In the grand hall of the Crown Prince’s residence, the Crown Prince sat at the head position, lazily watching the graceful dancing figures of the performers, yet appearing completely distracted. Just then, a man dressed in gray robes entered from outside. The Crown Prince glanced up to see who it was, then waved his hand to dismiss all the dancers and musicians. Afterward, he asked, “What is the situation?”
Xiahou Yan handed the intelligence documents in his hands to the Crown Prince. After reading them, the Crown Prince’s gaze became extremely cold and concentrated. Suddenly, as if struck by fury, he tore the papers to shreds. After a moment, he abruptly stood up, his face seemingly filled with endless rage.
Xiahou Yan smiled slightly and said, “Crown Prince, why must you be so angry?” This Xiahou Yan appeared frail on the outside, looking like nothing more than an ordinary scholar, but he was not simply a common advisor to the Crown Prince’s residence. Five years ago, he had achieved the top scholar position. When his father passed away, he returned to his hometown for the mourning period. After returning to the capital, he instead entered the Crown Prince’s residence to become an advisor. To outsiders, this seemed like a waste of his talents, but in truth, this was his even greater gamble.
The Crown Prince sighed and slowly returned to his seat. Suppressing his anger, he said, “Prince Jing, Prince Xu, and the Guo family are growing closer and closer. When will my imperial sister’s revenge be avenged?” These two statements seemed completely unrelated, like comparing horses and cows, yet Xiahou Yan understood perfectly. Prince Jing Yuan Ying and the Guo family were becoming increasingly close, which was definitely not good news for the Crown Prince. Although the Guo family was currently very compliant, that didn’t mean they wouldn’t support Prince Jing Yuan Ying in seizing the throne in the future. But after all, the Guo family was Prince Jing’s maternal clan, so their closeness wasn’t particularly strange. What was worse was that now Prince Xu Yuan Lie was also added to the mix. If he truly married Miss Guo, that would be even more dangerous for the Crown Prince.
Especially with the matter of Princess Lin’an, though the Crown Prince didn’t say so outwardly, Xiahou Yan knew that deep down the Crown Prince was extremely furious. Princess Lin’an was a precious daughter of the imperial family, a favored daughter of heaven, yet she had been torn to pieces by those incompetent commoners. And because she had set the fire first, angering the entire imperial clan, even her funeral was held quietly, with not a single civil or military official attending. That bloody mass of flesh couldn’t even be properly prepared for burial. Even after summoning the best tailors, they couldn’t sew Princess Lin’an’s head and body back together. So the Crown Prince had no choice but to order her cremated and hastily buried with only her ashes in an urn. For the imperial family, this was such a humiliation—no wonder the Crown Prince was so angry. Thinking of this, he smiled slightly and said, “Crown Prince, don’t worry. If you truly want to deal with the Duke of Qi’s residence, I have plenty of methods.”
The Crown Prince sighed, “Mother won’t allow me to act rashly. You saw Lin’an’s fate. What I fear isn’t the Duke of Qi’s residence, but that cunning schemer Guo Jia.” When he mentioned Guo Jia, his brow couldn’t help but twitch, clearly suppressing anger in his heart.
Xiahou Yan’s gaze sharpened, yet he said, “Is the Crown Prince referring to the young lady the Guo residence just acknowledged—Guo Jia?”
The Crown Prince nodded, “These days I’ve had you investigate her background. There should be some results by now. Tell me, what is your assessment of this person?”
Xiahou Yan thought for a moment before slowly saying, “To have been living abroad yet still be adopted as a county princess by Dali shows she’s skilled at winning hearts and very intelligent. But when I gathered her information, I discovered this person’s greatest strength is scheming and plotting.”
The Crown Prince raised his eyebrows, signaling him to continue. Xiahou Yan said, “Although this woman became famous with a single ink dance performance, her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are all ordinary—not particularly outstanding among Dali’s women. Yet such a woman was first enfeoffed as a county princess, then elevated to county lord. Initially, I didn’t pay much attention, thinking she was merely good at flattery and knew how to please the emperor. But based on the intelligence I’ve now obtained, from the moment she appeared, many strange things happened at Prime Minister Li Xiaoran’s residence. First, Li Xiaoran’s wife died of illness for no reason, then the powerful Duke Jiang’s residence suddenly collapsed, the tree fell and the monkeys scattered, clan members dispersed. A fine great family just crumbled like that. Not only that, I reviewed all of Dali’s intelligence and discovered she seems to have colluded with Dali’s Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu. However, since she is after all a sheltered young lady, ordinary people didn’t notice this point. If I hadn’t studied it carefully, I probably wouldn’t have discovered the peculiarities. From this intelligence, this woman is strange and ruthless, her methods clever and unusual. It’s not surprising that Princess would lose her life at her hands.”
A trace of doubt flickered in the Crown Prince’s eyes, “Do you have evidence for what you’re saying?”
Xiahou Yan replied, “I’m only speculating, without concrete evidence. After all, much has changed, and someone deliberately covered up everything from back then. It appears someone has been secretly protecting her. However, Your Highness possesses superior intelligence. That Guo Jia is merely a woman who, relying on some ruthless tactics, has temporarily gained the upper hand. If Your Highness truly wants her dead, I can arrange an assassination—guaranteed to be clean and leave no traces.”
A flash of murderous intent first crossed the Crown Prince’s eyes, but then he shook his head, “Leaving aside the Duke of Qi’s protection around Guo Jia, there’s also a hidden expert named Zhao Yue. According to my investigation, this maid seems connected to the Yuexi Death Warriors—her strength shouldn’t be underestimated. Add to that the current tense situation, with all fingers pointing at Lin’an, if we act now, not only might we fail, it would make more people think Mother and I want to move against the Duke of Qi’s residence. Therefore, Mother’s intention is to make them fight amongst themselves and self-destruct. This way we won’t dirty our hands and can also avenge Lin’an. However, this kind of thing is easier said than done…”
Xiahou Yan smiled slightly, “Your Highness need not worry. As they say, soldiers block with generals, water with earth. This matter isn’t actually difficult. Although the Duke of Qi’s residence, Prince Jing Yuan Ying, and Prince Xu Yuan Lie are currently united, who in this world doesn’t have selfish desires? From the intelligence, both Prince Jing and Prince Xu are quite infatuated with Miss Guo. When two males compete, one must be injured—won’t there be an opportunity then?”
A trace of joy appeared in the Crown Prince’s eyes. He couldn’t help saying, “I understand. You mean to use Guo Jia’s matter to sow discord from within and find ways to divide them?”
Xiahou Yan’s smile deepened. In truth, he was just as skilled at manipulating human hearts as Li Weiyang, especially adept at such matters. He persuaded the Crown Prince, “If Your Highness truly wishes to avenge the Princess, you might as well listen to my plan. I guarantee it will flow naturally and be accomplished without anyone knowing.”
The Crown Prince nodded, “Good, we’ll do as you say. I’ll leave this matter to you. However, you must do it cleanly and leave no evidence.”
Xiahou Yan respectfully said, “Your subordinate obeys, Crown Prince rest assured. But regarding Empress Mother—”
The Crown Prince thought for a moment, “Don’t tell Mother for now. We’ll tell her after we succeed.”
Half a month later, the Duke of Qi’s residence received the Crown Prince’s invitation. When Lady Guo opened it, it was for the Crown Prince Consort’s birthday. Her face couldn’t help but grow frosty, “Jia’er, why would the Crown Prince send us an invitation?” After Princess Lin’an’s death, the Crown Prince had shown the Guo family a cold face several times they met, clearly bearing a grudge. Although Lady Guo didn’t know exactly what Li Weiyang had done, she vaguely guessed this matter was likely connected to her daughter…
Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “The more critical the moment, the more face must be maintained. If he now invited all the great families but specifically excluded the Duke of Qi’s residence, wouldn’t people say he has a guilty conscience and harbors resentment? He is the Crown Prince, not Princess Lin’an. Everything must prioritize the greater good. To avoid suspicion, he can only swallow his anger and invite the Guo family along.”
This made sense. Crown Prince Yongwen was after all not Princess Lin’an. He understood what the greater good meant and what putting on a show meant. He wouldn’t let others have ammunition against him, nor would he give the Guo family leverage to say the Crown Prince was narrow-minded. So although Princess Lin’an had feuded with Guo Jia, the Crown Prince still had to display magnanimity and tolerance, letting everyone know Princess Lin’an’s actions had nothing to do with the Crown Prince. Nearby, Guo Dun sneered, “His sister just died tragically, yet he still has the mood to hold banquets. The imperial family is truly heartless and ungrateful.”
Guo Cheng shook his head, “Fourth brother, you don’t understand this point. Princess Lin’an committed terrible crimes. That the Emperor didn’t grind her bones to dust was already lenient. Didn’t you see even the funeral was held quietly? Of course the Crown Prince needn’t observe mourning customs. Using the Crown Prince Consort’s birthday to dispel bad luck might be exactly what he’s thinking.”
In truth, Li Weiyang didn’t see it that way. She always felt the Crown Prince’s high-handed gesture at this moment concealed some deeper meaning.
Guo Cheng sighed, “Princess Lin’an is dead, but the Crown Prince remains, and Empress Pei still stands firm. So this battle we must continue to fight.”
Nearby, Guo Dao played with the teacup in his hands, occasionally lifting his eyes. Those brilliant, radiant eyes gazed at Li Weiyang’s pale face with an extremely complex expression.
Guo Cheng turned and saw Guo Dao’s expression. His heart skipped slightly, but when he looked carefully, Guo Dao had already lowered his head and wasn’t looking in Li Weiyang’s direction at all. Guo Cheng silently thought this was bad. After everyone dispersed, he patted Guo Dao’s shoulder, “Fifth brother, you couldn’t be…”
Guo Dao raised his eyes and stared intently at his third brother, forcing a smile, “Third brother, what are you saying? I don’t understand at all. I couldn’t be what? Say it clearly.”
Guo Cheng sighed, “Nothing, perhaps I’m overthinking.”
Guo Dao’s gaze deepened. He smiled slightly, “You’re always worrying needlessly. I advise you to focus your thoughts on Cousin Han Lin instead. Don’t meddle in other matters.”
Guo Cheng’s handsome face reddened slightly. He raised his foot and kicked Guo Dao, “When did you start gossiping about your brother? Now get lost.” The two chatted and laughed, and that earlier moment quickly dissipated like smoke. Guo Cheng vaguely felt that thought surface again, but quickly pushed it back down. It couldn’t be. Although Jia’er was beautiful, she hadn’t reached the level of toppling kingdoms. Fifth brother had always been carefree and unrestrained, never losing his heart to any woman. That look… thinking this far, he didn’t dare continue.
On the day of the Crown Prince Consort’s birthday banquet, the Duke of Qi caught a cold and couldn’t attend. Lady Guo took birthday gifts and several children to the Crown Prince’s residence. Beyond Li Weiyang’s expectations, although Crown Prince Yongwen’s residence appeared very dignified and stable, all the furnishings were extremely simple. The luxurious items commonly seen in wealthy families were absent here. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile.
Guo Cheng glanced at her, “What are you smiling at?”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “I just think this Crown Prince Yongwen is really good at presenting himself.”
Guo Cheng followed her gaze around and also pursed his lips in a smile, “The Crown Prince has always liked putting on official displays. Others who see think how honest and upright he is.”
As the siblings talked, two pairs of eyes were watching them. Xiahou Yan gazed at the young lady beside Lady Guo. She was probably not yet twenty, with beautiful features, a slender figure, and graceful bearing. But what drew his attention wasn’t this woman’s beauty, but those cold, clear eyes—eyes one could never forget. He said in a low voice, “This young lady must be Guo Jia.”
The Crown Prince glanced over coolly and nodded, “That’s her. Look how deceptive that face is. The first time I saw her, I truly thought she was just an ordinary well-bred lady.”
When Xiahou Yan heard that woman was Li Weiyang, brilliant cold light immediately flashed in his eyes. He gazed at her pitch-black eyes, feeling they tilted slightly upward, the outer corners higher than the brow ends. Though her appearance seemed gentle, stable, and serene, he could see that between this woman’s brows and eyes lurked very deep malice. He stared fixedly at her, as if to imprint this woman’s appearance in his eyes. After the Crown Prince described Princess Lin’an’s death, excitement stirred faintly in his heart—something that hadn’t happened in a long time. He vaguely felt Li Weiyang was a genuine master of psychological manipulation and an excellent opponent.
Li Weiyang suddenly sensed something. Her eyes swept toward Xiahou Yan’s direction. Xiahou Yan’s heart tightened. He immediately lowered his head, instinctively avoiding that gaze flashing with cold light. He couldn’t help thinking that when those eyes were slightly downcast, they seemed gentle to the extreme. Yet when she just lifted them in a light sweep, they made one feel chilled, like needles pricking his heart, unavoidably producing a sense of cold dread.
The Crown Prince said in a low voice, “You’re skilled at reading faces. What do you think?” He slowly answered, “This woman’s face is too sinister. Her brows and eyes contain severity. Whether lowering her head or speaking, she always appears contemplative, showing that the gentler her exterior, the more cunning her thoughts. Add to that actions different from worldly norms, and she’ll likely be difficult to handle.” Finishing, he exhaled deeply.
The Crown Prince sneered, “If she were easy to handle, Lin’an wouldn’t have met such an end.” Ultimately, the Crown Prince still brooded over Princess Lin’an’s death.
Xiahou Yan sighed. He understood the Crown Prince’s perspective very well. If it were him, he’d also find it hard to tolerate a blood sister dying so cruelly before his eyes. His gaze turned toward Li Weiyang again, but she had already turned her head away, seemingly unconcerned with him. He smiled slightly, thinking: Miss Guo, though you and I have no grievances, since you are the Crown Prince’s enemy, I must apologize.
Li Weiyang was naturally also observing the surrounding scene. Her gaze fell on Crown Prince Consort Cui Shiyan. This Cui Shiyan was over twenty years old, beautiful in appearance, outstanding in character and looks. Having been Crown Prince Consort for many years, her bearing had gained additional dignity and nobility. Seeing Lady Guo, Cui Shiyan smiled and walked over. When she smiled, it was like spring flowers blooming, immediately adding several degrees of radiance. The Crown Prince Consort said, “Lady Guo honors us with your presence. I’ve been remiss in welcoming you. This must be Miss Guo beside you.”
Li Weiyang smiled faintly and curtsied, “Guo Jia greets the Crown Prince Consort.”
The Crown Prince Consort’s smile grew warmer. She examined Li Weiyang, “I’ve long heard Miss Guo is noble in temperament, dignified and elegant. Seeing you today, your reputation is well-deserved. This bearing alone is rarely found among women from ordinary families.”
From the Crown Prince Consort’s face, Li Weiyang saw only amiability, no trace of resentment or dissatisfaction. The Cui clan was one of Yuexi’s ten great aristocratic families, with extremely prominent status. Twenty-three members of their family held official positions at court. Cui women were mostly gentle and beautiful, refined and noble—objects of pursuit by Yuexi’s wealthy families. That Cui Shiyan could remain Crown Prince Consort for so many years, the Cui family’s influence was naturally very important, but without considerable cunning, Cui Shiyan couldn’t sit firmly in the Crown Prince Consort’s position either.
At this moment, Secondary Consort Lu Shuang also walked over. She was only eighteen or nineteen years old, with snow-white skin, curved brows, a pair of crystal-clear black eyes, pink tender lips slightly upturned, appearing delicate and beautiful. She possessed an additional scholarly air. Standing together with Crown Prince Consort Cui Shiyan, both women came from famous families, each with their own merits, making it almost impossible to look away. The Lu family was similarly an official family of scholars. From the first generation ancestor, those recorded in Yuexi history numbered one hundred twenty-eight. This generation produced even more worthy talents with brilliant achievements, many top scholars, successful examination candidates, and imperial tutors. If Lu Shuang weren’t merely a concubine-born daughter, Cui Shiyan’s position as Crown Prince Consort might not be secure.
Li Weiyang’s gaze briefly swept over Madam Cui and Madam Lu before moving on. Whether Crown Prince Consort or Secondary Consort, both were very wary of Guo Jia, but this wariness didn’t show on their faces. These noblewomen born into aristocratic families understood best what expressions to show when. Especially under everyone’s gaze, the more affectionate they appeared, the more it showed the Crown Prince bore no grudge against the Guo family. In the future, if something happened, no one would suspect the Crown Prince.
While Lady Guo exchanged pleasantries with the Crown Prince residence’s mistresses, Li Weiyang noticed a beauty slowly approaching from the distance. She wore snow-white robes with purple gauze draped over them, appearing particularly refined among the crowd. Her attire was thus, and her hairstyle was also very special. Unlike other young ladies who wore golden phoenixes and pearl-jade ornaments, she only wore peacock feathers with hanging pearls. The pearls swayed gently with her steps, making her appear even more graceful and outstanding, naturally inspiring admiration.
Everyone looked toward her—it was none other than Yuexi’s foremost beauty, Pei Bao’er. People looked at her, then involuntarily turned back to compare her with the much-discussed Miss Guo beside Lady Guo. They felt that compared to the radiantly glamorous Pei Bao’er, Guo Jia’s features revealed traces of refined elegance. Her expression was so graceful and tranquil, her dark pupils hidden beneath long lashes. When her eyes moved, they brought delight to the heart—an entirely different style. Both were beauties, and though Miss Guo couldn’t compare to Pei Bao’er, the Guo family’s influence was extraordinary, with two sons commanding troops. Compared to the radiantly glamorous and extremely difficult to please Pei Bao’er, the gentle and tranquil Guo Jia seemed more welcome.
At this gathering, everyone harbored their own thoughts. Besides Lady Guo and Pei Bao’er as central figures, more people’s gazes turned toward Prince Xu. Yuan Lie currently wore moon-white robes seemingly coordinated with Miss Guo, trimmed with gold thread—both magnificent and refined. Combined with his tall figure, elegant movements, and handsomely refined features, he appeared even more jade-like in bearing, cultured and elegant. Holding a wine cup in one hand, he casually revealed natural grace. Combined with his inherent charm, he attracted everyone’s gaze like a magnet. Seeing everyone’s attentive looks, he couldn’t help but smile faintly. That intoxicating smile carried a hint of laziness. Despite having devastatingly beautiful features that would dim all the world’s women, he possessed a man’s proper heroic spirit and freedom, revealing instead a poppy-like allure.
Li Weiyang couldn’t help but sigh—how many faces did this man have? From always hiding beside her as the Li family’s third young master, to the arrogant, willful, reckless Yuan Lie, to the current shrewd, cunning Prince Xu whom others feared. Li Weiyang couldn’t help feeling confused. This man before her was sometimes gentle, sometimes cold, sometimes ruthless, sometimes devoted—how could these completely different aspects be combined together? Yet they appeared natural and flawless, as if many different faces displayed before her eyes.
Seeing Li Weiyang, Yuan Lie smiled slightly and walked over. Lady Guo, seeing this situation, deliberately turned to speak with a nearby noblewoman, clearly leaving them space. Since Prince Xu Yuan Lie had repeatedly helped the Guo family, Lady Guo’s resistance toward him wasn’t as severe. Moreover, in her view, Yuan Lie and her daughter were well-matched in talent and appearance—standing together was pleasing to the eye. As for his temperament, that remained to be observed.
At this moment, Yuan Lie didn’t consider Lady Guo’s complex feelings. He simply smiled as he introduced the guests in the garden to Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang listened quietly without speaking.
“Weiyang, you haven’t said anything. What are you thinking?” Yuan Lie asked with a smile.
Li Weiyang glanced at him and said lightly, “I’m thinking about how long we’ve known each other.”
Yuan Lie blinked and smiled slightly, “Six years, five months, and eighteen days.”
So much time had already passed. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but reflect—when they first met, she was merely the Li residence’s concubine-born daughter, full of hatred, focused on revenge, cautiously treading step by step in the Li residence. At that time, he was still a youth without power to protect himself. But in the blink of an eye, he had become one of Yuexi’s outstanding young talents, a prince of noble blood, in high demand. However, his current situation wasn’t as simple as it appeared on the surface. Among Yuexi’s princes, whether civil or martial, each was exceptionally talented with powerful forces backing them. The Emperor was long ill and neglectful, the succession struggle already raging like wildfire. Yuan Lie had returned to Yuexi alone, without power or influence. No matter how much the Emperor loved this son, he couldn’t openly protect him. Without ability, he would have been devoured to the bone by that pack of wolves long ago.
At this moment, the Crown Prince clapped his hands. A group of heavenly beautiful dancers entered the garden like blooming flowers, dazzling everyone’s eyes. The Crown Prince Consort smiled, “Secondary Consort Lu specially arranged a dance for everyone. Please enjoy.”
Li Weiyang glanced at the smiling Secondary Consort Lu, her face showing a trace of faint amusement. She’d heard that in the Crown Prince’s residence, Madam Lu received his great favor, her prominence subtly overshadowing the Crown Prince Consort. Yet before everyone, the Crown Prince Consort showed Madam Lu great affection, with no trace of resentment. Either the Crown Prince Consort was truly without worldly ambition, or her scheming ran extremely deep—otherwise how could no flaws be detected in her expression?
Eighteen dancers dressed in white gauze already danced gracefully to the music. The tune was very cheerful. These eighteen women stood on two sides, with a lead dancer walking forward with small steps. She wore thin white gauze like the other eighteen, with no ornaments in her hair—only black hair flowing over shoulders, contrasting strikingly with the white clothes, incredibly beautiful. The lead dancer walked to center stage. The other eighteen women gathered in a semicircle behind her. The lead dancer extended her long sleeves, the other eighteen extending theirs in kind. White sleeves fluttered across the stage like celestial maidens dancing gracefully. They leapt at intervals, at times mimicking washing clothes, clearly depicting women washing silk by the stream. Then the white-clothed woman began singing. Her voice was melodious, like an oriole. Her voice sweet and clear, she sang a popular folk tune, quite harmoniously. Just then, flute music sounded nearby. Entering everyone’s sight was a man with ice-like skin and snow-white complexion in white robes.
The song told of a washerwoman parting from her lover. This flute music… Li Weiyang looked up to see Prince Jin Yuan Yong leaning against a table playing the flute. The piece, carrying both heartfelt joy and slight sorrow of parting, made listeners unable to extricate themselves. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but admire—she’d never heard anyone play this small jade flute so breathtakingly. This Prince Jin, born into imperial nobility, was so fresh and refined—clearly another rare flower.
Not far from Prince Jin sat Prince Qin Yuan Hong. His figure remained upright, the smile at his lips unchanged. He sat quietly, smiling faintly, as if watching someone else’s performance. Those deep, charming eyes like black sandalwood seemed to reflect complex messages. His such unruffled calm instead made Li Weiyang lightly curve her lips. Prince Qin and Prince Jin had always been close, close to the point of even exchanging concubines. So how did they view Empress Pei’s powerful position? Were they also using indulgence in song and dance to mask their ambitions?
Yuan Lie smiled, “What kind of person do you think this Prince Jin Yuan Yong is?”
Li Weiyang only smiled, “Hearing his flute music, he seems someone who doesn’t admire power or fame, indifferent to worldly gain. Last time, before everyone, he gave his beloved concubine to Prince Qin. First, their relationship is extraordinary. Second, it proves his kind heart—unwilling to let the principal wife persecute the woman he favored. If it were the former Tuoba Zhen, that concubine would likely have become dust long ago.”
Yuan Lie was cool, gentle yet lazy, “Prince Jin has always been proud and aloof, seeing no one as worthy, his martial skills also quite good. Yet all these years he’s never revealed himself. Now he always likes displaying before others an appearance of pure jade, untouched by mortal fire. In my view, ninety-nine percent is fake. Don’t let even you be deceived by him.”
Li Weiyang couldn’t help but sigh, “What qualification do you have to criticize others? Every time you cause trouble, you put on a gentle appearance. Who hides deeper than you?”
Yuan Lie couldn’t help but beam, “How so? Haven’t I always shown you my truest self?”
Li Weiyang couldn’t deny this point. Regardless of how he treated others, toward her he was wholehearted, even willing to bare his very heart. So she stopped teasing him, only saying lightly, “Which of the Yuexi princes sitting in this garden isn’t pretending? Which isn’t deeply hidden? This Prince Jin before us is indeed pure jade, not eating mortal food—just three parts truth, seven parts falsehood. Being in this quagmire, even high-above bodhisattvas cannot remain completely unstained.”
While they sang and danced here, at the princes’ seats sat another person—dressed in blue brocade, brows slanting into his temples, a pair of sharp eyes, a prominent nose, his face showing a smile yet not a smile, present yet absent. He raised his cup toward Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang returned a faint smile and nodded slightly.
Just then, Lady Guo’s gaze looked this way. Yuan Lie understood and said lightly, “I should return to my seat, or others will gossip.” In his heart, he hoped Li Weiyang would ask him to stay. But Li Weiyang only glanced at him lightly, “Go then.”
Yuan Lie’s eyes couldn’t help but flash with grievance. His beauty trap was completely wasted—the other party simply wasn’t moved. He could only return reluctantly to his seat. He hadn’t sat long before seeing Prince Jing Yuan Ying approaching with a cup. Yuan Ying smiled, “Prince Xu, let me toast you first. You won’t think I’m disturbing you?” All the princes had individual seats, so others couldn’t hear their conversation clearly. However, both these men currently enjoyed great prominence in Yuexi and were both pursuing Miss Guo, inevitably attracting much attention.
Yuan Lie smiled slightly, “Not disturbing. Drinking alone is boring anyway.”
Yuan Ying’s eyes revealed sharp light as he said casually, “Prince Xu never attended Crown Prince residence banquets before. Making an exception today—could there be some reason?”
Yuan Lie took a sip of fine wine and smiled, “Don’t you know why I’m here?”
Yuan Ying’s gaze grew cold, but no matter how threatening his look, Yuan Lie maintained his lazy appearance. Yuan Ying couldn’t help saying, “It seems regarding my cousin, Prince Xu is determined to succeed.”
Yuan Lie smiled faintly, “Since it’s fair competition, it’s simply a matter of ability. What? Does Prince Jing lack confidence?”
Prince Jing narrowed his eyes. This man before him appeared gentle on the surface but was deeply formidable at his core. Even more wonderfully, seeing him always produced an irrepressible excitement, an urgent impulse in his blood to cross swords with him. Yuan Ying sighed, “When evenly matched opponents meet, we should share a great cup.”
Yuan Lie sneered, curving his lips, and drained his cup.
Yuan Ying didn’t leave but sat down instead. He glanced at Yuan Lie, his gaze deepening as he said in a low voice, “Spring flowers compete in fragrance, five colors overshadow plain white. The zither still plays in the palace, yet new sounds replace the old! Mandarin ducks on brocade waters, trees in Han palaces—these things are new, while people of this world are blinded by lust without awakening! Red strings break, bright mirrors crack, morning dew fades, fragrant time ends. White-haired lament, sorrowful parting—strive to eat well and don’t think of this concubine. Brocade waters flow endlessly, with you I make final farewell.” After reciting this poem, he smiled faintly, “Prince Xu, what do you think of Princess Qixia’s Final Farewell poem?”
Yuan Lie raised his eyebrows and said coolly, “I don’t like poetry, but listening to it, the composer seems very sorrowful.”
Yuan Ying observed his expression, determining his composure was deliberate, and sneered, “Though a mournful parting tune, I find these verses fresh and clever, the artistic conception quietly free. Princess possessed not only devastating beauty but talent to match catkin-fluttering poets. Yet she met an early end—truly heartbreaking. That Princess Qixia was not only unrivaled in beauty but brilliantly talented. Neither Yuexi’s famous courtesan Xie Xiaolou nor any palace consort could rival her. However, she fell ill at a young age and lived long in the deep palace, so her beauty remained unknown. Later she married into the Cui family of Changling as prince consort. That consort was refined and cultured, talented in both civil and martial arts. Unfortunately, their relationship was poor. The Emperor, pitying the Princess, forced their divorce and brought the Princess back to the palace. Not long after, the Princess died of illness—truly pitiable, a generation’s peerless beauty. But though the beauty has passed, at least she left behind Final Farewell—still a consolation. What? Prince Xu hasn’t heard of this Princess’s deeds?”
Yuan Lie’s expression didn’t change, his voice showing no fluctuation, “Naturally I’ve heard of her. It’s just unfortunate I wasn’t born in time to personally witness Princess Qixia’s grace.”
Yuan Ying scoffed, “The Emperor greatly loved this imperial sister back then, but Empress Pei didn’t like her. Moreover, the palace had so many consorts jealous of her. The suffering the Princess endured in the palace probably couldn’t be told to outsiders. Perhaps even her death held other circumstances. Prince Xu, do you think I’m right or wrong?” His words implied Princess Qixia’s death was connected to Empress Pei.
After listening, Yuan Lie only gripped his cup and smiled, “Your Highness is truly a master storyteller. If you ever stop being a prince, you could become a professional storyteller.” But speaking to this point, he raised his eyes to look at the other party, his gaze sharp as an eagle or falcon, flickering with cold indifference, “Prince Jing, some things you’re better off not knowing. Be careful not to bring disaster upon yourself.”
Yuan Ying’s expression changed slightly, “What if I insist on investigating? What will you use to silence me?” Speaking to this point, he smiled slightly, “Of course, if you give up Guo Jia, this deal we can discuss slowly.”
Yuan Lie suddenly laughed, his smile extremely contemptuous. He said indifferently, “I heard Prince Jing gets along very well with those two Guo sons in the military. You grew up together—naturally your feelings are good. But you shouldn’t help them traffic military supplies.”
Hearing this, Yuan Ying’s gaze suddenly changed. He gripped his wine cup tightly and said coldly, “What nonsense are you spouting?”
Yuan Lie’s smile deepened, yet his tone was mild, “Am I wrong? I heard the Pei clan controls military supplies and is very wary of the Guo family. The military supplies sent are always short. To pacify the troops and consolidate power, Prince Jing actually took advantage of Dali’s drought, deliberately trading grain from southern Yuexi for a large quantity of military supplies and freely gave them to the Guo family army. Is this matter merely rumor?”
Yuan Ying’s gaze grew increasingly cold, flashing blood-red in his eyes—clearly struck at a painful point. He remained silent for a long time before finally smiling faintly, “It seems I truly underestimated you.”
Yuan Lie only smiled—killing without bloodshed, “The feeling is mutual. However, Prince Jing should know some people you shouldn’t touch.” Speaking thus, he said word by word, “I know Prince Jing has hidden considerable strength, but if you oppose me, don’t blame me for being merciless. Weiyang belongs to me. Whoever dares stand in my way has only one path—death.”
Yuan Ying was shocked by the killing intent emanating from him. After a moment, he suddenly laughed. His eyes deepened, his voice becoming low and slow, “It seems Prince Xu is very confident in facing me. Could you really become enemies with the entire Guo family?”
Yuan Lie looked toward Li Weiyang’s direction and smiled again. In that smile, something slowly solidified, “No matter what happens, as long as she stands beside me, what does it matter if I oppose the entire world?”