After responding to Li Rong, Pei Wenxuan returned to his desk. He picked up his brush and began to think about how to help Li Rong write this memorial.
The two of them wanted to go out. If Li Rong took the initiative to write it, it wouldn't be good. It would seem that she wanted to destroy the Yang Family. With Li Ming's personality, he would think too much.
The role that Li Rong had to play now was a princess who was somewhat intelligent, but because of her trust in her parents, she knew almost nothing about the struggle between the Crown Prince and the Emperor.
Just like in the past 18 years, what she saw in front of her was what it was. She couldn't think too much about other things.
Investigating the Yang Family was because Yang Quan had rebelled against the Emperor. Other than that, there couldn't be any other connections. If Li Chuan received news of success, she would immediately investigate the matter. She was afraid that it would arouse suspicion.
Therefore, Li Rong wanted him to write this memorial. But if he wrote this memorial, the first thing he would have to explain was how he got the information.
He could say that he was using Li Rong. It could also be said that he was a spy left by his father. But a lie always needed countless lies to cover it up. The more lies there were, the more loopholes there would be.
Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment and put down his brush.
"Your Highness," he called out to Li Rong. Li Rong was waiting for him to write the memorial. She heard him say, "I can't write this memorial."
"En?" When Li Rong heard this, she knew that Pei Wenxuan had other considerations. She directly said, "Then how do you plan to go out?"
Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment and said in a low voice, "Find the Empress."
When Li Rong heard this, she immediately reacted. Just as she was about to respond, she heard Pei Wenxuan carefully explain to her, "First, let the Crown Prince give you a list. Anyone that the Crown Prince doesn't think is suitable to be put on this list. Let the Crown Prince ask for a reward from His Majesty. It's best to put more people from the northwestern aristocratic families and some generals who are loyal to His Majesty on this list. "
"His Majesty rarely contacts the northwestern border. His Majesty's trusted subordinates have been framed by the Yang Family in the previous battles. His Majesty is actually not familiar with the ordinary generals. If these people appear on the list, His Majesty will definitely suspect that they are the Crown Prince's people and remove them instead."
Li Rong thought and continued Pei Wenxuan's words. Pei Wenxuan knew that this kind of thing was the easiest to talk to Li Rong about. There was no need to say much, the other party could understand what he was thinking. This kind of tacit understanding made Pei Wenxuan feel a little comfortable in his heart. He relaxed and said, "Yes, and if these people are from aristocratic families, of course, they can't be too conspicuous. If His Majesty removes them, it will naturally chill the hearts of the northwestern aristocratic families."
"If His Majesty removes these people, he will think of dealing with the Yang Family." Li Rong used a small fan to hit the palm of her hand, "At that time, His Majesty will definitely send people to the border to replace the Crown Prince's people. Then, he will summon the Crown Prince back and let us start investigating the Yang Family case and eliminate the Yang Family."
"So, in fact, it's best for us to deal with all changes by sticking to the status quo. When His Majesty thinks of us, he will naturally come to help us. At that time, you will take the initiative to release Tuoba Yan. Then, His Majesty's people will find Tuoba Yan and it won't be a big problem. " Pei Wenxuan chuckled, "In fact, we don't even need to touch the account book. When His Majesty sends people to the border, we will ask His Majesty for the account book."
"What you said makes sense."
"But there is one thing," Pei Wenxuan said seriously, "Tuoba Yan, can you control this person?"
"I have already sent people to find his wife and child," Li Rong said calmly, "It won't be a big problem."
"That's good." Pei Wenxuan nodded, "You can send people to do it now."
As a result, Pei Wenxuan didn't write the memorial. Instead, Li Rong waited for Jing Lan to come the next day and had the Jing Lan bring a message to the Eastern Palace. The people of the Eastern Palace sent a messenger pigeon from Huajing to pass on Li Rong's message to Li Chuan.
Li Chuan received the news at the border and found Qin Lin and Cui Qinghe that very night. They secretly discussed and drew up a list of names. They kept a few talented generals and selected a few generals who were neutral aristocratic families and were loyal to Li Ming. They also selected a few generals who were originally used by Li Chuan as a smokescreen. They mixed them together and sent them to Huajing to ask Li Ming for a reward.
When Li Ming received Li Chuan's memorial asking for a reward, he was so angry that he smashed a cup in the imperial study.
The next day, Jing Lan came to deliver a message to Li Rong. She whispered, "I heard that His Majesty was very angry. He said that after the Crown Prince went to the border, his wings grew. He wanted to win people's hearts and gather followers. It was only after a few old officials persuaded him for a long time that His Majesty was persuaded."
When Li Rong heard this, he nodded. Jing Lan saw her expression and whispered, "Your Highness, don't be too sad."
"Why would I be sad?"
Li Rong smiled gently, "I already knew that His Majesty was like this."
Jing Lan was a bit surprised. She knew that the Princess had a very good relationship with Li Ming. When Li Rong said this, he knew that he had misspoken. He sighed and said, "I'm not stupid. How can I not see clearly when it comes to appointing a marriage?"
When Jing Lan heard this, she understood why the Princess changed. She hurriedly said, "It's good that Your Highness can see through it."
After Li Ming received Li Chuan's memorial, a few days later, after confirming that the situation at the front line had stabilized, he immediately summoned Li Chuan back. At the same time, he sent his own generals to take over the Northwest Army. A group of generals that Li Ming had asked for a reward were transferred away from their original positions in the Northwest Army and scattered to other civilian positions in the army.
In the army, if a general was transferred away, it was tantamount to losing his power. The transferred generals knew in their hearts that even if they were given a good name, they were still removed from their positions. For a time, banquets were popular in the Northwest Army. Many old generals wept bitterly at the banquets. Although it was not said, both sides knew what kind of cold heart the other party had.
On the day Li Chuan returned from the Northwest Army, the new general led the army to send Li Chuan out of the city. Li Chuan stood on the carriage and turned back to say to the general, "Zhang Daren, there's no need to send me off. I hope that Zhang Daren will be in the Northwest. "Li Chuan smiled meaningfully," His career will be prosperous. "
Zhang Qiu's expression was respectful. He bowed and said, "Farewell, Your Highness."
Li Chuan turned back and saw the soldiers kneeling like a wave. The Northwest summer wind blew the yellow sand, bringing hot air to his face. His eyes swept across the army one by one. Inadvertently, he saw a few young faces.
Qin Lin, Cui Qinghe, and the others were mixed in the crowd. They secretly raised their eyes and quietly looked at Li Chuan. Li Chuan's expression did not change. He nodded and then turned to enter the carriage.
After sitting in the carriage, he turned his head and looked at the scorching sun in the desert.
The endless wilderness carried the lives of tens of thousands of people. The young Crown Prince, who had walked out of the bloody battles with swords, had never experienced so deeply the accumulation of white bones under the words' soldiers', 'commoners', 'rivers and mountains', 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 return. He finally breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that this time, the Shangguan Clan had admitted defeat.
His people had already investigated clearly. This time, the Shangguan Clan had paid a heavy price. Nearly half of the troops that the Shangguan Clan could mobilize had been lost. Most of the shops under their name had also been sold in order to raise funds to help the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince was the hope of the Shangguan Clan. Li Ming wanted to slowly wear down the Shangguan Clan's vitality before destroying the Shangguan Clan's hope.
This time, he had destroyed the Yang Family and weakened the Crown Prince. It could be said that he had won a great victory.
Thinking of this, Li Ming remembered the person who gave him the idea. He thought for a while and called the eunuch next to him, Fu Lai, and ordered, "Find someone to take a look at Pei Wenxuan's case."
Fu Lai smiled and complied. Two days later, a down-and-out merchant rushed to Shuntian Prefecture to beat the drum and complain. After the people of Shuntian Prefecture rushed out, they frowned and asked, "Who are you? Why are you beating the drum? "
The down-and-out merchant raised his head and said in a hoarse voice, "This commoner, Tuoba Yan, is here to sue the General's Residence's Yang Family for corruption, collusion with the enemy, betrayal, and murder!"
When the people of Shuntian Prefecture heard this, they were immediately shocked. Even the onlookers couldn't help but feel strange. How could the person who was said to be dead a few days ago be alive?
If he wasn't dead, then who was Pei Wenxuan, who was now in prison, killing?
Shuntian Prefecture didn't dare to judge the case and directly reported it to the Ministry of Justice. The case was transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Censorate. In the end, it was in Li Ming's hands that night.
For such a big case that even involved his beloved daughter, Li Ming decided to try the case in court. At night, he notified the Ministry of Justice and prepared all the materials. Three days later, before dawn, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were still sleeping in the prison. They heard the sound of footsteps outside. Then, Su Yongqing led the imperial guards in carrying lanterns. The entire prison was instantly brightly lit.
The curtain of Li Rong's prison was drawn. Pei Wenxuan was directly awakened by the light. He opened his eyes and saw the imperial guards standing on both sides of the long corridor. Su Yongqing walked to the front of the prison and respectfully saluted Li Rong's prison. "Your Highness, His Majesty requests Your Highness and the Lord Pei to enter the court to assist in the trial. Your Highness, please rise and follow this humble official to the court."
Li Rong responded in the prison. Su Yongqing said again, "Your Highness, this humble official has already brought some attendants from the princess's residence to serve Your Highness. Is it convenient for them to enter?"
This was very considerate.
Pei Wenxuan paused in the middle of washing his face. He couldn't help but glance at Su Yongqing.
Su Yongqing's expression didn't change. He only heard the sound of the curtain being drawn. Then, he saw Li Rong wearing a thin red gauze robe. His hair was scattered, and he held a small golden fan in his hand. He leaned to the side and yawned. "Come in."
Su Yongqing didn't raise his eyes. He lowered his head and went forward to open the prison door. Several maidservants followed him in with a basin of water. Su Yongqing drew the curtain for Li Rong and then waited outside.
When Li Rong finished freshening up and came out, Pei Wenxuan was almost done as well. The two of them walked out of the prison together and followed Su Yongqing out of the prison.
The sky was not yet bright, but everyone was very energetic. Li Rong got on the carriage first. Pei Wenxuan was about to go to the carriage behind him when he saw Su Yongqing directly jump into Li Rong's carriage without avoiding suspicion.
Pei Wenxuan paused. After a moment, he made a decision.
He also got into Li Rong's carriage.
When Li Rong just entered the carriage, she was still sleepy. Soon after, she saw Su Yongqing jump in. She was shocked and subconsciously asked, "What are you doing up here?"
"There are many things I need to explain to Your Highness. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it in time. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
Su Yongqing answered respectfully. Li Rong paused and nodded. "Lord Su has the heart …"
Before she finished speaking, Pei Wenxuan rolled up the curtain and jumped in. Li Rong couldn't help but ask, "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 Yongqing's face, he swallowed it back. It didn't matter if they quarreled on ordinary days, but they still had to behave in front of others. Thus, he respectfully said, "There are some things I need to discuss with Your Highness. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it in time in the palace. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
Li Rong was speechless.
His words were so similar that she felt embarrassed to refuse.
"Then Lord Pei, let's go together."
Li Rong called the two of them in. The two of them didn't need to discuss and each found a side to sit down. Li Rong sat at the head of the table. She didn't know why, but she felt an inexplicable anxiety and awkwardness.
The three of them were silent. Su Yongqing looked down and didn't say anything. Pei Wenxuan opened and closed the fan in his hand and also didn't say anything.
Li Rong poured tea for herself. The sound of water flowing could be heard. The two of them looked at her together. Li Rong's hand froze with the teapot. After a moment, she revealed an awkward smile and persuaded the two of them, "Have 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 of who to give it to first became a problem.
She gave it to Su Yongqing first. With Pei Wenxuan's narrow-mindedness, she was afraid that he would find a way to take revenge later.
She gave it to Pei Wenxuan first. Su Yongqing's official position was higher than Pei Wenxuan's. This didn't make sense.
She stiffened with the cup in her hand. The two of them quietly looked at the tea in her hand. Li Rong suddenly felt that she wasn't holding 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 calmly said, "I'm a little thirsty. Drink another cup. Lord Su, "She ignored the awkward atmosphere and went straight to the point. She turned to look at Su Yongqing and said," What do you want to tell me? "
Su Yongqing's matter was very orderly. He told Li Rong almost everything he knew. After he finished, he concluded, "The accounts from the northwest border were sent over yesterday. Because this matter was supervised by this humble subject, this humble subject will take over now that the Princess and the Lord Pei are in prison together. This humble subject will take over. This humble subject had the Ministry of War, Tuoba Yan, and the frontline reconcile the accounts overnight. In addition to Tuoba Yan's testimony and the testimony of the people Your Highness previously investigated, there shouldn't be any problems with this case."
Li Rong nodded and said gratefully, "Lord Su is considerate."
"It's this humble subject's duty to work for Your Highness."
As the two spoke, Pei Wenxuan quietly listened to them. When Su Yongqing and Li Rong finished talking, Li Rong turned around and looked at Pei Wenxuan. She smiled and said, "Lord Pei, what do you want to tell me?"
"Oh, it's not a big matter," Pei Wenxuan smiled and raised her fan. She pointed at the hairpin on Li Rong's head. "Your Highness' hairpin is crooked."
Li Rong, "…"
He really didn't give her any face. He didn't even bother to brush her off.
Li Rong was about to ask someone to stop the carriage and kick Pei Wenxuan out when she felt the person beside her suddenly stand up. She pressed down her sleeve and raised her hand to gently straighten her hairpin. She said calmly, "Your Highness, it's done."
Li Rong was stunned and couldn't react. Pei Wenxuan coldly looked at Su Yongqing. Su Yongqing calmly returned to her seat. Her expression was calm and she completely ignored Pei Wenxuan's gaze.
Li Rong saw that the atmosphere had become awkward again and coughed lightly. The two looked over. Li Rong hurriedly picked up the teacup and urged, "Drink tea."
The two didn't speak. Li Rong felt even more awkward.
Fortunately, the carriage soon arrived at the palace. As soon as they arrived, Li Rong hurriedly said, "We're here. Let's go quickly."
As she spoke, she didn't even care if the two stood up and quickly jumped off the carriage. When she got out of the carriage, the morning breeze blew. Li Rong suddenly felt relaxed and happy. She held her fan and walked forward. She said to Jing Lan, "Let's go. We'll go in first."
"We're not waiting for the two lords?"
Jing Lan was a bit confused. Logically speaking, Li Rong should have entered the palace with them. However, when Li Rong heard her words, she hurriedly covered half of her face with her fan and showed a look of disgust. "Let's go quickly. Stay away from them."
As she spoke, Li Rong led Jing Lan into the palace.
Pei Wenxuan and Su Yongqing walked side by side into the palace. Su Yongqing said gently, "Lord Pei seems to have a lot of opinions about me?"
"Lord Su, don't you think," Pei Wenxuan turned to look at him and said lightly, "Lord Su is taking too much care of the Princess?"
"Oh?" Su Yongqing laughed and said carelessly, "Is that so? I'm just doing my duty as a subject. "
"Does Lord Su plan to get married?"
Pei Wenxuan suddenly asked. Su Yongqing was a bit puzzled. "Why does Lord Pei ask this?"
"I hope that Lord Su will continue to do his duty as a subject." Pei Wenxuan turned his head and chuckled. "Especially in front of your wife."
Su Yongqing's expression didn't change. Pei Wenxuan saluted and said, "Lord Su still wants to enter the palace. This official won't disturb Lord Su any longer."
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan straightened up and walked to the side.
Su Yongqing was going to enter the palace at the beginning of the morning assembly like an ordinary subject. He went to stand in line first. Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan waited at the door for the summons. When Li Rong saw Pei Wenxuan walking over with a smile on his face, he knew that Pei Wenxuan wasn't in a good mood.
If Pei Wenxuan was really happy, his smile wouldn't be like this. When he was the Prime Minister in Li Rong's previous life, his current smile would usually cause trouble.
Li Rong's expression didn't change. He waited for Pei Wenxuan to make his move. Pei Wenxuan stood beside Li Rong. He held his ceremonial tablet and didn't say a word.
If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move. Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. Li Rong began to think about other things. She ran through all the possible things that might happen today in her mind. Just as she was thinking, Pei Wenxuan couldn't hold it in any longer. He said, "Does Your Highness have anything to ask this humble subject?"
"Hm?" Li Rong came back to her senses. When she heard Pei Wenxuan's question, she decisively said, "I don't want to ask. I'm not interested."
Pei Wenxuan: "…"
Li Rong continued to let her mind wander. Pei Wenxuan endured for a while before saying, "But this humble subject wants to say something."
"I know I can't stop you," Li Rong sighed. "Say it. If you don't say it, I'm afraid you'll suffocate to death."
"Your Highness's words," Pei Wenxuan said indifferently. "This humble subject is about to suffocate to death."
"Do you want to hold it in a little longer?"
Li Rong sincerely suggested. Pei Wenxuan couldn't hold it in any longer. He directly said, "I think Su Yongqing has ulterior motives for you."
"Really?" Li Rong's voice didn't waver. "I'm so happy."
"Li Rong," Pei Wenxuan called her name. "I'm serious. Su Yongqing is too good to you."
Li Rong listened to Pei Wenxuan's words and stopped playing with him. She listened to the eunuch's voice and watched the ministers enter in a line. She calmly said, "Pei Wenxuan, do you know the biggest difference between you and Su Yongqing?"
Pei Wenxuan didn't speak. He followed Li Rong's gaze and looked at the ministers under the morning light. Some looked worried, some looked happy, some looked apathetic, and some looked arrogant. He heard Li Rong say indifferently, "He's more ruthless than you."
"Family, glory, inheritance." The two of them landed on the young man in the distance. Under the morning light, the young man was wearing a scarlet official's robe. He held a ceremonial tablet in his hand and his movements were elegant and regular. He followed the crowd, walked up the white jade steps, and stepped into the main hall that represented the vortex of power in the country.
"These are the things Su Yongqing has been carrying for his entire life. Under these things, he learned restraint, calmness, and forbearance since childhood."
Li Rong's voice was a little distant, but there was a hint of pity and sympathy in her voice.
"He doesn't have the emotions you think he has."
"He won't be good to me because of his feelings," Li Rong said calmly. "He doesn't value me, but the Chuan'er. I always remember this. And you, "Li Rong looked up at him. Her phoenix eyes were like cold pools in an ancient well, restrained and calm. Under this absolute" silence ", there was a hint of inescapable beauty. She emphasized each word." You also need to remember. "
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