Yuan Yu’s eyes contained a furious expression, like boiling magma stored in a deep well. The muscles on his face twitched unconsciously, his skin involuntarily tightening. Li Weiyang knew this was probably his rising killing intent.

Yuan Yu’s skill at frightening, coaxing, and begging came entirely from his experience rolling around in the rouge and powder heaps of the Yuexi court. No woman could escape his grasp. Even the lofty Empress Pei fell for this approach, not to mention those charming palace maids. How was Li Weiyang like a foul, hard stone, showing no sign of being moved?

Could she have not a trace of emotion? Yuan Yu couldn’t help thinking this, then confirmed his own guess—it must be so. Li Weiyang was an unfeeling, ruthless little wretch without a heart, so she couldn’t possibly be moved by anyone. In that case, it wasn’t that his charm was insufficient, but that she wasn’t a normal woman!

“My patience is limited. Since you don’t like what I’ve offered, then name something you do like, and I’ll find a way to get it for you. Power, status, men—whatever kind you want is fine. But don’t tell me things like wanting the moon from the sky—I don’t want to hear it.” He forcefully suppressed his anger, speaking casually as if he were a heavenly emperor who could bestow anything.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Yuan Yu was so arrogant it was easy to underestimate him. Thinking back, the Yuexi imperial family all seemed to be this supremely arrogant—even Princess Anguo was that willful. Li Weiyang vaguely felt the Yuexi Emperor was quite interesting—why would he let Empress Pei’s children be raised this way? It was almost like he was indulging them.

“Power, status, men.” Li Weiyang sighed: “These are all good things, but unfortunately they’re of no use to me, so you might as well not waste your efforts.”

“Hmph…” Yuan Yu laughed coldly, his laughter filled with unfathomable chill. After laughing, he suddenly pulled a long face: “You look down on me, don’t you?”

Li Weiyang showed a surprised expression, wondering where this statement came from.

Yuan Yu suddenly walked over and pressed her down, his hands gripping her wrists like iron clamps: “You look down on me, don’t you? From the start, you’ve been saying nothing matters to you. I don’t believe you’re truly that indifferent. If you really became mine, could you still remain this calm and detached? Looking at your cold face, I think of a lotus on a glacier—truly both lovable and hateful!”

His gaze was already sharp as a knife, containing beast-like killing intent, yet Li Weiyang merely smiled.

“I’m truly thinking of you…” If it were anyone else, they’d already be crushed breathless by Yuan Yu’s terrifying gaze. Li Weiyang even felt that sharpness in his eyes cutting through her body, yet her expression showed no particular change: “Empress Pei could have sent her own son—why choose you? Have you thought about that?”

Yuan Yu paused, looking at Li Weiyang coldly, though deep doubt rose in his eyes.

“Though I don’t know what background your imperial brother has, nor why Empress Pei sent you, one thing is the same in every country’s imperial family. As empress, she typically won’t like sons born to consorts much. If such a child is especially favored by the emperor, she’ll be even more wary. Since you traveled thousands of miles on her orders to find him, it can only prove two things.”

Yuan Yu stared at her coldly, his handsome face nearly twisted: “Which two things?”

Li Weiyang smiled, though her eyes held malice: “First, Empress Pei sent you to hunt him down, not to bring him back for recognition. Second, for a dignified empress to go to such trouble means that in your emperor’s heart, this child must be incomparably important—perhaps even his most beloved child. Tell me, am I right?”

Yuan Yu’s expression became ugly: “Nonsense!”

Li Weiyang’s smile was gentle, completely unaffected by him. She said calmly: “Whether it’s nonsense, Prince Yan should know in his heart. But I really want to know—Empress Pei could have sent someone else to do this. Why specifically choose you? You must know, once this youth is truly in Dali and killed by Prince Yan, the matter will eventually reach the Yuexi Emperor’s ears…”

Yuan Yu seemed to have been struck at his weak point, his eyes beginning to redden, that handsome face becoming quite savage.

Li Weiyang continued slowly, unhurriedly: “The Yuexi Emperor is no fool. Even if you hide it from the world’s eyes and ears, you can’t hide it from him. You’re utterly devoted to Empress Pei, willing to do anything to kill that little prince. What do you think the Yuexi Emperor will think of you? The Pei family’s power is vast, with branches spreading everywhere—but what about you?”

Yuan Yu stared at her intently: “I’m his son!”

Li Weiyang said with surprise: “Even ten fingers have different lengths. Emperor Kangcheng of Dali’s previous dynasty killed thirteen of his own children to avenge his most beloved youngest son. Doesn’t Prince Yan know this?”

Yuan Yu roared furiously: “Silence!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Prince Yan came to Dali as an envoy under everyone’s eyes. If that prince suffers the slightest harm, even if Prince Yan didn’t personally act, the Yuexi Emperor will surely blame you. By entrusting this matter to Prince Yan, Empress Pei is deliberately framing you, diverting disaster eastward. Poor you, loyally serving Empress Pei, willing to stain your hands with blood, yet still bearing the blame, becoming a scapegoat. In Weiyang’s view, though Prince Yan is a hero, he’s truly not clever enough.”

Yuan Yu grew angrier: “If you dare speak nonsense again, don’t blame me for killing you directly.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was regretful: “Such a pity, such a pity—your beautiful head will soon roll off.”

“Li Weiyang, you’re deliberately frightening me—it’s impossible. Even if Father Emperor knows I killed him, Mother Empress will protect me. I don’t believe she’d abandon me. Father Emperor couldn’t possibly bear to kill me, because he’s just a bastard dog, a disgusting bastard born from a little whore—” Yuan Yu’s voice was very low, as if chewing the words in his mouth, sounding somewhat like a beast grinding its teeth in hatred.

Li Weiyang’s smile remained unchanged. Her snow-white hands touched his cheek like a lover’s caress, yet her tone was cold as ice: “Dear Prince Yan, if you weren’t afraid, why would you be trembling?”

Yuan Yu suddenly released her as if she were some terrible flood or savage beast, backing away until he fell to the ground.

Li Weiyang smiled inwardly. As expected, Yuan Yu feared Empress Pei, but feared the Yuexi Emperor even more. Presumably, Empress Pei concerned his wealth and glory, while the Yuexi Emperor could decide his life or death.

Li Weiyang glanced at the mess covering the floor: “If you’re angry, be angry, but why smash such a table of good food? I haven’t eaten anything from just now until now!”

Yuan Yu stood up angrily. He sat on the ground, looking at Li Weiyang for a long time. Li Weiyang smiled: “Since you kindly came to talk with me, how can you let me go hungry?”

For some reason, looking at her smiling face, Yuan Yu couldn’t release the anger he’d just built up. He could only mentally chop Li Weiyang into pieces again and again, then shouted loudly: “Didn’t you hear? Quickly prepare a new banquet!”

Soon maids entered, eyes downcast and obedient, cleaned up everything, and immediately set out a new table of food and wine. The previous table had clearly been tampered with; this time it was clean and problem-free. Li Weiyang lowered her head and ate a bite of food, then raised her head and glanced at Yuan Yu: “Not eating?”

Yuan Yu, seeing Li Weiyang like this, hated her to the extreme in his heart, though his original intention to kill her had faded. Li Weiyang was right—Empress Pei sending him here indeed bore no good intentions. She wanted him as a scapegoat. He’d only seen the immediate wealth and glory, temporarily overlooking Father Emperor, that male lion. One careless move and he’d be the most unfortunate one. But he couldn’t disobey Empress Pei’s orders—thinking of this, the fierce light in his eyes diminished slightly, revealing a gentle smile. In that instant he seemed to return to his usual gentle appearance, though the burning viciousness in his eyes still scorched. He walked to the table and smiled apologetically: “I acted impulsively just now and frightened the Princess. Please forgive me.”

Li Weiyang ate another bite of hibiscus chicken and nodded: “This is a chef from Wangjiang Tower—the taste is good, though the chicken meat is a bit old.”

Yuan Yu suppressed his anger: “You were right just now. If I truly killed that person, it would indeed be very disadvantageous to me. What do you think I should do?” By this time he’d resolved that once he obtained advice, he’d kill Li Weiyang to silence her. He couldn’t worry about other things now. This woman could see through his thoughts and hand in a few words—she absolutely couldn’t be kept, or there’d be endless future troubles.

Li Weiyang seemed not to notice his suddenly rising killing intent, merely smiling: “I don’t like this duck soup—it’s too sweet and greasy.”

Yuan Yu’s face turned green. Throughout this evening he’d already changed expressions countless times. He vaguely felt that what he’d abducted wasn’t some princess, but clearly a debt-collecting evil spirit, probing his weaknesses bit by bit, flaying him alive.

“Someone, go change the duck soup.” Yuan Yu commanded loudly, and the maids immediately complied. His gaze remained locked on Li Weiyang’s face, unwilling to miss the slightest change in expression. Yet under the flickering candlelight, Li Weiyang’s expression remained normal with a slight smile—clearly an overly perfect mask, yet one couldn’t pick out any flaws.

He suddenly felt Li Weiyang was like a snake coiled in the grass—appearing docile and harmless, yet her true nature could never be removed. If you dared approach and provoke her, she’d extend her venomous fangs and bare her teeth, catching people completely off guard. He was wrong—he shouldn’t have lured this poisonous snake from the grass.

“Your gentleness and turning a blind eye to my sister the other day were all an act.” Yuan Yu said slowly.

“An act? How could it be an act? If Princess Anguo doesn’t provoke me, I naturally won’t provoke her. Isn’t peaceful coexistence good? Why must we fight and kill each other? You know I’ve never liked such things.” Li Weiyang spoke each word slowly and calmly, yet sharp as a blade with exposed edges. She’d always been kind to others, gentle and peaceful in every gesture, smiling eyes. Yet now, slightly darkening her face, she gave an inviolable sense of intimidation. In an instant, she seemed like a different person.

Yuan Yu shook his head: “Anguo misjudged you, and so did I. Now, I hope you’ll tell me honestly—is Li Minde actually Yuan Lie? This is the last time, the last chance I’m giving you.”

Why did everyone like giving her chances? It seemed Tuoba Zhen had said this too. Presumably they’d stood in high positions so long, they thought everyone should kneel on the ground begging for their charity. Where did this confidence come from? However, he just said Yuan Lie? Was this—Minde’s real name? Li Weiyang thought carefully, showing a thoughtful expression.

When she didn’t speak, Yuan Yu finally erupted in fury: “Li Weiyang, whether you speak or not, you can’t hope to leave here!” Before finishing his words, he suddenly felt numbness at his waist, his whole body stiffening, then coldness at his neck as a sword pressed against it. He heard Li Weiyang smile slightly: “Minde, your act was quite convincing—you even fooled me.”

They saw Li Minde wearing a guard’s clothing, his face showing infinite distress: “I came in when he was rambling earlier, but you insisted on talking with him, so I had to tolerate him a while longer.”

Yuan Yu hadn’t anticipated this sudden change. Despite his lifelong cunning, he’d actually been delayed by Li Weiyang’s shallow tactics, then broken into by Li Minde. Momentarily his chest burst with rage, unable to help cursing: “Dead bastard, truly a dead bastard…” Born to Yuexi nobility, he hadn’t learned many curse words, repeating the same few phrases over and over.

Li Weiyang smiled: “Tsk tsk, how useless—even your cursing is like this, like a parrot with its tongue cut out.”

Yuan Yu flew into a rage, shouting: “Are you all dead? Why haven’t you come in yet!”

But outside was empty and silent, not even an echo. His expression changed. Of the remaining six shadow guards from this trip, he’d left them at the embassy, but as a precaution he’d brought over fifty more people. Could they all be… His eyes became terrified: “What did you do to my guards?”

Li Weiyang sighed: “What do you think? I already told you—use your brain more, don’t always be so straightforward. If I were you, after capturing me you should have used me to trick him, then captured him before deciding how to handle things. But you—you captured me yet talked so much nonsense, truly thinking he’s worthless?”

Actually, Li Weiyang truly wronged Yuan Yu. He’d originally had this plan, but unfortunately hadn’t implemented it yet. He’d thought Li Minde would take at least two more days to find this place. He’d never imagined he’d keep Li Weiyang talking so long, inexplicably led by the nose, even forgetting his original plan.

Li Weiyang’s greatest skill was reading people’s hearts, and unknowingly, he’d already fallen into her trap. Yuan Yu ground his teeth in hatred, roaring: “I should have killed you, you little wretch!”

Li Minde sneered coldly, suddenly kicking his rear, then delivering a solid slap.

Yuan Yu, stunned, lost three teeth, mouth full of blood, still mumbling: “Dog bastard, dog bastard…” Li Minde sneered: “Right, I’m hitting you, this dog bastard!” Yuan Yu was dazed. Li Minde’s hand rose and palm fell—he took another slap, both shocked and furious, screaming like a slaughtered pig: “What exactly do you want?”

Li Minde said coldly: “Besides the Wandering Ease aphrodisiac in that incense burner, there’s also a slow-acting poison.”

Yuan Yu was completely stunned. He didn’t know how Li Minde knew—he clearly hadn’t revealed it—

Even Li Weiyang was surprised this time. She thought for a moment: “So that’s how it was.” Yuan Yu couldn’t kill her immediately, because if she died suddenly it would cause countless troubles. But if she slowly fell ill, weakened physically and died, it would just be an ordinary death from illness, causing no great disturbance. It seemed this beautiful youth before her was also a vicious character.

Li Minde raised his hand to strike again. Yuan Yu hurriedly said: “Want the antidote? Here! Here!” He pulled out a brocade pouch and tossed it over, calling: “This is it! Taking it will cure the poison!” Li Minde felt inside the pouch and found two jade bottles, so asked: “Which one?”

Yuan Yu’s eyes rolled: “The blue and white porcelain bottle!” Li Minde took out that blue and white porcelain bottle, pointing the mouth at him: “Eat two and try.”

Yuan Yu’s expression changed, urgently saying: “You’re crazy! This is a formula for fighting poison with poison. I haven’t been poisoned first—if I take the antidote now I’ll die! You don’t want to destroy the alliance between our two countries, do you!”

Li Minde sneered: “Then this bottle must be the poison!” He gripped that black-flowered porcelain bottle, rubbing it in his palm for a while.

Yuan Yu’s expression became unbearably ugly, rigidly silent. Li Minde, ruthless and merciless, raised his sword and brought it down. Yuan Yu immediately screamed miserably, though unfortunately his little finger was already shortened by a section, blood flowing freely. Li Minde’s face held a smile, but his eyes were infinitely cold: “Next I’ll chop your neck. I don’t care about any alliance—I wouldn’t care if you all died.”

Seeing him so merciless, Yuan Yu was scared half to death, hurriedly saying: “Right, right! The black one with decorative patterns is the poison! Take them all!”

Li Minde sneered coldly, directly pouring out one pill from each bottle, raising his hand to force them into Yuan Yu’s mouth. Yuan Yu’s face instantly twisted, as if he thoroughly hated Li Minde, bending over yet unable to vomit anything, dry heaving there for a long time.

Seeing this scene, Li Weiyang really wanted to laugh. One side was poison, the other antidote—taking both simultaneously, even if he didn’t die he’d lose a layer of skin. Li Minde said: “You stupid pig, if you dare attack Weiyang again, next time won’t be so easy.”

“Don’t slander me—I merely invited her as a guest!” Yuan Yu wanted to retort but took another slap, so had to shut his mouth, hating to death inside.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Where’s Zhao Yue?”

Li Minde said slowly: “She’s fine, just minor external injuries.”

Yuan Yu stared at them with eyes that could draw blood. Li Minde grabbed his collar, dragging him out like a dead pig. Yuan Yu shouted: “What else do you want to do!”

Li Minde smiled: “There are still quite a few of your people along this road, all ambushed in the forest. If I don’t use you as a shield, how can I get out unscathed?”

But you already got in! Getting out—what difficulty is there! Knowing the other party was deliberately venting on him, Yuan Yu ground his teeth in hatred but dared not make a sound. Yet his eyes rolled over Li Minde’s face. This face was so handsome, clearly bearing two parts resemblance to Father Emperor—there should be eighty percent certainty. Then who exactly had been handling the connection between Li Minde and Yuexi all along? Who was passing messages near Empress Pei’s side! These people must be ferreted out.

“Let’s go!” Li Minde threw Yuan Yu onto the carriage with a thud. Zhao Yue and Bai Zhi were already waiting on the carriage. They looked at Yuan Yu with eyes full of anger. Yuan Yu shrank his neck, subconsciously glancing at Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang was all smiles. He immediately turned his head away, preferring to face the wall rather than look at this devious woman.

Li Minde glanced at Yuan Yu, snorting coldly: “If you’re not obedient, this long sword won’t just sever one finger.” Speaking thus, he quickly boarded the carriage, ordering the guards ahead to drive. Before long, the carriage drove out of this large mansion.

Watching the carriage go farther and farther, Yuan Yu couldn’t help calling: “I’ve already accompanied you this far—won’t you release me?”

Li Minde calculated the time, figuring the other side couldn’t catch up, so without blinking kicked Yuan Yu off the carriage. Li Weiyang only heard Yuan Yu cry out in alarm—it was that Li Minde had deliberately prepared a rope to bind him securely, yet the carriage continued moving, dragging Yuan Yu alive for over thirty meters. Yuan Yu shrieked continuously, but here was surrounded by trees everywhere—his voice couldn’t carry out at all. After dragging him a full fifty-plus meters, Li Weiyang finally ordered: “Stop the carriage.”

Li Minde looked at her: “I planned to strip him naked and tie him to a fierce horse, letting it carry him all the way back to Yuexi.”

Li Weiyang laughed: “That won’t do. If we truly want to punish him, there are plenty of methods—no need to dirty your own hands. Moreover, if Prince Yan of Yuexi dies in Dali, there’ll be much trouble. Forget whether war will break out between our two countries—just Nanjiang taking advantage of the opening would give Tuoba Zhen a chance to strike back.” Between Yuan Yu and Tuoba Zhen, she’d naturally choose to spare the former. Furthermore, death wasn’t the best means of punishing someone. She had plenty of methods to deal with Yuan Yu—naturally, much more interesting ones.

Li Minde stared at that bruised and swollen Fourth Prince of Yuexi, sneering coldly. Originally wanting to strike this fellow dead with one sword, but remembering Li Weiyang’s words, he withdrew the sword, viciously kicked Yuan Yu, untied the rope, threw him on the ground, then ignored whether he lived or died, driving the carriage quickly away.

Returning to the Li residence, it was just lockdown time. The Li household servants, seeing the Princess return, quickly opened the gates to welcome her. Li Weiyang went straight to her own courtyard, ordering Zhao Yue to return early to rest, then entered the room. “I didn’t eat enough earlier—prepare dinner again.” She instructed Mozhu, who’d been waiting nervously all evening. Her expression was very natural, without the slightest appearance of being frightened.

Mozhu looked toward Li Minde, responding affirmatively. Li Weiyang followed her gaze, glancing at Li Minde: “Go back quickly. You worked hard today too.” Speaking thus, she walked to the window herself to open it for fresh air. Her hand had just touched the window when he suddenly pressed it down.

“This is all my fault.” He suddenly said, his tone cold.

She lowered her eyes, looking at his palm covering her hand. His arm suddenly trembled slightly. Raising her eyes, she met his indescribable gaze. He stared at her, his amber eyes holding a trace of anger, but more was heartache and pity.

Li Weiyang smiled ruefully. A mere Prince Yan Yuan Yu—how could she take him seriously? Why be so tense—

His eyes fell on the back of her hand. For some reason, there was a slight abrasion—perhaps accidentally bumped when getting off the carriage earlier. Though not deep, blood still seeped through.

Li Weiyang seemed unaware of pain, her eyes still clear and calm as usual. Seeing him notice now, she slightly raised her lips, saying to him: “I’m fine—it’s just a small matter, don’t take it to heart. Even if not for you, they’d still come looking. I’m just someone who easily attracts trouble…” Before finishing, she was suddenly pulled into his embrace.

She was startled, her heart rising in alarm. Instinctively pushing away, her hand had just reached his chest when her body was tightly held by him, unable to move an inch more.

His scorching breath pressed against her ear: “I’m sorry.”

She suddenly fell silent, because where her hand touched was his chest. His heartbeat was steady and powerful, striking her palm one beat at a time, carrying irresistible warmth. Those amber pupils inexplicably made one’s heart pound like drums. She instinctively wanted to retreat, yet he held her, not letting go.

Learning of her sudden disappearance, in that instant his heart’s fire leaped up violently, burning his entire chest with fiery pain. His five internal organs and six bowels seemed instantly seared layer by layer with flames, bloody and mangled. For many years, he’d thought himself lacking in normal human emotions. Even his adoptive mother’s death brought only momentary grief. It seemed only today he learned his heart could hurt this way.

He’d never touched her against her will before. This sole transgression was merely because his heart was losing control.

Li Weiyang hadn’t expected the youth who’d once relied on her so much would give her such an embrace—warm, powerful, firm and resolute, enough for her to lean on with peace of mind. Her long lashes lowered slightly, her breathing growing faint, as if her strength was exhausted. He must think her both shocked and frightened, but truthfully, this level of alarm was merely a game to her. Though dangerous, it was quite interesting—watching her opponent be driven mad bit by bit, she found it very amusing.

But his being so tense—she should have found it excessive, yet inexplicably, she felt somewhat reassured. Wanting to refuse, yet this warmth was ultimately something to cherish.

Li Weiyang didn’t move, allowing him to hold her the whole time. Not until Mozhu knocked did Li Minde release her. Li Weiyang sighed, wanting to say something but ultimately didn’t. He cared about her so much—if she died, if she was gone? She didn’t know if she could defeat Tuoba Zhen. Perhaps Tuoba Zhen ultimately wouldn’t let her go free, insisting on mutual destruction? When necessary, she felt she would do that. Then—what should Minde do then? Could he live well?

While eating, Li Weiyang kept thinking about this question, thinking until her head hurt without finding an answer. After eating, she simply washed up and prepared to rest, yet Li Minde refused to leave. Li Weiyang didn’t chase him away, going straight to sleep. He slowly tucked the covers around her, softly saying: “Sleep.” She paused, then felt like laughing—he was actually coaxing her like a child. But ultimately she was very tired. Today she’d been busy all day without rest. So naturally and peacefully, she closed her eyes.

He sat motionless by the bed, eyes lowered watching her seemingly peaceful face.

Thinking of how that idiot Yuan Yu dared abduct her, flames of anger flickered in his heart. Seeing Yuan Yu’s arrogant, domineering manner, he could almost imagine how she’d been frightened before. His hands unconsciously clenched.

Fortunately, she was unharmed. Otherwise he’d make Yuan Yu’s head, body, and limbs all part ways…

Just then, Bai Zhi brought wound medicine. Seeing Li Weiyang already asleep, she couldn’t help but freeze. Li Minde extended his hand toward her. Bai Zhi understood, quickly handing over the medicine bottle. He held it under his nose and carefully smelled it. His tightly locked brow relaxed slightly. He picked out a bit of ointment and applied it to the wound on her hand, gently massaging in circles.

This scene was originally quite ordinary, but watching from the side, Bai Zhi felt very surprised. The Third Young Master was usually cold to everyone—if someone could receive a smile from him, it was already extremely rare. Yet looking at Miss with his gaze carried warmth, with deeply buried feelings within. Miss herself didn’t notice much, but as an outsider watching, she instead felt her heart accelerate—the ambiguous intimacy, the more she watched the redder her face became.

Watching his current appearance, Bai Zhi suddenly felt it would be good if Miss could accept the Third Young Master’s feelings. Though they were nominally cousins, ultimately one day when they left here, who would still know their relationship? Then wouldn’t it be boundless seas and skies for birds to fly—however they wished, as long as they were happy.

But Miss always had a knot in her heart. When would it be untied? Things would be better then. But if—if Miss’s knot could never be untied, what would the Third Young Master do? Thinking this, Bai Zhi saw Li Minde’s obsessive gaze and couldn’t help feeling a chill in her heart. Investing so much emotion, if the Third Young Master couldn’t gain Miss’s affection, or if Miss ultimately fell for someone else, he would go mad…

The night was so dark, yet the room was very warm. Li Minde couldn’t help reaching out to stroke Li Weiyang’s hair, standing up: “I have something to go out for. Help me take good care of her.”

Li Weiyang, who’d originally seemed to be resting with closed eyes, suddenly opened them. Seeing him about to leave, she suddenly called out: “Minde.”

He turned back, raising an eyebrow.

She propped herself up halfway, long black hair cascading down: “They’re all coming for you. Be careful.”

Seeing worry in her eyes, he knew her heart must be worrying for him again. He couldn’t help frowning. Was he that useless in her heart? Or did she think he had no way to protect himself? Wanting to say something, he ultimately couldn’t bear to contradict her, only saying: “I know.”

Her voice was very serious, each word measured: “You must promise me—don’t act recklessly at any time.”

She saw his expression change and knew he planned to go settle scores. His personality—so proud and willful in his bones, how could he tolerate others harming someone he cherished so much? But if she let him go, if Yuan Yu and Anguo were harmed, it would invite Empress Pei’s retaliation. Unless necessary, she didn’t plan to take risks. Because now she needed to concentrate on dealing with Tuoba Zhen, the Crown Prince and others. If Yuexi got involved, things would become incomparably complex. So even if he was unhappy, she hoped he would wait. Therefore, she merely gathered the thin covers calmly, her face cold as if warning: “I said, don’t act rashly.”

Even if she were more foolish, she knew tonight’s matter must relate to the marriage alliance. Previously when the Empress Dowager named her Princess Anping, she’d already had suspicions. Now with Yuexi coming to propose marriage, it confirmed her thoughts even more. The Empress Dowager elevating her generation clearly felt it wasn’t enough—she also planned to expel her from Dali. Under these circumstances, if tonight’s matter caused any stir, the Empress Dowager would only act faster. Though Li Weiyang left no evidence in dealing with the First Madam and the Jiang family, she’d inevitably been too hasty. That impeachment memorial from the Censorate was suppressed by Tuoba Yu, but surely those gossipy officials would privately discuss the imperial family’s excessive favor toward her, and her reputation for defying her legitimate mother and disrespecting elders would be unavoidable. If Yuan Yu suffered misfortune because of her today, in others’ eyes they’d definitely think it was again her attracting disaster. Tuoba Zhen would certainly seize the topic, saying she as a mere woman presumptuously tried to sabotage peace talks, damaging Dali’s national fortune—a capital offense. Moreover, dealing with Yuan Yu and others could be done by finding another opportunity.

Thinking and thinking, her temples began to ache.

Originally she’d planned to endure Anguo and the others’ behavior, but sometimes, even when she didn’t deliberately harm people, others wouldn’t spare her for it. Ultimately, the abduction must have been done to intimidate her—the other side wanted to probe Minde’s secrets from her, even use her to threaten him.

They forced her first—then they shouldn’t blame her for being ruthless. Anyway, the bad things she’d done… one more wasn’t much, one less wasn’t little. Just not now! She raised her lashes, looking at him: “I know you’re angry about today, but we can settle accounts later—don’t act immediately.”

He met her gaze, his tone unpleasant: “I’m just collecting some interest.”

Seeing his expression, she knew he truly wouldn’t act rashly, so smiled slightly, softly saying: “Good that you know… I’m not worried about other things, just don’t want you injured.” Speaking thus, her delicate brows relaxed slightly, her voice lowering: “Moreover, whether Yuan Yu or Princess Anguo, they’re just spoiled children who don’t know their limits. Being so arrogant in Dali, someone will eventually deal with them.”

He was speechless, then suddenly felt like laughing. Someone as vicious and domineering as Yuan Yu—before Li Weiyang he couldn’t use any of his methods. Truly quite pitiful. If he knew everything he’d painstakingly done was just a clown show before her, who knew how angry he’d be.

Though she said this, he still felt those who harmed her were unforgivable.

He smiled slightly, that deep, steady gaze suddenly brightening intensely, containing elusive mirth, saying in a low voice: “I won’t be injured.”

She pressed her lips together, watching him push open the door and leave, sighing. Fortunately he didn’t smile often—otherwise even she would be bewitched by that smile… Presumably those in this world who could escape beauty’s snare truly needed extreme willpower.

Princess Anguo stayed at the embassy. Near dawn she was suddenly awakened by a maid. In her fury she gave that maid a whip. The maid said tremblingly: “Princess… this is bad! Prince Yan… Prince Yan has returned!”

Princess Anguo was extremely annoyed, rebuking: “His return—what’s so important! Get out!”

That maid was clearly frightened but had to stammer: “Princess, Prince Yan was sent back by Dali’s Third Prince! He’s waiting outside now!”

Hearing this, Princess Anguo’s expression immediately changed. Tuoba Zhen personally sent him back? At this hour? Could something have happened? She immediately ordered someone to help her wash and dress up magnificently. She looked in the mirror for ages until confirming her appearance had not the slightest flaw, then led her attendant maids out. Arriving at the great hall, she saw Yuan Yu with a face full of bruises, sleeping in a daze. Even unconscious, his expression was still full of pain, held up by guards, barely managing to stand. Tuoba Zhen’s expression was cold and stern, his brow darkly containing killing intent.

“Go, have someone help Prince Yan sit…” Princess Anguo ordered. Immediately someone took Yuan Yu and helped him sit in a chair. Anguo looked at her brother’s appearance, finding it increasingly strange. After all, she was someone used to grand occasions. She smiled calmly: “Thank you, Third Prince, for sending my brother back.”

A maid brought hot water to apply to Yuan Yu’s forehead, softly saying: “Princess, should we help Prince Yan inside?”

Anguo naturally thought the same, but seeing Tuoba Zhen’s expression extremely odd, she couldn’t help raising her hand to stop them: “What happened?”

“Everyone withdraw. Don’t come unless called.” Tuoba Zhen glanced at the nearby maids. Princess Anguo immediately understood, waving to dismiss them.

After the maids withdrew, only Tuoba Zhen’s confidants remained in the great hall. Princess Anguo then asked: “What exactly happened?”

“Prince Yan was discovered—lying in my imperial sister’s bed in the middle of the night.” Tuoba Zhen said word by word.

“Your imperial sister? Who?” Princess Anguo was stunned, also finding it inconceivable.

“Princess Yongning.” Tuoba Zhen said through gritted teeth, almost unable to contain his imminent explosion.

Princess Anguo looked at Yuan Yu with an expression of extreme shock. She knew this fourth brother well—he never refused beautiful women. But Princess Yongning, that old coffin face, and a widow who’d been married before—just looking at her was nauseating! Too—too absurd! She turned back, looking at the unconscious Yuan Yu. This was the first time she’d encountered such a bizarre situation. Given Princess Yongning’s current looks, they were truly too terrible. Even if Yuan Yu wasn’t picky, he hadn’t reached this level! Moreover, Dali’s Emperor had already drafted the imperial edict… the marriage alliance candidate was clearly determined without doubt!

She stared at Tuoba Zhen, for the first time unable to speak: “What happened?”

Tuoba Zhen frowned, shaking his head: “I don’t know either… I feared word would leak out, so I didn’t even ask him—I brought him directly back.”

Princess Anguo was furious beyond words: “Truly absurd…”

Just then, Yuan Yu cried out for water, struggling to rise but tumbling to the floor with a thud. His eyes opened a small slit in confusion, seeing two murderous faces opposite, immediately startling him awake five or six parts! “Huh?” He struggled to support half his body, touching his aching head. Wasn’t he abandoned in the forest? How had he returned to the embassy? And there was even alcohol smell on him?!

He raised his body. Tuoba Zhen’s eyes were incomparably sharp, staring fixedly at him.

“What are you doing? Why are you all here?” Yuan Yu squinted, momentarily unable to distinguish what exactly had happened.

At this moment, Tuoba Zhen wanted nothing more than to give this fool a slap. Did he know what he’d destroyed! Did he know! His carefully planned marriage—all ruined by him! Originally Li Weiyang’s participation in the marriage alliance had become settled fact. No matter who was substituted, Father Emperor wouldn’t change his mind. But it just had to be Princess Yongning, just had to be Princess Yongning!

That princess whom Father Emperor felt most guilty toward, that princess who must live alone as a widow! Compared to lifelong widowhood, marrying Yuan Yu meant having a new husband. Going to a foreign land meant a completely fresh start! How could Father Emperor not be moved! Previously the Emperor hadn’t thought of it because it simply couldn’t be considered—Yuexi absolutely wouldn’t want a widowed princess as a consort. But what about now? Yuan Yu himself ran into her bed—who could be blamed! Who could be blamed! Whether Yuan Yu married her or not, he had to marry her!