As Crown Prince Yongwen passed by Li Weiyang, he suddenly lifted his eyes and glanced at her.
Li Weiyang was slightly startled, because she discovered those eyes revealed a cold light like ice and snow. She lowered her head slightly, avoiding his gaze. However, she inevitably noticed that hidden in Crown Prince Yongwen’s eyes was a trace of killing intent. She couldn’t help thinking: could the events in the palace have already made the Crown Prince and Empress Pei target her? However, she had nothing to fear.
Crown Prince Yongwen noticed Li Weiyang simply because he naturally possessed beast-like intuition. He didn’t know why, but every time he saw this woman, he always felt a sense of unease, as if being spied upon. The other party was merely a delicate young girl. He believed that in this world, no one existed who could spy on his thoughts. As he passed by her, he seemingly casually observed Li Weiyang, always feeling that though this young lady wasn’t very old, she possessed graceful bearing and a calm expression. He knew his own imposing authority. Though he usually smiled warmly, appearing very gentle, everyone in court knew Crown Prince Yongwen wasn’t someone easy to deal with. Once, an official had offended him, and when he flew into a rage, that official had actually fainted on the spot from fright. Since then, all civil and military officials felt somewhat fearful upon seeing the Crown Prince. Even Princess Lin’an was always extremely respectful before him. But Li Weiyang—what he saw in her eyes was composure.
Thinking this, his gaze couldn’t help becoming even more intimidating. Though Li Weiyang lowered her head to avoid his eyes, he felt the other party wasn’t admitting defeat or showing fear, but rather faint mockery. Thinking this, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Before everyone, he looked at Li Weiyang and said, “Miss Guo, it’s been many days.”
Seeing the Crown Prince actually stop to greet the Guo family’s young lady, everyone couldn’t help being slightly shocked.
Li Weiyang raised her eyes and smiled faintly. “Thanks to Crown Prince’s concern, Guo Jia is doing well.”
When Li Weiyang’s words left her mouth, everyone’s faces showed a strange expression. The events in the palace had long since spread throughout Yuexi’s capital. Everyone knew the Guo family’s young lady wasn’t as simple as she appeared. Of course, the Guo family had absolutely no simple people. Every Guo family member wore smiles, making everyone feel warmth. But their achieving today’s position was absolutely not a simple matter.
The Crown Prince only said this one light sentence, then smiled faintly, as if not caring about Guo Jia’s answer. Instead, his gaze turned to Guo Wu, and in those eyes seemed to be an inexplicable enthusiasm. Being looked at with such eyes, Guo Wu shyly lowered her head.
Li Weiyang raised the corners of her lips from the side, thinking to herself: It seems the marriage alliance between these two is real. She just didn’t know when it would be publicly announced. Given Guo Ping’s nature, today would probably be a very good opportunity.
The Crown Prince looked deeply at Guo Wu, then turned and left. Not far behind the Crown Prince followed Princess Lin’an and Jiang Nan. The two appeared very intimate, walking in with faces full of smiles. For a dignified imperial princess to bring such a man wherever she went was truly something that drew sidelong glances. Yet Princess Lin’an seemed to take pride in this, as if completely unconcerned about others’ unusual gazes.
For some unknown reason, Jiang Nan and Li Weiyang’s gazes briefly met. In the end, it was Jiang Nan who first looked away.
Everyone took their seats one after another. Seeing that people had mostly arrived, Guo Ping clapped his hands and had servants bring dishes to the tables in succession. For a time, delicacies from land and sea, exquisite cuisine—it was extremely sumptuous. Guo Ping personally rose and filled each honored guest’s wine cup before sitting back down. Raising his wine cup, he said, “At this moment, I have modestly prepared wine, respectfully inviting Crown Prince and all honored guests to drink a few cups. Later there will be song, dance, and beauties for entertainment. Thanks to everyone’s favor, today we must enjoy ourselves fully to not waste this beautiful occasion.” Finishing, he first toasted the Crown Prince: “Crown Prince personally gracing my humble residence is an honor that makes it shine. I first express my thanks.”
The Crown Prince smiled and returned the toast. Hearing this, everyone raised their cups to celebrate Guo Ping’s birthday. The scene became very lively. Just then, they suddenly heard a voice from outside: “Prince Xu arrives!”
Everyone paused. For no apparent reason, why would Prince Xu Yuan Lie come here?
Guo Ping’s smile halted, clearly very surprised. Actually, for today’s banquet, he had indeed invited Yuan Lie. However, he had no relationship with him whatsoever, and Yuan Lie’s temperament had always been very eccentric. He never attended such occasions… Guo Ping had always thought the other party simply wouldn’t come to this banquet. That invitation had merely been a courtesy.
Yuan Lie entered in magnificent robes, elegant and refined. Everyone’s gazes immediately focused on him. Then some busybodies glanced at Miss Guo sitting beside the Guo family, secretly laughing inwardly. It seemed the legend that Prince Xu Yuan Lie had fallen for Guo Jia at first sight was true after all—not only protecting her everywhere but following her like a shadow. Clearly having no dealings whatsoever with this Minister of War Guo Ping normally, yet now appearing at this banquet—if not for the Guo family young lady, then for whom?
Princess Lin’an looked at Prince Xu Yuan Lie, her face showing a half-smile expression. Jiang Nan’s gaze turned cold. He lowered his head, drinking a cup of wine as if to cover his feelings. His heart surged with complex emotions, yet he didn’t know exactly what they were. Li Weiyang, if you knew today was your death day, what would you think? Hehe, you probably never imagined that in the end, it would be me sending you to your death. His mind suddenly filled with scenes from when he first saw Li Weiyang on Dali’s palace road. Jiang Nan smiled coldly and drained his cup in one gulp.
Yuan Lie had just sat down when Guo Ping personally rose to toast him, laughing loudly: “Prince Xu’s great presence truly makes my humble residence shine!” These words he had also said to the Crown Prince. Now to Prince Xu Yuan Lie, he said them again. Li Weiyang secretly laughed inwardly, though her face remained expressionless. When no one was paying attention, Yuan Lie winked at Li Weiyang, his eyes revealing a gleaming smile. Li Weiyang lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. Everyone was just about to raise their cups when they heard someone outside say: “Prince Jing arrives!”
This time even Guo Ping was stunned! How had Prince Jing also come? Everyone was pondering this question when they saw Prince Jing stride in from outside. The smile on his face was as warm as always, but when his gaze fell on Prince Xu Yuan Lie, that gentle smile immediately cooled by three parts. Seeing this, everyone immediately recalled a recent rumor circulating in the capital—about Imperial Consort Guo intending to have Prince Jing Yuan Ying marry Guo Jia. Looking again at Yuan Lie’s equally unfriendly expression, everyone easily thought of eight characters: “When romantic rivals meet, eyes turn particularly red.” Regardless of what they thought, the three parties involved—Prince Jing Yuan Ying, Prince Xu Yuan Lie, and that Guo family young lady—all appeared completely calm, showing no abnormality whatsoever.
Everyone looked around but couldn’t discern anything, so they could only privately whisper a few words before turning back to continue drinking and toasting. In a short while, Guo Ping brought out a troupe of beauties to perform song and dance for everyone. Though the dancing wasn’t particularly outstanding, paired with beautiful scenery and wine, it intoxicated people by three parts. With beauties dancing, beautiful zither music soon followed. Everyone looked and saw Guo Wu had already seated herself before the instrument, accompanying those beauties.
Her zither music was initially very faint, requiring one to listen carefully with ears cocked. Gradually, the music became meandering and circling, emerging as gracefully as threading flowers and brushing willows. The melody was continuous and unbroken, like high mountains and flowing water. The music repeated over and over, fresh and flowing, gradually producing a stirring, gut-wrenching feeling. Everyone listened to the zither while watching the song and dance. Li Weiyang, however, showed a dismissive expression. That Guo Wu dared perform at such a banquet must be very confident in her zither skills. But in Li Weiyang’s view, her skill was merely so-so. She had heard much such music in Dali, only feeling it was too meandering and low-spirited, weak and powerless, making one feel somewhat drowsy. Just then, Crown Prince beside her suddenly drew the jade flute from his waist and placed it to his lips, beginning to play. In an instant, it was like a silver jar suddenly shattering, iron cavalry bursting forth—the urgent flute notes seemed like thousands of soldiers and horses, galloping freely across the land.
Guo Wu started, then her zither music changed accordingly. Accompanying the flute’s outburst, her music became deep and heavy, with hidden killing intent. Those dancing beauties also made their movements more vigorous. The entire dance gave people a completely refreshing feeling. Li Weiyang listened intently and felt the flute music seemed to contain a kind of heroic, tragic emotion, as if depicting a scene of autumn military inspection on the battlefield for everyone. She smiled faintly. It seemed this Crown Prince was truly no simple person—his heart held considerable ambition!
The flute music slowly recovered from its height to calm, like songs and dances after a great battle, making people become intoxicated in their refreshed spirits. Guo Wu’s face showed a trace of shy redness. After the flute stopped, her music also slowly followed to a stop. When the piece ended, thunderous applause erupted. Everyone praised Crown Prince. Everyone present knew that if not for Crown Prince’s flute music rescuing it at the crucial moment, Guo Wu’s music was simply too graceful and ordinary, with nothing particularly outstanding.
However, they had come to attend someone’s banquet, so they all spoke up praising Miss Guo extensively. Hearing everyone’s praise, Guo Wu’s heart was naturally very pleased. After appreciating the beautiful song and dance and hearing the music, Guo Ping stood up and said, “Today all the peonies in my garden have bloomed—they’re rare varieties transported from Dali. If everyone likes them, please feel free to tour around.” Since the host said so, the guests all stood up.
Li Weiyang admired the peonies while gradually separating from the crowd. She never liked overly lively environments, and moreover today she had some words she wanted to say privately to Yuan Lie. However, before Yuan Lie could catch up to her, he was already detained by the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince stared at Yuan Lie talking, while Yuan Ying seized the opportunity to step forward and block Li Weiyang.
Li Weiyang’s face remained expressionless, though inwardly she was quite surprised. By all accounts, Prince Jing wasn’t supposed to attend this banquet today—why had he suddenly changed his mind?
Yuan Ying stood some distance from Li Weiyang, also wearing magnificent robes. The elegant clothes made him appear even more outstanding, as if this brocade naturally formed part of his spirit and bearing. Li Weiyang walked forward leisurely, as if not seeing him at all.
Yuan Ying’s voice rose leisurely behind her, very relaxed: “Yesterday Mother Imperial Consort again mentioned to me the matter of our marriage, seeming quite troubled by it.”
Li Weiyang turned her head. Yuan Ying was looking at a basin of blooming peonies, as if not looking at her.
Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “And so?”
Yuan Ying said softly, “Last time, I only mentioned it in passing. This time, I personally told Mother Imperial Consort I want to marry you as my princess consort.”
Li Weiyang’s face showed not a trace of surprise, much less joy or disgust. She seemed completely unconcerned, only saying respectfully, “I thank Prince Jing for his favor, but unfortunately…”
Before she finished speaking, Yuan Ying had already raised a mocking smile, with a trace of understanding, saying lightly, “For that person?”
Li Weiyang hadn’t expected him to say this, and couldn’t help raising her eyebrows. “I don’t know what Your Highness means—who exactly is ‘that person’?”
Yuan Ying casually plucked a peony, showing no trace of tender feelings, directly taking it in hand to toy with. He seemed unconcerned with what Li Weiyang said, only changing the subject: “I originally didn’t plan to attend, but I heard that person came. I thought, since we’re both pursuing you, I can’t fall behind.”
He was actually this frank—hearing this, Li Weiyang smiled faintly and didn’t respond. Just as she prepared to walk forward, Yuan Ying pursued a few more steps, coming to her side and placing a brilliant red peony in her palm. Her palm passed over a smooth, moist sensation—the trace of his fingertips brushing past.
“Your Highness, why must you do this?” Li Weiyang paused and spoke again.
Yuan Ying’s gaze flowed over her slowly like water, slowly saying, “Guo Jia, I like you and admire you.” Seeing Li Weiyang remain silent, he smiled and said, “Since childhood, anything I’ve liked, I’ve never failed to obtain. However, I never force people against their will. I believe you should understand who is most suitable for you.”
Li Weiyang toyed with the peony he’d handed her, avoiding those eyes flowing with radiance, only saying lightly, “What is suitable, and what is unsuitable?”
Yuan Ying smiled, his flowing eyes sparking with light that perceived everything: “You entered the Guo manor—surely not just to be a mere Miss Guo?”
He now already displayed graceful bearing, a true kingly demeanor. Li Weiyang couldn’t help focusing her attention and said in a low voice, “It seems Prince Jing still doubts my purpose for entering the Guo manor even now?”
Yuan Ying slowly lowered his head and said, “I don’t doubt you, I’m merely stating facts. You always call me ‘Your Highness,’ but that person, you call Yuan Lie. If possible, also call me Yuan Ying, just like your brothers do.” In private, the Guo brothers often called him by name directly, which was also due to their exceptionally close relationship.
Li Weiyang only felt he was answering off-topic. She smiled faintly and returned the peony to him: “Things that don’t belong to me, I won’t covet. I think Your Highness is an intelligent person and should understand my meaning. If I were willing to become Princess Jing, why would I wait until now? More importantly, regardless of what purpose I had for entering the Guo manor, it has nothing to do with Your Highness.”
Yuan Ying laughed but didn’t take the peony: “Don’t you want to borrow my power to help you achieve your purpose? You wholeheartedly entered the Guo manor—the person you want to deal with must be very difficult to approach. With my help, you’ll achieve your goal faster. I can guarantee you that regardless of who your enemy is or how powerful they are, I can help you.” Finishing, he smiled self-mockingly, as if disdaining using such methods to lure her.
Li Weiyang sighed and said, “Entering the Guo manor wasn’t my wish, but Your Highness is correct. I myself carry certain purposes. However, I neither want to rely on the Guo manor’s power nor depend on Your Highness. I only want to rely on myself.”
Hearing this, Yuan Ying couldn’t help being stunned. The subtle shock lasted only a moment. Then his heart gradually understood—this was a clear and straightforward rejection. Yuan Ying felt surprised. Li Weiyang was a very intelligent woman. She should know what choice would be best. In the capital, the status of a Guo manor young lady wasn’t particularly significant. Her enemy’s power must be very strong. If she had Prince Jing manor’s support, she would achieve her goal faster. According to her nature, she shouldn’t refuse—yet she still flatly declined. Why was this? Without asking, he knew it was because of a certain person.
Prince Jing’s gaze slowly fell on Yuan Lie, who was conversing with the Crown Prince not far away. He laughed coldly: “What can Prince Xu Yuan Lie give you? You could clearly take a shortcut but pretend not to care. How dare you say it’s not for him?” His eyes gradually sparked with coldness—an expression Li Weiyang had never seen in Yuan Ying’s eyes before. Yuan Ying always smiled warmly, making people feel like spring breezes, never making anyone feel cold. But at this moment she felt Yuan Ying wasn’t as simple as he appeared on the surface. The origin of “smiling tiger” wasn’t so easy. Perhaps beneath Yuan Ying’s gentle exterior hid a nature even he didn’t understand—the innate predatory nature of Yuexi’s imperial family.
Actually, Li Weiyang could carefully consider and not rush to give him an answer. She could even pacify him slightly and let him do some things for her, openly and legitimately. She could help Prince Jing, use borrowed knife to kill, driving Empress Pei and the Crown Prince into desperate straits. Not only would her great revenge be satisfied, but afterward she could choose to retire to the countryside or enjoy wealth and honor—indeed a good method. But in her lifetime of conduct, though she could use any means against enemies, she never used such methods on those close to her. Though Prince Jing wasn’t close to her, he was intimately connected to the Guo family. Though the Guo family had no blood kinship with her, their sincere hearts—even if Li Weiyang had a heart of iron and stone, she couldn’t remain unmoved. If she incited Prince Jing against Empress Pei to settle private grievances, one misstep would definitely implicate the Guo family.
She sighed and said, “What I needed to say, I’ve already said. Whether Your Highness has feelings for me or not, intentions or not—it has nothing to do with me. I advise you not to dwell on this question either. I won’t agree, and Mother won’t agree either.”
Yuan Ying looked at Li Weiyang, his gaze gradually deepening: “Do you believe I have ways to make the Guo family agree?”
Li Weiyang looked at him, her gaze revealing a trace of coldness. “If using threats and inducements, then Your Highness wouldn’t be Yuan Ying. I believe your regard for the Guo family far exceeds your regard for me. If you anger them, where would you get such strong supporters?”
Yuan Ying smiled and said, “It seems Jia’er, you understand me very well and know my ambitions even better.”
Li Weiyang smiled and said, “As an imperial prince, naturally one won’t be content remaining beneath others. Moreover, Prince Jing was born with the bearing to rise above all. However, hindered by the Pei family and Crown Prince Yongwen, you can only hold your forces. I think your greatest wish now is to persuade the Guo family to follow you. You want to marry me not entirely because you like me. More importantly, you feel the Guo family values me greatly. Therefore, you want to marry me because of need, isn’t that right?”
Yuan Ying looked deeply into her eyes and sighed helplessly. He knew Li Weiyang wasn’t someone easily deceived. Regardless of what purposes he had, they were easily seen through by her. Correct. He didn’t want to marry her because of love or liking—he wanted to marry her because of need. Though these two words sounded very utilitarian, for an imperial prince, need surpassed everything. If Li Weiyang married someone else, Yuan Ying would very likely lose the Guo family’s support. Because he understood his uncle’s character too well—sufficient for defense but lacking in offense. The Guo family would rather guard their current wealth and stability than take one more step forward to risk for him. Unfortunately, what he needed wasn’t silent support. He needed reckless, powerful backing. Yet now everything had been seen through by Li Weiyang. What more could he say? Argue sophistically? No, Yuan Ying wasn’t that type of person. He thought for a moment, his expression easing as he said gently, “Jia’er, do you think I can’t win?”
Li Weiyang looked at him and said lightly, “Your Highness, I’m not trying to discourage you. Based on the current situation, Yuexi’s political situation is quite stable. Crown Prince is Empress Pei’s legitimate eldest son and has shown no obvious moral failings. Civil and military officials fear the Pei family’s power and all lean toward the Crown Prince. Even if Your Highness marries me and gains the Guo family’s full support, laboring painstakingly and operating bleakly for some years, even if you could forcibly seize the throne successfully, you’d inevitably be reviled through the ages. The history books will say Your Highness committed treason and usurpation, a treacherous subject and unfilial son. As the saying goes, ‘without proper name, words won’t flow smoothly.’ If Your Highness doesn’t fear becoming a criminal through the ages, at least don’t drag down the Guo family who wholeheartedly think of you.” Though she said this, she was reminding Yuan Ying not to attempt dragging the Guo family into this. Treason was something the Guo family would absolutely never do.
Yuan Ying stared at Li Weiyang, increasingly admiring her calm rationality. What he was most concerned about now was precisely the Crown Prince’s stable position and Empress Pei’s vast power. He just didn’t show it, smiling faintly and saying, “I naturally know the situation, but I believe more that the Crown Prince won’t always wear this false mask. One day he’ll reveal his true nature. Then you’ll know everything I do isn’t for myself but for this land and nation, the people’s safety. Jia’er, today’s marriage proposal to you still stands. I believe one day you’ll understand who is most suitable for you.” Finishing, he glanced into the distance and smiled: “Your other pursuer has come. I should exit the stage and take my leave.” With that, he turned and left without reluctance.
Li Weiyang watched his departing back and sighed. Yuan Ying was very intelligent and very cautious. Especially in his bearing and movements, he faintly possessed an imperial aura. He was willing to lower himself to befriend others—definitely not someone content to remain beneath others long-term. If he fought for the throne in future, it would definitely be a bloody battle. That he suddenly raised this matter today showed he would soon take action. But for Li Weiyang herself, she was unwilling to get involved in the struggle among princes. Her goal was merely that lofty Empress Pei.
Yuan Lie quickly walked to Li Weiyang’s side. Those autumn-water-like eyes looked at her deeply, then he smiled self-mockingly, outlining a cold expression. His thin lips parted slightly, saying lowly, “It seems Yuan Ying must have said something.”
Li Weiyang smiled and turned to glance at him: “Does what he said matter? Or do you still care about his words?”
Yuan Lie’s experience had long differed from his time in Dali. Back then he was merely the Li family’s Third Young Master, unfamiliar with worldly affairs and unable to see through human hearts. Now he was already Yuexi’s Prince Xu, having experienced much training. His mindset had broadened considerably. His entire person appeared cheerful, proud, with a sharp, domineering air. He smiled faintly, his face showing incomparable confidence: “I don’t care what Yuan Ying says. What I care about is your heart—has it remained unshaken?”
“Shaken?” Li Weiyang smiled. “I’d actually like to waver, but what the other party wants isn’t Li Weiyang but Guo Jia. Do you understand?”
What difference was there between Li Weiyang and Guo Jia? They seemed to be the same person, but in fact the two had significant differences. Li Weiyang was Princess Anping—just herself, just a woman who had traveled thousands of miles, alone and helpless. But Guo Jia—behind her stood the powerful Duke Qiguo manor and five extremely excellent brothers. Obtaining Guo Jia equaled obtaining Duke Qiguo manor’s support. This point Crown Prince Yongwen knew, Yuan Ying knew, everyone knew. In this world, who truly came for Li Weiyang?
She smiled faintly, noncommittal.
Guo Wu stood not far away, watching Prince Xu and Li Weiyang standing together, so pleasing to the eye. A trace of jealous fire passed through her heart. From their first meeting, her heart had fallen on Prince Xu Yuan Lie. She had never seen such a man, never seen such graceful bearing, never seen such outstanding appearance. She secretly vowed in her heart that one day, she would make this man who disdained all women show her favor. She exhausted all her thoughts trying to win his attention. Once, she deliberately dropped a handkerchief before him, thinking he would be like others—pick up the handkerchief and bring it to her. This way they would become acquainted. She would also have the opportunity to speak a few more words with him, letting him be captivated by her beauty. Just as she had always done before.
Unfortunately, Prince Xu Yuan Lie didn’t even glance at it, walking straight over that handkerchief and stepping on it. In that instant, she only felt her heart seemed to break in two like that soiled handkerchief. From that time on, she understood Prince Xu Yuan Lie was someone who completely didn’t understand tender feelings. In his eyes, there simply were no delicate noble young ladies.
When one scheme failed, another was born.
She had her father try every means to invite Yuan Lie to the Guo manor, originally wanting to display music, chess, calligraphy, and painting before him, making him understand she was such an excellent noble young lady, drawing him to seek her hand. Unfortunately, her father lacked sufficient weight. Prince Xu Yuan Lie had long since tossed the Minister of War’s invitation aside, not even glancing at it.
Perhaps from that time on, she, like her father, was filled with hatred toward Duke Qiguo manor. Just think—if she possessed Guo Jia’s status, how could Prince Xu Yuan Lie treat her as invisible? Looking from any direction, how was she inferior to Guo Jia in beauty? Wasn’t that so? Men should all like beautiful women. How could he be so attentive to Guo Jia, whose looks were inferior to hers? Wasn’t it all for Duke Qiguo manor’s power! If not for that woman Li’s existence, she would definitely become the legitimate Princess Xu. Though the Crown Prince was good, unfortunately she could only be a secondary consort. How could she not feel wronged?! Guo Wu thought angrily in her heart. Unintentionally, crack—her pinky fingernail broke in her hand. A cold light flashed across her face. Not far away, Jiang Nan walked toward her, avoiding everyone’s gazes and saying softly, “Is everything arranged?”
Guo Wu laughed coldly: “When I do things, Young Master Nan can naturally rest assured. That Li Weiyang absolutely cannot escape my grasp.”
Jiang Nan glanced at her beautiful appearance, only smiling coldly: “Miss Guo, are you so confident? Don’t let anything go wrong at the critical moment. This matter is no small thing.”
Guo Wu’s expression didn’t change at all, though her eyes became even colder. In her heart she had absolutely no good feelings toward Guo Jia, even filled with hatred. Now she was even more eager than Jiang Nan to see Guo Jia disappear. So she said lightly, “Rest assured. I’ve already instructed Zhao Yue to place that secret letter in her pouch. When the matter erupts shortly, she definitely can’t escape.”
But Jiang Nan disagreed: “Miss Guo, you’re intelligent as ice and snow. I should originally be at ease. However, you don’t quite understand Li Weiyang as a person. Every time at critical moments, she can always turn the situation around. Without complete certainty, it’s better not to act rashly.”
Guo Wu could already no longer wait. She didn’t want to see Li Weiyang and Prince Xu Yuan Lie standing intimately together again. In her eyes, as long as she eliminated her, she could take her place. Without Duke Qiguo manor, her father Guo Ping would naturally inherit the title, and she could become a legitimate duke’s young lady. By then, could Prince Xu Yuan Lie not look favorably upon her? Seeing Jiang Nan still harboring doubts, Guo Wu couldn’t help saying, “Wasn’t this plan your idea? What, having second thoughts at the last moment?”
Jiang Nan’s gaze fell on Li Weiyang’s back, unspeakably complex: “Regret? How could I regret? I only wish I could see her cast into the eighteenth level of hell sooner. However…”
“However what?” Guo Wu couldn’t help raising her eyebrows and asking, “Does Young Master Nan also have tender feelings? I heard you and Li Weiyang both come from Dali. Perhaps your past relationship wasn’t as simple as just enmity?”
Perhaps women’s thoughts were particularly keen. She saw through Jiang Nan’s heart at a glance. He paused, then smiled bitterly: “She and I have an irreconcilable enmity. On this point, Miss Guo can absolutely rest assured. I won’t ruin your great matter. Moreover, as you said, this plan was originally my idea. How could I change my mind at the last moment?” In fact, Jiang Nan just felt uneasy. Clearly holding great power, he just felt uneasy. This time Jiang Nan had already bribed Zhao Yue. He believed the scheme would definitely succeed. But for some reason, deep in his heart he still felt very dangerous…
Guo Wu smiled: “Rest assured, Young Master Nan. Everything is within my grasp. Just wait and watch the show shortly.”
Jiang Nan smiled and nodded: “Then I’ll quietly await good news.” With that, he turned and left. Guo Wu snorted coldly, saying disdainfully, “Truly useless. Worrying at the last moment—not even as good as me, a woman.”
The trusted maid beside Guo Wu said in a low voice, “Miss, just now this servant followed Miss’s order to quietly contact Zhao Yue. She handed me an envelope, saying this contains the secret correspondence between that Li Weiyang and Prince Xu Yuan Lie.”
Guo Wu’s eyebrows jumped as she immediately snatched it over. Swish swish—she tore open that letter and looked. It was a blank sheet of paper with nothing on it. She couldn’t help frowning: “What secret letter? Is she playing me?”
Then suddenly a hand reached out diagonally, snatching that secret letter from her hand. Guo Wu couldn’t help saying angrily, “Who?!” She turned and saw it was Jiang Nan, who had clearly already left. She couldn’t help saying angrily, “Didn’t you already leave?”
Jiang Nan smiled and said, “Yes. However, seeing Miss Guo seemed to have something valuable in hand, I specially came to appreciate it.” In the blink of an eye, he had already placed that letter into his own sleeve.
Guo Wu couldn’t help stepping forward: “Give it back to me. This belongs to me.”
Jiang Nan laughed coldly: “Is that so? I just clearly heard this maid say Zhao Yue sent it to you by order. Supposedly the secret correspondence between that Li Weiyang and Prince Xu Yuan Lie. If so, why shouldn’t I be the one to keep it?”
Guo Wu’s face showed a trace of awkwardness. In fact, she very much wanted to know what Prince Xu Yuan Lie had said to Li Weiyang. In her thinking, this must be a love letter full of tender feelings. While becoming even more jealous of Li Weiyang, she was also very curious. But Jiang Nan didn’t think so. He always felt there was something strange about this letter, so he must personally study it carefully. Though it was blank, he knew many medicinal solutions could make writing appear on it when sprinkled. Today they could eliminate that Li Weiyang, but adding one more charge of secret correspondence with Prince Xu Yuan Lie—what was wrong with that? Doing so would only drag Yuan Lie down with her. For some reason, he didn’t want to spare Yuan Lie. Jiang Nan’s eyes darkened, smiling faintly: “Fine, Miss Guo, I’m still waiting for that good show you’re going to perform. Don’t disappoint me.” With that, he turned and truly left.
Guo Wu stamped her foot very irritably, saying in a low voice, “Just a male consort—what’s so special!”
A maid beside her quickly reminded her, “Miss, beware of walls having ears.”
Guo Wu laughed coldly: “Hmph, he only throws his weight around relying on Princess Lin’an. Just wait until I become the Duke’s manor young lady—who will pay them any mind!” With that, she lightly tidied her temples, put on a face full of smiles, and walked out from among the flowers.
After everyone finished appreciating the beautiful peonies, they each returned to their seats. However, Guo Ping still hadn’t appeared after a long wait. Princess Lin’an’s face showed a trace of anger: “Where has the host gone? How can the Minister of War also neglect guests like this?”
Guo Wu seemed very flustered, quickly standing up: “Princess, please calm your anger. My father must have some urgent matter to handle.”
Lin’an laughed coldly: “Leaving us all here. What urgent matter could he have? Did Father Emperor suddenly summon him to the palace?” These words were extremely sarcastic and harsh. However, she was Princess Lin’an. Regardless of what she said, no one dared publicly contradict her.
Crown Prince Yongwen, however, smoothed things over: “The Minister of War has always been busy with affairs. This isn’t anything unusual. Let’s wait a while.”
Li Weiyang’s face carried a trace of cold laughter as she lightly looked away. She knew the other party was secretly plotting everything. Madam Guo said in a low voice, “This Guo Ping—who knows what tricks he’s playing again!” Her heart vaguely floated with an ominous premonition. Yet the three Guo brothers all wore smiles, as if completely unaware of what was about to happen.
Jiang Nan watched this scene, sneering inwardly. Li Weiyang, today your enmity with the Jiang family will come to an end. I’ve hated you so long. If you suddenly died, I’d probably feel lonely. I hope you rest in peace—don’t blame me! Thinking this, a cold smile appeared on his face.
Princess Lin’an held his arm: “What are you thinking about?”
Jiang Nan smiled faintly: “I’m thinking, after these matters conclude, I’ll travel mountains and waters with you, Princess, touring the world. Wouldn’t that be joyful?”
Princess Lin’an laughed loudly: “That’s exactly right. Why bother with these troublesome matters!” Though she said this, her heart felt strange. Recently Jiang Nan was always mysterious, not knowing what he was busy with privately. When she spoke with him, she always felt a layer of separation between their hearts. It was even rarer to see his smile. She knew his heart was set on revenge. But Princess Lin’an had received Empress Pei’s warning not to casually do anything more to the Guo family, lest she provoke even greater trouble. Though Princess Lin’an was willful and reckless, she had always been very afraid of Empress Pei. Since Empress Pei had said so, what else did she dare do? Though Princess Lin’an hadn’t personally experienced the palace events, she had seen Princess Daming’s miserable state with her own eyes afterward. Thinking that even Princess Daming had fallen at Li Weiyang’s hands showed how cunning and scheming this woman was, making one feel afraid and fearful.
Princess Lin’an wasn’t a fool. Without complete certainty, she wouldn’t move against Li Weiyang. Because moving against her equaled moving against the entire Guo family. Even though Jiang Nan blamed and gave her the cold shoulder for this, she didn’t dare act rashly. She could only pretend to please, wholeheartedly flattering. But today, why did Jiang Nan show such a smile?
Princess Lin’an’s heart grew increasingly puzzled, yet she didn’t think deeply. Just then, everyone suddenly saw Guo Ping walking over from not far away, his face full of anger. Behind him followed a large group of guards. Just after standing steady, Guo Ping said sternly, “Surround this entire place!”
Everyone’s expressions changed—what exactly had happened? Duke Qiguo stood up: “Elder Brother, what’s going on?”
But Guo Ping didn’t answer Duke Qiguo’s question. Instead, he quickly walked before Crown Prince Yongwen and knelt down: “Crown Prince, just now a very serious matter occurred in my manor. Please make the decision for me!”
The Crown Prince showed a trace of surprise and slowly said, “What matter has made the Minister of War so panic-stricken? What’s with these guards?”
Guo Ping’s face showed a trace of coldness, as if the situation was very serious. He slowly said, “In my study, there’s an important intelligence report about Yuexi’s military—a formation diagram. But just now, this intelligence disappeared without a trace.” When he said those four words “disappeared without a trace,” everyone’s expressions became alarmed and uneasy. The Minister of War’s so-called important intelligence was naturally a secret memorial to be sent to the Yuexi Emperor. How could such an important piece of intelligence suddenly disappear? One could imagine this would cause an enormous uproar throughout Yuexi.
Crown Prince Yongwen was also very surprised, couldn’t help stepping forward: “Lord Guo, don’t be anxious. Explain the entire matter in detail.”
Guo Ping’s face naturally showed furrowed brows as he slowly said, “Crown Prince, allow me to report. Originally I had a secret memorial to present to His Majesty, which I’d quietly kept in my study. But somehow, when I just returned to the study, I discovered the box containing the memorial had been opened. The memorial inside had already disappeared. Therefore, I urgently sealed off the entire courtyard and searched everyone entering and leaving. Unfortunately, none of those people had the memorial on them. So the only possibility is it’s in this garden. Among the guests, there must be a spy!”
“In the garden? Doesn’t this mean you suspect us guests?” The Minister of Revenue was the first to say angrily.
Crown Prince Yongwen glanced at him but waved his hand: “Minister Liu, please be patient. I think Lord Guo must have evidence to say such things. Let him finish speaking.”
Guo Ping wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, seeming very flustered: “This is natural. No matter how bold I am, I wouldn’t dare suspect Crown Prince and all my colleagues. However, the matter is grave. Today no matter what, we must search thoroughly and cannot casually let everyone leave!”
A trace of cold light shrouded Duke Qiguo’s face: “Elder Brother, what do you mean by this? Are you suspecting the memorial was taken by one of us? What use would we have for this memorial?”
Guo Ping’s face showed a trace of cold laughter: “Yes, from the start, I’ve also been pondering this question. Among those present, all are Yuexi’s pillars of state. What need would there be to steal such intelligence? But I’ve thought it over—aside from all of you, no one else in this manor would take this intelligence. Therefore, I can only trouble everyone to submit to a body search.”
“Body search?” Madam Guo’s expression changed as she said angrily, “There are so many female guests here. Are you going to search them all one by one?” The faces of all the female guests showed extremely displeased expressions. They had properly come to attend a banquet, yet inexplicably encountered this matter of a missing formation diagram. Who would be interested in that kind of intelligence? Had they all gone mad? Yet Guo Ping spoke with such certainty—it didn’t seem like he was joking.
Crown Prince Yongwen said lightly, “Since this memorial is so important, to avoid Father Emperor’s thunderous wrath, everyone cannot easily leave.” Though Crown Prince Yongwen’s voice was light, it carried an irresistible authority. What more could everyone say? Though extremely dissatisfied in their hearts, they could only sit back in their seats. The Crown Prince glanced at everyone and said, “All the lords, please proceed to the side hall to change clothes. Let the guards check you one by one. As for all the ladies and young misses…” His gaze swept over Li Weiyang’s face, smiling faintly, “I’m afraid we must trouble all of you. Also have the manor’s maids search you.”
In the crowd, Li Weiyang’s lips pressed slightly together, her face wearing a harmless, gentle smile. Yet today this smile carried a trace of chilling meaning. Dancing in her eyes was vigorous killing intent.
But Guo Ping stared at Li Weiyang. At this moment, facing such a situation, that young lady still appeared quiet and composed. She truly was as he’d predicted—ruthless, intelligent, meticulous in thought, powerful. Only unfortunately, today was her death day…