The Crown Prince specially set aside over a dozen guest rooms for the injured guests to receive treatment. These people all had extraordinary status, so the entire Imperial Medical Bureau was mobilized. Among them, Physician Wang usually treated the Li family, so he was quite familiar with them. Without Li Weiyang’s instruction, he went to examine Li Minde.

Li Weiyang stood outside the door, feeling her body alternating between cold and hot. She just quietly watched everyone rushing about, occasionally hearing piercing wails. She should have gone inside, but now she only hoped the cold wind could blow some clarity into her mind!

Jiang Yuelan and Li Changxiao had gone to visit the pregnant concubine at the time and weren’t in the garden, so they luckily escaped disaster. The Crown Prince had Tuoba Zhen and many guards protecting him, so he was also completely unharmed. The ones who truly suffered were those unarmed female relatives. Those flower-like young ladies thus met their untimely end. Originally this was the Crown Princess’s birthday banquet—most attendees were pampered young ladies from major families, all treasured at home, usually never stepping outside, who encountered assassins and didn’t even have the strength to run. Twelve died in total. Seeing such tragic circumstances, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but sigh repeatedly. He hurriedly ordered people to report deaths to each family and arranged rooms for the survivors to rest.

Li Weiyang watched this scene coldly, her mind racing. After settling the injured, the Crown Prince had personally entered the palace to report everything to His Majesty. The assassins not only entered the Crown Prince’s residence in broad daylight to kill indiscriminately, they even carried accusations of executing rebels. Rebels—who were the rebels, the Crown Prince? This was the Crown Princess’s birthday banquet. The vast majority of attendees were female relatives. Why massacre them all too? It seemed more like inciting hatred than killing people.

“Are you frightened?” Suddenly someone’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

Li Weiyang turned around and saw the person before her had already changed into moon-white brocade robes, waist bound with an eight-treasure glazed jade belt, face like jade, sword-like brows and starry eyes—truly a handsome appearance like a jade tree. Who else but Tuoba Zhen!

“I was covered in blood and feared frightening you, so I went to change clothes,” Tuoba Zhen explained.

Li Weiyang’s gaze looked at him coldly, saying nothing.

“Earlier I told you to hide behind the rocks. It’s all your maid’s fault for drawing the enemies over,” Tuoba Zhen said immediately when she didn’t speak.

Seeing people cut in half by swords with blood splattering everywhere—anyone would find such bloody scenes unbearable. Never mind Li Weiyang herself—she had seen countless horrifying scenes in the Cold Palace. Zhao Yue had undergone rigorous training. What about Bai Zhi? Though she had witnessed killing before, that was with psychological preparation. This time, not only her but even Li Weiyang couldn’t endure such cruel scenes and could barely control her body’s trembling. Now Tuoba Zhen was actually blaming a maid for drawing enemies over.

Tuoba Zhen looked at her pallid face and unexpectedly said gently: “I will definitely find out who did this.”

Tuoba Zhen’s personality was actually extremely similar to this dynasty’s Emperor—one moment gentle as a breeze, the next able to transform into thunderous rage. Seeing him so humble and submissive, as if he cared about her immensely, anyone else wouldn’t know how happy they’d be. Li Weiyang only remained silent for a long while before answering irrelevantly: “I heard Fifth Prince Consort Wu Leiling is safe and even protected several female relatives.”

Tuoba Zhen paused and nodded: “That’s true. However, I find this matter very suspicious. Since those assassins killed everyone they saw, why would they spare her? Isn’t that very strange?”

Li Weiyang stared into his eyes and said coolly: “Your Highness means this matter is related to Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui.”

Tuoba Zhen said slowly: “This requires… naturally requires further investigation. In any case, the Crown Princess also unfortunately perished. The Crown Prince is very grieved. Plus so many people from various families died—this matter definitely cannot end well.”

Li Weiyang looked at him unblinkingly. That all-seeing gaze made Tuoba Zhen almost unable to look directly at her face, but he forcibly restrained himself and only said: “Don’t worry, I’ll arrange for people to safely escort you back shortly.”

Li Weiyang no longer looked at him and said coolly: “No need.” With that, she walked past him toward the guest rooms where Physician Wang was treating Li Minde.

Tuoba Zhen stared blankly as she turned away. Earlier when he passed through the garden, he encountered those young ladies—every single one crying and laughing, celebrating their survival, some even actively seeking his comfort and protection. Only Li Weiyang was so different. Tuoba Zhen’s heart felt sour and bitter—he couldn’t describe what flavor it was. He couldn’t help but reach out his hand, but before he could speak to make her stay, Li Weiyang suddenly turned back: “There’s one more thing I want to ask clearly.”

Tuoba Zhen’s face twisted slightly. He took a deep breath: “Speak.”

Li Weiyang looked at him for a long while, then suddenly smiled slightly: “From when the incident happened until now, have you seen the Jiang family? Were they injured?”

Tuoba Zhen’s breathing became more rapid, but he said in a low voice: “The Jiang family female relatives were with your mother and fourth sister at Concubine Jiang’s quarters, so they’re safe.”

Li Weiyang’s face showed a trace of gloom, but she said softly: “I see.”

In that instant, Tuoba Zhen almost thought she had seen through something. However, Li Weiyang’s face was exceptionally calm. She turned and entered the guest room without looking back.

Inside the room, Physician Wang frowned, examining the wound on Li Minde’s chest. Seeing how it had pierced straight through from back to front, just one glance made him feel horrified. He truly didn’t know how the young man had endured it.

Li Weiyang asked Physician Wang: “How is he?”

Physician Wang sighed lightly: “The iron arrow has been extracted, but the arrowhead was poisoned. Neutralizing this poison won’t happen overnight. I fear he won’t survive—”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but stiffen her back and said urgently: “He’ll survive! He definitely can survive!”

Physician Wang nodded and said carefully: “It’s just that this injury is truly too severe. Even I don’t have complete confidence.”

Just the wound itself—slightly off, it hadn’t pierced the heart. But adding the unknown poison made it truly difficult to say.

Li Weiyang looked at the unconscious Li Minde, her eyes gradually kindling a cold gleam like flames burning in ice, making viewers’ hearts tremble: “I know how to save him.”

Though Physician Wang said the patient mustn’t be moved, Li Weiyang insisted on taking Li Minde back to the Li residence. Seeing her so stubborn, the others were helpless. Zhao Yue was also injured, but only in the shoulder—not very serious. The person responsible for primary guard duty became Zhao Nan. But just as they boarded the carriage, Li Weiyang said to Zhao Nan: “The road the Jiang family takes returning home—block it completely for me. Force them to go through Yonghua Gate, then you change clothes and go straight to Yonghua Gate to ambush them. No matter what methods you use, bring someone back to me!”

Zhao Nan said: “This subordinate understands Miss’s meaning, but the methods involved will inevitably be extreme. Will it alarm outsiders?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her eyes showing unspeakable viciousness: “Jiang Hua and the others will definitely stay at the Crown Prince’s residence to help them clean up the aftermath. I only want the Jiang family masters—whichever one is fine! Naturally there are methods that won’t alarm outsiders. A horse gets frightened and runs wild, accidentally losing one or two people along the way—isn’t that very easy?”

Zhao Nan was startled, then realized Li Weiyang wasn’t joking. He immediately lowered his head: “Yes, this subordinate will arrange it immediately.”

“All this is for your young master’s life. There can be no mistakes!” Li Weiyang said word by word.

Zhao Nan worked extremely efficiently and deeply grasped Li Weiyang’s intent. Half an hour later, Jiang Tian was imprisoned in the Li residence’s dungeon. Speaking of the Li family dungeon, it had been uninhabited for over ten years. Dust was everywhere, rats crawled all over the ground—truly disgusting to the extreme. Yet Li Weiyang chose this place to confine Jiang Tian, exactly the same as last time.

Jiang Tian shouted: “Li Weiyang, you little bitch, you’re pulling this trick again!” He had been confined at the Jiang residence for so long he truly couldn’t endure it. Taking advantage of today’s chaos at the residence, he secretly slipped out. Who knew that just reaching the street corner, someone intercepted him. Once was enough, but this kidnapping routine came twice—did they really think he, Jiang Tian, was a coward?!

Just then, the prison door made a clicking sound. Then Li Weiyang slowly descended the steps, her soft beautiful dress still carrying blood stains. Clearly she hadn’t had time to change clothes after returning to the residence. The dungeon had no light—only torches were lit. The firelight illuminated her jade-like face, her dark pupils glowing with cold light like an ancient well.

Jiang Tian raised his eyes. Li Weiyang’s dark pupils were like cold arrows, falling on him with extreme iciness.

“As long as you treat our young master, we’ll release you,” Zhao Nan said coldly.

Jiang Tian sneered: “What are you saying? I don’t understand at all!”

“Our young master was injured at the Crown Princess’s birthday banquet and was also poisoned,” Zhao Nan said impatiently but had to explain.

Jiang Tian laughed loudly: “Serves him right! What a pity—why wasn’t it you who died, Li Weiyang?! Though from now on with one less person protecting you, your death date is probably coming soon too!”

After Third Young Master Jiang’s education, Fifth Young Master Jiang’s courage had obviously grown considerably. He knew Li Weiyang couldn’t possibly kill him, because they had come to him, which meant Li Minde’s injuries were extraordinary and only he could save him! If Li Weiyang killed him, Li Minde would have to be buried with him. However, he absolutely wouldn’t save that person. Anyway, Li Weiyang didn’t dare do anything to him. As long as he endured this time!

Zhao Nan flew into a rage, raised his foot and kicked him down, grabbed his collar, and slapped him over a dozen times back and forth. Jiang Tian grimaced in pain but made no sound, only glaring at him coldly. Zhao Nan hatefully gathered all his strength and viciously kicked his chest.

Li Weiyang suddenly spoke: “Bring the person in.”

Jiang Tian’s eyes widened. Then he watched his eldest brother Jiang Hai being brought in. Jiang Hai was very disheveled, head hanging down, covered in dust. Even one arm had been broken by someone, clearly held at a strange angle.

“You—such audacity!” Jiang Tian said angrily. Jiang Hai had escorted the First and Second Madams Jiang to attend the banquet. Of course, Third Young Master Jiang Hua also accompanied them.

Actually, Li Weiyang had originally told Zhao Nan to abduct Jiang family female relatives. Unfortunately, Jiang Hua stayed alone at the Crown Prince’s residence but very cautiously had Jiang Hai escort them back. Halfway, Zhao Nan’s people engaged with the Jiang family guards. Originally Zhao Nan had already grabbed the reins of First Madam Jiang’s carriage, but who knew Jiang Hai would block him. With no choice, Zhao Nan ordered everyone to concentrate their attack on Jiang Hai and forcibly brought him back.

Speaking of it, this was an accident, but for Li Weiyang, whether she had captured the two Jiang madams or Jiang Hai, the effect was the same.

“You don’t dare kill my eldest brother! You absolutely don’t dare!” Jiang Tian glared furiously at Li Weiyang. He remembered Third Brother once said Li Weiyang was only bluffing—she didn’t dare use private torture!

“The Jiang family has so many enemies—who knows who might act?” Li Weiyang sighed, her gaze calm as she spoke. However, only she herself knew that her heart repeatedly burned like fire. If not for forcibly restraining herself, she would have already twisted off the Jiang brothers’ heads!

“They’ll investigate! They’ll definitely investigate! Uncle and Third Brother will definitely find this place!” Jiang Tian immediately shouted loudly.

Li Weiyang’s lips curved: “By the time they come, your bones will have turned to ash. What will they find?”

Jiang Tian’s face became even uglier than before. He couldn’t believe Li Weiyang actually dared do such a thing: “You think the capital is a place where you can act recklessly! There’s still the Emperor, still the Imperial Guards—you actually privately abducted people—”

Li Weiyang sneered: “Imperial Guards? His Majesty? Right now they’re all busy searching for those assassins who broke into the Crown Prince’s residence. They can’t spare attention for you. Moreover, the assassins even dared enter the Crown Prince’s residence—a mere Jiang family, why would they take it seriously? Don’t worry, my people worked very cleanly. To outsiders it will just seem like vengeance. Speaking of which, the Late Dynasty’s Minister of Rites was also openly killed in the street. In the end they couldn’t find the murderer and it was dropped. I’m just copying their example—what’s there to fear?”

Jiang Tian hadn’t expected Li Weiyang’s bones to be so domineering and terrifying. For a moment he was too shocked to speak.

At this time, the unconscious Jiang Hai suddenly awoke. As soon as he moved, he felt his arm hurt piercingly. He opened his eyes, saw the situation clearly before him, and couldn’t help but sneer coldly: “Li Weiyang, you want to use my life to threaten my fifth brother? Little bitch, we won’t fall for your tricks. In the end you’ll still have to return us unharmed!”

Hearing this confident, arrogant words, Li Weiyang’s expression appeared calm and unruffled, but that cold cluster of dark fire in her eyes made people very afraid. She asked coolly: “Have you both thought it through?”

Jiang Hai sneered: “Little bitch, if you don’t release us within half an hour, my third brother will come knocking. You can think carefully about what will happen to you then!”

Zhao Nan’s expression changed. He went up and viciously kicked him. But Li Weiyang slightly raised her hand: “Eldest Young Master, at the banquet someone saw Third Young Master Jiang holding a bow and arrow.”

Jiang Hai’s expression changed. Li Weiyang had been staring at the changes in his facial expression. Now she exhaled a long breath and said slowly: “I understand. This debt—I will definitely settle with him! However—not now! Right now I just want to request a physician to treat Minde. Since you’re both so stubborn, don’t blame me for being impolite.”

Jiang Hai sneered. He had seen all sorts of terrifying interrogation methods in the military—what fearsome torture could make him change color? As long as he endured half an hour, once Jiang Hua got news of their disappearance, he would definitely know they were here. Then Li Weiyang would have only a dead end! He had complete confidence in Jiang Hua’s methods and schemes—there would definitely be no problems!

Li Weiyang looked at the indifferent Jiang brothers and smiled slightly: “The Jiang family participated in this incident, didn’t they? So many people died—are you very happy and satisfied? Originally if you hadn’t provoked me, I wouldn’t have interfered. But you insisted on seeking death—who can you blame? Jiang Hua injured Minde, so I’ll collect a little interest from you. Very fair.”

Jiang Hai wasn’t afraid of whips, fire tongs, branding irons, or finger presses. In his view, these things from the military were child’s play. He thought whatever methods Li Weiyang used would be the same. However, Li Weiyang said slowly: “At today’s banquet, Miss Liu had small feet and couldn’t run, so she was brutally slaughtered. That sound was truly unforgettable. Jiang Hai, you must have heard it, right?”

Jiang Hai didn’t know what she wanted to say. He only looked at her coldly, his expression extremely stern.

“Small feet—because men all like women to sway gracefully and walk delicately. But they don’t know that to satisfy their preferences, women desperately torture themselves. Especially this Miss Liu—I heard she still maintained the previous dynasty’s foot-binding custom. Eldest Cousin, I want to let you also taste the flavor of small feet.”

Zhao Nan didn’t even blink. A long sword had already cut off half of Jiang Hai’s left foot. Jiang Hai’s scream almost lifted the roof. Li Weiyang smiled: “You can’t endure this already? Someone, help Eldest Cousin up.”

Black-clothed guards laid down a steel needle board on the ground, forcibly pulled Jiang Hai up, and compelled him to step across the steel needles step by step. Blood immediately left over a dozen blood trails. Jiang Hai hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to be so cruel. His mouth cursed continuously. Li Weiyang smiled: “There’s still another one, isn’t there?” In the blink of an eye, Jiang Hai’s right foot was also missing half. Hearing his elder brother’s scream, Jiang Tian was so frightened he retreated half a step, desperately backing away.

Li Weiyang’s smile in the darkness was like a blooming flower—secluded and beautiful, carrying an emotionless statement: “In the past in the Cold Palace, those bored gate-keeping eunuchs thought of a very interesting method. They heated iron plates red-hot and forced those fallen-from-favor palace consorts to dance on the iron plates. They even gave it a very poetic name—’Lotus Steps.'” At that time, both her feet had been completely broken with no way to dance. Those people forced her to crawl bit by bit across the iron plate. All the skin on her body was severely burned as a result. That kind of pain was far more terrifying than hellfire.

Jiang Tian’s eyes widened. Watching the brave battlefield general Jiang Hai emit miserable howls, he involuntarily trembled all over. Li Weiyang wasn’t joking—she was serious! She was serious! She would rather kill everyone than force him to save someone!

Hearing those successive screams that barely sounded human anymore, the foot already severed in half still having to walk on steel needles, leaving one blood print after another—the scene was too terrifying. Even the black-clothed guards forcibly restraining Jiang Hai turned deathly pale. Yet Li Weiyang smiled: “You knew very well that the banquet had only innocent female relatives, yet you helped the Crown Prince plan such a massacre. You all deserve to die.”

Jiang Tian screamed: “No! We didn’t know anything! Please let us go! Please spare my elder brother!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Didn’t know? Then I’ll let you know. Today only the Jiang family emerged unscathed. Oh no, perhaps your fake third brother will suffer some injury. At the Crown Prince’s residence, the Crown Princess was brutally murdered. Twelve of the female relatives she invited died. Others were also severely injured. Right now there are twenty or thirty lying in bed with uncertain life or death! I’m guessing shortly His Majesty will discover those assassins all have connections to the Fifth Prince. Then everyone will say, yes, why was only the Fifth Prince Consort safe and even able to protect other female relatives? Doesn’t this indicate the Fifth Prince Consort came prepared? Then evidence will pile up more and more. Behind the Fifth Prince will be implicated the Seventh Prince who isn’t currently in the capital. Then everyone will think these two colluded wanting to plot rebellion. The Fifth Prince forged evidence of the Crown Prince’s treason in the capital intending to force abdication, while the Seventh Prince secretly detoured to Duke Luo’s stationed troops wanting to coordinate from within and without. Then Duke Jiang will eliminate traitors for the nation, sending troops to kill the rebel Tuoba Yu. And you, Jiang Tian, will take the pre-prepared antidote to play your divine physician role, saving countless people and winning back the Jiang family’s reputation. Am I right?”

Jiang Tian collapsed completely on the ground, looking at Li Weiyang with an expression of extreme terror: “This is all too absurd—you’re making it all up!”

Li Weiyang sneered coldly. Right, all this was merely her speculation. But now—she was basically certain. She said slowly: “The Fifth Prince is fundamentally a foolish person. This matter isn’t exactly wronging him. I think you all instigated the Crown Prince to grasp some serious mistake the Fifth Prince made, forcing him to act prematurely. The arrival of those assassins was already within your expectations. You just opened the net waiting for him to act. It could be said that killing so many people wasn’t the Fifth Prince—it was you who set the trap!”

Jiang Tian kept retreating backward, almost crawling to the wall corner.

Li Weiyang’s smile carried regret throughout: “Of course, what I said isn’t completely accurate. To gain the Emperor’s trust, you must have already compiled countless pieces of evidence. But are you doing this for the Crown Prince, or for Tuoba Zhen?”

Jiang Tian’s eyes had reached a state of extreme terror. He hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to connect so much so quickly, even asking the key question.

Jiang Hai had nearly fainted from pain earlier but relied on powerful willpower to hold on. Now gasping, he opened his eyes a crack: “Little bitch—if you dare, kill me!”

Li Weiyang smiled at Jiang Tian: “I already said I’m only collecting a little interest. See how anxious your elder brother is.” Jiang Tian was already too frightened to speak a word. Li Weiyang smiled slightly at him, and he immediately shrank into a ball.

Such cruel torture—unheard of, unseen. Jiang Tian swore he never wanted to see Li Weiyang again in this lifetime! Just as he was about to agree to save someone, Jiang Hai—his human form already degraded, face ashen gray—forcibly shouted sternly: “Don’t you dare agree! If you dare agree—” Before Jiang Hai could finish, Zhao Nan had already stepped on his chest.

Truly a man who had rolled around on battlefields—really tough enough. Li Weiyang lowered her head, smiled for a moment, then raised her head to ask: “Really won’t save him?”

Jiang Tian discovered his teeth were chattering: “I… I…”

Li Weiyang sighed long and said: “I remember at today’s banquet we ate roasted lamb. The flavor wasn’t good—too gamey.” She beckoned. Immediately someone brought over an iron rack. They stripped Jiang Hai of his clothes and bound his already blood-soaked body to it. Li Weiyang lowered her eyes: “Shortly before Miss Liu died, she said with eyes still open that the most delicious thing in this world is the taste of newborn tender lamb. But I disagree. Jiang Tian, do you believe it?”

Jiang Tian really didn’t know what she wanted to do. He only watched in terror, completely unaware he had already wet his pants in fright. Yet Jiang Hai endured the severe pain forcibly, making no sound.

Seeing Jiang Tian frightened but still unwilling to save someone, Li Weiyang sighed: “Proceed.”

Zhao Nan had already received instructions. He began heating the iron rack. Slowly, Jiang Hai only felt scorching heat rising from his feet. His feet that had already lost feeling from pain seemed to regain sensation—but it was unbearably miserable agony. He wanted to scream out but was gagged with a cloth.

Jiang Tian watched the iron rack slowly cook his elder brother’s flesh. Zhao Nan held an iron brush, slowly brushing down the cooked meat from Jiang Hai’s thigh, casually tossing it into a tray. Immediately it emitted a terrifying charred smell.

“I know Eldest Cousin is a remarkable heroic figure who can endure this little suffering.” Li Weiyang smiled. But Jiang Tian watched in terror as Zhao Nan held the tray walking toward him. He couldn’t help but scream, trying to prevent the other’s approach. Yet Zhao Nan came closer and closer. Jiang Tian stared at those chunks of meat, desperately bent over, and instinctively vomited until even bile came out.

Li Weiyang said coolly: “People say ‘fighting tigers needs brothers, going to battle needs father and son.’ Your relationship is so good—naturally the meat should also be eaten together.”

Jiang Hai considered himself a heroic figure—no fearsome torture would make him change color. But now watching his own limbs become white skeletal bones, never mind the bitterness—this terrifying unbearable torment had already driven him nearly mad! His eyes rolled back and he fainted completely.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly like willow silk and said slowly: “Jiang Tian, my patience is very limited. Tell me, should you—”

Jiang Tian crawled and rolled, prostrating at her feet: “I’ll save him! I’ll save him! Don’t kill me! Don’t kill me!”

Li Weiyang sighed, her voice gentle as if speaking to a lover: “You harbor hatred. I’m so afraid you’ll harm my family. What should be done about this?”

Jiang Tian gritted his teeth: “I fear death and absolutely won’t do such a thing!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, stroking his forehead: “What a good child.”

Yet Jiang Tian shrank to one side. Li Weiyang said: “Send Divine Physician Jiang to treat the patient.”

Jiang Tian was lifted up, already extremely disheveled. He said softly: “Release… release my elder brother… please…”

Li Weiyang glanced at him lightly. His heart nearly lost its rhythm, completely filled with terror.

Li Weiyang said coolly: “I already said the Jiang family killed so many people and needs to pay some interest. Go.”

Jiang Tian didn’t dare say more. He feared angering Li Weiyang. Her methods were terrifyingly extreme. If he said more, she probably wouldn’t spare his life either. Previously in the military he had seen Third Brother and them interrogate prisoners and already thought it was incomparably cruel. But Li Weiyang—surpassed them. Falling into her hands was truly a fate worse than death. He began to regret, regret immensely—why had he actively provoked her…

Zhao Nan ordered people to take Jiang Tian under guard to treat the patient, then looked at the unconscious Jiang Hai: “Miss, what about him?”

Li Weiyang looked at Jiang Hai and smiled slightly: “I heard this Eldest Cousin has a sweetheart he’s very fond of.”

Zhao Nan didn’t know what Li Weiyang meant by suddenly bringing this up. He only looked at her in confusion. Li Weiyang sighed: “You don’t need to know. Just follow my instructions.”

“Yes.”

Inside the room, Jiang Tian had already changed into clean clothes before entering to examine the patient. After he finished diagnosing and prescribing medicine, he turned around and saw Li Weiyang standing behind him. He was immediately startled, but seeing Li Weiyang’s expression was calm with no intention of using him as a target, he said: “I’ve already neutralized his poison. However, he’s severely injured and cannot be moved easily. He also mustn’t get wet. It’s best to have him lie in bed resting quietly, doing nothing.”

Li Weiyang glanced at an old physician specially invited to the side. The other confirmed to her: “I also examined him. There’s no serious problem.”

Only then did Jiang Tian breathe a sigh of relief. No wonder Li Weiyang dared let him examine the patient—there was another physician here. If he had just tampered and it was discovered, he probably would have lost his life. Li Weiyang nodded: “I’ll see you out.”

Jiang Tian followed Li Weiyang out fearfully. Walking to the door, he suddenly knelt before her: “Please spare me. I’ll never dare oppose you again! As long as you spare me, I’ll leave the capital from now on and absolutely won’t step foot here again!” He was different from his brothers—he wasn’t some battlefield hero. He was just a physician who treated patients and saved people when idle, enjoyed beautiful companions when happy. There was absolutely no reason to oppose Li Weiyang. Moreover, he didn’t have the life to control her. Better to recognize reality early and get lost.

Li Weiyang said nothing, only looked at him quietly.

Jiang Tian grew even more afraid, repeatedly kowtowing: “I know you think I’m shameless, but I beg you to spare my life. I’ll never help Third Brother and them harm people again!”

Watching a perfectly good romantic young master frightened into this state, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile slightly. Suddenly she waved her hand at Zhao Nan. Jiang Tian was frightened to death, desperately clutching Li Weiyang’s shoes: “Let me go, let me go! Don’t kill me!”

Zhao Nan laughed despite himself and lifted him up: “Miss said she won’t kill you, so she won’t kill you. Stop whining—not manly at all! Get up! Come out with me!”

Jiang Tian still had an incredulous expression, staring at Li Weiyang, afraid she’d go back on her word. However, she smiled slightly: “Remember the oath you made. Never return to the capital in this life, otherwise—”

“There’s no otherwise! No otherwise! I absolutely won’t come back!” Never mind being selfish and disregarding the Jiang family—he was just an ordinary person who didn’t want to offend a baleful star like Li Weiyang, nor could he bear to watch the Jiang family fall into desperate straits. Better to leave early for early salvation. Anyway, the Jiang family didn’t lack him as one son. Let them fight among themselves! Jiang Tian secretly made up his mind and followed behind Zhao Nan, leaving without looking back.

Bai Zhi said quietly: “Miss, are you really releasing him?”

Li Weiyang said coolly: “People all say Jiang Hua is the Jiang family’s smartest son, but I don’t think that’s entirely true.”

Bai Zhi looked strangely at her own miss, not understanding what she meant by this. However, turning around, Li Weiyang had already entered the room.

Seeing Minde’s wound still made Li Weiyang feel somewhat shaken. She felt she probably wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight. The maids in Third Young Master’s room were all his trusted confidants. Seeing Third Miss now, they immediately all withdrew. Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu guarded outside the room, preventing idle people from approaching.

Unexpectedly, upon learning Li Minde was injured, Jiang Yuelan personally came to see him three or four times but was blocked outside by Bai Zhi and others. Bai Zhi only considered her fake and hypocritical, not taking it to heart at all. But Mo Zhu thought her expression was somewhat strange.

“Did you see Madam’s expression? It seemed like genuine concern!”

“Just crocodile tears! No need to pay attention! Miss said whoever comes doesn’t matter!”

Mo Zhu said quietly: “Yes, our miss is also very worried about Third Young Master—”

Bai Zhi said in a low voice: “Just know it in your heart. Don’t talk too much or Miss will punish you.”

“Hmph, I’m not afraid. I think Miss’s mouth is heartless, but actually she’s not at all like she says. To Seventh Aunt, to Third Young Master and Young Master, she’s so good to them all.”

Bai Zhi glared at her: “You talk too much!”

Mo Zhu smiled: “Who knows, maybe Miss toward Third Young Master—”

Bai Zhi was startled and immediately changed expression, scolding: “Audacious! How can you guess Miss’s thoughts?”

“I… I’m just worried about Miss. Why so fierce…” Mo Zhu sighed, seeing Bai Zhi’s serious expression, she barely dared open her mouth again.

Inside the room, Li Minde suddenly woke from unconsciousness. Opening his eyes, reflecting the bright white daylight were Li Weiyang’s luminous eyes. His heart didn’t quite believe it. He couldn’t help but use force to prop himself up to sit, wanting to see clearly. His wound was in his chest—how could he exert force there? As soon as he moved, the pain made him cry “aiya.” Li Weiyang hurriedly reached out to support his shoulder, embracing him as she slowly helped him lie down, asking gently: “Are you feeling better?”

Li Minde didn’t answer. He was dazed and lost in thought for a while, then suddenly closed his eyes again, almost talking to himself: “Am I already dead? Is this a dream?”

“Nonsense! You’re still alive and well.” Li Weiyang looked at him and couldn’t help but smile. The tension in her heart also eased somewhat. “It’s fine now. You’ll recover quickly.”

Even moving hurt like his heart and lungs were being torn apart. The dry burning in his throat made him almost unable to speak. He just opened his mouth wanting to speak but didn’t know where to start: “Weiyang…”

Li Weiyang grasped his hand and said gently: “There are still many matters to handle outside. I may not be able to stay long. I’ll come see you tonight.” But he gripped her hand tightly, looking at her somewhat nervously, always feeling this person could never be grasped in his hands.

At this time, Bai Zhi from outside brought medicine in. Li Weiyang personally received it, adjusted the temperature, scooped a spoonful, and gently brought it to his lips. He opened his mouth and contained it, swallowing forcefully. His chest hurt terribly, but warmth and a smile had already seeped into the depths of his eyes.

“This matter is related to the Crown Prince, Tuoba Zhen, and the Jiang family—” His throat clearly uttered these sentences.

Li Weiyang fed him a mouthful of medicine and smiled: “Yes, they’re all related. I know. You needn’t be anxious. Today I only collected some interest from them. When you recover, we’ll settle the full account with them together.”

Li Minde showed a trace of doubt: “My injury is very severe—” How could I be safe?!

Li Weiyang smiled: “I kidnapped Jiang Tian and forced him to treat you.” She didn’t plan to hide this matter. “Moreover, I also severed Jiang Hai’s feet and put him on a roasting rack.”

“You…” Li Minde got anxious. In his urgency he suddenly sat up from the bed. The pain made his five internal organs feel squeezed together, contracting into a ball.

Li Weiyang hadn’t expected him to be so agitated. She couldn’t help being shocked, angry, and furious: “What are you doing? Don’t you want to live?”

“Why did you do something so risky?” He nervously gripped her hand tightly.

Li Weiyang was startled: “Should I have just watched you die?”

Li Minde shook his head, frowning: “The Jiang family will come knocking.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “It doesn’t matter. Jiang Tian has already left the capital. I’m afraid he’ll never want to see me again in this lifetime. As for Jiang Hai, I’ve already sent him where he should go.”

“The best method now is to kill him to silence him,” Li Minde sighed lightly. “It’s just somewhat risky.”

Li Weiyang released his hand and stood up: “I can’t delay. I’m afraid Jiang Hua has already come knocking by now.”

Li Minde gritted his teeth and said to Bai Zhi: “Order people to come in. I need to get up.”

Li Weiyang’s face darkened: “What are you doing! I used every means to pull you back from the King of Hell. Are you opposing me?”

Li Minde shook his head: “Jiang Hua isn’t easy to deal with. I should be present.”

Li Weiyang’s heart trembled slightly, then she said: “Acting so tough—are you intentionally making me uneasy? Or deliberately angering me?”

Li Minde was startled, then looked at Li Weiyang in disbelief: “You care about me, don’t you?”

Li Weiyang was speechless. She couldn’t understand how someone could reach this point yet only care about such trivial, unimportant matters. She composed herself: “If you don’t rest properly, I’ll never come see you again!”

Li Minde looked at her. For a long time he didn’t speak, but actually grasped her hand again. A sweet yet cunning smile floated on his face: “I should thank them. If not for them, you wouldn’t take care of me like this—”

Li Weiyang was startled. He had already caught her hand, lightly pressing it against his wound. Li Weiyang only felt heat there—the heat from his wound seeming to travel through her palm all the way to her heart.

Li Minde’s face was dyed with a rouge-like color from fever, like brilliant peach blossoms blooming on tree branches. He smiled with curved lips: “Tonight, you must come see me.”

Li Weiyang withdrew her hand and said slowly: “Alright.”

Coming out of the room, Li Weiyang exhaled a long breath. Bai Zhi quietly observed her expression but couldn’t discern any joy or anger, even less able to tell whether she had any feelings for Li Minde. Perhaps there were some, but probably not what Third Young Master hoped for. Bai Zhi thought quietly to herself and couldn’t help but sigh.

At this time, Zhao Nan had already returned to the entrance and said respectfully: “Miss, Third Young Master Jiang is waiting for you in the main hall.”

Oh, so he came knocking after all. Li Weiyang smiled slightly. This Jiang Hua—his speed was really quite fast.

Jiang Hua had been sitting in the guest hall silently drinking tea, not even saying a word. His expression was also very calm, as if he knew nothing about his brothers’ disappearance. Only when a maid reported “My miss has arrived” did he raise his head and see Li Weiyang slowly enter the hall.

She had already changed into plain lotus-root colored dress and skirt, looking refined and gentle. Jiang Hua couldn’t help but feel momentarily dazed. In his heart he despised and loathed her to the extreme, yet couldn’t catch any handle on her. She was meticulous in thought, ruthless in methods—appearing reckless yet endlessly resourceful. But she had such a delicate face. Every time Jiang Hua thought of her face, the only feeling remaining in his heart was—wanting to humiliate her, wanting to see her beg for mercy, see her go mad!

Looking at the person before him, describing her as soft and delicate was not excessive at all. However, in strong contrast was her tenacious mind. Among the people Jiang Hua knew, he could find no other woman as bewitching and vicious as her…