The Duke’s wife remained unconscious until returning home. Jiang Tian quickly placed his hand on her pulse and carefully diagnosed her condition. “Fifth Brother, what’s wrong with the old lady? Why hasn’t she woken up after so long?” Jiang Xu asked anxiously.

Jiang Tian felt the Duke’s wife’s pulse, his face troubled. “Grandmother is advanced in years and has always had a fiery temper. This time, with accumulated resentment in her five internal organs, momentary rage, and fury attacking her heart, she fell unconscious.”

The Duke’s wife opened her eyes but could only move her mouth wordlessly, appearing half-dead.

Jiang Tian comforted her, “Grandmother, your body is not seriously harmed. As long as you’ve awakened, that’s good. I’ll prepare a prescription—take it and in a few days you can fully recover.”

The First Lady dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief, concealing her doubtful expression.

Jiang Tian deliberated over a prescription, then instructed everyone on the patient’s dietary matters. After finishing his instructions, Jiang Xu called him alone to the study and immediately asked, “How is it really?”

Jiang Tian shook his head. “Originally, without today’s incident, Grandmother could have held on for a year or two. Now, at most she has a month remaining.”

Jiang Xu collapsed into his chair, muttering, “What a vicious girl!”

He already understood why Li Weiyang had been so aggressive in the hall today—she wanted not only Jiang Nan’s life but also the old lady’s! This showed she’d long guessed the old lady’s days were numbered, which was why she immediately delivered this death warrant!

Jiang Hai’s brows furrowed deeply. “Father, I’m afraid this girl doesn’t just want to anger Grandmother to death. Her real objective—”

Jiang Xu nodded, his voice extremely grave. “She wants Second Brother and your brothers to all return home for mourning.”

Jiang Hai said through gritted teeth, “This girl! This move is truly too vicious!” Thinking it over, he added, “I’m afraid she won’t succeed so easily. As long as His Majesty issues a decree—” Military officers abroad had been exempted from mourning periods before!

Jiang Xu sighed deeply. “Previously, His Majesty still trusted us—one decree could exempt mourning. But now, it’s impossible. His Majesty is watching us closely. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have ordered Fourth Brother’s execution over this matter.”

Jiang Hai couldn’t spare thought for mourning matters and said urgently, “Never mind that—Father, you must save Fourth Brother! He was just acting impulsively!”

Jiang Xu shook his head gravely. “I keep feeling this girl has more tricks up her sleeve. We can’t act rashly.”

Jiang Hai couldn’t hold back. “But that’s your own son! Will you just watch him sit in the imperial prison for a month before being executed?”

Jiang Xu waved his hand. “Go out. Let me think alone for a while.”

Jiang Hai wanted to say more, but Jiang Tian tugged his sleeve, signaling him not to continue. The two brothers walked dejectedly out of the study. Jiang Hai said, “If Third Brother were here, he’d definitely have a solution!”

The Jiang family’s Third Young Master was famously resourceful. Though ordinarily not as dazzling as the imposing Jiang Nan, he was actually the most favored by Grandfather among the five brothers, who’d always kept him close. If he were here, he definitely wouldn’t have fallen for Li Weiyang’s trap! Jiang Hai couldn’t help growing worried.

Jiang Tian really didn’t dare say anything. He’d unwittingly become Li Weiyang’s stepping stone, thoroughly exploited by her. Now he didn’t even dare return to the Li residence for fear of being caught, but at home he felt incomparably guilty—no matter how you looked at it, he was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“Grandmother—is there really no saving her?” Jiang Hai couldn’t help asking again.

Jiang Tian shook his head. “I can only try to extend her life—barely clinging to existence.” As he spoke, he thought to himself: Li Weiyang, this terrifying woman, is simply a malevolent star descended to earth. Who dares provoke her! And Fourth Brother too—so his official position is lost, so what? Does that mean he can’t live without it? Other people live perfectly well—why must he alone be unable to bear it and go looking for trouble! Causing… causing the entire family to live in fear and anxiety.

Jiang Hai had no energy left. Jiang Tian’s expression wasn’t good either—they really didn’t know what to say. For a full half hour, neither could utter a single word.

When Li Weiyang returned to Hexiang Courtyard, the old lady saw her and quickly asked, “How did things go?”

Li Weiyang first performed her respects. The old lady waved for her to sit, then ordered maids to bring fruit and pastries for her to eat. Li Weiyang smiled. “Old Madam, His Majesty granted Changxi in marriage to Capital Magistrate Yao.”

The old lady was startled and quickly asked, “That widower who kills wives?” Thinking it over, this was actually a good match. Apart from the man’s fate being somewhat hard, family background and status were all suitable. Moreover, she’d be going as the legitimate wife—it wasn’t really wronging Li Changxi. The old lady’s eyes focused as she asked again, “What about the Jiang family?”

Li Weiyang said regretfully, “Old Madam, Jiang Nan was sentenced to immediate execution.”

“Heavens above! The two families are relatives after all—watching him like this is truly hard to bear.” Though the old lady sighed endlessly on the surface, she was secretly delighted. “This is truly too sinful. I’m afraid the Duke’s wife at her age can’t withstand this!”

Li Weiyang took a sip of tea, glancing at Jiang Yuelan sitting silently nearby, and said slowly, “Isn’t it all because of the shameful things their family did themselves? Not only didn’t they reflect, but they resented us instead, setting up a trap to frame us. Fortunately, His Majesty is wise and didn’t let the villains succeed, returning justice to our family.”

The old lady smiled. “Well said. Kidnapping an official’s daughter and being caught red-handed—already being a criminal—this judgment is only proper.” Actually, she found it a bit strange. Ordinarily, the Emperor could have changed the sentence to military exile or banishment, which would count as a lenient outcome for the Jiang family. Why was the judgment so swift this time?

“Good and evil always receive their due in the end.” Li Weiyang said impassively.

Jiang Yuelan’s teacup accidentally made a sound. The old lady glanced at her, and her heart immediately jumped. Her face showed a strained smile. “Third Miss speaks truly!”

The old lady laughed coldly and said nothing more. Originally, she hadn’t hoped to make things too stiff with the Jiang family, but the Duke’s wife’s actions had always been domineering. She’d endured that old woman for decades—now she’d finally vented her frustration. Though her heart also worried about the Jiang family’s retaliation, ultimately she felt refreshed, and even her complexion improved for a time.

After Li Weiyang left, Jiang Yuelan also couldn’t sit still and awkwardly took her leave. Nanny Luo said, “Old Madam, this Third Miss is truly formidable!”

The old lady said quietly, “She’s only how many years old? According to what you say, if this was all her design, wouldn’t she be a demon? What kind of family is the Jiang household—how could she easily scheme against them? It must have been coincidence.”

“The old madam is still wise. This servant thinks the same. Though Third Miss has some cleverness, it shouldn’t extend this far.” Though Nanny Luo thought in her heart that this matter definitely related to Third Miss, she went along with the old lady’s words.

“Jiang Xu has been an official his whole life. To actually fall into a young girl’s hands this time—it’s all debts owed for children!” The old lady sighed.

When Li Weiyang came out from the old lady’s quarters, Li Minde was waiting in her courtyard. “Did the old lady blame you?”

Li Weiyang shook her head. “She herself suffered the Duke’s wife’s anger for decades. To rarely turn things around once—how could she blame me? Moreover, this matter was originally a trap set by the Jiang family. I’m not the one at fault.”

Li Minde said softly, “Tell me—does the Jiang family still have a chance to turn things around this time?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “Hard to say.”

Li Minde sneered. “This family has plenty of scheming minds—they’re probably thinking up some wicked plan.”

But Li Weiyang seemed not to hear, her lips curving slightly. “That’s nothing to fear. No matter what plan they think up, we have solid evidence in hand. This is already enough to give the Jiang family a hard time. Right now they should be worrying about how to handle the Duke’s wife’s funeral.”

Li Minde glanced at the maids in the room and didn’t speak aloud, only smiled and waved for someone to bring a basket of bright red lychees. Li Weiyang couldn’t help smiling. “Where did you dig up this fresh treat again?”

“I happened to see it at the market,” Li Minde said in a relaxed tone.

Lychees weren’t a specialty of the capital—how could they be sold at the market? In these times, probably even the imperial palace didn’t have them. Li Weiyang blinked, pretending not to know. Bai Zhi arranged the fresh lychees along with two cups of fragrant tea and two plates of fine pastries, smiling. “Lychees are heating—don’t eat too many, Miss. You still need to eat dinner.”

Li Weiyang smiled indulgently. “I can’t eat all these. Take half to send to Seventh Aunt, and eat the rest yourselves.”

“Thank you, Miss.” Bai Zhi left smiling.

After all the maids had gone out, Li Minde said softly, “In the hall today, you were too risky.” Though he hadn’t gone personally, Consort Lian had already passed the news out. Even hearing it from outside made his heart uneasy. Li Weiyang had been far too bold this time! One misstep and the Jiang family could have bitten back.

“This time, we’ve already cleared out those who needed clearing, dismissed those who needed dismissing. Jiang Nan kidnapping Li Changxi is now ironclad—there’s no possibility of overturning the case.” Li Weiyang half-closed her eyes, touching the teacup in her hand.

“If he hadn’t first thought to harm me, I wouldn’t have used such vicious tactics. Today in the court hall, if I hadn’t spoken up, they could easily have made it out to be that Jiang Nan and Li Changxi already had romantic involvement. Then Jiang Nan would just be a romantic young lord, Li Changxi would marry over as a concubine, and the trap I painstakingly set would be completely ruined. To prevent all that effort from being wasted, naturally I had to take some risks,” Li Weiyang said slowly.

Li Minde nodded in agreement. “I heard you also exposed the First Lady’s past deeds in the great hall?”

“I knew early on that Jiang Xu is an old fox—not easy to fool. So I first brought up Jiang Rou’s matters, plus disrespecting her mother-in-law and persecuting concubines and concubine-born children. Ordinarily, such things wouldn’t matter much, but in the imperial family, except for the Crown Prince, all are considered concubine-born. If the Empress acted like that, the Emperor wouldn’t have a single son left. Precisely because of this, His Majesty surely felt deeply troubled, and the Duke’s wife would be enraged with shame—her condition would certainly worsen severely. Jiang Xu would also hate me to death because of this. At that point, he’d already lost his usual rationality. Only then did I bring up how Jiang Nan violated the imperial decree and kidnapped an official’s daughter, speaking with such conviction that even the bystanders watching believed it—how much more the parties directly involved? Everyone would believe Jiang Nan abducted the wrong person, not that I deliberately set a trap to harm them!”

Li Minde smiled slightly. “I’m worried about you. The Jiang family is ultimately a hereditary meritorious household—don’t let them come to their senses and overturn the case.”

“He won’t have that chance. Just the things Jiang Rou did are already evidence of improper family discipline, failing to educate daughters, and being despised by others. The Duke’s wife is extremely protective—naturally she won’t admit guilt. But Jiang Xu knows in his heart that the Emperor’s favor is lost. Jiang Nan is doomed!”

Li Weiyang’s face showed not a trace of pride—she merely stated the facts plainly.

“Speaking of which, there are still quite a few suspicious points. How could you arrive so quickly and report to the Capital Magistrate? Someone must have suspicions about this,” Li Minde said quietly.

Who knew Li Weiyang would smile slightly. “The point is to make them swallow this loss. So what if they’re suspicious? Do they have evidence? Moreover, my sister disappeared—I immediately reported it. The matter was grave, the Capital Magistrate personally rushed there—what’s strange about that? There have been such examples before. No matter how eloquent the Jiang family is, they can’t change this outcome.”

Li Minde laughed and took a peeled lychee, bringing it to Li Weiyang’s lips. “Try it—the juice is very sweet.”

Li Weiyang instinctively ate it. Some juice remained at the corner of her lips. Li Minde actually cupped her chin with one hand while carefully wiping it clean with the other. “Don’t accidentally dirty your clothes.” As he murmured this, his fingertips lingered on her face. Li Weiyang stiffened and instinctively pushed him away. Yet her eyes couldn’t shift their gaze. Over these years, this youth had gradually grown up, losing his childhood innocence and becoming increasingly handsome. Combined with the intimacy in his every gesture, thinking about it now felt somewhat strange. Li Weiyang thought privately and couldn’t help feeling alarmed. But her face couldn’t show the slightest abnormality—she just smiled. “I can do it myself. I’m not a child.”

Li Minde’s eyes darkened, but he smiled impassively. “Did I do something wrong?”

Li Weiyang lowered her eyes, not yet taking a position. Li Minde added, “Never mind, don’t say it. I know that though you don’t say it, you actually still think I’m very dirty—” Unconsciously, his eyes showed a trace of pain.

Li Weiyang was startled and couldn’t help saying, “What nonsense are you talking—I just…” Just think you’re not acting right. But these words were really hard to say.

Li Minde looked at her, his eyes bright and shining. “You don’t find me disgusting? Really?”

Li Weiyang felt if she said she did, he’d probably take a sword and commit suicide on the spot. She quickly assured him, “Of course not. I grew up together with you—we’ve always had good feelings.” This sounded awkward no matter how she said it. She’d always considered herself older than him—how had it suddenly become them being the same age? “Our Minde is so handsome—how could anyone in this world find you disgusting?”

“Anyone else in this world finding me disgusting—I wouldn’t care. However, there’s always one person who’s different from everyone else to me. Therefore, I especially care about her thoughts.” At this point, he paused, his lips curving slightly upward in a faint smile. “You are the only person I care about.”

Li Weiyang looked at him quietly, her eyes flickering.

Li Minde’s eyes carried a soft glow, his expression showing a rarely seen shyness that made him appear even more gentle. “Does saying this seem strange?”

“Not strange.” Li Weiyang’s heart trembled, but her face showed a nonchalant expression as she answered, “You’ve always relied on me.”

Li Minde smiled slightly. “Perhaps so. Apart from the mother who adopted me, there’s no one else in this world who truly cares about me. If I lost you too, I’d have nothing left.” His smile faded, his lashes thick—in an instant, tinged with desolation.

Li Weiyang looked at him, only feeling his voice drifting from a very distant place, as far away as a lifetime. That voice carried indescribable emotion, making her involuntarily feel infinite pity.

“Minde—”

“I’m not saying these things to make you pity me. I only hope you can, for my sake, cherish yourself more, especially when facing danger—don’t unhesitatingly cut off all your own escape routes.” In his heart, Li Minde added: I don’t know what it feels like to like someone. But every time I see you, my heart feels warm. When I can’t see you, just thinking of you keeps me from feeling cold. Life in the Li household was originally meaningless, but thinking of your appearance, thinking of words you’ve said to me—time just passes by. How miraculous. Why do such miracles appear in a person’s life? Clearly it’s still the same sunlight, the same weather, the same environment—just because one more person appeared, everything feels different…

Li Weiyang was completely stunned. She suddenly realized her risky actions had worried him. His voice circled and echoed in her mind, repeating. Over and over, every sentence he spoke was so clear, and the expression on his face—every frown, every smile, every raised brow, every blink—remained vivid. He told her not to take risks lightly because he would worry. These words made her hesitate.

“The reason I’ve always succeeded is because I have no baggage.” Li Weiyang said softly. “Now I have Mother, I have my little brother, I have you—you’re all by my side. This gives me weaknesses. I don’t like weaknesses, and I especially don’t like having weaknesses seized by others. Do you understand?” So she played with Minzhi but didn’t invest too much emotion in him, protected Seventh Aunt but only observed from afar without drawing close. Minde always said he was an existence the world couldn’t tolerate, but Li Weiyang felt she was the person in this world who most shouldn’t have lived. Rebirth, changing fate—her life had only the two words “revenge” remaining. But the path of revenge was lonely and resolute. She could occasionally be weak but absolutely could not show any yielding.

Facing her seemingly disconnected statement, Li Minde showed not the slightest surprise and calmly replied, “But people without weaknesses have no one and nothing to care about. Even if you achieve your revenge, what will you have to continue living for?”

After hearing this, Li Weiyang’s expression became even more peculiar. She looked at him deeply for a while before murmuring, “Better to have none. Because once you have them, you can’t let them go.”

She paused, then repeated again, “I don’t want weaknesses.”

Li Minde’s eyes flickered several times, revealing an expression of dawning understanding.

Third Prince Tuoba Zhen was distracted all day. After returning from the great hall, two maids came forward to serve him, changing him into ordinary clothes. These two had been gifted by the Crown Prince—one gentle and amiable, one pretty and sweet. Ordinarily Tuoba Zhen was very warm toward them, occasionally even joking with them. But today he’d lost interest. Upon returning, he said nothing, just reclined sideways on the couch slowly drinking ginseng tea.

“Your Highness, shall this servant massage your shoulders?” Bish��i was gentle and soft, her liquid eyes rippling with countless tender feelings held back from speaking.

Tuoba Zhen stared at Bishui’s gentle face, reaching out to cup her delicate chin, slowly caressing it. The maid docilely lowered her head, her face gradually reddening.

“What did the Crown Prince say when he sent you to become my concubine?” Facing this gentle, delicate face, Tuoba Zhen’s mind naturally conjured Li Weiyang’s speaking appearance. At that time, her eyes had been shockingly bright, making his entire body’s blood surge unconsciously. Looking again at the young girl before him, he suddenly lost interest. Li Weiyang’s face had never shown even a trace of gentle expression, yet it was so captivating.

Bishui’s entire face turned red, stammering wordlessly. When the Crown Prince had sent her here, he’d indeed said exactly that.

Guixin entered carrying a plate of grapes, smiling. “Your Highness, you just love teasing us servants!”

Tuoba Zhen looked at her with a smile. “Oh?”

“This servant won’t indulge you anymore.” Guixin laughed first as she spoke, swaying over to him, curtsied, then smiled coquettishly as she leaned close, asking in an oriole-like voice, “Your Highness, this servant just heard from those who returned with you that Princess Anping made a great disturbance in the golden hall and won justice for her sister!”

Tuoba Zhen’s expression darkened slightly. “News travels truly fast.”

Guixin’s bright eyes turned smugly. “Look at what Your Highness says. Though we servants live in the inner chambers, such a major case that even His Majesty had to personally try—who doesn’t know about it now?”

Tuoba Zhen said thoughtfully, “Oh, what are they all saying?”

This time Bishui wouldn’t be outdone. “Your Highness, people outside are saying the Jiang family’s Fourth Young Master was arrogant, rude, and forcibly seized an official’s young lady. Fortunately, Capital Magistrate Yao heroically rescued the beauty, which instead achieved a fine match for them. Others say Princess Anping spoke righteously, wasn’t afraid of the powerful, and stood up for her sister—she’s a loyal and righteous good woman. Still others say the Jiang family bullies people relying on their power, are arrogant and tyrannical, monopolize military authority, and deceive the sovereign. And others say His Majesty enforces the law impartially without favoritism…”

Listening, Tuoba Zhen’s face showed an amused smile: So Li Weiyang had already found storytellers to compile tales and spread them everywhere as soon as the matter concluded. She really has ability. He’d underestimated her time and again. Only today did he discover this girl wasn’t just cunning in thought—she was practically a strategist! And an extremely outstanding one at that!

Just then, a bolt of lightning split the long sky. The thick black clouds immediately tore open a streak of crimson, followed by torrential rain pouring down from the heavens. Tuoba Zhen was startled by the rain and walked to the window, raising his head to gaze into the distance. Behind him Bishui said, “Today’s weather is truly strange. This morning the sun was still blazing—now it’s suddenly pouring.”

Tuoba Zhen smiled slightly. “Yes, weather changes happen in an instant. Only those who seize the initiative can win!” Li Weiyang, you won this round—but what about the next? Will you still win?

Half a month passed in a rush. The Jiang household maintained a calm atmosphere. Now Jiang Nan was imprisoned in the imperial prison. Jiang Xu only said publicly he didn’t acknowledge this son and mentioned nothing else—he didn’t even go to visit the prison. Of course, visiting wouldn’t work anyway. Without the Emperor’s decree, no one could see Jiang Nan.

Everyone in the Li household continued their peaceful daily lives. Li Weiyang still went daily to Hexiang Courtyard to pay respects. The days seemed not much changed. Actually, Li Weiyang had been silently waiting all along—waiting for the result she’d always wanted. Until the Jiang family’s invitation arrived, she discovered she’d completely miscalculated.

“The Duke’s wife’s sixtieth birthday—especially inviting Old Madam Li, the First Lady, Princess Anping, and all the young ladies to attend.” The messenger nanny from the Jiang family smiled as she presented the invitation.

Sixtieth birthday? The Duke’s wife still had the mood to celebrate her birthday now? Old Madam Li raised her brows with a half-smile. “Oh? A birthday celebration?”

The messenger nanny smiled neither humbly nor arrogantly. “Originally the Duke’s wife was unwilling to celebrate extravagantly, but the Empress Dowager in the palace issued a decree ordering our old lady to celebrate properly.”

The Empress Dowager?! Old Madam Li’s smile was a bit stiff. She glanced at Li Weiyang sitting nearby with a calm expression, and forced a smile. “Of course, we’ll naturally come to celebrate our in-law’s birthday!”

As soon as the messenger nanny left, the old lady’s teacup heavily struck the table surface with a crisp snap. “How does this old woman still have such mood! That grandson of hers is going to be executed in just half a month!”

But Li Weiyang lowered her head, absorbed in her own thoughts as if she hadn’t heard. The old lady couldn’t help calling loudly, “Weiyang?!”

Li Weiyang raised her head. Something flashed across her face but too quickly to detect. She smiled slightly. “Wanting to use the opportunity to dispel bad luck is understandable.”

The old lady’s expression improved slightly after hearing this. Anyway, she found that high-and-mighty Duke’s wife very displeasing to the eye. But if the Empress Dowager personally issued a decree requiring all ranked ladies and misses to attend, then they truly couldn’t not go.

The smile on Li Weiyang’s face slowly fell away after leaving the room.

Her prediction was wrong. What arrived wasn’t news of the Duke’s wife’s death but that she was celebrating her sixtieth birthday! The imperial physician she’d bribed had clearly said the Duke’s wife’s days were numbered with absolutely no possibility of recovery. Could it be—Jiang Tian truly had the ability to bring the dead back to life? Li Weiyang couldn’t help clenching her hands. If the Duke’s wife didn’t die, then her plans below had no chance of proceeding!

“Weiyang!” Looking up, Li Xiaoran stood in the courtyard.

He’d come to pay respects to the old lady—Li Weiyang smiled faintly and curtsied. Since that incident, the two hadn’t spoken a single word. When Li Xiaoran saw her, he was always distant, with a guarded appearance. Clearly, he blamed her for not coordinating with him beforehand. But Li Weiyang wasn’t afraid. Who could predict a forcible abduction would occur? Afterward she’d been taken to the Capital Magistrate’s office with no opportunity to coordinate testimonies. How could Li Xiaoran blame her!

Recently, Li Xiaoran looked quite haggard. Not only did he have white hairs at his temples, even his face was covered with a layer of grayish pallor—his mental state appeared poor.

“Rise.” Li Xiaoran’s face was full of smiles. The father-daughter relationship had already developed great estrangement when the Jiang family came to propose marriage, and Jiang Nan’s matter made things worse. Yet now he acted as if nothing had happened, smiling like a spring breeze… This depth of scheming was truly incomprehensible.

“The old lady is inside. Please enter, Father.” Li Weiyang’s tone was flat. “Daughter takes her leave.”

“Wait!” Li Xiaoran immediately interrupted her words, asking Li Weiyang, “You say the Jiang family…”

He’d been waiting all along—waiting for the Jiang family’s actions, even their retaliation. But they’d taken no action, making him feel… increasingly uneasy. So he’d turned his attention to Li Weiyang, wanting to get something from her. But the indifference on Li Weiyang’s face left Li Xiaoran at a loss for words.

Li Weiyang showed a polite smile. “Father, the Duke’s wife is about to celebrate her birthday. Are you asking what gift to send?”

She was changing the subject—completely unwilling to mention the Jiang family.

Li Xiaoran frowned, pulling the topic back to the Jiang family, his tone carrying questioning: “Still in the mood to mention gifts at this time?! Don’t you think about it—stirring up a hornet’s nest and acting like nothing happened? Don’t think about countermeasures…”

“Father, your daughter is merely a sheltered woman. How would I understand such things?” Li Weiyang said coolly.

Li Xiaoran was shocked and scrutinized her up and down without concealment, immediately falling into deep thought. In the sunlight, Li Weiyang’s expression carried a coldness that kept people at a thousand miles’ distance. He’d never seen such an expression on her face. After a long while, he finally sighed deeply.

“Weiyang is still blaming Father? I was helpless too!” He displayed helplessness and a loneliness only a father could have, seeming very sorrowful.

Li Weiyang only smiled faintly without speaking.

Li Xiaoran hadn’t expected her complete indifference. After another moment, he explained in a low voice, “You’re about to reach coming-of-age—how can you not understand Father’s difficulties… In the end, didn’t Father refuse to agree to marry you over there?”

That was because her warning had worked, not because he’d softened and remembered their father-daughter affection! Li Weiyang raised her brows, showing unconcealed disdain.

“You—” Even with Li Xiaoran’s deep scheming, he rarely became angry.

“Father, since you planned to sell your daughter from the start, why put on the appearance of a loving father?” Li Weiyang looked at him coldly.

Li Xiaoran simply couldn’t believe his ears. Was this still that cautious and careful concubine-born daughter? How dare she, how dare she speak such outrageous words to her father! He was so angry his teeth clenched as he stared at her fixedly, as if wanting to swallow her whole.

Li Weiyang looked at him and smiled lightly. “Father, there’s no such thing in this world as only gaining advantages without paying a price. You expect to sell me in exchange for temporary peace—you need to see whether I’m willing. You should know I can also do things like mutual destruction and making a huge scene. You saw today—my temper has never been very good. If I told His Majesty that you, Father, are selling your daughter for glory, that wouldn’t be good, would it?” Originally with Jiang Nan’s matter, Li Weiyang hadn’t intended to fall out with Li Xiaoran, but in the golden hall, he hadn’t said a single word for her, hadn’t even shown any intention of upholding justice. This was going too far!

Li Xiaoran’s face alternated between blue and white, covered with shock and embarrassment. However, having been an official for many years, he took several deep breaths and soon forced himself to calm down. “Weiyang, I am after all your father, and you are my daughter. Blood is thicker than water. Even if I did wrong, how can you speak so disrespectfully!”

Li Weiyang showed a detached smile. “Blood is thicker than water—for profit’s sake, you could set it aside and continue cooperating with the Jiang family. Whatever I say, you probably won’t take to heart either. Father, that day in the golden hall, you didn’t speak a single word for your two daughters. Did you ever think I would also feel disheartened!”

Li Xiaoran was speechless. In official circles, actions had nothing to do with likes or dislikes. Every choice had to maximize benefits as much as possible. At that time, he truly hadn’t considered that those two were both his daughters, his own flesh and blood. He’d only thought that if Li Weiyang couldn’t successfully pin a capital crime on Jiang Nan, then the Li family would instead suffer misfortune… That’s right, he was indeed accustomed to protecting himself wisely—even biological children could be completely disregarded. It followed that if Li Weiyang had lost then, he would only have expelled her from the Li family. Though this was the case, being so directly exposed still left him unable to bear it. His lips only trembled, infinite anger roiling in his chest. After a long while, he barely controlled his expression and showed a tolerant smile.

“Weiyang,” he displayed a sorrowful expression, “Father made you sad before. I can promise you that such things won’t happen again in the future. I’ll stand on your side as much as possible and protect you all.”

How nicely said—that’s because now relations with the Jiang family could no longer maintain their original state, so he thought to seek her out. He probably still wanted to use her to continue dealing with the Jiang family, seeking more benefits for himself in court. This old man was truly selfish and self-serving.

Li Weiyang thought this in her heart, but her face didn’t reveal anything else. She only paused and said, “Father is magnanimous. Thinking carefully, it’s actually daughter who was too petty. We all up and down rely on you. The court sees great winds and rains—please take good care of yourself!”

Li Xiaoran’s smile showed a crack. He deeply understood that Li Weiyang was telling him they were one entity. If he again carelessly discarded this father’s identity, she wouldn’t be polite anymore! This was simply a threat, but he already had no way to say anything more. She was right—now with the Jiang family, lines were clearly drawn. If he continued to equivocate, it would be too ridiculous! In outsiders’ eyes, Li Weiyang’s attitude already demonstrated his own attitude. His face showed a cold smile as he said slowly, “Weiyang, I understand your meaning. From now on, Father will always stand on your side.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “Then daughter thanks Father first.”

In the distant corridor, Jiang Yuelan and Li Changle watched this scene from afar. Li Changle laughed coldly. “See? In this household, there’s long been no foothold for us.”

A flicker of emotion too fast to catch crossed Jiang Yuelan’s face. She lowered her eyes. “What does Eldest Miss mean?”

Without Jiang Tian coming, she didn’t have enough medicine to stop the itching. She was nearly going mad from discomfort. This was all thanks to Li Weiyang! Li Changle’s eyes shot out poisonous light. “Cooperate with our plan and eliminate her in one stroke!”

Jiang Yuelan was silent for a long time. Even after Li Weiyang’s figure had disappeared, she remained silent for a long time. Finally, she said word by word, “Tell the Duke’s wife that I will definitely do my utmost.”

Li Changle smiled. Though her body had already begun rotting, as long as she could watch Li Weiyang die, she was willing to endure this suffering! At the Duke’s wife’s birthday banquet, Li Weiyang as the nominal granddaughter would definitely have to attend. At that time would be the best opportunity…

Since the Empress Dowager had spoken, this Jiang family birthday banquet would naturally be celebrated grandly. Sixty years old for ordinary common people meant already reaching the age of doting on grandchildren and enjoying blessings in comfort. But for the Duke’s wife, this day had special significance. Originally, officials in the capital had the sharpest eyes—who couldn’t see that recently the Jiang family showed signs of being suppressed by the Li family? Everyone had been taking a wait-and-see attitude. But once the Empress Dowager’s decree came down, people immediately felt the Jiang family remained an illustrious household. After all, when whose old lady celebrates a birthday does the Empress Dowager specially issue a decree ordering grand celebration? Most surprisingly, at this juncture, the Emperor actually personally wielded brush and ink to write a plaque in his own hand to celebrate the Duke’s wife’s birthday. This shook the entire capital even more. So on the Duke’s wife’s birthday, capital officials regardless of rank had to queue up to send gifts! The gifts were lined up all the way to the hall corridor. Using “piled like mountains” to describe it was no exaggeration. The Jiang family set up forty tables of banquets. Arriving guests first entered the residence, paid respects to the plaque bearing the four large characters “Auspicious Mists in the Day-Lily Hall” bestowed by the Emperor, then went to their pre-arranged seats.

This time coming to the Jiang residence, the Li household members didn’t enter through the main gate but were directly led by maids sent by the Jiang residence, walking steadily straight into the inner chambers.

The Jiang First Lady personally welcomed guests at the second gate. Seeing the Li family members, she immediately showed a smile.

“Old Madam Li has personally come—please come in quickly.” Compared to their first meeting, this time the Jiang First Lady was much more enthusiastic. After Jiang Nan’s incident, her face showed not a trace of abnormality.

“A sixtieth birthday is a major event. Naturally I’d come personally to offer congratulations.” The old lady smiled somewhat insincerely.

She originally hadn’t wanted to come, but first there was the Empress Dowager’s decree, then the Emperor’s bestowed plaque—as if announcing to everyone that the Jiang family remained in imperial favor. She couldn’t not come!

The Jiang First Lady ushered Old Madam Li into the great hall. After sitting, naturally people served them piping hot tea.

Li Weiyang’s expression was calm, her face showing no particular emotion. However, everyone in the great hall looked at her curiously. Jiang Nan’s matter had caused quite a commotion before. Now the main parties were almost all gathered—it was just a pity the victim Li Changxi wasn’t present, otherwise it would be even livelier! But strangely, Old Madam Li was all smiles, the Jiang First Lady performed her duties properly, Jiang Yuelan smiled gently, Li Changle’s expression was subtle, and the most closely watched Li Weiyang’s face constantly carried a faint smile, completely unaffected by external influences. This family was truly too strange!

Sun Yanjun quietly walked over and sat beside Li Weiyang, saying softly, “You came too?” She appeared surprised.

Li Weiyang smiled. “The Empress Dowager issued a decree that all ranked official family women must come to celebrate the birthday. How could I not come?” Not only must she come, she had to come happily, otherwise countless points of criticism would remain.

Sun Yanjun nodded. “Yes, you must come, otherwise people will gossip… Did you see? So many people came today. I think the display is even grander than when your family celebrated a birthday. Outside, the Crown Prince, Third Prince, Fifth Prince, and Seventh Prince all arrived!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. The Emperor emphasized balance. Having just harshly struck the Jiang family, naturally he had to prop them up to prevent the Li family from becoming too inflated. This was the way of emperors. However, today’s banquet was clearly no good banquet…