Early the next morning, a message came from the palace—Imperial Concubine Hui had specially summoned Madam Guo and Li Weiyang. Hearing this news, Madam Guo was somewhat surprised: “Jia’er, what could Imperial Concubine Hui want to see us about?”

Li Weiyang contemplated for a moment, then smiled faintly: “Mother needn’t worry. The court is turbulent with waves, and the inner palace is also quite unsettled. Imperial Concubine Hui summoning us to the palace at this time naturally has important things to say.”

Madam Guo heard the implications in Li Weiyang’s words and nodded: “She has many difficulties alone in the palace. Let’s just enter the palace to keep her company.”

Madam Guo and Li Weiyang entered the palace together. Seeing Imperial Concubine Guo’s face looking quite gaunt, Madam Guo looked her up and down and asked gently: “Your Majesty, why are you so haggard these days? Has something happened?”

Imperial Concubine Guo’s fingers tightened around her handkerchief. She shook her head, her gaze sweeping over the palace maids standing with lowered heads, and instructed: “That’s enough. I wish to speak with my family. You may all withdraw.” The palace maids withdrew without a word, leaving only the most trusted female official by Imperial Concubine Hui’s side to guard the door and prevent outsiders from entering.

The Imperial Concubine looked at Li Weiyang, her eyes seeming to carry hidden worry: “These days the palace has been rather unsettled. I imagine it’s the same outside?”

Imperial Concubine Guo was asking about the current situation at court. Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Your Majesty, outside Father and Prince Jing are holding the fort. You needn’t worry too much—it’s better to rest and recuperate.”

The Imperial Concubine gazed at her gentle face and just sighed: “Yuan Ying, this child, is truly too impatient. I always worry he doesn’t know his limits and will cause some disaster in the future.”

Li Weiyang and Madam Guo exchanged glances. Madam Guo spoke first: “Your Majesty truly worries too much. Prince Jing is a dragon among men, unparalleled in talent and wisdom, with a very reserved character. Recently His Majesty has valued him highly and assigned him many tasks to handle. I hear His Highness has done them all very well and received unanimous praise from court officials. With such a son, what is there for Your Majesty to worry about?”

Who knew that hearing this, the Imperial Concubine’s expression became even more uneasy: “He’s my son—how could I not understand him? He is indeed very capable, but in terms of cunning calculations, how can he match Empress Pei? I fear she deliberately sets out traps and he foolishly steps into them. Today I specially invited Sister-in-law and Jia’er you two into the palace. The most important purpose is hoping Jia’er can advise him, tell him not to be too eager for quick success, and think carefully about what he should do during this recent period.”

Li Weiyang hadn’t expected Imperial Concubine Guo to suddenly bring this up—it was quite unexpected. Madam Guo quickly said: “Your Majesty thinks too highly of Jia’er. You are his mother—if even you cannot persuade him, what can Jia’er do?”

Who knew Imperial Concubine Guo would just smile faintly, clearly disagreeing: “Jia’er, you’re a clever child. You understand what I mean, don’t you? Though I don’t have the blessing to be your mother-in-law, I’m still your aunt. This blood relationship will never change no matter what. For the sake that Yuan Ying is your cousin, please look after him more. I’m a useless mother who cannot give him everything he wants—I can only advise him to stop.”

Li Weiyang understood everything Imperial Concubine Guo said. It seemed the Imperial Concubine didn’t want her son to compete for power. Indeed, given Imperial Concubine Guo’s temperament, she should share Duke Qi’s views. Empress Pei was deeply cunning and calculating. The Crown Prince’s position was very stable. Prince Jing Yuan Ying, because of that rumor, had become extraordinarily zealous about seizing position. Recently he’d been acting too eagerly for quick success. It wasn’t strange that the Imperial Concubine would be anxious about this. The reason she thought of Li Weiyang was most importantly because she’d noticed that deep in Yuan Ying’s heart, he still couldn’t forget Li Weiyang. Such a person could naturally influence her son. Though she knew her actions were somewhat selfish, out of a loving mother’s heart, she still hoped Li Weiyang could set aside their differences and advise Yuan Ying—perhaps he would listen to her.

Thinking of this, Imperial Concubine Guo’s face showed sincere emotion. She proactively grasped Li Weiyang’s hand: “Jia’er, I’m asking you as your aunt—please help your aunt with this.”

Li Weiyang looked at Imperial Concubine Guo’s glistening eyes and suddenly remembered that day in the imperial study when the Emperor wanted to execute her—it was Imperial Concubine Guo who’d recklessly blocked his path. No matter what, she should repay this favor. This thought crossed Li Weiyang’s mind as she smiled gently: “I understand, Your Majesty. If I have the opportunity to see Prince Jing, I will advise him.”

Only then did Imperial Concubine Guo breathe easier. She turned to Madam Guo: “Sister-in-law, you’ve raised such a well-behaved, sensible good daughter. I truly envy you. If only Nankang were as clever and sensible as Jia’er.”

Madam Guo sighed inwardly but changed the subject: “How is Princess Nankang doing recently?”

The Imperial Concubine smiled slightly, though her expression carried a trace of regret: “Nankang insists on taking vows at the nunnery. I can’t stop her either. Originally I planned to have her stay at the nunnery for a while, then bring her back after the furor died down. When everything calmed down I could find her another husband. But I never expected she’d already seen through everything and didn’t plan to return to this iron cage.”

Hearing Imperial Concubine Guo describe the imperial palace as a cage, Li Weiyang gently shook her head. Imperial Concubine Hui wasn’t wrong—this was a place of magnificent splendor, but equally a place that controlled people’s freedom. Ordinary people couldn’t live here. Madam Guo looked toward the Imperial Concubine, her face slowly showing a trace of sadness. She could understand a mother’s feelings. Imperial Concubine Hui had personally raised Princess Nankang, yet never expected her to fall to such a state. Perhaps this was individual fate. Thinking of this, she sat beside the Imperial Concubine and gently comforted her.

Just then, a palace maid outside suddenly knocked twice on the door. The Imperial Concubine froze and called out: “Enter.” The palace maid walked in respectfully and reported: “Your Majesty, it’s time for the meal.”

Imperial Concubine Guo nodded and said to Madam Guo and Li Weiyang: “Dine with me.”

Madam Guo actually didn’t like dining in the palace because the etiquette was too elaborate. According to palace custom, the Emperor had no fewer than thirty dishes per meal, the Empress no fewer than twenty-five, and the palace concubines no fewer than twenty. So many dishes would all be brought to the table. Whatever dish they wanted to eat, they’d just use their eyes to signal, and palace maids would carefully serve it onto the plate before them. But a person’s appetite was limited. The concubines usually didn’t move around much and ate even less. Often dozens of dishes with excellent color, aroma, and flavor would be served, but it was just for show.

This wasn’t Madam Guo’s first time dining in the Imperial Concubine’s palace, but each time palace maids personally served her food, she felt uncomfortable. Though there were maids at home who did this too, the palace’s solemn atmosphere and tedious etiquette always made her dislike it. Though Li Weiyang knew this, since the Imperial Concubine personally asked them to stay, they couldn’t very well refuse.

When the table full of dishes was served, Madam Guo looked at them without much appetite. Though they should observe silence during meals, the Imperial Concubine couldn’t help but ask with concern: “Is Sister-in-law’s health better than before?”

Madam Guo turned to look at the Imperial Concubine and smiled: “Thanks to Jia’er’s day and night companionship, my health is much better now.” In fact, her previous illness was mostly due to Guo Dun. After recuperation she’d long since recovered her health. It’s just that this table full of delicacies all looked greasy, making one feel not very refreshed.

The Imperial Concubine smiled and personally placed a piece of kale on Madam Guo’s plate, then served herself some before saying: “We don’t have this vegetable here—it was tributed from elsewhere two days ago. At first I didn’t dare try it, but after tasting it by chance I found it extraordinarily fresh. I specially had people save some to send to Duke Qi’s mansion. Sister-in-law, please try it.”

Madam Guo’s face showed a trace of emotion. She smiled: “Your Majesty is so thoughtful.”

Li Weiyang saw the two had very good relations and couldn’t help but smile slightly. Li Weiyang was about to pick up her chopsticks when she suddenly noticed one of the palace maids who’d just served the food secretly glancing at Madam Guo, as if watching eagerly. She paused her chopsticks, her mind stirring. Madam Guo had already brought the chopsticks to her lips and was about to eat when Li Weiyang suddenly said coldly: “Mother, wait!”

Madam Guo was just about to taste this fresh vegetable when Li Weiyang’s shout startled her. She immediately put down her chopsticks, asking in shock: “Jia’er, what’s wrong?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was extremely cold as she looked at that palace maid: “You—come here and taste it!”

Imperial Concubine Guo smiled: “Jia’er, you needn’t be suspicious. Originally the palace requires food tasters, but I found the procedures too tedious and instructed them to skip it. But we still test with silver needles.”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly: “Your Majesty, sometimes these tedious procedures are still necessary.” Finishing, she turned to look at that palace maid: “Come here! Didn’t you hear what I said?”

Imperial Concubine Guo was startled. She looked at that palace maid and frowned: “Xing’er, didn’t you hear what Miss said?”

At this moment, the maid called Xing’er dropped to her knees with a thud, her face somehow covered in cold sweat. Li Weiyang’s smile grew even colder as she said: “Since this is a fresh vegetable never heard of before, we might as well reward you with a few bites—it won’t be wasted on your loyal care of Her Majesty.”

Xing’er became even more frightened, kneeling on the ground kowtowing continuously but refusing to raise her head and touch that dish. Seeing this, even Imperial Concubine Guo, however foolish, understood three parts. This Xing’er had returned to her side after she changed palaces. She was originally clever, lively and enthusiastic, could read and write, and suited Imperial Concubine Guo’s temperament well. When she was troubled she’d summon this maid to chat with her. She never imagined the other party had ulterior motives. She couldn’t help but say coldly: “Xing’er, what’s wrong with you? Or is there—something wrong with this dish!”

Xing’er didn’t dare raise her head at all, much less answer. Imperial Concubine Guo’s beautiful eyes darkened as she ordered the female official to bring her favorite cat. This cat was specially gifted by Yuan Ying—a small cat whose sense of smell was particularly keen. When it smelled delicious food it would meow to show it liked it. But once it encountered food with an unpleasant smell, it would constantly scratch at its neck to show it was inedible. Before long, Imperial Concubine Guo’s pet was brought over. The Imperial Concubine ordered a palace maid to pick up a small piece of kale for the cat to smell. As a result, as soon as the chopsticks were placed before the cat, it turned its head and ran. Seeing this scene, Imperial Concubine Guo stood up sharply and said sternly: “Bring it back!” A palace maid immediately forcibly carried the cat back and stuffed a small piece of kale to it. The cat yowled, holding its head high, absolutely refusing to eat.

Imperial Concubine Guo laughed coldly and suddenly turned: “Xing’er, even you betray me!”

Hearing the Imperial Concubine say this, Xing’er was completely stunned. Then with lightning speed she suddenly stood up and rushed toward the wall. But with over a dozen eunuchs and palace maids around, could they let her crash into it? Everyone grabbed her with many hands.

Seeing this chaotic scene, Imperial Concubine Guo’s entire body went cold. She felt her body go weak and slowly sat down. Now she was truly afraid. If Li Weiyang hadn’t noticed Xing’er’s expression was wrong and stopped her and Sister-in-law from eating this dish, they probably would have died by now. Thinking of this, she was both angry and frightened, simply furious. She said sternly: “Take Xing’er out and interrogate her thoroughly. We must dig out this poisoner and dismember them!”

The eunuchs exchanged glances. With a wave they took Xing’er away. Imperial Concubine Guo’s face was pale, her body trembling continuously. Seeing the Imperial Concubine so tense, Madam Guo gently patted her shoulder and said softly: “Don’t worry, it’s all right.”

This one sentence was like the last straw breaking the Imperial Concubine’s shoulders. She burst into tears, saying in disbelief: “Why can people around me be used by others? Haven’t I treated them well enough?”

Li Weiyang sighed gently: “Your Majesty, sometimes it’s not that you don’t treat her well enough, but that human hearts are too complex. It could be for fame and profit, or for power—who knows what’s in her heart?”

The Imperial Concubine looked up sharply: “I truly don’t understand!” Even now she obviously still couldn’t figure out why Female Official Liang who’d followed her for many years had betrayed her, and now it was Xing’er’s turn. When the Guo and Chen families were on good terms, Xing’er had been transferred by the Imperial Concubine to Imperial Concubine Chen as a gift. Later, because of the fire incident, the Imperial Concubine lacked staff. Though she’d added some new people, none suited her. Imperial Concubine Chen, out of goodwill, had returned Xing’er to her.

Madam Guo, who’d already found this very suspicious, couldn’t help but speak: “Could it be Imperial Concubine Chen…”

Recently relations between the Guo and Chen families had eased somewhat, which was why Imperial Concubine Chen had specially sent Xing’er back. But Li Weiyang shook her head: “How could Imperial Concubine Chen be so foolish? Having just sent someone back, if we were poisoned to death, wouldn’t she be implicated?”

If not Imperial Concubine Chen, then who? Imperial Concubine Guo’s expression grew even uglier. Madam Guo thought for a moment: “A poisoning case depends on witness testimony. This matter can’t escape the imperial kitchen. As long as we thoroughly investigate, especially find out who made this dish and who brought it, as long as we catch the person and keep them alive, naturally we can force them to reveal who’s behind it.”

Imperial Concubine Guo shook her head: “I fear the matter isn’t so simple. Since the other party dared to move against us, they’ll certainly eliminate all traces.”

Li Weiyang smiled gently: “Yes, perhaps nothing can be found. But what’s important is that Your Majesty must make a show of thoroughly investigating, deterring everyone. It would be best to even execute some people. Only this way can Your Majesty sit firmly. Perhaps… spreading some rumors in the palace would be more beneficial than catching the real culprit.”

Hearing this, Imperial Concubine Guo couldn’t help but raise her bright eyes to look at Li Weiyang, almost stunned. Li Weiyang’s smile was very gentle, but her tone of speech was quite cold. Imperial Concubine Guo couldn’t help but think of Prince Jing Yuan Ying mentioning that rumor outside the palace to her. She immediately thought of Li Weiyang. But could all this be possible? Jia’er was just a weak woman. Though her thoughts ran deeper, how could she suspect palace affairs from years ago? She herself had never even heard of all that. But looking at Li Weiyang’s cold face, she didn’t dare ask more. She didn’t know why, but for the first time her heart felt some trepidation and unease toward Li Weiyang.

Better to wrongly kill than let one escape—how cold and ruthless was this young girl’s heart?

After finishing the meal and coming out, Madam Guo and Li Weiyang reached the door and happened to encounter Prince Jing Yuan Ying coming to pay respects to Imperial Concubine Hui. Madam Guo, thinking of what the Imperial Concubine had just said, couldn’t help but softly call out: “Jia’er, I seem to have left my handkerchief in Her Majesty’s palace. I’ll go back with a palace maid to get it. You stay here and chat with Prince Jing for a moment.”

Currently they were standing in the corridor, an open area. Even if someone saw them standing together, they wouldn’t gossip. This could fulfill the Imperial Concubine’s request without requiring private meetings, avoiding rumors. Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “In that case, I’ll wait here for Mother.”

Watching Madam Guo re-enter the hall, Yuan Ying stepped forward: “Why did cousin have time to enter the palace today to visit Mother Consort?”

Li Weiyang’s cool gaze fell on his face: “Doesn’t Your Highness know?”

Prince Jing froze for a moment, then smiled: “Mother Consort summoned you to the palace probably to have you advise me.” He was a very clever person and immediately got to the crux with one statement.

Li Weiyang looked at him, her smile carrying a trace of indifference: “Doesn’t Prince Jing feel he’s being too hasty? Rumors are just rumors after all—they may not cause them much harm.”

Prince Jing smiled slightly but asked softly: “Jia’er, what’s your true purpose in spreading this rumor?”

This person just wouldn’t give up. Li Weiyang raised an eyebrow: “Speaking to this point, I won’t hide it either. Whatever purpose there is, Your Highness will naturally know in the future. But at the current stage I hope you won’t act rashly, and especially don’t casually ruin my plan.”

Prince Jing couldn’t help but frown: “I ruin your plan? How is that possible? Weren’t you the one who told me to beat the drums from the side?”

Clearly feigning ignorance! Li Weiyang’s smile turned cold: “I told you to beat the drums from the side, but didn’t tell you to excessively involve yourself, especially since the Empress has recently deliberately assigned you tasks to do. Don’t you think there are traps everywhere?”

Prince Jing froze, a trace of shock in his eyes: “What do you mean by that?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “What kind of person is Empress Pei? Under her strict surveillance, when have court officials ever promoted Prince Jing? But now they’re stirring restlessly, one after another pushing good opportunities to Prince Jing. Don’t you find this very strange?”

Prince Jing was somewhat dismissive: “Perhaps… this is because they’re disappointed in the Crown Prince, so they’ve shifted their attention to me.”

Li Weiyang’s expression carried a trace of mockery: “Your Highness truly thinks too simply! Between people it’s nothing but competing for power, especially in the court. Whether the Crown Prince is Empress Pei’s biological son or not doesn’t matter. What matters is that he’s the Crown Prince, the one Empress Pei fully supports. As long as they know this, it’s enough—why would they care about anything else? Think carefully—why would the Ministry of Revenue let your people get involved? That’s just a mess! Why did the Minister of War suddenly show you favor? He wants to splash some dirty water on you! The best way to eliminate a rumor is to create an even bigger incident. Your Highness, think clearly!”

Hearing her speak so decisively, Prince Jing couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat. For a long while he said nothing, staring fixedly at Li Weiyang: “You mean… Empress Pei is digging a trap for me.”

Li Weiyang sighed gently: “Yes. If you don’t pull back in time, I fear you’ll be in too deep! I’ve said my piece—Your Highness please take care!”

Prince Jing thought carefully through recent events and couldn’t help but understand. While feeling grateful for her reminder, he couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope: “So you do still care about me. I thought you were so infatuated with Yuan Lie that you paid me no attention…”

Li Weiyang frowned slightly: “Why does Prince Jing say this? You’re still my cousin, aren’t you?”

Prince Jing laughed coldly, his handsome face shrouded in frost: “These days you’ve constantly been arm-in-arm with him touring around the capital. Who knows how many people are saying your happy event is near?”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but feel slightly displeased, her face darkening: “You’ve been following us?”

Prince Jing’s brow furrowed tighter: “I’m concerned about you.”

Li Weiyang turned around, her voice becoming extremely cold: “I have my freedom. Whoever I wish to be with has nothing to do with Your Highness. Please stop here!”

Prince Jing stepped forward, stopping about three paces from her, changing his tone: “Jia’er, I’m just afraid you’ll befriend the wrong person and entrust your life to the wrong man.”

Li Weiyang whirled around sharply, her gaze infinitely cold: “I’ll say it again—I’m not a child. I don’t need Your Highness’s concern.”

Prince Jing looked at Li Weiyang, his expression quite moved: “Human hearts are treacherous. You’re a woman after all—emotional barriers are always hard to pass… Yuan Lie’s identity is special. Didn’t you know this long ago?”

Li Weiyang looked at him, her expression slowly calming: “It seems Imperial Concubine Hui told you everything.”

Prince Jing said: “That day in the imperial study, His Majesty clearly said Yuan Lie was his son. But as far as I know, all these years Father Emperor has had no son living outside! No, there’s only one—the one born to Princess Qixia! Since you know his filthy origins, why do you stay so close to him?”

Li Weiyang didn’t like others criticizing Yuan Lie, and even more disliked Prince Jing’s tone of barely concealed contempt beneath his arrogance. She restrained her surging anger: “Your Highness, my being with Yuan Lie has nothing to do with his origins! I’ll tell you honestly—no matter who he is, what his identity, it won’t affect my feelings for him! You needn’t waste your efforts!”

The smile had completely disappeared from Prince Jing’s face: “You won’t accept me because I compete for power. But being with him—can you avoid these things? No, absolutely impossible. He’s Princess Qixia’s son. Father Emperor won’t spare him, Empress Pei won’t spare him either. He won’t have a single day of peace! What good does following him do you? What can he give you?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was clear and cold: “I thought I’d already made myself very clear. Your Highness, I don’t like you. Please don’t continue making the same mistake, placing your heart on someone who will never love you. In your current situation you need a princess consort to stabilize the overall situation. In my view, Miss Wang is the best choice.”

“Wang Zijin?” Prince Jing’s expression turned cold as ice: “I never thought you’d push me toward her?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, but her expression carried some coldness: “Your Highness, I’m doing this for your own good. Miss Wang is unparalleled in talent and wisdom, of noble birth, and skilled in mystic arts. She’ll be very helpful to Your Highness’s great enterprise in the future. If you marry her, you can both cut off Empress Pei’s hopes and have her assist you. What’s wrong with that? Conversely, even if you married me, I’d be of no benefit to you and wouldn’t want to help you at all.”

Veins throbbed faintly at Prince Jing’s temples. He stepped forward: “Why must you think I’m wrong? Is it wrong that I like you?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was icy as she looked at him: “Your Highness, whether in the past, present, or future, I can only regard you as an elder brother. Please stop pestering me!”

Prince Jing’s expression was very firm: “Don’t speak so adamantly. Nothing in this world is absolute. I have plenty of opportunities!”

Li Weiyang looked at him and couldn’t help but laugh coldly. In this world there were many people who were overconfident. They felt the entire world was at their feet, everything theirs to pluck. Prince Jing was clearly this type of person. His obsession with the throne, his persistence toward her—all this wasn’t because he loved her so deeply. The more important reason was a kind of resentful unwillingness to admit defeat supporting him.

Li Weiyang ultimately transformed her anger into a smile: “Your Highness has the energy to worry about my affairs—you might as well think about what Empress Pei plans to use Dali for.” Prince Jing froze and frowned: “Dali? You mean the current emperor Tuoba Yu—what relationship does he have with Empress Pei?”

Li Weiyang smiled pleasantly: “Empress Pei supported Tuoba Yu’s ascension, but so far we still don’t know what she wants Tuoba Yu to do for her.”

Prince Jing was after all an extremely clever person who knew when to set aside romantic feelings and think carefully about his future path. At this moment he couldn’t help but become serious: “So you mean the alliance between Dali and Da Zhou is problematic?”

Li Weiyang, seeing he’d so quickly thought of the key point, couldn’t help but smile gently: “If there were no problem, why would Empress Pei go to such lengths? What benefit could she gain?”

Prince Jing’s heart filled with resentment. He slammed his palm heavily on a corridor pillar, his face showing gritted teeth: “She’s always so restless!”

As long as politics were mentioned, this person would forget romantic feelings—not too stupid after all. Li Weiyang smiled faintly and turned to leave.

At this moment, Ying Chu had just emerged from the Empress’s palace when he saw the Crown Prince approaching. Ying Chu couldn’t help but heighten his vigilance, bowing with cupped hands: “Your Highness.”

Usually the Crown Prince would just walk straight past him without even a glance, but today the Crown Prince suddenly stopped and smiled: “Lord Ying, where are you headed?”

Ying Chu bowed: “Your Highness, this humble minister just finished an audience with Her Majesty and is about to return to my residence.” The Crown Prince’s rare amiable attitude without any hostility made Ying Chu’s heart feel unsettled instead.

The Crown Prince’s smile grew even more amiable: “I happen to have matters to discuss with Lord Ying. Come, return to the mansion with me.”

Even with Ying Chu’s deep scheming, hearing this he couldn’t help but freeze: “Doesn’t Your Highness wish to see Her Majesty?”

The Crown Prince’s smile grew even warmer: “I can see Mother Empress later. But it’s rare to encounter Lord Ying.” Saying this, he actually disregarded rank and personally stepped forward to support Ying Chu: “Let’s go.”

Ying Chu frowned but said nothing more, almost as if being escorted away.

The two returned all the way to the Crown Prince’s mansion. The Crown Prince seemed in very good spirits, ordering the kitchen to prepare many delicacies as he wanted to drink a few cups with Ying Chu. Knowing Ying Chu’s alcohol tolerance was high, the Crown Prince specially ordered the strongest liquor prepared and constantly urged him to drink at the banquet, very much with the meaning of burying past grudges with a smile. Seeing the Crown Prince so enthusiastic, clearly wanting to use this opportunity to reconcile with him, Ying Chu felt it improper to refuse too much. But after drinking several cups, Ying Chu began to lose his support and had to apologize to the Crown Prince before dozing off drowsily at the table.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince laughed coldly in his heart several times. Then he stood up and walked out of the reception hall, saying to his guard commander: “Kill him immediately!”

The guard commander was shocked. He said in a low voice: “Your Highness, please reconsider. Lord Ying is someone by Empress Pei’s side…”

Before he could finish, he heard the Crown Prince say sternly: “If you cannot do what I order, bring me your head!”

Hearing the Crown Prince speak through gritted teeth, clearly hating Ying Chu to the bone, the guard commander couldn’t help but grit his teeth and immediately say: “Yes, Your Highness!” Finishing, he led over ten guards straight into the reception hall. Just as they entered, their throats were seized tightly by Ying Chu standing behind the bead curtain, unable to move. It turned out Ying Chu hadn’t actually drunk the wine the Crown Prince offered him at all. Each time he raised the cup and drained it in one gulp, he’d cleverly spat the wine back into his sleeve, using sleight of hand to deceive the Crown Prince’s eyes. And the Crown Prince’s discussion with someone outside the hall moments ago—every sentence had entered his ears.

The guards who’d followed the guard commander panicked. Over ten men rushed forward together to attack Ying Chu, forcing him to release the commander. The guard commander felt those iron hands had nearly suffocated him. Now suddenly saved, he coughed violently several times and said angrily: “I carry the Crown Prince’s decree—kill without mercy! Everyone attack together!” He immediately called the others to fiercely attack together. After all, Ying Chu was just one person—no matter what, he couldn’t match over ten fierce guards like wolves and tigers. Before long, they’d subdued him. Countless sharp blades pierced Ying Chu’s body. After a moment they’d stabbed him full of bloody holes until he no longer moved. Only then did the guard commander go up to check his breathing, turning back to nod to everyone: “Dead.”

Hearing the sounds of a body being hacked by swords, the Crown Prince outside laughed coldly. Before long he saw the guard commander emerge and report: “Your Highness, the person is dead.”

The Crown Prince smiled: “Well done!”

This time the Crown Prince felt he’d done something extremely wonderful. Because Ying Chu was truly too detestable—he’d not only sent Leng Lian to his side as a spy but constantly threatened her to work for him, monitoring himself. Once Leng Lian escaped his control, he’d even wanted to kill Leng Lian to silence her! Keeping such a person by Mother Empress’s side would only alienate their mother-son relationship. He was doing this for Mother Empress’s sake, eliminating a treacherous minister! Thinking of this, the Crown Prince chuckled twice: “Throw the corpse into the moat for me. Tomorrow spread word that Ying Chu got drunk, accidentally lost his footing and fell into the moat—dead!” When he said those last two words, he could no longer control the ferocious satisfaction between his brows.

The guard commander’s heart trembled. He quickly said in a low voice: “Yes, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince didn’t know that as soon as he’d ordered Ying Chu’s corpse thrown into the moat, the agents who’d been closely watching reported this news to Yuan Lie. Then Yuan Lie quickly rushed to Duke Qi’s mansion to tell Li Weiyang this excellent news. Li Weiyang wasn’t surprised, only saying flatly: “Oh, the Crown Prince moved so quickly.”

Yuan Lie’s eyes suddenly brightened: “As his subject, he couldn’t easily refuse the Crown Prince’s invitation no matter what. Who knew the other party would take his life because of it! This Ying Chu was fated to have this calamity!”

Li Weiyang stood quietly with lowered eyes. Hearing his words she nodded slightly, lightly humming in agreement, as if thinking about something. Yuan Lie spoke in a light tone. Seeing her expression unmoved, his heart grew doubtful. He laughed gently: “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy about eliminating this major threat?”

Li Weiyang then smiled softly: “It’s not that I’m unhappy. I just feel this matter came too quickly and too easily.” Finishing, she blinked at him.

Hearing this, Yuan Lie froze. His thoughts raced and he understood somewhat, but showed nothing: “Isn’t this exactly what you hoped to see? You used Consort Lian and that rumor to sow discord and make the Crown Prince and Ying Chu kill each other. Now you feel it’s improper?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes were clear: “Perhaps I’m being too suspicious, or… Ying Chu isn’t as formidable as I thought.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Yuan Lie’s breathing tightened. He couldn’t help but smile: “Ying Chu is already dead, and killed by the Crown Prince at that. This matter has nothing to do with us! Even if someone investigates afterward, it’s the Crown Prince who committed the crime of killing a court official without cause. When the time comes, that great mother of his will be the first who won’t easily forgive him. We’ll just wait and watch the show!”

Li Weiyang smiled and nodded, then said in a low voice: “It’s late. You should hurry back.”

Yuan Lie saw hidden cold light in her eyes. He froze for a moment, then suddenly laughed, his eyes brighter than stars, as if a cunning gleam flashed past. He smoothly embraced her, kissed her forehead, and said in a low voice: “Tonight you can sleep peacefully. Rest early!” Only then did he quickly disappear into the courtyard.

Li Weiyang watched his retreating figure and couldn’t help but reach out to touch her forehead, smiling gently.

At this moment, the night’s cold wind struck in waves, the chill pressing in. Zhao Yue quickly came over to drape a cloak over Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang smiled: “Let’s go back. I should settle in too.” Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Zhao Yue quickly ordered people to prepare.

Zhao Yue hadn’t expected that at the very instant she and Li Weiyang entered the room together, a dark shadow flashed and flew to the shadowed corner of the wall, taking advantage of the moment of inattention. He cleverly used that slight wind sound to conceal his tracks. Those with superior martial arts excelled at unifying “hands, eyes, body, technique, and footwork.” When the black-clothed man was dozens of paces from this courtyard, he’d already detected that the small courtyard’s perimeter was full of hidden guards. He laughed coldly: “Just with you lot—wanting to stop me? Wishful thinking!”

When he discovered a wild cat crouching not far away on the wall, he casually picked up a fallen leaf from the ground. With a flick of his fingers, the leaf flew straight at the cat. Sure enough, the wild cat shrieked. Countless hidden guards pursued in the cat’s direction. He took advantage of the guards’ scattered attention to flash and lightly land on the main room’s roof. Slowly lifting a tile to look inside, he saw a woman lying on the bed sleeping, heavy gauze curtains concealing her form. He laughed inwardly that the other party had truly taken the bait. Just as he was about to strike, he suddenly sensed rushing wind from behind. Hastily turning back, he saw a brocade-robed young master had flown steadily onto the roof just like himself. He didn’t panic, only laughing coldly. His foot made a “crack” sound as he deliberately broke several roof tiles and dropped into the room.

Yuan Lie didn’t panic to pursue, only saying coldly: “Whoever captures him alive gets a hundred taels of gold!” With his order, guards swarmed forward, surrounding the small courtyard inside and out until not even water could pass through. Knowing himself heavily surrounded, the black-clothed man didn’t panic. He shot out a hidden weapon flashing with ghostly blue light straight at Li Weiyang on the soft couch. The person who should have been sleeping suddenly sprang from the bed, narrowly dodging the dart. Seeing the other party’s form like lightning, the black-clothed man was shocked. Looking carefully at her features, he saw this woman, though quite attractive, had a heroic, spirited air—not Li Weiyang at all!

He immediately knew he’d been tricked. Swiftly shooting out over a dozen hidden weapons “whoosh whoosh whoosh” at all the guards rushing into the room, his angles were extremely clever. Those strangely-shaped weapons seemed poisoned. The moment they touched people’s skin they made a piercing “sizzle” sound. A guard hit by his weapon began to have his entire skin rot, screaming loudly before falling to the ground, his face swollen and agonized beyond measure. Someone nearby went to help him but with just a light touch also screamed continuously and fell down together, clearly infected with the same poison, rolling on the ground in agony—a scene of universal suffering. Even Yuan Lie, seeing this, couldn’t help but be shocked. He decisively said: “Don’t touch the poisoned people!”

His words had barely fallen when smoke rose up and that black-clothed man had vanished into thin air. Yuan Lie’s gaze was cold: “This fellow is truly cunning!”

At this moment Li Weiyang emerged from the adjacent partition. Seeing this scene, she couldn’t help but sigh gently: “Ying Chu truly didn’t die after all.”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly: “He’s lucky!” When Li Weiyang signaled him with her eyes, he’d understood and deliberately said those words to make the other party think he’d been fooled. As a result, he really came! It was clear Ying Chu was not only full of schemes but ruthless and cruel. Daring to break into the Guo residence alone—his audacity knew no bounds.

Guo Dao, having just learned the news and rushed into the courtyard, saw the scene inside the room and his expression changed sharply. He couldn’t help but speak: “Sister, what exactly happened?”

Li Weiyang shook her head gently: “Ying Chu deliberately played dead before the Crown Prince just to make me believe he was already dead. When people are pleased with themselves, they easily become careless. He chose tonight to ambush—most likely to succeed.”

Guo Dao looked at Zhao Yue wearing Li Weiyang’s clothes beside them and suddenly understood: “You deliberately created suspicion, making him think you’d relax your guard tonight!”

Li Weiyang’s eyes shimmered like water: “It wasn’t divine calculation, but rather I felt uneasy inside. This was a strange intuition—I thought perhaps someone would come to kill me tonight, so I had Zhao Yue prepare arrangements in advance. But Fifth Brother, why are you here?”

Guo Dao said somewhat embarrassedly: “I saw the moonlight was beautiful tonight, so I came out for a walk. Then I heard sounds from this courtyard and rushed over.”

Li Weiyang nodded slightly, but heard Yuan Lie say coldly: “The other party’s martial arts are superior, and the hidden weapons he carries are all poisonous. I truly dare not imagine if you’d been lying on the bed at that moment, by now you’d probably already…” His words trailed off but his face turned faintly pale.

Li Weiyang smiled: “You needn’t worry too much. Since he came tonight, he won’t use this method again in the future. I’m temporarily safe.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Yuan Lie didn’t relax because of it. He said in a low voice: “This person is not only cunning but quite strategic. You must be more careful in the future.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “If he were so easy to deal with, how could he become the Empress’s confidant?”

Early the next morning, the Crown Prince entered the palace to pay respects to the Empress. Then he suddenly mentioned something as if casually: “Mother Empress, do you know a major incident occurred outside? A body floated up in the moat…”

Empress Pei looked at him with a seeming smile, her eyes inscrutable. The Crown Prince couldn’t help but feel a chill inside: “This person was none other than Lord Ying by Mother Empress’s side… Sigh, speaking of it, his fate was sealed. He actually got drunk and fell into the moat, losing his life for nothing. Such a waste of Mother Empress’s careful cultivation. Mother Empress, you mustn’t be too heartbroken…”

Empress Pei laughed coldly, looking at the Crown Prince leisurely: “He didn’t get drunk and fall in—he was thrown in!”

The Crown Prince’s face instantly turned pale. After all, he didn’t have Empress Pei’s deep scheming. At this moment he couldn’t help but feel somewhat panicked, but he forcibly suppressed his inner fear, maintaining a calm smile on his face: “Ah! Thrown in? Sigh, that’s not strange either. He offended too many people ordinarily… Mother Empress, in consideration of his loyal devotion to you, give him a proper burial.”

Empress Pei’s smile grew even colder. She looked at her son—at this moment she was not just disappointed in him, but extremely disgusted.

Under Empress Pei’s gaze, the Crown Prince almost instinctively left his seat. He murmured: “Why do you look at me like that?”

Empress Pei sighed gently: “You truly disappoint me, child!”

Hearing Empress Pei say this, the Crown Prince was shocked. He immediately said: “Mother Empress, could you be suspecting I did something to Lord Ying? He has so many enemies—everyone in the capital wants him dead. Just because he fell into the moat, Mother Empress suspects me? You think too highly of me. How would I dare move against your beloved subject!”

Empress Pei smiled calmly, yet her tone was as soft as a sigh: “Whether or not you did it, we only need to ask Ying Chu to know.”

Even with the Crown Prince’s honeyed words and clever tongue, his expression couldn’t help but change drastically: “A dead man—how can he answer?”

But Empress Pei looked toward the beauty screen on the side. The Crown Prince doubtfully followed her gaze. He saw from behind the screen slowly emerge a blue-robed man, that half silver mask flashing brilliantly—it was Ying Chu, who should have been a corpse in the moat! The Crown Prince received a tremendous shock. He sharply retreated three steps, saying in disbelief: “It’s you? How are you still alive?”

Ying Chu smiled gently and bowed respectfully to the Crown Prince, his posture elegant like a demon: “Your Highness, Ying Chu has great fortune and destiny. No matter what, I won’t die so easily! But I must thank you for your trouble.”

Hearing Ying Chu say such words, the Crown Prince’s face could be described as ashen. He pointed at Ying Chu, almost too frightened to speak. Ying Chu stepped forward, and the Crown Prince retreated a step. Only when he’d retreated to the wall with absolutely no way back did he straighten his chest, though his voice trembled uncontrollably: “How did you escape?”

Ying Chu just smiled: “Just some minor tricks to make Your Highness think I’d been executed. Your Highness, next time you kill someone, you must personally confirm I’ve stopped breathing.”

Hearing him say this, the Crown Prince’s gaze couldn’t help but roam over his body. He saw Ying Chu had not a single wound anywhere. The Crown Prince couldn’t help but shout angrily: “Those guards—they dared to deceive me!”

Ying Chu’s smile deepened: “Your Highness truly wrongs them. It’s just some sleight of hand from the martial world. How could those guards not believe it?”

The Crown Prince completely hadn’t expected Ying Chu to still be alive, much less that he’d become a chess piece for the other party. He murmured: “You truly are a terrifying madman!”

Ying Chu’s gracefully curved form was casual and relaxed. He suddenly retreated two steps and knelt before the Crown Prince: “Your Highness’s resentment toward Ying Chu—this humble minister understands it clearly in his heart. But with great enemies before us, I hope Your Highness will not dwell on old grudges and can join hands with this humble minister to jointly deal with that Guo Jia!”

The Crown Prince looked at him, but his heart inexplicably sank down, almost falling to the bottom of a valley. Finally he shook his head: “Your schemes run too deep. I cannot calculate against you!” Saying this, he actually swept his sleeves and strode away. Just as he stepped over the threshold, he stumbled and nearly fell to the ground in loss of composure.

Watching the Crown Prince’s departing back, Empress Pei sighed gently: “Your operation yesterday also failed.”

Ying Chu turned to look at Empress Pei, his face showing some regret: “Your Majesty, Guo Jia designed for the Crown Prince to kill me. I also used this opportunity to make her relax her guard, but I never expected this woman was too cunning and actually saw through my intentions! Last night I personally went to kill her but still didn’t succeed. This is truly too regrettable.”

Empress Pei looked at Ying Chu and smiled, her voice gentle yet carrying bone-chilling cold: “The Crown Prince underestimated you, but haven’t you also underestimated Guo Jia? If she were so easy to deal with, how could both Anguo and Lin’an have died at her hands? You’d better be careful.”

Ying Chu smiled: “After this incident, His Highness won’t easily move against me. The vital points on my body—only Your Majesty knows them. Unless one day Your Majesty wants to kill me, otherwise no one can take Ying Chu’s life!”

Hearing him speak so confidently, Empress Pei smiled faintly, her expression composed: “Naturally I won’t.”

Ying Chu carefully pondered these words. After a long while, his heart surged with waves, but he only smiled slightly and lowered his eyes.