Li Changle was locked in a side room, seeing almost no one. Only after the funeral ended was she released. Just when she thought the matter had passed, she was taken to Lotus Fragrance Courtyard in the middle of the night.

Nanny Luo stood beside the Old Madam. Four nannies Li Changle had never seen also stood in the room, all with grave expressions, saying nothing.

When the Old Madam looked at Li Changle, her gaze was ice-cold with slight loathing, making Li Changle’s heart anxious and uneasy.

The room was very dim, with only one lamp flickering. Without letting Li Changle speak, the four nannies already pressed her kneeling onto the ice-cold floor.

The Old Madam’s expression was usually kind—never had she been so stern: “Changle, you actually dared to have illicit relations with a man.”

Li Changle’s color changed dramatically: “Old Madam, don’t listen to Li Weiyang’s false accusations! Your granddaughter would never dare do anything to disgrace the family!”

“No need for more excuses.” The Old Madam’s expression slowly turned wooden, yet her eyes brimmed with killing intent. “Relying on your father’s favor, you even did such things. I said long ago that being too beautiful is a calamity. Yet your father believed you, causing this disaster—simply losing all the Li family’s face!”

Li Changle’s eyes widened. After three days of confinement, she’d thought very clearly—Li Xiaoran wouldn’t do anything to her. So she raised her head: “Old Madam, things have reached this point. Third Prince will definitely marry me!”

The Old Madam’s expression was between a smile and not.

Nanny Luo said, “Eldest Miss, you still refuse to wake up. Even if Third Prince is willing to marry you, there are no walls without cracks in this world. Someday this matter will be known. How will you conduct yourself then? Where will that leave the Li family?” Saying this, she beckoned.

The four nannies beside her pressed Li Changle flat on the ground. Li Changle was immediately terrified. She used all her strength trying to break free from the eight hands on her body but couldn’t break free at all.

She suddenly realized something was wrong! Very wrong! The Old Madam wanted to—

One nanny took out a porcelain bottle. In the dim light, the red-mouthed crane on the bottle looked especially shocking.

The Old Madam drew a handkerchief from her sleeve and covered her nose: “How could our Li family raise such a shameless girl as you? I’ve been too soft-hearted all along… Now for the Li family’s sake, you must die.”

What did the Old Madam mean by this? Li Changle stared at her in disbelief… She shook her shoulders, struggling with all her might. “I’m the Li family’s eldest miss. I can’t die for no reason. When father investigates, Old Madam, how will you explain…”

The Old Madam’s voice contained coldness: “Your father is usually very clear-headed, but he’s too indulgent toward you and can’t distinguish priorities. Even now he keeps you alive. When he thinks it through, he’ll thank me.” Li Xiaoran should have eliminated this girl long ago. Yet he still held hope. Even marrying Li Changle off—who knew if Tuoba Zhen would marry her after three years? Before then, who knew what disasters she’d cause!

“I don’t believe it! I don’t believe it! There’s also the Jiang family. Old Madam, think about it—my grandfather and grandmother love me so much. I have two uncles. They’re already very angry about mother’s death. If you dispose of me now, they definitely won’t let you off!”

The Old Madam’s expression showed not a trace of hesitation. She sighed, “You still don’t know when to advance or retreat. Having today is entirely your own doing.”

Li Changle’s eyes widened. She couldn’t believe it.

Impossible—how could they decide her life and death so easily? She thought father would at most marry her to Tuoba Zhen. How could he want her life!

“Your mother suddenly died. You must be very sad. Overcome with grief, you caught a cold and died—there are such examples. You can even gain a reputation as a filial daughter.” The Old Madam said lightly. “Better than being disgraced in the future. So don’t blame me.” Saying this, she glanced at Nanny Luo, who understood and waved her hand lightly.

That nanny immediately moved forward to pinch Li Changle’s nose and force the medicine down. But Li Changle suddenly broke free, stood up, and desperately ran outside. Nanny Luo shouted sternly: “Still not catching her!” Immediately nannies pounced like wolves and tigers, grabbing Li Changle. She still struggled desperately like mad, creating chaos throughout the room.

The Old Madam hadn’t expected her to still refuse to give up. She shouted loudly: “Grab her! Pour the medicine down!”

The four nannies with their many hands pressed Li Changle down. The medicine was about to be poured down when Li Changle shrieked sharply. A nanny quickly covered her mouth. Li Changle felt extremely terrified—her breathing nearly suffocated by this foul medicine smell. Just then, the door was suddenly kicked open.

Someone strode in like a whirlwind: “Old Madam, what are you doing?!” Li Xiaoran’s face was iron-blue as he stepped forward and grabbed a nanny’s arm. “Let go!”

The Old Madam said angrily: “I’m cleaning house! You still have the nerve to ask me why?!”

Li Changle crawled desperately to Li Xiaoran’s feet: “Father, father, you must save me! The Old Madam wants to kill me!”

Li Xiaoran didn’t look at her at all, only saying to the Old Madam: “Mother, I have words for you.”

The Old Madam frowned, looking at Li Changle sprawled on the ground with tears and snot flowing, not a trace of her former beauty. She laughed coldly: “What is there to say?!”

Li Xiaoran looked coldly at Nanny Luo, who immediately waved her hand: “Take Eldest Miss into the side room first.”

The four nannies carried the nearly-paralyzed Li Changle by her limbs into the small side room. Nanny Luo quickly went over to close the door, guarding the entrance.

The Old Madam said coldly: “Speak.”

Li Xiaoran’s expression was grave: “Old Madam, we cannot act rashly.”

The Old Madam’s expression didn’t change: “Such a shameless little wretch—would you still keep her to disgrace us?”

Li Xiaoran gritted his teeth. In his heart he also utterly loathed Li Changle, but there were some things he had to say: “Old Madam, just now Third Prince has promised me he’ll take Changle as his secondary consort after three years.”

“Secondary consort?” The Old Madam coldly repeated these words, then said, “He has some nerve saying it! What time is it now? Your wife just died and he impatiently runs to the Li family to slap your face—will you really agree to him?! He’s a prince—not my place to dispose of. But Changle, this little wretch, I can certainly manage! She must die today!”

Li Xiaoran anxiously stepped forward and said quietly: “Old Madam, calm your anger. The Li family has always had strict household rules. That such an immoral incident occurred—I’m equally heartbroken! But we must also think of the big picture. If it were just Tuoba Zhen, I wouldn’t care. But just now, the palace sent word.”

The Old Madam immediately frowned: “Virtuous Consort Wu?”

Li Xiaoran nodded, his gaze grave: “Yes. Virtuous Consort Wu sent someone with a jade pendant, saying it serves as a betrothal token. After the three-year mourning period, she’ll ask His Majesty to decree the marriage, bestowing Li Changle to Third Prince as secondary consort.”

The Old Madam had originally worried about the situation after three years, more worried that keeping Li Changle would spawn endless gossip. Hearing this, she slowly sat down: “She’s quite clever—marrying Li Changle gives us an explanation and wins over the Jiang family. Hmph!”

Li Xiaoran’s expression was also very ugly. He’d never favored Tuoba Zhen and had never planned to marry his daughter to him. Now with this incident, his original plan was to first confine Li Changle, then dispose of her after the funeral—either kill her or make her become a nun, preserving her reputation. Who knew Virtuous Consort Wu would suddenly send someone with the jade pendant? This required different plans. If he insisted on refusing and killed Li Changle, he’d offend Virtuous Consort Wu, making matters more serious.

“I know you’re angry, but things have reached this point. Killing her won’t help. Better to—”

But the Old Madam didn’t think so. If she killed Li Changle, naturally they’d formed enmity. Keeping such a person would leave endless future troubles. Moreover, Virtuous Consort Wu and Tuoba Zhen were in the wrong first. Even offending them, the Li family didn’t fear.

Li Xiaoran continued: “Also, my eldest brother-in-law—will soon return to the capital.”

The Old Madam’s brow moved, then she suddenly raised her head: “What did you say?!”

Li Xiaoran’s expression showed something unusual: “Jiang Xu will return to the capital shortly to report on his duties.”

The Old Madam suddenly understood his meaning. Jiang Xu was Duke Jiang’s legitimate eldest son, appointed Grand General Conquering the West, guarding the western frontier. He hadn’t returned to the capital in ten years. Now suddenly returning—surely no good intentions! She stood up abruptly: “What’s he returning for?!”

Li Xiaoran said quietly: “Still unclear. I’m afraid it’s related to Jiang Rou and Lady of Wei’s deaths.”

The Old Madam’s prayer beads in her hand snapped with a crack—she’d forcefully broken the string. The beads suddenly rolled all over the floor, that sound like falling on Li Xiaoran’s heart, making him extremely uncomfortable.

“Old Madam—the Jiang family won’t let Jiang Rou’s death rest. This time they’re probably coming to demand answers. If Li Changle’s affair breaks out now, the situation between the Li and Jiang families will definitely worsen. We can’t break with them yet.”

The Old Madam slowly sat back down, looking up at the painted beams overhead, sighing deeply. One Virtuous Consort Wu she didn’t fear. But adding the entire Jiang family—this matter required long-term planning. Jiang Xu had always doted on his sister Jiang Rou. With her sudden death, Jiang Xu probably suspected long ago. If Li Changle followed her to the Yellow Springs, wouldn’t the Jiang family turn the sky upside down! Though the Li family was already the Prime Minister’s household, compared to the deep-rooted century-old aristocratic Jiang clan, they had little chance of winning. Moreover, the Jiang family held military power. From any angle, the Li family was at a disadvantage.

So Li Changle could only be kept… The Old Madam felt as if a bone stuck in her throat: “That little wretch dared do such immoral things—must we still continue supporting her?!”

Li Xiaoran was silent for a moment before slowly saying: “To avoid complications, better to send her out for confinement. We’ve spared her life—when the Jiang family asks, we have an explanation. After all, she first committed such audacious acts.”

In great families, no matter how many undercurrents in private, before outsiders not a trace could show. This matter especially concerned the Li family’s reputation—absolutely couldn’t let outsiders know. The Old Madam exhaled deeply: “Then do this.”

Li Xiaoran suddenly said: “Originally I feared telling you would provoke anger, so I sealed the news. How did you learn of it?” If Li Weiyang secretly told the Old Madam, her thoughts were somewhat vicious.

The Old Madam said coldly: “You think anything in this manor can be hidden from me? Think about how a few days ago you were pleasant toward that little wretch, then immediately locked her up! Wasn’t it obvious something happened?! Foolish!”

Li Xiaoran sighed, quickly apologizing. Then he ordered people to send Li Changle to the mountain nunnery that very night.

That night, Li Weiyang slept well for once. The next day after rising, Bai Zhi brought things to attend her washing. She smiled and spoke a few words with the maids, then sent them out. She stayed in the room writing and embroidering. When the time came, she went to pay respects to the Old Madam.

Zhao Yue watched with eyes but worry in her heart. At the door she stopped Li Weiyang and quietly reported: “Last night they secretly sent Eldest Miss out.”

Li Weiyang’s movement paused briefly, then she nodded lightly: “I know.”

Entering Lotus Fragrance Courtyard, she saw Nanny Luo leaning by the Old Madam’s ear muttering something. The Old Madam raised her eyes, saw Li Weiyang, and beckoned to her.

“Your father is truly soft-hearted.” The Old Madam seemed somewhat embarrassed. Her tone sounded awkward however one heard it. “From the looks of it, Third Prince is willing to take responsibility. But must wait until your mother’s mourning period ends before marrying her in. And not as primary consort—only a secondary consort position. Though not glorious to speak of, it’s passable. So we all felt very conflicted. This matter—what do you think should be done?”

That the Old Madam would say such words showed she already valued her greatly. If she insisted on provoking the Old Madam to take Li Changle’s life, she’d appear unreasonable and cruel. Li Weiyang naturally wouldn’t be so foolish. After all, Virtuous Consort Wu came too quickly, and the Jiang family’s deterrent power was too strong. Between the two, naturally Li Changle’s life must be spared.

Li Weiyang thought, then said, “In this household, the ones in charge are ultimately the Old Madam and father. How to handle this matter—must still depend on your and father’s intentions.”

She couldn’t help sighing inwardly. Such a pity—just one small step too late.

With Li Changle like this—mother just dead, unable to wait until the funeral ended before having illicit relations with a man—in any other family, the young lady would have to die. Yet her fortune was good, having the Jiang family as protective umbrella. Whatever wrongs she committed could be forgiven.

Didn’t the Old Madam think the same? She couldn’t help sighing, “I most detest such things. Families with improper household rules all decline quickly. Previously Fifth Prince favored her, insisting on marrying her as primary consort—already very reluctant. Now causing such an incident—from any angle it’s a stain on our Li family. Yet we can’t eliminate such a person—must keep her alive. Just thinking about it is suffocating. If not for the Jiang family, your father wouldn’t be constrained everywhere.”

With such an immoral granddaughter in the family, the Old Madam’s mood was imaginable. Li Weiyang nodded thoughtfully, listening as the Old Madam continued: “That little wretch doesn’t understand—only thinks of herself, never considering our family’s reputation. Now it’s good—she committed wrongs, yet we must clean up her mess.”

The Old Madam rarely had such low spirits. Li Weiyang didn’t show her inner emotions but persuaded: “Old Madam, what are you saying? Elder sister is after all Li family. She committed wrongs—by emotion and reason we cannot ignore her. Even if not for her, for the Li family’s sake, we must find ways to calm this matter. Regarding Fifth Prince—Third Prince will definitely find ways to silence him. As for our family, it’s not hard to handle. Falling into this trap only benefits father with no harm. For us, she’s just a young lady who lost virtue. If it truly spreads, the reputation certainly doesn’t sound good, but there’s no substantial obstruction. But for Third Prince, before His Majesty it’s a fatal blow—his entire future ruined. So he’s more nervous about this than us. Father can rely on this to constrain him in future. Moreover, those who know in our household are very few. Even knowing, they dare not speak outside. However—elder sister’s side probably still needs people attending, lest she cause more trouble.”

The Old Madam had nothing to say. Li Weiyang had already explained the whole matter very clearly. She could only nod and tell Nanny Luo: “Send more people to watch that girl, ensuring nothing goes wrong.”

Nanny Luo quickly said, “Yes.” She involuntarily glanced at Li Weiyang. This Third Miss truly was… She looked gentle and compliant, her smile so light and soft. But when she spoke, it was truly cotton concealing needles—extremely formidable. Originally Eldest Miss relied on the master’s bit of pity and was about to turn things around. Yet this incident occurred. For Eldest Miss to regain the master’s favor was now impossible. Not even that—her life was barely preserved…

The Old Madam thought it over and felt this matter was still very improper. But temporarily there were no other methods. She said, “Then do this.”

**Third Prince’s Manor Study**

Tuoba Zhen’s study alone occupied an entire courtyard in the front section. The inner room stored various precious texts and paintings. The outer room was for living and receiving guests. However, the usually quietest study entrance now stood full of guards. Under the main eaves stood a row of six burly, imposing men. Each hand pressed on knife hilts, faces full of killing intent, showing they were on strict alert, allowing no one to approach.

“Your Highness, the Virtuous Consort has already sent someone with a jade pendant, promising the secondary consort position.”

“Shut up!” Tuoba Zhen furiously smashed a teacup. The visitor immediately fell silent.

The visitor was precisely Third Prince’s first strategist, He Jing. But at this moment even he dared not face Tuoba Zhen’s thunderous rage.

Being schemed against by Li Weiyang, Tuoba Zhen only felt hot blood surging. Just closing his eyes, he seemed to see the disdain and provocation in Li Weiyang’s eyes, with faintly visible deep-hidden contempt. He was nearly maddened with hatred! This woman dared do this!

For many years, Tuoba Zhen’s heart had always harbored deep resentment. He resented the Emperor—why did he so favor Tuoba Yu! More resented his own birth mother—why was her origin so humble! What he resented more was himself—why after ten years of enduring humiliation did he still fall victim to scheming from one moment’s carelessness! Still had to be dragged down and humiliated by that woman Li Changle. Why would Li Weiyang help Tuoba Yu like this, never understanding his ambition to compete for the world, not understanding his sincerity toward her! If not for Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui’s die-hard supporter Tian Jing’s bribery of thirty thousand gold taels being in his hands, this scandal would have already spread to every corner of the Great Li Dynasty, making his already immobile situation even more difficult. Why—it wasn’t enough for Tuoba Yu to have the Emperor’s favor? Such an intelligent, capable woman still had to stay by his side helping him scheme! His heart’s myriad words transformed into towering hatred. His face, from excessive rage, twisted his features together viciously.

Seeing the usually refined Third Prince suddenly show such an expression, He Jing gasped and involuntarily lowered his head.

In furious rage, Tuoba Zhen suddenly overturned his desk. Brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones scattered all over the floor.

Seeing the mess before him, Tuoba Zhen finally noticed his loss of composure. He turned around, took a deep breath, trying to expel the stagnant turbidity in his heart. After several efforts, when he turned back, his face was calm as jade, his smile warm as usual—making He Jing, who’d just seen his grim countenance, think he’d hallucinated. He slowly said: “I lost composure. Sir, please rise.” Saying this, he even personally helped He Jing up. He Jing took the opportunity to stand and said quietly: “This subordinate knows Your Highness is displeased, but the current situation is both crisis and opportunity.”

Tuoba Zhen couldn’t help frowning: “What opportunity?”

He Jing smiled: “The Virtuous Consort is entirely thinking of you. Marrying Li Changle may not be without benefits.”

Tuoba Zhen naturally knew this. Li Changle still had considerable use value. But he couldn’t endure marrying this woman under these circumstances—it was tremendous humiliation! Moreover—”But originally Tian Jing’s bribery matter should have had more important uses! Now wasting three years of planning for such a small matter—truly hard for me to calm my anger!”

He Jing naturally also felt it was regrettable. But expressing this regret at such a time would be adding fuel to fire. So he said as if nothing had happened: “If we can win the Jiang family’s support, that’s also turning misfortune to fortune.”

The Jiang family had no legitimate daughters. The only concubine daughter married the Crown Prince, and this concubine daughter wasn’t especially favored in the Jiang family. But the Jiang family greatly valued Li Changle. If he could gain their support through this, it would naturally be an unexpected harvest. But this move came too early. Marrying Li Changle now would only arouse the Emperor and other brothers’ wariness! Plus, Tuoba Zhen’s heart held an indescribable secret—if he married Li Changle, Li Weiyang would never marry him… Thinking this, he involuntarily clenched his fists!

“What turning misfortune to fortune! More like inviting trouble by being too conspicuous!” Li Weiyang, you’re truly vicious! At this moment, he took a deep breath and heavily punched the armrest of his round-backed chair!

He Jing watched Tuoba Zhen full of murderous energy, watching him nervously gritting teeth, his legs beneath his robes still slightly trembling. In his heart he rapidly considered while secretly sighing—this matter was truly too disadvantageous for Third Prince!

“Your Highness, don’t worry. We’ll plan carefully and surely turn danger to safety!”

On the other side, Li Weiyang returning from Lotus Fragrance Courtyard also felt slightly displeased. If Li Xiaoran hadn’t gone so quickly, Li Changle would now be a corpse. Not removing the grass by its roots—it grows again when spring winds blow. Giving Li Changle even the slightest opportunity, she might recover.

Li Weiyang casually plucked a peony flower to toy with. Suddenly a white light flashed before her eyes, immediately followed by a clap of thunder. Not just her—beside her, Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu all jumped in fright. In an instant, bean-sized raindrops pounded down from the sky.

Li Weiyang looked toward the window, just able to see torrential rain pouring from the heavens, forming a white curtain between heaven and earth. Li Weiyang unconsciously walked to the window, staring at the splashing water flowers outside.

“How did such heavy rain suddenly start!” Mo Zhu muttered, hurrying to close the windows.

The next moment came another rumbling thunderclap. Several young maids outside huddled together in fright. In the courtyard suddenly appeared a youth wearing a rain hat, quickly running inside. Li Weiyang’s mood had been quite poor, but seeing this scene she couldn’t help smiling. She turned back: “Prepare some clean cloths.”

Bai Zhi peeked out and immediately smiled: “Yes.”

Li Minde entered the room already drenched like a drowned rat. Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu quickly prepared clean cloths to wipe him dry. His hair was soaked through, dripping water continuously. Li Weiyang smiled: “It’s pouring rain—why did you run here?”

Li Minde frowned: “In the middle of the night—”

Li Weiyang waved her hand, signaling the nearby maids to leave. Only then did she say: “Zhao Nan told you everything.” The Zhao siblings were Li Minde’s people. Their telling the truth wasn’t strange. But Li Minde felt somewhat embarrassed. His jade-like face immediately reddened. Doing this seemed somewhat like surveillance. He feared Li Weiyang would misunderstand. Just about to explain, Li Weiyang shook her head, obviously not taking it to heart: “This matter—I never intended to hide from you anyway.”

Li Minde relaxed and continued: “But eldest uncle didn’t dispose of Li Changle. He sent people to take her back to the mountains. This is a form of protection.”

Li Weiyang looked at the pouring rain outside and couldn’t help sneering: “He fears the Jiang family. Otherwise, such an immoral, depraved daughter would have been eliminated long ago.”

Li Minde frowned tightly: “Switching from Fifth Prince to Third Prince—from any angle, Li Changle doesn’t lose out.”

Li Weiyang suddenly laughed aloud: “Fool, of course she loses out. Moreover, loses greatly.”

Li Minde thought about it and immediately understood: “Right! Fifth Prince liked her so much, even promising primary consort position. Yet she didn’t appreciate it. Tuoba Rui definitely won’t let her and Tuoba Zhen off! Breaking with Tuoba Rui now, receiving successive attacks from Fifth Prince and Seventh Prince—that’s enough to give Tuoba Zhen a hard time!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “This is only one aspect. Second—using such methods to marry over, Tuoba Zhen must utterly loathe Li Changle’s stupidity. According to his temperament, he’ll repay this hatred on her body a hundred, a thousand-fold. Such a grudge-bearing couple—who knows how interesting it will be.”

When she said this, her eyes showed endless mockery. Li Minde didn’t mind. Or clearly seeing it, he could only pretend not to see. At any time, he unconditionally supported and believed in her. Only—”Three years is enough to change many things. Moreover, I received news that Jiang Xu will soon return to the capital.”

“Oh—so eldest uncle is returning.” Li Weiyang laughed. No wonder Li Xiaoran changed his mind and spared Li Changle’s life. “Returning for the funeral,” she said. Consecutively losing two sisters—finally couldn’t sit still? She pondered and asked: “Who else accompanies him?”

“Still unclear. My people only discovered that in at most three days, Jiang Xu will arrive in the capital.”

Li Weiyang nodded, her gaze watching the heavy rain outside. She laughed coldly. This storm would come eventually—only a matter of time.

The next morning, word came from the palace. The Empress Dowager summoned Li Weiyang. When this news spread, everyone was very surprised.

Li Weiyang prepared herself and accompanied the eunuch who brought the decree into the palace. Reaching the Empress Dowager’s palace entrance, she carefully tucked the carefully prepared silk pouch into the female official’s hand. The female official weighed it, then smiled: “County Princess, please.”

As Li Weiyang passed by her, the female official said quietly: “Last night Virtuous Consort De came.”

Li Weiyang paused, then frowned.

Zhang De Consort—what did she want to do again! This woman—why did she always create trouble for her!

The female official saw Li Weiyang had understood and smiled as she led her inside. Li Weiyang walked into the great hall. But this time her mood wasn’t very relaxed. The Empress Dowager sat in the high position. Through the sandalwood incense swirling in the air, her expression looked somewhat stern.

Li Weiyang formally bowed: “Weiyang greets the Empress Dowager.”

When they last met, the Empress Dowager was quite amiable. But now she showed no indication for Li Weiyang to rise. She merely sat there quietly, examining her up and down.

Li Weiyang’s expression was normal. For a full quarter-hour, her posture didn’t change even slightly. Throughout she maintained a graceful bearing.

This poise and courage—even her own granddaughters didn’t have. Thinking of Virtuous Consort De’s words, the Empress Dowager involuntarily sighed: “I heard your mother just passed away.”

“Replying to the Empress Dowager, yes.” Since the Empress Dowager hadn’t granted a seat, Li Weiyang could only stand to answer.

The Empress Dowager’s tone grew more stern: “When mother dies, the daughter must observe three years’ mourning. During these three years, you must watch your words and conduct.”

“Yes. Weiyang understands.” Li Weiyang thought of the Empress Dowager’s most beloved grandson being Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu. Her facial expression didn’t change. She answered respectfully, showing no dissatisfaction. In fact, her heart was very displeased. Last time Virtuous Consort De failed to gain advantage, she actually brought her ideas before the Empress Dowager, wanting the Empress Dowager to prevent her interactions with Tuoba Yu? This Virtuous Consort De—did she overvalue her son too much? The things she treasured like pearls—Li Weiyang didn’t covet! Forget a mere prince’s secondary consort. Even primary consort—even if Tuoba Yu became Emperor in future and gave her the Empress position—she still wouldn’t covet it!

The Empress Dowager’s expression was unprecedentedly cold: “Good that you understand. You’re a sensible child. You should know what to do and what not to do.” Finishing, she didn’t continue deeper. But her meaning was very clear. Though Li Weiyang was intelligent and sensible, she still wasn’t worthy of Tuoba Yu, much less could be selected as primary consort. Because she was a daughter born of a lowly maid. However intelligent, however much the Empress Dowager appreciated her, she couldn’t possibly let her take the Seventh Prince Consort position.

Li Weiyang clearly heard the Empress Dowager’s implication. She understood the Empress Dowager very well. Years ago, the Empress Dowager had also been hot and cold toward her because of her concubine origin. She’d expended much effort before the Empress Dowager liked and accepted her. Back then it was merely an unfavored Tuoba Zhen, yet still so. Switching to the Empress Dowager’s treasure Tuoba Yu—Li Weiyang naturally understood the other’s feelings. But the Empress Dowager was after all the Great Li Dynasty’s supreme person. She needn’t confront her directly. That was irrational and foolish. Li Weiyang wouldn’t do things without certainty…

The Empress Dowager said lightly: “Since you’ve entered the palace, help this dowager copy some Buddhist scriptures.”

Li Weiyang lowered her head and replied: “Yes.”

The Empress Dowager’s Buddhist hall was behind the great hall. The Empress Dowager stood, supporting the female official’s hand, and walked toward the back. Li Weiyang quickly followed. Reaching the Buddhist hall, the Empress Dowager began chanting sutras herself. The female official signaled to Li Weiyang. She walked to the carved red longevity table at the side. On the table, young palace maids had already arranged brushes, ink, paper, inkstone, and three thick volumes of scriptures.

“These three volumes of scriptures—please copy them before returning, County Princess.” The female official quietly conveyed the Empress Dowager’s decree.

Through layers of curtains, Li Weiyang glanced at the Empress Dowager and smiled: “Yes.”

For a full four hours, Li Weiyang faced the scriptures, copying character by character. The scripture characters were very small. After long periods, one would feel dizzy. If it were someone else, they’d already be sore and unable to persist. But Li Weiyang kept standing to copy scriptures. She neither said she was tired nor requested a stool. She only silently stood there, seriously copying with lowered hands.

The Empress Dowager watched her and couldn’t help relaxing her brow. Actually, she held no aversion toward Li Weiyang. On the contrary, she rather liked this sufficiently intelligent and courageous little girl. Only a pity—her birth mother’s status was truly too low. Previously the Emperor had elevated her too high. If she didn’t make her recognize her status clearly, in future she might develop those thoughts of climbing the dragon and attaching to the phoenix.

Tuoba Yu was absolutely not someone Li Weiyang could presumptuously aspire to! Thinking this, the Empress Dowager’s hand continuously turned her prayer beads.

Another two hours passed. In between she’d already missed one lunch and dinner time. The Empress Dowager had long since eaten snacks. But Li Weiyang was famished. Yet the nearby female official watching her found she didn’t even tremble once—truly remarkable.

How could they know—Li Weiyang had once stayed in the Cold Palace for so many years. Enduring hunger and cold had long been commonplace. She wouldn’t care about this small punishment at all. Contrarily, as time passed, her copying speed grew faster, the characters also increasingly proper and forceful. Eventually, even the Empress Dowager set down her prayer beads, watching her thoughtfully.

Female Official Zhou beside her reminded: “Empress Dowager, you should rest.”

The Empress Dowager stood and slowly walked out. Reaching the doorway, she turned to glance back. But she discovered Li Weiyang didn’t even raise her head once. She seriously copied the scriptures in her hands, as if completely not noticing her departure. In the Empress Dowager’s heart, she finally felt some admiration for this strong, enduring little girl. A pity—she lacked a noble-born mother. With such status, no matter what, she wasn’t qualified to be Yu’er’s primary consort. Perhaps she could be matched to a prince of humble birth or a noble family. That wouldn’t wrong her. Thinking this, the Empress Dowager walked out.

Finally, Li Weiyang set down her brush. By now, outside was nearly dawn.

Li Weiyang raised her eyes: “The scriptures are copied. I wonder if the Empress Dowager has other instructions?”

Female Official Zhou immediately went out to report. After a while, she returned with a reply: “The Empress Dowager decrees the County Princess place the copied scriptures before the Buddha, then may return.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s face showed no resentment. She seriously presented the scriptures before the Buddha, seriously kowtowed, then rose to leave.

A young palace maid beside them said: “This County Princess Anping truly keeps her composure. Last time when Sixth Princess was punished by the Empress Dowager to copy scriptures, she cried and made a fuss for two hours! She’s good—from beginning to end didn’t even furrow her brow once!”

Female Official Zhou sighed: “This is cultivation and demeanor. The Empress Dowager outwardly punishes her but actually reminds her: a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. That Virtuous Consort De can stand unshakeable in the palace is no temporary luck. If she obediently listens well, the Empress Dowager will naturally grant her a good future. But if she overestimates herself wanting to climb the dragon and attach to the phoenix, then the consequences—” She stopped mid-sentence, not continuing. She only looked distantly at Li Weiyang’s retreating figure and turned her head: “But looking at her, she doesn’t seem like a fish in a pond. In future perhaps she’ll have great fortune—who knows.”

The young palace maid watched Li Weiyang’s departing back and involuntarily widened her eyes.

Great fortune? What great fortune! Offending Virtuous Consort De was a dead end! What good future could there be in future? Wasn’t this a pipe dream?

Guided by a palace maid, Li Weiyang slowly walked out. At the palace gate she encountered a eunuch. He called shrilly: “Who comes?!”

The palace maid quickly said: “Eunuch Liu, this is County Princess Anping.”

Eunuch Liu was around thirty years old, with a white face and no beard, with especially shrewd eyes. His gaze turned around Li Weiyang’s face. He suddenly smiled: “So it’s County Princess Anping—you truly have good fortune. The Virtuous Consort just ordered palace maids to collect dew in the Imperial Garden. Since you’re passing here, naturally you should go pay respects.”

The Virtuous Consort? In the palace, only one person was called this—Virtuous Consort Wu. Li Weiyang’s body stiffened momentarily. This Virtuous Consort Wu was Tuoba Zhen’s foster mother! Why would she want to see her?! Just because of a chance encounter? No, this absolutely wasn’t coincidence!