Li Weiyang looked at Guo Dao, her gaze still as frost, “Fifth Brother, given the current situation, what do you think should be done?”

Guo Dao gazed at her. Li Weiyang’s face was pale as plain white, her pupils deep and profound, staring at him unblinkingly, a trace of expectation faintly visible in her eyes. Guo Dao instantly understood her meaning. He smiled slightly, ultimately making up his mind, “I’ll find every way possible to quit this addiction.”

A trace of a smile appeared at Li Weiyang’s lips. Just as she was about to speak, Guo Cheng furrowed his brows, “Have you gone mad? I’ve never heard of anyone who could quit this addiction. If you’re not careful, you might lose your life.”

Guo Cheng was right. Those who consumed Carefree Powder ultimately all died from it—no one could escape this terrible addiction. So for Guo Dao to actually agree with Li Weiyang to quit was truly too inconceivable and greatly surprised him. He couldn’t imagine Li Weiyang actually had such great influence to make Guo Dao so determined.

Li Weiyang said, “Fifth Brother is right to do this. If there’s no way to quit the Carefree Powder addiction, then his entire life might be ruined by it. When Father and Mother learn of this later, they’ll surely be devastated.”

How could Guo Cheng not understand this principle? He was just worried…

Guo Dao looked at Guo Cheng, “Third Brother, rest assured. Since I’ve already agreed, I’ll definitely do it. However, I cannot remain at home, because this matter absolutely must not worry our parents.” Saying this, he continued seriously, “So I must ask Third Brother to help me arrange a secret location.”

Guo Cheng looked at his brother’s determined gaze and had no choice but to grit his teeth, “Alright, I’ll immediately arrange a separate residence.”

Though he made this promise, Guo Dao’s expression was so resolute that watching it only added to Guo Cheng’s worry. Walking out from Guo Dao’s room, Guo Cheng couldn’t help asking anxiously, “Jia’er, must we really not tell Father and Mother about this?”

Li Weiyang’s face reflected the sunlight, her eyes piercing, “Would you want to tell them in the future that Fifth Brother became addicted to drugs? What a tremendous blow that would be to Mother!”

Guo Cheng sighed, “I also understand your concern. It’s just that this addiction isn’t so easy to quit. How should we explain Fifth Brother’s sudden absence from the residence?”

Guo Dun shook his head and interjected, “There’s nothing to explain. Fifth Brother’s emotions are unsettled, so we discussed together and sent him to the countryside to recuperate. When his mood calms, we’ll bring him back to the residence. I think whether it’s Grandmother or Mother, they should understand. If you’re really worried, let me tell them.”

Unexpectedly, the usually rough Guo Dun would actually agree. Li Weiyang looked at him approvingly but said, “No, I’ll tell them instead.”

Seeing the two in agreement, Guo Cheng nodded, “Alright, I’ll first go arrange everything at the separate residence. You handle things with them.” In fact, Guo Cheng greatly admired Li Weiyang—many difficult problems were easily resolved in her hands, especially when dealing with Princess Chenliu and Lady Guo. Li Weiyang’s abilities far exceeded their imagination.

Things didn’t go as smoothly as initially anticipated. Guo Cheng’s guess was correct—the Carefree Powder addiction was indeed very difficult to quit. Three days later, an attendant found Li Weiyang to report all of Guo Dao’s progress over the past three days. Li Weiyang, along with Guo Cheng and Guo Dun, hurried together to the separate residence. Before even entering the room, they heard heart-wrenching howls from inside. Li Weiyang quickly entered the room to see complete chaos everywhere—teacups and porcelain shards littered the floor. And Guo Dao, who always loved cleanliness and maintained elegant bearing, was now leaning against a wall corner with closed eyes, gasping for breath.

Li Weiyang stepped forward but accidentally touched the shards covering the floor. Guo Cheng quickly said, “Be careful.”

Li Weiyang furrowed her brows. The shards all over the floor seemed stained with blood. She then looked at Guo Dao to see his arms covered everywhere with spots of blood. She vaguely sensed something, then scolded the attendant behind her, “Didn’t I tell you not to let Fifth Young Master touch any sharp objects!”

The attendant was startled and quickly said, “This servant knows. This servant has been very careful these days. Just now Fifth Young Master accidentally threw teacups. This servant will clean it up immediately!”

The attendant hurried to do so. Only then did Li Weiyang walk before Guo Dao, crouching down, saying softly, “Fifth Brother.”

Guo Dao forced his eyes open. He looked at Li Weiyang, his gaze scattered, his voice hoarse and barely distinguishable when speaking, “Jia’er, I… I’ve already tried my best.” His soul seemed as if separated, his gaze fixed on Li Weiyang yet as if not seeing her. His body trembled continuously. He lowered his head, clutching his arms tightly, not wanting to lose composure before Li Weiyang, yet this absurd nightmare couldn’t be awakened from no matter what.

Li Weiyang looked at Guo Dao. Previously, her Fifth Brother had been so carefree and unrestrained, but now this person had disheveled hair, pale complexion, dark circles under his eyes, blood marks all over his arms—appearing completely different from his former self. The person behind the scenes clearly knew how to make someone wish for death rather than life. Though they had captured Guo Dao, they hadn’t delivered a killing blow. They made a young master accomplished in both civil and martial arts unable to lift a sword for life, making him like mud that anyone could trample… The current Guo Dao had already been nearly destroyed by the Pei family. They not only destroyed Guo Dao but also destroyed the Guo family’s hopes, making them watch helplessly as their most beloved son endured all this.

No matter how brilliant and talented you are, no matter how supremely intelligent, they cripple your body and make you dependent on addiction, becoming a complete waste—this was hundreds and thousands of times more cruel than killing you. Li Weiyang couldn’t help clenching her fists. The Pei family was formidable, truly formidable. Such methods of torturing people indeed surpassed even hers.

The calmer Li Weiyang’s expression, the greater her inner fury, only she didn’t display this anger but instead said softly, “Fifth Brother, we’ll always accompany you. No matter what you become, we’ll be by your side.”

Guo Dao slowly looked at her but then lowered his eyes, tightly gripping his right arm. Only then did Li Weiyang discover Guo Dao’s body shaking even more violently, while his ankle now had an additional iron chain, binding him to the corner. Li Weiyang was not only angry but looked back at the attendant, “What’s going on here?”

The attendant was startled, then knelt down, “This was Young Master’s instruction. This servant had no choice.”

Li Weiyang froze, then understood that Guo Dao had used iron chains to lock himself up. No matter how the addiction flared or how painful it became, he absolutely wouldn’t leave the corner by half a step. Just then, Guo Dao had another episode. He desperately suppressed the cat-scratching sensation in his heart yet involuntarily let out painful wails. That sound was extremely mournful, sounding like someone trapped in desperate straits, almost driving the entire person mad.

Guo Cheng and Guo Dun watched this scene in shock. At this moment, the attendant began kowtowing on the ground, “Miss, Third Young Master, Fourth Young Master, this servant begs you—once Carefree Powder is touched, no one can quit it! It’s not that no one has tried quitting before, but they all died! If you let Fifth Young Master continue enduring like this, he’ll surely die too. Please spare Fifth Young Master. In any case, the household can afford to support him…”

Before his words finished, Guo Cheng had already turned his face away, unable to bear listening anymore. Guo Dun couldn’t help wavering. He looked at Li Weiyang hesitantly, his voice trembling, “Little Sister—”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly, then actually quickly walked forward, raised her leg and gave that attendant a heavy kick. The attendant was kicked into a somersault, face full of disbelief. He hadn’t expected the usually gentle miss would strike him, much less that she would continue with a face full of fury, “If I hear you say this again, I’ll skin you alive!”

So arrogant, so fierce—the cold ruthlessness in those eyes shocked the attendant until his face paled. He had never seen the miss like this—truly frightening to the extreme. He dared say nothing more, crawling and rolling as he cleaned up the broken porcelain and withdrew.

Just then, banging sounds came from the side. Guo Dao was actually using his head to strike the wall, to the point where even the wall showed blood stains. That distorted screaming made everyone present suffer unbearable pain in their hearts. Guo Dun’s heart ached to the extreme. He couldn’t help stepping forward, pleading with Li Weiyang, “Little Sister, why don’t we just give him a little Carefree Powder. After getting through today we’ll talk. We can’t just watch him suffer like this! If this continues, someone will die!”

Guo Cheng gritted his teeth. Seeing his always handsome, elegant, romantic Fifth Brother now completely inhuman, tears and mucus flowing freely, his eye sockets also reddened.

Li Weiyang refused without hesitation, “No! If you soften now, all previous efforts will be wasted! Fifth Brother currently has no consciousness. If he knew, he would only hate you!” Her voice contained an extremely dangerous aura. That coldness and fury coiled inch by inch, penetrating deep into Guo Dun’s body as if freezing his very marrow.

Guo Cheng’s heart ached violently, yet he had to admit that Li Weiyang was right. “Guo Dun, don’t be impulsive. We must help him. Otherwise, he will be ruined by this Carefree Powder for the rest of his life. How is living on as a cripple any better than death?”

Guo Dun’s heart was suppressed to the extreme. He no longer looked at the other two but quickly walked forward, clutching Guo Dao tightly, utterly devastated, “Fifth Brother, don’t use such self-harming methods to hurt yourself. Do you know how much we’re suffering?”

Guo Dao exhaled a breath of foul air. A shocking crimson red snaked down from his forehead, falling on his handsome face. Guo Dun pressed him down tightly, absolutely not letting him self-harm again. But Guo Dao quickly had another episode. He began screaming desperately, madly kicking at Guo Dun as if completely losing control, “Get out! Get out! Everyone get out!”

Li Weiyang couldn’t bear watching anymore and quickly walked out. Seeing this, Guo Cheng hurried after her, asking softly, “Jia’er, what should we do now?”

Li Weiyang said nothing, walking quickly away. Guo Cheng didn’t know where she was going and could only follow.

Li Weiyang ordered someone to ready a carriage and came before a medical clinic. Guo Cheng looked at the clinic’s sign bearing three large characters: Jishan Hall. He froze, “This is…”

Li Weiyang had absolutely no intention of answering him but instead quickly ascended the steps. The clinic’s business was very good. Several medicine boys ran back and forth, busy and bustling. Two consulting physicians were treating patients, yet despite this there was still a long queue. One medicine boy saw Li Weiyang and said, “No matter who you are, to see a doctor you must queue! Quickly go get a number!” He said this halfway when he was frightened by Li Weiyang’s cold expression.

Li Weiyang’s expression was ice-cold, saying indifferently, “Tell your master to come out.”

The medicine boy quickly said, “Who are you?”

Zhao Yue coldly drew the soft sword from her waist. The medicine boy was so frightened he retreated a step. He had never seen such fierce patients. Being clever, seeing Li Weiyang and Guo Cheng both wore splendid clothes, with the carriage outside accompanied by several guards wearing long swords, he realized the other party was definitely not an ordinary official household. He quickly entered the inner hall. Soon Nalan Xue quickly walked out. Seeing Li Weiyang, she froze, then spoke up, “You two follow me.” With that, she had already led them into the medicine room in the inner hall. Without a single wasted word, she said quickly, “Miss Guo, why have you come here? Has someone in the household fallen ill?” She asked this, her voice unable to hide a trace of concern. But when she became aware of this, she quickly restrained this expression, putting on an indifferent look.

Li Weiyang didn’t care what she thought but said urgently, “My Fifth Brother consumed Carefree Powder and now needs to quit it by any means necessary. Do you have any methods?”

Nalan Xue was shocked. She looked at Li Weiyang for a long while, unable to speak, “Carefree Powder… this thing…” Quickly, her expression grew somber. She hadn’t expected the Guo family’s Fifth Young Master would become addicted to Carefree Powder. This was not a good thing—once touched, there was no way to quit for life. If wanting to quit, who knew how much suffering one would have to endure… She thought for a moment and couldn’t help speaking up, “Where is he now?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze calmly observed her, “If you have a method, then come with us.”

Nalan Xue didn’t think twice. She turned and quickly walked out, instructed the medicine boy with a few words, then came out with a medicine box, “Let’s go.”

From beginning to end, Nalan Xue asked not a single additional question but followed Li Weiyang and the others to the separate residence. At this time, Guo Dao’s addiction had reached its peak. Before Li Weiyang even stepped into the courtyard, she heard Guo Dun loudly shouting at an attendant, “Why haven’t you brought the Carefree Powder!”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s entire person froze. Then she quickly entered the room. Guo Dun, seeing Guo Dao in too much pain, was just about to have the attendant bring Carefree Powder. Li Weiyang had never been so furious. The anger she had been suppressing could no longer be concealed. Actually disregarding propriety, she quickly stepped forward, raised her hand and fiercely slapped Guo Dun. That sound echoed throughout the entire room. Everyone was shocked. They only heard Li Weiyang say sternly, “Are you awake now?” As this sentence emerged, she couldn’t suppress the trembling in her voice, a glimmer appearing in her eyes.

Guo Dun was completely stunned. He hadn’t expected Li Weiyang would strike him, and Li Weiyang’s eyes now were extremely fierce—so fierce he almost mistook himself for her enemy.

Guo Dun’s eyes suddenly flared with cold light, “Would you have me watch Fifth Brother suffer like this?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was grim, saying word by word, “This is what he personally agreed to with his own mouth! Do you want to make him a person who breaks his vows? If he can’t quit the Carefree Powder addiction this time, he will be reduced to a ruined man for life, a pile of mud everyone despises! Even if he’s in such pain now he wants to commit suicide, I’ll still force him to quit this addiction! Get lost to the side, or I’ll tie you up too!”

Such fierce momentum, unstoppable like breaking bamboo, without concealment. Her bright eyes at this moment were filled completely with fury and violence, even a trace of murderous intent, making one’s heart involuntarily tremble! Guo Dun hadn’t expected Li Weiyang would say this. His entire person stood there stupefied, completely dumbfounded.

Nalan Xue, just entering from outside, had an illusion: that delicate body wrapped in gorgeous dress was actually a fierce beast. But now this fierce beast was injured. Though tears were about to flow from her eyes, she still showed no expression, only using fury to conceal the pain in her heart. Thinking this, a trace of pain and pity inexplicably flashed through her heart.

Guo Cheng came forward and gently patted Guo Dun’s shoulder, saying slowly, “Fourth Brother, I know you and Fifth Brother have always had good feelings, but this time Fifth Brother personally said he wanted to quit the addiction. If we want to help him, we cannot make this decision for him when his mind isn’t clear! This isn’t fair to him. If he truly couldn’t endure it, why hasn’t he said a single word begging for Carefree Powder? This shows he’s still trying his utmost to control himself. But what about you? What have you done?”

At this moment, the attendant had already brought in the Carefree Powder. Li Weiyang glanced at it and laughed coldly. That snow-white porcelain bottle contained the world’s most terrible thing. Guo Dun was furious to the extreme. He quickly stepped forward, striking the porcelain bottle away with one palm. Pills scattered across the floor, strange fragrance assailing the nose. One pill rolled near Guo Dao. Originally quiet, Guo Dao smelled that fragrance and like a madman lunged toward that powder.

Li Weiyang shouted sternly, “Fifth Brother!”

This voice wasn’t loud, carrying indescribable fury yet also a trace of pleading. In this spacious room it appeared exceptionally clear. Guo Dao’s movements suddenly halted. He crawled and rolled back to the corner, forcefully wiping the tears covering his face, so exhausted he couldn’t even open his eyes, only continuously convulsing, “I can’t touch it again. I can never touch it again in this life! Tie me up, my entire body… tie it all up. No matter how I beg, no matter what I say… I beg you!” When saying this, his voice was extremely hoarse.

Li Weiyang looked at Guo Dao. For the first time, the impulse surged in her heart to slice the Pei family to pieces, but she endured it. She merely said indifferently to Nalan Xue who had entered, “You’ve seen it all. We desperately need your help now.”

Nalan Xue was a physician with very superior medical skills, and she had medical ethics, never joking about patients’ conditions. Li Weiyang believed she wouldn’t reveal these things, and she was currently their greatest hope.

Nalan Xue glanced at Guo Dao and said softly, “You all tie him up. All four limbs must be bound, as firmly as possible.”

Guo Cheng, with tears in his eyes, did as Nalan Xue said. Guo Dao looked at Nalan Xue, “Thank you.” Actually he could no longer speak a single coherent sentence. Nalan Xue stared blankly at that face bearing some familiarity to Guo Yan, her heart incomparably pained. Just then, Guo Dao had another round of addiction flare. He struggled desperately yet couldn’t break free of the restraints. Nalan Xue watched Guo Dao continuously rolling, biting like a trapped beast. Guo Dun knelt on the ground, embracing his brother, “Fifth Brother, it will pass, it will definitely pass.”

Nalan Xue quickly ordered the attendant beside her, “Go, immediately bring paper and brush. Prepare medicine according to my prescription.”

Li Weiyang looked at Nalan Xue, “This prescription is…”

Nalan Xue gritted her teeth, “Though it cannot completely relieve his suffering, it can provide some relief. Everything else depends on his willpower. As long as he gets through the initial ten days, everything will be fine.”

Li Weiyang nodded, then instructed the attendant, “Starting today, do everything according to Miss Nalan’s instructions.” The attendant quickly complied.

At this very moment, Guo Dao was experiencing the most unbearable torture of his life. The demonic power of Carefree Powder could drive a normal person insane. This ever-present pain forced him to howl continuously, yet he had absolutely no way to break free from the rope restraints.Forced without choice, he actually curled himself into a ball, biting hard on his own hand. In moments, both hands had been bitten by him until bloody and raw, pain penetrating to the bone. Though he wanted to die immediately, he couldn’t! He had to live because he promised Guo Jia, promised his brothers. If he broke his oath, even after descending to the underworld, he would never find peace in this life.

At this moment of life and death, every single Guo family member was watching him.

At this moment, the most furious in heart was Guo Dun. He wished he could rush out and slaughter the entire Pei family clean. If not for them, how could his Fifth Brother suffer such torture? But now he could do nothing, because if he moved even slightly, Guo Dao would do even more insane things. He finally managed to pull Guo Dao’s hand from his mouth but couldn’t bear to look at the blood covering that hand. Instead, he ordered an attendant, “You come over and help me hold him down.”

The attendant quickly came over. The two pressed down on him forcefully, barely managing to control a person about to go completely mad. Guo Dun pressed down on Guo Dao with one hand, actually bringing his own hand to his mouth, “If you want to bite, bite me instead!”

“Nonsense!” Nalan Xue quickly stepped forward, saying loudly, “I have wooden gags here for him to bite. Absolutely don’t let him bite his tongue because he can’t endure the pain!”

Hearing Nalan Xue’s reminder, the attendant quickly jumped up, “Right! There are wooden gags!” With that, he had already quickly retrieved one from the side, then made Guo Dao bite it. After another bout of addiction passed, Guo Dao slowly calmed down. Only then did Guo Dun slowly release him, wiping the fresh blood from his face while letting his own tears flow freely. Then he suddenly stood up, quickly walking outside. Li Weiyang suddenly called out to him, “Fourth Brother, where are you going?”

Guo Dun gritted his teeth, saying nothing, not even taking time to answer Li Weiyang. His entire person had already rushed out. Li Weiyang commanded coldly, “Zhao Yue, stop him!”

Zhao Yue acted entirely according to her master’s words, quickly blocking Guo Dun’s path. Guo Dun paid no heed, drawing his blade, saying coldly, “Why don’t you move aside?”

Zhao Yue glanced at Guo Dun’s bloodshot eyes but said coldly, “Fourth Young Master, forgive me. Miss wants to stop you. This servant can only be impolite!” With that, she drew the soft sword from her waist. Guo Dun showed no mercy anymore, charging forward with one slash. That force was extremely shocking. Zhao Yue originally intended to yield to him, but unexpectedly he was so ruthless. She only felt the blade edge flash before her eyes. In the space of inches, the two had already exchanged several moves. Two figures chased through the courtyard. Guo Dun said angrily, “If you still don’t move aside, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!” While speaking, his right foot had already stepped on the stone table beside him. His body spun in the air, one slash attacking Zhao Yue. Zhao Yue struck her sword horizontally, clashing with his blade edge. But Guo Dun’s arm strength was truly shocking after all. Zhao Yue was barely forced by him to retreat step by step, her back already reaching the wall.

Guo Dun’s eyes were extremely cold. He said sternly, “Quickly move aside!”

But Zhao Yue snorted lightly and spoke up, “Forgive me, Fourth Young Master. This servant absolutely dares not violate Miss’s orders!”

Guo Dun’s form paused, then another silver light slashed over. Zhao Yue immediately flipped urgently, narrowly avoiding it. Taking advantage of Guo Dun’s inattention, she shouted loudly, “Fifth Young Master.” Guo Dun was startled and suddenly looked back. Zhao Yue seized this opportunity, striking away Guo Dun’s long blade with one sword strike, then twisting Guo Dun’s right arm back and pressing him down on the stone table. She said coldly, “Fourth Young Master, forgive me.”

Guo Dun was pressed on the stone table yet showed no panic. His right hand struck the stone table. Countless stone fragments exploded in the air, shooting toward Zhao Yue. Zhao Yue had no choice but to release his right arm, somersaulting backward. She barely managed to land when Guo Dun’s palm force had already covered her forehead. Just then, someone at the room’s entrance shouted loudly, “Fourth Brother, stop this instant!”

Guo Dun’s arm barely stopped. He turned his head with difficulty to see Guo Cheng’s face full of fury. Only then did Guo Dun suddenly awaken. He discovered that in his rage, he had nearly killed Zhao Yue! Subconsciously retreating two steps, he looked at his own palm in disbelief.

Zhao Yue was also still shaken. She hadn’t expected the enraged Guo Dun would be so terrifying.

Li Weiyang walked out and happened to see this scene. She said coldly, “At whom is Fourth Brother directing his anger? Are you blaming me for stopping you?”

Guo Dun almost dared not look into Li Weiyang’s ice-cold eyes. Before this younger sister, he always felt at a loss.

Li Weiyang’s voice carried mockery, “If you want to go take revenge, I absolutely won’t stop you. However, I can tell you honestly—going like this, you not only won’t get near the Pei brothers but will lose your life and implicate everyone in the Guo family!”

Guo Dun raised his head and said loudly, “I know you’re very clever, Jia’er, cleverer than each of us. But after all, you didn’t grow up with us, so you won’t have my feelings. You can’t understand how heartbroken I am seeing Fifth Brother become like this now. You’ll never understand, because fundamentally you’re not a Guo family person!” Finishing this sentence, he immediately realized he had spoken wrongly in momentary urgency. He saw Li Weiyang’s expression darken in an instant. Before he could react, he heard a slap—his face had already been fiercely struck. He looked at his Third Brother, who had somehow leaped before him, and was stunned.

Guo Cheng’s face was like frost, his voice cold to the extreme, “Fool! You should go out and clear your blockhead! Come back in when you know what you’re saying.”

Li Weiyang showed no anger, merely looking at Guo Dun, her face bearing faint compassion, “I know Fourth Brother has held these words in his heart for a long time, ever since I stopped you from feeding Fifth Brother medicine, you’ve wanted to say this. Because you think I have no blood relation with you all, so I fundamentally don’t care about Fifth Brother’s life or death and can only watch him suffer like this.”

Guo Dun dared not look at Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang merely said with a calm expression, “Fourth Brother, don’t you think the Pei family people are very happy watching us become divided and quarrel until faces are red? Perhaps this is precisely their goal, or perhaps they’ve already spread a great net waiting for you to throw yourself in. When that time comes, how should I explain to Father and Mother? How should I explain to Fifth Brother when he regains consciousness? Should I tell him you went to take revenge for him and were killed?”

Guo Dun said angrily, “I’ll be careful. I absolutely won’t bring shame to the Guo family!”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, that smile carrying three parts contempt, “No wonder Father says you have no brains. You truly have no brains.”

Guo Dun looked at her in surprise, opening his mouth but unable to say anything.

Li Weiyang said, “If you want to go, then go. I absolutely won’t stop you. In any case, I’m not one of your Guo family people.” With that, she returned to the room, slamming the door with a bang. Zhao Yue looked at Guo Dun coldly, then quickly walked to the door, quietly standing guard there, using hostile eyes to look at him.

Guo Dun regretted the words he spoke in emotional instability, but spilled water cannot be gathered. Guo Cheng stared at him, gaze extremely stern, “Fourth Brother, since Jia’er entered the Guo residence, in what way has she wronged us or wronged you? She exhausted her mind and body for the Guo family. If not for us, why would she go to such lengths? You’re truly too disappointing! Could the Pei family’s behavior anger you enough to make you completely lose reason?!”

Guo Dun could say nothing. Indeed, Li Weiyang wasn’t their biological younger sister, but he had always worked hard to see her as family. Precisely because of this, when he saw Li Weiyang watching Guo Dao suffer without letting him take Carefree Powder, he became so furious. He didn’t deliberately say this—he just felt Li Weiyang fundamentally didn’t share his fury… But now he suddenly understood. Each person has different methods of dealing with problems. That Li Weiyang didn’t speak didn’t mean she wasn’t furious. If she weren’t deeply pained, why would she show such an expression…

Seeing remorse appear on his face, Guo Cheng’s tone stabilized somewhat, then he said slowly, “Jia’er isn’t cold-hearted, much less unfeeling. She’s more rational than us! You pig-brain, think it through properly!” With that, he turned and left, no longer glancing at Guo Dun.

Guo Dun stood in the courtyard thinking for a very long time. He reviewed everything Li Weiyang had done from the day she entered the Guo residence, again and again. True, Li Weiyang had never wronged the Guo family in any way. On the contrary, she wholeheartedly and devotedly cared for them beside Lady Guo. Her forcing Guo Dao today to quit Carefree Powder was entirely for Guo Dao’s benefit… Third Brother was right—among the five brothers, he was the one without brains… The more he thought, the more remorseful he became, the more he felt himself ungrateful! Then he walked to the door, but Zhao Yue glared at him hatefully, saying coldly, “Do you still want to disturb Miss?”

Guo Dun said nothing. He merely stepped forward anxiously, knocking on the door twice. With a bang, the door was opened, but the one who emerged was Nalan Xue. She glanced at Guo Dun, her expression holding inexplicable mockery, yet didn’t acknowledge him but instead quickly walked out. She was going to check how the medicine was being prepared.

But Guo Dao had fallen asleep. He quietly curled up on the ground, motionless. Li Weiyang also sat nearby seriously watching him, her gaze very complex, not knowing what she was thinking.

Guo Dun felt even more guilty in his heart. He walked forward, almost like a child who had done wrong, saying to Li Weiyang, “Little Sister, it’s all my fault. If you won’t, then hit me.”

Li Weiyang didn’t even glance at him, her gaze always focused on Guo Dao. Only hearing slap slap slap—striking over ten times, the sound echoing throughout the entire room. Li Weiyang raised her head but was stunned. That Guo Dun’s face had already been beaten by himself to resemble a pig’s head. She couldn’t help laughing, “What is Fourth Brother doing? Hitting yourself to show me?”

Guo Dun felt even worse. He honestly admitted his mistake, “Little Sister, it’s all my fault. I had no brains and made you angry.”

Li Weiyang looked at him indifferently, “I never forgive people. If Fourth Brother is truly sincerely repentant, you should think carefully about how to avenge Fifth Brother.”

Guo Dun’s eyes brightened as he quickly said, “Little Sister, do you have a method?”

Li Weiyang looked at the sleeping Guo Dao and smiled gently, “I’ve been thinking about this matter since Fifth Brother was injured. After Fifth Brother was injured for nothing, shouldn’t we also collect some interest from the Pei family?”

When saying this, her eyes held utter coldness, giving one a bone-chilling feeling. Guo Dun hadn’t seen Li Weiyang show such an expression for a long time. She was always calm and composed. Even when angry, she wouldn’t display it. But at this moment, she condensed a kind of storm that made people involuntarily afraid. He said softly, “Little Sister, what do you mean?”

Li Weiyang turned her head, quietly looking at him, “Sowing discord, diverting disaster eastward—only the Pei family knows how to use these tactics? We should do it even more thoroughly!”

Guo Dun looked at her in surprise, not knowing what she meant. He heavily pounded his head once. Why was his brain not as clever as his other brothers?

This Guo family Fourth Brother—courageous and loyal in abundance, intelligence insufficient. If not for him coming to apologize like this, after today Li Weiyang would definitely find an opportunity to teach him a lesson, making him know what words should and shouldn’t be said. But now seeing him with such a dejected pig-head appearance, Li Weiyang felt both angry and amused, ultimately only smiling slightly, “Just wait and watch. I’ll make the Pei family understand Fifth Brother’s suffering.”

Ten days passed. Guo Dao’s entire person had thinned a large circle, while Nalan Xue had guarded him for several days and nights without closing her eyes, dark circles appearing under her eyes, looking even more haggard than Guo Dao. On the morning of the eleventh day, Guo Dao finally walked out of the room. He stretched lazily, only feeling the entire world had brightened up again. At the corridor’s end, only hearing light footsteps, Guo Dao turned his head. In the sunlight, Li Weiyang smiled as she walked toward him, “Has Fifth Brother completely recovered?”

Guo Dao looked at his younger sister and nodded, “Thank you.” Everything that happened that day, in fact he vaguely had awareness. If not for Li Weiyang persisting to the end, he would probably have fallen back into the Carefree Powder nightmare. In fact, if not for Guo Dao possessing intense self-control, plus Nalan Xue’s full assistance, he absolutely wouldn’t have been able to endure the ten days of suffering.

At this moment, Li Weiyang had already seen Nalan Xue quietly walking over from the side and called out to her, “Miss Nalan, thank you.”

Nalan Xue merely smiled blandly, “Treating patients is originally my duty.”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, “Yes, fortunately this time you didn’t make us queue. In any case, we owe you even more now.”

Nalan Xue’s face was like ice and snow. She looked at Li Weiyang, then at Guo Dao, her expression revealing a trace of complexity, “No need to thank me. From now on, just don’t bother me.” With that, she walked out.

Guo Dao watched her back and sighed gently, “Doctor Nalan is a good young lady. It’s unfortunate Second Brother doesn’t have this fortune.”

Li Weiyang looked at Nalan Xue’s back, her expression holding more regret, “Yes, Nalan Xue is a good young lady, but how is Second Sister-in-law not innocent? This matter harms three people. It’s just that Second Sister-in-law still doesn’t know.”

Guo Dao thought of the innocent, lively, kind Chen Bingbing and couldn’t help sighing again. At this moment, he remembered and asked, “I heard that during my absence, the Chen family sent many gifts seeking forgiveness. Chen Hanxuan even knelt before the residence gate for three days and nights.”

Li Weiyang nodded, “Yes, he knelt at the gate for three days and nights. Every time Mother went out, he would bitterly grab Mother’s carriage and plead. Even with Mother’s heart of iron and stone, she couldn’t help being moved.”

Guo Dao smiled gently, “But it’s all just an act.”

Li Weiyang naturally understood this point, “Father has long since forgiven the Chen family. This performance was staged for the Pei family to see, telling everyone that no matter what happens, our two families will unite against outsiders. Their calculations failed.”

Guo Dao nodded, “That Mother didn’t destroy the alliance between the two families out of anger—I know this is thanks to you.”

Li Weiyang smiled, “I’m a member of the Guo family. I should do my utmost. In five more days, it will be Pei Hui’s auspicious day to marry Princess Shouchun. Fifth Brother, would you like to go watch the excitement?” When saying the word “excitement,” a trace of coldness flashed through her expression.

Guo Dao saw this and couldn’t help smiling slightly, “Since Little Sister says she’ll stage a good show for me to watch, how could I not go?”

Li Weiyang’s expression held a trace of expectation, “Yes, Princess Shouchun’s marriage will definitely be very lively.”

Five days later came the wedding of Pei Hui and Princess Shouchun. The imperial household had many rules—the wedding was set at night rather than day, and the entire spectacle was grand. That evening, from the imperial palace to the Pei residence gate, lanterns and decorations had long been hung everywhere. The wedding procession was vast and mighty. The streets were moreover packed with people watching the excitement. To grant Princess Shouchun utmost glory and demonstrate his generous treatment of her, the Emperor actually brought out tens of thousands of bolts of brocade to bestow on the officials, also announcing a general amnesty. Princess Shouchun wore wedding robes, facing the palace direction, bowing twice from afar before boarding the palanquin again. The wedding procession wound forward. The groom rode a horse ahead. Behind followed honor guards, banner teams, canopy teams, beautiful palace maids holding trays following close behind… Further back was the princess’s great red wedding palanquin painted with gold and phoenixes. Eight fortunate women supported the palanquin as it slowly advanced. Guests entered the Pei residence all along the way, where a grand evening banquet awaited them inside.

At the evening banquet, the Guo family people maintained smiles throughout, faces showing not the slightest trace of being defeated. People around them, seeing their composed expressions, couldn’t help whispering among themselves.

“Hey, have you heard? I heard Fifth Young Master was injured very severely. He’ll never be able to lift a sword again in this life.”

“Yes, I heard he’s been hiding for over ten days refusing to see people. Clearly the injury is extremely severe.”

Among the noble ladies, others said, “But I just saw him earlier—graceful bearing, transcendent temperament, and full of spirit. He doesn’t look injured at all. Could it be a rumor?!”

Actually, not only the Guo family—the Zhou, Cui, Wang, Ge, and Xiao families, as well as the defeated Chen Hanxuan, all came. Losers also must have losers’ grace. Moreover, they all believed Pei Hui’s victory was disgraceful. Chen Hanxuan, because he accidentally injured Guo Dao, felt very guilty and had no heart for the competition, forcibly losing to Pei Hui. And in the match between Cui Shiyun and Ge Wanzhou, though Ge Wanzhou barely won, he was injured. Pei Hui took advantage of this situation, consecutively defeating Ge Wanzhou and Chen Hanxuan. As for Zhan Qiu, he inexplicably got drunk before the competition. Pei Hui naturally and logically became the prince consort candidate. After this series of events, all contestants would naturally think his victory was disgraceful, and moreover it seemed too coincidental. This Pei Hui either had extremely good luck or had already used some dishonorable means. However, these words could only be thought in one’s heart—no one would truly speak them aloud. Otherwise, people would only think they were jealous from losing. So everyone smiled warmly, merely toasting Pei Hui cup after cup.

Li Weiyang’s gaze didn’t look toward Pei Hui. Her eyes fell on Pei Bi.

Pei Bi throughout this day wore a face full of smiles, appearing proud and pleased, as if tonight’s groom were himself. Just then, his gaze collided directly with Li Weiyang’s. Then, with a slight smile, he gently raised his cup toward Li Weiyang, the smile quite meaningful.

Li Weiyang looked at him, merely nodding slightly, considered a greeting. Princess Ali only felt the atmosphere between Li Weiyang and Pei Bi was somewhat strange but couldn’t say where the strangeness lay.

Then people saw Ge Wanzhou step forward to toast Pei Hui three cups. Cui Shiyun quickly also went over, force-feeding Pei Hui three cups before releasing him—clearly retaliating for past grievances. However, Cui Shiyun was after all the Crown Prince’s brother-in-law. For the Crown Prince’s sake, he wouldn’t go too far. Though inwardly resentful, his face showed no trace of displeasure.

Pei Hui looked at everyone. Finally, his gaze fell on Guo Dao, his smile deepening. But Guo Dao only smiled silently, saying nothing, and did not step forward to toast. Pei Bi stood to block the wine for Pei Hui, instructing him to first enter the bridal chamber to accompany the princess and not breach etiquette. Only then could Pei Hui escape the forced drinking from everyone, walking lightly into the new room.

After entering the bridal chamber and completing another series of complex wedding rituals, Pei Hui finally lifted Princess Shouchun’s head covering. The two drank the nuptial wine and ate offspring buns. Only then did the accompanying palace maids and eunuchs withdraw from the chamber.

Princess Shouchun wore wedding robes. Two willow-leaf eyebrows slanted toward her temples. Her drooping lashes were very thick. The corners of her mouth still held a shallow smile.

Half alluring, half shy—truly uncommonly beautiful.

Yet Pei Hui somehow suddenly felt his palms breaking into sweat. Could it be he drank too much just now? He vigorously shook his head, trying to clear his mind somewhat. Then just as he was about to step forward, he suddenly stumbled. Fortunately, he timely grabbed the table. In no time at all, bean-sized beads of sweat actually seeped from his forehead. His entire body felt irritable. He squeezed his hand, struggling to suppress the inexplicably churning blood energy in his chest, slowly walking toward the princess…

At this moment, everyone at the banquet was still feasting. Li Weiyang smiled warmly, her face calm. She explained to Princess Ali beside her the entire wedding ceremony process. Ali was very excited, her eyes looking left and right, never seeing enough. In her view, this bright red wedding banquet was very interesting. She pulled Li Weiyang cheerfully, asking questions incessantly.

Guo Dao looked at Li Weiyang somewhat puzzled. He didn’t know what Li Weiyang would do, why she insisted on dragging him to watch the excitement, and what would happen next.

As everyone exchanged toasts, they suddenly saw a palace maid rush in from outside like a madwoman. Disregarding the attendants’ obstruction outside, she quickly charged into the great hall, using all her strength to run toward the elevated platform, suddenly collapsing on the ground. Before everyone could react, her face pale, she shouted loudly, “Something terrible! The Prince Consort has gone mad! Quickly go save the Princess!” Finishing these words, everyone’s expressions changed. Pei Bi suddenly stood up, furiously saying, “Why don’t you drag this mad girl out! Drinking a few too many cups, spouting what nonsense?”

Immediately guards entered, quickly dragging the desperately struggling palace maid out. But her screaming voice remained in everyone’s hearts. The imperial clansmen discussed among themselves, “What just happened? What did that palace maid say?”

“Yes, what exactly is going on? Why don’t you explain clearly?”

“Right, right, bring the person back. Explain clearly before leaving!”

Pei Fan suddenly stood up. Finally, a trace of surprise and shock appeared on his face. He looked toward everyone, then at his eldest son, a trace of coldness passing through his eyes.

At this moment, the Crown Prince’s face also didn’t look good. He stood up and cupped his hands toward all the guests, “Everyone, everyone! Today it’s merely this girl who drank too much wine and spoke nonsense. There absolutely won’t be any problem. People are having their wedding night in there—could we these tactless people still go disturb them?”

Everyone thought about it and burst into laughter: Yes, it was just a palace maid who drank too much spouting nonsense, speaking unclearly too. If not for too many people just now, they wouldn’t have failed to stop her from barging in. It must be a misunderstanding…

However, at this moment, a hand supported the Crown Prince’s wine cup. Then an incomparably handsome face entered everyone’s sight—it was Prince Xu Yuan Lie. He smiled slightly, “Crown Prince’s words are mistaken! What if the Prince Consort drank too much wine and is truly throwing a drunken fit? The Princess is a precious golden branch and jade leaf—she cannot tolerate the slightest harm!”

The Crown Prince froze, then said loudly, “No, this is absolutely impossible!”

Yuan Lie’s expression was playful, “Whether true or false, won’t we know by going to look?”

Princess Ali stood there completely stupefied, gently tugging Li Weiyang’s sleeve, “What exactly is going on?” Why did that palace maid suddenly barge in? And why did everyone show such uneasy expressions? Li Weiyang curved one corner of her lips, her voice low as a whisper, as if not intending anyone to hear, “Princess, there will be a good show to watch soon.”