“The small grove ahead has game animals.” Li Yuanheng pointed to a place not far away. People often hunted there. Though it couldn’t compare to the imperial hunting grounds, privileged sons of the capital’s nobility also frequently appeared in that area.
Li Weiyang nodded, essentially acquiescing. Getting her approval, Li Yuanheng quickly had people prepare saddles and whips, then very attentively handed the riding whip to Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang smiled faintly, turning back to the young man behind her who was emanating displeasure: “If you’re interested, you can also come along.”
Li Minde raised his eyebrows, asking Li Yuanheng: “Does Your Highness welcome it?”
Li Yuanheng laughed heartily: “Of course, of course! I’ve also prepared Young Master Li’s horse!”
Hechang looked at the expressions of the several people. At present, it was clearly a stiff scene between Li Yuanheng, Li Weiyang, and that handsome young gentleman. She sneered coldly. Li Weiyang, oh Li Weiyang—looks like you’re no oil-saving lamp either! Clearly having a handsome young man by your side, yet still maintaining that ambiguous distance with my fourth brother—
“Good!” Li Minde’s smile carried a trace of subtlety.
Four people, four horses. Though all equipped with bows and arrows, Li Weiyang and Li Yuanheng were chatting and laughing up ahead, appearing very compatible, clearly not out hunting. This scene falling into Li Minde’s eyes behind made his handsome face slowly turn ice-cold, appearing frightening. However, the other Northern Desert people saw nothing inappropriate, after all, Northern Desert girls were all like this—following men riding and shooting arrows, even fiercer than men. In their view, this County Princess Anping was still being too reserved.
“Young Master Li, there’s game over there.” Hechang smiled, pointing to a gray rabbit hiding in the grass. Before her words fell, Li Minde had already shot an arrow, but it missed completely. The gray rabbit had long since fled who knows where. Hechang was about to tease him with a few words when she discovered he hadn’t even looked in the game’s direction at all. On the contrary, his face had turned into a sculpture. The only things moving were his burning eyes, and he was looking precisely at Li Weiyang and Li Yuanheng’s figures ahead.
Hechang couldn’t help laughing delicately. People all said the imperial family was sordid—this wasn’t false. However, she’d heard these two were cousins. How could their relationship still be so ambiguous? Clearly, improper relationships existed everywhere. Her eyes blinked. She deliberately urged her horse closer, her smile becoming even sweeter, even carrying a trace of seduction. Slightly tilting her head, she spoke with Li Minde: “People all say Great Li’s scenery is wonderful. I wonder if Young Master Li could be my guide?”
Li Minde didn’t even glance at her, his eyes never taking in half a measure of scenery.
His gaze was practically nailed to Li Weiyang—Hechang laughed, saying: “Young Master Li, even if you like that sister of yours, you shouldn’t prevent her from making even one friend.”
Only then did Li Minde turn back, glancing sideways at Hechang, suddenly saying in a low voice: “Princess Hechang, put away that deceptive act. Do you think I’d pay any attention to your little tricks?”
Hechang’s expression changed slightly, then quickly said: “What do you mean by that? I don’t understand at all!”
Li Minde curved his lips, revealing a trace of cold smile, but suddenly accelerated, galloping toward the forest ahead. Obviously, he didn’t want to give those two the opportunity to be alone. Though he understood very well that Li Yuanheng wouldn’t do anything to Li Weiyang now, nor would Weiyang give him such an opportunity, overall, he still didn’t want to see her laughing so happily with another man.
Even knowing it was false sentiment, anyway, he just felt displeased. He kept his ears cocked listening to the movements over there, hearing the conversation between those two people carried on the wind.
Li Weiyang smiled: “Fourth Prince, how long will you stay here?”
Li Yuanheng smiled: “Originally planned to leave in these two days, but—now I want to stay a few more days.”
Li Weiyang’s voice sounded somewhat surprised: “Do you still have unfinished business here?”
Li Yuanheng naturally displayed reluctance to part: “Actually—His Majesty has already bestowed marriage on me. He married Marquis Nan’an’s legitimate daughter to me.”
Hearing this, Li Weiyang merely gave a light “hmm.” Li Changru was precisely betrothed to the legitimate second son of Marquis Nan’an’s manor. Speaking of it, the two families had quite some connection… She pondered: “Marquis Nan’an Manor’s noble daughter—gentle, virtuous, beautiful appearance, a rare young lady from a prestigious family.” This was pure nonsense. Marquis Nan’an Manor’s legitimate daughter… had long been married off. Where would another one come from to marry this Northern Desert prince? She suspected Marquis Nan’an Manor had colluded with the Emperor, planning to pass off a concubine-born daughter as a substitute. However, she wasn’t prepared to tell Li Yuanheng this.
“Your smile is very beautiful!” However, Li Yuanheng seemed not to have heard, instead beginning to praise Li Weiyang. In fact, Li Weiyang didn’t smile much, but her smile was very pretty.
Probably no girl wasn’t pretty when smiling. Li Weiyang had self-awareness. She wouldn’t lose perspective just because a handsome man praised her twice. She merely said lightly: “Since already betrothed, Your Highness should take the new bride back early.”
Li Yuanheng’s face suddenly flushed red, but his voice suddenly became gentle: “But I haven’t met her, and I don’t like her. The person I set my sights on was you from the very beginning.”
Li Weiyang frowned: “But the Auspicious Hall inexplicably caught fire. His Majesty has already refused this marriage. Your Highness, you should understand very well—our dynasty’s Emperor keeps his word. He absolutely won’t casually change his mind again.”
Li Yuanheng’s voice was exceptionally firm: “Naturally I know this. However, I also want to tell you—I’ll wait here for you, keep waiting until you agree. Moreover, I’ll only reserve my principal consort position for you.”
Li Weiyang’s tone momentarily held some displeasure: “Marrying her makes her a wife; eloping makes her a concubine. Fourth Highness only cares about declaring feelings—does this mean you want me to elope with you?”
Li Yuanheng’s eyes were full of earnestness, making his angular face appear very sincere: “No. So-called elopement is your terminology here. As long as you leave Great Li with me, our place fundamentally has no such saying. My mother consort was also thus back then. Her birth wasn’t high, and she already had a husband. However, she fell for my father Emperor and disregarded everything to pursue him through the night. Fundamentally, no one mocked her. Others only praised her courage and determination.”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly, clearly uninterested in this story. Li Yuanheng was somewhat puzzled. Ordinary noble young ladies hearing such stories would be very moved, just like those Great Li operas he found so annoying said—young ladies falling for talented scholars, disregarding everything to abandon noble family status and elope with them. Later, the scholar passed the imperial examination, returning home in glory with the lady. Everyone happy. Wasn’t this the story these women yearned for? No—perhaps intelligent women like Li Weiyang weren’t easily bewitched by such romantic fantasies. Then he must work hard in other aspects.
Thinking this, he suddenly seemed to remember something: “Last night, I visited Brother Jiang Hua. During our conversation, I saw his hatred toward you hadn’t diminished. Moreover, in two more days, Duke Jiang will return. I’m afraid they’ll set traps to harm you. Jiang Hua is my brother, you’re the person I love. I don’t want you to conflict, but if you must harm each other, I’ll definitely stand on your side.” With that, he handed over a token. “Take this token. You can come find me at the post station anytime.”
An appearance of deep affection. If she were an ignorant young girl, she’d definitely be moved. Between brotherhood and the woman he loved, he chose the beauty? These words somehow inspired laughter. Li Weiyang accepted the token, her smile deepening. In Li Yuanheng’s view, it seemed as if she were truly moved by him: “Then thank you very much.”
Li Yuanheng smiled, frankness revealing gentleness: “Between you and me, no need for thanks.”
This person was truly pushing his luck inch by inch. Li Minde’s eyes almost shot fire.
“Young Master Li.” Behind, Hechang finally caught up, calling him, then telling him: “That game was found. You shot through its eye and pinned it to a tree ten meters away. How did you do it? Even our best sharpshooters can’t shoot arrows without even looking!” Li Minde clearly hadn’t looked at that rabbit just now—why could he determine its direction? Hechang thought—if not for exceptionally high internal power, then hearing keener than ordinary people.
Li Minde said lightly: “Merely luck.” An appearance unwilling to discuss more.
Hechang frowned. She had never before received such disregard. Even Prince Consort Ruinian, her third brother-in-law, though so devoted to her third sister, still couldn’t help being bewitched by her. Men—all ate from the bowl while eyeing the pot. Moreover, though Li Weiyang’s scheming might match hers, her appearance absolutely couldn’t compare! According to reason, even if Li Minde already had someone he loved, he shouldn’t refuse such romantic fortune. Perhaps previous understanding went wrong. She looked at Li Minde’s compellingly handsome profile, somewhat bewildered.
When none of the four were paying attention, the ground beneath their feet rose and fell. Soon, the entire ground shook violently. All the horses were frightened, rearing up neighing, bodies entirely airborne, wildly throwing riders! The instant Li Yuanheng reacted, to protect himself, he simply rolled off his horse, tumbling several circles on the ground. At this time, he fundamentally had no time to consider Li Weiyang’s situation, couldn’t even think to glance over, completely forgetting his earlier deeply affectionate appearance—
Weiyang! Li Minde immediately desperately pulled the reins, rapidly galloping toward her. Li Weiyang was the first to sense the earthquake, but her movements were half a beat slower than Li Yuanheng’s. Before she could dismount, the horse suddenly bolted forward. Before she could make a sound, rapid hoofbeats already sounded behind. Her body suddenly became airborne as someone swept her off the horse.
“Are you hurt?” Li Minde rolled to the ground, only caring about holding her with heartache.
“I’m fine.” Li Weiyang’s body swayed unsteadily. Her consciousness hadn’t fully recovered. Feeling quite dizzy because the entire ground was trembling. At this time, she heard Hechang scream. The attendants in the distance also couldn’t control their horses. Where could they distinguish east from west? Everyone was like headless flies, fleeing in all directions.
Originally thinking the entire chaos would pass once the earth’s shaking stopped, but before Li Minde could help Li Weiyang stand up, suddenly intense spinning heaven and earth overturned everyone. Li Yuanheng also fell to the ground. Before he could stand up, he heard a dull creaking sound overhead. Silently crying out ‘disaster,’ disregarding others, he rolled to the side first. Almost in the next second, accompanied by an earth-shattering tremendous sound, countless large trees in the forest instantly toppled down. Immediately, smoke and dust filled the air, shrouding everything!
In the smoke and dust, Li Minde could no longer see anything, still tightly holding Li Weiyang, protecting her beneath himself. Li Yuanheng finally remembered something, turning back to find Li Weiyang. However, a large tree suddenly fell, blocking his view. At this time, he heard Hechang’s scream, plus the screams attendants made when trampled by trees or galloping horse hooves in the confusion, unable to escape in time… Hechang still had use—she couldn’t die here. Li Yuanheng steeled his heart, turning to save Hechang.
Li Weiyang only heard tremendous roaring sounds, as if the entire earth was trembling. She couldn’t even determine direction, only feeling the place she occupied seemed to split apart. Animals in the forest fled in all directions. Those unable to escape in time fell into opening cracks. This experience was truly too terrifying.
Li Minde kept protecting her, tightly holding her—Li Weiyang now had no time to think why such a large earthquake suddenly occurred. She merely similarly grasped Li Minde’s hand. She only hoped he wouldn’t be injured—nothing more. So when a sharp stone pierced her left ankle, she merely gritted her teeth, not making a sound. She didn’t want him worrying for her, nor did she want him distracted at such a life-and-death moment.
Not knowing how much time passed, the entire earth’s shaking gradually passed. Though only a brief quarter-hour, in Li Weiyang’s eyes, it even felt longer than a lifetime. Though this heaven-collapsing, earth-splitting shaking finally stopped, she still had ringing ears and dizziness. Barely calming down, she discovered the surroundings were everywhere in chaos. Even the people from just now didn’t know where they’d fled.
Li Minde concentrated, listening for a while, finally confirming the earthquake had stopped. Only then did he breathe a long sigh of relief, quickly lowering his head to examine Li Weiyang from head to toe.
“I’m fine.” Li Weiyang quickly said. Though her entire face was now blackened, at least she was still alive.
“An earthquake actually occurred—” Only after Li Minde confirmed she was fine did he turn to look at the surrounding situation. They were now hiding in the crevice of a huge boulder. This boulder should have rolled down from the mountain. This mountain was merely a relatively tall earthen mound, originally standing beside the forest. Now it had already been leveled. Recovering some strength, Li Minde supported himself to climb up, then pulled Li Weiyang from the ground.
Li Weiyang finally stood steady but felt so uncomfortable she could barely breathe. Forcibly suppressing her breathing, she coughed softly twice. Her chest felt pressed by a huge stone, stifled into a mass. Li Minde quickly turned back, helping her regulate her breathing. Before finishing, he saw her gaze strangely fixed on his hand. He froze, discovering his hand seemed to touch something very soft beneath. Only then did he realize he seemed to have touched what shouldn’t be touched. Awkwardly blushing, he withdrew his hand: “It seems the people who were with us just now don’t know where they ran to.”
Li Weiyang wanted to glare at him but had no strength, merely saying: “People naturally were all busy saving themselves. Who’s like you—pouncing over at such a life-threatening moment? Truly not afraid of death?” Saying this, seeing his indifferent expression, she couldn’t help sighing, instead looking elsewhere. “Wonder if people in the city will be alright.”
Li Weiyang naturally spoke of Li Minzhi, Seventh Aunt, and Old Madam. Li Minde nodded: “They’re indoors. Sensing tremors, they’ll naturally run outside. Should be fine.” So he said, but his heart thought not necessarily. However, now they couldn’t help themselves. He couldn’t tell Li Weiyang his worries.
“Li Yuanheng and the others should still be nearby.” Li Weiyang looked at a sika deer corpse not far away. Obviously, they had inadvertently rolled down the slope. Now, besides animal corpses on the ground, they couldn’t find where other people were.
“The Zhao Nan siblings should also be fine. They were following behind all along. They’ll probably find us soon.” Now the best method was to stay in place, waiting for others to rescue. However, this place seemed completely different from their earlier location. Even Li Minde didn’t dare confirm which direction they were in. Perhaps the earlier frantic flight and terrible earthquake had forced them into a difficult-to-identify valley.
Li Weiyang calmed down, only then feeling intense pain in her left ankle. She wanted to speak, but her vision repeatedly darkened. Involuntarily, her body went soft, losing consciousness.
Seeing her suddenly faint, Li Minde knew she must have been injured earlier, but couldn’t see where her wound was. For a moment, his heart tightened. Finally, he carried her on his back, seeking a sheltered place as refuge. A full half-hour passed before Li Weiyang slowly opened her eyes, weakly coughing twice. Glancing at him once, discovering the two still hadn’t been found, she forced a smile: “I thought my body was quite good. Who knew it was so weak!”
Li Minde glared at her, but his eyes showed heartache: “You shouldn’t have agreed to come out riding and shooting arrows!”
Li Weiyang laughed: “Would staying in the city prevent earthquakes? That’s displaced anger. Ouch!” She suddenly cried out, frowning: “Lighter.”
Li Minde quickly released: “Who told you not to say your foot was injured earlier?” His eyes were slightly red, hair disheveled, black mud on his face—appearing very bedraggled.
Li Weiyang couldn’t help laughing, touching Li Minde’s face, wiping for him: “Looking so bedraggled—if those girls who like you saw, they’d laugh to death.”
He froze, then turned his gaze away: “Always putting on elder sister airs. You know very well I’m not younger than you. Even at this point, you still tease me. Otherwise, you’ll feel uneasy, won’t you?”
Li Weiyang felt her thoughts so easily seen through by him. For a moment, she couldn’t speak. Indeed, being alone with him like this—this was the first time. She didn’t quite know what to say, so deliberately acted relaxed to tease him: “I just—”
“You just don’t know how to face me. However, I know—no matter how you treat me, my feelings won’t change.”
“Won’t change—” Li Weiyang froze, then murmured, seeming to remember something, sighing faintly. In this world, what things never changed? She didn’t believe, never believed. Those who believed were all fools.
Li Minde no longer spoke, coldly removing her blood-stained shoe: “Need to apply medicine. Bear the pain—”
However, Li Weiyang noticed the wound on his shoulder. She suddenly remembered that after the earthquake suddenly occurred, when she opened her eyes, he was still pressing her tightly beneath him, disheveled hair covering his anxious, tense eyes, but like her, heart pounding like a drum… Now, his shoulder clothing had long been torn, exposing skin crisscrossed with bloody marks, wounds ferociously turned outward. So when falling from the horse, he was also injured… After a long while, she could only say hoarsely: “…Why not apply medicine?”
Li Minde answered directly: “These superficial wounds don’t need it. Your ankle is more important—” He only carried one bottle of medicine. Couldn’t casually waste it.
Li Weiyang’s heart immediately ached: “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have brought you along—”
Li Minde frowned: “Not bringing me, would you take risks alone?”
Li Weiyang stared blankly at him until he finished bandaging, raising his head. Seeing her still watching him, his heart stirred. However, he didn’t get up, only lowering his voice to ask: “Then you… and Tuoba Yu… what’s going on?”
This was the deepest, deepest thorn in his heart these days. Couldn’t pull it out, couldn’t ask.
Li Weiyang froze, wanting to casually fabricate some words to deflect. Finally, she only answered honestly: “I don’t like him, never liked him. Moreover, I don’t plan to help him anymore either. Even if you see it appearing as if I’m helping him—” Raising her head, she saw Li Minde actually had a face full of smiles. Again feeling her subconscious words were meaningless, she couldn’t help pushing him: “Still not getting up—” Only then noticing his shoulder wound had split open more severely, she cried out, hurriedly pushing aside his body to examine carefully. However, Li Minde smoothly grasped her hand, firmly holding it. His palm was full of sticky sweat, as if determined on something. Opening his mouth, he had just confessed: “I—”
“You must also apply medicine—if it gets infected, what then!” Li Weiyang didn’t wait for him to finish, hurriedly forcibly pulling her hand free. Li Minde froze, then closed his mouth.
Fortunately, Li Minde only had superficial wounds. After Li Weiyang examined them thoroughly, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Raising her head, she discovered he had been continuously gazing at her, never turning away. Looking at her eyes, as if… Her heart accelerated without reason. The original words became even more unspeakable.
This young man—she always seemed unable to cope with him.
He wasn’t Tuoba Zhen, so not an enemy; wasn’t Tuoba Yu, so not an ally; also wasn’t Jiang Hua, so not a mortal enemy. Then what exactly did he count as? Family? Willing to risk his own life to protect her? Was there such family? Only now noticing his breath was too close, possessing unprecedented pressing force, making her inexplicably flustered. Heart thumping, face beginning to burn. Dark eyes could only lower, not looking at his face.
Sigh, what should she do? The first time actively avoiding his gaze—Li Weiyang only felt this situation was extremely terrible.
“I like you. It doesn’t concern anyone else in the world. Even you yourself can’t stop it.” Li Minde seemed to speak to himself.
“I like you, so I can disregard everything for you. I like you—no matter how bitter, how difficult, I still want you happy.”
Li Weiyang abruptly raised her head, staring blankly at him. At this moment, his handsome face was like a sculpture with distinct angles. Under flying brows were calm, steady, heart-stirring eyes, currently unblinkingly gazing at her, as if with one blink, the person before him would disappear.
“I can be wounded for you, hurt for you, die for you, betray everyone in the world for you. I can not care about any of it. I only want you to smile at me well, remember my existence, remember I love you. So I don’t regret accompanying you here. Even if I died here today, I wouldn’t regret it.”
Li Weiyang froze. He spoke so earnestly, like a vow, making her heartbeat actually begin losing balance. She touched her own heart, warning herself not to be moved by a few words. He was so young, so handsome. Countless girls were infatuated with him—not lacking her one. She also wasn’t that kind of seventeen or eighteen-year-old little girl who could disregard everything and plunge headfirst in for a pretty young man. She was invincible, wouldn’t be shaken by anything. She was a person existing for revenge. Love—such things, just listen. Absolutely don’t take it seriously.
“Minde, I’ve said—” After a long while, she suppressed the stirring in her heart, speaking word by word.
However, Li Minde suddenly smiled, throwing away that empty medicine bottle, standing up. As if joking, completely overturning everything: “I hate saying these words most, so I’ll only say it this once. After you’ve heard, forget it. I absolutely won’t say it again to trouble you. Just pretend—I never said anything!” Finishing, he walked before her, crouching down, not looking back: “It’ll be dark soon. Even if they don’t find us, continuously walking south, we can also find the way back. Let’s go.”
He wanted to carry her on his back?! Li Weiyang froze, then realized this was the best method. Her foot still couldn’t walk. If walking slowly all the way, even until dawn, they couldn’t find people. Unavoidably, she placed her hand on his shoulder. He carried her up, letting her soft body nestle against his broad back.
Good—no longer needing to face him. Li Weiyang lightly breathed a sigh of relief, the breath brushing past his ear, stirring his unusual light tremor. Li Minde abruptly stood: “Then we’re going.”
He carried her tightly, rapidly walking forward. Playing rogue or confessing—both were involuntary, uncontrollable. How could he bear to make her uncomfortable? No one was closer than her. This journey, he only wanted to walk with her, only wanted to carry her like this, letting her wholeheartedly trust and depend on him! No matter what price must be paid!
A full half-hour—Li Minde didn’t say a word. Li Weiyang sighed inwardly. She felt perhaps she was too blunt, hurting his heart or something. After all, though he constantly confessed and confessed, his heart wasn’t made of stone—it could be hurt. Perhaps she should have used gentler tones. After all, he was wholeheartedly thinking of her welfare.
Li Minde didn’t know he’d been assigned the label of psychologically wounded. His reason for silence was precisely contemplating whether his earlier performance was excessively intense. Though everything said was heartfelt, everything required gradual progress. Next time, this confession method that frightened people still needed improvement. Of course, next time’s timing must be chosen well. Right now, this bedraggled appearance wasn’t elegant enough—hard to move one’s beloved.
Both people thinking about completely unrelated problems, both fell into silence.
After Li Weiyang had sighed in her heart for a long time, she finally heard someone call her name. She quickly said: “Put me down.”
Li Minde complied. Just after setting her down, he saw Li Yuanheng leading a group, anxiously hurrying over.
“County Princess! You’re unharmed—wonderful!” Li Yuanheng looked at Li Weiyang with a face full of guilt. “When the earthquake occurred, I saw Young Master Li rush over, so I went to save Hechang first.”
Li Weiyang nodded: “I’m fine. Wonder about Princess Hechang—”
“My sister was violently thrown by her horse, accidentally breaking a rib. I’ve already ordered people to rush her back.” Li Yuanheng immediately answered. “The sibling pair you brought searched everywhere for you. Finally, thanks to them, we could find the direction.”
Li Weiyang also saw the bedraggled Zhao Yue siblings. Seeing they weren’t injured, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Miss, are you injured somewhere?” Zhao Yue rapidly rushed over.
Li Weiyang said softly: “Not serious. My ankle is injured—inconvenient to walk.”
Hearing this, Li Yuanheng immediately grew anxious, quickly saying: “When hunting on the grasslands and getting injured, I always bandage wounds myself. Let me see.” With that, he was about to lift Li Weiyang’s skirt hem.
Li Minde’s expression changed, blocking before him: “No need. This doesn’t conform to propriety.”
Li Yuanheng froze, laughing awkwardly, instead saying: “Sorry. I was momentarily anxious. Just find a physician after returning. Let’s return to the city quickly now. That earthquake caused great damage. I’m afraid every household will have losses.”
Li Weiyang nodded, no longer saying anything. The group hurried back to the city.
Along the way, Li Weiyang personally witnessed and heard much news. For instance, outside the largest Puji Temple entrance, several hundred people had already gathered—all refugees. For instance, quite a few princely manor houses had collapsed. For instance, over ten of the capital’s rice shops and money houses were robbed. For instance, some people took advantage of the chaos to rush into ruined walls… Fortunately, the Capital Magistrate urgently entered the palace to report, mobilizing Imperial Guards, temporarily controlling the situation. However, in Li Weiyang’s view, the worst situation obviously hadn’t yet arrived.
Originally, she thought this disaster only occurred near the capital. However, actually arriving in the city, she heard Li Yuanheng say: “I heard this disaster spread across most of Great Li—very severe!”
“Oh, what about the Northern Desert?” Li Weiyang suddenly asked this.
Li Yuanheng shook his head: “As far as I know, the north had nothing happen.”
“Oh.” Li Weiyang nodded lightly. “Then… the south?”
Li Yuanheng frowned, not knowing why a girl like Li Weiyang worried about so much. He pondered: “The south temporarily has no news transmitted yet.” Li Weiyang never spoke again. She fell into silence.
Finally arriving at the Li household, Li Weiyang saw the gate facade was still intact. Only then did she relax slightly.
“County Princess just arrived home—certainly have many matters to handle. I’ll leave first, visiting again in a few days.” Li Yuanheng spoke decisively.
Li Weiyang nodded, watching him mount and rapidly depart. Li Minde behind her snorted, completely impatient.
Li Weiyang no longer said anything, supporting herself on Zhao Yue’s hand, enduring ankle pain, entering the Li residence. Standing at her own household’s main gate, seeing the ground full of stones inside, she finally knew there were indeed losses. Watching the steward emerge anxiously to greet them, Li Weiyang’s face remained calm, but her hands involuntarily tightened: “Where’s Old Madam? Seventh Aunt and Fourth Young Master?”
“Replying to Miss—Old Madam was playing with Fourth Young Master in the garden. The pavilion suddenly collapsed partially. Old Madam used her own arm to shield Fourth Young Master. She herself suffered some abrasions—nothing serious. Seventh Aunt has already taken Fourth Young Master back. Fourth Young Master was frightened, crying continuously. Fortunately, Madam was also there. She was the first to notice something wrong, shouting desperately, even rushing into the pavilion. If not for her pushing Old Madam, saving Fourth Young Master, there would definitely have been disaster.” The steward methodically relayed events once.
Li Weiyang’s face showed not the slightest expression, merely listening quietly. As long as people were fine, that was good. However, Jiang Yuelan actually saved Minde—this was something she hadn’t anticipated. “What about household losses?” Li Weiyang walked all the way toward Hehuaxiang Courtyard. She must first go see Old Madam, not first go to Seventh Aunt’s place, because this was a granddaughter’s duty.
“Master’s antique porcelain and paintings suffered the greatest losses.” The steward said haltingly. “Everything else is basically fine.”
Though the house hadn’t collapsed, regardless of precious porcelain or antiques, all directly fell apart. Things in every room were chaotic, making one’s scalp tingle just looking. The steward, thinking of Li Xiaoran’s terrible face, couldn’t help trembling all over.
Li Weiyang nodded, finally entering Old Madam’s courtyard with Li Minde. Just reaching the entrance, she heard crying throughout. Her heart tightened. She quickly lifted the curtain, walking in.
Feet barely stepping inside, she heard Old Madam sternly rebuke: “Crying about what! All shut your mouths!” The crying abruptly stopped, becoming soft sobbing.
Li Weiyang, hearing her vigorous voice, finally relaxed, quickly raising her voice: “Old Madam, are you alright?”
Old Madam Li looked up, seeing it was Li Weiyang, moreover she returned intact. Only then did she set down her constantly suspended heart: “Everyone’s fine. Just lost some property. Look at her crying like this.” With that, Old Madam fiercely glared at Second Madam.
Second Madam sat in a chair, carefully dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief: “Old Madam, I also don’t want this. Half my room collapsed.”
At this time, however, Jiang Yuelan said: “I’ll divide my courtyard out for younger sister-in-law. I have few people—don’t need such a large courtyard.”
Everyone in the room looked at her. Originally, Jiang Yuelan had been confined to her courtyard. Later, with much household coming and going, constantly confining her didn’t seem appropriate. Li Xiaoran still released her, just never paid her any attention again. Household people also didn’t treat her as human. At this moment, hearing her suddenly speak, Second Madam’s crying involuntarily stopped, looking at Second Miss beside her. Both showed puzzled expressions. After Jiang Yuelan’s downfall, they had bullied her plenty. How could she suddenly be so kind-hearted? Could there be some purpose?
Seeing Second Madam show suspicious eyes, Jiang Yuelan said lightly: “Also, Second Miss is about to marry. She needs a clean room. I can clear out the eastern side room.” She wasn’t seeking credit, merely doing this benefited improving her own situation. Her current circumstances were difficult—absolutely couldn’t do stupid things again!
Li Weiyang glanced at Jiang Yuelan: “Today’s events I’ve already heard from the steward. I must also thank Mother for saving Old Madam and Fourth Brother.” Actually, if Jiang Yuelan were clever, she should hope Old Madam died early. Li Minzhi even more so.
A trace of smile appeared on Jiang Yuelan’s pale face: “I raised him for several days after all. Couldn’t watch him die with open eyes.” Speaking of it, even she herself didn’t know why she rushed over—simply inexplicable. Just seeing Li Minzhi’s smiling little face, she involuntarily acted.
Li Weiyang smiled, no longer speaking, turning to ask Old Madam: “Where’s Father?”
Old Madam Li’s expression sank: “This time, the capital suddenly experienced an earthquake. Many houses collapsed. Even His Majesty’s palace couldn’t escape, suffering great losses. I heard His Majesty was greatly frightened, immediately having people set up the ritual altar, summoning all princes and ministers to kneel together.”
Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows. Though natural disasters were unavoidable, everyone inherently believed it was the Emperor’s own fault, causing heavenly gods to send down punishment. That night, one fire frightened the Emperor terribly. Suddenly another earthquake occurred. This time, the Emperor probably felt even more that heaven was punishing him.
“His Majesty naturally doesn’t think it’s his own fault. He feels this fault he’s bearing for his ministers.” Old Madam’s face was full of worry. “He called the princes, nobles, prime minister, Six Ministries ministers, plus quite a few officials into the palace—all accompanying him kneeling. Right now at this time, kneeling for one or two hours, I’m afraid your father’s body can’t withstand it!”
Li Weiyang suppressed the laugh in her heart, thinking—let Li Xiaoran kneel for ten days, half a month would be good. Best if both legs were crippled from kneeling, never able to climb up again—most satisfying. However, her face similarly showed worry: “Yes, should prepare ginger soup early.” She glanced at Jiang Yuelan, seeing her face show an unconcerned expression. She couldn’t help smiling. Now, the one who most hated Li Xiaoran wasn’t herself, but this Madam Li. Not only ruining her youth, Li Xiaoran also completely abandoned her at the critical moment. These two people’s enmity had grown enormous.
After Li Weiyang saw Old Madam Li, she went to Seventh Aunt’s place for a round, forcibly enduring ankle pain to comfort the frightened mother and son, only then returning to her own courtyard. Seeing Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu were both teary-eyed waiting for her, she couldn’t help being startled.
Li Minde was speechless: “What are you doing?”
Bai Zhi cried: “This slave… this slave was afraid Miss—”
Afraid she wouldn’t return? Li Weiyang thought—her life was tough. How could she die outside like this? Her face carried a smile, consoling: “No matter. Look—haven’t I returned safely?”
Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu nodded repeatedly, yet still couldn’t control their streaming tears. Li Weiyang no longer spoke, forcing herself back into the room. Her ankle had already swollen quite high. Li Minde, disregarding Bai Zhi’s shocked gaze, removed her shoe, massaging with heartache: “I told you to come back and rest first. You insisted on running over there. Already said everything’s fine. I could go.”
What fell into Li Weiyang’s eyes were deeply gentle eyes. His care and reluctance to part were all written within. Even knowing he treated her well, truly looking at him like this still made her heart soften. However, she still couldn’t accept!
Li Weiyang’s brows knitted tightly. Only now did she truly know pain. She bit her pale lips to death, forehead dripping with sweat: “You don’t know how to bandage. Let Bai Zhi do it.” Truly painful to death. Just having beauty was no way to stop pain, Li Weiyang added inwardly.
He indeed was clumsy, possibly making her hurt more. Li Minde’s face reddened. Only then did he release his hold. Li Weiyang quickly shooed him away: “You yourself are also injured. Hurry back and find a physician to examine.”
Those eyes—couldn’t look anymore. Looking would only make her will collapse.
Li Minde stood up, retreating to the side: “I’m fine.” Bai Zhi took over his work, carefully saying: “Miss, you’re the one who needs a physician. This ankle is terribly swollen.”
Li Weiyang thought—wasn’t this all caused by Li Minde’s meddling? Not knowing how to bandage, yet stubbornly taking it on. Worse than doing it herself—
Li Minde sat to the side, eyes still tightly fixed on her. However, his mouth said: “Now you can tell me your plan?”
Li Weiyang, seeing he insisted on not leaving, no longer tried to dissuade him. Instead, she smiled: “With such a major event occurring, our original plan must be adjusted.”
Li Minde frowned: “You mean this earthquake? Will it cause changes in the situation?”
Bai Zhi’s movements were gentle yet effective. Li Weiyang breathed a sigh of relief: “Of course. If only Great Li was affected while the Northern Desert and southern frontier had nothing happen, can’t guarantee war won’t start. Even without large-scale warfare, there’ll certainly be plenty taking advantage of the chaos. Plus people causing trouble in various places—”
Li Minde immediately thought of the key point: “You fear the Jiang family will rise again?”
A cold sneer curved at Li Weiyang’s lips: “What you and I can both think of—can they not think of? Duke Jiang probably won’t return. Moreover, other Jiang family members are also waiting to be restored to office. After all, with such a major event occurring, the Emperor will reconsider mourning matters. Special circumstances, special handling—there have been precedents before.”
Li Minde’s eyes flashed with smile: “You’re saying we’ve accompanied this Northern Desert Fourth Prince acting for these several days—time to put it to use?”
Li Weiyang’s smile was full of mockery: “Yes. There’s no free lunch in the world. Having me accompany him hunting—naturally, he must send me a return gift. Just afraid he’ll bleed with heartache—”
Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu exchanged glances, increasingly unable to figure out what Li Weiyang was thinking… Making the Northern Desert Fourth Prince bleed with heartache—where could that be so easy!