Li Rong felt she must be hallucinating. She quickly had them prepare a fragrant bath, and after washing, she happily went to sleep.

Just as the two had barely fallen asleep, a eunuch, led by a palace maid, hurried into Consort Ning’s palace.

Consort Ning was sitting in her seat reading a letter when she heard the maid’s announcement from outside. “Your Ladyship, Eunuch Ming requests an audience.”

Hearing this, Consort Ning paused her movements, then said urgently, “Let him in!”

A man in his early forties hurried in from outside. After entering the hall, he first knelt respectfully. The nearby maids immediately understood and withdrew. Seeing the visitor, Consort Ning lowered her voice. “Has Mother sent news?!”

“Princess Pingle brought people this afternoon and has surrounded both the young master and the old madam in the residence,” the man spoke quickly. “Before Princess Pingle arrived, the old madam sent someone out to relay a message, saying that now everything concerning the Yang Family rests on Your Ladyship.”

“Does Mother even need to send word about this?!” Consort Ning snapped urgently. The man’s expression remained unchanged as he only said, “Your Ladyship, please calm yourself.”

Consort Ning said nothing. She took a deep breath, stepped back to a seat beside her, and sat down.

Ming Hui was the Yang Family’s informant placed in the palace. He wouldn’t come find her so directly unless it was an emergency. After recovering for a moment, she looked up. “What have you come to do?”

“Just now, Tuoba Yan sent word that the account books were stolen.”

Hearing this, Consort Ning was stunned, unable to react for a moment. After a while, she finally understood and said incredulously, “He actually kept account books?”

“Yes,” Ming Hui’s eyes held a cold gleam. “Moreover, he said the account books aren’t just one set.”

This was a threat.

Consort Ning sat in her seat, stunned and unable to speak.

Now her father and brother had suffered defeat on the battlefield, her nephew had been killed by a fallen legitimate son of the Pei Family, all the women and children of the family were trapped in the residence by a young girl, and everyone in the entire household was counting on her alone.

Seeing Consort Ning in a daze, Ming Hui waited for a moment, then reminded her, “Your Ladyship, time is short. The matter of the account books requires an early decision.”

“Who took the account books?”

After thinking for a while, Consort Ning looked at Ming Hui. Ming Hui held up portraits. “These are portraits given by Tuoba Yan. He said it might be these two people. This servant has looked at them—one is Princess Pingle, and the other,” Ming Hui raised his head and said coldly, “is Pei Wenxuan.”

Hearing this, Consort Ning seemed to find it absurd. She couldn’t help but laugh and ask in return, “Pei Wenxuan?”

Then she said incredulously, “That Pei Wenxuan who killed Quan’er?!”

“Yes.”

“Too much… utterly too much…” Consort Ning stepped back, her chest heaving violently. “That boy—he goes too far!”

“Your Ladyship,” Ming Hui said calmly, “whether to kill or spare, please instruct Your Ladyship immediately.”

“Cannot kill,” Consort Ning raised her hand, stopping Ming Hui’s movement, only saying, “We cannot kill him now. He took the account books together with Pingle. Killing him would only leave more evidence.”

“Then what does Your Ladyship mean?”

Ming Hui stared at Consort Ning. After pondering for a moment, Consort Ning said, “Isn’t Pei Wenxuan’s father Pei Lixian? Hasn’t Pei Lizhi always wanted to kill him?”

“Yes.” Ming Hui immediately replied, “If Pei Wenxuan dies, Pei Lixian’s family estate would rightfully belong to Pei Lizhi. Currently, Pei Lizhi is also controlling the Pei Family’s assets under the pretext of Pei Wenxuan’s mother’s name.”

“Go find Pei Lizhi tonight,” Consort Ning quickly instructed. “Get something belonging to Pei Wenxuan from him. Then contact Tuoba Yan’s steward, Wang Shun. Tell him that after supporting him for so long, it’s time for him to be useful.”

“Your Ladyship’s meaning is?”

“If Tuoba Yan dies, no one will corroborate those account books—they’ll be dead objects. If Tuoba Yan dies and there are only these account books, they won’t be sufficient as evidence. They must be cross-referenced with the Ministry of War’s account books and the border expenditure records. So without Tuoba Yan, Pingle won’t dare bring them out. We’ll use Tuoba Yan’s death to first send that boy to prison and stabilize the situation.”

As Consort Ning spoke, her emotions gradually calmed. Looking at the bright, clean floor, she continued, “News of Quan’er’s death has already been sent to the front lines. When Father and Brother receive the news at the front, they’ll find a way for us. Before then, we just need to prevent Pei Wenxuan from investigating further.”

“Understood.”

After acknowledging, Ming Hui rose. “Your Ladyship, this servant will go handle it now.”

Consort Ning nodded. Ming Hui respectfully withdrew. When no one else remained in the room and only moonlight poured onto the floor, Consort Ning raised her hand, covered her forehead, and painfully closed her eyes.

Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan each slept in their rooms until dawn. After washing and grooming, Li Rong went to the carriage to wait for Pei Wenxuan. She hadn’t waited long when she heard footsteps outside, then someone lifted the curtain and suddenly jumped up.

Li Rong was startled. Seeing it was Pei Wenxuan, she noticed that today’s Pei Wenxuan was somewhat different from usual. He wore a water-blue silk outer robe with silver cloud patterns over a white silk inner garment. His hair was half-bound by a hair ribbon, with a few strands casually falling at his temples. He held a folding fan in his hand, giving off somewhat of a youthful, romantic air.

“What are you doing,” Li Rong looked him up and down with some disdain. “So rash and reckless.”

“You were rushing people urgently,” Pei Wenxuan sat down leisurely beside her and picked up a pastry. “I was still shaving when a whole row of them stood outside saying Your Highness was waiting for me.” With that, he looked up at her and smiled. “How would this humble subject dare keep Your Highness waiting?”

He tossed the pastry into his mouth and poured himself tea.

Seeing his spirits seemed very good, Li Rong couldn’t help saying, “Did you drink wine or rejuvenation tonic last night? Today you’re like a freshly sprouted bean sprout, full of vitality.”

“I’ve thought it through,” Pei Wenxuan took a sip of tea and sighed. “Our experience is rare throughout history. We should cherish it well. Since we’ve returned to being twenty years old, we should act like twenty-year-olds.”

Listening to his words, Li Rong sipped her tea without speaking. Pei Wenxuan turned to look at the bustling traffic outside the carriage, his face smiling. “Taking a good look at what Hua Jing was like thirty years ago and trying to be young once more isn’t a bad thing.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong. “What does Your Highness think?”

Li Rong looked at Pei Wenxuan and smiled gently. “This palace doesn’t need these experiences.”

Pei Wenxuan raised his hand, about to offer some advice, when he heard Li Rong continue, “This palace is forever in the prime of youth.”

Pei Wenxuan froze. After a moment, he sighed. “When it comes to shamelessness, you’re still superior.”

With that, he glanced at the road outside and turned back. “Are we going directly to Mount Jiulu?”

“Mm.” Li Rong held her teacup and took a light sip. “You also know Qin Lin’s temperament. The first time we go, we won’t see him anyway. We’ll help Chuan’er deliver a visiting card, have some tea, then come back.”

Pei Wenxuan nodded. In their previous life, when Li Chuan went to find Qin Lin, it was already two years later. After the Yang Family’s defeat was revived and they entrenched themselves in the northwest, fighting internally with Li Ming, Li Ming had plenty of patience to slowly unravel things, wearing down the Yang Family bit by bit, and also wearing down the northwestern border defenses bit by bit. He planted a group of people to hollow out the Yang Family. But two years later, when the Rong nation invaded again, this group of people lost completely clean on the battlefield.

It was at this time that Li Chuan, upon Qin Zhenzhen’s recommendation, found Qin Lin.

Qin Lin was born on the battlefield. Until he was fifteen, he grew up at the border. He once led eight hundred light cavalry in a surprise attack on an enemy camp, killing three thousand enemies—a fierce general of the northern territories. But at that time he was still too young, and the commander was his father, so few people knew of him. Later, his father died in battle, and he was brought back to Hua Jing. Because he wasn’t adept at navigating Hua Jing’s politics, he stayed at Mount Jiulu, and one stay lasted seven years.

If not for Qin Zhenzhen’s recommendation, Qin Lin might never have returned to the battlefield in his lifetime.

At that time, Li Chuan was still Crown Prince, but to invite Qin Lin, he went to Mount Jiulu daily, enduring wind and rain, waiting bitterly day and night. He waited five days before seeing him. It was said he sent countless gifts and finally personally helped Qin Lin onto the carriage before finally securing Qin Lin’s agreement.

Li Chuan strongly protected Qin Lin’s entry onto the battlefield, and Qin Lin didn’t disappoint this expectation. In merely fifteen days, he recaptured the lost cities and stabilized the northwestern defense line.

The stabilization of the northwestern defense line, with military authority seemingly about to be transferred, completely stimulated Li Ming.

So Li Ming signaled Consort Rou to host a banquet, then framed Crown Prince Li Chuan for molesting the consort. After Li Chuan was imprisoned, he swiftly placed the Empress under house arrest, imprisoned Li Rong, and only Pei Wenxuan, who equivocated with Li Ming and pretended to cooperate in capturing Qin Lin, escaped calamity.

That was probably the darkest moment in all their lives.

Li Chuan harbored a death wish, and Li Rong also told him she could trade her life for his future.

But from such a desperate situation, they ultimately still emerged.

Qin Zhenzhen climbed alone over snowy mountains to find Qin Lin, allowing Qin Lin to escape the ambush.

Pei Wenxuan jumped into a river to escape Hua Jing, lobbied noble families to gain support for Li Chuan, ultimately gathering enough funds and recruiting soldiers, having Qin Lin lead troops to besiege Hua Jing.

Then Pei Wenxuan, together with court officials, forced the abdication, finally obtaining Li Chuan’s ascension to the throne.

But a throne obtained this way was destined to lead to the subsequent situation of prosperous noble families becoming too powerful to control.

The Emperor Li Chuan born under such circumstances also had his youthful nature completely worn away.

The turbulent events of their previous life passed through both their minds in an instant, yet they both tacitly didn’t mention it. Li Rong looked at her storybook while Pei Wenxuan turned to look outside the carriage.

After traveling for half an hour, they arrived together at Mount Jiulu. Qin Lin’s bamboo house was built halfway up the mountain. The two walked up together.

Mount Jiulu had beautiful scenery. As they walked up the winding mountain path, they slowly climbed to the mountainside. Before reaching Qin Lin’s bamboo house, they saw a sign: “Strangers and dogs not allowed.”

“He’s afraid of dogs.”

Pei Wenxuan reminded her softly. Li Rong raised her eyes and called out directly, “Is anyone there?”

Before long, a young man walked out from the small courtyard entrance. He wore a blue robe with his hair half-bound by a ribbon. He looked fair and refined, appearing quite gentle.

He came before them and said respectfully, “I wonder who you two are…”

“I am Pei Wenxuan.” Knowing this person was Qin Lin’s good friend Cui Qinghe, but not showing it on his face, Pei Wenxuan pretended to treat him only as a servant and said politely, “This is Princess Pingle. We have come under orders from His Highness the Crown Prince, wishing to meet Young Master Qin.”

“You two jest.” Cui Qinghe placed his hands before him. “My young master has withdrawn from the world long ago. How would the Crown Prince know of him? You two must have the wrong person.”

“The young master is the reincarnation of Bai Qi with the abilities of a war god. In the past at Pingqiu, he led eight hundred light cavalry and killed three thousand enemies—truly peerlessly brave. His Highness the Crown Prince cherishes talent desperately and specially sent us to deliver this visiting card. Tomorrow he will personally come here himself. We hope Young Master Qin will grant an audience.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan handed over the visiting card. Cui Qinghe took the card and looked at the characters on it.

Pei Wenxuan’s calligraphy was excellent. Later, when he became Chancellor, it even formed its own school in Hua Jing, copied and studied by many.

After looking at the calligraphy for a moment, Cui Qinghe smiled. “Did Young Master Pei write this?”

“Yes.”

“Written beautifully.” Cui Qinghe put away the card. “For the sake of this calligraphy alone, I will introduce Young Master Pei. However, my young master has an eccentric temperament. Even if the Crown Prince comes tomorrow, he may not necessarily grant an audience.”

“No matter.”

Li Rong smiled. “Talented people being willful is acceptable. If a talented person is also good-looking and willful, that’s even more natural.”

Hearing this, Cui Qinghe laughed heartily. “The Princess is truly amusing.”

With that, Cui Qinghe looked at the sky, then said, “It’s getting late. The bamboo house won’t receive you two today. Please return.”

Having already anticipated this response, the two weren’t displeased. They bid Cui Qinghe farewell calmly and descended the mountain together.

By this time it was nearly dusk. While Pei Wenxuan was still fresh and energetic, Li Rong was already somewhat tired.

But Li Rong didn’t show it on her face, following Pei Wenxuan downward. The setting sun slowly descended, evening clouds flowed past, birds took flight, and looking down from the mountain, one could see golden light streaming across verdant wheat fields, rippling in the evening breeze with a gentle hue.

Li Rong’s steps grew slower and slower. Pei Wenxuan noticed. He turned back to look at Li Rong several times. Seeing Li Rong still forcing herself on her face, he coughed lightly, opened his fan, and said with considerable emotion, “When Qin Lin went in previous years and said he wanted to be buried here, I accompanied him up the mountain. By the time I reached here, I already felt I couldn’t go on. Now coming again after a full cycle, I don’t even feel tired.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan happily sighed. “Being young really is wonderful!”

Hearing this, Li Rong became unhappy.

She was exhausted half to death, yet seeing Pei Wenxuan still so lively, she felt somewhat indignant.

She stopped in her tracks. Pei Wenxuan turned around and saw Li Rong standing still, not moving. He raised an eyebrow, asking though he clearly knew, “Why aren’t you walking?”

Li Rong said nothing. She beckoned to him.

Pei Wenxuan walked forward and stopped before her. “What’s wrong?”

“Turn around.”

Li Rong spoke. Knowing what she wanted to do, Pei Wenxuan turned around, then heard Li Rong speak again. “Squat down.”

Before finishing her words, Pei Wenxuan detected Li Rong’s uneven breathing. While obeying Li Rong’s command to squat down, he laughed. “Your Highness’s stamina isn’t good.”

Just as he finished speaking, Li Rong suddenly threw herself onto him. Pei Wenxuan stumbled but fortunately reacted quickly and steadied himself. Sensing Li Rong sprawled on his back, he turned his head and smiled. “Your Highness, what are you doing?”

“Didn’t you say your stamina is good?”

Li Rong said indifferently. “I’ll add some difficulty for you. Carry me down.”

“Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan joked, “this isn’t quite proper. It’s unseemly.”

“No one’s watching.” Li Rong said directly. “Besides, when have I ever cared about propriety?”

That was true. If she cared about propriety, she wouldn’t have kept Su Rongqing back then.

Pei Wenxuan pretended to sigh. “Your Highness is bullying this subject.”

Li Rong rolled her eyes. Hanging on his neck, she urged, “Hurry up. Don’t dawdle. It’s getting dark.”

Resignedly, Pei Wenxuan stood up, carrying Li Rong forward. As he walked, he sighed. “Your Highness, you’ve eaten quite a lot.”

“Lord Pei,” Li Rong mimicked Pei Wenxuan’s earlier tone, “this is because your stamina isn’t good.”

“If you could be as light as a swallow, then this humble subject’s stamina would be fine.”

“If I were as light as a swallow, your stamina indeed would be adequate,” Li Rong said, lying on his shoulder with a half-smile. “After all, Lord Pei prefers thinner ones, doesn’t he?”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t immediately grasp the meaning. After a moment, he understood and fell silent.

“Li Rong…” After a moment, he finally managed to speak. “For a woman to be like you, I truly admire you.”

“Isn’t it very successful? Isn’t it very joyful?” Li Rong continued. “No need to be envious. There are few people as excellent as this palace.”

Li Rong’s words amused Pei Wenxuan. As he carried her forward, he bantered with her.

The sunset slowly descended, the bright moon illuminated the night sky, and moonlight leaked through gaps in the leaves, falling onto them both.

After Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan tired of quarreling, she couldn’t help leaning on Pei Wenxuan’s shoulder, feeling somewhat sleepy.

Seeing she was tired, Pei Wenxuan stopped bothering her. He carried Li Rong, slowly descending the mountain. Reaching the foot of the mountain, there were frog sounds from distant fields, mixed with the breeze blowing against his face. He carried the young lady, listening to the forest’s gentle murmur.

For that one instant, Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt an indescribable peace in his heart.

He couldn’t help but slow his pace, moving slowly forward. Li Rong sensed Pei Wenxuan’s steps slowing and said softly, “Pei Wenxuan, are you tired?”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but laugh.

“Not at all,” he looked up ahead. “Just sleep. I’ll carry you back.”

“Mm.”

Li Rong tightened her arms around his neck.

After a while, Li Rong said softly, “Pei Wenxuan.”

“Mm?”

“I think you were cuter when you were younger.”

Pei Wenxuan was stunned, then heard Li Rong continue, “Even though back then your mind wasn’t too clear and you couldn’t figure out many things, when I think about it, I still feel you were quite good at that time.”

“At least,” she laughed softly, “you looked better.”

“You…” Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help wanting to say something to her, yet didn’t know what to say. After holding back for a long time, he ultimately didn’t speak.

When they returned to the carriage, Li Rong collapsed on the small couch to rest. Pei Wenxuan covered her with a blanket, extinguished the lamp for her, and sat to the side watching the night scenery of the countryside.

An indescribable peace rose in his heart. He turned to look at Li Rong. The young lady under the moonlight was curled into a ball. Looking at that form, he couldn’t help but smile.

He didn’t know how it happened, but suddenly he felt that this rebirth thing was actually quite good.

Coming back reborn and once again unavoidably entangled with Li Rong, originally he had been confused and at a loss, even feeling somewhat inexpressible helplessness. After all, being forced by fate, anyone would find it uncomfortable.

But sitting here at this moment, he suddenly felt that things in this world, until the very end, one doesn’t really know whether they’re good or bad.

Like unwrapping a gift—until seeing the gift revealed in that instant, one doesn’t know whether one actually likes it or not.

The carriage first sent him back to the Pei residence. Sensing they were about to arrive, he first gathered his things. He wondered whether to tell Li Rong but felt he shouldn’t disturb her, so he planned to leave silently.

When the carriage stopped, Pei Wenxuan took his things, lifted the curtain, and just poked his head out when he saw a group of people dressed as constables facing him. They wore swords at their waists, surrounding the carriage in a circle.

The leader standing in front produced an official token and said coldly, “Ministry of Justice conducting business, arresting suspect Pei Wenxuan. Lord Pei,” that person stared at Pei Wenxuan, “please trouble yourself to accompany this official.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Pei Wenxuan: “Wife, look, we’ve both been reborn, we’re both young again. Don’t you feel especially great?”

Li Rong: “No.”

Pei Wenxuan: “Why not? Don’t you like the feeling of returning to youth?”

Li Rong: “I’m forever a baby. What’s this talk about returning to youth? Shut up, old man!”