In the inner chamber, Li Changle personally presented Li Minfeng with a cup of tea: “Elder Brother, you’ve worked hard traveling such a long distance.”

Li Minfeng smiled and said: “Sister, in just half a year since we last met, you’ve blossomed into even greater beauty. Today when the Third Imperial Prince saw you, he couldn’t take his eyes off you!”

Li Changle smiled slightly. Tuoba Zhen was indeed breathtakingly handsome, but unfortunately his birth mother was merely a palace servant of humble origins. She had conceived him by chance after gaining imperial favor, and he was consequently looked down upon, never receiving any affection. Fortunately, after his birth mother later died, he was raised by the childless Noble Consort Wuxian. Such an imperial prince had no way of ascending to the throne. Thinking of Tuoba Zhen’s extraordinarily handsome face, Li Changle’s smile unconsciously carried a trace of regret.

Li Minfeng looked at his sister, naturally understanding her thoughts: “Don’t let Mother influence you. The political situation in court changes in the blink of an eye. This Third Imperial Prince is by no means an ordinary person—”

Hearing this, Li Changle said thoughtfully: “But he relies on the Crown Prince. At most, he’ll only become a prince in the future…”

Li Minfeng smiled but didn’t answer. In his view, although his sister was celestially beautiful, she had ultimately been raised by women’s hands and didn’t necessarily possess a man’s far-reaching vision. This year, the Third Imperial Prince ostensibly traveled with him to study abroad, but in reality had accepted an imperial command to go to Changzhou to investigate the embezzlement case of Grand Scholar and Changzhou Governor Zhang Gun. Upon arriving in Changzhou, Tuoba Zhen first broke through Zhang Gun’s blockade, detained Zhang Gun’s steward for interrogation, obtained concrete evidence, and forced the shrewd and capable Zhang Gun to bow his head and admit guilt. From accepting this assignment to memorializing the imperial decree to punish Zhang Gun took only half a month in total. Subsequently, Tuoba Zhen remained in Changzhou to thoroughly reorganize the already chaotic finances of the subordinate counties. In less than a month, he sorted out all the complications and transferred them to the next governor.

Tuoba Zhen handled this task excellently, truly demonstrating his talent and competence, earning great praise from His Majesty. Even in the eyes of the prideful Li Minfeng, he had to admit that Tuoba Zhen was intelligent and decisive, handled matters efficiently, and was definitely not an ordinary talent. But these matters were not convenient to mention to Li Changle, who was raised in the inner chambers. Therefore, he only said: “If you don’t believe me, just wait and see.”

Hearing this, Li Changle’s heart couldn’t help but stir.

Just as she was about to inquire further, Li Minfeng refused to continue no matter what. He quickly changed the subject: “How did you end up unhappy today because of a little girl, Sister?”

In the eyes of such a heaven’s favored son, concubine-born sisters were naturally lowly. Which of the sisters in the household didn’t treat Li Changle with fear and trepidation? Yet this Li Weiyang had not the slightest bit of reverence, which he found very strange. According to Mother’s methods, how could she tolerate such a girl?

Mentioning Li Weiyang, Li Changle couldn’t help but change her expression: “That little wretch! She currently enjoys the Old Madam’s favor greatly. You know that the Old Madam has a heavy mind, favors the Third Household, and has never been very close to Mother and us. If she insists on protecting that girl, Mother can only keep her around.” Moreover, after the failed accusation that instead aroused Father’s suspicions, they could no longer act rashly.

Li Minfeng pondered for a moment and said: “She’s just a girl who grew up in the countryside, lacking knowledge and breeding. Sister, just don’t stoop to her level!”

“Elder Brother, how can you say that? Sister is almost being bullied to death by her! I was counting on you coming back to help me vent this anger!” Li Changle widened her eyes. The jeweled ornaments on her hairpin at her temples still tinkled faintly, as if she were suppressing something. Her raised voice was both angry and resentful.

Li Minfeng was startled and said: “Dealing with such a lowly girl is naturally very easy. Why should Sister be so angry and ruin your own mood? Just watch—Elder Brother will help you vent this anger!”

Hearing this, Li Changle stood up and slowly walked to the window. Her golden phoenix-patterned skirt train dragged out extremely subtle rustling sounds. After remaining silent for a while, she suddenly turned around and said coldly: “Elder Brother, I don’t want to just vent my anger. I want her life!”

From childhood until now, no one had ever been able to make her unhappy. She absolutely could not tolerate it!

Li Minfeng was very shocked. This was the first time he had seen such a fierce expression appear on Li Changle’s face, almost tearing apart that celestially beautiful countenance.

“This matter cannot be rushed. We’ll plan it carefully.”

Hexiang Courtyard

Passing through the rosewood landscape screen, Li Minfeng saw the Old Madam seated high on the couch, leaning obliquely against a rosewood armrest. Li Weiyang, wearing a powder blue brocade narrow-sleeved jacket and skirt, sat on the small rosewood footstool, unhurriedly massaging the Old Madam’s legs, tilting her head up and smiling as she talked with the Old Madam. The Third Madam sat accompanying the Old Madam at her side, her delicate hands holding a teacup and sipping lightly, occasionally smiling and saying a few words. His own mother and sister Li Changle, along with Fourth Sister, Fifth Sister, and everyone from the Second Household, all sat at a slightly farther distance.

The positions near the Old Madam were all significant. His gaze tightened—it seemed his sister was right. Li Weiyang, a concubine-born girl, had indeed climbed too high and actually enjoyed such favor from the Old Madam.

Just as he withdrew his gaze, he saw the Old Madam glance in this direction. He immediately suppressed the turmoil in his heart and went forward to pay his respects and greetings.

The Old Madam smiled and extended her hand to support him, examining him while saying amiably: “This child has been away for years and has become increasingly accomplished.”

Li Minfeng smiled respectfully: “Originally Father wouldn’t let grandson return even for New Year, but later I sent a letter saying I missed the Old Madam and Mother, so Father relented. This time, Minfeng brought specialties from Changzhou—tribute duck specially supplied to the Empress Dowager. Please try it.”

The Old Madam smiled, a rare occurrence, and said: “It’s rare that you have such filial piety.”

Li Minfeng smiled and said: “Old Madam, duck meat clears heat and calms energy, strengthens the spleen and stimulates appetite. The current Empress Dowager is very fond of eating duck. Every year, ducks are transported thousands of miles from Changzhou to the capital, marinated, then fried in hot oil to remove the fishy odors, then stewed in a clay pot to make Four Happiness Duck. This dish is rich in nutrients and definitely has life-extending effects.”

Li Minfeng’s concern seemed very sincere, and the Old Madam’s smile became much warmer.

Li Changle said gently: “Indeed, this Four Happiness Duck has a story behind it! Does Third Sister know it?”

Seeing them inexplicably directing the conversation toward herself, Li Weiyang smiled slightly and said: “I would be delighted to hear the details.”

Li Changle’s smile deepened: “The great poet Song Xi of the previous dynasty spoke of four joyous events in life: timely rain after long drought, meeting an old friend in a foreign land, the wedding night, and success in the imperial examinations. This is widely recited among the people and taken as the name for dishes, for its meaning of great fortune and prosperity.”

Li Changxi’s smile was very ingratiating: “Elder Sister is truly knowledgeable and experienced. Usually we just eat without knowing the origins!”

Li Weiyang lowered her eyes and said: “Indeed, Weiyang hasn’t read many books and has limited knowledge—”

The Old Madam smiled and said: “What does a girl need to read so many books for? Being gentle and understanding propriety is enough. Showing off learning just makes people dislike you.”

Li Changle’s expression changed slightly, then immediately returned to normal: “Yes, the Old Madam’s lesson is correct.”

Li Minfeng’s gaze fell coldly on Li Weiyang. This concubine sister truly could not be allowed to remain!