Реi Wеnхuаn sаw thе officiаls оff, аnd Li Rоng еmerged from bеhind thе screеn, fanning hersеlf. "Мinistеr Реi is quitе charming. It hаsn't been long since yоu аrrived аt the Мinistrу оf Рersоnnеl, уеt уou'vе alreadу bеcоme everуone's gоod brothеr."
"Тhеу dоn't sее me as а gоod brоthеr," Рei Wеnxuаn сhuckled. "Тhеy just dislikе Consort Rоu."
"So, are уоu hеading bаck now?"
Li Rong lеаnеd agаinst thе dооrfrаmе. Pеi Wеnxuаn steрped сlosеr аnd wrаpреd аn аrm around her. "Yоur Highness, allow me tо rest here fоr one mоre night."
Реi Wenхuan stayed another night, and by morning, his neck was covered in scratches. The next day, as he tried to cover them with powder before the Morning Court Assembly, Li Rong lay lazily on the bed, watching him with an amused smile. "Minister Pei, just go to court like that. After staying in my residence for so long, what's there to fear from gossip?"
Pei Wenxuan gave her a helpless look. "It seems you really don't intend to marry anyone else but me."
"Then who else would you have me marry?" Li Rong asked curiously. Pei Wenxuan paused while applying the powder. Li Rong sighed, placing a hand over her heart with feigned sorrow. "How heartless you are, my dear."
Pei Wenxuan laughed, somewhat resigned. "I'm thinking of your reputation."
"What reputation do I have left?"
Li Rong closed her eyes, lightly tapping the edge of the bed. "Just go out with those marks. When my father asks why I let you leave, you can act embarrassed. Who wouldn't understand when they see the scratches on your neck?"
Pei Wenxuan fell silent. Li Rong glanced up and noticed him lost in thought.
She raised an eyebrow. "What are you daydreaming about? Aren't you going to court? If not, then lie down." She spoke each word with playful meaning. "I'll take care of you."
Pei Wenxuan shook his head, glanced once more at the mirror to ensure the scratches were mostly concealed, and set down the powder puff as it was nearly time. He walked over to Li Rong.
Kneeling on one knee beside her bed, he looked up at her reclining figure.
"What is it?" Li Rong's laughter made her thin robe sway gently. "Do you need a kiss before you leave?"
"Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan gazed up at her, his expression tender. "I will light fireworks across the city, spread red decorations for ten miles, and return in a grand procession with an eight-carriage sedan to marry you in the most splendid manner."
Li Rong was momentarily stunned by his words. Pei Wenxuan gently lifted her slender, pale hand and kissed it. "I will let everyone know that Pei Wenxuan loves Li Rong more than she loves him."
"Have you lost your mind?"
Li Rong snapped back to reality and lightly poked him. "Why bother with all that?"
"It's not like I've never ridden in an eight-carriage sedan before," Li Rong said dismissively, though warmth stirred in her heart. Softly, she added, "I don't even care for such things."
Pei Wenxuan smiled without replying. He stood up, kissed her once more, and said lightly, "I'm off."
With that, he turned and left.
Li Rong watched him walk out, carefully closing the door behind him to shield her from the draft.
She stared at the closed door for a while before finally closing her eyes and turning over in bed.
Pei Wenxuan arrived late. By the time he entered, Consort Rou was already standing in her position, chatting and laughing with those nearby.
The spot where Consort Rou now stood was the same one Li Rong had occupied before. Without turning around, she wouldn't have noticed Pei Wenxuan's arrival. After entering, Pei Wenxuan lowered his head and took his place. Just as he settled, the eunuch's voice announced the imminent start of the court assembly.Pei Wenxuan lowered his head and followed the stream of officials as they filed into the court. Once inside, those around him noticed his arrival, but none dared speak much, only glancing up briefly before falling silent.
Su Rongqing also sensed Pei Wenxuan’s presence. Standing opposite him on the left and right sides of the hall, he cast a faint glance in Pei Wenxuan’s direction. Pei Wenxuan responded with a slight smile and a nod.
The court discussions ranged from the unrest at the southwestern border and the defection of a commanding general to the temporary resistance organized by a vanguard officer, Lin Feibai, who had held the city. They moved on to flood prevention and disaster relief efforts across the southern regions during the June rainy season. Finally, the topic turned to the imperial examinations.
"Since the Supervisory Department has concluded its investigation, the examinations should commence. They have been delayed for months and must proceed swiftly."
Li Ming’s tone was calm. "This year, there are many vacancies in the court. The examinations should be different from previous years—more talents must be selected."
"Your Majesty is right," Consort Rou promptly responded. "However, the former Chief Examiner, Pei Wenxuan, is still recuperating from his injuries. Perhaps—"
"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan interjected at the opportune moment. All eyes turned to him. Consort Rou’s expression flickered with brief surprise before she quickly regained her composure. Pei Wenxuan offered a light smile and bowed. "This humble official has fully recovered. In recent days, I have been in constant communication with my colleagues. Preparations for the examinations have not been delayed—from the examination questions and venues to the selection process, everything is ready. The examinations can begin at any time, with Your Majesty’s permission."
Li Ming studied Pei Wenxuan, pondering for a moment before speaking. "Then let the Ministry of Rites set a date. Preparations should begin this month without further delay."
Pei Wenxuan acknowledged the order.
After the court session ended, Fulai intercepted Pei Wenxuan and escorted him to the imperial study. Li Ming scrutinized him from head to toe, his tone probing. "Minister Pei, your timing is impeccable. Has Ping Le allowed you to leave the estate?"
"Your Majesty, please do not jest," Pei Wenxuan replied with a hint of bitterness. "Nowadays, I am the talk of the town, almost a character from a storybook."
Fulai chuckled softly. Li Ming listened, his gaze lingering on Pei Wenxuan’s neck. "Ping Le truly cares for you."
"Her Highness is a straightforward person."
"As for the examinations this time, strive for fairness. The court needs capable individuals."
Li Ming’s words carried a deeper meaning, and Pei Wenxuan understood perfectly.
The court needed not only capable individuals but also those who would serve the emperor.
"I have long hoped to launch a northern campaign to pacify the north once and for all, ending the perennial harassment," Li Ming said, rising to his feet. Fulai hurriedly stepped forward to support him. Pei Wenxuan followed behind as Li Ming continued slowly. "I also envisioned that after the northern campaign, we could station an additional hundred thousand troops in the south to settle there, spreading the culture of Great Xia and enlightening the barbarians. In a hundred years, the southern unrest would cease."
"Your Majesty’s foresight is profound."
Pei Wenxuan spoke respectfully. Li Ming sighed and walked with him into the courtyard. "I have also thought about the perennial flooding in the south. We cannot always rely on repairing embankments. Someone must be sent to redirect rivers and alter their courses—that is the proper solution. Yet," Li Ming paused, standing in the courtyard and gazing at the lush greenery, "the wealth, grain, and elite troops of the realm are all concentrated in the hands of the noble families. For self-preservation, they would never willingly support a northern or southern campaign. Even if the enemy were at their gates, they would only think of negotiating peace."Li Ming shook his head with a hint of mockery. "Day after day, all they know is to marry off princesses. Three of my elder sisters were sent away for political marriages, and now they keep thinking of sending my daughters as well. A bunch of cowards."
Pei Wenxuan remained silent, listening quietly. Seeing his lack of response, Li Ming turned to him. "What do you think of these ideas of mine?"
"Your Majesty is a sage ruler," Pei Wenxuan said softly. "This humble subject dares not presume to comment. But my family was originally of humble origins, rising to prominence only through Your Majesty's favor. My father was willing to follow Your Majesty, and my heart is the same as his."
Li Ming listened to Pei Wenxuan's words, remaining silent for a long time before finally nodding. "Your father... was a good man."
Then he turned away. "I have always hoped that future history books would remember my name. But since yesterday, I suddenly feel... I have grown somewhat old. Wenxuan," he raised his hand and patted Pei Wenxuan's shoulder, "Prince Su may not be particularly clever, but he possesses an honest heart and great courage. He is still young now. With proper guidance, his future is boundless."
Hearing these words, Pei Wenxuan understood Li Ming's meaning. He bowed respectfully. "This humble subject understands."
Having given his guidance, Li Ming nodded. After chatting with Pei Wenxuan for a while longer, he had Fulai escort him out.
As Pei Wenxuan walked out of the courtyard with Fulai, he asked softly, "Has His Majesty been troubled by something recently?"
"When His Majesty woke yesterday, he was blind for a moment and was greatly alarmed," Fulai whispered. Pei Wenxuan's expression remained unchanged as Fulai continued, "Now His Majesty is secretly summoning renowned physicians and searching for immortal masters."
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan walked with Fulai to the gate. He bowed to Fulai and then withdrew.
He understood Li Ming's words. Li Ming was similar to Li Chuan from his previous life, yet also different.
Li Ming wanted to campaign north and south, hoping to use these as means to dismantle the military and financial power of the noble families, truly breaking their influence so he could sleep peacefully on the dragon throne, free from worry.
Li Chuan, on the other hand, was the opposite. He wanted to dismantle the noble families and gain military and financial power precisely to campaign against the northern Rongdi tribes and repair the southern flood control systems.
The noble families were the greatest concern for all emperors. Whether to reclaim imperial power for personal desires or truly for the foundation of the state, an emperor seeking to realize his political ideals and establish his political standing could tolerate such division and dispersal of power.
The decline of his body had led Li Ming to begin preparing for the worst. His lengthy words were merely to make Pei Wenxuan, this "humble-born" official, realize that Prince Su would be the best choice for achieving grand ambitions.
Contemplating Li Ming's words, Pei Wenxuan had just left the palace when he saw Cui Yulang standing at the palace gate.
Pei Wenxuan raised an eyebrow, then heard Cui Yulang say with a smile, "Lord Pei, Her Ladyship requests your presence."
It was now widely known among court officials that Cui Yulang worked for Consort Rou.
Cui Yulang was smooth and strategic in his dealings, and skilled at praising women. Recently, he had composed no fewer than twenty poems praising Consort Rou, which circulated widely among the people, spreading her reputation for beauty throughout Shengjing. Thus, he had gained her deep trust.
Led by Cui Yulang, Pei Wenxuan went to the Supervisory Department, where Consort Rou was teaching Prince Su how to interrogate prisoners.
This time, the person being interrogated was a servant, lacking the legal protection against torture afforded to officials and scions of noble families. When Pei Wenxuan entered, he saw that this servant had almost no intact skin left on his body.Prince Su held a long whip, its tip stained with blood. As Pei Wenxuan entered, he saw Prince Su proudly turning his head, happily asking Consort Rou, "Mother, how was my whipping?"
"Excellent, Cheng'er's whip technique has improved again," Consort Rou clapped gently, her voice tender. "Come, let me wipe your sweat. Your father loves this manly spirit of yours the most."
Hearing this, Prince Su stepped forward to let Consort Rou wipe his sweat.
Pei Wenxuan stood at the prison entrance, his expression unchanged, and respectfully spoke, "Your Highness."
"Ah," Consort Rou turned upon hearing Pei Wenxuan's voice, smiling as she said, "Vice Minister Pei has arrived. Please, sit."
Pei Wenxuan bowed and took a seat on an empty chair nearby.
Consort Rou meticulously wiped the sweat from Prince Su's forehead, her tone gentle. "How has Vice Minister Pei been faring lately at Princess Pingle's residence?"
"Chaotic and noisy," Pei Wenxuan replied calmly. "Nothing much to speak of."
Then, shifting the topic, he looked up at Consort Rou. "However, this humble official would like to ask Your Highness—I heard you believe I am unsuitable as Chief Examiner and wish to replace me?"
At these words, Consort Rou stiffened.
The accusations she had prepared for Pei Wenxuan were suddenly blocked. She had thought that Pei Wenxuan, having taken matters into his own hands by troubling Wang Houwen and being entangled with Ping Le, would feel somewhat guilty. After all, yesterday a group of noble youths from the Ministry of Personnel visited Ping Le, and today he attended court.
Yet, instead of preparing to explain himself, Pei Wenxuan seemed quite angry, countering her with, "Your Highness, I have always strived to serve you diligently. May I ask where I have failed or displeased you?"
"Vice Minister Pei misunderstands," Consort Rou steadied herself. Without clarifying Pei Wenxuan's stance, rashly clashing with him was not what she wanted. She quickly smiled. "I merely thought your injuries had not fully healed, and seeing His Majesty eager to open the imperial examinations, I considered finding a temporary replacement. I never truly intended to replace you."
"Is that truly the case, Your Highness?"
Pei Wenxuan stared at Consort Rou. "Then why did Your Highness not offer assistance during my days at Princess Pingle's residence?"
"Assistance?" Consort Rou was taken aback. "At Princess Pingle's residence, did you need my help?"
"Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan seemed infuriated, taking a deep breath. "If I were willing to stay at Princess Pingle's residence, why would I have sought a divorce?"
Consort Rou was momentarily confused. After a long pause, she slowly realized that there might be some unspeakable marital discord between Pei Wenxuan and Ping Le.
Slightly calmer, she forced a smile. "I hadn't considered that. I only thought Ping Le was deeply devoted to you, and it would be good for you to recuperate at her place for a while. Moreover, Ping Le has a fierce temper. Once you entered her residence, what could I do? She grew up spoiled in the inner palace, a little tyrant since childhood. I..."
Consort Rou sighed. "I am merely a consort. What more could I say?"
Pei Wenxuan remained stern and silent. Seeing his disbelief, Consort Rou quickly added, "Regardless, now that you have recovered, all is well. The imperial examinations are about to begin, and I have prepared everything. You need not worry further."Pei Wenxuan's face stiffened as he bowed to Consort Rou. She took a sip of tea and remained silent for a moment, finally feeling that the atmosphere had somewhat returned to normal. Only then did she remember her purpose and smiled at Pei Wenxuan, saying, "This time, by targeting Wang Houwen, you've caused me quite a bit of trouble."
"But hasn't it also given Your Highness the best opportunity to establish your authority?" Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Consort Rou. "By taking down a Minister of Personnel, who among the court officials doesn't now recognize Your Highness's extraordinary capabilities and vie to curry favor? This way, doesn't Your Highness have the chance to recruit talents for Prince Su?"
Hearing this, Consort Rou seemed to vaguely understand. "So that's why you went after Wang Houwen?"
Pei Wenxuan nodded. "It's right for Your Highness not to want to provoke the noble families, but you can't avoid them entirely either, especially since His Majesty is watching. By dealing with Wang Houwen, you've made your stance clear. By sparing the others, the noble families will feel that Your Highness has let them off. If you had let them go from the start, would they have felt indebted to you?"
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "They would only have thought that Your Highness was powerless to touch them."
"What you say makes some sense."
Consort Rou pondered for a moment before taking a list from her sleeve. "Now that I've offended the Wang family, I can't afford to offend all the remaining noble families."
She pushed the list toward Pei Wenxuan. "For this imperial examination, Lord Pei holds the position of Chief Examiner. Arranging for a few people to pass shouldn't be a big issue."
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan raised an eyebrow. "If they are from noble families, why not recommend them directly?"
"These people aren't recorded in the family registry," Consort Rou shook her head. "They just have some connections."
From her words, Pei Wenxuan understood—it was merely a matter of financial ties.
Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment before looking up at Consort Rou. "Your Highness, I have a question to ask, but I must request that you dismiss the others."
Consort Rou waved her hand, and everyone around them left the room, even the person who had long since fainted on the rack was untied and dragged away.
When only Pei Wenxuan and Consort Rou remained in the room, Pei Wenxuan finally spoke. "What does Your Highness wish to achieve? To amass a fortune and live out your years in comfort within the palace, or to place Prince Su," he raised his hand, pointing toward the direction of the palace, "on that throne?"
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