Хiе Lаnqing hаd first асcused Li Rоng, оnlу tо bе counter-асcused bу Li Rong. This inсidеnt unfоldеd bеfоre the еyes of the court оffiсials, аnd evеrуоnе was wаiting fоr аn оutсomе.
Pei Wenхuаn had аlready givеn Pei Liming а heads-uр, sо Реi Liming hаrbоrеd no intentiоn оf shielding аnуоne. Нe dеvоted himself whоlеheаrtedly to hаndling the casе, аnd with Lin Fеibai’s сoopеrаtiоn, it toоk оnlу thrее dаys tо сonсlusivelу establish Хie Lаnqing’s invоlvеment in dirесting Сhеn Guang to assаssinate Li Rong and Pеi Wenxuan.
With thе New Yeаr aррroаching, Li Rong decided to handle the Qin Shi case, the military provisions case, and Xie Lanqing’s case together. She invited the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Supervisory Department for a joint trial by the Three Judicial Departments, with the Chancellery observing. In the courtroom, each case was settled one by one.
Xie Lanqing, after all, was a veteran official who had served two dynasties. His merits and faults offset each other, and in the end, he was sentenced to exile. As for the seventy individuals involved in the other two cases, three were executed, while the rest faced varying degrees of punishment—exile, demotion, or other penalties—each dealt with accordingly.
During the sentencing, Xie Lanqing appeared unusually calm.
He seemed to have emerged from his earlier turbulent emotions, displaying a transcendent detachment that placed life and death beyond concern. After the verdict was announced, he bowed respectfully, then was helped to his feet and escorted away.
By the time all the cases were concluded, it was already night. As Li Rong stepped outside, she felt ice crystals land on her face. She looked up into the darkness, where snowflakes could only be seen as they passed through the faint glow of the lanterns. Gazing upward for a moment, she sensed someone approaching from behind. A hand reached out, draping a wide sleeve over her back and enveloping her in an embrace. “Let’s go home.”
Pei Wenxuan spoke softly. Li Rong turned her head and smiled. “Aren’t you returning to the Censorate with Censor Shangguan?”
Pei Wenxuan had accompanied Shangguan Minzhi to observe the trial and, by protocol, should have left with him. Instead, he wrapped an arm around Li Rong as they walked out of the government office toward the carriage, chuckling. “We’re off duty starting tomorrow. With the New Year just around the corner, he’s probably eager to hurry home himself. Why would he bother with us? He already dismissed us subordinates to head home early.”
“I’ve heard that although Cousin Minzhi appears cold and aloof, he’s very devoted to his family.”
Li Rong nodded, walking alongside Pei Wenxuan. He sighed. “With the court being so frigid, who wouldn’t yearn for the warmth of a wife’s embrace?”
“What a pity, then,” Li Rong replied, catching his implication with a teasing smile. “Lord Pei doesn’t have a wife who can offer such warmth.”
“Warmth may be lacking,” Pei Wenxuan laughed, “but my wife has arms as strong as a mountain bear and a spirit as fierce as a tiger. She offers this humble one a sturdy refuge and a great sense of security. I find that quite admirable.”
Li Rong knew he was subtly mocking her for being fierce and formidable. She scoffed lightly. “Before, you only dared call me a mature peony. Now you’re bold enough to compare me directly to a beast. Pei Wenxuan, have you been drinking bear bile every day? Your mouth is both bitter and venomous, and your courage is as thick as it is reckless.”
“Why ask, Your Highness?” Pei Wenxuan walked with Li Rong to the gate, and as they crossed the threshold together, he leaned close to her ear. “Wouldn’t you know if you tasted it yourself?”
Hearing this, Li Rong turned her head, eyebrows raised, and reached up to pinch his chin.
Pei Wenxuan knew she was bold but hadn’t expected her to be this daring. Startled, he quickly stepped back. Seeing his expression—restrained yet tinged with panic as he hastily avoided her hand—Li Rong couldn’t help but let out a soft, amused laugh.Pei Wenxuan froze in his movements. Li Rong gently brushed her fan against his chin. "With just this little bit of information, what kind of airs are you putting on with me?"
With that, Li Rong turned and stepped down the stairs.
Pei Wenxuan's ears flushed slightly red, feeling he had lost face, but he still had to force himself to act as if nothing had happened. He hurried after her and whispered, "We're outside. Don't be so unrestrained."
Having won this round, Li Rong knew when to stop and didn't say more. Smiling, she reached the carriage. Just as she arrived, she heard a calm call from the side: "Your Highness."
Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan looked up together to see Su Rongqing standing nearby. He bowed to Li Rong, who was somewhat surprised. "Vice Minister Su?"
"Your Highness," Su Rongqing smiled, his expression gentle. "I wonder if Your Highness has some time?"
"Does Minister Su have business?" Pei Wenxuan stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of Li Rong, and smiled. "The case has already been tried, and tomorrow the entire court begins its break to welcome the New Year. If Minister Su has something, why not wait until after the Spring Festival?"
"It's not exactly my business," Su Rongqing said calmly. His gaze turned to Li Rong as he slowly added, "It's Minister Xie who wishes to see the Princess."
"Xie Lanqing?"
Pei Wenxuan was somewhat surprised. Su Rongqing nodded. "Minister Xie has many questions he would like to ask the Princess."
Li Rong thought for a moment, then nodded. "Has Vice Minister Su already made arrangements?"
"Minister Xie is currently at the Ministry of Justice. I can escort Your Highness there now."
"Then let's go now."
Li Rong decided and invited Su Rongqing, "Will Vice Minister Su accompany us on the way?"
Su Rongqing bowed in thanks, accepting the offer.
The three of them boarded the carriage together. Once inside, Li Rong sensed a familiar atmosphere. Fortunately, this time she didn't need to worry about the order of seating for the two men. As soon as Su Rongqing took a seat on the side of the carriage, Pei Wenxuan sat down beside Li Rong, separated from her by a small tea table in the middle. He positioned himself on the same side as Su Rongqing, effectively placing himself between Su Rongqing and Li Rong.
Su Rongqing gave Pei Wenxuan a faint glance. Li Rong pretended to be completely unaware of what was happening. Just as she was about to lower her head to pour tea, she saw Pei Wenxuan take the initiative to lift the teapot and pour a cup for her. "Your Highness, please have some tea."
"Ah, thank you."
Li Rong accepted the tea. Then, fearing that Pei Wenxuan might take the opportunity to retaliate against Su Rongqing and create an awkward scene, she quickly added, "Pour a cup for Vice Minister Su as well."
"Naturally."
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan poured tea for Su Rongqing as well, adopting a host's demeanor as he handed the cup to him. "Vice Minister Su, please have some tea."
Su Rongqing nodded. "Thank you."
After that, Pei Wenxuan set down the teapot. Li Rong found it strange. "Why aren't you pouring for yourself?"
"I can just drink from Your Highness's cup," Pei Wenxuan said gently. "There aren't enough cups."
Hearing this, Li Rong glanced at the extra cup still on the table. Noticing her gaze, Pei Wenxuan smiled and explained, "That cup has a chip."
How could there possibly be a chipped cup on her table?
But she didn't dare ask. She feared that if she did, Pei Wenxuan might immediately smash a chip into one.
Su Rongqing held his cup, looking down at the ripples in the water. Seeing that neither of them was speaking, Pei Wenxuan began to introduce the tea to Su Rongqing.
As he started talking, the atmosphere finally became less awkward. Su Rongqing was also tactful, and the two began chatting casually about the tea. Li Rong lowered her head, pretending to read a book, and said nothing at all.After much difficulty, they finally arrived at the Ministry of Justice. Pei Wenxuan helped Li Rong down from the carriage, and together with Su Rongqing, they led her into the prison.
Xie Lanqing sat inside the cell. Someone nearby arranged a stool for Li Rong, who sat down and looked at Xie Lanqing seated on the bed. "I heard you had something to tell me, Lord Xie?"
Xie Lanqing stared at Li Rong. He did not bow, and Li Rong twirled her fan, not bothering to address his rudeness. The two quietly gazed at each other for a long time before he finally spoke: "Have you seen her?"
Li Rong remained silent. Xie Lanqing’s voice grew hoarse as he pressed on, "Lin Xia—you’ve seen her, haven’t you?"
"I haven’t," Li Rong replied calmly. "I’ve been in Huajing all along. She died two years ago, and before that, she even sent someone to Huajing to look for you. You knew, but you didn’t go back. There’s no way I could have seen her."
Hearing her words, Xie Lanqing’s eyes widened. "She died two years ago?"
"You didn’t know?" Li Rong laughed softly, then nodded as if understanding. "Of course, in twenty years, you never went to see her. But Lord Xie," Li Rong rested her chin on her hand, "even though I haven’t seen her, the things you want to know—I might still be aware of them."
After all, back then, Su Rongqing had investigated nearly everyone around Lin Xia, piecing together the wandering half-life of this woman.
Born into a prominent martial arts family, she strayed into Huajing in her youth, where a hero saved a beauty, leading to an unexpected encounter with a noble young master of the capital.
The elegance bestowed upon men by centuries-old prestigious families, combined with the young man’s pure innocence, softened even the resolute heart she had forged through years of martial arts training, melting it like flowing silk.
"Feibai," Xie Lanqing stared intently at Li Rong, "is he really my child?"
"Even now, you think I’m lying to you?" Li Rong sighed helplessly. "Lord Xie, I wouldn’t falsely accuse you of something like this. Back then, when you fell in love with Lin Xia, you were pressured by your family and forced to break up with her. During your time together, she promised you three wishes. Your second wish was for her to leave."
"At that time, she was already pregnant with Lin Feibai."
"But she never told me!" Xie Lanqing roared. Li Rong looked puzzled. "Why would she tell you? You couldn’t marry her, and she had no intention of marrying anyone else. This child was her only solace—she would never harm him. And if he were born into the Xie family, he would be a bastard with a lowly mother. Why would she tell you?"
Xie Lanqing stared blankly at Li Rong, who continued calmly, "She left with the child, but her family and sect wouldn’t accept her. So, she and her junior apprentice sister hid from place to place, and in desperation, she wrote to you asking for money."
"When she asked for money, you must have felt relieved, thinking you no longer owed this woman anything. So, with a stroke of your pen, you gave her Qin Qu Mountain."
"Later, she established the Seven Stars Hall, with left and right guardians by her side. Rumors spread in the martial world that she and her right guardian—her senior apprentice brother—were involved. You assumed Lin Feibai was Lin Fei’s child. After all, you only learned of Lin Feibai’s existence a full year later."
"Lin Feibai’s true age is not twenty—he is only nineteen this year."
"Lin Xia spent her entire life alone on Qin Qu Mountain, thinking of you until her deathbed. She even sent someone to find you, but you refused to go."
"After she died, fearing that enemies in the martial world would take advantage of Lin Feibai’s youth, she requested that no funeral be held publicly, maintaining the pretense that she was still alive.""So back then, when I went to Seven Stars Hall to meet..."
"It wasn't her."
Li Rong spoke with certainty. Xie Lanqing remained seated, his expression somewhat dazed. Li Rong watched him for a long while before gently tapping her fan and saying slowly, "Does Lord Xie have any other questions? If not, this princess will take her leave."
"Does she hate me?" Xie Lanqing suddenly asked. Li Rong thought for a moment. "That I do not know. However, I am also curious," she leaned slightly forward, "did you love her?"
Xie Lanqing remained silent for a long time before he laughed softly. "I dare not speak of love."
"I thought as much." Li Rong stood up and said calmly, "For people like you, love and affection are inherently shallow. What a pity for Lin Xia—drifting and suffering her whole life, only to fall for someone like you."
Xie Lanqing said nothing. As Li Rong was about to leave, he spoke in a low, hoarse voice, "I truly wished for her to live a good life."
Li Rong paused in her steps and turned back to see Xie Lanqing looking up at the sky through the window. "In my youth, I knew no bounds, thinking that if I risked my life, I could protect the peace of us both. I begged her to stay, married her in secret, and brought her to Huajing. I thought that if I abandoned my life and my wealth and status, I could love her freely."
"But later I realized, under the weight of family, what right did I have to speak of love? The nobility of a great family's name lies in the nobility of bloodlines and marital alliances. As a son of the Xie family, if I were to casually marry a woman from the jianghu, it would bring shame upon our household. Our centuries of refined prestige would become the subject of mockery, and the marriages of all our clan's men and women would be affected. The Xie family could not tolerate me and her. I could die, but what about her?"
"One who belongs in the heavens—why should she descend to the mortal realm?"
Xie Lanqing closed his eyes. "I sent her away because I wanted her to live well. I did not go to see her because I knew there was no future, so why cause more heartache?"
"It is not that I did not love her, but that I had no right, and dared not speak of it."
"Sometimes I ask myself over and over again—why? What did I do wrong? I loved someone, and she loved me. Why did so many people have to be punished, so many people made unhappy? Was it my fault, or theirs?"
"But my parents were not at fault, my clan was not at fault. And me? Is loving someone outside the approved marital alliances a crime? But why should it be a crime?"
Xie Lanqing seemed to find it laughable. He closed his eyes. "I pondered this my whole life, and later I understood—because I was born into a family of wealth and nobility, because I enjoyed such privilege, I must uphold that privilege. Pain is nothing, love is nothing. Upholding the family is the greater righteousness. It has been so for centuries, for millennia. I must uphold the Xie family, uphold this noble name, this noble bloodline. Your Li family is of imperial lineage," Xie Lanqing turned to look at Li Rong, "yet you married a man of humble birth. A humble birth is one thing, but you actually listened to this lowborn man's schemes, driving a wedge between the Crown Prince and the great families."
"Your Highness, I could not speak of the past, but now I must ask—what is it you seek with your actions today? To allow the offspring of that base Prince Su to ascend to high position?!"
Li Rong did not speak. She quietly watched this man, utterly conflicted and torn.
She found Xie Lanqing pitiable, yet she could not pinpoint exactly why.
Pitiable for being bound by rules, much like her in her previous life.Or perhaps it is the sorrow of harboring an unruly heart within the confines of rules, much like Li Chuan in her previous life.
She could not speak. She quietly watched Xie Lanqing, sinking into an indescribable confusion and a sharp, piercing pain.
In that silent moment, she felt someone reach out and gently take her hand.
"Everything Your Highness has done today is so that people like Minister Xie will no longer need to ask why in the future."
Xie Lanqing was stunned. Li Rong turned her head and slowly looked up.
Pei Wenxuan stood beside her, like a towering tree or a great mountain, shielding her from wind and rain. He looked at Xie Lanqing and said calmly, "Loving someone and marrying the one you love is not merely about affection—it is the most fundamental right of being human. Minister Xie says love is insignificant, and indeed, it may seem so. But have you not realized that under such rules, for the sake of the family, not only is love insignificant, but people, morality, and justice also become insignificant."
"What Her Highness desires for this world is not for the family to be of utmost importance, but for every individual to live happily and with hope. Perhaps it cannot be achieved today, or even in a hundred or a thousand years, but Her Highness still hopes that one day, there will no longer be a Minister Xie asking what they have done wrong."
"Nor will there be a Minister Xie accusing Her Highness, a noble of imperial blood, of marrying beneath her station."
"Li Rong is marrying Pei Wenxuan. Her Highness is marrying someone who loves her and whom she loves," Pei Wenxuan said with calm composure, his tone as steady as a mountain. "He can bring her joy for a lifetime, love her for a lifetime, protect her for a lifetime, and never betray, abandon, or fail her."
"Even if he is of humble birth, it is not a fault."
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