The Guo residence was a scene of flourishing flowers and bustling voices. At this time, Prince Jin’s carriage was heading toward the Guo residence. He had just left the palace and was going to the Guo family to celebrate Princess Chenliu’s birthday. Prince Jin hadn’t taken a sedan chair but was slowly riding a horse with his entourage. On either side were over ten guards accompanying him. These guards beside him were all first-rate masters who generally attended Prince Jin whenever he went out.

However, at a distance of thirty meters from Guo Manor, a black shadow suddenly shot out from a nearby alley, thrusting a sword toward Prince Jin. This sword strike was extremely fast, like a shooting star, flashing past in an instant. Prince Jin had been completely unprepared and nearly took the sword. But by coincidence, just as this sword thrust through the air, Prince Jin had suddenly remembered something and turned to instruct a guard beside him: “We’re almost at the Guo residence. Carefully count the gifts this prince has prepared.” Just as he finished the last word and turned around in that instant, the assassin had already leaped forward. By sheer coincidence, he managed to avoid the strike in time, yet still felt sharp pain. The long sword that should have pierced his throat instead penetrated his left shoulder.

A guard beside him pulled Prince Jin off his horse. The others instantly drew their swords and surrounded the assassin. But this assassin’s martial arts were extremely high. Missing with one strike, he immediately broke through the encirclement before the guards could form a complete circle, vanishing without a trace in the blink of an eye. A guard nearby shouted loudly: “Quick! Enter Guo Manor first and notify Duke Qi!”

Prince Jin had been attacked right at Duke Qi’s gate—this matter naturally had to be reported to the master first. Before Prince Jin could instruct them not to make a big fuss, he had already fainted. The guards immediately grew anxious and hurriedly sent Prince Jin into the nearby Guo Manor.

Guo Manor was full of coming and going guests—how could such news be concealed even slightly? Soon, word that His Highness Prince Jin had been attacked spread throughout Guo Manor. Upon seeing the injured Prince Jin, Duke Qi hurriedly ordered people to escort him to a guest room to rest. He immediately sent someone to fetch an imperial physician to treat Prince Jin, then turned around with a face like frost. This villain was truly too bold—daring to attack Prince Jin right in front of Duke Qi’s gate!

Prince Jing Yuan Ying’s expression was also extremely shocked: “Indeed. It’s only twenty or thirty meters away. This assassin is truly audacious beyond belief. I wonder who sent him?” As he spoke, his heart was also filled with uncertainty. Prince Jin had a gentle temperament and was indifferent to worldly struggles. Usually, he had nothing to do with court politics or disputes. This time he had merely come to celebrate Princess Chenliu’s birthday. Who would target him without reason, specifically choosing the spot in front of Duke Qi’s gate? Wasn’t this very strange?

The Crown Prince’s expression was also filled with righteous indignation. He sneered coldly: “I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly and give Prince Jin an explanation!” Saying this, he turned to the Imperial Guards Commander Zhou Fengming: “Please ask Commander Zhou to report this to His Majesty and quickly deploy the Imperial Guards to protect important government offices and residences in the capital. Then order the city gates tightly closed and arrange for searches throughout all streets and alleys. Until the assassin is captured, declare martial law in the capital. All citizens must remain at home and are not permitted to go out. Anyone who violates military orders shall be executed without mercy!”

Seeing this situation, Duke Qi frowned slightly and couldn’t help speaking: “Crown Prince, wouldn’t this disturb the people too much?”

The Crown Prince’s expression was icy: “My imperial brother was attacked without cause. I must seek justice for him. Moreover, this assassin appears and disappears mysteriously, yet dared to openly act in front of Duke Qi’s manor and still escaped. There must be a great conspiracy behind this. If we cannot capture him, won’t even more people be harmed?”

Duke Qi looked at the Crown Prince with a grave expression, not knowing what medicine the other party was selling in his gourd. Yuan Ying smiled slightly: “Your Highness, then in your view, how should this matter be resolved?”

The Crown Prince smiled faintly: “Since the assassin appeared in this area, the first priority is to have the Imperial Guards thoroughly search this area. Commander Zhou, wouldn’t you say so?”

Imperial Guards Commander Zhou Fengming, hearing this, instinctively glanced at Marquis Chengting Zhou Zhen. Seeing him nod with closed eyes, he hurriedly bowed: “The Crown Prince speaks correctly. This subordinate will immediately report to His Majesty and dispatch people to search!” Saying this, he hurriedly left with his men.

Prince Qin Yuan Hong had always been very close to Prince Jin, with the best relationship. Hearing this, he was filled with worry, concern overflowing from his expression. He stood up: “I’ll go see Third Brother.”

The Crown Prince nodded with great concern: “I’ll go see Third Brother with you.” Saying this, he also stood up. Once the Crown Prince stood, the others naturally couldn’t remain seated either. They all stood up wanting to visit the already injured Prince Jin, Yuan Yong.

Seeing this situation, Duke Qi hastily reassured them: “Everyone, please don’t all be anxious. Prince Jin needs quiet rest. If everyone goes to visit, I fear it wouldn’t be appropriate. How about this—after the imperial physician completes his examination, I will convey everyone’s goodwill to Prince Jin. Please don’t be anxious. Sit down first.”

The crowd exchanged glances, feeling Duke Qi spoke very reasonably. If this whole group rushed noisily to the guest room, it would not only be disruptive but would also hinder the imperial physician’s treatment. The Crown Prince and Prince Qin exchanged a glance. He smiled: “Since that’s the case, Second Brother will go see Third Brother first. If there are any problems, report to me at any time.”

Prince Qin bowed in acknowledgment, then rose and headed toward the guest room.

At this time, the women were also discussing among themselves. The Crown Princess said softly: “What’s going on? An assassination in broad daylight, right in front of Duke Qi’s manor—who has such audacity!”

Consort Lu sighed: “Indeed. This villain is truly too formidable. I heard that Prince Jin’s guards are all highly skilled in martial arts, yet they didn’t even have time to react before the person escaped. Clearly, this was premeditated!”

Miss Wang nodded: “Fortunately, Prince Jin is blessed with great fortune and didn’t lose his life. Otherwise, since he came for the Guo residence, wouldn’t that mean…”

Some with ill intentions giggled: “You’re really worrying for others. He came to attend the Guo residence’s feast. If something went wrong, it would be the Guo residence bearing the responsibility. What does it have to do with us!”

Such discussions drifted to Li Weiyang’s ears, but her expression remained extremely calm without the slightest change. Princess Ali said softly: “Jia’er, what do you think is going on?”

Li Weiyang didn’t even lift her eyelids, her tone indifferent: “Is Princess Ali asking me why Prince Jin was attacked?”

Princess Ali naturally nodded: “The location where Prince Jin was attacked is far too close to Duke Qi’s manor. It’s almost as if someone did it deliberately!”

Princess Ali was an extremely simple person. If even she thought this way, then the other party’s actions were too obvious. Why assassinate Prince Jin in front of Guo Manor? Wasn’t this very strange? Moreover, Prince Jin Yuan Yong was a very amiable person who was indifferent to worldly struggles. Whether it was the Crown Prince or Prince Jing Yuan Ying, they would be rushing to win him over. How could anyone attack him without reason? What was the purpose of the person behind this? It truly required much thought.

Li Weiyang’s thoughts raced quickly in her mind, but her face remained impassive as she smiled, her eyes especially dark and deep. She said to Princess Ali: “Regardless of the other party’s purpose, in any case, His Highness hasn’t suffered any major harm. Otherwise, the Crown Prince wouldn’t be sitting so calmly. In my view, we should just observe how things develop.”

Madam Guo beside her wasn’t as optimistic as Li Weiyang. Today at this banquet, not a single person from the Chen family had come. This matter cast a shadow over everyone’s hearts. In the Crown Prince’s eyes, however, there was a smile, seemingly thoughtful.

Madam Guo felt pained in her heart and couldn’t help sighing to her eldest daughter-in-law Jiang Shi beside her: “The Guo and Chen families are completely finished.”

Jiang Shi didn’t dare respond, only lowered her head without speaking.

Hearing the sigh escape from Madam Guo’s mouth, Li Weiyang only said lightly: “Mother, this was a matter of sooner or later. Why must you worry so much about it?”

Jiang Shi sighed: “No wonder Mother is angry and upset. Second Sister-in-law was ultimately foolish, insisting on making such a scene, causing damage to the alliance between the two families. What good does it do her?”

Jiang Shi was a traditional woman. Although she and her husband were childhood sweethearts with a deep marital bond, traditional concepts were also deeply rooted. In her view, taking concubines for her husband wasn’t wrong at all. If not for her husband’s firm opposition, she would have long ago taken in her own maid for him. So she completely didn’t understand Chen Bingbing’s actions. Nalan Xue came first; Chen Bingbing was merely a latecomer. If the other party didn’t come to make things difficult for you, that was already good. Yet you still wanted to kill her—this made no sense whatsoever.

Li Weiyang shook her head. In matters of love, there was no right or wrong. If she were in Chen Bingbing’s position, she might also resort to harsh measures—just fearing her husband would be stolen away by someone else. If Chen Bingbing didn’t love Guo Yan so deeply, she wouldn’t have fallen to this point. What was wrong was that the Chen family couldn’t distinguish right from wrong, couldn’t see grievances clearly. First, they used their children’s marriage as leverage. After that failed, they blamed all responsibility on others. Such a family was too protective of their own, instead harming their own children. However, these words she wouldn’t say publicly. She only gently comforted Madam Guo: “Mother, many things that have happened have happened. No matter how much you worry, there’s no way to change the outcome. Wait slowly—perhaps there will be a turn for the better!”

As she spoke, her expression was very gentle. Seeing this, Madam Guo could only nod: “Now I don’t ask for anything else, only that your brothers can live peacefully.”

As she spoke, Li Weiyang had already understood. Before she could say anything, she heard a maid come to report: “Madam, the Second Young Mistress’s maid is requesting entry to the back courtyard, saying the Young Mistress left in haste and left belongings at the Guo residence.”

Hearing this, Madam Guo waved her hand: “Let her go. Whatever she takes, pay no attention.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s lips curved in a faint smile. The fish had finally taken the bait.

Just then, someone outside called loudly: “An imperial edict has arrived!” Everyone stood up one after another. Duke Qi and Princess Chenliu were first to greet it, with others following them, all kneeling on the ground. The eunuch who announced the edict read it aloud—nothing more than praising Princess Chenliu’s obedience and virtue, bestowing countless precious treasures. After reading the edict, Duke Qi immediately invited the edict-announcing eunuch to drink tea in the main hall. The Crown Prince and Prince Jing also went to the main hall together.

The palace had already sent birthday gifts earlier. Now His Majesty had added more weight, showing his favor toward the Guo family remained unchanged. The atmosphere in the garden immediately became even livelier. Everyone’s gazes toward the Guo family members were very enthusiastic. If moments ago they still harbored misgivings about the Guo Yan matter, now each one was rushing to curry favor. After all, the Emperor’s attitude had been made clear—he had no intention whatsoever of pursuing Guo Yan or implicating Guo Manor. Since that was the case, Duke Qi’s manor remained a renowned first-rank ducal household.

While people in the garden were toasting each other, they suddenly heard a stern rebuke from the main hall not far away: “You little beast! Truly ignorant! What kind of behavior is this? Get out quickly!”

Everyone in the garden was startled. Because the main hall and garden weren’t far apart, this voice carried over clearly. Then they saw Fourth Young Master Guo Dun walking out quickly, his face still showing great indignation, his magnificent robes splashed with wine stains. Everyone immediately understood—Guo Dun had obviously failed to hold his wine cup steady when trying to toast the edict-announcing eunuch and instead spilled it all over himself.

People couldn’t help laughing at Guo Dun’s confusion. Li Weiyang, however, sensed something. She quickly walked up, calling loudly: “Fourth Brother, what happened to you? You’ve spilled wine all over yourself!” Then she asked in a low voice: “What’s going on?”

Guo Dun likewise answered her loudly: “Aiya, how would I know? My hand trembled and the wine spilled everywhere. Forget it! I’ll go change clothes right now!” He said this while lowering his voice to whisper in Li Weiyang’s ear: “Before Father entered the hall, he suddenly said the Crown Prince’s expression was wrong. He wants you to quickly find a way to notify Second Brother in the back courtyard to leave immediately!”

A flash of understanding swept through Li Weiyang’s heart. She knew what she had been waiting for had finally happened! Her expression immediately darkened. She turned to the attendants: “What are you all standing there for? Quickly help Fourth Young Master go change clothes!” As she spoke, the attendants beside her hurriedly followed, supporting Guo Dun as he left. There was a small side hall in the garden where Guo Dun could naturally clean up.

Li Weiyang returned to her seat with a composed expression, smiling at everyone: “Fourth Brother drank too much for a moment, which led to his impropriety before the edict-announcing official. Father was anxious and rebuked him a few times. Everyone needn’t take it to heart. Please continue the feast!”

Duke Qi, the Crown Prince, and the edict-announcing eunuch were all talking in the main hall. Laughter and cheerful voices continued to emerge from the hall, showing they were conversing very pleasantly. Everyone didn’t think much of it, all assuming Guo Dun had caused trouble and been driven out. But Li Weiyang gave Zhao Yue beside her a meaningful glance. Zhao Yue understood and quickly turned to leave.

Just after exiting the garden gate, a long sword barred her way. Zhao Yue froze, then saw a young military officer with a stern face blocking her path. The armor on his body flashed with dazzling light in the sunlight, the long sword also glinting coldly.

Zhao Yue thought to herself that what Miss said was indeed correct—there really was someone waiting here. She sneered inwardly but said outwardly: “Who are you people? Why are you standing at the garden entrance with swords drawn? This is the dignified Duke Qi’s manor. How dare you brandish weapons here? Do you not value your lives?!”

That person’s voice was icy, devoid of emotion: “This subordinate follows the Crown Prince’s orders to guard the garden. No one may enter or exit!”

Zhao Yue’s expression changed, then she said quickly: “The Crown Prince’s orders? Why would the Crown Prince issue such orders?”

The soldier sneered coldly but didn’t answer. When Zhao Yue asked again, the gleaming precious sword was already at her throat: “Don’t talk nonsense. If you want to live, return to your banquet. Otherwise, don’t blame my sword for being merciless!”

Zhao Yue acted as if frightened, retreating three steps. She turned to size up this soldier, then looked at the row of soldiers behind him. Her eyes shifted, her feet paused, and she had already quickly turned back to Li Weiyang’s side. Seeing her return, Li Weiyang couldn’t help asking in a low voice: “What happened?”

Zhao Yue whispered in her ear: “Miss guessed correctly. The Crown Prince has indeed ordered people to heavily guard this garden. This servant cannot force her way out.” With Zhao Yue’s martial arts skills, if she wanted to break out of the garden, it naturally wouldn’t be difficult. But if she did so, it would mean direct conflict with the Crown Prince’s people. Li Weiyang understood very well that the Crown Prince posting people at the garden entrance at this time must mean he was about to take action. Duke Qi had obviously also sensed something, which was why he instructed Guo Dun to come out and warn Li Weiyang. However, Duke Qi’s realization came a step too late. Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her expression composed, instructing Zhao Yue: “Since they won’t let you out, then cause some commotion so everyone can see what the Crown Prince is doing. Then proceed according to the original plan.”

Hearing this, Zhao Yue immediately understood. She smiled slightly: “Yes, this servant will do it now.” Saying this, she turned to leave again. This time the soldier blocked the entrance as before, but suddenly heard Zhao Yue raise her voice: “Aiya! What are you doing? Why are you being so handsy?”

Hearing this cry, everyone looked toward the garden entrance together. The soldier’s face paled, then he shouted angrily: “What nonsense are you spouting?”

Zhao Yue looked frightened and alarmed as she rushed into the garden. The soldier hurriedly tried to draw his sword to stop her, but how could he possibly stop Zhao Yue with her skills? In a flash, her sleeves flying, she tumbled into the garden and then fell at Li Weiyang’s feet: “Miss, look!”

Li Weiyang looked at her and said coldly: “You shameless servant! How dare you be so improper in public? Haven’t you noticed all these distinguished guests are feasting?”

By this point, the Crown Prince, Duke Qi, and Prince Jing had already seen off the edict-announcing eunuch. Everyone was startled. The Crown Prince’s expression immediately showed some displeasure.

Zhao Yue covered her face with her sleeve as if aggrieved: “Miss, this servant followed orders to fetch the birthday gift you specially prepared to show everyone. Who knew she would be stopped by this soldier? Not only did he manhandle her, he also said the Crown Prince ordered him to guard the garden and not allow anyone to enter or exit! Without any explanation—look, Miss, he even laid hands on this servant.” Saying this, Zhao Yue turned over her wrist, revealing scratches on the back of her hand. With that soldier’s martial skills, he naturally couldn’t hurt her—this was “evidence” she deliberately left.

Hearing this, Li Weiyang frowned slightly, then looked at the Crown Prince: “Your Highness, how can you allow your servants to commit violence?”

The Crown Prince looked coldly at the soldier who had chased in. The man immediately knelt on the ground: “Please forgive this subordinate, Crown Prince. This subordinate failed in his duties.”

The Crown Prince waved his hand: “Forget it. Withdraw.”

Seeing this scene, Duke Qi’s heart confirmed the ominous premonition from earlier. He couldn’t help frowning: “Crown Prince, you came today to feast. Why did you bring so many soldiers, and why seal the garden preventing people from entering or exiting? What is the meaning of this?”

The Crown Prince smiled slightly. Just now was merely a test. If you didn’t have a guilty conscience, why be so fearful and uneasy? His heart grew even more certain that Guo Yan was hidden in the Guo residence. Determined to search, his expression remained composed: “Duke Qi needn’t panic. I just received a report from someone saying the assassin broke into Duke Qi’s manor.” As he said this, everyone was stunned, especially those delicate young ladies whose faces paled. Immediately someone pressed for details: “Crown Prince, is that assassin truly in this manor?”

The Crown Prince nodded, his face full of concern: “Naturally. Precisely because someone saw the assassin climb over Duke Qi’s courtyard wall, I ordered so many guards to stand at the garden entrance, not allowing strangers to enter or exit.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Oh? So the Crown Prince ordered people to stand at the entrance to protect everyone present?”

The Crown Prince smiled slightly, his expression unchanged: “Naturally. After all, this is Princess Chenliu’s birthday feast. I both want to capture the assassin and don’t want to disturb everyone. That’s why I had so many people guard the garden entrance—first, to guard against the assassin, and second, to seek an opportunity to capture him.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes were cold as ice and snow: “Since the Crown Prince says so, then may I ask if you can return my Fourth Brother?”

Just now Li Weiyang had already received word that Guo Dun had attempted to leave through the garden’s back entrance but was detained by the Crown Prince. Indeed, the preparations were thorough—not allowing them to pass messages.

Hearing this, everyone’s faces showed shocked expressions. Just now the Fourth Young Master had hurriedly withdrawn—wasn’t it to go to a nearby side hall to change clothes? Seeing everyone’s gazes turn toward him, the Crown Prince simply smiled: “Fourth Young Master drank too much just now. I ordered people to help him rest. I meant nothing else. If Miss Guo doesn’t believe me, you can go to the side hall right now to see if Fourth Young Master is sleeping soundly there.”

Li Weiyang didn’t believe this explanation at all. Guo Dun hadn’t been drunk at all—he had only borrowed this opportunity to go to the back courtyard to deliver a message. But of course, these words couldn’t be spoken in front of everyone. Before Li Weiyang could speak, she heard Guo Cheng smile slightly: “The Crown Prince’s good intentions—the Guo family appreciates them. However, if there truly is an assassin, naturally our manor’s guards will capture him. The Crown Prince is a guest—we needn’t trouble you to worry.”

The Crown Prince sighed: “This time the injured person is my imperial brother. How can I stand idly by? Third Young Master needn’t be polite with me.”

Seeing this scene, Li Weiyang knew the Crown Prince was determined to search. However, she had been waiting for the other party to enter the trap. She immediately glanced at Duke Qi, then said solemnly: “What does Your Highness intend to do?”

The Crown Prince’s face appeared very troubled: “Since the assassin appeared at Guo Manor, naturally the entire manor should be searched. However, regarding Princess Chenliu’s birthday feast, I truly cannot bear to disrupt it.” As he spoke, someone beside him immediately said: “Crown Prince, capturing the assassin is also for everyone’s safety. If we let him remain at the Guo residence, it would instead harm Princess Chenliu. Better to search Guo Manor once and eliminate future troubles!” As soon as he said this, many people immediately stood up in response. It was actually quite easy to understand—after all, this was someone else’s home. Searching it wasn’t a big deal. If that assassin was truly at Guo Manor, they would be in danger.

Duke Qi’s heart tightened. He already knew why the Crown Prince had come and guessed the connection between Prince Jin’s assassination and the assassin hiding at Guo Manor: “So the Crown Prince intends to lead people to search my Duke Qi’s manor. What if I say no?”

Crown Prince’s Attendant Ruan Xiaoshan smiled faintly: “Duke Qi wouldn’t have reason to harbor an assassin, would you? Could it be you’re colluding with him? Ah, no wonder this assassin first attempted assassination at your Duke Qi manor’s gate, then hid in the manor. How unexpected…”

Before he could finish, Guo Cheng immediately cut him off: “Please watch your words! My Duke Qi’s manor would never collude with that assassin!”

The Crown Prince said loudly: “Excellent! Then please, Third Young Master, prove to everyone that the Guo family has nothing to do with this matter!”

Everyone’s eyes fell on the Guo family’s faces, their expressions containing doubt, panic, and unfathomable malice. Such gazes made people feel like sitting on pins and needles.

Princess Chenliu slowly stood up. She had already understood everything and couldn’t help sighing softly. If the Guo family insisted on not allowing the search, it would announce to everyone that this Prince Jin assassination was related to them. But if they allowed the search, it would be equivalent to handing Guo Yan over to them on a silver platter. Guo Yan still had the status of a criminal condemned by imperial decree. The Guo family harboring him was even more serious than harboring an assassin. The Crown Prince had truly calculated well! Just as Princess Chenliu was about to speak to obstruct, she heard Li Weiyang’s slow voice: “Since the Crown Prince is so concerned about everyone’s safety, then by all means conduct a thorough inspection to set everyone’s minds at ease.”

Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed the Crown Prince’s eyes. He hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to be completely unconcerned. Then he stared at her, almost believing Li Weiyang had set some trap. But thinking again, Guo Yan was currently at Guo Manor. Li Weiyang’s actions were probably meant to make him suspicious so he wouldn’t dare search casually. Hardening his heart, he said coldly: “Since Miss Guo has already agreed, then begin the search!”

In fact, while the Crown Prince was talking with the Guo family, his soldiers had already rushed toward the back courtyard. The guards responsible for guarding the gates between front and back courtyards stood firm, absolutely refusing to easily give up their positions. The leading officer gave an order, and those soldiers drew their gleaming long swords, gesturing toward the guards. The two sides immediately became entangled in combat, frightening countless maids and matrons into continuous screams. Some people kept fainting. Since the Crown Prince had prepared early, after those soldiers broke through the first line of defense, they began unscrupulously entering the Guo family’s back courtyard for a thorough search. These people paid no heed, searching everyone they saw, even bursting into courtyards to look everywhere, not even sparing the servants’ quarters.

A blue-clothed maid had been waiting in the back courtyard for some time. Seeing this, she quickly walked to the leading soldier and said in a low voice: “Officer, I know where the assassin you’re looking for is.”

The officer glanced at the woman before him, his gaze sharpening. The maid before him was precisely Fu’er, who served at Second Young Mistress Chen Bingbing’s side. Originally, she should have returned to her maternal home with Chen Bingbing. But today she had used the excuse of returning to collect belongings for the Chen family, entering Guo Manor through the back gate. Nearby maids and matrons saw Fu’er actually leading soldiers, their expressions all changing. No one had imagined Fu’er would commit such an act of betraying her master’s household.

Fu’er paid no attention to others glaring at her angrily. She led the soldiers all the way to a small courtyard in the back—a secluded place surrounded on both sides by dense bamboo groves, with only three rooms front and back, appearing very simple. A soldier had already shouted loudly: “You wretched girl! How dare you lead us astray! We already searched this place.”

Fu’er sneered coldly. Walking behind an artificial mountain, as if prepared, she rotated a protruding part of the rock wall. Immediately, a huge artificial mountain stone slid to the side. Fu’er signaled for two soldiers to come and push these two artificial mountain stones left and right with force, making the gap even wider. They saw the spot where the artificial mountain had been revealed a stone slab. Fu’er groped around on the ground for a while. Last time she had only watched from afar and wasn’t entirely certain. Now searching for the spot proved somewhat difficult. It took a full quarter-hour before she found the key location. With a light strike, the green brick suddenly split into two sections, revealing a long passage. The passage was very smooth, built with many layers of steps—fully several hundred levels. Faintly visible, it wound and twisted, leading to an unknown destination.

Fu’er smiled triumphantly: “Just pass through this passage and you’ll find where the assassin is!”

The maids and matrons in the courtyard who witnessed all this had extremely panicked and uneasy expressions. They hadn’t expected Fu’er would betray the Guo family’s master, much less that there truly was a passage here! This disaster had grown enormous! Fu’er pointed at this passage and shouted loudly: “Why aren’t you going in? What are you standing there waiting for?”

That officer’s face showed a cold smile. He waved his hand, ordering ten soldiers to file in, entering the passage one after another. Just then, everyone saw the Guo family masters and other guests had all arrived here.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince smiled slightly: “I didn’t expect Guo Manor to have such a hidden location.”

Seeing the passage had been discovered, Li Weiyang’s face showed none of the panic the Crown Prince expected. Her smile remained gentle: “Look at what the Crown Prince says. Which household doesn’t have passages?”

The Crown Prince sneered coldly: “Yes, every household has passages, but not every household can hide assassins.” Just as his words fell, a sharp scream suddenly came from within the passage. The Crown Prince’s expression changed. He hastily said: “What happened?”

Everyone looked toward the passage. Before long, they saw a soldier climb up covered in dirt and dust, his face miserable: “Crown Prince, there are traps in this passage. As soon as my men entered, they stepped on a trap and fell into a pit, breaking their legs!”

The Crown Prince had no interest in hearing this. He said sternly: “What I’m asking is whether you caught the assassin inside!”

That soldier’s expression grew even more awful. He fell to the ground with a thump, his voice trembling: “Crown Prince, there’s nothing inside!”

The Crown Prince’s face suddenly changed. Fu’er’s face instantly turned deathly pale. She cried out: “No! This is impossible! How can there be nothing?”

Li Weiyang gave a light laugh: “Yes, how can there be nothing? Inside are ice blocks stored from winter, specifically used to chill watermelons in summer. Didn’t you see?” Her voice wasn’t loud, but the several people nearby who heard this all felt a chill in their hearts.

Everyone didn’t understand. Hearing this, they couldn’t help laughing. So this passage actually led to an ice cellar storing last year’s ice. All large households had such places—there was nothing strange about it. Li Weiyang added: “Oh, besides ice, there are also forty jars of spicy pickled cabbage. Would the Crown Prince like to taste some?”

The Crown Prince’s heart burned with raging fury. He was nearly driven to fainting by Li Weiyang’s sardonic words. His gaze coldly fixed on the soldier: “Is there truly nothing?”

The soldier repeatedly kowtowed: “Yes, Your Highness. We’ve already checked. There truly is nothing.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze looked at Fu’er coldly: “What’s this? The Crown Prince wanted to search for an assassin? Unfortunately, this is my Guo family’s passage. I didn’t know this girl would lead people here. She’s Second Sister-in-law’s maid. Some days ago, she caused trouble and was locked up. She was just released—it’s possible she went mad for a moment. How pitiful that you believed her without question. Aiya, what a pity—wasted effort.”

As she spoke these words, the Crown Prince’s expression grew even uglier. With one glance from him, the leading soldier shouted loudly: “This vile woman clearly deliberately deceived us! She deserves death!” Finishing, without hesitation, he stepped forward. His hand rose and the blade fell. Fu’er screamed and tried to dodge. Zhao Yue moved very quickly, blocking in time and deflecting the sword tip slightly. Because of this deflection, Fu’er was struck in the shoulder by the sword and fell to the ground, gasping for a long while, eyes wide open, wailing continuously. The soldier tried to finish her off, but Zhao Yue blocked him. Li Weiyang smiled as she watched the agonized Fu’er: “Crown Prince, what’s this? Silencing witnesses?”

The Crown Prince’s heart grew even more furious. He almost wished he could kill Li Weiyang with one sword. Unfortunately, under these circumstances, he had to restrain his emotions. He only said coldly: “What about the others?”

The leading soldier said: “In response to the Crown Prince, this subordinate has divided forces into four routes to search. News will arrive shortly.”

The Crown Prince snorted coldly. Their plan couldn’t have leaked. Guo Yan must have received advance warning and hidden. But he had posted people all around Guo Manor surrounding it so tightly not even a fly could escape. He refused to believe they would find nothing!

Soon, those responsible for searching the front courtyard hurried over and knelt on the ground: “Crown Prince, this subordinate has searched carefully but found no trace of the assassin.” The first route, second route, third route all said this. Finally, even the fourth route’s searchers returned, their faces extremely ugly, clearly having found nothing.

The Crown Prince hadn’t expected such a situation at all. He said through gritted teeth: “Have you truly searched thoroughly? There’s truly no assassin? No other things either?” When saying “other things,” he emphasized heavily. Li Weiyang smiled coldly, her expression blank as she watched.

The soldiers all lowered their heads. Not only had they searched carefully—they had practically turned over the entire Guo residence’s ground. Every nook and cranny’s passages had been found without exception. Unfortunately, forget Guo Yan’s shadow—they hadn’t found even a single chicken feather.

Duke Qi’s heart relaxed slightly. He said coldly: “Crown Prince, you led these people to break into my inner courtyard, fabricating charges out of nothing, saying my household harbored an assassin. Your Highness, you’re attempting to frame the loyal! Now nothing has been found. I must ask you—bringing these people here, what exactly was your intent?”

The Crown Prince’s expression changed, then he smiled: “Duke, please don’t be angry. I only wanted to capture the criminal for the Emperor. Someone secretly reported personally witnessing the assassin climb over the wall to enter. I feared disturbing everyone, so I sent people to search.”

Duke Qi sneered: “The Crown Prince jests well. If that assassin truly entered, how could he not be found? If Your Highness wishes to fabricate some baseless charge, you might as well go with me now to the palace to see His Majesty, so I can prove my innocence before him!”

The Crown Prince’s heart was furious to the extreme, but his face showed extreme regret as he said repeatedly: “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. Duke, please don’t blame me. I was too anxious for a moment.” In fact, to find Guo Yan, the Crown Prince’s soldiers could be said to be extremely diligent. Even the cracks in artificial mountains had been checked one by one. Duke Qi’s study, in particular, had been completely searched once according to the Crown Prince’s prior instructions. They truly found nothing.

Duke Qi’s smile grew even colder: “By the way, my wife’s bedchamber, my daughter’s rooms, and my mother’s courtyard probably haven’t been thoroughly searched yet. Why don’t I lead everyone to look carefully, dig out all those passages hidden in bedrooms for you to examine thoroughly? How about it?”

As he spoke, the Crown Prince knew matters had gone poorly. He said respectfully: “Duke, please don’t be angry. I too had no choice in my urgency.”

Duke Qi laughed mockingly twice: “Our Guo Manor has always been loyal to His Majesty. We have many passages in our household, but they’re all used to store useless things. Which household doesn’t have them? If the Crown Prince thinks we’re hiding some disgraceful assassin, why not tear down all of Guo Manor’s buildings and search thoroughly to avoid future oversights!”

“Ha ha,” the Crown Prince laughed dryly twice. “Duke, you jest.”

Duke Qi’s face darkened as he interrupted him: “Who’s jesting! Today, it’s only for Your Highness’s sake that I allowed you to search. But you found nothing! My dignified ducal manor has become a place anyone can search! Your Highness, you’ve already searched. Do you truly intend to tear down Guo Manor and set a fire here?”

This was accusing the Crown Prince of attempting arson and murder in broad daylight—a crime the Crown Prince couldn’t bear. He hurriedly smiled, his expression extremely forced: “I was thoughtless in my actions. Another day I will certainly come to apologize. Please forgive me, Duke and Miss Guo.” Saying this, he instructed the leading soldier: “Why haven’t you withdrawn?”

The soldier hesitated, as if unwilling to obey the Crown Prince. He leaned close to the Crown Prince’s ear and said in a low voice: “We’ve come this far. If we don’t find anyone, it won’t sound good when word spreads. Guo Manor’s passages are nested one inside another. In this subordinate’s view, why not dig into this passage? Perhaps there’s a whole other world. Or perhaps the other party just fled not long ago. Why not search within a ten-mile radius? We can definitely find the assassin and leave him no place to hide.”

Seeing this officer, Guo Cheng’s expression turned cold: “General Tang, if I’m not mistaken, you’re one of the Imperial Guards’ deputy commanders. Your duty is to defend the capital, yet I didn’t expect you’d become the Crown Prince’s private guard. With one command from him, you abandon your imperial duty and come to my Guo Manor to commit outrages?”

Hearing this, Tang Yao’s expression immediately changed: “Third Young Master, don’t speak nonsense. I merely came to search under orders.”

Guo Cheng smiled but not quite: “To fabricate charges—how can one lack pretexts? I advise all the distinguished lords present to properly manage your attendants, lest General Tang one day arrests your nephews and sons, claiming they’re criminals, then charges you with conspiracy to rebel!”

Tang Yao was shocked. He hadn’t expected the Guo family members to have such sharp tongues that he had absolutely no foothold. Thinking this, he immediately retreated a step, hiding behind Marquis Chengting Zhou Zhen.

But Duke Qi wasn’t prepared to let him off so easily. His tone was indifferent: “Marquis Chengting, I’d very much like to ask how you manage these hundred thousand Imperial Guards! How can you let your deputy commander come to my Guo residence to search at will? Or did General Tang receive your orders specifically to follow beside the Crown Prince?”

As he spoke, even Marquis Chengting Zhou Zhen’s cold sweat flowed down. He commanded a hundred thousand Imperial Guards responsible for defending the capital and protecting the imperial family. Tang Yao was one of the Imperial Guards’ four deputy commanders and naturally had to follow Zhou Zhen’s orders. However, this time Tang Yao had followed the Crown Prince’s command to search Guo Manor—actually, Marquis Chengting had tacitly permitted it because he had long felt the Guo family’s influence was too great. Now without the Chen family helping on the side, it was time to get a piece of the pie. But these words ultimately couldn’t be said publicly. If His Majesty knew, he would definitely suspect collusion between him and the Crown Prince. No—he might even suspect it involved Prince Qin. In this way, originally only wanting to watch tigers fight from the mountain, he would be dragged into the water along with everyone else. Marquis Chengting immediately glared at Tang Yao and gave him a hard slap: “Why don’t you kneel and beg Duke’s forgiveness!”

Tang Yao immediately knelt on the ground, burying his head very low, fear surging in his heart for the first time.

The Crown Prince’s face was already extremely ugly. Returning empty-handed today—Father Emperor would surely fly into a rage upon learning of it. Add to that the searches disturbing citizens throughout the city—he would likely have a bitter pill to swallow when he returned to the palace… His heart flashed with the Emperor’s inscrutable, gloomy face. The Crown Prince’s heart trembled. He forced himself to say: “Since the assassin isn’t at Guo Manor, then I’ll take my leave. Duke needn’t be angry. Today we were discourteous. Another day I will certainly apologize to you!”

Duke Qi snorted coldly, not even glancing at the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince’s face looked awful as he led his people away in embarrassment. Everyone seeing this scene had somewhat awkward expressions, especially those who had earlier instigated the Crown Prince to search Duke Qi’s manor—they left even more sheepishly together.

Duke Qi looked back at Li Weiyang and saw her smile at him slightly, her expression very calm. Only then did Duke Qi’s constantly clenched heart finally relax. After Guo Manor had seen off all the distinguished guests, Duke Qi hurriedly asked: “Where is your Second Brother?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes were clear: “Just now, I’ve already transferred Second Brother elsewhere. Father, please rest assured.”

Duke Qi, hearing this, quickly felt puzzled again: “When did you discover the Crown Prince intended to search the Duke’s manor?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, saying calmly: “I’ve been guarding against this day since very early on. When Prince Jin was attacked and the Crown Prince ordered the Imperial Guards to blockade the capital, I knew the Crown Prince would definitely want to search the entire Duke Qi’s manor.” Actually, it should have been even earlier…

Duke Qi nodded: “Then your Second Brother now?”

Li Weiyang turned to instruct Zhao Yue with a few words. Zhao Yue smiled and nodded, then entered the passage. In less than half a period, she actually emerged with Guo Yan one after the other.

Duke Qi’s expression changed: “Didn’t that soldier already search the passage?”

Li Weiyang only answered softly: “This is thanks to Prince Xu. He’s dug who knows how many layers in our Guo Manor—one door nested inside another like a maze. Forget those soldiers tearing down the building—even if they dug three feet deep, they still might not find Second Brother.” Tang Yao’s so-called continued digging—without someone to guide them, they absolutely couldn’t find Guo Yan either.

Madam Guo stepped forward, carefully examining Guo Yan, tears welling in her eyes: “It’s good you’re all right. It’s good you’re all right.”

Guo Dun, just released, quickly walked over. He grabbed Fu’er who sat collapsed on the ground: “Why did you help outsiders harm my Second Brother?”

Fu’er’s entire body trembled. She couldn’t say a single word. Guo Cheng hurriedly said: “Guo Dun, let her go first.”

Guo Dun furiously threw Fu’er to the ground. Fu’er’s bones nearly shattered. She could only forcibly endure without crying out. Madam Guo shook her head: “I truly never imagined Bingbing would do such a thing. Yan’er, after all, was married to her. She showed absolutely no regard for past affection, letting this maid come harm her own husband!”

Li Weiyang sighed but spoke: “Does Mother think Second Sister-in-law did this?”

Madam Guo was startled, then abruptly turned to look at Li Weiyang: “Jia’er, what do you mean by this?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze fell on Guo Yan. She said softly: “Second Brother, do you think Second Sister-in-law is the chief culprit who harmed you?”

Guo Yan’s expression was somber. He didn’t say a single word, only lowered his head, looking at Fu’er thoughtfully.

Hearing this, Madam Guo grew even more puzzled. She stepped forward and looked fixedly at Li Weiyang: “Could there be other circumstances to this matter? Jia’er, we’re all family here. Why don’t you speak all the truth?”

Everyone was staring dumbfounded at Li Weiyang when suddenly someone said in a clear voice: “If she’s unwilling to speak, then let me.” Turning around, they saw a tall figure leaning against the artificial mountain, those amber eyes sparkling brilliantly. His exceptionally handsome features immediately made everyone present pale in comparison. It was precisely Prince Xu, Yuan Lie.