“Dead?!” Tuoba Zhen’s fingers loosened. The memorial fell from the table, landing on the floor with a “pa” sound.

“Yes.” The attendant lowered his head, concealing the terror on his face. “The entire family completely exterminated. When Third Young Master Jiang opened his eyes and saw such a scene – the Mobei people were truly ruthless enough.”

Tuoba Zhen didn’t speak for a long time, staring blankly at the steaming tea on the table. After a long while, he finally said softly: “So that’s how it is.”

The attendant raised his head in surprise, not knowing what his master was saying.

Tuoba Zhen trembled slightly, his tone growing more difficult: “I was fooled.”

The attendant’s expression became even more bewildered. However, Tuoba Zhen remained silent, seemingly sighing lightly: “To think I’d be played by her like this. I really want to kill myself.”

Li Weiyang, so everything you did was an act. What falling for Li Yuanheng, what eloping, what being none of his business – actually it was all scheming against him, everything building up momentum, just waiting for him to jump into the trap himself. Even his competitive spirit and his feelings of admiration could be utilized – this truly commanded respect.

Previously, he’d preferred women like Li Changle – charming appearance, graceful figure, gorgeous like peonies. Every gesture radiated captivating allure. But seeing such charm too often, he gradually grew aesthetically fatigued… Now instead he found cool, distant women more heart-stirring. Especially that kind of longing that could only be observed from afar – conversely making the desires in his heart impossible to fill. So, Li Weiyang, the more you struggle, the more adorable I find you. In this world, no woman who provokes me can escape unscathed afterward. Especially since you dared toy with me – you should properly pay the price for this…

He slowly turned his face away. Outside the window, the early morning sunlight was perfect, illuminating half his profile with a trace of savagery.

When the news reached the Li household early that morning, it first alarmed Old Lady Li. She immediately sent people to find Li Weiyang. A maid ran all the way to Third Miss’s courtyard. Bai Zhi was quietly instructing maids in the corridor: “Miss rarely sleeps soundly. When working, keep your movements light.” As she spoke, afraid of disturbing Li Weiyang, she used her fingertip to lift a bit of the curtain, secretly peeking inside to ensure Li Weiyang wasn’t disturbed before feeling relieved.

The message-bearing maid called out “Sister Bai Zhi.” Bai Zhi turned to look, quickly raising a finger to her lips with a quiet “shh,” keeping her voice extremely low. Then she waved her hand at others nearby. The maids silently nodded and all dispersed. Only then did Bai Zhi smile and come forward: “Isn’t this Cuizhu from beside Old Lady? Why come so early this morning?”

Cuizhu whispered two sentences in Bai Zhi’s ear. Bai Zhi’s brow twitched, then she said: “Alright, I’ll go report to Miss immediately. Please wait a moment.”

Cuizhu nodded: “Sister Bai Zhi, you must hurry. Old Lady is very anxious!”

Li Weiyang was awakened early in the morning. After hearing Bai Zhi’s words, she showed no particular expression, only ordering them to help her dress and wash up. She even remembered to eat breakfast before slowly heading toward Hexiang Courtyard.

Arriving at Hexiang Courtyard, she saw the room full of people. Li Xiaoran sat with a dark expression. Second Madam, Second Miss, and Fourth Miss all wore bewildered looks – the women obviously didn’t yet know what had happened. Only Jiang Yuelan had already received news from Old Lady Li in advance. Her expression now showed no emotion whatsoever, as if it had nothing to do with her.

In complete silence, someone suddenly coughed lightly.

Everyone raised their heads, gazes gathering on the slender figure in the doorway, expressions changing slightly. The walnuts Li Xiaoran had been playing with in his hands suddenly dropped to the floor, rolling all the way to Li Weiyang’s feet. Li Weiyang bent down, picked up the smooth walnut, held it in her hands, wiped it with her sleeve, then gently returned it to Li Xiaoran.

Li Xiaoran’s expression was inexplicably delayed, staring at her, momentarily speechless.

Li Weiyang raised her head, corners of her mouth lifted, eyes full of smiles, looking at everyone staring at her. She said softly: “Old Lady, what’s the matter? So early in the morning, everyone’s expressions look so unpleasant.”

Li Xiaoran raised his eyebrows, examining her from head to toe.

As if recognizing this daughter for the first time. Flashing through his mind was Li Weiyang when she’d just returned from Pingcheng – delicate features, gentle temperament, yet never admitting defeat, refusing to suffer losses. Back then he’d thought she was merely a concubine-born girl, a stepping stone that could pave the way for the Li family in the future. Though he’d harbored some guilt, that guilt compared to benefits was truly insignificant. Later Li Minfeng was driven from the household, First Madam died like that, then there was Li Changle – but these were all internal Li family struggles. Li Xiaoran hadn’t felt Li Weiyang was particularly formidable. But now with the entire Jiang family’s deaths, everyone said it was because Mobei people feared the Jiang family’s resurgence and found ways to eliminate them first. Yet Li Xiaoran always felt it wasn’t so simple.

But to say it was related to Li Weiyang – Li Xiaoran found this truly hard to believe.

Previously though wary of this girl, he hadn’t spent much time pondering what made her exceptional. However, at this moment, he realized how extraordinarily different she was.

“Your maternal uncle’s entire family, except for Third Son Jiang Hua, were all murdered – just this morning.” Li Xiaoran spoke slowly. Then Second Madam and others’ faces showed expressions of extreme astonishment.

Li Weiyang likewise showed a shocked expression: “Father, are you speaking truly? You’re not joking with Weiyang?”

Li Xiaoran’s eyes instantly became sharp as blades, a chill slashing toward her face: “Such a tremendously important matter – how could it be taken as a joke?”

Li Weiyang met his sharpness, her eyes calm to the extreme. She sighed: “It’s not that Weiyang doubts you, just that who could do such a thing? Maternal Uncle’s family are military households with countless guards, each a battle-hardened expert. Weiyang truly doesn’t understand – if assassins could enter the Jiang household as if entering uninhabited territory, wouldn’t they need to be especially familiar with the Jiang family? Moreover, according to Father’s words, since the assassins wanted to kill the entire Jiang family, why single out Third Young Master alone? Wouldn’t this be to take revenge on him?”

Old Lady Li nodded: “I see it the same way. Leaving Jiang Hua alone is indeed a very strange thing.”

Li Weiyang’s expression became very grave as she slowly said: “Indeed, Old Lady. Leaving Third Young Master alone naturally means making him witness the consequences of offending the other party. Since that’s so, the perpetrator must be Third Young Master’s enemy – moreover, they must have a blood feud. We just don’t know what person he offended to suffer the fate of having his entire family massacred.”

Hearing these words, Li Xiaoran’s expression relaxed somewhat.

Second Madam also said: “Third Miss speaks reasonably. To be able to kill someone’s entire family so cleanly – it’s truly too terrifying! This definitely wasn’t for wealth but revenge! Let’s hope this avenger doesn’t come after us because we’re related to the Jiang family!” Speaking, she glanced at Jiang Yuelan with some distaste.

These words were extremely unpleasant. Actually Jiang Yuelan couldn’t be considered Jiang family direct lineage – if the other party wanted revenge, they absolutely wouldn’t seek her out. Yet Second Madam deliberately spoke this way, clearly looking for trouble. However, Jiang Yuelan seemed not to understand, only lowering her head, thinking her own thoughts.

Li Xiaoran’s gaze was grave, lips tightly pressed, as if anger rose again: “Truly family misfortune!” Saying this, he didn’t know whether he meant Jiang Yuelan or Li Weiyang. However, his performance showed his attitude – extremely disapproving of this matter.

“Father,” Li Weiyang’s voice slid over, cutting through his cold gaze. “Your daughter has something to say.”

Li Xiaoran raised his head, directly meeting her eyes – those eyes like an ancient well, calm without ripples. He involuntarily said: “What do you want to say?”

Li Weiyang curved her lips: “Your daughter is ignorant, yet knows the wind direction is probably about to change.”

Li Xiaoran’s expression changed slightly but he didn’t interrupt her, so she continued: “After Dali’s earthquake, both Mobei and the southern border stirred restlessly. His Majesty first had Duke Jiangguo, who was halfway on his journey, return to the southern border. Then he repeatedly summoned Jiang Xu into the palace. All this shows the Jiang family was about to resurge. But just at this juncture, Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu expelled five hundred thousand Mobei troops, making them fall into complete decline, resolving the northern crisis. Now he’s about to return to court triumphantly – what tremendous changes will this cause in court. Yet precisely at this time the Jiang family fell—”

Old Lady Li obviously somewhat disagreed: “After all, there’s still Duke Jiangguo.”

Li Weiyang showed an expression neither quite smiling nor quite serious: “Old Lady, Duke Jiangguo’s age is already advanced. If previously the Jiang family had flourishing branches and leaves with two good sons and five good grandsons who could naturally inherit the Jiang family’s prestige in the future – now then, both Jiang Xu and Jiang Li who rushed home for mourning died without reason. Jiang Hai died in disgrace. Jiang Nan was executed by His Majesty. Jiang Tian’s whereabouts are unknown. Jiang Yang also died in this massacre. The Jiang family only has one Jiang Hua left… All century-old clans need countless outstanding figures for support. The Jiang family’s branches are severed. Now even their last thread of hope is cut off.”

Old Lady thought about it and couldn’t help sighing. Indeed so. In over two hundred years of the previous dynasty, the most famous great family was the Yue clan. Just those recorded in history numbered twelve generations, over a hundred people. In one dynasty alone they produced three prime ministers, four first-rank generals, two ministers, eight vice-ministers. Those receiving noble titles: eight dukes, three marquises. One empress, one crown princess, two princess consorts, four princes consort, etc. Truly generals and ministers succeeding each other, nobles filling one gate. Their family members’ prosperity and meritorious virtue were historically unparalleled. Yet extreme prosperity brings decline. The last emperor of the previous dynasty was extremely suspicious of the Yue clan, using various means to suppress them, causing the Yue clan’s rapid decline. By the end of the previous dynasty, when Yue clan head Yue Min died, this once glorious and wealthy gate helplessly closed its curtain. Even great families like the Yue clan were thus – the Jiang family was merely military merit. So-called deep roots and lush leaves, yet collateral branches lacked outstanding descendants. They relied entirely on the main branch. Once there were no successors, naturally they’d be removed from the capital’s great families from then on.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help feeling a sense of “when the rabbit dies, the fox grieves”: “Yes, the Jiang family has fallen, completely finished.”

Seeing both Li Xiaoran and Old Lady Li’s faces showing dejected expressions, Li Weiyang couldn’t help smiling: “People often say, apart from imperial nobility, there are four great families most prosperous. First is the Jiang family producing generation after generation of generals and marquises. Second is the Li family that produced two successive prime ministers. Third is Duke Luoguo’s household where father and son successively commanded two hundred thousand troops. Fourth is the current Empress’s natal family, the entirely noble Su clan. Though our Li family successively produced Grandfather and Father as two generations of prime ministers with prominent positions in court, and Father painstakingly managed for twenty years, we’ve always been firmly suppressed by the Jiang family. The biggest reason is the Jiang family’s talented people emerging in large numbers, like brilliant stars. But now the Jiang family, after suffering this severe blow, has long declined. Having neither prominent officials nor talented people, by what right are they ranked first? Could it be that our Li clan, being the prime minister’s family, still can’t compare to the Jiang clan?”

As her words fell, the entire room of people looked at each other, actually having no words to respond.

Old Lady was momentarily speechless. She hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to speak like this. Setting aside other matters, the Jiang family was after all Li Xiaoran’s in-laws. Just Li Weiyang’s seemingly triumphant expression was already sufficiently unfilial and bold. Yet looking at Li Xiaoran’s expression, it showed no displeasure – even displaying hidden excitement. So she didn’t know whether to rebuke her or let her continue.

What Li Weiyang said was actually what everyone in the Li family thought in their hearts, yet no one dared say it publicly for fear of being considered one who kicks people when they’re down, harboring sinister intentions. Yet she spoke it without any scruples!

Li Weiyang raised her face with a smile, her voice like an oriole in an empty valley: “With the Jiang gate gone, the Luo clan is on good terms with us, and the Su clan long declined – the court will be our Li clan’s domain. Father should be happy!”

Her attitude seemed amiable, yet her momentum was aggressive, brooking no doubt or rebuttal.

Everyone’s gazes swept uniformly toward Li Xiaoran, waiting silently.

Li Xiaoran couldn’t speak a word for a long time. He looked at Li Weiyang, only seeing those ancient well-like eyes with compelling brilliance, her dark hair radiating a jade-like faint luster – this child, at certain moments, could actually burst forth with such power, so domineering people couldn’t speak a word. The more you doubted her, the more incredible she seemed. Previously he’d thought her too recklessly charging forward regardless of consequences, but thinking carefully, with her exceptional intelligence, how could she be so rash? She was merely feinting east to strike west, making people’s minds chaotic, unable to guess her intentions. Now he was certain – the Jiang family’s death, she must have predicted it early on. Moreover, she was simply joyfully anticipating others’ rivers of blood.

Li Weiyang slightly lowered her lashes, adding: “By rights, the Jiang family is after all Weiyang’s maternal grandparents’ family. Our parents’ marriage was also their doing. It’s not my daughter’s place to say such things. But in all matters one must weigh benefits and harms. Even if Mother originally came from the Jiang family, since marrying into our Li clan, your first-rank noble title also came through my father. In the future after a hundred years, you absolutely cannot be buried in the Jiang family. Therefore, everyone in this room should think of our Li clan’s interests. When the Jiang clan prospers, the Li clan is suppressed. When the Jiang clan perishes, the Li clan prospers! Thinking thus, what does Mother think?”

Jiang Yuelan looked at Li Weiyang, smiled, and said solemnly to Li Xiaoran: “Master, Weiyang is right. The Jiang family’s death is exactly as it should be.” From now on, she no longer needed to be controlled by the Jiang family. She could live the life she wanted!

Li Xiaoran hadn’t expected even Jiang Yuelan to speak thus. He froze, then the expression in his eyes slowly changed. Indeed, relying on Duke Jiangguo’s military authority, the Jiang family had everywhere suppressed him in court. Even the inner quarters had to obey a woman’s hand. Now the Jiang family was completely finished. Duke Luoguo’s household, because of the Seventh Prince’s relationship, desperately tried to win him over. And the Empress’s natal Su family… the Empress was seriously ill. Once she died, the Su clan would be about done. Who else could contend with him in court? All the civil officials were his people – thinking thus, Li Xiaoran’s lips involuntarily showed traces of triumph.

Right, how the Jiang family people died wasn’t important. What mattered was what benefits their deaths would bring the Li family.

Old Lady sighed: “But we must still attend the funeral.”

Attending the funeral was naturally unavoidable. Li Weiyang didn’t refuse, only smiling slightly without saying another word.

Soon Li Weiyang returned to her courtyard to change into plain clothes, personally accompanying Old Lady Li to the Jiang family funeral. This matter caused such an uproar – now the entire capital knew. Though the Jiang family had fallen, the Crown Prince personally brought his consort Jiang Lan to oversee the Jiang household, petitioning the Emperor to issue orders to severely punish the perpetrators. Now all families still prepared funeral gifts according to propriety to go pay condolences.

The entire family exterminated, only one Third Young Master remaining – tsk tsk, this was truly thought-provoking enough.

Arriving at the Jiang household, everywhere was white mourning cloth, making one’s heart turn cold. Those bustling about inside and outside weren’t Jiang family servants but subordinates the Crown Prince temporarily found to handle funeral matters. The gatekeeper, hearing this was the Li household’s carriage, his expression immediately changed. He shouted loudly: “Wait, I’ll inform the master!”

With a “clang,” the gate had already closed.

The Li family steward was greatly shocked – actually refusing Li household people at the gate. This was too discourteous! Where did this put Old Lady Li’s face? Moreover, even if reporting was needed, they should first invite Li family people inside to sit. How could they make the women wait at the entrance like this? What kind of attitude was this?

Steward Li anxiously went forward to report. Old Lady Li’s face darkened. This time, Jiang Yuelan avoided this occasion using ill health as an excuse. Second Madam eagerly came to watch the excitement. She quickly said: “These Jiang family people are truly too ungrateful!”

Old Lady Li’s expression became even more unpleasant. The steward was slightly uneasy, not daring to look at her face.

Li Weiyang’s face was gentle and peaceful, showing no anger, only saying indifferently: “Old Lady, we came to pay condolences according to propriety yet were refused at the Jiang family gate. They’re discourteous first. Even if we left immediately, no one would fault us.”

Steward Li lightly lowered his head without speaking. Third Miss was always mild – today being so forceful was rather shocking.

Old Lady Li sighed: “Now though the Jiang family has fallen, there’s still Consort Jiang who will soon become Crown Princess. Why create enmity with her by not entering? Let’s wait a bit longer.”

This crown princess position probably would never be hers, Li Weiyang thought thus in her heart. But her face remained unperturbed, her eyes calmly sweeping once over the Jiang family gate before saying indifferently: “Old Lady speaks truly.”

The gates did open, but they waited a long time. Currently in full charge of funeral matters was Steward Zhou from the Crown Prince’s household. He specially invited Old Lady Li to sit in the central hall, had people serve tea. Steward Zhou’s tone was very calm: “Old Lady Li, though Consort Jiang returned to oversee funeral matters, affairs are truly busy. She really can’t attend to you and fears she’ll waste your trip.” In his tone was the intention to see guests out.

Guests arriving at the gate should at minimum go to the spirit hall to offer incense – otherwise what difference from not entering at all? What did Jiang Lan mean? Clearly making things difficult for the Li family? Old Lady Li’s expression was simply unbearably ugly. The Jiang family’s extermination was their own business – they themselves offended the Mobei royal family, bringing this calamity of family annihilation. The Li family, considering past marriage ties, specially came to pay condolences. Yet first being refused at the gate before countless guests, then after entering unable to even reach the spirit hall – Jiang Lan was undoubtedly slapping the Li family’s face!

Li Weiyang laughed coldly in her heart but remained expressionless on her face. Originally the Jiang family’s such disaster appeared on the surface to be her Li Weiyang’s instigation, but actually was fundamentally Jiang Hua’s own doing. If not for his prior treasonous dealings, how would it reach this point? Now Jiang Lan shifted blame to the Li family – simply pitiful and laughable. But speaking of it, she’d originally had no intention of definitely coming to pay condolences – merely accompanying Old Lady for the trip. To see the Jiang family’s downfall – she had no such interest!

She said indifferently: “Old Lady, let’s just leave. Why be such unwelcome guests!”

Old Lady Li’s expression eased slightly. She said coldly: “Leave the gifts. Let’s return!” The Li family people had just stood up when they suddenly heard an extremely sarcastic laugh.

“Princess Anping has such boldness!” After a woman’s mocking voice, Jiang Lan in full white mourning stood in the doorway. Behind her came numerous complex footsteps. Steward Zhou’s expression changed – he’d originally feared conflict and wanted to quietly send the Li family away, never expecting Consort Jiang still found out!

Hurried, chaotic – over thirty fully armed Crown Prince household guards surrounded those in the central hall.

Old Lady Li’s expression suddenly changed, thin anger in her eyes: “Consort Jiang, what are you doing!”

Jiang Lan’s hair was combed smoothly, wearing only a white velvet flower. The skin on her face appeared very dull without luster. Yet those eyes were full of fury and hatred, staring straight at the Li family group. After learning the terrible news, she’d recklessly run back to the Jiang family to interrogate Jiang Hua, only then learning of this past year’s enmity with Li Weiyang. She knew the Jiang family’s destruction must have countless connections to this seemingly ordinary boudoir miss before her. How could she easily let the other party go now!

“None of you can leave.” Jiang Lan said slowly.

Li Weiyang looked at her serious appearance, instead feeling a sense of not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Her face was peaceful and calm, her voice showing a trace of coldness: “Not allowing condolences, also not permitting us to leave – what exactly does Consort Jiang want to do? Imprison Li family people, or prepare to kill us?”

Jiang Lan hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to show no fear whatsoever. Her expression couldn’t help changing.

“We merely came to pay condolences – this is also propriety. Yet we don’t know by what reasoning Consort Jiang detains us?” Li Weiyang spoke sentence by sentence with indifference, completely disregarding these guards holding long swords.

Jiang Lan laughed coldly: “Li Weiyang, let’s speak plainly between understanding people. My family members died tragically – shouldn’t you pay some price?”

Li Weiyang smiled gently: “Consort Jiang is truly joking. The Jiang family’s incident – Weiyang also only learned this morning. Moreover, I heard those Mobei people even left their totem on maternal uncle’s body? This sufficiently proves everything was done by the Mobei royal family. What relation does it have to me, a weak boudoir woman? You can’t just wrongly accuse me because I once had some disputes with maternal uncle and his family, some unpleasantness! I’m a woman without the strength to truss a chicken – where would I have such ability to make you suspect me? If Consort Jiang has evidence, by all means inform the Capital Magistrate. Standing here making groundless accusations – aren’t you afraid the wind is too strong and will injure your tongue?”

Jiang Lan hadn’t expected her to speak thus. She couldn’t help saying angrily: “Finding evidence isn’t difficult. As long as you remain in this Jiang residence, within five days you’ll definitely speak the truth!”

This was planning to openly imprison Li Weiyang, extract confession through torture – Li Weiyang hadn’t thought Consort Jiang had already reached the point of anger where she’d disregard everything. Speaking of ordinary times, she absolutely wouldn’t be this foolish. In this matter, no matter who investigated, not half a drop of blood would stick to her Li Weiyang. Clearly Jiang Lan had been forced into a corner.

Li Weiyang’s smile remained light and elegant as always, without the slightest ripple: “Consort Jiang, you dare imprison Li household women – don’t you feel your hand reaches too far? Does the Crown Prince permit you to do this? Best not miscalculate!”

Jiang Lan laughed coldly, slightly turning her head, her voice carrying ruthlessness: “Li Weiyang, you pressure me with the Crown Prince – rather underestimating me! Even giving up this consort position, I must seek justice for my family!” Speaking, she waved her hand. Those thirty guards rushed into the central hall. Old Lady Li was shocked beyond measure. Second Madam had already screamed once and fainted.

Li Weiyang suddenly smiled, her smile carrying a trace of mockery yet no fear.

“What are you laughing at!” Jiang Lan’s face showed unease again.

Li Weiyang sighed: “I’m laughing because you’re pitiful.” She looked at the other party at leisure, as if viewing a beast fallen into a trap struggling in death throes. “You were born in the Jiang family yet happened to be concubine-born. From childhood unloved, Jiang Li merely had one night’s dalliance with a songstress and produced you. He himself was full of disdain toward you, never asking or caring. Second Madam naturally wouldn’t treat you well. You, merely because of your unique concubine-born status, lived in the Jiang family worse than a dog. Finally Duke’s wife cultivated and trained you, had you enter the Crown Prince’s household. Isn’t that so?”

Hearing Li Weiyang mention these past matters, Jiang Lan was nearly unable to contain her fury: “Li Weiyang, what nonsense are you spouting! This has nothing to do with the matter!”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly, her voice turning cold: “Nothing to do? You put on airs of righteousness wanting to avenge your family, but the person who most hates them – isn’t it you?!” Seeing Jiang Lan’s complexion suddenly turn deathly pale, Li Weiyang curved her lips, no emotion in her eyes. “In the Jiang family’s hearts, you as a daughter were completely meaningless. When they needed you, they married you into the Crown Prince’s household, yet didn’t even fight for a proper consort position for you, leaving you to struggle to survive in the Crown Prince’s residence. When you finally gave birth to the Crown Prince’s eldest son, if the Jiang family would help and support you, what beautiful prospects awaited you in the future – but the Jiang family never would be your backing. Encountering matters, they always sacrificed you first. Even disregarding that the Crown Prince colluded with Tuoba Zhen – don’t you know all these things?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze swept across the surrounding Crown Prince household guards. She knew someone here would definitely transmit these words to the Crown Prince. And these words were incomparably important!

Jiang Lan wanted nothing more than to rush over and tear Li Weiyang’s mouth apart. She shouted sternly: “What are you all waiting for! Go seize her!” However, as soon as one guard rushed forward, Zhao Yue’s long sword was already at his throat: “Who dares!” Beside her, Zhao Nan also revealed the long sword in his hand.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, her gaze distant and remote. Suddenly her tone became even gentler: “Cousin, why be angry? Because I spoke your true thoughts? Knowing the Jiang family chose Tuoba Zhen and disregarded you, what feelings could you still have for them? In your heart, do you hold your relatives’ enmity? No, you’re merely annoyed, furious. Watching as you gave birth to the Crown Prince’s son, the Crown Princess died, you were about to sit on the Crown Princess throne – yet precisely at this moment the Jiang family died. The Jiang family can do without you, but you absolutely cannot do without them. So their deaths equal ruining your plans. Your Crown Princess dream is thus gone. That’s why you shift blame to me. Knowing perfectly well I have no connection to this matter, yet still threatening me with swords here – merely venting anger. Such a filial daughter as you truly makes people uncomfortable!”

“No! You’re lying, it’s all lies! I didn’t!” Jiang Lan’s eyes instantly turned blood-red. If not desperately controlling herself, she’d already rushed over to grip Li Weiyang’s throat!

“You clearly know as imperial family daughter-in-law, according to Dali law you cannot wear mourning for your natal family, yet look at that white flower on your head… tsk tsk, clearly cursing the imperial family! Moreover, with your current status you should properly stay in the Crown Prince’s residence, yet insist on forcing yourself to come forward for the Jiang family. Because you’ve always had an inferiority complex… You want to use forcing yourself to conceal your inferiority and fury at being unable to sit on the Crown Princess throne!” Li Weiyang’s voice was calm yet certain, lips curved in a smile. “So I advise you, properly return to the spirit hall to be your filial descendant. Don’t meddle in other affairs! If you make things difficult for me here today, once word spreads, others will only ridicule the Crown Prince for inability to manage his wife. In the future when that great burden comes down, your prospects will be ruined. Forcing yourself is useless – it will only ruin these years of effort!” Li Weiyang spoke while walking outward, her gaze never stopping on the dumbfounded Jiang Lan.

Crown Prince household guards still blocked ahead, hesitating uncertainly, not knowing what to do.

But suddenly a cold voice said: “Let them go to the spirit hall to pay respects!”

Everyone turned back – it was the deathly pale Jiang Hua.

Li Weiyang laughed coldly, fixing her gaze on him. He likewise looked at her. Their sharp, icy eyes collided like cold blades clashing, shooting forth cold light.

Jiang Hua was like a beast in desperate straits – desolate, despairing, hatred towering. Li Weiyang only smiled: “Third Young Master, my thanks.”

Jiang Hua lowered his head, seemingly unwilling to look at her again: “After offering incense, leave. The Jiang family doesn’t welcome you.”

Li Weiyang paid no mind, ordering people to help Second Madam, then walked outward slowly together with Li family members. Walking beside Jiang Hua, she suddenly said softly: “Third Young Master, you’re wrong.”

Jiang Hua raised his head, staring at Li Weiyang, expression inexplicable.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “There is no more Jiang family.”

With one sentence, Jiang Hua suddenly froze. Until Li Weiyang walked far away, he still had no way to recover his senses. Then he suddenly laughed, laughing with exceptional pain. Jiang Lan walked over, couldn’t help asking: “What exactly did she say?”

Jiang Hua’s laughter was uncontainable, his expression growing increasingly tragic: “She said there is no more Jiang family.” Li Weiyang coming today, he finally knew why – to humiliate him, deliver the fatal blow! This woman had not the slightest intention of letting him go! She not only wanted the Jiang family’s destruction but also his Jiang Hua’s life! Such vicious scheming was rarely seen through the ages. Even he, a man with deep machinations who viewed human life as grass, felt ashamed in comparison!

Such a woman, such a woman… why did he provoke her? The Jiang family indeed wanted her life, were certain she had no ability to resist. Who could have imagined that in the blink of an eye, the entire Jiang family was ruined by her hands! Such revenge, such careful planning step by step! How vicious! Truly vicious indeed! And he himself actually personally sent the Jiang family to its doom! The more he thought, the more laughable it was. One hand supporting the wall, his whole body trembling as if suffering malaria. Almost unable to suppress it anymore, amid mad laughter he coughed into a ball, spitting out another mouthful of thick blood with a “pu” sound, falling backward toward the sky.

“Third Brother!” The last thing he saw was Jiang Lan’s shocked face. However, Jiang Hua had already lost consciousness, unable to hear anymore…

Coming out after offering incense at the spirit hall, they encountered Third Prince Tuoba Zhen head-on. Old Lady Li nodded lightly, obviously having no intention of making small talk. However, he blocked their path, slowly saying: “Please allow me to speak with Princess Anping.”

This was requesting to see Li Weiyang alone! Such an occasion, such timing, so inappropriate! The always cautious Third Prince Tuoba Zhen actually making such a move truly shocked Old Lady Li speechless. She glanced at Li Weiyang behind her, only seeing her nod slightly. She then said: “Alright, then we’ll wait for you at the carriage.”

Second Madam, who’d just been revived by having her philtrum pinched, looked suspiciously between Li Weiyang and Tuoba Zhen, wishing she could stay to hear what exactly was happening – how this Li family third miss had even hooked up with Tuoba Zhen. Unfortunately Old Lady Li gave her no such opportunity, almost ordering: “Let’s go!” Second Madam and others helplessly followed Old Lady Li’s departure. In the courtyard, apart from servants hurriedly passing by busily handling funeral matters, only the two of them remained.

Tuoba Zhen’s gaze fell on Li Weiyang’s face – those eyes like deep ravines generated infinite coldness. Her countenance appeared very peaceful, extremely serene, quiet and well-behaved, completely unlike the behind-the-scenes mastermind manipulating everything.

Only then did he walk toward her – steps heavy and slow. When still several paces from her, he stopped. “Li Weiyang.”

Her smile was very ordinary, as if meeting a stranger – distant and cold: “Greetings, Your Highness.”

He looked toward her left foot, saying in a low voice: “I heard you were injured before?”

Li Weiyang thought he’d come to condemn her, never expecting this sentence. She couldn’t help freezing, hesitating: “Thank Your Highness for your concern. Naturally I’m fine…”

He looked at her like this, his brows moving slightly, directly asking: “After destroying the Jiang family, what else do you plan to do?”

Li Weiyang lowered her eyes: “Your Highness truly knows how to amuse me. The Jiang family’s destruction has nothing to do with me. I won’t do anything, nor can I do anything.”

“I’m no fool. That was clearly you using the Crown Prince – no, or rather you were using me. Later you also used Jiang Hua, used Li Yuanheng.” His gaze like flying blades stabbed into her eyes. “These are all facts you cannot deny.”

Li Weiyang heard the meaning in his words but only smiled once: “Your Highness truly overestimates me.”

But Tuoba Zhen suddenly spoke: “In my life I’ve only ever used others. No one has ever been able to control my thoughts because I have no weaknesses. No one can obstruct my path. But you – you used my fondness for you, used my jealousy, secretly manipulated me to do things for you. Li Weiyang, honestly, I must admire you.”

Actually at that time, whether Tuoba Zhen acted or not, Li Weiyang would have had the Seventh Prince rescue Dowager Consort Liu and pursue Li Yuanheng. But Tuoba Zhen instigating the Crown Prince’s behavior conveniently cleared her of suspicion – what was wrong with that? Speaking of fondness and jealousy – these were merely his possessive desires at work. Because he couldn’t have her, he absolutely wouldn’t let her elope with Li Yuanheng. Of course, the elopement matter was entirely his delusion.

Li Weiyang said indifferently: “What use is Your Highness’s admiration to me? You may keep it yourself. If Your Highness has nothing else, Weiyang will take her leave.”

But Tuoba Zhen suddenly blocked her path. Li Weiyang raised her eyes to stare at him. Shock flashed through her eyes but instantly she steadied herself, only smiling lightly: “Does Your Highness have other business?”

Tuoba Zhen actually smiled self-deprecatingly: “Li Weiyang, if I ask you to come to my side, you’re determined to refuse?”

His voice suddenly weakened, yet his eyes fixedly gazed at her, seemingly containing some entreaty.

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. Her mood instantly filled with mockery: “I thought Your Highness already understood my choice.”

Tuoba Zhen slowly said: “Yes, you refuse to come to my side. I’ve asked this question numerous times. You’ve also answered numerous times. Ultimately I was unwilling to give up and wanted to ask you once more.”

Li Weiyang’s expression was icy cold without half a trace of room for compromise: “Your Highness, whether you ask me once, twice, a hundred times, a thousand times – my answer is the same. Why ask again?” She truly didn’t understand. With Tuoba Zhen’s such pride, such coldness, such mercilessness – he treated everyone so ruthlessly. If someone else betrayed him once, how could he give them so many opportunities? What exactly was he doing? Had he truly gone mad? She didn’t understand. For the first time she felt strange toward this person she’d thought she understood.

Perhaps she’d never truly understood the person before her. So she only said: “Then I’ll answer one final time. I won’t go to your side.”

Tuoba Zhen looked at her but suddenly smiled: “Li Weiyang, I won’t give you another chance. Does this not matter?”

Li Weiyang only said: “Yes.”

Tuoba Zhen’s smile deepened. Looking at her as if at a beloved lover, yet Li Weiyang knew how much coldness was contained within – enough to almost freeze one’s heart, never able to breathe again.

“Then farewell, Princess Anping.” Tuoba Zhen smiled, walking past her.

The two passed by each other. Li Weiyang walked in the opposite direction from him, not pausing for a moment. Right – facing Tuoba Zhen directly was a very frightening thing. Until now, Li Weiyang had never seen him fail. Or rather, those who’d seen him fail ultimately all died at his hands.

All along, Li Weiyang had been dealing with the Jiang family. She’d never directly fought with Tuoba Zhen face to face. She didn’t know how much confidence she had in defeating him, but she knew now there was no retreat. Even watching her step by step force the Jiang family to such straits, Tuoba Zhen absolutely wouldn’t let her go anymore. Those who couldn’t be used by him were all enemies without exception. He wouldn’t allow her to help Tuoba Yu – he’d only eliminate her before that.

Originally he’d schemed against her, wanted her life, yet never dealt a fatal blow because he’d always been waiting – waiting for her to discover she had no way out and come seek refuge with him. Now he clearly wouldn’t show mercy anymore because she’d already worn away his last bit of patience.

What a pity! She couldn’t retreat because behind her there was simply no road. Someone like her wouldn’t retreat backward. Even if ahead lay a ten-thousand-zhang abyss, what of it? She would still charge through!