By the time Nalan Xue emerged from the room, she saw Li Weiyang and Prince Xu Yuan Lie standing in the courtyard. With an unchanged expression, she approached them, her voice low: “Regardless of everything, I will thank Miss Guo for all she has done for me today.”

In that instant, Li Weiyang’s eyes unexpectedly softened with unusual tenderness: “You have shown me kindness before, and you treated my mother afterward. I haven’t yet repaid you, so this is nothing. Some matters should be resolved sooner rather than later—otherwise, the illness will only worsen with delay. As a physician, you understand my meaning.”

Nalan Xue naturally understood what she meant. This young woman was telling her that her relationship with Guo Yan had become a malignant tumor—if not resolved quickly, it would only cause both of them greater harm. She glanced at the other woman, then immediately lowered her eyes: “Thank you for your kind intentions. I understand everything.”

Nalan Xue turned to leave. Li Weiyang’s heart stirred, and she suddenly called out to stop her. Nalan Xue turned back, her complexion extremely pale, her form swaying as if about to collapse. Seeing her like this, Li Weiyang couldn’t help feeling compassion, and her tone softened by three degrees: “Thank you for not telling Second Brother—about Second Sister-in-law’s matter.”

The incident where Chen Bingbing had sent people to try to kill Nalan Xue—she hadn’t revealed this to Guo Yan. Given Guo Yan’s temperament, if he knew about this matter, he definitely wouldn’t forgive Chen Bingbing. From then on, this couple would become bitter enemies, and the relationship between the Guo and Chen families would completely reach freezing point.

Nalan Xue’s voice was very calm: “I didn’t do it for them, but for myself. If this matter stirred up more trouble, it would only create hopeless expectations for myself. Wouldn’t a clean break be better?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes held a clear, compassionate sorrow. She turned her face away and instructed Zhao Yue: “You escort Miss Nalan back to the medical clinic.”

Zhao Yue responded: “Yes.” She respectfully escorted Nalan Xue out.

Li Weiyang glanced toward the room and saw the candlelight inside suddenly extinguish. She knew this meant Second Brother didn’t want anyone to disturb him. With a gentle sigh, she said softly to Yuan Lie: “We should go back as well.”

Early the next morning, Li Weiyang was awakened by rustling sounds. She was always alert when sleeping and sat up immediately upon hearing them. Zhao Yue hurried in, lifting the curtain, and reported to her: “Miss, something happened last night.”

It was rare to see Zhao Yue looking so tense. Li Weiyang’s heart sank: “What happened?”

Zhao Yue said in a low voice: “Prince Xu just sent word that last night, the magistrate of the capital district led a group of bailiffs who rushed into the villa, searching everywhere. They said they received a secret letter—someone secretly reported that the Guo family’s second young master was hiding in the villa.”

Li Weiyang frowned: “Is Second Brother all right?”

Zhao Yue’s expression relaxed slightly: “Yes, fortunately Prince Xu had already made meticulous plans. Just as the people rushed in, Second Young Master had already secretly left through a hidden passage with the guards. His Highness said other places weren’t safe, so he’s already sent him back to Guo Manor.”

After brief contemplation, Li Weiyang said: “Help me dress and wash. I need to see Father.”

Zhao Yue was still somewhat worried and reminded her: “Miss, everyone already knows about what happened yesterday.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes rippled with a faint coldness, clearly unconcerned: “So what if they know? Was there anything wrong with me bringing Nalan Xue to see Second Brother?”

Zhao Yue said carefully: “Of course it wasn’t wrong, but under these circumstances, it will inevitably make people suspicious.” For instance, the second young mistress would likely have strong objections.

Li Weiyang paid no heed. After dressing, she leisurely ate breakfast before walking to the main hall.

By this time, all the Guo family members were already waiting in the hall. Seeing her enter, Chen Bingbing stood up from her chair, tiny flames already burning in her pupils: “Jia’er, what exactly did you do yesterday?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes flashed with a cold, sharp smile as she looked at Chen Bingbing: “Oh, what does Second Sister-in-law think I did yesterday?”

Chen Bingbing gritted her teeth. With shock and anger on her face, that delicate countenance appeared three degrees colder. She said coldly: “Why did you bring Nalan Xue to see your Second Brother!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze swept over everyone’s faces. Apart from Chen Bingbing, not one person looked at her with such questioning eyes. Their faces showed at most confusion and worry.

Li Weiyang sighed: “Nalan Xue once had a marriage engagement with Second Brother. She traveled thousands of miles to the capital to seek an explanation. The Guo family couldn’t give this explanation, but Second Brother could! Letting them meet to achieve closure—does Second Sister-in-law think I did something wrong?”

When Li Weiyang had brought Nalan Xue to see Guo Yan, Chen Bingbing had even begun to resent this younger sister-in-law, feeling she was actually closer to an outsider like Nalan Xue. But now, seeing Li Weiyang’s calm expression without the slightest trace of shame, Chen Bingbing began to doubt whether she had been overthinking it. Perhaps Li Weiyang had simply brought Nalan Xue to resolve this matter without any intention of taking sides.

At this moment, Madam Guo spoke: “Your Second Brother has already returned. I’ve settled him in the Buddhist hall in the back courtyard. For now, no one will know. Fortunately, Prince Xu received word early yesterday. If Guo Yan had been caught on the spot, it would have confirmed the Guo family’s crime of harboring a criminal condemned by imperial decree—definitely not something easily resolved.”

Li Weiyang smiled as usual: “Mother needn’t worry. Since I hid Second Brother at the villa, I wouldn’t let anyone easily capture him. As for Nalan Xue—” She glanced at Chen Bingbing: “I know what you’re thinking, Second Sister-in-law. You simply suspect that Nalan Xue leaked everything, don’t you?”

Chen Bingbing’s hand trembled slightly—so slightly that even she herself didn’t notice. She slowly sat down in the chair and said deliberately: “That’s right. The person I suspect is Nalan Xue. Your Second Brother abandoned her, so she harbors resentment and intends revenge. This isn’t anything strange. Ultimately, if you hadn’t brought her to that villa, this incident definitely wouldn’t have happened!”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, her expression containing a trace of mockery that Chen Bingbing couldn’t understand.

Chen Bingbing couldn’t help asking: “Little Sister, don’t you trust me?”

Li Weiyang lowered her eyes and smiled gently: “Second Sister-in-law needn’t be sensitive. I have no other meaning.”

Chen Bingbing frowned. She didn’t know what Li Weiyang’s expression meant, but her instinct sensed something wrong. In the time spent with Li Weiyang, Chen Bingbing had learned that beneath her cold surface lay ruthlessness—she wouldn’t tolerate even a grain of sand in her eye. The more gentle she appeared, the more severe her methods. Chen Bingbing didn’t want to offend her, but she couldn’t understand why Li Weiyang liked Nalan Xue so much as to completely disregard her own dignity. The more she thought this way, the more she believed Fu’er’s words—that Nalan Xue had ulterior motives. Otherwise, why would even Li Weiyang be completely deceived?

Guo Cheng on the side sighed: “Fortunately, Second Brother is all right. This matter—let’s just let it go.”

But Chen Bingbing flatly refused: “No, this matter is definitely related to Nalan Xue! Otherwise, why did this happen right after she went to see your Second Brother? Maybe she harbored resentment and tipped someone off! All of this is possible. Why do you all trust her so much? Have you all gone mad?”

Chen Bingbing’s words were all questioning, completely unlike her usual gentle and charming manner.

Everyone looked at her in shock, especially Madam Guo. What reason could make Chen Bingbing become so aggressive? Taking ten thousand steps back, even if Nalan Xue had truly betrayed Guo Yan, what could they say? They had wronged her first; if she harbored resentment, there was nothing strange about that.

Just then, a maid from outside entered. Seeing the situation, she bowed and walked to Madam Guo’s side, reporting something in a low voice. Madam Guo’s expression remained calm as she said to everyone: “I have something to attend to. I’ll return shortly.” She beckoned to Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang’s heart stirred, and she immediately stepped forward to support Madam Guo. Mother and daughter were about to leave together.

Chen Bingbing’s expression changed, her gaze instantly turning cold and frozen. She looked at Madam Guo and suddenly stood up, blocking her path: “Mother, whose side are you on exactly?” This question was clearly a demand. She wanted Madam Guo to make a choice—either her, Chen Bingbing, or Nalan Xue! She absolutely wouldn’t allow Madam Guo to show the slightest kindness toward Nalan Xue.

Madam Guo looked at her daughter-in-law and stopped in her tracks for a moment, lightly furrowing her brow.

Princess Chenliu spoke: “Bingbing, come here. I have something to say to you!”

Chen Bingbing was startled, then looked toward her grandmother. Princess Chenliu beckoned to her. Chen Bingbing was somewhat puzzled but still walked over to Princess Chenliu. Only then could Madam Guo and Li Weiyang escape and leave the hall. Chen Bingbing watched their departing figures, unable to help feeling anxious.

But Princess Chenliu grasped her hand at that moment. Chen Bingbing’s heart jumped as she looked at the Princess.

“No matter what happens, you are a daughter-in-law of our Guo family. This point—your mother knows it, your younger sister knows it, and your husband is clear about it in his heart. They won’t do anything to wrong you. Rest assured.” Princess Chenliu’s expression was calm, but each word was startling. She had clearly seen everything. The others seated there all had varying expressions.

Chen Bingbing bit her teeth. She naturally knew the Guo family kept their promises. Since they had already married her, they wouldn’t make the slightest change. Moreover, the deed was done—what could be changed? But she still felt that Nalan Xue was a scourge who must not be allowed to continue harming the Guo family, harming her and Guo Yan. Thinking this way, a trace of cold light revealed itself in her gaze. Meanwhile, the maid Fu’er beside her lowered her head, concealing the sinister look in her eyes.

At that moment in the main hall, Duke Qi remained deep in thought, Guo Cheng and Guo Dun were heavy with worry, and even Princess Chenliu wore an expression of deep concern. No one had the opportunity to notice the maid Fu’er’s expression.

In the pavilion, Nalan Xue had already bowed gracefully to Madam Guo and returned the jade bracelet in her hand to her. Madam Guo was startled: “I already said that if you’re unwilling to become a daughter-in-law of the Guo family, it’s all right. From now on, I’ll regard you as a daughter. Later, I’ll find you a good marriage to wed into. Of course, all of this must accord with your own wishes. I absolutely won’t force you.”

Nalan Xue smiled slightly, her eyes inevitably containing a trace of tears. This Madam Guo had a gentle manner, elegant and dignified. Most importantly, she had a kind heart. Clearly knowing that her arrival would bring endless turmoil to the Guo family, she had still accepted her. Indeed, what Guo Yan had said years ago was correct—his family members would be willing to accept her. But Nalan Xue still shook her head and gently returned the jade bracelet to Madam Guo, her tone resolute: “Madam, thank you for your care toward Nalan Xue. Unfortunately, I’m not accustomed to the capital’s prosperity. Today I must depart and return home.”

Madam Guo asked with concern: “Don’t you have no relatives in your hometown? Who will you seek when you return?”

Nalan Xue smiled slightly: “Although I have no relatives, I still have my ancestral home. I’ll return to guard my parents’ graves and fulfill my filial duties… Madam Guo needn’t worry about me. I’ve wandered alone for years and am long accustomed to a drifting life. I can take care of myself.”

Looking at Nalan Xue, Madam Guo felt a flash of discomfort in her heart. She didn’t know why, but she always felt Nalan Xue resembled her daughter Guo Jia somewhat—not only in speech and manner but even in her way of handling matters, so decisive, leaving herself no retreat. Previously, because she had lost Guo Jia and let her drift outside for so many years, she felt some heartache for Nalan Xue. Now, seeing her insist on leaving despite all attempts to make her stay, she sighed: “If you must go, I won’t stop you. But you must remember—no matter when you return to find me, I will do my utmost to satisfy your requests.”

Looking at Madam Guo, Nalan Xue couldn’t help speaking again: “I heard from Miss Guo that besides headaches, Madam also experiences body-wide soreness whenever it rains. I have a folk remedy here. Whenever you feel joint pain, fill bags with salt and boil them in water for half a period. Then use these salt bags to apply to your joints, and the pain will be somewhat relieved.”

This method was quite ingenious. Madam Guo smiled: “I understand. Thank you for your concern.” Actually, Madam Guo’s ailment wasn’t anything serious. If Nalan Xue were here, in a year or so she would surely improve it. But Nalan Xue couldn’t stay in the capital that long. She only looked at Li Weiyang: “Miss Guo, in the city’s Wushan Medicine Hall, there’s a Doctor Liao whose medical skills are also quite brilliant. He especially excels at treating headaches and has cured countless patients. When I’m not here, Miss Guo can ask him to treat Madam Guo. I believe with gradual care, Madam will surely recover within a year or so.”

Madam Guo’s entire body stiffened, and she felt even more uncomfortable inside. Such a young woman—elegant and graceful in appearance, gentle in temperament, skilled in medicine, and especially rare, understanding and considerate. She sighed with emotion. What a pity her family lacked such fortune and couldn’t keep her. Even knowing Chen Bingbing fell short of Nalan Xue in many ways, she was still the Guo family’s legitimate daughter-in-law—this point could never be changed no matter what.

Seeing the sorrowful expression overtake Madam Guo’s face, Nalan Xue felt her heart ache, but she smiled slightly on the surface: “Madam needn’t be sad. If fate allows, there will surely be a day when we meet again.”

Madam Guo took a deep breath, striving to make her tone sound normal. She nodded: “Good, let’s hope for that day.” Before she finished speaking, she smelled a fragrance approaching, followed by the jingling of ornaments and jade. Everyone looked behind them and saw Chen Bingbing walking over with a face full of smiles: “What’s this? Is Miss Nalan leaving the capital?”

Seeing Chen Bingbing at this moment was truly unexpected. Li Weiyang lightly frowned. Even Princess Chenliu’s persuasion couldn’t restrain Second Sister-in-law…

Seeing Nalan Xue, the jealousy and resentment Chen Bingbing had suppressed surged up again. She didn’t want to make things difficult for her because she knew she herself was in the wrong in many ways regarding this matter. However, just as Fu’er had said, if Madam Guo truly let Nalan Xue enter the family, would Guo Yan ever look at her again? Thinking of how over these two years, even while treating her well, Guo Yan always seemed absent-minded, Chen Bingbing smiled: “Since Miss Nalan is leaving, we should give you a farewell banquet.”

Speaking these words, even Madam Guo was shocked. She looked at her daughter-in-law as if looking at a stranger.

Chen Bingbing said with apparent sincerity: “I know I’ve done many wrong things in the past, so this time I sincerely want to apologize to Miss Nalan. I hope you can give me a chance to reconcile.”

Nalan Xue looked into Chen Bingbing’s eyes and saw only a trace of pleading in those beautiful eyes. She sighed and said softly: “Then I’ll respectfully accept rather than decline.”

Li Weiyang looked at Nalan Xue with disapproval. Since she was leaving anyway, why continue entangling with Chen Bingbing? Nalan Xue’s heart was far too soft compared to her own. Sometimes, this instead gave her a feeling of disappointment in someone who failed to meet expectations.

The so-called farewell banquet was not mere words. Chen Bingbing specifically ordered people to prepare exquisite dishes and refreshments, arranged wine and water, and personally saw Nalan Xue off. Chen Bingbing proactively picked up a wine cup from the table: “This cup of wine is my wish for Miss Nalan to have smooth travels.”

Nalan Xue smiled slightly: “Second Young Mistress, I never drink wine.”

Chen Bingbing didn’t insist. She turned and instructed Fu’er: “Pour a cup of tea for Miss Nalan.”

Fu’er smiled broadly, poured a cup of tea from the side, and respectfully presented it before Nalan Xue. The tea was jade green in color with tender tea liquid, emitting a peculiar fragrance. Li Weiyang glanced at it, her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly, and smiled: “This cup of tea from Second Sister-in-law appears extraordinary. What kind of tea leaves are these?”

Chen Bingbing smiled as before, her expression gentle: “Jia’er has good eyesight indeed. This tea is called Miluo, a unique variety from Cloud Boat Mountain that grows at the highest peak. Only a few plants exist each year. Later it became tribute, with no more than two or three pounds received annually. This year His Majesty bestowed it all upon the Noble Consort, and she gave it to me. This tea is so precious not only because of its peculiar fragrance but more importantly because picking it is extremely difficult. It requires twenty strong tea pickers working day and night for a full eight days to climb to the peak and pick it, then send it down the mountain at the fastest speed. If you don’t believe me, you can look.” Chen Bingbing raised the teacup. The sky-blue teacup complemented her slender fingers, making them appear even more crystal clear and beautiful.

Li Weiyang glanced at it and smiled: “Truly fine tea. But Second Sister-in-law has never brought it out before—clearly you’ve been hoarding it.”

Chen Bingbing only smiled: “I knew you would like it. I’ve already kept quite a bit for you—I’ll send it all over later. This cup of tea is specially for Miss Nalan.” Saying this, she raised it toward Nalan Xue: “Miss Nalan, after you leave, who knows when we’ll meet again. I hope after drinking this cup of tea, the grievances between us can be wiped clean, and when we meet again, we’ll still be friends.”

These words were quite peculiar. When could a pair of romantic rivals become friends? Only in one situation—when one of them had already given up. Now that Nalan Xue was leaving the capital, it showed she wouldn’t compete with Chen Bingbing for the legitimate wife position. So Chen Bingbing appeared very magnanimous, giving Nalan Xue a farewell banquet. Madam Guo’s heart relaxed somewhat. If these two could truly stop here, this matter would be resolved. So seeing this scene, she didn’t speak to stop it.

Nalan Xue glanced at the teacup and smoothly lifted the tea, smiling faintly: “In that case, thank you very much.” Saying this, she prepared to drink the tea. In that split second, Li Weiyang noticed Fu’er’s expression was strange. Her heart jolted. A flash of inspiration like a terrible venomous snake instantly coiled around her heart, forcing her to instinctively reach out and snatch Nalan Xue’s teacup from her hand. At once, everyone’s expressions changed, all looking at Li Weiyang strangely.

Nalan Xue likewise turned her head, a pair of beautiful and clear eyes looking at Li Weiyang with such sincerity and concern. Li Weiyang seemed not to notice, saying with a half-smile: “Such fine tea—let me drink a cup first.” Saying this, she appeared about to bring the tea to her own lips.

Fu’er was greatly alarmed and instinctively stepped forward. This strange scene immediately caught Chen Bingbing’s eye. She seemed to freeze for a moment, then reacted, extremely quickly blocking Li Weiyang’s hand. Then she turned, her gaze extremely cold as she glared at Fu’er, her expression containing a trace of extreme abnormality!

Having reached this point, what did Li Weiyang not understand?

Chen Bingbing’s heart was in extreme pain. Sitting across from her, Weiyang had always had expressive eyes. Sometimes you felt she clearly said nothing, yet those eyes, in their glances, seemed to say so very much. At this moment, those clear black and white eyes were so pure, so calm, giving her the illusion of being seen through in an instant, making her immediately become like a startled bird.

Li Weiyang’s expression was pleasant, as if she knew nothing: “Second Sister-in-law, this tea is so fine. Miss Nalan doesn’t understand tea ceremony—it would truly be wasteful. Let me drink it.”

But Chen Bingbing looked at her with extremely complex, conflicted eyes, persistently grasping Li Weiyang’s hand, not allowing her to drink this tea.

Li Weiyang looked at her and sighed gently.

Fu’er coughed. Chen Bingbing suddenly awakened. She snatched the teacup from Li Weiyang’s hand, saying repeatedly: “This tea has already cooled—it can’t be drunk!” Saying this, before anyone else could speak, she suddenly raised her hand and splashed the tea onto the ground, then turned around, her smile containing unease: “I already said I specially kept fine tea leaves for you, little sister. Why be so impatient!”

That smile carried poorly concealed panic!

Li Weiyang’s hand that had been holding the teacup stopped in mid-air, maintaining the posture. After a long while, she slowly lowered it and smiled: “Yes, Miss Nalan is already leaving the capital and will never return in this lifetime. Why is Second Sister-in-law so anxious?”

Madam Guo was completely stunned. She wasn’t a foolish person—she simply never imagined that her usually gentle and kind daughter-in-law would do such a thing! Just now, if—

Chen Bingbing didn’t speak, nor did she look at anyone. Finally, she only lowered her head and said faintly: “Yes, then I wish Miss Nalan safe travels.”

Fu’er was extremely anxious on the side, constantly glancing at the expressions of Li Weiyang and Nalan Xue. She quietly pushed her young mistress from below. But Chen Bingbing seemed to have become a wooden person, not even raising her eyes to look at her.

While anxious, Fu’er wanted to make more movements to alert Chen Bingbing, but at this moment, she noticed a cold gaze looking toward her. She abruptly raised her head and happened to see Zhao Yue behind Li Weiyang. The other’s gaze was cold, eyes containing chilling light, looking directly at her. Fu’er’s heart jumped, and she hurriedly lowered her head, standing respectfully with hands hanging down, no longer daring to make any small movements.

Zhao Yue had already noticed this maid. Fu’er had married over from the Chen family along with Chen Bingbing. Normally, a young miss from a large household would naturally have maids as part of her dowry. If lucky enough to bear a son or daughter, being elevated to concubine status would be like rising to greatness. Only Fu’er had been in the Guo family for two years, and seeing that Guo Yan had no intention of taking her into his chambers—even when she made various moves, Guo Yan remained indifferent—over time, she lost that hope and wholeheartedly served Chen Bingbing. Previously, Zhao Yue had thought her a dutiful maid, but seeing her instigate Chen Bingbing today, she inevitably grew three degrees more vigilant toward her.

Since Chen Bingbing said nothing more, Nalan Xue rose and bid farewell to everyone: “I must leave. During this time, I’ve caused everyone much trouble. Please forgive me. After this parting, we may never meet again. Please take care of yourselves.” Saying this, she quickly walked outside.

Seeing this scene, Li Weiyang glanced at Zhao Yue. Zhao Yue immediately understood and respectfully withdrew. Li Weiyang’s meaning was clear—she wanted Zhao Yue to arrange people to properly protect Nalan Xue so that the previous incident wouldn’t happen again.

After Nalan Xue left, Madam Guo’s expression darkened. She stared coldly at Chen Bingbing: “Bingbing, what did you put in that cup of tea just now!”

Chen Bingbing’s heart jumped. Unable to defend herself, tears couldn’t help rolling down.

Seeing this situation, Madam Guo was about to say something when Li Weiyang suddenly pressed her hand on her shoulder. Madam Guo looked at Li Weiyang and saw her shake her head, immediately understanding her meaning. Madam Guo felt very helpless: “Bingbing, you may withdraw first.”

Chen Bingbing performed a courtesy before withdrawing with the maid Fu’er.

Madam Guo watched her retreating figure and sighed: “Truly a karmic disaster.” Just now everyone had seen the situation clearly. If Li Weiyang hadn’t stopped that cup of tea, Nalan Xue would likely have died of poisoning not long after leaving the capital. At that time, Chen Bingbing could easily claim Nalan Xue contracted an illness on the road and died—no one would casually suspect her. In fact, there was one thing Li Weiyang couldn’t understand. For Chen Bingbing, everything was entrusted to her man. If Nalan Xue didn’t die, Guo Yan would keep thinking about her for a day. So she was always obsessed with Nalan Xue, unable to let go.

Returning to her own courtyard, Chen Bingbing immediately slapped Fu’er across the face: “I already said there was no need for you to meddle. Who told you to do this!”

Fu’er cried out in grief: “This servant did everything thinking of Young Mistress!”

Chen Bingbing suddenly collapsed into a chair, supporting her forehead, almost unable to speak. Her maid poisoning someone—what difference was there from her poisoning someone herself?! Now she had absolutely no way to explain.

“Get out! Leave immediately!” She forcibly summoned her energy and berated her.

“No, this servant cannot leave. If this servant leaves, no one will ever think of Mistress again! This servant would rather die than leave Mistress!” As Fu’er spoke, she rushed toward a nearby pillar. Chen Bingbing was shocked to the extreme and hurriedly stopped her: “You truly want to anger me to death. Forget it, withdraw! Let me be alone for a while.”

Fu’er quietly wiped away tears, observing Chen Bingbing’s bewildered and helpless expression. As the curtain fell, it happened to conceal a trace of cold laughter at the corner of Fu’er’s lips.

Li Weiyang had originally thought the matter would end there. Having been exposed in public by her, Chen Bingbing would surely restrain herself somewhat. But that afternoon, Nalan Xue was suddenly sent back to Guo Manor. This time, her injuries were even more severe than the last. The entire person was long unconscious, breathing faintly.

Seeing this scene, Li Weiyang couldn’t help growing truly angry: “What exactly happened?!”

“Miss secretly sent many people to protect her, guarding against the Pei family making a move. The journey should have been very safe, but a small error occurred midway. Miss Nalan refused to accept Miss’s protection, saying her relationship with the Guo family was already completely severed and she didn’t want any more involvement with Guo family people. So our guards could only shift from open to hidden protection. Originally this was also a very proper strategy—it wouldn’t arouse the Pei family’s suspicion and could draw the snake from its hole. But when Miss Nalan reached the city outskirts, she suddenly saw a child fall into the water, about to drown. Without thinking, she jumped into the river to save the person. Unexpectedly, just after rescuing them, a group of bailiffs inexplicably rushed up, along with a wailing woman who claimed Miss Nalan intended to abduct her child, and because the child wouldn’t comply, pushed her child into the water, saying she witnessed it with her own eyes! Just like that, those bailiffs immediately arrested her. The guards could handle ordinary assassins, but in such a situation, they couldn’t openly rescue her. So they urgently sent someone back with the message. But before the message arrived, the magistrate of Hua County had already determined Miss Nalan’s guilt and ordered savage bailiffs to beat her nearly to death—all targeting fatal areas. If not for Prince Xu’s people arriving in time, her life would already be lost!”

Li Weiyang’s delicate countenance couldn’t suppress the surging anger. She abruptly stood up from her chair and said coldly: “This is too much!”

Chen Bingbing had always been a simple person. How could she think of so many vicious schemes? And why must she put Nalan Xue to death no matter what?! Someone behind the scenes must be secretly orchestrating everything!

Zhao Yue had never seen Li Weiyang show such an expression and was extremely shocked and alarmed.

Li Weiyang’s blood boiled, her five internal organs twisted tightly together. A surge of anger choked in her throat, almost bursting forth. Clenching her fists, closing her eyes, using all her strength, she forcibly swallowed down that fury. She had always sympathized with Nalan Xue, only because she had experienced similar circumstances and could empathize. In the past, she never pitied others, but people all have weaknesses. Every time she saw Nalan Xue, she thought of herself, so she couldn’t help wanting to help her. Ultimately, she wasn’t helping Nalan Xue but helping her past self. Yet she also knew that emotion was one thing, reason another. Between Nalan Xue and Chen Bingbing, self-interest forced her to always stand on Chen Bingbing’s side. Precisely because of this, she had to strenuously suppress such emotions.

While strongly denying herself, she tried to handle this matter calmly. Even knowing Chen Bingbing was aggressive, determined to kill Nalan Xue, she took no action against Chen Bingbing. That was because the other party was her second sister-in-law. Rationally speaking, she must maintain the Guo-Chen family alliance. More importantly, from beginning to end, she knew a pair of eyes had been secretly observing her every move. Perhaps the other party had deliberately pushed Nalan Xue before her, intentionally luring her step by step to abandon calm and recklessly stand on Nalan Xue’s side, advocating justice for her—only then could the other party achieve their goal of completely alienating the Guo and Chen families! It could be said the other party had already found the weakness beneath Li Weiyang’s calm, cold exterior and skillfully exploited it, forcing her to knowingly damage her interests yet still follow her heart and walk the path the other party had laid out. Such a master was truly frightening!

Therefore, Li Weiyang had been fighting the other party, fighting her own heart, resolutely refusing to walk the path the other party had paved. When Li Weiyang realized such persistence had instead led Nalan Xue step by step into mortal danger, what surged in her heart was extreme vexation and towering fury.

Hurrying to the guest room, she discovered Nalan Xue’s body was covered in mottled bloodstains. Zhao Yue said softly: “Miss Nalan’s injuries from last time hadn’t yet healed. This time they reopened her old wounds. The doctor just said the situation is critical. Whether she can pull through is uncertain…”

Li Weiyang’s expression changed, then she said coldly: “Go summon Mother and my brothers.”

Before her words ended, someone stumbled into the room—none other than Guo Yan. In his panic, Guo Yan was tripped by a chair, falling to the ground. His clothing was torn, but he ignored the scrapes and pain, immediately throwing himself beside Nalan Xue’s bed, his entire body trembling like chaff, his expression extremely shocking.

Li Weiyang gently turned her eyes away. Besides the wounds on her body, those savage bailiffs had actually used iron pincers to torture Nalan Xue’s tender cheeks, causing her appearance to become extremely horrifying. What a gentle, lovely face it had been—now it had become covered in bloodstains, appearing terrifying. Li Weiyang didn’t know if such wounds could heal again. Now it was no longer about considering appearance. With injuries this severe, if Nalan Xue could preserve her life, that would already be fortunate. She hadn’t expected Chen Bingbing would go this far—not only injuring her so severely but even destroying her appearance. Such wounds were so terrible. For a woman, it ruined Nalan Xue’s entire life. Nalan Xue had clearly wanted to give up everything and leave the capital. Why wouldn’t Chen Bingbing let go?

Empress Dowager Pei was too clever. She accurately calculated everyone’s hearts, and without lifting a finger or staining her hands with blood, she had already made them slaughter each other, bloodied and wounded… No matter how intelligent Li Weiyang was, she had no way to control Chen Bingbing’s jealousy, Nalan Xue’s stubbornness, or to demand Guo Yan turn around and love Chen Bingbing.

Guo Yan tightly grasped Nalan Xue’s hand, as if unable to see her appearance was already ruined. His tears fell drop by drop onto Nalan Xue’s face. But even this couldn’t awaken the person lying on the bed.

Watching this person hunched over, covered in mottled bloodstains, Li Weiyang’s five internal organs immediately clenched tightly together, as if seeing not Nalan Xue but herself lying there on the verge of death.

“This is all my fault.” Guo Yan’s voice was like rain threads slanting with the wind, chaotic and desolate. “I thought only by driving her away could she obtain final liberation. I never expected it would push her to this point.”

Li Weiyang didn’t answer. She only felt Guo Yan’s repentance came too late. For a moment, the entire room was deathly silent.

When Madam Guo and the others arrived and saw this scene, their faces showed extreme shock. Madam Guo looked at Li Weiyang, her face incredibly shaken: “What exactly happened?”

Li Weiyang shook her head. She didn’t want to speak now, didn’t want to explain to others, and even more didn’t want to continue watching this scene. Because seeing Nalan Xue always made her think of those mottled wounds, so she turned her face away and was about to leave. Unexpectedly, Chen Bingbing had also already rushed in. Seeing them, she immediately demanded sharply: “Didn’t you say Nalan Xue had already left? How did she come back?”

She spoke in a continuous stream, her expression crazed, looking like a madwoman, without the slightest trace of her previous beautiful, gentle, lively, and charming appearance.

Li Weiyang’s gaze looked at her coldly without a word, yet she stopped in her tracks. Not only Li Weiyang—everyone looked at Chen Bingbing this way, as if looking at a stranger.

Chen Bingbing grew flustered: “Why are you all looking at me like this? What have I done wrong again?”

The eldest sister-in-law Jiang Shi, who had always been closest to Chen Bingbing and had the best relationship with her, couldn’t help speaking: “Bingbing, how have you become like this? Miss Nalan said she would leave here and no longer threaten your position. Why must you still use such a vicious hand?”

Chen Bingbing looked at her in shock: “What are you saying?”

Li Weiyang pointed at the barely breathing Nalan Xue on the bed, surprised at herself that she could speak each word so calmly and indifferently: “Can’t you see? Her entire body is covered in mottled blood marks. That beautiful face is also already ruined. Even if you and she are romantic rivals, there’s no need to go this far. Do you want Second Brother to hate you for life?”

Chen Bingbing suddenly collapsed to the floor. She looked at Li Weiyang, completely not understanding what the other was saying.

Madam Guo sighed, unable to suppress the heart-piercing disappointment: “Bingbing, this time you truly did wrong. No matter how I advised you, why wouldn’t you let go of your obsession? Wouldn’t it be better to resolve this matter satisfactorily? Must you go this far, making everyone blame you, before you’re happy? Originally, Nalan Xue was Guo Yan’s fiancée. You forcibly took Yan’er away. Yes, in this matter, every one of us bears guilt. But Nalan Xue is innocent. Why must you use such a cruel hand?”

Chen Bingbing watched everyone’s mouths opening and closing, as if not knowing what was happening at all. She cried out: “Have you all gone mad? Why do you keep accusing me? What does this have to do with me?”

Guo Cheng had already received word. Seeing this scene, he was even more unwilling to trust her. The woman before him was too disappointing. He said coldly: “Second Sister-in-law, when Nalan Xue left the capital today, who knew that halfway through, something went wrong? Those savage bailiffs captured her and, without allowing any explanation, savagely beat her. Little Sister’s guards didn’t dare conflict with the authorities. By the time we realized something was wrong, Miss Nalan’s wounds had all burst open, and her face was already destroyed. Wasn’t this your doing? Besides you, who else would hate her so much?”

Chen Bingbing shook her head, terror traveling throughout her body. Seeing every Guo family member’s cold eyes, she trembled all over, actually feeling an inexplicable anger surge to her heart, becoming uncontrollably hysterical: “No, I didn’t! I truly didn’t!”

At this moment, Guo Yan at the bedside had already turned around. He slowly stood up and suddenly drew the long sword at his waist, walking toward Chen Bingbing.

Li Weiyang was the first to react, immediately blocking his path, her voice cold as ice: “Second Brother, what are you doing!”

Guo Yan shook his head, looking at Li Weiyang with a calm expression: “I haven’t gone mad. I know what I’m doing. Sister, please step aside!”

Chen Bingbing couldn’t believe it. At this moment, no matter how she defended herself, she had no way to explain. Her eyes looked directly and emptily at the man’s cold eyes. The entire world was deathly silent.

Li Weiyang shook her head, unwilling to move. No matter what happened today, the Guo family couldn’t harm Chen Bingbing. She didn’t want Guo Yan to do something he would regret for life in a moment of impulse.

Duke Qi understood his son best. Once he made a decision, no one could stop him. Duke Qi suddenly spoke: “Jia’er! Your Second Brother must have his reasons. Step aside first.”

Li Weiyang’s steps hadn’t yet moved when Guo Yan had already walked past her, the ice-cold sword point aimed at Chen Bingbing. Guo Yan said slowly: “I’ve long wanted to explain everything to you, but your parents wouldn’t allow me to do so. Before them, my feelings were insignificant. With the family alliance imminent, I could only abandon Nalan Xue. I truly wronged you, but the person I’ve wronged most in this world is her. Previously, I told myself again and again to forget her and treat you well. But today, you’ve made my guilt endless. You’ve made it impossible for me to love you anymore!” Saying this, he actually crouched down, reversing the sword and extending the hilt to Chen Bingbing.

Guo Yan spoke: “This sword is now in your hands. Kill me.”

Chen Bingbing looked at her husband in shock. Guo Yan’s eyes were blood-red. He had always been cold yet courteous, refined and elegant. But now, his expression carried a determination to perish together, utterly merciless. This was the real Guo Yan—she had never truly understood her own husband!

Guo Yan’s expression was extremely calm. At this moment, he held no resentment toward Chen Bingbing because he knew everything stemmed from himself. If Chen Bingbing hadn’t fallen in love with him, she naturally wouldn’t have cried and insisted on marrying into the Guo family, nor would the later tragedy have occurred. All the tragedy arose from him alone. He had already sent word to Nalan Xue explaining the engagement was off, but didn’t explain the reasons in detail, only hoping she would regard him as a heartless, fickle man and completely hate and forget him. But he never expected that with her proud, stubborn temperament, she would actually pursue him all the way here. Now he must give Nalan Xue justice.

“Kill me, and matters between you and I will be settled. This is merely a matter between us as husband and wife—it has nothing to do with the Guo and Chen families, and even less to do with Nalan Xue.”

Chen Bingbing pointed the sword at her husband, her hands trembling violently, so much so that both hands couldn’t firmly grasp the blade.

Li Weiyang watched this scene in shock, feeling Guo Yan’s resolve for the first time.

Guo Yan twisted her trembling hands, like a wounded beast, directing Chen Bingbing’s sword point toward his own chest, as if coaxing: “You need only thrust it in and you’ll be free. You won’t need to hate me anymore, won’t need to hate anyone. You can return to being the original Bingbing.”

The original Bingbing? Chen Bingbing looked at Guo Yan, her entire body trembling, lips moving, her broken vocal cords producing a soundless scream. She suddenly laughed loudly, the laughter containing endless panic: “The original me? What was the original me like?”

Guo Yan’s expression was extremely calm: “The original you was simple, kind, innocent. You worked so hard hoping I would love you, worked so hard wanting to become a Guo family daughter-in-law, worked so hard caring for my parents. I’m very grateful to you and can never forget this. Only, in this life, we can no longer be husband and wife.”

Chen Bingbing never expected Guo Yan would say such words. Her expression was almost wooden.

Guo Yan spoke word by word: “This matter blames no one. I am the chief culprit. So as long as you kill me, I will owe you nothing more.”

Chen Bingbing kept shaking her head, tears streaming endlessly. The despair and pain in her tears, the soundless screams and resistance, shocked everyone in the room. She might have become vicious and selfish, perhaps heartless and ugly, but one thing everyone present couldn’t deny—she loved Guo Yan too much. So much that for him, she could abandon everything, even her original self.

Guo Cheng immediately moved to intervene but was stopped by Duke Qi pressing his shoulder. Duke Qi shook his head at him. Guo Yan’s affairs must be resolved by himself. The Guo family couldn’t interfere with his life anymore. This was the last thing he could do for this son!

Li Weiyang watched this scene and couldn’t help looking toward the void. In the darkness, a pair of eyes watched the scene before them with cold laughter. Li Weiyang knew deeply that everything here played right into the other party’s hands. No, she couldn’t watch this happen. Just as she was about to step forward to stop it, she suddenly saw Guo Yan smile slightly and exert force with his hand. Chen Bingbing cried out in alarm as the long sword suddenly pierced through Guo Yan’s body.

“Second Brother!” Guo Cheng and Guo Dun cried out.

Everyone was stunned. None of them believed Chen Bingbing would truly act. In fact, that sword wasn’t wielded by Chen Bingbing at all but by Guo Yan himself. He had actually used one hand to tightly grasp the blade edge, thrusting that sharp point into his own body. He looked at Chen Bingbing and smiled: “Between us, there’s no more debt, is there?” Saying this, his entire person fell backward.

At this moment, Chen Bingbing had completely lost all reaction. Like a puppet, she stared blankly at this scene. She didn’t know what had happened today, why everyone came to accuse her, and why her husband would make such a decision. She only stared blankly, almost unable to utter a single word.

Everyone rushed forward. Madam Guo cried out in grief: “Yan’er!”

The room fell into chaos and disorder.

But just then, Li Weiyang stood in place. Her gaze didn’t fall on the blood-soaked Guo Yan, nor on the completely dazed Chen Bingbing. Her eyes settled on Fu’er at the back of the crowd. Those black, bright eyes instantly became a vast wilderness, bottomlessly deep…

Fu’er instinctively lowered her head. She didn’t know why, but she actually felt the woman before her had seen through everything. But how could this be? This was absolutely impossible!