Uрon seеing thе signаturе bеaring the chаrаcter "Нua," Li Rong соuldn't hеlр but lаugh in еxasрeration.
Naturally, it соuldn't havе beеn Нuа Lе who аrrаngеd tо mеet Рei Wenxuаn. Аs a рrincess, she wоuld never stоop sо lоw аs tо lоwеr hеr own status.
Нuа Le's hеаrt wаs set оn marrуing intо a prеstigiоus familу like Su Rongqing's; she wоuldn't even glanсе in Рei Wеnxuan's direсtiоn. Sо, the реrsоn Нuа Lе was hеlрing to аrrangе the meеting for wаs nоnе othеr thаn аnоther young lаdy from the Xiaо Clan currеntly residing in Нuajing—Хiаo Wеi, the niece of Consort Rou.
Xiao Wei was the youngest daughter of Consort Rou's elder brother, Xiao Su. She was born just as Consort Rou was granted the title of consort, so Consort Rou adored her dearly. By then, the Xiao family's circumstances were already quite prosperous, and this daughter was raised as a refined young lady of noble birth. In music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, literature, and etiquette, she was taught by the finest tutors, in no way inferior to the daughters of aristocratic families.
Beyond her beauty, gentleness, and cultivated manners, what made Xiao Wei even more formidable was her ability to captivate men. It was said that few men who spent time alone with her could resist her charm.
In short, she was the perfect embodiment of feminine allure meticulously crafted by Consort Rou.
Li Rong recalled that in her previous life, Xiao Wei had been one of Li Chuan's four consorts. Due to her family background, Li Chuan kept a respectful distance from her, making it difficult to gauge her feminine appeal. Later, when Li Chuan ascended the throne, the Xiao Clan was implicated in a rebellion and executed. Xiao Wei herself ended up hanging from a beam in the rear palace with a white silk cord.
Once she entered Li Chuan's harem, political considerations forced Li Chuan to distance himself from her early on, wasting her talents.
Li Rong had thought that in this lifetime, Xiao Wei might achieve something remarkable. Yet here she was, setting her sights on Pei Wenxuan?
What a choice.
Li Rong's expression remained unchanged as Madam Wen cautiously observed her. Li Rong smiled and handed the letter back to Madam Wen. "Thank you for taking the trouble to come and tell me this, Madam. However, Wenxuan and I are already divorced," Li Rong sighed. "I can't interfere."
"Why can't you interfere?" Madam Wen asked, bewildered. "You're a princess."
Li Rong found herself both amused and exasperated. "Even as a princess, I'm still divorced from Wenxuan, aren't I? Please return home, Madam. Feel free to visit whenever you have time."
With that, Li Rong had someone escort Madam Wen out. Madam Wen, still confused, held the invitation in her hand. "What about this invitation?"
"Give it to Wenxuan," Li Rong replied, her smile sincere. "He'll handle it himself."
If he didn't handle it well, she'd deal with him along with it.
After seeing Madam Wen off, Li Rong's expression turned cold the moment she turned back. Seeing Li Rong's displeasure, Jing Lan asked uneasily, "Your Highness, should we... take care of Xiao Wei?"
"Why trouble a young lady?" Li Rong's voice was calm.
Just as Jing Lan thought Li Rong had let it go, she heard Li Rong turn around and say, "Have Pei Wenxuan come over tonight to apologize."
Jing Lan: "???"
The question, "What did the Imperial Son-in-Law do wrong?" stuck in her chest. After holding it back repeatedly, it finally came out as a simple, "Oh."
Pei Wenxuan had just finished his discussion with Li Chuan and returned to his office when he received a summons from Consort Rou. He hurried over immediately. Upon entering the Supervisory Department, he found Consort Rou warmly inviting him to sit.
"Lord Pei, you've arrived," Consort Rou said, pouring tea with great enthusiasm. "Please, have a seat."
Pei Wenxuan bowed respectfully. Consort Rou personally served him tea, and Pei Wenxuan quickly expressed his thanks. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Consort Rou sat down and said, "You've been working tirelessly lately, Lord Pei. You've lost weight.""Serving Your Highness is my duty."
"I came today to discuss a matter with Lord Pei."
Consort Rou observed Pei Wenxuan's expression, but his face showed no change as he replied, "Please speak, Your Highness."
"This imperial examination case involves too many people and cannot be resolved quickly. I think dragging out the examinations isn't good either. I'd like to trouble Lord Pei to speak with the remaining scholars."
Pei Wenxuan's hand, holding the teacup, paused. He looked up at Consort Rou, who smiled and said, "Let them take the imperial examinations first. I'll handle one batch of the case, and the rest can be dealt with slowly. What do you think?"
Pei Wenxuan remained silent. Consort Rou gently fanned herself with a round fan and continued, "Of course, they've wasted much time in Huajing. As compensation, how about giving each of them fifty taels of silver?"
Consort Rou's words were now explicit, and Pei Wenxuan had understood her meaning from the start.
Consort Rou only intended to handle cases related to the Crown Prince's faction, while protecting the rest. Now she wanted him to act as a persuader, to "console" those scholars who had not been exonerated—using their futures as leverage, perhaps even offering gold and silver, combining favors with threats to silence them.
If they agreed not to pursue the case further, these scholars could take the imperial examinations, enter officialdom, and receive fifty taels of silver.
Fifty taels of silver—in the countryside, that might be a family's lifetime expenses. For scholars whose examination spots had been stolen, it was indeed a considerable sum.
Seeing Pei Wenxuan remain silent, Consort Rou grew somewhat anxious. After a moment's thought, Pei Wenxuan smiled and said, "Everything shall be done according to Your Highness's wishes. Tomorrow, I will go speak with those scholars."
"Excellent."
Consort Rou was delighted and quickly raised her teacup. "I've troubled Lord Pei too much these days. Let me offer tea in place of wine to thank you."
"Your Highness is too kind."
Pei Wenxuan also raised his teacup in return. Noticing that Pei Wenxuan seemed to be contemplating tomorrow's task, Consort Rou thought for a moment and tentatively brought up another matter. "Lord Pei and Ping Le have been divorced for some time now. These days, living alone, do you find it lonely?"
Hearing Consort Rou's words, Pei Wenxuan looked up at her. Seeing his puzzled expression, she smiled and said, "My niece, Wei'er, is well-educated, virtuous, and talented. I've been trying to find her a good match in Huajing but haven't been satisfied. Now that I've gotten to know Lord Pei, I find you both capable and virtuous. I thought of acting as a matchmaker. I wonder if Lord Pei has time today..."
"Your Highness is too concerned," Pei Wenxuan quickly replied. "I have just divorced, and for the sake of the imperial family's dignity and my own reputation, it is not appropriate to discuss marriage again so soon."
"You could at least meet her first," Consort Rou said, undeterred by his refusal. "Today, Hua Le has already sent an invitation to your residence on her behalf. Meet her first, then reply to me."
Consort Rou was quite insistent, and Pei Wenxuan could not refuse further. He smiled and said, "Very well. However, I still have an important matter to attend to today. Once it is finished, I will return to my residence and reply to Miss Xiao."
"That would be perfect."After Consort Rou finished speaking, Pei Wenxuan stood up to take his leave. Consort Rou escorted him out of the Supervisory Department, and before he departed, she personally helped him tally the men, instructing him to apprehend the last official related to the Shangguan Clan.
Pei Wenxuan led his men and marched out of the Supervisory Department in a grand procession.
As soon as they left the Supervisory Department, Pei Wenxuan’s expression turned cold. Tong Ye hurried forward anxiously, saying, "Young Master, are you really going to meet Miss Xiao? If you do, how will you explain it to Her Highness?"
"Meet her? What meeting?" Pei Wenxuan sneered. "She shows no kindness, so I show no loyalty. Daring to push a woman on me—she’s trying to get me killed!"
"It’s not that serious..." Tong Ye muttered under his breath.
Pei Wenxuan spurred his horse forward, leading his men swiftly through the streets, gripping the reins tightly. "She sent the invitation to the manor. Given my mother’s recent temperament, she’ll definitely try to intercept it. Even if she gets the invitation, would she read it herself? She’d just send it straight to the Princess’s Manor."
The more Pei Wenxuan thought about it, the angrier he became. "Don’t you know how petty Her Highness can be?"
"But this isn’t your fault," Tong Ye said, bewildered.
Pei Wenxuan choked up, suddenly feeling a pang of bitterness. "She never blames other women, only me."
Tong Ye: "..."
As Pei Wenxuan led Tong Ye and the others, chatting along the way, they turned a street corner. Tong Ye suddenly sensed something amiss—the route Pei Wenxuan was taking didn’t seem to be the one they were originally headed for.
Tong Ye realized it, and so did the others. They exchanged glances, with Tong Ye being the first to ask, "My lord, where are we going?"
"Her Ladyship said the case won’t be pursued further," Pei Wenxuan replied calmly. "So today, I must help Her Ladyship catch a big fish."
Everyone felt slightly reassured upon hearing this. Pei Wenxuan led his men galloping all the way to the residence of Wang Houwen, the Minister of Personnel. The group dismounted and surrounded the Wang residence, sealing it off completely.
"I am here under the orders of Consort Rou to apprehend the suspect Wang Houwen," Pei Wenxuan declared coldly, standing at the forefront of the group. "Hand him over!"
Seeing the situation, the Wang family servants immediately sent guards to block the entrance while someone went to inform Wang Houwen.
Wang Houwen was at home amusing himself with his birds when he received the report. He sneered, "That woman Consort Rou is insatiably greedy. She took the money but won’t do the job—utterly without principles. Does she really think I’m an easy target?"
"Then... what should we do now?" the servant asked hesitantly.
"Go to the Ministry of Justice," Wang Houwen waved his hand dismissively. "Find Vice Minister Su. Tell him that Pei Wenxuan is overstepping his authority, trespassing on private property, and assaulting a court official. Have him come and arrest Pei Wenxuan."
"Should you meet Pei Wenxuan now, my lord?" the servant asked nervously.
Wang Houwen gave the servant a look as if he were an idiot. "That little brat? Is he worthy of my time?"
With that, Wang Houwen set down the birdcage. "I’m going to take a nap. Wake me when Su Rongqing arrests him."
Wang Houwen leisurely made his way to his bedroom.
Pei Wenxuan waited at the entrance for a while before the main gate of the Wang residence slowly opened. The Wang family steward led a group of people out from the courtyard and said respectfully, "Lord Pei."
"Who are you?"
"I am Wang Quan, the steward of the Wang residence, here to deliver a message on behalf of my master. The household is preparing to rest and cannot receive guests at the moment. We hope for your understanding."Upon hearing this, Pei Wenxuan laughed. "Asleep? As the Minister of Personnel, he instructed officials to extort money and arbitrarily swap examination candidates. How many children from humble backgrounds have studied diligently their entire lives, only to have their futures destroyed by a single word from your master? How can he still sleep soundly now?!"
"Lord Pei," Wang Quan's expression turned cold. "You must speak with evidence."
"Evidence?" Pei Wenxuan sneered. "Come with me to the Supervisory Department. Right and wrong will be judged by Consort Rou herself! Tell him to come out now," Pei Wenxuan lowered his voice, "or do not blame me for being discourteous."
"Who could stop Lord Pei if he wishes to be discourteous?"
Wang Quan chuckled. "Do as you please."
With that, Wang Quan rolled up his sleeves, placed his hands behind his back, and walked back through the main gate.
Pei Wenxuan lowered his head and smiled faintly, then looked up calmly. "Charge in."
The people beside him were momentarily stunned. Pei Wenxuan glanced at Tong Ye and said coolly, "Don't you know how to break down doors and arrest people?"
Tong Ye immediately understood and shouted, "Charge!"
He then drew his sword and led the men rushing toward the Wang residence.
Wang Quan turned back in surprise and saw Pei Wenxuan calmly watching him from the crowd.
Dressed in his bright red official robes, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, his gaze was steady, unlike that of a young man.
This steadiness gave an invisible sense of confidence. The Supervisory Department officials were initially somewhat fearful, but seeing Pei Wenxuan remain composed, they gradually relaxed.
Only when the guards broke through the main gate of the Wang residence did Pei Wenxuan finally move, stepping inside.
Amidst the chaos, he walked calmly into the courtyard, then made his way to the rear of the residence, arriving at the door of the master bedroom.
Wang Houwen was still sound asleep when he heard a loud crash at the door. Soldiers rushed in and dragged him out of bed.
Seeing Pei Wenxuan standing at the doorway, Wang Houwen was both shocked and furious, shouting, "How dare you, you insolent brat!"
"Lord Wang," Pei Wenxuan bowed respectfully. "Of course, I would not dare. However, I am acting under the orders of Consort Rou. She said that as the Minister of Personnel, you must be investigated regardless. In the imperial examination case, your negligence is too severe—you are not even as organized as her second uncle in handling affairs."
"That ignorant woman insults me!"
Wang Houwen struggled to stand up, but the guards immediately restrained him. Pei Wenxuan walked forward, crouched down halfway, and patted Wang Houwen's shoulder. "Please endure this for now. Once we reach the Supervisory Department, you can seek justice."
As soon as he finished speaking, Pei Wenxuan heard a gentle yet cold voice from behind. "Who are you taking to the Supervisory Department?"
Pei Wenxuan turned while still crouching and saw Su Rongqing standing at the door, staring at him without any surprise in his expression.
Seeing Su Rongqing arrive, Wang Houwen hurriedly said, "Vice Minister Su, quickly! He has trespassed into an official's residence and treated me like this. Vice Minister Su, arrest him immediately!"
Su Rongqing walked to Wang Houwen's side and helped him up.
"Lord Wang, rest for now."
As he spoke, Su Rongqing instructed others to escort the severely shaken Wang Houwen away.
Only Su Rongqing and Pei Wenxuan remained in the room. Pei Wenxuan pushed himself up, clapped his hands, and smiled. "I knew it. At a time like this, Vice Minister Su would come sooner or later—it was only a matter of time."
"Disrespecting superiors, forcibly trespassing into a private residence, assaulting a court-appointed official."
Su Rongqing looked up at Pei Wenxuan. "Pei Wenxuan, you have committed serious crimes.""Minister Su, I am acting under the orders of Consort Rou, carrying out tasks on her behalf."
Pei Wenxuan raised his hands, cupping them in a salute toward the palace, his tone full of arrogance: "Could it be that Minister Su does not even heed Consort Rou's commands?"
"Seize him!"
Su Rongqing shouted, and the men from the Ministry of Justice immediately stepped forward. The Supervisory Department's men quickly blocked the way in front of Pei Wenxuan, the two sides facing off. Su Rongqing stared at Pei Wenxuan: "Minister Pei, do you hold the laws of Great Xia in such contempt that you openly resist arrest?"
"Minister Su exaggerates."
Pei Wenxuan placed his hands in front of him, smiling: "It's just that I am merely following orders. What crime have I committed? If there is a crime, Minister Su should first go to the palace and bring Consort Rou to the Ministry of Justice."
"Take action."
Su Rongqing had no intention of arguing further and turned to walk toward the door.
Just as the two sides were about to clash, Pei Wenxuan suddenly raised his hand: "Alright, alright, I'm afraid of you. Go ahead and arrest me."
Pei Wenxuan pushed through the crowd and extended his hands. Su Rongqing turned back to look at him. Pei Wenxuan raised an eyebrow: "But I want to see how many days Minister Su can keep me locked up in the Ministry of Justice."
"That depends on my mood."
After saying this, Su Rongqing turned and left.
Pei Wenxuan watched Su Rongqing's retreating figure and shouted loudly: "Just you wait! Consort Rou will come to save me! Prince Su will not stand by and watch me suffer! You'll see!"
His voice was loud, and everyone in the courtyard heard it.
Su Rongqing quietly instructed the person beside him: "Gag him."
With that, Su Rongqing walked out.
Pei Wenxuan, his hands bound in iron chains, was dragged away. As he walked, he continued to boast arrogantly: "Consort Rou—"
Before he could finish, a cloth gag was stuffed into his mouth.
"Shut up."
Su Zhizhu said harshly. Pei Wenxuan blinked and continued to mumble, faintly uttering the words "Consort Rou."
While the Wang household was in chaos, Li Rong had bathed, perfumed herself, and applied light makeup, waiting for Pei Wenxuan to return that night to apologize.
She pondered what demands she should make when the time came and, thinking about it, couldn't help but laugh.
But just as she was halfway through her laughter, she heard hurried footsteps outside.
Li Rong turned to see Jing Mei standing breathlessly at the door.
"What's wrong?" Li Rong leaned against the dressing table, smiling. "Has the Imperial Son-in-Law arrived?"
"No, not yet."
Jing Mei shook her head: "The Imperial Son-in-Law won't be coming."
Li Rong frowned: "Why not?"
"The Imperial Son-in-Law, the Imperial Son-in-Law," Jing Mei swallowed, catching her breath, "has been arrested by Vice Minister Su!"
Li Rong looked stunned, her thoughts momentarily derailed: "Did Su Rongqing find out he was coming here?"
After all these years, could Su Rongqing still be meddling in such matters?
"No, no," Jing Mei hadn't expected Li Rong to think in that direction and quickly corrected her. "The Imperial Son-in-Law barged into the Wang residence, dragged Minister Wang out of bed, and Minister Wang reported it to the Ministry of Justice. Vice Minister Su went and arrested him!"
Li Rong was taken aback for a moment. Then, she jumped up and immediately said: "Quick, hurry to the palace!"
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