Аftеr Li Rоng sеnt Sun Wеn awaу uроn rесeiving his petitiоn, Сui Yulang immediаtely соntасtеd Сonsort Rоu. Using Prince Su’s name as а рretеxt, Соnsоrt Rоu met with Сui Yulаng, whо thеn rеlaуed Sun Wen’s mattеr tо her in full dеtail.
“This Sun Wen is а fellow tоwnsman of minе. Не wаs rоbbеd оf his plaсе to раrtiсipаte in thе Sрring Imperiаl Еxаmination in Huаjing by a loсаl gеntry, sо he camе tо Нuajing tо sееk mе оut. I аdvised him tо tаke his griеvanсe to Рrincеss Рinglе. As I аntiсiраted, Princеss Pingle accеpted his pеtition eаrly in thе mоrning and thеn sent him out of Huajing. The boat that escorted him out of the city has now vanished without a trace.”
Upon hearing Cui Yulang’s words, Consort Rou immediately straightened up and asked, “Are you certain of this?”
“Absolutely.”
As he spoke, Cui Yulang produced a copy of the petition. “This is the petition Sun Wen left with me. Your Highness can find an opportunity tomorrow to summon Princess Pingle to the palace. First, show her this petition. Afterward, we can arrange for someone to impeach her over this matter.”
“Why should I inform her of this beforehand?” Consort Rou frowned. “Since she dared to directly kill the petitioner, wouldn’t it be better for me to report it directly to His Majesty?”
“If Your Highness reports this directly to His Majesty, at most, His Majesty will reprimand Princess Pingle and suspect Your Highness of ulterior motives. Your Highness has already been involved in the Hongde case; it would be best not to participate in this matter further.” Cui Yulang knelt on the floor, calmly analyzing the situation. “However, if Your Highness first lets Princess Pingle know that you are aware of her murderous act, she will become fearful. When she is impeached in court tomorrow, fearing that Sun Wen’s death will be uncovered, she will resign from her position as head of the Supervisory Department before anything happens, to avoid being held accountable.”
“Is she really that timid?”
Consort Rou frowned. “Pingle is a cunning little fox. I’m afraid your plan might not succeed.”
Cui Yulang picked up his teacup and smiled faintly. “Does Your Highness know why Princess Pingle wanted to kill Sun Wen?”
“I would like to hear the details.”
“Princess Pingle is, after all, the Crown Prince’s sister. No matter how much she appears to oppose the noble families, she is still one of them. Therefore, she can investigate a case like Qin Shi’s or the military funds case, but she cannot shake the foundations of the noble families. The imperial examination case involves too many people at all levels. She is already in a precarious position and naturally dares not take on such a case. Not only does she dare not accept it, but she must also protect the interests involved. If the noble families are destabilized, the Crown Prince’s position will be threatened. That is why she had to kill Sun Wen.”
As he spoke, Cui Yulang took a sip of tea. Consort Rou pondered. “Did you anticipate she would kill Sun Wen even before sending him to her?”
“I said I would deliver the Supervisory Department to Your Highness,” Cui Yulang raised an eyebrow. “Did Your Highness think I was joking?”
Consort Rou was taken aback. Cui Yulang set down his teacup, picked up his fan again, and spoke slowly. “By luring her into killing Sun Wen, we have already seized her weakness. Then, by forcing her to take on the imperial examination case—a case she does not want to handle, while we hold her weakness—resigning from the Supervisory Department becomes her safest option. Once she steps down, someone must take control of the Supervisory Department. Whoever is willing to investigate the imperial examination case,” Cui Yulang looked at Consort Rou, “will become the new master of the Supervisory Department.”
“But,” Consort Rou hesitated, “if even Li Rong dares not investigate this case, how can I…”
“Princess Pingle does not dare not; she simply does not want to. The noble families are the Crown Prince’s support,” Cui Yulang leaned forward slightly. “But are they your support?”Consort Rou froze, Cui Yulang's words slithered into her heart like venomous serpents, coiling tightly within: "Your Highness, given your background, even if noble families respect and assist you, they are merely using you as a pawn in their game. The noble families will never become your reliance. You and Princess Pingle are not the same."
"Your rise to this day has not been sustained by the noble families; on the contrary, it has been achieved through your weakening of them. What His Majesty values is your humble origins—this is the very foundation of Prince Su's position. The harsher you are toward the noble families, the deeper His Majesty's favor will be. Princess Pingle established the Supervisory Department precisely because she investigated cases involving noble families. If you wish to earn His Majesty's affection, you must act even more ruthlessly than Princess Pingle."
Consort Rou remained silent, digesting Cui Yulang's words. Cui Yulang leaned against the armrest, observing her expression, and slowly continued, "I know Your Highness has connections with some scions of noble families. If you do not believe me, consider this: throughout your cooperation, what benefits have those noble families brought you?"
At these words, Consort Rou shuddered.
She suddenly realized—yes, although the Su family was powerful, since cooperating with Su Rongqing, she had never gained any advantage.
Not only had she gained no advantage, but she had also incurred His Majesty's displeasure on numerous occasions. When trouble arose, the Su brothers, to protect themselves, had Su Ronghua immediately betray her, using her as a shield to win Li Ming's forgiveness.
Once the hidden mistress of the six palaces, she had now been demoted to the rank of consort and was under Li Ming's suspicion. Was cooperating with noble families truly better for Li Cheng?
Seeing Consort Rou's wavering resolve, Cui Yulang seized the moment to press further: "In truth, His Majesty has long paved the way for Prince Su. For any ruler, the most crucial matters are military power and wealth. By entrusting the military authority of the northwest to your brother, His Majesty has laid the foundation for Prince Su's military strength. As for wealth, it ultimately depends on court affairs. Now that His Majesty supports you, what you should do is not rely on noble families but, while His Majesty still protects you, build power that truly lies in your hands."
"Humble origins," Cui Yulang enunciated each word with emphasis, "are Your Highness's ultimate belonging. As for the noble families, you need only maintain contact and deal with them superficially."
"I understand your meaning, sir," Consort Rou said, having made her decision after listening to Cui Yulang's analysis. "I will make arrangements tomorrow."
Having received Consort Rou's agreement, Cui Yulang continued planning with her for a while longer. After he left, Consort Rou sat alone in her chamber. Her maid, Chunxi, approached to serve tea and asked with concern, "Your Highness, should we inform Minister Su about this matter?"
"He would not agree."
Consort Rou replied leisurely, "Cui Yulang spoke one truth: for someone like Su Rongqing," she laughed mockingly, "I am far less important than the interests of his noble family. If they do not want Li Rong to investigate, would they willingly let me do so?"
"Prepare an invitation," Consort Rou instructed. "Invite Ping Le to the palace for a chat."
The invitation reached Li Rong's hands the following day. After court, Li Rong saw it and smiled, knowing Cui Yulang had successfully persuaded Consort Rou.
She did not refuse but accepted the invitation directly and went to Consort Rou's palace.When Li Rong arrived, only Consort Rou was in the palace. Seeing Li Rong enter, she looked up and said with a smile, "Ping Le is here?"
She was a skilled socialite; even when facing Li Rong, whom she loathed to the extreme, she wore an utterly sincere smile on her face.
Li Rong nodded slightly as a gesture of courtesy. Consort Rou invited her to sit, and as Li Rong glanced at the tea and pastries prepared on the table, she noticed they were all her favorites. She couldn’t help but marvel at Consort Rou’s magnanimity.
Even at fifty years of age, she herself could not muster such tolerance toward an enemy.
"You’ve rarely entered the palace since your marriage. It’s been so long since I last saw you; I’ve missed you," Consort Rou said as she poured tea for Li Rong, speaking with the gentle concern of an elder. "How have you been since the annulment?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness," Li Rong replied with practiced ease, accustomed to the hypocrisy of palace life. "The Supervisory Department keeps me busy, so I haven’t had much time for other thoughts."
"Though official duties are demanding, you must still take care of your health," Consort Rou said, pushing the teacup toward Li Rong. As Li Rong lifted the cup and blew on the tea, Consort Rou observed her and continued slowly, "Actually, there’s another matter I’d like to ask for your help with. I have a distant relative who studied diligently for ten years, finally passed last autumn’s provincial examination to become a tribute scholar, and was preparing to take the Spring Imperial Examination this year. But unexpectedly, someone took his spot. He traveled all the way to Huajing to file a complaint, and after much thought, I couldn’t think of anyone more suitable to help than you."
As she spoke, Consort Rou retrieved a copy of Sun Wen’s petition from the side and handed it to Li Rong. "I previously asked him to seek you out. Have you met him? His name is Sun Wen."
Hearing the name, Li Rong froze.
Consort Rou tilted her head slightly, watching Li Rong as if completely unaware of what she had done, and smiled. "Judging by your reaction, you must have met him."
"I haven’t," Li Rong replied, feigning composure as if she had just regained her senses. "The matter Your Highness speaks of should be handled by the Ministry of Justice. You should have directed him there. It’s getting late," Li Rong stood up, "Ping Le will take her leave."
"Indeed," Consort Rou smiled. "You are busy, so 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 leisurely called out to her, "Ping Le."
Li Rong halted her steps. Consort Rou twirled the teacup in her hand. "If you don’t want others to know, don’t do it in the first place. What is yours will remain yours; what isn’t yours cannot be held onto."
Li Rong turned back to see Consort Rou smiling brightly at her. "Take care."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."
With a cold expression, Li Rong offered her thanks and walked out.
After Li Rong left, Consort Rou stroked her teacup and couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
After all these years, this was the first time she had seen Li Rong flustered.
Meanwhile, Li Rong, upon leaving the palace and boarding her carriage, immediately regained her usual leisurely demeanor. Sitting in the carriage, she sipped tea while Jing Lan massaged her shoulders, her earlier panic completely gone, replaced by an air of ease.
"Your Highness, why do you seem so pleased?"
Jing Lan couldn’t help but ask. Li Rong smiled faintly and replied, "I’ve hooked a fish."
Li Rong had managed to deceive Consort Rou. Later that evening, she summoned Cui Yulang once more.
To facilitate Cui Yulang’s comings and goings, she had specifically arranged for the guards to adjust their patrol schedule, leaving one route unguarded and reserved exclusively for him.Cui Yulang skillfully scaled the wall at night, entering the Princess's Manor to discuss with Li Rong how they would coordinate their actions in court the following day. He slipped out again in the dead of night.
No sooner had he left than Pei Wenxuan's informants reported to him about Li Rong's adjustments to the guards' patrol schedule.
Although Pei Wenxuan had left the Princess's Manor, he had left behind quite a few of his people there. In fact, within all of Huajing, the Princess's Manor was where he had the most intelligence sources. This was the third time recently that Li Rong had altered the guards' patrol schedule, and all the changes had been made at night. Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but have some suspicions.
He immediately ordered a detailed investigation into the specifics of all three schedule adjustments before finally going to bed. Yet, once he lay down, he found himself unable to sleep.
He still trusted Li Rong. Given their relationship, she shouldn't do anything to betray him.
But he couldn't help worrying. Li Rong had always been fond of handsome men. With him not by her side, what if—just what if—she had some ideas, encountered some scoundrels, and was sweet-talked into something? What then?
The mere thought of this possibility kept Pei Wenxuan awake with worry. He wished he could get up right then and go find Li Rong, yet he also felt he was overthinking things.
Li Rong wasn't a foolish girl. How could she be so easily swayed?
After tossing and turning all night, the next day finally arrived. He arrived early at the palace gates and waited there. When he finally saw Li Rong's carriage approaching, he quickly had his own carriage catch up to hers. They arrived at the palace gates at the same time, and both lifted their carriage curtains simultaneously.
Seeing Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong couldn't help but smile. "Minister Pei, what a coincidence?"
Pei Wenxuan had to maintain a facade of indifference in public, so he merely nodded without speaking.
Yet, just receiving this greeting from her made him feel somewhat happy.
The two entered the court session, and Pei Wenxuan stole glances at Li Rong, who stood at the very front.
Now that he had been promoted, he was closer to her than before.
Li Rong remained completely unaware of Pei Wenxuan's emotions. She lightly tapped a small fan against her palm, waiting for today's performance.
When the court session was halfway through, Li Ming, as usual, asked if there were any other matters to discuss. Suddenly, a minor official from the Censorate stepped forward.
"Your Majesty," the official said calmly, "this humble official has a memorial to present."
"Speak," Li Ming replied, sipping his tea with disinterest. The official knelt, lifting the hem of his robe, and declared loudly, "This humble official wishes to impeach Princess Pingle of the Supervisory Department for knowingly concealing a case, and instead threatening and sending away the petitioner!"
Hearing this, Li Ming paused with his teacup in hand. Li Rong immediately stepped forward and knelt on the ground. "Father, your daughter is wronged!"
Li Rong's intense reaction made Li Ming frown. He glanced at the minor official, set down his teacup, and said, "How did she conceal the case? Explain."
All eyes turned to the minor official, who couldn't help but tremble slightly. However, working in the Censorate required courage above all else. So, steeling himself, he continued, "Sun Wen, a candidate from Chen County, was originally the top scorer in last year's Chen County Autumn Imperial Examination and a candidate recommended for this year's Spring Imperial Examination from Chen County. However, he was persecuted by local gentry, who usurped his spot, preventing him from participating in the Spring Imperial Examination. He came to the capital specifically to appeal to Your Majesty, seeking justice. Yet, when his petition reached the Supervisory Department, Princess Pingle not only failed to investigate and report the case but also sent Sun Wen away from Huajing. His whereabouts are now unknown. Such egregious conduct warrants Your Majesty's strict investigation!"
"Pingle," Li Ming looked at Li Rong, "do you have anything to say?""Your daughter... your daughter..." Li Rong was clearly flustered. She quickly gathered her thoughts and finally said, "Your daughter is wronged! What evidence does he have to say such things?!"
"This humble official has witnesses," the minor official replied calmly and confidently. "Many people saw Sun Wen go to the Supervisory Department to file a complaint."
"It's true he came to file a complaint," Li Rong immediately countered. "I did receive his petition, but before any investigation could begin, he left the capital on his own. How can you say I forced him to leave?"
"Enough."
Li Ming cut off their argument. "In this matter, Censor Wang has no solid evidence either. Ping Le, you will explain this clearly to me later."
"Yes."
Li Rong breathed a sigh of relief and knelt on the ground to thank Li Ming.
Pei Wenxuan watched Li Rong kneeling on the floor and couldn't help but frown.
Seeing Li Rong bow her head always made him somewhat uncomfortable.
After court adjourned, Li Rong went to the imperial study. When Li Ming saw her enter, he didn't speak, simply letting her kneel.
Li Rong knelt in the imperial study for a while before Li Ming finally spoke: "Sun Wen is dead, isn't he?"
"Your daughter does not know." Li Rong knelt silently on the floor. Li Ming glanced at her and said, "I understand all your schemes. The death of one or two people means nothing to me. I only ask you one thing." Li Ming's voice turned cold. "Will you investigate the imperial examination case?"
Li Rong froze. Seeing her hesitation, Li Ming raised his head and stared intently at her. "I gave you the Supervisory Department not for you to play games. Sun Wen's case concerns the very foundation of Great Xia's talent selection system. I must have it thoroughly investigated. Yet you killed him. Tell me, do you not wish to investigate?"
"Your daughter..." Li Rong struggled to speak. "...did not kill Sun Wen."
"I'm asking you about the imperial examination case. Whether Sun Wen lives or dies is irrelevant. Will you investigate or not?"
"Imperial Father," Li Rong hesitated, "your daughter... dares not investigate."
"Dare not?" Li Ming laughed coldly. "If you dare not, then what use are you to me? Should you even remain as head of the Supervisory Department?"
Li Rong remained silent, and Li Ming knew then that she was determined not to investigate this case.
After a moment's thought, Li Ming understood Li Rong's calculations.
She had likely already discerned his intentions, and having come this far, she didn't intend to further worsen relations with the noble families.
He emphasized checks and balances, while what Li Rong pursued in officialdom was equilibrium.
But how could Li Ming tolerate her equilibrium? He gave a cold laugh and said, "Write your resignation yourself and recommend Prince Su as the new head of the Supervisory Department."
"Imperial Father, but..."
"If you don't write it," Li Ming said directly, "Sun Wen's case will not end here."
Li Rong froze, as if her weakness had been exposed. She knelt dazedly in place. After a long while, she uttered dejectedly, "Yes."
"Leave now." Li Ming said indifferently. "You've just divorced recently. You should rest properly."
"Yes."
Li Rong responded, rising to her feet in a daze.
Li Ming paid her no further attention. Li Rong walked out in a trance and had just exited when she saw Consort Rou approaching with soup.
Consort Rou looked at Li Rong's appearance, smiled and nodded to her, then entered the imperial study.
Seeing Consort Rou's proud and confident smile, Li Rong suppressed her own laughter, deliberately clenching her fist as if bearing some deep grievance, appearing to struggle to control her emotions.
At that moment, she felt her acting skills were truly masterful, as if she had reached their peak.Such a dedicated performance also pleased Consort Rou. By evening, when Li Rong's resignation letter and Prince Su's recommendation letter reached Consort Rou's hands, she couldn't stop laughing.
She repeatedly praised, "Cui Yulang truly has a way. Look at him—with one move, he secures a Supervisory Department."
"A talent like Cui Yulang," Consort Rou sighed, "how could we not have noticed him earlier? What a pity."
While Consort Rou and Hua Le were overjoyed in the palace, Cui Yulang hurried to the Princess's Manor to discuss the next steps with Li Rong.
When Pei Wenxuan received the news that Li Rong had lost the Supervisory Department, he was discussing the next steps with several trusted aides. Hearing this, he immediately felt restless.
He knew this was Li Rong's scheme, but he couldn't help thinking that Li Rong would ultimately feel sad.
Losing the Supervisory Department was because Li Ming treated her purely as a pawn. If Li Ming had even the slightest consideration for her, she wouldn't have lost the Supervisory Department so quickly, nor would she have had to personally write a letter recommending Prince Su for the position.
His heart was preoccupied with Li Rong. When he learned in the evening that Li Rong had once again adjusted the guards, he finally couldn't hold back.
He had already obtained the guard rotation schedule for the past three days. After a brief comparison, he discovered that by staggering the patrol times and locations, a path had effectively been left unguarded.
After pondering for a moment, he finally changed into a set of clothes, draped a black cloak over himself, and under the cover of night, drove a carriage out through the back door.
He had the road cleared and confirmed there were no spies along the way before secretly arriving at the Princess's Manor.
Beneath his black cloak, he wore a moon-colored silver-patterned formal robe, his hair half-tied with a jade crown, neatly combed. Before leaving, he had even specifically bathed and perfumed himself, prompting Tong Ye to ask, "Young Master, are you going to discuss serious matters or to have a secret rendezvous?"
Pei Wenxuan ignored him. How could he lose face when finally seeing Li Rong?
After all, Li Rong's guard adjustments only left two gaps. The first gap had already passed, so he was waiting for the second.
Moreover, he also wanted to see for whom Li Rong had arranged this timing.
At this thought, a hint of coldness flashed in Pei Wenxuan's eyes.
As he hurried to the Princess's Manor, Cui Yulang and Li Rong had also finished their discussions. Seeing the time for the second guard shift change, Cui Yulang respectfully said, "Your Highness, since everything has been settled, I shall take my leave."
Li Rong also felt tired. She nodded and allowed Cui Yulang to withdraw.
After Cui Yulang respectfully left, Li Rong stood up and had someone prepare a bath with flower petals and bath beans at the Imperial Spring Bath. She let down her hair and walked toward the bathhouse, intending to soak and relieve her fatigue.
Yawning, she arrived at the bathhouse and was assisted into the hot spring.
Having spoken with many people today, she didn't feel like seeing anyone else, so she dismissed the maids to wait outside the door.
While Li Rong was soaking with her eyes closed in the bathhouse, Pei Wenxuan also arrived at the rear courtyard wall of the Princess's Manor. He had calculated the schedule—this was precisely the time when an unpatrolled area opened up near the southwest corner of the rear courtyard wall.
Pei Wenxuan reached the wall, had Tong Ye bend over, and stepped on him to climb up.
At the same time, after thanking Zhao Chongjiu, Cui Yulang also struggled to climb onto the wall by stepping on Zhao Chongjiu's shoulder.Pei Wenxuan and Cui Yulang simultaneously scaled the high wall. Under the moonlight, they both noticed a figure rising from the other side of the wall, like a mushroom sprouting from the darkness.
After a brief moment of eye contact, Pei Wenxuan took the initiative, cursing under his breath, "So it's you!"
Without hesitation, he threw a heavy iron fist, striking fiercely!
Meeting atop the wall, fists flew without mercy.
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