The Princess Royal

Аftеr аgrеeing to Li Rоng's rеquеst, Реi Wenxuan rеturnеd to the dеsk. He рiсkеd uр а brush аnd began tо ponder how to write this mеmоrial fоr her.

If thе twо оf thеm wantеd tо gеt оut, it wоuldn't be gоod for Li Rong tо tаke thе initiative to writе it. It would makе her seеm tоо еаgеr tо destroу thе Yang fаmilу, аnd given Li Мing's pеrsоnality, hе wоuld likelу overthink it.

Thе role Li Rong hаd tо рlaу now was that оf а рrincеss whо wаs sоmеwhаt intelligеnt but, duе to hеr trust in her рarents, wаs almоst соmplеtеlу ignоrant of the strugglе between the Crоwn Prince аnd the Emрerоr.

Just likе in her рast eighteen years, what she saw was what she got; there couldn't be much else to it.

The investigation into the Yang family was because Yang Quan had committed insubordination. Beyond that, it could not be linked to anything more. If she immediately went to investigate someone right after Li Chuan reported a victory, it would likely arouse suspicion.

That was why Li Rong wanted him to write this memorial. But if he wrote it, the first thing he would have to explain was how he had gotten the information.

He could say he had used Li Rong, or that he had used clandestine contacts left by his father. But one lie always required countless others to cover it up, and the more one lied, the more loopholes there would be.

Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment, then put the brush down again.

"Your Highness," he called out to Li Rong, who was waiting for him to write the memorial. He then said, "I cannot write this memorial."

"Hm?" Hearing this, Li Rong knew Pei Wenxuan had other considerations. She asked directly, "Then how do you plan for us to get out?"

Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment and said in a low voice, "We'll go through the Empress."

Upon hearing this, Li Rong immediately understood. Just as she was about to respond, she heard Pei Wenxuan explain in detail, "First, have the Crown Prince provide a list. Anyone the Crown Prince deems unsuitable should be put on this list, which he will then present to His Majesty to request rewards for them. It would be best to include many people from the noble clans of the northwest, as well as some generals loyal to His Majesty."

"His Majesty has little contact with the northwestern border. His true confidants were framed by the Yang family in previous campaigns, and he isn't actually familiar with the ordinary generals below them. When these people appear on the Crown Prince's list of reward requests, His Majesty will certainly suspect they are the Crown Prince's men and will, on the contrary, have them removed."

Li Rong pondered this and continued Pei Wenxuan's train of thought. Pei Wenxuan knew that discussing such matters with Li Rong was the easiest; he didn't need to say much for her to understand what he was thinking. This tacit understanding brought a sense of comfort to his heart. He relaxed and said, "Right. And if these people come from noble clans—not too prominent, of course—His Majesty removing them will naturally also alienate those northwestern clans."

"Once His Majesty has removed these people, he will start thinking about dealing with the Yang family," Li Rong said, tapping her palm with a small fan. "At that point, His Majesty will surely send someone to the border first to replace the Crown Prince's men, then summon the Crown Prince back, and let us begin the trial of the Yang case to uproot them."

"So, in fact, the best thing for us to do now is to counter all changes by remaining unchanged. When His Majesty remembers us, he will naturally come to help me. At that time, if you proactively release Tuoba Yan, and His Majesty's people find him, the problem will be largely solved." Pei Wenxuan chuckled lightly. "We might not even have to touch the account books. When His Majesty sends his people to the border, we can ask him for the ledgers then."

"You have a point."

"But there is one thing," Pei Wenxuan said with a serious expression. "Tuoba Yan—can you control this man?"

"I've already had someone find his wife and children," Li Rong said coolly. "It shouldn't be a problem."

"That's good." Pei Wenxuan nodded. "You should have someone see to it right away."

And so, Pei Wenxuan did not write the memorial. Instead, after Jing Lan arrived the next day, Li Rong had her relay a message to the Eastern Palace. The people at the Eastern Palace sent a carrier pigeon from Huajing, conveying Li Rong's intentions to Li Chuan.

Upon receiving the message at the border, Li Chuan summoned Qin Lin, Cui Qinghe, and the others that very night. They secretly drafted a list, retaining some talented generals while selecting a few from moderately influential clans and some generals loyal to Li Ming. They also mixed in a few generals Li Chuan had been using as a smokescreen, then sent the list to Huajing to request rewards from Li Ming.

When Li Ming received Li Chuan's memorial requesting rewards, he was so furious he smashed a cup in the imperial study.

The next day, Jing Lan came to deliver news to Li Rong, whispering, "I heard His Majesty was extremely angry. He said that the Crown Prince's wings have hardened since going to the border, that he's trying to win popular support and rally his own faction. It took several senior ministers a long time to calm His Majesty down."

Li Rong nodded upon hearing this. Jing Lan observed her expression and said softly, "Your Highness, don't be too upset."

"What is there for me to be upset about?"

Li Rong gave a faint smile. "I've long known His Majesty has this kind of temperament."

Jing Lan was somewhat surprised. She knew well that the princess had always been on excellent terms with Li Ming in the past. After saying this, Li Rong also realized her slip of the tongue and sighed, "I'm not a fool. After this whole arranged marriage affair, how could I not see things clearly?"

Hearing this, Jing Lan understood where the princess's change in attitude came from. She quickly said, "It's good that Your Highness can see it this way."

A few days after receiving Li Chuan's memorial, once he confirmed that the situation on the front lines had basically stabilized, Li Ming immediately summoned Li Chuan back. At the same time, he dispatched his own trusted generals to take over the military posts in the northwest. He gave the batch of generals for whom Li Chuan had requested rewards a promotion in name but a demotion in practice, transferring them from their original positions in the northwest and scattering them among civilian posts in other armies.

In the military, for a general to be transferred away was equivalent to being stripped of power. A tree can live if moved, but a person dies. The transferred generals all knew in their hearts that no matter how pleasant-sounding their new titles were, they had been dismissed from their posts. For a time, banquets were rampant in the northwest, with many old generals weeping bitterly. Although nothing was said explicitly, both sides knew what was causing their hearts to grow cold.

On the day Li Chuan returned from the northwest, the newly appointed general led the army to see him off outside the city. Li Chuan stood in his carriage, looked back, and said to the general, "Minister Zhang, there is no need to see me off further. I must depart. I wish Minister Zhang in the northwest," Li Chuan gave a meaningful smile, "a prosperous official career."

With a reverent expression, Zhang Qiu bowed and said, "A respectful farewell to Your Highness."

Li Chuan turned his head back and saw the soldiers kneeling like a tidal wave. The summer wind of the northwest swept up yellow sand, rushing towards him with a wave of heat. His gaze swept over the army, and he inadvertently saw a few young faces.

Qin Lin, Cui Qinghe, and the others were mixed in the crowd. They secretly raised their eyes, looking quietly at Li Chuan. Li Chuan's expression remained unchanged. He nodded, then turned and entered the carriage.

After settling into the carriage, he turned to look at the scorching sun over the great desert.

That boundless wilderness carried the fates of tens of thousands. The young Crown Prince, who had emerged from the slaughter of blood and swords, had never before felt so profoundly the weight of the piled bones beneath words like soldiers, common people, the nation, and imperial power.

He closed his eyes in silence.

With all the orders issued, Li Ming saw that Li Chuan had finally decided to return and felt a sense of relief, knowing that the Shangguan Clan had accepted their loss this time.

His men had already investigated thoroughly. The Shangguan family had paid a heavy price this time; nearly half of the troops that the main branch of the Shangguan could mobilize had been depleted, and many of their businesses had been sold off just to raise military funds to help the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince was the Shangguan Clan's hope, and what Li Ming wanted was to slowly grind down the Shangguan Clan's vitality, and then destroy the very hope they had desperately tried to protect.

This time, by destroying the Yang family and weakening the Crown Prince, he had achieved a great victory.

At this thought, Li Ming remembered the person who had given him the idea. He thought for a moment, then summoned the eunuch Fulai, who was beside him, and instructed, "That case of Pei Wenxuan's, find someone to take a look at it."

Fulai smiled and acknowledged the order. Two days later, a down-and-out merchant rushed to the Shuntian Prefecture office, beating the drum to announce a grievance. The officials of the Shuntian Prefecture rushed out and frowned, "Who are you? Why are you beating the drum?"

The down-and-out merchant raised his head and said in a hoarse voice, "This commoner, Tuoba Yan, has come to accuse the Yang family of the General's Manor of corruption, perverting justice, colluding with the enemy, treason, oppressing the innocent, and indulging murderers!"

The officials of the Shuntian Prefecture were stunned. Even the onlookers couldn't help but find it strange. How could a man who was said to have died some time ago be alive?

If he wasn't dead, then who was it that Pei Wenxuan, currently in prison, had killed?

The Shuntian Prefecture did not dare to pass judgment on the case and reported it directly to the Ministry of Justice. The case was transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Censorate, and finally, that very night, it reached Li Ming's hands.

For such a major case, one that also involved his most beloved daughter, Li Ming decided to hold a trial in court. That night, he notified the Ministry of Justice to prepare all the materials. Three days later, before the sky had brightened, while Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were still sleeping groggily in their cells, they heard the sound of footsteps outside. Then, Su Rongqing led guards in with lanterns, and the entire prison was instantly lit up.

Li Rong's cell had a curtain drawn across it, while Pei Wenxuan was jolted awake by the bright light. He opened his eyes and saw guards standing on both sides of the corridor, not entering. Su Rongqing, however, walked to the front of the cells and bowed respectfully towards Li Rong's. "Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned Your Highness and Minister Pei to court to assist in the trial. I ask that Your Highness rise and accompany this humble minister to the Morning Court Assembly."

Li Rong answered from within her cell. Su Rongqing spoke again, "Your Highness, this humble minister has brought attendants from the Princess's Manor to serve you. Is it convenient for them to enter?"

That was quite considerate.

Pei Wenxuan, who was washing his face, paused and couldn't help but glance at Su Rongqing.

Su Rongqing's expression was impassive. He only heard the sound of a curtain being pulled aside from next door, and then saw Li Rong, dressed in a light red gauze robe with her hair down, holding a small golden fan. She leaned casually against the side and yawned, "Come in."

Su Rongqing did not raise his eyes. With his head lowered, he stepped forward and opened the cell door. Several maids immediately followed, carrying basins of water. Su Rongqing drew the curtain for Li Rong and then waited outside.

By the time Li Rong emerged, having finished her toilette, Pei Wenxuan was also more or less ready. The two of them left the cells together, followed Su Rongqing, and walked out of the great prison.

The sky had not yet brightened, but everyone was wide awake. Li Rong boarded her carriage first. Pei Wenxuan was about to walk to the carriage behind when he saw Su Rongqing, showing no concern for propriety, jump directly into Li Rong's carriage.

Pei Wenxuan's movements paused. A moment later, he made a decision.

He also boarded Li Rong's carriage.

When Li Rong first entered the carriage, she was still a little drowsy. Then she saw Su Rongqing jump in. She was startled and subconsciously asked, "What are you doing up here?"

"There are many matters I must explain to Your Highness, and I fear there won't be enough time at the palace. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Su Rongqing's reply was respectful. Li Rong composed herself and nodded. "Minister Su is thoughtful..."

Before she could finish, Pei Wenxuan lifted the curtain and jumped in. Li Rong couldn't help but ask again, "And what are you doing up here?"

Pei Wenxuan subconsciously wanted to retort with "If he can come, why can't I?" but the sight of Su Rongqing's face made him swallow the words. It was fine to bicker in private, but one had to maintain decorum in front of others. So, he said respectfully, "There are some matters I need to discuss with Your Highness, and I fear there won't be enough time at the palace. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Li Rong was speechless.

Their excuses were so similar, she felt too embarrassed to refuse.

"Then Minister Pei, please join us."

Li Rong invited the two men in. Without needing to consult each other, they each found a side to sit on. Li Rong sat in the main seat at the head, and for some reason, she felt a strange sense of anxiety and awkwardness.

The three of them sat in silence. Su Rongqing kept his eyes lowered and said nothing. Pei Wenxuan opened and closed the fan in his hand, also remaining silent.

Li Rong, with nothing to do, poured herself some tea. As the sound of flowing water filled the air, both men looked at her. Li Rong's hand, holding the teapot, froze. A moment later, she forced an awkward smile and urged them, "Have some tea."

Saying this, she personally poured a cup of tea for each of them. Then, as she picked up the cups, the question of who to serve first became a problem.

If she gave it to Su Rongqing first, given Pei Wenxuan's petty nature, he would surely find a way to retaliate later.

If she gave it to Pei Wenxuan first, Su Rongqing outranked him in both official position and status, which would be rather illogical.

She held the cups, her movements stiff. The two men stared quietly at the tea in her hands. For a moment, Li Rong felt as if she were holding not tea, but a firecracker that could explode at any moment.

After a moment, Li Rong gritted her teeth, downed the tea in her hand, and said calmly, "I was a bit thirsty. I'll have another cup. Minister Su," she cast aside the awkward atmosphere and got straight to the point, turning to Su Rongqing, "what matter did you wish to inform this princess of?"

Su Rongqing's business was orderly. He informed Li Rong of almost everything he knew, down to the last detail. After he finished, he summarized, "The account books from the northwestern border were sent over yesterday. Because this humble minister was previously supervising this matter, and now that the Princess and Minister Pei are both in prison, this humble minister has taken over. I worked through the night to cross-reference the ledgers from the Ministry of War, Tuoba Yan, and the front lines. Combined with Tuoba Yan's testimony and the confessions of the people Your Highness previously interrogated, there should not be any major issues with this case."

Li Rong nodded and said gratefully, "Minister Su has been most thoughtful."

"It is this minister's duty to serve Your Highness."

As the two of them spoke, Pei Wenxuan listened quietly from the side. When Su Rongqing and Li Rong finished their conversation, Li Rong turned back to Pei Wenxuan and smiled. "And what matter does Minister Pei have to inform this princess of?"

"Oh, it's nothing major," Pei Wenxuan said, smiling as he raised his fan and pointed to the hairpin in Li Rong's hair. "Your Highness's hairpin is crooked."

Li Rong was speechless.

He really wasn't giving her any face at all, too lazy to even put up a pretense.

Just as Li Rong was about to order the carriage to stop and throw Pei Wenxuan out, she sensed the person beside her suddenly rise. He pressed down one sleeve as he raised his hand, gently straightened her hairpin, and said peacefully, "Your Highness, it is fixed."

Li Rong was too stunned to react. Pei Wenxuan glared coldly at Su Rongqing, who returned to his seat with composure, his expression calm, completely ignoring Pei Wenxuan's gaze.

Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward again, Li Rong gave a light cough. The two men looked over. Li Rong quickly picked up her teacup and urged, "Have some tea."

Neither of them spoke, which made Li Rong feel even more awkward.

Fortunately, the carriage arrived at the palace shortly after. As soon as they reached the Imperial Palace, Li Rong quickly said, "We're here. Let's go quickly."

With that, she didn't even wait to see if the two men had stood up before hastily jumping out of the carriage. Outside, the early morning breeze washed over her, and Li Rong felt her spirits lift. She held her fan and quickened her pace, saying to Jing Lan, "Let's go, we'll go in first."

"Aren't we waiting for the two ministers?"

Jing Lan was a little bewildered. Logically, since they had arrived together, Li Rong should enter the palace with them. But upon hearing her words, Li Rong quickly covered half her face with her fan, a look of disdain showing. "Let's hurry up and go. Stay far away from them."

Saying this, Li Rong led Jing Lan ahead.

Pei Wenxuan and Su Rongqing entered the palace city side by side. Su Rongqing said gently, "Minister Pei seems to have quite a few objections to me?"

"Doesn't Minister Su feel," Pei Wenxuan turned to look at him and said coolly, "that you are being a bit overly attentive to the Princess?"

"Oh?" Su Rongqing chuckled, completely unconcerned. "Am I? I am merely fulfilling my duty as a minister."

"Does Minister Su plan to marry?"

Pei Wenxuan asked suddenly. Su Rongqing was a little puzzled. "Why does Minister Pei ask this?"

"I hope Minister Su will continue to adhere to this duty of a minister," Pei Wenxuan turned his head and smiled faintly, "especially in front of your esteemed wife."

Su Rongqing's expression remained unchanged. Pei Wenxuan bowed and said, "Minister Su still has to enter the hall. This subordinate will not disturb you any longer."

With that, Pei Wenxuan straightened up and walked to the side.

Su Rongqing was to enter the hall at the beginning of the Morning Court Assembly like an ordinary minister, so he went to stand in line first. Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan, however, waited at the entrance to be summoned. Seeing Pei Wenxuan approach with a smile on his face, Li Rong knew that he was probably not in a good mood.

When Pei Wenxuan was genuinely happy, his smile wasn't like this. The smile he wore now was the kind that, in their previous life when he was Prime Minister, usually meant trouble was brewing.

Li Rong's expression remained impassive as she waited for Pei Wenxuan to make his move. Pei Wenxuan came to stand beside her, holding his court tablet, and said nothing.

If the enemy doesn't move, I don't move. Since Pei Wenxuan was silent, Li Rong began to think about other things. She ran through all the possible events of the day in her mind. As she was thinking, she heard Pei Wenxuan, unable to hold back any longer, speak first. "Doesn't Your Highness have anything to ask this humble minister?"

"Hm?" Li Rong returned to her senses. Hearing his question, she said decisively, "I don't want to ask. I'm not interested."

Pei Wenxuan was speechless.

Li Rong continued to let her mind wander. After enduring for a while, Pei Wenxuan finally said, "But this humble minister wants to say it."

"I know I can't stop you," Li Rong sighed. "Go on. If you don't, I'm afraid you'll burst."

"Your Highness's words," Pei Wenxuan said blandly, "are already making this humble minister feel like he's about to burst."

"Why don't you try holding it in a little longer?"

Li Rong suggested sincerely. Pei Wenxuan couldn't take it anymore. He said directly, "I think Su Rongqing has ulterior motives towards you."

"Really?" Li Rong's voice was devoid of any ripple. "I'm so happy."

"Li Rong," Pei Wenxuan used her name. "I'm being serious. Su Rongqing is too good to you."

Hearing Pei Wenxuan speak, Li Rong stopped teasing him. She listened to the eunuch's call to court and watched the ministers file in like a stream of fish, her voice calm as she said, "Pei Wenxuan, do you know what the biggest difference is between you and Su Rongqing?"

Pei Wenxuan didn't speak. He followed her gaze towards the ministers under the morning light, their expressions ranging from worried to joyful, from numb to flamboyant. He heard Li Rong say coolly, "He is more ruthless than you."

"Family, glory, legacy." Their gazes fell on the young man in the distance. Under the morning light, the young man was dressed in a crimson official's robe, holding a court tablet, his bearing elegant and proper, his aura noble and refined. He followed the crowd, ascended the white jade steps, and entered the grand hall that represented the vortex of the nation's power.

"These are the things Su Rongqing has carried on his back his entire life. Beneath these things, what he has learned since childhood is restraint, composure, and forbearance."

Li Rong's voice sounded distant, carrying a hint of pity and a faint sense of mutual understanding in its ethereal quality.

"He will not possess the emotions you think he does."

"He won't be good to me because of sentiment," Li Rong said with exceptional calmness. "What he values is not me, but Chuan'er. This is something I always remember. And you," Li Rong looked up at him, her phoenix eyes like a cold pool in an ancient well, restrained and calm. Beneath this absolute "stillness" lay a captivating beauty that one could not escape. She emphasized each word, "must also remember this."

Author's note: Pei Wenxuan: "The person I love is too cold-hearted. I feel pitiful, weak, and helpless."