After completing the six rites of betrothal—request for betrothal, inquiry of names, sending betrothal gifts, formal betrothal, selection of wedding date, and welcoming the bride—Princess Anguo and Tuoba Zhen finally held their grand wedding.

Princess Yongning smiled as she watched the ceremony’s completion, seeing off the newlywed couple into the bridal chamber. No one knew how turbulent her emotions were at this moment… What she’d done was indeed selfish and wrong to Li Weiyang, but everyone in the world thought of themselves first. Li Weiyang suffering was much better than her suffering.

People constantly bowed respectfully to her. Yongning merely maintained a noble, proper smile, nodding reservedly.

Just then, she saw many guests actively standing up to greet distinguished guests entering from outside. Her gaze casually fell upon them, then—as if the air itself froze—her breathing stopped with it.

The young lady walking in from outside wore splendid robes, truly elegant and refined, beautiful and transcendent. Compared to her usual plain dress, this time Li Weiyang was actually dressed magnificently. Only then did everyone realize with surprise that Princess Anping was also a beauty. Ordinarily she dressed plainly without cosmetics, so everyone merely thought her refined. Now dressed up like this, her original five parts beauty became ten parts. Add those eyes with clear black and white, brilliant as the brightest stars in the night sky—for a time she overshadowed many young, beautiful noble ladies. Immediately countless people gazed at her with attention.

Princess Yongning’s hands began trembling, almost unable to control them. How could Li Weiyang be here? She should have been… should have…

The Third Prince’s residence happened to adjoin the Crown Prince’s residence built several years ago. Compared to the grand, magnificent Crown Prince’s residence, this mansion appeared much simpler. Li Weiyang remembered that year Tuoba Zhen had said—the more ordinary a residence appeared in others’ eyes, the more they’d consider him simple and virtuous. The Crown Prince’s mansion being so luxurious would only make others unconsciously look down on the nation’s heir. But since Princess Anguo was marrying over, the Emperor naturally ordered this residence newly renovated. Decorated with lanterns and streamers, it was much more imposing than usual.

Because this was a wedding banquet, Tuoba Zhen specially set up the feast in the garden. Li Weiyang originally felt such a small garden couldn’t accommodate several hundred guests. However, Tuoba Zhen ingeniously cleared the garden originally planted with flowers and trees, using pine branches to construct several pavilions. Thin pearl curtains were installed on the pavilions—female guests sat behind the pearl curtains while male guests’ pavilions had no hanging curtains. Inside the pavilions burned dazzling candles, still making people feel warmly comfortable.

Tuoba Yu accompanied Li Weiyang at her side, wearing silk robes, his features cold and handsome. The two looked exceptionally well-matched. Just then, Tuoba Yu discovered Yongning and said something in Li Weiyang’s ear. Li Weiyang followed Tuoba Yu’s gaze toward Yongning, smiling slightly. That smile was like spring flowers blooming, making Princess Yongning’s heart tremble involuntarily. She quickly lowered her head. Somehow, fear surged endlessly in her heart. Why was Li Weiyang here? Why was Seventh Imperial Brother beside her? Could Tuoba Yu have rescued her? Thinking this, Princess Yongning unconsciously clutched the handkerchief in her hands.

Li Weiyang saw Princess Yongning’s pavilion held over a dozen noble young ladies in various brocade robes, drinking wine while chatting—a scene of wealthy prosperity. Yet Princess Yongning lowered her head slightly, not daring to look at her. She sneered coldly inside. Originally she also felt disgust toward Yongning—first helping the Empress Dowager persuade her for the imperial family’s benefit, condescendingly saying what a good match it was, later even helping Yuan Yu trap her. But it was merely different positions—nothing to blame. This lonely woman would henceforth spend her whole life in a foreign land, unable to see parents and family again. That was viewing the good prospect. If Yuexi was only pretending friendship, or if Yuan Yu and Empress Pei shifted blame to others, what cruel outcome would she face?

But everything was her own choice. From when she stood with Yuan Yu to trap her, whatever guilt Li Weiyang originally felt toward her vanished like smoke.

Tuoba Yu laughed softly: “Imperial Sister has no face to see you now.” His voice held not the slightest pity, just flat statement.

Li Weiyang glanced at him sideways, saying coolly: “I thought Seventh Prince always greatly respected the Grand Princess.”

Tuoba Yu’s voice contained a trace of coldness: “Yes, I’ve always respected Imperial Sister, but that’s because I thought she was self-respecting. I never expected she’d actually do such things—simply disgracing the entire imperial family!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “If we hadn’t schemed against her first, she wouldn’t have to marry Yuan Yu. So who’s more noble than whom?”

Tuoba Yu sneered: “You’re not Dali imperial family, so you can do this. But she’s a Dali princess, truly golden branch and jade leaves, raised from childhood with princess education, always mature and steady. Father Emperor always said among princesses, she was most dignified and understood propriety. She should know—even marrying Yuan Yu, she remains a Dali princess. If one day Yuexi and Dali go to war, she must commit suicide to avoid becoming a hostage. But her current choice tells us—if the two nations conflict, she’ll definitely stand on Yuan Yu’s side. She’ll sacrifice national interests for personal happiness. Such a person doesn’t deserve me calling her Imperial Sister!”

Li Weiyang was stunned, not expecting Tuoba Yu would be so cold. She glanced at his profile, secretly alarmed. From some unknown time, Tuoba Yu had become strange, cold, viewing human life as grass.

But wasn’t this what she expected? Those accomplishing great deeds shouldn’t be constrained by trifles. Tuoba Yu’s changes precisely showed he was gradually becoming stronger. Yet Li Weiyang’s heart somehow now bore a layer of shadow. Were Tuoba Yu’s changes truly good?

Tuoba Yu’s gentle voice sounded in her ear: “Rest assured, Lady Hong and those nuns are all in my hands. I have methods to make them tell the truth. That list—I’ll definitely obtain it too.”

Li Weiyang nodded. That list was extremely important—many people’s lifeline, one could say. If in Tuoba Yu’s hands, this group of people would be like grasshoppers on the same string, unable to escape anymore. She smiled faintly: “I wonder how Seventh Prince will handle that person?”

The voice was very light and low, yet Tuoba Yu smiled: “Naturally according to your instructions.”

Li Weiyang nodded: “Many thanks.”

Tuoba Yu gazed at her intently, half-smiling: “The one who should say thanks is me.” Thank you for delivering such important information into my hands.

Li Weiyang’s smile was very faint, almost invisible: “Just mutual help.” Having Tuoba Yu handle this matter wouldn’t dirty her hands yet would gain considerable benefits. Why not?

Just then, twenty beautiful, tall palace-dressed beauties emerged in the garden. The air faintly carried heart-refreshing fragrance. One woman bowed to everyone in salute, then turned around saying in a clear voice: “Princess has ordered us to present a dance here.” Subsequently, someone brought huge curtains and ink together, then enclosed those twenty beautiful women within.

Li Weiyang stopped her steps toward the pavilion, standing outside and glancing once before sneering coldly. Tuoba Yu sighed: “Looks like Princess Anguo has her eye on you.”

That group of women were clearly performing an ink wash dance. At this moment, the music wound and spiraled, emerging sinuously like butterflies through flowers. The zither sound repeated over and over, the melody continuous and unbroken, seemingly like mountain springs—fresh and flowing, making people immediately feel stirring emotions. Subsequently the piece’s tempo constantly accelerated, rhythm constantly changing. Those twenty beauties wore colorful robes, casting beautiful yet imagination-stirring shadows on the curtain. When spinning, their sleeves raised, light as drifting snowflakes, also like tumbleweed dancing in wind. Spinning sometimes left, sometimes right, as if never knowing fatigue. Among ten thousand spinning movements, the women cooperated tacitly, dancing appropriately—only seeing beautiful shadows spinning and leaping on the curtain, yet difficult to distinguish faces and bodies.

Soon the music grew faster and faster. The urgent tones were like thousands of troops and horses galloping across the battlefield. After the zither sound’s explosion, it became rich and steady. The beauties’ dance fell into countless projections. Their spinning speed seemed to exceed speeding carriage wheels and swift whirlwinds. The brushes in everyone’s hands continuously fell—only seeing mountains, rivers, trees, houses, flowing water, stones, beauties gradually taking form on the screen. Then the zither sound gradually restored calm, like singing and dancing after great war, making people intoxicated in open-hearted delight.

The instant the music abruptly stopped, everyone applauded thunderously. By now Li Weiyang had already seen that curtain showed a Dali rivers and mountains map. Such magnificence, such wonder—far surpassing the blooming flowers she’d left when painting years ago. She smiled slightly, understanding Princess Anguo’s intentions.

“Merely following others’ footsteps.” A trace of complexity flashed through Tuoba Yu’s eyes, though his expression was incomparably indifferent. Watching to the end, he merely sneered coldly.

Li Weiyang said coolly: “At least such dance music and beauties make people completely forget who created ink wash dance. This is already great success.”

Her voice was ordinary, without anger at being surpassed. Tuoba Yu knew her thoughts weren’t what ordinary people could fathom, so smiled: “Actually I’m very curious—previously Tuoba Zhen still forcefully prevented you going to Mobei. Now why does he suddenly want to match you with Yuan Yu?”

Li Weiyang shook her head: “Finding an excuse to have me die on the marriage alliance road—isn’t that good? Only he could make such wishful calculations resound so loudly.”

Tuoba Yu watched her, his gaze profound: “If I were him, I’d definitely switch you on the road, imprisoning you for life. Whether to kill or keep would be my decision.” Actually, his guess wasn’t far off. The reason Tuoba Yu didn’t have such designs on Mobei was because he was very wary of Mobei, especially that willful Li Yuanheng who eyed Li Weiyang covetously—he didn’t have complete confidence. But regarding Yuan Yu, he was confident he could control him… Only now everything had fallen through.

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s heart trembled slightly. But when she carefully looked at Tuoba Yu’s expression, she couldn’t detect the slightest clue—as if Tuoba Yu were truly just guessing Tuoba Zhen’s thoughts without other meaning. Just that his gaze now stared at her intently, making her heart inexplicably irritated. She couldn’t help saying: “I should go in now. Farewell.”

Finishing, without waiting for Tuoba Yu to speak, she entered the pavilion.

Tuoba Yu watched her back, his mind involuntarily conjuring that scene before Consort De’s death.

Then, Consort De told him: “I thought His Majesty’s favor would always be there. Though he doted on Consort Lian, he’d still leave me a place in his heart—but I was wrong. Men are always more heartless than women.”

He wept like rain, yet Consort De looked at him with complete calm: “I’ve fallen to today’s state all because of Li Weiyang. This person remaining will sooner or later be your disaster!” If not for Li Weiyang, Consort Lian would have long died. If not for Li Weiyang, she and her son wouldn’t have quarreled so bitterly. If not for Li Weiyang, his son would have long obediently married the principal wife she selected! Nothing would have become so terrible!

Li Weiyang was too stubborn, too cold, too strong—so strong Consort De wanted to completely destroy her!

“Mother Consort!” He said with trembling voice: “Even if she did something, it was you who forced it out!”

At that time, he truly believed Mother Consort would reform, would understand his feelings. But Consort De’s body was like hard ice. The crimson lips on her blue-white face had long lost blood color. Only a bleak smile remained on her face. Her trembling fingers clutched his clothes, forcefully twisting, seemingly unwilling yet more like warning: “Tuoba Yu, I’m your mother consort. Even if I have a thousand wrongs, you cannot reproach me! Now I die, yet it’s Li Weiyang who harmed me!”

It’s not like this at all! The one who truly killed you is yourself! Why must you always implicate Li Weiyang in everything! Tuoba Yu’s eyes blazed red—Li Weiyang had never wronged him. It was he and his mother consort who were at fault first! Consort De sneered: “Yu’er, you’re my only son, my only hope… You, you must remember one thing—if you’re together with her, even in death, I absolutely won’t forgive you!”

He wanted to speak more, but Consort De’s eyes opened wide, the hand clutching him showing blue veins and suddenly stiffening! Ultimately she died in his embrace. Yet those eyes could not be closed no matter what.

He didn’t understand why Consort De implicated everything with Li Weiyang. Because he was a son, he didn’t understand a mother’s heart. In Consort De’s heart, Li Weiyang obstructed Tuoba Yu’s happiness, obstructed his life, obstructed their mother-son affection—so she was more hateful than everyone! Even the true mastermind behind Consort De’s death, in Consort De’s heart, didn’t receive such hatred as Li Weiyang!

This maternal love seemed utterly absurd, yet truly existed, impossible to explain or understand. Like those mothers who beat mandarin ducks apart, preferring their sons suffer lifelong loneliness rather than accept his beloved woman—who could understand such feelings? Merely a heart twisted from love for her child.

Tuoba Yu clenched his fists. Mother Consort, I’ve struggled, I’ve tried, but Li Weiyang has long been the obsession I cannot set down in this life—I cannot wait. To obtain her, only by truly ascending to the throne, possessing the realm!

Li Weiyang entered the pavilion. Princess Yongning abruptly raised her head. Their eyes met—the atmosphere subtle.

Over a dozen beauties already sat in this pavilion—spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, plump and slender, all commonly seen high-born daughters at the Princess’s residence. At a glance, the whole room shone brilliantly. Others seeing Li Weiyang actively stepped forward two paces, bowing: “Greetings to the Princess.”

Here, though Yongning was a princess and Li Weiyang merely Princess Anping, Li Weiyang was the Empress Dowager’s adopted daughter—her generation higher than Yongning by a level.

The Ninth Princess sat in the second seat on the east side. Immediately standing, she smiled and waved: “Here.” Li Weiyang smiled, walking to sit beside her.

The Duke Dongping’s daughter smiled: “I’ve long heard Princess Anping is exceptionally beautiful with both virtue and talent. I’ve always been recuperating in Liaocheng, never having opportunity to meet you. Seeing you today, truly your reputation is well-deserved. Such fine appearance truly makes us feel ashamed.” Duke Dongping’s daughter had always been frail. Recently catching a cold, she’d been recuperating at Liaocheng villa. Today was the first time seeing Li Weiyang—she sincerely praised. Actually she herself had apricot eyes and peach cheeks, bright eyes surpassing spring—appearing even more delicate and beautiful than Li Weiyang. Just that Duke Dongping’s household had declined these two years. Without outstanding younger generation to support the family name, naturally she couldn’t compare to Li Weiyang, the talk of the town.

“Yes, congratulations to Princess Anping haven’t been offered yet. The Empress Dowager truly favors the Li family—first enfeoffing your mother as equal wife, then conferring the Princess title on you. Truly enviable.” Nearby Minister of War’s eldest daughter Lu Bing smiled, though that smile held more jealousy than envy.

The Ninth Princess’s heart tightened. She glared fiercely at Lu Bing, then looked toward Li Weiyang with concern, yet saw Li Weiyang hearing this raised her lips half-smiling: “I heard Miss Lu’s appearance is outstanding, never expecting you’d also be so sharp-tongued. If outsiders knew, they’d praise you as quick-witted.”

This meant Lu Bing spoke too fast without knowing weight. Lu Bing was furious, wanting to retort, yet saw Li Weiyang’s ancient well-like eyes sweep her with an icy glance. Her heart inexplicably chilled. The rebuttal she’d originally intended suddenly couldn’t emerge. Lu Bing hated herself for being intimidated by Li Weiyang. Her face turned red then white in succession. Immediately she stopped speaking.

Though the pavilion remained quiet as before, the Ninth Princess keenly sensed that from Li Weiyang’s entry, a strange restless atmosphere began surfacing, especially between her imperial sister and Li Weiyang.

Princess Yongning and Li Weiyang’s gazes met squarely. Li Weiyang smiled gracefully at her.

Though she and Li Weiyang had become enemies, Yongning had to admit this woman truly possessed distinctive temperament. Upon entering, she immediately overshadowed this whole room of beauties both plump and slender. When a group of beauties sat together, what they competed on was that natural charm, that noble bearing. Li Weiyang always possessed an aura different from others, making you notice her first from a crowd.

Looking at her, Yongning couldn’t help thinking—Yuan Yu still hadn’t arrived. Had something happened? Should she ask her about it— Yet she truly didn’t know how to face Li Weiyang’s eyes. With her personality, she could neither achieve Li Weiyang’s ease nor imitate the Ninth Princess’s youthful fearlessness. Now caught in an awkward middle position—truly an embarrassing predicament.

The pavilion remained quiet for half a cup of tea’s time without anyone speaking—the atmosphere oppressively stifling. Everyone’s gazes shifted between Yongning, Li Weiyang, and the Ninth Princess, not knowing what had happened. Previously whenever these three appeared, they always laughed and talked. Though Yongning was aloof and reserved, she was still quite friendly toward Li Weiyang. Yet today Princess Yongning seemed unable to raise her head, constantly looking down at her handkerchief. Li Weiyang’s gaze watched the song and dance ahead. The Ninth Princess wore an embarrassed expression.

Everyone exchanged glances yet dared not speak. Just then, voices from the nearby pavilion faintly penetrated through a thin partition.

“Look at Princess Anping and Princess Yongning—something seems wrong! What happened?”

“Probably because of that marriage matter!”

“Yes, Princess Yongning relied on being His Majesty’s eldest daughter to steal the marriage originally belonging to Princess Anping!”

“Ah, you mean—”

“Shh—you don’t know? Originally I heard the marriage discussion involved Li Weiyang! Both the Empress Dowager and His Majesty agreed, even Prime Minister Li went back to prepare the wedding!”

“What? Then how did it become Princess Yongning later?”

“You don’t understand—Yongning is after all the Emperor’s own daughter. Whatever man she wants, isn’t it easy to obtain!”

“But look at her—so old, already married before. How can she have the face to steal someone’s marriage—and this Princess Anping has always been fierce. She doesn’t even put her legitimate mother and maternal grandfather’s family in her eyes. So arrogant—why is she silent this time? Isn’t it too strange?”

“Imperial family matters—who knows! But speaking of which, that Prince Yan is truly born handsome! If marrying him and becoming Princess Yan, it’s indeed a wonderful thing. No wonder even Princess Yongning was moved!”

The neighboring pavilion certainly didn’t expect these pavilions were so thin—when their voices carried over, everyone heard crystal clear. All the noble young ladies in this pavilion wore stiff expressions, not knowing what to say.

Lu Bing, previously squeezed out, now catching the handle, smiled raising her eyebrows: “Truly, these people speak so harshly, actually daring to recklessly discuss the imperial family. Only someone of the Princess’s noble status could match Prince Yan. We who are crude and humble don’t even dare think of it.”

The Ninth Princess thought—this girl’s mouth is truly poisonous. This both provokes Li Weiyang and stimulates Princess Yongning. Who doesn’t know Li Weiyang’s original background? Who doesn’t know the Princess stole someone else’s marriage? Lu Bing saying this clearly means Li Weiyang’s birth is too humble to compare with the Princess, while conveniently provoking Princess Yongning to angrily deal with Li Weiyang. Truly fearing the world isn’t chaotic enough.

Yet unexpectedly Li Weiyang didn’t accept the provocation, still coldly watching the song and dance performance without a word. Instead Yongning’s expression changed dramatically. She actually stood up abruptly, raising her palm to slap Lu Bing. Lu Bing was completely stunned—she didn’t know where she’d offended Yongning. She merely wanted Princess Yongning to punish Li Weiyang! How did she end up being slapped instead! She stood there completely dazed, hearing Yongning say coldly: “What status are you? Are imperial family matters yours to casually discuss?” Speaking thus, she turned: “Go record the names and identities of people in the neighboring pavilion. Tomorrow I’ll report their words and actions to Father Emperor, prosecuting them one by one!”

Everyone’s expressions changed. Previously though Princess Yongning was somewhat reserved with a lofty appearance, she’d never been so angry—no, perhaps once, when Li Changle played before her the piece only the late Prince Consort could play, resulting in her furious rage.

This time her fury seemed without reason. Lu Bing’s words clearly mocked Li Weiyang’s lowly birth. Even if Yongning was angry, she should deal with her rival Li Weiyang. How could she turn around and slap Lu Bing instead! They didn’t know Princess Yongning had been forcibly suppressing her heart’s fury without release. But this time in public, Lu Bing actively mentioning this marriage provoked Princess Yongning’s sore point. Immediately feeling utterly humiliated, she could no longer tolerate it. She vented all the anger originally meant for Li Weiyang onto Lu Bing.

Just then, Li Weiyang flicked her sleeves coldly: “I feel tired. I’ll take my leave first.”

Seeing her go, the Ninth Princess hurriedly stood too: “Wait for me, I’ll go with you.” Yet Li Weiyang seemed not to hear, walking away quickly on her own. The Ninth Princess was left hanging, momentarily speechless.

Li Weiyang walked straight out of the pavilion, heading directly into the garden. She remembered there was a small gate here—going out led directly to the outside corridor, the fastest way to leave. The people here, the matters here—all made her feel annoyed. Those joyful laughter inexplicably made her feel disgusted. Truly a group of senseless people!

However on the bridge, she suddenly saw someone walking toward her. A large hand waved, directly pulling her aside. Li Weiyang frowned, discovering the person before her wore red robes—precisely tonight’s groom. Yet at this time, why would he be here?

Under moonlight, Tuoba Zhen wore red robes, features handsome, yet only stared at her intently: “Attending my wedding banquet today—what’s your mood?”

Li Weiyang glanced at him, cold laughter in her eyes, mouth saying coolly: “What does Your Highness hope I’ll say? Very heartbroken? Haha, I dare say this, but would you dare believe it?” He truly overthought. How could she feel heartbroken over him? She merely found the people in that pavilion all annoying, impatient with socializing.

Tuoba Zhen truly had overthought. Seeing Li Weiyang leave first, his first feeling was she was jealous. Now hearing her deny it, he sneered coldly, releasing his hand: “The marriage alliance matter—I was outmaneuvered. No, or I didn’t expect Yuan Yu would make such unnecessary moves. If not for this fool, you definitely couldn’t escape this fate.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “No matter who I marry, it won’t affect my life. Who can dominate me?” These words were extremely arrogant, yet she heard Tuoba Zhen laugh: “Unfortunately, I originally planned to create some accidents on the marriage alliance road, making you completely disappear from this world.”

Oh, so he’d been waiting here for her all along. Everything on his mind was hoping she’d die by his hands. Such twisted, perverse love was truly incomprehensible. Li Weiyang shook her head: “Sorry to disappoint you.” Speaking thus, she moved to pass him and quickly leave.

Tuoba Zhen suddenly said: “Li Weiyang, I’ve always wanted to ask you one thing…”

“What thing?” Li Weiyang turned her head, lips curling up, smiling sarcastically: “If Third Prince wants to ask, naturally I’ll speak without reservation.”

“Why do you hate me so much?” A trace of pain flashed through Tuoba Zhen’s eyes: “I’ve never understood—where exactly I went wrong.”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Third Prince, if you’re willing to stop here, I won’t insist on being your enemy.” After so many events, she discovered she no longer wanted to entangle with this person. Yet he still pressed step by step, never willing to let go, insisting on mutual destruction.

Tuoba Zhen laughed, his features beginning to twist. Each word fell like hailstones, more absolute than ice: “I don’t know where your initial disgust came from, but I’m just base like that. The more you detest me, the more I want to obtain you. If you hadn’t ignored me from the start, I wouldn’t have noticed you. If you hadn’t been cold to me everywhere, I wouldn’t have fallen for you. Now you actually tell me to let you go?” His gaze stared at her icily: “I know you’re very clever, but you won’t have a chance. I won’t let go of anything I want to obtain, regardless of price.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows: “I thought what you said last time about giving me one final chance wasn’t a joke—”

“Yes, I gave you a chance, so there won’t be other possibilities. If I can’t have you, I won’t let others have you either. Now you say let’s end it—too late. So, Weiyang, you have no retreat…”

Tuoba Zhen stood motionless like a stone statue for a long time. Finally, he gazed deeply at Li Weiyang once. His gaze seemed to become savage, yet he said nothing, turning and striding away.

Li Weiyang watched his back. For a moment, she truly felt confused. She didn’t understand why worldly matters were so strange. The person she’d once loved so much, now standing before her saying these things—she felt not the slightest heartache, only indifference and disgust. Yet he insisted on clinging to her. What was this for? Love? No, Tuoba Zhen actually loved no one. He loved himself most, taking his own pain as pain, his own joy as joy, never thinking of others for a moment. So he simply didn’t understand love. What he knew was only plunder, occupation, and destruction.

Li Weiyang left the wedding banquet first. Zhao Yue had long prepared the carriage outside the gate waiting for her. On the way back, she discovered she hadn’t seen Li Minde at all. Zhao Yue reported: “Returning from the hermitage, Third Young Master said he felt somewhat uncomfortable and went to sleep first.”

Li Minde hadn’t waited at the gate for her—this was the first time. Every time he had to see her return before he could rest assured and sleep… Li Weiyang said softly: “Did you call a physician?”

Zhao Yue hesitated: “Third Young Master wouldn’t permit it. Said it’s a minor ailment—sleeping a while will be fine.”

Li Weiyang said no more, heading straight for Li Minde’s courtyard. Along the way, servants seeing her arrived all lowered their heads and bowed, extremely respectful—even exceeding respect for Li Xiaoran. Zhao Yue turned a blind eye, but following behind Miss, she also felt honored.

Zhao Nan guarded outside the room door, seemingly anxious. Seeing Li Weiyang arrive, as if seeing a savior: “Miss, the master he—”

Li Weiyang glanced at him, complex emotions flowing through her eyes: “I’ll watch him.” Only then did Zhao Nan sigh with relief: “But the master won’t let anyone enter.”

Zhao Yue stepped on his foot: “Is Miss just anyone?” Zhao Nan embarrassedly rubbed his head. Li Weiyang had already pushed open the door and entered. Zhao Nan quickly closed the door behind her.

Inside the room was pitch black, as if no one was there. Only after Li Weiyang lit candles did she discover Li Minde curled on the bed, his entire face a terrifying pallor, his lips’ color also frightening. She frowned, quickly walking over.

He bent at the waist, right hand pressing his chest, cold sweat beginning to drip from his forehead.

Li Weiyang touched his forehead—burning hot. She instinctively glanced at his chest, actually discovering it soaked. Reaching to touch, opening her hand—under candlelight a bright red. What happened to him? Li Weiyang lifted his outer robe, unexpectedly discovering the scar on his chest had actually split open. How could this be? So long since the last injury—she’d thought he’d already recovered. So suddenly— She suddenly remembered, when he’d rushed to the villa to rescue her that time, faint bloodstains had appeared on his chest. Could it be at that time his wound had already split open?

At this moment he was drenched in sweat, body constantly trembling. Probably due to high fever, his whole body began convulsing. He dry heaved several times yet couldn’t vomit anything. Li Weiyang quickly stood up, loudly calling outside: “Quickly call a physician!”

Hearing this, Zhao Nan responded and quickened his pace. At this time Li Minde’s complexion had become frighteningly pale. Li Weiyang called his name—it was useless. She could only watch helplessly as he suffered, watch him tormented.

Li Weiyang softly called: “Don’t sleep, Minde, wake up.” She worried if he kept sleeping like this he’d be in danger.

But Li Minde showed no reaction, not knowing if he’d completely lost consciousness. Li Weiyang anxiously gripped his hand. Not until the physician arrived, re-bandaging Li Minde’s wound and repeatedly assuring he was fine—merely an old wound reopened—did Li Weiyang finally lower her constantly suspended heart.

All night, Li Minde ran a high fever, face slightly blue, constantly convulsing and trembling.

Li Weiyang ordered maids to cook thin congee and brew medicine. When these were all prepared, he just woke, yet was still in pain-confused consciousness.

“Cold…” He said with a hoarse voice.

His whole body burned hot. Li Weiyang wrapped him in thick brocade quilts, carefully supporting him to half-recline in her embrace, coaxing: “You’ll be fine after drinking the medicine.”

He was drowsy, not acknowledging her, just saying on his own: “Weiyang… I’m so cold…”

In her embrace, though his complexion was very pale, lips without blood color, he remained as always handsome and moving.

“So cold… so cold…” He still rambled on, somewhat like a lost child seeing relatives—bewildered and aggrieved. These two years, she could no longer see childishness on his face. But at this moment, she suddenly realized—actually he’d never changed, always depending on her like this.

She said softly: “I know. After drinking medicine, you’ll immediately be better.” Subsequently ordering nearby maids to support him, she bit by bit used a spoon to feed down both congee and medicine. Her hands were cold, so she specially ordered people to heat water, then using hot water to warm a cloth, wiping away the cold sweat on his forehead.

After drinking medicine, he leaned against the pillow, expression gradually not as pained as before.

Li Weiyang stood up. He suddenly grasped her hand: “Weiyang, don’t go…”

Li Weiyang glanced at the nearby maids—one by one holding their breath, not daring to raise their heads. All maids here with Li Minde were his confidants. Li Weiyang sighed, sitting back down: “I’m not leaving.”

He seemed not to understand, just pulling her hand, repeating once more: “Don’t go.”

Li Weiyang looked at him, her heart inexplicably aching somewhat. She couldn’t help wanting to say something, yet merely helped Li Minde tuck in the quilt, then sat beside him watching his sleeping face.

After an hour passed, his complexion finally improved considerably. His lips also regained some color, brow slightly relaxing. Pain and discomfort also didn’t seem as severe as before. Looking at his hanging hair strands, Li Weiyang reached out, wanting to help him brush aside a lock of hair falling on his face. But when her hand reached halfway, she suddenly paused.

If she couldn’t give the same feelings in return, she shouldn’t give him expectations.

In her bones she didn’t plan to marry again. So she didn’t care about her reputation, didn’t care about others’ opinions, didn’t even care about others’ feelings. Toward people she was always courteous, yet never truly close.

Like when Tuoba Yu confessed to her, she’d directly refused. He was merely an alliance partner, not a lover. Her heart had never been moved by that person either. She helped Tuoba Yu while also using him—he naturally did the same. But beyond this, they didn’t need any other connections. Merely passing acquaintances…

She looked at everyone coldly, never thinking of placing feelings on anyone, never expecting to develop any relationship with any of them, never thinking she’d fall in love with anyone in future. But Minde… Li Minde… No, his real name should be Yuan Lie.

He always persistently followed her, pursued her, helped her, even abandoning his own life. Sometimes she couldn’t help thinking—if she truly were with him, how long could they live together? When she reached thirty, beauty gradually fading, would he still love her like this? Or when she reached fifty, even wisdom slowly weakening, even gradually becoming an ordinary housewife—could he guarantee not falling for someone else? At that time, could she be content?

No, she wouldn’t be content. If she truly clung to him, possibly his whole life she’d have to firmly control. At any time she’d absolutely not permit her own husband doting on other women, because she was just such a selfish woman.

She’d always thought like this, always done like this. Yet every time the Ninth Princess approached Minde, she’d inexplicably feel unhappy. What was going on? She understood very clearly—because possessiveness was at work. Her possessiveness was too strong. Even with relatives, she didn’t permit the other party leaving her or valuing others more than her.

But now, seeing Minde like this, she suddenly felt everything was unimportant. Whoever he was willing to like, marry, grow old with—even if he no longer remembered her as a person—it didn’t matter. She more hoped this person whose heart held only her could live well.

“Minde, I’m sorry. If being beside me always makes you get hurt, leaving me would be best for you.” She said softly.