Неаring this, Li Мing's exрrеssiоn rеmаined unchangеd. Нe loоked at Реi Wеnхuаn knеeling on thе ground, as if he had alreаdу understоod еvеrуthing, уet still аskеd, "Whаt dо уou mеan by this, Ministеr Рei? Yоu are an оfficial оf the cоurt—hоw соuld аnуоne darе tо kill yоu?"
"Yоur Мajеsty," Реi Wenxuаn knеlt on thе ground, seeminglу filled with grief and indignаtiоn. "Sinсe Yоur Majestу аlrеadу knоws аbоut mу rеscuе оf Prinсess Рing Le yеsterdау, уou mау hаvе some understаnding of the predicаment I now faсe."
"Prеdicаmеnt?" Li Ming fоund a nearby stone, brushed off the dust, and slowly sat down. "There is no need to fear. Speak plainly."
"Yesterday, on my way back to the city, I saw military horses galloping past. Among the riders, I vaguely overheard words like 'kidnap the princess.' Feeling uneasy, I sent my servant back to the city to seek help from the Crown Prince's residence while I hurried to see what these people were up to, in case of any unforeseen danger."
"Hmm." Li Ming acknowledged. These events were true—he had already investigated them thoroughly the previous night. He replied calmly, "And then?"
"I followed behind them and saw that these people, clearly servants from certain households, had changed into bandit attire, pretending to be mountain thieves. Realizing something was amiss, I set up roadblocks along the way, hoping to assist the princess in a critical moment."
"You are quite clever," Li Ming chuckled. "Those stone slabs were your doing?"
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan knew that Li Ming had sent someone to investigate the events of that night in detail and had likely uncovered all the clues left behind.
Pei Wenxuan had served by Li Ming's side for a year in the past and was extremely familiar with his temperament—suspicious, sensitive, and always verifying matters from multiple angles. Thus, Pei Wenxuan carefully considered his words and continued, "Exactly. At the time, I waited by the roadside. Before long, I saw bandits chasing the princess. Her shadow guards were protecting her, but in the critical moment, I used the roadblocks to assist in her rescue. Unexpectedly, the princess was injured and fell unconscious in the chaos, so I had no choice but to carry her away in haste. I used my horse to lure the pursuers away, then hid in the reed marshes. Soon after, I heard someone chasing after us, cursing his subordinates for their incompetence in failing to stop the princess. He lamented that the princess hadn't even seen him this time, so how could he win her favor?"
Listening to Pei Wenxuan's account, Li Ming let out a low laugh. "These young people are quite resourceful." Then, he looked up at Pei Wenxuan and asked, "Was it Yang Quan?"
Pei Wenxuan pursed his lips tightly and whispered, "Yes."
"Panicked, I carried the princess and fled without thinking. After waking up, I discussed the matter with the princess and learned that she was unaware of the situation, so I said nothing further. This morning, the princess and I were rescued together. The Empress summoned me to the palace and then told me..."
"Told you what?" Li Ming asked calmly. Pei Wenxuan paused, as if hesitating. After a long while, he finally said, "The Empress ordered me to conceal the fact that I had been with the princess! Even if Your Majesty asked, I was not to tell the truth. Instead, I was to say that I encountered Young Master Yang last night, that we rescued the princess together, were pursued, and that I got separated halfway. It was Young Master Yang who ultimately saved the princess."
Hearing Pei Wenxuan's words, Li Ming couldn't help but laugh. "Is this your reason for seeking help from me?""Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan took a deep breath, straightened up as if making a life-or-death decision, and looked directly at Li Ming, casting aside all fear. "Since matters have reached this point, I shall speak plainly. What I witnessed last night and what the Empress said today make everything abundantly clear. The Empress had long decided to ally with the Yang family through marriage. Yesterday's incident was merely a performance for the princess, intended to make her view Yang Quan in a new light after a heroic rescue. However, I happened to witness this scheme. Given Yang Quan's narrow-mindedness and the Yang family's audacious ways, now that I have left the palace, how can I possibly survive?"
Li Ming remained silent for a long while before speaking slowly, "Rest assured, the Empress would not harm you over such a trivial matter."
"Does Your Majesty truly believe," Pei Wenxuan stared at Li Ming, deliberately slowing his words, "that the marriage between the Yang family and the Crown Prince is a trivial matter?"
At this question, Li Ming finally grew serious. He lifted his gaze to meet Pei Wenxuan's, and after a long pause, he said slowly, "You seem to know quite a bit?"
"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan reminded him calmly, "three years ago, when my father was still alive, I was the legitimate eldest son of the Pei family, the top scholar of the imperial examination, and a disciple of the Son of Heaven. A centipede may die, but its legs remain. Though my father has passed, some things," Pei Wenxuan looked meaningfully at Li Ming, "still endure."
Hearing this, Li Ming showed a hint of amusement. "Then tell me, why is the marriage between the Yang family and the Crown Prince not a trivial matter?"
"The Yang family has wielded power in the border regions for years, amassing troops for their own gain. Border conflicts are frequent, and with each outbreak of war, the Yang family demands funds, provisions, and reinforcements to resist the Rong Kingdom. They win every battle impressively but never take the initiative to eradicate the Rong Kingdom. Your Majesty has repeatedly ordered them to destroy the Rong, but the Yang family has always refused, citing unfavorable timing. In the northwest, there is a folk rhyme: 'Great Xia has two emperors, Yang in the north and Li in the south.' This reveals the extent of the Yang family's power in the northwest."
"Go on," Li Ming said expressionlessly. "Continue."
"The court both fears and respects the Yang family—fear due to their military power, and respect because the border has long relied on their defense. Thus, though Your Majesty is angered by the Yang family, you have never taken drastic action. However, at the end of this winter, with the new ruler of the Rong Kingdom ascending the throne, the Rong invaded again. The Yang family surrendered without a fight, losing two cities in succession. The third city was ordered by Your Majesty to be defended at all costs, yet with fifty thousand troops against twenty thousand enemy soldiers, they suffered a crushing defeat and retreated to Changping Pass. Only after emergency reinforcements arrived did they manage to hold their ground against the Rong. Why would the Yang family, who have guarded the border for years, suddenly collapse so completely? Has Your Majesty considered this?"
"You know?"
"I believe Your Majesty knows as well," Pei Wenxuan said calmly. "For years, the Yang family has been bribing the Rong Kingdom with military funds. Their so-called battles were merely staged performances in collusion with the Rong. The Rong Kingdom lacks expertise in iron smelting and is fundamentally weak. It is only through years of support from the Yang family that they have had the chance to recover and grow stronger. Now, with the new ruler unwilling to accept bribes and intent on targeting Great Xia, the Yang family collapsed at the first real confrontation."
"You dare speak so boldly!" Li Ming exclaimed in a low voice. Pei Wenxuan immediately bowed his head and said softly, "This news has long been widespread in the border regions. Your Majesty must have known of it long ago. Otherwise, with Your Majesty's wisdom, why would you harbor intentions to act against the pillars of the state?"Li Ming listened to Pei Wenxuan's flattery, feeling slightly relieved. He straightened up and said coldly, "Continue. What does this have to do with the princess's marriage?"
"Your Majesty clearly knows that the Yang Clan was defeated in battle, yet you suppressed the news and allowed the princess to interact with Yang Quan. I suspect Your Majesty's intention is to ensure that the princess's marriage does not become a bargaining chip for the Crown Prince."
"In recent years, as the Crown Prince has grown older, the Shangguan Clan, the Empress's maternal family, has rapidly expanded its power in the court. The Crown Prince disrespects Your Majesty and has repeatedly defied you, all because the Shangguan Clan is instigating him from behind. Your Majesty fears that the Shangguan Clan will exploit the princess's marriage, which is why the candidates selected for the princess are all of suitable status but uninvolved in politics. Although Yang Quan holds military power, he is about to face utter destruction. Your Majesty is likely gathering evidence now, waiting to wipe out the entire Yang Clan in one fell swoop. Am I right?"
Li Ming remained silent, tacitly acknowledging it. Pei Wenxuan said earnestly, "But if Your Majesty has such plans, you are gravely mistaken."
"Oh?"
Li Ming seemed somewhat dismissive. "What brilliant insight does Minister Pei have to offer?"
"Does Your Majesty know the strength of the Rong Kingdom?"
"Extremely strong."
"That is Your Majesty's misunderstanding," Pei Wenxuan explained. "The Rong Kingdom is a land of barbarians. Our dynasty's blades can easily pierce their armor. As long as our soldiers are fully equipped, one of them can take on ten of theirs without issue. The reason the Rong Kingdom defeated the Yang Clan this time is that the Yang Clan has been supplying them with military equipment for years. The Rong Kingdom's attack this time used our dynasty's weapons against us. But weapons and armor they did not make themselves will eventually run out, won't they?"
In his previous life, the Yang Clan organized a counterattack half a month later and achieved a great victory for precisely this reason.
Pei Wenxuan pondered, slowly piecing together the situation he knew from his past life.
Although he did not state it explicitly, Li Ming immediately grasped his meaning. "Are you saying that once the Rong Kingdom's weapons and armor are exhausted, our dynasty can launch an attack and easily defeat them?"
"Yes," Pei Wenxuan replied calmly. "Although the Yang Clan has lost its main force of fifty thousand, its roots in the northwest run deep. No one knows how many troops they still have in secret. Now, Your Majesty has sent your trusted aides to assist the Yang Clan in defending Changping Pass, while Yang Quan returns to the capital to seek the princess's hand in marriage. If the Yang Clan successfully marries the princess, what does Your Majesty think will happen next?"
"What?"
"Next, the Crown Prince will ally with the Yang Clan. The Shangguan Clan will use the princess's marriage as an excuse to funnel large sums of money to the Yang Clan. After Your Majesty's trusted aides withstand the enemy's strongest wave of attacks, the Yang Clan will use the Shangguan Clan's funds to recruit soldiers and buy horses, launching another counterattack that will surely achieve a great victory. By then, the Yang Clan will use the princess as a bridge to establish a firm foothold in Huajing. Seeing Yang Quan marry the princess, others will misinterpret Your Majesty's intentions and dare not take further action against the Yang Clan. Moreover, with such a comeback victory, the Yang Clan's reputation will soar again, and it will become difficult for Your Majesty to hold them accountable for past offenses."
"Furthermore, with the Yang Clan's military power, the Crown Prince will likely gain another formidable general."
After Pei Wenxuan finished speaking, Li Ming remained silent for a long time. Finally, he said, "Then, according to Minister Pei's opinion..."
"Do not give the Yang Clan any chance to catch their breath."
Pei Wenxuan spoke calmly. "Now is the best opportunity to strike against the Yang Clan."
"But what about the border?" Li Ming frowned. "The Yang Clan is deeply entrenched there. If we move against them now and they rebel at the border..."
"Leave that matter to the Crown Prince."These words made Li Ming pause for a moment. Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Ming and said earnestly, "The border is currently a mess. Within Huajing, aside from major clans like the Shangguan Clan, Su Clan, and Pei Clan, no one else has the capability to handle it. Your Majesty might as well entrust this matter to the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince makes any mistakes, this could serve as grounds to appoint a new heir. For the sake of the Crown Prince, the Shangguan Clan will surely mobilize all their forces to stabilize the Yang Clan."
"What if the Crown Prince succeeds?"
"If the Crown Prince succeeds," Pei Wenxuan smiled, "if he truly manages to pacify the Yang Clan and deplete their main forces, then Your Majesty can replace the Crown Prince just before the final battle, appoint trusted followers as the main generals to confront the Rong Kingdom and claim the primary merit. Wouldn’t that be perfect?"
Hearing this, Li Ming fell silent. He pondered for a while, while Pei Wenxuan knelt on the ground, waiting for Li Ming’s response.
After a long while, Li Ming turned to look at Pei Wenxuan. "You are a clever man."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Then," Li Ming said calmly, "why not pledge your loyalty to the Crown Prince?"
"Because," Pei Wenxuan looked steadily at Li Ming, "Your Majesty is the Emperor, while the Crown Prince may not remain the Crown Prince."
Li Ming stared into Pei Wenxuan’s eyes.
He rarely saw such composure and boldness in the eyes of a twenty-year-old youth, who even carried a sharpness when meeting his gaze.
Such sharpness appeared fierce, but in the court, being too rigid could easily lead to breaking.
This was a blade, but merely, and only, a blade.
If Pei Wenxuan were mature and tactful yet possessed such wit, Li Ming would have felt some wariness. But seeing the ambitious gleam in Pei Wenxuan’s eyes, Li Ming found it somewhat amusing.
After all, he was just a young man.
"I understand," Li Ming nodded. "What you say makes sense, but in the current court," Li Ming sighed, as if regretful, "there are likely few who dare to move against the Yang Clan at this time."
"I wish to recommend someone to Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan said respectfully. Li Ming raised an eyebrow. "Speak."
"Your humble servant, Pei Wenxuan," Pei Wenxuan bowed his head to the ground, "is willing to share Your Majesty’s burdens."
"Hah..." Li Ming chuckled softly. "You are quite bold. Tell me, Minister Pei, how do you plan to share my burdens?"
"Later, when I return to my residence, I humbly request Your Majesty to assign a group of shadow guards to secretly follow me. If the Yang Clan intends to act today, I will use this as grounds to request a thorough investigation—starting from the case of the assassination attempt on me, then investigating the kidnapping of the princess, and finally the matter of colluding with the enemy at the border."
"What if they don’t act?"
"If they don’t act, tomorrow I will impeach them for the kidnapping of the princess. At that time, if no one dares to investigate this case, I will request to take charge of it."
"Good," Li Ming nodded. He looked up at the sky and said calmly, "It’s getting late. You should return now. Don’t keep Young Master Yang waiting too long."
Pei Wenxuan respectfully acknowledged the order. He stood up and helped Li Ming walk out slowly.
Neither of them mentioned Li Rong’s marriage, but Pei Wenxuan knew in his heart that as long as Li Ming regarded him as one of his own, Li Rong’s marriage would likely be secured.
The two chatted as they returned from the garden, and Pei Wenxuan took his leave.
Led by a eunuch, he walked out of the imperial study and arrived at the square before the palace gate. From afar, he saw Li Rong’s sedan chair.
Li Rong seemed to have just come from the Eastern Palace, holding a sword in her hands and gently stroking the gemstones on it.
Seeing Li Rong approach, Pei Wenxuan, along with the eunuch, stepped aside early, standing respectfully on both sides.Upon seeing Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong ordered her procession to halt. Sitting high in her sedan, she smiled and said, "Minister Pei, why are you still in the palace?"
"His Majesty summoned me earlier," Pei Wenxuan replied respectfully. "I chatted with His Majesty for a while before leaving."
"Is that so?" Li Rong glanced at the people beside her and chuckled. "You saved me last night. Did my father reward you?"
"It was my duty. I do not deserve a reward."
"So he didn't give you anything." Li Rong sighed. "Father is truly stingy."
With that, she looked at the sword in her hand, held it horizontally, and reluctantly offered it to him. "Well then, take this as my token of gratitude."
Pei Wenxuan was taken aback. Li Ruan raised an eyebrow. "What? Do you dare refuse a reward from me?"
"How could I dare refuse a gift from Your Highness?" Pei Wenxuan quickly recovered and accepted the sword with both hands. Watching Pei Wenxuan bow his head and bend low, Li Rong pursed her lips, leaned closer to him, and whispered, "Minister Pei, you look quite handsome like this."
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan understood that Li Rong was pleased to see him bowing to her. He accepted the sword and smiled faintly. "Your Highness looks truly innocent and adorable like this."
Li Rong could tell that Pei Wenxuan was mocking her for pretending.
What she hated most was being called innocent and adorable.
With a forced smile, she looked at Pei Wenxuan and said, "I am busy on my way to see Father. Take your time, Young Master Pei. Walk slowly, and be careful not to meet with any accidents."
—I might never see you again in this lifetime.
She conveyed the rest with her eyes. Pei Wenxuan responded with a disdainful look but still said politely, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Please proceed slowly."
"Until next time." Li Rong smiled, then leaned closer to Pei Wenxuan, whispering in his ear, "I've sent you a few people. You're welcome."
With that, Li Rong straightened up, nodded gracefully, and ordered her sedan to resume its journey toward the imperial study.
Pei Wenxuan watched her figure depart until a eunuch escorted him out of the palace. Just outside the palace gates, he saw Tong Ye waiting for him with a carriage. Glancing around, he noticed someone following him but paid no mind, pretending to be unaware. He boarded the carriage, holding the sword, as it began its bumpy journey.
He didn't know if Yang Quan would come, but it didn't matter—he was prepared.
As the carriage turned into a narrow alley, the sound of fighting suddenly erupted from the crowd. A man burst into Pei Wenxuan's carriage and said directly, "By order of Her Highness, I am here to protect you."
With that, he curled up like a bat, shrinking himself and clinging to the roof of the carriage.
Pei Wenxuan was not surprised. When Li Rong mentioned sending people, he knew she hadn't come just to see him. He nodded to the man, then closed his eyes. Despite the chaos and shouting outside, he remained as still as a meditating monk, unmoved.
After a while, the carriage was violently struck. The curtain was abruptly lifted, and Yang Quan, bloodied and wielding a blade, charged into the carriage.
Pei Wenxuan opened his eyes, still holding the sword. At that moment, a sharp blade suddenly pierced Yang Quan's body from behind. Yang Quan's longsword was mere inches from Pei Wenxuan.
Blood splattered. Pei Wenxuan calmly watched Yang Quan collapse in shock.
"You dare..." Yang Quan trembled as he spoke. "You dare... kill me?"Pei Wenxuan's expression remained unchanged, his words spoken with extreme calmness, one by one: "Colluding with enemy nations, amassing military power for personal gain, embezzling and perverting justice, kidnapping the princess, assassinating imperial officials, and disregarding laws and court discipline."
"All these things your Yang family dared to do, so why," Pei Wenxuan emphasized his tone, "would I not dare to kill you?"
Between each word, Yang Quan lost his breath.
The person who acted bowed respectfully to Pei Wenxuan and quickly said, "The princess says, remember to return and kowtow three times before her portrait, thanking her for saving your life."
After speaking, this person leaped out of the carriage and disappeared.
Pei Wenxuan didn't even have time to curse back before the person vanished. He remained silent for a moment, then heard Tong Ye hurriedly return to the carriage outside. Seeing Yang Quan on the ground, he was startled and quickly asked, "Young master, are you alright?"
Pei Wenxuan did not answer. Gazing at Yang Quan on the ground, he pondered for a moment before calmly stating, "Return to the palace."
"Return to the palace?" Tong Ye exclaimed in surprise. "Still return to the palace?"
After killing the Yang family's young master, shouldn't they flee immediately?
"Yes, return to the palace." Pei Wenxuan's voice was flat and serious as he said, "He frightened me. I need to go and file a complaint."
Tong Ye: "..."
Young master, you really don't look frightened, okay?
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