Chapter 25 If only she were really Xue Yingyue…

On a drizzly afternoon, Pei Xuanlin stood by the window of his study, clutching a secret letter in his hand, his knuckles turning white from the pressure.

After Emperor Shizong Yang Mingkong's originally designated crown prince, Yang Xiande, missed out on the throne, he was supposed to be beheaded. However, not only did he not die, he also gained a princess as his daughter-in-law.

This princess, her daughter-in-law, urged him to help her ascend the throne, promising that all power would go to his son after she became emperor. Yang Xiande was naturally delighted with this.

The only obstacle preventing Pei Chang'er from ascending the throne is Crown Prince Pei Xuanlin.

Pei Chang'er had always disliked Pei Xuanlin because of the matter of the throne, and Pei Xuanlin knew this. He never expected that Pei Chang'er would actually want him dead.

The rain outside the window fell in fine threads, but it couldn't wash away the gloom between his brows.

"Your Highness, it has been confirmed."

The guard reported in a low voice, "Princess Jin'an's residence was expanded, and 37 houses in the surrounding area were forcibly demolished. Among them, five households refused to move, and their servants directly attacked and killed two old people and a child."

A cold glint flashed in Pei Xuanlin's eyes.

He turned and placed the secret letter on the desk, asking in a deep voice, "Is the evidence conclusive?"

“I saw it with my own eyes, as well as the blood-written letters from the villagers and the testimonies of several neighbors.”

The guard pulled a stack of crumpled papers from his pocket; the mottled bloodstains on them had turned dark brown.

Pei Xuanlin took the papers, his fingertips trembling slightly when they touched the dried bloodstains.

"Notify the people in the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Justice, and have them report this matter. Send them this evidence and tell them it is my will."

Pei Xuanlin folded the blood-written letter and put it into a bamboo tube for safekeeping, his voice as cold as ice.

"Yes, Your Highness."

...

The next day at court, the Minister of Justice knelt and bowed, then presented the blood-written letter with both hands: "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to report that Princess Jin'an's residence forcibly demolished civilian houses and allowed her servants to commit violence, resulting in three deaths and seven injuries. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

The eunuch beside Pei Lian took the blood-written letter from him and presented it to him. After reading it, Pei Lian frowned slightly.

He quickly glanced through it, then gently set the paper aside: "Has this matter been investigated?"

Pei Xuanlin's eyes were deep and unfathomable, sensing that he would surely return empty-handed today.

"Your Majesty, the evidence is irrefutable," the Minister of Revenue continued, his voice firm. "The bodies of the dead are not yet cold, and the wounded are still groaning. How can it be false?"

Pei Lian sighed and rubbed his throbbing temples: "I know. Princess Jin'an's expansion of her residence was also approved by me... I will send people to investigate this matter again to ensure that the people are not wronged."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

*

The moonlight, like a ribbon, shone through the window onto the floor tiles of the East Palace study, casting a silvery white glow.

The red candle on the candlestick was mostly burned, and the candle wax piled up in layers, like a small coral reef.

Pei Xuanlin rubbed his temples, his vermilion brush hovering over the memorial for a long time, the ink condensing into beads, about to fall but not quite.

On the surface, the emperor said he would thoroughly investigate Princess Jin'an's act of letting her servants commit violence, but in reality, he suppressed the matter and never mentioned it again.

We need to find a way to expose Pei Shang'er.

Just as I was feeling annoyed, a soft voice came from beside me.

"Sanlang, aren't you going to rest so late? Be careful not to ruin your eyes."

Pei Xuanlin turned his head and saw Ling Zhenli standing in the lamplight, holding a freshly brewed cup of tea in her hands.

She entered without making a sound; the moonlight outlined her soft features, gilding her with a silvery edge, making her seem like a fairy in a painting.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Pei Xuanlin put down his pen, his voice low and hoarse with exhaustion.

Ling Zhenli gently placed the teacup on the corner of the table. The tea was clear and reflected the candlelight, shimmering slightly. "I've been waiting for you, but you haven't come."

She paused, then added, "This is calming tea with a little honey. Try it."

Ling Zhenli was perceptive and noticed that Pei Xuan had been frowning lately, probably because he was having trouble with government affairs.

Pei Xuanlin picked up the teacup. In the rising steam, he saw faint dark circles under Ling Zhenli's eyes. He knew that she must be forcing herself to stay awake while waiting for him. This realization warmed his heart, as if a warm current was slowly flowing into it.

"Ah Li, go and rest. You don't need to wait for me." He took a sip of tea, the temperature just right, neither too hot nor too cold. "I'll be busy with court affairs for a long time to come."

Ling Zhenli did not respond, but simply walked behind him and gently placed her slender fingers on his temple.

Pei Xuanlin's body stiffened, and before he could react, the fingertips began to slowly circle and press, the force just right.

Her voice was close, her breath brushing against his ear, carrying a faint fragrance: "Even with busy official duties, one must take care of one's health. If one falls ill, wouldn't that be a great loss?"

Pei Xuanlin closed his eyes, letting the nimble fingers dispel the headaches he had been suffering from these past few days.

Her fingertips were slightly cool, like fine jade, and wherever they touched, tense nerves gradually relaxed.

The massage techniques I learned at Zuixianlou finally came in handy.

"Are you feeling better?" Ling Zhenli's voice was as soft as a feather.

Pei Xuanlin opened his eyes, about to answer, when he saw a strand of black hair slip down from her temple and fall onto his shoulder. As if possessed, he reached out and caught the strand of hair, feeling the silk-like touch on his fingertips.

"Ah Li," he suddenly called her, his voice low, "What should I do? I don't want to go to the morning court tomorrow."

Ling Zhenli paused for a moment, then continued the massage: "Then Sanlang should rest for a day."

Pei Xuanlin turned around and grabbed her wrist.

Caught off guard, Ling Zhenli gasped softly as he pulled her forward.

The distance between them suddenly closed, so close they could count each other's eyelashes. Her wrist trembled slightly in his palm, like a startled bird, but she did not struggle.

A flicker of panic crossed her eyes, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks: "What are you doing? You scared me."

Pei Xuanlin gazed at her, his eyes sliding from her beautifully shaped eyebrows to her cherry lips, which were lightly rouged and looked like dew-kissed petals in the candlelight, beckoning one to pick them.

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he slowly lowered his head, his nose lightly touching her temple, taking a deep breath.

"I really don't know what my beloved concubine uses to bathe every day, how can she smell so fragrant?"

His voice was so hoarse it didn't sound like his own.

Ling Zhenli held her breath, her heart pounding like a drum.

Pei Xuanlin's breath brushed past her ear, carrying the scent of tea and ink, as well as his unique cool and aloof fragrance.

"Want to try it here?"

The moonlight shifted silently, casting their shadows on the wall, merging them into one. Outside the window, a pear tree, its blossoms swaying in the night breeze, sent petals fluttering down like a snowfall.

...

The rain stopped and the clouds dispersed. The two embraced intimately, the warmth of their skin touching intertwined with the coolness of the night breeze, their breaths gradually synchronizing in the silence.

Pei Xuanlin gazed at her slender back, his fingertips tracing the curve of her spine, and a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips: "I'll take you out for a stroll tomorrow. Is there anywhere you'd like to go? Jinzun Pavilion has a lot of new dishes; would you like to try them?"

She gave a soft "hmm" and then carefully recalled the places she wanted to go.

Only Huaiming Temple remains.

So, as if possessed, he said, "Why don't we go to Huaiming Temple tomorrow?"

"Huaiming Temple?" Pei Xuanlin took a moment to react. "Why do you suddenly want to go to a temple?"

She made up an excuse: "Last time I went to fulfill my vow alone... I feel it's not enough, I want you to come with me."

Ling Zhenli was drowsy, and her coquettish voice made Pei Xuanlin forget everything else, agreeing to whatever she said.

***

Noon on the second day.

In a private room on the second floor of the restaurant, Pei Xuanlin picked up a piece of roasted mutton and put it into Ling Zhenli's bowl: "Try it. I heard that Chef Hu's cooking skills here are superb."

Ling Zhenli took a sip of wine, put the meat in her mouth, and her eyes lit up: "Delicious."

"This amber soup looks pretty good to me too."

"Should we order some camel soup? This isn't enough."

Just as Pei Xuanlin was about to answer, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the window.

The two of them turned to look out the window at the same time, and saw a group of soldiers from the princess's residence pushing and shoving an old woman who was tightly clutching a bundle in her arms and crying out something.

"My land deed! This is my ancestral land deed! The princess cannot forcibly occupy a private residence like this!" the old woman cried out in anguish.

A burly guard stepped forward and slapped him across the face: "You old codger, it's your good fortune that the princess has taken a liking to your land! How dare you disrespect the princess? I think you don't want to live anymore!"

The old woman was knocked to the ground, her bundle scattered, and several yellowed papers fell into the soil.

Upon seeing this, Ling Zhenli's face turned deathly pale: "Are these Princess Jin'an's guards?"

Pei Xuanlin pressed her hand down, his expression meaningful: "Yes."

Just then, a soldier raised his foot to step on the land deed on the ground, when a young man rushed out to protect the old woman: "Do you have no regard for the law? You're forcibly taking a person's house in broad daylight!"

The guards sneered, "The law? The princess is the law!"

After saying that, he punched the young man in the face. The man staggered backward, crashed into the wall, and fell to the ground, blood streaming from his forehead.

Pei Xuanlin and Ling Zhenli were both shocked, especially Ling Zhenli, who never expected that Princess Jin'an's soldiers would dare to injure people in broad daylight.

Pei Xuanlin then ordered the guards accompanying the Crown Prince to go and stop them.

Pei Xuanlin came here to eat today so that the Crown Princess could also see Pei Shang'er letting her servants commit violence in the street. Xue Yingyue is backed by five powerful families. Although emperors have always disliked powerful families interfering in politics too much, they still have to be somewhat wary of her.

With the help of the Crown Princess, who came from a prestigious family, Pei Chang'er's plan to suppress the common people in order to build the Princess's Mansion was finally realized.

...

When they arrived at Huaiming Temple, the originally clear sky turned gloomy. It had been raining a lot lately, and fine, slanting raindrops fell from the sky. Ling Zhenli's mood, like the weather, also became gloomy.

Pei Xuanlin noticed the obvious change in her emotions and obeyed her request to dismiss the guards and maids, telling them to wait outside. He then personally held an umbrella for Ling Zhenli and followed her into the temple.

Rain seeped into the soft soil of the temple, raising a damp, earthy scent that mingled with the incense smoke wafting from the hall. The two scents intertwined, creating an unexpectedly enchanting aroma.

The enormous golden Buddha statue was majestic and solemn. Ling Zhenli clasped her hands together and silently prayed for her unborn daughter.

Chiying, your father gave you a beautiful name. I don't know if you like it. If there is an afterlife, you must be your mother's child again so that your mother can make it up to you.

Pei Xuanlin silently prayed that he wanted to spend his life with the woman beside him at this moment, hoping that her deliberate flattery would one day turn into sincerity, and that he and she would have no secrets from each other in the future.

I hope she can truly love him, love him as a person, and not just the crown prince.

If she truly only loves the throne, then he begged all the gods in the palace to bless him so that he could successfully ascend the throne.

Just as I was praying, a voice that was both strange and familiar broke the silence.

"Royal brother, royal sister-in-law."

Ling Zhenli turned around to look and saw Xiao Chongheng standing not far away, looking gloomy.

He was here too...

"Chongheng, what are you doing here?" Pei Xuanlin asked casually, not paying much attention to why he was there.

"There have been a lot of rainy days lately, which has made me feel down. I came out for a walk and happened to pass by here, so I stopped to calm my mind and pay my respects to the Buddha."

Although he was answering Pei Xuanlin's question, Xiao Chongheng's eyes never left Ling Zhenli.

It's been two months since we last met.

"Lord Duke, how have you been?" Ling Zhenli smiled weakly. "What a coincidence! Today I brought the Crown Prince to offer incense and pray for blessings, and I didn't expect to run into you here."

"May the Crown Princess be well. It has been raining a lot lately, so please take care of yourself and avoid catching a cold," Xiao Chongheng said with a smile.

Pei Xuanlin and his cousin Xiao Chongheng grew up together. He should have been happy to see Xiao Chongheng and his wife getting along so well, but something just felt off.

"Chongheng, didn't you bring Roujia out today?"

Upon hearing Pei Xuanlin's question, Xiao Chongheng suddenly remembered something and chuckled, "Roujia went to my elder brother's Gao'an Prince's Mansion, so she probably won't have time to deal with me."

Pei Xuanlin had heard more or less about Pei Chanlian and Yang Chongzheng's affair, and he felt deep sympathy for his cousin's cuckolded status, which he could only look at but not remove.

"I heard you built a tower at Huaiming Temple, and there's a person enshrined inside. Did you come here today to relax and see her?"

Pei Xuanlin heard that Xiao Chongheng's beloved woman had died after he left her, and Xiao Chongheng had been heartbroken over this ever since, so the tower was built for her.

"Well... I have an unborn daughter with her, and her memorial tablet is enshrined in the tower."

Xiao Chongheng's smile was bitter, and Ling Zhenli's eyes gradually darkened from their initial helplessness.

She didn't understand why Xiao Chongheng wanted to bring up the child in front of Pei Xuanlin.

She was nervous and scared, worried that Xiao Chongheng might impulsively reveal the truth.

Xiao Chongheng's current emotional state is too dangerous; his dejected expression and his unwillingness to let her stay by Pei Xuanlin's side are clearly visible.

But Ling Zhenli wanted to take a gamble, betting that Xiao Chongheng loved her, that he knew she would die if the truth were exposed, and that he wouldn't let her die.

So before Pei Xuanlin could speak, Ling Zhenli stepped forward and pretended to apologize: "Your Excellency Duke, you came here last time for your daughter's sake, didn't you? At the time, I didn't know the reason and thought you came for Princess Roujia. Now that I think about it, I really feel bad."

"This is not your fault."

Xiao Chongheng smiled. He saw through Ling Zhenli's worries and fears and decided to play along with her as she wished.

"I had a beloved woman before my marriage. I blame myself for not cherishing her. I knew she suffered from depression after her miscarriage, but I didn't give her enough care and attention. I was only concerned with empty glory and status, and abandoned her. She and the child will never forgive me..."

He seemed to be explaining the situation to Ling Zhenli, but in reality, he was confessing his mistakes to her.

When Pei Xuanlin heard these words, he thought that Xiao Chongheng was trying to explain to the Crown Princess that he did not love Pei Chanlian and that she should not harbor any resentment towards him.

“What a pitiful woman.” Ling Zhenli said sadly, feeling like a joke after hearing this. “I am also a woman, and women can easily sympathize with another woman… Since Your Excellency has already hurt one woman’s heart, please don’t hurt another woman’s heart as well. Treat Princess Roujia well from now on.”

Xiao Chongheng knew that she still hadn't forgiven him, and he felt extremely frustrated.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit strange, Pei Xuanlin took the initiative to ease the tension: "Chongheng, the Crown Princess is spoiled by nature. Since she is willing to speak softly to you, it means she doesn't care about other trivial matters."

Spoiled and pampered...

Pei Xuanlin actually said that Ling Zhenli was spoiled and arrogant...

Xiao Chongheng was even more hurt. Ling Zhenli was always careful and trying to please him most of the time. Even when he didn't care about her after she lost her child, she didn't dare to complain. At most, she would suppress her temper and act coquettishly.

Perhaps Ling Zhenli is her true self in front of Pei Xuanlin.

So what? If Pei Xuanlin can spoil Ling Zhenli, I, Xiao Chongheng, can do the same.

Unfortunately, Ling Zhenli's heart is no longer with him, and now is not the best time to win her back. It's best to leave first.

"I apologize for disturbing you today, Your Majesty and Your Highness. I thank Your Majesty for your understanding and will take my leave now."

Xiao Chongheng bowed respectfully, preparing to take his leave.

"stop!"

At the shout, both Xiao Chongheng and Pei Xuanlin were taken aback.

Ling Zhenli could no longer hide her anger, and she rushed to Xiao Chongheng in a few quick steps.

"I have not forgiven you, Duke of Yan. I sympathize with that woman, and if I were that woman, I would hate you to death. You have ruined my life and my child's life. You just said that I forgive you. How dare you presume to know my feelings? If you think I have forgiven you just because I said a few ambiguous words, then let me tell you now, I will never forgive someone like you, not in my entire life."

With Pei Xuanlin backing her up, she became much more assertive in her speech.

Ling Zhenli's stubborn eyes were filled with tears. She could compromise or soften her heart towards Xiao Chongheng for a while, but she would never forgive him.

How could she possibly forgive the man who killed her father, drove her mother to her death, and caused the death of her child?

Xiao Chongheng knew he was in the wrong. He had wronged her too much in the past and hadn't even started to make amends. It was understandable that she didn't forgive him.

"It is all my fault, Your Highness, please do not be angry."

Pei Xuanlin stood to the side, feeling somewhat puzzled.

The Crown Princess has never been so temperamental with outsiders, especially since the Duke of Yan is of such high status and she has a close relationship with him. Even if she dislikes him, she should at least put on a good show. But now she's not even pretending anymore.

...Never mind, Ahri is just being herself.

Having figured things out, Pei Xuanlin stepped forward and shielded Ling Zhenli behind him, gently patting her back to comfort her. He then helplessly dismissed Xiao Chongheng.

"Chongheng, the Crown Princess is a sentimental person and probably doesn't want to see you right now. You should go out first, and I'll put in a good word for you when the opportunity arises."

"Thank you, cousin."

Having found a way out, Xiao Chongheng quickly took it. He was afraid of upsetting Ling Zhenli here, and if he lost control of his emotions, he would be unable to reconcile with her.

After Xiao Chongheng left, Pei Xuanlin held Ling Zhenli in his arms and comforted her.

"Ah Li, don't be angry with him. I know what he did was pretty awful, but it's too late now. He also feels guilty towards that woman and child. Don't hold it against him. It's not worth it."

Ling Zhenli was even more displeased upon hearing this, glaring angrily at Pei Xuanlin: "Guilt? What good is guilt? That woman and child are gone, and now he's feeling guilty? Who is he trying to impress?"

"Yes, yes, I was too stupid to think of that. This Xiao Xun is a real scoundrel. You don't need to pay any attention to him when you see him in the future. Don't get angry, or you'll hurt yourself."

Pei Xuanlin felt a pang of heartache when he saw her angry and unhappy. He didn't care to think about why she was so angry; he just wanted to see her happy.

“Hey Ali, since you’re so sad for that mother and daughter, why don’t we go and offer incense to the poor child? What do you say? Smile! If you keep looking so sad, you’ll scare the child.”

Pei Xuanlin was willing to do anything to appease Ling Zhenli. The dignified crown prince offered incense to the illegitimate daughter of his subject, just to win a smile from her.

He truly loved her so much.

Ling Zhenli adjusted her position, leaning against Pei Xuanlin's chest, feeling deeply moved.

Pei Xuanlin is too good to her; she'll probably soon find herself falling in love with him.

If only she were really Xue Yingyue, she could love him without restraint and stay with him for life.

But she's an imposter; she married into the Eastern Palace as the Crown Prince's concubine to seek revenge. Once her revenge is complete, her true identity might be exposed...

Ling Zhenli thought that Pei Xuanlin would kill her without hesitation and erase her stain. The woman he truly wanted to marry was Xue Yingyue, a noblewoman from a prestigious family, not Ling Zhenli.

All of Pei Xuanlin's kindness and affection for her were based on the fact that she was Xue Yingyue.

Since that's the case, as long as Ling Zhenli treats Pei Xuanlin sincerely, gently, and considerately during the time she's with him, then she won't be considered to have wronged him.

So she smiled and said, "Sanlang, let's go, let's offer incense for that child."