“County Princess, please wait!” Master Lu’s voice called from behind.

Li Weiyang stopped and turned around. Master Lu hurried over.

“County Princess, one should show mercy when possible…” Seeing Li Weiyang’s indifferent expression, Master Lu lowered his stance, seeking a way down. He was an illegitimate son of the Jiang family who never involved himself in their affairs, but Li Changle was after all his cousin. Though they weren’t close growing up, he couldn’t deny that every time he saw Li Changle’s beautiful face, even his heart couldn’t help but race. Any man would probably be unable to refuse such a face. Yet such a face had been destroyed right before their eyes. As an observer, even he couldn’t bear it, let alone Li Changle herself. That she hadn’t gone mad on the spot was already a miracle. Li Weiyang’s earlier behavior had probably driven Li Changle to the brink of insanity.

“Master Lu seems very concerned about Elder Sister…” Li Weiyang’s voice dropped slightly, her slightly raised eyebrows revealing a trace of coldness. “What, are you and my elder sister old acquaintances?”

Li Weiyang was far too suspicious. Jiang Wu couldn’t help but shudder, feeling a chill run down his back. The Jiang family had always been protective of their own, finding it hard to tolerate an insignificant grasshopper destroying their carefully nurtured delicate flower. He didn’t know how Grandmother would react upon learning of Li Changle’s disfigurement. Jiang Wu felt uneasy, remembering what Fourth Brother had instructed him before leaving, and his scalp immediately tingled.

“I… I simply couldn’t bear to see the eldest miss reduced to this state.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes met his face, her gaze carrying a trace of scrutiny. Jiang Wu felt even more uneasy, not knowing if she had seen through him.

“Since you’re concerned, then help Elder Sister recover well.” Li Weiyang’s eyebrows lifted slightly as she said coldly, “As for other matters, I advise you not to interfere.”

Jiang Wu forced himself to calm down and said with a stern face: “County Princess, is this how you treat your brother’s savior?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Regarding your life-saving grace toward my younger brother, Weiyang will never forget it. If there’s ever an opportunity in the future, I will naturally repay you. However, I still have doubts in my heart that I hope you can resolve. Master Lu, you’ve always kept a very low profile in your dealings in the capital. Why are you so concerned and worried about my family’s affairs? My elder sister was just injured, yet you came to our door immediately?”

Jiang Wu was choked by these words and showed anger on his face: “What are you saying! I’m only acting with good intentions, unable to bear seeing patients suffer!”

Complete nonsense. If he truly couldn’t bear to see patients suffer, Master Lu should have been traveling everywhere practicing medicine, not standing here exchanging idle words with her. Li Weiyang sneered coldly, but her eyes became more bright and attractive with her anger: “I hope that’s the case!” With that, she swept away with her maids.

Jiang Wu was half-dead with anger but didn’t dare ask anything more. A maid behind him said quietly: “Doctor Lu, our eldest miss requests that you come inside.”

Jiang Wu gritted his teeth. With Li Changle looking like a ghost, she would surely cause an uproar. Fourth Brother had escaped, leaving him here to suffer—what a living hell. No matter how angry or annoyed Jiang Wu felt, he had to return to the room to face the violent Li Changle and her terrifying face. Moreover, he had to keep his mouth shut. No matter how Li Changle pressed him about when her face would heal, he had to tell her gently that it would be fine in a while, otherwise Li Changle might completely lose her mind.

Old Madam had been worried that news of Li Changle’s situation would spread, but after Fourth Jiang returned home, the Jiang family fell into a deathly, eerie silence. In this strange quiet, Old Madam sensed something unusual. Perhaps the Jiang family was secretly plotting something. In this odd calm, the days continued to pass.

The spring afternoon sunlight was warm, filtering through the tree shadows onto the milk-white ice silk gauze window curtains, bringing a golden glow. Baizhi and Mozhu sat on small stools in the corridor, talking while doing needlework. In the distance, from the southern corner, a woman slowly approached with two young maids following behind. When they drew near, the leading nanny smiled: “Is Third Miss here?”

Baizhi stood up and calmly bowed to her: “Why has Nanny Luo come? Third Miss is still taking her afternoon nap.”

Nanny Luo smiled. Li Weiyang’s household was managed very strictly. When other young misses napped, their maids would all slack off and joke around, but every time she came, even when Li Weiyang wasn’t there, the maids in this courtyard were always guarding the door, never once being lazy.

The commotion outside woke the person inside. Baizhi gave Mozhu a look, bowed slightly to Nanny Luo, then turned and lifted the curtain to enter. Inside, the plain patterned silk bed curtains had been drawn back. Having just woken from her nap, Li Weiyang’s eyes were like deep wells, but lacked the usual icy coldness. Her features appeared much softer, instead carrying an indescribable delicate beauty. She blinked and smiled: “Who’s outside?”

Baizhi quickly brought over clothes: “Miss, Nanny Luo has come. Mozhu is receiving her outside.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and let Baizhi help her dress, then saw Zhao Yue come in carrying warm water.

“Miss always sleeps so lightly, waking so easily.” Zhao Yue smiled.

Li Weiyang shook her head: “It’s just light sleep. I’m not that tired.”

Baizhi’s movements were nimble and efficient. Soon she had helped Li Weiyang wash and dress.

“Is Nanny Luo still waiting outside?” Li Weiyang asked softly. “Please invite her in.”

Baizhi smiled with pursed lips and lowered her head: “Yes.”

Nanny Luo hurried in. Seeing Li Weiyang, she smiled and bowed: “Third Miss, Old Madam ordered me to hurry over and invite you.”

“Right now?” Li Weiyang glanced at Nanny Luo. “What’s the matter?”

Nanny Luo smiled: “General Sun’s wife has come to visit, and I heard Miss Sun is also coming. She’s long been acquainted with you, so Old Madam specifically requests Third Miss to keep her company.”

General Sun? Li Weiyang immediately thought of this general’s upright appearance. Speaking of which, General Sun’s elder brother and Jiang Yuelan’s father were quite connected—they had been comrades-in-arms. Unfortunately, the elder General Sun died early. The Emperor, out of consideration, specially permitted the younger General Sun to inherit the military rank. He and Jiang Yuelan’s father remained as close as ever. As for Miss Sun, Li Weiyang had indeed met her—that spirited young lady from a military family at the imperial hunt. Over these two months, many wives from prestigious families had visited the Li household, ostensibly to see Old Madam but actually to observe Jiang Yuelan, the new madam. Jiang Yuelan knew these ladies were testing her, so she received them all warmly and made connections generously, earning quite a bit of praise. So Madam Sun bringing her daughter to visit today wasn’t strange at all.

Miss Sun had bright eyes, white teeth, and carried herself with dignity. As soon as she saw Li Weiyang, she smiled and greeted her: “County Princess!”

“Just call me Weiyang!” Li Weiyang very much liked this spirited young lady from a military family and spoke without formality.

Miss Sun’s smile deepened. Beside her, Madam Sun bore some resemblance to Miss Sun but had a very tall figure, with deep wrinkles already around her eyes. Li Weiyang first approached to bow to Madam Sun. Madam Sun quickly waved her hand and smiled: “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.” Her rank was only that of a third-grade Lady of Virtue—she couldn’t compare to Li Weiyang’s second-grade County Princess status, so naturally it wasn’t appropriate to accept Li Weiyang’s bow. But Li Weiyang was her junior, and insisting on bowing showed great humility. Looking at Li Weiyang, she felt somewhat fond of her.

Jiang Yuelan smiled and exchanged pleasantries with Madam Sun. Sun Yanjun grew impatient and pulled Li Weiyang aside, saying quietly: “I’ve wanted to come play with you for so long. My mother said your mother passed away, so it really wasn’t appropriate to come disturb you.”

Li Weiyang smiled and likewise said in a low voice: “Next time you want to come, just send me an invitation directly.”

Sun Yanjun was very happy. People’s affection is mutual—Li Weiyang was warm toward her, genuinely warm, and she could tell. She unconsciously grew three degrees closer and whispered: “Your new mother is actually quite good—eloquent, smart, and capable. Everyone’s praising her now!”

Li Weiyang glanced at Jiang Yuelan with her full smile and said: “Yes, Mother is indeed very intelligent. Old Madam is also very fond of her.”

Sun Yanjun was someone who spoke her mind. Her voice dropped even lower: “But you should still be careful. I’ve heard people say stepmothers are all trouble! Last time, Censor Liu’s household also married a new wife. Within two years of entering the family, she married off all four of Liu’s daughters according to her wishes to distant places. Those four Miss Lius cried and begged, and one was even tied up and put in the bridal sedan! It made Censor Liu the laughingstock of the capital. But he’s terrified of that new wife and doesn’t dare say a word! Fortunately you’re not afraid—you’re a County Princess, so she wouldn’t dare.”

Li Weiyang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Accustomed to speaking with people in roundabout ways, she suddenly felt a bit unaccustomed to such heart-to-heart talk. Especially since she hadn’t expected that the Sun family, who should be close with the Jiang family, would have Sun Yanjun not at all taken with Jiang Yuelan—in fact, genuinely disliking her. Sun Yanjun continued: “My mother was coming today, and I wasn’t planning to come at all. If it weren’t to see you, I’d rather stay home! I really don’t like seeing those fake smiles.”

Li Weiyang deeply agreed but said: “Madam Sun only has you as a daughter, so she dotes on you tremendously. Your straightforward personality is fine, but you can’t say these things in front of outsiders.”

Sun Yanjun just smiled: “I’m not stupid. Of course I know not to say them, especially to those who love fake smiles.” As she spoke, her face showed some worry. “But sometimes I really hate that I’m not a man, that I can’t bring honor to my mother. You don’t know—I had three older brothers before, but they all died young. My mother isn’t unwilling to bear sons, but my grandmother insists on forcing my father to take concubines. That old woman really has no sense at all!”

As Sun Yanjun spoke, her eyes reddened slightly.

Li Weiyang looked at her in surprise: “You mean General Sun’s household never had concubines before?” This was truly rare.

Sun Yanjun nodded: “Originally Grandmother favored the eldest son. Plus my father was born of a concubine. She gave him some money and sent him away. Father had just married Mother then and was proud—he refused to accept help from Mother’s family, so they lived in poverty. Back then, even if there was just one fish, Mother would serve Father the best part—the belly. She normally economized, not even willing to hire a maid, and had to pretend things were fine in front of her family. If circumstances hadn’t been so harsh then, my three brothers wouldn’t have died one after another. So Father promised Mother that even if he became wealthy and noble in the future, he would never take concubines.”

Li Weiyang was very surprised. She glanced at Madam Sun with her amiable smiling face and couldn’t help thinking that poor couples didn’t necessarily lack benefits—at least they built deep feelings. Only, such vows might not be reliable…

Seeing that Li Weiyang didn’t show unusual reactions like others, Sun Yanjun continued: “But after we returned, everything changed. Father inherited the military rank, and Grandmother started finding fault, saying Mother was an old hen that couldn’t lay eggs, completely useless. She specially selected two concubines to send to him. At first Father kept his promise to Mother, but who knew that a month ago, both those concubines’ bellies grew… Mother had a huge fight with him. Her heart hurt, so I suggested she go out for a walk…”

Listening, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but sigh: “I didn’t expect Madam Sun to have such a strong temperament. But some things cannot be changed by human effort.”

On the other side, Jiang Yuelan was also consoling Madam Sun, but the topic was that she should properly raise the illegitimate sons, who would also be her glory in the future. When this reached Sun Yanjun’s ears, she felt even worse. She couldn’t help whispering: “What glory! We don’t care for that glory!”

Li Weiyang gently shook her head: “But I see Madam Sun has already compromised.”

Sun Yanjun glanced at Madam Sun, clearly also discouraged: “Yes, though Mother appears tough on the surface, deep down she’s soft. She also feels she’s failed Father by not bearing another son. But how can this be her fault?! She can’t have children, so she doesn’t think about who’s really to blame?!”

Li Weiyang smiled and patted Sun Yanjun’s hand: “If she can’t accept it, advise Madam Sun to divorce.”

Saying this, Sun Yanjun looked at Li Weiyang as if looking at a monster.

Li Weiyang’s heart tightened, knowing the other couldn’t accept this. She sighed and said with a smile on her face: “Just joking.”

But Sun Yanjun lowered her head and thought seriously for a moment: “Actually, this is a good path. Now those two concubines are relying on their pregnancies and don’t put Mother in their eyes at all. Father appears respectful to Mother on the surface, but his heart has long gone to his future sons. Rather than suffer at home, better to let Mother divorce. Weiyang, you’re smarter than me and more decisive. Before, I thought after I married I’d take Mother with me, but Mother said I was foolish—where is there a young miss who brings her mother as part of her dowry?!” Sun Yanjun had probably experienced poverty and had none of the affectation of pampered young ladies. Her speech even carried some masculine decisiveness. Li Weiyang smiled and shook her head: “Divorce isn’t that easy. If your mother is determined not to continue with General Sun, she’ll leave without you saying half a word. But look—she’s still fulfilling her duties as Madam Sun, socializing outside.”

Sun Yanjun knew Li Weiyang was right. Madam Sun still held a thread of hope for General Sun. She couldn’t help asking: “What should Mother do in the future?”

Li Weiyang’s smile carried a trace of sighing: “One path is what was just mentioned—adopt the illegitimate sons, raise them as her own, hope they’ll bring glory to the family in the future and care for your mother in old age. But whether the illegitimate sons will be of one heart with your mother is one thing. As long as those two concubines remain, your mother’s heart will always feel uncomfortable. The second path is the divorce I mentioned. But while this brings temporary relief, she’ll face a lonely old age. Your mother’s nature won’t allow remarriage, and your father’s status absolutely won’t permit her to remarry. There’s no perfect solution in this world. Yanjun, comfort your mother more. As long as she can let go, either path is the same.” Actually, there was a third path—like the former First Madam, prevent those two concubines’ children from being born, or keep the children but remove the mothers. This way, Madam Sun’s position would be more secure. However, Li Weiyang believed that someone who could raise a daughter like Sun Yanjun must be a woman of upright character who wouldn’t do such things, so she simply didn’t mention it. In the end, there was no absolute right or wrong in this world—only winning and losing. Though she was stained with blood, it was because she was forced. She didn’t want Madam Sun and the pure Sun Yanjun to become so frightening.

Sun Yanjun’s face maintained a thoughtful expression, as if seriously considering the feasibility of these two paths, until Li Weiyang reminded her: “Your tea is getting cold!” Only then did she pick up her tea, take a sip, suddenly set it down, and look at Li Weiyang: “By the way, why haven’t I seen your elder sister lately?”

Li Changle was the person all the capital’s prestigious young ladies were most concerned about, because her outstanding beauty made everyone unable to help but follow her every move. But since winter, Li Changle seemed to have disappeared from all gatherings. Not just Li Changle—even all the Li family members rarely appeared in public anymore, very mysteriously. The more this was the case, the stranger people found it. Other families’ young ladies were eager to be taken out every day. Why was the Li family like this? They clearly had several beautiful young ladies yet kept them all at home. If before, people thought the Li family was being low-key, preparing for their daughter to marry into the imperial family, later it seemed not to be the case. Since they wanted to marry into the imperial family, why avoid even imperial banquets?! This was truly too strange!

Li Weiyang smiled. Since Li Changle’s incident, everyone in the family avoided the subject like a taboo. Especially Old Madam—she absolutely forbade anyone from even mentioning Li Changle. The young ladies in the household also reduced their outings. Second Madam, worried about her daughter’s future marriage prospects, secretly took Li Changru out once. When they returned, Old Madam punished her with three days kneeling in the ancestral hall, causing such an incident that everyone became obedient. Even though Jiang Yuelan was equally eager to establish herself among the capital’s noble ladies, she had to restrain herself, only occasionally inviting a few ladies to the house to watch opera and sit together when Old Madam was in a good mood. If anyone asked about Li Changle, the answer was uniformly that she was unwell and resting in bed. Thus Li Changle was forced to remain bedridden from winter through spring, making people suspect whether she was really bedridden or had committed some error and been confined. Such gossip grew more intense, until even Sun Yanjun couldn’t help being concerned.

Li Weiyang only answered: “Elder Sister is unwell, so she can only rest in bed.”

“Really? What illness requires such a long bedrest?” Sun Yanjun was someone who got to the bottom of things.

Li Weiyang smiled: “It was ordinary hives at first, but come spring it flared up more severely. Now her whole face is red and swollen, very frightening. Elder Sister loves beauty, so naturally she refuses to see people.”

So it was a skin condition. Sun Yanjun felt secretly pleased but said: “Your elder sister always looks down on people. Now that she’s having an allergic reaction and can’t go out to see people, it’s finally her comeuppance!” After saying this, she realized she’d misspoken and stammered: “Sorry, I always speak without thinking. My mother has scolded me many times. When I see strangers I can hold back, but when I meet someone I connect with I can’t help myself.”

Though Li Weiyang didn’t say much, her words were always precise and sincere. Sun Yanjun couldn’t help thinking this.

Li Weiyang was amused by her frankness: “It’s fine. I also think Elder Sister is too proud. I only hope this time she learns a lesson. After all, beauty alone isn’t enough to establish oneself in this world.”

Sun Yanjun deeply agreed: “Exactly! She should learn a lesson! Before, she’d smile on the surface but behind people’s backs she criticized my chin for being ugly. Such a person is truly two-faced and detestable!” As she spoke, she unconsciously touched her chin. “Is my chin really ugly?”

Li Weiyang pinched Sun Yanjun’s chin and said honestly: “Better looking than mine.”

Sun Yanjun laughed: “You’re the best at talking!” Saying this, she pinched Li Weiyang’s face back and said with a smile: “Your mother’s mourning period has been almost two years. In another year, you can discuss marriage, right?”

Li Weiyang smiled toward Baizhi: “Look, Miss Sun is eager to marry but teases me for fun.”

Sun Yanjun secretly pinched her again and said reproachfully: “What are you saying! I’m worried for you! If you keep staying home like this, the Emperor will just randomly assign you someone. What will you do then!”

Li Weiyang paused, then smiled broadly: “We’ll deal with it when the time comes!”

The gifts Madam Sun brought this time were very generous. The wooden box for Old Madam contained a pair of finest quality jade bracelets, a pair of jade hairpins, and an ivory longevity screen. The small brocade box for Jiang Yuelan contained an emerald carved comb, a phoenix-head hairpin, and a pair of jade earrings. For Li Weiyang there was a pair of beautiful tourmaline earrings—all rare treasures. Seeing these valuable gifts, Li Weiyang couldn’t help thinking that this year’s official evaluations were about to begin. General Sun himself wasn’t worried, with the Jiang family’s protection, but his subordinate generals might not be so fortunate. Many of these men were rough in their conduct and easily offended people in the capital, especially those censors with vicious tongues. But these censors all obeyed Li Xiaoran’s every word, so General Sun must be seeking Li Xiaoran’s help this time. Seeing Old Madam smile and accept the gifts while giving Miss Sun valuable meeting gifts, she understood the direction of this matter and smiled as she accepted the gifts as well.

Jiang Yuelan was obviously having a very pleasant conversation with Madam Sun, and even Second Madam wore a full smile. After the steward came to report that Master had a dinner engagement outside and wouldn’t be dining at home, Jiang Yuelan specially invited Madam Sun and her party to stay for the evening meal. At the table, Old Madam was in good spirits, holding Miss Sun’s hand and talking happily. Li Weiyang noticed that Second Madam’s expression was very eager, her gaze toward Miss Sun extremely warm—warm enough to give her goosebumps.

Second Madam was normally not an enthusiastic person, let alone these being guests of the first branch. Yet today she showed unusual eagerness… Li Weiyang couldn’t help recalling a possibility—Second Madam’s legitimate son was of age to marry. Over these two years, Second Madam had been frantically arranging matches, even once reaching for Duke Zuochang’s illegitimate granddaughter, going so far as to prod Old Madam into swallowing her pride to plead for it. Though Duke Zuochang had declined in recent years, he still had his title. Second Master Li was only a third-rank official serving outside—they might not think much of him. Only with Li Xiaoran’s influence did Duke Zuochang nod. Just when things seemed settled, Second Madam somehow started pursuing a match with Marquis Liu’an’s legitimate daughter… When this news reached Duke Zuochang’s household, the old man was furious enough to storm over and scold Li Xiaoran, then immediately went to Marquis Liu’an’s house and sabotaged the marriage. Both matches failed. Second Madam became the capital’s laughingstock, but completely ruined Second Brother’s marriage prospects. Speaking of this Second Brother Li, he was a proper scholar, completely different from the opportunistic Second Madam. For a year now, he’d been living at the academy, returning home only a handful of times. Even Li Weiyang had barely seen him, but in those few meetings, he treated both her and Li Changle equally, showing no favoritism. Li Weiyang wondered privately whether to warn Miss Sun, but looking back and seeing Sun Yanjun eating happily, the words stopped at her lips. The Li family was troubled waters, true, but though Second Madam was normally petty, she couldn’t accomplish anything truly vicious with her intelligence and capabilities. Sun Yanjun’s forthright personality, though Li Weiyang liked it very much, really wasn’t suited for marriage. If they could come to an agreement, it might not be a bad match in the future. Moreover, in Li Weiyang’s past memories, this Second Brother was truly a man of upright character. She couldn’t guarantee he’d be a considerate and gentle husband, but he could at least respect his legitimate wife and treat his children well. For a woman, this was already a very good choice. So she ultimately decided not to act for now—she’d see what Sun Yanjun’s own wishes were first.

Li Changru’s smile could pile into flowers as she enthusiastically ordered maids to serve Sun Yanjun dishes, saying: “Sister Sun and I hit it off at first sight. We must visit often in the future.”

Sun Yanjun smiled, revealing two pretty tiger teeth. Li Weiyang quietly coughed once, and Sun Yanjun immediately remembered not to show teeth when smiling. She pursed her lips: “Thank you, Sister Ru.”

She called Weiyang by name directly, but called Li Changru “sister”—it sounded more intimate but was actually clearly distant. Fortunately Li Changru couldn’t tell and showed an even happier smile: “No need to be polite. I’m usually so bored at home. If you come play more often, I’ll be happy!”

Sun Yanjun smiled: “I wonder if you’re attending the banquet the Empress is holding next month?”

Li Changru’s smile stiffened slightly. She glanced at Old Madam, looking somewhat embarrassed. Li Weiyang smiled: “We wouldn’t dare not attend the Empress’s invitation. I’ll bring that Xianglin Collection you wanted then.”

Li Changru’s embarrassment only increased. In this household, now only Li Weiyang dared go out, and only she could go out. After Li Changle’s downfall, Old Madam relied on Li Weiyang even more, consulting her opinion on everything. In this family, this Third Miss had long risen above Second Madam’s station, let alone these other young ladies.

Li Changru here held hidden envy, jealousy, and resentment, while Li Changxiao over there kept her head down without speaking, occasionally quietly raising her eyes to glance at Miss Sun, showing a trace of a smile—also releasing goodwill.

When the second course of fresh fish delicacies was served, Sun Yanjun, seated at Li Weiyang’s right in the place of honor, suddenly noticed a shadowy figure standing at the entrance diagonally across the round table. The sky outside had already darkened. In the fragrant, glamorous hall, that figure stood at the boundary between light and dark, truly unsettling.

She involuntarily stopped her chopsticks and stared at the distant figure.

The young lady wore elaborate formal dress, her figure slender and graceful. On her head she wore an exquisite hat with a long veil hanging down, covering her entire head completely. Sun Yanjun kept staring at her. Everyone at the table successively stopped their chopsticks and looked toward the doorway. Li Changru at the lower seat even twisted her body to look.

Just then, a maid ran over in a panic, pulling at the young lady by the door and whispering something. The young lady turned and gave her a resounding slap, then quickly strode through the entrance.

Old Madam’s expression at this moment was unprecedentedly ugly. She forced a smile and said to the young lady: “Changle, you’ve been ill, so we didn’t disturb you today. Look, this is Madam Sun and Miss Sun. You’ve met them before…”

Before Old Madam finished speaking, Li Changle coldly responded: “Old Madam, I’m just physically unwell, but my ears aren’t deaf. I can hear the laughter here, but I didn’t expect no one would think to call me. Am I not a member of this family?”

These words left everyone stunned. Madam Sun’s eyes widened—had this eldest miss gone mad, using such a tone with the family’s Old Madam?!

Old Madam sat frozen with her mouth open, purely from anger. Li Changle said coldly: “I heard Miss Sun came. I wanted to see this future second sister-in-law.”

With these words spoken, everyone’s expressions changed. Sun Yanjun’s face flushed red with anger. She turned sharply to look at Madam Sun, who also showed clear fury. Marriage negotiations weren’t done this way—because they might not succeed, such meetings were always conducted subtly. Who would announce it publicly like this? This was nothing less than humiliation!

Old Madam’s chopsticks fell heavily on the table as she said angrily: “Changle, what nonsense are you spouting?!”

Behind the veil, Li Changle’s expression couldn’t be seen. Her voice seemed to be laughing but carried an indescribable coldness: “Old Madam, wasn’t today’s visit for matchmaking?” As she spoke, she actually tried to approach the table.

This infuriating scene made Madam Sun feel very embarrassed. She almost immediately wanted to leave in a huff, but thinking of her husband’s instructions, she had to endure this humiliation. Honestly, she looked down on in-laws like Second Madam anyway! Originally she had wanted to betroth her daughter to the Jiang family’s Fourth Young Master, but her husband thought the Jiang family too high-profile, and Fourth Jiang might go to battle at any time. When he was wrapped in a horse hide and died, what would become of his wife? So their only daughter couldn’t marry into such a family. After much consideration, General Sun felt that as a military general, he should seek a civil official alliance, so he proactively approached Li Xiaoran. He felt that though the Li family kept a low profile, Li Xiaoran was a remarkable figure who had stood firm at court for so many years, deeply trusted by the Emperor. His nephew was also a learned scholar who would eventually enter officialdom, so he considered this alliance. Moreover, given his military rank, this was actually reaching above his station. If Second Madam hadn’t previously ruined her son’s marriage prospects, such good fortune wouldn’t have fallen to the Sun family. Furthermore, with the official evaluations about to begin, getting closer to the Li family at this time had great benefits.

Nanny Luo blocked Li Changle with a full smile: “Eldest Miss, you’re unwell. Just stay in your room. Why trouble yourself to come personally?”

“Since when does even a servant dare block my way!” Li Changle sneered and pushed her aside, then walked straight over.

Sun Yanjun immediately stood up and said to Madam Sun: “Mother, we’ve eaten enough. It’s really not good to impose. Let’s return home first.”

Old Madam’s face flashed with an emotion too quick to read. She glanced at Jiang Yuelan, who immediately said: “That’s fine. I’ll personally visit another day.”

Second Madam, having previously ruined her son’s marriage prospects, was feeling desperate inside. She’d thought Miss Sun was good-looking with a decent family background—acceptable enough—but hadn’t expected Li Changle to interfere again. Her heart truly wished she could hack Li Changle apart with a knife, but with everyone present she couldn’t make a scene. She smiled awkwardly: “Yes, we’ll visit another day.”

Madam Sun’s expression returned to calm: “Then we’ll take our leave.”

Li Weiyang smiled and stood: “Old Madam, I’ll see Madam Sun and Miss Sun out.” She had only taken one step when Li Changle reached over directly and grabbed her arm. Sun Yanjun was startled.

In the great hall, everyone saw Li Changle gripping Li Weiyang’s arm tightly, as if wanting to bore holes through her face with her stare.

Li Weiyang’s face showed slight surprise: “Elder Sister, what are you doing?”

Li Changle laughed coldly: “Now you’ve become the master of this household—happy, aren’t you? Pleased, aren’t you? But remember, I will forever be the eldest miss of this family, and you will forever be nothing but a bastard!” As she spoke, her other hand suddenly raised up.

Who knew—”Bang!” A sound rang out. Zhao Yue, standing not far behind Li Weiyang, took just one step to reach Li Changle’s side, grabbed her arm and pulled. Li Changle still maintained the posture of striking, but her whole person flew up like paper in the wind, landing far from Li Weiyang and falling wretchedly to the ground. The veil snapped apart with a crack. Her former arrogance and viciousness vanished instantly. She became incredibly panicked. Tanxiang quickly ran over, removed her outer robe, and used the garment to cover her bandaged head and face.

Sun Yanjun and Madam Sun exchanged glances. Though they hadn’t seen clearly the person in the shadows, both felt something was wrong.

Li Weiyang’s face showed infinite apology as she loudly scolded Zhao Yue: “How do you do your work? So careless! Quickly go help Elder Sister up!”

Jiang Yuelan, seeing the situation turning bad, quickly moved to help Li Changle up, but was pushed away forcefully. She crashed to the ground, her arm bruised, face turning abnormally pale, yet still had to smile apologetically and say to Zhao Yue who had already walked over: “Zhao Yue, quickly send the eldest miss back!”

Li Changle tried to forcefully shake off Zhao Yue’s restraint, but how could she move with Zhao Yue’s strength? Zhao Yue knew martial arts!

Old Madam said coldly: “What are you all standing around for! Quickly help the young miss back!”

Immediately maids and nannies moved to restrain Li Changle. Just then, Nanny Liu appeared. She quickly walked over, pushed everyone aside, and said: “The eldest miss is a noble person—how can you lowly creatures touch her!” Then she held Li Changle tightly, protecting her so no one could see her face, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly: “Old Madam, the eldest miss’s face is having an allergic reaction. Her heart also feels terrible, so she’s offended the honored guests. Please forgive her.”

Old Madam stared at Nanny Liu for a long time. She took a deep breath before waving her hand: “Go then.”

Just before Li Changle was led away, she suddenly turned her head. Through the gap in the clothing, those terrifying eyes stared coldly at Li Weiyang, the hatred within seeming ready to flay and skin her on the spot. Sun Yanjun, standing beside Li Weiyang, felt that eerie chill and involuntarily grasped Li Weiyang’s hand.

This Li family eldest miss had become so frightening now!

Sun Yanjun quietly thought, glad she hadn’t seen Li Changle’s face just now, or she’d have more nightmares.

Second Madam was still shaken, pressing a handkerchief to her chest and gasping: “The eldest miss is becoming more and more excessive…”

Li Changle was led far away, but the chill in everyone’s hearts couldn’t be dispelled. Li Weiyang slowly watched, her face gradually showing a cold, condensed expression. She wasn’t worried about Li Changle’s revenge, but she was concerned about the Jiang family. If they came openly to demand accountability, the Li family could handle it. But so far they’d made no move.

Why, why had she treated Li Changle this way yet the Jiang family remained inactive? This was unusual, too unusual…

“Weiyang! Weiyang! I’m leaving!” Sun Yanjun bid her farewell. Today she’d had too many frights and really didn’t want to stay in the Li household any longer. “Let’s meet at the Empress’s banquet.”

Li Weiyang came back to herself, squeezed Miss Sun’s cold hand, and smiled: “Good, take care.”

The courtyard was utterly silent. Jiang Wu entered the room and saw Li Changle actually sitting before the mirror. He involuntarily lowered his head, not daring to look directly.

“Fifth Cousin, are you afraid of this face of mine?” Li Changle laughed coldly.

After Jiang Wu revealed his identity, Li Changle addressed him this way, though her tone was never anything but coldly mocking.

Jiang Wu consoled her: “Cousin, I’ve told you your face will recover, provided you listen to me and don’t go out in the wind.” He could only deceive her this way.

Li Changle had believed his words before, because with his help, her face had stopped bleeding foul blood. But today, seeing Li Weiyang sitting in splendor at the banquet, she couldn’t hold back any longer. She swept everything off the dressing table with force and said sharply: “How much longer must I wear this terrible face! Tell me, when exactly will I fully recover!”

Never in this lifetime… Jiang Wu didn’t dare say it. He could only steel himself: “I’m already working on it. I believe that day won’t be far off. You must have patience…”

Li Changle said angrily: “But look at this face! I even have to wear a veil to go out—I’d be better off dead!”

If Li Changle died, the Duke’s wife would scold him to death. Jiang Wu quickly said: “Absolutely not! Li Weiyang’s actions are meant to drive you to death. You mustn’t lose hope, or how heartbroken Grandmother will be!”

“She doesn’t care about me at all now!” Li Changle whipped around and closed in on Jiang Wu.

Jiang Wu’s cold sweat dripped down. He immediately explained: “Grandmother has long since made arrangements. She will definitely avenge you!”

“When!” Li Changle pressed aggressively. She didn’t want to wait another day!

Jiang Wu guaranteed: “Soon! Very soon! I promise, from now on you’ll never have to see Li Weiyang’s face again!”