Yuan Ying’s appearance inherited the Yuexi imperial family’s handsomeness and also possessed the Guo family’s calm composure. Though born into royalty, he lacked excessive arrogance and had a good temperament, usually appearing with a smiling face—very approachable. But in Li Weiyang’s view, he was a very interesting person. If she hadn’t misjudged, this person clearly had coldness and dominance between his brows and eyes—absolutely not a mediocre talent. That day, what he said to her was actually a warning not to harm the Guo family regardless of her purposes. Moreover, this concern wasn’t about worrying his own power would be damaged—he genuinely cared about protecting his relatives. In a certain sense, compared to the heartless and faithless Tuoba Zhen, such a man clearly had more sense of responsibility.

If she followed Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s intention and married Yuan Ying, for the Guo family it would strengthen family ties, and for her, it would bring her closer to her enemies. If it were before, she might have used every means to seek revenge without hesitation, even willing to stake herself as a wager. But now, for some reason, she didn’t have this inclination.

Imperial Consort Guo Hui looked at Madam Guo and smiled: “Originally these words shouldn’t be said in front of the children, but you and I are both straightforward people, so let’s speak openly. Although Yuan Ying is my son, you’ve also watched him grow up from childhood. He hasn’t picked up any of those bad habits of noble young masters. In the future, if there’s this connection and he dares bully Jia’er, I’ll definitely discipline him properly.”

Li Weiyang showed a surprised expression. Imperial Consort Guo Hui actually spoke so plainly… However, discipline Yuan Ying? She glanced at that smiling tiger across from her and shook her head inwardly.

But Madam Guo understood Imperial Consort Hui’s meaning. After all, her strict discipline of Yuan Ying was known to everyone. Once before, Yuan Ying had secretly run out of the palace. Though still young, he knew to request leave from the Grand Tutor, only concealing it from Imperial Consort Guo Hui alone. When Imperial Consort Guo Hui found out, she at first thought he was just playing around and ordered guards to capture him back to the palace. The Yuexi princes differed from Dali—here, if princes made mistakes, even their own mothers couldn’t casually beat or scold them. There were specially assigned study companions to take punishment for them. But Yuan Ying’s study companion was precisely the Guo family’s Guo Dun. Imperial Consort Guo Hui absolutely couldn’t touch him, so without thinking, she severely beat Yuan Ying. Imperial Consort Guo Hui wasn’t like those delicate palace consorts—she came from a military family background. From childhood, because of poor health, Princess Imperial Chenliu had specially invited the best martial arts masters to teach her. Later after entering the palace, though her martial arts had fallen into disuse, the foundation remained. When beating someone, she showed no mercy. Poor Yuan Ying took the beating but refused to say what he had gone out of the palace to do. Imperial Consort Guo Hui became even more furious, breaking bamboo rods, finally even alarming the Emperor. Yuan Ying lay in bed for half a month without even groaning. When others visited him, his face still wore a smile.

Only a month later on Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s birthday, when she saw the white jade Guanyin statue Yuan Ying had prepared, did she learn her son had gone to prepare her birthday gift. Feeling regretful, she also sighed at her son’s stubbornness. In fact, Yuan Ying could have explained everything, but preparing the birthday gift was meant to give his mother a pleasant surprise. He insisted on his original intention and refused to reveal the truth. From this incident, one could see Yuan Ying’s character had an extremely strong side.

At this moment, hearing Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s words, Yuan Ying’s face maintained a moderate smile, but his eyes showed a thoughtful expression.

Li Weiyang felt uneasy under his gaze. She had a premonition that Yuan Ying would agree to this marriage, even if—just to marry her back home to watch her closely. Did she really seem so unreliable? She had already said repeatedly that no matter what she did in the future, she would consider the Guo family as much as possible. But obviously, the other party was very suspicious and didn’t trust her.

Madam Guo hadn’t expected Imperial Consort Guo Hui to speak to this extent. She sighed inwardly. This sister-in-law was good in every way and appeared shrewd before outsiders. How could she have completely no guard around family? If she had mentioned it to her privately and the two families planned together to bring the two children closer, wouldn’t that be better? Now speaking so rashly, Jia’er might be unhappy.

Actually, Madam Guo was willing in her heart because she loved Guo Jia too much, afraid she would suffer even the slightest grievance in the future. But her daughter must eventually marry. She couldn’t keep her for a lifetime. But if she married someone else and life turned out unhappy, wouldn’t her heart ache terribly? Only Yuan Ying was different. First, Imperial Consort Guo Hui was her own sister-in-law with whom she had very good feelings. She also had a protective nature—if Jia’er married over, she absolutely wouldn’t suffer difficulties from her mother-in-law. Second, Yuan Ying was someone Madam Guo had watched grow up—capable with a good personality, never losing his temper… This kind of husband seemed like a good destination no matter how one looked at it.

Unfortunately, Yuan Ying was ultimately born into the imperial family. In the future if… Madam Guo had some selfishness in her heart. She would rather her daughter not have glory and wealth but live safely all her life. So she smiled: “Look at you, so anxious. Jia’er just came back!”

Neither immediately refusing nor readily accepting, Madam Guo tactfully postponed this marriage match. She stopped at the right point—her speech was quite artful. Imperial Consort Guo Hui was very clever and immediately understood. She nodded: “Yes, you mother and daughter just reunited. Of course you’d be reluctant if she married now. We can discuss it later.” With that, she turned to look at her son: “I just want to strengthen family ties. Do you understand?”

Her words carried a commanding tone but were obviously joking. Yuan Ying immediately smiled, glanced at Li Weiyang, and said: “Your son understands.”

In his gaze was a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. But Li Weiyang lowered her head, deliberately pretending not to understand.

Looking at the two of them, Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s heart felt increasingly hopeful. She said to Madam Guo: “I’ve already made arrangements—this time you’ll stay overnight in the palace.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang was slightly surprised. The Dali palace didn’t allow overnight stays… Even for female relatives, it was the same. But apparently the Yuexi palace had no such rule. Seeing surprise on her face, Imperial Consort Guo Hui smiled: “If you were outsiders, naturally not. But you’re my close relatives. I’ve already informed His Majesty that I want you to stay several days. What’s wrong with that?”

Li Weiyang merely smiled. Madam Guo had already readily agreed: “Then I’ll keep Your Ladyship company.” Though she said this, she had actually already prepared for staying temporarily in the palace, even specially placing a trunk in the carriage behind. She had just forgotten to inform Li Weiyang.

Madam Guo thought for a moment and asked: “According to protocol, we should pay respects to Empress Pei and the other Imperial Consorts.”

Mentioning Empress Pei, Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s smile immediately cooled by three parts: “Elder Sister-in-law, my rank in the palace is second only to Empress Pei. You needn’t visit those other palace consorts at all. As for Empress Pei, she long ago said that whenever palace consorts’ relatives enter the palace, they need only go through procedures—no need to visit one by one.”

These were polite words, but obviously Imperial Consort Guo Hui deliberately “followed them to the letter.” Li Weiyang laughed helplessly. This aunt’s personality was truly strong enough.

Imperial Consort Guo Hui kept them for a meal, but the dishes were quite ordinary. Seeing Li Weiyang’s expression remain normal without showing particular surprise, Imperial Consort Guo Hui secretly nodded with approval, becoming even more satisfied with this future daughter-in-law. She actively explained: “Jia’er, those palace dishes are really too elaborate and expensive. I still prefer these common folk dishes. Don’t mind it.”

Li Weiyang merely smiled: “Your Ladyship, what are you saying? At home I often heard Mother mention that Your Ladyship most loves eating home-style stir-fried alfalfa with meat and Four Happiness Meatballs. Though they’re ordinary dishes, they’re the most heartwarming.”

Guo family people all had great charm, and family life was very pleasant. No wonder Imperial Consort Guo Hui was unwilling to forget her life before marriage. Li Weiyang could understand this point very well.

Seeing her speak so appropriately, Madam Guo’s face showed comfort. And Yuan Ying across the table raised his head to glance at her. Now he felt he increasingly couldn’t see through this girl. Of course, for a Prime Minister’s daughter to climb to imperial connections and ultimately receive a County Princess title—not only was this the only case in Dali, probably in the entire realm as well. So he had always felt her scheming was deep and needed careful guarding to prevent her from doing anything disadvantageous to the Guo family in the future. But now watching her speak and act, though ordinary, she was very sincere—completely unlike those calculating, sweet-talking women. Perhaps he himself was overthinking…

Yuan Ying lowered his head, no longer looking at Li Weiyang.

“Yes, the dishes on this table are truly what Your Ladyship loved before.” Madam Guo said.

“Exactly!” Imperial Consort Guo Hui didn’t mention that because her natal family relatives were coming, she had specially ordered four or five additional dishes.

Li Weiyang glanced at the dishes on the table and thought to herself—she’d heard Empress Pei loved luxury while Imperial Consort Guo Hui was very frugal. They were complete opposites—no wonder they couldn’t stand each other.

After the noon meal, Yuan Ying took his leave. He already had his own duties. Staying here so long was already quite rare. Madam Guo watched him leave in the distance, then somehow turned back to glance at Li Weiyang, her expression slightly strange.

Li Weiyang deliberately acted as if she hadn’t seen her gaze, her face calm.

At this moment, Imperial Consort Guo Hui stood up: “Let’s take a walk.”

After lunch one needed to aid digestion—this was normal. But Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s so-called walk was merely being accompanied by Madam Guo and Li Weiyang, walking from the east end of the courtyard to the west end while chatting. It wasn’t like when Li Weiyang was in the Dali palace, specifically going to the Imperial Garden for walks. This showed many rules between the two countries were different. If Madam Guo hadn’t explained beforehand, Li Weiyang might truly not know what to do.

The two noble ladies walked in the courtyard. Li Weiyang stood on the steps, looking at the vermillion walls and blue-white stone bases on both sides, thinking to herself—Imperial Consort Guo Hui had grown up in such a friendly Guo family environment, yet had to enter a hell that devoured people without spitting out bones, spending the rest of her life in such deep palace confinement… She didn’t know how Imperial Consort Guo Hui endured it. Li Weiyang had already tasted this kind of life in her previous existence and hated this boundless waiting, so she absolutely didn’t want to experience it again. Yuan Ying was indeed a good marriage prospect—unfortunately, he was born into the imperial family. Future troubles would be many. She didn’t want to take that risk again. So she could only pretend not to notice Madam Guo’s expectations.

At this moment, Imperial Consort Guo Hui turned back to look at her and suddenly said: “It’s truly too boring for Jia’er to stay with us. Let the palace theater troupe come perform. We’ll liven things up.”

Imperial Consort Guo Hui was completely well-intentioned. Li Weiyang couldn’t refuse. So the theater troupe quickly set up in Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s courtyard. They performed reunion plays—actually ones they’d seen to exhaustion. But watching plays also depended on mood. Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s temperament was straightforward and she got along well with her sister-in-law, so the atmosphere was even more harmonious.

At this moment, Prince Xu Yuan Lie had already entered the palace. Of course, he couldn’t openly go see Li Weiyang—he had entered the palace to play chess with the Emperor. Old Eunuch Zhang Zhong led the way for him while secretly observing this newly appointed Prince Xu. Speaking of which, old Prince Xu had indeed been loyal to His Majesty, never offending the imperial will. At least when His Majesty hadn’t yet ascended the throne, some people had wanted to support Prince Xu’s ascension, but he had never had that intention. Instead, he wholeheartedly assisted the current Emperor. Compared to that arrogant General Pei who relied on favor, he was immeasurably better. So whether in court or in the rear palace, everyone respected him greatly.

However, everyone thought the highly coveted Prince position would be inherited by Prince Xu’s eldest son, yet this illegitimate son suddenly appeared. Eunuch Zhang secretly glanced at Yuan Lie, seeing those amber-colored pupils—very striking and captivating.

Yuan Lie’s eyes swept over and saw Eunuch Zhang’s dazed gaze. He asked: “What is Eunuch Zhang looking at?”

Eunuch Zhang carefully spoke: “The Prince has extraordinary bearing, very much the style of the old Prince. Truly surpassing the master—this servant is happy for him in his heart…”

Such words wouldn’t convince even a ghost. The corner of Yuan Lie’s mouth lifted slightly with a touch of warmth: “Oh? Is that so?”

But Eunuch Zhang felt uneasy inside. He always felt Yuan Lie’s appearance was very similar to someone. Who exactly? In his impression, a vague shadow flashed by. His heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he unconsciously glanced at Yuan Lie again. No, absolutely impossible!

“Eunuch Zhang has been by His Majesty’s side for a long time. I heard you once served Princess Qixia.” Yuan Lie said casually.

Eunuch Zhang’s eyelid twitched. He looked around—no one on either side. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief and quickly said: “My Prince, this old servant knows you’re a favored person before His Majesty, but some people and some matters are taboo in this palace.” Whether the Emperor or Empress, neither allowed anyone to mention that person from back then. Yet Yuan Lie mentioned her title without any concern.

Princess Qixia… Eunuch Zhang’s heart swept over that beautiful but frail shadow, feeling his body stiffen. Even now he couldn’t forget the scene of Princess Qixia’s death. At that time, Princess Qixia’s mental state was very unstable, so they eunuchs and palace maids took turns on watch, carefully monitoring her at all times. But one day, her consciousness inexplicably cleared and she was very happy, specially inviting His Majesty to talk. Though they only spoke briefly, His Majesty was already extremely happy. These servants thought the Princess’s condition had improved and relaxed considerably. So that night, no one sensed in advance that such a thing would happen. The next morning, just as His Majesty woke, he heard someone screaming: “Something’s wrong! Someone come! There’s a dead person, a dead person—!” He hurriedly got up only to discover Princess Qixia had disappeared. Leading people in panic to the lotus pond, he only saw a pair of delicate embroidered shoes neatly placed beside the lotus pond.

Princess Qixia had walked step by step out of her bedchamber, through the garden, to the lotus pond’s edge. Everyone could see—the Princess wore her most beloved dress and drowned in the lotus pond filled with pink lotus flowers. When fished out, her face wore a smile. This kind of scene—those who witnessed it probably could never forget it their entire lives. It was truly too terrifying…

His Majesty watched her die tragically with his own eyes, his heart torn as if by ten thousand blades. He coughed up a great mouthful of blood…

Eunuch Zhang didn’t dare think further. He only looked at Yuan Lie and warned again: “My Prince, please don’t mention that name again. This old servant is frightened just hearing it!”

“Really? What’s there to fear?” Yuan Lie smiled thoughtfully.

Looking at Yuan Lie’s face, Eunuch Zhang’s heart suddenly swept with a strange notion. His voice suddenly dropped three degrees: “My Prince, this servant heard mention that you grew up outside the palace as a child. Why didn’t you return earlier to seek your relatives?”

Yuan Lie sized up this very shrewd eunuch and said impassively: “Yes, originally my health was poor, so Father Prince kept me outside recuperating. You must know the situation in the residence. If I had returned, I probably wouldn’t have grown this big.”

His words were very clear. Eunuch Zhang smiled awkwardly—indeed, that old Princess Dowager Hu was no easy lamp.

“Eunuch has stayed here so many years—you must know quite a few matters.” Yuan Lie’s tone was very casual, as if just chatting. But Eunuch Zhang felt a bit nervous: “This old servant is getting old. Many past matters I’ve already forgotten.”

The Yuexi imperial family’s men were handsome and women gorgeous, but none compared to that Princess Qixia from back then. Eunuch Zhang suddenly thought—Princess Qixia had given birth to a son that year, but he died right after birth. If he had lived, he would probably be an exceptionally handsome extraordinary person like Prince Xu before him. Turning his head, Yuan Lie stared at him unblinkingly. Eunuch Zhang’s heart jumped. This gaze, this demeanor—not only resembled that person but also somewhat resembled the current Emperor. Heavens above! Could it be that child from back then was still alive? How was that possible! He had clearly watched that child stop breathing with his own eyes…

Yuan Lie merely smiled. Knowing this old eunuch could survive until now, he must be a slippery character. He didn’t expose him, merely easily changing the topic: “His Majesty’s headache condition—has it improved these past days?”

Eunuch Zhang’s expression didn’t change, but his heart relaxed considerably: “Much better. Since the Prince returned to the capital, His Majesty’s headaches have improved day by day.”

Princess Qixia’s death was a huge blow to the Emperor. He began suspecting everyone, feeling Princess Qixia was murdered, searching everywhere for the killer, killing many people in the palace, immediately stirring up gossip. Even dealing with court officials, his temperament greatly changed. While joking, he bestowed death on the Minister of Works. When the Imperial Censor remonstrated that Princess Qixia shouldn’t be buried with such high ceremonial standards, the Emperor immediately ordered him dragged out and torn apart by chariots. General Wu Lin who discussed Princess Qixia behind her back was personally shot over a hundred times by the Emperor until death… The Emperor had always been wise and never done such absurd frightening things. During that period, almost everyone feared for themselves. Even the Empress stayed behind closed doors. Palace consorts also dared not serve at bedtime, afraid one word would anger the Emperor and meet a miserable end.

The Emperor had been imprisoned from childhood and his health wasn’t very good. Add to that grieving through winter and frequently raging—he finally fell ill. Of course, this was just the outside story. The actual situation was that Princess Qixia somehow contracted a fever during that month—extremely contagious and difficult to cure, making people avoid her. But the Emperor insisted on personally caring for her. As time went on, the Princess’s illness recovered, but the fever’s root was planted in the Emperor’s body, becoming increasingly serious later. Fortunately, the palace provided careful treatment. A full three years passed before the Emperor’s spirits improved again, but he was left with headache problems. Once angered, his head would split with pain for three days and nights. Even imperial physician acupuncture couldn’t relieve the suffering. Later, thanks to the Empress presenting the Pei family’s heirloom treasure, the Ice Snow Cold Cicada, the pain could barely be suppressed. All these years, the Emperor’s headaches still frequently occurred and showed increasingly severe tendencies. Sometimes he would even fall into madness, completely unable to handle government affairs…

Eunuch Zhang said no more: “My Prince, hurry along. His Majesty is waiting for you!”

But Yuan Lie didn’t answer. Eunuch Zhang secretly raised his eyes and discovered Prince Xu had zoned out again, looking toward Changchun Palace’s direction. But that palace gate was closed—nothing could be seen. What was there to look at?

On stage, the performance reached a crucial point. Li Weiyang seemed absorbed in watching. Imperial Consort Guo Hui ordered people to prepare fresh fruit and bring it up for Li Weiyang to eat.

Only then did Madam Guo quietly speak with Imperial Consort Guo Hui: “Are you doing well in the palace?”

Imperial Consort Guo Hui glanced at the nearby palace maids and waved for them to stand farther away. She smiled: “Look at me—what’s not good?”

Madam Guo shook her head: “Initially your eldest brother said you definitely couldn’t endure this kind of life.” Pausing, she muttered again: “According to your temperament, I really can’t imagine you could bear it in the palace. I thought you would fight Empress Pei to the death.” Every time she entered the palace, Imperial Consort Guo Hui acted as if nothing was wrong, but she still felt this life wasn’t something ordinary people could endure. If it were herself, she’d probably go mad sooner or later.

Imperial Consort Guo Hui said gently: “Yes, initially when my first child died because of her, I hated to the extreme. But from then on I grew vigilant, knowing I couldn’t live as carefree as before in the Guo family. Even if I didn’t consider myself, I had to think of the Guo family who wholeheartedly cared for me and my future children. For this, I had to restrain my fiery temperament and patiently deal with her duplicitously. These two years, my son has also grown up. My heart worries even more—I don’t hope he’ll compete for that throne, but others may not be willing to spare him…”

Madam Guo was silent for a long while before saying quietly: “I understand your days aren’t as glamorous as they appear on the surface. For the Guo family, you’ve suffered.”

Imperial Consort Guo Hui said indifferently: “You all always like to say this, but entering the palace was my willing choice.” She glanced at Li Weiyang. The other party was concentrating intently on the stage, seemingly not noticing them here. Only then did she continue: “Initially when Father had me enter the palace, it was to balance the Pei family. That I could do something for the family clan was also my willing choice. Moreover, marrying someone like His Majesty—to speak of grievances, wouldn’t that be affected?”

His Majesty was indeed extraordinarily handsome with outstanding talent and wisdom. But these years, with unpredictable moods, when headaches struck he recognized no family—essentially a lucid madman. Moreover, he treated Imperial Consort Guo Hui with respect but no love. Staying by his side, could that be called happiness… Madam Guo sighed and said no more.

“The Empress has arrived!”

Imperial Consort Guo Hui and Madam Guo’s expressions changed simultaneously. They exchanged glances, both showing slight strangeness. Imperial Consort Hui was reuniting with relatives, enjoying family happiness—why was the Empress running here? But though they thought this, proper courtesies couldn’t be abandoned. Everyone rose to pay respects, appearing very respectful.

When Li Weiyang heard the Empress had arrived, her body involuntarily trembled—not from fear but from inner excitement stirring faintly. She had originally thought entering the palace she might see this person, but didn’t expect it would be this fast. Moreover, under completely unprepared circumstances, she would meet Empress Pei!

“Rise.” The voice was very young and quite pleasant to hear.

Hearing this, everyone stood up, still maintaining lowered heads and restrained gazes.

“From far away I heard the cloud board sounding in this courtyard. My opera addiction also arose, so I came to look. What a coincidence—Madam Guo is also here.” Empress Pei said this.

Imperial Consort Guo Hui coldly laughed inwardly. Messages had long been sent up—how could you not know Guo family people were here! But her face showed nothing: “How lacking in discernment—why don’t you quickly arrange a seat for Her Majesty!” The palace maids busied themselves, and Empress Pei sat down.

Li Weiyang kept her head lowered all along, as if extremely frightened by Empress Pei’s arrival.

“Is this the Guo family’s daughter? I remember you just returned to the capital. Are you accustomed to it?”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. This subject is very accustomed.” Li Weiyang answered neither hastily nor slowly with proper courtesy.

“Mm…” Empress Pei smiled slightly. “Raise your head and let me look at you.”

Hearing this, Madam Guo’s brow furrowed imperceptibly. Imperial Consort Guo Hui gave her a look, signaling to first see what Empress Pei intended.

Hearing this, Li Weiyang raised her head. Empress Pei held a five-colored glass cup in her hands. The gold thread on her sleeve cuffs was so pale it approached ivory. The phoenix patterns gleamed in the sunlight, further setting off those hands’ jade-like whiteness. But all this couldn’t compare to her stunning beauty. Every one of her features was beautiful, every one refined, as if heaven had calculated precisely down to the smallest detail without the slightest deviation—absolutely perfect. Compared to Li Changle, the former number one beauty of Dali, Empress Pei had three parts more gracious noble bearing.

Empress Pei set down her teacup, staring straight at Li Weiyang. Her face seemed to wear a smile, yet looking carefully, the bloodiness in those phoenix eyes had settled down, leaving only warm pleasant emotions floating on the surface.

This kind of scene made Li Weiyang feel all the blood in her body trembling. Yet she merely stood motionless, her face wearing an obedient smile, allowing Empress Pei to examine her.

In her initial judgment, Empress Pei already understood the young lady before her was absolutely no ordinary character. She smiled: “Indeed excellent appearance. No wonder Madam Guo treasures her so, rarely letting others see!” Those eyes without the slightest smile held a trace of extremely deep mockery, slanting a glance toward Madam Guo.

Madam Guo’s face wore a smile, but her words were insincere: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s praise.” As if very honest, completely unable to hear the meaning in the Empress’s words.

Empress Pei’s face rippled with somewhat heavy laughter: “Such a young lady can’t be hidden even if you try. Speaking of which, this child truly resembles Imperial Consort Hui sister when she first entered the palace—both have great family bearing.” Empress Pei’s voice seemed deeply meaningful: “Especially these eyes so deep—who knows how many men they’ll captivate?”

Imperial Consort Guo Hui’s face only showed impassive smiling: “Empress, what are you saying? Jia’er has a gentle temperament and has always stayed within doors.” What being captivated—that’s what frivolous women do. Do you think everyone is like your daughter Princess Lin’an?

“Oh? So there’s no marriage arrangement yet?” Empress Pei seemed very interested.

Imperial Consort Guo Hui smiled faintly: “This matter… His Majesty once said Guo family marriage matters should be personally reviewed by him. Without His Majesty’s decree, how would we dare decide privately?” This was a neither soft nor hard rebuff.

The meaning was: My niece’s marriage doesn’t trouble Empress to worry about. If it were someone else, they absolutely wouldn’t dare speak to Empress Pei this way. But Imperial Consort Guo Hui was an exceptional person.

“Though you say this, fundamentally I fear the Guo family’s standards are too high. However, daughters still shouldn’t be kept too long—lest finding a good match become difficult in the future.” Empress Pei wasn’t angry, answering with a smile.

Li Weiyang coldly laughed inwardly. If these words came from someone else’s mouth, they’d seem like concern for her. But coming from Empress Pei’s mouth, they truly had a somewhat hair-raising flavor. She raised her head to look at Empress Pei. The other party’s phoenix eyes curved in laughter at this moment, actually carrying a trace of inexplicable eeriness.