In the Guo Manor’s garden pavilion, Li Weiyang gently peeled an orange and presented it to Madam Guo. Princess Ali sat to the side with her chin propped up, looking utterly bored.

Madam Guo accepted the orange and smiled as she watched the scene on the lawn across from them. She saw Guo Dao pretending to be a horse with Li Minzhi riding on his neck, laughing and shouting: “Giddy-up, giddy-up! Brother, run faster!” The wet nurse followed behind nervously running back and forth. These days, Minzhi’s personality had become increasingly lively, returning to his usual self—a child who smiled at everyone, no longer the withdrawn little boy who wouldn’t speak. He especially liked being with Guo Dao. Every time they met, he’d grab hold and refuse to let go. No wonder—Guo Dao’s personality was very cheerful and children loved him. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say he was naturally a children’s leader.

Li Weiyang watched the deep smile on Madam Guo’s face and couldn’t help but say lightly: “Mother, Minzhi is being cared for so well now. You’ve put in so much effort. I’m truly grateful.”

Madam Guo shook her head: “Silly child, what’s there to thank Mother for? Minzhi is your adoptive mother’s son—he’s no different from my own child.”

Li Weiyang smiled, her gaze falling on Guo Dao and Minzhi in the distance.

Minzhi’s bright black eyes darted around. Suddenly he shouted loudly: “Stop, stop!” Guo Dao immediately stopped and bent down. Minzhi slid off Guo Dao’s body and, with his short little legs, quickly ran over in a childish voice: “Sister, why didn’t Princess Sister come today?”

Princess Ali said loudly: “Minzhi, aren’t I right here?” Li Weiyang was startled, then looked toward Madam Guo. Madam Guo smiled faintly: “Minzhi is asking about Nankang. She went out early this morning to offer incense.”

Since Princess Nankang had been widowed, she had been constantly unhappy. So Consort Guo Hui petitioned the Emperor to let her temporarily stay at the Guo manor to relax. Though this was improper according to protocol, Duke Qi’s manor was Consort Guo Hui’s maternal family. Moreover, Nankang was a widowed princess—who would pay her particular attention?

In the first half-month of staying at the Guo household, Princess Nankang could barely rest day or night and became thin as a rail. Later, after Madam Guo’s consolation, her mood brightened considerably. Occasionally she was willing to go out, but only limited to offering incense at temples.

Hearing this, Li Weiyang didn’t think much of it and smiled: “Since she’s offering incense, why didn’t she go with us?”

Madam Guo gently shook her head: “This child’s personality is becoming increasingly gloomy. I say ten sentences before she answers one. Sometimes I don’t know how to comfort her either.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang pondered for a moment: “The Princess is still young. Someday she’ll come to understand.”

Though she said this, Princess Nankang had married a husband like Wang Yan. Though Wang Yan was now dead, the gossip throughout the city had never ceased. Princess Nankang bore tremendous pressure and was no longer the naive, innocent girl she once was.

Though Li Weiyang was happy to see her mature, if such growth came at the cost of painful life experiences, it was too cruel.

Just then, Minzhi suddenly tugged at Li Weiyang’s skirt. Li Weiyang lowered her head and saw Minzhi grinning: “Sister, let’s go to the market to play another day. Fifth Brother just promised to take me!”

Li Weiyang looked at Guo Dao. Guo Dao patted the dust from his body and had already strode over. His face full of smiles: “You little imp, you only know to pester your sister!”

Li Weiyang laughed: “In a couple of days is the capital’s most famous temple fair. Let’s all go have a look.” The so-called temple fair was just a market gathering, except being located in the capital, this market was even larger and livelier.

Guo Dao nodded: “Good, we’ll treat it as relaxation and bring Nankang along too.”

Princess Ali, hearing this, suddenly widened her bright eyes: “I’m going too, I’m going too!” Before finishing, she suddenly remembered something: “By the way, where did Guo Dun go? Why has he been missing since early this morning?”

Li Weiyang looked at Princess Ali and smiled: “Perhaps Fourth Brother went out on business.” But in her heart, she felt slightly puzzled. Since being stripped of his official position by the Emperor, Guo Dun had been staying home in reflection and rarely went out. Why did he leave without a word today?

As they were chatting and laughing, they suddenly saw Zhao Yue hurrying in from outside. Seeing this scene, a trace of anxiety crossed her face, yet she had to report: “Miss, something happened!”

Li Weiyang saw Zhao Yue covered in sweat with an anxious expression. She couldn’t help but frown lightly: “What happened?”

Zhao Yue glanced at Madam Guo, clearly very uneasy. She lowered her head, not daring to say a word.

Li Weiyang immediately realized the seriousness of the matter. At this time, Guo Cheng had also quickly walked over, his voice low: “Zhao Yue, this matter can’t be hidden for long. Tell them!”

Knowing she couldn’t hide it, Zhao Yue said somewhat uneasily: “Just now word came from outside that the Wang family’s second young master Wang Guang was murdered at a villa.”

Li Weiyang’s brow furrowed even tighter: “You’re saying Wang Guang?”

Zhao Yue said in a low voice: “Yes, indeed the Wang family’s second young master.”

Princess Ali’s mouth opened slightly, almost unable to believe it, then said: “This… how could this be!”

Guo Cheng’s face showed unprecedented gravity: “What’s worse is everyone is saying the person who killed Wang Guang was Fourth Brother! This time our family will face great disaster!”

Madam Guo froze for a moment. The orange in her hand suddenly rolled to the ground, covered in dust. Minzhi still didn’t understand anything. He only picked up the orange to give back to Madam Guo, but though his small hand was raised for a long time, Madam Guo was powerless to notice him. She only cried out: “Cheng’er, what did you just say?”

Guo Cheng’s eyes showed worry, his expression grave: “Mother, the Capital Magistrate has already arrested Fourth Brother as a suspect in Wang Guang’s murder!”

Madam Guo’s heart ached. Her vision went black and her entire body immediately went limp. The maids beside her cried out in alarm: “Madam, Madam, are you alright?”

Li Weiyang quickly supported her. Seeing she had only fainted from excessive anxiety, she carefully handed her to the maids: “Quick, help Mother back!” The maids responded and helped Madam Guo back. Li Weiyang then instructed the wet nurse to take Minzhi away before turning around to look at Guo Cheng: “Does Father know about this?”

Guo Cheng nodded: “I already reported to Father first. He personally went to the Capital Magistrate’s office to investigate. News should come back soon.”

Li Weiyang slowly sat back down on the stool. Guo Dao looked at Guo Cheng and frowned: “Why would Fourth Brother kill Wang Guang? There’s no reason!”

Guo Cheng sighed: “Regardless of whether there’s a reason, Wang Guang is dead. Plus with the old grudge between the Guo and Wang families, I’m afraid this matter won’t end well.”

Li Weiyang wasn’t overly panicked. If Empress Pei stopped here, she would find it strange. It’s just that the opposition moved too quickly on this matter… She instinctively glanced at Princess Ali. She saw her eyes staring blankly, completely stunned, as if she didn’t know how to react at all.

Li Weiyang let out a long sigh: “In the current situation, we can only wait first. Best if I could also see Fourth Brother.”

Guo Cheng hesitated for a moment before saying: “Currently no one is allowed to visit, but I’ll think of a way.”

Li Weiyang nodded and glanced at Princess Ali, saying in a low voice: “Princess, at this time we can’t attend to you. Please go back and rest on your own.”

Ali’s face rarely showed a dazed expression. Her beautiful eyes were unfocused. She seemed to want to stand up, but somehow her hands and feet were all weak. She instinctively grabbed Li Weiyang’s sleeve: “Jia’er, will Guo Dun be alright?”

Li Weiyang gently shook her head: “I don’t know either.” After all, this matter came very suddenly. Even she hadn’t expected Guo Dun would be implicated in a murder case, much less that the murdered person was a Wang family young master. She believed that after the Wang Yan incident, Guo Dun had long known to restrain himself and would never do such a reckless thing. Moreover, Wang Guang was refined and elegant with a gentle personality, practically indifferent to worldly affairs. No matter what, it was hard to believe they would draw swords against each other.

They were worriedly talking in the pavilion when Princess Nankang walked over from the distance, her face deathly pale, looking as if she’d been badly frightened. Li Weiyang stood up and went to meet her, saying gently: “Princess, you’re back.”

Princess Nankang seemed startled. She raised her head to look at Li Weiyang, her eyes showing some terror: “Oh, Sister Jia’er, it’s you.”

Li Weiyang, hearing her strange tone, couldn’t help but look at her again. Seeing she only had one personal palace maid with her, she just smiled: “If the Princess wanted to go out to offer incense, why didn’t you go with us?”

Nankang’s face became even paler. She stammered: “Just now when I went out, I accidentally caught a chill. Now I have a bit of a headache. I need to go back and rest first. I’ll tell you about other things later.”

Before Li Weiyang could say more, she saw the palace maid had already quickly helped Princess Nankang leave. Li Weiyang watched her retreating figure and couldn’t help but frown lightly. Today’s Nankang seemed somewhat strange. Guo Dao walked to Li Weiyang’s side and said in a low voice: “What’s wrong?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze remained on Nankang’s retreating figure: “I just feel Nankang was a bit strange today. Fifth Brother, later ask the coachman where exactly she went.”

Before Li Weiyang’s words had fallen, she heard a maid come to report: “Miss, Prince Xu has arrived.”

Yuan Lie wore riding attire. Anger rarely seen was concentrated on his handsome face. Wind billowed his garments, his black hair unbound and untied, almost flying up. On his back he carried a longbow—clearly he had hurried back from hunting in the suburbs. Li Weiyang, seeing him like this, immediately understood. She said in a low voice: “You’ve already received word?”

Yuan Lie nodded, his lips pressed into a straight line: “This matter is now causing an uproar throughout the city. Who doesn’t know about it?”

Guo Dao held a thread of hope in his heart: “Prince Xu, how much do you know about this matter?”

In Yuan Lie’s eyes, a divine light dimmed, becoming even more profound: “I only know that when Wang Guang was resting at the villa, somehow your fourth brother barged in and they inexplicably had a dispute. Not long after your fourth brother left, they discovered Wang Guang had been killed in the room. The wounds on his body were from a blade…”

Li Weiyang looked at him intently, doubt floating on her face: “Looking at it this way, the truth of the matter still needs the Capital Magistrate to investigate.”

Yuan Lie’s brow seemed to hold an unsolvable lock: “Now it’s truly confusing. I really can’t figure out what reason Guo Dun would have to kill Wang Guang! After all, Wang Guang’s personality was indifferent to fame and profit, indifferent to worldly affairs. He never had direct conflict with your fourth brother. Even for the Wang Yan matter, it shouldn’t have reached this point.”

Li Weiyang thought of Wang Guang’s indifferent eyes and couldn’t help but sigh: “Someone with Wang Guang’s personality shouldn’t have been drawn into such matters.”

After the incident, everyone was quietly discussing. Previously with Wang Yan, they could still say he was at fault first and the Wang family couldn’t excessively blame the Guo clan. But this time Dun Dun inexplicably killed Wang Guang. Wang Guang was very different from the violent-tempered, unpopular Wang Yan. His reputation had always been good, so upon his death, public opinion completely turned toward the Wang family. Everyone understood that though Wang Qiong’s personality was always very magnanimous, he definitely couldn’t tolerate such actions from the Guo clan. With interested parties spreading rumors, gossip filled the skies. Madam Guo worried day and night and fell ill. Duke Qi was also extremely anxious. Usually steady, he hadn’t appeared at meals for three consecutive days—showing how irritable his mood had become. These days, he had been constantly summoning the Guo family’s advisors to discuss the matter. But no matter what ideas these people came up with, they couldn’t act rashly because Empress Pei, the Wang family—all eyes were watching their every move.

Because visits weren’t allowed, Li Weiyang also didn’t know what exactly happened that day. She thought left and right—the only plan now was to learn about this matter from the Wang family. But how could they go to their door now? Li Weiyang held her teacup. Her thoughts had already flown far away. Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard Zhao Yue report: “Miss, Princess Nankang requests an audience!”

Li Weiyang was startled. These past days she’d been busy investigating Guo Dun’s matter and hadn’t attended to Princess Nankang at all. She thought for a moment: “Show her in.” In a moment, she saw Princess Nankang walk in from outside, her face haggard.

Li Weiyang saw her looking like a gust of wind could blow her over and couldn’t help but frown. A few days ago, Nankang’s health and mood had already improved considerably, and color had returned to her face. How had she become so thin again these past two days? Thinking of Guo Dun, she instinctively felt Nankang was troubled by Guo Dun’s matter. But soon she remembered something else. Li Weiyang remained calm, only stepping forward with concern: “Princess, why does your complexion look so poor? Are you unwell somewhere? Should I call an imperial physician to examine your pulse?”

Princess Nankang was startled and quickly said: “No, no need to trouble! I’ve just had a poor appetite these past two days and can’t sleep, so I’m a bit haggard. It’s nothing serious—no need to alarm the imperial physician.”

Seeing her uneasy appearance, Li Weiyang didn’t insist further upon hearing this. She only instructed Zhao Yue to serve tea, then said softly: “Does the Princess’s sudden visit mean there’s something?”

Princess Nankang’s face showed three parts hesitation, but ultimately she bit her lip, almost biting her pale lips until they bled, before asking in a low voice: “Cousin Guo Dun’s matter—is there any progress?”

Li Weiyang shook her head, then saw Princess Nankang’s face show disappointment. Her heart stirred and she said gently: “Princess, hearing you care so much about Fourth Brother puts my heart at ease. I originally thought if Fourth Brother truly killed Wang Guang, you might hate him terribly…”

Princess Nankang seemed frightened. She looked at Li Weiyang, her mouth gaping wide, almost unable to speak.

Li Weiyang, seeing her dumbstruck appearance, just smiled lightly, seemingly casually: “Princess once told me you greatly admired Wang Guang. But after going through so many things, are your feelings still the same?”

Princess Nankang’s heart trembled. She said instinctively: “Sister Jia’er, you misunderstand. I’m only worried about Cousin Guo Dun’s matter. As for Wang Guang… I’ve long stopped thinking about him. Though Wang Yan had many wrongs, he was after all my husband. Wang Guang was his older brother. How could I possibly do something so contrary to human ethics?” As she spoke, tears were about to roll from her eyes. Unwilling to lose composure before Li Weiyang, she turned her face away. Only after blinking away all the tears in her eyes did she turn back, forcing a smile at Li Weiyang. She stood up: “I know you have many matters, so I won’t disturb you. If there’s anything regarding Cousin Guo Dun that needs my help, please be sure to tell me.”

Li Weiyang watched, a thoughtful smile floating at her lips. She didn’t press the matter, only stood to see her out. When they reached the door, Princess Nankang suddenly stopped and looked at Li Weiyang hesitantly: “These past two days the Wang family has been holding funeral rites. I thought…”

Just when she was drowsy, someone brought a pillow. Li Weiyang smiled: “The Princess is the Wang family’s daughter-in-law. Though Wang Yan did many wrongs, this status won’t change. You should naturally go to the Wang household to pay respects. However…” Li Weiyang said half her words, but countless thoughts turned in her heart. Before Princess Nankang could react, she had already continued: “However, you can’t go without someone accompanying you. How about this—I’ll accompany you.”

Nankang’s heart jumped. She looked at Li Weiyang somewhat incredulously: “At this time, wouldn’t it be inconvenient for Guo family members to go?” It would surely intensify the conflict…

That Nankang could think of this showed she wasn’t too foolish. Li Weiyang’s face showed her usual light smile: “The Princess need not worry about this. No matter how angry the Wang family is, they won’t throw me out in public.” Though she said this in a very relaxed tone, Princess Nankang was still worried. But matters had reached this point—she had no other option. If she went to the Wang household alone, she felt it somewhat improper. Since Li Weiyang volunteered to accompany her, that was naturally best. Princess Nankang thought left and right, finally nodding: “Alright, then I’ll go prepare. We’ll go pay respects early tomorrow morning.”

Li Weiyang nodded and watched Princess Nankang leave. Zhao Yue then brought in hot tea. Seeing Nankang had already left, she couldn’t help but wonder: “Why did the Princess leave after sitting for such a short while?”

Li Weiyang said lightly: “You’d have to ask her why she shows such a strange expression whenever Wang Guang and Guo Dun are mentioned.”

Zhao Yue was even more puzzled. She hadn’t noticed anything unusual, only felt Princess Nankang had been behaving abnormally lately. If Madam Guo and Duke Qi were excessively worried about Guo Dun’s matter to the point of being unable to eat three meals, then what was Princess Nankang worried about?

Li Weiyang stood at the door thinking, then said to Zhao Yue: “Go tell Prince Xu to have people pay close attention to the movements of the great aristocratic families in the capital.”

Zhao Yue immediately responded, put down the tea cup, and turned to leave.

Li Weiyang looked at the threads of rain falling outside. Her gaze became meaningful. Now Empress Pei was pressing step by step, not relaxing for a moment. This was also good—let her see what moves the opposition could use.

This rain fell for an entire night and still hadn’t stopped by the next morning. Amid the fine rain threads, the Guo family’s carriage arrived before the Wang household gate. Everyone at the entrance put down what they were doing to look at this carriage. Some guests who had just arrived at the entrance looked at each other, completely unable to imagine the Guo family would dare come at this time. Did this count as coming to apologize? Thinking this, they watched everything unfold with an almost spectator-like expression, their eyes full of mockery.

Li Weiyang paid no attention to the surrounding gazes. Her expression was merely indifferent as she said to Princess Nankang: “Princess, let’s go in.”

Princess Nankang felt some trepidation before the crowd. The steps she took were somewhat stiff. She glanced at the two people beside her. Both Li Weiyang and Guo Dao had composed expressions, completely unaffected by external influence. She couldn’t help but secretly admire them—these two people were truly calm, caring about nothing! Looking at herself, she was far too flustered. She steadied herself before taking the lead entering the Wang household. The Wang family had already arranged mourning banners. Upon entering, one could see tall mourning banners planted in the courtyard, fluttering in the wind, carrying the meaning of lingering attachment—meant to guide Wang Guang’s soul to return following these floating banners. Li Weiyang stood before the mourning banner that was three or four zhang tall and just sighed softly.

The steward announcing mourners called out loudly: “Princess Nankang has arrived! Young Master Guo and Miss Guo have arrived!”

This sound carried out, passing through layer upon layer of courtyards, casting a shadow in everyone’s hearts. The scene in the courtyard was exactly the same as at the main gate. The Wang family’s relatives, the servants and attendants busily working, all looked at every Guo family member with very strange eyes. Even the monks who had been chanting sutras stopped. In complete silence, Wang Qiong had already come forward from the crowd. He looked at the Guo family members, his expression turning cold and gloomy. One could see he was forcibly suppressing the anger in his heart, his voice low: “You are not welcome here. Please leave quickly!”

This was a scene they could imagine, yet they still had to come. If no one from the Guo family came, it would verify the rumors, showing they had a guilty conscience. Duke Qi had wanted to come personally, but given his different status, if Wang Qiong publicly humiliated him, matters would be even harder to handle, so Princess Chenliu had strongly prevented it. Guo Dao stepped forward respectfully: “General Wang, please believe we didn’t come with ill intent. We came this time only to pay respects to Young Master Wang, with no other meaning. Please don’t misunderstand!”

Wang Qiong took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the complex emotions in his heart. He looked at Guo Dao and could feel the other party had no malicious intent. But so what? Within one month, he had consecutively lost two sons, and both were related to the Guo family. If he remained unmoved, wouldn’t he be a beast? He was a father first, then a general. Unable to protect even his own sons—what meaning did being a general have? Though Wang Yan deserved death and he didn’t blame the Guo family for that, what about Wang Guang? He was such a gentle child who only knew chess, indifferent to worldly affairs, never quarreling with anyone. During the Wang Yan affair, Wang Guang didn’t know how much effort it took to persuade every Wang family member, hoping they wouldn’t develop a rift with the Guo family over this. Such a good child—why did Guo Dun strike him down? Wang Qiong couldn’t understand no matter what.

Though he knew this matter might not necessarily be done by the Guo family, Guo Dun appearing at the murder scene was an ironclad fact. So his palms couldn’t help but tremble slightly. Fortunately, they were concealed by sleeves and weren’t discovered. Forcibly suppressing the fury in his heart, he said coldly: “I appreciate your kind intentions. Please go back.”

This was not the time for false courtesy! Li Weiyang stepped forward, her voice cold: “General Wang, may I speak a few words with Miss Wang?”

Wang Qiong glanced at her and frowned: “What is there left to say now?”

Li Weiyang’s expression was composed: “Only for the safety of both our families.”

Wang Qiong’s body trembled. He stared at Li Weiyang’s calm face for a long while without speaking. The atmosphere momentarily became extremely tense. Everyone’s hearts were in their throats. After a long time, Wang Qiong turned his face away—this was tacit consent.

Princess Nankang saw the Wang family’s servants and attendants all wearing white clothing, each showing angry expressions. She couldn’t help but instinctively retreat a step. However, Li Weiyang’s steps were completely steady, treating all those blade-like gazes as nothing. She finally got her wish to see Wang Zijin, who was similarly dressed in mourning clothes.

Wang Zijin raised her head to glance at Li Weiyang, then lowered her eyes. The movements of her hands didn’t stop as she continued silently burning paper money before the spirit tablet. Her tone was very calm: “Miss Guo coming at this time—do you intend to provoke?”

Li Weiyang sighed lightly: “Perhaps everyone will think so! But I believe Miss Wang definitely won’t casually believe such words. Even if I had that much leisure, I wouldn’t choose such a precarious moment to provoke.”

Wang Zijin laughed coldly: “Believe or not, the facts are before us! I sincerely wanted to turn swords into plowshares with the Guo family. But how have you treated our Wang family? I admit my third brother deserved to die, and I absolutely won’t shield him. But what about my second brother? He never offended you, and even went to great lengths to speak well of the Guo family. Regarding Princess Nankang’s matter, if he hadn’t mediated, Father couldn’t have let it go so quickly. But now even he is dead. Who’s next? Me, or Father?”

Li Weiyang looked at the spirit tablet before the altar, then at Wang Zijin’s angry expression. Her own expression was very indifferent: “I can understand Miss Wang’s feelings. But if because of momentary anger you’re blinded by hatred, you’ll only be used by others. If Guo Dun truly wanted to kill Wang Guang, first, he lacks sufficient motive. Second, his capabilities were enough to escape far away. Why would he allow himself to be captured? I truly want to know what the truth of this matter is, and what exactly the person behind this intended by designing all this. Will you turn a blind eye to it?”

Wang Zijin finally put down the paper money in her hands and raised her eyes to stare at Li Weiyang. In her eyes seemed to burn flames. Then she slowly stood up: “You came here now just to ask me this question?”

Li Weiyang’s face showed no smile whatsoever, only extreme solemnity: “Yes, I’m here to seek justice for Young Master Wang and also justice for my fourth brother!”

Wang Zijin snorted coldly: “Justice? What is justice? Is there such a thing as justice in this world? Perhaps your fourth brother suffered an injustice, but at least he’s still alive. Who will take responsibility for my second brother’s death?”

Li Weiyang said coldly: “When something happens, don’t blame others—think about yourself first! Miss Wang knows full well the real murderer is someone else, yet you still insist my fourth brother pay with his life?”

A trace of imperceptible mockery flashed through Wang Zijin’s beautiful eyes. Her smile grew even colder: “What if I say yes!”

Li Weiyang said coldly: “If Miss Wang insists on this, we have nothing more to discuss.” As she spoke, she had already turned to leave. Just then, a white-clothed figure suddenly blocked her path: “Miss Guo, please wait.”

Guo Dao frowned and stepped in front of Li Weiyang: “Wang Ji, what are you doing!” Wang Ji’s face was somewhat pale, yet he still forced a smile: “Zijin has always been very close to Second Brother. Before this happened, Second Brother even said in a couple of days he’d take Zijin out to relax. But not long after saying this, he was already gone… So I hope you can understand Zijin’s feelings. She didn’t mean to say that!”

Li Weiyang naturally knew Wang Zijin was in a bad mood. However, in her view, there was no reason in this world to disregard the murderer and let the real culprit go free just because of a bad mood. She glanced at Wang Ji lightly, her tone utterly calm: “I can understand Miss Wang’s feelings. But this matter clearly has someone manipulating things behind the scenes, yet you’re unwilling to reveal the truth to the world. Forgive me for speaking bluntly—with you acting this way, I’m afraid Second Young Master won’t rest in peace even in the netherworld!”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, a trace of shock flashed across Wang Ji’s face. He moved his mouth as if to say something but couldn’t utter half a word. After a long while, he finally let out a breath and said in a low voice: “Please come to the side hall for a discussion.”

Li Weiyang and Guo Dao arrived at the side hall. Both Wang Ji and Wang Zijin accompanied them. Here there were no onlookers, making conversation much more convenient. Wang Ji spoke: “What does Miss Guo want to know?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes narrowed slightly as she said seriously: “Will Young Master Wang tell me everything truthfully?”

A trace of worry flashed through Wang Ji’s eyes, but his expression was very solemn: “Yes, Miss Guo asks one question, I’ll answer one. If I hide anything, I’ll have wronged my second brother!”

Only then did Li Weiyang nod and say softly: “You should have examined Wang Guang’s corpse. What did you discover?” Actually, Li Weiyang had tried every means to investigate at the Capital Magistrate’s office. But this time, not knowing whose orders he received, the Capital Magistrate kept his mouth firmly shut, only saying all case developments would be reported directly to the Emperor and no one else could know. He firmly refused to leak the slightest word. So even until today, Li Weiyang still didn’t know the actual circumstances of the incident.

Wang Ji let out a long sigh: “When we were preparing Second Brother’s body for burial, we discovered he had multiple blade wounds. The fatal strike was to the chest. The caliber of that blade matched the Lingyun Blade that Commander Guo commonly uses. If not for this, others probably wouldn’t have suspected Commander Guo.”

Li Weiyang nodded and asked again: “Was my fourth brother caught killing someone on the spot?”

Wang Ji was startled, then shook his head: “A servant discovered my second brother dead in the room and immediately shouted. The sound alarmed the rear courtyard. They rushed out to search and happened to discover Commander Guo was about to leave the villa.”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly: “About to leave the villa? With just this, you can be certain everything was done by my fourth brother?”

Wang Ji looked at Li Weiyang, momentarily speechless. Wang Zijin suddenly interrupted: “My second brother’s martial arts, though not the absolute highest, weren’t mediocre either. Those who could defeat him can be counted on one hand. The guards had already searched everywhere when the incident occurred. At that time, apart from Guo Dun, there was fundamentally no one else there. And when Guo Dun was discovered, he still had bloodstains on him. If he didn’t do it, who else?”

Li Weiyang reflected thoughtfully: “Looking at it now, even you can’t provide me with any useful information!”

Wang Ji looked at Li Weiyang, his expression calm: “I believe Miss Guo will definitely investigate this matter clearly and give my second brother justice!”

Wang Ji saying this proved the Wang family was unwilling to intervene in this matter.

Guo Dao looked at them coldly and smiled faintly: “I think Young Master Wang’s spirit in heaven would also be uneasy, resenting you for not pursuing the real culprit but instead grieving here in vain, even deliberately framing my fourth brother when you clearly know this matter has nothing to do with him. The illustrious Wang family actually conducts itself this way! Forget it, Little Sister, let’s go. No need to waste more words with these people!” Hearing this, Li Weiyang said no more, only performed a bow and left with him together.

Wang Ji watched their retreating figures. The expression on his face gradually changed. He couldn’t help but turn to Wang Zijin: “Sister, do you think what we’re doing is right?”

Wang Zijin pondered for a moment before answering: “Even if this matter wasn’t done by Guo Dun, it can’t be separated from him! Since Guo Jia wants to investigate, let her investigate. If she can’t find real evidence, letting her fourth brother accompany my second brother in death is also good. This way Second Brother won’t be lonely on the Yellow Springs road! As for that mastermind behind the scenes, someday I’ll root them out and absolutely won’t let them go!” Saying this, intense hatred flowed through Wang Zijin’s beautiful eyes.

Coming out from the Prince Consort’s manor, Li Weiyang saw Princess Nankang’s expression was unsettled. She asked softly: “Princess, you’ve already paid your respects. Why are you still so uneasy?”

Princess Nankang was startled. The handkerchief in her hand suddenly fell to the ground. A maid quickly picked it up and put it away. Li Weiyang gazed at her intently: “Is the Princess feeling unwell?”

“No, I’m fine! Let’s go back quickly!”

Watching Princess Nankang board the carriage as if fleeing disaster, Li Weiyang exchanged a glance with Guo Dao. He had obviously noticed Princess Nankang’s strange behavior just as she had. This was definitely not excessive nervousness facing the Wang family—it was more like guilt…

The carriage arrived at the Guo residence. Li Weiyang smiled: “Princess, you should go back first. I have other matters to handle.”

Princess Nankang descended from the carriage looking uneasy, then turned back to look at Li Weiyang with a hesitant expression. These past two days Li Weiyang had seen this expression from her many times and didn’t want to say more. She ordered the carriage to leave quickly. The carriage traveled all the way to the back gate of the Capital Magistrate’s office. Yuan Lie was already waiting there. Li Weiyang lifted the curtain and smiled: “So you finally thought of a way to let me see him?”

Yuan Lie nodded, a trace of pride in his eyes, further accentuating his jade-like face: “That old fox, the Capital Magistrate, has always been cunning. No matter how I tried persuading, he refused to let me see anyone. No choice—I could only kidnap his pregnant concubine he keeps outside. If he won’t let you in to see Guo Dun, then I won’t return this concubine and son of his. I’ll send them directly to his fierce, jealous wife!”

Hearing Yuan Lie speak so shamelessly, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but shake her head. She just nodded slightly and descended from the carriage.

Yuan Lie followed her in together, saying in a low voice: “I heard Guo Dun refuses to say anything in prison—completely unlike his personality. This matter is truly strange and should be asked about clearly.”

Li Weiyang’s expression was solemn: “I understand.”

They entered the prison cell. The entire jail environment was very dim. A jailer specially lit an oil lamp to lead the way for them. Passing through layer upon layer of darkness, the candlelight fell on Guo Dun’s face. He instinctively closed his eyes to avoid being hurt by the light after being in darkness so long. After a moment, he opened his eyes and saw standing before him was a well-dressed woman with delicate features and a gentle face—his sister Guo Jia. Guo Dun’s heart trembled. He said instinctively: “Sister, you came.”

Li Weiyang said lightly: “Fourth Brother, you’ve truly grown bold, actually daring to kill Wang Guang!”

Guo Dun lowered his head. The joy in his eyes was instantly replaced by pain. He sat silently, seeming to have no intention of speaking further.

Li Weiyang instructed the jailer to place the oil lamp on the nearby table. After he withdrew, she took a deep breath: “I heard Fourth Brother refuses to say anything in prison. I thought you were waiting for me to come so you could tell me everything. But looking at the current situation, it seems you intend to keep your mouth firmly shut even with me!”

Guo Dun still didn’t speak, his expression only moving slightly. Li Weiyang slowly exhaled: “Mother’s headache condition has relapsed these past days. She’s been bedridden. Father is also excessively worried—his temples have turned several shades whiter. He keeps summoning advisors to discuss how to save you. Unfortunately, His Majesty has sealed the information very tightly. This time even seeing you required Prince Xu’s help. Without him, I probably wouldn’t even have the chance to stand here talking.”

Guo Dun raised his head, only now noticing Prince Xu Yuan Lie also stood across from him, arms folded with a half-smile watching him. Guo Dun’s heart finally felt great pain. He sighed: “I’m unfilial, causing Father and Mother to worry about me.”

Li Weiyang’s tone carried mockery: “Not just Father and Mother. These past days Princess Ali has also been just as worried. She won’t even eat her favorite sweets anymore and doesn’t casually go out. Every day she just sits blankly at the gate, watching for when you might return.”

Guo Dun’s heart felt even more pain, yet he lowered his head and suppressed the sorrow in his eyes.

Li Weiyang laughed coldly: “I truly want to know for whose sake you’re hiding the truth.”

Guo Dun didn’t speak, but tears dripped to the ground.

Great men never shed tears—they’ve just not reached the point of sorrow. Li Weiyang looked at him, her gaze carrying complex emotions, showing a thoughtful expression: “If Fourth Brother admits to this crime, you’re deliberately provoking conflict between the Guo and Wang families. Do you know the serious consequences?”

Guo Dun naturally knew this, but he had unspeakable difficulties.

Li Weiyang became even more certain of her original guess and said very calmly: “Are you doing this for Princess Nankang?”

Guo Dun’s heart jumped violently. His eyes stared unblinkingly at Li Weiyang, his expression showing shock to the extreme.

Li Weiyang had originally just been testing, but seeing him like this, her original guess was now eighty percent certain. She shook her head, her tone light: “So it really is her!”

Yuan Lie stepped forward, doubt showing in his eyes. He stared at Guo Dun: “Exactly what’s going on? How could this matter be connected to Princess Nankang?”

Guo Dun bit his teeth and refused to speak.

The corner of Li Weiyang’s mouth suddenly curved into a somewhat dangerous arc. She turned to Yuan Lie: “No need to ask him anymore. Better to ask the person directly involved in this matter!”

No matter how brilliantly intelligent Yuan Lie was, he couldn’t imagine how Wang Guang’s death could be connected to Princess Nankang… Uncle-in-law and sister-in-law—good heavens!

Li Weiyang walked to the cell door but suddenly stopped and turned to Guo Dun: “Fourth Brother, I hope you can think carefully about when loyalty should be shown and to whom it should be given. Even if you’re truly doing this for Princess Nankang’s good, for the Guo family’s good, some truths cannot be concealed by your efforts alone!”

Guo Dun was about to say something, but the candle extinguished. The people before him had already left the prison cell.

Returning all the way to the Guo manor, Li Weiyang entered Princess Nankang’s room without announcement. Princess Nankang was currently facing the mirror, weeping silently for some reason.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly and walked directly to stand before the mirror, looking at the figure reflected in the bronze mirror: “The Princess truly has ill fortune. First your husband died, now you’re staying at our manor, and Fourth Brother is about to die too.”

Princess Nankang’s entire body trembled. She sharply raised her head and saw the person standing behind her in the bronze mirror. She quickly said: “Sister Jia’er, what did you just say?”

A trace of mockery flashed through Li Weiyang’s pitch-black eyes. She said mercilessly: “I’m saying Fourth Brother is about to be sentenced. Deliberately murdering an aristocratic family’s son while already guilty—he’ll probably be sentenced to dismemberment by five horses!”

Hearing her say this, Princess Nankang’s expression became even more horrified, even faintly showing some grief and guilt.

Li Weiyang keenly captured her expression. She walked past Nankang’s side, her slender fingers lightly tracing across the bronze mirror’s slightly uneven surface before turning to look at Nankang: “Just now I went to the prison to see Fourth Brother, but he’s determined to protect someone and refuses to tell me anything. It seems he’s already resolved to die, insisting on taking the blame for that person! Tell me—what kind of person could make him clench his teeth so tightly and refuse to say anything?”

Princess Nankang’s expression became increasingly sorrowful. She turned her face away, almost not daring to meet Li Weiyang’s eyes.

Li Weiyang sighed and sat down on a nearby stool, saying softly: “Fourth Brother’s personality, though impulsive, has restrained himself considerably these days. He’s finally learned to think three times before acting and isn’t so rash anymore. Mother even said in a few days she’d hold a wedding ceremony for Princess Ali and Fourth Brother. I think they would be a very happy couple. Princess Nankang, don’t you agree?”

Nankang didn’t dare speak, only kept her head lowered without a word.

Li Weiyang smiled lightly, as if seeing through her thoughts, and just continued: “But with something like this happening, the wedding probably can never proceed! I truly feel sorry for Princess Ali and Fourth Brother. Does he know the person he’s protecting fundamentally doesn’t care about his life or death and doesn’t even dare speak a single word in his defense! No helping it—Fourth Brother is just such a foolish person. For the sake of loyalty, he doesn’t even care about his own life!”

Princess Nankang finally couldn’t bear it. Her psychological defenses completely collapsed. Suddenly large tears fell down.

Li Weiyang glanced at her, knowing if she hadn’t completely broken down, she would never show such an expression before her. She said quietly: “Princess Nankang, don’t blame me. You were wrong in a thousand ways, ten thousand ways—you shouldn’t have gone to see Wang Guang. You’re a princess—you should be noble and elegant, keeping to your household. Wang Yan truly wronged you, but Consort Hui already said once matters settle down, in a few years she’ll find you another match. But this match definitely shouldn’t be Wang Guang. Didn’t you understand all this clearly? Why did you still go see him?”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Princess Nankang wiped away her tears. She raised her head and looked at the other party fixedly: “I knew you’d discover everything eventually. But I also didn’t expect this matter would become so serious! In fact, since Wang Yan died, I’ve often gone to temples to hear masters lecture on sutras. Wang Guang would also go there. We occasionally met and would stop to exchange a few words. He was witty and magnanimous, not blaming me for Wang Yan’s matter. He often comforted me, so we became friends. I also knew he was after all Wang Yan’s older brother, and my associating with him was highly improper. So I never told anyone about this. In my heart, I only hoped to occasionally see him. Even if just chatting like friends, I was content. But that day, he suddenly sent me a message asking me to meet him at the villa. I thought something important had happened, so I rushed there. But when I arrived, I discovered Wang Guang was already dead.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze became sharp in an instant: “He was already dead when you went?”

Princess Nankang’s eyes showed a trace of sorrow, yet she still seriously nodded: “Yes, he had already stopped breathing when I arrived! Just then I discovered Guo Dun had also followed me to the villa. It turned out he had noticed my carriage on the road, thought my movements strange, and followed me all the way here. When he arrived, Wang Guang was already dead. So the murderer definitely isn’t Guo Dun.”

Li Weiyang suddenly understood everything in her heart. So Princess Nankang had arranged to meet Wang Guang, which is why Guo Dun adamantly refused to reveal why he appeared at the villa. He had followed Princess Nankang’s carriage there. And Princess Nankang was a widow… A widowed princess going to meet her late husband’s older brother—if this matter spread, Princess Nankang’s honor would be completely ruined! Not to mention Princess Nankang—even Consort Guo Hui would become the laughingstock of the world. So Guo Dun would rather admit to bearing the crime of murder than speak the truth. If Li Weiyang had still felt some sympathy for Princess Nankang earlier, now she was extremely angry. She stood up abruptly and said coldly: “Princess, you were far too foolish!”

Princess Nankang couldn’t speak. She truly was foolish. Otherwise she wouldn’t have gone to meet Wang Guang. But they truly hadn’t done anything improper—just occasionally talking and playing chess. However, such association between a princess and her own uncle-in-law absolutely shouldn’t happen! Precisely because of this, she concealed everything in every way, yet still Guo Dun discovered it. Guo Dun, valuing loyalty and caring for family, had always felt some sympathy for Princess Nankang. That’s why this time he bore everything alone, firmly refusing to reveal the truth to outsiders. One could imagine—if Guo Dun spoke the truth, not only couldn’t it reduce his murder suspicion, it would drag Princess Nankang down with him. Li Weiyang turned and instinctively paced several steps in the room, seeming somewhat hesitant.

Princess Nankang looked at her, her gaze infinitely remorseful: “Sister Jia’er, how should this matter be resolved now?”

Li Weiyang glanced at her, her expression very cold. Princess Nankang somewhat shrank back, almost wanting to retreat. But thinking of Guo Dun, she couldn’t help but gather courage: “How about—I go explain clearly to the Capital Magistrate.”

The arrow was already on the bowstring—there was no room for regret. Li Weiyang said: “It’s too late to say anything now. If you go speak for Guo Dun, not only can’t you reduce his suspicion, people will think you were having a private meeting with Wang Guang and were suddenly discovered by Guo Dun. So Guo Dun became momentarily angry and had a dispute with Wang Guang. If that’s the case, for Wang Guang’s death, Guo Dun absolutely must take this blame!”

Princess Nankang had originally thought the worst would be confessing everything. She never imagined it was now unspeakable! She was suddenly dumbfounded, only feeling her entire body ice cold, as if fallen into an ice cavern.