Guo Wu returned to the manor and explained everything in detail to Guo Ping. Hearing what she had witnessed at Duke Qiguo’s manor, Guo Ping seemed quite surprised. After pondering for a long while, he slowly said, “If it’s truly as you say, then Zhao Yue could be a useful person.”

Guo Wu thought for a moment but shook her head. “Father, don’t be too pleased too soon. I think that Guo Jia is no ordinary person. I heard she and Zhao Yue relied on each other coming to Yuexi. Zhao Yue has high martial arts skills and is utterly loyal—she’s her trusted personal maid. Last time at Princess Lin’an’s manor, when there was a python, Zhao Yue risked her life to save her. This shows the two of them won’t easily develop a rift. If Li Weiyang’s performance today was deliberately staged for me, then her intentions are worth questioning.”

Hearing this, Guo Ping paused, about to speak, when they heard laughter from outside the room: “Miss Guo is truly as intelligent as ice and snow!”

The father and daughter’s expressions immediately changed. Guo Ping stood up first and swiftly opened the study door, only to see a noble young master standing at the entrance. He wore brocade robes, had a ruddy complexion, a tall and slender figure, and a handsome face—who else could it be but Jiang Nan? Guo Ping’s face broke into a smile. “Ah, so it’s Young Master Nan. My apologies for the poor welcome.” Yet inwardly he was muttering—this Jiang Nan had arrived at the manor without a sound, and none of his guards had noticed. Clearly the other’s martial arts were truly unfathomable.

Thinking this, his face remained impassive as he welcomed the man in, loudly ordering someone outside to pour tea. He personally and respectfully served it to Jiang Nan before smiling and saying, “I wonder what Young Master Nan meant by those words just now?”

Jiang Nan smiled faintly but looked at Guo Wu without speaking.

Guo Wu was simultaneously sizing up the person before her. This Young Master Nan was not only handsome but also a talented man skilled in both civil and martial arts. She didn’t know why he was willing to be a male consort at Princess Lin’an’s manor. However, she’d heard Princess Lin’an obeyed him in everything and followed his every word, which showed this person wasn’t as simple as he appeared on the surface. Thinking this, she smiled faintly and said, “Yes, why did Young Master Nan praise me so inexplicably just now?” Her expression was very innocent, as if merely asking casually.

Jiang Nan sneered and said, “I praised you only because you understand Li Weiyang better than Lord Guo.” Seeing a trace of surprise on their faces, he said, “This Li Weiyang is the Guo Jia you mentioned.”

Before coming to Yuexi, Guo Jia had been Prime Minister Li’s adopted daughter and Dali’s Princess Anping. Li Weiyang was her given name, so it wasn’t strange for Jiang Nan to address her this way.

Jiang Nan slowly continued, “I won’t hide this from you both—I’m also from Dali, and I have an irreconcilable enmity with this Li Weiyang. Back then, she used her silver tongue to deceive her way into the princess title, killed my aunt, and plotted the destruction of my Jiang family. Now that I’ve fallen to such straits, my only wish is to take revenge on her. So you two can speak freely before me without concern.”

Hearing this, both were quite shocked. Guo Ping raised his eyebrows and said, “Since Young Master Nan understands this person so well, in your view, is this matter real or fake?”

Jiang Nan smiled and said, “Though I understand her well, this person’s scheming runs unfathomably deep. Even I find it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood.”

Guo Wu said matter-of-factly, “Then should we temporarily hold our forces and not act?”

Jiang Nan shook his head. “If this matter is false, she must have some plot. But if this matter is true and we don’t act, wouldn’t we be wasting a good opportunity?” Jiang Nan was desperate for revenge and naturally wouldn’t let any opportunity slip by. This was why he had sought them out today.

Hearing this, Guo Ping neither agreed nor disagreed. In his view, to seek revenge, one must first preserve oneself. Though he also hated Guo Jia and Duke Qiguo’s manor, he absolutely wouldn’t act rashly for this reason. He had worked hard for so many years—how could he impulsively throw away a lifetime of effort?

Seeing Guo Ping’s hesitation, Jiang Nan slowly said, “Actually, determining whether this matter is true or false isn’t difficult. I just need to borrow Miss Guo’s assistance.”

Guo Wu was quite puzzled. “Me? What can I do?”

Jiang Nan smiled, his eyes flashing with a trace of barely perceptible cunning. “Since Miss Guo can enter and leave Duke Qiguo’s manor, there’s much you can do.”

Guo Wu thought for a moment and said hesitantly, “But Li Weiyang doesn’t trust me. When I interact with her, she’s neither cold nor warm. I’m afraid I can’t extract any useful information.”

Jiang Nan clearly didn’t think so. He glanced at Guo Wu, a trace of cold light flashing in his eyes. “Miss, you’re mistaken. Even the cleverest person has moments of oversight. Since you can get close to her and seize favorable opportunities, you might still succeed.”

Hearing this, Guo Wu became somewhat interested, her beautiful eyes flowing as she said, “Then according to your words, what should I do?”

Jiang Nan’s smile gradually turned cold. “I heard Princess Chenliu came from the palace, has strict rules, and a bad temper. Is this true?”

Guo Ping laughed. “That’s all in the past. That old lady has been quite kind and benevolent these past two years!” Though in his view, it was all hypocrisy.

In fact, Princess Chenliu’s youthful deeds of firmly refusing to let Lady Ren return to the manor were indeed quite famous. Jiang Nan smiled and said, “A person’s nature doesn’t change. Princess Chenliu was born noble and would never like such sordid affairs. She also values the family’s reputation greatly. If you reveal it to her face, it will certainly cause an uproar… Then we’ll see whether Li Weiyang rescues her or not.”

Guo Wu asked doubtfully, “What if she rescues her? What if she doesn’t?”

Jiang Nan’s lips held a trace of cold laughter. “If she refuses to save her and watches Zhao Yue die with her own eyes, then this matter is definitely real. If she intervenes to help, even just saying one word, this matter is definitely false—just a trap, nothing more.” He felt he understood Li Weiyang very well. Though she was cunning, she had one fatal weakness—she greatly valued those around her. If Zhao Yue had truly done wrong, she would naturally feel betrayed, and what choice she would make wouldn’t be hard to guess…

The father and daughter exchanged glances, sharing a meaningful look. After thinking for a moment, Guo Wu spoke first: “Alright, I’ll do as you say and give it a try.”

Three days later, Guo Wu brought a thousand-year-old ginseng to Duke Qiguo’s manor to see Princess Chenliu, claiming it was a token of filial piety from her father. Though Princess Chenliu had never liked this father-daughter pair, one doesn’t strike a smiling face. Guo Wu’s smile was warm, she was beautiful, and her conversation was quite intimate. Even if Princess Chenliu disliked her, she couldn’t drive her out.

Thus, Guo Wu intimately told the Princess about recent interesting events in the capital. Princess Chenliu listened with apparent indifference, her eyes half-closed, seemingly uninterested. Guo Wu sneered inwardly but remained expressionless, suddenly saying, “Grandmother, there’s something I don’t know whether I should mention or not.”

Princess Chenliu said coldly, “If it shouldn’t be mentioned, then don’t mention it.”

Guo Wu’s face showed a trace of annoyance. She thought to herself, you old woman always favor your own children and consequently dislike me as well. Your favoritism is so extreme—just wait until my father gains the title and see how I deal with you! She sneered inwardly but slowly said aloud, “That day when I went to Jia’er’s courtyard, I saw her angrily punishing Zhao Yue. Does Grandmother know about this?”

Hearing this, Princess Chenliu finally opened her eyes slightly and looked at Guo Wu. “Oh, such a thing happened?”

Guo Wu smiled and said, “Grandmother, when have I ever deceived you? Am I the type to make trouble out of nothing? If you don’t believe me, you can easily verify it.”

Princess Chenliu’s face showed a trace of displeasure. Even if Guo Jia punished her maid, so what? She slowly said, “This matter is Jia’er’s internal household affair after all. As an outsider, you shouldn’t meddle.”

Guo Wu said aggrievedly, “Grandmother, you’ve misunderstood. I’m only concerned about Jia’er, with no other intention. Moreover, this matter is of great importance. If I don’t tell you, wouldn’t that be inappropriate…”

Princess Chenliu looked at her sideways and said, “Since that’s the case, then speak.”

So Guo Wu detailed everything she had seen that day. Hearing this, the Princess’s face gradually turned iron-blue. “Is this truly what happened?” If someone else had told her this, it wouldn’t be such a serious matter, but it had specifically come from Guo Wu’s mouth.

Even if Li Weiyang had truly set up a ruse of self-harm, she definitely wouldn’t tell Princess Chenliu, because the Princess had a quick temper and straightforward nature—she would easily expose it. And if this matter were true, to conceal it for Guo Dao, she would still choose to remain silent. Guo Wu carefully observed Princess Chenliu’s expression, confirming her thoughts. It seemed the Princess truly didn’t know about this. Then whether this matter was real or fake would depend on Li Weiyang’s performance shortly! She smiled and said, “Whether it’s true or false, just summon Jia’er and ask.”

Princess Chenliu could finally no longer contain the anger in her brows and eyes. She ordered those beside her, “Go summon Jia’er. Oh, and Guo Dao as well!”

A maid nearby looked at the Princess anxiously and said, “Then… what about Madam?” This matter should be told to Madam to ease the situation.

Princess Chenliu said coldly, “They’re all her children—summon them together.” Her tone was unprecedentedly severe.

Guo Wu felt a surge of joy in her heart, though her face showed a worried expression, remaining silent.

Soon, everyone had assembled. Seeing Guo Wu seated before the Princess, Li Weiyang already knew everything, though her face showed no abnormality. She only smiled at the Princess and said, “What does Grandmother need Jia’er for?”

Princess Chenliu said coolly, “Sit down first. I have something to ask your maid.” Usually when she saw Li Weiyang, she appeared quite pleased. Today, for her to put on such a stern face showed she was already quite displeased. This expression was extremely dignified and serious. That princess’s bearing was completely different from her usual easy-going manner, making people feel fear in their hearts.

Li Weiyang showed slight hesitation. “Grandmother is referring to…”

Princess Chenliu said, “That maid you brought from Dali, the one named Zhao Yue.”

Li Weiyang glanced at Guo Wu, her face showing faint anger, then turned and said, “Grandmother, Jia’er can handle this matter herself.”

Princess Chenliu said, “This matter concerns the Guo family’s reputation. How can you, a young girl, handle it yourself? Leave it to me. Now, bring her up.” She had her own concerns. If she left it to Li Weiyang and blood was shed, it would dirty her granddaughter’s hands. This was also to protect Li Weiyang, which was why she wanted to handle it personally. Of course, this was also for Guo Wu sitting there to see.

Soon, someone brought up the injured Zhao Yue. Seeing that Zhao Yue, after just a few days, was already covered in wounds, Guo Wu thought to herself that Guo Jia was truly ruthless, actually beating the person. It really didn’t seem fake.

Princess Chenliu asked coldly, “Did you engage in improper conduct with the Fifth Young Master?”

Zhao Yue’s face flushed red, but she said not a word. Seeing this, Princess Chenliu understood everything. Her heart grew even more furious as she pointed at Zhao Yue and said, “Beat her to death directly.”

Guo Wu glanced at Li Weiyang, only to see her sitting expressionlessly without any intention of pleading. She thought to herself, I want to see whether you’re truly heartless or pretending to be heartless.

Those around Princess Chenliu were all former palace officials who always used palace methods for punishment. They used the most resilient rattan canes, long soaked in special medicinal water. Their color was deep purple and hadn’t faded over time. When beaten on a person’s body, that pain seemed to instantly invade the bone marrow, incomparably more painful than ordinary whips. Seeing this, Guo Wu couldn’t help but change color. She had heard of these rattan canes’ power. Sure enough, after just a few strikes, the usually strong Zhao Yue was already moaning in pain. Her calm expression was replaced by twisted, fierce agony. Her entire body could no longer support itself and went soft, curling on the ground, trembling and shaking continuously. The falling shadows of the cane became increasingly dense—

Then the curtain lifted and a black shadow rushed in, throwing himself before the Princess without a word: “Grandmother, please release her! This matter is all my romantic indiscretion—it has nothing to do with her!”

Madam Guo happened to enter just then. Seeing this scene, she couldn’t help saying angrily, “We’ve spoiled you so much you’ve become lawless! You even dared to touch someone from your sister’s courtyard!”

Guo Dao’s throat carried a trace of hoarseness as he said through gritted teeth, “She’s just a maid—why must you all make such a fuss!”

Princess Chenliu laughed coldly. “If she were a maid from another family, naturally those noble sons could toy with her as they pleased! But Zhao Yue was brought by your sister from Dali. By ruining her reputation, aren’t you dragging your sister down with her?! If word gets out, what will outsiders think of the Guo family? Won’t they say our household discipline is lax, that we can’t even properly train a maid?!” Therefore, Princess Chenliu pushed him aside: “Enough, I’ll settle accounts with you later! Now get out and stop embarrassing me here!”

The so-called embarrassment naturally referred to Guo Wu’s presence. This matter shouldn’t have let her know. Precisely because she was here, Princess Chenliu had to be ruthless in punishing Zhao Yue. Otherwise, once this matter spread through Guo Wu, it would only make others say the Guo family had improper household discipline, implicating her own granddaughter! For Li Weiyang’s sake, Zhao Yue must be severely punished!

But Guo Dao refused to leave. He turned in a circle and finally grabbed Li Weiyang, saying, “Zhao Yue is your maid. She’s been utterly loyal to you—we’ve all seen this. Now she’s made a small mistake and you won’t save her?”

Li Weiyang completely ignored him. Not only did her words show no consideration for the master-servant relationship, they carried several parts of blame: “Fifth Brother, if you hadn’t provoked Zhao Yue first, how would things have reached this point?! If you truly like her, after you marry a wife, I can give her to you—that wouldn’t be impossible. But you deliberately bypassed me and secretly met with her privately. You disrespected me first, and now you want me to save her. Are you deliberately mocking me?”

“You!” Guo Dao’s face contorted with anger. Beside him, Madam Guo quickly pulled his arm and said, “This isn’t such a simple matter. What kind of place is the Guo family? This is before Grandmother! How can you speak this way?!”

But Guo Dao refused to budge, saying angrily, “Jia’er, you know how Fifth Brother has treated you normally. I’m only asking you for one maid—why are you so angry? Must you make this a matter of life and death?”

Li Weiyang said slowly, “You have deep feelings for her—just save her yourself. Why must you trouble me?”

Guo Dao laughed coldly. “I always thought you were kind-hearted, but now how can you say such heartless words? Just considering how devoted she’s been to you, you should save her!”

Guo Wu watched this pair of siblings at swords drawn, her face showing a half-smile, though inwardly she believed the matter three parts more.

Li Weiyang said neither coldly nor warmly, “What is ‘should’ and what is ‘shouldn’t’? For a mere maid, you pester like this—have you truly lost all face?”

Her beautiful face showed not a trace of sympathy or compassion.

Guo Dao said angrily, “Though she’s a servant, she’s still a person!”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly and said, “Yes, she’s a person—but you’re the one who harmed her into this state!”

Guo Dao shouted with a hoarse voice, “You truly won’t save her?!”

Li Weiyang showed no emotion whatsoever. “She first concealed things from me, which already betrayed her master. A maid who betrays her master—I won’t save her! Moreover, Grandmother wants her dead. I have no recourse!”

Over there, Zhao Yue struggled to support herself, tears streaming down her face as she said, “This servant finally understands. After serving Miss for so many years, I’ve only come to this end. Since Miss tolerates others bullying me like this, you might as well have beaten me to death that day!”

Li Weiyang looked at the blood-covered person and said coldly, “Zhao Yue, don’t blame me for being cold and heartless. You know my nature—I’ve always wholeheartedly protected those around me. If you hadn’t done wrong yourself, how would you have fallen to this state? I’ve been too lenient with you in the past.”

The cane over there beat even more viciously. Zhao Yue finally couldn’t say another word. Guo Dao watched, his face extremely anxious, as if he truly wanted to completely fall out with Li Weiyang.

Seeing this situation, Guo Wu finally smiled lightly, putting her heart at ease. Her breath was fragrant as she said, “Grandmother, Zhao Yue is too young and didn’t understand propriety, making a small mistake. This sort of thing isn’t unheard of in ordinary wealthy families! Why must you be so angry? Just as Jia’er said, if Fifth Brother truly likes her, after he marries a wife, then give Zhao Yue her freedom and make her a concubine—it’s not such a terrible thing.”

Princess Chenliu’s face was like frost, remaining silent. Madam Guo glanced at Li Weiyang and sighed, “Mother, Zhao Yue has followed Jia’er for many years after all—she’s the most capable. She even saved Jia’er before. We absolutely have no reason to beat someone to death!”

Though the Guo family was strict in managing the household, they were very benevolent and especially lenient with servants, never having caused deaths. If Zhao Yue hadn’t committed such an error and embarrassed them before Guo Wu, Princess Chenliu would never have punished her so severely. Speaking of which, this could fundamentally be resolved with just one word from Li Weiyang. Just as Jiang Nan had said, Li Weiyang was essentially a cold-hearted, cold-blooded, cold-feeling person. She might treat you well normally, but once you betrayed her, she would absolutely never easily forgive. So if she didn’t plead and watched Zhao Yue die with her own eyes, then this matter was real.

Guo Wu watched, increasingly believing this matter was true. She carefully persuaded, “Grandmother, for my sake, please release Zhao Yue. No matter what, we’re all one family. I certainly won’t spread this matter. As long as I don’t speak, how will outsiders know? Just let the matter pass.”

This was exactly the words she’d been waiting for! Princess Chenliu looked at her and finally nodded. “Fine, since Wu’er pleads for her, release her!”

Those people finally stopped. Zhao Yue lay on the ground motionless, truly breathing out more than breathing in. Li Weiyang glanced at her expressionlessly, completely unmoved. Madam Guo said, “Carry her down to recover from her injuries.”

Li Weiyang said very coldly, “Since this maid did such things behind my back, I absolutely cannot keep her. Whoever wants her can take her.” Her tone made Zhao Yue sound like an object she no longer wanted to see.

Hearing this, Guo Wu thought to herself that this was bad. If Li Weiyang truly wouldn’t accept Zhao Yue back, their scheme couldn’t be executed. She quickly said, “Jia’er, this matter really isn’t such a big deal. Just be kind and forgive her. Look, she’s injured like this—going to anyone else’s courtyard, won’t it be a death? She followed you all the way from Dali through countless hardships. If not for merit, then for hard work. Just for this reason, keep her.”

Li Weiyang glanced at her impassively and said calmly, “If Cousin is so kind-hearted, why not take her back with you?”

Guo Dao became furiously angry. “Guo Jia, what exactly do you mean?! If I tell you to keep her, then keep her! Why say such things?! Do you really want her to go with Cousin, letting Uncle and others watch and laugh at us?”

Li Weiyang stopped speaking. Yes, how could this matter be let known by outsiders? She finally relented: “Fine, take her down to recover.” Then she turned to Guo Wu with a smile and said, “But Cousin promised she absolutely won’t reveal this matter to outsiders. If not…”

Guo Wu smiled and said, “Jia’er, rest assured. How could I be someone who breaks her word?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, though a trace of barely perceptible coldness flashed in her eyes.

This matter passed for nearly half a month. Guo Wu visited Duke Qiguo’s manor several times, each time carefully observing the interactions between Li Weiyang and Zhao Yue. After recovering for quite a while, Zhao Yue could barely stand. She seemed to respect Li Weiyang as her master just as before. Li Weiyang still gave her orders as usual, and Zhao Yue obeyed without the slightest ambiguity. Guo Wu watched, sneering inwardly. The master was so heartless—this maid’s heart, frozen through, could probably never be warmed again. This was precisely their advantageous opportunity!

Having just seen Guo Wu off, Li Weiyang returned to her room only to be embraced by a figure that dropped from the roof. Li Weiyang’s expression changed dramatically. Just as she was about to get angry, she smelled a familiar sandalwood scent and couldn’t help saying angrily, “Yuan Lie, let me go!”

Yuan Lie remained completely unmoved, holding tight and refusing to release her.

After a long silence, Li Weiyang raised her voice: “Let go now!” Yuan Lie shamelessly held on, then felt a pain in his foot. He cried out in pain and stepped back. Before Li Weiyang could turn and leave, he had already attached himself to her like an octopus: “Don’t be angry! I finally shook off those three big-tailed wolves from your house and opened another route to get in!”

He’d actually dug another tunnel—what did he think the Guo family was?! Li Weiyang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She pulled him off and said, “What kind of behavior is this? Let go!”

“You’d rather accompany that fake, insincere woman than keep me company!” Yuan Lie’s eyes flashed with cold light as he drawled, about to pounce again, only to be swatted away by Li Weiyang. “Fine, fine, tell me what important matter requires you to come at this time.”

But Yuan Lie grinned, his eyes bright and shining. “What matter could I have? I just missed you!”

This person was becoming increasingly shameless. Now he even said things like “I missed you” every day. Li Weiyang said helplessly, “Just say what you need to say quickly. In another half hour, the big-tailed wolves you mentioned will come to talk with me!”

Hearing the Guo brothers were coming, Yuan Lie said unconcernedly, “I heard everything you just said to that woman. Your thoughts are truly elaborate. What scheme are you plotting?”

Li Weiyang waved her hand. “Don’t worry about that—it’s a good thing anyway.”

Yuan Lie blinked, saying aggrievedly in a low voice, “They all know—why don’t I? I absolutely must participate!”

Li Weiyang sighed. “When I need you, I’ll naturally tell you. Why be so impatient?”

Yuan Lie, taking advantage of her distraction, suddenly pounced on her face and took a bite. “Why not be impatient? You even had Zhao Yue beaten, showing the matter is very serious. What scheme is it exactly? Why won’t you tell me?”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but laugh, though she didn’t mind his rudeness. After all, this wasn’t the first or second day he’d acted this way. The same action repeated enough times became numbing. If he didn’t take advantage of opportunities, that truly wouldn’t be like him. She slowly said, “Let me have Zhao Yue come in and you can ask her yourself.” With that, she clapped her hands and called loudly, “Zhao Yue.”

Hearing the summons, Zhao Yue entered. Seeing Yuan Lie, she wasn’t surprised and said with a full smile, “Your Highness.”

Yuan Lie smiled. “I heard you took a beating?”

Zhao Yue immediately nodded. “Yes, this servant pretended with great difficulty. I’ll never accept this kind of work again! I almost laughed out loud on the spot!”

Yuan Lie saw the whip marks still on her neck and said strangely, “You were beaten yet you’re so happy—have you gone mad?”

Zhao Yue smiled broadly, rubbing her neck. “This stuff? It’s just ordinary blood paste. A bit disgusting, but very realistic! Smell it—there’s even a bloody scent!”

Seeing this, Yuan Lie understood everything. He waved his hand like shooing away a fly, driving Zhao Yue out. Turning back, he pressed Li Weiyang with questions: “What does this mean? A ruse of self-harm?”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help laughing. “You already know—why ask me?”

Yuan Lie’s eyes grew even brighter. “That’s not how it works! I think of you wholeheartedly, love you, yet you always keep everything hidden in your heart. Doesn’t that make me uncomfortable?”

Li Weiyang only felt a headache. Nothing could be explained clearly to this person. “I don’t have freedom of movement in the Guo manor either. How can I tell you everything? Moreover—”

Yuan Lie said aggrievedly, “Before I at least had a spy. Now Zhao Yue is wholeheartedly devoted to you and never takes me seriously, refusing to leak information to me! I just want to do something for you!”

Li Weiyang couldn’t out-talk him, so she simply said, “Actually, even if you hadn’t found me, I was going to find you. There really is something I need you for.”

Yuan Lie immediately transformed his resentment into joy, changing expressions like flipping a book, looking very honored: “What is it?”

Li Weiyang glared at him. “Three days from now, Guo Ping’s manor is holding a birthday banquet. You should come too.”

Yuan Lie hugged her waist, smiling broadly. “Alright, if you’re attending, I’ll attend!”

Li Weiyang was made to blush by his antics. After trying several times to shake him off unsuccessfully, she said urgently, “What’s gotten into you lately, always being so unruly!”

Yuan Lie didn’t care at all, his amber eyes flashing with a cunning light. “Who told those people to keep blocking me? If I remain too well-behaved, you’ll be sold to that fool Yuan Ying by them!”

You’re the fool! Li Weiyang didn’t know whether to be angry or scold him. No matter what she said, he remained thick-skinned and unconcerned. She could only sigh and say, “You always talk such nonsense—I don’t even know how to answer you.”

Yuan Lie raised his eyebrows with a half-smile. “Then tell me—what exactly are you planning to do at that banquet?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her voice ethereal: “I’m going to kill someone.”

Yuan Lie also smiled. Li Weiyang glanced at him. “You’re not afraid?”

Yuan Lie’s smile deepened, though it gained a trace of arrogant dominance. “The world is like this—if you don’t kill them, they’ll come to kill you. Better to strike first and eliminate future troubles completely!”

At this moment, he put away his smile and looked at her seriously, clearly speaking with complete sincerity. Li Weiyang’s heart trembled. Just as she was about to say something, she heard someone laugh softly: “My my, Prince Xu truly has abilities! With such tight surveillance, you can still run in—did you grow wings or something?!”

At this moment, Guo Dao, who supposedly should have already fallen out with Li Weiyang, was standing at the door. Seeing it was him and hearing such sarcastic words, Yuan Lie wasn’t angry at all. He laughed heartily and said, “You all keep watch day and night so diligently and responsibly. Saying you’re devoted unto death wouldn’t be inappropriate. But the road is one foot high, the devil ten feet tall—I’ll always have ways to get in. You might as well save your energy.”

Guo Dao was carefree, having been scolded since childhood. That lazy smile on his face didn’t change at all. Instead, he smiled and said, “Unfortunately, we can never break this habit. We fought once before—I wonder if we fought again, who would win and who would lose?”

Yuan Lie’s expression didn’t change as he stood up and dusted off his clothes, smiling. “Fine, since that’s the case, let’s have a match. But I’ll say this first—if I win, you can’t block me anymore!”

These two always had to clash over nothing. If they started fighting, they might alarm others. If Guo Cheng and Guo Dun saw them, they’d probably want to join in too. After all, they had nothing to do at home and staged full martial displays every few days. But Li Weiyang was very unhappy. If this matter got out—wouldn’t people laugh at them? Who knew how many would think she’d fed Prince Xu Yuan Lie some kind of love potion? Already, outsiders were wondering what charm Guo Jia possessed to fool Prince Xu so completely. Even Prince Jing Yuan Ying seemed to want to marry her as his princess consort. She hadn’t used any despicable methods—they were the ones who kept running here for no reason…

Li Weiyang looked at them coldly. “If you want to fight, go outside. I’d be heartbroken if even one blade of grass in my little courtyard was damaged.”

Hearing this, the two exchanged glances and actually walked out together. Li Weiyang only heard the sound of wind in the courtyard outside and couldn’t help rubbing her temples with a headache. These two—who knew how many hours they’d fight this time…

Three days later, at the Minister of War’s Residence

Li Weiyang descended from the carriage with Madam Guo. Duke Qiguo entered the Minister of War’s residence first, while Madam Guo led the others following close behind. Guo Ping personally stood at the entrance waiting. Seeing them arrive, his face filled with smiles. In fact, now that Guo Teng had been exiled, yet Guo Ping still had the heart to hold a birthday banquet—this was already very strange. Li Weiyang knew this full well but remained expressionless.

Guo Ping grasped Duke Qiguo’s hand and said, “Third Brother, the guests have already arrived. Let me take you in.” So overly familiar he’d completely forgotten the unpleasantness of last time.

Li Weiyang entered this residence. Guo Ping was different from Guo Teng—his residence wasn’t particularly magnificent but rather quite simple and elegant. Walking in, Li Weiyang could even faintly see shadows of Duke Qiguo’s manor. Every blade of grass, tree, flower, and stone were things she normally saw—almost a miniature version of the Duke’s manor. She sighed. Guo Ping’s obsession ran deep, as could be seen from the layout here.

Their group entered the garden and discovered that compared to the simple elegance outside, this was a completely different scene. A pool of clear blue water, tranquil and pristine. Over a dozen red plum trees, vivid and eye-catching. The entire scene looked quite poetic and artistic. Guo Ping smiled. “This is the garden Wu’er personally arranged.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, then heard Duke Qiguo say, “Wu’er has always been an intelligent and graceful child. She’s reached marriageable age. Have you considered her marriage, Elder Brother?”

Guo Ping laughed heartily. “Originally I didn’t want to mention it, since this matter isn’t confirmed yet and wouldn’t be good if it spread. But since Third Brother asks, I’ll tell you. Crown Prince has intentions of taking Wu’er as a secondary consort.”

At these words, the Guo family members’ expressions all changed slightly. Madam Guo smiled and said, “Wu’er is beautiful and gracious, gentle and lovely. Being able to gain Crown Prince’s favor is truly her fortune!”

Guo Ping glanced at her, a trace of pride crossing his face, though he said modestly, “Not at all. I know my own daughter best. Speaking of talent, how could she compare to even one ten-thousandth of Jia’er?”

Duke Qiguo only responded with modest pleasantries and said no more. As Li Weiyang walked, she thought—Guo Ping and the Crown Prince were about to form a marriage alliance. If this wasn’t confirmed news, he wouldn’t mention it publicly. This showed the matter was true. Connecting this to recent rumors of Guo Ping getting close to Princess Lin’an, Li Weiyang already understood in her heart.

In the plum grove was a clearing, originally probably planted with flowers and trees but now cleared out. A pavilion had been specially erected with over a dozen tables of wine and food. Nobles in various colorful robes sat inside, chatting and drinking while laughing. Seeing the Duke Qiguo manor people, everyone rose to pay respects. Guo Wu came out from the side, wearing a goose-yellow dress, lightly made up, making her skin appear snowy white. Two temple-framing black eyebrows paired with those beautiful eyes truly made one unable to help being moved. She intimately greeted Madam Guo, then came forward to take Li Weiyang’s hand and said, “Jia’er, I’ve been waiting for you so long!” This enthusiasm exactly matched her father’s. Those who didn’t know would think she and Guo Jia had such a good relationship.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “I’ve kept Cousin waiting. I’m truly sorry.”

Madam Guo watched them as if very gratified, then said, “You sisters have a good chat.” Finishing, she went to exchange pleasantries with the noble ladies nearby.

Guo Wu glanced at Zhao Yue beside Li Weiyang, her eyes darkening. In a blink, she smiled even more warmly: “Let me introduce you to a few young ladies.” With that, she led Li Weiyang into the pavilion, personally introducing some noble young ladies she knew. In fact, Li Weiyang had already met most of the people here. However, they remained very curious about Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang looked around the circle and discovered Princess Lin’an hadn’t arrived. She couldn’t help raising her lips. How could such a lively occasion lack her presence? Just as she was thinking this, she heard someone in the garden announce: “Crown Prince Yongwen arrives! Princess Lin’an arrives!” At this, everyone in the garden stood up and respectfully rose to greet the arrivals.

Crown Prince Yongwen’s figure was tall and straight as a pine, wearing golden brocade robes embroidered with coiling dragons, appearing extremely noble. Those narrow phoenix eyes held endless mirth as he said, “No need for excessive courtesy—everyone please rise.”

Guo Ping appeared especially happy. Indeed, for his birthday, Crown Prince had personally come to congratulate him—this was truly an enormous honor.

Crown Prince Yongwen walked forward while saying, “I haven’t yet congratulated Minister on your birthday! I’ve come late!”

Guo Ping quickly said, “That Crown Prince would come is already an honor for my residence. Please, take the seat of honor!”

Crown Prince Yongwen smiled faintly and ordered his attendants to present gifts. His gaze swept over everyone one by one, finally stopping on Li Weiyang. In that instant, his smile clearly deepened. And at this moment, Princess Lin’an also wore a face full of smiles, her beautiful dress embroidered with brilliant five-colored phoenixes, making that face even more charming. She glanced at Li Weiyang and smiled coldly with a trace of arrogance.

Li Weiyang had already known Princess Lin’an would come but hadn’t known this matter would even alarm Crown Prince Yongwen. She couldn’t help wondering—with Crown Prince Yongwen’s sudden arrival this time, what variables would it create for this banquet?