Li Rоng helpеd Qin Zhеnzhеn uр аnd immediatelу сalled fоr others. Whilе hаving sоmеоnе fetch thе carriage, she alsо оrderеd a thоrоugh сhеck оf thе surrоundings. Аftеr cоnfirming that no onе hаd witnessеd the scenе, she helрed Qin Zhenzhеn intо thе саrriаgе and hurried bасk to thе Рrinсess's Мanоr.
Qin Zhеnzhen was injurеd, sо Li Rong tоok out the mеdicine she kерt in а drawеr and bandagеd hеr wоunds. Qin Zhenzhеn grittеd hеr tееth withоut making а sоund. Upоn arriving аt the Prinсess's Маnоr, Li Rong summоnеd thе mаnor's physiсian for a consultаtion. After сleaning thе wounds аnd рresсribing medicine, the physician turned to Li Rong and said, "This young lady only has superficial injuries. With some rest, she will recover. Your Highness need not worry."
Li Rong nodded and dismissed the physician. She stood by the bedside for a moment. Qin Zhenzhen lay with her eyes closed, seemingly resting. Just as Li Rong was about to speak, a commotion erupted outside. Li Rong quickly stepped out of the inner chamber and, as she rounded the screen, saw Pei Wenxuan and Li Chuan entering.
"What's the situation?"
Li Rong immediately looked at Pei Wenxuan. He was still damp from the rain, his expression grave. "The procedure for sealing the Qin family's property was flawless. For now, His Majesty can only assign additional personnel to oversee the process and ensure no mistakes are made."
"Who was assigned?"
"Su Rongqing. As Vice Minister of Justice, his rank is high, and he hasn't been involved in this dispute."
Hearing Su Rongqing's name, Li Rong felt slightly reassured. Noticing the change in her expression, Pei Wenxuan paused briefly before adding, "I met the Crown Prince at the palace gate. He wanted to see you, so I brought him back with me."
Li Rong acknowledged this and turned to Li Chuan. His eyes were slightly red, but his expression was icy cold. Sensing that something must have happened in the palace, she asked, "Why did you go to the palace?"
"I went to see Mother."
Li Chuan's voice was hoarse. Li Rong hesitated for a moment before asking, "And then?"
Li Chuan remained silent for a long time before suddenly saying, "Sister, you should investigate this case."
Li Rong was taken aback. Li Chuan continued calmly, "It's not suitable for me to act. If I do, the noble families will react too strongly. I fear they might immediately consider ways to depose me. Father doesn't trust me now, so I can't be too forceful with the noble families."
"You want to take action against those involved in this case."
Li Rong stated it as a fact. "These are all Uncle's people. Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
Li Chuan replied coldly, "A disobedient blade, if its sharp edges aren't ground down, I won't keep it."
Li Rong fell silent. After a moment, she asked gently, "What did Mother say to you?"
"After learning about the Qin family's situation, I went to the palace to confront her. The risks of this matter are too great. If black and white can be so easily reversed, and a case against a humble family can be turned into an ironclad verdict solely based on the internal relationships of the noble families, how alarming must this be for Father? Moreover, in court disputes, to frame and exterminate an entire family like this," Li Chuan closed his eyes, "the methods are too ruthless."
"What did Mother say?"
"She asked if I had a private relationship with Qin Zhenzhen." Li Chuan laughed, as if finding it absurd. "She asked if that was why I was unwilling to marry Shangguan Ya."
"She had me investigated. She found out about my previous visit to Qin Lin and assumed I went to see him for Qin Zhenzhen's sake. Later, at the palace banquet, Qin Zhenzhen placed second in the incense competition, and I spoke with her a few more times. Mother learned about that too.""Moreover, recently, Qin Zhenzhen has gained attention due to her skill in blending incense. Rumors are spreading in the palace that His Majesty seems inclined to appoint her as Crown Princess. Worried that Qin Zhenzhen might threaten Shangguan Ya's position, Her Majesty sent a message to my uncle."
Li Chuan gave a bitter smile. "My uncle happened to be planning to make an example of a family to warn others, so he chose the Qin family."
"I'm not surprised they would target a family, but I never expected such a thunderous approach."
Li Rong had guessed that the Shangguan family would choose a family to suppress, but she hadn't anticipated they would pin the crime of treason and collusion with the enemy on them.
Such a grave charge made it clear to everyone that this was a warning from the Shangguan family to Li Ming.
And now, it also appeared to be a warning to Li Chuan, who was unwilling to take a Crown Princess.
Li Chuan looked weary. As Li Rong remained silent, he lifted his gaze to her and said slowly, "Sister, you once said that only when one is strong enough can they have the power to choose."
"Yes."
"Then today, I ask you," Li Chuan stared at her, "are you willing to get involved in this case?"
Li Rong remained silent. Li Chuan watched her calmly and continued, "If you are willing, I will spare no effort to support you. Today, you can find a suitable reason to pledge your loyalty to His Majesty. Seize this opportunity to establish the Supervisory Department under the pretext of thoroughly investigating this case. This department can be directly under His Majesty's jurisdiction, separate from the Three Departments, acting as an independent oversight outside the court, with the power of life and death."
"You are a princess. Out of respect for me and Her Majesty, no one would dare to act recklessly against you. You are the most suitable person for this task."
"And in the future, if I ascend the throne," Li Chuan lowered his voice, making a promise, "the Supervisory Department will still be yours."
This would be power entirely under her control.
Li Rong said nothing. Li Chuan immediately added, "However, this matter carries great risks. There's no need for you to decide hastily. If you are unwilling, it's fine," he looked at her, pausing briefly, his expression solemn. "No matter what, you will always be a princess."
After speaking, Li Chuan turned to look at the heavy rain outside and said softly, "I must prepare for the Morning Court Assembly. Rest well, sister. I'll take my leave now."
Li Rong finally responded and, along with Pei Wenxuan, bowed to see Li Chuan off.
After Li Chuan left, Li Rong stood silently in place, and Pei Wenxuan quietly stayed by her side.
After a long while, he said, "Go back and put on an extra layer of clothing. The Qin family has already been imprisoned, so there's no rush..."
Before he could finish, a soft voice came from the side: "Your Highness."
Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan turned together to see Qin Zhenzhen standing beside the screen.
Pei Wenxuan glanced at Li Rong in surprise, wanting to ask something but not daring to speak further. He subtly stepped back and stood behind Li Rong.
Li Rong quietly watched Qin Zhenzhen, who then knelt before her, holding a sword.
"This humble girl begs Your Highness to establish the Supervisory Department."
"You beg me—what can you offer me?" Li Rong scoffed. Qin Zhenzhen pressed her lips together and could only grit her teeth to say, "I would go through fire and water without hesitation."
"Go through fire and water?" Li Rong chuckled lightly. "What can a girl from a humble family like you do? Could I possibly send you off for a political marriage?"
"This humble girl's life is insignificant, and aside from the sword in my hand, I have nothing else to offer. If Your Highness is willing," Qin Zhenzhen raised her head, looking directly at Li Rong, "the Second Miss Qin of this world will cease to exist."
Li Rong looked into Qin Zhenzhen's eyes and suddenly understood what she wanted.Qin Zhenzhen truly did not belong to Huajing, nor did she belong to the imperial court.
"If I asked you to kill someone?"
"Agreed."
"If I wanted to go to your northwest?"
"Fine."
"Qin Zhenzhen, I won't make such a decision for you alone."
"I understand. But I have to try."
Li Rong fell silent. The two stared at each other quietly for a long time before Li Rong flung her sleeve and turned away. "Rest now. I need to think more."
With that, Li Rong instructed those nearby to take care of Qin Zhenzhen and walked straight out.
Pei Wenxuan walked beside Li Rong as they strode side by side down the long corridor. Li Rong stroked the golden fan in her hand without uttering a word.
Outside, rain pattered down steadily, dark clouds pressing the sky into an inky blackness. Lanterns swayed gently in the wind along the corridor. Pei Wenxuan walked beside Li Rong, shielding her from the biting cold wind.
They remained silent until Li Rong suddenly spoke, "Do I even have a choice?"
"Your Highness, as long as you are willing to relinquish power," Pei Wenxuan said softly, his hands tucked into his sleeves as he gazed toward the end of the corridor, "what can't you choose?"
"If you don't establish the Supervisory Department, or even ignore the Crown Prince, you will still be my wife, Princess Ping Le."
Pei Wenxuan spoke, then turned his head and smiled. "Establish the Supervisory Department, win, and you become the eldest princess, second only to the emperor. Lose, and you face a thousand cuts, your bones ground to dust."
"If I had nothing, would I still be your wife?"
Li Rong found it somewhat amusing. Pei Wenxuan did not answer.
The moment her question crossed his mind, he didn't know why, but he instinctively felt that if Li Rong had nothing, she might just be his wife for a lifetime.
But the thought flashed by, and he did not dwell on it. Whether it was true or not, this answer was not suitable to share with Li Rong at this moment, because he knew full well that Li Rong would not only disbelieve it but might even mock it.
So he chuckled lightly, "Perhaps one day, when that time comes, you'll know?"
"Forget it then," Li Rong laughed. "The price is too high. It's better if I don't know."
As they spoke, they reached the door of the room. Li Rong said softly, "You need to prepare for court, don't you? Go change in another room. I need to think carefully."
Pei Wenxuan acknowledged her words. Just as Li Rong pushed open the door, he suddenly called out, "Your Highness."
Li Rong did not turn around, listening as the voice behind her said, "Actually, no matter which path you choose, if one day you face a thousand cuts, I will surely be ahead of you."
If she were merely his wife, if she died, others would have to step over his corpse first.
If she established the Supervisory Department and fell, it would only be after he had already fallen.
Whether as husband and wife or as allies, they were bound together in life and death long ago.
"So," Pei Wenxuan lowered his voice, "choose a path you like."
Li Rong stood with her back to Pei Wenxuan, unable to suppress a smile as she said, "Understood. You're so noisy."
With that, she entered the room and closed the door.
Once inside, she stood in the darkness before walking to the desk and finding a seat.
Establishing the Supervisory Department—she had done something similar in her previous life.
The source of a person's power must stem from the authority they hold over others.
The more people she could decide for, the broader the scope of her decisions, the greater the power she truly controlled.For instance, the current Pei Wenxuan is under her control because he needs her money, her people, and her identity as a princess, which allows him to silently intimidate others in the officialdom.
However, resources like money, people, and status are not scarce.
To build a power center with herself at its core, she must inevitably involve herself in wielding authority. In her previous life, she had also established institutions similar to the Supervisory Department, but most were done under the guise of her identity as the eldest princess, without directly creating an institution independent of the Three Departments.
The Supervisory Department is a sharp blade; if mishandled, she might end up hurting herself.
Li Rong closed her eyes, lightly tapping the fan against her palm as she sorted through the entire situation.
Currently, she had three paths to take. The first was to follow her previous life’s approach: persuade Li Chuan to marry Shangguan Ya as his principal consort and Qin Zhenzhen as his secondary consort. As long as Qin Zhenzhen did not threaten the position of the Crown Princess, the Empress would not insist on eliminating the Qin family.
However, this would expose Li Chuan’s card, Qin Lin, to the Shangguan family, making him entirely dependent on the aristocratic families. In the future, Li Ming would find a reason to depose the Crown Prince, forcing Li Chuan to rely on the power of the aristocratic families to ascend the throne once again. But in this life, the Yang family had fallen too early, and it was unclear what changes the future would bring. Moreover, relying on the aristocratic families would inevitably lead to conflicts between them and Li Chuan in the future.
The second path was to ignore everything and let Li Chuan and Pei Wenxuan handle matters themselves. Either Li Chuan would completely abandon the Qin family, or he would return to the first path. Regardless, Li Chuan would still have to submit to the control of the Shangguan family.
The third path was to establish the Supervisory Department.
Li Rong opened her eyes, looking at the faint light of dawn filtering through the window and falling on the floor. Her gaze was bright and clear.
The aristocratic families were a blade, but a blade must have a sheath. The current commoner class was insufficient to serve as that sheath, so she had to become the sheath herself.
By establishing the Supervisory Department, thoroughly investigating those involved in the Qin Shi case, using her Supervisory Department to intimidate the aristocratic families, and secretly making contact with other members of the Shangguan family to support a new head of the Shangguan family, she could completely control the Shangguan family, intimidate the aristocratic families, and even gain the power to directly overthrow Consort Rou, without being constrained at every turn as she was now.
The aristocratic families would become a sheathed blade, under her control, and only then could the future conflicts between Li Chuan and the aristocratic families be resolved. The Shangguan family would not end up as they did in her previous life, with only Shangguan Ya remaining in the palace, and most of the family meeting a tragic end if not for her desperate protection.
Only with power in her hands would she have room to choose.
Thinking of this, a familiar surge of passion coursed through Li Rong’s veins.
As Pei Wenxuan had said, the path of the Supervisory Department was the best path, but also the most dangerous one.
“A thousand cuts…”
Li Rong lightly tapped the fan against her palm, and after a moment, she chuckled softly.
She stood up and walked to the desk, envisioning the entire plan for establishing the Supervisory Department before drafting a memorial. As she wrote, she instructed Jing Lan outside: “Jing Lan, go invite Miss Qin and have her come over. Also, send someone to the palace to intercept the Imperial Son-in-Law after court and have him come find me.”
Jing Lan acknowledged the order, and soon Qin Zhenzhen was led into the room.Qin Zhenzhen had changed into a fresh set of clothes, though her complexion remained somewhat pale. Upon entering, she first bowed to Li Rong. Li Rong gestured for her to rise while continuing to write a memorial, saying, "I will be entering the palace shortly to request a review of the Qin family's case. Do you have anything to give me?"
Hearing this, Qin Zhenzhen looked up at Li Rong, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Your Highness has agreed?"
"I will discuss matters concerning the Supervisory Department with His Majesty. As for you," Li Rong lifted her gaze to Qin Zhenzhen, "I offer you a choice of paths."
Qin Zhenzhen was momentarily taken aback. Li Rong spoke plainly, "You are not suited for Huajing, nor for a marriage within the aristocratic families. Today, you have two options. Give me whatever you brought from the Qin family, and I will have someone escort you safely back. You will remain the Second Miss of the Qin family, marry into a respectable household in Huajing, devote yourself to your husband and children, and live out your life accordingly."
"And the second path?" Qin Zhenzhen asked directly, her eyes fixed on Li Rong.
Li Rong met her gaze, recalling the moment in her previous life when Qin Zhenzhen had closed the coffin lid. She had lain inside, clutching a long sword—an item not customary for a noble consort's burial rites, one that Li Chuan had forcibly placed in her coffin.
Li Rong studied her for a long while before finally speaking. "If the Supervisory Department is established to investigate the Qin family's case, unconventional methods may be employed. I will need someone skilled in martial arts to assist me. Once we act, the aristocratic families may retaliate severely. They would not dare target me directly but might trouble those under my command."
"You want me to be that person," Qin Zhenzhen immediately responded.
Li Rong nodded. "Yes. Once the Qin family's case is resolved, you cannot remain in Huajing. I will send you directly to the northwest. With the Yang family now fallen, the region is in chaos. You will establish a branch of the Supervisory Department there, assist Qin Lin in securing military control, and stabilize the northwest. When I am stronger in the future, we will make further plans."
"But from then on," Li Rong's tone grew solemn, "you will no longer bear the Qin surname, nor will you be recognized as a daughter of the Qin family, to prevent your actions from implicating them. As for Qin Zhenzhen, I will arrange a plausible death."
Qin Zhenzhen remained silent. Li Rong finished writing the final line of her memorial, set down her brush, and looked up. "Give me your answer."
Qin Zhenzhen spread her sleeves wide, knelt, and kowtowed respectfully. "I beg Your Highness to bestow a name upon me."
Li Rong was not surprised by her choice. She regarded Qin Zhenzhen calmly and asked, "No regrets?"
"Your Highness walks a thorny path for Qin Shi. How could I dare seek only my own safety? I am willing to become a sword," Qin Zhenzhen lifted her head, her expression earnest, "to aid Your Highness in pointing it in all directions."
"I am not doing this for Qin Shi," Li Rong met her gaze. "If this is out of gratitude, there is no need."
"I am also doing this for myself," Qin Zhenzhen replied with equal sincerity.
Li Rong watched her for a long moment before picking up the memorial and walking past her. "From now on, you shall be called Xun Chuan. Rise and accompany me to the palace."
Qin Zhenzhen stood and followed behind Li Rong, who held the memorial and asked, "What did your family give you?"
"The Qin family's internal clan token," Qin Zhenzhen replied softly, "and Grandfather's blood-written petition declaring his innocence. He intended for me to take them to the northwest for my third uncle and brother."
"Good."
Li Rong nodded and led Qin Zhenzhen out. The wounds on Qin Zhenzhen's body began to bleed again, and she instinctively raised a hand to cover them. Li Rong glanced over and smiled faintly. "You may have to endure some hardship today. The more pitiful you appear, the better.""At Your Highness's command."
The two boarded the carriage and soon arrived at the palace gates. Li Rong waited at the entrance for a while. Pei Wenxuan had just finished court when he received word from Li Rong's messenger, summoning him to meet her at the palace gates. Upon receiving the message, Pei Wenxuan left court in high spirits and hurried over. Joyfully, he lifted the carriage curtain and hopped inside, saying cheerfully, "Today you must have something to ask of me..."
Before he could finish, Pei Wenxuan froze. He looked up and saw Qin Zhenzhen sitting inside, then glanced at Li Rong. After a moment's hesitation, he turned and said, "Maybe I should take another carriage..."
"Sit down."
Li Rong spoke directly, and Pei Wenxuan immediately sat down beside her, as if staying close to Li Rong would grant him some sense of security.
Li Rong gave him a strange look and continued, "I will enter the palace to see His Majesty. I'll say that Qin Zhenzhen is an old acquaintance of yours. After escaping, she found you, and you rescued her. You introduced her to me, and I couldn't bear to see the Pei family's tragic situation, so I decided to stand up for the Qin family."
Pei Wenxuan acknowledged with a sound, saying only, "Mm, I will explain to His Majesty that I incited discord between you and the Empress, making you desire your own authority, which led to your intention to establish the Supervisory Department."
"Good."
"Take a look at this memorial," Li Rong handed the document to Pei Wenxuan. "See if there are any issues."
Pei Wenxuan took it and skimmed through Li Rong's memorial, then said, "It's fine as it is."
The two discussed and aligned the details of their story, instructing Qin Zhenzhen to simply tell the truth. The only change was to make Pei Wenxuan the rescuer, not Li Rong.
Once the three had aligned their accounts, they arrived at the imperial study. Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong alighted, while Qin Zhenzhen, who was injured, remained to rest in the carriage. The two stood together at the entrance to the imperial study and had someone announce them to Li Ming.
While waiting at the door, Pei Wenxuan visibly relaxed. Li Rong glanced at him and said lightly, "What were you so nervous about in the carriage?"
"I don't know," Pei Wenxuan sighed, thought for a moment, and couldn't help but add, "Probably the same feeling you had when Su Rongqing was in the carriage."
Li Rong immediately understood the sentiment. After a moment's thought, she leaned closer and whispered, "I need to trouble you with something."
Pei Wenxuan sensed trouble as soon as he heard this. He turned his head and looked at Li Rong warily. "When you speak like this, it's never good news."
Li Rong smiled, putting on an ingratiating expression. "When we go to the official offices later, could you arrange a meeting with Su Rongqing for me?"
Pei Wenxuan: "..."
Li Rong raised an eyebrow. "You won't even help with such a small favor, yet you dare call yourself a friend?"
"Time and place." Pei Wenxuan turned away, his expression calm and indifferent. "If you don't know where to set it, I can even help you with that."
"Then would you recommend somewhere?"
"The top floor of the Tingfeng Pavilion. Listening to the wind, admiring the moon, and having a heart-to-heart talk—very tasteful."
Li Rong thought Pei Wenxuan's suggestion sounded excellent. Even when discussing serious matters, she preferred a touch of elegance. So she tapped her small fan against her palm and said happily, "Perfect, then let's set it for this afternoon at the Tingfeng Pavilion. Drinking together at dusk has a certain refined charm."
"Don't dream," Pei Wenxuan glanced at her sideways, mocking. "That place is popular; you have to book a month in advance. Just find any teahouse to finish your talk. What's with the need for taste?"
"You're wrong about that."
Li Rong immediately corrected him. "Young Master Su..."
Before she could finish, Fulai came out and interrupted the two."Princess, Imperial Son-in-Law, His Majesty requests your presence."
The two exchanged a glance. Li Rong nodded and stepped forward to enter.
Author's Note: [Mini Theater]
Pei Wenxuan: "So happy my wife came to pick me up from work today, da-da-da~ I'll hurry to find my wife~"
(Lifts the curtain, sees two women inside, freezes)
Pei Wenxuan lowers the curtain: "Apologies, farewell, life-threatening question."
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