Not long after this matter, it was time for Imperial Consort Guo Hui to visit her family at the Duke of Qi’s estate. After reporting the visit to Emperor Yuexixi, the Duke of Qi’s estate finally welcomed back Imperial Consort Hui. Lady Guo personally accompanied the consort through the gates. The estate’s garden was divided into inner and outer sections by a lake, with beautiful flowers, trees, and pathways laid between them. Though there were no clear boundaries, the inner and outer areas were quite distinct.

It was an exceptionally clear day. When Imperial Consort Hui walked to the pavilion, she couldn’t help but stop. Seeing this, Lady Guo ordered servants to arrange refreshments, saying, “Let’s sit here for a while.”

Not far from the pavilion was a beautiful lake, its waters sparkling brilliantly under the sunlight. Li Weiyang quietly accompanied them nearby, simply smiling. Imperial Consort Hui glanced at the environment of the Guo estate, her mood appearing very pleasant as she smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, I remember when I left, this garden was just like this. Now that I’ve returned, it’s still the same—almost nothing has changed!”

Lady Guo smiled faintly and said, “Though the garden hasn’t changed much, the children have all grown up. When you left, you were still a young girl, and now even Prince Jing has become a spirited young man.”

Imperial Consort Hui glanced at Prince Yuan Ying sitting nearby, handsome and upright, and smiled faintly, “Yes, time flies like a shuttle. In the blink of an eye, gray hairs have already appeared at my temples.”

However, Lady Guo didn’t see it that way. She simply said softly, “As long as we can see the children grow up safely, even if we grow a bit older and work a bit harder, it doesn’t matter. Don’t you agree, Your Ladyship?”

Imperial Consort Hui nodded, glancing at Li Weiyang. She couldn’t help but recall certain rumors she had heard in the palace. She wanted to say a few words about this now, but seeing so many people around, she held back her thoughts and only asked, “How is everything at the estate?”

Lady Guo smiled, “When the Princess heard you were coming back, she was overjoyed. She said she wanted to personally arrange the banquet and give you a surprise later. That’s why she’s preventing me from letting you enter the inner hall right now—who knows what she’s doing.”

Imperial Consort Hui smiled, finally understanding why she hadn’t yet seen Princess Chenliu. She missed her mother very much, but since Princess Chenliu had said this, she could only continue sitting in the pavilion. Lady Guo noticed that Imperial Consort Hui seemed to have something to say. After thinking for a moment, she dismissed the maids behind her before saying softly, “Your Ladyship, please speak freely if you have something to say.”

The consort hadn’t expected Lady Guo to be so direct. She said, “I heard in the palace about the matter concerning brothers Guo Ping and Guo Teng, and I also heard that Lady of Marquis Qingping even came to the estate and caused a huge scene. Is this true?” Though Imperial Consort Hui was in the palace, she had many eyes and ears. Moreover, the matter of Lady of Marquis Qingping coming to make trouble was surely known by everyone in the vicinity. That Lady of Marquis Qingping had a fierce temperament and an even more arrogant personality. After leaving here, she began spreading word everywhere, saying how Duke of Qi Guo Su was persecuting her twin brothers and how he was neglecting her as his elder sister. Though everyone knew the Duke of Qi wasn’t to blame for this matter, over time, gossip inevitably arose.

Lady Guo felt anger in her heart, but being constrained by the fact that the other party was her husband’s eldest sister and unable to take action, hearing Imperial Consort Hui voluntarily bring up this matter, she sighed and said, “If only she could be as reasonable as Noble Consort, things would be much easier to handle!”

The consort smiled faintly, “She and I weren’t born of the same mother, so naturally we’re not of one mind. However, to be so unreasonably tyrannical is truly rare in this world. I hope Mother won’t be saddened by her.”

Lady Guo didn’t think so, saying, “Though the Princess hasn’t said anything on the surface, how could her heart not be hurt? That was a child she raised with her own hands, yet she rushed in without even looking at her and kept accusing her own younger brother. She doesn’t think about who forced us into a corner back then, or who was determined to harm my Jia’er. For her to be so unable to distinguish right from wrong, to turn black into white—what can we say? We can’t stoop to arguing with a shrew.”

Imperial Consort Hui nodded, “It’s best that you can think this way. Actually, Lady of Marquis Qingping isn’t worth fearing. I think Princess Lin’an is the real trouble!”

Hearing this, Lady Guo gently frowned and said, “A few days ago, I heard that Princess Lin’an specifically entered the palace to see Empress Pei, though I don’t know what they discussed. When she left the palace, her expression was extremely unpleasant. From that day on, she closed the gates of her princess mansion and hasn’t gone out—who knows what schemes she’s plotting in secret!”

Imperial Consort Hui was obviously also worried about this matter, saying, “The way things look now, I’m afraid this matter won’t end well. You all need to think of a comprehensive plan!”

Lady Guo said with difficulty, “After all, she’s a princess of the nation. No matter how excessive she is, we must yield to her.”

Imperial Consort Hui shook her head, “It’s not something that can be resolved just by your yielding. Princess Lin’an shamelessly kneeling at the palace gates for that man is already known to everyone. One can imagine how she’ll deal with Jia’er. During this time, Jia’er should stay in the estate and not go out, to avoid stirring up trouble.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang smiled faintly and said, “Your Ladyship, I’m afraid even if I don’t step out the main gate or cross the second threshold, people will still come looking for me. Moreover, Lady of Marquis Qingping suddenly came to provoke us and spread those rumors outside, while Princess Lin’an has uncharacteristically shut herself away—these two people’s behavior is extremely strange. Don’t you think so, Your Ladyship?”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Hui was stunned. She and Lady Guo exchanged glances, immediately sensing something unusual. She thought for a moment and said, “You mean…”

At this moment, Yuan Ying, who had been sitting silently to the side, had a cold smile in his eyes as he slowly said, “Mother Consort, what Jia’er means is that Princess Lin’an has probably already allied with Lady of Marquis Qingping—one in the shadows and one in the open, one outside and one inside, both eyeing us like tigers watching their prey.”

A flash of shock and anger crossed Imperial Consort Hui’s face: “Do they really want to go so far? Do they want Jia’er to pay with her life?!”

Yuan Ying glanced at Li Weiyang and smiled, “I’m afraid that’s exactly it.” However, he couldn’t see the slightest hint of panic on Li Weiyang’s face.

Imperial Consort Hui thought for a moment, then suddenly turned to look at Lady Guo and said, “If this is truly the case, then the marriage between Wen Ge and Cheng’er should be canceled somehow.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s heart skipped a beat as she looked toward Lady Guo.

Lady Guo frowned with a thoughtful expression but didn’t speak. Seeing Li Weiyang’s surprised look, Yuan Ying smiled and said, “What? Cousin hasn’t heard yet? Actually, the young lady of Marquis Qingping has long had a marriage contract with your third brother.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang was also slightly surprised: “Oh? Is this true? Why didn’t Mother mention it to me?”

Hearing this, Lady Guo sighed and said, “Back when your father was saved on the battlefield by that Marquis Qingping, Wen Zhengrong proposed marrying his daughter Wen Ge to your third brother Guo Cheng. Your father was soft-hearted at the time and agreed. Back then, Lady of Marquis Qingping hadn’t made such a bitter feud with our estate. Originally, we hoped the two families marrying would turn swords into plowshares, but we never imagined things would develop step by step to this point. This conflict simply cannot be resolved. If we were to marry the Wen family’s daughter now, I fear…”

A shadow appeared on Lady Guo’s face. Li Weiyang understood her meaning very well. Lady of Marquis Qingping hated the Duke of Qi’s estate to the extreme. If she married her daughter into the family, the Guo estate would truly never have peace! She thought for a moment and said, “Mother needn’t worry. Since she hates our estate so much, she surely won’t marry her daughter here.”

Lady Guo shook her head, “You don’t understand her yet. This woman is extremely cunning and unreasonable. Once she’s set her mind on something, not even ten oxen could pull her back! She has three daughters, and she personally arranged every one of their marriages. If she’s determined to marry her daughter here, she must have some scheme! Marrying one daughter-in-law, if we’re not careful, could ruin us for nine generations! It’s truly not worth it!”

Li Weiyang smiled. In Yuexixi, common folk often said that marrying an unworthy daughter-in-law would bring disaster for nine generations. Though this was an exaggeration, it was understandable. One could imagine that if Miss Wen Ge entered the household, she would certainly help her mother stir up trouble, and the Guo estate would have no peace.

Yuan Ying smiled and said, “If Aunt doesn’t wish to acknowledge this marriage, finding a reason to refuse isn’t impossible.”

Imperial Consort Hui gently scolded, “What do you understand? Since this marriage was already agreed upon by both families long ago, to break the engagement without reason—where would that leave the Duke of Qi’s estate? Though Marquis Qingping is a decent person, he’s not so easy to talk to! Moreover, my eldest sister has a violent temper, is cold and ruthless, and extremely cunning. If you break off her daughter’s engagement without reason, leaving her daughter unable to marry, wouldn’t that be adding hatred upon hatred?”

Hearing Imperial Consort Hui say this, seeing everyone was already deeply troubled, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile and say, “Mother should hear what Third Brother thinks about this.”

Lady Guo waved her hand and said, “Your third brother—whenever this matter is mentioned, he runs away faster than a rabbit. You can see he’s unwilling to marry her.”

Li Weiyang sighed and said, “Perhaps Miss Wen isn’t as bad as you all think. She might not help Lady of Marquis Qingping do evil. After all, once she marries in, the Guo estate will be her support from then on. If she’s truly a clever woman, she should know how to choose…”

She had only spoken halfway when a maid came forward: “Imperial Consort, Madam, the Princess has prepared everything and requests that the Consort take her seat.”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Hui and the others stood up. Lady Guo patted Li Weiyang’s hand and said, “Let’s not mention those unhappy things. Today we must be happy!” Saying this, she took Imperial Consort Hui’s arm with one hand and pulled Li Weiyang with the other, heading toward the inner hall. Yuan Ying smiled and followed behind them with large strides.

In the inner hall, Princess Chenliu had already arranged a full table of dishes. Seeing the table full of food, Imperial Consort Hui’s eyes glistened with tears as she stepped forward and knelt before Princess Chenliu, saying, “Mother!”

Princess Chenliu personally helped Imperial Consort Hui up: “Silly child, quickly get up. I’ve already had your old courtyard cleaned and prepared—you must stay for several days!”

Imperial Consort Hui smiled and said, “I’ve already reported to His Majesty that I’ll stay at the Guo estate for a few days. Mother can rest assured.”

By this time, Imperial Consort Hui’s luggage had already been moved over. Princess Chenliu ordered her capable maids to arrange everything properly. Imperial Consort Hui supported Princess Chenliu, listening to her give various instructions. The mother and daughter shared their family joy together. Lady Guo also stood to the side, occasionally offering them a few words of comfort.

Princess Chenliu sat at the table, her eyes constantly looking at her daughter. The tears in her eyes were about to flow, and she hurriedly wiped them away, saying, “I’ve gotten on in years. I’m just too emotional now and have lost my composure. You needn’t mind me—just eat well.”

Imperial Consort Hui, worried that Princess Chenliu was too emotional, quickly said, “Mother, let me help you back to rest. Don’t exhaust yourself for your daughter.”

Princess Chenliu shook her head, “I went to such trouble to arrange this table of food. Only when you eat it will my heart be at peace!”

The Duke of Qi smiled and said, “Imperial Consort, these dishes were all personally made for you by the Princess.” The three Guo brothers were all smiles. Guo Dao said, “Your Ladyship, I helped too!” as if afraid others wouldn’t know.

Imperial Consort Hui was slightly stunned. She hadn’t expected that Princess Chenliu, at her age, would personally cook such a table of food for her. In the palace, she enjoyed fine silk clothing and delicacies. But there, people’s hearts were cold, and no matter how good things were, using them brought no joy whatsoever. But in the Guo family, with an ordinary table of food and a full table of family members, her heart finally felt comforted. She tightly grasped Princess Chenliu’s hand, nearly in tears: “Mother! Your daughter is unfilial! Unable to constantly attend at your side and share family joy.”

Princess Chenliu wiped away her tears and gently patted her hand, saying, “Silly child, look at what you’re saying—the children will laugh at you.”

Yuan Ying smiled and said, “Grandmother, Mother Consort is happy. I haven’t seen her this joyful in a long time. Besides, this is all family—what’s there to fear about words spreading?”

The Duke of Qi nodded, “Prince Jing is right. Mother needn’t worry. Speak freely—no one will laugh at my sister.” At this point, he was no longer addressing Imperial Consort Hui as “Your Ladyship” but calling her “sister,” which showed their relationship was very close.

Li Weiyang watched this and sighed softly. In twenty years, Imperial Consort Hui had returned home only three times, and each time she could only stay for a brief three days. For mother and daughter, this was a long separation. What did the splendor and wealth of the palace amount to? Could it compensate for such family joy? She smiled and personally went forward to serve food to Imperial Consort Hui. Imperial Consort Hui glanced at her and smiled, “Jia’er is a very sensible child. I truly envy sister-in-law.”

Lady Guo smiled and said, “I should envy you for having Prince Jing, such a son accomplished in both civil and martial arts. Unlike my little monkeys who each worry me more than the last—there’s truly no managing them!”

Guo Dao cried out, “Mother! The Consort rarely comes home—how can you air our faults in front of her?”

Lady Guo glared at him and said, “Do your affairs need me to publicize them? The Consort already knows.”

Guo Dao rubbed his head and said, “Really? Has my reputation for being handsome as jade, accomplished in both civil and martial arts, and overflowing with talent already spread to the palace?” He rattled off three descriptive phrases in one breath. Imperial Consort Hui couldn’t help but laugh, “Yes! Who doesn’t know that the Fifth Young Master of the Guo family is the most brilliant youth in the capital?”

At this, everyone laughed, and the atmosphere at the table became very harmonious and happy. They were like one family, without the slightest barrier of status, in perfect harmony.

At this moment, Li Weiyang noticed that Prince Jing Yuan Ying kept looking at her. She turned her eyes away, not looking at him. She understood his thoughts all too clearly, but since she really didn’t want to become Princess Jing, she could only disappoint him.

After the meal, Imperial Consort Hui returned to the garden. By this time, Princess Chenliu, being overly fatigued, was forced to go rest. The Duke of Qi had also gone early to his study to handle his official business. Only Lady Guo, Li Weiyang, Prince Jing Yuan Ying, and the three Guo brothers remained to accompany the Noble Consort.

Prince Jing Yuan Ying looked at Li Weiyang and said, “I heard that Jia’er plays the qin quite well. Could you play a piece for us?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. Her qin skills were truly nothing special—she didn’t know where Prince Jing had heard that she “played quite well.” But turning around, she saw the Guo family all looking at her expectantly. She thought for a moment and couldn’t very well refuse, so she turned to Zhao Yue and said, “Bring the qin,” then smiled slightly and added, “I don’t play well—I hope everyone will forgive me.”

Guo Cheng clapped his hands and smiled, “Come, come, this is the first time I’ll hear you play a piece.”

Soon, Zhao Yue came carrying a qin. Li Weiyang brushed away the dust on the instrument with one hand and smiled, “I haven’t touched the qin in a full six months. My skills are rusty—I’m afraid I’ll make a fool of myself today.”

Saying this, she lifted the silk cloth from the qin and began to play softly. Yuan Ying listened quietly. Li Weiyang’s qin music was moving, and the piece was the recently popular “Cold River” in the capital. Though the tune was quite simple and the player had no particularly advanced technique, listening to it made one feel as if the sky was washed clean—it was refreshing and even expanded one’s state of mind.

Playing the qin wasn’t really about technique but about the player’s state of mind. Yuan Ying hoped to understand Li Weiyang through her music, to understand her as a person, but what she was truly thinking behind those lowered eyes, he still couldn’t fathom.

Guo Dao smiled. He liked Li Weiyang’s qin music—those notes, like her person, always had a captivating charm. He stood up and casually drew out his beloved long sword. His slender form suddenly came alive in the music, dancing to the melody. Everyone hadn’t expected him to have such refined interest and couldn’t help clapping and cheering. At this moment, Guo Dao’s sword gleamed brilliantly, as if Hou Yi shooting down nine suns. His dancing was agile and quick, just like a celestial deity riding a dragon in flight. Clearly his spirits were extremely high.

Usually, though Guo Dao was handsome in appearance and his personality quite carefree, among the three brothers, he always played the fool, joked around, and even frequented pleasure quarters, as if he didn’t care about anything. But looking now, he had been hiding himself all along, trying to appear mediocre. Li Weiyang glanced at him and smiled faintly. The qin strings in her hands had already quickened, and Guo Dao’s sword dance became even faster. At this moment, he was no longer the noble young master of the Duke’s estate—he was just a person who had forgotten both self and world. He felt Li Weiyang’s qin music was sometimes gentle like a lover’s caress, sometimes fierce like a whip’s lash. Those notes became more and more urgent, passing over his heart, drifting farther and farther away, piercing through clouds until they could never be heard again. And at this moment, his sword strength also seemed like thunder and lightning, making people hold their breath.

When the piece finally ended, Guo Dao suddenly awakened. He took a deep breath and calmly sheathed his long sword. The brilliance that had seemed to gather like rivers and seas faintly dissipated from him. Though he was already lightly perspiring with damp breathing, turning his head to find everyone frozen in place, he couldn’t help but smile and ask, “What’s wrong?”

Yuan Ying looked at Guo Dao, feeling slightly surprised. Li Weiyang always had a kind of magic that saw through people’s hearts. Though her qin skills weren’t particularly outstanding, she seemed to have drawn out the wild, unrestrained spirit in Guo Dao’s heart. No matter how lazy this young man usually appeared or how indifferent he seemed to worldly affairs, deep in his heart, he longed to cast off all restraints and live freely and intensely. Had Li Weiyang discovered this…? Yuan Ying looked toward her, his gaze growing deeper.

Imperial Consort Hui, however, hadn’t noticed Guo Dao but had sunk into her own thoughts. When the qin music stopped, she murmured, “Jia’er says her qin skills aren’t good, but I listened and felt very pleased. When I was young, I often sat here playing the qin, but back then Elder Brother often laughed at me, saying I wasn’t cut out for it and should smash the qin and learn the sword instead—that would be more suitable for me.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but look up at her. Lady Guo smiled in explanation, “Your aunt has never liked qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting since childhood. Instead, she was very interested in those things boys play with—swords and such. For this reason, we specially hired a martial arts teacher for her back then. She practiced quite well, and this has benefits too. She’s healthy now with an open-minded spirit—these things are related. Jia’er, if you’d like, I’ll also hire you a martial arts teacher to teach you a few moves—consider it exercise for your health.” Back in her day, Imperial Consort Hui not only loved martial arts but had a very lively and spirited temperament, whereas Li Weiyang was too quiet.

Li Weiyang quickly waved her hands, “Mother, don’t tease me. At my age, learning martial arts? Aren’t you deliberately giving my three brothers something to laugh about?!” Learning martial arts required time and natural talent. Li Weiyang knew she didn’t possess such ability, so she refused directly. In her view, many skills weren’t about quantity but about precision. Her greatest ability was reading people. As for martial arts, with Zhao Yue by her side, she didn’t need them at all.

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Hui’s gaze became distant. Not knowing if she was recalling something from the past, a kind of sadness enveloped her face as she slowly said, “It’s good not to learn. What does a young lady need to learn swordplay for? If only I had been quiet and refined like Jia’er back then! Not always having wild thoughts… Perhaps I would have already married some ordinary person, living an ordinary life, bearing and raising children, not having to leave Mother for so long or be so far from family.”

Li Weiyang found these words somewhat strange and couldn’t help but look toward Lady Guo, only to find her similarly frowning deeply, lost in thought.

Across from them, Yuan Ying and the three Guo brothers, sensing the atmosphere was wrong, couldn’t help but exchange glances. Yuan Ying changed the subject, “Mother Consort, today you’re only out to relax your mind. Why be so melancholy? Let the past be past. Look at today’s fine weather, with family by your side. Why not enjoy it properly and take these memories back to the palace? Wouldn’t that be better?” What he meant by “take back to the palace” was to preserve these beautiful memories.

Imperial Consort Hui’s eyes contained tears as she slowly nodded, “You’re quite right.”

Hearing this, Lady Guo seemed to understand Imperial Consort Hui’s troubles very well. Looking at the children, knowing some words shouldn’t be heard by them, she said to Guo Cheng, “Take Prince Jing to tour the garden. Jia’er, you go along too.”

Everyone understood that Lady Guo had something to say privately to Imperial Consort Hui. Guo Cheng was first to stand up, “Let’s go tour the garden.”

The others all stood up as well. Li Weiyang walked out of the pavilion, then looked back. For some reason, she felt Imperial Consort Hui was troubled, as if facing some insurmountable difficulty. But what did Lady Guo need to say privately to Imperial Consort Hui?

Li Weiyang was someone who thought deeply about things. While pondering these matters, she was distracted until Guo Cheng asked her, “Jia’er, did you hear what I said?”

Li Weiyang started and looked up, “Third Brother, what did you just say?”

Guo Cheng couldn’t help but laugh, “So I’ve been talking here for half an hour and you haven’t heard a single word!”

Yuan Ying smiled, “From the moment we left the pavilion, Jia’er has been lost in her own thoughts. She probably hasn’t had time to listen to what we’re saying.” In fact, he had been observing Li Weiyang all along. The more he paid attention to her, the less he could figure out what she was thinking.

Li Weiyang glanced at Prince Jing Yuan Ying and said coolly, “I didn’t hear what you were all saying just now, but I imagine it wasn’t anything important. Otherwise, Third Brother would have already jumped up by now.”

Guo Cheng said in distress, “How is it not important?! This concerns my lifelong happiness!”

Li Weiyang smiled, “It seems Third Brother also doesn’t want to marry that Miss Wen.”

Guo Cheng sneered, “People say daughters resemble their mothers. With her mother having that temper, the daughter can’t be much better! Of course I don’t want to marry her.”

Guo Dun laughed heartily from the side, “Third Brother, you can stop that! When you were young, you two had a very good relationship. Do you take us all for fools? Who are you trying to fool?!”

But Guo Cheng rolled his eyes, “We’re both from related families, and we already had a marriage contract. Calling us childhood sweethearts wouldn’t be too much. But later, I gradually discovered that her temper was becoming more and more like that detestable eldest aunt, completely different from her innocent and carefree childhood self. I tried several times to break off the engagement, but they refused. Marquis Qingping said his daughter had committed no wrongdoing, and if our Guo family broke the engagement without reason, he would definitely go to His Majesty to seek judgment! Hearing this, Father didn’t dare ruin a young lady’s life over momentary preferences and is forcing me to marry her! These past few days, Lady of Marquis Qingping came to make trouble, and Marquis Qingping specially came to apologize. But an apology is an apology—instead, he used the opportunity to bring up old matters, insisting I marry Wen Ge this year!”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang smiled, “The Duke of Qi’s estate and Lady of Marquis Qingping already have deep grievances, yet they’re eager to marry their daughter here. Their intentions are indeed questionable!” She smiled and said, “Does Third Brother truly detest her so much?”

Guo Cheng sighed, his gaze falling on the distant flower beds as he said quietly, “I’m not a cold-hearted person. If she were just an ordinary young lady, marrying her wouldn’t matter. Her appearance and temperament are indeed exceptional, and she’s accomplished in all the arts—she can be called a typical refined lady from a noble family. However, I vaguely see my eldest aunt’s shadow in her. Once, I deliberately provoked her anger, but she still smiled at me. So I made an excuse to leave, then secretly returned to look, only to find she had smashed an entire room full of porcelain and had a maid whipped to death. Clearly, she took the anger she couldn’t vent at me out on others. How could I marry such a woman into my household? I’m not someone who vents anger on others, nor would I blame her for her aunt’s mistakes. But I hope to marry a good young lady who will be a supportive wife and teach our children. She may be beautiful and talented, but she’s not the kind of woman I want.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang smiled faintly. Though Guo Cheng appeared carefree on the surface, in his heart he was like other men—hoping to marry a good wife who would care for each other. After marriage, she would serve his parents while he could go realize his ambitions and serve the nation. From the current situation, though Miss Wen Ge was beautiful and gracious, her heart was that of a narrow-minded person. No wonder Guo Cheng was unwilling to marry her. But this marriage had long been settled. If the Guo family broke the engagement without reason, affecting Miss Wen Ge’s prospects, how could Lady of Marquis Qingping let it go? No matter where this matter went, the Guo family would be in the wrong, which was why the Duke of Qi, who valued reputation, insisted that Guo Cheng marry Wen Ge.

Guo Dao had been standing silently to the side. Hearing this, he sighed, “What Third Brother wants is just a good young lady who can manage the household. But that Miss Wen is a talented woman who only knows how to dress up beautifully and play music and sing all day. Marrying such a woman, combined with the deep grudge between our families, we’ll probably never have peace again! Truly not worth it!”

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “Actually, this matter isn’t difficult to handle—it just depends on whether Third Brother can be ruthless enough.”

Hearing this, Guo Cheng perked up and looked at Li Weiyang, “I knew you’d have a good idea! Quickly tell me!”

Li Weiyang glanced at him and shook her head, “Though it’s a good method, it’s somewhat underhanded—I’m afraid it might harm one’s virtue. Third Brother should just honestly marry Miss Wen and not ask so many questions.”

Guo Cheng couldn’t help but feel annoyed, “Stop pretending! Tell me honestly! Aren’t you deliberately making me anxious?”

Guo Dun didn’t believe it, “Sister, though you’re clever, this marriage has long been set in stone and absolutely cannot be refused. What good solution could you possibly have?”

Prince Jing Yuan Ying watched Li Weiyang silently, his smile deepening. He too was curious about what plan she had.

Li Weiyang slowly said, “You could propose to the Wen family that you already have someone you love and must marry her as your wife. Of course, you won’t refuse the marriage to Miss Wen either.”

At these words, everyone’s faces showed surprise. Guo Cheng said, “Marry two wives? Have you gone mad? If I said this, wouldn’t Father be furious?!”

Li Weiyang laughed, “Father is just concerned about saving face. If you explain to him properly the principle of ‘marry a wife for her virtue,’ he’ll understand. Besides, deep down he may not truly like that Miss Wen—he just has no way to back down. If you have someone you love who is also well-matched in status and you have deep feelings for each other, how could he break up the lovebirds?”

Yuan Ying glanced at Li Weiyang and slowly said, “What if the Wen family becomes angry?”

Li Weiyang sighed, “If they truly become angry and immediately break off the engagement, that would suit Third Brother’s wishes perfectly. If they insist on marrying their daughter here, she won’t get anything good out of it. When Third Brother marries the young lady he likes and favors only her, with Father and Mother also partial to her, I’m afraid the proud Miss Wen will propose separation.” From Guo Cheng’s description, Li Weiyang guessed that Miss Wen had an arrogant temperament. She would never tolerate entering the household at the same time as someone else and would certainly propose to break off the engagement herself.

Guo Dun, being most honest, couldn’t help saying, “This tactic is too ruthless—I’m afraid it’s truly harmful.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, “It may be harmful, but it’s the best method. Third Brother, this depends on your own choice—will you marry a tigress, or will you first clip her claws before speaking?”

Guo Cheng thought for a moment and said, “It’s just that getting Father to agree while also finding a refined young lady from a noble family won’t be easy. Even if I find one, she’d have to agree to marry me. Who would be willing to have someone competing with them before even entering the household?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “If the other young lady’s status exceeded Miss Wen’s, then it would be Miss Wen who would have to accept being an equal wife. So this future beloved of yours must have higher status and position than her—absolutely not lower. The family background must be more noble than hers, not more humble. Third Brother, do you understand?”

She didn’t want to break up others’ marriages, but given the current situation, they needed an excuse to delay this marriage. More importantly… the situation demanded it. So, Third Brother, I can only apologize to you.

Yuan Ying looked at Li Weiyang and gave a cold laugh. This girl was clearly setting up Guo Cheng. You must know that for noble families like the Guos, how could they agree to their son doing such a thing? This was clearly breaking a prior engagement! If Guo Cheng really proposed this, the Duke of Qi would surely be furious. Moreover, Lady of Marquis Qingping was so formidable—she would absolutely not back down. She’d surely cause some trouble! By doing this, Li Weiyang was trying to muddy the waters on one hand, and provoke Lady of Marquis Qingping on the other. With a turn of his eyes, Yuan Ying already understood Li Weiyang’s scheme.

Guo Cheng was normally extremely clever, but this time he was confused by his personal involvement. Guo Dun was honest and hadn’t thought this far. Only Guo Dao watched this scene with a faint smile, his gaze toward Li Weiyang deepening.

Hearing this, Guo Cheng was puzzled. Where could he find such a perfect fiancée who was also compatible with him?

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “How can there not be one? Third Brother, if you think carefully, you’ll realize there’s a refined young lady who has been waiting for you!”

Hearing this, Guo Cheng was completely stunned. How did he not know which family’s young lady favored him?

Guo Dao, being the cleverest, rolled his eyes and suddenly laughed aloud with delight, “Jia’er, oh Jia’er, you’re truly cunning! I know you and Han Lin have a good relationship, but you don’t need to speak so circuitously on her behalf. Third Brother only has brotherly feelings toward her!”

Han Lin? Hearing this, Guo Cheng suddenly understood. Han Lin was the daughter of his third aunt Guo Zhen—speaking of which, Han Lin’s status was indeed very high. She was the young lady of the Duke of Yingguo’s estate and had a gentle temperament and beautiful appearance. She could indeed be called a refined young lady. Moreover, comparing a Duke of Yingguo with a Marquis Qingping, naturally the Duke of Yingguo was superior.

He thought for a moment and couldn’t help saying, “It’s just that Cousin Han Lin has never expressed her feelings. How do I know if she’s willing to marry me?”

Li Weiyang sighed, “In daily life, you’re such a sharp person—can’t you see that Cousin Han Lin has always been very fond of you? When she heard you were going to marry that Miss Wen, she didn’t eat or drink for three days and nights at home, so heartbroken! If it weren’t for this, why would Aunt come to me?”

“The Duke of Yingguo’s wife came to you?” Yuan Ying couldn’t help but laugh, “She really found the right person. You’re indeed the most resourceful person in the Guo family.”

Li Weiyang glanced at Yuan Ying and said coolly, “I’m just offering an idea—whether or not he’s willing still depends on Third Brother’s wishes.” Having said this, she turned to leave.

Guo Cheng became anxious and quickly grabbed her, “I’m willing! How could I not be willing? No matter what, Han Lin is much better than that Wen Ge.”

Li Weiyang said with a half-smile, “We all understand Han Lin’s temperament. She’s a gentle person and a kind young lady. She’s deeply devoted to you. If she marries in, our family will naturally be harmonious. On the contrary, that Miss Wen has never associated with us, and with her mother’s past issues… I think, Third Brother, as long as you’re not a fool, you’ll know how to make the choice. However, since you’ve decided to marry Miss Han, you must understand that making a decision equals making a promise. If you marry her, you must love and protect her well. You can’t say you’re marrying Han Lin just to avoid Wen Ge—that would break Cousin’s heart!”

Guo Cheng thought it over repeatedly and nodded, “I understand what you mean. I’ll have a good talk with Han Lin. If she’s willing to marry down to me, I’ll love and protect her well and will never disappoint your kind intentions.”

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “If Third Brother can think this way, that’s best. This marriage, no matter which aspect you consider, is best for the Guo family.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Guo Dun and Guo Dao both nodded in agreement, “Right! Han Lin is the most suitable choice. This way, Marquis Qingping won’t have much to say and will have to obediently break off the engagement.”

Li Weiyang gave a cold laugh, “Obediently break off the engagement? That’s not necessarily so. It’s just that with his daughter being so proud, she absolutely won’t want to marry in as an equal wife. But if she were to be the principal wife, her status is far below Han Lin’s. This way, she’ll have no choice but to retreat, and the marriage contract will naturally be dissolved. There won’t be any talk of who wronged whom.”

Yuan Ying laughed coldly, “Jia’er, you’re really good at scheming—stepping on others while leaving them nothing to say.”

Li Weiyang glanced at him, thinking silently: You clearly saw through everything but still played along with my act—your scheming runs just as deep. She smiled faintly, “So this matter teaches us that when raising daughters, we must educate them properly. We mustn’t let a reputation for viciousness spread, or it becomes very difficult to marry them off.”

Yuan Ying was stunned, then deliberately looked at her with a half-smile. Li Weiyang suddenly understood. Yuan Ying’s meaning was very obvious. She sighed, “Yes, my bad reputation has also spread far and wide. But since I neither want to enter the palace as a consort nor marry any prince, as long as I can live my days happily, that’s enough.”

Yuan Ying hadn’t expected her to say such words and his expression immediately changed. But Li Weiyang had already turned her gaze to the distance, looking toward the pavilion over there.

There, Lady Guo had apparently said something, and Imperial Consort Hui could be seen wiping her tears. Li Weiyang watched from afar, finding it very strange. Yuan Ying beside her said coolly, “What are you thinking?”

Li Weiyang’s face showed curiosity as she turned and said, “Prince Jing, don’t you want to know what my mother and Imperial Consort Hui are discussing?”

Yuan Ying smiled slightly, “It’s bound to be something they don’t want you and me to know.”

Li Weiyang’s smile froze slightly on her face. Guo Cheng beside her couldn’t help but pull her sleeve, “Alright, alright, quickly go tell Han Lin that I’m willing to marry her and have her come discuss the details with me.”

Li Weiyang turned and said, “Why the rush? Tomorrow Imperial Consort Hui is hosting a banquet. The Duke of Yingguo’s wife and Cousin Han Lin will naturally attend. I can bring it up to her properly then, can’t I? If I rush to find her now, wouldn’t I startle her?” Though she said this, she was thinking: That Han Lin hasn’t been eating or drinking at home—who knows what state she’s in! I should quickly send a letter to comfort her and tell her this good news so she can dress up nicely and come see her beloved tomorrow.

Prince Jing Yuan Ying watched Li Weiyang from the side, couldn’t help but smile inwardly. In his view, this Li Weiyang was very similar to the Guo family—all very protective of their own, extremely cold and ruthless toward people they disliked, yet exceptionally kind to those they favored. On one hand, Li Weiyang wanted to provoke Lady of Marquis Qingping into revealing her true colors, but on the other hand, she was helping Han Lin. Once this matter blew up, the Duke of Qi would have to choose between the Duke of Yingguo’s estate and Marquis Qingping. As one could imagine, reputation wasn’t as important as substance—he would surely set aside face and agree to the marriage between Han Lin and Guo Cheng. However, Han Lin had no connection to Li Weiyang whatsoever, yet she was scheming for her. It showed that her heart was actually quite soft, though on the surface she had to appear so tough. Now he truly couldn’t figure out what kind of woman this Li Weiyang really was. Thinking of this, he smiled faintly and said, “I should be going. Farewell.”

Li Weiyang glanced at him and raised her eyebrows, “Prince Jing, please go ahead.”

Prince Jing Yuan Ying smiled slightly, clasped his hands to the others, and turned toward the pavilion.

Li Weiyang watched his retreating figure, feeling even more puzzled. For some reason, her heart held an ominous premonition. Her gaze once again fell on the pavilion.

From there, voices could faintly be heard. Prince Jing Yuan Ying said, “Mother Consort, what’s wrong?”

Imperial Consort Hui quickly wiped her eyes, “I accidentally got sand in my eyes. It’s nothing, nothing.”

Lady Guo smiled, “Your mother consort was just recalling some childhood memories. It’s nothing to worry about.” But she seemed to be concealing something.

Li Weiyang watched this scene from afar, sinking into deep silence. She felt that Lady Guo and Imperial Consort Hui must be hiding something, and this matter was bound to be very confidential. Could it be about her marriage to Prince Jing? No, she had already made her feelings clear to Mother, who wouldn’t force her. Everything seemed to point toward tomorrow. What would happen tomorrow?