Just as the Army Supervisor and Tuoba Zhen stood at an impasse, someone suddenly galloped into the military camp on horseback: “His Majesty has issued a decree—summon Third Prince to return to the capital immediately to attend the funeral!”

Attend the funeral? Tuoba Zhen’s brows immediately relaxed, while Supervisor Liu’s expression became ugly. What was going on? According to their prior agreement, the Third Prince should have been gathering forces in rebellion, and they were responsible for capturing him and executing him on the spot. Why would the Emperor suddenly issue an imperial decree?!

Tuoba Zhen smiled slightly and said to the eunuch announcing the decree: “The military affairs here—”

The eunuch said: “His Majesty has already appointed another suitable person to serve as commander for this campaign. Third Prince need not worry.”

Tuoba Zhen knelt down and kowtowed toward the capital, his face full of sincerity: “Father Emperor is wise.” His expression was so earnest that General Liu wished he could chop off his head with one sword to vent his hatred.

Li Weiyang stood not far away, watching this scene. She smiled lightly like a faint cloud shadow: “In just one night, His Majesty changed his mind. I really underestimated Tuoba Zhen.”

Zhao Yue couldn’t believe it: “Even at this point, what method could Tuoba Zhen have to escape his crimes?”

Li Weiyang gave a cold laugh: “We’ll only know once we return to the capital.” She turned to leave but looked back in Tuoba Zhen’s direction once more, her smile becoming cold and cruel. Tuoba Zhen, you truly are not to be underestimated. Every time I force you into a dead end, you manage to find life in desperate straits. But this time, how will you escape the crime of treason?

When Li Weiyang returned to the capital, she discovered the situation had changed overnight. Originally sixteen ministers had submitted memorials impeaching Tuoba Zhen, saying he used leading troops to war as a pretext but secretly intended to usurp the throne. However, somehow the always highly respected Censor Liang suddenly submitted a memorial pleading Tuoba Zhen’s innocence. He knelt overnight at the Emperor’s palace gates, saying Tuoba Zhen had been framed by treacherous people. At the same time, he listed Tuoba Yu’s ten great faults and attached contracts for properties Tuoba Yu had purchased in various regions for many important court ministers over the past year, as well as a list of frontier officials he had bribed with money. That account book was filled with names—over a hundred people in total, detailed down to how much each person was bribed, when, where, and through whom… When this memorial was submitted, the Emperor was furious and the entire court was in an uproar.

“Weiyang, Third Prince left himself a backup plan.” In the Li family study, Li Xiaoran said while sighing.

Li Weiyang gently sighed. One must eat rice bite by bite and walk step by step. It had taken Tuoba Zhen ten full years to bribe court officials, while Tuoba Yu wanted to achieve everything at once. Even if done cleanly, some handles would be left. She just hadn’t expected that Tuoba Zhen could collect all these handles one by one, hide them until today, waiting only for the critical moment to bring them out and deal Tuoba Yu a fatal blow.

First the Empress Dowager was poisoned to death, then the Emperor was assassinated, then Sun Chongyao led Imperial Guards to attack the palace gates. And Tuoba Yu just happened to appear so coincidentally, like a savior, rescuing the Emperor and everyone in the palace. In one stroke he won the support of the vast majority of court ministers and the hearts of the people. Wasn’t this too coincidental? Normally the Emperor in his fury would need some time before thinking of this logic. By then Tuoba Zhen would already have been executed. But Censor Liang’s memorial submitted overnight reminded the Emperor in one stroke, saving Tuoba Zhen’s life.

Li Weiyang couldn’t help shaking her head. They said the Emperor’s heart was hard to fathom, but no one understood the Emperor’s thoughts as well as Tuoba Zhen. Even in rebellion he could leave himself an escape route—this was truly hard not to admire. There was no one more cunning than him in this world. He didn’t seek to immediately clear himself, but rather to drag Tuoba Yu down with him. As one could imagine, for him, the longer time dragged on, the greater the Emperor’s suspicions would grow, and the more chance he had to truly escape the crime of treason.

“Sun Chongyao was sent to the Ministry of Justice prison. Did he say nothing?” Li Weiyang suddenly thought of this person.

Li Xiaoran took a sip of tea, his brows furrowed tightly: “He’s already dead.”

Li Weiyang froze for a moment, then said: “Dead?” At such a time? In the Ministry of Justice prison?

“They say he deliberately sought death, piercing his throat with a chopstick. He died in extreme agony. They claim it was suicide out of fear of punishment, but have you ever heard of someone who had a chance to commit suicide after entering the Ministry of Justice prison, falling into the hands of cruel officials?” Li Xiaoran gave a cold laugh and slowly said, “Though we all know in our hearts who the mastermind behind this was, Sun Chongyao’s testimony is most important. Only if he was willing to identify Tuoba Zhen could his crimes be confirmed. After all, when they discussed rebellion and how to rebel—all of it was done privately. Tuoba Zhen acts with extreme secrecy. With Sun Chongyao dead, we have absolutely no substantive evidence.”

That’s right. From beginning to end, Tuoba Zhen using Sun Chongyao for rebellion was something Li Weiyang had deduced based on Hui Nu’s intelligence and her understanding of Tuoba Zhen and Sun Chongyao, plus many scattered phenomena. None of this could serve as direct evidence. After capturing Sun Chongyao, he was the best witness, enough to prove the conspiracy between Tuoba Zhen and himself. However, such an important person actually committed suicide out of fear of punishment in the Ministry of Justice prison—it was simply a huge joke.

“Originally what Third Prince said before those two hundred thousand soldiers could also serve as evidence, after all he incited the army to enter the capital—however, now Third Prince has turned it around, saying he believed mistaken information and thought Seventh Prince was rebelling and causing chaos, which is why he wanted to lead the soldiers back to attack the capital.” Seeing Li Weiyang deep in thought, Li Xiaoran told her this.

So Tuoba Zhen had prepared early. A trace of barely perceptible cold mockery flashed through Li Weiyang’s eyes, but she asked unhurriedly: “What about His Majesty? What is his reaction now?”

Li Xiaoran saw no panic on her face and couldn’t help being somewhat surprised. After pondering for a moment, he answered: “His Majesty summoned several trusted important ministers into the palace overnight, then ordered the palace gates closed and stopped receiving ministers and consorts. The Imperial Guards have also been given a new commander. Guard shifts changed frequently, completely different from the usual atmosphere. The palace gate guards are all strangers. So right now, I truly cannot guess his intentions.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Father, do you really not know?”

Li Xiaoran looked at Li Weiyang and couldn’t help sighing that this daughter was like a cunning fox, insisting on squeezing out his last bit of thought before being satisfied. He smiled and said: “Originally it seemed the biggest winner of this gamble should be Seventh Prince, but now I feel the biggest winner is His Majesty.”

“Oh? How so?”

“His Majesty first took back the two hundred thousand troops originally given to Seventh Prince, passed them through Third Prince’s hands, then gave them to Zhou Guoyou. Then he replaced the Imperial Guard commander with Bo Jin. Then there’s the commander of those five hundred thousand—he appointed the long-retired Marquis Changping… Zhou Guoyou once blocked a sword for His Majesty. Bo Jin was personally promoted by His Majesty. Marquis Changping originally had outstanding military achievements but due to advancing age stopped concerning himself with court matters. Unless absolutely necessary, His Majesty wouldn’t use him. Though these people’s abilities may not be particularly strong, they all have one thing in common—their loyalty to His Majesty is unsurpassable. Now these seven hundred fifty thousand men are all firmly controlled in his hands. Isn’t he the biggest winner?” As Li Xiaoran spoke, he carefully observed Li Weiyang’s expression, as if trying to glimpse something from her face.

Li Weiyang just sighed: “Father, you needn’t be like this. How could I be so omnipotent as to predict all consequences? I’m truly sincere in helping Seventh Prince. Moreover, His Majesty has only temporarily confined Tuoba Zhen to his residence under guard. He hasn’t said he’ll just let Tuoba Zhen off. Why are you so anxious?”

Li Xiaoran smiled faintly. He felt this matter wasn’t as simple as Li Weiyang described, but for the moment he couldn’t penetrate what exactly the reason was. He only said: “I hope His Majesty can make a decision soon.”

At the Third Prince’s residence, the head steward personally brought the noon meal to Tuoba Zhen’s study. Since returning to the capital, Tuoba Zhen had shut himself in the study, turning a blind eye to everything outside. Due to the tense atmosphere in the capital, Tuoba Zhen hadn’t closed his eyes for three days. But there had been no news from His Majesty’s side. No one could fathom this Emperor’s thoughts. No one knew how he would ultimately determine guilt. Tuoba Zhen was guilty of attempting rebellion, but there was no substantive evidence. All who could testify were dead. If the Emperor was willing to spare Tuoba Zhen, this matter could be let go. But if he was unwilling, then Tuoba Zhen still had to stretch his neck for execution. The steward didn’t know why Tuoba Zhen could still be so composed. Thinking this way, he couldn’t help feeling extremely sympathetic to Third Prince.

“Your Highness, your noon meal.” The steward said carefully.

“Put it down.” Tuoba Zhen said indifferently, suddenly putting away a blood jade in his hand.

The steward looked on with some curiosity but didn’t dare ask too many questions. He just saw Tuoba Zhen eat two bites of food then put it down, seeming to have no appetite. He quietly advised: “Your Highness, please eat a bit more. Everything is still uncertain. You must hold on.”

The steward was an old retainer left by Tuoba Zhen’s birth mother. Back when his mother was falsely accused and given poisoned wine to death, many were killed, and her entire clan was exiled. Though her family background was very humble, several hundred people were implicated. After Tuoba Zhen established his own residence, he secretly found those who had survived and summoned them back to his residence, finding ways to avoid Noble Consort Wu’s notice. In his view, only these people were truly loyal to him and would never betray him.

The steward was full of gratitude toward Tuoba Zhen. Of those who survived the great disaster, only about twenty remained. Most had already died on the road to exile, including his wife and pair of children. If Tuoba Zhen hadn’t rescued him in time, he probably would have committed suicide unable to bear that painful, desperate life.

Tuoba Zhen just smiled slightly: “Have you arranged everything I instructed?”

“Yes, the Ministry of Justice has been taken care of. Absolutely no one will investigate Sun Chongyao’s cause of death. That stupid thing actually dared betray Your Highness. His ending like this is truly deserved. Fortunately we prepared early. If we’d let him sign and seal a confession, clearing Your Highness’s name wouldn’t have been so easy.”

Tuoba Zhen gave a cold laugh: “Do you think with Sun Chongyao dead, Tuoba Yu will give up? If I hadn’t prepared early, already arranging that if there was no success signal after dawn, Censor Liang would submit an impeachment memorial against him overnight, I wouldn’t even have this breathing space.”

“But the effort we spent on Censor Liang was truly considerable—” The steward couldn’t help sighing thinking of the thought Tuoba Zhen had invested in Censor Liang over these years.

Censor Liang was extremely stubborn, never willing to speak well for anyone. But everyone had their beloved things. Censor Liang’s treasure was his only son Liang Zhan. Unfortunately, this Liang Zhan was a wastrel who over the years had lost countless fortunes in gambling dens. Censor Liang was an upright official, respected by people. In his bones he was someone who valued face above all. To maintain the family’s bright appearance, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and pay off all his son’s debts, even selling their ancestral home in the countryside. When Tuoba Zhen learned of this, the first thing he did was buy back this residence at a high price and quietly return it to Censor Liang without seeking any repayment. Censor Liang was of course grateful, and only after much effort discovered the person helping him behind the scenes was Tuoba Zhen. He deeply felt Tuoba Zhen was very thoughtful. But he didn’t know that the person who induced Liang Zhan to gamble was also Tuoba Zhen—of course, this secret was known only to Tuoba Zhen himself. He understood Censor Liang was a very clever man, so after giving him a favor he didn’t come forward himself. Instead, he made the other party search for clues to find him, coming to repay him on bended knee.

Tuoba Zhen’s smile contained a trace of coldness: “As long as it can play a role at the critical moment, the price we paid is worth it.”

“It’s a pity the Imperial Consort isn’t here, otherwise she could help you.” The steward said with a sigh.

Tuoba Zhen suddenly scoffed: “Her? Oh, I’d actually forgotten—I haven’t seen her these past few days. Where exactly has she gone?”

The steward’s face also showed confusion: “The day chaos erupted in the palace, the Imperial Consort somehow angrily went out with people and never returned. This servant quietly inquired, and later someone said—someone said the Imperial Consort encountered rebel forces somewhere, and those people…”

A cold light flashed across Tuoba Zhen’s face: “Rebel forces? The rebels were only in the palace. When did they reach the streets? Hmph!”

The steward thought the same but didn’t dare speak. After thinking, he hesitated: “This servant will send people to search. Perhaps—”

“No need. At such a critical juncture, I have no mind to deal with her. Since she hasn’t returned, she should never return!” Tuoba Zhen said with utter ruthlessness, without a trace of husband-wife affection.

The steward wanted to say more, but Tuoba Zhen said he was tired. The steward quickly bowed and withdrew. Tuoba Zhen took out the blood jade from his chest, the cold smile on his face deepening. Previous life enmity? He had never believed in such ghostly things. The reason Li Weiyang opposed him was merely to help Tuoba Yu. In her heart, she had always regarded him as an enemy. No matter how much he tried to please her, she was unwilling to come to his side.

Tuoba Zhen never gave anyone chances, but for Li Weiyang, he had made exceptions countless times. Unfortunately, each time ended in disappointment. Even so, he didn’t think he had lost.

Walking to the window, he opened it. Outside the snow fell heavier and heavier, all ice pellets, striking the bright tiles on the eaves bit by bit. Waves of cold wind blew in. Tuoba Zhen felt cold and subconsciously gripped the blood jade tighter in his palm. This jade was extremely strange. Keeping it on his person, it actually seemed to carry a bit of human warmth, warm to the touch. Thinking of those scenes in the dream, Tuoba Zhen’s heart immediately became agitated. He had always been iron-hearted, vicious and selfish, doing things only considering whether they benefited him, never caring about others’ lives or deaths. Now he was disturbed by this inexplicable dream. That person’s desperate and resentful expression in the dream kept invading his thoughts, making him extremely vexed.

The more he thought, the more annoyed he became. He threw the blood jade to the ground with a snap. The blood jade actually broke in the middle, a strange liquid flowing out, carrying a bloody smell. Tuoba Zhen watched with wide eyes and smiled eerily. Li Weiyang, do you think you can easily defeat me? How naive.

Three days later, the Emperor issued an imperial decree. Sun Chongyao was determined as the mastermind of this incident. Many officials in the capital were implicated due to Sun Chongyao’s rebellion. One group consisted of Sun Chongyao’s former comrades-in-arms with whom he got along well and interacted frequently. They were suspected of participating in the rebellion—over fifty people in total. All were sentenced to beheading, along with their families totaling over a thousand people, all exiled to the most desolate places and degraded to criminal status for life. Another group were Tuoba Zhen’s trusted subordinates. Many held high offices and generous salaries. Squads of Imperial Guards rushed into formerly illustrious residences, seizing people on sight. Most of these people were either imprisoned by the Emperor in the heavenly prison or secretly executed. Thus panic spread throughout the capital.

Sitting in the carriage behind the curtain, Li Weiyang could still hear the sound of falling snow—rustling. Wind blew into the carriage, carrying a cold breath. The carriage rounded Meridian Gate. From far away she heard crying voices outside the window. Without looking, Li Weiyang knew that was the execution ground where criminals were being executed. The Sun Chongyao treason case implicated too many. The Emperor ordered centralized executions. Outside Meridian Gate was nearly washed in blood, bright red everywhere. Crying, cursing, begging for mercy, and shrill screams mixed together. Li Weiyang didn’t lift the carriage curtain, just sat quietly in the carriage. Zhao Yue beside her looked at her expression: “Miss, what does His Majesty’s decree this time really mean?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Naturally to reorganize the court and eliminate old abuses.”

Zhao Yue didn’t understand: “This time the mastermind was determined to be Sun Chongyao. All those privately connected with him were dealt with severely. This way, isn’t His Majesty clearly letting Third Prince off? But then why secretly execute a group of Third Prince’s supporters?”

Li Weiyang listened to the terrible sounds outside, saying lightly: “This is to prevent other princes from rebelling and causing trouble in the future, and also to clear obstacles for the next emperor to ascend the throne.”

The Emperor not only executed those supporters of Tuoba Zhen but also severely scolded Tuoba Yu, saying he was too murderous and ordering him to return to his residence to reflect. This showed that seeing his sons meeting bad ends one after another, the Emperor’s heart had finally softened. He didn’t execute Tuoba Zhen but became wary of both him and Tuoba Yu.

“Miss, what should we do next?” Zhao Yue was obviously somewhat anxious. Leaving Tuoba Zhen alive would sooner or later bring disaster.

Li Weiyang held a tea cup, using the lid to slowly skim the foam, saying lightly: “Yes, cutting grass requires removing the roots. Moreover, this grass called Tuoba Zhen must sooner or later be burned with fire.” As she spoke, she closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, the smile at her lips gradually deepened, the light in her eyes rippling: “After executing those people, next should be the Empress Dowager’s funeral.”

The snow light bright as daylight made her pupils burn exceptionally bright, but in just an instant, that brilliance disappeared.

On the sixth day, the Empress Dowager’s funeral. From early morning, heavy snow fell profusely. Wind stirred snow, snow wrapped wind, as if presaging the unsettled court situation. Looking across the entire palace, everywhere were white curtains, white screens, white tables, white mourning clothes. Cold wind blew past, a chorus of wailing sounded in one’s ears.

When Li Weiyang entered the great hall, this was the scene she saw. Here were both the Emperor’s sons and daughters, as well as Imperial Consort Rou, Imperial Consort Lian, and other consorts in the palace. Their tears flowed as if endless. When the Empress died some days ago they cried for three days and nights. Now they still had to cry. Not only cry, but cry earth-shakingly. However, these people had perhaps cried too long, too much—they could no longer squeeze out tears. So now, rather than saying they were crying, it was more accurate to say they were wailing. But whether truly crying or falsely crying, no flaws could be seen from the outside.

Li Weiyang stood among the crowd, using a handkerchief to cover the expression on her face. Actually the Empress Dowager wasn’t particularly good to her—after all, she had schemed against her several times. But she wasn’t too bad either. After Princess Yongning married, the Empress Dowager repeatedly tried to reconcile with her. Clearly this old woman wasn’t so cruel and heartless. Perhaps as people grew older, they felt killing had no end and hoped to pacify situations. However, the Empress Dowager absolutely never imagined that Tuoba Zhen would poison her for the throne, and Tuoba Yu would ignore it to confirm his brother’s crimes. At that time Li Weiyang could have kept that female official who poisoned the Empress Dowager, but the situation was too chaotic. She really had no way to predict the consequences of keeping this person. If she let her escape and go out proclaiming the Empress Dowager’s death far and wide, she herself would suffer unwarranted disaster. So she simply finished it with one knife. But this also left a hidden danger—now no one could prove who actually poisoned the Empress Dowager.

Tuoba Yu kept watching Li Weiyang from afar, his gaze profound. Since separating in the palace that time, he had no opportunity to see her. But he knew she was safe, which was already very good.

Li Weiyang suddenly raised her eyes. Unintentionally her gaze collided with Tuoba Yu’s. Tuoba Yu felt as if some brilliant light suddenly brightened in the dim hall. He couldn’t help being moved, even unable to resist wanting to reach out and pull her into his embrace.

“Seventh Prince?” A woman’s voice sounded beside him. Tuoba Yu suddenly awakened from his longing and looked back—it was a beautiful face. “You don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell?”

Princess Pingting’s face was full of concern. Tuoba Yu just looked at her coldly: “I’m fine.”

Princess Pingting glanced in Li Weiyang’s direction, her heart slightly sour, but she had to suppress this emotion and say softly: “That’s good.”

That Seventh Prince liked Princess Anning was already known to all. Pingting had once tried to stop this marriage, but unfortunately, many things were beyond one’s control. If possible, Pingting didn’t want to be caught between them either. But—Weiyang had said she never liked Tuoba Yu. So could she hope that when Tuoba Yu gave up on Weiyang, he might notice her who had always stood by his side? Princess Pingting didn’t realize how naive her thoughts were. Having always been doted on by Prince Chaoyang, she was full of hope about everything, not knowing that human hearts could never be won through effort alone.

Just then, there was a slight commotion ahead. Someone exclaimed: “Your Highness, are you alright?”

Li Weiyang raised her eyes and saw Imperial Consort Lian, who had been kneeling in front, collapse. Everyone hurriedly helped her to a side hall. Imperial Consort Lian slowly awakened, lifted her eyelids, looked at everyone: “I’m fine, just overcome with grief.”

Overcome with grief. Hearing these words, Li Weiyang found them rather mocking. She slowly walked forward and said to everyone: “You all may leave first. I’ll stay here.”

The female officials looked at each other. Seeing the unusual expressions between Imperial Consort Lian and Li Weiyang, they all tactfully withdrew.

Imperial Consort Lian’s eyes were like rippling water as she glanced at Li Weiyang, saying gently: “Weiyang, you truly understand my heart.” She paused. “I merely fainted, yet you knew I wanted to see you alone.”

Li Weiyang smiled without speaking, looking at her calmly: “Imperial Consort Lian’s thoughts—of course Weiyang understands.”

Imperial Consort Lian picked up a teacup, drank a few sips of water to moisten her throat. Having cried too long just now, she could barely kneel anymore. At this moment she naturally had to seize the opportunity to catch her breath. Then she put down the teacup: “I’ve had no chance to see you, so no way to ask you—why didn’t you inform me earlier about what happened in the palace, so I could be mentally prepared?”

She was talking about Sun Chongyao forcing the palace—Li Weiyang smiled: “Imperial Consort Lian knows in her heart. Why ask me?”

Imperial Consort Lian’s expression changed slightly: “What do you mean by that? How would I know?!”

Li Weiyang said neither humbly nor arrogantly: “Imperial Consort Lian changed after the Jiang family fell. You no longer needed revenge, so you focused entirely on seeking your own tremendous wealth and honor. But this wealth and honor wasn’t obtained for free. I thought you would at least still value righteousness, but didn’t expect you would switch sides midway to Tuoba Zhen.”

Imperial Consort Lian’s color changed dramatically: “What nonsense are you spouting!”

“Whether I’m spouting nonsense, Imperial Consort Lian knows best in her heart. His Majesty hadn’t yet made a decision. Tuoba Zhen had troubled you before, yet you still threw in with him without looking back. This truly surprises me.” Li Weiyang said with a smile.

Imperial Consort Lian’s expression became even uglier. For a full moment she couldn’t speak: “So you suspected me all along.”

Li Weiyang scoffed: “Imperial Consort Lian is too clever, but recently acted a bit hastily. You kept pressing me about many things, eager to know answers. If you hadn’t done this, I wouldn’t have become suspicious.”

Imperial Consort Lian’s expression slowly calmed, only sighing leisurely: “Put this way, I exposed myself. But you shouldn’t blame me. No matter how beautiful my appearance, the day will come when it fades. Can being careful preserve youthful beauty? Helping Tuoba Yu, I’m just a powerless Grand Consort, guarding the palace for life. What use is wealth and honor alone? But Tuoba Zhen promised me—make my son Prince Jiangxia with a fiefdom in Lanzhou. I can leave the capital in glory and live a freer life.”

What made Tuoba Zhen more formidable than Tuoba Yu was precisely his grasp of human hearts. He understood Imperial Consort Lian’s restlessness well, and also understood her desire for power. Only, could such a self-willed person truly tolerate a Grand Consort and little prince forming their own kingdom in his country? Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “People not acting for themselves will be destroyed by heaven and earth. Though Your Highness was sent into the palace by me, planning for yourself isn’t wrong. However, when the cunning hare dies the hunting dog is cooked. Tuoba Zhen isn’t easy to deal with. Your Highness—I’m afraid before you leave the capital, you’ll become the first consort to die a fragrant death.”

Imperial Consort Lian stopped smiling, her expression growing increasingly cold. She gently patted the creases on her skirt and stood up. The exhaustion and fatigue from before seemed to have never existed. She said slowly: “Li Weiyang, not everything in this world will be in your control. Who dies is still unknown. I advise you to leave yourself an escape route.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes were like an ancient well—seemingly clear and black, yet carrying a bone-deep chill that made one’s entire body shiver. She pressed forward step by step: “Imperial Consort Lian, you’ve helped us do so much. Do you think Tuoba Zhen will still spare you? You want to have a foot in both boats, be on good terms with all sides. But I tell you, only those with firm positions can live a bit longer.”

Imperial Consort Lian’s expression was unkind: “Li Weiyang, I’ve already helped you so much. Do you have no conscience?”

Li Weiyang’s lips curved in a perfectly measured smile, meaningful: “Conscience? I lost that long ago. What, does Imperial Consort Lian still have one?”

Imperial Consort Lian’s expression changed abruptly, as if covered by a layer of white frost, then she became even more angry. Clever people had one common problem—trusting themselves too much. Imperial Consort Lian was of course a clever person and committed the same mistake. She naturally felt she was an exception. But Li Weiyang knew very clearly—there were no exceptions. In Tuoba Zhen’s hands, there would never be a useless hunting dog. He always liked replacing the old with the new…

Imperial Consort Lian couldn’t speak a word for a long while. Finally, seeing Li Weiyang’s cold expression, her tone softened: “Weiyang, I was just confused for a moment. Moreover, I only met with Tuoba Zhen privately a few times. I didn’t reveal any important information to him.”

That’s because I’ve been guarding against you all along. You had no opportunity to tell him anything! Li Weiyang sneered inwardly but showed a troubled expression on her face: “You’ve already thrown in with him. How can I still trust you?”

Imperial Consort Lian’s beautiful eyes began welling with tears: “Weiyang, you’ve always been my friend. I’ve always been soft-eared, moved by a few words. Now I know I was wrong. Weiyang, please forgive me. I won’t help him anymore! I only ask that for the sake of how much I’ve helped you, give me one more chance!” As she spoke, she actually disregarded her status, dropped to her knees with a thud, and grabbed Li Weiyang’s dress hem with tearful eyes.

That gaze, that expression—pitiful to the extreme. Anyone who saw would be moved, would think she had sincerely repented. Li Weiyang sighed inwardly and said softly: “Why put yourself through this?”

Imperial Consort Lian looked up at her hopefully: “Weiyang, my own death doesn’t matter, but the little prince is innocent! If you tell Seventh Prince about this, he absolutely won’t spare me! He won’t spare the little prince either!”

Speaking with such tears and even bringing up her own child—she hoped to move her. Li Weiyang looked at her, a trace of mockery passing through her heart, but her face remained impassive: “Imperial Consort Lian, please get up quickly. I can’t accept such a great courtesy.”

Imperial Consort Lian gritted her teeth: “If you won’t forgive me, I’ll kneel here and not rise.”

Li Weiyang’s face showed a trace of emotion, as if moved by Imperial Consort Lian: “I’ll treat this matter as if it never happened.”

Imperial Consort Lian immediately smiled through her tears: “Good. From now on, I absolutely won’t betray you again. If I violate this oath, may heaven strike me with thunder and I die a terrible death.”

Li Weiyang smiled meaningfully: “Your Highness, why make such an oath? Weiyang believes you.”

Imperial Consort Lian, having obtained Li Weiyang’s repeated assurances, left satisfied. Not long after she left, Tuoba Yu walked in from outside. His face was covered with a layer of frost, clearly having heard what Imperial Consort Lian said. Li Weiyang looked at him and smiled slightly: “You heard everything?”

Tuoba Yu gave a cold laugh: “So our ally betrayed us long ago. If you’d said earlier, I wouldn’t have let her have the chance to live until now.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “She’s just an insignificant person. If you killed her amid the chaos, it would instead arouse His Majesty’s suspicions, needlessly affecting the overall situation because of her.”

Tuoba Yu’s face still showed undimmed disgust. But Li Weiyang changed the subject: “Is everything arranged?”

Tuoba Yu’s lips curved slightly, his pitch-black eyes flowing with brilliance. He looked deeply at Li Weiyang: “I’ve already stationed a squad of archers at Cangling—three hundred carefully selected expert marksmen. The outer perimeter also has five hundred Golden Guards prepared to seal every escape route. No matter how excellent his martial arts, he can’t possibly escape with his life.” Then he paused: “Only, he’s already been forced into a desperate situation. Do we still need to take such risks?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Seventh Prince, if we had to weigh every matter to see if it was worth doing, then nothing would need doing at all. If you want to win, don’t look ahead and behind, hesitating and stopping. You can only look forward, charge forward. One look back is beyond redemption.”

Tuoba Yu’s expression changed slightly, as if talking to himself: “Weiyang, you’re always more ruthless than me.”

Li Weiyang looked at him with a half-smile: “Oh, is that so?”

Tuoba Yu only felt that glance seemed to see through all his thoughts. His heart immediately chilled and he laughed: “Naturally. I’m too soft-hearted, doing things always looking ahead and behind. Thanks to your guidance from the side. If I someday eliminate my mortal enemy, I don’t know how to repay you.”

When he said this, it seemed full of affection, but hearing it gave one a strange, hair-raising feeling. Li Weiyang clearly heard it but seemed not to feel it, only smiling: “Then I thank you in advance.”

The two smiled at each other, seemingly in perfect accord, yet each harboring thoughts—steps full of killing intent. At this moment, a figure flashed past the window, disappearing in an instant. Li Weiyang raised her eyelids, swept a glance, a cold smile lifting at her lips.

On the day the Empress Dowager’s coffin left the palace, everyone had to escort it all the way to Cangling. Cangling was the mountain nearest to the capital—three hundred sixty zhang high, not far from the Emperor’s future burial mausoleum. Moreover, Cangling’s south side was a sheer cliff, the north side a steep precipice, shaped like a blue dragon raising its head to heaven, containing the meaning of imperial dignity. The Emperor had long ago ordered construction of a plank road on Cangling’s south face, building a palace gate at mid-mountain, constructing a tomb passage, then burrowing fifty zhang deep to build the palace. After two years, the palace was completed. The Emperor ordered iron paste poured between stone blocks, waiting only for the Empress Dowager’s death to place the coffin inside, then seal the tomb passage and dismantle the plank road. This way, below this palace was a cliff, above it even birds couldn’t land—truly becoming one with the mountains and rivers. Doing this was not only to prevent thieves from stealing, but more importantly, no matter how many years passed or how many dynasties changed, no one could disturb the Empress Dowager’s peace.

When Li Weiyang explained this to Zhao Yue, Zhao Yue listened dumbfounded, finally saying: “His Majesty’s thoughtfulness is truly rare in the world.”

Li Weiyang smiled lightly: “Yes, His Majesty is a rarely clever person in the world.” But if it were her, she wouldn’t go to such great lengths at all. She would simply bury following the mountain, not raising a mound, not using coffins, carve open a cave to place the coffin, not bury gold, stone or jade—naturally no one would come to steal. Near cliffs and precipices—naturally extremely safe. Even simpler, just burn everything with fire. Everything returns to dust, returns to earth. Regardless of who became emperor in future generations, all could obtain eternal peace.

In the end, whether the Empress Dowager or the Emperor, both were clever people who couldn’t let go. Guarding it by every means—could it really be guarded?

For the Empress Dowager’s funeral procession, hundreds of officials followed, Imperial Guards escorted, tens of thousands mobilized. Proceeding all the way, they finally reached the foot of Cangling. The memorial ceremony began. The Emperor performed three kneelings and nine prostrations. Royal family members, officials, and noble ladies all followed in performing the rites. The Emperor fulfilled his duties, watched the coffin be sent in, the tomb passage sealed, soldiers cut down the plank road—everyone could return. Just then, someone reported to the Emperor: “Your Majesty, traces of Sun Chongyao’s rebel accomplices have been discovered on Cangling’s right side—”

After Sun Chongyao’s rebellion, some fled upon hearing the news. Cangling was remote, mostly high mountains and steep ridges. It wasn’t strange that Sun Chongyao’s former subordinates would choose this place. Only, these people actually dared appear during the Empress Dowager’s burial—this was truly too bold. No, perhaps they even had other schemes. The Emperor’s gaze looked coldly at Tuoba Zhen. Tuoba Zhen immediately realized something and said quietly: “Father Emperor, please allow your son to capture and bring them back.”

Tuoba Zhen going to catch these people—on one hand drawing a clear line with them, on the other hand demonstrating loyalty to the Emperor—most appropriate. The Emperor nodded and waved: “Go.”

Tuoba Zhen watched the Emperor’s imperial carriage leave. Turning, just about to mount his horse, a guard suddenly quietly approached him, discreetly giving him a note. Not far away, a woman looked toward him. He clearly recognized this woman as Imperial Consort Lian’s trusted Female Official De. He smiled slightly, using his sleeve to block others’ sight, opened it, and read through it rapidly. Then his whole person froze. A moment later, he crushed the note tightly and gave a cold laugh. Li Weiyang, you want me dead? Not so easy!