Yuan Yu stormed out of the residence in a fury, not even bothering to ask Princess Yongning if she was returning with him. By the time Li Weiyang personally escorted Princess Yongning out, Prince Yan’s figure was nowhere to be seen. Princess Yongning smiled self-mockingly and said, “This time I’ve gone all out to help you. Don’t let me down.”

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “Princess, when have I ever let you down?”

Princess Yongning stared at her, relaxing slightly, then said thoughtfully, “The move you made today was truly too risky.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was ordinary. Of course she knew it was risky, but in Yuexi, Yuan Yu or anyone else could potentially expose her identity. When that time came, trying to cover for herself would be extremely difficult. Taking the initiative in all matters and turning passive into active—this was the way to protect herself. Of course, doing this indeed eliminated the future trouble of being recognized, but it would also bring some aftereffects. For instance, Empress Pei must have learned everything by now and had set her sights on her. But so what? Only by establishing a firm foothold could she talk about revenge. She couldn’t hide and avoid people for her entire life. She had to make all the Guo family accept her before she could make her next move.

Princess Yongning boarded the carriage, not forgetting to remind her, “Don’t forget our agreement.”

Li Weiyang laughed and said, “Of course not. Just make sure you do everything exactly as I told you.”

A strange smile appeared on Yongning’s face: “Naturally.” Then she instructed the coachman to hurry back to Prince Yan’s residence at full speed.

After seeing off Princess Yongning, Li Weiyang was about to return to the banquet when she saw Guo Cheng leaning against the main gate, looking at her with a half-smile. Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Third elder brother, instead of entertaining guests, what are you doing here?”

He only looked at her with a faint smile. This younger sister had too many secrets. First she was familiar with Princess Yongning, then she was accused by Yuan Yu, and now she had actually become the Empress Dowager of Dali’s adopted daughter and Prime Minister Li’s foster daughter. Such an identity was truly too shocking. Originally he thought she was merely an ordinary woman his father had found to please his mother. But it seemed he was wrong. Not only was he wrong—even his father was wrong. This young woman his father had brought in—her purpose for entering the Guo family must not be pure.

At this moment, her eyes were very deep, unfathomable, like a pitch-black night. That instant of melancholy almost made one suffocate. He couldn’t help wondering why this young woman had come to Yuexi.

She already had the status of a Dali princess, yet she abandoned everything to come here. Not only that, she was already eighteen years old this year… Yuexi and Dali had different customs. Noblewomen in Yuexi were very precious. The higher the family status, the more particular they were. At this age, they were usually just beginning to search for suitable husbands—this wasn’t strange. But according to his knowledge, in Dali, women began seeking marriage prospects at fifteen. Only those too poor to afford dowries or those with various ailments remained unmarried at eighteen. So which category did the girl before him belong to?

He stared at her like this, but she wasn’t the least bit flustered. Under the sunlight, her skin was transparent like white jade. This young woman was a beauty, though not the type of breathtaking beauty. But when she quietly gazed at you, you would have a very subtle feeling.

Seeing her, Guo Cheng thought of other girls in the household, like his second aunt’s two cousins. Guo Zhen had received strict training from Princess Chenliu since childhood, so she treated her two daughters the same way, hiring the most strict palace nannies for them. From when the two cousins were very young, they were trained not to show their teeth when smiling or their feet when walking. So although Han Lin was gentle and Han Qin lively, under years of training, their demeanor had become very proper. At least previously, Guo Cheng had thought so. But Li Weiyang walking beside him now moved slowly, her skirt hem showing not the slightest flutter. He had to believe what Princess Yongning said at the banquet—this younger sister had indeed been raised as a daughter in the strictest noble household. No, it was probably more than that. Her every gesture displayed nobility and refinement, along with an innate aristocratic bearing, even more perfect than his two cousins.

“Are you really Princess Anping?” Guo Cheng couldn’t help asking.

Li Weiyang turned her head, her face immediately showing a smile. This smile was like light, instantly illuminating her features: “Didn’t Princess Yongning explain very clearly today? Third elder brother didn’t hear?”

Guo Cheng sighed deeply and said, “Yes, I heard. I just find it hard to believe. Already from such a noble and illustrious family background—why abandon everything and leave Dali? There must be some reason for this.”

Li Weiyang stopped walking, her tone very ordinary: “Third elder brother, you’re a very intelligent person, so you avoided others to ask me this question. You’re right. Leaving Dali, I no longer have the status of Princess Anping. I gave up the Li family’s wealth and honor. But the Li family no longer had a place for me.”

Guo Cheng looked at her in surprise, not understanding why she said this. What did she mean there was no longer a place for her?

Li Weiyang didn’t avoid his gaze: “There are things Princess Yongning won’t say and doesn’t dare say. In the Li family, I was originally an unwelcome person. Because I was born in the second month, I was always detested by my father. Because I was concubine-born, I was rejected by my legitimate elder sister and the First Madam. Because I was disobedient, unwilling to be the Li family’s stepping stone, and even more unwilling to be used according to the First Madam’s instructions, they made things difficult for me everywhere.”

“Is that why you came to Yuexi?” Guo Cheng guessed.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and said, “No. Now the First Madam and my legitimate elder sister… all those who opposed me are already dead.” This kind of thing—with a little investigation, the truth could be found.

Guo Cheng looked at Li Weiyang in surprise. What did she mean by this? What did she mean that all those who opposed her were dead—because of her? Was she indirectly telling him she wasn’t some soft-hearted person? Didn’t she know saying this would make people find her frightening? What if he became guarded or tried every means to drive her out of the Guo family? Hadn’t she considered such consequences…

Li Weiyang didn’t care what he thought. She was merely stating facts: “People may have no intention to harm tigers, but tigers have the heart to harm people. I won’t tolerate evil. So their current fate—every single one brought it upon themselves, with no one else to blame. But not everyone thinks this way. My actions are seen by others as harsh and ungrateful, not tolerant enough. So I’m neither accepted by the Li family nor welcomed by other prestigious families. This is also the biggest reason why I’m standing here today.”

Guo Cheng laughed and said, “Is that supposed to be an explanation?”

Li Weiyang nodded and said, “I’ve given you a reasonable explanation. Whether you believe it or not isn’t my concern.”

A smile flashed across Guo Cheng’s lips, but he still said, “I like honest people. If today you had chosen to deceive me with some nonsense about seeking relatives, tomorrow I would have found ways to drive you out, because I won’t tolerate anyone who might harm my mother. But since you’ve been so forthright, I can also speak plainly—as long as your purpose poses no danger to the Guo family, I’ll acknowledge you as my younger sister.”

Li Weiyang only smiled, blinked her eyes, and said, “Whether you acknowledge me or not has no effect on me. I don’t care either. If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to try driving me away—”

Guo Cheng was momentarily speechless. This girl was truly cunning. She had clearly seen through his outward strength but inner weakness. His mother wholeheartedly protected her. If he tried to drive her away, he’d probably have a layer of skin peeled off by his mother. She was clearly fearless with someone backing her! Not just intelligent—downright crafty! He was about to speak when he saw Madam Guo hurrying over, grabbing Li Weiyang’s hand and saying, “Jia’er, where did you run off to? Mother has been looking everywhere for you.”

Look—he was clearly standing right there, yet his mother acted as if he didn’t exist. He almost suspected whether he was picked up from outside. No, not just him—probably his other four brothers were also picked up by his mother, so in her heart there was only little sister forever, treating him as completely transparent—and this transparency had lasted twenty years. Guo Cheng shook his head and sighed deeply.

Sure enough, Madam Guo acted as if she couldn’t see him at all, only speaking to Li Weiyang: “Earlier at the banquet when there were so many people, Mother forgot to tell you—yesterday I had the residence hire some new maidservants. Among them are some clever and smart ones—”

“Mother, little sister’s courtyard already has seven or eight maidservants just to serve her meals. Including those who serve tea and water, there are already over twenty people. The courtyard isn’t that large—add more and they’ll have to pile onto the roof.” Guo Cheng’s heart felt sour, his mouth felt sour, and his tone was even more sour.

Madam Guo paused, only then noticing him, saying disdainfully, “Why are you standing here? Why aren’t you entertaining guests?!”

Guo Cheng looked at his mother and smiled ingratiatingly: “Mother, I was having a heart-to-heart talk with little sister.”

Madam Guo shooed him away like swatting a fly: “Alright, alright. The guests are all about to leave. Go see them off. Your sister and I still need to review the maidservants in her courtyard.”

Li Weiyang quickly said, “Mother, Lotus Leaf and Lotus Root are already very good. No need to add more people.”

But Madam Guo shook her head: “What do you mean ‘very good’? Those two are a bit foolish, not as good as that Zhao Yue by your side. However, Zhao Yue isn’t much better either—clumsy hands and feet. Last time I personally saw her turn around and knock over an entire tea set. This maidservant has some martial arts foundation, so just keep her specifically by your side for protection. I’ll choose other maidservants to serve you.”

Li Weiyang laughed. Zhao Yue was originally someone who wielded swords and sabers. Having her serve tea and water was indeed inappropriate. Over these three days, she kept causing little mishaps that left Madam Guo trembling with fear. She glanced at Guo Cheng and smiled: “Mother, there really are already many people in the courtyard. There truly isn’t room…”

Madam Guo said, “Yes, there are too many.” Guo Cheng had just relaxed when he heard Madam Guo clap her hands and laugh, “But that’s not a problem. We can expand your courtyard another day.”

“Mother, little sister’s courtyard is already the largest in the whole family except for Grandmother’s. Even your main residence doesn’t compare to hers. How much more do you want to expand? This will truly be a laughingstock if it gets out.” Even digging a well had to follow proper rules in prestigious families. Li Weiyang was a junior, yet she lived in the largest and most luxurious courtyard. Mother also moved things from the small storehouse into it like water, making even Guo Cheng, a grown man, feel sour watching.

Guo Cheng was about to continue protesting when he heard Madam Guo say, “Your courtyard is closest to your sister’s. Just tear down that plum grove in front of your house. Yes! This is a good idea. After tearing down the plum grove, half can become your sister’s back garden, and half can be used to build four or five new residences for the maidservants.”

The more Madam Guo spoke, the more pleased she became, her eyes practically glowing, clearly finding this idea wonderfully brilliant.

“Mother, that plum grove is where Fourth Brother and I practice martial arts and play chess!” Little sister was the treasure in Mother’s heart. They had already been pushed aside, and now even their standing space had to be given to little sister’s maidservants. This was simply—Guo Cheng coughed softly.

Madam Guo looked at him reproachfully: “Going outside to practice martial arts and play chess? Can’t you stay in your rooms? How old are you all? Still competing with your sister? Where’s your shame?”

Hearing the five words “where’s your shame,” Guo Cheng’s heart shattered to pieces. He looked at Madam Guo with hurt: “Mother, I originally thought I wasn’t your biological child. Now it seems not only am I not your biological child—I must have been picked up from your mortal enemy’s house to raise!”

Madam Guo glared at him and flicked his forehead with her finger: “Still talking nonsense! Among five brothers, you have the most schemes. Stop wasting my time—go clear out that plum grove of yours immediately!”

Guo Cheng’s eyes widened looking at Madam Guo, then at the smiling Li Weiyang, thinking to himself: You’re clearly doing this on purpose, showing off to me, telling me how important you are in Mother’s heart! Now he was beginning to understand that Li Weiyang was not only a formidable character but also extraordinarily vindictive. She shouldn’t be easily offended.

Li Weiyang acted as if she hadn’t seen his pointed look, instead smiling and saying, “Mother, making such a big fuss really isn’t good. I don’t need that many maidservants, nor such a large courtyard. There’s really no need to trouble yourself.”

Madam Guo smoothed her wind-tousled hair at the temples, smiling: “Silly child, what do you mean making a big fuss? Short of three to five days, long of half a month, Mother will hire skilled craftsmen to build you a garden. Oh right, what flowers do you like? No, better yet—just build a flower house and put all your favorite flowers inside so you can enjoy them whenever you want!”

Guo Cheng laughed and said, “Mother, you’re being too partial.”

Li Weiyang glanced at Guo Cheng but didn’t say much. She only took Madam Guo’s hand and said, “Mother, I don’t want to expand the courtyard. Not only because I’m afraid of making a fuss, but more importantly, I like peace and quiet. With too many maidservants, people coming and going is always troublesome. It would be difficult for me to even read quietly.”

Madam Guo paused: “Really? You’re not just afraid of the trouble?”

Li Weiyang solemnly shook her head: “Really not.”

Madam Guo thought for a moment, then turned her gaze to Guo Cheng: “Fine then, you can keep your plum grove.” In a tone like bestowing a favor. “However…”

Guo Cheng almost lost his voice, saying quickly, “Mother! I must go. Please don’t come up with ideas on the spot!” Madam Guo was about to speak, but saw Guo Cheng as if treading on clouds beneath his feet, fleeing like his life depended on it.

Madam Guo said in surprise, “What… what’s wrong with him? I haven’t said anything yet!”

Li Weiyang said slowly, “Probably because Third Elder Brother can’t bear to part with his plum grove.”

Madam Guo looked surprised, watching her son disappear in an instant, truly unable to understand. She murmured, “Among the five children, actually, your third elder brother was the most honest when he was little. But I just can’t figure out how someone so lovable as a child became so slippery when he grew up.”

Li Weiyang looked at Madam Guo’s gentle profile and sighed inwardly. Children all grow up. During their growth they experience many things, but if you don’t pay attention, you’ll miss those stories. Madam Guo had always been bitterly searching for her lost daughter, letting her sons run wild, so now she would naturally be puzzled… Her heart softened slightly, and she couldn’t help gripping Madam Guo’s hand tighter.

These hands—so gentle, so firm—were the hands only a mother would have.

In the distance, Duke Qiguo Guo Su was watching this scene, a smile on his face. Beside him, Guo Dao sighed and said, “Father, I always feel my sister’s purpose in returning this time isn’t so simple!” In this household, the people who completely believed Li Weiyang was Guo Jia—aside from Mother and the two sisters-in-law—were probably only Princess Chenliu left. As for their several brothers, they all generally had a good idea, but no one had pierced through that thin window paper. Because they were all too intelligent—intelligent enough that even knowing something was wrong, they were unwilling to question it, much less willing to destroy their mother’s only remaining dream.

Guo Su smiled and said, “It’s not simple, but I think she has no ill will toward the Guo family.”

“How can Father be certain?” Guo Dao’s lips curved slightly upward, a lazy smile hanging on his lips as he asked this.

Guo Su looked at the smile on Li Weiyang’s face and said, “She’s a clever girl. Otherwise, at our first meeting, she could easily have pretended to be the real Jia’er and recognized me.”

“But if she had done that, you would have believed her at first. After the joy passed, you would definitely investigate carefully. Then first, her true identity would be uncovered, and second, she would become a vain fraud trying to muddle through. That way, the Guo family would definitely not tolerate her.” Guo Dao analyzed accurately.

Duke Qiguo nodded: “Yes, so that’s why I say she’s very intelligent. She understood my thoughts and your mother’s thoughts completely. Including today when Prince Yan exposed her true past identity—she was able to turn defense into offense, making Yuan Yu slink away in disgrace.”

Guo Dao’s gaze fell on Li Weiyang’s beautiful face in the distance. He sighed softly and said, “So young, yet her scheming mind doesn’t fall short of a man’s. Truly rare. But I don’t understand—since Father knows everything, why are you still helping her?”

“Yes, why am I still helping her?” Guo Su smiled and said, “Look how happy your mother is.”

Guo Dao naturally also saw the satisfied smile on Madam Guo’s face. Then he heard his father say, “Your mother hasn’t been this happy in over ten years. Who Guo Jia is doesn’t matter. What matters is who can make your mother happy.”

“I naturally know this. But Father, why aren’t you worried this girl entering our family will bring an unpredictable future to the Guo family?” Guo Dao asked pointedly.

Guo Su smiled and looked back at his son: “Are you afraid?”

Guo Dao snorted and said, “Afraid? Why would I be afraid?!” Then he suddenly stopped laughing because he understood Duke Qiguo’s meaning. From the current perspective, Li Weiyang’s purpose was to borrow the Guo family’s power to help her accomplish certain things. But whatever they were, the Guo family wouldn’t be afraid because they had sufficient strength.

A truly powerful family wouldn’t fear anyone or anything. So whatever Li Weiyang’s purpose was didn’t matter. In Guo Su’s eyes, as long as she could keep Madam Guo smiling like this, he would do anything without complaint.

Guo Dao sighed. The Guo family had a kind of deep devotion in their bones. His father had cared for his mother all these years without even a concubine or maidservant to warm his bed—no one outside would believe this, but everyone in the Guo family knew it was fact. Just as his father deeply loved his mother, his two elder brothers were also very loving with their wives. They not only refused beautiful concubines sent by others, they even dismissed the maidservants from their rooms, earning reputations for fearing their wives… He didn’t like such feelings. No, he should say he detested such feelings. So devoted, so infatuated, even disregarding consequences. In Guo Dao’s view, reason and love were completely contradictory, unable to coexist. So he’d rather live carelessly than love anyone and become a fool because of it.

At this moment, Madam Guo had already seen Duke Qiguo on this side and smiled while waving. Duke Qiguo immediately strode forward to meet her. Li Weiyang beside her smiled slightly, her expression gentle. Looking at this face, Guo Dao sighed again. He truly didn’t know what consequences Li Weiyang’s appearance would bring to the peaceful Guo family…

At this time, Prince Yan Yuan Yu had furiously exited through the southwest gate. Then he stood in the middle of the road. If he went right, it would be toward the palace. He could inform Empress Pei of Li Weiyang’s identity. But—Empress Pei’s eyes and ears were everywhere in Yuexi. With so many people at today’s banquet, the news had probably already reached her. If he eagerly went over now delivering useless information, it would only invite Empress Pei’s displeasure. Since that time when Empress Pei’s base in Dali was destroyed, she no longer trusted and relied on him as before. Even Crown Prince Yongwen, who had always been close, began distancing himself, to the point they couldn’t even meet… Ah, today was truly unlucky!

He had no choice but to turn his horse left and head back to Prince Yan’s residence. Just as he reached the entrance, Princess Yongning’s carriage also arrived. He glared at her furiously: “Why did you even come back?!”

Yongning’s face was full of shame: “Husband, I have something to tell you.”

Yuan Yu looked at her coldly and snorted: “Since you’ve already helped her cover up her lies, what more is there to say!”

Princess Yongning sighed and said, “I didn’t want to either. It’s just that back then, to help you, I once framed her. Later, to save you, I promised her a condition. Do you remember? At that time you—”

“Silence!” Yuan Yu immediately recalled being humiliated by Li Weiyang. His face, as pretty as a woman’s, became furious: “What exactly are you trying to say!”

“I’m saying I made her a promise and swore to heaven that I would help her when she needed me. Today I was just fulfilling my vow! Husband, I truly didn’t mean to anger you or betray you. I made that vow for you back then, and Li Weiyang even forced me to swear that if I broke the vow, we husband and wife would be separated… That’s why I did this! When it comes down to it, wasn’t it all for the bond between us as husband and wife?” Yongning said with tears glistening in her eyes.

Yuan Yu was filled with disgust toward her at this moment and didn’t want to bother with her. He turned to leave, but Yongning suddenly grabbed his sleeve and said mournfully, “I know you don’t want to see me. But what if I send the woman you like to your side—would you forgive me then!”

Yuan Yu stared at Yongning in shock: “What exactly are you saying?!”

Princess Yongning looked at him hesitantly: “I’ve already invited that Miss Chu Yun to perform in my name… I just hope you won’t blame me anymore. Otherwise I truly won’t be able to eat or sleep peacefully…”

Yuan Yu stared at her as if trying to see something in her eyes. At one point he even suspected Princess Yongning had conspired with Li Weiyang to trap him. But soon he thought not—how could such a stupid woman as Yongning give up the chance to stay with him forever?! Moreover, she was someone who greatly valued promises. According to what she said, helping Li Weiyang was to fulfill her vow. Then everything made sense.

Ultimately, Yuan Yu was too confident. He didn’t know that a woman, after being betrayed, would become a completely different person. From beginning to end, he had no doubt about his own charm. As for Li Weiyang, who wasn’t charmed by him—she couldn’t be counted as a normal woman at all. He smiled slightly: “Everything you said is true?”

Princess Yongning quickly said, “It’s true… But you must promise me you absolutely won’t bring that Chu Yun home. You said they were all just casual encounters, that the person you valued most in your heart was only me.”

Seeing her anxious appearance, Yuan Yu finally relaxed: “Fine. Where did you arrange it?”

Princess Yongning seemed to breathe a sigh of relief: “Tonight, on the Golden River.”

The Golden River ran through the capital. Every night it was filled with pleasure boats. Many high officials and nobles liked to set up wine banquets on the pleasure boats, then invite beautiful singing girls and dancers to feast through the night. If Li Weiyang truly had some conspiracy, she absolutely wouldn’t choose such a lively place. This was practically right under the noses of all the capital’s high officials and nobles. Yuan Yu smiled. He was now basically certain this was an action Princess Yongning had taken to please him.

That night, he impatiently rushed to the Golden River with his guards. Upon reaching the shore, he discovered the entire river surface had already been lit by lanterns from both banks. From the shore, the river surface rippled with light—extremely luxurious. Moored on the water were luxurious pleasure boats, all hung with high lanterns, filled with joyous laughter. He glanced over and discovered only one boat without lanterns. According to custom, this meant the master of the boat hadn’t arrived yet. Standing on shore, he could see a young beautiful woman in the curtained boat hall. Who else could it be but Chu Yun, whom he’d seen during the day? He sneered and boarded this pleasure boat.

At this time, an unremarkable-looking palanquin had already arrived under the willow trees on shore. Zhao Yue said softly, “Miss, we’ve arrived.”

Li Weiyang looked out through the gauze curtain of the palanquin. That large boat was very luxurious. The upper level was a spacious bright hall, below was an enclosed inner hold. She happened to see Yuan Yu standing on deck, bowing as he entered the upper hall.

Seeing this scene, a trace of smile appeared on Li Weiyang’s face. Zhao Yue asked strangely, “Miss, is Miss Chu Yun really inside?”

Li Weiyang nodded: “Yes, she’s indeed inside.”

Zhao Yue didn’t understand: “Miss, are you really playing matchmaker for Prince Yan?”

What real or fake… Li Weiyang laughed: “It depends how you understand it. The bridge I’m building probably leads to hell.”

Zhao Yue was even more shocked: “This servant doesn’t understand.”

Li Weiyang looked at the pleasure boat, only curving her lips. Not long after Prince Yan entered, he seemed to have a conflict with the people inside. His guards tried to drive the people inside out, while the people Chu Yun brought wanted to drive them away. The two groups tangled together, the boat’s lamplight swaying. Li Weiyang said softly, “Yuan Yu always thinks he understands women, but not all women fall for his tricks. Like me, like the wounded Princess Yongning, and also like Chu Yun.”

Zhao Yue asked curiously, “What’s special about this Chu Yun? Is she really a pure performer who sells art but not her body?”

Li Weiyang gently shook her head. She was about to speak when someone suddenly cut off her words: “Of course it’s not that simple.” Under the moonlit night, Yuan Lie arrived parting flowers and brushing willows. The moon-colored brocade robe on his body swept past like flowing clouds. Between the flowing light and shadow, he was like daylight moonlight, sunny with ice and snow. Li Weiyang could tell at a glance that the workmanship and material of his clothing were obviously extremely particular. Even the buttons at the collar were polished from the finest jade—more formal than what she’d seen during the day. She couldn’t help laughing.

Yuan Lie didn’t care at all. His smile was three parts brighter than this moonlight. He leaned forward and said, “Do I look good in this?”

Li Weiyang laughed. So this fellow had specially dressed up to come see her? Really… foolish. Seeing him looking at her expectantly, his eyes shining brightly, she nodded and smiled: “Yes, very good-looking.”

Only then was Yuan Lie satisfied. He turned to look at the pleasure boat and continued: “Most courtesans are the same. As long as you can pay the price, you can become their patron. Including those so-called pure performers—they’re just fishing for fame to raise their value. But Chu Yun is an exception. Although she also comes from a brothel, and seeing her once naturally costs a fortune, if you don’t catch her eye, even ten thousand gold won’t get you a glimpse of her. Once, that Duke Lu’s grandson Hu Cheng brought countless gold and silver to see Chu Yun and wanted to stay the night. But Chu Yun extremely detested him and mercilessly drove him away. Afterward, he tried every means using his power to force her, but Chu Yun didn’t care at all. Plus there were too many high officials and nobles in the capital pursuing her, so in the end Hu Cheng could only give up. So today, Prince Yan is probably in for trouble.”

Yuan Lie’s smile carried a trace of mischief. Li Weiyang looked at him, but what she thought was—he didn’t like these market rumors and even less would he visit pleasure quarters. The reason he paid such attention to Hu Cheng must be because of his nominal stepmother, the old Princess Xu. The former Princess Xu came from the Hu residence, was Duke Lu Hu Kang’s eldest daughter, and also the elder sister of Imperial Consort Hu Shun in the palace. This family’s relationships were truly complicated… This Prince Xu probably wasn’t stable either.

“Is Miss going to humiliate Prince Yan?” After all, Zhao Yue wasn’t like the two of them—her thoughts weren’t so delicate.

But Yuan Lie smiled slightly, turning his head to glance at Li Weiyang: “She wouldn’t do such pointless things.” Just as they were speaking, they heard a cry of alarm from the river. Then with a splash, someone fell into the water, followed by countless people’s shouts: “Prince Yan has fallen into the water! Prince Yan has fallen into the water!” Immediately guards went down to fish out Yuan Yu. Large splashes rose from the river surface. Li Weiyang narrowed her eyes watching this scene, her expression slowly becoming mocking.

“This is bad! We can’t find Prince Yan!” After a long while, someone surfaced from the water, shouting loudly. Then with consecutive splashes, over a dozen more people dove in. They searched everywhere for Yuan Yu but all came up empty-handed. The guards’ expressions were all stunned… What was going on? A perfectly fine person went into the water and just disappeared?! How was this possible?!

Only then did Zhao Yue realize: “Miss, you—” What was in the water? No, or rather, who?!

But Li Weiyang smiled and turned to look at her: “Alright, the performance is over. Next it’s Princess Yongning’s turn.”

Less than half an hour after Li Weiyang finished speaking, Princess Yongning’s palanquin landed on the riverbank. Then, Princess Yongning in luxurious clothing threw herself wailing onto the shore: “Your Highness! Your Highness! What happened to you! How did you suddenly fall into the water!” For a time, cries of alarm, searching sounds, and pleas for forgiveness merged into chaos on the shore. Countless high officials and nobles on the pleasure boats stopped their banquets, watching this scene in shock.

They looked at each other—His Highness Prince Yan disappeared after falling into the water?! How was this possible!

Three days later, a male corpse was fished up from downstream of the Golden River. The clothing and basic features matched Prince Yan Yuan Yu, but the face had long been bloated beyond recognition from the water. The features were completely unrecognizable. Princess Yongning tearfully reported the matter to the Emperor of Yuexi and Empress Pei, then became a widow once again, unable to cry anymore.

Empress Pei was furious and ordered a thorough investigation. The result revealed that Prince Yan Yuan Yu had fallen into the water because he was harassing a courtesan, and countless high officials and nobles had witnessed this with their own eyes. Thus, the cause of Prince Yan’s death was revealed, but it was very disgraceful. After all, everyone had seen Yuan Yu’s behavior at the Guo family banquet. Running to seek revenge at night was simply too logical… Originally everyone thought Empress Pei would kill that courtesan. But strangely, this popular Miss Chu Yun disappeared without a trace from the capital. Later, people vaguely spread word that Chu Yun’s patron was Empress Pei’s biological son, Crown Prince Yongwen Yuan Yin. This made the matter even more confusing and mysterious…