When Wang Zijin finished these words, the atmosphere in the room immediately turned cold and stern. The originally bright sunlight seemed to tremble, growing completely dim.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her expression unchanged, her tone calm, “Marriage is destined by heaven. If there is fate, even separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, people can meet. If feelings are true, even facing layer upon layer of obstacles, people can stay together. Nothing can be achieved through deliberate human manipulation alone to cultivate a shared marriage bond. The so-called natural way—Miss Wang is a clever person and should understand the principle of not forcing things.”

Li Weiyang’s few words were brilliant as snow, reasonable and logical, steady and resounding, like spring rain gently tapping against eardrums. Wang Zijin gathered her thoughts. A trace of a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, though this slight smile had no warmth, “From Miss Guo’s words, it seems you have quite some views on marriage.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. For a moment, the entire room blazed with brilliant light, dazzling and ostentatious, “This isn’t a view—it’s human nature.”

“Oh? What nature?” Wang Zijin straightened her posture, appearing to listen earnestly.

Li Weiyang said calmly, “For people to form marriage bonds, since ancient times there have been three methods. First is love at first sight—unfamiliar men and women spark feelings in a flash of lightning and thunder. This is heaven’s gift, destiny. Second is parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words—they haven’t met before marriage, cultivating good results through daily interaction after marriage. Third is affection born from hardship and suffering, through constant effort morning and night, over long periods. Among these three marriage types, the first relies on chance, the second relies on human arrangement, and the third is the result of both heaven’s will and human effort working together.”

Wang Zijin raised her eyebrows, “Then according to Miss Guo’s meaning, which type do Prince Xu and I belong to?”

Li Weiyang seemed unable to understand the provocation in the other’s words, “Unfortunately, none of them.”

Wang Zijin’s expression changed. Her snow-white teeth bit her vermillion lips, “Since His Majesty arranged the marriage, it belongs to the second type.”

Li Weiyang lazily supported her chin, leaning against the carved wooden chair, “That day, His Majesty only said he would inquire about Prince Xu’s intentions and didn’t issue an edict on the spot. So this marriage doesn’t count as confirmed. Miss Wang is like an orchid or jade tree, a refined young lady from a prestigious family, with unique insight. Why dwell on it?” It makes you seem petty.

Wang Zijin said seriously, “His Majesty’s grace—as subjects, in life we should sacrifice our heads, in death bind grass in gratitude. Prince Xu has no father. Imperial grace equals paternal grace. His Majesty’s intentions are equivalent to parents’ orders. Even though he didn’t issue an edict on the spot, this marriage was already decided in His Majesty’s heart long ago.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes finally showed a layer of frost, “Taking ten thousand steps back, even if this marriage fulfilled parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words, with Prince Xu already having a beloved, does Miss Wang feel at ease taking his place later?”

Wang Zijin said coolly, “Miss Guo speaks wrongly. I’m merely following His Majesty’s intentions. As for Prince Xu, once married, husband and wife facing each other day and night, guarding affection together, two hearts knowing each other—naturally over time we’ll become harmonious spouses. I still have this confidence. Of course, someone must willingly yield and not interfere from within.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. By saying this, Wang Zijin was clearly suggesting she was the one interfering from within.

Her gaze was ice-cold, but her voice grew even gentler, “What distinguishes humans from plants and beasts is nothing but the word ‘feeling.’ Miss Wang is exceptionally gifted and extraordinarily intelligent. How could you not know that the so-called word ‘feeling’ won’t shift according to human will? Just like Miss Wang’s great-grandfather, Minister Wang Rou and his original wife Lady Li—their feelings were deep as the sea. After his wife’s death, he even intended to take poison to accompany her on the road to the Yellow Springs, fulfilling their vow to be together through all lifetimes. This deed was praised as a beautiful tale by everyone. You must know Minister Wang and Lady Li were childhood sweethearts who already had feelings—perfectly matching the third type of marriage I just mentioned. I heard that when they stayed together, they even faced firm opposition from their parents, only because Lady Li’s family had declined and she was implicated. Yet despite this, they still resolutely married. If Miss Wang feels something is wrong, why haven’t you criticized your great-grandfather’s rebellious actions? Why do people still praise their deep marital affection and envy them—doesn’t that contradict your claim that marriage must follow parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words?”

Hearing Li Weiyang mention her own great-grandfather, Wang Zijin couldn’t help being stunned. The other’s expression grew increasingly calm and composed. Though Wang Zijin’s pale face vaguely showed a trace of red, no matter how Li Weiyang spoke eloquently, she had methods to refute. But the other deliberately brought up Wang Rou’s example, leaving Wang Zijin not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

The saying goes “a son doesn’t judge his father’s faults,” much less a great-grandfather. Even if Wang Rou truly did something wrong, it absolutely wasn’t her place as a junior to discuss it, otherwise she’d become an unfaithful, unfilial person. Moreover, Wang Rou merely persisted in keeping his promise to marry his beloved. Though he defied his parents’ wishes, he was still worthy of respect. This Miss Guo was truly formidable. This way, even with the Emperor’s support, this marriage truly might not succeed. Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly heard Princess Ali on the bed murmur softly.

Li Weiyang had already stood and walked toward the bed, saying gently, “Is the Princess feeling better?”

Princess Ali sat up dazedly from the head of the bed, supporting her drowsy head. Seeing Li Weiyang’s concerned expression, she knew this matter was her own fault. But her alcohol tolerance had always been excellent—why did these three cups make her completely lose control? Her face showed increasing confusion, but she saw Li Weiyang’s expression was peaceful as she already grasped her hand, “If the Princess feels a bit better, let’s return to the banquet. Otherwise, Fourth Brother will search everywhere for you.”

As soon as Li Weiyang said this, Princess Ali’s face immediately flushed red, but she felt too embarrassed to speak. She stood up with the help of maids and Li Weiyang, looking at Wang Zijin with rare shyness, “Miss Wang, I’m truly sorry for soiling your bedding.”

Wang Zijin smiled faintly, “The Princess has noble status. If it were an ordinary room, it might be disrespectful. So I presumptuously asked the Princess to rest here first. Since the Princess is now fine, let me escort you back.”

The three of them returned to the banquet. A young master from a prestigious family, seeing Wang Zijin return to her seat and wanting to flatter her, stood up and clasped his hands, “I’ve long heard Miss Wang’s konghou skills are extraordinary, and Young Master Wang Yan’s swordsmanship is outstanding. I wonder if today you could perform for us to broaden our horizons!”

Hearing this, Wang Yan became interested, “As long as everyone doesn’t mind my crude martial arts, naturally there’s no problem.”

Last time competing for the position of prince consort, Wang Yan had displayed his martial arts. His swordsmanship was indeed very advanced. The entire lake pavilion immediately quieted. At this time, Wang Yan had already received the sword handed by an attendant and began wielding it. After a moment, the silk and bamboo ensemble finally reacted, accompanying his sword dance with music. The scene perfectly matched that saying: Swift as Yi shooting down nine suns, graceful as emperors riding dragons soaring. Coming like thunderbolts gathering fury, stopping like rivers and seas condensing clear light.

Wang Yan’s hem flowed with the music, complementing the sword’s cold light beautifully. Li Weiyang unconsciously glanced at Guo Dao. His expression was increasingly relaxed. Li Weiyang’s face grew slightly stern. Guo Dao’s hand had been injured in that competition, yet Wang Yan deliberately showed off like this—truly disgusting. She watched the other’s swordsmanship, her smile slowly deepening.

Wang Zijin glanced at Li Weiyang, only feeling that other’s originally calm face suddenly showed a trace of thunder-like anger, inexplicably making one’s heart tighten. She turned her head and whispered a few words to a maid. The other left as instructed and soon brought a konghou from the room.

Everyone hadn’t yet recovered from this superb sword dance when they heard a clear, beautiful musical sound leisurely arise. Looking carefully, it was the incomparably radiant Wang Zijin, flowing like clouds and water as she played a konghou carved in phoenix tail shape. As soon as her konghou sounded, it captured everyone’s soul.

Li Weiyang looked at that konghou—the entire body was gilded gold with graceful curves. At the top hung a strand of golden tassels, looking extremely exquisite. Combined with Wang Zijin wearing magnificent robes, her face like a fairy’s, her posture gentle, ten fingers flying—it truly formed an extremely wonderful scene.

Within this music, Li Weiyang suddenly fell into silence. Somehow, scenes from the past suddenly flashed through her mind. She vaguely remembered that after Tuoba Zhen ascended the throne, he had stripped her of the empress position and driven her into the cold palace. Countless lonely nights, she tossed and turned, unable to move, long gazing at the ice-cold moonlight filtering through the window lattice. That moonlight was very desolate, like a sword blade stabbing her heart, about to tear her heart open. She was unwilling, even more unwilling to let her entire life wear away in this cold palace. Those threads of hatred, like an invisible net, gradually extinguished the burning flames in her heart bit by bit.

Following Wang Yan’s sword dance movements in the lake pavilion, the konghou’s melody also changed strangely and unpredictably. Wang Yan’s sword hilt was firmly grasped, yet grew increasingly complex and flickering, carrying unfathomable force.

Li Weiyang watched, involuntarily frowning, unconsciously clenching her hands. But that music seemed to have magic, threading strand by strand into people’s minds. No matter how she struggled, the music seemed to gradually present the past before her.

Guo Dun sat to the side, vaguely feeling Li Weiyang’s expression was wrong. He said softly beside her, “Jia’er.”

But this soft call didn’t awaken Li Weiyang. Her expression grew increasingly strange, as if falling into demonic obstacles. Guo Dun was also a clever person. He keenly sensed something was wrong, seeing everyone at the table entranced and lost in thought.

Even Fifth Brother Guo Dao and Prince Jing Yuan Ying seemed to have fallen into mist.

Guo Dao wanted to move, wanted to say something, but somehow his throat went mute. Before his eyes, following the music, appeared tragic scenes from the past, including his right hand’s injury, the pain of falling into despair, and even later the entanglement with Five Poisons Powder. Unknowingly, sweat soaked his sleeves. He couldn’t speak a single word. Everyone seemed intoxicated in their past glorious or painful memories, completely unable to wake up.

The music grew increasingly moving, everyone’s expressions increasingly intoxicated. Of course, some among them knew something was wrong, like Li Weiyang and Guo Dao. But most people didn’t notice their own abnormality at all, all showing expressions as if lost in clouds and mist.

Just then, Guo Dun gritted his teeth and deliberately smashed a cup. This sound was extremely light and crisp. Others weren’t shaken, but it suddenly awakened Li Weiyang and Guo Dao. The two exchanged glances. Li Weiyang was the first to wake up. She looked at Wang Zijin thoughtfully, then turned to Guo Dun, “Fourth Brother, what do you think of this music?”

Seeing his own people were fine, Guo Dun smacked his lips and instructed the maid behind him to pour another cup of wine. That maid was dazed and completely unresponsive. Guo Dun couldn’t help feeling annoyed. He snatched the wine cup from the maid’s hand and poured himself a cup. He glanced at Princess Ali beside him, still somewhat drowsy from drinking, before answering Li Weiyang, “What rubbish music! I think it’s not as wonderful as your zither playing, sister!”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang was stunned, then smiled. How had she forgotten? All the Guo family members dabbled in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Even she understood musical arts quite well. Only one person had absolutely no interest in these things. Once while listening to her play zither, he even fell asleep—that was Guo Dun.

He didn’t understand music or musical theory, so naturally wouldn’t be enchanted by these sounds. Li Weiyang and Guo Dao exchanged glances and couldn’t help smiling. Guo Dao, completely awakened, looked at the crowd still immersed in the music and sneered coldly, saying softly to Li Weiyang, “This Wang Zijin indeed has some methods. Jia’er, do you still remember I once showed you a Buddhist painting called the Sixteen Heavenly Demon Dance?”

Li Weiyang nodded. Yuexi revered Buddhism, so someone had once created a painting that swept through upper and lower Yuexi one hundred eighty years ago, called the Sixteen Heavenly Demon Dance. As the name suggested, it depicted a dance painting. This dance was rich with Buddhist mystical color, belonging to the esoteric school’s song and dance. When dancing, sixteen young women played heavenly demons, eight in a row. They wore many braids on their heads, ivory Buddha crowns, draped in jeweled ornaments, wearing bright red gauze and gold long and short skirts. Some had hands clasped above their heads, right foot raised and hooked on the right arm. Some held vajra implements, lifting the left leg while twisting the waist. Some wore jeweled high hats, bodies curved into snake shapes.

One could imagine this Heavenly Demon Dance was actually quite sensual. It was said that it had once inspired countless poets and literati to compose verses, even influencing Yuexi’s later painting and dance styles. On that painting depicting the Heavenly Demon Dance was also an inscribed poem: Sixteen demon maidens, arranged in brocade rows. Thousand flowers weave walking screens, hundred treasures paste fairy robes. Swirling snow difficult to settle, moving clouds refuse to return. Dancing hearts turn urgently, one by one desiring to fly into emptiness.

Li Weiyang left such a deep impression of this painting not only because of this extremely unique poem, but also because she remembered Guo Dao once mentioned to her that the Heavenly Demon Dance could arouse desires and past memories in people’s hearts, bewitching people’s minds. Therefore, it had already been banned by the imperial family sixty years ago.

Guo Dao’s expression grew increasingly cold, “Wang Zijin’s konghou piece seems grand and moving on the surface, but actually has the same effect as the Heavenly Demon Dance from years ago.”

Li Weiyang nodded. She knew Wang Zijin wanted to use this piece to probe her intentions. The more so, the more she would make the other’s efforts come to nothing. So she only smiled faintly and said to Guo Dao, “It seems I’ve attracted the other’s attention. Fifth Brother, are you afraid?”

Guo Dao’s smile grew increasingly mocking, “Just empty posturing. No need to take it to heart.”

Looking across at the Guo family, they saw Pei Bi covered in sweat with a panicked expression, not knowing whether he was enchanted by the music and couldn’t turn back.

Li Weiyang pondered briefly for a moment, then turned to whisper a few words to Guo Dun. Her tranquil eyes were like a cold pool without waves, her voice also very gentle, but Guo Dun’s face immediately showed delight.

Everyone was intoxicated when they suddenly heard Guo Dun shout viciously, “What kind of banquet is this? The wine pourer is an idiot, won’t respond no matter how you call!” Everyone was startled by his shout and suddenly awoke, all looking toward Guo Dun. Turned out he had completely emptied the wine pot and instructed the maid behind him to immediately fetch more. But that maid still stood dazedly in place. Guo Dun grew anxious, so he shouted this.

Everyone laughed. This Fourth Son of the Guo family was truly a boor—even at such refined events, he would shout and yell. Among everyone, only Prince Jing Yuan Ying didn’t laugh. He was the third person at this banquet to awaken. Besides Li Weiyang, Guo Dao, and Yuan Ying, the fourth was Pei Bi. However, when Pei Bi awoke, he suddenly felt pain in his chest and nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. He quickly suppressed it with a drink of wine. But the wine carried a fishy taste, making his heart even more uncomfortable. He barely supported his chest and spoke in praise, “Miss Wang’s konghou piece is divine and transformative. Pei truly admires it.”

Wang Zijin quickly used a handkerchief to wipe away the blood thread at her lips, doing her utmost to restrain her trembling hands and feet. In fact, this music was derived from the ancient Sixteen Heavenly Demon Dance, used in military formations to confuse enemies. This special performance was only to probe Li Weiyang’s intentions. If Li Weiyang could detect it, then this opponent was still worth fighting. If Li Weiyang couldn’t detect it at all and remained confused like the others, then she fundamentally wasn’t worth her attention. However, this Heavenly Demon Dance tune had demonic properties. If careless, the performer could suffer qi deviation. But she didn’t know the other’s depth of ability, so hadn’t guarded excessively. She hadn’t expected the other to be so vicious, deliberately interrupting at the most critical stage of her music, suddenly disrupting her mind, harming her spirit and internal organs…

Wang Zijin immediately looked toward Li Weiyang. But touching the other’s slightly mocking gaze, all emotions stuck in her throat—not half a sentence could emerge!

At this time, applause like a tide and sounds of amazement came flooding in. Praise and admiration for Wang Zijin’s stunning performance were endless. Everyone said, “Miss Wang’s konghou piece can be called Yuexi’s number one.” “Yes, Miss Wang is truly talented and beautiful—remarkable!”

Guo Dao couldn’t help shaking his head. How laughable that people were schemed against yet thanked others for performing a good show—how foolish.

Li Weiyang’s expression was peaceful, as if she hadn’t noticed Wang Zijin’s gaze. Just then, everyone suddenly saw a twenty-year-old young master arrive gracefully. He lifted the curtain, smiling slightly, wearing a dark red embroidered brocade robe edged with gold, like a bright curve that made people’s eyes brighten slightly. Combined with his composed expression and generous bearing, sunlight gently shining down cast his entire figure with a layer of golden light. Among those seated, many had outstanding appearances, so no one would particularly notice this person. But he had a very unique radiance—wise, gentle, carrying a faint Buddhist nature. He smiled broadly, “Not seeing you for many years, sister’s konghou has improved again.”

Hearing him call Wang Zijin “sister,” Li Weiyang immediately thought of someone. She already knew Wang Qiong had four sons. Wang Zun wasn’t in the capital, stationed outside with his uncle Wang Gong. Wang Guang had handsome features and a gentle temperament. He had no particular hobbies in life, didn’t love power and position—just a chess fanatic who loved playing chess. Wang Yan had once competed for the position of prince consort—a hot-blooded young swordsman. This remaining person was most unique. He was mentioned alongside the Guo family’s Fifth Young Master, also the person most noticed by young ladies of Yuexi’s great families—named Wang Ji.

In fact, Wang Gong, who currently held the position of Grand Tutor and also served as Great General, though now quite powerful and composed, in his youth had been an unrestrained celebrity. He was friends with Duke Qi Guo Su. The two often sat together chatting. In those days, Wang Gong had an open personality. When visiting the Guo family, his clothes were always very casual. He constantly pulled Guo Su to drink with him. Guo Su couldn’t stand it and would hide in Madam Guo’s room for three days. Wang Gong often stubbornly refused to leave, drinking all the Guo family’s wine jars before departing. Yet Guo Su never blamed him, instead considering him a close friend. These two were both very unique. Though their families had considerable political conflict, privately they maintained friendly relations between households. After Wang Gong grew older, his temperament gradually became more composed. Those absurd and ridiculous things from the past, he no longer did. His only hobby was cultivating the family’s younger generation. He didn’t particularly value his own sons, but rather greatly loved his younger brother General Wang Qiong’s youngest son, Wang Ji. Reportedly among everyone, Wang Ji’s personality most resembled the young Wang Gong—most willful and open.

Speaking of Wang Gong’s doting on Wang Ji, it had reached an extreme degree. Even when judging cases with other officials and handling public affairs, he always liked bringing Wang Ji along. Previously when Wang Gong hadn’t yet become Grand Tutor, he had tried a case where his subordinate had neglected proper duties due to excessive drinking, but the consequences weren’t very serious. So Wang Gong’s punishment method was also strange. Since it was wine that caused the mistake, he punished that person by constantly making him drink wine. Even if dead drunk, he kept pouring, the purpose being to make him never dare drink again for life.

This method was very strange. At that time, Wang Ji was only four years old, sitting on Wang Gong’s knee. Seeing this situation, he advised, “Uncle, this person is so pitiful. You cannot punish him this way for making one mistake. Even if punishment is needed, it should follow regulations, using the proper method for punishing officials. How can you use such an absurd and unrestrained method?”

Wang Gong was initially angry, but later thinking that Wang Ji at only four could be so intelligent and even knew how to remonstrate, he gave Wang Ji face and released his subordinate. This matter later spread. Everyone came to know this young man named Wang Ji was extremely precocious. Later, his growth experience also proved this point to everyone. Literate at three, martial at seven, not yet fifteen but already able to recite from memory—overflowing with talent. But precisely because of this, Wang Gong instead worried he was too intelligent and heaven would take him back. So he actually sent him to a temple to be fostered, only recently bringing him back. The Wang family’s method of educating children was truly strange. They sent their daughter to the Grand Master to study, sent their son to a temple for fostering. But the more strangely they acted, the more outsiders felt the Wang family’s discipline was extremely strict, always low-key and restrained—very worthy of respect.

Li Weiyang watched, only feeling the Wang family currently showed their edge too much, contrary to their consistent style. There must be some reason within.

At this time, Wang Ji had already taken his seat, smiling broadly at Li Weiyang. In fact, Wang Ji had previously heard about Prince Xu publicly refusing the marriage. He also knew his own sister, though talented, was also proud and arrogant—definitely unable to swallow this insult. Today she invited Li Weiyang here, though on the surface to cultivate relations, more importantly to probe the situation. If Li Weiyang had nothing outstanding, Wang Zijin would only feel Prince Xu lacked judgment. But if Li Weiyang was truly excellent, Wang Zijin would definitely find ways to distinguish superior from inferior, making Prince Xu regret before she’d give up.

Anyone, no matter what kind of person, has vanity and competitive spirit. Though Zijin was talented and beautiful with exceptional gifts, she was ultimately also a woman. A woman’s heart was often the hardest to guess. Wang Ji deeply feared she’d do something inappropriate, so he hurried over. Just arriving, he heard the Heavenly Demon Dance music. Wang Ji’s heart was greatly shocked. He knew that though Zijin was somewhat displeased about Prince Xu refusing the marriage, it wouldn’t be to the extent of using Heavenly Demon music against Guo Jia. This Heavenly Demon music was military formation music he and Zijin had researched together to confuse enemies—not for use at such banquets. His own sister should know proper limits, wouldn’t act willfully and recklessly. This wasn’t like her personality…

But now seeing Li Weiyang, Wang Ji finally understood why Wang Zijin used this Heavenly Demon music to probe her opponent. This young lady born to the Guo family, though not as beautiful as Zijin, had another kind of beauty throughout her body. Her eyes were like Zijin’s—pure and bright, only deeper. Her face compared to Zijin’s proud bearing had three parts more restraint. Her eyes were bright and profound. When quiet, they seemed able to absorb people’s souls, yet flashed with brilliance like bright stars.

If Wang Zijin was the dazzling sun, then this Li Weiyang was bright moonlight. Nature’s spiritual beauty gathered, having a unique flavor, in no way inferior to his own sister’s radiance. However—sun and moon shining together probably wasn’t a good thing. Thinking of this, Wang Ji’s heart was inexplicably shrouded with a layer of dark cloud.

Wang Yan deliberately said coldly, “Actually, today’s banquet is also to settle an old grudge.”

Hearing him say this, everyone was shocked and looked toward him. They heard Wang Yan sneer coldly, “Currently at court there’s a malignant tumor. I wonder if everyone knows about it.”

Hearing this, Prince Jing Yuan Ying raised his eyebrows and said faintly, “I don’t know what Young Master Wang means by this.”

Wang Ji and Wang Guang exchanged glances, both with slightly sunken expressions. Wang Yan showed no retreat, “Since ancient times, governing a nation must have an atmosphere of purity and integrity. But currently at court, aristocratic families clash and vie with each other. Especially the struggle between the Pei and Guo clans grows increasingly fierce, completely disrupting court discipline and corrupting morals. This is truly the nation’s misfortune. I wonder what Prince Jing thinks?”

These words struck at Prince Jing’s pain point. The Guo family was his maternal clan, while the Pei clan supported the Crown Prince. Now at this banquet, the other publicly raised this point—clearly slapping Prince Jing’s face. But Yuan Ying after all had extraordinary cultivation. He only smiled slightly, “Young Master Wang, national affairs and court struggles—these aren’t for you and I to discuss. If this reaches His Majesty’s ears, I’m afraid it would be very inappropriate.”

But Wang Yan was a proud and arrogant person. Moreover, today he raised this topic for another purpose. He had absolutely no intention of apologizing, “This matter is already known by everyone. If Your Highness doesn’t believe it, you could sit in an ordinary teahouse. Probably within one hour, Your Highness would hear countless scholars and officials discussing this matter. Everything they say concerns the nation and people, full of worry. Since both the Guo and Pei families have representatives present today, why not shake hands and make peace here? This would prevent the matter from intensifying and harming the nation and people. What do you all think?” Saying this, he only looked toward Li Weiyang.

Everyone present knew that currently among the Guo family’s younger generation, this Miss Guo was vaguely their leader. Not only Guo Dun, but even such intelligent people as Guo Cheng and Guo Dao listened to everything Li Weiyang said.

Hearing Wang Yan point this out so sharply, everyone’s gazes couldn’t help falling on Li Weiyang to see how she would respond.

If she retreated now, it would only invite ridicule. But if she acknowledged what the other said, it would be slapping her own face. Li Weiyang remained composed under change, instead starting a different topic, “Ordinary common people must worry about weeds growing in fields, roofs leaking, eating their fill and dressing warmly, harmony between wives and concubines, whether children are filial and other such problems. As national officials, they must worry whether their abilities are competent, whether management is effective, whether conduct is upright, whether they can be promoted in future. As princely nobility, what troubles them is whether national systems are disordered, whether they can obtain the sacred heart, whether the clan can be peaceful, stable, and prosper. As the Son of Heaven, concerns are national peace and popular security, whether common people suffer, whether laws are sound, whether the national treasury is full, whether social morals are good. But currently, you are neither the Son of Heaven nor an official, not even an ordinary commoner. So which door’s business are you minding? Don’t you think it’s too much trouble?”

In other words, Li Weiyang was saying: You’re not a cat, so don’t learn from dogs catching mice—meddling in others’ affairs.

Wang Yan’s expression changed. He saw Wang Zijin lower her head and smile. Wang Yan couldn’t help feeling angry. In the family, Father always loved eldest son Wang Zun most. Mother valued the peaceful and calm Wang Guang. Uncle Wang Gong prioritized younger brother Wang Ji, believing he would be the first to inherit Wang family traditions. Even youngest sister Wang Zijin’s status transcended his. Wang Yan belonged to the type in the family where father didn’t love him and mother didn’t care. No one ever valued him. Precisely because of this, it cultivated his arrogant temperament of always competing for superiority in everything. That time competing for the prince consort position, the Wang family didn’t allow him to participate, but he secretly registered, creating a fait accompli so Father had no choice but to let him go.

This time, seeing the Guo family displeased his eyes, he deliberately wanted to probe their depth, also wanting to embarrass the Guo family. What he most disliked was Guo Dao, who only knew romantic pursuits yet whose reputation exceeded his own. Why should a cripple’s status in people’s hearts surpass his? He couldn’t compare to other Wang family descendants—could he really not compare to Guo Dao? Later, combined with Prince Xu publicly refusing the marriage, though Wang Zijin and other Wang family members didn’t feel strongly about it, Wang Yan was the first to feel insulted. So today he would say such words.

He suppressed his anger and said coldly, “The rise and fall of the nation is every man’s responsibility. Miss Guo saying this is off the mark.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her expression composed, “The sages said people have eight kinds of faults. I wonder if you know them, Young Master?”

Wang Yan was stunned, completely confused. Guo Dao laughed heartily and declared loudly, “Concerning oneself with matters unrelated to oneself is called ‘busybody.’ When guests don’t want to listen but you talk endlessly anyway, it’s called ‘flattery.’ Wildly speculating about people’s hearts yet guessing wrong is called ‘stupid.’ Speaking without thinking, having no principles, is called ‘foolish.’ Enjoying exposing others’ family disputes is called ‘slander.’ Sowing discord and deliberately making things difficult is called ‘treacherous.’ For what you like, praising it even if it’s not good; for what you dislike, deliberately slandering it even if good—this is called ‘crooked.’ Being self-righteous, only recognizing viewpoints consistent with your own; even if others’ views are correct but differ from yours, refusing to acknowledge them—this is called ‘arrogant’! Busybody, flattery, stupid, foolish, slander, treacherous, crooked, arrogant! Young Master Wang, you possess all eight faults. My sister doesn’t speak only to leave you some face. Yet you’re still smug and unaware, so aggressive and meddlesome without feeling ashamed?”

Hearing Guo Dao harshly criticize him with fierce words, Wang Yan’s face alternated between red and white, extremely embarrassed. He slammed his hand down, overturning the table before him, and suddenly stood up, “Guo Dao, what did you say?”

Guo Dao’s expression was composed. Similarly with a “pa” sound, he opened his fan, extremely elegant, softly sighing, “I thought Young Master Wang was such a clever person. I’ve already spoken so clearly, yet you’re still so stupid! Let me give an example. Someone hated their own shadow and footprints, wanting to shake them off. Result—the faster they walked, the more footprints, no matter how fast they couldn’t shake off the shadow. This fool thought he walked too slowly, so he ran frantically until finally exhausted to death. Tell me, where was this person’s stupidity?”

Wang Yan didn’t know why Guo Dao suddenly said such words. His expression grew even uglier, “What exactly are you saying?”

Wang Zijin and Wang Ji’s expressions changed slightly. They were such intelligent people—they’d already understood. Wang Guang, hearing this, quickly pulled Wang Yan back, saying in a low voice, “Third Brother, don’t be rude!”

But Wang Yan was unwilling to listen to Wang Guang. He shook off his sleeve and said coldly, “Speak clearly.”

Guo Dao smiled faintly, raising his wine cup, continuing, “Actually, this fool only needed to stay in shadow without running. Shadow and footprints would naturally disappear! The entire reason lies in him being too foolish to the point of ignoring finding faults in himself! Young Master Wang, since childhood you’ve been learned in five cartloads of books, accomplished in both civil and military arts. You should naturally understand principles of benevolence and righteousness, understand the measure between movement and stillness, gain and loss! But you don’t understand self-examination, don’t understand self-cultivation. Yet you inquire about others’ family affairs. Isn’t this putting cart before horse like that fool chasing shadows?”

Wang Yan’s teeth ground audibly. He now fully understood—earlier Li Weiyang said he was a dog meddling with mice’s business. Now Guo Dao further said he didn’t know how to wake up himself, only managing others’ family affairs—the world’s number one big fool. These siblings sang in harmony, using the most civilized words to viciously trample him underfoot. Cursing without dirty words. Hearing this, how could he not be angry and humiliated? Just about to rage, at this time he heard Wang Zijin’s ice-cold gaze, “Second Brother, Third Brother drank too much. Quickly help him down!”

Wang Yan was about to struggle free from Wang Guang, but Wang Ji beside him lightly brushed a finger across his chest. Wang Yan’s bones immediately stiffened—he couldn’t move at all.

Seeing this scene, Guo Dao knew Wang Ji must have used some method, causing Wang Yan to be unable to speak a single word. Sure enough, the next moment Wang Yan was like a stone statue, forcibly helped down.

Wang Ji turned back, smiling composedly, “Miss Guo, please forgive my brother’s rudeness.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “No need to take it to heart. We are guests—naturally guests follow host’s convenience.”

What fine “guests follow host’s convenience”! Your siblings were just aggressive, calm yet sharp as knives in every phrase, almost making Wang Yan unable to show his face. From now on, he’d find it very difficult to speak before others. Was this still “guests follow host’s convenience”? Wang Ji thought this, but his smile on the surface deepened. However, everything was Wang Yan’s own humiliation. Now he could confirm this Miss Guo was definitely not as peaceful as she appeared on the surface. Probably her cunning thoughts and formidable methods were beyond ordinary comparison. Thinking of the Guo and Pei clans’ struggle, with the Guo family clearly gaining upper hand, Wang Ji’s heart couldn’t help feeling a chill.

Enduring humiliation requires powerful tolerance, humility, calm self-transcendence. Wang Yan’s current anxiety and unease—the most important reason was his inner heart wasn’t strong enough. But simultaneously, even the calmest water encountering narrow places would churn and surge. Even the strongest heart encountering its fatal point would break, losing original peace and calm. Wang Ji deeply knew his brother Wang Yan, if careless just now, would have been made to lose composure publicly by Li Weiyang’s words, inviting ridicule. That’s why he hurriedly made him withdraw.

The Guo family truly wasn’t easy to provoke. They made Wang Yan unable to show his face, forced to leave the banquet. At this time, everyone’s gazes shifted from the Guo family to Pei Bi. They saw he had already stood up, saying to everyone, “I’m unwell. I’ll take my leave first.” Finishing, without waiting for Wang Zijin’s response, he stumbled outward.

The Wang family, seeing this situation, all felt strange. Wang Guang quickly instructed, “Quickly help Young Master Pei return.”

Everyone only thought Pei Bi was hurt by Wang Yan’s presumptuous words just now. Only Li Weiyang had finally waited for this moment. She smiled faintly, also standing to take her leave, “Miss Wang, Princess Ali drank a few cups too many earlier and feels unwell. We’ll accompany her back first. Another day we’ll visit again.”

Hearing this, Wang Zijin quickly stood with a smile, “Miss Guo, please go ahead.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, having people help Princess Ali as she turned to leave.

Wang Ji watched Li Weiyang’s departing back, then turned to everyone, “Everyone please drink heartily, don’t return unless drunk.” After saying this, he saw his own sister still watching Li Weiyang’s receding figure, her expression very complex. He couldn’t help sighing deeply, walking to her side and saying softly, “We should return to the banquet.”

Wang Zijin was startled, looking up to see her brother’s calm, peaceful gaze. She couldn’t help nodding, “Alright.”

Li Weiyang descended the steps, just seeing Pei Bi had already mounted his horse. An attendant rode over to report a few words to Pei Bi. Pei Bi’s expression suddenly showed great shock as he said sternly, “Is what you’re saying true?!”

Pei Bi was always very calm. Such loss of composure meant something important had happened. And this matter—Li Weiyang knew about it. Not only knew, but had orchestrated it herself. In fact, from when Pei Bao’er went to hire the Crimson Blood Alliance, Li Weiyang had already prepared. The price Pei Bao’er offered, Li Weiyang tripled. So when Pei Bao’er now privately went to confront the Crimson Blood Alliance, naturally she couldn’t get any good results. Not only that, those desperadoes actually kidnapped her and sold her into a brothel.

Pei Bi’s people would surely find Pei Bao’er. Unfortunately, by now she was definitely withered willows and fallen flowers—beyond salvation.

Li Weiyang had remained inactive at the banquet. The most important reason was her thoughts weren’t on the Wang family at all. Now seeing Pei Bi reveal such an expression, she felt exceptionally pleased. It seemed this play was performed extremely well!

Guo Dao beside her sighed leisurely, “This Young Master Pei has truly miscalculated this time. He aimed all his targets at our Guo family, never imagining fire would break out in his own backyard.”

As soon as the words fell, Li Weiyang saw Pei Bi suddenly spit out a mouthful of blood. His entire person fell straight off the horse, collapsing to the ground, unconscious.