“Mother is in such good spirits,” Li Weiyang casually walked over, a smile appearing on her face.

Jiang Yuelan’s heart jumped with alarm, but her face quickly smiled: “I just came with your fourth sister to see Third Young Master.” Recently people had been coming in waves to visit—it wasn’t strange or improper.

Li Weiyang glanced at Li Minde, seeing his labored breathing, slightly frowned, and raised her voice: “Where are the people outside?”

The maids immediately came in, trembling as they looked at Li Weiyang: “Third Miss.”

“Mother accidentally knocked over the teacup. Clean it up properly, and be careful not to cut your hands,” Li Weiyang said coolly. Jiang Yuelan’s face grew increasingly pale.

A maid immediately went to clean up the debris. Jiang Yuelan’s face slightly regained composure and she smiled: “I should be going.” Then she said, “Third Young Master, I’ll come see you another day.” With that, she walked out.

Li Weiyang’s tone was gentle: “Mother, I’ll see you out.”

Outside, Li Changxiao had just come in when she saw Jiang Yuelan and Li Weiyang walking out one after the other. Surprise appeared on her face. Jiang Yuelan said softly: “Your third brother is unwell and has already retired to rest. Let’s come another day.”

Li Changxiao’s doubt was somewhat resolved. She followed the two out in confusion, but saw Jiang Yuelan walking toward the garden direction. Guessing they had matters to discuss, she smiled: “I’ve been out for a while. I’ll return first. Third Sister, you accompany Mother for a walk.”

Li Weiyang nodded, watching Li Changxiao depart, then turned to look at Jiang Yuelan: “Does Mother have something to say to me?”

Jiang Yuelan sighed. A maid beside her moved over a chair. Jiang Yuelan touched the chair’s armrest, showing a thoughtful expression: “I’ve been here so long, yet it seems we’ve never had a heart-to-heart talk.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile. Jiang Yuelan was ultimately a Jiang family member—the competitive nature in her bones had never faded for even a day. In the two years at the Li residence, she had done plenty of scheming behind the scenes but never directly opposed her, always hiding behind Li Changle. Was she finally going to step forward now? But she should think—even if she held the status of stepmother, in the Li family one always spoke with strength. Did she really think herself so noble?

“I wonder what instruction Mother has?”

“Look at what you’re saying. Given Weiyang’s current status, even I as legitimate mother must yield three points to you. I’m just idle with nothing to do, wanting to chat with you. Why must you be so aggressive, keeping people at a thousand li distance?” Jiang Yuelan looked aggrieved.

“Weiyang certainly doesn’t mean that. It’s just that Grandmother assigned me many tasks—I truly dare not delay—” Li Weiyang’s expression was calm, showing no intention of keeping Jiang Yuelan company.

Jiang Yuelan suddenly smiled, carefully observing Li Weiyang: “Other matters? Caring for Third Young Master?”

Jiang Yuelan had spoken casually, but hearing it, Li Weiyang caught a different meaning. She smiled slightly, eyes shining as she stared at the other party: “Minde was entrusted to me by Third Madam before she passed. Moreover, his injury this time was half because of me. By reason and emotion, my caring for him is completely proper. What, does Mother have an opinion?”

Hearing these words, Jiang Yuelan actually quieted down, inexplicably feeling sourness rise in her heart.

Why, why did the best things always belong to Li Weiyang? Which aspect was she inferior to her? Why at such a young age must she marry a man old enough to be her father, and still carefully try to please everyone? Why couldn’t she approach the man she liked according to her own wishes, instead being controlled by others!

Li Weiyang was also looking at Jiang Yuelan. At this moment, sunlight lightly illuminated her body—still in fine clothes and brocade, moth-like eyebrows gracefully arched, her manner and movements emanating faint nobility. It seemed that no matter when you saw her, she always had this beautiful and gentle appearance. Li Weiyang suddenly thought of what Jiang Yuelan had just said, a trace of cold mockery flashing through her eyes.

Jiang Yuelan was very smooth and experienced. No matter how her heart twisted and turned, her face remained impassive: “Weiyang, you needn’t overthink. I meant nothing else. As your mother, I only fear you’ll make a misstep. I’m warning you in advance. These past days, I’ve gradually seen that you siblings have always been close. Since this incident, the two of you are even closer than before—these are plain facts.” Jiang Yuelan suddenly changed her tone, saying coolly, “But you’re soon reaching marriageable age. Always staying together with him is very inconvenient. Even if others don’t say it aloud, they’ll suspect in their hearts. If gossip spreads in the future, how bad would that be?”

She spoke as if entirely for Li Weiyang’s benefit. If not for that earlier scene, Li Weiyang might have thought she was kindly advising. But now—words from a woman with ulterior motives, she simply wouldn’t take to heart. Even if improper, so what? Who dared run to Li Weiyang to say anything? Which noble family didn’t have unspeakable matters? If anyone dared invite humiliation, Li Weiyang wouldn’t mind giving them a couple of slaps.

She and Minde were open and aboveboard, pure and clean, never engaging in any impropriety. Why fear what people said?

Thinking this, Li Weiyang only smiled coldly: “Mother overthinks. In this household, I’m afraid besides Mother, no one else would think this way.”

These words were indeed true. Whether Old Madam or Li Xiaoran, both felt Li Weiyang cared for Li Minde more because of Third Madam. Moreover, they grew up together—naturally their feelings were closer than others’. Nothing worth commenting on. But to Jiang Yuelan, probably because she herself harbored guilt, it seemed particularly glaring.

“I know you won’t listen to these words, but as a young lady, your behavior should still be more proper. In the past I heard about the Censor-in-Chief’s daughter—just because she associated too closely with a cousin, it led to much gossip. She had no choice but to become a nun. Weiyang, you’re a County Princess. You have a great future ahead. Why bring this upon yourself!” Jiang Yuelan looked deeply regretful.

Li Weiyang looked at Jiang Yuelan. According to the information she’d collected, Jiang Yuelan wasn’t born cruel. On the contrary, she was originally an ordinary boudoir miss. Though her family environment was complex and she’d developed skill at reading expressions, she still had fundamental differences from the likes of the late First Madam—at least her hands weren’t bloodstained. So although she had been secretly passing messages to the Jiang family, Li Weiyang only thought she did it for self-preservation—nothing major. But looking now, she had been too lenient. The other party, seeing that helping the Jiang family once or twice brought no consequences, finally grew emboldened.

“Mother, if you have time to concern yourself with me, you’d better find a good physician to examine yourself,” Li Weiyang smiled as she spoke.

Jiang Yuelan was startled, staring at her suspiciously.

“You’ve been married in for so long yet haven’t borne even half a son or daughter for Father. Grandmother is quite displeased. Just today she mentioned to me that we should take more concubines for Father, lest his lineage be too thin.”

The Dali Dynasty’s rules were that the legitimate wife’s position was unshakable, but taking concubines was also natural and right. Just yesterday Old Madam Li had visited Marquis Dongchang’s residence. Upon arrival, seeing the Dong family’s concubines—substantial in number and outstanding in appearance, each a rare beauty—it perfectly embodied that old saying: marry a wife for virtue, take concubines for beauty. Throughout Marquis Dongchang’s residence, wives and concubines in groups, branches flourishing with leaves abundant, groups of small children running about. Returning to see her own home—the girls all grown up, leaving one constantly smiling milk baby without even a playmate—truly pitiful. Old Madam sighed long and discussed with Li Weiyang whether they should take more concubines.

Originally, these words shouldn’t be said to the Li family’s Third Miss, but Old Madam now trusted no one except her. Li Weiyang also very much agreed with Old Madam’s thinking, so early this morning they decided to marry Li Xiaoran several more concubines from clean family backgrounds. But for Jiang Yuelan, this was no less than a thunderbolt from clear skies. She suddenly realized that everything she’d done, the other party had long seen through. This was now revenge against her—moreover, revenge that was open and aboveboard, killing without shedding blood.

Li Weiyang indeed knew what a person’s weakness was. Jiang Yuelan had originally wanted to use this reminder to tell the other party: I’m holding your weakness, you’d better restrain yourself. However, Li Weiyang had invisibly given her a slap, warning her to watch her step and beware of traps.

Perhaps from talking too long or the air being somewhat stuffy, Jiang Yuelan’s face was somewhat flushed. She couldn’t help but say angrily: “Li Weiyang, don’t go too far!”

But Li Weiyang spoke to herself: “The Assistant Magistrate’s family has a young lady. Mother probably hasn’t met her. Her name is Zhu Yu—outstanding appearance, overflowing talent, her pipa playing reaches divine heights. Unfortunately two years ago she fell seriously ill and her fiancé’s family broke the engagement. Her marriage has thus been delayed. Old Madam once met Madam Zhu a few times. Madam Zhu, relying on this connection, recently wants to pay a visit. First, she and Old Madam Zhu haven’t seen each other in a long while and miss each other dearly. Second, this Miss Zhu has also passed marriageable age. Madam Zhu has intentions—Mother mustn’t mind, Father is a first-rank official. There are plenty who want to attach themselves.”

Jiang Yuelan’s face turned from red to white, almost unable to maintain surface composure. Take concubines if you must, but the Assistant Magistrate was a sixth-rank official. His family’s miss wasn’t much lower in birth than herself, yet willing to come as a concubine. If in the future she bore a son before herself—such a noble concubine was simply every head wife’s nightmare! Li Weiyang was truly too ruthless!

Li Weiyang didn’t look at her expression, only smiled: “Grandmother did ask my opinion. I think we might as well observe a bit more. If she’s from a great family, we might accept. If ordinary, then just find someone of matching status. Our family isn’t a place anyone can enter at will.”

After saying all this, Li Weiyang asked eagerly at the end: “But Grandmother insists on having this Miss Zhu come visit. I wonder what Mother thinks?”

“This visit isn’t impossible, but your maternal grandmother just passed away, and the capital is in troubled times with many trivial matters. Our family receiving guests—I’m afraid we’ll be too busy. Better wait until later.” Jiang Yuelan’s tone was somewhat stiff, showing insufficient confidence. After finishing, she added: “As for Old Madam, I’ll speak to her.” With that, she quickly departed, heading directly toward Lotus Fragrance Courtyard.

Li Weiyang watched her retreating back and sneered coldly. To survive, people would do anything. Jiang Yuelan understood too clearly—right now, even to stabilize her position, she absolutely wouldn’t allow another woman of noble status to enter.

Inside the room, Li Minde wanted to sit up from the bed, but his chest hurt somewhat. He coughed uncomfortably—coughing heart-rendingly until blood traces appeared at the corners of his mouth.

“What are you doing…” Li Weiyang had just entered when she suddenly heard his coughing. She couldn’t help but quickly enter, supporting him: “If you need anything, tell the maids to do it!”

“I’m fine!” Li Minde forcibly suppressed the churning in his throat, smiling at Li Weiyang. “I’m just slightly injured, nothing serious.”

Li Weiyang was still somewhat uneasy: “You say it’s nothing, but you don’t know how terrifying that day was…” She spoke but couldn’t quite continue, only suddenly frowning tightly: “Jiang Hua’s arrow—sooner or later I’ll return it to him.”

Li Minde had been unconscious for several days. Now he was more concerned about the banquet’s aftermath, couldn’t help but ask: “What leverage did the Jiang family hold on the Fifth Prince to force him to act so hastily?”

Li Weiyang settled him properly before sitting by the bed, gently explaining: “Tuoba Rui once presided over canal construction. Do you still remember?”

Li Minde frowned, saying softly: “The Southern China Canal?”

“Yes. Tuoba Rui supervised construction of the Southern China waterway. Over three years, commanding over ten thousand laborers, managing vast funds, he engaged in much manipulation—not only falsely reporting losses and cutting corners, he even killed six officials who intended to secretly report him. But this wasn’t the most fatal. Most importantly, his weapons cache in Crane City was discovered. Think about it—an imperial prince privately hoarding weapons and gathering forces—if not secretly plotting rebellion, what else? After the Jiang family learned of this, they were very happy and immediately sent people to Crane City. Unfortunately Tuoba Rui’s people destroyed the weapons cache first and eliminated the evidence. At this point there was originally no way to expose it. But Jiang Hua thought of a plan. He had people spread news that there was still a survivor from the weapons cache now hiding in the Crown Prince’s residence. They even wrote a memorial to expose Tuoba Rui, yet deliberately sent secret word to Tuoba Rui. Tuoba Rui truly believed it and decided to strike first, actually sending out all his deployed shadow guards accumulated over the years to assassinate the Crown Prince, intending one final gamble.”

“Truly foolish beyond measure,” Li Minde coughed lightly once, speaking slowly.

Li Weiyang sighed: “More than that. He also sent a letter to Tuoba Yu, requesting his assistance for internal and external coordination. If Duke Luo would send troops to help, after obtaining the throne in the future, the territory would be split half and half with Tuoba Yu, ruling separately across the river.”

“It seems the strategists in his residence must also have been bought,” Li Minde said, hitting the nail on the head.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. In the series of confrontations with Jiang Hua, she threw out countless half-true, half-false pieces of information—enough for Jiang Hua to analyze and agonize over. She was the same, obtaining much half-true, half-false news. These past days she’d been thinking day and night, extracting threads from the seventeen questions the other party gave her, reconstructing what happened at the time.

Though the Fifth Prince acted hastily, fortunately Noble Consort Mei’s maternal family had deep roots and flourishing branches—more people made things easier. The forced abdication plan wasn’t actually foolish. Originally it began with Tuoba Rui leading several dozen highly skilled death warriors with a forged edict to infiltrate the Imperial Guards, finding opportunity to kill the primary and deputy commanders, uniting with their own people in the Imperial Guards to seize command of thirty thousand Imperial Guards, with the Fifth Prince stationed within. After seizing the Imperial Guards, Marquis Nanyang and his three sons personally commanded from the front, having the Imperial Guards lead forces deployed in the capital over the years to attack Chaoyang Gate. Simultaneously proceeding was that assassination at the Crown Prince’s residence—killing the Crown Prince and Tuoba Zhen, thoroughly eliminating political enemies. If these three steps proceeded smoothly, the Fifth Prince would lead troops into the inner city under the name of eliminating traitors and clearing the sovereign’s side. Marquis Nanyang’s son-in-law Shi Guang would lead personal guards joining with one-third of the Imperial Guards together to eliminate opposing forces outside the palace, preventing political enemies from counterattacking from outside. The Fifth Prince would then enter the palace, using the Crown Prince’s head to force the Emperor to abdicate. Once all settled, even if the Seventh Prince refused to assist, the Fifth Prince would already have the Emperor’s abdication edict, formally ascending the throne with authority to mobilize the nation’s military forces, no need to fear anyone.

This imagination was beautiful, but the truth behind it was cruel. The Fifth Prince clearly knew his preparations were insufficient, but if he let the Emperor believe the Crown Prince and others’ words, he would definitely have only a dead end. So regardless of everything he struck first—not knowing he was falling directly into someone else’s trap. Originally the Crown Prince had no solid evidence. Now however, evidence was conclusive—first Tuoba Rui was captured by the Imperial Guard Commander before succeeding, then the Crown Prince’s residence assassins were all annihilated, then Marquis Nanyang was slain before the formation. Four words described it—complete defeat.

To topple his enemy, the Crown Prince naturally spared no effort. Within days, the Justice Ministry had already collected massive evidence. An inner eunuch beside the Emperor was discovered, testifying that his martial skills were formidable, his actions secretive, constantly doing shady deeds for the Fifth Prince. Before the uprising he even secretly left the palace to meet with the Fifth Prince. The two had discussed alone in a secret chamber for half a day, allegedly plotting to kill the Emperor at a critical moment to prevent him from refusing abdication. Additionally there were several secret letters searched from Tuoba Rui’s study, contents all about plotting rebellion—how to control the Imperial Guards, how to contact Marquis Nanyang’s former troops, when to strike—step by step, item by item explained in clear detail. Beyond the Emperor’s fury, naturally he sentenced the Fifth Prince and Marquis Nanyang’s entire family to beheading. Even Marquis Yongning’s family, not involved in the matter, was also thus sentenced to exile. Of course, that arrogant and domineering Fifth Prince Consort, married for only a few months, was beheaded together, becoming the entire capital’s laughingstock.

Besides the Crown Prince who eliminated political enemies, those benefiting most were the Jiang family. During the turmoil, Jiang Xu “just happened” to be discussing matters at the Capital Magistrate’s office. Hearing of the Fifth Prince’s uprising, he immediately gathered all forces he could muster to enter the palace for “loyalist rescue.” If not for him, the Emperor nearly was assassinated by people the Fifth Prince arranged. Thus the Jiang family again became meritorious officials—moreover, meritorious officials who eliminated rebel factions.

Speaking of Jiang Hua’s capabilities, Li Weiyang truly admired him. Regaining the Emperor’s trust definitely couldn’t be accomplished overnight, yet he achieved it so quickly. Of course, Jiang Hai’s death cast an extremely large shadow over the Jiang family’s original achievements. The Jiang family hadn’t yet had time to celebrate before falling into gloomy misery again.

Li Minde smiled lightly: “Letting him become the hero who rescued the sovereign—wouldn’t our efforts be wasted?” Indeed, if Jiang Xu regained His Majesty’s favor, the matter of the Jiang family’s mourning period would be uncertain.

Li Weiyang looked at him smiling: “Who said they could be proud? I’ve already sent word out.”

“Oh? What word?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was piercingly bright, flames seeming to burn intensely in her pupils: “The word is—at the time His Majesty sat properly in the palace when the inner eunuch beside him suddenly drew his blade. Just then General Jiang entered the palace gates and saved the Emperor. At that time His Majesty was already so frightened he shit and pissed himself, cowering trembling beneath the throne. If not for General Jiang’s meritorious hard work entering the palace to rescue, the Emperor would have long lost his life—this news has now spread across the land north and south of the great river. Tell me, after His Majesty hears of it, how will he view it?”

Li Minde was startled, then laughed, but immediately coughed more severely. Li Weiyang hurriedly patted his back: “Are you alright? Who told you to gloat? Be more careful.”

Li Minde suppressed his smile. Looking at him, still this troubled world’s elegant gentleman—of course, ignoring his abnormally pale complexion. Li Weiyang looked at him, suddenly understanding somewhat why Jiang Yuelan was like this. Beauty—whether male or female, was irresistible. Moreover, his one smile possessed power capable of shaking women’s minds. And this didn’t originate from his appearance, but a charm radiating from within, making people involuntarily fall into his smile.

This probably was a magic only Li Minde possessed. At least so far, Li Weiyang hadn’t discovered such a situation in anyone else. Jiang Yuelan had been guarding a man the same age as her father—if not lonely in her empty chambers, certainly very disappointed. But suddenly before her appeared such a handsome youth who made heaven and earth pale, especially since his attraction was also irresistible—this was troublesome.

Li Minde said softly: “Yes, the more rumors describe His Majesty as cowardly, the more they say how brilliant and godlike Jiang Xu was, the angrier His Majesty becomes hearing it. He’ll naturally feel Jiang Xu saving him is true, but borrowing this merit to spread it everywhere intends to gain more rewards. Greed like a snake swallowing an elephant—Jiang Xu not only has no merit, he’ll instead have great fault.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Exactly so.” Not only spread it, but compose it into songs and ballads to spread everywhere. As for how to transmit it to the Emperor’s ears, she had plenty of methods. You must know rumors and gossip were most likely to make hearts suspicious, especially for this currently very suspicious-natured Majesty. Jiang Xu who appeared at his most vulnerable moment—initially he might trust greatly, but after hearing outside rumors, thinking again of the Jiang family, instead would make him feel a sense of humiliation from having secrets pried into. Li Weiyang precisely grasped this point to make a big issue, easily erasing the merit the Jiang family had already calculated. For the Jiang family, this was undoubtedly a huge blow. If Jiang Hua learned of it, he’d probably have to lie in bed another month.

Li Minde shook his head: “No, still must be careful. They won’t easily give up. Tuoba Zhen especially won’t.”

Li Weiyang saw his face finally had some color, but it was the sickly vivid crimson. She couldn’t help but reach out her hand, then discovered his high fever hadn’t subsided. She couldn’t help but say: “You’re running a high fever yourself, yet still worrying about these messy things? Lie down quickly.” As she spoke, she ordered a maid to bring a basin of water. She personally moved her hands, carefully wiping his face, neck and palms. She only felt his face was burning hot, yet his hands were chillingly cold—she couldn’t help but worry even more.

Li Minde lay down, yet looked at her seriously, using the world’s originally clearest gaze to look at her, finally smiling slightly: “Whatever happens, you must tell me. Don’t shoulder everything alone. You’ll be tired.”

For some reason, hearing this very ordinary sentence, Li Weiyang’s eyes suddenly moistened.

Back then, she had just casually saved him—no, perhaps there were also considerations of benefit. These past years, they’d experienced several life-and-death situations together. He had always been by her side. At this moment, though his illness was severe, when speaking with her, his expression was so gentle. A youth originally cared for by her had actually become her warmest and most relaxing spiritual harbor. No, perhaps now she was being cared for by him, constantly.

Such fate—who could have predicted it?

He held her hand at his heart, saying softly: “You stay here. Don’t leave.”

A voice soft as a child’s. Li Weiyang’s heart moved slightly. She didn’t know when Li Minde began becoming forceful, becoming fearsome. Those maids should have been drawn to his appearance, but truly getting along with him, not one person could get close. Each time going to his courtyard, she discovered everyone looked trembling and respectful. Did this indicate that before others, Li Minde was another appearance? Then what kind?

She was very curious, very much wanted to know, but she also wanted to know another matter: “Jiang Yuelan likes you.”

Li Minde frowned slightly. Those beautiful brows furrowing brought a trace of innocent childishness, yet softened his facial expression: “I detest her.”

“Mm, so I threatened her. But just now, I saw her expression—that very strange expression.” Li Weiyang said softly, as if falling into memories. “That was fear. Not just her, but also Changxiao, even Father. Though they say nothing, their faces write fear. They seem to say: look, that’s Li Weiyang, she’s a monster—a loathsome, frightening monster. Everyone who offends her comes to no good end, because she’s deeply scheming, ruthlessly vicious—” Her expression was gentle, yet her voice low: “Am I very terrifying?”

“Mm?”

“I feel… I’ve become very terrifying. Accustomed to executing those who betray me, accustomed to setting traps to harm people, accustomed to using any means—even Seventh Aunt and Minzhi, while protecting them I can also utilize them. Thinking back now, I find myself very frightening.” Li Weiyang looked at the drowsy Li Minde, not knowing whether after he truly awoke he would still remember what she said now. “I feel so frightening myself. I… how did I become like this?”

Li Minde said nothing, only quietly looking at her. In his deep black pupils was always a kind of gentleness—bone-deep gentleness.

Li Weiyang didn’t need others’ comfort. She also didn’t regret what she’d done. She just didn’t know whether in the end she would become a monster who killed without blinking.

“I feel I’m changing bit by bit, changing until I almost don’t recognize myself. What will I become? If I change, Minde, will you also fear me…”

Li Minde softly yet decisively interrupted her: “I don’t fear you.”

Li Weiyang was startled: “You don’t fear?”

“Everything was forced upon you by them. While calling you vicious, they think of every method to harm you. If you don’t fight back, the one who dies is you. In this kind of environment, an innocent boudoir miss would die very miserably. Not weathered by wind and rain, not polluted by the outside world means once the sheltering thing is gone, you’ll forever be bullied by anyone.” He spoke word by word.

Li Weiyang was completely and thoroughly stunned, unable to speak half a word.

“You just asked if I would fear you. I tell you, I’ll never fear you. No matter what you become, killing people, harming people—even if you’re a man-eating monster, I won’t fear you.” Li Minde’s tone was icy yet persistent, like a sharp blade, so serious you couldn’t doubt: “I’m someone who’s already been to hell. Accompanying you to walk through it again—what does it matter? Why fear?”

Li Weiyang looked at him and couldn’t help but laugh, her laughter becoming relaxed: “Yes, why would I be confused? Perhaps I was worried that one day everyone would look at me with this kind of gaze—that would truly be a solitary ruler and orphan. But being solitary—so what? If benevolence cannot save people, tolerance cannot help people, using killing to stop killing, using war to stop war can still carve out a bloody path.” Li Weiyang contemplated for a long while, finally making up her mind.

Li Minde had spoken for so long, obviously very tired. He rested his head on her hand, murmuring: “Pointless worry.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile even more strangely. However, Li Minde was very sleepy, very sleepy, and finally fell asleep.

Li Minde’s body recovered very slowly, yet still slowly recovered. After the capital went through a series of chaotic purges and everyone living in fear, it slowly returned to calm. But Li Weiyang still had dreams. In her dreams frequently appeared Miss Liu’s smile—looking somewhat shy, somewhat curious, finally that terrifying death state. Very strangely, she feared nothing, yet actually dreamed of a person completely unrelated to herself.

Miss Liu had no relation to her. Before the incident they hadn’t even exchanged two sentences, yet she still remembered this person. She thought perhaps this lifetime she would find it hard to forget that scene. Because it was too tragic—a flower-like young girl, in the blink of an eye becoming a corpse. Truly too tragic. And manipulating all this behind the scenes wasn’t the Fifth Prince—it was the Jiang family and Tuoba Zhen. So these people must pay the price.

After Li Minde’s health improved somewhat, he strongly requested to come out and walk. Li Weiyang had Zhao Nan support him, specially wrapping him in a thick cloak before allowing him to sit in the garden for a while.

“Fall is approaching, the weather turning cool. If you’re cold, we’ll return early,” Li Weiyang instructed.

Li Minde tilted his head, distressed: “I’m about to get moldy staying in the room.”

“Moldy is still better than worsening injuries!” On this point, Li Weiyang was very insistent, completely non-negotiable. “I went to great lengths to save you back—not to let you go die.”

Li Minde suddenly looked at her quietly, pupils deep black, as if expressionless, yet as if having too many expressions thus impossible to interpret. Li Weiyang’s heart jumped from his gaze, but her face smiled: “Why are you looking at me like this?”

Li Minde was silent again, long lashes covering down, concealing his eyes: “Nothing.”

This youth—she increasingly couldn’t fathom his thoughts. Li Weiyang thought thus in her heart: “Recently court and country are very turbulent. I think Tuoba Zhen will soon have new actions. Though I don’t yet know what, I know he likes turmoil, likes rebellion, likes struggle—because this means opportunity.” She spoke slowly, trying to divert her attention from Li Minde. She disliked the feeling of being unable to control.

“So, get well quickly…” She suddenly reached out her hand, patting his hand back. “I very much need you.”

In Li Minde’s eyes, something clearly flickered.

Li Weiyang said softly: “Before this, we had a small dispute, but now it’s all passed, isn’t it? You’ll always be by my side. I’ll also be your most faithful family. This point won’t change, will it?”

Li Minde turned his face away. That handsome face hid in the sunlight’s shadow, making her unable to see his expression clearly.

Though he didn’t speak, Li Weiyang intuitively felt he was somewhat angry. She said in a low voice: “I don’t want to lose you, so don’t be angry.”

Only then did Li Minde turn his head to look at her, showing a slightly aggrieved expression, yet his breathing clearly became tighter.

“I don’t fear death, also don’t fear killing people, but I’ll feel lonely, feel that everyone in this world fears me. I don’t want to become someone like Tuoba Zhen, so you must stay by my side, reminding me that I’m still alive…” Speaking to here, Li Weiyang gazed at him. “So, never be angry with me.”

Li Minde looked at her for a long while, ultimately unable to say half a word of refusal to her, softly humming assent.

Li Weiyang gazed at him, involuntarily smiling: “Look, you say you’re older than me, but sometimes I must coax you. Aren’t you like a little child?”

Li Minde immediately pulled his hand from hers, then furrowed his brow, glaring at her.

Li Weiyang’s eyes flowed: “We just agreed—no getting angry!”

Li Minde’s face grew stern, saying with complete seriousness: “In the future you must remember these words, the words you’ve spoken.”

Li Weiyang raised her brows looking at him. He spoke word by word: “You said it—you need me, want me always by your side. I didn’t beg you. You proposed it yourself.”

What difference did this make? Li Weiyang thought about it—no solution.

Seeing her tacit consent, he smiled, showing two dimples. His eyes were deep—smiling they curved into crescent moon shapes, appearing especially gentle and harmless, as if even his lashes hung with fine broken smiles, as if Li Weiyang’s consent was the greatest reward for him.

The two spoke in the pavilion. From afar, falling into another person’s eyes, it couldn’t help but arouse loneliness.

“Madam, the wind outside is strong. Better return,” a maid glanced at her mistress, softly reminding.

Jiang Yuelan sharply came back to her senses. Her face was expressionless and moreover pale—startling the maid: “Madam—”

“It’s nothing. I just have a headache.” Jiang Yuelan no longer looked at that scene, quickly passing through the corridor, walking toward her own courtyard. The two maids behind exchanged glances, only able to follow.

Reaching the room, Jiang Yuelan suddenly walked quickly to the mirror, desperately widening her eyes to look inside.

A Luo and Nanny Rong exchanged glances, both very puzzled. They didn’t know why their always gentle and restrained mistress recently seemed very anxious, somewhat abnormal.

Jiang Yuelan looked at the person in the mirror. Was this person… truly her?

The woman in the mirror—at first glance very young, only eighteen or nineteen years old, beautiful features. But looking more carefully, brow tips and eye corners all revealed an indescribable fatigue and aging. No, this clearly wasn’t her appearance! Where were her beautiful eyes? Her gentle smile? Her satisfied confidence? Where had they all gone?! Where had they gone!

Jiang Yuelan faced the bronze mirror, examining from left cheek to right cheek, from eyes to chin. Suddenly growing angry: “A Luo, bring me the rouge!”

A Luo tremblingly brought the rouge, carefully applying it to Jiang Yuelan. After applying rouge, Jiang Yuelan was clearly dissatisfied with the simple antique gold hairpin in her hair: “Do I look so old? Change it to that ruby hairpin.”

A Luo was startled, hurriedly taking from the dressing box the hairpin Jiang Yuelan designated. This ruby hairpin was shaped like a vivid peony flower, with thin gold foil beaten into petals, the bud made of ruby. Worn in the hair, it was indeed brilliantly eye-catching, appearing much more charming.

Nanny Rong frowned. Actually their mistress was still very young—her face showed not a trace of aging. But usually to appear dignified and noble, she always dressed very solemnly, choosing dignified-styled jewelry. How did she suddenly change today? She couldn’t help but look with anxious eyes at Jiang Yuelan who sat before the dressing table only examining her own appearance. Even dressed beautiful as a celestial—who would see it? The Master? He always appreciated understated beauty, didn’t like Madam dressing too seductively—

“A Luo, am I old?” Jiang Yuelan continued gazing at herself in the mirror, asking in a calm tone, but careful listening would reveal the slight chill within.

“Madam is young and beautiful—’old’ doesn’t connect at all,” A Luo hurried to answer.

“Is that so.” After hearing this, Jiang Yuelan only responded once, continuing to trace her brows facing the bronze mirror.

“Madam, what’s wrong with you?” Nanny Rong couldn’t help but ask.

Jiang Yuelan faced her own face in the mirror, carefully looking, as if wanting to find some fine lines. When she discovered she could find nothing, she suddenly sighed.

No. Though she was young and beautiful, from the moment she married Li Xiaoran, everything ended.

That ideally handsome youth, that hoped-for devoted couple, that imagined deep affection—all ended.

She must dissemble before an old man nearly her father’s age, acting coquettish and charming, yet must restrain her desires, becoming dignified and virtuous like a middle-aged woman. But she clearly wasn’t a middle-aged woman! Why must she wear such old-fashioned styles, speak words unsuited to her age, do things only old women would do! Clearly those new brides who married young men were all charming and lovely, gentle and innocent. Why did her eyes hold only worldliness and coldness? Why?!

She was born so beautiful—Heaven’s blessing. But why couldn’t she live freely and willfully like that person? In the blurry bronze mirror, an image of a young man and woman gazing tenderly at each other seemed to appear. Jiang Yuelan involuntarily clenched the rouge box in her palm. Li Weiyang, Li Minde—I live so painfully. Why can you two laugh together so happily?

Li Xiaoran tiptoed in, silently watching Jiang Yuelan from behind the bronze mirror. Nanny Rong was about to speak out to remind, but Li Xiaoran waved his hand.

When Jiang Yuelan sighed again facing the mirror, she suddenly saw a refined yet clearly middle-aged man’s face. Her heart jumped with alarm. Forcibly piling up a smile, she immediately stood up: “Master? How did you come?”

This father-daughter pair both had the habit of standing behind people to frighten them! As Jiang Yuelan spoke, a bold thought suddenly floated in her mind: if there were no Li Weiyang, if there were no Li Weiyang…

Yes, if she weren’t there, everything would be different—