Being held by Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong found this embrace gave her an inexplicable comfort.

She remained silent. After a long while, she spoke slowly: “In our previous life, did we all live poorly?”

Shangguan Ya, who became a power staff for the Shangguan clan. Li Chuan, who pursued immortality for twenty years. Qin Zhenzhen, who carried her sword into her coffin. Su Ronghua, who took his own life in prison.

Su Rongqing, who lived together with someone yet remained unfulfilled. Pei Wenxuan, who gazed at the moon for thirty years yet could never reach it. And Li Rong, who stumbled alone until she was battered and bloody.

In the previous life, reaching the end, those of them in the imperial court were like a cycle—only thirty years later, re-enacting the lives of those around Li Ming thirty years prior in another way.

Such a past made all who knew of it fearful, unable to help fighting desperately to prevent it. He drew warmth from Li Rong’s body, speaking in a low voice: “So in this lifetime, we cannot live this way.”

“If Your Highness wants to kill Li Cheng, then I’ll arrange this matter. If something happens, I’ll die together with you. Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan placed his head on her shoulder, “if you don’t trust me, you should at least trust interests.”

“Pei Wenxuan,” listening to Pei Wenxuan’s words, Li Rong couldn’t help but laugh, “are you truly not afraid of death?”

“Having died once, having lost once,” Pei Wenxuan held Li Rong, “comparatively, losing you is more frightening.”

One was swift and decisive death. The other was slow torture spanning an entire lifetime.

Li Rong listened quietly. She remained silent for a long time before finally saying: “Alright.”

“Make the arrangements,” Li Rong involuntarily clenched her palms, “kill Li Cheng.”

Having made the decision, Li Rong gave the orders that very day. That night, Li Rong entered the palace and explained all the plans to Shangguan Yue.

After finishing, Li Rong said softly: “At that time, Mother and I will likely find it difficult to escape Father Emperor’s rage. I wonder how Mother Empress plans to respond?”

“I am the Empress,” Shangguan Yue’s voice was very soft, “I cannot leave. When the time comes, if I should be imprisoned, so be it, whatever must happen will happen. As for you,” Shangguan Yue raised her eyes to look at Li Rong, “if something truly happens, you should escape through the secret passage from the city.”

“Secret passage?” Li Rong was somewhat curious. “Mother Empress means…”

“The rouge shop on the east side of the city—go find the proprietor,” Shangguan Yue held her teacup, lowering her eyes, “show her my token and inform her of your identity. At that time, she will take you away. Once you leave the city, go to Qingzhou. After Chuan’er ascends the throne, you can return.”

“What about you?”

Li Rong furrowed her brow: “If I leave, what will you do?”

Shangguan Yue fell silent. After a long while, she extended her hand and gently patted Li Rong’s hand: “If you and Chuan’er are living well, I can be at ease.”

Li Rong was stunned. She rarely heard Shangguan Yue say such things. And saying this seemed to make Shangguan Yue feel awkward too. She couldn’t help but withdraw her hand, saying somewhat embarrassedly: “You needn’t worry about me either. I am your mother after all. I have my own means to preserve my life.”

Li Rong gazed quietly at Shangguan Yue. After a long while, she stood up. Before Shangguan Yue could react, Li Rong stepped forward and embraced her.

“Mother,” her voice was very soft, “nothing will happen to you.”

She was willing to face death for her children.

Then she was willing to fight desperately to protect her.

Li Rong herself didn’t even notice that in that moment, the thought that flashed through her mind was already vastly different from her usual way of doing things.

After leaving the palace, Li Rong immediately contacted Shangguan Ya and made all the arrangements.

On the third day, Lin Feibai also returned from the Southwest.

The day Lin Feibai entered the capital, he went directly to the Constabulary Bureau. When Li Rong went out to receive him, she saw an extremely tall youth in black clothes standing in the main hall.

He carried the murderous aura that came only from wading through mountains of corpses and seas of blood. When Li Rong entered the hall, Lin Feibai knelt on one knee, saying decisively: “I greet Your Highness.”

Li Rong and Lin Feibai roughly discussed matters in the Southwest, then had Shangguan Ya escort him out.

As Shangguan Ya escorted Lin Feibai out of the Constabulary Bureau, she couldn’t help but tease him: “One trip to the military camp and you’ve become mute. Clearly military life is quite dreary.”

“Not bad,” Lin Feibai’s voice was very soft, “the cards the eldest miss gave me were quite interesting.”

Shangguan Ya was stunned, not expecting Lin Feibai to mention this. The two crossed the threshold together. Lin Feibai said flatly: “The Xie clan has strict rules. Relying solely on my military authority to gain their recognition is too difficult. Miss Shangguan, why not consider,” Lin Feibai turned to look at her, “lending me your status to help me?”

These words were too unexpected for Shangguan Ya. She stood frozen in place.

“I won’t constrain you in any matter. The military authority in my hands is the military authority in your hands. You help me gain the Xie family, and I become your foundation. If someday you’re no longer pleased with this marriage, divorce is also acceptable.”

Lin Feibai spoke very steadily: “Think it over carefully. I’ll return first.”

After Lin Feibai finished speaking, he cupped his hands in salute and turned to leave.

He came like thunder and left decisively and resolutely. One person, one horse departing from the Constabulary Bureau—like a lone wolf walking through Hua Jing.

Shangguan Ya took a moment to recover before turning back to the main hall.

Li Rong was in the main hall looking at maps. Hearing Shangguan Ya enter, she didn’t raise her head but continued observing the routes on the map. After a long while, she looked up at Shangguan Ya and saw her spacing out.

Li Rong couldn’t help but laugh: “What are you spacing out about?”

Shangguan Ya was startled by Li Rong and came to her senses, saying reflexively: “Your Highness.”

“Rare to see you space out,” Li Rong circled the map to change direction. Shangguan Ya followed behind her. Li Rong spoke slowly: “Did Lin Feibai say something to you?”

“He said some things. This subordinate couldn’t help but think more about it.”

Shangguan Ya followed Li Rong. Without waiting for Li Rong to ask more, Shangguan Ya said directly: “He told me that relying solely on military authority to gain the Xie family’s recognition is too difficult. He wants to borrow my status.”

“Status?” Li Rong furrowed her brow, glancing at Shangguan Ya. “Your status—how does he want to use it?”

“Your Highness,” hearing Li Rong’s question, Shangguan Ya couldn’t help but laugh ruefully, “I am after all the eldest miss of the Shangguan family.”

If Lin Feibai could marry the eldest miss of the Shangguan family, even as an illegitimate son, he would gain several more degrees of respect within the Xie family.

But hearing these words, Li Rong decisively spoke: “Ridiculous.”

“Your Highness?” Receiving this assessment, Shangguan Ya spoke in surprise. Li Rong said directly: “A mere Xie family wants to marry you—who does he think he is?”

“Your Highness,” Shangguan Ya didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “the Xie clan is also one of the Seven Great Surnames. How can it be as inadequate as you say?”

“Compared to Chuan’er, I truly don’t think much of the Xie family.”

Li Rong glanced at her, sweeping over her with a “ridiculous” look: “If it were for these things to marry, why didn’t you enter the palace back then?”

“Entering the palace and marrying outside are naturally different.” Shangguan Ya’s voice was very soft. “Once you enter the palace, you cannot leave. No matter how one marries outside, one can still turn back.”

“Hearing your tone,” Li Rong leaned against the table, her fingers unconsciously tapping the tabletop lightly, “it seems you don’t oppose this matter?”

“It’s all marrying someone,” Shangguan Ya said respectfully, “first it must please me, second it must have value. I’m not young anymore either. It’s time to consider these things.”

“What about Su Ronghua?” Li Rong raised her eyes to look at her. Shangguan Ya fell silent. After a long while, she finally said: “It’s just playing around together for fun. If he can’t help me with anything, he has no value either.”

Hearing these words, Li Rong looked at her calmly.

Shangguan Ya stood respectfully. For an instant, she felt as if she had been seen through completely. She couldn’t help but smile awkwardly: “Your Highness…”

“Young people are always stubborn.”

Li Rong smiled lightly: “Always saying you don’t care about anything. If you truly didn’t care about anything, that would be fine.”

“Your Highness, I’m not…”

Shangguan Ya spoke urgently, wanting to change Li Rong’s thinking. Li Rong waved her hand: “You needn’t explain to me. As long as you know in your own heart.”

Shangguan Ya’s movements halted. Li Rong looked at the sky, feeling she had given enough instructions, and turned around: “Alright, I’m going back. You handle things yourself.”

After speaking, Li Rong had someone gather the memorials and walked out.

After leaving, she saw Su Ronghua standing at the entrance.

He leaned against the stone lion at the entrance, casually twirling his fan. When Li Rong walked out and saw Su Ronghua, she smiled, cupping her hands: “Young Master Su.”

“Your Highness?”

Su Ronghua smiled: “Your Highness is leaving so early?”

“Not much to do today.”

Li Rong explained, glancing at the Constabulary Bureau: “Is Young Master Su waiting for Aya?”

“Made plans with her to play cards,” mentioning Shangguan Ya, Su Ronghua’s eyes carried a smile, “nothing much to do anyway, so I’m waiting for her at the entrance.”

Li Rong nodded, only saying: “Then take your time waiting. I’ll return first.”

“Respectfully seeing off Your Highness.”

Su Ronghua performed a respectful salute. After seeing Li Rong off, he waited a long while before seeing Shangguan Ya walk out.

Seeing Shangguan Ya, he straightened up, saying with a smile: “You finally came out.”

Shangguan Ya stood before the main gate. She gazed at him quietly. After a long while, she smiled and stepped out.

She walked to Su Ronghua’s side. Su Ronghua crossed his arms: “Where do you want to go today?”

“I’m a bit tired,” Shangguan Ya lowered her head, “I’ll return home first.”

“Then I’ll see you home.”

Su Ronghua seemed to have prepared for everything. Facing her breaking the appointment, he showed not the slightest temper. Shangguan Ya acknowledged with a sound. She thought for a moment, only saying: “Let’s walk back.”

With that, Shangguan Ya turned around and walked toward the Shangguan residence.

Su Ronghua followed behind her, hands tucked in his sleeves, like a silent shadow, quietly accompanying her, guarding her. Whenever she turned back, she could see this youth standing under the lamplight, looking at her with a smile.

So she dared not turn back. The two walked through major streets and small alleys, finally arriving at the Shangguan residence. At this time, Shangguan Ya stopped. She had her back to Su Ronghua, looking up at the Shangguan family’s plaque.

“The road has come to an end.”

Her voice was very soft. Su Ronghua smiled: “Rest first. I’ll come again tomorrow.”

“Su Ronghua,” Shangguan Ya had her hands behind her back. She turned around to look at him. Su Ronghua tilted his head, then heard Shangguan Ya inquire: “Why don’t you become the Su family head?”

Su Ronghua was stunned, then somewhat awkwardly touched his nose: “Why are you asking about this?”

“Just curious,” Shangguan Ya seemed casual, “you’re the eldest son of the Su family. By rights of seniority and legitimacy, you should be the family head. How did Su Rongqing become the heir?”

“Ah, it’s a long story.” Su Ronghua sighed. “Anyway, since I was young, I wasn’t suited to be family head. I don’t want to either.”

“Then what do you want to do?” Shangguan Ya had her hands behind her back, smiling as she looked at Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua shook his head: “Never thought about it. Things as they are now—I think it’s pretty good.”

“Everything is supported by my second brother and my father. I just gamble, keep birds, eat, drink, and enjoy myself.” Su Ronghua’s fan opened, revealing the two characters ‘carefree’ on it. “Isn’t that quite joyful?”

Shangguan Ya didn’t speak, just smiled as she looked at him.

Su Ronghua looked at the people at the Shangguan residence entrance who kept watching them, waving his hand: “Alright, hurry back inside.”

“Alright.”

Shangguan Ya nodded and turned to walk inside.

Before entering the gate, she still couldn’t help but turn back to look at him.

Su Ronghua stood not far away. Seeing her turn back, he smiled.

Shangguan Ya gazed at him. After a long while, she said peacefully: “In the future, don’t come looking for me.”

Su Ronghua was stunned. Shangguan Ya smiled: “I’m not young anymore. I can’t keep fooling around with you like this. Go back.”

After Shangguan Ya finished speaking, she decisively turned around, lifting her skirt to enter through the main gate.

When Su Ronghua reacted, he hurried forward urgently: “Wait, what do you mean? Shangguan Ya…”

“Young Master Su.” The gatekeeper blocked Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua only had time to see Shangguan Ya’s back disappearing into the courtyard. The gatekeeper said with difficulty: “It’s late. Please return.”

“I just need to ask one question,” Su Ronghua spoke urgently, “let me pass… I…”

“Young Master Su!”

The gatekeeper raised his voice: “Our eldest miss is a young lady after all. Please show some restraint.”

Receiving these words, Su Ronghua couldn’t help but freeze in place.

He suddenly realized that between Shangguan Ya and himself, there actually was no connection.

If she wanted to see him, she would see him. If one day she didn’t want to see him anymore, there was no need to see him again.

This realization made Su Ronghua’s heart suddenly constrict. He stood at the entrance, quietly watching the young lady walking through the courtyard, growing more and more distant.

He stood for a moment. When he could no longer see her, he took a deep breath and finally turned to leave.

The next morning, Su Ronghua crouched in wait at the Constabulary Bureau entrance bright and early. Shangguan Ya had long since had people inquire about Su Ronghua’s whereabouts. If he was at the front gate, she would leave through the back gate.

Su Ronghua waited at the entrance all day. When Li Rong came out and saw Su Ronghua standing at the entrance with a stern face, she couldn’t help but feel puzzled: “Why is Young Master Su still here?”

Seeing Li Rong, Su Ronghua forced a smile: “I’m waiting for Miss Aya.”

“Aya?” Li Rong was bewildered. “Didn’t she leave long ago?”

Su Ronghua’s expression changed slightly. He maintained his smile, saying respectfully: “I see. Then I’ll come again tomorrow.”

Li Rong was somewhat confused by Su Ronghua’s performance. After returning to the residence, she sat on the edge of the bed, soaking her feet while watching Pei Wenxuan still reviewing memorials on the side, recounting the events. She furrowed her brow in puzzlement: “One seeking, one hiding—what play are they performing?”

“Miss Aya is twenty years old.”

Pei Wenxuan reviewed memorials: “Her marriage has long been watched by court officials. Since she’ll marry sooner or later, better to marry someone suitable.”

“Marrying for power,” Li Rong furrowed her brow, “she might as well enter the palace.”

“This is different,” Pei Wenxuan raised his head with a smile, “entering the palace would be for the Shangguan clan. But if she marries Lin Feibai now, then Miss Aya would be doing it for herself.”

As Pei Wenxuan spoke, he stood up, walked to Li Rong’s side, pulled over a small stool to sit down, dried Li Rong’s feet with a cloth, speaking slowly: “Don’t worry about her either. Young people always need to hit a few walls. Only when they hurt will they know to turn back.”

“How do you know she’s hitting a wall?” Li Rong raised an eyebrow. Pei Wenxuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Aren’t you the one worrying? I thought you didn’t agree.”

“I don’t agree with her,” Li Rong said righteously, “but I disagree with you even more.”

“What do you disagree with me about?” Pei Wenxuan had her lie down on the bed, called someone to carry out the foot-washing water, blew out the lamp when he returned, and lay down beside Li Rong.

Li Rong thought seriously on the bed: “I think I don’t actually disagree with your viewpoint.”

“Hmm?” Pei Wenxuan furrowed his brow, then heard Li Rong say somewhat puzzled: “I just seem to disagree with you as a person. Whatever you say, I want to contradict.”

“Is that so?” Pei Wenxuan glanced at her sideways, rather provocatively. Li Rong propped up half her body, pointing at Pei Wenxuan: “Yes, yes, yes, exactly this expression. I particularly can’t stand it.”

“There’s one matter I’m certain Your Highness agrees with me on.”

Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong’s appearance, his face carrying a smile. Li Rong made a questioning sound. Pei Wenxuan propped himself up. The quilt slid down from his body as he drew near Li Rong.

“The night is deep,” Pei Wenxuan’s voice was very soft, “I don’t want to just sleep with Your Highness. Does Your Highness agree?”

Hearing these words, Li Rong immediately backed down.

“I agree,” Li Rong quickly nodded, “I agree with this matter.”

“What a coincidence,” Pei Wenxuan’s voice was gentle, “I have the same temperament as Your Highness. What Your Highness agrees with,” as Pei Wenxuan spoke, he raised his hand to directly push her down and press over her. Li Rong cried out in surprise. Pei Wenxuan pressed down on her, laughing aloud, “I disagree.”