiled lightly: “Does Your Grace know why Princess Pingle had to kill Sun Wen?”

“I’d like to hear more.”

“Princess Pingle is the Crown Prince’s sister. Even if she clashes with the aristocracy, she’s still one of them. So she can investigate the Qin case or the military funds case, but she can’t touch the aristocracy’s foundation. The imperial exam case involves too many people. She’s already in a precarious position and doesn’t dare take it on. Not only does she avoid it, she has to protect it. If the aristocracy is unstable, the Crown Prince is unstable. So she had to kill Sun Wen.”

Cui Yulang took a sip of tea. Consort Rou pondered: “You predicted she would kill Sun Wen before sending him?”

“When I said I’d give Your Grace the Inspectorate,” Cui Yulang raised an eyebrow, “did Your Grace think I was joking?”

Consort Rou was stunned. Cui Yulang set down his teacup, picked up his fan again, and continued slowly: “We lured her into killing Sun Wen, which gave us leverage. Then we pressure her to take on the imperial exam case. She doesn’t want to, but with this leverage, resigning from the Inspectorate is her safest option. Once she leaves, someone has to take over. Whoever dares to investigate the exam case,” Cui Yulang looked at Consort Rou, “will become the new head of the Inspectorate.”

“But,” Consort Rou hesitated, “even Li Rong didn’t dare investigate this case. If I do…”

“Princess Pingle isn’t afraid—she just doesn’t want to. The aristocracy is the Crown Prince’s support,” Cui Yulang leaned in slightly, “but is it Your Grace’s support?”

Consort Rou froze. Cui Yulang’s words slithered into her heart like a venomous snake: “Your Grace, born into humble origins, even if the aristocracy respects and assists you, they only see you as a pawn in their game. They will never be your true support. You and Princess Pingle are not the same.”

“You’ve come this far not because of the aristocracy’s support, but because you’ve weakened them. His Majesty values your humble background—that is Prince Su’s foundation. The harsher you are to the aristocracy, the more His Majesty will favor you. Princess Pingle gained the Inspectorate by investigating the aristocracy. If you want His Majesty’s protection, you must be even harsher than her.”

Consort Rou remained silent, digesting Cui Yulang’s words. Cui Yulang leaned against the armrest, observing her expression, and slowly said, “I know Your Grace has connections with some aristocratic families. But if you don’t believe me, think about it—since you started cooperating with them, have they ever brought you any real benefit?”

Consort Rou trembled at his words.

She suddenly realized—yes, although the Su family is powerful, she had never gained anything from cooperating with Su Rongqing. Not only had she received no benefits, but she had also incurred much of the emperor’s displeasure. And when trouble arose, the Su brothers protected themselves—Su Ronghua even turned on her, using her as a scapegoat to gain Li Ming’s forgiveness.

She was once a hidden power in the Six Palaces, but now she had been demoted to the rank of consort and was under suspicion by Li Ming. Was cooperating with the aristocracy truly better for Li Cheng?

Seeing her shaken, Cui Yulang pressed on: “In fact, His Majesty has long paved the way for Prince Su. For any emperor, the most important things are military and financial power. His Majesty gave your brother control of the Northwest Army to build military power for Prince Su. As for money, that comes from the court. Now that His Majesty supports you, Your Grace should not rely on the aristocracy, but instead use this time to build real power in your own hands.”

“Your true foundation,” Cui Yulang said clearly and deliberately, “is the humble class. The aristocracy—Your Grace only needs to maintain superficial relations with them.”

“I understand your meaning,” Consort Rou replied, having made up her mind. “I’ll make arrangements tomorrow.”

With her agreement, Cui Yulang stayed to strategize further. After he left, Consort Rou sat alone in her chamber. Her maid Chunxi approached with tea, looking worried: “Your Grace, should we inform Lord Su about this?”

“He wouldn’t agree.”

Consort Rou replied slowly, “Cui Yulang was right. To someone like Su Rongqing,” she sneered, “I’m far less important than his family’s interests. If they didn’t want Li Rong to investigate, would they want me to?”

“Prepare an invitation,” she ordered. “Invite Princess Pingle to the palace for a chat.”

The next day, the invitation reached Li Rong. After court, she saw it and smiled, knowing Cui Yulang had persuaded Consort Rou.

She didn’t refuse and accepted the invitation, heading to Consort Rou’s palace.

When Li Rong arrived, Consort Rou was alone. She looked up and smiled warmly: “Pingle, you’re here?”

She was skilled in diplomacy. Even when facing someone she deeply disliked like Li Rong, she still wore a sincere smile.

Li Rong nodded as a gesture of greeting. Consort Rou invited her to sit. Li Rong noticed the tea and pastries on the table were all her favorites, and couldn’t help but admire Consort Rou’s graciousness.

Even at fifty, Li Rong couldn’t match Consort Rou’s ability to treat an enemy with such generosity.

“You haven’t visited the palace much since your marriage. I’ve missed you,” Consort Rou said gently, pouring tea like a caring elder. “How have you been since the divorce?”

“Thank you for your concern,” Li Rong replied with a practiced smile. “The Inspectorate keeps me busy. I haven’t felt much else.”

“Even with work, you must take care of your health,” Consort Rou said, pushing the teacup toward her. As Li Rong blew on the tea, Consort Rou observed her and slowly said, “I actually asked you here for a favor. I have a distant relative who studied hard for ten years and finally passed the autumn exam last year, becoming a provincial graduate. He was preparing for the spring exam this year, but someone took his spot. He traveled all the way to Huajing to file a complaint. I couldn’t find anyone suitable to help him—so I thought of you.”

As she spoke, Consort Rou took a copied version of Sun Wen’s complaint and handed it to Li Rong: “I previously told him to find you. Did you see him? His name is Sun Wen.”

Hearing that name, Li Rong froze.

Consort Rou looked at her, tilting her head slightly, as if completely unaware of what Li Rong had done, and smiled: “Judging by your reaction, I suppose you did see him.”

“I did not.” Li Rong seemed to snap back to herself, pretending to be calm. “This matter should be handled by the Ministry of Justice. Your Grace should have sent him there. It’s getting late,” she said, standing up, “I’ll take my leave.”

“True,” Consort Rou smiled, “you’re busy—go ahead.”

She called for someone to escort Li Rong out. As soon as the attendant arrived, Li Rong was eager to leave. But Consort Rou slowly called out, “Pingle.”

Li Rong stopped. Consort Rou turned her teacup and said, “If you don’t want others to know, don’t do it. What’s yours is yours. What isn’t—can’t be held.”

Li Rong turned back and saw Consort Rou smiling warmly at her: “Take care.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Li Rong replied coldly, then walked out.

Once she left, Consort Rou stroked her teacup and couldn’t help but laugh.

After all these years, it was the first time she’d seen Li Rong flustered.

Meanwhile, Li Rong left the palace and boarded her carriage. She quickly returned to her usual relaxed demeanor, sipping tea and letting her maid Jinglan massage her shoulders. The panic from earlier was completely gone—she looked quite at ease.

“Why is Your Highness so cheerful?” Jinglan asked curiously.

Li Rong smiled and simply said, “Caught a fish.”

Having deceived Consort Rou, Li Rong summoned Cui Yulang that evening.

To make it easier for him to come and go, she had the guards’ shift schedule changed, leaving one route unpatrolled specifically for Cui Yulang.

That night, Cui Yulang skillfully climbed over the wall and entered the princess’s residence. After discussing how to coordinate in court the next day, he left again in the middle of the night.

Just after he left, someone from Pei Wenxuan’s side reported Li Rong’s adjustment of the guards’ patrol schedule to him.

Although Pei Wenxuan had left the princess’s residence, he still had many people stationed there. In fact, he had more intelligence from the princess’s residence than anywhere else in Huajing. This was the third time Li Rong had changed the patrol schedule—and all at night. Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but grow suspicious.

He immediately ordered a detailed investigation into the three patrol changes before going to bed. But even after lying down, he couldn’t sleep.

He still trusted Li Rong. Their relationship was strong, and she likely wouldn’t betray him.

But he worried nonetheless. Li Rong was someone who loved beauty. If he wasn’t around, and she encountered someone with bad intentions who managed to charm her—what then?

The thought of such a possibility made Pei Wenxuan restless. He wanted to get up and go to her right away, but also felt he might be overthinking.

Li Rong wasn’t some naïve girl—how could she be so easily fooled?

After a restless night, the next morning arrived. Pei Wenxuan went early to the palace gates and waited there. When he finally saw Li Rong’s carriage, he quickly had his own carriage pull up alongside hers so they could arrive together and lift the curtains at the same time.

Seeing Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong smiled: “Lord Pei, what a coincidence.”

Pei Wenxuan, maintaining a cold demeanor in public, simply nodded and said nothing.

But even that brief greeting made him feel a bit happy.

The two entered court. Pei Wenxuan, now promoted, stood closer to Li Rong and stole glances at her from the side.

Li Rong, unaware of Pei Wenxuan’s emotions, lightly tapped her palm with a small fan, waiting for today’s performance.

Halfway through the court session, Emperor Li Ming, as usual, asked if there were any other matters. Suddenly, a minor official from the Censorate stepped forward.

“Your Majesty,” the official said calmly, “I have a memorial to present.”

“Speak,” Li Ming replied, sipping tea with little interest. The official lifted his robe and knelt, declaring loudly, “I wish to impeach Princess Pingle of the Inspectorate for concealing a case and threatening the complainant into leaving the capital!”

Li Ming paused mid-sip. Li Rong immediately stepped forward and knelt: “Father, I am innocent!”

Her intense reaction made Li Ming frown. He glanced at the official and set down his teacup: “How did she conceal the case? Explain.”

Everyone turned to the official, who trembled slightly but stood firm—working in the Censorate required courage. He pressed on: “Sun Wen, a candidate from Chen County, was the top scorer in last year’s autumn exam. This year, he was supposed to take the spring exam as a provincial graduate, but was persecuted by local gentry and had his spot taken. He came to the capital to seek justice. However, after submitting his complaint to the Inspectorate, Princess Pingle not only failed to investigate, but also sent him out of the capital. He is now missing. Such misconduct must be thoroughly investigated!”

“Pingle,” Li Ming turned to Li Rong, “do you have anything to say?”

“I… I…” Li Rong was clearly flustered. She quickly gathered her thoughts and finally said, “I am innocent! He says this—but where is the evidence?!”

“I have witnesses,” the official replied calmly. “Many saw Sun Wen go to the Inspectorate.”

“He did come to file a complaint,” Li Rong responded quickly. “I accepted his petition, but before I could begin investigating, he left the capital on his own. How can you say I forced him to leave?”

“That’s enough.”

Li Ming interrupted them: “Censor Wang, you have no solid evidence. Pingle, you will explain this to me later.”

“Yes.”

Li Rong exhaled in relief and knelt to thank the emperor.

Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong kneeling on the ground and couldn’t help but frown.

Seeing her bow her head made him feel uncomfortable.

After court ended, Li Rong went to the imperial study. When Emperor Li Ming saw her enter, he said nothing and simply had her kneel.

Li Rong knelt for a while before Li Ming finally spoke: “Sun Wen is dead, isn’t he?”

“I don’t know,” Li Rong replied, still kneeling. Li Ming glanced at her and said coldly, “I know all your tricks. A death or two doesn’t concern me. I’m only asking you one thing,” his voice sharpened, “the imperial exam case—will you investigate it or not?”

Li Rong froze. Seeing her hesitate, Li Ming raised his head and stared at her: “I gave you the Inspectorate not for you to play games. Sun Wen’s case touches the foundation of talent selection in Da Xia. I must see it investigated thoroughly. But you killed him. Tell me—do you refuse to investigate?”

“I…” Li Rong struggled to speak. “I didn’t kill Sun Wen.”

“I’m asking about the exam case. Whether Sun Wen is dead or not doesn’t matter. Will you investigate it or not?”

“Father,” Li Rong hesitated, “I… don’t dare to.”

“Don’t dare?” Li Ming sneered. “If you don’t dare, then what use are you to me? You shouldn’t be head of the Inspectorate anymore.”

Li Rong said nothing. Li Ming knew then that she was determined not to investigate the case.

He thought for a moment and understood her strategy.

She must have realized his intentions and decided not to worsen her relationship with the aristocracy.

Li Ming believed in checks and balances, while Li Rong sought equilibrium in politics.

But Li Ming had no tolerance for her kind of balance. He sneered and said, “Write your resignation yourself. Recommend Prince Su as the new head of the Inspectorate.”

“But Father…”

“If you don’t write it,” Li Ming said bluntly, “Sun Wen’s case won’t end here.”

Li Rong froze, as if her weak spot had been struck. She knelt there in a daze. After a long silence, she spoke in defeat: “Yes.”

“Leave,” Li Ming said coldly. “You’ve just divorced. You should rest.”

“Yes.”

Li Rong responded and rose, looking lost and broken.

Li Ming ignored her. As she walked out in a daze, she saw Consort Rou entering with a bowl of soup.

Consort Rou saw Li Rong’s expression and simply smiled, nodding to her before entering the imperial study.

Li Rong looked at Consort Rou’s proud and confident smile and held back a laugh, pretending to clench her fists in anguish, as if struggling to suppress her emotions.

In that moment, she felt her acting was truly masterful—like she had reached the peak of her craft.

Her performance pleased Consort Rou greatly. That evening, when Li Rong’s resignation and the recommendation letter for Prince Su arrived in Consort Rou’s hands, she couldn’t stop smiling.

She praised repeatedly: “Cui Yulang really knows what he’s doing. Look at him—one move, and he delivers the Inspectorate.”

“A talent like Cui Yulang,” Consort Rou sighed, “how did I not notice him earlier? What a pity.”

While Consort Rou and Hua Le were celebrating in the palace, Cui Yulang rushed to the princess’s residence to discuss the next steps with Li Rong.

Pei Wenxuan received the news of Li Rong losing the Inspectorate while he was in a strategy meeting with his trusted aides. Hearing it, he became visibly unsettled.

He knew it was part of Li Rong’s plan, but still couldn’t help worrying—she must be feeling hurt.

Losing the Inspectorate was because Li Ming saw her as nothing more than a pawn. If he had even a shred of concern for her, he wouldn’t have stripped her of the position so quickly, nor forced her to personally recommend Prince Su.

Pei Wenxuan couldn’t stop thinking about Li Rong. That night, when he learned she had once again changed the guards’ patrol schedule, he finally couldn’t hold back.

He had already obtained the details of the three recent patrol changes. Comparing them, he realized that the shifts created a gap—one route was left completely unguarded.

After pondering for a moment, he changed into a different outfit, donned a black cloak, and under cover of night, left through the back gate in a carriage.

He had the route cleared and confirmed there were no spies before secretly arriving at the princess’s residence.

Outside, he wore a black cloak, but underneath was a luxurious moon-colored robe with silver embroidery. His hair was neatly tied with a jade crown. Before leaving, he had even bathed and perfumed himself. Seeing this, Tong Ye couldn’t help but ask, “Young Master, are you going to discuss business—or on a romantic rendezvous?”

Pei Wenxuan ignored him. It was rare to see Li Rong—how could he afford to look anything less than perfect?

There were only two patrol gaps in Li Rong’s schedule. The first had already passed; now he waited for the second.

And he wanted to see for himself—who exactly was Li Rong making time for?

Thinking of this, Pei Wenxuan’s eyes grew cold.

As he rushed to the princess’s residence, Cui Yulang and Li Rong had just finished their discussion. Seeing the second patrol shift approaching, Cui Yulang respectfully said, “Your Highness, since we’ve finished our discussion, I shall take my leave.”

Li Rong, feeling tired, nodded and let him go.

After Cui Yulang left, Li Rong got up and ordered a petal bath to be prepared in the imperial hot spring. She took down her hair and headed to the bath to relax.

Yawning, she entered the bath, assisted by her attendants. She had spoken to many people that day and didn’t feel like seeing anyone else, so she dismissed her maids to wait outside the door.

While Li Rong was soaking in the hot spring with her eyes closed, Pei Wenxuan arrived at the southwest corner of the princess’s residence wall. He had calculated the patrol schedule precisely—at this moment, that corner was left unguarded.

Pei Wenxuan reached the wall and had Tong Ye bend down so he could climb up using his back.

At the same time, Cui Yulang, having just thanked Zhao Chongjiu, also stepped onto Zhao’s shoulder and began climbing the wall with difficulty.

Thus, Pei Wenxuan and Cui Yulang both reached the top of the wall at the same time. In the moonlight, they suddenly noticed each other—like two mushrooms sprouting from the darkness on opposite sides of the wall.

They locked eyes briefly.

Pei Wenxuan struck first, cursing under his breath: “So it’s you!”

Without hesitation, he threw a heavy punch—fierce and direct!

A clash atop the wall. A fist flies.

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