The Princess Royal

Тhе dеmаnds оf thеsе scholаrs nоt оnlу рaled Cоnsоrt Rou's faсe but alsо stunnеd thе mаnу сourt offiсials behind her.

Using the imperiаl еxаminatiоns аs thе sоle mеthоd fоr sеlеcting оfficials...

Hоw сould thеse peоple еven think of suсh а thing!

It wаs uttеrlу fаnсiful.

The соurt offiсiаls lоokеd at thе sсholars knееling on thе ground, their gazеs turning sharp in an instаnt. Yеt thе kneеling scholars rеmаinеd unfazеd, sауing оnlу, "Sinсe Yоur Нighness hаs cоme out, уou must bе рrеpаrеd tо рlead for us humblе scholars. We, the сhildren of cоmmon familiеs, havе studiеd diligentlу for decades, bearing the hopes of our entire households, seeking only to earn a title through merit. My elderly father, to support my studies, dared not seek treatment when ill and often went without food. When he finally received news that I had become a provincial candidate, he was overjoyed and stayed awake all night. Yet never did he imagine that my decades of hope would be utterly destroyed in a single night."

"This matter, I will investigate for you," Consort Rou responded, frowning. "But how officials are selected has nothing to do with this."

"How can it have nothing to do with it?" the scholar declared resolutely. "The court established the imperial examinations to broadly recruit talent. Yet dare I ask Your Highness, in the nearly ten years since the examinations began, has even one humble scholar risen to a position of fifth rank or higher through them?"

As he spoke, the scholar drew a scroll from his sleeve and spread it on the ground. "These are the officials from non-noble backgrounds who have passed the examinations in the past decade. Your Highness, see for yourself what they are doing now. Today, the court is controlled by powerful families, plagued by deep-rooted corruption and teetering on the brink of collapse..."

"Outrageous!"

An official suddenly shouted, "How dare you spout such nonsense outside the palace gates? Guards, drag him away!"

Soldiers stepped forward at the command, but several tall students immediately stood up and cried out, "What are you doing? Are you planning to silence us and cover our mouths? Daring to act but not to speak? Consort Rou, is this the justice you intend to seek for us?"

At the students' challenge, the soldiers hesitated, glancing at Consort Rou. She cleared her throat softly and said, "This matter is of great importance. Everyone, please rise. Let us address each issue one by one."

"When does Your Highness plan to address it?"

The leading scholar pressed relentlessly. Consort Rou hesitated for a moment, only to hear the student say, "Your Highness isn't planning to coax us into the palace first, placate us, and then decide what to do, is she?"

That was indeed Consort Rou's intention, but with the scholar exposing it so bluntly, she found herself at a loss for words.

After a moment of contemplation, she finally said, "I understand you do not trust me, but such a significant matter is beyond my authority to decide alone. However, I too come from a humble background. In my youth, my father sold me into the palace for a mere two taels of silver. I have endured the hardships you speak of, and as a woman, I have suffered even more."

Consort Rou's words stirred the crowd slightly. The scholar fell silent, and Consort Rou took a deep breath, stepping forward to help him up herself. "Rest assured, I will spare no effort to deliver the justice you deserve. All of you, rise now. In a moment, I will accompany Prince Su to the Supervisory Department. You may come with us, and we will address each of your grievances one by one, without any pretense."

Consort Rou's identity was her greatest weapon. Her words, coupled with her reddened eyes, made it seem as though doubting her would be a sin.The scholar still wanted to say something, but the one beside him readily agreed. The leader of the troublemakers hesitated for a moment upon seeing this scene, but eventually allowed Consort Rou to help him up. After Consort Rou pacified them, she had someone lead the students in a grand procession toward the Supervisory Department.

Once the students were appeased, Consort Rou returned to the court with Prince Su and the assembled officials. She had Li Cheng recount the events that had just transpired. Under Consort Rou’s guidance, Li Cheng stumbled through the account. When he finished, Li Ming remained silent, saying nothing.

Everyone waited for Li Ming’s response.

The crux of the matter was no longer about the students who had been replaced but rather their proposal to reform the official selection system.

The sudden appearance of these students clearly indicated they had been instructed by someone. If earlier everyone had speculated that this was merely infighting among court officials, they now had to suspect that these people had been arranged by Li Ming.

For over a decade, Li Ming had intended to suppress the noble families. From the moment he began to favor Pei Lizhi, he initiated the imperial examinations, worked hard to promote commoners, and even later favored Consort Rou and elevated Prince Su—all actions aimed at suppressing them.

The suggestions put forward by these scholars today seemed to seek justice for them, but the ultimate beneficiary in this court was none other than Li Ming, seated upon the golden throne.

Everyone speculated about Li Ming’s intentions, but Li Ming merely took a sip of tea and said nothing before adjourning the court.

After the court session ended, Pei Wenxuan quickly looked toward Li Rong, but she ignored him entirely and walked straight out of the hall.

Pei Wenxuan felt a sudden urgency. He turned and hurried after her, but before he could leave the hall, a eunuch stopped him, whispering, "Your Excellency, His Majesty requests your presence."

Pei Wenxuan halted, took a deep breath to calm himself, and nodded. "I’ll go at once."

In that brief exchange, Li Rong had already walked far away.

Pei Wenxuan watched her retreating figure for a moment, then stepped outside, only to see Su Rongqing standing at the entrance.

Pei Wenxuan had no intention of engaging with him, but as they passed each other, Su Rongqing suddenly spoke. "That Wen Xingzhi is your man."

Wen Xingzhi was the one who had lodged the complaint that day. Hearing Su Rongqing’s question, Pei Wenxuan merely smiled. "I don’t understand what Minister Su is saying."

With that, he strode away.

Pei Wenxuan went to see Li Ming, while Li Rong, having just left the palace gates, was intercepted by Li Ming’s men.

Li Ming’s men demanded the official seal of the Supervisory Department from her. Without hesitation, she tossed out the prepared seal, withdrew into her carriage, and said coldly, "Let’s go."

As the carriage left the palace, Li Rong felt the surroundings grow quiet. She sat in a daze for a long while before slowly regaining her composure.

Leaning back in her seat, she felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her.

When she had previously asked Pei Wenxuan about these scholars, he had deliberately changed the subject. At the time, she knew he didn’t want her involved in this matter—he must have been planning something she wouldn’t like.

Though she still didn’t fully understand his specific intentions, she had a general idea of what he was up to.

He intended to reform the official selection system at this very moment.

The reform of the official selection system was something they had argued over for many years in their previous life.She favored the recommendation system of noble families because what mattered most in being an official was not how much one knew, but the ability to get things done. The imperial examination system produced a large number of scholars every year, but those bookish scholars who swayed their heads knew nothing beyond reading. Occasionally, there were some clever ones, but most of them were cunning and unprincipled.

"Mastering both civil and martial arts, one sells them to the imperial court." For those from humble backgrounds, the moment they began studying, their goal was to become an official. This destined officialdom to be a business for them, which was why corruption and bribery persisted even after they took office, despite repeated prohibitions.

Yet Pei Wenxuan loved the imperial examinations. Even though those selected through the exams were often ill-suited for the officialdom, Pei Wenxuan didn’t care.

Because he cared more about fairness.

Even if this method was flawed, it was the best way to ensure fairness.

Now, Pei Wenxuan wanted to reform the official selection system at this time, certainly not for the sake of fairness.

He had his reasons, but he refused to tell her.

In fact, he deliberately kept her in the dark. No matter how many times she had asked him to trust her more, deep down, he never truly did.

Li Rong laughed mockingly, closed her eyes, and thought about Pei Wenxuan’s next move. What exactly was he planning...

After pondering for a moment, she finally decided she would go and ask him directly.

With this thought, Li Rong lifted the carriage curtain and turned to the person outside: "Go to the new residence. Have Cui Yulang come to the new residence to see me."

The house she had bought near Pei Wenxuan’s mansion was finally settled. She had registered it under someone else’s name, and it was now almost ready for her to move in.

After arriving at the new residence, she found a rocking chair in the room and lay down.

She dozed off briefly before hearing the announcement that Cui Yulang had hurried over.

Seeing him arrive in a flurry, Li Rong looked up at him: "Well?"

"Your Highness," Cui Yulang said anxiously, "those scholars actually want to reform the official selection system. Did you know about this?"

Hearing this, Li Rong nodded: "I know."

"Then why didn’t you inform me earlier?" Cui Yulang adjusted his tone, trying to sound as patient as possible. "Today, Consort Rou took on the case and scolded me when she returned. If this doesn’t go well, all my efforts with her will be wasted."

"What did you say to her?" Seeing Cui Yulang’s anxiety, Li Rong remained calm, picked up her teacup, and asked casually.

"Just as we discussed before," Cui Yulang said, calming down as he saw Li Rong’s composure. "I told her about the scholars’ complaints, suggesting she use this to establish the Supervisory Department’s authority. I also analyzed the Emperor’s intentions for her, convincing her that His Majesty wanted her to take on the case. That’s how I persuaded her."

"And then?"

As Li Rong sipped her tea, Cui Yulang frowned: "She took the case to court and went to the Supervisory Department with Prince Su. Before leaving, she whispered to me that I had doomed her. Your Highness," Cui Yulang said uneasily, "what should we do?"

Consort Rou could investigate the imperial examination substitution case, but she dared not touch the official selection system. These scholars were pushing their luck, so it was only natural for Consort Rou to be angry with Cui Yulang, who had given her the idea.

Holding her teacup, Li Rong thought for a long time before slowly saying: "As long as she tastes the benefits, that’s enough."

Cui Yulang was taken aback. Li Rong continued: "This play was arranged by His Majesty. Since Consort Rou agreed to take part, His Majesty will reassure her.""Consort Rou places far too much importance on His Majesty," Li Rong said with a light laugh. "If His Majesty wishes to appease her, it's of no consequence."

Cui Yulang listened to Li Rong's words, pondered for a moment, and finally nodded in agreement.

Li Rong discussed the follow-up matters with him for a while longer before having someone escort Cui Yulang out.

Afterward, she had a meal at the residence and waited until nightfall, then sent Zhao Chongjiu to fetch the steward of the Pei household.

The steward of the Pei household was Pei Wenxuan's trusted confidant. Upon hearing that Li Rong wished to come over, he immediately set up a ladder by the wall, cleared the area of people, and welcomed Li Rong inside.

He knew exactly what Li Rong meant to Pei Wenxuan, so he asked no questions and directly led her to the bedroom.

Feeling somewhat weary, Li Rong simply lay down on the rocking chair in the bedroom and closed her eyes to rest, instructing the steward, "When he returns, bring him directly to the bedroom."

The steward respectfully acknowledged her words. Li Rong waved her hand. "You may withdraw for now. I'm tired."

The steward led the others out, leaving Li Rong alone in the unlit room.

She waited for Pei Wenxuan, and late into the night, he finally emerged from the palace.

Li Ming had kept him in discussion for a long time. The day's events had progressed somewhat beyond both his and Li Ming's expectations, necessitating further adjustments.

With so many matters at hand, Pei Wenxuan was unable to break away, yet his thoughts remained with Li Rong. He hurried back to his residence, not even bothering to have the gatekeeper notify the steward, and headed straight for his bedroom.

Seeing his hurried return, the gatekeeper quickly sent someone to inform the steward, but before the steward could reach him, Pei Wenxuan had already entered the bedroom.

Standing at the doorway, he was still instructing Tong Ye to prepare the carriage, whispering, "I'll change clothes and head straight to the Princess's Manor."

Tong Ye nodded, and Pei Wenxuan pushed open the door to enter the room.

The bedroom was unlit, and Pei Wenxuan couldn't be bothered to light a lamp. Guided by the moonlight, he felt his way behind the screen, grabbed a set of his usual clothes, and began to undress, preparing to change and leave.

But just as he loosened his belt, a cool, clear woman's voice echoed in the room: "Where else are you planning to go?"

Pei Wenxuan froze, his movements halting. He quickly looked up toward the source of the voice and saw a woman lying still on the rocking chair, like a bewitching enchantress from the pages of a book. Her eyes were closed as she spoke softly, "I've been waiting for you all day."

As she spoke, Tong Ye stood at the doorway and said quietly, "Young Master, the carriage is ready. We can depart at any time."

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan immediately turned back. "We're not going."

Tong Ye was bewildered. "Huh?"

Just as he spoke, the steward arrived at the doorway. Seeing Tong Ye standing there, the steward whispered, "Has the young master gone inside?"

Tong Ye nodded. Before the steward could explain, they heard Pei Wenxuan's calm voice from inside: "Both of you, withdraw. I'm going to sleep."

Tong Ye and the steward exchanged glances. Finally, Tong Ye came to his senses and replied, "Yes."

Footsteps echoed as the servants departed. Pei Wenxuan held his outer garment in his hand, pausing for a moment before he finally moved.

Slowly setting down the outer garment, he searched for a topic. "You... why have you come?"

"I have many questions and would like Lord Pei to provide answers."

Li Rong's voice was soft, yet it cut through Pei Wenxuan's heart like a blade.

"I hope Lord Pei will not be sparing with his guidance."

As she spoke, Li Rong raised her eyes. In the moonlight, her bright gaze carried a sharp edge.She looked at Pei Wenxuan standing before her. Just like the politician in her memory, he was cold, steady, and though he appeared as harmless as a rabbit, he would always bare his fangs when least expected.

She had prepared herself ten thousand times over, waiting for Pei Wenxuan's response. After a brief silence, Pei Wenxuan suddenly moved.

He walked to the bedside, crouched down, and began rummaging under the bed.

Li Rong frowned. "What are you doing?"

Pei Wenxuan ignored her. A series of clattering sounds echoed in the room as he pulled out a somewhat ancient-looking washboard from under the bed.

Then, carrying the washboard, he returned, patted off the dust, and placed it in front of Li Rong. With a calm and composed expression, he lifted the hem of his robe and knelt down right before her.

Li Rong was somewhat stunned. Then, she saw Pei Wenxuan say with a serene face, "Punish me. Just don’t talk to me like this."

"I admit what I did. Yes, I want to reform the official selection system."

"I know Su Rongqing intends to use this case to trouble the Crown Prince. Given the Crown Prince’s temperament, he will ultimately take on this case. Once the Crown Prince takes it, whether he advances or retreats, he will be the loser. So, I went to His Majesty beforehand, informed him of the case, and discussed with him to use this opportunity to reform the official selection system."

Li Rong frowned. Pei Wenxuan wore an expression of grim determination as he explained everything clearly: "The scholar who spoke today is one of my men. This was all arranged by me. I also discussed it with His Majesty. Today, I would voluntarily take on this case and announce in court that I would be fully responsible for it. Then, these scholars would lodge a complaint, demanding the reform of the official selection system. His Majesty would pressure the Crown Prince to take the case. If the Crown Prince refused, I would step forward to take it. At that point, the Crown Prince’s supporters would fully back me in taking the case, and I would seize the opportunity to secure a commitment from the court officials that I would be solely responsible for this case. After obtaining their commitment, I would leave the palace to take on the case and, with His Majesty’s support, push this matter forward."

"You’re being reckless!"

Li Rong slapped the armrest. "You let them make these demands today. Even if you had a few hundred more years, you couldn’t achieve them!"

"I know," Pei Wenxuan immediately replied. "So, what His Majesty and I truly want isn’t to abolish the recommendation system entirely. We just want the scholars who pass the imperial examination this time to have good prospects. I first propose an outrageous demand, then negotiate with them. When my real demand comes out, they’ll find it much easier to accept."

"This way, His Majesty won’t focus on the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince won’t be caught in the dilemma of whether to take the case or not."

"Secondly, if His Majesty promotes the imperial examination system, it will inevitably create conflict with the noble families. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Once His Majesty becomes the enemy of the noble families, their tolerance toward the Crown Prince will increase significantly. His Majesty’s health will last at most two more years, and the rise of commoners won’t happen that quickly. Su Rongqing’s plan is to gradually force the Crown Prince to lose the support of the noble families. What we need to do is to ensure that the Crown Prince continues to maintain their support without being controlled by them. The simplest way to do this is to create a common enemy for the Crown Prince and the noble families.""Thirdly, I hope to resolve the conflict between the noble families and imperial authority as much as possible while His Majesty is still alive, so that when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, he will inherit a stable court. I know you want the Crown Prince to become a wise and virtuous ruler, leaving a glorious legacy in the annals of history. But someone must wield the blade—if not the Crown Prince, then His Majesty."

Li Rong listened as Pei Wenxuan spoke these words, her head lowered in silence.

Seeing her quiet, Pei Wenxuan felt a heaviness in his heart, yet his expression remained calm. He simply said, "I know you won't agree. You’ve never believed the imperial examination system can select capable individuals, so I didn’t tell you, fearing you would stop me."

"I know you resent me keeping this from you, but even if given another chance, I would still do the same. If you wish to punish me, then punish me," Pei Wenxuan’s voice faltered slightly. After a moment of hesitation, his tone softened. "After the punishment, stay tonight, will you?"

Li Rong remained silent, her gaze fixed steadily on him.

Her silence was a slow torment to him, and Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but regret—why argue with her?

But what was done was done, and there was nothing he could do now. He could only kneel on the ground, back straight, locked in a stalemate with her.

After a long while, Li Rong spoke wearily, "Pei Wenxuan."

"It’s not that I’m displeased with your efforts to promote the imperial examination system," she lifted her eyes to look at him, her voice low. "I’m worried about you."