The Princess Royal

"Yоu... whаt wоn't you lеt gо оf?"

Li Rоng's еntire senses wеrе focusеd on Pеi Wеnхuаn's mоvеments, making his wоrds somewhat difficult to cоmрrehеnd. Thоugh shе соuld understаnd еасh wоrd clеarly, she соuldn't shakе the feeling thаt she might havе misunderstoоd his mеаning.

Реi Wеnхuan held hеr quiеtly. Li Rоng strugglеd tо saу, "Do уоu want to kееp hоlding me like this?"

As shе spoke, shе smilеd. "I knоw yоu're feeling trоublеd tоnight. If yоu wаnt tо hоld mе, gо ahеаd. Alright, nо morе talking. I neеd to slеер. Tоmоrrоw аt the Morning Сourt Assembly, yоur family will surelу impeаch mе. Еnough sаid."

After finishing these words, Li Rong turned her back to Pei Wenxuan, pretending to have fallen asleep.

Pei Wenxuan held her for a while. Seeing her body stiff and unmoving, he relaxed his arms and lay behind her, quietly watching her.

At night, he couldn't lie flat due to his injuries, only able to lie on his stomach or side. The pain kept him awake. Since he couldn't attend tomorrow's Morning Court Assembly anyway, he simply watched Li Rong, idly combing through her hair with his fingers.

He had always been a cautious man, never acting without certainty. He knew that the current Li Rong likely had no feelings for him. If he spoke rashly, they might not even remain friends. It was better to stay by her side, slowly wearing down her defenses.

Dripping water wears through stone; persistent effort yields results. He had a goal and ample patience.

With his resolve firm, Pei Wenxuan felt as if something had settled within him. He reached out, gathered a strand of Li Rong's hair, and gently brought it to his nose to inhale its scent.

The fragrance from Li Rong's hair seeped into his heart. He moved closer, gently embracing the sleeping woman, resting his head against hers.

When Li Rong woke up, she found herself in Pei Wenxuan's arms. Instantly startled awake, she inwardly scolded herself for overreacting. After the distressing events with his family last night, it was only natural for Pei Wenxuan to seek companionship. Besides, given Pei Wenxuan's chaste and principled nature, even if he did have any intentions, she wasn't afraid of him.

Calming herself, Li Rong got up. Attendants helped her dress. Sensing the light, Pei Wenxuan lifted the bed curtain, peeking out with half his head as if still drowsy, squinting as he said, "Your Highness, today's affairs may not be easy."

"Don't worry," Li Rong reassured him. "I'll have someone notify your mother shortly and arrange for her to come from the Pei residence. I'll handle things at the palace first. Once you've resolved matters with your mother, have her come to the palace."

Though Li Rong spoke briefly, Pei Wenxuan understood clearly what she wanted him to say. Propping himself up on one arm, he said solemnly, "Your Highness, rest assured. I will handle it properly."

As he spoke, his expression was earnest, but his hair was disheveled around him, and his robe had slipped open, revealing his lean, pale chest. This gave his usually refined face an indescribable allure.

This allure was not the delicate charm of femininity but rather like that of a dashing young nobleman deliberately flaunting himself to charm a lady—a masculine temptation directed at women.

Li Rong glanced briefly at his face before averting her gaze, saying only, "Lie down and rest properly. I'll go ahead."

With that, Li Rong led her attendants out of the room.

Once outside, she ordered someone to notify the covert agents at the Pei residence to find a way to inform them of Pei Wenxuan's severe injuries and coax Madam Wen to the Princess's Manor.

After completing these tasks, she headed to court.The Pei family's actions were undoubtedly pressured by other aristocratic families. Having been reborn, her temperament had changed too abruptly, coinciding with her marriage. Everyone likely assumed Pei Wenxuan had instigated her. When the aristocratic families troubled the Pei family, the Pei family in turn troubled Pei Wenxuan, intending to pressure him to change her attitude.

The Pei family probably thought beating Pei Wenxuan would serve two purposes: first, to teach him a lesson and indirectly warn her; second, to show the aristocratic families their stance, demonstrating that this was Pei Wenxuan's own idea, thus placating them.

But with people like Shangguan Xu involved, their intentions were likely more complex. They probably anticipated she would go to rescue Pei Wenxuan...

Thinking this far, Li Rong realized she had acted impulsively.

If she hadn't forced her way to rescue Pei Wenxuan last night, the Pei family wouldn't have actually killed him. Once Pei Wenxuan returned injured, they could seek justice. As long as she didn't cause trouble, reason would be on their side. Retaliation could come later. But last night, she had miscalculated, failing to consider the possibility of being watched. Only after rescuing him did she realize the aristocratic families might have been waiting for her.

Now, the key point of Qin Shi's case had long been focused on her Supervisory Department (formerly the Supervisory Department, now renamed). Doing everything possible to find fault and abolish this department was the top priority in the court.

Her forced entry into the Pei family would likely be their excuse today.

Li Rong could already imagine the flood of memorials flying onto Li Ming's desk. She lightly tapped her small fan, organizing her thoughts.

After a moment of contemplation, she sighed. Jing Lan, who was arranging pastries on a plate beside her, smiled and asked, "Your Highness sighs so early in the morning. What troubles you?"

"I..." Li Rong was about to say she had little confidence about today's Morning Court Assembly, but before she could speak, Jing Lan said, "Are you thinking about how to explain yesterday's events to Minister Su today?"

Li Rong froze. After a moment, she sighed again. "Why bring that up?"

She felt even less inclined to attend court now.

But she still had to face it. After mentally preparing herself, she finally arrived at the palace gates. Stepping out of the carriage, she entered the square, where ministers stood in small groups. Before walking far, she spotted Su Rongqing, who had just arrived.

Hesitating briefly, she approached him and called out, "Minister Su."

Su Rongqing bowed to Li Rong. She smiled awkwardly and said, "Yesterday..."

"My elder brother and I left after dinner," Su Rongqing replied respectfully. "We were not delayed, so Your Highness need not worry."

"I'm sorry," Li Rong said, feeling even more embarrassed as she saw Su Rongqing's calm expression, devoid of any displeasure. "Something unexpected happened yesterday. I'll host another gathering another day."

"That is unnecessary," Su Rongqing said calmly. "Your Highness's position is sensitive now. It is inappropriate for us to interact excessively to avoid court gossip. Yesterday, I agreed to my brother's invitation without knowing Your Highness would attend. Had I known, I would not have agreed."

Su Rongqing's refusal was blunt, almost as if he were saying, "It would have been better if you hadn't come."

Li Rong felt as though her face had been slapped, but her skin had long been toughened by Pei Wenxuan, becoming as thick as a fortress wall. Pretending not to have heard anything, she smiled and said, "Very well, we shall arrange it another time. Minister Su, please carry on. I shall take my leave."With that, Li Rong gave Su Rongqing no chance to refuse, turning directly back to her seat.

Not long after, Li Ming entered the court surrounded by attendants. As usual, Li Ming took his seat and asked routinely, "Is there any important business today?"

As soon as the words fell, Li Rong saw Pei Lixian step forward. Pei Lixian moved quickly, but she moved even faster, hastily kneeling on the ground and loudly declaring, "Father, you must stand up for your daughter!"

Li Rong's voice was filled with sorrow, startling Pei Lixian into a shiver. He glanced at Li Rong, then at Li Ming. Li Ming calmly picked up his tea and said lightly, "Were you bullied?"

"Not your daughter, but the Imperial Son-in-Law," Li Rong said, her voice trembling with tears. "Last night, Pei Lixian sent someone to recall the Imperial Son-in-Law to the Pei family, claiming his mother was critically ill. The Imperial Son-in-Law rushed back in a panic, but upon his return, Pei Lixian ordered people to beat him. Now he lies at home covered in wounds, unable to attend court at all. You know his temperament—he has always been filial and respectful to his elders. Yet, because of his connection to me, he has suffered such a vicious beating. Even if the other party is an elder, the Imperial Son-in-Law is still a son-in-law of the royal family. While the Pei family may have beaten the Imperial Son-in-Law, what they have truly damaged is your daughter's dignity and the honor of the imperial family!"

As Li Rong poured out her grievances, Pei Liwen could no longer hold back and hurriedly stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, the facts are nothing like what Her Highness claims. Since the Imperial Son-in-Law married Her Highness, he has never returned home to visit his mother. Recently, my sister-in-law has been unwell and has repeatedly summoned the Imperial Son-in-Law, but he has ignored her every time. In despair, my sister-in-law called upon the family elders to summon Wenxuan back to the clan."

"We had hoped to persuade Wenxuan to see the error of his ways and show filial piety to his mother. However, he not only refused to listen but also insulted the elders. Seeing her son act so recklessly, my sister-in-law ordered the servants to discipline him according to family rules. Yet, Wenxuan, relying on his status as Imperial Son-in-Law, resisted discipline, clashed with the family servants, injured many of them, and even boasted that with the princess backing him, no one could control him. Later, the princess led troops to forcibly break into the Pei residence, took the Imperial Son-in-Law away, and even broke the arms of two servants before leaving—arrogant, lawless, and now she dares to slander the Pei family with false accusations, Your Majesty!"

Pei Liwen kowtowed and said loudly, "If Your Majesty does not punish Her Highness for such actions, I fear it will chill the hearts of the court officials."

Li Ming remained silent, lifting his gaze to Li Rong and asking, "Ping Le, what do you have to say?"

"Father, they claim they repeatedly summoned the Imperial Son-in-Law and he refused. Why not have them bring forward witnesses to verify the details—when, where, and who delivered the messages? They say the Imperial Son-in-Law attacked people, but last night, upon hearing his mother was ill, he rushed over immediately with few attendants. With the entire family surrounding him alone, how could a mere scholar like the Imperial Son-in-Law dare to act so recklessly? And if he did attack first, how could he end up beaten so severely that he is now bedridden? Minister Pei and I have conflicting accounts. Why not investigate the matter thoroughly to see who is lying?"

"Bring them forward then," Pei Liwen said angrily upon hearing Li Rong's words. "Your Highness, do not twist the truth and act so arrogantly!""Enough," Li Ming said, listening to the two sides bickering back and forth, showing a hint of impatience. "It's all your own family matters, and such trivial things are being dragged into the court. You may not care about your dignity, but I do. The Imperial Son-in-Law has already been beaten, and Ping Le rescued him last night. What more is there to argue about? Let it go. I hear that three provinces have had no rain for a long time this year, and there may be a severe drought. For now, let’s not bring up these petty matters."

Li Ming brought up the affairs of the state, leaving Pei Liwen momentarily speechless. A surge of anger choked in his chest, turning his face bright red.

Li Rong calmly stood up, only to hear a minister step forward and say, "Your Majesty, Her Highness has just established the Supervisory Department, and—"

"Are you done yet?!" Li Ming, hearing the mention of the Supervisory Department, immediately understood the minister’s intention and snapped angrily. "Must I charge you with a crime of disrespect? Pei Wenxuan is, after all, my son-in-law, a member of the imperial family! I’ve already been generous enough by not holding a grudge over his beating. All of you, be quiet!"

With this scolding, Li Ming finally silenced everyone. Li Rong lightly tapped her small fan against her palm, lowering her head without a word.

After his outburst, Li Ming forcefully shifted the topic. The court officials suppressed their anger and followed Li Ming in discussing the rainfall issue.

Li Rong lowered her gaze, calculating the time.

The sky was just beginning to brighten, but dark clouds loomed overhead, as if rain could fall at any moment.

Madam Wen sat before the mirror, grooming herself. She looked at the woman in the reflection and sighed softly.

She hadn’t slept all night, leaving her spirits low. A maid behind her couldn’t help but ask, "Why is Madam so troubled?"

"Yesterday," she spoke slowly, "Her Highness said those words, and I don’t know whether they’re true or false. I’ve been thinking all night—if what she said is true, and Second Uncle truly intends to harm Wenxuan..."

"Madam is overthinking it," the maid interrupted softly. "Second Master grew up with the First Master, and the Eldest Young Master is the First Master’s only son. Second Master treats him as his own child. Look at Second Master’s own eldest son—he’s only a minor eighth-rank official. The Eldest Young Master has a restless temperament, so it’s only right for him to be tempered more. Her Highness doesn’t understand Second Master’s deeper intentions and has misunderstood."

Madam Wen said nothing. She held the small comb in her hand, lowering her eyes in silence.

She had never concerned herself with such matters before. When Pei Lizhi was alive, he arranged everything for her. She had never imagined that those around her might harbor ulterior motives, nor had she ever thought she would need to fight for anything.

In the four years since Pei Lizhi’s passing, her daily routine had mostly consisted of fasting and praying, hoping that Pei Lizhi would fare well in the afterlife.

After being scolded by Li Rong last night, she finally began to reflect. She glanced around and realized that many of the people by her side were no longer the old servants.

For instance, the maid helping her with her grooming had been arranged by the housekeeper. But she had long handed over the authority of the housekeeper to her sister-in-law. She disliked managing such trivial matters and felt that Qin Shi, Pei Lixian’s wife, managed them better. Now, upon careful thought, she felt a twinge of fear—almost everyone around her had been sent by Qin Shi.

She felt afraid but dared not speak up. After finishing her grooming, a servant brought bird’s nest soup as usual. As Madam Wen picked up the bowl and lifted the lid, she saw a line of small characters written inside: "The Eldest Young Master requests to see Madam. Meet at the Princess’s Manor."Seeing these words, Madam Wen panicked. She quickly glanced around and noticed the servant who had brought the bird's nest soup watching her. Her heart raced wildly, and her hand trembled, causing the bowl of bird's nest to fall to the ground. The servant hurriedly knelt down, exclaiming, "This servant deserves death!"

"Clean it up first," Madam Wen steadied her voice, then instructed a nearby maid to fetch another bowl of bird's nest soup. Once the maid left the room, Madam Wen immediately asked, "What has happened to my son?"

"Madam, the eldest young master is severely injured. Please pretend to sleep, then climb out through the rear window. I will lead you out."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wen suppressed her racing heart and dared not ask further. When the maid returned, she took a few sips of the bird's nest soup and claimed she needed to rest again, dismissing everyone from the room. Then, as instructed, she opened the rear window. As soon as she did, she saw the servant waiting for her outside, who handed her a bundle of clothes and whispered, "Change into these, quickly."

Madam Wen nodded, hastily changed her clothes, and was then led by the servant. Disguised as a servant going out to buy groceries, they slipped out through the back door.

Once inside the carriage, Madam Wen anxiously asked, "What has happened to my son?"

"The eldest young master needs your help, so he asked you to come see him," the servant reassured her. "Please remain calm. You will see him soon."

Seeing that she could get no further answers, Madam Wen fell silent, nervously twisting her handkerchief in her hands.

Meanwhile, in the court, after discussing matters such as rainfall, Li Ming finally declared the court session adjourned.

Li Rong smiled and turned to leave the hall. Before she could step out, Pei Liwen called out to her loudly, "Your Highness, after lying so blatantly today, do you not feel any guilt?"

Hearing his words, Li Rong turned to look at Pei Liwen and couldn't help but laugh. "I haven't even sought trouble with you, yet you dare to provoke me? I should be the one asking you—after lying today, do you not feel any guilt?"

"Whether it's a lie or not," a minister stepped forward, his expression cold, "a mother disciplining her son is only natural. However, Your Highness barging into a minister's home is inappropriate."

"Why don't you say that to my father?" Li Rong turned to the speaker with a mocking smile. "You didn't dare utter a word in court earlier, but now you come to trouble me? If you think you're so righteous, go ahead and say it."

"Your Highness," another minister frowned, "you are far too arrogant."

"Then impeach me," Li Rong retorted, looking at him. "If you truly can't stand it, why not strike me a few times?"

"You!" The minister stepped forward but was quickly restrained by those beside him. Seeing the furious minister, Li Rong twirled her fan and laughed. "I truly adore how you all despise me yet can do nothing about it. As for this matter, you are blind, and I won't hold it against you. Sooner or later," she pointed at each of the ministers surrounding her, "you will all apologize to me."

With that, Li Rong snapped her fan open and walked out, smiling. "Alright, gentlemen, you may disperse. I still have a case to attend to."

"Princess Pingle!" Pei Liwen shouted at Li Rong's retreating figure. "This world will not tolerate your unchecked arrogance without justice. I will go to the Imperial Study and plead with His Majesty. If you are not punished today, I will dash my head against the dragon pillar in the Imperial Study and die to admonish the sovereign!"

"I'll go too!"

"I'll go as well!"As they spoke, the court officials grew increasingly agitated, as if they were about to rush headlong into the Guardian Dragon Pillar together.

Li Rong nodded and said, "Excellent. I had no intention of holding you accountable, yet you insist on throwing yourselves onto the blade. I'll accompany you. In front of the Imperial Study," Li Rong raised her hand and pointed at Pei Liwen, "today, either you will be carried out, or I will be carried out. Let's go!"

With that, Li Rong shouted loudly, turned around, and strode toward the Imperial Study.

As she stepped outside, a fierce wind swept through, carrying autumn leaves, and thunder rumbled in the distance. The officials were momentarily stunned by her outburst, then began cursing and chasing after her. The two groups arrived in front of the Imperial Study one after the other, kneeling on opposite sides. However, Li Rong knelt alone on her side, while Pei Liwen was accompanied by a large group of court officials kneeling on the other.

"Your Majesty!"

"Imperial Father!"

Both sides clamored, their voices blending into a chaotic uproar.

"We implore Your Majesty to severely punish Princess Ping Le for unlawfully intruding into a minister's residence. Such an arrogant, lawless princess must not be entrusted with the critical position of the Supervisory Department!"

"We implore Imperial Father to severely punish Pei Lixian and Pei Liwen for deceiving their elder brother's widow, mistreating their brother's orphaned child, seizing their deceased brother's estate, assaulting the Imperial Son-in-Law, and offending the sovereign. Such shameless, unethical, cruel, and cunning individuals must not be tolerated!"

"Your Majesty!"

"Imperial Father!"

After both sides had shouted for a long time, Fulai finally emerged from inside. His face wore an apologetic expression as he said with a bitter smile, "Your Highness, esteemed officials, His Majesty has stated that this is a family matter and he will not intervene. Please return."

"Your Majesty, the princess is the head of the Supervisory Department. How can this be merely a family matter? If Your Majesty does not grant us justice today, we will kneel here until we die!"

"Kneel to death?" Li Rong laughed. "Didn't you agree to crash into the pillar? The Guardian Dragon Pillar is right there. Go ahead and crash into it."

"You!" Pei Liwen glared wide-eyed. Li Rong smiled and said, "Minister Pei, one must keep their word."

"Women and petty men are difficult to deal with," Pei Liwen gritted his teeth. "I will not argue with a woman."

"Unable to even win an argument against a woman," Li Rong fanned herself leisurely, "it seems Minister Pei truly lacks reason. Better to crash to your death and leave behind a good reputation."

Pei Liwen ignored Li Rong, breathing heavily as if he might explode at any moment. He only said to Fulai, "Trouble Eunuch Fu to convey our message. If the princess is not punished today, we will not leave."

"Also trouble Eunuch Fu to convey," Li Rong said calmly, "if justice is not served for the Imperial Son-in-Law today, I too will kneel here until I die."

Hearing this, Fulai's face twisted in distress. "Your Highness, why are you causing such a stir?"

"It is they who are stirring trouble," Li Rong sneered. "Just deliver the message, Eunuch."

As Li Rong and Pei Liwen knelt at the entrance of the Imperial Study, news of the incident quickly spread.

Meanwhile, Pei Wenxuan had changed his clothes and was sitting in the main hall, watching as Madam Wen was helped inside by attendants.

As soon as Madam Wen saw Pei Wenxuan, her eyes reddened. She hurried forward and asked anxiously, "Wenxuan, how are you?"

"Please sit, Mother," Pei Wenxuan smiled, gesturing for Madam Wen to take a seat. Madam Wen looked at him with concern. "About last night's incident..."

Pei Wenxuan remained silent, quietly observing Madam Wen. Seeing the look in his eyes, Madam Wen felt a chill in her heart. She stared at him blankly, her voice trembling. "You blame me, don't you?"Pei Wenxuan smiled without speaking, his calm gaze tinged with a hint of detachment, causing Madam Wen to tremble all over. "Do you also believe that your second uncle treats you poorly and intends to harm you, is that it?"

"Mother," Pei Wenxuan said with a bitter smile, "it's not a belief—it's simply the truth."

"There may be some misunderstanding..." Madam Wen felt her heart sink even as she couldn't help but explain, "Your second uncle told me..."

"What he said doesn't matter," Pei Wenxuan interrupted her earnestly. "What matters is what he did."

"Mother, how many of Father's old retainers do you still have around you?" Pei Wenxuan's opening question left Madam Wen stunned. He continued slowly, "On my way back from Luzhou, I encountered an assassination attempt. By chance I returned to the manor, only to hear that Second Uncle intends to 'temper' me by assigning me to a minor official position."

"Assassination?" Madam Wen's face filled with shock. "Why... why didn't you tell me?"

"Because it would have been useless." Pei Wenxuan smiled faintly. "I know your temperament well. By the time I returned, you already had few people left around you. I feared that if you knew, you might try to do something and end up harmed instead. It was better to let you remain unaware, living peacefully your whole life."

Madam Wen stared at him blankly. Pei Wenxuan went on, "When Father was alive, he often reminded me that a man's duty in life is to shoulder responsibilities, to strive to ensure those around him live well. If they don't, then the fault lies with us. Father spent his whole life caring for you, looking after you—you never had to worry about anything."

As he spoke, for some reason, Li Rong's image flashed through his mind. Suddenly he felt a pang of heartache, a twinge of pain, and an indescribable sense of guilt.

"Father wanted me to continue his responsibility, to keep caring for you. I always thought this was my struggle—whether I succeeded or failed shouldn't disturb you. As long as you lived well, if I lost, it was my own incompetence."

Tears fell like pearls from Madam Wen's eyes as she looked at him. "Then why... why are you telling me now? Have I harmed you, driven you to a dead end?"

"Not exactly," Pei Wenxuan smiled. "It's because someone told me I should give you a choice."

"Father never gave you the choice to become a proper mistress, a true wife. He treated you like a caged songbird, pampering you your whole life. He took all the responsibilities upon himself—yours, the family's, mine."

"I once thought I should become such a person too. I tried, but gradually I realized I am not Father, and his way may not have been right."

"People are only human; strength has its limits. If I try to be responsible for everyone around me, to shoulder the burdens they should carry themselves, I won't live this life well."

"So, I want to give Mother a choice."

Pei Wenxuan looked at Madam Wen, then stepped forward and knelt on one knee before her, gazing up earnestly. "Will you help your son?"

Listening to his words, Madam Wen wept until she could no longer see clearly.

"You should have told me sooner..." she said hoarsely. "I waited a lifetime for those words from your father. But he never said them, and I almost forgot."

"Wenxuan... I'm sorry..." Madam Wen sobbed, kneeling to the ground. "I'm sorry, it's my fault, I'm sorry..."

Pei Wenxuan said nothing, quietly watching the weeping woman before him.

Outside, a light rain began to patter down. The sound of rain mingled with Madam Wen's sobs. Seeing her grief-stricken state, Pei Wenxuan said softly, "Mother, don't cry anymore. Please rise."

Just as he finished speaking, someone rushed in urgently.

"Imperial Son-in-Law," Tong Ye gasped breathlessly, "there's news from the palace."Tong Ye urgently reported, "The Third Master has brought many court officials to kneel outside the Imperial Study, demanding that His Highness be punished. His Highness is also kneeling outside the Imperial Study, demanding that the Second and Third Masters be punished. They are now deadlocked and have been kneeling for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Pei Wenxuan immediately stood up. His sudden, intense movement caused his wound to tear open, and blood seeped through his white robe. Pei Wenxuan said coldly, "Prepare the carriage. We are going to the palace."

With that, Pei Wenxuan turned and respectfully addressed Madam Wen, "Mother, please accompany me to the palace."

"I'll listen to you," Madam Wen sniffled. "I'll listen to everything you say."

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged her words. Madam Wen stood up and saw the bloodstain on his back. She wanted to ask about it but didn’t dare, so she held back her words and could only weep.

Before long, everything was arranged. Pei Wenxuan took an umbrella and boarded the carriage with Madam Wen.

As he watched the heavy rain pouring down in the courtyard, the scene from his previous life flashed through his mind—Su Rongqing holding an umbrella for Li Rong.

His heart tightened abruptly.

Such a thing would never happen again.

He told himself that in this lifetime, he would not allow such a thing to happen again.

Author's Note: Pei Wenxuan: "I request that Su Rongqing maintain a distance of at least three zhang from my wife, or I will open fire."