"You … What are you not going to do?"
Li Rong's entire senses were focused on Pei Wenxuan's movements. She found it somewhat difficult to understand his words. She could clearly understand every word, but she felt as if she had misunderstood the meaning.
Pei Wenxuan quietly hugged her. Li Rong said with difficulty: "Do you want to keep hugging me?"
As she spoke, she laughed: "I know you feel uncomfortable tonight. If you want to hug me, then hug me. Alright, let's not talk about it anymore. I have to sleep. Tomorrow morning, your family will definitely accuse me. Let's not talk about it anymore. "
After Li Rong finished speaking, she turned her back to Pei Wenxuan and pretended to fall asleep.
Pei Wenxuan hugged her for a while. Seeing that her body was stiff and motionless, he loosened his hands and slept behind her, quietly watching her.
At night, he couldn't lie flat, so he could only lie on his stomach or on his side. His wound hurt so much that he couldn't sleep. In any case, he couldn't go to the morning court tomorrow. He simply looked at Li Rong and casually combed her hair with his hands.
He had always been a reliable person. He wouldn't make a move if he wasn't confident. He knew that Li Rong definitely didn't have any thoughts about him. If he rashly opened his mouth, he might not even be able to be friends. It was better to stay by her side and slowly wear her down.
Dripping water could penetrate a stone, and an iron pestle could become a needle. He had a goal and enough patience.
After confirming his thoughts, Pei Wenxuan's heart seemed to settle down. He reached out and held a strand of Li Rong's hair. He gently placed it on the tip of his nose and gently sniffed it.
The fragrance of Li Rong's hair soaked into his heart. He leaned over and gently hugged the sleeping person in his arms. He leaned his head against her head.
When Li Rong woke up, she found herself in Pei Wenxuan's arms. She was instantly shocked awake, and then secretly scolded herself for making a fuss over nothing. It was normal for Pei Wenxuan to want someone to accompany him when he encountered such a troublesome situation at home last night. Not to mention Pei Wenxuan's chaste character, even if Pei Wenxuan really had any ideas, she was not afraid of him.
Li Rong calmed down and stood up. The attendants helped her put on her clothes. Pei Wenxuan sensed the light and lifted the bed curtain. Half of his head poked out, as if he was still sleepy. He squinted his eyes and said, "Your Highness, I'm afraid it won't be easy to go today."
"Don't worry." Li Rong comforted him. "In a moment, I'll have someone inform your mother and have someone send her over from the Pei residence. I'll deal with things in the palace first. Once you've settled your mother's matter, you can let her enter the palace."
Li Rong did not say much, but Pei Wenxuan's heart was very clear. He knew what Li Rong wanted him to say. He supported his upper body with one hand and his lower body with the other and said solemnly, "Your Highness, don't worry. I'll get it done."
When he said these words, although his expression was serious, his hair was scattered around his body, and the clothes in front of his chest were pulled open, revealing his lean and fair chest. As a result, his usually handsome face showed an indescribable charm.
This charm was different from the feminine charm. It was like a romantic and elegant young master deliberately showing off to coax a girl. It was a kind of temptation for a man to a woman.
Li Rong hurriedly glanced at his face and looked away. She only said, "Lie down and have a good sleep. I'll leave first."
After saying this, Li Rong led her out of the room.
As soon as Li Rong left, she ordered people to inform the spies in the Pei residence. They had to find a way to inform Pei Wenxuan of his serious injuries and coax Madam Wen to the Princess residence.
After doing all this, she went to the morning court.
The Pei family must have been pressured by the other aristocratic families to do these things. After she was reborn, her personality changed too quickly. Coincidentally, it happened to clash with her wedding. Everyone probably thought that Pei Wenxuan instigated her to do this. If the aristocratic families found trouble with the Pei family, the Pei family would find trouble with Pei Wenxuan. They wanted to pressure Pei Wenxuan to change her attitude.
The Pei family probably wanted to beat Pei Wenxuan up. Firstly, they wanted to let Pei Wenxuan know how powerful they were. Secondly, they wanted to show the aristocratic families the Pei family's attitude. They wanted to show that this was Pei Wenxuan's idea and appease the aristocratic families.
However, based on the thoughts of Shangguan Xu and the others, it was not that simple. They probably wanted her to save Pei Wenxuan …
As Li Rong thought of this, she felt that she was a little impulsive.
If she hadn't barged in to save Pei Wenxuan last night, the Pei family wouldn't have beaten Pei Wenxuan to death. If Pei Wenxuan returned with injuries, they would have found someone to reason with. If she didn't do anything wrong, they would be right. Revenge was a matter of time, but she still thought about it last night. She didn't realize that the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. It was only after she had rescued Pei Wenxuan that she realized that the aristocratic families might be waiting for her.
Now that the key to the Qin Clan's case was her Department of Supervision (the Department of Supervision was changed to the Department of Supervision), they would do everything they could to find trouble with her and abolish the Department of Supervision. This was what the imperial court wanted to do the most.
She had brought people to barge into the Pei residence. This was probably their reason today.
Li Rong could already imagine the memorials flying like snowflakes onto Li Ming's desk. Li Rong tapped her small fan lightly and thought about how to organize her thoughts.
After thinking for a while, she sighed. Jing Lan, who was beside her, placed some pastries on her plate and smiled. "Your Highness, why are you sighing so early in the morning? What are you worried about?"
"I …" Li Rong wanted to say that she didn't have much confidence in today's morning court session, but before she could say anything, Jing Lan said, "But I'm thinking about how to explain yesterday's incident when I see the Lord Su today."
Li Rong froze. After a while, she sighed again. "Why are you bringing this up?"
She didn't want to attend court anymore.
However, she still had to face what she had to face. Li Rong prepared herself well and finally arrived at the palace gates. She alighted from the carriage and walked into the square. Officials stood in groups of twos and threes in the square. Li Rong had only taken a few steps when she saw Su Yongqing, who had just arrived.
She hesitated for a while, but still walked forward and called out to Su Yongqing. "Lord Su."
Su Yongqing saluted Li Rong. Li Rong smiled awkwardly. "Yesterday …"
"This humble subject and elder brother left first after eating," Su Yongqing said respectfully. "We didn't delay anything. Your Highness need not worry."
"My apologies." Li Rong saw that Su Yongqing's expression was calm and didn't show any dissatisfaction. She felt even more embarrassed and could only say, "Something did happen yesterday. I'll treat you another day."
"Actually, there's no need," Su Yongqing said calmly. "Your Highness's current status is sensitive. You shouldn't have too much contact with this humble subject to avoid criticism from the officials. Yesterday, when I agreed to elder brother's invitation, I didn't know that Your Highness was coming. If I had known, I wouldn't have agreed. "
Su Yongqing's rejection was straightforward. He almost said, "It's good that you're not coming."
Li Rong felt like she had been slapped in the face. However, her skin had long been tempered by Pei Wenxuan. She pretended that she didn't hear anything and smiled. "Okay, then let's make an appointment next time. Lord Su, you're busy. This consort will leave first. "
As she said this, Li Rong didn't give Su Yongqing a chance to refuse. She directly turned around and returned to her seat.
Not long after, Li Ming was escorted into the imperial court by his attendants. Li Ming sat down as usual and asked as usual, "Is there anything important today?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Rong saw Pei Lixian move. Pei Lixian moved quickly, but she moved even faster. She hurriedly knelt on the ground and loudly said, "Fuhuang, you have to uphold justice for Erchen!"
Li Rong's voice was sorrowful. Pei Lixian trembled in fear. He raised his eyes to look at Li Rong and then at Li Ming. Li Ming calmly raised his tea and lightly said, "You were bullied?"
"It wasn't Erchen, it was Prince Consort," Li Rong said with a sobbing voice. "Last night, Pei Nayan had someone summon Prince Consort back to the Pei family. He said that Mother-In-Law was seriously ill and Prince Consort was anxious to return. In the end, after he returned, he was beaten by Pei Nayan. Now, he's lying at home covered in wounds and can't attend court. You know Prince Consort's temperament. He's always been filial and respectful to his elders. It was only because of me that he was implicated and was beaten. Even if the other party is an elder, Prince Consort is still the son-in-law of the imperial family. Although Pei Family is beating Prince Consort, Erchen's face is damaged. This is the dignity of the imperial family! "
Li Rong's tearful complaints made Pei Liwen unable to hold back. He hurriedly stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, the truth is not what His Highness said. Ever since Prince Consort married Her Highness, he has never returned home to visit Mother. Recently, Eldest Sister-in-law has not been feeling well. She summoned Prince Consort many times, but Prince Consort ignored her. Eldest Sister-in-law was disheartened and ordered the elders to summon Wen Xuan back to the family. "
"We originally hoped to persuade Wen Xuan to mend his ways and be filial to Mother. Who knew that he would speak rudely. Not only did he not listen to our advice, he even insulted his elders. Eldest Sister-in-law saw her son's impudence and ordered the servants to act according to the family rules. However, Wen Xuan relied on his status as Prince Consort and refused to be disciplined. He got into a conflict with the servants in the family. Not only did he injure many servants, but he also said that he had the Princess's support and no one could discipline him. Later, the Princess led the troops to the Pei family and took Prince Consort away. Before she left, she even broke the hands of two servants. She was arrogant, rude, and had no respect for the law. Now, she even slandered others and slandered the Pei family. Your Majesty! "
Pei Liwen kowtowed and said loudly, "If Your Majesty does not punish His Highness, I am afraid that the courtiers will be disappointed."
Li Ming did not speak. He raised his eyes and looked at Li Rong. He only said, "Ping L E, what do you say?"
"Imperial Father, he said that they summoned Prince Consort many times, but Prince Consort refused. Why don't we let them call the witnesses? When, where, who sent the witnesses, we can verify them one by one. They said that Prince Consort hit someone. Last night, when Prince Consort heard that Mother was sick, he immediately rushed over. He did not bring many people. Their whole family surrounded Prince Consort. Prince Consort is just a civil official. What kind of bear's heart did he eat that he dared to hit someone? Furthermore, after he took the initiative to hit someone, he was beaten to the point that he could not get out of bed? Lord Pei and erchen each have their own version of the story. Why don't we investigate this matter one by one and see who is lying! "
"Let them call," Pei Liwen heard Li Rong say this and said angrily, "Your Highness, don't try to distort the truth. You are too arrogant!"
"Enough," Li Ming listened to the two sides arguing and showed some impatience, "In the end, it is your own family's matter. This kind of small matter, to argue in the imperial court. You don't want face, but zhen does. Prince Consort was also beaten by you. Ping L E also saved people last night. What is there to argue about? Forget it. I heard that there hasn't been any rain in the three provinces for a long time this year. I'm afraid that there will be a drought. Let's not talk about these small matters right now. "
Li Ming brought up important matters of the country. Pei Liwen was refuted for a moment. He choked on his anger and his face turned red.
Li Rong calmly stood up. Then, he heard an official step out and say, "Your Majesty, His Highness has just established the Inspection Department, so …"
"Are you done yet?!" As soon as Li Ming heard the other party mention the Inspection Department, he knew the other party's intention. He said angrily, "Do you really want zhen to punish you for being disrespectful? No matter what, Pei Wenxuan is zhen's son-in-law and a relative of the imperial family! It is already very generous of zhen to not make a fuss about it after you beat him! Shut up! "
Li Ming scolded and finally suppressed everyone. Li Rong tapped his small fan on his palm. He lowered his head and didn't say a word.
After Li Ming finished scolding people, he forcefully changed the topic. The officials suppressed their anger and began to talk about the rain with Li Ming.
Li Rong lowered his eyes and calculated the time.
At this moment, the sky was about to brighten, but it was also covered with dark clouds. It seemed like it would rain at any time.
Wen shi sat in front of the mirror and dressed. She looked at the woman in the mirror and sighed softly.
She didn't sleep all night and was not in good spirits. The maid behind her couldn't help but ask, "Madam, why are you worried?"
"Yesterday," she said slowly, "I don't know if what His Highness said is true or not. I kept thinking last night. If what he said is true, Second Uncle really wants to hurt Wenxuan …"
"Madam, you think too much." The maid interrupted Wen shi's words and whispered, "Second Master and First Master grew up together. Eldest Master is First Master's only son. Second Master raised him as his own child. Look at Second Master's Eldest Master. He is also an eighth-rank official. Eldest Master is impetuous and should be trained more. His Highness didn't understand Second Master's deep meaning and misunderstood. "
Wen shi didn't speak. She held the small comb in her hand and lowered her eyes.
In the past, she didn't care about these things. When Pei Lizhi was here, he would arrange everything for her. She never thought that the people around her would be disloyal, nor did she think about what she needed to fight for.
In the four years after Pei Lizhi's death, what she did the most every day was to eat vegetarian food and pray to Buddha. She wanted Pei Lizhi to have a better life in the underworld.
After being scolded by Li Rong last night, she finally had some ideas. She looked around and realized that many of the people around her were not old people.
For example, the person who helped her dress was arranged by the housekeeper. But the housekeeper power was handed over to her sister-in-law for a long time. She didn't like to take care of these chores. She also felt that Pei Lixian's wife was better at taking care of the Qin Clan. Now that she thought about it carefully, she felt a little scared. There were only a few people around her who weren't sent by the Qin Clan.
She was scared, but she didn't dare to say anything. After dressing up, the servant brought up the bird's nest as usual. Wen shi just took the bird's nest and opened the lid. She saw a small line of words written on it: "Eldest Master wants to see Madam. See you at the Princess's Mansion."
Wen shi saw this line of words and panicked. She looked around and saw that the person who brought the bird's nest was looking at her. Wen shi's heart beat fast. Her hand trembled and the bowl of bird's nest fell to the ground. The servant who brought the bird's nest hurriedly knelt down and said anxiously: "This servant deserves to die."
"You clean up first." Wen shi stabilized her voice and then asked the servant next to her to bring another bowl of bird's nest. When the servant went out, Wen shi immediately asked: "What happened to my son?"
"Madam, Eldest Master is seriously injured. You secretly sleep first and come out from the back window. I will lead you out."
When Wen shi heard this, she suppressed her fast heartbeat and didn't dare to ask again. When the servant came back, she ate a few mouthfuls of bird's nest and said that she wanted to sleep for a while. She sent everyone out. Then she opened the back window as requested. When she opened the back window, she saw the servant waiting for her at the door. He gave her a bag and whispered: "Change quickly."
Wen shi nodded and hurriedly changed her clothes. Then the servant led her out of the back door. He disguised himself as a servant who was buying groceries.
When she got on the carriage, Wen shi hurriedly asked: "What happened to my son?"
"Eldest Master needs your help, so he asked you to go see him." The servant comforted her: "Don't be impatient. You will see Eldest Master soon."
Wen shi saw that she couldn't get anything out of him and didn't say anything else. She wrung her handkerchief anxiously.
In the court, after the rain and other matters were sorted out, Li Ming finally announced that the court was dismissed.
Li Rong smiled and turned to leave the hall. Before she left, Pei Liwen stopped her and said loudly: "Your Highness, don't you feel guilty for lying like this today?"
When Li Rong heard his words, she turned her head and looked at Pei Liwen. She couldn't help but laugh: "Bengong didn't make trouble for you. You dare to make trouble for bengong? Bengong should be the one asking you this. Don't you feel guilty for lying like this today? "
"It doesn't matter if it is a lie or not," an official came up and said coldly, "It is natural for a mother to discipline her son. Your Highness, you barged into an official's home. That is inappropriate."
"Why don't you say this to my Father Emperor?" Li Rong turned to look at the person who spoke and smiled faintly: "You didn't dare to say a word in the court just now. Now you come to make trouble for me? If you think you are so reasonable, go ahead and say it. "
"Your Highness," an official frowned: "You are too arrogant."
"Then report me." Li Rong looked at him again: "If you really don't like it, why don't you hit me a few times?"
"You!" The official who spoke took a step forward but was quickly stopped by the people next to him. Li Rong looked at the angry official. She twirled her fan and laughed: "Bengong really loves the way you look at me when you don't like me but can't do anything about it. You are all blind. Bengong won't bicker with you. Sooner or later, "Li Rong pointed at the officials surrounding her:" You all have to apologize to bengong. "
As she spoke, Li Rong opened her fan and walked out with a smile: "That's enough. You all may disperse. Bengong still has to work on a case."
"Your Highness Ping L E!" Pei Liwen shouted at Li Rong's back: "This world will not tolerate your impudence and not give you justice. I will go to the imperial study and beg His Majesty. If you are not punished today, I will kill myself in front of the imperial study's Dragon Guardian Pillar and use my death to persuade His Majesty!"
"I will go!"
"I will go too!"
As they spoke, the officials were furious, as if they were about to kill themselves in front of the Dragon Guardian Pillar.
Li Rong nodded: "Very good. I didn't want to bicker with you, but you all still want to kill yourself. Bengong will accompany you. In front of the imperial study. "Li Rong pointed at Pei Liwen:" Today, either you or I will be carried out. Let's go! "
As she spoke, Li Rong shouted and turned to walk towards the imperial study.
When she went out, the wind mixed with autumn leaves rolled in, and thunder rumbled. The officials were stunned for a moment by her shout, and then they chased after her while cursing. The two groups of people arrived in front of the imperial study and knelt on one side. On Li Rong's side, only Li Rong knelt alone. Pei Liwen brought a large group of officials and knelt on the other side.
"Your Majesty!"
"Father Emperor!"
The people on both sides shouted and their voices mixed together.
"Your Majesty, please severely punish Princess Ping L E for trespassing on this official's residence. Such an arrogant and unreasonable princess who has no regard for the law should not be in charge of the Inspectorate!"
"Your Majesty, please severely punish the brothers Pei Lixian and Pei Liwen. They deceived their brother and sister-in-law, mistreated their brother's orphan, seized their brother's family property, and assaulted the emperor's son-in-law. Such a shameless and unreasonable person must not be tolerated!"
"Your Majesty!"
"Father Emperor!"
The people on both sides shouted for a long time before Fu Lai finally came out. His face was apologetic. "Your Highness, daren," Fu Lai said with a bitter smile, "Your Majesty said that this is a family matter. He won't interfere. Please return."
"Your Majesty, the princess is the director of the Inspectorate. How can this be a family matter? If Your Majesty doesn't give this official justice today, this official will kneel here until he dies! "
"Kneel until you die?" Li Rong laughed. "Didn't we agree to hit the pillar? The dragon pillar is there. Hit it. "
"You!" Pei Liwen's eyes widened. Li Rong smiled and said, "Minister Pei, you have to keep your word."
"Women and villains are hard to deal with," Pei Liwen gritted his teeth and said, "I don't bicker with women."
"Even women can't win," Li Rong waved his fan and said leisurely, "It seems that Lord Pei really doesn't have any reason. It's better to hit the pillar and die to leave a good reputation."
Pei Liwen didn't care about Li Rong. He breathed heavily as if he would explode at any time. He only said to Fu Lai: "Fu gonggong, please pass on the message. If the princess isn't punished today, we won't leave."
"Fu gonggong, please also pass on the message," Li Rong said slowly. "If justice isn't given to Prince Consort today, I will also kneel here until I die."
Fu Lai listened with a bitter face. "Your Highness, what are you making a fuss about?"
"They are the ones making a fuss." Li Rong sneered. "Gonggong, just pass on the message."
Li Rong and Pei Liwen knelt in front of the Imperial Study. The news quickly spread.
At this time, Pei Wenxuan also changed his clothes and sat in the hall. He watched Mrs. Wen come in with the help of people.
When Mrs. Wen saw Pei Wenxuan, her eyes turned red. She came forward and said anxiously, "Wenxuan, how are you?"
"Mother, please sit down." Pei Wenxuan smiled and asked Mrs. Wen to sit down. Mrs. Wen looked at Pei Wenxuan anxiously. "What happened last night …"
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. He looked at Mrs. Wen quietly. Mrs. Wen looked at Pei Wenxuan's eyes. She couldn't help but feel cold. She looked at Pei Wenxuan blankly and said in a trembling voice: "You blame me, don't you?"
Pei Wenxuan smiled but didn't say anything. His calm and distant eyes made Mrs. Wen tremble. "You also think that your second uncle doesn't treat you well and wants to harm you, right?"
"Mother," Pei Wenxuan smiled bitterly, "I don't think so. It's the truth."
"This may be a misunderstanding …" Mrs. Wen's heart sank. She couldn't help but explain, "Your second uncle told me …"
"It doesn't matter what he said," Pei Wenxuan interrupted her and said seriously, "The important thing is, what he did."
"Mother, how many of Father's old people are there around you?" Pei Wenxuan asked. Mrs. Wen was stunned. Pei Wenxuan said slowly, "On my way back from Luzhou, I encountered an assassination attempt. I was lucky to return home. I heard that second uncle wanted to train me and arranged for me to be a small official. "
"Assassination attempt?" Mrs. Wen was shocked. "Why … why didn't you tell me?"
"Because it was useless." Pei Wenxuan smiled. "I know what kind of person you are. When I came back, there was no one around you. I was afraid that if you knew, you would want to do something and get yourself killed. It would be better to be like now, not knowing anything and living a good life. "
Mrs. Wen looked at him blankly. Pei Wenxuan continued, "In the past, when Father was alive, he often told me that we, as men, have to shoulder our responsibilities and work hard to let the people around us live a good life. If they don't live a good life, then it's our problem. Father has been taking care of you all his life. You don't have to think about anything. "
As Pei Wenxuan spoke, the image of Li Rong flashed across his mind. He suddenly felt a little sad, a little distressed, and an indescribable sense of guilt.
"Father told me to continue taking care of you. I used to think that this was my battle. Whether I lived a good life or not, I shouldn't disturb you. You should live a good life. If I lose, it's because I'm useless. "
Mrs. Wen looked at Pei Wenxuan. Her tears fell like beads. "Then … why did you say it now? Did I harm you and force you into a dead end? "
"No." Pei Wenxuan laughed. "There was someone who told me that you should have a choice."
"Father didn't give you the choice to be a big madam or a wife. He treated you like a canary and spoiled you all his life. He took all the responsibilities on himself. Yours, the family's, and mine. "
"I used to think that I should be such a person. I worked hard, but I slowly realized that I wasn't Father. And Father's way of doing things might not be right."
"Humans are humans, and there is a limit to their power. If I want to be responsible for everyone around me and take responsibility for them, I won't be able to live a good life."
"So, I want to give Mother a choice."
Pei Wenxuan looked at Mrs. Wen. He took a step forward and knelt in front of Mrs. Wen. He looked up at her and said seriously, "Help your son, okay?"
Mrs. Wen listened to Pei Wenxuan's words. She cried until she couldn't see clearly.
"You should have told me earlier …" Mrs. Wen said hoarsely. "I've been waiting for your father's words all my life. But he never told me about it. I've forgotten about it. "
"Wenxuan … I'm sorry …" Mrs. Wen cried and knelt on the ground. "I'm sorry. It's Mother's fault. I'm sorry …"
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. He quietly looked at Mrs. Wen who was crying in front of him.
It was raining outside. The sound of the rain mixed with Mrs. Wen's crying. Pei Wenxuan looked at Mrs. Wen crying bitterly. He whispered, "Mother, don't cry. Get up."
As soon as he finished speaking, someone rushed in.
"Prince Consort." Dong Ye gasped. "There's news from the palace."
Dong Ye said anxiously, "Third Master brought many courtiers to kneel in front of the Imperial Study and ask to punish His Highness. His Highness also knelt in front of the Imperial Study and asked to punish Second Master and Third Master. Now they are in a deadlock. They have been kneeling for a long time."
Pei Wenxuan heard this and got up immediately. He moved so violently that his wound suddenly broke free. Blood shone on his white clothes. Pei Wenxuan said coldly, "Get on the carriage and enter the palace."
Pei Wenxuan turned around and said respectfully to Mrs. Wen, "Mother, please enter the palace with me."
"I'll listen to you." Mrs. Wen sniffed. "I'll listen to you."
Pei Wenxuan responded. Mrs. Wen stood up and saw the blood on Pei Wenxuan's back. She wanted to ask, but she didn't dare to ask again. She just held back her voice and cried.
After a while, everything was arranged. Pei Wenxuan took the umbrella and got on the carriage with Mrs. Wen.
He looked at the heavy rain in the courtyard. The scene of Su Yongqing holding an umbrella for Li Rong in his previous life flashed through his mind.
His heart suddenly tightened.
This kind of thing wouldn't happen again.
He told himself that he wouldn't allow this kind of thing to happen again in this life.
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