The funeral proceedings went smoothly. Though Lady Sun fainted from crying at the ceremony, General Sun was relatively reasonable, knowing this matter truly had little connection to the Li family. He merely gritted his teeth and vowed to find the true culprit within a month.

Outside, raindrops pattered against the windows, bringing rustling sounds. Li Weiyang sat in her room, holding needlework and embroidery in her hands. Bai Zhi brought over a plate of fragrant pastries. She glanced at her mistress but set them on the small table, not daring to disturb her casually. Mo Zhu, seeing the late hour, busied herself tidying the bed in the inner chamber. Noticing Li Weiyang’s weary expression, Bai Zhi lit more candles and said softly, “Miss, it’s already late. Why haven’t you rested yet?”

Li Weiyang slowly finished embroidering the golden carp beneath the lotus flower, her tone flat: “Just a few more stitches. I’ll sleep once it’s done.”

Looking at Li Weiyang, Bai Zhi couldn’t help but feel strange. These past few days, Li Weiyang had been alarmingly calm. Lady Sun had made a great scene at the Li Manor before being forcibly taken home by General Sun. Even through all that, the Miss hadn’t appeared, only quietly embroidering in her own room. Yet the Miss had clearly said she would pursue the murderer of Second Young Madam. Moreover, though Li Weiyang didn’t deliberately seek closeness with Sun Yanjun on ordinary days, Bai Zhi could tell that whenever the other woman visited this courtyard, the Miss was genuinely happy.

But she couldn’t understand why the Miss could remain so calm now.

Mo Zhu finished preparing the bed and came out to see Li Weiyang still showed no intention of resting. She couldn’t help but say, “Miss, candlelight will hurt your eyes. You can continue tomorrow during the day.” She was obviously puzzled too, because Li Weiyang wasn’t someone who enjoyed needlework. In fact, she usually sat reading and rarely touched needle and thread. Of course, this didn’t mean Li Weiyang couldn’t embroider—she simply had little interest in women’s handicrafts. Even Li Minzhi’s small items were entrusted to the maids. If she treated her own brother so indifferently, for whom was she embroidering this item?

Li Weiyang didn’t answer. After Mo Zhu fell silent for a while, she asked, “Miss, are you embroidering a child’s belly band?”

Bai Zhi glared at her, signaling her not to ask randomly, then walked over to refill Li Weiyang’s tea, saying, “Miss, if you need some, this servant has prepared several.”

Li Weiyang thought carefully and said, “No, this must be made by my own hands to count as sincere.” She quickly finished her stitching, shook out the red belly band in her hands, examined it for a moment, then asked Bai Zhi, “Is the embroidery good?”

Bai Zhi looked once and understood, nodding: “Miss’s needlework is excellent.” Mo Zhu watched from the side, even more confused.

Li Weiyang instructed Mo Zhu, “Bring a brazier.”

The weather wasn’t cold enough for braziers yet. Mo Zhu stood frozen for a moment, saw Bai Zhi signaling her, then reacted: “This servant will fetch it immediately!” She had just reached the doorway when Zhao Yue, who had been guarding outside, suddenly entered carrying a brazier, placing it directly before Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang touched the belly band in her hands, smiled slightly, then tossed it into the fire, watching the flames curl around the little belly band. Soon, the belly band embroidered with lotus leaves, lotus flowers, and koi carp was consumed by fire.

Mo Zhu said with distress, “Miss, what are you doing! You spent so much effort making it!” She clearly lacked the perceptiveness of Bai Zhi and Zhao Yue, never catching on.

However, Li Weiyang didn’t get angry, only saying flatly, “A gift for my little nephew.”

Mo Zhu froze, looking at Bai Zhi in confusion. Bai Zhi glared at her fiercely, then crouched down at Li Weiyang’s feet, saying gently, “Miss, please don’t be too heartbroken.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “I’m not heartbroken. I’m simply doing what I should do.”

Bai Zhi glanced at the leaping flames in the brazier and dared not say more. But Zhao Yue gritted her teeth: “It’s all that Princess Anguo!” She hesitated slightly before asking, “Miss, what do you plan to do?” Unlike Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu, she knew Li Weiyang wouldn’t easily let this go.

Li Weiyang glanced at her lightly and sighed, “Zhao Yue, many things cannot be rushed.”

Zhao Yue’s teeth ground audibly: “It’s all because that Princess is so arrogant.”

Li Weiyang’s expression remained very calm, her eyes pitch-black without a trace of light: “A gentleman’s revenge—ten years is not too late. Princess Anguo is currently a favored person. To bring her down won’t be accomplished in a day or two.” Princess Anguo was Tuoba Zhen’s principal consort. If Anguo was to die, Tuoba Zhen must die first. These two people were one entity. If she wanted revenge on Princess Anguo, she must first eliminate Tuoba Zhen. Or… bind these two people together and deal with them both! This being the case, she absolutely couldn’t act rashly now.

Zhao Yue couldn’t help but freeze. Li Weiyang continued, “Do you think revenge can be achieved through brute force alone? You should have seen—when I conversed with Princess Anguo, behind her stood four top-tier first-class masters, watching you like tigers eyeing prey. You once said that you and your elder brother together could only hold off one of them briefly. What confidence do you have that you could approach Princess Anguo and kill her? If we don’t strike, fine. But once we strike, we must put the opponent to death—that’s the best solution.”

“Yes, this servant believes in Miss.”

Li Weiyang smiled soundlessly, that smile faint, like flowers blooming in cold wind. Seeing the late hour, Bai Zhi walked over to lower the bed curtains, saying softly, “Miss, Princess Yongning departs tomorrow.”

Li Weiyang tossed all the needlework aside and said, “Yes. Zhao Yue, instruct them to release Yuan Yu.”

Zhao Yue was somewhat reluctant: “Miss, this man is so vicious—better to just kill him with one stroke.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Kill him? How could there be such a cheap deal under heaven? Doesn’t he like women? So I threw him into a pile of women. These past few days have been enough for him to suffer. For the rest of his life, he probably never wants to see any woman again. As for releasing him back to Yue Xi—first, I promised Princess Yongning. Second, he caused Yue Xi to lose their most important outpost, years of effort wasted. After returning, naturally someone will deal with him. Third, killing him would only alarm Empress Dowager Pei prematurely. That way, dealing with Princess Anguo later won’t be so easy.”

Zhao Yue nodded. Li Weiyang’s thinking was correct—killing Yuan Yu was a small matter, but ruining the plan below would be a major issue. She thought about it and still felt somewhat unwilling: “Then will Miss go see off Princess Yongning tomorrow?”

Li Weiyang looked at the dancing candlelight, a crafty gleam flashing through her eyes: “See her off? No, I’ve already done what I should. Tomorrow, I have more important matters to attend to.”

Early the next morning, Li Weiyang prepared to enter the palace. This time, she only sat briefly in the Empress Dowager’s palace before hearing that Consort Lian had arrived. Consort Lian had come because the Empress Dowager had been weak and coughing lately, specially delivering personally prepared pear soup. It seemed very casual, but when Li Weiyang took her leave, Consort Lian also found an opportunity to depart together.

After personally welcoming Li Weiyang into her Lotus Pool Palace, Consort Lian sighed, rubbing her temples and saying to a nearby palace maid, “I have a headache. Fetch some medicine from my box.” The maid understood her meaning and withdrew quietly without a word. Consort Lian looked at Li Weiyang and said in a low voice, “The Empress Dowager seems quite angry…”

Li Weiyang had just noticed—the Empress Dowager was furious about Princess Yongning’s decision. But she absolutely hadn’t expected such audacity in turning the tables, and was now in a difficult position. Li Weiyang exhaled lightly: “The Empress Dowager always thinks she can control everything in her palm. Unfortunately, she’s grown old…”

Consort Lian grew even more shocked: “That Yuan Yu—was it you who…”

Li Weiyang said coolly, “If others don’t frame me, naturally I won’t cause trouble for no reason. But if they deliberately seek my trouble, I won’t sit and wait for death. Now, I’m merely returning the favor slightly.”

Consort Lian’s expression changed slightly: “You… are truly bold!” The more she thought about it, the more amused she became, and she couldn’t help but say, “However, this is well-deserved. The Empress Dowager and Emperor always think others must submit to their manipulation. Unwilling to sacrifice their own daughter, they force marriage alliances on other people’s children—truly vicious! Now it’s retribution!”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Last time, did you say everything I taught you exactly?”

Consort Lian said through gritted teeth, “I said it, said it all. The Emperor lost his temper once but in the end still deferred to the Empress, actually tolerating the Crown Prince’s foolish behavior! I originally thought the Crown Prince would be toppled immediately, but unexpectedly the Emperor still hasn’t raised deposing him. That Beauty Zhang is clearly in league with the Crown Prince. Every time I see her, I’m disgusted—always with that seductive, frivolous manner. Unfortunately, the Emperor can never make up his mind. Otherwise, the Crown Prince would have long ago…”

Li Weiyang glanced at the sky outside and said slowly, “I hear the Crown Prince is currently attending to the Empress’s illness in her palace.”

Consort Lian nodded slightly: “Yes, the Empress has been gravely ill, listless for half a month now. I look at her—she’s just barely hanging on.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “His Majesty won’t deal with the Crown Prince because he still has doubts, or the fire in his heart isn’t burning hot enough. Let’s add more fuel!”

Hearing this, Consort Lian showed a puzzled expression instead: “You mean—find an opportunity to push the Crown Prince?”

Li Weiyang shook her head, her gaze focused on Consort Lian’s beautiful face, saying word by word: “Find an opportunity? Wait until when for an opportunity? The Crown Prince is in the palace now—this is the best opportunity!”

Consort Lian drew in a sharp breath, saying in surprise, “Now?” She said worriedly, “This… I’m afraid there isn’t enough time…”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, casually peeling a kumquat nearby and eating a segment: “There’s time. How could there not be time? You’ve already positioned people in the palace. As the saying goes, raise an army for a thousand days to use it for one moment. If you don’t add fuel to the fire now, by the time others recover and target you, it will be too late.”

Consort Lian seemed somewhat distracted, her tone unconsciously softening: “Weiyang, I’m actually a bit afraid—”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Your Ladyship, you’re in your prime years and have a young prince. You should plan for yourself…”

Consort Lian was startled. Originally, after eliminating the Jiang family, she could say she had avenged her clan. Having given birth to a prince, she could completely rest easy enjoying her life as an imperial consort, with no need to conspire with Li Weiyang and others in matters that could cost their heads. But Li Weiyang was right—she was too young, and the little prince was too small. While the Emperor lived, he could still protect their mother and child’s safety. But after the Emperor died? Who could ensure her lifelong peace? Especially since both the Empress and Consort Jiang so detested her, viewing her as an ally of Li Weiyang and Tuoba Yu. She could no longer remain uninvolved. If she could help Tuoba Yu inherit the throne, at least she could ensure her own and her child’s safety.

Li Weiyang’s hand gently rested on Consort Lian’s fair hand, saying softly, “You’re not being cruel—you’re just planning for yourself.” Her tone became stern, then she said in a deep voice, “Today is the best opportunity. It will pass in a flash. Think it through carefully.”

Hearing Li Weiyang’s steady tone, Consort Lian’s heart also settled somewhat. She quickly said, “When I first entered the palace, I nearly caused disaster by not listening to your advice. When Tuoba Zhen framed me, if not for you, I couldn’t have escaped. So everything I have today is because you’ve supported me. Now it’s the same! Since you dare say it, I dare do it!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze swept lightly across her face. Seeing her eyes slowly become resolute, she couldn’t help but say, “Once the Crown Prince falls, Tuoba Zhen loses his best shield. If we can take this opportunity to completely uproot the Empress and Crown Prince’s power, Tuoba Zhen’s wings will be clipped—that will be the best harvest.”

Consort Lian immediately understood. The hand holding her teacup stiffened for a moment, then she continued sipping delicately as if nothing had happened: “You mean to use this opportunity to spread the fire to Tuoba Zhen.”

Li Weiyang smiled, only saying calmly, “Right. The hotter it burns, the better.”

At noon, the Emperor was taking his afternoon nap. This past month, his body had grown increasingly thin, his energy gradually declining. Normally he relied on Zhou Dashou’s elixirs to maintain his spirit. When occasionally favoring a consort, he only went to Consort Lian’s palace. These past two days, even the charming and beautiful Consort Lian couldn’t arouse his interest, so mostly he rested alone.

Suddenly, half-asleep and half-awake, he saw commotion outside. He couldn’t help but rise and don his clothes, calling out loudly, “Zhang Ming, what’s happening outside?”

Chief Eunuch Zhang Ming hurried in. Since the Grand Eunuch’s death, he had gradually taken his place attending the Emperor. He rushed over now and reported, “Your Majesty, a fire broke out in the Empress’s sleeping palace. The guards are currently fighting it. Please rest assured—this servant is guarding outside for Your Majesty and will absolutely not allow anyone to disturb you.”

The Emperor’s heart jumped. How could a fire suddenly break out in the Empress’s palace? An ominous premonition arose in his heart. He asked, “The Empress? Is she safe?”

Zhang Ming quickly answered, “Yes, the Empress has been safely brought out.” He glanced at the Emperor’s expression and, thinking of the report just received, said with an uneasy face, “However… the Crown Prince cannot be found.” The nation’s heir had vanished into thin air—if this news spread, it would be utterly laughable! Judging by the Empress’s expression just now, she clearly didn’t know about this either!

The Emperor’s expression darkened slightly: “What do you mean ‘cannot be found’? Wasn’t the Crown Prince attending to the Empress’s illness in the palace? Where did he run off to at this time?!”

Zhang Ming looked somewhat uneasy, stealing a glance but not daring to speak. The Emperor grew slightly angry and demanded, “What is it? Why aren’t you speaking!”

Zhang Ming said with cold sweat streaming, “This servant also doesn’t know, but just now after questioning, someone reported seeing the Crown Prince take two guards to—” By this point, he was already trembling.

The Emperor felt as if cold water had been poured over him from head to toe. He said coldly, “Where did he go?!”

Zhang Ming didn’t dare speak at all, only kowtowing repeatedly on the ground: “The Crown Prince… the Crown Prince… this servant dare not speak recklessly! Please Your Majesty, don’t trouble yourself too much lest you harm your health.”

The fury in the Emperor’s heart blazed fiercely. He said coldly, “Fine. Immediately send people to seal off the entire inner palace, especially the Empress! Don’t let her leave a single step! You lead people to search palace by palace. I want to see what that beast dares to do in broad daylight!”

His voice wasn’t loud, but so very clear, the expression between his brows like an unsheathed sword.

The palace was searched chamber by chamber. When they reached Consort Lian’s palace, they saw Consort Lian and Li Weiyang both seated, with twelve dishes of fresh fruit, candied treats, and pastries on the table… Zhang Ming said carefully, “Consort Lian, this servant follows His Majesty’s orders to search each consort’s palace. Please, Your Ladyship, grant this convenience.”

Consort Lian leaned forward slightly from her chair back, her brow furrowing slightly as she asked, “What has happened?”

Before everyone, Zhang Ming said respectfully, “His Majesty heard that a fire broke out in the Empress’s palace and is concerned. He merely instructed this servant to carefully inspect each palace to ensure no such disaster occurs again.”

Consort Lian looked at Li Weiyang, a thin smile forming at the corners of her lips as she answered, “Naturally I’m very careful here. If you’re not reassured, search carefully.”

Zhang Ming raised his eyes and glanced at Princess Anping sitting to the side. The diamond-paned window cast slanting sunlight onto Li Weiyang’s dark hair, flowing down her snow-white skin—a uniquely graceful and moving beauty. Li Weiyang smiled noncommittally, sitting leisurely, half her body leaning against the chair back, chin slightly raised, looking at him through narrowed eyes and dense lashes. He quickly lowered his head: “Yes.”

Zhang Ming led people through a cursory search and turned back to take leave of Consort Lian when he heard Li Weiyang say something to Consort Lian, making her laugh uncontrollably. The golden tassel hanging from the golden step-shake hairpin on her coiffure swayed gently with her laughter. Seeing him approach, Consort Lian’s expression changed extremely quickly, seeming annoyed yet not as she narrowed her eyes and said lightly, “Did you find anything?”

Zhang Ming lowered his head: “Your Ladyship’s palace is spotless. This servant only saw Your Ladyship drinking tea with Princess Anping.”

“Then go quickly to other places.” Li Weiyang smiled slightly, her voice lingering and soft, light and faint. Yet somehow, hearing it in Zhang Ming’s ears made his body shiver. This young woman was clearly smiling, yet always gave people an unfathomable feeling.

Zhang Ming led people and withdrew. Consort Lian actually personally poured Li Weiyang a cup of tea, smiling beautifully: “Princess, this is this year’s finest Longjing. Try it.”

Li Weiyang glanced at Consort Lian’s smile but keenly noticed her trembling fingers. She smiled faintly and took the teacup from her hands: “Thank you.”

In her heart, Consort Lian felt fear and dread. She worried this matter couldn’t succeed and would instead bring deadly disaster. But many things in the world were like this—the more you invested, the more you gained; the more risks you took, the closer to victory you came.

After a full half hour passed, suddenly there was a light cough outside the door. Consort Lian hurriedly rose: “What is it?”

From behind the silver bead curtain, a palace maid reported, “Your Ladyship, Female Official De has returned.”

Consort Lian and Li Weiyang exchanged glances. Then she gently smoothed the disheveled gold tassel at her temples before saying, “Let her in.”

When Female Official De entered, her steps were light.

Seeing her smile, Consort Lian’s heart relaxed. Using an almost calm, even gentle tone: “How are things there?”

Female Official De lowered her eyes, only a slight smile at the corners of her lips: “They found the Crown Prince in Eternal Spring Palace where Beauty Zhang resides. At the time, the eunuchs and palace maids were all scared pale…”

Li Weiyang’s smile was shallow, elegant and composed, a cluster of extremely bright firelight flashing through her eyes: “Oh, such an incident occurred. His Majesty must be furious.”

Female Official De smiled: “Yes. When those people discovered the Crown Prince in Eternal Spring Palace, they didn’t dare enter to apprehend him. Instead, they returned to report to His Majesty. His Majesty rushed over in fury and entered the palace hall, just in time to catch the Crown Prince and Beauty Zhang embracing. He was so angry he rushed forward and viciously kicked the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was unprepared and crashed into the wall, knocking himself unconscious. His Majesty also said—”

Consort Lian’s face showed urgency: “What did His Majesty say?”

Female Official De said in a low voice, “His Majesty also said to immediately execute the Crown Prince!”

Joy appeared on Consort Lian’s face. She glanced at Li Weiyang, but Li Weiyang’s eyes beneath beautiful brows lifted once, then lowered again before she slowly said, “His Majesty is merely acting on impulse.”

Female Official De continued, “The Princess is right. His Majesty was acting on impulse and was stopped by several eunuchs and guard commanders.”

Li Weiyang seemed to have expected this, looking at the uneasy Consort Lian: “The Crown Prince is the heir apparent. Even if he’s committed an offense, he cannot be executed so unclearly. It must be announced to the world.”

Yes, dallying with his own stepmother—certainly not proper behavior. But this crime—the Emperor could never speak it aloud no matter what. Thinking this, Consort Lian’s heart settled somewhat: “What happened after?”

Female Official De said, “Afterward, His Majesty ordered the Crown Prince confined under house arrest, allowing no one to visit. Moreover, all people in Eternal Spring Palace were executed.”

Consort Lian asked urgently, “What about Beauty Zhang?”

Female Official De said, “Beauty Zhang was granted white silk by His Majesty’s order. By now she’s probably already expired.”

Consort Lian’s face turned slightly pale. She glanced at her trusted Female Official De but still said, “You may withdraw first.”

Female Official De withdrew. Consort Lian seemed somewhat disappointed and sighed, “To fall short at the last moment—how could this happen?” With Beauty Zhang’s death, the Emperor had covered up the matter.

The clusters of flames in Li Weiyang’s eyes blazed as if about to ignite: “Why is Consort Lian so anxious?”

Consort Lian’s brow furrowed with difficulty: “I’m not anxious, but this matter is too significant! Just now they said His Majesty even executed all the servants in Eternal Spring Palace. If we cannot topple the Crown Prince, it’s truly a waste of my death warrior.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “She naturally has great value. If she hadn’t been embedded long-term at Beauty Zhang’s side, how could you have learned of the Crown Prince’s affair with her? If she hadn’t gradually earned Beauty Zhang’s trust, how could your pouch and false letter today have been delivered to the Crown Prince?”

Today, Consort Lian had arranged for a palace maid she had long planted at Beauty Zhang’s side to secretly deliver a letter and love token to the Crown Prince, deliberately arranging to meet him in Beauty Zhang’s palace. Through clever arrangements, the two were designed to end up in bed together… The fire in the Empress’s palace was actually just lit in the grass behind the Empress’s hall. But whenever a fire breaks out, the palace’s occupants must evacuate, so naturally they would discover the Crown Prince missing.

Li Weiyang had deliberately set up the Crown Prince! Consort Lian still felt somewhat uneasy, not knowing how matters should develop. She said, “So what should we do next?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, extremely beautifully and also extremely cruelly: “The Empress’s palace suddenly caught fire. She must have been greatly frightened. Having just heard this news, we should naturally go visit her.”

Consort Lian looked at Li Weiyang in surprise: “You mean—”

Li Weiyang’s tone was gentle but offered no further explanation: “Let’s go.”

Because of the sudden fire in her palace, the Empress was forced to temporarily relocate to Phoenix Cry Hall. She reclined weakly against pillows due to poor spirits, her expression extremely weary. At this moment, a palace maid presented tea. The Empress tasted it once, then asked, “The Crown Prince? Has he been found?”

The maid said uneasily, “Your Ladyship is unwell and need not worry about such matters. The servants are searching. As soon as there’s news, we’ll report to you.” This was a lie. All the Empress’s palace people couldn’t leave—how could they search? News from outside couldn’t be transmitted in either, so they had absolutely no idea what was happening outside.

The Empress wanted to speak but felt a splitting headache. She supported her forehead and was about to open her mouth when she heard commotion outside.

“What are you doing? Confining the Empress?”

“Consort Lian, please calm yourself. We servants are merely following His Majesty’s orders—”

“His Majesty is preventing outsiders from disturbing Her Ladyship’s rest. Who told you to stand at the door watching so menacingly! Simply absurd!”

The Empress couldn’t hear what was being said outside clearly but vaguely felt it was a familiar voice. She couldn’t help but frown: “Is that Consort Lian? What’s she making a fuss about at this time?”

The palace maids inside looked at each other, not knowing how to answer. It seemed Consort Lian wanted to enter but had gotten into a dispute with the guards.

The Empress called out loudly, “Invite Consort Lian in!” However, not a single person dared respond. Even the palace maids and eunuchs inside only lowered their heads and knelt on the ground. When the Emperor ordered guards to stand watch here, they realized the palace winds had changed direction.

Outside the palace, Consort Lian’s face was full of anger, but unfortunately the guards absolutely didn’t dare let her through. Li Weiyang smiled and said, “In His Majesty’s orders, it only said the Empress is not allowed to come and go freely. It didn’t say others couldn’t visit, did it? Before you stands Consort Lian. Think carefully, hmm?”

The guard commander stood frozen, then showed a hesitant expression. Consort Lian was the most influential person in the palace—they truly had no need to offend her.

“Moreover, if I’m going in, naturally I’ll bear full responsibility for the consequences.” Consort Lian knew success or failure hinged on this moment and must perform with all her might.

The guard commander was stunned…

Li Weiyang sighed, instantly changing to an unconcerned manner: “Since you insist on refusing, let it be. Your Ladyship, let’s go to His Majesty’s palace to request an edict, then come visit. It’s the same.”

Consort Lian gave a cold snort. This light sound was like a whip lashing the guard commander’s heart, becoming the last straw that broke him. He gritted his teeth: “Your Ladyship, please.”

Consort Lian smiled, victorious, and led the way into the hall. Li Weiyang also followed her gracefully inside, the smile at the corners of her lips gradually deepening.

Knowing someone was visiting, the Empress forced herself to sit up straight. She saw faint sunlight slanting across Consort Lian’s body. She walked with lotus steps, yet between each step seemed to carry brilliant light, instantly illuminating the entire dim palace hall. The Empress immediately noticed Li Weiyang behind Consort Lian, eyes lowered and demure. She snorted coldly in her heart, glanced at Consort Lian, and asked, “What matter warranted such loud commotion?”

Consort Lian and Li Weiyang each paid respects to the Empress. The Empress waved her hand lightly, granting exemption from courtesy. Facing the sunlight, her expression grew increasingly dark. After a moment, she slowly said, “What exactly happened?”

Consort Lian lowered her head, her brow full of gentle compliance: “Hearing that Your Ladyship’s palace caught fire, this consort came with Princess Anping to visit.”

“Oh? Together? How coincidental. You have such kind intentions?!” Probably here to see why I haven’t died yet! The Empress sneered inwardly.

Consort Lian remained silent, her eyes beneath snow-white brows lifting extremely quickly to sweep across the Empress before quietly lowering again: “Your Ladyship, you’re overthinking. This consort truly came to visit you.”

The Empress’s heart filled with indignation. The corners of her eyes mixed anger and mockery as she lay as if unable to bear the weight against the pillows, her voice growing increasingly sharp: “I am fine. You may all return!”

Consort Lian glanced at Li Weiyang but said nothing. Li Weiyang said lightly, “Empress, we came with good intentions to visit you. This time, I’m afraid we cannot leave.”

The Empress said angrily, “What do you mean by that?” As the words left her mouth, she seemed to sense her own loss of composure and couldn’t help pressing her lips tightly together.

Li Weiyang sighed and said in a deep voice, “The commotion just now was because guards are following orders to watch over Your Ladyship, allowing no one to enter or exit. Now that we’ve entered, trying to leave again will likely cause even greater trouble.”

The Empress’s brow jumped as she looked toward the palace maids: “What does she mean? What does ‘following orders to watch over me’ mean? Aren’t those people outside here to protect me?”

All the palace maids lowered their heads. No one dared answer.

The smile originally at the corners of Li Weiyang’s lips swiftly vanished. Her gaze suddenly radiated sharpness: “Empress, the Crown Prince has been found. Don’t you know?”

The Empress’s expression changed instantly. She became extremely confused, staring hard at Li Weiyang’s face: “What did you say?”

Li Weiyang smiled, her voice like a thin layer of smoke that dispersed upon utterance: “Empress, I said the Crown Prince has been found, only he was found inside Eternal Spring Palace.”

At this moment, the hall fell so silent that everyone could hear their own heartbeats. This silence was so terrifying it was unbearable. The Empress’s expression seemed completely torn apart by Li Weiyang’s single sentence. She suddenly stood up, her body swaying precariously: “Say that again!”

A maid was startled and quickly urged, “Your Ladyship’s illness hasn’t healed. You shouldn’t get angry. Please rest instead.”

The Empress backhanded the maid with a vicious slap. The sound almost reverberated throughout the entire palace hall. Then she strode quickly toward the hall’s exit. Passing Li Weiyang’s side, she suddenly stared at her and said viciously, “You wait. I’ll settle accounts with you later!” Then she rushed out without looking back, without a trace of the dignity an empress should have—showing just how shocked and enraged she had become!

Li Weiyang watched her retreating figure and laughed coldly. Unfortunately, Empress, I won’t be able to wait for your lesson—I’ll never wait for it.

Consort Lian said, “What should we do now?”

Li Weiyang’s tone seemed regretful: “The Empress is likely headed for disaster. We should follow and see. It counts as showing a bit of concern.”

Consort Lian finally smiled, agreeing wholeheartedly: “Naturally.”

The two had just reached the hall entrance with their maids when they saw the Empress at an impasse with that group of guards. The guard commander knelt on the ground: “Empress, His Majesty has ordered that you may not leave here freely!”

Before he finished speaking, the Empress roared, “What are you? How dare you block me!” With that, her brows rose sharply as she commanded those around her, “Beat this insolent creature to death with clubs!” However, no one moved. Because the guard commander was merely following orders—behind him stood the Emperor.

Yet the Empress had reached the extreme of fury. She could wait no longer. Li Weiyang wouldn’t say such things without cause. Then the Emperor truly had caught the Crown Prince in Eternal Spring Palace. Eternal Spring Palace—that’s where Beauty Zhang lived… Heavens, what disaster had the Crown Prince caused!

A palace maid at the Empress’s side had been following her tremblingly, wanting to advise but not daring. Seeing matters escalate now, she had no choice but to speak out: “Your Ladyship…”

“Silence!” The Empress flew into a rage. She actually drew a long sword from a nearby guard’s waist and held it against the guard commander’s head. “Have them let me through!” However, the guard commander didn’t move, and all the guards knelt before the Empress, blocking her exit path. The Empress gritted her teeth. Before everyone’s eyes, everything was already bathed in red—that guard commander’s head had fallen to the ground.

Consort Lian hadn’t expected the Empress’s fury to reach such a degree. Fearing she might vent her anger on her, she couldn’t help being frightened out of her wits, her body feeling as if immersed in ice water—bone-chillingly cold. Her heart wanted to vomit but couldn’t. Just as she was about to retreat, Li Weiyang grabbed her.

Consort Lian glanced at her. Li Weiyang nodded. Only then did Consort Lian settle slightly. Yes, the Empress had no mind now to bother with them. The more violently the Empress raged, the harder this matter would be to resolve. Their goal was to make it as big as possible!

Just as they were at an impasse, suddenly another commotion arose. The palace people all craned their necks, then all shrank back with ashen faces: the Emperor had arrived.

While everyone was still stunned, the Empress’s steps didn’t stop as she rushed over and threw herself at the Emperor’s feet. At this moment, she looked exceptionally aged. Her features, which could only be called dignified at best, with several strands of disheveled hair hanging by her graying temples, appeared extremely decrepit.

The Emperor had originally heard the guards’ report that the Empress was crying and demanding to leave. Just arriving here, he saw her tear-stained face as she threw herself at his feet. Though he detested the Crown Prince and by extension had grown weary of this Empress, after all she was his first wife. He said with effort, “What’s this about? You’re still ill—what’s this commotion!”

“Your Majesty!” The Empress’s tears streamed continuously: “How can you treat this consort this way, allowing those people to bully me! First confining me in the hall, then having people come humiliate me! This consort is your first wife!”

The Emperor frowned: “Who humiliated you?”

“Her! This shameless, improper vixen!” The Empress’s hand swept out, pointing at the pale-faced Consort Lian. “What is she? Nothing but a woman who entered the palace through some charlatan Daoist’s bewitching words. Does she really think she’s a celestial maiden? She actually ran to this consort’s palace to humiliate me in every way!” Though agitated, she hadn’t forgotten that Consort Lian was the main enemy. She knew involving Li Weiyang was useless and prepared to strike Consort Lian dead with one blow, just as she had dealt with Consort De.

Consort Lian, having received instruction from Li Weiyang earlier, knew how to respond. She immediately fell to her knees with a thud, only shedding tears and kowtowing: “Your Majesty, this consort merely heard that Her Ladyship’s palace caught fire and came specially to visit. This matter—this consort already reported to the Empress Dowager…”

Before coming to see the Empress, Consort Lian had specially gone to the Empress Dowager’s palace to request an edict. However, she hadn’t revealed this to the Empress earlier. Hearing this, the Empress knew the other had outmaneuvered her and couldn’t help turning pale with rage, saying sharply, “I am the Empress! You, a mere little consort, dare speak so boldly before me!”

Compared to the Empress’s aggressive manner, Consort Lian kowtowed before saying softly and weakly, “Your Majesty, this consort came only out of concern to visit, but unexpectedly Her Ladyship is so enraged. It’s all this consort’s fault. Please, Your Majesty, punish this consort.”

“Nonsense!” The Empress, furious to the extreme, actually pointed at Consort Lian’s nose and cursed, “You lowly woman, acting so pitiful! Clearly you and Princess Anping conspired to come humiliate me!”

“Enough, silence!” The Emperor ignored her and walked straight forward, personally helping Consort Lian to her feet, then turned back coldly: “So many people are watching. If you still want a few parts dignity and face, shut your mouth now!”

“What dignity and face do I need!” The Empress had never received such cold treatment. Last time dealing with Consort De, she had achieved complete victory. But now facing Consort Lian, the Emperor clearly no longer valued his first wife’s opinions! Being publicly rebuked like this—from now on even the servants wouldn’t respect her as mistress of the six palaces! The more she thought about it, the more she trembled with rage, shouting angrily, “Your Majesty, you may dote on this vixen, do whatever you please, but my son—you’re not allowed to touch him! He must have been framed!”

Hearing her mention the Crown Prince, the Emperor said not a word and turned to leave.

Seeing his expressionless face, the Empress’s heart jumped. Only because the Emperor had always respected her, she had always been strong and forceful, rarely pleading softly and mournfully like other consorts. She could usually achieve her goals simply by displaying anger toward the Emperor. She couldn’t help but say now, “Stop!”

The Emperor’s face cold, he turned back, but his expression was already on the edge of explosive fury.

The Empress said loudly, “Before, you doted on Tuoba Yu. Now you cherish your youngest son. The Crown Prince and I are nothing in your eyes! Why don’t you just depose me! Make room for them!”

This phrase had always been her trump card. She knew the Emperor valued face most and would never depose the Empress under any circumstances. So every time she said this, she succeeded. However, this time, it thoroughly enraged the Emperor. He suddenly shouted, “Fine! You brought this on yourself for not knowing when to stop!”

When the Emperor’s gaze met the Empress’s, instantly a fury mixed with resentment erupted from his eyes, in a flash burning his entire face red as hot coals.

The Empress couldn’t believe it. She stood frozen as if rooted, staring straight at him. Suddenly her body went soft and she collapsed backward. Palace maids quickly rushed forward to support her. The Empress barely managed to stand, but her hands kept trembling, her heart pounding as if about to leap from her chest, her chest also ice-cold. She sensed the Emperor’s fury this time was unprecedented. Though he hadn’t made a sound, that rage seemed capable of overturning heaven and earth.

Li Weiyang smiled. The Empress came from a noble background and had borne the Crown Prince. The Emperor greatly respected her—this could be seen from the Nine-Tailed Phoenix Hairpin incident. But the Emperor’s heart could change at any time. The Crown Prince’s actions had disappointed the Emperor again and again. He had originally wanted to forgive him for the Empress’s sake, but the Crown Prince had run to Beauty Zhang’s bed. Hearing about something and seeing it with your own eyes were completely different matters—especially being discovered publicly! This time, the Emperor would absolutely not tolerate the Crown Prince again. And toward this Empress who always liked giving orders, he had also reached the extreme of disgust!