Having just walked out of the Imperial Garden, Li Weiyang heard a series of light footsteps, neither hurried nor slow, maintaining their usual calm and composure.

Li Weiyang gently turned around, and upon seeing who it was, smiled and said, “So it’s Third Imperial Prince.”

Tuoba Zhen narrowed his eyes, looking at the woman before him. From her initial obscurity to her later cunning and endless schemes, she had appeared before him in a thousand different guises, continuously giving him tremendous shocks. It was just a pity that she stood on the opposing side.

He flicked his sleeves, and in his eyes shone a cold light like that of a wild wolf. “The County Princess knew I would come, didn’t she?”

Li Weiyang smiled leisurely. She didn’t immediately answer Tuoba Zhen’s question, but instead looked around.

Tuoba Zhen smiled indifferently and said clearly, “No need to look. Since I dared to seek you out, those idle observers have naturally been dealt with.” His words carried a hint of gloom.

Li Weiyang keenly sensed this, and her lips curved imperceptibly upward, but she said nothing.

Although the palace was filled with many eyes and ears, through Tuoba Zhen’s years of effort, he could avoid others’ surveillance and secure enough time to say what he wanted to say—these were things he could accomplish. However, meeting with her alone now still required taking risks. It seemed his situation was truly not very good at present. Otherwise, why would Tuoba Zhen risk intercepting her here at this moment? This in itself was already proof of his panic and confusion.

This man’s heart already had a crack in it.

Li Weiyang smiled inwardly, yet her face remained leisurely, as if unstained by worldly dust, as though whether Tuoba Zhen appeared or not mattered nothing to her.

Tuoba Zhen’s pupils contracted. His smile became cold, the warmth in his eyes gradually receded, and his tone grew harsh: “I believe the County Princess still owes me an explanation.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “Is Your Highness referring to what happened in the flower pavilion that day?”

Tuoba Zhen was slightly stunned. He had thought Li Weiyang would continue playing word games with him, but unexpectedly she had no intention of beating around the bush. Aside from the hatred that was difficult to conceal, he found himself increasingly valuing and appreciating the woman before him. She was intelligent, sharp, cunning, and showed her brilliance without any concealment of her talents. This was something absolutely impossible in ordinary people’s view. To survive in the palace, one must learn to hide oneself. Yet Li Weiyang was so dazzling and eye-catching, not showing the slightest intention of compromising. She understood what she should pursue and knew even better how to obtain it. But such a clever woman had passed him by. If she had stayed by his side, his great ambitions would surely have more support!

Tuoba Zhen suppressed the restlessness in his heart, stared at Li Weiyang, and said slowly with deep meaning, “What I demand is an answer. Was that day’s incident your doing?”

Li Weiyang laughed carelessly, her gaze bravely meeting his probing eyes. Those bright eyes and unyielding expression made Tuoba Zhen’s heart suddenly skip, as if his soul had been lost.

“Of course not,” she said without the slightest guilt.

“You dare to act but not admit it?” Tuoba Zhen sneered coldly. He clearly knew the answer in his heart, yet he tossed and turned, unable to sleep through the night, his thoughts focused on seeking an answer from her, as if—wanting to make himself give up.

Li Weiyang smiled. “You’re convinced that pot of begonia flowers had a problem—this is just suspicion breeding dark ghosts. You thoroughly inspected the flowers. What problem was there? You always think I harmed you, but don’t think about what role Elder Sister played in it? If she didn’t have feelings for you, how would she run to that small flower pavilion? If she didn’t have her heart set on you, why would she throw herself at you regardless of everything? In my view, Elder Sister is devoted to you. Third Imperial Prince should treasure her well and not disappoint a beauty’s sincere heart.”

The words she blurted out carried several sighs and even more mockery hidden within. When Tuoba Zhen heard these words, he was momentarily stunned, quickly recovered, and then became angry. Li Changle could only be the Empress Mother in prosperous times. At this time, having her by his side would only bring infinite trouble! Just because Li Changle’s birth was too noble and her appearance too beautiful, she was too willful, too flamboyant, too needful of care and doting, and didn’t even know what forbearance and lying low meant. If in a few years he ascended to the throne, relying solely on Li Changle’s beauty and family background, he would consider marrying her and keeping her well as a vase to admire and play with, but definitely not now! If he married her in these two years, it would be like placing a weapon beside him that could deliver a fatal blow at any moment. Tuoba Zhen was no fool!

“Elder Sister’s appearance is extraordinary, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—she’s truly a good match for Your Highness. Rarely does she not hesitate to ruin her maiden reputation to follow Your Highness. This kind of woman—miss one and you’ll regret it for life.” Li Weiyang produced a pure smile with some naivety.

Tuoba Zhen snorted coldly and made no comment. He pinched his palm behind his back to calmly exhale and said, “Li Weiyang, I’ve never given a woman this many chances.” Tuoba Zhen’s words weren’t meant for her to answer, so before she could speak, he had already continued on his own. “I’ve planned for many years. No matter who opposes me, I will ruthlessly eliminate them. Yet even though you’ve lied to me and opposed me, I’ve still kept you around. Do you know why?”

“I truly value you, like you, and have even considered marrying you.” Tuoba Zhen stared intently at Li Weiyang’s face. “So I’ve given you chance after chance. Do you understand!”

Li Weiyang almost laughed aloud. She had seen many despicable people, but never imagined Tuoba Zhen could be this despicable—discarding like worn shoes whatever he obtained, and elevating to the heavens whatever he couldn’t get. In her previous life, he had praised Li Changle in every way, viewing her like the moon in the sky. Today, because he couldn’t have her, his thoughts were all about making her submit. Now it seemed he actually loved no one—the person he truly loved was himself!

His expression became even more serious. “You need not doubt my words. Every sentence comes from my heart—in fact, this is one of the few truths I’ve spoken in my life.”

“I don’t doubt Your Highness’s sincerity,” Li Weiyang slightly gathered her brows and smiled charmingly, “it’s just that Elder Sister is set on marrying Your Highness. How could I interfere? Originally there were already many misunderstandings between us. If Elder Sister knew I was speaking with Your Highness here, I’m afraid she’d hate me even more. I don’t want to invite trouble. What’s done is done—Your Highness should treat Elder Sister well. As for me, I won’t trouble Your Highness with your concerns.”

“Do you know that Jiang Xu will enter the capital tomorrow? The situation is extremely unfavorable for you. If I join forces with the Jiang family now, can you withstand our combined attack? Even Tuoba Yu would probably have to weigh the significance carefully. Without his protection, how will you survive?” Tuoba Zhen said word by word.

Li Weiyang laughed. She hadn’t expected that after the last incident, Tuoba Zhen still hadn’t given up on her. Men, when encountering women they desire but cannot obtain, truly become base creatures that can’t be kicked away no matter how hard you try! Her eyes turned as she smiled at Tuoba Zhen, her meaning subtle as she said, “What’s this—is Your Highness here to threaten me?”

Tuoba Zhen didn’t evade and said directly, “That’s right. I’m giving you one last chance! If you’re willing, I have plenty of ways to let you replace your sister and marry into the Third Prince’s Manor. Moreover, I’ll make you the principal wife! So, you only need to tell me—are you willing or not!”

Li Weiyang was speechless. The situation had developed to this point, already beyond her expectations.

She had clearly harmed him to this extent, yet he still wanted to marry her? In her previous life, hadn’t Tuoba Zhen liked the “kind and noble” Li Changle? In this life, the impression she left him was definitely selfish, cruel, cold, and vicious. Could he have suddenly changed his nature, no longer liking innocent flowers but taking a fancy to poisonous weeds like herself? Even though Tuoba Zhen spoke so clearly and plainly, Li Weiyang still didn’t understand this man’s heart.

Perhaps a man’s heart, in a certain sense, was difficult to fathom and changed in an instant.

“Your Highness doesn’t hate me?” Li Weiyang asked with veiled meaning.

Tuoba Zhen gazed at her eyes, which were clear black and white yet held hidden questions. “I believe that if you were by my side, you would certainly do very well. Moreover, if you bear me a son in the future, I’ll let him inherit my position. You should understand my meaning—this promise, I will definitely fulfill.” He needed a clever woman standing behind him. His child needed a calm mother to protect him. Taking someone’s life was far too easy, not to mention all the open and hidden dangers around him. Ultimately, for children of the imperial family to be born safely and grow up peacefully without a clever mother was simply impossible. Having an heir was also an important aspect of competing for the throne, which would gain him greater leverage in the future. Actually, he could have had more and better choices, but the more Li Weiyang resisted, the more he wanted to obtain her. This strange psychology tormented him until he couldn’t sleep at night, just like his pursuit of that dragon throne, making his heart itch unbearably. So he didn’t hesitate to throw out this olive branch that would be a huge temptation to any woman to entice Li Weiyang. Last time he promised her the position of secondary consort and Li Weiyang looked down on it. Now she should think clearly! Although he was currently just an inconspicuous prince, this was the position of a prince’s principal wife! The most Tuoba Yu could give her was just a secondary consort! A principal wife’s child would be legitimate, while a secondary consort’s would be common-born—there was a world of difference! If she was truly that clever, she should know how to choose!

Tuoba Zhen still maintained that composed and handsome appearance, but beneath the calm exterior was determination to succeed!

Li Weiyang sneered inwardly. Her tone was extremely light and faint yet revealed firmness: “I refuse.”

Tuoba Zhen froze. His gaze carried disbelief, mixed with some lingering affection and confusion. After a long while, he used a gloomy voice to slowly say, “This is the last chance.”

Li Weiyang’s voice was the same as always: “No matter how many chances you give, my answer is the same!”

Tuoba Zhen sneered coldly and fell into a long silence. Finally, a trace of cruel killing intent floated across his face. At this moment, he truly developed murderous intent toward Li Weiyang.

This woman could not be kept!

He must ruthlessly sever her neck without mercy! In this instant, thousands of methods to put Li Weiyang to death had already passed through Tuoba Zhen’s mind!

Li Weiyang naturally knew what he was thinking, but wasn’t afraid. Once Tuoba Zhen made up his mind, he would absolutely not change it. She had opposed him and had long been prepared to risk everything. Since they were going to fight, she might as well let go and see who would ultimately prevail!

Just then, a commotion arose from the Imperial Garden in the distance.

A palace maid hurried over and urgently whispered several sentences in Tuoba Zhen’s ear. “What?” Tuoba Zhen’s expression changed, then his gaze suddenly fell on Li Weiyang, filled with disbelief.

The palace maid was panting slightly. Her mouth opened several times but couldn’t form coherent words. Clearly she was extremely shocked.

Tuoba Zhen said no more. After glancing at Li Weiyang one last time, he turned and quickly left. Li Weiyang looked in the direction they departed, revealing a faint smile. She stood in place, watching the palace maids coming and going with panicked expressions on their faces, and her smile deepened.

Now no one was leading her out of the palace. Should she leave on her own, or stay to watch the show? Li Weiyang pondered. Actually, she really wanted to see the fate of those who dared offend her! However, this was a bit too cruel, for Tuoba Yu. Just as she prepared to turn and leave, suddenly someone bumped into her arms. That person looked up, surprised: “Sister Weiyang!”

Li Weiyang smiled. “Ninth Princess, what’s wrong? Why so flustered?”

The Ninth Princess’s face showed unprecedented terror. “The Imperial Garden… something happened over there!”

Li Weiyang said indifferently, “Oh, something happened?”

The Ninth Princess feared she wouldn’t believe her and nodded vigorously. “Something major happened! I must go see. Sister Weiyang, come with me!”

Li Weiyang shook her head. “I must leave.”

The Ninth Princess looked around and hurriedly said, “The palace is very chaotic right now. You can’t wander around. If something happens, it’ll be even more troublesome. You should come with me—I’ll protect you.” Her mother consort was currently bedridden. She didn’t dare run over alone!

Li Weiyang smiled wryly. Actually, the Ninth Princess wanted to grab her as a strategist. She probably thought that this time she would help that person out of trouble like last time. In the end, this was just a naive child. She’d already given one warning—the second time wouldn’t be so easy. Some people, if they didn’t pay a terrible price, simply wouldn’t understand the gravity of the situation!

Suddenly, from the direction of the Imperial Garden came a sound like shattering porcelain. The Ninth Princess’s face immediately became bloodless. She pulled Li Weiyang and went straight into the Imperial Garden. When she saw the situation in the Imperial Garden, she was immediately frightened out of her wits, her face becoming abnormally pale.

Li Weiyang glanced from afar. Standing among the palace maids over there was a woman of medium build. She wore the Empress’s ceremonial colors, with a nine-tailed phoenix crown on her head. Her outer robe dragged long to the ground—stamen-red linked-pearl paired-peacock-pattern brocade, densely embroidered with green jade phoenixes using gold thread and pearls, magnificently incomparable. However, in stark contrast, her complexion was as withered as dead leaves. As if unable to bear the heavy adornments on her body, her body was soft, her neck slightly shrunk. Supported by the female officials beside her, she could barely stand—clearly someone seriously ill. Yet at this moment, her face was full of fury.

On the other side knelt the previously cold and noble Consort Zhang De. Only now her hair had been pulled by palace maids on the Empress’s orders until it was disheveled, looking like a lotus flower beaten by rain. Now she knelt on the ground terrified, her face pale, her eyes frightened, already scared out of her wits.

“Your Majesty, please calm your anger!” Seeing the Empress furiously enraged, Consort Zhang De, ignoring the countless palace maids and eunuchs present, hurriedly knelt on both knees, crawled forward on her knees, grasped the Empress’s hem and pleaded: “Empress, please calm your anger. This concubine would absolutely never dare do such a transgressive thing. Someone must have framed me…”

The Empress violently shook off Consort Zhang De. The muscles on her face constantly twisted as she said through gritted teeth, “How unfortunate that I regarded you as my right hand, entrusting all palace affairs to you. You actually dare to be so bold—do you want me to die early so you can take the Empress’s position?! This is treason!”

The Empress was usually gentle, rarely showing such harsh severity. Everyone was stunned. After Li Weiyang entered, she knelt inconspicuously to one side like the others, but a smile curved at the corner of her mouth. The Empress’s condition had never improved, and her mood fluctuated wildly. At this time, she was most prone to developing suspicious thoughts. Palace affairs had always been jointly managed by Consort Zhang De and Consort Wu Xian. Any incident at this time would put these two women at the center of the storm!

Consort Zhang De hurriedly said, “This concubine dare not, this concubine absolutely dare not!”

Consort Wu Xian beside her also seemed shocked, kneeling before the Empress in the same manner, not daring to make a sound.

Though the two women trembled in fear, the Empress did not calm her anger. She only sneered coldly, staring at Consort De and examining her from top to bottom. She saw a sharp, clever melon-seed face, two thin willow-leaf eyebrows, a pair of sparkling almond eyes, paired with a high nose bridge—truly possessing celestial beauty. The winds and frosts of time seemed not to have left the slightest trace on her face! Heaven was truly too partial! Looking at her, the Empress felt wave after wave of pain in her heart. When her own appearance was at its peak, she couldn’t match even one or two-tenths of Consort De’s beauty. Moreover, she was now already old and faded. If she died, though Consort Xian had no son, Consort De had given birth to a favored Seventh Prince. Her inheriting the position of Empress seemed natural. Then the position of Crown Prince would also need to change hands. This mother and son clearly wanted her to meet her end early! The more she thought this way, the more sorrowful she felt. The more sorrowful she felt, the more her anger grew. Suddenly she gained a surge of strength, no longer gasping, able to stand upright on her own, and said coldly to Consort De: “You tell me—who gave you the courage to actually dare wear a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin!”

Having spent many years in the palace, Consort De well knew the Empress’s temperament. She immediately prostrated on the ground and pleaded: “How would this concubine dare wear a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin? This morning His Majesty bestowed it upon me—it clearly had only eight tails…”

Consort Xian lowered her head, not daring to say a word, completely lacking her previous imperious manner. For Consort De to dare wear the nine-tailed phoenix hairpin that only the Empress could wear was the crime of overstepping. If the Empress were magnanimous, she might laugh it off. But at this moment, with the Empress seriously ill, she was most sensitive about others coveting her position. Now… she herself might even be implicated. The consequences were truly unthinkable!

Hearing Consort De’s defense, the Empress only grew angrier, smiling coldly. The corners of her mouth rigidly tilted up as if split. Before she could finish, she thundered: “So you’re saying the fault lies entirely with the Emperor? Did His Majesty want to make you Empress?!”

In her heart, Consort De hated enough to bite someone to death. She was certain it must have been Li Weiyang who did it. The phoenix hairpin used the finest soft gold. Li Weiyang must have cut open one tail of this eight-tailed phoenix hairpin when no one was paying attention! She hesitated for a moment but knew she had no evidence at all. If she spoke now, not only would the Empress not believe her, she’d probably charge her with false accusation, because Li Weiyang had no reason to cut the phoenix hairpin—she wasn’t even a palace consort. Why would she frame her?! Even if she claimed it was because she bore a grudge for being accused of theft, how could she possibly be clever enough to act immediately! It sounded absurd even to Consort De herself! Moreover, the Empress was clearly touched on a sore spot—

Before Consort De could speak, another of her close female officials, Xin’er, had already thrown herself forward: “Empress Your Majesty, my mistress’s phoenix hairpin was once lost. Someone must have tampered with it then! Please don’t misunderstand my mistress!”

Consort De’s heart sank. Damn it, this girl was too naive!

As expected, the Empress sneered coldly: “Someone framed her? Among these dozens of palace servants, could anyone have forced her to wear the hairpin! Clearly she first harbored disrespectful thoughts, which is why she did this. You’re a maid serving Consort De, yet you still try to help your mistress shift the blame to others—truly unforgivable!” As she spoke, her eyebrows sharply rose as she commanded those around her: “Quickly beat this bold slave to death with clubs! Lest we keep her around to disturb people’s hearts!”

Xin’er could hardly believe her ears. She looked at Consort De in panic, but Consort De looked at her with reproachful eyes. Immediately her heart sank. How could this be? Consort De had always been greatly favored. The Empress had always shown her some deference. How could she fly into such a rage today… Xin’er couldn’t believe it.

Li Weiyang’s smile was faint. What the Empress hated most was others coveting her position, not to mention the matter of the Seventh Prince. She only needed a spark. She had personally delivered a perfect reason to the Empress. One could imagine how she would deal with Consort De!

Hearing the Empress’s words, the eunuchs immediately acted together. In an instant, Xin’er was beaten with countless clubs. The Ninth Princess wanted to intervene but didn’t dare. Seeing the Empress about to kill someone, she had no choice but to speak up: “Mother Empress…”

“Silence!” She’d barely opened her mouth when the Empress delivered a thunderous rebuke. The Ninth Princess was frightened into silence, hesitating and not daring to speak further. During her hesitation, before her eyes blood and flesh flew everywhere—Xin’er had already been beaten to death on the spot. Xin’er was a dowry maid who had accompanied Consort De for many years. To say they had no feelings was impossible. Both she and Lan’er were Consort De’s right and left hands. Today, losing both at once, Consort De was frightened out of her wits. Her body felt like it had been immersed in ice water, bone-chillingly cold. Her heart wanted to vomit but couldn’t. She didn’t dare look at Xin’er’s mangled body again.

The Ninth Princess just stared blankly at the Empress, completely unable to believe that the usually peaceful, gentle, magnanimous, and kind Empress could be so vicious.

Tuoba Zhen also watched from the side with cold eyes, with no intention of stepping forward to speak a word for Consort De. He understood very clearly in his heart that anyone whose position was threatened would become vicious, without exception. Today, Consort De’s actions merely triggered the Empress’s suppressed fury! Whether Consort De was framed or did it herself, no one cared. What the Empress cared about was merely the result. Even more, she wanted everyone to know who was the mistress of the six palaces! This matter inexplicably seemed to him to be related to Li Weiyang, because he had just learned of Consort De’s false accusation against Li Weiyang. However, he still found it hard to believe. After all, Li Weiyang was just a young girl. How could she calculate the Empress’s thoughts so precisely and push this tremendous wave to its climax? No, he absolutely didn’t believe it! Li Weiyang could scheme against him last time only because he was momentarily careless. How could she know everything about the palace like the back of her hand… This was impossible!

The Empress’s face was taut like rock, the corners of her mouth deeply pulled down from exertion. Her eyes were forcefully open, still full of anger. A strong hatred slowly emerged from inside her body, gradually swallowing her whole. It was an extremely terrifying sight. Clearly she felt greatly offended!

Xin’er lay cold on the ground, thoroughly dead. The eunuchs hung their hands, some with Xin’er’s fresh blood still on them, standing trembling on both sides, awaiting the Empress’s orders. Everyone knew—next, it would be Consort De’s turn!

The Ninth Princess felt unprecedented strangeness and fear. She was shocked to discover that this mother empress, who had always been kind and pleasant, possessed an indescribable cruelty and madness. This made her not dare to speak up for Consort De. Now she could only hope that Seventh Brother would arrive quickly.

In this tension where even a dropped needle could be heard, suddenly there was a commotion ahead. Li Weiyang slightly raised her eyes. In the distance, the Seventh Prince and the Emperor had arrived. No—perhaps the Emperor had been summoned by Tuoba Yu! How ironic. In one day, Li Weiyang had seen the Emperor twice. However, one time she faced judgment, and this time, she sat on the mountain watching tigers fight.

On the ground were the porcelain shards the Empress had just smashed. Tuoba Yu’s expression didn’t change as he knelt straight down. By now the Empress’s face was livid. Though her body trembled with anger, she wouldn’t let the palace maids support her. She shakily pointed at Tuoba Yu and scolded: “You want to plead for your mother consort?”

Her stern appearance even startled the Emperor. He had never seen his wife show such an expression. Immediately full of anger, he glanced at the two beloved consorts kneeling on the ground. Consorts were just consorts—they could never compare to the Empress. Moreover, when he was in difficulty, the Empress had always been by his side never leaving, playing an extremely important role in his ascension process. Therefore, the Empress was not only his legitimate wife but also his respected ally and confidante! Now seeing the Empress so angry, without thinking, he assumed Consort De and Consort Xian had done something wrong!

Tuoba Yu’s expression was calm. He crawled on his knees to the Empress’s side and said in a deep voice: “Mother Empress, it was Mother Consort who did wrong and angered you. No matter what, quarreling always harms harmony and your health. Please sit down, have a cup of tea, and catch your breath. You must not tire yourself.”

The Empress snorted coldly and turned her face away.

The Emperor glanced at Consort De, then frowned: “What is this about? How did you anger the Empress?”

A palace maid presented the phoenix hairpin. The Emperor glanced at it but still didn’t understand. As one would expect, unless done intentionally, one wouldn’t pay special attention to such details regarding palace protocol.

The Empress covered her face and wept: “Your Majesty, if you wish to depose the Empress, just say so. Why must you still summon physicians and procure medicine for me? Let me die early so you can establish another Empress!”

The Emperor was greatly shocked and hurried to support her: “Empress, what are you saying? When have I ever had thoughts of deposing you?! I bestowed this hairpin upon Consort De. Is there some problem?” He looked back, was immediately stunned, then understood. He immediately said, “This hairpin was once stolen by a palace maid. Perhaps someone tampered with it then…”

He suspected Li Weiyang, but then felt it impossible. A fourteen-year-old child—where would such scheming and courage come from! Could someone have deliberately tampered with it from the shadows, wanting to profit from the chaos? Thinking this way, his gaze immediately fell on Consort Wu Xian: “Consort De did something transgressive, yet Consort Xian turned a blind eye?”

Consort Wu Xian was shocked, cold sweat flowing down her face. She bowed and said: “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. This concubine did not notice this—it was not intentional neglect.”

The Emperor frowned. According to palace protocol, the Empress’s attire included embroidered robes, gathered robes, and inlaid-hairpin ceremonial robes in three grades. For embroidered robes, the headdress consisted of twelve ornamental trees plus two side temples, with a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin. However, Consort De, Consort Xian, and others could only wear eight-tailed phoenix hairpins. Now the hairpin had inexplicably become nine-tailed, and Consort De had actually worn it on her head. Could she be trying to test him and the Empress? The Empress was unwell. The palace had always been managed by Consorts De and Xian. Had these two developed inappropriate thoughts, which is why they deliberately used this phoenix hairpin to gauge his reaction? If he had thoughts of deposing the Empress, he would naturally laugh off this transgression— The Emperor was suspicious. Thinking this way, he inevitably grew extremely doubtful in his heart.

Seeing Tuoba Yu kneeling, Consort De grew anxious: “Empress Your Majesty, I did wrong. One person bearing responsibility is enough. Please calm your anger and don’t implicate the Seventh Prince!”

These words weren’t wrong in themselves, but to the Empress’s ears they were extremely hurtful. Her face turned livid as she thundered out, disregarding propriety: “You dare say I’m ‘implicating’? In your eyes, have I already become such a villain?” As she spoke, she pointed at Consort Zhang De, her face showing extreme hatred, as if she wanted to swallow her whole.

Seeing this scene, the others hurried to persuade the Empress. For a time, the Imperial Garden was in complete chaos.

The Emperor looked at the Empress. One glance and he knew something was very wrong. The Empress’s originally pale complexion had become even paler, with a faint black aura between her brows. He knew that though his wife was usually peaceful and restrained, she was most burdened with thoughts. Seeing Consort De and the Seventh Prince like this, she must be hurt in her heart, perhaps thinking who knows what. He hurriedly said loudly: “Quickly help the Empress sit and rest!”

Tuoba Zhen watched the people in the scene with “suppressed” worried eyes, but his gaze held a cold smile. Watching this drama reach its climax and expected conclusion, he felt obvious pleasure. The Empress, Consort De, Tuoba Yu, even Consort Wu Xian who knelt there silently—these people all made him feel deep oppression and hatred. Though ostensibly Consort Wu was his mother, she similarly rode over him, domineering and tyrannical. Now seeing their faces all showing frightened expressions, he felt incomparable joy.

Li Weiyang looked from afar at the floating smile in Tuoba Zhen’s eyes and sneered coldly. This man had long become psychologically twisted in the prolonged power struggle. He probably wished everyone would die! However, things probably wouldn’t go as beautifully as he hoped!

Over there, Consort Zhang De was already drenched in sweat, her entire back soaked. Tuoba Yu kept his head lowered, not knowing what he was thinking. From beginning to end, though he hadn’t spoken a word for Consort De, everyone could see his protective intent. Li Weiyang sighed. She truly hadn’t considered him in this matter, but this fire was started by Consort De herself. Who could she blame for the backfire?!

Li Weiyang’s gaze finally fell on the kneeling, straight-backed Tuoba Yu. She really wanted to know what he was thinking now.

Just then, suddenly a eunuch prostrated on the ground: “Your Majesty, Empress Your Majesty—this slave is Jiang Cheng from the Imperial Household Department. This slave has come to accept punishment!”

Li Weiyang glanced at that eunuch, her face showing a thoughtful expression.

The Emperor frowned: “Accept punishment?”

Eunuch Jiang lowered his head deeply: “This slave was ordered to have someone deliver the phoenix hairpin to Consort De Your Grace, but a new eunuch who didn’t understand accidentally sent the hairpin that should have gone to the Empress Your Majesty to Consort De Your Grace instead. The hairpins were identical except one had nine tails and one had eight. This slave just learned of the mistake and came specially to request punishment from Your Majesty and Their Majesties!” After finishing, he heavily kowtowed to the ground with a loud thud.

Tuoba Zhen sneered coldly. So that was it—Tuoba Yu’s hands moved quickly indeed!

Li Weiyang shook her head. The phoenix hairpin had clearly been tampered with by her own hand, yet this Eunuch Jiang claimed it was sent by mistake. Items bestowed by the Emperor—how could they be easily sent wrongly? This was merely him coming out as a scapegoat. It remained to be seen whether the Emperor and Empress would accept it!

The Emperor glanced at Eunuch Jiang and said coldly: “Go receive one hundred heavy strikes yourself.”

This would take his life. Yet Eunuch Jiang only lowered his head: “By Your Majesty’s command.”

Watching this scene, Li Weiyang had to admire Tuoba Yu. He had so quickly found a suitable person and pushed all the blame onto the Imperial Household Department. The one in charge of the Imperial Household Department was the Crown Prince’s trusted aide, and the Crown Prince was the Empress’s own son. In the Emperor’s eyes, today’s drama seemed to take on another layer of meaning. It was highly possible that the Crown Prince deliberately framed Consort Zhang De and had someone send the wrong hairpin, after which the Empress seized upon it to pin this matter on Consort Zhang De…

Li Weiyang sighed. What a pity—it seemed this would be much ado about nothing.

The Empress’s expression changed, then her expression turned cold. But she quickly realized she couldn’t continue her fury, or she would give the Emperor a misleading impression— After gnashing her teeth, she finally suppressed the resentment in her heart and put on a calm face. She actually walked forward herself and helped up Consort Zhang De: “Today I was too rash and actually misunderstood my sister.”

Though she said this, all the warmth had vanished from her eyes, leaving only bone-chilling cold and loathing. Consort Zhang De could only pretend not to see, slightly bowing, her tone respectful and steady as she lowered her head: “This concubine first had the fault of not being observant. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

The Empress smiled: “Good, good. It was just a misunderstanding. Quickly rise.” She then ordered people to help Consort Xian up as well, pulling their hands together. Her face showed considerable remorse: “My health is poor and my temper explosive. I ask both sisters to be understanding.”

The two consorts naturally had to apologize profusely. The Emperor’s gaze circulated among the three people’s faces, finally saying in a peaceful tone to Tuoba Yu: “Rise quickly.”

Only then did Tuoba Yu stand up. His knees had become stiff from kneeling. At this moment, he noticed Li Weiyang watching him from not far away. When their eyes met, Li Weiyang’s eyes were like deep ancient well water—appearing clear and black, yet carrying a chill that made one’s whole body shiver. Tuoba Yu lowered his head, not wanting to see the other party’s detached, cold expression.

He suddenly understood everything.

The Emperor personally escorted the Empress back to her palace. Consort Zhang De and Consort Xian, having suffered a great fright, were supported by their own palace maids as they returned. When Consort De walked past Li Weiyang, she raised her eyes to glance at her. That look was indescribably complex—hate mixed with three parts fear, terror yet with two parts loathing. Li Weiyang bowed her head in salute, “Respectfully seeing off Your Grace,” her smile cold and dazzling.

Consort De’s entire body went soft. She could only lean on the palace maid to barely stand steady. She said nothing more and quickly departed. After this incident, Consort De fell seriously ill in fright, bedridden for a full three months before barely managing to rise. But of course, that’s a story for later.

At this time, Tuoba Zhen smiled coldly and followed Consort Wu Xian away, not glancing at Li Weiyang again. However, Tuoba Yu stopped and said to the Ninth Princess: “Ninth Sister, you return first. I’ll escort the County Princess out of the palace.”

His tone was unusually calm, as if he knew nothing. But the Ninth Princess sensed a vague unease. She opened her eyes wide to look at Li Weiyang, only to see a cold smile at the corners of her mouth, her eyes as cold as an icy abyss. Her heart immediately chilled, but she didn’t dare say much. She lowered her head and walked away, frequently looking back.

Tuoba Yu appeared very ordinary, yet his words were like a thunderbolt from clear skies: “Today’s events—you did this again?”

Li Weiyang looked at the brilliant sunlight outside shining on a peony flower, her expression indifferent as she smiled: “That’s right.”

Tuoba Yu’s expression cracked for an instant. He moved his lips as if to say something, yet couldn’t utter a single word. Her face was calm, smiling faintly like a new moon in a clear sky. Yet though she smiled, her eyes were extremely cold, indescribably desolate.

His usually proud heart inexplicably trembled, giving rise to a feeling of sympathy.

“I’m sorry,” he said sincerely. “I know it must have been Mother Consort who did something to you, which is why you retaliated.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and said: “Thank you for your consideration, Seventh Imperial Prince.”

Seeing her maintain an attitude of keeping him at a thousand miles’ distance, Tuoba Yu felt at a loss for words. He had said he wouldn’t let Consort De harm Weiyang again, yet his mother consort had agreed with her mouth but continued acting as she pleased behind his back. Tuoba Yu understood very clearly—the more he liked Li Weiyang, the more Mother Consort felt they were incompatible. Just as she had once said, one who would be emperor must be ruthless. Mother Consort targeted Weiyang this way only because she feared she would become his weakness. Yet she didn’t know how much he valued Weiyang. He gently closed his eyes and said: “Weiyang.”

Li Weiyang stopped and gazed at Tuoba Yu. Sunlight enveloped his face in a faint golden glow, making his features extraordinarily handsome and compelling. Yet Tuoba Yu only called her name once, then said nothing more. He escorted her all the way to the carriage and personally lifted the curtain for her: “I said that in the future I would ensure you have no worries. I thought I could easily accomplish this. Now it seems I was too confident. But this kind of thing—I guarantee—is the last time.”

Li Weiyang sighed and said: “Always leave a margin in all things for future meetings. If I truly wanted to put Consort De to death, it would be equivalent to abandoning you as a friend. So I understand the proper limits. But I hope that one day, Consort De will also understand. I can tolerate her twice—there absolutely won’t be a third time! When that comes, don’t blame me!”

Li Weiyang sat in the carriage, traveling along the long corridor. She lifted the curtain to look outside. The corridor was extremely clean, not even a single leaf visible. In the distance, eunuchs held long-handled brooms, meticulously sweeping. Suddenly, amid the rustling sounds came the sound of hoofbeats, repeatedly approaching, making even the ground tremble slightly.

Li Weiyang frowned, but saw a tall shadow galloping from the distance. Drawing near, the rider pulled tight the reins—whether intentionally or not—stopping before Li Weiyang’s carriage. The horse raised its hooves and neighed long. The black cloak whipped fiercely in the wind. Suddenly the hood fell, revealing an extremely young and handsome face. The rider’s eyes scattered sharp cold light in the sunlight.

“Who are you? Why do you block the County Princess’s carriage?!” Though the corridor was wide enough for four carriages to travel side by side, what was this person doing? The driver couldn’t help but call out loudly.

The man lightly tapped the riding crop in his palm twice, and a cruel smile spread across his lips. The driver watched as that riding crop was raised high, hearing only a “crack” as it struck down directly. He cried out in pain and fell from the carriage, his entire body collapsing on the road.

Bai Zhi inside the carriage was startled, then immediately tried to jump down. Li Weiyang shook her head, proactively lifting the curtain to look out. That driver continued to cry out in pain, the hand protecting his face showing a savage whip mark on its back.

Bai Zhi’s entire body trembled, whether from overwhelming anger or fearful shrinking. Only from her trembling lips emerged the words: “How dare you! To be so disrespectful to the County Princess!”

Only a man’s cold laugh was heard. Li Weiyang raised her head to look at him on horseback. At this moment, the sunlight at the horizon was limitlessly brilliant, reflecting on her plain face, making her pupils shine brilliantly, as if the first morning star had fallen to earth.

The man’s eyes casually swept over Li Weiyang’s face with seeming carelessness, his smile tinged with mockery: “County Princess? What kind of thing is that supposed to be?”