Li Weiyang and Wang Zijin were speaking when the opera stage on that side had already changed to a new performance.

Today, to match the festive atmosphere, the theater stage had been built to a full two or three meters in height. A red silk curtain swept through the air, and a person leapt onto the platform. They grabbed the silk curtain and the entire person spun several circles in mid-air before landing lightly as a butterfly on the stage. Seeing this spectacular scene, the guests erupted in cheers, loudly praising, “Excellent! Truly a splendid performance!”

Someone beside them quietly asked, “What opera is this? I’ve never seen it before.” Immediately someone called out, “This is the Flying Heaven Dance! I heard the troupe recently rehearsed this new opera. The performer does acrobatic moves on the high platform while still singing—don’t you think that’s remarkable?”

“Tsk tsk, this is what you call graceful!”

It was spectacular, but also too dangerous. The timid young ladies covered their eyes one after another, feeling that the platform was so high—if someone accidentally fell from the top, they would surely suffer serious injury.

The performer on stage showed no fear at all. Their face painted with exquisite makeup, wearing red clothing, they danced with graceful movements, dreamlike and illusory. They casually played with the cloud-like mist swirling around them—a perfect picture of “wind blowing celestial sleeves floating upward” in pure elegance. The emotions below the stage seemed frozen. People gradually quieted down, earnestly watching this performance.

The music gradually became more intense. The pipa and guzheng sounds pierced the ears, each silk string seeming about to snap.

The performer clearly combined opera singing with acrobatics. Their red clothing spun with the wind, sleeves flying, constantly turning on stage with extremely flowing lines. Just at this moment, a row of silk curtains suddenly dropped from mid-air on stage, hanging between the performer and the guests. Reflecting the candlelight, the performer’s movements were like a shadow puppet show—both real and illusory. Dozens of large red lanterns had originally hung around the opera stage. Now the candlelight shone through the hollow patterns, and people discovered the female figure’s silhouette frozen in an instant on the silk curtain. Her dance posture was graceful and lifelike—sometimes looking up, sometimes twisting her waist, sometimes dancing, sometimes bending down—absolutely graceful in various forms. Just as the lingering notes of the music faded away, the performer suddenly stopped, their figure flickered, and everyone saw the silk curtain transform into scattered petals, like heavenly maidens scattering flowers.

Everyone couldn’t help clapping their hands, feeling this was the most spectacular performance they had ever seen.

Seeing the guests respond so enthusiastically, Wang Zijin couldn’t help narrowing her eyes. At this time, she heard the person beside her say, “Miss Wang still hasn’t answered my question from earlier.”

Wang Zijin turned her head to see Li Weiyang looking at her. Today Li Weiyang had only loosely pinned her hair in a simple bun. Her refined face with a pair of eyes bright with autumn waves—she stood gracefully, her whole being emanating an air of elegant distinction.

Wang Zijin sighed, knowing she couldn’t hide it. She said calmly, “Miss Guo, why must you ask so clearly? You know very well something happened in the bridal chamber.”

Li Weiyang naturally guessed something had gone wrong in the bridal chamber, but what she wanted to know more was exactly what had happened that could make both the groom and Wang Zijin change color simultaneously. Li Weiyang paused for a moment before asking in a low voice, “Is it Princess Nankang who…”

Wang Zijin nodded and answered, “Her Highness the Princess has disappeared.”

Li Weiyang’s heart jumped. She couldn’t help immediately saying, “Disappeared? Is Miss Wang joking with me? Setting aside all the guards outside the bridal chamber, there are also several serving palace maids inside. How could she disappear for no reason?”

This was also a question Wang Zijin very much wanted answered. She shook her head. “Those guards were all knocked unconscious with sealed pressure points. The palace maids were the same. When discovered, they were all still unconscious and couldn’t answer questions at all. Now my third brother has gone to handle it. I hope he can quickly find the Princess.”

Li Weiyang followed Wang Zijin’s expression and looked around. At this moment, the hall full of guests were all immersed in that excellent theatrical performance—no one paid particular attention here. She nodded. “Does Miss Wang need help?”

Li Weiyang saying such words clearly meant offering assistance to the Wang family. Wang Zijin thought about it and politely declined, “Thank you for Miss Guo’s kind intention, but you are currently guests at the Wang family. If even you all take action, I fear it will alarm others.”

Li Weiyang thought Wang Zijin was indeed level-headed and quick-witted. She smiled. “Since that’s the case, I’ll sit peacefully and wait for news.”

Wang Zijin’s smile remained as before, her brows and eyes unchanged. “Then please return to your seat, Miss Guo.”

Li Weiyang composedly turned to leave. Wang Zijin watched Li Weiyang’s departing figure and sighed softly. Only now did she realize what an acutely perceptive person Li Weiyang was—her and her third brother’s actions couldn’t escape her eyes at all. Thinking about it, she turned to order her maid, “Immediately pass down the order to seal the courtyard gates. Accept no more congratulatory guests. As for those who want to leave early, you must also find excuses to keep them. Absolutely do not let them leave the Wang family casually.”

The maid immediately responded, “Yes, Miss,” before hurrying off.

The Wang family’s movements naturally couldn’t escape observant eyes besides Li Weiyang’s. Yuan Lie glanced over coolly but just smiled slightly, turning back to continue drinking. Whatever happened, it had nothing much to do with him.

At this time, Madam Guo also noticed changes in Li Weiyang’s expression. She asked with concern, “Yang’er, what happened?”

Li Weiyang knew this matter definitely couldn’t be hidden from Madam Guo. She answered in a low voice, “Mother, Princess Nankang has disappeared.”

Madam Guo was shocked. Instinctively she grasped Li Weiyang’s sleeve tightly. “What did you say?”

Li Weiyang’s beautiful eyes moved slightly as she softly repeated it. Madam Guo looked at her incredulously. “A perfectly fine bride should be waiting in the bridal chamber—how could she disappear for no reason?”

Madam Guo’s gaze was alarmed and uncertain, while Li Weiyang’s expression remained calm. “Mother need not worry. The Wang family will certainly have people search.”

Not worry? How could she not worry? Princess Nankang was Consort Guo Hui’s adopted daughter and Prince Jing’s sister. Under no circumstances could anything happen to her. Thinking of this, Madam Guo immediately said, “We should also help search.”

Li Weiyang had naturally already thought of this. She smiled. “Mother, originally I already proposed this to Miss Wang, but her response was not without reason. If even we take action, it will surely alarm other guests at the banquet. Then if Princess Nankang returns safely without serious harm, others will only think we made a mountain out of a molehill. Once it spreads, it will also damage the Princess’s reputation. For now, don’t worry excessively. Let’s wait and see.”

Madam Guo instinctively bit her lip. She looked at her daughter, seeming to find a kind of strength in those calm, peaceful eyes. Then she nodded, tacitly agreeing.

Half an hour later, Wang Zijin personally walked to Li Weiyang’s side, smiling broadly. “Miss Guo, last time you gave me that rouge wine. I’m planning to bring it out for everyone to appreciate together, but I don’t know which vessel to use to hold it would be best. Why don’t you help me consider?”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang gracefully stood and walked toward Wang Zijin. The two with harmonious atmosphere walked together toward outside the hall. Seeing this, everyone couldn’t help showing surprised expressions. Who didn’t know this Wang Zijin was originally the consort His Majesty wanted to bestow on Prince Xu? Yet now how could she be mixing together with Li Weiyang? These two people were ultimately romantic rivals. Seeing them standing together, no matter how one looked at it, it seemed strange.

Seeing this scene, Yuan Lie’s gaze couldn’t help sharpening. What did Wang Zijin want with Weiyang for no reason? Noticing this scene was of course also Prince Jing Yuan Ying. He looked at those two beautiful women’s backs, his gaze growing increasingly profound.

Could Wang Zijin want to make trouble for Li Weiyang? No, it didn’t look like that—more like there was some important matter needing discussion. But what common topic could the two of them have? In an instant, Prince Jing Yuan Ying thought of one person, and a trace of surprise flashed through his eyes.

At this time outside the hall, Wang Zijin avoiding everyone’s eyes had already quickly said to Li Weiyang, “We’ve searched everywhere in the manor, but just can’t find Her Highness the Princess.”

Li Weiyang had already guessed it would be this way and couldn’t help sighing. “Seems the other party came prepared. Have you really searched everywhere?”

Wang Zijin’s expression was also very grave. “Every corner high and low, only the servants the guests brought haven’t been body-searched yet.”

Li Weiyang pondered for a moment but disagreed. “If we search them, it will definitely alarm others. I fear it won’t be so easy. If the matter becomes big, it’s bad for the Princess’s reputation.”

Wang Zijin thought for a while and tentatively said, “How about I announce to everyone that I accidentally lost a treasure and therefore need to search—would that be appropriate?”

Li Weiyang saw the other party’s rare hesitation and just smiled slightly. “At this point, we can only do this. I hope the other party hasn’t had time to take Princess Nankang out of the manor yet.”

Wang Zijin decisively shook her head. “No, absolutely impossible! When I learned this news, I already passed down orders to seal the entire Wang family. Now not even a fly could escape. If someone really abducted the Princess, carrying a living person, how could they fly out under everyone’s noses? So she must still be in this manor. But the Wang family has no secret passages, much less any place outsiders would know. Where exactly could they hide her?”

For a time, both women’s expressions were grave. In their exchanging gazes, they both discovered this matter was very suspicious. Moreover, the other party inexplicably abducted Princess Nankang—what was their purpose? Princess Nankang wasn’t favored by His Majesty. Her only protector was Consort Guo Hui. If something happened to Princess Nankang, the person who would suffer the greatest blow would be Consort Hui. One could imagine how heartbroken and grieved she would be. At the same time, Princess Nankang was marrying into the Wang family. If something happened at this moment, the Wang family couldn’t escape responsibility either. So the other party was firstly targeting Consort Guo Hui and the Guo family, secondly targeting the Wang family—no matter how you looked at it, it couldn’t escape these two possibilities.

Inexplicably, Li Weiyang thought of one person. Wang Zijin saw her expression and her heart stirred. “It seems—Miss Guo has someone in mind.”

Li Weiyang’s beautiful eyes turned, her expression composed. “Unfortunately, before we find the person, we can’t act rashly.” The two exchanged a glance—for the first time reaching a tacit understanding.

Not long after Li Weiyang returned to her seat, she suddenly heard Wang Zijin cry out softly, “Ai, where is my dragon-pattern jade pendant?”

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. Wang Guang was first to stand. “Sister, the jade pendant on your person has disappeared?”

Wang Zijin showed a very anxious appearance, her eyes flowing. “Yes, that’s a treasure His Majesty personally bestowed on me. I’ve always carried it with me, but how could it suddenly disappear now?” Then she turned to ask the maid beside her, “This morning, did I wear it out?” The maid, knowing and sensible, quickly bowed. “Yes, Miss wore it out this morning. Just now this servant saw you still wearing it.”

Wang Zijin’s expression grew increasingly grave, looking thoroughly nervous. “This is something His Majesty personally bestowed. There absolutely can’t be any mishap. Quickly search—where exactly was it lost!”

Hearing this, everyone opened their mouths to agree. “Since that’s the case, Miss Wang should search carefully.” “Right, where did Miss Wang go just now? Or perhaps some blind thing stole your treasure—search carefully and you’ll know.”

Li Weiyang’s face showed a thin smile as she just patiently listened.

Hearing this, Wang Zijin was exactly what she wanted. Smiling at everyone, she said, “Since that’s the case, thank you all very much.” Saying this, she gave Wang Guang a look. Wang Guang immediately understood and ordered people, “Why don’t you go down and search carefully.” After speaking, he suddenly remembered something and bowed to everyone. “However, this way I’m afraid we’ll disturb everyone’s family members and servants.”

Everyone looked toward the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince smiled inscrutably. “Since Miss Wang lost a treasure, and it’s an item imperially bestowed by Father Emperor, this matter is no small thing. Searching is no problem. Go ahead and search, starting with my people.”

Since the Crown Prince had spoken, naturally others would have no objections. So they all nodded in agreement. Wang Zijin breathed a slight sigh of relief and again performed courtesy to everyone. “Thank you all for your magnanimity.”

General-Defender of the East Wang Qiong watched this scene, but a shadow passed through his heart. He knew his daughter always acted with propriety. This imperially bestowed item would absolutely not be casually lost. But now she publicly raised this matter—there must be some reason. His gaze fell on Wang Zijin’s face. He saw his daughter gently shake her head at him. Wang Qiong’s heart immediately jumped. Could something have happened in the bridal chamber?

But he showed nothing. The more critical the moment, the more composure was needed. Thinking of this, he gently nodded at Wang Zijin, meaning to leave this matter for her to handle. Only then did Wang Zijin withdraw together with Wang Guang.

Madam Guo quickly asked Li Weiyang, “Was there any news just now?”

Li Weiyang said calmly, “The Wang family’s people are already searching everywhere. I expect they’ll soon find the Princess’s whereabouts. Mother need not worry—just wait calmly.” Hearing this, Madam Guo immediately knew the Wang family actually hadn’t found Princess Nankang at all. Her expression grew increasingly ugly. She truly couldn’t understand—Princess Nankang had no quarrels with anyone and wasn’t favored by His Majesty. Who would target her for no reason, and what was their purpose behind it?

Li Weiyang sat there, but her gaze inadvertently met Pei Bi’s not far across. Pei Bi smiled slightly at Li Weiyang, his expression containing several traces of indescribable satisfaction. Seeing the other party show such a smile, Li Weiyang immediately understood—so it was him!

Actually, she had already guessed this matter was related to the Pei family. However, looking at Pei Bi’s expression at this moment, he seemed confident. What ability did he have to steal away a living Princess Nankang from the manor! Or had the Princess already died at their hands… Then where was the body? Where was it hidden?

Another half hour passed. It was almost time to dismiss the banquet. Some guests swayed to their feet, one after another bidding farewell to the Crown Prince. But the Crown Prince sat steady as Mount Tai, not moving at all. Actually, just now Wang Qiong had quietly reported to him about Princess Nankang’s disappearance and requested the Crown Prince remain at the Wang family to prevent guests from leaving easily. The Crown Prince, concerned about appearances, couldn’t well refuse. At this time, seeing people taking their leave, the Crown Prince had people detain them and force a few more cups of wine on them—unwilling to easily let anyone go. Gradually, everyone saw through this and all sat at their seats without moving. But after a long time, this wasn’t working either. Especially some madams and young ladies who didn’t understand—seeing the sky gradually darken, they wanted to find excuses to leave. But the more this happened, the more steady as Mount Tai the Crown Prince sat. Not only the Crown Prince—the other princes also sat rock solid one by one, with absolutely no intention of ending the wedding banquet.

Watching this, everyone couldn’t help muttering. Princess Ali was most surprised. She looked at Li Weiyang. “What exactly happened? Where is there such a wedding banquet? It’s already been three hours and the banquet still isn’t over. Look, those performers have already performed the same piece three times.” Li Weiyang looked at the performer on the high platform and shook her head. “Probably something urgent happened, which is why the Wang family is keeping people here.”

Just at this moment, whether because the performer had performed too many acts or was overly exhausted, she stumbled. Her entire person like a kite with a broken string rolled down from that nearly three-meter platform. Everyone only heard a scream, then the performer’s red clothing was heavily soaked with blood—increasingly shocking to see.

Wang Zijin quickly ordered people to check. The troupe master soon came to report that the performer’s bones were all broken throughout her body. They absolutely must send her out of the manor early for treatment. He begged Miss Wang’s forgiveness—they couldn’t continue performing.

Hearing this, Wang Zijin’s expression was very calm. Her voice carried pity. “Since all the bones throughout her body are broken, why not invite a physician in to properly treat her? Moving the injured now—wouldn’t that be even worse? It would make people say our Wang family refuses to save the dying.”

The troupe master was even more troubled. “But we have another venue to attend later.” The venue he spoke of was going to a family holding a funeral to continue singing opera that evening. Actually, they had already been delayed an hour. The Wang family should have released them long ago, but apparently something had happened at the host family and they adamantly refused to let them leave. The troupe master had already requested for the fourth time. This time he clearly wanted to use the performer’s injury to leave.

Though Wang Zijin was the Wang manor’s young lady of a thousand gold, she wasn’t an unreasonable person. Seeing the troupe master’s expression extremely anxious, she consoled him, “If the troupe master suffers any losses, we’ll compensate everything. However, right now you truly cannot leave.” The troupe master grew increasingly anxious but could only agree to what Wang Zijin said and specifically invited a physician to come treat the injury.

Because the matter happened so hastily and the injured was only a performer, naturally they couldn’t summon an imperial physician—they could only invite an ordinary physician. As soon as the physician arrived, he diagnosed that the performer’s injuries were too severe—probably couldn’t be saved. Hearing this, Wang Zijin’s face turned slightly pale, her brows tightly knit. Today she didn’t know what was going on—first Princess Nankang disappeared, then the performer was seriously injured and about to die. This was supposed to be a joyous day. If someone died in the manor, no matter what, it couldn’t be justified. Plus now it was before everyone’s eyes—once word spread, this marriage would probably be tainted with bad luck.

Thinking of this, Wang Zijin couldn’t help hesitating slightly. She looked toward her father Wang Qiong. Wang Qiong frowned, then said, “How about this—let these theater troupe people leave first, but other guests temporarily still cannot go.”

Li Weiyang cast a glance at the other party, seeing the eager expression on the troupe master’s face, and became thoughtful.

Wang Zijin nodded. Right now this was the best method. She hesitated no longer and ordered the people beside her in a low voice, “Carefully inspect this theater troupe. After confirming there are no problems, let them leave.” The guards immediately responded and went.

The guests from afar saw people on the opera stage withdrawing one after another—those carrying boxes carried boxes, those tidying things tidied things. Soon they formed a procession, accepting the guards’ inspection in orderly fashion. The injured performer was carried on a stretcher by people, lying there motionless. The stage makeup on her face hadn’t been removed yet, making her appear increasingly pitiful. Matched with that weak body, no matter how one looked, it seemed tragic and pathetic. Everyone couldn’t help sighing for her.

“I heard this was a famous performer. To actually fall from someone’s wedding high platform and be seriously injured—reportedly beyond saving. Once carried out, she’ll probably be thrown by the roadside. How pitiful!”

Li Weiyang watched from afar but suddenly stood up. Madam Guo was shocked. Just about to stop her, she saw Li Weiyang had already actively walked out. Wang Zijin saw Li Weiyang and was startled. “Miss Guo, what’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

Li Weiyang’s figure was graceful, her smile light, like welcoming spring flowers in early spring’s chill. Her gaze turned toward those performers as she smiled. “Miss Wang, has Princess Nankang been found?” Wang Zijin shook her head, her brows slightly furrowed.

At this time the moon had already risen. Today was a full moon. White moonlight spilled on Wang Zijin’s face, revealing indescribable worry. This was the first time Wang Zijin felt things weren’t under control. Because this entire wedding was arranged and organized by her hand. All the guards were also positioned by her according to the five elements and eight trigrams. If that assassin could actually take the Princess out of the manor, then all these years she had studied military tactics and formations would become a complete joke. This concerned her reputation and the Wang family’s honor—how could she not worry and be tense?

Li Weiyang’s smile was serene, her expression gentle, but her eyes revealed a trace of coldness. She pointed at the performer being carried on the stretcher. “Why not have her wash the stage makeup clean from her face?”

Hearing this, everyone was startled. The troupe master quickly said, “Please forgive this lady! She’s already seriously injured with bones broken throughout her body. It’s really not good to have her cleanse her face.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced sideways at the other party. Her manner was somewhat cold. After a long while, she smiled faintly and said gently, “Regardless, please have all the performers present wash the stage makeup from their faces before they can leave here.”

Everyone’s expressions changed slightly.

Even Wang Zijin was greatly shocked. Guo Jia looked young. Though her status was distinguished, her speech had always been gentle. But this time her attitude was clearly very firm.

Wang Zijin reacted extremely quickly, suddenly realizing something. Immediately she gave the guards a look. The guards received the command and quickly rushed toward that procession. The troupe master couldn’t stop them in time—the guard had already rushed before the injured person lying on the stretcher. Regardless of the grime, he used his own sleeve to wipe away the stage makeup on that person’s face.

This action was extremely fast, shocking almost everyone.

The troupe master’s expression changed drastically. But when they saw this performer’s face clearly, instantly everyone was stunned—especially Wang Zijin. She had seen Princess Nankang before. That delicate face—she would never forget it no matter what. Yet this performer before their eyes was actually the Princess Highness they had searched everywhere for but couldn’t find.

Her expression changed as she said sternly, “Seize all these people!” Then she quickly stepped to Princess Nankang’s side and said warmly, “Your Highness the Princess, what happened to you?”

Princess Nankang on the stretcher didn’t answer her. In those fragile eyes, tears continuously flowed, yet she opened her mouth but couldn’t speak. Li Weiyang stepped forward and gently touched the Princess’s arm, saying in a low voice, “The Princess’s entire body is soft and without strength. I don’t know what those people did to her.”

Wang Zijin was extremely anxious and immediately called loudly, “Why haven’t you summoned a physician!” The physician from earlier hadn’t had time to leave yet. Hearing this, he immediately came forward to take the Princess’s pulse. At this time, people in the hall had already been eagerly waiting. One after another they came out, watching this dramatic scene from afar but not daring to approach. Because the Wang family’s guards had already blocked before them. Only the Crown Prince and some other especially distinguished people could walk to Li Weiyang’s side.

Wang Yan and Wang Guang both stood far away. After all, Her Highness the Princess was delicate and precious, an imperial princess. They were men and couldn’t casually approach.

At the very back of the crowd, Pei Bi only showed a cold smile. His expression held not half a trace of panic—as if he had long predicted Li Weiyang would see through all this.

Madam Guo’s face was full of worry as she stared fixedly at the physician, afraid he would say the Princess had suffered some harm. The physician, being stared at so intently by everyone, couldn’t help being nervous. His face turned pale, sweat dripping down. “Her Highness the Princess seems to have been force-fed medicine, causing vocal cord damage so she cannot make sounds.”

Madam Guo felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured directly over her, chilling her entire body with waves of cold.

Li Weiyang said, “I’m afraid it’s not just vocal cord damage. The Princess can’t even move a finger—her whole body is soft and powerless. Or perhaps—her bones also suffered some injury?”

The physician steadied himself before shaking his head. “From what I see, there’s no serious problem. I just don’t know what medicine those people gave her.”

A stone in Wang Zijin’s heart fell and fell again. She ordered, “Go summon the imperial physician!” Immediately someone followed her order to handle it.

The Princess was different from that performer. Once something happened to her, naturally an imperial physician could be summoned for treatment. Of course, before the imperial physician arrived, none of the others could be easily let go.

The troupe master and other performers all trembled. At this time, Wang Zijin said with a cold expression, “Who performed that opera just now?” Not one performer among them answered. Everyone was silent as cicadas in winter. At this moment, the Wang family’s guards had already uniformly pointed their ice-cold sword tips at them. The troupe master kept saying, “Aiya, I don’t know anything! I just came to sing opera. How would I know such a thing would happen!” To be honest, he truly didn’t know. Even if you gave him tremendous courage, he wouldn’t dare secretly transport a princess out of the manor.

Seeing no one responding, he threw back his neck and shouted loudly, “The person responsible for singing this opera today was Tongchun! Tongchun, you damned girl, where are you? Come out—don’t harm us all!” He searched everywhere, but the person who should have been lying on the stretcher seriously injured was completely missing.

Li Weiyang already understood. Just now that performer had deliberately fallen from the stage, pretending to be seriously injured. Using some method, she deceived the physician’s eyes, then had people transport her out of the manor—using this to swap out Princess Nankang. This matter was no small thing. Someone must have closely cooperated with her. So everyone in this theater troupe was suspect…

But where exactly was that performer called Tongchun hiding now? Not long after, they saw Wang Yan angrily shout, “Where do you think you’re running?” Everyone was shocked, seeing Wang Yan fly up and grab a petite young woman from the bushes, pressing her to kneel on the ground. Without the slightest pity, he grasped her hair and forced her to lift her face. That performer struggled desperately, but Wang Yan’s martial arts were superior—she couldn’t move at all.

The troupe master cried out, “Tongchun, it really is you!” But the next moment, that performer called Tongchun laughed coldly twice. Somehow, in an instant blood flowed from all seven orifices. She quickly became an ice-cold corpse. Only then did Wang Yan release his grip, looking in disbelief at the person who had suddenly collapsed to the ground.

This was truly too terrifying. The other party not only had premeditated this but had made foolproof preparations. Now that Tongchun was dead, it would be very difficult to investigate who was behind this mischief.

Li Weiyang’s expression was calm as ice and snow. Her gaze looked straight at Wang Zijin. “At this point, the only important thing is to first treat the Princess’s injuries.”

Wang Zijin nodded and quickly ordered people to take Princess Nankang back to the bridal chamber. As soon as she finished speaking, everyone saw the imperial physician hurry over—almost dragged here the entire way at a half-run, completely unable to maintain decorum or even greet anyone before going to the bridal chamber for examination.

Only then did Wang Zijin turn around, smiling at everyone. “Today has tired everyone as well. We’re truly sorry.”

Seeing this, everyone looked at each other. Actually, they still completely didn’t understand what exactly had happened. But the Wang family’s expressions were so grave—they didn’t know how to inquire. Before they could speak, a guard hurried over, quickly kneeling on the ground. “Just now while searching by the river pond, your subordinate actually discovered a floating corpse.”

Everyone’s faces showed even more shock. Wang Qiong and Duke Qiguo exchanged a glance, feeling the current clues were tangled and shuttling endlessly. Wang Qiong couldn’t help saying in a deep voice, “Who is it?” The guard lowered his head, bowing. “My lord, it’s an unfamiliar-looking nanny. We don’t know which family brought her.”

Wang Qiong’s brows tightened, then he said, “Bring the person up.” The guard brought that body, already somewhat bloated from soaking, to the hall.

Madam Guo’s face instantly drained of color, nearly losing her voice. “Nanny Song!”

Li Weiyang immediately became alert. At this moment, she recognized this drowned person was precisely the trusted confidant nanny Song from her mother’s side. Madam Guo had four very important nannies by her side—one managed finances, one controlled personnel matters, one looked after her daily needs, and another helped her handle social interactions. Because Madam Guo was ill year-round, she was often unfamiliar with female family members in the capital. This Nanny Song wasn’t old, had an excellent memory, and with her beside reminding, Madam Guo never made mistakes. But at this moment, this person had inexplicably died here.

Just now when the Princess disappeared, no one had noticed this small nanny had also vanished without a trace. Seeing this scene, Li Weiyang realized the mastermind’s plot wasn’t just targeting Princess Nankang—it probably also targeted the Guo family.

Wang Zijin’s lotus-petal-like beautiful face also showed shock and fury, losing her usual composed color.

Wang Qiong looked at Madam Guo. “Madam Guo, clearly you recognize this nanny.” Madam Guo nodded. “She’s one of my people. Today I brought her to attend the banquet. At the banquet she suddenly said she felt unwell and asked my leave to rest in the carriage first. I never imagined she would die in your manor’s lake. I don’t know what the reason is.”

Duke Qiguo frowned. Wang Qiong shook his head, his expression growing increasingly ugly. “If she left the garden, she would only go through the side gate and wouldn’t pass that lake at all. Clearly she had absolutely no intention of leaving.”

Guo Dun, always impulsive by nature, looked at Wang Qiong and said coldly, “What does General Wang mean by such words?” Beside him, Guo Cheng quickly gave him a look, indicating he shouldn’t speak further.

Wang Qiong had no other meaning. He just felt this matter was complex and confusing, impossible to understand. First the Princess disappeared, then a Guo family nanny drowned in their Wang manor’s lake. This way, his family couldn’t escape responsibility no matter what. So he wanted to thoroughly investigate the matter clearly.

The Crown Prince pondered for a moment, his face showing a suspicious expression. “This matter is truly too strange. How could a Guo family servant die mysteriously?”

Indeed. One was a nobly born princess, the other just a Guo manor nanny. What connection could there be between these two?

One wave hadn’t settled before another arose. The matter’s dramatic degree rivaled a great opera. Everyone’s faces were calm, barely concealing their secret delight at watching the show. At the critical moment, the palace maids who had originally been serving the Princess in the chamber had all awakened one after another. Hearing the servants’ report, Wang Zijin immediately showed joy. “Why don’t you bring them up?”

The palace maids still looked terrified. Today, regardless of what treacherous tricks the other party used, losing the Princess was fact. If His Majesty or the Wang family later held them accountable, not one of them could escape. Therefore, at this moment, they all showed fearful expressions, trembling and kneeling in the hall below without saying a word.

Wang Zijin looked at everyone, then asked first, “What exactly happened today? The Princess was sitting perfectly well in the bridal chamber—why did she vanish into thin air?” Hearing this, the palace maids looked at each other but all dared not speak. Wang Zijin sensed something wrong and her voice turned cold. “Why don’t you confess honestly! Do you want to be charged with abandoning your post and negligent dereliction of duty?”

The palace maids dared hide nothing further. Immediately the lead palace maid answered, “Yes! Please allow this servant to report, Miss. Actually today this servant and the others were accompanying the Princess in the bridal chamber when we saw Nanny Song from Madam Guo’s side suddenly request an audience, saying Madam Guo was concerned about the bridal chamber and sent her to check the situation. But somehow she took out a handkerchief and waved it lightly. This servant and the others all fainted unconscious. When we woke up, the Princess had already disappeared. Those guards were all fierce and menacing—we were truly frightened and didn’t dare speak carelessly.”

Actually, these palace maids didn’t dare speak—they couldn’t speak. Everyone knew this Nanny Song was from Madam Guo’s side. Madam Guo was also Consort Guo Hui’s sister-in-law. These layers of relationships were truly difficult to explain clearly. Now the Princess’s disappearance was connected to Nanny Song. All fingers seemed to point directly at the Guo family. If they spoke out, it would seem like Madam Guo had abducted the Princess. How would they dare speak easily? How would Consort Hui easily forgive them later!

Hearing this, Li Weiyang had already strung the entire matter together. The other party clearly wanted to frame the Guo family. Guo Dun’s eyes were full of gloomy fury, blazing ready to start a prairie fire. “Nonsense! How could Nanny Song abduct the Princess? She’s already dead!”

Wang Qiong hadn’t opened his mouth yet, but Wang Yan beside him already said with a face full of fury, “Yes, she’s already dead. But who knows if she died before abducting the Princess or after?”

Guo Dun flew into a rage. No matter what, the Wang family shouldn’t suspect the Princess’s disappearance was related to them. Just as he was about to rush up and teach Wang Yan a lesson, his arms were grasped left and right by Guo Cheng and Guo Dao. Guo Cheng held his shoulder while Guo Dao stepped forward, his face showing a smile. “Young Master Wang, please be cautious in your words and actions. Though the Princess is your wife, she was also raised by Consort Guo Hui. No matter what, our Guo family cares more about her safety than you do. What reason would we have to abduct the Princess?”

Wang Yan’s thoughts raced as his expression darkened. “You’ll have to ask yourselves that! Perhaps you deliberately wanted to see the Princess disappear, then pin this matter on our Wang family, making us unable to bear the consequences!” Thinking about it, everyone realized this made sense. If the bride disappeared in the bridal chamber, His Majesty would certainly think the Wang family’s protection was inadequate. The first to be held accountable would be the Wang family. No one would think of the Guo family. After all, the Princess was their close relative. The Guo family could even play the role of aggrieved party and make a big fuss.

Li Weiyang’s face showed a mocking smile. “Young Master Wang, think carefully. If we really wanted to abduct the Princess, why would I just now stop that theater troupe? Letting them secretly take the Princess out would have made your Wang family’s guilt even more solid, wouldn’t it?”

Wang Yan snorted coldly. “This is your smokescreen to clear yourselves of guilt.” Li Weiyang didn’t get angry but laughed instead. This Wang Yan’s mind really was sharp—just not sharp in the right place. She looked at Wang Zijin, her gaze serene. “Miss Wang, do you also think this way?”

Wang Zijin looked at Li Weiyang. The other party’s expression was composed and calm, showing not the slightest abnormality. In her heart, she quickly went through the entire matter once, then smiled. “I believe the Guo family aren’t that kind of people. Since they came as guests, they absolutely wouldn’t do something like abducting the Princess.” Actually, saying this was like saying nothing. The so-called “believe” was just polite talk—she clearly still suspected the Guo family.

Li Weiyang wasn’t angry either. Her expression was just calm. “Actually, this isn’t difficult. Once the Princess wakes up, perhaps we can still find some clues.”

The palace maid said timidly, “Her Highness the Princess, like us, seems to have only seen Nanny Song. Probably afterward she also fainted like us.”

Li Weiyang glanced at her coldly, her eyes containing mockery. Regardless, she believed Princess Nankang’s side must have left some suspicious points. But most critically, the Princess now could neither open her mouth to speak nor move her whole body. This meant she couldn’t possibly write—so how could they question her?

Wang Zijin frowned slightly and couldn’t help saying, “Abducting the Princess is a capital crime. In my view, why not report to His Majesty and have him make a decision.”

But Guo Dun gritted his teeth. “Report to His Majesty? Seems you want to make this big, then deliberately pin this matter on our Guo family!”

Wang Zijin’s expression changed. She hadn’t expected this Guo Dun to speak so aggressively. Actually, she didn’t have that intention. The Princess had been abducted—their Wang family couldn’t bear such great responsibility and couldn’t afford it. The Emperor must make the decision and find this mastermind behind it. Somehow, she vaguely felt they hadn’t caught the real culprit. That person must now be hiding in the crowd watching them… Perhaps the other party’s purpose was precisely to stir up conflict between the two families, making them mutually slaughter each other while the other party benefited from their fight.

Among the court, families with such thoughts were not few. But those who most hated the Guo family were only those surnamed Pei. Thinking of this, her mind was already made up. But the evidence? Not only did Wang Zijin think this way—Li Weiyang’s thoughts aligned with hers. Without evidence, no one could accuse others. Otherwise, there would be suspicion of diverting disaster eastward.

At this time, Wang Yan still pressed relentlessly. “In the end, are we the ones wanting to make things big, or are you wanting to deliberately gloss over this matter thinking you can escape responsibility?”

Duke Qiguo grew angrier the more he listened, dark fire jumping at his brow. The Princess had disappeared for a period—if someone deliberately spread this matter, it would probably damage the Princess’s reputation. No matter what, they should handle it as low-key as possible. But this Wang Yan considered himself talented in both civil and military arts, looking down on everyone with eyes above the dust, respecting no one. He simply couldn’t hear others’ opinions. He said coldly, “General Wang, you should properly restrain your son.”

Wang Qiong’s heart jumped, remembering his elder brother had once instructed him never to directly conflict with Duke Qiguo. He immediately shouted sternly, “You beast, be silent!” Wang Yan looked at his father resentfully and said coldly, “The Princess is my wife. Naturally this matter should be decided by me. Father, don’t you trust your son?”

Wang Qiong was usually very stern, and Wang Yan was quite afraid of him. But at this moment, he actually publicly contradicted him. He truly didn’t know how the Wang family, always low-key and restrained, could raise such an arrogant and domineering son. If this son could be like Wang Guang and Zijin, he wouldn’t have so many worries—truly a family misfortune! Thinking of this, his face filled with fury. “I ordered you to withdraw. Don’t you have ears?”

The muscles on Wang Yan’s face twitched involuntarily. He always felt the Guo family must have developed resentment toward the Wang family because of Prince Xu’s matter last time and were deliberately finding excuses to retaliate against them. Otherwise, why would this Nanny Song appear in the bridal chamber? And why would she and that performer die one after another at the Wang manor? All this seemed to show the Princess’s disappearance had an inseparable connection to the Guo family.

Not only did Wang Yan refuse to withdraw, he even instinctively reached for the sword at his waist, then froze—because today he wore wedding attire and had no weapon. The Guo family members across from him saw this scene and imperceptibly protected Madam Guo and Li Weiyang behind them.

Yuan Lie pushed through the crowd and stepped forward, his eyes coldly fixed on Wang Yan. His handsome face tinged with fury. Everyone couldn’t help growing tense, retreating backward one after another. The atmosphere was tense as drawn bows—ready to explode at any touch.

Li Weiyang maintained a reserved, calm expression as she carefully thought things through. Now Nanny Song was dead, that performer was also dead. It seemed the other party was certain they had no way to turn things around. Indeed, with neither witness nor evidence, it would be very difficult for her to catch the mastermind behind this matter.

At this time, Yuan Lie said coldly, “Since everyone has different opinions, why not wait until the imperial physician has finished treating the Princess before we decide? Perhaps after a while the Princess will be able to speak.” With him saying this, hope arose in everyone’s eyes.

Wang Zijin was quite surprised. She raised her eyebrows but just stared at Li Weiyang, thoughtful.

They waited anxiously until finally the imperial physician unhurriedly walked over. Everyone looked at him expectantly. Seeing everyone’s gazes, the imperial physician was startled and just shook his head. “I’ve done my best, but Her Highness the Princess’s injuries will probably take one or two months to heal.” Hearing this, everyone’s faces showed immense disappointment. This meant the Princess now had no way to testify—so what about the Guo family?

Wang Yan laughed coldly. “Now what do you have to say!” He looked aggressive and overbearing.