【Орtiоn 1 hаs thе most votes. Сhоose оption 1, rеsроnd tо Su Rоngqing, аnd chat with Su Rоngqing.】
After a brief moment оf dаze, Li Rоng finallу snаррed bасk tо rеаlity uрon hearing Su Rоngqing's vоicе.
The samе persоn, similar words, sроkеn аt diffеrеnt timеs, ultimatelу сarriеd а diffеrent flаvor. Whеn Su Rоngqing had said thеsе words in thе past, theу were alwауs tingеd with resрect, cаutiоn, аnd manу unсlеаr mеаnings she соuldn't deсiphеr. But now, whеn Su Rongqing sроkе them, it wаs with strаightfоrwаrdness and gentlеmanly grace—mеrely a рolite grеeting, fаr frоm the mаny implications that would later emerge.
This was Su Rongqing at his finest hour. The Su family was still at its peak, Su Rongqing was the eldest legitimate son of the Su family, and he enjoyed the emperor's deep favor. Even when facing a princess, he carried himself with dignified confidence.
Seeing Su Rongqing like this, Li Rong couldn't help but smile. She had never spoken to Su Rongqing at this time before, so she couldn't resist praising him: "Rumors say Young Master Su is the top gentleman of Huajing. Seeing you now, the reputation is indeed well-deserved."
"Thanks to everyone's excessive praise," Su Rongqing lowered his head with a light laugh, seeming somewhat embarrassed, "it's just a jest."
"How could it be a jest?" Li Rong unconsciously softened her voice. "At first sight of you, young master, I sensed something extraordinary. If you dare not claim to be the first, I fear no one in Huajing would dare to claim it."
"Your humble servant, Pei Wenxuan," just as Li Rong finished speaking, a clear and bright voice abruptly cut in, calmly stating, "pays respects to Her Highness the Princess."
Hearing Pei Wenxuan's voice, Li Rong turned her head.
Pei Wenxuan looked at her quietly, his heartbeat involuntarily quickening.
It had been many years since he last saw the eighteen-year-old Li Rong.
In his memory, Li Rong, from some point onward, had always worn heavy makeup, appearing weary and lifeless. She always carried the scent of alcohol, and every time he saw her, she was either listening to music or watching dances. She seemed to have lost all backbone, spending every day clinging to Su Rongqing.
He didn't like this version of Li Rong, and this version had long become his entire memory of her. Until now, suddenly seeing the eighteen-year-old Li Rong—dressed in a grand red palace gown embroidered with golden phoenixes, adorned with golden hairpins and swaying ornaments, her bright features only lightly powdered, standing gracefully with a beaming smile—she glanced back at him, her eyes and brows as if painted by a brush, seemingly captivating hearts.
Of course, his heart wouldn't be captivated, but that didn't stop him from appreciating Li Rong's beauty.
Yet, just as he was slightly lost in thought, by the time he regained his senses, Li Rong was already speaking with Su Rongqing.
Li Rong had always admired people like Su Rongqing. Pei Wenxuan instantly realized the situation was somewhat unfavorable.
Back then, there had been no such spring banquet, and Li Rong seemed to have rarely seen Su Rongqing. Now that she had met Su Rongqing, would she still be willing to marry him?
If it were the later, scheming Li Rong, he might have had some confidence. But with the eighteen-year-old Li Rong, whether she would be willing to use her marriage for calculation was something he couldn't quite grasp.
What if she were a bit foolish and fell in love with Su Rongqing at first sight, refusing to marry him no matter what?
Then Li Rong would truly be doomed.
Pei Wenxuan's mind quickly ran through the current situation and finally decided to take the initiative, drawing Li Rong's attention over.
He remembered that his wife, from youth until death, had always been fond of appearances. And coincidentally, his greatest advantage might just be this handsome face of his.
If he hadn't actively let her discover back then that Qin Zhenzhen was in his heart, Su Rongqing might not have had this opportunity.Summoning immense courage, he forcibly inserted himself into the conversation between Li Rong and Su Rongqing with the words, "I pay my respects to Your Highness the Princess."
He had thought that upon seeing his appearance, Li Rong would at least exchange a few words with him. Little did he expect that after he spoke, Li Rong fell silent for a moment before merely saying, "Oh, you may rise."
Then she turned her head, smiling warmly at Su Rongqing, her voice softening noticeably: "Young Master Su, please come inside."
Su Rongqing sensed the awkward atmosphere but pretended not to notice, following Li Rong's lead with ease and replying gently, "After you, Princess."
With that, the two walked side by side into the courtyard. Pei Wenxuan lifted his head, watching their retreating figures walking shoulder to shoulder, his lips pressed tightly together without a word.
Tong Ye, noticing his master's expression, couldn't help but feel concerned: "Young Master?"
Pei Wenxuan took a deep breath and then said, "It's nothing."
After speaking, he followed the others and stepped inside.
Li Rong and Su Rongqing strolled leisurely forward. Su Rongqing was a considerate man; since Li Rong walked slowly, he adjusted his pace, always remaining just half a step behind her.
In the past, Li Rong would have already linked arms with him by now, chatting coquettishly. But now, Li Rong was mindful of her status and only discussed lighthearted matters with Su Rongqing.
Su Rongqing came from a noble family, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. No matter what topic Li Rong brought up, Su Rongqing could immediately engage with it. The conversation flowed so smoothly that Li Rong couldn't help but feel pleased. Since her rebirth, this was the first time she had truly relaxed.
For a fleeting moment, she felt as if she were back in the Princess's Manor of those days, with Su Rongqing accompanying her. Though her youth had faded, this person had remained by her side all along.
In truth, she couldn't quite define her relationship with Su Rongqing.
Su Rongqing had never confessed his feelings to her, and she had only vaguely said to him on a rainy night: "Rongqing, if you're unhappy, I can divorce Pei Wenxuan."
Su Rongqing didn't respond. After a long while, he took a step back, knelt before her, and said in a low, hoarse voice, "Your Highness is a golden branch and jade leaf; Rongqing dare not aspire so high. I only wish to serve you for life, following you in life and death. If, after my death, a handful of yellow earth could be left by your side, my bones scattered there to accompany you eternally, that would already be a great fortune. As for other matters, this humble subject dares not harbor such thoughts."
"Moreover, Prime Minister Pei is a great asset to Your Highness. For the sake of reputation, propriety, and practical considerations, this should not be done. I implore Your Highness to reconsider."
To Li Rong, this was a gentle refusal.
To someone who had rejected her, she dared not give too much of her heart. Yet, after twenty years of companionship, it was impossible not to develop some affection.
Sometimes she felt she had simply grown accustomed to Su Rongqing. After all, in this lifetime, no one else had ever suited her so perfectly.
But at other times, she wondered whether she had ever truly loved anyone in her life.
She couldn't figure it out, and later she no longer wanted to. After all, as one grows old, many things cease to matter. Having that person by her side was enough.
Whether she loved Su Rongqing or not, this person held a unique place in her heart.
Tapping her golden fan, she chatted and laughed with Su Rongqing, feeling a twinge of regret.
What a pity—she could never marry Su Rongqing.If she dared to tell Li Ming she wanted to marry Su Rongqing, perhaps the very next day she would receive an imperial decree for a political marriage. Li Ming would likely send her off to some barbaric land, where she would die under mysterious circumstances on the journey.
Thinking of this, Li Rong composed herself and, with a smile, entered the courtyard with Su Rongqing before they parted ways, as if it had indeed been nothing more than an ordinary encounter.
Pei Wenxuan had been silently watching them from behind the entire time. Even after taking his seat, his gaze remained fixed on them.
Tong Ye poured tea for him and crouched nearby, whispering, "Young master, that's the princess. No matter how beautiful she is, you shouldn't stare. If you're caught, you'll be punished."
"Be quiet."
Pei Wenxuan scolded him in a low voice.
Tong Ye shrank back. It was only when Li Rong and Su Rongqing finally bowed to each other and parted that Pei Wenxuan finally looked away. He picked up his teacup, maintaining a dignified posture as he said, "I wasn't looking at the princess."
Tong Ye: "..."
The young master's airs had grown increasingly grand lately, and his mind seemed to be deteriorating.
Pei Wenxuan drank tea alone for a while until most of the guests had arrived. After Li Rong announced the start of the Spring Banquet from the elevated platform, she retreated to the private courtyard at the back.
For an event like the Spring Banquet, it was considered "sharing joy with the people" if a princess of her status chose to mingle with the crowd. Retreating privately and summoning individuals for separate audiences was the more conventional approach.
Once Li Rong withdrew to the back, Pei Wenxuan's heart settled.
He vaguely guessed the purpose behind Li Rong hosting the Spring Banquet. Though not entirely certain, he had pieced together most of it.
He waited quietly in his seat. Before long, a young eunuch approached and whispered, "Young Master Pei, the princess summons you. Please follow this servant."
Hearing this, Tong Ye immediately grew flustered. He looked up at Pei Wenxuan, who set down his cup and said only, "Wait here for me. Don't wander off and cause trouble."
With that, he stood up and followed the eunuch out of the crowd.
He asked no questions, which surprised the eunuch but also saved him the trouble. The eunuch couldn't help but feel a bit more favorable toward Pei Wenxuan. Leading him toward the back, he said with a smile, "Young Master Pei need not worry. The princess summoning you is not a bad thing."
"To be invited by the princess is a great honor for Wenxuan."
Pei Wenxuan replied calmly, "Your concern is appreciated, Eunuch. Wenxuan understands."
The eunuch chuckled. "The young master is a wise man."
Pei Wenxuan was led into the rear courtyard. As soon as he entered, the noise from outside seemed to fade away, separated from the tranquility within.
Li Rong's villa was connected to a peach blossom grove. Her rear courtyard was situated at the boundary between the grove and the front courtyard. The further in one went, the more peach blossoms there were. Petals drifted onto the wooden corridor, creating an atmosphere of serene beauty.
The eunuch led Pei Wenxuan into a room. As soon as he entered, he saw three men kneeling on the floor, waiting. Hearing Pei Wenxuan enter, they all turned their heads, their gazes falling upon him—some bewildered, some thoughtful, some clearly anticipating a spectacle. For a moment, it felt like a grand stage had been set, waiting only for the audience to settle before the gongs and drums would sound and the drama begin.
With just a glance, Pei Wenxuan knew who these kneeling men were.
His heart sank, and for a moment, he couldn't tell whether he was more annoyed or frustrated. He felt this life was far too absurd. If Li Rong intended to arrange a marriage, she could simply make her choice in the palace. Did she really expect him to compete with these men?He was seething inside but showed nothing on his face, kneeling beside Cui Yulang as guided by the attendant nearby.
Cui Yulang fanned himself with a folding fan, smiling as he said, "I didn’t expect Lord Pei to come as well. Does Lord Pei know why Her Highness has summoned us?"
"No."
Pei Wenxuan’s reply was icy. Cui Yulang chuckled softly, as if amused. "Is Lord Pei truly unaware?"
"No."
"I’ve heard a rumor," Cui Yulang lowered his voice to a whisper. "They say His Majesty intends to select a consort for the princess. What do you think, if the princess has called us here..."
Before he could finish, a eunuch’s loud announcement echoed from outside: "Her Highness the Princess arrives—"
As the words rang out, a woman holding a small gold-dusted fan, dressed in a wide-sleeved, off-shoulder palace gown embroidered with golden phoenixes, walked gracefully through the door.
Pei Wenxuan was the first to lower his head and kowtow according to etiquette, kneeling on the ground to await Li Rong’s entry. The others, seeing Pei Wenxuan kneel, gradually lowered their heads and knelt as well. Only Cui Yulang remained upright, craning his neck to look outside, murmuring, "A beauty like the princess—missing even a single glance is a sin..."
Before he could finish, Pei Wenxuan grabbed his head and slammed it to the ground.
Cui Yulang cried out in pain just as Li Rong reached the doorway.
She walked past Pei Wenxuan, who could only see the hem of her long skirt trailing on the ground and the faint glimpse of red phoenix-embroidered shoes beneath it.
As she passed, a fragrant breeze swept by—a scent so elegant, like spring wind carrying the fragrance of flowers, lingering at the tip of one’s nose.
Then Li Rong sat behind a beaded curtain, leaning lazily against the armrest of her chair. Her clear voice carried a hint of innate softness as she said gently, "You may rise."
As she spoke, the four men slowly raised their heads. Li Rong rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the four men kneeling below.
Lu Yu knelt at the innermost spot, dressed in white, kneeling upright with his head bowed, not daring to look at her. He was not as handsome as the others but had a certain cuteness, carrying a purity and innocence uncommon in others, as if still naive and unaware of worldly affairs.
Beside him, Yang Quan wore a black martial outfit, his hair tied high behind his head with a cloth band. His expression was cold, and even while kneeling, he seemed like an unsheathed sword, exuding an indescribable chill. Yet his features were handsome, and this coldness became a distant, captivating allure.
Cui Yulang was slightly more lively. He wore a light-green brocade robe with a subtle bamboo pattern, a jade crown on his head, and a paper fan in his hand. He covered his forehead, frowning slightly, looking as if carved from white jade—living up to his title as the Jade Gentleman of Huajing.
And Pei Wenxuan knelt closest to the door. He gazed at her calmly, dressed in a blue robe embroidered with cranes, his expression serene. He stood like a solitary crane, proud yet tinged with an indescribable loneliness.
The four men watched her quietly. Li Rong rested her chin on her hand, sweeping her gaze over them, lightly tapping the armrest.
Today, she had to keep one of them.
After all, she had spoken with Su Rongqing for so long today. If she didn’t show a clear inclination now, Li Ming might grow anxious.
So, who should she speak to first today, and who should she keep?
Author’s Note: Come on, let’s continue choosing. The one with the most votes will appear at the start of the next chapter.
If you were Li Rong—
Speak to Lu Yu first
Speak to Yang Quan first
Speak to Cui Yulang first
Speak to Pei Wenxuan first
【Mini Theater】
Pei Wenxuan: Even without a scene, I’ll force myself into one!! Your Highness, your humble servant Pei Wenxuan...Li Rong: Eek~~ Drag him away, drag him away.
Those familiar with my writing know that the male lead is usually a growth-type character. Pei Wenxuan will be liked later on. His goodness is the kind found in ordinary people—realistic yet carrying a hint of hope, fantastical yet tinged with a touch of worldly charm.
As for Su Rongqing's goodness, it is the kind found in fantasies—perfect in every way, yet lacking some of the authenticity of ordinary people.
But each has their own merits. In the early stages, readers will appreciate Su Rongqing, and in the later stages, they will come to appreciate Pei Wenxuan. This story doesn't have too much angst and should end with a happy, harmonious conclusion.
OpenNovel