Just then, Zhao Yue quickly walked into the tent and reported softly to Li Weiyang: “Miss, the master just sent someone to report, requesting you go see him.”

Li Weiyang smiled, then looked at Guo Cheng beside her and said: “Third brother, I must go see Father first. I’ll be back soon.”

Guo Cheng’s face showed a trace of rare worry. Looking at Li Weiyang with a hesitant expression, he said: “Jia’er, Father has never approved of us proactively attacking the Pei family. This matter…” He said half his words, clearly worried Li Weiyang would receive Duke Qi’s punishment.

Li Weiyang merely smiled lightly, her tone without the slightest tension: “What must come will eventually come. I devised this plan—if Father wants to punish someone, let him punish only me.” Regardless of how Duke Qi viewed it, she was determined to deal with the Pei family. Moreover, she didn’t approve of the Guo family’s previous slow-moving tactics. If they truly waited for the Pei family to automatically perish in clan struggles, they’d probably wait until the world grew old. Li Weiyang considered herself a patient person, but she didn’t want to spend decades before taking revenge. So it was better to speak some things clearly. Thinking this, she stood up and smiled slightly at everyone: “I’ll go first.” Finishing, she left the tent with Zhao Yue.

Guo Dun’s face showed a trace of unease. He looked at Guo Cheng: “Third brother, should we also follow and see?”

Guo Cheng thought for a moment and shook his head: “Since Father only said he wanted to see Jia’er alone, if we follow, he won’t be pleased. We’d instead implicate Jia’er.”

Guo Dun couldn’t help but feel angry: “Father keeps telling us to be patient. Haven’t we been patient enough all these years? Must we really wait until the Guo family is completely destroyed by the Pei family before our time is up? We struck first—what’s wrong with that! In my opinion, Father is too cautious. I don’t want to be a coward my whole life!”

A son should not speak of his father’s faults! Guo Cheng’s expression changed as he rebuked: “Father manages the entire Guo clan. His every move requires thousands of deliberations and considerations—naturally he’s different from people like us. There are countless people depending on the Guo family’s protection for their livelihood! If one day you become family head, only then will you understand his thinking. The greater the responsibility, the more concerns—that’s the principle.”

Guo Dun couldn’t help but retort sarcastically: “If that’s the case, being family head truly has no meaning.”

Guo Dao no longer looked at them, instead lowering his head with a thoughtful expression. Then he stood up and quickly walked outside. Guo Cheng hurriedly stopped him: “Where are you going!”

“Regardless of whether you want to go, I must go hear what Father says!” Guo Dao was very worried. He knew Li Weiyang wasn’t his biological sister—what if Father became angry and changed his original intentions? He was unwilling to take such a great risk.

At this moment, Li Weiyang had already entered Duke Qi’s tent. Upon entering, she saw Guo Su was writing something with a brush. She paused slightly, then proactively stepped forward to bow: “Jia’er greets Father.”

Duke Qi’s brush didn’t pause. After a moment, he said indifferently: “Is everything finished?” He didn’t specify what matter, but Li Weiyang already knew what he meant. She smiled slightly: “Yes.”

Duke Qi continued: “Was that Pei Xian also executed?”

Li Weiyang nodded gently, her voice melodious and soft: “Yes.”

Duke Qi sighed and continued writing his letter. Then he spoke slowly: “Jia’er, since you entered the Guo manor, there’s been a question I’ve never asked you.”

Li Weiyang listened silently without pressing, her face merely calm, quietly waiting for Duke Qi to continue. Guo Su spoke unhurriedly: “Why exactly did you come to the capital?” Saying this clearly meant he no longer believed Li Weiyang came only to find someone. Speaking of deception, Li Weiyang couldn’t quite be accused of that—she merely selectively revealed information she could share. But at this point, some things should be clarified. So she smiled faintly and answered honestly: “To take revenge.”

Duke Qi froze upon hearing this, but his brush didn’t pause. He finally finished the last stroke before stopping and saying: “Who is your enemy?”

Li Weiyang sighed slightly: “Empress Pei.”

Duke Qi raised his head to look at Li Weiyang. His gaze held a faintly intimidating power, yet was indescribably steady. Clearly, he had already anticipated this answer. Obviously, from the day Li Weiyang entered the Guo manor, she had been strategizing step by step, meticulously planning against the Pei family without a moment’s pause. He had already guessed that Li Weiyang’s fundamental purpose in entering the capital was revenge! And her enemy was Empress Pei! For this very reason, she devised this scheme to catch the Pei family people in one net. If not for deep blood hatred, why would she go this far? Duke Qi thought for a moment, then asked: “I heard you originally had a birth mother, and the Li family still has an old madam.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was warm. She had long guessed Duke Qi investigated her background. Moreover, there was nothing to hide about these matters. She nodded: “Correct. Because when I was in Dali, I had a dispute with Empress Pei’s beloved daughter Princess Lin’an, Empress Pei sent people to kill my family. My younger brother also became a foolish child, only gradually recovering now. Tell me, can I not avenge such hatred?”

Duke Qi didn’t speak for a long time. He stared fixedly at Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang didn’t avoid his gaze either. Her eyes were very calm, completely unlike a girl of this age. Duke Qi paused for a moment, his voice faintly carrying over: “I know you’re eager for revenge, but you made a mistake in this matter.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows slightly: “Dare I ask Father, where did I go wrong?”

Duke Qi no longer looked at her, only quickly folding that letter, then placing it in an envelope and writing “For Madam’s Eyes Only” on the envelope—clearly written to Madam Guo. He set down the letter before speaking: “Let me ask you, do you know what kind of person the current Emperor is?”

Li Weiyang recalled briefly and answered: “He ascended the throne from adversity, obtained the Pei clan’s support, executed his enemies in one stroke, and finally ascended to the throne. These past decades, he’s tried every means to maintain balance among the great aristocratic families, to the point of turning a blind eye to Empress Pei and the Pei clan’s various actions. But in my view, if he’s not terminally ill, he’s insane. Rather than saying he’s waiting for an opportunity to execute the Pei clan, it’s better to say he hopes to see an even more chaotic situation.” When water is too clear, there are no fish. The murkier the water, the more interesting it becomes. If the water isn’t murky enough, the Emperor will personally stir it up.

Duke Qi froze. He hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to evaluate the Emperor this way. Fortunately, only the two of them were in this tent, and outside were Guo family guards—these words would absolutely never spread. Otherwise, it would be a crime worthy of exterminating nine generations. This girl truly dared say anything! Duke Qi put away his smile, his face grave as water: “Then how do you view the ten great aristocratic families in the capital?”

Why would he ask such a question at this time? Li Weiyang pondered for a moment and answered: “I haven’t been in the capital long. I’ve only vaguely heard some rumors about Yuexi’s ten great families. The Pei clan is the first great family and has been confronting us for a long time—we’ll set them aside for now. The second great family is the Zhou clan. Marquis Chengtinghou Zhou Zhen is very shrewd and calculating, but this person is slightly lacking in tolerance, often severely reprimanding subordinates. Worth noting is that he controls one hundred thousand Capital Guards. Zhou Zhen’s younger sister is Consort Zhou Shu. Though not especially favored in the palace, her position is also very detached, rarely participating in court struggles. And Zhou Zhen naturally secretly supports Prince Qin.”

“The third family is the Chen clan. They’ve been officials for generations, accustomed to giving orders and being superior. The Chen clan are mainly civil officials. Those supporting them in court are mostly of the refined noble class, so in terms of influence, they’re still slightly inferior to our Guo manor. To maintain balance, the Emperor specially made the Chen family’s daughter an Imperial Consort. The Guo and Chen families have always been on good terms, thus supporting each other and jointly opposing the Pei clan. But currently the Chen clan’s leading figure Chen Shang is overly refined and dignified, acting somewhat pedantically. Our two families are bound together through marriage—though temporarily stable, it may not remain peaceful long-term. Next is the Cui clan—one family has produced twenty-three prime ministers. The Cui clan’s patriarch Cui Guang lives reclusively, rarely interacting with others except for court attendance. But the Cui family has substantial strength and deep family roots. His daughter was made Crown Princess. The Cui clan’s power cannot be underestimated.”

“Continue.” Duke Qi nodded.

“Then there’s the Lu clan. Since ancient times, there’s been the saying ‘From ancient times, Youyan has no equal, under heaven Fanyang is the foremost surname.’ The Fanyang Lu clan seventy years ago was already a famous family. I don’t know much about the Lu clan. The only one I’ve met is Crown Prince’s Side Consort Lu Shuang. Judging from her character, the Lu clan is probably also ambitious and not to be underestimated. After that is the overthrown Hu clan—not worth mentioning, just a group of short-sighted people.”

Li Weiyang paused here, then smiled: “Below is the Wang family, as illustrious as the Guo family. At the top is Wang Gong who serves as both Grand Preceptor and Great General, below is Minister of Personnel Wang Yu, internally there’s Grand Secretary of Huagai Hall Wang Jun, externally there’s General Pacifying the East Wang Qiong. These people are all shrewd and capable, and all appear extremely loyal to the Emperor, never participating in factional struggles, thus always valued by the imperial family. More importantly, none of their Wang clan daughters have married into the imperial family. This shows they’ve long decided to remain neutral in the succession struggle. No matter who becomes Emperor, it has nothing to do with the Wang clan. On the surface, the Wang family and the Lu clan I just mentioned have similar approaches, but the Lu clan has already been dragged into the water by the Crown Prince. The Wang family has a sense of ‘let the wind and rain beat down, I remain unmoved.'”

“Next is the Ge family clan led by Marquis Anguo. Besides Imperial Consort Ge Li, the family’s connections are very ordinary. Though I haven’t been in the capital long, I’ve already heard their influence in the capital hasn’t developed much. Everyone says the Ge clan only rose to power relying on Imperial Consort Ge Li, but I’ve noticed the Emperor takes great care of Marquis Anguo. I’ve heard that in the palace, Imperial Consort Ge Li is the only one who can frequently enter the imperial study. I don’t know the reason, so I think the Ge family is worth noting. As for the last family, the Xiao clan—besides Prime Minister Xiao Wang, there are also three sons Xiao Liang, Xiao Xian, and Xiao Yao. These people are all replacements for the prime minister, firmly holding the prime minister position without letting go, yet are low-key and restrained, acting steadily and impartially. So they’ve gradually replaced the Cui family’s generations of prime ministers, becoming the Cui family’s mortal enemy. Though I haven’t met them, their power is equally remarkable.” Li Weiyang spoke at length, clearly understanding all ten great families in the capital, and her words were quite reasonable.

Duke Qi looked at her smile, his gaze deepening. He spoke: “What about the Guo family?”

Li Weiyang froze. She hadn’t expected Duke Qi to ask this question. She glanced at Duke Qi, her expression enigmatic: “Does Father want to hear the truth or lies?”

Duke Qi said: “How would the truth sound, and how the lies?”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Lies would naturally sound very good. Father is the Guo family’s leading figure—you’re brave and skilled in battle, intelligent and capable, steady and measured. Presumably under your leadership, our Guo clan will become even more prosperous and stand unshakeable.”

Duke Qi laughed and waved his hand: “Hearing you say this makes my heart uncomfortable. I’ve heard too many lies over the years. You should speak the truth!”

Li Weiyang smiled. She had long anticipated Duke Qi would want to know her true assessment of him, so she continued: “Since Father insists on hearing the truth, your daughter will speak truthfully. Please don’t blame me. In my view, compared to other family heads, Father is more moderate. Though brave and skilled in battle, if we quote Mother’s words—extremely stubborn, acting timidly and hesitantly…” Before she finished, Duke Qi laughed: “Silly child, don’t deliberately provoke me. Do you truly think I’m confused?”

Li Weiyang looked at him, her gaze clear and bright, without speaking. Duke Qi sighed leisurely: “I’ve already come to see you as my daughter. There are some things I’ve long wanted to tell you, not just you—” Finishing, he shouted loudly toward outside the tent: “You people outside, get in here now!”

The tent flap lifted to reveal Guo Dun’s embarrassed face. He looked at Duke Qi extremely guiltily: “Father, I, I just…” At this moment, two more people flashed in beside him—who else but Guo Cheng and Guo Dao?

Li Weiyang seeing them like this, with their grinning shameless expressions, knew they must have been eavesdropping outside for a while.

Duke Qi glared at them: “To be human, one must be upright and honest. If you want to eavesdrop, might as well stand here openly and listen!”

Guo Cheng exchanged glances with his two brothers, then was first to speak: “We did that matter together. Father, if you want to punish, punish all of us together! Don’t only blame little sister alone!”

Duke Qi’s gaze revealed a trace of disappointment in them. He sneered: “If I wanted to punish you, I would have done so long ago. Why wait until now! All of you stand there properly and let me speak slowly.”

Hearing this, everyone felt somewhat awkward. Only Li Weiyang smiled warmly, as if completely unconcerned with Duke Qi’s views. Though she said this, her palms were actually slightly sweating. If Duke Qi couldn’t accept her methods, or told Madam Guo everything, what should she do? For some reason, she didn’t want Madam Guo to know her vicious side. Not because she feared her disgust, but feared frightening her. She understood very clearly that not everyone in this world could accept such a cold, heartless personality, especially since her revenge methods were extremely intense. Regardless, Li Weiyang didn’t want to lose the only warmth in her life.

She heard Duke Qi ponder for a moment before speaking: “Throughout all dynasties, what Emperors most fear are ministers whose achievements overshadow their master and who harbor rebellious hearts. Especially these ten great families—before the Emperor ascended the throne, quite a few had stood on his opposing side, were enemies he fought to the death. Including our Guo family—initially the family had enormous disagreements internally about supporting him… One can imagine how much the Emperor resents some of them after ascending the throne.”

Guo Cheng smiled: “Father, why speak so alarmingly? I see Father has always been utterly loyal to His Majesty. His Majesty trusts Father most.”

Duke Qi glared at him and smiled: “As your mother said, I’m extremely blindly loyal and stubborn, so he can temporarily rest assured about me. But it’s only temporary, not forever. If the Pei family is finished, we’re next.”

Hearing Duke Qi say this, everyone’s faces flashed with surprise.

Duke Qi continued: “Our family controls military authority over four hundred thousand troops. Originally I had two elder brothers of yours stationed with troops outside. Do you know why I’ve claimed illness to stay home these years?”

Everyone exchanged glances, their eyes showing a trace of astonishment. Guo Dun was first to raise the question: “Father claimed illness to stay home—wasn’t it to care for Mother?”

Seeing his fourth son was clueless, Duke Qi sighed: “If it were merely to care for your mother, couldn’t I bring her to the military post together?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and spoke: “Does this mean Father feels the Emperor is wary of those ministers who control great power and are shrewd and capable, so you’re avoiding the limelight?”

Duke Qi glanced at her and nodded: “Correct. With the Guo family having this military authority over four hundred thousand, we’re truly walking on thin ice. Because these four hundred thousand people can influence the situation under heaven. Add that Imperial Consort Guo Hui is in the palace with Prince Jing—if we support Prince Jing, he can stand equal to the Crown Prince and other princes. The Emperor tolerates us because he wants to use the Guo and Chen families to restrain the Pei clan, maintain political stability, and can use the Pei and Guo families’ struggle to intimidate other families, restraining their restless ambitions. We remain in the capital while your brothers are outside—who is safest? In the end, we’re just hostages. Being able to make the Emperor confidently entrust four hundred thousand troops while watching us fight the Pei family must please him greatly. But now Jia’er, you’re too prominently visible, suppressing the Pei clan until they can’t raise their heads. What do you think the Emperor thinks?”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang froze. In this chess game, she had always thought herself a player. Now it seemed her game wasn’t played well enough.

Duke Qi’s face showed a trace of coldness: “Regarding yesterday’s matter, you truly left no stone unturned, planned every step. If others knew this was all your doing, they’d only think you extremely calculating. Because the Pei family and our Guo family already had grievances, and relations with Prince Xu were also very poor, that’s why Pei Bai instigated Princess Xiangyun to kill Prince Batu and frame Prince Xu. Who knew you exposed everything before everyone? The Great Khan naturally severely punished Pei Bai, wouldn’t spare his life. Thus the conflict between the Pei family and grassland royal family grew greater. Then you sent someone to assassinate the Great Khan—everyone would suspect the Pei family. If ordinary Imperial Guards went to inquire, the Pei family would definitely open their tent doors for searching. But you used the Guo family’s power, which made the Pei family very suspicious, even arousing fierce resistance. You calculated precisely this mentality, taking the opportunity to execute Pei family members, then had Prince Xu bring the Emperor, using his hand to send Pei Xian to the Great Khan’s golden tent for disposal. These step-by-step traps left the Pei family no foothold, making them walk the path you laid out. This scheming and methods—whoever sees it will shudder with fear.”

Li Weiyang looked at Duke Qi and was silent for a long time: “So Father thinks I was wrong.”

Duke Qi glanced at her: “Of course you were wrong, and terribly so. All these years, if His Majesty wanted to completely eradicate the Pei family, would he still keep them and indulge them? It’s to restrain other families! With your move against the Pei family, everyone’s attention focused on our Guo manor. You foolish girl, you’re too conspicuous!”

Li Weiyang pondered. Yes, she was too accustomed to fighting alone. The strategies she devised were all desperate tactics, all offense no defense. Though eliminating most of the Pei family’s elite, such risky moves would place the Guo family in an extremely difficult position, especially before the Emperor. That shrewd man—would he not see this was all the Guo family’s doing? Perhaps she knew this problem all along, but eager for revenge, combined with Princess Xiangyun’s matter, her violent heart continuously expanded, which was why she did this…

At this moment, Duke Qi looked at his three sons: “I’ve long said the Guo family’s strength shouldn’t be revealed until the critical moment. Yet you not only brought the personal guards I’ve arranged around you since childhood, you personally entered the fray, exposing all your strength before everyone’s eyes at once. You only focused on the Pei family, completely forgetting to consider those watching eyes in the shadows! The Emperor personally saw you execute Pei family people—won’t he suspect the Guo family will support Prince Jing and overturn his throne?”

The three exchanged glances but dared not speak. Now they knew Duke Qi wasn’t weak but deeply calculating. Precisely because he knew everything, he had many concerns and held back his troops. Duke Qi sighed: “The current sage is no ordinary person. The more he elevates the Pei family, the more he places them over fire. So we just need to watch from afar, adding fuel and firewood when necessary. Struggles between aristocratic families are never this simple—they affect the whole situation! You think eliminating the Pei family, other families are gloating! You’re all too young.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes couldn’t help but show a trace of surprise. Duke Qi was absolutely right. Her considerations this time were indeed too risky. Though luckily successful, she also planted a bomb in the Emperor’s heart. Li Weiyang looked at Duke Qi, her gaze showing a trace of guilt. She knew he was a very intelligent person. Him telling them these things was teaching them—learn from mistakes, and even if victorious, win openly and honestly without putting themselves in danger.

Duke Qi glanced at Li Weiyang, then at his three sons, saying disappointedly: “You four—from now on, discuss everything with me. This time’s scheme, with one misstep, could have lost troops and generals. Guo Cheng, you also know Pei Hui’s martial arts are extremely high. If you hadn’t caught them off guard, how could you have won so easily?”

Guo Cheng couldn’t help but lower his head: “Father’s lesson is correct.” That day was indeed the Guo family’s narrow victory. If the Pei family had received even the slightest advance warning, the defeated now would be the Guo family. Thinking this, he broke out in a cold sweat.

“Jia’er, Father must remind you—there’s no hero in the world who doesn’t kill, but how can you keep your hands clean after killing? Killing with a borrowed knife emphasizes killing without seeing blood. Though killing people, you don’t bear the crime of murder, even maintaining a righteous and moral appearance before everyone. Even those killed won’t come seeking revenge from the underworld. As the saying goes, kill without seeing blood—seeing blood is no hero. You must think carefully about this. Next time, Father doesn’t want to see your blade stained with blood again, and even less wants to hear about anyone’s death being connected to our Guo manor.” Duke Qi looked at Li Weiyang seriously, reminding her.

“Yes.” Li Weiyang lowered her head. This was probably what he truly wanted to tell her.

Duke Qi remained silent for a long time before slowly saying: “For now, we can only act quickly.”

Guo Cheng couldn’t help but ask: “What action does Father mean?”

Duke Qi spoke: “I will submit a memorial to His Majesty, willing to surrender that military authority over four hundred thousand to keep you all safe.”

Guo Cheng’s expression changed as he said loudly: “Father, absolutely not!”

Duke Qi glared at him: “Call you foolish, and you truly are foolish!” He waved his hand: “Get lost, all of you. Keeping you around, you’ll anger me to death sooner or later! All unfilial foolish things!”

Li Weiyang and the other three exchanged glances, then all stopped speaking and silently walked out. After leaving the tent, Guo Cheng still wore a guilty expression. Then Li Weiyang said: “Third brother, don’t worry. What Father said is just an expedient measure. If he showed no reaction, His Majesty would become vigilant. This move is called retreating to advance—His Majesty won’t approve this memorial.”

Guo Cheng thought carefully—indeed it was so. Regardless, the Pei family was a great aristocratic clan. Even if they truly had rebellious hearts and assassinated the Great Khan, the Guo family’s actions were obviously too ruthless. Under such circumstances, if Duke Qi didn’t make some gesture, it would make the Emperor and all civil and military officials feel chilled. He nodded: “We can only make amends after the sheep are lost.”

Li Weiyang smiled lightly and shook her head. What was done was done—regret was useless. But what Duke Qi said at the end was pointing her out… Her methods were indeed too ruthless, to the point where everyone knew her fierce reputation. Yet Duke Qi had held his position for so many years without a single person speaking ill of him. His reputation for benevolence spread throughout the land. But he himself also said there was no hero in the world who didn’t kill. Perhaps she really should think carefully—how could this blade not be stained with blood? Always being a true petty person—such a ruthless gentleman would probably be even harder to be.

The Pei clan losing three elite members in succession set off tremendous waves among the aristocratic families. But they had also personally witnessed the dispute between the Pei clan and the grassland Great Khan. Moreover, that night it wasn’t only the Pei family that lost troops and generals—the grassland Great Khan similarly dispatched many grassland guards. Anyone who resisted was killed without exception. That Vice Minister of Justice’s entire family was slaughtered because they desperately guarded their tent and wouldn’t let grassland guards enter. Afterward, someone used this as a pretext to provoke, but the Emperor of Yuexi merely laughed it off, never mentioning pursuing the matter with the Great Khan. That family had thirteen people die! Compared to that, the Pei family’s losses didn’t seem too tragic. Of course, the Vice Minister of Justice’s family couldn’t compare with the prominently illustrious first-ranking Pei clan. In this torrent, everyone’s meaningful gazes clearly gathered on the Guo family.

Pei Hui’s gaze at the Guo family gradually grew calm, transforming from initial resentment to complete stillness. Pei Bao’er remained shut in her tent, seemingly extremely frightened, often screaming in the middle of the night, even refusing all visitors.

This day, Li Weiyang was in her tent when she suddenly saw Prince Jing Yuan Ying and the Han Lin sisters come to find her together. Seeing her sitting reading, Yuan Ying said with a full smile: “Today is the grassland’s ritual sacrifice. Jia’er, do you want to go see?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and shook her head: “No, Father told us to stay confined reflecting on our mistakes. The three brothers and I can’t go out.”

Prince Jing Yuan Ying laughed lightly. In his view, struggles between families were naturally life-and-death matters. Forget Duke Qi’s manor only killing one Pei family son—even if they killed all of them, it would only benefit him with no harm. What he cared about was that they hadn’t told him in advance, which was equivalent to excluding him. But now wasn’t the time to pursue this. Once back in the capital, he’d naturally demand explanations. Thinking this, he stepped forward: “No problem. I’ll go speak with Uncle. Come on.”

Li Weiyang’s heart really didn’t want to go see any ritual sacrifice with Prince Jing. She always felt the farther away from this person the better. They had no connection whatsoever—why keep mixing together? She didn’t want to give him false impressions, thinking this marriage alliance could still proceed.

But Prince Jing looked at Han Lin on the side. Han Lin gently stepped forward: “Jia’er, come with us. I heard the grassland’s ritual sacrifice is very interesting.” Beside her, Han Qin also vigorously nodded repeatedly, her smile utterly disregarding propriety as it stretched to her ears. Han Qin’s personality was very forthright. This time, having finally escaped Duchess Yingguo Guo Zhen’s supervision, she constantly rode a jujube-red pony running wildly across the grasslands, wearing brightly colored clothes. She quickly became the focus of everyone’s attention. Though her looks couldn’t compare to Pei Bao’er’s excellence, her cheerful personality was enough to compensate for any deficiency in appearance. Moreover, Yingguo Duke’s manor was a first-rate princely family, and Han Lin was already betrothed, so everyone’s attention fixed on Han Qin. Among the noble young masters, she was the center of attention and very popular.

Seeing her sister’s persuasion was useless, Han Qin stepped forward, shaking her hand: “Jia’er, come on. I want to introduce you to my jujube-red horse. It’s obedient and cute, always kicking its hooves and sneezing. It understands human nature—go see it.” Her words were very enthusiastic. Before Li Weiyang could refuse, she was bodily dragged up. Han Lin and Han Qin flanked her on both sides, almost like holding her hostage. Li Weiyang laughed—she’d never had such an experience.

Yuan Ying saw Li Weiyang’s troubled expression, froze for an instant, then laughed heartily. Li Weiyang glared at him: “Did Prince Jing specially bring them?”

Yuan Ying smiled: “If you continue playing deaf and dumb, people outside will gossip even more. That night many people died—who would pay special attention to one Pei family child?”

That night on the grasslands, countless rumor versions circulated. In the descriptions, Pei Yang and Pei Xian were portrayed as evil villains who murdered the Great Khan, repeatedly attacking the Guo family, which aroused Guo Dao’s murderous intent. But ultimately, the Guo family still couldn’t escape involvement. Before Li Weiyang could say more, she was led out of the tent by the three of them. Zhao Yue seeing this scene knew she could no longer stop them and hurried to follow.

At this moment, outside the tent was already packed with people, very lively. People seemed to want to use this opportunity to forget that night’s bloodshed and unpleasantness, deliberately using festive atmosphere to wash away memories. Li Weiyang had only walked a few steps when she saw Yuan Lie striding toward her. He wore riding and archery attire covered by a white fox fur cloak, his entire person like frost and snow, spotlessly pure. He was heroic and spirited, his spirits high, looking in quite good mood. But when his gaze fell on Prince Jing beside her, that smile slightly converged. He looked at Li Weiyang, slowly approaching: “It’s very lively outside. I was just about to call for you.” He said “call for,” not “invite,” clearly being very intimate with Li Weiyang.

Han Lin frowned. This Prince Xu Yuan Lie was an extremely proud person, usually cold as ice, making people feel difficult to approach. But every time he faced Guo Jia, he could smile very happily. What made people strange was that such a proud, detestable person, when smiling, truly looked very good—like spring’s first ray of sunlight, with a warmth that instantly melted ice and snow. The two Miss Hans exchanged glances, both glaring angrily at Prince Xu Yuan Lie. Whether Han Lin or Han Qin, their relationship with Prince Jing was very good. They wholeheartedly hoped Li Weiyang would become Prince Jing’s consort—that would truly be kinship upon kinship. After all, for great aristocratic families, cousin marriages were normal, consolidating family ties without marrying far away and losing contact.

Yuan Lie didn’t look at others, only smiling at Li Weiyang, those eyes curved like an innocent child’s, charm irresistible. So Han Qin struck first, grabbing Li Weiyang’s hand: “Jia’er, I’ll take you to see my jujube-red horse.” Hurriedly pulling her away, leaving Yuan Lie alone behind.

Yuan Lie looked at Li Weiyang’s back with an enigmatic smile, then walked shoulder to shoulder with Prince Jing, speaking: “Prince Jing moves very quickly.” Prince Jing merely smiled faintly: “Prince Xu is also not far behind. We’re even, that’s all.”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly, his gaze extremely sharp. He no longer spoke with Prince Jing, quickly pursuing forward. Prince Jing curved his lips, looking coldly at Yuan Lie’s back: “Do you think you’ll win? All the winning cards are in my hands.” Thinking thus, his pace also quickened.

The grassland people greatly worshipped deities, so they all prayed to sky gods. During every ritual sacrifice, they erected tall poles high on the grasslands, hanging offerings at the pole tops. Below the poles were many shaman wizards chanting loudly. Outside the tents everywhere were jubilant people cheering. The Yuexi nobles were accustomed to such scenes—after all, this hunting wasn’t the first time. Li Weiyang watching couldn’t help but smile slightly. Such lively scenes Li Weiyang had never seen. Perhaps it was too lively—the sea of people made her feel somewhat out of place with this scene.

Yuan Lie stood not far away, quietly watching her. Under the sunlight, her skin was extremely smooth, almost glowing, while those pitch-black eyes added infinite brilliance. So in Yuan Lie’s heart, Li Weiyang was the most beautiful girl on these grasslands—no, under this sky. But in others’ eyes, this Miss Guo’s appearance tended toward gloomy, her body’s violent aura very heavy, making people dare not look directly.

Just then, Li Weiyang saw Princess Ali. She was dancing gracefully among those grassland maidens, her smile extremely brilliant. Li Weiyang watching her couldn’t help but become somewhat absorbed. Unlike those soft and beautiful Yuexi dances, grassland dances were passionate and unrestrained. Princess Ali also wasn’t like Yuexi women, twisting and turning hesitantly. She turned in three steps, retreated and advanced, spun and turned gracefully, then a four-step rotation, hand gestures changing, waist rhythm coordinating with those thumping drums, constituting this grassland dance’s entirety. Watching made people feel like flowers blooming abundantly, passionate and unrestrained. Princess Ali turned and saw Prince Jing Yuan Ying, her eyes brightening. She smiled slightly while dancing and walking toward them. Around them countless enthusiastic grassland people roared approval. The sounds of pipa and huqin grew louder and louder. Princess Ali clapped her palms together while leaping forward. The beautiful tassels on her hat swirled and danced at her sides. Her figure was graceful, movements vigorous and powerful. This Princess Ali radiated a brilliance difficult to refuse.

Seemingly already understanding what she intended, Li Weiyang watched her quietly, lips revealing a slight smile. Dancing while walking, Princess Ali had already danced to Prince Jing Yuan Ying’s side. She circled around him, clapping and turning, dancing in place. Prince Jing’s face flashed with surprise as he looked at Li Weiyang, but her expression disappointed him. At this moment, Han Qin and Han Lin’s faces both showed some discomfort. In their view, such a grassland woman could never become Prince Jing’s consort.

Li Weiyang watched with great interest. She quite liked this Princess’s enthusiasm and her persistence toward Prince Jing. In this world, such passionate, persistent girls were already rare. But did this dance have some special meaning? Why were people around so excited?

Guo Dun happened to secretly escape the tent at this time, standing not far away watching this scene from afar. He watched that continuously dancing Princess Ali, his eyes holding a strange brilliance.

Prince Jing Yuan Ying frowned slightly and stepped back, but Princess Ali still circled him dancing, always unwilling to let him leave. People nearby roared approval while Yuexi nobles’ faces all showed enigmatic, very ambiguous smiles. Yuan Lie blinked, seizing this opportunity to suddenly grab Li Weiyang’s hand and run without looking back.

Yuan Ying’s heart sank. He was about to chase but unexpectedly grassland people surrounded him so tightly he had no way to catch up. Han Qin behind him jumped up shouting: “Jia’er, wait for me! I haven’t shown you my horse yet!”

Before Li Weiyang could answer her, she had already been pulled far away by Yuan Lie. Only after reaching where crowds had dispersed did Yuan Lie release her. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but feel annoyed: “What are you doing? I still wanted to watch the dancing!”

Yuan Lie laughed: “You’re truly foolish. That’s not dancing—that’s a confession.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but freeze: “Confession?”

Yuan Lie nodded openly and shamelessly, smearing Prince Jing without the slightest guilt. He smiled: “That’s a dance grassland women only perform when confessing to their beloved men. Didn’t you see how excited the grassland people were? Because Princess Ali publicly confessed to Prince Jing—this is a courtship dance!”

Saying such words, his tone still carried some cheerful flavor. Li Weiyang frowned slightly. She thought for a moment: “Princess Ali ultimately refuses to heed my advice. I’m not insisting she give up, but doing this will only make Prince Jing feel embarrassed.” Li Weiyang knew Prince Jing’s ambition was great—he wouldn’t marry Princess Ali. So her tender feelings would only be misplaced. Confessing before so many people… In the future when Ali married, could her husband completely let go of this matter?

At this moment, Yuan Lie grabbed her hand: “Come! I’ll take you to see something good.”

Li Weiyang looked at his high-spirited appearance, somewhat shocked: “See what?”

Yuan Lie blinked, amber eyes sparkling brightly in the sunlight, saying happily: “Don’t ask—just come with me!” Soon Yuan Lie brought Li Weiyang to a place. From afar she saw horse herds galloping, each robust and extremely fast. Among them was a small horse that was entirely snow-white without a trace of other color, very conspicuous among those brown or tan adult horses. Though smallest, its speed was no less than other horses. When it ran past, only a flash of white light was visible, raising high clouds of dust—like a drifting white cloud on the green grassland.

Yuan Lie seeing Li Weiyang’s surprised expression smiled slightly, curving his index finger to his lips and whistling. That snow-white small horse’s body stood upright, neighing toward the sky, the sound shaking the wilderness, causing surrounding horses to respond in kind. Horse neighs rose and fell continuously. Then it galloped back to Yuan Lie’s side in circles. Yuan Lie patted its head. The most peculiar thing happened—the front leg on Yuan Lie’s side actually knelt down. That appearance was both comical and adorable. Yuan Lie said: “Look, this is my gift to you.”

Li Weiyang froze, looking at that small horse with fur white as brocade, laughing: “Where did you find such a small horse?” This horse’s fur sparkled in the sunlight, like the legendary unicorn, extremely beautiful.

Yuan Lie smiled: “Get on and try—is it good or not?”

Li Weiyang laughed. She spoke: “The horse doesn’t even have a saddle yet. How can I ride?”

Yuan Lie curved his lips, his smile extremely brilliant in the sunlight: “This is originally a wild horse. Where would reins come from?”