On the 17th day of the third lunar month in the 18th year of Kangxing, Pei Wenxuan received the first imperial edict in his life.
At that time, he had just returned from mourning in Luzhou for less than a year. His engagement to the Qin Clan had just been annulled, and he was still a minor official in the Ministry of Justice. Logically speaking, it was impossible for him to come across something like an imperial edict. However, he didn't know what the emperor saw in him, but he suddenly decided to marry his beloved daughter, the most honorable princess in Da Xia — — Her Highness Ping LE.
As a result, an imperial edict was suddenly sent to the Pei Family. He received the edict in a daze, and his fate was decided.
On the night of receiving the edict, he didn't sleep. He lay in bed in a daze. At night, he hugged himself and looked at the moon. There was an indescribable feeling of sullenness and curiosity in his heart.
He had never seen Her Highness Ping LE's appearance clearly.
He had never had any interactions with her.
His impression of her came from other people's legends. He heard that she was arrogant and domineering, and that she would hit people whenever she moved. She was arrogant and domineering, and was extremely terrifying.
Such a person was suddenly going to become his wife, and he had no way to refuse.
He had originally planned to visit the Qin Clan again. The Qin Clan had annulled his engagement, and this matter had been handled by his second uncle. He always felt that something was wrong, but now he didn't need to care about anything.
His fate and his marriage had already been decided by others.
This kind of thing made him very uncomfortable. However, what made him even more uncomfortable was that the next morning, when he opened the door, he saw a group of people standing at the entrance of the courtyard.
These people were from the palace to teach him the rules.
Although they said they were learning the rules, it wasn't just the rules. The first thing they did when they arrived was to examine him.
He was examined from head to toe. After confirming that there were no problems, he put on his clothes and walked out of the room amidst the chuckles of the servants.
Afterwards, he began to learn the rules of the emperor's son-in-law. There were detailed rules, from greeting the princess to sleeping with the princess.
Such complicated etiquette made him feel disgusted even before he met Li Rong.
He thought to himself that a princess who grew up doted on by so many people must have a bad temper.
But no matter how bad it was, she was still a princess, someone who had married him. He could only follow the rules.
On the day of the wedding, this disgust added a bit of uneasiness.
His father did not have any other children. According to the rules of etiquette, his brothers should have come to the palace to escort the bride. However, he did not have any brothers he could trust. For such an important matter, he could only do it himself.
For this reason, he wrote a piece of literary talent called "Phoenix Poetry" in an attempt to cover up his embarrassment.
But for some reason, when he stood at the palace gates to welcome Li Rong, he felt an inexplicable sense of fear.
He began to worry if Li Rong would be angry and hit him because he had come to pick up the bride, which was against the rules.
Li Rong had hit him once. Would he hit and scold him often in the future?
He could endure everything else, but if Li Rong hit and scolded him, how could he endure it?
He imagined how terrifying Li Rong was and felt uneasy. He waited in a daze until he heard the palace gates slowly open. Then, he saw the carriage slowly coming in. A woman wearing a wedding dress and holding a golden round fan in her hand slowly appeared from the palace gates, kneeling behind the curtain in front of his face.
She was not as fierce as the legends said, nor was she as ugly as he imagined. The woman sitting behind the curtain even showed a kind of beauty that surpassed ordinary people. Even if only a pair of eyes were exposed, Pei Wenxuan was a bit stunned.
Fortunately, he quickly gathered his thoughts and pretended to be calm in front of everyone. He opened the long scroll and recited the "Phoenix Poetry" for Li Rong.
His literary talent was extraordinary. After he finished reciting, there was applause all around. He did not know why, but he could not help but raise his head to look at the carriage.
So he just happened to see that the girl was also secretly looking at him. A pair of curious eyes fell on his face. The two looked at each other for a moment, then pretended to be calm and moved away.
Only Pei Wenxuan knew that although he looked calm, his heart was strangely beating a bit fast.
"Phoenix Poetry" was a great success. It could be considered a good start for this wedding. He mounted the horse and led Li Rong to the princess's residence.
When they arrived at the princess's residence, he and Li Rong bowed to heaven and earth.
He secretly raised his head to look at the girl's face. The girl's fan was very good. Finally, when she bent down, he could see a bit of her face. However, it was at that moment that he was pricked by the princess's hair crown, causing his scalp to hurt.
But he could not shout, so he could only endure and complete the bow with Li Rong. Li Rong seemed to have noticed that he was pricked by the hair crown. He pursed his lips and suppressed a smile. His eyes were full of smiles, and he was extraordinarily beautiful.
He was already like this before the fan was removed. When the fan was removed, the girl sat by the bed and looked up at him half shyly and half curiously. He could not speak at all.
For a moment, he did not remember how annoyed he was before he saw Li Rong. He drank the wine with Li Rong, dismissed the servants, and left the two of them alone in the room. After that, he did not dare to do anything else.
The two of them sat at the head of the bed. Li Rong was too embarrassed to speak, and Pei Wenxuan also did not dare to speak. After sitting for a long time, Li Rong said in a low voice, "Langjun, are you still not going to rest?"
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan's heart jumped to his throat.
He naturally knew what rest was. He stood up and respectfully said according to the rules, "Please allow this humble official to remove Her Highness' hair."
Li Rong nodded with a red face. Pei Wenxuan knelt behind Li Rong and removed her hair crown.
As he did this, his hands could not help but tremble. Li Rong obediently lowered her head, as if she did not notice his nervousness. Instead, she tightly gripped the corner of her clothes, looking extremely nervous.
Seeing that Li Rong was also nervous, Pei Wenxuan relaxed a bit. He remembered that Li Rong was only eighteen this year, and he was two years older than her. He thought of her as an older brother and should take good care of her.
With this thought in mind, he calmed down. After removing Li Rong's hair, he fetched water and removed Li Rong's makeup. After finishing all of this, he looked at the girl sitting by the bed. After a long time, he knelt on the ground and respectfully said in a hoarse voice, "Please allow this humble official to remove Her Highness' clothes."
Li Rong did not dare to look at him. She turned her head and looked at the window. In a low voice, she said, "Yes."
This time, no matter how he comforted himself, he could not stop his hands from trembling.
He took off her clothes one by one, then took off his own clothes and put down the bed curtain.
After a long time, Li Rong gently pulled him and asked in a low voice, "Langjun, are you still not going to rest?"
Pei Wenxuan's heart tightened. He felt the towels under their bodies and knew that many people would be waiting for this result tomorrow.
He felt an indescribable pain in his heart, but when he turned around and saw Li Rong's eyes, he suddenly felt that the pain disappeared without a trace.
He looked at Li Rong for a long time, then seriously asked, "Is Her Highness willing?"
When Li Rong heard this, she seemed to be a bit shy.
"If it's Langjun," her voice was very soft, "Of course I'm willing." I wonder, "Li Rong raised her eyes and looked a little nervous," Langjun, do you have other concerns? "
Her eyes were very bright, with the charm and gentleness of a young girl. They were like the clear sky after the rain, softening one's heart.
Pei Wenxuan stared at her. At that moment, he suddenly had the impulse to accept his fate.
Li Rong was also a person who was given a marriage, so he was also a victim. Since he could not disobey the imperial order, he did not need to disappoint this girl. It would be good for them to spend the rest of their lives together.
His heart seemed to be bewitched, and he could not help but move closer.
Inexperienced kisses, and then touches.
When they were doing it, he was very nervous, afraid that he would hurt her. The girl wrapped her arms around his neck, bit her lip, and slightly shook her head. He felt his heart tighten.
The two of them tossed around for a whole night. In the beginning, they were torturing each other, but later on, things became more interesting.
However, it was Li Rong's first time, so he did not dare to go too far. When he saw blood staining the white towel, he gritted his teeth and asked her if she wanted more.
Li Rong opened her blurry eyes and looked up at him. His throat tightened. Li Rong looked at him and only asked, "Do you feel uncomfortable?"
"I don't feel uncomfortable."
He lied against his will, "It all depends on Your Highness."
Li Rong did not speak. She looked at him. After a long time, she reached out and hugged him. She only whispered, "I'm fine. Langjun, please."
With this sentence, Pei Wenxuan suddenly felt that all the defenses in his heart had collapsed. He did not continue. He only lowered his head and kissed her. Gently, he said, "I'm afraid that Your Highness will be in pain. Your Highness, please rest well."
The two of them were considerate of each other. The next day, Pei Wenxuan woke up first. When he woke up, Li Rong also woke up. Pei Wenxuan followed the rules and knelt beside the bed. He gave a big bow, "Good morning, Your Highness. May you live a thousand years and ten thousand blessings."
Li Rong was a little confused. She stared at Pei Wenxuan for a while before she reacted. Then, she smiled and said, "No one is watching. Why are you doing this?"
"This is the rule."
"You and I are husband and wife." Li Rong lay on the bed and looked at him with her arms as a pillow. "We are not emperor and minister. Why do we need so many rules? Langjun, please get up. "
Pei Wenxuan hesitated for a moment. Li Rong said softly, "Langjun, are you not willing?"
"That's not the case." Pei Wenxuan made a decision. If she wanted to be husband and wife with him, then they would be husband and wife. Thus, he got up and helped her get up.
Li Rong was not as arrogant as he thought.
She was very gentle and considerate. She had a little girl's delicateness, but also a little more intelligence that ordinary people rarely had.
They went out to play together and had fun in the bedroom.
She was elegant at home, but she was a little crazy in her bones.
One night, she told him that she had been in the palace for so many years, but she had never gone to the Lantern Festival. When he heard this, he felt a little distressed. On the Chinese Valentine's Day, he took her out of the palace.
She ran and jumped on the streets like a nimble bird. She even changed into the clothes of a Persian dancer and blended in with the crowd. People could not take their eyes off her.
She moved, but she also moved.
She liked his calligraphy and secretly took his calligraphy. He walked behind her and looked at her for a long time, but she still couldn't form it. He couldn't help but raise his hand and hold her hand. He whispered, "I'll teach you."
Li Rong's hand paused. Her ears turned red. She lowered her head and said softly.
Yes.
That small sound was enough to grab his heart.
It was sweet and itchy.
He did not think much of anything else. He only felt that this girl was very cute.
At that time, the Shangguan Clan was at its peak. He became Li Rong's son-in-law. The Shangguan Clan was not happy. After all, he came from a poor family and his status was low. However, since he was already married, the Shangguan Clan could not bear to let Li Rong be the wife of a ninth rank official. Therefore, thanks to the care of the Shangguan Clan, he jumped from ninth rank to sixth rank and entered the Imperial Censorate.
But he was not stupid. He clearly knew that the Shangguan Clan wanted him to enter the Imperial Censorate. Once he accepted this olive branch, it meant that he had joined the struggle for the throne in the imperial court.
In fact, he understood that Li Ming's heart belonged to Li Cheng. Li Chuan's family was huge. Sooner or later, they would be defeated.
Therefore, after he was called by Shangguan Xu, he stayed in the study room and did not sleep. He thought for most of the night. When he returned to his room, he saw Li Rong.
He felt that he had been thinking in vain.
After all, he was Li Rong's husband. Li Rong could not abandon Li Chuan. Therefore, he could not abandon Li Chuan.
Therefore, the next day, he agreed to Shangguan Xu's request and entered the Imperial Censorate.
Since he had joined the struggle in the imperial court, he could not relax. Since he entered the Imperial Censorate, he worked very hard. He made friends with all the influential officials and his work always exceeded his expectations.
For this reason, he left early and returned late. Li Rong did not complain at all.
Once, he drank too much. He was afraid that he would wake Li Rong up, so he slept on his small bed. In the middle of the night, he kept retching and finally vomited blood. When he woke up, he felt that someone had lit the lamp. He turned around and saw Li Rong standing in front of him aggressively. He shouted, "Go back!"
That night, he found out that Li Rong also had a temper.
His temper was quite bad.
He apologized in a low voice. Li Rong seemed to be a little sad. When she was fetching water for him, Pei Wenxuan whispered, "I was wrong. I won't drink so much in the future. Don't be angry with me. "
"I'm not angry with you." Li Rong's voice was hoarse. "I'm angry with myself. I'm angry at myself for being incapable."
However, he knew that she was not incapable. She was very capable.
At that time, they were newlyweds. Although their relationship was not the best, they still moved forward hand in hand.
At the beginning of August, when Li Chuan's marriage was announced, he heard Qin Zhenzhen's name again.
At that time, Li Rong chatted with him about the candidates chosen by the Empress in Shangguan Yue. "This time, Imperial Mother chose five girls. Two of them are from humble families. Although they are from humble families, they have military power in their hands. They can be of help to Chuan 'er."
Humble families, military power. When Pei Wenxuan heard this, he felt a little uneasy. He couldn't help but ask, "Who?"
"You might know one of them. She's the daughter of your father's old friend. Her name is Qin Zhenzhen."
Li Rong said carelessly, "Her status is a little low. Imperial Mother wants her to be a concubine. A few days ago, she came to the palace to see her. I heard that she's good, but she's a little too straightforward."
Pei Wenxuan didn't listen. He knew that Qin Zhenzhen's temper was not just straightforward.
He was a little flustered. He only asked, "Where's her brother?"
"He's still at the border. Her family makes the decision."
Li Rong thought that he was just concerned about an old friend. He said casually, "This matter has been decided. It will be announced soon. I hope that Chuan 'er's marriage will go smoothly."
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. He was in a daze. Li Rong turned his head. He felt that he was a little strange. "Wenxuan?"
"Oh." Pei Wenxuan came back to his senses. He only said, "It's nothing."
After all, it had nothing to do with him. It wasn't a big deal.
Qin Zhenzhen's matter only flashed through his mind. He didn't think much about it. He and Li Rong continued to live their lives. They didn't feel the passage of time.
He only heard that Li Chuan was married. Occasionally, he heard that Li Chuan's harem had some conflicts.
He didn't take it to heart. Until one day, when he came out of Li Chuan's residence, he was stopped by Qin Zhenzhen's servants.
"Young Master, please save Young Miss."
When Pei Wenxuan heard the call for help, he hurried to see Qin Zhenzhen.
She caught a cold and had a high fever. She was already in a daze.
She fell into the water to save someone and was accused. After being punished, she fell sick. There was no medicine or doctor.
Seeing his old friend like this, how could Pei Wenxuan be at ease? Since Qin Lin wasn't around, he naturally took care of her. He immediately thought of a way to get medicine for her and found a doctor.
After doing all this, he felt that something was wrong. He didn't know where his guilty conscience came from, but it made him tell the servant, "Don't tell Young Miss that I came. Just treat it as if you invited me. If word gets out, it won't be good for either of us."
The servant hurriedly responded. Pei Wenxuan arranged everything and returned from the Crown Prince's residence. When he came back, he saw Li Rong waiting for him to eat. She specially asked someone to prepare ginger soup for him, saying that she was afraid that he would catch a cold.
"You stayed at Chuan 'er's place for a long time today." Li Rong smiled. "He's the reincarnation of the God of Fire. He rarely uses charcoal. I'm afraid that you'll catch a cold."
Pei Wenxuan didn't know why, but his heart suddenly beat faster. He lowered his head and replied, "Yes."
It was fine not knowing Qin Zhenzhen's situation.
Now that he knew her situation, Pei Wenxuan felt that it was hard to let go.
They had known each other since childhood. He knew Qin Zhenzhen's temper very well. He felt uneasy that Qin Zhenzhen had fallen to such a state. He had helped him once, so he gritted his teeth and helped him a second time.
He deliberately led Li Chuan to Qin Zhenzhen and created a chance encounter between them. After a few times, Qin Zhenzhen finally caught Li Chuan's attention, and his life became better.
During this time, Li Rong began to go around asking for a diagnosis.
They had been together for nearly a year, but Li Rong's stomach still hadn't shown any signs of pregnancy. She couldn't help but feel worried.
She didn't dare to tell Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan didn't care about these things, so he didn't notice anything strange about her. He just happened to find her drinking medicine and asked her about it. She answered, "It's a beauty prescription. I heard that it can make one look better."
Pei Wenxuan laughed and reminded her, "Don't eat these things carelessly. Let the imperial physician examine them. It won't be good if you get sick."
Li Rong stuck out his tongue like a child.
When Qin Zhenzhen's life became better, Pei Wenxuan was relieved. He thought that the future would depend on her luck, so he didn't have to worry about her anymore.
Who would have thought that at the beginning of autumn, the palace held a banquet to celebrate the empress dowager's birthday. All the civil and military officials were invited. Li Rong attended the banquet with him. While he was still at the banquet, he received news that Qin Zhenzhen had been drugged and locked up in the side chamber.
Who didn't know about these dirty tricks in the palace? When Pei Wenxuan heard this, he understood Qin Zhenzhen's situation.
If he didn't save him, Qin Zhenzhen would be finished today.
Save …
Pei Wenxuan didn't know why, but he felt a little flustered.
But things had already come to this point, so he had to save him.
Therefore, he calculated the time and used the excuse of going to the toilet to leave the banquet. Then, he hurried to the side chamber to save Qin Zhenzhen.
Li Rong was drinking wine with others during the banquet when she realized that Pei Wenxuan had disappeared. She felt inexplicably uneasy. After a while, she couldn't help but ask Dong Ye, "Where's the Prince Consort?"
Dong Ye was a little flustered. Li Rong saw this and Li Rong's face immediately turned cold. She led Dong Ye out of the main hall and whispered, "Where's the Prince Consort?"
Dong Ye immediately knelt down and confessed everything. When Li Rong heard this, she took a deep breath and ran away.
She ran all the way to the side chamber and pushed the door open. Then, she saw Pei Wenxuan standing by the bed. A man and a woman were lying on the bed. Pei Wenxuan heard the sound and turned around. When he saw who it was, he was shocked.
"Rongrong …"
"Shut up."
Li Rong didn't say much. She only said, "Get out."
"But …"
Before Pei Wenxuan could finish speaking, they heard footsteps outside. Li Rong's expression changed and she immediately went to drag the man down.
Pei Wenxuan didn't react. Li Rong shouted in a low voice, "What are you looking at! Come and drag him away. Beat him until he's bruised. Later, say that you came to find me and found this lecher sneaking around at the door, so you knocked him out. Do you understand?! "
After saying this, Li Rong stomped on the man's face. Then, she took the incense burner and sniffed it before collapsing on the bed.
Just as she collapsed, the door was kicked open. It was one of the Crown Prince's concubines, Jiang Shi. She stood at the door with Li Chuan and Shangguan Yue.
When everyone saw the scene in the room, they were all stunned. Li Chuan was the first to react. He hurriedly rushed in and helped Li Rong up. "Older Sister? What's wrong, Older Sister? "
When Pei Wenxuan heard this, he quickly reacted and said what Li Rong said. Shangguan Yue's expression instantly turned ugly. She had seen everything in the palace. She immediately understood that Jiang Shi had schemed against the Qin Clan and implicated Li Rong. She raised her hand and slapped Jiang Shi's face. Then, she quickly ordered for the news to be sealed.
She wouldn't let Li Rong's reputation be damaged.
This farce came to an abrupt end when Li Rong woke up. Li Rong seemed to be tired. He excused himself from Shangguan Yue and left with Pei Wenxuan.
On the way back, Pei Wenxuan felt very anxious. He was a little scared and a little jealous.
Li Rong sat in the carriage without any expression on her face. She was completely different from the girl who usually joked with him. She sat in silence and had the innate nobility of a princess.
After alighting from the carriage, he got off first to pick her up. However, she ignored him and walked straight to him.
This feeling of being ignored made him feel a little jealous. He wanted to explain, but he couldn't.
What could he explain?
He was the one who wanted to save her. Li Rong was indeed implicated. What could he explain?
He remembered clearly what happened that night.
She asked him what his relationship with Qin Zhenzhen was.
He said that he couldn't let go of her.
It wasn't that he liked her or didn't like her. He just couldn't let go.
In fact, for so many years, if anyone had asked him what his relationship with Qin Zhenzhen was, he would have said that they were childhood sweethearts and he liked her.
However, at that time, he couldn't say it in front of Li Rong.
However, Li Rong couldn't tolerate it. Therefore, his wife, his Rongrong, his Li Rong, personally asked him for a divorce.
He refused, and they went from being separated to being allies.
At that time, he didn't really understand what an ally was. He didn't know himself. In the depths of his heart, Li Rong would always be his wife.
He accepted her proposal. That night, they started to sleep in separate beds.
He slept on the small couch, and Li Rong slept on the bed.
That night, his heart ached. He wanted to ask for a reconciliation, but he didn't know what to ask for.
He only remembered what Li Rong said, and it echoed in his heart over and over again.
Actually, you and I didn't have a choice in this arranged marriage. We both did it for power. In fact, there was no love between a man and a woman. You have someone in your heart, and so do I.
She had someone in her heart. Who was it?
She had someone in her heart. He shouldn't hold her back, and he shouldn't like her.
Liking her meant that he had to obey the emperor's orders. He couldn't even protect his own heart.
He liked her, but she didn't like him. In the end, he was afraid that she would be sad.
If he liked her, what did his love for Qin Zhenzhen count for? He said that he would like someone for a lifetime, and he said that he would take care of Qin Zhenzhen. In less than a year, he fell in love with someone else. What did he count for?
His mind was muddled, and his heart was flustered.
When he woke up the next day, he saw Li Rong sitting in front of the mirror, drawing her eyebrows as if nothing had happened. He said softly, "Let me draw for you."
"No need." Li Rong looked up and smiled. "I don't like other men drawing my eyebrows for me."
Other men?
How could he be considered other men?
This sentence made Pei Wenxuan's heart ache. He knew that Li Rong was angry, and his temper flared up. He turned around and left the room.
From that day onwards, the two of them slept in separate beds.
Sometimes, he wanted to please her, but he realized that Li Rong was not only gentle and kind, but also aggressive.
His goodwill was either met with indifference or contempt. Sometimes, she would even look at the things he gave her and whisper, "Disgusting."
Even though he was wrong, he was still human. After a few times, he also had a temper.
At first, he gave her a cold shoulder and refused to talk to her.
She acted like nothing had happened and did what she needed to do. When they attended public events together, she would take the initiative to hold his hand, as if they had a good relationship. But behind the scenes, she would put on a cold face and refuse to see anything.
One day, she went out and didn't come back in the middle of the night.
He went crazy looking for her. When she came back alone in the middle of the night, she looked like she had lost her soul and had cried.
He panicked and couldn't help but ask her, "What happened to you?"
Li Rong looked up. She stared at him for a long time and didn't say anything.
The next day, when he came back from court, he found that she had moved to another room.
He sent someone to investigate and found out that Li Rong had sent someone to investigate him and Qin Zhenzhen.
When he heard about this, he felt that she was being unreasonable, but he knew that he was in the wrong. He didn't know what to do. He could only ask him in Dong Ye what to do. He said in a hoarse voice, "Let her be."
Li Rong couldn't tolerate sand. He did have sand, but this was a dead knot between them.
He didn't know how long it would take for it to open. He was waiting, and so was Li Rong.
He thought that one day, he would be able to wait, right?
But it wasn't.
Autumn of the 20th year of Kang Xing.
Their relationship became more and more strained. They were already sleeping in the princess's residence. She didn't want to see him. Every time he went to look for her, she had the door closed. She never talked to him in private unless it was business.
It was raining heavily that day. He heard from the palace that Li Chuan and Li Ming had a conflict. Li Ming vented his anger on Li Rong and made Li Rong kneel outside the imperial study.
"How long has he been kneeling?"
"Two hours."
"Why didn't you say so earlier?"
"His Highness's people didn't come to inform him. It was someone in the palace who told him."
When he heard this, he felt angry. He didn't expect that Li Rong wouldn't think of him even at a time like this.
He knew that Li Rong's leg wasn't good, but he didn't have time to be angry. He hurried to the palace.
When he arrived, he saw Li Rong kneeling on the ground with Su Yongqing holding an umbrella for her. The two of them stood in the rain. It was as beautiful as a painting, a match made in heaven.
He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart. It was accompanied by a bit of fear.
He suppressed his emotions and went in. He persuaded Li Ming with both the carrot and the stick. Finally, Li Ming let him go.
When he went out, he saw Su Yongqing's cold eyes.
"Why did you only come now?"
Su Yongqing questioned. When Pei Wenxuan heard this, he lowered his head and helped Li Rong up. Then, he glanced at him coldly and said, "What's the matter, Gan Qing?"
Su Yongqing's eyes burst with anger. The sudden anger stunned Pei Wenxuan.
However, before he could speak, he heard Li Rong weakly say, "Thank you, Lord Su, for today."
"I couldn't help Your Highness," Su Yongqing's voice was hoarse, "Your Highness doesn't need to thank me."
"Lord Su can be here," Li Rong chuckled. Pei Wenxuan hadn't seen that smile for a long time. He felt jealous and uneasy, but he still had to maintain his composure and listen to Li Rong's thanks, "I'm already very grateful."
The two of them exchanged some simple greetings and left.
He couldn't say what was wrong, but Pei Wenxuan still felt choked in his heart.
He felt that something had happened, but he didn't know what it was. He sent Li Rong home. When they reached the carriage, he finally exploded, "Why didn't you tell anyone to tell me that something happened to you?"
"It's not a big deal. Why should I tell you everything about me?"
"Li Rong," Pei Wenxuan lost his head for a moment and couldn't help but ask her, "Do you still remember that I'm your husband?"
When Li Rong heard this, she looked surprised, "Pei Wenxuan, did you lose your mind? What kind of husband do you think you are? If that's what you think, then I'll say it first. We should divorce. "
He didn't know what had happened to him. The moment he heard "divorce," he suddenly lost the courage to argue. He turned his head and only said, "Up to you, but you still have to leave me some face. Don't casually provoke other people."
Li Rong listened to him and felt that she was sick. She found a place and went to sleep.
Pei Wenxuan knew that right now, she didn't want him to touch her. She felt annoyed just by being close to her. He could only sit to the side, throw his dry clothes to her and walk out.
This cold war lasted for a long time. They helped Li Chuan ascend the throne together and then stood on different sides. They quarreled in court and quarreled at home. He didn't quarrel with Li Rong. Li Rong was too lazy to pay attention to him. When he saw that Li Rong was ignoring him, he felt even more annoyed and would rather quarrel with her.
In the third year of De Xu, Qin Zhenzhen died from poison. Li Rong slapped Li Chuan twice. That night, Li Rong rarely quarreled with him. They drank in the courtyard. This rare moment of peace made him feel indescribably moved.
He couldn't help but ask her, "You seem to be in a good mood today?"
"I'm not an unreasonable person," Li Rong smiled, "I know you're sad, so I'll let you have your way."
Pei Wenxuan choked at these words. In reality, he wasn't that sad.
After so many years, it seemed that Qin Zhenzhen's life and death didn't matter anymore.
Everyone had their own fate. He couldn't care so much.
He couldn't even care about himself.
He didn't know why, but he didn't say anything.
He didn't want Li Rong to know that he didn't like Qin Zhenzhen anymore. This made him feel indescribably embarrassed.
After all … Li Rong didn't like him either.
Who did Li Rong like?
He always had an answer in his heart, but he didn't dare to think about it.
After all, that person was almost 30 years old this year. He had such a noble background, but he still hadn't married. He knew why.
He was afraid of this answer. He would rather not know.
During those years, he and Li Rong argued and relied on each other.
Too many things happened during those years. Li Chuan and the Shangguan family fought. Shanghai Yue and Shanghai Xu died one after another. Pei Wenxuan became Li Rong's only reliance.
Although she almost didn't rely on him.
It was only on the night of Shanghai Yue's death that Pei Wenxuan held her in his arms and didn't say a word.
At that time, Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment that she had returned.
But later, he realized that some wounds wouldn't heal as long as there were wounds.
In the seventh year of De Xu's reign, the Su Clan was overthrown.
Li Rong scolded Li Chuan in court for the sake of the Su Family. He even mentioned Shanghai Yue and said that he wanted to abolish Li Chuan.
Li Chuan was furious and punished Li Rong in court. When Pei Wenxuan heard this, he hurried over. When he rushed over, he saw Li Rong lying on a stool, covered in blood.
He had never seen Li Rong like this and panicked. But Li Rong grabbed his hand and said, "I want to protect the Su Family."
His hand was trembling. Li Rong looked up and stared at him. "I beg you."
This was the first time she begged him. He couldn't refuse, and he didn't dare to refuse.
He was afraid that if he didn't help, Li Rong would do something even more radical.
Li Chuan was already apologetic for hitting Li Rong. He gave Li Chuan a way out, so Li Chuan followed. Although he could avoid the death penalty, he couldn't escape punishment. The entire Su Clan was castrated. The men committed suicide in prison, and only Su Yongqing survived.
Li Rong insisted on bringing Su Yongqing back to the residence. When he heard the news, he directly rode a horse from the palace to the Princess' residence. He opened the door and scolded, "I heard that you want to keep Su Yongqing in the residence? I don't agree! "
"What does it have to do with me whether you agree or not? This is the Princess' residence, not the Pei residence. If you don't agree, "Li Rong raised her hand and pointed at the door." You can leave. "
Pei Wenxuan stared at Li Rong. Jing Mei hurried over and said anxiously, "Your Highness, bad news. Young Master Su woke up and wants to commit suicide again …"
When Li Rong heard this, she hurriedly wanted to leave. Pei Wenxuan grabbed her and said, "You can't leave!"
"Are you crazy?!"
Li Rong frowned. "Everyone in the Su Clan is dead. He's the only one left. I can't let anything happen to him."
"I won't allow him to stay in the Princess' residence. If you keep him," Pei Wenxuan stared at her, "I'll leave."
Hearing this, Li Rong was stunned. After a moment, she laughed and pulled him away, saying, "Fine, I'll leave. You're crazy."
After saying this, Li Rong walked out.
Pei Wenxuan stood in the main hall.
She didn't care.
She didn't ask him to stay.
She didn't care whether he left or not.
Who did he think he was? She was right. He was crazy. Why would he stay in the Princess' residence and humiliate himself like this?
He couldn't stand to stay with Su Yongqing for a moment longer. That night, he packed up and returned to the Pei residence.
He thought that he would be able to let go and live a better life after returning to the Pei residence. But he didn't.
He would wake up every night and think of Li Rong. He wondered what Li Rong was doing. He wondered if Li Rong was with Su Yongqing.
He was especially glad that Su Yongqing was a eunuch. He couldn't do anything. This was the only thing he was thankful for.
He tried to stay away from Li Rong. Li Rong didn't listen, didn't see, and didn't want to.
He didn't know how much time had passed. It was the tenth year of De Xu, and he was thirty-four years old. That year, the lanterns were hung on the Chinese Valentine's Day. It was very grand. He was led by Dong Ye to the streets.
He walked alone on the streets and watched the youths come and go. He thought of the Chinese Valentine's Day when he was twenty years old. He and Li Rong walked together.
He couldn't help but smile as he thought about it. When he looked up, he saw Li Rong.
Li Rong stood in the crowd. She didn't look old at all. Compared to when she was eighteen years old, she had a gentleness that time had given her. She looked up and watched the foreign performers perform on the stage. She cheered and applauded loudly when it was exciting.
Pei Wenxuan watched from afar. That was the most satisfying moment he had felt after leaving the Princess' residence.
He realized that he still had to go back. He was still her husband.
However, when he took a step forward to greet Li Rong, he saw Su Yongqing holding a lantern and appearing behind Li Rong.
Li Rong turned to look at him. Her gaze fell on the lantern in Su Yongqing's hand. Suddenly, her eyes turned cold.
Then she threw herself into his arms like a little girl. Su Yongqing held the lantern in one hand and embraced the girl with the other. He said softly, "Your Highness, be careful."
He didn't look any different from before. He was still so noble and elegant. Even if he was a half-cripple, he still didn't lose his elegance.
They hugged each other under the lantern. It couldn't be more beautiful.
He was like an extra person. He shouldn't exist.
His heart twitched. He didn't know what was wrong with him. He looked at the two of them and didn't even look away.
They held hands, just like when he was twenty years old.
They walked down the long street, just like when he was twenty years old.
Li Rong smiled and hung on him like a spoiled child, just like when he was twenty years old.
Under the fireworks, Li Rong tiptoed and kissed him softly.
Just like when he was twenty years old.
He sent them back to the princess's residence and turned back to the long street.
He guessed the riddles along the way and won back the lanterns on the street.
Dong Ye couldn't stand it anymore and whispered, "Young master, why don't you go back?"
"Go back where?"
Pei Wenxuan was a little confused.
He didn't know where to go.
Dong Ye looked at Pei Wenxuan's appearance and finally persuaded him, "Go back to the princess's residence. You are the prince consort after all. No one can stop you from going back. Su Yongqing is a eunuch. He can't do anything. Go back, apologize to Her Highness, and live a good life. "
Apologize and live a good life.
Admit your mistake and admit defeat.
As long as you admit it, she might turn back.
He stood on the long street. For the first time, he wanted to turn back. He wanted to go back and take back everything that belonged to him.
When he came back to his senses, he ran all the way back to the princess's residence and knocked on the door.
When the gatekeeper saw him, he was stunned, "Prince consort?"
Pei Wenxuan didn't say anything. He pushed the door open and was about to enter. The gatekeeper reacted and hurriedly said, "Prince consort, please wait a moment. I will go and report."
"Report what?" Pei Wenxuan was angered by this sentence, "This is my home. I want to come back and find my wife. Do you still need to report?! Stop right there! "
Pei Wenxuan shouted loudly. The guards rushed in and stopped the people from the princess's residence.
Pei Wenxuan rushed all the way. He thought about it. He and Li Rong would apologize, he and Li Rong would admit defeat, he and Li Rong …
However, all his fantasies stopped when he heard Li Rong's light breathing.
He stopped in front of the door and listened to the voice inside. He couldn't be more familiar with that voice.
But this time, Li Rong didn't call his name. She called Su Yongqing.
She said, "Rong Qing, hurry up. Be gentle."
He wanted to go in.
He wanted to kill Su Yongqing.
He had never wanted to kill someone so much.
He should have thought of it earlier, but …
He didn't dare to think about it.
Even if he was a eunuch, as long as they were in love, there would always be a way.
But what did he have?
What status did he have?
She had treated him well before. She had loved him before. He was the one who hurt her.
When she risked her life to save Su Yongqing, he was in pain. When he saved Qin Zhenzhen, how could she not be in pain?
He stood at the door and listened to Li Rong and Su Yongqing's voices. After a long time, he finally turned around.
He seemed to have suddenly sobered up and left dejectedly.
He walked on the road in a daze. After walking for a long time, he clearly realized that Li Rong had left. She had left their world. She had found someone new. She had truly, completely, let go of everything.
This realization made him feel as if a fishbone was stuck in his throat. He couldn't help but remember that an official had invited him to a banquet tonight. He had originally refused because the banquet was at a brothel. At this moment, he suddenly decided to go.
He thought that it was time for him to move on.
He went to that official's banquet. The other party had arranged for a courtesan for the first time. He sat on the bed with that person. She looked to be around 18 or 19 years old. She sat on the side of the bed while they sat on each side. When he turned around, he felt that the person sitting there was Li Rong.
The 18 year old Li Rong sat like this on the night of their wedding.
His mind was filled with her. He couldn't touch anyone else. Thus, he let someone take the girl away and drank himself to death in the brothel.
He had drunk too much in his early years and had a bad stomach. Now that he was in a high position, very few people dared to force him to drink. He had been raising himself.
But he suddenly didn't want to raise himself anymore. He drank one cup after another. Later, he lay on the ground and vomited blood. When he woke up, he was already lying in the Pei residence. When he opened his eyes, he saw Li Rong beside him. She had her head lowered and was reading a book. When she saw that he was awake, she looked up and smiled. "You're awake? You can drink like this at that kind of place. You're really something. "
"Why are you here?"
Pei Wenxuan asked hoarsely. Li Rong put down her book. "Last night, Official Wang came to find me. He said that something happened to you. You were so drunk, but you kept calling my name. You didn't forget to find trouble for me. You're really something. "
Pei Wenxuan didn't speak. He thought about what to say with a smile. Then, he heard Su Yongqing's voice from outside. "Your Highness, it's time. We should go back."
"Okay." Li Rong heard Su Yongqing's words and stood up. She greeted Pei Wenxuan. "I have to go back first. When you go to that kind of place in the future, sleep with a girl. Don't drink all the time. If you drink to death … "
"What if I drink to death?"
Pei Wenxuan cut her off. Li Rong smiled. "If you drink to death, it won't be easy to find someone to cooperate with me. Lord Pei, you should live a long life."
"Why don't you call me Prince Consort?"
Pei Wenxuan suddenly asked. Li Rong was a little confused. After a while, she remembered. "Our relationship is already like this. It's not good to call you that. Besides … "
Li Rong thought for a while and said hesitantly, "I'm with Rong Qing now. I'm sorry to say this. "Li Rong looked up and smiled." But … maybe one day, I'll have to ask you for help. "
"Ask what?"
"I still think that if you like someone, you can be together with him."
"Be together?" Pei Wenxuan sneered. "Aren't you together?"
"We're not married." Li Rong thought for a while. "If possible, I still want to marry him and be together with him."
Pei Wenxuan was speechless. He couldn't help but clench his fists under the blanket.
"He's a castrate."
Li Rong was silent. Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but remind her. "You're a princess. If you get married, the world will laugh at you."
"I know it's difficult." Li Rong lowered her head and smiled. She looked like a little girl.
He hadn't seen her like this for many years. Li Rong said softly, "I'm just thinking about it. Okay, I won't talk to you anymore. I still have things to do. "
With that, Li Rong stood up and walked out.
When she walked out of the door, Li Rong reached out to Su Yongqing without hesitation. Su Yongqing was stunned. Li Rong took the initiative to pull him over and said happily, "Let's go."
He watched them walk away. He lowered his head. He felt scared.
He was so scared.
He began to count his days every day like a person who had been sentenced to death. He placed many people in the princess's residence to inquire about the news of Su Yongqing and Li Rong.
Su Yongqing never took the initiative. Li Rong also seemed to be very reserved. They never mentioned marriage.
He was very happy, but also felt sad.
That winter, the Wen family finally passed away.
On the day of his wake for the Wen family, Li Rong came to accompany him. He was a little surprised. The two knelt in front of the mourning hall and looked at the seven-star lantern. Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing here?"
"You were with me when my mother passed away." Li Rong looked up and smiled at him. "I'll accompany you this time."
It was different when someone was with him.
She accompanied him and talked about the Wen family. It was such a simple thing. The next day, when she was about to leave, he suddenly grabbed her.
He grabbed her as if she was the last piece of driftwood in the world.
He suddenly felt that nothing was important.
It didn't matter whether Su Yongqing was there or not, or whether Su Yongqing was there or not.
He didn't want to leave alone. He was like a lonely ghost in this world. He couldn't go on alone.
He grabbed her hand and said hoarsely, "Don't go."
"Rongrong, I was wrong. Let's make up, okay?"
Li Rong was stunned. At that moment, the door of the mourning hall was suddenly pushed open. It was like waking up from a dream. Su Yongqing stood at the door and looked at Li Rong quietly.
"Your Highness," his voice was very soft. "It's time to go."
Li Rong reacted. She seemed to feel embarrassed. She wanted to push his hand away, but Pei Wenxuan refused to let go. He had never been so embarrassed. He grabbed her tightly.
"I was wrong," he cried and begged her. "Rongrong, I was wrong. Don't go. Stay."
But she ignored him.
She ignored his last cry for help. She only thought that he was in pain because of the loss of his mother. So she asked people to take good care of him.
Many people held him down. They thought that he was crazy and didn't let him go to find her.
They said that he didn't like her. They told him to be decent and not to pester her.
He didn't know how long he had been in a daze. One day, he woke up. He looked at Mrs. Wen's memorial tablet and found that it was the day of Mrs. Wen's burial.
He carried Mrs. Wen up the mountain and looked at the white flowers dancing in the sky. He knew that no matter what, his life had to go on.
It had to go on. So he began to lie one after another.
He loved Qin Zhenzhen.
He didn't love Li Rong.
In this way, he would never admit defeat to the imperial power. He would never be in pain. He would never regret.
He wasn't wrong. He lost Li Rong. He didn't regret it. It didn't matter.
He told himself that day after day.
In the last ten years, he and Li Rong became more and more disagreeable.
Su Yongqing finally rejected Li Rong. So Li Rong still had to waste time with him.
One year, ten years.
A whole thirty years passed in the blink of an eye. Until the last moment, Li Rong died of poison. He died of a weapon.
They went to the imperial power together and were reborn.
They met again in the spring of the 18th year of Kang Xing.
This time, she didn't choose him. He held a palace banquet.
And he denied it for more than ten years. He denied it until he forgot his true feelings.
But his true feelings were always there. No matter how many times he denied it, he still made trouble at the spring banquet.
No one could get close to Li Rong.
That was his wife.
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
