Everyone turned to look at Qin Lin. After Qin Lin hesitated for a moment, Li Rong spoke up: “Minister Qin, please accept my condolences and come view your younger sister.”

The two words “accept my condolences” signified that Li Rong had confirmed Qin Zhenzhen’s identity. Qin Lin paused, then finally stepped forward.

Qin Zhenzhen’s corpse had already become almost a dried mummy, her features unrecognizable, with some bones exposed as white skeletal remains. The coroner pricked Qin Lin’s finger with a needle, then took the blood and dripped it onto the corpse’s exposed white bones.

Everyone held their breath, watching as the blood slowly seeped into the bone. After observing for a moment, the coroner turned around and reported to Xie Lanqing: “Minister Xie, this corpse is undoubtedly Miss Qin.”

Hearing this, Xie Lanqing showed an expression of shock: “How is this possible!”

As he spoke, Xie Lanqing stepped forward. The people beside him quickly tried to restrain him: “My lord, this is inauspicious, do not approach too closely.”

Xie Lanqing stared at the corpse. After a long moment, he pointed at the body and said: “She has been dead for just over a month, yet has already become such a dried corpse—is this reasonable?”

“My lord, after a normal person is buried, they begin to decompose in three to seven days, and become a dried corpse in one to two months. When the temperature is lower, it happens more slowly. If not buried in soil but left exposed outside, it happens faster. Besides this, the speed of corpse decomposition varies between men and women and according to different constitutions. This young lady was buried simply, without proper anti-decay treatment, and the coffin was not properly sealed. If she had been left exposed outside for some time before burial, then her current condition is not surprising.”

Listening to the coroner’s words, Xie Lanqing’s face still showed disbelief. Li Rong gave a soft laugh: “What is Minister Xie afraid of? Those who do no wrong by day need not fear ghosts knocking at their door by night. Even if this Qin Zhenzhen has become a vengeful ghost, if Minister Xie has done nothing wrong by her, what is there to fear?”

“What would I fear?” Xie Lanqing turned back coldly. “Your Highness, please do not speak nonsense. This old minister only fears that someone might use talk of ghosts and spirits to create chaos in the court and violate laws and discipline.”

“Minister Xie’s devoted concern is truly praiseworthy,” Li Rong raised her hands in applause. “Now that the examination is complete, does Minister Xie have any further doubts?”

“This…” Xie Lanqing looked at the corpse, frowning deeply. “How can this be possible?”

“Minister Xie, in this world there are many things that people must believe. Miss Qin died unjustly, and now has merely sought revenge and redress. I believe Miss Qin’s wronged soul has been comforted. We should not disturb her further and let her be buried in peace for her eternal rest.”

“Minister Xie,” some timid officials in the crowd couldn’t help speaking up, “please let Miss Qin rest in peace. Let this matter go.”

Xie Lanqing looked up, wanting to scold them, but when he looked over, he discovered it was actually Cui Shuyun’s older brother, Cui Shuxue.

Xie Lanqing held his breath, his anger stuck in his throat. Others also urged Xie Lanqing to relent. Li Rong smiled as she watched Xie Lanqing being persuaded by everyone. Finally unable to bear it any longer, Xie Lanqing turned and said: “Place her in the coffin.”

After saying this, Xie Lanqing led his people back. The return journey was lively, with officials discussing and speculating about the truth of this resurrection matter.

Li Chuan walked to Li Rong’s side. He furrowed his brow and said in a low voice: “Elder Sister, Qin Zhenzhen, she…”

Li Rong looked up at him and smiled: “Come to my residence another day for a drink.”

With that, Li Rong walked past Li Chuan. Pei Wenxuan walked alongside her, saying in a low voice: “I was right, wasn’t I?”

“If you were wrong, I would have killed you.”

Li Rong’s lips moved slightly as she spoke softly.

After the officials returned to court, they reported the results to Li Ming.

Li Ming was at Consort Rou’s palace listening to music. When he received the results, he was somewhat surprised, but he didn’t believe in ghosts and spirits. After thinking it over, regardless of everything, this matter involved Li Rong, so it was inappropriate for him to investigate further.

Consort Rou listened to this matter from the side. When Li Ming saw she wasn’t speaking, he turned his head: “After listening for so long, what are my beloved consort’s thoughts?”

“I just find this matter astonishing.”

Consort Rou smiled: “A dead person borrowing a corpse to come back to life and kill people, and within the Imperial City no less… it’s too incredible.”

As she spoke, Consort Rou sat on Li Ming’s lap, leaning against his chest with some fear: “Your Majesty, this wronged soul… won’t come to the palace, will she?”

“What wronged souls are there?” Li Ming laughed. “If there truly were ghosts in this world, the palace would be the place with the most ghosts.”

“Your Majesty means it’s not a ghost?”

Consort Rou looked up at Li Ming. Li Ming tossed the memorial aside, embracing the woman, and said slowly: “There are no ghosts made from people, only people pretending to be ghosts.”

“Then,” Consort Rou seemed puzzled, “why doesn’t Your Majesty investigate?”

“Investigate?” Li Ming scoffed. “What’s the point of me investigating this ghost? Those people she killed deserved to die. If not for their family elders using the establishment of the Constabulary Bureau to threaten me, even if this ghost didn’t go after them, I wouldn’t have spared them!”

Consort Rou leaned against Li Ming. After thinking for a while, she said slowly: “Your Majesty, the Constabulary Bureau will be handed over to Princess Pingle?”

“If not, then who?” Li Ming looked at her, saying coldly: “Who does my beloved consort think is suitable?”

“Your Majesty, please don’t be angry,” Consort Rou knew Li Ming had become suspicious, so she sighed. “Your Majesty’s feelings toward me are clear to me. I wouldn’t deliberately cause trouble for the sake of competing for favor. I’m just concerned that the Constabulary Bureau exists to supervise the aristocratic families, and Her Highness is, after all, a princess born of the Shangguan clan…”

Consort Rou hesitated, not continuing. But Li Ming understood. He said calmly: “I know your concerns, but right now there’s no one more suitable than her to be Director of the Constabulary Bureau. If I let Huale go, or let you go, could you stabilize this position?”

As Li Ming spoke, he laughed coldly: “You’d be devoured by these old wolves until not even bone fragments remained. Pingle’s conflict with them now is an internal struggle—we just need to watch. If Pingle is soft on the aristocratic families, I’ll take back her authority. But if she continues to do well…”

Li Ming thought for a moment, then sighed: “She is my daughter after all, a descendant of the Li family. As long as she remains loyal to me, I won’t treat her unfairly.”

“Your Majesty speaks wisely.” Consort Rou smiled. After thinking, she said: “However, with the Constabulary Bureau having such great power and influence, Your Majesty should keep a watchful eye.”

“Enough,” Li Ming laughed. “You don’t need to worry about these matters. I know what I’m doing.”

“I’m just concerned for Your Majesty.”

Consort Rou raised her hand to embrace Li Ming: “After all, Your Majesty is my husband. I’ll rely on Your Majesty for my entire life.”

Hearing Consort Rou say this, Li Ming’s heart softened. He held Consort Rou and sighed: “Rest assured, as long as I’m here, I’ll protect you and our son.”

Consort Rou softly agreed, saying nothing more. Li Ming held her, his mind occupied with thoughts.

When leaving, Li Ming walked through the Imperial Garden. Fulai followed him as Li Ming pondered for a long time, then said slowly: “You said Pingle’s memorial was intercepted by someone?”

“Yes,” Fulai said in a low voice. “The memorial has now been retrieved. Does Your Majesty wish to see it?”

Li Ming responded affirmatively and took the memorial from Fulai’s hand. After glancing at it, he laughed aloud: “She doesn’t learn the good things, but learns from those old codgers to threaten me. Forget it, everyone’s dead anyway. If she wants to manage it, let her have it. Draft an edict: both the military provisions case and the Qin family case will be under the Constabulary Bureau’s jurisdiction. The Constabulary Bureau is officially established with Pingle as Director, and additionally appoint a Supervisory Vice Director.”

Hearing this, Fulai was somewhat puzzled: “Supervisory Vice Director?”

“Consort Rou is also right,” Li Ming placed his hands behind his back and said slowly, “Giving such great power to Pingle requires someone to check and balance her. What do you think of Su Ronghua?”

“Young Master Su?”

Fulai thought for a moment, then smiled: “Young Master Su is the Prince Su’s teacher and is also from an aristocratic family. He will surely keep a close eye on Her Highness.”

“He seems frivolous, but he’s actually clear-headed.” Li Ming gestured: “Let it be so. Have the Secretariat prepare the edict. Let Pingle choose an auspicious day herself to formally establish the Constabulary Bureau.”

“Yes.”

Fulai responded. After a while, he respectfully said: “Your Majesty, Her Highness has received all the rewards and titles she should. You’ve always favored the Prince Consort most—why don’t you mention him at all?”

“Pei Wenxuan?” Li Ming smiled. “The size of his reward depends on how much meat Pingle can bite off.”

Fulai was stunned. After understanding, he followed Li Ming through the long corridor and smiled: “Your Majesty truly favors the Prince Consort extraordinarily.”

“A blade breaks easily,” Li Ming looked at the garden scenery covered in heavy snow and said slowly, “but adorning it with jewels is appropriate.”

Li Ming’s edict was drafted by the Secretariat, audited by the Chancellery, and then delivered to Li Rong’s hands.

Li Rong received the edict at the Princess’s residence with her people. She formally established the Constabulary Bureau and took charge of the Qin family case and military provisions case—news of this spread immediately.

This news flew throughout the entire Imperial City. The common people talked about it with great interest, especially with the story of a female ghost returning to claim vengeance, making everything seem mysterious.

Li Rong’s prestige among the people reached an unprecedented height. A princess who spoke for the people, who vindicated the loyal and good, who became the Director of the Constabulary Bureau hanging over the heads of the aristocratic families—together with a bizarre case of death and resurrection—naturally carried a legendary quality from the start.

Li Rong struck while the iron was hot, having the Bureau of Astronomy select an auspicious day for her. She held the Constabulary Bureau’s establishment ceremony at Mingsheng Military Field.

That day the weather was fine with gentle winds. Li Rong rose early. Her maids attended to her as she dressed in a fire-red ceremonial robe embroidered with peonies, topped with a golden ornate crown. Pei Wenxuan also dressed in his official robes, smiling as he watched her dress up magnificently.

After she finished dressing, Pei Wenxuan bowed slightly and raised his hand, smiling: “Your Highness, please.”

Li Rong glanced at him and couldn’t help laughing: “Pei Wenxuan, you really look like a lackey right now.”

“To be Your Highness’s lackey,” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “is also this official’s honor.”

“Pei Wenxuan, I finally understand why emperors all like you.”

Li Rong placed her hand on Pei Wenxuan’s hand. Pei Wenxuan supported her as they walked out. Li Rong looked at the rare clear day: “If power and influence can make people bow and scrape to this extent, then it’s truly a lovable thing.”

“Your Highness is wrong about one thing,” Pei Wenxuan followed by her side. “I’m not willing to bow to just anyone.”

“Oh?”

Pei Wenxuan smiled: “Your Highness is special.”

Li Rong paused, then lowered her head and smiled, pretending she knew nothing as she shifted her gaze away.

The two boarded the carriage and traveled from the Princess’s residence all the way to Mingsheng Military Field. When they arrived at Mingsheng Military Field, everyone was already waiting there.

The Constabulary Bureau’s designation, banners, uniforms, offices, and organization were all now prepared. Banners bearing Li Rong’s emblem—black background with gold-bordered peonies—were planted all around. Li Rong descended from the carriage, supported by Pei Wenxuan all the way to the high platform.

Then Pei Wenxuan retreated below, watching Li Rong stand alone on the high platform.

“By Heaven’s mandate, bearing the Emperor’s grace, today we gather here to establish the Constabulary Bureau. To uphold the court’s discipline and laws, to protect the way of propriety and morality. The foundation of our Bureau lies in two words: justice.”

Li Rong looked around, her gaze falling on those young faces.

Many common people had come to watch the excitement today. They stood outside the military field, watching Li Rong from afar, listening to her clear voice ringing out across the field.

Xun Chuan and Su Ronghua stood at the front of the guards. Shangguan Ya and Pei Wenxuan stood to the side, looking up at the woman in the sunlight.

“Regardless of your family background or social standing, within the Constabulary Bureau, those with ability shall hold position. May we be blades that cut down evil and treachery; may we be candles that illuminate the human world. When we encounter injustice, we restore justice; when we encounter unfair matters, we make them heard by all. From this day forward, the Constabulary Bureau is established—our swords protect Great Xia, our brushes safeguard the common people.”

After finishing, Li Rong swept her wide sleeves, held three incense sticks, bowed forward, then inserted the incense into the incense burner.

Xun Chuan and Su Ronghua led the soldiers in kneeling down together.

“From this day forward, we are dispatched by the Constabulary Bureau, completely following the Director’s instructions.”

“Our swords protect Great Xia, our brushes safeguard the common people!”

The crowd’s voices crashed like waves. Pei Wenxuan looked up at the woman standing high above like a phoenix in the sunlight.

Shangguan Ya followed Pei Wenxuan’s gaze and couldn’t help saying: “Doesn’t the Prince Consort feel oppressed?”

“Hm?”

Pei Wenxuan turned his head, somewhat puzzled: “What does Miss Shangguan mean?”

“With a wife this strong, doesn’t the Prince Consort feel tremendous pressure?” Shangguan Ya smiled. “I’ve heard that men are all very afraid of such women. They all prefer women who are gentle as water, best suited to being virtuous helpers. But looking at Her Highness now,” Shangguan Ya thought for a moment, “I’m afraid it’s the Prince Consort who must be the virtuous helper.”

“What’s wrong with being a virtuous helper?” Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong, his gaze not shifting in the slightest.

“Isn’t the Prince Consort afraid people will say you’re spineless and incompetent?”

“Only incompetent people must have wives weaker than themselves to demonstrate their competence.” Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Shangguan Ya with a light smile. “I only hope that my wife can live as she wishes.”

“If she wants the world, I can give it to her. If she wants peaceful stability in one place, I can also give that to her. As a husband, my love for my wife is not about giving her a gilded cage.”

“Rather, it’s that no matter what she does,” Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong and smiled gently, “I can let her do it freely.”

Shangguan Ya was stunned. After a moment, she probed: “You say all this so well, but I heard you two are just friends?”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan stiffened. Shangguan Ya couldn’t help laughing aloud: “It seems the Prince Consort’s road to friendship is still very long.”

“Not necessarily.” Pei Wenxuan’s expression was cool. At this moment, Li Rong was conferring the official seal on Xun Chuan. He looked at Li Rong, somewhat defiantly saying: “Who knows? Perhaps it will be soon?”

Shangguan Ya suppressed her laughter, no longer provoking Pei Wenxuan.

After the establishment ceremony ended, Li Rong invited the main personnel handling Constabulary Bureau affairs to dine at the Princess’s residence.

Xun Chuan had been appointed by her as the Inspector responsible for supervising local areas under the Constabulary Bureau. Originally she should have departed earlier, but first because of her injury, and second for the establishment ceremony, she had stayed.

Li Rong set up several tables. They ate lively and noisily in the courtyard. Su Ronghua was good at conversation, leading people in the courtyard to play finger-guessing games and drink, toss arrows into pots, and compete in poetry.

Pei Wenxuan had beaten Su Ronghua once before. Su Ronghua spent the entire evening targeting Pei Wenxuan, making him compete item by item. Pei Wenxuan’s head ached from the noise, so he dragged Li Chuan and Qin Lin in. The four men engaged in a chaotic battle, drinking until the world spun.

Shangguan Ya, Li Rong, and Xun Chuan set up a small table and sat to the side watching these men make fools of themselves. Shangguan Ya loved to talk. First she told Li Rong about her petty thefts in Youzhou, then gradually she spoke of coming to Hua Jing. Then she sighed: “When I was told to come, honestly, I thought I was finished. Your Highness, let’s speak from the heart tonight—don’t take offense.”

As Shangguan Ya spoke, she patted Li Rong’s hand. Li Rong waved dismissively: “Speak, speak. Am I such a petty person?”

“Then I’ll say it. When I heard I had to become Crown Princess, I thought: I’m finished, my whole life is over. Look at my aunt—being Empress her whole life, how pitiful. What’s the use of having such great power? As Miss of the Shangguan family, what can’t I eat or play with? Once I enter the palace—no more gambling, no more drinking, can’t go out with friends to fish, climb mountains, or play polo. What’s the point of living there? To watch people kowtow?”

“You’re right,” Li Rong drank a mouthful of wine and nodded. “That’s the truth.”

“Mm,” Xun Chuan also agreed. “I think so too, which is why you scared me to death that night at the palace banquet.”

“I’m sorry,” Shangguan Ya patted Xun Chuan’s shoulder. “I didn’t realize there was someone else who didn’t want to be Crown Princess.”

“You need to think about who would want to be Crown Princess.” Xun Chuan’s tone was quite disdainful.

“That niece of Consort Rou,” Shangguan Ya stammered, “what’s her name again?”

“That’s not important,” Li Rong waved her hand. “She can’t become my younger brother’s wife anyway. My brother is such a good person.”

“That’s right,” Shangguan Ya nodded. “Such a good person, delayed by the position of Crown Prince.”

Xun Chuan also nodded: “Miss Shangguan is right.”

The three women spoke in low voices. Shangguan Ya had drunk too much and soon rested her chin on her hand, dozing to the side. Li Rong glanced at her, then personally poured wine for Xun Chuan. The two clinked glasses, and Li Rong said in a low voice: “You’re leaving tomorrow?”

“Mm.” Xun Chuan spoke softly. “I won’t specifically bid farewell to Your Highness.”

“Fine.” Li Rong nodded. “It’s not a big deal. I just don’t know when we’ll meet again.”

“That might have to wait until Your Highness has great power in hand.” Xun Chuan smiled. “Your Highness can rest assured—when I’m away, I’ll work well for Your Highness.”

“I know. But you should also change your temperament—don’t be too straightforward.” Li Rong clinked glasses with Xun Chuan. Xun Chuan responded: “Your Highness can rest assured. I’ll be cautious about things I don’t understand.”

Li Rong said nothing. Xun Chuan drank her wine. After a while, she said slowly: “Your Highness, about what I said that day in the snow—I apologize.”

Hearing this, Li Rong was stunned. Then she looked up and smiled: “It’s not a big deal. You don’t need to apologize.”

“Actually, that day I just didn’t want to cause Your Highness trouble. Your Highness has been good to people—Xun Chuan understands this in her heart.”

“What you said wasn’t wrong either,” Li Rong said calmly. “I’m not someone who acts purely on emotion. Helping you certainly had selfish motives. I won’t deny it.”

“I don’t believe what Your Highness says.” Xun Chuan looked up at Li Rong. “Actually, Your Highness has justice in her heart and wouldn’t truly treat people as chess pieces. As for striving for power—for Your Highness, it’s actually more about self-preservation. Beyond self-preservation, Your Highness still has some passionate feelings. I know that Your Highness has a world she wants in her heart, and that is also the world Xun Chuan wants in her heart.”

Li Rong quietly watched Xun Chuan. Xun Chuan raised her cup: “Actually, Qin Zhenzhen’s death may not be a bad thing. Following Your Highness these days, Xun Chuan has been very happy.”

“Xun Chuan toasts Your Highness this cup to thank Your Highness for the life-saving grace.”

Li Rong said nothing, watching as Xun Chuan drained the wine in one gulp.

Then she filled it again and continued: “This second cup is to thank Your Highness for the grace of recognition. Meeting Your Highness, Xun Chuan learned that for women, the world is vast, and there is indeed another way to live.”

“You’re too kind.”

Xun Chuan drained the wine, then filled it again and said: “This third cup—I’m not afraid of Your Highness laughing at me—this third cup is gratitude for being able to meet Your Highness and Aya. Although our acquaintance hasn’t been long, Xun Chuan regards you both as friends. This cup is for our friendship, wishing that in the long road ahead, we three will not fail this life.”

“I’m drinking this cup.”

Shangguan Ya had been asleep but suddenly woke up. Xun Chuan looked over to see Shangguan Ya raise her cup and say happily: “Come, after drinking this cup, I have to leave too.”

“You’ve both drunk—how can I not drink?”

Li Rong smiled. She raised her cup and gently clinked it against the other two cups.

As the cups touched lightly, Li Rong’s heart stirred slightly. This was an emotion she had never experienced in her previous life.

Different from the lingering passion of romantic love, different from the deep richness of familial affection.

She couldn’t quite describe what it felt like, but it was like this cup of light wine—refreshing with a hint of sweetness, moistening one’s entire being with comfort.

After the three drank their wine, Xun Chuan stood up and said in a low voice: “I’m going to talk with my brother.”

“Your brother knows you’re alive?”

Shangguan Ya was quite curious. Xun Chuan nodded: “Mm.”

With that, Xun Chuan raised her wine cup and walked toward Qin Lin.

“I’m tired,” Li Rong also stood up. “Going to clear my head.”

Shangguan Ya nodded and waved: “Alright then, I should go too.”

The crowd dispersed separately. Li Rong returned to the corridor. She didn’t know why, but taking advantage of the wine’s influence, she swept the steps with her sleeve and sat down.

This night had a bright moon and sparse stars—it was good weather. Li Rong sat for a while, then Pei Wenxuan came looking for her. When he saw Li Rong sitting on the steps looking at the moon, he laughed softly: “Your Highness.”

“Ah,” Li Rong turned her head to look at Pei Wenxuan. “Have all the people outside been seen off?”

“They’ve been seen off.”

Pei Wenxuan spoke as he walked to Li Rong’s side and said gently: “The ground is cold. Your Highness should get up.”

“I’ve already warmed it up,” Li Rong raised her hand and patted the space beside her. “Rather than having me get up, you might as well sit down.”

Pei Wenxuan smiled softly and sat calmly beside Li Rong: “What is Your Highness doing?”

“Xun Chuan is leaving tonight.”

“Isn’t Your Highness going to see her off?”

Pei Wenxuan kept Li Rong company, somewhat puzzled. Li Rong smiled: “See her off for what? Partings are prone to sadness. At times like this, it’s better not to meet.”

“Your Highness is not a sentimental person.”

Pei Wenxuan laughed softly. The two sat quietly for a while. Li Rong looked at the moon in the sky and spoke softly: “Pei Wenxuan, I have friends now.”

Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong. Li Rong smiled, her face showing some happiness: “I have friends, I have family. In this lifetime, I feel quite happy. Although I don’t know what the future holds, right now I feel I have everything I should have.”

“Your Highness is still missing one thing.” Pei Wenxuan spoke warmly. Li Rong looked at him with some puzzlement, then saw Pei Wenxuan turn his head, looking at her with a smile: “Your Highness still lacks a husband.”

Li Rong said nothing.

They were very close. Pei Wenxuan’s gaze watching her was like a gentle net, lightly falling and enclosing her.

She lowered her head and smiled, turning her head away.

Seeing Li Rong not respond, Pei Wenxuan wasn’t annoyed. He looked at the moon in the sky, his mind beginning to outline a plan.

Everything needed to have a plan.

Pei Wenxuan pondered in his heart.

When pushing Li Rong away, he had needed a plan. Now, wanting to pursue Li Rong back…

He also needed an overall strategy.

As Pei Wenxuan was thinking aimlessly, Shangguan Ya was being supported by Su Ronghua as they walked toward the residence gates.

“I’m not drunk,” Shangguan Ya emphasized to Su Ronghua with a serious face. “My walking is still steady. Look.”

“Okay, okay,” Su Ronghua watched Shangguan Ya walking in zigzags and compromised: “You’re not drunk, you’re especially clear-headed. Can you drink less in the future?”

“My sworn sister is leaving,” Shangguan Ya gestured with her hand. “What a big deal—how can I not drink?”

“You can drink,” Su Ronghua didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “but can you not drag me along? So many people are watching.”

“Don’t you usually chase after me?” Shangguan Ya furrowed her brow. “Why are you running now?”

“I don’t want to run,” Su Ronghua glanced at the guards following behind them. “The problem is you’re a young lady dragging me along—it doesn’t look proper.”

“I just want to annoy you,” Shangguan Ya stopped walking and spoke very seriously. “When I drink, I’m very annoying.”

“I’ve noticed that.”

“So I’m going to torment you, I’m going to make you lose your reputation, make you condemned by everyone, make you utterly disgraced. Then you’ll never bother me again.”

Su Ronghua watched Shangguan Ya speak so seriously—he couldn’t stop laughing.

He had originally just thought Shangguan Ya was truly entertaining, but now he was beginning to see some cuteness in her.

He glanced at the guards behind them. They were all from the Shangguan and Su families. He leaned forward and said in a low voice: “Miss Shangguan, actually there’s a way to make me lose my reputation immediately.”

Shangguan Ya furrowed her brow. Su Ronghua extended his hand: “If you hold my hand and walk out, I’ll be yours. If you don’t want me, my reputation will be ruined.”

Listening to this, Shangguan Ya felt a bit dizzy from drinking. She furrowed her brow and thought about it, actually feeling that Su Ronghua made some sense. She extended her hand, grasped Su Ronghua’s hand, and said seriously: “Fine, let’s go.”

Seeing she actually believed him, Su Ronghua couldn’t stop laughing.

When the guards behind them came forward to advise, Su Ronghua waved his hand and shook his head: “Just don’t tell anyone.”

Su Ronghua and Shangguan Ya pulled and tugged all the way to the gate. The Shangguan family’s people came up and together with Su Ronghua, they finally got Shangguan Ya onto her carriage.

After Shangguan Ya got on the carriage, Su Ronghua turned around and saw his family’s carriage stopped to the side. Su Rongqing stood beside it, holding a lantern in his hand, quietly watching the Princess’s residence gate.

Seeing Su Rongqing, Su Ronghua couldn’t help smiling: “Why did you come?”

“I was afraid elder brother would be drunk.”

Su Rongqing smiled: “So I came to pick you up.”

“I have my limits.”

As Su Ronghua spoke, he reached the carriage. Su Rongqing raised his hand to help Su Ronghua onto the carriage. Su Ronghua waved him off: “I’m really not drunk.”

Su Rongqing responded, handed the lantern to a servant, and got on the carriage himself.

After boarding the carriage, he turned his head and looked at the Princess’s residence plaque through the carriage window. Su Ronghua drank a mouthful of tea, and when he turned around, he saw Su Rongqing’s gaze. He hesitated for a moment but ultimately said nothing.

After the banquet dispersed, people went their separate ways.

After bidding farewell to Qin Lin, Xun Chuan packed her luggage herself, opened the door, and walked out.

As soon as she opened the door, she saw a young man waiting at the entrance. Xun Chuan was stunned, then reacted and said hoarsely: “Your Highness, Crown Prince.”

When Li Chuan saw Xun Chuan, he felt somewhat awkward for a moment. Standing at the door, he didn’t know what to say. After Xun Chuan waited for a moment, she said calmly: “If Your Highness has no business, Xun Chuan will take her leave first.”

“Um,” Li Chuan called out to her, hurriedly saying: “Um, you’re leaving today?”

“Yes.”

“Your injuries are healed?”

“They’re healed. Thank you for Your Highness’s concern.”

“Mm.” Li Chuan nodded. Xun Chuan waited for a moment. When she saw Li Chuan wasn’t speaking, she cupped her fists in salute and turned to leave.

After taking a few steps, Li Chuan finally couldn’t restrain himself and called out: “Miss Qin!”

Xun Chuan stopped in her tracks. Li Chuan looked at her back, pressed his lips together, and finally spread his wide sleeves and bowed slightly: “I’m sorry.”

Xun Chuan didn’t respond. After a moment, she resumed the clear, crisp tone of a young woman.

She seemed still to be that girl from their first meeting on Nine Nether Mountain, always maintaining a certain coldness that kept people at a thousand miles’ distance. She said in a low voice: “It doesn’t matter.”

After saying this, she stepped forward and left.

Li Chuan straightened up. He watched as the girl in black clothing with her long sword walked away under the moonlight.

That was the last time Li Chuan saw her as Crown Prince.

After Xun Chuan completely left, a servant came to report to Li Rong: “Your Highness, Lady Xun has departed.”

Li Rong finally withdrew her gaze from the moon. She braced herself to stand up. As soon as she moved, Pei Wenxuan stepped forward and unobtrusively supported her.

Li Rong looked up at Pei Wenxuan, hearing him laugh: “Let’s go.”

As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan slid his hand down and grasped Li Rong’s hand.

Li Rong scrutinized him. Pei Wenxuan pretended not to receive Li Rong’s gaze. Holding her hand, he said warmly: “Your Highness, what would you like to eat tomorrow?”

Li Rong said nothing, quietly allowing Pei Wenxuan to pull her along. Pei Wenxuan gradually felt reassured.

He had thought it through—pursuing Li Rong couldn’t be rushed. It required a three-step approach.

First was habituation. He needed to gradually make Li Rong accustomed to his presence, accustomed to his intimacy.

After Li Rong became accustomed to it, he would pull back slightly—playing hard to get, making Li Rong turn around and be attracted to him instead.

Once Li Rong developed feelings for him, he would plan some major event—heroic rescue, leading to Li Rong’s heartfelt confession.

Pei Wenxuan thought happily about this, almost laughing aloud. Li Rong glanced at him, finding his laughter inexplicable.

Compared to Pei Wenxuan, Li Rong’s thinking was much simpler—

As long as they didn’t discuss romantic feelings, everything was negotiable.