Having known Pei Wenxuan for many years, Li Rong knew Pei Wenxuan's abilities clearly.

When he is against you, he can make you so angry that you faint. But if he deliberately tries to please someone, his ability to flatter is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

After all, Pei Wenxuan was the legitimate son of a noble family. He was extremely intelligent. It was said that he was the top student in every subject in the academy and was proficient in the six arts of a gentleman. It would be easy for him to coax a girl.

Li Rong felt relieved after hearing his words. After a while, Pei Wenxuan saw a note wrapped in a stone thrown from the next door. Pei Wenxuan was stunned. He didn't expect Li Rong to reply. He quickly went over to pick up the stone, squatted on the ground and opened it. It was Li Rong's elegant but somewhat harsh handwriting:

If you can speak, speak more.

Pei Wenxuan looked at the words and almost imagined Li Rong's expression as she said this with raised eyebrows and a smile. He didn't know why, but Li Rong's arrogant look actually looked somewhat cute.

Like a cat with its tail raised, it is so proud and lovable.

Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt like teasing her, and after a while, Li Rong received a reply. Pei Wenxuan had long arms and directly handed the note to her. Li Rong hurried over to take it, opened it, and found that it was still a painting, but this time it was much simpler, with only a few strokes to outline an altar with the word "Peony" on it and four words "Aged Peony" written next to it.

When Li Rong saw these four words, she immediately crumpled up the paper into a ball and threw it out, no longer paying any attention to the piece of shit.

When Pei Wenxuan saw Li Rong smash the paper, he knew that Li Rong was angry, so he quickly said, "Hey, hey, hey, Your Highness, don't be angry, it was just a joke."

"People don't talk to dogs," Li Rong said coldly, "Stop barking!"

Pei Wenxuan was choked by Li Rong's words, but he also knew that Li Rong was angry. He quickly wrote a few poems praising Li Rong, handed them over, and whispered, "Princess, Princess, can you take a look?"

Li Rong was too lazy to pay attention to him. She ate melon seeds and read the storybook. Pei Wenxuan's hands were sore, so he changed his hand and continued to shake the paper in his hand: "Princess, I was wrong. I will give you a gift to apologize. I won't tease you anymore. Can you take a look?"

Li Rong looked up at the white paper dangling outside, then looked down at her notebook. Pei Wenxuan called her in a different voice: "Princess? Your Highness? Li Rong..."

Before he could finish his words, he heard voices and footsteps outside. Pei Wenxuan immediately stood up and leaned against the wall. Just as he tidied his clothes, he saw a young man in a crimson official uniform walking out from the long corridor.

He must have been in a hurry, with some sweat on his forehead. As soon as he entered the cell, his eyes fell on Li Rong. Seeing that Li Rong was still safe, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief and bowed respectfully to Li Rong: "Your Highness."

Li Rong was quite surprised. She looked at the visitor with some doubt and asked, "Lord Su?"

After Su Rongqing finished his greeting, he stood up and nodded to Pei Wenxuan: "Master Pei."

Pei Wenxuan nodded indifferently. Li Rong saw that Su Rongqing had sweat on his forehead, so she couldn't help but laugh: "Why are you in such a hurry, Lord Su? Wipe your sweat first."

As she spoke, she handed over a handkerchief. When Su Rongqing saw the handkerchief that Li Rong handed over, he hesitated for a moment, but before Li Rong could react, he immediately reached out his hand respectfully and took the handkerchief that Li Rong handed over with both hands: "Thank you, Your Highness."

Su Rongqing took the handkerchief and wiped his forehead gently. Pei Wenxuan leaned against the wall and watched quietly, tapping his shoulder from time to time with the rolled-up paper in his hand.

Su Rongqing wiped his forehead and slowed down his breathing, then said, "I was a little anxious on the way here, please don't laugh at me, Your Highness."

"What are you doing in such a hurry?"

Li Rong chuckled, and Su Rongqing said respectfully: "Today, I learned that His Highness was in trouble, so I wanted to rush over, but was summoned by His Majesty, so I was able to leave the palace. I was afraid that His Highness would be harassed in prison, so I hurried over."

Su Rongqing always spoke in a very calm voice, without the rhythmic voice of Pei Wenxuan. His every move seemed to be measured with a ruler, even his voice. Li Rong listened to him and asked, "What happened at the morning court today?"

"At the morning court today, news came from the border," Su Rongqing straightened his face, "Two days ago, the Rong Kingdom attacked the city, and the main general Zhao Yi who defended the city died on the front line. Now all the troops have retreated to Fencheng, and the Yang family submitted their resignation last time."

"Resignation?"

Li Rong laughed: "What did you say?"

Su Rongqing looked unhappy, but he still repeated: "Yang Ming said that Yang Quan committed a heinous crime and provoked the princess. The Yang family was ashamed to face the royal family, so they asked to retire and return home, saying that they would take the children of the Yang family back to the mountains and forests, hoping that Your Highness would give them a chance to live."

"Words that hurt your heart."

Pei Wenxuan spoke calmly, and Li Rong tapped her palms lightly with her fan.

If the Yang family had submitted their resignation at ordinary times, the court might not have been so panicked. But now that the commander-in-chief had died on the battlefield and the Rong State was about to attack, the Yang family submitting their resignation at this time would be a threat.

"What do others say?"

Li Rong asked calmly.

"Your Highness should know that most of the noble families stand with the Yang family," Su Rongqing answered fluently, "The noble families do not like change. The Yang family guards the border. No matter what, they have guarded it for so long in the past. Unless the interests of the noble families are really threatened, the noble families will not change their position. Now that the Yang family is forcing them, the court officials are shocked today. All the civil and military officials in the court asked Your Majesty to detain Your Highness to reassure the soldiers at the border."

"I see."

Li Rong nodded, and Su Rongqing looked up at Li Rong: "What do you need me to do?"

"No need." Li Rong shook her head, "Just take care of your own business."

Su Rongqing pursed his lips, as if he was a little unwilling, and continued: "Your Highness, what I said before..."

"I know everything."

Li Rong interrupted him and said seriously: "But what I said to you was sincere. I am not rejecting you because I am wary of you or look down on your talent, but Lord Su really doesn't need to get involved in these matters. My promise to Lord Su was not a joke."

Su Rongqing didn't say anything. Li Rong saw that he seemed disappointed, so she smiled and said, "If Lord Su wants to do something, why don't you bring something for me next time you come?"

"What does the princess want?"

Su Rongqing finally responded after hearing this. Li Rong thought for a moment and said, "Bring some books. I like reading storybooks. You read a lot. Recommend some to me."

Su Rongqing responded respectfully, and Li Rong asked about the details of the morning court session. After that, the two of them fell silent. After a while, Su Rongqing said respectfully, "If there is nothing else, I will take my leave."

Li Rong nodded and said, "Go ahead. Don't be so hasty next time. Nothing will happen to me in Huajing."

Su Rongqing bowed and left. When he walked out, Pei Wenxuan's voice rang out: "Your Highness, I read a lot of books, can I recommend a few to you?"

"No need," Li Rong replied, "I'm tired of the book recommended by Master Pei, and I want to read a different one."

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan subconsciously wanted to fight back, but before he could finish his words, he suddenly stopped.

He suddenly remembered that he shouldn't go on living like this and shouldn't always quarrel with Li Rong, even for Su Rongqing.

What Li Rong said is actually true. A person always hopes that his enemies are bad, which is essentially due to his inferiority complex deep in his heart.

He didn't like Su Rongqing and always said bad things about him. In fact, it was nothing more than his anger and his inferiority and anger towards Su Rongqing.

But a lifetime has passed, and he has started over. Li Rong is a good girl, and he doesn't want to quarrel with her all the time.

So he restrained himself and said nothing.

Li Rong couldn't help but feel a little strange when she saw Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. In the past, he almost got angry about Su Rongqing. How could he remain silent for so long?

She asked cautiously, "Pei Wenxuan?"

Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything, and Li Rong couldn't help but have some bad speculations: "Pei Wenxuan, why don't you say anything? Is there something wrong with you?"

"not."

Pei Wenxuan calmed down, changed his posture, leaned against the wall, adjusted his voice, and pretended to be calm: "I was just thinking about what Su Rongqing said to you before, and what did you reject him for?"

Li Rong was a little surprised. She thought Pei Wenxuan would continue to argue with her, but she didn't expect that Pei Wenxuan would start to open up?

Pei Wenxuan saw that she was silent, and couldn't help but ask: "Why don't you say anything? Is it inconvenient to talk?"

"No," Li Rong came back to her senses, "Pei Wenxuan, you've changed so much, I'm scared. You... do you want to curse me a few more times?"

Pei Wenxuan: “…”

"I'm talking about you," Pei Wenxuan held his breath, "you can't get along without quarreling, right?"

"That's right," Li Rong nodded, "It makes me feel better now."

Pei Wenxuan: “…”

"Su Rongqing said he wanted to join the prince, but I didn't agree." Seeing that Pei Wenxuan had returned to normal, Li Rong answered Pei Wenxuan's question.

"Why don't you agree?" Pei Wenxuan frowned. It would not be a bad thing if Su Rongqing stood on Li Chuan's side.

"I don't think he should be doing these things." Li Rong said calmly, "The troubles of the Su family in the previous life were mainly caused by Su Ronghua. In this life, it would be better to keep Su Ronghua away from Prince Su. He doesn't have to follow Chuan'er so early. He can be the Minister of Justice and do his job well. Chuan'er won't make things difficult for him."

"Are you afraid that getting involved in these things too early will pollute his heart?"

Pei Wenxuan spoke directly, but Li Rong did not say anything. Pei Wenxuan took her as her tacit agreement. He felt angry and could neither get rid of it nor express it.

"You're very kind to him," Pei Wenxuan said calmly, "You're not afraid of dragging me down with you and dirtying my heart."

"What's so dirty about your heart?" Li Rong didn't understand Pei Wenxuan's pretentiousness and said directly in disgust, "You are already in your teens, and you still want to compare yourself with young people. Aren't you ashamed?"

"What about you?" Pei Wenxuan immediately shot back, "You are already in your teens, but you still think about young people. Aren't you ashamed?"

Li Rong stopped talking, and Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt that his words had been a bit harsh.

Li Rong and Su Rongqing had feelings for each other, and he knew in his heart that even if Su Rongqing killed her, the ending between them was not because of their bad feelings, but because of their different positions. It was nothing that Li Rong came back and wanted to change Su Rongqing's position and treat him better.

But he still felt a little uncomfortable in his heart, and he couldn't help but say: "When I was young, you never advised me to stay away from these things."

Li Rong felt that Su Rongqing was a gentleman who was not tainted by worldly affairs, and she did not want him to get involved in party disputes, but what about Pei Wenxuan back then?

Doesn't he also have mountains and rivers in his heart?

"Did we have a choice back then?" Li Rong asked calmly. Pei Wenxuan felt depressed. "Yes, we didn't have a choice, but you never thought about it, right?"

Li Rong was silent, and Pei Wenxuan took a deep breath: "In the final analysis, your feelings towards me and Su Rongqing are different after all."

"You know this, so what are you comparing?"

Li Rong spoke calmly, Pei Wenxuan froze, Li Rong said calmly: "I have been with him for 25 years, and I have been with you for less than a year. If you compare like this, aren't you just asking for trouble? And what are you comparing these things for now? You yourself said that you are starting over in this life, and you plan to start over."

Pei Wenxuan said nothing. Li Rong leaned against the wall and gently placed the fan on her shoulders.

There was only a wall between them, and they stood back to back, each with their eyes lowered looking at the ground.

"You're right," Pei Wenxuan chuckled. "Let's start over. I shouldn't dwell on this. I'll slowly change. Don't bother with me in the future."

Li Rong was silent in response. Pei Wenxuan stood up and said, "I'm going to rest now. You should go to bed early."

His tone was calm, but for some reason, Li Rong could still hear a hint of disappointment and embarrassment in it.

She knew that Pei Wenxuan had an indescribable sense of inferiority towards Su Rongqing.

Although both the Su and Pei families were large families, the Su family was a centuries-old family, while the Pei family was originally only a second-rate noble family. Thanks to the efforts of Pei Wenxuan's father and his group, they were able to squeeze into a first-rate noble family.

Pei Wenxuan was very smart and handsome when he was young. He and Su Rongqing were both in the top two academies in Huajing, and each of them was the best. So every year they were compared with each other. If we only talk about individuals, Pei Wenxuan would not lose. However, some things require hundreds of years of accumulation and inheritance to be able to afford. So when people mention Pei Wenxuan, they always say "What a pity..."

When he was young, he was slightly inferior to Su Rongqing because of his family background. Later, when it came to love, even though Su Rongqing was castrated, he still lost to Su Rongqing.

For Pei Wenxuan, this is not something that can be let go with just the four words "start over again".

If they were arguing on normal days, Li Rong would not care about the pain in his heart, but now that Pei Wenxuan's attitude has become better, she thinks about this man and feels a little bit of pity.

She thought about it, and finally said, "Pei Wenxuan."

Pretending to sleep, Li Rong said slowly, "I asked him to stay away from these things because he is only in his twenties now, and I am already an elder. I have some love for him, not any other feelings. It is impossible for him and I to start over. He is the 20-year-old Su Rongqing, and I am the 50-year-old Li Rong. I am old."

"If you hadn't come back, I would have met you at the age of 20," Li Rong paused, and finally said, "As long as you don't cause me any trouble, I will help you if I can."

Pei Wenxuan felt uncomfortable for some reason when he heard what Li Rong said.

This kind of discomfort is different from the previous sourness. Before, he was thinking about himself and felt uncomfortable.

But now what he was thinking about was, why did Li Rong speak in such a tone?

She was used to being arrogant and never cared about others. Now she said these words abruptly. Pei Wenxuan felt more uncomfortable than when she scolded him.

"Don't keep talking about how old you are," Pei Wenxuan said in a low voice, "We are both twenty years old. We are still very young."

Li Rong smiled lightly and didn't say much. Pei Wenxuan felt depressed for a while. He stood up and walked to the corner, calling Li Rong, "Your Highness, come here."

Li Rong was a little confused, but she still went to the corner, squatted down, and asked in confusion: "What are you doing?"

"Your Highness, give me your hand."

Pei Wenxuan stretched out his hand. Although Li Rong didn't understand what he was going to do, she still stretched out her hand. The two of them couldn't see each other, but they could see each other's hands. Pei Wenxuan grabbed her hand, and Li Rong couldn't help but shudder.

Pei Wenxuan's hands were thin, with distinct joints, and his skin was hot and warm, with a bit of the roughness that was unique to men.

Li Rong's hands were slender and soft, her skin was delicate and smooth, and her nails were carefully manicured and dyed red. Pei Wenxuan grasped her hands in his hands.

An indescribable tingling sensation rose up, and for a moment they recalled some ridiculous years in their youth. But now letting go hastily would be inappropriate, so they both pretended to be calm, as if they felt nothing.

Li Rong said calmly: "What are you doing? If you can't give a reason, then you are committing a crime."

Pei Wenxuan blushed terribly, but he also tried to remain calm, thankful that they couldn't see each other now. He gently put something into Li Rong's palm, then calmly let go, saying, "Your Highness, I'll give you something good, try it."

Li Rong was a little confused. She took her hand back and spread it out, and saw a small round pill. She couldn't help but be a little alert: "What is this?"

"Your Highness, you will know after you try it."

"What if it's poison?"

"Do I need to poison you now? You ate my fish earlier."

Li Rong: “…”

That made sense. Li Rong thought about it and put the pill into her mouth.

The sweet taste of plum blossoms spread in her mouth. Li Rong was a little confused. Then she heard Pei Wenxuan ask, "Is it sweet?"

"sweet……"

Li Rong was puzzled: "What are you giving me to eat?"

"It's a sugar pill." Pei Wenxuan laughed. "Didn't you like sweet things when you were young? If you thought it was sweet at 18, you still thought it was sweet at 50. Li Rong, don't worry too much about your age. As long as you don't feel old, you will always be a little girl."

Li Rong didn't say anything. She squatted with Pei Wenxuan. She held a sugar pill in her mouth, hugged her knees, put her face on her arms, and said with a smile, "What else do you have to say? Tell me more."

Pei Wenxuan felt relieved when he heard her smile. He stood up and went back to bed. "No more talk. I'm not interested. If you want to hear more, come back tomorrow. I'll tell you a few more words when I'm happy."

After hearing what he said, Li Rong spat at him, closed the curtain, got up and went back to bed.

Li Rong slept until dawn. When she woke up the next day, Jinglan came with her people. They led people to help Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan wash up, and then began to clean the cell. Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan stood in the yard with nothing to do, so they simply started practicing Tai Chi.

They worked hard when they were young, but they loved to take care of their health when they were old. Both of them suffered from illness later and paid more attention to their health.

When Li Chuan arrived, he saw two people practicing Tai Chi. He stood behind Li Rong who was practicing Tai Chi and asked in confusion, "Sister, when did you start practicing Tai Chi?"

"I can also practice the Five Animals Exercises." Li Rong responded in a way that made no sense to him. Li Chuan choked for a moment and then said, "No, I was asking you when you started doing this kind of thing that the Empress Dowager likes to do."

Pei Wenxuan was unhappy when he heard this. He had just persuaded Li Rong last night, and was afraid that Li Chuan would be upset again. He immediately said, "It's never too late to take care of your body. Your Highness, you should start training early."

Li Chuan thought these two people were sick.

But he didn't have time to argue with them, and said directly: "Sister, the imperial decree has been issued today."

"You go?" Li Rong knew that Li Chuan was referring to the Northwest affairs. The Yang family handed in their resignation, and Li Ming had to send someone to the Northwest to resolve the war. Sending Li Chuan out now was something they had planned long ago.

"I'll go to the military." Li Chuan responded and Li Rong nodded. "Then who will go?"

Li Rong was asking about Qin Lin. Li Chuan nodded and said, "Let's go in two groups. I'll give him an identity and make secret arrangements."

"Okay." Li Rong said calmly, "After that, get the account book as soon as possible."

"I understand." Li Chuan responded, and Li Rong said while practicing Tai Chi, "Go ahead, I'm here."

After hearing this, Li Chuan looked at Li Rong, then at Pei Wenxuan. After a moment, he called out to Pei Wenxuan, "Hello."

Pei Wenxuan pretended not to hear and continued to practice Tai Chi. Li Chuan knew that he was ignoring him. Although he was a little angry, he didn't have time to think about it. He just said, "You must take good care of my sister during the time I'm away."

"I don't need him to take care of me," Li Rong said immediately, "You should leave as soon as possible."

"Goodbye, I won't see you off." Pei Wenxuan said while practicing Tai Chi. Li Chuan was choked by these two people. After holding it in for a long time, he finally said, "Forget it, I'm leaving."

After he finished speaking, he swung his sleeves and walked out of the corridor. After walking a few steps, he suddenly called out, "Sister."

Li Rong turned around and saw Li Chuan suddenly running back and hugging her.

He trembled slightly and whispered, "Sister, if I hadn't come back..."

"I'm here." Li Rong raised her hand and gently stroked Li Chuan's back, saying calmly, "You will be safe. I will protect you at all times."

Listening to Li Rong's words, Li Chuan felt an inexplicable peace in his heart. He suddenly gained a lot of courage and felt as if someone had spread his wings and was silently protecting him along the way.

"Sister," Li Chuan whispered, "I will be back safe and sound, so don't be afraid."

"I'm back, I'll protect you."

Li Rong couldn't help laughing when she heard what Li Chuan said.

Li Chuan let her go, and this time he didn't look back, but trotted out.

Pei Wenxuan stood behind Li Rong. He looked at Li Rong's expression. That peaceful, calm, and hopeful expression was something he had not seen in the next few decades.

"Li Rong," he couldn't help but call her. Li Rong turned around and looked a little confused: "Huh?"

Pei Wenxuan quietly looked at Li Rong who turned her head to look at him. He saw his own shadow reflected in the girl's clear eyes. He looked at the peach blossoms that were blown from somewhere and fell gracefully in late spring. He looked at Li Rong at this moment.

He suddenly had an inexplicable impulse.

He hoped that Li Rong could live her whole life with such eyes and such a smile.

If Li Rong could live like this for the rest of her life...

It's not impossible for him to be a little more aggrieved and be nicer to her.

"Pei Wenxuan?" Li Rong couldn't help but call him when she saw Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. Pei Wenxuan came back to his senses. He smiled lightly and raised his hand to stroke her head.

"The flower fell on your head."

He whispered, "I'll brush it away for you."

I am willing to brush away the dust and snow for you and run around for you for half my life.

But at that moment, Pei Wenxuan himself didn't know that there were so many things he could do for Li Rong.

The author has something to say: [Small Theater]

Question: Li Chuan, how did it feel to visit the prison today?

Answer: It was like going to a nursing home to see my parents being attacked by a gang.

Tai Chi, square dance, and soft ball are the three major martial arts for the middle-aged and elderly.