The Princess Royal

Тhе mоmеnt this thоught flashed thrоugh his mind, Реi Wеnхuan was somеwhаt startled.

Вehind him was thе stеаdу sоund оf Li Rong's breаthing. Pei Wenxuan laу rigid, his еyеs oреn in thе dаrkness, nоt dаring tо think furthеr.

Yеt his mind refusеd to stop imаgining. Нe сouldn't help but bеgin to fantаsize abоut Su Rоngqing аnd Li Rоng tоgеthеr. Such a sсеne wаs nоt unfаmiliar; it wаs somеthing hе had witnessеd сountlеss times in his memoriеs.

But what madе this fаntаsy mоre cruel thаn thе mеmoriеs wаs thаt this lifе wаs diffеrent frоm thе prеvious оne.

In his prеvious lifе, hе сleаrlу knеw thаt Su Rongqing could nеver truly take Li Rong аway. Su Rongqing wаs physiсallу inсomрlete, his status was lowly, and he and Li Rong were separated by a sea of blood and enmity. The two of them were merely clinging to each other for warmth in the darkness. He could never truly possess Li Rong in any meaningful sense. Li Rong was Pei Wenxuan's wife, and always would be.

But now it was different.

Su Rongqing was now a noble young master, born into a centuries-old aristocratic family. He could marry Li Rong with a grand procession, have children with her. From that moment on, Li Rong would have no connection to him whatsoever, not even the slightest.

When this thought surfaced in his mind, Pei Wenxuan had never felt such a sharp pain cut through his heart so clearly. This pain seemed to serve as both a reminder and a warning.

It made him realize that the idea of letting Li Rong be with Su Rongqing was, for him, nothing more than Lord Ye's love of dragons—a superficial fondness.

In truth, he coveted everything about Li Rong. It was so in his previous life, and in this life, he had not truly freed himself from it.

In his previous life, knowing he could not have Li Rong, he constantly told himself that he didn't care, struggling bitterly between lies and occasional moments of clarity. It was only when looking back in this life that he dared to voice his greatest regret: Li Rong.

And now, it seemed he was retracing the path of his previous life. He could not have Li Rong; he knew this clearly.

Someone like Li Rong—where would she ever turn back so easily? Even back then, her affection for him had been nothing more than a fleeting taste, let alone now?

He had hurt Li Rong, wounded her trust. And he was no perfect man either—he was petty, indecisive, emotional, and scheming, with a mess of troubles at home. He simply couldn't compare to Su Rongqing. Others might still call him Young Master Pei, but Li Rong saw right through him, knowing what an ordinary, wretched creature lay beneath this handsome exterior.

He knew that someone like him could never make Li Rong turn back. So he pretended that he, too, had never looked back. But in truth, Li Rong was like strong liquor to him, like opium—once touched, it became an addiction he could never break.

No matter how many times it happened, as long as the two of them met, he would fall into it again.

Realizing this, Pei Wenxuan closed his eyes, feeling a pang of agony.

He didn't want to think about it any further.

With his eyes closed, perhaps exhausted from the day, he finally drifted off to sleep. But all night, his dreams were filled with hazy scenes from his previous life, returning to the day he married Li Rong. He saw Li Rong lower the round fan in her hand, then lift her eyes to look at him with a smile, calling out, "Rongqing."

He jolted awake from the dream, gasping for breath in the darkness. Someone outside softly reminded him it was time to attend court. Pei Wenxuan took a moment to steady himself before responding in a low voice. Just as he was about to get up and wash in the neighboring room to avoid disturbing Li Rong, he saw her sit up, rubbing her eyes and asking, "Going to the Morning Court Assembly?"

"Yes."

As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan remembered: since Li Rong had established the Supervisory Department and held an official position, she, too, had to attend the Morning Court Assembly.On Li Rong's first day attending court, she struggled to get up, appearing exceptionally miserable. Her pitiful state amused Pei Wenxuan, who reached out to support her and called for attendants to help her out of bed. With a smile, he said, "You have court today, yet you didn't sleep early last night. Suffering the consequences now, aren't you?"

"Pei Wenxuan," Li Rong mumbled with her eyes closed, trying to steal a few more moments of sleep, "how do you manage to get up every day?"

Pei Wenxuan chuckled at her question but didn't answer. The maidservants entered and helped Li Rong dress.

After changing clothes, Li Rong yawned and walked out with him. The sky was still dark. Once she boarded the carriage, she said to Pei Wenxuan, "Wake me when we arrive. I need to sleep a little more."

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged her request. He watched as Li Rong propped her head against the side of the carriage and dozed off. He gazed at her quietly for a while, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He didn't know whether he should draw closer to Li Rong or keep his distance. He simply watched her, oblivious to everything, dozing off as usual.

After a long while, just as Li Rong was about to topple over, Pei Wenxuan caught her in time. Li Rong looked up in confusion. Pei Wenxuan moved to sit beside her, gently pressing her head against his shoulder and murmuring, "Lean on me."

Li Rong hummed in agreement, noticing nothing unusual, and rested her head on Pei Wenxuan's shoulder.

By the time they reached the palace, the sky had brightened slightly. The two descended from the carriage and entered the palace together.

The morning breeze carried a chill, refreshing Li Rong's mind. Feeling more awake, she turned to Pei Wenxuan, who had remained silent. "You're acting strange today," she remarked.

Pei Wenxuan held his court tablet calmly, his expression indifferent. "Oh?"

"What were you thinking about today? You only came to support me when I was about to fall. You're not usually like this."

"Hmm?" Pei Wenxuan feigned ignorance. "I didn't notice. Perhaps I didn't rest well and wasn't paying attention."

"True," Li Rong nodded. Then, remembering something, she smiled and said, "It's been a long time since I've experienced lack of sleep. Now that I finally have, it feels unbearable. In the future, when you're busy, remember to pace yourself and not overwork."

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged her words and replied lightly, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Noticing Pei Wenxuan's low spirits, Li Rong glanced at him suspiciously, unable to decipher his thoughts.

Fortunately, they soon arrived at the entrance of the main hall. Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan separated to stand in their respective positions. Due to her high status, Li Rong stood in the front row, while Pei Wenxuan stood toward the back of the procession. The distance between them left little room for conversation.

As Li Rong took her place among the crowd, everyone stole glances at her. The imperial decree establishing the Supervisory Department had been issued the day before, and notifications had been sent to all ministries. The officials handling the matter were the emperor's trusted confidants, indicating the emperor's great emphasis on this matter.

Now that Li Rong had truly come to attend court, everyone watched her with curiosity and confusion, observing how she intended to conduct herself.

Aware of the covert scrutiny, Li Rong showed no trace of a young maiden's shyness. Instead, she stood composedly, closed her eyes, and took the opportunity to catch up on sleep.After a while, Li Ming arrived and announced the commencement of the court session. All officials streamed into the grand hall in an orderly fashion. Li Rong entered side by side with Shangguan Xu, forming a row by herself. Once inside the hall, she showed no trace of embarrassment. After bowing with the others, she straightened up. Seeing her standing right in the middle of the hall, Li Ming couldn’t help but laugh. “Why is Pingle standing with Lord Shangguan? Come, stand by my side.”

Upon hearing this, Li Rong smiled and replied, “Yes.”

With that, she ascended the high platform and took her place on the steps below Li Ming’s left side.

This was now considered her designated position.

Once she took her stand, everyone present understood the situation clearly—they knew that Li Ming’s decision to establish the Supervisory Department was likely final.

After arranging Li Rong’s position, Li Ming turned and asked with a smile, “Do any of my esteemed ministers have matters to report today?”

As soon as Li Ming finished speaking, Su Rongqing and Pei Wenxuan stepped forward simultaneously, declaring loudly, “Your Majesty, this humble official has a matter to report!”

Their simultaneous emergence momentarily stunned Li Ming. After a brief hesitation, he pointed to Su Rongqing and said, “Vice Minister Su, you may speak first.”

“Your Majesty, this humble official wishes to impeach Supervisory Censor Pei Wenxuan. Yesterday, Lord Pei trespassed into the Ministry of Justice, assaulted Secretary Chen, and seized case files. I implore Your Majesty to severely punish such a malicious individual!”

After Su Rongqing’s statement, all eyes turned to Pei Wenxuan. Li Ming chuckled and looked at Pei Wenxuan. “Pei Wenxuan, what matter do you wish to report?”

“In response to Your Majesty,” Pei Wenxuan replied calmly, “this humble official wishes to impeach Secretary Chen Ping of the Ministry of Justice for defying imperial orders, deliberately obstructing Princess Pingle’s investigation, and even attempting to harm Her Highness. I request Your Majesty to conduct a thorough investigation. Additionally, Su Rongqing, as Chen Ping’s direct superior, failed in his supervisory duties and should be held equally accountable.”

“I understand,” Li Ming nodded after listening to both men. “The issue does not lie with Lord Pei. Pingle,” he turned to Li Rong, “please explain.”

“In response to Father,” Li Rong replied respectfully, “yesterday, I went to the Ministry of Justice under imperial decree to retrieve the case files of Qin Shi. According to Your Majesty’s orders, the Ministry of Justice was to fully cooperate with me. However, the ministry repeatedly obstructed me. In the urgency of the situation, I clashed with Secretary Chen. When Secretary Chen became enraged and attempted to act, my guards restrained him. Coincidentally, Minister Su arrived and mistakenly assumed the Imperial Son-in-Law had taken action.”

“I see,” Li Ming nodded and turned to Su Rongqing. “Minister Su, is what Her Highness said true?”

“Your Majesty, there is a misunderstanding,” Su Rongqing replied calmly. “The imperial decree had just been issued yesterday, and Secretary Chen had not yet received notification from his superiors in the Ministry of Justice. Case files are confidential materials. Although Her Highness arrived with the imperial decree, without permission from superiors, Secretary Chen dared not grant access arbitrarily—it was not deliberate obstruction. As for Secretary Chen’s alleged aggression, that was a misunderstanding on Her Highness’s part. Secretary Chen merely raised his voice, which may have startled Her Highness. I am aware of all these details. I deeply regret disturbing Her Highness yesterday. Therefore, my impeachment does not involve Her Highness but solely Lord Pei.”

With that, Su Rongqing turned to Pei Wenxuan. “The Princess is the head of the Supervisory Department. Retrieving case files from the Ministry of Justice is official business and entirely reasonable. However, Lord Pei belongs to the Censorate. Who granted him the authority to trespass into the Ministry of Justice? If Lord Pei is not punished today, anyone could act so recklessly in our Ministry of Justice. How, then, can the Ministry of Justice govern others or handle cases in the future?”Su Rongqing's series of sharp questions made Li Ming feel somewhat embarrassed.

Pei Wenxuan glanced up at Li Rong, who gave him a slight shake of her head.

It wasn't impossible to continue arguing with Su Rongqing at this point, but he was right about one thing—the Ministry of Justice was, after all, the nation's judicial institution. Their forceful intrusion was ultimately unjustified, and if the argument dragged on, Li Ming would still have to show some respect to the Ministry of Justice.

In any case, they had already obtained the case files and needed to give the Ministry of Justice a way out.

Understanding Li Rong's intention, Pei Wenxuan sighed, knelt down, and kowtowed to Li Ming. "Your Majesty, yesterday this humble official rashly intruded into the Ministry of Justice out of concern for the princess. Although I am a subject, I am also the princess's husband. In my haste, I forgot my position. While my actions were understandable emotionally, they violated the law. I hope Your Majesty and the esteemed officials of the Ministry of Justice will forgive me."

With Pei Wenxuan backing down, Li Ming waved his hand and nodded. "Alright, the matter is clear now. I ordered the Supervisory Department to handle affairs, but Chen Ping not only obstructed them but also injured Ping Le. While Ping Le and Pei Wenxuan were wrong to force their way into the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Justice also disregarded my orders. Both sides are at fault. Minister Chen will have three months' salary deducted, and Ping Le and Pei Wenxuan will also lose three months' salary. Is that acceptable?"

"Your Majesty, this..." someone from the Ministry of Justice tried to speak, but Li Ming cut them off. "What? Is the Ministry of Justice still dissatisfied?"

"Your Majesty is wise," Su Rongqing immediately spoke up respectfully. "This humble official has no objections."

With Su Rongqing speaking, the others could no longer say anything.

Li Ming nodded in satisfaction. "Very well, let it be so. Minister Pei, rise. Do any other officials have further matters?"

Li Ming shifted the topic, and the others, understanding the cue, asked no more questions and stepped aside.

Li Rong secretly glanced at the expressionless Pei Wenxuan, seeing his stern face, and couldn't help but wonder whether losing three months' salary was causing him heartache in his current situation.

While the two were attending court, the sky had just begun to brighten. Shangguan Ya, fully dressed, headed to the gambling den under the pretext of attending a poetry society's discussion.

She had received Li Rong's message before returning last night and knew Li Rong had agreed to her request.

Thus, early in the morning, she arrived at the gambling den. After searching around, she spotted Su Ronghua at a gambling table, betting on dice.

She wasn't particularly familiar with Su Ronghua, but they had met once before, and since Su Ronghua often came to gamble, they had some interaction. Approaching him from behind, she saw he was engrossed in his bet and gently tapped his shoulder. "Young Master Su."

"Hey, don't bother—" Su Ronghua cut himself off as he realized who was standing behind him. He turned around in surprise, looking Shangguan Ya up and down with uncertainty. "Young... Young Master Shangguan?"

"Do you have time to speak privately, Young Master Su?"

Shangguan Ya asked with a smile. Su Ronghua chuckled at her words. "If anyone else asked, I'd say no time, but for Young Master Shangguan..."

He looked her up and down, his expression full of teasing. The look made Shangguan Ya frown, and then she saw him lean in slightly, whispering with a light laugh, "I have time anytime."

"It seems that slap last time wasn't enough," Shangguan Ya said slowly, turning away. "Let's go."With that, Shangguan Ya led Su Ronghua up to the second floor. The two entered a private room and took seats on opposite sides of the gambling table. Shangguan Ya dismissed the attendants, while Su Ronghua tucked his fan into his belt, stood up to pour tea for Shangguan Ya, and said with a smile, "One doesn't visit the temple without a purpose. Is there something Miss Shangguan needs from me?"

"I was hoping to try my luck, but I didn’t expect to actually run into you."

Shangguan Ya crossed her arms, looked at Su Ronghua across from her, and scoffed, "Coming to a gambling den first thing in the morning—you really are something."

"Likewise," Su Ronghua set down the teapot and elegantly fanned himself. "Miss Shangguan, a refined lady from a noble family, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and a candidate for the Crown Prince’s consort from the Shangguan family, spends whatever free time she has soaking in this place. Compared to you, I’m just a nobody trying to show off in front of a master. After all, I’m just a lowly seventh-rank official, not a special officer of the Censorate, so I don’t need to attend the Morning Court Assembly. Staying here to gamble a bit is perfectly normal."

From this exchange, Shangguan Ya had a pretty good idea of what kind of person he was. She couldn’t be bothered to argue with him and went straight to the point: "Let’s discuss something. Her Highness the Princess wishes to meet your younger brother. Do you think you could invite him out? Her Highness will host and treat everyone to a meal. How about it?"

Su Ronghua didn’t respond. He picked up his cup and took a sip of tea.

Shangguan Ya continued beside him, "You won’t be shortchanged. I know you’ve made a bet with the Third Young Master of the Xie family for a cockfight next month. He has Huajing’s champion rooster, and you’re looking for a rooster that can beat his. Coincidentally, I happen to have one—a champion rooster from Youzhou, undefeated in the arena. I’ll give it to you. How’s that?"

Hearing this, Su Ronghua nearly spat out his tea.

Choking on the tea, he looked up with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Miss Shangguan, are you telling me you’re trading a rooster for my brother?"

"This is, of course, the benefit," Shangguan Ya said calmly. "As for the downside, there’s no need to discuss it unless necessary. Talking about it would only hurt feelings, don’t you think? It’s just a meeting and a meal. I suspect Young Master Su himself might be interested and not necessarily unwilling. What do you think?"

"Hmm," Su Ronghua pondered. "He might not agree to come out for a meal with a young lady, but if it’s Her Highness, that’s a different story. However," Su Ronghua looked up at Shangguan Ya, "why should I help him or you?"

"What does Young Master Su want, then?" Shangguan Ya sensed that Su Ronghua was likely angling for more benefits. Su Ronghua glanced at the gambling table and smiled. "How about a bet?"

"Bet on what?"

"Big or small. Best of three. If you win, I’ll help you. If I win…"

Shangguan Ya sipped her tea in silence as Su Ronghua continued, "Wear women’s clothing for me once."

Hearing Su Ronghua’s teasing words, Shangguan Ya let out a cold laugh.

"Then you’d better prepare to lose. I’ve never lost at betting on big or small."

"Oh?" Su Ronghua raised a hand to his chest. "Then I’m terrified."

"Attendant," Shangguan Ya called to the servant at the door and instructed, "Go wait at the palace gate. When Her Highness leaves court, tell her to keep her evening free and dress up nicely. I’ve invited her to dinner!"

The attendant who had come with Shangguan Ya was someone Li Rong had assigned to her. Upon hearing her order, he immediately acknowledged and left.

Shangguan Ya picked up the dice and said confidently, "Shall we begin?"Su Ronghua propped his chin in his hand, gazing at Shangguan Ya with infatuation as he smiled. "Go ahead and shake them. I love watching you shake the dice."

"You're insane!"

Shangguan Ya rolled her eyes.

Then she began shaking the dice frantically. Su Ronghua closed his eyes, looking utterly enchanted as if listening to exquisite music.

After Shangguan Ya set the dice down, he lightly tapped his fan on the "big" side. Without even opening his eyes, he said with a smile, "Big."

Shangguan Ya stiffened, then uncovered the dice—sure enough, it was big.

After three consecutive rounds, Su Ronghua guessed correctly every time. Shangguan Ya grew anxious and said coldly, "No, this doesn't count. I've been the one shaking the dice all along. You try it."

"Of course." Su Ronghua extended his elegant hand, took the dice, and smiled. "How could I refuse a beauty's request?"

While Shangguan Ya and Su R"What are you doing?" Li Rong laughed, rarely seeing Shangguan Ya so flustered. As she spoke, she nodded toward Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua stood up to bow, and Pei Wenxuan greeted him in return: "Minister Su."

"Minister Pei."

"How did Minister Su end up gambling with A Ya?" Seeing Shangguan Ya seemed somewhat embarrassed, Li Rong turned to ask Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua smiled as he glanced at Shangguan Ya: "Miss Shangguan wanted to help Your Highness arrange a meal with my younger brother, so she proposed a bet with me. If I lost, I would agree, but she’s been trying to weasel out of it ever since."

"Oh?" Li Rong was amused by this. "I didn’t expect Minister Su to be so skilled at gambling."

"You flatter me."

"Your Highness..." Shangguan Ya whispered awkwardly, "my luck hasn’t been good today."

"You bet with him to treat Su Rongqing to a meal?"

"Yes," Shangguan Ya replied softly. "I didn't handle it well..."

"Hmm," Li Rong pondered. "This matter was entrusted to you by me. You did your best. How about this," Li Rong smiled as she looked at Su Ronghua, "why not let the Imperial Son-in-Law and Minister Su have a bet?"

"Still betting on treating my brother to a meal?" Su Ronghua glanced at Pei Wenxuan, who stood expressionless nearby. Li Rong chuckled, "Yes. If Minister Pei loses, I'll have Aya accompany you for the meal."

"Ah?" Shangguan Ya was momentarily confused. Su Ronghua clapped his hands happily, exclaiming, "Excellent! Minister Pei, please."

Pei Wenxuan remained motionless. Li Rong personally pulled out a chair for him and urged, "Wenxuan, come, let Minister Su see your skill."

Pei Wenxuan said nothing. Li Rong raised an eyebrow. "Wenxuan?"

Pei Wenxuan looked up at Li Rong. Seeing the mix of urging and anticipation in her gaze, he took a deep breath and finally sat down in the chair.

Li Rong massaged his shoulders and whispered in his ear, "Do well. There's a reward if you win."

Pei Wenxuan lowered his eyes. Su Ronghua raised a hand and asked, "What would Minister Pei like to bet on?"

"Push the tiles," Li Rong decided for him, knowing what Pei Wenxuan excelled at. Pei Wenxuan's expression remained unchanged. Su Ronghua looked at him to confirm, "Minister Pei?"

"I follow Her Highness's orders."

Su Ronghua nodded slightly and fetched the tiles.

Push the tiles involved using a set of dominoes, dealing them to both sides. Each round, players could choose to draw one tile and discard one onto the table, covering it when the next tile was discarded. Alternatively, they could draw two tiles at once, but the total in hand could not exceed ten—otherwise, they would lose immediately. Either side could call a stop at any time, after which the hands would be compared, with the highest total under ten winning. If no one called a stop midway, both sides would reveal their hands after all tiles were dealt to determine the winner.

Push the tiles relied not only on luck but, most importantly, on calculating the tiles. Pei Wenxuan was not one to indulge in gambling, but he was rarely matched when it came to this game.

The attendants cleared the table and began dealing tiles to both sides. Li Rong stood behind Pei Wenxuan, watching him draw tiles.

Su Ronghua leaned leisurely on his chin, studying his tiles and deciding whether to take one or two.

Pei Wenxuan preferred silence while playing Push the tiles. Li Rong stood behind him, nervously watching his moves.

Feeling Li Rong's tension, Pei Wenxuan kept his expression steady, but his heart ached.

He briefly considered losing on purpose and leaving, but he knew he couldn't.

His feelings were his own, but he had to help Li Rong. Whatever she wanted to do, he should assist her.

He shouldn't hinder Li Rong from pursuing her path just because he felt uncomfortable or because he loved her.

He was her friend, and she trusted him. He shouldn't betray that trust.

If he loved this person, he should support her.

He gripped the tiles tightly. Li Rong watched intently, noticing his hand already totaled eight points. At this point, he could choose to discard one tile and draw one, or draw two tiles. Eight points was already quite high. Seeing him hesitate, Li Rong quickly urged, "Discard a tile."

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. Su Ronghua laughed, "It seems Minister Pei's hand is quite strong."

"Minister Su's hand is no less impressive."Pei Wenxuan's slender, well-defined fingers stroked the cards in his hand. Seeing that he remained silent, Li Rong dared not make a sound either. Suddenly, she understood the thrilling sensation that had drawn Shangguan Ya into gambling. Standing beside Pei Wenxuan, she waited for his decision.

After a moment, Pei Wenxuan let out a soft chuckle, lifting his clear, gentle eyes to look at her as he asked, "Want to win?"

"Of course I do," Li Rong replied as if it were only natural.

Pei Wenxuan pushed his cards forward and said plainly, "Two cards, reveal them."

"Minister Pei is quite bold."

Su Ronghua raised an eyebrow. Pei Wenxuan didn't respond. Instead, he picked up a cup of tea from the side and took a slow, deliberate sip.

The attendant pushed two cards over and flipped them—both were ones. Combined with the cards Pei Wenxuan already had, they made exactly ten points.

Su Ronghua laughed in disbelief, revealing his own cards—exactly nine points.

"When and where does Minister Su plan to set the time and place?"

Pei Wenxuan asked as if discussing official business. Su Ronghua sighed helplessly, "Tonight, at the Bright Moon Pavilion."

"Good." Pei Wenxuan nodded, standing up and saying only, "Since the matter is settled, Her Highness and I will take our leave. Excuse us."

With that, Pei Wenxuan took Li Rong's hand and led her straight out.

Li Rong gestured a farewell to Shangguan Ya, who gazed at Pei Wenxuan with admiration. Su Ronghua hesitated before saying, "Minister Pei, how about another round?"

Pei Wenxuan ignored them both, pulling Li Rong out the door. After they left, Shangguan Ya couldn't help but sigh, "So dashing."

Su Ronghua cleared his throat softly, walking up behind Shangguan Ya and fanning himself as he said, "My luck hasn't been great today either. But since Miss Shangguan has lost so many rounds to me, how do you plan to make it up?"

"How would you like me to make it up?" Shangguan Ya turned around, looking somewhat puzzled. Su Ronghua smiled and said, "How about a meal?"

"Forget it." Shangguan Ya waved her hand dismissively. "I'm leaving."

"Then perhaps I'll visit the Shangguan residence to dine with Lord Shangguan?"

Su Ronghua continued. Shangguan Ya immediately turned back, her tone gentle as she asked, "Where does Young Master Su think would be suitable?"

Li Rong was pulled out of the gambling den by Pei Wenxuan. As soon as they stepped outside, she began to laugh.

"What are you laughing at?" Pei Wenxuan held her hand, and for some reason, he felt reluctant to let go.

He pretended to be oblivious to everything, as if he had simply forgotten to release her. Li Rong hadn't yet recovered from the earlier tension. She lightly tapped her chest with her small fan and said, "I finally understand why Aya loves gambling. When the cards were revealed just now, my heart was racing so fast. I was actually quite nervous."

"Your Highness has moments of nervousness too."

Pei Wenxuan led her forward slowly. Li Rong replied softly, "Yes, I didn't expect it myself. But honestly, Pei Wenxuan," she smiled as she looked at him, "you were truly dashing just now."

Pei Wenxuan chuckled lightly. "Your Highness finds me pleasing to the eye sometimes too."

"Don't I find you pleasing to the eye most of the time?"

As she spoke, Li Rong gradually noticed a warmth in her hand. She suddenly realized that Pei Wenxuan was still holding her, and he clearly hadn't noticed.

She didn't know how to bring it up. If she reminded him, she feared his temperament would make him awkward and reserved, likely leading to repeated apologies. But if she said nothing, she felt—perhaps out of embarrassment—her heart beating a little faster.

She raised her fan to cool her flushed face, continuing to chat and laugh. "How did you know the last two cards would be ones?"

"Calculated."Pei Wenxuan's expression remained calm. Holding Li Rong's hand, he felt a stolen sweetness slowly spreading within him. As they walked along the corridor, Li Rong listened to Pei Wenxuan's clear and steady voice amidst her amplified heartbeat, explaining calmly, "I memorized every card we both discarded, roughly deduced the points in his hand, and calculated the subsequent cards. It wasn't that difficult."

"You're still clever. I can't remember so much."

Li Rong laughed. "No wonder you always ranked first in your studies."

"Because Your Highness doesn't need to remember such things. Your wisdom lies in the bigger picture."

Pei Wenxuan spoke with her as they arrived beside the carriage.

Once at the carriage, he had to let go. Lowering his gaze, he helped Li Rong into the carriage before releasing her hand, then smiled and said, "I didn't even realize earlier..."

"It's fine, it's fine," Li Rong quickly reassured him. "I didn't remind you because I was afraid you'd mind so much. Are you heading to the government office?"

"And Your Highness?" Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong. "Are you returning?"

"I have to go back and prepare."

Li Rong said cheerfully, "A-Ya went to such lengths to set this up. I can't let her down. I need to pick a nice outfit, do my makeup..."

Li Rong smiled, seeming a little embarrassed. "I should at least look somewhat like a young lady."

Pei Wenxuan quietly watched Li Rong, noticing the joy, shyness, and girlish anticipation in her smile. He blurted out, "Do you have to go?"

Li Rong looked at him curiously. Pei Wenxuan hurriedly explained, "I mean, the case files for Qin Shi..."

"I've already finished reading them."

"And Luo Juan, along with others involved in the Huangping County battle back then..."

"I've sent Xun Chuan to find them." Li Rong understood his concerns and explained, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. The most important thing now is to get the list of officials responsible for sealing Qin's residence and Yang Lie's letter. As long as Su Rongqing agrees, everything will be easy. I'll approach him today. Is there anything else you're worried about?"

"Nothing."

Pei Wenxuan looked at her. Li Rong smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll return early today. You should also be careful. I suspect many in the court are watching you, so don't let anything happen."

"Yes." Pei Wenxuan lowered his gaze and bowed. "Your Highness need not worry. Wenxuan will take good care of himself. I wish Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan felt a bitterness in his mouth, "success today and that everything goes smoothly."

"Thank you. Alright, go attend to your duties. I'm heading back."

Li Rong gestured and entered the carriage.

Shortly after she entered, Jing Lan and Jing Mei came aboard.

Usually, when Pei Wenxuan was present, Jing Lan and Jing Mei followed in the carriage behind. Now that Pei Wenxuan had left in the rear carriage, Jing Lan and Jing Mei came forward to attend to Li Rong.

One poured tea and set out pastries for Li Rong, while the other massaged her shoulders.

"The Imperial Son-in-Law seemed in low spirits today. Did Your Highness quarrel with him?" Jing Mei asked curiously. Li Rong quickly replied, "Don't blame me. I've been good to him."

"The Imperial Son-in-Law has been preoccupied these past few days," Jing Lan said gently. "Your Highness should show more concern. Between husband and wife, keeping things hidden is the worst."

"You're so young," Li Rong laughed at Jing Lan's words. "You don't even have a husband's family yet, but you talk like an old lady."Jing Lan smiled without speaking. Li Rong thought for a moment: "But you're right. Usually, you all help me keep an eye on things. I'm not very attentive, and the Imperial Son-in-Law is quite sentimental. I might have upset him without even realizing it."

Hearing Li Rong's words, both of them couldn't help but laugh. The three of them chatted about Pei Wenxuan all the way back.

Upon returning to the Princess's Manor, Li Rong confirmed that Xun Chuan had already taken people to find Luo Juan and the old comrades from the Battle of Huangping County. Then she pulled out the list of personnel from various departments, pondered for a while, and prepared a list of names along with corresponding gift lists, sending them over.

After finishing her official duties, she began bathing, perfuming, selecting clothes and makeup, and choosing hairpins and jewelry.

These tasks may seem simple, but when women truly engage in them, they are extremely time-consuming. Li Rong picked and chose, eventually regretting not having Pei Wenxuan come over.

Pei Wenxuan had excellent taste. The clothes and accessories he chose were far better than those picked by the maids. After selecting for a long time, Li Rong finally settled on a red long skirt embroidered with gold-thread peonies, featuring a slender waist and wide sleeves that accentuated a woman's figure to the utmost.

By the time Li Rong finished dressing, it was already dark outside. News came that Shangguan Ya had arrived at the gate. Li Rong stood up and went out, only to see Shangguan Ya, now changed back into a water-blue long skirt, leaning out of the carriage window waiting for her.

Li Rong gently tapped her with a fan and laughed, "You're becoming more and more unruly in front of me."

"I've already lost all face in front of you," Shangguan Ya leaned on the carriage window, watching the bustling crowd outside, and said with utter despair, "I don't care about face anymore."

"What kind of blow did you suffer to end up like this?"

"Later, after I drop you off at Mingyue Tower," Shangguan Ya straightened up and sighed, "you'll have dinner with Su Rongqing, while I have to eat with Su Ronghua."

"How did you agree to have dinner with him?" Li Rong found it quite strange. Shangguan Ya sighed helplessly, "He said he'd tell my father I gambled."

Li Rong was amused by her, sitting to the side and laughing until her stomach hurt.

Shangguan Ya wallowed in despair for a moment before perking up: "I'm so hungry. It's just a meal; I'm not afraid of her. Tonight's focus is on you, Your Highness," Shangguan Ya said, looking up at Li Rong. After scanning her from head to toe, she frowned, "Aren't you dressed a bit too formally?"

"Hmm?" Li Rong raised her hand, "Does it not look good?"

"It's not that it doesn't look good, it's just," Shangguan Ya thought for a moment, "the presence is too strong, a bit too imposing. But it doesn't matter," Shangguan Ya looked her up and down, "you're beautiful, so anything looks good. Let's rehearse what we're going to do tonight."

"Hmm?" Li Rong was puzzled, "We need to rehearse?"

"Of course," Shangguan Ya said decisively. "Everything requires planning and preparation. After all, you're married. Although we both understand your relationship, Su Rongqing doesn't know. If you speak rashly, you might scare him. So tonight, the focus is on discussing official matters, and then using your personal charm to win him over."

"So what should I do?"

"When you speak, stick to official matters, but you need to learn to use your eyes."

As Shangguan Ya spoke, she sat up straight and gestured, "Watch me. You have to do it subtly, like when you turn your head or look up, slowly glance over, just like this."Shangguan Ya demonstrated for her, first lowering her head, then raising it again. Her eyes seemed to speak, brimming with autumn waters as she gently swept a glance toward Li Rong.

Li Rong was stunned for a moment before clapping her hands and exclaiming, "You're really something! Come, see if I'm doing this right."

As she spoke, Li Rong began to imitate.

The two young women started practicing their expressions in the carriage.

While Li Rong and Shangguan Ya were heading to the Moonlight Pavilion, Pei Wenxuan had just about finished reviewing the last document.

He wasn’t a high-ranking official to begin with, so his workload wasn’t heavy. Usually diligent, he now found himself with nothing left to do.

He sat in the government office for a while, estimating that Li Rong had likely left by now, before finally rising and walking out.

Tong Ye was waiting at the door. Seeing him emerge, he asked, "Young Master, you’re leaving so early today? Returning to the residence?"

"Hmm."

Pei Wenxuan responded softly. Tong Ye sighed, "It’s only been a few years since you returned to Huajing, but all the young masters who used to accompany you have drifted apart. Nowadays, there’s hardly anyone to talk to. If we’d known it would be like this, you might as well have stayed in Luzhou."

Pei Wenxuan said nothing and boarded the carriage directly.

Truth be told, he could hardly remember his childhood friends anymore—it had been too many years. His later friends were people like Li Chuan and Qin Lin.

Now, Li Chuan was still the Crown Prince, Qin Lin and the others were far away at the border, and apart from Li Rong, he had no one left by his side.

Pei Wenxuan felt somewhat weary. He raised a hand to his forehead and murmured, "Let’s go back."

The carriage moved slowly, gradually leaving the bustling, noisy streets and heading into quieter, darker lanes. Before they could exit the alley, urgent calls suddenly came from ahead: "Young Master! First Young Master!"

The carriage abruptly halted. Pei Wenxuan lifted his cold gaze, and Tong Ye hastily drew back the curtain, exclaiming urgently, "Young Master, the Madam is gravely ill. She says you must return to the Pei residence immediately."

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. He pulled back the curtain to look at the messenger—it was indeed his mother’s personal attendant, weeping pitifully. "First Young Master, please hurry home."

"If my mother is seriously ill, why wasn’t I informed earlier?"

Pei Wenxuan stared coldly at the other. The attendant sobbed softly, "At first, it wasn’t serious. The Madam said not to alarm you. You haven’t visited her since your marriage, and she thought you were busy with affairs. Half an hour ago, the Madam suddenly fainted. We couldn’t even get a physician—the household servants are causing trouble, and I had no choice..."

"Young Master, don’t ask any more," Tong Ye urged anxiously. "Let’s hurry back first."

Pei Wenxuan stayed silent, gripping the carriage curtain tightly. After a long pause, he suddenly laughed.

"Fine."

He turned to Tong Ye and said, "Go to the Moonlight Pavilion. Wait for the Princess to finish her business, then have her come to the Pei residence to fetch me."

As he spoke, he leaned close to Tong Ye’s ear and whispered, "Bring more people."

Tong Ye was taken aback. Pei Wenxuan said calmly, "Go on. Wait properly at the entrance, and don’t disturb the Princess."

After saying this, Pei Wenxuan returned to the carriage and called out to the outside, "To the Pei residence."

The carriage slowly departed. Tong Ye stood rooted to the spot, only snapping out of his daze after a long while as he realized what Pei Wenxuan had ordered.

His young master had always been astute—he must have sensed something amiss to give such instructions. Tong Ye felt both panicked and anxious, and he immediately sprinted toward the Moonlight Pavilion.

But just before Tong Ye set off, a shadow guard had already departed ahead of time, relaying the message all the way.Li Rong was still playfully bickering with Shangguan Ya in the carriage when a shadow guard hurriedly stopped the vehicle. Li Rong lifted the curtain and asked coldly, "What is it?"

"The Pei family has summoned the Imperial Son-in-Law."

"What reason?"

Li Rong frowned, and the shadow guard immediately replied, "Madam Wen is gravely ill."

Li Rong said nothing. After a moment, she turned to Shangguan Ya and said, "Get out of the carriage."

"Huh?"

Shangguan Ya looked utterly bewildered. Li Rong stated directly, "Pei Wenxuan is in trouble. Go to the Moonlit Pavilion and explain the situation to Su Rongqing on my behalf."

"But," Shangguan Ya protested anxiously, "what serious trouble could he possibly be in at the Pei family? We're already at the entrance of the Moonlit Pavilion. Couldn't you meet him once before leaving?"

"No."

Li Rong replied firmly, "I can't rest easy. Hurry up."

With that, she pushed Shangguan Ya out of the carriage and turned to instruct the shadow guard, "Go to the Princess's Manor and gather people. Head directly to the Pei residence."

The shadow guard acknowledged the order. Li Rong had the carriage turn around and rushed toward the Pei residence.

Sitting inside the carriage, she closed her eyes.

She mentally reviewed Pei Wenxuan's possible thoughts and the situations he might encounter at the Pei residence. After a while, she couldn't help but let out an angry laugh.

She had made up her mind. The first thing she would do when she saw Pei Wenxuan—

was to slap him hard across the face.