The Princess Royal

Li Rоng wаlkеd bаck holding thе qin. Оnlу thеn did Shаngguan Ya leаd hеr peоple bасk frоm а distаnсe. Aрproaching Li Rong, she glаnсed аt Li Rong's ехрrеssion аnd саutiоuslу askеd, "Did the argument blоw uр?"

"Tаke the bodiеs back first," Li Rоng repliеd саlmlу withоut аddrеssing the questiоn. "Вring the surviving оnеs bаck fоr interrоgаtion as wеll."

With thаt, Li Rong turnеd and callеd out to Jing Lan, whоsе fаcе was still somewhаt раle, hаnding hеr thе qin. "Givе this tо thе best mаstеr crаftsman tо have it rеpаirеd."

Jing Lаn aсknоwlеdgеd and left, holding thе qin.

After Jing Lan depаrted, Li Rong went with Shаngguan Ya tо seе thе surviving assаssins.

The captives had already been taken to the Supervisory Department by Shangguan Ya, so the two of them walked out together. Just as they exited Butterfly Gorge, Li Rong saw a group of riders galloping toward them before hastily coming to a stop.

Li Rong looked up, somewhat surprised, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Minister Su?"

Su Ronghua composed himself, glanced around, dismounted, and bowed to Li Rong. "Your Highness."

"What brings you here?" Li Rong smiled. "Minister Su should still be on leave."

"Upon hearing of Your Highness's incident," Su Ronghua took a breath before continuing, "I came specifically to offer assistance."

"Minister Su's timing is impeccable," Shangguan Ya said, stepping out from behind Li Rong with a smile. "Arriving just as the matter concluded—truly perfect timing."

"There's no need for such sarcasm, Shangguan," Su Ronghua replied coolly, glancing at Shangguan Ya before turning back to Li Rijong. "I only received word when Your Highness left the city. I hastily gathered men and rushed here—there was no intentional delay..."

"I know," Li Rong nodded. "Your concern is appreciated."

With that, Li Rong turned and signaled to Shangguan Ya, whispering, "Let's go."

Li Rong began walking forward, giving a faint glance at the men Su Ronghua had brought. She said nothing, but Shangguan Ya leaned in close and whispered, "Your Highness, he brought men from the Ministry of Justice."

Li Rong acknowledged with a sound but said no more.

The two boarded a carriage and returned to the Supervisory Department. Li Rong ordered the assassins to be separated and held in different cells, then had the leader brought before her.

The man was tightly bound with a rag stuffed in his mouth. Shangguan Ya bent down and whispered into Li Rong's ear, "This man was determined to die. He had a poison capsule in his mouth, but it was dug out."

Li Rong examined the man carefully and recognized him. In her previous life, he had been a well-known figure—Lin Feibai, deputy hall master of the top-tier assassin organization, Seven Stars Hall.

Li Rong couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Even Hall Master Lin has been invited. The Chen family must have invested quite a sum this time."

Lin Feibai remained cold-faced and silent. Li Rong felt a pang of lingering fear.

To have someone like Lin Feibai brought out of retirement—it was fortunate that today she had divided the assassin team into two parts. She left fewer outside and used numbers to surround them, while trapping more inside with gunpowder ambushes. If they had truly clashed head-on, the outcome would have been perilous, with little chance of return.

No wonder the Chen family had been so bold—they had been certain she would die today.

Someone must have promised the Chen family something. Once she died, even if the Chen family was investigated, the Chen matriarch would take the blame, and their backer would maneuver to protect Chen Guang.

This time, the Chen matriarch had staked her life to protect her son.Li Rong carefully considered everything, then looked up at Lin Feibai. "Hall Master Lin, I want to talk to you. Right now, I’ll have someone straighten out your tongue. If you try to play tricks like biting your tongue to kill yourself, tomorrow I’ll send soldiers to Qin Qu Mountain and wipe out your Seven Stars Hall. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing "Qin Qu Mountain," Lin Feibai suddenly opened his eyes, seemingly shocked.

For an assassin organization, the most taboo thing was having their hideout discovered. They had dared to come precisely because they believed that even if their mission failed, the palace would never find their people. He never expected Li Rong to name their stronghold right away, leaving Lin Feibai momentarily flustered.

Seeing Lin Feibai’s reaction, Li Rong gestured for someone to remove the rag from his mouth. As soon as Lin Feibai could speak, he immediately asked, "How did you know?"

"How I know isn’t important. All you need to do, Young Master Lin, is behave. I know you assassins were trained together from childhood. Your brothers are all on Qin Qu Mountain, aren’t they? What if I send people today to catch them off guard?"

Lin Feibai remained silent, his face cold. Li Rong continued, "I know that in your line of work, revealing employer information is a major taboo. I won’t make you testify or expose you. You just need to tell me what you know."

"And after I tell you?" Lin Feibai said coldly. "You’ll use my words to find the culprit. Either way, I’ll still end up dead, won’t I?"

"Not necessarily," Li Rong coaxed gently. "You can leave me a clue, and I’ll follow it as if I discovered it myself. Then I’ll give you a chance to escape from prison, go back, and warn your brothers to relocate. How does that sound?"

"Such a good deal in this world?" Lin Feibai scoffed. "Does Your Highness take me for a child?"

"Naturally, there are conditions."

Li Rong fanned herself. "I want to place an order with Seven Stars Hall, and you must accept it."

Lin Feibai said nothing, and Li Rong knew he was waiting for her to continue. She leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice. "The people who assassinated Pei Wenxuan were from your organization, weren’t they?"

Lin Feibai remained silent, tacitly acknowledging it. Li Rong smiled, her voice dropping even lower as she spoke earnestly. "Whoever suggested you assassinate Pei Wenxuan—go back and kill that person for me in the same way!"

"After the deed is done, have someone disguise themselves as an ordinary person and make a transaction with me. I can sell you a piece of land from my fiefdom. Of course, you don’t actually need to pay me. It’s just a facade to make it seem like we don’t know each other. Move your stronghold from Qin Qu Mountain into my fiefdom, and I’ll guarantee your safety."

Lin Feibai hesitated. Seeing that he didn’t immediately agree even to such favorable terms, Li Rong realized that the person behind him must have offered him equally enticing conditions.

She thought about the location of Qin Qu Mountain, took a sip of tea, and said slowly, "Think carefully. The Xie family is, after all, just a noble clan. Even if they own vast lands, the officials and military there are nominally under the court’s jurisdiction. If my father orders an investigation, it’s uncertain whether the officials there will listen to the Xie family or the court. But my fiefdom—"

Li Rong looked up at Lin Feibai. "I am a princess. My fiefdom is mine. Do you understand the difference?"Lin Feibai's expression shifted slightly. Li Rong toyed with the teacup in her hand: "I'll give you the time it takes to finish a cup of tea. Think carefully."

"Since you've already stepped into this muddy pond, you must choose a side—either me or the Xie family. Before I stand up, you must give me an answer."

Lin Feibai remained silent. Li Rong lowered her head, gently stirring the tea leaves floating on the surface of the water. When the time for a cup of tea had passed, Li Rong stood up decisively and was about to leave when she heard Lin Feibai speak rapidly: "It's Xie Lanqing."

Li Rong halted her steps. Lin Feibai looked up at her: "Xie Lanqing, the Minister of Justice. Are you certain you still want to kill him?"

Xie Lanqing was now the head of the Xie family. A single assassination might not be difficult, but the real challenge lay in the retaliation from such a powerful clan with all its resources.

Li Rong fell silent. Shangguan Ya frowned and was about to speak when she heard Li Rong say: "Kill him."

With that, Li Rong walked out, instructing Shangguan Ya: "Have someone interrogate him thoroughly. I'll step out first."

Shangguan Ya responded somewhat reluctantly. After seeing Li Rong out, she returned, spreading paper and ink in front of Lin Feibai and stating firmly: "Confess."

Lin Feibai looked up at her, his sharp, hawk-like eyes fixed on her for a long time. Shangguan Ya felt a chill under his gaze: "Why are you staring at me?"

"I remember you," Lin Feibai said coldly. Shangguan Ya raised an eyebrow as he continued, "The one who stuffed a rag into my mouth."

Shangguan Ya: "..."

"I won't confess. Send someone else," Lin Feibai turned away, his face cold and expressionless.

Shangguan Ya's temper flared instantly. She raised her hand to strike but hesitated, remembering that Lin Feibai held crucial evidence. Her hand hung in mid-air, caught in a dilemma.

Just as the situation grew awkward, a light chuckle came from the doorway: "Need someone else to interrogate him? Fine, I'll do it."

With that, Su Ronghua walked in from the door, sat down opposite Lin Feibai, flicked the hem of his robe, leaned back in the chair, and said calmly: "Speak, young master."

Lin Feibai remained silent. Su Ronghua pointed to a rag on the floor used for mopping and ordered directly: "Stuff that rag into his mouth."

Hearing this, Lin Feibai widened his eyes in anger: "How dare you?"

"If Lady Shangguan dares, why wouldn't I? You underestimate me too much. Stuff it!"

At Su Ronghua's command, the jailers hesitated for a moment before two of them stepped forward to pick up the rag from the floor. Lin Feibai couldn't hold back any longer. He suddenly turned to Shangguan Ya and said: "Make him leave!"

Shangguan Ya spread her hands: "You said you wanted someone else."

"Never mind," Lin Feibai replied with a sullen and impatient expression. "Make him leave, and I'll confess right now."

Hearing this, Shangguan Ya let out a scoffing laugh: "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

With that, she turned to Su Ronghua, bowed slightly, and gestured with a 'please' motion: "Minister Su?"

Seeing Shangguan Ya's gesture to ask him to leave, Su Ronghua sighed: "Truly, you only need me when there's trouble, and cast me aside when there isn't. Heartless, truly heartless."

Su Ronghua lamented as he stood up, bowed to Shangguan Ya, and walked out.

Shangguan Ya turned back and pushed the paper and ink toward Lin Feibai: "Hall Master Lin, shall we begin?"When Shangguan Ya finished interrogating Lin Feibai, it was already late at night. Lin Feibai held a high position and knew many things. As he confessed one thing after another, the amount of information was overwhelming. After organizing the confession, Shangguan Ya stepped out and instructed her subordinates as she walked forward, "Keep the others detained. I will continue the interrogation tomorrow."

"Your Excellency, Her Highness conducted overnight interrogations and has already finished questioning everyone."

A servant held a lantern to light the way for Shangguan Ya. She paused for a moment, somewhat surprised, and asked, "Her Highness hasn't left yet?"

"No."

The servant smiled. "Her Highness is still reviewing documents."

Hearing this, Shangguan Ya hesitated briefly before changing direction, frowning slightly. "I'll go check on Her Highness."

Shangguan Ya made her way to Li Rong's study. From a distance, she could see Li Rong still inside. A lamp burned on her desk, and she sat upright, as if impervious to fatigue, quietly reviewing the confessions obtained from the interrogations.

When Shangguan Ya reached the door of Li Rong's room, she stood there for a moment. Su Ronghua happened to be locking his own door and stepping out. Seeing Shangguan Ya, he spoke up in surprise, "Lord Shangguan?"

Shangguan Ya was startled by Su Ronghua. Li Rong also heard their voices and looked up, her gaze falling on the two standing at the door. She smiled. "You two still haven't left?"

"Your Highness." Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua bowed together to Li Rong. Li Rong glanced at the moon outside and urged, "It's late. You should head back soon."

"Your Highness..." Shangguan Ya hesitated. Li Rong seemed to know what she wanted to say and spoke with a hint of weariness, "Go back. Today's circumstances are unusual. If it's convenient for Minister Su, please escort Lord Shangguan on her way."

Given the scale of what they had dared to do today, there was no guarantee there wouldn't be some retaliation. If they couldn't kill Li Rong, they might target Shangguan Ya instead. With Su Ronghua accompanying Shangguan Ya, anyone wanting to harm her would have to consider the Su family's influence.

Li Rong had only mentioned it casually, not expecting Su Ronghua to actually agree. This put her more at ease. She nodded and simply said, "Go ahead."

Shangguan Ya remained silent. Su Ronghua raised his hand and said, "Lord Shangguan, after you."

Shangguan Ya sighed softly and bowed. "Your Highness, please return early as well."

Li Rong acknowledged with a sound, lowering her head to look at the reports. "I'll go back once I finish handling these matters."

Seeing Li Rong's demeanor, Shangguan Ya felt it was inappropriate to say more. She walked out together with Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua discreetly observed her and chuckled softly. "Lord Shangguan seems to have something on your mind."

"It's nothing much."

Shangguan Ya smiled.

"Thank you for escorting me today, Minister Su."

"It's a small matter." Su Ronghua walked side by side with Shangguan Ya. "It is my honor to be able to escort Lady Shangguan home."

Shangguan Ya didn't respond. After a while, she sighed. "Su Ronghua, I truly can't figure you out."

"Hmm?"

"We all know why you came to the Supervisory Department. But by escorting me back today, you're helping me and Her Highness."

"Lady Shangguan, I am not always opposed to you," Su Ronghua said with rare sincerity. "I have my own sense of right and wrong. If I think you've gone too far, I'll help others. If I think others have gone too far, I'll help you.""Does Minister Su not have his own stance?" Shangguan Ya looked up at him. Su Ronghua lowered his head with a smile. "I do, but my stance is based on my own sense of right and wrong. It has nothing to do with noble families or imperial power."

"Is that so?" Shangguan Ya's voice was faint, clearly perfunctory. Su Ronghua sighed. "Forget it, forget it. It's rare to have such an opportunity, let's not discuss these matters with Miss Shangguan. Miss Shangguan's worries today are likely related to Her Highness, why not share them with me?"

Shangguan Ya remained silent. The two stepped out the door, and Su Ronghua tapped the fan in his hand against his palm, speaking slowly. "Even if Miss Shangguan doesn't say it, I know. Today, the mountain is full of peonies—Minister Pei must have put in considerable effort. Yet, the princess set an ambush there. The relationship between Minister Pei and the princess seems rather delicate."

Shangguan Ya stopped in her tracks. Su Ronghua turned to look at her. "Is Miss Shangguan wondering why, even though Her Highness clearly has feelings for Minister Pei and Minister Pei also cares for Her Highness, their relationship still seems so strained?"

"Su Ronghua," Shangguan Ya looked up, her gaze cold as she stared at him, "is Her Highness someone you can casually discuss?"

Su Ronghua laughed. He leaned closer to Shangguan Ya and whispered, "Smile."

Shangguan Ya said nothing. She stared at Su Ronghua and simply asked, "Why?"

Though she didn't specify, Su Ronghua understood that Shangguan Ya was asking for the answer to the question he had just posed. He raised an eyebrow. "Is this how you ask someone?"

"If you won't say it, then forget it." Shangguan Ya's voice was soft. She turned directly toward the carriage, but before she reached it, she heard Su Ronghua say, "Because she cares."

"Her Highness is someone who, the more she cares about something, the more afraid she is to touch it. She and Pei Wenxuan are different. Back then, Minister Pei Lizhi and his wife were exceptionally affectionate, so Pei Wenxuan places greater emphasis on emotions and is more courageous in matters of the heart. Her Highness, however, was born in the palace. As you and I know, those of our upbringing are taught from childhood that there are only rules between husband and wife, and love is like the moon in the sky or flowers in water—illusory. Isn't this how Her Highness sees it?"

"Born in different places, their natures naturally differ. Pei Wenxuan may appear gentle and yielding, but in reality, he is extremely assertive. Once he sets his mind on something, he plans meticulously, fighting for every inch, especially in matters of emotion—he will not rest until he achieves his goal. Her Highness is not like that. She views emotions with both solemnity and sorrow. She fears losing her composure in matters of the heart, so the more she cares, the more afraid she becomes."

"Why do you speak of Her Highness this way?"

Shangguan Ya turned back, frowning. She couldn't find fault with any of Su Ronghua's words, but what puzzled her was why Su Ronghua understood Li Rong so well.

Su Ronghua shrugged. "It's not me saying it, someone else told me."

"Who?"

"That, you don't need to know."

Su Ronghua chuckled lightly. "I'm only telling you this to clear up Miss Shangguan's confusion. Pei Wenxuan and Her Highness are actually not well-suited. The kind of love Pei Wenxuan offers is something Her Highness cannot bear—she would be afraid."

Shangguan Ya said nothing. She quietly watched Su Ronghua as he stepped forward and sighed. "So, you shouldn't worry about them. Let things take their course."

Hearing this, Shangguan Ya smiled.

"Whether they are suited or not is not for you to decide."

With those words, she strode toward the Supervisory Department. Su Ronghua was momentarily stunned, then watched as Shangguan Ya crossed the courtyard and hurried into Li Rong's room.Li Rong was still bent over her desk, writing, when Shangguan Ya walked up to her, snatched the brush from her hand, and said earnestly, "Your Highness, stop writing."

Li Rong paused in her movements, listening as Shangguan Ya continued, "Your Highness, if you want a divorce, do it sooner. If you still wish to keep the Imperial Son-in-Law, go back now."

"Why haven’t you left yet?"

Li Rong smiled, looking up at Shangguan Ya with a hint of helplessness. "Why are you, at such a young age, meddling in so many things?"

"Your Highness, you’re only eighteen this year."

Shangguan Ya gazed at her seriously. "In fact, I’m a few years older than you. Listen to me, Your Highness, go back."

Li Rong remained silent, her expression calm, as if she hadn’t understood a word Shangguan Ya said.

Shangguan Ya frowned. "Your Highness, you’ve always been decisive in your actions. Why are you avoiding this now? You can’t keep reviewing memorials in the Supervisory Department until you die. You have to face him eventually."

Li Rong listened quietly. After a moment, she smiled and turned to look at the flickering lamp. "Do you think I’m being indecisive and unlikable now?"

Shangguan Ya was taken aback. Li Rong gently took the brush back from her hand and said softly, "If I go back now, this is the person Pei Wenxuan will see."

"What’s wrong with that?"

Shangguan Ya couldn’t help but speak up. "Pei Wenxuan cares for you, and it’s not as if you don’t care for him."

"Who told you I care for him?"

Li Rong lowered her head, writing word by word on the paper. Shangguan Ya laughed in frustration, disregarding propriety as she retorted, "Your Highness, have you ever fed anyone soup before?"

Li Rong paused her brush. Shangguan Ya pressed on, "Have you ever attended to anyone? Have you ever carefully considered someone else’s feelings? Have you ever cared whether others like you or not?"

"Do you not care? When the assassins said they would kill you, you told me not to worry. But when they attacked Pei Wenxuan, you insisted on wiping them all out. Now, even though killing Xie Lanqing is too risky, you still want to execute him just to warn them..."

"How dare you!"

Li Rong shouted angrily. Shangguan Ya pursed her lips, staring at Li Rong. "Your Highness, if you keep going like this, have you thought about how you’ll live your life? You’ll end up driving away everyone you like and everyone who likes you!"

"Haven’t I thought about it?" Li Rong responded calmly to Shangguan Ya’s question, speaking with unusual seriousness. "I’ve thought it through very clearly. I don’t care about others, and I don’t need others to care about me. In this lifetime, I’ll make sure the people I care about live well. I have money and power. I can keep whoever I want by my side. I’ve thought everything through clearly. How I live my life is none of your business!"

Shangguan Ya listened to Li Rong’s reply, somewhat stunned. Li Rong set down her brush, seemingly annoyed that she had shared so much with Shangguan Ya.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, adjusted her emotions, and stood up, trying to appear as calm as possible. "I understand. You all think everything should have a resolution. Pei Wenxuan is pushing me for one, and now you’re pushing me too. He’s right—I don’t want to give anything, yet I still hope he stays by my side." Li Rong paused, struggling to control her tone and maintain her usual composure. "I know this is selfish. No matter how well I treat him, if I can’t give him what he wants, I should make everything clear and not keep him around.""Today's incident is my fault," Li Rong spoke rationally, her tone devoid of any fluctuation. "I've been avoiding his feelings in my heart, so I always think the worst of everything. If I had been a bit more attentive today, I wouldn't have hurt him. I should apologize to him and make things clear—I can't arrogantly think that being good to him will make up for what he's given me. Whatever he wants, I must give; if I can't, I must say so clearly. There's no need for you to say more. I'm going back."

Shangguan Ya listened in a daze as Li Rong decisively shook her sleeves and walked out the door. It took Shangguan Ya a long moment to react, and she said with disbelief, "Your Highness."

Li Rong halted her steps. Shangguan Ya turned to look at her: "Why have you never thought of being with him?"

Li Rong did not speak. She stood with her back to Shangguan Ya, and after a long while, she said calmly, "Let's go back."

With that, Li Rong strode out and boarded the carriage, sitting alone inside.

The moment the solitary space engulfed her, she clenched her fists.

She repeatedly opened and closed her palms, steadying her breathing, forcing back all the emotions that surged within her.

These were trivial matters, not worth dwelling on. She should not let such things unsettle her. What needed to be resolved should be resolved promptly, not dragged out.

All her rationality was controlling her, yet at certain moments, Shangguan Ya's question would surge to the surface: Why had she never thought of being with him?

Why?

It wasn't that she had never thought about it, but every time she imagined the future, she would inadvertently wonder: How long would they be together? Would they separate? What would she become after being together? And what would happen after they parted?

She had seen her mother sitting in the Northern Yan Tower for entire nights. She had witnessed countless women in the palace receiving promises only to face separation for various reasons. She vividly remembered the humiliation and self-loathing she felt at eighteen when she heard Pei Wenxuan say, "I can't let her go." She also clearly recalled the moment she tentatively asked Su Rongqing, "Can I divorce him?" and the bewildered helplessness in Su Rongqing's eyes as he knelt before her.

Those past experiences were etched into her bones. She refused to expose such humiliating aspects of herself to others.

She only wished that the Li Rong in everyone's eyes, even if arrogant, would never bow her head.

As she revisited the past, she cooled her heart inch by inch, calming herself down.

After a long while, the carriage came to a stop. She heard Jing Lan's respectful voice outside: "Your Highness, we have arrived."

Li Rong took a moment to compose herself inside the carriage before responding. She extended her hand, allowing Jing Lan to assist her as she alighted. A cold breeze gently brushed past, carrying an inexplicable chill that enveloped her. Standing at the entrance of the Princess's Manor, she raised her head to look at the golden plaque. For some reason, she recalled the Princess's Manor from her previous life.

In her memory, the Princess's Manor had always been cold and quiet. Even with Su Rongqing following behind her like a shadow, silently accompanying her through every corner, she would still feel an overwhelming coldness surge within her, seeping into her bones.

But in this life, she had never felt that way about the Princess's Manor.

When Su Rongqing was by her side, he was like her shadow, another version of herself. They were too alike, buried together in the Princess's Manor, lifeless and stagnant. No one understood her better than Su Rongqing, yet precisely because of this, when they both sank into darkness, neither could save the other—they could only drown together.

But Pei Wenxuan was different. He and she were entirely different people. When he stood behind her, she was aware of his presence. She could clearly sense that there was someone who, no matter what situation she found herself in, would reach out and pull her back.

This feeling both frightened her and stirred an uncontrollable longing within her. So, even though she knew she was mired in filth, she could not help but reach out to him.But she knew full well that her emotions were a quagmire. Reaching out to Pei Wenxuan was nothing more than dragging someone standing safely on the shore into the swamp to drown alongside her.

She would ruin Pei Wenxuan.

Her sensitivity, her suspicion, her selfishness—all of it would wear down this person who held the most beautiful hopes for love, slowly turning him into someone like her.

Li Rong walked step by step into the courtyard, and there she saw the young man standing on the long corridor.

He wore a thin inner robe, draped over with a pure white fox-fur coat, quietly gazing up at the moon in the sky.

Silver frost scattered down. Li Rong stopped at the entrance to the corridor, not daring to step forward.

Pei Wenxuan turned his head slightly and saw Li Rong. They stood at opposite ends of the corridor, silently watching each other.

The moment he saw Li Rong, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t explain why, but a sharp, indescribable pain spread through his heart.

He felt as if he were seeing the Li Rong from his previous life—the cold, aloof way she appeared before him each time.

Neither of them spoke, simply gazing at each other in silence.

After a long while, Pei Wenxuan was the first to smile. "Your Highness has returned."

"Yes."

Li Rong responded softly. "You’re still awake."

"There’s something on my mind. I wanted to wait for Your Highness to return and ask, so I’ve been waiting."

"Ask, then."

Li Rong’s reply seemed frank, as if she had already made a decision and had nothing left to fear.

Pei Wenxuan sensed something off in her mood. He paused, then said, "Today, when Your Highness mentioned how I angered you in our previous life, it seemed to me that Your Highness was hurt. Your Highness has always been reserved, so to speak so openly, the pain from that past life must have cut deep. I know it’s not appropriate to ask this, but I still wish to ask Your Highness."

He looked at her earnestly. "In our previous life, I hurt Your Highness. No matter how I explain it, is it difficult for Your Highness to let go?"

"No, you explained it clearly, and I’ve let it go."

Li Rong lowered her eyes.

"Then what did Your Highness mean today when you said, 'It’s not just me who felt trampled in love, nor is it just me who felt pitiful'?"

"I just wanted to tell you that one should always remain rational."

Just as she had done back then.

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan stiffened slightly. After a moment, he took a deep breath, as if finding it absurd. He seemed to want to say something but restrained himself, finally letting out a light laugh. "Your Highness is still Your Highness, after all. This humble official has overthought things."

With that, Pei Wenxuan raised his hands in a formal salute and said respectfully, "Your Highness, I have been leaving early and returning late these days, quite busy. To avoid disturbing Your Highness, I plan to stay in the study at night for the time being. I hope Your Highness will permit it."

Li Rong kept her head lowered and replied softly, "Mm."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Pei Wenxuan straightened up and said calmly, "The night is deep and the dew heavy. Your Highness should rest early."

As Pei Wenxuan turned to leave, Li Rong finally spoke. "I’m sorry."

Pei Wenxuan halted his steps. Li Rong kept her head down, staring at the ground, and whispered, "I was wrong for never making things clear before, for always avoiding you. I was wrong for failing your sincerity."Pei Wenxuan listened to her words, feeling both amused and at a loss for words. After a long while, he let out a heavy sigh and said calmly, "Your Highness need not concern yourself. It was entirely my own decision. Whether to accept it or not is entirely up to Your Highness—there is no right or wrong in this matter. Today, I was presumptuous, and I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Li Rong remained silent. Pei Wenxuan did not move, unsure of what he was waiting for. Yet, he felt that if he left now, there might be no turning back.

So he dared not take a step, and the person behind him did not leave either.

The two stood in a stalemate. In the silence, Li Rong slowly raised her head.

She quietly watched Pei Wenxuan’s back, the lamplight casting a halo around him.

There was not a single part of him that was not pleasing to the eye. Even his back was tall and slender, like a sharpened bamboo or a finely honed blade—undeniably beautiful.

Such a fine person—if he took a step now, he would likely never cross paths with her again.

Pei Wenxuan was the kind of person who, when he wanted something, could humble himself. But deep down, he was proud. If he was rejected once, there would never be a second time.

She had never truly possessed him, yet she was about to lose him.

The Princess’s Manor without him would be as cold and gloomy as it had been in her previous life. A life without him might also be like her past life—filled with nothing but power and nothing else.

She had prepared herself for everything along the way, but at this moment, she realized that no amount of preparation was enough.

For some reason, she recalled Shangguan Ya’s question: "Your Highness, if things continue like this, have you ever thought about how you will spend the rest of your life?"

What followed that question was the night of their wedding, when Pei Wenxuan sat quietly before her and earnestly told her, "Because you want to live a good life."

"You don’t want to live like you did in your previous life."

"You want the Crown Prince to be well, you want a happy family, you want someone to love you and someone you love in return, you want children to bring joy to your home, and in your old age, you want someone to rely on, someone to walk with you to the end of the road, isn’t that right?"

Isn’t that right?

Li Rong’s hands trembled slightly as she quietly gazed at that person’s back.

She watched him standing there, as if waiting for her all along. For some reason, a faint surge of courage suddenly welled up within her.

Pei Wenxuan waited for a long time, finally growing weary. He spoke tiredly, "Your Highness, this humble servant is exhausted. I shall take my leave now."

"Pei Wenxuan." Li Rong suddenly called out to him, her voice trembling slightly.

Pei Wenxuan turned around in confusion and saw Li Rong standing at the end of the corridor. She looked at him, her eyes filled with sincerity. "Could you... wait for me a little longer?"

He didn’t know what she was thinking, but the moment Li Rong spoke, he felt as though she were someone who had trekked across mountains and rivers, tearing through thorns that had left her bloodied, struggling to speak as she stood before him.

"Pei Wenxuan," Li Rong seemed utterly exhausted, "I am not a likable person. I know that in matters of the heart, I am detestable, and I am not worthy. I am not good enough. I cannot trust you, nor can I trust myself. I know countless principles, but I cannot live up to them."

"But even with all my flaws," Li Rong forced a smile, "could you, for the sake of the heavens bringing us together not once but twice, wait for me?"Pei Wenxuan remained silent. The brief silence drained her courage, and Li Rong gave an awkward smile, lowering her head as if somewhat embarrassed. "I was just saying it casually. You probably don’t understand, and if it sounds absurd, just forget it. Follow your own heart. If you’re unhappy, leaving is fine too. We’re quite familiar with each other after all..."

As Li Rong spoke these words, Pei Wenxuan felt a faint ache spreading in his heart, settling densely on the soft flesh, making one feel sorrowful and bittersweet.

He looked at Li Rong, interrupting her self-deprecating words, and spoke softly, "Rongrong."

Hearing this address, Li Rong slowly raised her head and saw Pei Wenxuan standing under the light, a smile appearing on his face. His expression was gentle and tolerant, like a spring breeze brushing over delicate willow branches, gently wrapping around one’s heart and soothing all pain.

"Don’t be afraid," he said tenderly. "It’s fine if you take your time."

"I’m here, always here."

"You know," Pei Wenxuan chuckled, "in my previous life, I waited for you for thirty years."

As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan walked slowly to her, reaching out to gently touch her face. "I’m very patient. I can wait for a very, very long time, Rongrong."

He lowered his gaze to look at her, his voice low and husky with a hint of tenderness. "I’ve liked you for a long, long time."

Listening to his words, Li Rong didn’t know what to say.

In this life, no matter how difficult things had been, she had never shed tears. Yet, at that very moment, tears surged forth, falling onto his palm.

This confession, delayed by thirty years, finally reached her in such a disheveled and ordinary moment.

"You..." Li Rong’s voice was low and hoarse. She seemed to want to laugh but couldn’t. "Why didn’t you say it earlier?"

"It’s been thirty years," Li Rong raised her head, her eyes red as she looked at him. "Tell me, what do you want to do now?"

"I want to be with you," Pei Wenxuan said calmly, his gaze fixed on her. "I want to never let go, to hold you when you cry, to be with you when you laugh, to hold an umbrella for you every time it rains, to be with you in every moment of disarray, joy, glory, hardship, life, death, and even the underworld."

"What do you see in me? I have a bad temper and always bully you."

Li Rong laughed, and Pei Wenxuan laughed too.

"Perhaps I’m blind."

His voice carried a warmth like springtime laughter. "That’s why I feel there’s no one in this world better than you."

"Li Rong," his fingers gently caressed her face, "I’ll wait for you. Just keep moving forward."

"I’ll always be here."