When Jiang Li’s group entered the palace, palace attendants led the way while Jiang Li walked behind. Jiang Jingrui had also noticed those official wives’ scrutinizing gazes toward Jiang Li earlier. He had wanted to tease Jiang Li about it, but when he turned his head and saw Jiang Li’s expression was indifferent and didn’t seem particularly pleased, he wisely kept his mouth shut and didn’t dare say another word.

Strangely, he wasn’t afraid of anyone in the Jiang family except Jiang Li, toward whom he always felt somewhat wary. Although Jiang Li was always smiling, even with her smile, he could distinguish when it was Jiang Li being polite, when she was being perfunctory, and when she was angry.

It was best not to provoke an angry young lady, especially when that young lady was Jiang Li.

Upon reaching the palace hall, Jiang Li discovered that there weren’t actually many officials who came today for the merit rewards—at least not as many as the previous palace banquet. Looking more carefully, Jiang Li understood somewhat. There were quite a few people in court with connections to Prince Cheng and the Right Minister. This time, many had been purged—among the high ministers, one could say almost half were gone. Of course, this didn’t mean Northern Yan’s court would be in turmoil. Emperor Hongxiao had probably been preparing for today long ago, supporting new nobles early on. Now that this batch of ambitious old ministers had vacated their positions, it was perfect timing to make way for new people. These new officials would be absolutely loyal to Emperor Hongxiao. After even the batch of old ministers like Jiang Yuanbai successively retired, the court’s structure would be completely different from before—entirely Emperor Hongxiao’s people.

Jiang Yuanbai looked at the people around him. Whether or not he had also thought of this, his expression was somewhat strange.

Jiang Li had thought Liu Xu would be here today, but after looking around, she didn’t see Madam Liu’s figure. It seemed that for today’s palace banquet, Madam Liu wasn’t among the invited. From the looks of it, those who came were all important ministers and new nobles. With his status as Chengde Minister, it wasn’t his turn to attend.

However, this meant Jiang Li had no acquainted friends here. Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou at least had two brothers and quickly went to talk with them. Jiang Li stood in a corner of the great hall with Lu Shi when suddenly someone called her name: “Second Miss Jiang!”

Jiang Li turned around and saw it was actually Yin Zhiqing calling her from behind.

Jiang Li quickly said, “Princess Pingyang.”

Yin Zhiqing walked over and smiled happily. “I just arrived and saw you. Did you just get here too?”

Jiang Li nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze turning to Yin Zhiqing. Yin Zhiqing’s attire today was truly quite dazzling. She wore peacock-patterned brocade, a rose-red long phoenix tail skirt, with vermillion lips and pearly teeth, her glances captivating. Even Jiang Li couldn’t help but praise inwardly—what a stunning beauty with a face like lotus blossoms and jade.

Yin Zhiqing was born with stunning, alluring beauty, but her temperament was completely different—straightforward. She reached out to pull Jiang Li as if they were very familiar, saying, “My brother is over there. Come, let’s go greet him together.”

Before Jiang Li could speak, Lu Shi smiled and said, “Xiao Li, you should go. The Prince Commandery Heir is there too. You young ladies staying with me wouldn’t be interesting anyway.”

Old Madam Jiang also nodded. Jiang Li shook her head inwardly but could only smile outwardly. “Alright.”

Yin Zhili was standing outside the hall, talking with a young man. He had actually lived in Yunzhong all along and had no connections with people in Yanjing City. But strangely, these official sons and daughters in Yanjing City didn’t seem to dislike him at all. There was no sense of exclusion—they even seemed to have good relationships with him. In Jiang Li’s heart, she gained another measure of Yin Zhili. Achieving this wasn’t easy. The young masters and noble ladies of official families in Yanjing mostly held themselves in high regard and were unwilling to associate with those they looked down upon. Even Jiang Li, who had come to Yanjing City a year ago and was honored as a Miss of the Jiang family, had no close companions. This was certainly because Jiang Li was unwilling to fawn over and please them, but they themselves had initially resisted Jiang Li’s integration into the noble ladies’ circle.

Yin Zhiqing called out, “Brother.”

Yin Zhili had just finished talking with the person before him and was about to leave when he heard Yin Zhiqing’s call. He turned his head and was startled to see Jiang Li as well, then a trace of a smile surfaced in his eyes. He said gently, “Second Miss Jiang.”

“Young Master Yin,” Jiang Li replied.

Yin Zhiqing blinked. “You two talk first. I’ll go tell Mother.” Before Yin Zhili could finish speaking, she ran off first, leaving only Jiang Li and Yin Zhili standing together.

Yin Zhili was somewhat helpless. “I apologize. My sister…”

“The Princess is innocent and lively, very cute. Young Master Yin needn’t mind,” Jiang Li smiled.

Hearing this, Yin Zhili’s expression relaxed and he also smiled. “Miss Jiang is as understanding as always.”

The two of them standing together naturally attracted quite a few gazes. The man in white robes was gentle and refined, handsome and warm. The young lady in blue was lively and graceful, beautiful and sweet—truly a perfectly matched pair. Yin Zhili’s appearance and family background were both outstanding, so naturally many young ladies admired him. Those with intentions, seeing this scene, felt their hearts cool by half. If the Yin family and Jiang family formed a marriage alliance, there would be nothing for others. From how things looked now, Yin Zhili and Jiang Li seemed quite familiar—could there have been signs of this all along?

Jiang Li sensed many scrutinizing and speculating gazes falling on her. She felt both amused and exasperated inwardly but wasn’t nervous at all. In Yin Zhili’s eyes, however, this meant Jiang Li didn’t dislike being with him. He looked at Jiang Li and asked curiously, “Miss Jiang, why aren’t you using the fan Zhiqing gave you?”

“The fan?” Jiang Li froze, suddenly remembering that fan confiscated by Ji Heng, and Ji Heng’s words: “Try receiving gifts from other men again and see.”

He had just taken that fan away like that and still hadn’t returned it—she didn’t know how he’d dealt with it. Jiang Li found it amusing inwardly and unconsciously showed a bit of a smile on her face. Seeing her like this, Yin Zhili asked softly, “Miss Jiang?”

Only then did Jiang Li come to her senses. “That fan… summer is almost over. I saw the weather was about to cool, so I put the fan away.”

Yin Zhili was stunned.

Jiang Li wanted to make up more excuses when suddenly a voice came from behind. That voice was lazy, carrying a hint of laughter, speaking unhurriedly.

“‘Always fearing autumn’s arrival, cool winds steal summer’s heat. Discarded in a chest, affection severed midway.'” He asked with a smile, meaningfully, “To whom is Second Miss Jiang comparing to an abandoned wife?”

Jiang Li turned around and saw Ji Heng had somehow walked over.

He must have just arrived. Today he also wore a red robe with black peonies—the gorgeous yet profound pattern suited him extraordinarily well. Men didn’t need rouge and powder, yet even so, standing here, he outshone all the women in the hall competing in beauty. Anyone caught in those long, narrow, affectionate amber eyes would become dull by comparison.

He stood behind Jiang Li. Yin Zhili stood before her. Ji Heng was very tall, actually even slightly taller than Yin Zhili. He looked down at the two of them from this height, smiling as he caressed his fan. That fan unfurled inch by inch, the gold-threaded peony on it exceptionally seductive, capturing hearts. On the fan handle, a blood-red butterfly danced.

Yin Zhili was stunned, his gaze following that fan. Suddenly he felt that the fan he had given Jiang Li was truly very plain and dull. His gaze shifted from the fan to between Jiang Li and Ji Heng.

The young man was seductively gorgeous, Jiang Li was elegantly refined. Standing together, there wasn’t a trace of strangeness. When they stood here, they made others feel ashamed of their inferiority, making people feel that no matter what, one couldn’t insert oneself between these two.

They were just that perfectly matched.

“Duke,” Jiang Li acknowledged with a nod.

Hearing Jiang Li’s words, Yin Zhili came to his senses. He had heard of the Duke’s name and knew that Yin Zhiqing had always paid attention to him. Last time was just a hurried glance, but this time seeing him up close was even more stunning. He was about to greet Ji Heng when Ji Heng walked past him without even a glance. Whether it was Yin Zhili’s imagination or not, he felt Ji Heng had glanced at him with a mocking and contemptuous look.

Jiang Li suddenly felt somewhat awkward, inwardly cursing Ji Heng. Why embarrass Yin Zhili in front of her like this? How could they save face this way?

But Yin Zhili was very good-tempered. After Ji Heng left, he smiled. “Seeing the Duke today, his reputation is truly well-deserved.”

Jiang Li carefully observed Yin Zhili. He truly didn’t have a trace of resentment, as if he genuinely meant the praise. Whether it was pretense or real, being able to do this at least wouldn’t make others uncomfortable.

Yin Zhili smiled again. “Miss Jiang was right just now. Autumn is coming, and the fan won’t be needed anymore. It’s best to put it away.” He said this with his mouth, but in his heart he recited the poem Ji Heng had spoken. The meaning of that poem was that fans were discarded when autumn came, like women who were cast aside. Could Ji Heng’s words be a reminder? Could Second Miss Jiang mentioning autumn fans have another meaning?

His smile became somewhat distracted.

Jiang Li didn’t want to talk much with Yin Zhili. Seeing he was somewhat lost in thought, she took the opportunity to find an excuse to return to Lu Shi’s side. After this, Jiang Li stayed close to Lu Shi, not wanting to deal with this pair of Yin siblings, ignoring all of Lu Shi’s hints by pretending not to notice.

Not long after, the Emperor and Yin Zhan also arrived.

Today’s palace banquet was set to celebrate Yin Zhan’s military achievements, so naturally Yin Zhan was the focus. This was also Jiang Li’s first time seeing Yin Zhan. He was quite different from what she had imagined. She thought Yin Zhan would resemble someone like Ye Mingyu, a rough and burly man, but unexpectedly he was truly quite handsome—both handsome and wild. Even now, he would probably be many women’s heartthrob. Comparatively, Yin Zhili and Yin Zhan looked nothing alike. Yin Zhan’s features were very deep-set, resembling Yin Zhiqing greatly, while Yin Zhili was as gentle as an ink landscape painting, soft through and through.

Ji Heng sat in a corner of the hall. In the shifting light and shadow, Jiang Li was too far away to make out Ji Heng’s expression, so she also didn’t know if Ji Heng was looking at Yin Zhan or what his gaze conveyed.

The palace banquet soon began.

Jiang Li lowered her head, slowly eating. Until now, Emperor Hongxiao hadn’t mentioned rewards, and Yin Zhan naturally hadn’t requested a marriage bestowal either. The Empress Dowager and Empress were also present. The Empress Dowager, who usually rarely left Cining Palace, today also seemed very happy, talking with the Empress. Consort Li, who had once enjoyed imperial favor, was now just a pile of yellow earth, and the officials in court were stirring again, calculating which daughter would be best to send to the palace. Emperor Hongxiao’s position was now secure. Without Prince Cheng and without future troubles, and still young—if any young lady caught Emperor Hongxiao’s eye, she could naturally bring glory to her entire family.

Therefore, many young female relatives tonight had used all their skills to dress as beautifully as celestial beings.

However, Jiang Li didn’t think this way. From Consort Li’s affair, one could see that this monarch was probably not one who indulged in women. Wanting to become another Consort Li wouldn’t be easy. Amid the fragrance filling the hall, Yin Zhiqing was particularly eye-catching. She was born with extraordinary beauty, and with elaborate dress, it was hard not to notice her. Others probably thought she also harbored thoughts of entering the palace, but Jiang Li knew that Yin Zhiqing’s target was clearly Ji Heng.

One could tell from how they both wore red today.

Princess Pingyang had really gone to great lengths this time. Unfortunately, she didn’t know that Ji Heng and the Yin family had deep-seated hatred, destined for a fight to the death. Yin Zhiqing’s feelings were also destined to bear bitter fruit.

After three rounds of wine, in the midst of revelry, Emperor Hongxiao spoke of Yin Zhan’s merit in suppressing Prince Cheng’s rebel army. He said, “Prince Xia has merit in suppressing Prince Cheng. He should be rewarded, and handsomely so!”

Yin Zhan stood up from his seat. Everyone stared at him. He swept his robe and knelt before Emperor Hongxiao, saying, “Suppressing the rebel army is this subject’s duty. I dare not claim credit—it’s all due to Your Majesty’s proper commands. I have one matter to request. I hope Your Majesty, considering my service in leading troops to quell the rebellion, will grant my request.”

“Oh? What does Prince Xia request? Speak freely.” The young emperor seemed in a very good mood, even looking at his official with a smile, very amiable.

“I have a son, now twenty-three years old,” Yin Zhan said. “My unworthy son admires Chief Minister Jiang’s legitimate second daughter. I risk death to petition Your Majesty to bestow marriage between my son and Second Miss Jiang. I would be deeply grateful.”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall fell silent—so quiet one could hear a pin drop.

Yin Zhan maintained his kneeling posture. Yin Zhili was first shocked, then also stood up and knelt down. Emperor Hongxiao didn’t answer immediately but only stared at Yin Zhan, not knowing what he was thinking.

The female relatives’ gazes were half envious, half jealous as they looked at Jiang Li. The Yin family was willing to exchange military merit for a marriage bestowal, showing how much they valued Jiang Li. The male relatives envied Yin Zhili. With Yin Zhan speaking thus, Emperor Hongxiao would surely agree. Second Miss Jiang would probably become the Heir Apparent’s wife in the future.

Jiang Yuanbai’s hands tucked in his sleeves gradually clenched into fists, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. Not for any other reason, but because Emperor Hongxiao hadn’t agreed immediately.

Why wouldn’t Emperor Hongxiao agree? It was just a marriage bestowal.

Jiang Yuanbai suddenly recalled what Jiang Li had said to him before—Yanjing’s court was still unstable; getting too close to the Yin family too early was not a good thing and could invite disaster. At the time, he had only thought Jiang Li was being alarmist. After all, Yin Zhan had just accomplished such great merit and hadn’t done anything excessive. He had been quite obedient in Yunzhong all these years, and Emperor Hongxiao seemed to trust him very much—otherwise, he wouldn’t have had Yin Zhan return to resolve the crisis when Prince Cheng raised his rebellion.

But what did this mean now? Could it be the Emperor didn’t fully trust Yin Zhan?

Time slowly passed. Emperor Hongxiao only looked at the kneeling Yin father and son in contemplation. Gradually, the court officials also sensed something was wrong. They didn’t dare breathe loudly, quietly watching the scene before them.

The Yin father and son remained motionless. Yin Zhiqing’s face gradually flushed. She didn’t know what was happening. She thought everything would fall into place naturally, but from the looks of it, things weren’t going so smoothly. Under the table, Madam Yin grasped Yin Zhiqing’s hand, and only then did Yin Zhiqing feel somewhat better.

Seeing Emperor Hongxiao’s prolonged silence, the Empress Dowager smiled. “Your Majesty, this humble one feels this marriage match is quite good. The two young people look very well-matched. Second Miss Jiang is excellent, and this Heir Apparent of the Yin family—this humble one sees him as very outstanding too.”

Just as the Empress Dowager’s words fell, suddenly someone laughed. Because no one was speaking in the silent great hall, this laugh carrying a few traces of mockery floated clearly into everyone’s ears.

Yin Zhiqing was greatly shocked. At this moment, someone actually dared to speak like this—wasn’t this opposing the Empress Dowager? She followed the sound and saw that red-robed figure she had seen twice before, each time captivating hearts. In the corner, in the lamplight, he slowly revealed himself completely.

Ji Heng propped one hand behind his head, the other holding a wine pot, pouring himself wine. His expression was lazy, his movements casual. Amid the long stares of shock or suspicion, he assumed an attitude of uninvolvement that was especially moving. Seeming to sense everyone’s gazes, he tilted his head to look. Those smiling phoenix eyes could almost drown someone. He said unhurriedly, “Ha, Prince Xia, I’m afraid you’re one step too late.”

Yin Zhan also looked at Ji Heng. In Yin Zhili’s heart, an ominous premonition suddenly surfaced. The next moment, he heard Emperor Hongxiao above him laughing heartily. Emperor Hongxiao said, “That’s right, dear minister. This time you’re indeed one step too late. Before you, someone already petitioned me. I’ve even prepared the imperial edict, bestowing marriage between the Duke and Second Miss Jiang. Eunuch Su.”

Eunuch Su hurriedly stepped forward with small steps, taking the imperial edict from the tray held by a eunuch beside him and unfolding it. He announced in a long voice, “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Duke Ji Heng has shown commendable filial piety, excels in both civil and military affairs, and has now reached marriageable age. Chief Minister Jiang’s Second Miss Jiang Li, sixteen years old, dignified in character and appearance, beautiful and intelligent—therefore I decree her as the Duke’s wife. A wedding date shall be chosen. By this decree!”

This marriage bestowal came so surprisingly that everyone was stunned. Clearly it was Prince Xia petitioning the Emperor to bestow marriage between Second Miss Jiang and the Prince Commandery Heir, but the result was a marriage bestowal between Second Miss Jiang and the Duke instead. The Duke?

The Empress Dowager’s expression changed slightly. Yin Zhan kept his head lowered, his expression unclear. Yin Zhili’s heart felt like a stone was lodged there. Not only had the Emperor not bestowed marriage between him and Jiang Li, but he had bestowed marriage between Jiang Li and the Duke—undoubtedly a hard slap to both their father and son’s faces, leaving them utterly humiliated.

“Minister Jiang,” Eunuch Su reminded, “receive the decree!”

Jiang Yuanbai started violently, only then coming to his senses. He stood up hurriedly to receive the decree. Because he was too flustered and shocked, he nearly tripped. Instead, Jiang Li was composed and calm. Ji Heng also walked over, sweeping his robe and smiling broadly. “Many thanks to Your Majesty for fulfilling this.”

Emperor Hongxiao glanced at Ji Heng, seeming quite satisfied with this marriage bestowal of his. However, only Ji Heng seemed happy. Jiang Li wouldn’t show it, and for everyone else, shock outweighed delight.

Emperor Hongxiao looked again at Yin Zhan and smiled magnanimously. “Prince Xia, it’s not that I’m unwilling to grant your request—you truly came one step too late. I see your son is indeed an outstanding talent. How about this—if you’ve taken a fancy to any other family’s daughter, as long as she’s unmarried and has no engagement, I’ll bestow the marriage immediately.”

The young ladies in the hall immediately became excited again, all looking expectantly at Yin Zhan. Marrying into the Yin family meant becoming the Prince Commandery Heir’s wife, and in the future, surely becoming a Prince Consort. Moreover, Yin Zhili was indeed handsome and refined, making him desirable.

However, Yin Zhan raised his head, half disappointed and half resigned. “That won’t be necessary. This time, Second Miss Jiang and my unworthy son have no fate. We can’t blame others.” He turned toward Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Li and smiled. “Congratulations, Minister Jiang, Second Miss Jiang!”

Jiang Yuanbai forced a smile. He only understood one thing—Emperor Hongxiao’s attitude toward Prince Xia probably wasn’t as simple as trust. Today’s marriage bestowal concealed undercurrents that made him break out in cold sweat. He vaguely felt that previously agreeing to the Yin family marriage alliance was probably the wrong choice. Now he had implicated the Jiang family, and Emperor Hongxiao might also have some suspicions about the Jiang family.

Jiang Li smiled graciously at Yin Zhan. Seeing that Jiang Li was not only unashamed but showed such an attitude, Yin Zhan narrowed his eyes. His gaze circled between Jiang Li and Ji Heng before withdrawing.

This marriage bestowal came completely unexpectedly. Next, Emperor Hongxiao still rewarded Yin Zhan with much gold, silver, and jewels. Because Yin Zhili’s marriage petition failed, some compensation had to be made. When they returned to their seats, the center of everyone’s discussion had already changed. Jiang Li, Ji Heng, and Yin Zhili became the topic on everyone’s lips.

Ji Heng returned to his corner seat. Facing gazes from all directions, he remained unconcerned, still slowly pouring and drinking wine alone. Of course, those looking at Ji Heng knew his unpredictable temperament and didn’t dare look openly but rather sneakily and carefully.

Comparatively, the gazes toward Jiang Li and Yin Zhili were somewhat unrestrained.

When Jiang Li returned to her seat, the other Jiang family members all had strange expressions, especially Old Madam Jiang and the two Jiang brothers—their faces were quite ugly. Jiang Jingrui, Jiang Jingyou, and Lu Shi didn’t know the hidden implications and only felt that the person in this marriage bestowal had suddenly become Ji Heng. Compared to Yin Zhili, Ji Heng was unpredictable in temperament and of course harder to deal with. Not to mention becoming the Jiang family’s son-in-law and maintaining relations—even normally, one should stay far away.

Yin Zhiqing sat beside Yin Zhili, her face pale, swaying as if about to fall, almost crying. She had originally thought today was a joyous occasion. Jiang Li and Yin Zhili marrying was a foregone conclusion. Her brother was excellent in every way. Jiang Li and Yin Zhili got along well, and the Jiang family also liked Yin Zhili. There was no reason for this marriage not to succeed. Yet it truly didn’t succeed.

Not only that, but the person bestowed in marriage to Jiang Li had become Duke Ji Heng.

Yin Zhiqing felt somewhat dazed. She had only seen Ji Heng twice, but each time left a stunning impression on her. Outsiders evaluated the Duke as ruthless and cold-blooded, but she felt that such a Ji Heng was more mysterious. Though she didn’t understand matters of the heart, she knew that in all these years, Ji Heng was the first man who had attracted her. She had thought there was no rush—she could slowly get to know Ji Heng, become friends with him, understand and accompany him. But suddenly, without warning, Ji Heng had his Duchess.

Yin Zhiqing felt Heaven was playing a joke on her.

Madam Yin looked at her worriedly but was powerless. She actually had little say in the Yin family and even less ability to change the Emperor’s edict.

Yin Zhili, sitting beside Yin Zhan, though wearing a smile and appearing not to take the previous matter to heart at all, if one looked carefully at his gesture of raising his cup, one could see his distraction.

Not only Yin Zhiqing but even Yin Zhili himself had believed this marriage would have no complications. Reality had dealt him a harsh slap. Yin Zhili didn’t feel humiliated or anything like that—he just felt… somewhat strange.

Before the palace banquet began, that beautiful Duke had walked past him, leisurely reciting a poem. Thinking about it now, it was full of certainty of victory and the mockery of one watching a show. Yin Zhili thought he was indeed Jiang Li’s autumn fan—when autumn arrived, having no use, he should naturally be discarded.

Yin Zhili smiled self-deprecatingly. He had lived over twenty years smoothly, with countless young ladies who liked him. He never expected he would one day love without success. He knew he perhaps couldn’t claim deep love for Jiang Li, but he truly liked her very much. At least before this, he hadn’t taken any other young lady so to heart.

That fan… Yin Zhili closed his eyes.

Ji Heng’s gorgeous peony folding fan, and the white jade folding fan depicting pear blossoms that he had given Jiang Li. He didn’t know how Ji Heng and Jiang Li viewed the fan he sent, but surely… they thought him overreaching.

Regarding this marriage bestowal, Ji Heng must have known long ago, which was why he obtained the imperial edict one step ahead of Father. But did Jiang Li know?

Yin Zhili couldn’t help but slightly turn his head to look at Jiang Li through the crowd.

The young lady sat at her seat, her back straight as a rod, her profile delicate and beautiful. The corners of her lips held a faint smile, no different from the countless smiles she had shown Yin Zhili. But Yin Zhili could clearly distinguish that her smile contained more ease.

She had indeed known. Yin Zhili’s heart sank.

Just then, Yin Zhan’s voice sounded in his ear, very soft, heard only by Yin Zhili alone.

“Do what you should do. Now, don’t be distracted.”

Yin Zhili jolted and put on his gentle smile again.

From his high position, Emperor Hongxiao watched everything before him with apparent interest, his smile faint. The Empress sat properly to the side, saying nothing. She had always been so gentle and obedient, just like the Empress Dowager in her youth.

The Empress Dowager… the Empress Dowager’s nail guard lightly scraped across the chair, making a slight sound, but she seemed completely unaware. Her gaze swept extremely quickly over Yin Zhili and Yin Zhan before disappearing.

No one noticed.

Author’s Note: The grand game of Werewolf officially begins~