The Emperor soon issued an edict of self-blame and opened the granaries, beginning to distribute grain to disaster victims across various regions. The turbulent hearts of the people quickly settled down. Commoners from severely affected areas who had originally prepared to flee began returning to their hometowns to rebuild their homes, while the capital, which hadn’t suffered particularly severe damage to begin with, was also in the midst of reconstruction.

On the surface, the situation temporarily stabilized, but in reality, the people of the capital also began stirring restlessly. First, the Emperor issued a decree ordering Duke Jiangguo, who had been halfway on his journey, to return to guard the southern border in response to the situation there. Following this, his attitude toward the Jiang family showed considerable softening – within ten days, he summoned Jiang Xu into the palace three times for private audiences in the Imperial Study. For a time, discussion ran rampant throughout the capital. When this news reached Li Weiyang’s ears, she acted as if completely unaware, displaying an extremely indifferent demeanor.

It was all within expectations anyway, nothing strange about it. Li Weiyang watched as even Li Xiaoran couldn’t sit still, gathering his strategists in his study every few days to discuss the situation, yet she continued attending to her recovery and sleeping as usual. She watched her maids taking inventory of property damage, then expressed some regret over the shattered antique vases, occasionally consoling Sun Yanjun who had suffered heavy losses. Her days were no different from those of other young ladies from aristocratic families.

However, the Ninth Princess suddenly sent Li Weiyang an invitation. Li Weiyang held the gold-embossed card in her hand, thinking for a long while before remembering that the appointed location was at a separate estate.

“Miss, will you keep the appointment?” Bai Zhi asked quietly.

Li Weiyang sighed, casually tossing the invitation aside. “When a princess extends an invitation, naturally I must go. I imagine she has something to tell me.”

Bai Zhi’s face showed a strange expression. At this juncture, why would the Ninth Princess want to find Li Weiyang? Moreover, the wording in that invitation seemed extremely earnest, clearly indicating she needed help with something. But the danger of the marriage alliance was already gone – what could the Ninth Princess possibly want to do?

Knowing Li Minde would definitely try to stop her, Li Weiyang didn’t tell him, instead personally keeping the appointment, because she had an intuition that the Ninth Princess truly had urgent business. All the way to the separate estate, Bai Zhi helped Li Weiyang down from the carriage. The Ninth Princess was actually waiting at the entrance herself. Upon seeing Li Weiyang, she immediately rushed over, her eyes full of urgency: “Sister Weiyang! Please go quickly and see Seventh Brother! His condition is truly terrible!”

Tuoba Yu? Li Weiyang’s gaze became cold for a moment, and instead she wasn’t anxious: “Oh, what happened to the Seventh Prince?”

“After Noble Consort De died, he’s been staying in her palace refusing to come out, even refusing to let anyone bury her. During the earthquake, he was still holding Noble Consort De’s body. Later he was injured by a falling pillar, and the guards forcibly brought him out.” The Ninth Princess’s expression was extremely troubled. “But he – every day he’s either unconscious with high fever, or even when awake he refuses to take medicine – I wanted to report this to Father Emperor, but both Father Emperor and Mother Empress are troubled by earthquake matters. I really can’t bear to make them worry more, but I have no other solution!”

Tears involuntarily welled up in the Ninth Princess’s eyes. Afraid of annoying Li Weiyang, she quickly raised her sleeve to wipe away the tears. “Seventh Brother has always been very strong, never like this before. He escaped death from the earthquake, but if he continues like this, he’ll still end up waiting for death—”

Li Weiyang pressed her lips together, her expression resuming a smile: “Princess, heart sickness requires heart medicine. I have no way to bring Noble Consort De back from the dead. What use is there in you summoning me?”

The Ninth Princess quickly said: “That’s not what I mean, I just – know that Seventh Brother likes you, perhaps he’ll listen to your words! I want to ask you to try, even if it’s for my sake, please help him!”

Li Weiyang looked at the glistening tears in the Ninth Princess’s eyes, slowly saying: “The Seventh Prince is actually very fortunate. Though Noble Consort De is no longer by his side, at least he still has you, his sister, caring for him like this. Unfortunately, I can’t help him. No one can help him, except himself.”

“It doesn’t matter! Just go see him once! Just once! Consider it me begging you, please, Sister Weiyang?” The Ninth Princess’s tear-filled eyes showed that Li Weiyang was clearly her last hope.

Li Weiyang shook her head and sighed: “I’ll go visit him, but I’m just going to pay a sick call, do you understand?” Not to cure his illness – these were two different things. She had no responsibility or obligation to bear others’ expectations, but she was also very curious about what condition Tuoba Yu was in now that could make the Ninth Princess so anxious.

The Ninth Princess broke into a smile through her tears, saying earnestly: “Sister Weiyang, thank you so much. If you ever need my help in the future, just say so!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Who knows – I might truly need your help someday. I’ll remember your words.”

The Ninth Princess solemnly nodded. Her beautiful face was still tear-stained, but Li Weiyang said nothing more and turned to enter the courtyard.

Upon entering the room, she was immediately hit by a bloody smell. The floor was in complete disarray. Li Weiyang glanced around and indeed saw Tuoba Yu sitting in a yellow rattan chair in the middle of the room, only half-opening his eyes, staring numbly at some unknown location. The bandages on his shoulder were soaked through with large patches of blood, confirming what the Ninth Princess had said – he was indeed refusing treatment.

Li Weiyang said softly: “Seventh Prince.”

Hearing her voice, Tuoba Yu suddenly opened his eyes wide as if coming to life. However, the instant he saw her face clearly, he turned away, saying in a hoarse voice: “Didn’t you completely give up on me? Why appear here?”

The coldness on Li Weiyang’s face was completely different from when she was outside the room, instead seeming to show some genuine concern: “Even if we can’t be allies, I thought we were at least friends. Knowing you’re in this state, shouldn’t I come visit? Or would you prefer not to see me again?”

“Do I, such a worthless person, deserve your concern?” Tuoba Yu only laughed coldly.

“What are you saying—”

“I’m not a fool!” Tuoba Yu stared at her, pain in his pitch-black eyes. “The Empress and Crown Prince joined forces to kill my mother consort, yet I had no way to save her. What use is such a useless person like me remaining in this world! You don’t need to deceive me. I know that all this time, I’ve repeatedly failed your help, unable to even say a single ‘no’ before my mother consort. In your eyes, I’m already equivalent to worthless, aren’t I?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Seventh Prince, are you blaming me because my methods couldn’t save your mother consort? So you’re here abandoning yourself, preparing to die from your untreated injuries?”

Tuoba Yu suddenly stared at her fixedly, his gaze incomparably cold, making his handsome face show a trace of savagery: “Even death is better than this incompetent self-loathing!” He had never suffered such a great blow in all these years – a complete defeat, really. His momentary wrong decision let the enemy go, and as a result, even his own mother consort died in their trap! All because of him – this fact made it impossible for the usually proud him to accept!

Li Weiyang stopped smiling, coldly gazing at him, her eyes like a frozen lake surface: “Originally I didn’t plan to speak the truth, but since you have self-awareness, I don’t need to say those superficial words anymore! That’s right, your current state is entirely your own fault! I warned you long ago – being cruel to enemies is for survival! But you, because of those small benefits, worried your own people would be implicated, and let slip the chance to deliver a fatal blow to your enemies! To the Jiang family, to the Crown Prince, to Tuoba Zhen, time and again and again! You’re right, it’s all your own mistakes! Noble Consort De was killed by your wavering indecision!”

Tuoba Yu’s face instantly turned deathly pale. He hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to scold him like this to his face—

“What? Feeling guilty? Or do you regret it?” Li Weiyang laughed coldly. “I’m telling you, since you were born into the imperial family, you should strive desperately to survive. Otherwise, leave right now while you can! No one will keep you! Because worthless people like you – there are plenty to replace you! Or I can tell you the final outcome right now – you, Duke Luoguo’s household, those strategists around you, those people whose survival depends on you – they’ll all die! One by one after another dying before your eyes!”

Tuoba Yu suddenly stood up. Because of the excessive force, the bandages wrapped around his shoulder were already soaked into a deep blood-red patch. By now he was already enraged to the point of madness. He lunged forward and grabbed Li Weiyang’s shoulders. Though his face bore a smile, it was so savagely twisted it was chilling: “Li Weiyang! What do you understand? What right do you have to say this! What right!”

Li Weiyang’s eyes were icy cold. Without hesitation, she quickly slapped him. The slap rang out clearly, leaving Tuoba Yu completely stunned. He instinctively staggered back half a step, his arms dropping limply.

Li Weiyang gazed at him with indifferent eyes: “Do you think I chose you for no reason? Because Tuoba Zhen hates you, because the person he’s most jealous of is you! Because from birth you possessed everything he didn’t have! So I supported you, helped you, because I wanted to see his painful expression, I wanted to see him trampled underfoot by the person he most detests and despises! Not only that, I previously thought that although you weren’t ruthless enough, at least you were a man who dared to act and take responsibility, standing tall – you wouldn’t complain about fate, wouldn’t become dejected over the slightest setback! But what ghost-like state are you in now! I must have been blind to think you were capable of fighting Tuoba Zhen. Now it seems you’ll die at his hands sooner or later! So leave quickly, otherwise you’ll have to personally watch Tuoba Zhen slaughter your friends and relatives! Watch him raze your prince’s mansion! Watch him ascend the throne!”

“Shut up! Shut up!” Tuoba Yu turned around and had already drawn a dagger from the side. The gleaming dagger was about to reach Li Weiyang’s ear when he suddenly stopped, his eyes filled with emotions impossible to distinguish as love, hate, resentment, or poison.

Li Weiyang looked at the gleaming dagger, but smiled faintly, showing no trace of fear: “What? Does it grate on your ears? I might as well tell you – Tuoba Zhen personally witnessed his birth mother’s death in childhood, yet for his great cause he can endure anything. Even knowing Wu Xianfei was his mother’s killer, he can smile and call her Mother Consort. Can you? For success, Tuoba Zhen can repeatedly grovel to the Crown Prince. Can you? For the throne, Tuoba Zhen can use everyone available and kill everyone who opposes him. Can you? Compared to him, you’re nothing but a coward! Seeking death over such a small matter – you’ve had it too easy! Look at yourself now, you can’t even hold a dagger steady. What right do you have to vent your anger on me, an innocent woman? Simply absurd!”

Tuoba Yu shuddered – her every word, every scolding sentence, brought震撼 to the depths of his soul! He threw the dagger aside violently, gasping for breath – how could he have truly intended to act – against Li Weiyang, how could he possibly bring himself to do it!

Tuoba Yu knelt before her, holding his head in his hands. Even though the wound on his shoulder was already bleeding profusely, he seemed completely unaware. He only seemed to have lost that burst of rage and energy from before: “I’m sorry – I… I lost my head, I – I’ve never failed like this before – watching Mother Consort lose her life because of my own mistake! Weiyang, I – I hate myself so much—”

Li Weiyang knew the most opportune moment had arrived. She came today waiting for precisely such an opportunity – she sighed, the previous coldness seeming never to have existed. Instead she crouched down, saying gently: “Seventh Prince, you are His Majesty’s most beloved son – this is your advantage over Tuoba Zhen. I know Noble Consort De’s death was a huge blow to you, but if you become dejected, who can avenge her? Think about it – the Crown Prince and Empress, and Tuoba Zhen, and of course Jiang Hua who orchestrated everything behind the scenes – they’re all waiting to see you make a fool of yourself. Will you let them continue being so arrogant? Or will you be the one holding the dagger, tearing them apart one by one?” Her voice was very gentle, carrying a bewitching power. Tuoba Yu slowly raised his head, staring at her.

Li Weiyang’s smile was very beautiful, yet contained not a trace of softness. She slowly picked up that dagger from the floor, personally handing it to Tuoba Yu. Then, slowly, slowly, she made his hand grip that dagger. Tuoba Yu finally gripped it tightly, even though the blade had cut his palm and bright red blood dripped down. He seemed completely unaware, only staring intently at the dagger without a word, as if entranced.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, stood up and opened the door, not glancing once more at Tuoba Yu who was still in a daze, then gently closed the door.

Meeting the Ninth Princess’s anxious expression, Li Weiyang said: “Let him be alone for a while. I think you’ll soon see him pull himself together.”

Knowing the Crown Prince and Empress’s plan, knowing they plotted to use Noble Consort De’s death to strike at Tuoba Yu, knowing the mother-son bond between Noble Consort De and Tuoba Yu was extraordinary, knowing Tuoba Yu’s only weakness might be this mother consort – Li Weiyang watched as Consort Lian went to add fuel to the fire without stopping her, precisely to wait for this day. She needed Tuoba Yu’s power. When she contended with Tuoba Zhen, Tuoba Yu would become a blade thrust into his chest. But this blade was simply too dull. She had no choice but to personally sharpen it. Noble Consort De’s death – the chief culprits were the Crown Prince and Empress, and of course Tuoba Zhen. One could imagine how deep Tuoba Yu’s hatred would be, and this hatred would erase his last trace of compassion and weakness.

This was best. Because Tuoba Yu’s life had been too smooth ordinarily, because he was too excellent yet had never lost anything. People who don’t understand loss have no drive, no conviction for certain victory… From now on, everything would be very different.

Li Weiyang sat in her carriage. Outside, the swaying sunlight occasionally fell through the curtain onto her face, leaving flickering light and shadow. In this instant, she seemed like someone caught between light and darkness, making it impossible to see her features clearly.

“Miss, this servant feels – you were too cold toward the Seventh Prince.” Mo Zhu said very quietly.

Li Weiyang raised her eyes to glance at her, but smiled slightly: “He’s merely my ally. Why should I be merciful toward him?”

Mo Zhu and Bai Zhi exchanged glances. Bai Zhi signaled her not to continue, but Mo Zhu still felt very sympathetic toward that Seventh Prince with his cold exterior but passionate heart. She said very quietly: “But he likes you so much—”

“His liking of me was initially because I was useful to him, wasn’t it?” Tuoba Yu wouldn’t like a completely useless person, just as when he first saw her at the village entrance shelter, he merely found her interesting but had no intention of helping her.

Mo Zhu felt very strange: “Then what about Third Young Master—” She said halfway, then suddenly realized she’d said too much. Her face immediately turned pale with fright.

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s expression became much gentler. She didn’t answer Mo Zhu’s question, though even Bai Zhi was now staring at her curiously. As observers, did they all feel she was different toward Li Minde?

Perhaps, indeed it was different.

Li Weiyang smiled, lowered her eyes, then said softly: “There’s naturally a reason for that…”

The two maids in the carriage simultaneously pricked up their ears, listening intently.

“He likes me without reason.” Her voice was very light, her gaze very soft, speaking with emotion from the heart. “Not considering status, not caring about gains and losses, purely just because I am me – liking me like this. Whether I’m Li Weiyang or someone else, or whatever I become in the future – he doesn’t care. To be liked by someone like this is actually a very happy thing.” She sighed softly, not knowing what she was thinking, and didn’t continue.

Perhaps even she herself didn’t know how to handle such feelings anymore…

Returning to her courtyard, Li Weiyang ordered Bai Zhi to grind ink. At this moment, the window was half-open, the wind blowing in, dispersing the ink fragrance in the room. Li Weiyang held her brush, gazing at the paper on the desk, her brow slightly furrowed, reluctant to put brush to paper for a long time.

This handwriting was still so ugly. She’d said not to write anymore, yet still couldn’t control herself from picking up the brush again.

The door creaked open from outside as someone pushed it open. The person entering was Li Minde.

He tossed a brocade box onto the table, then turned to walk toward her: “That fellow sending gifts three times a day like this – looks like he’s truly prepared to win your heart.”

Li Weiyang made a sound of acknowledgment.

“The day before yesterday it was a night-luminous pearl bigger than an egg, yesterday a Lantian jade disc worth a fortune, today ink that will never dry – he’s really put in considerable effort.” Li Minde said.

Li Weiyang made another sound of acknowledgment.

Li Minde couldn’t help saying: “He’s also prepared to meet you tomorrow – will you go?”

Li Weiyang smiled, still making a sound of acknowledgment, finally putting brush to paper, writing the character for “flame.” Li Minde’s gaze flickered several times. He simply sat on the desk, turned sideways, and at very close range carefully examined the character she’d written. Suddenly raising his eyebrows, he said: “The fire is about right?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Indeed so.”

Li Minde stared at her intently with burning eyes: “When will you make your move?”

Li Weiyang’s smile grew lighter: “I’m guessing the Mobei army has now assembled at the northern border. The other side will make their move soon, so the elopement appointment should also be coming soon.”

“But will he believe you so easily?” Li Minde looked at her.

Li Weiyang sighed, as if lamenting: “So there still needs to be a performance.”

Li Minde looked at her, suddenly smiling slightly: “Actually, have you considered – this performance is a bit difficult for you? A young maiden just awakening to love – do you yourself think you’re convincing?”

Li Weiyang looked up in surprise.

Li Minde’s gaze was deep and clear, with an indescribable brightness. Looking at her, fixing his gaze on her, he said word by word: “Unless you yourself know how to portray a girl with romantic feelings for a man, otherwise you’ll have difficulty convincing anyone.”

Li Weiyang never expected he would say such a thing. After her astonishment passed, she instead laughed, sighing: “Yes, a young maiden just awakening to love – it really isn’t easy to act.”

The news of Fourth Prince of Mobei’s engagement to the legitimate daughter of Marquis Nan’an’s household soon spread. Everyone said these two were a match of beauty and heroism, perfectly suited. However, many people also began spreading another rumor – that Fourth Prince of Mobei had set his sights on the Third Miss of the Prime Minister Li’s household, that famous Princess Anping. It was said this Fourth Prince of Mobei was handsome and accomplished in both civil and military arts, a strong contender for Mobei’s throne. Princess Anping, with her excessively formidable reputation, was difficult to marry off anyway, so she also wanted to go with the flow to Mobei to become a powerful and prestigious Fourth Imperial Consort, possibly even sitting on Mobei’s Empress throne in the future. Who knew that just as the Emperor agreed to this marriage, Jixiang Hall caught fire. The Emperor felt it was inauspicious and cancelled the marriage, instead letting Old Marquis Nan’an pick up a ready-made son-in-law.

However, now with the earthquake, His Majesty might well feel it inappropriate again and have other thoughts. Moreover, Fourth Prince of Mobei clearly wasn’t interested in that Marquis Nan’an household’s young lady. Instead he frequented the Prime Minister Li’s residence, sending gifts like flowing water, greatly displaying Mobei’s royal wealth – obviously still not giving up. Though he failed to move Li Weiyang, he made countless young ladies of the capital extremely envious. They had initially thought Mobei was a desolate place, no match for the capital’s prosperity, so originally none were willing to marry there. But now seeing chest after chest of gifts sent to the Prime Minister Li’s residence, their eyes nearly popped out. They discovered they’d completely missed out on an excellent son-in-law.

Five days ago, a charity station opened before the Prime Minister Li’s residence gate. Someone deliberately caused trouble and nearly injured Princess Anping. Fourth Prince of Mobei happened to be there and heroically rescued the beauty. This way, Li Weiyang, who had remained unmoved all along, could no longer maintain a cold face and reject him at a thousand miles’ distance. So Fourth Prince of Mobei submitted another memorial requesting the Emperor change the marriage alliance candidate. But the Emperor was so troubled by earthquake matters that he refused to casually change his mind. Fourth Prince of Mobei simply went to the palace three times a day until the Emperor became annoyed and let Third Prince Tuoba Zhen handle the matter with full authority.

But Tuoba Zhen naturally also refused to change the marriage alliance candidate, so he performed a whole routine of Tai Chi, forcibly blocking Fourth Prince of Mobei’s pestering. However, when Fourth Prince of Mobei mentioned that Li Weiyang also tacitly agreed to marry him, Tuoba Zhen’s expression still changed.

Tuoba Zhen emerged from the Empress’s Kunning Palace and had just reached Yong’an Gate when he encountered someone he hadn’t expected to meet.

The perfect smile at the corners of his lips immediately froze into an immobile rigidity—

Li Weiyang!

Li Weiyang slightly curved her lips, looking at him coldly: “Third Prince.”

Tuoba Zhen smiled, still with that usual light and gentle smile like a spring breeze: “Why has Princess Anping entered the palace today?”

Yes, from the moment she repeatedly rejected his overtures, mutual conflict became their inescapable destiny – but he would make her understand that he was the final victor, that she must depend on him to survive.

Not intending to answer his question, merely giving a cold greeting, Li Weiyang was about to walk past him. On the long palace corridor, only Li Weiyang’s footsteps slowly passing by him gradually spread out, striking his heart beat by beat.

“Princess Anping.”

Li Weiyang stopped. Her beautiful pale blue skirt hem fluttered in the wind.

“Perhaps you still owe me an explanation?” Tuoba Zhen could no longer suppress the turmoil in his heart. His icy voice carried full mockery. “I thought you were unwilling to marry Fourth Prince of Mobei, so I wasn’t surprised by that fire at Jixiang Hall. But now, what’s going on?”

Li Weiyang coldly turned around, only to see Tuoba Zhen had somehow already moved behind her. The faint incense on his body, separated only by brocade robes and silk garments, permeated layer upon layer, making her disgustedly step back half a pace.

“Are you so afraid of me?” Tuoba Zhen waved his hand. The palace maids and eunuchs nearby sensibly withdrew. Seeing no one present, the vicious and sinister smile on his face deepened. “How could I forget! Who are you afraid of to this day? What an impressive Princess Anping – deceiving Fourth Prince of Mobei so thoroughly! No, perhaps you’re even toying with all of us! People everywhere are saying Fourth Prince of Mobei is so infatuated with you that he’s forgotten the wife the Emperor bestowed on him, sending gifts to the Prime Minister’s residence every few days. I hear such clamorous rumors daily! It seems I’ve never seen through you – two-faced, treacherous, bewitching, shameless – this is your true nature!”

Li Weiyang looked at him coldly, as if viewing a monster. Tuoba Zhen’s uncontrollable roar was completely different from his usual restrained, steady tone, as if he’d already reached the edge of losing control.

She laughed coldly: “Third Prince, originally I was dissatisfied with this marriage, but now I find Fourth Prince of Mobei quite good – not only is he handsome, he puts me first in everything. Are you satisfied with this answer?”

“Are you insane?!” Tuoba Zhen’s pupils contracted violently, instinctively shouting.

Li Weiyang seemed completely oblivious to his thoughts, only smiling: “What business is it of yours?”

What business of his? Yes, what was Li Weiyang to him? What did whatever she did have to do with him? Even if she first disliked Li Yuanheng and now changed her mind, it was all her own affair – it wasn’t Tuoba Zhen’s place to interfere! She was neither his wife nor his lover – why was he indignantly upset here! Tuoba Zhen knew this perfectly well and had warned himself countless times, but human reason and emotion were separate. He couldn’t rid himself of this intense feeling of humiliation. Li Weiyang would rather choose a mere Fourth Prince of Mobei than choose him! Why!

His heart convulsed violently. He stepped forward himself, so close their breaths nearly mingled. He looked directly at her, striving to remain calm: “Li Weiyang, first refusing the marriage, then getting so close to that person – what exactly do you want to do?”

Ordinarily, he would definitely be able to accurately judge Li Weiyang’s true intentions, but when immersed in extreme resentment and jealousy, he couldn’t make accurate judgments. Now he didn’t even know what Li Weiyang’s next step would be!

Li Weiyang smiled: “Didn’t I say? I have quite favorable feelings toward Li Yuanheng, because although he’s equally ruthless in his methods and kills without blinking, at least he’s a true villain, not a hypocrite. Third Prince, as for what I’m going to do, you might as well wait a bit longer – perhaps very soon you’ll understand.”

“Li Weiyang—” Tuoba Zhen smiled through gritted teeth, recklessly closing in on her, trapping her between his arms from his dominant position, almost pressing her against the wall behind her. “I won’t let Father Emperor change the marriage alliance candidate. Even if you regret it, it’s the same – Fourth Prince of Mobei cannot legitimately marry you!”

Waiting for precisely these words! Li Weiyang suppressed the cold laugh in her heart, but maintained an indifferent expression on her face: “Do you think I care about such empty titles? Third Prince, not everyone in this world listens to your manipulation.”

Still this insufferably arrogant manner – why would she never bow her head to him! Even saying a soft word would save him from scheming so hard that since he couldn’t have her, he’d rather destroy her! He hated never gaining her favor, hated even more that she always looked at him with such cold eyes!

Tuoba Zhen’s gaze was electric, blade-like, tightly fixed on Li Weiyang. He knew she was best at pretense, knew even more that behind every word and phrase hid twisted thoughts. These seemingly clear and innocent eyes contained how much contempt and disdain!

His mind heated. Gripping her chin, he bent his head down—

“Tuoba Zhen!” Li Weiyang curved her lips, her voice gentle yet cold as flying snow and frozen frost. “In this place, at this moment – you – the always noble and steady Third Prince – are you going to take liberties with Princess Anping?”

Tuoba Zhen froze as if struck by lightning, his movements completely rigid. His finger joints were ice-cold and stiff – the slightest movement felt like his bones were softly clamoring.

Li Weiyang understood him too well! Indeed he couldn’t do this! Because he constantly reminded himself – his great cause! He couldn’t have a moment’s carelessness because of one woman! He slowly released her, powerlessly dropping his hand, breathing out in defeat – Li Weiyang, you clearly calculated my actions, yet still forced me to lose control. You’re truly too ruthless!

Li Weiyang gently patted the dust from her shoulders, giving him a contemptuous smile: “I’ll take my leave.”

Tuoba Zhen watched helplessly as Li Weiyang swept away. Palace maids in the distance hurried to follow. Li Weiyang’s figure gradually disappeared at the end of the palace corridor.

Why, why can you firmly control everyone’s thoughts! When you didn’t like Li Yuanheng, you dared set fire in the palace to reject this marriage. Now that you’ve taken a liking to him, you’re preparing to go back on it and marry him! Where would such an easy thing exist! I absolutely won’t allow any changes to this marriage alliance. You – Li Weiyang – can never possibly marry Li Yuanheng! Tuoba Zhen clenched his fists, his face showing terrifying savagery: Someday, you will definitely be mine!

Exiting the palace gates, Li Weiyang finally breathed a sigh of relief. Dealing with Tuoba Zhen required weighing every expression, thinking through every sentence in advance. One careless moment and he’d seize the opening and guess her true intentions.

So how could she not prepare in advance? Though she seemed to say much, every sentence was misleading him into thinking she’d developed feelings for Li Yuanheng. Developing feelings for Fourth Prince of Mobei – these words might fool outsiders, but deceiving Tuoba Zhen was truly not easy. Only with a mixture of truth and falsehood, creating suspicious diversions, could she make him believe. After all, her acting wasn’t good – she needed to continue practicing.

At the palace gate carriage, a brocade-robed young man sat at the carriage head waiting for her, as if he’d waited a long time. She’d come to pay respects to the Empress Dowager today and hadn’t brought maids into the palace. She wanted to board the carriage herself, but just as she moved, the pain made her gasp. The wound on her foot still hadn’t healed, yet she’d been forcing herself to endure.

Li Minde’s eyes flickered slightly. He swiftly reached out to catch her, his strength very gentle, supporting her waist to help her into the carriage.

She became increasingly astonished. Looking up, she saw his handsome profile and couldn’t help sighing. “I said I’d enter the palace alone. Why did you follow and wait?”

Li Minde said nothing, only instructing the driver to return to the Li residence. Reaching the residence entrance, Zhao Yue immediately came forward, helping Li Weiyang walk step by step into her courtyard. But having just walked into her courtyard, the high threshold made one hesitate. Li Weiyang was about to endure the foot pain and step across when she was suddenly suspended in air. She was completely shocked – the person who’d been silent behind her had actually lifted her up.

“Zhao Yue, close the door.” He dropped this sentence. Zhao Yue was startled but quickly closed the courtyard gate. Tsk tsk, her young master was truly too bold – not afraid of being seen.

Li Minde’s strides were very large, circling the corridor and entering the inner room directly.

“Put me down.” Li Weiyang somehow felt her face heating up and quickly said.

But he ignored her. Voices came from ahead—

“Miss…” Bai Zhi came forward.

His steps paused slightly but continued forward, striding past the speaker with large steps, instructing in a low voice: “Go find a physician.”

Bai Zhi seemed accustomed to this, showing no reaction at all, naturally responding without any intention of rescuing her young miss from the situation.

Li Weiyang was extremely annoyed, almost wanting to loudly order him to put her down immediately.

Li Minde suddenly lowered his eyes, glancing at her. Seeing the deep concern buried in those amber eyes, she was instantly struck silent.

Walking before the beauty couch, he suddenly stopped, setting her whole person down. His lips moved slightly: “It’s very serious, isn’t it?”

Li Weiyang said through gritted teeth: “I’m fine.”

He raised his eyebrows, his tone cold and severe: “You’re really daring to risk everything. Aren’t you afraid this foot will be ruined?” Seeing her left foot that didn’t dare touch the ground, his expression changed again. “Does it really hurt that much?”

She frowned, about to speak, when he suddenly crouched down, reaching out to grasp her ankle, removing her shoe to reveal her already badly swollen left ankle.

He stared at it for a while, his palm pressing down hard. Though she wanted to endure the pain, she accidentally cried out. He stood up, saying in a low voice: “Fortunately it’s alright.”

She quickly said: “I already told you it’s nothing!”

Li Minde frowned, his face rarely showing displeasure, gloomy: “I already told you – acting doesn’t require such effort. Just spreading some rumors would be enough!”

Li Weiyang saw his expression and said softly: “Tuoba Zhen wouldn’t believe it. Today’s chance encounter in the palace – I put effort into it, hoping to deceive him by three parts.” Tuoba Zhen was someone with heavy suspicions. To deceive him required her to say it personally.

Bai Zhi came in carrying a medicine box: “Miss, the physician will be here soon. First apply some medicinal oil.”

Li Weiyang frowned: “I said there’s no need to make such a fuss!” But seeing Li Minde’s expression, she swallowed her next words, compromising: “Fine, but I still have to attend a banquet tonight. Don’t apply too much – the smell is too strong.”

Hearing this, Li Minde couldn’t help saying: “There are still banquets in the capital now?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Naturally there are, and this one is unmissable. Now that the capital’s disaster victims have temporarily stabilized, Princess Yongning specially held a banquet, inviting noble ladies and young misses from various capital families. The purpose is to have them donate money – this is the Empress Dowager’s idea, and she specially mentioned it to me today. Tell me, can I not go?”

Li Minde thought carefully for a moment, then called out: “Zhao Nan, accompany Third Miss tonight.”

The Ninth Princess was also attending the banquet tonight. Not only that, to show her earnestness, she specially made a detour to pick up Li Weiyang. For a princess’s royal carriage to personally fetch someone – such honor was definitely not something ordinary young ladies could enjoy. Yet Li Weiyang showed no particular delight. Instead, Second Madam watched with eyes red with envy. Upon reaching Princess Yongning’s residence in the city’s south as evening fell, the sky had darkened. Outside the residence courtyard was a row of blue palace lanterns, very simple and dignified. Last time she came, the trees were all hung with colored ribbons, pavilions and towers all lit up – this time was obviously much more modest. Clearly with disaster at hand, even the princess had to restrain herself.

Because it was Princess Yongning who personally sent invitations, all titled nobility throughout the court came. There were also many young ladies, but they all stood far to the side with envious gazes, because the Ninth Princess stood continuously by Li Weiyang’s side, so no one dared approach to make conversation.

The Ninth Princess’s eyes watched the lively banquet, but her mouth asked: “Third Young Master… is he well?”

Li Weiyang paused, then set down the wine cup in her hand, smiling: “Why does the princess ask this?”

The Ninth Princess’s eyes inexplicably held some moisture: “Father Emperor is going to arrange a marriage for me.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes stopped on the Ninth Princess. These days she’d grown considerably taller, her figure also showing a young woman’s grace and beauty, but between her brows and eyes, a trace of light sorrow had clearly appeared. She lowered her eyes, looking at the amber-colored liquid in her wine cup, as if seeing that person’s eyes. Her words carried several degrees of emotion: “A bestowed marriage – the princess has also reached marriageable age.”

“When my mother consort brought up this matter, I cried and made a scene, truly like a child.” The Ninth Princess suddenly laughed, but without mirth in her eyes. The wine in her hand came cup after cup.

Li Weiyang leaned forward and snatched the wine from her hand, smiling: “Have you drunk too much?”

The Ninth Princess tilted her head, conveniently pillowing it on her shoulder, also disregarding others’ gazes. With eyes half-closed looking at some unknown place, she said softly: “I haven’t drunk too much. If I had drunk too much, I would recklessly go see him. Today I didn’t even enter through the door—” This sentence’s ending tone was especially drawn out.

Li Weiyang turned her head slightly, looking at her young face, suddenly feeling some indescribable complexity.

“You don’t know how much I like him. Even though he’s never put me in his heart, I still think of him day and night—” Not knowing if she’d drunk too much, the Ninth Princess’s gaze was floating and hazy. Li Weiyang sighed.

The banquet seats opposite suddenly erupted in laughter – not knowing what interesting topic those young ladies were discussing. Li Weiyang watched and watched, only to discover among those bright faces, one person was clearly that Mobei’s Princess Hechang. Instantly her mood became like floating light and shadow, growing uncertain between brightness and darkness. What would happen tonight…