After Pei Wenxuan agreed to Li Rong's request, he returned to his desk, picked up his pen and began to think about how to write this memorial for Li Rong.
The two of them wanted to go out, and Li Rong took the initiative to write it. This was not good, as it seemed that she wanted to destroy the Yang family too much. Given Li Ming's personality, he would probably think too much.
The role that Li Rong has to play now is that of a princess who is somewhat smart, but who knows almost nothing about the struggle between the prince and the emperor because of her trust in her parents.
Just like the past eighteen years, what she saw was what she saw, and there couldn't be much else.
The reason for investigating the Yang family was because Yang Quan committed a crime. Apart from that, there could not be any more connections. If Li Chuan had received good news before, she would have investigated him immediately for fear of arousing suspicion.
So Li Rong asked him to write this memorial, but if he wrote it, the first thing he would have to explain was how he knew the news.
It can be said that he took advantage of Li Rong, or it can be said that it was a hidden clue left by his father, but one lie always requires countless lies to cover it up, and the more lies one tells, the more loopholes there will be.
Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment and put down his pen again.
"Your Highness," he called Li Rong, who was waiting for him to write a memorial, and heard him say, "I can't write this memorial."
"Hmm?" Li Rong knew Pei Wenxuan had other considerations when she heard this, so she asked directly, "Then how do you plan to get out?"
Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment and whispered, "Look for the queen."
Li Rong reacted immediately after hearing this. Just as she was about to respond, Pei Wenxuan explained to her in detail, "First, ask the Crown Prince to give you a list. Anyone the Crown Prince thinks is unsuitable should be put on this list, and the Crown Prince should ask His Majesty for a reward. It would be best if this list includes more people from prominent families in the northwest, as well as some generals who are loyal to His Majesty."
"Your Majesty has little contact with the northwestern border. The real confidants were framed by the Yang family in the previous campaign. Your Majesty is not familiar with the ordinary generals below. These people appear on the list of rewards sought by the prince. Your Majesty will definitely suspect that these are the prince's men and remove them instead."
Li Rong thought about it and answered Pei Wenxuan's question. Pei Wenxuan knew that it was easiest to talk to Li Rong about this matter. He didn't need to say much, and the other party would understand what he was thinking. This tacit understanding made Pei Wenxuan feel a little comfortable. He relaxed and said, "Yes, and if these people are from aristocratic families, they can't be too conspicuous. If His Majesty withdraws them, it will naturally chill the hearts of those aristocratic families in the northwest."
"After your majesty withdraws these people, he will think about cleaning up the Yang family," Li Rong tapped her palm with a small fan. "When the time comes, your majesty will definitely send people to the border to replace the prince's men, and then call the prince back so that we can start to investigate the Yang family case and get rid of the Yang family."
"So, in fact, it is best for us to remain unchanged in the face of all changes. When His Majesty thinks of us, he will naturally come to help me. At this time, you will release Tuoba Yan on your own initiative, and His Majesty's people will find Tuoba Yan, and there will be no big problem." Pei Wenxuan chuckled, "We don't even have to touch the account book. When His Majesty sends people to the border, we will ask His Majesty for the account book."
"You have a point."
"But there is one thing," Pei Wenxuan said seriously, "Tuoba Yan, can you control this person?"
"I have asked someone to find his wife and children," Li Rong said calmly, "It's not a big problem."
"That's good." Pei Wenxuan nodded, "Just let someone do it."
Therefore, Pei Wenxuan did not write the memorial. Instead, Li Rong waited for Jinglan to come the next day and asked Jinglan to take the message to the Eastern Palace. Someone from the Eastern Palace sent a letter from Huajing via flying pigeons to convey Li Rong's intention to Li Chuan.
Li Chuan got the news at the border, and called Qin Lin, Cui Qinghe and others overnight to secretly draw up a list. They retained some talented generals, selected a few generals from moderate families and those loyal to Li Ming, and selected a few generals who were originally used by Li Chuan as a decoy. They mixed them together and sent them to Huajing to ask Li Ming for a reward.
When Li Ming received Li Chuan's letter asking for reward, he was so angry that he smashed a cup in Yu's study.
The next day, Jinglan came to deliver the news to Li Rong, whispering, "I heard that His Majesty was very angry, saying that the Crown Prince had gone to the border and had become more powerful, and wanted to win over the people and gather his supporters. It took a long time for several old ministers to persuade His Majesty to come down."
Li Rong nodded after hearing this. Jinglan looked at her expression and whispered, "Don't be too sad, Your Highness."
"Why should I be sad?"
Li Rong smiled softly: "Your Majesty is of this character, I knew it a long time ago."
Jinglan was a little surprised. She knew that the princess had always had a very good relationship with Li Ming. After Li Rong said this, she realized that she had made a mistake. She sighed and said, "I'm not stupid. Can't I see clearly about this arranged marriage?"
After hearing this, Jinglan understood the reason for the princess's change. She said hurriedly, "It's good that Your Highness can look at it in a positive light."
After Li Ming received Li Chuan's memorial, he confirmed within a few days that the war on the front line was basically stable, so he immediately called Li Chuan back and sent his own generals over to take over the Northwest military positions. A group of generals who were rewarded in Li Ming's memorial were promoted in name only but demoted in reality, and were transferred from their original positions in the Northwest to the civilian positions in other armies.
In the military, when a general is moved, it is equivalent to stripping him of his power. As the saying goes, "A tree that is moved away lives, but a man who is moved away dies." The transferred generals knew in their hearts that even if they were given a nice title, they would still be removed from their posts. For a while, banquets were popular in the northwest, and many veteran generals cried bitterly at the banquets. Although they did not say it explicitly, both sides knew what the other party was thinking.
On the day Li Chuan returned from the northwest, the new general led the army to escort Li Chuan out of the city. Li Chuan stood on the carriage and turned back to the general and said, "Master Zhang, there is no need to see me off. I will leave now. I wish Master Zhang good luck in the northwest," Li Chuan smiled meaningfully, "and a prosperous career."
Zhang Qiu looked very respectful and bowed, saying, "Farewell, Your Highness."
Li Chuan turned around and saw soldiers kneeling down like waves. The northwest summer wind blew yellow sand and blew hot air in his face. He scanned the army one by one and inadvertently saw a few young faces.
Qin Lin, Cui Qinghe and others were mixed in the crowd. They secretly raised their eyes and looked at Li Chuan quietly. Li Chuan's expression remained unchanged. He nodded, then turned around and got into the carriage.
After getting on the carriage, he turned around and looked at the scorching sun in the desert.
That endless wilderness carried the fate of tens of thousands of people. The young prince, who had emerged from the blood and sword fights, had never experienced so deeply the piles of bones buried beneath all the words: soldiers, common people, country, and imperial power.
He closed his eyes and remained silent.
After all the orders were given, Li Ming saw that Li Chuan had finally decided to come back, and he finally breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Shangguan had admitted defeat this time.
His people have already investigated clearly that the Shangguan family has spent a huge amount of money this time. Nearly half of the troops that the Shangguan family can mobilize have been lost, and many of the shops under their name have also been sold, just to collect the military pay to help the prince.
The prince is the hope of the Shangguan family, and what Li Ming wants is to wear down the Shangguan family's vitality bit by bit, and then destroy the hope that the Shangguan family is trying so hard to preserve.
This time he destroyed the Yang family and weakened the crown prince, so he could be said to have won a great victory.
Thinking of this, Li Ming remembered the man who gave him the advice. He thought for a moment, called the eunuch Fu Lai next to him, and ordered, "Find someone to take a look at Pei Wenxuan's case."
Fu Lai smiled and responded. Two days later, a poor businessman rushed to Shuntian Prefecture and beat drums to protest his injustice. After the people from Shuntian Prefecture rushed out, they frowned and asked, "Who are you? Why are you beating drums?"
The poor businessman raised his head and said hoarsely, "I am Tuoba Yan, a commoner, and I am here to sue the General Yang family for corruption, corruption, collusion with the enemy, betrayal of the country, oppression of innocent people, and murder!"
When the people of Shuntian Prefecture heard this, they were shocked. Even the onlookers couldn't help but feel a little surprised. How could the person who was said to be dead a few days ago be alive?
If he didn't die, then who did Pei Wenxuan, who is now in prison, kill?
Shuntian Prefecture did not dare to judge the case and reported it directly to the Ministry of Justice. The case was transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Yushitai, and finally that night, it fell into Li Ming's hands.
Such a big case also involved his most beloved daughter. Li Ming decided to try the case that day. He notified the Ministry of Justice at night and prepared all the materials. Three days later, before dawn, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were still half asleep in the cell when they heard footsteps outside. Then Su Rongqing led the guards in with lights, and the whole cell became brightly lit in an instant.
Li Rong's cell had its curtain drawn, and Pei Wenxuan was awakened by the fire. He blinked and saw that it was the guards standing on both sides of the corridor who did not come in. Su Rongqing walked to the cell, bowed respectfully towards Li Rong's cell and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty has requested that Your Highness and Lord Pei come to the court to assist in the trial. Please stand up and follow me to the court."
Li Rong responded in the cell, and Su Rongqing said, "Your Highness, I have brought servants from the Princess's Mansion to serve Your Highness. I wonder if it is convenient for them to come in?"
That's very considerate.
Pei Wenxuan paused in washing his face and couldn't help but glance at Su Rongqing.
Su Rongqing's expression remained unchanged. He only heard the sound of a curtain being pulled from the side. Then he saw Li Rong wearing a thin red gauze shirt, with her hair loose, holding a small golden fan in her hand, leaning to the side, yawning and saying, "Come in."
Su Rongqing didn't raise her eyes. She lowered her head and walked forward to open the cell door. Several maids walked in with basins of water. Su Rongqing closed the curtain for Li Rong and then waited outside.
When Li Rong came out after washing up, Pei Wenxuan had almost finished washing up as well. The two of them left the cell together, followed Su Rongqing, and left the prison together.
It was still dark, but everyone was in high spirits. Li Rong got on the carriage first. Pei Wenxuan was about to walk to the carriage behind when he saw Su Rongqing jumping directly onto Li Rong's carriage without any hesitation.
Pei Wenxuan paused for a moment, and after a moment, he made a decision.
He also got on Li Rong's carriage.
Li Rong was still feeling awkward when she first entered the carriage, but then she saw Su Rongqing jumping up. She was startled and subconsciously asked, "What are you doing up here?"
"I have many things to explain to Your Highness. I am afraid it will be too late to go to the palace. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
Su Rongqing answered respectfully. Li Rong paused and nodded, saying, "Master Su is thoughtful..."
Before he could finish his words, Pei Wenxuan rolled up the curtain and jumped in. Li Rong couldn't help but ask again, "What are you doing up here again?"
Pei Wenxuan subconsciously wanted to say "He can come but I can't?", but when he saw Su Rongqing's face, he held it back. It doesn't matter if they quarrel on weekdays, but they still have to behave in front of others, so he said respectfully: "There are some things I need to discuss with Your Highness. I'm afraid it will be too late to go to the palace. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
Li Rong: “…”
The words were so similar that she felt embarrassed to refuse.
"Then Master Pei, please come together."
Li Rong invited two people in. Without discussing, they each found a seat. Li Rong sat in the main seat right above. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable anxiety and embarrassment.
The three of them were silent. Su Rongqing lowered his eyes and said nothing. Pei Wenxuan opened and closed the fan in his hand, but also said nothing.
Li Rong poured herself some tea, and the sound of running water rang out. The two looked at her together. Li Rong froze while holding the teapot. After a moment, she smiled awkwardly and urged the two, "Drink some tea."
As she spoke, she personally poured a cup of tea for each of them. Then when she picked up the tea, the question became who to serve it to first.
Give it to Su Rongqing first. With Pei Wenxuan’s petty mind, I’m sure he will find a way to take revenge later.
Give it to Pei Wenxuan first. Su Rongqing has a higher official position than Pei Wenxuan, which is not very reasonable.
She held the cup in a stiff position, and the two of them looked quietly at the tea in her hand. For a moment, Li Rong felt that what she was holding was not tea, but a firecracker that could explode at any time.
After a moment, Li Rong gritted her teeth and drank the tea in her hand. She said calmly, "I'm a little thirsty. I'll have another cup. Lord Su," she threw away the awkward atmosphere and got straight to the point. She turned to Su Rongqing and said, "What do you want to tell me?"
Su Rongqing's case was quite orderly. He told Li Rong almost everything he knew. After he finished, he concluded, "The Northwest Border sent the past accounts yesterday. Because I was in charge of this matter before, and now that the princess and Lord Pei are in prison, I have taken over. I asked the Ministry of War, Tuoba Yan, and the frontline to check the accounts overnight. With Tuoba Yan's confession and the confessions of the people Your Highness had previously examined, there shouldn't be any big problems with this case."
Li Rong nodded and said gratefully, "Master Su is very thoughtful."
"It is my duty to serve Your Highness."
As the two talked, Pei Wenxuan listened quietly. When Su Rongqing and Li Rong finished their conversation, Li Rong turned around, looked at Pei Wenxuan, and smiled, "Master Pei, what else do you want to tell me?"
"Oh, it's not a big deal," Pei Wenxuan smiled and raised his fan, pointing at the hairpin on Li Rong's head, "Your Highness's hairpin is crooked."
Li Rong: “…”
He really didn't give her any face at all and was too lazy to even treat her perfunctorily.
Li Rong was about to have the carriage stopped and Pei Wenxuan kicked off, when she noticed someone beside her suddenly stand up, put one hand on her sleeve and raised her hand, gently straightened her hairpin, and said calmly, "Your Highness, it's done."
Li Rong was stunned and unable to react. Pei Wenxuan looked at Su Rongqing coldly. Su Rongqing calmly returned to his seat with a calm expression, completely ignoring Pei Wenxuan's gaze.
Li Rong saw that the atmosphere was becoming awkward again, so she coughed lightly. The two looked over, and Li Rong quickly picked up the teacup and urged them, "Drink tea."
The two of them didn't say anything, and Li Rong felt even more embarrassed.
Fortunately, the carriage arrived at the palace soon. As soon as it arrived, Li Rong hurriedly said, "We're here. Let's go quickly."
As she spoke, she didn't even bother to notice whether the two of them stood up or not, and quickly jumped off the carriage. After getting out of the carriage, the morning breeze blew, and Li Rong suddenly felt refreshed. She fanned herself and said to Jinglan, "Let's go in first."
"Not waiting for the two adults?"
Jinglan was a little confused. Logically, Li Rong should have entered the palace with them. However, after hearing what she said, Li Rong quickly covered half of her face with a fan and said with disgust: "Hurry up and leave. Stay away from them."
Having said that, Li Rong led Jinglan ahead.
Pei Wenxuan and Su Rongqing walked into the palace side by side. Su Rongqing asked gently, "Master Pei seems to have some opinions about me?"
"Don't you think, Lord Su?" Pei Wenxuan turned to look at him and said calmly, "Does Lord Su take too much care of the princess?"
"Oh?" Su Rongqing laughed and said nonchalantly, "Really? I am just doing my duty as a subject."
"Does Lord Su plan to get married?"
Pei Wenxuan suddenly asked, and Su Rongqing was a little surprised: "Why does Lord Pei ask this?"
"I hope Lord Su will continue to uphold his duty as a subject," Pei Wenxuan turned around and chuckled, "especially in front of your wife."
Su Rongqing's expression remained unchanged. Pei Wenxuan bowed and said, "Sir Su, you still want to enter the palace. I will not disturb you any more."
Having said that, Pei Wenxuan stood up and walked to the side.
Su Rongqing was going to enter the palace at the beginning of the morning court session like ordinary officials, so he stood in the queue first, while Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan waited at the door to be summoned. When Li Rong saw Pei Wenxuan coming over with a smile on his face, he knew that Pei Wenxuan must be in a bad mood.
If Pei Wenxuan was really happy, he wouldn't smile like this. If he smiled like this now when he was the prime minister in his previous life, it would usually mean something bad happened.
Li Rong remained expressionless, waiting for Pei Wenxuan to make a move. Pei Wenxuan stood beside Li Rong, holding a tablet, without saying a word.
I will not move unless the enemy moves. Pei Wenxuan did not say anything, so Li Rong began to think about other things. She went through all the things that might happen today in her mind. Just as she was thinking, she heard Pei Wenxuan couldn't hold back and said, "Your Highness, don't you have anything to ask me?"
"Hmm?" Li Rong came back to her senses. After hearing Pei Wenxuan's question, she said decisively, "I don't want to ask. I'm not interested."
Pei Wenxuan: “…”
Li Rong continued to wander in his mind, and Pei Wenxuan endured for a while before saying, "But I want to say something."
"I know I can't stop you," Li Rong sighed, "Just tell me, or I'm afraid you'll suffocate to death."
"Your Highness's words," Pei Wenxuan said, neither salty nor bland, "have almost suffocated me to death."
"How about you hold it in for a while?"
Li Rong made a sincere suggestion, and Pei Wenxuan couldn't help it. He said directly: "I think Su Rongqing has ulterior motives towards you."
"Really?" Li Rong said calmly, "I'm so happy."
"Li Rong," Pei Wenxuan called her name, "I'm serious, Su Rongqing is so good to you."
Li Rong listened to Pei Wenxuan and stopped playing with him. She listened to the voice of the eunuch Xuan Chao, watched the ministers pouring in, and said calmly: "Pei Wenxuan, do you know what the biggest difference between Su Rongqing and you is?"
Pei Wenxuan said nothing. He followed Li Rong's gaze and looked at the ministers who looked worried or happy, numb or arrogant in the morning light. He heard Li Rong say calmly, "He is more cruel than you."
"Family, honor, inheritance." The two of them fell on the young man in the distance. In the morning light, the young man was wearing a crimson official uniform, holding a tablet in his hand, with elegant and orderly movements, and a noble and elegant demeanor. He followed the crowd, climbed the white jade steps, and entered the hall that represented the vortex of power of a country.
"This is what Su Rongqing has carried throughout his life. Under these things, what he has learned since childhood is restraint, calmness, and forbearance."
Li Rong's voice was a little distant, vaguely filled with pity and a hint of sympathy.
"He doesn't have the emotions you think he does."
"He won't treat me well just because of love," Li Rong said very calmly, "What he values is not me, but Chuan'er. I always remember this, and you," Li Rong raised her eyes to look at him, her eyes like an ancient well, restrained and calm. Under this absolute "silence", there is a certain attractive beauty that cannot be escaped. She emphasized word by word, "You also need to remember this."
Author's words: Pei Wenxuan: "The person I love is too cruel. I feel pitiful, weak and helpless."