Li Weiyang watched Jiang Nan’s retreating figure, the smile on her face slowly fading. Jiang Nan was no ordinary reckless warrior. He was clever, alert, decisive—his only flaw was being excessively proud. But now, clearly he had learned to restrain his arrogance. Entering the princess’s residence meant he had already laid down his past identity and pride.

In the past, Li Weiyang could contend with the Jiang family because her greatest advantage was being alone, like a hard stone, while the Jiang family was like exquisite jade. When the two collided, naturally the jade would be damaged. The Jiang family members understood this too, so they had to carefully consider the consequences of every decision, inevitably holding back and unable to act with full force. But now? The situation seemed reversed. The one willing to throw caution to the wind had become Jiang Nan, while Li Weiyang still had Min’er to care for, so she wasn’t prepared to stake her life on revenge.

Tsk tsk, this drama didn’t look easy to perform no matter how one looked at it. Li Weiyang thought for a moment, then smiled lightly instead.

Guo Cheng walked to her side at this moment, his face full of smiles: “Well, have you confirmed it?”

Li Weiyang’s face held a trace of faint amusement: “Yes, it’s indeed Jiang Nan, no mistake.”

Guo Cheng sighed: “A distinguished son of a military family, from an illustrious household, actually reduced to being someone’s male favorite—truly pitiable.”

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “No, not pitiable. If enduring humiliation can achieve his goal, then he’s succeeded.”

Guo Cheng lowered his head in silence for a moment: “You’re right. With the princess’s assistance, Jiang Nan’s escape from this status is just a matter of time. It seems you still need to be very careful.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was like ripples on water, vanishing in a flash: “Open attacks are easy to dodge, hidden arrows hard to guard against. No matter how careful I am, what’s meant to come will still come. I drink water while thinking of its source—because of the Guo family I was able to come here. Similarly, I’ll never forget Madam Guo’s kindness toward me. So no matter what happens, I’ll do my utmost not to implicate the Guo family. Third Brother needn’t worry.”

Guo Cheng looked at her, showing a trace of surprise on his face: “That’s not what I meant. I’m just concerned about you.” Though Li Weiyang might not believe it, after these days together, though she always appeared distant and aloof toward others, she was extremely filial to Madam Guo, responding to every request, and very respectful toward them without any scheming or calculation. He always had a kind of dreamlike illusion, as if Li Weiyang truly was his little sister Guo Jia. Unconsciously following her around was merely hoping this beautiful illusion could last a bit longer. Because if Li Weiyang truly fought with Jiang Nan, it would inevitably involve Princess Lin’an. He didn’t know what consequences that would bring, so he was offering this reminder.

Li Weiyang merely smiled faintly: “If I didn’t even have the ability to protect myself, I would have become a pile of yellow earth long ago.” She glanced at Guo Cheng and said leisurely, “I don’t want to implicate the Guo family because of this…”

Guo Cheng laughed: “The Guo family and Empress Pei were already mortal enemies. There’s no question of implication. I just hope you’ll be safe and sound, because Mother cannot be without you. When necessary, I’ll help you…”

Li Weiyang pondered for a moment but shook her head: “No, I should resolve this matter myself.” She didn’t like owing others favors, especially the Guo family. Yes, she had relied on the Guo family to enter the capital’s aristocratic circles, but in their time together, she had sensed Madam Guo’s unreserved motherly love. The closer they became, the more indebted she felt, and the more constrained she became. So she’d rather do everything herself.

Guo Cheng looked at her in surprise, momentarily speechless. After a long while, he said, “Regardless of whether you accept my help, you’re already Guo Jia now. This identity won’t change no matter what. This also means everything about you is tied to the Guo family’s honor and disgrace. More importantly, having the Guo family’s protection is far better than facing harsh winds and frost outside alone. You should think carefully about the reasoning here.”

Li Weiyang nodded with a smile: “Haven’t I already accepted the Guo family’s protection?” Though she didn’t want to be hypocritical, owing them less would mean being less influenced by the Guo family. Recently, this family’s warmth and kindness had already left her at a loss.

Guo Cheng was stunned by her words, then he laughed: “No matter what you say, I’ll wait for you to take the initiative to ask.” Then he blinked and said, “Look, someone’s waiting for you.”

Li Weiyang turned her head to see Prince Xu Yuan Lie quickly walking toward her. He walked to her side, his expression somber as he glanced at Guo Cheng. Guo Cheng immediately stepped back three paces and smiled: “I’ll just say a few words, then leave immediately!” Then he retreated three steps, still smiling, and quickly disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Li Weiyang was surprised, looking at Yuan Lie: “What’s going on?”

Yuan Lie’s eyes were bright and sparkling, full of spirit. Hearing Li Weiyang’s question, he said without blushing or breathing hard: “Nothing, probably he has some matter to attend to.” Previously, Guo Dun had heard he kept coming to the Guo residence to find Li Weiyang and thought he wanted to court her. Deeply afraid that his sister who had just returned to the Guo residence would get married, which would plunge their mother into loneliness again, he simply went to Prince Xu’s residence and repeatedly warned Yuan Lie not to come near the Guo family again. However, what kind of person was Yuan Lie? How could he listen to his advice? He simply paid no attention at all and continued going his own way.

When the three Guo brothers blocked the gate, Yuan Lie jumped over the wall. When they blocked the wall, Yuan Lie was even more extreme—he dug a tunnel into the Guo family’s back garden, infuriating Guo Dun half to death. Once he blocked Yuan Lie on the road, exasperated, wanting to fight him. Though Guo Dun had trained under famous masters, Yuan Lie had also received strict training since childhood, so Guo Dun gained no advantage at all. Instead, he got injured. Guo Cheng came over to break up the fight but was injured by their fists, getting a black eye on his handsome face. Afraid of being exposed, he didn’t dare show his face at the Guo residence for two whole days. From then on, Yuan Lie ran to the Guo residence even more enthusiastically. Rumors spread everywhere outside, saying Prince Xu Yuan Lie had fallen in love at first sight with the Guo family’s young lady at the banquet and was using every possible method to pursue her, wanting to marry her as his princess consort as soon as possible.

Now whenever Guo Dun saw Yuan Lie, his eyes weren’t eyes and his nose wasn’t a nose—he’d snort coldly and turn to leave. But Guo Cheng, the innocent mediator, was someone who held grudges. On the surface he smiled and said he didn’t mind, but then he ordered people to block the tunnel Yuan Lie had spent three days digging, and very shamelessly fumigated the tunnel with smoke, forcibly blocking Yuan Lie who was preparing to see Li Weiyang. Yuan Lie deeply felt the pettiness of the Guo brothers, so he changed tactics, using secret letters to arrange meetings with Li Weiyang outside. But Guo Cheng wasn’t easy to deal with either. He had been quietly observing and actually discovered the secret of the snake messenger. Using a type of golden orchid flower that attracted snakes, he redirected the snake’s direction, and those secret letters were delivered into his hands instead…

Of course, Prince Xu Yuan Lie wasn’t easy to provoke either. If not for the fact that Li Weiyang lived at the Guo residence and he couldn’t be too ruthless, he probably would have had his shadow guards assassinate the Guo brothers several times already. After several rounds of fighting, both sides gradually found a way to coexist. As long as Yuan Lie wasn’t excessively enthusiastic toward Li Weiyang and didn’t propose improper marriage requests, the Guo brothers tacitly allowed their interactions.

What kind of agreement was this? These people were really pushing their luck! They didn’t even think about how many years he and Weiyang had known each other, yet they forcibly inserted themselves. Yuan Lie grumbled inwardly while his smile on the surface became even more brilliant, almost dazzling the eyes of the young ladies and maidservants in the distant garden. He looked at Li Weiyang, smiling broadly: “I heard everything you two just said.”

Li Weiyang’s smile slowly surfaced at the corner of her lips, like a suddenly blooming lotus, flashing brilliant colors in the sunlight: “So what if you heard?”

Yuan Lie’s eyes flashed with cunning: “I have a solution. Do you want to hear it?”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows at him: “What solution?”

Yuan Lie’s gentle smile bloomed: “Marry me and become my Princess Xu. Then you won’t implicate the Guo family and can do whatever you want freely! How about it?” His gaze shone with hopeful anticipation, his handsome features radiant. Anyone else wouldn’t bear to refuse such a beautiful man, especially since Li Weiyang knew he was deeply devoted to her. Moreover, though this idea sounded absurd, it was actually a very good method. Becoming Princess Xu would give her more power, but at the same time, everything she did would no longer be directly related to the Guo family.

But why was she hesitating? Though she wasn’t without feelings for him, she hadn’t thought about marrying him immediately.

In her memory, there seemed to be someone who had treated her tenderly, promising to cherish her for a lifetime. But what happened later? Those resentful, hateful eyes, those heart-wrenching angry accusations, and that imperial edict of death—she would perhaps never forget that past. She wasn’t heartless or emotionless, just afraid—afraid of how people’s hearts could change… Moreover, could she give Yuan Lie wholehearted love? Even if she could, did the current situation allow her to speak of love? Though Yuan Yu was dead, what about Jiang Nan? What about the mastermind behind everything—Empress Pei?

“Weiyang, what are you thinking?” A voice kept calling to her.

Li Weiyang suddenly awoke and came to her senses, only to discover her trembling hands were tightly wrapped in someone’s palms, warmed by scorching heat. “Weiyang, are you alright…”

She withdrew her hand and said softly, “I’m fine.” Making such intimate gestures in public—was Yuan Lie trying to confirm certain rumors? She instinctively stepped back. No, now was not the time.

Yuan Lie was such a clever person—seeing Li Weiyang’s action, how could he not understand? A flash of pain crossed his heart, but the smile on his face became even more brilliant: “I was just joking. Did you take it seriously?”

Li Weiyang was slightly surprised, then understood. But he had already said very seriously: “Your heart only has Min’er. When will you turn around and look at me? I’ve always been behind you!”

Li Weiyang was momentarily speechless at his half-true, half-false words. After a long while, she smiled gently: “Why would you be jealous of a child?”

He turned his face away, concealing the pain in his amber eyes, the smile on his lips growing fainter: “Not just the child—I don’t even want you to be close to the Guo family.”

Li Weiyang was surprised and couldn’t help saying, “Why?”

He suddenly turned his head, his eyes seemingly filled with extremely complex emotions: “Weiyang, besides me, you have many others. But besides you, I have nothing at all.”

Li Weiyang’s heart shook violently. She stared at him intently, but he seemed to restrain everything after saying those words. He didn’t want to frighten her, even though it took all his strength to smile again. He hadn’t even told her how he spent each day after she suddenly left. He couldn’t even stay alone in his room—her shadow was everywhere. He had always been in a daze, refusing to believe she would abandon him and leave, when she had clearly promised him, yet broke her word. Every time he opened a door, he felt as if she would be standing there smiling at him, so close that he could touch her with just an outstretched hand, able to see her face anytime, anywhere… The reason he was willing to return to Yuexi, willing to accept the identity of Prince Xu, and kept searching everywhere without going mad was all because he believed she must be somewhere waiting for him, waiting for him to find her.

She would be afraid knowing how obsessive he was, wouldn’t she? Even he himself sometimes felt fear. So he would never let her know any of this.

“Alright, you should go in. Madam Guo is looking for you.” Yuan Lie said with a smile, as if none of what just happened had occurred. Li Weiyang turned to look and indeed saw Madam Guo’s face showing anxious unease. She paused for a moment, then could only go in first to comfort her…

Yuan Lie watched Li Weiyang walk toward Madam Guo, his amber eyes becoming profound. He had once had nowhere to go, no one to rely on. That pain of being abandoned by the whole world, that humiliation of being looked down upon, those sufferings that couldn’t be ignored, those feelings that were difficult to tell others about—all were treasured in his heart. No matter how difficult, he remembered that the person who went through those days with him was Li Weiyang. Only in front of her could he speak freely. Only by her side could he show his truest self. No matter how she avoided it, there was an unbreakable connection between them. This connection, through these years of constant companionship, was seeping bit by bit into each other’s very bones, unforgettable.

Yuan Lie watched her retreating figure and smiled faintly. Weiyang, eventually one day, you will say yes. And until that day comes, I have enough patience to wait.

In the corridor not far away, Princess Lin’an saw this scene. She quietly asked Jiang Nan beside her, “This Miss Guo is Princess Anping, isn’t she?”

Jiang Nan nodded, saying indifferently, “Yes.”

Princess Lin’an raised her eyebrows, her voice becoming cold: “So you’re saying my sister died at her hands?”

Jiang Nan sneered and said without hesitation, “Yes, Princess Anguo was tortured to death by her.” Li Weiyang would always be Li Weiyang—every move she made was so dangerous, yet she could always turn danger into safety. In the past, he had hated her, yet like Jiang Hua, he also admired her. Even within this, there was a trace of attraction even he couldn’t deny. In his view, she was a woman worthy of matching him. But when his reputation and the Jiang family were destroyed at her hands, only bone-deep hatred remained in his heart. This hatred tormented him day and night, making him unable to sit or stand still, making him unable to eat or sleep, thinking only of how to take revenge every single day.

When Jiang Hua brought news of Princess Anguo’s death, Jiang Nan immediately realized the opportunity had come. So through Princess Lin’an he revealed everything to Empress Pei. Naturally, the Li family had to pay the price. Originally he thought everything would end with Empress Pei’s revenge, but when he saw Li Weiyang again in the capital, he realized his opponent hadn’t died. Not only that, she had become the Guo family’s long-lost daughter. Originally Yuan Yu could have exposed her identity, but she had turned it around and used him instead. Ha, in the end it was Prince Yan who lost his life. Jiang Nan had originally been full of questions about Yuan Yu’s death, but the day he saw Li Weiyang, he instantly connected everything together.

She had come looking for him. Even if he let go, she wouldn’t abandon this fight to the death. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t forever be the man played by Li Weiyang like a fool.

“She actually dares to come to the capital—how bold.” A trace of cold smile appeared on Princess Lin’an’s face. Anguo was her sister. Though spoiled and willful from childhood, always competitive, they were still legitimate sisters after all. For her to die at someone else’s hands like this, and for the murderer to actually dare appear right under her nose… Princess Lin’an felt a peculiar anger in her heart. Of course, Princess Lin’an wouldn’t think of Empress Pei’s evil deeds. Even if she knew, she would still think the Li family deserved to die. Everyone who dared challenge the Yuan imperial family’s authority deserved to die.

“But why is she so close to Prince Xu?” Princess Lin’an’s gaze fixed on Yuan Lie, her beautifully painted long eyebrows knitting together.

Jiang Nan sneered. He had also long recognized that strikingly handsome Prince Xu as the Third Young Master Li who had been by Li Weiyang’s side back then! He said slowly, “Prince Xu has always been devoted to her. If we let them join forces like this, the situation will become more complex. If the princess wants to eliminate Li Weiyang, start with this Prince Xu first.”

Princess Lin’an thought for a moment and said, “Imperial Uncle never mentioned having such a son outside, yet he suddenly appeared during his serious illness—this was already very strange. Mother Empress has been paying close attention to this matter too. But Imperial Uncle insists this is his son, leaving no way to investigate. Since he’s devoted to Li Weiyang, why don’t we think of a way to make them turn against each other? As long as we win him to our side, dealing with Li Weiyang won’t be difficult.”

Jiang Nan glanced at Princess Lin’an, his expression seeming amused yet not: “Is the princess confident?”

Princess Lin’an smiled sweetly: “Of course, but this requires me to put on an act. Are you willing?”

Jiang Nan forcibly suppressed the disgust in his heart and smiled faintly: “As long as it benefits the overall situation, what’s there to be unwilling about? I just don’t know what you plan to do?” In reality, he didn’t want to see Princess Lin’an’s face at all. She especially liked to show off her charms, thinking all men in the world could be manipulated in her palm.

Princess Lin’an smiled faintly, her expression alluring: “Men always have moments when they can’t control themselves. If Li Weiyang sees it with her own eyes, she’ll surely fly into a rage. Then their alliance will collapse without attack—isn’t that interesting?”

What Princess Lin’an enjoyed most was breaking up lovebirds. This seemed to be a hobby when she was extremely bored. Whenever she saw which court minister had an especially good relationship with his wife, she always wanted to take the opportunity to sabotage it. Only when they turned against each other and the couple separated would she be happy. This was completely different from Princess Anguo’s anger at not being able to be a wife—it was merely Princess Lin’an’s form of entertainment, a way to prove her charm. And so far, she had been almost invincible. Of course, Jiang Nan was an exception. But she didn’t believe there would be another exception! Yuan Lie was just a young man who grew up among commoners. She only needed a little trick and she could hook him!

Her beautiful face held a trace of smug satisfaction. She turned to a maidservant and said, “Go invite Prince Xu.”

Before the banquet began, Yuan Lie was invited to the small hall Princess Lin’an used for entertaining distinguished guests. He thought all the guests were there, but when he saw Princess Lin’an alone, he furrowed his brows imperceptibly: “Princess, what is the meaning of this?”

“I’ve long heard you returned to the capital, but we’ve never had a chance to talk more. Since Prince Xu is here, why not sit down and have a drink?” Princess Lin’an smiled charmingly, her alluring face carrying endless charm.

In terms of appearance, Princess Lin’an was more mature and charming than Li Weiyang, but so what? In Yuan Lie’s eyes, she was nothing but a painted skeleton. He smiled faintly and said very politely, “Princess, I still have matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave first.”

Princess Lin’an laughed: “Oh my, that’s such a pity. I wanted to have a good talk with you about your background!”

Yuan Lie stopped in his tracks, a trace of cold smile appearing in his eyes: “Oh? My background? I wonder what the princess knows?” Though Empress Pei had always been suspicious, she had never confirmed anything. Could Princess Lin’an know something? At this moment, Yuan Lie very much wanted to know this. Princess Lin’an raised a smile: “Sit down first, then we’ll talk.”

Yuan Lie smiled faintly and slowly sat down. Princess Lin’an concealed the smugness in her eyes and leaned closer: “First drink this cup of wine, then we can talk slowly.” She loved to capture men, especially using her beauty to make men voluntarily submit. Today, she couldn’t wait to prove her charm in front of Jiang Nan. So while handing over the wine cup, she anxiously observed the expression on Yuan Lie’s face. However, she discovered he was absent-minded, not even directing his gaze toward her beautiful face. How was this possible! She had a charming face like begonia flowers and the dignified status of a princess. Why could this man be distracted in her presence…

Below Yuan Lie’s handsome, sharp eyebrows, his amber eyes reflected brilliant light. His high, straight nose bridge, thin lips—this man had… an unbelievably perfect appearance. Though her heart belonged to Jiang Nan, Princess Lin’an still couldn’t help being shocked by Yuan Lie’s handsomeness. Moreover, she always felt this handsomeness looked somehow familiar. Such a man could have any beauty he wanted—why was he devoted to that very ordinary-looking Li Weiyang? Then she compared herself with Li Weiyang in her heart and decisively felt she far surpassed her opponent. Thinking of this, she gathered up her slight disappointment, put on her most captivating smile, and said, “Prince Xu, why keep people at such a distance?!”

Yuan Lie glanced at her, his eyes carrying a kind of mockery.

From that brief eye contact, Princess Lin’an’s face showed a faint blush, a thin layer of spring color making her even more charming. “I truly want to become friends with you. With my help, that formidable aunt left behind by my imperial uncle won’t be able to make trouble for you anymore, right?” The struggle at Prince Xu’s residence was very intense. Behind Princess Consort Xu was Consort Hu Shun’s support. No matter how capable Yuan Lie was, he couldn’t be too harsh toward his stepmother, or he would certainly be criticized… But if Empress Pei was willing to exert pressure, the Hu family would definitely have to restrain themselves. In Princess Lin’an’s view, this was an excellent deal. Of course, the prerequisite was that Yuan Lie would turn to their side and in turn deal with Li Weiyang, even including the Guo family behind her. How far the Pei family’s power could help him—he naturally knew how to choose… Princess Lin’an toyed with the hair at her temples with a faint smile, perfectly displaying a charming expression.

Yuan Lie’s expression was very cold: “Oh? Doesn’t the princess know my mother has already returned to the Hu residence to recuperate?” That old woman had long been dealt with by him to the point where she didn’t dare act up anymore. If not for the sake of the deceased Prince Xu, he would have long since made her pack up and leave. Why would he tolerate her until today?

Princess Lin’an was shocked, showing a trace of alarm on her face. But she quickly composed herself and smiled: “Even so, those old retainers of Prince Xu still don’t acknowledge your identity, do they?!”

The retainers’ loyalty was cultivated from the time the heir was small. No matter how excellent Yuan Lie was, those people wouldn’t easily acknowledge his identity. But in Yuan Lie’s view, this was just a matter of time—he had plenty of means to make those people submit. Now, he very much wanted to know why Princess Lin’an had invited him here. It couldn’t possibly be just to say this nonsense.

Seeing his cold expression, Princess Lin’an stopped talking about such topics and instead tried every way to flirt and seduce him. However, Yuan Lie either pretended not to understand or found excuses to dodge. Seeing this, Princess Lin’an became angry. Could her charm and power not move him at all?! How could this be?! Or was Li Weiyang really that outstanding? Her gaze drifted toward behind the screen. Did Jiang Nan think she hadn’t noticed? Every time that woman was mentioned, his eyes held an extremely complex emotion? That wasn’t just hatred!

Princess Lin’an became even more furious. The harder something was to obtain, the more she wanted it. Her eyes flowing, she came up with another plan and said, “Imperial Uncle once gave me a painting, but unfortunately I’m not interested in such things. Now it should be returned to its rightful owner.”

Yuan Lie raised his eyebrows, as if to see what other tricks she had. Princess Lin’an gritted her teeth and took out a painting from the side, slowly unrolling it—it was an erotic spring palace painting.

So everything before was meant to seduce him. How could Prince Xu have given her such a painting? Yuan Lie sneered. Princess Lin’an’s hand had already fallen on his shoulder, her body also standing up, getting very close. Her eyes focused intently on him. However, Yuan Lie’s face didn’t show the kind of distracted, uncontrolled expression ordinary men would have when seeing such paintings. He browsed through it methodically, very composed and natural, his face showing not a trace of improper thoughts. Princess Lin’an’s eyes swept lightly to the side, seeing a pair of exquisite embroidered shoes stepping into the hall. Feeling smug, her body was about to touch Yuan Lie’s leg. When that person came in, they should see how intimate they were… Who knew that at this moment, she suddenly heard the chair make a sound. Before she could react, her whole body had already fallen sprawled on the ground.

Li Weiyang had just lifted the curtain when she heard Princess Lin’an scream. She immediately froze, then laughed lightly: “Princess, what is the meaning of this?”

Yuan Lie spread his hands: “You see, I’m innocent.”

Li Weiyang assessed Princess Lin’an’s ashen expression and nodded: “I know.” Falling to the ground in that position, her buttocks must have split in half—he really showed no mercy at all. It seemed Yuan Lie had known Princess Lin’an’s intentions all along and deliberately humiliated her. This person really was quite petty.

Princess Lin’an immediately scrambled up from the ground, furious: “Yuan Lie, how dare you!”

Yuan Lie threw the erotic painting in her face and smiled faintly: “Yes, Princess, I’m indeed very bold. I hope next time you seduce a man, you’ll choose your target more carefully.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, turned, and left. Yuan Lie didn’t even glance at Princess Lin’an and chased after her. Princess Lin’an angrily swept all the wine and food from the table to the ground. A figure emerged from behind the screen to the side—it was Jiang Nan, who had been silently observing the situation develop. He looked at Princess Lin’an’s angry expression, his heart full of mockery, but his face was cold as he said, “Princess, I already said this method wouldn’t work.”

A trace of viciousness flashed across Princess Lin’an’s face: “Refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit—don’t blame me for being heartless!”