Thump, thump, thump, thump—before long, knocking sounds rang out.

Li Minde stared with displeasure at the person pushing the door open, saying coldly: “Northern Desert Fourth Prince, I wonder what reason you have for coming uninvited?”

Li Yuanheng merely smiled: “Young brother, we crossed hands last time. I know your martial arts aren’t weak, but you wouldn’t want to start fighting here, would you? How unseemly that would be!” His attitude was obviously very friendly, even carrying a trace of frankness, making it impossible for people to feel dislike.

Both Zhao Yue and Zhao Nan simultaneously stared at Li Yuanheng warily, their expressions very unfriendly. Behind Li Yuanheng followed a young lady whose eyes were rolling around wildly. Before long, her eyes fixed on Li Minde, beginning to radiate unusual brilliance. She was extremely beautiful—curved slender brows like two new moons, a delicate straight nose, soft cherry-red diamond lips, and those eyes like brimming autumn waves, clear and bright. Just one glance could capture a person’s soul. Apart from her skin being slightly rough from the Northern Desert’s prolonged wind and sand, she was absolutely a beauty.

Li Weiyang saw her gaze flowing charmingly as it wandered, quite captivating. She understood in her heart that the girl had taken a fancy to Li Minde. She couldn’t help shaking her head. How many times this month already? Every time Minde went out, he always attracted quite a few young ladies’ attention. There were even some bold in word and deed who came forward to declare their love. She’d heard that last time, a young girl even threw her intimate garment onto his carriage… Truly audacious enough. This showed how important an attractive appearance was. These women had never interacted with Minde before, yet they directly declared their love and desire to become life partners—this was precisely why Li Minde extremely detested them. No one in the world would like inexplicable admiration, let alone when it was only for illusory appearances.

Thinking this, Li Weiyang somewhat understood Minde’s feelings. Being surrounded by a swarm of frivolous admirers was certainly uncomfortable. No wonder last time he showed no mercy in dealing with the Ninth Princess. Probably just as he said: “After dealing with them enough times, you get used to it.”

“County Princess Anping, this is my younger sister, Princess Hechang.” Seeing Li Weiyang pay attention to his sister, Li Yuanheng appeared very pleased and quickly introduced her.

Princess Hechang’s personality appeared very frank. She quickly walked forward, raising a smiling face toward Li Weiyang: “I’m the Northern Desert Sixth Princess. This is my first time following elder brother to Great Li. Are you County Princess Anping? My brother says he wants to marry you back as his consort! Will you return to the Northern Desert with us?”

Li Weiyang was speechless. Li Minde gave a cold laugh: “I’m afraid your brother’s beautiful dream hasn’t ended yet. His Majesty has already canceled this marriage—that’s final, absolutely no changes.”

Li Yuanheng refused to accept this: “As long as I like County Princess Anping, I can take her away. What does it have to do with your Great Li Emperor? He governs heaven and earth—does he also govern people’s marriages? There’s fundamentally no need for his permission!”

These shocking, world-defying words left everyone in the room stunned. Probably in their conception, no one had ever dared be so bold. However, the Northern Desert prince wasn’t from Great Li Dynasty after all. His disrespect toward his own nation’s emperor wasn’t particularly strange.

Li Weiyang said lightly: “Indeed, His Majesty’s permission isn’t needed, but my permission is needed. As for this marriage, if I say it won’t happen, then it won’t happen.”

Li Yuanheng froze, appearing as if he’d suffered a great blow.

Hechang stared at Li Weiyang strangely: “Why? My brother has lots of land, many servants, his cattle and horses are the sturdiest in all the Northern Desert, his grasslands are the most fertile, and he doesn’t have a principal consort yet. If you marry him, you’ll be the principal consort. All his secondary consorts will have to listen to you! How imposing! Much better than living here feeling constrained! Look—I can go out whenever I’m happy, but you noble young ladies here need a whole group following whenever you go out. How annoying!”

Li Weiyang looked at the puzzled Hechang, couldn’t help smiling: “Your brother’s wealth all belongs to him—it has nothing to do with me. I have no interest in managing his cattle and sheep for him, nor do I want to manage his secondary consorts. I just want to comfortably live my constrained life in the capital. Do you understand now?”

Hechang’s face showed disappointed expression. She even looked at her with the kind of gaze one gives a fool, as if Li Weiyang’s refusal to marry Li Yuanheng was an enormous loss.

However, Li Yuanheng obviously didn’t care about Li Weiyang’s refusal. He smiled: “I know—you Great Li girls are very reserved. Even when willing, you have to say you’re unwilling.”

Li Weiyang and Li Minde exchanged glances, both seeing the four characters “playing a lute to a cow” in each other’s eyes. Li Weiyang smiled, no longer saying more, merely stating: “If you don’t mind, sit down for a cup of tea. Let’s just be friends.”

If it were an ordinary noble young lady, at this moment she would avoid the other party before it was too late. Even the most generous would feel awkward. However, Li Weiyang appeared composed and natural, obviously not caring about everything that happened in the hall that day.

The Northern Desert Fourth Prince increasingly felt his judgment was excellent. He couldn’t help pulling his sister to sit down: “In that case, we won’t stand on ceremony. Just now, releasing lives with your common people was quite interesting. However, having walked so far, I’m also thirsty.”

At this moment, Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu also entered the room one after another. Seeing this bizarre scene and hearing what the attendants outside said, they knew the people in the room were the Northern Desert prince and princess. For a moment, they were somewhat choked up. Look what their young miss was doing—actually entertaining the Northern Desert Fourth Prince who had previously proposed marriage and been refused! Though this marriage had fallen through, wasn’t Miss even slightly embarrassed?

“Bai Zhi, pour tea for the two guests.” Li Weiyang instructed.

Bai Zhi quickly stepped forward, pouring tea for them. Princess Hechang completely disregarded her beautiful woman image. She picked up the teacup and gulped it all down, then stuck out her tongue: “Not as good as our liquor.”

Northern Desert people were skilled at drinking and brewing techniques. Their liquor was very strong yet sold well across various nations. Li Weiyang had heard of this fame long ago. Hearing this now, she didn’t find it strange: “Liquor has liquor’s flavor, tea has tea’s flavor. The tea here is brewed with water boiled from the first snow of winter, so it has a particularly fragrant plum blossom flavor.”

Princess Hechang obviously didn’t believe it. She lowered her head and drank another mouthful, then nodded: “Yes, it really is so!”

Li Yuanheng smiled: “I’ve long heard that County Princess Anping possesses outstanding intelligence and widespread fame. Even in the Northern Desert, I’ve admired you for a long time. At that time, I still doubted whether you were truly as intelligent and capable as rumors claimed. Now I’m reassured.” His words still carried an appearance of not having given up.

Li Minde’s expression was unfriendly. This Northern Desert Fourth Prince truly wasn’t stupid. Look at these beautiful words—not inferior at all to Great Li’s elegant young gentlemen, and even more sincere than others. Hearing him speak like this, he clearly intended to continue pursuing. Would Weiyang perhaps be somewhat moved? Thinking this, he quietly observed Li Weiyang’s expression.

Li Weiyang’s smile was very serene. She said slowly: “Fourth Highness, please don’t tease me. This tea brewing method is known to everyone—I’m not the only one who knows it. Moreover, I never leave home, so even less could any reputation reach the Northern Desert.”

Li Yuanheng shook his head, summoning an attendant to bring a painting scroll, smiling: “I said I knew you before—the County Princess might not believe it, but seeing this painting scroll, you’ll naturally know I’m not lying.”

As he spoke, he unrolled the painting scroll. Li Weiyang glanced at it. The painting depicted a pleasant-faced young lady sitting before a chess board, deeply contemplating. Her manner was natural and intimate, her gaze flowing with brilliance—it was clearly her appearance.

Li Minde’s eyes changed in that instant.

Li Weiyang said curiously: “Fourth Highness, where did you obtain this painting?”

Li Yuanheng said: “This painting was sent to me three months ago by a good friend in the capital who heard I was coming here to select a bride. He also told me many things about you.”

It must be said, Li Yuanheng superficially appeared to be a very honest person, also difficult to dislike. Li Weiyang smiled: “That person—could it be the Jiang family’s Third Young Master, Jiang Hua?”

Li Yuanheng laughed freely: “Precisely! Four years ago, I came to Great Li in disguise to travel. At Mount Beiming, I encountered someone accomplished in both civil and military arts, both teacher and friend, a kindred spirit. Only after returning to my country did I learn he was a general’s son. Because there were no battles at the border and someone else commanded his troops, he was able to leisurely wander for two months, just happening to meet me, becoming friends.”

He didn’t avoid mentioning his interactions with Jiang Hua at all, appearing very frank and straightforward. Li Minde, who hadn’t spoken for a while, looked at the other party, his brows slightly furrowing. The Northern Desert Fourth Prince showing such goodwill today—he naturally understood why. Seeing him continuously trying to please Li Weiyang, his heart grew increasingly annoyed with this person.

“What kind of person is the Northern Desert Fourth Prince? How could he believe others’ few words?” Li Minde suddenly spoke.

Li Yuanheng smiled: “Young Master Li, naturally I won’t casually believe others, even close friends are the same. This time coming to Great Li, I personally saw County Princess Anping. She’s not only intelligent but also so beautiful. Falling for her at first sight—what’s strange about that?”

Li Weiyang was indeed a beauty. Of course, Great Li had plenty of beauties, but different people had different preferences. It just so happened the Northern Desert Fourth Prince favored this type of ice-mountain beauty. Li Minde felt for the first time that this person before him was not simple. Just now, they had clearly encountered each other by chance, yet this person carried Li Weiyang’s portrait on him. Where was such coincidence? He had clearly targeted them early on. One couldn’t help lamenting—this Northern Desert Fourth Prince indeed only had a carefree, magnanimous exterior. Inside, he absolutely wasn’t simple-minded, and he understood women’s psychology very well.

He first said he had long admired Li Weiyang, provoking favorable impressions, then presented the painting scroll, fully displaying sincerity. Before everyone, he professed his feelings for Li Weiyang, then freely discussed his friendship with Jiang Hua, leaving an extremely deep impression. If it were an ordinary person knowing of the enmity between Li Weiyang and the Jiang family, they would certainly skip past the Jiang Hua section. However, doing so would make it easier to arouse suspicion once discovered. Yet he revealed everything without reservation, appearing very sincere, as if his wholehearted passion was exploited by Jiang Hua, even arousing sympathy. If Li Weiyang were an ordinary woman, she would naturally be moved by him. This person couldn’t be underestimated. Li Minde silently warned himself.

Li Yuanheng wore a smile, saying earnestly: “I don’t like Great Li people’s empty formalities, nor do I have other intentions. I just genuinely like you, hoping you can return with me to be my consort. If you don’t like me having other women around me, I can also make proper arrangements for them. I can even guarantee you that in the future, the son you bear will be the heir to all my property.”

Li Minde’s expression became half-smile, half-not. This guy’s technique for pursuing women was truly superb. Constantly claiming no other intentions, yet every action carried intention. However, he showed this extremely sincere appearance, even making such shocking promises. Even if Li Weiyang had a heart of stone, she would surely be moved.

However, Li Yuanheng obviously hadn’t finished speaking: “I know our Northern Desert can’t compare to Great Li’s prosperity, but I can build you a luxurious separate courtyard, guaranteeing the scenery inside is the same as where you currently live. I can even purchase Great Li’s supplies and transport them to the Northern Desert for your daily use. Though I know you’re not a woman who covets vanity and won’t care about these things, this is truly my heartfelt intention. I hope you can accept it.”

Li Minde rolled his eyes internally. Li Yuanheng truly kept going and going. Weiyang most loved eating the capital’s rose paste and poria cakes—these were the capital’s specialties. Transported to your Northern Desert, they’d long be moldy. Even if you found chefs to make them, your Northern Desert godforsaken place where birds don’t lay eggs couldn’t grow the ingredients! Hmph, transporting things thousands of miles meant nothing. Did he really think that with one painting and a few beautiful words, he could move Weiyang? Too naive. Over this past year, what methods hadn’t he tried? All failed. Our Weiyang is intelligent, beautiful, plus her great undertaking isn’t yet accomplished, her ideals lofty. She would never spend her life with such a fool.

He originally didn’t want to provoke the other party, merely wanting Li Weiyang to personally refuse so the other would completely give up. However, he hadn’t expected Li Weiyang’s next words to completely stun him.

Li Weiyang’s face actually turned slightly red. She said slowly: “Thank you, Fourth Highness, for treating Weiyang so generously. However, marriage is a major matter—absolutely cannot be decided so rashly. Please forgive me—”

These words were quite meaningful. Everyone in the hall could understand—Li Weiyang had given three parts hope, not refusing outright on the spot.

Li Yuanheng was immediately overjoyed: “Then tomorrow afternoon, I’m hunting in the suburbs. Please come along with me, County Princess. I wonder if that’s possible?”

No, of course not—Li Minde silently ground his teeth, his expression so gloomy it could drip water.

However, Li Weiyang smiled: “Naturally possible. However, Weiyang doesn’t know riding and archery. I’m afraid I’ll make a fool of myself.”

Li Yuanheng was already so happy he didn’t know what to say. He quickly said: “This doesn’t matter. I can teach you—” Halfway through speaking, realizing he was somewhat rash, he quickly said: “My sister’s riding and archery skills are also excellent. Let her teach you. Right, Hechang?”

However, Princess Hechang’s eyes were fixedly staring at Li Minde, her entire face carrying peach blossoms, completely not hearing what her brother was saying. When he cast a glance her way, it was like throwing something into a dark ditch—pitch black, no response whatsoever.

Li Weiyang suddenly stood up: “Since it’s so, then it’s settled. Today it’s getting late. We should take our leave.”

Li Yuanheng immediately smiled: “Yes, yes, County Princess, take care.” An appearance of being favored by a beauty, utterly satisfied. He personally escorted Li Weiyang to her carriage, watching it disappear before reluctantly departing.

In the carriage, Li Minde didn’t look at her, only gazing out the window. At this moment, it was already dusk. Several streaks of sunset outlined his profile in an extremely attractive arc. However, his eyes were lazily tired, an appearance of being wronged, yet also very evocative of sympathy.

Li Weiyang laughed: “Why are you putting on such an appearance? Upset I didn’t pay attention to you just now?”

Seeing her take the initiative to speak, Li Minde slowly turned, casting his gaze upon her, raising a forced, lonely smile: “I thought you had completely forgotten me.”

Seeing you so intimate, like good friends. That kind of man you could actually tolerate—Li Minde’s face clearly said this.

This guy is playing dead again. Li Weiyang couldn’t help thinking this. She smiled, pushing the teacup toward him: “Stop being angry. Have a cup of tea.”

“Weiyang, you needn’t console me. I know you have a very favorable impression of that Northern Desert Fourth Prince. After all, he’s both refined and highly positioned. Marrying him is indeed a good choice.” As if. He suppressed the urge to grind his teeth, silently criticizing internally—what’s good about that stupid, brawny man!

Li Weiyang’s hand trembled, her smile involuntarily becoming somewhat strange. It wasn’t that she was overly suspicious—truly, Li Minde’s tone was too resentful. In a moment of carelessness, the teacup spilled on her hand. The scalding tea water immediately reddened her hand. She frowned lightly. Before she could instruct Bai Zhi, her hand was grasped by another person.

Li Minde’s handsome brows furrowed tightly, his face showing undisguised heartache: “How can you be so careless?”

Li Weiyang was about to say it didn’t matter… However, the next moment, she was completely stunned.

Not just Li Weiyang—the several maids in the carriage also froze. Though the carriage space was large, they suddenly felt the temperature here rise sharply. Mo Zhu immediately covered her face, yet secretly opened two fingers to peek. Until Zhao Yue expressionlessly blocked before the two maids.

Li Weiyang was still gaping. Li Minde had actually put her fingers in his mouth! Continuously feeling the warm oral cavity enveloping them, she couldn’t speak. Yet he still acted as if it wasn’t enough—his tongue tip meticulously licking over her scalded fingers.

Now, even with the thickest face and coldest heart, Li Weiyang’s face also became scalding hot.

Did this person know shame or not? The maids were all here, yet he acted as if they didn’t exist, as if no one else was present—ah! Her lifelong reputation was ruined in his hands!

Li Minde nonchalantly released her, saying with concern: “Next time, don’t be so careless.”

Li Weiyang endured for a long time before suppressing the breath in her heart. After breathing repeatedly several times, she forced herself to say: “Before others, absolutely cannot have such improper behavior. Next time you do it again, I’ll kick you off the carriage!”

Li Minde’s amber eyes flashed: “I’ve remembered—not before others.”

Li Weiyang breathed a sigh of relief. However, Li Minde continued: “When there’s no one else, it’s fine then.”

Li Weiyang’s barely released breath immediately turned into anger. The rebuke was about to emerge, but she saw the shadows cast by his lowered lashes, that gentle, aggrieved gaze making her involuntarily swallow her words. Perhaps his appearance was too perfect—so perfect that even her eyes were momentarily bewitched. Li Weiyang was bewilderedly stunned.

Smile dyed across his brows and eyes. Li Minde curved his eyes, smiling slightly. This smile could make all the stars pale in comparison. Li Weiyang’s heart jumped. She deliberately looked away.

Li Minde seemed unable to see her discomfort. Of course, he knew not to push too far, merely changing the subject: “Does Weiyang suspect that Fourth Prince, which is why you deliberately gave him the opportunity to approach?”

Li Weiyang frowned, only now turning back. He was serious one moment, not serious the next. She didn’t know how to interact with him anymore. She lightly hummed, obviously still minding her earlier loss of composure.

Li Minde smiled: “Then I’m also going tomorrow. Together.”

After everyone left, only Li Yuanheng and Princess Hechang remained in the elegant room. At this time, Hechang was completely different from her earlier naive, straightforward appearance. She directly stood up from her seat, personally poured a cup of tea, offering it to Li Yuanheng: “Fourth Brother, this County Princess Anping has quite deep thoughts. If you want to control her through marriage alliance, I’m afraid it won’t be easy to accomplish.”

Li Yuanheng smiled slightly. Li Weiyang was this type of woman—scheming and cunning, most hating others playing tricks with her, most liking magnanimous, straightforward people. This point was clear just from looking at her close friends. She would choose Sun Yanjun, this kind of straightforward girl with few schemes, clearly offering her no help, yet she still kept the other by her side. This showed her guard was especially heavy—it was difficult for her to trust those who deliberately approached. To move the other party, one must find a way to make her feel you opened your heart, spoke only truth. If even half a sentence aroused her suspicion, approaching again would be difficult as climbing to heaven.

Since Li Weiyang suspected he came at Jiang Hua’s instigation, he openly told her, and moreover, he acted as if he was exploited by Jiang Hua, so the other party would no longer suspect his intentions.

“Actually, if truly forming a marriage alliance, the Ninth Princess would be the most suitable choice. That way, Fourth Brother, in seizing great achievements, you’d also have greater assistance.” Hechang continued observing Li Yuanheng’s expression, quietly saying.

Li Yuanheng gave a cold laugh: “What do you understand? A concubine-born daughter who had nothing, walking to where she is today—her value is far more important than the Ninth Princess! You haven’t seen her major accomplishments, so naturally you won’t understand. As far as I know, Tuoba Zhen being everywhere constrained, losing the power he calculated for many years—all thanks to her. Only such a woman would be most beneficial to my great cause. Moreover, since I’ve already reached an agreement with Jiang Hua, I won’t easily change candidates. No matter how difficult she is to obtain, I must succeed!”

Li Weiyang wasn’t easy to deal with. Li Yuanheng hadn’t failed to consider this. After the marriage refusal in the great hall, he had thought about violating his promise to Jiang Hua and changing candidates. However, every time he thought of Li Weiyang’s eyes flashing with cold light, his heart would boil and burn, unable to calm for a long time. Ultimately, he still favored that extraordinary woman. Other rouge and powder were so easily obtained—they held no feeling.

“However, I feel that Jiang Hua is no good either—he’s merely using our hands to remove a thorn in his eye. Looking at how Li Weiyang angers him, you know this woman must be a disaster star.” Hechang still persisted, her beautiful face carrying a trace of inexplicable emotion, seemingly jealous, yet also unwilling, making it difficult to discern clearly.

Li Yuanheng drank a mouthful of tea, the smile on his face growing colder: “Jiang Hua and I are merely each taking what we need. If he truly joins hands with me wholeheartedly, fine. Otherwise, I also have ruthless methods to deal with him.”

Princess Hechang knew well that Li Yuanheng had painstakingly operated for many years, even planting quite a few eyes and pawns throughout Great Li. How could the remote Northern Desert satisfy his ambition? This world was what he truly wanted to covet. Therefore, he wanted someone who appeared unremarkable but was actually Tuoba Yu’s strategist—Li Weiyang. However, relying on her intuition, though Li Weiyang today showed Li Yuanheng great intimacy, as if truly somewhat moved, there wasn’t a trace of affection in her eyes.

Hechang was also a woman. Naturally, she knew what it looked like when a woman had favorable impressions or was moved by a man who admired her. However, just now, she saw not the slightest emotion in Li Weiyang’s eyes—not even half a bit. Li Yuanheng deliberately wanted to obtain Li Weiyang—one aspect was because of Jiang Hua’s shocking descriptions of Li Weiyang. The other aspect was male pride and desire for conquest at work. Probably few women in the world he couldn’t obtain. He was determined to make the other party completely convinced. However, in reality, he hadn’t treated Li Weiyang as a true opponent. Yet Hechang felt that Li Weiyang, despite having no power or influence, walked to today’s situation. How could she be easy to deal with? How could she easily allow herself to be used? Those who approached her would probably lose both the wife and the soldiers.

However, these words—she truly couldn’t speak well to Li Yuanheng. Because Li Yuanheng these years developed extremely smoothly in the Northern Desert, all along unstoppable. Even the Northern Desert First Prince wasn’t his match. Therefore, he had somewhat lost his usual caution and care. Perhaps underestimating Li Weiyang wasn’t impossible. All this was very dangerous.

Hechang here was lost in thought, involuntarily frowning. However, Li Yuanheng suddenly embraced her on his lap, teasing: “Sister isn’t worried I’ll kill that Li family boy because you’ve set your sights on him? How about I betroth you to him to win him over—what do you think?”

Hechang’s heart jumped in fright, knowing the other party was testing her. Her face quickly piled on a coquettish smile. A pair of jade hands tapped his forehead: “Fourth Brother is truly so bad. People’s heart clearly only holds you, yet you say such things—it truly makes one feel terrible.”

If outsiders saw this scene, they would certainly be greatly shocked. The imperial family—full of sordidness. The so-called noble Princess Hechang of the Northern Desert—her mother was merely the newly-wed wife of a weak tribe chieftain, yet caught the eye of the Northern Desert Emperor who came out inspecting. After being forcibly seized back to the palace, in less than ten months, she gave birth to her. She truly wasn’t the Northern Desert imperial family’s daughter, but she grew up in the imperial palace. Every day, she could only huddle together with her mother, trembling. The Northern Desert Emperor particularly loved drinking. Every time after drinking, he would use the whip to vent randomly. Countless times, she and her mother suffered unprovoked whippings together. Clearly, he ordinarily appeared so benevolent and magnanimous an emperor, yet after drinking, he no longer seemed human.

Finally, one day, the whipped mother kept rolling on the ground, painfully moaning, yet not daring to beg for mercy. This was the last time she saw her mother Empress. Later, this weak woman committed suicide, leaving her alone living in the cold Northern Desert imperial court. To protect herself, she successively gave herself to the First Prince, Second Prince, Sixth Prince. Every time she encountered a man who could help her, she would spare no effort to exploit him. Each time, she would pay with her body as the price. Generals, nobles—all firmly grasped in her palm. Finally, the person she chose was Fourth Prince Li Yuanheng, because up to now, he was the man most likely to ascend the throne. And she needed this man.

Because she had to survive—no matter how hard, she had to survive. Moreover, she had to climb upward, step by step by step by step, climb to the highest place where no one could ever bully her again!

Precisely because of such experiences, the instant she saw Li Weiyang, she suddenly realized the other party was the same type of person as her. Though her protective coloring was shamelessness, vanity, frivolity, while that woman’s protective coloring was her indifference and coldness, in their bones, they were exactly the same people. Their hearts similarly filled with hatred, no possibility of redemption. Once such people had an opportunity to turn things around, they would certainly desperately tear at enemies’ chests until they bled dry of the last drop of blood.

They were both women with hands stained full of blood. Therefore, at first glance, she saw through Li Weiyang. The instant she raised her head, it was as if she could see through to that person’s soul depths. However, she didn’t know whether Li Weiyang had also penetrated layers of protective coloring to see through her.

If Li Weiyang had the same feeling, then today Li Yuanheng’s actions in the other’s eyes were undoubtedly a farce. She dared confirm—Li Weiyang would make all who toyed with her, dared to covet her, pay the price! Just like her!

However, Li Yuanheng was observing Hechang. He keenly noticed her distraction, couldn’t help extending a hand to embrace her snow-white neck. His mind involuntarily floated up Li Weiyang’s hand pouring tea today—slender and pale, appearing with ten delicate fingers, soft and moving. He truly wanted to know how that hand pushed all conspiracies in the shadows, how it forced the supremely intelligent Jiang Hua to this step. Subconsciously, he grasped Hechang’s fingers, holding them in his palm, playing with them repeatedly, finding endless interest, the flavor better than anyone he’d experienced before.

Li Yuanheng looked at Hechang, but his mind thought of Li Weiyang. Moreover, the more he thought, the more unbearable it became. Though Hechang knew full well the other party’s lustful mentality, she still deliberately softened her body, nestling in his embrace, gently rubbing. Li Yuanheng smiled, taking advantage to embrace her waist, walking toward the nearby beauty couch…

Until going out the next day, Li Weiyang still didn’t tell Li Minde why exactly she was going to the appointment. However, Li Minde actually endured without asking.

However, this time involved riding horses and archery—inconvenient to bring Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu. Li Weiyang only brought Zhao Yue. Li Minde only instructed Zhao Nan to follow. Li Weiyang turned back curiously, looking at him.

Li Minde looked at her, couldn’t help explaining: “This time, we can’t bring too many people. I always feel the other party is a very difficult opponent. If he discovers I’m from Yuexi, it will be very troublesome.”

Previously, Li Minde had exposed the power of hidden guards before others. However, in Great Li, few people understood Yuexi’s background, including Tuoba Zhen, who suspected it was power hidden by the Li family, never suspecting too much. Yet this time, Li Minde was so cautious—clearly, the situation was extraordinary.

“You sent people to investigate Li Yuanheng?” Li Weiyang thought of this possibility.

Li Minde nodded: “Besides the First Prince born to the Empress holding the most noble position in the Northern Desert, there are four other powerful throne competitors, including Second Prince Li Yuanlin. His mother was from Great Li. He himself excels in mystical arts—a figure who could stabilize the nation through civil means and pacify it through military means, greatly valued by the Northern Desert Emperor. However, strangely, two years ago while inspecting the Northern Desert borders, he was attacked by bandits and died from poisoned arrows. Third Prince Li Yuanxiao—from age seventeen, he had eighty thousand troops, guarding the Northern Desert’s south, a very formidable military commander. However, while pursuing bandits once, he unexpectedly fell from his horse. Less than three days after being carried back to his territory, he died unnaturally. Sixth Prince Li Yuanjin—divine strength, able to lift a thousand catties, and quite strategic. His maternal grandfather was also a first-rank meritorious family of the Northern Desert. Originally also a powerful throne contender—”

“But he also died?” Li Weiyang guessed the words he was about to say.

Li Minde nodded: “Correct. His cause of death was very strange. Reportedly because he took a fancy to a deputy general’s beautiful concubine, he was actually killed by that beautiful concubine. However, strangely, that woman had no strength whatsoever. How could she strangle to death a man with divine strength?”

However, Li Weiyang smiled: “If the Second Prince was truly as formidable as you say, how could he easily be killed by bandits? Were those imperial guards protecting him all dead? Moreover, that Third Prince—a fierce general skilled in riding and guarding borders actually fell from his horse? Isn’t that as laughable as saying fish drowned in water? And the Sixth Prince—died even more bizarrely.”

Li Minde smiled: “Precisely so. According to my investigation, these matters without exception relate to the Fourth Prince. Therefore, he’s similarly a ruthless character, not inferior to Tuoba Zhen’s viciousness.”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Those who accomplish great achievements naturally shouldn’t be constrained by trifles. This isn’t particularly strange.” Compared to Tuoba Zhen, she instead felt Li Yuanheng’s actions weren’t particularly significant. At least he employed methods to deal with his own competitors, rather than borrowing others’ blades to deal with a group of defenseless women and children. In Li Weiyang’s mind, for some reason, that scene at the Crown Prince’s manor resurfaced. She couldn’t help frowning, turning: “Let’s go.”

Li Minde smiled slightly. Hearing that after Noble Consort De died, Tuoba Yu had gone a full ten-plus days without stepping half a foot outside his manor gates—clearly truly grief-stricken unto death. He was quite delighted. After all, nothing was happier than seeing a romantic rival in sorry straits, especially with Tuoba Yu no longer bothering Li Weiyang. He felt even more pleased.

Seeing that pretty boy makes me unhappy—Li Minde thought thus, completely forgetting he was even more handsome than the other.

Leaving the city, arriving at the agreed location, Li Weiyang descended from the carriage and saw Li Yuanheng in full riding attire, pulling a pure white horse, standing there waiting. Li Weiyang smiled: “Fourth Highness.”

Li Yuanheng’s face was full of smiles: “The County Princess didn’t break the appointment. I’m very happy.” Beside him, Hechang also had a delighted appearance, yet used her eyes to secretly look at Li Minde, as if truly mesmerized by him.

However, at this time, Li Weiyang gave Hechang an imperceptible glance. Hechang keenly noticed her gaze. The instant their eyes met, Hechang only felt her heart jump.

She saw through me! Definitely! She immediately understood. The infatuated look toward Li Minde immediately left her eyes, replaced by a smile that perceived everything. She vaguely knew—Li Weiyang had long seen through her disguise. What about Li Yuanheng then? Did Li Weiyang already know what he wanted to do, deliberately coming to the appointment? If truly so, Li Weiyang’s thoughts were truly too terrifyingly deep. Hechang shivered, yet the smile on her face grew sweeter. She ran forward, grasping Li Weiyang’s hand.

Ice-cold to the touch—Hechang’s smile remained unchanged: “Weiyang, may I call you thus?”

Li Weiyang’s smile was very warm, as if she liked Princess Hechang very much: “Naturally so.”

However, Li Minde seemed unable to see others. His eyes only saw Li Weiyang. At this moment, sunlight was faint. Her face carried a light transparent red, a refreshing pleasant smile, appearing spirited and vigorous. He rarely saw her reveal this kind of smile—like being unguarded, yet also like perceiving everything. He was somewhat curious—what exactly was Li Weiyang going to do this time?

“Is there something on my face?” Noticing his gaze’s peculiarity, Li Weiyang turned back.

Li Minde’s amber eyes flashed: “No.”

Hechang’s eyes swept across Li Weiyang’s face, still landing on Li Minde. From earlier, this man hadn’t looked at her once. How was this possible? She had never encountered a man not bewitched by her!

At this moment, Hechang still didn’t know—though her appearance was beautiful, compared to Li Changle of former years, it was slightly inferior. Li Minde even disdained Li Changle, let alone her? However, precisely because Hechang had always been universally successful, seeing Li Minde not even look at her, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat angry. Yet she transformed this anger entirely into an even sweeter smile, holding Li Weiyang’s hand, pointing at that pure white horse: “Weiyang, look—this horse was brought from our Northern Desert. It can travel a thousand li in a day—a true thousand-li horse, completely different from your Great Li’s weak-legged shrimp!”

Li Weiyang smiled lightly. However, she heard Li Yuanheng disapprovingly reproach her: “Hechang, what kind of talk is that!”

Princess Hechang stuck out her tongue, a playful appearance: “Brother, don’t be angry! I was just joking. Weiyang is so magnanimous—she won’t hold it against me!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze fell on this pure white horse. Indeed, as they said, this was a world-rare famous steed—not only majestic and sturdy in form, its coat white and shining, but its black pupils piercingly spirited.

“This horse is my gift to you. It doesn’t have a name yet.” Li Yuanheng said with a frank smile.

Li Weiyang discovered that though this man before her had terrifyingly deep scheming, when he deliberately pleased a woman, he was truly difficult to refuse. Thinking about it, without her previous life’s experiences, perhaps she would very easily be abducted. Thinking this, she curiously glanced at that horse: “Truly giving it to me?”

Li Yuanheng nodded vigorously: “You give it a name.”

Hechang eagerly smiled: “How about Chuyun? Sounds very imposing.”

Chuyun, Chuyun. Li Weiyang didn’t know what she thought of. Looking at Hechang, she smiled slightly: “Indeed a good name.”

In this instant, Hechang almost felt her everything was under the other’s observation. She smiled, but the smile concealed a bit of trepidation.

The first time having the feeling of being seen through… However, this feeling wasn’t too terrible. Hechang thought—she liked Li Weiyang, liked this girl who, like her, hid countless secrets. If not for opposing positions, she even wanted to become friends with her regardless of everything! If she were willing to stand on her side, that would be even better! Those men meant nothing—she could trample them all underfoot! She believed Li Weiyang would similarly have such thoughts!

Some people were strange—though you hadn’t known them long, it felt like meeting old friends, even feeling the other was a kindred spirit. Current Hechang had this feeling—very subtle. Moreover, this made her choose to conceal everything from Li Yuanheng! Right—she wasn’t prepared to tell him. She wanted to personally watch what exactly Li Weiyang would do!

This would surely be extremely, extremely, extremely interesting!