In the dead of night, hurried footsteps sounded, followed by voices in dispute. Precisely because the outdoor environment was extremely quiet, hearing these sounds now made them particularly clear. Li Weiyang immediately awakened, opening her eyes in the darkness to observe the commotion outside.

Zhao Yue’s voice came through the door: “If Madam is ill, what use is finding our Miss? You should go find a physician!”

“What kind of reasoning is that! I’ve come to see Third Miss—what right does a maid like you have to block me! Get out of the way!” It was Nanny Rong’s voice.

Li Weiyang turned over without speaking. Mozhu understood perfectly and also made no sound, as if everyone in the room was sleeping soundly, completely unconcerned with whatever was happening outside.

Nanny Rong shouted from outside: “Third Miss, Madam is unwell, please come take a look!”

Not a sound came from inside the room. Zhao Yue said coldly: “My Miss burns calming incense every time she sleeps. Such things naturally make one sleep very soundly—how could she possibly wake? You’d better hurry and fetch a physician, don’t delay!”

Nanny Rong was full of resentment. This damned maid stood guard at the door with a frosty face, making it impossible to even see Li Weiyang! She said angrily: “Do I need you to direct me? What do you think you are!” Recently, everywhere she went people fawned over her—she’d never been shut out like this! Who would have thought she’d be blocked here!

Having been with Li Weiyang long, Zhao Yue had learned to be sharp-tongued. She said: “This servant is indeed nothing, but this servant must also remind Nanny Rong—this is Third Miss’s courtyard, this servant is Third Miss’s maid. Whether to beat or scold, that’s for her to decide. Before Third Miss, you too are nothing! I advise you, if Madam’s body truly feels unwell, you should quickly find a physician to examine her. She’s pregnant now—if time is delayed, that would be Nanny Rong’s fault!”

“The Master and Old Madam entrusted Madam to Third Miss’s care!” Nanny Rong was extremely angry.

Zhao Yue laughed coldly: “Look at what Nanny says. Third Miss herself hasn’t even married yet—how much can she understand about women being pregnant and nurturing fetuses? The Old Madam already said, we’re merely borrowing Third Miss’s horoscope weight for suppression. Caring for Madam is still your own responsibility—our Third Miss cannot bear such responsibility!”

Nanny Rong’s expression grew increasingly ugly. Ever since Madam became pregnant, the Master came to visit every single day, so Madam was the most precious person in this household! After moving here it should be the same—Li Weiyang must properly care for Jiang Yuelan, cannot let her suffer the slightest harm. This was her duty, an absolutely inescapable responsibility! But Nanny Rong hadn’t expected that the other side had absolutely no intention of caring properly, completely ignoring everything!

A series of footsteps sounded outside, seeming to be Nanny Rong departing. Mozhu curled her lip disdainfully, then used a small fan to gently fan the incense burner, filling the room with calming fragrance. Miss’s sleep was very poor—she was often awakened by nightmares in the middle of the night, but whenever they asked, Miss always avoided discussing what she’d dreamed. Mozhu wondered in her heart—Miss’s days were now smooth sailing, what matter troubled her so much that she had nightmares every night?

Li Weiyang only smiled faintly and continued sleeping.

After hearing Nanny Rong’s report, Jiang Yuelan’s heart filled with even more resentment.

Nanny Rong said softly: “Madam, in this servant’s view, just forget it. Third Miss is vicious-minded—normally we shouldn’t provoke her.”

As she advised this, Jiang Yuelan grew even more furious. She’d been cautious and careful everywhere precisely to obtain a good marriage. Now married to Li Xiaoran, she was a proper First Rank Madam who should enjoy everyone’s respect and envy. Yet before Li Weiyang, a lowly-born illegitimate daughter, she was always one step lower. Previously she hadn’t felt this way, but ever since seeing Li Minde look at Li Weiyang with those eyes, her heart ached with hatred!

No matter what, she must eliminate Li Weiyang, otherwise in this household, she would be just like before marriage—forever unable to hold her head high! Jiang Yuelan thought this way, her eyes revealing a cold, cruel expression.

Nanny Rong sighed softly in her heart, her eyes full of endless worry: “Madam, Third Miss will eventually marry out. Why must you make things difficult for her? Once she marries out, won’t everything still be yours? We needn’t do this!”

Jiang Yuelan said coldly: “So what if she marries out? Doesn’t she still have a birth mother and younger brother in the Li household? Will she easily yield? You don’t understand her at all!” She spoke these words aloud, but her heart thought differently. Indeed, Li Weiyang would marry out and wouldn’t be too great an obstruction in the future, but every time she saw Li Weiyang and Third Young Master standing together, the poisonous snake in her heart would strike out.

Yes, this feeling was wrong, even abnormal, but she couldn’t control herself! Why, why did she have to marry a man old enough to be her father? If her husband were graceful and elegant, young and handsome, she definitely wouldn’t have fallen for a man who could never possibly belong to her!

In the middle of the night, the physician still rushed over, even disturbing Li Xiaoran who was resting in Fourth Concubine’s courtyard. However, after rushing over and seeing nothing serious had happened, he returned. Of course, when Li Xiaoran saw Li Weiyang continuing to sleep behind closed doors, his expression twisted for a moment. But he didn’t actually go disturb her. Subconsciously, he already felt an indescribable fear of Li Weiyang. Since she’d already agreed to let Jiang Yuelan move here, that was already showing them respect. He had a premonition that if they went too far, Li Weiyang wouldn’t mind dealing with him as well. This girl was just such a cold-blooded, heartless person. Thinking this way, Li Xiaoran naturally abandoned thoughts of scolding her, only repeatedly comforting the very aggrieved Jiang Yuelan before departing.

Early the next morning, Li Weiyang ate breakfast while yawning. Mozhu muttered: “It’s all because of the noise from over there.”

Li Weiyang glanced at her but said nothing. However, she knew in her heart that her insomnia had nothing to do with Jiang Yuelan. Every time she closed her eyes, she always dreamed of things from the past. This feeling was truly unpleasant. After drinking half a bowl of green jade porridge, Li Weiyang set down her spoon.

Outside the door, Li Minde poked his head in asking: “May I come in?”

Li Weiyang looked at him in surprise.

Li Minde said suspiciously: “What’s wrong, didn’t you sleep well?”

Li Weiyang frowned: “Didn’t I tell you it was inconvenient and not to come over?” With Jiang Yuelan living here, if Li Minde came over, word spreading would truly sound improper. That’s why she’d asked him to avoid impropriety, but clearly this fellow hadn’t listened at all.

The aggrieved Li Minde said: “I just came to see you.”

Li Weiyang covered her forehead: “Why won’t you just listen?”

Li Minde’s eyes sparkled, his smile pure and innocent: “I just heard the wind was strong last night and worried you couldn’t sleep well…” His voice stopped abruptly. “What’s wrong with your eyes!”

Without asking, Li Weiyang knew what he meant. When washing up earlier, she’d already seen—her entire eyes were bloodshot, clearly from not resting well last night.

Li Minde quickly walked over, rushing before Li Weiyang, his fingers gently stroking beneath her eyes as he said with heartache: “Why can’t you ever sleep well!”

Li Weiyang said unconcernedly: “Perhaps I’ve done too many bad things?”

Li Minde looked at the dark circles under her eyes, seemingly not hearing her words at all: “Weiyang, I can come guard you at night, then you’ll be able to sleep very well.” His amber eyes blinked, looking at her expectantly.

Li Weiyang was speechless: “What do you think this place is, somewhere you can mess around as you please?” She pointed to the room across the way. “There are still people watching over there, waiting to catch me in some impropriety!”

Li Minde smiled with curved eyes: “I can do it without anyone knowing!”

Li Weiyang: “…” She truly didn’t know what to say. In any case, ever since Li Minde was injured, he seemed to have found a method for dealing with her, and it worked every time. Her tone grew serious: “Stop fooling around! This isn’t about whether people will discover us or not!”

Li Minde’s eyes brightened further: “Weiyang, have you finally stopped seeing me as a younger brother?! You also think I’m a man now?!”

These words sounded increasingly strange. Li Weiyang covered her forehead: “Forget it, pretend I never said anything. Have you eaten breakfast yet? Want to eat together?”

Before she finished speaking, Li Minde had already quickly and obediently seated himself beside her, his movements so swift it happened in the blink of an eye.

Li Weiyang stared at him: “What exactly are you thinking? Why are you becoming increasingly strange?”

Li Minde took the chopsticks Baizhi handed over, then answered without reservation: “Because I’m worried about you.”

Li Weiyang froze for a moment, then smiled bitterly: “Minde, what am I to say to you? If you truly come and go from this room too frequently, over time it will invite gossip. Do you want to subject me to rumors and slander? Or do you find amusement in teasing me?” Before she finished speaking, someone grasped her hand.

Li Minde gazed at her quietly, his eyes dark: “I won’t cause you trouble.”

His palm was burning hot, making her involuntarily feel strange. She immediately withdrew her hand, saying unnaturally: “…That’s not what I meant.” She spoke of rumors and slander, but actually she had no fear of them, because she simply didn’t care about those people or those matters. But she always felt his attitude was wrong. She’d already made things clear with him, hadn’t she? He should adjust his attitude accordingly. Yet his manner toward her hadn’t changed at all—it was more like treating a beloved young woman than a relative. What was going on? He should have given up by now.

But Li Minde changed the subject, continuing: “With Jiang Yuelan living in this courtyard, I’m very uneasy. I’ve already investigated that Physician He who treats her. He indeed has excellent medical skills, but his medical ethics aren’t very good. Many years ago in Liu City, he was bribed to give false testimony. In Liu City, there was a household where the old master had just died, and a woman came to the door with a child making a scene, saying he was also the master’s son—an illegitimate child, but also qualified to inherit part of the estate. This matter went to the magistrate, but at the time there wasn’t sufficient evidence proving the child was truly of that family’s bloodline. Finally this Physician He came forward to help testify, allowing the woman and child to obtain the inheritance. A year after this incident, the illegitimate child’s biological father appeared, proving Physician He had accepted money to give false testimony—” His voice was low, his tone very casual, but Li Weiyang knew he must have expended considerable effort to investigate this matter.

“So that’s why Physician He left Liu City?” Li Weiyang continued.

Li Minde nodded: “Indeed so. Because he couldn’t stay there anymore, he used his senior apprentice brother’s connections to reach the capital. Though this person’s character is flawed, his medical skills are truly brilliant. Later he was recommended to the Jiang family to serve as their dedicated physician.”

Li Weiyang thought for a moment: “Since he has a prior record, he’s even more worthy of suspicion.” Originally Jiang Yuelan’s childbearing had nothing to do with her, but she insisted on shamelessly moving into this courtyard, which made it entirely different. Just then, Li Weiyang suddenly remembered something: “Zhao Yue told me that recently someone came looking for you.”

Li Minde froze, the smile on his face immediately fading.

Her lips moved. Li Weiyang said: “Your father seems very eager for you to return home.”

Li Minde lowered his eyes: “But I don’t want to go back at all.”

Li Weiyang wanted to say you can’t deny your own background even if you don’t return, but felt that would be too hurtful. After careful consideration, she said persuasively: “What about now—don’t you have any plans? Your background is different after all. Just staying here with me wasting time like this, don’t you feel wronged? You should…”

Li Minde: “I don’t want to see those people.”

Li Weiyang stared at him blankly: “What does that mean?”

Sunlight streamed through the mottled lotus-pattern window, falling on his face. For a moment he said nothing. His expression appeared somewhat desolate: “My birth mother is already dead. The people who remain have nothing to do with me… including that person who shares my blood…”

Li Weiyang fell silent for a long while, not knowing what to say. Her heart softened—she could understand the bitterness of having no relatives, but… In the end she only said: “But constantly avoiding it isn’t a solution either. I’ve heard your father is urgently trying to bring you back for your own protection. Here, after all, his reach is limited…”

Li Minde blinked his eyes, his long lashes seemingly dyed with golden light by the sun. His hand covered hers, his raised amber eyes holding a nearly humble plea. “Do you want to drive me away that badly? Wouldn’t it be good to let me stay with you?”

Of course it wasn’t bad, but… she always felt that keeping him here was more dangerous instead. Those people would find him sooner or later, and then it would invite great trouble. Of course, returning home might not be safe either—or rather, this entire world was full of power struggles and mutual slaughter. To survive, one could only defeat all enemies to enjoy peace. Letting him face those wolves alone—Li Weiyang wasn’t at ease.

“I won’t leave unless you leave with me.” He said solemnly.

Li Weiyang was slightly stunned. Before she could react, he pressed his advantage, his slightly cool fingers touching her cheek. That gentle, cautious manner made Li Weiyang astonished, then that clear, handsome face drew closer and closer…

…Wait, something wasn’t right!

At the critical moment, Li Weiyang suddenly extended a finger to press against Li Minde’s brow, stopping his approaching lips. This fellow was becoming increasingly shameless, actually daring to take advantage while she wasn’t paying attention.

Li Minde silently turned his head, whispering: “Such a good atmosphere, it was almost perfect…”

Li Weiyang was speechless. She’d just been feeling soft-hearted, truly… He did it on purpose, definitely on purpose, absolutely on purpose! Annoyed in her heart, she only snorted coldly: “Next time you dare be so improper, I’ll throw you out directly.”

Li Minde only smiled, looking aggrieved, though his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

“Enough, stop fooling around! From now on if you want to see me, just send a message. You don’t need to personally run in here. Don’t you see several people outside watching?” Li Weiyang said.

Of course Li Minde saw them, but he was merely visiting his nominal cousin. Though occasionally there were improper actions, with trusted people guarding outside where no one could see, who dared say anything? If Li Weiyang couldn’t marry because of this, he would only be pleased—of course these words couldn’t be said before her.

“I always feel that old hag moving in here must have some ulterior motive.” Li Minde unconsciously glanced toward the door. Though separated by a curtain, he still felt people over there were constantly monitoring their every move.

“Naturally so. The mystery lies in her belly.” Li Weiyang smiled slightly.

In the east room, when Jiang Yuelan heard Li Minde had arrived, she was first delighted. But seeing him enter Li Weiyang’s small parlor without a backward glance, not coming to pay respects, the expression on her face began to grow grave and gloomy. She’d originally thought coming here would give more opportunities to see him, never expecting she’d have to watch helplessly as he ran to fawn over that little vixen!

Nanny Rong watched her own Madam’s face turn melancholy, staring unwillingly and resentfully at Li Weiyang’s parlor not far away for a full half hour without moving, and couldn’t help feeling alarmed and uneasy. Though Madam was young, she’d always been very composed, never having such strange moments before. She truly couldn’t understand how Madam had become this way.

And Jiang Yuelan continually watched the parlor where Li Minde was with envious, jealous, resentful eyes—watching him enter, emerge, and seeing him off until his figure disappeared from view, until he could no longer be seen.

“Nanny Rong, help me dress.” Jiang Yuelan seemed about to go out.

“Madam! You mustn’t!” Nanny Rong suddenly knelt on the ground. “Madam, you must think clearly! Some things—you mustn’t even think about, let alone do!”

Jiang Yuelan frowned: “Even you oppose me? I’m just going out for a walk—what are you afraid I’ll do!”

Nanny Rong’s face turned pale and flushed alternately. Finally she spoke in a low voice, changing how she addressed her: “Miss, I know you feel wronged about this marriage, but sometimes people must accept their fate. If you peacefully live with Minister Li, eventually you’ll have your blessed days. But if you… there absolutely won’t be any good outcome… Do you still remember that Miss from the Fang family? The Fang family only told outsiders she died. At that time she wasn’t even married yet—such a fine, proper young lady, confused just once…”

Of course Jiang Yuelan knew who Nanny Rong meant. Not only knew, but remembered very clearly.

Fang Dezhen was the daughter of Grand Scholar Fang of the Zhongji Hall. Her family only had one illegitimate younger brother. She was famous for her legendary, stunning beauty. Because of her noble birth—the Fang family was a distinguished family enjoying imperial favor—she’d been raised in fine clothes and food from childhood, with countless indulgences. Jiang Yuelan still remembered that Miss Fang had a delicate, charming oval face, long, slender, faint eyebrows, deep phoenix eyes, a small cherry mouth. When she smiled at people, she was simply delightful.

The Fang family, having only this one legitimate daughter, cherished her greatly, doting on her and allowing her to spend vast sums of silver on dress and adornment. Each year just for the half-month summer retreat, she brought ten trunks of silks and satins—her favor was evident. Eight years had passed since then. At that time Jiang Yuelan was only eleven years old, envying Fang Dezhen who came visiting with her mother. Miss Fang was already betrothed, promised to the son of a frontier official’s family—a childhood betrothal arrangement between families of equal status. That young master was handsome and upright, both literary and martial in talent—originally a match beyond reproach. Who knew that after the Fang family hired a tutor for Miss Fang’s illegitimate younger brother, trouble would arise—Miss Fang actually fell in love with that unsuccessful young scholar.

Passed down to today, the story inevitably gained embellishment. Everyone was ashamed to describe this tale of romance across class lines, merely glossing over it with the vague phrase: “The eldest daughter had private relations with the scholar, resulting in complete loss of virtue and disgrace to the marriage contract.” In the end, the scholar couldn’t keep his life, and Miss Fang was forcibly taken back to her hometown by the Fang family, imprisoned in the ancestral hall ever since. No—perhaps she was already dead. Thinking of this person, Jiang Yuelan suddenly shivered. It was all because of unwillingness, wasn’t it?

“Miss, don’t blame this servant for speaking too much. This servant watched you grow up and absolutely cannot watch you make mistakes.” Nanny Rong couldn’t continue. Looking at this charming young madam before her, forcing her to accept her fate seemed too cruel. Young women all yearned for handsome young men—why criticize her further? “Rest now. If you have any orders, call for this servant again.” Nanny Rong sighed. Before reaching the door, a trembling, weak voice came from behind: “I have no choice.”

Nanny Rong turned around: “Miss…”

“You say unwillingness is dangerous, I… also know, but at least this proves I’m still alive, that I won’t spend my whole life guarding an old man…” Jiang Yuelan’s voice slowly turned ice-cold. “I don’t want to guard him—my entire life would be finished…”

Nanny Rong’s eyes widened in shock—how could this be! She was already married to Li Xiaoran and only now regretted it. When Madam first mentioned this marriage, though Jiang Yuelan spoke unhappily, in her heart she was barely satisfied after all—it was the honor of being a First Rank Madam, endless future wealth and glory. But now after enjoying wealth she wanted a young, handsome companion—where in the world was there such a good thing! How could the Jiang family afford to lose such face?! Thinking she was merely temporarily bewitched, she forcibly suppressed her anger: “Madam, stop thinking wildly—” In just moments the form of address had changed again, merely constantly reminding her not to forget her status.

“I haven’t!” Jiang Yuelan grew agitated. She said resolutely: “I will definitely obtain what I want, must obtain it. These empty proprieties and reputations are all people making difficulties for themselves—when people die like lamps extinguishing, nothing remains. I’m not afraid of anything anymore. What harm in granting me one wish…”

Nanny Rong looked at her, revealing a horrified expression. But Jiang Yuelan suddenly stood up, throwing herself into her arms, trembling all over: “Help me! Help me! I just can’t give up on him. I originally thought that with someone like him, no woman could win his heart. Only now do I know it’s possible! He’s actually with her—they’re also improper, but he still likes her. If she can do it, why can’t I? What part of me is inferior to her…”

Watching the young miss she’d raised become like this, Nanny Rong’s heart couldn’t help aching. After a long while she finally spoke: “This servant—will do her best.”

In the parlor, Baizhi reported: “Miss, this servant has already instructed our maids that at no time may they enter Madam’s room without first reporting to you.”

Li Weiyang nodded. Since Jiang Yuelan had moved into the east room, to avoid impropriety, Li Weiyang’s people naturally couldn’t frequently enter, avoiding any inexplicable rumors.

“Madam’s side is also guarding against us. She uses her own cook, her own maids, never ordering our people around.” Baizhi continued.

Li Weiyang pondered a moment, the corners of her mouth lifting in a light smile: “That’s best.” But why was Jiang Yuelan making a show of guarding against her while living in her courtyard? Could it really be for Li Minde? It shouldn’t be this simple. Jiang Yuelan’s thoughts—Li Weiyang actually couldn’t quite fathom them.

Baizhi also found it very strange. Originally she thought Jiang Yuelan wanted to use the opportunity to cause trouble for Third Miss. But now she was attended by her own maids, her daily life had no room for others to interfere—who could gossip? Even if something happened to the child and someone with ill intent forcibly tried to pin the blame on Li Weiyang, it couldn’t have much effect. This way, wasn’t the other side completely wasting effort? Such behavior didn’t seem like Jiang Yuelan’s doing at all.

Days flew by swiftly. For a month the Li household remained calm, until the great and joyous day arrived for Second Young Master Li’s wedding.

Early in the morning, Jiang Yuelan sat before the bronze mirror. Maids cleansed her face and arranged her hair. Jiang Yuelan looked at the woman in the mirror—her complexion faintly pale—and ordered the maids to apply two more layers of rouge. Only then did her color look much better.

“Madam, this garment is somewhat tight. This servant has let out two inches at the waist for you.” Little maid Chunju brought over a set of red robes, smiling brightly.

Jiang Yuelan stared at that set of luxurious ceremonial dress, her eyes flickering several times. She actually picked up the hem of the skirt, turning and examining it in her hands for a long while, then suddenly knocked the tray heavily to the floor.

Chunju’s whole body trembled. Seeing Jiang Yuelan’s smile deepen—but the coldness in that smile made her freeze all over.

“Madam! Please forgive this servant!” Though her mouth said she was wrong, Chunju had absolutely no idea where she’d erred.

Jiang Yuelan reached up to touch her hair arrangement, saying carelessly: “You’re saying I’ve gotten fat.”

Pregnant people ate more and exercised less—naturally they would gain weight. What was strange about that? But seeing Jiang Yuelan’s expression, Chunju trembled all over in fear, repeatedly saying she was wrong. Her body went from initial slight trembling to silent rigidity now, growing colder and colder until frozen like ice, no longer holding any warmth.

Jiang Yuelan’s eyes turned cold, the corners of her lips curving in a mocking smile, her voice cruel as ice and snow: “Slap yourself.”

Chunju’s body stiffened, but she dared not speak further. She began desperately slapping her own face. Jiang Yuelan listened to those sounds with enjoyment, her gaze intoxicated. In the room, the sound of slaps continued without stopping. Blood gradually pooled on the floor—the skin on her face had been broken, bleeding down. With each slap Chunju gave herself, Jiang Yuelan’s smile grew more brilliant.

After a full hundred or so slaps, Chunju’s entire face had turned black and blue. Only then did Jiang Yuelan slowly say: “That’s enough.”

“Madam…” Chunju suddenly raised her head, tears at the corners of her eyes, crying: “Madam, this servant knows her error. Please forgive this servant, Madam.”

“Get out! Kneel outside. You may only rise when I tell you to!” Jiang Yuelan said icily.

Chunju had no choice. With a mournful face she slowly withdrew, then knelt in the corridor. Nanny Rong said coldly: “Get further away.”

Chunju crawled on her knees all the way to the courtyard, kneeling there. Her face covered in bruises was truly pitiful to the extreme.

Zhao Yue saw this and frowned: “Miss, look.”

Li Weiyang glanced at the scene over there and said flatly: “Don’t concern ourselves.”

But Baizhi frowned: “But the guests will be arriving shortly. If something happens, it would truly be unseemly.”

Li Weiyang said flatly: “If something happens, it’s her own maid. Just pretend not to see.”

Zhao Yue had grown up among the dead from childhood, undergone harsh training—whatever the master ordered, she would do. But Baizhi was completely different. Her heart was soft. Seeing that little maid trembling and shivering, her heart ached. However, she always deeply trusted Li Weiyang’s judgment. Since Miss said not to interfere, then don’t interfere.

Poor maid Chunju kept kneeling in the courtyard. She’d originally thought Li Weiyang would intervene somewhat—after all, this happened in her courtyard. But the other side showed not the slightest reaction. She’d originally thought the other maids would come ask what had happened, but everyone coming and going seemed not to see her at all.

Just then, Li Weiyang walked out. She was going to the front courtyard to receive today’s guests. Nanny Rong, standing in the corridor all along, glared fiercely at Chunju. Chunju immediately threw herself at Li Weiyang’s feet: “Third Miss, please save this servant! This servant knows her error—please help this servant beg Madam for mercy! Spare this servant!”

Nanny Rong watched coldly without saying a word.

Li Weiyang said flatly: “Mother is the most kind and gentle of people. Since she’s punishing you, it means you must have done wrong. Even if I wanted to plead for you, I cannot break the Li household’s rules. Just kneel here until Mother forgives you.”

Not the slightest intention of saving Chunju?! Nanny Rong’s expression froze. She’d thought Li Weiyang would definitely speak well of Chunju. Then Madam could go with the flow and give Chunju to Li Weiyang. Chunju’s parents’ indenture contracts were still gripped in Madam’s hands—they needn’t fear Chunju wouldn’t help them with their business. But unexpectedly, Li Weiyang had absolutely no intention of helping—truly beyond expectation!

“Nanny Rong, today is Second Brother’s joyous day. I must hurry out to receive guests. The Old Madam said if Mother’s body is unwell today, she needn’t go out.” Li Weiyang smiled slightly at Nanny Rong. Nanny Rong said coldly: “See Third Miss out.”

Li Weiyang said nothing more, bringing Baizhi and Zhao Yue as she gracefully walked out. Nanny Rong watched her with cold eyes all the while, a trace of mockery appearing on her face. Thinking not saving Chunju meant there were no other methods? Hmph, Li Weiyang, you underestimate Madam too much!

Because Second Master Li was posted away and couldn’t return to preside over his son’s wedding, everything was arranged by Li Xiaoran. To please the household’s Old Madam and also to calm Second Madam’s long-standing resentment, Li Xiaoran specially ordered people to refurbish Second Young Master’s original courtyard. Even the back garden’s plants, trees, mountains and waters were specially re-landscaped. The entire household appeared festive and joyous. From early morning, from the main gate to the ceremonial gate all the way to the second gate, thick red carpets were laid throughout the Li household.

Guests streamed through the doors. Gifts flowed in like water. The liveliness continued until dusk. Amid earthshaking firecrackers and gongs and drums, Li Minkang watched the flower palanquin being carried from afar. Wearing red silk, he stood there. Though that square face rarely held smiles, at this moment reflected by the bright red colors everywhere, he seemed tinged with faint joy.

The palanquin touched ground. Li Weiyang heard some commotion outside and stood with familiar young ladies inside the inner gate to watch the excitement. Outside the sedan stood a matchmaker who stepped forward to lift the curtain, handing a red silk ribbon to the bride, helping her descend. First she stepped over a vermillion saddle, then walked on the red carpet all the way to the ceremonial hall.

The ceremony herald loudly announced: “The auspicious time has arrived.” The matchmaker helped Sun Yanjun stand to the right. Second Young Master Li, dressed in wedding finery, appeared even more tall and refined. Momentarily flustered, he walked to the wrong position, actually going to the bride’s side. Immediately someone shouted: “Oh my, so impatient!” Instantly Li Minkang’s face seemed to flush red. He quickly stood to the left. First bow to heaven and earth, second bow to parents, husband and wife bow to each other—the herald announced: “The ceremony is complete.”

Watching from afar, Li Weiyang only smiled. She knew beneath the bridal veil, Sun Yanjun’s face must also be full of smiles. In this world, not everyone could find their beloved husband. Compared to countless noble sons in the capital, Li Minkang wasn’t the most distinguished, wasn’t the wealthiest, couldn’t even be called the most handsome—he seemed very ordinary. But Sun Yanjun had taken a liking to him. This was fate.

However, this large estate appeared festive with flowers, but behind it, the most tragic wails were firmly cast within, with no possibility of escaping even slightly. Living in the Li household was like dancing on a knife’s edge—bleeding bright red blood, in severe pain yet having to stubbornly persevere, and absolutely having to dance to the end. Those wives and concubines with their open rivalries and hidden struggles, their outward appearance of fine clothes and good food, but behind it was lonely, cruel combat. Could Sun Yanjun endure it? Li Weiyang thought this, only to discover Li Minde across the way winking at her in the crowd. Not knowing why, seeing his smiling face and bright eyes, Li Weiyang unconsciously smiled back.

At this moment, the matchmaker already called loudly: “Escort the bride and groom to the bridal chamber.”

Sun Yanjun, supported by the matchmaker, walked toward the back. Li Changxiao quickly tugged Li Weiyang’s sleeve: “Third Sister, let’s hurry.”

As was customary, the Li household’s female family members would accompany the bride to the new chamber. Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Alright.” Saying this, she nodded slightly to Li Minde and departed with Li Changxiao. Li Minde watched her leave, the smile on his face deepening, making quite a few young ladies across the way blush.

Reaching the bridal chamber, before Li Weiyang even entered, she heard Second Miss Li Changru laughing: “Quickly lift the veil so everyone can see the bride properly.”

Li Minkang maintained his square face, forcibly suppressing his smile as he lifted the veil.

Though Sun Yanjun was somewhat shy, she couldn’t help glancing at the groom with her eyes, then amid a burst of laughter quickly lowered her head.

“Alright, alright, hurry out to accompany the guests!” Second Madam pushed Li Minkang out the door.

With the groom gone, the atmosphere in the room immediately grew lively.

“The bride is truly beautiful—Kang’er is truly blessed!” The Old Madam smiled as she sat on an embroidered stool, carefully examining Sun Yanjun.

“Indeed so. When Sister Sun came that time, I thought, with her appearance and character, how wonderful if she could visit often. Heaven granted our wish—she’s finally become our sister-in-law. Truly delightful.” Li Changxiao shyly chimed in. Having been with Jiang Yuelan for a while, this previously tongue-tied Fourth Miss had begun learning to speak properly.

Li Weiyang also smiled as she stepped forward: “Second Brother is truly blessed to gain such a good wife. You saw just now—he was smiling so much his mouth couldn’t close. He’s never been this happy before.” Though Sun Yanjun was closest to Li Weiyang, with so many people present now, she couldn’t speak freely, only sitting on the new bed, her eyes curved in smiles.

“Kang’er is usually too reserved, spending all day studying at the academy. In my opinion, now that he’s married, from now on he should stay home more often.” The Old Madam smiled.

Second Madam immediately echoed repeatedly: “Exactly, exactly. This foolish boy never listened to my advice before. Now that the Old Madam has spoken, he must stay.”

“Hehehehe.” The room filled with women’s laughter, sounding especially lively.

Li Weiyang, amid this wave of laughter, saw joy rippling across everyone’s faces. Such smiles—it had been very long since they’d appeared in the Li household. Actually, if they didn’t fight or scramble, they could all originally live very well. Just for those trifling benefits, causing life-and-death struggles—truly laughable yet also pitiful.

Beneath her long sleeves, the bride squeezed Li Weiyang’s hand, smiling slightly at her. Li Weiyang likewise nodded. Sun Yanjun meant to single her out—she naturally understood.

Everyone chatted and laughed. Time passed quickly. Soon the groom returned. Seeing everyone still there, the flush on his face deepened.

The Old Madam laughed: “Look, Kang’er is rarely this embarrassed!” Being advanced in years, not knowing how many more grandchildren’s weddings she could witness, she naturally cherished such occasions. Observing expressions and reading situations, Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “The Old Madam is truly happy today. Why not have Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law drink the nuptial cups right before the Old Madam’s eyes—what do you say?”

Li Minkang’s face immediately turned even redder, as if blood would drip out. Before he could refuse, Old Madam Li already said repeatedly: “Good, good.” Clearly very pleased.

Seeing the Old Madam happy, everyone naturally played along. Second Madam immediately ordered the matchmaker to bring the nuptial cups, arranging the newlyweds to drink them. The room filled with another wave of joyful laughter.

Li Weiyang watched, only smiling.

As everyone spoke animatedly, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps. Li Weiyang was the first to hear them, couldn’t help frowning. At such a time, normally no one would disturb them—could there be some urgent matter?

Nanny Rong rushed over. In such cold weather, her forehead was covered in cold sweat.

“Old Madam! Old Madam! Something terrible! Something terrible!” Nanny Rong reached the doorway, but being too anxious, was tripped by the high threshold, falling to the ground and practically rolling inside.

“Silence! On this joyous day, saying what ‘something terrible’!” The Old Madam’s face darkened. Second Madam immediately rebuked her. Today was her son’s birthday—everything should be wonderful. Where was anything terrible! Had this old slave suddenly gone mad?!

“Madam… Madam is bleeding!” But Nanny Rong couldn’t care about anything else, crying out hoarsely.

“What!”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows. Jiang Yuelan had said she feared crowds would disturb the child and stayed in her room to rest. Who knew they’d first hear such news now…