After Li Rong received Sun Wen's letter of complaint and sent him away, Cui Yulang immediately contacted Consort Rou. Consort Rou used Prince Su's name to meet with Cui Yulang. Cui Yulang then told Consort Rou everything about Sun Wen.
"This Sun Wen is from this humble subject's hometown. He was robbed of his place to participate in the Spring Imperial Examinations by the local gentry in Huajing, so he came to Huajing to find this humble subject. This humble subject told him to complain to Her Highness Ping L E. As this humble subject expected, Her Highness Ping L E received the letter of complaint early in the morning and sent him out of Huajing. Now, the ship that sent him out of Huajing is nowhere to be found."
Hearing Cui Yulang's words, Consort Rou immediately sat up straight. "Are you serious?"
"Yes."
Cui Yulang took out a letter of complaint. "Sun Wen left this letter of complaint to this humble subject. Tomorrow, Your Highness can find an opportunity to summon Her Highness Ping L E into the palace and show her this letter of complaint first. Then, we can find someone to present this matter to the throne."
"Why should I tell her about this matter first?" Consort Rou frowned. "Since she dared to directly kill the person who filed the complaint, wouldn't it be better if I directly told His Majesty?"
"If Your Highness directly told His Majesty about this matter, His Majesty would at most reprimand Her Highness Ping L E. He would also suspect that Your Highness has ulterior motives. Your Highness has already been through the case in Hong De, so it's best if you don't get involved in this matter. " Cui Yulang kneeled on the ground and calmly analyzed, "But if Your Highness first lets Her Highness Ping L E know that you already know that she killed someone, she will be afraid. Tomorrow, when she is presented to the throne, she is afraid that Sun Wen's death will be discovered. Before anything happens, she will resign from the position of Director of the Inspection Department to avoid being held accountable. "
"Is she that timid?"
Consort Rou frowned. "Ping L is a little fox. I'm not afraid of this trick of yours. It won't work."
Cui Yulang picked up the teacup and chuckled: "Does Niangniang know why His Highness Ping L E wanted to kill Sun Wen?"
"I would like to hear the details."
"Her Highness Ping L E is His Highness the Crown Prince's older sister. Even if she doesn't get along with the aristocratic families, she's still a member of the aristocratic families. Therefore, she could investigate the Qin Clan case and the military pay case, but she couldn't touch the foundations of the aristocratic families. As for the case of the imperial examination, there are too many implications. She's already at the center of the storm, so she naturally doesn't dare to accept it. Not only does she not dare to accept the case, but she also needs to protect it. If the aristocratic family is unstable, then the Crown Prince will be unstable. So she must kill Sun Wen. "
Cui Yulang said and took a sip of tea. Consort Rou pondered: "Before you sent Sun Wen over, you already expected that she would kill Sun Wen?"
"I said that I would send the Inspection Department to Niangniang." Cui Yulang raised his eyebrows. "Does Niangniang think that I'm joking?"
Consort Rou was stunned. Cui Yulang put down the teacup and picked up the fan again. He slowly said: "We lured her to kill Sun Wen, so we already have something on her. Then we forced her to accept the case of the imperial examination. If she doesn't want to accept the case, and we have something on her, then leaving the Inspection Department is the safest way for her. If she leaves, then someone will have to take over the Inspection Department. Whoever is willing to investigate the case of the imperial examination, "Cui Yulang looked at Consort Rou." will be the new head of the Inspection Department. "
"But," Consort Rou hesitated, "if I'm going to investigate a case that even Li Rong doesn't dare to investigate …"
"It's not that His Highness Ping L E doesn't dare, but he doesn't want to. The Crown Prince relies on the aristocratic families. "Cui Yulang leaned forward slightly," But are the aristocratic families your support? "
Consort Rou froze. Cui Yulang's words were like a poisonous snake that drilled into her heart. "Niangniang, you were born here. Even if the aristocratic families respect and support you, they will only treat you as a chess piece. The aristocratic families will never be your support. You and His Highness Ping L E are different. "
"You didn't rely on the aristocratic families to get to where you are today. It's the exact opposite. You relied on the aristocratic families to weaken them. What His Majesty cares about is your humble background. This is the foundation of His Royal Highness Prince Su. The more ruthless you are to the aristocratic families, the more His Majesty will favor you. His Highness Ping L E was only able to establish the Inspectorate because he was investigating the aristocratic families' cases. If you want His Majesty's favor, you have to be even more ruthless than His Highness Ping L E. "
Consort Rou didn't say anything. She digested Cui Yulang's words. Cui Yulang leaned against the armrest and looked at Consort Rou's expression. He slowly said, "I know that niangniang has connections with some of the aristocratic families. If niangniang doesn't believe me, why don't you think about it. Up until now, have those aristocratic families brought niangniang any benefits?"
When Consort Rou heard this, her whole body trembled.
She suddenly reacted. Yes, although the Su Family was powerful, she had never received any benefits from working with Su Yongqing.
Not only did she not receive any benefits, but she also received a lot of disgust from the Emperor. When something happened, the Su Family brothers, in order to protect themselves, Su Ronghua turned around and used her as a shield to win Li Ming's forgiveness.
She was originally the mistress of the six palaces. Now that she has been demoted to a concubine, she was even suspected by Li Ming. Was it really better for Li Cheng to work with the aristocratic families?
Cui Yulang saw Consort Rou's expression wavering. He struck while the iron was hot and continued his analysis: "In fact, His Majesty has already paved the path for His Royal Highness Prince Su. The most important thing for an Emperor's position is military power and money. His Majesty gave the Northwest Army to your brother to build up military power for His Royal Highness Prince Su. Money, on the other hand, is a matter of the imperial court. Now that His Majesty is supporting niangniang, what niangniang should do is not rely on the aristocratic families. Instead, niangniang should take advantage of the time when His Majesty is still protecting niangniang to build up the power in your hands. "
"The humble family," Cui Yulang said each word seriously, "is niangniang's final destination. As for the aristocratic families, niangniang only needs to maintain good relations and feign civility. "
"I understand Teacher's meaning." Consort Rou heard Cui Yulang's analysis and made a decision in his heart, "I'll arrange it tomorrow."
Cui Yulang received Consort Rou's answer and continued to plan with Consort Rou for a while. After Cui Yulang left, Consort Rou sat in the room. Maid Chun Xi came forward and served Consort Rou a cup of tea. She worriedly asked: "Niangniang, should we tell Lord Su about this matter?"
"He won't agree."
Consort Rou slowly said: "Cui Yulang is right about one thing. For someone like Su Yongqing," Consort Rou sneered, "I'm far less important than his aristocratic family's interests. They don't want Li Rong to investigate, so they're willing to let me investigate? "
"Prepare the invitation," Consort Rou ordered, "invite Ping L E into the palace for a chat."
Consort Rou's invitation was delivered to Li Rong the next day. Li Rong had just left court and smiled when he saw the invitation. He knew that Cui Yulang had managed to persuade Consort Rou.
She didn't refuse and immediately accepted the invitation. Then, she went to Consort Rou's palace.
When Li Rong arrived, Consort Rou was the only one in the palace. When she saw Li Rong enter, she raised her head and smiled: "Ping L E, you're here?"
She knew how to conduct herself. Even when facing Li Rong, who hated her to the core, she still had a sincere smile on her face.
Li Rong nodded as a greeting. Consort Rou gestured for her to sit. Li Rong looked at the tea and pastries on the table and found that they were all her favorites. She couldn't help but be moved by Consort Rou's magnanimity.
Even at fifty years of age, she couldn't be as tolerant as Consort Rou when facing her enemies.
"Ever since you got married, you haven't been to the palace much. I haven't seen you in a long time, and I've missed you." Consort Rou poured Li Rong tea and cared for her like an elder. She gently asked, "How have you been after the divorce?"
"Thank you for your concern," Li Rong was used to the hypocrisy of the people in the palace. She smiled and responded, "The Inspectorate is busy, so I don't have any other feelings."
"Even though the work is busy, you still have to take care of your health," Consort Rou said and pushed the teacup towards Li Rong. Li Rong picked up the teacup and blew on the tea. Consort Rou observed her and slowly said, "I called you over this time because I wanted to ask you for help with something. I have a distant relative who studied hard for ten years and finally passed last year's Autumn Imperial Examination. He became a tribute and was preparing to take the Spring Imperial Examination this year. Who would've thought that someone would take his spot. He came all the way to Huajing to complain. I thought about it and couldn't find a suitable person to help, so I thought of you. "
As she spoke, Consort Rou took a copy of Sun Wen's confession and handed it to Li Rong, saying: "I sent him to find you. Did you see him? His name is Sun Wen. "
Hearing this name, Li Rong froze.
Consort Rou looked at Li Rong and tilted her head as if she didn't know what Li Rong had done. She smiled and said: "Looking at you, you must've seen him."
"I haven't." Li Rong seemed to come back to her senses. She pretended to be calm and said, "Niang niang said that the Ministry of Justice should handle it. Niang niang should send him to the Ministry of Justice. It's getting late," Li Rong stood, "Ping L E will leave first."
"That's true," Consort Rou smiled, "You're also busy. Leave first."
As she spoke, Consort Rou called for someone to see her off. As soon as the person arrived, Li Rong couldn't wait to leave. Consort Rou slowly called out to her: "Ping L E."
Li Rong stopped in her tracks. Consort Rou turned the teacup in her hand: "If you don't want others to know, don't do it in the first place. If it's yours, it's yours. If it's not yours, you can't hold onto it."
Li Rong turned around and saw Consort Rou looking at her with a smile: "Take care of yourself."
"Many thanks for niang niang's concern."
Li Rong's expression was cold. After thanking her, she walked out.
After she left, Consort Rou stroked the teacup and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
After so many years, this was the first time she saw Li Rong panic.
Li Rong walked out of the palace and boarded the carriage. She immediately returned to her usual leisurely self. Sitting in the carriage, she drank tea and let Jing Lan massage her shoulders. Her previous panic completely disappeared, and she looked quite relaxed.
"Why is Your Highness so happy?"
Jing Lan couldn't help but ask. Li Rong smiled and said: "I've caught a fish."
Li Rong managed to trick Consort Rou. At night, she summoned Cui Yulang.
In order to make it easier for Cui Yulang to enter and leave, she specifically had the imperial bodyguards change their shifts. This way, there was a path that the imperial bodyguards wouldn't patrol, and she specifically left it open for Cui Yulang.
Cui Yulang skillfully climbed over the wall in the middle of the night and entered the princess's residence. After discussing with Li Rong how to cooperate with the imperial court the next day, he climbed over the wall and left in the middle of the night.
As soon as he left, Pei Wenxuan's people reported to Pei Wenxuan that Li Rong had arranged for the imperial bodyguards to patrol.
Although Pei Wenxuan's people had left the princess's residence, he had arranged for many people to be stationed there. It could be said that the princess's residence was the place he had the most information on in Huajing. This was the third time that Li Rong had arranged for the imperial bodyguards to patrol, and it was always at night. Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but have some thoughts.
He immediately had someone investigate the details of the three patrolling shifts. After that, he went to sleep. However, even after he fell asleep, he couldn't fall asleep.
He still believed in Li Rong. With their relationship, Li Rong shouldn't do anything to betray her.
However, he was also worried. Li Rong was someone who liked to look pretty. Without him by her side, what if she had some ideas and met some bad people and was coaxed? What should he do?
When Pei Wenxuan thought of this possibility, he was so worried that he couldn't fall asleep. He wished he could get up right now and go find Li Rong. However, he felt that his worries were unnecessary.
Li Rong wasn't a silly girl. How could she be so easily coaxed?
After tossing and turning for an entire night, it was finally the next day. He arrived at the palace early in the morning and waited there. Finally, he saw Li Rong's carriage. He hurriedly asked someone to drive his carriage to Li Rong. He arrived at the palace gate at the same time as Li Rong and lifted the curtain together.
When Li Rong saw Pei Wenxuan, he couldn't help but smile. "Lord Pei, what a coincidence!"
Pei Wenxuan had to pretend to be indifferent in front of others. He nodded and didn't say anything.
Just receiving such a greeting made him feel a little happy.
The two went to court. Pei Wenxuan secretly glanced at Li Rong, who was standing at the front.
Now that he was promoted, he was closer to Li Rong.
Li Rong was completely unaware of Pei Wenxuan's emotions. She tapped her small fan against the palm of her hand and waited for today's performance.
More than half of the matters in court were settled. As usual, Li Ming asked if there was anything else. Suddenly, a minor official from the Censorate stood up.
"Your Majesty," the minor official said calmly. "This humble official has a memorial."
"Speak." Li Ming was bored to death as he drank tea. The minor official lifted his clothes and knelt down. He said in a clear voice, "This humble official wishes to report to His Highness Ping L E of the Inspectorate of Inspection. Knowing the case, he didn't report it. Instead, he threatened to send away the person who made the complaint!"
Hearing this, Li Ming stopped holding his cup. When Li Rong heard this, he immediately stepped out and knelt on the ground. He said, "Imperial Father, this son is innocent!"
Li Rong's violent reaction made Li Ming frown. Li Ming looked at the minor official and put down his teacup. He said, "Why didn't she report the case? Tell me."
Everyone looked at the minor official. The minor official couldn't help but tremble. But as a member of the Censorate, he didn't lack courage. So he braced himself and continued, "Chen County's examinee, Sun Wen, was originally the winner of last year's autumn examination. This year, Chen County's examinee in the spring examination was persecuted by the country gentry. His quota was misappropriated and he couldn't participate in the spring examination. He specially came to Beijing to report to the Emperor and ask for justice. However, when the complaint reached the Inspectorate of Inspection, His Highness Ping L E not only didn't strictly investigate the case, but also sent Sun Wen away from Huajing. Now, his whereabouts are unknown. I hope that Your Majesty will strictly investigate such a vile act! "
"Ping L E." Li Ming looked at Li Rong. "Do you have something to say?"
"This humble official … … this humble official … …" Li Rong was clearly panicking. She quickly organized her words and finally said, "This humble official is innocent. He said this. What evidence does he have?!"
"This humble official has a witness." The minor official said in a neither servile nor overbearing manner. "Many people saw Sun Wen go to the Inspectorate of Inspection to complain."
"It's true that he came to complain," Li Rong immediately said. "I also received his complaint, but before I started the investigation, he left the capital on his own. How can you say that I forced him to leave?"
"That's enough."
Li Ming interrupted the two: "Imperial Censor Wang doesn't have any evidence. Ping L E, you explain it to me later."
"Yes."
Li Rong sighed and knelt on the ground to thank Li Ming.
Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong kneeling on the ground and couldn't help but frown.
Seeing Li Rong bow her head, he felt a bit uncomfortable.
After the court, Li Rong went to the Imperial Study. When Li Ming saw Li Rong come in, he didn't say anything and just let her kneel.
Li Rong knelt in the Imperial Study for a while. Li Ming said, "Sun Wen is dead, right?"
"This humble official doesn't know." Li Rong knelt on the ground and didn't say anything. Li Ming looked up at her and said, "This humble official knows all your tricks. This humble official doesn't care if one or two people die. This humble official only wants to ask you one thing. "Li Ming said coldly," Are you going to investigate the imperial examination case? "
Li Rong froze. Li Ming saw her hesitation. He looked up and stared at her: "This humble official didn't give you the Inspectorate of Inspection to play with. Sun Wen's case involves the foundation of Da Xia's talent selection. This humble official must investigate it quickly. But you killed him. Tell me, do you not want to investigate? "
"This humble official …" Li Rong said with difficulty, "I didn't kill Sun Wen."
"I'm asking you about the imperial examination case. It doesn't matter whether Sun Wen is dead or not. Are you going to investigate or not?"
"Imperial Father," Li Rong hesitated, "This humble official … doesn't dare to investigate."
"Don't dare," Li Ming sneered, "Since you don't dare, what use do I have for you? You don't need to be the head of the Inspectorate of Inspection anymore, right? "
Li Rong didn't say anything. Li Ming knew that she was determined not to investigate this case.
Li Ming thought for a moment and knew Li Rong's plan.
She probably saw through his intentions. So, she didn't want to deteriorate the relationship with the aristocratic family.
He paid attention to checks and balances. Li Rong talked about balance in the officialdom.
But how could Li Ming tolerate her balance? He sneered and said, "Write your resignation letter and recommend Prince Su to be the head of the Inspectorate of Inspection."
"Imperial Father, but …"
"If you don't write it," Li Ming said bluntly, "Sun Wen's case won't stop here."
Li Rong froze. She knelt in place as if her weakness was caught. After a long time, she said dejectedly, "Yes."
"You can leave." Li Ming said coldly, "You just divorced recently. You should have a good rest."
"Yes."
Li Rong responded and stood up in a daze.
Li Ming didn't pay attention to her. Li Rong walked out in a daze. As soon as she went out, she saw Consort Rou walking in with soup.
Consort Rou looked at Li Rong's appearance and only smiled and nodded at Li Rong. Then, he walked into the imperial study.
Li Rong looked at Consort Rou's proud and confident smile and held back her laughter. She pretended to clench her fists, as if she was trying to control her emotions.
At that moment, she felt that her acting skills were superb, as if they had reached the pinnacle.
This kind of performance pleased Consort Rou. In the evening, when Consort Rou received Li Rong's resignation letter and Prince Su's letter of recommendation, Consort Rou couldn't stop laughing.
He praised repeatedly, "Cui Yulang is still the best. Look at him. His first move was to become the head of the Inspectorate of Inspection."
"Cui Yulang is such a talent." Consort Rou sighed with emotion, "Why didn't I notice him earlier? What a pity."
In the palace, Consort Rou and Hua Le were very happy. Cui Yulang rushed to the princess fu to discuss the next step with Li Rong.
When Pei Wenxuan received the news that Li Rong had lost the Inspectorate of Inspection, he was discussing the next step with several of his confidants. When he heard this news, he couldn't sit still.
He knew that this was Li Rong's plan, but he couldn't help but think that Li Rong would be sad in the end.
The reason why she lost the Inspectorate was because Li Ming treated her purely as a chess piece. If Li Ming had cared about her in the slightest, he wouldn't have lost the Inspectorate so quickly. He even wanted her to personally write a letter to nominate the Su Wang.
He was worried about Li Rong. When he learned that night that Li Rong had mobilized the Imperial Bodyguards, he finally couldn't hold it in anymore.
He had already received the schedule of the Imperial Bodyguards' movements for the past three days. He made a little comparison and found that when the Imperial Bodyguards patrolled at different locations and times, there was actually an empty path. This path was equivalent to having no Imperial Bodyguards guarding it.
He pondered for a moment and finally changed his clothes and put on a black cloak. Taking advantage of the night, he drove the carriage out from the back door.
He had people clear the path and confirmed that there were no spies on the road before secretly arriving at the princess fu.
He wore a black cloak on the outside, but inside, he wore a moonlight colored robe with silver patterns. His hair was neatly combed with a jade crown. Before he left, he even took a bath and used incense. Dong Ye couldn't help but ask him, "Gongzi, are you going to discuss business or to have a tryst?"
Pei Wenxuan was too lazy to pay attention to him. It wasn't easy to see Li Rong. How could he lose face?
In any case, Li Rong's Imperial Bodyguards only had two shifts. The first one had already passed, so he just had to wait for the second one.
Moreover, he also wanted to see who exactly Li Rong was planning to use this time.
Thinking of this, Pei Wenxuan's eyes became cold.
When he hurried to the princess fu, Cui Yulang and Li Rong were almost done with their discussion. When they saw that it was time for the Imperial Bodyguards to change shifts, Cui Yulang respectfully said, "Your Highness, since we've finished discussing, this humble subject will take his leave first."
Li Rong also felt tired. He nodded and let Cui Yulang leave.
After Cui Yulang respectfully left, Li Rong got up and had people prepare flower petal bath beans for the Imperial Spring Soup. She undid her hair and walked to the pool, intending to soak in it to relieve her fatigue.
She yawned as she walked to the pool and let someone serve her hot soup.
She had talked too much today and didn't really want to see anyone. She let the maid leave and waited outside the door.
While Li Rong closed his eyes and soaked in the pool, Pei Wenxuan also arrived at the back courtyard of the princess fu. He had calculated the time. At this time, it just so happened that there was an empty area near the southwest corner of the backyard that wasn't patrolled.
Pei Wenxuan walked to the wall and had Dong Ye bend down. He stepped on Dong Ye and climbed up the wall.
At this time, Cui Yulang thanked Zhao Chongjiu and also stepped on Zhao Chongjiu's shoulder to climb up the wall with difficulty.
Thus, Pei Wenxuan and Cui Yulang both climbed up the high wall at the same time. Under the moonlight, the two of them simultaneously discovered a person rising from the other side of the wall like a mushroom breaking out of the ground in the dark night.
The two of them looked at each other for a moment. Pei Wenxuan took the initiative and cursed in a low voice, "So it's you!"
At the same time, he didn't hesitate to throw an iron fist at him!
When they met on the wall, he threw a heavy punch.
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