When Li Weiyang said this, Princess Lin’an exploded in fury: “Guo Jia! What do you mean? Do you want me to be beaten in public?”

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. In the Yuexi dynasty, no member of the imperial family had ever been beaten with the cane, and Princess Lin’an was a woman – it was unthinkable for her to remove her outer garments and receive fifty strokes before everyone.

The Crown Prince’s expression flashed with coldness. He glanced at Guo Jia and smiled: “Miss Guo, this matter is Lin’an’s fault, but could you do this for my sake…” Before he could finish, he heard Yuan Lie sneer: “Crown Prince, just now Minister Lin was quite ruthless toward Master Guo. If I hadn’t stopped that cane from striking him, he might not even be alive now. Everyone says Yuexi’s laws are harsh. Princess Lin’an committed the crime of slandering the loyal and virtuous. Crown Prince, you won’t even publicly apprehend her, and you can’t bear to give her these fifty strokes?”

A flash of embarrassment crossed the Crown Prince’s face, but he said mildly: “After all, Lin’an is a woman. These fifty strokes would likely cost her life. Prince Xu, you’re being too harsh.”

Hearing this, everyone chimed in: “Yes, the Princess is delicate and precious. How can she take fifty strokes?” “That’s right, Prince Xu, please spare Princess Lin’an!” “Yes, she’s young and foolish. Please spare her.”

Hearing these words, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but sneer coldly. She understood these fair-weather people all too well – they were merely afraid of the Pei family and Empress Pei’s power, wanting to curry favor with Crown Prince Yongwen. Her gaze became unusually cold: “Crown Prince, just now it was clearly Princess Lin’an herself who said that if I could prove Fourth Brother was wrongly accused, she would willingly take these fifty strokes. Can an imperial princess go back on her word without any shame?”

With Li Weiyang saying this, Crown Prince Yongwen’s expression became even uglier.

Duke Qi said mildly: “Crown Prince, I already said earlier – if this matter was truly Guo Dun’s doing, I would never spare him. But if it’s proven he was wrongly accused, then my Guo family won’t sit idle either. Since Princess Lin’an personally promised, she should fulfill it. Otherwise, it humiliates the imperial family’s dignity!”

Crown Prince Yongwen thought it over from every angle and felt this matter wasn’t easy to resolve. He glared at Princess Lin’an, thinking: if you hadn’t caused all this trouble, why would I be in such difficulty? Neither Crown Prince Yongwen nor Empress Pei wanted to move against the Guo family now. After all, the Guo family controlled military power. If something happened to the Guo family, their two sons serving outside would immediately turn their horses around… Once military conflict erupted, this matter would become unmanageable.

Crown Prince Yongwen thought for a moment and said slowly: “Duke Qi, it’s not that I don’t want to give you justice, nor that I want to favor Princess Lin’an. It’s just that this matter is of grave importance. I think we should report to Father Emperor first.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze concealed a deep blue coldness, hidden like a blade’s edge. She sneered: “Crown Prince, the matter of Princess Lin’an slandering my fourth brother can be reported to His Majesty later. What we’re discussing now is merely the promise the Princess just made. With so many people present, does the imperial family not care about face and want to be the kind of small person who goes back on their word?”

The words “goes back on their word” sounded extremely harsh to Crown Prince Yongwen’s ears. But with so many people present, he couldn’t say much, because Princess Lin’an had said that if Guo Jia could prove Guo Dun’s innocence, she would willingly receive fifty strokes. How could Crown Prince Yongwen break that promise now? Unable to deflect further, he looked at Princess Lin’an: “Lin’an, what do you think?”

By now, Princess Lin’an had calmed down. She laughed coldly, her beautiful face shrouded in a layer of frost: “Since ancient times, there’s been a saying that punishment doesn’t extend to officials, much less to the imperial family. Imperial Brother, I remember that in the past, when princes made mistakes, it was their study companions who were beaten.”

Hearing this, Crown Prince Yongwen smiled faintly: “Yes, when princes err, naturally their study companions take the beating. The same applies to imperial daughters. Very well, Princess Lin’an’s fifty strokes shall be borne by all the maids at her side.”

Hearing this, Princess Lin’an’s two maids dropped to their knees with a “thud,” both dumbstruck and drenched in sweat. They hadn’t expected that at this moment, Princess Lin’an would push them forward. Of course, it was only natural for servants to be beaten when their masters erred. Immediately people voiced agreement: “Yes, let these servants take the beating!” “Duke Qi, doesn’t this resolve the matter?” “That’s right, we can’t really punish the Princess, can we?” “Under these circumstances, we can’t very well have the Princess remove her outer robe and be beaten before us all – it would truly damage the imperial family’s reputation.” Everyone spoke one after another, all siding with Crown Prince Yongwen.

Duke Qi stood in the hall, surveyed everyone, and sneered: “Since that’s the case, Crown Prince, please carry out the punishment.”

Princess Lin’an watched coldly as her two maids were dragged aside, their outer garments removed, and the caning began with crackling sounds. Though both maids’ mouths were gagged, their bodies soon became covered in blood – a truly unbearable sight.

Princess Lin’an snorted coldly and turned her face away. In truth, her heart was trembling with fear. If she hadn’t had the quick wit just now to remember that when princes committed crimes, their study companions took their place, she would be the one being beaten now. She could afford to lose such face, but Crown Prince Yongwen and Empress Pei could not. Afterward, they would never forgive her.

After fifty strokes, the two maids couldn’t endure it – both perished, their fragrant souls departing. Li Weiyang watched this, merely sneering coldly. Princess Lin’an’s mind was vicious. These two maids knew everything that had happened today. She used Duke Qi’s hand to beat them to death – it was purely to silence witnesses. However, Li Weiyang had already publicly proven Princess Lin’an’s slander of Guo Dun. This was now an established fact. No matter how Princess Lin’an tried to argue, she had no way to escape guilt.

Duke Qi looked at the Crown Prince: “Crown Prince, I will write a memorial to explain everything to His Majesty about today’s events.”

The Crown Prince’s expression turned cold, but he didn’t show his displeasure publicly. He smiled faintly: “I can understand the Duke’s feelings. How about this – another day I’ll bring Lin’an to personally apologize at your door.”

Duke Qi sneered and said nothing, then turned to his children: “Let’s go home.” As he walked toward the exit, he suddenly remembered something and turned back: “Minister Lin.”

Hearing this, Lin Shan stepped forward: “What instruction does Duke Qi have?”

Duke Qi’s gaze fell on Marquis Qingping, his tone ice-cold: “Since today’s executioners were from Marquis Qingping’s household, then this cane coated with poison naturally can’t be unrelated to Marquis Qingping. He attempted to murder my son. Minister Lin surely won’t deny this.”

Lin Shan wiped the sweat from his forehead. He subconsciously glanced at Crown Prince Yongwen and saw him nod subtly. He immediately said: “Yes, Marquis Qingping and Duke Qi’s household have long-standing grievances. Marquis Qingping must have harbored resentment. What he did today was to use this opportunity to harm Duke Qi’s Fourth Young Master. I will immediately take him back for thorough interrogation and will certainly give Duke Qi a satisfactory explanation.” With that, he waved his hand, and people stepped forward to seize Marquis Qingping, who had collapsed into a puddle of mud.

Marquis Qingping’s entire body was nearly soaked in sweat. He trembled as he spoke: “I, I know nothing, nothing at all!” As he shouted, he reached toward Princess Lin’an’s direction: “Princess, I did everything as you said. You must save me, you must save me!”

The Minister of Justice made a gesture, and immediately someone stepped forward to gag his mouth.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. In fact, no matter how the Minister of Justice tried to conceal it or how Crown Prince Yongwen tried to cover it up, this matter was already known to everyone. Soon the news that Princess Lin’an colluded with Marquis Qingping to harm Guo Dun would spread far and wide. Even if Princess Lin’an was protected by Empress Pei and could temporarily escape punishment, Marquis Qingping was a dead man walking.

After the people from Duke Qi’s household left, Crown Prince Yongwen looked coldly at Lin’an and said quietly: “Come with me.”

Princess Lin’an glanced at the people in the hall, raised her chin, and followed Crown Prince Yongwen into a side hall. As soon as they entered, Crown Prince Yongwen’s slap flashed across, striking Princess Lin’an’s face askew.

Princess Lin’an covered her face in disbelief: “Imperial Brother, what are you doing?”

Crown Prince Yongwen’s expression was dark as water. He said coldly: “Are you insane? How could you do such a thing? How did Mother and I instruct you? You just won’t listen. Are you trying to destroy us all?”

Princess Lin’an’s eyes filled with hatred. Covering her face, she said without any remorse: “Since you won’t avenge me, naturally I must act myself. Today was just a small appetizer. I will definitely make the Guo family pay the price.” Having said this, she turned to leave.

Behind her, Crown Prince Yongwen called out in disbelief: “Lin’an! Stop! I haven’t finished speaking!”

Princess Lin’an didn’t look back. Her skirt swept like a cloud across the threshold, and she disappeared from view.

Crown Prince Yongwen grabbed the doorframe in fury. The wooden frame creaked and crackled, suddenly breaking off with a “crack.” He shouted angrily: “This worthless creature has completely disgraced Mother!” As he spoke, he watched the direction where Princess Lin’an had disappeared, then commanded in a low voice: “Go watch her for me. Don’t let her make any more mistakes.”

Someone behind him naturally responded. Crown Prince Yongwen thought for a moment, his gaze becoming even colder. If one was going to strike, it should be a decisive blow. Like Lin’an striking at a snake but failing to kill it, only to be entangled by it instead… Although on the surface Lin’an hadn’t received any severe punishment this time, once Duke Qi submitted his memorial, Lin’an would certainly not have an easy time. Thinking of this, Crown Prince Yongwen turned to return to the Crown Prince’s residence to gather his advisors and discuss how to exonerate Princess Lin’an before Father Emperor.

As Li Weiyang walked out of Marquis Qingping’s household, Yuan Lie’s gaze was cold and deep. He smiled slightly: “It seems Princess Lin’an’s performance isn’t over yet.”

Li Weiyang glanced back at him, a trace of cold light seeming to flash in her eyes: “Oh? How do you know that?”

Yuan Lie smiled: “You didn’t exert your full strength today. You seem to have other plans.”

Li Weiyang laughed: “Who says so? I already did my best today. It’s just that the other side has Empress Pei backing them, so there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Yuan Lie understood Li Weiyang too well. When had she ever been unable to deal with someone? She clearly hadn’t used her full strength… He merely smiled slightly, his features so handsome they seemed to outshine the sunlight itself: “Just now you clearly could have convicted Princess Lin’an. Why did you stand by and watch Crown Prince Yongwen shift the punishment onto those two maids? That’s not your usual style.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes shimmered with flowing light. She only smiled, her smile carrying a trace of cunning: “The Guo family are subjects, while Princess Lin’an is after all an imperial daughter. If a subject slanders the imperial family and offends imperial dignity, that’s naturally the crime of great disrespect, warranting complete family execution. But the world has never heard of the imperial family apologizing in person for wrongly accusing a subject. Crown Prince Yongwen making such a gesture has already given Duke Qi’s household face. The ruler is the ruler, the subject is the subject. Subjects cannot cross that line even one step, while the imperial family can act with impunity. Don’t you already know this? Even if today’s matter had been made bigger, Princess Lin’an would merely lose some salary and reputation. Nothing else would happen to her. Since that’s the case, why should I waste my energy and save my breath?”

Hearing this, Yuan Lie gave a leisurely smile: “Then, how will you deal with her next?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze swept past the gates of Marquis Qingping’s household toward a tall tower in the distance. She said mildly: “Is that tower opposite the Spirit Pagoda?”

Yuan Lie followed her gaze. It was a magnificent new tower. This tower stood two hundred ninety-four feet tall and three hundred feet square, divided into six levels. The lower two levels imitated the four seasons, the middle two levels imitated the twelve hours of the day, and the uppermost two levels had a round cap. Around the entire tower were nine dragons, and the tower’s peak was topped with a phoenix crafted from gold, standing one zhang tall with golden ornamentation on the exterior. This was the most magnificent of all Yuexi’s towers, called the Spirit Pagoda. This tower was built in the first year of Yuexi’s founding emperor, and through successive imperial renovations, it had now been rebuilt for the twenty-seventh time.

Seeing Li Weiyang’s great interest in the tower, Yuan Lie explained: “This tower has been repaired countless times in the past. Each time required employing tens of thousands of workers to source timber from the mountains. Each construction period lasted several years and cost hundreds of millions. Because of this, the entire Yuexi imperial clan and nobility highly value this Buddhist tower. Each successive emperor upon ascending the throne would worship at this Buddhist tower, and would also set up altars inside the tower, placing all manner of rare and exotic beasts before the altars. Not only that, the tower also enshrines the relics of three hundred eight masters from all dynasties, along with Buddhist treasures, scriptures, calligraphy, and paintings accumulated over many years. Why, are you interested in this tower?”

Li Weiyang glanced at the tower and smiled silently: “I heard that when this Spirit Pagoda was renovated, it was Marquis Xiangyang who supervised the construction?”

Yuan Lie thought for a moment: “That’s correct. When the current emperor wanted to renovate this tower, the supervisor was indeed Marquis Xiangyang, who had served as Minister of Works.” He said this while his gaze swept over Li Weiyang, smiling meaningfully: “It seems you’re not interested in the tower itself, but rather in the person who renovated it.” As soon as he finished speaking, he descended the steps but noticed Li Weiyang was still staring intently at the tower. He smiled broadly: “Since you already have a good plan, when are you going to implement it?” His smile seemed to have already seen through Li Weiyang’s thoughts.

Li Weiyang glanced at him: “Yes, when should I implement it?” A trace of coldness flashed in her beautiful eyes as she looked at Yuan Lie: “When will there be an east wind?”

Hearing this, Yuan Lie smiled slightly: “That? You’d have to ask the Imperial Observatory.” With that, he mounted his horse and said to Li Weiyang: “Don’t worry, when there’s an east wind, I’ll tell you in advance.” He winked at Li Weiyang, spurred his horse, and departed. The guards from Prince Xu’s household quickly followed.

Li Weiyang watched him leave, then heard Madam Guo beside her ask: “What exactly are you two talking about? I don’t understand at all.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Mother, we were discussing choosing an auspicious day to offer incense at the Spirit Pagoda. I heard it’s a sacred tower open to the common people. Have you ever been there, Mother?”

Madam Guo thought for a moment: “Climbing that tower is exhausting enough – there’s really nothing much to see. But if you want to see it, another day I’ll have your three brothers accompany you.”

Li Weiyang glanced at Guo Dun following at the rear with his head hanging dejectedly and smiled: “Brother nearly suffered imprisonment this time. When we return, we should fumigate him with mugwort leaves to dispel the bad luck.”

Guo Dun spat toward the stone lions of Marquis Qingping’s household and said coldly: “I nearly fell into their trap. That Princess Lin’an is truly no good.”

Guo Cheng slapped him and said coldly: “That’s why I told you not to meddle in such affairs. Now look what happened – you were schemed against and nearly dragged our entire family down with you. If Big Brother and Second Brother had come back to find our whole family tied up and beheaded at the market, their expressions would have been quite a sight.”

Duke Qi coughed coldly. Several people immediately fell silent and looked at him respectfully. Duke Qi said mildly: “Enough, stop talking nonsense. Let’s all go home.” With that, he took the lead in boarding the carriage. The three Guo brothers exchanged glances, and finally dragged away the still-cursing Guo Dun.

Two days later, news came of Marquis Xiangyang’s death. After all, the Guo family had ties with Marquis Xiangyang. Not only did Duke Qi specially go to pay respects, but he also sent substantial funeral gifts, and the matter was settled. Although Duke Qi’s household submitted a memorial afterward, word was that it had all been suppressed by Empress Pei, sinking like a stone into the sea, never reaching the Emperor’s hands. However, everyone understood in their hearts that even if the memorial reached the Emperor’s desk, Princess Lin’an would merely receive a reprimand and wouldn’t face much punishment. The three Guo brothers, indignant and resentful, couldn’t help but eagerly seek an opportunity to cause trouble for Princess Lin’an. Li Weiyang watched this but acted as if she saw nothing, quietly waiting for news from Yuan Lie.

Two more days passed, and Yuan Lie’s message finally arrived. Li Weiyang opened the secret letter, and after reading it, smiled slightly.

Zhao Yue said: “Miss, you haven’t smiled like this in a long time. What’s the matter?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “The east wind is about to come.”

Zhao Yue, hearing this baffling statement, clearly didn’t understand. But seeing Li Weiyang had no intention of explaining further, she didn’t ask more questions.

At this moment, she heard Li Weiyang say: “Go tell Mother that I’m going out of the city today to visit Princess Yongning.”

Leaving the city to visit Princess Yongning? At this time? Zhao Yue couldn’t help but feel puzzled. Right now, Duke Qi’s household and Princess Lin’an were like fire and water, both sides eyeing each other like tigers, poised to strike. If Li Weiyang went out at this time, it would certainly be very dangerous. Zhao Yue couldn’t help but advise: “Miss, Madam probably won’t agree to this.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “With you by my side, Mother will certainly agree.” Madam Guo knew Zhao Yue’s martial arts were formidable, and seeing that Li Weiyang had been cooped up at home without going out, worried she’d feel stifled. Moreover, these past few days Princess Lin’an had been very restrained, even staying behind closed doors. It seemed Empress Pei had summoned her to the palace and severely reprimanded her. After specially arranging for Guo Cheng to accompany them, along with thirty guards from the Guo household for protection, Madam Duke Qi let Li Weiyang go.

Before Li Weiyang boarded the carriage, Guo Cheng still felt somewhat uneasy. He said quietly: “Are you really choosing this time to go out? I’m afraid it’s somewhat inappropriate.”

Li Weiyang glanced at him and said mildly: “Third Brother, don’t you want to avenge Fourth Brother?”

Hearing this, Guo Cheng froze, then said: “Jia’er, what do you mean by this?”

Li Weiyang merely smiled: “Just follow my instructions later. No need to say more.” With that, she took the lead in boarding the carriage.

Guo Cheng, seeing her expression and actions were quite strange, couldn’t help but feel puzzled. However, he knew that when Li Weiyang didn’t want to say something, no one could force her. Thinking of this, he mounted his horse and ordered the entire convoy to proceed.

After Yuan Yuyi’s death, Princess Yongning had moved to a Buddhist hall in the suburbs for spiritual cultivation. Li Weiyang did as she said, going to the suburbs to visit Princess Yongning. She stayed at the Buddhist hall until dusk before returning to the city, entering just before the last ray of sunlight set. After entering the city, she said to Guo Cheng: “Third Brother, let’s stop here for today. I have another engagement. You take these thirty guards and return to the household first.”

Hearing this, Guo Cheng froze: “Jia’er, at this time, let me accompany you. If something happens, I won’t be able to answer to Mother.”

Li Weiyang looked at him: “Third Brother, I already said – if you want to avenge Fourth Brother, you must follow my instructions.”

A trace of difficulty appeared on Guo Cheng’s face. He glanced at the guards behind him, then at Li Weiyang’s composed expression, then steadied himself: “You really have a way?”

Li Weiyang nodded: “When have I ever deceived you? Don’t worry, I always do what I say I will.”

It’s not that I don’t trust you, but this matter is very strange. What method could a weak woman like you have for revenge? Hearing this, Guo Cheng knew that no matter what he said, Li Weiyang wouldn’t reveal anything. Being a clever man himself, he said no more, waved his hand, and ordered the guards behind him: “You all come back to the household with me first.” With that, he looked deeply at Li Weiyang, then turned and left.

Li Weiyang merely smiled faintly, ordering the carriage to turn around and head in the opposite direction from Guo Cheng. By this time, the sky had completely darkened. Every household had closed its doors, and the streets became quiet, as if everyone had already returned home. The road they were taking was rather remote, completely opposite to the direction of the liveliest night market – it was becoming quieter and quieter as they went. Zhao Yue’s heart couldn’t help but feel uneasy. She glanced at Li Weiyang, truly not knowing why she wanted to take this road. She said quietly: “Miss, this isn’t the road back to the Guo household…”

Li Weiyang glanced at her, her tone calm: “I have an appointment with someone at Riverside Wine House. Don’t say more – I know what I’m doing.”

Know what you’re doing? Yet deliberately choosing such a road, where there are so few people – if something really happened, how would she explain? Zhao Yue couldn’t help but become alert, her hand also moving to her long sword.

Princess Lin’an had been silently watching Li Weiyang from not far away. From the moment Li Weiyang left the Guo household gates early in the morning, someone had already reported to Princess Lin’an. She immediately brought the last twenty elite hidden guards at her side, along with fifty guards from the Princess’s household, and tracked them here. These twenty hidden guards were all first-rate martial artists. They quietly followed behind the Guo family carriage without anyone detecting them. The other fifty people were all lying in ambush within the city. The guard captain asked Princess Lin’an quietly: “Princess, now is the best opportunity to strike. That Third Young Master Guo has already taken the guards back, but… this Guo Jia seems to be secretly going to meet someone.”

Princess Lin’an sneered: “Who could she be meeting? Just having a secret tryst with Prince Xu Yuan Lie.” Having said this, her face was covered with a layer of frost, appearing even more ferocious and crazed in the dim light.

The guard captain glanced at her and lowered his head. Somehow, he felt the Princess seemed increasingly abnormal. That day after returning from Marquis Qingping’s household, she had smashed all the valuable items in the residence to pieces, then had four maids beaten to death before barely calming down. Who knew Empress Pei would then summon Princess Lin’an to the palace and severely reprimand her. Princess Lin’an seemed to have suffered an even greater shock. She locked herself in her room, refusing to eat or drink. When she emerged, those eyes were frighteningly bright, but her figure had become increasingly gaunt – one could almost see her high cheekbones. It was truly terrifying.

The guard captain didn’t dare look at Princess Lin’an again. In fact, he had tried to report this to Crown Prince Yongwen, but Princess Lin’an seemed to have detected his motives. She had people follow him all twelve hours of the day, giving him absolutely no time to secretly report to the Crown Prince. Now, setting up an ambush to kill Guo Jia – if it succeeded, that would be one thing. But if it failed… The guard captain didn’t dare think further.

Now seeing Li Weiyang alone, Princess Lin’an’s face showed a trace of crazed, savage laughter: “Li Weiyang, I’ve finally found my opportunity. Tonight is your time to die. I’ll make you pay the price for my Jiang Nan.”

At this moment, Li Weiyang’s carriage had already entered an alley entrance. Princess Lin’an sneered and waved her hand: “Attack.”

In an instant, the wind and clouds changed. Twenty hidden guards attacked Li Weiyang’s carriage. These people arrived in the blink of an eye. Zhao Yue had already heard the wind – she drew her long sword, her form leaping up. Cold light flashed, and in a moment she was engaged in battle with the hidden guards. These hidden guards were all first-rate masters. Though Zhao Yue’s martial arts were formidable, she was entangled by them and couldn’t break free. Li Weiyang didn’t even glance at them, lowering her head to order the carriage to move quickly. The driver seemed already prepared – he cracked the whip and rapidly drove the carriage toward the alley exit. The twenty hidden guards immediately deployed some of their forces to pursue the carriage. The other fifty guards from the Princess’s household all surged toward the alley exit. Unfortunately, the alley was too narrow – it could only accommodate one carriage. Zhao Yue blocked everyone’s path, making it impossible for them to get through.

Princess Lin’an couldn’t help but rage: “Go around!” She immediately deployed thirty guards to follow her, spurring their horses toward another alley exit. As long as they passed through this alley exit and intercepted Li Weiyang’s path first, they could kill her.

At this moment, Princess Lin’an didn’t know that where Zhao Yue and those twenty hidden guards had been fighting, somehow more than ten black-clad figures had appeared above the alley entrance. Their skills were no less than any hidden guard’s. They jumped down and began a coordinated attack. In the dark night, this group all wore cold masks on their faces. They seemed to have already mastered the rhythm of this battle, swift as thunder, quick as lightning, charging like the wind into the hidden guards’ encirclement. The bows and arrows and long swords in their hands were all coated with deadly poison. In the gloomy sky, they were almost invisible, like a group of cold death gods suddenly descending with unstoppable force before Princess Lin’an’s hidden guards. In just half an hour, they had killed all twenty of Princess Lin’an’s hidden guards. Zhao Yue watched this scene in disbelief. She hadn’t expected these people would suddenly appear. She immediately thought of Li Weiyang’s earlier instructions – don’t be attached to the fight, retreat while fighting.

However, to protect Li Weiyang, she had no way to leave and could only fight to the death. Just when she was prepared to die, from above the alley, this group of black-masked figures suddenly appeared. They appeared silently, yet seemed like several unsheathed sharp blades, pressing forward with sharpness. In the blink of an eye, they had eliminated all the enemies.

All of Princess Lin’an’s household’s cruel, ruthless, supremely skilled twenty hidden guards had been slain. Dark blood still dripped continuously from those black-clad figures’ blades. Zhao Yue looked at them, involuntarily shivering in that cold gaze, trembling all over, unable to speak. She heard the lead black-clad figure say coldly: “Prince Xu has ordered us to clean up here. You may go protect Miss.”

Zhao Yue was shocked. Only then did she realize that after the black-clad figure said this and made a gesture, they picked up all twenty killed hidden guards from the ground. In the blink of an eye, they had all disappeared.

Zhao Yue looked around. Except for the dark bloodstains in the alley, she could find absolutely no trace of the struggle. That group of black-clad figures had vanished as silently as they had arrived. She couldn’t believe it – she almost thought she was dreaming. Previously, she had always thought Yuexi’s hidden guards were the world’s top masters, never imagining that Prince Xu Yuan Lie had somehow trained such an even more terrifying group of killing machines.

At this moment, Li Weiyang’s carriage continued forward, actually racing ahead before Princess Lin’an could catch up. In the darkness, the Guo household’s carriage seemed to have sprouted wings. The direction it was running toward was precisely the Spirit Pagoda.

Princess Lin’an was completely unaware of everything happening in that alley. She only shouted harshly: “Intercept her!” But no matter how fast they were, that Guo family carriage seemed to be using thousand-mile steeds – they couldn’t catch up no matter what. Princess Lin’an couldn’t help her rage and waved her hand: “Shoot arrows!” Thus, countless arrows attacked Li Weiyang’s carriage, soon turning the canopy into something resembling a pincushion. However, contrary to Princess Lin’an’s expectations, the carriage showed no sign of stopping but continued heading toward the Spirit Pagoda. Upon reaching the Spirit Pagoda entrance, the driver suddenly jumped from the carriage, then helped the cloaked woman from inside, quickly walking toward the Spirit Pagoda. The guards at the Spirit Pagoda entrance hurried to block them, but at this moment saw a large group of pursuers opposite, and couldn’t help but be shocked.

Princess Lin’an’s eyes were full of hatred. She shouted angrily: “Don’t let them inside!”

But by this time it was already too late. The guards at the entrance somehow suddenly collapsed, and that cloaked woman had already flashed inside the Spirit Pagoda. Princess Lin’an raged, her voice harsh: “Go in and seize her for me!” As soon as she finished speaking, she saw the Spirit Pagoda’s main door had already been locked.

Princess Lin’an’s expression changed slightly. During the day, the Spirit Pagoda was open for commoners to visit, tour, and offer incense. But each night when it closed, someone would specially lock it. To protect the treasures inside the tower, the Spirit Pagoda’s design was very ingenious – the entire tower had only one door for entry. If this door was sealed, it would be impossible to enter no matter what. Missing this opportunity meant never being able to kill Li Weiyang again. Princess Lin’an couldn’t help but shout angrily: “Set fire! Force her out!”

Princess Lin’an’s voice was very clear in this dark night. The guards all looked at each other – none dared follow her orders to set fire before the Spirit Pagoda. You see, this Spirit Pagoda was extremely sacred and noble to all generations of Yuexi’s imperial family. If someone dared set fire before the Spirit Pagoda, they were truly tired of living. But Princess Lin’an had already fallen into madness. She completely didn’t care where this was – even if it were the imperial palace, she would unhesitatingly set fire to force Li Weiyang out. She sneered: “Since she’s already inside, then burn the Spirit Pagoda with one fire. I want to see whether she’ll regret today’s actions when she’s burned to charcoal!” Having said this, she grabbed the torch from a guard beside her and walked toward the Spirit Pagoda. Reaching the entrance, she threw the torch at the window.

The fire didn’t immediately ignite. The torch rolled to the ground and quickly went out. She couldn’t help but become frantic with rage, harshly ordering the guards beside her: “Shoot fire arrows!” But beside her, all was quiet – no one dared obey her command. The guards from Princess Lin’an’s household all looked at their princess with fearful eyes.

The guard captain couldn’t help but speak to stop her: “Princess, this absolutely cannot be done – this is the Spirit Pagoda…” Before he could finish, Princess Lin’an drew her long sword and violently severed his head. Her voice carried a trace of madness: “If you don’t obey, your fate will be the same as his!”

All the guards saw that head rolling down the steps and their expressions changed. They exchanged glances and hesitated no more, drawing their bows and arrows, igniting the arrowheads with fire, and shooting those fire-starred arrows toward the Spirit Pagoda. At first, only the first level of the tower body burned. However, the sparks quickly spread because somehow the wind had suddenly grown stronger. The tongues of flame were wrapped in the gale, continuously burning upward, as if wanting to engulf the entire tower body. That thick smoke surged toward the sky, immediately alarming the city’s entire population of commoners and the soldiers at the fire-watch tower.

The fire-watch tower was located less than five hundred meters from the Spirit Pagoda, with several observation rooms, specially garrisoned with one hundred soldiers, equipped with water vats, sand piles, water buckets, ladders, and other firefighting tools. Over all these years, the Spirit Pagoda had suffered three fires, all due to the tower being too tall and attracting lightning strikes. Therefore, successive emperors highly valued the Spirit Pagoda’s fire prevention, specially establishing the fire-watch tower with people on duty day and night. Once any abnormality was discovered, cavalry would immediately be dispatched directly to the fire point, and this would immediately be reported to the Capital Magistrate and garrison troops. However, when these people rushed to the Spirit Pagoda, they suddenly heard a “boom” sound, as if thousands upon thousands of evil spirits were gushing forth from hell. The ground trembled with it. Following this tremendous sound, like a mushroom-shaped fire cloud, it slowly bloomed over the entire capital’s sky. Fierce flames shot skyward, setting the entire Spirit Pagoda ablaze. As the Spirit Pagoda’s left hall collapsed at a corner, heat waves rolled like flowing water, tiles and rubble flew everywhere through the sky, continuously falling to the ground.

Seeing the fire out of control and this great building about to be consumed by flames, actually three firefighting monks resolutely rushed toward the fire scene, prepared to throw themselves into the fire to die, following the Spirit Pagoda’s soul. People quickly held them back tightly, preventing this suicidal behavior. This great fire seemed like dragons running and snakes writhing, like demons patrolling the city, not sparing a single level of the tower body, devouring all the Buddhist scriptures carefully collected over so many years, bones and flesh, not showing the slightest mercy. The capital’s commoners all ran over, joining the firefighting teams. But no matter how hard they tried, ultimately they could only watch as that raging fire illuminated the entire capital as brightly as daylight.

In less than half an hour, the Spirit Pagoda had turned to a pile of ashes. What had once been an imposing, solemn building had in a blink of an eye left only scorched black residue. The commoners lingered, unwilling to leave. Sighs of sorrow filled the entire capital. That thick smoke persisted for a long time, the smell of smoke detectable for miles around. At this moment, someone suddenly shouted: “It’s her, it’s her who set fire to the Spirit Pagoda!”

Everyone looked over to see a beautiful woman in gorgeous clothing staring at the Spirit Pagoda, her face showing a cold smile. The commoners all became furious. The Spirit Pagoda was not only a symbol of Yuexi’s imperial family but also a symbol of the people’s blessings. For all dynasties, emperors had prayed for blessings here, and commoners had also requested heaven and earth here for peace and safety. But now this woman had destroyed the symbol of Buddhism in their hearts. Thus, countless people ran toward Princess Lin’an, shouting loudly: “Seize her! Absolutely don’t let this woman escape!”

Princess Lin’an, however, laughed madly before the fire tower. She had no awareness whatsoever that danger was approaching her.

Princess Lin’an’s guards were the first to sense something wrong. They tried to pull Princess Lin’an away, but before they could reach her, Princess Lin’an had already been seized by the maddened commoners. They grabbed Princess Lin’an’s hair, tore at her clothes, frantically shoving and pushing her. Princess Lin’an let out a miserable scream. She hadn’t expected that this great fire wouldn’t force Li Weiyang out but would instead enrage countless commoners. She finally awakened from her madness and shouted loudly: “Save me! Save me!” But before the guards could charge forward, they had already been dragged from their horses by the furious commoners. The guards desperately shouted: “That’s Princess Lin’an! It’s the Princess! You must not be disrespectful, you must not be disrespectful!” But no one paid attention to them.

The crazed crowd had already surrounded Princess Lin’an. People’s faces showed fury, extremely crazed. They seized Princess Lin’an as if wanting to tear her to shreds – it was terrifying. They pressed her to the ground, violently stamping, stomping, kicking. In an instant, Princess Lin’an’s leg was trampled lame, her spine broken, her face scratched to pieces. Her mouth emitted shrill ghostly wails and wolf howls, extremely eerie.

She screamed, struggling desperately. However, the crowd was too chaotic and had completely lost control. Their eyes had been driven red by the fact of the Spirit Pagoda being burned. Countless hands tore at Princess Lin’an, as if wanting to use her sins to wash away the resentment of the Spirit Pagoda’s destruction. Amid this tearing and dragging, Princess Lin’an continuously screamed miserably. The guards shouted and charged into the crowd, desperately trying to drive them back. Unfortunately, they were too few in number, and the crowd became even more chaotic, especially as those behind pushed forward, continuously surging ahead. Princess Lin’an couldn’t get up anymore. Her five internal organs and six bowels were all trampled by those people. Finally, even her trachea, heart, and lungs from her chest cavity were also trampled and torn out. She herself didn’t even know whether she died from having her heart trampled and shattered, dying of heartbreak; or from having her liver and gallbladder trampled and broken, dying from ruptured gallbladder; or from having her lungs trampled flat, dying of suffocation… Such a death was extremely cruel and agonizing, and even more extremely humiliating. She stared wide-eyed with clarity, still continuously struggling. Blood gushed and splattered profusely, staining the entire ground red, yet she took a long time to die.

When the crowd finally dispersed, what remained was already a pulp of flesh – the original beautiful appearance was completely indistinguishable. The guards stared with frightened, panicked eyes. On everyone’s face was shrouded the same tension and terror.