Half a month passed in a flash. This day was the Laba Festival. According to palace protocol, the Emperor and Empress would host a grand banquet for all officials. All officials of third rank and above, along with their female relatives, were required to enter the palace for the feast. When Li Weiyang stepped into the great hall, Empress Pei was already surrounded by the Crown Prince’s wives and concubines. A rare smile graced the Empress’s face—a picture of harmonious joy.
Wang Zijin walked over, wearing a light blue dress with paired cloud-geese embroidery that made her appear even more charming and captivating. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Li Weiyang, she smiled slightly: “Jia’er, what are you looking at?”
Li Weiyang glanced lightly toward the great hall. Wang Zijin looked over and saw the Crown Princess, Side Consort Lu, and others surrounding Empress Pei, talking about something. Wang Zijin naturally understood Li Weiyang’s meaning. She said calmly: “I heard the Crown Prince has recently been exclusively favoring a beauty from outside the palace. He even refuses to return to the Crown Prince’s residence for her, staying away for long periods. This matter is known to all. The Crown Princess and the others naturally cannot restrain themselves. However, for the Crown Prince to disregard even imperial dignity and show no consideration for these noble wives and concubines, that woman must possess extraordinary beauty.”
Li Weiyang smiled. Leng Lian was indeed beautiful as a celestial being, but what truly captivated the Crown Prince wasn’t this. The Crown Prince’s heart always harbored a thorn—Empress Pei had always been cold and indifferent to him, nothing like a loving mother. This was partly Empress Pei’s nature, but on the other hand, the Crown Prince’s sense of inferiority was also very strong. Leng Lian was perceptive and understanding, gentle and tactful, and especially comprehended the Crown Prince’s feelings. Naturally, she would comfort him in every way with infinite tenderness, like a fragrant flower that kept the Crown Prince completely under control. Add to this the Crown Prince’s mother complex and a hint of defiance toward Empress Pei’s authority, and this created Leng Lian’s current position… The psychology behind this was immensely complex—difficult for anyone to easily believe. Li Weiyang didn’t explain further. She simply smiled: “To gain the Crown Prince’s devoted love, this woman must naturally be an absolute beauty.”
Seeing she wouldn’t elaborate, Wang Zijin didn’t press further. Her gaze focused on the lively scene: “Those women can no longer sit still now. Not just them—even Empress Pei probably cannot sit still!” Otherwise, why would the Empress, who normally showed no interest in the Crown Prince’s wives and concubines, suddenly be so amiable?
Sure enough, they heard Empress Pei look at Side Consort Zhang and smile: “Your child is already over four months along, isn’t it?”
Side Consort Zhang was overwhelmed with favor and quickly said: “Yes, Mother Empress.”
The other consorts, seeing the Empress rarely show someone such warmth, felt both envious and jealous, their eyes nearly shooting flames. The Crown Princess suppressed her jealousy and smiled: “Indeed. I’ve been telling her to be careful and cautious, to properly nurture the pregnancy and bear another son for the Crown Prince soon.” At this, Side Consort Lu beside her became furious. She had just given birth to a son, and now this Side Consort Zhang wanted to compete for favor—how infuriating! But she didn’t show it on her face, only smiling faintly: “The Crown Princess speaks truly. We’ve always seen how well you care for Side Consort Zhang—so much so that even the Crown Prince has been overlooked!”
The Crown Princess was struck speechless by this barb, both embarrassed and angry, her face flushing red. The other consorts present lowered their heads, laughing awkwardly. The Crown Princess had a fierce and jealous temperament. Last time she caused a huge scene over Leng Lian’s matter. Now the Crown Prince refused to enter her chambers at all. On the rare occasions he returned to the Crown Prince’s residence, he would at most visit the pregnant Side Consort Zhang and the son Side Consort Lu had borne—the others could crane their necks but never catch a glimpse of the Crown Prince.
The Crown Princess had pretended illness several times, but it couldn’t win back her husband’s heart. Now with Side Consort Lu’s cold sarcasm clearly mocking the Crown Princess’s loss of favor, how could she be willing to accept this?
Empress Pei observed coldly. Seeing that merely showing them warmth made these women climb all over her, creating a tense and ugly scene, she couldn’t help sneering coldly. If not for the need to reassure people and create a facade of harmony, why would she waste time with their false civility? These women were each more foolish than the last—she didn’t take them seriously at all, though their family backgrounds still had some use. Without changing expression, she merely smiled slightly: “As the saying goes, when choosing a wife, choose a virtuous one. To be a good wife, you shouldn’t meddle in what isn’t your concern. More importantly, know your place and understand propriety, moderation, and measure. I know recently there have been some unpleasant rumors circulating. I won’t investigate closely. I’m just telling you here—since you’ve married into the imperial family, you should understand the rules and properly guard your husband. Don’t concern yourselves with other matters. No matter what the Crown Prince does, you must fulfill your responsibilities and know how to be his eyes and ears. Don’t just think about jealous squabbling and fighting each other. However, if the Crown Prince makes mistakes, you cannot let things slide either—you should advise when necessary. Now the Crown Prince behaves so absurdly, yet none of you intervene—won’t that make us a laughingstock?”
The Crown Princess was momentarily speechless. Regardless of all the eyes watching, her eyes reddened: “Mother Empress, how could I not understand this principle? I’ve always conducted myself this way. It’s just that I’ve always been foolish and don’t please the Crown Prince. I angered him momentarily, which led to last time’s incident. Now he refuses to return to the residence! It’s all my fault, implicating all my sisters in receiving cold treatment as well.”
Side Consort Lu quickly reconsidered—this didn’t sound right. She hastily said: “This cannot be blamed on the Crown Princess. We also lack the ability to hold the Crown Prince’s heart…”
Empress Pei looked at their varied expressions and smiled: “Those wild flowers and weeds outside are merely temporary dalliances that can never appear on the stage. As long as I’m here, what do you fear about your position as Crown Princess becoming insecure? The same goes for all of you—assist the Crown Prince well and don’t let him do more foolish things.”
The several side consorts exchanged glances but all responded in unison: “Yes, Mother Empress.”
They spoke in low voices on their side that others couldn’t hear clearly. People only saw the scene appear jovial and harmonious, and couldn’t help feeling secretly puzzled. Some had already begun discussing privately: “Didn’t they say the Crown Prince isn’t Empress Pei’s biological son? Seeing Her Majesty so amiable, it doesn’t seem like it!”
Immediately someone said: “What do you know? Her Majesty normally never easily converses or laughs with people. How could these Crown Prince consorts see her? Now she suddenly appears so warm and kind—clearly this is all for show!”
People whispered among themselves, some believing, some doubting. The Crown Prince caught these voices more or less and his expression became even more furious. At this moment, he had come to believe Empress Pei was not his biological mother. Not only that, she was wary of him, guarding against him, preferring to heavily employ a favored minister to constantly suppress him—how could this not make him harbor resentment?
Just as the Crown Prince was lost in wild thoughts, performers had already come out to perform in the wide square ahead. Princess Ali had never seen such performances in all her years and couldn’t help staring fixedly. More than ten large drums were carried out, the drum sounds thundering. Dozens of burly men with bright red sweat towels around their waists danced through, creating an extremely lively atmosphere. Professional animal trainers led two ferocious tigers from each side of the square into the center, making them jump through fire hoops to perform tricks before exiting. After a while, several performers climbed poles and did somersaults—all displaying superior skills and formidable techniques. Princess Ali was watching with rapt fascination when suddenly she heard a “boom”—fireworks erupted from one corner of the square. Startled, she quickly grabbed Li Weiyang’s arm.
Li Weiyang smiled lightly and patted her hand: “It’s fine, just part of the performance.” Sure enough, rows of blue-clothed women walked out from the right side of the square, each holding a torch high. In an instant, they breathed fire, and the torches blazed fiercely as they performed and danced simultaneously.
Princess Ali saw this group of people actually spewing fire and continuously performing various strange acts—most interesting indeed. She couldn’t help watching with great delight, completely forgetting her earlier fright. Following this were various horse shows, aerial performances, mask dances, and more—the scene was extremely lively. Not only was Princess Ali entranced, even the other officials couldn’t help relaxing their usual reserve and laughing heartily.
After three rounds of wine, the Emperor finally appeared. Seeing His Majesty arrive, everyone quickly stood up and called out long life three times.
From afar, Li Weiyang observed that although the Emperor’s form appeared normal, the area under his eyes showed a faint bluish tinge, and the red mark between his brows had deepened. This indicated the Emperor’s headaches hadn’t completely healed, but if he didn’t attend such a banquet today, it would give everyone the impression his condition had worsened… This was reluctant attendance. Just as Li Weiyang was lost in thought, Princess Ali smiled: “Jia’er, the Emperor is late today!”
Li Weiyang started, then said calmly: “His Majesty can come whenever he wishes. We can only receive him—how can we blame His Majesty?”
Princess Ali stuck out her tongue, clearly disagreeing. In her view, having so many people wait for one person made him too domineering.
They heard the Emperor laugh loudly: “Good, everyone rise!”
Everyone then stood up and returned to their seats. After the eunuch gave permission to sit, they dared sit down.
The Emperor sat beside Empress Pei, looking at her with a half-smile: “Today’s Laba Festival banquet must have been hard work for you.”
Empress Pei smiled, her smile dignified and graceful, but her voice was flat: “What words is Your Majesty saying? This is all my proper duty as your subject. Moreover, I had help from Noble Consort Guo, Noble Consort Chen, and the others—I couldn’t possibly be exhausted. Rather, Your Majesty has just recovered and came out in the wind. I’m truly very worried.”
Hearing Empress Pei say this, the Emperor’s smile slightly faded. He snorted coldly: “I’m fine. My body is quite well—no need for the Empress’s concern.”
The corners of Empress Pei’s lips curved in a faint arc, clearly not taking his words to heart. She knew the Emperor’s condition better than anyone and knew he wasn’t as relaxed as he claimed.
The Emperor’s face bore a smile, but under his sleeves, his fists were tightly clenched, veins bulging on the back of his hands, his spine rigid—showing his headaches were still severe. Seeing everything, Noble Consort Guo couldn’t help feeling anxious. If anyone among the imperial consorts truly cared about the Emperor’s health, she counted as one. Though she had little love for the Emperor, after years of marriage, he was Yuan Ying’s father after all. No matter what, she didn’t wish to see him harmed. Moreover, if the Emperor collapsed, it would only please Empress Pei—greatly harming their interests. Thinking this, she said softly: “Your Majesty, the banquet is the same every year, nothing special. Tomorrow you must hold morning court. After being ill so long, you must have accumulated many memorials. If you’re in a hurry… you might as well return to review them first.” Clearly giving the Emperor an out.
Hearing this, Empress Pei glanced at her coldly: “Your Majesty has plenty of time to handle state affairs. What need is there for Noble Consort to speak out of turn?”
Noble Consort Guo’s face showed a hesitant expression, but she immediately fell silent.
The Emperor also knew the Noble Consort was thinking of him—state affairs, though busy, weren’t urgent for just this moment. But if he left now, it would make people suspect his physical condition, possibly endangering political stability. Thinking this, he smiled slightly: “Noble Consort needn’t worry. My body has recovered. At worst, after attending the banquet, I’ll return to review memorials—the same thing. I’ll just have to trouble my beloved consort to personally deliver some refreshments later.”
Noble Consort Guo lowered her eyes and said softly: “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Noble Consort Chen observed coldly, seeing the fierce struggle here, and merely shook her head lightly. Now the Crown Prince and Prince Jing fought to the death in court, while in the rear palace, Empress Pei and Noble Consort Guo each occupied half the territory. Empress Pei’s methods and schemes far surpassed Guo’s. If not for Duke Qiguo’s residence supporting her, Noble Consort Guo absolutely couldn’t have lasted until now. Thinking this, she glanced at Consort Zhou beside her. She saw Consort Zhou’s gaze calmly watching the performances ahead, completely unmoved, as if she hadn’t noticed the commotion here at all.
She couldn’t help sighing lightly in her heart. This Consort Zhou was also formidable. While they fought like fire and water, she sat steady as Mount Tai, as if no one else existed—this kind of composure wasn’t something ordinary people possessed.
At this banquet, Wang Zijin had actively switched seats with someone nearby to sit right next to Li Weiyang. This clearly showed she had taken a definite stand with Duke Qiguo’s residence. Everyone who witnessed this change was very surprised. After all, these two were love rivals. Now seeing them sit together talking and laughing, the situation was as strange as could be.
Wang Zijin asked Li Weiyang in a low voice: “Since the powder was prepared, you still haven’t told me what exactly you want to do?”
Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Didn’t I tell you? Ying Chu wants to present a Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue to Empress Pei. Beforehand, he commissioned people everywhere to collect paintings so he could give them to master carvers. But apparently, after searching for a long time, he couldn’t find anything satisfactory—either the face was too stern or slightly too frivolous, not dignified enough. Fifth Brother is a master painter, and his painting style is unique and rarely seen. The Guanyin image he painted must be excellent… so this painting has already been delivered to Ying Chu’s hands.”
Wang Zijin’s heart jumped. She had personally seen Guo Dao’s painting. But she didn’t think he would have that painting carved into the Thousand-Armed Guanyin—what enormous risk that would be! Thinking this, she immediately said: “Jia’er, I’m afraid your wishful thinking will fail. I don’t think Ying Chu would do that.”
Wang Zijin thought Li Weiyang had tampered with the painting to drive Ying Chu to have the image carved as Guanyin to present to Empress Pei. However, she had guessed wrong. Li Weiyang smiled lightly: “Naturally he won’t actually have that painting carved, but… he may not refrain from keeping it.”
Wang Zijin couldn’t help being very surprised: “I completely don’t understand what you mean. Since you know he won’t use the painting for carving, why go to such lengths to deliver it to his hands?”
Li Weiyang’s tone was very calm as she said slowly: “Ying Chu is an extremely clever person, and very cunning. Few men are as ruthless and merciless as him. It’s just a pity…”
Wang Zijin quickly asked: “A pity what?”
Li Weiyang sighed lightly: “A pity he’s still human after all. Being human means having love, hate, anger, and desire—the seven emotions and six desires. He deeply loves Empress Pei, so she is his fatal weakness. Once embarked on this rocky path of love, there’s no turning back. A person without flaws has finally developed a shortcoming—isn’t that a pity? This gives us an opportunity to exploit. Used well, taking his life is no difficult matter!”
Wang Zijin looked at her in surprise, a notion growing ever stronger in her heart. She felt the tightness in her heart suddenly relax. Though she didn’t understand Li Weiyang’s current thoughts, her expression and tone were so certain and confident that it gave Wang Zijin a reassuring pill.
Ying Chu had already stepped forward, proclaiming loudly: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty Empress, this humble servant has a gift to present.”
Everyone knew about Ying Chu presenting a gift because Empress Pei wanted to use this opportunity to promote him, so even the gift had been decided early—a Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue, carved by a famous jade master. However, apparently finding the model had taken considerable effort. When Ying Chu brought out the Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue, everyone’s eyes couldn’t help widening.
The Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue Ying Chu had people carry out was a full foot tall, pure white throughout, like congealed cream. Besides the Bodhisattva’s two hands joined at the chest, twenty hands were sculpted on each side, holding various powerful dharma instruments like knives, spears, whisks, dust brushes, umbrellas, mirrors, and pure vases. Additionally, each hand contained an eye—truly forty-two arms and forty-two eyes. This Guanyin’s wise eyes gazed downward, her face compassionate. Looking at it made one feel peaceful and calm, generating a compassionate heart for saving all beings from suffering.
After carefully examining the Guanyin’s compassionate features, Wang Zijin couldn’t help feeling disappointed: “As expected, he didn’t use that painting!”
Li Weiyang smiled: “Naturally he wouldn’t use it. If he had, wouldn’t he be telling everyone he harbors treasonous thoughts toward Empress Pei?”
Hearing this, Wang Zijin’s heart jumped. She turned to look at Li Weiyang: “It seems you have complete confidence!”
Li Weiyang smiled enigmatically: “Without confidence, how would I dare make promises to you?”
Empress Pei indeed smiled: “This Thousand-Armed Guanyin is truly lifelike and graceful. Moreover, this jade was transported from deep seas across thousands of miles—extremely precious and rare. Your Majesty, you must heavily reward Lord Ying!”
Hearing this, how could the Emperor not understand? Empress Pei wanted to use this opportunity to promote Ying Chu by one rank. He looked at Ying Chu with disgust, but his expression remained indifferent: “Lord Ying, you’ve truly worked hard! But I notice this Thousand-Armed Guanyin looks very similar to the Guanyin statue in Daming Temple. Did you model it after the Guanyin in Daming Temple?”
These words clearly accused Ying Chu of taking shortcuts. Ying Chu quickly said: “Your Majesty, this statue’s model was personally painted by Master Zhang Cheng. This humble servant absolutely didn’t cut corners. Please rest assured, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor sneered coldly, looking at Empress Pei: “It seems this subject is truly devoted to you. Successfully creating this jade Guanyin must have taken considerable thought! With such a loyal subject, the Empress should truly set her mind at ease.”
Empress Pei looked at the Emperor as if she hadn’t understood: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Seeing Ying Chu present the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, the Crown Prince’s expression showed a trace of mockery, his eyes clearly carrying some hatred, though cleverly lowered so outsiders couldn’t see.
Princess Ali asked Li Weiyang softly: “That day I heard you and Miss Wang discuss that you would act today. What will you do next?”
She and Wang Zijin didn’t get along well, but they asked exactly the same question. Li Weiyang knew they were both very anxious, yet said unhurriedly: “It’s not what I will do, but rather what Fifth Brother will do.”
Wang Zijin raised her eyebrows: “Fifth Young Master? What will he do?”
Li Weiyang’s gaze turned toward the distance: “Haven’t you noticed… Fifth Brother is drinking cup after cup today, seeming somewhat drunk?”
Wang Zijin looked toward Guo Dao and saw him pulling Prince Jing, Yuan Ying, trading cups back and forth. That handsome face also showed a red flush, making him appear even more graceful and distinguished. Usually with Yuan Lie present, these young gentlemen all felt very suppressed because Yuan Lie’s brilliance was enough to overshadow anyone. But now seeing Yuan Lie absent, surprisingly no one could steal Guo Dao’s limelight. Many young ladies secretly watched him, some even ready to make a move. Before long, the daughter of Grand Tutor Qiao walked over. Her name was Qiao Hui. Qiao Hui looked at Li Weiyang and smiled: “Miss Guo, it’s been many days.”
Li Weiyang smiled, her expression calm: “Miss Qiao, greetings.”
Miss Qiao then took advantage to sit down beside Wang Zijin, her smile appearing especially bright. Qiao Hui was only seventeen this year, born with beautiful features and a lively, cheerful personality. She had some acquaintance with Han Lin, so she had met Li Weiyang before. Coming to greet her especially today wasn’t strange. But her opening words were: “Some time ago I heard Fifth Young Master was injured. I wonder if he’s recovered now?”
Li Weiyang glanced at Qiao Hui and smiled: “Thank you for Miss Qiao’s concern. My fifth brother’s body is already fine.”
Qiao Hui’s face flashed with joyful expression, then she glanced imperceptibly in Guo Dao’s direction, her smile deepening: “I’ve always wanted to visit the Guo residence, but Miss Han always finds me troublesome and won’t take me.”
Li Weiyang said calmly: “Her marriage to Third Brother is approaching. Recently she’s stayed behind closed doors—even I rarely see her. An unmarried bride naturally shouldn’t frequently visit the Guo family. If Miss Qiao is interested, you might as well come visit me.”
Hearing this, Qiao Hui became even more delighted, that pretty face gaining three parts blush. Wang Zijin sneered coldly. She had always looked down on these girls who threw themselves at men. Moreover, though Guo Dao’s mouth was objectionable and his conduct somewhat annoying, he ultimately wasn’t someone any cat or dog could match. This Miss Qiao before her had appropriate looks and background to match Guo Dao, but unfortunately had a bad rumor from the past. When Grand Tutor Qiao hadn’t yet made his fortune years ago, he had a marriage agreement with a friend, promising this Miss Qiao to that family’s son. Who knew that friend’s family fell into decline two years later? Unable to help it, he brought his son to personally request assistance. Who knew the Qiao family immediately tore up the marriage agreement and even had them beaten out with sticks. When this matter spread, Wang Zijin naturally felt three parts disgust toward this Miss Qiao. Now seeing her infatuated expression toward Guo Dao, Wang Zijin didn’t know why but felt even more irritated. She said calmly: “Miss Qiao, I heard that although Young Master Guo has recovered, his right hand will never be able to lift a sword again. Didn’t Miss Qiao once say you wanted to find a gentleman talented in both civil and military arts? I’m afraid Young Master Guo cannot reach such heights!”
Hearing this statement, Qiao Hui’s expression changed. She hadn’t expected Wang Zijin to speak so bluntly. She hurriedly stood up, cold as frost: “I didn’t know Miss Wang had become so close with the Guo family and also loved to spout nonsense. Hmph!” She snorted coldly, barely concealing her shame and anger, turned and left.
Princess Ali looked at her departing figure in surprise, turning back to look at the other two in shock: “What was that all about?”
Li Weiyang smiled: “Zijin drove her away—what else could it be?”
Wang Zijin’s face reddened: “Jia’er, you won’t blame me for meddling, will you? I just can’t stand Qiao Hui.”
Li Weiyang looked at her, her tone very gentle: “I know what Zijin means. I also heard about that incident. Favoring wealth over poverty is human nature in this world—nothing strange about it. But Grand Tutor Qiao went too far. He could have simply canceled the engagement, why beat the other party so severely? Such a person has truly low moral character… The father’s actions were already excessive, yet Miss Qiao doesn’t know to close her doors in reflection. Instead, she goes everywhere attracting attention, attending all manner of garden parties and banquets. Clearly her character isn’t much better either. Such a woman—my parents would never agree to her entering the Guo residence. Better to cut off her hopes early. Moreover, you’re right—my fifth brother was indeed injured. Ordinary common girls cannot match him, while those proud, self-important women are equally unwilling to marry him. This is fine too—he can freely choose whom he loves.”
Hearing this, Wang Zijin was rather surprised: “From your meaning, Jia’er, you seem somewhat permissive?”
Li Weiyang smiled: “Fifth Brother is no longer the civil-military all-rounder he once was. Mother has already declared that regardless of which family’s daughter he likes, as long as her family background is clean, her character and appearance good, and her temperament gentle, that’s enough. She needn’t come from a great family or be talented in both civil and military arts… these things have no benefit whatsoever for living as a household.”
Wang Zijin disagreed: “Choosing a wife naturally requires selecting from the best. Someone like Guo Dao—oh, I don’t mean his person is so excellent.” She said this, her face seeming to redden further, yet still looked at Li Weiyang and insisted: “It’s just that he comes from Duke Qiguo’s residence after all. No matter what, he cannot possibly marry a girl from a small household. Otherwise, when entertaining guests in future, could such a woman appear in the reception hall? Wouldn’t that disgrace Duke Qiguo’s residence?”
What Wang Zijin said wasn’t wrong. As the common saying goes: better to marry a great family’s maid than a small family’s daughter. Even if he couldn’t marry a daughter from a great household, he should marry a maid from a great household—such girls had excellent upbringing and cultivation. In contrast, those small family beauties, dealing year-round with daily necessities, couldn’t cultivate any noble bearing.
Li Weiyang’s view differed from Wang Zijin’s. As long as Guo Dao liked her, the woman’s background truly didn’t matter, so she merely smiled slightly: “Your thinking isn’t wrong, Zijin. It’s just that my fifth brother has a rather peculiar temperament—he doesn’t like ordinary girls. Especially those from great families who are arrogant and domineering or self-importantly aloof—Fifth Brother extremely detests them. I think he’s better suited to girls with gentle, water-like temperaments. As for background, as long as Duke Qiguo’s residence doesn’t object, who would dare say anything?”
Princess Ali nodded: “Right! The girls from our grasslands are passionate and forthright. Now that I think of it, I have a friend who greatly admires Fifth Young Master!”
After saying this, she saw Wang Zijin’s face pale slightly for some reason. Li Weiyang observed this but merely smiled faintly, saying nothing more.
Wang Zijin heard Li Weiyang’s implied meaning. But with her proud temperament, she couldn’t say anything else, only lowered her head and sighed softly. Li Weiyang was secretly telling her that Duke Qiguo’s residence didn’t wish to form a marriage alliance with the Wang family because she and Guo Dao weren’t suitable. Though she originally had no intention of marrying Guo Dao, being rejected to her face, she truly couldn’t bear it. If she hadn’t already become friends with Li Weiyang, she probably couldn’t help retorting. After forcibly suppressing this, she said in a low voice: “Marriage matters are very difficult to predict. It’s not something you can control just because you want to.” Finishing this sentence, she realized she’d spoken out of turn and fell silent.
Li Weiyang glanced at her lightly, her smile warm: “Yes, as the saying goes, those with fate will meet across a thousand miles; those without fate won’t recognize each other face to face. Fate is something people cannot control. Perhaps Fifth Brother will meet the girl he likes tomorrow—who knows?”
Wang Zijin looked steadily at Li Weiyang, about to say something, when an unexpected incident occurred. Having received his reward, Ying Chu withdrew. Just as he walked into the seating area, suddenly with a “clang,” Guo Dao threw his wine cup to the ground, abruptly stood up, and pointed at Ying Chu coldly: “What are you doing?”
Ying Chu had already lifted one foot to step forward. Hearing this, he stopped and turned to look at him: “What does Young Master Guo mean by this?”
Originally Ying Chu had merely walked past Guo Dao, but somehow everyone heard Guo Dao’s wine cup crash to the ground. They all immediately looked at Ying Chu with suspicious eyes. Sure enough, they heard Guo Dao say angrily: “Lord Ying, even though you just received rewards from His Majesty and Her Majesty Empress, you shouldn’t be so arrogant and domineering. I was sitting here drinking perfectly well, not provoking or bothering you in any way. Why did you deliberately bump into me?”
Ying Chu frowned: “Young Master Guo, are your eyes playing tricks on you? When did I ever do such a thing?”
Guo Dao leaned on the table, the corners of his mouth containing a mocking smile, seeming somewhat drunk: “Lord Ying, since you did wrong, just saying ‘sorry’ would be enough. Why lose all sense of propriety and decorum? This is before His Majesty—do you dare lie so casually?!”
Ying Chu couldn’t help feeling slightly angry. He said coldly: “Then I apologize, Young Master Guo.” Finishing this, he made to walk forward again. Guo Dao flashed forward, blocking him, his expression icy: “Just saying sorry—is that all?”
Ying Chu’s brows furrowed even tighter. That half silver mask scattered faint cold light under the moonlight, but it couldn’t compare to the coldness in his eyes. He said word by word: “What exactly does Young Master Guo want?”
Guo Dao smiled faintly, his expression full of coldness: “Naturally you must pour wine and apologize!”
Ying Chu snorted coldly: “You, Guo Dao, have no official position. Being able to sit here today is merely due to Duke Qiguo residence’s favor. Yet I am a court official. By what right do you demand I pour you wine and apologize? What propriety is this!”
Guo Dao said with a half-smile: “Someone like you, a treacherous minister, only knows how to eliminate dissidents, cover the sky with one hand, and bully others using borrowed power. Where do you have even half a minister’s propriety? You also deserve to lecture me about principles?! What standing does my Duke Qiguo residence have, and what thing are you!”
Ying Chu couldn’t help becoming furious. He had always been a person of great patience. Though constantly suppressing himself, recently he’d received too much cold treatment, to the point he’d been compressed to his limit. His eyes flashed with cold light, his expression dark: “Young Master Guo, what occasion is this? Is it your place to run wild here! This is the great hall, not a marketplace! You dare use such an attitude to speak with me—simply hooligan and ruffian behavior, disgracing the National Duke’s standing! Right and wrong, everyone has their own judgment. I won’t stoop to your level. If you’re unsatisfied, you can certainly call your father to settle this with me!”
“My father?” Guo Dao laughed coldly: “My father is the grand Duke Qiguo, His Majesty’s pillar minister, currently fighting bloody battles at the front. What thing are you to be mentioned in the same breath as him? You even dare demand he come find you to reason! Ying Chu, with one sentence you want to turn heaven upside down. Do you really think you’re some remarkable personage? You’re just a treacherous eunuch through and through! Does a eunuch also deserve to strut around here?!”
The two words “eunuch” repeatedly touched Ying Chu’s nerves. That’s right, he was a eunuch, but he had once been a normal man. This had become the hidden pain in his heart, yet Guo Dao kept mentioning it again and again. He forcibly suppressed his towering rage: “Since Young Master Guo is so discourteous, I can only ask His Majesty and Her Majesty to decide!” Not wishing to continue, he turned to leave.
Guo Dao’s expression remained unchanged as he snorted coldly: “Wait. A grown man, yet you run to hide under Empress Pei’s skirts wagging your tail begging for mercy. How do you have the face? Ah, I forgot—you’re Her Majesty’s dog!”
Guo Dao’s unbridled behavior greatly shocked Ying Chu. After all, he was a court official. Unable to contain himself, he laughed from extreme anger: “Young Master Guo, you truly are audaciously reckless! You don’t even put Her Majesty in your eyes!” Finishing this, he pushed Guo Dao aside and walked forward. Who knew Guo Dao would laugh heartily, suddenly grabbing Ying Chu’s outer robe and shoving hard, shouting loudly: “You beast in human clothing, why are you still wearing clothes? Quickly get on the ground and bark twice!”
Before Ying Chu could react, he only felt his clothing ties break. When he turned back ready to rage, he was stunned. On the ground, a scroll painting had appeared from nowhere. Before he could move, Guo Dao had already seized it first, proclaiming loudly: “I wonder what treasure this is that Lord Ying still hides close to his chest even now?”
Hearing this, everyone craned their necks to look. The scroll gradually unfurled. Ying Chu’s gaze immediately turned icy cold. He stepped forward as if wanting to seize the scroll, but Guo Dao’s movements were even faster. Ying Chu’s outstretched hand was caught by Prince Jing, who gripped his wrist extremely hard while smiling: “Why is Lord Ying so anxious? Young Master Guo is merely joking with you. Please don’t be angry!”
His appearance seemed like breaking up a fight, as if afraid Ying Chu would rush up to trouble Guo Dao. But his expression was very strange. He quickly winked at Guo Dao, who flashed into the crowd, deliberately unrolling the scroll slowly before everyone. Then someone exclaimed in admiration: “Oh, so it’s a Guanyin image!”
Guo Dao immediately laughed: “Lord Ying is truly utterly devoted to Her Majesty, actually keeping this Guanyin image close to his chest. But wait—this isn’t right. This Guanyin image is different from the one just now. How does it resemble Her Majesty by eighty percent?” Finishing this sentence, people’s faces became extremely fascinating in an instant.
Prince Jing let out a cold laugh but feigned shock: “This Guanyin image really does resemble Her Majesty by seventy or eighty percent. How very strange! Lord Ying, you didn’t use this painting for carving, yet deliberately collected it and hid it close to your chest. Why is that?”
Everyone thought the same thing. Previously Ying Chu had widely searched the marketplace for famous painters, having them paint Thousand-Armed Guanyin images, then finding first-rate jade craftsmen to carve accordingly. But the carved Thousand-Armed Guanyin was completely different from this painting he now carefully treasured close to his chest. This scene truly seemed somewhat eerie. Since Ying Chu didn’t use this painting, why did he hide this scroll in his bosom? Thinking this, everyone’s faces couldn’t help showing fearful expressions, and Ying Chu had already snatched back that scroll, stuffing it back into his chest.
Seeing this scene, the Crown Prince’s expression became extremely ugly. He naturally knew why Ying Chu would hide this scroll resembling his mother close to his chest—because he had never given up on her, still harboring those filthy thoughts! Thinking this, he felt hatred to the extreme! But what could the Crown Prince do? Could he immediately step forward and explain to everyone? Unless he was insane! Yet if he said nothing, it would further confirm Ying Chu’s impression in everyone’s hearts. Whether Ying Chu lived or died, the Crown Prince didn’t care, but this matter implicated Empress Pei. Thinking this, he immediately stepped forward, laughing loudly: “Young Master Guo, you’ve truly drunk too much this time!”
Guo Dao quickly supported his head, dizzily: “Oh my, I really have drunk too much. Lord Ying, truly sorry for startling you!”
Ying Chu almost hated him to death, but in front of everyone couldn’t show anger, because the more furious he became, the more people would see through his thoughts. Thinking this, he forcibly swallowed his heart’s hatred, grinding his teeth secretly: “Young Master Guo needn’t mind. I won’t take it to heart!” With that, he quickly turned and left.
After Ying Chu departed, people began discussing among themselves.
“Hey, why would Lord Ying inexplicably keep a scroll of Empress Pei in his bosom?”
“Who knows? Really can’t understand—he’s a eunuch yet harbors such thoughts toward Empress Pei!”
Someone retorted: “What do you know? Years ago, this Lord Ying was a household slave by Empress Pei’s side. They spent day and night together, morning and evening facing each other. Probably some inappropriate thoughts developed!”
Once these words were spoken, people discussed: “How bold of you to say such things!” Followed by whispered conversations and strange laughter.