The twо hаd bаrеlу slept for twо hоurs when a knоck cаmе frоm оutsidе. Jing Lаn stood аt the door and said resреctfullу, "Your Нighnеss, Imреrial Sоn-in-Lаw, Нis Маjestу is hosting a banquеt аt Tаihe Hall аt noon tоday. It's timе tо risе."
Неаring this, Li Rоng mustered аll hеr willpоwеr tо oрen hеr еyes аnd рushed Рei Wenxuаn. "Get up, hurry uр."
Реi Wenхuan raised а hаnd tо cоvеr his еуеs, frоwning in discоmfоrt. Aftеr a mоment, he fоrcеd himsеlf tо sit up, shооk his hеаd, and said, "Let's gеt up."
Encouraging еach othеr, the two strugglеd to risе. Just аs theу were about to leave, Li Rong moved and accidentally pulled down the white silk from the bed. Both stared at the silk, and Li Rong looked up at Pei Wenxuan. "You handle it."
Pei Wenxuan sighed helplessly, picked up the silk, cut his finger to stain it with blood, then tossed it back onto the bed. He called out to the outside, "Come in and attend to us."
Jing Lan pushed the door open, and a group of maids entered to help them wash and dress. After changing into their court attire, they boarded a carriage and headed for the palace.
Both were extremely drowsy on the way, each leaning against one side of the carriage to doze off. Only when the carriage stopped at the palace did they gradually regain their senses.
After taking a moment to compose themselves in the carriage, they stepped out one after the other. By then, Taihe Hall was already filled with people.
Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan greeted the officials along the way as they made their way to the back of the hall. There, a small room was reserved for the emperor, empress, and other members of the imperial family to dine separately. Upon entering the small hall, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan first bowed to the emperor and empress, who bestowed gifts upon them before allowing them to rise. The couple then took their seats beside the emperor.
The palace banquet was lively, with all members of the imperial harem present. No one spoke, but everyone secretly observed Pei Wenxuan. Unfazed, he pretended not to notice the gazes around him and engaged in casual conversation with Li Ming.
Li Ming was already quite familiar with Pei Wenxuan. While they usually discussed official matters, today’s conversation was more personal, focusing on everyday trivialities. However, Li Ming’s willingness to show such consideration for Pei Wenxuan carried a different meaning in the eyes of those present.
After speaking with Pei Wenxuan for a while, Li Ming inquired about the Princess's Manor. Li Rong answered accordingly. Before long, it was time for the banquet to begin.
Dishes were served one after another. Since Li Rong had previously disciplined the princesses, they now behaved obediently and caused no trouble. The meal proceeded harmoniously. After everyone had finished eating, they sat and chatted. The consorts took turns questioning Pei Wenxuan, but he answered flawlessly. When he was done, Consort Rou chuckled softly and said, "It feels like just yesterday the children were so small. Now that Princess Pingle’s marriage is settled, Sister," she turned to the Empress and said gently, "have you made any preparations for the Crown Prince’s marriage?"
Li Chuan was two years younger than Li Rong. Now that Li Rong was married, everyone’s attention turned to Li Chuan.
The Empress smiled calmly and replied, "Chuan'er is still young. Let’s not consider such matters for now."
"The Crown Prince is not that young," Consort Mei chimed in. "At his age, hadn’t Your Majesty already been betrothed to Her Majesty?"
Hearing this, the Empress glanced subtly at Consort Mei, her gaze carrying a hint of warning. "You seem quite concerned about the Crown Prince.""The matter of the Crown Prince," Consort Rou smiled from the side, "who wouldn't be concerned? But what elder sister says is also true—the Crown Prince still has four years before his capping ceremony, so there's indeed no rush. However, these four years shouldn't be idle either. We should slowly select and see which family is suitable."
"Since you say this," the Emperor, hearing Consort Rou's eagerness, turned his gaze to her, his expression neutral, "do you have any thoughts?"
"The matter of the Crown Prince," Consort Rou appeared somewhat embarrassed, "is all decided by elder sister. What thoughts could I possibly have?"
"Although the Crown Prince is the Empress's son, he was practically raised under your watch," the Emperor picked up his teacup and gestured with his hand. "Speak freely."
"This is what I think," Consort Rou tucked her hair behind her ear and looked up at Li Chuan. "His Highness the Crown Prince is of noble status. If we speak of status alone, no woman in this world could truly match him. Status need not be the primary consideration for marriage; the most important thing is character. I have a young niece in my family, gentle and virtuous, around the same age as His Highness. I dare to recommend her, feeling she would be quite suitable."
As these words were spoken, Li Chuan shot a cold glance over, and the Empress's expression turned grim. The Emperor glanced at Li Chuan, noticing his displeasure, and frowned. He then turned to Li Rong, who was lowering her head to blow on the tea leaves in her cup, looking perfectly at ease. He couldn't help but feel puzzled and asked, "Ping Le, aren't you concerned about your brother's marriage?"
Li Rong, called upon, looked up with a blank expression. "What is there to be concerned about?"
"Such an important matter," Li Ming was amused by Li Rong's response, "and you don't care?"
"Father," Li Rong set down her teacup, her face serious, "the palace has its rules. Consort Rou may not know them, but how could I not? Although Chuan'er is my brother, he is also the Crown Prince of the nation. His marriage is a matter only you and Mother can decide. Who else would dare say more? Besides, Father is so wise—he will surely find a good match for Chuan'er. I needn't trouble myself with such worries."
As she spoke, she looked at Consort Rou with a smile. "Consort Rou, why trouble yourself with so much?"
Consort Rou remained unfazed by these words, but Hua Le interjected, "Elder sister, that's not right. We are all family, and my mother only has the Crown Prince's best interests at heart. Your words are truly disheartening."
"Ah, must I spell it out so clearly, younger sister?" Li Rong sighed and turned to Li Ming. "Father, I don't wish to hurt Consort Rou's feelings either. After all, in my heart, Consort Rou watched me grow up. In an ordinary household, she would be like a wet nurse or a stepmother. However, some words are better left unsaid. I wonder if Father thinks I should speak them or not?"
Upon hearing terms like "wet nurse" and "stepmother," Hua Le's expression instantly changed. Li Ming glanced at both sides and then said, "Speak."
"Chuan'er is the Crown Prince of the nation. His choice of a wife is of great importance—family background, appearance, and character are all indispensable. There are many noblewomen among the aristocracy. Why must we choose a girl from a minor family? If we were to truly marry Consort Rou's niece as the Crown Princess, what would the court officials think? What would the common people think? If Chuan'er is to marry a girl, she should at least be like me," Li Rong smiled and took Pei Wenxuan's hand, "at least a legitimate daughter from a prominent aristocratic family, don't you think?"Li Rong's words were spoken with an air of innocent naivety. Li Ming had initially looked displeased upon hearing the earlier part, but when Li Rong took Pei Wenxuan's arm, Li Ming immediately felt reassured, thinking that this daughter of his truly just looked down on Consort Rou's background deep down.
Though this matter didn't sit well with him, he could understand it. After all, Consort Rou's origins were indeed unseemly, and given Li Rong's temperament, it was only natural for her to disapprove. Consort Rou even wanted to send her niece to become the Crown Prince's consort, which Li Ming also found inappropriate.
Li Ming nodded and steered the conversation away: "Chuan'er is still young; we can discuss this matter later. If you come across any suitable young ladies, just keep them in mind and inform the Empress."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression improved slightly. The group chatted idly for a few more moments before a eunuch returned from outside, whispering a few words into Li Ming's ear. Li Ming acknowledged with a sound, then looked up and addressed everyone: "It's about time. I have matters to attend to, so let us adjourn."
After Li Ming finished speaking, everyone knelt to see him off as he departed. Once Li Ming reached the outer hall, he exchanged a few words with the assembled ministers before taking his leave.
After Li Ming left, the Empress announced the end of the gathering. Li Rong stepped forward to bid farewell to the Empress and Li Chuan, then left together with Pei Wenxuan.
The two of them greeted others as they withdrew from the gathering. Once they boarded the carriage and settled inside, Li Rong let out a sigh of relief, slumping down beside the table as if all her energy had drained away. Pei Wenxuan sat opposite her, also looking quite weary. As he poured himself some tea, he remarked, "Having a meal with your family is exhausting. It feels like attending a Morning Court Assembly—and all the topics revolve around you women. It's unbearable."
"Do you think I'm not suffering too?" Li Rong took the tea he poured, her anger rising. "What kind of person is Consort Rou? Does she think her niece is worthy of Chuan'er? She should look at herself in the mirror—a toad lusting after swan flesh. She got off lightly today!"
"What else did you want to do?" Pei Wenxuan took a sip of tea, his expression serious. "Poison her?"
"I'd like to," Li Rong turned to look at him. "Can you? If you can, I'll pay a thousand gold for her head."
"Consort Rou's head is worth a thousand gold?" Pei Wenxuan chuckled. Li Rong sneered and turned away. "A thousand gold is overestimating her."
"However," Pei Wenxuan pondered seriously, "the Crown Prince's marriage should indeed be considered."
In their previous life, Li Chuan's marriage was set for the following spring, meaning the candidates were likely being finalized around this time. The Empress already had someone in mind for the Crown Prince's consort; what she was currently seeking were merely concubines.
As Li Rong contemplated this, Pei Wenxuan continued, "What are Your Highness's plans for the Crown Prince's marriage? Will it follow the same path as in the previous life, using marriage to strengthen ties with noble families and consolidate the Crown Prince's power, or do you have other intentions?"
"What do you think?" Li Rong lifted her teacup and took a delicate sip.
In truth, both of them understood that they were not merely discussing Li Chuan's marriage, but rather how to secure his position as Crown Prince moving forward.
"In the previous life, Her Majesty the Empress selected one principal consort and four concubines for the Crown Prince, which indeed solidified his relationship with the noble families. If Your Highness believes that in this life, the Crown Prince should follow the same path—relying on the support of noble families and supplementing it with military power from the northwest to confront His Majesty directly—that is certainly one option."
Li Rong remained silent, gently tapping her golden folding fan against her palm. "And the other option?""Your Highness, do you recall how the Crown Prince was deposed in our previous life?"
Pei Wenxuan suddenly asked this question. Li Rong knew he wouldn't pose questions lightly, so she thought carefully before responding: "Chuan'er held no military power, relying entirely on the noble families. Our father used Prince Su as a puppet, secretly supporting common scholar-official clans. Any noble families who aligned with Prince Su were promoted to counterbalance Chuan'er."
Li Ming was an exceptionally patient emperor.
His encirclement of Li Chuan was nearly comprehensive. He supported common noble families, secretly backing these second-tier clans in their conflicts with first-rank families, suppressing Li Chuan's supporters at court.
He plotted to seize the Yang family's military authority, handing it to Prince Su's maternal uncle, thus giving Prince Su military power to contend with Li Chuan.
Simultaneously, he sowed discord among several consorts in Li Chuan's harem, using the death of one secondary consort to deepen the rift between Li Chuan and his marital alliance families.
From the inner chambers to the imperial court, hardly any place remained peaceful.
"The Crown Prince was bound to these great nobles, yet His Highness's concerns lay with the realm, not any particular family. In later stages, the Crown Prince maintained superficial harmony with these families while growing estranged, with both sides frequently disputing. After Prime Minister Shangguan passed away from illness and the Shangguan Clan declined, the Crown Prince was forced to establish closer ties with other noble families. But those clans didn't absolutely obey His Highness. So after Qin Lin achieved victory at the border, when the Emperor's suspicion toward the Crown Prince peaked, the Taizhou Case emerged."
Pei Wenxuan's voice remained calm as he reminded Li Rong of their previous life's events.
The Taizhou Case served as the nominal reason for Li Chuan's deposition. One of the Crown Prince's secondary consorts, Consort Nie, had her family seize nearly a thousand acres of fertile farmland in their Taizhou hometown under the Crown Prince's name, causing nearly a hundred deaths in the process. One victim managed to escape and journeyed to Huajing to seek justice.
This case shocked Great Xia, stirring universal outrage. Before this incident, nobles connected to Li Chuan had already committed multiple unlawful acts. Combined with this case, popular resentment boiled over throughout Great Xia. Scholars everywhere wrote essays condemning Li Chuan, while hundreds of officials knelt before the imperial study demanding the Crown Prince's deposition. With no military power and having lost popular support, Li Chuan's deposition followed naturally.
After Li Chuan was imprisoned, Li Ming announced a thorough investigation of the Shangguan Clan to demonstrate impartiality. Consequently, Li Rong was imprisoned, Qin Zhenzhen traveled to the northwest, and Pei Wenxuan lobbied various factions.
Ultimately, Pei Wenxuan persuaded the great nobles by making them fear the prospect of the mediocre Prince Su ascending the throne, while promising substantial benefits. He finally united the major aristocratic families, joining forces with Qin Lin to attack Huajing and install Li Chuan as emperor.
Defeated by noble families, yet succeeding through them—Li Chuan clearly understood what these families represented. They loomed over the nation like blood-sucking behemoths, with emperors as puppets in their hands. They could install rulers, and they could depose them.
Thus, throughout his life, Li Chuan followed Li Ming's old path, spending his entire reign opposing the noble families.
"So in this life, why shouldn't the Crown Prince distance himself from the noble families?"
"Distance himself from the noble families?" Li Rong frowned. "Then who will help Chuan'er in the future?"
"Aren't we here?" Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong. "We've already sent Qin Lin to the northwest. With him and Cui Qingyuan joining forces, and our secret assistance, we can help them secure military control over the northwest."
"And then?""I will pledge allegiance to His Majesty, cooperating with him to become the ordinary noble family he wishes to cultivate against the Shangguan Clan. As for the Crown Prince, he need not do anything. He simply has to be a good crown prince—avoid forming factions, remain free of any blemish, and win the people's hearts. That is enough."
"But if Father intends to harm him, wouldn't he be left isolated and helpless?"
Li Rong expressed some concern. Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but laugh.
"Your Highness still doesn't understand why His Majesty truly wishes to depose the Crown Prince?"
Pei Wenxuan posed this question, and Li Rong did not reply immediately. She looked at him, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "What do you think is the reason?"
"His Majesty does not wish to depose the Crown Prince himself, but rather the Crown Prince held in the hands of the nobility."
Listening to Pei Wenxuan's words, Li Rong fiddled with the fan in her hand and lowered her gaze.
Many things were unclear in youth, but with age, they become somewhat comprehensible.
Back then, Li Ming was so determined to depose the Crown Prince not only because he did not want the Shangguan Clan to grow too powerful, but perhaps also because he clearly recognized the pressure these powerful noble families placed on his rule.
Li Ming was a more warlike emperor than Li Chuan. Unifying the northern border was his lifelong ambition, and if he attempted to wage war abroad, these peace-loving nobles and the entrenched family factions would undoubtedly become the most difficult core issues on the battlefield.
In his youth, Li Chuan advocated benevolent governance and came from the Shangguan family. His so-called benevolence was precisely the type of ruler the noble families loved most. The closer Li Chuan became to the noble families, the more Li Ming would view him as a puppet cultivated by the aristocracy—a crown prince spoiled and rendered useless by the noble families.
She roughly understood Pei Wenxuan's line of thought and looked up, saying, "So, you hope Chuan'er can distance himself from the conflict between the noble families and the Emperor, not becoming a target in their struggle."
"Exactly," Pei Wenxuan affirmed. "Then I will serve as His Majesty's blade. I will help His Majesty expose the festering sores of these noble families, shifting His Majesty's focus from the Crown Prince to the aristocracy. For the time being, the Crown Prince will be safe."
"But Chuan'er cannot be left without any supporters," Li Rong still felt uneasy. "He needs people to assist him."
"Isn't there the imperial examination system?"
Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong, who was momentarily taken aback.
If not for living a second life, Li Rong would likely have laughed at Pei Wenxuan's mention of these three words.
Since the implementation of the imperial examination system, not only were the vast majority of those selected from noble families, but even if occasionally someone from a humble background managed to enter, they were only assigned minor positions in remote corners, never entering the field of power struggles.
However, Li Rong had witnessed how Pei Wenxuan utilized this system and the effects of the new forces it produced when employed by the ruler. After a moment of contemplation, she summarized, "Chuan'er will keep to himself, temporarily avoid the spotlight, secretly promote individuals from humble backgrounds to handle affairs, and win the hearts of the people. You will become the leader of the ordinary nobility, contend with the first-tier families, and weaken Father's and the existing powerful families' authority. I will liaise with major clans like the Shangguan Clan to balance the relationship between both sides. If one day Father turns back and seeks to settle accounts with the Crown Prince..."
"From the first-tier families to those of humble origins who rose through the imperial examinations, the majority of the court will be on His Highness's side."Pei Wenxuan cut off Li Rong's words, saying earnestly, "Not only that, but the Crown Prince will not engage in overly fierce struggles with the noble clans in the future. The bloody purges of the clans that occurred in the early days of His Highness's previous life will not reappear."
Li Rong remained silent. Seeing her quiet, Pei Wenxuan guessed what she was hesitating about.
"You still dislike those of humble origins."
"Those who rise from obscurity," Li Rong lifted her eyes to look at him, her gaze sharp, "are mostly driven by a bloodthirsty greed for power. Once given authority, they cannot control their desire for wealth. Even those from distinguished families are like this, let alone them?"
"All people are like this," Pei Wenxuan said calmly. "What difference does status make?"
"How many years have you been saying this to me?" Li Rong smiled mockingly. "Do I need to mention how many of your people have been investigated for corruption and bribery?"
"And how many of your people have been incompetent, deceitful, and caused failures—should I list them?"
Pei Wenxuan instinctively retorted. Li Rong gave him a cold look, and when his eyes met hers, he paused, inexplicably feeling a bit deflated.
He cleared his throat softly, turned his head away, and said slowly, "I'm merely offering a suggestion. The decision is ultimately yours, Your Highness. If you choose the first path, we will continue down the old road. In the future, it will be common for the Crown Prince to act as he did in his previous life."
Li Rong remained silent, tapping her palm thoughtfully. Pei Wenxuan glanced at her sideways and continued, "Alternatively, we could try the second path. There’s little risk, and if it succeeds, once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, there will be no obstacles. He won’t have to contend with the noble clans, and you won’t have to struggle to maintain the relationship between the Shangguan Clan and His Majesty. His Majesty will be happier, and your relationship with him might improve..."
As Pei Wenxuan eagerly listed the benefits, Li Rong couldn’t help but lower her head and chuckle. Seeing her laugh, Pei Wenxuan leaned closer. "What does Your Highness think?"
"Pei Wenxuan," Li Rong turned to look at him, "it’s a pity we didn’t send you to serve in the palace with such a silver tongue."
"No pity," Pei Wenxuan smiled at Li Rong. "Serving Your Highness is just as good."
"Let’s proceed as you suggested," Li Rong said lightly. "But if we do this, Chuan'er cannot marry now, and even if he does, he must not marry into a noble clan. The other consorts are manageable, but the Shangguan Clan..."
Pei Wenxuan knew of Li Rong’s deep friendship with Shangguan Ya. He raised an eyebrow. "How do you plan to handle it?"
"I must meet with Shangguan Ya," Li Rong looked up, closing her fan against her palm calmly. "This matter must be proposed by the Shangguan Clan."
Otherwise, after the Shangguan family expended so much effort to help, if Li Chuan went back on his word, no one would dare assist him in the future.
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan clapped his hands. "A brilliant plan."
Li Rong glanced at him coolly. "You’re exaggerating."
"Then it’s settled," Pei Wenxuan resumed his usual demeanor, picking up his tea calmly. "I will assist His Majesty here, and you will liaise with the Shangguan Clan, the Su Clan, and other noble clans to ensure they don’t feel the Crown Prince has completely severed ties with them."
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan remembered something and looked up at Li Rong, masking the faint, indistinct bitterness in his heart. "Your Highness can take this opportunity to cultivate some affection with Minister Su as well.""Then I must also earnestly entrust you with a task," Li Rong said calmly. "Make sure to properly connect with the Second Miss of the Qin family and nurture some affection. She and Chuan'er have a doomed fate—it's best they don't meet."
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan felt a headache coming on, regretting his loose tongue. He quickly changed the subject: "When we arrive at the Pei residence later, if anything about my family displeases you, feel free to express it openly."
Li Rong had already prepared herself for the mention of his family and nodded in response.
For a moment, the two sat in silence within the carriage. After a while, Li Rong found herself inexplicably recalling Pei Wenxuan’s words from the previous night.
She dared not delve too deeply into that topic with him. When Pei Wenxuan had abruptly brought it up, she could only deflect with playful indifference.
But Pei Wenxuan was a man of stubborn persistence, forcing her to think, to confront.
She lifted the curtain with her golden fan, watching the birds flitting past outside.
"Pei Wenxuan."
She suddenly called his name. Pei Wenxuan looked up in confusion, only to see Li Rong turn her head and gaze at him calmly. "I’ll trust you just once in this lifetime. If you lead me astray, I’ll have you beheaded and fed to the dogs."
Pei Wenxuan was momentarily bewildered, unsure what exactly Li Rong was trusting him with.
After a moment’s thought, he guessed it must be about the succession strategy he had devised for her. With a confident smile, he gestured forward gracefully and nodded slightly. "Your Highness, rest assured. I’ve considered everything thoroughly. There will be no issues."
Seeing Pei Wenxuan’s brimming confidence, Li Rong couldn’t tell whether he had truly thought things through or had simply miscalculated…
But she didn’t dwell on it.
Pei Wenxuan had a way of surprising her with unexpected details—she was already accustomed to it.
Author’s Note: [Mini Theater]
Li Rong (inwardly): "You told me to strive for love. Fine, I’ll trust your nonsense for once. Let’s see what harebrained scheme you come up with—I’ll give it a try. But if you lead me astray, I’ll have you dragged out, beheaded, and fed to the dogs."
Li Rong (outwardly): "Pei Wenxuan, I’ll trust you just once in this lifetime."
Pei Wenxuan (inwardly): "Trust me? Trust what? My succession strategy? That’s absolutely foolproof!"
Pei Wenxuan (outwardly): "Your Highness, I’ve considered everything thoroughly. There will be no issues."
Later…
Li Rong: "Didn’t you say the decision to pursue love boldly was absolutely foolproof?"
Pei Wenxuan (about to be dragged out and fed to the dogs): "Your Highness, the strategy itself was sound—it was just the target that had a slight issue! But it was corrected in time!"
Li Rong: "No need to say more. Give him a proper burial."
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