At the end of winter, it was the coldest season in Hua Jing. The ice and snow quietly melted away, bringing waves of bitter cold.

In the Princess’s manor, Li Rong lay in bed. She was covered with thick brocade quilts, and numerous braziers were placed around the room, heating the entire space to an extremely high temperature, as if it were the height of summer.

Many people stood in the room, but not a single person spoke. Li Rong felt dizzy and muddled—this sensation couldn’t be called comfortable, but compared to the alternating chills and fever, the incessant coughing up of blood from the previous days, it was considerably more bearable.

“Change the cloth again.”

An elegant male voice sounded, and a maid nearby responded with “Yes,” followed by the sound of water.

Then Li Rong felt someone wiping the sweat from her forehead. That person’s movements were gentle, as if wiping a porcelain doll, afraid that the slightest carelessness might shatter it.

Li Rong opened her eyes hazily, and the first thing she saw was a man in white robes.

The man appeared to be in his early forties, with an elegant bearing and handsome, gentle features. Every movement and gesture carried an indescribable grace—just looking at him was pleasing to the eye.

He noticed she had opened her eyes and lifted his gaze to meet hers. Seeing Li Rong staring fixedly at him, he was stunned for a moment before smiling warmly and saying, “Your Highness is awake?”

At these words, Li Rong was dazed for a moment. The man reached out to help her sit up, placing a cushion behind her back. He took a bowl of pear syrup from a maid’s hand, brought it to her lips, and said softly, “Drink some first, moisten your throat.”

As he spoke, he fed her mouthful by mouthful. The perfectly sweetened soup entered her mouth, slowly bringing her back to clarity.

She finally recognized the person before her—this was Su Rongqing, the steward of the Princess’s manor who had served her for many years.

He was her most trusted advisor and also her closest confidant.

Just as Li Rong was about to say something, she felt an itch in her throat. She raised her hand to push away his hand offering the soup, covered her mouth with a cloth, and began coughing urgently.

Su Rongqing gently patted her back to help her breathe. After a long while, she finally recovered. Opening her mouth, she immediately asked about court matters, saying directly, “The matter of the Crown Prince—how is it going?”

“Still at a stalemate,” Su Rongqing slowly spoke of the matters weighing on her mind, his tone peaceful. “Chancellor Pei refuses to yield. He insists on supporting the First Prince as heir. I’ve already had someone seize evidence of a scandal involving one of the First Prince’s subordinates. Tomorrow there will be an impeachment memorial.”

“He truly won’t give up.” Li Rong caught her breath. Su Rongqing let her lean against him. Feeling this person’s warmth, Li Rong coughed lightly and said, “His reason for wanting to install Li Ping is all because of Qin Zhenzhen, isn’t it? She’s been dead for so many years, yet he still can’t forget her. Yan’er is the legitimate son born to the Empress from the principal palace. How could the position of Crown Prince ever fall to Li Ping?”

“You’re just speaking out of anger.”

Su Rongqing chuckled softly, raising his hand to massage her temples. Li Rong felt much more comfortable. Leaning against Su Rongqing, she listened as he continued gently, “Pei Wenxuan wants to support the First Prince naturally because he has his own designs. The First Prince’s maternal family is not powerful, and he has been on good terms with Pei Wenxuan since childhood. If the First Prince becomes Emperor in the future, he will have to rely on Pei Wenxuan alone. For Pei Wenxuan, this means he can continue to hold great power and live securely into old age.”

“What is His Majesty’s condition now?”

Listening to Su Rongqing’s words, Li Rong became much calmer. Su Rongqing continued, “His Majesty is still the same—unconscious. I’m afraid he won’t last more than a few days. The Empress sent word from the palace yesterday, telling you to prepare early. The matter of establishing the heir cannot be delayed any longer.”

Li Rong said nothing. She leaned against this person, and after a long while, she finally spoke slowly, “Rongqing.”

“Mm?” Su Rongqing responded. Li Rong fell silent, and only after a long time did she say, “I feel that I won’t last much longer either.”

Su Rongqing’s hand, which had been pressing her acupoints, paused. Li Rong said nothing more.

She truly felt this way. When she opened her eyes this morning, she felt that she was already finished.

“Actually, this lifetime of mine has been full enough.”

Li Rong spoke slowly, “I’m just worried about the Empress and Yan’er. If I’m gone, Pei Wenxuan will cover the sky with one hand. I’m afraid they won’t be able to match him.”

“Don’t worry,” Su Rongqing’s voice grew heavy. “If you die, he won’t live either. I’ll kill him to accompany you in death.”

Hearing Su Rongqing’s words, Li Rong laughed quietly. She lifted her head and looked at the face before her.

Actually, he was almost fifty-one years old, but he showed no signs of aging at all. If not for the few strands of white hair at his temples, one couldn’t tell his true age. If he stood outside, he would still be the kind of appearance that young ladies all over the streets would admire.

Thirty years ago, Su Rongqing, the legitimate son of the Su family who had just passed his coming-of-age ceremony, was the lover in the dreams of all the women in Hua Jing.

And now, even though he had aged, he remained an old dream in many people’s hearts.

“I never knew,” Li Rong smiled as she looked at him, “that our Lord Su could also become angry.”

“There are many things that anger me.” Su Rongqing smiled. Just as he was about to say something more, he heard a maid outside say, “Your Highness, Chancellor Pei requests an audience.”

At these words, Li Rong glanced at Su Rongqing, somewhat puzzled. “Why is he coming at this time?”

“If Your Highness doesn’t wish to see him,” Su Rongqing’s expression remained calm, “you need not see him.”

Li Rong thought for a moment, then after a brief pause, she smiled. “Forget it. After all, we’ve been husband and wife. Let’s meet once. Who knows—perhaps this meeting will be the last.”

Su Rongqing said nothing. He sat quietly. Li Rong turned her head to look at him, somewhat confused. “Rongqing?”

Su Rongqing seemed to come back to his senses. He stood up and said respectfully, “Then this subordinate will go invite Chancellor Pei.”

With that, Su Rongqing steadied Li Rong against the pillow, adjusted her clothing for her, then got up and left.

Li Rong had someone bring over a bronze mirror so she could touch up her makeup. In no time at all, Su Rongqing led Pei Wenxuan inside.

Pei Wenxuan was still wearing his black court robes—wide sleeves with a bound waist, red rolling cloud patterns printed on the broad sleeves, paired with a red inner robe that made his entire figure appear even more slender. He had been extremely handsome in his youth, and now, having reached the age of knowing destiny, though not as fresh-faced as in his younger years, he possessed a stability that youth could rarely have.

He entered the room and paid his respects to Li Rong. Between his raised hands and movements, a clear fragrance accompanied his actions, spreading toward her. Li Rong couldn’t help but take a few extra looks. Pei Wenxuan had always been restrained—when would he use such a noticeably scented sachet?

She sensed something unusual but didn’t show it on her face. Her eyes curved into a smile. Just as she was about to tell him to sit, she couldn’t help but cough lightly again.

Su Rongqing hurried forward to pat her back. Pei Wenxuan watched coldly. After a long while, Li Rong finally recovered. She lifted her head to look at Pei Wenxuan and smiled. “No one visits the temple without a reason. Chancellor Pei hasn’t returned to the Princess’s manor for many years. Coming today, you must have important business.”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t speak. His eyes quietly watched Su Rongqing. Su Rongqing pretended not to see Pei Wenxuan’s gaze and stood to the side without moving.

After a long while, Pei Wenxuan finally spoke, his voice cold. “Make him leave.”

Hearing this, Li Rong wasn’t surprised. Pei Wenxuan didn’t like Su Rongqing. The fact that he hadn’t directly cursed him out was already Pei Wenxuan giving her face. Right now, she and Pei Wenxuan were still nominally husband and wife after all. Even though they had been separated for many years, they were also allies, so she didn’t make things difficult. She lifted her eyes to look at Su Rongqing and gently persuaded, “Rongqing, please wait outside.”

With Li Rong’s order, Su Rongqing bowed to both of them before getting up and withdrawing.

As soon as he left, everyone in the room followed suit, leaving only Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong. Li Rong coughed lightly. Pei Wenxuan remained silent. After a long while, Li Rong finally said, “Whatever you have to say, speak.”

“Regarding the matter of establishing the heir,” Pei Wenxuan lifted his eyes to look at her, getting straight to political business, “I’ve come today to discuss this with you.”

“Discuss what?” Li Rong pretended not to know about court affairs, saying dismissively, “Xin’er was born to the principal Empress, is gentle, respectful, and humble. What more is there to consider?”

“We’ve cooperated for many years. I don’t want to beat around the bush with you.” Pei Wenxuan’s eyes carried a trace of coldness, his tone growing heavier. “The Third Prince’s temperament is spoiled and arrogant—he’s unsuitable for the position of Crown Prince. Moreover, his maternal clan is too powerful. If something happens to you and me in the future, the court won’t be able to suppress the influence of his maternal relatives.”

“What difference is there between his maternal relatives and you and me?” Li Rong sneered mockingly. “You speak with such high-sounding words, but you know very well in your heart what you’re really after! Rather than discuss this with me, why don’t you tell me—if I don’t agree, what will you do?”

“You must have Li Yan ascend the throne?”

“Of course!” Li Rong raised her voice. “Yan’er was born to the principal Empress. Should he yield to the son of a mere consort instead?!”

Pei Wenxuan said nothing. After a long while, he finally spoke. “Do you resent Zhenzhen?”

“Can you not call her by her personal name?”

Li Rong couldn’t help but remind him, “Is ‘Zhenzhen’ a name you’re entitled to use?”

Pei Wenxuan fell quiet again. After a long silence, he stood up. “If you can still shout and argue like this, your health must still be fairly good. Since you don’t agree, then so be it. From now on, we each have our own methods. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan turned to leave. Li Rong watched his retreating figure as her blood surged upward. She said coldly, “I’d like to know what methods you’re talking about.”

“Whatever you think they are,” Pei Wenxuan said with his back to her, his voice cold, “that’s what they are.”

Li Rong said nothing. She laughed coldly. “Are you really going to kill me?”

“Do you think I won’t?”

Pei Wenxuan turned to look at her, his eyes carrying a trace of murderous intent. Li Rong looked at his gaze and was momentarily stunned.

That gaze was too cold, making her snap to clarity in an instant. Pei Wenxuan was the kind of person who could do anything to achieve his goals.

There was nothing between them anyway—just the title of husband and wife binding them together as they cooperated.

When their interests aligned, Pei Wenxuan could tolerate anything from her. Now that they stood in opposition, it was natural for him to use every means at his disposal. It wasn’t surprising.

Li Rong watched him slam the door on his way out, her breathing becoming rapid and urgent.

Su Rongqing came in. Seeing how angry she was, he hurried over to help calm her breathing and had someone fetch her medicine. While gently patting her back, he said, “His coming at this time certainly means nothing good. You’re ill—why did you see him?”

Li Rong said nothing, leaning against Su Rongqing and coughing. A maid brought up the medicine. Su Rongqing first had someone test it, and after confirming there was nothing wrong, he handed it to her.

Li Rong took a sip of the medicine. Just as she was about to say something, as soon as the medicine entered her stomach, she felt a violent cramping pain in her abdomen, followed by a surge of blood. She grabbed Su Rongqing’s sleeve, her whole body pitching forward as she spat out a mouthful of blood.

Su Rongqing was stunned for a moment, crying out in shock, “Li Rong!”

Li Rong collapsed at the edge of the bed, gasping urgently. Her abdomen felt like it was being torn apart. Su Rongqing held her while shouting for the imperial physician, simultaneously placing his hand on Li Rong’s pulse.

A moment later, Su Rongqing’s hand began to tremble.

“It’s Xiang Meiren.”

He blurted out. Hearing the name of this poison, an image of the fragrance on Pei Wenxuan’s body instantly flashed through Li Rong’s mind.

Xiang Meiren—back when Qin Zhenzhen was in the imperial harem, she had died from this very poison.

Xiang Meiren was typically placed in incense burners, causing poisoning through accumulated exposure to its fragrance over time. But there was another method of use—after smelling Xiang Meiren, a catalyst could directly trigger the poison.

Li Rong endured the abdominal pain and swallowed the blood back down.

It was Pei Wenxuan.

She thought through gritted teeth—this wolf cub had finally made his move against her.

He wanted to help Li Ping ascend the throne. Right now in court, His Majesty was obsessed with cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao. The Empress’s methods were no match for his. She herself was his greatest obstacle.

In the past, he had tolerated her for many years because of her status as Princess. Now that the Emperor was dying, he no longer needed the identity of Prince Consort to gain the Emperor’s favor. She had become his political enemy, so naturally he had to eliminate her.

Only someone who had known her for thirty years like Pei Wenxuan could poison her so naturally in her own manor. So that unusual fragrance on his body was Xiang Meiren, and this bowl of medicine was likely prepared by his people. If she had agreed with him just now, this bowl of medicine wouldn’t have reached her hands.

But she hadn’t, so he killed her.

He actually dared to kill her!

Realizing this, Li Rong couldn’t help but vomit another mouthful of blood. She vaguely heard the footsteps of the imperial physicians outside. Her mind became unprecedentedly clear.

She couldn’t let him live.

The pain made her exceptionally calm—even if she died, she had to take him with her!

“Take my command token,” the physicians rushed forward and began administering acupuncture to Li Rong. Li Rong grabbed Su Rongqing’s hand with difficulty, speaking urgently, “Summon the Princess manor’s elite forces. Depart immediately. Set an ambush at White Robe Alley. In the name of assassinating the Princess, execute Pei Wenxuan.”

Fresh blood spilled from her mouth. Li Rong covered her mouth with a cloth, giving muffled orders. “His people will certainly retaliate madly. After you finish, notify the advisors and leave immediately. With Pei Wenxuan dead, the Empress will handle the rest. You cannot become targets.”

“Stop talking!” Su Rongqing held her, his voice trembling. “I know, I’ll handle it. Focus on the physician now. You’ll be fine, you’ll be fine…”

“If I die,” Li Rong’s vision slowly darkened, “Pei Wenxuan cannot live.”