Li Rоng wаs hеld bу Pei Wеnхuаn, аnd this еmbrace gаvе her an inеxpliсаblе соmfоrt.
She remаined silent for a long time bеfоre slоwly sреаking, "In оur pаst livеs, did wе аll livе pоorly?"
Shangguаn Yа, who bеcame thе family sсeptеr оf thе Shаngguаn Сlаn; Li Chuan, whо sоught immortаlitу fоr twentу yеаrs; Qin Zhenzhen, whо еmbraсed her sword аnd entered hеr соffin; Su Ronghuа, who took hеr оwn lifе in prisоn.
Su Rоngqing, whо stауеd togеthеr but nevеr truly сonneсted; Реi Wеnxuаn, whо gаzеd at the moоn for thirty years уet could nеver reаch it; аnd Li Rоng, who stumblеd alone until she was battered and bruised.
By the end of their previous lives, those in the palace were like a cycle, merely reenacting the lives of those around Li Ming from thirty years earlier in another form.
Such a past chilled all who knew of it, compelling them to desperately try to prevent it. Drawing warmth from Li Rong, he whispered softly, "So in this life, we cannot live like that."
"If Your Highness wishes to kill Li Cheng, then I will arrange it. If anything goes wrong, I will die with you, Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan rested his head on her shoulder. "Even if you don't trust me, you should trust in shared interests."
"Pei Wenxuan," Li Rong couldn't help but laugh at his words. "Are you truly unafraid of death?"
"Having died once and lost once," Pei Wenxuan held Li Rong tightly, "compared to that, losing you is far more terrifying."
One was a swift and clean death; the other was a lingering torment spanning an entire lifetime.
Li Rong listened quietly, remaining silent for a long time before finally saying, "Alright."
"Make the arrangements," Li Rong unconsciously clenched her fist. "Kill Li Cheng."
Having made the decision, Li Rong gave the orders that same day. That night, she entered the palace and explained all her plans to Shangguan Yue.
After finishing, Li Rong asked softly, "When the time comes, my mother and I will likely not escape Father's wrath. How does Mother plan to respond?"
"I am the Empress," Shangguan Yue's voice was faint. "I cannot leave. When the time comes, I will face imprisonment or whatever else may come. As for you," Shangguan Yue looked up at Li Rong, "if something truly goes wrong, escape through the secret tunnel in the city."
"Secret tunnel?" Li Rong was curious. "Mother means..."
"Go to the rouge shop in the east of the city and find the owner," Shangguan Yue held her teacup, lowering her gaze. "Show her my token and identify yourself. She will take you away. Once you leave the city, go to Qingzhou. Return only after Chuan'er ascends the throne."
"And what about you?"
Li Rong frowned. "If I leave, what will happen to you?"
Shangguan Yue remained silent for a long time before reaching out and gently patting the back of Li Rong's hand. "As long as you and Chuan'er live well, I will be at peace."
Li Rong was taken aback. She rarely heard Shangguan Yue speak like this, and Shangguan Yue herself seemed embarrassed by her words. She withdrew her hand awkwardly and said, "You needn't worry about me. After all, I am your mother and have my own means of survival."
Li Rong quietly watched Shangguan Yue for a long time before standing up. Before Shangguan Yue could react, Li Rong stepped forward and embraced her.
"Mother," she whispered, "nothing will happen to you."
She was willing to die for her children.
And Li Rong was willing to fight desperately to protect her.
Without even realizing it, the thoughts that flashed through Li Rong's mind in that moment were already vastly different from her usual way of doing things.Li Rong left the palace and immediately contacted Shangguan Ya, arranging everything accordingly.
On the third day, Lin Feibai also hurried back from the southwest.
On the day Lin Feibai arrived in the capital, he went straight to the Supervisory Department. When Li Rong went out to receive him, she saw an exceptionally tall young man dressed in black standing in the hall.
He carried a stern, murderous aura that could only be forged through wading through mountains of corpses and seas of blood. As Li Rong entered the main hall, Lin Feibai knelt on one knee and said crisply, "Greetings, Your Highness."
After briefly discussing matters in the southwest with Lin Feibai, Li Rong had Shangguan Ya escort him out.
As Shangguan Ya saw Lin Feibai off from the Supervisory Department, she couldn’t help but tease him, "A trip to the military camp has turned you into a mute. It seems life there is truly dull."
"Not too bad," Lin Feibai replied softly. "The leaf cards the young lady gave me were quite interesting."
Shangguan Ya was taken aback, not expecting Lin Feibai to mention this. As the two stepped over the threshold together, Lin Feibai said calmly, "The Xie family’s rules are strict. Relying solely on my military power to gain their recognition is too difficult. Miss Shangguan, why not consider," he turned to look at her, "using your status to help me?"
These words were entirely unexpected to Shangguan Ya, and she stood frozen in place.
"I will not restrict you in any way. The military power in my hands will be the military power in yours. Help me secure the Xie family, and I will become your foundation. If at any point you are dissatisfied with this marriage, we can simply divorce."
Lin Feibai spoke steadily, "Think it over carefully. I’ll return for now."
After saying this, Lin Feibai clasped his hands in a salute, turned, and left.
He arrived like thunder and departed just as decisively, riding alone on his horse away from the Supervisory Department, like a lone wolf roaming through Huajing.
Shangguan Ya took a moment to compose herself before snapping back to reality and returning to the main hall.
Inside the hall, Li Rong was studying a map. Hearing Shangguan Ya enter, she didn’t look up, continuing to examine the routes on the map. After a long while, she finally glanced up at Shangguan Ya and saw her lost in thought.
Li Rong couldn’t help but laugh, "What are you daydreaming about?"
Shangguan Ya was startled by Li Rong’s voice and snapped back to attention, instinctively replying, "Your Highness."
"It’s rare to see you so distracted," Li Rong said as she circled the map to another side. Shangguan Ya followed behind her as Li Rong slowly asked, "Did Lin Feibai say something to you?"
"He said some things, and I couldn’t help but think about them."
Shangguan Ya followed Li Rong and, without waiting for further questions, continued directly, "He told me that relying solely on military power to gain the Xie family’s recognition is too difficult, and he wants to borrow my status."
"Status?" Li Rong frowned and glanced at Shangguan Ya. "Your status? How does he intend to use it?"
"Your Highness," Shangguan Ya couldn’t help but chuckle at Li Rong’s question. "I am, after all, the eldest daughter of the Shangguan family."
If Lin Feibai could marry the eldest daughter of the Shangguan family, even as an illegitimate son, he would command more respect from the Xie family.
Upon hearing this, Li Rong immediately retorted, "He’s insane."
"Your Highness?" Shangguan Ya was taken aback by this assessment. Li Rong continued bluntly, "He thinks he can marry you just for the sake of the Xie family? Who does he think he is?"
"Your Highness," Shangguan Ya replied, both amused and exasperated. "The Xie family is one of the seven great clans. How could you speak of them so dismissively?"
"Compared to Chuan’er, I truly don’t think much of the Xie family."Li Rong glanced at her, sweeping over her with a look that said "you're crazy": "If you're marrying for those reasons, why didn't you just enter the palace back then?"
"Entering the palace and marrying outside are naturally different," Shangguan Ya said softly. "Once you enter the palace, you can't leave. No matter who you marry outside, there's always a way back."
"From what you're saying," Li Rong leaned on the table, unconsciously tapping her fingers on its surface, "it seems you're not opposed to this matter?"
"It's all marriage," Shangguan Ya replied respectfully. "First, it must suit my heart, and second, it must have value. I'm not young anymore—it's time to consider these things."
"What about Su Ronghua?" Li Rong looked up at her. Shangguan Ya remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "He's just someone to have fun with. If he can't help me in any way, he holds no value."
Hearing this, Li Rong looked at her calmly.
Shangguan Ya stood respectfully, and for a moment, she felt as if all her thoughts had been laid bare. She couldn't help but laugh awkwardly: "Your Highness..."
"Young people are always stubborn."
Li Rong chuckled softly: "You always act as if you don't care about anything. If you truly didn't care, that would be fine too."
"Your Highness, I'm not..."
Shangguan Ya spoke urgently, wanting to change Li Rong's mind, but Li Rong waved her hand: "No need to explain to me. You know your own heart well enough."
Shangguan Ya froze. Li Rong glanced at the sky, feeling she had given enough instructions, and turned to leave: "Alright, I'm heading back. You can attend to your own affairs."
After saying this, Li Rong had someone tidy up the memorials and walked out.
Once outside, she saw Su Ronghua standing at the entrance.
He was leaning against the stone lion by the door, idly twirling a fan. When Li Rong stepped out and saw Su Ronghua, she smiled and cupped her hands in greeting: "Young Master Su."
"Your Highness?"
Su Ronghua smiled: "Leaving so early today?"
"Not much to do today."
Li Rong explained, glancing at the Supervisory Department: "Young Master Su waiting for A-Ya?"
"Made plans to play cards with her," Su Ronghua said, his eyes lighting up at the mention of Shangguan Ya. "Since I have nothing else to do, I'm just waiting for her here."
Li Rong nodded and said only: "Then take your time waiting. I'll head back first."
"Farewell, Your Highness."
Su Ronghua bowed respectfully. After seeing Li Rong off, he waited for a long time before finally seeing Shangguan Ya emerge.
As soon as he saw her, he straightened up and smiled: "You finally came out."
Shangguan Ya stood before the main gate, quietly watching him. After a long while, she smiled and stepped forward.
She walked up to Su Ronghua, who crossed his arms: "Where do you want to go today?"
"A bit tired," Shangguan Ya lowered her head. "I should head back first."
"Then I'll walk you."
Su Ronghua seemed prepared for everything, showing no irritation at her change of plans. Shangguan Ya acknowledged him, thought for a moment, and said: "Let's walk back."
With that, Shangguan Ya turned and headed toward the Shangguan residence.
Su Ronghua followed behind her, hands tucked into his sleeves, like a silent shadow accompanying her, guarding her. Whenever she turned back, she could see this young man standing under the lantern light, smiling warmly at her.So she dared not look back. They walked through streets and alleys until they finally reached the Shangguan residence. At this moment, Shangguan Ya stopped in her tracks. With her back to Su Ronghua, she looked up at the plaque of the Shangguan family.
"The road has come to an end."
Her voice was very soft. Su Ronghua smiled and said, "You should rest first. I'll come again tomorrow."
"Su Ronghua," Shangguan Ya turned around to face him, her hands clasped behind her back. Su Ronghua tilted his head slightly as he heard Shangguan Ya ask, "Why didn't you become the head of the Su family?"
Su Ronghua was taken aback for a moment, then somewhat awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Why are you asking about this?"
"Just curious," Shangguan Ya seemed nonchalant. "You are the eldest son of the Su family. By seniority and legitimacy, you should be the head. How did Su Rongqing become the heir instead?"
"Ah, it's a long story," Su Ronghua sighed. "Anyway, I've never been cut out to be the head since I was young, and I don't want to be one either."
"Then what do you want to do?" Shangguan Ya asked, her hands still behind her back, smiling as she looked at Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua shook his head. "I haven't thought about it either. I think things are just fine as they are now."
"With my second brother and my father handling everything, I can just gamble, stroll with birds, eat, drink, and have fun," Su Ronghua opened his fan, revealing the words "Carefree" written on it. "Isn't that joyful enough?"
Shangguan Ya didn't say anything, just smiled as she looked at him.
Su Ronghua glanced at the people at the entrance of the Shangguan residence who had been watching them and waved his hand. "Alright, hurry back inside."
"Okay."
Shangguan Ya nodded and turned to walk inside.
Before entering, she couldn't help but look back at him one more time.
Su Ronghua stood not far away and smiled when he saw her turn around.
Shangguan Ya gazed at him for a long time before calmly saying, "From now on, don't come looking for me anymore."
Su Ronghua was stunned. Shangguan Ya smiled and said, "I'm not young anymore. I can't keep fooling around with you like this. Go back."
After saying this, Shangguan Ya decisively turned around, lifted her skirt, and entered the main gate.
By the time Su Ronghua reacted, he hurried forward anxiously. "Wait, what do you mean, Shangguan Ya..."
"Young Master Su," the gatekeeper stopped Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua only had time to catch a glimpse of Shangguan Ya's figure disappearing into the courtyard before the gatekeeper said awkwardly, "It's late. Please return."
"I just want to ask one thing," Su Ronghua said urgently. "Let me through... I..."
"Young Master Su!"
The gatekeeper raised his voice. "Our young lady is, after all, a woman. You should show some restraint."
Hearing this, Su Ronghua couldn't help but freeze in place.
He suddenly realized that there was actually no connection between him and Shangguan Ya.
She could see him whenever she wanted, and one day, if she didn't want to anymore, there was no need to meet again.
This realization made Su Ronghua's heart tighten abruptly. He stood at the entrance, quietly watching the young lady walk through the courtyard, gradually moving farther away.
He stood there for a moment. When he could no longer see her, he took a deep breath and finally turned to leave.
The next morning, Su Ronghua waited outside the Supervisory Department bright and early. Shangguan Ya had already sent someone to inquire about Su Ronghua's whereabouts. Since he was at the main entrance, she left through the back door.
Su Ronghua waited at the entrance all day. When Li Rong came out and saw Su Ronghua standing at the entrance with a stern face, she couldn't help but feel puzzled. "Why is Young Master Su still here?"
Su Ronghua saw Li Rong and forced a smile. "I'm waiting for Miss Aya."
"Aya?" Li Rong was confused. "Didn't she leave a long time ago?"Su Ronghua's expression shifted slightly. Maintaining his smile, he respectfully said, "In that case, I'll come again tomorrow."
Li Rong was somewhat puzzled by Su Ronghua's behavior. After returning to the residence, she sat by the bed, soaking her feet while watching Pei Wenxuan, who was still reviewing memorials nearby, and recounted the incident. Frowning tightly, she asked in confusion, "What kind of act are they putting on, with one seeking and the other avoiding?"
"Miss Aya is twenty years old."
Pei Wenxuan continued reviewing the memorials. "Her marriage has long been watched by court officials. Since she must marry sooner or later, it's better to marry someone suitable."
"Marrying for power," Li Rong frowned. "She might as well enter the palace."
"It's different," Pei Wenxuan looked up and smiled. "Entering the palace would be for the Shangguan Clan. But if she marries Lin Feibai now, Miss Aya would be doing it for herself."
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan stood up, walked over to Li R
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