The Princess Royal

Li Rоng remainеd silеnt аs Li Сhuаn knelt beforе hеr, gazing up аt her.

His еуеs hеld thе uniquе fearlеssness of youth, as if cарablе of рiеrсing thrоugh all thе glооm in this wоrld.

Тheу stood in a silеnt stаndoff.

Сountless scеnes surged thrоugh her mind.

All thеir аrgumеnts аnd disаgrееments from thеir рast lifе, thе lаughter-fillеd chеss gаmes in the Dаоist temрle, the piеces scаttеrеd aсross the intricаtеlу pаttеrnеd bоаrd, аnd finallу, thаt bowl оf pоison.

Li Rong аbruptlу rоsе to hеr fееt, drаwing her sword and рointing it at Li Chuan’s neсk.

The bladе was so shаrp thаt еven thе slightest touch broke his skin. Blood beaded along the edge, yet Li Chuan neither flinched nor avoided it, meeting Li Rong’s gaze head-on.

“Do you think I don’t dare kill you?”

Outside the gate, a cold wind began to rise, sweeping withered leaves past. Pei Wenxuan stood with his hands tucked into his sleeves, his back to the gate, watching the sudden gusts and looking up at the dense clouds gathering in the sky.

“It’s not that you don’t dare kill me,” Li Chuan replied calmly. “It’s that I would have no regrets dying by your hand.”

“If, as you say, I am destined to walk such a path, then I would rather my life end here. It would still be a good end.”

Li Rong said nothing. She gripped her sword, staring intently at Li Chuan. They remained locked in their standoff, Li Chuan’s expression filled with unwavering resolve, not retreating an inch. It was as if he truly was prepared to face death, awaiting her judgment.

But how could she judge him?

He had done nothing wrong. He was still so good.

Yet if he ascended the throne, if he grew, perhaps in thirty years, he would be the one to hand her a cup of poison.

Time was too cruel, too malicious.

Li Rong looked at the clear, bright expression on the young man before her and suddenly raised her sword.

Yet as she lifted the blade, countless fragments of memory surged once more.

At that palace banquet, he had challenged her: “I am already mired in the depths of this palace. Why drag innocent people into it?”

During the noble families’ rebellion, he returned from the palace, his hands stained with blood, trembling as he told her: “Sister, Mother held my hand and killed Father.”

Later, during the northern campaign, he had roared at her: “Li Rong, have you ever seen how the people in the north live?! Your internal strife nurtures tigers at your own expense—what do you take the people for?! I will send troops. I am the sovereign!”

Later still, she heard he refused to go to the central palace and went to persuade him. He smiled bitterly and asked her: “Sister, tell me, what difference is there between me and those prostitutes selling themselves in the brothels?”

Finally, on the day Qin Zhenzhen died, he clung to her body, unwilling to let go. She rushed forward and slapped him across the face, grabbing his collar and shouting angrily: “To be reduced to this over a woman, Li Chuan, do you even remember who you are? Do you remember what you are supposed to be?”

At that time, he looked up and asked her with a smile: “Who am I?”

She replied coldly: “You are the emperor.”

Hearing this, he laughed—a loud, bitter laugh—shaking his head as he did so. “No,” he said, looking up earnestly at her. “I am Li Chuan.”

I am Li Chuan.

Li Chuan closed his eyes. The sword descended swiftly but, at the last moment, veered sharply, slicing through the crown of his hair.

Li Chuan’s hair cascaded down as he opened his eyes. Li Rong stood gripping her sword, breathing heavily.

She looked at Li Chuan before her, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.

She had to admit one thing—

It was she who had driven Li Chuan to his death.

It was her, her mother, the entire palace, the whole of Huajing—together, they had driven to their deaths the young versions of herself, Li Chuan, Shangguan Ya, Su Ronghua, Su Rongqing, Xie Lanqing…A wave of immense helplessness and anguish washed over her. In her mind, she could only see Pei Wenxuan standing calmly with his hands tucked into his sleeves, a gentle smile on his face, as if saying, "Your Highness, don't be afraid."

This was her only support. Gripping her sword, she stared at the person kneeling before her.

Li Chuan looked at her in confusion. "Elder Sister?"

Li Rong did not speak. She slowly closed her eyes, tears falling like rain.

"Qin Lin was killed by Cui Qinghe," Li Rong spoke quickly, "but I left Xun Chuan in the northwest. The situation there is unclear, so we won’t consider it for now."

"Li Cheng is dead. They’ve set up a fake Li Cheng intending to ascend the throne. Su Rongqing has likely long been in secret contact with the noble families. The nearest military checkpoint outside Huajing has ten thousand troops from the Su Clan, which can arrive overnight. His Majesty might still want you to remain Crown Prince, provided I and the Shangguan family are no longer in the picture. Whether you can accept that is up to you. Think all of this through carefully."

After saying this, she opened her eyes. "I will give you all the troops from the Supervisory Department, as well as the forces from Qingzhou. I will return to Qingzhou and never set foot in Huajing again for the rest of my life. I’m letting you go."

She pressed her lips tightly together, gripping the sword firmly. "If you live, I ask that in the future, you let me go as well."

With that, Li Rong threw the sword to the ground and turned to leave. Li Chuan remained kneeling. As she placed her hand on the door, he spoke hoarsely, "Elder Sister, why can’t you trust me a little more?"

"It’s not you I don’t trust," Li Rong said, lowering her gaze. "It’s this world."

This world was too filthy and corrupt. She didn’t know what kind of person Li Chuan would become once he ascended to the highest position.

The moment he became emperor, she would represent the noble families. They would never share a unified stance and would forever be trapped in suspicion within the depths of the palace.

She knew herself too well. In truth, Li Chuan had been right to kill her back then.

If Li Chuan died, whether it was Li Ping or Li Xin, if they ever threatened her, she might not hesitate to depose them.

For the sake of her interests, it would be best to kill him, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

She couldn’t convince herself to make him bear the mistakes of both of them alone.

Li Rong steadied her mind, her expression gradually returning to calm. Then, with both hands, she forcefully pushed the door open.

A cold wind rushed in, billowing her wide sleeves. She looked up ahead and saw Pei Wenxuan standing with his hands tucked into his sleeves, turning to look at her.

"Finished talking?"

Pei Wenxuan smiled. Li Rong nodded. "Let’s go."

After speaking, Li Rong stepped forward, and Pei Wenxuan walked alongside her on the corridor, maintaining a distance neither too close nor too far.

"I’m returning to Qingzhou."

"Alright."

"You stay in Huajing. I know you two are good friends, and he has always been your ideal ruler. Stay and assist him. With you here, I’ll feel at ease."

"That won’t do."

Pei Wenxuan chuckled softly. Li Rong stopped in her tracks, standing in the courtyard for a long while before speaking quietly, "Pei Wenxuan, you don’t have to sacrifice your future for me."

"I’m not doing it for Your Highness."

As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan walked up to her. He wrapped his arm around her waist, placing his hand gently on her abdomen, his voice soft. "I’m doing it for my wife and child."

Hearing this, Li Rong froze in place, staring ahead in shock.

Noticing her reaction, Pei Wenxuan let out a low laugh. He lifted Li Rong into his arms, and she let out a startled cry, hurriedly wrapping her arms around his neck. "What are you doing?" she exclaimed."Let's go," Pei Wenxuan said joyfully as he carried her swiftly outside, "we're going back to celebrate. I've wanted to hold you for so long."

"Wait, Pei Wenxuan, put me down!"

Seeing they were in a public place, Li Rong grew anxious, but Pei Wenxuan seemed to have held back for a long time. Finally seizing the opportunity, he was as happy as a child and insisted, "No, I won't put you down. Don't struggle, or you might hurt the baby."

Hearing this, Li Rong immediately became docile. A light shone in Pei Wenxuan's eyes as he looked at her dazed expression, unable to suppress the smile that lifted the corners of his lips.

He carried Li Rong into the carriage, and as soon as he set her down, she demanded, "When did this happen?"

"You mean... when did what happen?"

Pei Wenxuan brushed off his clothes and sat down, a teasing smile on his face. "When she was conceived, or when I found out?"

"Don't play games with me." Li Rong grabbed a nearby soft pillow and threw it at him. Pei Wenxuan caught it with one hand and, seeing her anger, quickly told the truth. "The physician discovered it yesterday when we returned to the estate. But you've been through some jostling," he added, his expression turning worried as he half-knelt before her and took her hands. "The pregnancy is unstable. You need to rest well."

Listening to his words, Li Rong still felt a sense of unreality. She was lost in thought for a moment before asking, "Why did you only tell me now?"

As she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh. "Was it to get back at me?"

"Because I didn't want the child to influence your decision," Pei Wenxuan said softly, holding her hands in his. "Rongrong, this is the most important time of your life. You shouldn't let a child, or even me, affect your judgment."

"I hope that at this moment, you can truly understand what you want."

"You've been stubborn with yourself your whole life," Pei Wenxuan looked up, still holding her hands. "It's time to let go."

Li Rong gazed at the young man before her—gentle, composed, different from the still-youthful Pei Wenxuan at twenty, and unlike the stubborn, cold Prime Minister Pei at fifty. She didn't know when he had become like this.

"Haven't you been stubborn with yourself your whole life too? When did you make peace? I didn't even know."

"From the moment I admitted I liked you, from the moment I decided to fight for you no matter what," Pei Wenxuan smiled. "I stopped being stubborn."

Admitting he liked her.

Having the courage to pursue her.

This was the greatest reconciliation he had ever made with himself in his life.

Li Rong was the bright moon in his sky, the unattainable desire, the noble royalty he despised most, the powerful authority that had crushed his spirit with a single imperial decree in his youth.

He had the courage to defy the world, but not the courage to face Li Rong, because she embodied the greatest insecurity of his life.

Li Rong looked into his eyes and couldn't help but ask, "What is there to like about me?"

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan laughed. "There's far too much."

"Like what?"

Li Rong tilted her head, suddenly eager to hear his praise, his admiration, to hear someone acknowledge her worth.

Pei Wenxuan lowered his head, thinking seriously for a moment. "The first time I saw Your Highness, I was actually very nervous."

"I heard that Your Highness was willful, and I knew my own background was poor. I thought that if Your Highness were to marry me, you would surely be resentful, and I feared I would suffer for it.""You must have been thinking of ways to deal with me." Li Rong smiled, her lips pressed together. Pei Wenxuan had the temperament of a dog who never suffered losses—since he thought her willful, he must have devised some plan.

"Yes, I was fully prepared. But when you moved the fan aside and secretly glanced up at me, I suddenly forgot everything. All I remembered that entire night was how beautiful you looked. Then you looked at me and blushed."

"Mmm," Li Rong's face felt warm, her voice soft. "At that time, I thought... you were handsome, so I wasn't at a disadvantage."

Pei Wenxuan laughed at her words, then continued with a faint smile: "Then you properly drank the wedding toast with me and sat with me on the bed. I didn't dare speak, afraid you secretly disliked me. But after sitting with me for a long while, you quietly asked, 'Husband, aren't you going to rest yet?'"

Pei Wenxuan imitated Li Rong's voice, and she pushed him. His smile widened: "I never imagined the princess wouldn't look down on my humble background. That night, when you cried out in pain, I broke into a cold sweat, thinking I might be caned the next day. I had memorized every rule for the Imperial Son-in-Law from the palace handbook. But the next morning, not only did you not punish me, you even personally helped me tie my crown. You didn't know how at all—pretending to be virtuous and diligent, struggling for a long time until your face flushed red."

"That was so long ago," Li Rong felt somewhat embarrassed, turning her head to look outside the carriage, feigning composure. "Why are you telling me all this?"

"Back then, when you accompanied me to the Pei family, you didn't put on any airs and even knelt to serve tea to my elders. After we returned, you took meticulous care of me. When I coughed, you had someone prepare pear water; when I had internal heat, you had someone make mung bean soup. I often drank, and every time I came back, it was you who personally looked after me. Knowing my stomach was weak, you specially had medicinal herbs prepared. Even when I vomited and made a fuss, you endured it."

"At that time, everyone looked down on me. Even though I was the top scholar for three years at the academy, in the court, I was nothing. But you didn't think that way—you always praised me for doing well. You were the first to say I was better than Su Rongqing, the first who didn't add 'what a pity' when talking about me, and the first who mentioned me without bringing up my father. Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan looked up at her, "it was you who helped me step out from the shadow of my humble origins and my father. Don't think I was always good—I was once extreme, insecure, and cowardly, but I never showed it."

"What else?"

Li Rong asked with rare patience. Pei Wenxuan seemed to smile, seeming somewhat shy: "Do you really have to make me say everything?"

"You don't want to say it?"

Pei Wenxuan paused, looking at Li Rong's curious expression, and said gently: "I do."

"Later, after we parted, I witnessed many things in the court. You are the purest person I've ever seen there."

"You're talking nonsense." Li Rong laughed. "I'm considered pure?"

"Your Highness, you always say you're not good because you hold yourself to too high a standard. You're human, not a saint—what's wrong with having some desires? Being able to hold onto your principles and the kindness deep in your heart is already remarkable.""You punish corrupt officials, you speak out against injustice, you detest scheming and intrigue. Even your support for the noble families isn't to protect your own interests, but because you believe a stable court is better for the people."

"The Su Clan's case is known throughout the court. Su Ronghua did not collude with Prince Su, yet no one dared to speak up. Only you dared to confront His Majesty, even enduring caning to protect his family."

"Reborn into this world, when Ning Fei took her own life in the grand hall and everyone avoided her, you still covered her with your robe."

"You claim to care about power, yet you've always treated the Crown Prince as your younger brother, regarded Shangguan Ya as your friend, and placed your trust in Su Rongqing. Loyal to your sovereign, righteous to your friends—in this deep palace, you've always practiced your path of virtue in your own way. Look, over thirty years, who else in this tainted place has managed that besides you?"

"Aren't you the same?" Li Rong lowered her head with a bitter smile. "These are things that should be done. How have they become virtues?"

"Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan shook his head. "What should be done and what can be done are not the same."

"Remaining pure in clear water is easy. But staying untainted while in a muddy pond—that is difficult."

"To be honest, I've almost gone astray countless times. But when facing those temptations, I would think of Your Highness. Every time, I would remember how you would see me. Your Highness is like a mirror, correcting my appearance. What I do is much easier—I follow you. But Your Highness, you walk forward alone. My steadfastness is because I have Your Highness as my restraint, but Your Highness's steadfastness comes from your own heart."

"Your Highness says the Crown Prince is the best ruler in my heart, but that's not true. The Crown Prince is abundantly kind but lacks resilience and is easily led astray."

"As for Your Highness—"

Li Rong was taken aback, not expecting Pei Wenxuan to mention her. Pei Wenxuan looked at her intently, his expression serious: "If one day Your Highness can understand what human hearts truly are, if you can leave Huajing, see the suffering of the people, hear the cries of commoners—with Your Highness's thirty years of unwavering clarity, that would be the best ruler in Wenxuan's heart."

Li Rong said nothing. What she saw in Pei Wenxuan's eyes was her nineteen-year-old self—without makeup, her most genuine self.

In his eyes, she was at her best.

After a long while, she came back to herself: "What a pity I'm not a prince. Otherwise, I might have contended for the throne."

"Whether you contend or not doesn't matter," Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment. "If Your Highness were a prince and I weren't a woman, that would be troublesome."

Hearing his joke, Li Rong couldn't help but laugh.

The two chatted all the way back to the Princess's Manor. Once they returned, Pei Wenxuan helped Li Rong pack her belongings.

Perhaps because she was now a mother, or because she had resolved her inner conflicts, the gloom that had weighed on her for the past two days finally cleared from her heart. Apart from the sadness of leaving Huajing, she didn't feel much else.

"Take your time traveling to Qingzhou. If the journey becomes too bumpy and unbearable, rest in a small town. Don't exhaust yourself."

Pei Wenxuan sorted through Li Rong's documents while watching her direct the servants to pack her clothes, advising her about the journey: "I'll stay in Huajing to help the Crown Prince finish his tasks and ensure everything is safe. Once confirmed, I'll come to fetch you."

"Alright, I know," Li Rong said, finding him overly fussy. She turned and glared at him. "I'm a mother now. I'll be careful."Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but laugh. He glanced at Li Rong, lowered his head, and gathered the papers.

They couldn't leave immediately. After all, Li Rong was a princess, and leaving the city directly would draw too much attention. They could only wait for something to happen and slip away in the chaos.

So they only packed the essentials, but Li Rong had lived in Huajing for nineteen years and had many cherished belongings. She couldn't bear to part with anything, picking things up only to put them down again.

Seeing her sadness, Pei Wenxuan comforted her, "You're only leaving for a little while."

"What 'little while'?" Li Rong sighed. "Once I go to Qingzhou, I won't be coming back. You know my temperament—if I stay in Huajing, I'll inevitably meddle. Two tigers can't share one mountain. If I stay here for long, trouble will arise."

"Then I'll bring them to you," Pei Wenxuan said, taking her favorite vase from her hands and peeking out from behind it. "I'll even pack your husband along."

As they spoke, Tong Ye hurried in. He bowed to Li Rong before approaching Pei Wenxuan and whispering a few words into his ear.

Pei Wenxuan's expression changed abruptly. Li Rong waved her hand, dismissing the others. Once they were gone, Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong and said, "His Majesty plans to summon the Crown Prince to the palace tonight."

Li Rong thought for a moment. "Notify Chuan'er and Shangguan Ya now. I'll leave the city tonight."

Pei Wenxuan nodded and immediately sent someone to inform Li Chuan and Shangguan Ya.

Not long after, while Li Rong was still in her room, she heard commotion outside. She was selecting books to take with her when she heard Li Chuan and Shangguan Ya's voices, pausing her actions.

Jing Lan noticed her hesitation and cautiously asked, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince and Miss Shangguan have arrived and are discussing matters. Will you not join them?"

Li Rong hesitated, then shook her head with a light laugh. "No, I won't go."

Li Rong continued directing the packing of a few jewelry boxes in her room. Finally, after everything was accounted for, she looked at the now somewhat empty room and fell into a daze.

Just as she was lost in thought, a clear female voice came from behind her. "Leaving just like that? Weren't you planning to conspire to overthrow the Crown Prince?"

Li Rong paused, then turned around to see Shangguan Ya leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed.

The two stared at each other in silence for a moment before Shangguan Ya conceded first. "I heard you're pregnant."

"Yes," Li Rong smiled. "I just found out."

"Pregnant women are prone to anger and irritability, I..."

"I'm sorry."

Before Shangguan Ya could offer her an excuse, Li Rong spoke first. Shangguan Ya was taken aback, and when she recovered, she seemed at a loss.

"It's... it's not a big deal. You... you don't have to be so serious."

"What I said yesterday morning was wrong. Please forgive me."

Li Rong spoke calmly. Shangguan Ya stood quietly at the door as Li Rong lowered her head with a light laugh. "I once knew someone with whom I had grievances. She was my friend, but in the end, she betrayed me for power. So when I thought of you and Su Ronghua, it stirred up old wounds, and I took it out on the wrong person."

Shangguan Ya remained silent for a moment before saying, "Actually, after I returned, I thought about what you said. Although you didn't mean it, my actions were indeed inappropriate, just as you pointed out."

Li Rong watched her quietly as she asked, "Today, I actually came to ask you, do you truly believe in your heart that I was wrong to give up on Su Ronghua?"Li Rong remained silent, gazing at the young woman before her who awaited her answer. After a long while, she spoke softly, "Do you still remember why you gave up being the Crown Princess to come to my Supervisory Department?"

"You said that for a woman, power is the ability to choose, and you wanted that choice."

"If you want it, then take it. Why give up?"

"But," Shangguan Ya replied hoarsely, "for the sake of a mere man..."

"Just a mere man," Li Rong interrupted her, smiling as she spoke, "are you afraid to claim him?"

"If you lack the ability now, then wait until you do. If you can't wait a year, wait ten; if you can't wait ten, wait a lifetime. Shangguan Ya," Li Rong looked at Shangguan Ya standing against the light, "you are the legitimate daughter of the Shangguan Clan, but you are also an individual. Remember your title—that is your responsibility—but do not forget your name, for that is your rightful power."

"Love may seem the most worthless thing in this world, yet it is one of the most fundamental choices a person can make. A world where even emotions cannot be freely chosen is one that does not treat people as human."

After Li Rong finished speaking, the two stood in silence.

After a long while, Shangguan Ya lowered her head and smiled: "You always give me these twisted philosophies. Before, you taught me not to exploit emotions, and now you tell me not to forget myself."

Shangguan Ya's voice was slightly hoarse: "You've corrupted me."

"That's good," Li Rong nodded, "at least now, you probably won't offer me a cup of poisoned wine."

"As if I ever did."

Shangguan Ya's eyes glistened with tears as she glanced up at her: "Alright, you're pregnant, and given the current situation, it's indeed not suitable for you to stay in Huajing anymore. You should leave quickly."

With that, Shangguan Ya turned to leave. After a few steps, she suddenly remembered something and abruptly turned back. Before Li Rong could react, Shangguan Ya pulled her into a tight embrace.

Li Rong rarely allowed such intimacy with others and was momentarily startled.

Shangguan Ya held her tightly, her voice low and hoarse: "Your Highness, I received a letter from Xun Chuan. She will return soon, and I will wait for you to come back. When the time comes, the three of us will drink together again."

Leaving these words without giving Li Rong a chance to refuse, Shangguan Ya hurried out.

Watching her like this, Li Rong couldn't help but smile.

Seeing Shangguan Ya rush out in a flurry, Pei Wenxuan entered the room, looking puzzled: "What happened to her?"

"She's just a child," Li Rong shook her head with a smile, "acting foolishly."

Then, Li Rong remembered: "She mentioned receiving a letter from Xun Chuan. Do you know what that's about?"

"Oh, I just received news. Xun Chuan has appeared with ten thousand troops in Shangguan territory. The Shangguan family sent word to Shangguan Ya, and Xun Chuan is on her way here. She sent a message for you, saying, 'Xun Chuan has fulfilled her mission and has not failed Your Highness.'"

Hearing this, Li Rong was momentarily stunned, then quickly realized: crossing the snowy mountains from the northwest could lead directly to Shangguan territory. This way, they wouldn't have to pass through Su Clan or Xie Clan lands.

In her previous life, she had crossed those snowy mountains to reach the northwest, and this time, she had led her people back from there.

"She..." Li Rong smiled, for some reason feeling a sense of...

"Then I'll go muster the troops," Pei Wenxuan chuckled softly, "tonight, the Crown Prince enters the palace."

Hearing the words "the Crown Prince enters the palace," Li Rong looked at Pei Wenxuan and repeated: "Tonight?"

"Yes," Pei Wenxuan nodded, "the Shangguan Clan and the Imperial Guards will attack the palace together, while the Pei Clan and the Supervisory Department cut off reinforcements outside. I won't be able to see you off."

"Alright," Li Rong nodded, "I'll leave on my own."

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged, gazing at Li Rong before reaching out and pulling her into his embrace.

After a long while, he whispered: "Your Highness."

"Hmm?""I have a rather foolish question."

"What is it?"

"If I were to die today, what would Your Highness do?"

Hearing these words, Li Rong stopped. She slowly raised her eyes and stared at Pei Wenxuan.

"If you die in Huajing," Li Rong's voice was very soft, "I will slaughter Huajing. Do you understand, Lord Pei?"

Pei Wenxuan laughed out loud, shaking his head: "Your Highness, you wouldn't."

"However," he quickly changed course just before Li Rong could get angry, "I am very glad Your Highness would say that."

"I love Your Highness more than my own life," Pei Wenxuan raised his hand to hold Li Rong's, placing it over his heart. "Even if Your Highness does not love me the same way, I would still find it sweet."

Li Rong did not speak. She looked up at Pei Wenxuan, and after a long while, she gave a faint smile: "I will wait for you in Qingzhou. Go attend to your matters."

"Alright." Pei Wenxuan leaned over to kiss Li Rong, saying happily, "Then I'm off."

After speaking, Pei Wenxuan embraced Li Rong one last time, took a deep breath, and held her hand as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he only said: "I'm leaving."

Then he stepped away, turned, and departed.

After he left the room, Li Rong stood in the empty chamber for a long while before finally finding a stool and slowly sitting down.

Once Pei Wenxuan left the Princess's Manor, his expression instantly turned cold. Tong Ye, observing his demeanor, asked quietly: "Young Master, where to now?"

"Gather our men," Pei Wenxuan glanced at Tong Ye. "First, privately notify a few of my uncles and cousins. Today, I will claim the family head's token. After informing them, notify the clan members—we will convene at the ancestral hall."

As Pei Wenxuan hurried toward the Pei family, Su Rongqing sat at his desk, looking at a note delivered from the palace.

The note was in Consort Rou's own handwriting: If the Su Clan assists, the Su and Li families will share the empire.

Seeing these words, Su Qingzhu, who had long been by Su Rongqing's side, frowned: "This Consort Rou is far too bold. Since Prince Su is alive and well, what is she scheming now?"

"What do the others say?"

Su Rongqing's voice was very soft. Su Qingzhu did not dare to delay, immediately replying: "Consort Rou has promised substantial benefits to each family. Princess Pingle has been appointed as head of the Supervisory Department but has been delaying the release of personnel. At the Drill Ground, the Crown Prince showed extraordinary concern for Princess Pingle, which has disheartened many noble families. With Young Master's earlier persuasion and Consort Rou's willingness to pay a high price, the families' stance is..."

Su Rongqing looked up. Su Qingzhu hesitated before speaking: "They request that Young Master take the lead and oversee the matter."

"A bunch of old fools."

Hearing this, Su Rongqing folded the paper and tossed it into the charcoal brazier.

As the flames licked and curled around the paper, Su Rongqing watched the scene in the brazier. Footsteps sounded from outside, and soon a servant respectfully appeared at the door, first bowing before saying: "Young Master, the family head requests your presence."

Su Rongqing nodded: "Please ask my father to wait a moment."

The attendant acknowledged the order, saluted, and withdrew.

After the servant left, Su Qingzhu looked at Su Rongqing: "Young Master, what now?"

"Light incense, prepare water, bathe, and change clothes."

This was Su Rongqing's consistent habit before making major decisions. Su Qingzhu, hearing this, steadied his mind and followed Su Rongqing's instructions to light incense and prepare water. After a simple bath, Su Rongqing rose from the bathing chamber.Dressed in splendid robes and a jade crown, with a pendant of jade hanging from his waist, his sleeves smoothed by the fragrance of an incense burner, and his appearance impeccable, Su Rongqing finally opened his eyes and strode outside.

Attendants followed behind Su Rongqing. Meanwhile, after receiving responses from several uncles and cousins, Pei Wenxuan’s carriage arrived at the Pei residence.

Seeing Pei Wenxuan’s carriage stop, the servants of the Pei residence hurried forward to open the door and guide the way. Pei Wenxuan led six people, arranged in two rows, as he walked through the long corridor.

“The eldest young master has arrived.”

“The eldest young master has arrived!”

The servants led the group inside, and before long, Pei Wenxuan stopped in front of the Pei family ancestral hall. Inside, Pei Xuanqing sat on the left, Pei Lixian on the right, with others arranged in two rows—those inside seated, and those outside standing all the way out. Behind Pei Xuanqing and Pei Lixian were the ancestral tablets of the Pei family. Pei Wenxuan’s gaze swept over them and settled on his father’s tablet.

Looking at the three characters “Pei Lizhi” illuminated by the candlelight, he raised his hands and bowed deeply to Pei Xuanqing in front of him. “Grandson Wenxuan has arrived late. I beg Grandfather’s forgiveness.”

Given Pei Wenxuan’s high position and authority in the court, no one dared to slight him. Pei Xuanqing smiled and said, “Wenxuan, what brings you to the ancestral hall today?”

“Grandfather, I have come with an unreasonable request.”

“Hmm?”

“My father’s family head token from back then,” Pei Wenxuan raised his eyes and looked at Pei Lixian, “may it now be handed over to Wenxuan?”

“No!”

Hearing this, Pei Lixian’s face turned cold. “What do you think you are, demanding the family head token now?”

“Second Uncle, I can forgo the family head token, but in these extraordinary times, the Pei family must have someone to lead. If I don’t take charge, will Second Uncle do it?”

Pei Lixian’s expression remained icy. Pei Wenxuan stepped forward, and as he entered, the doors closed behind him. Standing in the center of the hall, he spread his wide sleeves. “Gentlemen, do you think I came here to jest with you? These are extraordinary times, and our Pei family must choose a side.”

“We choose nothing,” Pei Lixian interrupted. Pei Wenxuan chuckled softly. “Choosing nothing is the same as choosing everything. Our ties with Princess Ping Le run deep. Over the past two years, thanks to the care of the Crown Prince and Princess Ping Le, everyone has lived quite comfortably. It won’t be long before our Pei family rises to become a first-rank noble clan.”

“On the contrary, if anything goes wrong, it’s entirely possible that we could face confiscation of property and extermination of the clan.”

“What you’re doing now is precisely that—bringing about the confiscation of property and extermination of the clan!”

Pei Lixian shouted angrily. Pei Wenxuan turned to look at him. “What exactly is Second Uncle accusing me of doing?”

“I know your intentions. News has already come from the palace that Prince Su is safe and sound. You’ve always supported the Crown Prince, and now you fear His Majesty will depose him, so you’re plotting to usurp the throne…”

“Second Uncle, be careful with your words!” Pei Wenxuan raised his voice to caution Pei Lixian. “The court is currently peaceful. Second Uncle is speaking utter nonsense.”

Pei Lixian had laid bare Pei Wenxuan’s intentions, and combined with his demand for the family head token to mobilize all the family’s resources, everyone understood the implications. They exchanged glances. Pei Wenxuan looked at Pei Xuanqing. “Grandfather, my father, Lizhi, was the eldest legitimate son, and I am his only child. According to ancestral tradition, upon reaching adulthood, I should receive the family head token. Today, I am not contending for the token, but in these special circumstances, the Pei family must choose a path.”"The Pei family hails from humble origins, unlike the other noble houses in the capital. Our foundation was built by licking blood from the blade's edge. To climb higher, we must employ extraordinary means. Today, I dare to ask everyone in the clan," Pei Wenxuan rose and turned to face the crowd, "would you rather live a lifetime bowing and scraping as a lowly family, or take the path of the ascending dragon and gamble on the fate of our house!"