Chapter 30: Difference

“He won’t be good to me because of his feelings. This is something I will always remember, and you remember it as well.”

After Pei Wenxuan agreed to Li Rong’s request, he returned to his desk, picked up the brush and began to think about how he could help Li Rong write this memorial to the throne.

Both of them wanted to be let out, but it wouldn’t be good if Li Rong took the initiative and wrote it because it would appear as if she wanted to force the Yang family to die. Given Li Ming’s character, Pei Wenxuan was afraid he would read too much into it.

The role that Li Rong currently had to play was a princess who might be clever, but because of the faith she had in her mother and father, she did not have the slightest inkling of the clashes between the Crown Prince and Emperor.

Just like when she was eighteen in her previous life, everything was precisely what meets the eye and could not be anything else.

The Yang family was being investigated because Yang Quan committed a crime, and it had nothing to do with any other matter. Perhaps it would make others suspicious if she were to quickly go ahead and investigate after receiving news of Li Chuan’s victory.

That is why Li Rong asked him to write this memorial. However, if he were to write this memorial, then he must first explain how he came to know of this.

He could say that he took advantage of Li Rong or that he relied on the secret intelligence network his father left behind, but a lie would always require countless more lies to make it consistent. The more lies there were, the more loopholes would be.

Pei Wenxuan thought for a moment, then put the brush down again.

“Your Highness,” He called out to Li Rong on the other side. Li Rong was waiting for him to write the memorial and heard him say, “I cannot write this memorial.”

“Hm?” Upon hearing this, Li Rong knew that Pei Wenxuan had other plans in mind, so she asked him directly, “So how do you plan to get out of here?”

Pei Wenxuan pondered for a moment, then he said in a low voice: “Seek out the Empress.”

Li Rong reacted the moment she heard this. Just as she was about to respond, she heard Pei Wenxuan give her a careful and thorough explanation: “You should first have the Crown Prince make a list of names. Anyone who the Crown Prince does not see fit will be put on this list, then have the Crown Prince ask His Majesty to bestow rewards. It is best to include more people from the distinguished clans in the Northwest on this list as well as some of the generals who are loyal to His Majesty.”

“His Majesty seldom comes in contact with the Northwestern border station. His trusted aides had long been disposed of by the Yang family in the previous war campaign. His Majesty is actually not very familiar with the military officers under them, so if these people were to appear on the Crown Prince’s list in a request for a reward, His Majesty will suspect that these are actually the Crown Prince’s people and remove them instead.”

Li Rong thought about it and acknowledged what Pei Wenxuan had said. Pei Wenxuan knew that it was easiest to talk to Li Rong about this kind of thing. There was no need to say much because she would certainly understand what he was thinking. This kind of tacit understanding made Pei Wenxuan feel a bit more at ease deep down, so he relaxed and said: “Right. Moreover, if these people come from aristocratic families, of course, they cannot come from too prominent of a family. For the aristocratic families, their hearts will naturally turn cold once His Majesty dismisses them.”

“Once His Majesty dismisses these people, he will start to think about putting the Yang family in order,” Li Rong tapped her small fan against the palm of her hand, “When the time comes, His Majesty will definitely send some people to the border first, replace the Crown Prince’s manpower, then summon the Crown Prince back and let us begin the trial of the Yang family’s case, uprooting the Yang family.”

“Therefore, at the present, this is now the best time for us to do nothing in response. When His Majesty remembers us again, he will naturally come forward to help me. At this time, take the initiative to release Tuoba Yan, let His Majesty’s people find him, and it will no longer be an issue.” Pei Wenxuan chuckled, “We won’t even need to touch these account books. Once His Majesty sends people out to the border station, we can ask His Majesty for those account books.”

“What you have said is reasonable.”

“But there is one thing though,” Pei Wenxuan solemnly said, “Tuoba Yan. Is this person under your control?”

“I’ve already had people find his wife and child,” Li Rong calmly said, “It won’t be a problem.”

“That’s good then.” Pei Wenxuan nodded, “You can have someone quickly take care of it.”

In the end, Pei Wenxuan did not write the memorial to the throne. Instead, Li Rong waited for Jing Lan to come the next day and asked Jing Lan to send word to the Eastern Palace. The retainers in the Eastern Palace delivered the news from Huajing by carrier pigeon, passing on Li Rong’s proposal to Li Chuan.

Li Chuan received the news at the border station. He found Qin Lin and Cui Qinghe and discussed it with them throughout the night, secretly drafting a list of names. They set aside some talented military officers and chose a few from aristocratic families as well as high-ranking officers loyal to Li Ming, then mixing them in with several chosen military officers whom Li Chuan originally intended to use to cover their tracks. The list was sent to Huajing at once, requesting that Li Ming bestow rewards.

When Li Ming received the memorial regarding Li Chuan’s request for rewards, he was so furious that he smashed his cup that very moment in the Imperial Study.

The next day, Jing Lan came to deliver the news to Li Rong and spoke in whispers: “I heard that His Majesty was so furious that he said the Crown Prince’s wings had grown strong after going to the border station, wanting to win people’s hearts and assemble a faction. It was only after a while with several old ministers’ persuasion that His Majesty’s anger was soothed.”

Li Rong nodded after hearing this. Jing Lan observed her expressions and softly said: “You must not be too sad about this, Your Highness.”

“Why should I feel sad?”

Li Rong softly laughed, “I have known that His Majesty has had this kind of temper a long time ago.”

Jing Lan was slightly astonished. She knew very well that the Princess was used to being spoiled and always had a good relationship with Li Ming, but after Li Rong uttered these words, she also knew that she had made a slip of the tongue. She sighed and indignantly exclaimed: “I’m not stupid. How could I still not see it after these things about my marriage?”

Jing Lan understood where the Princess’s change in heart came from after hearing this and was quick to say, “It is good that Your Highness can see it.”

Just a few days after Li Ming received Li Chuan’s memorial, the moment he confirmed that the front lines of the war had been stabilized, he summoned Li Chuan back at once. At the same time, he sent military officers under his direct line of command to take over posts in the Northwestern army and ostensibly promoted those named on the list in the memorial when he was in fact stripping them of their original positions in the Northwest and scattering them across the other armies.

In this sort of regional army, the removal of a high-ranking officer was equivalent to a removal of power. Trees grow twisted in order to live, and people must be flexible in order to live.[1] The military officers that had been transferred all knew in their hearts that even if they had been bestowed a title that was even more pleasing to the ears, in the end, they had been removed from their posts. That was why many old veterans were weeping tears at the banquet in the Northwest at that moment. Though they could not say it outright, those involved were aware of how the other side’s hearts had turned cold.

[1] In reference to: “The twisted tree lives out its life while the upright tree ends up in planks.” [Paraphrased.] In Zhuang Zi, a book of Taoism, a carpenter is unable to make planks out of a twisted tree, so it is able to live peacefully on the side of the road while the upright tree is cut down and made into planks. Moral of the story is that uselessness will guarantee a long, peaceful life, in contrast to defending one’s beliefs and righteousness.

On the day that Li Chuan was to return from the Northwest, the newly-appointed commanding general led a squadron to send Li Chuan out of the city. Li Chuan stood on the steps of the carriage and turned back to say to the general: “Zhang daren does not need to send Gu off any further. Gu will head on out now. May Zhang daren remain in the Northwest,” Li Chuan smiled meaningfully, “And have a smooth and prosperous career.”

Zhang Qiu had a respectful expression as he offered his salute and said: “Respectfully seeing Your Highness off.”

Li Chuan turned his head and saw the soldiers kneeling down one by one like a wave had washed over them. The summertime breeze in the Northwest kicked up the golden sand and its heat, blowing against his face. His eyes swept over the soldiers, one by one, and he inadvertently caught sight of several young faces.

Qin Lin, Cui Qinghe, and the others were mixed into the crowd. They discreetly raised their eyes and silently looked at Li Chuan. There were no movements in Li Chuan’s expressions. He simply nodded, then turned back and boarded the carriage.

After getting into the carriage, he turned to look out into the desert under the scorching sun.

The barren lands that stretched as far as the eye could see carried the burden of the fates of tens of thousands of people. The young Crown Prince that had just emerged from the bloodshed and killing had never been so deeply touched by an experience before. The soldiers, common people, mountains and rivers of the country, imperial rule… Beneath every one of these words were the piles of bones of the dead that had amassed in their wake.

He closed his eyes and fell silent into his thoughts.

After the orders had been passed down, Li Ming could finally breathe a sigh of relief when Li Chuan decided to come back at last. He knew that the Shangguan family had taken quite a blow this time.

His people had thoroughly investigated and found that the Shangguan family had lost their hard-earned capital this time. Nearly half the troops under the Shangguan clan’s direct command had been mobilized and expended, and many shops under their name had also been resold, just to gather funds and provisions to assist the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince is the Shangguan clan’s hope, and Li Ming believes that once he wears down the Shangguan clan’s strength bit by bit, he will destroy the hope that the Shangguan clan lives and dies for.

He destroyed the Yang family and weakened the Crown Prince this time around. It could be said that he had won a great victory.

When this came to mind, Li Ming remembered the person who had given him the very idea. He thought about it and called the eunuch Fu Lai over to his side and gave an order: “Find someone to look into that Pei Wenxuan’s case.”

Fu Lai smiled and heeded the order. Two days later, a destitute merchant rushed to the Shuntian Prefecture office to beat the drum and cry out injustice. Someone from Shuntian Prefecture came out, frowned and asked: “Who are you? Why are you beating the drum?”

The destitute merchant raised his head and hoarsely uttered, “This commoner Tuoba Yan came to accuse the Yang family of General Yang for accepting bribes and bending the law, colluding with the enemy and betraying the country, oppressing the common folk and killing people to silence them!”

The person from the Shuntian Prefecture office was greatly alarmed the moment he heard this. Even the onlookers could not help but be taken aback. That person was said to be dead just a few days ago, how could he still be alive?

If he didn’t die, then who had Pei Wenxuan been sent to prison for killing?

Shuntian Prefecture did not dare to judge the case and directly reported it to the Ministry of Justice. The case was transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Imperial Censorate and finally reached Li Ming’s hands that evening.

Such a big case involved his most beloved daughter, so Li Ming decided to preside over the case himself. The Ministry of Justice was informed that they were to prepare all materials that very night. Three days later, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan were still in prison, asleep when they vaguely heard footsteps coming from outside before daybreak. Then, Su Rongqing arrived, leading the way with imperial guards and lanterns. The entire cell became brightly illuminated in an instant.

The curtain of Li Rong’s cell was drawn shut, but Pei Wenxuan was startled awake by the brilliant light. He opened his eyes to see the imperial guards standing on either side of the corridor as Su Rongqing walked over to the cells and respectfully saluted towards Li Rong’s cell and said: “Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered that Your Highness and Pei daren attend the morning court to assist with the case. Hoping that Your Highness will prepare to set off and follow this humble official to the morning court.”

Li Rong gave a monosyllabic response from her cell. Su Rongqing continued to say: “Your Highness, this humble official brought attendants over from the Princess’s Mansion to serve Your Highness. Would it be convenient to enter?”

This was being a bit too considerate.

Pei Wenxuan paused as he was washing his face and couldn’t help but give Su Rongqing a glance.

Su Rongqing’s expressions didn’t change. He only heard the sound of the curtains being drawn aside, then he saw Li Rong in a red gauze robe with her hair let down, holding a small golden fan and leaning to the side as she yawned: “Come in.”

Su Rongqing did not lift his head. He bowed and opened the door of the cell. Several maids went in with basins of water. Su Rongqing drew the curtains together for Li Rong, then stood outside to wait.

Pei Wenxuan had almost finished getting ready by the time Li Rong came out after freshening up. The two of them left their cells together, following Su Rongqing out of prison.

It had yet to be daybreak, but everyone was in high spirits. Li Rong got onto the carriage first. Pei Wenxuan was about to get onto the carriage behind hers when he saw Su Rongqing directly board Li Rong’s carriage without the slightest intention of avoiding suspicion.

Pei Wenxuan stopped what he was doing. After a moment, he made a decision.

He also got onto Li Rong’s carriage.

As soon as Li Rong got onto the carriage, she felt a bit sleepy, but she soon saw Su Rongqing come up as well. It gave her a scare, and she subconsciously asked: “What are you doing up here?”

“There are many things that have not yet been explained to Your Highness. This humble official feared that it may be too late to do so upon arriving at the palace. May Your Highness be forgiving.”

Su Rongqing respectfully answered. Li Rong unhurriedly nodded and said: “Su daren is truly considerate…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Pei Wenxuan rolled up the curtain and jumped in. Li Rong couldn’t help but ask once more, “What are you doing up here as well?”

Pei Wenxuan subconsciously wanted to throw out his retort, “He can come up, but I can’t?” But he took one look at Su Rongqing’s face and held back. It didn’t matter if they quarreled loudly on a daily basis, but one must still uphold etiquette in the presence of others, so he respectfully said: “There are some matters to be discussed with Your Highness. This humble official feared that it may be too late to do so upon arriving at the palace. May Your Highness be forgiving.”

Li Rong: “…”

Such similar excuses that made it inconvenient for her to refuse.

“Then have a seat and join us, Pei daren.” Li Rong called out for the two to come over. There was not much that needed to be discussed. They took a seat on opposite sides. Li Rong sat in the main seat in between, and for some reason, she began to experience a sense of apprehensiveness and awkwardness that could not be put to words.

The three of them were silent. Su Rongqing lowered his eyes and said nothing. Pei Wenxuan closed the fan in his hand, also not speaking up.

With nothing to do, Li Rong poured tea for herself in the meantime. The sound of pouring water could be heard. Both of them were watching her. Li Rong’s movements paused as she held the teapot. After a moment, she revealed an awkward smile and persuaded the two: “Have some tea.”

With that said, she personally poured them each a cup of tea. When she picked up the tea, it became a question of whom to give it to first.

If it was given to Su Rongqing first, she feared that Pei Wenxuan would find a way to retaliate some time later knowing him and that petty heart of his.

If it was given to Pei Wenxuan first, this would not quite be in accordance with etiquette since Su Rongqing ranked higher than Pei Wenxuan in terms of their official post and status.

She stiffened as she held the cup. The two of them quietly eyed the tea in her hands. Li Rong suddenly felt that what she was holding was not tea but a firecracker that could go off at any time.

After a few moments, Li Rong gritted her teeth and decisively drained the cup of tea in her hands in one go and calmly said, “I was a bit thirsty, so I had another cup. Su daren,” She broke through the awkward atmosphere and got to the point, turning to look at Su Rongqing: “What did you wish to inform Bengong?”

Contrary to one’s expectation, Su Rongqing’s matters were neatly laid out, almost as if he was telling Li Rong everything he knew. No matter how big or small, everything to his knowledge was reported to her. After he had spoken about them, he concluded: “The Northwestern border station sent the previous account books over yesterday. Since the case was previously under this humble official’s supervision and at that time, the Princess and Pei daren were both sent to prison, this humble official took over. That very night, this humble official consulted the Ministry of War, Tuoba Yan, and the records from the front lines in addition to Tuoba Yan’s confession and the confessions of the people that Your Highness had originally investigated. There should not be any major issues with this case anymore.”

Li Rong nodded, grateful as she said: “Su daren is rather dedicated.”

“Handling such affairs for Your Highness is merely this humble official’s duty.”

Pei Wenxuan sat off to the side, quietly listening as the two of them spoke. Once Su Rongqing and Li Rong finished their conversation, Li Rong turned to look at Pei Wenxuan and smiled, “And what does Pei daren wish to inform Bengong?”

“Oh, it’s not a big deal,” Pei Wenxuan smiled and raised his fan, pointing to the hairpin on Li Rong’s head, “Your Highness, your hairpin is crooked.”

Li Rong: “……”

He actually didn’t leave her the slightest bit of face, too lazy to even bother to act perfunctory towards her.

Li Rong was about to have people stop the carriage and blast Pei Wenxuan out when she noticed that the person beside her suddenly got up, placing one hand on his sleeve to draw it back as he raised his other hand to gently straighten her hairpin. He calmly said: “All is well, Your Highness.”

Li Rong stared blankly and had yet to respond while Pei Wenxuan coldly eyed Su Rongqing. Su Rongqing returned to his seat in an unhurried manner, his expressions calm and unperturbed, completely ignoring Pei Wenxuan’s gaze.

Seeing that the atmosphere had become awkward again, Li Rong let out a small cough. When the two looked over, Li Rong hastily picked up a cup of tea and persuaded them, “Have some tea.”

The two of them said nothing, making Li Rong feel even more embarrassed.

Fortunately, the carriage finally arrived at the palace within moments. Upon arriving at the imperial palace, Li Rong quickly said: “We’ve arrived, let us quickly be on our way.”

Having said that, she didn’t even notice that the two of them had stood up and quickly jumped out of the carriage. The morning breeze greeted her as she got out of the carriage. Li Rong felt at ease and content. She waved her fan and walked on ahead, telling Jing Lan: “Let’s go, let’s go ahead first.”

“Without waiting for the two darens?”

Jing Lan was at somewhat of a loss. Li Rong should presumably enter the palace with them, but as soon as Li Rong heard her, she quickly covered half of her face with her fan, revealing a disdainful look: “Hurry up and go, let’s put some distance between us and them.”

As she spoke, Li Rong quickly led Jing Lan away first.

Pei Wenxuan and Su Rongqing stepped foot into the palace shoulder to shoulder in stride. Su Rongqing said in a mild manner: “Pei daren seems to have many opinions about this lowly one?”

“Does Su daren not feel that,” Pei Wenxuan turned to look at him and plainly said, “Su daren is a bit too concerned and attentive in looking after the Princess?”

“Oh?” Su Rongqing let out a laugh, paying no attention to it as he said, “Is that so? This lowly one is merely fulfilling one’s duties as an official of the imperial court.”

“Does Su daren intend to marry a wife?”

Pei Wenxuan suddenly asked. Su Rongqing found it to be a bit strange. “Why is Pei daren asking about this?”

“I hope that Su daren will continue to faithfully fulfill his duties as an official of the imperial court,” Pei Wenxuan turned his head and softly chuckled, “Especially in front of the esteemed Madam.”

There were no changes in Su Rongqing’s expressions. Pei Wenxuan saluted and said: “Su daren still has to enter the palace hall. This lowly official will not trouble Su daren.”

After that, Pei Wenxuan straightened up and walked over to the side.

Su Rongqing prepared to enter the morning court like the other court officials, so he went to join the procession and stand in proper rank first while Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan stayed at the gates and waited to be summoned. Li Rong saw that Pei Wenxuan had a sort of smile on his face as he came over and knew that he must not be in a particularly good mood.

That smile would not look like this if Pei Wenxuan was genuinely happy. His smile at the moment was like the one he usually had when he was the Left Prime Minister in the previous life and something went wrong.

Li Rong’s expressions didn’t change as she waited for Pei Wenxuan to make a move. Pei Wenxuan stood next to Li Rong, holding the ceremonial hu tablet with both hands, not saying a word.[2]

[2] Hu (ceremonial tablet) — a bamboo tablet originally used in the imperial court for recording speaking notes and the Emperor’s instructions; eventually customary for officials use their hu to cover their mouths when speaking to the Emperor

Further Context

The enemy did not move, nor did I. Pei Wenxuan did not speak up, so Li Rong started to think about other things. She strategically went over every possible situation that could play out today in her mind. She could hear Pei Wenxuan’s persistent tone as he started to say: “Does Your Highness not have anything to ask this humble official?”

“Hm?” Li Rong returned to her senses. After hearing Pei Wenxuan’s question, she decisively said, “I don’t want to ask, I’m not interested.”

Pei Wenxuan: “……”

Li Rong’s thoughts continued to roam in each and every direction. Pei Wenxuan held back for a while before saying, “But this humble official wants to talk about it.”

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop you,” Li Rong sighed, “Just say it. Otherwise, I’m afraid you’ll suffocate to death.”

“These words of Your Highness,” Pei Wenxuan was neither indignant nor indifferent, “Are enough to suffocate this humble official to death.”

“And wouldn’t you keep suffocating from holding it in?”

Li Rong sincerely suggested. Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help it anymore and candidly said it: “I feel that Su Rongqing has special feelings for you.”

“Really?” Li Rong’s tone of voice was flat, “I’m so happy.”

“Li Rong,” Pei Wenxuan called her by name, “I’m being serious. Su Rongqing is very good to you.”

Upon hearing Pei Wenxuan’s words, Li Rong decided to stop playing around with him. The chief eunuch’s voice could be heard, announcing the beginning of the morning court session. As she watched the ministers filing in, she calmly asked: “Pei Wenxuan, do you know what the biggest difference between you and Su Rongqing is?”

Pei Wenxuan said nothing. He followed Li Rong’s line of sight and looked at the ministers standing under the early morning light that looked to be perhaps worried, pleased, apathetic or affront. Li Rong tonelessly said, “He is crueler than you.”

“Family, glory, and tradition.” At the same time, their gaze stopped on the youth standing in the distance. The youth under the early morning rays was dressed in crimson official robes, holding a hu tablet in his hand with grace and poise, and emanating a noble and upright temperament. He followed the stream of people, ascending the white jade steps and stepping foot into the palace hall that signified the vortex of power of a country.

“This is what Su Rongqing has been carrying on his shoulders all his life. Under these things, what he has learned since childhood is restraint, composure, and the patience to endure.”

Li Rong’s voice was a bit distant, wavering with a twinge of pity and vague sympathy.

“He won’t have the kind of feelings that you’re thinking of.”

“He won’t be good to me because of his feelings,” Li Rong said rather calmly. “He doesn’t value me but rather Chuan’er. This is something I will always remember, and you…” Li Rong brought her eyes up to meet his. Her phoenix eyes resembled the cold pool of water at the bottom of an ancient well, restrained and calm. Under this kind of absolute “silence,” she brought out a slight sense of a fleeting beauty, emphasizing each and every word, “Should remember it as well.”