Guo Ping and Guo Teng surrounded Princess Chenliu, playing the role of filial sons, yet their eyes kept glancing toward Li Weiyang’s direction. Li Weiyang glanced lightly—Guo Ping’s temples already showed white hair, his forehead bore wrinkles, yet between his brows was an open, bold spirit. He was clearly a shrewd and capable person.
Withdrawing her gaze, she smiled slightly: “Cousin, I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Guo Wu looked at her in surprise, seemingly not expecting her to say this.
Li Weiyang’s smile was very peaceful: “Cousin, what relationship Prince Xu and I have—how does that concern you?”
Guo Wu opened her mouth, saying in surprise: “I… I just…”
“Cousin has reached marriageable age. To rashly concern yourself with Prince Xu—wouldn’t that invite mockery?” Li Weiyang’s words were faint but particularly piercing. Guo Wu’s beautiful face immediately paled for a moment. She instinctively said: “Jia’er, how can you speak to me like this?”
Li Weiyang smiled: “If I don’t speak like this, then how should I speak? Should I tell cousin that Prince Xu and I have no connection whatsoever? I might want to say that, but would cousin believe it?” As she spoke, she’d already descended the steps. Her skirt hem fell to the ground, and where she walked seemed to bloom water lilies everywhere.
Guo Wu watched her retreating figure, anger involuntarily surfacing in her eyes. But in front of so many people, she truly couldn’t say anything and could only continue maintaining a perfect smile.
At this moment, a maid had already walked over, respectfully saying: “Minister, General, Duke Qi requests both of you to come to the study for a talk.”
Guo Ping and Guo Teng exchanged glances but both smiled. Guo Ping said to Princess Chenliu: “Your son will go see Third Brother first, then return later to keep Mother company.”
Princess Chenliu nodded faintly: “Go ahead.”
Madam Guo had just returned from the palace not long ago. After this whole group’s commotion, she appeared somewhat exhausted. Li Weiyang glanced at her: “Grandmother, the two uncles just sent such valuable gifts. I’ll accompany Mother to store them properly. The matter of entertaining guests—that will have to be left to my two sisters-in-law.” The rest were all juniors—Princess Chenliu and Madam Guo’s presence wasn’t necessary at all.
Princess Chenliu nodded: “Fine. Don’t forget about the evening banquet.” Since they’d come with such fanfare, naturally they’d stay for dinner.
Yuan Ying said with a face full of smiles: “I’ll also stay to impose.”
Princess Chenliu’s face finally showed some smile: “Naturally, we won’t leave you out!”
Upon entering her chamber, Madam Guo finally sighed, revealing the weariness on her face: “These people never give us peace!”
Li Weiyang smiled: “After the palace incident, people outside are all spreading rumors that Second Uncle instigated his adopted son to frame the Guo family, the purpose being to retaliate for past matters. Though such gossip can’t damage their foundation, it will bring quite a bit of trouble. That they’re anxious is natural.”
“This hypocritical act—just watching it makes one sick.” Madam Guo waved her hand. “When I think how they actually set their evil schemes on you, I want to slap them!”
Li Weiyang’s heart was slightly moved. She grasped Madam Guo’s hand: “Mother, am I not perfectly fine? They absolutely have no way to do anything to me.” After hearing this, Madam Guo didn’t feel reassured. Instead, her expression suddenly became somber. She looked deeply at Li Weiyang, then suddenly pulled her into her embrace. Her voice was very gentle but filled with strength and determination: “You are my daughter. Naturally I must protect you and not let anyone harm you!”
Li Weiyang’s heart grew warm. Throughout this life, she’d always exhausted herself protecting herself and protecting others. Apart from Yuan Lie, no one could give her support and something to rely on. But now, Madam Guo’s words made her feel a warm current surge into her heart. Though they had no blood relation, such a mother made it impossible for her not to be moved.
Madam Guo sighed: “Alright, let’s store these things properly.”
Li Weiyang laughed: “Mother, you go rest. Leave these matters to me.”
Madam Guo was surprised: “Leave them to you?” After pausing, she nodded. “Yes, you’ll be married in the future. Having you learn how to manage affairs is also good.” She understood very well—storing things didn’t need to be done today, and with the steward and others present, the master needn’t personally oversee it. Li Weiyang wanted an excuse to shake off those people so she could relax. This point—she herself understood, and those so-called guests had a clear idea too.
Li Weiyang watched Madam Guo go rest, then instructed servants to bring up that large red-lacquered wooden chest. Opening it, she found it full of gold and silver utensils, soft goods and precious gems. Li Weiyang smiled mockingly. After pulling the tiger’s whiskers, they gave a few pieces of meat as consolation. Did Guo Ping really think her, Li Weiyang, was so easily bought off?
“List and catalog all of these.” Li Weiyang instructed Zhao Yue. Then she sat to the side watching Zhao Yue count, her expression thoughtful, seeming to listen yet not listen—clearly her mind was elsewhere.
An hour later, a maid lifted the curtain and respectfully spoke softly: “Miss, it’s time for the banquet.”
Li Weiyang personally went to invite Madam Guo. The two freshly washed and changed their clothes before going to the front hall. Inside the great hall, seating had already been completely arranged. Li Weiyang stood in the hall for a moment without moving. In any large household, sitting down to eat required arranged positions showing hierarchy and respect. When they entered the great hall, Princess Chenliu sat in the main seat. Guo Ping had already swept aside his robe and sat in the right seat closest to the princess—the position that should have been Duke Qi’s. Guo Teng likewise showed no courtesy, sitting in the left seat position. Left and right, sitting full without leaving any position for Duke Qi at all.
The children of those two branches had already taken their seats and begun chatting with each other, seemingly not particularly mindful of etiquette. Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows with a cold smile. The Guo family was truly a household of bells and cauldrons—their dining rules were extraordinarily strict. Guo Ping and Guo Teng had been taught by the princess since childhood. They couldn’t possibly not understand these principles. Their sitting like this today was clearly deliberate.
Clearly wearing guilty expressions when they came to apologize, now they acted like they owned the place. This family really made one’s heart troubled. Li Weiyang glanced and saw her brothers’ faces, though impassive, all held suppressed gloom in their eyes.
Madam Guo gently patted Li Weiyang’s arm, saying in a low voice: “They’ve always been like this. Every time they come to the residence, they’re so unbridled, embarrassing your father.”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Embarrassing Duke Qi was false—deliberately reminding everyone that Duke Qi’s status should have belonged to Guo Ping was true. Indeed, the current Duke Qi, Guo Su, ranked third among brothers. If he weren’t born to Princess Chenliu, the duke’s position should have fallen to Guo Ping. That he harbored resentment was human nature. However, for every cause there’s an effect. First, Ren Shi made mistakes. Second, he attempted to poison the old Duke. If he hadn’t gone too far, the old Duke wouldn’t have stripped his inheritance rights and expelled him from the Guo residence. Now his actions showed he had no trace of self-reflection—only knew to blame others.
Duke Qi walked into the great hall at this moment, his steps swift and steady. When he saw the honored seats already occupied, he only paused slightly before sitting below Guo Ping. Guo Ping smiled: “Third Brother, you don’t blame us for sitting first, do you?”
Duke Qi only said flatly: “What words are those, Elder Brother?” He’d never coveted the Duke Qi position. But the old Duke had always been extremely fond of him, so Elder Brother and Second Brother always felt he had designs on the title and constantly guarded against him. He didn’t know how many times he’d been secretly plotted against—someone even placed poisonous snakes in his bed, injected poison into his eating utensils… But to avoid making the old father sad, he’d endured it all. Yet they escalated, finally even moving against the old father. Only then could he no longer bear it. But ultimately, his heart always felt pained.
When he was small—before Elder Brother and Second Brother noticed his threat—they would play with him, let him choose the best prey first when returning from hunts, rest together in tree shade when tired from playing, build snowmen together in winter, take beatings for him when father discovered their mischief. Those were all childhood memories, truly existing in his memory. Even after so many things happened later, he hadn’t forgotten any of it. But looking at this person before him now—smiling pleasantly yet harboring resentment in his eyes—he was speechless.
Li Weiyang looked at Duke Qi’s expression and understood everything. The Guo family were all good people, but they had one fault—too emotional. No matter how many excessive things Guo Ping did, in Duke Qi’s view, he was still his elder brother. He did his utmost to tolerate him, accommodate him. Since he did this himself, naturally he also strengthened constraints on his sons, not allowing them to be disrespectful toward their two uncles. So even though the Guo brothers had become sick to death of these two uncles’ actions, they wouldn’t openly refute them.
But it wasn’t that your constant yielding would make certain people understand your feelings. They would only escalate, seize your weaknesses to attack you. The current Guo Ping was stepping on Duke Qi’s weakness, showing absolutely no mercy.
Once the master took his seat, dishes were continuously served. Guo Ping raised his cup: “Prince Jing, I’ll toast you first.” Looking entirely like the host. Guo Dun frowned, wanting to act, but was held down by Guo Cheng. Guo Dun gritted his teeth and lowered his head.
Prince Jing smiled: “Not at all, thank you for Uncle’s hospitality.” Saying this, he raised his cup and drank it all.
Guo Teng beside them looked sideways at Duke Qi and smiled: “Does Second Brother’s residence not have song and dance?” This was extremely rude—completely different from his apologetic appearance earlier.
Duke Qi took no offense, only saying honestly: “If Second Brother wants to see song and dance, naturally I’ll let you see it.” Saying this, he instructed the steward beside him: “You go invite them.”
When the Guo family ate, they were always harmonious and happy, rarely requiring song and dance for entertainment. Moreover, the Guo sons didn’t have those dissolute sons’ bad habits of abusing singing girls, so the household didn’t specially maintain a group of performers. Therefore, the Guo residence’s steward had to go out to invite people back to perform. But before he reached the door, he heard Guo Teng sneer coldly: “Could Second Brother truly be so impoverished as to not even afford a few singing girls?”
This was a direct insult to Duke Qi, yet he didn’t get angry, only saying flatly: “There’s no need at home, so we don’t keep idle people.”
Guo Teng laughed heartily: “Today Prince Jing is here, yet Third Brother is still so stingy—truly excessive. How about this, I’ll have my residence’s singing girls come perform to open your eyes!” Saying this, as if no one else existed, he instructed people to make arrangements.
The singing girls Guo Teng spoke of were a fashion popular among Yuexi’s upper nobility. Beautifully called singing girls, they were actually household prostitutes. In Yuexi, whether hereditary aristocracy or wealthy households, many indulged in sensual pleasures, keeping household prostitutes. They were both the master’s entertainment and outlet for desires, as well as ordinary playthings and tools for competitive comparison. The wealthy liked to flaunt their power and wealth by keeping many prostitutes. At the same time, they also liked to deliberately dress up these household prostitutes in fine clothes and food to show off their status and luxurious extravagance.
Guo Teng’s residence kept dozens of household prostitutes, many trained from childhood with famous teachers instructing song and dance. Rumor had it he often scattered scented powder on jade plates and had household prostitutes walk on them. If the powder showed no footprints, he greatly praised them. If footprints remained, he’d immediately strip their clothes, bind them to trees, cut tree branches to whip them from back to heel, easily dealing hundreds of blows. He constantly devised various ways to torment people—locking household prostitutes in chicken coops, roasting them with charcoal fires in summer, drenching them with ice water in winter. Once they died, they’d be buried under flowers, called “beauty fertilizing the fields.” But this kind of thing happened in every household. Those household prostitutes were all bought by him, belonging to his personal property. However he disposed of them wasn’t excessive. No one dared criticize too much. Duke Qi most detested Guo Teng’s habits, but after all, he was his second brother. No matter what, he didn’t want to embarrass him publicly.
Guo Teng seemed prepared long ago. Before long, beautiful performers appeared in a line from the side door, filing into the hall in succession. The sounds of strings and bamboo played. They spread their graceful sleeves and began dancing. These singing girls all wore exquisitely peerless brocade. The lead dancer was most beautiful, her body adorned with dazzling pearls, jade, and gemstones. Li Weiyang watched, her gaze growing colder and colder. This lead dancing woman had truly outstanding looks—a pair of eyes like autumn water, bright and shining, cherry-small mouth fresh red as if dripping, combined with that soft waist and graceful dancing posture—truly forcing one to fix their gaze on her.
After one dance finished, Guo Teng laughed: “Third Brother, how was this piece?”
Duke Qi remained unmoved, only saying flatly: “Second Brother’s taste is naturally excellent.”
Yuan Ying also smiled: “Yes, even palace dancers are only this level.”
Seeing even Prince Jing say this, Guo Teng couldn’t help laughing: “Prince Jing, don’t tease me. My household prostitutes can’t compare to palace beauties no matter what. However, I brought this woman back from Baizhou. Her hometown people, because she was born so white and tender, like the finest jade, gave her this name—called Yuji. Does Third Brother find her acceptable?”
This statement made Li Weiyang narrow her eyes. Guo Teng saying this seemed to have other intentions.
Duke Qi nodded: “Indeed a beauty.”
Guo Teng curved his lips: “Speaking of which, Third Brother spent a year in Baizhou, didn’t you? Baizhou has many beautiful women—didn’t any catch your eye?”
Duke Qi noticed nothing else, only responding: “I went to Baizhou to quell rebellion. Where would I have other thoughts?” What he said was true. Six years ago, Baizhou produced the rebel general Chen Feng. He led one hundred thousand troops to suppress the rebellion. Chen Feng was fierce and occupied Baizhou’s special terrain. He spent considerable effort annihilating the rebel army. When sending troops to war, who would pay attention to whether Baizhou women were beautiful? Moreover, he’d always worried about his wife at home—even less this idle thought.
Guo Teng laughed: “Oh? Yuji, come over and let my third brother take a look. See if he recognizes you.”
Hearing this, Yuji walked forward with lowered head. Madam Guo frowned, not knowing what medicine Guo Teng was selling in his gourd.
Duke Qi looked carefully at Yuji: “This young lady, I truly don’t recognize—”
Guo Teng’s smile concealed a trace of malice: “Don’t recognize her? Yet Yuji traveled thousands of miles to find you!”
Hearing this, Madam Guo felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured over her head, her whole body ice cold. Li Weiyang gripped her hand tightly, her face wearing a smile, saying impassively: “Second Uncle, I don’t know what you mean by this?”
Guo Teng glanced at Li Weiyang, his smile seeming to carry some mockery: “When a young woman travels thousands of miles from Baizhou to the capital to find a man, what else could it mean?”
Everyone’s expressions all changed together. Madam Guo looked toward her husband. Duke Qi’s face showed even more shock than hers. He turned his head to look at Yuji again but truly couldn’t remember who she was.
Princess Chenliu’s smile faded: “Guo Teng, a perfectly good banquet—are you deliberately disrupting it?”
Guo Ping lowered his head drinking wine, as if not seeing his brother’s arrogant insolence.
Facing Princess Chenliu’s questioning, Guo Teng’s face brimmed with smiles: “Mother, what words are these? Today I specially came to visit you and brought Third Brother’s romantic interest from outside into the residence to return her to him, that’s all.”
Madam Guo’s expression became extremely cold. Romantic interest—what romantic interest?! What kind of character her husband was—wouldn’t she know? She believed he absolutely wouldn’t do this kind of thing, much less at this moment his expression was also very shocked. Shocked, not guilty.
Guo Teng’s smile was exceptionally glaring. He glanced at Princess Chenliu, his eyes even holding a kind of vengeful pleasure, yet his mouth said: “Yuji, Third Brother is a noble and busy man who has long forgotten you. You explain yourself what exactly happened.”
Everyone’s gazes all fell on Yuji, watching how she would account for this matter.
Yuji bowed gracefully before Duke Qi, tears falling like rain: “Duke, don’t you remember me? I’m the daughter of garrison commander Liang Xiao, Liang Yuji. Back then in Baizhou, my father refused to follow that rebel general and was executed by him. My mother then committed suicide in devotion. I escaped alone but was nearly captured by rebel troops halfway. You rescued me just in time!”
At these words, Li Weiyang noticed Duke Qi’s entire body freeze. He seemed to finally remember who this person was, surprise crossing his face: “So it’s you… Didn’t I entrust you to your uncle’s care?”
Yuji’s eyes brimmed with tears: “At that time you only said that when the frontline matters were settled, you’d bring me back to the capital with you. Later meeting Uncle, you changed your mind instead, entrusting me to him. Unfortunately Uncle’s health gradually weakened until he finally passed away. I had no one to rely on, could only leave Baizhou, wanting to come to the capital to find Duke. Later on the road I encountered General Guo. He said he was your elder brother, so I followed him to the capital…”
Tsk tsk, truly said with such emotion, tears streaming down. Combined with being such a delicate beauty, who wouldn’t be moved seeing this? Yet Duke Qi’s brows furrowed tightly: “Your father and I always corresponded. That he died innocently, I felt it very regrettable. Later rescuing you promptly could be considered preserving a bit of his bloodline. Moreover, you following your uncle would naturally be more suitable than following me back to the capital, so I entrusted you to him.” No wonder he didn’t recognize her—back then this child was how old? Now she was already a mature, voluptuous beauty.
Yuji appeared heartbroken: “Duke, you were originally kind-hearted, but how could Auntie tolerate me? At Uncle’s home, I ultimately had no one to rely on! Yet I waited so long, hoped so long, and never saw you return!”
Li Weiyang laughed, then slowly said: “This… Miss Liang, my father rescued you amid chaos with good intentions. Hearing how you speak, it sounds like you’re blaming my father for not seeing good deeds through to the end?”
Yuji was stunned, then looked toward Li Weiyang, at a loss: “I… of course that’s not what I mean.”
Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Oh, not that meaning, then what meaning? Should I tell cousin that my father and Prince Xu have no connection whatsoever? I might want to say that, but would cousin believe it?” My father rescued you—does he then have to manage your three daily meals, manage your having someone to rely on, manage your marriage and childbearing, manage your happiness for life?”
Yuji hadn’t expected this Guo family young miss to be so formidable. Seeing those cold eyes made her heart tremble with fear. She retreated a step, instinctively glancing at Duke Qi. Her pitiful appearance seemed as if suffering someone’s bullying. Yet Duke Qi frowned, obviously very much agreeing with Li Weiyang’s words. Yuji hadn’t expected him to be so heartless and could only seek help from Guo Teng.
Guo Teng heavily set down his wine cup, saying coldly: “Jia’er, when elders are speaking, is it your place to interrupt?!”
Madam Guo worried Li Weiyang would suffer loss and shook her head at her. But what kind of person was Li Weiyang? When had she ever suffered loss in this life? Her gaze was calm as deep water, looking Guo Teng up and down, instead appearing as if wanting to speak but stopping.
Guo Teng’s face darkened: “What do you want to say?”
Li Weiyang smiled: “I originally didn’t want to speak, but Second Uncle made me. You repeatedly say Jia’er has no qualifications to interrupt, clearly showing you’re someone who understands propriety very well.”
Guo Teng raised his eyebrows, sneering coldly: “Naturally so. My household’s daughters would never speak carelessly on such occasions!”
Guo Ping smiled, his gaze circling Li Weiyang’s face as he said falsely: “Ai, Second Brother, why get angry with a child? After all, Jia’er grew up in a foreign land. Not understanding the Guo family’s rules is normal. It’s just that Third Brother—since your daughter has been found, you should teach her properly. Otherwise when she marries in the future, others will point at your nose and curse you for having no family education!”
Duke Qi’s expression finally darkened. In his view, criticizing him was acceptable, but criticizing his children was absolutely not. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Li Weiyang say with a face full of smiles: “Both uncles truly understand propriety very well. Jia’er has been taught. Since both uncles understand propriety so well, please vacate the honored seats!”
Guo Ping and Guo Teng both froze simultaneously, exchanging glances, anger surfacing on both their faces. Guo Ping set down his chopsticks, angrily saying: “Third Brother, does your daughter understand reason or not? How dare she say such things?!”
A perfectly good banquet turned into this—going back, he’d still have to explain properly to his wife. Who knew if he could even enter the bedroom door tonight? Even Duke Qi, no matter how much he yielded to his two brothers, couldn’t help getting angry. Considering Princess Chenliu’s presence and not wanting to make things too awkward, he only smiled coldly: “My daughter would never criticize elders without reason. Please listen to what she has to say!”
Guo Ping, after all, had deep schemes. Hearing this, he looked at Duke Qi impassively, his eyes slightly reproachful. Then he turned to look at Li Weiyang: “What reason do you have?!”
Li Weiyang’s face wore a cold smile: “Our Yuexi’s propriety doesn’t judge hierarchy by age ranking. Both uncles are merely ordinary officials without titles. How can you dine at the same table as Grandmother Princess Chenliu and my father Duke Qi, especially with Elder Uncle in the right honored seat? This clearly treats propriety and hierarchy as nothing. Earlier when the feast began, before my father spoke, you two—being guests—thought yourselves clever and actually spoke first on the host’s behalf. If everyone in the world acted like you two without rules, without hierarchy, without respect—how could national prestige be strong? How could imperial authority be clear? How could the realm remain stable?! You claim to understand propriety, yet need others to remind you of such obvious principles?”
Yuan Ying’s face wore his customary smile, just smiling as he watched Li Weiyang. This girl was truly vicious—her words clearly reminded them: you’ve long been expelled from the Guo family, lost the right to inherit the duke’s position, yet still sit in the master’s seat—fundamentally not understanding hierarchy, shameless! These words might sound like nothing to others, but Guo Ping felt as if instantly plunged into an ice cellar.
He was the legitimate eldest son. If Princess Chenliu hadn’t entered the family years ago, hadn’t given birth to Guo Su, today he would be the legitimate Duke—why reduced to a mere minister?! This was the deepest pain in his heart, what he most detested others mentioning. Guo Su had always yielded to him—the more the other did so, the more he felt this title was stolen by him! So he schemed every way to humiliate Guo Su… But he hadn’t expected that the one publicly criticizing him would be this niece Guo Jia. He almost stood up on the spot to give this niece a vicious slap, but in an instant, meeting those eyes like an ancient well… Li Weiyang’s lips curved in a smile as she stood before him. Those eyes held a cold, cruel gleam. He actually felt chills, his hands and feet seeming stiff.
As if waking from a dream, Guo Ping suddenly realized this girl had been waiting for such an opportunity to explode since taking her seat. If he opened his mouth to refute, he’d probably receive even greater humiliation.
He instinctively glanced at Duke Qi. At this moment, Duke Qi should reprimand his daughter, then naturally continue giving him the seat. All these years, Guo Su had always been so humble—he should do this, because he owed him this! But contrary to his expectations, Duke Qi didn’t speak, didn’t even glance at him. In the other’s eyes burned suppressed fury. But the target of this anger clearly wasn’t Guo Jia!
Guo Ping’s heart sank. Li Weiyang had already walked over, staring at him, saying coldly: “Elder Uncle, why don’t you answer me? Your niece doesn’t understand propriety and is waiting for your instruction!”
Though Madam Guo worried, she also felt satisfied. All these years, Duke Qi had always yielded to them, but this wasn’t from guilt—it was from brotherly affection. Yet certain people fundamentally didn’t know gratitude, didn’t know how to cherish it, insisting on being so aggressive. How could they blame Li Weiyang for embarrassing them?! This was what they deserved!
Guo Su’s sons also all smiled watching this scene, while Guo Ping and Guo Teng’s children all glared angrily at Li Weiyang. Unfortunately, none dared show anger, because Guo Dun had a fiery temper. If they dared provoke his sister, he’d probably beat them to a pulp on the spot. The scene would become extremely ugly.
Li Weiyang still stood there, calmly waiting for Guo Ping’s answer. Guo Ping only felt cold sweat slide from his neck, soaking his collar, spreading all the way to his chest. He struggled to maintain an uncle’s dignity, tightly pressing his lips, raising his head to glare at her with a face full of fury.
The entire great hall was extremely quiet. Everyone could almost feel the sound of breathing.
Yuan Ying silently watched Li Weiyang’s back the whole time. Guo Ping and Guo Teng both had military merits, their hands stained with blood without exception. Not only did they have dignified appearances, their characters were also very resolute. Ordinary women would probably have weak legs just speaking a few more words before them. Yet Li Weiyang showed absolutely no fear—simply braver than ordinary men by far. Yuan Ying watched her and suddenly smiled.
This was the wife he anticipated—having both beautiful appearance and strong inner heart, more fierce than men when facing enemies directly, wasn’t it? Why hadn’t he seen this at first, even rejecting her so much? Just when everyone thought Guo Ping would lose composure publicly, Guo Ping suddenly laughed loudly. He turned his head toward Guo Teng on the left: “Indeed, we have overstepped.” Saying this, he actually actively stood up, yielding the seat and sitting at the lower position. Then he glanced at Duke Qi: “Third Brother, I was momentarily confused and forgot propriety. Please don’t take offense!”
He’d recovered his polite, courteous manner from when apologizing—completely different from just now, like changing faces. His scheming was clearly very formidable, his endurance also remarkable!
A trace of sadness too quick to see crossed Duke Qi’s face. He only silently nodded without speaking. Princess Chenliu, seeing this scene, also felt very complex inside. Back then, she momentarily pitied the three children Ren Shi left behind and had them grow up together with Guo Su, thinking this would make them understand reason. Who knew they’d raise three ungrateful wolves…
Guo Teng sneered coldly: “Fine, propriety is settled. We should also properly discuss human feelings, shouldn’t we!”
Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows with an expression between a smile and not: “I don’t know what human feelings Second Uncle speaks of?”
Guo Teng’s face held a trace of coldness: “Someone traveled thousands of miles to find Duke Qi. Shouldn’t Duke give the young lady an explanation?” Yuji said nothing, only silently crying, like a weak willow in the wind, standing there in pitiful, desperate sorrow. Her originally rosy complexion had now become very pale, inviting pity. Madam Guo’s expression became very ugly. Guo Teng meant to force the Duke’s residence to accept this young lady? On what basis? Her husband—she knew best. Over the years, orphan girls and weak children he’d rescued during wars numbered not one thousand then eight hundred. None had ever so shamelessly stuck around. Did rescuing people now create trouble?
Hearing this, Guo Cheng couldn’t help saying: “I don’t know what explanation Second Uncle speaks of?”
Guo Teng smiled: “When rescuing this Miss Liang, Duke Qi embraced her waist. Do you still remember?”
Duke Qi’s expression was grim. This young woman was now only eighteen or nineteen. Six years ago she was only twelve or thirteen. In his heart, she truly wasn’t different from his own daughter. When she was forcibly abducted, he shot the rebel soldier dead with one arrow and rescued her, personally escorting her back. Learning she was an old friend’s daughter, he paid special attention. Add to this that his own biological daughter had also disappeared amid illness and chaos, so he showed her an extra portion of care. But he hadn’t expected that six years later, this young woman would come to the door seeking such an explanation.
Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “People Father has rescued are all innocent weak people—men and women, old women and young girls. If they all stuck around demanding Father take responsibility, wouldn’t Duke Qi’s residence become a shelter? Moreover, at the time this young lady was only twelve or thirteen, yet in the midst of danger, understood so well the differences between men and women—truly not easy!”
Yuji had long resented Li Weiyang’s tone, angrily saying: “Miss Guo, I respect you as Duke’s daughter, which is why I particularly yielded to you three points. But that doesn’t mean you can arbitrarily insult me! I’m a daughter of a good family. How can you speak with such barbs?!”
Before Li Weiyang could speak, Guo Dun already couldn’t help saying: “If you really want someone to take responsibility, when that villain abducted you, why didn’t you commit suicide to protect your chastity? Did my father rescuing you actually rescue a disaster?” In ordinary wealthy households, if a young miss was truly rescued by someone, there were indeed cases of pledging oneself in marriage. But this happened amid war chaos—who could manage so much? Being grateful to Guo Su would be too late—where would one create trouble for him? Yet this Miss Liang traveled thousands of miles to the door—if not coveting the Guo family’s wealth and being instigated by someone, what else?!
Li Weiyang glanced at Guo Dun and shook her head at him, signaling him to stay calm. In fact, just a weak woman—Father keeping her didn’t matter. But those two brothers of the Guo family were full of evil water. Li Weiyang dared guarantee that if Duke Qi softened today and kept this woman, tomorrow they’d find someone to impeach him, saying he violated wives and daughters during wartime chaos… Such charges, even Duke’s residence couldn’t bear! Father’s years of clear reputation would also be affected!
After the palace matter was exposed, they still wouldn’t give up. This pair of brothers was truly vicious!
Hearing Guo Dun’s words, Guo Teng sneered coldly: “Complete nonsense! The Liang family parents were both learned and courteous people. Miss Liang also studied poetry and books from childhood. Regarding a woman’s inner chamber training, the three obediences and four virtues—she knew best, never daring to overstep propriety even one step. In Baizhou, it wasn’t that no wealthy households sought to marry Miss Liang. She simply remained unmoved, still thinking of Third Brother—this shows her grateful heart. Even arriving in the capital, to prevent others’ suspicions and delay Third Brother’s future, I specifically had her enter the residence as a singing girl. Within the residence, she found it even harder to overstep boundaries. Meeting strange men, forget speaking—she rarely even glanced more than once. One can see how much she values chastity! Everyone in my residence says she’s virtuous and gentle. Such a woman—how could money move her? I truly envy Third Brother for obtaining such a romantic interest. You really must cherish her well!”
These words left everyone dumbfounded. Guo Teng’s every word emphasized Miss Liang valued chastity, which was why she traveled thousands of miles to find Duke Qi to pledge herself. Following this logic, if Duke Qi refused to accept her, wouldn’t he be wrongly delaying the young miss?!
Sure enough, Liang Yuji shed more tears: “If Duke detests me and won’t accept me, then I’d rather smash my head to death at Duke’s residence gates!”
Smash to death?! This was equivalent to telling everyone Duke Qi was fickle and heartless, abandoning her?! Madam Guo’s face had reached the extreme of fury, saying coldly: “How has my husband wronged you that you’d harm him like this?!”
Who knew that hearing this, Liang Yuji would actually throw herself before Madam Guo, sobbing uncontrollably: “Madam, Madam! I don’t ask to be a concubine—only to be a servant. I can even do without status. Just let me serve Duke. I can want nothing at all!” In Baizhou, wealthy households had indeed sought to marry her. But with both parents dead, no property, and after Uncle died, Auntie only treated her as a cash cow—of course she refused to comply. She tried every means to escape and encountered Guo Teng. She didn’t care about Guo Teng’s purpose—only wanted to enter Duke’s residence! Because though Guo Su was many years older than her, his appearance was handsome, his family wealthy, and he was a dignified Duke. If she could enter, relying on her youth and methods, sooner or later she could rise to side wife position. Then glory and wealth would be just around the corner! Naturally she had to perform with all her might!
Madam Guo was so angry her head hurt, a chest full of fury unable to vent. After all, she was Duke’s wife. She could neither beat nor scold such a shameless woman. Whatever she did would lose dignity. Yet she was very straightforward and nearly trembled all over. Just then, Li Weiyang walked to her side, supporting her with her hand, saying softly: “Mother, the ancient saying goes: save someone save to the end, send Buddha send to the west. Father kindly rescued Miss Liang with good intentions. How could we watch her die at the Guo residence gates? If word spread, wouldn’t people say we lack benevolence?”
Madam Guo looked at Li Weiyang in surprise, not knowing what she meant by these words. Just now hadn’t she been so strongly opposed? How did her tone suddenly change meaning? Not just Madam Guo—everyone present didn’t understand what she was going to do.
In fact, if Duke Qi drove away Liang Yuji, those people would definitely spread it widely, wildly fabricating charges, saying he didn’t respect propriety, was faithless and disloyal. But if he kept this woman, tomorrow a memorial would be submitted to the Emperor, saying how he associated with women while on campaign and so forth… On one side gossip and slander, on the other severe interrogation. No matter which choice, the Guo family would face enormous difficulties.
Yuan Ying smiled looking toward Li Weiyang. He really wanted to know how she would handle this difficult problem…