The Princess Royal

Неaring this, Li Rong knеw Реi Wеnхuan was asking аbоut Hua Lе. She smiled саrеlеsslу, “It just grаzed me. Нow could I really lеt hеr hit me?”

Рei Wеnхuаn didn’t sаy аnуthing. Не lоokеd at her, and аftеr a mоment, he lowеred his heаd and gentlу kissеd hеr wоund.

Тhе kiss сarried а slight tiсkle, mаking Li Rоng trеmble аll ovеr аnd involuntarilу tаke а step baсk.

As she retrеаtеd, Pеi Wenxuan stеррed fоrwаrd, рrеssing hеr аgainst thе dоor рanеl. His lips trаcеd hеr fаcе bеfоrе settling on hers.

Нe wrapped his аrm around her wаist, wishing he cоuld meld hеr intо his verу bones and blood. Sensing his intensity, Li Rong gently pushed him away, murmuring, “We still have to go to the palace.”

Pei Wenxuan understood her meaning. Once the memorial reached the palace, she would have to enter the palace to find Li Ming. If any marks were left on her now, it would be hard to explain later.

So he straightened up, holding her tightly in his arms, and took a deep breath. “You’ve been wronged.”

“How is this any wrong?” Li Rong laughed, poking Pei Wenxuan’s shoulder with her finger. “I thought you were going to ask about Su Rongqing?”

Hearing Su Rongqing’s name, Pei Wenxuan snorted coldly and lowered his head to give her a fierce kiss. “You still dare mention him?”

“As soon as I saw you, I caught a strange scent.”

“What kind of dog nose is this?” Li Rong burst into laughter. “You could smell it even from outside the carriage?”

It wasn’t strange that she could smell it up close to Su Rongqing, but for Pei Wenxuan to detect it as soon as they met was rather startling.

However, she wasn’t surprised that Pei Wenxuan’s sense of smell was this sharp. After all, he was skilled in perfumery, and without a keen sense of smell, he wouldn’t have mastered it.

Pei Wenxuan kept a straight face and remained silent. Li Rong knew he was somewhat angry, so she wrapped her arms around his neck, hanging onto him as she explained, “I pretended to be asleep in the carriage, and he covered me with a robe.” As she spoke, she put on a pitiful expression and leaned against Pei Wenxuan’s chest. “Brother Pei, I’ve been tainted. What should I do?”

Pei Wenxuan was amused by her antics and kissed her again. “Tainted? Come, let your brother wash you clean.”

The two laughed and playfully tussled for a while, moving from the doorway to the bed. Pei Wenxuan knew news from the palace could arrive at any moment, so he didn’t go too far. By the end, he had only removed his outer robe, remaining fully clothed otherwise. Li Rong curled up against his chest, looking as though she had melted into him.

Pei Wenxuan got up to fetch water and wiped away her sweat. She hadn’t perspired much, and after a short rest, she seemed no different from usual.

Pei Wenxuan lay beside her, gently stroking her arm to let her feel his presence. After a moment of thought, he asked, “Why did Su Rongqing come to see you?”

“He was afraid Hua Le would suffer,” Li Rong replied lazily. “If even you could guess I was scheming, how could he not figure it out after following me for so long?”

Pei Wenxuan’s movements paused briefly, but before Li Rong could notice, he resumed stroking her hair, speaking calmly, “He was probably also worried you’d suffer at the hands of Consort Rou and Hua Le. They went to such great lengths to try and get you transferred to the Supervisory Department, likely intending to link the matter of Chen Hozhao’s death to the Crown Prince. If you fell into their hands, no one would feel at ease.”

Li Rong remained silent, her eyes closed. Pei Wenxuan lowered his gaze and said softly, “I originally wanted to go to you immediately, but I was afraid of disrupting your plans. So I arranged everything…”

“You did very well.”Li Rong raised her hand to grasp his, pulling him closer until she nestled completely into his embrace. "You don't need to explain these things to me. What you do is exactly what I want."

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. Li Rong leaning against him provided immense comfort.

"I didn’t go to you immediately," Pei Wenxuan sighed. "I feel guilty."

Li Rong wrapped her arms around his waist.

In truth, she knew it wasn’t just guilt—he was also afraid.

Afraid he had been too late again, afraid he couldn’t give as much as Su Rongqing, afraid he couldn’t do as well as Su Rongqing.

Yet she didn’t know how to console him. She had spoken plenty of reason, but most people in this world understood logic better than anyone. Still, all wounds could only be healed by time and experience.

She said nothing, simply holding Pei Wenxuan. After a moment’s thought, Pei Wenxuan realized dwelling on this further would only seem sentimental, so he changed the subject. "Did you discuss anything with him?"

"I asked if he could stop."

Li Rong sighed. "His actions stem mainly from distrust in Chuan’er. If he could join us in supporting Chuan’er’s ascension to the throne, things would be much easier."

"What did he say?"

Pei Wenxuan already knew the answer and asked casually.

"Naturally, he refused," Li Rong replied languidly. "He said no ruler would ever spare the noble clans. He has no other path to choose."

"His best option is to support Prince Su. Prince Su comes from a humble background, and Xiao Su lacks capability. Once enthroned, he would inevitably rely on the noble clans. He’s only eleven now. In two years, when he ascends, he’ll still be a tender thirteen-year-old. Then, remove the mother and keep the son. See if he obeys. If he does, keep him. If not, wait until he has a child and replace him with another infant."

As Li Rong spoke, she added coolly, "His calculations are quite shrewd."

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan nodded. "Then there’s no need to force it. He’s different from us and has few choices."

"What do you mean, few choices?" Li Rong chuckled. "It’s just that he can’t bear to part with the benefits in his hands."

Pei Wenxuan fell silent. After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke. "Your Highness, the Su Clan is different from the Shangguan and Pei Clans. The Shangguan Clan has always been at the bottom of the eight great families, while the Pei Clan also comes from humble origins. Both rose to their current status by relying on the imperial family, so we don’t have many choices. Whether it’s changing the crown prince or accepting political decrees, the losses are similar. But the Su Clan is different. It’s the leading noble family of Jiangnan. For these centuries-old clans, not even the change of dynasties over hundreds of years has shaken their foundations, let alone the replacement of princes."

"So?" Li Rong asked, though she already knew what Pei Wenxuan was implying. She smiled bitterly. "Whether Su Rongqing fights or not, most of the Su Clan and other noble families will not retreat. Rather than letting Chuan’er ascend to the throne and face that outcome, it’s better to depose Chuan’er first to avoid greater losses, isn’t it?"

Pei Wenxuan said nothing. Li Rong turned to look at him, her expression half-smiling. "You’re quite considerate. Don’t you dislike him? Why are you speaking up for him all the time?"

"I do dislike him," Pei Wenxuan replied gently, reaching out to smooth the stray hairs at her temple. "But I want Your Highness to feel that there are many people in this world who care for you."

He wanted Li Rong to see a better, warmer world, unwilling to let her view everything with such extreme pessimism.Too many people in this world have taught her how to speculate about others with malice, but he wanted to teach her to open her eyes and seek all the possible beauty in this world.

Even if that person was Su Rongqing.

Li Rong understood his meaning. She reached out, embraced Pei Wenxuan, and lazily nestled in his arms, acting coquettishly.

"I know Brother Pei is the best."

Pei Wenxuan smiled, looking at the girl who was becoming increasingly fond of acting spoiled. He lowered his head and kissed her gently. "As long as you know."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jing Lan’s voice came from outside: "Your Highness, news from the palace has arrived. His Majesty has read the memorial, and the Empress has rushed over to argue."

Upon hearing this, Li Rong quickly stood up and instructed Jing Lan, "Prepare the carriage. I will head to the palace immediately."

As she spoke, Pei Wenxuan also rose to his feet. He helped her adjust her clothing, and after Li Rong swiftly finished dressing, she turned and instructed him, "Don’t stay at the Princess’s Manor for too long either. Go back."

Pei Wenxuan gave a bitter smile and replied, "Understood."

Seeing that he seemed unhappy, Li Rong stood on her tiptoes and kissed him as a gesture of comfort. Then, picking up her small fan, she strode out of the room.

Once outside, Li Rong immediately shed the coquettish demeanor she had shown in front of Pei Wenxuan. Leading her attendants, she walked forward while asking Jing Lan, "Did you find out what the Empress went to do?"

"She did," Jing Lan followed Li Rong, lifting the carriage curtain for her to enter, and whispered, "The Empress went for your sake. I’m afraid there will be an argument in the palace."

Li Rong nodded without saying much. Her mother became extremely stubborn whenever matters concerning her and her brother were involved.

Li Rong took out a small mirror to check the wound on her face, then hurried into the palace.

Li Ming did not expect Li Rong to enter the palace at night. While arguing with Shangguan Yue, he heard that Li Rong had arrived. It was Shangguan Yue who reacted first. She sniffled and pretended to remain calm, saying, "Let Her Highness come in first."

Li Rong composed herself outside for a moment, then entered with an expression that was half anger and half grievance.

As soon as Shangguan Yue saw Li Rong enter, she immediately noticed the bloodstain on her face. Unable to restrain herself, she turned to Li Ming and exclaimed in a low voice, "Your Majesty, look at what’s on Rong’er’s face! How can you still say nothing is wrong?!"

When Li Ming saw the bloodstain on Li Rong’s face, he froze for a moment. Li Rong knew her mother had already made a scene. She knelt down and said respectfully, "Greetings, Father."

"Ping Le, what brings you to the palace so late?"

Li Ming pretended to know nothing about what had happened earlier and avoided mentioning it. Li Rong remained calm and said lightly, "Your daughter has come to discuss with Father the ongoing investigation by the Supervisory Department."

Li Ming fell silent for a moment. He had expected Li Rong to enter crying and making a fuss, but she was surprisingly composed. After a brief pause, he slowly said, "Then... Empress, you may withdraw first. I will speak with Ping Le and ensure she receives justice."

Shangguan Yue glanced at Li Rong, then at the Emperor. Seeing that Li Rong also seemed unwilling for her to stay, she did not linger. Sniffling, she stood up and left.

Once Shangguan Yue had left, Li Ming quickly stepped forward, helped Li Rong up, and said, "Ping Le, what happened? Tell your father everything.""Your Majesty must have heard," Li Rong restrained her anger, looking up as she said, "Today Hua Le brought people to my residence, clashed with my manor guards, and publicly assaulted me. I have been recuperating until now, only just recovered enough to come to the palace."

"Hua Le actually treated you like this?" Li Ming feigned anger, "I will summon her at once and reprimand her severely."

"Your Majesty," Li Rong looked at him, speaking calmly, "My matter is trivial. I have come to the palace not for such a small affair. I am here because I fear that if Brother Cheng continues to act this way, the Supervisory Department may not survive."

Hearing Li Rong's words, Li Ming paused for a moment before slowly asking, "What do you mean by 'not survive'?"

"Your Majesty, Hua Le acts in this manner. Today she entered my residence. If it were another minister, and she assaulted an official in their own home merely on suspicion of involvement, does Your Majesty believe the matter could be settled so easily?"

"To take a step back," Li Rong continued, "If it were not me today, but any other minister, does Your Majesty think Hua Le could have taken them from their residence? I fear the Supervisory Department's personnel would have been lost there."

"How could that be," Li Ming laughed, "You worry too much."

"Your Majesty," Li Rong's expression remained placid, "The Supervisory Department was established by my own hands. I understand its difficulties better than anyone. As a princess, the eldest sister of the Crown Prince, daughter of the Empress, and backed by the Shangguan Clan, I still faced countless assassination attempts and obstacles during investigations. With Hua Le acting as she does, I fear the dangers will be immense."

"I ask you, which of the great clans could endure such a slap from Hua Le?"

Li Ming fell silent, pondering Li Rong's words. Li Rong continued, "I know Your Majesty does not trust me. While my original intention in establishing the Supervisory Department certainly included personal motives, beyond that, I also hoped there would be someone within the court to restrain the power of the great clans. Although I have now left the Supervisory Department, it remains my life's work," Li Rong spoke with some sorrow, "If it were to be lost just like that, I could not bear it in my heart."

"What you say has merit."

Li Ming considered and said, "So according to your meaning, Hua Le should moderate her conduct and not be so forceful in the future?"

"Hua Le must be firm when necessary, but she cannot humiliate people's dignity in this manner," Li Rong said gravely, "Beyond that, Your Majesty must also assign more personnel to the Supervisory Department. Firstly, to ensure the safety of Consort Rou and others. Secondly, so that the Supervisory Department can act with confidence. These great clans all have their own manor guards. If Hua Le cannot suppress them, she likely won't even be able to apprehend anyone, let alone handle cases."

Hearing Li Rong's words, Li Ming understood the implication within.

Previously, the Supervisory Department needed only a few people because Li Rong had face—even if the great clans did not respect her, they had to respect Li Chuan.

Now that Consort Rou is handling matters, without such prestige, she naturally can only rely on greater numbers to accomplish tasks.

Li Ming took this as Li Rong seeking credit, but as he listened, other thoughts arose in his mind.

The great clans all possess manor guards.

Now he has established the Supervisory Department and reformed the imperial examination system. The military forces in the hands of the great clans are his greatest concern. Who knows if these clans might one day unite and overthrow his position?

This possibility made Li Ming somewhat anxious. He couldn't help but think of increasing troops and provisions for his own direct army.

But all this requires money.

Strengthening his own military forces costs money.Just now, a memorial from the Censorate arrived, saying that Qin Lin in the northwest cannot get grain distribution, and war is likely to break out again this autumn. Last year, there was no farming, too many refugees need appeasement, and money is required.

Now the Supervisory Department wants to expand its troops, and money is needed.

It’s all about money.

Just thinking about these matters made Li Ming’s head ache. He raised his hand to rub his temples. Li Rong observed him carefully and cautiously asked, “Does Your Majesty have any concerns?”

“What you say makes sense, but expanding the Supervisory Department’s troops is a matter of money. Since its establishment, the Supervisory Department has already spent a lot. Now, with further expansion, I’m afraid the Ministry of Revenue won’t approve.”

Listening to this, Li Rong lightly tapped her palm with a small fan and said slowly, “What Your Majesty says is true. In fact, back when I was in the Supervisory Department, I privately subsidized quite a bit.”

Hearing Li Rong’s words, Li Ming couldn’t help but feel somewhat uneasy.

However, Li Rong didn’t continue on that topic. Instead, she turned her thoughts and said, “How about this, Your Majesty? You can issue a Conscription Order to Cheng’er. If Cheng’er feels short-handed during the actual process, he can simply recruit some commoners. After last year’s war, there are many refugees in the city. Recruiting refugees is inexpensive—just giving them food is enough. This way, it stabilizes the people’s livelihood, and the Supervisory Department gains more manpower. As for money, Cheng’er is already a prince; he can’t always expect Your Majesty to foot the bill. What does Your Majesty think?”

“A Conscription Order?” Li Ming shook his head upon hearing this. “That’s a military matter. How can it be used for the Supervisory Department?”

“Special circumstances call for special measures.”

Li Rong smiled. She hesitated for a moment, then reminded him somewhat reluctantly, “After all, the imperial examinations are undergoing reforms now, and these are extraordinary times.”

Hearing Li Rong’s words, Li Ming’s heart sank. He glanced at Li Rong and saw her lost in thought. He couldn’t help but sigh and tentatively said, “You’re Chuan’er’s elder sister. I never expected you to care so much about Cheng’er.”

“They’re all my own brothers,” Li Rong smiled, looking at Li Ming. “He’s still young and has taken over my Supervisory Department. How could I not care about him?”

“He…” Li Ming hesitated for a while before slowly saying, “Usually, I’ve shown more favor to Cheng’er and Hua Le. I thought you might feel somewhat uncomfortable about it.”

“Your Majesty is overthinking it,” Li Rong sighed. “When I was younger, I did feel a bit uncomfortable. But as I grew older, I understood Your Majesty’s difficulties. Chuan’er is the crown prince, and I am the eldest princess. We’ve already received a lot. Your Majesty showing more affection to our other siblings is also to avoid making enemies for us.”

Li Rong spoke sincerely, and Li Ming felt somewhat awkward for a moment. Li Rong smiled, appearing genuinely sincere as she said, “Anyway, Your Majesty won’t depose Chuan’er. How could Chuan’er and I not understand Your Majesty’s affection?”

“You’re right,” Li Ming nodded, smiling with difficulty. Li Rong looked at him gently and said, “I came today just to express some concerns. As for other matters…”

Li Rong showed a hint of sadness. “I shouldn’t pursue them further. Hua Le is newly appointed. If I were to hold her accountable now, it would make it even harder for her to get along with others later.”

“You’re magnanimous. That child Hua Le really is…” Li Ming sounded both disappointed and frustrated. “She’s gone too far.”

Li Rong smiled and lowered her head without saying another word.Li Ming fell silent for a moment. He thought it over and knew he couldn’t just let the matter rest now. If he didn’t placate Li Rong, the Empress would keep pestering him. Besides, Li Rong had a point—even if Hua Le was in the wrong, they couldn’t openly humiliate her. Otherwise, when she continued investigating cases, everyone would oppose her.

After much deliberation, Li Ming finally said, “You’ve been wronged. Is there anything you want? Your father will reward you.”

“What I want might put you in a difficult position, Father.”

Li Rong gave a bitter smile. Hearing her soften her tone, Li Ming knew she had a request and immediately said, “Speak up. Your father will grant it.”

“Father,” Li Rong said with a sorrowful expression, “the Imperial Son-in-Law… could you let him return?”

Li Ming hadn’t expected this. Seeing the gloom on Li Rong’s face, he felt a pang of sympathy, but his underlying worries resurfaced. He could only say, “Pingle, a forced union brings no sweetness. Let it go.”

Li Rong’s expression darkened. Li Ming thought for a moment and asked, “Is there anything else you want?”

“Not much, just that I’m short on funds. The Supervisory Department spent a lot before, and I used to rely on the Imperial Son-in-Law’s support. Now that he’s divorced me, such a large Princess’s Manor—food, clothing, and daily expenses—all require money. Hundreds of taels of gold vanish in a year.”

“You should have told your father earlier.”

Understanding her meaning, Li Ming quickly said, “Would your father ever let you suffer? Fulai,” he called Fulai over, “have the Imperial Household Department check the treasury and bring…”

He paused. Li Rong turned to look at him. Li Ming gritted his teeth and forced a smile. “One hundred taels of gold. Deliver it to Princess Pingle.”

“Father is so kind.”

Hearing about the hundred taels of gold, Li Rong immediately brightened. She stood up and said, “Then I won’t disturb you any longer, Father. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Go ahead.”

Li Ming’s smile was strained. “It’s getting late anyway.”

As Li Rong happily retreated, Li Ming called out to her, “About Hua Le’s matter… give her some face. She was just investigating a case. Even if it’s just for show, seal off the manor.”

This hundred taels of gold wasn’t a free gift, and Li Rong knew it. She smiled respectfully and said, “I understand, Your Majesty.”

With that, Li Rong withdrew.

Li Rong happily took the money and left. Li Ming remained in the palace for a while, thinking about the hundred taels of gold, Qin Lin’s need for funds, Xiao Su’s demands, and the Supervisory Department’s expenses. The more he thought, the angrier he became, feeling chest tightness and a headache.

Fulai brought tea over and massaged Li Ming’s head, comforting him, “Your Majesty, don’t be too angry. If you harm your health, it would be a disaster for the state.”

“Every one of them, always asking for money! Those damned aristocratic families take so much of the military funds, leaving nothing for the border. They bully people by sending Qin Lin to the front lines—without troops or provisions, what is he supposed to do?”

“Then…” Fulai hesitated, “perhaps let General Xiao…”

“How can we mobilize Xiao Su?!” Li Ming sat down on his chair, slapping the armrest in frustration. “With the imperial examination reforms underway, who knows what those scoundrels might do! If Xiao Su goes to the front, it’s my troops who will suffer losses. If the aristocratic families make a move, what will I have to fight them with?”

Fulai fell silent. Li Ming pondered left and right until Fulai softly reminded him, “Is there truly no way to avoid draining the treasury, yet still allow General Qin to resist the enemy and settle the people?”Li Ming fell silent. After a moment, he spoke slowly, "There is one."

"Has Your Majesty made a decision?"

Li Ming did not reply, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the jade thumb ring on his hand.

Li Rong's words still echoed in his ears: "There are many displaced people in the city as well. Recruiting them would be inexpensive—these commoners only need a meal to survive. This way, we can stabilize the people's livelihood while also increasing the manpower of the Supervisory Department..."

Dealing with the displaced people would cost little and strengthen the military force.

The Supervisory Department cannot use this method, but Qin Lin is the most suitable.

Li Ming spoke coldly, slowly uttering: "Conscription Order."