The Emperor’s expression shifted for an instant, as if shocked, yet also as if this was within expectations.

Tuoba Yu stood tall and dignified, his face cold as frost: “Third Brother, do you think you’re the only one with such aspirations? I already petitioned Father Emperor long ago, requesting to lead troops in battle, but unfortunately Father Emperor firmly refused. Do you know why? The earthquake just passed not long ago, and Father Emperor opened the national treasury for disaster relief. Various regions are still undergoing reconstruction. While the Southwest threat is certainly important, if we rashly mobilize forces and launch a major military campaign, it will only empty the treasury and bring suffering to the people. If the Southern Border and Northern Desert take advantage of this weakness, such consequences would be far more severe than the Southwest troubles. Third Brother, do you think you’re the only one who cares about the country and its people?”

Tuoba Yu’s words immediately won everyone’s agreement. Indeed, the Southwest rebellious general was confined to one corner after all, posing danger only to the Southwest region. If troops were rashly deployed, exhausting the treasury, and the Southern Border and Northern Desert found an opportunity, the people of Great Li would fall into even worse circumstances.

Tuoba Zhen looked coldly at Tuoba Yu and said: “Then according to Seventh Brother’s opinion, what should be done?”

Tuoba Yu’s eyes, like black jade, fixed on his brother, coldly saying: “For now, the only option is to transfer one hundred thousand troops each from the South and East, gather sufficient military provisions and salary within one month, then select suitable generals to proceed to the Southwest.”

Tuoba Zhen suddenly gave a scornful laugh and said: “This method will take at least three months. By the time the army reaches the Southwest, who knows what state it will be in from the ravages of war! Moreover, that Guo Cheng is already making aggressive moves, attempting to attack central towns. All of this—will you just watch with your eyes wide open? Oh, I nearly forgot, Seventh Brother just got married and is busy comforting his delicate wife, waiting for Father Emperor’s rewards, completely forgetting the suffering of countless people eagerly waiting! Is this the conduct of an imperial prince!”

“What do you mean by that! Third Prince, you really go too far. How can you be so rude before His Majesty!” Before Tuoba Yu could speak again, with one glance from Prince Chaoyang, ministers from the Seventh Prince’s faction had already spoken up in rebuttal.

A single stone stirred up a thousand ripples. This statement acted as a signal. Led by the Minister of Personnel, a group of ministers recently promoted by Tuoba Yu knelt one after another before the Emperor, denouncing Tuoba Zhen for barging into the imperial presence while supposedly under confinement, even behaving disrespectfully—an enormous crime.

“Not reflecting on his errors, losing composure before His Majesty!” “In the past he colluded with factions, leading the Crown Prince astray! Everything the Crown Prince did was related to the Third Prince!” “When the Crown Prince lost power, the Third Prince immediately turned against him, even disregarding brotherly affection and abandoning the Crown Prince—” “Knowing the treasury is empty yet still wanting to rashly deploy troops, clearly disregarding the masses!” “Indulging his subordinates’ arrogance, repeatedly causing conflicts with commoners, bringing disaster to the country and people—” and so on. True and false accusations came flooding in all at once. In this instant, all the lapdogs who had previously gathered around Tuoba Zhen to curry favor transformed into righteous defenders of morality denouncing him.

These people competed to denounce Tuoba Zhen’s faults, merely to please the currently ascendant Tuoba Yu who enjoyed imperial favor! Li Weiyang frowned. Her gaze fell on Li Xiaoran in the distance, but she saw him gently shake his head, clearly also strongly disapproving. Li Weiyang understood in her heart—these ministers were too hasty. Displaying such emotions before the Emperor was truly unwise!

Prince Chaoyang was the most adept at perceiving the Emperor’s intentions and had always been truly cunning and calculating. Seeing the situation had gone a bit too far, and the Emperor’s expression was extremely subtle, he coughed softly: “Enough, you needn’t be like this. Third Prince merely wants to share His Majesty’s burdens, though his methods are somewhat radical.” With these words, the Emperor’s expression became neither smiling nor serious.

Li Weiyang sighed inwardly. Tuoba Zhen, oh Tuoba Zhen, you’re clever to the extreme. Choosing this time to appear here wasn’t just to see the Emperor, but to force the Emperor to see clearly how many people in court belonged to Tuoba Yu, making him aware of the trouble, making him recognize Tuoba Yu’s ambitions, and letting him see clearly the disadvantaged position Tuoba Zhen occupied—he understood the Emperor so well, understood his suspicions, his cunning, and the fear hidden deep in his heart.

The Emperor wanted balance. When Tuoba Yu was at a disadvantage, he wholeheartedly supported this son. But when Tuoba Zhen was at a disadvantage, it would make him forget his affection for Tuoba Yu—this was the Emperor. His imperial heart constantly wavered. Only when Tuoba Zhen was pushed to the extreme could he draw out the Emperor’s suspicion! Just a bit of suspicion could make everything Tuoba Yu had done previously come to nothing! Li Weiyang sneered coldly in her heart. Tuoba Zhen, you truly have such vicious scheming! So this is what you were waiting for!

Prince Chaoyang said to Tuoba Zhen kindly: “Third Prince, I know you’re wholeheartedly worried about state affairs, but you’re too young to see the dangers in this matter. This route to the Southwest passes through three hundred cities and thousands of villages large and small. If troops are rashly deployed without sufficient military provisions and salary, the soldiers will certainly be uncontrollable and will inevitably disturb the local people wherever they go. The earthquake just passed, and His Majesty spent so much effort to temporarily appease the people. Cities and towns are also under construction. Think about it—at that time there won’t just be external threats, but internal troubles too!”

Li Weiyang narrowed her eyes. The ginger is indeed spicier when old. Prince Chaoyang had touched upon what the Emperor cared about most—he had never worried about external threats, but rather about internal unrest. No matter what dynasty, natural succession was normal. But if officials forced the people to rebel, then the emperor would have to be replaced. How could he change his original position because of unrest in one region?

Tuoba Zhen’s gaze slowly turned to Prince Chaoyang, slowly exhaled, and said: “Your Highness, I’m not speaking carelessly. I truly want to share Father Emperor’s burdens.”

Someone immediately gave a cold laugh and said mockingly: “Share His Majesty’s burdens? I think you’re seeking fame and glory. Talking about leading troops to war—without provisions how can troops be deployed? This is simply fantasy!”

The Emperor slowly raised his hand, stopping the restless crowd, but said nothing, only looking calmly at Tuoba Zhen: “What method do you have?”

Li Weiyang subconsciously glanced at Tuoba Zhen and saw him give her a slight smile, as if he had prepared this long ago. Then he said loudly: “Your son has already said—please allow me to lead troops to war. I will handle the military provisions myself!”

“Lead troops to war?” Tuoba Yu’s gaze was sharp as a flying arrow, shooting straight at him. “Third Brother thinks too well. I wonder how long you plan to fight this war?”

Tuoba Zhen said unhurriedly: “Only three months are needed.”

Tuoba Yu smiled: “Three months? I’m afraid all the silver in this year’s treasury has already been allocated. Where will the military funds come from? Your so-called handling it yourself—doesn’t it still need to go through the treasury?”

Everyone thought Tuoba Zhen was about to be embarrassed. After all, it came down to the problem of silver, which couldn’t be solved. If Tuoba Zhen had no good way to solve the military provisions problem, his actions today would become an enormous joke. And now, everyone was waiting for this joke, ready to watch Tuoba Zhen become a laughingstock. Only Li Weiyang’s face showed no smile, appearing exceptionally calm. Among everyone present, she understood Tuoba Zhen best. Tuoba Zhen wouldn’t fight a battle he wasn’t confident of winning. Since he dared to propose it, he must have a solution. But what method could he have?

Tuoba Zhen smiled lightly and said: “Father Emperor, your son is a prince of this country. I’m willing to convert all my residences in the capital and all my estates and properties into cash. Not only that, Third Imperial Consort Princess Anguo is also willing to offer all her dowry as military funds.”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was shocked. Offering all one’s family assets as military funds—had the Third Prince gone mad or what? The state was the state, the individual was the individual. Everyone was trying every means to enrich their own coffers, and later still thinking of ways to extract a bit from the Emperor. Who would use their own money to subsidize the treasury!

Prince Chaoyang deliberately made things difficult: “How could this money be enough for military funds for two hundred thousand troops? What the Third Prince says is truly fantasy.”

Li Weiyang noticed that among the officials, some exchanged glances. In just a moment, five ministers pushed through the crowd and stepped forward. “The Third Prince is right—the rise and fall of the nation is everyone’s responsibility. The people of the Southwest are suffering. How can we make them wait another three months? By then war will spread and the people will suffer!” “Yes, I’m also willing to donate my family assets!” “Right, I’m willing too!” In an instant, from five people it spread to over ten. Though in a hall of over a hundred people this voice seemed like a drop in the bucket, Li Weiyang realized that Tuoba Zhen’s supporters had always been hiding in the shadows, ready to step forward at any time. This scene was merely arranged by Tuoba Zhen in advance.

Tuoba Zhen showed a cold smile with these people’s support: “My personal wealth is naturally insufficient.” Then, he walked step by step toward Prince Chaoyang: “Your Highness, you are His Majesty’s most trusted minister, the wealthy Prince Chaoyang. Your fiefdom and tribute are the highest every year. I presume you wouldn’t mind being generous and donating this sum for the people!”

Though Prince Chaoyang was cunning and calculating, he hadn’t expected Tuoba Zhen to pull this move. He was so angered he stepped back two paces, turned to look at the Emperor, and just wanted to cry injustice. But seeing the Emperor’s iron-gray face had already softened and even showed some contemplation, Prince Chaoyang was alarmed and immediately understood the Emperor’s thinking. Changing his approach, he said: “Your Majesty, as your subject I must share your burdens. This humble minister is willing to donate five thousand taels of gold.”

Tuoba Yu was about to speak when he saw Li Weiyang in the crowd gently shake her head at him. He immediately understood—the Emperor had already changed his mind at this moment. He couldn’t openly oppose him. If he spoke against it, others would think he was deliberately obstructing such a righteous act. Suppressing the anger in his heart, he smiled: “Since even the Prince is generous, naturally I cannot lag behind. I’m willing to similarly donate five thousand taels of gold as military funds.”

Tuoba Zhen sneered, then looked at the others and said: “Prince Chaoyang and Seventh Brother have both spoken. Other ministers concerned about the country and people surely won’t be stingy either—right, Prime Minister Li?”

Li Xiaoran had long seen the undercurrents among these people and had also perceived the meaning in the Emperor’s expression at this moment. He immediately smiled: “Naturally I won’t lag behind either. It’s just that my monthly salary is limited. Unlike the princes, I cannot contribute so much silver. How about this—I’ll contribute five hundred taels of gold.”

Li Weiyang nearly laughed out loud. Father, oh Father, you’re truly quite stingy. If all those paintings and ancient texts in your rear courtyard were sold, they’d likely not be inferior to others at all, yet you insist on putting on an act of integrity.

The others all had vegetable-colored faces, knowing their purses would all have to bleed heavily. But most of these people belonged to the Seventh Prince’s faction. Since Tuoba Yu agreed, they had no way to openly oppose before the Emperor. At this time, the Emperor had already spoken: “Since this is what all the ministers request, I shall entrust the matter of raising military provisions to the Seventh Prince. Within three days, you must certainly gather the military provisions needed for the army’s departure.”

Tuoba Yu was burning with anger inside but still had to smile and express gratitude, stating he would certainly not fail this great favor.

“As for the person to lead the troops, Zhen’er, do you truly have confidence? Two hundred thousand troops is no laughing matter. If I entrust these forces to you, how will you deploy them?”

Two hundred thousand troops? Tuoba Yu’s expression changed as he suddenly realized something. But Li Weiyang smiled. Now she completely understood—what Tuoba Zhen wanted was the two hundred thousand troops that Tuoba Yu had worked so hard to obtain… Indeed, if military provisions were ready in three days, recruiting new troops would be too late. They could only gather from existing forces. Duke Luoguo already had two hundred thousand troops, and Tuoba Yu had another two hundred thousand. Combined, their power far exceeded that of the former Crown Prince. Moreover, Tuoba Yu was different from ministers like Duke Jiangguo. Ministers were always ministers—unless they committed treason and usurpation, they couldn’t legitimately raise troops. No one dared easily bear the crime of rebellion. But imperial princes, however… Tuoba Zhen had precisely seen this point and in today’s indirect remarks had struck at the Emperor’s concerns.

Only now did Tuoba Yu’s face become extremely ugly, unable even to maintain his original grace and bearing. He had fought desperately to obtain these two hundred thousand troops through the Northern Desert affair, and now they were being taken away by Tuoba Zhen’s few words. Not vomiting blood on the spot showed great restraint. He gritted his teeth and smiled: “Father Emperor, please let your son go instead.”

The Emperor shook his head: “You’re newly married anyway. Making you go to the battlefield now would really be too difficult for you. Princess Pingting would also blame me for not understanding romance! Just let Zhen’er lead the troops to war! Haha, well, let’s end the discussion of state affairs here. Everyone should drink heartily and not return until drunk!”

With the Emperor’s words, Tuoba Yu suppressed all the anger in his belly, smiling as he raised his cup to toast everyone. Only that jade-like face was inexplicably shrouded in a layer of malevolence. Li Weiyang gave a cold laugh and turned toward the door.

“Oh my, isn’t this Princess Anning? Why are you leaving the banquet so early?” A clear voice rang out.

Li Weiyang turned around and saw in the flickering light and shadow a beautiful, tall woman standing in the corridor, looking at her with a smile.

Truly enemies on a narrow road. Li Weiyang smiled with pursed lips: “Oh, so it’s Princess Anguo.”

Princess Anguo smiled: “Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Did you encounter something unpleasant?” With a concerned expression, her beautiful eyes revealed countless malicious intentions. Then she said, “Ah, I remember now—is it because Tuoba Yu got married today that you’re unhappy? Sigh, when you think about it, you two were so well-matched, yet he turned around and married someone else. Anyone would feel terrible about that.”

Li Weiyang looked at Princess Anguo with amusement. Where had this woman heard such rumors? Did she really think she liked Tuoba Yu and wanted to use this to hurt her? How exceptionally foolish. She smiled: “Is Princess Anguo going in? However, His Majesty and Imperial Consort Lian are inside. Seeing you, they’ll probably be quite surprised. Last time’s incident was so embarrassing—if I were you, I’d rather hide in my room every day with a cloth bag over my head and never come out to see people again. Ah, I forgot—you have such thick skin, you probably don’t mind. Speaking of which, this shows the deep affection between you husband and wife, even offering up your own dowry. Tsk tsk.”

When it came to poisonous words, Li Weiyang would never lose to anyone. Princess Anguo immediately turned purple with rage, clenched her fists, and said coldly: “Li Weiyang, your proud days won’t last much longer!”

Li Weiyang’s smile in the candlelight carried a hint of eeriness: “Oh, that’s not for you to worry about.” Saying this, she had already descended the steps with leisurely steps, walking lightly into the courtyard. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she turned and said, “I forgot to ask—has the Princess been in good health lately?”

Princess Anguo froze, staring intently at Li Weiyang as if seeing some kind of monster. Her expression in the flickering candlelight seemed somewhat twisted. “You… what are you saying…”

Li Weiyang’s smile was as usual, very calm, only that calmness carried an indescribable mockery. “Well, you’ll have to go back and ask that good husband of yours what he instructed your physician to do!” Then, without answering Princess Anguo further, she quickly departed.

“Li Weiyang! Li Weiyang! You stop right there! Hui Nu, go stop her!” Princess Anguo called out orders into the shadows, anxiously.

From the moment Hui Nu saw Li Weiyang, those terrifying memories surfaced uncontrollably. He lowered his head: “Princess, Princess Anning has a maid with superior martial arts skills by her side, and there are guards at the carriage outside. This slave fears he cannot succeed!”

Anguo turned and slapped him, saying viciously: “Useless thing!”

Hui Nu lowered his head: “This slave is guilty. Please punish me, Princess!”

Anguo sneered: “Forget it. Let her be smug for a couple more days. Once the news arrives from Yuexi, I’ll see how I deal with her!”

Princess Anguo had already sent a message back to Yuexi to Empress Pei, requesting her support and assistance. If nothing unexpected happened, in half a month that secret letter would reach Yuexi. But Princess Anguo didn’t know that the letter she sent out was already in Li Weiyang’s hands… Hui Nu lowered his head, hiding the unease in his eyes.

Anguo thought about it, and her expression became increasingly ugly. How could Li Weiyang suddenly ask such a question? How could she know? The more she thought about it, the more wrong it seemed, and she involuntarily began to feel a kind of fear. Since returning from the palace that time, she no longer dared to casually seek outside physicians. Although she was confined, the Emperor hadn’t said she couldn’t have the Third Prince’s residence request imperial physicians. After thorough investigation, she discovered that the palace’s Imperial Physician Shen, most skilled in treating women’s ailments, had already retired at home. She quietly invited him to the residence to treat her illness. Her body had originally had a closed condition, making it impossible to share a bed with a man. So she had tried every means to find physicians to treat it, but unfortunately, no matter how many famous doctors she consulted, everyone told her it was hopeless. But last time at that Physician Jiang’s place, this person said some conditions in women could be treated, though it required surgery with extremely high risks—one misstep could be life-threatening. This gave her enormous hope, but unfortunately, she was later discovered by Sun Yanjun. Fearing her secret would be exposed, in a moment of anger she killed Physician Jiang…

Looking back with regret, it was already too late. She later thought that previously in Yuexi, everyone said it couldn’t be treated—not because it truly couldn’t be treated, but because they didn’t dare treat it. She was Empress Pei’s beloved daughter. If anything went wrong… who would dare answer to Empress Pei? Therefore, Physician Jiang’s words had rekindled her hope. After repeated threats and inducements, Imperial Physician Shen indeed performed surgery on her—now she could spend nights with Tuoba Zhen, only that pain… made her nearly go mad.

“Has the Princess been in good health lately?” Li Weiyang’s words just now—Princess Anguo suddenly realized something was wrong. She wasn’t a foolish person, just desperate for treatment. Now reviewing the entire matter, she discovered something amiss.

“Princess, Third Prince requests you to come in.” A maid beside her said respectfully, inexplicably wrinkling her nose.

Anguo was preoccupied with her own thoughts and didn’t notice the maid’s expression. She stepped into the great hall. Everyone who saw her showed some surprise on their faces. They had all heard about what happened in the palace. The rumor that Princess Anguo had a closed condition had spread throughout Great Li. Now she still had the face to appear here—

“Princess Anguo is truly magnanimous, actually offering up her own dowry. She’s truly a model for women.” Imperial Consort Lian smiled, full of admiration.

The Emperor nodded, as if that day’s events had never happened, and smiled: “Yes, Princess Anguo has done a good deed for the common people of Great Li this time.”

Since both the Emperor and Imperial Consort Lian had spoken thus, meaning they didn’t mind the previous incident, the others all showed knowing smiles and spoke up in praise: “Yes, Princess Anguo is truly noble and righteous.” “Right, the Princess is truly too remarkable.” “To marry such a virtuous and principled wife—Third Prince is truly blessed!” For a time, praise poured forth. In the Great Li dynasty, women with closed conditions had always been considered inauspicious, but now Princess Anguo had gained imperial favor. Naturally everyone acted as if they had collective amnesia, completely unable to recall this matter, only focused on adding flowers to brocade.

At this moment, they suddenly heard Prince Chaoyang’s youngest son, a little boy only five or six years old, disgustedly pinch his nose: “Father, she smells so bad! What a strange smell!” As soon as these words came out, everyone’s expressions changed.

Prince Chaoyang didn’t even think before quietly scolding: “A child speaking nonsense! How rude!”

Tuoba Zhen frowned, looking at Princess Anguo. Accidentally getting too close, he indeed smelled a certain… indescribable odor.

The person with the ugliest expression was Princess Anguo. Just now that little boy had been crawling around among the women’s skirts—he must have discovered something! Previously, Imperial Physician Shen had performed surgery on her, instructing her not to consummate the marriage for ten days. But she couldn’t wait and consummated with Tuoba Zhen. Since then, her skirts were wet every day, and her skin had even developed ulcers—it hadn’t been like this before… She thought this was a surgical aftereffect. Could that Imperial Physician Shen have a problem?!

Princess Anguo twisted the brocade handkerchief in her hand, hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth: “I have urgent matters and must return to the residence first!” Saying this, she fled rapidly without looking back. Behind her, mocking laughter faintly emerged from the crowd. She covered her ears tightly, as if she hadn’t heard.

“Someone this old—could she still wet her pants?”

“What are you talking about? Didn’t you smell that odor on her! So foul—don’t know how much powder she used, and it still smelled that bad. Really don’t know how the Third Prince endures her!”

“Right, what’s going on? How did she become incontinent?!”

“Shh, the Third Prince is looking over. Don’t let him hear!”

Amid the whispering crowd, Tuoba Zhen’s originally slightly triumphant expression slowly became calm. These people didn’t understand the situation and obviously thought Princess Anguo had urinary incontinence, not knowing she had these surgical aftereffects because she was too eager to consummate with him… Tuoba Zhen knew this perfectly well but didn’t stop her, even secretly encouraged her to do so. Previously he valued her status as Yuexi Princess, but from the current situation, this woman’s existence would only affect his great undertaking. It would be best if she disappeared quickly.

In the carriage, Zhao Yue asked curiously: “Miss, what did you mean by those words to Princess Anguo just now?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “I heard that Imperial Physician Shen is invited daily to treat Princess Anguo.”

Zhao Yue suddenly thought she understood, exclaiming “Ah!” and said: “Could that Physician Shen have done something?”

Li Weiyang shook her head: “Physician Shen is not my person.”

Zhao Yue’s face showed a strange expression, beginning to feel confused. Li Weiyang slowly said: “Those words were just casual questions, nothing particularly meaningful.”

“Casual questions?!” Zhao Yue’s eyes widened. What did she mean by casual questions?

Li Weiyang smiled, looking at the bright moon outside the window, and sighed: “Tuoba Zhen probably finds this wife tiresome and wants to let her slowly die, so he sent Imperial Physician Shen to treat her and reminded her not to consummate for ten days. But people are like this—always too impatient. Moreover, Tuoba Zhen vaguely suggested taking concubines, so naturally she wouldn’t wait any longer… Now something has gone wrong, but Tuoba Zhen is completely clean while Princess Anguo is the one in trouble. As for us, we’re just kindly reminding her of this point—don’t become a scapegoat in confusion.”

Besides Hui Nu, there were still secret agents in the Third Prince’s residence. Though they couldn’t access core secrets, matters like Tuoba Zhen and Princess Anguo consummating—Anguo couldn’t wait to publicize it to everyone. So it wasn’t any major news, and it wasn’t strange it would reach Li Weiyang’s ears. Only Zhao Yue couldn’t imagine that Tuoba Zhen was so vicious—knowing Princess Anguo was devoted to him, yet unhesitatingly sending her to the afterlife.

“Miss, wouldn’t it be better to just let Princess Anguo die like this? This has nothing to do with us!”

“Just let her die? Wouldn’t that be too easy on her?” Li Weiyang’s smile in the moonlight carried a hint of coldness. “This play is missing her—how can it continue! She’s not completely foolish. Do you think when she learns of Tuoba Zhen’s ruthlessness, she won’t go mad? At that time it will certainly be better than her dying quietly like this! Don’t you agree?”

Zhao Yue heard Li Weiyang’s words and felt increasingly confused.

But Li Weiyang slowly said: “No need to worry. After three days when the army leaves the city, all secrets will naturally be revealed.”

The carriage slowly stopped at the Li residence entrance. Zhao Nan stood at the gate, quietly waiting for Li Weiyang’s carriage. Seeing them return, he knelt on the ground and said solemnly: “Princess, the master said from now on he would have this subordinate stay by your side.”

Li Minde? He was leaving? Li Weiyang felt an inexplicable panic in her heart. She got off the carriage and slowly said: “Where is he?”

Zhao Nan lowered his head: “This subordinate doesn’t know.”

Li Weiyang looked at him coldly, then turned back: “Zhao Yue, prepare a horse.”

Zhao Nan was alarmed and raised his head: “Miss—the master said there’s no need for you to see him off.”

“When did it become his turn to decide!” Li Weiyang said coldly. Her delicate features in the moonlight showed a somewhat sharp look. Zhao Nan’s heart trembled: “Master—he’s probably already left through Nanhua Gate by now.”

Li Weiyang didn’t look at him again. She mounted the horse, and Zhao Yue quickly found another horse and followed Li Weiyang as they galloped toward Nanhua Gate. Zhao Nan watched in shock as the horses vanished in a cloud of dust, almost unable to speak.

Outside Nanhua Gate, Li Minde—no, now he should be called Yuan Lie—stood on his horse at this moment, gazing into the city, showing a slight smile, wondering what he was thinking. A servant beside him said quietly: “Master, we should depart.”

Yuan Lie smiled slightly, turned and tightened the reins, about to order departure. But suddenly the servant exclaimed, and Yuan Lie looked back to see a figure suddenly appear in the distance. A woman dismounted nimbly and walked quickly toward him. Yuan Lie instantly froze like stone.

The woman who could captivate his heart and soul with a single glance—there was only one such person in the world.

“Weiyang!” Yuan Lie involuntarily called out softly, then quickly spurred his horse toward her.

Li Weiyang suddenly stood still, no longer walking. She watched as he came galloping like lightning, his dark cloak billowing open like a canopy of darkness, easily making her unable to move.

She stood there quietly, their eyes meeting.

“You…” Yuan Lie dismounted, first feeling extremely joyful in his heart. Seeing Li Weiyang’s expression was wrong, his heart panicked and he immediately said: “What’s wrong? Weren’t you attending the banquet? How did you suddenly appear here? How did you leave the city? Is anyone following you?”

Li Weiyang smiled and slowly said: “Are you returning to Yuexi?”

Yuan Lie immediately smiled, his glazed eyes sparkling with heart-stirring light, his handsome face making one dare not look directly: “I just didn’t want to say goodbye in person. You wouldn’t like that kind of situation, right?”

“Liar!” Li Weiyang frowned.

Yuan Lie showed a bewildered expression, not knowing why Li Weiyang would suddenly say these two words.

Li Weiyang took a deep breath, looked at him and said: “Fool, don’t do this for me anymore. I’m not at all worth you doing this—you said you were returning to Yuexi, but why leave everyone else with me? Because you’re afraid I’m in danger? No, you’re afraid they’ll know your whereabouts and ruin your plan. You’re not returning to Yuexi—you’re going to the border between Great Li and Southern Border.”

Yuan Lie froze, then like a child who had done wrong, said in a panic: “Weiyang—I—”

“Have you gone mad?! Why do such a thing! Wouldn’t it be good to return to Yuexi and be your prince? Going to do such dangerous things—if you fail, what will happen? You clearly know the consequences, don’t you?” Li Weiyang’s tone was extremely severe, almost unable to control the anxiety in her heart. From Zhao Nan’s expression, she had already guessed, but unfortunately she kept deceiving herself, saying he was returning to Yuexi to enjoy his wealth. But she never imagined he was going to assassinate Duke Jiangguo! “You clearly know that old scoundrel is surrounded by expert guards, it’s very possible their claims of his terminal illness are just a ruse, and you know Jiang Hua has been feigning madness to deceive everyone. Yet you still dare go into that trap?”

Yuan Lie’s eyes were bright and shining, only smiling: “Are you concerned about me?”

“Did you even hear what I said? Are you deaf?!” Li Weiyang hadn’t finished speaking when her face had already turned somewhat pale. Completely unaware she had inadvertently revealed many secrets, because she had just ridden frantically all the way, running too fast and urgently, she was now continuously panting heavily. “How can you do such a thing so casually! Are you deliberately trying to anger me? Fine, I won’t care about you anymore. You can do whatever you want!”

Before the words even hit the ground, she had already shaken off his hand. Yuan Lie quickly blocked her path, saying gently: “Alright, I was wrong, it’s all my fault! But this matter concerns your plan. Since I’ve guessed it, how can I pretend not to know? You’ve planned this for so long—if it were ruined by that old scoundrel, how disappointed would you be?! I’ll be fine, don’t worry—”

“How can I possibly not worry!” The words escaped Li Weiyang’s lips before she realized her loss of composure. She immediately closed her mouth, eyes widening as she looked at the increasingly approaching Yuan Lie.

That handsome face, flying sword-like brows, those glazed eyes that stirred the soul—coming closer and closer. Li Weiyang suddenly stiffened. Before she could react, Yuan Lie had already touched her lips briefly, then withdrew with a grin, slowly saying: “With these words of concern from you, I will certainly win.”

Li Weiyang’s face flushed crimson in the night. Though he had only touched her briefly like a dragonfly on water, her heart nearly leaped from her chest. This person, this person—so bold and presumptuous! Where was this? This was Nanhua Gate!

“If you’re this rude again next time, I absolutely won’t forgive you!” Li Weiyang’s expression tried hard to become indifferent, but she didn’t know that her currently flushed cheeks had long lost any persuasive power. Before the words finished, she had already fallen into a burning embrace: “Weiyang, I will return! Definitely!”

Saying this, he forcefully embraced her again, then suddenly released her, looked deeply at her once, turned and quickly mounted his horse. Without looking back, he spurred the horse forward. Following behind him were over ten riders in black clothing, clearly his carefully selected servants for executing the mission. These people had clearly seen everything but their faces didn’t move at all. They rode off following their master, and the group vanished into the dark night in an instant.

Li Weiyang quietly watched the thundering hoofbeats, not knowing why, but she sighed.

Zhao Yue never understood what the master and miss had meant. Why did the miss say the master wasn’t returning to Yuexi? Why mention Jiang Hua, who had long been like a waste… What did it all mean? She really couldn’t understand. Looking at Li Weiyang’s expression, she didn’t dare ask more.

Tuoba Yu received the imperial decree and within three days raised eight hundred thousand taels of silver as military provisions, presenting them before the Emperor. Then the military tallies for the two hundred thousand troops were also handed over in the Emperor’s presence. At this time, the Southwest rebellion had become increasingly severe. Originally just the rebel Guo Cheng and the Miao people, but now because the affected areas grew wider, dozens of cities near the Southwest were implicated. The situation became urgent. Thus, in just ten days, Tuoba Zhen had already led troops to war.

The day after Tuoba Zhen’s forces departed, the Empress Dowager fell into a coma. As the Empress Dowager’s adopted daughter, Li Weiyang was also required by protocol to enter the palace to attend her illness. Since winter began, the weather grew increasingly cold. The Empress Dowager’s original cold illness became more severe. No matter how much medicine the imperial physicians used, she was already terminally ill, unable even to recognize people. Occasionally when she woke, she only summoned the Emperor or Tuoba Yu, basically never mentioning anyone else. Therefore, though Li Weiyang nominally attended the illness, in reality she was quietly observing developments in the palace.

It was afternoon. The Empress Dowager had taken medicine and was drowsy. Imperial Consort Lian gave Li Weiyang a look, and the two quietly walked to one side.

“The imperial physician said the Empress Dowager’s illness—it’s just these one or two months.” Imperial Consort Lian’s face showed worry.

Li Weiyang glanced at the layers of bed curtains and sighed: “Life and death are determined by fate, wealth and honor by heaven. No matter who one is, no one can escape this day.”

Imperial Consort Lian looked worried: “I don’t know why, but I always feel vaguely uneasy, yet can’t say what’s wrong. Seventh Prince still has Duke Luoguo’s two hundred thousand troops, plus the Imperial Guards controlled by General Sun. Tuoba Zhen leading troops to war was purely to regain imperial favor. He’ll probably die of miasma like the others before even reaching the Southwest. At that time, Seventh Prince’s position as heir will be even more certain. I really shouldn’t worry like this, right?” When matters didn’t concern her own interests, she naturally didn’t care. But now she was already tied to Tuoba Yu in the same boat, so of course she cared greatly about developments. The longer the Empress Dowager lived, the more secure Tuoba Yu’s position as Crown Prince became. That’s why Imperial Consort Lian had specially requested the Emperor to let her come here to care for the Empress Dowager, using this to observe the situation and glimpse opportunities early.

Li Weiyang smiled as she looked at her: “Imperial Consort Lian, there’s no need to be so nervous. Some things—being nervous and afraid won’t help. What’s coming will come eventually.”

Imperial Consort Lian looked at her dark, bottomless eyes and felt even more anxious in her heart. She was thinking of trying to get more information from her mouth when Li Weiyang turned her head: “It’s time for the Empress Dowager’s medicine.”

Female Official Dong personally carried the medicine cup to the Empress Dowager’s bedside. Li Weiyang casually glanced over and saw on the red lacquer tray a delicate small lotus bowl containing pitch-black medicinal liquid.

Imperial Consort Lian sighed: “The ancient prescription Seventh Prince specially sought—I’m afraid it can’t save the Empress Dowager’s life either.”

After the Empress Dowager fell ill, Tuoba Yu had searched through ancient texts by every means, finding an ancient prescription for treating cold cough illness. After testing it on over a hundred patients and confirming its effectiveness, he presented it to the Empress Dowager. Unfortunately, the Empress Dowager was advanced in years, and her cough illness had already penetrated to the bone. After the initial effectiveness wore off, her condition became even more severe.

Female Official Dong’s eyelashes lowered, casting a light shadow below. Her movements were exceptionally gentle as she attended the Empress Dowager taking the medicine. Watching this scene, Li Weiyang sighed. The Empress Dowager was wholeheartedly worried about state affairs and couldn’t rest peacefully. Of course her illness would grow worse.

After drinking the medicine, the Empress Dowager fell into peaceful sleep. The others all withdrew, leaving only Female Official Dong and other close attendants to serve. Imperial Consort Lian was entrusted with caring for the Empress Dowager, so naturally she couldn’t leave her post without permission. Li Weiyang was then detained by the subsequently arriving Ninth Princess, unable to leave. The three sat in the small hall, talking while drinking tea.

At dusk, Female Official Dong came to report in a panic: “Imperial Consort Lian, something terrible has happened! The Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager—”

Li Weiyang and Imperial Consort Lian exchanged glances. Imperial Consort Lian quickly stood up. Before she could speak to ask, Ninth Princess had already rushed into the Empress Dowager’s inner chamber first. The inner chamber was completely quiet. The maids who should have been attending here had already disappeared somewhere. Ninth Princess looked alarmed and hurried over, calling out: “Empress Dowager!” No one answered her. The chamber was deathly silent. Seeing this situation, Ninth Princess inexplicably felt something was wrong and involuntarily shivered, every hair on her back standing on end. Unable to care about anything else, she cried out repeatedly: “Empress Dowager! Empress Dowager!”

Rushing forward to lift the bedding, Ninth Princess looked carefully and immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

The Empress Dowager lay on the bed, her pale face completely gray and green, blood flowing from all seven orifices—she had already died.

Ninth Princess’s face suddenly turned deathly pale, then she fell heavily backward onto the floor: “The Empress Dowager has passed…”

Imperial Consort Lian’s eyes were full of shock. She had almost run in following Ninth Princess. Hearing Ninth Princess say this, her body began trembling uncontrollably. She grabbed the person next to her: “Weiyang, the Empress Dowager has passed…”

Li Weiyang looked at Imperial Consort Lian’s hand. She was gripping her arm so tightly her knuckles had turned white. Li Weiyang’s expression underwent subtle changes in this instant…

Just then, Female Official Dong who had followed in cried out loudly: “Someone come quickly! The Empress Dowager… the Empress Dowager has been poisoned…”