They went to the outskirts for an outing all the way. By the time they returned to the city, the night market had already opened. Princess Ali excitedly ran from stall to stall, the bells on her feet constantly making crisp sounds in the wind. Li Weiyang watched her fire-red skirt hem flutter like flying wings and couldn’t help but smile. Princess Ali suddenly held up a monster mask with three eyes and, like a child, put it on her own face. She rushed to Li Weiyang’s front, then pulled off the mask at once, saying happily, “Jia’er, do you think this mask looks good?”

Li Weiyang nodded with a smile. “It looks good.”

Princess Ali was so happy she almost jumped up. She turned to Guo Dun and said, “Let’s buy this one.” Guo Dun looked at the extremely ugly mask with disgust and couldn’t help but say, “What’s good about this? It looks so black and ugly!”

Princess Ali glanced at the mask in her hand. The thick ink colors indeed looked somewhat strange. She wrinkled her nose and quickly ran back to the mask seller’s stall, saying to the owner, “Give me a prettier one.”

The owner saw they were dressed in luxurious clothes, clearly from wealthy families. He immediately laid out all the masks from his stall for her to choose from. Princess Ali’s eyes dazzled as she looked—picking up this one for a moment, taking that one the next, yet reluctant to put any down. Guo Dun stood beside her watching with a grin.

Yuan Lie sighed. “These masks are really silly. Your fourth brother has such patience.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze fell on that pair. “It seems Princess Ali also quite likes Fourth Brother. Perhaps our family will have joyous news soon.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Guo Dao laughed. “As they say, a persistent man will wear down even a virtuous woman. Fourth Brother keeps circling around her constantly. For a while, she really can’t shake him off. It’s not strange that Princess Ali would be moved by him. Fortunately, the two of them can always have fun together.”

Li Weiyang nodded with a smile. Yuan Lie glanced at Princess Ali and Guo Dun chatting and laughing together and couldn’t help but shake his head. Originally, he thought Princess Ali’s love for Prince Jing Yuan Ying was so intense, but now it seemed Princess Ali was actually the most free-spirited person among them. Loving earnestly, persisting with effort, confessing bravely—if it didn’t work out, then resolutely giving up and seeking new happiness instead. He said with a smile, “In that case, you should hurry back to tell Madam Guo so she can be happy too.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze became distant, as if murmuring to herself, “If Miss Nalan back then had also been able to learn to let go early like Princess Ali, perhaps the ending wouldn’t have turned out that way.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Guo Dao fell silent for a moment. He knew that though Li Weiyang appeared indifferent on the surface, she had always been brooding over Nalan Xue’s death. Every time Nalan Xue was mentioned, Li Weiyang acted nonchalant, but in Guo Dao’s view, Li Weiyang had actually regarded Nalan Xue as a confidante. Precisely because of this, when she discovered the other had deceived her, she became so furious. Even knowing the other had difficulties, she couldn’t easily forgive—this was because deep down they were both equally stubborn people, stubborn to the death.

Guo Dao sighed and looked at the distant stars. “I wonder where Second Brother is now.”

Hearing him mention Guo Yan, Li Weiyang laughed coldly. “No matter where he is, he won’t want to return to the capital in this lifetime.”

Though Guo Dao hoped Guo Yan would return, he had to admit that for Guo Yan, the capital was a place that made him feel sad. Guo Yan had once betrayed Nalan Xue because of the family, then left the family because of Nalan Xue. Second Brother had never been thorough in anything he did—this was also the weak side of his character.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, Second Brother won’t have any problems. He just wants to change environments and start a new life, which also fulfills his promise to Miss Nalan.”

Guo Dao blinked and smiled. “I don’t really mind. It’s just Mother who misses him a bit.”

Yuan Lie heard their conversation and couldn’t help but lean his head over. “Rather than thinking about someone who’s gone far away, you’d better think about how to resolve the current situation.”

Under the night, Yuan Lie’s handsome face shone brilliantly. Those amber eyes somehow made one’s mood inexplicably good. Li Weiyang said with a smile, “You mean today’s matter of His Majesty imprisoning Pei Bi?”

Yuan Lie nodded as if it were natural. “If Pei Bi is also killed by the Emperor, then the main branches of the Pei clan will be severed. Empress Pei won’t so easily give up this last seedling of the Pei family. Though she can continue to promote Pei family collateral branches, they’re ultimately not close blood relatives. With that separation, how can she entrust all her trust to them? So I guess she’ll definitely find ways to rescue Pei Bi.”

Li Weiyang’s smile grew indifferent. “Don’t forget, Pei Bi committed a capital crime.”

Yuan Lie shook his head, his gaze deep. “If he had actually drawn the dagger and stabbed toward the Emperor at that moment, that would be a capital crime. As it is now, it’s somewhat forced. If Empress Pei finds other evidence, I’m afraid this matter will take twists and turns…” Hearing this sentence, Li Weiyang showed a thoughtful expression.

Guo Dao was clearly also somewhat worried. “What Prince Xu says is right. We should prepare early.”

Li Weiyang raised her head to look at the full moon in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on her beautiful face, dyeing it with a trace of mystery. After a long while, she finally spoke. “Since we’ve already set this trap, we can’t let the chess pieces in it jump out. Otherwise, the Pei family will still have the possibility of regaining prestige. Severing Pei Bi’s life is equivalent to cutting off the Pei family’s main trunk. This century-old tree will slowly wither and die. Don’t you agree?”

Yuan Lie heard her words seemed to have deeper meaning. He paused slightly, then smiled. “What you say makes sense. It seems we need to add more fuel to the fire. Come on, you should return early to rest.”

At this moment, people came and went in the night market. Someone accidentally bumped into Li Weiyang. Yuan Lie quickly embraced her tightly from behind, afraid she would fall. Guo Dao saw this from afar and merely smiled faintly, deliberately slowing his pace to fall behind the two of them. Guo Dun came over at some point, smiling. “Have you completely let go now?”

Guo Dao paused, then turned to look at his usually honest fourth brother. “How did you know?”

Guo Dun sighed. “Though my mind isn’t as clever as yours, I’m not that stupid either. Remember that time about the Five Poisons Powder antidote—what Third Brother said? Later I went back and thought carefully. If you didn’t like her, why would there be so many paintings in the study? No ordinary elder brother would do that, right? Third Brother also loves to paint, but he’s never painted so many!”

Everything in this world could be hidden, but liking couldn’t be disguised. When you like someone, even the way you look at them is completely different. Guo Dao remained silent. Guo Dun looked at him, a trace of worry sweeping through his expression. “You still haven’t answered my earlier question. Have you truly let go now?”

Guo Dao was quiet for a moment, closing his eyes as if thinking of nothing, yet also as if considering how to answer.

“Hey, don’t be sad.” Guo Dun consoled in a low voice.

Guo Dao opened his eyes and slowly smiled. “If I wanted to be sad, why would I keep following them? I’ve already let go now. You needn’t worry about me.”

Guo Dun looked at him suspiciously. “Are you telling the truth?” He had always known this younger brother. He appeared romantic and dissolute, capable of anything, but actually had his own beliefs and persistence. If he liked someone, he would definitely persist for a very long time.

Guo Dao smiled faintly and spoke. “Ah, now is a time of many troubles. My mind must be used to think about how to deal with enemies. Don’t worry, I know what I should do.”

Guo Dun glanced at the harmonious figures of the two people ahead and sighed. “As long as you’ve thought it through. After all, you and her—it’s absolutely impossible.”

Guo Dao paused, then laughed heartily. He proactively put his arm around his fourth brother’s shoulder, grinning broadly. “If you have time to worry about me, you’d better think carefully about how to bring that lively and active beauty of yours into the household as a bride!”

As he spoke, he pointed toward Princess Ali’s direction with a half-smile. But somehow, two young gentlemen in luxurious clothes had run over to chat up Princess Ali. Guo Dun’s face immediately darkened. He said in a low voice, “I didn’t expect these two fellows would dare to flirt with my woman while I’m away. They’re really tired of living!” Having finished speaking, he had already let go of Guo Dao and walked over there with three steps becoming two.

Guo Dao immediately laughed loudly. That laughter traveled very far, startling Li Weiyang and Yuan Lie. Li Weiyang turned her head to look at Guo Dao smiling broadly in the crowd. She couldn’t help but say, “What’s wrong with Fifth Brother? What’s making him laugh so happily?”

Guo Dao gave Li Weiyang a mischievous smile. “Look at Fourth Brother, he…” Li Weiyang tilted her head to look and saw that Guo Dun had at some point grabbed one libertine in each hand, looking furious.

Princess Ali beside them was stunned watching. After a moment, she shouted loudly, “Hey, what are you doing? They were just asking for directions!”

Li Weiyang laughed. Yuan Lie shook his head. “This Princess Ali is truly naive. One look at her clothing shows she’s not from the capital. If people wanted to ask directions, why would they ask her?”

Li Weiyang’s smile grew warmer. “Perhaps it’s precisely this naivety that attracted Fourth Brother. He’s seen enough of those reserved and hypocritical noble ladies in the capital, so he likes this straightforward, innocent, simple, and kind grassland girl.”

Yuan Lie’s eyes rippled with light, yet he turned the topic back. “Our conversation earlier was only half finished but was interrupted by them. Now can you tell me how you plan to deal with Pei Bi?”

Li Weiyang glanced at Yuan Lie and said indifferently, “Everyone in this world has their own weakness. As for Pei Bi’s weakness, I think you’ve long seen it very clearly.”

Yuan Lie paused slightly, a pleasant smile flashing in his eyes. “I understand.”

The two of them looked at each other and smiled, yet neither spoke these words aloud.

At this moment, Princess Ali was already calling loudly from not far away. “Jia’er, come quickly and see—there’s very beautiful jewelry here!”

Li Weiyang walked over quickly. Princess Ali presented the hairpin in her hand to her like a treasure. Li Weiyang glanced at it—it was a very ordinary item. She hadn’t expected Princess Ali would like it so much. She tilted her head slightly and saw Yuan Lie in the lamplight. He wore a jade crown and brocade robes, standing there smiling at her. Li Weiyang smiled faintly, lowering her head to look at the hairpin in her hand, saying softly to Princess Ali, “It is indeed very beautiful.”

In the Empress’s palace, the Crown Prince rushed in hurriedly like a gust of wind. The palace maids didn’t even have time to stop him. Empress Pei glanced at him and said coldly, “You’re so anxious—what happened?”

The Crown Prince looked at Empress Pei, wanting to speak but hesitating. Empress Pei immediately understood and waved her hand for the female officials to take the palace maids out. Then she looked directly at him. “What is it? Speak.”

The Crown Prince looked at the Empress and said loudly, “Mother Empress, you should already know everything that happened today.”

Empress Pei sighed. “If you’re talking about everything that happened at the heaven-worshiping ceremony, yes, I already know.”

The Crown Prince took another step forward, anxiety sweeping across his face. “Mother Empress, if something happens to Pei Bi too, in the future the entire Pei clan…”

Before he finished speaking, Empress Pei had already raised her head to look at him seriously and ask, “What about the Pei clan?”

The Crown Prince’s thoughts turned rapidly as he continued, “Pei Bi is now Mother Empress’s last nephew. If even he meets with an accident, who will preside over the Pei clan?”

Empress Pei laughed coldly. “So what if something happens to Pei Bi? Is he the only person in the Pei family? By saying this, what position does it put your Great Uncle Pei Yuan in?”

The Crown Prince interrupted her. “Great Uncle is far away at the frontier. Distant water can’t quench immediate thirst. In the capital, Pei Bi is the last barrier. Does Mother Empress want to watch this barrier fall?”

Empress Pei laughed coldly, her brows and eyes calm. “If a person is schemed against by others, he should find the reasons in himself. If he hadn’t trusted that girl Wang Zijin’s words, how would he have fallen to this state?”

The Crown Prince frowned. “Mother Empress means Pei Bi was schemed against by Wang Zijin?”

A sharp gleam swept through Empress Pei’s eyes. “Not necessarily Wang Zijin! When choosing a consort for you initially, Wang Zijin was also an important candidate. But later the Wang family didn’t know what was good for them and politely declined. I had people thoroughly investigate this Wang Zijin and learned that though she was young at the time, she was exceptionally talented and an extremely proud character. Such a person isn’t the best choice for Crown Princess. So later I didn’t insist. Otherwise, do you think a small Wang family could resist me?”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince’s heart couldn’t help but jump. “Mother Empress, you mean?”

Empress Pei’s voice grew even colder, and those beautiful eyes also shot out sharp colors. “Your Father Emperor is someone who likes to be too clever by half. I’ve fought with him for so many years—I understand him all too well. He thinks Yuan Lie is his best heir and deliberately placed him in the Prince Xu position to blur the truth and divert our focus. He doesn’t think about who I, Pei Huai Zhen, really am! In my view, this unmarried consort he selected for Yuan Lie—intelligent she is, family background isn’t bad either. But unfortunately, after following that grandmaster studying all these years, she’s too lofty and self-important, looking down on everyone, never having experienced any setbacks. No matter how smart, there are limits! Perhaps on the battlefield she can be like a fish in water, winning victories, but in the rear palace and court, those directional patterns and transformations, those calculations—completely useless! She can calculate when it will rain tomorrow, when the southeast wind will blow, but can she calculate human hearts? Human hearts are treacherous and ever-changing. She can never calculate them. So living in the rear palace, she can’t compare to Miss Guo!” In fact, the Emperor wasn’t unaware of this point, but he deliberately chose to ignore it. The biggest reason was that Miss Guo had similarities with Empress Pei, making him involuntarily feel disgust.

The Crown Prince frowned. “Mother Empress means Father Emperor intends to pass the throne to Prince Xu Yuan Lie?”

Empress Pei’s smile remained gentle, but the light in those eyes was extremely sharp. “Are you only seeing this now?”

The Crown Prince said through gritted teeth, “I’ve always known Father Emperor doesn’t like me and that Yuan Lie has a special status. But I never imagined Father Emperor actually wants to support such a bastard of that origin to become Emperor!”

Empress Pei smiled faintly, her expression composed. “It’s precisely because he’s born of Princess Qixia that the Emperor constantly thinks about supporting him to ascend the throne!” As she said this, her eyes suddenly became coldly sinister.

The Crown Prince saw this and couldn’t help but be alarmed again. Over so many years, no matter what happened or what emergency arose, Empress Pei had never shown such a grinding-teeth expression. This involuntarily made him feel a trace of panic. “Mother Empress, if Father Emperor insists on having Yuan Lie marry Wang Zijin, what should we do?”

Empress Pei said coldly, “Didn’t you understand what I just said?”

Hesitation appeared on the Crown Prince’s face. Empress Pei sighed. This son was intelligent enough, but unfortunately too impatient. To sit on this throne without her support was absolutely impossible. Her tone was bland. “Wang Zijin isn’t worth worrying about! You’d better think carefully about what you should do if Yuan Lie truly forms an alliance with the Guo family.”

The Crown Prince frowned. “But Father Emperor has long planned to bestow Wang Zijin upon Yuan Lie. Perhaps he’ll eliminate the Guo family for us—then we won’t need to act ourselves.”

Empress Pei’s expression grew even colder. “I say you’re stupid and you truly are stupid! The Emperor did say this, but what has he actually done? Nothing but sitting on the mountain watching tigers fight! He just wants to pick the strongest between the Guo and Wang families to match with his son. That old fox—I understand him too well!”

Hearing the Empress say this, shock appeared on the Crown Prince’s face. “So Father Emperor is testing them?”

Empress Pei’s smile deepened, like a blooming spider lily—enchanting and beautiful yet carrying endless ice-coldness, making one feel as if falling into an abyss with just one glance. “Foolish child, your Father Emperor’s meaning is already very clear. If he truly wanted to execute Miss Guo, he could have done it that time in the imperial study.”

The Crown Prince found it even harder to believe. “But perhaps he’s being considerate of Prince Xu.”

Empress Pei shook her head. “He’s just giving Miss Guo an opportunity to prove herself. If she can defeat Wang Zijin, the good news for her and Prince Xu may be near.”

Hearing Empress Pei say this—apparently having thoroughly understood the Emperor’s thoughts—the Crown Prince’s expression turned iron-blue. “So Pei Bi was still played by Miss Guo!”

Going around in such a big circle, this child still couldn’t grasp the main point. Empress Pei shook her head and stopped elaborating with him. She merely said indifferently, “Regarding Pei Bi’s matter, I have my own plan. Don’t worry, I’ll force your Father Emperor to hand over Pei Bi.”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but be surprised. “Mother Empress is willing to plead for Pei Bi?”

Empress Pei slowly stood up and walked to the golden nanmu table. She used her hand to gently pluck a blooming white magnolia from the vase. Her slender fingers fell upon the petals, slowly crushing the flower in her palm. Seeing this, the Crown Prince felt somewhat apprehensive and dared not ask another question. He only heard Empress Pei’s voice drift over from afar. “Don’t worry. He’s my nephew. I won’t stand by and watch him die.”

From the beginning, Pei Bi was the heir she had selected for the Pei family. If not for Pei Bi’s poor health, Empress Pei would have properly supported him. Unfortunately, Pei Bi had already greatly disappointed her. Watching someone intelligent and wise be driven step by step by Miss Guo to this point—Empress Pei had lost interest in saving Pei Bi’s life. It was just unfortunate that Pei Bi was the last person of the younger generation in the Pei family. If even he died, when Pei Yuan returned, Empress Pei would be unable to explain. Even if just for Pei Yuan’s sake, she couldn’t let him die without an heir…

Empress Pei casually discarded the scattered magnolia petals on the ground, letting the petals shatter everywhere. She smiled faintly. “Come, let’s go see your Father Emperor.”

The Emperor was reviewing memorials in the imperial study when he heard news that the Empress, Crown Prince, and several important court officials were requesting an audience. He laughed coldly. “That Empress truly moves fast. Let them in.”

Empress Pei indeed led a group of people into the Emperor’s imperial study. The Emperor’s gaze swept over them indifferently. Among these people were four first-rank officials, with the rest all second-rank high officials. Clearly, Empress Pei’s influence was truly considerable. Who knew when she had already won over these people? It truly made him view her with new eyes.

The Emperor already understood Empress Pei’s purpose in his heart yet showed no reaction. He merely smiled and said, “The Empress leads all of you to see me—could it be for Pei Bi’s regicide case?”

Since the Emperor had spoken of this matter as soon as he opened his mouth, it became easier for them to discuss it. The Crown Prince was first to speak. “Father Emperor, we’ve come to face you today precisely for this matter. Pei Bi is from a prestigious family and has always followed rules and regulations…”

“Crown Prince!” The Emperor interrupted. “Yesterday I already issued an edict to imprison Pei Bi. Now he’s already a criminal, not even comparable to ordinary commoners! What prestigious family scion? If all prestigious family scions were like him, my empire would be finished!”

Hearing this, everyone’s expressions changed greatly. The Emperor’s manner was fierce, not allowing anyone to plead for mercy.

The Crown Prince was interrupted but couldn’t stop here. He could only say through gritted teeth, “Father Emperor, this time Pei Bi indeed committed the crime of improper conduct before the throne and should be punished, but—”

The Emperor laughed coldly, humming noncommittally. “What improper conduct before the throne? Clearly it’s the crime of regicide!”

The Crown Prince’s face broke out in cold sweat. He glanced at Empress Pei and saw she was calm and composed. Only then did he steady himself and say, “Father Emperor, we cannot determine that dagger came from Pei Bi. Where does this regicide crime come from?”

Empress Pei looked sideways. The person behind her immediately understood. Grand Tutor Hua stepped forward. He was a first-rank official in the court, a three-dynasty veteran elder, and held considerable status among all officials. His gaze was stern. “This subject has words to present to His Majesty! This time Pei Bi conducted himself improperly before the throne in front of everyone’s eyes. This should be a serious crime. However, he is the Pei family’s last seedling. I hope Your Majesty will show leniency for General Pei’s sake!”

Immediately several other ministers said, “Your Majesty, please remember that Pei Yuan has guarded the frontier for many years, loyal and devoted, painstakingly working. Even without merit, he has toiled. For his sake, please be lenient with his son!” The crowd spoke one after another, competing to plead for Pei Bi.

The Emperor laughed coldly. He had originally known that moving against Pei Bi would bring obstructors, but he hadn’t expected even these old ministers who didn’t easily speak would all be incited by Empress Pei to come together. Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but feel angry, but he forcibly restrained himself from showing it on his face. However, his voice grew increasingly cold. “As Son of Heaven, governing the country and educating the people, I must emphasize law and order. Without law and order, the entire country cannot function! Ancient saying has it: When the prince violates the law, he is judged the same as common people! What does ‘same judgment’ mean? It means the same crime receives the same punishment. If ordinary commoners participate in regicide, they should be judged as treason. What about high officials and nobles? Can they be forgiven because of past merits, using ‘improper conduct before the throne’ to cover up their crimes?! Right now, I’m not pursuing the Pei family—only pursuing Pei Bi alone. This is already lenient treatment. If you want me to forgive him, how will I face all civil and military officials in the court? How will I face all the people under heaven?”

Hearing the Emperor bite down on Pei Bi’s treason crime, everyone couldn’t help but look at each other, unable to speak for a moment. Actually, they had been instructed by Empress Pei to come plead, which in itself carried three parts risk. However, relying on Pei Yuan being the Pillar General commanding frontier defense, they wanted to use his prestige to make the Emperor think thrice and do a favor for Empress Pei. But no matter how they tested, the Emperor insisted on Pei Bi’s treason crime. How dared they rashly continue pleading?

Empress Pei smiled faintly and spoke. “Your Majesty, I wonder if there’s evidence for Pei Bi’s participation in treason?”

The Emperor said coldly, “For the Empress to question me like this is rather like interrogating a criminal.”

Empress Pei smiled faintly, not flustered. “This subject’s wife spoke too bluntly. Please Your Majesty punish me. But this subject’s wife has this point—please Your Majesty clarify.”

Someone beside her immediately chimed in. “Your Majesty is wise and enlightened! You certainly wouldn’t believe outside rumors lightly. Surely you have solid evidence.”

The Emperor said angrily, “At that time, the dagger fell from Pei Bi’s body—everyone knows this.”

Empress Pei stepped forward, her absolutely beautiful face cold as ice. “This so-called ‘everyone knows’ only means they saw the dagger on the ground. Who actually saw the dagger fall from Pei Bi? Perhaps it fell from the person who bumped into him, or perhaps someone deliberately framed him. You should know Pei Bi underwent a body search before entering the hall!”

The Emperor’s gaze fixed on her. “Yes! He underwent a search, but unfortunately that Jiang Yu colluded with him and deliberately let him through!”

Empress Pei disagreed. “This subject’s wife has a different view! If it was deliberate passage, why would Jiang Yu call him aside, inviting suspicion? Your Majesty is wise and enlightened—you certainly wouldn’t believe such unsubstantiated matters.”

The Emperor’s gaze turned coldly sinister. “You mean Pei Bi is innocent?”

Empress Pei smiled. “Your Majesty, if you say Pei Bi conducted himself improperly before the throne, this subject’s wife would believe it. But if you say he wanted to commit regicide, this subject’s wife doesn’t believe it. Anyone attempting regicide must have resentment or wish to usurp the throne. Unfortunately, with Pei Bi’s meager abilities, how would he dare such thoughts? Everyone knows that since ancient times, usurping the throne requires military power. Though my brother commands troops, that’s at the frontier—distant water can’t quench immediate thirst. Pei Bi controls neither the Imperial Guards nor the Ministry of War, nor even the forces under the Capital Magistrate! It can be said that in the entire capital, not a single soldier or officer listens to him. The eunuchs and palace maids in the palace absolutely wouldn’t heed him either. Could he kill Your Majesty with just one small dagger? Without troops, generals, or backup—what throne could he usurp! What court could he plot for!”

The Emperor’s expression grew increasingly cold. Empress Pei’s meaning was clear: Pei Yuan was far at the frontier. Even if Pei Bi had ambitions to usurp the throne, he absolutely lacked the capability. As Emperor, one could be vigilant but couldn’t fabricate charges and kill the innocent.

The Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion behind the Empress spoke up. “Your Majesty, Her Majesty speaks truly! In this humble subject’s foolish opinion, before clearly investigating whether Pei Bi is truly guilty, could Pei Bi be temporarily released? We subjects are willing to stand surety!”

The Emperor couldn’t help but laugh coldly. Empress Pei’s move was truly formidable. She knew that Pei Hui had been tortured into a forced confession in the Capital Magistrate’s prison, making the case iron-clad and irreversible. But if released on bail, the imperial prison couldn’t get its hands on Pei Bi and couldn’t fabricate evidence. Unable to force Pei Bi to confess, there would naturally still be room to maneuver. The Emperor thought for a moment, his gaze growing colder. “Inappropriate!”

Empress Pei pressed another sentence. “Your Majesty, this method has precedent in our dynasty. When the Great Ancestor Emperor governed, the Left Prime Minister was imprisoned for involvement in a treason case. Many officials from the Six Ministries jointly stood surety, and the Great Ancestor Emperor approved bail pending trial. Now Pei Bi’s situation is the same as the former Left Prime Minister’s. Since the Great Ancestor Emperor could do it, Your Majesty can too!”

In Yuexi, convictions customarily followed ancestral systems. Ancestral systems were law. Actions taken by ancestors could be used as legal precedent by later emperors—they had to comply. Hearing this, the Emperor grew increasingly clear about Empress Pei’s methods yet couldn’t immediately lose his temper! Just at this moment, the four first-rank high officials were first to kneel on the ground. “If Your Majesty grants approval for Pei Bi’s bail pending trial, we subjects are willing to stand surety for him and take responsibility for properly supervising Pei Bi! If anything goes wrong, we subjects are willing to have our official positions stripped and be handed to the Ministry of Justice for judgment!”

The Emperor watched them. Before he could speak, the others also knelt down with a swish. The entire imperial study was filled with kneeling people. Everyone together kowtowed loudly. “We subjects are willing to stand surety for Pei Bi!”

Empress Pei’s action was actually creating a palace disturbance, coercing the Emperor to agree to bail Pei Bi pending trial. Once bailed, the imperial prison naturally couldn’t obtain a confession. The previous painstaking efforts would be wasted. But if the Emperor didn’t agree, this disturbance in the imperial study would undoubtedly spread throughout the realm. How that dagger fell—even the Emperor hadn’t seen clearly, and there were no witnesses. If it spread, it truly wouldn’t sound good. Not to mention that among those present, two were the Emperor’s teachers, three were imperial relatives. Since they had knelt, they naturally wouldn’t easily stand before getting results. Otherwise, it would be kneeling for nothing. If the Emperor persisted in refusing, he would be going against the Holy Ancestor Emperor. This move was truly vicious!

The Emperor watched them kneeling there kowtowing loudly and couldn’t help but grind his teeth, wishing he could drag all these people out and kill them. But the people Empress Pei brought were precisely all upright officials. If he killed them, by tomorrow the Emperor’s tyrannical actions would spread throughout the realm. He could kill criminal officials—no matter how cruel, it didn’t matter. But he absolutely couldn’t kill these annoying ghosts! The Emperor sighed silently. Probably Pei Bi’s life was precious—he truly couldn’t die. He thought for a moment and spoke. “Summon Pei Bi to the palace.”

Empress Pei laughed coldly. She had known long ago the Emperor would compromise, because she had carefully deliberated over each person here. There would be no mistakes!

Just at this moment, a eunuch suddenly hurried in, presenting a memorial, then retreated to the side, hands hanging down and standing. The Emperor opened that memorial and, holding it with both hands, hastily skimmed through from beginning to end. Several sounds of uncontrollable laughter issued from his throat. Then he announced loudly, “Everyone, you needn’t kneel anymore. That Pei Bi has already attempted prison escape. Fortunately, the imperial prison guards are strict and recaptured him!”

“If he were innocent, why would he attempt escape? This action precisely shows he intended to assassinate me and wanted to escape punishment! You speak of bail pending trial—can such a person be released?!”

Hearing this, everyone’s expressions changed drastically. No one had expected that Pei Bi, staying well in prison, would think of escaping. Had he gone mad?

Empress Pei’s expression also darkened. Then she stared at the Emperor, wanting to know if he had done something underhanded. But the Emperor’s face only bore a composed and unhurried smile—she couldn’t detect any abnormality whatsoever.

The Emperor announced loudly, “Since Pei Bi’s crime is unforgivable, I grant him water torture. This matter ends here! As for you all… hmph, insisting on pleading for a person of heinous crimes—I won’t pursue it. If you want to keep kneeling, continue kneeling!” With that, the Emperor had already walked out.

Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but lower their heads. No one dared speak anymore. If Pei Bi hadn’t escaped prison, they could still plead for him. But once he escaped, it precisely proved his guilt.

Empress Pei watched the Emperor leave. She subconsciously stepped forward to take that memorial and glanced at it, then violently flung it to the ground. Everyone looked and saw the Empress’s sharp protective nail had left a deep scratch on the memorial. One could see her heart had already reached the extreme of fury.

In the Guo family’s small flower hall, however, was a peaceful scene. Yuan Lie had just placed a black go stone, speaking leisurely, “I heard the Empress led a group of old ministers and charged into the imperial study with great momentum to strongly protect Pei Bi. Hearing this news now, she’s probably going mad with rage.”

Li Weiyang smiled. “If Pei Bi hadn’t attempted escape, this time he truly would have been free. Unfortunately, he was too impatient.”

Guo Dao watched them play go while eating refreshments, subconsciously asking, “I really want to know what tricks you two played. Why would Pei Bi behave this way? This doesn’t seem like his character.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, placing a stone. “Everyone in this world has weaknesses. Where is Lord Pei’s weakness?”

Guo Dao thought carefully, somewhat puzzled. “This Pei Bi seems to have no weaknesses. If I had to say what he cares about, it’s…” Speaking to here, his eyes suddenly brightened. He immediately said, “It’s his precious younger brother Pei Hui. But Pei Hui is already dead. What can you do with him?”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. “Yes, he’s already dead. Naturally, we can only dig up his grave and whip his corpse.”

Hearing this, Guo Dao was immediately stunned. He looked shocked. “You—it can’t be?”

Digging up graves and whipping corpses, desecrating the dead—this was very malicious behavior that would incur heavenly retribution in the future. Ordinary people couldn’t do it and absolutely wouldn’t dare.

Yuan Lie laughed, his smile increasingly mocking. “Don’t listen to her nonsense. How would we be so bored as to dig up someone’s ashes when they’re already dead? We merely transmitted a message for Pei Bi to know. He loves that younger brother so much—he definitely wouldn’t be willing to see such an outcome! Sure enough, as expected, he thought himself clever and heavily bribed the jailers, wanting to secretly go out and take a look. Originally, he only wanted to bribe them for one hour without alarming anyone. But unexpectedly…”

Before he finished speaking, Li Weiyang continued, “But unexpectedly, that jailer betrayed him. Not only didn’t he cover for him, he actually reported everything to the Capital Magistrate. The Capital Magistrate truthfully reported to the Emperor, happening precisely when those people were pleading. Naturally, it couldn’t succeed. He had to die.”

Hearing this, Guo Dao couldn’t help but clap his hands in admiration. “Jia’er, your methods are becoming increasingly formidable! However, speaking of it is easy. Pei Bi isn’t a fool. How did you make him believe?”

Li Weiyang smiled, revealing nothing. “This person has his own clever methods.”

Guo Dao’s expression grew increasingly suspicious. Pei Bi was an extremely intelligent person. How could he easily believe such news? Yuan Lie cried out loudly, “Don’t eat my pieces!” But it was already too late. He looked back resentfully and continued explaining, “Pei Bi is naturally suspicious. If we told him, naturally he wouldn’t believe. We had to ask his fellow prisoner to help.”

In fact, Li Weiyang had precisely used Wang Zijin to have her transmit a message to Jiang Yu in prison, requiring him to spread this news. Knowing this, Pei Bi naturally became extremely anxious. Not waiting for the bail pending trial news to arrive, he had to go out to see the true situation and find ways to stop Li Weiyang. Of course, he would be caught.

Yuan Lie sneakily hid a go stone, grinning. “Do you know he was sentenced to water torture?”

Li Weiyang grabbed his sleeve and dragged the stone out, raising her eyebrows. “What is water torture?”

Yuan Lie’s cheating was caught, yet he wasn’t angry. “This is just a very interesting punishment. The executioner presses the criminal face-up on a bench and binds him with rope—though not tightly, allowing movement. Then they press a copper-skinned water bucket on his chest.”

Li Weiyang frowned. “Is there such a strange punishment?”

Guo Dao smiled. “For an adult man, this bucket of water isn’t very heavy. But when the punishment begins, it’s another scene entirely. A jailer will pat the water surface lightly, once and again, like a child playing in water. From his first pat, the criminal will feel chest pressure increase several-fold. Moreover, it’s substantial—each pat completely penetrating through skin and flesh into the chest cavity, oppressing the heart, gradually causing all five internal organs to lose normal function until he can’t even breathe. Finally, the person’s face turns purple-black until death. Sounds easy, but the criminal remains conscious throughout, slowly suffocating to death—extremely painful.”

Hearing this punishment, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but shake her head. “His Majesty’s punishments are truly at their peak—unheard of, and all extremely cruel yet very interesting!”

Yuan Lie shook his head. “That old man is always like this, thinking up bizarre death methods. I think he’s clearly just trying to anger Empress Pei. However, Wang Zijin also played a disgraceful role this time. Don’t you plan to deal with her and let her know some people shouldn’t be touched?”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang smiled lightly. “Miss Wang is already extremely regretful. Why should I provoke her further?”

Guo Dao disagreed. “But some people won’t learn their lesson from this. I’m afraid if you let her off once, she’ll become presumptuous.”

Li Weiyang looked at him with a half-smile. “Hearing Fifth Brother’s meaning, it sounds like you don’t particularly like Miss Wang.”

Guo Dao’s eyes concealed three parts impatience. “It’s not a matter of liking or not liking. It’s just that this person is too proud. We need to dampen her sharpness so she won’t be so arrogant, thinking the whole world revolves around her!”

Li Weiyang gently placed a stone, cutting off Yuan Lie’s retreat, then said slowly, “Some people in this world are born into luxury and privilege, surrounded by stars holding the moon. If they’re also both civil and martial, talented and brilliant, they become even more insufferably arrogant. If they don’t suffer any setbacks, they’ll certainly cause trouble. But this Miss Wang is a smart person. I think she’ll eventually understand that cooperating with Empress Pei isn’t safe… Moreover, after this incident, she and the Pei family have completely broken relations. You needn’t worry too much about her.”

Guo Dao nodded and sighed leisurely. “I hope so.”

Empress Pei returned to the Empress’s palace in a fury. The Crown Prince hurriedly followed her into the hall and saw her suddenly smash a vase on the ground. Seeing this scene, the Crown Prince quickly knelt down in panic. He had never seen Mother Empress lose her temper this badly. He said in a trembling voice, “Mother Empress, please don’t be angry. Take care of your health.”

Empress Pei trembled all over with rage. This was her first miscalculation. She had thought she could definitely save Pei Bi, never expecting this young man would be so stupid as to think of escaping prison! Prison escape? That was the imperial prison. Had he gone mad?

The Crown Prince’s voice grew increasingly panicked and uneasy. “Mother Empress, this time was completely a mistake. I don’t know who transmitted news of Pei Hui’s grave being robbed to Pei Bi. He momentarily failed in examination and fell into their trap! They’re also too cunning—thinking up such sinister and ruthless methods!”

Empress Pei laughed coldly. “Such a fool deserves to die. No need to bother with him anymore!”

Hearing Empress Pei speak so decisively, the Crown Prince immediately understood she wasn’t prepared to rescue Pei Bi anymore… Well, he deserved death! Thinking of this, he lowered his eyes and said indifferently, “Yes, I respectfully obey Mother Empress’s decree!”

At this moment, a palace maid outside reported, “Your Majesty, Lord Ying has returned.”

Empress Pei’s eyes lit up. Her expression immediately relaxed. She slowly released a breath. “Invite him in.”

In less than a moment, a black-robed man quickly walked into the hall. He wore a smile, lightly bowing to Empress Pei. “Your Majesty, this humble subject has returned.”

Empress Pei glanced at him, her face rarely showing three parts smile. “This trip of yours has been half a year already?”

That Lord Ying smiled faintly. “Yes, Your Majesty. This time this humble subject returns to lend Your Majesty assistance.”

Empress Pei’s beautiful eyes focused. Her absolutely beautiful face appeared radiantly brilliant, actually making one momentarily not dare to look directly. “You know I’ve encountered trouble?”

Lord Ying smiled. “This humble subject naturally knows Your Majesty’s meaning. Your Majesty, rest assured. Your troubles will soon be resolved!”

The Crown Prince’s gaze coldly watched this person, yet he had a feeling like swallowing a fly. Ying Chu handled affairs meticulously, watertight, cruel-hearted and poisonous-handed, with endless tricks, yet also possessed such a face… Therefore, the Crown Prince on one hand despised his character to the extreme, on the other hand especially detested him circling around Mother Empress. All these years he had wanted to expel this person but couldn’t catch the slightest handle on him. Moreover, Mother Empress’s side could never do without him. Her favor toward him even exceeded her own son—

Ying Chu only held the position of Attending Palace Attendant beside the Empress, yet had killed countless people with a reputation shaking the court. Memorials impeaching him could fill the imperial study. He could be called thoroughly notorious. If not for Mother Empress constantly protecting him, he would long ago have been executed by a thousand cuts. Last year, because of brutally interrogating the Marquis Jueyuan case, he avoided court politics and restrained his sharpness. Now he reappeared in the magnificent palace like a black specter—so conspicuous, full of dissonance, yet also carrying a strange bewitching aura…