After the two slept for less than two hours, there was a knock on the door. Jing Lan stood outside and respectfully said: "Your Highness, Prince Consort, His Majesty is holding a banquet in the Hall of Supreme Harmony at noon today. You should get up."
When Li Rong heard this, he used his willpower to open his eyes and pushed Pei Wenxuan: "Get up, get up quickly."
Pei Wenxuan raised his hand to cover his eyes and frowned in pain. After a while, he pushed himself up and shook his head: "Get up."
The two encouraged each other to get up. Just as they were about to leave, Li Rong moved and landed on the bed with the white handkerchief. The two looked at the white handkerchief together. Li Rong raised his head and looked at Pei Wenxuan: "You deal with it."
Pei Wenxuan helplessly went forward and picked up the white handkerchief. He cut his finger and dyed it with blood. He threw it back on the bed and said: "Come in and serve."
Jing Lan pushed the door and came in. A group of maidservants came forward and helped the two to wash up. The two changed into palace clothes and sat in the carriage to go to the palace.
They were very sleepy on the road and leaned against the carriage to rest. After sleeping in the palace, the two felt the carriage stop and came back to their senses.
The two rested in the carriage for a while and finally went out one after the other. At this time, the Hall of Supreme Harmony was full of people.
Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan greeted the officials in the hall and walked to the back of the hall. There was a small room at the back of the hall. The Emperor and Empress led the imperial family to have a private banquet. Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan entered the small hall and bowed to the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor and Empress gave them gifts and let them stand up. The husband and wife sat next to the Emperor.
The palace banquet was lively. Everyone in the harem was here. No one spoke and secretly looked at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan's expression did not change. He pretended not to notice the gazes of the people next to him and chatted with Li Ming.
Li Ming could be considered familiar with Pei Wenxuan. Usually, they would talk about business. At this moment, they rarely talked about family matters. Most of the greetings were about trivial matters. However, Li Ming was willing to take care of Pei Wenxuan. In the eyes of everyone, there was another meaning.
Li Ming and Pei Wenxuan exchanged a few words and then asked about the situation of Li Rong's princess fu. Li Rong answered. After chatting for a while, it was time to start the banquet.
The dishes were served one by one. Previously, after Li Rong taught the princesses to be obedient, they didn't dare to make trouble. The meal was harmonious. When the meal was almost finished, everyone sat and chatted. The guifei asked Pei Wenxuan questions one by one. Pei Wenxuan answered flawlessly. After answering, Consort Rou laughed softly and said, "I didn't expect the child to grow so big in the blink of an eye. Now that His Highness Ping L E's marriage has ended, Jiejie," Consort Rou turned to look at the Empress and asked gently, "Is Jiejie prepared for His Highness the Crown Prince's marriage?"
Li Chuan was two years younger than Li Rong. Now that Li Rong was married, everyone's eyes fell on Li Chuan.
The Empress smiled and calmly said, "Chuan'er is still young. Let's not consider these things for now."
"His Highness the Crown Prince isn't young either." Consort Mei continued, "His Majesty was so old back then. He should have already been engaged to niangniang, right?"
Hearing this, the Empress glanced discreetly at Consort Mei and warned, "You are very concerned about the Crown Prince."
"Regarding the Crown Prince," Consort Rou smiled at the side, "who doesn't care? But Jiejie is right. The Crown Prince won't be crowned for another four years. There's no rush. But these four years can't be idle. Slowly choose and see which family is suitable. "
"You say this," The Emperor heard Consort Rou's fervent words and his gaze fell on Consort Rou. There was no joy or anger on his face, "Do you have any thoughts?"
"Regarding the Crown Prince," Consort Rou was slightly embarrassed, "Jiejie makes all the decisions. What thoughts can chenqie have?"
"Even though the Crown Prince is the Empress's son, you watched him grow up," The Emperor raised his hand and raised his tea, "There's no harm in speaking."
"This is what chenqie thinks," Consort Rou tucked her hair behind her ears and raised her eyes to look at Li Chuan, "His Highness the Crown Prince is of noble status. In terms of status, there isn't a woman in the world that is a good match for you. There's no need to consider status as the first choice for marriage. The most important thing is character. Chenqie has a young niece at home. Her personality is gentle and virtuous. She is about the same age as His Highness. Chenqie dares to recommend her and feels that this young niece is very suitable. "
When these words were said, Li Chuan's cold eyes swept over. The Empress's expression was also very ugly. The Emperor raised his eyes to look at Li Chuan. Seeing his unkind expression, he frowned and turned to look at Li Rong. He saw Li Rong lowering his head and blowing on the tea leaves in the teacup with an expression of contentment. He couldn't help but be puzzled and asked: "Ping L E, you're not going to ask about your younger brother's marriage?"
Li Rong was called and raised his head. His expression was blank as he asked: "What's there to ask?"
"It's such a big matter," Li Ming was amused by Li Rong, "You're not going to care?"
"Fuhuang," Li Rong put down the teacup, his expression serious, "The palace has its rules. Consort Rou niangniang doesn't know, but how could chenqie not know? Even though Chuan'er is my younger brother, he's also the heir to the throne. His marriage, other than Fuhuang and Empress Mother, who dares to say anything? Fuhuang is so wise and will definitely find a good match for Chuan'er. I don't need to worry about this. "
As she spoke, she raised her eyes to look at Consort Rou and said with a smile: "Consort Rou niangniang as well. Why do you care so much?"
When Consort Rou heard these words, her expression didn't change. Hua Le interjected: "Jiejie, you're wrong. We're all family. My Mufei is doing this for the good of His Highness the Crown Prince. Your words are really disappointing."
"Ai, meimei, do you really want me to say things so clearly?" Li Rong sighed. She turned her head to look at Li Ming and said, "Fuhuang, chenqie doesn't want to hurt Consort Rou niangniang's heart. After all, in chenqie's heart, chenqie watched chenqie grow up. In a commoner's family, chenqie's position is similar to that of a wet nurse or concubine mother. It's just that chenqie feels that some words shouldn't be said. Does Fuhuang think that chenqie should say them?"
When the words wet nurse or concubine mother were used, Hua Le's expression instantly changed. Li Ming looked at both sides, then said: "Speak."
"Chuan'er is the heir to the throne. His choice of wife is very important. Family background, appearance, and character are all indispensable. There are so many women in the nobility. Why should he choose a girl from a small family? If he really married Consort Rou niangniang's niangniang as his Crown Princess, what would the courtiers think? What would the commoners think? If Chuan'er wants to marry a girl, she should at least be like me. "Li Rong smiled as she took Pei Wenxuan's hand." At the very least, she should be a di young miss from a prestigious family, right? "
Li Rong's words were said innocently. Li Ming's expression was not very good when he heard the first part. When Li Rong took Pei Wenxuan's hand, Li Ming instantly relaxed. He felt that this daughter of his really did not like Consort Rou's birth.
Even though he didn't like this matter, he could understand. After all, Consort Rou's birth was not presentable. With Li Rong's personality, it was normal for him to not like it. Consort Rou also wanted to send her niangniang to be the Crown Princess. Li Ming also felt that it was inappropriate.
Li Ming nodded and changed the topic: "Chuan'er is still young. We can discuss this matter later. If there is a suitable girl, just keep an eye out and inform the Empress. "
After these words were spoken, the Empress' expression improved. The group chatted for a while. The taijian came back from outside and whispered a few words in Li Ming's ear. Li Ming made a sound of acknowledgment and then raised his head to say to the crowd: "It's about time. Zhen still has matters to attend to. Let's disperse."
After Li Ming finished speaking, everyone knelt to send him out. Li Ming went to the outer hall and said a few words to the courtiers before leaving first.
After Li Ming left, the Empress announced the end of the banquet. Li Rong went to say goodbye to the Empress and Li Chuan and then left with Pei Wenxuan.
The two said goodbye as they left the banquet and got into the carriage. As soon as they got into the carriage, Li Rong let out a sigh of relief. She sat down at the table and then collapsed. Pei Wenxuan sat opposite her. He was also quite tired. While pouring tea for himself, he said, "It's too tiring to eat with your family. The meal is like a morning court. It's all about you women's topics. I feel so uncomfortable."
"You think I don't feel uncomfortable?"
Li Rong took the tea he poured and was a bit angry: "What is Consort Rou! Her niangniang wants to cling to Chuan'er? She should look at herself in the mirror. She wants to eat swan meat. Today, she got off easy! "
"Then what do you want?" Pei Wenxuan took a sip of tea, his face serious, "Poison her to death?"
"I want to," Li Rong turned to look at him, "Can you? If you can, I'll buy her head with a thousand taels of gold. "
"Gui fei niangniang's head is worth a thousand taels of gold?" Pei Wenxuan laughed. Li Rong laughed mockingly and turned his head: "Even a thousand taels of gold is overestimating her."
"But," Pei Wenxuan thought and said seriously, "His Highness' marriage should be considered."
In her previous life, Li Chuan's marriage was in the spring of next year. That was around the time the candidates were decided. The Empress already had a candidate in mind for the Crown Prince's wife. She was only looking for a side fei.
Li Rong was thinking when he heard Pei Wenxuan say: "What is the Princess' plan for His Highness the Crown Prince's marriage? Will it be like in the previous life and use marriage to stabilize the Crown Prince's position or do you have other plans? "
"What do you think?" Li Rong picked up the teacup and took a sip.
In fact, both of them understood that they weren't discussing Li Chuan's marriage, but Li Chuan's position as the Crown Prince. They were discussing how to fight for it.
"In the previous life, the Empress found a main wife and four side fei for the Crown Prince. This indeed stabilized the relationship between the Crown Prince and the aristocratic families. If Your Highness thinks that the Crown Prince will walk the same path as in the previous life and rely on the power of the aristocratic families and the military power in the northwest to fight against His Majesty, this is indeed a path. "
Li Rong didn't speak. She used the golden fan to gently tap the palm of her hand: "What about the other path?"
"Your Highness, do you remember how His Highness the Crown Prince was deposed in the previous life?"
Pei Wenxuan suddenly asked. Li Rong knew that he wouldn't casually ask such a question, so she seriously thought about it and replied: "Chuan 'er didn't have any military power and relied entirely on the aristocratic families. Imperial Father used Prince Su as a puppet and secretly supported the ordinary aristocratic families. Any aristocratic family that relied on Prince Su would be promoted to fight against Chuan' er."
Li Ming was an extremely patient emperor.
His encirclement and suppression of Li Chuan was almost omnidirectional. He supported the ordinary aristocratic families and secretly supported the second-rate aristocratic families to fight against the first-rate aristocratic families. He suppressed Li Chuan's support in the imperial court.
He planned to seize the military power of the Yang Family and give it to Prince Su's uncle, giving Prince Su the military power to fight against Li Chuan.
At the same time, he instigated the relationship between Li Chuan's concubines in the imperial harem. With the death of one of the concubines, he aggravated the separation between Li Chuan and his in-laws.
From the inner court to the imperial court, there was almost no place that was peaceful.
"His Highness the Crown Prince was tied to these aristocratic families, but His Highness's thoughts were on the world and not on any aristocratic family. Later on, the Crown Prince and these aristocratic families appeared to be united, but were actually divided. Both sides had disputes. Later on, Prime Minister Shangguan died of illness and the Shangguan Clan declined. The Crown Prince was forced to have closer relations with the other aristocratic families, but these aristocratic families didn't absolutely obey His Highness's orders. Thus, after Qin Lin won the battle at the border, His Majesty's suspicion of the Crown Prince reached its peak, and thus the Taizhou case occurred."
Pei Wenxuan's voice was calm as he reminded Li Rong of the events of her previous life.
The Taizhou case was the nominal reason Li Chuan was deposed. It was because one of the Crown Prince's concubines, Lady Nie, used the Crown Prince's name to occupy thousands of mu of fertile land in her hometown in Taizhou. For this reason, nearly a hundred people were killed. One of the victims was lucky enough to escape and went to Huajing to seek redress.
This case shocked Da Xia, and there was no one in the world who was not indignant. Before this, Li Chuan was implicated in more than one case of the aristocratic families abusing the law. Coupled with this case, Da Xia was boiling with anger. Scholars from all over the country wrote articles to suppress Li Chuan. Hundreds of officials knelt in front of the imperial study and pleaded for the Crown Prince to be deposed. Li Chuan had no military power and lost the support of the people, so it was only natural that he was deposed.
After Li Chuan was imprisoned, Li Ming announced a thorough investigation of the Shangguan Clan in order to be fair. As a result, Li Rong was imprisoned, Qin Zhenzhen went to the Northwest, and Pei Wenxuan lobbied everywhere.
In the end, Pei Wenxuan persuaded the aristocrats. These aristocrats were afraid of favoring the ordinary Prince Su to ascend the throne, and promised great benefits. Finally, they united the aristocrats and joined forces with Qin Lin to invade Huajing and support Li Chuan to ascend the throne.
Li Chuan clearly understood what kind of existence the aristocratic families were. They were like blood-sucking beasts that lingered in this country. The Emperor was a puppet in their hands. They could set him up or depose him.
As a result, Li Chuan walked the same path as Li Ming and spent his life fighting against the aristocratic families.
"So, in this life, why doesn't the Crown Prince stay away from the aristocratic families?"
"Stay away from the aristocratic families?" Li Rong frowned. "Then who will help the Chuan'er in the future?"
"Don't we have you and me?" Pei Wenxuan turned to look at Li Rong. "Now we have sent Qin Lin to the Northwest. He and Cui Qingyuan have joined forces. We will secretly assist them and help them control the military power in the Northwest."
"And then?"
"I will join His Majesty and cooperate with His Majesty to become an ordinary aristocratic family that he wants to cultivate to fight against the Shangguan Clan. As for the Crown Prince, he doesn't have to do anything. He just needs to be a good Crown Prince. He doesn't form cliques, doesn't have any stains, and wins the hearts of the people. This is enough. "
"Then if Imperial Father wants to harm him, won't he be alone and helpless?"
Li Rong was somewhat worried. Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but laugh.
"Your Highness, do you still not understand why His Majesty wants to depose the Crown Prince?"
Li Rong didn't immediately answer Pei Wenxuan's question. She looked at Pei Wenxuan and pondered for a moment. She only said, "Why do you think?"
"His Majesty doesn't want to depose the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince in the hands of the aristocratic families."
Li Rong listened to Pei Wenxuan's words. She flipped the fan in her hand and lowered her eyes.
There were many things that she couldn't see clearly when she was young. But when she thought about it as she grew older, she somewhat understood.
Back then, Li Ming was so persistent in wanting to depose the Crown Prince not only because he didn't want the Shangguan Clan to become powerful, but also because he clearly realized the pressure these aristocratic families brought to his regime.
Li Ming was a more warlike emperor than Li Chuan. Unifying the northern border was his long-cherished wish. If he tried to start a war with the outside world, these aristocratic families who yearned for peace and these entrenched families would definitely be the most difficult core problem to solve on the battlefield.
When he was young, Li Chuan advocated the rule of the world with benevolence and virtue. He was also born in the Shangguan Clan. His so-called benevolence and virtue were the most beloved monarchs of the aristocratic families. The closer Li Chuan was to the aristocratic families, the more Li Ming would think that he was a puppet cultivated by the aristocratic families. He was a Crown Prince who had been spoiled by the aristocratic families.
She roughly understood Pei Wenxuan's thoughts. She raised her eyes and said, "So, you hope that Chuan 'er can withdraw from the war between the aristocratic families and the Emperor and not become a target for the war between the two sides."
"Yes," Pei Wenxuan said affirmatively, "Then I will be His Majesty's knife. I will help His Majesty dig out the abscesses of the aristocratic families so that His Majesty will focus on the aristocratic families and not the Crown Prince. Then, the Crown Prince will be safe for the time being. "
"But Chuan 'er can't have no subordinates." Li Rong was still worried, "He needs people to help him."
"Isn't there an imperial examination system?"
Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong. Li Rong was slightly surprised.
If she hadn't been reborn, Li Rong would have laughed when Pei Wenxuan said these three words.
Since the imperial examination system was implemented, not to mention that most of the people selected were the children of the aristocratic families, even if there were some truly poor people, they would only be small officials in the corners. They wouldn't be able to enter the field of power struggle.
However, Li Rong had seen how Pei Wenxuan used this system. She had also seen the effect of the new power produced by this system being used by the monarch. Therefore, after muttering to herself for a moment, she concluded, "Chuan 'er will stay out of harm's way and temporarily avoid the sharp edge. He will secretly promote the poor people to do things and win the hearts of the people. You will become the leader of the ordinary aristocratic families and fight with the first-class aristocratic families to weaken the power of Father Emperor and the existing aristocratic families. I will contact the Shangguan Clan and other large clans to balance the relationship between the two sides. If there is a day when Father Emperor wants to settle accounts with the Crown Prince … … "
"Most of the people in the imperial court, from the first-class aristocratic families to the poor people who came from the imperial examination, will be His Highness' people."
Pei Wenxuan interrupted Li Rong's words and said seriously, "Not only that, the Crown Prince won't fight too fiercely with the aristocratic families in the future. The scene of His Highness the Crown Prince purging the aristocratic families in the early days will also not happen again."
Li Rong was silent. Pei Wenxuan saw that she didn't speak and guessed what she was hesitating about.
"You still don't like people from the poor families."
"People who come from humble backgrounds," Li Rong looked up at him with a sharp gaze, "most of them have a bloodthirsty greed for power. Give them power, and they can't control their desire for money. Even the Zhong Ding Family is like this, let alone them? "
"People are like this," Pei Wenxuan said calmly, "What's the difference between noble and poor?"
"How many years have you been telling me this?" Li Rong smiled mockingly, "How many of your people have been investigated for corruption and bribery? Do you still need me to say it?"
"Then how many of your people have deceived their superiors and subordinates and failed? Do you still need me to say it?"
Pei Wenxuan subconsciously replied. Li Rong looked at him coldly. Pei Wenxuan looked at him and paused. He didn't know why, but he suddenly felt short of breath.
He coughed lightly, turned his head, and said slowly, "I'm just giving a suggestion. Anyway, the result will be decided by Your Highness. If you choose the first path, we will follow the original path. In the future, His Highness the Crown Prince will be the same as in the previous life. "
Li Rong didn't speak and tapped his palms. Pei Wenxuan glanced at him and continued, "Or, let's try the second path. There's no risk, and once it succeeds, His Highness the Crown Prince will have no obstacles when he ascends the throne in the future. He won't have to fight with the aristocratic families, and you won't have to painstakingly maintain the relationship between the Shangguan Clan and His Majesty. If His Majesty is happy, your relationship with His Majesty will also be better …"
Li Rong listened to Pei Wenxuan desperately talking about the benefits of the second path. He couldn't help but lower his head and laugh. Pei Wenxuan saw him laughing and leaned over, "What does Your Highness think?"
"Pei Wenxuan," Li Rong turned to look at him, "It's a pity that I don't send you to the palace to serve."
"It's not a pity," Pei Wenxuan smiled at Li Rong, "It's the same to serve His Highness."
"Let's do as you say first." Li Rong said indifferently, "But if that's the case, Chuan'er can't get married now. Even if he gets married, he can't marry an aristocrat. The other concubines are fine, but the Shangguan Clan … "
Pei Wenxuan knew that Li Rong and Shangguan Ya had an extraordinary friendship. He raised his eyebrows, "How do you plan to deal with it?"
"I have to meet Shangguan Ya." Li Rong looked up, closed his fan in his hand, and said calmly, "This matter should be raised by the Shangguan Clan."
Otherwise, if Li Chuan went back on his words after the Shangguan Clan spent so much effort to help Li Chuan, no one would dare to help him in the future.
Pei Wenxuan raised his hand and applauded, "Good plan."
Li Rong glanced at him indifferently, "You're exaggerating."
"Then it's settled," Pei Wenxuan returned to his usual expression, picked up his tea, and said calmly, "I'm responsible for helping His Majesty here. You're responsible for contacting the Shangguan Clan, Su Clan, and other aristocrats. Don't let them feel that the Crown Prince is completely cut off from them."
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan thought of something. He looked up at Li Rong, hiding the faint bitterness in his heart, and said, "His Highness can take this opportunity to cultivate some feelings with Lord Su."
"Then I'll have to ask you for a favor." Li Rong's expression was calm. "Contact Second Miss Qin properly and cultivate their relationship. She and Chuan 'er have an ill-fated relationship, so don't meet."
Pei Wenxuan had a headache when he heard this. He hated his cheap mouth and hurriedly changed the topic, "When we arrive at the Pei Mansion later, if you see my family members, don't hesitate to tell them if you're unhappy."
When Li Rong heard Pei Wenxuan mention his family members, she was already prepared and nodded.
The two didn't speak for a while and sat quietly in the carriage. After sitting for a while, Li Rong didn't know why, but he suddenly remembered Pei Wenxuan's words last night.
She didn't dare to talk about that topic with Pei Wenxuan. When Pei Wenxuan suddenly brought it up, she could only pretend not to care and change the topic in a playful way.
However, Pei Wenxuan was too persistent and forced her to think and see.
She used the golden fan to lift the curtain and saw the birds flying outside.
"Pei Wenxuan."
She suddenly called Pei Wenxuan's name. Pei Wenxuan looked up blankly and saw Li Rong turn his head and look at him quietly, "I'll believe you for once in my life. If you lead me astray, I'll cut you and feed you to the dogs."
Pei Wenxuan was at a loss for a moment. He didn't know why Li Rong believed him.
He thought for a moment and guessed that he should be the one who planned this plan for Li Rong. So he smiled confidently, put his hand forward, and nodded slightly, "Your Highness, don't worry. I've thought about everything. There's absolutely no problem."
Li Rong saw Pei Wenxuan's confident smile and didn't know if he had really thought about it or not …
But Li Rong didn't want to bicker with him.
She was already used to Pei Wenxuan's ability to take people by surprise in certain details.
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