After Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu achieved great merit, upon returning to the capital he received the Emperor’s rewards. He was appointed as Fuyuan Great General, commanding two hundred thousand troops in the north, becoming an imperial prince acknowledged by the Emperor as holding real power. For a time, his influence in court was unparalleled.
In the pavilion, this was Tuoba Yu’s first meeting with Li Weiyang after his return. It was already early spring. His face was very calm, showing not a trace of joy or triumphant satisfaction. After experiencing Noble Consort De’s matter, he’d changed greatly – changed to the point where even he himself almost didn’t recognize himself. If it were before, he might have been moved by the blood on battlefields and innocent lives lost. But now, he wouldn’t even blink an eye. Sometimes he felt as if he were gradually becoming another person – one who already possessed sufficient power and ruthless heart to survive in fierce imperial family struggles.
“I now command two hundred thousand troops. Combined with uncle Duke Luoguo’s two hundred thousand, that’s four hundred thousand soldiers total – enough to contend with Duke Jiangguo’s five hundred thousand men. Actually, on Duke Jiangguo’s route back to his garrison, I once sent people to deliberately leak news of the Jiang family matters to him… So now he’s merely at his last gasp, won’t hold out much longer.” Tuoba Yu spoke slowly. He’d asked Li Weiyang out, yet seeing her distracted, not knowing what she was thinking, his heart felt slightly sour with disappointment. He’d been away over a month, yet Li Weiyang hadn’t caringly asked him once if he was well. What she cared about was only the entire matter’s outcome. The city’s desolation, border disturbances – now none of this could move him because he’d grown accustomed to controlling everything. But only when beside Li Weiyang did everything around seem to become unknown. He neither knew what kind of decisions she’d make nor knew whether she’d change her mind the next moment.
Li Weiyang lowered her eyes, cradling hot tea in her hands, saying thoughtfully: “Seventh Prince’s current situation is far from favorable. Quite the contrary – your actions have already attracted the Empress, Crown Prince and others’ attention. As they say, the tallest tree catches the most wind. Your current position is actually very dangerous.” Tuoba Yu looked at Li Weiyang’s calm countenance. She showed no worry about this – instead her brows relaxed. Occasionally he felt fortunate this terrifying young woman was his ally, but more often he worried – was he strong enough? Strong enough to control her? Even in the deep of solitary nights when startled awake by nightmares, he’d sometimes think with self-mockery: if someday she became dissatisfied with him again, would she just leave him without looking back?
Inexplicably anxious about gains and losses. What kind of feeling was this exactly? Even he couldn’t say clearly.
It seemed from the day he met her, he’d always walked the path she designed. He seemed to always be chasing her footsteps. Each time he thought he’d caught up, he discovered again he knew nothing about her at all.
Tuoba Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly: “You mean – have me hold back?”
Li Weiyang shook her head: “Too late. Even if you hold back now, they won’t forgive you. Quite the opposite – the more you yield, the more they’ll force you into a corner.”
Tuoba Yu raised his eyebrows looking at her, laughing coldly: “Seems this matter cannot end peacefully.” His words clearly showed killing intent toward the Empress and Crown Prince, without the slightest mercy.
Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Years ago Tuoba Zhen privately recruited many people – outstanding death warriors, clever debaters, skilled strategists. These figures individually could all be called dragons and phoenixes among men, yet all bowed at his feet, submitting to his orders. So he could have found opportunities to secretly eliminate you. Unfortunately now these people have mostly been secretly cleared away by you. So even if he wants to kill you, he must borrow others’ hands – like the Empress, like the Crown Prince, or like – His Majesty.”
Secretly inciting others to deal with him? A cold light flashed through Tuoba Yu’s eyes: “I fear he simply doesn’t have such ability!”
Li Weiyang curved her lips, but mockery filled her eyes.
Li Weiyang understood Tuoba Zhen very well. He and his lowborn mother depended on each other, wandering the palace like beggars, bullied yet powerless to retaliate. No hope, no dreams. He wasn’t the Emperor’s only son, and his mother’s birth was too lowly – there was absolutely no possibility of being noticed. Not only that, he soon lost even his only maternal love. After arriving at Noble Consort Wu’s side, she happened to be his mother’s killer. So he began forging himself cold and strong. Therefore, there was no love in his heart.
Lacking love was merely personal suffering for ordinary people, causing no harm to others. But when this person became emperor, it was completely different. Looking back now, Li Weiyang realized many of Tuoba Zhen’s past actions showed clear patterns.
After becoming emperor, he continuously vented his misfortune on others. Everyone had to accept his misfortune, accept his revenge. In the past, she’d loved him very, very much. Yet this love couldn’t save this person. Because deep in Tuoba Zhen’s heart always lurked a terrible thought – he feared someday someone would seize everything he currently possessed. He lived every moment in such psychological crisis: perhaps when he woke some day, he’d suddenly find himself returned to that destitute prince – having nothing, subject to anyone’s humiliation. Precisely because of such fear, he continuously killed – until killing all who’d insulted him, trampled on him.
And Li Weiyang, the imperial consort First Madam forcibly gave him – because of equally lowly birth, she practically reminded him of past wounds, reminded him of the era when people looked down on him, reminded him of past times when he wanted to marry Li Changle but couldn’t – therefore, deep in his heart he despised her, detested her. No matter what sacrifices she made, nothing could erase his inner humiliation. Even if things repeated countless times, his choice would be the same – he’d never let her go.
Anyone who’d tasted power’s flavor could never again abandon power. Someone who’d coveted the throne for twenty years absolutely had no possibility of abandoning it. Conversely, as time passed, his desires would grow ever larger, ever harder to satisfy. Thus he’d disregard everything to compete, to kill. Though Tuoba Zhen had indeed lost most of his power now, this person wouldn’t easily admit defeat.
“Your Highness, between you and the Crown Prince there must be a battle. Even if you have no heart to become emperor, you already possess the power to compete for the throne. The Crown Prince wanting to become emperor must always prepare for the worst. So he definitely won’t let any hidden enemy go. But for you, the later this battle with him comes, the better. You need to gain time, cultivate and expand your own power. But simultaneously, you must remain low-profile, not prematurely enraging him lest he desperately lash out. Moreover, your enemies, besides him, include Tuoba Zhen. If you and the Crown Prince fight to mutual destruction, the one truly reaping fisherman’s benefits will be Tuoba Zhen. Furthermore, the current Crown Prince clearly trusts Tuoba Zhen. If you want to contend with them, the only method is finding ways to separate them. Three-way chaos is always better than one side hiding behind watching the other two fight.”
“This point I naturally understand. But to expand one’s own power, I must send people into the Six Ministries to further control power. If possible, I also want to seize opportunity to take Duke Jiangguo’s military authority.” Tuoba Zhen spoke slowly.
Li Weiyang smiled: “The Six Ministries already have the Crown Prince and Tuoba Zhen’s people. Can you insert yourself?”
This was precisely what worried Tuoba Yu. The people he sent couldn’t grasp key positions at all – only pushed to marginal positions. Unable to penetrate the center meant unable to exert maximum effect. This was all because initially his desire for victory wasn’t strong enough, while opponents deployed too tightly. Now wanting to break through wasn’t so easy.
Li Weiyang drank tea, feeling warmth spreading to her heart before slowly saying: “Under circumstances where Empress and Crown Prince control court’s overall situation, cultivating one’s own direct subordinates has difficulty no less than snatching food from a tiger’s mouth. Since difficulty is so high, better start fresh. In places where Crown Prince and Tuoba Zhen’s forces don’t reach, find ways to occupy positions.”
“You mean—”
“I’ve heard nowadays everywhere has quite a few foreign spies, even hidden assassins, specially picking opportunities to act. This Jiang family incident is precisely a good opportunity. You can propose to His Majesty establishing a secret force specially investigating this matter while completely uprooting Mobei and southern border forces in the capital.”
Tuoba Yu froze: “You mean, like the previous dynasty’s Golden Guard?”
The previous dynasty’s emperor specially established a Golden Guard as a military institution for imperial guards. The emperor specially ordered them to manage criminal prisons, granting them patrol and arrest authority. It also had subordinate Pacification Offices engaging in reconnaissance, arrest, interrogation activities. Later when this dynasty’s founding emperor took power, feeling the Golden Guard’s power was too great with too deep influence, he abolished it.
“Father Emperor may not agree.” Tuoba Yu pointed out.
Li Weiyang laughed coldly, looking at tea leaves floating uncertainly in the tea: “He’ll agree. You just need tell him – no matter how formidable this Golden Guard becomes, control remains in His Majesty’s hands. Nominally established for external threats, yet once domestic matters arise, it can immediately turn its blade, fighting for the Emperor, dying for the Emperor – greatly beneficial to imperial authority.”
Tuoba Yu pondered a moment before nodding: “Indeed. If I say this, he’ll ultimately agree. Even if he doesn’t agree, I’ll find ways to make him agree. Moreover, this Golden Guard’s control will remain in my hands.”
Li Weiyang said nothing more. She knew Tuoba Yu already knew what to do. Now what she needed to do was only wait for opportune timing. Because she vaguely sensed Tuoba Zhen not only wanted to eliminate Tuoba Yu but also kill her Li Weiyang. Because in Tuoba Zhen’s view, she’d already become the first great obstacle blocking his path.
But how would he act? From where would he strike first? This question was what Li Weiyang always wanted to know. Because current hostilities had never occurred in her previous life, so she also didn’t know how much chance of victory she actually had…
But regardless, if he raised his sword, she must meet him in battle.
Crown Prince’s residence – in the room, a wet nurse was carrying the Crown Prince’s eldest son walking back and forth. The child’s crying inexplicably made one irritable and distracted. The Crown Prince waved his hand, shouting sternly: “Take him down! His crying gives me a headache!”
Ordinarily the Crown Prince was always amiable, rarely scolding so loudly. The wet nurse was startled and quickly carried the child away.
The Crown Prince supported his forehead in pain, murmuring: “Truly not one thing goes smoothly.”
The entire Jiang family dead, the remaining Jiang Hua already virtually useless – moreover, Concubine Jiang Lan spent every day in tears, making him irritable and distracted. Setting this aside, in court Tuoba Yu achieved great merit. The Emperor simply doted on him to the extreme – granting him general rank aside, these three days continuously summoned him into the palace, repeatedly avoiding the Crown Prince’s eyes and ears. Who knew what exactly they discussed – all this made the Crown Prince uneasy, extremely uneasy.
Thinking thus, he took the memorial he’d written in hand, examining it a moment, thinking: Tuoba Yu’s power was so great he’d soon replace him! Thinking of this, he deeply sighed, casually tossing the memorial behind him. The memorial fell to the floor. Jiang Lan, who’d been silently watching the Crown Prince all along, walked over saying: “Your Highness, why throw away a perfectly good memorial? Did it commit some offense?”
“Ai!” The Crown Prince looked at her, again as if talking to himself: “You don’t understand!”
Concubine Jiang Lan’s eyes reddened again: “Now you don’t like telling me anything anymore. Have I done something wrong?”
Not done wrong – just seeing you reminds me of the Jiang family’s bad luck, making me even angrier! The Crown Prince shook his head, sighing again. Just then, an attendant announced loudly: “Your Highness, Third Prince requests an audience!”
The Crown Prince glanced at Jiang Lan. She immediately understood, red-eyed, withdrawing behind a screen to the side as if avoiding.
Soon Third Prince entered. He was tall and slender, handsome, eyes spirited. His face showed not the slightest worry or melancholy – instead full of vigor. Beside him stood a woman of relatively petite stature, entirely shrouded in a cloak, face blocked by black gauze.
The Crown Prince froze. Could Tuoba Zhen be presenting him a beauty? He couldn’t help glancing at that woman, guessing beneath that black gauze should be an absolutely beautiful face, beneath that cloak a tender, delicate figure. But soon he realized he couldn’t think this way – Concubine Jiang was currently behind the screen! Moreover, he had no such mood!
Tuoba Zhen smiled: “Imperial Brother, how is it after just a few days, your face shows such worry?”
The Crown Prince sighed, indicating he should sit. After having a nearby maid pour tea, he slowly said: “You clearly know everything. Why ask me these things?”
Tuoba Zhen smiled, glancing at surrounding people: “Today I came precisely to help Imperial Brother resolve worries. Please dismiss attendants.”
The Crown Prince glanced at surrounding maids. Without further words, he just waved his hand. Others successively withdrew.
Tuoba Zhen glanced at the shadowy figure behind the screen, naturally knowing who it was. He only smiled slightly before turning his gaze away, continuing: “Today I specially invited a beauty to help you resolve worries.”
The Crown Prince naturally said uneasily: “Ai, now no beauty can remove my worries! Better take her back!”
Tuoba Zhen smiled. Since he came, he must have a complete set of meticulous detailed strategic plans. How could he easily leave with the person? He slowly said: “Remove your veil.”
Thus that woman shed her veil, respectfully bowing to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince saw though the woman wasn’t very old, her appearance was plain, figure plump. From head to toe, not one inch could be associated with beauty. Especially those eyes – premature deep wrinkles already appeared. Clearly twenty years old yet appearing over thirty. Accustomed to seeing beauties, the Crown Prince couldn’t help frowning: “Third Brother, what does this mean?”
Jiang Lan originally listened behind the screen very displeased. But now she suddenly felt something was wrong. If Tuoba Zhen truly came to present a beauty, naturally he should find a young, beautiful maiden. Though this woman wasn’t elderly, this age clearly showed she’d already married and borne children.
Tuoba Zhen laughed heartily: “Imperial Brother, the most beautiful countenance currently can’t help you. But this plain-looking woman can become the key to your victory!”
The Crown Prince was greatly confused, not knowing what he meant. Judging women was virtue, speech, appearance, accomplishment. This woman truly showed nothing exceptional. He couldn’t help saying: “I see nothing special about her. Better speak plainly!”
Tuoba Zhen smiled: “Does Imperial Brother know who she is?”
That woman deeply lowered her head, saying nothing.
The Crown Prince shook his head: “I don’t know.”
Tuoba Zhen slowly said: “She is a maid who was originally beside Consort Lian.”
Consort Lian was recommended by Zhou Dashou, while Zhou Dashou was sent to the Emperor by Tuoba Yu. Mentioning these two gave the Crown Prince a headache. Now hearing what Tuoba Zhen said, his expression couldn’t help darkening. Could this girl, seeing Consort Lian favored, want to beg him to let her enter the palace to see her former master? Thinking thus, the Crown Prince’s voice immediately turned cold: “Why bring her here?”
Behind the screen, Jiang Lan keenly sensed something wrong. She actually actively poked her head out, looking at that woman, gaze constantly moving up and down as if wanting to see flowers bloom from her face.
Tuoba Zhen’s smile deepened, even faintly revealing coldness: “Won’t Crown Prince ask her name?”
The Crown Prince frowned: “Her name?”
Tuoba Zhen smiled: “Does Imperial Brother know Heze’s Murong clan?”
The Crown Prince’s brows furrowed deeper: “This… naturally I’ve heard of them.” Even if he didn’t know, that assassination at the banquet left everyone with deep impressions. Speaking of the Murong clan’s destruction, the Jiang family naturally had very important connections – could practically be said the Jiang family single-handedly caused it.
Tuoba Zhen said: “You may now speak your name.”
That woman raised her head, saying gently: “This commoner is called Leng Youlian.”
The Crown Prince’s expression shook, then he said shocked: “What did you say?”
That woman repeated: “This commoner is called Leng Youlian.”
The Crown Prince’s face instantly turned iron-blue, staring at Tuoba Zhen speechlessly. Finally he said: “In the palace, that Consort Lian’s name is precisely Leng Youlian.”
Tuoba Zhen smiled: “Yes, Leng Youlian. How could it be such a coincidence? Imperial Brother, don’t you find it strange? Moreover, this pair of identically named women happen to be master and servant.”
The Crown Prince’s expression grew increasingly ugly, staring at this woman’s face with shock and suspicion: “Could it be—”
Tuoba Zhen’s voice became very cold: “This concerns a very great secret.”
The Crown Prince showed a confused expression. He didn’t understand – ordinarily servants must avoid their master’s given name. How could they be completely identical? Even if identical, what relation did this have to the Murong clan he just mentioned?
Seeing the Crown Prince’s expression, Tuoba Zhen knew he still didn’t understand. He couldn’t help looking at that woman, tone profound: “She is the real Leng Youlian. But that Consort Lian in the palace is called Murong Xin – Heze’s princess, remnant of the Murong royal family!”
The Crown Prince’s face turned deathly pale, almost unable to believe his ears. His lips trembled as he sternly rebuked: “Complete nonsense! Even rumors must have limits.”
Tuoba Zhen said calmly: “The real Leng Youlian is right here. Crown Prince might as well ask clearly.”
The Crown Prince stared intently at that woman. That woman was naturally very nervous, but under Tuoba Zhen’s indication, she began narrating in detail. Due to nervousness, her testimony was stuttering, but the meaning was already clear. She was the real Leng Youlian, originally from Dali’s borders. Following her merchant father to Heze, she thereafter remained living in Heze. Her parents were both still alive then. But merchants’ status was too low, so the family scraped together gold and silver, sending her into the palace as a maid, hoping she could someday be noticed by nobles and completely escape merchant family status. Later she was assigned beside Murong Xin as a palace maid. Murong Xin was a beauty from childhood – Heze’s famous Fourth Princess. Leng Youlian naturally would serve wholeheartedly. Moreover, being clever and intelligent without loose talk, she quickly became Murong Xin’s trusted palace maid.
If not for Heze’s later destruction, Leng Youlian would have either married out with the princess or been bestowed in marriage by the princess to some general, formally escaping lowly merchant daughter status. However, Heze ultimately fell. She followed the princess, displaced and fleeing all the way, being escorted to Dali’s capital. But unlike the princess, her status was lowly. Those people wouldn’t specially watch her. Later she was noticed by a minor Dali army officer Peng Gang who quietly removed her from records and took her away. To others he said she died from not adapting to climate. Initially she was unwilling to follow that Peng Gang, but later hearing all Murong royal family members were executed… only then did she break out in cold sweat, discovering she’d escaped death. At that time she’d thought she was the only survivor. Later when Tuoba Zhen found her, only then did she learn the princess also lived…
“This commoner is the real Leng Youlian. But that consort in the palace is Murong Xin. She impersonated my name and identity entering the palace… Because she knew I was Dali people, moreover had left home many years ago. No one could investigate my identity at all. Precisely because I’d told her many childhood stories, her identity was never doubted.” Leng Youlian spoke slowly while observing the Crown Prince’s expression.
“This commoner absolutely isn’t lying. Though Murong Xin was born into royalty, her character was gentle, speaking softly, very good at winning hearts – customarily called a living bodhisattva. Her favorite food was lotus paste pastry, she most hated chrysanthemum tea. When bathing she liked using peony petals. In the palace she never used osmanthus-scented incense. Every year in winter she’d wear a warm jade piece because of excessive stomach cold requiring specially prepared medicinal juice to dispel cold…”
She described Consort Lian’s words and conduct – indeed accurate in every detail. Some matters even the Crown Prince’s palace spies didn’t know. Her identity as Consort Lian’s former maid was beyond doubt.
However, the Crown Prince wasn’t foolish. After listening, he laughed coldly: “Since you already knew Murong Xin impersonated your name entering the palace, why didn’t you come expose her earlier? Only appearing now – what ulterior motive?” He truly found it hard to believe this woman’s words. Consort Lian’s identity was verified by the Emperor, confirmed beyond doubt. Now suddenly a woman appeared accusing her of being Murong Xin. If he rashly believed her and brought her before the Emperor, he feared the loss would outweigh gains – moreover being falsely accused by Consort Lian of ulterior motives. After all, Consort Lian was currently pregnant, labor imminent. The Emperor didn’t know how much he doted on her. How could he casually believe a woman who appeared from nowhere?
Tuoba Zhen observed carefully, knowing to convince the Crown Prince required more effort. Thus he said: “Imperial Brother, previously she narrowly escaped death. Moreover, knowing her former master’s entire family was executed, naturally she dared not show herself. These years continuously concealing identity, marrying and bearing children, even changing her name, fearing being recognized as related to the Murong clan. Later her entire family moved to the capital. I accidentally discovered her, telling her Consort Lian, to conceal her true identity, didn’t hesitate to kill her parents. Moreover, she found her ancestral home in Dali back then, hiding all traces. Only then did she actively come forward accusing Consort Lian. She could live until today entirely because Consort Lian thought she’d already died. Otherwise she’d also be silenced. How could she be standing alive before Imperial Brother?”
Leng Youlian immediately wept: “Father, Mother, that I could survive until today must be your spirits in heaven protecting me. Your daughter is unfilial – causing you both to be silenced by the heartless princess, yet I’m still fortunate to live. Without you, what meaning does my living have? Better meet you underground to avoid this separation’s suffering.”
Her crying was very sorrowful. Such earnest words… the Crown Prince couldn’t help beginning to hesitate.
Tuoba Zhen slowly said: “If Consort Lian is Murong clan remnant, that previous assassination must be related to her. She merely performed an act before Father Emperor, deliberately making people think her loyally devoted to the master. Actually – everything was just to deal with the Jiang family. And coincidentally, she was sent to Father Emperor by Tuoba Yu. If we can prove her true identity, how will Father Emperor view Seventh Imperial Brother? Will he think he has ulterior motives? At that time, will he still trust him so much, entrusting him with important responsibilities?”
If the Emperor learned Murong Xin’s true identity, the first he’d suspect would be Zhou Dashou. And Zhou Dashou, Tuoba Yu, and Li Weiyang were all connected. Pull out the turnip, bring out the mud – none could escape.
Now the Crown Prince faced difficult choices. He didn’t dare believe such a bold conspiracy existed in the world – a fallen nation’s princess actually would run into the imperial palace to lie in ambush beside the Emperor. What was her purpose exactly? Especially she was pregnant – clearly wanting to usurp the throne, seeking opportunity for revenge! Moreover, she hadn’t been exposed for so long. If everything was true, what should be done? He had two choices: First, risk believing this woman before him, exposing Murong Xin’s conspiracy – but this was truly too risky. Second, pretend knowing nothing, continuing muddled as Crown Prince, waiting for who knows when Tuoba Yu would seize his throne. Political struggle’s cruel ruthlessness – yet once personally involved, one couldn’t help fearing the cold. He couldn’t help feeling chilled throughout, finding it very difficult to decide.
The Crown Prince said weakly: “Let me think about it.”
Tuoba Zhen smiled. He knew this was the Crown Prince’s final psychological defense. So he glanced toward the screen’s direction.
Just then, Jiang Lan truly couldn’t restrain herself, walking out with tearful eyes, kneeling before the Crown Prince: “Consort Lian’s conspiracy all targeted the Jiang family. Now my entire family is dead – it must be related to her. I beg Your Highness to avenge me—”
For a moment, the Crown Prince’s mind was in complete chaos. He turned his face, somewhat bewildered, looking toward Tuoba Zhen. But seeing his face serene and full of confidence, the Crown Prince steeled his heart and finally nodded.
Leaving the Crown Prince’s residence, Tuoba Zhen’s face continuously bore a perfect smile. He knew Tuoba Yu was finished. Li Weiyang was also finished. As long as seeds of doubt were planted in the Emperor’s heart, nothing could be salvaged. Regardless whether this Leng Youlian’s testimony was believed, the result would be the same.
He’d always been strong and unyielding, treating the world as a chopping board, all living beings as fish and meat. No matter who blocked his path, they must be ruthlessly eliminated – even if that person, he truly admired.
The anxious Leng Youlian still didn’t dare believe her good fortune. Just moments ago when the Crown Prince stared at her, she’d almost thought she’d be killed by him because those eyes were full of suspicion. She knew these people in power – plenty were ruthlessly fickle. She asked worriedly: “Third Prince, does the Crown Prince truly believe what I said?”
Tuoba Zhen looked at her, showing a smile: “Whether he believes or not – does it matter?” Speaking, he laughed heartily and left. Leng Youlian watched his departing back, feeling even more doubtful and anxious. She simply couldn’t understand Tuoba Zhen’s scheming, nor could she comprehend why the Crown Prince, though clearly not completely believing, still agreed. Actually, who she was didn’t matter. What mattered was whether they could make the Emperor believe the current Consort Lian was Murong Xin.
Days at the Li residence remained as usual. Jiang Yuelan became obedient and well-behaved, daily only taking inventory of Li family losses after the earthquake, occasionally visiting Fourth Concubine’s courtyard to see Minzhi. Other times she kept to her own courtyard without speaking. Li Weiyang could see after that incident, she’d given up on Li Minde. Ordinarily even upon seeing him, she’d just lower her head and pass by.
Thinking of her initially determined appearance, Li Weiyang couldn’t help thinking – indeed that saying was correct.
Nothing in the world doesn’t change.
She leaned by the lakeside, using a small lotus-jade bowl to feed fish. After spring began, weather gradually warmed. Lakeside ice layers began melting. Slowly goldfish started floating up to bite bait.
Bai Zhi said quietly: “Miss, it’s about to rain. Should we return?”
Li Weiyang glanced at the sky – indeed very overcast, looking like wind and rain were coming. Now Dali’s situation was also like this weather – crisis lurking everywhere. Who knew what awaited her ahead? Just then, Li Weiyang suddenly saw Jiang Yuelan walking over from the distance.
Li Weiyang blinked, quietly watching her approach. Ordinarily when Jiang Yuelan saw her, she’d smile faintly then leave. However, this time she suddenly stopped before her. Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows looking at her, waiting for her to speak.
Jiang Yuelan suddenly looked toward goldfish competing for bait, showing a lonely expression: “Li Weiyang, today I went to see Concubine Jiang. She summoned me.”
Jiang Yuelan visiting the Crown Prince’s concubine – Li Weiyang had long known since she left home. However, if the other party didn’t speak, she wouldn’t actively ask. Now she only said: “Mother is ultimately a Jiang family person.”
Jiang Yuelan laughed instead, turning her head. A pair of pitch-black eyes looked at Li Weiyang: “There is no more Jiang family.”
Li Weiyang likewise smiled, her smile appearing very cold: “Oh, is that so? No more Jiang family.”
Jiang Yuelan nodded: “I heard Third Young Master Jiang went mad from that day on. Every day at home talking to himself, repeating only one sentence over and over. He says, there is no more Jiang family. So I think this sentence must have been what you said to him – also the reason stimulating his madness.”
Li Weiyang’s gaze was indifferent, obviously not caring how the other spoke. Because she’d indeed deliberately provoked the proud Jiang Hua. But this couldn’t be blamed on her – really the Jiang family died too miserably. He couldn’t accept it. Not dying meant becoming crippled.
Jiang Yuelan sighed, actually actively saying: “She summoned me to persuade me to help her deal with you. Moreover, she mentioned at the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet three days from now, the Crown Prince will take action. But though I probed repeatedly, she consistently refused to tell me the truth.”
Various ideas flashed through Li Weiyang’s mind, yet her expression remained calm: “Why tell me such important matters?”
Jiang Yuelan’s expression was weary yet very calm: “I’m not helping you. I just know you won’t lose.” All along, Li Weiyang had never failed once.
Li Weiyang’s lashes trembled slightly. Surprise flashed through her eyes but she didn’t speak.
Jiang Yuelan smiled: “I just feel you won’t lose.” Actually, not intuition but resentment toward the Jiang family – very deep resentment. If not for their coercion, she as a perfectly good maiden needn’t marry Li Xiaoran as a replacement wife, much less fall to today’s circumstances. Fundamentally, the Jiang family people were too selfish, using her as foundation. Ordinarily when she was prominent, they only thought of extracting value. Once she lost power, they ignored her. That Concubine Jiang actually harbored such schemes! Did she truly think her a mere yes-woman!
Watching the Jiang family’s destruction, Jiang Yuelan’s heart felt only satisfaction! One could imagine – though she appeared submissive before Concubine Jiang on the surface, turning around she told Li Weiyang everything truthfully! Because if Li Weiyang fell, Li Xiaoran also wouldn’t benefit. Even if the Jiang family won this time, what could she Jiang Yuelan gain? She’d rather watch the arrogant Concubine Jiang suffer complete defeat!
Li Weiyang pondered: “They’ll act publicly at the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet – clearly having full confidence.”
Jiang Yuelan exhaled, smiling somewhat ambiguously: “This needn’t concern me. Think it over yourself.” Speaking, she walked past Li Weiyang. After a few steps she suddenly stopped, saying without turning back: “Though I know the Jiang family matter was done by Mobei people, their doing so must also be related to you. By rights I should grieve for Jiang family members, but I truly feel very satisfied.” Speaking, she quickly walked away.
Li Weiyang watched the other’s departing back, shaking her head. Just political struggle – nothing satisfying or not. Either you die or I live. No one can show mercy to anyone. Otherwise, the next person to die is yourself. But that Jiang Yuelan could speak such words showed she harbored twelve hundred percent resentment toward the Jiang family.
Indeed, Jiang Yuelan’s entire life was ruined by the Jiang family. Her hating them wasn’t strange. But her suddenly coming to warn her – truly unexpected.
Bai Zhi said softly: “Miss, if Madam spoke truly, are they planning to act at the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet?”
Li Weiyang sighed: “Since daring to act, one must pay the price. The Jiang family is thus. I’m also thus. They chose to act in broad daylight before everyone – they must intend to publicize a secret. But whether me or Tuoba Yu, neither has valuable secrets. Then the only person with secrets is Consort Lian.”
Must say, Li Weiyang’s vision was sharp, her thinking accurate. Before opponents acted, she could already guess what they’d do this time.
Bai Zhi said nervously: “Consort Lian’s secret? Then Miss should quickly find ways to resolve it!”
Spring pear trees bloomed with pink-white flowers. As a breeze blew, some fell on Li Weiyang’s hair, some on her shoulders, adding some softness to Li Weiyang’s usually cold countenance. Her voice was also very gentle: “Bai Zhi, some matters are destined by fate. Just as I cannot change Consort Lian’s identity – knowing once her secret is exposed it’s very dangerous, yet back then to deal with the Jiang family, we still chose to take risks. Since Tuoba Zhen already acted, he won’t show us mercy. Consort Lian must expose all these secrets. And he definitely intends to kill.”
Bai Zhi couldn’t help worrying more. Miss speaking thus – would she just watch as Consort Lian’s secret was exposed? This way, wouldn’t Miss also be implicated?
Li Weiyang only smiled without answering, turning to gaze at goldfish swimming back and forth competing for bait in the lake water. Even animals attacked each other for a bit of food. People competing for power and influence – what was strange about that? Everyone thought they could laugh last. But who could see through Heaven’s intentions?
Currently this performance clearly meant pulling out turnips bringing out mud. Once Consort Lian’s crime was determined, the unlucky one would be Zhou Dashou. Then neither Tuoba Yu nor she Li Weiyang could escape. Tuoba Zhen making his move truly wasn’t petty like Concubine Jiang. If not for Concubine Jiang wrongly calculating Jiang Yuelan’s thoughts, such important news wouldn’t reach her either.
Throwing down the last handful of bait, Li Weiyang watched fish competing very intensely, couldn’t help smiling. Tuoba Zhen, will everything truly go as you wish? Next, what should be done?