Li Rоng jumреd оff thе bed and hurriеd оut, but аftеr а few steps, shе suddеnly reаlized somеthing аnd turnеd bасk, sаying, "Not tо the palace. Quiсklу find out whеre Lоrd Реi is. Нavе реорle рrotect him first. I'll gо thеre right аway."
"Your Нighness," Jing Mеi asked, sоmеwhаt соnfusеd, "wе're not gоing tо the раlаcе?"
"No," Li Rоng rеplied, а rаre hint оf panic in hеr eyes. "Summоn а рhysiсian and cоmе with mе to find Реi Wеnхuаn immеdiatеlу."
Upоn heаring this, Jing Lan immediаtelу оrdеred sоmеоnе to bring horses. Li Rоng mounted her horse аnd rushed toward thе Ministry оf Justicе.
Shе understоod Su Rongqing far better than Pei Wenxuan did.
Su Rongqing had served her for many years, and his methods were entirely different from Pei Wenxuan's.
Back then, he had always been under her command, and she had deliberately suppressed him, so Pei Wenxuan never noticed the difference. But she knew all too well.
Those subtle details buried in the past—details she had repeatedly forced herself to ignore—now resurfaced vividly as she saw him standing on the opposite side in this life.
Su Rongqing had once been utterly loyal to her.
One year, when they encountered an assassination attempt, he decisively shielded her, allowing a blade to pierce through his body without retreating an inch.
Ordinary people block swords to protect those behind them, but when Su Rongqing blocked that sword, his aim was to drive the blade into the assassin's chest.
Hiding behind him, she watched blood drip from the sword onto her, while the young man before her could still draw his dagger and strike again. Even when reinforcements arrived, he still held the dagger in his hand.
Back then, she thought, here truly was someone willing to give his life for her.
But now, looking back, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear.
Su Rongqing was like a venomous snake—once he sank his teeth into someone, he would wrap his body tightly around them, strangling them to death.
Including her.
Twenty-five years—who wouldn't be moved?
Yet he could kill her with such calm composure, without a hint of hesitation.
He was an elegant gentleman, but also a demon from hell.
Now that things had come to this, with the Wang family serving as a front, if Pei Wenxuan fell into his hands, how could Su Rongqing possibly let him go?
Not even for a moment could she leave Pei Wenxuan in Su Rongqing's hands.
As Li Rong hurriedly chased after Pei Wenxuan, he sat leisurely in the carriage.
He wore handcuffs on his wrists and lifted the curtain, smiling as he observed the bustling streets.
It was already night, with no stars or moon in the sky. Instead, a cold wind carrying moisture swept through, signaling that a heavy rain was likely on its way.
Su Rongqing sat nearby, calmly pouring tea for himself. The sound of water mingled with his voice as he spoke: "Lord Pei doesn't seem worried at all."
Hearing Su Rongqing's words, Pei Wenxuan turned his head and slowly smiled. "Why should I be worried?"
"Lord Pei must have offended quite a few people recently."
"Then Vice Minister Su, stationed at the Ministry of Justice, must have offended even more."
Su Rongqing pushed the teacup toward Pei Wenxuan, who glanced down at it but made no move to drink.
Su Rongqing didn't urge him. He sat calmly at the small table, his expression steady and unreadable. "Vice Minister Pei kicked down the Wang family's gate today and allowed himself to be taken away so easily. You must have another plan in mind. I wonder, what is Lord Pei scheming?"
"Guess?"
Pei Wenxuan leaned back in the carriage, his expression lazy. "Vice Minister Su is known for his clever calculations, aren't you? Take a guess."
"Vice Minister Pei's mind is too intricate. I cannot guess."Su Rongqing idly rubbed the teacup in his hand, speaking casually, "Then Minister Pei might as well guess why I'm taking you back to the Ministry of Justice."
"Why you're taking me back, I naturally know," Pei Wenxuan listened, then leaned forward with a smile. "But before that, I'd like to ask Vice Minister Su a question."
"Aren't you going to ask what will happen to the princess afterward?"
At these words, Su Rongqing's movements froze.
Pei Wenxuan's gaze lightly swept over his noticeably stilled hand, and a deeper smile unconsciously touched his lips.
He was merely testing.
He was testing a possibility, and Su Rongqing had given him a definitive answer.
"You want to kill me."
Pei Wenxuan spoke softly. Su Rongqing lifted his eyes to look at him.
"Don't you know," Pei Wenxuan wore a smile on his face, but his eyes held a hint of coldness, "that you are the official escorting me? If I die here, your official career will likely be over for good."
"So what?" Su Rongqing offered no denial, speaking directly. "My official career in exchange for your life—isn't that a good trade?"
"You seem to think I'm already doomed to die?" Pei Wenxuan looked at Su Rongqing with amusement.
Su Rongqing's expression remained indifferent. "If you don't die, what does it have to do with me?"
It wasn't his people doing the killing. If Pei Wenxuan didn't die, what concern was it of his?
But upon hearing this, Pei Wenxuan laughed.
"If it has nothing to do with Minister Su," Pei Wenxuan raised his hand and tossed out the teacup Su Rongqing had just poured for him. The cup fell to the ground, seemingly startling something. In an instant, the carriage abruptly halted, causing both men to sway. Pei Wenxuan steadied himself against the table and looked up at Su Rongqing. "What does Minister Su think I'm doing here?"
Su Rongqing's expression turned cold. The sounds of fighting suddenly erupted from all around, and arrows slammed fiercely into the carriage with a loud "clang," jolting it violently.
Inside the carriage, the two men seemed entirely unaffected by the outside world, each sitting on one side as if engaged in casual conversation.
Su Rongqing listened to the sounds of slaughter outside, his voice faint. "You've set an ambush."
Pei Wenxuan flipped over another cup, picked up the teapot, first poured tea for Su Rongqing, then filled his own cup.
"With Minister Su personally coming, how could I dare to be negligent?"
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan pushed Su Rongqing's teacup toward him. "Have some tea."
"You knew there would be an ambush on the road."
"I didn't know originally, but once Vice Minister Su came over, I guessed."
"You were observing the entire way earlier."
"Did Vice Minister Su really think I was someone who enjoys watching the commotion?"
Pei Wenxuan laughed. Su Rongqing remained calm. "Then your assault on Minister Wang's residence was also to lure me here."
"That wasn't the case," Pei Wenxuan shook his head. "I never imagined Vice Minister Su would personally come for this matter. But since you did, I've had another thought."
Pei Wenxuan took a light sip of tea. "It seems Minister Su has quite a network in the court. You shouldn't be so familiar with Minister Wang's role."
Wang Houwen, after being assaulted at his residence, first thought to seek out Su Rongqing, which showed he was extremely familiar with him.
"I recall Vice Minister Su being of noble character, always disdaining political maneuvering and only wanting to work diligently. How is it that you've now learned these underhanded methods that vice ministers have always looked down upon? Forming cliques for personal gain," Pei Wenxuan lowered his voice, a smile on his face, "is not an honorable thing."Su Rongqing remained silent. The carriage was violently jolted by a collision, causing it to lurch. Pei Wenxuan glanced back and saw chaos erupting outside as the fighting intensified. He weighed the situation in his mind.
His men and the assassins were evenly matched, but the problem was that Su Rongqing’s men were also present. If the fight dragged on and the bystanders on the street scattered, it would become uncertain whose side Su Rongqing’s men would take.
At this moment, his greatest hope lay with Li Rong. If she had received the message that he had been taken by Su Rongqing, she should be rushing over immediately. The outcome of the gamble between him and Su Rongqing hinged entirely on Li Rong. Whether she arrived early or late would determine his victory or defeat.
He maintained a calm expression, a faint smile still on his face. Su Rongqing watched him for a moment before speaking slowly, "What are you looking at now?"
"Observing the battle," Pei Wenxuan turned to face Su Rongqing, "to see when Vice Minister Su’s men will make their move."
"Minister Pei isn’t just observing the battle," Su Rongqing raised his eyes and smiled slowly, "you’re waiting for someone, aren’t you?"
"Oh?" Pei Wenxuan’s heart raced slightly, and he raised an eyebrow. "Does Minister Su think there’s anyone left for me to wait for?"
"I know you’re waiting for Her Highness," Su Rongqing said calmly, "but I’m afraid you won’t be able to wait for her. Do you have any last words for Her Highness?"
"I have no words for Her Highness," Pei Wenxuan placed his hands in his sleeves, his gaze fixed on Su Rongqing. "But there is one thing I’d like to ask you."
"Go ahead."
Su Rongqing seemed to know what he was going to ask.
"When did you return?"
Hearing this, Su Rongqing chuckled softly, "You’re quite certain I returned early."
"Was it before my marriage to Her Highness?"
"One month before Her Highness held the Spring Banquet," Su Rongqing’s voice was low as he stared at the water cup. "I woke up as if from a long dream."
"You had already returned," Pei Wenxuan frowned, "why…"
He hesitated for a moment. Su Rongqing looked up, a smile on his face, but his eyes betrayed an uncontrollable sorrow. "Why did I still let you marry her?"
Pei Wenxuan fell silent. Su Rongqing stood up and looked at him. "If I said I’ve always wished for your happiness, would you believe me?"
"On the condition that Li Chuan doesn’t ascend the throne, right?"
Pei Wenxuan laughed mockingly. Su Rongqing said nothing, only whispering softly, "I’m sorry."
Then, he suddenly lunged forward, grabbing for Pei Wenxuan!
Pei Wenxuan had been prepared. The moment Su Rongqing moved, he kicked out fiercely. The two of them tangled together inside the carriage, exchanging blows. Pei Wenxuan’s hands were shackled, making it difficult for him to fight, but he mustered all his strength, momentarily matching Su Rongqing blow for blow. He pinned Su Rongqing down and slammed his head directly into Su Rongqing’s with a loud thud!
Su Rongqing was dazed by the impact, and Pei Wenxuan also gasped in pain. But as the one who had struck first, he took advantage of Su Rongqing’s momentary disorientation and began wildly striking him with his handcuffs!
After a few hits, Su Rongqing regained his senses. Trained by a master, he had never encountered such a chaotic fighting style and was momentarily thrown off balance, but he quickly adjusted. Seizing the opportunity while Pei Wenxuan’s hands were restrained and his strikes had lost momentum, Su Rongqing flipped over violently, kicking Pei Wenxuan away.
Before Pei Wenxuan could stand up, Su Rongqing immediately rose and delivered another kick, sending Pei Wenxuan tumbling out of the carriage!The moment Pei Wenxuan was kicked out of the carriage, arrows rained down like a sudden downpour!
Pei Wenxuan rolled across the ground, barely dodging the arrow shower, only to see a long blade slashing toward his face!
Fortunately, a guard raised his arm to block it, while another guard swiftly pulled him to his feet. But before they could exchange even half a word, the guards were scattered by the onslaught of assassins.
Guarded by his men, Pei Wenxuan fought his way outward, not even having time to remove his handcuffs.
A sword suddenly swept past his hair crown, splitting it in two. Amidst the chaos of slashing blades, he stumbled and scrambled, fleeing in disarray. Before long, the sound of hoofbeats could be faintly heard in the distance.
Pei Wenxuan quickly looked up and saw a figure in red riding toward him on horseback, robes billowing wildly in the wind.
"Sir," Su Zhizhu leaped into the carriage and urgently reported, "the Princess has arrived."
Su Rongqing paused briefly, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke: "Protect Pei Wenxuan. Don’t let anything happen to him."
"But... what about those assassins?"
Su Zhizhu hesitated, and Su Rongqing glanced at him: "What do they have to do with us?"
Su Zhizhu was taken aback, then quickly understood and replied, "Understood."
As soon as Li Rong appeared, the situation around them shifted instantly. Su Rongqing’s men finally joined the fray. Seeing the change in the battle, Pei Wenxuan turned and whispered to a nearby guard: "Push me and stab my shoulder."
The guard was momentarily stunned. Pei Wenxuan lowered his voice: "Avoid vital spots."
Finally understanding, the guard pulled Pei Wenxuan aside as the next assassin approached. The assassin’s blade instantly pierced Pei Wenxuan’s shoulder. As the assassin tried to withdraw the sword for another strike, the guard kicked him away and thrust forward!
Li Rong led her men like a sharp blade cutting through bamboo. From afar, she had spotted Pei Wenxuan, and witnessing the sword plunge into his body, her eyes widened in fury. She spurred her horse forward, dismounted amidst the crowd, and rushed straight toward him.
Pei Wenxuan slumped backward weakly, and Li Rong caught him in her arms. As he collapsed against her, blood stained her robes. Li Rong trembled uncontrollably, her voice shaking despite her efforts to remain composed: "Bring the physician over."
As soon as Li Rong’s men arrived, the assassins hastily fled, and the entire scene was quickly brought under control.
Li Rong laid Pei Wenxuan down, watching the blood trickle steadily from his shoulder. Panic began to grip her.
Yet she showed no outward sign of distress, letting Pei Wenxuan lean against her while urging the physician to hurry.
The physician from the Princess's Manor was an elderly man past fifty, carrying his medicine chest as he sprinted over, panting heavily. He rushed to Li Rong’s side and immediately began examining Pei Wenxuan.
Pei Wenxuan didn’t want to linger here and had to feign severe injury. He grasped Li Rong’s hand and forced a bitter smile: "Your Highness, take me back first."
"Let the physician check your wound first. We’ll move once it’s confirmed."
Li Rong held his hand firmly, her tone resolute.
Afraid the physician might declare him fine on the spot, Pei Wenxuan coughed lightly, feigning weakness: "Your Highness, I fear I might die out here..."
"Don’t talk nonsense!"
Li Rong shouted sharply, causing the physician to glance at Pei Wenxuan curiously.
Pei Wenxuan subtly signaled the physician with his eyes, then tightened his grip on Li Rong, pleading: "Your Highness, let’s board the carriage and return first."
Hearing Pei Wenxuan’s hint, Li Rong hesitated briefly. Seeing her still undecided and hearing Su Rongqing step out of his carriage, Pei Wenxuan simply closed his eyes and pretended to faint, leaning heavily against Li Rong.Li Rong saw Pei Wenxuan faint, and her entire body tensed up. Su Rongqing walked up behind Li Rong, bending down to try to pull her away, his voice filled with concern as he said, "Your Highness, you should first—"
Before he could finish, Li Rong swung her hand back and slapped him across the face!
A sharp crack echoed as the blow landed on Su Rongqing's cheek, freezing him in place. Su Zhizhu hurried forward: "Young Master—"
"Step back."
Su Rongqing's voice was icy. Su Zhizhu's face flushed with anger, but he still obeyed Su Rongqing's order and retreated.
Li Rong turned to look at Pei Wenxuan, who was being examined by the physician, and calmly instructed, "First, carry Lord Pei to the carriage. Physician Lin will accompany him."
Upon hearing Li Rong's order, the attendants quickly came over, lifted Pei Wenxuan onto a stretcher, and escorted him toward the carriage with the physician.
Lying on the stretcher, Pei Wenxuan quietly lifted an eyelid, stealing a glance at Li Rong.
He saw that Li Rong remained where she was, her cold gaze fixed on Su Rongqing. Facing her icy stare, Su Rongqing seemed unaffected and smiled faintly. "I didn’t expect Your Highness to arrive so early."
"You didn’t expect me to think so poorly of you in my heart, did you?"
Li Rong spoke directly, causing Su Rongqing’s expression to stiffen. Li Rong chuckled lightly. "Did you still think I would go to the palace first?"
"Your Highness knows me well."
"But you have never truly known me."
"Su Rongqing," Li Rong said seriously, looking at him, "I have never hated you."
Su Rongqing raised his eyes to meet hers. Li Rong continued slowly, "Even if you killed me, I would only think you had your reasons. But I tell you, if you kill Pei Wenxuan," she stared at him, enunciating each word, "I will hate you."
"I will hate you for the rest of my life. When that time comes, I will personally drag you to the execution platform, slice your neck open inch by inch, then tear your body to pieces, burn you to ashes, and scatter you bit by bit into different rivers across the land to feed the fish! I will ensure you have no remains left, no chance for reincarnation, sinking forever into the sea of suffering for all eternity."
"Do you understand?!"
After speaking, Li Rong turned and walked away. Su Rongqing suddenly called out, "The reason Your Highness doesn’t hate me—"
Li Rong paused in her steps, hearing Su Rongqing’s voice carry a hint of laughter, "is simply because you have never loved me."
Li Rong said nothing.
Inside the carriage, Pei Wenxuan lifted the curtain slightly, quietly observing the two.
"Perhaps."
Li Rong’s voice was soft.
With that, she walked toward Pei Wenxuan’s carriage.
"If I leave, there will still be Pei Wenxuan," Su Rongqing watched Li Rong depart, unable to hold back his words. "If Pei Wenxuan leaves, there will be others. Your Highness, why must you be so fixated?"
"It’s different."
Li Rong turned her head, looking at Su Rongqing. For once, she smiled at him.
"Pei Wenxuan," Li Rong raised her hand, gently placing it over her heart, "is different from anyone else in my heart."
"Su Rongqing," Li Rong looked at him, a trace of disappointment in her eyes, "in all these years, you have never truly understood me."
"I do understand Your Highness!"
Su Rongqing raised his voice abruptly, as if it were his only remaining conviction.
Li Rong smiled bitterly. "No, you don’t."
"If you understood me, you would have at least acted earlier to kill him."
"And the reason you didn’t expect me to arrive so quickly is because you always believed I never knew what you were truly like."
"But Su Rongqing," Li Rong gazed at him calmly, "I know your ugly side all too well."
"It’s just that, in the past, I didn’t care."After speaking, Li Rong turned and returned to the carriage. Seeing her approach, Pei Wenxuan hurriedly dropped the carriage curtain in fright, lying inside and pretending to be unconscious.
Doctor Lin gave him a helpless glance. When Li Rong entered, she asked with concern, "How is he?"
"It's nothing serious, just some superficial wounds that don't affect the bones or tendons," Doctor Lin replied, having already bandaged Pei Wenxuan's injuries. He packed up his medical kit and bowed his head, saying, "He just needs to rest and recover properly."
"Thank you for your hard work, Doctor Lin."
"How could serving Your Highness ever be considered hard work?"
With these words, Doctor Lin bowed to Li Rong and took his leave, retreating from the carriage.
For a moment, only Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan remained inside. Li Rong felt the carriage start moving again. Pei Wenxuan kept his eyes closed, wondering how to open them naturally and reasonably. But before he could act, he felt Li Rong take his hands in hers and gently press them against the top of her head.
"I'm sorry I came too late."
Li Rong's voice was hoarse.
Hearing her tone, Pei Wenxuan felt that if he opened his eyes now, he would likely be beaten to death.
But if he didn't open them...
"I'm fine," Pei Wenxuan suddenly spoke. Li Rong looked up in confusion to see him propping himself up, gazing at the girl kneeling before him with slightly reddened eyes and an expression of surprise and bewilderment.
After all, compared to being scolded by Li Rong, he feared her worrying even more.
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