Chunjiang Pavilion stood beside the moat, built against the city wall, concealed among flowers, grass, and trees. From inside the pavilion, one could take in the entire capital’s beautiful scenery at a glance. The pavilion’s interior scenery was also extremely wonderful—the arrangements were grand and elegant yet very refined. Not to mention the walls displayed numerous famous calligraphy and paintings, completely unlike the forgeries hanging in ordinary wine houses—these were all authentic works. One after another, almost too many to take in. Since Chunjiang Pavilion opened for business, distinguished guests and outstanding talents gathered here. Many daughters of wealthy families especially loved holding poetry gatherings and singing parties here, but having money and power wasn’t enough—if you wanted to reserve a table, you had to wait two months in line.
At this moment, Li Weiyang sat on a rosewood embroidered couch, able to smell the misty fragrance wafting from the incense burner, making one feel as if in a celestial realm, between illusion and reality. Right beside the railing was the moat. A gentle breeze blew over, carrying fresh air into the pavilion. The windows on the upper floor creaked softly. Li Weiyang watched this scene and turned back to look at Yuan Lie, “This truly is a wonderful place.”
Yuan Lie smiled faintly, “When I first took it over, this wine house was nearly bankrupt. Fortunately I planned early, so I could rescue it in time. Half a year has passed, and it’s already a completely different scene.”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Yuan Lie was a very talented person. His talent wasn’t just demonstrated in government affairs and strategy, but even more in his formidable business acumen. Even the nearly bankrupt Chunjiang Pavilion had developed and flourished in his hands, now becoming one of the most famous wine houses in the entire capital. Ordinary wealthy households couldn’t reserve seats—only first-class noble families could.
So when Yuan Lie mentioned coming to eat at Chunjiang Pavilion, Li Weiyang had reminded him to reserve early. Who knew that upon arriving here, she would discover Yuan Lie was actually Chunjiang Pavilion’s behind-the-scenes owner. Yuan Lie himself seemed extremely fond of this Chunjiang Pavilion. The private room they were currently in was one he had specially kept for himself, for enjoying scenery and entertaining rather special guests. He said proudly, “You don’t usually like going out. Seeing you like this place, from now on this room will be specially reserved for you and no longer receive outside guests. Whenever you’re happy, come sit for a while and relax.”
Li Weiyang glanced at him and said somewhat regretfully, “This is certainly a good place, but keeping it just for me alone is very wasteful. I heard reserving a table here costs five hundred taels of silver—that’s no small amount. You must be earning quite handsomely now.”
Yuan Lie’s smile deepened as he leaned against the railing shamelessly, “I need to save up more dowry money so our wedding can be held magnificently and respectably in the future. Don’t you agree?”
Li Weiyang couldn’t help glaring at him. Yuan Lie’s words were clearly preparing for their departure from Yuexi. Just then, Yuan Lie clapped his hands, “Alright, bring up the dishes!”
The door immediately opened and several beautiful maids filed in, all wearing identical jade-green dresses, their appearances graceful and uncommonly attractive. Li Weiyang looked at them carefully, her eyes smiling at Yuan Lie, “Indeed, considerable effort went into selecting the maids here.”
Yuan Lie’s eyes were calm and peaceful as he looked at her confidently, “These women all underwent special training and are talented in all arts. If guests on a whim need to watch songs and dances but can’t arrange a stage, they can substitute. However, that costs extra—three hundred taels per performance.”
With each dish served, a maid would announce the dish’s name and preparation method: Brocade Phoenix Tail Fish, Yam Quail, Fragrant Chicken, Immortal Soup, and Aloe Drunken Fish.
Seeing Li Weiyang interested, Yuan Lie was extremely pleased, “The so-called Immortal Soup is made using eighteen different kinds of mushrooms, specially prepared as mushroom broth. Regular consumption can strengthen the body and extend life. Among them is one variety that grows on cliff precipices—a single one is worth a thousand gold pieces. But the more precious it is, the more guests will flock to it.”
Li Weiyang nodded and looked at the table full of steaming, fragrant, delicious dishes, then smiled, “There’s also this pot of ginseng chicken soup—it looks ordinary. What’s special about it?”
Yuan Lie grew even more proud, his braid practically pointing to the sky, “In the soup, I instructed people to add ginseng, astragalus, ginkgo nuts, ginkgo seeds, vanilla, chamomile and other ingredients. It looks no different from ordinary chicken soup, but it’s actually extremely nutritious.”
These were all common ingredients—how did that make it nutritious? Li Weiyang deliberately provoked him, only scoffing, “What nutrition? Isn’t it just to raise the price?”
Seeing his scheme exposed by the other party, Yuan Lie instead smiled even more happily. He actively took a lotus bowl and personally ladled Li Weiyang a bowl of soup from a transparent glass vessel, then placed it before her, “Taste this soup and see if it’s good.”
Li Weiyang gently took a spoonful to her lips, tasted it, and her expression showed three parts surprise, “This soup’s flavor is very strange. At first it’s sour and salty, then the tongue tip tastes bitter, followed by sourness again, and tasting to the end there’s a slight sweetness. This flavor is truly peculiar. What kind of soup is this?”
Yuan Lie smiled, “This soup contains over twenty kinds of medicinal herbs. I expended great effort researching it—delicious, attractive, and medicinal. It’s called The Five Flavors of Life.”
Li Weiyang looked at him, smiling ambiguously, “I’m afraid this bowl of soup is also worth quite a bit.”
Yuan Lie raised a finger and waved it before her eyes, “This bowl costs forty taels of silver.”
Li Weiyang laughed. Forty taels? Ordinary common people’s families would need two or three years. Yuan Lie truly charged sky-high prices. Yet despite this, Chunjiang Pavilion remained packed with people, everyone flocking to it. Even private rooms were booked three months out—you couldn’t even get in line. It showed how people loved novelty.
Yuan Lie smiled, “The higher the price, the more precious it is, the more people treat it as treasure. Actually, this bowl of soup contains only ordinary medicinal herbs, nothing extraordinary. But change the name and they think it’s extremely precious.”
Li Weiyang nodded. This was indeed an excellent opportunity to accumulate wealth. Seeing Yuan Lie’s noble young master appearance, outsiders would never imagine he was clearly a miser. Just as she was about to say something, an attendant walked to Yuan Lie’s side and spoke a few words quietly in his ear. Yuan Lie raised his eyebrows, “Oh! Really?”
The attendant immediately responded, “Yes!”
Yuan Lie glanced at Li Weiyang and said in a low voice, “I’m going outside to handle some matters. I’ll be right back. Just wait here for me and don’t leave.”
Li Weiyang thought to herself what had happened? However, since Yuan Lie didn’t say, she didn’t plan to ask. She only said gently, “Go ahead. I’ll just be here enjoying the delicious food and won’t leave.”
Only then did Yuan Lie feel reassured. He stood and quickly walked out. The matter Yuan Lie needed to handle was simple—just a table of guests who had drunk too much and started causing trouble. They didn’t know whose territory this was, so relying on their status, they wanted to smash up the establishment. When Yuan Lie appeared, that table of noble young masters were naturally frightened enough. They never imagined Prince Xu would also appear here and couldn’t help freezing in shock.
Yuan Lie’s gaze swept around in a circle. Regarding the people in this private room, everything was already very clear. The person in the head seat stood up with a “whoosh,” looking tongue-tied. Then the others also collectively stood up with a swish—all except two people still sitting there. One was drunk and unconscious, the other’s eyes were flushed red, clearly severely drunk and completely unable to recognize who stood before him. The person in the head seat had already changed to a different face, smiling obsequiously, “Your Highness, so this is your establishment.”
Yuan Lie glanced back. An attendant immediately stepped forward and pulled out a chair. He gracefully sat without speaking, only looking at the other party with cold, indifferent eyes.
A room full of people wearing magnificent robes, fierce and arrogant wastrel young masters, stood there looking at each other, momentarily not daring to speak. Usually they’d only heard about putting on airs—today they truly learned what putting on airs meant. This Prince Xu was much younger than them, yet at this moment before them, he seemed like an elder. It showed that merely having money and power wasn’t enough—one must have an identity and background that made others unable to catch up, to suppress others at every turn.
Yuan Lie’s amber eyes smiled even more brilliantly, “Coming here to drink today, why didn’t you say something? I could have gone to greet you properly.”
The Minister of Rites’ son nearly collapsed to the ground in fright. He knew Prince Xu Yuan Lie’s cunning nature best. The more enthusiastic this person was toward you, the more he would stab you in the back. He was truly someone who couldn’t tolerate a speck of sand in his eye. In the past, his father had already warned him not to get too involved with Prince Xu, and especially not to offend him casually—best to avoid him as far as possible. But now he never imagined Chunjiang Pavilion’s behind-the-scenes owner was actually Yuan Lie. Truthfully, originally he had also leased a wine house near Chunjiang Pavilion called Moon Gazing. Business hadn’t been very good, so he’d used many methods to forcibly suppress this Chunjiang Pavilion. Chunjiang Pavilion’s owner, unable to compete with him, had no choice but to transfer Chunjiang Pavilion out, and his Moon Gazing became increasingly prosperous. He thought he could completely crush his opponent, but didn’t expect that in just half a year, Chunjiang Pavilion would rally and do even more prosperous business than before. Now his Moon Gazing was deserted—all the nobles had run to Chunjiang Pavilion. How could he sit still?
So today he had deliberately brought a group to cause trouble. However, when he saw Yuan Lie walk in, he inwardly cried out in alarm. So the boss behind this Chunjiang Pavilion was Prince Xu—why had he never heard of this before… This was deadly! Seeing Yuan Lie speak with strange intonations, he immediately fawned, “So this wine house belongs to Your Highness. Your Highness is truly ingenious and unique. Admirable! Admirable! This wine house’s business is so good—it truly shows Your Highness’s brilliant decisiveness and unparalleled intelligence…”
He continued flattering, but Yuan Lie’s face darkened upon hearing this. He sneered coldly, “Instead of properly drinking wine, you insist on causing trouble here. Now you plan to have me drink with you? Hmph! Such audacity. You think I don’t know about your dirty dealings? That Moon Gazing is your property. Because business was bad, you deliberately came to pick a fight at my establishment.”
After he finished these words, everyone at the table’s expressions changed. His handsome face instantly became as fierce and malevolent as a rakshasa. Don’t look at how these aristocratic sons usually shouted orders and acted invincible—in the end they were embroidered pillows who hadn’t seen the world. Encountering truly fierce people, they couldn’t even utter a single word of refutation. A room full of people dripping cold sweat, standing there shocked like winter cicadas, except for Censor Liao’s son snoring loudly—the others all made no sound whatsoever. At this time, the person who’d drunk too much suddenly slapped the table and stood up, shouting harshly, “What dog thing are you!”
He was too drunk to recognize Yuan Lie. People beside him turned pale with fright, quickly pulling him back, desperately dragging him outside, afraid he’d cause disaster. He still struggled incessantly, loudly shouting, “Kneel before this grandfather and I’ll forgive you! Otherwise I’ll beat you until you’re searching the ground for your teeth!”
Seeing this person so clueless, Zhao Nan immediately signaled with his eyes. Two guards behind him actually stepped forward, grabbed the drunk person, and with a “splash” tossed him out the window. Everyone was shocked—outside was the moat!
That person fell into the river, inexplicably gulping down a belly full of water, desperately struggling in the river, calling for help. But without Prince Xu’s order, no one dared step forward to save him. The fishermen outside saw this situation and, knowing he’d drunkenly fallen in, all laughed heartily.
Yuan Lie turned his face, narrowing his fierce eyes, surveying everyone once over, then smiled, “You needn’t fear. I’m just here to accompany you, no other meaning.”
The Minister of Rites’ son was frightened to death in his heart, thinking he must appease this evil star and send him away quickly to feel at ease. He quickly said, “Yes! Yes! Everything follows Prince Xu’s lead!”
Yuan Lie smiled faintly, “Since the misunderstanding has been clarified, today ends here. But if you still have any doubts, I’ll visit your manors later to discuss with your fathers.”
Hearing this, how could everyone not nod? They immediately answered respectfully, “Yes, Your Highness!” Even with the greatest courage, they wouldn’t dare harbor bad intentions again. Think about it—if Prince Xu went to their fathers, this batch of second-generation young masters probably wouldn’t have good days ahead.
Someone tested the waters, “That person just now…” The words “should we save him” didn’t dare emerge.
Yuan Lie’s fierce gaze had lost all trace of smile, “Let that person who fell in drink his fill of cold water. Presumably after a while he’ll sober up.”
Li Weiyang sat alone in the private room. She quietly sipped peach blossom wine. Having drunk several more cups, her face inevitably flushed, adding three parts warmth to her cool countenance. From the adjacent private room came sounds of people playing drinking games. Li Weiyang listened quietly for a while, only smiling faintly, pouring and drinking by herself, appearing very content. Earlier she had already sent Yuan Lie and other attendants out. At this moment in the private room, only she remained. Anyway, this was Yuan Lie’s place—absolutely nothing could go wrong.
Just then, someone suddenly pushed the door open. Li Weiyang thought Yuan Lie had finished handling matters and looked up, “You’re back.”
As soon as the words fell, an extremely unexpected person appeared before her eyes. This person was very familiar, with a pair of transparent eyes like morning dew—wasn’t this Lu Zhen who had publicly married an old woman in the great hall last time?
Since Lu Zhen had followed the Emperor’s order to marry an old woman old enough to be his grandmother, he had constantly been melancholy and depressed. Moreover, that old woman was extremely fierce, relying on being the imperial wet nurse to order him around, not even placing his mother in her eyes, as if she were truly a princess. This infuriated him half to death, yet he couldn’t beat or scold her. Even saying half a sentence more, the old woman would clutch her chest saying he deliberately angered her and insist on going to the palace to file a complaint.
Lu Zhen after all wasn’t ordinary. His patience was very good, so he endured it all. But enduring and enduring, that old woman actually grew even more unrestrained, driving away all the beautiful concubines and maids around Lu Zhen, then recruiting over ten black, ugly, large, and clumsy women to serve him, swaying before him daily, clearly to make him cut off those romantic debts.
Thinking of this, Lu Zhen couldn’t help feeling angry. That old woman at such an age could by no means produce pearls from an old clam. His family still hoped someone would continue the Lu lineage. Her presence was fundamentally an obstacle. But that old woman had only married in for a few short days—she couldn’t possibly disappear now, or it would definitely arouse the Emperor’s suspicion. Moreover, the Emperor clearly intended to humiliate him, constantly bestowing ginseng and lingzhi every few days. The old woman delightedly offered these on the hall daily—clearly hoping she would live to a hundred. It seemed she would torment him another ten or eight years. Just seeing that old face, Lu Zhen wished he were dead. Because supervision had intensified, even his outings to drink and feast had decreased in frequency. Today he’d finally caught an opportunity and secretly snuck out of the manor to reserve a room at Chunjiang Pavilion with a group of friends for a banquet. Just now, having drunk too much, he went to relieve himself but accidentally entered the wrong room.
At this moment, seeing a young woman with jade-like beauty in the room, her expression gentle and smile radiant, half his body had already gone soft. His eyes blinked, glancing sideways at Li Weiyang’s profile, secretly pondering: So it’s her!
Then he immediately recalled that day in the great hall when Prince Xu Yuan Lie had refused His Majesty’s arranged marriage. His Majesty had bestowed Miss Wang Zijin to Prince Xu—this was tremendous favor. Who didn’t know Wang Zijin had outstanding appearance and overflowing talent? The Wang family was also an extremely illustrious great clan. Compared to his own situation—one was heaven, one was earth. He had long been jealous of Yuan Lie to death. Yet he hadn’t expected to now encounter Yuan Lie’s beloved. Evil thoughts immediately arose in his heart. Taking advantage of being drunk, he actually truly walked in, even picking up a cup of clear wine from the table and moving close to Li Weiyang’s side, “So it’s Miss Guo. Meeting must be fate—come have a drink with me!” While saying this, he drew close to Li Weiyang, even leaning his face in to joke loudly. That alcoholic breath made Li Weiyang slightly furrow her brows. She now somewhat regretted having just sent Zhao Yue away. Otherwise, how could this fool have gotten in?
Li Weiyang smiled coldly, “Young Master Lu, your eyes are blurred with drink. Can’t you see clearly who I am?”
Lu Zhen smiled ambiguously, attempting to reach out and grab Li Weiyang’s fragrant shoulder, loudly saying, “Of course you’re that beautiful young lady of the Guo family.”
His words just fell when a crisp “smack!” sounded—his face had already taken a slap from Yuan Lie, instantly swelling purple. Just as he was about to retaliate, Yuan Lie’s punch had already knocked him to the ground. He struggled to sit up but was kicked by Yuan Lie again. Finally managing to crawl up with difficulty, Yuan Lie’s toe lightly tapped and he fell back to the ground.
Lu Zhen after all had formidable martial arts. At this moment, his alcohol had sobered considerably. He cursed furiously, “Prince Xu, such audacity! Who do you think you are, daring to hit me!”
Before finishing, his mouth was already blocked by Yuan Lie’s boot. Yuan Lie viciously kicked the shoe into his mouth, then unable to contain his anger, pulled a soft whip from a nearby drawer. With a flick of his hand, he fiercely lashed Lu Zhen, angrily shouting, “What thing are you, daring to touch her even once! You’ve truly eaten a bear’s heart and leopard’s gall!”
Li Weiyang watched coldly, only feeling Lu Zhen was asking for suffering.
At this moment, many people had already been alarmed. Many wine guests outside recognized Lu Zhen and wanted to step forward to mediate, but all were intimidated by Yuan Lie’s long whip and dared not approach. Though Lu Zhen had formidable martial arts, at this moment because of drunkenness his whole body was limp and weak. He could only beg for mercy, “Prince Xu, Your Highness! I was wrong! I was wrong! I beg you to stop, don’t hit me anymore!”
Yuan Lie’s hand grew even more ruthless. He sneered coldly, “Dog thing, don’t even look at who she is! You dare molest anyone—are you insane! You like molesting people? Then you should bear the consequences!”
Lu Zhen’s clothes were all torn, his appearance wretched, gasping for breath as he hastily said, “Yes! Yes! I beg Your Highness to spare this drunkard. From today forward, I fear you and will never dare speak nonsense again!”
Seeing Lu Zhen beaten so thoroughly, finally friends who came with him thought this person was after all Imperial Consort Lu’s younger brother—if something happened here it would be bad. They wanted to step forward to persuade, but Yuan Lie still lashed down whip after whip. Whoever came got a share of whip strikes, so no one could get close. They could only secretly send people to report to the Lu family. Who knew Yuan Lie had already sent people to seal off the corridor—no one could get down, and they could only watch helplessly. Soon Lu Zhen was beaten until his head bled, his face covered with whip marks, even his clothes torn to shreds—extremely wretched.
Someone immediately went to beg Li Weiyang for mercy, persuading her to have Prince Xu stop. But Li Weiyang stood by with folded arms. In her view, this Lu Zhen indeed needed to receive some lesson, otherwise he would only intensify, venting his anger from being inexplicably forced into marriage onto others. Lu Zhen screamed miserably, almost clawing through the walls. From outside the door came a surprised voice, “What’s happening here? Why such commotion?”
Seeing the newcomer, everyone was startled, then loudly said, “Young Master Wang, quickly persuade him! Prince Xu is extremely angry and is nearly beating Young Master Lu to death!”
Wang Ji was shocked, then quickly walked over. He glanced at Lu Zhen and saw the other covered in mud, face torn and bloody, clothes in tatters. Seeing Wang Ji, Lu Zhen immediately rushed over like seeing a savior, “Young Master Wang, you must save me!”
Yuan Lie’s whip was about to fall again but was caught by Wang Ji. Wang Ji’s expression was very stern, “Your Highness, where you can forgive, please forgive.”
Yuan Lie smiled slightly, only saying coldly, “That’s for people, not for beasts.”
Wang Ji frowned. He disliked such aggressive imperial relatives and nobles. Moreover, having received several years of instruction at the temple, he always felt that as long as the other party wasn’t excessive, one should harbor a compassionate heart toward people. So toward Yuan Lie, he immediately felt three parts displeased. He stood firmly in place, tightly gripping Yuan Lie’s whip, saying in a low voice, “Prince Xu, regardless, today I won’t let you beat Young Master Lu to death.”
Yuan Lie smiled ambiguously. With a force of his hand, he actually wrenched the whip back from the other’s grip, completely ignoring him and lashing toward Lu Zhen again. Lu Zhen howled “Ao!” and rolled all over the ground. Originally Wang Ji thought Yuan Lie would stop there, but didn’t expect him to completely disregard his advice. He couldn’t help feeling three parts angry, thinking this Prince Xu was truly going too far, acting so tyrannically. In his view, Lu Zhen had merely lost his virtue momentarily after drinking—there wasn’t any great fault. Whether Prince Xu or the Guo family, neither should be too harsh on a drunk person.
Li Weiyang watching Wang Ji’s expression from the side also understood the other’s thoughts. But she shook her head. If being drunk could excuse causing trouble, then if one killed someone, could that also be forgiven?
Wang Ji also said nothing more. His figure leaped up, directly attacking Yuan Lie with bare fists and empty hands. Yuan Lie sneered coldly, unhurried, making several feints to divert his offensive, then turned back and gave Lu Zhen another whip strike. Lu Zhen’s screams were worse than a slaughtered pig’s. Everyone watching couldn’t help covering their ears.
This Wang Ji came from a famous family and received deep instruction from eminent Shaolin monks. Not only were his martial arts outstanding, but his mental fortitude was extremely firm. They had originally thought that once Wang Ji made a move, Prince Xu Yuan Lie would definitely suffer. But they hadn’t expected that under Wang Ji’s attacks, Yuan Lie could still turn back and give Lu Zhen strike after strike, teaching him a lesson while exchanging blows, not delayed in the slightest. Those movements flowed so smoothly people didn’t dare even blink.
Seeing this situation, Wang Ji’s brow furrowed. Then he stepped forward and exchanged dozens of moves with Yuan Lie before taking advantage of a gap to shout harshly, “Still not leaving quickly!” Lu Zhen immediately crawled outward. Yuan Lie’s gaze was ice-cold. His handsome face carried an innate love of battle and arrogance. He turned, reversed his whip, and lassoed the neck of Lu Zhen who had just been desperately crawling outward, pulling him back.
Seeing Prince Xu still pressing aggressively, refusing to relent, Wang Ji’s eyes couldn’t help flashing with great cold light. He also drew his long sword. In an instant, he used his ultimate technique. That long sword flashed continuous silver light in the air, as if clear lotuses blooming one after another, directly pressing toward Yuan Lie.
Everyone watching such an exciting battle couldn’t help feeling dazzled and delighted. Yuan Lie suddenly released Lu Zhen. Lu Zhen immediately collapsed to the ground, coughing and choking incessantly, his face red and ears flushed, as if about to stop breathing the next moment. Yuan Lie entangled with Wang Ji again. At this time, the two constantly changed moves in the private room. Wang Ji also came from a famous school. His sword techniques were grand and powerful, almost overturning that table. Li Weiyang retreated several steps, standing in a safe place.
At this time, Zhao Yue hurried over. Following Li Weiyang’s instructions, she had gone to the street to buy gifts for the young master. But upon returning and seeing this situation, she quickly protected Li Weiyang to prevent her from being affected.
Yuan Lie took the opportunity to deflect Wang Ji’s long sword, suddenly transferring the whip to his left hand. His right hand pressed the whip’s tail—the other end actually ejected a sharp blade, becoming a strange weapon that was whip in front and blade behind. Yuan Lie’s right foot touched ground, his figure leaping up. For a moment, whip shadows and blade light were like stars filling the sky. Wang Ji’s expression changed. His figure retreated, suddenly forced to the window edge, his body slightly leaning back, barely managing to dodge Yuan Lie’s offensive move.
Yuan Lie used true energy to hold the blade, slowly pressing down, making Wang Ji’s entire body gradually lean backward. In a flash, Wang Ji suddenly attacked toward Yuan Lie’s chin, but didn’t expect Yuan Lie had already leaped up, flashing at extreme speed, then giving Wang Ji a punch. Wang Ji retreated several steps, nearly falling out the window. He smiled bitterly, “Your Highness truly has excellent skills. Wang Ji is impressed.”
What was beautiful about Prince Xu Yuan Lie wasn’t that face. This kind of man—powerful, tough, overflowing with pride and self-respect, yet methods vicious and showing no mercy—was both admirable and lamentable.
Yuan Lie looked at Wang Ji. The other not only had formidable martial arts but deep scheming. Though defeated, he showed no emotion. This battle was quite satisfying. Yuan Lie smiled faintly, “Since Young Master Wang pleads for mercy, I’ll spare him. However, if there’s a next time…” His words didn’t finish, but his gaze had already looked straight at Lu Zhen. Lu Zhen said repeatedly, “I wouldn’t dare! Your Highness, I just drank too much. There absolutely won’t be a next time!” Saying this, Lu Zhen wanted to stand up and withdraw, but heard Yuan Lie say coldly, “From here, crawl all the way out, crawl back to the Lu manor!”
Lu Zhen was shocked but had no choice. He prostrated on the ground and truly crawled outward. Wang Ji saw this scene and wanted to say something but shook his head.
Others seeing no excitement left scattered. For a moment, the room had only the few of them remaining. At this time, hearing a light laugh, Wang Zijin walked in from outside the door. She said in a low voice, “Prince Xu and my brother have also become acquainted through fighting.”
Yuan Lie most detested this woman who disturbed Weiyang’s mood. He didn’t glance at Wang Zijin once, instead turning to Wang Ji, “Young Master Wang truly has excellent martial arts, worthy of being from a famous school.”
Wang Ji thought to himself: Just now you clearly defeated me, yet now you praise my martial arts—isn’t this deliberate mockery? He only smiled with cloud-light, wind-gentle indifference, not taking it to heart.
Seeing Yuan Lie had no intention of acknowledging her, Wang Zijin turned her head toward Li Weiyang with a smile, “Miss Guo, long time no see!”
Calling it “long time no see”—it had only been a few days. Li Weiyang nodded slightly and walked forward, “So Miss Wang and Young Master Wang are also dining at Chunjiang Pavilion?”
Wang Zijin nodded, “Brother said the wine and dishes here are extremely delicious and specially brought me to taste them. Who knew it would turn out to be Prince Xu’s property.”
Li Weiyang only looked at Wang Zijin meaningfully. Did she truly not know this was Prince Xu’s property, or was she deliberately creating an encounter here? However, given Wang Zijin’s proud personality, she probably wasn’t here to seduce Yuan Lie but to find an opportunity to humiliate him. After all, she’d been very unhappy at the great hall. Women were all petty—even the most remarkable women were the same.
Today Wang Zijin’s clothing was very plain, but her figure was tall with a slender waist. Combined with her captivating glances, she was extremely alluring. Walking lightly, what emanated from her body wasn’t ordinary women’s rouge scent but a kind of herb fragrance that made people feel extremely refreshed upon smelling it.
At this time, Wang Ji had already smiled, “Since we have this fate, why not combine two tables into one? I wonder what Prince Xu thinks?”
Yuan Lie looked toward Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang smiled faintly with no intention of refusing, “That would be good!”
So maids re-arranged the private room, setting up another table for them to sit.
Wang Ji looked at Yuan Lie, seeming very curious about him, “From where did Your Highness learn such excellent martial arts? Why are the techniques so unusual? I’ve never seen them before.”
Yuan Lie smiled calmly, “Young Master Wang laughs at me. I studied miscellaneously from childhood with over ten masters. I’m probably mostly self-taught.”
Hearing this, Li Weiyang smiled slightly. What Yuan Lie said wasn’t wrong. Over these years, besides Qin Feng, the Emperor had sent all kinds of martial arts masters before Yuan Lie, letting him choose himself. Yuan Lie learned a bit here, a bit there, finally combining the strengths of many schools to form his own sword technique. However, he sometimes grew bored with swords and constantly invented new strange weapons. Today’s combination of long whip and blade—if ordinary people saw it, they’d probably say he wasn’t doing proper work, inventing strange and bizarre things.
But Wang Ji clearly greatly appreciated it. He pondered for a moment and couldn’t help saying, “Actually, this kind of weapon could be utilized in military affairs.”
Just as he finished speaking, Wang Zijin said, “Brother, what are you saying? How can everything relate to your old profession?”
Wang Ji chuckled. He did have this habit—no matter what, he would think of military applications.
Wang Ji looked toward Yuan Lie, “Your Highness’s illustrious reputation has long spread throughout the world. I just didn’t know Your Highness was originally so young!” Last time at the Emperor’s banquet, Wang Ji hadn’t attended. So this was his first time seeing Prince Xu. He couldn’t help saying, “Truly heroes emerge young!”
Yuan Lie smiled, “These words are more suitable describing Young Master Wang!”
Wang Ji’s expression was composed, “I speak only truth, not deliberate flattery. Your Highness’s martial arts are formidable, but if you could show three parts mercy when striking, that would be even better!”
Yuan Lie’s gaze sank slightly, “Naturally one shows three parts mercy toward people, but there’s no need for that toward beasts!”
Wang Ji didn’t agree, “Everyone makes mistakes. As long as Prince Xu gives an opportunity, surely he will reform!”
Yuan Lie didn’t think so. In his view, some people in this world never knew they were wrong no matter what. He said faintly, “I did this also to make him remember this lesson. Only when the lesson is deep enough will he know not to repeat it in the future.”
Wang Ji’s face couldn’t help showing a trace of disagreement. He had always been tolerant and magnanimous, easily forgiving others’ transgressions. So hearing Yuan Lie say this, he couldn’t help wanting to advise him again. Then Wang Zijin beside him said, “Brother, you’re forcing others again. Not everyone in this world is like you, reluctant even to step on ants.”
Hearing this, Wang Ji couldn’t help laughing, “You’re teasing me again!”
Wang Zijin’s voice was very gentle. Her words came out melodiously pleasant, yet she turned toward Li Weiyang, “Does Miss Guo also enjoy going out to travel?”
Li Weiyang had originally been sitting to the side listening to them talk with a smile. At this moment she shook her head, “I generally stay at home, rarely going out. Today was merely by chance that I encountered this matter—also an accident.”
Wang Zijin nodded and said gently, “I actually hope to one day travel the entire world. However, given the current situation, that probably isn’t very possible.”
Li Weiyang looked at Wang Zijin, her expression thoughtful, “I don’t know what Miss Wang means by this?”
Wang Zijin sighed softly, “Currently, the blockade between Yuexi and Da Zhou is extremely severe, and relations with Da Li aren’t very good either. In all directions, every nation acts independently. If one wanted to travel everywhere, I’m afraid even travel documents would be very difficult to obtain!”
Li Weiyang saw the other’s words carried deep meaning. She deliberately pretended not to understand, only saying softly, “So Miss Wang has aspirations to travel the world freely—such ambition is truly rare for a woman.” Indeed, for ordinary official families’ daughters, their thoughts were merely finding a good marriage, supporting their husband and teaching children, managing their own lives well. But looking at Wang Zijin, her ambitions were quite large.
At this time, Wang Ji spoke up, “When can we all live peacefully together, the people secure in their homes and occupations, all nations’ relations very harmonious? Then we could also travel freely. Sister, the day you speak of surely won’t be very distant.”
Wang Zijin raised her eyes to glance at Wang Ji but said carelessly, “Brother pins hopes on nations coexisting peacefully—I’m afraid that’s not very realistic. Unless someone demonstrates mighty authority and unifies the world, then all nations could freely communicate, going anywhere would be very peaceful. Otherwise, even traveling would always be intermittent, not smooth enough.”
Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s gaze was like ice and snow on a scorching summer day, penetrating straight into the heart, “I didn’t realize Miss Wang harbored such aspirations. If His Majesty learned that even a sheltered young lady could think this way, he’d truly be greatly astonished!”
Wang Zijin’s face reddened slightly, but she heard Li Weiyang continue, “However, if one wanted to unify the realm, that wouldn’t be so easy. Though Yuexi is powerful, Da Zhou also has formidable military strength. Wanting to swallow Da Zhou would be a fool’s dream. Though Da Li is relatively weaker, it also has many famous generals, and with thousands of mountains and rivers blocking the way, it’s very difficult to make a move. I’m afraid Miss Wang will be disappointed.”
Wang Zijin didn’t agree, “Though our nation cannot compare to Da Zhou’s valor, we also have millions of troops, and countless outstanding generals—all wise and brave, capable in battle. Why can’t we think this way? Miss Guo is being too narrow-minded.”
Wang Ji didn’t agree with his sister’s view. He shook his head, “I don’t like war. Once fighting starts, countless common people will be displaced, families destroyed. Making me personally witness shattered mountains and rivers, people suffering—truly unbearable to my heart!”
At this time, Li Weiyang found this amusing. Wang Zijin and Wang Ji seemed reversed—one excessively ambitious, one excessively kind. Were these truly biological siblings? But Li Weiyang clearly agreed more with Wang Ji’s view. She only said calmly, “Every nation has millions of subjects, countless beautiful cities and plains, thousands upon thousands of common people living peaceful lives. Their thoughts are merely living safely, marrying and having children, continuing their lineage, then gradually aging. Such life is very peaceful and harmonious. Does Miss Wang, merely to realize her dream of traveling freely throughout the world, want to ignite the flames of war again?”
Wang Ji looked at Li Weiyang, only feeling he’d met a kindred spirit. The other’s clear elegant features suddenly gained indescribable beauty. He couldn’t help nodding, “Yes! If flames of war ignite, everywhere becomes broken walls and waste ruins. Sister, what scenery would you have left to see!”
Wang Zijin frowned but turned to look at Prince Xu Yuan Lie, “What does Your Highness think?”
Prince Xu looked up, momentarily stunned, “I’m not interested in national affairs. I was actually thinking—is there any better method to improve this Immortal Soup to make it even more delicious?”
Hearing Yuan Lie say this, Wang Zijin’s expression clearly flashed with disappointment. Then she actively stood up and said to Wang Ji, “Brother, we also shouldn’t disturb them too long. We should take our leave.”
Wang Ji was somewhat surprised, thinking to himself, wasn’t it you who wanted to come greet them? How are you changing your mind now? Thinking this, he had already quickly stood up, “Good, then we’ll leave first. You two, please enjoy.”
Li Weiyang and Yuan Lie watched them leave. Li Weiyang smiled slightly, her autumn water eyes clear and brilliant, “Looks like she came to size up a prospective husband!”
Yuan Lie’s gaze revealed a trace of disdain, appearing completely dismissive.
Li Weiyang thought for a moment, her tone calm, “She deliberately used those words to test you just now, to see whether you’re emperor material. This Miss Wang—she’s somewhat interesting.”
Yuan Lie’s naturally smiling mouth corners slightly sank as he said with annoyance, “What’s interesting about such a woman? Looking at her makes me lose my appetite.” Then he seemed to suddenly remember something, looking toward Li Weiyang, “Her ideal is traveling freely throughout the world, but she dislikes this inconvenience and that inconvenience—truly troublesome. Jia’er, is your ideal still the same as before?”
Li Weiyang slightly narrowed her eyes, “I’m not very interested in all that. As for the so-called traveling throughout the world, wouldn’t being an ordinary commoner also be fine? Going everywhere, who would stop you? She deliberately said that just now merely as an excuse to start the conversation. If you’d just performed to her satisfaction, she’d probably truly have some interest in you. But you were so unhelpful—she’s probably already categorized you as a wastrel young master in her heart!”
Yuan Lie said indifferently, “So what if I’m a wastrel? I don’t need her appreciation.” Then he looked at Li Weiyang, “I remember you once said you always wanted to go with me to a place you like, do happy things, not needing glory and wealth, not needing high position and authority, only needing simple, peaceful life. Right?”
Li Weiyang nodded, looking at him steadily, “Yes, that’s what I think in my heart. It’s never changed.”
Yuan Lie’s expression couldn’t help warming slightly, his tone straightforward, “In that case, don’t mind Father Emperor or what Miss Wang of the Wang family—these people have no relation to us. As long as Empress Pei dies, we’ll pack up and leave. Isn’t that good?”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “That’s what I want, but what about you?”
Yuan Lie was stunned by her question, then said, “Me? What about me?”
Li Weiyang sighed softly, “You’re only keeping your promise to me by not competing or fighting for it. But now in your heart, between the realm and me, I’m more important. However, one day in the future, perhaps you’ll regret it!” This sentence had circled in Li Weiyang’s heart for a long time. At this time she spoke it aloud. Her voice carried a trace of floating quality, but her expression was very firm, “Perhaps ten years later, you’ll deeply regret that back then, between the realm and me, you chose me. If that’s the case, then I’ve completely lost!”
Yuan Lie frowned, “Today I abandon this realm so decisively—in the future I also won’t have the slightest lingering attachment. Now I’m already very happy, very happy. As long as I stay by your side, no matter where, I’ll be equally happy and joyful! Whether I have the realm or not, to me, it fundamentally doesn’t matter!”
Li Weiyang looked at Yuan Lie. His gaze held wordless determination. She knew what the other said was all true. Only now did she feel somewhat reassured. She understood Yuan Lie’s temperament—he said what he meant, never wavering, absolutely no ambiguity or concealment. Since that was the case, what did she have to be uneasy about? What did Wang Zijin matter? What did the Emperor matter? Who could block her?! Who had such ability?!
At this time, having exited Chunjiang Pavilion, Wang Zijin’s expression had cooled. She turned to Wang Ji, “Brother, what kind of person do you think this Prince Xu Yuan Lie is?”
Wang Ji sighed softly, “Formidable martial arts but deep and scheming—I also can’t discern anything for the moment.”
Wang Zijin said coldly, “Either he’s deliberately hiding his abilities or he’s a wastrel young master. But I believe the person His Majesty intended to marry me to is definitely no ordinary person. Otherwise, he absolutely wouldn’t have chosen him.”
Saying this, her expression flashed with determination. But Wang Ji poured cold water on her, “Silly girl, didn’t you see? He and that Miss Guo from the Guo family are clearly a couple. You rashly going up to interfere—I’m afraid that’s not good!”
Wang Zijin’s gaze shifted, lightly glancing at the private room on that second floor, her expression growing even more composed, “In such matters, there’s no first come first served. Moreover, I’m not doing this from selfish motives—it’s just that His Majesty hopes to facilitate this marriage. For the Wang family, isn’t this also a great opportunity?”
Wang Ji shook his head, “But I always feel this matter is very improper. You must know the Guo family also isn’t easy to provoke. If you snatch away the son-in-law the Guo family favors, I’m afraid this matter will become troublesome! Moreover, I think Miss Guo and Yuan Lie are very well-matched. If you ruin others’ marriage, I won’t forgive you!”
Wang Zijin smiled slightly, her smile brilliant as spring flowers, “Brother, you’re also too cautious and careful. I’m confident there’s no woman in this world who can surpass me. This Miss Guo from the Guo family has aroused three parts of competitive spirit in me. I truly want to know—between her and me, whom will Prince Xu ultimately choose?”
Wang Ji watched his sister’s figure gracefully depart. He couldn’t help tightening his brows. He didn’t know why, but a trace of ominous premonition swept through his heart. Every time he saw Li Weiyang, he felt this woman wasn’t as simple as she appeared on the surface. His sister had already tested her and should have some wariness. But why was she so insistent now?
What Wang Ji didn’t know was that the empress’s crown held tremendous temptation for everyone. Not everyone was like Li Weiyang, detesting the empress title so much.
As someone raised by the Emperor as a prospective daughter-in-law, Wang Zijin had worked toward this goal from childhood. Suddenly one day, being told her betrothed was unwilling to marry her and instead favored a woman she considered inferior to herself—naturally she would feel three parts dissatisfied. When she saw Prince Xu, for Guo Jia’s sake, willing to degrade himself by running here to open a wine house and associate with common merchants, she grew even more furious. At this moment in her heart, Guo Jia had probably already become the person who instigated Yuan Lie to abandon the throne and pursue pleasure. And she, Wang Zijin, precisely had to undertake the great task of bringing Yuan Lie back to the proper path. What was wrong with that?!