Hearing Shangguan Ya’s voice, both Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were startled. Pei Wenxuan glanced around and quietly reminded Li Rong, “This place isn’t far from the gambling house.”

Li Rong nodded. This location was indeed close to the gambling house, with taverns and teahouses all around. Shangguan Ya was dressed in men’s clothing—she’d probably just finished gambling and come here to eat.

Li Rong calmed down somewhat and instructed Pei Wenxuan in a low voice, “You go find people, and also send someone to the mansion to summon… summon Xun Chuan. I’ll wait with Shangguan Ya at that tavern over there.”

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged and went his separate way with the person beside him.

Shangguan Ya walked to Li Rong’s side, raised her eyes to look at the Ministry of Justice gate, and smiled: “Here on business?”

“You’re here to eat?”

“That’s right.” Shangguan Ya said casually, “Didn’t eat at noon. I’m starving. If Your Highness has nothing pressing, why not join me?”

“Sounds good.”

Li Rong smiled, descended from the carriage, and walked with Shangguan Ya toward the tavern she’d indicated to Pei Wenxuan. Shangguan Ya walked shoulder to shoulder with Li Rong, saying quietly, “The Qin family case has been decided. Your Highness should have received the edict to establish the Supervisory Bureau today, right?”

“I did,” Li Rong glanced back at the Ministry of Justice, saying flatly, “The little devils are hard to deal with.”

“So what does Your Highness plan to do?” Shangguan Ya clasped her hands behind her back, looking in the direction Pei Wenxuan had departed. “You don’t seem to intend to enter the palace to impeach them?”

“What would be the point of impeaching them?” Li Rong laughed quietly. “If I can’t even handle the little devils and have to enter the palace to get someone else to intervene, I’m afraid Father Emperor will revoke my position by tomorrow.”

“Then what does Your Highness plan to do?” Shangguan Ya raised her eyebrows. Li Rong entered the tavern with her, saying nonchalantly, “Just wait and watch the show.”

Shangguan Ya nodded: “Alright.”

The two ordered a private room on the second floor. After entering, Shangguan Ya picked up the menu and rattled off dish names before turning to look at Li Rong. Li Rong sat by the window, gazing toward the Ministry of Justice, twirling the fan in her hand.

Shangguan Ya poured herself tea, finding it somewhat odd: “I think I saw the Prince Consort earlier. What did you send him to do?”

“Summon some people.”

Hearing Shangguan Ya’s question, Li Rong turned back and looked her up and down, finding it strange: “You gamble outside like this every day. Your family doesn’t know?”

“They haven’t discovered it yet.” Shangguan Ya shrugged. “Or maybe they have discovered it but it’s not a big deal, so they let it be.”

“Having a daughter like you, your father must have a perpetual headache.”

Li Rong laughed. Shangguan Ya extended one finger, wagging it: “You’ve got it wrong. Having such a clever and resourceful daughter like me, my father should be delighted.”

As the two talked, the dishes were served. Shangguan Ya buried her head in eating while Li Rong, seeing her eat with such relish, sat to the side and added a few bites with her chopsticks.

The two ate while chatting casually. After finishing their meal, somehow the conversation turned to Li Rong’s marriage. The two sat in chairs by the window, watching people come and go below. Shangguan Ya held a cup of tea, saying carelessly, “Outsiders see your marriage as well-matched, but those of us with eyes can clearly see that Pei Wenxuan’s status is a bit low. I thought you’d look down on him, but unexpectedly your relationship seems quite good.”

Hearing this, Li Rong smiled: “He’s actually quite decent.”

“Indeed,” Shangguan Ya nodded. “He’s good-looking with a good temperament. However, Your Highness,” Shangguan Ya put down her teacup and leaned close to her, speaking quietly, “there’s something I’m especially curious about.”

“Mm?”

“You two,” Shangguan Ya’s voice grew even softer, “have you consummated the marriage?”

Hearing this, Li Rong raised her eyes to look at Shangguan Ya, raising her eyebrows: “Why do you ask?”

“Your Highness,” Shangguan Ya was somewhat embarrassed, “though I haven’t eaten pork, I’ve seen pigs run. You and the Prince Consort are newlyweds, inseparable every day, and your relationship isn’t bad. Yet your words and actions show no intimacy whatsoever. When you walk together, you still maintain some distance. The way you look at each other is frank and open. To be honest,” Shangguan Ya sighed, “what’s the difference between the Prince Consort’s relationship with you and my relationship with you?”

Li Rong was momentarily choked by Shangguan Ya’s words.

Shangguan Ya observed people meticulously—Li Rong had known this in her past life. She hadn’t expected that Shangguan Ya not only observed thoroughly in serious matters, but was also interested in such things.

Seeing Li Rong’s expression, Shangguan Ya smiled and retreated to her own seat, quite pleased: “So I really guessed correctly. Don’t worry, Your Highness, I won’t talk nonsense. I’m just curious—what exactly is the relationship between you two?”

Li Rong wasn’t worried about Shangguan Ya knowing these things. Shangguan Ya had a sense of propriety. Since she knew and asked, Li Rong didn’t hide it. Holding her teacup, she smiled: “Just the relationship you mentioned.”

“Mm?”

“Friends.” Li Rong said slowly. “Very good friends.”

“Then,” Shangguan Ya pondered, continuing, “you two can’t be friends for a lifetime, can you?”

“Why not?” Li Rong raised her eyebrows. Shangguan Ya quickly said, “You’ll need to have a child eventually.”

Hearing Shangguan Ya say these things, Li Rong couldn’t help laughing aloud: “You’re so young, and your own marriage isn’t even settled. Why worry about others?”

“Mine will come when fate allows.” Shangguan Ya said indifferently. “Anyway, my family has plenty of children. Honestly, if I don’t meet someone I like, I’d rather stay in my own home. In the future, I can just adopt a child from one of those concubines’ branches and put them under my name. But you’re different,” Shangguan Ya quickly said. “You and the Prince Consort are already married. If you plan to spend your whole life this way, what about the Prince Consort?”

“Haven’t you considered,” seeing Shangguan Ya’s entire train of thought had gone astray, Li Rong smiled, “that the Prince Consort and I might one day make our own choices?”

Hearing this, Shangguan Ya was stunned for a moment, then asked in surprise: “You’re planning to divorce in the future?!”

“Why not?” Li Rong spread her hands, frank and open. “He’s someone who values family. I could spend my whole life alone without caring, but in his heart, he needs someone to accompany him. I won’t delay him. Moreover, there are so many handsome gentlemen in this world—why must I set my sights on such a good friend? After all, men are easy to find…”

“But sisters are hard to come by.” Shangguan Ya finished the sentence, understanding Li Rong’s words. The two smiled in tacit understanding. Shangguan Ya said happily, “Does Your Highness have a candidate for the next one in mind? At Your Highness’s age, the good young masters are pretty much all at marriageable age now. If Your Highness doesn’t make a move, the range of choices might shrink considerably in the future.”

“What you’ve said, I’m also considering.”

Li Rong said slowly, “But court matters are more important right now. I’ll think about these things later. If there’s no one suitable, what’s wrong with keeping a few male companions?”

Shangguan Ya nodded. Just then, there was a knock at the door, followed by a low, hoarse voice: “Your Highness, this subordinate Xun Chuan, arriving by command.”

Hearing the voice, Li Rong nodded and said directly, “Come in.”

As her words fell, a youth wearing a half-iron mask entered.

He wasn’t particularly tall, but his entire frame was well-proportioned, making him appear slender. For a man, his build was on the lean side. He stood in the room neither servile nor overbearing, bowing respectfully to Shangguan Ya: “Young Master.”

Shangguan Ya looked him up and down, then glanced at Li Rong. Li Rong introduced: “This is one of my subordinates, Supervisory Bureau’s Xun Chuan.”

Shangguan Ya nodded and cupped her hands toward Xun Chuan: “First meeting. I am of the Shangguan family.”

“Sit. The Prince Consort will bring people over shortly.”

Hearing this, Xun Chuan acknowledged and, without being overly reserved, sat in a chair to the side.

Li Rong touched her teacup, saying slowly, “Shortly, the Prince Consort will bring several people. Those people are new arrivals and probably won’t be very obedient. If they don’t act when the time comes, you lead them into action. Understand?”

“Understood.”

The youth responded, seeming very clear on the matter.

The five hundred people in the Supervisory Bureau were all selected by Li Rong over the past few days. Their abilities were good, but naturally, people with good abilities also understood the current situation—probably no one wanted to come in.

Today, Li Rong planned to act directly at the Ministry of Justice, bringing these people along to give them a warning.

After the three waited for a while, they saw Pei Wenxuan arrive with people.

Shangguan Ya said happily, “They’re here, they’re here! Your Highness, can I come watch this excitement too?”

“Find a mask to cover your face.” Li Rong was quite disdainful. “Don’t let anyone recognize you.”

“I have experience with this.” Shangguan Ya quickly pulled out a half-iron mask, rather similar to Xun Chuan’s beside her. Shangguan Ya said seriously, “I keep this on me all the time, just afraid people will recognize me.”

With such thorough preparation, Li Rong felt too embarrassed to tell her not to go.

The three didn’t wait for Pei Wenxuan to come up, but went down together. Pei Wenxuan had just reached the tavern entrance when he saw Li Rong leading two youths wearing half-masks down. Pei Wenxuan was momentarily stunned. After looking left and right for a moment, he suppressed the questions in his heart and said to Li Rong, “Your Highness, the people have arrived.”

“Since they’re here, let’s go.”

Li Rong walked in front, leading everyone to the Ministry of Justice. Just as they reached the entrance, the gatekeepers were about to stop them when Li Rong gave a look. Xun Chuan raised his hand to display the token, lifted his sword to push aside the gatekeeper guards, and said coldly, “Supervisory Bureau conducting business. Step aside.”

“Daring to block Your Highness’s path,” Shangguan Ya called out, “what audacity! Can’t you see the imperial edict?!”

With the two singing in harmony, the path immediately opened. Li Rong entered with a smile, composed and at ease. Pei Wenxuan stood beside Li Rong, saying quietly, “Where did you find these two treasures?”

Li Rong smiled and glanced at Pei Wenxuan: “Aren’t they more useful than you?”

Pei Wenxuan was momentarily choked. The four led a dozen or so bewildered youths straight to the warehouse where case files were stored. Seeing them enter, one of the gatekeepers immediately said, “You guard here. I’ll go find Lord Su.”

Currently, the highest-ranking official stationed at the Ministry of Justice was Su Rongqing. They could only think to find Su Rongqing now.

Li Rong led the group swiftly to the warehouse. Upon seeing Li Rong, the Records Clerk smiled: “Your Highness, did you find Director Gao?”

“I did. He wasn’t there.”

Li Rong smiled. “However, I read through the imperial edict again. Looking left and right, it seems the edict says I should investigate this case and everyone else should fully cooperate. I thought about it—the Supervisory Bureau doesn’t seem to belong to the Ministry of Justice. Why should I follow the Ministry of Justice’s regulations when retrieving case files? Records Clerk, just give them to me directly. If anything goes wrong, this Princess will bear the responsibility.”

“Your Highness,” the Records Clerk smiled apologetically, “you’re making things difficult for this subordinate.”

“The Records Clerk won’t give them to this Princess?” Li Rong smiled and glanced at Pei Wenxuan. “Go.”

Receiving this command, Pei Wenxuan went directly into the warehouse.

In his past life, Pei Wenxuan had spent several years at the Ministry of Justice and was quite familiar with where case files were stored. As soon as Pei Wenxuan entered, the Records Clerk immediately panicked and hurried to stop him. Seeing the Records Clerk chase after him, Xun Chuan directly pressed the Records Clerk against the table with his sword, the blade against the Records Clerk’s throat. He raised his eyes to look at the other guards preparing to act, saying coldly, “Who dares?”

“What are you all standing there for?” Li Rong looked coldly at the dozen or so people frozen in place, slapping her small fan on the table and angrily saying, “You are Supervisory Bureau personnel. Do I still need to tell you what to do?!”

Hearing Li Rong shout sternly, those who had followed hurriedly drew their swords and blocked the warehouse entrance.

Pei Wenxuan slowly searched for the case files inside. The Records Clerk was pressed against the table by Xun Chuan. Li Rong sat to the side, nonchalantly fanning herself. The Records Clerk gasped lowly, trying to persuade: “Your Highness, though this subject holds a lowly position, I am still a court official. Since Your Highness wishes to handle the Qin family case, you should follow the rules. Being so overbearing—even if His Majesty hears of this, he won’t approve.”

“The Records Clerk speaks correctly.” Li Rong nodded, smiling radiantly. “At tomorrow’s morning court, this Princess will await your memorial.”

As Li Rong finished speaking, footsteps sounded outside. In moments, Su Rongqing arrived at the entrance with others. Upon seeing this scene, Su Rongqing frowned: “Your Highness, what are you doing?”

“This Princess came by imperial command to investigate the Qin family case. This Records Clerk has repeatedly made things difficult and came into conflict with this Princess. In his desperation, the Records Clerk attempted to assault this Princess. My subordinate was anxious to protect me—I’ve embarrassed myself before Lord Su.”

With that, Li Rong raised her hand: “Xun Chuan, don’t be rude.”

Hearing Li Rong’s words, Xun Chuan released the Records Clerk. Having just gained his freedom, the Records Clerk immediately rushed toward Su Rongqing, urgently saying, “My lord! They wanted to retrieve case files without authorization and I, following the Ministry of Justice’s internal regulations, was merely doing my duty. The Princess forcibly tried to seize these files. This subordinate never laid a finger on the Princess. I beg my lord to seek justice!”

“Oh, so you’re saying I’m lying.”

As Li Rong spoke, she secretly used the ring on her hand to cut a wound on her arm. Raising it before Su Rongqing, she said rather aggrievedly, “Lord Su, look—this is where he injured me. This Princess is of imperial blood. Would I injure myself to frame him?”

Su Rongqing looked at Li Rong’s wound, stunned for a moment. Li Rong blinked: “Lord Su, wouldn’t you say so?”

Only after Li Rong called him did Su Rongqing come to his senses. The Records Clerk beside him was completely shocked, urgently saying, “Your Highness, so many people are watching here. How can you point at a deer and call it a horse? You…”

“Clerk Chen,” Su Rongqing finally spoke, saying flatly, “Stop talking. You’re injured—go down first.”

With that, Su Rongqing took a white silk handkerchief from his sleeve. With one hand supporting Li Rong’s hand and the other placing the handkerchief over her wound, he tied it with gentle movements. Lowering his eyes, he said flatly, “I trust Your Highness. Your Highness need not show this subject your wound.”

Li Rong hadn’t expected Su Rongqing to be so accommodating and froze in place. Pei Wenxuan had found the case files and happily turned back, only to see Su Rongqing bandaging Li Rong’s wound while Li Rong stared at him blankly.

Pei Wenxuan felt as if something had violently stabbed his heart. For a moment, he actually felt somewhat rigid.

Su Rongqing finished bandaging Li Rong’s wound and said quietly, “The Minister isn’t usually at the Ministry of Justice. Daily affairs are under my supervision. If Your Highness has any troubles, you can come directly to this subject. There’s no need to make things difficult for subordinates.”

“Mm.”

Hearing Su Rongqing speak calmly, Li Rong’s emotions also settled down. Pei Wenxuan walked behind Li Rong with the case files, saying quietly, “Your Highness, I’ve found the files.”

“Since they’re found,” Su Rongqing’s voice was flat, “then this subject will see Your Highness out.”

“With so many people,” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “there’s no need to trouble Lord Su. We’ve disturbed the Ministry of Justice’s peace—I hope Lord Su will forgive us.”

Hearing Pei Wenxuan’s words, Su Rongqing raised his eyes to look at him: “Your Highness is the Supervisory Bureau’s Director. Being here is perfectly proper. I wonder what position Lord Pei holds, barging into the Ministry of Justice like this today?”

“Your Highness is new to court affairs. There are many matters that still require guidance. As Your Highness’s husband, entrusted by Her Highness, I’m here helping Her Highness. Is there a problem with that?”

Su Rongqing looked coldly at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan quietly stood in place. After a moment, Su Rongqing said flatly, “Since Lord Pei finds nothing wrong with it, at tomorrow’s morning court, we’ll see what His Majesty says.”

“This subject awaits Lord Su.”

Pei Wenxuan cupped his hands in salute, turned to Li Rong and said, “Your Highness, let’s go.”

“Then…” Li Rong was about to bow to Su Rongqing when Pei Wenxuan suddenly grabbed her. Before Li Rong could react, she was pulled out directly.

The remaining people were all somewhat bewildered. Shangguan Ya’s eyes darted around, looking at everyone.

Xun Chuan sheathed her sword, walked to Shangguan Ya’s side, and said flatly, “Stop looking. Let’s go.”

With that, she led the group out. Shangguan Ya smiled and bowed to Su Rongqing before chasing after Li Rong.

Pei Wenxuan dragged Li Rong out the door. Li Rong finally spoke, both crying and laughing: “What’s gotten into you? Su Rongqing said he’d impeach you and you get this angry? Alright, stop pulling me forward—the others are still behind us.”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan finally stopped. His expression wasn’t good. Turning around, he said only, “Is your hand alright?”

“What could be wrong?”

Li Rong watched Pei Wenxuan lift her hand and examine it seriously. Li Rong smiled: “Just now I used my ring to make a small scratch. It’s not a big deal.”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. He stared at the white silk on Li Rong’s hand. Shangguan Ya and Xun Chuan led the group out. Shangguan Ya smiled: “Your Highness, we’ve obtained the case files. Mission accomplished.”

“Right, where are you heading now?”

“I need to go back.”

Shangguan Ya thought for a moment, then said, “Why don’t Your Highness see me off?”

“Alright.”

Li Rong knew Shangguan Ya had something to say. She turned to Xun Chuan: “You take them back to the Princess Mansion first. I’ll return shortly.”

Xun Chuan raised her hand in salute. Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan led Shangguan Ya onto the carriage. After the three were seated, Shangguan Ya said, “Take me to Juxian Teahouse. I’ll head back from there.”

“You’re putting on quite a show.”

Shangguan Ya smiled without speaking.

Pei Wenxuan paid no attention to the two young ladies’ conversation. He pulled Li Rong’s hand over, carefully untied Su Rongqing’s white silk, lifted his hand and tossed it aside. He examined Li Rong’s wound. After confirming it wasn’t serious, he took water and ointment from the side and treated her wound.

Shangguan Ya watched the two interact. After a moment, she withdrew her gaze and said slowly, “Your Highness, I’ll make this brief. These words may be presumptuous, but they’re just a suggestion.”

“Speak.”

“If, according to what Your Highness said today, Your Highness is actually looking for a suitable next candidate, why not Su Rongqing?”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan’s movements froze. Li Rong raised her eyebrows as she heard Shangguan Ya analyze: “Observing Lord Su’s expression today, he doesn’t seem entirely without feelings for Your Highness. If Your Highness can win Lord Su over now, many matters will be much more convenient in the future.”

“What do you mean?” Pei Wenxuan looked coldly at Shangguan Ya. Shangguan Ya smiled apologetically: “I’ve offended Lord Pei. Today I already heard from the Princess about your future plans, so I’m offering a suggestion. If Your Highness is interested, whether in character, talent, appearance, family background, or status, Lord Su couldn’t be more suitable for Your Highness. Why not act now and secure Lord Su first? This both wins over Lord Su’s position, making the Supervisory Bureau’s establishment smoother, and also resolves Your Highness’s future marriage concerns. This prevents the situation where, when you two divorce, all the suitable young talents are already married, leaving only regrets. Killing two birds with one stone—this subordinate thinks it’s quite suitable.”

“You’re saying this—I’ve been considering it too.” Li Rong said slowly. “It’s just that I haven’t yet determined my feelings toward Lord Su…”

“If you haven’t determined them, it means you have some favorable impression. Feelings can be cultivated,” Shangguan Ya pondered. “As long as Your Highness doesn’t mind, why don’t I make arrangements?”

“What will you arrange?” Pei Wenxuan said directly. “Your Highness’s marriage shouldn’t be mixed with these matters.”

“If it were purely sacrificing feelings for power, that naturally shouldn’t happen,” Shangguan Ya smiled. “But if Your Highness is interested herself, isn’t this just going with the flow, adding icing to the cake? Lord Pei, both you and I are Her Highness’s friends and naturally think of Her Highness’s best interests.”

“Or perhaps,” Shangguan Ya said with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, “Lord Pei has other thoughts?”

Pei Wenxuan was speechless. He stared at Shangguan Ya. The carriage arrived at the teahouse entrance. The coachman said respectfully from outside, “Your Highness, we’ve arrived at Juxian Teahouse.”

“Oh my, so fast.” Shangguan Ya stood up and cupped her hands toward the two. “This subordinate will take my leave first. Your Highness, if you’ve decided, let this subordinate know and I’ll make arrangements.”

With that, Shangguan Ya lifted the curtain and exited the carriage.

After she left, the carriage resumed its journey. Pei Wenxuan finished applying ointment to Li Rong and bandaged her wound, saying quietly, “What do you think of her words?”

“Well,” Li Rong pondered, “not bad. What do you think?”

“Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan raised his eyes, “you and I married because of power and position. I agreed to divorce Your Highness hoping Your Highness could find someone you like, without involving all these miscellaneous matters. If today Your Highness associates with Su Rongqing for power, how is that different from you and me?”

“This is naturally different,” Li Rong smiled. “I would of course wait until I’m certain I like him before being together.”

“Then why doesn’t Your Highness wait until you’re certain of this matter?”

Pei Wenxuan asked seriously. Li Rong pondered: “Then how should I become certain?”

Pei Wenxuan was stumped by the question. Li Rong said slowly, “You told me yourself that the current Su Rongqing is different from the past life. If I don’t interact with him, how will I know whether I like him or not?”

“Moreover,” Li Rong smiled, “what Aya said is indeed correct. This matter is just going with the flow, adding icing to the cake. Wenxuan, I know you value feelings greatly and can’t tolerate impurities in them, but many things don’t have to be separated so clearly. I can’t keep having conflicts with the Ministry of Justice like this. There must be someone to mediate in the middle.”

“Then I’ll help Your Highness negotiate.” Pei Wenxuan immediately said. “If Your Highness finds it inconvenient to conduct business at the Ministry of Justice, there are other methods. I’ll help Your Highness…”

“Why can’t it be Su Rongqing?” Li Rong frowned at Pei Wenxuan. “Wasn’t it you who told me I should try with him?”

Pei Wenxuan was silenced by the question. Looking at Li Rong’s serious yet puzzled expression, he felt his chest tighten. An indescribable sourness welled up within him. He looked quietly at Li Rong, saying nothing.

Li Rong paused for a moment, then said slowly, “Wenxuan, I know you’ve always had hostility toward Su Rongqing, but you’ve never been one to act on emotions. Can you give me a reason?”

Pei Wenxuan slowly calmed down. Looking at Li Rong’s questioning eyes, after a long while, he lowered his gaze: “Your Highness is right. I let emotions get the better of me. Today I argued with him and felt some anger. Hearing Shangguan Ya say those things made me uncomfortable. Your Highness need not mind.”

Hearing this, Li Rong smiled: “Why are you acting like a child? You’re regressing with age.”

“When people get old, they all become more childlike.” Pei Wenxuan smiled bitterly, lowering his eyes and changing the subject. “Your Highness shouldn’t have injured yourself for a Records Clerk today. Don’t do this again in the future.”

“I know, I know,” seeing Pei Wenxuan being naggy, Li Rong waved her hand. “It’s not that big a deal. This ‘body worth a thousand gold’ talk is just for others to hear. Aren’t we all just people? It’s just a scratch. You’re being excessive with all this bandaging.”

“Your Highness must still cherish your precious body.”

Pei Wenxuan’s words carried some fatigue. Hearing this, Li Rong turned to look at Pei Wenxuan. She thought for a moment, then moved closer. Pei Wenxuan raised his eyes to look at her, hearing Li Rong ask with some concern, “Pei Wenxuan, do you have something on your mind?”

“It’s nothing.” Pei Wenxuan smiled bitterly. “Just thinking that Su Rongqing will definitely impeach me at tomorrow’s court.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Li Rong raised her hand and patted his shoulder. “Tomorrow Father Emperor will at most make a show of deducting your salary. What he openly deducts, I’ll privately compensate you for. Later, if Su Rongqing and I become something, I’ll have him compensate you tenfold.”

“Thank you.” Pei Wenxuan said flatly. “These are all small matters. This subject won’t take them to heart.”

Seeing Pei Wenxuan’s expression still hadn’t improved, Li Rong touched her nose and stopped talking.

She turned her head back, saying only, “Give me the Qin family case files.”

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged and handed the files to Li Rong. Li Rong opened them and read quietly in the carriage.

The files contained three parts. The first recorded the overall sequence of events in the Qin family case. The second detailed how it was investigated and included reports and approvals from officials who handled it. The third part contained transcripts of all witnesses’ testimonies and evidence records.

The testimonies and evidence were kept elsewhere. Li Rong probably couldn’t obtain them for a while. She carefully read through the entire case process.

According to the records, this case was discovered by a Supervising Censor from the Censorate named Wen Ping. Wen Ping received an accusation letter saying that when the Rong Nation went to war with Great Xia, the Qin family guarded Huangping County with a garrison of three thousand against an attacking force of three thousand. The Qin family, under Yang Lie’s instruction, feigned defeat and fled the city.

After receiving the accusation letter, Wen Ping retrieved the official records of this battle from the Ministry of War. Indeed, there were three thousand garrison troops and three thousand enemy troops, ultimately resulting in defeat and abandonment of the city. By common sense, attackers should far outnumber defenders to have a chance of victory. With equal military strength, such an error shouldn’t normally occur. Thus, Wen Ping sensed something amiss, wrote a memorial, and submitted it to the Ministry of Justice, requesting they open a case.

Director Cui Shuyun of the Ministry of Justice took on this case. He located Luo Juan, a deputy officer who had participated in the battle. Luo Juan confessed that they had indeed abandoned the city in a situation where they could have won. Based on the testimony, military campaign logs from the Ministry of War, and the accusation letter, Cui Shuyun petitioned to seal the Qin Mansion and arrest relevant personnel. On the day the Qin Mansion was sealed, they found letters from Yang Lie to the Qin family patriarch Qin Lang, stating that if the Qin family feigned defeat, they would receive one thousand taels of gold. Later, from the Qin Mansion’s cellar, they discovered one thousand taels of gold.

Subsequently, Qin Lang confessed to everything, saying he accepted Yang Lie’s bribe and instructed his son Qin Feng to abandon Huangping County and fake a retreat.

Thus the case was closed.

Li Rong carefully read through the transcripts of Yang Lie’s letter, the Qin family’s testimonies, and the Ministry of War’s campaign logs. After reading for a while, she smiled: “They certainly put in effort—one thousand taels of gold to buy the entire Qin family. The price is rather too low.”

Hearing Li Rong mention the actual matter, Pei Wenxuan collected his emotions. He raised his head, took the case files from beside Li Rong, and after reading through them with her, said slowly, “This case has roughly three entry points.”

“First, we need to find who wrote the letter, then find Luo Juan.” Li Rong said. “Luo Juan’s testimony is definitely false. We need to find several others who participated in that battle.”

“Then there’s Yang Lie’s letter,” Pei Wenxuan continued. “We need to obtain it and verify its authenticity.”

“Finally, there are those one thousand taels of gold,” Li Rong pondered. “We need to find the people who sealed the Qin Mansion back then. Only they know how that one thousand taels was planted.”

“Tomorrow, have Xun Chuan find Luo Juan and veterans who participated in the battle to obtain their testimonies about the case from back then. As for Yang Lie’s letter and the people who searched the Qin Mansion…”

Li Rong hesitated. Pei Wenxuan had a bad feeling and was about to speak when he heard Li Rong say, “If Su Rongqing could speak up, that would be best.”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. He kept his eyes lowered. After a long while, he said only, “What if Su Rongqing refuses to cooperate?”

If Su Rongqing didn’t cooperate, obtaining evidence like Yang Lie’s letter would likely require great effort. As for the people who searched the Qin Mansion, that would be even more difficult.

After all, the letter could still be obtained through layers of pressure, but the people who searched the Qin Mansion could simply say they forgot and be done with it.

Hearing Pei Wenxuan’s words, Li Rong could only say, “If Su Rongqing refuses to cooperate, we’ll need two backup plans. On one hand, see if there are other suitable people in the Ministry of Justice we can win over. On the other hand, we’ll have to go through proper procedures—whoever won’t give us evidence, we’ll make trouble for them until they finally give it.”

But this actually consumed their time—it was the worst strategy.

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged, saying only, “Let’s do that then.”

Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan arrived at the mansion. After descending from the carriage, Li Rong turned to instruct someone nearby, “Send word to Miss Shangguan—whatever she wants to arrange, arrange it. The sooner the better.”

The servant was momentarily stunned, then acknowledged and went down.

Hearing her words, Pei Wenxuan said only, “Does Your Highness have other plans?”

“I need to go see those dozen or so people. What about you?”

“This subject still has official duties. I’ll return to the office first.”

Hearing Pei Wenxuan’s words, Li Rong realized he’d accompanied her all day and must have accumulated quite a bit of work. She smiled: “Today really delayed you. I even forgot you had your own matters. From now on, I’ll handle my own affairs so you don’t have to work late into the night.”

“Your Highness’s matters are my matters. I want to accompany Your Highness.”

Hearing Li Rong tell him to handle his own affairs, Pei Wenxuan felt even more uncomfortable. He took a deep breath and bowed: “I’ll head over first.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan turned to leave. After walking only a few steps, he heard Li Rong call from behind, “Just finish what absolutely must be done. Tomorrow I’ll have Chuan’er speak with your superior. Don’t be stubborn.”

Hearing Li Rong’s words, Pei Wenxuan felt both sour and somewhat happy inside. He gave a low acknowledgment, saying only, “You shouldn’t stay up too late either. Sleep early.”

“I know. Go on.”

Pei Wenxuan went to the office on his own. Li Rong entered the Princess Mansion and saw Xun Chuan leading a group of people standing in the courtyard. Li Rong looked at them, swept her gaze over them once, then smiled and sat down in her seat. Holding her teacup, she said slowly, “Your transfer orders should have all arrived by now, correct?”

Everyone dared not speak. Li Rong said slowly, “All of you come from humble families. You’ve always been stuck in the middle ranks in the military camp. Your abilities are clearly substantial, yet you just can’t get promoted. Don’t you feel aggrieved in your hearts?”

The several people exchanged glances. Li Rong called out their names one by one, then said, “I remember all of you. Stay in the Supervisory Bureau and work hard in the future—this Princess won’t treat you poorly. I know you’re afraid of causing trouble, but this Princess will speak plainly: from the day you entered the Supervisory Bureau, you became Supervisory Bureau people. Even if you don’t cause trouble, trouble will come looking for you.”

“If you do well, this Princess will give you a ladder to the clouds.” Li Rong spoke, then her face turned cold. “If you don’t do well, this Princess needn’t lift a finger—you’ll have no life to return to. You’ve long had no way back. Understand?!”

Hearing Li Rong’s words, those people’s expressions varied. Li Rong laughed in anger: “What, you’ve gotten used to being dogs? This Princess gives you a chance to be human and you’re unwilling?”

“This subordinate will obey all of Your Highness’s orders.” Finally, one clever person reacted, understanding that Li Rong spoke the truth. He hurriedly knelt down. “From now on, this subordinate lives as a Supervisory Bureau person and dies as a Supervisory Bureau ghost. I pledge loyalty to Your Highness with absolutely no disloyalty!”

“Very good.” Li Rong stood up and pointed to Xun Chuan beside her. “From now on, he is your superior. His name is Xun Chuan. And you,” Li Rong turned back to look at the person who knelt first, “your name is Tian Sheng, correct? From now on, you’re the deputy. Tomorrow, the rest of you go find the others on the Supervisory Bureau roster and divide into twelve small squads. Each person leads one group and is responsible for your respective duties, reporting to Tian Sheng. The day after tomorrow, give me a written report clearly stating your specific arrangements, to be delivered by Xun Chuan.”

Having finished her instructions, Li Rong felt somewhat tired and yawned: “Alright, this Princess will go rest first. Be careful on your way home.”

After Li Rong spoke, she waved her hand and departed amid a chorus of respectful farewells.

She returned to her room alone and took out the testimonies from the Qin family case files to read carefully. She had wanted to wait for Pei Wenxuan, but unexpectedly, by late night he still hadn’t returned. Unable to hold on any longer, she washed up while yawning, then went to bed.

Lying on the bed, she had a bit more energy and thought perhaps she should wait a little longer. Pei Wenxuan had accompanied her through a hard day of work. If she slept comfortably by herself while that petty man came back and saw this, he might feel it was unfair and get angry again.

Thinking this, Li Rong casually picked up a book from beside the bed and read it drowsily. After reading for a while, she finally couldn’t hold on and unknowingly dozed off.

Pei Wenxuan finished his own work and returned to the mansion under the stars and moon. As soon as he entered, a servant came forward with a bowl of pear soup, smiling: “Prince Consort, autumn dryness is severe now. Her Highness prepared pear soup for you to moisten your throat.”

Pei Wenxuan was momentarily stunned. This was indeed Li Rong’s habit. He acknowledged, took the pear soup, and after drinking half the bowl, went to the bathing pool to wash up. Only after washing did he return to his room. Upon reaching the door, he saw lights blazing inside. He frowned and quietly asked Jing Lan beside him, “Her Highness hasn’t slept?”

“Her Highness said the Prince Consort worked hard today. She wanted to wait for the Prince Consort to return.”

“You all didn’t stop her either.” Pei Wenxuan’s heartstrings stirred slightly. Lowering his eyes, he said quietly, “In the future, don’t let her be so willful.”

“Prince Consort, please go rest first,” Jing Lan smiled and persuaded. “In the future, we’ll try to dissuade her.”

Pei Wenxuan knew Jing Lan was comforting him. With Li Rong’s temperament, forget about Jing Lan and Jing Mei—even he couldn’t stop her.

Somewhat helpless, he pushed open the door and was about to speak when he saw Li Rong collapsed on the bed. He couldn’t tell if she was awake or asleep.

Pei Wenxuan’s movements paused. After a while, he quietly walked over and stopped by the bed.

Li Rong slept crookedly on the bed, clearly not having gone to sleep normally. Her sleeping posture was usually proper—it wouldn’t be like this. She even had a book under her face, obviously having fallen asleep while reading.

Autumn had already arrived, yet she wore only a single layer. Several strands of hair covered her face. The black hair against her white skin made her dark tresses seem like silk and her complexion white as snow.

Pei Wenxuan quietly watched this young lady who had waited for him to return until she fell asleep. He felt as if he were a ship drifting on the sea that had finally found a harbor and gently docked.

He felt somewhat attached to this moment’s tenderness and tranquility. He sat by the bed, quietly gazing at Li Rong. Without doing anything, just looking at her like this, he felt a kind of joy, a kind of infatuation.

He suddenly realized that whether in his past life or this one, everything he looked forward to, felt attached to, and yearned for—this so-called feeling of home—was actually this very moment.

Returning from the office, drinking a bowl of pear soup, then seeing that proud young lady shed her armor and sleep quietly beside him.

This was what Li Rong had given him—the most beautiful time in this world.

Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but reach out his hand to cover Li Rong’s face. He gazed at her. He suddenly felt a bit afraid to imagine what it would feel like if he could never again possess moments like this.

He felt the warmth beneath his hand and couldn’t help but call out hoarsely, “Rongrong.”

In her daze, Li Rong sensed Pei Wenxuan seemed to have returned. She murmured, “Mm? Pei Wenxuan? You’re back?”

Hearing her voice, Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but smile.

He stood up and gently carried her to the inner side of the bed, saying softly, “I’m back. Don’t wait for me in the future, alright?”

Li Rong was awakened somewhat by his movements. She shook her head: “Wasn’t I afraid you’d be petty and get angry?”

“How could I get angry so easily?”

Pei Wenxuan was both crying and laughing: “Don’t wrong me.”

“You’re very petty.” Li Rong, with her back to him, drifted back to sleep. “Put out the light.”

Pei Wenxuan helplessly stood up, extinguished the light, then lay down on the bed.

He looked at Li Rong’s back. Li Rong seemed to have fallen asleep. He looked quietly like this and couldn’t help pursing his lips in a smile.

But just as he smiled, he felt a jolt of alarm.

He hurriedly turned his back to Li Rong, not daring to look at her.

He suddenly realized something.

What was he smiling about? What was he happy about? What was he angry about? What was he afraid of?

“Pei Wenxuan,” Li Rong slept for a while, then as if remembering something she needed to tell Pei Wenxuan in her dream, she turned over. They were close together, so when Li Rong turned, her head rested against Pei Wenxuan’s back. Li Rong, muddled with sleep, leaned against Pei Wenxuan and said quietly, “Don’t get angry every time you see Su Rongqing from now on. You advise me to try with him on one hand, but keep getting angry on the other. It makes things very difficult for me.”

Pei Wenxuan froze without speaking. He felt her leaning against him. For an instant, a phrase nearly escaped his lips.

Then don’t try.

Just consider it his nonsense. He regretted it.

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Shangguan Ya: “Brothers, don’t be afraid. When it comes to watching excitement, I’ll lead the way!”

Su Ronghua: “I support this! I love watching drama unfold!”

Li Rong: “…”

Pei Wenxuan: “…”

Su Rongqing: “…”

Li Chuan: “…”

Qin Zhenzhen: “…”

Li Ming: “Just drag these two out and execute them.”