The Princess Royal

Li Rоng fеlt shе must bе hallucinаting, sо shе quiсklу had someоnе preрare frаgrаnt wаtеr fоr а bath. Aftеr washing up, she went to bed соntentеdly.

Just аs thе twо hаd settlеd dоwn tо slееp, а eunuch, led bу а pаlace mаid, hurriedly еntered Ning Fеi's раlасе.

Ning Fеi was sitting in her sеаt reаding а lеtter whеn she hеаrd the annоunсemеnt from a maid оutside: "Your Highnеss, Еunuсh Ming rеquests an audiеnсе."

Hеаring this, Ning Fеi раusеd her mоvеments, thеn urgentlу said, "Let him in!"

А man in his еаrlу fortiеs hurriеd in frоm оutside. After еntering the hall, he resрectfully knеlt first. The mаid besidе him immеdiatеly understood and withdrew. Seeing the visitor, Ning Fei lowered her voice and asked, "Has my mother sent a message?!"

"Princess Ping Le has already surrounded the young master and the old madam in the mansion with her people this afternoon," the man quickly replied. "Before Princess Ping Le arrived, the old madam sent someone out to deliver a message, saying that everything in the Yang family now rests entirely on Your Highness."

"Does my mother even need to send such a message?!" Ning Fei exclaimed urgently. The man's expression remained unchanged as he said, "Your Highness, please calm down."

Ning Fei fell silent. She took a deep breath, retreated to a nearby seat, and sat down.

Ming Hui was a spy the Yang family had placed in the palace. He would not come to her so directly unless it was an emergency. After calming herself for a moment, she looked up and asked, "Why have you come?"

"Tuoba Yan just sent a message saying the account books have been stolen."

Ning Fei was stunned by this news, unable to process it for a moment. After a while, she finally understood and said incredulously, "He actually kept account books?"

"Yes," Ming Hui said with a cold glint in his eyes. "Moreover, he said there is more than one set of account books."

This was a threat.

Ning Fei sat in her seat, stunned and speechless.

Now, her father and brother had suffered a defeat on the battlefield, her nephew had been killed by a fallen noble son of the Pei family, all the women and children of the family were trapped in the mansion by a young girl, and the entire family was relying on her alone.

Seeing Ning Fei lost in thought, Ming Hui waited for a moment before reminding her, "Your Highness, time is short. A decision must be made quickly regarding the account books."

"Who took the account books?"

Ning Fei thought for a while, then looked at Ming Hui. Ming Hui presented a portrait: "This is the portrait Tuoba Yan provided. He said it might be these two people. I have looked at it—it is Princess Pingle and," Ming Hui raised his head, his voice cold, "Pei Wenxuan."

Hearing this, Ning Fei seemed to find it absurd. She couldn't help but laugh and asked in disbelief, "Pei Wenxuan?"

Then, she said incredulously, "The same Pei Wenxuan who killed Quan'er?!"

"Yes."

"This is too much..." Ning Fei took a step back, her chest heaving violently. "That little brat, this is too much!"

"Your Highness," Ming Hui said calmly, "whether to kill or spare him, please give your instructions immediately."

"He cannot be killed," Ning Fei raised her hand to stop Ming Hui's action. "Not now. The account books were taken by him and Ping Le together. Killing him would only leave more evidence."

"Then what does Your Highness suggest?"

Ming Hui stared at Ning Fei. After a moment of contemplation, Ning Fei said, "Isn't Pei Wenxuan's father Pei Lixian? Hasn't Pei Lizhi always wanted to kill him?"

"Yes," Ming Hui replied immediately. "If Pei Wenxuan dies, Pei Lixian's family estate will rightfully belong to Pei Lizhi. Currently, Pei Lizhi is also managing the Pei family's assets under the pretext of Pei Wenxuan's mother's name.""You go find Pei Lizhi tonight," Ning Fei instructed swiftly. "Ask him for something belonging to Pei Wenxuan. Then contact Wang Shun, Tuoba Yan's steward. Tell him we've supported him for so long, it's time he made himself useful."

"What does Your Ladyship mean?"

"If Tuoba Yan dies, his ledger will have no witness to corroborate it—it becomes a dead object. With only the ledger and Tuoba Yan gone, it isn't enough evidence on its own. It must be cross-referenced with the Ministry of War's accounts and the border expenditures. So without Tuoba Yan, Ping Le won't dare produce it. We'll use Tuoba Yan's death to first throw that fellow into prison and stabilize the situation."

As Ning Fei spoke, her emotions gradually calmed. She gazed at the clean, bright floor and continued, "The news of Quan'er's death has already been sent to the front lines. Once my father and brother receive it there, they'll find a way to help us. Until then, we just need to prevent Pei Wenxuan from investigating further."

"Understood."

After Ming Hui acknowledged, she stood up and said, "Your Ladyship, I will go handle this now."

Ning Fei nodded. Ming Hui respectfully withdrew. When the room was empty again, with only moonlight pouring onto the floor, Ning Fei raised a hand to her forehead, closing her eyes in pain.

Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan slept soundly in their respective rooms until dawn. After washing up, Li Rong went to wait for Pei Wenxuan in the carriage. Before long, she heard footsteps outside, then someone lifted the curtain and suddenly jumped in.

Li Rong was startled. Seeing it was Pei Wenxuan, she noticed he looked somewhat different today. He wore a silver-cloud-patterned, water-blue silk outer robe over a white silk inner garment. His hair was half-tied with a ribbon, a few strands casually falling at his temples. He held a folding fan, giving him an air of youthful charm.

"What are you doing?" Li Rong looked him up and down with disdain. "So reckless."

"You were rushing me," Pei Wenxuan sat down gracefully beside her, picking up a pastry. "I was still shaving when a whole row of people stood outside saying Your Highness was waiting for me." He glanced at her with a smile. "How dare I keep Your Highness waiting?"

He tossed the pastry into his mouth and poured himself some tea.

Seeing he seemed quite spirited, Li Rong couldn't help remarking, "Did you drink wine or the Rejuvenation Elixir last night? Today you're like a freshly sprouted bean sprout—full of vitality."

"I've thought it over," Pei Wenxuan took a sip of tea and sighed. "Our circumstances are rare throughout history. We should cherish them. Since we've returned to twenty, we should act like twenty-year-olds."

Listening to him, Li Rong sipped her tea without comment. Pei Wenxuan turned to look at the bustling traffic outside the carriage, a smile on his face. "Let's take a good look at what Huajing was like thirty years ago. Trying to be young again isn't a bad thing."

Then he turned back to Li Rong. "What does Your Highness think?"

Li Rong looked at Pei Wenxuan and gave a light smile. "This palace has no need for such experiences."

Pei Wenxuan raised his hand, about to persuade her, when Li Rong continued, "This palace is forever in the prime of youth."

Pei Wenxuan froze. After a moment, he sighed. "When it comes to shamelessness, you still win."

Then he glanced at the road outside and turned back. "Shall we head straight to Nine Lu Mountain?""Mhm." Li Rong took a light sip of tea. "You know Qin Lin's temper. We won't get to see him on the first visit anyway. We'll just help Chuan'er deliver a calling card, have some tea, and wait until it's time to return."

Pei Wenxuan nodded. In their previous life, when Li Chuan went to find Qin Lin, it was already two years later. The Yang family had resurged in that battle, entrenched in the northwest and locked in a stalemate with Li Ming. Li Ming had all the patience to unravel things thread by thread, wearing down the Yang family almost completely, but also exhausting the northwestern border defenses in the process. He installed a group of his own people to sideline the Yang family, but when the Rong state invaded again two years later, these very people suffered a crushing defeat on the battlefield.

It was at this time, upon Qin Zhenzhen's recommendation, that Li Chuan sought out Qin Lin.

Qin Lin was born on the battlefield and grew up on the frontier until he was fifteen. He once led eight hundred light cavalry in a surprise attack on an enemy camp, slaying three thousand foes, making him a fierce general of the northern border. However, he was still too young at the time, and his father was the commander-in-chief, so few knew of his exploits. Later, when his father died in battle, he was brought back to Huajing. Unaccustomed to the ways of the capital, he took up residence on Nine Lu Mountain, where he remained for seven years.

If not for Qin Zhenzhen's recommendation, Qin Lin might never have returned to the battlefield.

At that time, Li Chuan was still the crown prince, but to invite Qin Lin, he went to Nine Lu Mountain day after day, enduring the elements and waiting tirelessly. It took five days before he finally met Qin Lin. It was said he sent countless gifts and personally helped Qin Lin into the carriage before finally securing his allegiance.

Li Chuan vouched for Qin Lin to take the battlefield, and Qin Lin did not disappoint. In just fifteen days, he recaptured the lost cities and stabilized the northwestern defense line.

The stabilization of the northwestern defense line and the apparent shift in military power thoroughly provoked Li Ming.

Thus, Li Ming instructed Consort Rou to host a banquet, after which he falsely accused Crown Prince Li Chuan of disrespecting the imperial consort. Once Li Chuan was imprisoned, he swiftly placed the Empress under house arrest and threw Li Rong into prison. Pei Wenxuan feigned cooperation with Li Ming, pretending to assist in capturing Qin Lin, narrowly escaping disaster.

That was perhaps the darkest moment in all their lives.

Li Chuan was resolved to die, and Li Rong even offered to exchange her life for his future.

Yet, they ultimately found a way out of such a dire situation.

Qin Zhenzhen climbed the snowy mountains alone to find Qin Lin, enabling him to escape an ambush.

Pei Wenxuan fled Huajing by jumping into a river, persuading noble families to support Li Chuan. He eventually gathered enough funds and provisions, recruited soldiers, and had Qin Lin lead troops to besiege Huajing.

Then, Pei Wenxuan, accompanied by court officials, forced his way into the palace, finally securing Li Chuan's ascension to the throne.

However, a throne obtained in such a manner inevitably led to the subsequent dominance of noble families, creating an unwieldy and entrenched situation.

The emperor Li Chuan, forged in such an environment, had his youthful spirit thoroughly worn away.

The tumultuous events of their previous life flashed through both their minds, yet neither mentioned it, maintaining an unspoken understanding. Li Rong read her storybook, while Pei Wenxuan turned to gaze out the carriage window.

After traveling for half an hour, they arrived together at Nine Lu Mountain. Qin Lin's bamboo hut was built halfway up the mountain, and the two began their ascent together.

Nine Lu Mountain was renowned for its beautiful scenery. As they made their way up, the winding mountain path led them slowly onward. They climbed to the mountainside, but before reaching Qin Lin's bamboo hut, they spotted a sign that read: "Strangers and dogs not allowed."

"He's afraid of dogs," Pei Wenxuan whispered as a reminder.

Li Rong glanced up and called out directly, "Is anyone there?"Not long after, a young man emerged from the small courtyard gate. Dressed in a blue robe with his hair half-tied by a ribbon, he appeared fair-skinned and refined, exuding a gentle demeanor.

He approached the two and said respectfully, "May I ask who you two..."

"I am Pei Wenxuan," Pei Wenxuan replied, knowing full well that this man was Qin Lin's friend Cui Qinghe, though he pretended to treat him merely as a servant, speaking with courtesy. "This is Princess Ping Le. We have been sent by the Crown Prince to request an audience with Master Qin."

"You must be joking," Cui Qinghe said, placing his hands together in front of him. "My master has long withdrawn from the world. How could the Crown Prince know of him? You must have come to the wrong place."

"Master Qin is the Reincarnation of Bai Qi, possessing the prowess of a war god. Back in Pingqiu, he led eight hundred light cavalry to slay three thousand enemies—a feat of unparalleled bravery. The Crown Prince, who deeply values talent, has sent us to deliver an invitation. He will come in person tomorrow and hopes Master Qin will grant him an audience."

As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan handed over the invitation. Cui Qinghe took it and glanced at the writing on it.

Pei Wenxuan's calligraphy was exceptional. Later, when he served as prime minister, his style became a school of its own in Huajing, studied and emulated by many.

After examining the writing for a moment, Cui Qinghe smiled and asked, "Did you write this, Master Pei?"

"Yes."

"It's beautifully done." Cui Qinghe tucked the invitation away. "For the sake of this calligraphy, I will introduce you. However, my master is eccentric. Even if the Crown Prince comes tomorrow, there is no guarantee he will agree to meet."

"That's fine."

Li Rong smiled. "It's understandable for talented people to be willful. And if they are both talented and good-looking, it's even more justified."

Hearing this, Cui Qinghe laughed heartily. "Your Highness is truly witty."

He then glanced at the sky and said, "It's getting late. The bamboo cottage will not host you today. Please return."

The two had anticipated this and took no offense. They bid Cui Qinghe a composed farewell and began their descent down the mountain.

It was nearly dusk. While Pei Wenxuan remained spirited, Li Rong was already somewhat weary.

Yet Li Rong showed no sign of fatigue as she followed Pei Wenxuan down. The sun slowly set, evening clouds drifted by, and birds took flight. Looking down from the mountain, golden light flowed over the emerald-green wheat fields, rippling gently in the evening breeze with a soft, warm glow.

Li Rong's steps grew increasingly slower. Pei Wenxuan noticed and glanced back at her a few times. Seeing her stubbornly holding on, he cleared his throat, opened his fan, and remarked with a sigh, "A few years ago, when Qin Lin passed away, he asked to be buried here. I escorted his coffin up this mountain and felt utterly exhausted by this point. Now, having made the round trip, I don't feel tired at all."

He added cheerfully, "Youth truly is wonderful!"

Hearing this, Li Rong was displeased.

She was half-dead with exhaustion, and seeing Pei Wenxuan so full of energy only fueled her resentment.

She stopped walking. Pei Wenxuan turned around, saw Li Rong standing still, and raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Why have you stopped?"

Li Rong said nothing but beckoned him over.

Pei Wenxuan walked up to her and stopped in front of her. "What is it?"

"Turn around."

Li Rong spoke, and Pei Wenxuan knew what she intended. He turned around, then heard her say, "Squat down."

From her breathless tone, Pei Wenxuan could tell she was struggling. As he obediently squatted down, he chuckled. "Your Highness's stamina isn't quite up to par."As soon as the words were spoken, Li Rong suddenly threw herself forward. Pei Wenxuan stumbled but reacted quickly, steadying himself. Feeling Li Rong pressed against him, he turned his head and smiled, "Your Highness, what are you doing?"

"Didn't you say you have good stamina?"

Li Rong said lightly, "I'm just adding a bit of difficulty. Carry me down."

"Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan replied jokingly, "isn't this a bit inappropriate? It's improper."

"No one can see," Li Rong said bluntly. "And when have I ever cared about propriety?"

That was true. If she cared about propriety, she wouldn't have kept Su Rongqing all those years ago.

Pei Wenxuan feigned a sigh. "Your Highness is bullying me."

Li Rong rolled her eyes, hanging onto his neck as she urged, "Hurry up, don't waste time. It's already dark."

Pei Wenxuan resigned himself to his fate and stood up, carrying Li Rong forward. As he walked, he sighed, "Your Highness, you've eaten quite a lot."

"Lord Pei," Li Rong mimicked his earlier tone, "it seems your stamina isn't up to par."

"If you were as light as a swallow, then my stamina would be just fine."

"If I were as light as a swallow, your stamina would indeed be sufficient," Li Rong said, leaning against his shoulder with a half-smile. "After all, Lord Pei prefers slimmer ones, doesn't he?"

Pei Wenxuan didn't catch the meaning at first, but after a moment, he realized it and fell silent.

"Li Rong..." he finally managed to say after a pause, "I truly admire you for being the kind of woman you are."

"Isn't it a success? Isn't it delightful?" Li Rong continued. "Don't be envious. There are few people as outstanding as I am."

Pei Wenxuan was amused by Li Rong, carrying her forward as they bickered.

The sun slowly set, and the bright moon illuminated the night sky. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, falling upon the two of them.

Li Rong grew tired from arguing with Pei Wenxuan and couldn't help but lean against his shoulder, feeling drowsy.

Seeing her exhaustion, Pei Wenxuan stopped bothering her. He carried her down the mountain slowly. At the foot of the mountain, the distant croaking of frogs in the fields mingled with the gentle breeze. Carrying the girl, he listened to the soft whispers of the forest.

For a moment, Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt an indescribable peace within his heart.

He unconsciously slowed his pace, moving forward gently. Li Rong noticed the change and whispered, "Pei Wenxuan, are you tired?"

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but smile.

"Not at all," he said, looking ahead. "Rest assured and sleep. I'll carry you back."

"Mhm."

Li Rong tightened her arms around his neck.

After a while, Li Rong whispered, "Pei Wenxuan."

"Hmm?"

"I think you were cuter when you were younger."

Pei Wenxuan was taken aback, and then he heard Li Rong continue, "Even though you weren't very clear-headed back then and couldn't figure many things out, when I think about it, I still feel that you were quite good back then."

"At the very least," she chuckled softly, "you looked better."

"You..." Pei Wenxuan wanted to say something to her but didn't know what. After struggling for a while, he ultimately said nothing.

When they returned to the carriage, Li Rong lay down on the small couch to rest. Pei Wenxuan covered her with a blanket, extinguished the lamp, and sat nearby, gazing at the night scenery of the countryside.

A sense of indescribable peace rose within him. He turned to look at Li Rong, who was curled up under the moonlight. Looking at her figure, he couldn't help but smile.He didn't know why, but he suddenly felt that rebirth wasn't so bad after all.

Being reborn and forced into entanglement with Li Rong again had left him confused and helpless, with an indescribable sense of resignation. After all, being pushed around by fate was something no one enjoyed.

But at this moment, sitting here, he suddenly realized that in this world, you never really know whether something is good or bad until the very end.

It was like unwrapping a gift—you couldn't tell whether you'd like it until the moment it was revealed.

The carriage first took him back to the Pei residence. Sensing they were about to arrive, he began gathering his belongings. He considered whether to inform Li Rong but decided against disturbing her, planning to slip away quietly.

When the carriage stopped, Pei Wenxuan picked up his things and lifted the curtain. As soon as he leaned out, he saw a group of men dressed in constable uniforms, swords hanging at their waists, surrounding the carriage.

The leader at the front pulled out a token and said coldly, "Ministry of Justice on official business, apprehending suspect Pei Wenxuan. Lord Pei," the man stared at Pei Wenxuan, "please accompany this official."

Author's Note:

【Mini Theater】

Pei Wenxuan: "Darling, look, we've both been reborn, we're both young again. Don't you think it's amazing?"

Li Rong: "No."

Pei Wenxuan: "Why not? Don't you like feeling young again?"

Li Rong: "I'm forever a baby. What's there to talk about feeling young again? Shut up, you old geezer!"