Nalan Xue was dead, but the greatest problem currently facing the Guo family had not been resolved. The charges against Guo Yan had not been cleared, and that Zhao Xianghe insisted he had witnessed Guo Yan kill his father Zhao Zong with his own eyes. Several generals who had always been very close to the Zhao family also testified together. In addition, Guo Yan had suddenly disappeared while being escorted to the capital under custody, and the accompanying officials and constables had all been executed. Therefore, everyone believed that after killing Zhao Zong, when his plot to rebel failed, he sought ways to escape punishment. Following protocol, the Emperor issued a proclamation to capture the imperial criminal Guo Yan. What made the Guo family’s situation even more difficult was that now the Chen family had suddenly departed, leaving the Guo family isolated and alone in court. The other great aristocratic families had always felt that the Guo family’s power was too great and brought them no benefit, so not adding insult to injury was already quite good. At this point, for the Guo family to break through this situation would be extremely difficult.

Inside the study, smoke rose in curling wisps from the incense burner, light sandalwood scent wafting through the air. Duke Qi Guo’s expression was grave as he remained silent.

After contemplating for a moment, Guo Cheng spoke: “Father, Fifth Brother has been gone for a full month now, but until now there hasn’t been a single word sent back. Could it be that…”

Guo Cheng’s worry was not without reason. After all, Guo Dao was no longer the young nobleman with exceptional martial skills he once was. No matter how many guards were placed around him, it still couldn’t set their minds at ease. If he successfully attracted the enemy’s attention, he might be able to conceal Yuan Lie’s secret investigation, but this couldn’t guarantee Guo Dao’s personal safety.

Duke Qi Guo was naturally also very concerned about this son’s safety. From the night Guo Dao left the capital, Duke Qi Guo had not been able to sleep well, but in front of Madam Guo he had to maintain an appearance of complete confidence. After all, he was getting on in years and was no longer as decisive and resolute as young people. What he hoped for more was the safety of the entire family and the prosperity of his children. Now one son had already been branded with the name of traitor, and another son had traveled thousands of miles to the border to search for evidence. If this matter was truly done by Empress Pei, how could she leave evidence for Guo Dao to investigate? Moreover, the Zhao family members were no easy targets—their influence in the military ran deep and entrenched. With one careless move, Guo Dao could face eternal damnation!

Thinking of this, Duke Qi Guo’s expression grew even more somber. Feeling somewhat vexed, he stood up, hands clasped behind his back, paced a few steps around the study, then turned his head to look at Li Weiyang: “Jia’er, what do you think?”

Li Weiyang raised her eyes, her gaze deep: “Father need not worry excessively. I suspect Fifth Brother will have news within the next couple of days.”

Duke Qi Guo raised an eyebrow, clearly very surprised: “Why? Where did you get this information from? Are you certain?”

Li Weiyang nodded, speaking with complete certainty: “Please trust me, Father.”

Just then, they suddenly heard a “bang” sound—it was Guo Yan’s fist heavily smashing onto the table surface. Hard as redwood was, he actually created an indentation in it. Not only was the back of his hand dripping with blood, but the teacup originally placed on the table had fallen to the ground. They could see the tea lid rolling continuously until it reached Li Weiyang’s feet. She observed his anger and resentment but only smiled slightly: “Second Brother need not be overly tense.”

Guo Yan gritted his teeth: “I’m not tense, I’m heartbroken! Fifth Brother has sacrificed too much for me. I owe him too much—how can I ever repay it? If something were to happen to him on this journey, how would I explain to Mother…”

He had only spoken halfway when Li Weiyang raised her hand to stop him, offering rare words of comfort: “Second Brother, I know you blame yourself greatly over Miss Nalan’s matter, but this actually has nothing to do with you. You needn’t take it to heart.”

Guo Yan shook his head, his eyes revealing deep pain: “How could it have nothing to do with me? If not for me, why would she have been coerced by Empress Pei? Why would she have wandered everywhere, and ultimately lost her life for me!”

Li Weiyang’s expression remained indifferent, her tone light: “Every person must take responsibility for their own choices. From the day Miss Nalan agreed to Empress Pei’s terms, she had already guessed this final outcome and had long since prepared for it. Why should others grieve on her behalf?”

Looking at Li Weiyang, Guo Yan hardly knew what to say. Li Weiyang had many views that differed from theirs. Even regarding Nalan Xue, she had always maintained an attitude of understanding and tolerance. He vaguely felt that Li Weiyang and Nalan Xue shared some similarities in personality—both had that stubborn temperament that persisted to the very end.

Outside the door came a light knocking sound. Guo Dun furrowed his brow and took the initiative to stand up and open the door. Upon opening it, he found it was Li Weiyang’s personal maid, Zhao Yue.

Seeing it was her, Li Weiyang’s face showed a flash of understanding: “What is it?”

Zhao Yue didn’t bother with formalities to everyone present and immediately placed a letter into Li Weiyang’s hands: “Miss, the news you’ve been waiting for has arrived.”

Li Weiyang’s heart leaped, and she immediately tore open the envelope in her hands.

Guo Dun beside her couldn’t contain his wild joy and immediately said: “Is it a letter from Fifth Brother?”

Li Weiyang didn’t answer him. She only read through the letter rapidly, but her expression changed. Guo Yan immediately stood up, his voice containing a trace of trembling: “Jia’er, has something happened to Fifth Brother?”

Li Weiyang gently let out a breath and said calmly: “No, Fifth Brother is perfectly safe. This letter was written by him.” On this point, she truly was not lying.

Guo Dun hurriedly moved closer wanting to see the letter in Li Weiyang’s hands, but she showed Guo Dun the writing on the envelope, then instead shook out the letter paper, quickly folded it up, and tucked it into her sleeve. Guo Dun saw the calligraphy on the envelope—bold and flowing—was indeed unmistakably Guo Dao’s handwriting, and only then relaxed slightly. Turning his head, he saw Li Weiyang smiling broadly as she said: “Fifth Brother is telling us that he has already found evidence sufficient to prove Second Brother’s innocence.”

Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces showed expressions of tremendous joy, especially Duke Qi Guo, who had always been steady but couldn’t help excitedly asking: “Really? What exactly did Dao’er say?”

Li Weiyang smiled, her expression solemn: “In the letter, Fifth Brother said that after arriving there, he finally managed to locate a witness with great difficulty and found an account ledger proving that Zhao Zong had embezzled five hundred thousand taels of military funds, which is why he wanted to eliminate Second Brother!”

Guo Yan immediately stood up from his chair. He looked at Li Weiyang in shock: “What did you say? Five hundred thousand taels? How did I not know about this!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Yes, Zhao Zong thought Second Brother had discovered everything, so he wanted to eliminate you, not knowing you were completely unaware.”

A flash of doubt quickly passed through Guo Yan’s mind, and a scene from the past instantly surfaced in his thoughts. One night, because he had an important military report to deliver to Zhao Zong, he had rushed into the other party’s tent without waiting to be announced. At the time, Zhao Zong was secretly discussing something with Zhao Xianghe. Upon seeing him enter, their expressions had immediately changed drastically. Thinking about it now, it was probably indeed related to this matter. Guo Yan said with sudden realization: “So this is the reason he wanted me dead! But if that’s truly the case, how did Zhao Zong die?”

Li Weiyang’s smile was warm, but her voice carried a trace of coldness: “Second Brother, Zhao Zong’s death was merely as a scapegoat. That five hundred thousand taels was military funds allocated by His Majesty to the army. Where would Zhao Zong have gotten such audacity to dare embezzle it? Naturally, someone was directing him from behind. But conversely, that person didn’t want this matter revealed, so they eliminated Zhao Zong, striking first. With Zhao Zong dead, this matter naturally died with him, leaving no proof. The only one who could possibly leak the information was you, Second Brother.”

The expressions of everyone in the study grew increasingly ugly as they listened. Duke Qi Guo had already grasped Li Weiyang’s implied meaning. The one who could make Zhao Zong embezzle silver could only be Empress Pei or the Crown Prince. However, Duke Qi Guo had his own perspective and said thoughtfully: “No, perhaps this entire charade was a trap laid against the Guo family from the very beginning!”

Li Weiyang’s eyes flashed with coldness as she nodded: “Indeed, Empress Pei probably doesn’t care much about these five hundred thousand taels. Having Zhao Zong do this, her true purpose lay in setting the trap. Even if Second Brother hadn’t discovered this matter, they would have found other ways to eliminate the Guo family!” Zhao Zong was merely being used by Empress Pei; Empress Pei’s objective wasn’t the military funds but framing the Guo family.

Duke Qi Guo slowly sat down. After a long silence, he finally let out a breath and said word by word: “This Empress Pei is truly a ruthless and vicious woman.” Previously, Empress Pei hadn’t moved against the Guo family simply because the timing wasn’t right. Now that she had made her move, every step aimed to place the Guo family in mortal danger. Her methods could truly be called poisonous to the extreme.

If Empress Pei weren’t so deeply calculating and scheming, she wouldn’t have sat firmly on the Empress’s throne for so many years. Li Weiyang said lightly: “This is only natural. Empress Pei knows when to act and how to act. We truly are unable to guard against it.”

Everyone’s faces showed traces of unease. Guo Dun hurriedly asked: “When will Fifth Brother return with the evidence?”

Li Weiyang smiled and answered seriously: “In the letter, Fifth Brother said he will protect that witness and the account ledger all the way to the capital. It will probably take another five days to reach the capital.”

Duke Qi Guo calculated briefly, then suddenly spoke: “In five more days it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival. Are you certain Guo Dao can return in time?”

Li Weiyang naturally understood Duke Qi Guo’s meaning and only smiled: “On the Mid-Autumn Festival, His Majesty will certainly hold a grand banquet. According to custom, all officials of third rank and above may bring their family members to attend. If Fifth Brother can bring back the evidence in time, we should announce it publicly in court, expose the Zhao family’s conspiracy with no place to hide, and we can also pull up the radish and bring out the mud, biting back at Empress Pei!” These last words, Li Weiyang spoke with bone-chilling coldness.

Guo Cheng’s long-anxious heart finally settled down, and he couldn’t help clapping his hands in laughter: “Good! Good! This is truly excellent!”

Guo Yan’s expression was calm, but his heart was also extremely excited, because he knew his grievances would soon be cleared.

After the Guo family sons had successively departed, Li Weiyang remained behind. Watching the others walk away, she turned back to Duke Qi Guo: “Father, Jia’er has another matter to tell you.”

By this time, Guo Cheng, Guo Yan, and Guo Dun had already gone far. Ordinarily they would have noticed something odd about Li Weiyang, but now, being overly happy, they surprisingly didn’t notice the unusual expression on her face.

Duke Qi Guo watched Li Weiyang return and couldn’t help his heart skipping a beat: “Jia’er, could it be that you are…?”

Li Weiyang said nothing, only quickly unfolded the letter from her sleeve and handed it to Duke Qi Guo: “Father, please read this letter carefully!”

Duke Qi Guo was startled, then took the letter and opened it, reading it carefully and thoroughly from top to bottom. His expression underwent a tremendous change, and he suddenly raised his head: “Jia’er, Dao’er clearly said… but you just now—”

Li Weiyang’s expression remained calm: “Just now I suddenly thought of this method. I wonder what Father thinks of it?”

Duke Qi Guo’s face showed a puzzled expression, but then he heard her say word by word: “Since Fifth Brother can bring back evidence, clearing Second Brother’s grievances is just a matter of time. Why don’t we make a big show of Fifth Brother finding evidence, making the other side wary and not daring to act recklessly? What does Father think?”

Duke Qi Guo saw his daughter’s pair of clear bright eyes with their burning gaze, carrying deep meaning. Having been an official for many years and being deeply calculating himself, he suddenly understood. His face instantly showed a smile: “Good! We’ll do as you say, Jia’er! Rest assured, I’ll arrange everything in advance!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, but her eyes were incomparably cold: “Let’s hope this time we achieve immediate success!”

On the Mid-Autumn Festival, a grand banquet was held in the palace.

After Madam Guo finished dressing up, she came to Li Weiyang’s courtyard, her expression showing a trace of worry: “Jia’er, do you think your Fifth Brother can make it back in time today?”

Li Weiyang only smiled slightly at her reflection in the mirror, her smile very serene. She spoke: “Mother need not worry. Since Fifth Brother said he could arrive today, he will certainly return in time. As long as he can enter the palace by the hour of the dog, there won’t be any problem. Moreover…” Before finishing her words, she had already taken the initiative to stand up and walk to Madam Guo’s side, continuing: “Moreover, our family is blessed by good fortune. When Fifth Brother had such a major incident, he was able to turn misfortune into blessing. Second Brother will certainly be fine this time. Mother need not worry excessively.”

Madam Guo sighed and straightened the jade and glass hairpin on Li Weiyang’s temple, saying softly: “I hope so!”

Li Weiyang’s smile became even more gentle, her brow relaxed, offering no further explanation.

Aside from Guo Yan who could not attend this banquet, everyone else in the family had to go to the palace. The carriages drove toward the imperial palace all the way. Sixteen guards followed closely behind the carriage as it passed through the lanes, then turned left onto the lakeside bridge. North of the bridge was the outer gate of the palace city. According to protocol, carriages of officials third rank and above could enter the outer gate, and only when reaching the Xiushui Gate would they need to leave their carriages and enter the inner palace on foot to have an audience with the Emperor. Soon the carriage entered the outer gate. They would need to travel much further before reaching the Xiushui Gate, but midway they were suddenly stopped.

Zhao Yue lifted the carriage curtain and heard someone ahead angrily berating them. The man before them was the current General Jinwu, assigned to guard the outer gate during this banquet. He also had a special identity—he was Empress Pei’s cousin’s son. His name was Pei Zhong. Though not from the direct Pei family line, he was still a proper Pei family descendant who had always received preferential treatment and was therefore extraordinarily proud.

Pei Zhong had been patrolling before the outer gate since early morning. When he saw the Guo family’s carriage enter the outer gate—the carriage’s colors bright and luxurious, the guards on both sides imposing and orderly—the carriage passed by his side without slowing down, heading straight for the Xiushui Gate. Pei Zhong gave a cold laugh, stepped forward to block them, and angrily shouted: “Who is so rude? Driving the carriage so fast—such audacity!” Before he finished speaking, he was struck by a whip across his handsome left cheek, which immediately split open. Covering his face, he furiously said: “Who dares to strike me?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw before him a snow-white horse bearing an extremely handsome man. The black cloak embroidered with gold thread glittered in the night. That person’s expression was half-smiling, looking at him askance, his slender hand lightly weighing a long whip, the whip’s tail adorned with jewels, appearing arrogant and domineering to the extreme. Just as he was about to fly into a rage, upon clearly seeing the other party’s face, Pei Zhong’s heart jumped in alarm, and he hurriedly knelt on the ground: “This humble general pays respects to Prince Xu!”

Prince Xu Yuan Lie snorted coldly: “When did the palace change its rules? Officials of third rank and above and their family members may drive their carriages all the way to before the Xiushui Gate. Miss Guo is rushing to enter the palace to attend the banquet, so what’s wrong with driving the carriage a bit faster? Do you want everyone else to wait for her?”

Pei Zhong opened his mouth, then closed it again. But a nameless fire rose in his heart, thinking to himself that he was after all Empress Pei’s nephew—though only a cousin’s son, nowadays it was ultimately the Pei family’s world. This Prince Xu Yuan Lie was making such a commotion without the slightest restraint, even injuring him—this was truly excessive in the extreme! Moreover, this time he was determined to make things difficult for the Guo family. How could he retreat so easily? But before he could refute, Prince Xu gave him another “smack,” making his right cheek blossom as well: “A mere sixth-rank official dares to block the carriage’s path. If you don’t move aside immediately, be careful I don’t cut off your head with one sword stroke!”

Prince Xu Yuan Lie’s words were extremely arrogant and domineering, but for some reason, when he spoke these words, they sounded naturally befitting him. Especially with that handsome face outshining even the brilliant candlelight in the palace, drawing sidelong glances from many nearby carriages. Pei Zhong’s heart jumped, and he no longer dared delay. Not even having time to wipe the blood from his face, he repeatedly said: “Miss Guo, please! Prince Xu, please!” As he spoke, he led his men to retreat to one side.

Yuan Lie gave a cold laugh and said to the Guo family’s driver: “What are you waiting for? Move!”

Inside the carriage, Li Weiyang couldn’t help smiling slightly. Yuan Lie was even more arrogant than before. Acting this way was clearly showing disrespect to Empress Pei. However, he was a prince of the first rank—a mere gatekeeping dog dared to obstruct him? He certainly deserved a slap across the face, and a harsh one at that!

To attend the night banquet, Li Weiyang wore a light pink jacket with a green smoky gauze half-sleeve over it, tied with a slender and graceful light green gauze skirt. Her hair was styled by Madam Guo herself into a flying cloud coiffure, looking both elegant and distinctive. She didn’t wear any particularly precious jewelry, just a single bright emerald green hairpin, which added a touch of elegance to the corners of her eyes and brows. Combined with that faint expression, when she slowly passed by the jade-green water’s edge, she attracted countless gazes.

Li Weiyang seemed oblivious to the eyes around her, quietly accompanying Madam Guo. The Guo family men went to the seats for male guests. Walking along, Li Weiyang saw carved balustrades and jade structures in the garden. Countless daughters from prestigious families had already gathered in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing cheerfully, their joyful voices continuously carrying over the sound of water. From the corner of her eye, she suddenly caught a pale purple floating shadow. Her gaze shifted slightly and met directly with those eyes full of resentment. In the blink of an eye, Pei Bao’er in purple robes had already changed to another expression—smiling graciously, her eyes burning bright, turning her head to speak with the young Miss Wang beside her. Her entire person seemed like a crabapple blossom under the bright moon—at first glance, a startling glimpse, beautiful indeed, but making one feel she was difficult to approach.

At this time, the Emperor and various consorts had already taken their seats. From afar, one could see Imperial Consort Guo in splendid attire, adorned magnificently and smiling. Imperial Consort Guo lightly nodded toward Li Weiyang in acknowledgment. Li Weiyang returned a faint smile, then heard the Emperor raise his cup: “Today on this Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone should drink heartily—no one leaves until drunk!” These few words sounded like a toast. Those nearby immediately stood up in response, together wishing His Majesty: “Health and longevity, wishing Yuexi prosperity and peace!”

The Emperor’s gaze swept around the assembly, then he suddenly turned back and asked: “Where is Consort Li?”

Empress Pei’s face showed only indifference: “She said she has a surprise for Your Majesty today. Your Majesty should just watch and enjoy.”

Li Weiyang glanced at the various consorts. Empress Pei was absolutely gorgeous and dignified, Imperial Consort Guo was stately and imposing, Consort Zhou was charming and alluring, Noble Consort Chen was supremely noble. Only the legendarily most favored Consort Ge Li was nowhere to be seen. Li Weiyang was quite curious about Consort Ge Li. She had always wanted to know what extraordinary qualities Consort Ge Li possessed to make the Emperor regard her with such favor. After all, over these many years, the Emperor had gradually stopped visiting the harem, yet this Consort Ge Li could still so casually enter and exit His Majesty’s study… This woman was truly not to be underestimated.

As Li Weiyang was thinking this, she noticed a gaze fixed on her from not far away. She raised her head and looked, meeting Pei Bi’s eyes directly. Pei Bi raised his cup in a distant toast, gazing at her from afar.

A flash of killing intent crossed Li Weiyang’s heart, but her face showed a smile, appearing unconcerned.

Just at this moment, everyone suddenly heard the sound of a jade flute, approaching from far away, then receding from near to far, as if across the vast heavens, one’s imagination wandering endlessly back and forth. Immediately following, they heard the sounds of pipa, Qiang drums, and silk strings successively joining in. This playing and music sounded extremely moving, creating an ethereal and illusory artistic conception. Moreover, because of the clever arrangement, the pipa, guqin, and flute sounds complemented each other wonderfully, as if they were heavenly music transmitted from the night sky, profound yet delicate, lingering around people’s ears for a long time without dissipating, carrying a flavor that made one feel as if floating among immortals.

The scene fell silent for a moment, then maidens dressed in colored garments emerged one by one. Looking carefully, there were actually ninety-four of them. Among them, the woman in the very center wore red gauze, swaying her long sleeves as she was surrounded and emerged. On the scene, including this red-robed dancer, there were ninety-five people in total, representing the meaning of the ninety-five supremacy. They saw this red-gauze woman surrounded by the many dancers, advancing and retreating, turning and circling, enchantingly graceful. Though the dancers were numerous and all wore very brilliant garments, the other ninety-four could in no way match the dance movements of the one woman in the center. Viewed from afar, the red-gauze woman’s figure spun lightly, as if red clouds were floating and dancing. Gathering and advancing together, those slender delicate hands were as lovely and soft as willow branches. The red dress flew and floated like an enchanting flame, drifting in the night sky.

Li Weiyang glanced once and felt that woman’s beautiful eyes glancing seductively, with an indescribable charming manner. Her dancing sleeves fluttered, revealing countless variations of allure. Combined with that magnificent and complex dance music, it moved people’s hearts even more. The civil and military officials and female family members present were all mesmerized, feeling this woman’s dance was enchanting, yet her demeanor was incomparably noble—clearly she was a celestial maiden descended from the Moon Palace!

Li Weiyang’s face showed a thoughtful smile. She heard Madam Guo beside her say: “This is Consort Ge Li.”

Li Weiyang confirmed her guess in her heart and looked even more carefully toward Consort Ge Li. In that gauze-like misty ethereal fairyland, the jade flute’s sound was melodious and graceful, making one almost doubt this was the Jade Terrace or the peak of the Jade Mountains. That red cloud drifted through the celestial pool of fairyland, appearing so eye-catching, so precious, making it impossible for anyone to look away. So this was Consort Ge Li, the consort so beloved by the Emperor!

Amid the singing and dancing, no one noticed Prince Xu Yuan Lie seemingly drunk, quietly leaving his seat.

When Consort Ge Li stopped dancing and gracefully walked before the Emperor to bow and pay her respects, the Emperor’s face showed a smile for the first time: “My beloved consort’s dancing is truly outstanding!”

Consort Ge Li’s smile appeared on her face: “Your Majesty flatters me. This humble consort dares not accept such praise—it merely brought a smile to Your Majesty!” As the Emperor’s favored consort, she could actually lower herself to perform a dance at the Mid-Autumn banquet—firstly, this showed her favor; secondly, it showed her magnanimity.

The Emperor laughed heartily, his brow unusually relaxed, and called out loudly: “Someone! Bestow upon my beloved consort one hundred bushels of bright pearls!”

Upon these words, Consort Ge Li’s face immediately showed a smile. She thanked him graciously before returning to her seat. Consort Zhou beside her, with her pair of dark gleaming eyes, looked at her: “No wonder sister avoided everyone for so long—turns out you were secretly arranging songs and dances to shine brilliantly today!”

Though her words were pleasant, they made one feel thorns in their back. Consort Ge Li smiled faintly without speaking.

Seeing her not respond, Consort Zhou didn’t restrain herself but continued: “Sister went to such effort—no wonder you alone receive the Emperor’s favor!”

These words carried infinite sarcasm. Consort Ge Li’s brow finally moved, and she only smiled slightly: “This humble consort is slow-witted. Consort Zhou praises me too highly!”

Consort Zhou curved her lips, concealing the contempt in her eyes, and said lightly: “However, to bring out such trivial little schemes before a large public gathering to make a fool of yourself—truly laughable!”

Consort Ge Li’s color changed slightly. Consort Zhou felt triumphant in her heart, carefully pursing her smile between dignified lips, saying lightly: “Sister holds the rank of consort after all. Next time, such things that performers do—better not to do them anymore.”

Consort Ge Li struggled, her lips slowly drawing into an arc: “The way of song and dance is this consort’s good method for relieving loneliness. Sister might as well try it. After all, you have far more leisure days than this consort…” Speaking to here, she suddenly stopped, her smile carrying special meaning. “Isn’t that right, Imperial Consort Hui?”

Imperial Consort Guo vaguely sensed the other party’s words were somewhat unusual—clearly mocking Consort Zhou for not receiving the Emperor’s favor, yet deliberately dragging herself into it. Seeing Consort Zhou’s expression change, Imperial Consort Guo’s eyes turned toward Consort Ge Li who was still smiling, and said neither lightly nor heavily: “Sister Consort Li’s dance was performed very well, and His Majesty also liked it very much. In the future, if there’s an opportunity, why not pass on these skills to the people in the palace, so they too can share some of His Majesty’s favor.”

Consort Ge Li finally smiled, speaking word by word: “This is not something just anyone can learn.”

Imperial Consort Guo smiled: “Yes, sister is as beautiful as a celestial maiden. One cannot find a second such beauty in the world—others naturally cannot learn it.”

Upon hearing these words, Consort Zhou gave another cold laugh, her expression indifferent: “So what! She merely relies on bearing some resemblance.”

Consort Ge Li’s eyes flashed with barely perceptible resentment, but she suppressed her anger: “Consort Zhou, please watch your words!”

Consort Zhou lowered her voice: “Is it not so? Though I never had the opportunity to see that Princess Qixia of years past, I heard her dance was peerless and her appearance outstanding—a peerless beauty. Back then, everyone said when Princess Qixia’s carriage occasionally passed through the streets and she inadvertently lifted the curtain to smile at those outside, she could literally entrance people to death. Such beauty—I’m afraid Sister Consort Li cannot match it!”

Consort Ge Li’s face turned pale. Various thoughts surged in her heart—chaotic, sharp, painful—all flooding forth at once. Her heart fiercely resented Consort Zhou, yet she suddenly turned her head to glance in the Emperor’s direction. The Emperor merely lowered his head drinking wine, not knowing what he was thinking. His gaze didn’t fall on her—clearly he hadn’t noticed this side. In an instant, she already understood. The Emperor was intimate and affectionate with her, showering her with extraordinary favor, but merely treated her as that person’s shadow! After all these years, hadn’t she always understood this clearly?

Her heart ached faintly. Suppressing all the anger and unease in her heart, she only smiled lightly: “Matters of the past—His Majesty has already said that whoever dares discuss them privately will be executed without mercy! Does Sister Consort Zhou wish to taste this experience?”

Consort Zhou gave a cold laugh and turned her face away: “As long as sister can accept it, what more can I say? I’m just being meddlesome!” Having finished this sentence, Consort Zhou’s expression instantly became calm as water again, that sharpness in her words hidden only in leisurely self-mockery.

Seeing the two of them locked in confrontation, Imperial Consort Guo couldn’t help sighing. Days in this palace passed like this amid such sarcasm day after day. In truth, no one could truly harm another—what was the point? It was merely verbal sparring that only made others laugh! But without striving and competing, living was the same as dying—even more lonely. At this moment, she raised her eyes and glanced at Empress Pei sitting not far away. She still smiled as before without the slightest change, completely ignoring the consorts’ disputes.

Imperial Consort Guo took a deep breath, her heart desolate yet filled with other thoughts. The imperial household was precisely like this! Over these many years, the harem had countless beauties, but those who could truly withstand the settling of time and remain by His Majesty’s side as consorts numbered only a few. Consort Zhou counted as one, Consort Ge Li counted as one, Noble Consort Chen counted as another, and what remained was herself. Yet among all of them, the only one who stood unshakeable was Empress Pei alone. Empress Pei had entered the palace in her youth. Over these decades, she must have experienced untold hardships not fit for others to know. But now she held power over life and death, controlled family and state affairs. Within that supreme beauty, time had granted her another kind of dignified and peaceful bearing. No matter when one looked at her, the Empress’s gaze remained indifferent yet reserved, seemingly containing a smile, yet no one dared behave presumptuously before her.

At this moment, Noble Consort Chen’s gaze drifted over with seeming nonchalance. Imperial Consort Guo lowered her head, avoiding Noble Consort Chen’s searching eyes. The enmity between the Guo and Chen families was already known to everyone. Though people didn’t know Guo Yan was hiding in the Guo residence, everyone knew the Chen family’s daughter had left the Guo family and would never return. Those ignorant of the truth believed that after the incident with Guo Yan occurred, the Chen family’s daughter had trimmed her sails to the wind, immediately changing direction and returning to her natal home, intending to completely sever relations with the Guo family. Regarding this matter, no one from the Chen family stepped forward to explain. Instead, they allowed this rumor to spread more and more fiercely, to the point where some people looked at Noble Consort Chen with somewhat peculiar expressions.

Imperial Consort Guo knew the truth in her heart. She and Noble Consort Chen merely found it difficult to speak. Clever people wouldn’t fixate on momentary gains and losses. What would ultimately become of the Guo and Chen families—time would decide.

At this moment, a light breeze brought the rich fragrance of flowers. Li Weiyang lowered her head holding her wine cup, her serene face showing no ripples. The long crystal tassels hanging from the emerald hairpin in her hair gently swayed, making that plain white face appear even more gentle and beautiful. No matter who spoke to Li Weiyang, she could respond with propriety and grace, always wearing a warm smile—neither childish nor mature—making people feel inexplicably fond of her. And Madam Guo was also as always, without any change. Everyone observed this and had different calculations regarding Guo Yan’s matter.

However, Madam Guo’s heart was anxious. Especially since the banquet had progressed halfway and she still hadn’t seen Guo Dao’s figure, she couldn’t help asking anxiously in a low voice: “Jia’er, can your Fifth Brother truly arrive in time? This banquet will end in just one more hour!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Mother need not worry. Fifth Brother has always been reliable in his work. I think he’s already reached the palace gates by now!”

Across from them, Pei Bi saw Li Weiyang and her mother whispering and a cold smile crossed his lips: Li Weiyang, oh Li Weiyang, do you really think everything is within your calculations? I’m afraid the Guo Dao you’re waiting for will never have the means to deliver that evidence before His Majesty!

At this moment, at the outer palace gates, Guo Dao looked travel-worn, riding hard and fast, galloping urgently in from outside the palace gates. Pei Zhong thought to himself that he had indeed come and immediately called out loudly: “Who goes there? Dismount at once!”

From afar, Guo Dao raised the token in his hand: “His Majesty’s golden token is here—may pass freely throughout the palace without dismounting!” As he spoke, he instead spurred his horse faster, galloping urgently toward the palace interior. This golden token was bestowed by His Majesty upon Prince Xu Yuan Lie—there was only one in the entire realm. Pei Zhong naturally recognized it, but at this moment he gave a look to the deputy general beside him. Immediately over a hundred soldiers surged forth, completely surrounding Guo Dao’s mount.

Pei Zhong called out sternly: “Bold villain, daring to run wild before the palace gates! Seize him at once!”

Guo Dao said coldly: “I hold the golden token and have urgent business to see His Majesty. How dare you lay hands on me!”

Pei Zhong’s gaze was sinister. He spoke to someone waiting in the dark shadows nearby: “General Zhao, this person says he has urgent business to see His Majesty. What do you think?” From the crowd emerged a young, powerfully built man wearing soft armor, with very high cheekbones and a pair of eyes tinged with gray-blue. He gave a cold laugh: “Guo Dao, don’t waste your effort. You have no way to deliver this evidence before His Majesty!”

Recognizing this person at a glance as Zhao Zong’s son Zhao Xianghe, Guo Dao raised his eyebrows and called out loudly: “What are you trying to do? Are you planning to silence me? This is the palace gates—do you truly dare to be so audacious!”

Zhao Xianghe laughed heartily: “Don’t think that because you come from the Guo residence, we won’t dare do anything to you! You should know that a banquet is currently underway in the palace. You, riding alone, attempting to break into the palace—naturally you’ll be stopped by the soldiers. Moreover, you refused to submit to inspection. Being accidentally killed in the struggle—isn’t this perfectly normal? You can only blame yourself for being too reckless, revealing your whereabouts! “Speaking thus, he called out sternly: “What are you waiting for? Strike him down from his horse at once! Are we to let this traitor break in and disrupt His Majesty’s grand banquet?”

Over a hundred soldiers immediately advanced with weapons drawn. Cold light flashed in the night sky, bringing a wave of murderous aura. Guo Dao gripped the golden token tightly in his hand, his eyes flashing with barely perceptible sharpness. In that split second, everyone suddenly heard the sound of galloping hoofbeats from outside the palace. Pei Zhong was startled. Before he could react, he saw several hundred black-armored cavalry had already surrounded the palace gates completely, every one radiating killing intent, their bearing composed yet carrying overwhelming murderous aura. Pei Zhong angrily shouted: “Who dares gather troops here?”

A nobly dressed, haughty man sat high upon his mount, riding out from behind to appear before the Imperial Guards, joining forces with the black-armored cavalry before them. This face, Pei Zhong would never forget. He said coldly: “Prince Xu, you should be attending the banquet inside. What is the meaning of this?”

Yuan Lie’s gaze swept over them, his expression very calm as he said in a deep voice: “Someone secretly reported to me that Pei Zhong and Zhao Xianghe harbor treasonous intentions, plotting rebellion. The rest are all His Majesty’s Imperial Guards—how can they assist tyrants? If your hearts harbor no treason, withdraw to the side. If you refuse to retreat, all will be executed by arrows!”

In mere moments, the military order had been transmitted. A voice like thunder called out as the deputy general immediately raised Prince Xu’s command high, repeating it loudly three times. The several hundred Imperial Guards present all heard clearly and couldn’t help but change color. Prince Xu speaking thus, some in the crowd were already panicking in fear. The situation appeared about to spiral out of control. Pei Zhong gave a cold laugh and called out loudly: “Prince Xu, you spread rumors and cause trouble here, gathering military forces to create chaos—clearly you intend rebellion! Yet you dare spread such lies to confuse the masses! Someone, seize them at once!”

Immediately over ten deputies fiercely loyal to Pei Zhong charged forward. Yuan Lie laughed coldly and lightly waved his hand. The black-armored cavalry behind him released several long arrows. The arrow shadows flew like streaming light, shooting into the crowd and pinning those dozen-plus soldiers to the ground. The entire scene was shocked. Though the Imperial Guards were experienced and strictly controlled, they actually looked at the fully armed troops of Prince Xu with fearful eyes.

Guo Dao smiled slightly, presenting the golden token and calling out loudly: “His Majesty’s golden token is here! Prince Xu acts on His Majesty’s orders to capture Zhao Xianghe. Yet Pei Zhong harbors treasonous schemes, attempting to shield the criminal. If you were considered traitors, His Highness would have long since ordered a siege. Now Prince Xu, considerate that you are all deceived, commands that as long as you obey military orders and withdraw, His Highness will absolutely not pursue the matter!”

With His Majesty’s golden token present, it was as if His Majesty himself had arrived—all must obey commands. Seeing this, the Imperial Guards involuntarily retreated one after another. Only then did Pei Zhong panic. Yuan Lie glanced his way, and behind him Zhao Nan immediately led several cavalry flying from Yuan Lie’s rear. Like an eagle seizing a chicken, they advanced and struck Pei Zhong’s long sword to the ground. Before he and Zhao Xianghe could struggle, they had already twisted their arms behind their backs and pressed them kneeling to the ground.

Seeing disaster suddenly descend, both Pei Zhong and Zhao Xianghe’s expressions changed drastically. Zhao Xianghe was the most pathetic. Kneeling on the ground, his voice trembling, he said: “Your Highness, I have always been loyal to the nation. What is this talk of treason? I merely came to attend the banquet and, hearing someone was breaking into the palace, rushed here wanting to protect His Majesty. This accusation of treason is a tremendous injustice! Please investigate clearly, Your Highness!”

Yuan Lie’s eyes were exceptionally cold, his face showing neither joy nor anger. He impatiently waved his hand, and immediately someone bound both Pei Zhong and Zhao Xianghe. Pei Zhong, knowing the situation was dire, gave a look to his deputy general beside him. The deputy immediately quietly retreated, about to escape and report the news. But then a sharp blade flashed with deadly light under the moon. That deputy’s head immediately fell to the ground, his wailing simultaneously ceasing! Blood splattered across the warriors’ robes!

Yuan Lie said coldly: “Zhao Nan, you will immediately take three hundred cavalry to surround the Zhao residence. Capture all members of the Zhao faction and interrogate them on the spot to discover all their accomplices. Any who resist—execute without mercy!” Speaking thus, he turned his horse’s head toward the Xiushui Gate direction. On the palace corridor paved with blue bricks, his horse galloped swiftly past, the horseshoes striking the surface and producing loud sounds. The fifty-plus cavalry behind him simultaneously followed. The previously relatively quiet palace interior suddenly echoed with tremendous sounds.

The fine horses rushed like mad wind, instantly sweeping past pavilions and halls, moving swift as wind throughout.

At this moment, someone had already reported everything to the Emperor. Yet upon learning of it, he merely smiled faintly and said: “Let him be!” Then he continued the banquet with a normal expression as if he had heard nothing.

Yuan Lie didn’t head toward the garden but instead led fifty cavalry straight to that night’s duty station. According to Yuexi imperial customs, each night an official would be on duty in the palace. This official would be responsible for transmitting His Majesty’s edicts. Because Yuan Lie held the golden token, his passage was completely unobstructed throughout. The gatekeeper first saw the arrivals were all in unarmored bright weapons and was shocked. Then seeing the leader was Prince Xu Yuan Lie, he quickly knelt in obeisance.

Yuan Lie’s eyes looked straight ahead. He strode rapidly toward the main hall. Reaching halfway, he saw Zhao Tuo reviewing documents. Hearing footsteps, Zhao Tuo suddenly raised his head. Before he could react, he saw dozens of Prince Xu’s cavalry, fierce as wolves and tigers, rushing toward him. Yuan Lie ordered the soldiers to surround him completely, then smiled: “Lord Zhao, His Majesty requests your presence!”

Zhao Tuo called out sternly: “Prince Xu, you actually allow people to assault others within the palace!”

Yuan Lie’s gaze was bright as snow. He only laughed coldly: “Whether it’s assault or eliminating traitors, Lord Zhao will know shortly!”

Zhao Tuo was Zhao Zong’s blood brother, currently serving as Vice Minister of War. He forcefully shook off the soldiers’ hands attempting to seize him and said in a deep voice: “Stand back! I can walk myself!” His voice carried his usual authoritative tone. Yuan Lie thought to himself that he still didn’t know his death was imminent. But his face showed an even more composed smile: “Very well, I’ll give Lord Zhao some face—let him walk himself. You all follow behind. I doubt he can sprout wings and fly!”

Zhao Tuo snorted coldly: “Prince Xu, though you enjoy His Majesty’s favor, the road ahead is dark. I advise you not to be too pleased with yourself. Now the Guo family is already walking on thin ice, extremely dangerous. If you know what’s good for you, you should seek another master, lest you end up buried alongside the Guo family!”

Yuan Lie smiled: “Lord Zhao need not worry on my behalf. I’m only afraid you’ll never see tomorrow’s sun! Better think about how to escape—that’s the right path!”

Zhao Tuo’s face showed triumph: “Hmph! I’d like to know what ability you have to reverse the case for the Guo family!”

Yuan Lie smiled slightly: “Is that so? Then please wait and see!”

Seeing his smiling face, his eyes faintly revealing an unbridled wild manner, Zhao Tuo’s heart jumped in alarm. He thought to himself: Could the other party truly have seized some evidence against the Zhao family? No! This was absolutely impossible! That witness was already dead, and the evidence had been secretly destroyed by them! Even if the Guo family had eyes and hands reaching heaven, they couldn’t make dead men grow white bones!