At dawn, Princess Yongning burst into the palace, already crying bitterly before even entering.

After his initial shock, the Emperor immediately said: “What are you doing?”

The chief eunuch followed closely behind, unable to stop the Princess in time. His face showed trepidation, feeling he shouldn’t be present for this scene, yet not daring to leave casually. He could only kneel on the ground without making a sound. The Emperor waved his hand, and he immediately withdrew.

The Emperor frowned, asking: “What exactly happened to you?”

Princess Yongning cried even more breathlessly: “When did your daughter become someone to be bullied at will? Father Emperor, I beg you to seek justice for your daughter!”

The Emperor was stunned: “What happened?”

Princess Yongning took a deep breath, glancing at the memorials on the Emperor’s desk. She keenly noticed the state letter from Yuexi and immediately became furious beyond measure. Completely disregarding her dignity as a national princess, she reached out and pushed—those memorials scattered across the floor. The Emperor’s expression changed dramatically: “Yongning, how can you be so rude!”

Princess Yongning changed from her previous grievance to fury: “Father Emperor, you are the ruler of a nation. Your two daughters have been consecutively humiliated, yet for some worthless alliance you turn a blind eye. Are you still our Father Emperor?”

Though the Emperor didn’t know what had happened, seeing the always aloof and serious Yongning display such behavior, he guessed the matter was extraordinary. He immediately said: “Regarding the Ninth Princess’s matter, I’ve already executed that guard to vent her anger. Even if you were wronged, you were also at fault first. You are the hosts—you should be more magnanimous. Why entangle with a sixteen-year-old girl? Just ignore her!”

Yongning cried: “Father Emperor, no matter how many times we tell you, you won’t believe us. Princess Anguo is not the adorable little girl before you at all. Everything started with her rudeness—she even whipped Ninth Sister. Third Brother clearly saw it but pretended not to. Father Emperor, you’re the same. Have you all been bewitched by this vixen! Or has our Dali actually declined to the point where even a Yuexi princess can easily humiliate us?!”

“Outrageous!” The Emperor flew into a rage. The Ninth Princess’s willfulness was known to all—this matter must be handled quietly, otherwise outsiders would only think two willful princesses had fought. At this critical juncture between the two countries, if any major incident occurred it would be even more embarrassing! Ultimately, the Emperor simply didn’t think in other directions. In his view, it was just a dispute between two young girls. After all, those present were all the Ninth Princess’s and Yongning’s people. The Ninth Princess was always pampered, and Yongning protected her sister. Afterward, Tuoba Zhen repeatedly said it was just a misunderstanding. How could the Emperor believe their few words and condemn a national princess?

But Yongning refused to let it go, her face powder nearly cried off: “Father Emperor, let’s set aside Ninth Sister’s matter. Do you know that last night a strange man suddenly entered your daughter’s room and even slept in your daughter’s bed—”

The Emperor stared at Princess Yongning in shock, almost unable to speak. Each word she spoke made sense separately, but together he couldn’t understand at all. What did this mean? What did she mean by entering her room and sleeping in her bed? Who would dare have such audacity! To dare insult his eldest daughter!

Princess Yongning sat down heavily on the stool behind her, pointing at the state letter on the ground: “Father Emperor, you only care about peace talks, only about the alliance, abandoning your own daughters! Have you forgotten? When Duke Yingguo relied on being a founding minister and holding military power, he gradually became arrogant and domineering, no longer respectful or loyal to you. When you wanted to eliminate Duke Yingguo, you used me as a chess piece and married me off. Because of that marriage, I sacrificed my entire life, but I didn’t resent you, because you said I was an imperial princess—having enjoyed such luxury, I naturally had to pay the price. Later, when the Prince Consort died, though I knew it wasn’t consumption, I still pretended to know nothing, because I always remembered I was a princess, your daughter! But what about you? How have you treated me? You sold me once, and now you want to abandon me like worn shoes again…”

The Emperor’s expression grew increasingly ugly, yet facing this daughter, he truly felt guilty. He could neither stand nor sit. Gradually seeing Yongning so sorrowful, guilt and regret appeared in his eyes: “Yongning, Father Emperor was truly forced by the circumstances then. But rest assured, whoever bullied you this time, Father Emperor will have him cut into a thousand pieces—”

Princess Yongning wiped her tears: “Father Emperor, please stop deceiving your daughter! If not for your previous indulgence of Yuexi’s Princess Anguo, how would Prince Yan dare be so presumptuous, breaking into your daughter’s chamber with improper intentions!” She stood up, saying coldly: “Father Emperor, his humiliating me is humiliating you! If you handle this matter so casually, I’m not worthy of being human! Anyway, the road ahead is dark for me—I might as well go all the way and hang myself at your palace gate! Whatever the officials say then, whatever the world says, I won’t care anymore!”

The Emperor never expected that person was Prince Yan. He opened his mouth to speak, but Princess Yongning was already walking out. He hurriedly followed, but Princess Yongning went straight to her palanquin after leaving, ordering the eunuchs to lift it and leave, even leaving the Emperor behind.

Others said Princess Yongning was just a widow with little influence at court—they truly underestimated her. She first made a scene, then questioned the Emperor. This wasn’t emotional—on the contrary, she understood too well her position in the Emperor’s eyes. She was the palace’s first child, the child the Emperor had held, kissed, loved, and watched grow up. Her influence exceeded the Crown Prince’s, exceeded Tuoba Zhen’s, exceeded the Ninth Princess’s. She was the child most specially regarded by the Emperor in this palace. Of course, another factor was the Emperor’s guilt toward her—regarding her marriage, regarding her sudden widowhood. The Emperor could never forget this. Even though he was lofty and others dared not offend his authority, she dared, because before him she was forever a daughter, not a princess. And he could only be a guilty father, not the lofty emperor.

After Princess Yongning left, the Emperor sighed repeatedly. Only then did Consort Lian dare emerge from behind the screen: “Your Majesty.”

The Emperor raised his eyes to glance at her, continuing to sigh: “What should be done about this?”

Consort Lian shook her head. Princess Yongning came with just one message: Your daughter has been wronged—Father, you handle it! She slowly said: “This Prince Yan is also too presumptuous and bold! I’ve heard since arriving in the capital, he’s constantly provoked trouble, even frivolously teasing beautiful women with abandon. Now he dares bully Princess Yongning—this is truly excessive!”

The Emperor’s face was cold, stiffly saying: “I never expected he would dare do such a thing!” He was even more puzzled—Princess Yongning wasn’t a beauty, and was a widow. How exactly did Yuan Yu take a fancy to her? What kind of taste was this? However, how could he know it was Li Minde who’d beaten Yuan Yu unconscious then thrown him onto Princess Yongning’s bed—

Consort Lian glanced at the Emperor, secretly laughing inside, though her face showed infinite sympathy and righteous indignation: “This concubine knows what Your Majesty worries about, but now the alliance document is complete. This Prince Yan should also be taught a lesson!”

The Emperor shook his head: “If following my method, even killing him would be justified! But once this matter spreads, Yongning’s reputation—what she said just now was spoken in anger, but if everyone truly knows, even if she doesn’t want to die, she’ll have to.”

Consort Lian wore a worried expression: “How should this matter be handled after becoming like this?”

The Emperor didn’t speak for a full half hour. Consort Lian didn’t dare urge him, only daring to pour tea beside him, quietly waiting until the Emperor said thoughtfully: “These years, Yongning has truly suffered much. I should properly compensate her.”

Consort Lian was extremely surprised: “Your Majesty means?”

A smile appeared on the Emperor’s face: “Yuexi’s Prince Yan is indeed a handsome man.”

Consort Lian’s expression was somewhat strange. A beautiful youth like Prince Yan Yuan Yu paired with Princess Yongning seemed inappropriate, and Princess Yongning’s age was… But she didn’t dare say Prince Yan would object—that would be complaining to the Emperor that the Princess was too old, not beautiful enough, and too proud in temperament, truly unsuitable as a marriage alliance candidate.

In the Emperor’s eyes, though this eldest daughter was widowed young, she was ultimately still his precious daughter, more precious than any noble young lady in the world. How could he think her unworthy of Yuan Yu? Consort Lian probed: “This… I wonder if the Princess is willing.”

The Emperor smiled: “Actually, I’ve long thought about finding her a companion in the future—that would be most appropriate. Unfortunately there were never suitable candidates, and those officials always watch the imperial family. She’s ultimately a widow—remarrying would cause much gossip. Plus her stubborn personality—she insisted on not remarrying. But this time is different. Since it’s a marriage alliance, she’s making a sacrifice for Dali. The officials won’t talk nonsense but will praise her instead. Even if she’s unwilling now, she’ll thank me in the future. As a woman, alone, even if supplied with luxury, she’ll ultimately find loneliness unbearable. Now that Yuan Yu has ruined her reputation, even investigating is useless. Better not to always maintain appearances—go down with the flow, follow him far away, go be a Princess Yan with heaven and earth vast. While Dali exists, her position as Princess Yan will be stable and secure. Isn’t that good?”

When Prince Yan proposed marriage, he’d already thought—if not reluctant to have the Ninth Princess marry far away, this was truly an excellent match. Later when the Empress Dowager mentioned Li Weiyang, he still felt the marriage alliance was too good for her. Now looking at it, Princess Yongning was ultimately most suitable.

Consort Lian’s face showed approval, though inside she found it absurd. But this way, Li Weiyang’s crisis would be completely resolved…

Two days later at a palace banquet, after the various ministers performed their courtesies, according to past custom they should appreciate song and dance and drink freely. But today the Emperor didn’t do this—he had something to say.

“Beloved ministers, Yuexi recently sent a state letter requesting to establish a century of goodwill with our Dali. After careful consideration, I will have my third son Tuoba Zhen marry Yuexi’s Princess Anguo.”

Everyone smiled—this was expected all along. The Yuexi Emperor specially sent Princess Anguo, clearly for a marriage alliance. These days in Dali’s capital, this saying had been circulating—the Emperor would have Tuoba Zhen marry Princess Anguo… eternally joining the two nations in matrimonial alliance.

Li Weiyang glanced over. Tuoba Zhen’s expression seemed overjoyed as he first stood to bow thanks for the Emperor’s grace. Princess Anguo, not yet having the status of the Emperor’s daughter-in-law, rarely showed a shy expression, covering her lips and smiling. Their marriage was originally inevitable. Li Weiyang was quite curious—after marrying such a spirited mare back home, what kind of battlefield would Tuoba Zhen’s rear courtyard become?

Consort Lian beside the Emperor wore a half-smiling expression, while the Empress had been unwell for some time and was absent from this banquet. The Emperor’s words weren’t finished: “Not only that—Yuexi’s Prince Yan has already requested to marry Princess Yongning, and I have already consented.”

The Emperor’s words caught everyone off guard. What was happening? Wasn’t it said the true bride-to-be was Princess Anping? How did it change to Princess Yongning? Princess Yongning was the Emperor’s biological daughter—could he bear to send his daughter thousands of miles away for a marriage alliance? Everyone’s faces showed extreme confusion. Yet thinking again, Princess Yongning was a widow. Though the Emperor doted on her, she was ultimately a psychological burden. Sending her to Yuexi was tantamount to an excellent choice. But could Yuexi’s romantic Prince Yan agree?

Everyone’s gazes fell on Yuan Yu. He wore deep purple robes, a jade crown on his head, extraordinarily beautiful features, and transcendent temperament, actually overshadowing all the ladies’ beauty. But his expression now was very strange—not just strange, he almost looked ready to cry. Seeing his expression, everyone knew he was displeased with this marriage. They couldn’t help finding it somewhat comical, yet constrained by occasion and status could only lower their heads, burying uncontrollable laughter in their hearts.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Sun Yanjun beside her wore a shocked expression: “Princess Yongning and Prince Yan—what exactly is happening? Weiyang, I’m completely confused.”

Actually, these past days Li Xiaoran had constantly admonished her, demanding Li Weiyang joyfully accept when the Emperor bestowed marriage. Yet now even Li Xiaoran was stunned. He truly couldn’t imagine how the marriage alliance candidate had suddenly changed, and the Emperor hadn’t revealed the slightest hint to him, his confidant. Wasn’t everything discussed properly? All wedding details had been finalized—they only needed the bride Li Weiyang to give thanks and take her place, everything fully prepared. But how had things become like this now? Princess Yongning—good heavens!

Just then, drums and music sounded together. A female official led an entire ceremonial procession entering from outside the hall. At the front were twenty-six beautiful palace maids holding large red lanterns. Shortly after, a graceful woman entered elegantly, wearing red ceremonial robes with purple and blue patterns showing at the hem, gold, silver and crystal adorning her head, looking dazzling. Yet that was an extremely aged face—what should have been rosy, taut skin showed grayish-white beneath heavy rouge, the skin puffy and slack. Worst were her eyes—dark and heavy, like two holes dug in wood. If not for the occasional roll of her eyeballs, she’d look like a puppet.

Li Weiyang sighed. Princess Yongning was only in her twenties yet already had this aged appearance. Partly because of her deep conjugal love with the late Prince Consort—suddenly losing her husband caused grief. On the other hand, she’d been widowed young after all. Life lost its center and goals—she had no choice but to guard an empty room alone. One could imagine how bitter the days were. So though she held imperial princess status, actually she was worse off than a common woman who could remarry at will. Because men matching a princess’s status had long since married and had children, while those beneath her she looked down upon. Add countless rules and rituals—she was destined to live alone her whole life. But Yuexi’s marriage alliance request was different. Even if Princess Yongning was a widow, with just one phrase from the Emperor about sacrificing for the nation, her reputation would be complete. This was the fundamental reason this marriage could proceed.

Yuan Yu stood there almost stupefied. He’d previously heard from Tuoba Zhen about inexplicably appearing in Princess Yongning’s bed, immediately guessing this matter was related to Li Weiyang and Li Minde. He’d only thought about dealing with Li Weiyang later when opportunities arose—at most just changing marriage alliance candidates. They were all princesses anyway—how ugly could they be? But he’d never imagined Princess Yongning, though only in her twenties, looked so aged she could be his mother. Only now did he realize how vicious Li Minde’s scheming truly was! Absolutely poisonous to the blood!

This kind of old woman, this kind of old woman! He wouldn’t want her, couldn’t want her, absolutely refused! He immediately turned around, loudly saying: “Please Your Majesty select another princess!”

The Emperor’s expression darkened. Princess Anguo’s face froze—what was wrong with Fourth Brother? She’d clearly told him to find another opportunity to deal with Li Weiyang. First marry Princess Yongning to settle the dispute, then handle other matters. How had he changed his mind so quickly! After all, she wasn’t a man—how could she understand men’s thoughts? A wife needn’t be beautiful, but must be presentable—at least not someone who’d be mocked!

Yuan Yu’s words made the Emperor’s expression darken. He gazed coolly at Yuexi’s Prince Yan without speaking. Princess Anguo sensed something wrong. When they’d come to pay respects days ago, the Emperor still wore a smiling, pleasant expression. Even when the Ninth Princess came to complain, he could laugh it off as a misunderstanding. But now the Emperor’s expression was terrifyingly abnormal, as if one more word of refusal from Yuan Yu would have them dragged out and beheaded. She instinctively glanced at Tuoba Zhen, who shook his head at her.

Anguo frowned. The Emperor’s attitude had changed too quickly. Emperors were like this—changing faces like flipping books. She instinctively walked forward, smiling, whispering to Yuan Yu: “Third Prince says this marriage cannot be refused, otherwise we cannot safely leave Dali.”

Yuan Yu was startled. Raising his eyes to glance at the Emperor, he saw him looking at him with an icy expression. Only then did he realize his previous presumptuous behavior with his sister had been temporarily permitted because of the alliance. But now, having humiliated Princess Yongning yet refusing to accept Dali’s compromise conditions, this alliance would be completely finished. Not only that—Dali’s Emperor wouldn’t let them safely leave here. Even someone as willful and pampered as Princess Anguo discovered the Emperor’s obvious attitude change.

Li Weiyang lowered her head, her lips curling up slightly. The Emperor was the Emperor—his authority brooked no challenge. When he liked you, tolerated you, if you didn’t know restraint, you’d find no place to cry regrets. Anguo could be willful, could clash with the Ninth Princess—in men’s eyes this was just pretty ladies competing. But if Yuan Yu the prince did the same, where would he place the dignity of Dali’s imperial family? The Emperor wouldn’t tolerate him. Now it wasn’t begging him to agree—he must agree.

Yuan Yu wasn’t stupid after all. He immediately understood the situation’s change, hiding all his inner resentment and anger, his smile returning to his face as he immediately said: “No, I meant—Princess Yongning is so beautiful, I fear I cannot match her. Since Your Majesty says I’m worthy, then I will marry her as my princess consort.”

Princess Yongning was also slightly shocked. She glanced at Yuan Yu, never expecting that in the middle of the night the scoundrel who’d climbed into her bed and molested her would turn out so handsome and upstanding. For a moment her heart held mixed feelings—she didn’t know what to think. Previously when her husband died prematurely, leaving her alone, lonely and desolate with little joy. Counting on her fingers, she’d been widowed for many years. Her princess status destined her days to be harder to endure than ordinary widows. Precisely because of this, her beauty rapidly faded… She too had gazed in mirrors, reminiscing about when the Prince Consort was alive—painting eyebrows, dressing hair, raising the tray with mutual respect. Now at her brow corners and eye edges, wrinkles had appeared early, yet she had no heart to dress up. Even dressed, no one came to see.

She missed the Prince Consort, deeply loved him, yet at the same time needed someone to appreciate her, praise her, accompany her. Each night she likewise anticipated tender kisses, anticipated gentle embraces. But by day she must be serious and proper, self-restrained. So when she saw the young, beautiful Ninth Princess being betrothed, she felt such jealousy. That night when a strange man suddenly slept beside her, hatred and anger predominated. But now with young and handsome Yuan Yu appearing timely before her, her heart couldn’t help but stir, unable to restrain herself further.

Li Weiyang raised her head, unintentionally catching sight of Princess Yongning’s flushed cheeks and couldn’t help but pause. This performance—Li Minde probably hadn’t anticipated. No, rather, they’d wrongly estimated Yuan Yu’s shamelessness and opportunism, and also misjudged Princess Yongning’s attitude. Originally it should have been a scene of brave refusal in the great hall, Yuan Yu heavily punished by the Emperor, even negotiations breaking down. How had it instead become mutual affection? Wouldn’t this become a farce? Li Weiyang observed Yuan Yu’s expression, discovering though his face smiled, the corners of his mouth twitched, faintly forming savage lines, as if forcefully suppressing himself. She couldn’t help but laugh.

Yes, this was even better than the original effect. Princess Yongning was born to the imperial family after all. When she married, countless female officials and palace maids would accompany her. Yuan Yu couldn’t do anything to her. On the contrary, for the sake of relations between the two countries, he’d have to worship her like a deity. Marital affection would become secondary. Moreover, though Princess Yongning was a pitiful widow, all these years she’d been highly elevated, accustomed to commanding others. Even marrying Yuan Yu as Princess Yan wouldn’t change her nature. Yuan Yu would definitely have no good days ahead in this life.

The banquet began. Various delicacies flowed up like water. Beside each table, nimble palace maids warmed wine and served food for the consorts, ministers, and noble ladies.

Sun Yanjun whispered with a laugh: “Weiyang, did you see Prince Yan’s expression? Truly deserved—being so arrogant in Dali, he deserves to marry a tigress home to discipline him. However, isn’t Princess Yongning a bit too old? Prince Yan must be a full seven or eight years younger than her—”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Everyone knows this matter in their hearts, but have you seen anyone mention it? Never mind seven or eight years—even ten years, twenty years, what’s wrong with that? Haven’t you heard? In the previous dynasty, Empress Fang’s wet nurse was already over seventy. Empress Fang worried she’d be lonely in old age and actually married her to a merely forty-year-old, middle-aged widowed Minister. Laughably, that man gave profuse thanks and returned to enshrine that old woman. This is the imperial family—you cannot refuse. Previously His Majesty’s tolerance toward Yuexi was all for the alliance, but once they touched his bottom line, Yuexi gains nothing good either.”

“But this marriage is too mismatched.”

“That’s why I say now Prince Yan truly has forbearance, worthy of admiration!” Li Weiyang’s smile seemed to carry infinite tenderness, making Sun Yanjun stare blankly. She’d always felt Li Weiyang’s appearance was too cold—though beautiful, it lacked beauty to move hearts and minds. Now seeing this smile, it was completely different from usual.

Across from them, Tuoba Yu also watched Li Weiyang from afar. His eyes refused to leave her face for even a moment. Her brows were like paintings, her appearance like jade. In outsiders’ eyes, that beautiful countenance wasn’t particularly stunning. But to Tuoba Yu, those eyes like ancient wells, pupils like bright moons, were enough to compensate for everything. Perhaps she didn’t match Li Changle’s absolute beauty, perhaps not Consort Lian’s charm, perhaps not Princess Anguo’s radiance… Perhaps she couldn’t be considered very beautiful, but she was different from everyone else. At least in his eyes, especially different.

If not for the Empress Dowager’s obstruction, by now she’d already have become his Seventh Prince Consort. Why would he have to gaze at her so obsessively from here? But what about Aunt? Once he obtained everything, naturally she couldn’t escape either. Tuoba Yu didn’t notice his own gaze had become predatory, even making Li Weiyang aware. She glanced at him coolly. Tuoba Yu merely smiled slightly, as if nothing had happened.

Just that one glance made Li Weiyang slightly shocked. In her impression, Tuoba Yu was forever aloof and proud. Perhaps he admired her, but disdained using base means to seize her. But just now—what kind of gaze had she seen? So terrifying—her smile slowly froze at her lips.

Princess Anguo sat with a face full of smiles, accepting everyone’s congratulations. Tuoba Zhen returned to his seat, immediately drawing envious gazes.

Princess Anguo was Yuexi Empress Pei’s beloved daughter—everyone knew this. Though she was arrogant, rude, pampered and willful, in men’s eyes even the wildest horse must ultimately be tamed. This Princess Anguo looked noble and cool, refusing Yuexi nobility. The more she acted this way, the more charming she became. Coming to Dali, hearing she would take a prince consort, anyone in Dali with any status eagerly tried, yet ultimately no one could enter her eyes. Who knew in the blink of an eye she’d become the Third Prince’s principal wife.

“Noble ladies with any insight would never choose a ruthless man like the Third Prince. In his eyes there’s only profit, no emotion. What good is Princess Anguo, what good is Empress Pei? Yuexi is thousands of miles away. Yuexi can guarantee her position as Princess Consort, but how can it guarantee her favor?” Sun Yanjun shook her head, her gaze clever and cunning, sweeping a circle around the great hall. Her clear, sparkling eyes shining, she used her fan to cover her lips, quietly speaking.

Li Weiyang smiled. Princess Yongning and Princess Anguo—their fates were thus. Their positions as principal wives wouldn’t change, but whether they gained favor depended on themselves. After all, even the imperial family couldn’t control what happened in someone’s rear courtyard. She slowly looked at Sun Yanjun. After marriage, this young lady’s heroic spirit gained a touch of tender affection. Clearly she lived very happily. She said: “Second Sister-in-law, not everyone has your discernment.”

Sun Yanjun’s marriage was chosen by herself—a marriage wanting substance over face. Just watching how the Li family’s Second Young Master constantly gazed at his new wife showed these two lived in honeyed sweetness. But for others, whether imperial princesses or noble young ladies, everyone sought only suitable matches and mutual respect. Who dared seek a husband’s lifelong devoted love? As long as a lifetime passed peacefully, that would be lifelong happiness.

Li Weiyang raised her cool eyes, her face revealing an enigmatic smile. At this moment, the Emperor gave an order. Song and dance rose again in the hall—a scene of prosperous times. Yet she didn’t watch the performances, only looking at her wine cup. Her fingertips were slender and snow-white. She lifted the cup and lightly sipped half a mouthful, dyeing her lip color even deeper.

The appetizer soup had just arrived when the Ninth Princess sitting not far away set down her filigree silver spoon, frowning: “Truly unpalatable… I want to take a walk!” Saying this, she directly stood up, walked to Li Weiyang’s side: “Aunt, you accompany me.”

This move was quite abrupt. Many people in the hall noticed, yet these two—one the Emperor’s princess, one the Empress Dowager’s adopted daughter—who dared obstruct them? Even the Emperor merely sighed. He knew the Ninth Princess was very dissatisfied with his decree. She disliked her own sister marrying into Yuexi, even more disliked that Prince Yan. But everything had become settled fact—no one could change it.

Hearing the Ninth Princess call her aunt, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile ruefully. The other party never called her this—only on such occasions would she use this address. Before she could speak, the Ninth Princess had already embraced her arm, acting spoiled and willful: “Let’s go out for a walk, all right…”

Li Weiyang felt quite awkward. She could only glance at Li Xiaoran not far away. Seeing him nod, she sighed and stood: “Fine.”

The Ninth Princess smiled brilliantly: “Thank you, Aunt!” This call was crisp. Many people heard, their faces showing various expressions, especially Tuoba Yu—his eyes looked like he wanted to plug the Ninth Princess’s mouth.

Li Weiyang and the Ninth Princess walked out together. Only then did the Ninth Princess’s constantly pouting lips droop: “I’m truly furious with Father Emperor—marrying that arrogant princess to Third Brother, I won’t fuss about that. But he even married Imperial Sister to Yuan Yu—too excessive!”

“His Majesty naturally has his intentions.” Li Weiyang narrowed her beautiful long eyes. “Princess should think carefully—don’t sulk with His Majesty and miss important matters.”

“I’m not a child!” The Ninth Princess’s round eyes glared, quite displeased. “I know propriety. Don’t worry—just, ultimately I’m unhappy inside.”

Unhappy inside—not just you. That Prince Yan has probably long since gone mad with rage. Li Weiyang smiled slightly but didn’t explain.

“Why did you two run here?” Before long, a voice suddenly rang out. The Ninth Princess and Li Weiyang simultaneously turned around to see Princess Anguo’s graceful figure walking over elegantly, eclipsing the Imperial Garden’s abundant flowers—only she shone brilliantly. Following beside her, a man in splendid robes, tall and handsome. Yet his smile was quite cold, his gaze equally icy.

Seeing Li Weiyang, Tuoba Zhen frowned slightly.

Princess Anguo noticed his expression change, her bright eyes showing concern: “Third Prince, are you uncomfortable?”

Tuoba Zhen forced a smile, saying lightly: “Somewhat. Some days ago while hunting, I was bitten by a fierce venomous snake. I still haven’t fully recovered… Just now drinking wine, this wound aches faintly. It’s nothing.”

“Then, shall we return to rest?” Princess Anguo’s smile didn’t change, yet her mouth spoke considerately.

The Ninth Princess looked on coldly, feeling Princess Anguo before Tuoba Zhen was as docile as a kitten, completely unlike that day’s arrogance and domineering. She couldn’t help marveling, secretly wondering—could it truly be that one thing restrains another? This speculation made the Ninth Princess very unhappy. She’d hoped her always capable Third Brother would severely discipline this princess. Now seeing her so obedient, almost as if following orders, she felt incomparably disappointed for a time. She couldn’t help provoking: “After all, you’re from Yuexi—so ignorant of propriety. You haven’t even married yet, being so intimate in public—truly too impatient!”

Princess Anguo glared at her sideways, her powdered cheeks holding anger: “How can you not know light from heavy, good from bad? I’m only tolerating you for your Third Brother’s sake. Don’t push your luck…”

These two people needle against wheat awns. Yet Tuoba Zhen looked toward Li Weiyang, that gaze seeming to hold infinite coldness.

“Third Brother! You truly want to marry this woman? Mo Niang and the others were all killed by her. This kind of snake-hearted girl—marrying her home will definitely bring you terrible luck!” The Ninth Princess said repeatedly.

A flash of viciousness passed through Princess Anguo’s eyes—she almost wanted to order action again. But the shadow guards behind her weren’t brought into the palace and she couldn’t act, becoming even more resentful. She looked toward Tuoba Zhen, almost coquettish, almost aggrieved: “Third Prince—”

“Third Brother!” Seeing Princess Anguo actually display such shameless behavior, the Ninth Princess stamped her foot angrily.

“Enough, enough…” Tuoba Zhen hurriedly interrupted, comforting both sides. “Just now I said the hall was stuffy—the Princess only accompanied me out for a walk. Ninth Sister, don’t be so unforgiving, or Father Emperor will punish you.” In his words, not half a point of speaking for the Ninth Princess.

Li Weiyang saw very clearly. Now Tuoba Zhen had no need to deal with the Ninth Princess, because she would soon marry into Duke Luoguo’s household, their positions destined to be opposed. He needn’t help her—not only that, he had to find ways to eliminate his enemies.

These words made Princess Anguo overjoyed. She never expected he would actually protect her so much. She couldn’t help turning her eyes sideways, her autumn-water bright gaze bewitching: “Right, Ninth Princess, you should be more sensible. Don’t argue over small matters. Of course, I won’t take it to heart.” As if very magnanimous.

The Ninth Princess was enraged speechless. Just about to speak, Li Weiyang pulled her back, shaking her head.

Tuoba Zhen raised his head at this moment to look at her, seeing Li Weiyang in splendid robes, snowy skin contrasting with cloud-like hair, distinctively moving. Add her delicate bones and soft, moist red lips—when shaking her head, her lips slightly pursed, inviting imagination. Her features were refined. Previously he’d only noticed her intelligence and talent. Now carefully examining her, she actually had such allure.

Tuoba Zhen’s eyes darkened, subconsciously staring at her. Whether intentional or not, he almost forgot Princess Anguo beside him. Princess Anguo was what kind of person—she quickly noticed his gaze’s direction, looking along to notice Li Weiyang.

Yes, the Empress Dowager’s adopted daughter, the Li Weiyang who was originally supposed to marry Prince Yan. Anguo’s gaze became severe in that instant. However, very quickly, Tuoba Zhen came to his senses and said to her: “Princess, I feel much better now. Over there in the Imperial Garden there’s an emerald crabapple—would you like to see it?”

Princess Anguo smiled, withdrawing her gaze from Li Weiyang’s face: “Naturally.”

They passed by Li Weiyang’s side. Tuoba Zhen didn’t look at her again. But after walking far away, Princess Anguo still turned back to glance at her.

Li Weiyang met her gaze directly, for the first time not avoiding it.

Princess Anguo was startled. Li Weiyang’s completely unrippled eyes looked straight at her—like an ancient well, reflecting faint water light, yet without feminine softness. Instead they revealed several points of cold, forest chill.

“Sister, Li Weiyang harmed me.” That night, Yuan Yu’s words still echoed in her ears. Princess Anguo originally didn’t believe. She felt no matter what, Li Weiyang was just a timid girl afraid of trouble, completely nothing to fear. Like last time at the villa when she deliberately provoked thus, Li Weiyang didn’t dare speak up—wasn’t that timid as a mouse? But now she didn’t think so.

Yuan Yu would soon leave, while she herself had to stay here a lifetime. Perhaps this was a difficult opponent. Princess Anguo thought this in her heart, yet couldn’t help laughing. She was the dignified Princess Anguo—who could surpass her? She glanced at Tuoba Zhen beside her, quite satisfied. Yet thinking of the imminent wedding, she inevitably gained some hidden worry. That matter—ultimately he’d know one day. According to Mother Empress’s intention, selecting a husband for her in Yuexi would ensure the other party didn’t dare publicize that secret. But she was unwilling! She was Princess Anguo, a phoenix in the sky. How could common mortals match her? Her Father Emperor and brothers were all so handsome and excellent. How could she marry beneath herself! So disregarding Empress Pei’s obstruction, she’d come by every means, then finally met the man she wanted…

No matter what, she was getting married, and to a handsome, intelligent, refined prince. Even relying solely on her Princess Anguo status, even if he understood everything on their wedding night, ultimately he could only dutifully be her perfect husband. As for Li Weiyang—dealing with her after the wedding wouldn’t be late.

She thus calmly accompanied Tuoba Zhen, gently turning with small steps to walk away.

The Ninth Princess said resentfully: “Weiyang, you should have let me properly discipline her!”

Li Weiyang sneered: “Verbal disputes are futile. If the Ninth Princess truly wants to discipline her, why worry about lacking methods?”

At this moment, faintly, casual words drifted over with the wind from over there: “Third Prince, this Princess Anping is truly a fascinating person—”