Li Weiyang was reading in the courtyard when Heye came in to report: “Miss, Princess Ali has arrived.” Before her words even fell, Li Weiyang saw a flash of fiery red enter, immediately bringing in a burst of brilliant sunlight.

Princess Ali walked in excitedly: “Jia’er, look how beautiful the sunshine is today. Let’s go out and play together.”

Li Weiyang held a book in her hands. Glancing at Princess Ali, she couldn’t bear to refuse her good intentions and simply smiled slightly: “Where do you want to play? In this entire capital, there’s probably nowhere Princess Ali hasn’t already been.”

Princess Ali thought for a moment. Actually, Li Weiyang was right. During this time, she had played throughout the entire capital—all the places to eat, drink, and celebrate, she had been to them all. Really having nothing left to do, she had gone to these places a second time, a third time.

Li Weiyang was truly puzzled—she really didn’t know where Princess Ali got such great interest. Ali likewise couldn’t understand how Li Weiyang could maintain such a serene appearance from morning to night, just sitting there quietly reading. If it were her, even sitting still for half a period would make her scratch her ears and cheeks in discomfort. At this moment, she pulled Li Weiyang up in one motion: “I discovered there’s a lake behind the Guo family garden. The scenery is very beautiful, three degrees larger than the one in the garden!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “That’s Changqing Lake, connected to the moat. Naturally, it’s much larger than the scenic lake in the garden. Is this your first day discovering it?”

Princess Ali nodded vigorously, unable to hide her excitement: “It’s my first day discovering it. I never noticed it before. The weather is so nice today—perfect for fishing. Let’s go together.”

Li Weiyang appeared thoughtful, then her expression became somewhat mischievous: “Why not have Fourth Brother accompany you?”

Ali’s cheeks flushed red, and she stamped her foot hard: “You all just tease me all day long. I already said there’s nothing between me and your family’s Fourth Young Master. Why do you keep making fun of me? Just because I’m staying at your house, does that mean I have to become your sister-in-law? Where in the world is there such logic! I’ll return to the grasslands one of these days, so you won’t keep having wild thoughts!”

Seeing her expression appear somewhat bashful, Li Weiyang only smiled faintly: “When did we tease you? I only asked why Fourth Brother wasn’t going. Look at all these words you’ve said—what’s that about?”

Princess Ali’s face grew even redder. She muttered: “Who says your Fourth Brother isn’t going? He’s the one who encouraged me to go fishing. And by the way, your other brothers are going too.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang nodded and said to Zhao Yue: “Go prepare. We’ll set out shortly.”

Zhao Yue responded: “Yes, Miss.”

Just after leaving the courtyard gate, Li Weiyang saw Guo Cheng and Guo Dun approaching from not far away with their respective trusted attendants. As they drew near, Li Weiyang’s smile suddenly froze on her face because she suddenly saw someone. Though this person’s complexion was still somewhat pale, there was nothing seriously wrong with him. It was none other than the Guo family’s Second Young Master, Guo Yan. Li Weiyang’s eyes narrowed, then she looked at Guo Dun with clear disapproval.

Guo Dun said aggrievedly: “Don’t look at me like that. I had no choice. Second Brother has been cooped up in the room for so long—he needs to go out for a walk, or he’ll really grow moldy. This was also reported to Father and Mother. We’re just leaving that small courtyard. We’re not going outside, just to the lakeside in the back. The area is surrounded by our Guo family guards. What could possibly happen?” The lake in the back likewise belonged to the Guo family. Normally outsiders couldn’t enter. In this sense, Guo Yan couldn’t be said to be breaking rules, but Li Weiyang still felt it wasn’t cautious enough. She shook her head: “Second Brother, has your body truly recovered? The wind by the lake is strong. I’m afraid you won’t be able to withstand it.”

Guo Yan smiled slightly: “Thank you for Little Sister’s concern. However, as Fourth Brother said, I’ve stayed in the room far too long. I just want to go out for a walk. Don’t blame him.”

One could easily guess that with Guo Yan’s cautious nature, it must have been Guo Dun who insisted. Li Weiyang sighed: “Since you all want to go, what about Miss Nalan?”

Guo Yan and the others were all startled. Princess Ali, however, jumped up and declared loudly: “Right! Let’s invite Miss Nalan to come along—the more people, the livelier it will be.” Saying this, she had already run off in a flash.

Guo Yan frowned slightly before saying: “Little Sister, please don’t connect me with her again. It’s impossible.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “I have no other meaning. Second Brother needn’t overthink it.”

Guo Yan sighed. He didn’t answer Li Weiyang. Some things—only those directly involved understood them most clearly in their hearts. Although he and Nalan Xue shared very deep feelings, after experiencing so much, could they still come together? Though he had drawn clear boundaries with Chen Bingbing, regardless of everything, he couldn’t forget that Chen Bingbing was his lawfully wedded wife with whom he had performed the marriage ceremony. What was spilled could not be gathered again.

Li Weiyang naturally knew his thoughts but only said lightly: “People must live for themselves. They can’t always live in the past, and even less can they live in guilt. What the Guo family owed the Chen family has already been repaid. The Chen family has been aggressive, and the Guo family has been forbearing all along. Must we truly wait until Second Brother and Nalan Xue have both paid with their lives before the two families can consider matters settled?”

Hearing Li Weiyang’s words, Guo Yan realized she wasn’t truly just talking about him and Nalan Xue—it also involved the Chen family, as if she had other implications. For a moment, he was somewhat dazed. This younger sister’s thoughts were always difficult to read. Though seemingly approachable, her eyes always carried a sense of distance, making her difficult to get close to. Even he, her elder brother, felt three degrees of inexplicable awe toward her. At such a young age, yet somehow so mature…

Just then, they saw Nalan Xue being forcibly pulled over by Princess Ali. Though Nalan Xue wore a smile on her face, there was also a trace of discomfort.

Li Weiyang took the initiative to speak: “Miss Nalan, don’t stay indoors on such beautiful weather. Come with us. We’re just going to the lake behind the Guo residence—no need to leave the grounds.”

Nalan Xue nodded, then smiled slightly: “Then I’ll respectfully accept rather than decline.”

Princess Ali, having been encouraged by Guo Dun yesterday, had spent the entire evening doing nothing but digging for earthworms throughout the garden. Now she pointed at her full jar of plump earthworms and said to Li Weiyang: “Look! I’ll definitely catch a big fish later!”

Li Weiyang smiled without speaking. She ordered people to bring all the necessary fishing equipment and headed straight for the lake. Before long, they arrived at the lakeside. A gentle breeze brushed past, the sunlight warm and pleasant. Li Weiyang only felt a rush of fresh air meeting her face, carrying several degrees of moist floral fragrance that made one’s heart open wide with delight. Not far away, she suddenly heard a playful voice ring in her ears: “How could such an enjoyable activity as fishing be without me?”

Li Weiyang turned around to face Yuan Lie’s handsome smiling face. She then looked at Guo Cheng, who smiled: “Prince Xu came over early this morning, saying he wanted to take Little Sister out for a spring outing. I thought about it and figured since we’re going on a spring outing anyway, why not fish with us.”

The words sounded nice, but wasn’t it really just to keep Prince Xu Yuan Lie under their watchful eyes? Guo Dun glanced at Guo Cheng, thinking to himself that this Third Brother was truly cunning.

Although the Guo family had now tacitly permitted Li Weiyang and Yuan Lie to interact, this didn’t mean Yuan Lie could engage in improper behavior. Unless there were three matchmakers and six betrothal gifts, with an eight-bearer palanquin coming to marry their daughter, they absolutely wouldn’t allow Prince Xu Yuan Lie any irregular conduct. That’s why they had to keep him under their eyes.

Li Weiyang saw through their thoughts but only smiled slightly, unconcerned. Last time Yuan Lie had proposed arranging the wedding, but she felt there was no need to rush, especially during these troubled times. She feared that even if they wanted smooth sailing, the person behind the scenes wouldn’t sit idly by. Since that was the case, better to uproot the enemy completely before raising other matters.

Yuan Lie, watching the relaxed expression flash across her face, handed her a fishing rod and smiled: “Have you fished before? How did I not know this?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. In the past, when her life was impoverished, not only did she lack clothing, but she couldn’t even fill her stomach. Unable to beg from others, she could only find ways herself. Fortunately, there was a small stream in the countryside with many crabs. As long as she turned over those stones in the stream, she could always catch something to eat.

However, she had never mentioned these things to others. Thinking of them again now, the sourness and grievance in her heart had already faded. Looking back, what remained was instead a kind of nostalgia. If she hadn’t left the countryside, she wouldn’t have gotten entangled in so much hatred. A person’s heart was only so big—if it held hatred, there was no way left to appreciate beautiful things.

While they were talking here, Princess Ali had already begun fishing excitedly. She cast her fishing rod into the water, then called out loudly: “Jia’er, let’s compete to see who catches more fish!”

Li Weiyang only smiled. Zhao Yue on the side moved over a rattan chair, spread a soft cushion on it, then offered fragrant tea. Li Weiyang gently held the teacup and cast her fishing line into the water. Her leisurely appearance made Princess Ali quite annoyed. She said irritably: “Jia’er, are you here to fish or sunbathe?” She felt the other party wasn’t taking her challenge seriously at all!

Li Weiyang felt the gentle touch of sunlight caressing her face, her expression rarely so relaxed: “I’m both fishing and sunbathing. Don’t you think today’s sunshine is particularly pleasant?”

Today was indeed a day of gentle wind and beautiful weather, but Princess Ali really couldn’t see how this was different from any other day. She glared at Li Weiyang: “Just watch—I’ll definitely catch a very big fish!” As she said this, Guo Dun beside her was already laughing heartily: “Princess Ali, you’ve already put your fishing line in the water, but you forgot to put on bait.”

Ali was startled, then pulled it out only to discover the tip of the fishing line was completely empty. Indeed, she had forgotten to put an earthworm on. She stamped her foot in annoyance, then quickly hung on an earthworm before casting the fishing line into the water again.

Nalan Xue and Guo Yan sat to the side, quietly smiling as they watched everyone fish.

Princess Ali stared intently at the lake surface. Before long, she saw water bubbles faintly rising, the fishing line sinking. She immediately said happily: “Jia’er, Jia’er, look! I’ve caught something!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, then watched Princess Ali pull up the fishing line. But when everyone saw what she had caught, they all burst into laughter. This wasn’t the fish Princess Ali had been hoping for, but rather a boot someone had thrown into the lake—broken, old, and curled at the edges. Seeing this scene, Princess Ali became both embarrassed and angry. She threw the boot back into the lake water, calling out loudly: “This one doesn’t count! Let’s start over!”

At this moment, Li Weiyang’s fishing line sank. Li Weiyang wasn’t in a hurry. She waited until the fishing line sank a bit more, then suddenly lifted her hand, actually pulling up a carp about four feet long. She smiled and handed the fishing rod to Yuan Lie. Yuan Lie removed the carp from the hook and placed it in the bamboo basket. Li Weiyang leaned back in her chair, allowing the fishing rod to drop into the water again.

Princess Ali grew even more indignant. She turned to Guo Dun: “Look at your sister—such good luck! She can catch fish while sunbathing! So infuriating! Why are these fish so blind!”

Guo Dun laughed heartily: “As they say, ‘The Grand Duke fishes—those willing take the bait.’ You just don’t have that fortune.”

Princess Ali snorted and kicked Guo Dun. Guo Dun didn’t stand steady and fell to the ground. He didn’t mind, got up, and chuckled twice.

Li Weiyang appeared to be fishing, but her gaze occasionally fell on Nalan Xue and Guo Yan, her expression somewhere between smiling and not smiling, seemingly thinking about something. Yuan Lie, seeing this situation, said softly with a smile: “What are you thinking about?”

Li Weiyang looked at his amber-colored eyes. Under the sunlight, the man before her appeared even more handsome. However, Li Weiyang, accustomed to beauty, didn’t find it particularly noteworthy. She only smiled slightly: “Don’t you think those two are very well-matched?”

Yuan Lie’s gaze also turned toward the distant pavilion. Then he shook his head: “Your concern for Nalan Xue like this is truly beyond my expectations.”

Li Weiyang looked at the two scars on Nalan Xue’s plain white face and gently shook her head: “I don’t know why, but every time I see her, it’s as if I’m seeing myself.”

Yuan Lie frowned: “I don’t see that she resembles you in the slightest.”

Li Weiyang only sighed leisurely: “Yes, in what way does she resemble me? Perhaps it’s this temperament of not turning back until hitting the wall.”

Thinking of this, Yuan Lie couldn’t help recalling the day when he asked Nalan Xue for a consultation but was harshly rebuked by her. He couldn’t help smiling: “Yes, if you put it that way—there really are three degrees of similarity.”

Li Weiyang said nothing more. Just then, Princess Ali cried out in frustration: “Why is it always this kind of broken junk!” She complained while throwing aside the broken porcelain bowl she had hooked. But her bad luck didn’t end there—most of what she caught were broken porcelain bowls and shattered bottles. She threw those things away, huffing angrily as she cast her hook back into the water, declaring furiously: “If I don’t catch a fish this time, I’ll flip this entire lake over!”

Guo Dun on the side laughed heartily. Guo Cheng, watching, couldn’t help smiling as well. Meanwhile, everyone else’s fish baskets were already full. They also didn’t know why only Princess Ali couldn’t catch anything, and the things she caught were so peculiar.

At this moment, Nalan Xue proactively walked over. She took the porcelain bowls Princess Ali had discarded and arranged them in a row, then used the bamboo basket to fetch some water, pouring it into each bowl in turn. She listened to the sounds and adjusted by pouring additional water as needed.

Watching this, Li Weiyang’s heart stirred. Could Nalan Xue now be doing…

Indeed, Nalan Xue was tuning the sounds with water. After adjusting the musical tones of that row of uneven porcelain bowls and bottles, she began tapping them with a tree branch. Strangely, the sound produced by the porcelain bowls was melodious and cool, ethereal and tranquil, echoing across the lake surface in the air. At the same time, Nalan Xue’s singing voice also gently spread: “Only now do I realize the errors of those times, my heart is lost and confused. Red tears secretly fall, my eyes full of spring wind—nothing is as before. I know from now on there’s no way forward, yet I force myself to speak of joyful times. This parting is like this—pear blossoms have all fallen, the moon sets in the west again. Drinking through the night at Long Hill, waking and drunk again, returning to face each other in silence. The small boat departs from here, entrusting the rest of my life to rivers and seas.”

Her voice was as pure as a mountain spring. Li Weiyang and everyone listening each fell silent.

Nalan Xue’s gaze was very peaceful, making it difficult for people to read the meaning contained in the charm flowing through her eyes. Princess Ali completely didn’t understand the meaning of these lyrics. She gazed deeply at Nalan Xue, then suddenly closed her eyes, savoring carefully, her face also showing an expression of intoxication. Birds in the trees softly harmonized, a cool breeze came gently, stirring slight ripples on the water surface. The shimmering waves were blown all the way to the shore. Nalan Xue’s countenance appeared so serene and peaceful. In such scenery, she was like a lotus about to bloom, her lips carrying a faint smile.

“She sings so beautifully,” Princess Ali sighed. “Although I don’t understand the lyrics, I feel my mood involuntarily rises and falls with them.”

Li Weiyang understood the meaning: “Yes, she truly sings beautifully. What’s even rarer is how this melody moves from initial sorrow to final release. ‘The small boat departs from here, entrusting the rest of my life to rivers and seas’—isn’t her meaning quite obvious?”

Yuan Lie looked at Li Weiyang, clearly also understanding the meaning: “She’s expressing her thoughts to Guo Yan, or to everyone. Truly an exquisitely perceptive young woman. Some things needn’t be said—everyone can understand.”

Princess Ali was the only one who didn’t understand the lyrics. At this moment, she happily stood up. She threw down her fishing rod and smiled brilliantly: “Miss Nalan’s melody is so beautiful—I’ll dance for everyone!” Saying this, she suddenly removed her shoes, took off her socks, lifted her skirt, revealing a pair of white feet. Those jade-white feet stepped on the grass, completely unconcerned about the mud in the puddles. Then she suddenly began spinning. That fiery red dress flew up, her dance movements varied and dynamic—leaping, jumping, spinning—simply passionate and unrestrained.

Guo Dun quietly watched Princess Ali dancing in the sunlight—that skilled, graceful dance, every movement so passionate. Then he smiled. Princess Ali’s behavior was extremely improper, but no one here intended to remind her of this. In this world, purely innocent, cheerful, and unrestrained souls were becoming fewer and fewer. Princess Ali was one, and an absolutely unique one. Guo Dun treasured her innocence and purity. Even knowing that for a young lady to remove shoes and socks and dance before others was highly improper, he didn’t want to stop her.

Li Weiyang, seeing Guo Dun’s expression, couldn’t help thinking thoughtfully. Perhaps Guo Dun was drawn to such an innocent young woman as Princess Ali precisely because he had seen so many affected noble ladies. Turning her head, she glanced at Yuan Lie. But his gaze didn’t fall on the serene and gentle Nalan Xue, nor did he watch the passionate and unrestrained Princess Ali. His eyes looked directly at her, his gaze revealing undisguised deep affection.

They had been together since childhood. She naturally knew Yuan Lie’s nature. On the surface willful and unruly, arrogant and domineering, yet regarding what his heart loved, even if it meant leveling mountains and filling seas, he would achieve his wish. Moreover, with such a father emperor, regarding the word “love,” he always had more obstinacy and fervor than others. Li Weiyang smiled ruefully: “One is singing, one is dancing—why are you only looking at me?”

Yuan Lie only smiled: “No matter how beautiful the scenery, in my eyes it’s not as beautiful as you.” If someone else said these words, they would merely be flattery and compliments. But when Yuan Lie said them, they were so earnest, so persistent, that even someone as iron-hearted as Li Weiyang blushed slightly.

Princess Ali danced to Nalan Xue’s rhythm, while Nalan Xue also adjusted her tempo to match Ali’s dance. The two actually strangely blended the melody’s rhythm together, yet it didn’t create a sense of discord. Guo Cheng walked to Guo Yan’s side and smiled: “Second Brother, I understand why you fell in love with Miss Nalan. She’s a very special woman.”

Guo Yan raised his eyes, looked at his third brother, his smile somewhat desolate: “What does it matter if I like her or not? If I weren’t Guo Yan, only then would I be qualified to speak of liking. In this matter, I was wrong from the very beginning. Knowing this life she’s not meant for me, why did I need to provoke these emotional entanglements?”

Nalan Xue wasn’t far away. Hearing these words, her mind wandered. In her moment of carelessness, the melody slightly went off-key. She was greatly alarmed and hastily concluded. That trembling final note startled herself and also startled Li Weiyang. Nalan Xue jolted, but saw Li Weiyang raising her eyes toward her. That gaze contained inquiry and concern, yet was as indifferent as water, lightly brushing across her heart.

None of those present noticed this scene. Although Princess Ali also stopped, she didn’t perceive the change within. Nalan Xue knew deeply that Li Weiyang had heard the error in the melody. Could the other party also be proficient in musical arts? She stood up and walked toward Li Weiyang, but found it difficult to conceal the unease of this instant. Li Weiyang understood the difficulty in Nalan Xue’s heart and smiled slightly, saying to her warmly: “Miss Nalan, we have little time together. Let’s set aside all troubling matters for now. I’ve also learned a new melody recently—may I borrow the porcelain bowls?”

Nalan Xue, moved by Li Weiyang’s thoughtfulness, followed her words: “Please do. I’ll listen carefully.” She turned to look toward the distant Guo Yan. Her melody had slightly gone off-key, yet Guo Yan hadn’t noticed. Nalan Xue’s heart couldn’t help feeling regret.

Li Weiyang acted as if she hadn’t perceived her thoughts, her expression normal: “Miss Nalan is proficient in musical arts—even these small porcelain bowls you can tap so beautifully. I only have a rough understanding. I hope you won’t laugh at me. Please just listen.”

Nalan Xue was deep in thought when she heard the tinkling melody already begin playing.

During the music, rain threads suddenly began falling from the sky. The fine rain like silk and satin drifted down, stirring countless ripples on the lake surface. Occasionally fish would leap from the water, chasing the ripples, jumping endlessly. This fine rain wasn’t heavy. Zhao Yue wanted to raise an umbrella but was declined by Li Weiyang. So the rain threads were almost like a layer of mist enveloping Li Weiyang, creating a moment of separation between her and this world. Li Weiyang seemed to tap only casually, yet formed a pleasant, cheerful melody. Her slender, clean fingers lightly held the tree branch, appearing so unruffled.

Nalan Xue quietly watched her. She knew that when her own startled moment stopped the melody, if others had noticed, they would inevitably feel puzzled. Li Weiyang continuing the melody now was a way of helping her. In her impression, Li Weiyang had always been beautiful and serene, even somewhat cold and unfeeling. Today the other party suddenly spoke up because she had already glimpsed the loneliness and sorrow in her heart. This made her involuntarily grateful.

Women with lonely hearts always have particularly delicate thoughts. Nalan Xue sensed the kindness and compassion in Li Weiyang, and her heart ached. Among everyone present, only Li Weiyang—a noble young lady with whom she had superficial friendship—seemed to understand her thoughts. Yet Guo Yan, with whom she had shared a marriage engagement, actually hadn’t seen through the pain in her heart, deceived by her appearance of release. This showed how unpredictable worldly affairs were, how difficult to find a true kindred spirit.

At this moment, Guo Dun couldn’t help himself and also ran over to dance with Princess Ali, but she hit him. Then the two laughed and chased each other, playing by the lakeside, looking like two children, so happy and joyful. Li Weiyang watched and smiled slightly, then stopped her movements and stood up, looking at Nalan Xue: “Miss Nalan, would you be willing to accompany me for a walk?”

Yuan Lie understood. His brows relaxed, his mouth curved, and he actually smiled lightly as he walked to the pavilion, ordering attendants to bring fine wine and delicacies, saying to Guo Cheng and Guo Yan: “You two, with such beautiful scenery and lovely companions, why not drink freely.”

Seeing this scene, Guo Cheng felt slightly puzzled. He wondered why Prince Xu Yuan Lie had come to sit here. Turning his head, he saw Li Weiyang and Nalan Xue walking toward the lakeside. Knowing Li Weiyang must have something to say to Nalan Xue, only then did he understand, smiling: “Good, Your Highness, please.”

Nalan Xue wore a simple lake-blue robe with lotus flower embossing, her hair ornaments also very simple—only one jade hairpin and several small silver foil pearl flowers securing her hair. Li Weiyang looked at her. During these days at Guo Manor, the Guo family had prepared countless gifts for Nalan Xue, including boxes of silk and satin. But no matter how they persuaded, Nalan Xue hadn’t touched them. Not just clothing—Madam Guo had also sent many ornaments, yet Nalan Xue had never worn them.

Li Weiyang had previously thought perhaps Nalan Xue was avoiding something, but looking more carefully, she felt it was just right. After all, if Nalan Xue accepted the Guo family’s gifts, it would instead make people look down on her.

Li Weiyang wasn’t particularly talkative by nature. Slightly pursing her lips instead made her appear noble and reserved. Nalan Xue only felt that recently a trace of sweetness emanated from the other’s immersed smile. Perhaps even Li Weiyang herself hadn’t noticed—every time Yuan Lie accompanied her, her smile was always somewhat different from usual, appearing especially beautiful. Even the coldest, most indifferent woman was beautiful when being loved. Nalan Xue watched, unable to say whether her heart held envy or loneliness.

At this moment, Li Weiyang stood beside her, sunlight gently spilling on her distinctly contoured face. That plain white face lightly applied with powder instead had a kind of shallow peach-blossom red. Her gaze was profound, looking directly into Nalan Xue’s heart.

Nalan Xue raised her face and spoke first: “I didn’t expect there would be sun showers here as well.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Yes, this scene is indeed rarely seen.” Clearly a sunny sky, the sun bright yet with fine rain threads falling on one’s body, making the entire environment even more elegant and moving. Then Li Weiyang looked at Nalan Xue, seeming to want to say something but stopping herself.

The two weren’t in a hurry to turn back, only walking aimlessly by the lakeside. Over there, Princess Ali had already begun singing cheerful folk songs from the grasslands. Her expression appeared so happy, so joyful. Nalan Xue couldn’t help looking sideways, then said softly: “Princess Ali is truly happy. I’ve never seen such a simple-minded young woman.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, her voice calm: “Not long ago, her father just passed away, and her only older brother was also demoted to the most remote pasture to tend horses for life. Tell me, if it were someone else, wouldn’t they feel pained and harbor resentment?”

Nalan Xue’s heart jumped as she looked at Li Weiyang: “Is this true? From the surface, one really can’t tell Princess Ali has experienced such misfortune.”

Li Weiyang looked at her, long silence, finally saying word by word: “Miss Nalan, when facing the past, everyone must make a choice. Some people are filled with hatred, intent only on revenge.” She paused here, clearly thinking of herself. “Some people forget all these grievances, wholeheartedly living happily, just like Princess Ali. It’s hard to say clearly which way is correct—it’s merely a matter of personal choice.”

Her eyes were so close, seemingly reflecting the faint water light, her expression three parts soft yet carrying seven parts cold depth.

Nalan Xue jolted, her eyes somewhat sore, yet she didn’t want to cry at all: “Miss Guo, you are a very fortunate person.”

Li Weiyang looked at her seriously, unsurprised that she suddenly changed topics: “Why do you say this?”

Nalan Xue’s heart ached as she said directly: “Because the person you love has always stayed by your side. He hasn’t changed his heart, hasn’t left you, and hasn’t betrayed you.”

Li Weiyang smiled, her gaze falling on the distant Yuan Lie, then immediately withdrawing: “How do you know I didn’t experience countless trials before finding such a person?”

Li Weiyang’s voice was light and low, yet each word fell on Nalan Xue’s heart like a heavy hammer: “Yes, people say after wind and rain, one can always see a rainbow. If I persist in continuing to search, perhaps I too can find my own happiness. But I’m too tired, truly too tired.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes looked at her with bright clarity, suddenly sighing: “Miss Nalan, if you have any concerns, why not tell me?” She hoped the other party would proactively speak all her innermost thoughts! This was the only and final chance she could give!

“I have no concerns.” Nalan Xue lowered her head, tears seeming about to drip from her eyes. In this instant, she only felt the impermanence of worldly affairs. If she and Guo Yan hadn’t experienced such changes and she had married into the Guo family, she would certainly have become the best of friends with the young woman before her. No matter how she suppressed her heart’s longing, she had to admit that Li Weiyang and she were very compatible. No matter what she said, the other party could quickly react and respond promptly—something even passionate lovers couldn’t achieve.

Kindred spirit—these two words were what people desperately sought, yet she had to abandon them.

Li Weiyang sighed, and those half-spoken words ultimately were completely swallowed down, transforming only into regret in her throat. Many things—what she could do, she had already done.

Over there, Princess Ali had already run over, calling out loudly: “What are you doing over there? I just caught a fish! Let’s roast fish to eat!”

Seeing her so excited, Nalan Xue smiled with serene grace. Her smile appeared extremely beautiful. Even with flaws on her face, Li Weiyang felt this scene would be imprinted in her heart, remaining in her memory through the long years to come.

Days gradually passed in such tranquility. Nalan Xue and Guo Yan often sat together, but everyone who saw them felt they were more like friends than lovers. Neither Nalan Xue nor Guo Yan showed any intention of reuniting. The two often just sat quietly, saying a few words. But Madam Guo, watching this, couldn’t help shedding tears, saying to Li Weiyang many times: “Miss Nalan is truly pitiful. I hope she can stay at Guo Manor forever and let Yan’er take good care of her.”

Indeed, Nalan Xue’s appearance was destroyed. She no longer had any evidence in hand to prove the Guo family had a marriage engagement. The Guo family could have been irresponsible to her. However, the guilt in Madam Guo’s heart couldn’t be removed. Between midnight dreams, she always regretted not insisting to the end for Guo Yan, welcoming this Miss Nalan through the door.

In Madam Guo’s eyes, her son’s happiness was ultimately more important than family interests. But no matter what she said, Li Weiyang paid no heed. This puzzled Madam Guo, who had always believed her daughter quite liked Nalan Xue. But she knew her daughter had her own mind and would never submit to others’ manipulation. Although her heart grew increasingly doubtful, she didn’t show it.

In the blink of an eye, a month passed. June thirteenth was Princess Chenliu’s birthday. The Guo family would hold a grand banquet for guests. Following usual custom, they opened dozens of tables in Guo Manor, inviting various noble families and distinguished officials from the capital. Early in the morning, countless luxurious carriages lined up in the alley. Each carriage held distinguished guests from first-rank meritorious families. Li Weiyang stood smiling at the entrance in light green clothing, complemented by her jade-like refined and delicate face, eyes full of smiling intent. She appeared bright and beautiful with an extremely noble temperament.

Everyone looking at her felt her eyes were brighter than all the flowers in the garden, more charming than the evening clouds at the horizon. They forgot those rumors about this Guo family young lady.

Li Weiyang was always accustomed to dealing with these noble families. If she wished, she could easily make people like her. Otherwise, in the past she wouldn’t have so easily gained the favor of the Empress Dowager and Old Madam Li. Given the Guo family’s current position at court, they were somewhat too prominent. If she still behaved as before—paying attention when happy, ignoring when unhappy—everyone would suspect the Guo Manor was too arrogant. So she stood beside Madam Guo, always smiling warmly like a beautiful landscape, constantly attracting everyone’s attention.

People sat down according to familiarity. Among the crowd, someone quietly discussed: “Have you heard? His Majesty issued an edict in court to strictly investigate Guo Yan’s matter?”

Someone nearby immediately gestured, reproaching in a low voice: “How can you say such things now? If the Guo family hears…”

That person laughed dryly: “Here are all our own people. Why fear them hearing! Moreover, Guo Yan has already fled. Who knows how His Majesty views the Guo family. As they say, ‘cooking with raging fire, prosperity to extreme becomes decline’—it’s just like this.”

But someone who heard this sneered coldly: “To say you can’t see clearly—you truly can’t see! Haven’t you noticed that today Princess Chenliu is hosting a grand banquet—not just princes and court dignitaries… even His Majesty from the palace sent birthday gifts. Those gifts stretch from the central hall all the way to the entrance. What does this signify? Can’t you still see? Be careful disaster comes from your mouth!”

People discussed this in various ways. The Guo family acted as if they hadn’t heard, always smiling, never responding regarding Guo Yan’s whereabouts. All visiting guests tried to inquire about Guo Yan’s location and how the Guo family would handle this matter, but the Guo family kept silent, leaving them helpless.

Princess Ali had always been someone who enjoyed liveliness, but among the crowd she inevitably heard people discussing the Guo family. She disliked those who gossiped behind others’ backs but had stayed at the Guo residence long enough to learn many proprieties. She couldn’t publicly lose her temper. After looking around a few times and finding all the Guo family members busy, she couldn’t help combining the snacks on the table from one basket into two, biting on chopsticks as she withdrew from her seat.

Nearby, the wife of the Marquis of Jiangning saw this and sneered coldly: “Look, the Guo family has no propriety at all. Where did they find such a wild girl?”

Someone immediately reminded her: “That’s no wild girl—that’s Princess Ali from the grasslands.”

The wife of the Marquis of Jiangning was an arrogant and proud woman who had long disliked the Guo family’s lofty position. She continued laughing: “This Madam Guo also has no propriety. How could she choose a daughter-in-law from the grasslands? Those young women don’t know what propriety means. Marry one back, and won’t she be like a monkey all day, jumping up and down?” Saying this, everyone laughed knowingly.

Princess Ali, hearing this, no longer wanted to pay them any heed. She found a secluded corner and placed the snacks on her lap. Watching the stage ahead, drinking wine while eating snacks, occasionally softly singing along with the actress on stage, she was quite content. Under the sunlight, her bright eyes sparkled, complementing her jade-white face—very charming indeed. Guo Dun came to her side at this moment and sat down gently. Ali glared at him: “What are you doing here? Get away from me, or those people will say again that I want to marry into the Guo family as a daughter-in-law.”

Guo Dun looked at her, rarely refraining from teasing: “What’s so bad about marrying me?”

Princess Ali’s mouth held a steamed dumpling as she turned to focus on the opera. Guo Dun was about to whisper in her ear when Princess Ali sensed it and forcefully turned her head. Guo Dun was struck in the nose by her, instinctively standing up. Since this was originally a long bench, when he stood here, Princess Ali lost balance on that side and fell down in one motion. Princess Ali cried out in alarm, involuntarily closing her eyes, lamenting her bad luck. In this lament, her waist suddenly tightened—Guo Dun had actually grabbed her clothing and pulled her back onto the bench.

Princess Ali’s face flushed. She couldn’t help turning away, snorting once, and said nothing more.

Guo Dun only grinned, then winked at Li Weiyang over there. He thought to himself that the tactic Jia’er taught him of persistent pursuit was really quite effective. Even thick-skinned Princess Ali couldn’t help blushing.

Just then, someone outside suddenly reported: “The Crown Prince has arrived.”

Everyone turned their gazes toward the Crown Prince. They saw the Crown Prince in magnificent robes, accompanied by the Crown Princess and Consort Lu. Not far behind him was the Pei family’s eldest son, Pei Bi. They all wore smiles, walking in calmly from outside. Seeing this scene, Li Weiyang smiled lightly and said to Madam Guo: “Mother, the Crown Prince has arrived.”

Madam Guo’s eyes narrowed slightly. Looking at Pei Bi beside the Crown Prince, she snorted coldly: “Seeing such a person makes my stomach turn.”

Li Weiyang smiled and patted Madam Guo’s hand: “For appearances’ sake, we must manage. Mother, let’s go greet the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.”

Madam Guo naturally knew this. She just had a straightforward temperament and disliked the Crown Prince and Pei Bi colluding like wolves in partnership. Hearing her daughter say this, she nodded: “Let’s go.” Saying this, she changed to a smiling face and calmly went forward to greet them.

The Crown Princess looked at Li Weiyang, a trace of amazement in her gaze: “I didn’t expect Miss Guo to look like a celestial maiden when dressed up like this—extremely refined. I truly never noticed before.”

Consort Lu also looked Li Weiyang up and down, her smile quite meaningful: “No wonder Lu Zhen came back and made a fuss with his father, saying he didn’t want to marry Princess Shouchun but had taken a fancy to Miss Guo instead.” Hearing her say this, Madam Guo’s expression darkened: “The Lu family is a noble meritorious household with extremely strict rules. My daughter is willful—I fear we dare not aspire so high.”

Hearing this, Consort Lu’s expression didn’t change in the slightest. She only smiled faintly, thoughtfully. The Crown Princess beside her smiled broadly and spoke: “If Lu Zhen won’t do, what about our Shiyun?”

Hearing the Crown Princess mention Cui Shiyun, Consort Lu’s heart immediately flared with fire. Her expression also didn’t look too good. She glanced reproachfully at the Crown Princess: “What? Elder Sister even wants to compete with me for a younger sister-in-law?”

The Crown Princess smiled slightly: “How is this competing with you? It’s merely ‘a fair maiden, a gentleman’s good match.'”

Li Weiyang smiled coldly in her heart. The struggle between the Crown Princess and Consort Lu was now in full swing. Just now the Crown Princess had unconsciously glared at Consort Lu’s abdomen—that look was quite vicious. Clearly the Cui family and Lu family had also begun intense competitive collision. Starting from Princess Shouchun, to Consort Lu’s current pregnancy… Now arriving at the Guo family, the two still didn’t forget to compete for each other’s marriage alliances. It was truly absurd. The only thing certain was that their attitudes also demonstrated the Crown Prince’s current changes. Since the last incident with Pei Hui, the Crown Prince seemed to have changed strategy, being extremely friendly toward the Guo family, even proposing marriage alliances. This truly sent chills down one’s spine.

Seeing this scene, Madam Guo couldn’t help sighing slightly. From early this morning, she had felt restless, her eyelids twitching, as if something bad was about to happen. But today was the Princess’s birthday banquet with distinguished guests gathered—what bad thing could happen? She involuntarily thought of her second son Guo Yan. The more occasions like this, the easier for incidents to occur. So they had been extremely cautious and careful beforehand, hiding Guo Yan in the most heavily guarded Emerald Bamboo Courtyard, even leaving a secret passage for emergencies. Absolutely no one would break in to disturb him. But even though proper arrangements had been made, Madam Guo still felt uneasy. She looked at Li Weiyang beside her, smiling and chatting cheerfully, wanting to say something but ultimately swallowing her worries, hoping it was merely unfounded anxiety.

Li Weiyang faced the smiling faces of the Crown Princess and Consort Lu as usual, yet in her heart she sneered coldly. The other party’s net had already fully opened. She herself had been patiently waiting all along. Today it was time to reel in the line and see what filthy things she had caught!