“Pei Wenxuan?!”

Wang Houmin was the first to react, shouting sternly: “How dare you still come here?!”

“When rebellious traitors dare to enter the palace,” Li Rong’s cold gaze swept over him, “why shouldn’t he dare?”

“What a stubborn tongue. Seize both of them and send them to the city wall!”

“Wait!” Pei Wenxuan raised his hand and placed it protectively before Li Rong, stopping the soldiers rushing forward. “Lord Wang, I came alone into the city naturally to discuss matters. You might as well hear what I have to say.”

“You smooth-talking scoundrel probably have ill intentions…” Gu Zichun stepped forward from behind Wang Houmin. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Pei Wenxuan take a hairpin from his sleeve. “Lord Gu, Old Madam Gu asks you—when will you return home?”

Seeing this hairpin, Gu Zichun’s expression changed dramatically. Gu Zidao also lost his composure and said urgently: “What have you done to my wife!”

“Minister Gu need not panic.” Pei Wenxuan leisurely put away the hairpin and smiled gently. “Right now, Madam Wang and the Su family head, along with all your family members, are guests at the Princess’s residence. I’ve already instructed my subordinates to treat them well. Of course, courtesy is reciprocal—however you treat Her Highness and me, the people at the Princess’s residence will treat them accordingly. I’m sure all you lords are people who observe propriety and won’t be too neglectful.”

“My father is in your hands.”

Su Rongqing stared at Pei Wenxuan and spoke coldly.

Pei Wenxuan smiled, his voice gentle: “Your entire family is in my hands.”

With that, he pulled Li Rong along and swaggered toward Fulai, who was bound in the corner. He raised his hand, slashed the ropes binding Fulai with one sword stroke, and helped him stand up. As he helped him up, he whispered an instruction: “If Xiao Qian conflicts with the ministers, have someone kill one.”

He spoke very quickly and very quietly. From the angle of him supporting Fulai, no one realized this brief exchange had occurred.

Fulai’s expression remained unchanged. After Pei Wenxuan helped him up, his tone carried some apology: “Eunuch, you’ve suffered.”

Fulai smiled slightly, his face showing neither alarm nor fear: “Young Master is too kind.”

“Everyone,” after helping Fulai up, Pei Wenxuan turned to look at the crowd, “it’s cold and snowy outside the hall. Why don’t we go inside to talk?”

“Pei Wenxuan, stop wasting words,” Wang Houmin said urgently. “If you have something to say, say it. Stop stalling for time here.”

The sounds of attacking the city outside were like a knife hanging over everyone’s hearts, teetering and seeming ready to fall at any moment.

Everyone felt somewhat unstable, unable to decide whether to advance or retreat. Shouting at Pei Wenxuan was merely giving themselves time to figure out what to do.

Pei Wenxuan smiled lightly and instructed Fulai to find a stool for Li Rong. Fulai responded and withdrew.

Others wanted to stop him, but Pei Wenxuan raised his voice: “It seems you don’t intend to treat Her Highness and me well? Her Highness is with child now. You’re still making her stand like this—do you not want to talk?”

Everyone froze momentarily, and Fulai withdrew.

After Fulai left, Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Wang Houmin: “Actually, I came here not as your enemy. On the contrary, I’m here to help you all.”

“Help?” Gu Zidao frowned. “What does Lord Pei mean by this?”

“Right now, all of your heads are on the chopping block,” Pei Wenxuan raised his hand and made a cutting gesture across his neck. “I’ve come to offer you lords an idea—at least to leave you with intact corpses.”

“Pei Wenxuan!”

Wang Houmin flew into a rage. Pei Wenxuan instantly turned cold and shouted loudly: “A group of treacherous rebels, worms of the state, failing the sovereign above and the people below! Now His Highness the Crown Prince’s great army has entered the city. If you surrender now, there’s still a thread of hope for survival. Otherwise, even exterminating your nine clans would hardly expiate your crimes!”

“Seize him.”

Su Rongqing raised his hand coldly. Soldiers surged forward. Pei Wenxuan suddenly pulled out a firework from his chest and pointed it at everyone, shouting: “I’d like to see who dares!”

“Let this be the signal. If Her Highness and I perish here today,” Pei Wenxuan looked coldly at everyone, “three of your clans will be buried with me.”

The faces of the three clans present looked extremely unpleasant, but the other aristocratic families who had left the city early couldn’t care about this. Cui Bin stepped forward urgently: “My lords, now that His Highness the Crown Prince is already attacking the city, we must act decisively. If we show womanly compassion, no one can be saved! Quickly bind these two, find His Majesty to obtain the imperial edict, and leave the palace swiftly! As long as the green mountains remain, we need not worry about firewood. Our families can gather together and raise another rebellion later!”

As they spoke, a guard rushed back and spoke a few words to Su Rongqing in a low voice. Hearing this, Su Rongqing’s brow relaxed. He turned to look at Cui Bin: “Lord Cui need not worry. The Crown Prince’s attack on the city isn’t backed by a large rescue force—just a group of exhausted troops, fewer than ten thousand men. They’re at the end of their strength.”

Everyone looked at each other. Su Rongqing raised his eyes to look at Pei Wenxuan: “Pei Wenxuan, don’t waste your effort. Surrender.”

“Su Rongqing,” Pei Wenxuan stared at him, “you’re truly obstinate. There’s clearly a path available, but you refuse to choose it and insist on walking toward a dead end.”

“Choose?” Hearing this, Su Rongqing laughed softly. “When have I ever had a path to choose? I was born as the young master of the Su family. I was born walking this path. How do you expect me to choose!”

“Then I’ll let you choose.” Pei Wenxuan spoke calmly. He turned to look at everyone. “My lords, let’s speak plainly. Today, the reason His Highness the Crown Prince left the palace early and the reason I lay in ambush in the city to kidnap your family members was actually because someone leaked information and disclosed your plans in advance.”

“Who?” Wang Houmin frowned. Pei Wenxuan smiled and raised his hand, pointing at Su Rongqing. “It was the Su clan’s eldest young master, Su Ronghua. Everyone, the Su clan never wanted to participate in this matter. The Su clan is such a noble family—they’ve never participated in imperial succession disputes for hundreds of years. Do you think Su Rongqing represents the Su family’s position? No, he never has!”

“Seize him!”

Su Rongqing shouted loudly. However, this time it was Wang Houmin who blocked him: “Wait!”

With that, Wang Houmin stared at Pei Wenxuan: “Continue.”

“Su Rongqing poisoned Chancellor Su to obtain the family head’s token. The Su clan’s eldest young master fled overnight and has already rushed to Tianshou Pass, persuading General Su to assist the Crown Prince in clearing out the rebels to demonstrate loyalty. Today’s rebellion—what use is it for you all to follow Su Rongqing to the bitter end? Only Su Rongqing alone in the Su clan has rebelled. What use is it for you to listen to him and drag down your entire clans? You might as well listen to me—surrender now. There’s still time.”

“Surrender?”

Hearing this, Gu Zidao couldn’t help but ask: “How do we surrender? Withdraw from the palace?”

“You’ve all committed treason. If merely withdrawing from the palace exempts you from punishment, wouldn’t everyone under heaven follow suit?”

“Then what do you want?” Gu Zidao frowned. Pei Wenxuan smiled lightly: “Pay taxes.”

“The policy Consort Rou proposed earlier was actually His Majesty’s wish. You might as well follow His Majesty’s intentions—pay taxes and tribute, change the recommendation system to the imperial examination system, please His Majesty, and also give him a way out so he won’t punish you. This way, wouldn’t everyone be happy?”

No one present spoke. After a moment, Wang Houmin laughed aloud and turned to look at Su Rongqing beside him: “Assistant Minister Su, you’ve always said that Consort Rou was trapped and deceived by the Crown Prince and Pei Wenxuan. This old one has always harbored doubts. Looking at it now, Assistant Minister Su still has keen insight and far-reaching schemes.”

“Our aristocratic families have stood for hundreds of years,” Wang Houmin stared at Pei Wenxuan. “Pei Wenxuan, I’m afraid you’ve forgotten—the Li clan,” Wang Houmin lowered his voice, “was not originally the Son of Heaven.”

“So Lord Wang means,” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “you won’t choose this path?”

“If we were going to choose,” Gu Zidao raised his hand to stroke his beard, “we wouldn’t be here now. However, Lord Pei has one point that’s correct,” Gu Zidao turned to look at Su Rongqing. “Lord Su, what exactly is the Su clan’s position? We hope Lord Su will make a statement.”

Hearing Gu Zidao’s words, Su Rongqing understood their meaning.

Their apparent firmness was merely for show to Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan’s words had ultimately lodged in their hearts.

No one was stupid. Li Chuan had escaped so conveniently, Li Ming still wasn’t dead—in this situation, if the Su family’s army didn’t come, it meant death.

In the end, whether one person or a group of people obtained the edict made no difference. What they needed was Su Rongqing’s position.

Su Rongqing lowered his head with a smile: “My lords should leave the palace first to assess the situation. I’ll stay here and wait until I obtain the edict before meeting with everyone.”

“That couldn’t be better.” Hearing this, the others felt relieved.

They would leave the palace first. No matter what happened afterward, at least they had one way to live.

After saying this, everyone rushed out urgently.

Su Rongqing turned around to look at Pei Wenxuan standing before Li Rong. The two gazed quietly at each other for a moment. Su Rongqing’s voice was calm: “I know you won’t ignite the firework in your hand.”

“Oh?”

“You’re not that kind of person.”

“Then you’ve misjudged,” Pei Wenxuan’s eyes carried coldness. “For Her Highness’s sake, I can do anything. You have family, and so do I.”

Su Rongqing didn’t speak. As he looked at Pei Wenxuan’s expression, he showed some envy, some bitterness.

“I hope you keep your word.”

“Then you’re welcome to test it. Guards, seize them!”

Su Rongqing gave the order. The guards had no more concerns and charged toward the two.

Seeing the situation, Pei Wenxuan hurriedly handed the firework to Li Rong. Just before others’ swords could strike, he pushed her into the great hall in one motion.

Li Rong hadn’t yet reacted when she saw the great doors slam shut with a boom. Immediately after, she heard swords striking the doors and Pei Wenxuan shouting loudly: “Close the doors properly!”

Li Rong urgently pounded on the doors, shouting loudly: “Su Rongqing, stop! Your Su family’s troops won’t come. With just the ten thousand troops in the inner palace now and the Wang family’s ten thousand, you can’t win! Can the Su family’s army come or not—even if they don’t know, don’t you? Stop now, and I’ll spare your life.”

“Your Highness,” Su Rongqing looked at Pei Wenxuan guarding the palace gates with a small number of troops, fighting off the attackers. His voice was very light. “As long as you implement reforms, this world will have thousands and thousands of Rongqings. As long as I obtain the edict, I can reorganize the alliance of aristocratic families. Your Highness should stay put and not get involved in disputes, lest you hurt yourself.”

After saying this, Su Rongqing was about to leave. Hearing his words, Li Rong couldn’t help but scream: “You’re obstructing reforms to stabilize the empire and avoid war! If you take the edict out today, Great Xia’s warfare will never stop!”

Hearing this, Su Rongqing stopped in his tracks. He faced away from Li Rong, his expression somewhat dazed: “Then will Your Highness still implement reforms?”

Li Rong was stunned. In the midst of all the killing sounds, Su Rongqing’s voice was exceptionally clear: “Your Highness, as long as you don’t implement reforms, the edict will never appear in this world.”

With that, Su Rongqing stepped forward. Li Rong couldn’t help but shout: “Su Rongqing, are you still clear about what you’re doing?! You are the root of the chaos afflicting Great Xia’s common people. You are the great evil in this world! You won’t admit it because you can’t face it, but you can turn back!”

“The past is the past, new life is new life. Su Rongqing, why must you always live in the past and never come out!”

“This is a new world now, I’m a new Li Rong…” Li Rong’s voice carried some bewilderment. “Why can’t you be a new Su Rongqing?”

Cast aside the aristocratic family’s teachings.

Cast aside past understanding.

Cast aside faith and perseverance.

Become a brand-new Su Rongqing—why not?

Li Rong didn’t understand.

Su Rongqing walked along the corridor. He heard Li Rong’s every word. The muscles in his body trembled slightly, but he forced himself not to turn back.

He had no path. He couldn’t turn back.

The sounds of killing continued. Li Rong sat on the black marble floor, listening to the sounds of fighting outside.

She raised her hand to cover her belly. She drew calm and resilience from this life force.

Wait a little longer.

Pei Wenxuan would be fine.

He would live, would live well.

Li Rong’s hands kept trembling. For the first time, she realized such profound helplessness and fear. She wasn’t afraid of death, wasn’t afraid of loss. The only thing that had ever frightened her so much was another person’s life coming to an end.

She listened to swords clashing, listened to the killing outside. She felt as if someone was pressing her underwater, taking her toward an endless abyss.

At this time, Wang Houmin and the others also reached the palace gates. Seeing them all come out together, Xiao Qian couldn’t help but frown: “What do you lords intend to do?”

“General Xiao,” Wang Houmin and the others smiled. “Now only the edict remains to be obtained. We’ll return to our residences first to check on our families. Once Lord Su obtains the edict, we’ll regroup.”

Xiao Qian heard Wang Houmin’s words. He stared at him. Outside were the heaven-shaking shouts of the city assault. Xiao Qian’s gaze was cold: “I’m afraid you’re abandoning my second sister and fleeing?”

Hearing this, Wang Houmin’s expression immediately turned rather unpleasant: “What kind of talk is that? We’ve devoted ourselves wholeheartedly to Consort Rou. Isn’t that sincere enough?”

“If sincere, you should live and die together with my Xiao clan.”

“Lord Xiao’s meaning,” Gu Zidao spoke coldly, “is that you plan to imprison us all in the palace and bind us together with Consort Rou?”

“Precisely.”

Xiao Qian nodded without concealment. The guards behind the ministers instantly drew their swords. Xiao Qian’s people also drew swords in response. Both sides were at a standoff. Xiao Qian spoke bluntly: “Today, you have only two ways to leave—follow my Xiao clan out alive, or be carried out lying down. I hope you lords won’t fail to appreciate kindness.”

The Xiao clan was originally from the humble clans. How could these aristocratic family members tolerate such humiliation? Wang Houmin laughed coldly and raised his hand: “Charge! I don’t believe he truly dares to kill anyone!”

“You dare!” Hearing Wang Houmin’s mockery, Xiao Qian instantly drew his sword. “Take one more step and try!”

Wang Houmin paid no attention and led people straight forward. Just then, a scream came from behind. No one knew who struck first, but blood splattered everywhere.

“Murder!” Someone was frightened and shouted. Xiao Qian’s expression changed dramatically. After a brief moment of shock, everyone else instantly reacted.

“Fight our way out!”

Wang Houmin shouted in panic. In an instant, for some reason, everyone suddenly began fighting.

“Hey,” Pei Wenxuan looked at the chaos breaking out in the distance. He shouted at the soldiers fighting him: “Your masters are in trouble. Why aren’t you going to help!”

Pei Wenxuan’s shout startled a batch of people. Except for the Su clan’s original soldiers, the others, after brief hesitation, all turned and rushed toward the palace gates.

As a massive fight broke out at the palace gates, Hua Jing was finally completely breached. Li Chuan led people forward. Shangguan Ya stood outside the city, beating drums while watching Li Chuan’s troops disappear at the edge of her vision.

At this time, an army with banners embroidered with the character “Wang” came from afar.

The opposing force was considerable, descending from the mountain slope with a rumbling sound.

Seeing that banner, guards urgently urged Shangguan Ya: “Lord Shangguan, the Wang family’s reinforcements have arrived. We should quickly retreat.”

“No.”

Shangguan Ya’s gaze remained fixed, watching that army approaching from afar. She stood on the war chariot, finally putting down the drum in her hands. She raised her hand to draw her long sword, looked toward the direction of the army’s approach, and shouted loudly: “Those who retreat shall be executed! Engage them!”

Shangguan Ya wouldn’t retreat. The soldiers who had already cut their provisions and had no way back also dared not retreat.

Over ten thousand soldiers rushed rapidly toward the two thousand men before the city gates. In the early morning, dust flew, the ground trembled. Shangguan Ya’s heart raced. Watching the army draw closer and closer, her hands couldn’t help but tremble.

She had always been taught to live for her family. For the first time in her life, she felt fate was in her own hands.

Even though what she chose was to rush toward death rather than toward life.

But even at this moment, she didn’t feel any regret.

She even felt an indescribable exhilaration. In this world, there were freedom and dignity far higher than life itself.

Her breathing grew more rapid. When the two armies were about to clash with less than ten zhang between them, she suddenly heard someone shout from the crowd: “There’s more! There’s another army!”

Shangguan Ya suddenly turned around and saw behind her on the mountain ridge, banners with the character “Su” flying high. A youth in jade-colored magnificent robes, long sword in hand, bow hanging from his horse, carrying the morning light, rushed toward the battlefield!

Shangguan Ya couldn’t help but smile. At that very moment, someone beside her cried out: “Watch out!”

As soon as the words fell, she was pushed aside by someone. The two armies instantly clashed. Shangguan Ya rolled to the ground. She desperately swung her long sword and ran toward the youth riding the horse.

The other party also clearly saw her and fought through the crowd rushing toward her.

Shangguan Ya had never felt so clear-headed. She shouted the other party’s name through the crowd: “Su Ronghua!”

Her hair bun was cut loose to avoid a blade. In the midst of killing all around her, she charged forward without any hesitation.

She watched as that person drew closer and closer, closer and closer, until at the final moment, he reached out his hand toward her.

She looked up at the youth on horseback and urgently reached out.

The moment he grasped her hand, it was as if a wish inherited from two lifetimes was finally fulfilled in that instant.

Su Ronghua pulled her onto the horse in one motion. Before Shangguan Ya could speak, she heard him driving the horse rapidly toward Hua Jing while reassuring her: “Don’t worry. I’ve already explained to my cousin. I’m bringing troops to reinforce. He’s gone to notify the family to let Qin Lin through.”

“Have you…” As soon as Shangguan Ya opened her mouth, her voice trembled. She paused for a moment before composing herself. “Have you decided?”

Su Ronghua didn’t speak. He held her as they charged into Hua Jing with the troops. As they galloped along the imperial path, he looked at this familiar Hua Jing and spoke slowly: “Yes.”

“I will request an edict from Her Highness to lead the Su clan back to our ancestral home. All land and population will pay taxes and tribute like ordinary people, in exchange for Rongqing’s life.”

Hearing this, Shangguan Ya wasn’t surprised. She looked up at him from his embrace. The youth bore a rare seriousness that gave him a measure of determination he’d never had before.

“Even now,” Shangguan Ya’s voice was very soft, “you still want to save Su Rongqing? If you don’t save him, your Su clan would also be considered meritorious.”

“Everyone in this world can abandon Rongqing,” hearing this, Su Ronghua’s voice was very calm, “but I alone cannot. Whether we’re meritorious or not doesn’t matter. The only regret is—”

Su Ronghua paused. After a long while, he seemed to finally adjust his emotions and laughed as if it didn’t matter: “With such a status, I’m afraid I can’t propose marriage to Miss Shangguan anymore.”

Shangguan Ya didn’t speak. She only gazed at Su Ronghua.

The smile no longer reached his eyes.

That Hua Jing noble young master who cared only about romance was ultimately gone.

Waiting is life’s longest ordeal.

Especially helpless waiting.

Li Rong didn’t know how long she waited. Finally, she heard enormous shouts of killing at the doorway. Then, after another long while, the sounds outside suddenly all fell silent.

The great doors burst open with a boom. She saw Pei Wenxuan standing unharmed at the doorway.

Behind him stood Li Chuan, Xun Chuan, and a host of reinforcements. Seeing her standing calmly in the great hall, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but smile. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Li Rong suddenly rush toward him and embrace him tightly.

This was the first time she had shown such a vulnerable posture before him.

With this embrace, it felt as if a silent wall had come crashing down. Pei Wenxuan looked down at Li Rong. He strived to control his emotions, raised his hand to gently embrace her, and said softly: “You go rest somewhere safe first. I’ll go find Su Rongqing.”

“I’ll go too.”

Li Rong knew this wasn’t a good time for conversation. Actually, as long as Pei Wenxuan was alive, everything was still fine.

She released Pei Wenxuan and glanced up at Li Chuan and Xun Chuan. She couldn’t help but ask: “Where’s Lin Feibai?”

“He took troops to the inner palace first to rescue His Majesty.”

“And Qin Lin?”

Li Rong strode directly toward the inner palace and turned to ask Xun Chuan. Xun Chuan lowered her voice: “General Qin suffered some injuries, but there’s nothing serious. Right now he’s facing off against the Su clan’s army. He specially sent this subordinate to lead ten thousand troops over the snow mountains ahead of schedule.”

In a few sentences, Xun Chuan explained the situation clearly. Li Rong nodded and only said: “You’ve worked hard.”

“For Your Highness,” Xun Chuan raised her eyes to look at her, full of sincerity, “it’s not hard.”

As Li Rong led everyone rapidly toward the inner palace, inside the bedchamber, Consort Rou pressed Li Ming against the table: “Where is the imperial seal?”

Li Ming didn’t speak. He closed his eyes. Su Rongqing and Huale searched everywhere in the room. Su Rongqing was getting somewhat anxious.

He had to find the imperial seal. He must find the imperial seal.

Sounds of killing came from outside. Su Rongqing instantly raised his head to look at Consort Rou: “Li Chuan’s people are here. Hurry!”

Hearing this, Consort Rou gritted her teeth, took a knife, and pressed it against Li Ming’s neck: “Didn’t you say you wanted to pass the throne to Cheng’er? Didn’t you say you loved me? Where’s the imperial seal?! Take it out!”

“My throne,” Li Ming’s expression was very indifferent, “I can give it, but you cannot take it.”

Looking at Li Ming’s manner—even at this moment, he still appeared so high and mighty—Consort Rou couldn’t help but tremble: “In your heart, whether it’s me, Cheng’er, or Huale, we simply don’t count as anything.”

Li Ming raised his turbid eyes and looked at her coldly. “We’re lowly, humble, nothing more than playthings that expended all our efforts trying to please you. You detest the aristocratic families’ arrogance, but deep down, what you love is also that very arrogance.”

“Shut up.”

Hearing this, Li Ming’s face immediately showed some anger: “You’ve done all these things and still want my throne? You’re dreaming!”

“Dreaming?” Consort Rou laughed. “Yes, I’m dreaming. I’ve been dreaming for many, many years.”

After Consort Rou finished speaking, her hand rose and the blade fell. With one slash, she cut Li Ming’s finger. Li Ming howled in pain: “Bitch!”

Hearing Li Ming’s screams, Consort Rou suddenly felt an indescribable satisfaction. For a moment, she suddenly felt that whether she had the imperial seal no longer mattered.

Ultimately, she had reached the end of her road.

Right now what she cared about was trampling Li Ming beneath her feet.

The Nine-Five Sovereign, the person before whom everyone bowed, was being brutalized by her.

As if such actions could mend the humiliation of being despised, mocked, and trampled beneath others’ feet.

“The seal.”

She raised her hand and carved a piece of flesh from Li Ming’s back. Li Ming cursed. Xiao Rou carved while unable to stop her tears from falling, repeatedly calling out: “The seal, give me the seal.”

“Cheng’er needs to ascend the throne.”

“I want to become Empress Dowager.”

“Huale wants to become the eldest princess.”

“My Xiao clan must become the most distinguished nobility in all of Great Xia! The seal! Give me the seal!”

“It’s there.”

Li Ming finally couldn’t endure anymore and howled as he pointed toward a tile on the floor: “Don’t touch me anymore,” he gasped urgently, “the seal is there.”

Hearing this, Su Rongqing quickly stepped forward. Following the direction Li Ming pointed, he opened the floor to reveal a jade box placed inside. Su Rongqing quickly took out the jade box, removed the imperial seal from inside, took out the edict from his bosom, and stamped it with the seal.

Just as the stamp came down, the door burst open with a boom. Li Rong led everyone striding inside. Su Rongqing grabbed the edict in one motion, turned, and ran toward the window.

Pei Wenxuan reacted fastest, saying only: “I’ll chase him.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan disappeared through the window following Su Rongqing.

With Su Rongqing’s departure, he took away a large group of people. Li Rong raised her head and saw Li Ming sitting on a chair with Consort Rou pressing a sharp blade against his neck. Huale stood beside her, her body trembling slightly.

“Let us leave.”

Consort Rou spoke calmly. Li Rong’s expression was calm. She waved her hand, and Xun Chuan responded, leading people out.

Only Li Rong and Li Chuan remained in the room. Li Chuan pulled over a stool for Li Rong to sit, then stood silently behind her. Li Rong sat elegantly in her seat, smiling as she looked at Consort Rou.

Consort Rou grasped Li Ming’s hair. Looking at Li Rong like this, she couldn’t help but feel some fear.

Li Rong smiled and lightly raised her hand: “Go ahead and do it.”

“Li Rong,” Consort Rou gritted her teeth, “this is your father.”

“Father?” Li Rong lowered her head with a laugh. “He’s also Huale’s father, your husband. Why is he only my father? If you act, what does it have to do with me?”

“Since childhood, his most beloved son was Li Cheng, his favorite daughter was Huale, the woman he truly loved was you. Now you want to kill him and tell me he’s my father, asking me to let you go?”

Li Rong found it amusing: “Do you think I’m weak and easily bullied, or ignorant and foolish?”

“If you want to act, hurry up. Slit his throat here, and I’ll quickly have Chuan’er ascend the throne. For this contribution, I’ll leave you with an intact corpse.”

“Mother.”

Hearing this, Huale panicked somewhat.

She looked at Xiao Rou, then at Li Rong. Then somehow, she suddenly knelt down.

“Your Highness,” her voice trembled, her eyes full of pleading, “I beg you, for the sake of our shared Li family blood, spare me. I’m your younger sister. If you spare me today, I promise I’ll never contend with you again. I’ll forever be your most loyal, most filial, most obedient younger sister.”

“I was wrong before,” Huale said, crawling on her knees toward Li Rong. “Forgive me, I beg you, forgive…”

Before she could finish, with a “clang,” a sword fell before Huale. Huale froze. She looked up blankly to see Li Chuan looking coldly at her: “Get away from my sister.”

Hearing this, Consort Rou suddenly laughed.

“My child,” she called to Huale, “do you see clearly? Begging for mercy will never yield any results. People like us can never beg for mercy in our entire lives.”

With that, she released Li Ming and walked toward Huale. She seemed to want to help Huale up, yet her eyes remained fixed on Li Rong.

“You’re wrong. Actually, you should care about him.”

“He doesn’t love me, doesn’t love Cheng’er, and loves Huale even less. In the palace, we’re the stains in his eyes, the mud. It’s just that he needs us, uses us.”

“He never once thought I built the North Yan Pagoda for him.”

“He never gave me even a bit of respect.”

“He never restrained his temper before me. He hit when he wanted to hit, cursed when he wanted to curse.”

Consort Rou stopped before Li Rong. She looked at Li Rong and slowly smiled: “I endured him for a lifetime, waited for him for a lifetime, loved him for a lifetime. But he doesn’t care about me, just because I was born lowly, I’m a slave, while your mother was born into a noble family. She was born with Shangguan blood flowing through her veins. She could never do wrong. She had to receive respect.”

“But why?”

Consort Rou stared at Li Rong: “Why were you born as people above others? While I was born to be trampled in the mud. Is heaven fair in this?”

“It’s not fair.”

Li Rong spoke decisively. Consort Rou was stunned. Li Rong’s voice was very soft: “Therefore, you should have fought for your rights. It’s just that having a reasonable cause doesn’t mean you can commit evil without restraint.”

“I sympathize with you,” Li Rong quietly examined her, “but I cannot support you.”

“Sympathize with me?” Hearing this, Consort Rou couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, people like you should sympathize with us. I should properly thank Princess Pingle for this…”

As Consort Rou spoke, she raised her eyes, cold light flashing. The moment she spoke, she stepped forward, the dagger in her hand stabbing rapidly!

At that very moment, an arrow shot fiercely through the window, instantly piercing through Consort Rou’s skull!

Consort Rou’s blood sprayed onto Huale and splattered on Li Rong’s face.

Li Rong watched expressionlessly as Consort Rou fell to the ground. After a brief moment of shock, Huale suddenly let out a piercing scream.

She screamed madly, retreating while screaming in the pool of blood, then rushed frantically to the door, opened it, and ran out.

A moment later, the screaming abruptly stopped. Li Rong looked at Consort Rou lying on the ground, feeling her blood seeping into her shoe soles.

She watched for a long while before speaking softly.

“May you be born into a better world in your next life.”

A world that doesn’t ask about birth or bloodline, where regardless of gender, everyone can receive respect, can advance through effort, and obtain a better life.

After Li Rong finished speaking, she raised her eyes to look at Li Ming across from her.

His dragon robe had already been soaked through with blood. Father and daughter gazed quietly at each other.

After a long while, Li Ming spoke weakly: “Won’t you kill me?”

Li Rong thought for a moment, stood up, and turned away: “Rest well. I’ll call the imperial physician over.”

“Why won’t you kill me!”

Seeing Li Rong seemingly unconcerned as she turned to leave, Li Ming couldn’t help but roar lowly. Li Chuan turned to see Li Rong standing at the doorway.

Li Rong’s gaze fell on Huale lying in the snow. She looked for a long while before speaking softly: “Your crimes don’t deserve death.”

“You’re not a very good father, nor can you be considered a good monarch. If it were before, I would have wanted to kill you, but someone taught me that remembering a person’s good points is more important than remembering their bad ones. Always remembering evil—after a long time, you forget your own goodness.”

With that, Li Rong raised her eyes and took a deep breath: “Moreover, I don’t need to act myself, do I? Father, rest well.”

After Li Rong finished, she pushed the door and walked out.

After leaving, she turned to Xun Chuan beside her: “Where’s Pei Wenxuan?”

“I heard he’s at Weiyang Palace.”

“You guard here and stay with Chuan’er. Don’t leave his side for a moment.”

After giving instructions, Li Rong strode away.

As Li Rong rushed toward Weiyang Palace, Pei Wenxuan walked with his sword through the innermost chamber of Weiyang Palace.

He had chased Su Rongqing all the way here. The guards were all fighting outside the palace. At this moment, in Weiyang Palace, there were only the two of them.

That Su Rongqing had chosen to flee to Weiyang Palace meant there must be a secret passage out. In the previous life, Shangguan Ya had presided over the central palace for so long, and Su Ronghua had freely entered and exited the palace—there must have been some special way to come and go.

In the innermost room of Weiyang Palace, light came through gauze windows, forming a dim hue. Light gauze fluttered in the wind. A screen embroidered with landscape and figures divided the room. Outside, the sounds of killing continued, but inside the room was so quiet even the sound of dripping water could be heard.

Su Rongqing was here.

Pei Wenxuan knew this, but he didn’t know where he was hiding.

Su Rongqing was the same.

Both sides hid in the darkness, observing their surroundings while concealing their forms.

The lamp flower suddenly burst. Pei Wenxuan suddenly saw a shadow fall on the screen. He thrust his long sword straight through. The other party also clearly discovered his presence. Two swords simultaneously pierced through the screen and met. Then they slid along the screen, cutting through the landscape ink painting above, until reaching the end. Pei Wenxuan pressed down with his wrist, directly pressing his sword against Su Rongqing’s sword!

However, Su Rongqing reacted extremely quickly. With a flick of his long sword, he kicked from the side. Then, taking advantage of Pei Wenxuan dodging and blocking, he spun and slashed down directly!

The screen was knocked over by the two. Their swords clashed fiercely together. When they met face to face, Pei Wenxuan clearly saw the cold killing intent in the other’s eyes.

Pei Wenxuan smiled lightly: “I’ve heard Lord Su was first in every academy examination, never taking less than first place in any subject. The rumors are indeed true—Lord Su’s swordsmanship is truly extraordinary.”

“You flatter me.”

Su Rongqing said no more. He raised his hand and attacked, slashing down urgently!

Inside the room, light gauze danced. The shadows of the two fighting figures appeared and disappeared. Their swordsmanship was evenly matched, entangled in fierce combat.

Neither was a top expert, but among civil officials, they were skilled fighters. Long swords clashed, met, then separated again. Every move carried the intent to kill, without half a measure of mercy.

“You’ve wanted to kill me for a long time.”

Su Rongqing sensed Pei Wenxuan’s killing intent and spoke coldly. Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan sneered: “The first time you held an umbrella for Her Highness,” their long swords clashed again, the impact numbing both their arms, “I wanted to kill you.”

“What a coincidence.” Su Rongqing raised his hand and slashed past his crown. “The day you and Her Highness were engaged, I thought the same.”

“Then I must thank you, Second Young Master, for not killing me.”

Pei Wenxuan went straight for Su Rongqing’s throat. Su Rongqing rapidly retreated. Forced back to a pillar, Su Rongqing suddenly dodged. Pei Wenxuan couldn’t withdraw his sword in time and stabbed it into the pillar. Su Rongqing took advantage and slashed down toward Pei Wenxuan’s hand. Pei Wenxuan urgently raised his sword, grabbed Su Rongqing’s wrist with one hand, and threw him directly to the ground with an over-the-shoulder throw!

Su Rongqing was forced to release his long sword and used all his strength to bring Pei Wenxuan to the ground.

Both were forced to abandon their swords and began fighting hand-to-hand on the ground.

This was their first direct confrontation in fifty years, and it was a matter of life and death. They said nothing else. Pei Wenxuan grabbed his hair and pressed his head, madly smashing it against the ground. Su Rongqing grasped Pei Wenxuan’s wrists with both hands, twisted, and kicked his abdomen!

They were like two wild beasts, two country bumpkins, with no semblance of propriety whatsoever. Each punch and kick landed viciously on the other.

People outside seemed to be increasing. Su Rongqing was clearly growing anxious. He locked Pei Wenxuan’s throat and went for the kill.

Pei Wenxuan grabbed his neck in return and refused to let go.

“Why… why are you still struggling…”

Pei Wenxuan felt breathing becoming difficult: “You can’t escape. That fake Li Cheng is useless too. Her Highness has made up her mind. One edict can’t force her.”

Su Rongqing didn’t speak. He was also being choked by Pei Wenxuan to the point of struggling to breathe. He gasped roughly, refusing to let go, listening to Pei Wenxuan continue: “You clearly had so many paths to choose, but you just wouldn’t take them. You were reborn early—you could have proposed marriage and married her, but you didn’t dare.”

“You clearly could have let go and assisted Li Chuan together with her, but you weren’t willing.”

“You clearly knew the aristocratic families were wrong, and though Li Chuan was wrong he could change, but you refused.”

“In the end, you have nothing left and still say you have no path to walk. Su Rongqing, isn’t that laughable?”

“Laughable.”

As soon as Su Rongqing opened his mouth, he instantly lost strength. Pei Wenxuan rolled over and kicked him away with one foot!

The two rolled to either side, quickly flipped up, and knelt on the ground coughing urgently.

Pei Wenxuan looked up at him first and saw Su Rongqing crouching on the ground: “But what can I do…”

“I’m the young master of the Su clan. How could I disregard my family’s interests?” Su Rongqing coughed and raised his head. “I’ve already lost Her Highness. I already have nothing left. I contacted the aristocratic families to rebel. I staked my life on it. Now you tell me I was wrong?”

As Su Rongqing spoke, he laughed: “Then what about everything I lost? Wasn’t it all in vain? I could have originally married Her Highness. I could have been like my elder brother—willfully kneeling before my father begging to marry Her Highness. But I didn’t. In the previous life, I watched her marry you. On the day she married out,” Su Rongqing’s voice choked, “I followed her wedding carriage all the way to the Princess’s residence. In this life, I personally urged you to marry her. I helped you with the wedding procession. I personally handed you to her—all because I chose this path.”

“I’ve already given up my most precious thing,” Su Rongqing stared at Pei Wenxuan. “I cannot be wrong.”

“Remember one thing,” Pei Wenxuan’s voice was calm. “Her Highness is not something you gave up. She’s something I fought for. Whether you chose to fight or not to fight,” Pei Wenxuan looked steadily at him, “Her Highness is my Highness.”

Hearing this, Su Rongqing said nothing.

The two gazed quietly at each other. Pei Wenxuan stood up and raised his hand to pull the long sword still stuck in the pillar: “Remember this well.”

“If you’re wrong, you must admit it.”

“She loves me. You need to get lost.”

“In this lifetime, whether you’re alive or dead, don’t even think of approaching Her Highness,” he pointed the sword at him, “not one bit.”

As soon as the words fell, Pei Wenxuan raised his hand and slashed. Su Rongqing rolled on the spot and directly grabbed his sword to block.

The sound of sword against sword echoed through the room. This time, both gave their all, as if angered by something, recklessly slashing at each other without regard.

Light gauze was cut and scattered everywhere. The screen was mostly destroyed. The sounds outside grew fewer and fewer until finally, they vaguely heard Li Rong ask: “Where is he?”

The moment Li Rong’s voice appeared, Su Rongqing’s hand trembled. Pei Wenxuan’s sword directly scraped past his sword and pierced through his chest.

Blood slowly flowed out. Both stopped moving.

Li Rong pushed the door open and entered. In the room, she saw Pei Wenxuan’s sword pressed against Su Rongqing’s heart.

As Li Rong entered, Pei Wenxuan quickly withdrew his sword. Su Rongqing slid directly to the ground, leaning against the pillar, watching Li Rong approach and breathing lightly.

Li Rong looked at this familiar person’s wretched appearance. For a moment, she didn’t know whether she should hate or grieve. She walked to Su Rongqing and slowly crouched down. Su Rongqing’s eyes fell entirely on her.

“It’s over.”

She looked at him, her voice very calm.

Hearing this sentence, Su Rongqing slowly smiled: “Your Highness came. I’m very happy.”

“Say goodbye.”

Li Rong looked at him as if looking at an old friend, with pity and sadness.

Su Rongqing looked at Li Rong’s gaze. He gasped. In the end, he only asked: “Your Highness, must you… implement reforms?”

“I must.” Li Rong answered with certainty. “I hope that in this world, there will never be another Hongde or Xiao Rou.”

“I also hope that in this world, there will never be another previous life’s Aya, Su Ronghua, you, me, my father, mother, Xie Lanqing…”

“Don’t use high-sounding words to cover up the reality of devouring people. People are people. All emotions, all power, should be respected.”

Su Rongqing didn’t speak. He stared fixedly at Li Rong.

Li Rong waited for him. After a long while, he spoke tremblingly: “The greatest conflict among aristocratic families lies in legitimate and illegitimate succession.”

Li Rong hadn’t expected Su Rongqing’s final farewell to be this. She was stunned. Then she heard Su Rongqing looking at her, speaking softly: “Your Highness, I never intended to harm you. I always hoped you could live well.”

“Even if it was with Pei Wenxuan,” he smiled, “you had to live well.”

“When I was reborn, I didn’t propose marriage—not because I was cowardly, but because I knew you liked him, and I knew I had harmed you. Moreover, I was going to kill Li Chuan, and you wouldn’t forgive me.”

“I stopped you from establishing the Constabulary Bureau because the aristocratic families were powerful. I didn’t want you to be threatened.”

“Proposing at North Yan Pagoda,” Su Rongqing breathed lightly. He didn’t dare blink. He feared each glance might be the last. He used all his strength, speaking with difficulty, “was also because the aristocratic families wanted to drive Your Highness out of Hua Jing. I thought Pei Wenxuan had died. Your Highness had lost the wager with the court. The only way to protect Your Highness was to use the Su clan’s status to ask for a favor for Your Highness. It was not… an intentional offense. Much less… taking advantage of your misfortune.”

“I know.”

Li Rong’s voice was somewhat hoarse. She lowered her eyes. Su Rongqing smiled. He looked at her. After a long while, he struggled to take a gold-dusted small fan from his sleeve.

“This is from the night at the cliff. Your Highness dropped it.”

Su Rongqing raised his hand and placed it in Li Rong’s hand: “I originally wanted to secretly keep it, but in the end, I still must return it to Your Highness.”

Just like these feelings of his.

He had originally wanted to keep them in his heart forever, disturbing no one, known by no one. But at the final moment, he was ultimately just an ordinary person.

Li Rong lowered her head to look at the small fan in her hand and didn’t speak. Su Rongqing observed her. After a long while, his voice trembled, full of hope yet also full of despair: “My heart admires Your Highness.”

Li Rong’s hands stiffened.

This was the first time in two lifetimes he had said these words.

“At age twelve, our first meeting before the imperial study,” his eyes held tears, “my heart admired Your Highness. One lifetime, two lifetimes, I loved only Your Highness.”

Hearing this, Li Rong didn’t know why, but she just felt her eyes sting.

She nodded, acknowledging that she knew.

Seeing her appearance, Su Rongqing smiled gently: “Your Highness, in this life, have you lived well?”

“Yes.” Li Rong spoke hoarsely. “Very well.”

“That’s good.” Su Rongqing nodded. “Then I’m at peace.”

“Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan walked to Li Rong’s side and helped her up. “Don’t crouch for too long.”

Li Rong responded and was helped up by Pei Wenxuan.

“Let’s go.” Pei Wenxuan spoke in a low voice. Li Rong nodded. The two walked out together, supporting each other. After a few steps, Li Rong suddenly stopped. She turned around to look at Su Rongqing: “Rongqing,” she looked at him as if sharing joyful news with a friend, “I’m with child.”

Su Rongqing was stunned.

He suddenly remembered Li Rong’s greatest regret from the previous life.

She often spoke of children. That was their pain.

At this moment, he finally knew clearly that she truly lived well, different from the previous life.

He smiled and nodded: “Good. Rongqing congratulates Your Highness.”

With that, he struggled to stand, looking at Pei Wenxuan: “Young Master Pei, could I trouble you,” he raised his hand, pointing to a qin placed nearby, “I want to play one final piece for Her Highness.”

Pei Wenxuan nodded, released Li Rong, and went to retrieve the qin for him.

As he placed the qin before Su Rongqing, he also set down two bottles of medicine.

“After today, Su Rongqing will be dead.”

Su Rongqing was stunned. Pei Wenxuan stood up. As he rose, as if inadvertently, he knocked the candlelight to the ground.

Flames licked at the light gauze on the ground. Pei Wenxuan turned to leave. He walked to Li Rong’s side and embraced her shoulders.

Li Rong was held by him. The two walked forward together.

Su Rongqing turned his head to look at the fire rising beside him. After a long while, he plucked the first string.

Li Rong heard the sound of the qin behind her. She didn’t turn back. The two of them together left this past behind.

When they came out, the fire had already started burning.

Li Rong stood in the courtyard with her back to Weiyang Palace, listening to “Farewell with Joy” from inside.

A very short farewell song, light and beautiful.

The sound of the qin mixed with the crackling of burning flames. Li Rong stood quietly at the door until the qin music stopped. Only then did she turn her head to see Weiyang Palace completely engulfed in flames.

She watched for a long while. Pei Wenxuan quietly waited.

After waiting a long while, Li Rong came to her senses. She stepped forward as if nothing had happened, only saying: “Let’s go.”

The two had walked only a few steps when they saw Su Ronghua rush in frantically. Upon entering the courtyard and seeing Weiyang Palace already burning, he froze, then hurried forward. Pei Wenxuan grabbed Su Ronghua and said urgently: “Brother Su! It’s dangerous inside!”

“Is Rongqing inside?” Su Ronghua’s face was full of panic. “Is he?”

“Su Rongqing is inside?”

Shangguan Ya chased in. Hearing Su Ronghua’s words, she quickly inquired. Li Rong nodded and only said: “The person is already gone. Going in would just be suicide. Let’s go.”

With that, Li Rong walked out. Hearing Li Rong’s words, Su Ronghua stared blankly at the great fire, his eyes full of shock and pain.

Shangguan Ya came before him, her voice very low: “I need to tell you something.”

Su Ronghua didn’t listen. Shangguan Ya pressed her lips together: “Weiyang Palace has a secret passage. I know where the exit is. Right now, if Su Rongqing is still inside, he’ll certainly die. But if he got out…”

Shangguan Ya raised her eyes to look at him: “He’s alive.”

Flames engulfed the roof of Weiyang Palace. Li Rong stopped and turned back with Pei Wenxuan.

Inside the bedchamber, Li Ming was surrounded by physicians. Ultimately, he didn’t hold on until Li Rong returned and slowly closed his eyes.

Li Chuan stood before the bed. He heard the imperial physician tremblingly cry out that sentence: “Your Highness, His Majesty… has passed away.”

He didn’t speak. He quietly watched. After a long while, his voice hoarse, he dismissed everyone.

Everyone left and closed the doors, leaving only Xun Chuan standing behind Li Chuan.

“Why didn’t you leave?”

Li Chuan spoke hoarsely.

“Your Highness said to guard you without leaving for a moment.”

Li Chuan didn’t speak. He felt that silent person standing behind him.

He walked forward step by step and knelt before the dragon couch, grasping Li Ming’s aged hand and gently pressing it to his forehead.

He had heard Li Ming’s last words clearly.

He said, I’m sorry.

News of Li Ming’s death spread quickly. When Li Rong heard it, she only nodded.

Then she turned and walked forward aimlessly. Pei Wenxuan walked at her side, moving forward with her.

Neither of them spoke.

In the palace that had completely quieted down, palace servants gradually emerged to clear the accumulated snow. The two walked together, shoulder to shoulder, sleeves brushing.

As they walked, no one knew who first extended their hand. Beneath their sleeves, they quietly grasped each other.

The strength transmitted from their joined hands invisibly gave both of them support.

Li Rong listened to the sound of walking on snow. She suddenly felt that she could walk this path well.

Walk very far, very well, very long.

In the winter of the twentieth year of Kangxing, the traitorous consort Xiao Shi joined forces with aristocratic families to cause chaos, plotting to harm the Emperor in the palace. This was known in history as the Kangxing Palace Rebellion.

Princess Pingle, together with the Prince Consort and others, pacified the rebellion and assisted Crown Prince Li Chuan in ascending the throne. The era name was changed to Dexu.

It was said that this new sovereign had no talent for governance and loved pleasure. The late Emperor, knowing his son deeply, specially granted Princess Pingle the title of Supervising Princess before his death to assist in supervising the state. The former Minister of Personnel, Pei Wenxuan, was promoted to Right Chancellor.

On the day of ascension, ministers entered the hall to await the Emperor’s appearance. However, after waiting a long while, they only received an imperial edict and a crane.

The Emperor’s heart was not in state affairs. On the day of his ascension, he announced that the crane would replace him in attending court. He wanted to cultivate immortality and seek the Way, hoping for early ascension. Court affairs were transferred to the Princess to handle.

No one present dared speak. Only the newly appointed Right Chancellor Pei Wenxuan immediately knelt and performed a grand ceremony to the crane.

From then on, court affairs were taken over entirely by the Princess.

The Princess acted decisively. After taking office, she swiftly dealt with all personnel related to the Kangxing Palace Rebellion. Those who participated in treason were beheaded or exiled. Related family members were all expelled from Hua Jing.

The traitor Xiao Su led troops in rebellion but was suppressed by Qin Lin leading forces.

The court began operating normally. Li Rong was overwhelmingly busy. Even with Pei Wenxuan’s help, she often left early and returned late.

After some unknown number of days had passed, Pei Wenxuan suddenly told her that the day of Su Rongqing’s funeral had arrived.

Li Rong was stunned. Pei Wenxuan walked behind her and fetched a cloak for her: “After all, he was an old friend of many years. Go see him off.”

Li Rong’s condition made it inconvenient to climb the mountain, so she only visited with Pei Wenxuan and burned a stick of incense for Su Rongqing.

Su Rongqing had no corpse. He had been burned to ash in the palace, so Su Ronghua buried him with his cap and robes.

When Li Rong came, Su Ronghua personally led Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan on a tour of the Su residence. As they walked, he told them stories of Su Rongqing’s childhood.

“When I was young, I didn’t behave. Father saw and knew I was spoiled. So he strictly disciplined Rongqing. Every morning, he had to recite the family precepts before the ancestral hall. Every day, he had to listen to Father emphasize that he was the young family master and should regard the Su clan’s prosperity or decline as the most important matter in his life.”

Su Ronghua led Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan across a small bridge to the ancestral hall.

Before the ancestral hall, candlelight flickered. The Su family’s ancestral tablets were arrayed above.

The newest one belonged to Su Rongqing.

Su Ronghua stopped before the ancestral hall. He looked at it for a long while before speaking in a low, hoarse voice: “I’m the one who harmed him.”

If he hadn’t evaded responsibility in his youth and could have resisted to the end, Su Minzhi wouldn’t have been so harsh with Su Rongqing.

If he could have guided his younger brother more, Su Rongqing wouldn’t have walked this path to destruction.

He stood before the ancestral hall. After a long while, he came to his senses, smiled, then led the two forward, saying apologetically: “Sorry, I was overcome with emotion for a moment.”

With that, he quickly led them to the next location.

Several days after Su Rongqing’s burial, the entire Su clan moved away from Hua Jing.

Then the new dynasty truly began.

Less than two months after the new dynasty began, it welcomed its first joyous occasion. That Princess who wielded power over the court got married again.

The groom was still the same one as before.

This time, Princess Pingle’s status was even higher, and the man marrying her was already Great Xia’s youngest chancellor.

Thus, their wedding was even more grand than the first time.

This time, Pei Wenxuan personally arrived at the palace gates to receive Li Rong. He watched as the palace gates slowly opened wide. Li Rong wore her wedding robes, held a golden round fan covering half her face, and knelt sitting on a jade-carved imperial palanquin.

As light gauze danced, her face was vaguely visible. Her eyes held a smile. Across the crowd, she quietly gazed at him.

Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but smile. He raised his hand in salute and declared loudly: “This subject, Pei Wenxuan, respectfully welcomes the phoenix carriage!”

A parasol tree planted finally brings the phoenix home.

Fireworks suddenly burst. Petals hidden within the fireworks scattered and flew through spring in Hua Jing.

Everyone raised their heads to watch petals drift everywhere. Lin Feibai turned to look at Shangguan Ya beside him, smiling as she saw Li Rong off.

Her eyes were full of smiles. Lin Feibai remained silent for a long while before suddenly speaking: “Shangguan Ya.”

“Mm?”

“Have you ever loved anyone?”

Shangguan Ya pondered silently. Lin Feibai smiled and suddenly spoke: “Forget it. We shouldn’t delay each other.”

With that, Lin Feibai took a deck of leaf cards from his bosom and handed them to Shangguan Ya: “I’m returning these to you. Thank you and Her Highness for saving me back then.”

“You…”

Shangguan Ya hesitated. Lin Feibai didn’t look at her. The two walked along the main street, following Li Rong’s carriage. Lin Feibai wore a smile: “I can tell Su Ronghua is someone who would die for you.”

With that, Lin Feibai turned to look at her, his sword-like brows raised: “But this lord’s life is precious. I won’t die for any woman, so I won’t delay you two.”

“The marriage matter is forgotten. Anyway, I never sent betrothal gifts. Let’s act as if nothing happened. I plan to return to the southwest. The girls there are passionate and straightforward, much more refreshing than you sour girls in Hua Jing.”

Shangguan Ya didn’t speak. After a long while, her voice hoarse, she said: “Thank you.”

After Li Rong’s wedding, Lin Feibai left Hua Jing.

Xun Chuan saw that the time was right and also decided to return to the northwest.

Li Rong and Shangguan Ya saw her off from Hua Jing. Shangguan Ya was rather reluctant: “You haven’t been back long and you’re leaving again. Isn’t it good to stay in Hua Jing?”

“Hua Jing doesn’t belong to me.” Xun Chuan looked at Li Rong, her face bearing a smile. “After traveling many roads, I don’t want to stay circling one city.”

“However,” Xun Chuan thought for a moment and smiled again, “from now on, I’ll come back every year to see you both.”

“Good,” Shangguan Ya nodded. “Marry soon and bring one more person back.”

Xun Chuan smiled and only said: “Alright, I’ll try. Then…” Xun Chuan raised her eyes to look at the two young women. “Shall I take my leave?”

“Before you leave, I’ll give you something.” Li Rong smiled and took an appointment document from her sleeve.

“This time you received the title of General Pacifying the North. I haven’t given you the appointment document yet.”

With that, she handed the document to Xun Chuan: “Look at it.”

Xun Chuan was somewhat bewildered, not understanding what there was to see in such a thing. She opened the document and finally saw three characters: Qin Zhenzhen.

She had thought she would never reclaim her name in this lifetime. At this moment, she finally took it back.

“Go now.”

Li Rong raised her hand and patted her shoulder: “From now on, you are yourself. Live for yourself.”

Xun Chuan thanked Li Rong. Without saying more, she rode her horse away from Hua Jing.

Li Chuan stood atop North Yan Pagoda, gazing into the distance, watching one person on one horse departing far from Hua Jing.

Everything seemed to have settled into place.

In the winter of the first year of Dexu, Li Rong gave birth to her first child. The child was a princess. Li Chuan was extremely fond of her and specially granted her the surname Li, naming her Li Xi.

On the day of Li Xi’s full month celebration, Pei Wenxuan held a banquet for her. After the lively ceremony, at night he held Li Xi while chatting with Li Rong who lay on the couch.

“Qin Lin sent a battle report saying fighting has started up north again. Fortunately, confiscating the Wang and Gu families’ assets can tide us over for a while, but this isn’t a long-term solution. We need to think of something.”

As Pei Wenxuan spoke, he patted the child. Li Rong saw it was time to feed, put down her documents, took the child into her arms, and patted her, her voice very soft: “You want to reform again? Have you figured out how?”

Pei Wenxuan pondered for a moment, thinking: “We need to find a way to make them pay taxes. The imperial examination system isn’t a matter of one or two days. If they don’t pay taxes or surrender land, they’ll always have money. With money comes more land, with more land comes more troops, money, and power. This ultimately isn’t a solution.”

“I actually have an idea. I’ve been thinking about it for a long while.”

Pei Wenxuan watched Li Xi gulping down milk and couldn’t help feeling somewhat thirsty himself. He took some tea and drank it to calm himself: “What idea?”

“The legitimate eldest son inherits the title, but property can be divided equally among legitimate and illegitimate sons. As long as an illegitimate son proposes dividing the family, after division, they must pay taxes according to law.”

As soon as the words fell, Pei Wenxuan choked on his water.

He coughed urgently, but while coughing, he understood Li Rong’s meaning.

The foundation of aristocratic families lay in land and property. Land and property had always been inherited by the legitimate eldest son through the primogeniture system. Except for cases like Su Ronghua who gave up inheritance rights, generally all property was inherited by the legitimate eldest son, and everyone else in the family depended on the property heir.

This directly led to the long-term preservation of aristocratic family wealth, each generation more prosperous than the last.

However, if illegitimate sons could divide property equally, and divided property was taxed according to law, this would invisibly cut and weaken aristocratic families. Originally a hundred mu of land wasn’t taxed, but after four brothers divided it, only twenty-five mu remained untaxed. After several generations, aristocratic family power could be fundamentally weakened through property.

Although illegitimate sons had low status in families, people were still people. After long association, there were feelings. Though their status was low, they still held some power. Like in the Pei family, although Pei Liming was an illegitimate son, with family support he still became Minister of Justice. Once given legal grounds, capable illegitimate sons would definitely find ways to execute this.

Previously, suppressing aristocratic families created conflicts between the imperial family and aristocrats. This method placed the conflict between legitimate and illegitimate sons. Rather than overthrowing Li Rong and contending with her, they would fight internally with their own illegitimate sons.

But whether they fought or not, it was ultimately the aristocratic families’ internal matter.

Combined with the imperial examination system and other methods, within three generations, aristocratic families would likely no longer have today’s glory.

Once Pei Wenxuan understood, he recovered and couldn’t help but ask: “How did you think of such a method?”

“You used to often tell me that behind power and position lies human nature,” Li Rong said. Seeing Li Xi finish drinking, she gently patted Li Xi’s back and spoke softly. “When Rongqing left, he told me the greatest weakness of aristocratic families lies in legitimate and illegitimate succession. He came from the most orthodox aristocratic family background. What he said naturally has its reasoning. Thinking more from these people’s perspective, it becomes clear.”

“I told you this,” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “yet I didn’t think of it myself.”

“You’re a good person and a legitimate eldest son,” Li Rong raised her head and smiled at him. “It’s normal you couldn’t figure out these things. I couldn’t understand others before either. Ever since…”

Li Rong paused. Pei Wenxuan understood.

The life and death of the previous life was her threshold. After collapsing and standing up again, that was her rebirth.

Pei Wenxuan raised his hand to hold Li Rong’s and spoke softly: “I understand.”

Li Rong lowered her head with a smile: “Ever since I argued with Chuan’er about that matter, I’ve been able to think more from others’ perspectives. If you think this is feasible, then let’s decide on it.”

Pei Wenxuan naturally had no objections. So the next day, to celebrate Li Xi’s birth, Li Rong issued an “Equitable Favor Decree.”

When the Equitable Favor Decree came out, discerning people all understood the intent of this decree. In court, everyone argued fiercely. Pei Wenxuan was the decree’s promoter and often personally came forward, arguing endlessly with other ministers.

Li Rong attended court with her child, sitting behind a curtain listening to their arguments.

Sometimes when their arguments grew loud, they would frighten Li Xi. Li Xi would cry loudly. Hearing the child cry, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t care about arguing with them anymore. He turned and walked directly behind the curtain to help Li Rong hold the child.

The child was strange—Li Rong couldn’t soothe her, but once Pei Wenxuan held her, she stopped crying.

Helpless, Pei Wenxuan could only carry the child out, patting Li Xi’s back while continuing to argue with the minister who had been disputing with him: “What you just said is utterly absurd. This benefits aristocratic families. They should be grateful. If you don’t believe me, why not have everyone state their position and see if aristocratic family disciples are willing or unwilling.”

Though Pei Wenxuan’s words were stern, his tone had softened considerably, as if fearing to startle Li Xi. Hearing his softened voice, the minister couldn’t continue arguing.

After several such rounds, no one wanted to argue further in court.

After all, everyone understood in their hearts that the Equitable Favor Decree was a clear and obvious stratagem. Li Rong had seized the aristocratic families’ vital point—they simply couldn’t resist.

Previously, policies suppressing aristocratic families were argued between humble clans and aristocrats. But now this policy had aristocratic families themselves arguing.

From central to local levels, legitimate and illegitimate sons used all their skills. Less than five years after the Equitable Favor Decree was issued, large and small clans nationwide divided in scattered fashion, and the national treasury also became abundant.

After this, Li Rong gradually restricted the recommendation system, promoted humble families, and vigorously pushed the imperial examination system.

In the south, she controlled floods. In the north, she resisted foreign enemies.

Step by step, she removed poison and healed Great Xia’s wounds.

During these years, Li Chuan often disguised himself as an ordinary commoner and traveled everywhere. In the third year of Dexu, Li Chuan said he wanted to go north.

Hearing this, Li Rong had a huge argument with him. Pei Wenxuan was still working in the palace. Hearing the two arguing, he hurried back to mediate. Through the palace gates, he could hear the siblings cursing at each other.

Li Rong scolded Li Chuan for seeking death, saying if something happened outside, he shouldn’t give his name. If a national sovereign was kidnapped, she couldn’t afford to lose face and didn’t want to pay ransom.

Li Chuan just packed his luggage while muttering: “I didn’t ask you to ransom me either. If someone kidnaps me, just say you don’t know me and let them tear up the ticket.”

These words made Li Rong’s blood surge. Pei Wenxuan quickly supported Li Rong and scolded Li Chuan inside for her: “Your Majesty, your words are too willful. How could Her Highness possibly ignore you? If you’re kidnapped, remember to tell them your brother-in-law is a wealthy merchant who can pay one hundred taels of gold to ransom you.”

“Brother-in-law is still the best.”

Hearing this, Li Chuan immediately became happy. He poked his head out from the doorway and said with a smile: “I’ll bring you a gift.”

“Pei Wenxuan!”

Li Rong shouted. Pei Wenxuan quickly said: “If they ask for too much money, don’t write back. Just let them tear up the ticket.”

Li Chuan: “…”

With Pei Wenxuan’s teasing, the atmosphere between the siblings eased considerably. But Li Rong still kept a stern face: “You can go anywhere within Great Xia’s borders, but you can’t leave.”

“Elder Sister,” Li Chuan smiled bitterly, “you said I could choose my own life.”

“But now you’re choosing to die!”

“Elder Sister,” Li Chuan smiled, “I just want to do what I want to do. I want to go north to see what’s there, where the northern tribes are, whether there’s anything good in the north. I’ve lived in Hua Jing for over twenty years. I want to go out and see.”

“What if…”

“What if I die,” Li Chuan’s voice was calm, “then I won’t have wasted this life.”

Li Rong couldn’t speak. She stared at Li Chuan. Pei Wenxuan held Li Rong’s hand and gently urged her: “Your Highness, His Majesty will be fine. He’s not a child anymore.”

“Get lost!”

Li Rong wiped away tears and turned to leave.

That night, Li Chuan left the palace.

Half a year later, Li Rong received news from Xun Chuan in the northwest, saying she had escorted Li Chuan out of Great Xia to the north.

After that, there was no more news of the two.

Li Rong often sat alone in Li Chuan’s palace for a long time before leaving. Sometimes she blamed Pei Wenxuan for letting Li Chuan leave. But whenever she wanted to say something, she would remember the previous life.

She had decided everything for Li Chuan, and thus personally killed the youth named Li Chuan.

Each person could only do well for themselves. They couldn’t decide others’ life choices, nor could they understand whether choices were right or wrong for individuals—only they themselves knew.

In the fourth year of Dexu, Li Rong had another boy, named Pei Qingyun.

In the seventh year of Dexu, Li Rong suddenly received news that Qin Zhenzhen had returned to Hua Jing.

The moment she heard the news, she ran wildly from the high seat all the way to the palace gates. At the palace entrance, she saw a young man and woman standing there.

The young man appeared twenty-four or twenty-five, with some stubble on his face. He looked travel-worn but his smile was unrestrained and bold.

The girl beside him wore black and carried a sword, like a silent guardian, quietly standing by his side.

Li Rong didn’t dare step forward. After a long while, she heard the young man speak gently: “Elder Sister.”

Over four years, Li Chuan had mapped the entire northern territory, determined the locations and relationships of northern tribes, and brought back new seeds and spices from the north.

Besides this, he also brought back a child named Li Xun.

He and Qin Zhenzhen didn’t stay in Hua Jing long. After leaving the northern map, the two left with Li Xun. Before leaving, Li Rong and Li Chuan talked all night. She hoped to keep Li Xun, but Li Chuan only smiled: “Elder Sister, I don’t stay in Hua Jing because I’m afraid we’ll have conflicts. If you keep Xun’er in Hua Jing, won’t you and Xun’er have conflicts?”

Li Rong suddenly stopped. Li Chuan sighed: “Moreover, I’m not suited to this place. Xun’er isn’t suited either. Let it be.”

Not long after obtaining the northern map, Shangguan Xu retired to his hometown. Pei Wenxuan became Left Chancellor, and Shangguan Ya was promoted to Right Chancellor.

As Great Xia’s first female chancellor, on Shangguan Ya’s first day in office, she submitted a memorial proposing northern expedition.

At this time, Great Xia had rested and recovered for many years. The military was strong and the nation prosperous. After Shangguan Ya proposed it, no one in court opposed.

Li Rong decided to personally lead Shangguan Ya on a northern campaign.

The night she made this decision, Pei Wenxuan walked back and forth at her door for a long time. Li Rong saw someone pacing outside. With a “bang,” she opened the door. Pei Wenxuan was startled. Li Rong stared at him: “If you have something to say, say it.”

“I was just thinking,” Pei Wenxuan’s expression was somewhat strained, “Xi’er and Qingyun are still young. They depend on their mother. How about… how about I go on the northern expedition in your place?”

Li Rong didn’t speak. She quietly watched the two little ones stumble in. Li Xi ran ahead, shouting at Pei Wenxuan: “Daddy, Daddy, come play with us.”

With that, the two children ran before Pei Wenxuan, each hugging one leg and looking up at him.

Pei Wenxuan’s face showed bitterness. He spoke with difficulty: “They depend on you more, really.”

Li Rong smiled and lowered her head. She extended her hand and embraced Pei Wenxuan.

“Don’t worry. I won’t go to the battlefield.”

“I just want to see.”

“I want to see Great Xia’s mountains and rivers, see the people’s suffering. I can’t sit forever in Hua Jing, can I?”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t speak. One adult and two children all clung to him. Li Rong raised her eyes to look at him: “Besides, I depend on you too. I’ll definitely come back.”

Hearing Li Rong act so coquettish, Pei Wenxuan felt helpless. He sighed and could only embrace Li Rong, speaking softly: “Alright, go.”

He prepared all logistics for her. Li Rong and Shangguan Ya headed north.

With Li Rong personally present, morale soared. Li Rong and Shangguan Ya sat at the front lines while Qin Lin and Qin Zhenzhen led the army deep into northern territory, determined to take the northern court and completely pacify the north.

News of the northern expedition spread throughout Great Xia. Su Ronghua sat at home. Hearing that Right Chancellor Shangguan Ya had personally come north to oversee the war, he sat in his room, stunned for a long while. He stood up, grabbed his outer garment, and quickly instructed others: “Prepare all the grain in the warehouse. I’m taking it to the northwest.”

The northern expedition lasted a full two years.

But in the first half year, after conquering the royal court, Li Rong returned early with Shangguan Ya.

Not long after returning, Su Ronghua proposed marriage to the Shangguan clan.

Though the Su clan no longer had its former glory, the wedding still caused a sensation in the court. On the wedding night, Shangguan Ya lifted her fan and looked at the young man before her: “All these years, I thought you would never come back.”

“I originally didn’t want to come back,” Su Ronghua smiled, “but seeing Miss Shangguan waiting for me, I dared not disregard the young lady’s feelings.”

“Nonsense.” Shangguan Ya scoffed. “I’m busy with official duties and have no mind for romance. Tell me honestly—you didn’t come before but come now. Did you fall for my chancellor status?”

Hearing this, Su Ronghua couldn’t help but laugh. He leaned casually against the bed and nodded: “Yes, yes, yes. I fell for your noble status and specially came to climb high branches.”

Hearing his mockery, Shangguan Ya snorted coldly and turned her head away.

Su Ronghua didn’t speak. He quietly watched her for a long while.

“I originally thought that since Princess Pingle was weakening aristocratic clans, the Su clan had once been rebellious. Even retiring to one region, we’d probably trouble Her Highness. Our two families marrying would cause you trouble.”

Shangguan Ya listened without speaking. Su Ronghua lowered his head: “But hearing you went north, thinking that one day you might die somewhere I couldn’t see, I suddenly felt—let me be selfish and cause you some trouble.”

“I hope my wife,” Su Ronghua crouched before Shangguan Ya and raised his head, “won’t blame me.”

“I won’t.” Shangguan Ya’s voice was calm. “You don’t know what kind of person Her Highness is.”

“What kind of person?”

“She’s not like previous monarchs. What she holds in her heart is all under heaven, not power schemes.”

“With her here,” Shangguan Ya raised her hand and gently placed it on Su Ronghua’s face, “as long as you love me, we can be together forever.”

This might not be the best era.

It still had many criticized flaws.

But it was like a switch. Someone used blood and their entire life to forcefully press this historical button.

For destiny, for freedom, for dignity, pushing history reluctantly forward.

In the fourteenth year of Dexu, ministers argued endlessly over the heir issue, demanding that if Li Chuan didn’t plan to marry, he should adopt an imperial clan member as heir.

Li Rong found Li Chuan for a detailed discussion. After talking all night, they finally reached a conclusion.

The virtuous Emperor Li Chuan, who had been absent from court for fourteen years, abdicated due to illness and passed the throne to Princess Li Rong.

Li Rong became Great Xia’s first female emperor, changing the era name to Xinqian, and appointed Princess Li Xi as heir.

Li Xi was born into the court. Though only fourteen now, she had already followed Li Rong in court for many years.

Regarding this result, ministers weren’t surprised. But privately, they still urged Li Rong: “Your Highness ascending the throne is what everyone hopes for, but making Princess the heir is perhaps improper.”

Hearing this, Li Rong lowered her head without speaking. Two months later, Li Rong heard that those officials who hadn’t allowed Li Xi to become heir had all changed their stance. As for how they changed, she didn’t ask Li Xi.

Pei Wenxuan came to discuss this matter with her, still quite worried: “Having Xi’er become heir is still too radical.”

“That depends on her.”

Li Rong smiled: “Do you think not making her heir isn’t radical?”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan was momentarily stunned. Over these years, Li Rong’s grasp of human nature had become increasingly accurate. He was somewhat uncertain for a moment.

After Li Xi becoming heir was settled, Li Rong held an investiture ceremony for her.

On the day of the grand ceremony, Li Rong received a gift sent from afar. The gift was sent in by Su Ronghua. There was no sender’s name, nor any indication of what it was.

Li Rong opened the box and saw inside was a book and a map.

This was a complete map of southern waterways, along with notes organizing river management plans, plus suggestions for managing southern floods and engineering construction diagrams.

The content was extremely detailed. Someone must have spent most of their life pouring their heart and soul into writing it.

Li Rong looked at the familiar handwriting. After a long while, she smiled lightly and closed the map.

That evening, Li Rong lay in bed with Pei Wenxuan. Li Rong asked softly: “Back then, why did you let him go?”

“First, I thought it was a pity. Second…” Pei Wenxuan pillowed his hands behind his head and smiled lightly. “If he had died then, wouldn’t you have remembered him forever? I’m very petty.” Pei Wenxuan turned to look at her. “I didn’t want to leave him even a tiny bit of space.”

Hearing his words, Li Rong smiled: “I know how petty you are. Did you instigate the Censorate singing contrary to me today?”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan’s body stiffened. He quickly turned to face away from her: “It’s late. Don’t overthink. Sleep quickly.”

“I say, Pei Wenxuan,” seeing his attitude, Li Rong suddenly reacted, “did you stop cherishing me once you got me?”

“Your Majesty,” Pei Wenxuan quickly turned around to remind her, “there’s still morning court tomorrow. Very tired. Sleep quickly.”

“No,” Li Rong felt she had encountered a major matter, “you explain clearly to me. Were those Censorate people today instigated by you? Why do you oppose me? Pei Wenxuan, do you not want to continue?”

“Auntie…” Hearing Li Rong’s capricious questioning, Pei Wenxuan nearly cried. “The Censorate has nothing to do with me. Sleep quickly please…”

The two argued noisily in the night. Li Xi and Pei Qingyun, who had come to find Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan, stood at the door. After a moment, Li Xi decisively led her brother away: “Come another day. They’ve already gone to bed.”

Hearing Li Xi’s words, Pei Qingyun frowned: “Sister, I heard them arguing inside. Will they divorce?”

“They won’t.” Li Xi was very calm. “This is them cultivating feelings.”

Li Xi understood her parents deeply. They often argued like this, then embraced after arguing. She was used to it.

Pei Qingyun still wasn’t reassured. The next day after Li Rong finished court, he went to find them again. As a result, as soon as he arrived, a book flew directly out of the room. Li Rong shouted inside: “Get out! Get out! You didn’t give me face today, so we won’t continue.”

“Just talk if you want to talk,” Pei Wenxuan retreated while covering his face, “why get physical? What if people see?”

“Get out!”

Li Rong slammed the door with a “bang”: “We agreed that if either got the upper hand we’d divorce. I’ll write the divorce papers right now and fulfill your wish!”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan was about to retort when he suddenly realized someone was beside him.

He turned his head and saw Pei Qingyun staring blankly at him.

Pei Wenxuan felt somewhat awkward. He straightened up and coughed lightly: “Qingyun, you…”

Before he finished, Pei Qingyun turned and ran.

Pei Wenxuan froze. He looked at Li Rong’s door, wanted to say something, but felt it was somewhat unspeakable.

Aggrieved, no face.

He held it in for a while, then swept his sleeves and turned toward his study.

His study happened to overlook Li Rong’s side window. He saw Li Rong inside writing furiously.

Pei Qingyun ran all the way to Li Xi’s room and urgently pulled Li Xi: “Sister, trouble! Go look quickly. Father and Mother are divorcing. They don’t want us anymore!”

Li Xi was very calm but was still dragged out by Pei Qingyun. As she walked, she said nonchalantly: “Calm down. Walk slowly. Don’t panic.”

The two children rushed toward the imperial study. Pei Wenxuan couldn’t sit still in the room. He finally stood up and went to Li Rong’s door, knocking.

Li Rong didn’t speak. Pei Wenxuan knocked again.

Annoyed by his disturbance, Li Rong suddenly opened the door: “What else?”

“That is,” Pei Wenxuan coughed lightly and turned away, somewhat stiffly saying, “I was thinking, the children are so big now… let’s not write divorce papers. Just make do?”

With that, Pei Wenxuan forced a smile: “Otherwise, how sad would the children be?”

“You’re right.” Li Rong kept a stern face. “For the children’s sake, let’s just make do.”

Hearing Li Rong’s contrary words, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but smile.

He always felt the girl before him, no matter her age, was like a child.

He looked down at her and couldn’t help but pull her into his embrace: “So can I sleep in the bed tonight?”

Li Rong turned away, ignoring him. Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but lower his head and kiss her. Just as he was about to say something, he heard Pei Qingyun shout: “Ah!”

Pei Wenxuan was startled and let go. The two quickly separated, pretended to be composed and paused, then turned to look at the two children standing at the doorway.

Li Xi respectfully bowed: “This child and Qingyun were wandering here by chance and disturbed Father and Mother. Please forgive us. This child will take Qingyun and withdraw first.”

With that, Li Xi pulled the dazed Pei Qingyun away.

After the two children stepped out of the palace, Pei Qingyun finally reacted: “So, will they still divorce?”

“Divorce?” Li Xi scoffed mockingly. “Since I was born, how many divorce papers have they written? Don’t worry. They can’t separate.”

“With those two, give them two more lifetimes, three lifetimes, life after life—they still can’t separate.”

Some love crosses mountains and rivers. Some love crosses time.

And some love crosses life and faith, tempered a thousand times, never to part.

[The End]