After Li Rong finished giving her instructions, she looked at Su Yongqing, who seemed to have finished counting and giving instructions. She greeted Su Ronghua, who came over from another porridge stall. Su Ronghua went back first. Li Rong looked at the sky and saw that it was still early. There was still some time before the temple became lively at night.
Therefore, she simply moved the carriage a few steps forward. She changed into a set of cotton clothes and walked down.
Su Yongqing was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had finished his business and returned home. She walked around the porridge stall and looked around.
Compared to the Su Clan's porridge stall, the Su Clan's porridge stall was much more shabby. The other aristocratic families used polished rice for their porridge. The grains were plump and were well received. The Su Clan's porridge, on the other hand, used the worst kind of brown rice. There was also some gravel in the middle, which made people lose their appetite.
She remembered that it was not like this in her previous life. In her previous life, the Su Clan's rice was very good. However, because of this, many people who were not disaster victims also came to cheat food and drink.
This change made her feel even more emotional. Although she was more or less sure of Su Yongqing's background, she still felt a little sad every time she thought about it.
Why did he come back?
Li Rong wanted to laugh and cry. When she and Pei Wenxuan came back, they could still continue their relationship. When he came back …
What was his purpose?
While Li Rong was looking at the porridge stall, Cui Yulang followed Consort Rou's request and went to the palace to teach Prince Su.
He was led by a palace servant to the place where the Su Wang was lecturing. As soon as he entered, he saw the Su Wang, Li Cheng, sitting at the front in an orderly manner. There was a screen behind him, and behind the screen, he could vaguely make out the silhouette of a woman. Cui Yulang had a rough idea that this was Consort Rou.
He pretended not to know anything and respectfully knelt down. "This humble subject greets Your Highness."
"Get up." Li Cheng sat cross-legged with his hands on his knees, looking very imposing.
Cui Yulang stood up. A maidservant came forward and prepared a prayer mat for him. He knelt down in front of Li Cheng, and then the maidservant quickly retreated, leaving only him and Li Cheng in the room.
"My mother said that he wants to see you." Li Cheng directly stated the purpose of his visit. After that, Li Cheng propped himself up from the ground and sat to one side. Consort Rou walked out from behind the screen and gracefully sat in Li Cheng's original seat.
"Greetings, Consort Consort Rou."
Cui Yulang hurriedly bowed to Consort Rou. Consort Rou smiled. "No need to be so courteous, Official Cui."
After that, Consort Rou gave Li Cheng a meaningful look. Li Cheng pursed his lips and reluctantly stood up to pour tea for Cui Yulang and Consort Rou.
Cui Yulang glanced at Li Cheng's expression. He knew that Li Cheng wasn't willing to pour tea for him. He hurriedly said, "There's no need for Your Highness to do it. This humble subject will do it myself."
"Cheng 'er." Li Cheng was about to happily let go when Consort Rou glared at him. Li Cheng's face immediately fell. He only said, "Official Cui, there's no need to be so formal. This prince will pour tea for you."
Cui Yulang laughed dryly and didn't say anything. He could only nod and express his thanks.
After Li Cheng finished pouring tea for Cui Yulang, Consort Rou sized up Cui Yulang. She said, "This consort heard that Official Cui participated in His Highness the Crown Prince's memorial today and was even fined his monthly salary."
When Cui Yulang heard this, anger appeared on his face. Consort Rou observed him and slowly said, "Official Cui didn't do anything wrong. His Highness the Crown Prince made a mistake during last year's memorial ceremony. Even if it was an unintentional mistake, it was still the cause of this year's disaster. His Majesty had no choice but to punish you."
"Consort Rou is still the one who sees things clearly." Cui Yulang sighed. "Right now, the imperial court is filled with the collusion of the noble families. This humble subject is from a humble family. Anything I say is wrong."
"Then Official Cui Yulang," Consort Rou hinted, "has Official Cui Yulang thought about finding an ally and finding a way out for your humble family?"
Cui Yulang didn't reply. He slowly raised his head and looked at Consort Rou. Consort Rou smiled and met their gazes. After a long time, Cui Yulang slowly said, "The path Your Highness wants to take is too dangerous. If Your Highness wants to use me, I have a request."
"Oh?" Consort Rou picked up the tea and slowly said, "What request does Official Cui have?"
"This humble subject wants Your Highness to have absolute trust in this humble subject."
Hearing this, Consort Rou's hand paused. She raised her head and stared at Cui Yulang. After a moment, she laughed softly. "Official Cui, you and I aren't familiar with each other yet. This so-called absolute trust will still take time. But I can guarantee, "Consort Rou raised her hand and placed it on her chest." Since I'm using Official Cui, I won't have any suspicions. As long as Official Cui doesn't disappoint my expectations, I will also have absolute trust in Official Cui. "
"But," Consort Rou tilted her head. "How does Official Cui intend to gain my trust?"
Cui Yulang straightened up, his face showing some confidence.
"May I ask, Your Highness, Consort Rou, the Inspector's Department," Cui Yulang lowered his voice. "Does Your Highness want it?"
Consort Rou's eyes immediately turned cold. Cui Yulang waved his fan and looked at Consort Rou with a smile. "Consort Rou has countless strategists under your command. This humble subject naturally knows that it is extremely difficult to gain Your Highness' trust, so this humble subject didn't come empty-handed this time."
"Participating in the Crown Prince's report is this humble subject's stepping stone."
Consort Rou looked up, her eyes serious.
If participating in the Crown Prince's report was to entice her to recruit him, then this person's mind wasn't just a commoner that could be recruited, but a talent that must be recruited.
"As for the Inspector's Department," Cui Yulang slightly leaned forward, "it is my gift to Your Highness."
"Does Your Highness want this gift or not?"
When Cui Yulang left the palace, Li Rong looked at several porridge stalls before finally meeting a scholar.
That scholar seemed to have walked a long way and looked travel-worn. He held a letter and found a servant of the Su Family. After a brief conversation, the servant led the scholar away.
Li Rong hurriedly followed behind the servant and scholar. After they entered an alley, it didn't take long for them to arrive at a residence. Li Rong hid in a corner and heard the servant knock on the door. After the door opened, the servant leading the way said, "This young master also came to Huajing to participate in the imperial examinations. Take good care of him."
"Young master, please."
The servant led the scholar inside. After waiting for a while, she heard the person inside say, "You're all here for the imperial examinations today?"
"Yes." The servant leading the way seemed a bit depressed.
"That's a pity." The person inside sighed, "There's not a single person who came to complain today …"
"Your Highness."
Li Rong was just about to listen closer when she heard a steady voice from behind her. Li Rong was so frightened that she almost jumped up, but she instinctively restrained all her movements. After being frozen for a moment, she recovered and smiled as she turned her head. She saw Su Yongqing standing not far behind her.
His hands were folded in his sleeves, and his expression was emotionless. He was so calm that he seemed like an emotionless Buddha.
"Lord Su." Li Rong pretended as if nothing had happened and smiled, "What are you doing here?"
"This is the property of the Su Family. It's used to settle the scholars who have no money to stay at the inn." Su Yongqing didn't ask what Li Rong was doing here. He only said, "Your Highness, are you lost? Do you need this humble servant to lead the way?"
"Yes." Su Yongqing gave her a way out, so Li Rong naturally went along with it. She only said, "Then I'll have to trouble Lord Su."
Su Yongqing nodded and turned to the side to let Li Rong pass first.
Li Rong walked in the direction he pointed, and Su Yongqing followed behind her.
The distance between them was just half a step, just like in her previous life, when he was still her servant.
Li Rong walked a few steps and felt a little uncomfortable. She stopped and turned to look at Su Yongqing. She used her small fan to point to the front and only said, "Didn't Lord Su want to lead the way? Come forward. "
When Su Yongqing heard this, he fixed his gaze on Li Rong.
His hands in his sleeves were tightly clenched into fists, but he maintained a calm expression.
Li Rong chuckled and tilted her head. She only asked, "Lord Su?"
"This humble servant," Su Yongqing's voice was a little hoarse, "does not dare to overstep the rules."
"Daren is only leading the way. How is this overstepping the rules?" Li Rong smiled gently, "Daren is now the legitimate son of the Su Clan, the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and not some servant. Daren does not need to be too reserved."
When Su Yongqing heard Li Rong's words, his face paled inch by inch. Every word Li Rong said seemed to be scraping his heart.
Li Rong watched the changes in his expression. She waited for him calmly. After a long time, Su Yongqing seemed to understand something. He chuckled and stepped forward. "Your Highness, please."
As he spoke, Su Yongqing walked not far in front. Li Rong was half a step behind him, and he led the way.
She originally wanted to ask something, to inquire about some information, but when she saw Su Yongqing, she suddenly lost interest.
She had an inexplicable feeling that if she asked, Su Yongqing would answer.
But if he really did answer, she didn't know how to deal with it.
She couldn't do what Shangguan Ya did. Knowing that the other party was coming to the banquet, she couldn't set a trap. She could use underhanded schemes to win against this person, but she couldn't win like this.
The two of them were silent for a while. Instead, it was Su Yongqing who asked first, "Your Highness, don't you want to ask something?"
"What's there to ask?"
Li Rong walked out of the alley with him and only said, "If I want to know, I will investigate. It's not hard to guess what you want to do. "
"Your Highness has always been magnanimous."
Su Yongqing answered calmly. Li Rong smiled. "If I ask you something, there is only one time left."
Su Yongqing looked back at her. Li Rong put her hands behind her back. "If I don't die, then you lose."
As the two of them spoke, they walked out of the alley. Once they were out of the narrow alley, Li Rong waved her hand. "I don't need to trouble you to send me off. I will leave by myself."
As Li Rong spoke, she turned to leave. Su Yongqing suddenly called out to her, "Your Highness."
Li Rong stopped and turned around. She saw Su Yongqing standing in the crowd and quietly looking at her.
This place wasn't far from the Moon Temple. The lanterns were lit and people were coming and going. The lights shone on Su Yongqing's body and gave him a warm feeling. Su Yongqing reached out his hand and bowed like he did when he was her guest in her previous life. He only said, "Have a safe journey."
Li Rong looked at his actions and didn't say anything. At this moment, a young man who was shaking a rattle-drum suddenly bumped into her.
Li Rong raised her head and met the other person's eyes.
The other person was wearing a fox-face mask and an aqua blue robe with silver patterns. His exposed eyes carried a hint of warning. The moment he brushed past her, he said in a low voice, "You're still looking."
Li Rong wanted to laugh, but she knew that Su Yongqing was still watching. She held back her laughter and nodded at Su Yongqing. Then she turned around and followed Pei Wenxuan into the crowd.
Pei Wenxuan seemed to be a stranger to her. He walked in front with one hand behind his back and the other holding a rattle-drum. The small beads that fell on both sides of the rattle-drum lightly hit the drum, making a clattering sound. It made him look like a bored young master.
He was very tall and stood half a head taller than the rest of the crowd. Li Rong didn't need to deliberately look for him. She could see him at a glance. She followed him for a while and saw a shadow guard standing in front of a restaurant. Li Rong turned around and entered the restaurant. She quickly changed her clothes and hair accessories. When she came out, she had a peach blossom mask on her face.
On the streets near the temple, there were many men and women wearing masks. Li Rong didn't stand out when she came out with a mask. She looked around the crowd and saw Pei Wenxuan bargaining with someone at a stall.
Li Rong walked behind him and coughed lightly. Pei Wenxuan didn't move and only said to the stall owner, "A little less."
Li Rong didn't look at him. She walked on the street with her hands behind her back. After walking for a while, she felt that there was an extra person beside her.
She didn't look back and knew who it was. She suppressed her laughter and said, "How many coins did you save?"
"Do you care about one or two coins?" Pei Wenxuan swung his hand and Li Rong heard a "shua" sound of a fan. She turned her head and saw that Pei Wenxuan had brought a fan today. He pretended to be elegant and looked a bit like Cui Yulang.
Li Rong couldn't help but laugh, "Did you ask Cui Yulang for advice?"
"Do I need to ask him for advice for such a small matter? You're looking down on me too much. "
Pei Wenxuan's words were full of disdain. Li Rong looked him up and down and said, "Your mask today suits you very well. You're a cunning old fox. "
"Your mask isn't bad either." Pei Wenxuan's tone was a bit cold, "People aren't like peach blossoms, but they have a lot of peach blossoms in their lives."
"Are you saying that I'm not good-looking?"
Li Rong made the first move. Pei Wenxuan didn't dare to face the enemy directly and changed the battlefield, "I'm saying that you have a lot of rotten peach blossoms."
"Then you should be happy." Li Rong smiled and joked, "You're the best among all the rotten peach blossoms. You should be proud."
Pei Wenxuan sneered and didn't say anything. The two of them didn't talk about business and just walked aimlessly on the street like an ordinary couple.
They were very close to each other, shoulder to shoulder. Their clothes rubbed against each other as they walked silently in the crowd.
After a while, Li Rong gently reached out her hand and hooked Pei Wenxuan's little finger with her little finger under her sleeve where no one could see. Pei Wenxuan turned his head and saw Li Rong blinking. There was a hint of a smile in her sly eyes, as if she was sure that he wouldn't be angry.
Pei Wenxuan restrained his smile, pulled his hand away, turned his head, and threw her face in one go. Li Rong's face suddenly changed. She was about to scold him when Pei Wenxuan pulled her again. This time, he didn't just pull her back, he also stuffed something in her hand.
The thing was very smooth and shaped like a crescent moon. It was only slightly bigger than a fingernail. He held it in her hand and said softly, "This is for you."
His voice was very soft, as if he was a little embarrassed. Li Rong didn't know why, but she was influenced by him. She lowered her eyes and walked hand in hand with him on the street. She whispered, "What is it?"
"A pair of crescent moons."
Pei Wenxuan explained, "I brought one, and the other one is for you."
"You bought it from a street stall?"
Li Rong laughed. Pei Wenxuan was a little embarrassed. Li Rong said sarcastically, "You've been fooled again."
Pei Wenxuan: "…"
He pulled the crescent moons and wanted to take them back. He lowered his voice and said, "Forget it if you don't want it."
But before he could pull out the crescent moon pendant, Li Rong grasped the pendant in her hand and raised her hand.
The red thread of the crescent moons was still on Li Rong's finger. She opened her palm and the pendant was suspended in mid-air. Li Rong walked backwards and let Pei Wenxuan see the crescent moons. She smiled and said, "You want to take back what you've given me?"
Li Rong raised her hand and put it around her neck. She looked up proudly and said, "No …"
Before she could finish the word "door", Pei Wenxuan took a step forward and pulled her into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her.
Li Rong heard someone hurriedly apologize. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't notice."
"It's okay."
Li Rong knew that she had caused trouble by walking backwards. She turned around from Pei Wenxuan's arms and comforted the middle-aged man with the child. "I was careless."
The man asked the child to apologize to her. Li Rong saw that the child was cute and gave her the rattle-drum that Pei Wenxuan had been playing with earlier. After the child left, Li Rong turned around and saw Pei Wenxuan standing behind her. His eyes were especially gentle under the fox mask.
She felt a little embarrassed and couldn't help but ask, "Why are you looking at me?"
"You weren't so patient in the past." Pei Wenxuan said bluntly, "I saw you coaxing the child just now. I think you're very good-looking."
Li Rong smiled and didn't say much. She also knew what Pei Wenxuan meant.
In her previous life, she was full of hostility and was impatient when she saw children. When she encountered trouble, she was easily irritated. How could she have this kind of patience?
She didn't say much about these changes and finally got down to business. "Today, I saw Su Yongqing taking in the scholars who came to Huajing to participate in the imperial examinations. I followed them. From what I heard from their servants, he was not only looking for people to participate in the imperial examinations, but also looking for people to complain about."
Li Rong frowned and felt a little uneasy. "I can't figure out what he meant. If he was taking in the scholars to participate in the imperial examinations, I could guess that he was trying to win people's hearts. But he was still looking for people to complain about … "
"How is Cui Yulang?" Pei Wenxuan suddenly asked. Li Rong was stunned. She could tell that Pei Wenxuan was forcefully changing the topic. She stared at him.
Pei Wenxuan acted as if nothing had happened. He smiled and said, "What did you discuss with him? Today, he even participated in the Crown Prince's performance?"
"If he participated in the Crown Prince's performance, Consort Rou would find him."
Li Rong followed Pei Wenxuan's words and said with a smile, "I accompanied him to act a few more times to gain Consort Rou's trust. He was born in the Han Clan and was originally opposed to Su Yongqing. With him around, the alliance between Consort Rou and Su Yongqing would be impossible."
"Your Highness is very smart." Pei Wenxuan praised, "Without Su Yongqing, Consort Rou is nothing to be afraid of. Consort Rou and Prince Su have collapsed. With just Su Yongqing, unless he plans to rebel, he won't be able to win against Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"That's my plan."
As the two spoke, they walked to the end of the stone bridge in the temple. Li Rong saw that they had reached the end of the road and said with a smile, "I've finished talking, so I'll go back first."
Pei Wenxuan responded. Li Rong waved his hand and said, "Let's go."
As he spoke, Li Rong stepped onto the stone bridge.
There were very few people around. The stone bridge reflected the bright moon and the water gurgled. Li Rong had just stepped onto the stone bridge when she heard Pei Wenxuan call out to her, "Rongrong."
Li Rong turned around and looked at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan looked at her quietly. After a long time, he raised his hand and pointed at himself. He drew a circle on his chest and then raised his hand to point at Li Rong.
Li Rong understood that he was using sign language to express that he liked her.
Li Rong was silent for a while and then smiled gently, "I know."
Pei Wenxuan smiled slowly and watched as Li Rong lightly crossed the stone bridge like a bird and then trotted out of his sight.
As soon as Li Rong left Pei Wenxuan, the shadow guards jumped down from the surrounding walls and followed behind Li Rong.
Li Rong's smile disappeared and only said, "Have people keep an eye on Pei Wenxuan and Su Yongqing. If there are any strange movements, immediately report to me."
The shadow guards responded. Li Rong returned to the restaurant and changed into his own clothes, as if he had eaten at the restaurant. He went down the stairs and went back to the princess's residence. Li Rong leaned against the carriage alone. After a long time, she sighed heavily.
Li Rong's people quickly responded. Zhao Chongjiu handed over the news, "The Lord Pei is also investigating Su Yongqing."
"What's going on with Su Yongqing's people?"
Li Rong frowned and opened the news Zhao Chongjiu brought back. Zhao Chongjiu knelt on the ground and said in detail, "Refusing to allow this humble servant to investigate, Su Yongqing has been providing clothing, food, housing, and transportation for the scholars who came to the capital for the imperial examinations since the beginning of this year. Ordinary scholars live in the courtyards Your Highness has seen. But if there is a grievance, they will live alone in another courtyard. "
Li Rong listened quietly and frowned, "Why is he looking for these people?"
"I don't know for now, but there is one thing that is very interesting."
"Hmm?"
"The Lord Pei's people have mixed in with this group of people."
Li Rong didn't say anything. She smiled and listened to Zhao Chongjiu's words.
Su Yongqing was collecting complaints. Not only did Pei Wenxuan ignore them, but he also told her not to pay attention to them. He even sent people to smooth things over.
So this group of people being gathered together was most likely not a small matter.
Li Rong thought quietly for a while and had a rough idea in her heart.
Zhao Chongjiu waited for her. After a long time, she finally understood.
"Quickly," Li Rong said hurriedly, "Call Cui Yulang back for me!"
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