Su Rоngqing rеmаined silent, his gаzе fiхеd оn the woman sеаted high upоn the thronе. Тhоsе bеhind him, nоticing his unusual stillnеss, hurried forward and soon bеhеld Li Rong uрon thе gоldеn sеat.
Нuа Lе, fоllоwing at thе rear, was thе first tо reаct. Seeing Li Rоng ocсupying thе еlеvаtеd роsition, she соuld not hеlр but еxсlaim, "Li Rоng, whаt are уоu doing? Тhat is our fathеr's seat—havе уоu gonе mad?"
"His Mаjеstу is gravеlу ill, аnd thе Сrоwn Prinсе is still reсovеring from his injuries. I hаve bееn sрeсiаllу аppointеd to oversee thе state affаirs. Fulai," she rаised hеr hаnd, "prоclaim the imperial decree."
Fulai responded, "Yes."
With that, he unfurled the imperial decree and, amidst the shock of all present, steadily read aloud its contents, which appointed Li Rong as the Regent Princess.
As he read the decree, the sounds of battle outside drew nearer.
Su Rongqing never took his eyes off Li Rong above, and Li Rong met his gaze without flinching, her expression calm.
After the decree was read, Fulai smiled at the assembled officials. "Esteemed ministers, the imperial will has been conveyed. Please enter the hall."
No one moved. Hua Le glanced around, wanting to step forward but held back by an inexplicable sense of trepidation. She could only urge the others, "What are you all standing here for? Go and seize her!"
"Su Rongqing."
Seeing the others remain silent for so long, Li Rong called his name. "Enter the hall."
Upon hearing Li Rong's command, Su Rongqing lifted the hem of his robe and strode into the grand hall. Hua Le was about to speak when Gu Zidao beside her cautioned, "Your Highness, remain calm."
Gu Zidao was the Minister of Rites, a senior official here. Even someone as uninformed as Hua Le knew to show him respect.
Everyone watched the situation unfold as Su Rongqing advanced, stopping less than three zhang from the steps. Seeing him stand without kneeling, Li Rong slightly raised her chin. "Entering the hall without kneeling—are you a treacherous rebel?"
"Last night's palace coup did not reveal the Emperor's presence. I dare not kneel."
"Why dare you not?"
"Fear of kneeling to a usurper, thus dishonoring the Son of Heaven."
"You have deployed troops outside. If you are not the rebel, who else would dare claim that title?"
"Crown Prince Li Chuan," Su Rongqing raised his voice. "Your Highness, last night the Crown Prince stormed the city, deceived Your Highness, and seized His Majesty. I have come to rescue the Emperor. I beg Your Highness not to worry. Guards," Su Rongqing waved his hand, "Princess Pingle has been frightened. Escort Her Highness away to rest."
"Outrageous!"
Li Rong's sharp rebuke echoed through the hall as soldiers instantly filled the space, their weapons pointed at the court officials. Li Rong glared at the crowd. "The Crown Prince never entered the palace last night. His Majesty is safe and well. Your forced assault on the city is an act of treason. Withdraw now and accept your punishment!"
Li Rong's words caused the faces of those present to pale dramatically. Xiao Qian turned to glance at Consort Rou, who furrowed her brows.
Su Rongqing seized the crucial point and asked only, "The Crown Prince is not in the palace?"
"The Crown Prince left the city last night to recuperate from his injuries," Li Rong replied, her voice steady as she observed the growing unease among the crowd. "Therefore, I am acting as regent. Esteemed ministers, plotting against the Emperor is a capital crime punishable by the extermination of one's clan. Even if this crime is not addressed today, it will be one day. At the very least, history will record your infamy for generations. I presume none of you wish for such an outcome."
Li Rong's words caused hesitation among the officials. They had believed that Li Chuan had already killed Li Ming, which would have justified their killing of Li Chuan.
But now, with Li Chuan absent from the palace and the Emperor still alive, their assault on the city appeared absurd and laughable.
The crime of murdering the Son of Heaven—even with immense power, doubts would arise. And if their power ever waned, it would become the root of a calamity leading to the extermination of their clans.In the hearts of these centuries-old noble families, the Son of Heaven might not amount to much, yet they dared not openly harm him so blatantly.
Seeing their hesitation, Hua Le grew momentarily flustered. She couldn't help but tug at Consort Rou's sleeve. Consort Rou lowered her head in deep thought. Amidst the general uncertainty, Su Rongqing's voice rang out: "I wish to speak with Princess Pingle. Might I ask everyone to grant us some privacy?"
Su Rongqing's sudden proposal took everyone by surprise. Consort Rou lifted her head, a cold glint in her eyes. While the others hesitated, she spoke with a light laugh: "Since Minister Su has matters to discuss with Pingle, we shall not disturb them. Everyone," Consort Rou turned to the others, "let us wait respectfully outside."
With that, Consort Rou took "Li Cheng" by the hand and led the way, taking Xiao Qian and the others out with her. The rest exchanged glances briefly before following them out of the main hall.
Li Rong watched as Su Rongqing's people withdrew from the hall. Su Rongqing looked up at her: "Your Highness?"
"Your Highness," Fulai turned to Li Rong, "Su Rongqing is, after all, a man. What if he harbors ill intentions toward Your Highness..."
"Leave us."
Li Rong spoke, and Fulai paused. After a moment's hesitation, he finally led his people out of the main hall.
Before leaving, Fulai had his men, as instructed by Su Rongqing, set up a tea table and utensils in the hall, then withdrew last.
Once everyone had exited the hall, they dispersed, standing in separate groups and whispering among themselves.
Xiao Qian stood behind Consort Rou, lowering his voice: "Second Sister, the Crown Prince did not act. Now these old fools are likely having second thoughts."
"They won't," Consort Rou watched the soldiers continuously entering through the palace gates. "Once inside the palace, no one can escape now."
As they spoke, Gu Zidao, who had been conferring with the ministers nearby, seemed to have reached some decision with them. He nodded to Wang Houmin and stepped forward, bowing to Consort Rou: "Your Ladyship."
"Minister Gu."
Consort Rou promptly returned the courtesy. Gu Zidao glanced at the main hall and said with a smile: "Your Ladyship, it seems... there may be some misunderstanding. Since His Majesty is unharmed, perhaps the Crown Prince is not rebelling after all. We have just discussed... perhaps..." Gu Zidao observed Consort Rou's expression, "we should all disperse?"
"If it truly is a misunderstanding, then of course we should withdraw and beg His Majesty's forgiveness." Gu Zidao's words did not surprise Consort Rou. She turned her gaze toward the inner palace. "But we have not yet seen His Majesty. Who knows whether Li Rong's words are true or false? Since we are already in the palace, why not allow me to enter the inner palace and see for myself whether His Majesty is alive or dead."
Hearing Consort Rou's words, Gu Zidao stared at her for a long while. Consort Rou chuckled: "What does Minister Gu think?"
"Confirming His Majesty's safety is, of course, necessary."
Gu Zidao seemed quite satisfied with Consort Rou's answer. He bowed: "We will do our utmost to assist Your Ladyship in entering the inner palace."
"Then, I thank Minister Gu."
"Guards," Consort Rou turned and pointed at Fulai nearby, "seize this old traitor who has sided with the rebels! The rest of you, follow me into the palace to see His Majesty!"
"A'Qian," Consort Rou turned to Xiao Qian, her instructions carrying a deeper meaning, "guard the palace gates to prevent any unauthorized persons from entering or leaving."
Xiao Qian understood Consort Rou's implicit message.
These noble families were like reeds in the wind—they came for profit and could just as easily leave for it.They now needed to bind these noble families together, tying them into one force. If the Xiao Clan could not leave the palace, no one would be able to.
After Consort Rou finished speaking, she led her people toward the inner palace.
Hua Le followed behind Consort Rou, lowering her voice: "Mother, what if Father is still alive?"
"He won't be alive."
Consort Rou spoke decisively: "By the time we see him, he will already be dead at Li Chuan's hands."
Hearing this, Hua Le looked up in shock. She saw Consort Rou's somewhat pale face, and for a moment, she found herself unable to say anything.
When the palace had just fallen, within the Princess's Manor, relatives of the Su Clan and Gu Clan were locked in several rooms. The sounds of weeping and cries for help continuously echoed. Pei Wenxuan stood in the courtyard as Tong Ye wiped the blood from his face and walked up behind him, speaking softly: "Young Master, the family members of the Su and Gu Clans are all here."
"What about the Wang Clan?"
"Not yet taken."
"Did anyone escape?"
"No." Tong Ye shook his head. "The Wang Clan has shut its gates, and no one has come out."
"What about the palace?"
"The palace gates have been breached. The Su Clan's banner is already flying atop the walls. Su Rongqing has taken Consort Rou, Wang Houmin, Gu Zidao, and others inside. It is said the Morning Court Assembly was not canceled."
"How long did it take to breach the palace gates?"
"Less than half an hour."
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan closed his eyes.
Taking the palace in less than half an hour showed that Li Rong had almost no defenses outside the palace walls. She had concentrated all her forces within the inner palace.
And with the Morning Court Assembly proceeding normally, it meant she was in the outer palace.
Such actions, given Li Rong's temperament, only indicated one thing—
Li Ming was not dead.
If Li Ming did not die, Li Chuan's crimes could not be confirmed, and those noble families would remain hesitant. By concentrating her troops in the inner palace, she hoped to preserve her remaining military strength. Once Li Chuan found an opportunity to counterattack and storm the city, these forces could coordinate from within.
In this situation, her presence in the outer palace was solely to buy time.
Using her own life to buy time.
She knew that from the moment she chose to remain in the palace, her chances of survival were almost nonexistent.
Whether Li Chuan won or lost, as long as the city was stormed, she would be a hostage.
"Young Master?"
Seeing Pei Wenxuan close his eyes and remain silent for a long time, Tong Ye grew concerned: "What should we do next?"
"Since Su Ronghua tipped off Shangguan Ya, it shows the Su Clan itself did not wish to be involved in this. Su Ronghua will block the Su Clan's troops coming from Tianshou Pass. By tomorrow morning, Xun Chuan's army will also arrive. At that point, the outer city will see Xun Chuan's forces facing the ten thousand troops brought by the Wang Clan."
"Last night, the Imperial Guards, the Pei Clan, and the Shangguan Clan's forces still numbered eight thousand. Six thousand of them were taken into the palace by Her Highness, leaving two thousand with us."
"In the city, the Su Clan and other noble families have around ten thousand private soldiers. On His Majesty's side, the Imperial Guards and Prince Ning's men number roughly seven thousand."
"Then do we still have a chance of winning? Those noble families who want us dead have twenty thousand men. We have less than twenty thousand, and we don't know what His Majesty intends..."
"We can win."
Pei Wenxuan opened his eyes: "We must win."
As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of drums came from outside.
"Boom."
"Boom, boom."
Following the drumbeats, Zhao Chongjiu rushed in with his sword in hand. Standing at the entrance, he restrained his excitement: "Imperial Son-in-Law, Xun Chuan's army has arrived. They have begun storming the city!"Pei Wenxuan showed no change in expression. Listening to the war drums outside, he paused briefly before immediately ordering, "Zhao Chongjiu, take a thousand men to the city tower at once. Coordinate with Xun Chuan from inside and outside to open the city gates. Be quick."
"Inform Pei Xiao that after escorting the Wang family's dependents into the Princess's Manor, guard the manor and await my orders."
"Tong Ye, have someone release all the remaining Kongming lanterns from the manor. Prepare incense and water."
"Young Master?"
Tong Ye was somewhat confused, bowing his head with a gentle expression. "I must go to fetch Her Highness."
He couldn't let her stay alone in the palace.
Whether in life or death, he would accompany her.
As the drums sounded, a cold wind swept through, causing the black banners embroidered with golden phoenixes outside the city to flutter and snap loudly.
Li Chuan led Lin Feibai and Xun Chuan on horseback, with soldiers standing in formation behind them. In the not-yet-fully-lit dawn, they appeared somewhat weary.
"Are we entering the city now?"
Lin Feibai looked ahead, frowning. These soldiers had marched thousands of miles and were clearly exhausted.
"We won't enter the city now," Shangguan Ya stood atop a war chariot, gazing at the high walls ahead. "If we wait until daybreak, when the Wang family's troops bring reinforcements, it will be difficult to attack the city. Better to take the city now and defend it while preparing for further attacks."
"Attacking the city won't be easy," Lin Feibai said uneasily. "The soldiers are tired and weary of fighting. How can we launch an assault?"
"It will be soon," Li Chuan looked at Huajing, his expression cold.
Xun Chuan glanced at Li Chuan beside her. He wore the black robes of the Crown Prince, draped in a pure white fox fur cloak, his hair tied high with a jade crown, exuding an indescribable air of nobility.
He had grown much taller, with the lean build of a scholar-official. His eyes were cold and hollow, bearing no resemblance to the lively youth he once was.
"Pei Wenxuan and Elder Sister are inside."
Li Chuan noticed Xun Chuan's gaze, thinking she had doubts, and turned to look at her, saying only, "Do not worry."
As soon as he finished speaking, a Kongming lantern rose from within Huajing.
The lantern in the not-yet-bright sky immediately caught the attention of many.
After the first Kongming lantern lit up, Li Chuan drew his sword from his waist and spoke calmly, "Prepare for battle."
Hearing this, Shangguan Ya placed her hands together in front of her, bowed respectfully, then turned to face the soldiers.
"Gentlemen," Shangguan Ya raised her voice, "do you know what place this is?"
The war drums beat steadily. The soldiers looked at Shangguan Ya but remained silent. Shangguan Ya pointed at the characters for "Huajing" and raised her voice further: "This is Huajing, the place you have defended on the battlefield. Within Huajing, there are silks and satins, enchanting beauties, gold and jewels, and unparalleled power. Yet none of these have ever belonged to you. You fought in the northwest, in bitter cold lands, lacking food and clothing, your lives as worthless as grass, trampled underfoot like mud for generations. Your descendants will suffer the same fate. Are you content?!"
No one dared to speak.
But human nature seeks profit. Unspoken words do not mean they do not exist. It is only because they are bowed under the weight of power that they dare not speak.
"But today is different. Today, you will enter the city," Shangguan Ya pointed her sleeve toward Huajing, raising her voice. "Win, and you will be enfeoffed as lords and generals! Lose, and you will only be wrapped in horsehide for burial—no different from before!"
"Today, from the Crown Prince above to the condemned below, before the imperial city, all are blades thrust forward. Follow me, discard the provisions, heed the Crown Prince's command. Either win or die, return only in victory!"
With that, Shangguan Ya drew her sword and cut the provisions carried on the war chariot. The grain fell to the ground, scattering everywhere.Lin Chuan followed suit, raising her sword and cleanly slicing through the bags of provisions tied to the horse. The grain fell to the ground as her sword pointed steadily toward Huajing.
"In the name of Princess Pingle," her voice was steady, no different from when she trained them daily, yet she emphasized the final eight words: "Victory or death, no return without triumph."
"Victory or death, no return without triumph!"
Led by Lin Chuan, everyone untied their provisions and shouted in unison.
This was the most precious opportunity of their lives.
From the northwest to Huajing, they had climbed snow-capped mountains, traveled thousands of miles, as if tearing through the thorns that concealed forbidden paths in the swampy mire, climbing layer by layer to places they had never imagined.
Amid the endless despair passed down through generations, they had finally grasped a sliver of hope for a turnaround.
In an instant, morale soared.
Li Chuan turned to look at Xun Chuan beside him, and Xun Chuan met his gaze.
After a long pause, Li Chuan asked only one question: "Will we win?"
Xun Chuan’s expression remained calm as she replied: "Her Highness will not lose."
There was only one "Her Highness" in her words.
From the moment she saved her, from the moment she gave her a life entirely different from Qin Zhenzhen’s, she had already enshrined her on a pedestal.
Her sister, her friend, her sovereign—Li Rong.
Hearing this, Li Chuan smiled.
Nearby, Lin Feibai looked at Shangguan Ya standing atop the war chariot and smiled bitterly. "You’ve doomed me."
"You can still turn back now."
Shangguan Ya picked up the drumsticks beside her. Lin Feibai studied her, somewhat puzzled. "I thought you would leave now."
"Everyone is here," Shangguan Ya replied with a candid smile. "So I won’t leave either."
Lin Feibai fell silent, pondered for a moment, then lowered his head with a faint smile.
Just then, the sound of horns echoed. Li Chuan drew his sword and pointed it forward.
Shangguan Ya trembled as she struck the drumsticks heavily against the drumhead. Amid the deafening roar, under a sky filled with Kongming lanterns, soldiers surged toward the city walls.
The clamor of battle shook the heavens.
But before the war drums sounded, within the palace walls, Fulai had just closed the main gate.
As the doors of the great hall shut, the entire hall darkened, illuminated only by the flickering candlelight that cast faint shadows.
Su Rongqing and Li Rong sat facing each other. Su Rongqing gazed at Li Rong for a long while before speaking with a hint of nostalgia: "It has been a long time since I brewed tea for Your Highness. It is a pity that the Silver Tip tea Your Highness loves is not available today."
"Did you dismiss everyone just to reminisce with me?"
Li Rong watched as Su Rongqing washed his hands in the warm water from the basin beside him, finding it somewhat amusing. Su Rongqing’s demeanor was serene, reminiscent of his leisurely days in the Princess’s Manor. "Naturally, I have some questions for Your Highness."
"Your Highness," Su Rongqing said as he took the tea leaves and placed them into the teapot, his voice calm, "is the Golden Phoenix Throne comfortable?"
Hearing his question, Li Rong understood his meaning but feigned ignorance. "What do you mean?"
"Your Highness should know that I only wish to stop Li Chuan."
Su Rongqing set the tea leaves aside, knelt formally before Li Rong, and placed his hands on his lap. "Since Your Highness is now the Regent Princess, does it still matter whether Li Chuan is the Crown Prince?"
Li Rong remained silent. Su Rongqing leaned forward slightly. "Your Highness," he whispered, "this humble official is not here for revenge. Li Chuan may live."
He may live, but not as the Crown Prince, not under his own name.
With Li Rong as the Regent Princess, Li Cheng would ascend the throne, Li Chuan would be executed for treason, and he would live under a new identity."I understand what you mean."
Li Rong sensed Su Rongqing's concession and shook her head. "But I cannot deceive you."
"What does Your Highness mean?"
Su Rongqing wore a smile on his face, but his eyes held a chill.
"You oppose Li Chuan's ascension because he intends to weaken the noble families, and you wish to prevent this. Yet if I were to oversee the state, I would still make the same choices as Li Chuan, albeit through different means."
Hearing this, Su Rongqing's smile gradually faded.
"Your Highness," he spoke earnestly, "wasn't the previous lifetime enough?"
Li Rong pondered Su Rongqing's words for a long while.
She had intended to argue, but when she looked up and saw the hint of obsession in Su Rongqing's eyes, she suddenly recalled Li Ming's words.
Those in power must consider not only the outcome but also the source.
She gazed at Su Rongqing for a long time before slowly speaking. "In the previous lifetime, what do you think Li Chuan did wrong?"
"Does Your Highness truly need to ask me?" Su Rongqing seemed somewhat agitated. "What did you say in the previous lifetime? Have you forgotten? You said he should not have launched the northern campaign, should not have reformed the system. He caused upheaval throughout the land, leaving the people in misery. As a ruler, for the sake of a woman..."
"Rongqing," Li Rong interrupted him, "do you truly believe that?"
"Your Highness," Su Rongqing's lips trembled slightly, "what do you mean?"
"I remember the first time I saw you was in the Imperial Study."
Li Rong looked at Su Rongqing, her expression tinged with nostalgia.
"At that time, you knelt outside the Imperial Study with Prime Minister Su, pleading with my father to abandon the northern campaign. You told me that the Su family lived for the people and would die for the state."
Hearing this, a ripple of emotion stirred in Su Rongqing's eyes, like a stone thrown into a lake, creating gentle waves.
Li Rong raised her eyes to meet his. "But tell me, in the world today, are the noble families truly beneficial or harmful to the people?"
"We both know the answer. The northern campaign was indeed rushed, but if the noble families had not obstructed and embezzled, the military funds would have been sufficient."
"The southern floods were indeed exacerbated by the northern campaign depleting the treasury, but if the noble families had not flourished without paying taxes, and if many in the regions had not relied on them to evade taxes, the treasury would not have been so empty."
"You say that as a ruler, he should not have favored a single woman. But Su Rongqing, if you loved me, would you not suffer if I were with someone else? If that is true for you, why would it not be for Chuan'er?"
"But he is a ruler. He must endure all suffering," Su Rongqing insisted stubbornly.
"Yet his endurance must have meaning," Li Rong said with a light laugh. "What does a ruler's marriage have to do with the court? A ruler governs the state and cares for the people. Whom he loves, whether he marries one woman or several—what does that have to do with the world? The only reason it matters is because the noble families have turned the court's disputes into conflicts within the harem. His endurance pleases the noble families, not the people. What meaning does that hold?"
"According to Your Highness," Su Rongqing retorted sarcastically, "it is all the fault of the noble families, is it? But are there no corrupt officials among the commoners? Are there no factions among them? This is simply human nature. What does it have to do with the noble families?!"
"You all say the noble clans are wrong, but for so many years, when famine struck, the Su Clan provided relief; when war broke out, the sons of the Su Clan took to the battlefield together. The Su Clan has always cared for the people—what have they done wrong? You speak of harem factional strife, that Li Chuan is blameless, but is Shangguan Ya at fault then? Is my elder brother at fault? Their entire lives were ruined when they were sent into the palace. Li Chuan treated them this way for his own selfish desires. Why can Li Chuan be willful, while they must live in despair for a lifetime, simply because they are not the Son of Heaven? If the noble clans are guilty," Su Rongqing stared intently at Li Rong, "then are the imperial family and the royal house not also guilty?"
"Then, who sent Shangguan Ya into the palace?" Li Rong looked at Su Rongqing. Su Rongqing did not answer. Li Rong lowered her head and smiled. "Rongqing, you actually understand many things in your heart. You just cannot admit that you and I were born guilty."
"What does it mean to be born guilty! Good or evil, guilt or punishment—it should depend on what a person has done. My Su Clan, a prestigious family for a hundred years..."
"It is precisely this prestigious family for a hundred years," Li Rong interrupted him, "that is built upon what?"
Su Rongqing fell silent. Li Rong looked at him with some pity.
"Rongqing, I understand your stubbornness."
"Heart yearning for the light, yet born into darkness—you cannot accept your own identity, so you can only distort right and wrong. In your youthful ignorance, you could still conceal it, but the more you awaken and understand, the more you despise yourself."
"Your Highness!"
Su Rongqing raised his voice to interrupt her, as if someone had touched the most painful part of his heart. He leaned forward slightly, as if clutching his robes. Looking at Li Rong, his eyes were filled with pleading.
Don't say it, don't say any more.
The pride of his birth, the praise he received since childhood, his steadfastness, his beliefs.
"People love fox fur," Li Rong did not heed his plea. Under Su Rongqing's gaze, she spoke slowly, "but foxes do not like it. To give a fox a little food and then claim to have its best interests at heart—that is a lie."
"If your Su Clan truly cares for the people and the state, if you truly wish to change the outcome of the previous life, what you should do is not kill Li Chuan or prevent him from ascending the throne, but stand with him and fight against what is inherently wrong."
"But the noble clans are vast. If we rashly enact reforms..."
"Then should we never act?"
Li Rong laughed. "We need not deceive ourselves. If something is wrong, there will always be those who resist. No matter how vast the noble clans are, if they are wrong, there will be countless Li Chuans, Pei Wenxuans, and Qin Lins who will fight against them one after another. They will disappear one day. And in this world, we cannot act recklessly, but neither can we remain motionless."
"Li Chuan may not be the crown prince, but I will not deceive you by promising how many benefits I would grant the noble clans if I were to ascend the throne. My entire life," Li Rong's eyes reflected the candlelight, flickering with shadows, "is dedicated to my principles."
"I hope you will seek your original heart," Li Rong gazed at him, "and forever remain Su Lang."
Su Rongqing stared blankly at Li Rong. The water boiled, emitting a sharp sound.
"Your Highness," Su Rongqing snapped back to reality, his voice hoarse, "I cannot turn back."
He had long since led everyone onto the ship of rebellion. Whether advancing or retreating, no one could escape.
"I have nothing left." Su Rongqing smiled bitterly. "I cannot turn back."
He had already sacrificed everything for this. To make him admit his mistake now—how could he bear it?
Li Rong thought for a moment, then lowered her head and chuckled softly. "Then let's not speak of these things. Let's have one last cup of tea. Allow me to brew it for you."Li Rong spoke as she took the kettle from the stove and poured the boiling water into the teapot.
Her eyes were lowered, carrying a gentle serenity he had never seen before. Like a piece of unpolished jade smoothed by time, flowing with a clear, moist glow under the sunlight.
Inside the hall, the sound of tea brewing trickled softly; outside, the clamor of slaughter shook the heavens.
Behind the rising steam, the woman seemed like an eternal, unchanging painting.
The shyness of their first meeting at twelve, the flutter of heart when watching her from afar during annual examinations, the sorrow upon hearing of her engagement, the agony of trudging along with the crowd on her wedding day.
The umbrella he mustered a lifetime of courage to hold for her once,
The lifetime of kneeling before her in desperate circumstances.
The restraint of standing behind her, gazing but never reaching, the encounters in this life he dared not touch yet always watched from afar.
She had been woven through the entirety of his life, and in the final moment, she pointed the way back for him.
The tea leaves were rinsed and discarded, then steeped again, the resulting tea poured into a white porcelain cup, revealing a clear, translucent hue.
Li Rong pushed the cup toward him.
This was the first time she had poured tea for him, yet he could never summon the courage to lift it.
After a long while, his hand trembling, he raised the cup. Before the tea reached his lips, the hall doors were suddenly slammed open: "It's bad!"
Su Rongqing’s hand shook, spilling the tea. Su Zhizhu gasped for breath, looking at Su Rongqing in panic: "Young Master, the Crown Prince has led his men to attack the city."
Su Rongqing quietly watched Su Zhizhu at the door. Li Rong turned her head and saw, in the darkness, Kongming lanterns rising into the air like bright stars.
Ministers clamored as they rushed in. Wang Houmin entered the hall and urgently said, "Rongqing, the inner palace hasn’t been taken yet, and Li Chuan’s men are already at the gates. What should we do?"
As he spoke, Wang Houmin noticed Li Rong beside them and hurriedly said, "Quick, tie Li Rong up and hang her from the city gate!"
"Lord Wang!"
Su Rongqing shouted sharply: "This is Her Highness."
"Her Highness?"
Wang Houmin was stunned for a moment, then instantly erupted in fury: "Su Rongqing, how can you still be indulging in romantic frivolities with a woman at a time like this? Remember, it was you who made us cooperate with Consort Rou. If we lose this battle, both our families will face execution and extermination. Don’t lose your head now!"
Scolded like this, Su Rongqing’s face paled. Li Rong sat calmly in the hall, letting out a soft laugh: "Lord Wang need not be angry. This consort will accompany you to the city tower."
With that, Li Rong stood up. Su Rongqing grabbed the hem of her robe, looked up, and gritted his teeth: "Your Highness, don’t go out."
Li Rong quietly looked at Su Rongqing, whose eyes held an uncontrollable fear: "No one will save you."
Li Chuan could not abandon the siege at this moment.
He did not have many troops and could not wait for the Wang family’s army to arrive.
If Li Chuan did not abandon the siege, Li Rong, as a hostage, would only meet death.
Hearing this, Li Rong pondered for a long time before softly saying, "Thank you, but," she raised her eyes, "I don’t want to owe you."
Not even in death.
Su Rongqing’s face turned pale. Li Rong brushed away the hand clutching her sleeve and turned to walk out.
Each of her steps was steady, appearing calm and without a trace of fear. Her proud back was like a crane, no different from the Her Highness who walked ahead in his memories.
Yet Li Rong herself knew that no one could face death without fear.
She had died once.She understood all too well what death meant—it meant regrets that could never be undone, loved ones who could never be reunited, dreams forever lost, and hopes forever extinguished.
Perhaps she hadn’t feared death so much before, but now she was afraid.
Because there was someone in her heart.
Li Rong instinctively raised a hand to rest on her abdomen. She walked step by step across the polished black marble floor, moving toward the light.
The image of a person surfaced in her mind.
She knew he couldn’t possibly appear—he was already outside Huajing. He should be safe. Perhaps he was even waiting below the city walls with Li Chuan.
She wanted to climb the city tower, to take one last good look at him, to thank him properly.
To thank him for teaching her that such beautiful feelings existed in this world, and for opening that world to her, pulling her out of the darkness and into the light.
And after this, as long as Li Chuan won, he would survive. Then, just like in her previous life, he would become a renowned minister and virtuous statesman, revered by the people and remembered for generations to come.
Li Rong walked forward with a faint smile. At that very moment, before the palace gates, a young man in white robes and a jade crown stood with a sword at his side.
Soldiers surged forward, surrounding the elegant gentleman with their spears.
Yet the gentleman remained calm and composed. He lifted his gaze toward the main hall, where the faint silhouette of a woman had appeared.
A smile touched his lips, his eyes unwavering. “Please announce,” he said, “Pei Wenxuan requests an audience with Princess Pingle. If permission is denied, may I ask Vice Minister Su, Minister Gu, and Vice Minister Wang whether they still miss their families?”
At these words, everyone’s expressions shifted in shock. Pei Wenxuan paid no heed and strode directly into the city.
The palace gates had already been breached by a battering ram. Everyone stared at him in stunned silence. Just as Li Rong stepped out of the main hall, she saw a figure in white robes walking slowly toward her from the direction of the gates.
She froze in place, staring blankly at him.
The snow from last night remained uncleared, covering the bloodstains and chaos of the previous evening like a blank canvas spread across the ground.
The gentleman in white robes and jade crown walked alone across the vast, snow-covered plain, like a snow deity descended to the mortal world—pure yet carrying an air of solemnity.
Countless soldiers stood around with bows drawn, ready to shoot him at any moment. Yet the gentleman moved as if strolling through a garden, calm and graceful.
Outside Huajing, countless soldiers scaled the walls on siege ladders. Inside the city, soldiers clashed in fierce combat. Zhao Chongjiu cut down the soldiers guarding the gate mechanism and slashed the rope with a heavy stroke of his sword.
The city gate instantly collapsed, falling across the moat. Soldiers surged forward, charging in with earth-shaking roars.
Deep within the inner palace, Consort Rou stared at the bedchamber just thirty meters away, surrounded by dense ranks of soldiers, her fists clenched tightly.
Beside her, Hua Le screamed frantically, “Charge! Kill them! Hurry!”
Li Ming sat on the bed, looking up at the dragon patterns embroidered on the canopy. Listening to his daughter’s furious cries outside, he smiled mockingly and slowly closed his eyes.
None of the bloodshed, chaos, wails, or mockery touched the gentleman in the snow. He strode swiftly to the front of the main hall and ascended the steps.
His gaze remained fixed on Li Rong, never straying for a moment.
Li Rong instinctively straightened her back, her hands still protectively over her abdomen. For some reason, as he drew closer, her vision grew increasingly blurred.
She felt as if her heart were being filled, little by little.
As though the heavens had suddenly poured back into her heart everything she had ever lost.
She had not been abandoned.She was not alone.
From this moment on, for the rest of her life, there would be someone who would be with her, whether in life or death.
As tears welled in her eyes, he came before her. With a smile, he raised his hands in front of him, knelt on one knee, and looked up at her.
"Your servant, Pei Wenxuan, pays his respects to Princess Pingle."
Hearing his words, Li Rong couldn't help but smile.
Her eyes curved uncontrollably, and as they did, tears fell.
"What are you doing here?"
"To accompany you in death," Pei Wenxuan answered with unwavering sincerity, "or to take you home."
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