Pei Wenxuan’s erhu seemed to be harmonizing with Li Rong, but it was completely different from the drum beside them. When Li Rong played fast he played slow, when Li Rong played slow he played fast, yet they bizarrely merged together. Within the incongruity was a kind of inexplicable… pleasantness?
Everyone listening was somewhat shocked. Li Ming turned to ask the Minister of Rites beside him, Gu Zidao, who was most skilled in musical theory: “Minister Gu, is ‘Entering Battle Formation on the Plains’ supposed to be performed this way?”
Gu Zidao stroked his pale beard, eyes closed as he listened carefully. After Li Ming’s inquiry, he slowly opened his eyes, turned his head, and respectfully said to Li Ming: “Your Majesty, the original ‘Entering Battle Formation on the Plains’ was naturally not performed this way. Initially, the collaboration between Princess Pingle, Princess Huale, and Vice Minister Su with qin, flute, and drum couldn’t have been more orthodox and proper. Prince Consort Pei’s subsequent addition of the erhu was an innovative move.”
Li Ming rotated the prayer beads in his hand and nodded: “It’s not unpleasant to hear.”
“After Prince Consort Pei added this erhu, it differs greatly from the past ‘Entering Battle Formation on the Plains,’ yet it adds several other layers of meaning. Previously, what ‘Entering Battle Formation on the Plains’ depicted was Prince Pingchuan leading troops into battle formation, mightily slaying enemies in all directions—a scene of passionate heroism. But after this erhu joined in, it added several notes of desolation. This erhu was added to the final section of the piece, precisely describing the late stages of war with corpses strewn everywhere and the suffering of common people. It immediately filled the piece with considerable artistic conception, greatly enhancing the musical layers. It’s a pity that Prince Consort Pei obviously isn’t skilled with the erhu, and Vice Minister Su doesn’t commonly use drums,” Gu Zidao smiled. “If masters were to perform it, it would surely be even more brilliant. However, the two have already achieved the artistic conception. To be able to appreciate such music from these two young people in the great hall is indeed a pleasure.”
As Gu Zidao offered his commentary, the music gradually faded and applause arose from below the stage. Most were discussing the changes after the erhu joined the piece. Li Cheng and Huale had long since been forgotten.
Huale could still endure it, but seeing this, Li Cheng became so angry he threw down his sword and rushed back to Consort Rou’s side with tears in his eyes.
Huale’s expression wasn’t very good either, but being older after all, she couldn’t be as willful as Li Cheng. Li Rong stood up, walked to Huale’s side, and said with a smile: “Little sister plays the flute quite well.”
“Elder sister is too kind.” Huale forced a smile. Without saying much more, she returned to her own seat.
As soon as Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan sat down, Pei Wenxuan said quietly: “You played the qin quite well. Your desire to show off couldn’t be restrained at all.”
“Lord Pei should also be more yielding,” Li Rong said with a smile on her face, her lips moving slightly, using a voice only the two of them could hear. “If the musician hadn’t gripped that suona a bit tighter, you probably would have played funeral music right there in the hall, wouldn’t you?”
“You underestimate me too much,” Pei Wenxuan replied in the same tone, leaning his head slightly toward Li Rong. “I’m broad-minded. Today I could have played you a cheerful ‘Good Marriage’ tune.”
“You…”
Li Rong wanted to retort, but before her words came out, they were interrupted by loud praise.
“Today the qin was played well, the flute was blown well, the drum was beaten well, and the erhu… was also pulled quite nicely,” Li Ming’s voice rang out, saying happily. “Most importantly, Prince Su’s sword was danced well! Danced with vigor! This is what men of our Great Xia should be like. Don’t all my beloved officials agree?”
The entire hall fell silent, slightly awkward. After a moment, it was still the old fox Gu Zidao who spoke first, laughing: “Your Majesty speaks truly. For Prince Su at such a young age to have such bearing is truly rare. In the future, the Crown Prince’s literary talents can revitalize the nation, while Prince Su’s martial prowess can stabilize the realm. One civil, one military—brothers united in purpose. This is Your Majesty’s blessing and also the blessing of Great Xia’s state and altars!”
“Minister Gu speaks correctly.” Su Minzhi smiled and followed Gu Zidao’s lead, saying some words praising both Li Chuan and Li Cheng. This way, offending neither side, people finally began to speak.
With voices from all sides, the atmosphere finally became lively again. Seeing the officials didn’t pick up his remarks, Li Ming couldn’t say more, but his heart seemed somewhat unwilling to let it go. He turned to look at Li Chuan and inquired: “Crown Prince, you see your elder sister and younger siblings all thought to do something to celebrate the New Year. As Crown Prince, do you currently have any thoughts?”
“Your son is not like the others who excel at music and dance,” Li Chuan’s voice was steady. “I can only be diligent in court affairs in the future, share more of Father Emperor’s burdens, and bring more benefits to the common people.”
“Empty words and honeyed phrases, saying pleasant things.” Li Ming snorted coldly. Li Chuan kept his expression straight, pretending not to hear Li Ming’s sarcasm. Li Ming was silent for a while, then directly said: “You’re seventeen years old now. The matter of selecting a Crown Princess should also be put on the agenda. How long do you plan to delay?”
Hearing this, Li Rong’s heart rose to her throat. She was afraid Li Chuan would refuse outright. Just as she was about to speak to help Li Chuan out, she heard Li Chuan say calmly: “Your son has never had any intention of refusing. I await Father Emperor and Mother Empress’s instructions.”
Li Rong was momentarily surprised. She hadn’t expected Li Chuan to accept so smoothly. With Li Chuan agreeing this way, Li Ming couldn’t say much more, only stating: “Then after spring arrives, prepare for the consort selection.”
“Yes.”
Li Chuan spoke respectfully. Seeing that Li Chuan was impervious to both soft and hard approaches, Li Ming simply turned away. He rewarded all four performers, and after staying a while longer, hastily concluded the palace banquet.
As soon as Li Ming left, everyone dispersed—some going to the Imperial Garden to clear their heads from wine, others simply departing.
Li Chuan had drunk rather more than others and seemed overcome by the alcohol. He waved his hand at the officials and left by himself. Li Rong saw Li Chuan rise and head toward the water pavilion. She patted Pei Wenxuan’s hand and lowered her voice: “I’ll go and return quickly. Help cover for me.”
After speaking, without waiting for Pei Wenxuan’s reply, Li Rong quickly stood and hurried after Li Chuan.
Li Chuan was attended by a eunuch as he walked all the way to the water pavilion. Li Rong quietly followed behind him, seeing his tall, slender figure—he seemed to have grown taller by a few inches. Vaguely, he overlapped with the emaciated emperor who had lost all vitality in her memory, making her heart feel somewhat panicked.
Li Chuan walked to the pavilion over the lake and had someone lower the curtains. Li Rong entered and saw Li Chuan sitting at the long table. Seeing Li Rong enter, he smiled: “Why did Elder Sister come too?”
“The great hall was stifling,” Li Rong hesitated. “I came out to get some fresh air.”
With that, she walked to sit across from Li Chuan: “Did they force you to drink too much?”
Li Chuan smiled: “How could that be? None of them dare force me to drink. I just didn’t want to stay, so I came out.”
“Your marriage…” Li Rong hesitated, but before she could finish, Li Chuan directly interrupted her: “Sister, let me ask you a question.”
Li Rong raised her eyes to look at him. She knew Li Chuan wouldn’t ask questions casually.
She hesitated a moment, then still said: “Ask.”
“If,” Li Chuan smiled bitterly, “I mean if—if I had refused Father Emperor on the spot today, would you have helped me?”
“I would.” Li Rong answered without hesitation. Li Chuan nodded gently. “I know. I’ve always known,” Li Chuan’s voice was somewhat hoarse. “Elder Sister treats me the best.”
“Chuan’er,” Li Rong said, looking at Li Chuan’s appearance, feeling somewhat pained. “Actually, today you could have refused.”
“And then what about next time?” Li Chuan asked directly. “I can’t keep refusing people like this, refusing for a lifetime. Willfulness comes at a price.”
“Elder Sister,” Li Chuan paused, and after hesitating for a long time, he slowly spoke. “I wronged the Qin family. And I also… wronged Qin Zhenzhen.”
“If I had agreed to marry Sister Ya back then,” Li Chuan seemed somewhat lost, “would the Qin family not have been framed by others?”
“No.”
Li Rong replied decisively. Li Chuan raised his eyes to look at her, puzzled: “No?”
Li Rong hesitated for a moment. After a long while, she slowly spoke: “Chuan’er, actually no matter what you do, Elder Sister will support you. You don’t need to wrong yourself.”
Li Chuan said nothing. He lowered his eyes, looking at the tea in his hands. After a long time, he smiled: “Sister, actually I find it very strange. I don’t know from which day it started, but your attitude toward me became especially indulgent. As if no matter what I do, you’re willing to support it. Why?”
“I’m your elder sister,” Li Rong spoke seriously. “I hope you live well, forever like you are now.”
“Then tell me one truth,” Li Chuan stared at her. “Did I do the right thing?”
Li Rong couldn’t find words to say for a moment. Li Chuan looked at her quietly: “In this palace, I hope to marry someone I like, and I also hope that the person who marries me truly likes me before coming in. Sister, do you think that’s appropriate?”
Without waiting for Li Rong to speak, Li Chuan took a deep breath: “It’s not appropriate. When you first stood on my side, Elder Sister, I was especially happy. But from the day the Qin family fell into trouble, I regretted it.”
“When Qin Zhenzhen left, I went to see her off,” Li Chuan closed his eyes, one hand resting on his knee, the other supporting himself. “At that time I thought, if I had married Shangguan Ya according to Mother Empress’s wishes, then taken a few more secondary consorts according to Father Emperor and the officials’ wishes, it would just be a pack of beasts tearing at each other in a cage. I’m a beast, and so are they—at least we wouldn’t harm passersby.”
“But I was unwilling and harbored compassion—compassion for those who would marry me, and compassion for myself. Thus I harmed the Qin family.”
“Mother Empress was right,” Li Chuan placed his cup on the table and supported himself to stand. “I can’t continue acting willfully just because Elder Sister and Mother Empress love me. Elder Sister needn’t worry—I’ve thought it through. Women who marry into the palace knowing full well what it’s like naturally won’t be heartbroken over romantic love.”
“I can’t cause Elder Sister trouble. I’m the Crown Prince—these are all small matters. Sister, rest assured,” Li Chuan smiled. “I’ll handle it well. Don’t worry. I’m a grown man—I’m fine.”
After speaking, Li Chuan looked around: “We can’t let people see us talking for so long. I’ll leave first.”
With that, Li Chuan departed first.
Li Rong sat in the pavilion over the lake. After a long while, she turned her head to look at Li Chuan’s retreating figure, and could vaguely see some shadow of an adult man within it.
Li Rong sat in the pavilion for a moment, then stood and walked toward the great hall. There were already few people left in the hall. Pei Wenxuan still sat in his seat waiting for her. After she sat down, Pei Wenxuan glanced at her expression, seeming to want to say something but forcibly holding back.
After a moment, he finally said: “It’s getting late. Let’s return home first.”
Li Rong nodded. Pei Wenxuan instructed someone to prepare the carriage, then had someone fetch a cloak, which he draped over Li Rong and fastened for her.
Seeing his meticulous care, Li Rong couldn’t help but smile, saying quietly: “I thought you were still angry with me.”
“I am angry,” Pei Wenxuan finished tying the knot and smoothed out the garment, then tucked both hands into his sleeves and turned to walk out of the hall, saying flatly, “But Your Highness won’t coax me anyway. In the end, won’t I still be the one to back down? What’s the point of putting on airs?”
Hearing this, Li Rong found it somewhat amusing. She walked to Pei Wenxuan’s side and quietly explained: “Today when I stood up, it was mainly because I didn’t want to let Consort Rou have her way. Since childhood, Huale has been a chess piece for Consort Rou’s marriage alliances. Huale herself knows this clearly. She wouldn’t choose such a piece and ask Su Rongqing to accompany her for no reason. Her actions today were meant to let the world know that Consort Rou and the Su family have a good relationship. This way, the humble families following Consort Rou would also gain more confidence. And if Su Rongqing had truly shown his position today, with Father Emperor’s temperament, an arranged marriage would be possible.”
“His Majesty couldn’t possibly truly arrange such a marriage.”
Pei Wenxuan analyzed calmly: “For Huale now to marry Su Rongqing would still be marrying up. If Su Rongqing refused the marriage in court, His Majesty would be in a difficult position. He wouldn’t dare gamble.”
“As for another reason,” Pei Wenxuan stopped walking and turned to look at her, “I’ll tentatively accept it, but I still feel uncomfortable and bothered. Tell me, what should we do about it?”
Li Rong tapped her palm lightly with her fan and sighed: “When all is said and done, I see you’re not actually angry at all.”
Pei Wenxuan raised an eyebrow. Li Rong lifted her eyes, her gaze full of understanding, with a bit of helplessness: “You just want to take advantage.”
“Your Highness jests,” Pei Wenxuan directly refuted, saying seriously, “This humble servant is not…”
Before he finished speaking, Li Rong threw herself directly into Pei Wenxuan’s arms, raising her hands to wrap around his waist and holding him tightly.
Pei Wenxuan’s voice stopped abruptly. His body stiffened slightly. People were coming and going around them, all involuntarily looking toward them. Li Rong raised her head, gazing up at Pei Wenxuan with a somewhat innocent expression: “Are you still angry?”
Pei Wenxuan looked into Li Rong’s eyes. Knowing full well Li Rong was digging a pit for him to jump into, in the end he could only honestly answer: “Not angry anymore.”
“Then do you want to take advantage of me?”
Li Rong continued questioning, determined to definitively establish that Pei Wenxuan was looking for opportunities to take advantage.
Pei Wenxuan sighed, rather helplessly: “Can I say I don’t want to?”
After speaking, Pei Wenxuan raised his hand to pull Li Rong’s hands down and dragged her forward: “Fine, you win. Let’s go home.”
Hearing Pei Wenxuan’s words, Li Rong couldn’t help but laugh. She proactively raised her hand to take Pei Wenxuan’s arm, leaning her head forward: “Pei Wenxuan.”
“What other orders does Your Highness have?” Being held by her arm, Pei Wenxuan looked ready to climb mountains of swords or plunge into seas of fire.
Li Rong smiled. She said quietly: “Does this count as me coaxing you?”
Pei Wenxuan was slightly stunned. He suddenly realized that just now, Li Rong seemed to truly have been… actively coaxing him?
For a moment he couldn’t find words. His heart felt somewhat joyful, yet he thought he should be composed. Walking through the night, as they passed through the palace gates, shadows enveloped them. In that brief darkness, Pei Wenxuan finally responded softly: “Mm.”