Еvеrуоnе lookеd аt Qin Lin. Аftеr а moment of hеsitаtion from Qin Lin, Li Rоng spokе uр: "Му соndolenсes, Qin. Perhaps yоu shоuld cоme аnd sее уour sistеr."
Тhе wоrds "mу cоndolencеs" indiсatеd that Li Rong had сonfirmed Qin Zhеnzhen's identitу. Qin Lin раusеd briеflу, thеn finally stерpеd fоrwаrd.
Qin Zhenzhеn's cоrрse had аlmоst cоmpletelу mummified, making it impоssiblе tо discеrn her featurеs. Sоmе bonеs hаd turnеd соmрletеlу white. Тhe сoronеr priсkеd Qin Lin's fingеr with a nееdlе, thеn let a droр of blood fall ontо the exрosed bоne оf thе cоrpse.
Everyone held their breath as they watched the blood slowly seep into the bone. After observing for a moment, the coroner turned around and addressed Xie Lanqing: "Lord Xie, this body is undoubtedly that of Miss Qin."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lanqing showed a look of shock: "How is that possible!"
As he spoke, Xie Lanqing stepped forward. Those nearby hurriedly stopped him, saying: "My lord, this is inauspicious. Do not get too close."
Xie Lanqing stared at the corpse. After a moment, he pointed at it and said: "She died barely over a month ago. How could she have already become such a mummy? Is that reasonable?"
"My lord," the coroner explained, "for ordinary people, after burial, decomposition begins within three to seven days. Within one to two months, the body becomes a mummy. The process is slower in colder temperatures. If the body is not buried in soil but left exposed to the elements, it will decompose faster. Additionally, factors such as gender and physical constitution affect the rate of decomposition. This young lady was buried simply, without proper anti-decay treatment. The coffin was not sealed shut. If she had been left exposed for some time before burial, then her current state is not surprising."
Listening to the coroner's words, Xie Lanqing still wore an expression of disbelief. Li Rong chuckled softly: "What is Lord Xie afraid of? If you have done nothing wrong, you need not fear ghosts knocking at your door in the dead of night. Even if Qin Zhenzhen were to transform into a vengeful spirit, if you have done nothing to wrong her, what is there to fear?"
"What am I afraid of?" Xie Lanqing turned back coldly. "Your Highness, do not speak nonsense. This old minister is only concerned that someone might use tales of ghosts and spirits to sow chaos in the court and violate the law."
"Lord Xie's dedication is truly commendable," Li Rong said, clapping her hands. "Now that the examination is complete, does Lord Xie still have any doubts?"
"This..." Xie Lanqing stared at the corpse, his brow tightly furrowed. "How can this be?"
"Lord Xie," Li Rong said, "in this world, there are many things one must believe. Miss Qin died unjustly. Now she is merely seeking revenge. I believe her vengeful spirit has been appeased. Let us not disturb her further. Allow her to be laid to rest and find peace."
"Lord Xie," some of the more timid courtiers in the crowd couldn't help but speak up, "please let Miss Qin rest in peace. Let it be."
Xie Lanqing looked up, ready to rebuke them, but saw that it was actually Cui Shuyun's brother, Cui Shuxue.
Xie Lanqing felt a surge of anger stuck in his chest. Others around him urged him to relent. Li Rong watched with a smile as Xie Lanqing was pressured by everyone. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Xie Lanqing turned and said: "Place her in the coffin."
After saying this, Xie Lanqing led his people away. The journey back was lively, with courtiers discussing and speculating about the truth of this resurrection matter.
Li Chuan walked over to Li Rong's side, his brow furrowed tightly. He whispered: "Sister, Qin Zhenzhen, she..."
Li Rong looked up at him and smiled: "Come to my residence another day for a drink."With that, Li Rong walked past Li Chuan, with Pei Wenxuan keeping pace beside her. He lowered his voice and said, "Was I right?"
"If you were wrong, I'd kill you."
Li Rong’s lips moved slightly as she whispered the words.
After the officials returned to the court, they reported the results to Li Ming.
Li Ming was listening to music at Consort Rou’s place when he received the report. He was somewhat surprised and doubtful, but as someone who did not believe in ghosts or spirits, he thought it over. In any case, since this matter involved Li Rong, it was no longer appropriate for him to investigate further.
Consort Rou listened quietly to the matter. Noticing her silence, Li Ming turned to her and asked, "You’ve been listening for a while now. What are your thoughts, my dear consort?"
"I just find it astonishing," Consort Rou smiled. "A dead person possessing a corpse to kill someone, and right here in the imperial city... it’s truly unbelievable."
As she spoke, Consort Rou sat on Li Ming’s lap, leaning against his chest, and said with a hint of fear, "Your Majesty, this vengeful spirit... it won’t come into the palace, will it?"
"What vengeful spirit?" Li Ming chuckled. "If there really were ghosts in this world, the palace would probably be the place with the most of them."
"Your Majesty means... it’s not a ghost?"
Consort Rou looked up at Li Ming. He set aside the memorial, wrapped his arm around the woman, and said slowly, "There are no ghosts made from people, only people pretending to be ghosts."
"Then," Consort Rou asked, puzzled, "why doesn’t Your Majesty investigate?"
"Investigate?" Li Ming scoffed. "What’s the point of me investigating this ghost? The people she killed deserved to die. If it weren’t for their elders using the establishment of the Supervisory Department to threaten me, even if this ghost hadn’t troubled them, I wouldn’t have spared them!"
Consort Rou leaned against Li Ming. After thinking for a moment, she said slowly, "Your Majesty, will the Supervisory Department be handed over to Princess Pingle?"
"Who else?" Li Ming looked at her, his voice cold. "Who does my dear consort think would be suitable?"
"Your Majesty, don’t be angry," Consort Rou sighed, knowing Li Ming was overthinking. "I understand Your Majesty’s heart toward me. I wouldn’t stir up trouble just to compete for favor. I’m just worried. The Supervisory Department exists to oversee the noble families, and Her Highness is, after all, a princess from the Shangguan Clan..."
Consort Rou hesitated and didn’t continue, but Li Ming understood her meaning. He said calmly, "I know your concerns, but right now, there’s no one more suitable to be the head of the Supervisory Department than her. If I were to appoint Hua Le or you, could either of you hold that position steady?"
As he spoke, Li Ming let out a cold laugh. "You’d likely be devoured by those old wolves, leaving not even a bone behind. Ping Le is now fighting with them—it’s an internal struggle. We’ll just watch and see. If Ping Le goes easy on the noble families, I’ll take her power back. But if she continues to do her job well..."
Li Ming thought for a moment and sighed. "After all, she is my daughter, a descendant of the Li family. Since she has shown loyalty to me, I won’t treat her unfairly."
"Your Majesty is right," Consort Rou smiled. After a moment of thought, she added, "However, the Supervisory Department holds great power and influence. Your Majesty should still be cautious."
"Enough," Li Ming chuckled. "You don’t need to worry about these matters. I have it under control."
"I’m just concerned for Your Majesty."
Consort Rou reached out and embraced Li Ming. "After all, Your Majesty is my husband. I rely on you for my entire life."Li Ming listened to Consort Rou's words, his heart softening somewhat. He held her and sighed, "Rest assured, as long as I am here, I will protect you and our son."
Consort Rou softly acknowledged without saying more. Li Ming held her, his mind preoccupied with thoughts.
Upon returning, Li Ming walked through the imperial garden with Fulai following him. After a long silence, Li Ming spoke slowly, "You said Ping Le's memorial was intercepted?"
"Yes," Fulai replied in a low voice. "The memorial has been retrieved. Would Your Majesty like to review it?"
Li Ming nodded, taking the memorial from Fulai. After glancing at it, he chuckled, "She hasn't learned much properly, but she has picked up the habit of threatening me like those old ministers. Well, since the person is already dead, let her handle it if she wishes. Draft an edict: both the military pay case and the Qin Shi case are to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Supervisory Department. The Supervisory Department is formally established, with Ping Le as its head, and an additional deputy head for oversight."
Fulai was puzzled upon hearing this. "Deputy head for oversight?"
"Consort Rou has a point," Li Ming said, clasping his hands behind his back and speaking slowly. "With such great authority granted to Ping Le, there must be someone to keep her in check. What do you think of Su Ronghua?"
"Young Master Su?"
Fulai thought for a moment and smiled. "Young Master Su is Prince Su's teacher and a scion of a noble family. He will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Her Highness."
"He may seem unreliable, but he is clear-minded at heart," Li Ming waved his hand. "Let it be so. Have the Secretariat draft the edict. Ping Le may choose a date herself to formally establish the Supervisory Department."
"Yes."
Fulai acknowledged. After a while, he respectfully added, "Your Majesty, Her Highness has been granted all the titles she deserves. You have always held the Imperial Son-in-Law in high regard. Why not mention him?"
"Pei Wenxuan," Li Ming chuckled. "The extent of his reward depends on how much meat Ping Le can bite off."
Fulai was momentarily stunned. Upon understanding, he followed Li Ming along the corridor and smiled, "Your Majesty truly shows great favor to the Imperial Son-in-Law."
"A blade is prone to breaking," Li Ming said slowly, gazing at the snow-covered garden scenery. "It is only fitting to adorn it with more gems."
Li Ming's edict was drafted by the Secretariat and, after review by the Chancellery, was delivered to Li Rong.
Li Rong received the edict at the Princess's Manor with her attendants. The news of her formally establishing the Supervisory Department and taking charge of the Qin Shi and military pay cases quickly spread.
The news raced through the imperial city, captivating the common people. With the tale of a female ghost returning to seek vengeance, everything took on a mysterious hue.
Li Rong's reputation among the people soared to unprecedented heights. A princess who pleaded for the people, who sought justice for the loyal and virtuous, now became the head of the Supervisory Department looming over the noble families. A miraculous case of returning from the dead naturally carried a legendary aura.
Seizing the momentum, Li Rong had the Imperial Astronomical Bureau select an auspicious day and held the founding ceremony of the Supervisory Department at the Ming Sheng Drill Ground.
On that day, the weather was fine. Li Rong rose early, and her maids helped her into a fiery red ceremonial robe embroidered with peonies, topped with a golden crown. Pei Wenxuan also donned his official robes, smiling as he watched her splendid attire.
Once she was dressed, Pei Wenxuan bowed slightly and extended his hand, smiling, "Your Highness, please."
Li Rong glanced at him and couldn't help but laugh. "Pei Wenxuan, you look just like a lackey."
"If I may serve as Your Highness's lackey," Pei Wenxuan chuckled, "it would be this humble official's honor.""Pei Wenxuan, I finally understand why rulers have always favored you."
Li Rong placed her hand on Pei Wenxuan's as he helped her out the door. Gazing at the rare clear day, she remarked, "If power alone can make people bow and scrape to such an extent, it truly is a beloved thing."
"Your Highness is mistaken on one point," Pei Wenxuan walked beside her. "This humble official is not willing to bend for just anyone."
"Oh?"
Pei Wenxuan smiled. "Your Highness is special."
Li Rong paused, then lowered her head with a faint smile, pretending not to understand as she shifted her gaze away.
The two boarded a carriage and traveled from the Princess's Manor to the Mingsheng Drill Ground. Upon arrival, everyone was already waiting there.
Now the Supervisory Department had its designation, banners, uniforms, offices, and organization fully prepared. Black banners edged with gold and embroidered with peonies—representing Li Rong—were planted around the perimeter. Li Rong descended from the carriage and, supported by Pei Wenxuan, made her way to the elevated platform.
Pei Wenxuan then retreated below, watching Li Rong stand alone on high.
"By the Mandate of Heaven and the grace of the Emperor, we gather here today to establish the Supervisory Department. To uphold the laws of the court and protect the principles of justice and morality. The foundation of our department lies in two words: impartiality."
Li Rong lifted her eyes to survey the surroundings, her gaze falling upon the youthful faces before her.
Many citizens had come to watch the spectacle, standing outside the drill ground, gazing from afar at Li Rong as her clear voice echoed across the grounds.
Xun Chuan and Su Ronghua stood at the forefront of the guards, with Shangguan Ya and Pei Wenxuan beside them, all looking up at the woman bathed in sunlight.
"Regardless of your family background or status, within the Supervisory Department, positions will be granted to the capable. May we be as blades to cut through corruption; as candles to illuminate the world. Where there is injustice, we shall restore fairness; where there is inequality, we shall make it known to all. From this day forth, the Supervisory Department is established. With swords to protect Great Xia, with pens to safeguard the people."
After speaking, Li Rong swept her wide sleeves aside, took three sticks of tribute incense, bowed forward, and inserted them into the incense burner.
Xun Chuan and Su Ronghua led the soldiers in kneeling together.
"From this day forth, we are at the command of the Supervisory Department, following the orders of its head."
"With swords to protect Great Xia, with pens to safeguard the people!"
The crowd's cheers surged like waves. Pei Wenxuan raised his head, looking at the woman standing high in the sunlight, radiant as a phoenix.
Shangguan Ya followed Pei Wenxuan's gaze and couldn't help but ask, "Does the Imperial Son-in-Law not feel oppressed?"
"Hmm?"
Pei Wenxuan turned to her, somewhat puzzled. "What does Lady Shangguan mean?"
"With a wife so formidable, doesn't the Imperial Son-in-Law feel immense pressure?" Shangguan Ya smiled. "I've heard that men often fear such women, preferring those gentle as water, who make the best supportive partners. Looking at Her Highness now," she pondered, "it seems the Imperial Son-in-Law might have to become the supportive one."
"What harm is there in being a supportive partner?" Pei Wenxuan's gaze remained fixed on Li Rong, not shifting an inch.
"Aren't you afraid people will call you spineless or incompetent?"
"Only those who are truly incompetent need their wives to be weaker to prove their own worth." Pei Wenxuan turned to Shangguan Ya with a light laugh. "As for me, I only wish for my wife to live as she desires."
"If she wants the world, I can give it to her. If she seeks a place of peace, I can provide that too. As a husband, my affection for my wife is not about placing her in a gilded cage.""Rather, it's that no matter what she does," Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong, smiling gently, "I can let her act as she pleases."
Shangguan Ya was taken aback for a moment, then tentatively said, "That sounds wonderful. But wait, aren't you two friends?"
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan stiffened. Shangguan Ya couldn't help but laugh: "It seems the Imperial Son-in-Law still has a long way to go on the path of friendship."
"Not necessarily," Pei Wenxuan replied coolly. At that moment, Li Rong was presenting the official seal to Xun Chuan. He glanced at Li Rong, somewhat defiantly adding, "Maybe it'll happen soon?"
Shangguan Ya suppressed her laughter and didn't provoke Pei Wenxuan further.
After the establishment ceremony of the Supervisory Department concluded, Li Rong invited the key officials of the department to dine at the Princess's Manor.
Xun Chuan had been appointed as the Inspector Envoy responsible for overseeing local affairs for the Supervisory Department. She was originally set to depart earlier, but due to her injuries and the establishment ceremony, she had stayed behind.
Li Rong set up several tables in the courtyard, creating a lively atmosphere. Su Ronghua, being eloquent, led the group in drinking games, arrow-throwing contests, and poetry competitions.
Since Pei Wenxuan had once beaten Su Ronghua, Su Ronghua spent the entire evening targeting him, challenging him to one competition after another. Pei Wenxuan, annoyed by the noise, dragged Li Chuan and Qin Lin into the fray. The four of them engaged in a chaotic battle, drinking until they were thoroughly intoxicated.
Shangguan Ya, Li Rong, and Xun Chuan set up a small table to the side, watching the others' antics. Shangguan Ya, who loved to talk, first shared stories of her mischievous adventures in Youzhou with Li Rong, gradually shifting to her arrival in Huajing. Then she sighed and said, "To be honest, when I first came, I thought my life was over. Your Highness, we're speaking from the heart tonight—please don't take offense."
As she spoke, Shangguan Ya patted Li Rijong on the shoulder. Li Rong waved her hand dismissively. "Go ahead, speak freely. Do I seem that petty to you?"
"Then I'll say it. Back then, when I heard I was to become the Crown Princess, I thought, 'It's over. My life is ruined.' Look at my aunt—she's been Empress her whole life. How pitiful is that? What's the use of having so much power? As a young lady of the Shangguan family, is there anything I couldn't eat or enjoy? But once you enter the palace, no more gambling, no more drinking, no more fishing, hiking, or playing Polo with friends. What's the point of living like that? Just to watch people bow to you?"
"You're right," Li Rong took a sip of wine and nodded. "That makes sense."
"Mhm," Xun Chuan chimed in. "I think so too. That's why you scared me to death at the palace banquet that night."
"Sorry about that," Shangguan Ya patted Xun Chuan's shoulder. "I didn't realize there were others who didn't want to be Crown Princess."
"You should consider who would actually want to be Crown Princess," Xun Chuan remarked with clear disdain.
"That niece of Consort Rou," Shangguan Ya stammered, "what was her name again?"
"That's not important," Li Rong waved her hand. "She can't become my sister-in-law anyway. My brother is such a good person."
"Yes," Shangguan Ya nodded. "Such a good person, held back by the position of Crown Prince."
Xun Chuan nodded as well. "Miss Shangguan speaks the truth."
The three women spoke softly among themselves. Shangguan Ya, having drunk heavily, soon propped her chin on her hand and dozed off. Li Rong glanced at her, then personally poured wine for Xun Chuan. They clinked cups, and Li Rong whispered, "Leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes," Xun Chuan replied quietly. "I won't bid you a formal farewell, Your Highness.""Alright." Li Rong nodded. "It's nothing major, just that I don't know what circumstances we'll meet under next time."
"That may have to wait until Your Highness holds great power." Xun Chuan smiled. "Your Highness can rest assured, this humble official will work diligently for you while away."
"I know, but you should also adjust your temperament—don't be too straightforward." Li Rong clinked cups with Xun Chuan, who responded, "Your Highness need not worry. I will be cautious about matters I don't understand."
Li Rong remained silent. Xun Chuan drank her wine, then after a while, she slowly said, "Your Highness, I apologize for what I said that day in the snow."
Hearing this, Li Rong was momentarily stunned. Then she looked up and smiled. "It's nothing serious. There's no need for you to apologize."
"Actually, that day, I just didn't want to cause trouble for Your Highness. I understand in my heart that Your Highness treats people well."
"What you said wasn't wrong either," Li Rong said lightly. "I'm not someone who acts on emotion. Helping you did have personal motives, and I won't deny that."
"I don't believe what Your Highness just said." Xun Chuan spoke, raising her eyes to look at Li Rong. "In truth, Your Highness has a sense of justice in your heart and wouldn't truly treat people as mere pawns. As for contending for power and profit, for Your Highness, it's more about self-preservation. Beyond that, Your Highness still retains some warmth and compassion in your heart. I know that Your Highness has a world you wish to see, and that is also the world Xun Chuan desires."
Li Rong quietly watched Xun Chuan, who raised her cup. "Actually, Qin Zhenzhen's death may not be a bad thing. These days following Your Highness, Xun Chuan has been very happy."
"Xun Chuan toasts Your Highness, thanking you for saving my life."
Li Rong said nothing, watching as Xun Chuan drained her cup in one gulp.
Then Xun Chuan refilled it and continued, "The second cup is to thank Your Highness for recognizing my worth. It was only after meeting Your Highness that Xun Chuan realized how vast a woman's world can be, that there is another way to live."
"You're too kind."
Xun Chuan finished the wine, refilled her cup again, and said, "This third cup—I'm not afraid Your Highness will laugh—the third cup is to express gratitude for having met Your Highness and A-Ya. Though our acquaintance hasn't been long, Xun Chuan regards both of you as friends. This cup is for our friendship, wishing that on the long road ahead, the three of us will live lives worthy of this lifetime."
"I'll drink this one."
Shangguan Ya, who had been asleep, suddenly woke up. Xun Chuan looked over to see Shangguan Ya raising her cup, saying cheerfully, "Come, after finishing this cup, I must leave too."
"If both of you are drinking, how could I not join?"
Li Rong smiled, raising her cup to gently clink with the other two.
As their cups touched lightly, a ripple stirred in Li Rong's heart—a feeling she had never experienced in her previous life.
Unlike the lingering tenderness of love, unlike the profound depth of familial affection.
It was hard to describe exactly what it felt like, but like this cup of light wine, refreshing with a hint of sweetness, it moistened and comforted her entire being.
After the three drank, Xun Chuan stood up and said softly, "I'll go speak with my brother."
"Does your brother know you're alive?"
Shangguan Ya was quite curious. Xun Chuan nodded. "Yes."
With that, Xun Chuan raised her cup and walked toward Qin Lin.
"I'm getting sleepy," Li Rong also stood up. "I'll go sober up a bit."
Shangguan Ya nodded, waving her hand. "Alright, I should be going too."The crowd dispersed, and Li Rong returned to the corridor. Without quite knowing why, she swept the dust off the steps with her sleeve and sat down.
The night was clear, with a bright moon and sparse stars—truly pleasant weather. Li Rong had only been sitting for a short while when Pei Wenxuan came looking for her. Seeing her seated on the steps, gazing at the moon, he chuckled softly. "Your Highness."
"Ah," Li Rong turned to look at him. "Have all the guests outside been seen off?"
"They've left."
Pei Wenxuan said as he walked over to Li Rong's side, speaking gently, "The ground is cold, Your Highness. Please get up."
"I've already warmed it up," Li Rong raised her hand and patted the spot beside her, "Instead of asking me to get up, why don't you sit down?"
Pei Wenxuan gave a light laugh and calmly sat down beside Li Rong. "What is Your Highness doing?"
"Xun Chuan is leaving tonight."
"Your Highness isn't going to see her off?"
Pei Wenxuan stayed with Li Rong, feeling somewhat puzzled. Li Rong smiled, "What's the point of seeing her off? Partings are sorrowful. It's better not to meet at such times."
"Your Highness isn't one for sentimentality."
Pei Wenxuan chuckled softly. The two sat quietly for a while. Li Rong gazed at the moon in the sky and spoke softly, "Pei Wenxuan, I have friends now."
Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong. She smiled, her face showing a hint of joy. "I have friends, I have family. In this lifetime, I feel quite happy. Although I don't know what the future holds, right now, I feel I have everything I should have."
"Your Highness is still missing one thing," Pei Wenxuan said gently. Li Rong looked at him curiously, only to see Pei Wenxuan turn his head and gaze at her with a smile. "Your Highness still lacks a husband."
Li Rong did not respond.
They were very close. Pei Wenxuan's gaze was like a gentle net, softly drifting down to envelop her.
She lowered her head with a smile and turned away.
Seeing that Li Rong did not answer, Pei Wenxuan wasn't annoyed. He looked at the moon in the sky and began to outline a plan in his heart.
Everything requires planning.
Pei Wenxuan pondered inwardly.
When pushing Li Rong away, there had to be a plan. Now, wanting to win her back...
He needed a comprehensive strategy.
As Pei Wenxuan was lost in thought, Shangguan Ya was being supported by Su Ronghua as they walked toward the mansion gate.
"I'm not drunk," Shangguan Ya said earnestly to Su Ronghua, emphasizing, "I can still walk steadily. Look."
"Alright, alright," Su Ronghua watched Shangguan Ya wobbling as she walked and conceded, "You're not drunk, you're perfectly sober. Could you drink less in the future?"
"My sister is leaving," Shangguan Ya gestured with her hand, "It's a big deal. How could I not drink?"
"You can drink," Su Ronghua said, both amused and exasperated, "but do you have to drag me along? So many people are watching."
"You usually chase after me, don't you?" Shangguan Ya frowned, "Why are you running away now?"
"I don't want to run," Su Ronghua glanced at the guards following behind, "But it's improper for a young lady like you to drag me around like this."
"I just want to annoy you," Shangguan Ya stopped walking and spoke seriously, "When I drink, I'm very troublesome."
"I've realized that."
"So I want to torment you. I want to ruin your reputation, make you scorned by everyone, bring about your downfall. Then, you'll never bother me again."
Su Ronghua watched Shangguan Ya speak so seriously and couldn't stop laughing.
He had originally just found Shangguan Ya amusing, but now he also saw a hint of cuteness in her.
He glanced at the guards behind them—they were from the Shangguan and Su families. He leaned in and whispered, "Miss Shangguan, actually, there's a way to ruin my reputation immediately."Shangguan Ya frowned. Su Ronghua extended his hand. "If you hold my hand and walk out with me, I'll be yours. If you don't want me, my reputation will be ruined."
Shangguan Ya listened, feeling somewhat dizzy from the wine. After frowning and thinking for a moment, she actually found some logic in Su Ronghua's words. She reached out, grasped his hand, and said seriously, "Alright, let's go."
Seeing that she truly believed him, Su Ronghua couldn't stop laughing.
The guards behind him stepped forward to intervene, but Su Ronghua waved them off, shaking his head. "Just don't say anything about it."
Su Ronghua and Shangguan Ya stumbled their way to the entrance, where the Shangguan family members approached. Together with Su Ronghua, they finally managed to escort Shangguan Ya into her carriage.
After Shangguan Ya boarded the carriage, Su Ronghua turned around and saw his own carriage parked nearby. Su Rongqing stood beside it, holding a lantern, quietly watching the entrance of the Princess's Manor.
Seeing Su Rongqing, Su Ronghua couldn't help but smile. "Why are you here?"
"I was worried you might be drunk," Su Rongqing replied with a smile. "So I came to pick you up."
"I know my limits," Su Ronghua said as he approached the carriage. Su Rongqing reached out to help him board, but Su Ronghua waved him off. "I'm really not drunk."
Su Rongqing acknowledged this with a nod, handed the lantern to a servant, and boarded the carriage himself.
Once inside, he turned his head to look out at the plaque of the Princess's Manor. Su Ronghua took a sip of tea and, upon turning around, noticed Su Rongqing's gaze. He hesitated for a moment but ultimately said nothing.
As the banquet dispersed, the guests went their separate ways.
After bidding farewell to Qin Lin, Xun Chuan packed her belongings and stepped out the door.
As soon as she opened it, she saw a young man waiting outside. Xun Chuan was momentarily taken aback before she recognized him, her voice hoarse as she spoke. "Crown Prince."
Li Chuan felt somewhat awkward upon seeing Xun Chuan. Standing at the door, he didn't know what to say. After waiting a moment, Xun Chuan said calmly, "If Your Highness has no further business, I shall take my leave."
"Wait," Li Chuan called out to her, hurriedly adding, "Are you leaving today?"
"Yes."
"Are your injuries healed?"
"They are, thank you for your concern."
"Good." Li Chuan nodded. Xun Chuan waited a moment longer, but when he said nothing more, she clasped her hands in a salute, turned, and walked away.
After she had taken a few steps, Li Chuan could no longer hold back and called out, "Miss Qin!"
Xun Chuan halted. Li Chuan looked at her retreating figure, pursed his lips, and finally spread his sleeves wide, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry."
Xun Chuan did not reply. After a moment, her voice returned to the clear, youthful tone of a girl. She seemed once again like the young woman he had first met on Mount Jiuyou, maintaining a coldness that kept others at a distance. Softly, she said, "It's alright."
With that, she continued on her way.
Li Chuan straightened up, watching as the young woman in black, with her long sword, walked away under the moonlight.
That was the last time Li Chuan saw her as the Crown Prince.
After Xun Chuan had completely departed, a servant came to report to Li Rong, "Your Highness, Xun has left."
Li Rong finally withdrew her gaze from the moon. She tried to stand, but as soon as she moved, Pei Wenxuan stepped forward, subtly supporting her.
Li Rong glanced up at Pei Wenxuan, who smiled and said, "Let's go."
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan slid his hand down and took hold of Li Rong's hand.Li Rong scrutinized him. Pei Wenxuan pretended not to notice her gaze, took her hand, and said gently, "Your Highness, what would you like to eat tomorrow?"
Li Rong remained silent, quietly allowing Pei Wenxuan to hold her hand. Pei Wenxuan gradually felt reassured.
He had it all planned out—pursuing Li Rong couldn’t be rushed; it had to be done in three steps.
First, familiarity. He needed to gradually make Li Rong accustomed to his presence and his intimacy.
Once Li Rong was used to it, he would then pull back slightly, playing hard to get, making her turn around and become attracted to him.
When Li Rong developed feelings for him, he would orchestrate a major event, a heroic rescue, prompting her to confess her true feelings to him.
Pei Wenxuan thought about it gleefully, almost laughing out loud. Li Rong glanced at him, finding his smile inexplicable.
Compared to Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong’s thoughts were much simpler—
As long as feelings weren’t involved, everything was negotiable.
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