The moment this thought flashed through his mind, Pei Wenxuan was shocked.
Behind him, he could hear Li Rong's calm breathing. Pei Wenxuan's body stiffened. He opened his eyes in the dark, not daring to think further.
But his mind couldn't stop thinking. He couldn't help but imagine Su Yongqing and Li Rong together. That kind of scene wasn't unfamiliar to him. It was something he had seen countless times in his memory.
But this fantasy was even crueler than his memory. This life was different from his previous life.
In his previous life, he clearly knew that Su Yongqing couldn't really steal Li Rong away. He was handicapped, his status was low, and he and Li Rong were separated by a sea of blood. The two of them were just snuggling together in the dark for warmth. He couldn't really have Li Rong. Li Rong was Pei Wenxuan's wife, and she always would be.
But it was different now.
Su Yongqing was now the young master of a prestigious family. He had been born in an aristocratic family for hundreds of years. He could marry Li Rong and have children with her. From that moment on, Li Rong and he would have nothing to do with each other.
When this thought appeared in his mind, Pei Wenxuan felt a sharp pain in his heart. This pain seemed to be a reminder, but it was also a warning.
It made him understand that letting Li Rong and Su Yongqing be together was just a ploy to him.
He actually coveted everything about Li Rong. In his previous life, he was like this. In this life, he hadn't really gotten rid of it.
In his previous life, he knew that he couldn't have Li Rong, so he kept telling himself that he didn't care. He struggled bitterly between the lies and the occasional sobriety. Only when he looked back in this life did he dare to say that his biggest regret was Li Rong.
And now, he seemed to be looking back on the road of his previous life. He clearly knew that he couldn't have Li Rong.
How could a person like Li Rong turn back so easily? Back then, her feelings for him were only superficial, let alone the current him.
He had hurt Li Rong and hurt Li Rong's trust. He was also not a perfect person. He was petty, indecisive, emotional, and had a lot of messy things at home. He could not be compared to Su Yongqing. Others might say that he was Young Master Pei, but Li Rong could see through him. He knew that under his skin, he was an ordinary dog.
He knew that he wouldn't be able to make Li Rong turn around, so he pretended that he had never turned around. However, to him, Li Rong was like strong alcohol and opium poppy. Once he was addicted to it, he couldn't get rid of it.
No matter how many times she did it, as long as the two of them met, he would fall into her trap.
When Pei Wenxuan realized this, he closed his eyes and felt some pain.
He didn't want to think about it anymore.
He closed his eyes and finally fell asleep, perhaps because he was too tired. However, he dreamt of scenes from his previous life. He thought back to the day when he married Li Rong. He saw Li Rong put down the fan in his hand and look up at him with a smile. He called out, "Rong Qing."
He woke up from his dream and panted in the dark. The people outside whispered to him that it was time to go to court. Pei Wenxuan calmed down for a while and then responded in a low voice. He was about to go next door to wash up so that he wouldn't disturb Li Rong when Li Rong sat up and rubbed his eyes. He said, "Are you going to the morning court?"
"Yes."
Pei Wenxuan said. Then he remembered that since Li Rong established the Monitoring Department and had an official position, she also had to go to the morning court.
Li Rong struggled to get up on the first day of the morning court. She looked like she was in pain. Pei Wenxuan laughed. He reached out to help her and called in the servants to help her get out of bed. He smiled and said, "You have to go to court today. You didn't go to bed early last night. You suffered a lot, didn't you?"
"Pei Wenxuan." Li Rong closed her eyes and wanted to sleep more. She said vaguely, "How do you get up every day?"
Pei Wenxuan was amused by her question, but he didn't answer. A maid came in and helped Li Rong to dress Li Rong.
After the two changed their clothes, Li Rong yawned and went out with him. At this time, the sky was still dark. Li Rong sat in the carriage and said to Pei Wenxuan, "Wake me up when we arrive. I have to sleep for a while."
Pei Wenxuan nodded. He looked at Li Rong sleeping on the side of the carriage with her head propped up. He quietly looked at her for a while, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings.
He didn't know if he should get closer to Li Rong or stay away from Li Rong. He looked at Li Rong, who didn't know anything and was still sleeping like usual.
Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong for a long time. Finally, just as she was about to fall, he caught her. Li Rong looked up blankly. Pei Wenxuan sat beside her and pressed her on his shoulder. He whispered, "Lean on me."
Li Rong nodded. She didn't notice anything different and just leaned on Pei Wenxuan's shoulder.
When they arrived at the palace, the sky was a little brighter. The two alighted from the carriage and walked into the palace together.
The morning wind was a little cold. Li Rong's mind was much clearer. She became energetic and turned to look at Pei Wenxuan, who had been silent all this time. "You're very strange today."
Pei Wenxuan held the ceremonial tablet and looked calm. He said indifferently, "Oh?"
"What were you thinking today? I almost fell and you came to help me? You're not like this usually. "
"En?" Pei Wenxuan pretended to be indifferent. "I didn't notice. Maybe I didn't rest well. I didn't think."
"That's true." Li Rong nodded. Then she thought of something and smiled. "I haven't experienced the feeling of lack of sleep for a long time. Now I finally experience it. It's too uncomfortable. In the future, when you're busy, you should be moderate. Don't be too tired. "
Pei Wenxuan nodded and said lightly, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Li Rong saw that Pei Wenxuan was not in a good mood. She looked at him suspiciously. She really couldn't understand Pei Wenxuan's thoughts.
Fortunately, the two soon arrived at the entrance of the main hall. Li Rong stood apart from him. Li Rong's status was high, so she stood at the front. Pei Wenxuan stood at the back of the line. The two were far apart, so they didn't have much to say.
Li Rong stood in the crowd. Everyone secretly peeked. Yesterday, the imperial edict for the establishment of the Monitoring Division had been issued. Then, it was notified one by one. The people who did this were the Emperor's trusted aides. It could be seen that the Emperor attached great importance to this matter.
Now that Li Rong really came to the court, everyone was curious and puzzled. They secretly looked at Li Rong. They wanted to see how Li Rong was going to attend the court.
Everyone secretly looked at Li Rong. Li Rong knew that in her heart. She didn't have the shyness of a young girl. She was calm. She closed her eyes and stood to catch up on sleep.
After a while, Li Ming arrived and began to announce the arrival of the court. All the officials flowed into the main hall. Li Rong and Shangguan Xu entered side by side. One person stood in a row. After entering the main hall, she didn't have the slightest bit of embarrassment. After kowtowing with everyone, she stood up. Li Ming saw her standing in the middle of the main hall. He couldn't help but smile. "Ping L, why are you standing with Shangguan Daren? Come, come to zhen's side. "
When Li Rong heard this, she smiled and said, "Yes."
As she spoke, she went up to the high platform and stood on the steps below Li Ming's left.
This could be considered her position.
When she stood in this position, everyone felt a little more confident. They knew that Li Ming had made up his mind to establish the Monitoring Division.
Li Ming arranged Li Rong's position. He turned his head and said with a smile, "My beloved officials, do you have anything to report today?"
After Li Ming asked, Su Yongqing and Pei Wenxuan stood up at the same time and said loudly, "Your Majesty, this humble official has something to report!"
The two people stood up together. Li Ming was stunned. Li Ming hesitated for a moment. Then, he pointed at Su Yongqing and said, "Assistant Minister Su, you go first."
"Your Majesty, this humble official wants to report Censor Pei Wenxuan to the Lord Pei. Yesterday, Lord Pei trespassed into the Ministry of Justice, injured the Secretary, Chen Daren, and stole the files. Your Majesty, please punish this evil person severely! "
After Su Yongqing finished speaking, everyone's eyes fell on Pei Wenxuan. Li Ming smiled and looked at Pei Wenxuan, "Pei Wenxuan, what do you have to report?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan's voice was neither fast nor slow, "this humble official wants to report Secretary, Chen Ping, of the Ministry of Justice. He disobeyed the edict and offended his superiors. He deliberately made things difficult for His Highness Ping LE to handle the case. He even tried to murder His Highness. Your Majesty, please investigate this matter. At the same time, Su Yongqing is Chen Ping's direct superior. He should be punished for his lack of discipline. "
"Zhen understands," Li Ming nodded when he heard the two people's words. "This matter can't be blamed on Lord Pei. Ping LE," Li Ming turned to look at Li Rong, "explain."
"Reporting to Imperial Father," Li Rong respectfully said, "Yesterday, this son received the edict and went to the Ministry of Justice to bring up the Qin Clan case file. According to your edict, the Ministry of Justice should fully cooperate with this son. However, the Ministry of Justice made things difficult for this son. In a moment of desperation, this son had a conflict with Chen Daren. Chen Daren angrily attacked and was detained by this son's imperial bodyguards. Coincidentally, Lord Su arrived and thought that it was the Prince Consort's doing."
"It's like that," Li Ming nodded, then turned to look at Su Yongqing, "Lord Su, is His Highness speaking the truth?"
"Your Majesty, there's a misunderstanding," Su Yongqing slowly said, "Yesterday, the imperial edict was just issued. Chen Daren hasn't been notified by the higher-ups of the Ministry of Justice. The file is a confidential item. Although His Highness brought the imperial edict over, Chen Daren didn't dare to let it pass without permission from the higher-ups. He didn't deliberately make things difficult for His Highness. When Chen Daren said that he attacked, His Highness misunderstood even more. Chen Daren's voice was a bit loud, and I'm afraid that he startled His Highness. This humble subject knows all of this. This humble subject feels deeply guilty for disturbing His Highness yesterday. Therefore, this humble subject's complaint doesn't involve His Highness, but Lord Pei. "
As he spoke, Su Yongqing turned to look at Pei Wenxuan, "Princess is the head of the Monitoring Department. It's reasonable for her to go to the Ministry of Justice to bring up the file. The Lord Pei is a member of the Censorate. Who gave the Lord Pei the authority to barge into the Ministry of Justice?! If the Lord Pei doesn't punish us today, anyone can come to the Ministry of Justice and act so presumptuously. How will the Ministry of Justice govern people and handle cases in the future?! "
Su Yongqing's questioning made Li Ming feel a bit embarrassed.
Pei Wenxuan looked up at Li Rong, and Li Rong shook his head at him.
At this moment, it wasn't impossible to argue with Su Yongqing, but Su Yongqing was right about one thing. After all, the Ministry of Justice was the country's judicial office. They were in the wrong for barging in like this. If they continued arguing, Li Ming would have to give the Ministry of Justice some face in the end.
In any case, they already had the file in their hands. They had to give the Ministry of Justice a way out.
Pei Wenxuan understood Li Rong's meaning and sighed. He knelt down and kowtowed to Li Ming, "Your Majesty, this humble subject barged into the Ministry of Justice yesterday because I was worried about the Princess. Although this humble subject is a subject, I'm also the Princess's husband. In a moment of panic, I forgot my identity. Although it's reasonable, it's against the law. I hope Your Majesty and the officials of the Ministry of Justice can forgive me."
Pei Wenxuan gave in. Li Ming waved his hand and nodded, "Alright, the matter is very clear. I asked the Monitoring Department to do something, but Chen Ping stopped me. Not only did he stop me, but he also injured Ping LE. It's wrong for Ping LE and Pei Wenxuan to barge into the Ministry of Justice, and it's also wrong for the Ministry of Justice to ignore my words. Give each of them 50 strikes. Official Chen's salary will be deducted for three months. Ping LE and Pei Wenxuan's salaries will also be deducted for three months. Is that enough? "
"Your Majesty, this …" There were still people in the Ministry of Justice who wanted to speak. Li Ming directly said, "What, is the Ministry of Justice still not satisfied?"
"Your Majesty is wise." Su Yongqing immediately spoke and said respectfully, "This humble subject has no objections."
Since Su Yongqing spoke, the others didn't say anything else.
Li Ming nodded with satisfaction, "Alright, that's it. Lord Pei, rise. Do the other officials have anything else to say? "
Li Ming changed the topic. The others were tactful and didn't ask any more questions. They separated to two sides.
Li Rong secretly glanced at the expressionless Pei Wenxuan. Seeing that he still had a straight face, he couldn't help but wonder if the current Pei Wenxuan's salary of three months was enough to make his heart ache.
When the two went to court, the sky had just brightened. Shangguan Ya finished dressing and went to the casino under the pretext of going to the poetry club to participate in a talk.
Before she came back last night, she received news from Li Rong and knew that Li Rong had agreed to her request.
So she went to the casino early in the morning. After looking around, she saw Su Ronghua betting on big and small at the gambling table.
She and Su Ronghua weren't close, but they had met last time. After that, Su Ronghua often came to gamble, so they had some interactions. She stood behind Su Ronghua and saw that Su Ronghua was excitedly betting. She gently patted Su Ronghua's shoulder, "Young Master Su."
"Hey, don't bother …"
Before Su Ronghua finished speaking, he realized who was standing behind him. He turned around with some surprise and looked Shangguan Ya up and down. He said uncertainly, "Young … Young Master Shangguan?"
"Young Master Su, do you have time to talk to me in private?"
Shangguan Ya said with a smile. Su Ronghua heard this and immediately laughed, "If other people ask me, I don't have time. But if it's Young Master Shangguan …"
Su Ronghua looked her up and down with a teasing expression. Shangguan Ya frowned when he saw the look in her eyes. Then he gently bent down and leaned in front of her. He said softly with a smile, "I'm always available."
"It seems that the slap last time wasn't enough," Shangguan Ya said slowly. She turned around and said, "Let's go."
With that, Shangguan Ya led Su Ronghua to the second floor. The two of them entered a private room and sat on opposite sides of the gambling table. Shangguan Ya asked them to leave. Su Ronghua put his fan on his belt and got up to pour tea for Shangguan Ya. He said with a smile, "One doesn't visit a temple without a cause. Miss Shangguan, do you need me for something?"
"I wanted to try my luck, but I didn't expect to meet you."
Shangguan Ya crossed her arms and looked at Su Ronghua opposite her. She sneered, "Coming to the casino so early in the morning, you really don't know your place."
"Same to you," Su Ronghua put down the teapot and waved his fan confidently, "Miss Shangguan is a lady from a noble family. You're proficient in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. You're the candidate for the Crown Princess of the Shangguan Family. You spend some time here. Compared to Miss Shangguan, I'm simply showing off in front of Miss Shangguan. After all, I'm just a seventh-ranked official. I'm not a special official of the Censorate. I don't need to attend morning court. It's normal for me to stay here and gamble. "
After this conversation, Shangguan Ya more or less understood what kind of person he was. She was too lazy to argue with him and said directly, "Let me discuss something with you. Her Highness wants to see your younger brother. Can you ask your younger brother to come out and have a meal with Her Highness as the banker?"
Su Ronghua didn't say anything. He picked up his cup and took a sip of tea.
Shangguan Ya continued, "You won't be short of benefits. I know that you've made an appointment with the third son of the Xie Family for a rooster fight next month. He has the number one rooster in Huajing. You're looking for a rooster that can defeat him, and I happen to have one. He fought the rooster from Youzhou and has never been defeated. I'll give it to you. How about it? "
When Su Ronghua heard this, he almost spat out the tea in his mouth.
He choked on the tea and raised his head, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, "Miss Shangguan, you're not wrong to use a rooster to exchange for my younger brother, right?"
"Of course it's a benefit," Shangguan Ya said with a calm expression, "The downside is that there's no need to talk about it unless it's necessary. It'll hurt our relationship, don't you think so? Anyway, it's just a meeting and a meal. I think that Second Young Master Su might have the same idea and might not necessarily disagree. What do you think? "
"Hmm," Su Ronghua said thoughtfully, "If I ask him to come out and have a meal with a lady, he might not agree. But if it's His Highness, it's indeed different. But, "Su Ronghua looked up at Shangguan Ya," why should I help him or you? "
"Then what does Eldest Young Master want?" Shangguan Ya could tell that Su Ronghua wanted something in return. Su Ronghua looked at the gambling table and said with a smile, "How about we make a bet?"
"What are we betting on?"
"Let's bet on whether it's big or small. Best of three. If you win, I'll help you. If I win …"
Shangguan Ya drank his tea and didn't say anything. Then, he heard Su Ronghua say, "Wear women's clothes for me to see."
Shangguan Ya sneered when he heard Su Ronghua's teasing words.
"Then wait to lose. I've never lost when it comes to betting on whether it's big or small."
"Oh?" Su Ronghua raised his hand and covered his chest, "Then I'm too scared."
"Someone," Shangguan Ya called for the attendant at the door and ordered, "Go and wait at the palace gate. When the Princess is dismissed from court, tell her to free up her dinner time and dress up. I'll invite her to dinner!"
The attendant who came with Shangguan Ya was one of Li Rong's men. When he heard her order, he immediately complied.
Shangguan Ya took the dice and said confidently, "Shall we start?"
Su Ronghua supported his chin and looked at Shangguan Ya with an infatuated expression. He smiled and said, "Go ahead and roll it. I like to see you roll the dice."
"You're crazy!"
Shangguan Ya rolled his eyes.
Then, he began to roll the dice crazily. Su Ronghua closed his eyes and looked as if he was listening to wonderful music. He was intoxicated.
When Shangguan Ya put down the dice, he gently tapped his fan on the "big" and said with a smile without opening his eyes, "Big."
Shangguan Ya froze, then opened the dice. As expected, it was big.
After rolling three rounds in a row, Su Ronghua hit all of them. Shangguan Ya was a little anxious and said with a cold face, "No, this doesn't count. I'll be the one rolling the dice. You roll it."
"Okay." Su Ronghua reached out his beautiful hand and took the dice. He smiled and said, "I don't dare to disobey a beauty's words."
While Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua were in a deadlock, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan came out of the imperial court. Li Rong saw Pei Wenxuan's unhappy expression and comforted him, "I'll compensate you for your monthly salary. Don't think about it. Or do you think you've been bullied? You're not someone who takes things too hard … "
Pei Wenxuan listened to Li Rong's long-winded words and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, I'm just thinking about official business. Your Highness doesn't have to worry. This is a small matter. This humble subject doesn't take it to heart."
Li Rong understood Pei Wenxuan very well. How could he believe his nonsense? However, he also felt that it was inappropriate to force him to speak, so he could only nod and say, "Forget it, I won't pursue it. But if you feel uncomfortable, you must tell me."
Pei Wenxuan agreed. As soon as the two of them left the palace, they were stopped by someone sent by Shangguan Ya. That person passed on Shangguan Ya's original words. Li Rong heard it and laughed, "She invited me to a meal and asked me to dress up? Where is she? "
"In the casino." The person reported in a methodical manner, "She's gambling with Eldest Young Master Su."
Hearing this, Li Rong raised his eyebrows, "Su Ronghua?"
"Yes."
Li Rong paused for a moment, then said directly, "Let's go. Take me to have a look."
As she spoke, she turned to Pei Wenxuan, "Do you have something else to do?"
"If Your Highness wants to go to the casino, this humble subject will accompany you."
Pei Wenxuan frowned. He was worried that Li Rong would go to such a place alone. Li Rong smiled and said, "If you have something to do …"
"I've already finished it last night." Pei Wenxuan interrupted her directly. Li Rong was relieved to hear this and said, "Then let's go."
As the two of them spoke, they rushed to the casino together.
The two of them were led to a private room by the attendant. As soon as they entered, they saw Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua sitting opposite each other. Shangguan Ya was holding a card in his hand. His eyes were red and his hair was messy. He looked like a desperate gambler. Su Ronghua leisurely sipped her tea and said slowly, "Miss Shangguan, His Highness is here. You've lost so many games. It's time to give up."
"No," Shangguan Ya immediately said, "I can win. I'm about to win!"
When Li Rong heard this, he knew that Shangguan Ya had lost his mind from gambling. Pei Wenxuan whispered, "Take him away. There's no end to the gambling."
Li Rong walked behind Shangguan Ya and patted Shangguan Ya's shoulder, "Ah Ya."
Shangguan Ya was startled by Li Rong. When she saw Li Rong, she suddenly remembered something and stammered, "Your Highness … Your Highness!"
"What are you doing?" Li Rong laughed. He rarely saw Shangguan Ya so flustered. As he spoke, he looked up and nodded at Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua stood up and bowed. Pei Wenxuan also bowed to him, "Lord Su."
"Lord Pei."
"Why did Lord Su bet with Ah Ya?" Li Rong saw that Shangguan Ya seemed a little embarrassed, so he turned to ask Su Ronghua. Su Ronghua smiled and looked at Shangguan Ya, "Miss Shangguan Ya wanted to help Your Highness invite my brother to dinner. She said that she would bet with me. I agreed if I lost, but I've been acting shamelessly until now. "
"Oh?" Li Rong was amused by this. "I didn't expect Lord Su's gambling skills to be so exquisite."
"Don't make a fool of yourself."
"Your Highness …" Shangguan Ya was a little embarrassed and whispered, "My luck today is not good."
"You bet with him to invite Su Yongqing to dinner?"
"Yes." Shangguan Ya whispered, "I didn't do it well …"
"Oh." Li Rong thought for a moment, "I asked you to do this. You did your best. How about this. "Li Rong smiled and looked at Su Ronghua," Why don't you let the Prince Consort and Lord Su make a bet? "
"You still want to bet on inviting my brother to dinner?" Su Ronghua looked at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan stood at the side with an expressionless face. Li Rong smiled and said, "Yes. If Lord Pei loses, I'll let Ah Ya accompany you to dinner."
"Ah?" Shangguan Ya was a little confused. Su Ronghua clapped and said happily, "Wonderful! Lord Pei, please. "
Pei Wenxuan stood still. Li Rong personally pulled a chair for Pei Wenxuan and called out, "Wenxuan, come. Let Lord Su see your level."
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. Li Rong raised his eyebrows, "Wenxuan?"
Pei Wenxuan looked up at Li Rong. Seeing Li Rong's urging and expectant gaze, he took a deep breath and sat on the chair.
Li Rong massaged Pei Wenxuan's shoulders and whispered in his ear, "Do well. If you win, you'll be rewarded."
Pei Wenxuan lowered his eyes. Su Ronghua raised his hand and said, "Lord Pei, what do you want to bet?"
"Let's push the tiles." Li Rong made the decision for him. She knew what Pei Wenxuan was good at. Pei Wenxuan's expression didn't change. Su Ronghua looked at him and confirmed, "Lord Pei?"
"As Your Highness commands."
Su Ronghua nodded slightly and took the tiles.
Pushing the tiles was to take a set of dominoes and deal them to both sides. Every time both sides started to bid, they could choose to take a tile and put it on the table. When the next tile was thrown out, they could put it on the table. Or they could take two tiles at the same time. The total number of tiles in their hands couldn't exceed ten, or they would immediately lose. Either side could call a halt at any time. After stopping, they would compare the number of tiles. If the number of tiles didn't exceed ten, they would win. If no one called a halt in the middle, then both sides would lay their cards on the table after the tiles were dealt.
Pushing the tiles didn't just depend on luck. The most important thing was counting the tiles. Pei Wenxuan wasn't addicted to gambling, but he had few rivals when it came to pushing the tiles.
The attendant cleared the table and began to deal the tiles to both sides. Li Rong stood behind Pei Wenxuan and watched as Pei Wenxuan took the tiles.
Su Ronghua leisurely propped up his chin and stared at his tiles. He could choose one or two tiles.
Pei Wenxuan didn't like to talk when pushing the tiles. Li Rong stood behind him and watched nervously as he took the tiles.
Pei Wenxuan felt Li Rong's nervousness. His expression didn't change, but his heart felt a little uncomfortable.
He wanted to lose and leave, but he knew that he couldn't do that.
His feelings were his feelings. He had to help Li Rong. Whatever Li Rong wanted to do, he should help him.
He couldn't stop Li Rong from doing what she wanted just because he felt uncomfortable and liked Li Rong.
He was her friend. She trusted him. He shouldn't betray this trust.
If he liked this person, he should help her.
He pinched the tiles with force. Li Rong watched with rapt attention. He saw that his two tiles were already eight. At this time, he could choose to fold a tile and take a tile. He could also choose to take two tiles. Eight tiles was too big. Li Rong saw that he was hesitating and hurriedly said, "Fold."
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. Su Ronghua laughed. "It seems that Lord Pei's tiles are not small."
"Lord Su's tiles are not small either."
Pei Wenxuan's bony hand rubbed the tiles in his hand. Li Rong saw that Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. She didn't dare to say anything either. She suddenly understood the excitement of Shangguan Ya's addiction to gambling. She stood beside Pei Wenxuan and waited for Pei Wenxuan's decision.
After a moment, Pei Wenxuan chuckled. He looked up at her and asked, "Do you want to win?"
"Of course." Li Rong answered matter-of-factly.
Pei Wenxuan pushed the tiles forward and said directly, "Two tiles. Show your tiles."
"Lord Pei's courage is big."
Su Ronghua raised her eyebrows. Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. He took a cup of tea from the side and slowly took a sip.
The attendant pushed the two tiles over and opened them. Both tiles were one point. Together with Pei Wenxuan's tiles, it was exactly ten points.
Su Ronghua laughed and pushed the tiles aside. It was exactly nine points.
"Lord Su, when do you want to set the time and place?"
Pei Wenxuan asked as if it were official business. Su Ronghua was helpless. "Tonight, at Mingyue Restaurant."
"Okay." Pei Wenxuan nodded and stood up. "Since the matter is settled, His Highness and I will leave first. Excuse us."
With that, Pei Wenxuan pulled Li Rong and directly walked out.
Li Rong made a goodbye gesture to Shangguan Ya. Shangguan Ya looked at Pei Wenxuan with admiration. Su Ronghua hesitated and said, "Lord Pei, do you want to play another round?"
Pei Wenxuan ignored the two and dragged Li Rong out of the door. After the two left, Shangguan Ya couldn't help but sigh. "So handsome."
Su Ronghua coughed softly and walked behind Shangguan Ya. She waved her fan and said, "My hand wasn't very good today. But Miss Shangguan lost so many rounds to me. How do you plan to compensate me?"
"How do you plan to compensate me?" Shangguan Ya turned around and felt a little strange. Su Ronghua smiled and said, "How about a meal?"
"Then forget it." Shangguan Ya waved her hand. "I'm leaving."
"Then I'll go to the Shangguan Residence to eat with Shangguan Daren?"
Su Ronghua continued. Shangguan Ya immediately turned around and said gently, "Eldest Young Master Su, where do you think is appropriate?"
Li Rong was pulled out of the casino by Pei Wenxuan. As soon as they walked out, Li Rong laughed.
"What are you laughing at?" Pei Wenxuan pulled her. He didn't know why, but he was a little unwilling to let go.
He pretended that he didn't know anything and just held her hand as if he had forgotten. Li Rong still hadn't recovered from her nervousness. She gently pointed her small fan at her chest and said, "I finally know why Ah Ya likes to gamble. When the cards were revealed, my heart was beating a lot faster. I was actually a little nervous."
"Your Highness also has times when you're nervous."
Pei Wenxuan pulled her forward slowly. Li Rong said slowly, "Yes, I didn't expect it either. But to be honest, Pei Wenxuan, "Li Rong looked at him with a smile." You were really handsome just now. "
Pei Wenxuan chuckled. "Your Highness also has times when you find me pleasing to the eye."
"Most of the time, don't I find you pleasing to the eye?"
Li Rong said. She slowly felt that her hand seemed to be warm. She suddenly realized that Pei Wenxuan was still pulling her, but the other party obviously didn't notice this.
She didn't know what to say for a moment. If she reminded him, she was afraid that Pei Wenxuan would feel awkward and restrained. She was afraid that he would apologize again and again. But she didn't know why she didn't say anything. Perhaps it was because she was embarrassed, but she actually felt that her heart was beating a little faster.
She raised her hand and fanned herself with the fan to drive away the heat on her face. She continued to talk cheerfully and wittily. "Just now, how did you know that the last two cards were a one?"
"I calculated."
Pei Wenxuan's expression was calm. He pulled Li Rong, and a kind of stolen sweetness slowly spread in his heart. The two walked along the long corridor. Li Rong listened to Pei Wenxuan's clear and calm explanation amidst the amplified sound of her heartbeat. "I remembered every card that we discarded. I roughly guessed the number of points in his hand. I also calculated the subsequent cards. This isn't difficult."
"You're still smart. I can't remember so much."
Li Rong smiled. "No wonder you're always the first in school."
"Because Your Highness doesn't need to remember these things. Your Highness's intelligence is above the big picture."
Pei Wenxuan said to her as they walked to the side of the carriage.
When they reached the side of the carriage, he had to let go. He lowered his eyes and helped Li Rong into the carriage. Then he let go and smiled. "I didn't notice just now …"
"It's fine, it's fine." Li Rong hurriedly comforted him. "I was afraid that you would mind so much, so I didn't remind you. Are you going to the government office? "
"Where's Your Highness?" Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong. "Has she gone back?"
"I have to go back and prepare."
Li Rong said happily. "Ah Ya spent so much effort to set this up. I can't let her down. I'll choose a good dress and put on some makeup … "
Li Rong smiled. She seemed a little embarrassed. "I have to look like a girl."
Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong quietly. He saw the joy, shyness, and expectation in her smile. He blurted out, "Must you go?"
Li Rong looked at him strangely. Pei Wenxuan hurriedly explained, "What I mean is, the file of the Qin Clan case …"
"I've finished reading it."
"What about Luo Juan and the other people involved in the battle in Huangping County …"
"I asked Xun Chuan to look for them." Li Rong knew what he was worried about. She explained, "Don't worry, I know what to do. The most important thing now is to get the name list of the people in charge of the Qin Prefecture and Yang Lie's letter. As long as Su Yongqing agrees, everything will be fine. I'll contact him today. What else are you worried about? "
"Nothing."
Pei Wenxuan looked at her. Li Rong smiled. "Don't worry, I'll come back early today. You should also be careful. I think there are many people in the imperial court watching you. Don't let anything happen."
"Yes." Pei Wenxuan lowered his eyes and bowed. "Your Highness, don't worry. Wenxuan will take good care of myself. I wish Your Highness well. "Pei Wenxuan felt bitterness in his mouth." Today's battle will be won. Everything will go smoothly. "
"Thank you. Alright, you can go do your things. I'll go back."
Li Rong gestured and entered the carriage.
Not long after she entered the carriage, Jing Lan and Jing Mei sat down.
Usually, when Pei Wenxuan was here, Jing Lan and Jing Mei would follow in the carriage behind. Now that Pei Wenxuan left in the carriage behind, Jing Lan and Jing Mei came forward to take care of Li Rong.
One of them poured tea for Li Rong and placed pastries on the table, while the other massaged Li Rong's shoulders.
"Prince Consort doesn't seem to be in a good mood today. Did Your Highness quarrel with him?" Jing Mei was curious. Li Rong hurriedly said, "Don't wrongly accuse me. I'm very good to him."
"Prince Consort has been preoccupied for the past two days," Jing Lan said slowly. "Your Highness should be more concerned. The most important thing between husband and wife is to hide things."
"You're still young," Li Rong listened to Jing Lan's words and laughed. "You don't even have a husband. You speak like an old lady."
Jing Lan smiled but didn't say anything. Li Rong thought for a moment and said, "But that's true. You should help me keep an eye on him. I'm not careful. Prince Consort is a sentimental person. I don't even know when I've offended him."
When the two heard Li Rong's words, they couldn't help but laugh. The three of them talked about Pei Wenxuan all the way back.
When they returned to the Princess Residence, Li Rong confirmed that Xun Chuan had already led people to find Luo Juan and his old subordinates from the Battle of Huang Ping County. Then, she pulled out a list of names of each of the subordinates. After thinking for a while, she gave a list of names and a corresponding gift list and had someone send it over.
When she was done with her business, she began to bathe, use incense, choose clothes, put on makeup, and choose hairpins and jewelry.
These things seemed simple, but when a woman really did it, it was extremely time-consuming. Li Rong looked left and right and regretted that she didn't ask Pei Wenxuan to come over.
Pei Wenxuan had excellent taste. The clothes and accessories he chose were much better than those of the maidservants. After Li Rong looked for a long time, she finally decided. She chose a long red dress embroidered with peonies with gold thread. It had a slender waist and wide sleeves, and it outlined a woman's figure to the extreme.
When Li Rong finished dressing, the sky was already dark. There was a message from outside that Shangguan Ya had arrived at the door. Li Rong got up and went out. She saw Shangguan Ya, who had changed back into a long blue dress, and was leaning against the window of the carriage, waiting for her.
Li Rong used her fan to lightly hit her. She laughed and said, "You're becoming more and more unruly in front of me."
"I've already lost all face in front of you." Shangguan Ya leaned against the window of the carriage and looked at the people coming and going outside. She said with no love for life, "I don't care about face anymore."
"What kind of blow did you receive? Why are you like this?"
"I'll send you to Mingyue Lou later." Shangguan Ya straightened up and sighed, "You can eat with Su Yongqing. I have to eat with Su Ronghua."
"Why did you agree to eat with him?" Li Rong was quite puzzled. Shangguan Ya was helpless, "He said he's going to sue my father for gambling."
Li Rong was amused by her. He sat on the side and laughed until his stomach hurt.
Shangguan Ya was dispirited for a while, but she cheered up, "I'm so hungry. It's just a meal. I'm not afraid of him. Tonight's focus is on Your Highness. "As Shangguan Ya spoke, she looked up at Li Rong. After looking him up and down, she frowned," Aren't you dressed too formally? "
"Hm?" Li Rong raised his hand, "Don't I look good?"
"It's not that I don't look good. It's just that …" Shangguan Ya thought for a while, "It's too imposing and oppressive. But it doesn't matter. "Shangguan Ya looked her up and down," As long as you're good-looking, everything is fine. Let's preview what we're going to do tonight. "
"Hm?" Li Rong was puzzled, "We still need to preview?"
"Of course." Shangguan Ya said decisively, "Everything needs to be planned and prepared. After all, you're married. Although you and I are well aware of your relationship, Su Yongqing doesn't know. If you speak rashly, I'm afraid you'll scare him. So tonight's important is to talk about business and use your personal charm to win him over. "
"So what should I do?"
"You can only talk about business, but you have to learn how to make eye contact."
As Shangguan Ya spoke, she sat up straight and gestured, "Look at me. You have to do it inadvertently, such as turning your head or raising your head. You have to look at me slowly, just like that."
Shangguan Ya demonstrated to her. She first lowered her head, then raised her head. Her eyes were full of limpid autumn water, as if they could speak. She gently glanced at Li Rong.
Li Rong was stunned for a moment, then he clapped his hands and said, "You're good! Come, see if I'm doing the right thing. "
As Li Rong spoke, he began to learn.
The two girls began to practice their eye contact in the horse carriage.
When Li Rong and Shangguan Ya went to Mingyue Hotel, Pei Wenxuan had almost finished signing the last document.
He wasn't a high-ranking official and didn't have much work to do. He was usually very diligent, but now he couldn't find anything to do.
He sat in the official residence for a while. When he thought Li Rong was about to go out, he stood up and walked out.
Dong Ye was guarding the door. When he saw him come out, he said, "Young Master, you're so early today. Are you going back to your residence? "
"Yes."
Pei Wenxuan responded in a low voice. Dong Ye sighed, "Young Master hasn't returned to Huajing for a few years. Those young masters who used to accompany Young Master have all left. There's no one to talk to on a daily basis. If Young Master knew this would happen, Young Master would have stayed in Luzhou. "
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything and directly got into the horse carriage.
In fact, he didn't remember many of his childhood friends. After so many years, his later friends were Li Chuan, Qin Lin, and the others.
Li Chuan was still the Crown Prince, and Qin Lin and the others were far away at the border. Other than Li Rong, he didn't have anyone by his side.
Pei Wenxuan felt a little tired. He raised his hand to cover his head and whispered, "Let's go back."
The horse carriage slowly moved from the noisy place to a dark corner. Before they left the alley, they heard a hurried call from the front, "Young Master! Eldest Young Master! "
The horse carriage suddenly stopped. Pei Wenxuan looked up coldly. Then, Dong Ye rolled up the curtains and hurriedly said, "Young Master, Madam is seriously ill. She wants you to go back to the Pei residence immediately."
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. He rolled up the curtain and looked at the messenger. It was indeed his mother's personal attendant. She was crying like a pear blossom in the rain. "Young Master, please go home quickly."
"Mother is seriously ill. Why didn't you tell me before?"
Pei Wenxuan looked at her coldly. She sobbed and said, "It was nothing at first. Madam said not to disturb you. Ever since you got married, you haven't seen her for a long time. Madam thought that you were busy, and an hour ago, she suddenly fainted. We couldn't invite a doctor, and the people in the residence made things difficult for her. This servant didn't know what to do …"
"Young Master, don't ask anymore." Dong Ye hurriedly said, "Go back quickly."
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. He gripped the curtains tightly. After a long time, he suddenly smiled.
"Okay."
He turned his head and said to Dong Ye, "Go to Mingyue Restaurant. When the princess finishes her business, tell her to come to the Pei residence to pick me up."
As he said this, he whispered in Dong Ye's ear, "Bring more people."
Dong Ye was stunned. Pei Wenxuan slowly said, "Go. Wait at the door. Don't disturb the princess."
After Pei Wenxuan finished speaking, he returned to the carriage and said to the people outside, "Go to the Pei residence."
The carriage slowly left. Dong Ye stood in the same place. After a long time, he finally realized what Pei Wenxuan had told him.
His young master had always been intelligent, so he must have sensed that something was wrong before he gave such an order. Tong Ye was both flustered and anxious, so he hurriedly ran towards Bright Moon Hotel.
However, a moment before Tong Ye left, a secret guard had already left in advance to pass on the news.
Li Rong was still arguing with Shangguan Ya in the carriage when a shadow guard rushed over and stopped the carriage. Li Rong lifted the curtains and said coldly, "What's the matter?"
"The Pei family called the Prince Consort over."
"What's the reason?"
Li Rong frowned. The shadow guard immediately said, "Madam Wen is seriously ill."
Li Rong didn't say anything. After a while, he turned to Shangguan Ya and said, "Get off the carriage."
"Ah?"
Shangguan Ya was confused. Li Rong directly said, "Something happened to Pei Wenxuan. Go to Mingyue Restaurant and help me explain to Su Yongqing. "
"No," Shangguan Ya anxiously said, "Can something happen to him at the Pei residence? We're already at the entrance of Mingyue Restaurant. You should see him before you leave. "
"He's gone."
Li Rong directly said, "I'm worried. Hurry up."
Li Rong directly pushed her out and turned to instruct the shadow guard, "Go to the Princess' residence and ask for people to go directly to the Pei residence."
The shadow guard responded. Li Rong turned the carriage around and rushed to the Pei residence.
She sat in the carriage and closed her eyes.
She thought about Pei Wenxuan's thoughts and what she might encounter at the Pei residence. After a while, she couldn't help but laugh.
She thought about the first thing she would do when she saw Pei Wenxuan.
She would give him a big slap.
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