The Emperor’s expression was indifferent: “Guo Jia, do you think the Great Zhou ruler and ministers are all fools? Developing water conservancy, for any nation, is a tremendously beneficial undertaking. Especially for a country like Great Zhou—once they obtain water sources, it means they’ve obtained the key to victory. Do you think I would give them such an opportunity?”

Li Weiyang naturally understood that for the various nations at that time, grain was a critical factor determining victory or defeat. Because a single campaign could consume millions or even tens of millions of catties of grain, Great Zhou, while fighting on multiple fronts, also placed great importance on land reclamation and cultivation. Unfortunately, frequent droughts within Great Zhou severely affected grain production. For agricultural development, water conservancy was the most vital matter. Though Great Zhou’s national power was strong, their true plains and fertile fields were extremely few in number. Therefore, in recent years Great Zhou hadn’t dared easily launch war against the powerful Yuexi. If Great Zhou were truly allowed to develop water conservancy and increase grain production, this would mean their next step would have very abundant grain reserves. Naturally they would then cross the grasslands to strike at Yuexi—absolutely not something the Yuexi Emperor wished to see.

Li Weiyang understood the other party’s thoughts and only said: “This so-called water conservancy development has both advantages and disadvantages. For a country like Great Zhou to build such large-scale canals would require a full seven or eight years. If this canal builder works for Great Zhou’s benefit, the final result would naturally benefit the nation and people. But if he works for Yuexi’s benefit, he could also bring disaster to Zhou and harm its people.”

The Emperor looked coldly at Li Weiyang, yet his gaze revealed a trace of inquiry: “So you’re saying you already have a good plan?”

Li Weiyang continued: “Of course. As long as Your Majesty can recommend a suitable candidate, using the canal construction as opportunity, deliberately avoiding easy routes for difficult ones, shunning near for far, delaying the work period, exhausting the people’s strength. If Your Majesty acts even more far-sightedly, adding harassment to local areas where canals pass through, damaging some civilian houses, destroying a little good farmland, increasing the people’s resentment—all such actions will only stir countless people’s anger within Great Zhou’s borders. By then, this canal naturally will have spent great sums yet cannot be completed. Not only will it fail completion, it will probably make Great Zhou’s domestic population anxious and uneasy, complaints filling the air. At that time, Great Zhou’s emperor naturally won’t have the energy to take military action against Yuexi. Isn’t this an excellent thing? I think Your Majesty would also be happy to see this come to pass.” Canal construction damaging civilian residences and stirring resentment was a small matter—still far better than the two nations clashing militarily with countless casualties.

The Emperor laughed derisively: “What if they still manage to complete this canal in the end?”

Li Weiyang said unhurriedly: “Even if completed, so what? The source must be this river on the grasslands. I only said to take the northern side—that is, taking the river’s upstream. As long as a massive dam is built upstream controlling the downstream water volume, even if their water conservancy is completed, what use would it be?”

The Emperor gazed at Li Weiyang for a long time, actually finding this idea quite good, though making the other party not see through it would still require great effort: “Truly a cunning woman, understanding the principle of setting traps step by step, ultimately forcing others to a dead end.”

Li Weiyang saw the other party’s expression shifting unpredictably and knew he fundamentally hadn’t given up the thought of killing her. She wasn’t anxious either—everything she did was merely to delay time. If she couldn’t display half a measure of ability, she’d probably already be a corpse by now. Now half an hour had already passed—calculating the time, her reinforcements should arrive soon.

The Emperor slowly rose from the imperial seat. His smile became even more sinister as he laughed coldly: “Guo Jia, you truly are very clever. However, you’re clever to excess. Yuan Lie’s side doesn’t need such a clever woman as you. When the time comes, naturally someone will assist him. The inner palace must not interfere in politics. If you were to marry Yuan Lie, in future you’d inevitably become a second Pei clan.”

This was the first time the Emperor so clearly stated his thoughts. Li Weiyang couldn’t help pulling out a trace of a smile: “Your Majesty, saying this—do you fear I’ll bring chaos to the nation? Do you look down on your own son so much?”

The Emperor’s gaze held undisguised killing intent. Li Weiyang only felt a cold sensation slowly climbing up her spine, coiling inch by inch deeper, as if to freeze her marrow.

The Emperor’s sleeves were edged with intricate borders, the embroidery extremely magnificent. He lightly waved his hand: “Someone come.” Following the Emperor’s call, a eunuch holding a bowl of pitch-black medicinal liquid respectfully presented it. The Emperor smiled faintly: “That rod punishment’s death appearance was too ugly. Since you’ve offered such a good suggestion, I should at least leave you some dignity. Now will you drink this yourself, or shall I have someone help you?”

Li Weiyang’s face showed a trace of cold smile, her eyes brilliantly bright, yet her body didn’t move at all. Standing stubbornly in place, she showed absolutely no intention of committing suicide.

Seeing her motionless, the Emperor assumed she feared death and laughed coldly: “I thought you were a clever person, but looking at you now, your small cleverness hasn’t matured—you don’t even understand the principle of hiding one’s abilities!” Speaking thus, he gestured. Eunuchs immediately surged forward, actually restraining Li Weiyang and forcibly pressing her to kneel on the ground. The jade hairpin in Li Weiyang’s hair immediately fell to the ground, shattering into pieces. Li Weiyang glanced at it—it was the jade hairpin Yuan Lie had personally given her. She’d always worn it on her person. Now shattered across the ground, the jade actually carried an indescribable poignant color. Li Weiyang’s gaze darkened. If she’d still been quite interested in playing along with the Emperor just now, she was truly somewhat displeased now.

The eunuch forcibly restraining Li Weiyang had a fierce expression, showing no mercy at all, forcibly pushing the porcelain bowl toward Li Weiyang. The cold rim had already pressed against her lips. Li Weiyang naturally didn’t want to die—not that she didn’t want to rather than feared it—so she furrowed her brow tightly, her eyes bursting with intense loathing. Just as the poison was about to be poured in, she suddenly heard someone outside call loudly: “Your Highness, you cannot enter!”

The Emperor suddenly furrowed his brow and saw Imperial Consort Guo had already rushed like a gust of wind into the Emperor’s study. As she burst in, her voice was trembling: “Wait!”

The eunuch’s hand involuntarily paused. Everyone’s gaze turned toward Imperial Consort Guo.

The Emperor’s gaze, sharp as knife or sword, swept across Imperial Consort Guo’s face. He laughed coldly: “Consort Hui, since when could just anyone barge into my study!”

Imperial Consort Guo’s heart flashed with terror. She knelt on the ground, prostrating at the Emperor’s feet. A trace of fierce smile crossed the Emperor’s lips. He actually raised his hand and viciously slapped Imperial Consort Guo, actually striking half her face askew. Imperial Consort Guo lowered her head, utterly silent. Everyone knew the Emperor wouldn’t see these consorts most of the time. Unless summoned, no one could easily barge into the Emperor’s study—otherwise, death without mercy! Moreover, the Emperor’s temperament was gloomy and unpredictable. No one dared touch his bad luck at such a time. But when Imperial Consort Guo heard Li Weiyang had been brought into the imperial study, her instinct told her something was wrong. She didn’t dare delay and rushed over in haste. Originally she didn’t have such courage to offend the Emperor, but compared to fear, her own niece’s life made her decide she absolutely couldn’t stand by and watch no matter what. She raised her head with almost unprecedented courage and called out loudly: “I don’t know how Jia’er offended Your Majesty, that Your Majesty would actually kill her!”

The Emperor’s expression didn’t change at all. He only shouted to the eunuch beside him: “What are you standing there for? Send her on her way!” Before any movement could occur, Imperial Consort Guo had already quickly stepped forward and snatched away the porcelain bowl, smashing it on the ground. The medicinal liquid in the bowl splattered everywhere, shocking everyone.

At this moment, Imperial Consort Guo completely disregarded a consort’s deportment. Her entire person prostrated on the ground, the smooth mirror-like blue bricks cold and hard against her forehead. That coldness pressed straight into her body. Then she suddenly raised her head, her eyebrows arching high upward like her voice, rarely showing sharp edges: “Your Majesty, Jia’er is my own niece. Please, for my sake, no matter what Jia’er did wrong, please spare her!”

Li Weiyang’s expression remained calm. She lowered her head, saying nothing.

The Emperor’s eyes grew cold to the extreme. He called out sternly: “Consort Hui, didn’t you hear what I said? You actually dare openly defy me!”

Throughout the study, everywhere was terrifying silence—so quiet even breathing could be heard. Imperial Consort Guo felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured directly over her, so cold her skull numbed with chill: “Your Majesty, have you forgotten? Guo Jia is a daughter of our Guo clan. I absolutely cannot watch her die innocently here with my own eyes! Unless Your Majesty can give me a suitable reason, otherwise I absolutely will not yield!”

Li Weiyang looked at Imperial Consort Guo firmly blocking in front of her and couldn’t help being stunned. In her memory, apart from Yuan Lie and Madam Guo, no one else had protected her like this. Just moments ago, she and Imperial Consort Guo had argued over Chen Bingbing’s matter. Yet when her life was threatened, the first person to stand out protecting her was also this aunt. A slow warm current flowed through her heart. Only at this moment did she realize—perhaps the Guo family people weren’t ruthless enough, but when encountering matters, they would all unhesitatingly stand before their own relatives. You could call them foolish, call them presumptuous, but precisely this genuine feeling was enough to move Li Weiyang. She clearly saw Imperial Consort Guo’s skirt hem trembling, her teeth also shaking, yet she still firmly blocked Li Weiyang, shielding the Emperor’s pressing gaze.

The Emperor laughed coldly, his expression terrifyingly frightful: “So Consort Hui is determined to protect her!” Speaking thus, the Emperor’s ordinarily ice-sealed gaze suddenly ignited with terrifying light, shooting directly at Imperial Consort Guo like withering and destroying: “I’ll tell you—I’m determined to kill her. What will you do! Could you protect her for an entire lifetime? Foolish!”

Imperial Consort Guo’s voice was calm, even forgetting honorifics: “Your Majesty, she’s my relative. No matter what she did wrong, I must protect her. Please, considering how carefully I’ve served all these years, and how the Guo family has been utterly loyal to you—spare my niece!”

The Emperor stared fixedly at Imperial Consort Guo. Though her temperament had been stubborn all these years, she’d never shown defiant behavior. Yet now for a mere Guo Jia she actually dared be so bold! The Emperor’s dark expression recovered calm. He said coldly: “Someone! Drag Imperial Consort Guo out and administer fifty rod strikes as punishment!”

Fifty palace rods could be light or heavy, depending on the striker’s hand strength. Everyone present understood in their hearts—the Emperor intended to execute Imperial Consort Guo, leaving no room whatsoever.

Imperial Consort Guo only felt her feet soft and powerless beneath her, her heart sinking down and down. Biting her teeth, her tone carried great strength as she said coldly: “If Your Majesty wants to execute me, I have nothing to say, because today I defied you first. But Jia’er is innocent. If Your Majesty has anger, vent it on me, vent it on the Guo family! Under no circumstances should you make things difficult for a child!”

Hearing her say this, Li Weiyang was even more surprised, feeling she’d ultimately underestimated this aunt. Seeing her current strength, she almost couldn’t believe it. Having said what needed saying, Imperial Consort Guo’s face was still as water, tranquil as a statue. The eunuch beside her had already come to drag her away. Imperial Consort Guo turned her head to look at Li Weiyang, her face actually smiling. The hand hidden in her wide sleeve clenched tightly. She said softly: “Jia’er, Aunt has wronged you—I cannot protect you.”

Li Weiyang smiled lightly: “Aunt, having you say this is already enough for Jia’er.”

The Emperor most couldn’t stand seeing others’ good feelings for each other. Even affection between relatives made him feel abnormally jarring, disgusted to the extreme. He couldn’t help shouting sharply, drawing the precious sword beside him and slashing it down toward both of them. Li Weiyang pushed Imperial Consort Guo’s body aside, blocking in front of her, only waiting for this sword to cleave through the air! Who knew this sword never fell. Li Weiyang opened her eyes and saw Yuan Lie’s gaze ice-cold, tightly gripping the sword tip. In an instant his hand was already dripping with blood.

Yuan Lie’s expression at this moment was extremely frightening, his eyes full of killing intent, his hand even more motionless, not the slightest intention of moving away.

The Emperor’s expression darkened: “You unfilial wretch, what are you doing, actually daring to obstruct me!”

Yuan Lie said coldly: “Your Majesty, may I ask what crime Guo Jia committed that you would execute her?”

The Emperor flew into a rage: “Whatever I do, why must I explain to you? Are you all planning rebellion!”

Yuan Lie withdrew his hand, casually wiping it on the brocade robe at his shoulder, as if feeling no pain: “What if I do rebel? Heaven and earth are not benevolent, treating all things as straw dogs. Could it be that when Your Majesty commits such utterly irrational acts, as a subject, one cannot remonstrate unto death?”

“Remonstrate unto death?” The Emperor suddenly laughed coldly. This son was now completely disobedient, even daring to come here and shout at him for a woman’s sake—and talking about remonstrating unto death! He saw the other party clearly had a murderous expression. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly felt severe pain in his head. Subconsciously his hand loosened, that long sword clattering to the ground. His entire person actually retreated three steps. From an outsider’s view, it would appear he’d been injured by Yuan Lie. In that split second, a black shadow immediately flashed from beside—that black shadow floating up to engage Yuan Lie in combat.

Li Weiyang clearly saw the newcomer wore gray robes, obviously having been guarding in this study all along—wouldn’t appear casually without His Majesty’s orders. At this moment, seeing the Emperor retreat three steps, he must have mistakenly thought Yuan Lie had attacked him. The gray-robed man drew his long sword, in an instant attacking Yuan Lie. That person wielded his long sword with ruthless ferocity, his lightness skills excellent. In the blink of an eye, the entire study was filled with sword light. Yuan Lie saw before his eyes what seemed like lightning flashing past, the sword edge tearing through tranquility, stabbing straight at him from before his face. For a moment he was actually forced back several steps by this strong force. Yuan Lie immediately realized this person was his own master—the Emperor’s foremost expert, Qin Feng. Years ago the Emperor had sent him to teach him martial arts for two years. This Qin Feng’s martial skills were superb and extremely ruthless. Ordinary people were absolutely no match for him. Moreover, Yuan Lie had learned from him—all his sword techniques were completely clear to the other party. So this time, before even beginning, victory and defeat seemed already decided.

With a “ding” sound, Qin Feng’s long sword stabbed toward Yuan Lie’s chest but couldn’t penetrate. The blade suddenly curved, forcefully striking Yuan Lie. Yuan Lie staggered back several steps before barely standing steady, yet his expression remained calm—clearly no serious harm. That Qin Feng softly uttered “huh?” in surprise, seemingly not understanding why his sword energy couldn’t penetrate Yuan Lie’s body. By reason, he knew Yuan Lie’s martial techniques intimately—one sword should pierce through his weakness. But no matter—within twenty moves he could subdue the other party! He swung his long sword and attacked again. Yuan Lie said nothing more. The other party naturally didn’t know he wore a heart-protecting mirror, which allowed him to block this sword to the chest, though he was also injured internally by this person’s fierce true energy. Yuan Lie suddenly leaped into the air, again avoiding the other party’s all-out sword strike.

In an instant, the two had exchanged several moves in the study. Wherever the forceful wind swept, all antiques and jade objects fell to the ground shattering. Those eunuchs who’d been so arrogant just now all hid to one side, afraid of being injured by sword energy. The scene was extremely frightening.

Li Weiyang hurriedly supported Imperial Consort Guo and dodged to one side, watching the two in the field intensely entangled in combat, her brow furrowing tighter and tighter.

The Emperor laughed coldly and stood up from the side. He watched this scene, his gaze deep, yet refused to speak to stop it. Obviously he wanted Qin Feng to teach Yuan Lie a lesson!

Just then, Qin Feng roared angrily and suddenly leaped skyward. This sword came with fierce momentum, about to pierce Yuan Lie’s shoulder. Who knew just as he was about to succeed, a dark light suddenly rebounded from opposite, shooting straight at his throat. He was startled and hurriedly dodged, unable to help saying angrily: “Your Highness using such methods is too despicable!”

Yuan Lie stood tall and slender, smiling slightly: “Master, you once said my sword intent wasn’t strong—when facing enemies I’d inevitably suffer losses. You reminded me to prepare some protective objects. I’m just following Master’s instructions!” Qin Feng originally wore a triumphant smile on his face, but he absolutely hadn’t expected Yuan Lie would have prepared early. While speaking, Yuan Lie spun in the air and had already thrown a second concealed weapon into Qin Feng’s arm. Qin Feng couldn’t dodge in time and was actually hit by the concealed weapon. Only feeling his entire body go soft, he fell to the ground in one motion. Yuan Lie laughed coldly, stepping forward to plant his foot on Qin Feng’s chest, just like a hunter stepping on an arrow-struck prey. His handsome face radiated a victor’s glow as he laughed loudly: “Master, the saying goes the student surpasses the teacher. Having this day—you probably never imagined it.”

Qin Feng’s eyes showed fury. Though in such pain cold sweat poured down, he absolutely refused to emit a single groan.

Seeing all this development, the Emperor suddenly clapped his hands and laughed: “Good! Truly worthy of being my son—daring to strike even his own master!”

Yuan Lie’s concealed weapon was a three-inch-long iron needle made of refined steel, polished extremely bright. Qin Feng, struck by just one, was already bleeding profusely—and the blood flowing out was all black. Li Weiyang only glanced once and knew Yuan Lie had coated the concealed weapon with deadly poison. At this moment, Yuan Lie walked to her side and said gently: “Are you all right?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “I’m fine.” Before finishing, she saw the eunuch who’d tried to force her to drink poison stumbling and crawling to escape through the door. Yuan Lie snorted coldly, in three or two steps advancing to grasp that eunuch’s collar from behind, saying icily: “You’re so audacious, actually daring to harm my beloved behind my back—you truly deserve death!” Having finished this sentence, his hand rose and sword fell—that head had already rolled to the ground in one motion, tumbling continuously until it reached the Emperor’s feet. Fresh blood stained the blue bricks—extremely horrifying. Imperial Consort Guo nearly went weak in the knees, supported by Li Weiyang.

The Emperor raged: “Yuan Lie, what audacity!”

Yuan Lie’s expression didn’t change: “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. It’s this subject’s fault—only in a moment of urgency to protect my beloved. Please don’t blame me, Your Majesty!” Though he said this, his face showed not a trace of apology.

The Emperor was naturally extremely angry, but thinking Yuan Lie was the son born by his most beloved person—if he punished him, to whom would this imperial throne pass in future? Not to mention killing him—even punishment required weighing. He stared at the other party, enraged to the extreme in his heart, yet for a full half-moment said nothing.

At this time, Li Weiyang said gently: “Prince Xu, it’s all my fault for offending Your Majesty. Your Majesty also lost his temper for a moment wanting to execute me because of this matter. If Your Highness feels acceptable, let me apologize to His Majesty. I believe His Majesty will certainly spare me.” These words gave the Emperor a way out. If he refused to descend, it would become a situation of father and son contending.

The Emperor’s eyes looked unexpectedly toward Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang likewise stared at the Emperor, her gaze revealing a faintly threatening intent. Very obviously, for the Emperor to kill her was extremely easy—like crushing an ant. But once he truly killed her, it meant forever losing this son. It seemed he couldn’t be so ruthless no matter what. Li Weiyang understood all too clearly—as long as Yuan Lie’s heart remained with her, even if the Emperor turned heaven upside down it was useless. But Li Weiyang didn’t wish to reach that step. If truly pushed to extremes, Yuan Lie would absolutely never acknowledge him as father again—afraid he’d even bear the crime of patricide.

The Emperor stared darkly at Li Weiyang. After a long while, he finally suppressed the oppressive anger in his chest: “Since Miss Guo is so reasonable, then I won’t hold it against you. You may withdraw!”

Yet Li Weiyang didn’t move, only standing quietly in place.

The Emperor raised his eyebrows: “Is there something else?”

Li Weiyang only smiled slightly, her expression composed yet extraordinarily insistent: “Your Majesty, you’ve forgiven my offense—but what about Aunt?”

The Emperor’s hand waved as if swatting a fly, only saying one word: “Scram.” Only then did Imperial Consort Guo breathe a sigh of relief, withdrawing with Li Weiyang together. Yuan Lie turned to leave. The Emperor shouted loudly: “You stop right there!”

Just upon exiting the study, Imperial Consort Guo’s entire person went weak in the knees, falling to the ground in one motion. Li Weiyang hurriedly helped her up: “Aunt, are you all right?”

Imperial Consort Guo shook her head, her eyes containing sparse tears: “That was truly too dangerous just now.”

Li Weiyang smiled bitterly: “Since you knew it was dangerous, why did you still barge in?”

Imperial Consort Guo sighed, her expression extremely surprised, as if she’d asked a foolish question: “You’re my relative—was I supposed to watch you be executed by the Emperor? But I truly don’t understand—where exactly did you offend him? Though His Majesty has been quite mad lately, he still wouldn’t execute someone for no reason. I really can’t figure out what resentment he could have toward you!”

Li Weiyang’s expression was grave. She didn’t answer. After a long while, just when Imperial Consort Guo thought she wouldn’t answer anymore, she said in a low voice: “Yes, I too want to know—why exactly is His Majesty doing this?”

Inside the study, Yuan Lie threw down his long sword and also turned to leave. The Emperor shouted loudly: “I’m not finished speaking!”

Yuan Lie turned around, looking at the Emperor. His lips couldn’t suppress floating up a trace of cold smile: “I wonder what other orders Your Majesty has?”

The Emperor finally managed to suppress his fury: “Yuan Lie, have you nothing to say to me?”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly, his expression emotionless: “Yes!”

The Emperor said in a low voice: “Speak then.” Originally he thought Yuan Lie was about to apologize to him, yet didn’t expect this troublesome brat’s next sentence would be: “If Your Majesty dares lay hands on her again, don’t blame this subject for being merciless!”

The Emperor was shocked, shouting angrily: “What do you mean by this? Are you truly planning rebellion! Don’t forget—everything you have today, I gave you! Having given you everything, as long as I’m dissatisfied, I can take it back anytime!”

The two faced each other in silence, listening to wind sounds rustling outside the window, yet adding another measure of cold condensation. Yuan Lie completely disregarded the Emperor’s words. His gaze gradually carried a trace of mockery: “If you’d taken me back ten years ago, perhaps I would have feared Your Majesty, afraid you’d take back everything I have now. But now—do you truly think everything is under your control?”

The Emperor looked at Yuan Lie’s abnormally cold gaze. His heart jumped, yet his gaze gradually settled: “Now you’ve grown up, your wings are hard—I can’t control you anymore. This time, I don’t blame you. You’re still young—there are many things you don’t understand, especially regarding women. This type of woman you absolutely cannot keep, otherwise…”

Yuan Lie suddenly cut off his words: “Is Your Majesty worried she’ll become a second Empress Pei?”

The Emperor’s expression darkened: “Correct. She’s too clever, full of resentment, with wicked intentions—sooner or later she’ll cause great disaster! Since you know this, why do you still act thus!”

The imperial throne was too deep—sunlight could never directly illuminate it. The Emperor’s face was also forever hidden in the sun’s shadow. To Yuan Lie, he was merely a vague symbol, possessing no meaning whatsoever. Yuan Lie said coldly: “That’s because I’ve never once thought of inheriting your position! Even if you truly give me this position in future, if she wants it—what harm in gifting her this entire realm!”

Hearing this, the Emperor was completely stunned. Then he suddenly laughed—that laughter extremely desolate and gloomy, even carrying a trace of madness: “Good, good! Truly my good son—not loving empire but loving beauties. You’re truly accomplished!”

Yuan Lie’s form stiffened, then he smiled. That smile was like a sharp sword stabbing straight into the Emperor’s chest: “Like father, like son. You are thus—I have your blood flowing in my body. How am I different from you? Next time before speaking of me, first go look in a mirror, Your Majesty!”

This statement was extremely mocking. The Emperor was nearly enraged to vomiting blood by him. Unable to suppress it any longer, he shouted sternly: “You handled this matter too hastily! All these days I’ve been waiting for you to come explain to me what happened in the great hall that day, yet you never came! Must I use such methods to force you before you’re willing to come!”

Yuan Lie was indifferent, his brow and eyes carrying indescribable coldness: “If Your Majesty didn’t mention it, I’d almost forgotten. But I don’t feel I did anything wrong. Since those Zhao Zong father and son dared strike at the Guo family, angering the person I love, naturally I must vent her anger! Not to mention merely clashing with weapons in the palace—even if one day for her sake I must kill Your Majesty, I wouldn’t hesitate! This so-called ruler, this so-called father—to me, they’re not worth one of her smiles!”

The Emperor’s face was full of fury, his fingers trembling lightly. After a long while, he pointed at the other party: “Good! I truly have a good son! Never knew you’d be willing to do anything for her sake!” In this world, no relationship is closer than father and son. How could he not hope Yuan Lie would be outstanding, standing tall above others? Now Yuan Lie had grown step by step according to his hopes into imperial material, yet this child was so foolish, always unable to see worldly matters clearly! With such qualifications and talent, he only wanted to be a carefree prince, not the slightest desire to step into the center of power. Now with him looking after things, he could still be safe and sound. But if one day he were gone—did he truly think others wouldn’t move against him? Unless the imperial throne was firmly grasped in hand! Otherwise, the first one to be eliminated would be him, this Prince Xu controlling power! He didn’t want Yuan Lie to one day become a chess piece, even less wanted him to one day lose his life. If he’d known early on he’d disregard the big picture for a woman’s sake, he absolutely wouldn’t have agreed to let him remain in Yuexi!

The Emperor’s heart grew even more determined to kill Li Weiyang, saying word by word: “You unfilial son! Not a single word I’ve said have you taken to heart. I’ve long since said—everything about you must be decided by me!”

The Emperor’s words, heard in Yuan Lie’s ears, were merely spring wind passing by. He said coldly: “Does Your Majesty hope I’ll compete for that imperial throne?”

The Emperor said: “What, do you fear you lack the ability?”

Yuan Lie’s eyes were ice-cold, clear and spirited: “Since ancient times, competing for the heir position has no good or evil to distinguish. It’s not that I lack this ability—I simply lack this interest!”

Yet the Emperor laughed, carrying full mockery: “Is it lack of interest, or because all your thoughts are on that woman, causing you to completely forget great achievements, forget my expectations of you!”

This was the first time the Emperor mentioned before Yuan Lie hoping he’d inherit the throne. This Emperor’s thoughts were hidden so deeply—from when Yuan Lie entered Yuexi, he’d never shown this layer of meaning. Yet today he suddenly brought it up. Not knowing what the reason was, Yuan Lie felt in the Emperor’s heart, a suppressed fire seemed to burn, forcing him to no longer conceal his thoughts, to pierce through the window paper.

Yuan Lie’s gaze looked straight at the other party, speaking calmly: “Regardless of what choice I make, it’s my own business, unrelated to Your Majesty! Your Majesty need not consider for me, much less make things difficult for Guo Jia. She has nothing to do with this matter!”

The Emperor decisively shouted: “If she has nothing to do with it, why would you make things difficult for those Zhao clan father and son? Why so quickly oppose the Crown Prince and the Pei family! If those Zhao family people had prepared early, wouldn’t you, this Prince Xu, lose all face? At that time, even if I protected you, I couldn’t forgive your rudeness in the great hall! Moreover, many matters aren’t as simple as they appear on the surface. Do you think you know who stands behind those Zhao clan father and son! How could you casually interfere in such matters! Enough—I won’t say more. You should properly reflect on why you’re so submissive to a woman. Hmph—simply foolish to the extreme!”

Speaking with the person before him was utterly wasting breath. Yuan Lie no longer stared at the Emperor. He only turned and walked toward the door.

The Emperor’s facial muscles involuntarily twitched, like the protruding veins at his temples, revealing his anger from the heart’s depths. He shouted loudly: “Everything I’ve said—do you take it as dog shit!”

These words made Yuan Lie halt his movement. He turned to look at the Emperor and smiled slightly, the words emerging from between lips and teeth like sharp icicles: “Your Majesty, just pretend you don’t have me as a son. If she suffers the slightest harm, I’d rather suffer heaven’s punishment than settle this account with you!” Speaking thus, he had already slammed the door and left.

The Emperor was enraged until dizzy-headed, nearly retreating several steps before barely sitting on the imperial seat.

Eunuch Zhang hurriedly stepped forward, supporting the Emperor: “Your Majesty, Prince Xu is truly too inconsiderate.”

The Emperor waved his hand: “This troublesome brat—he didn’t grow up by my side since childhood. Who knows how he developed his current habits. Really don’t know how the Li family disciplined him.” Thinking to here, he couldn’t help feeling even more oppressed in his heart, and the headache also seemed even more severe.

He pressed his head, staring at Eunuch Zhang: “In your view, how exactly is this Guo Jia? Must she die!”

Eunuch Zhang saw the Emperor’s killing intent hadn’t diminished. He couldn’t help advising in a low voice: “Your Majesty, please forgive this old slave’s presumptuousness. Prince Xu treasures Miss Guo like the apple of his eye. If Your Majesty acts again… even if in future it wasn’t Your Majesty who acted, if Miss Guo suffers the slightest bump or scratch, Prince Xu will calculate this account on Your Majesty’s head. At that time, affecting father-son feelings would be undesirable. In this old slave’s view, better to fulfill Prince Xu’s wish. Future matters can be dealt with in future.” Speaking thus, he was obviously advising the Emperor not to overly interfere with Yuan Lie. But what kind of person was the Emperor? He’d always been extremely arrogant and domineering, never suffering such anger. Now being harshly taught a lesson by Yuan Lie, this young person—how could he not be furiously enraged?

But thinking of his trusted confidant’s words, he couldn’t help being wary of the consequences. If Li Weiyang truly had some mishap, this son would probably say goodbye to him from then on. He sighed, staring at the beam overhead carved with dragons and painted with phoenixes, falling silent.

Emerging from the palace, Li Weiyang couldn’t help breathing a light sigh of relief.

Yuan Lie hurried over, examining her from head to toe once more. Only after confirming no harm whatsoever did he breathe in relief: “In future, if that old thing summons you to the palace again, completely ignore him!” His words were so arrogant, also not placing the Emperor in his eyes at all.

Li Weiyang couldn’t help laughing derisively: “No need to be so angry. Am I not fine?”

Yet Yuan Lie felt frightened: “If someone hadn’t notified me in time, this time…” His words couldn’t continue. The light and shadow in his gaze was uncertain—obviously extremely worried.

Li Weiyang smiled: “Rest assured. If His Majesty truly wanted to kill me, he would have acted long ago. Why listen to me say so much nonsense there? He was merely testing you.”

Yuan Lie, concerned then confused, couldn’t help being slightly shocked: “What are you saying?”

Li Weiyang only spoke with a calm tone: “Through the last banquet, he discovered I could influence your thoughts. So before I become your most important person, he wants to preemptively eliminate me, otherwise leaving endless trouble behind.”

Yuan Lie’s eyes narrowed. He suddenly thought of something, saying in a low voice: “So you’re saying from the start, he deliberately wanted to frighten me?”

Li Weiyang shook her head. In truth, this Majesty’s thoughts—she also didn’t see very clearly. If you said he didn’t want to kill her, yet the killing intent in his eyes was extremely fierce, leaving no mercy whatsoever. If you said he truly wanted to kill her, just now there were countless opportunities. Then what exactly did he want to do? The only explanation was he intended to test Yuan Lie—after confirming exactly what weight she held in the other party’s heart, then decide whether to eliminate her.

Ultimately, this Emperor—his schemes were deep, his joy and anger indistinguishable. He also frequently went mad, unable to control his own emotions. Facing him truly made one’s spine run cold. Thinking of the other party’s sinister eyes, Li Weiyang also couldn’t help feeling chilled.

Yuan Lie snorted coldly: “Anyway, this old madman has become increasingly unreliable lately. Just ignore him!”

Yuan Lie escorted Li Weiyang all the way back to the Guo residence. Li Weiyang, fearing frightening the Guo family, desperately requested Yuan Lie leave first. Yuan Lie was reluctant to part. Only after watching Li Weiyang enter the Guo residence did he instruct those beside him: “From today forward, Jia’er going out must be reported to me. You secretly assign additional people for protection. Absolutely no slightest mishap allowed!”

The hidden guards behind exchanged glances, saying in unison: “Yes!”

The Guo family was still completely peaceful. No one knew everything that had happened in the palace. Madam Guo came forward to greet her. Seeing Li Weiyang’s calm expression, she smiled: “Is Imperial Consort Hui in good health?”

Li Weiyang smiled normally, reporting everything in the palace, only omitting that section in the imperial study.

Madam Guo shook her head sighing: “How could Bingbing, this child, be so foolish? She clearly knows Yan’er won’t return, yet why torture herself so? Finding someone to marry—wouldn’t that be fine? Hanging herself on this one tree—really don’t know what to do!”

Madam Guo was kindhearted. She neither blamed Nalan Xue nor felt Chen Bingbing was extremely innocent. Especially looking back to think about it, actually Chen Bingbing hadn’t done anything heinously evil. Even many matters were imposed on her by others. Madam Guo was a benevolent woman who put herself in others’ shoes. Li Weiyang observed her expression, so Li Weiyang gently stepped forward, grasping Madam Guo’s hand: “This word ‘love’ is most difficult to resolve. How devoted Second Sister-in-law was toward Second Brother back then—now having lost Second Brother, naturally she feels life isn’t worth living. If she’s forcibly confined in the Chen family or forced to marry, neither would be good for her. Constantly accompanying blue lamp and ancient Buddha—perhaps one day she can think things through, and days will be better.”

Madam Guo wiped tears from the corners of her eyes, nodding her head. At this time, Li Weiyang saw chubby Minzhi smiling cheerfully, taking small short steps running toward her. She smiled, bending down to embrace Minzhi, saying gently: “Did you practice calligraphy today?”

Minzhi nodded vigorously: “Sister, Minzhi will show you!” Speaking thus, he pulled from his bosom a wrinkled paper, very preciously unfolding it—covered full with today’s lessons.

Li Weiyang carefully examined it for a while before nodding: “The calligraphy has improved. However, Minzhi, don’t always think about playing. You must learn more useful knowledge from your teacher.” Minzhi’s black grape-like eyes blinked, seeming to understand yet not, nodding his head.

Li Weiyang originally also didn’t hope her younger brother would have much literary talent—as long as he wasn’t too mischievous, that was fine. At this moment, seeing him nod, she smiled and poked his baby-fat cheek: “Want to eat sugar cakes?”

Hearing this, Minzhi’s eyes immediately brightened, very happily saying: “Want to eat!”

Li Weiyang beckoned to Zhao Yue. Zhao Yue brought over the hibiscus sugar cakes specially bought on the street on the way back and presented them before Minzhi. Minzhi ate with his mouth full of fragrance, while not forgetting to present a sugar cake before Madam Guo: “Mother, you eat too!”

Li Weiyang saw this scene and couldn’t help furrowing her brow. Just about to stop Minzhi—his hands were sweaty, holding hibiscus sugar cakes like that to present to Madam Guo was somewhat disrespectful. Who knew Madam Guo extended her mouth and actually truly bit that sugar cake, carefully tasting a bite: “Mm, fragrant and soft—truly good flavor.” Minzhi giggled with laughter. Li Weiyang was startled, then also smiled.

These days, thanks to Madam Guo constantly caring for Minzhi, Li Weiyang could see the other party truly regarded this child as her own, earnestly raising him. Precisely because of her careful care, Minzhi’s body grew healthier day by day. Now this child ran and jumped, talked and laughed, his temperament very lively—no different from before, only occasionally still having some nightmares. Presumably the scene back then was truly too tragic, such that even to this day, a young child still had no way to forget… Yet every time Li Weiyang asked him what dreams he had, he only shook his head, unable to say a single word.

Thinking to here, Li Weiyang’s face flashed with a trace of gloom. Daring to injure her younger brother to this degree—Empress Pei must pay the price!

Madam Guo looked at Li Weiyang’s thoughtful appearance and couldn’t help speaking: “Just now Prince Jing sent someone to deliver some gifts. Do you want to look?”

Li Weiyang was startled, then said: “Prince Jing?”

Madam Guo nodded. In truth, these days Prince Jing hadn’t become discouraged because Li Weiyang refused the marriage. Instead, as before, he continued sending small gifts—either musical scores or chess manuals, or finest brush, ink, paper and inkstone, or some rare edition books, using them to court the beauty. This slow flowing gentle offensive made the Guo family people all feel very moved. Imperial Consort Guo also came three or five times to explain to Madam Guo, hoping she could reconsider the two’s marriage. Though Madam Guo naturally knew Prince Jing’s thoughts, Li Weiyang always remained very distant, never moved.

Madam Guo saw Li Weiyang’s expression indifferent, understanding her thoughts very clearly. She couldn’t help saying: “Prince Jing is refined and courteous, never aggressive, and very proper in etiquette. Though he pursues you devotedly, if you truly have no intention, Mother will find ways to refuse him for you.”

In truth, though Imperial Consort Guo still habitually brought up the two’s marriage, she had no coercive intent—only requesting Madam Guo weigh matters again and again. Prince Jing Yuan Ying also had no aggressive intentions, instead unhurriedly making everyone see his determination clearly. Though Li Weiyang didn’t wish to marry him, she had no reason to reject him at the door. Moreover, these gifts—the other party had already explained were merely sent to his cousin. The Guo family’s other people also all had different gifts—not exclusively for her alone. If she declined, it would seem rather unreasonable. The more so, the more one could see Prince Jing’s scheming. Therefore, Li Weiyang only smiled: “Mother need not mind. If I treat him coldly, presumably after some days Prince Jing will also forget me.”

Madam Guo also held this view. After all, Prince Jing had many beauties around him and would sooner or later select consorts. He couldn’t wait for Li Weiyang long. She said: “This is also good. After all, Imperial Consort Hui is your aunt. Our two families still need to associate.”

Li Weiyang nodded, then looked toward Minzhi: “Minzhi, you’ve stayed in the residence so long recently. Want to accompany Sister out to play?”

Hearing this, Madam Guo hurriedly stopped her: “It’s so chaotic outside recently. Better not go out.”

Li Weiyang shook her head: “I want to go to Cishan Temple to request a fortune slip for Minzhi.” As she said this, her expression revealed a trace of coldness. Madam Guo observed this and couldn’t help feeling very strange. Just about to inquire, she saw Li Weiyang had already begun playing with Minzhi.

Madam Guo felt even more puzzled in her heart, not knowing what Li Weiyang’s sudden request to go to Cishan Temple meant. Now, having just emerged from the Zhao family affair, outside there was somewhat anxious uncertainty—who knew how many people were secretly watching the Guo family. Madam Guo’s heart was uneasy, wanting to continue dissuading Li Weiyang.

At this time, footsteps sounded nearby. The maids respectfully greeted: “Third Young Master.” Guo Cheng wore a slight smile, stepping forward: “Mother, since younger sister wants to go, I’ll accompany her. You need not worry. Cishan Temple isn’t very far—nothing will go wrong.”

Madam Guo still felt inappropriate and advised: “You foolish child, am I not worried about your sister’s and Minzhi’s safety? Don’t forget—how much the Pei family people hate us now!”

Guo Cheng’s expression remained composed, not caring at all: “Hate, so what? Now in the Pei family, the only truly useful one is just Pei Bi. I hear recently these days he’s been inviting famous physicians repeatedly—certainly his old illness has relapsed. Certainly the affair from several days ago enraged him considerably. Such a sickly ghost—how long can he live? Mother need not pay too much attention.”

Madam Guo saw he refused to listen no matter what. Her face couldn’t help showing an anxious expression: “This Pei Bi isn’t so easy to deal with. You mustn’t be complacent!”

Li Weiyang’s smile was gentle and soft: “Mother, rather than sitting waiting for death, waiting for the other party to retaliate, better to lure the snake from its hole!”

Madam Guo was startled, her heart even more shocked: “You want to use yourself as bait?! No, this is too dangerous!”

Li Weiyang only smiled lightly, her expression revealing a trace of coldness: “Mother need not persuade further. My mind is made up. This matter—I’ll discuss it properly with Third Brother and the others. Rest assured!”

Madam Guo wanted to say more, but Minzhi had already grasped her skirt hem. Madam Guo lowered her head. Minzhi smiled cheerfully, presenting a flower to Madam Guo. Madam Guo gently received it, patting his head. Minzhi then circled around her again, giggling with laughter.

Only then did Madam Guo raise her head, seeking Li Weiyang again—but she had already walked far with Guo Cheng. Madam Guo couldn’t help sighing. For these children, she truly had no solution. Each one audaciously bold—what was she to do with them…

Descending the steps, Li Weiyang turned to Guo Cheng: “Third Brother, in a moment please spread the news that we’re going to Cishan Temple to offer incense.”

Guo Cheng’s face showed a trace of hesitation: “I understand your thoughts, only I fear Pei Bi won’t be so easily fooled.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was warm: “Yes, Pei Bi is a cunning person, also very suspicious. He naturally won’t be easily deceived. But doesn’t the Pei family have other people?”

Guo Cheng heard this, his heart jumping: “Other people? Little sister, could you mean…”

A gust of wind blew past, lifting Li Weiyang’s skirt hem. Yet she only remained motionless. When her gaze met Guo Cheng’s, she revealed a trace of an impassive smile.

Guo Cheng suddenly understood. He smiled: “Yes, truly an excellent idea. Then I’ll wait and see!”