After the banquet ended, Li Weiyang and Madam Guo walked out of the great hall together. Noble Consort Chen, unable to hold her liquor, had already returned to rest. Consort Guo Hui personally escorted her and dispatched her personal female officials to lead Madam Guo and the others back. The long palace pathway was paved with square blue flagstones, flanked on both sides by towering vermilion palace walls. From Li Weiyang’s angle, she could see the flying eaves of tiled roofs vaguely rising behind the palace walls. At this moment, the sky had already darkened. On both sides of the palace pathway, perpetual lamps had been lit, their red lamp shades seeming to form a long dragon, casting vast crimson shadows across the pathway. All around was extremely quiet—apart from their footsteps, there was no other sound.

Madam Guo looked at the seemingly endless blue flagstones beneath her feet with a deeply contemplative expression, saying slowly, “Jia’er, look at this palace—though filled with voices and clamor, it seems to hide mystery and danger everywhere. Even standing here, one feels that with the slightest carelessness, one could be swallowed by this enormous palace. We should return home as soon as possible.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “Yes.”

Madam Guo walked two steps, then reversed herself. “No, if we leave, only your aunt will remain here alone. Wouldn’t that be even more lonely?”

Li Weiyang knew Madam Guo appeared strong on the outside but was soft-hearted—completely unlike herself. In her view, when Consort Guo Hui entered the palace years ago for her family, it was entirely her own choice with no one forcing her. Now she had established herself firmly in the palace, given birth to an imperial prince, and had a powerful family as backing—her days were quite good. But Madam Guo still found her pitiable. Yet in this world, who wasn’t pitiable? She didn’t intend to say these things to Madam Guo, so she simply smiled faintly. “Mother is soft-hearted, so stay a few more days to keep Consort Hui company.”

Madam Guo glanced at her, hesitating. “But I always feel uneasy.”

Madam Guo was clever—the entire banquet had made people feel very unsettled. First someone deliberately attacked Miss Guo, then Empress Pei bestowed ceremonial garments, then many people came to curry favor. Those inexplicably fervent gazes truly bred fear in one’s heart. The banquet appeared lively, but in reality was fraught with hidden dangers.

Li Weiyang’s smile remained unchanged. “Mother, some things cannot be avoided. Even if we leave the palace, would those people stop causing us trouble?”

Madam Guo thought for a moment. “Yes, if others have set their sights on you, there’s no escaping. However, we’re not afraid of anything—let them come.” Between her words, she had already thought things through.

Li Weiyang smiled. Madam Guo had an open-minded personality—many things became clear with just a hint.

Returning to Consort Guo Hui’s courtyard, from afar they could only see soft light. Several female officials were already standing at the entrance waiting. Seeing them return, they quickly came forward. Soon, laughter could be heard from inside the room. Madam Guo thought for a moment, then pulled Li Weiyang inside.

Consort Guo Hui was talking with someone. Whatever they discussed made her laugh with particular warmth. Beside her sat a very young girl, about fifteen or sixteen years old, wearing a pink dress, with full cheeks and youthful beauty.

Seeing Li Weiyang, Consort Guo Hui quickly beckoned to her. “Jia’er is back, come quickly!” Li Weiyang walked over. Consort Guo Hui grasped her hand, then took the other girl’s hand and introduced them. “Nankang, this is my niece, Guo Jia. She’s two years older than you—you can call her elder sister.”

Li Weiyang immediately understood—this girl was the sixteen-year-old Princess Nankang. Madam Guo had mentioned to her before that Princess Nankang came from very humble origins. Her birth mother was a maidservant Consort Guo Hui had brought into the palace. Later this woman was favored by chance but died in childbirth. Consort Guo Hui, pitying Princess Nankang for having no one to depend on, took her to her own side to raise.

Nankang’s eyes were very clear, her black pupils almost reflecting Li Weiyang’s face. Her eyes also revealed trust and enthusiasm. For Nankang, the person who treated her best in this world was Consort Guo Hui, so Consort Guo Hui’s niece would naturally be her elder sister. Thus, she naturally expressed these emotions, looking at Li Weiyang with a very happy smile.

“Nankang went to Ningxin Temple yesterday to pray for my blessing and only just returned to the palace.” Consort Guo Hui’s expression was gentle as she spoke slowly, explaining why Princess Nankang hadn’t been seen at the earlier banquet.

Li Weiyang nodded, noticing Princess Nankang had been curiously watching her. She smiled at her warmly. Nankang shyly lowered her head, then when Li Weiyang wasn’t paying attention, raised her head to look at her again. Li Weiyang found this childish behavior both amusing and exasperating. Consort Guo Hui lovingly stroked her hand. “Nankang, you must get along well with Jia’er in the future.”

Princess Nankang obediently nodded. Consort Guo Hui said with satisfaction, “Good. You’ve worked hard too—go back and rest early.” Princess Nankang stood up, performed the proper junior-to-senior courtesy to both Consort Guo Hui and Madam Guo, then smiled at Li Weiyang before reluctantly withdrawing.

“I still remember the first time I saw this child—she was like a little cat, afraid of seeing people. In the blink of an eye, Nankang has grown this much.” Madam Guo watched Princess Nankang’s departing figure with emotion.

Consort Guo Hui sighed. “If Ye Rong hadn’t protected me back then, she wouldn’t have been schemed against by that person and lost her life so cruelly. So I’ve failed both mother and daughter…”

Hearing this, Madam Guo was stunned, then comforted her. “This matter can’t be blamed on you at all. If you hadn’t arrived in time, this child would have been sent into the coffin with her mother long ago.” She looked at Li Weiyang and, fearing she wouldn’t understand, added, “This child was born from a coffin. Before she was even born, Ye Rong died in childbirth. She was born in the coffin without anyone knowing. If Consort Hui hadn’t gone later to pay her last respects and heard the child’s crying, forcibly making those people open the coffin, this life would have gone with her mother as well.”

Consort Guo Hui shook her head. “This child is truly pitiable. When I tell her about Ye Rong, she’s always confused, not knowing at all that she was her birth mother.”

Princess Nankang was raised by Consort Guo Hui and only recognized her as mother, recognizing Yuan Ying as elder brother. Other people held no meaning for her. Yet Consort Guo Hui persistently told her about her birth mother, naturally resulting in her bewildered expression. Madam Guo sighed. “Never seeing one’s mother even once—is that happiness or misfortune?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “Princess Nankang lost her mother in infancy, which is indeed pitiable. But being able to receive Your Ladyship’s protection and pity is also her fortune.”

Consort Guo Hui found these words very comforting and nodded. “I’ve always tried my best to care for her well. It’s just—having grown up with me, her temperament has learned from my youthful ways. She’s very naive.”

Madam Guo laughed. “You—what’s wrong with a child being naive? Would you only be happy if everyone was cunning and shrewd?”

Consort Guo Hui disagreed, teasing her. “You have a clever daughter yourself, so you won’t allow me to want one too?”

She said this with no malice. Madam Guo laughed heartily, pulling Li Weiyang over. “What, are you jealous? This daughter is mine—I won’t share with anyone!”

Li Weiyang looked at Madam Guo, her gaze calm as deep water, though it was unclear what she was thinking.

After keeping them company in conversation for a while, until they each went to rest, Li Weiyang finally returned to her own room. Consort Guo Hui’s front and rear courtyards each had five main halls, plus three side halls on either side—ample space to accommodate them.

The palace maids knew this Miss Guo was an honored guest. Following Consort Hui’s instructions, they had prepared the finest hall, arranging everything meticulously, fearing inadequate service. They had even specially lit calming incense. Li Weiyang surveyed the great hall. A palace maid quickly asked, “Does Miss need anything else?” Her manner was trembling with fear.

Li Weiyang only smiled faintly, instructing Zhao Yue, “Everyone has worked hard. Distribute the gifts I brought to them.”

Before entering the palace, Zhao Yue had remained outside guarding. Later when Madam Guo wanted to stay briefly, Consort Guo Hui felt the palace maids might not be attentive enough, so she granted special permission for Madam Guo and Li Weiyang to each select one personal maidservant to enter the palace for care. Hearing this, Zhao Yue immediately went out smiling with everyone.

The entire hall finally quieted down. Li Weiyang sighed. “Still not coming out?”

A figure jumped in from outside the window, grinning—who else but Yuan Lie? Earlier he had winked at her from behind the window, giving her quite a fright! Li Weiyang laughed. “Do you think the imperial palace interior is like a marketplace where you can freely come and go?”

Yuan Lie showed off by spinning in a circle. He had somehow stolen a set of palace guard clothing from somewhere—black base embroidered with a tiger that seemed alive, its sharp eyes staring unrelentingly. The lower hem rolled with blue-green and white wave patterns. His jet-black hair still wore the military cap tied with five-colored tassels, making his skin appear even fairer and extremely magnificent. He smiled. “Look, I think these clothes suit me very well.”

They did suit him very well, but how exactly had he obtained these clothes? Li Weiyang raised an eyebrow, then heard him say, “Don’t worry, I’m clever enough not to be discovered.”

Li Weiyang knew his personality—he definitely wouldn’t bring her trouble—so she said, “The palace gates will be locked soon. Why did you still run here?”

“Today there’s a banquet, so naturally the palace gates will be locked half a shichen later. What, Miss Guo didn’t know?” He said leisurely, his eyes overflowing with brilliant radiance, his voice clear and reverberating, making one feel warmth flowing through the heart.

“You—always so willful and reckless.” Li Weiyang sighed and sat down first, pouring herself a cup of water. Yuan Lie grinned and sat leaning close to her. “I missed you!”

“What nonsense—we just saw each other.” Li Weiyang turned her head but saw him staring at her, his gaze clear as glazed glass. A strange feeling swept through her heart. She lowered her head, avoiding his gaze. “Today Consort Hu Shun kept staring at you. Didn’t you notice?”

“That old witch… is the Prince Dowager of Xu’s younger sister. I seized the princedom from her nephew, so naturally she harbors resentment toward me. There’s nothing strange about that.” Yuan Lie smiled unconcernedly.

Li Weiyang lightly furrowed her brow. “Are things going smoothly for you at Prince Xu’s residence?”

“Naturally. I’m so clever—my late father’s old retainers all treat me extremely well…” He naturally wouldn’t make her worry, so he spoke as if joking.

A person appearing halfway—how could it be so easy to win over those stubborn old retainers of Prince Xu? Unfortunately, those people couldn’t be beaten or killed, only slowly and patiently won over. Li Weiyang shook her head with a smile.

“What, you don’t believe me?” He looked at her askance.

“How could that be? You’re so clever—who wouldn’t like you…” Li Weiyang followed along agreeably.

“Let’s not discuss these vexing matters. Today someone told me Consort Guo Hui wants to make you Princess Consort of Jing!” Yuan Lie said with a leisurely smile, his eyes flashing with glimmering fragments, as if strange light flickered.

Li Weiyang was slightly astonished. “You have informants even in Consort Hui’s palace?”

“What informants! Consort Guo Hui made it so obvious, and Yuan Ying came to provoke me—isn’t that obvious enough?” He feigned slight annoyance, yet his thin lips curved upward, his posture lingering. “What’s infuriating is that you were chatting and laughing with him…”

Li Weiyang was slightly stunned, then laughed. “In terms of status, he’s my cousin. Should I put on a cold face when I see him? That wouldn’t make sense either.”

He laughed softly. “So you’re saying you won’t marry him…” Actually this was already within his expectations. If Li Weiyang were willing to wrong herself, why would she have caused such a scene with Li Xiaoran back then? In her bones, she was clearly an extremely stubborn and unyielding person.

Li Weiyang glanced at him with a half-smile. “That’s not necessarily true—it depends on how much value he has.” She was only teasing him—but unexpectedly Yuan Lie, who had been grinning moments ago, suddenly stood up and walked wordlessly toward the window. Li Weiyang was startled and stood up. “What’s wrong with you?”

Who knew he would suddenly turn around and rush over like a gust of wind. Li Weiyang, unprepared, was immediately pressed firmly against his chest. The youth who two years ago could only look at her eye-to-eye was now a full head taller than her. Though Li Weiyang was considered tall, she could only barely reach his solid chest.

“Weiyang…” He bent down, burying his head deeply in the hollow of her neck, his lips softly uttering her name with a hint of lingering resentment.

Li Weiyang froze. “I was only joking with you. Why take it so seriously?”

He held her tightly, only in front of her alone allowing himself this rare vulnerability. Though he had countless words to say, when they reached his throat, he could only say, “Don’t make such jokes…”

Li Weiyang was stunned for a moment, myriad feelings in her chest impossible to describe. Being so close, their body warmth connected, making her heart involuntarily soften. She couldn’t help but sigh softly.

The next second, his strength nearly broke her waist, yet the arms tightly encircling her contradictorily trembled slightly. Li Weiyang exhaled, hesitating for a moment before finally slowly reaching out to stroke his hair. After a slight pause, she felt her fingertips pass through that hair as smooth and soft as silk… “You…”

No matter when, his personality was like this—mature and gracious before others, but in front of her, so attached and domineering, even carrying a hint of extremism. But just like before, relying on each other had become a habit in their very bones. Even now, she still couldn’t coldly push him away.

He suddenly raised his head, clearly in a coaxing, pleasing posture, saying in a low voice, “He can’t take good care of you. Does he know what you like? Does he know what you need? He knows nothing, right? You needn’t take him to heart at all.”

Seeing him belittle Yuan Ying to this extent, he had clearly taken it seriously. Li Weiyang wanted to laugh, but seeing him so insistent, she had to suppress her laughter. “Yes, he understands nothing.”

“So you see, how could someone like him be worthy of you?” He said softly, his moist, narrow eyes filled with seriousness.

“I already said it was just a joke. If I were willing to marry an imperial prince, I would have chosen Tuoba Yu back then, wouldn’t I? Why wait until now?” Previously she had also considered using her own marriage as a tool for revenge, because she was filled with distrust toward people’s hearts and uncertainty about the future. But later, when she saw how Duke Qi cherished Madam Guo and how happily the Guo family lived, she began to feel that a happy marriage might not be impossible.

If she chose to marry Yuan Ying to take revenge on Empress Pei but couldn’t guarantee loving her husband well, then Yuan Ying would become unhappy, and so would she. Knowing it wouldn’t bring happiness, why do it?

She said softly, “I promise you I won’t make such jokes again in the future. However, you should go now. Any later and the palace gates will be locked—then you won’t be able to leave.”

Yuan Lie smiled. “Alright, I’ll find another chance to see you tomorrow.” As he spoke, he touched his forehead to hers, released her, and in the blink of an eye jumped out through the window. Only then did Li Weiyang breathe a sigh of relief.

Outside the window, guards were already waiting. “Your Highness.”

Yuan Lie waved his hand. “Good, let’s go.” As he spoke, he looked back at the figure in the window, his face showing a sly smile. Weiyang, you always claim to be heartless toward me, but you haven’t realized that only when facing me do you soften your heart.

There wasn’t much entertainment in the palace. The next afternoon, Consort Guo Hui again invited an opera troupe to perform. Li Weiyang sat drinking tea when she saw Princess Nankang enter and immediately begin pestering Consort Guo Hui, stammering for a long time without being able to say a word. Finally, she managed to speak. “Imperial Mother, I want to invite Sister Huaiqing to our palace to watch the opera.”

Consort Guo Hui’s face showed surprise. She glanced at Madam Guo, who smiled. “We’ve had no dealings with Princess Huaiqing. What are the princess’s thoughts?”

Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change as she watched this scene with a half-smile, her black eyes shifting.

Princess Nankang pleaded, “Imperial Mother, Sister Huaiqing is truly pitiful. Though I didn’t attend yesterday’s banquet, I heard that because she laughed once yesterday, she was severely punished. This morning she was secretly hiding by the rockery crying, not daring to let anyone see.”

Princess Huaiqing was indeed very pitiable, but there were too many pitiable people in this world. Consort Guo Hui felt she couldn’t extend a helping hand to every one—such idle matters could never be completely managed.

Princess Nankang grew anxious, continuing, “I’m not asking Imperial Mother for anything else. I just see that she can’t even find a place to cry, and unlike me who has Imperial Mother’s love, it’s truly… So I just wanted to let her come sit for a while, relax, and ease her feelings!” Her emotions were urgent, her words tumbling out without much thought, pouring out like beans from a bamboo tube.

Consort Guo Hui sighed, glancing at Madam Guo. “See? This child of mine has too kind a heart.”

Madam Guo smiled. “Young ladies after all aren’t like men—why must they have such hard hearts? With Your Ladyship watching over her, she certainly won’t go wrong. In the future, find her a good prince consort—” She felt it was better for Nankang to be soft-hearted, since she wasn’t an imperial prince and wouldn’t need to compete for the throne in the future. She only needed to find a family of suitable status to marry into, leave the palace to live happily, without needing to worry about too much.

Consort Guo Hui had indeed protected Princess Nankang for many years. As long as she lived, no one would dare touch Nankang. Li Weiyang shook her head. However, Princess Nankang being so easily soft-hearted would likely cause trouble in the future.

Hearing the words “prince consort,” Princess Nankang’s face seemed to steam like boiling water. With an “aiya,” she threw herself into Consort Guo Hui’s arms, chiding, “Aunt is teasing me again…” She blushed easily, so Madam Guo especially loved to tease her.

Consort Guo Hui patted her shoulder and finally smiled. “Send someone to invite Princess Huaiqing to watch the opera…”

“Really? Imperial Mother, thank you!” Princess Nankang became jubilant.

Watching Princess Nankang personally go to fetch Huaiqing, a sharp gleam flashed through Li Weiyang’s eyes. This Princess Huaiqing didn’t seem so simple after all. If she’d suffered grievances, she would naturally find a secluded place to cry. How could she let Princess Nankang see her? And then instigating Princess Nankang to plead with Consort Guo Hui—such arrangements seemed carefully designed step by step. So Princess Huaiqing’s attempts to get close to Consort Hui—was it because she was rejected by Empress Pei, or did she have another purpose? When she saw her yesterday, she didn’t seem like someone so calculating, otherwise she wouldn’t have laughed that once… Could she have misjudged this time? Li Weiyang didn’t want to overthink it. The current situation was complex, Empress Pei was watching like a tiger eyeing prey—she must be cautious in everything.

Moreover, this palace was magnificently beautiful, yet countless cold eyes watched from the darkness. Consort Guo Hui overprotected Nankang, to the point where she couldn’t even distinguish such simple schemes. If she spoke up to prevent this today, it would likely create a rift in Nankang’s heart. To deal with young girls, one must guide the situation.

She didn’t speak up to prevent it, only because she wanted to see what exactly Princess Huaiqing intended to do.

After about half a shichen, Nankang finally brought Huaiqing over. Today Princess Huaiqing wore a blue dress that made her features appear small, delicate, and especially beautiful. However, the rouge and powder on her face seemed to float on the surface, her eyes vaguely red and swollen, her lips slightly pale.

Princess Nankang had no one to depend on, no background or supporters in the palace. Empress Pei looked down on someone like her. Her thinking of currying favor with Consort Guo Hui wasn’t strange at all. But not coming earlier or later, but specifically now—and suddenly approaching the naive Nankang—what exactly was the purpose behind this?

Whatever Huaiqing’s purpose, Li Weiyang’s impression of her was no longer as simple as yesterday. Now when she looked at the other’s pure eyes, they carried a trace of faint scrutiny.

Consort Guo Hui smiled. “Huaiqing, come sit.”

Princess Huaiqing was very constrained. Only after performing the proper courtesies did she dare sit down. A palace maid poured tea for her, but she didn’t drink, only sat with a somewhat anxious expression. Princess Nankang said, “Imperial Mother, I was the one who brought Sister Huaiqing here. It’s cold and quiet in her palace. Ours is lively—I let her come sit.”

Consort Guo Hui smiled faintly. “I’m also her imperial mother. Her coming to my place to visit—no one will say anything about it.”

In fact, though Empress Pei’s power was great, the Guo family’s influence was also considerable. These princes and princesses generally didn’t dare offend either side. Princess Huaiqing’s personality was rather dull—she neither knew how to please Empress Pei nor understood how to curry favor with Consort Guo Hui. This way, unable to rely on either side in the palace, her days became increasingly difficult. At this moment, hearing Consort Guo Hui’s words, Princess Huaiqing’s eyes reddened slightly, but she didn’t dare cry. She could only smile with difficulty. “Huaiqing didn’t dare disturb Imperial Mother before…”

Consort Guo Hui waved her hand. “There’s no disturbance. We don’t live far apart. When you have free time, come with Nankang more often. I love liveliness.”

Princess Huaiqing nodded and said nothing more. With Princess Huaiqing present, everyone fell silent. Nankang felt somewhat bewildered. Looking at Consort Guo Hui concentrating on the opera, then at Madam Guo’s calm expression, she didn’t understand why they’d been chatting and laughing moments ago but now appeared so cold. She vaguely felt this was related to Huaiqing, but why? Sister Huaiqing was so pitiable—

She quietly asked Huaiqing, “Why were you crying today?”

Huaiqing started, lowering her head. “It’s nothing. Just got something in my eye from the wind.”

On stage the opera performers sang beautifully. Consort Guo Hui instructed someone to give rewards, when she heard Princess Nankang say disbelievingly, “That’s not true. I saw your entire front was soaked with tears!”

Huaiqing’s face showed a bitter smile. “Nankang, it’s really nothing… It’s just that last night Imperial Mother ordered me to move out of Chunyang Palace and go live in Yilan Hall.”

“Yilan Hall?!” Nankang suddenly cried out, interrupting the others’ concentration on the opera. This immediately made even Consort Guo Hui furrow her brow.

Madam Guo asked curiously, “What kind of place is it? Is it not good?”

Nankang said incredulously, “Yilan Hall is the closest place to the Cold Palace. I heard it’s even haunted—no one dares live there!”

A nearby palace maid couldn’t help saying, “Your Ladyships may not know, but after yesterday’s banquet, Her Majesty the Empress said our princess’s Chunyang Palace was too large for one person to live in and was wasteful, so she wanted to allocate it for Miss Pei to temporarily stay. This wouldn’t be much, but Miss Pei has always been difficult. As soon as she arrived at Chunyang Palace, she began finding fault with everything. Not only did she take over the main hall where the princess originally lived, she even drove the princess to a small room without sunlight to live in—a place even we palace maids wouldn’t live in!”

Consort Guo Hui frowned lightly. “Then what’s this about Yilan Hall?”

Princess Huaiqing only said softly, “Early this morning, Great Ming Princess heard about this and spoke up for me to Her Majesty the Empress. Instead, she was punished along with me. Her Majesty the Empress also said that since I even despised Chunyang Palace, I should simply move to Yilan Hall—it’s large and quiet, most suitable for me…” Thinking of Empress Pei’s expression at the time, Princess Huaiqing involuntarily shuddered.

Nankang said indignantly, “Before there was that detestable Princess Anguo in the palace, always causing trouble for others. Now that she’s finally gone, here comes a Pei Bao’er—truly too vexing. Why doesn’t Her Majesty the Empress investigate clearly? This matter isn’t Sister Huaiqing’s fault at all!”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but laugh. This matter had no right or wrong at all. Whomever Empress Pei wanted to punish, no amount of explanation would be useful.

Consort Guo Hui only shook her head. “Yilan Hall truly isn’t a good place.” Many palace consorts had died in Yilan Hall in the past, so rumors spread that it was haunted. The palace had always treated it as forbidden ground, not allowing people to live there. Yet Empress Pei ordered Huaiqing to move in—clearly she was disciplining her. But Huaiqing had always been obedient and docile, not daring to speak half a word out of turn. How had she angered Empress Pei? Was it just for yesterday’s laugh at the banquet?

Yes, how could she forget—Empress Pei absolutely would not tolerate anyone challenging her authority. She, Guo Qiao, could do so because the entire Guo family stood behind her. But Princess Huaiqing had nothing, no wonder she had fallen to such a fate.

Princess Nankang suggested, “Why don’t you find a way to see Imperial Father and ask him to make the decision for you.”

Princess Huaiqing looked at Nankang with astonishment. “Imperial Father’s health is poor. He rarely concerns himself with such matters. I… how could I normally see Imperial Father?”

Li Weiyang sighed. Even if Princess Huaiqing saw the Emperor, what of it? If he truly cared about Princess Huaiqing, how could he have left her to fend for herself all these years? Moreover, Empress Pei only made Huaiqing live in a somewhat inferior palace hall, not forcing her to die. Even if the matter were exposed, Empress Pei wouldn’t fear it.

Consort Guo Hui’s heart softened. “So what do you plan to do?”

Tears finally flowed from Princess Huaiqing’s eyes. “I… I have no way. I can only come plead with Consort Hui, hoping Your Ladyship can say a word on my behalf, letting me return to Chunyang Hall. Even if it’s that small room, it’s better than going to Yilan Hall.”

Nankang quickly tugged at Consort Guo Hui’s sleeve. “Imperial Mother—please help Sister Huaiqing.”

Going to say a word to the Emperor was just a simple matter. Even going in person to make a request of Empress Pei, she would certainly agree. Consort Guo Hui thought for a moment. “This…”

Her words weren’t finished when Li Weiyang smiled. “Your Ladyship, the opera troupe has come to thank you for the reward.”

Consort Guo Hui was startled and glanced at Li Weiyang, discovering she was looking at her with a smile, her eyes seeming to hold deep meaning. Being such a clever person, her heart immediately understood. She turned to signal a female official to lead the opera troupe out, then slowly said, “Huaiqing, I understand your difficulty. Speaking to His Majesty on your behalf isn’t necessarily bad. However, I’m not your birth mother after all, and we’ve had no previous contact. If I rashly speak up for you, it would make people feel I’m questioning Her Majesty the Empress’s decision, deliberately causing trouble. Moreover, if His Majesty agrees that’s fine, but if he doesn’t agree, Her Majesty the Empress might misunderstand you… Your marriage in the future still needs Her Ladyship to arrange. Then it would harm your entire life.”

Princess Huaiqing was shocked. Listening to Consort Guo Hui’s words, she suddenly realized that if Consort Guo Hui truly spoke to His Majesty, Empress Pei would have no way to deal with her, but would only redirect her anger at herself. Even if she could move back to Chunyang Palace now, her future days would certainly be even harder.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, saying casually, “Actually, Princess Huaiqing is so clever. If she calmed down and thought about it, she couldn’t fail to consider these things, yet she specifically rushed here. I’m afraid there’s some reason for this.”

Huaiqing suddenly raised her head, looking at Li Weiyang with disbelief. “I… what reason could I have…” Previously she hadn’t thought of Consort Guo Hui. It was that person… who reminded her that as long as she came to plead with Consort Guo Hui, there was still a chance for the matter to turn around. But now that Consort Hui had explained it, she immediately understood this path was not only unfeasible but a complete dead end. But… that person had always protected her openly and secretly all these years. This time they even taught her to approach through Nankang. Being so wholehearted, they absolutely wouldn’t deliberately frame her. They just, like herself, hadn’t thought things through so thoroughly. Why should she implicate them and also incur Consort Hui’s blame? That would be repaying kindness with enmity…

Thinking this, Princess Huaiqing steadied her expression. “Miss Guo misunderstands. Everything was my own idea. I was momentarily confused. How could I trouble Consort Hui in this matter?” As she spoke, she stood up, performed another courtesy to Consort Guo Hui, then walked out.

Princess Nankang watched her retreating figure, her face showing sympathetic expression. Li Weiyang only smiled. “The princess is in a bad mood. I’ll see her off.” With that, she stood and followed to the entrance.

Princess Huaiqing had just descended the steps when she saw Li Weiyang pursue her, looking at her in surprise. Li Weiyang showed a serene smile. “Princess, many things cannot be judged only by appearance. Consort Hui isn’t unwilling to help you, but if she helps you, it will instead make things worse for you.”

Princess Huaiqing had already understood this principle and said quietly, “Miss Guo, I understand, and I won’t blame Consort Guo Hui either. In this palace, there are few people willing to speak with me at such length.”

It’s best if she understands… Li Weiyang sighed, her voice very soft. “What the princess truly needs to guard against isn’t just Empress Pei, but also that person who advised you to use schemes to approach Nankang. Forgive my bluntness, but this person’s schemes are probably unfathomable.”

Princess Huaiqing was astonished. “No, that’s not possible. She absolutely isn’t that kind of person!” These words had blurted out before she realized her mistake. Saying this—wasn’t it admitting to Li Weiyang that she indeed was taught by someone to seek them out? Her face involuntarily reddened, yet she still couldn’t help defending. “Miss Guo, you’ve truly misunderstood. She wouldn’t harm me.”

Li Weiyang said gently, “What I needed to say, I’ve said. As for whether to believe it, that’s the princess’s matter. It’s getting late—please take care, Princess.”

Huaiqing walked a few steps but still turned back, looking at Li Weiyang. “Miss Guo, regardless, thank you for these words you spoke to me today.” Though she didn’t believe it, she couldn’t deny Miss Guo’s reminder came from good intentions. Huaiqing wasn’t someone who didn’t recognize kindness.

Li Weiyang watched her depart supported by a palace maid, that slender figure gaining even more desolate bleakness. Unknowingly, she sighed.

Returning to the courtyard, the opera stage had already dispersed. Consort Guo Hui was waiting for Li Weiyang, who smiled. “Your Ladyship, do you blame me for being meddlesome today?”

Consort Guo Hui shook her head. “You’re right. I truly can’t intervene. Doing so would intensify the conflict between the Guo and Pei families, adding fuel to the fire for Huaiqing’s situation. Moreover, Huaiqing’s intentions are also questionable…”

Li Weiyang sighed. “I’m not worried Princess Huaiqing has problems. I’m worried about the person who instructed her to come here and plead with Your Ladyship—what exactly is their purpose? And why does Princess Huaiqing protect this person?”

Consort Guo Hui furrowed her brow, looking at the swaying tree branches beyond the distant wall, her mood also becoming turbulent. “Yes, the waters in this palace grow murkier and murkier.”

Returning from Consort Guo Hui’s place, Princess Huaiqing forced herself to endure the humiliation, having palace servants help move her things to Yilan Hall. Pei Bao’er mocked and ridiculed her coldly, but she could only hold back tears and pretend not to hear. Though she was a princess, she truly had very few possessions. By evening everything was already packed. She had just entered Yilan Hall when she saw four guards walk out from within. One of them said, “Princess, His Majesty summons you.”

Princess Huaiqing was startled, then overjoyed, thinking could it be that Imperial Father learned of this matter and therefore wants to summon me? Hearing this, she didn’t think twice but told the palace maids not to unpack yet—they would wait until she returned. She herself quickly tidied up and followed the four guards toward the hall. Not long after leaving Yilan Hall, she saw these four guards bringing her to the lake before the Cold Palace. Her expression changed. “Where exactly is Imperial Father?! Why did you bring me here?!”

In fact, she had been too happy, with no particularly reliable people by her side to remind her, causing her to overlook that if the Emperor issued a summons, it would definitely be a eunuch proclaiming the edict. What were these four guards about? She subconsciously stepped back. “You… you weren’t sent by Imperial Father…” As she spoke, she suddenly turned to run back. However, one of the guards sneered cruelly, grabbed her, and together with the other three, threw her into the lake!

Princess Huaiqing hadn’t yet reacted when she was already submerged by the icy lake water. She struggled desperately, trying to float up from the water. However, those four guards together pressed down on her head, forcefully pushing her under the water. Princess Huaiqing kept whimpering but couldn’t utter a word. She could only shake her head, desperately shake her head. Soon she stopped struggling and became completely motionless…

One of them pulled her up, checked her breath, then stood and told the others, “Dead.”

Afterward, these four people, just as when they came, quietly turned and left, leaving only Princess Huaiqing floating on the lake surface, her black hair scattered, her dress like a blooming flower…