Early the next morning, Princess Nankang heard about last night’s events and specially rushed over. When she entered, her face showed indignation, yet she understood propriety and didn’t say anything in front of others. Only after the palace maids withdrew did she blurt out, “Imperial Mother, how can we save that girl now?”

Though Nankang wasn’t clever enough, she possessed very simple friend-or-foe awareness. In her view, Miss Guo’s maidservant suffering injustice was the same as her own palace maid being wronged—equally outrageous. She had originally thought coming over this morning she’d see everyone looking worried and anxious, but unexpectedly everyone appeared composed as usual. She truly couldn’t understand it.

Consort Guo Hui looked at the anxious princess. “You—you truly can’t keep your composure. Consort Hu Shun thinks that by controlling Zhao Yue, she’s got leverage over us. The more panicked you are now, the more smug she’ll be. Understand?”

Nankang still felt uneasy. “But when can we rescue the person? Now it’s spread throughout the palace that Miss Guo’s maidservant had an affair with the Mighty General’s adopted son. Some people even say… even say…”

Consort Guo Hui’s expression changed slightly. “Say what?”

Nankang glanced at Li Weiyang, pursed her rosy lips, and stammered, “Anyway… anyway it’s nothing good!”

Li Weiyang smiled. “I imagine some say Zhao Yue went to meet Peng Dazu to cover for me, her mistress.”

Madam Guo’s normally mild expression suddenly changed. The teacup in her hand struck heavily against the table, producing a crisp sound. She said through gritted teeth, “These people—they’re truly full from eating and looking for trouble!”

Consort Guo Hui wasn’t surprised. She glanced at Li Weiyang. Since last night, many things had happened, yet her niece’s face showed nothing. Now wearing a silver-white dress embroidered with gold butterfly patterns, her skin appeared white as snow, eyes like stars, face rosy and healthy, without the slightest trace of panic. The more trouble arose, the more one needed to remain composed without showing any panic, otherwise others would seize you by the throat. This principle—she’d only understood it after two years of tempering in the palace, yet this young niece clearly grasped its essence deeply.

Considering the external rumors about Miss Guo’s former identity, it wasn’t hard to understand why she could remain so composed. Consort Guo Hui sighed. “This is their goal. If this matter isn’t clarified, I’m afraid even greater turmoil will arise.”

“Then—are we just letting them slander our family?” Nankang’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Li Weiyang’s smile didn’t change. She only lowered her head to look at the jade-green tea in her cup, took a sip, then said slowly, “Nankang, if you can’t even endure this gossip, what will you do in the future when you hear people say even more unpleasant things to your face? Won’t you jump up? People’s mouths are on their own faces—can you cover everyone’s mouths to stop them talking? Let them say what they want. Why take it to heart?”

But Nankang missed the point, her rosy face growing even more indignant. “Could there be even more unpleasant words?”

The gilded incense burner in the room emitted wisps of rising light smoke, continuous and unbroken like silk. The fragrance resembled standing in a forest of flowers on a spring day—moist and penetrating to the lungs.

Li Weiyang smiled. “Of course there will be. Those people will also say that Miss Guo after all grew up away from home with poor upbringing, so…”

Nankang’s eyebrows shot up. “They dare?!”

This child Nankang was still too naive after all. Li Weiyang’s voice carried more sighs. “Why wouldn’t they dare? They’ve been waiting for such an opportunity for who knows how long.”

Madam Guo pondered for a moment and nodded. “Indeed so. Too many people secretly watch the Guo family, wishing nothing more than to splash dirty water on us. If Jia’er hadn’t attracted so much attention with her prominence, this incident wouldn’t have happened.” Ultimately, others targeted Zhao Yue entirely because of Miss Guo, and attacking Miss Guo was essentially to attack the entire Guo clan. No matter how careful and cautious they were, those hidden hands in the dark would seize on weaknesses. It was truly impossible to guard against.

“Then what should we do? Should we go find Imperial Brother and ask him to find a solution?” Nankang thought for a moment, finally thinking of Yuan Ying.

But Li Weiyang shook her head. “For inner palace matters, imperial princes interfering is absolutely not good. So it’s better if Prince Jing doesn’t get involved if possible.”

Consort Guo Hui nodded approvingly. Nankang grew even more distressed, not knowing what to do. Madam Guo said, “For now, let’s wait for Zhao Yue’s throat to heal. In any case, within three days, the truth will be revealed.”

Li Weiyang wasn’t particularly worried about this. Instead she said, “Mother, Father and brothers outside the palace can’t get accurate news. Hearing only those rumors, they’ll surely worry. Better send news out quickly.”

This consideration was very thorough. Madam Guo nodded and instructed someone to enter and handle it immediately.

Li Weiyang noticed that both Madam Guo and Consort Guo Hui had dark shadows under their eyes and knew they hadn’t rested well all night. She said softly, “Your Ladyship, you should both go rest for a while. When there’s definite news about the matter, naturally someone will notify us.”

Nankang said uneasily, “Are we just doing nothing like this?”

Sometimes, the more you moved, the more it made people think you felt guilty. Moreover, appearing calm on the surface didn’t necessarily mean having no response. The most crucial thing was to have a trustworthy Imperial Physician examine Zhao Yue and heal her throat. Next was carefully investigating last night’s events, finding every clue, taking the opportunity to discover a breakthrough. Li Weiyang believed these things needn’t be said—Consort Guo Hui had certainly already taken action.

“Silly girl, you needn’t worry about these things. Go back and properly prepare your musical skills. Don’t let me test you later and find you still haven’t improved.” Consort Guo Hui chided her with a glance.

Nankang looked at Li Weiyang somewhat embarrassed. “Alright then.” With that, she lifted her skirts and made a show of walking out.

At this moment, Consort Guo Hui and Li Weiyang exchanged glances, both revealing traces of smiles in their eyes, as if reaching some tacit understanding. Before long, Consort Guo Hui found an excuse to enter the inner chamber with Madam Guo to talk, leaving Li Weiyang alone quietly sitting and drinking tea. Soon, someone peeked around at the doorway. Li Weiyang set down her teacup. “Nankang, come in.”

Princess Nankang ran in like flying, the tassels of her wishful-knot hairpin trembling. She pulled at Li Weiyang. “Elder Sister, how did you know I hadn’t left?”

Li Weiyang pointed at her peach-colored dress and smiled. “Your hem was still showing a bit outside. How could I not see?”

Princess Nankang grasped Li Weiyang’s hand, feeling it ice-cold like soft but frozen silk, with a trembling undercurrent in the calm. She didn’t release it but gripped tighter. “Elder Sister, your hands are too cold. I’ll warm them for you.”

Li Weiyang was slightly surprised. Princess Nankang’s whole body radiated sunshine, her face possessing a semi-transparent porcelain-like beauty. Still in a daze, Nankang had already pulled her to stand. “Elder Sister, come with me.”

Li Weiyang followed Princess Nankang outside to see an extremely beautiful woman at the palace gate. She had an exquisite, delicate oval face, faint distant-mountain eyebrows, single phoenix eyes sparkling with brilliance, a cherry-small mouth, plus slender shoulders and a slim waist. In her gorgeous silk dress, her entire person swayed like a willow in the breeze with a sickly beauty. Li Weiyang recognized at a glance—the person before her was Princess Daming who had sat with Huaiqing at the banquet.

Such beauty, such bearing—there could be no other.

Princess Daming looked at Li Weiyang and smiled faintly. “Sister Nankang truly didn’t boast. She said she could invite Miss Guo, and indeed she did.”

Princess Nankang, still a child after all, spoke with some pride. “Of course! Sister Guo and I are very close!”

Princess Daming smiled. “Yes, you’re the most fortunate in the palace! Who doesn’t like you?”

The words sounded very intimate, but Li Weiyang didn’t feel that way. She seemed to hear faint sourness in them. Looking again at Princess Daming’s gaze toward Nankang, it also seemed tinged with envy. Princess Daming, like Nankang, was born to a palace maid, but she hadn’t had Nankang’s fortune of being carefully nurtured by Consort Guo Hui. Ten years ago, Princess Daming’s birth mother accidentally fell from high steps, breaking her tailbone and remaining bedridden for life. Princess Daming cared for her humble mother while living cautiously herself—one could imagine how hard her days were.

Li Weiyang looked at Princess Daming, her smile warm. “I wonder why Your Highness invited me here?”

Princess Daming waved her hands repeatedly. “Miss Guo misunderstands. It’s like this—yesterday Huaiqing moved residences. Nankang and I both pooled together to send her some gifts. Though not expensive, they’re our heartfelt intentions. Today we wanted to deliver them this morning and also keep Huaiqing company to chat and ease her spirits. But hearing from Nankang that Miss Guo was feeling troubled today, we thought to invite you along for a walk.”

At this moment, Nankang shamelessly pulled at Li Weiyang’s hand. “Come on, come on!” She actually thought that after last night’s incident, Miss Guo must be sitting restlessly in the palace. Just now Daming said she wanted to visit Huaiqing’s palace and suggested having several princesses go to liven things up as comfort for Huaiqing. Nankang thought left and right—she wasn’t very close with the other princesses, so rather than inviting them, why not directly invite Miss Guo? Wouldn’t taking a walk serve as relaxation? Who knew Daming would tease her, saying Miss Guo was the Guo family’s treasure—how could Consort Guo Hui let her wander freely? It was almost like putting Nankang down. In her urgency, Nankang boasted she could definitely invite Miss Guo. This way, she’d gotten the person out.

Daming had precisely calculated Nankang’s childlike mentality. Though Li Weiyang saw through everything, she pretended not to understand and only said, “I’m not very familiar with Princess Huaiqing. I’m afraid it wouldn’t be good to disturb her…” She deliberately showed some hesitation.

Princess Daming smiled intimately. “Huaiqing greatly admires Miss Guo. Seeing you visit, she’ll surely be delighted.”

Li Weiyang curved her lips, seemingly quite pleased, though her mouth still seemed somewhat hesitant. “But—” Princess Daming seemed very eager for her to go see Princess Huaiqing together. Why was that?

Princess Daming’s smile showed a hint of unease, as if afraid of touching someone’s sore spot. “I understand palace matters best. Those gossiping women talk idly all day. Is Miss Guo worried yesterday night’s incident will cause gossip? You must know—the pure are self-purifying. The more you avoid meeting people, the more they’ll think you feel guilty. That would actually damage your reputation. Better to be open and forthright—when they see there are no secrets to uncover, they won’t cause trouble anymore.”

These words were truly very reasonable. Anyone hearing them couldn’t find fault. When Princess Daming said these things, the strength and composure on her face also made Princess Nankang’s eyes water. Nankang had watched Princess Daming suffer grievances since childhood. In the hardest times, even Imperial Physicians refused to treat her mother. It was only when Princess Nankang pleaded with Consort Guo Hui that a physician was found. Of course, precisely because Princess Daming was so filial, she’d aroused the imperial clan’s sympathy. Prince Xu, being benevolent, stepped forward to request Empress Pei properly care for this princess with a filial reputation. Only then had Daming’s days improved considerably.

Li Weiyang looked at Princess Daming and only smiled faintly. “I wonder what housewarming gifts you two are sending?”

Princess Nankang had a palace maid present a snow-white plain brocade box like offering treasure, taking out items one by one to show them. “This is a white jade fan, three gemstones the size of longan fruits, and a small fan pendant made of gold—very beautiful. Sister Huaiqing will surely be delighted.”

Li Weiyang took them to look and nodded. “Indeed, all good things.” Princess Nankang was too soft-hearted. Visiting Princess Huaiqing this time, she actually brought such expensive gifts. While examining them, she noticed Princess Daming’s eyes revealing a trace of surprise, followed by a hint of gloom… Li Weiyang set the items down and asked Daming with a smile, “I wonder what Your Highness’s gift is?”

Princess Daming smiled. “I don’t have as many nice things as Sister Nankang. I only personally made a garment to give Huaiqing.” With that, she took from a palace maid’s tray a feather-blue peony-patterned long dress in very plain colors.

Nankang went over to touch it and suddenly showed a trace of surprise. Li Weiyang looked at her and asked, “What is it?”

“Oh, nothing.” Nankang touched the fabric again, her expression growing increasingly strange. She seemed to want to say something but hesitated because of Daming’s presence.

Princess Daming seemed preoccupied and didn’t notice Nankang’s expression. She only said, “We should go now.”

Li Weiyang thought for a moment. “Since you both have gifts, I should prepare something too, lest I be impolite before Princess Huaiqing.” With that, she thought—there were still several gifts meant for Nankang in the room. She could just select one. “You two go ahead. I’ll follow shortly.”

Just as Nankang was about to nod, Princess Daming’s eyes flashed as she quickly said, “Miss Guo is too formal. I understand Huaiqing’s personality—she’ll definitely send return gifts. Between us sisters, it’s nothing, but I’m afraid Miss Guo’s gift might be too expensive…” These words weren’t excessive. Miss Guo was an outsider. If she sent overly expensive gifts, Princess Huaiqing would need to reciprocate. As a powerless, insignificant princess, where could she obtain suitable return gifts? She’d likely feel ashamed instead.

Li Weiyang narrowed her eyes, looking at Princess Daming. “Oh, is that so?”

Daming’s tone already held unquestionable flavor. “Naturally so. Nankang, right?”

Nankang froze, let out an “ah,” and looked at Princess Daming’s determined expression. Thinking more carefully—she’d sent gifts many times but Princess Huaiqing always refused to accept them, showing she was someone with strong self-respect. Last time, if not driven to desperation, she wouldn’t have sought out Consort Guo Hui. If so, her own gifts were truly inappropriate. She turned to her palace maid. “Put away the others. Just take this pair of white jade fans.”

Princess Daming smiled and nodded approvingly. “That’s better.”

Up close, Princess Daming’s complexion appeared somewhat yellow. Even thick powder couldn’t hide it—she looked like someone ill. Li Weiyang said with concern, “Is Your Highness also unwell?”

Princess Daming subconsciously touched her cheek. Her slender lashes trembled slightly, the corners of her lips holding a weak smile. “Thank you for Miss Guo’s concern. I’m not seriously ill.”

Princess Nankang already said, “Yes, Sister Daming caught a chill half a month ago and was bedridden for a long time. The banquet the day before yesterday was her first outing after recovering!”

Li Weiyang nodded gently with a soft expression, saying with concern, “Your Highness must take good care of your health.”

Princess Daming’s eyes held a few more tears, as if extremely moved. “There are truly few people as warmhearted as Miss Guo in the palace.”

“Exactly! My elder sister is very good!” Nankang said proudly, calling her “elder sister” over and over as if she and Miss Guo were even more closely related by blood.

This wasn’t strange. Nankang was Consort Guo Hui’s adopted daughter, so naturally the Guo family was close to her. This kinship relationship was something Princess Daming couldn’t compare with, so her face showed no abnormality—only a faint smile. “It’s getting late. Let’s go.”

Yilan Hall was in the palace’s most desolate location. The three of them didn’t ride sedan chairs but walked with palace maids. It took fully half a shichen. Approaching Yilan Hall, suddenly a palace maid hurried over. Seeing everyone, she quickly performed courtesy, then said, “Princess Nankang, the gifts you bought from outside the palace have arrived.”

Nankang was startled and quickly said, “Did Imperial Mother discover it?”

The palace maid froze. “This… this servant thought it was for Consort Hui and sent it directly.”

“What?!” Princess Nankang nearly jumped. “That won’t do! I was planning to surprise Imperial Mother at next month’s birthday banquet! How could you be so foolish!” After speaking, she turned back. “Elder Sister, you go ahead. I’ll be right there!” Without waiting for Li Weiyang to respond, she hurried off, her four palace maids quickly following.

Daming showed a shocked expression. “Why is Nankang always so flustered?”

Li Weiyang watched Princess Nankang’s retreating figure thoughtfully. “This is also part of her innocent, lovable nature.”

“Yes, innocent and lovable—that’s because of her good fortune.” Princess Daming suddenly said this. Hearing it, Li Weiyang turned back. “What did Your Highness say?”

Daming, realizing her loss of composure, smiled. “I mean, thanks to Consort Hui’s care, Sister Nankang can be so lively and cheerful.”

Yilan Hall soon appeared before them. From afar they could see an ancient tree towering dozens of zhang high, its roots curving and coiling, branches crossing horizontally. Around the massive, vigorous crown, buildings were arranged with careful organization. Though living here in summer would be very cool, looking at it now felt oppressively gloomy. No wonder Princess Huaiqing didn’t want to live here. Princess Daming smiled and glanced at the palace maid behind her. “My younger sister has a strange habit—she dislikes outsiders disturbing her. Inside there are also palace maids serving. You all wait outside the courtyard.” She looked at Li Weiyang apologetically. “I’m afraid I must impose on Miss Guo.” The meaning was very clear—since Princess Daming was leaving her palace maids outside, Miss Guo should do likewise to avoid disturbing the mistress who loved quiet.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “That’s fine.”

The entire Yilan Hall’s steps were constructed of wood, leading to various rooms. Originally a very distinctive design, but due to the rooms’ dilapidated age, it appeared very desolate. The entire great hall was empty—not even a single moving palace maid could be seen. Daming’s face showed surprise. “Why are there no serving attendants?” With that, she turned apologetically to Li Weiyang. “I’ll go find where everyone went. Miss Guo, please wait here briefly.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes held a trace of coldness, though her face bore a warm smile. “Your Highness, please go ahead.”

After Princess Daming finished speaking, she headed toward the eastern main hall. Halfway there, she suddenly seemed to remember something. “Miss Guo, if you’re bored, there’s a very beautiful lake and pavilion in back. You can go rest there first.”

Li Weiyang naturally nodded but stood in place without moving. She surveyed this quiet courtyard, feeling everything was strangely silent. For a moment, only the sound of wind could be heard. Soon, she heard footsteps—though very light, they came from the western hall. She turned to see a person emerge from the shadows. That person wore magnificent robes, hair completely bound high atop the head, secured neatly with a golden ring. Those upswept phoenix eyes, beneath lashes like long curtains, held eyes of refined brilliance. No matter how one looked, this young man before her was an outstanding beauty—his bearing alone sufficient to captivate hearts.

Li Weiyang recognized at a glance who this person was—Prince Xiang, Yuan Sheng—Consort Hu Shun’s son.

He lightly brushed his robe, adjusted his cap and sash, stepped forward with cupped hands in courtesy, smiling with wholehearted sincerity. “Miss Guo.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes darkened slightly. “What is the meaning of this, Prince Xiang?”

Prince Xiang had been watching Li Weiyang from the shadows for quite some time. In his heart, he found her truly very beautiful. Last time at the banquet seeing her, she sat so properly at her table, even her hair strands arranged without the slightest disorder, appearing overly dignified and uninteresting. Aside from the powerful Guo family background, she was just an ordinary young lady of distinguished family. If not for Pei Bao’er’s cup of wine, he wouldn’t have even noticed a woman of only three-tenths beauty like her… However, he later carefully examined her face and discovered her complexion was exceptionally fair, her gaze carrying a special charm when it shifted. Though she couldn’t compare to Pei Bao’er’s dazzling brilliance, she was still an outstanding beauty. Combined with the Guo family’s immense background, it was enough.

Seeing Li Weiyang’s calm face, his heart flashed with smugness. He cleared his throat twice. “Miss Guo, I specifically invited you here. Naturally there’s an important matter to discuss.”

Li Weiyang gazed at him with icy eyes, saying nothing.

Prince Xiang smiled as he approached her. “Miss Guo…”

But Li Weiyang suddenly sneered coldly. “So that’s how it is.”

Prince Xiang, guilty at heart, forced a gentle smile. “Miss Guo, don’t be angry. Inviting you here was truly unavoidable…”

Li Weiyang’s lips gradually formed a cold smile. “Unavoidable? I’m afraid not. Consort Hu Shun went to such lengths to deceive me here—what hardship could there possibly be?!”

Prince Xiang was slightly astonished, then had to admire Li Weiyang. “To think so quickly of this—Miss Guo is truly a woman of wisdom and grace.”

Li Weiyang quietly watched him. Under the sunlight, Prince Xiang stood before her with hands behind his back, his expression somewhat blurred in the hazy light and shadow, but that smugness was absolutely real. She smiled coldly. “Last night, how did you deceive Zhao Yue into going out?”

Prince Xiang smiled slightly. “Your maidservant’s martial skills are indeed very high, but such people usually have one problem—hearing the slightest disturbance, they come out to investigate. We deliberately had someone lure her to the Imperial Garden, intentionally created that scene, then used every method to capture her. Of course, a bit of intoxicating incense can make even a top expert give up resistance. She’s tough-boned—no matter how we threatened or enticed, she refused to betray you. So I could only scald her throat to prevent her from speaking. Miss Guo, you know I’ve already shown mercy. Otherwise your maidservant’s voice would be long gone. No—more seriously, I could have taken her life directly.”

Li Weiyang smiled naturally and peacefully, not showing the slightest trace of anxiety. “No need for honeyed words. You scalded her throat for three reasons. First, to prevent her from speaking, letting that Peng Dazu frame her at will. Second, you didn’t go to extremes because you knew of our deep mistress-servant bond, deliberately keeping her to negotiate terms with me. Third, if she died, today’s performance couldn’t continue.”

Prince Xiang nodded secretly. What he hated most in his life were foolish women. If she were crying and wailing now, he probably wouldn’t have the patience to explain things clearly. Now though, there was some interest. His lips curved in a slight smile. “Miss Guo is correct. She is indeed an important chess piece that naturally can’t be easily destroyed.”

“The second chess piece is Princess Daming. If I’m not mistaken, she’s your person. That’s why she deliberately lured me here today—to give you and me a chance to meet alone. No—more accurately, to give you a chance to threaten me. Prince Xiang, why don’t you tell me what exactly your goal is?”

Prince Xiang smiled gracefully. “Marry me.”

Just four words, yet they exposed Consort Hu Shun’s scheming heart in one statement.

Li Weiyang suddenly laughed, her smile containing indescribable mockery. “Marry you?” She repeated these four words as if finding them absurdly funny.

Prince Xiang remained unhurried, saying slowly, “That’s right. The Hu and Guo families uniting in marriage, old enemies becoming new friends—what’s wrong with that?”

Li Weiyang’s smile slowly became both charming and cold. “Oh, old enemies becoming new friends? If you sincerely sought marriage, why not openly visit instead of using such despicable methods?”

Prince Xiang smiled very warmly, those eyes also carrying indescribable sentiment. If someone didn’t know better, they’d truly think he’d fallen for Li Weiyang at first sight. But Li Weiyang herself understood clearly—this imperial noble’s designs weren’t on her but on the Guo family. Consort Hu Shun had a thousand reasons to obstruct Miss Guo’s marriage to Yuan Ying and would be even less pleased to see her become Princess Consort of Xu. The best method was making the Guo family become the Hu family’s in-laws, making the Guo family’s daughter become the true Princess Consort of Xiang. Marrying the daughter the Guo family had always felt indebted to was equivalent to grasping the entire Guo family in hand—truly an excellent hand, planned with complete thoroughness.

“Miss Guo needn’t be angry. You have many suitors. At that day’s banquet you didn’t even have time to notice me. Without taking an unconventional approach, how could I win your heart?” Prince Xiang brushed his exquisitely crafted ink-purple brocade robe with clustered flowers, smiling broadly.

Li Weiyang looked him up and down. “Besides a pretty face, what else does Prince Xiang have worth my attention?”

But he wasn’t angry at all, laughing heartily. “Miss Guo, no need to delay. Better to speak plainly—agree, or refuse?”

Li Weiyang sneered coldly. “What if I agree? What if I refuse?” Her face was extremely cold, yet that pale face reflected sunlight, making her neck appear even more snow-white and delicate like congealed fat, making one unable to resist the urge to gently touch it.

Prince Xiang’s eyes involuntarily deepened. He couldn’t help moving his gaze to her eyes—those bottomless black pupils like a tranquil pool of water, extremely attractive. His eyes surged with smugness. He thought this little beauty would soon be his! He said, “Agreeing—naturally everyone’s happy. Refusing—tomorrow that Peng Dazu will change his story, saying the love letter was written for the Guo family’s daughter, and that maidservant also went to receive the letter for Miss. Even when her throat heals, under such circumstances she’ll have absolutely no way to clear your name… This way, Miss Guo’s reputation will be ruined, and it will drag the Guo family down to become a complete laughingstock. You should understand clearly the severity of this.”

Prince Xiang’s voice was tender and affectionate, yet every word was utterly detestable, clearly convinced Li Weiyang wouldn’t risk ruined reputation to resist their proposal. After all, marrying him meant becoming a proper Princess Consort of Xiang. But refusing would gain nothing. The Guo family’s daughter having secret meetings with a lover in the palace—once such news spread, the name Guo Jia would become a joke throughout Yuexi. Even the Guo family daughter’s golden ring couldn’t save her fate. No distinguished family would come proposing marriage anymore. Her entire life would be completely ruined.

Between light words, Prince Xiang had already kneaded a woman’s fate in his palm. If Li Weiyang were a girl without opinions, or hadn’t experienced so many terrifying events, she might in her great mental confusion agree to Prince Xiang. With her agreement, the other party naturally had many methods to make the Guo family consent to this marriage.

Li Weiyang’s lashes trembled lightly, her lips showing a mocking smile, her face already displaying gentle warmth. “I’m very sorry. Despite all your efforts, I still cannot agree to this marriage.”

Though speaking words of refusal, her breath was fragrant as orchids. Prince Xiang, who always favored beauty, felt his heartbeat speed uncontrollably. He opened his mouth. “Why?”

Li Weiyang said lightly, “Because I won’t marry someone of such despicable character.”

Prince Xiang finally showed some anger. He smiled coldly while looking at her. “You don’t care about your reputation?”

Li Weiyang smiled coldly without blinking. “My reputation is certainly important, but not important enough to gamble my entire life.” If she married Prince Xiang like this, she’d truly have lived these years in vain, becoming a thorough puppet.

Prince Xiang stared at her intently, trying to find some crack in her cool, beautiful face. He thought beneath her calm disguise must hide pain, panic, despair. But he saw nothing. Her manner was casual, her tone as flat as idle chat, showing no panic or distress, not even disgust toward him. Prince Xiang found it incomprehensible. What kind of woman wouldn’t care at all about her reputation? Even if she had ways to prove everything unrelated to her, her reputation would still be damaged. Did she never want to marry in this lifetime?

Originally, he thought she’d weep bitterly, then kneel begging him to relent. But reaching this point, she showed no loss of composure—only very calmly refused, making him feel strange. His expression changed repeatedly, yet he still raised a smile. “If this bargaining chip isn’t enough, then please, Miss Guo, observe another one.” With that, he lightly clapped his hands. Two guard figures that had been hidden in the western hall vanished in a flash. When they reappeared, they were dragging a person. That person’s head hung down, face unclear, jet-black hair disheveled, skin exposed outside abnormally pale, the long hem of her dress dragging on the ground as if boneless, forcibly propped up by those two.

Prince Xiang said to Li Weiyang, “Miss Guo, look carefully. This bargaining chip is never shown to outsiders—you’re the first.”

Li Weiyang stood quietly, motionless, staring at that person. Then she saw one of them pinch that person’s chin and lift it—revealing a beautiful face. Just one day ago, this young lady had desperately pleaded with Consort Guo Hui to help her… Princess Huaiqing! Yet those two guards’ expressions were abnormally calm—so calm as if they were merely pulling a puppet. That posture was filled with humiliation!

Prince Xiang smiled while looking at her, his jet-black eyes carrying flowing light. “What? Is Miss Guo afraid? No need to fear—the dead won’t talk…”

For the first time, Li Weiyang felt her hands and feet completely ice-cold.

At yesterday’s banquet, Prince Xiang appeared with a refined, handsome face. But turning around, he could commit such cruel, terrifying acts. Huaiqing was merely a weak woman threatening no one. Yet he killed her and had two guards treat her like a puppet!

Prince Xiang was a true, genuine madman!

Li Weiyang, with all her planning, hadn’t anticipated they’d actually kill Princess Huaiqing. Her voice, compressed low with fury, said, “This is what you call a bargaining chip? Princess Huaiqing’s corpse?”

Prince Xiang smiled slightly. “Yes. Today I heard my imperial sister was moving residences and specially came to congratulate her. Who knew I’d find my poor imperial sister Huaiqing had already met a violent death. Since yesterday, you and Princess Daming were the first visitors. Princess Daming has been Huaiqing’s closest sister since childhood, inseparable. What reason would she have to kill Huaiqing? That leaves only you, Miss Guo.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was ice-cold as she looked at Prince Xiang. That look was no longer the earlier peace but had become abnormally terrifying.

Prince Xiang felt strange. He didn’t understand why he felt such fearsome pressure from Li Weiyang. But quickly, he understood.

From earlier, Li Weiyang’s face had borne a smile. But now she wasn’t smiling—not even a trace of smile lines. When she didn’t smile, her eyes carried three parts viciousness, staring at him like an eagle eyeing prey in fields—focused and ice-cold.

Li Weiyang’s eyebrows lightly rose, her gaze sharp as scissors as she said slowly, “I barely know Princess Huaiqing, much less would I kill her for no reason. Don’t you think this frame-up is especially laughable?”

Prince Xiang wasn’t angry but smiled. “Nothing in this world is impossible. Huaiqing drowned last night, but we used special methods to preserve her corpse. So even if the Imperial Physician examines her, he’ll think she just stopped breathing. But how could Huaiqing drown in the lake for no reason? The only possibility is someone deliberately murdered her. Who murdered her, and why? Huaiqing always kept to herself. Her only mistake was accidentally discovering Miss Guo and Peng Dazu’s affair. Miss Guo found ways to have her maidservant take the blame, but feared Princess Huaiqing would leak this matter. During your argument, you unintentionally pushed Huaiqing into the lake. Huaiqing never learned to swim since childhood. But evil thoughts arose in your heart—in for a penny, in for a pound. You simply pressed down her head and drowned her. Tsk tsk, what vicious cruelty—”

Li Weiyang didn’t speak, quietly watching Prince Xiang as if observing a raving lunatic.

Prince Xiang, thinking she didn’t believe him, continued, “As for witnesses—naturally Princess Daming. She accompanied you here but you deliberately sent her away. Who knew when she returned, she happened to see this scene. Look.” He casually pointed toward a corridor. There stood the smiling Princess Daming. “The many holes in this—naturally I have methods to fill them, making everything seamless so everyone believes it was all your doing. Miss Guo, what do you think? If you can’t decide now, that’s fine. I can give you half a moment to consider. We can slowly wear each other down. I absolutely have patience to play this game with you to the end.”

Li Weiyang glanced toward Princess Daming’s direction and smiled coldly.

Princess Daming clearly also saw Li Weiyang’s cold smile, but she didn’t care at all—only watching from afar, her face gradually losing expression. Under sunlight, she resembled a beautiful sculpture, devoid of normal human emotion.

Li Weiyang glanced at Princess Huaiqing, who had already lost breath. In her life, the person she trusted most was probably Princess Daming. But she hadn’t expected that the one who ultimately pushed her to death was also Daming. Li Weiyang turned, looking at Princess Daming. “That day you deliberately led Huaiqing to Consort Hui’s palace. This way, everyone knew she’d had contact with me. Discovering I had an affair with someone else wouldn’t be strange. Right?”

Daming only smiled faintly without speaking.

But Li Weiyang had already obtained her answer from that smile. It was her—Daming had colluded with Consort Hu Shun, betraying her best friend.

Prince Xiang was already impatient to continue entangling. If they waited longer, Nankang would arrive. He immediately said, “Fine, I’ll ask you one last time—agree or refuse!”

“You could ask me a thousand times, ten thousand times—only two words: I. Refuse!” Li Weiyang said without hesitation.

Prince Xiang’s face darkened. All tender affection on his face drained clean, transforming into towering rage. He sneered coldly. “Refuse?! Guo Jia, you’re truly overconfident. Having an affair with a man might not bring you a death sentence, but what about murdering a princess? However lacking in backing Huaiqing may be, she’s still a proper Princess of Yuexi. You killed her—even if the entire Guo family protects you, you can’t escape the imperial clan’s judgment!”

Li Weiyang’s face already showed infinite coldness tinged with mockery. “Just with you people, you want to convict me?! Wishful thinking!”

By now, Prince Xiang knew the matter was beyond achievement. He waved his hand. Those two guards dragged the corpse toward the small lake behind. Simultaneously, he gave Princess Daming a look. “The Guo family’s power is too great. How to make everyone believe this matter depends on your ability, Daming.”

Princess Daming bit her lip hard, turning slightly white, yet her eyes showed a trace of determination. She suddenly stepped back two paces, then quickly walked toward the stairs. Li Weiyang watched her, eyes cold. However eloquent Princess Daming might be, the Guo family’s power was sufficient to make everyone maintain a skeptical, wait-and-see attitude toward this matter. Under such circumstances, what exactly would Princess Daming do?

Prince Xiang smiled as he watched this scene, as if appreciating a beautiful painting. That smile unknowingly carried a trace of cruelty.

For some reason, this bizarre scene made Li Weiyang suddenly feel something was wrong. She suddenly said, “What exactly are you planning to do?!”

Princess Daming had already reached the top of the second-floor steps. She smiled strangely at Li Weiyang, deliberately missing her footing. Her entire person rolled down like a log. This scene was extremely bizarre, making one’s hair stand on end. Li Weiyang watched, momentarily unable to make a sound.

The staircase wasn’t very high but was still fully three meters. Soon, blood seeped from Princess Daming’s dress. Li Weiyang saw that beautiful, delicate face now marked with thin scratches, blood meandering down…

Prince Xiang said coldly, “She saw you commit murder from upstairs and cried out. You quickly chased up but mistakenly pushed her down the stairs. How does this story sound? Or simply say she was frightened by the terrifying scene and fell—Guo Jia, everyone might not believe Princess Daming’s words alone. But what if people witness the bloody reality? With ironclad evidence, no matter how great the Guo family’s power, they can’t block the mouths of the people!”

To make everyone believe, she could actually roll down alive from three meters high! Such cruelty! Such madness! What benefit had Prince Xiang given Princess Daming to make her willing to gamble with her life like this! In this moment, Li Weiyang suddenly realized—these people were all madmen, absolute madmen!