Here, the Crown Princess was entertaining the female family members when she saw a maidservant quickly walk in from outside the door. Although her expression appeared normal, her complexion was somewhat pale. She respectfully saluted the Crown Princess, then leaned close to her ear and said something. Separated by some distance, Li Weiyang could not hear what they said, yet she clearly observed the Crown Princess’s complexion subtly change. Within that hair as dark as clouds, the golden hairpin lightly swayed with her head-shaking motion. Though her face remained calm as ever, her eyes suppressed shock and anger. She rose and said to everyone, “Ladies, there is a matter in the front hall I must attend to. I will leave this place to Consort Lu.”

Consort Lu quickly rose in acknowledgment. The various wives watched the Crown Princess depart hurriedly with the maidservants at her side.

Li Weiyang smiled, a trace of faint cold light crossing her gaze as she said softly to Madam Guo, “Mother, I wonder what urgent matter the Crown Princess has, that she must leave in such haste.”

Madam Guo slightly narrowed her eyes, looking toward the direction of the Crown Princess’s departure, saying slowly, “Could it be the assassins from earlier—have they found other clues?”

Li Weiyang thought for a moment. The ice-cold chill in her eyes slowly transformed into a wind-like smile. That earlier wave of assassins was clearly arranged by the Crown Prince, deliberately performing a play before everyone. Naturally no flaws whatsoever could be found. How could any clue suddenly emerge? The Crown Princess’s departure would definitely not be for this matter. Then for what reason would she lose her composure, publicly abandoning the various female family members to leave in such haste? Moreover, Li Weiyang perceived the situation must be extremely urgent.

Not only them—the other people in the flower hall all had expressions of great puzzlement. Several of them gathered together, discussing in low voices. Consort Lu’s face remained composed, only revealing a reserved smile as she continued making desultory conversation with Madam Guo. Just at this moment, Zhao Yue walked in from outside the flower hall. She approached Li Weiyang’s ear and softly said a few words. Radiance flowed through Li Weiyang’s gaze, and she immediately laughed. She looked toward Consort Lu saying, “Consort Lu, I hear something has occurred in the front.”

Consort Lu still did not know exactly what had happened. She looked at Li Weiyang with much puzzlement. Seeing the other party’s expression did not seem false, Li Weiyang’s smile became even warmer, her mouth saying indifferently, “Not only has something occurred, it is also a major matter. The Crown Princess went precisely to handle it. How is it no one came to inform Consort Lu?” Her tone held several traces of subtlety, not easily detected.

Hearing her say this, Consort Lu’s pair of beautiful eyes carried three parts displeasure. Her brow slightly furrowed. She and the Crown Princess had maintained opposing positions in the Crown Prince Manor from the day they entered. If not for her concubine-born status, Consort Lu would absolutely not submit to the position of the Crown Prince’s secondary consort. Even so, she had not abandoned thoughts of contending with the Crown Princess. Just now the Crown Princess departed hurriedly without the slightest explanation. This made Consort Lu extremely displeased. Now hearing Li Weiyang say this, she forcefully suppressed the anger in her heart, barely managing to smile, “Miss Guo, since the Crown Princess rushed to handle it, surely everything will be properly managed. Miss Guo should peacefully remain in the guest hall drinking tea. It would be best not to move about casually.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, turning to look at the surrounding noble wives, “Ladies, do you not know? Just now a major incident occurred in the front courtyard. It seems a young lady from some household and someone from the Crown Prince Manor committed an illicit affair. Would everyone be interested in going to look?”

Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions changed. The various wives looked around, ensuring their own daughters were in this hall before their expressions relaxed somewhat. Then someone asked curiously, “Is this truly so?”

This question was directed at Consort Lu. Consort Lu was stunned, then said, “Such a thing surely would not occur.” Hearing these words, her heart was also greatly shaken. She had not expected Li Weiyang’s information to be so well-informed. Up to this moment she still knew nothing of this news. Just now Li Weiyang mentioned a young lady from some household—exactly whom was she speaking of? Having finished this sentence, she instinctively stood up. Seeing everyone’s gazes, she immediately realized this was improper and quickly smiled, “The Crown Princess will surely handle this matter well. Everyone need not worry.”

However, Consort Lu underestimated everyone’s nature for prying. When Li Weiyang finished that sentence, many wives began sitting restlessly, successively standing up saying, “We should still go look. Such a grave matter occurring at the Crown Prince Manor—we must go see!” “Yes, the Crown Princess is perhaps too young. Such a scandal should be handled cautiously!” “Let us all go together!” Having said this much, everyone all stood up, eagerly attempting to go outside. Consort Lu immediately stepped forward, yet could not block them. Her expression inevitably changed. Li Weiyang similarly helped Madam Guo rise, looking at Consort Lu with a slight smile, “Consort Lu, will you go look with us?”

Consort Lu glared at her fiercely, thinking if not for your meddling, how would so many people be alarmed? If the news were true, would this matter not become a laughingstock for the Crown Prince Manor? However, she did not know the Crown Prince’s plan, nor did she know this plan had already gone awry. She was just about to step forward to block everyone when Li Weiyang suddenly grasped her wrist, smiling warmly, “Consort Lu, today’s banquet was single-handedly organized by the Crown Princess, was it not?”

Consort Lu was stunned, her entire person freezing in place, momentarily speechless. Then she awakened with a start, looking at Li Weiyang thoughtfully, saying in an extremely low voice, “What do you mean by this?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was full of cool, laughing intent, “Even if something occurred, it was the Crown Princess who failed to arrange matters properly. What does Consort Lu need to worry about?”

Consort Lu stood rooted in place, a drop of cold sweat flowing down her forehead. She ultimately stopped her steps to prevent everyone, then looked deeply at Li Weiyang saying, “This hall is too stifling hot. I feel unwell and will not accompany everyone. Please proceed as you wish. I take my leave first.” Having said this, she actually turned and walked out supporting herself on a maidservant’s hand.

Madam Guo glanced at Consort Lu’s departing figure, sneering coldly, “She truly knows how to extricate herself. Later she need only say the Crown Princess was too flustered, abandoning everyone to leave hurriedly, which caused this news to spread everywhere. The Crown Prince fundamentally will not blame her.”

Li Weiyang only smiled faintly, “Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is also human nature. Mother, do you not wish to see the excitement in the front hall?”

Madam Guo’s face was full of smiles as she took her hand, “Let us go see exactly which family’s eldest daughter committed such a disgraceful act!”

Li Weiyang and Madam Guo arrived at that elegant room’s entrance and saw many maidservants and young servants already craning their necks at the doorway. She casually glanced at them, then walked in without the slightest pause. Within the elegant room, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess sat in order, all with ice-cold expressions. Though the elegant room was not large, it was packed full of people. Clearly all the guests who were not injured at the banquet had come here to watch the excitement.

Xiahou Yan knelt in the middle of the elegant room. Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows with a smile, then saw Yuan Lie and several other princes sitting to the side with indifferent expressions. Of course, though their faces showed shock, it could not compare to the Crown Prince’s unsightly appearance.

The Crown Prince said coldly, “Xiahou Yan, do you know your crime?” His voice was extremely stern, yet somehow sounded lacking in force, as if displaying fatigue after being provoked.

Xiahou Yan kowtowed, then raised his head to look at the Crown Prince’s countenance, “Crown Prince, investigate clearly—I have been wrongly accused. Even if you gave me a hundred times the courage, I would never dare be disrespectful to Miss Pei. Moreover, I have absolutely no reason to do such a thing.”

The Crown Prince was about to rage when Yuan Lie indifferently interjected, “Everyone knows Pei Bao’er is Yuexi’s foremost beauty. Seeing beauty and developing desire is your motive. The Pei family is also Yuexi’s premier aristocracy—clinging to the powerful is your objective. You still say there is no reason? How could there be no reason?”

Xiahou Yan abruptly raised his head, looking coldly at Yuan Lie, “I can swear to heaven—regarding this matter I truly knew nothing. Just now I merely emerged from the Crown Prince’s study, yet was inexplicably knocked unconscious and sent to this bed. I am innocent. I can swear to heaven!”

Yuan Lie’s face revealed a meaningful smile, “The Crown Prince Manor’s defenses are strict. Moreover, having just experienced a disturbance, the guards were coming and going even more frequently. Who could attack you before everyone’s eyes? Lord Xiahou, you need not sophistically argue further. You made arrangements in this elegant room early on—the aphrodisiac incense is your evidence. We can certainly request an imperial physician to verify what fragrance fills this room.”

Xiahou Yan’s expression changed as he quickly said, “I beg the Crown Prince to investigate clearly. I fundamentally know nothing about any aphrodisiac incense. None of this was done by me!” His heart had already reached the extreme of fury. Originally this trap was set to make Yuan Lie utterly disgraced, and also to force him to marry Pei Bao’er. As long as Pei Bao’er became Princess Xu, Yuan Lie would naturally part ways with the Guo family, possibly even turning hostile. With slight instigation, Guo Jia would inevitably have to marry Yuan Ying. Then, placing a young, beautiful, gentle, and considerate secondary consort in Yuan Ying’s manor, sowing discord from within to divide them, causing Yuan Ying to gradually grow cold and suspicious of Guo Jia—within a year, the Guo Manor would completely become estranged from Yuan Ying. That would truly be killing three birds with one stone.

Of course, implementing this stratagem would cause Pei Bao’er’s reputation to suffer some damage. However, Yuexi was not Dali. Here, princesses could openly keep male favorites, and wealthy noble ladies could also keep underground lovers. Pei Bao’er, as a distinguished young lady, having been humiliated by the lustful Prince Xu, while Prince Xu shouldered responsibility, would also bear all the blame. Moreover, Pei Bao’er was of noble birth, absolutely not someone who could be dismissed with a secondary consort or concubine title. Therefore, this stratagem was originally foolproof… He had just not expected he himself would become the protagonist in this storm—truly the world’s greatest absurdity.

At this time, the Crown Princess looked toward Pei Bao’er at the side, saying gently, “Miss Pei, what do you have to say?”

Pei Bao’er’s clothing was already properly worn, yet regrettably her collar had been dampened bit by bit by tears. The makeup on her face was also blurred into a mess. She looked toward the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, weeping uncontrollably, “I have been wrongly accused. I never imagined someone would commit such an act. I know nothing!” In fact, she knew everything and was willing to pay the price of her reputation to marry into Prince Xu’s manor. She was very confident in herself. She felt with her beauty and talents, one day she could move Prince Xu’s heart. She had just not expected this matter to go awry midway! What was Xiahou Yan? Only a sixth-rank official. What concept was sixth rank?

She, Pei Bao’er, possessed such status, such nobility! If not for being born two years too late, the Crown Princess position would also have been easily within reach. Those princely nobles were hers to choose as she pleased. How could she possibly marry a mere sixth-rank official? Moreover, this Xiahou Yan was only a Crown Prince Manor advisor. The Pei family had carefully cultivated her all these years, yet she married such a man—would not the entire Pei family become a laughingstock?

Yuan Lie looked at her indifferently, “Miss Pei, if you say you knew nothing of this matter, I believe you. However, if you say you were completely without interest in Xiahou Yan, speaking it aloud I fear no one would believe it! If not for you actively entering this room, how could he have gotten near you, how could he have set up aphrodisiac incense to entrap you?” In reality, Yuan Lie had long known that when Imperial Physician Jiang was applying medicine to his arm, he used an aphrodisiac substance, which made his body go soft. If not for his deep suspicions and early precautions, he truly would have fallen into their trap.

Hearing him say this, Pei Bao’er’s entire body trembled. She was so angry she could not complete her words, repeatedly saying, “I do not know. I know nothing. I am innocent. I have been framed.” Having said this, as if remembering something, she looked toward Pei Zhen full of hope, “Elder sister, you must testify for me. I clearly only twisted my ankle and wanted to rest in the elegant room. You told me to wait here for you, did you not?”

Pei Zhen quickly testified, “Correct! Correct! Bao’er only twisted her ankle. I went to request help for her. I never expected…” Her words stopped halfway, not knowing how to continue. In reality, she also greatly disliked Pei Bao’er’s spoiled nature. Originally being concubine-born, she could not compare to Pei Bao’er in the household and truly harbored three parts jealousy. However, given the current situation, regardless of anything, for the Pei family’s reputation she must find ways to protect Pei Bao’er. Thinking of this, she continued, “I left for barely half a moment. How could Xiahou Yan have drugged Bao’er? Someone in this definitely tampered with things. I beg the Crown Prince Your Highness to investigate strictly and restore my younger sister’s innocence.”

The Crown Prince did not speak. His eyes flashed as he looked toward Yuan Lie. Yuan Lie, seeing his gaze, laughed coldly, only saying in a leisurely tone, “Miss Pei Zhen, today the one who discovered all this was none other than you. Now you speak incessantly defending your younger sister—is this not self-contradictory?”

Pei Zhen stammered in defense, “I, I also did not know such a thing would occur.” At that time, that maidservant without thinking walked forward to lift that curtain. If she had known earlier she would see that scene, she would rather have died than entered!

Yuan Lie’s smile held no contempt or mockery, yet in the Crown Prince’s eyes, this smile was undoubtedly full of sarcasm, “Crown Prince Your Highness, at this point investigating strictly would be useless. In my view, since they ended up sleeping together anyway, they are ultimately a pair of fated mandarin ducks. Why not fulfill them? The Crown Prince Manor and Pei family would thus be united through marriage, would they not!”

Li Weiyang glanced at Yuan Lie, lowering her lashes to conceal the laughter in her eyes. By this time she already understood everything. Presumably this Pei Bao’er had attempted to scheme against Yuan Lie, yet was schemed against by Yuan Lie instead.

Hearing these words, Pei Bao’er’s eyes, already greatly widened, became even larger from shock. She immediately disregarded propriety, crawling forward several steps to forcefully grasp the Crown Princess’s hem. Her knuckles had almost faintly turned white, “Crown Princess, no! I do not want this! I will not marry him. What is he? What is he!” Her voice was extremely shrill, simply enraged to the extreme! In her view, marrying Xiahou Yan was worse than death!

Her words barely finished when Xiahou Yan’s heart turned cold. He immediately said, “Crown Prince Your Highness, before this matter is investigated clearly, we absolutely cannot wrongly accuse Miss Pei and myself. This matter concerns not only Miss Pei’s reputation but also the Pei family. How can a decision be made lightly? Prince Xu speaking thus is clearly deliberately placing me in an unjust position!”

Yuan Ying at the side, hearing this, smiled slightly on his handsome face, “Why must Lord Xiahou speak such words? Marrying Miss Pei is a tremendously fortunate matter, most helpful for your meteoric rise!”

Xiahou Yan’s face was iron-blue. He was not a fool. How could he not know his own status? How could he match the Pei family? The Pei family likely could not endure this marriage. The moment they agreed, they would turn around and send someone to kill him. Then he would truly be drawing water with a bamboo basket—a complete waste, losing both the wife and the soldiers.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, her eyes seeming to contain quicksilver, meaning flowing and turning. Pei Bao’er was just about to turn and beg others when she saw Li Weiyang. Her expression immediately changed drastically. Completely losing composure, she shouted loudly at her, “It must be you! You framed me!”

Everyone’s gazes fell on Li Weiyang, yet they saw her reveal an expression seeming smiling yet not. Yuan Lie’s gaze lightly touched Li Weiyang’s, then separated as he laughed carelessly, “Miss Pei is truly an interesting person. Caught in adultery on the spot yet still has time to implicate Miss Guo. I ask you, when the incident occurred, where was Miss Guo?”

Li Weiyang only smiled. She looked toward the various wives at her side, saying indifferently, “I was naturally with everyone.” Thus many people at the side, unable to stand Pei Bao’er’s casual accusations, spoke up to testify for Li Weiyang, “Yes, when the incident occurred, Miss Guo was together with all of us. She never once left.”

The Guo family people, hearing this, all smiled knowingly. They already understood clearly—in reality, the person Pei Bao’er truly wanted to entrap was someone else. She had merely failed… Of course, whether Pei Bao’er or Xiahou Yan, neither dared shake out the matter of entrapping Yuan Lie. Framing a member of the imperial family—this crime would absolutely not be light. How could Pei Bao’er speak the truth? Therefore, she could only desperately cling to Li Weiyang, wanting to drag her into the filth together! Regrettably, when the incident occurred, Li Weiyang had very sufficient proof of absence.

The Crown Princess looked toward the Crown Prince with difficulty, seeing him slightly lower his eyes in a thoughtful appearance. However, she was accustomed to seeing his expression and instinctively glanced at his left hand. The Crown Prince’s left hand thumb and index finger were slightly pinching together, as if rubbing. The Crown Princess was very familiar with this—whenever the Crown Prince wanted to kill someone, he would make this small gesture. She glanced at the ceaselessly weeping Pei Bao’er, indifferently pushing away her hand, her tone cold, “Miss Pei, matters have reached this point. I advise you to accept your fate. Quickly have the Pei family discuss marriage matters. Do not let things become unmanageable!”

Pei Bao’er looked incredulously at the Crown Prince, then at the Crown Princess. The hair at her temples was already disheveled beyond measure. Beneath her eyes were dark circles. The rouge on her cheeks had long since been washed away by tears. That exquisitely beautiful countenance had become so wretched. She murmured, “You, you all actually will not help me! You actually…” Her words were not yet finished when she heard the Crown Prince say with an indifferent expression, “Miss Pei, regarding all matters, one must weigh them carefully. Think clearly before speaking.”

With these words, Pei Bao’er shuddered. She suddenly realized she could say nothing. If she spoke, the Crown Prince would surely kill her. Her heart contracted fiercely. Her fingers trembled violently, her nails involuntarily digging into her palms! She had clearly been so close to success—only one step away, yet it fell through at the last moment! It was all Guo Jia, all Yuan Lie! They joined hands to harm her, forcing her to marry a sixth-rank petty official, also causing her reputation to be utterly destroyed. For the rest of her life she would be unable to hold up her head, becoming an object of everyone’s ridicule.

She suddenly screamed, abruptly standing up and shouting loudly, “No, I will not. I absolutely will not marry Xiahou Yan! He is unworthy of me. I should marry the realm’s most outstanding man! Everything today was originally someone else framing me. I absolutely will not obediently comply!” Having said this, she suddenly turned to glare at Li Weiyang, pointing at her, “It is all you. You harmed me. You designed all this! You envy my beauty, deliberately persecuting me!” Having said this, disregarding everything else, she suddenly threw herself at the Crown Prince’s side, shouting loudly, “Crown Prince Your Highness, Guo Jia wants to eliminate me, so she did this. Crown Prince Your Highness, you must save me, must save me. I will not marry him. I absolutely will not marry him!” She shouted herself hoarse.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. Originally she thought Pei Bao’er was an intelligent woman. However, seeing now, she was not only muddled but muddled to an extreme degree, actually agreeing to the Crown Prince Your Highness to do such a thing. One could know with a thought—not only would it destroy her reputation, even if she truly married into Prince Xu’s manor, having been framed by her thus, how could Yuan Lie not hate her thoroughly? At that time, what good days would she have? Speaking of it, Pei Bao’er’s heart understood everything clearly. However, her obsession caused her to make this crazed decision. She believed every man in this world would circle around her skirts. Yuan Lie happened to completely ignore her, so she became so resolute.

The Crown Prince averted his eyes, as if not seeing Pei Bao’er’s tearful appearance. Seeing begging him was useless, Pei Bao’er actually turned to throw herself at Yuan Lie, saying miserably, “Prince Xu, today’s matter is my fault, yet I was also framed by someone. You know I would absolutely never commit such scandalous acts!” Having said this, her pair of beautiful eyes flashing with tears looked toward Yuan Lie. Clearly she intended to make him believe she had not participated in the Crown Prince’s conspiracy, to arouse his tender feelings toward women. Having said this, she continued begging ceaselessly, tears flowing down, dropping bit by bit to the ground. She appeared extremely pitiable.

Prince Jin at the side sighed, “Miss Pei, are you truly unwilling to marry Xiahou Yan?” Pei Bao’er glanced at Prince Jin, resolutely refusing, “I naturally am unwilling!” Prince Jin glanced at Yuan Lie, his tone extremely regretful, “Given today’s situation, if you insist on refusing to marry Xiahou Yan, then there is only…”

His words were not yet finished when Yuan Lie said coldly, “Only two paths. One is you commit suicide to preserve your honor. Two is you shave your head to become a nun, constantly accompanying green lamps and ancient Buddhas.” Having said this sentence, he clearly saw Pei Bao’er’s complexion change. The corners of Yuan Lie’s mouth curved up in a trace of shallow smile, then said coldly, “Compared to death and becoming a nun, marrying Lord Xiahou is actually quite a good choice—after all, he is a person of considerable talent.”

Pei Bao’er’s eyes widened in terror. Just now her complexion still carried a trace of hope. Now it slowly turned deathly gray. She should have thought of it—everything was Yuan Lie’s design. She still thought her tears could move him. This man was completely iron-hearted, too malicious! She trembled as she spoke, “I never imagined you all would be so heartless, sentence after sentence helping Guo Jia. What is so good about her that you all help her!” Having said this, she stood up, no longer displaying that earlier sorrowful state, saying resolutely, “Since this is so, I might as well die cleanly. I beg Crown Prince Your Highness to order my strangulation. In any case, having been wrongly accused to this extent, I no longer wish to live!” Ultimately she could not help but weep aloud in lost voice.

Seeing this farce, a vein faintly bulged on the Crown Prince’s forehead. He had not expected what was originally a fine play aimed at Guo Jia and Yuan Lie would end thus. Although Xiahou Yan was a talented person, he was after all of humble birth. In those years, passing the imperial examination from a poor family was already extremely difficult. Regrettably, no matter how hard he tried, he had no way to distinguish himself in Dayue’s officialdom that emphasized family background. Therefore, he took advantage of the three years of mourning to leave officialdom, changing his identity to enter the Crown Prince Manor. As long as he could assist the Crown Prince in smoothly ascending the throne, becoming someone close to the Crown Prince, naturally he would have a foothold in the court in the future. Even the position of Prime Minister was not beyond expectation—this was Xiahou Yan’s path to advancement!

However, if he married Pei Bao’er, this matter would become troublesome. The Pei family would absolutely not tolerate such a humbly born man with only a sixth-rank official position becoming the Pei family’s son-in-law. Awaiting Xiahou Yan would only be a dead end. The Crown Prince could not help but feel great regret for this strategist he greatly favored. However, having reached this point, what could he do? He could only say, “Miss Pei, please request Lord Pei to come discuss marriage matters.”

Pei Bao’er had not expected that no matter how she made a scene, the response was always the same sentence. She could not help but look around. Regrettably, this time her father, leading four elder brothers, was at his post. Her uncle, due to claiming illness at home, also did not attend the banquet. At the entire banquet, from the Pei family there were only herself and Pei Zhen. Pei Zhen by now was already submissive, her complexion pale, unable to speak a single word. Now, what should she do?

Just as she was about to despair, a young man suddenly strode in from outside. He wore a robe of blue brocade, a jade pendant hanging at his waist. His form was tall and slender, his countenance handsome, his eyes like cold stars. In his gestures and movements he displayed ease and elegance, his glances spirited and flying. He smiled as he looked toward everyone, yet his gaze did not linger on Pei Bao’er.

Advancing to the hall front, his long sleeves lightly swept as he performed a bow toward the Crown Prince, “Crown Prince Your Highness, Pei Hui was discourteous.” Seeing it was him, the Crown Prince’s expression immediately showed delight as he quickly stood, “So Young Master Pei has returned.” Li Weiyang looked toward this man called Pei Hui, her gaze subtly changing. Empress Pei had two elder brothers. The eldest was called Pei Yuan, commanding military authority over three hundred thousand troops, enfeoffed as Duke Zhuguo. Having only one daughter named Pei Mian, with no sons, he adopted his second household’s eldest son Pei Bi as the primary household’s eldest grandson. Empress Pei’s second elder brother was called Pei Fan. Pei Fan had five sons and two daughters total. The eldest son was adopted to the primary household. The remaining four sons were named Pei Hui, Pei Xian, Pei Bai, and Pei Yang. The two daughters were called Pei Zhen and Pei Bao’er. The handsome young man before her eyes was Pei Fan’s second son, Pei Hui. Seeing it was him, Pei Bao’er’s heart filled with wild joy. Without thinking, she immediately threw herself over, “Second brother, you must save me!”

Pei Hui looked at her indifferently, his face smiling slightly, “You are the Pei family’s daughter. How can you be so discourteous before everyone? Quickly wipe away your tears and go freshen up!”

Pei Bao’er was stunned, then looked toward Pei Hui, just about to say something when she saw Pei Zhen walk forward to support her, “Younger sister, just do as second brother says.” Pei Bao’er still wanted to speak, yet Pei Hui had already turned away his eyes, clearly no longer paying her attention. At the side, someone had already moved over a chair, yet Pei Hui did not sit. He only looked toward the Crown Prince, “Crown Prince Your Highness, I just arrived at the manor when someone already informed me of everything. Given the current situation, I wonder what Your Highness intends?”

The Crown Prince glanced at Pei Hui, “This matter is truly difficult to handle. According to what Prince Xu said, Miss Pei should marry Xiahou Yan to preserve her honor.” In reality, where did Pei Bao’er have any honor left to speak of? This matter would only make her a laughingstock throughout the entire capital.

Li Weiyang laughed coldly, glancing at that Pei Hui. They said this Young Master Pei possessed deep schemes, advancing step by step. Then, how would he resolve this matter?

Pei Hui smiled faintly. Pei Bao’er was their Pei family’s treasure, also the most important chess piece for the future. Regrettably, beautiful women often lacked brains. She was actually deceived by the Crown Prince’s few words, actively running to offer herself to Yuan Lie. This matter would only bring shame to the Pei family! However, at present he could not well display these thoughts. He only smiled slightly, “I wonder if Crown Prince Your Highness could allow me to discuss matters privately with Lord Xiahou.”

The Crown Prince was stunned, then looked toward Xiahou Yan. Xiahou Yan also looked at Pei Hui uncomprehendingly. Pei Hui looked at him, his smile extremely indifferent, “Lord Xiahou need not worry. I have no other meaning, merely wishing to understand in detail everything that occurred today, also to make a decision.”

The Crown Prince looked toward Pei Hui, naturally nodding, “Good, this is not any difficult matter! Someone, set aside a separate room for Young Master Pei and Lord Xiahou to discuss privately.”

Yuan Lie, however, indifferently appraised Pei Hui, his gaze extremely calm, “This matter has already been witnessed by everyone. Yet I wonder what Young Master Pei still needs to discuss.”

Pei Hui similarly looked at Yuan Lie, his gaze subtly moving. That pair of profound eyes seemed to conceal ice, slowly saying, “In all matters one cannot only look at the surface, nor only listen to one side. Even if truly marrying, it should be properly discussed! Why must Prince Xu be so hasty? It rather appears you have ulterior motives!”

Yuan Lie leaned back against his seat, relaxing body and mind, laughing meaningfully, “Since this is so, Young Master Pei, please proceed as you wish.” In reality, Yuan Lie also very much wanted to know what the other party would do. Given the current situation, there was no way to turn things around. If Pei Bao’er did not want to marry Xiahou Yan, she only had two paths—either become a nun or commit suicide. Even if Pei Hui possessed supernatural powers, he had no way to create a third path! Pei Hui wanting to discuss privately with Xiahou Yan perhaps intended to find some evidence. However, Yuan Lie had great confidence in his subordinates. He absolutely would not leave any handle in the other party’s hands.

Pei Hui and Xiahou Yan left separately. Yuan Lie drank a sip of tea, yet heard Yuan Ying at the side say, “This Young Master Pei is famously cunning with many stratagems and unscrupulous methods. You must not be careless.”

Yuan Lie smiled slightly, “No harm. I merely wish to know what other kind of people the Pei family possesses.”

Yuan Ying curved his lips, his expression seeming smiling yet not, “Very soon you will know. They will not so simply walk the path you paved.”

Yuan Lie’s expression was exceptionally composed, thus appearing somewhat cold. He made no response to Yuan Ying’s words. He only looked toward Li Weiyang, smiling slightly. In reality, he did not care whether Pei Bao’er could wash away this reputation. He merely wanted to make the Pei family people uncomfortable. Of course, Yuan Ying himself was someone with a loyal exterior but venomous interior. For him to evaluate Pei Hui thus showed the other party was definitely not a simple figure.

From the moment Li Weiyang saw Pei Hui, she had been closely watching the movements in the hall. Now seeing Pei Hui depart leading Xiahou Yan away, Li Weiyang’s gaze fell on those mournfully weeping maidservants over there. Then she lowered her gaze. In this matter, Yuan Lie had likely employed many stratagems. If Pei Bao’er truly married Xiahou Yan, the Pei family would not only become estranged from the Crown Prince—even that Pei Zhen returning home would absolutely have no good outcome. Yuan Lie’s methods were truly extremely vicious. However, this was also returning tooth for tooth, eye for eye! Pei Bao’er had truly brought this upon herself. Before long, she saw that Young Master Pei quickly walk in, moving like flowing clouds, his expression seeming smiling yet not. When passing by Li Weiyang’s side, he seemed to casually glance at her. That smile appeared amiable upon observation, yet his eyes were cold as frost, cold as sharp blades.

Li Weiyang’s expression was extremely indifferent, as if not at all caring the other party revealed such hostility. In reality, Pei Hui standing prominently already possessed great imposing power. Within this composed temperament, he faintly gave one a sense of commanding thousands of troops with ease and poise. Such bearing—Li Weiyang had previously seen on Duke Jiang’s person as well. It appeared this Pei Hui was also a great general. Then, how would he handle today’s matter? Could he turn things around for Pei Bao’er?

The Crown Prince also looked at Pei Hui with slight worry. He had always known this Pei Hui was a clever and formidable figure, yet did not know exactly how formidable. Perhaps in military campaigns he was very capable, but regarding such matters of scheming and plotting, moreover with all eyes watching, turning things around would be difficult.

He only heard Pei Hui slowly say, “My younger sister need not marry Xiahou Yan, nor need commit suicide or become a nun.”

Yuan Lie’s eyes narrowed slightly as he smiled faintly, “Oh? In this world there still exists a method requiring no trouble that can preserve honor? According to Young Master Pei’s words, what other path exists for her to walk?”

Pei Hui sneered coldly, “Even if this Lord Xiahou wished to marry, it would be beyond salvation.” Hearing these words, Prince Jing Yuan Ying could not help but look at the other party. A thought suddenly flashed through his mind. He slowly straightened his body, his tone carrying three parts doubt, “I wonder what Young Master Pei means by these words.”

Pei Hui smiled and said, “Because both of them were framed by someone. As for Lord Xiahou, would a castrated person develop thoughts of forced violation?”

“Ah? A eunuch?” The Crown Prince was greatly shocked, staring dumbstruck at the other party.

Pei Hui’s expression remained unchanged as he continued, “In reality, I did not wish to reveal this matter. However, if some things are not spoken, would it not create a tremendous misunderstanding, allowing that person behind the scenes to secretly rejoice?” Having said this, his tone was extremely regretful, “Lord Xiahou would not humiliate my younger sister. There can be no private affair between them, because as early as a year ago, Lord Xiahou was once injured. He long ago became like a eunuch, having no ability to marry and bear children, nor would he approach women! Today’s situation was clearly someone deliberately framing him and wrongly accusing my younger sister.”

Hearing this sentence, everyone’s expressions in the elegant room changed. Li Weiyang, however, smiled slightly. Her pair of eyes like the starry river fixed on the person before her. This Young Master Pei was truly interesting, actually thinking of such a path.

The entire hall fell silent. Only Pei Hui could be heard saying indifferently, “If everyone does not believe it, you may certainly investigate. That Lord Xiahou truly lacks the ability to marry and bear children. Of course, regarding such matters, I feel it best not to go too far, at least leaving him some dignity. Simply requesting two imperial physicians to verify—would this not provide proof?”

No one had expected this play would have twists and turns. Just when Pei Bao’er was about to marry Xiahou Yan, suddenly Pei Hui would speak such words. For a moment they looked at each other in bewilderment. No matter how clever they were, they could not have imagined that Xiahou Yan would actually be a eunuch, much less expected this secret to explode at such a time.

However, Pei Hui’s words still rang in their ears. Whether they believed or not was beyond their control. Those with sharp, agile minds thought further: Just now this Young Master Pei went to privately discuss with Xiahou Yan—it was likely not as simple as stated on the surface. Li Weiyang thought even further ahead—just now this Young Master Pei’s departure was likely to persuade Xiahou Yan to castrate himself with a blade. Ha, this matter was truly laughable. However, for Pei Hui to think of such a vicious idea showed he was no benevolent person, and moreover, extremely “transcendent,” worthy of being called supreme among villains.

Yuan Lie was stunned, then laughed. The smile on his face was extremely elegant, his voice not loud yet allowing each person to hear clearly, “Oh? Since he long ago became a eunuch, why has he never mentioned it before?”

Pei Hui could not help but glance at him. His eyes emitted a kind of cold cruelty, still faintly revealing a trace of disgust, slowly saying, “How could such matters be proclaimed for all to know? If not for me explaining righteousness to him just now, he would not have revealed this secret. Of course, if Prince Xu does not believe it, you may certainly verify it together with the imperial physicians.” Before everyone could react, he added, “You surely would not think I would bribe imperial physicians to lie to everyone.”

Right now that Xiahou Yan was likely truly a eunuch, only castrated a year ago versus just now having acted—these were naturally different. However, who would care? What everyone wanted was merely a result, an opportunity for Pei Bao’er to step down. Having reached this point, even Li Weiyang could not help but admire this Young Master Pei’s ruthlessness of thought, viciousness of methods, and swiftness of reaction. He was indeed a figure of extremely unfathomable scheming.

Just at this time, Pei Hui looked toward Li Weiyang, his gaze seeming to reveal a trace of cold laughter.