After autumn arrived, the weather gradually grew colder. Bai Zhi knew Li Weiyang was naturally averse to cold, so she quickly called for people to light charcoal fires in the room.

As night fell, light filtered through the thin window paper on the carved lattice windows, casting faint shadows on the gold-traced landscape screens, creating an interesting interplay with the dancing charcoal fire in the openwork incense burner. The entire room was filled with a pleasant warmth and tranquility.

Li Weiyang rested on an embroidered silk pillow, half-closing her eyes as she looked at the light outside the window, slowly saying: “Tuoba Yu should be returning soon…”

She was extremely eager for Tuoba Yu’s return, hoping the Jiang family would like the grand gift she had sent them.

Recently, Li Xiaoran’s status beside the Emperor had been rising steadily. The court officials were sensitive—when they discovered Li Xiaoran was increasingly favored, especially after the Emperor showed no reward to the Jiang family who had rescued him and even severely rebuked them, they became even more certain of this judgment. Thus, more and more people secretly sided with him in this choosing of camps, and Li Xiaoran’s power continued to grow.

Li Xiaoran felt somewhat grateful to Li Weiyang for this. He hadn’t expected that what he saw as his daughter’s completely chaotic accusations would actually cause the Emperor to distance himself from the Jiang family. Three days ago, Jiang Li had submitted a memorial requesting to return to the capital for mourning observances. Within a day, the Emperor had issued an edict approving it. Therefore, Jiang Li would soon relinquish military authority and return to the capital. This way, only Duke Jiang would be left to support the overall situation alone.

Seeing that Li Weiyang seemed unable to sleep, Bai Zhi said in a low voice: “Miss, are you still worried?”

Among all the maids, Bai Zhi was the smartest with the strongest learning ability, but she was still just a maid after all—there were many things she didn’t understand. Li Weiyang smiled and said to herself: “I’m not worried, rather I’m very much looking forward to it. Now it’s not just us—Jiang Hua has also begun to act. The southern frontier is probably not peaceful now, but the more chaotic it is, the more interesting it becomes.”

Bai Zhi showed a puzzled expression.

Li Weiyang said calmly: “For over a hundred years, Dali’s southern frontier has suffered constant harassment from the Xuanyuan clan of Yinan Kingdom. Relying on their strong men and horses, they colluded with wealthy merchants in some border cities, periodically raiding and plundering. But when our great army approached, they would vanish without a trace, so this persistent ailment could never be completely eradicated. In the past ten years, Yinan has had a new ruler who has been busy with construction and urban development. The situation has become relatively stable. If this continues, the southern frontier naturally won’t need Duke Jiang. But just when the Emperor was preparing to change commanders, the southern frontier became unstable again—and it’s not minor skirmishes, but a full military invasion. Tell me, is this because Yinan Kingdom is stirring up trouble for no reason, or is there another cause?”

Bai Zhi was startled: “Miss, do you mean…?”

Li Weiyang blinked and said softly: “I don’t mean anything. I just think that when the Emperor sent Tuoba Yu there, he may not have been without intentions to test Duke Jiang. But if Tuoba Yu handles things improperly, he might instead be falsely accused of being a threat that undermines military morale. I believe Jiang Hua must have already made thorough preparations and set a trap waiting for Tuoba Yu to fall into. But who will actually fall into the trap—everything is still unknown…” Her voice grew softer and softer, until finally she seemed to have fallen asleep.

Bai Zhi glanced at Li Weiyang’s peaceful sleeping face, smiled gently, tucked in her blanket for her, and quietly withdrew.

The next morning, Tuoba Yu indeed returned to court. As soon as he arrived, he immediately entered the palace and submitted a memorial impeaching Duke Jiang for “amassing troops for personal power and avoiding battle while indulging bandits.”

The Crown Prince was greatly shocked. He had originally thought that throughout the entire court, apart from Duke Jiang, they could not find another suitable general to command the overall situation in the southern frontier. From this he had reached a conclusion—before the southern border conflict was resolved, Duke Jiang would be safe. But he never expected that as soon as Tuoba Yu returned, he would immediately submit this memorial.

But the most shocked person was Jiang Hua. According to his arrangements, not only should Tuoba Yu have died in the southern frontier, but he should have become a criminal of Dali Dynasty under the charge of treason. Yet he not only returned safely but was in high spirits and making a spectacular debut.

The Crown Prince hurriedly brought Jiang Xu, Jiang Hua, and others into the palace, wanting to speak well of Duke Jiang. But before they could open their mouths, the Emperor was already furiously saying: “Look carefully at these memorials!”

Jiang Xu raised his head and saw four young eunuchs carrying in a red copper-colored wooden box. The box landed right at Jiang Xu’s feet with a dull thud, causing an involuntary tremor in people’s hearts. When they opened it and looked, it was full of memorials. Jiang Xu looked at Jiang Hua with some trepidation, but the other shook his head slightly, signaling him not to panic and to settle down first.

The Emperor casually picked up a memorial and threw it in Jiang Xu’s face. The memorial made a sharp crack. Jiang Xu immediately knelt on the ground. The Emperor said coldly: “Lieutenant General Zhou Wutian impeaches Jiang Mingyuan for delaying military opportunities!”

Before Jiang Xu could speak, the Emperor picked up another and read: “Vice Minister of War Huo Xing impeaches Jiang Mingyuan for embezzling military funds!” Jiang Xu’s heart jumped again. The Emperor didn’t wait for him to calm down and read seven or eight consecutively, all memorials impeaching Jiang Mingyuan. The hard-shelled memorials struck the Jiang family members one after another, each blow painfully sharp. Jiang Xu trembled all over, while Jiang Hua’s face was full of suppressed resentment. He desperately bowed down, restraining the rage in his heart, not daring to let the Emperor see his true thoughts. Even after the Emperor had read so many, the box was still full of memorials, showing just how many people had submitted impeachment memorials!

But—why? Why would such a thing happen! Among these people, many were even old subordinates of the Jiang family. Why would they turn around and bite the Jiang family? How was this possible? How could such a strange thing exist under heaven?! They hadn’t even received a hint of this beforehand!

The Emperor said word by word: “Amassing troops for personal power, wasting military resources, corruption and lawbreaking, avoiding enemies and fearing battle? Does such a subject still exist in the world?” At this point, the Emperor’s voice became extremely sharp.

The cold sweat on Jiang Hua’s forehead could no longer be controlled as it dripped down. He finally understood what Tuoba Yu had been doing. The intelligence reports sent back by their spies said he hadn’t gone to inspect at all—he spent his days touring mountains and enjoying waters, having a wonderful time. So they had all been deceived by Tuoba Yu’s false appearance. He had actually gone to win people’s hearts!

At this moment, Jiang Hua finally understood. Tuoba Yu had long since divided his forces into two routes. One was him leading a large entourage departing grandly from the capital, while the other was his arrangement for an escort agency to secretly transport a hundred chests of gold, silver, and jewels to the southern frontier. Li Weiyang had Tuoba Yu arrange people to win hearts—whoever was willing to defect would be given unimaginable wealth, while those unwilling or pretending to comply were all killed. Whether they drowned or fell from horses, as long as they refused to submit memorials, they were secretly eliminated to prevent them from leaking information. Of course, to prevent the Jiang family from knowing, when selecting officials beforehand, Li Weiyang relied on her previous memories and the intelligence Tuoba Yu had collected from the southern frontier to screen them one by one for Tuoba Yu—which people were purely profit-seeking, which people were pleasure-loving, which were die-hard loyalists, which were people who absolutely had to be eliminated. So actually, only one person was assassinated for refusing to comply. Precisely because of this, the Jiang family wasn’t alerted. However, Li Weiyang had actually been overly cautious. With Jiang Hai dead and Jiang Xu’s rescue act criticized by the world, the Jiang family was already extremely down and out, unable to attend to everything comprehensively.

On this point, Li Weiyang showed no mercy. She knew this was the best opportunity—if missed, it would be very difficult to have another. While Tuoba Yu had hesitated, he ultimately agreed. Even if he didn’t act, once in the southern frontier territory, the Jiang family would have difficulty letting him escape. Without thorough preparation, he would have already died there. Now, standing in the great hall, he said coldly: “General Jiang, what do you have to say?”

Jiang Xu was nearly furious. No matter how good his cultivation, he couldn’t just watch his father be suspected and reproached by the Emperor, especially when this was clearly false accusation, clearly premeditated!

Jiang Hua desperately pulled on his father’s sleeve, sighing inwardly: Li Weiyang, oh Li Weiyang, how ruthless you are! He had lain in bed for two full months before being able to get up. Only now did he finally understand why Li Weiyang had deliberately provoked him back then. Because of his pride and inability to accept failure, he would easily collapse. Once he collapsed, he would have no energy to attend to the southern frontier plan. Everything would only depend on Duke Jiang alone, making it easier to give Tuoba Yu an opening. She had actually begun preparing from that time… He said in a low voice: “Father, you must not get angry—”

Thanks to Jiang Hua’s reminder, Jiang Xu awakened from his daze. He suddenly raised his head, tears already streaming from his eyes, desperately pleading: “Your Majesty, my father would absolutely never do these things. Everything is pure false accusation…”

“Then let him return to the capital to explain!” the Emperor said coldly.

The Crown Prince’s expression immediately changed upon hearing this. He quickly said: “Father Emperor, please think—given the current situation in the southern frontier, we absolutely cannot be without Duke Jiang! If Yinan takes action, wouldn’t there be no one to resist them—”

The Emperor’s voice remained icy: “Are you saying that without Jiang Mingyuan, my kingdom will fall!”

The Crown Prince was startled and immediately said: “Father Emperor, your son doesn’t mean that! Father Emperor, please see clearly!”

“If he is truly loyal and devoted, why has he not moved his troops for two months while Yinan has been harassing us? Allowing Yinan to burn, kill, and plunder several cities in our southern frontier? What do I need him for!”

Jiang Xu immediately said: “My father has already made arrangements and will soon conduct a great battle against Yinan—” Originally, Jiang Hua’s plan was exactly this: secretly reach an agreement with Yinan, allow them to burn, kill, and plunder for three months, then Duke Jiang would conduct a major military campaign. Yinan would then put on a show of complete retreat, making the Emperor think everything was Duke Jiang’s achievement. After all, only by making the Emperor realize the painful consequences of the raids and see his people suffer countless casualties would he realize Duke Jiang’s importance. In any case, they could later say Duke Jiang needed time to prepare for war, presumably without facing too much reproach.

Allowing Yinan to slaughter ordinary common people—Jiang Hua could actually commit such cruel acts. He was no longer a loyal strategist serving the country. Now, he was just desperately wanting to win victory.

“When will he act?! Then why didn’t he let me know?” the Emperor raged. “In his bimonthly military reports, he speaks only nonsense! Not a single mention of his plans!”

Jiang Xu quickly kowtowed: “Your humble subject can guarantee with his life and property that the Jiang family has absolutely no disloyalty.” As long as they waited for Duke Jiang to quell the unrest, these impeachments would naturally come to nothing.

Tuoba Yu said calmly: “Duke Jiang amassing troops for personal power is already known to everyone, to the point that there’s a common saying ‘Emperor in the North, Duke Jiang in the South.’ Does he want to divide this realm equally with Father Emperor!”

This sentence was what Li Weiyang had told him, instructing him to say it at the most critical moment. Indeed, the Emperor erupted in fury: “Draft an edict! Immediately arrest Jiang Mingyuan and bring him to the capital for interrogation! By this decree.”

“Father Emperor!” The Crown Prince immediately knelt, crawling on his knees to the Emperor: “Father Emperor, please give Duke Jiang one more chance! Don’t wrongly accuse the loyal and good!”

The Emperor said darkly to the Crown Prince: “Another chance? He already wants to divide the realm equally with me, what other chance should I give him!”

Jiang Hua quickly kowtowed: “Your Majesty, please allow your humble subject to say a few words!” His official rank was lowly—without the Crown Prince bringing him in, he wouldn’t even have the opportunity to see the Emperor, much less qualify to speak before him. But at this moment, he couldn’t care about such things! “Your Majesty, Duke Jiang can certainly return to the capital to explain, but this matter may well be a trap set by Yinan. Changing commanders on the battlefield is a great military taboo! I beg you to give the Jiang family one more chance, let my grandfather atone for his crimes through meritorious service!”

Tuoba Yu frowned. He was hesitating. He had already said half of what Li Weiyang told him to say. There was still half remaining. He was considering whether he should really say it. She had said that if it reached a critical moment, he only needed to remind the Emperor that Jiang Mingyuan had once been Prince Tongxin’s teacher. Of course, Prince Tongxin had fourteen tutors, not just Jiang Mingyuan alone. But for the Emperor in his rage, this would definitely remind him that Jiang Mingyuan had long been dissatisfied with his seizure of the throne—

But Tuoba Yu couldn’t bear it. If he brought up this matter, the Emperor would certainly fly into a rage and definitely conduct a new round of purges in the court, dragging out everyone who had once helped Prince Tongxin to discipline them again. Then there would be another bloodbath. This kind of thing had already happened four times during the Emperor’s reign, each time resulting in thousands of deaths—an extremely cruel and bloody outcome. Even if the Jiang family hadn’t actually helped Prince Tongxin back then, the Emperor would absolutely not believe it. Instead, he would transfer his anger, even develop murderous intent! Because in his eyes, Prince Tongxin was his untouchable taboo!

Among the noble families that had once supported Prince Tongxin, there were quite a few who were now Tuoba Yu’s right-hand men. If—if the Emperor took his anger out on them as well, what should be done? Li Weiyang’s meaning was clearly for him to sacrifice those people in order to place Duke Jiang in a position of certain death… When it came to the crucial moment, he discovered he simply didn’t have that kind of resolve.

The opportunity was fleeting. In the instant Tuoba Yu hesitated, Jiang Hua had already consecutively stated over ten reasons why Jiang Mingyuan should not be recalled. Even the Crown Prince continuously kowtowed, pleading for Duke Jiang.

The Emperor paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across Tuoba Yu’s face. Seeing he was still in a daze, he slowly said: “Order the deputy general to temporarily assume Jiang Mingyuan’s duties and have him return to the capital to explain.”

Not being arrested, but returning to the capital to explain himself—the Emperor’s words were clearly his limit of concession. If they truly arrested Jiang Mingyuan, the army would certainly mutiny. Then the script would unfold as Li Weiyang had designed. But now, it was already much better than the worst outcome. Just returning to the capital to undergo investigation, only this much—

Tuoba Yu was suddenly shocked, realizing that the efforts he had made had greatly diminished in an instant. His face paled slightly, but he didn’t say anything more. After the Jiang family members left, he withdrew as well.

In the palace, after Tuoba Yu came out from the great hall, he first went to pay respects to his mother consort, Consort Zhang De.

Consort Zhang De resided in Yiran Palace, situated beside Bibo Lake—quiet and peaceful, with lake scenery and water views. It was the most beautiful scenic spot. Since being frightened last time, Consort Zhang De had been bedridden, but after a summer, her health had begun to recover. When Tuoba Yu arrived at the courtyard, he discovered Consort Zhang De was sitting under a tree playing chess with herself, with the female officials standing to the side attending her.

Seeing Tuoba Yu, Consort Zhang De smiled: “You’ve returned?”

“Yes, paying respects to Mother Consort.” Tuoba Yu bowed. Consort Zhang De immediately helped him up.

Tuoba Yu glanced at the chessboard where white stones were surrounded by a large number of black stones, and smiled slightly: “Mother Consort truly has such leisure. If you want to play chess, why not find someone else to accompany you?” Consort Zhang De smiled, looking at her son with meaningful intent, and said leisurely: “Now everyone in the palace goes to Consort Lian’s quarters. His Majesty hasn’t visited for months, let alone others.”

Tuoba Yu looked at his mother. Consort De’s rosy cheeks showed a pair of eyes staring tightly at him with a hint of testing. He smiled bitterly: “I can’t hide anything from Mother Consort.” Consort Zhang De sighed and said: “Zhou Dashou was sent into the palace by you. You even sent your mother a rival. Well, as long as it benefits you, what does your mother’s small amount of favor matter?” After finishing, she looked carefully at the chessboard again, asking as if casually: “I heard you don’t want to take a principal consort and even rejected your uncle?”

“That’s correct.” Tuoba Yu’s expression was calm, as if he had long anticipated this question.

“Why?” Consort Zhang De turned to glance at him, her gaze seemingly cold. Tuoba Yu sighed inwardly—it had finally come: “The court is currently in troubled times. The matter of establishing a consort can be delayed for a few years.”

Consort Zhang De frowned: “A few more years? How old are you now? You still don’t have any children! What spell has been cast on you?! That you still talk about delaying at this point!” “Third Brother is the same—”

“He’s different! He has neither noble status nor a mother’s support, neither high enough nor low enough. How can you be the same as him?” Consort Zhang De rebuked.

Tuoba Zhen had actually been betrothed these past two years, and it was even a marriage granted by the Emperor himself—to the legitimate daughter of Duke Ying. However, this young lady died before entering the family. After Tuoba Zhen’s “heartbreak,” the marriage dragged on year after year. Only Tuoba Yu understood most clearly that without the Emperor’s decree, Tuoba Zhen wouldn’t have regarded such a family background. This Miss Ying was originally in good health, but suddenly fell seriously ill and died just like that—it really aroused suspicion. But saying this to Consort Zhang De would be useless.

These past two years, his strategists had also advised him to establish a principal consort early. He could refute all their words, but facing his birth mother, even if unwilling in his heart, he could only stand obediently and listen to her teachings. Of course, listening was one thing, whether he would do it was another. He absolutely would not marry anyone else! “Are you still thinking about that Li Weiyang?” Consort Zhang De said impassively. A blush flashed across Tuoba Yu’s cold face. He coughed uncomfortably, then slowly uttered a thunderbolt: “I’ve said before, if Mother Consort doesn’t agree to let me marry her, I will never take a principal consort for life!”

This was not a statement but an affirmation. Consort Zhang De’s calm expression finally changed as she furiously said: “Have you truly been bewitched by a fox spirit?!”

Tuoba Yu knelt on the ground and said earnestly: “I’ve said before, she is not only worthy of my love, but also worthy of my respect. Without her, I could never have reached this point today, and I would have no way to resist the Crown Prince and Tuoba Zhen! I will need her just as much in the future. Please grant your permission, Mother Consort!” He had already explained countless times to Consort Zhang De that Li Weiyang was not only a young lady from an aristocratic family but also a formidable strategist, but Consort Zhang De refused to listen to his explanations.

Consort Zhang De stared into her son’s eyes, seeing the unyielding persistence there, and sighed inwardly: “You’re still being obstinate—I’ve already said, whoever you love in your heart is fine, whether or not she has a strong background doesn’t matter. At most, grant her the position of side consort and be done with it. But you insist on making her the principal consort…” She stared seriously at Tuoba Yu’s dark eyes, speaking extremely slowly, word by word: “Fine, even if I acknowledge she’s intelligent and helpful to you, what about her reputation? Whether she was wrongly accused or fought back, her forcing her eldest sister and maternal grandmother to death are all traceable! Do you think that because I’m in the deep palace, I can’t hear what people outside say about her? Yu’er, Mother Consort originally hoped you would marry a principal consort who could help you. Now that has changed—I only hope you can marry a dignified, magnanimous, ordinary young lady from a good family as your principal consort. This Li Weiyang already has blood on her hands and is discussed everywhere. If she truly becomes your principal consort in the future, will you spend your whole life with only her?”

No matter how he refuted, Li Weiyang’s formidable reputation was something everyone discussed. Tuoba Yu pressed his lips tightly together, remaining silent. Consort Zhang De sighed deeply, her eyes suddenly becoming sharp: “Mother Consort knows you like her, but Li Weiyang can neither become your principal consort nor become Dali’s Empress. Do you understand?! If you choose such a woman, you will bear countless criticisms in the future. How will you compete for that position? You’re right—she is a formidable strategist, but she absolutely cannot become a virtuous wife! If you insist on marrying her, even if I die, I won’t be able to close my eyes!” These words were like needles! By the end, her voice was stern, every word piercing to the heart.

Consort Zhang De’s interrogation almost made Tuoba Yu unable to breathe. “Mother Consort!” Tuoba Yu couldn’t help but move forward on his knees, but as he looked at Consort Zhang De’s slightly whitened temples—they hadn’t been so obvious before, but since that incident, Consort Zhang De seemed to have aged overnight. The rebuttal he had wanted to voice suddenly became delayed—

Seeing her son waver, Consort Zhang De added another heavy blow: “I’ve said all this to make you understand—you don’t just carry my hopes on your shoulders, but countless people’s lives. If you act willfully, you’ll only harm countless people along with you!”

Tuoba Yu only remained silent, awkwardly silent. Consort Zhang De quietly watched him for a while, then slowly said: “Li Weiyang isn’t young anymore, is she? You’re right, she’s a good girl—intelligent and skilled at strategy. She shouldn’t end up alone. You have two cousins who haven’t married yet. She happens to be of marriageable age, so why not—”

The cousins Consort Zhang De mentioned were not Zhang Feng, who had grown up with the Ninth Princess, but his two other brothers, refined and accomplished, one civil and one military—both the objects of pursuit for young ladies in the capital. In Consort Zhang De’s view, no matter whom Li Weiyang married, Tuoba Yu couldn’t give up. But if she married his cousin, it would be completely different. No matter how much Tuoba Yu loved her, he couldn’t covet his own cousin’s wife—that would be utterly treasonous.

“Mother Consort!” Tuoba Yu’s heart went cold, as if a hole had opened in his heart, overflowing with boundless bitterness. “Mother Consort! She won’t agree!” Consort Zhang De laughed coldly: “How do you know she won’t agree? You’re not her—how can you decide for her? Moreover, are you truly certain she likes you? You should know, she repeatedly says she’s unwilling to marry you!” Tuoba Yu instantly stiffened there, as if someone had exposed the wound he least wanted others to know. Consort Zhang De clearly knew he was proud—these words were like an invisible slap across his face, stinging sharply. Yes, Li Weiyang had never said she liked him, never mentioned wanting to marry him. Everything was just his self-deceiving fantasy, so he couldn’t refute a single word. Consort Zhang De looked at him and slowly said: “Think it through carefully.” Tuoba Yu had nothing more to say and could only turn to leave. Consort Zhang De turned around and said to the large tree beside her: “Come out, County Princess.”

Li Weiyang walked out from behind the tree. Consort Zhang De looked at her with complex emotions: “You heard everything. The reason I called you here this time, I presume the County Princess understands very clearly.” Li Weiyang walked back to the chessboard: “Very clearly. Extremely clearly. Couldn’t be clearer.”

Consort Zhang De looked at her full of expectation: “I hope you will persuade my son to take a principal consort early and start a family soon.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly and said: “May I ask Your Ladyship, you want me to persuade him? On what grounds should I persuade him? Because the Seventh Prince likes me? Your Ladyship, don’t you think this is a very laughable matter?”

You can’t manage your own son, yet you want me to help you manage him? And you’re not even asking—you’re ordering. On what grounds? Do you think I, Li Weiyang, am a soft persimmon? If you’re so capable of bullying young girls, why don’t you go fight with the Empress and help your son secure the throne early? Just now, from behind the tree, she had already heard their conversation clearly and understood Consort Zhang De’s intentions even better. But what did this have to do with her? Tuoba Yu refused to take a principal consort, or that he liked her—none of this had even the slightest relationship with her. Why should she be responsible for his choices? This was utterly ridiculous.

At the root of it, they had a cooperative relationship. Yet Consort Zhang De acted as if she should be responsible for Tuoba Yu, demanding this of her. Was this woman’s brain damaged?

Li Weiyang was a thorough egoist, a selfish person cold to the extreme. Why would she do things that brought her no benefit? Unfortunately, from beginning to end, Consort Zhang De thought she was holding back her son, never once considering that she had absolutely no interest in that remarkable Seventh Prince.

“Your Ladyship, I’ve already made things clear to the Seventh Prince, but I have absolutely no way to prevent what he chooses to do.”

“Then marry Zhang Bo of Duke Luoguo’s residence. He’s already Vice Minister of Rites at a young age, truly outstanding. So many girls want to marry him!”

“Your Ladyship, even His Majesty hasn’t interfered with my marriage. On what grounds do you order me about?” Li Weiyang could have been more tactful, could even have deceived Consort Zhang De, but she had already endured this woman for a long time. From the moment she entered the palace today, this woman had been aggressively demanding she marry into Duke Luoguo’s residence, even going so far as to threaten her with Tan Shi and Li Minzhi. This Consort De had been living too comfortably—she was eager to create some trouble for both of them! Li Weiyang felt that some people just took advantage when you yielded to them. You accommodated her, but she didn’t know it. Instead, she repeatedly provoked. Since that was the case, there was no need to be polite!

Consort Zhang De looked at her in shock, her expression becoming even uglier: “You dare speak to me this way?!”

“Your Ladyship, your rank is Second Rank. My rank is also Second Rank. According to Dali’s rules, I don’t need to bow to you, yet I still respectfully bowed. This is because I respect you as an elder. But this doesn’t mean you can manipulate my life at will! If you truly want me to marry into Duke Luoguo’s residence, then go tell His Majesty and see if he will agree!” Li Weiyang said coldly.

Consort Zhang De had of course already spoken about this, and not just once. But each time it was ruined by that new favorite, Consort Lian! Hearing Li Weiyang say this now, Consort Zhang De’s eyes reddened with hatred, pointing at Li Weiyang almost unable to speak.

“Your Ladyship, I help your son step by step closer to that chair—this isn’t out of obligation. If you provoke me, what good does it do you? If I truly get angry and turn around to help the Crown Prince instead, what would Tuoba Yu do? I advise you, when you have time, you’d be better off drinking tea, admiring flowers, and raising birds. Don’t meddle in affairs you shouldn’t meddle in, don’t manage things you shouldn’t manage. Otherwise—” Li Weiyang’s eyes flashed with cold light, showing no respect for Consort Zhang De whatsoever. Clearly, she had reached the extreme limit of her patience.

Consort Zhang De’s eyes had widened to an unprecedented degree. She had lived a life of luxury and privilege—no one had ever dared speak to her this way. Moreover, Li Weiyang was warning her she might go help someone else? How was that possible?! She had thought that although Li Weiyang verbally refused, in her heart she was still devoted to loving Tuoba Yu. Otherwise, why would she help him? The key issue was only that she herself didn’t agree to make her the principal consort, hurting her self-esteem. Originally, Consort De felt that as long as she used both threats and inducements, Li Weiyang, no matter how aggrieved, would still marry into Duke Luoguo’s residence for Tuoba Yu’s sake. And—keeping the benefits within the family, her intelligence and strategic skills could still be used for their side. But now, her strong and terrible attitude made Consort Zhang De suddenly realize that all along, she had misjudged this young girl!

She had been forced by Li Weiyang step by step into a corner, actually sitting down heavily on the stone bench, unable to speak, only trembling all over with rage.

“Your Ladyship, I’ve been in the palace for quite some time now. I should take my leave.” Li Weiyang slightly adjusted her skirt, brushing off dust that didn’t even exist. “The wind is strong outside. Please take care of yourself.”

When Li Weiyang came out from Consort De’s palace, she saw Tuoba Yu waiting for her at the entrance, his expression very poor.

“Did you hear everything?” Tuoba Yu stared at her.

Compared to his faintly agitated state, Li Weiyang remained terrifyingly calm.

“I’ve said before, there will only be you as the principal consort.” Tuoba Yu said word by word.

Li Weiyang suddenly laughed. She only said one sentence, but it left Tuoba Yu instantly as if a basin of cold water had been poured over his head, immediately speechless.

She stared into his eyes and calmly said one sentence: “Then what about side consorts?”

Hearing this, Tuoba Yu sighed, immediately understanding what she meant. However, it was impossible for him to marry only one principal consort. In the hundred years since Dali’s founding, this had never happened. His status and position had long determined that there couldn’t be only one woman by his side.

Li Weiyang smiled and slowly said: “Seventh Prince, I hope we can treat each other as if nothing happened between us, cooperating closely as always. Do you understand?”

Tuoba Yu looked into her clear, cold eyes, almost unable to speak a word. Truth be told, Li Weiyang was the most clear-headed one. Since he couldn’t guarantee it, it was better not to start at all. Compared to her, he was simply foolish to the extreme.

Over these several months, too many things had happened—the open and covert struggles with the Crown Prince and Tuoba Zhen, the dangers of the southern frontier, heaps of affairs keeping him overwhelmed and unable to spare attention for other matters. At the same time, he had taken for granted Li Weiyang’s strong support and help from behind him. Her thorough planning and tight arrangements were truly intoxicating, almost making him think Li Weiyang loved him as he loved her. But thinking so was ultimately just his own assumptions. Actually, deep in his heart he knew—she had no feelings for him. It was merely cooperation. He smiled bitterly, so just now facing his mother’s pressing questions, and now facing her resolute rejection, he actually couldn’t refute.

He truly should think carefully about what he ought to do.

“Just now in the great hall, did you do as I said?” This was what Li Weiyang cared about most!

Tuoba Yu’s expression darkened slightly: “Father Emperor ordered Duke Jiang to return to the capital to explain everything.”

Li Weiyang’s smile slowly fell: “You didn’t do as I told you?!” She had given him so many opportunities, and each time he made disappointing decisions! It seemed she truly couldn’t place high hopes on Tuoba Yu anymore. This person fundamentally lacked the ruthlessness an emperor needed to possess. What was infuriating was that this ruthlessness was precisely what Tuoba Zhen had! Li Weiyang felt she needed to pay a visit to Consort Rou…

Tuoba Yu was just about to explain the real reason to her when he was suddenly interrupted.

“Greetings to the Seventh Prince.” Suddenly a eunuch’s shrill voice interrupted his thoughts. A servant passing by the palace gate was bowing to Tuoba Yu. Tuoba Yu awakened from his contemplation and nodded.

Li Weiyang glanced at him, said nothing more, performed a bow, turned, and left.

Tuoba Yu was completely stunned. All along, Li Weiyang had always looked at him with expectant and encouraging eyes. But just now, her gaze was clearly disappointed and icy cold, as if looking at a useless waste. Had he disappointed her? Because he was too soft-hearted, indulging the enemy, wasn’t that it?!

Tuoba Yu’s body was faintly invaded by an unprecedented coldness. Was he—about to be completely abandoned by her?! No, this absolutely couldn’t happen!

## Third Prince’s Residence

In the spacious study, Tuoba Zhen’s desk was piled with portraits of beautiful women. Tuoba Zhen sat in his chair. Only one candle burned in the room, sizzling and crackling, illuminating his deep profile in alternating light and shadow. His gaze didn’t fall on those beauty portraits but remained closed, thinking about something unknown.

A spy reported: “Today Consort De summoned County Princess Anping for conversation. At the palace gate, the County Princess encountered the Seventh Prince.” “What did they say?” Tuoba Zhen suddenly opened his eyes.

Cold sweat immediately poured down the spy as he stammered: “This… couldn’t hear clearly.”

“Hmph! Useless thing!” Tuoba Zhen lowered his eyelids and coldly rebuked.

The spy prostrated on the ground, stealing glances at his emotionally dark master, tentatively asking: “Should this slave find a way to investigate at the Seventh Prince’s residence?” There was still a hidden piece there.

“…No need.” Tuoba Zhen wearily closed his eyes, waving his hand to dismiss him.

The spy didn’t even dare breathe loudly, hurriedly withdrawing respectfully. Tuoba Zhen’s brow furrowed even tighter, his eyes fixed on the beauty portraits on the desk. These women were all famous daughters from various great families. His strategists had already screened them for him. Regardless of their appearances, all of them would be very useful to him. Marrying any one of them could greatly increase his power.

If it were any other day, he would definitely carefully select from among them, choosing the most advantageous one and marrying her without hesitation—even if she were ugly! He only needed to use the power in his hands to ascend the throne as emperor and unify the realm! But now, looking at these unfamiliar faces, the more he looked, the more irritated he became. Suddenly, with a sweep of his great sleeve, he scattered them all to the floor. The painted scrolls danced in disorder, all covered in dust at once.

Originally, beneath all the scrolls was a portrait he himself had painted. At this moment, it was finally revealed. He was startled to discover that the woman he had unconsciously sketched bore an extreme resemblance to County Princess Anping, Li Weiyang. He looked at the beauty in the painting with her clever smile, couldn’t help but reach out his hand, his fingertips lightly touching the pale ink lines on the rice paper, lost in thought.

Just then, a muffled thunder interrupted his thoughts. It was about to rain. Tuoba Zhen walked to the window. His deep, dark eyes gazed far into the distance at the rolling dark clouds on the horizon, silent and cold like the calm before a storm.

Returning to the desk, he had already made his decision. He picked up the scroll and suddenly tore it in half, then laughed coldly: “Li Weiyang, you want to marry Tuoba Yu? Not so easy! What I can’t have, I absolutely won’t let anyone else have!”

## Li Residence

The autumn wind rose. The room felt somewhat cold and desolate. Li Weiyang could even hear the howling wind outside and the thunder above the clouds. The candle flame on the candlestick swayed slightly, casting her slender shadow long across the plain white wall, giving an indescribable feeling of coldness.

Li Weiyang put down the book in her hand, staring blankly at her shadow for a while. Bai Zhi said: “Miss, shall we rest?”

Li Weiyang shook her head: “I’m not tired yet.”

Just then, Li Min De happened to climb through the window—a movement he had clearly performed for a long time, scaling walls and climbing through windows with perfect familiarity. Li Weiyang blinked: “You’ve just recovered and you’re already causing trouble. If you get sick again, I won’t care for you!”

Li Min De smiled slightly: “How could I get sick? My body has completely recovered.”

As if! The person who suffers terrible pain every night but acts as if nothing happened in the morning—who knows who that is! Li Weiyang glanced at him: “What are you here for again?”

“I bought pastries from Jasmine Pavilion. Let’s eat together!” He said with a grin, holding a food box in his hand that was still steaming hot, clearly just purchased. Li Weiyang’s lips twitched, but then she put on a stern face: “Going out on such a cold day—” Before finishing her sentence, he had already casually opened the box and stuffed a piece of pastry into her mouth.

The flavor filled her mouth. Fine, Jasmine Pavilion’s head chef was indeed more refined than her small kitchen, impossible to refuse. Then Li Min De walked behind her, putting on a perfect gentle smile as if nothing was amiss: “What book are you reading?”

“Rather than calling it a book—” Li Weiyang covered the title.

“Jiang Hua’s writings?” Li Min De was slightly surprised. Li Weiyang smiled: “Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. Though this person is despicable, his military treatises are quite good. Want to read?”

Li Min De showed a disgusted expression. Li Weiyang laughed: “If you’re not interested, forget it.”

Li Min De smiled and said: “Rather than reading his military treatises, better to investigate his background.” Speaking thus, he pulled out a roster from his sleeve, saying: “This records everything he did during ten years in the military, every matter great or small. It might be more useful than the treatises.”

Observing a person through their actions was much more useful than so-called writings. Li Weiyang’s eyes showed slight delight as she took it: “How did you obtain this?”

Li Min De sighed: “Naturally it took some effort, but if it’s useful, that’s good enough.”

Li Weiyang looked at him and laughed instead. “Playing coy is not acceptable.”

Flipping through the book in her hand, a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes. “Of course, secretly having people watch Tuoba Yu is even less acceptable.”

She clearly knew he had sent people to watch the Seventh Prince. Under the candlelight, Li Min De’s pale amber pupils appeared especially clear and transparent. He curved his eyes, his smile bright and warm: “He just has a cold face but is so useless. Won’t you really consider changing your choice?”