Daqing Reborn Prince, Intercepting Si Lili at the Beginning

Chapter 28: Fan Xian Needs Evidence for Revenge, but Li Chengyuan Doesn’t!

In the back courtyard of the Li County King’s residence, Sang Wen was helping Li Chengyuan change his clothes.

In ancient times, the everyday attire of high-ranking officials was already quite intricate, let alone that of a prince. Each step had its own set of rules, requiring maids to assist.

After a while, Qingniao arrived, reporting to Li Chengyuan about the events that had just unfolded outside the Shixin Gate.

Once Qingniao finished, Sang Wen was shocked and said, “Who dares to speak ill of His Highness in public?”

Li Chengyuan playfully pinched Sang Wen’s delicate face and teased, “If even our little Sang Wen can sense how bold that person was, then it’s clear they were sent by someone to stir up trouble.”

Sang Wen pouted, embarrassed. “Your Highness is making fun of me again!”

Qingniao asked, “Does Your Highness suspect that someone orchestrated this?”

“Mm, without a doubt,” Li Chengyuan said confidently.

There wasn’t even a need to overthink this.

Who would dare to spread rumors about a prince in front of the Shixin Gate, especially on such an important occasion?

If things went wrong, it could lead to the extermination of their entire family.

No commoner, no matter how bold, would dare to do such a thing.

It was one hundred percent orchestrated by someone.

“Who does Your Highness suspect?” Qingniao asked again.

“There’s no need to guess. It must be Li Chengze,” Li Chengyuan responded firmly.

“The Second Prince?” Qingniao asked, puzzled. “Why him?”

Li Chengyuan smiled as he explained, “It’s simple. Only the Crown Prince and Li Chengze would have the guts to cause trouble for me at such a time.

But as for the Crown Prince, we just allied. He wouldn’t sabotage me right now. Besides, this isn’t his style.

As for Li Chengze, however, he’s known for using underhanded, bloodless tactics.

On top of that, I refused to join forces with him before, and he’s worried that if my power suddenly rises and surpasses his, I could become the Crown Prince’s new sparring partner, and he might be abandoned by the Emperor.

So, it’s perfectly normal for him to try and suppress me in secret.”

“Second Prince is sinister!” Sang Wen huffed with indignation.

Li Chengyuan playfully pinched Sang Wen’s delicate face again and gently warned, “Don’t say things like that so casually. There are spies from other families all over our residence. Be careful, walls have ears!”

Sang Wen stuck out her tongue and apologized, “I understand Your Highness!”

Li Chengyuan softly said, “Bear with it a little longer. Once I have the time to clean house, you won’t have to be so cautious anymore.”

“Mm, I understand, Your Highness!” Sang Wen replied obediently.

Qingniao then asked again, “Should I go and capture the person spreading the rumors?”

“No need! Why catch him?” Li Chengyuan shook his head. “Anyone bold enough to be sent by Li Chengze for such a dangerous task is likely one of his trained death soldiers.

Even if we catch him, he won’t confess.

And even if he did confess, the word of a dead soldier isn’t enough to implicate a prince.

On top of that, it might make me seem petty, unable to tolerate criticism, and in the end, I’d lose more than I gain.”

“Huh? Then aren’t we just letting them bully us?” Sang Wen fumed angrily.

“That’s my second brother for you! He only makes a move when he can strike at the heart, leaving no traces, making you suffer losses without being able to seek revenge.”

Li Chengyuan sighed.

To be fair, Li Chengze was indeed formidable.

In the story, Fan Xian suffered at his hands multiple times and couldn’t find evidence.

In the end, Fan Xian had to rely on the forces of the Censorate to make Li Chengze suffer.

But he was not Fan Xian.

Fan Xian needed evidence for revenge, but he didn’t!

Li Chengyuan pondered for a moment and then turned to ask Qingniao, “Qingniao, do you have absolute confidence in defeating an eighth-ranked martial artist?”

“I do!” Qingniao replied without hesitation.

Qingniao was a peak ninth-ranked expert, and even when facing Haitang Duoduo, she wouldn’t necessarily be at a disadvantage.

So naturally, she had confidence!

Li Chengyuan nodded after hearing this. “Then come with me. Help me beat someone up.”

“Alright!” Qingniao agreed without a second thought.

Li Chengyuan, looking at Qingniao’s expressionless face, suddenly reached out and pinched her delicate face, softly saying, “Be careful yourself. If the fight doesn’t go well, retreat immediately. Don’t worry about losing face for me. I care more about you than saving face, understood?”

Caught off guard by Li Chengyuan’s sudden pinch, Qingniao’s usually calm face turned bright red, flustered.

Her face, which was typically cold, now showed a hint of helplessness.

But inside, she was overjoyed.

She had long had feelings for Li Chengyuan. However, due to her cold personality, she didn’t know how to express them and could only admire him in secret.

Now, suddenly receiving his concern, Qingniao felt both flustered and sweet!

“I understand, Your Highness!” Qingniao replied shyly.

“Mm! Let’s go then!” Li Chengyuan didn’t tease Qingniao any further and left the bedchamber.

Qingniao hurried back to her room to fetch her weapons before quickly catching up with Li Chengyuan.

’

Soon, the time came to the early hour of Si!

All the guests had pretty much arrived.

The only ones missing were the Crown Prince and Li Cheng.

These two were punctual as always.

Right when the event was supposed to start, they arrived together.

“Your subject greets the Crown Prince!” Li Chengyuan saluted with cupped fists.

The Crown Prince quickly stepped forward, “reprimanding” him,

“Chengyuan, I told you already, we’re brothers. No need to stand in the ceremony. If you keep this up, I’ll get upset!”

Li Chengyuan smiled and replied, “Rituals must not be neglected!”

Then, turning to Li Chengze, he grinned and said, “Second Brother, you’ve come too? Did you bring me a gift?”

“Of course!” Li Chengze narrowed his eyes slightly but quickly returned to normal, warmly saying to Li Chengyuan, “How could I attend your first poetry gathering without a gift? I’ve brought you a set of rare four treasures of the study from the previous dynasty. Each piece is a priceless artifact. I hope you like them!”

Li Chengyuan laughed and responded, “Haha, how could I not like a gift from you, Second Brother? Don’t worry, I’m the kind of person who repays kindness with kindness and revenge with revenge. I’ll remember this favor from you!”

“Good, good, as long as you remember!” Li Chengze replied with a beaming smile.

The Crown Prince, watching this scene unfold, was secretly shocked.

What was going on?

He felt like their words were filled with hidden barbs.

Did something happen recently that he didn’t know about?

If that were the case, then the third brother was something.

They had just agreed to an alliance, and he was already targeting the second brother.

He loved this swift, decisive style!

This was true brotherhood—always stepping up when needed!*

’’

Footnotes:

1. 1. 1. 1. 四宝 (sìbǎo)– The Four Treasures of the Study: A term that refers to the essential tools for calligraphy and painting, specifically the ink brush, inkstone, inkstick, and paper. These were highly valued by scholars.

1. 1. 1. 1. 杀人不见血 (shārén bùjiàn xiě)– Literally “killing without seeing blood,” this idiom means to harm someone without leaving any visible trace or evidence, often through underhanded or manipulative tactics.