Cui Yulang was caught completely off guard by this punch and fell down on the spot. Fortunately, Zhao Chongjiu grabbed Cui Yulang’s belt, giving him a relatively soft landing.

Before Cui Yulang could stand up, Pei Wenxuan had already jumped down from the wall with hidden guards. He rushed forward to grab Cui Yulang and strike again. Zhao Chongjiu quickly pulled him back, lowering his voice. “My lord, Lord Cui came to discuss serious matters. Don’t cause a conflict here and alert the guards!”

Pei Wenxuan’s movements paused, then he showed an expression of “sudden realization.” Turning to Cui Yulang, he said, “Lord Cui, you came to discuss matters? Sorry, sorry.” Pei Wenxuan quickly apologized. “I thought…”

“It’s fine, it’s all a misunderstanding.” Cui Yulang covered his face and only said, “Let’s catch up another day. I’ll leave first.”

They all knew the guards wouldn’t be diverted for long, so they quickly separated. Before parting, Pei Wenxuan grabbed Zhao Chongjiu. “Do you know where Her Highness is?”

“When she left, she was in the bedroom,” Zhao Chongjiu lowered his voice, speaking extremely quickly. “But Her Highness said she would bathe later, so she might be at the Imperial Spring Bath.”

Pei Wenxuan nodded. The two groups quickly separated.

Tong Ye caught up with Pei Wenxuan, whispering, “Young Master, you believe what Lord Cui said?”

Pei Wenxuan glanced at him without responding, only saying, “Find Her Highness first.”

Cui Yulang’s words—he didn’t just believe them, he had guessed it before striking.

With Li Rong’s recent frequent actions, it would be strange if she didn’t contact Cui Yulang privately. It was just that he had guessed Cui Yulang was helping Li Rong with serious matters, which didn’t conflict at all with his desire to hit him.

Speaking with Li Rong even once was now a luxury for him, yet Li Rong had created a path for Cui Yulang in the middle of the night. Plus, from the first time Cui Yulang met Li Rong, he had been improper. Wanting to hit him was perfectly reasonable.

Anyway, in such a situation, even after hitting Cui Yulang, he felt guilty. Just pretend he knew nothing, apologize casually, and tomorrow Cui Yulang would probably have to come explain to him.

Following the planned route, Pei Wenxuan arrived at the inner courtyard. The Imperial Spring Bath wasn’t far from the bedroom—a hot spring bathing pool. When Pei Wenxuan and the hidden guards reached the courtyard, they saw several maids guarding the door and windows.

The one by the window was Jing Mei. Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment, then approached the window through the grass, meowing like a cat twice.

Attracted by the cat calls, Jing Mei looked toward the grass, then saw Pei Wenxuan in the pile.

She instinctively wanted to cry out, but then saw Pei Wenxuan place his hand on his lips. She immediately realized that Pei Wenxuan coming here couldn’t be known by others.

She looked around for a moment. Confirming no one was nearby, she nodded at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan quickly came forward. Reaching the window, Jing Mei immediately said skillfully, “Her Highness is alone inside.”

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged. Without Jing Mei saying more, he climbed through the window.

After entering the room, he closed the window and hurried into the bathroom. As soon as he entered, he saw Li Rong leaning in the bath sleeping.

The pool water just covered her chest, yet didn’t completely conceal it. With the waves, the vague peaks appeared and disappeared.

Her hair spread in the water, floating with rose petals. Because she was leaning on a jade pillow set at the pool’s edge, her face tilted upward slightly. Her features without makeup, combined with her relaxed and peaceful expression, seemed to be summoning and seducing him.

Pei Wenxuan stared blankly for a moment, then hastily turned away, instinctively wanting to avoid looking. But after actually doing so, he felt he was being spineless. She was his wife after all—what was he panicking about?

He took a deep breath, steadied his mind, and stepped to behind Li Rong.

Li Rong was sleeping rather deeply. She didn’t notice even when he reached her. When Pei Wenxuan arrived before her, he could see her more clearly.

Li Rong was nineteen this year. Compared to her later slender and enchanting face, her features now still had some childishness. Her fair skin smoothly wrapped around her bones, giving her more cuteness than later.

Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but smile. Lightening his movements, he knelt above Li Rong’s head.

The instant he knelt, Li Rong sensed someone’s arrival. Without hesitation, she reached into the water, drew a dagger from the wall beside her, and thrust it straight at Pei Wenxuan!

But Pei Wenxuan already knew her habits. The moment she drew the blade, he pressed down on her hand, firmly yet gently pinning her hand to the ground. Simultaneously bending down and lowering his head, he swallowed all her startled cries into his mouth, taking the opportunity to conquer and plunder.

“Don’t make a sound.” He kissed her lips, reminding her, “I came secretly.”

Hearing who it was, Li Rong instantly relaxed, accepting Pei Wenxuan’s actions.

She panted lowly. After a long while, she felt Pei Wenxuan straighten up. She opened her eyes with water droplets on her lashes and looked at Pei Wenxuan on shore. She saw him wearing a black robe over a moon-colored gown, kneeling by the pool, smiling at her.

Though puzzled why he had come today, Li Rong didn’t feel displeased. In fact, an indescribable small joy was born in her heart. Not showing it on her face, she only sat up straight in the water and beckoned to him.

Pei Wenxuan raised his eyebrows, pointing his finger at the bath. Li Rong nodded, moving closer to shore. Like a siren emerging from water, she rose halfway, braced her hands on the jade floor, covered his ear, and said hoarsely, “You’re too far away. Not good for talking.”

Pei Wenxuan laughed softly without saying more. He only stood up and, before Li Rong, slowly and methodically removed his clothes piece by piece.

His movements were unhurried, elegant grace mixed with some romantic charm. As Li Rong watched the clothes fall one by one, her heartbeat quickened.

She suddenly remembered when Pei Wenxuan was injured at the Pei residence and in the carriage, he had also undressed bit by bit like this. She hadn’t understood what he was doing then, but now she realized.

She said nothing, waiting for Pei Wenxuan to enter the water. Once in, he directly embraced her, laughing lowly. “Is this better for talking?”

As he spoke, he began moving. Li Rong’s face remained calm as she raised her hand to hook his neck to avoid slipping.

“What did you come for tonight?”

“I missed you.”

Pei Wenxuan’s voice was hoarse, the entire person very patient. Li Rong laughed softly. “I’m afraid you came to catch someone?”

To calculate and come at this time, Pei Wenxuan probably knew she had specially opened a path for Cui Yulang alone. In her previous life when they were enemies, he could arrange people in the Princess Manor. In this life, with him arranging even more, she wasn’t surprised.

Exposed by her, Pei Wenxuan didn’t deny it. He only informed her, “Just now at the entrance I met Cui Yulang. I gave him a punch.”

Li Rong’s hand hooking Pei Wenxuan’s neck tightened. She controlled her voice, her nails digging into Pei Wenxuan’s skin.

Feeling her change, Pei Wenxuan laughed softly. “Not seeing me for so long is fine, but not seeing Cui Yulang won’t do. You even specially cleared a path for him. Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan deliberately teased, “are you loving the new and abandoning the old?”

Li Rong looked up at him. Seeing the smile on Pei Wenxuan’s face, she knew he had actually already vented his anger. She placated him with a kiss, only saying, “Don’t worry, you’re always the legitimate wife.”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Seeing Li Rong lean on his shoulder panting lightly, he also felt somewhat tender. Having vented about Cui Yulang, and that not being his purpose for coming, he sighed, embraced Li Rong, and said slowly, “You had Chen Houzhao file a complaint at the Constabulary Bureau, then sent Chen Houzhao out of Hua Jing, then had someone impeach you, forcing you to resign from the Constabulary Bureau… All these recent actions were to have Consort Rou take over the Constabulary Bureau, right?”

Li Rong didn’t speak. She clung to Pei Wenxuan, biting down hard. Pei Wenxuan lowered his head to kiss the person before him, asking somewhat tenderly, “Are you tired?”

“I’m fine.” Li Rong’s voice was hoarse. Pei Wenxuan held her. Because of the slow movements, water gently lapped against their skin. Pei Wenxuan hesitated, finally asking what worried him most. “His Majesty had you recommend Prince Su?”

“Mm.” Li Rong didn’t elaborate. Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan lowered his eyes.

He actually wanted to comfort her with a few words, but felt that since Li Rong hadn’t mentioned it, saying these things would seem abrupt. So he only tightened his arms, held her closer, and said quietly, “Should I go faster?”

For matters of desire, if two people are without love, it’s merely reproduction between animals. But for most lovers, this is actually a silent way of communication.

Begging for mercy, reconciliation, sharing sorrow and joy—the process of physical union is essentially a transmission of the heart.

Though Pei Wenxuan said nothing, Li Rong inexplicably understood his intention.

They both knew clearly what happened in court, each with their own calculations.

Cui Yulang was merely playing around. Their relationship—Pei Wenxuan should be clear in his heart.

What truly made Pei Wenxuan risk coming over was Li Ming having her hand the Constabulary Bureau to Prince Su. Even if only a slight possibility, he didn’t want to not be by her side when Li Rong was sad.

He had her turn her back to him, using the most intense way and her favorite way.

They listened to the gentle sloshing of water. Pei Wenxuan covered her mouth, afraid she would cry out.

Outside, the maids vaguely heard sounds from the room. One couldn’t help but ask, “Your Highness?”

Pei Wenxuan released his palm. Li Rong controlled her voice, calmly saying, “Nothing.”

As soon as she finished speaking, they reached the most intense moment. Pei Wenxuan raised his hand to cover her lips tightly, then urgently withdrew.

His whole body leaned on her back, panting lowly. After recovering for a moment, he pressed his face against hers, gently nuzzling her face with his, asking hoarsely in her ear, “Rongrong, was it comfortable?”

Li Rong couldn’t speak, her body trembling lightly. Only tears flowed across his palm covering her mouth. From her silence, Pei Wenxuan got his answer. He smiled gently and held her tighter.

This trip of Pei Wenxuan’s came too purely. He barely mentioned any political matters.

After helping Li Rong clean up, he helped her dress, then carried her to recline on a lounge chair.

Li Rong lay on the chair watching him. Pei Wenxuan half-squatted before her, chatting softly with her.

After talking for a while, Pei Wenxuan checked the sky and said quietly, “I have to leave first.”

“You came all this way just for this?” Seeing he hadn’t mentioned any serious business, Li Rong couldn’t help but laugh. She raised her hand and poked his forehead. “Shameless lecher.”

Pei Wenxuan smiled without responding. After a moment of silence, he raised his hand to hold Li Rong’s hand, saying gently, “Rongrong, no matter what time, I’ll always be by your side.”

Li Rong didn’t speak. She looked at Pei Wenxuan half-squatting before her.

She actually understood his meaning. Him coming in the middle of the night—most importantly, he worried that after she lost the Constabulary Bureau and was required by Li Ming to personally write a letter recommending Prince Su, she would feel sad.

“Actually, these are small matters.” She lowered her head and smiled. “In the future, you don’t need to come over for such small things.”

Pei Wenxuan smiled without speaking. Li Rong knew she couldn’t dissuade him either. She sighed and only said, “In a bit I’ll have the guards come over to ask about the situation. You return the same way.”

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged, but didn’t move. Both were somewhat reluctant to part, but neither had the nerve to say so. Li Rong studied him for a long time, only saying, “You dressed quite nicely today.”

“After all, I was coming to see you.”

Li Rong pressed her lips in a smile. She sat up straight, bent down and kissed his forehead. “Go.”

Pei Wenxuan couldn’t delay any longer. Dawn was approaching. He stood up and climbed out the window. After he hid himself outside, Li Rong called over the guards on duty.

Taking advantage of Li Rong calling people, Pei Wenxuan secretly ran out.

The two met at night. The next morning when Li Rong was about to leave, she saw Zhao Chongjiu waiting at the door. Zhao Chongjiu came forward, saying quietly, “Your Highness, the scholars the Su family has been sheltering got up very early recently. Now their residence is brightly lit. Something might be happening.”

Li Rong had long had people constantly watching the group Su Rongqing was sheltering. Now with such obvious anomalies, they came to report immediately.

Li Rong’s eyes turned cold. She said quietly, “Notify Cui Yulang. He doesn’t need to attend court today. Prepare a way into the palace. Today he’ll probably need to meet Consort Rou.”

Zhao Chongjiu nodded and went to handle it. Li Rong returned to the carriage and closed her eyes.

Jing Lan poured tea for Li Rong, hesitating. “Does Your Highness know what the situation is today?”

“Wait and see.” Li Rong kept her eyes closed. “What they want to do, we’ll know soon.”

Li Rong sat in the carriage, slowly arriving at the palace. Pei Wenxuan had prepared his carriage in advance, stopped at the palace gates. Seeing Li Rong arrive, he quickly followed, creating the appearance of a coincidental simultaneous arrival.

Li Rong knew his tricks. With a half-smile, she glanced at him and went forward.

After attending court, Li Rong actively submitted her resignation letter, transferring the Constabulary Bureau to Prince Su.

“Though younger brother Cheng is young, he is after all already a prince and should participate in government affairs. Transferring the Constabulary Bureau to younger brother Cheng’s hands is also a kind of training.”

Li Rong said respectfully, “Your daughter feels unwell and cannot continue serving Father. I hope Father will understand.”

Li Ming acknowledged and said slowly, “You are after all a daughter. Returning to rest and cultivate yourself is also good.”

“Your Majesty,” after Li Ming agreed, Shangguan Xu couldn’t sit still. He stepped out from the officials, frowning. “Prince Su is still young. Entrusting such important matters to Prince Su may be inappropriate.”

“You speak correctly.” Li Ming nodded. Shangguan Xu breathed a sigh of relief, then heard Li Ming say, “Then let Consort Rou assist Prince Su, helping Prince Su from behind.”

“Your Majesty,” Shangguan Xu looked up in shock, saying urgently, “Consort Rou is after all an imperial consort of the inner palace. How can she interfere in court affairs?”

“Isn’t Pingle also just a princess?” Li Ming glanced at Li Rong. “She had almost no involvement in government affairs in the past. Isn’t she doing quite well now?”

The crowd was momentarily blocked, somewhat speechless.

Just at this moment, a palace attendant rushed in urgently, kneeling in the great hall. “Your Majesty, this is bad.”

Li Ming frowned, then heard the palace attendant say urgently, “A group of scholars led a large crowd and blocked the palace gates, saying their spots for the spring examinations were stolen. They’re begging Your Majesty to give them justice!”