The moment this thought flashed through his mind, Pei Wenxuan was somewhat shocked.

Behind him was Li Rong’s steady breathing. Pei Wenxuan stiffened, eyes open in the darkness, not daring to think further.

But his mind couldn’t stop imagining. He began uncontrollably fantasizing about Su Rongqing and Li Rong together. Such scenes weren’t unfamiliar—these were things he’d witnessed countless times in his memories.

But this fantasy was more cruel than memory because this life was different from the past.

In his past life, he knew clearly that Su Rongqing could never truly take Li Rong away. He had physical defects, his status was lowly, an ocean of blood and deep enmity separated him and Li Rong. The two of them merely huddled together for warmth in the dark night. He could never possess Li Rong in any true sense. Li Rong was Pei Wenxuan’s wife—always would be.

But now it was different.

Su Rongqing now was a young master from a prestigious family, born of centuries of aristocratic lineage. He could marry Li Rong home in an eight-sedan chair procession, have children with her. From that moment on, Li Rong would have absolutely no connection to him whatsoever—not even the slightest bit.

When this thought surfaced in his mind, Pei Wenxuan had never felt such clear, sharp pain slicing through his heart. This pain seemed like both a reminder and a warning.

Making him understand that the idea of letting Li Rong be with Su Rongqing was, for him, merely admiring dragons while fearing them.

He actually coveted everything about Li Rong. In his past life, this was true. In this life, he hadn’t truly freed himself either.

In his past life, knowing he couldn’t have Li Rong, he constantly told himself he didn’t care. He struggled painfully between lies and occasional clarity. Only when looking back in this life did he dare say that his greatest regret was Li Rong.

Now he seemed to be walking the same path as his past life again. He couldn’t have Li Rong—he knew this clearly.

Someone like Li Rong—how could she so easily turn back? Even back then, her affection for him had merely been superficial. What about the current him?

He had hurt Li Rong, wounded her trust. And he wasn’t some perfect person either. He was petty, indecisive, emotional, deeply calculating. His family had a huge mess of chaotic affairs. He couldn’t compare to Su Rongqing at all. Others might still call him Young Master Pei, but Li Rong saw him clearly through and through, knowing what a thoroughly ordinary wretch lay beneath his skin.

He knew someone like himself couldn’t make Li Rong turn back, so he pretended he hadn’t turned back either. But the truth was, Li Rong was like strong liquor to him, like opium—once contaminated, an addiction he simply couldn’t break.

No matter how many times over, as long as the two met, he would sink into it.

Realizing this, Pei Wenxuan closed his eyes, feeling somewhat pained.

He didn’t want to think deeper.

He closed his eyes. Perhaps because the day had been too exhausting, he finally fell asleep. But all night his dreams were vaguely filled with scenes from his past life, then reviewing back to the day he married Li Rong. He saw Li Rong put down the round fan in her hand, then raise her eyes, look at him with a smile, and call out: “Rongqing.”

He jolted awake from the dream, gasping roughly in the darkness. Someone outside quietly reminded him it was time to attend court. Pei Wenxuan took a moment to recover before giving a low acknowledgment. Just as he was about to get up and wash in the next room to avoid disturbing Li Rong, he saw Li Rong sit up, rubbing her eyes: “Time for morning court?”

“Yes.”

As Pei Wenxuan spoke, he remembered that since Li Rong had established the Supervisory Bureau and gained an official position, she also had to attend morning court.

It was Li Rong’s first day attending court. She struggled to climb up, looking exceptionally pained. This appearance made Pei Wenxuan laugh. He reached out to help her, called someone in to assist her down from the bed, and smiled: “You have to attend court today, yet you still didn’t sleep early last night. Suffering now, aren’t you?”

“Pei Wenxuan,” Li Rong kept her eyes closed, trying to sleep a bit more, mumbling, “How do you get up every day?”

Pei Wenxuan was amused by her question but didn’t answer. Maids entered to help Li Rong dress.

After the two changed clothes, Li Rong yawned and left with him. The sky wasn’t bright yet. Li Rong climbed into the carriage and said to Pei Wenxuan, “Wake me when we arrive. I need to sleep a bit more.”

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged. He watched Li Rong lean against the carriage side with her head propped up, sleeping. He quietly observed for a while, his heart a tangle of emotions.

He didn’t know whether he should draw closer to Li Rong now or distance himself from her. He just watched as Li Rong, completely oblivious to everything, dozed off with her head lowered, no different from usual.

After Pei Wenxuan watched for a long while, just as Li Rong nearly fell, he caught her in time. Li Rong looked up in confusion. Pei Wenxuan sat beside her, raised his hand to press her against his shoulder, and said quietly, “Lean here.”

Li Rong acknowledged without noticing anything different and leaned on Pei Wenxuan’s shoulder.

When they reached the imperial palace, the sky had brightened somewhat. The two descended from the carriage and entered the palace together.

The morning breeze carried some coolness, clearing Li Rong’s mind considerably. Her spirits lifted, and she turned to look at Pei Wenxuan, who hadn’t spoken: “You’re very strange today.”

Pei Wenxuan held his court tablet, his expression calm, saying neither warmly nor coldly, “Oh?”

“What are you thinking about today? I nearly fell before you came over to let me lean on you. You’re not usually like this.”

“Mm?” Pei Wenxuan pretended nothing was wrong. “I didn’t notice. Perhaps I didn’t rest well and didn’t think of it.”

“True,” Li Rong nodded. Then something occurred to her and she smiled: “I haven’t experienced sleep deprivation in ages. Now that I finally have, I find it extremely uncomfortable. When you’re busy in the future, you should still moderate yourself. Don’t overwork yourself.”

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged, saying flatly, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Seeing Pei Wenxuan’s poor mood, Li Rong looked at him suspiciously several times, truly unable to figure out what Pei Wenxuan was thinking.

Fortunately, the two soon reached the great hall entrance. Li Rong and he stood separately. Li Rong’s status was high, so she stood in the front row. Pei Wenxuan stood at the back of the formation. The two were far apart, so there wasn’t much to say.

Once Li Rong stood among the crowd, everyone secretly spied on her. Yesterday the edict establishing the Supervisory Bureau had already come down, then each ministry was notified one by one. Those handling it were all the Emperor’s trusted confidants, showing how seriously the Emperor took this matter.

Now that Li Rong truly came to attend court, everyone was both curious and puzzled, stealing glances at Li Rong to see how she planned to attend this court session.

Everyone secretly scrutinized Li Rong. Li Rong knew this in her heart but didn’t have a young maiden’s shyness at all. Completely at ease, she closed both eyes and stood there catching up on sleep.

After a while, Li Ming arrived and announced court was in session. All officials flowed like water into the great hall. Li Rong entered alongside Shangguan Xu, becoming a row unto herself. After entering the great hall, she showed no embarrassment. Following everyone’s kowtow, she straightened up. Li Ming, seeing her standing in the middle of the great hall, couldn’t help laughing: “How did Pingle end up standing with Lord Shangguan? Come, come to my side.”

Hearing this, Li Rong smiled: “Yes.”

With that, she ascended the high platform and stood on the steps below Li Ming’s left side.

This would be her position.

Standing in this position, everyone had some understanding in their hearts, knowing that Li Ming’s determination to establish the Supervisory Bureau was already set.

Li Ming arranged Li Rong’s position, then turned with a smile: “Do you honored ministers have memorials to present today?”

After Li Ming asked, both Su Rongqing and Pei Wenxuan simultaneously stepped forward, calling out loudly, “Your Majesty, this subject has matters to report!”

The two stepped out together, making Li Ming pause. After hesitating left and right for a moment, he pointed at Su Rongqing: “Vice Minister Su, you speak first.”

“Your Majesty, this subject wishes to impeach Supervising Censor Pei Wenxuan. Lord Pei trespassed into the Ministry of Justice yesterday, injured Records Clerk Chen, and seized case files. I request Your Majesty severely punish such a villain!”

After Su Rongqing finished this speech, everyone’s eyes fell on Pei Wenxuan. Li Ming laughed and looked toward Pei Wenxuan: “Pei Wenxuan, what matter do you wish to report?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty,” Pei Wenxuan’s voice was measured, “this subject wishes to impeach Ministry of Justice Records Clerk Chen Ping for defying imperial orders and being insubordinate, deliberately making things difficult for Princess Pingle’s investigation, even attempting to harm Her Highness. I request Your Majesty investigate thoroughly. At the same time, Su Rongqing is Chen Ping’s direct superior. His supervision was lax, and he should share the guilt.”

“I understand,” Li Ming heard both their words and nodded. “The problem isn’t with Lord Pei. Pingle,” Li Ming turned to look at Li Rong, “you explain.”

“Reporting to Father Emperor,” Li Rong said respectfully, “yesterday your daughter received the edict and went to the Ministry of Justice to retrieve the Qin family case files. According to your decree, the Ministry of Justice should fully cooperate with your daughter. However, the Ministry of Justice made things difficult for your daughter in every way. In desperation, your daughter came into conflict with Clerk Chen. Clerk Chen angrily struck out and was restrained by your daughter’s guards. Lord Su happened to arrive and mistakenly thought the Prince Consort had acted.”

“I see,” Li Ming nodded and turned to Su Rongqing. “Lord Su, is what Her Highness said the truth?”

“Your Majesty, there was a misunderstanding,” Su Rongqing said slowly. “Yesterday the edict had just been issued. Clerk Chen hadn’t yet received notification from the Ministry of Justice’s superiors. Case files are confidential materials. Although Her Highness brought the imperial edict, without superior approval, Clerk Chen didn’t dare release them casually. It wasn’t deliberate obstruction. As for Clerk Chen striking out, that’s further misunderstanding by Her Highness. Clerk Chen’s voice was rather loud, which probably startled Her Highness. This subject knows all of this. This subject deeply regrets disturbing Her Highness yesterday. Therefore, this subject’s impeachment doesn’t involve Her Highness but Lord Pei.”

With that, Su Rongqing turned to look at Pei Wenxuan: “The Princess is the Supervisory Bureau’s Director. Going to the Ministry of Justice to retrieve case files is official business—reasonable and proper. Lord Pei is from the Censorate. Who gave Lord Pei the authority to trespass into the Ministry of Justice like this?! If Lord Pei isn’t punished today, anyone could come make trouble at our Ministry of Justice. How will my Ministry of Justice govern people and investigate cases in the future?!”

Su Rongqing’s sharp questioning made Li Ming feel somewhat embarrassed.

Pei Wenxuan looked up at Li Rong. Li Rong gently shook her head at him.

At this moment, they could argue forcefully with Su Rongqing, but Su Rongqing had one point right—the Ministry of Justice was, after all, the nation’s judicial institution. Their forceful entry was ultimately improper. If they continued arguing, Li Ming would still have to save some face for the Ministry of Justice in the end.

Regardless, they’d already obtained the case files. They had to give the Ministry of Justice some dignity.

Getting Li Rong’s meaning, Pei Wenxuan sighed. He knelt down and kowtowed to Li Ming: “Your Majesty, yesterday this subject trespassed into the Ministry of Justice because I was concerned for the Princess. Though this subject is a minister, I’m also the Princess’s husband. In my desperation, I forgot my position. Though there were emotional reasons, I lost proper decorum. I hope Your Majesty and all the lords of the Ministry of Justice will forgive me.”

Pei Wenxuan submitted, and Li Ming waved his hand, nodding: “Alright, the matter is clear. I ordered the Supervisory Bureau to handle business, yet Clerk Chen obstructed them. Not only obstructed but also injured Pingle. Pingle and Pei Wenxuan forcing their way into the Ministry of Justice was wrong, but the Ministry of Justice treating my words as wind in their ears was also wrong. Fifty strokes each. Deduct three months’ salary from Clerk Chen. Deduct three months from both Pingle and Pei Wenxuan as well. Is that acceptable?”

“Your Majesty, this…” Someone from the Ministry of Justice wanted to continue speaking, but Li Ming said directly, “What, is the Ministry of Justice still unsatisfied?”

“Your Majesty is wise and just.” Su Rongqing immediately spoke respectfully. “This subject has no objections.”

Once Su Rongqing spoke, others couldn’t say much more.

Li Ming nodded with satisfaction: “Good, let’s leave it at that. Lord Pei, rise. Do any other lords have other matters?”

Li Ming moved the topic along. Everyone understood and stopped asking, dispersing to both sides.

Li Rong secretly glanced at the expressionless Pei Wenxuan. Seeing him still keeping a straight face, she couldn’t help wondering whether, for the current Pei Wenxuan, three months’ salary made his heart ache with pain.

While the two attended court, dawn had just broken. Shangguan Ya finished dressing and, using the excuse of attending a poetry society discussion, went to the gambling house.

She’d received Li Rong’s message last night before returning, knowing Li Rong had agreed to her plan.

So early in the morning she came to the gambling house. After searching around, she saw Su Ronghua at a gambling table betting on high or low.

She and Su Ronghua weren’t particularly acquainted—just because they’d met last time, and later Su Ronghua frequently came to gamble, they’d had some interaction. She approached Su Ronghua from behind. Seeing Su Ronghua gambling excitedly, she gently patted his shoulder: “Young Master Su.”

“Hey, don’t bother me…”

Before Su Ronghua finished speaking, he realized who stood behind him. With some surprise, he turned back and looked Shangguan Ya up and down, somewhat uncertainly: “Miss… Young Master Shangguan?”

“Does the Young Master have time for a private word?”

Shangguan Ya smiled as she spoke. Hearing this, Su Ronghua immediately smiled: “If others asked me, I’d have no time. But if Young Master Shangguan asks…”

Su Ronghua looked her up and down, his expression full of teasing. That gaze made Shangguan Ya furrow her brow. Then she saw him gently bend at the waist, lean close to her, and smile softly: “This humble one always has time.”

“Seems that slap last time wasn’t enough,” Shangguan Ya said slowly, turning around. “Let’s go.”

With that, Shangguan Ya led Su Ronghua upstairs. The two entered a private room and sat on opposite sides of a gambling table. Shangguan Ya had people leave. Su Ronghua inserted his fan in his belt, stood up to pour tea for Shangguan Ya, and smiled: “No visit to the temple without reason. Miss Shangguan needs something from this humble one?”

“I originally planned to try my luck. Didn’t expect I’d actually run into you.”

Shangguan Ya crossed her arms, looking at Su Ronghua across from her, scoffing: “Coming to a gambling house first thing in the morning—you’re quite the wastrel.”

“The feeling is mutual,” Su Ronghua put down the teapot and elegantly fanned himself. “Miss Shangguan, a young lady from a great family, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, candidate for Crown Princess from the Shangguan family, spends any free time soaking in this place. Compared to Young Miss, this humble one is like wielding an ax before Lu Ban—overestimating myself. After all, this humble one is merely a seventh-rank minor official, not a special Censorate position that doesn’t require attending morning court. Staying here gambling is normal.”

Through this exchange, Shangguan Ya roughly understood what sort of person he was. Too lazy to argue with him, she said directly, “Let me discuss something with you. Her Highness the Princess wants to meet your brother. Can you invite your brother out? Her Highness will host the meal. How about it?”

Su Ronghua remained silent. He picked up his cup and sipped his tea.

Shangguan Ya continued beside him: “The benefits won’t be small. I know you’ve arranged a cockfight with Third Young Master Xie next month. He has Hua Jing’s champion rooster. You’re currently looking for a cock that can beat him. I happen to have one. A champion rooster from Youzhou, fought on battlefields, never defeated. I’ll give it to you. How about that?”

Hearing this, Su Ronghua nearly spat out his tea.

He choked on the tea water, crying and laughing as he looked up: “Miss Shangguan, trading my brother for one rooster—you’re not joking with me, are you?”

“This is naturally the benefit,” Shangguan Ya’s expression was composed. “As for the drawbacks, unless necessary, we don’t need to discuss them. Talking about them hurts feelings. Anyway, it’s just meeting and having a meal. I think Second Young Master Su himself might have this inclination and may not refuse. What do you say?”

“Mm,” Su Ronghua pondered. “Having him come out to eat with a young lady, he may not agree. But if it’s Her Highness, that’s indeed different. However,” Su Ronghua raised his eyes to look at Shangguan Ya, “why should I help him or help you?”

“Then what does the Young Master want?” Shangguan Ya heard Su Ronghua’s meaning—he wanted benefits. Su Ronghua looked at the gambling table and smiled: “How about we gamble a round?”

“Gamble what?”

“High or low. Best two out of three. If you win, I’ll help you. If I win…” Shangguan Ya drank her tea without speaking, listening to Su Ronghua say, “Wear women’s clothing once and show me.”

Hearing Su Ronghua’s teasing words, Shangguan Ya laughed coldly.

“Then you’d better prepare to lose. When it comes to high or low, I’ve never lost.”

“Oh?” Su Ronghua raised his hand to cover his chest. “I’m so frightened.”

“Someone,” Shangguan Ya called the attendant at the door, instructing, “Go wait at the palace gate. When the Princess finishes court, tell her to keep dinner time free and dress beautifully. I’m inviting her to dinner!”

The attendant following Shangguan Ya was someone Li Rong gave her. Hearing her instructions, he immediately acknowledged and went down.

Shangguan Ya took the dice, confidently saying, “Shall we start?”

Su Ronghua propped his chin, looking at Shangguan Ya with complete infatuation, smiling: “You roll. I love watching you roll dice.”

“Sick!”

Shangguan Ya rolled her eyes.

Then she began frantically rolling dice. Su Ronghua closed his eyes as if listening to exquisite music, his face full of intoxication.

After Shangguan Ya put down the dice, he gently tapped his fan on “high” without even opening his eyes, smiling: “High.”

Shangguan Ya stiffened, then opened the dice. Indeed, it was high.

After rolling three rounds in succession, Su Ronghua got them all correct. Shangguan Ya grew anxious, saying coldly, “No, this doesn’t count. I kept rolling the dice. You roll.”

“Alright.” Su Ronghua extended his beautiful hand, took the dice, and smiled: “A beauty’s words—I dare not disobey.”

While Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua were in a standoff, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were emerging from court. Seeing Pei Wenxuan’s poor expression, Li Rong comforted him: “I’ll compensate you for that salary. Don’t think about it. Or do you feel you’ve been wronged? You’re not someone who can’t think things through…”

Hearing Li Rong’s chatter, Pei Wenxuan said quietly, “Your Highness, I was thinking about official business. Your Highness needn’t worry. These are all small matters. This subject doesn’t take them to heart.”

Li Rong understood Pei Wenxuan. How could she believe his nonsense? But she also felt forcing him to talk was inappropriate, so she could only nod: “Fine, I won’t press. But if you have any discomfort in your heart, you must tell me.”

Pei Wenxuan acknowledged. The two had just exited the palace gate when they were stopped by someone Shangguan Ya sent. The person relayed Shangguan Ya’s original words. Li Rong laughed after hearing: “She’s inviting me to dinner and wants me to dress beautifully? Where is she? Where?”

“At the gambling house.” The person reported matter-of-factly. “Gambling with Young Master Su right now.”

Hearing this, Li Rong raised her eyebrows: “Su Ronghua?”

“Yes.”

Li Rong paused for a moment, then said directly, “Let’s go. Take me to have a look.”

With that, she turned to Pei Wenxuan: “Don’t you still have things to do?”

“If Your Highness is going to the gambling house, then this subject will accompany you.”

Pei Wenxuan frowned. He didn’t feel comfortable with Li Rong going to such a place alone. Li Rong smiled: “If you have matters…”

“I finished last night.” Pei Wenxuan directly interrupted her. Only after hearing this did Li Rong relax and say, “Then let’s go.”

The two spoke as they rushed to the gambling house together.

Led by the attendant, the two went upstairs to the private room. Upon entering, they saw Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua sitting opposite each other. Shangguan Ya held cards in her hand, her eyes bloodshot, hair utterly disheveled, looking exactly like a desperate gambler. Across from her, Su Ronghua leisurely drank tea, saying slowly, “Miss Shangguan, Her Highness has arrived. You’ve lost so many rounds. Perhaps you should give up.”

“No,” Shangguan Ya immediately said, “I can win. I’m about to win!”

Hearing this, Li Rong knew Shangguan Ya had gambled herself stupid. Pei Wenxuan said quietly, “Let’s take her away. Gambling like this has no end.”

Li Rong walked behind Shangguan Ya and patted her shoulder: “Aya.”

Shangguan Ya was startled by Li Rong. Seeing Li Rong arrive, she remembered something, stuttering: “Your… Your… Your… Your Highness!”

“What are you doing?” Li Rong smiled. She rarely saw Shangguan Ya so flustered. She spoke, then raised her head to nod at Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua stood and bowed. Pei Wenxuan returned the courtesy: “Lord Su.”

“Lord Pei.”

“How did Lord Su end up gambling with Aya?” Seeing Shangguan Ya seemed somewhat embarrassed, Li Rong turned to ask Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua smiled as he looked at Shangguan Ya: “Miss Shangguan wanted to help Your Highness arrange dinner with my brother. She said we’d gamble a round. If I lost, I’d agree. But she’s been cheating until now.”

“Oh?” Li Rong was amused by this. “I didn’t expect Lord Su’s gambling skills to be so superb.”

“You flatter me.”

“Your Highness…” Shangguan Ya was somewhat embarrassed, saying quietly, “My luck wasn’t good today.”

“You gambled with him to invite Su Rongqing to dinner?”

“Yes.” Shangguan Ya said quietly. “I didn’t handle the matter well…”

“Mm,” Li Rong thought for a moment. “This was something this Princess asked you to do. You’ve done your best. How about this,” Li Rong smiled at Su Ronghua, “why don’t we have the Prince Consort gamble a round with Lord Su?”

“Still gambling about inviting my brother to dinner?” Su Ronghua looked at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan stood to the side expressionlessly. Li Rong smiled: “Yes. If Lord Pei loses, I’ll have Aya dine with you.”

“Ah?” Shangguan Ya was somewhat confused. Su Ronghua clapped his hands happily: “Excellent! Lord Pei, please.”

Pei Wenxuan stood without moving. Li Rong personally pulled out a chair for Pei Wenxuan, beckoning: “Wenxuan, come. Show Lord Su your skills.”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. Li Rong raised her eyebrows: “Wenxuan?”

Pei Wenxuan raised his eyes to look at Li Rong. Seeing Li Rong’s urging gaze mixed with expectation, he took a deep breath and still sat in the chair.

Li Rong massaged Pei Wenxuan’s shoulders, leaned close to his ear, and said quietly, “Do your best. If you win, there’s a reward.”

Pei Wenxuan kept his eyes lowered. Su Ronghua raised his hand: “What would Lord Pei like to gamble?”

“Pushing tiles.” Li Rong made the decision for him. She knew what Pei Wenxuan excelled at. Pei Wenxuan’s expression didn’t change. Su Ronghua looked at him for confirmation: “Lord Pei?”

“Following Her Highness’s instructions.”

Su Ronghua nodded slightly and took out tiles.

Pushing tiles meant taking a set of bone tiles, dealing them to both parties. Each side would call for tiles at the start, able to choose to take one tile and discard one on the table, then cover it when the next discarded tile came out. Or simultaneously take two tiles. The total number of tiles in hand couldn’t exceed ten, or it was an immediate loss. Either party could call a halt at any time. After stopping, both sides would compare sizes. The largest hand under ten won. If no one called a halt midway, play continued until tiles ran out, then both sides revealed their hands to compare sizes.

Pushing tiles didn’t just depend on luck—calculating tiles was most important. Pei Wenxuan wasn’t addicted to gambling, but when playing pushing tiles, he rarely met his match.

Attendants cleared the table and began dealing tiles to both sides. Li Rong stood behind Pei Wenxuan, watching him take tiles.

Su Ronghua leisurely propped his chin, staring at his own tiles, choosing to take one or two tiles.

Pei Wenxuan didn’t like talking when pushing tiles. Li Rong stood behind him, nervously watching him take tiles.

Pei Wenxuan felt Li Rong’s tension. His expression didn’t change, but his heart felt somewhat uncomfortable.

He felt like just losing and leaving, yet knew he couldn’t do that.

His feelings were his feelings. He had to help Li Rong. Whatever Li Rong wanted to do, he should help—that was right.

He couldn’t obstruct Li Rong from walking the path she wanted just because he felt uncomfortable inside, just because he liked Li Rong.

He was her friend. She trusted him. He shouldn’t betray that trust.

If he liked this person, he should fulfill her wishes.

He gripped the tiles with force. Li Rong watched with complete concentration. Seeing his two tiles already totaled eight points, he could now choose to discard one tile and take one, or take two tiles. Eight points was already very high. Seeing him hesitate, Li Rong quickly said, “Discard!”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. Su Ronghua smiled: “Seems Lord Pei’s hand isn’t small.”

“Lord Su’s hand isn’t small either.”

Pei Wenxuan’s slender fingers caressed the tiles in his hand. Seeing Pei Wenxuan remain silent, Li Rong didn’t dare speak either. She suddenly understood that exciting feeling Shangguan Ya was addicted to in gambling. She stood beside Pei Wenxuan, waiting for his decision.

After a moment, Pei Wenxuan laughed softly, raised his clear, gentle eyes to look at her, and asked, “Want to win?”

“Of course I do.” Li Rong answered as if it were obvious.

Pei Wenxuan pushed the tiles forward directly: “Two tiles. Reveal.”

“Lord Pei’s courage is impressive.”

Su Ronghua raised his eyebrows. Pei Wenxuan remained silent. He picked up tea from the side and sipped methodically.

The attendant pushed two tiles over and flipped them—two one-points. Added to Pei Wenxuan’s existing hand, exactly ten points.

Su Ronghua laughed and pushed open his tiles—exactly nine points.

“When does Lord Su plan to set the time and place?”

Pei Wenxuan asked as if discussing business. Su Ronghua was helpless: “Tonight then. Bright Moon Pavilion.”

“Good.” Pei Wenxuan nodded and stood up, saying only, “Since the matter is settled, Her Highness and I will take our leave. Pardon us.”

With that, Pei Wenxuan pulled Li Rong up and headed straight out.

Li Rong made a farewell gesture to Shangguan Ya. Shangguan Ya looked at Pei Wenxuan with worship. Su Ronghua hesitated: “Lord Pei, how about another round?”

Pei Wenxuan ignored them both, dragging Li Rong out the door. After the two left, Shangguan Ya couldn’t help exclaiming, “So handsome!”

Su Ronghua coughed lightly, walked behind Shangguan Ya, fanning himself: “This humble one’s luck also wasn’t very good today. However, Miss Shangguan lost so many rounds to this humble one. How do you plan to compensate?”

“How do you want compensation?” Shangguan Ya turned back, rather curious. Su Ronghua smiled: “Have a meal?”

“Forget it then.” Shangguan Ya waved her hand. “I’m leaving.”

“Then this humble one will go to Shangguan Mansion to dine with Lord Shangguan?”

Su Ronghua continued speaking. Shangguan Ya immediately turned back, saying gently, “Where does Young Master Su find suitable?”

Li Rong was pulled by Pei Wenxuan out of the gambling house. Just as they exited, Li Rong laughed.

“What are you laughing at?” Pei Wenxuan pulled her along. Somehow, he just didn’t want to let go.

He pretended to be oblivious to everything, just holding her as if he’d forgotten. Li Rong hadn’t yet recovered from the tense emotions earlier. She lightly tapped her small fan against her chest: “I finally understand why Aya loves gambling. When the tiles were revealed just now, my heart was racing. I actually felt nervous.”

“Your Highness has nervous moments too.”

Pei Wenxuan pulled her, slowly walking forward. Li Rong said slowly, “Yes, I didn’t expect it myself. But seriously, Pei Wenxuan,” Li Rong smiled as she looked at him, “you were truly handsome just now.”

Pei Wenxuan laughed lightly: “Your Highness actually finds me pleasing to the eye sometimes.”

“Don’t I usually find you quite pleasing most of the time?”

As Li Rong spoke, she slowly noticed some warmth on her hand. She suddenly realized Pei Wenxuan was still holding her, and he clearly hadn’t noticed this point.

For a moment she didn’t know how to bring it up. If she spoke out to remind him, she feared Pei Wenxuan’s personality would feel embarrassed and constrained, likely apologizing repeatedly. But if she didn’t speak, somehow, perhaps due to embarrassment, she actually felt her heart beating a bit faster.

She raised her hand to fan away the heat on her face, continuing to chat and laugh: “Just now, how did you know the last two tiles were one-points?”

“I calculated it.”

Pei Wenxuan’s expression was calm. He held Li Rong’s hand, feeling a kind of stolen sweetness slowly spreading through his heart. The two walked along the corridor. In her amplified heartbeat, Li Rong heard Pei Wenxuan’s clear, gentle voice calmly explaining: “I remembered every tile we both discarded and roughly estimated the points in his hand. I also calculated the subsequent tiles. It’s not difficult.”

“You’re still clever. I can’t remember that much.”

Li Rong smiled: “No wonder you always ranked first in studies.”

“Because Your Highness doesn’t need to remember these things. Your Highness’s intelligence lies in the bigger picture.”

Pei Wenxuan spoke with her as they reached the carriage together.

Upon reaching the carriage, he had no choice but to let go. He lowered his eyes, helped Li Rong onto the carriage, then released her hand and smiled: “I didn’t even notice just now…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Li Rong quickly comforted him. “I was afraid you’d mind like this, so I didn’t remind you. Are you going to the office?”

“What about Your Highness?” Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong. “Are you going back?”

“I need to go back and prepare.”

Li Rong said happily, “Aya worked so hard to arrange this setup. I can’t disappoint her intentions. I should properly select some clothes, apply makeup…” Li Rong smiled, seeming somewhat embarrassed: “I should at least look somewhat like a young lady.”

Pei Wenxuan quietly gazed at Li Rong. Seeing the joy in her smile, the shyness, the girlish anticipation, he blurted out: “Must you go?”

Li Rong looked at him strangely. Pei Wenxuan quickly explained: “I mean, the Qin family case files…”

“I’ve already read them all.”

“What about Luo Juan and the other personnel involved in the Battle of Huangping County back then…”

“I had Xun Chuan go find them.” Li Rong knew what he was worried about and explained: “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. Right now the most important thing is obtaining the list of those responsible for sealing the Qin Mansion and Yang Lie’s letter. As long as Su Rongqing agrees to help, everything will be fine. I’ll make contact with him today first. What else are you worried about?”

“Nothing.”

Pei Wenxuan looked at her. Li Rong smiled: “Rest assured. I’ll return early today. You should also be careful. I estimate quite a few people in court are watching you. Don’t let anything happen.”

“Yes.” Pei Wenxuan lowered his eyes and bowed: “Your Highness, rest assured. Wenxuan will take good care of himself. I wish Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan felt his lips and teeth turn bitter, “success today. May all go smoothly as you wish.”

“Thanks. Alright, you go handle your business first. I’m going back.”

Li Rong made a gesture and entered the carriage.

Shortly after she entered, Jing Lan and Jing Mei boarded as well.

Normally when Pei Wenxuan was present, Jing Lan and Jing Mei followed in the carriage behind. Now that Pei Wenxuan took the rear carriage and left, Jing Lan and Jing Mei came forward to attend to Li Rong.

One poured tea and placed pastries for Li Rong while the other massaged her shoulders.

“The Prince Consort seemed in low spirits today. Did Your Highness quarrel with him?” Jing Mei was quite curious. Li Rong quickly said, “Don’t wrongly accuse me. I’ve been treating him well.”

“The Prince Consort has been preoccupied these past two days,” Jing Lan said slowly. “Your Highness should be more concerned. Between husband and wife, the worst thing is keeping secrets from each other.”

“You’re so young,” hearing Jing Lan’s words, Li Rong smiled. “You don’t even have an in-law’s family, yet you talk like an old woman.”

Jing Lan smiled without speaking. Li Rong thought for a moment: “You’re right though. Usually you all should watch out for me more. My thoughts aren’t detailed. The Prince Consort is sentimental. I don’t even know when I’ve offended him.”

Hearing Li Rong’s words, both couldn’t help but smile. The three talked about Pei Wenxuan the entire journey back.

After returning to the Princess Mansion, Li Rong confirmed that Xun Chuan had already led people to find Luo Juan and the veterans from the Battle of Huangping County. Then she pulled out the roster of officials from various ministries, pondered for a while, produced a list with corresponding gift lists, and had them sent out.

After finishing proper business, she began bathing with incense, selecting clothes and makeup, choosing hairpins and jewelry.

These tasks seemed simple, but when a woman truly undertook them, they were extremely time-consuming. After much selection, Li Rong somewhat regretted not calling Pei Wenxuan over.

Pei Wenxuan had excellent aesthetic taste. The clothes and accessories he chose were far better than these maids could select. After choosing for ages, Li Rong finally decided. She selected a red dress with gold-threaded peony embroidery—slender waist, wide sleeves, outlining a woman’s figure to the extreme.

After Li Rong finished dressing up, the sky had already darkened. Word came from outside that Shangguan Ya had arrived at the entrance. Li Rong stood and went out, seeing Shangguan Ya in a water-blue dress draped over the carriage window waiting for her.

Li Rong lightly tapped her with her fan, smiling: “You’re becoming increasingly improper in front of me.”

“I’ve already thoroughly embarrassed myself before you,” Shangguan Ya lay on the carriage window, watching people come and go outside, saying lifelessly, “I don’t care about face anymore.”

“What kind of blow did you suffer to become like this?”

“After dropping you off at Bright Moon Pavilion in a bit,” Shangguan Ya straightened up, sighing, “you’ll eat with Su Rongqing while I have to eat with Su Ronghua.”

“How did you end up agreeing to eat with him?” Li Rong found it rather strange. Shangguan Ya was helpless: “He said he’d tell my father I’ve been gambling.”

Li Rong was amused by her, sitting to the side laughing until her stomach hurt.

After being dispirited for a while, Shangguan Ya rallied her spirits: “So hungry. It’s just one meal. I’m not afraid of him. Tonight’s focus is on Your Highness,” Shangguan Ya spoke, raising her eyes to look at Li Rong. After scanning her up and down, she frowned: “Are you dressed too formally?”

“Mm?” Li Rong raised her hand. “Does it not look good?”

“It’s not that it doesn’t look good. It’s just,” Shangguan Ya thought for a moment, “the aura is too strong, the sense of oppression a bit heavy. But it doesn’t matter,” Shangguan Ya looked up and down. “When someone looks this good, anything works. Let’s review what we need to do tonight.”

“Mm?” Li Rong found it strange. “We need to review?”

“Of course.” Shangguan Ya said decisively. “Everything requires planning and preparation. After all, you’re married. Although we both understand your relationship, Su Rongqing doesn’t know. If you speak too boldly, you’ll probably scare him. So tonight focus on discussing proper business, then use your personal charm to conquer him.”

“So what should I do?”

“When you speak, it can only be about proper matters. But you need to learn about eye expressions.”

Shangguan Ya spoke, sitting up properly and demonstrating: “Look at me. You need to inadvertently, for instance when you turn your head or raise it, look over slowly, just like this.”

Shangguan Ya demonstrated for her. She first lowered her head, then raised it. Her eyes seemed to speak, brimming with autumn water, lightly sweeping toward Li Rong.

Li Rong was stunned for a moment, then clapped: “You’re quite good! Come, watch me do this. Is it right?”

Li Rong spoke and began learning.

The two young ladies practiced eye expressions in the carriage.

When Li Rong and Shangguan Ya headed to Bright Moon Pavilion, Pei Wenxuan had also roughly finished approving his last document.

He wasn’t a high official to begin with. His workload wasn’t heavy. Usually he worked diligently. Now wanting to find more work, he couldn’t find any.

He sat in the office for a while, calculating that Li Rong had probably departed. Only then did he stand up and walk out.

Tong Ye guarded at the door. Seeing him emerge, he said, “Young Master, leaving so early today? Returning to the mansion?”

“Mm.”

Pei Wenxuan responded quietly. Tong Ye sighed: “It’s only because Young Master hasn’t returned to Hua Jing for several years. Those young masters who used to accompany you have all scattered. Usually you don’t even have anyone to talk to. If we’d known, Young Master might as well have stayed in Luzhou.”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent and directly boarded the carriage.

His youthful good friends—he’d long forgotten most of them. Too many years had passed. His later friends were people like Li Chuan and Qin Lin.

Now Li Chuan was still Crown Prince. Qin Lin and others were far away at the borders. Besides Li Rong, there was no one else by his side.

Pei Wenxuan felt somewhat weary. He raised his hand to cover his head, saying quietly, “Let’s go back.”

The carriage slowly traveled from the bustling area gradually into darkness. Before exiting the alley, urgent calling came from ahead: “Young Master! Eldest Young Master!”

The carriage abruptly stopped. Pei Wenxuan raised cold eyes, then Tong Ye lifted the curtain and entered, urgently saying, “Young Master, Madam is critically ill. She told you to hurry back to the Pei residence immediately.”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent, opening the curtain to look at the messenger. The person who came was indeed his mother’s personal attendant, crying like a pear blossom in rain: “Eldest Young Master, please hurry home.”

“Mother is critically ill. Why wasn’t I told earlier?”

Pei Wenxuan looked coldly at the other party. The person wept: “Originally it wasn’t serious. Madam said not to alarm you. Since your marriage, you haven’t visited her. Madam thought you were busy with affairs. Half an hour ago, Madam suddenly fainted. We couldn’t even summon a physician. People in the mansion made everything difficult. This servant had no choice…”

“Young Master, stop asking,” Tong Ye urged. “Hurry back first.”

Pei Wenxuan remained silent. He gripped the curtain tightly. After a long while, he suddenly smiled.

“Fine.”

He turned back and told Tong Ye, “You go to Bright Moon Pavilion. When the Princess finishes her business and comes out, tell her to come to the Pei residence to fetch me.”

Speaking, he leaned close to Tong Ye’s ear, saying softly, “Bring more people.”

Tong Ye was momentarily stunned. Pei Wenxuan said slowly, “Go. Wait properly at the entrance. Don’t disturb the Princess.”

After Pei Wenxuan finished speaking, he returned to the carriage and told those outside, “To the Pei residence.”

The carriage slowly departed. Tong Ye stood in place, stunned for a long while before reacting to what Pei Wenxuan had instructed.

His young master was always clever. He must have sensed something wrong to give such instructions. Tong Ye’s heart was both panicked and anxious. He quickly ran frantically toward Bright Moon Pavilion.

But before Tong Ye moved, hidden guards had already departed ahead, conveying the message all the way.

Li Rong was still joking and playing with Shangguan Ya in the carriage when hidden guards urgently stopped the carriage. Li Rong lifted the curtain, saying coldly, “What is it?”

“The Pei family summoned the Prince Consort back.”

“What reason?”

Li Rong frowned. The hidden guard immediately said, “Lady Wen is critically ill.”

Li Rong remained silent. After a moment, she turned to Shangguan Ya: “Get out of the carriage.”

“Huh?”

Shangguan Ya was completely bewildered. Li Rong said directly, “Pei Wenxuan’s in trouble. You go to Bright Moon Pavilion and help me explain to Su Rongqing.”

“Wait,” Shangguan Ya urgently said, “he’s at the Pei residence. What serious trouble could happen? We’re already at Bright Moon Pavilion’s entrance. Just meet him once before leaving.”

“Not meeting.”

Li Rong said directly, “I’m uneasy. Hurry up.”

Speaking, Li Rong directly pushed her out, then turned to instruct the hidden guard, “Go to the Princess Mansion and mobilize people. Go directly to the Pei residence.”

The hidden guard acknowledged. Li Rong had the carriage turn around and rushed toward the Pei residence.

She sat in the carriage, closing her eyes.

In her mind, she went through Pei Wenxuan’s thoughts and the events he might encounter at the Pei residence. After a while, she couldn’t help but laugh in anger.

She’d decided that when she saw Pei Wenxuan, the first thing she’d do was give him a good hard slap.