He was gazing precisely at the female guests’ section. The young ladies had never encountered such heated and direct stares before, instantly blushing and averting their eyes from him. Li Yuanheng found this utterly boring, but at that moment, he suddenly noticed a young lady who seemed completely different from all the others.

Though Li Yuanheng was not very old, many young women already admired him. However, even though all those women used sheep’s milk to nourish their skin, none possessed skin like hers—white as mutton fat, and those eyes that seemed like cold stars from the heavens, carrying a faint chill.

Seeing those eyes, Li Yuanheng involuntarily thought of the hunting leopards he had seen on the grasslands—cold and remote, flashing with an elusive mysterious and dark aura. This formed a stark contrast with those delicate young ladies, leaving him momentarily bewildered. Weren’t the young ladies of the Great Li Dynasty supposed to fall over at the slightest breeze? How could such a young lady exist? Just from looking at her face, he knew her heart must be equally hard.

Who was she? In Li Yuanheng’s mind, he suddenly recalled a portrait someone had once delivered to him, immediately overlapping the two images. Oh, so it was her! His heart surged with secret delight!

Li Weiyang noticed the gaze directed at her and couldn’t help frowning. So direct and impolite—this was no longer a matter of different customs. Rather, his gaze suggested she was already his possession. Such a look was truly unbearable.

Li Minde was the first to notice Li Yuanheng’s expression. He narrowed his eyes slightly, coldly watching the other man.

“Fourth Prince has traveled thousands of miles to our Great Li, so naturally we should receive him warmly. Someone, grant him a seat.” The Emperor smiled and waved his hand.

After Li Yuanheng took his seat, those around him were quite interested in him, asking all sorts of questions about this Fourth Prince.

Sun Yanjun, coming from a military family, had heard quite a bit about this Fourth Prince of the Northern Desert. She quietly said to Li Weiyang: “This Fourth Prince lost his mother at a young age and grew up with his maternal grandfather. He excels in riding and archery, is skilled in military command, and also loves our culture. I heard he specifically hired teachers from here to teach him strategy games and music. At sixteen, he already had his own fief with fifty thousand personal troops under his command—quite formidable!”

A prince with his own personal troops, numbering fifty thousand no less—this would be absolutely unimaginable in Great Li. Hearing this, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but stare at the prince for a few more moments.

“Actually, a minor prince without maternal family support, banished to a remote fief at sixteen, is obviously a discarded piece. But my father says he’s different from the others—his status in the Northern Desert is very high, with a hidden trend of replacing the Northern Desert’s First Prince. He’s a figure with real power!” Seeing Li Weiyang’s interest, Sun Yanjun whispered again.

Not only were the young ladies below whispering, but the Emperor on the platform was also staring at Li Yuanheng, saying lightly: “Fourth Prince, I hear merchants from Great Li traveling through the Northern Desert have encountered quite unpleasant incidents. Is this true?”

Li Yuanheng answered calmly: “Your Majesty, I too have heard of what you speak. Those were lawless individuals acting under the name of Northern Desert cavalry. Our Northern Desert territory is vast, and naturally people vary in quality. Neighboring Great Li, some unfortunate disturbances are inevitable. Ultimately, it’s because Northern Desert failed to properly constrain our own citizens. This time I came to Great Li, I already suggested to my father the Emperor that henceforth, anyone who disturbs Great Li merchants will certainly face severe punishment under Northern Desert law!”

Hearing these words, Li Weiyang couldn’t help smiling and shaking her head: “Such high-sounding words that leave others no room to blame him.” Clearly, this Fourth Prince was cunning at heart. She lowered her head, concealing the slight smile at her lips.

The Emperor was obviously momentarily speechless, then said: “With your harsh laws, those people will surely restrain themselves. However, Northern Desert is vast and sparsely populated. When our merchants pass through, they inevitably encounter robbery by Northern Desert people. Moreover, these people are very familiar with the terrain—even dispatching troops makes them difficult to capture. How then will you ensure the safety of Great Li merchants?”

Li Yuanheng’s face showed a troubled expression: “This—we can only do our best.”

Just then, Tuoba Yu smiled and said: “There is a solution. Throughout Great Li, we have established postal stations to provide convenience for merchants and mutual support. Since the Fourth Prince so desires friendly relations, why not establish such postal stations in the Northern Desert? This would ensure merchant safety and promote exchanges between our two nations.”

Li Yuanheng’s eagle eyes fixed on Tuoba Yu, a smile appearing on his face: “What you say is correct. Establishing postal stations in the Northern Desert wouldn’t cost too much, yet could connect various regions, deepen ties, and protect your nation’s merchants—truly beneficial on multiple fronts.” His mind was also rapidly calculating that establishing postal stations would similarly benefit the Northern Desert, making it easier to control local situations. And he could use this opportunity to establish more strongholds.

The Emperor was clearly satisfied: “Fourth Prince of the Northern Desert, can you make this decision?”

Li Yuanheng laughed heartily: “This benefits both nations—why wouldn’t I be able to decide? As long as Your Majesty also agrees, I’ll immediately dispatch people to survey the route and determine locations for the postal stations. After the stations are built, Northern Desert will allocate funds and provisions to cover expenses. However, station management cannot conveniently involve Great Li personnel—I hope Your Majesty will understand.”

This was natural. Though the idea came from Great Li, if even station management were handed to Great Li, it would be like the Northern Desert planting spies within its own country. So Li Yuanheng’s request wasn’t excessive. The Emperor smiled: “You needn’t provide all the funding. We can provide half, since after establishment, it will greatly benefit both nations.”

Li Yuanheng smiled: “Precisely. After the postal stations are established, I hope Your Majesty will also have the opportunity to visit, allowing our citizens to witness Your Majesty’s grace!”

The Emperor, flattered further, laughed heartily.

Seeing the Emperor pleased, others naturally displayed appropriate smiles. Li Minde had been observing the interactions between Jiang Hua, Tuoba Zhen, and even the Northern Desert Fourth Prince. For some reason, he had an intuition that this Fourth Prince came with ill intent. Sometimes his intuition was quite accurate.

Before long, people began leaving their seats to toast each other, and the great hall became extremely lively. Li Weiyang watched quietly, clearly uninterested. Just then, a figure suddenly flashed before her, blocking her view.

Li Weiyang had been lost in thought when this sudden appearance startled her. Li Yuanheng, unaware he had frightened her, asked in surprise: “What’s wrong? Is something amiss?” Though he genuinely inquired, his overly familiar attitude made Li Weiyang involuntarily frown. She said coldly: “What business does the Fourth Prince have?” This was the female guests’ section—how could Li Yuanheng abandon others to come here? Truly incomprehensible.

Li Yuanheng was clearly quite popular with young ladies and hadn’t expected to be disliked this time. He unconsciously sat in the empty seat to Li Weiyang’s right, proactively offering her a cup of wine. Li Weiyang merely lowered her head slightly and saw the wolf head tattooed on the back of his hand.

The Northern Desert worshipped wolves as totems, and their men often had wolf-shaped tattoos. The wolf head on Li Yuanheng’s hand was quite fierce, mouth agape in a howl—a truly savage appearance. Li Weiyang glanced at it coldly, then withdrew her gaze, instead saying: “What is the meaning of this?”

“In our land, beautiful young ladies all drink. If you can drink, have a cup with me.”

Li Yuanheng’s eyes flashed with passionate light.

Sun Yanjun was furious: “How rude you are—so crude!”

Li Weiyang quickly glanced at Sun Yanjun, signaling her not to be impulsive. In Sun Yanjun’s world, right and wrong were as clearly divided as walls. If others treated her well, she would repay them tenfold. If someone angered her friends, she shared their enmity. However, such an occasion was not suitable for disputes.

“It’s just one cup of wine!” Li Yuanheng immediately frowned and reached out to grab Li Weiyang’s sleeve. Sun Yanjun grew even angrier. Before Li Weiyang could speak, Sun Yanjun didn’t think twice and slapped his hand. Though the strike was light, both were shocked. Li Yuanheng instinctively turned hostile, immediately raising his arm high, about to slap Sun Yanjun. But before his hand could descend, someone grabbed it: “Fourth Prince, does your imperial family have a custom of striking women?”

Li Yuanheng was startled, glaring at the elegant young gentleman who had suddenly appeared. Seeing beneath those straight black brows a pair of transparent phoenix eyes untainted by dust, their glances flowing with rippling brilliance—neither heaven nor earth, the world’s most precious moon and stars insufficient to rival their radiance—Li Yuanheng, who always prided himself on his handsome appearance, seeing someone even more outstanding come to obstruct him, his expression turned ugly, alternating between pale and flushed, coldly demanding: “Who are you?” He had always prided himself on both literary and martial talents, never before having his wrist so easily caught. This youth looked very young, yet possessed such strength that even his bones ached faintly—unprecedented!

Attempting to teach the other a lesson but unable to break free, Li Yuanheng grew frantic with rage, shouting: “You clearly know who I am yet dare this—do you not value your life?”

“Who was rude first? Right and wrong are plain for all to see! What do I have to fear?!” Li Minde didn’t care in the slightest, answering with a smile, his face radiant, those two jet-black long brows seeming able to take wing and fly.

Li Yuanheng’s sharp eyes narrowed to slits. To dare speak to him in such a tone—there was no second person in the world who would do so. This person would surely not be ordinary in the future. Who was he exactly? Just as he was about to inquire, he suddenly heard Li Weiyang say lightly: “Who he is has nothing to do with you. Fourth Prince, being so arrogant and domineering—do you look down on us Great Li people?”

Li Yuanheng froze, then looked at Li Weiyang. He felt those eyes flashing with light, like placid well water yet also like varied clouds—just one glance left him staring foolishly. He secretly sighed: “This young lady’s appearance is merely pleasant, yet why are her eyes so extraordinary that one cannot look away?” When he came to his senses, he discovered many around were glaring at him with anger.

He suddenly realized he was no longer on the unrestrained grasslands. There, his four wives had all been carried off after he happened to fancy them—whoever he captured belonged to him. But in this so-called land of propriety, his current behavior was clearly extremely rude—and had obviously provoked public anger. He turned, forcefully shaking off Li Minde’s hand, then forced out an awkward smile: “No need to be so angry. I merely admire you somewhat. If you won’t drink, I’ll drink it myself!” With that, he raised the wine cup and drained it. “This young lady must forgive me. My temperament is rash. Seeing you so beautiful, I was somewhat flustered and accidentally offended you. Please, considering I’m newly arrived in your land and unfamiliar with propriety, forgive me this once.”

Having been so rude before, yet now appearing utterly remorseful—this left Sun Yanjun somewhat surprised. She stared at him suspiciously, afraid he might do something shocking again. However, he merely looked at Li Weiyang with anticipation, as if waiting for her to say something.

Li Weiyang’s expression was very cold. She said briefly: “Fourth Prince, I’m not angry. Please return to your seat.”

Li Yuanheng saw that though her smile was respectful, it held no warmth whatsoever, only coldness, faintly conveying a sense of keeping others at a thousand miles’ distance. He couldn’t help feeling very vexed. But he couldn’t make a scene publicly, only smiling awkwardly: “I didn’t mean to frighten you, just don’t understand propriety. Why must you dislike me so?”

“Fourth Prince, according to Great Li etiquette, men cannot casually touch young ladies’ bodies. Reaching out as you just did was extremely rude. How can you blame others for disliking you?” Li Minde’s eyes flashed, a cold smile appearing at his lips, his incomparably handsome face showing traces of menace.

Seeing him engage in verbal sparring, Li Yuanheng gave a cold laugh, turning to fix his slightly brown eyes on Li Weiyang’s, lowering his voice to continue: “I’m accustomed to following our Northern Desert customs—can’t change that immediately.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Fourth Prince, you are now far from the Northern Desert. Here there is only Great Li law. If you still follow Northern Desert customs, you’ll be completely out of place here. I believe this isn’t your purpose in coming to Great Li.”

Not expecting this beautiful young lady to be so difficult, Li Yuanheng pretended to think: “I actually feel Northern Desert customs are much more comfortable than your Great Li’s. If you went to the Northern Desert, you definitely wouldn’t want to return here. Our land is very free and respects women’s personal wishes more. You know, Great Li young ladies must never leave their homes, but Northern Desert maidens can freely ride and shoot arrows on the grasslands. What’s most different from Great Li is that we don’t waste women’s youth. Women can marry whenever they wish. Unlike you, where daughters need their elders’ permission to marry—how bad is that! Moreover, we allow women to remarry after their husbands die, avoiding situations where women suffer alone and children have no one to support them. I’d say on this point, you should learn from us.”

Sun Yanjun listened in shock, her face showing inexplicable alarm.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, unconcerned: “Your marriages may be free, but women aren’t treated as human beings. Though Great Li emphasizes parental command and matchmaker’s words, at least we don’t force women to remarry after losing their husbands. Yet you have sons inherit fathers’ women, brothers inherit elder brothers’ women, even disregarding women’s own wishes to enforce this thoroughly. Is this truly freedom? It’s merely men’s freedom.”

When she spoke, her voice was very light, very unconcerned, but Li Yuanheng’s eyes suddenly widened: “Do you think this is wrong? If we let women remarry to others, wouldn’t that cause good families to fall apart and lead to mixed bloodlines between clans? That would be truly terrible!”

Ultimately, Great Li marriages followed matching family status, Northern Desert marriages involved remarriage after husband’s death—both had nothing to do with women’s own wishes, merely decided by men with women following orders. Neither was nobler than the other. Hearing him speak so matter-of-factly, Li Weiyang decided not to engage further, merely saying lightly: “Fourth Prince, why be angry? Different customs, nothing worth arguing about.”

Li Yuanheng watched Li Weiyang impassively, the cunning in his eyes intensifying. Throughout his life, he had seen countless beauties, and those worthy of the term “extraordinary beauty” were not absent. However, spending time with them eventually became tedious. Only this woman before him, though female, was reportedly quite skilled in strategy—such women could bring the ultimate pleasure of domination: “Hearing these words, I find you even more—interesting.” With that, he rose and left, never looking back, though he provoked a string of discussions behind him.

“Look, that Northern Desert Fourth Prince actually went to talk with County Princess Anping!”

“Yes, looking closely, she’s quite nice too—such fair skin and lively eyes!”

“Compared to her elder sister, she’s still far inferior! What’s so special about her! I’d say the Northern Desert Fourth Prince lacks discernment. Aren’t we all prettier than Li Weiyang?”

“Shh, quiet down—she’s looking this way!”

Li Weiyang heard these discussions but they went in one ear and out the other, not taking them to heart. However, Li Minde suddenly whispered in her ear: “Be careful of this Fourth Prince.”

Li Weiyang glanced at him, nodding slightly, while Li Minde had already nonchalantly walked to the male guests’ section, proactively going to toast Grand Commandant Zhou. Li Weiyang watched his retreating figure, falling into deep thought. Why did the Northern Desert Fourth Prince suddenly come over and say such a bunch of incomprehensible things? Everything he said revolved around marriage customs—could he want to take a wife back from Great Li? But if it were for a marriage alliance, it would certainly be matched with a princess. What did it have to do with her? She didn’t possess beauty sufficient to be singled out from a pile of noble young ladies. Thinking this, she suddenly raised her head to look at the opposite seats, and Jiang Hua happened to turn his gaze away at that moment. Those eyes, stripped of their usual calm, rationality, distance and indifference, replaced by an indescribable complex killing intent. Flowing slowly in their depths, subtle yet impossible to ignore.

Li Weiyang’s heart stirred slightly, as if grasping something.

That Jiang Hua wanted to kill her—Li Weiyang had known this for a long time. She just hadn’t expected his emotions had lost control to this degree. Li Weiyang lowered her head, acting as if she had seen nothing.

Watching Li Yuanheng take his seat, Tuoba Zhen, who had been observing his every move, suddenly stood and walked before him, toasting him with a cup of wine. Li Yuanheng smiled slightly, accepting the wine cup and draining it. Tuoba Zhen said in a low voice: “I wonder what the Fourth Prince’s purpose is in coming here?”

Li Yuanheng’s gaze passed over his shoulder, looking toward that young lady seated not far across from them, saying word by word: “I… want Your Highness’s help.” Tuoba Zhen froze, then laughed lightly: “I don’t know what help the Fourth Prince needs from me. If I can do it, naturally I’ll spare no effort.” He naturally desired the Northern Desert’s power and influence.

Li Yuanheng smiled: “I’ve come to take a wife, and I want Great Li Dynasty’s smartest, most outstanding woman.”

Interest appeared in Tuoba Zhen’s eyes: “Great Li Dynasty’s most noble would be my imperial sister, the Ninth Princess. Currently the most beautiful is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an household, and the most talented is Grand Scholar Zhang’s youngest daughter. I wonder which one you’ve set your sights on?”

Li Yuanheng’s face showed determination to succeed: “What if I said I want all of them?”

Tuoba Zhen laughed heartily, his handsome face showing a trace of helplessness: “You truly have an enormous appetite! However, if you truly wish to marry these three, I naturally have methods to help you achieve your wish.”

Li Yuanheng smiled: “That won’t be necessary. Actually, I’ve already set my sights on a beauty—County Princess Anping!”

Tuoba Zhen’s expression changed drastically. In that instant, his eyes almost showed a ferocious expression, though unfortunately Li Yuanheng didn’t notice at all. Tuoba Zhen, suppressing the fury in his heart, said: “Li Weiyang? In terms of appearance, she’s not the best. In terms of talent, she’s also mediocre. As for status, though she has the title of county princess, it’s merely an empty name. Fourth Prince, you surely don’t know—her mother was merely a foot-washing maid serving Prime Minister Li. Everyone knows this. As a Northern Desert prince, marrying such a woman back—won’t you fear being laughed at? You should naturally choose true noble blood, like a girl such as my imperial sister!”

“You’re mistaken,” clearly hearing the displeasure in the other’s words, Li Yuanheng’s expression remained unchanged, still smiling, yet his mouth suddenly said, “Let me ask you—if she had no ability, how could she be enfeoffed as county princess by your nation’s Emperor? I’ll be frank with you—I don’t like delicate Great Li princesses, nor do I care for those noble young ladies who constantly compose poetry and proclaim their refinement. I like clever, cunning girls like her! You needn’t hide it from me. I’ve already heard everything about her. I want her!” Hearing this, Tuoba Zhen froze, then glanced at Jiang Hua sitting nearby with eyes closed, immediately understanding something, falling momentarily silent. So that was it. He’d heard the Northern Desert Fourth Prince enjoyed traveling extensively and had previously visited Great Li many times, befriending many Great Li nobles… If he had set his sights on any woman, even his precious imperial sister, Tuoba Zhen would absolutely not begrudge her, because Northern Desert’s support would be extremely beneficial for him ascending to the throne. But the one he wanted was Li Weiyang.

The woman he liked so much, wanted so desperately to possess! In his heart, this unattainable young lady had become day and night longing, truly a priceless treasure. How could he bear to give her to someone else! However, at this moment, watching Li Yuanheng’s slightly smiling, calm expression, Tuoba Zhen suddenly realized this person came prepared and was determined to succeed! Though Tuoba Zhen felt infinite resentment within, his expression showed only normalcy. After pausing, he said lightly: “So you’ve already made your decision.” Li Yuanheng’s smile broadened somewhat, saying unhurriedly: “I wonder if you’d be willing to assist me.” Tuoba Zhen’s heart shook, slightly raising his eyebrows: “How do you hope I can help you?” “Your Highness probably doesn’t know—I just went to test this young lady. It seems she doesn’t like me. To obtain her, I must use extraordinary means.” Seeing Tuoba Zhen’s expression change, Li Yuanheng paused, then said, “Could it be you also like her?” Previously, the Crown Prince’s faction struck with full force but failed to eliminate Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu, instead making themselves neither here nor there, with nowhere to turn. Among court and country, people had begun discussing how Fifth Prince’s matter was very suspicious—he wasn’t stupid, clearly there was opportunity for imperial clemency if he pleaded, so why would he think to force abdication? The possibility of being framed by the true mastermind behind the scenes was much greater. After killing the Fifth Prince, the Emperor reconsidered and grew suspicious of this matter. Originally Tuoba Zhen and Jiang Hua had joined forces, planning to eliminate the Seventh Prince as well. Then even if the Emperor regretted it, what could he do? Finding a scapegoat would only be the Crown Prince alone—no harm to him, Tuoba Zhen. In fact, it would be greatly beneficial. After all, a Crown Prince who could kill even his own wife to suppress his brothers—once such news spread, such an heir apparent would absolutely have no supporters. That incident—was fundamentally a trap he had dug for the Crown Prince.

Unfortunately, not only had Tuoba Yu not fallen, he had merit and gained the Emperor’s praise. Now His Majesty had reconsidered and was investigating the Crown Prince’s faults—he, Tuoba Zhen, couldn’t reap the fisherman’s profit either. On the contrary, precisely because of the Seventh Prince’s existence, he needed the Crown Prince blocking ahead. Now the Emperor’s thoughts were clearly wavering, civil and military officials in the capital were uncertain and observing from all sides, and rumors filled the marketplace. If the Northern Desert’s power was willing to support him, it would mean three more points of certainty! Therefore, Tuoba Zhen was stunned for a moment, then suddenly laughed loudly: “She’s just a woman, like a piece of clothing—what’s so difficult about discarding her? Since you like her, what harm in giving her to you!” He paused, leaning forward slightly, looking at the other party: “But I must remind you, Li Weiyang is absolutely not easy to subdue. I’m afraid you won’t be able to control her and will instead be harmed by her. Such an uncontrollable person—are you still willing to marry her back?”

Li Yuanheng was immediately stunned, frowning at the person before him, feeling that within the other’s gentle, jade-like smile, a trace of coldness seemed to flash briefly. He froze, feeling chilled to the bone. He looked directly at Li Weiyang across the way. After a long while, he suddenly smiled: “We Northern Desert men are different from you. We have our own methods for dealing with women. If she’s obedient, fine. If not, we’ll use whip and blade to make her submit. Rest assured!”

If Li Weiyang, being so intelligent, could be subdued with force—that would be ideal, Tuoba Zhen sneered inwardly. This Fourth Prince before him was clearly manipulated by someone, single-mindedly wanting to marry Li Weiyang back, completely disregarding whether he’d be bitten back by her. If he used whip and blade on Li Weiyang, within three days, the one losing his life would more likely be him instead. Li Weiyang had never been lenient with anyone. He immediately smiled, stepping back and bowing with cupped hands: “In that case, congratulations in advance to the Fourth Prince on winning the beauty’s return.” About to leave, Li Yuanheng said in a low voice: “Why do you all… seem to fear her?” Tuoba Zhen paused, turning back with a calm smile. More than fear—it was dread, like facing a tiger. A man without capability who married Li Weiyang back home would be like welcoming the King of Hell—just wait and see, Li Yuanheng would definitely pay the price. And Li Weiyang would ultimately belong to him, Tuoba Zhen. What was his would eventually be reclaimed, no matter how long it was lost. He didn’t answer the other’s question, merely turned and departed.

Seeing this, Li Yuanheng froze until Jiang Hua spoke, finally coming back to his senses. Jiang Hua said: “What’s wrong?”

Li Yuanheng frowned: “Why do I feel everyone who mentions Li Weiyang acts strangely? Didn’t you tell me she’s Great Li Dynasty’s smartest, most difficult woman to tame?”

Jiang Hua smiled: “Precisely because she’s intelligent and proud, ordinary men can’t control her. But you, Fourth Prince, are different. Surely you don’t fear her?”

Li Yuanheng involuntarily glanced at Li Weiyang, sneering: “Looking at those slender arms and legs, she probably couldn’t withstand one strike of my whip. What’s there to fear?”

Seeing his eager appearance, Jiang Hua merely smiled slightly, hiding his deeper meaning in his eyes. He said in a low voice: “To marry this beauty, you should act today.”

Li Yuanheng was startled, turning: “So quickly?”

Jiang Hua merely smiled, as if kindly reminding: “Everyone likes good girls. If you delay, someone else will snatch her away. You should know that at today’s banquet, His Majesty is selecting consorts for his sons.”

Li Yuanheng, being from the Northern Desert, lacked Jiang Hua’s convoluted thinking. He immediately nodded: “Good, I’ll go propose to the Li family now.”

But Jiang Hua stopped him: “Don’t request directly. If Prime Minister Li finds excuses to refuse you, you’ll have no way to turn things around. In my view, you should speak to His Majesty and have him act as matchmaker—that would be best.”

Li Yuanheng thought for a moment, agreeing: “Good brother, you’re right—it should be this way!” With that, he stood, happily walking toward the Emperor. After the eunuch’s announcement, he went directly before the Emperor and knelt, saying something earnestly. From Jiang Hua’s angle, he saw the Emperor’s smile pause slightly, then after seemingly thinking for a moment, finally nodding. Noble Consort Lian’s face flashed with anxious expression, then she quickly said something to the Emperor, but the Emperor glanced at Li Yuanheng and shook his head. Noble Consort Lian’s face showed even more urgency, but just then, the Emperor suddenly spoke loudly: “Minister Li, I hear you have a daughter who possesses both virtue and talent, gentle propriety and understanding?”

The Minister Li the Emperor spoke of was Li Xiaoran. Hearing the Emperor suddenly call his name, he immediately stood, but after clearly hearing what the Emperor said, he froze for a moment. Possessing both virtue and talent, gentle propriety and understanding? This could never be Li Weiyang—she was currently Great Li’s most formidable young lady, with no one daring to propose marriage anymore. Was he speaking of Li Changxiao?

But the Emperor reminded him: “I speak of your daughter—County Princess Anping.”

Li Weiyang raised her head, looking toward the Emperor. In this moment, she suddenly understood what he intended to do, involuntarily raising her eyebrows slightly. Sun Yanjun showed a nervous expression—she had an ominous premonition. However, at this moment, everyone’s gaze was focused on the Emperor. No one noticed that from earlier, Li Minde’s seat had been empty. Though even if someone discovered it, they would merely think he had gone to relieve himself, nothing more.

Just then, Li Xiaoran respectfully said: “This subject feels deeply ashamed. Weiyang has been willful since childhood, poorly taught—the so-called virtue and talent, gentle propriety and understanding are all exaggerated praise, undeserved.” For a moment he was somewhat confused, not knowing what the Emperor’s purpose was in suddenly asking about Li Weiyang. Could it be to bestow marriage on the princes? But given Li Weiyang’s background, even with a county princess title to help, marrying a prince would only be as a secondary consort… Would the Emperor possibly bring this up on such an occasion? He felt somewhat uneasy. Though he disliked this daughter from the bottom of his heart, Li Weiyang bore the Li surname after all. Her future was closely related to the Li family’s future—he had to proceed cautiously.

The Emperor’s smile was amiable, clearly not caring how Li Xiaoran answered. After all, he only wanted one result. He was about to continue speaking.

Noble Consort Lian smiled: “Your Majesty, in this subject’s view, County Princess Anping she—” Before finishing, the Emperor had already waved to stop her words. Noble Consort Lian was very anxious, but in front of everyone, she dared not say more. Recently the Emperor had grown increasingly suspicious. Even if she wanted to help Li Weiyang, she couldn’t be too obvious, lest she arouse his suspicion and instead harm the girl.

“Minister Li is too modest. County Princess Anping’s intelligence and talent—I am well aware. As they say, a graceful lady is a gentleman’s good match. Today I have no other meaning—merely wish to act as matchmaker for her.” Then the Emperor smiled: “Just now, the Northern Desert Fourth Prince told me that when entering the capital, he happened to catch sight of County Princess Anping. Since then, he has been lovesick for her, unable to eat or think, declaring he will marry no one but her. Therefore he came to request I allow him to marry the county princess as his consort. I was moved by his deep affection and immediately decided to be this matchmaker.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang found it utterly laughable. She greatly admired Li Yuanheng’s ability to lie with eyes wide open. Today was their first meeting—how had it become unable to eat or think, marry no one but her? Simply a tremendous joke. Could the Emperor actually believe such fabrications? No—he didn’t care whether Li Yuanheng truly liked her, Li Weiyang. What the Emperor cared about was how much benefit a marriage alliance with the Northern Desert would bring. Probably initially he wanted the Ninth Princess to be this marriage alliance pawn, but she was his own daughter after all, and he was somewhat reluctant to let her suffer in the Northern Desert. So today’s banquet, ostensibly releasing word about selecting consorts for the princes and deceiving each family’s beautiful daughters to attend, had the fundamental purpose of selecting a marriage alliance candidate.

Everything was going with the flow, and even Noble Consort Lian was kept in the dark. Li Weiyang lowered her eyes slightly—she had still underestimated Jiang Hua. He could actually manipulate everything to this degree. Whether Li Yuanheng or the Emperor, both were now complacent about their decisions, thinking they had gained such advantage, not knowing the one truly laughing behind the scenes was Jiang Hua.

Great Li was very far from the Northern Desert—the journey alone would take two months. Once she left the capital, left the Li family’s sphere of influence, left Li Minde’s protection, wouldn’t everything be at Jiang Hua’s disposal? He could easily have someone kill her midway, then pin all the blame on the Northern Desert people, saying they deceived the Emperor’s trust under the guise of marriage alliance. If war broke out, the Emperor would certainly employ the Jiang family again. Or he needn’t bother at all—having grown up in Pingcheng since childhood, she was accustomed to the south’s mild climate. Even returning to the capital meant fine clothing and delicate food, pampered and spoiled. But if she went to the wind-swept, sand-blown Northern Desert with its fierce customs, no matter how clever she was, it would be like playing a lute to a cow. Within two years, she’d probably die in a foreign land. That way, without wasting a single Jiang family soldier, Li Weiyang would legitimately disappear from the capital. What poisonous scheming!

At this moment, Jiang Hua was smiling. He wasn’t at all worried Li Xiaoran wouldn’t agree. The Emperor was taking away one daughter—naturally he’d compensate him in other ways. Moreover, Li Xiaoran would preserve both nations’ dignity, promote exchanges, and would certainly receive universal praise from court and country—truly a profitable proposition with no loss. Indeed, Li Xiaoran hesitated. His heart was engaged in fierce struggle. If Li Weiyang stayed in Great Li, she would surely cause much future trouble. Her intelligence was excessive—definitely not a good thing. Plus she was so untamed… Better to marry her far away. Henceforth her life and death would have nothing to do with the Li family. Even if she died in a foreign land, it could count as serving the nation loyally—this was most secure for the Li family. But the Old Madam’s side… In a flash, he had made his decision. This was His Majesty’s matchmaking—none of it could be blamed on him. Even if the Old Madam knew, what could she do? Li Yuanheng wasn’t some terrible match either—high position and power, young and accomplished, a strong contender for the Northern Desert throne. Compared to marrying into an ordinary noble family in the capital, his background and credentials were clearly superior. Moreover, marriage bestowed by the Son of Heaven in the golden hall was a favor one couldn’t even request, and equally one couldn’t casually refuse. At such a time, acting against the Emperor’s wishes would absolutely bring no good fruit for the Li family. Looking back at Li Weiyang, she was playing with a glazed wine cup with one hand, eyelids lowered, her nearly transparent face showing no joy, anger, sorrow or pleasure. A surge of disgust immediately rose in Li Xiaoran’s heart—this girl’s scheming was deep, strange and unpredictable. Every move, every word and deed inspired bone-chilling dread. The farther she married in the future, the better!

Everyone at this moment held their breath. Sun Yanjun almost hurt her own hands gripping them, but beside her, Li Weiyang seemed completely oblivious, still smiling faintly, very earnestly looking at the amber liquid in the wine cup, as if quietly thinking her own thoughts, not at all worried about this marriage matter.

Tuoba Yu gripped the wine cup in his hand, almost standing up, but just then he saw Noble Consort De’s eyes. Those eyes held not just warning but even pleading—that was a mother’s pleading to him. She was saying: let it be, let her leave, she will never belong to you—Tuoba Yu’s heart ached, almost unable to speak. Could he stop this? If he stopped it, what could he say? Ask Li Weiyang to marry him instead? She wouldn’t agree!

Just then, everyone heard Li Xiaoran loudly declare: “This subject obeys the decree. This subject thanks our Emperor for his great grace.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows, her face showing a trace of cold smile. Li Xiaoran, inviting gods is easy but sending them away is hard. Selling off your daughter so cheaply—where could it be so easy!