Pei Wenxuan stayed up for most of the night before he finally fell asleep. He felt like he hadn't slept for long before he was woken up again to prepare for morning court.
When he got up, Li Rong was sleeping soundly. Pei Wenxuan's heart was filled with anger and he couldn't help but pinch Li Rong's face. Li Rong frowned and raised his hand to hit him, muttering, "What are you doing?"
Pei Wenxuan heard that Li Rong seemed to be unhappy and finally felt a bit better. He stood up and left.
Li Rong was a bit dissatisfied when Pei Wenxuan pinched his face, but he was really too sleepy and didn't make a fuss about it. He fell asleep in a daze.
After he woke up, Li Rong remembered what Pei Wenxuan had done. He sneered as he washed his face. Jing Mei saw the coldness in Li Rong's smile and couldn't help but ask, "Did Your Highness think of something troubling you?"
Usually, when Li Rong showed this kind of expression, someone would be in trouble. Li Rong took the handkerchief from the side and said calmly, "It's nothing. When Prince Consort returns, change his tea to salt water. "
Jing Mei was stunned and quickly glanced at Jing Lan. Then, the two pursed their lips and laughed. Li Rong glanced at them and said, "Are you laughing at me? You've become bold? "
"Recently, Your Highness has matured a lot," Jing Lan hurriedly said, "Now that you finally have some of your old temper, we can't help but miss it."
Li Rong felt a bit better when he heard this. After all, this proved that she was getting younger and younger. She waved her fan and didn't pursue this topic. She turned around and went into the room. She found someone and said, "Have the doctor take a look at Miss Qin. Also, have someone send a message to the Ministry of Justice. Tell them that I want to visit the Qin Family and see how they respond."
Jing Mei nodded and went to give the order.
Li Rong sat in the courtyard and reclined on the deck chair. For a moment, she felt like she had stolen half a day of leisure.
Previously, she had been busy with the marriage and the Yang family's matters. Later, she was busy with the marriage and Li Chuan's concubine selection. Now that everything had been decided and she was going to set up the Inspection Department, the previous matters were settled. Next, she had to wait for Li Ming's reply. She actually didn't have much free time. Lying on the recliner and looking at the blue sky, she didn't know what to do.
She rarely had this kind of free time, so she lay in the courtyard for a while. She simply asked someone to bring out a storybook and some fruits and melon seeds. She ate the melon seeds while reading the storybook.
When Pei Wenxuan came back, he saw Li Rong reclining on the rocking chair and happily reading. Pei Wenxuan walked to her side and tapped her lightly with the ceremonial tablet, "What are you reading that makes you laugh like this?"
"This book is very interesting." Li Rong put down the book with a smile and straightened up. "A princess, a Prime Minister's daughter, and a famous courtesan. The three of them pursued a poor scholar. The Prime Minister's daughter eloped with him, and the princess committed suicide for him. I laughed so hard that tears came out of my eyes. Where did this poor scholar come from? He's been dreaming for half a day. Has he ever seen a princess? "
"Which decent person would write these things?" Pei Wenxuan put a memorial into Li Rong's arms and said with a smile, "His Majesty has responded. The Inspection Department's matter is up to you. But to build such a thing, you still need a reason. "
"His Majesty said," Pei Wenxuan put his hands in his sleeves and said casually, "Think of a way to give him a way out. He not only approved you to build the Inspection Department, but also gave you ten more counties as your fief."
"Really?"
Li Rong sat up straight and her eyes lit up. Pei Wenxuan was amused by her and said, "It's just ten counties. Why is Your Highness so happy?"
"You don't know the cost of living until you're in charge." Li Rong glared at him, "You only know how to ask me for money. How would you know my difficulties?"
Pei Wenxuan leaned against the tree and said with a smile, "I live off a woman. I'll have to trouble Your Highness to take care of me."
"Go, go, go." Li Rong stood up and walked towards the dining room. Pei Wenxuan followed behind her and said softly, "It's not suitable to cause trouble now. Wait until the Qin Family's case is settled and then reopen the case. It'll cause a big commotion. Only then will it be proper for you to build the Inspection Department."
"I understand. I'll send someone to ask the Ministry of Justice today. Let's see the situation first." Li Rong said as she remembered, "Did you tell Su Yongqing that I asked him out?"
Pei Wenxuan heard this and his smile faded a little. He said indifferently, "I told him when the morning court was dismissed."
"You made an appointment?"
Pei Wenxuan turned his head and revealed a smile as if he was waiting to watch a good show, "He didn't agree."
"He didn't agree?!"
Li Rong stopped and was shocked, "He actually didn't agree to see me?"
"You're not a goddess." Pei Wenxuan saw her shock and rolled his eyes. "Why must he agree to see you?"
Li Rong didn't say anything. She really didn't think that Su Yongqing would refuse. Perhaps it was a habit from her previous life, or perhaps it was because Su Yongqing had always been friendly to Li Rong in this life, but he suddenly rejected Li Rong. Li Rong was a little surprised. She chased after Pei Wenxuan and said in a puzzled tone, "Why didn't he agree? Did he tell you the reason? "
"If he didn't agree, then so be it. What's the hurry?" Pei Wenxuan noticed that Li Rong's tone was unfriendly, so he said in an unpleasant tone, "He said that he knew why you were looking for him. The Qin Family's case involves too many things, so he asked you to stay out of it."
Li Rong got the answer. After thinking for a while, she understood Su Yongqing's intention.
Su Yongqing had helped her with the Yang Family's case because the Yang Family was an aristocratic family outside of Huajing. They had been entrenched in the Northwest for many years and didn't have much contact with the aristocrats in Huajing. It could even be said that the Yang Family had a strong military force and was in a hostile yet cooperative relationship with the aristocratic families in Huajing. Su Yongqing helped her without any resistance.
However, the situation this time was different. The aristocratic families involved this time were complicated, and most of the aristocratic families in Huajing were related by marriage. This time, even the Su Family might be involved. Even if they weren't helping her, they definitely wouldn't be a tiger that stood in her way.
Li Rong tapped her fan, trying to understand Su Yongqing's thoughts. For a moment, she felt a little funny.
She lowered her head and laughed. Pei Wenxuan turned to look at her. "What are you laughing at?"
"I just wanted to make sure again." Li Rong looked at Pei Wenxuan. "You know me better than I do."
Pei Wenxuan didn't understand and asked her with his eyes. Li Rong sighed. "You said before that I had some doubts about him, but now I believe you. If I didn't still have some feelings for him, how could I not have thought that he wouldn't help me this time? "
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. Li Rong shook her head and chuckled. "I'm confused. Forget it, let's change our path."
"You …" Pei Wenxuan paused and said slowly, "You don't have to be sad. He's not close to you now. It's normal for him to do everything for his own benefit. "
"Why are you comforting me?" Li Rong raised her eyebrows. "It's just a small matter. Do you think I'll take it too hard? Forget it, do you have anything to do in the afternoon? "
"I'm going to find Shangguan Ya." Li Rong waved her fan. "If you don't have anything to do, why don't you accompany me?"
Pei Wenxuan heard this and understood Li Rong's meaning. Shangguan Ya might go to the casino. If he went to the casino, he did need his company.
So he nodded and said, "Okay."
The two of them went to Shangguan Ya's residence as usual. After hearing that Shangguan Ya went to the teahouse, the two of them didn't take a detour and went straight to the casino.
Pei Wenxuan got another token from a friend and went in with familiarity. Li Rong couldn't help but say, "Next time, let's just get a token ourselves."
"Okay."
Otherwise, he would be embarrassed to borrow tokens all the time.
He protected Li Rong in the crowd and looked around. Then, he met Shangguan Ya at the table where Leaf cards were being played.
Shangguan Ya was wearing men's clothes and was playing vigorously. When Li Rong walked behind her, he heard her shout, "Bam!"
Li Rong patted her shoulder. Shangguan Ya said impatiently, "I'm playing cards …"
Before she could finish, Shangguan Ya froze. Li Rong looked at her with a smile. "I have something to talk to you about."
Shangguan Ya forced a smile. "Can you wait for me to finish this round? I'm about to win."
Li Rong smiled and turned around. "Then I'll wait for you in the private room."
Gambling houses usually had private rooms for VIPs. As long as the number of bets reached a certain limit, they could enter.
Li Rong went directly to the private room on the second floor and sat down. After playing with the dice cup for a while, he heard Shangguan Ya standing at the door. She said nervously, "Um, I'm coming in."
Li Rong put down the dice cup and stood up. "Come in."
Shangguan Ya pushed the door open and entered the room. She closed the door and walked to the table with a smile. "I'm not used to seeing you here."
As she spoke, she sat down. Pei Wenxuan stood beside her and poured tea for Shangguan Ya. Shangguan Ya looked Pei Wenxuan up and down. She picked up the tea and smiled at Li Rong. "You're a good son-in-law. I like him."
Pei Wenxuan smiled but didn't say anything. He stood behind Li Rong and looked at Shangguan Ya without saying anything.
Li Rong turned around and glanced at Pei Wenxuan. She then looked at Shangguan Ya, who was speaking without thinking. She chuckled and said, "How dare you."
"I know the princess won't mind." Shangguan Ya raised her teacup as if she was raising a glass of wine. After taking a sip, she put down the teacup and leaned against the armrest of the chair. She smiled. "Your Highness, tell me. Are you here to talk about the Qin Clan's case?"
"How does everyone know that I want to take care of this case?"
Li Rong wasn't surprised that Shangguan Ya knew about this, but he was curious. Shangguan Ya supported her chin and looked at Li Rong. "Your Highness took care of Yang Quan's case and intervened in the imperial concubine selection. I would be surprised if Your Highness didn't intervene in the Qin Clan's case."
"Oh?"
Li Rong raised her eyebrows. "Then why do you think I intervened?"
"Your Highness, don't you think?" Shangguan Ya looked at him with eyes full of understanding. "The aristocratic families are meddling too much?"
Li Rong didn't say anything. She looked at Shangguan Ya. Shangguan Ya straightened up and said with some dignity, "For the sake of the aristocratic families, His Majesty forced Her Highness Ping L E to marry the Lord Pei. Now, the aristocratic families are forcing His Highness to marry a concubine. Tell me, can His Highness tolerate that his fate is in the hands of others? Can His Highness tolerate it? Can His Majesty tolerate it? "
"Is this why you changed the incense burners in the imperial palace?"
"Your Highness is smart," Shangguan Ya said respectfully. "Last time, I listened to what Your Highness said to me. However, the Shangguan family isn't in my hands, so I can't make the decision. "
Shangguan Ya's last sentence was full of meaning. Li Rong looked at Shangguan Ya. She clearly knew how much control Shangguan Ya had over the Shangguan family.
Shangguan Ya was still too weak now. However, in her previous life, although Shangguan Ya was in the imperial harem, he was the real ruler of the Shangguan family.
The relationship between Shangguan Ya and the Shangguan family was completely different from the relationship between Shangguan Yue and the Shangguan family. Shangguan Yue lived for the Shangguan family, while the Shangguan family existed for Shangguan Ya.
Li Rong opened and closed the folding fan in her hand and said slowly, "So, what do you plan to do with the Shangguan family?"
"I have the same idea as Your Highness," Shangguan Ya stopped smiling and said seriously, "The Shangguan family should slowly withdraw from the imperial court. Therefore, I hope to establish a better relationship with Your Highness. "
"What relationship?"
"Has Your Highness ever thought of supporting someone who is easier to control to control the Shangguan family?" Shangguan Ya's voice was calm. "This way, the Shangguan family can be completely loyal to Your Highness and help Your Highness assist the Crown Prince in ascending the throne. Then, they will slowly withdraw from the imperial court, leaving only a few people in the imperial court to keep up appearances. The rest will return to Youzhou."
"Why not withdraw now?" Li Rong smiled and Shangguan Ya rubbed the teacup. "Why do you ask when you already know the answer? Now that His Majesty has been suppressed by the Shangguan family for more than ten years and is disgusted, how can the Shangguan family withdraw? If the Shangguan family withdraws now, I'm afraid only death will await them. The only way is to establish a better relationship with the Crown Prince and you so that you can rest assured about the Shangguan family. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, the Shangguan family will withdraw from the imperial court. "
Li Rong laughed when she heard Shangguan Ya's words. "You want to be the head of the Shangguan family?"
"Not now," Shangguan Ya raised his eyebrows. "What about the future?"
"Why should I help you?"
"Your Highness," Shangguan Ya leaned over and said with a smile, "You and I are both women and we have the same idea. If I want to be the head of the Shangguan family, I have to rely on Your Highness. Wouldn't it be easier to control the Shangguan family in this way?"
"Only in this way," Shangguan Ya said meaningfully. "The Shangguan family is the Shangguan family in Your Highness's hands."
Li Rong completely understood what Shangguan Ya meant.
The current relationship between the Shangguan family and Li Rong and Li Chuan was that the Shangguan family controlled them, not the other way around.
In the long run, whether it was Li Chuan or Li Rong, sooner or later, they would become the current Li Ming.
Shangguan Ya could see it clearly, but she couldn't change her father's arrogance. She could only find another way.
Shangguan Ya was now handing the future of the Shangguan family to Li Rong. Firstly, she wanted to show weakness, and secondly, she wanted to seek protection.
If the Shangguan family was completely handed over to Li Chuan or any other monarch, the other party would endlessly weaken the aristocratic families for their own power and the imperial court.
If the Shangguan family was handed over to Li Rong, the Shangguan family and Li Rong were in the same boat. Li Rong couldn't completely weaken the Shangguan family and could only control them. Faced with the Shangguan family controlled by Li Rong, as long as the monarch trusted Li Rong enough, he would relax his guard against the Shangguan family. If the monarch didn't trust Li Rong, he would have to deal with Li Rong first before bringing down the Shangguan family.
Now that Li Ming and the Shangguan family were in a situation where only one of them would be killed, Li Rong and Shangguan Ya's goal was to support Li Chuan so that Li Chuan and the Shangguan family wouldn't fall into the current situation. Then, Shangguan Ya would find a safer position for the Shangguan family so that they wouldn't be in danger like today.
Shangguan Yue and Shangguan Xu were both born when the Shangguan family was at its peak. Deep in their hearts, they didn't believe that Li Ming, the emperor, could do anything to them. They always believed that the Shangguan family still had the upper hand in the confrontation with Li Ming.
Therefore, the Empress's method of protecting the position of the crown prince was to rely on the aristocratic families and make the aristocratic families an inseparable part of Li Chuan. In her heart, this was the best way to protect her son. This method not only guaranteed Li Chuan's ascension to the throne, but also guaranteed the continuation of the Shangguan family's glory.
However, she neglected that people born in the imperial family valued dignity and the right to decide their fate far more than they imagined.
Shangguan Ya clearly saw this point.
Because she was also like Li Rong, she clearly understood the thoughts of Li Rong and Li Chuan, and also understood the precarious fate of the Shangguan family.
Li Rong looked at her friend from her previous life and wasn't surprised by her keen senses. After a while, she smiled and said, "Great, then you can tell me if you need anything."
"Most of the time, I don't need Your Highness' help." Shangguan Ya seemed to have known that Li Rong would agree, so she wasn't surprised. She leaned back in her chair and fiddled with the dice with one hand. She only said, "If I need help occasionally, it might be a big help."
"There are many things I need your help with." Li Rong didn't stand on ceremony. "Have you thought it through?"
"Don't worry, I'll listen to Your Highness." Shangguan Ya looked up. "So, what does Your Highness want me to do this time?"
"Do you know who's involved in this case?"
"Recently, three uncles came to my house. They are the Wen family of Xingyang, the Cui family of Qinghe, and the Wang family of Longxi. You can check who's holding positions in the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate in the imperial court. You'll probably know who's involved in the Qin Clan case."
Shangguan Ya obviously came prepared. Li Rong relaxed a lot when he saw that she was so tactful.
"Is there any other news?"
"This is just the beginning. I'll keep an eye on it for you. If there's any news, I'll inform you immediately."
"Okay." Li Rong nodded and said, "If you need anything else, just let me know."
"20 people." Shangguan Ya didn't stand on ceremony. "I want to arrange for them to be sent to the Shangguan family."
"Okay." Li Rong immediately agreed. After the two sides reached an agreement, Shangguan Ya stood up. "If there's nothing else, I'll go play another round. I don't have much time, so I have to go back to the residence. You booked this private room, so I won't pay for it. "
Li Rong felt a little depressed when he heard the word 'money'. Fortunately, gambling was a drop in the bucket for her. She waved her hand and sighed. "Go ahead."
Shangguan Ya bowed and left. Li Rong turned to Pei Wenxuan and said helplessly, "Why are all of you asking for money? When will you give me a God of Wealth to relieve the pressure of being the head of the household? "
Pei Wenxuan was amused by her words and walked out of the room with her. "Work harder. Ask His Majesty to give you the ten districts and the money will come."
When Li Rong heard this, she looked back at Pei Wenxuan from head to toe. Pei Wenxuan felt goosebumps from her stare and couldn't help but ask, "Why are you looking at me?"
"I just suddenly remembered …" Li Rong raised her hand and held Pei Wenxuan's arm. She smiled and said, "Wenxuan, don't you still have the family business to inherit?"
Pei Wenxuan was held by Li Rong and his whole body stiffened. His brain was stuck together and he couldn't speak.
Li Rong thought of Pei Wenxuan's family business and became happy. "Didn't your father earn most of the Pei family's business? You're already an adult, so it's not appropriate for your uncle to help you take care of it. Let's find an opportunity to talk to your family. What do you think? "
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. All his senses were focused on the area where he and Li Rong were touching.
Li Rong really didn't treat him as an outsider. She held his hand and talked like two young ladies. Pei Wenxuan could see that Li Rong was driven crazy by money. When she thought of his family's money, Li Rong's tone became much gentler. "Father-in-law is very capable. Back then, he pushed the Pei family from a second-rate family to a first-rate one. I'm sure he left behind a lot of money. You have to learn from him. You can't always ask me for money. You should learn to have some dignity as a man. What do you think?"
When Pei Wenxuan heard her mention men, he finally came back to his senses. He looked at Li Rong up and down, then turned his head and said directly, "I don't have dignity."
Li Rong was angry when she heard this. She knew that Pei Wenxuan was rejecting her suggestion. She reached out and pinched Pei Wenxuan's soft flesh. She said angrily, "Why are you so useless?"
"Aiyo, my great aunt." Pei Wenxuan sighed. "Can't you be more realistic? My second uncle is a provincial governor. He's just a little bit worse than people like Shangguan Xu. If we ask for money now, it'll be like snatching food from a tiger's mouth. It's fine if you want money, but can't you think of something easier? "
Li Rong also knew this. She sighed and said worriedly, "It's so hard to make money."
When Pei Wenxuan heard Li Rong's words, he turned his head and looked at Li Rong. When he saw that Li Rong seemed to be seriously worried about this matter, he couldn't help but laugh.
Li Rong looked up at him and was a little unhappy. "What are you laughing at?"
Pei Wenxuan's hand was held by Li Rong. When the conversation was interrupted, he didn't feel nervous anymore. He walked hand in hand with Li Rong to the carriage. He said with a low laugh, "I didn't expect that there would be a day when Your Highness would be worried about money."
"Are you laughing at me?"
Li Rong raised her eyebrows. Pei Wenxuan hurriedly said, "I don't dare. I just think that Your Highness is rarely seen like this. It's cute. "
"Tsk." Li Rong showed a disdainful expression. "Pei Wenxuan, you can say anything when you want to flatter people."
Pei Wenxuan smiled and turned his eyes. He looked at the carriage in front of him and slowly said, "Actually, Your Highness doesn't need to worry. Some of the industries that I put into production have already started to make a profit. There should be a surplus next year. Your Highness's fief, Qingzhou, has fertile soil. After taking over Your Highness's industries, I sent people to invite Gu Chenzi. He should already be teaching the people in Qingzhou how to farm. "
Gu Chenzi was the famous "Sage of Rice" in Li Rong's previous life. He had studied farming his entire life, and he had done a lot of research on growing rice. In Li Rong's previous life, it would take him a few years to write 《Farming Skills》 and become famous in Da Xia. Now, he had already been invited to Qingzhou by Pei Wenxuan.
"Everything is difficult at the beginning." Pei Wenxuan advised Li Rong. "It'll be better next year."
"Okay, I know." Li Rong sighed. "I'm just saying. You're very good at making money. It's not like I haven't seen it before."
As Li Rong spoke, he walked to the side of the carriage. Pei Wenxuan helped him into the carriage. Then, he rolled up the curtain and entered the carriage.
When Pei Wenxuan heard Li Rong praise him, he was quite happy. After sitting down, he raised his head to look at Li Rong, who had found a comfortable position and was lazily nestled in the carriage. He couldn't help but smile. "Since you know, Your Highness can rest assured. These years, I've helped Your Highness manage the industries. In the future, "Pei Wenxuan flipped open a teacup and said in a gentle voice," the extra money will be this official's dowry for Your Highness. "
Hearing this, Li Rong laughed out loud. "Pei Wenxuan, you're really generous. You've even prepared a dowry for me."
"After all, we've known each other for a long time." Pei Wenxuan smiled and raised his eyes to look at Li Rong, who was laughing heartily. "I'll give you a set of dowry so that you won't be unable to get married and will rely on me for the rest of your life."
"Shameless." Li Rong poked him with his small fan. "Who wants to rely on you for the rest of their lives?"
Pei Wenxuan smiled but didn't say anything. He lowered his head and poured tea.
Li Rong was spinning his fan beside him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see those slender and beautiful fingers flipping the small golden fan. It was like some kind of strange dance that brought about an indescribable sense of beauty.
His gaze paused on those slender fingers. He didn't know why, but he thought of his previous life. At that time, they dared to get married. Sometimes, when Li Rong had her period, those beautiful hands would come in handy.
Pei Wenxuan's eyes darkened. He hurriedly lowered his eyes and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, I want to discuss something with you."
"Hm?"
"I think we should sleep in separate beds."
"Oh?" Li Rong turned to look at him. She was a bit puzzled. "Don't you think it's troublesome?"
They didn't sleep in separate beds before. Why would they sleep in separate beds now?
Li Rong was a bit puzzled. After a moment, she revealed a teasing smile. "Pei Wenxuan, could it be that you have some kind of intention towards me?"
"Your Highness thinks too highly of yourself."
Pei Wenxuan quickly replied. "I've been looking at you for decades. What kind of intention could I have?"
Pei Wenxuan's heart was beating fast when he replied. Li Rong nodded and slowly said, "That's true. You and I are too familiar. If you can have any kind of intention towards me, it can be seen that you men really don't abstain from meat and vegetables. You're worse than beasts."
Pei Wenxuan: "… …"
Hearing Li Rong scold him, Pei Wenxuan didn't know why, but he actually felt a bit guilty.
He felt that Li Rong was right. He and Li Rong had such a pure friendship. How could he see these thoughts just by looking at her hand?
He was really too despicable.
Thus, he nodded heavily and agreed. "Your Highness is right!"
"Then why do you want to sleep in separate beds?"
Li Rong looked up at him and blinked. Pei Wenxuan was momentarily stumped by the question. After holding it in for a long time, he finally said, "I wake up early every day to go to court. I'm afraid I'll disturb Your Highness."
"That's it?" Li Rong laughed and waved her hand generously. "It's okay. You usually don't disturb me when you wake up. Don't worry too much. It's too troublesome to sleep in separate beds. If someone finds out and news of us not getting along spreads, His Majesty will suspect that the Intelligence Inspection Division is fake. After all, a large part of the reason he trusts me now is because of you. He thinks that after marrying you, I'll follow the chicken or the dog. "
Pei Wenxuan listened to Li Rong's words and didn't dare to say more. He nodded and took out a booklet from the drawer. "As long as you don't mind, then forget it."
He just needed to take a few more cold showers.
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