The Ninth Princess wore men’s clothing and swaggered in behind Tuoba Yu. Tuoba Yu said quietly, “Don’t cause trouble at today’s occasion! Otherwise I’ll send you back to the palace and have Father Emperor punish you!”

The Ninth Princess quickly waved her hands. “How could I! Am I that reckless?! Besides, I’ve snuck out to play before. Father Emperor actually knows—he just turns a blind eye and pretends not to notice. As long as it doesn’t reach the Empress Dowager’s ears, everything’s fine.” She looked like an old hand.

Tuoba Yu gave her a warning look. The Ninth Princess bore a striking resemblance to the Eighth Prince. The two were twins after all. Dressed in men’s clothing, others couldn’t see through the disguise. But he found it improper for a perfectly good lady to disguise herself this way—it really wasn’t proper.

The Ninth Princess didn’t care about propriety. She only wanted to see that person and immediately looked around. When she finally found him, her eyes showed amazement. That person wore purple clothing and had excellent bearing, making all the other young masters around him pale in comparison.

The Ninth Princess stared mesmerized. Over there, the man inadvertently raised his head, and it was as if a beam of light fell on her face. In that flickering instant, she almost forgot where she was. Their gazes inadvertently crossed. The Ninth Princess’s heartbeat suddenly accelerated—she almost stopped breathing.

However, Li Minde’s gaze didn’t linger on her face. It quickly swept away as he hurriedly departed.

Though he’d already turned and left, the Ninth Princess still stared mesmerized at his retreating figure until Tuoba Yu coughed lightly and teased, “Still looking? He’s long gone.”

Since ancient times, young ladies have all liked romantic and handsome beautiful youths, especially someone like Li Minde whose appearance was truly rare in this world. Tuoba Yu could understand the Ninth Princess’s feelings, but he didn’t think Li Minde similarly admired his sister. He looked at the Ninth Princess, a rare trace of pity flashing through his eyes. “Little Jiu, if you want to choose a consort, you should find someone who likes you.”

The Ninth Princess was startled and raised her face to look at her brother. “Weiyang-jiejie doesn’t like Seventh Brother—can you stop liking her then?”

Tuoba Yu looked at his sister in shock, momentarily stunned.

Indeed, Li Weiyang didn’t like him and had not the slightest romantic feelings toward him—this point he couldn’t deny no matter what.

The Ninth Princess said innocently, “Seventh Brother, there are countless beautiful girls in the world. You can put it off this year but not next year. Sooner or later you must establish a principal consort—why not choose someone else!”

Tuoba Yu discovered he’d actually been choked speechless by a little girl. There were indeed many good women in the world, but he particularly liked that one—what could be done about that? If not for Mother Consort’s obstruction, he would have long since brought Li Weiyang into his residence as principal consort regardless of everything. But… no matter how hard he’d tried these two years, at most he could only keep Consort Zhang De from troubling Li Weiyang. Making her like and accept Weiyang was impossible. Moreover, his greatest difficulty wasn’t Mother Consort but Weiyang herself. She’d never said she would marry him, though she helped him and schemed for him far beyond what he could have imagined.

The Ninth Princess blinked. “See, you’re like this yourself—how can you criticize me! Besides, I don’t believe there’s any man in the world who doesn’t like me!”

Tuoba Yu looked at his confident sister and couldn’t help smiling. Yes, the Ninth Princess had youth, beauty, and possessed everything. More importantly, she was innocent, kind, pure and flawless. Who would reject such a maiden? Though his personality was aloof, he could perceive human nature. In this world, no man could refuse His Majesty’s proud princess. Li Minde naturally couldn’t either.

Tuoba Yu’s smile encouraged the Ninth Princess, making her even happier. He looked at her hope-filled face and couldn’t help asking quietly, “But what do you like about him?”

The Ninth Princess said matter-of-factly, “He’s good-looking! He’s better looking than any of my brothers! Look, his nose is high and straight, like an upright spine. His eyes are especially spirited and long, like a pool of deep water. He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen!”

Tuoba Yu laughed. “I can understand that. People all say the Li family’s Third Young Master is even more beautiful than women.”

The Ninth Princess immediately refuted, “Who would compare him to women? They must be blind! His eyebrows are so beautiful—those kind of sword-like brows showing heroic spirit. Where is there even half a bit resembling women! Oh right, and his mouth. Even when he’s not smiling, the corners of his mouth turn up slightly. When he smiles, he’s like the most brilliant ray of sunshine in spring. Anyway, Seventh Brother, you wouldn’t understand!”

Tuoba Yu was amused by her. Girls this age were so easily captivated by appearances. In the end, what she admired was his looks, and she loved so matter-of-factly, so righteously, even without the slightest concealment. But this was also the Ninth Princess’s charm—she was straightforward and didn’t hide herself.

The Ninth Princess looked at her brother and grew even more curious. “But what do you like about Weiyang-jiejie? Is she beautiful, or is she clever?”

Tuoba Yu opened his mouth but found himself momentarily speechless. Thinking carefully, Li Weiyang was indeed beautiful, but there were too many beauties in the capital—she couldn’t count as absolutely stunning. Speaking of status, she was only concubine-born. Compared to those first-rank legitimate daughters from prestigious families, she was still slightly inferior. Speaking of character, she couldn’t even remotely be connected with pure, kind, modest, or frugal…

Thinking it over, he actually discovered he couldn’t say what exactly he liked about her. This truly was a strange thing… Tuoba Yu couldn’t help standing there stunned, while the Ninth Princess at his side no longer paid him attention and chased after Li Minde.

The Ninth Princess walked all the way but couldn’t find him. Finally, she saw Li Minde at a garden entrance.

The Ninth Princess’s heart thumped several times. Anxiety and awkwardness instantly faded, replaced by indescribable excitement. She looked at the man standing before her, feeling he was perfect in every way—everything suited her heart and made her happy. She couldn’t help thinking, if she asked Father Emperor to make him her consort, what would that scene be like? They would definitely get along very well… At this moment, she’d completely forgotten his coldness toward her these past years, only thinking of beautiful prospects.

Seeing he was about to leave, the Ninth Princess chased after him from behind.

“Li Minde! Stop right there!” As soon as the Ninth Princess spoke, she realized her tone was too fierce. But there was no helping it—she was accustomed to being imperious. Aside from being polite to Father Emperor and Mother Consort, her attitude toward Li Weiyang was about the best, but hearing it now, it sounded far too harsh. She immediately realized this and quickly changed her tone. “I… I’m looking for you about something!”

Seeing his surprised expression, her hand slowly clenched in her sleeve. She tried hard not to reveal too much excitement. Yet despite repeatedly telling herself to stay calm, she still couldn’t help blushing. She bit her lip. “It’s nothing much… I just wanted to tell you that I secretly ran here. Father Emperor and Mother Consort don’t actually know. But you absolutely can’t tell anyone I’m not Eighth Brother—” She spoke haltingly.

“I won’t.” Li Minde smiled slightly, but his expression was very indifferent. “Your Highness, please do as you wish.”

It wasn’t that he hadn’t noticed—he simply didn’t care. However, the Ninth Princess didn’t perceive the difference. She just felt it was somewhat, somewhat awkward… Why was it that though she’d anticipated this meeting so much, when actually seeing him, she felt at a loss with nothing to say? Must she keep going in circles about these uninteresting matters? The Ninth Princess pinched her sleeve and was about to speak when she heard him say, “Is there nothing else?” He looked about to leave immediately!

The Ninth Princess blocked him at once. “Wait! …Take this!”

She handed him a fragrant sachet, then shyly turned to run.

However, Li Minde quickly threw the sachet back. Saying “threw” because he didn’t even glance at it: “Your Highness, you can’t just give this to people. You’d better keep it yourself—I can’t accept it.” Li Minde smiled as he spoke, his tone without a trace of hesitation. Then he turned and left.

The Ninth Princess stared dumbly as he walked away… The sachet in her hand was clenched so tightly it had almost embedded itself. She’d nearly fallen into self-pity and self-blame. He didn’t accept it—he actually didn’t accept it! He dared not accept it! He clearly knew what this sachet meant! The Ninth Princess almost wanted to cry. She was also flushed red with anger. Just as she was about to chase after him, the sachet was suddenly snatched away by someone, followed by loud laughter. “Shameless, shameless! Broad daylight and you’re giving men sachets!”

The Ninth Princess looked and her expression changed dramatically. “Zhang Feng, give it back quickly!”

This youth wore scarlet robes. His face was fair and his features handsome. His eyes carried a smile that made hearts tremble. He looked at the Ninth Princess, then lowered his head to examine the sachet in his hand. At the top was a green lotus supporting a red lotus, connected below to a colorful, cheerfully swaying fish. The fish’s body edge was trimmed with water patterns, below which hung five-colored beaded tassels—extremely delicate and lovely. He murmured, “Fish represents male, lotus represents female. Doesn’t this perfectly match that famous ancient poem: ‘South of the river, one can pick lotuses, lotus leaves spread so wide, fish play among the lotus leaves.’ For Your Highness to give out such a thing—how improper…”

The Ninth Princess flew into a rage because what Zhang Feng quoted was actually an erotic poem. Heaven knows she had no such intention—she’d just learned to make sachets and eagerly sent one to the man she liked. Who knew she’d be mocked by this damned fellow!

Zhang Feng was the Duke of Luo’s grandson and also the Seventh Prince’s cousin. He’d often entered the palace to play since childhood and could be called the Ninth Princess’s childhood companion. But they’d never gotten along—every day the two created chaos together. Whenever they met, no one dared approach within ten li.

The Ninth Princess rushed up regardless of everything. Who knew Zhang Feng would suddenly put away the sachet and laugh. “This is now my leverage. From now on, if you don’t listen to me, I’ll tell others about this sachet—of course, a sachet that was rejected!”

The Ninth Princess’s eyes were red and her face deathly pale. She looked like she wanted to bite him but ultimately didn’t dare say anything given the occasion. She turned and ran. Zhang Feng watched her run, his eyes showing a trace of disappointment. His original smile couldn’t be sustained and slowly sank…

Li Weiyang saw this scene from afar and couldn’t help shaking her head.

Young Master Zhang clearly liked the princess very much—why did he have to express it this way? She pondered for a moment and discovered she simply couldn’t understand the young boy’s thoughts. She could only attribute it to rebellious phase. Probably that was it. Just as she was lost in thought, Sun Yanjun beside her whispered, “Looks like your Third Young Master doesn’t like the princess!”

Li Weiyang was startled, then turned back with a smile. “Yes, it seems he doesn’t like her.”

Sun Yanjun sighed. “Actually being a consort is quite good.”

Li Weiyang said seriously, “Yes, actually you marrying my second brother is quite good too.”

Sun Yanjun unconsciously made a sound of agreement, then suddenly realized what she’d said. Her face immediately flushed as she said angrily, “If you keep talking nonsense, I won’t pay attention to you anymore!”

The marriage between the two families was now settled. According to convention, Miss Sun shouldn’t be wandering about everywhere, but she had a lively personality and couldn’t sit still at all. Fortunately, she came from a military family and didn’t have so many concerns. Plus the Second Lady now desperately wanted her to marry over quickly to avoid complications, so she turned a blind eye.

Li Weiyang smiled. “Fine, don’t pay attention then. Either way, after you marry over, you’ll still have to talk to me!”

Sun Yanjun’s face flushed red like a cooked shrimp. To change the subject, she quickly said, “Did you know? I heard from Father that for the Duke’s wife’s sixtieth birthday, His Majesty specially permitted two Jiang family young masters to return to celebrate! But I didn’t see them just now—I wonder what they look like?”

Li Weiyang’s smile paused momentarily before she finally said, “You mean Second Young Master Jiang Yang and Third Young Master Jiang Hua?”

Sun Yanjun nodded. “Yes, that’s what Father said.”

The Sun family and Jiang family had always had good relations. Especially since Sun’s father was in the military, his information would certainly be accurate. Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “No wonder Miss Gao didn’t come today.”

Jiang Yang’s fiancée was the legitimate daughter of the Xiangyang Earl’s residence, Miss Gao Wan’er. Since Jiang Yang was coming, naturally Miss Gao, who was about to marry, had to avoid the situation.

Sun Yanjun smiled. “People say the Jiang family young masters are all born like elegant jade trees, handsome and upright. Today I can take this chance to have a good look.”

Seeing her excited appearance, Li Weiyang couldn’t help smiling.

Sun Yanjun couldn’t help staring at Li Weiyang. Seeing those dark eyes flowing with brilliant light, for that instant it seemed a hundred charms arose. She couldn’t help being startled. Ordinarily she’d always felt Weiyang was a person with more than enough composure but lacked a young girl’s lively lightness, had more than enough wit but rarely showed romantic interest. As for her dealings with people and handling social situations, she only showed smiles without revealing her true heart. Speaking of intelligence and methods, she herself hadn’t learned even ten percent. However, whenever Li Weiyang treated her, Sun Yanjun, she always showed a genuine smile.

Sun Yanjun thought about it herself but really didn’t know what about her deserved special regard. Actually she didn’t understand that someone as deeply scheming as Li Weiyang always liked simple people or things. Perhaps just as moths yearn toward candlelight and dark nights anticipate sunlight—it was like that.

Just then, a maid walked over and curtsied. “The county princess is here. The lady is looking everywhere for you. Please go pay respects to the Duke’s wife.”

Sun Yanjun looked at Li Weiyang with some trepidation. The Duke’s wife’s scolding of Li Weiyang in the great hall last time had spread to everyone’s knowledge. Now Li Weiyang could attend the banquet entirely thanks to the Empress Dowager’s face. Now the Duke’s wife actually wanted her to pay respects—one could guess this was just to find an opportunity to humiliate Li Weiyang. Sun Yanjun whispered, “Weiyang, make an excuse—don’t go.”

Li Weiyang shook her head. Since she’d already come, deliberately avoiding paying respects would only make others say she was narrow-minded and didn’t understand propriety. Moreover, she really wanted to know how a person as gravely ill as the Duke’s wife had “recovered.”

But before Li Weiyang could speak, she saw a beautiful woman approaching with a face full of smiles. “Weiyang, how did you end up here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Her expression was gentle and caring, like an elder caring for a junior. Though she was only a few years older than Li Weiyang, these words sounded somewhat awkward. This was none other than the Li family’s new lady, Jiang Yuelan. Ordinarily preferring plain dress, today she wore the opposite—a bright red Confucian skirt with exquisite bird and flower embroidery on the lapel. When she walked, her skirt hem swayed, splashing like red clouds—extraordinarily bright and cheerful, a picture of joy.

Sun Yanjun quickly curtsied. “Lady Li.”

Jiang Yuelan smiled. “Miss Sun needn’t be polite. I came to invite Weiyang to go see her grandmother together. Will you come too?”

Sun Yanjun hadn’t yet married over and didn’t count as Li family. Since Jiang Yuelan specified going to see “grandmother,” following along would be too tactless. However, in full view of everyone, the Duke’s wife wouldn’t go too far, right? Thinking this, Sun Yanjun glanced at Li Weiyang and saw her smile and shake her head, finally feeling reassured as she watched Li Weiyang leave together with Jiang Yuelan.

Bypassing the garden, at the inner courtyard’s turning point stood a white jade screen—viewing it gave a sense of restrained wealth. Ahead was a large flower bed blooming with clusters of flowers and lush green grass. Walking past the flower bed, they came to a quiet small pavilion surrounded on four sides by pearl curtains and jade screens. Faintly visible inside was rising incense smoke, lacquered tables and rattan chairs. Just as Li Weiyang reached the entrance, she heard waves of laughter from inside.

Jiang Yuelan smiled. “This is where the Duke’s wife receives friends and relatives—a small tea pavilion.”

The flower hall outside was large and noisy with voices. Here seemed especially quiet. Li Weiyang slightly raised her brows and smiled. “Is the old lady inside?”

Jiang Yuelan smiled. “Yes, the old lady, your eldest sister, and fourth sister are all here.”

When a maid lifted the pearl curtain, Li Weiyang saw the room was quite lively. A crowd surrounded the Duke’s wife sitting in the seat of honor. She wore ordinary everyday clothing. Her hair was pulled back loosely in a bun with a jade comb inserted as decoration—a picture of elegance, nobility, pride and reserve. Beside her sat an eighteen or nineteen-year-old young man properly positioned next to the Duke’s wife. Though merely sitting, one could still see this young man was extremely tall. He wore a jade-green long robe that made him look very distinctive.

Li Weiyang raised her brows slightly and saw him lift his face. Though she’d seen many handsome men, she couldn’t help being slightly surprised. This man’s face was white as a lotus emerging from water. A red mole rested quietly between his brows like the finishing touch on a beauty painting. His eyes flashed with intelligent light. If her memories from the previous life weren’t mistaken, the person before her was—

The Duke’s wife was chatting and laughing with Li Changle. Her laughter was full of vigor, not at all like someone ill. Hearing the sound, she looked up and saw Jiang Yuelan leading Li Weiyang in. She smiled slightly. “You’ve come at just the right time.” Turning her head to the man beside her, she said, “Hua’er, do you remember your maternal aunt and Cousin Weiyang?”

Honestly speaking, Jiang Hua had spent years with Duke Jiang outside—how could he recognize the secluded Jiang Yuelan? Much less Li Weiyang who’d been fostered in the countryside—he couldn’t possibly have met her. But Jiang Hua smiled slightly and performed a generous bow. Despite his young age, he already showed stability and maturity beyond his years. “I’ve met Maternal Aunt. I’ve met Third Cousin.” He acted as if he recognized everyone.

Jiang Yuelan couldn’t help praising, “Third Young Master is mature for his years—truly exceptional.”

Jiang Hua was merely nominally attached to the military without actual rank like his three brothers. But from childhood his literary talent had spread far and wide. At eleven he was called the capital’s foremost talent. At fifteen he was personally appointed Tanhua Scholar by the current emperor. Many poems he’d written in youth still circulated widely among scholars. However, such an outstanding youth, because of Duke Jiang’s wishes, had declined the official position His Majesty granted him, willingly retreating to advise behind the scenes—this was already extremely peculiar.

At this moment, receiving praise, he merely nodded slightly without the slightest pride or exaggeration. Not knowing if it was intentional, he actually smiled slightly at Li Weiyang. That smile made his face appear even more jade-white, reflecting the red mole between his brows with a strangely sinister air.

Li Weiyang glanced at him, thinking: So Jiang Hua’s return this time must be related to what happened in the great hall.

Li Weiyang saw a screen not far away and walked toward it. After all, he was a male guest—she shouldn’t get too close. But the Duke’s wife glanced at her and smiled. “No need for formalities. Everyone in this room is family.”

Li Changle and Li Changxiao weren’t sitting behind the screen but sat far to one side. Li Weiyang glanced at Old Madam Li. Seeing her nod lightly, she smiled slightly and didn’t insist, sitting above Li Changxiao. After Jiang Yuelan sat down, she asked with a smile, “I heard laughter outside just now—what happy occasion occurred?”

Old Madam Li’s face wore a smile. “We were just hearing the in-law lady talk about Third Young Master’s childhood antics!”

Jiang Yuelan smiled. “Oh? What about Third Young Master in childhood?”

Jiang Hai’s wife, Lady Han, had a powdered face blooming with spring, autumn waves in her brows. Combined with her brightly colored gorgeous attire, she was three parts more beautiful. She couldn’t help laughing. “We were saying when Third Young Master was small, he got along extremely well with his cousin Changle. One evening at dinner, the old lady asked if he wanted a wife. He lifted his neck and said no. Asked why, he said he’d agreed with Changle that in the future he’d marry her as his wife!”

Li Weiyang glanced at Li Changle and saw that hearing this childhood story, her face was full of smiles without any particularly embarrassed expression. Clearly, Li Changle and Third Young Master Jiang’s feelings were indeed very good.

Third Young Master smiled slightly. “Cousin Changle is the kind of talent who’ll become an imperial prince’s consort in the future. Elder Sister-in-law, don’t tease me. If you truly care about me, you should hurry and find me a beautiful wife—that would be real!”

Lady Han just laughed, pointing at Li Changxiao and Li Weiyang. “How about this—pick whichever of these two you like, and I’ll matchmake for you!”

Making such unbridled jokes, Old Madam Li’s expression changed slightly, but she couldn’t very well become angry. How could a young lady’s marriage be casually joked about? This Lady Han was too arrogant! The porcelain cup lid in her hand fell heavily with a clear crisp sound.

Jiang Hua glanced at Li Changxiao and saw her face had already reddened beyond measure, not knowing how many layers of rouge had been applied. But that Li Weiyang kept her eyes lowered drinking tea, as if she hadn’t heard at all, as if her spirit had wandered far away for quite some time. Thinking of how everyone at home had evaluated Li Weiyang previously, he smiled. “Elder Sister-in-law, stop teasing me. The two cousins are embarrassed!”

Lady Han smiled broadly. “You don’t like any of the three cousins—that’ll be hard to find! Or have you spent so many years outside with Duke following and encountered some sweetheart?”

Jiang Hua laughed, finally seeming unable to sit still. He stood up. “Elder Sister-in-law keeps coming at me with every sentence—I can’t stay in this room anymore.” Turning back with a smile, he said, “Grandmother, your grandson should go to the front.”

The Duke’s wife smiled. “A roomful of young ladies—sitting here is indeed awkward for you. Go ahead, go!” As she spoke, somehow she reluctantly smoothed a wrinkle on his sleeve. “You’re such a grown person now—you must take good care of yourself.”

Li Weiyang suddenly raised her head and glanced at Jiang Hua, only to see him also start, his face showing a strange expression. The next instant the Duke’s wife smiled. “Still better to marry you off early so I can feel at ease!”

Jiang Hua, seeing his grandmother was just joking, purely an old person’s sentiment, smiled. “Good, I’ll go to the front right now and find you a granddaughter-in-law!” With that, he smiled, performed a bow to everyone, and withdrew.

Long after he’d left, Li Changxiao still stared blankly, unable to recover. Li Weiyang smiled coldly. The Jiang family men’s appearances were indeed very good, but unfortunately she’d looked at Minde for so long—looking at them held no feeling. What truly concerned her was rather that statement the Duke’s wife had just made.

Don’t blame her for being too sensitive, but—on such a joyous occasion, why would the Duke’s wife suddenly say such a thing? What did “must take good care of yourself” mean—like instructions from someone about to travel far to their relatives. And just now in the Duke’s wife’s eyes, there’d clearly been a trace of strange reluctance. Jiang Hua had to leave after the birthday banquet—Li Weiyang knew this. Perhaps the Duke’s wife couldn’t bear to part with him… Li Weiyang took a sip of premium Dragon Well tea, thinking lightly in her heart. She always felt things weren’t this simple. The emotions people revealed when unguarded were most genuine. No matter how careful the Duke’s wife was, that peculiar expression had still deeply imprinted itself in Li Weiyang’s mind, impossible to dispel no matter what.

Just then, a maid reported, “The Crown Prince and Crown Princess have arrived.”

The Duke’s wife smiled. “Distinguished guests have arrived. Look at this outfit of mine—I still need to change.”

Old Madam Li glanced at her. Indeed, to welcome the Crown Prince, she needed to change into first-rank lady’s attire. She couldn’t help saying, “Then I’ll go to the front to welcome them first.”

The Duke’s wife nodded. “Much obliged.”

Li Changle smiled. “Grandmother, let Changle accompany you back to change clothes. We’ll go to the front together afterward.” The Duke’s wife nodded, and she joyfully walked over to support her.

Old Madam Li stood up as if not seeing. A group of people were about to follow her out when suddenly a maid let out an “ah.” Everyone turned to look and saw a large section of Li Weiyang’s skirt hem was wet. A broken teacup lay on the floor—clearly it had been accidentally knocked over when clearing the tea tray. The maid was extremely flustered and immediately knelt. “County Princess, forgive this servant!”

Li Weiyang glanced at Old Madam Li and saw she indeed frowned. Lady Han quickly came over. “You maid—how can you not even do this simple task properly! County Princess, we’re terribly sorry!” Her face was full of apology.

Jiang Yuelan walked over quickly. “How did this happen? The skirt is all wet! Weiyang, you’d better go to the back guest room and change!” Turning to Bai Zhi, she said, “Your miss brought a spare skirt when going out, right?”

Young ladies always had to prepare for contingencies when going out. Bai Zhi said, “It’s in the back of the carriage. This servant will fetch it right away.” She glanced at Zhao Yue, who nodded slightly. Only then did she leave reassured.

Jiang Yuelan said with concern, “Weiyang, I’ll accompany you to change skirts.”

She’d just appropriately displayed a mother’s care. Refusing would seem cold and unfeeling. Li Weiyang smiled slightly, as if not noticing anything amiss, and just nodded. Turning to Lady Han, she said, “Elder Sister-in-law, I’ll need to borrow your side room.”

Lady Han smiled. “Hanxiang, take the county princess to change clothes!” A beautiful maid in blue immediately stepped forward, lowering her eyes deferentially. “Please follow me, both of you.”

The side room was very quiet. Zhao Yue kept guard outside the entire time. Until Jiang Yuelan accompanied Li Weiyang out after changing skirts, nothing special happened. Only that maid called Hanxiang lowered her head. “Both of you, my Duke’s wife requests your presence.”

Right now? Li Weiyang glanced at Jiang Yuelan and saw her face also seemed to show surprise. “Aren’t we supposed to go to the front to welcome the Crown Prince and Crown Princess?”

Hanxiang smiled apologetically. “The Duke’s wife only gave these instructions. This servant knows nothing else.”

Li Weiyang said lightly, “Then Mother should go on your own.” With that, she turned to leave, clearly having no intention of going.

Hanxiang blocked her path in trepidation, bowing. “County Princess, the Duke’s wife says it’s better to resolve grievances than maintain them. She sincerely wishes to untie this knot. Please reconsider, County Princess.”

What did this mean? Li Weiyang turned to glance at Jiang Yuelan. Her face similarly showed a thoughtful expression. Li Weiyang didn’t speak. Jiang Yuelan quickly stepped forward. “Weiyang, it seems the Duke’s wife intends to reconcile with you. In my view, you should still go see.”

Li Weiyang looked at Jiang Yuelan with a half-smile. “Mother is telling me to go?”

Jiang Yuelan’s face showed difficulty. “Weiyang, you must understand my difficulties too. Since I became your mother, I’ve never harmed you, have I? Why guard even against me? If you’re uneasy, bring your maids inside. It’s all women in the room—who could possibly harm you? Your suspicious nature is really too heavy.” She looked deeply regretful.

Li Weiyang blinked at Bai Zhi. Bai Zhi smiled slightly and lowered her head. Only then did Li Weiyang say slowly, “Since Mother commands it, naturally Weiyang must go. Mother, please go first.”

Jiang Yuelan let out an imperceptible sigh of relief and smiled. “Let’s go.”

When entering the room, the Duke’s wife sat on the large kang leaning against a soft pillow. Li Changle was serving her along with maids helping her dress. On the five-bat-holding-peach pear wood table below the window sat a dark, oily bronze censer with silver-inlaid lotus petal pearl patterns, slowly releasing sandalwood smoke in wisps and threads, emitting a faint fragrance. The Duke’s wife had changed into a brocade robe with longevity medallions, the cuffs rolled with two layers of trim—refreshing yet not lacking magnificence. Hearing footsteps, she turned her head.

Li Weiyang curtsied to greet the Duke’s wife, who said slowly, “I have a few words to say to you.”

Li Weiyang looked up and saw Li Changle, who was arranging her skirt nearby, tremble with both hands. But the Duke’s wife calmly, gently grasped her hands. Li Changle seemed to gain support and regained her composure. The Duke’s wife sighed. “Li Weiyang, I know—everything was done by you. Including my daughter’s death, including the Jiang family’s two hundred thousand military authority, including Nan’er’s crimes—everything, everything was designed by you.”

Li Weiyang looked at her and said slowly, “Please forgive me, but Weiyang truly doesn’t understand what you’re saying.”

The wrinkles on the Duke’s wife’s forehead seemed to all smooth out. She said lightly, “What’s done is done—why put on an act?”

Though her voice was light, the deep bitterness within could be clearly heard. A gentle breeze leisurely penetrated through the window cracks. Outside, tree leaves rustled with the wind. Unknowingly, a silent chill enveloped the entire room.

Jiang Yuelan, seeing this scene, quietly retreated to one side.

Li Changle bit her lip. “Li Weiyang, right now there’s only you, me, Mother, and Grandmother here. Whatever you have to say, you needn’t hide or conceal—let’s speak plainly!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “Is this a three-judge trial today? Did Grandmother invite me here to clarify the truth or to demand accountability?”

“Demand accountability?” The Duke’s wife scoffed lightly, dejectedly. “I’m old. Changle is incompetent. My sons can only fight on battlefields. In this kind of vicious inner chamber struggle, not one can match you. What accountability can we demand?”

Li Weiyang responded briefly, “You’re right. You’re unquestionably the elder. Weiyang dares not argue.”

The Duke’s wife gazed at her calm countenance and sighed softly. “Such a pity! If I could live a few more years, perhaps I really could avenge my daughter. But what a pity, what a pity…”

She said “what a pity” several times, as if truly filled with infinite desolation. However, Li Weiyang gazed intently at her, revealing a strange expression.

This old woman and young girl scrutinized each other. In both their eyes, flames leaped. The Duke’s wife stopped speaking for a long time. Just when Li Weiyang thought she wouldn’t say anything more, she suddenly said, “Today I called you here not to be your enemy. I only want to settle this grudge once and for all.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “Weiyang doesn’t understand your meaning.”

“I admit defeat.” The Duke’s wife looked at Li Weiyang and said slowly, “I’ve already lost a daughter and a grandson. I can’t continue this endless fighting. The Jiang family absolutely cannot lose anyone else…”

Li Weiyang raised her face noncommittally. After a moment, she said quietly, “Does Grandmother truly think this way?”

The Duke’s wife sighed slightly and said slowly, “Honestly, I still resent you in my heart. But—thinking of the bigger picture, I want to resolve this grudge with you. From now on, we’ll mind our own business.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang felt it extremely strange. She studied the Duke’s wife’s expression, as if weighing, thinking, and also as if waiting for something.

The Duke’s wife smiled slightly. “You’re just a fifteen-year-old girl. In the future you’ll have to marry. Fighting to the death with your own sisters—what benefit is there? She paused briefly, her smile dimming three parts. “When people die, sins scatter. Rou’er has long passed away. I too am someone not long for this world. Having lived to this age, how can I not see through things? I don’t want to seek revenge on you anymore. As long as you promise me you won’t harm Changle and the Jiang family from now on, I’ll also promise you can safely be your county princess until you die. But if you refuse to agree, then even if it takes all the Jiang family’s strength, we won’t let you have peace!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “Grandmother, from beginning to end, I never provoked first.”

The Duke’s wife laughed coldly, clearly never having considered this question. She only said, “You just need to say—do you agree or not!”

Still as overbearing as always! Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “Weiyang naturally has no reason not to agree.” But could Li Changle manage it? In her eyes, infinite hatred clearly lurked. Blood feuds had already formed—how could they be easily resolved?

Only then did the Duke’s wife smile, warm as spring breeze. “You’re only fifteen after all. Being too obsessed isn’t good. This is better.” Standing up, she said, “From now on, I hope you’ll live harmoniously together. Then I can feel at ease.” Then she glanced at the red lacquer fruit plate on the table. “Now, bring me that plate of candied dates.” As if treating her like her own granddaughter—intimate and casual in her command. If it were someone else who’d just reconciled, they would definitely rush up eagerly to express loyalty. However, Li Weiyang only raised her brows without moving an inch.

Jiang Yuelan pushed the completely motionless Li Weiyang. “Hurry and go—the old lady has forgiven you!” But Li Weiyang acted as if she hadn’t heard. Jiang Yuelan grew a bit anxious and personally carried the fruit plate to put in her hands. “Go ahead. From now on we won’t need to worry or fear. A family living well together—isn’t that good?”

Living well together? That was a beautiful scene. Li Weiyang glanced at Li Changle and smiled. “Let’s hope so.”

The Duke’s wife had already been helped into her clothes by maids. Slowly she was supported as she walked over, seeming somewhat unsteady on her feet. Then she took a candied date from the fruit plate Li Weiyang held and put it in her mouth. But she only took one bite before setting it down and sighing. “At my age, I can’t taste anything anymore!” With that, she didn’t glance at Li Weiyang again and walked straight out.

In the great hall, guests gathered like clouds. The Crown Prince wore a face full of smiles as he presented the birthday gift to the Duke’s wife. The Duke’s wife stroked the scroll painting as if extremely cherishing it. The Crown Prince smiled. “This is a work by a great master from the previous dynasty, containing one thousand and one longevity characters. I wish the old lady blessings like the Eastern Sea and longevity like the Southern Mountains—”

The Duke’s wife didn’t speak. She suddenly raised her head to look at him, her gaze seeming to hold a trace of desolation. Finally, her body gave a tremendous shudder as she spat out blood.

Not askew, not awry—it all sprayed directly onto the Crown Prince’s face.

Beside her, Li Changle cried out, “Grandmother! Grandmother, what’s wrong?”

The Duke’s wife fell backward with a thud, sinking into unconsciousness. And the Crown Prince, wearing that head and face covered in fresh blood, was so frightened he hardly knew where he was—

This scene made everyone’s eyes widen. In this instant, everything froze.