Just at that moment, a young and pretty maid walked steadily before Li Weiyang, curtsied, then smiled: “County Princess, the Crown Princess requests your company.”

The Crown Princess? Li Weiyang was slightly startled, then her lips curved up. She had originally prepared to give a few instructions, but before she could speak with Li Minde, he had already slowly walked away.

Uh… what was that supposed to mean? Being left behind for the first time, Li Weiyang felt a bit bewildered.

“County Princess?” the maid asked tentatively as she looked at her.

Li Weiyang came back to her senses: “Where is the Crown Princess?”

The maid pointed to a pavilion not far away. Sure enough, the Crown Princess and several female relatives were seated there. Seeing this setup, Li Weiyang suddenly felt her scalp tingle. It wasn’t that she suspected the Crown Princess of anything—just from the way the Crown Princess and the Jiang family daughter were like fire and water, Li Weiyang knew the Crown Princess would show her goodwill. But excessive friendliness wasn’t necessarily a good thing… After hesitating slightly in her heart, her footsteps didn’t slow down at all.

The air was very stuffy. Although she wore only thin gauze clothing, Li Weiyang would still be drenched in sweat after just a walk outside. Ice blocks were placed at the four corners of the pavilion, and several maids fanned the air, so it didn’t seem particularly hot. The Crown Princess sat in a chair padded with a cool mat. The crowd had dispersed elsewhere to view the scenery. She had clearly passed the initial excitement of being pursued by others and seemed somewhat listless, speaking intermittently with her mother, Duke Minguo’s wife, and her own younger sister, He Lian. He Lian wore a water-blue skirt with lotus flower borders. True to her name, sitting there she resembled a tranquil lotus flower—indeed much prettier than her older sister. She was the first to notice Li Weiyang and smiled: “Elder sister, the County Princess has arrived.”

The Crown Princess perked up and sat up straight: “Weiyang, come over!”

Li Weiyang walked over calmly with a smile on her face: “Greetings to the Crown Princess.”

“Why are you being so formal with me? Come sit down quickly!” the Crown Princess said reproachfully, beckoning to her with an intimate manner.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and curtsied to Madam He. The other woman also held second rank like her but could certainly be considered her elder. Madam He looked at the Crown Princess with some surprise, clearly unaccustomed to Li Weiyang’s refined politeness. Rumors painted this young girl as extremely domineering and formidable, but Madam He had heard the Crown Princess say that everything Li Weiyang did was for self-preservation. She also felt that there couldn’t be such a formidable girl in the world—the rumors were probably only thirty percent true. She smiled and nodded accordingly. He Lian immediately stood up. Since she had no rank, she couldn’t possibly remain seated while receiving Li Weiyang’s courtesy. She smiled and curtsied twice to her, displaying her slender waist in a delicate and touching manner. After the courtesies, He Lian’s eyes lifted slightly to glance at Li Weiyang before lowering again.

In that instant, it seemed the entire pavilion lost all color. Even Li Weiyang, also a woman, couldn’t help but brighten and look at her twice more. Though He Lian’s appearance couldn’t be called absolutely stunning, this delicate temperament—Li Weiyang recalled how the Crown Princess had looked at her younger sister earlier with envy tinged with bitterness, and she understood.

Duke Minguo must want to marry his second daughter to the Crown Prince as well. Moreover, this He Lian was a concubine-born daughter—suitable enough to become a secondary consort.

Li Weiyang walked over and sat beside the Crown Princess. The Crown Princess naturally smiled at her with an intimate expression: “I keep asking you to visit the Crown Prince’s residence frequently, but you always refuse.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “The Crown Princess certainly means well, but I fear only you would welcome me in the residence!”

Hearing this, the Crown Princess snorted coldly: “You needn’t pay attention to that person—keeping her in mind only adds vexation!”

Duke Minguo’s wife coughed lightly twice. Only then did the Crown Princess remember why she had asked Li Weiyang to come, and smiled: “Weiyang, your mourning period ended last month, didn’t it? Your marriage has been dragged out before, but this year you absolutely cannot avoid it any longer.”

The Crown Princess wanted to use a good marriage to draw them closer, and the fact that she came to find Li Weiyang herself rather than speak with Old Madam Li showed that the other party clearly understood—the Li family couldn’t make decisions about this marriage. Li Weiyang sighed and deliberately put on a picky expression: “Crown Princess, ordinarily these words shouldn’t come from a young lady like me, but among those men Father has found, I haven’t seen a single one I’m satisfied with. Never mind those wastrel young masters—even the slightly better ones all have concubines or bedchamber maids in their households, creating chaos everywhere. I’m unwilling!”

The Crown Princess was startled and glanced at Madam He, who was also greatly surprised.

The Crown Princess immediately thought Li Weiyang didn’t consider her an outsider and couldn’t help but feel delighted. Looking at her reproachfully: “How can you say such things so casually? Do you perhaps want to find a husband who won’t take concubines or bedchamber maids?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Yes, aren’t you trying to help me find someone? Then find me someone like that—someone whose family background matches the Li family but who also won’t take concubines. Such a household would be impossible for you to find. However, she said aloud: “Naturally it should be so.”

Madam He laughed: “What a silly girl. You might look around—how many men in this world have only one wife? Let me tell you, because the Late Emperor exclusively favored Consort Chen back then, His Majesty is very wary of exclusive favor and devotion. It’s fine for you to joke with us privately, but you must never repeat these words outside!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Would Weiyang not know what’s appropriate?” Her tone was quite familiar.

The Crown Princess was increasingly satisfied, almost feeling Li Weiyang was on her side. She said: “Don’t try to change the subject. There’s actually a suitable candidate now, worthy enough to match you.”

Li Weiyang was somewhat surprised: “Worthy to match me?”

The Crown Princess said: “My cousin He Ran.”

Li Weiyang thought for a moment: “You mean that—”

The Crown Princess nodded: “Yes, my second aunt died in childbirth. My second uncle’s health was also poor and he passed away when he was seven. He guarded that enormous family fortune with no one to rely on, so my father brought him over. He grew up with my younger brothers. Now that he’s come of age, Father returned all his family wealth to him. He’s currently the target of countless young ladies in the capital!”

Li Weiyang hadn’t expected the Crown Princess to choose such a person. This He Ran was actually quite famous. When Duke Minguo’s title was inherited by the eldest son, the second son He Chao left the Duke’s residence and began life with only the ten thousand taels of silver allocated to him. This He Chao had no other talents, but his ability to make money was extremely formidable. In just ten years, he had become the wealthiest person in the capital through his own shrewdness and capability. Reportedly, at his peak, he owned one-third of all the shops in the capital. However, his health was very poor. The wife he married was also short-lived. The two passed away one after another, leaving only their son He Ran. He Chao had quarreled with his elder brother and left home, so when He Chao died, He Ran was only seven years old and had to face the storms alone.

What happened next was all too common. He Chao was fierce at making money, but because he had so much, it attracted countless envious eyes. So when he died, those people descended like wolves and tigers to deal with He Ran. After learning of this, Duke Minguo disregarded past grudges and brought He Ran back to the He family. He personally inventoried all of He Chao’s property and, with He family clan members as witnesses, established written documentation that everything would be returned in the future. The orphaned He Ran grew up in the He family, with Duke Minguo carefully instructing him. Upon reaching adulthood, He Ran was not only extremely handsome but also had an astonishing memory, was intelligent and decisive, handled matters efficiently—truly an all-around talent.

Seeing her expression, the Crown Princess thought there was a chance and hurried to say: “Originally I wanted you to marry one of the Crown Prince’s brothers, but that would inevitably lead to becoming a secondary consort. With your personality, you couldn’t possibly serve someone in a subordinate position. Among the others I favor, they’re all already married. Of those remaining who are the right age, only he’s left.” In reality, there were plenty of noble sons—there just weren’t many who dared marry Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. On this point, the Crown Princess wasn’t wrong. He Ran had substantial wealth, and he had both character and looks—absolutely a superior choice. More importantly, he had no father or mother. Once married to him, she could immediately become the mistress of the household. For a girl with Li Weiyang’s strong personality and formidable reputation, marrying He Ran was truly an excellent choice. The Crown Princess hadn’t just randomly found someone to push on her but had carefully considered this. This point surprised Li Weiyang somewhat. The other party wasn’t merely showing goodwill—she was practically ingratiating herself. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but suspect whether she’d been going too far lately, making everyone target her.

Seeing Li Weiyang about to speak, the Crown Princess hurriedly said: “Listen to me first. He hasn’t entered government service, so his status may seem low, but he’s a solid young man. Moreover, His Majesty was very impressed when he summoned him last time. In the future—it’s not impossible for him to advance further.” She was reminding Li Weiyang that if the Crown Prince ascended the throne, He Ran’s bright future would be guaranteed. “Furthermore, in marriage, what others think doesn’t matter—what’s important is what you think. What use is a good appearance if the substance isn’t there!” No mother-in-law, no complicated interpersonal relationships—what did this mean? Many prestigious families valued He Ran and desperately wanted to marry their daughters to him, all out of love and care for their girls.

Li Weiyang said softly: “This… I’m afraid I can’t make the decision.”

The Crown Princess smiled, thinking she had already wavered: “As long as you agree, I’ll ask Father Emperor to grant you both a marriage.” He Ran had no ties to the court. Li Weiyang marrying him would be a good match without attracting attention—the Emperor wouldn’t prevent it.

Madam He smiled: “Moreover, he’s a handsome and outstanding young man. If you want to meet him, I can call him over right now.”

In her heart, she actually had her own calculations.

On one hand, He Ran had grown up by her side—she considered him half a son and was finding him a good marriage. Li Weiyang’s reputation wasn’t good, but getting to know her revealed she was a clever and wise young lady. Most importantly, she was very capable and would have no problem firmly guarding the family fortune. On the other hand, He Ran was about to enter the court, but apart from the gradually declining Duke Minguo’s residence, he had no support in court. If he wanted to advance further, he first needed to find a powerful backer—a marriage alliance was the best consideration. The Li clan had produced several generations of Prime Ministers, and many clan members held office. Li Weiyang was also a second-rank County Princess. For He Ran, this would undoubtedly elevate his status. For the Crown Princess, she could also take this opportunity to secure the Li family for her husband. Through this marriage alliance, the Li family would inevitably be tightly bound to the Crown Prince’s residence, and her daughter would gain great face before the Crown Prince.

For Li Weiyang, her strong reputation made it very difficult to find a suitable match. Rather than compromise her personality to become a secondary consort to an imperial prince, or marry into a noble household and become entangled with a large family, she might as well marry He Ran. It would appear to be marrying down, but He Ran’s family wealth far exceeded that of ordinary people. Moreover, with the Li family and Duke Minguo supporting him, He Ran’s future would be smooth sailing. This was a deal where neither party would lose—she believed that with Li Weiyang’s intelligence, she would never refuse.

However, Li Weiyang was considering how to reject this marriage when she heard He Lian smile: “Speak of the devil—what perfect timing.”

A young man walked into the pavilion—at the prime of youth with outstanding grace, born handsome and dashing, his eyes full of gentle elegance and calm. His plain-colored robe made him appear like a pine tree or the moon. Most importantly, he clearly had a good temperament.

Li Weiyang sighed. The Crown Princess had really invested heavily, finding such a wealthy, handsome, good-tempered man who didn’t even have parents—truly painstaking effort. Even though she didn’t like him, she couldn’t help but appreciate the gesture.

He Ran saw this scene and was also startled, clearly not realizing this was a matchmaking meeting. But since he was already here, he had no choice but to approach and bow to the Crown Princess. The Crown Princess introduced him: “This is County Princess Anping.”

He Ran’s eyes glanced lightly at Li Weiyang, then he politely lowered his head and smiled: “I’ve long heard that County Princess Anping possesses exceptional grace and extraordinary temperament. Seeing you today confirms it’s true.”

The Crown Princess smiled: “Cousin, you’re absolutely right this time…” She was about to greatly extol Li Weiyang’s virtues when Li Weiyang stood up and smiled: “Mother should be looking for me everywhere. Crown Princess, are you returning to the banquet now?”

The Crown Princess was startled and looked at Li Weiyang, then at He Ran who had lowered his head blushing. She felt puzzled—could it be Li Weiyang didn’t fancy her cousin? Impossible. Such a handsome young man, such substantial wealth, no burdens—why refuse?

She thought to herself, perhaps her hints weren’t strong enough. If Li Weiyang didn’t want He Ran to take concubines, they could agree to that condition—which family could promise such terms? Who would even dare think of it? No, perhaps Li Weiyang was being shy? The Crown Princess looked carefully at Li Weiyang’s expression but saw no sign of shyness. Her young cousin, however, was extremely embarrassed, barely able to lift his head, his face like a ripe tomato.

Li Weiyang made a few more perfunctory remarks, found an excuse, and hastily departed.

The Crown Princess’s face showed deep regret. She repeatedly tried to persuade her to stay, which only made her leave faster.

Li Weiyang finally escaped those people and breathed a sigh of relief. But as she walked past a decorative rock formation, she suddenly heard a voice from nearby: “County Princess Anping, what are you doing?”

Li Weiyang frowned slightly and turned around. Everyone nearby had already knelt: “Ten thousand blessings to the Crown Prince.” The Crown Prince wore bright yellow casual robes with dragon patterns and silver-threaded sleeve borders, emphasizing his tall, upright figure. His appearance wasn’t the most handsome among his strikingly beautiful brothers, but having been pampered for over twenty years, he carried the noble air of someone in a position of power. Watching the Crown Prince approach with a smile, Li Weiyang’s mind turned to this Crown Prince’s unfortunate history.

Speaking of which, the Crown Prince had been born into an excellent situation. Especially compared to the lowborn Tuoba Zhen, the Crown Prince’s starting point was far, far better. His birth mother was the Empress, his maternal grandfather was the Emperor’s important minister. He was born as Crown Prince, and he was reasonably diligent and studious, hardworking and progressive. His appearance was quite good too—he could easily captivate countless young ladies. However, the Crown Prince’s most tragic aspect was that the Emperor was too suspicious and too powerful, constantly suspecting his son coveted the throne. That wasn’t even the worst part—the Emperor was very good at producing excellent sons, creating many enemies for the Crown Prince. The Third Prince and Seventh Prince each had their strengths and were wildly ambitious. Compared to them, the Crown Prince—who would be considered clever and capable in an ordinary wealthy family—immediately seemed mediocre, incompetent, and was disdained by the Emperor. Originally, having been Crown Prince for many years, his heart grew increasingly anxious. Instigated by Tuoba Zhen, he did many irreversible foolish things, ultimately losing his position most tragically.

He walked over with a smile, his gaze falling on Li Weiyang.

“County Princess, why aren’t you viewing the flowers?”

Li Weiyang lowered her head: “I just came from the pavilion and disturbed Your Highness the Crown Prince’s peace. Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

“We’re all family—why be so formal?!” The Crown Prince’s face was full of smiles.

Li Weiyang was somewhat confused, clearly not understanding where this claim of being family came from.

The Crown Prince smiled: “Your cousin is my secondary consort, so you’re practically my sister-in-law, aren’t you?”

Oh, he was talking about Jiang Lan. Li Weiyang’s expression was half-smile, half-not.

The Crown Prince stepped closer. The two were very near. Li Weiyang stepped back. The Crown Prince couldn’t help but smile: “What, are you afraid of me?”

Li Weiyang said coolly: “This subject daughter dares not overstep boundaries.”

Zhao Yue frowned from the side. If not for this person’s noble status, she would have already cut him down with her sword.

“On the surface… you do appear well-mannered.” The Crown Prince snorted with laughter. “Why were you so aggressive that day at the Jiang residence?”

Li Weiyang understood the Crown Prince had come to find fault today. She smiled slightly, her face showing no panic whatsoever: “Thank you for the praise, Crown Prince. Catching the murderer who killed my maternal grandmother was merely my duty.”

“Oh, so catching murderers is your duty. Then driving your elder sister to death and insulting your legitimate mother are also your duties?” The Crown Prince’s words held veiled barbs.

“At the Golden Hall, Weiyang spoke inappropriately. Please forgive me, Crown Prince.” Li Weiyang said very humbly—though with her head lowered, the Crown Prince couldn’t see the contempt on her lips. “But she wasn’t my elder sister, and my legitimate mother died of illness—what does that have to do with Weiyang?”

“You’re still as sharp-tongued as ever! However, I’ve never seen a woman like you. That day—though you went too far, you were absolutely brilliant. Even Consort Lian’s beauty was overshadowed by you, not to mention others who all seemed dull and lackluster. I’ve never had such a beauty by my side.” The Crown Prince lowered his head, almost pressing close to her face. Li Weiyang’s cold gaze dropped, preventing herself from accidentally slapping this lecher.

“You needn’t fear me. Although I very much hope to cooperate with the Jiang family, I won’t refuse the Li family.” Seeing Li Weiyang didn’t answer, the Crown Prince’s mouth curved in an ambiguous arc, his voice low, almost murmuring. “Look at your delicate skin and tender flesh. Though you can’t match your sister Li Changle’s beauty, you have your own special charm. No wonder people call you ‘little spitfire’ behind your back—you make one’s blood boil!”

The dignified Crown Prince actually said such flirtatious words. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but despise him even more. Today was the Crown Princess’s birthday banquet, yet he was openly molesting female guests. If this got out, his position as heir would become even more precarious. No wonder Tuoba Zhen drove him into a corner—this person was too careless. Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change: “This subject daughter is deeply grateful for Your Highness’s favor, but—the Third Prince has also said such things. If Weiyang submitted to Your Highness, I fear he would turn against you!”

“Third Brother?” The Crown Prince was startled. “He wouldn’t compete with me.”

“Oh?” Li Weiyang seemed very surprised. “He also said that one day he would make me Empress—oh dear, Weiyang misspoke. Crown Prince, please don’t take offense. The Third Prince is utterly loyal to you. He must have just spoken wrongly in the moment. You absolutely mustn’t say I told you, or he’ll blame me.”

The Crown Prince hadn’t actually taken an interest in Li Weiyang—he just felt she was very strong-willed, and if he took her in, he could certainly win over the Li family in the future. Who knew she would say such a thing? Thinking of Tuoba Zhen, the Crown Prince paused. Since childhood, he’d been designated Crown Prince. Even his residence was separated from his other brothers, and all his provisions followed the heir’s standards. Naturally, he couldn’t play together with his brothers like they did. Later, when Third Prince Tuoba Zhen’s birth mother died and Noble Consort Wu adopted him, and Noble Consort Wu had always been close to the Empress, the Crown Prince frequently spent time with Tuoba Zhen.

The Crown Prince had always felt this third brother was unfathomably composed at such a young age and would certainly not be a simple person in the future. Moreover, given his lowly birth, he couldn’t possibly climb much higher. If the Crown Prince gave him a hand, he would surely be grateful and loyal unto death. So he intended to cultivate him as his own support. But hearing this, the other party actually had different intentions… No, could Li Weiyang be sowing discord? The Crown Prince stared carefully at Li Weiyang as if scrutinizing her. However, she looked like she had misspoken, both regretful and resentful, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into—she was just a woman with no grudge against Tuoba Zhen, no need to make such jokes. The Crown Prince’s expression grew increasingly grim. Turning to see Li Weiyang’s face showing an uneasy expression, he felt moved and smiled: “Alright, alright, no need to be overly afraid. You may return to the banquet.”

Li Weiyang’s thoughts raced, her face showing a hesitant expression: “Please forgive me, Crown Prince. If what I said earlier gets out…”

The Crown Prince smiled enigmatically, noncommittal: “Don’t worry, I won’t blame you.”

Only then did Li Weiyang show a relieved expression. Seeing this, the Crown Prince became even more convinced that her previous actions at the Golden Hall and Jiang residence were all at Li Xiaoran’s instigation. Of course they were—how could a fifteen-year-old girl have such deep schemes? It must all be Prime Minister Li’s doing!

Just then, an attendant reported: “Your Highness, the Third Prince is coming.”

The Crown Prince frowned and looked into the distance. Sure enough, Tuoba Zhen was walking over. As Tuoba Zhen approached, he felt the atmosphere was somewhat strange. Both Li Weiyang and the Crown Prince were looking at him, especially the Crown Prince’s expression—very odd.

Tuoba Zhen instinctively sensed that Li Weiyang must have been sowing discord. He immediately revealed no emotion and bowed his head in greeting: “Greetings to Imperial Elder Brother.”

The Crown Prince stared at him, recalling what Li Weiyang had just said. Though he didn’t completely believe her words, where there’s smoke there’s fire. He felt it was better to be cautious of Tuoba Zhen. He smiled slightly, his tone impossible to tell if it was praise or light mockery: “What, have you come to find County Princess Anping?”

“Imperial Elder Brother, I was merely passing by. Seeing you and County Princess Anping talking, I naturally came to pay my respects.” Normally, Tuoba Zhen never spoke so distantly and formally, but now he clearly sensed the Crown Prince’s strange mood and tried to speak as calmly as possible.

The Crown Prince looked at him coldly: “I should be going too. If you have business with the County Princess, please feel free.”

Tuoba Zhen secretly breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to say: “Thank you, Imperial Elder Brother.” However, as soon as the Crown Prince left, Li Weiyang turned and departed, not even preparing to say a word to Tuoba Zhen. Who knew Tuoba Zhen would take a few quick steps and block her path, looking at her with a half-smile. What a case of enemies on a narrow road.

“Li Weiyang, have you taken a fancy to He Ran?” Tuoba Zhen blocked her way and suddenly asked.

Li Weiyang frowned: “What does that have to do with you?”

Otherwise why would you linger so long? Tuoba Zhen thought but didn’t voice it, his expression becoming increasingly cold. Li Weiyang walked past him, heading straight toward the banquet. Tuoba Zhen also quickened his pace, walking alongside her, but smiled: “He Ran is indeed a good choice, but what he can give you is truly limited.”

Li Weiyang was startled and stopped: “Do you know what I want?!”

Tuoba Zhen stared at her: “In any case, it won’t be a weak man like He Ran! For the Crown Princess to push such a useless thing on you is truly laughable.”

Li Weiyang snorted coldly: “Young Master He isn’t as terrible as you say, but I also haven’t taken a fancy to him. Please don’t make wild guesses, Third Prince.”

Tuoba Zhen had originally been secretly regretting his rashness, but hearing that last sentence, he was absolutely delighted, though his face still had to maintain an indifferent expression: “If you don’t like him, you’d better refuse the Crown Princess. Otherwise, she’ll definitely rush to play matchmaker, and then you won’t even have time to cry!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Thank you for the reminder, Third Prince! However, you should think about how to assist the Crown Prince properly. As for other matters, please don’t trouble yourself!”

Tuoba Zhen wanted to say more when suddenly, a shrill scream came from the distance. Li Weiyang and Tuoba Zhen turned around simultaneously and saw that the banquet in the distance had already descended into chaos. The originally resplendent flower garden now openly showed countless archers, drawing their bows with arrows nocked, ready to shoot. Then they heard one person raise his arm and shout loudly: “The Crown Prince colluded with Imperial Guard Commander Yang Zhan to commit treason! Yang Zhan’s head is here! His Majesty has decreed—eliminate traitors for the nation, capture the Crown Prince!”

Seeing this scene, Tuoba Zhen’s eyes flashed with barely detectable cold mockery, but his expression seemed to change dramatically. He immediately turned to bark orders: “Quickly take your young mistress to find somewhere to hide!” These words were directed at Zhao Yue. Finishing, he drew his sword and shouted loudly at the guards around him: “Protect the Crown Prince!”

However, the opposing commander had already shouted: “Release arrows!”

Zhao Yue reacted quickly, pulling Li Weiyang and Bai Zhi to hide behind a nearby rock formation. Tuoba Zhen swung his sword to deflect several flying arrows and quickly rushed toward the Crown Prince’s location.

Li Weiyang was extremely shocked. This banquet had been going well—how could such a thing suddenly happen? In broad daylight, someone actually came to the Crown Prince’s residence to assassinate! No, what did that person just say—the Crown Prince committed treason and His Majesty wanted to capture him? How was this possible! Though the Crown Prince’s position was somewhat unstable, he wasn’t foolish enough to commit treason. Moreover, he had no soldiers at his command—the power to mobilize the Imperial Guards was entirely in His Majesty’s hands. What use was colluding with the Imperial Guard Commander! Li Weiyang’s mind didn’t pause for a moment. No, impossible! The Crown Prince would absolutely not commit treason at this time. Then who were these people? Why would they suddenly appear at the Crown Prince’s residence using such pretenses? Or perhaps they were clearly assassins—premeditated assassins!

Li Weiyang wasn’t far from the banquet, but she could hear the screams there growing more numerous. Feeling uneasy, she looked out from behind the rocks and happened to see Miss Liu, who had been coquettish at the banquet, scream and desperately run outward. Those assassins showed no mercy—raising their swords, they swung horizontally at her back. The scene was extremely dangerous. At the critical moment, Madam Liu threw herself on her back. A long sword slashed across her waist. Madam Liu’s mouth opened as gushing blood poured from her mouth. She collapsed, actually cut in half on the spot.

Miss Liu screamed: “Mother!” In that instant, her liver and gall shattered, her soul flew away. “Mother, Mother!” she called out to Madam Liu, crawling over to embrace half her body, crying loudly. But before she could cry further, the sword had already severed half her shoulder. Blood splattered everywhere. Her cries stopped abruptly. The scene was too horrifying. Bai Zhi behind Li Weiyang shrieked and immediately fainted.

Li Weiyang thought “not good” and quickly ordered Zhao Yue: “Leave immediately!” But before she could finish, the assassins had already discovered them. Perhaps unable to find the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, the assassins were extremely frenzied, practically killing anyone they saw. They immediately rushed toward them.

Zhao Yue immediately charged out, using her soft sword to deflect their attacks. However, more and more assassins swarmed over, attacking Zhao Yue like madmen. Though Zhao Yue’s martial skills were formidable, she was outnumbered. Having to protect the unconscious Bai Zhi, she was about to be overwhelmed when Li Minde arrived with Zhao Nan. Zhao Nan immediately joined in to help Zhao Yue fight off the attackers. Li Minde rushed over, grabbed Li Weiyang’s hand urgently: “Quickly leave!”

The Crown Prince’s banquet was extraordinary. His shadow guards couldn’t easily enter. Originally thinking Zhao Nan siblings’ martial skills sufficient to handle general emergencies, who would have thought so many assassins would break into the Crown Prince’s residence, even carrying banners of suppressing rebellion, making it impossible to react in time! These people were ruthless and precise, killing everyone they saw, searching frantically everywhere for the Crown Prince—extremely terrifying. Li Minde didn’t even think before searching everywhere for Li Weiyang in the chaos. If not for coincidentally hearing Bai Zhi’s scream, he wouldn’t have discovered Li Weiyang was here!

However, assassins rushed straight at them. Li Minde stared coldly at them and drew his sword. His sword was three chi four cun three fen long, extremely thin and light, flexible and bendable. Normally it could be worn as a belt—very similar to Zhao Yue’s soft sword but clearly sharper. The assassins charged over recklessly. Li Minde’s expression was grim, protecting Li Weiyang with one hand while fighting them with the other. In the blink of an eye, he had killed over ten men.

While being pulled along by him, Li Weiyang was already extremely shocked—when had Minde’s martial skills advanced to this level?

However, at this moment, there was absolutely no time to think further. The most urgent matter now was how to avoid being implicated by this inexplicable assassination. The other party was killing indiscriminately, not caring whether you belonged to the Crown Prince’s residence. Looking around, the banquet over there had already become a slaughterhouse, with countless screams and pleas merging together. Li Weiyang’s guess was correct—if these were truly people sent by His Majesty to suppress rebellion, they absolutely wouldn’t kill innocents indiscriminately. There were so many unarmed female relatives at this banquet—who knew how many would die or be injured…

Just then, Li Weiyang heard Zhao Yue cry out in alarm. She quickly looked over and instantly saw a sword point reach Zhao Yue’s spine. With a “puchi” sound, the long sword pierced completely through her, stabbing out through her right shoulder.

“Zhao Yue!” Li Weiyang murmured but discovered she had made no sound. Zhao Yue was her maid who had been by her side for several years—must she watch her die here?

Zhao Yue’s ears heard a shrill scream. It was Zhao Nan who had rushed over, cutting down the assassin with one sword stroke, barely managing to protect Zhao Yue.

“Watch out!” Li Weiyang had been focused on that shocking scene and neglected the assassin not far behind them. She heard Li Minde suddenly shout anxiously, pulling her entire body into his embrace with one tug. Then with one sword stroke, he killed the assassin directly in front of him. Just as the assassin fell with a sound, a cold sharp light carrying the noise of breaking air had already flown over.

The light came extremely fast—it was an iron arrow with an eerie dark red tip.

Originally, that arrow was aimed at Li Weiyang’s nape. In just a moment, the arrowhead would pierce Li Weiyang’s body, penetrating her throat. Li Minde didn’t have time to think carefully—his body already moved instinctively to the side, tightly protecting most of her body. In that instant, he used his back to block the arrow’s momentum—

“Chi!”

The iron arrow pierced straight through from his back, the back half still trembling. Seeing this, Li Weiyang was filled with incomparable shock. Blood from his body dripped down steadily. His body swayed, the wound bleeding like a spring. Just then, the shadow guards who had been waiting outside the Crown Prince’s residence finally arrived, protecting Li Weiyang and Li Minde impenetrably. Only then could Li Minde free his hands to press against the wound, but every movement stirred the excruciating pain of torn flesh.

“Minde!” Li Weiyang looked on in disbelief. Like slow motion, he fell straight to the ground. That iron arrow had clearly already pierced through his chest, forcibly penetrating out the front. Blood rushed out from that wound, gradually soaking that robe, his entire body submerged in blood.

Li Weiyang’s eyes stared at that bloodied arrowhead—such ruthless technique. If the arrow had pierced her body, how painful it would have been. No matter how she thought about it, that iron arrow gleamed coldly in the sunlight. In this instant, her heart nearly fell into a bottomless abyss.

Not far away, Jiang Hua frowned in frustration. So close, just so close! He had just killed an assassin and seized his bow and arrow. Coincidentally seeing Li Weiyang in the distance, his mind moved and the iron arrow shot out. But unexpectedly it failed! If not for that brat meddling! If not for his meddling! Hmph! But killing one was still good—that arrow pierced through from back to chest, he certainly couldn’t survive.

Li Minde, who told you to meddle! Seeing countless shadow guards now surrounding those two, with no way to strike again, Jiang Hua sneered coldly and disappeared into the grove behind him.

Li Minde opened his eyes and saw Li Weiyang’s face covered in tears. Confusion showed in his eyes. He reached out wanting to touch her face, but discovered that as soon as he extended his hand, her face became covered in bright red blood. He realized this blood was all his own and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Though the internal organs in his body felt like they had all shifted position uncomfortably, he just bit his teeth tightly, always feeling that this time was no big deal either. Like before, just endure it and it would pass! Fumbling to press her hand against his heart, he murmured: “I’m right by your side, don’t cry, don’t cry…”

Li Weiyang didn’t know she was crying. In fact, since her rebirth, she’d had no tears at all. But now, her tears kept flowing down. She simply didn’t know she was crying. She just felt everything before her eyes was blurred, almost unable to see Li Minde’s face clearly, even less able to see clearly the chaotic environment around her, unable even to think whether staying here meant staying in danger—

At this moment, Tuoba Zhen was covering the Crown Prince’s escape, leading the Crown Prince’s residence guards to gradually surround and close in on the assassins, eliminating them one by one…

A full half hour later, the entire slaughter finally stopped. However, the banquet by now was already a complete mess. The survivors looked at each other, not knowing whether their own faces showed crying or laughter. Just then, a maid stumbled over crawling: “Crown Princess, Crown Princess—”

The Crown Prince barked harshly: “What happened to the Crown Princess?!”

The maid’s crying voice almost shook everyone’s heart and lungs: “The Crown Princess… the Crown Princess has been killed—”

Li Weiyang didn’t care how many people died at the banquet. She didn’t even care whether Li Changxiao and Jiang Yuelan had escaped disaster. She only ordered the shadow guards to immediately take Li Minde away.

Tuoba Zhen saw Li Weiyang at a glance and immediately said: “Taking him away now is too late! Carry him into a room—the imperial physicians will arrive shortly!” He shouted loudly. Not just Li Minde—this time too many people were injured, no, more accurately, too many people had died. Sending the injured away now was equivalent to letting them die, because there simply wasn’t time for treatment. The imperial physicians would all rush here very soon!

The shadow guards all looked at Li Weiyang, waiting for her to make a decision. Li Weiyang suddenly snapped awake and bit out: “Carry him inside!”

Tuoba Zhen had long known Li Weiyang had shadow guards but this was his first time seeing them. However, he couldn’t spare energy to question these people now. He just looked her up and down: “Are you injured?”

Li Weiyang didn’t even glance at him, or rather at this moment there was no one in her eyes. Tuoba Zhen’s words to her went completely unheard. She only cared whether Minde would be safe!