The Princess Royal

Наving knоwn Реi Wenxuаn fоr mаnу уears, Li Rong wаs wеll awarе of his cараbilitiеs.

Whеn this mаn opрosed you, he cоuld infuriаte уou tо thе роint of fаinting. Вut if hе dеlibеratеly tried to flаttеr somеone, his skill in buttering рeoрle up wаs sоmеthing оrdinаrу рeoрlе cоuld hаrdlу matсh.

Aftеr аll, Pei Wеnхuan wаs also the lеgitimate son оf а рrominеnt noble familу. Не was ехсерtiоnallу intеlligent, аnd it was sаid that baсk in the асаdemу, hе wаs аlmost the toр student in every subjeсt, proficiеnt in all six аrts of а gеntlemаn. Winning over a young lady was as easy as reaching out for him.

Seeing his words, Li Rong felt thoroughly pleased. After a while, Pei Wenxuan noticed a piece of paper wrapped around a stone thrown from the neighboring cell. He was taken aback, not expecting Li Rong to reply. He quickly went over to pick up the stone, crouched down, and opened it to find Li Rong’s elegant yet sharp handwriting:

If you know how to talk, then talk more.

Looking at these words, Pei Wenxuan could almost picture Li Rong raising an eyebrow with a smile as she said this. Somehow, even her arrogant and domineering demeanor now seemed somewhat endearing.

Like a cat raising its tail, proud and pitiable in its pride.

Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt the urge to tease her. A moment later, Li Rong received a reply. Pei Wenxuan, with his long arms, simply handed the note over. Li Rong hurriedly took it, opened it, and found another drawing. This one was much simpler—just a few strokes outlining a jar with the words "Peony" written on it, accompanied by four characters: "Aged Peony."

Seeing these four words, Li Rong immediately crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it out, refusing to pay any more attention to this scoundrel.

Seeing Li Rong throw the paper away, Pei Wenxuan knew she was angry. He quickly called out, "Hey, hey, hey, Your Highness, don’t be angry. It was just a joke."

"Humans do not converse with dogs," Li Rong said coldly. "Cease your barking!"

Pei Wenxuan was left speechless by Li Rong’s words, but he knew she was in a fit of anger. He hurriedly wrote a few more poems of praise for her, reached out to hand them over, and whispered, "Princess, princess, would you take a look?"

Li Rong couldn’t be bothered to respond. She cracked melon seeds and read her storybook. Pei Wenxuan’s arm grew sore, so he switched hands and continued waving the paper in his hand. "Princess, I was wrong. I apologize. I won’t tease you anymore. Won’t you take a look?"

Li Rong glanced up at the white paper swaying outside, then lowered her head to continue reading her storybook. Pei Wenxuan tried calling her in different tones: "Princess? Your Highness? Li Rong…"

Before he could finish, voices and footsteps echoed from outside. Pei Wenxuan immediately stood up, leaned against the wall, and straightened his clothes just as a young man in crimson official robes emerged from the long corridor.

He must have arrived in a hurry, as there were fine beads of sweat on his forehead. As soon as he entered the prison cell, his gaze fell on Li Rong. Seeing that she was still safe and sound, he breathed a sigh of relief and bowed respectfully to her. "Your Highness."

Li Rong was somewhat surprised. She looked at the newcomer with confusion. "Minister Su?"

Su Rongqing straightened up after his bow and nodded toward Pei Wenxuan. "Minister Pei."

Pei Wenxuan gave a nonchalant nod in return. Seeing the sweat on Su Rongqing’s forehead, Li Rong couldn’t help but smile. "Why are you in such a hurry, Minister Su? Wipe your sweat first."With that, she handed over a handkerchief. Seeing the handkerchief Li Rong offered, Su Rongqing hesitated for a moment. But before Li Rong could react, he respectfully extended his hands and accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Su Rongqing took the handkerchief and gently wiped his forehead. Pei Wenxuan leaned against the wall, quietly watching, the rolled-up paper in his hand tapping his shoulder intermittently.

As Su Rongqing wiped his forehead, he gradually calmed his breathing before speaking. "I came in a bit of a hurry, please do not laugh, Your Highness."

"Why such haste?"

Li Rong chuckled softly. Su Rongqing replied respectfully, "Today, upon learning of Your Highness's predicament, I wished to come immediately. However, I was summoned by His Majesty and only just managed to leave the palace. Fearing that Your Highness might face harassment in prison, I hurried over."

Su Rongqing's speech was always steady, lacking the cadence and inflection of Pei Wenxuan's voice. Every gesture he made seemed as if measured with a ruler at all times, even his voice was like that. Hearing his words, Li Rong asked in return, "What happened at today's Morning Court Assembly?"

"At today's Morning Court Assembly, news arrived from the border," Su Rongqing's expression turned serious. "Two days ago, the Rong State attacked the city. The defending general, Zhao Yi, died on the front lines. The troops have now retreated to Fencheng. Meanwhile, the Yang family submitted their resignation."

"Resignation?"

Li Rong laughed. "What did they say?"

Su Rongqing's expression darkened slightly, but he repeated the words as they were. "Yang Ming said that Yang Quan committed a grave offense by provoking the princess. The Yang family feels too ashamed to face the imperial family and thus requests to retire and return to their hometown. They stated they would take their family members into seclusion in the mountains and forests, hoping Your Highness would spare them."

"Words meant to wound the heart."

Pei Wenxuan spoke softly. Li Rong lightly tapped her palm with her fan.

If the Yang family had submitted their resignation under normal circumstances, the court might not have been so alarmed. But now, with the main general dead on the battlefield and the Rong State poised to advance, the Yang family's resignation at this moment was a form of threat.

"What did the others say?"

Li Rong inquired calmly.

"Your Highness should know that most aristocratic families stand with the Yang family," Su Rongqing replied smoothly. "Aristocratic families dislike change. The Yang family has guarded the border for so long, and unless their interests are genuinely threatened, they will not shift their stance. With the Yang family applying such pressure, the court was thrown into turmoil today. All civil and military officials demanded His Majesty detain Your Highness to reassure the border troops."

"I understand."

Li Rong nodded. Su Rongqing looked up at her. "What should I do, Your Highness?"

"Nothing," Li Rong shook her head. "Just focus on your own duties."

Su Rongqing pressed his lips together, seemingly unwilling to accept this. He continued, "Your Highness, what I said before..."

"I know."

Li Rong cut him off, speaking earnestly. "But what I said to you was also sincere. I am not rejecting you out of wariness or because I look down on your abilities. It is truly unnecessary for Minister Su to involve himself in these matters. My promise to you was not an empty one."

Su Rongqing fell silent. Seeing his apparent disappointment, Li Rong smiled and said, "If Minister Su insists on doing something, how about bringing me something the next time you come?"

"What would Your Highness like?"

Su Rongqing finally showed some reaction upon hearing this. Li Rong thought for a moment. "Bring some books. I enjoy reading novels. Since you read widely, could you recommend a few?"Su Rongqing respectfully acknowledged. Li Rong then inquired about the specifics of the Morning Court Assembly. After finishing their conversation, the two fell silent. After a moment, Su Rongqing said respectfully, "If there is nothing else, this humble official will take his leave."

Li Rong nodded and simply said, "Go ahead. Next time, don’t come in such a hurry. Nothing will happen to me in Huajing."

Su Rongqing bowed and withdrew. After he left, Pei Wenxuan’s voice drifted over leisurely, "Your Highness, I’ve read quite a few books. Shall I recommend some to you?"

"No need," Li Rong replied. "I’ve grown tired of the books recommended by Lord Pei. I’d like to try something different."

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan instinctively wanted to retort, but just before the words left his mouth, he suddenly paused.

He suddenly remembered that he shouldn’t continue living like this, shouldn’t always argue with Li Rong, even if it was because of Su Rongqing.

What Li Rong said was actually true—when a person always wishes ill upon their enemy, it’s essentially rooted in their own deep-seated insecurity.

He didn’t like Su Rongqing, always spoke ill of him, but it was merely his displaced anger and the insecurity and resentment he felt toward Su Rongqing.

But a lifetime had already passed. He had started anew. Li Rong was a good woman, and he didn’t want to keep arguing with her.

So he restrained himself and remained silent.

Seeing Pei Wenxuan silent, Li Rong couldn’t help but feel puzzled. In the past, when it came to Su Rongqing, he would explode at the slightest provocation. How could he stay quiet for so long?

She cautiously asked, "Pei Wenxuan?"

Pei Wenxuan didn’t speak. Li Rong couldn’t help but entertain some worrisome speculations. "Pei Wenxuan, why aren’t you saying anything? Has something happened to you?"

"No."

Pei Wenxuan steadied his emotions. He shifted his posture, leaning against the wall, adjusted his tone, and feigned calmness. "I was just thinking about what Su Rongqing said to you earlier. What did you refuse him?"

Li Rong was taken aback. She had expected Pei Wenxuan to argue with her again, but she never imagined he would become so broad-minded.

Seeing her silent, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but ask, "Why aren’t you speaking? Is it inconvenient to say?"

"No," Li Rong snapped back to reality. "Pei Wenxuan, your change is too drastic. It scares me. You... why don’t you scold me a few more times?"

Pei Wenxuan: "..."

"You," Pei Wenxuan suppressed a breath, "can’t you live without arguing?"

"That’s more like it," Li Rong nodded. "That makes me feel better."

Pei Wenxuan: "..."

"Su Rongqing said he wanted to pledge allegiance to the Crown Prince. I didn’t agree," Li Rong replied to Pei Wenxuan’s question now that he seemed back to normal.

"Why didn’t you agree?" Pei Wenxuan frowned. If Su Rongqing sided with Li Chuan, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.

"I don’t think he’s the kind of person who should be involved in these matters," Li Rong said calmly. "In the previous life, the troubles of the Su family were mainly due to Su Ronghua’s issues. In this life, just keep Su Ronghua away from Prince Su. He doesn’t need to follow Chuan’er so early. Let him serve as Vice Minister of Justice, do his job well, and Chuan’er won’t make things difficult for him."

"You’re afraid that getting involved in these matters too early will taint his heart, aren’t you?"

Pei Wenxuan spoke bluntly. Li Rong remained silent, and Pei Wenxuan took it as her tacit agreement. A knot of frustration tightened in his chest, neither rising nor settling.

"You treat him very well," Pei Wenxuan’s voice was flat. "Yet you don’t seem afraid of dragging me into the mire and tainting my heart.""What's so dirty about your heart?" Li Rong didn't understand Pei Wenxuan's affectation and directly said with disdain, "You're already decades old, yet you still compare yourself to young people. Aren't you ashamed?"

"And what about you?" Pei Wenxuan immediately retorted, "Decades old, yet still thinking about young people. Aren't you ashamed?"

Li Rong fell silent. Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt his words had been too harsh.

He knew in his heart that Li Rong and Su Rongqing had feelings for each other. Even though Su Rongqing had killed her, their ending wasn't due to poor feelings between them, but rather differing positions. Li Rong had returned wanting to change Su Rongqing's stance and treat him better—that wasn't entirely unreasonable.

Yet there was still some discomfort in his heart. He couldn't help but say, "When I was young, you never once advised me to stay away from these matters."

Li Rong believed Su Rongqing was an elegant gentleman untouched by worldly affairs and didn't want him involved in factional struggles. But what about Pei Wenxuan back then?

Didn't he also have lofty ambitions, capable of encompassing mountains and rivers?

"Did we have a choice back then?" Li Rong spoke calmly. Pei Wenxuan felt a weight in his heart. "We didn't, but you never even considered it, did you?"

Li Rong remained silent. Pei Wenxuan took a deep breath. "Ultimately, your feelings for me and Su Rongqing are just different, that's all."

"You know this well, so why compare?"

Li Rong's voice was steady. Pei Wenxuan froze. Li Rong said lightly, "I was with him for twenty-five years. I was with you for less than a year. If you insist on comparing like this, aren't you just making yourself miserable? And why bother with these comparisons now? You said it yourself—this life is starting over. You plan to begin anew."

Pei Wenxuan didn't speak. Li Rong leaned against the wall, gently resting her fan on her shoulder.

They were separated only by a single wall, back to back, each gazing down at the ground.

"You're right," Pei Wenxuan chuckled softly. "Starting over, I shouldn't dwell on these things. I'll gradually change. Don't hold it against me in the future."

Li Rong made no sound in response. Pei Wenxuan straightened up and said only, "I'm going to rest. You should rest early too."

His tone was calm, but somehow Li Rong still detected a trace of disappointment and embarrassment in it.

She knew that in Pei Wenxuan's heart, there was an innate, indescribable sense of inferiority when it came to Su Rongqing.

Although both the Pei and Su families were great clans, the Su family was a century-old prestigious lineage, while the Pei family was originally considered a second-tier nobility. It was only through the efforts of Pei Wenxuan's father's generation that they managed to squeeze into the ranks of first-class families.

Pei Wenxuan had been exceptionally intelligent and handsome from a young age. He and Su Rongqing attended the two most elite academies in Huajing, each being the top student in their respective institutions. Thus, they were constantly compared year after year. If it were only about personal merit, Pei Wenxuan naturally wouldn't lose. But some things require centuries of accumulation and heritage to possess. So whenever people mentioned Pei Wenxuan, they would always add, "What a pity..."

From youth, he had been slightly inferior to Su Rongqing due to family background. Later, in matters of the heart, even though Su Rongqing suffered castration, Pei Wenxuan still lost to him.

For Pei Wenxuan, these things couldn't be set aside simply with the phrase "starting over."

If they were arguing as usual, Li Rong wouldn't bother with his inner turmoil. But now that Pei Wenxuan's attitude had softened, thinking of him, she felt a twinge of pity.

She thought for a moment and finally said, "Pei Wenxuan."Facing the silent pretense of sleep, Li Rong spoke softly, “I told him to stay away from these matters because he’s only in his twenties now, and I’m already considered an elder. I feel a bit protective toward him, not any other kind of affection. It’s impossible for us to start again. He’s twenty-year-old Su Rongqing, and I’m fifty-year-old Li Rong. I’ve grown old.”

“If you hadn’t been reborn, and I met the twenty-year-old you,” Li Rong paused, then finally added, “as long as you didn’t cause trouble, I’d help you if I could.”

Listening to Li Rong’s words, Pei Wenxuan felt an inexplicable ache.

This ache was different from the earlier bitterness. Before, he had been thinking of himself, and it hurt.

But now, what troubled him was—how could Li Rong speak in such a tone?

She had always been arrogant, never caring or sparing a thought for others. Hearing her suddenly say such things felt even worse to Pei Wenxuan than being scolded by her.

“Stop talking about being old all the time,” Pei Wenxuan muttered, his voice muffled. “We’re both twenty now. We’re still very young.”

Li Rong gave a light laugh but said nothing more. Pei Wenxuan brooded for a while, then stood up and walked to a corner, beckoning to Li Rong. “Your Highness, come here for a moment.”

Li Rong was puzzled but went over and crouched down. “What is it?”

“Your Highness, give me your hand.”

Pei Wenxuan extended his hand. Though unsure of his intentions, Li Rong reached out as well. They couldn’t see each other, but they could see their hands. Pei Wenxuan grasped hers firmly, and Li Rong couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

Pei Wenxuan’s hand was slender, with prominent knuckles, his skin warm and slightly rough in a distinctly masculine way.

Li Rong’s hand, in contrast, was delicate and soft, her skin smooth and fine, her nails meticulously manicured and painted with red polish. Pei Wenxuan’s grip enveloped her hand entirely.

An indescribable tingling sensation surged upward, instantly reminding both of them of certain reckless moments from their youth. But hastily pulling away now would seem awkward, so they both feigned composure, as if unaffected.

Li Rong said calmly, “What are you doing? If you can’t give a good reason, this is an offense.”

Pei Wenxuan’s face flushed deeply, but he forced himself to remain calm, grateful they couldn’t see each other. Gently, he placed something into Li Rong’s palm, then released her hand with ease. “Your Highness, here’s something good for you. Try eating it.”

Li Rong was bewildered. She withdrew her hand and opened it to find a small, round pill. Instantly wary, she asked, “What is this?”

“Your Highness, try it and you’ll know.”

“What if it’s poison?”

“If I wanted to poison you, would I wait until now? You already ate my fish earlier.”

Li Rong: “…”

That made sense. After a moment’s thought, Li Rong placed the pill in her mouth.

A sweet, plum-blossom fragrance spread across her tongue. Li Rong was still confused when she heard Pei Wenxuan ask, “Is it sweet?”

“Sweet…”

Li Rong asked, puzzled, “What did you give me?”

“It’s a sugar pill,” Pei Wenxuan chuckled. “Didn’t you always have a sweet tooth back then? Sweet at eighteen, sweet at fifty. Li Rong, don’t dwell too much on age. As long as you don’t think of yourself as old, you’ll always be a young girl.”Li Rong remained silent. She and Pei Wenxuan squatted together, a sugar pill in her mouth, her arms wrapped around her knees and her face resting on her arms. She smiled and said, "What other sweet words do you have? Say more for me to hear."

Hearing the laughter in her voice, Pei Wenxuan felt more at ease. He stood up and returned to the bed. "No more, I’m not in the mood. If you want to hear more, come back tomorrow. If I’m in a good mood, I might say a few more words."

Li Rong spat at his words, pulled the curtain shut, and got up to return to her own bed.

Li Rong slept soundly until dawn. The next morning, after waking up, Jing Lan arrived with others. They led the servants to attend to Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan’s washing and grooming, then began cleaning the cell. With nothing to do in the courtyard, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan simply started practicing Tai Chi.

When they were young, they had endured much turmoil; in their later years, they cherished health preservation. Both had suffered from illness and pain, so they paid extra attention to their bodies.

When Li Chuan arrived, he saw the two practicing Tai Chi. He stood behind Li Rong, who was in the middle of her movements, and asked curiously, "Sister, when did you start practicing Tai Chi?"

"I can also practice the Five Animal Frolics," Li Rong replied, her words seemingly unrelated. Li Chuan choked for a moment before saying, "No, I meant when did you start doing things the Grand Empress Dowager enjoys?"

Pei Wenxuan was displeased upon hearing this. He had just comforted Li Rong the night before and feared Li Chuan’s words might unsettle her again. He immediately said, "It’s never too late to start taking care of your health, Your Highness. You should start practicing early too."

Li Chuan thought these two were insane.

But he didn’t have time to bicker with them further and went straight to the point. "Sister, the imperial decree has been issued today."

"Are you going?" Li Rong knew Li Chuan was referring to the matter in the northwest. The Yang family had submitted their resignation, and Li Ming had to send someone to the northwest to resolve the war. Sending Li Chuan now was part of their long-planned scheme.

"I’m going as the military supervisor," Li Chuan confirmed. Li Rong nodded. "Is that person going?"

Li Rong was asking about Qin Lin. Li Chuan nodded. "He’s going. We’ll split into two groups. I’ll arrange a covert identity for him first."

"Good," Li Rong said calmly. "Once you’re there, get the account book as quickly as possible."

"I understand," Li Chuan replied. Li Rong continued practicing Tai Chi as she said, "Go ahead. I’ll handle things here."

With these words, Li Chuan looked at Li Rong, then at Pei Wenxuan. After a moment, he called out to Pei Wenxuan, "Hey."

Pei Wenxuan pretended not to hear and continued his Tai Chi. Li Chuan knew he was being ignored. Though somewhat annoyed, he didn’t have time to argue. He simply said, "While I’m away, take good care of my sister."

"I don’t need him to take care of me," Li Rong immediately interjected. "Just hurry up and leave."

"Have a safe trip," Pei Wenxuan added, still practicing Tai Chi. Li Chuan was left speechless by the two of them. After holding back for a while, he finally said, "Forget it, I’m leaving."

With that, he flicked his sleeve and walked out toward the corridor. After a few steps, he suddenly called out, "Sister."

Li Rong turned around to see Li Chuan suddenly run back and hug her tightly.

His body trembled slightly as he whispered, "Sister, if I don’t come back…"

"I’ll be here," Li Rong raised her hand and gently patted his back, speaking calmly. "You’ll return safely. No matter what happens, your sister will always protect you."Listening to Li Rong's words, Li Chuan felt an inexplicable peace within. Suddenly, a surge of courage welled up in him, as if someone had spread their wings and silently shielded him from behind along this journey.

"Sister," Li Chuan whispered softly, "I will return safely, and you must not be afraid either."

"When I come back, I will protect you."

Hearing Li Chuan's words, Li Rong couldn't help but smile.

Li Chuan released her, and this time he did not look back, running out in small strides.

Pei Wenxuan stood behind Li Rong, gazing at her expression—peaceful, composed, and carrying a certain hope—an expression he would not see again for decades to come.

"Li Rong," he couldn't help but call out to her. Li Rong turned around, slightly puzzled. "Hmm?"

Pei Wenxuan quietly watched Li Rong as she turned to look at him. He saw his own reflection in the girl's clear, water-like eyes, watched as peach blossoms from the late spring breeze drifted down from somewhere unknown, and looked at Li Rong in that moment.

A sudden, inexplicable impulse rose within him.

He wished Li Rong could live her entire life with such eyes and such a smile.

If Li Rong could live like this for a lifetime...

It wouldn't be impossible for him to endure a little hardship and treat her a little better.

"Pei Wenxuan?" Li Rong called out to him when he remained silent. Pei Wenxuan snapped back to reality, offering a gentle smile as he raised his hand to brush the top of her head.

"A flower fell on your hair," he said softly. "Let me brush it away for you."

Willing to brush away dust and snow for you, willing to toil half a lifetime for you.

Only in that moment did Pei Wenxuan realize, without even knowing it himself, just how much he could do for Li Rong.

Author's Note: 【Mini Theater】

Question: Li Chuan, how did it feel visiting the prison today?

Answer: It felt like visiting a retirement home and getting double-teamed by my parents.

Tai Chi, square dancing, soft ball—the three great sects of the elderly square.