Liang Yuji thought Li Weiyang had changed her mind and hastily wiped her tears: “Miss Guo is truly understanding and reasonable.”

“Ai, don’t be happy too soon.” Li Weiyang smiled in response. “If you enter the residence, will you truly be as you yourself said—willing to be a slave and servant?”

Hearing this, Liang Yuji’s heart grew anxious. Being willing to be a slave and servant—such words were just casually said. After all, her background wasn’t poor. Though she couldn’t compare to Yuexi’s wealthy families, she still came from a scholarly family. If she entered the residence, how could Duke feel comfortable actually making her a servant? That wouldn’t make sense! Her gaze looked pitifully toward Guo Teng over there.

Guo Teng waved his hand grandly: “Jia’er, what do you mean by this?! A perfectly good young lady—how could she come to your residence as a servant?! If word got out, what would your father become? Wouldn’t it mean Duke’s residence was bullying a helpless girl by relying on its great power? Even if your father agreed, I would never agree!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “So being a slave and servant was just empty words. When Miss Liang arrives at our residence, naturally she won’t be a servant.”

Hearing this, Guo Dun thought to himself—this sister was usually such a clever girl, how had she become foolish at this critical moment? If not a servant, would she become a mistress? The parents had always been deeply affectionate. Father’s chambers didn’t even have a single intimate maid—this was extremely rare in all of Yuexi. Father’s behavior was something these children admired. Would he personally break all this? Let this inexplicable woman insert herself in?! In his anxiety, he blurted out: “It’s not allowed!”

But Guo Cheng and Guo Dao weren’t as rash as him. They both guessed Li Weiyang must have more to say, so before Guo Dun could continue, Guo Cheng had already hastily waved his hand: “He said nothing—you all continue!” And beside him, Guo Dao had already heavily stepped on Guo Dun’s foot. Guo Dun was honest after all. Though frustrated and furious, he couldn’t lose composure publicly and could only swallow this anger, glaring viciously at Guo Dao. But Guo Dao just grinned, completely unconcerned.

Madam Guo looked at Li Weiyang, also very surprised, not knowing what she would say next.

Guo Ping cleared his throat softly: “Since even Jia’er says so, might as well let Mother decide to accept Miss Liang.”

Guo Teng hastily said: “Accept? How can it be so casual?! No matter what, Miss Liang is a daughter of a good family. Her father was a hero who died for the country. Though we can’t speak of eight sedan chairs and ten miles of red dowry, at minimum there should be a concubine-taking ceremony! Then invite everyone to celebrate together—wouldn’t that be good?!” He looked completely like he was wholeheartedly considering Duke Qi’s interests.

Duke Qi’s brows furrowed even tighter. In his view, this girl was the same age as his daughter—how could he possibly take her as a concubine? Moreover, if he truly wanted to take a concubine, would he have waited until now? These two elder brothers, pressing him step by step—to what extent did they want to push him? Did they really want to tear their faces completely?! Couldn’t they see he’d endured for so many years and his patience was nearly at its limit?!

Li Weiyang surveyed everyone’s expressions, saying with an expression between a smile and not: “Miss Liang, of course you can enter the household, but some things must be made clear. In families like ours, our status is high and our rules are strict. As a concubine, you’d be household property. If you said one wrong word, Mother might directly beat you to death or sell you off! Once you enter our household, you’d give up your identity as a woman of good family. You’d no longer be a person but an object—an object belonging to the Guo family!”

Seeing Li Weiyang speak so coldly, Liang Yuji felt a trace of unease in her heart. She glanced at Guo Teng and saw him nod at her. She immediately steadied her emotions. After all, General Guo would look after her. She was a noble concubine—how could she be the same as those women bought back? This Miss Guo clearly wanted to frighten her away! She blinked her eyes, tears shimmering: “As long as I can serve Duke and repay his life-saving grace, I can endure any hardship or grievance.”

Said so grandly—truly moving. Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Words can’t be said too absolutely. Some ugly truths must be said upfront. If you become my father’s concubine, any sons you bear in the future will only be of concubine birth. I still have five legitimate elder brothers. No matter what, those without proper status could never inherit the title!” When she said the six words “without proper status,” she deliberately emphasized them heavily. Hearing this in Guo Ping’s ears was almost infuriating to the extreme!

Before he could get angry, Li Weiyang had already continued: “Moreover, though children of concubine birth also have the right to share family property, though our family is wealthy, we can’t withstand so many people. Look—I have five elder brothers. No matter how many mountains of gold and silver, they can’t be sustained. So if you enter, you must guarantee you won’t compete for family property in the future. Or simply give up the thought of bearing children altogether. This way, my mother can relax, my brothers can relax, Father can save worry—don’t you think this is good?”

Liang Yuji stared at her completely dumbfounded. She truly hadn’t expected an unmarried young miss to speak so shamelessly about future property distribution, actually… actually telling her not to take a single coin! Then what would be the point of marrying a man old enough to be her father?! What a joke! But turning it over in her mind—she could temporarily agree to all this. After all, once inside, relying on her youth and beauty, she had plenty of methods to move Duke Qi. As long as she had his support, what couldn’t she obtain?! She gritted her teeth: “What Miss Guo says, I agree to it all.”

Li Weiyang’s expression was between a smile and not: “Oh, agreeing to everything is naturally best.” She then turned to look at Madam Guo: “See, yesterday I advised you not to beat all those serving Father to death—to leave one or two obedient ones. Now there’s another one delivered to the door. This is truly cause for universal rejoicing.”

Hearing this, Liang Yuji’s face immediately paled. She suddenly thought—why had Duke Qi not taken concubines for so many years, not even having a maid by his side… Outside there’d long been rumors he feared his wife, to an extremely severe degree. So those serving women had all been beaten to death… Her body felt a chill. She instinctively glanced at Madam Guo. Perhaps it was guilt creating dark imaginings—the more she looked, the more she felt that beautiful lady had a murderous aura between her brows. She immediately couldn’t speak, nearly unable to utter a single word.

Guo Cheng’s eyes rolled, his face full of smiles: “Actually being beaten to death doesn’t matter. After all, Miss Liang is someone who accepts life and death without complaint. She was originally rescued from chaos by Father after all!”

Guo Teng couldn’t help showing an angry expression: “Third Brother, what nonsense are your children spouting?! This is deliberate intimidation?!”

Duke Qi looked at Guo Teng flatly: “Second Brother, once Liang Yuji enters my household, naturally she must heed my wife’s disposal. My children are merely telling her in advance what might happen, to avoid future trouble.”

Liang Yuji naturally knew their words contained intimidation, but she truly felt somewhat fearful, because not a single person before her held any goodwill toward her… If she really entered, Guo Teng couldn’t possibly protect her into the Guo family’s inner quarters. She had no one to rely on—who knew when she might inexplicably disappear…

Li Weiyang smiled looking at Liang Yuji, knowing she was already wavering. She sighed: “My father never took concubines before. Since you’re clamoring for him to take responsibility, rather than being a concubine without guarantees, better to change the approach. I can ask Father to accept you as an adopted daughter. This way would be far more advantageous than being Duke Qi’s concubine. What does Miss Liang think?”

Duke Qi’s adopted daughter?! Liang Yuji’s eyes brightened as she looked at Li Weiyang, excitement sweeping through her heart.

Li Weiyang smiled: “If you were an adopted daughter, things would be vastly different.”

Hearing this, Guo Teng and Guo Ping exchanged glances, their hearts crying out in alarm—they’d fallen for this dead girl Guo Jia’s trick! If Duke Qi took Liang Yuji as a concubine, they could make a big fuss, first letting everyone know Duke Qi had the mind to play with women even during campaigns, then having censors severely impeach him. Even if they couldn’t strip his title, they’d ruin his reputation. If Duke Qi refused to accept her, that was even better—have Liang Yuji cry and wail at the Guo residence gates. Either way, Guo Su’s years of good reputation would be destroyed. The key to everything was Liang Yuji—her testimony was more important than anything. But now Guo Jia actually came up with this rotten idea to make Liang Yuji Duke’s adopted daughter. How could she still be willing to be a concubine? How could she still be willing to testify against Duke Qi for being fickle and heartless?! What a girl to think of this!

Ruthless when needed, patient when needed, knowing when to do what—Li Weiyang truly had great skills. Yuan Ying almost laughed aloud. He thought for a moment: “Miss Liang, though people often say ‘rather be a hero’s concubine than a mediocre man’s wife,’ that’s actually a choice made with no alternatives. The woman who says this isn’t truly willing to be a concubine. If she could be a hero’s wife, would she still want to be a hero’s concubine? You should think carefully.”

Liang Yuji was no fool. She’d read quite a few books since childhood. Regarding those favored concubines, the persecution by legitimate wives was truly terrifying. Being able to become Duke Qi’s adopted daughter, naturally she could be matched to a good family as a legitimate wife. Why face an uncertain future? She thought it over and immediately understood: “I naturally would be willing!”

Guo Teng angrily said: “Guo Jia, what exactly do you mean?!”

Li Weiyang said with a face full of smiles: “Second Uncle, I mean well. Yet you—Miss Liang clearly has better prospects, yet you insist on making her a concubine. What’s the reasoning? Could there be unspeakable reasons?”

Hearing this, Guo Cheng burst out laughing: “Ah! I know! Could it be that at your residence, she’s already been used by you…”

Guo Teng flew into a rage, abruptly standing up, shouting fiercely: “Insolent child!”

Guo Ping also stood up, looking at Duke Qi: “What’s happened to your family? Not a trace of propriety left? When can a nephew speak to his uncle like this?!”

Duke Qi slowly looked at them, his gaze containing coldness for the first time: “When you have the appearance of uncles, these juniors will respect you!”

“You—” This was Duke Qi’s first time truly getting angry. Though his expression remained calm, the fury in his eyes said everything. He was no longer prepared to endure! Guo Ping looked at him, momentarily speechless. When the other yielded to him, he thought him weak. But now that he’d hardened, Guo Ping felt cold from the bottom of his heart. Guo Ping looked at Duke Qi with an increasingly strange gaze.

Princess Chenliu, who’d remained silent, suppressed her smile and said very seriously: “Jia’er, your proposal is truly excellent. It both considers Miss Liang’s parents, preventing them from losing face in the afterlife, and gives her something to rely on. Speaking of which, we’ve done good deeds to the end. As for Guo Cheng, cough cough, your words were too crude. How could you suspect your second uncle? What kind of person is he—don’t you know?”

Though she said this, the Guo brothers’ faces showed mocking expressions.

Liang Yuji, fearing the Guo family would change their minds, immediately said: “Yuji pays respects to adoptive father.” Saying this, she’d already hastily bowed down.

Li Weiyang’s face showed a barely perceptible cold smile. As for Guo Ping and his brother, their faces already wore expressions of an approaching storm. Guo Teng wanted to say something more, but heard Li Weiyang say leisurely: “Second Uncle, how long has Miss Liang been in the capital?”

Guo Teng was stunned, then said: “About a month.”

Li Weiyang pretended shock: “You’re saying Second Uncle actually had a young lady from a scholarly family serve as a singing girl at your residence for a month?!”

Guo Teng was annoyed, those fierce eyes filled with anger: “What singing girl—it was just an expedient measure.”

Li Weiyang sighed: “A singing girl is a singing girl. Even serving as one for just a day—that status can’t be changed. If others asked, our family accepting a singing girl as an adopted daughter—who knows how it would be spread.”

Hearing this, Liang Yuji immediately said: “General Guo only brought me into the capital and housed me at his residence. I never appeared in public.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang showed a relieved expression: “That’s for the best.” No one has seen you, which means as long as your mouth is sealed, everything will go smoothly.

Guo Teng glared at Liang Yuji with eyes so fierce he nearly wanted to swallow her whole. He hadn’t expected this woman to change sides so quickly, leaving him completely without recourse. Under that gaze, Liang Yuji shrank back but still turned her face away. People who don’t look out for themselves will be destroyed by heaven and earth. What was wrong with her looking out for herself?

Knowing the matter was lost, Guo Ping said coldly: “Fine, congratulations Third Brother on gaining this adopted daughter. This banquet should end. We’re leaving.” Saying this, he was first to walk out. Since he was leaving, everyone at the table stood up as well.

Just at this moment, outside suddenly came a commotion. Duke Qi raised his eyebrows: “What’s happening?”

Immediately a steward reported: “Duke, there’s a Minister Lin outside wanting to find General Weiwu.”

Seeking someone at Duke Qi’s residence—clearly the matter was extremely urgent. Guo Teng frowned: “Minister Lin? Which Minister Lin?”

The steward lowered his head respectfully: “It’s Minister Lin from the Ministry of Justice.”

Minister of Justice Lin Shan?! Guo Teng’s expression immediately changed. He quickly glanced at Guo Ping. The hand under his sleeve trembled slightly. Li Weiyang laughed softly, deliberately asking Madam Guo beside her: “Mother, this Minister Lin—”

Having held a belly full of anger just now, hearing Lin Shan had come looking for Guo Teng, Madam Guo’s face couldn’t help showing a trace of cold smile: “Oh, this Minister Lin is the chief judge for the Hu family case. I just don’t know why he suddenly came here looking for General Weiwu.”

Duke Qi’s eyes held no emotion as he said loudly: “Please invite Minister Lin in.”

Guo Teng looked anxiously at Guo Ping. Guo Ping shook his head at him, signaling him to stay calm and not panic.

Princess Chenliu’s hands holding the sandalwood prayer beads lightly rested on her knees, then imperceptibly, she sighed. She’d personally raised these three children—how could she have no feelings? But no matter how much she gave, separated by that belly wall, they ultimately weren’t of one heart. This she could understand. But she hadn’t expected that at such a young age back then, Guo Ping would help Ren Shi harm her—simply sinister and malicious to the extreme. Yet now seeing them show such panicked yet forced composure, Princess Chenliu only felt exceptionally complex emotions.

Li Weiyang smiled, watching Minister Lin enter. Her long, gentle eyes curved in a soft arc, as if nothing in this world could anger her or move her.

Yuan Ying didn’t look at Minister Lin, nor at Guo Ping and Guo Teng’s expressions. He only looked at Li Weiyang. He’d been watching her since just now.

She showed not the slightest emotion, yet he knew his heart had inexplicably palpitated for her.

A young woman who could resolve everything easily amid laughter and conversation—she always had a power that moved hearts.

It was just that at this moment, she still hadn’t noticed Yuan Ying’s gaze, much less knew of his admiration.

Minister Lin was about forty, lean and scholarly, travel-worn, wearing official robes. Entering, he only saluted Prince Jing and Duke Qi—clearly already knowing they were both present. Then his gaze fell on General Weiwu’s face, slowly showing a trace of coldness: “General, that Peng Dazu in prison has confessed. He entered the palace, colluded with Princess Daming, and followed Consort Hu Shun’s orders—all at your instigation.” General Weiwu was a fourth-rank official, not someone ordinary people could arrest, so he personally made this trip—already giving considerable face.

Duke Qi’s face showed a trace of understanding as he spoke: “Minister Lin…”

Before finishing, Lin Shan had already said to him respectfully: “Duke, today I’m handling a case by imperial decree—I investigate cases, not personal relationships. Though General Weiwu bears the Guo surname, the old Duke long ago said that from the moment they left your Guo residence, everything had nothing to do with your Guo family—they’re entirely responsible for themselves. Moreover, the one wronged this time was your own biological daughter, Duke. Don’t you want to get to the bottom of everything?”

Guo Teng’s face showed a trace of unease. He hadn’t expected Peng Dazu would actually testify against him! Originally in his view, that boy was utterly loyal to him and absolutely wouldn’t betray him! But now something had gone wrong—

But Guo Ping was very composed: “Second Brother, you needn’t worry. Since it’s just questioning, go with Minister Lin. I’ll certainly find ways to investigate the matter clearly.” When he said the three words “investigate clearly,” he glanced at Duke Qi, as if the matter had something to do with him.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows, thinking in her heart—she’d originally prepared to first separate Liang Yuji from Guo Teng, then close the door to deal with this ungrateful woman. When Peng Dazu confessed, naturally they could deal with Guo Teng together! She hadn’t expected that with Prince Jing still sitting here, someone had already moved against Peng Dazu there. The speed really wasn’t slow.

Yuan Ying returned her a smile. Actually he was also puzzled—he hadn’t yet left, hadn’t yet had time to deploy—what exactly was happening in that prison?

Li Weiyang saw surprise in Yuan Ying’s eyes too and immediately understood. She couldn’t help smiling slightly. It seemed this matter was still that fool’s doing. She’d clearly told him not to get involved, yet his vengeful heart was so strong—sooner or later he’d suffer a loss…

But Guo Teng retreated a step: “No, I won’t go! I don’t want to go!” His expression already showed some panic, clearly different from his usual composure. Seeing this in everyone’s eyes gave them different calculations.

Guo Ping hadn’t expected his second brother, usually rather brainy, would perform so abnormally. If today he’d appeared magnanimous, even if he went with Lin Shan, he himself had ways to prove Peng Dazu’s accusation was false. Because with words alone and no evidence, even if there was some gossip, what could they do to Guo Teng? But Guo Teng’s performance was so hopeless! But very quickly, he saw Li Weiyang’s smile—that smile seemed to see through everything. He suddenly understood, looking at Guo Teng in shock.

Li Weiyang smiled coldly. This matter wasn’t hard to understand. That Peng Dazu had always been Guo Teng’s trusted aide. When General Weiwu had improper, filthy matters, his son naturally wouldn’t get his hands dirty, but an adopted son was different. Once Peng Dazu betrayed him, what would be implicated wouldn’t just be this Consort Hu Shun incident—there would likely be even more unspeakable matters. No wonder Guo Teng was so nervous he lost his composure.

Minister Lin frowned: “General Weiwu, this isn’t a matter of whether you’re willing or not. Since His Majesty has already issued orders to strictly investigate this case, I must trouble you to come with me!” Saying this, he waved his hand. Several guards came up to seize him. Without thinking, Guo Teng rapidly drew his long sword: “Who dares move?! I am the dignified General Weiwu!”

Guo Ping thought this was bad. This kind of performance—originally innocent would become guilty. How vicious the other party’s scheming to actually crack open Peng Dazu’s mouth. Who knew how much of Guo Teng’s ugly business would be implicated! Thinking of those delicate beautiful concubines in Guo Teng’s household, then thinking of General Weiwu’s residence’s magnificent splendor, Guo Ping felt his body shiver. Actually everyone was the same—anyone investigated would have problems. Moreover, Guo Teng had been an official for so many years and always competed with Duke Qi—inevitably he’d done some foolish things… He immediately spoke: “Second Brother, quickly put it down! Don’t attack!”

But at this moment, Guo Dun had already flown forward, grasping Guo Teng’s sword, shouting fiercely: “Second Uncle, please put down the sword in your hand! Otherwise don’t blame me for being impolite!”

How could Guo Teng endure a junior’s lecture? He unhesitatingly swung the long sword. But Guo Dun was after all a formidable character—with a light dodge he’d already evaded. Seeing this, Guo Cheng beside him shouted loudly: “General Weiwu refuses to admit guilt! Why don’t you seize him!”

This cry immediately reminded Minister Lin. He waved his hand. Instantly over ten guards pounced toward Guo Teng. Guo Teng’s children were after all young, hadn’t seen such scenes, much less expected that just coming out for a banquet would create so many incidents. For a moment they all froze there, watching helplessly as those guards went up to seize Guo Teng. However, Guo Teng had after all led troops in battle. In one leap, the long sword in his hand spread like an eagle’s wings, forcing nearby guards to retreat and dodge. So over ten people merged into a group, rushing up to attack Guo Teng. But hearing him give a great shout, his form rapidly retreated. The long sword, following his precise footwork, parried the long swords in these people’s hands. Yet he himself rushed straight toward Princess Chenliu’s direction.

Li Weiyang was first to wake up, calling out loudly: “He wants to take Grandmother hostage! Stop him!” As she spoke, she instinctively blocked Princess Chenliu’s front. Guo Teng’s eyes flashed with fierceness. One hand was already about to grasp her shoulder. Just at this moment, Yuan Ying had already flown forward, prepared to rescue her at this critical instant. The entire scene froze in this instant. Madam Guo’s heart clenched into a ball—she even forgot to cry out! But suddenly hearing a bang, everyone froze.

In everyone’s shocked gazes, Guo Teng somehow suddenly fell to the ground. The long sword also flew out, actually landing horizontally at Liang Yuji’s feet beside them, still spinning. She immediately collapsed sitting on the ground, frightened pale. Everyone glanced—Guo Teng lay sprawled on the ground. Under his foot clearly lay a banana peel. But they heard Guo Dao laugh: “Sorry Second Uncle, my hand slipped.”

At these words, Guo Teng’s face had already turned red as pig liver. He absolutely hadn’t expected he’d fall to the ground in such a wretched manner. At this moment, after brief surprise, guards had already swarmed up to seize him, forcing him to kneel wretchedly on the ground.

Guo Dao had originally thought he’d receive everyone’s praise, but unexpectedly Yuan Ying glared at him—clearly blaming him for meddling. This had been a great opportunity for heroic rescue, wasted just like that, and in such a laughable way.

Guo Dun, being most honest, seeing this scene finally couldn’t help laughing aloud. Princess Chenliu involuntarily coughed softly. Though this scene was laughable, Guo Teng was after all an elder. No matter what he’d done wrong, it wasn’t a junior’s place to mock him. Guo Dun immediately understood, pressing his lips tightly and standing to the side. But his expression holding back laughter still made people unable to suppress smiles.

Yuan Ying glanced at Li Weiyang, about to say “you were frightened,” but discovered her gaze seemed never to have moved, only staring blankly at the kneeling Guo Teng, lost in thought.

“What’s wrong?” Yuan Ying asked strangely.

Li Weiyang seemed only then to wake from her thoughts: “I’m fine.”

Minister Lin finally captured Guo Teng and said to everyone: “Duty compels—everyone, my apologies! For disrupting today’s banquet, another day I’ll certainly come apologize.” Then he waved his hand. Guards lifted Guo Teng up, forcibly making him walk out. Guo Teng’s two legs kept retreating backward, but ultimately couldn’t withstand those guards and was led out.

Guo Ping lowered his eyes, not watching this scene. Finally, Guo Teng’s daughter Guo Xue began sobbing softly, her voice growing louder until she was crying uncontrollably. Li Weiyang looked on coldly, only feeling Guo Teng brought this on himself, having nothing to do with others. Moreover, everyone present understood—this trip, Guo Teng absolutely couldn’t return safely. What awaited him would be extremely severe punishment.

The banquet reaching this point could absolutely not continue. Guo Ping’s eyes were full of resentment, yet forcibly suppressing it, unable to show it. The earlier blow came so suddenly—he seemed to age ten years at once, his body also swaying slightly. Before everyone, he walked step by step before Duke Qi: “Are you really going to force your second brother to death?”

Duke Qi’s voice accompanied his cold gaze: “No one wants to force Second Brother to death. He did wrong and must accept punishment.”

Guo Ping sneered: “Don’t act before me! Peng Dazu is Second Brother’s adopted son, most loyal. He’d never testify against him no matter what. What you did behind the scenes—everyone knows clearly!”

Duke Qi truly didn’t know about this matter. His expression became even more indifferent under the other’s rude interrogation: “Elder Brother, Second Brother’s situation today—he brought it on himself. I absolutely wouldn’t do anything behind the scenes. On this point, I’m worthy of my own conscience!”

“Conscience?! From when you seized the position that should have been mine, where do you have any conscience left?!” Guo Ping finally couldn’t help his great fury, saying through gritted teeth: “Even if your second brother erred, it’s not your place to point fingers! Do you really think you’re Duke Qi?! In my heart, the only true Duke Qi is Father!”

Duke Qi, reaching today, finally could no longer endure this aggressive, narrow-minded elder brother. Before everyone, he said word by word: “Yes, why Father originally preferred passing the title to me rather than Elder Brother—on this point, you should think carefully!”

Hearing this, Guo Ping trembled, staring at him. His eyes gradually reddened. After a long while, he said tremulously: “Good, good! Those words are simply treasonous! Your mother’s skills—you’ve now learned them all! Not only seizing the magpie’s nest, you’re actually shameless!”

Duke Qi’s expression turned iron blue. He swept his hand across the table. With a crash, originally exquisite porcelain fell to the ground, shattering to pieces. Broken porcelain immediately flew everywhere. Guards outside the door hesitated at the entrance, none daring to rashly enter.

Apart from embarrassment, Princess Chenliu’s face also held indescribable pain. Li Weiyang looked at her expression and sighed. Raising tigers creates disaster, yet still developing feelings for these tigers—what could be done?

Guo Ping was dumbfounded. In his impression, this younger brother had always been very gentle, never losing his temper publicly like this. Just as he was about to change color, he heard Duke Qi already calmed down, slowly saying: “My mother is also your mother. She worked hard raising you siblings to adulthood. Whatever I had, you never lacked. She held the honored status of princess, even personally made clothes for you. But I and my younger siblings never received such treatment! Toward you all, when was she ever the slightest bit unkind? What right do you have to make such wild statements here! Your words just now actually reminded me—you truly don’t resemble Mother, because you resemble Ren Shi—mean, selfish, arrogant, ungrateful. Her faults, you’ve learned perfectly!”

For the two brothers to argue like this before so many juniors was truly improper, showing how angry Duke Qi had become. In his view, others publicly humiliating him he could endure, but absolutely couldn’t endure anyone humiliating Princess Chenliu! Especially the Guo Ping brothers—they fundamentally had no such qualification!

Guo Ping completely froze, even forgetting to get angry. But Duke Qi wasn’t finished. His expression slowly became calm as he said flatly: “Ren Shi was long ago stripped of legitimate wife status—merely a Buddhist nun. Your so-called legitimate eldest son position is also completely false. All these years, I’ve been too yielding toward you, so much that you’ve forgotten your own identity. From now on, this door—please don’t bother entering!”

Li Weiyang slowly smiled. Duke Qi ultimately didn’t have a clay-sculpted character. This time, being pushed to the extreme, years of resentment finally erupted.

Guo Ping looked at his younger brother in disbelief. Slowly, hatred welled up in his eyes. He turned his face away, snorted coldly: “Still not leaving?! Waiting for others to drive you out?!” With that, he flung his sleeve and turned to leave. All those children who’d come with him stood up, not even bothering with courtesy, hurriedly following him away.

Princess Chenliu sighed and stood up. Duke Qi turned around, looking at his mother: “Your son will see you back.” Princess Chenliu nodded. Duke Qi nodded to Madam Guo and escorted the princess away.

At this moment, everyone stood up, preparing to leave. Liang Yuji hastily asked: “What about me? What do I do?”

Li Weiyang stopped, looking at her thoughtfully: “Miss Liang, oh no—I should now say older sister, shouldn’t I?”

Liang Yuji’s expression showed some embarrassment. She smiled awkwardly: “Miss Guo, I… what I did today was also unavoidable. Originally I wanted to come directly to the residence to find Duke, but… but…”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. But you judged noble intentions by petty standards, thinking Duke Qi might not accept you, and even if he did, might not arrange good prospects for you, right? Ultimately, Liang Yuji was just a woman greedy for wealth who turned with the wind, extremely hypocritical. Li Weiyang glanced at Prince Jing: “Prince Jing, I heard your residence has a one-eyed groom who’s very skilled with horses, correct?”

Hearing this, Yuan Ying smiled slightly: “Yes, he’s very capable. Now over thirty years old, yet still hasn’t taken a wife. I wonder if you have any good ladies to introduce?”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, pointing at Liang Yuji: “What do you think of her?”

Liang Yuji’s face immediately showed panic and shock: “You… what are you saying? You clearly said the Guo family would accept me as an adopted daughter! How can you match me to a groom?!”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Do you know, Duke Nanguo’s wife has a particularly beloved maid who served Duke’s wife loyally for years and even sacrificed herself to save her mistress—she could be considered a righteous servant. Before marrying, she was likewise accepted as an adopted daughter. But in the end, the person she was matched to was merely a clerk in a government office. You’re just a singing girl—your status is even lower than a maid’s. You have no contributions whatsoever. How could we match you to an official? Moreover, I only said to make you an adopted daughter back then. I never guaranteed your marriage, did I?”

Liang Yuji immediately changed color, furiously saying: “You… you dare?! Aren’t you afraid I’ll spread the word—”

“Spread? Spread what? How you repaid kindness with enmity? Or how you traveled thousands of miles from Baizhou seeking Duke Qi? Ha, who do you think you are—who would believe you?! The person who could testify for you has now been taken away!” Guo Cheng mocked with a smile. From Li Weiyang’s earlier actions, he’d already understood—the temptation of adopted daughter status was enough to make Liang Yuji part ways with Guo Teng. But Li Weiyang had never promised what benefits she’d give Liang Yuji after becoming an adopted daughter. Everything was just her own subjective imagination.

Li Weiyang smiled: “Miss Liang, I advise you to obediently cooperate. Otherwise—” She glanced at Guo Dun: “Otherwise, I’ll hand you to my fourth brother. His temper isn’t too good. He might very well whip you soundly and casually hand you to some brothel somewhere. That wouldn’t be good.” Actually, she’d originally not planned to bother with Liang Yuji. Blame her for being excessively greedy and repaying kindness with enmity. If she didn’t give her an unforgettable lesson, she wouldn’t be called Li Weiyang.

Seeing her cold heart and face, Liang Yuji abandoned her and instead threw herself at Prince Jing’s feet: “Your Highness, Your Highness, please save me! I don’t want to marry a groom! I’m only eighteen. If you force me to marry a cripple, how can I live my future days? Better to directly take a knife and kill me! Your Highness, I beg you, for my father’s sake, spare me. I’ll never dare again!”

Yuan Ying looked at her soft, beautiful cheeks, his smile deepening: “Asking me to spare you?” He seemed to seriously consider this question.

Guo Dun thought he’d been moved by this woman and grew anxious. Just as he was about to speak, Guo Cheng tugged his sleeve, signaling him not to worry. If Yuan Ying were so easily moved by women, his smiling tiger title would be for nothing.

Seeing his expression seemed to show some softening, Liang Yuji’s eyes rolled as she immediately had an idea. She hastily grasped Prince Jing’s robe hem, saying coquettishly: “Your Highness, I’m willing to follow you for life, serve you, willing to be a slave and servant, only begging you not to marry me off casually!” Without Guo Teng as backing now, she’d probably be dealt with by the Guo family before she could even run out to make trouble. Her only option now was to try every way to move Prince Jing. She was so beautiful—perhaps she could make him accept her. Then it wouldn’t be too late to seek revenge on Guo Jia!

Yuan Ying sighed: “So you so dislike the one-eyed. How about this—I’ll find you a lame man or mute. That’s not hard either.”

Hearing this, Liang Yuji felt like thunderstruck, yet had no recourse. She only felt the road ahead pitch black. Involuntarily grief-stricken, she collapsed on the ground, crying her heart out.