Аftеr thе еstаblishmеnt сeremоnу оf thе Suрervisory Dерartment, it bеgan its formаl ореrаtiоns.
That wintеr was the most turbulent one in thе сourt оf Greаt Хiа. Stаrting with the Qin Shi саsе аnd сonnеcting it to the militаrу prоvisions casе, Li Rong vigorоusly pursuеd thе invеstigаtiоns, ultimаtеly prоsеcuting оvеr sеventу offiсiаls.
By thе timе Li Rong brоught the two cаses to light, the аllосatiоn of military аuthоritу pоsitiоns in thе nоrthwеst hаd finallу bеen sеttled. Аs comрensаtiоn fоr the Qin fаmilу, Qin Fеng wаs promotеd to the rank of Loуal and Mаrtial Genеral, with Qin Lin sеrving аs his deрuty. Meanwhile, Consort Rou’s brother, Xiao Su, was appointed as the Grand Marshal of the Northwest, stationed in Chenzhou and overseeing all military affairs in the region.
The matters progressed rapidly, and everyone was busy. Li Rong was occupied with investigating cases, apprehending suspects, and organizing evidence.
Pei Wenxuan, on the other hand, was busy drafting memorials to support her, engaging in verbal battles with those who opposed Li Rong, and finding ways to navigate behind-the-scenes relationships.
Memorials criticizing Li Rong flooded the court, but Pei Wenxuan fought back tenfold. Whoever impeached Li Rong, he impeached them in return; whoever criticized Li Rong, he criticized them back. Before the year’s end, the number of officials he had impeached alone surpassed the total impeachments filed by the entire Censorate in a year.
After battling wits with the court’s elite, Pei Wenxuan would return home too exhausted to speak. Sometimes, after finally resting and waiting for Li Rong, she would come back, take a bath, collapse onto the bed, and fall asleep before he could say more than a few words.
With no time to spend together, there was little they could do. Fortunately, Pei Wenxuan was not in a hurry. Busyness would eventually come to an end, and if there was no time for grand gestures, he would start with small ones.
Thus, Pei Wenxuan began waking up early each day to help her dress, ordering snacks and sweet soups to be delivered to her in the afternoon, along with affectionate poems. He paid meticulous attention to every detail of her daily life, hoping to quietly weave himself into the fabric of her existence.
As the Lunar New Year approached, matters were finally mostly resolved. The court officials were exhausted, realizing that no matter how much they impeached Li Rong, she had fundamentally committed no major wrongdoing. She was determined to pursue the cases, the emperor was determined to protect her, the Shangguan family feigned ignorance and remained silent, and even the Crown Prince could not dissuade her. Unless they raised an army and overthrew the court, there was no stopping Li Rong from apprehending suspects.
With the Lunar New Year approaching, the court officials lost patience and were no longer willing to argue. Thus, Pei Wenxuan finally found some leisure. After the Morning Court Assembly, he calculated that Li Rong would likely have free time today and deliberately returned from his office to wait for her at home.
He had arranged for her favorite dishes in advance, personally prepared a soothing incense with a touch of romance, and dressed himself carefully.
It was now the coldest part of winter, but he still wore a thin white robe, layered with a deep blue brocade cloak embroidered with white plum blossoms.
When he selected this outfit, Tong Ye shuddered and couldn’t help but remind him, “Young Master, it’s very cold today.”
Pei Wenxuan adjusted his collar, then pointed to the wardrobe and said, “Bring me a thicker coat.”
Pei Wenxuan had the charcoal fire in the room stoked warmly, wrapped himself in the thick coat, and read a book while waiting. When dinnertime arrived, he finally heard the sound of Li Rong returning to the residence. He quickly removed the coat, handed it to Tong Ye, and said, “Hide it quickly.”
Tong Ye looked bewildered as he watched Pei Wenxuan adjust his clothes in front of the mirror before hurrying out to greet her.Pei Wenxuan hurried toward the entrance. Just as he reached the front courtyard, he heard Li Rong speaking with someone from afar: "Matters like seizing land and killing people cannot be handled ambiguously—these are grave crimes. If his father can't bring himself to do it, you can obtain some slow-acting poison from the palace and have someone feed it to him. Treat it as a serious illness and dispose of him. Afterward, go find his father and persuade him that since his son is already dead, there's no need to stir up more trouble. Have the Shangguan family privately apologize to the family and compensate them with silver. This way, if anyone investigates in the future, we can claim he committed suicide out of guilt and remorse, and the matter won't be traced back."
As Li Rong spoke, Pei Wenxuan saw her walking in with Shangguan Ya.
The winter was growing colder, but unlike others who wore thick padded jackets, Li Rong only had slightly heavier clothing, draped with a white fox fur cloak. She looked fluffy all over, giving off a rather adorable appearance.
Pei Wenxuan smiled and waited for her in the corridor. Li Rong was still earnestly speaking with Shangguan Ya, and the two women seemed completely unaware of him. Shangguan Ya whispered, "I understand. I will clean up the Shangguan family before His Majesty formally moves against the Crown Prince."
"Will they listen to you?" Li Rong frowned. Shangguan Ya smiled. "I investigated cases while also promoting some previously overlooked illegitimate sons to assist. With Your Highness’s help in recommending them, they see that those who follow me gain benefits, while those who oppose me face trouble from me. For now, they are cooperating. After all, at most, it’s just asking them to resign—no lives are at stake, so it’s manageable."
"Then you must handle it cleanly," Li Rong cautioned. Shangguan Ya nodded.
As the two spoke, they walked past Pei Wenxuan, who silently followed behind. Neither noticed the extra person trailing them and continued discussing serious matters.
"Have those noble families approached your father?"
"Yes," Shangguan Ya laughed. "How could they not? They want to find someone to persuade you. I heard even the Empress Dowager in the palace spoke about it. I went ahead and made arrangements with the Empress Dowager and the Empress. The Empress Dowager has now closed her doors and refuses audiences, so you can rest assured."
"That’s good."
Li Rong and Shangguan Ya spoke, and after a moment of contemplation, Li Rong said, "Then they only have one path left."
Shangguan Ya nodded, understanding Li Rong’s meaning. She said solemnly, "Your Highness must take care."
"Mm," Li Rong replied thoughtfully. "You too."
As they spoke, Shangguan Ya sat down and went over many details again. By the time she and Li Rong finished discussing, night had fallen. Shangguan Ya bid farewell and stood up, only then realizing Pei Wenxuan was standing there. She paused, then smiled at Pei Wenxuan and clasped her hands in greeting. "My apologies for the disturbance, Imperial Son-in-Law. Please don’t take offense."
Pei Wenxuan smiled and raised his hand. "Take care, Miss Shangguan."
Shangguan Ya quickly left. Li Rong let out a sigh, took a sip of tea, and looked up wearily. She said slowly, "I heard you plan to be promoted to the Ministry of Personnel?"
"His Majesty intends to hold an imperial examination this year."
Pei Wenxuan walked behind Li Rong and placed his hand on her forehead, speaking calmly. "Now that you’ve dealt with so many people, the court is short on personnel. His Majesty plans to hold the imperial examination ahead of schedule to select a group of candidates. Since I’m being transferred to the Ministry of Personnel, I’ll naturally have a group of protégés."The Great Xia dynasty selected its talents through two primary means: family pedigree and the imperial examinations. Most discerning individuals understood that the imperial examinations were originally a tool used by the emperor to suppress the powerful aristocratic families. However, those who emerged from the examinations in recent years were mostly scions of these aristocratic families. Even when the occasional commoner managed to pass, they were placed in insignificant positions with little real authority.
For instance, last year's top scholar, Cui Yulang, was assigned to the Ministry of Rites as a fifth-rank assistant director. While the title sounded respectable, the position was inconsequential and held no real power.
Thus, when it came to the imperial examinations, they were considered important enough that influential ministers at court did not pay much attention to them and were reluctant to compete for the role of examiner. Yet, they were not entirely unimportant either, as the selection process offered opportunities for personal gain, attracting those eager to take a bite.
Both Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong knew that the true significance of becoming an imperial examiner lay not in the immediate benefits that could be extracted from the commoner candidates, but in the natural bond formed between the examiner and the officials who passed through the selection process and entered the bureaucracy. If the examiner was skilled in cultivating relationships, these officials might even regard him as a "mentor" in the court, fostering mutual support and advancement among themselves.
This was one of the sources of Pei Wenxuan's extensive support in the past, so Li Rong was not at all surprised that he intended to oversee the imperial examinations.
Especially now, when she had created a large number of vacancies by cutting down positions.
"It won't be easy for you to move directly from the Censorate," Li Rong thought for a moment. "There are plenty of people who find you troublesome these days."
"Thanks to Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan smiled, gently pressing his fingers against Li Rong's temples as he whispered, "But it’s no matter. I’ve already set things in motion."
Li Rong hummed in acknowledgment. As Pei Wenxuan massaged her pressure points, she caught the scent of incense from his sleeves, which brought her a rare sense of peace. For some reason, she found herself unwilling to dwell on court affairs. She remained silent, and Pei Wenxuan, observing her expression, softly asked, "Your Highness, shall we dine together?"
Li Rong nodded. Pei Wenxuan helped her to her feet, and his hand naturally slid down to gently hold hers.
The warmth of his hand in the cold winter was something to cherish. Li Rong was too weary to think much of it. Seeing her silent and unresisting, Pei Wenxuan grew uneasy. He glanced at her sideways, cautiously studying her expression, and cleared his throat before asking, "Your Highness, shall we dine in the bedroom or the dining hall?"
"You decide."
Hearing his voice, Li Rong snapped back to attention and replied softly. Pei Wenxuan immediately said, "Let’s go to the bedroom."
His quick response made Li Rong somewhat suspicious. Only then did she focus her attention on him and notice that, despite the harsh winter, Pei Wenxuan was dressed in thin, elegant robes and a jade crown, as if it were still the height of spring.
Yet, it had to be said, Pei Wenxuan looked exceptionally handsome this way. Leading her forward, he resembled a dashing young noble taking his beloved for a spring outing—his tender affection tinged with a silent, youthful spirit. If she were a young girl, one glance upward might have captivated her for a lifetime.
Li Rong’s gaze lingered on his face as he led her into the room. When the door opened, she saw the carefully arranged small table, the freshly placed winter plum blossoms, and the specially blended incense. At that moment, she understood.She kept her expression neutral, merely glancing sideways at Pei Wenxuan's serious face from the corner of her eye. Pretending not to have noticed anything, she entered the room and said softly, "It seems colder today than usual."
Pei Wenxuan acknowledged with a sound, raised his hand to close the main door, and entered the room, saying, "Indeed. I had someone add more charcoal. Does Your Highness still feel cold?"
"I'm not cold," Li Rong looked up at him with a half-smile, "but seeing you dressed so lightly, aren't you cold?"
"I'm quite sturdy, and I don't spend much time outdoors anyway," Pei Wenxuan said as he walked into the room and sat opposite Li Rong. "This is more than enough."
Li Rong nodded, but inwardly she was laughing heartily.
Pei Wenxuan was a civil official, and she knew exactly how capable he was. But since he wanted to show off, she didn't say anything, only remarking, "Let's eat."
With that, Li Rong picked up her chopsticks.
This meal was clearly prepared with great care. In the past, she hadn't paid much attention, but today, being more mindful, she noticed upon closer inspection that not only were all the dishes her favorites, but they were also well-balanced with meat and vegetables, tailored to her preferences—no cilantro, thinly sliced meat, and plenty of scallions.
Looking at it, Li Rong didn't know whether to be surprised or touched.
During the years they lived together, Pei Wenxuan had truly understood her habits thoroughly.
Knowing her so well, poisoning her wouldn't have been difficult. Fortunately, he hadn't harbored such intentions back then, or she might have long since met her end.
Thinking of this, Li Rong couldn't help but feel a lingering fear and glanced up at Pei Wenxuan.
Her gaze was too complex, making Pei Wenxuan uneasy. He couldn't help but ask, "Why is Your Highness looking at me?"
"Just thinking you should eat more."
As she spoke, Li Rong casually asked Pei Wenxuan about some official matters. Pei Wenxuan answered each one, and while replying, he didn't forget to inquire about some trivial matters: "Your Highness, did you receive the preserved fruits from yesterday?"
"I did."
"How were they?"
"I didn't get to taste them. My subordinates shared them all."
Pei Wenxuan was momentarily speechless at this answer, feeling even the braised pork in his mouth had lost its flavor.
Unable to resist, he asked again, "Your Highness, did you receive the poem I wrote?"
"I did."
Li Rong recalled the sentimental poems he wrote daily and felt a slight discomfort. Seeing her response, Pei Wenxuan asked hopefully, "What did Your Highness think?"
Li Rong looked up at him. Sensing that Pei Wenxuan intended to write her poems every day from now on, she quickly said, "Write less of such things."
Li Rong spoke in a serious, almost parental tone, advising him, "You possess great talent for governance. If you indulge too much in these refined pursuits, I fear it may affect your ambitions. If others see it, they might think you're merely a poet, assuming you only know poetry and are ignorant of political affairs. Look at the politicians who focus on practical matters—how many of them write such romantic verses?"
Pei Wenxuan felt disheartened by Li Rong's reprimand. He couldn't help but say, "I only write them for Your Highness to see."
"I understand," Li Rong nodded, pretending not to grasp his meaning and interpreting it as, "You wouldn't dare show them to others. I know you have a sense of propriety."
Pei Wenxuan fell silent. Li Rong finished her meal, set down her chopsticks, and said calmly, "I'll go read a few more memorials to aid digestion. You may attend to your own affairs."
With that, Li Rong stood up and walked out. Pei Wenxuan remained seated at the dining table, feeling somewhat annoyed.
A meal ending like this truly lacked any sense of romance.Li Rong took two steps, then turned back to see Pei Wenxuan still sitting in his seat, his somewhat dejected silhouette stirring a touch of pity in her. She couldn’t help but smile and reminded him, “You should still wear more.”
Pei Wenxuan didn’t respond. Li Rong watched as he stood up, walked over to the side with practiced ease, opened a cabinet, pulled out a thick padded coat, and draped it over himself effortlessly. With an expressionless face, he said, “Your Highness need not worry, I won’t catch cold.”
With that, Pei Wenxuan returned to the dining table wearing the coat, picked up his chopsticks, and resumed eating.
Seeing how smoothly he had put on the coat, Li Rong was fairly certain he really wouldn’t be cold.
Li Rong went back to review a few memorials. After about half an hour, she felt tired, took a bath, and leisurely made her way back.
By the time she entered the room, Pei Wenxuan was already asleep. He had been exhausted lately and hadn’t slept well, so Li Rong wasn’t surprised.
Li Rong didn’t light a lamp, feeling her way into the room before gently lying down.
Not long after she fell asleep, she felt the person beside her turn over. Assuming it was unintentional, Li Rong kept her eyes closed and continued sleeping.
After a while, he turned over again, seemingly a bit displeased.
Li Rong pretended to be sound asleep, not intending to pay him any mind.
Who knew what he was upset about this time? She had offended him plenty before—he’d get over it on his own after thinking it through.
Pei Wenxuan tossed and turned, as if unable to contain his frustration. After a long while, as Li Rong drifted in and out of sleep, she suddenly felt the person beside her sit up and abruptly lean close to her.
His approach was fierce, and before Li Rong could react, he stopped.
Pei Wenxuan hovered above her. Li Rong held her breath, unsure whether to open her eyes to defend herself or keep them closed to avoid awkwardness.
The two remained locked in a stalemate for a moment. Pei Wenxuan’s brow furrowed tightly, and after a long pause, Li Rong felt him lower his head and press a light, gentle kiss to her forehead.
He seemed afraid she might wake, kissing her with cautious care.
It was strange, really. If Pei Wenxuan had kissed her lips, or even ventured further with a hint of desire, she wouldn’t have thought much of it—she wasn’t afraid of a direct confrontation.
But this restrained, careful kiss on her forehead, followed by a soft chuckle of satisfaction before he withdrew, made her feel as though he hadn’t kissed her forehead but touched her heart instead.
Like a ripple stirred by a breeze across autumn waters, spreading layer by layer.
For some reason, Li Rong’s face flushed in the darkness. Unable to help herself, she turned over, facing away from Pei Wenxuan.
Seeing her turn, Pei Wenxuan lay on his side, propping his head up with one hand, his gaze resting on her back. He chuckled softly to himself.
Author’s Note: [Mini Theater]
Li Rong: “Are you cold?”
Pei Wenxuan: “I’m in good health, not cold at all.”
Li Rong: “I just love you young people—you’ll say anything to look cool.”
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