Soon, an invitation arrived from the palace. Li Weiyang took it and read it, her eyes revealing a trace of surprise.

Observing her unusual expression, Guo Dao asked softly, “What has happened?”

Li Weiyang handed the invitation to Guo Dao.

After glancing at it, Guo Dao smiled slightly and said, “So it’s the Chrysanthemum Viewing Banquet.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows, her eyes showing a hint of confusion. “Fifth Brother seems quite familiar with this banquet?”

Guo Dao explained to her, “Every year at this time, the Ten Thousand Chrysanthemum Garden in the palace is in full bloom, so the Empress personally hosts a chrysanthemum viewing gathering and sends people to collect famous chrysanthemum varieties from across the realm for everyone to admire.”

Li Weiyang said thoughtfully, “So it’s a palace tradition…”

Guo Dao replied matter-of-factly, “After all, it’s the Empress’s personal decree. This banquet is one that cannot be missed.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “Pei Bi just died, and she already has such refined interests. How truly strange!”

Guo Dao laughed. “When have you ever seen Empress Pei panic? Pei Bi was merely a chess piece to her. Once that piece damaged her game, she would discard it without hesitation. It was so with Pei Fan before, so why would Pei Bi now be any exception?”

Li Weiyang’s beautiful eyes flashed with a sharp, cold light as she remained calm. “I really want to know what she would think if next it were her own biological son’s turn.”

Guo Dao couldn’t help but frown as he looked at Li Weiyang. “The Crown Prince is the nation’s heir apparent. Moving against him probably won’t be that easy! Jia’er, are you confident?”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. “Fifth Brother, rest assured. If I don’t have complete confidence, I’d rather hold my forces in reserve.”

Seeing that she had no intention of acting immediately, Guo Dao finally breathed a sigh of relief slowly. “Regardless, you must still be extremely careful. This Chrysanthemum Viewing Banquet… I fear there may be some conspiracy within it.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze leisurely fell upon the pot of Commander’s Flag by the window, and she smiled faintly. “I’ve heard this Commander’s Flag is one of the ten famous chrysanthemums. Yuan Lie went through great difficulty to obtain such a pot and brought it over. I wonder what treasures the Empress has—I truly want to see them for myself!”

Seeing Li Weiyang’s calm and indifferent expression, clearly not taking this matter to heart, Guo Dao couldn’t help but sigh softly. “To be honest, I also very much want to know what Empress Pei’s next move will be, but unfortunately, over all these years, no one has ever been able to see through her thoughts.”

On the day of the Chrysanthemum Viewing Banquet, palace maids used silk ribbons to partition the chrysanthemum garden into individual canopied areas. Young ladies from aristocratic families sat on the ground, warming wine while admiring flowers. The male guests chose their companions in twos and threes and selected other places to sit. Ordinarily, such leisurely behavior in the palace would be absolutely impossible, but the Ten Thousand Chrysanthemum Garden was located in a relatively open area. The chrysanthemum viewing banquet, truthfully speaking, was actually a centuries-old disguised matchmaking gathering and an excellent opportunity for various powerful families to form marriage alliances, so naturally it differed from the usual. At this moment, in the spacious chrysanthemum garden, famous chrysanthemums of every variety dazzled the eyes, wine fragrance drifted in wisps, and the scent was quite intoxicating.

This was Princess Ali’s first time attending such a chrysanthemum viewing gathering. What moved her was not the beautiful chrysanthemums, but the various pastries the imperial chefs made using chrysanthemum flowers. Princess Ali ate with great delight while asking Li Weiyang, “Why haven’t we seen the Empress yet?”

Li Weiyang glanced toward the entrance of the chrysanthemum garden, her expression half-smiling. “Important figures always make their entrance last. You’ve already met Empress Pei before, haven’t you? Why so impatient!”

Princess Ali said disdainfully, “I’d rather not see her! If you hadn’t told me there would be delicious food here, I absolutely wouldn’t have entered the palace with you!”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile. Being with Princess Ali, even the greatest worries would vanish into nothing. This young girl was truly adorable. She was thinking this when she suddenly heard subtle footsteps. Turning her head, she saw Wang Zijin approaching with a face full of smiles.

Li Weiyang’s heart stirred. She stood up, her smile warm. “Miss Wang, it’s been quite some time.”

Wang Zijin likewise smiled faintly. “I’ve sent invitations several times, but Miss Guo has refused to visit. If not for the Empress’s chrysanthemum viewing banquet, I fear I still wouldn’t have been able to see you!”

Li Weiyang only smiled faintly. She had always maintained a low-profile personality and principles of conduct, rarely attending social gatherings among the elite, nor was she interested in them. Moreover, getting too close to Wang Zijin… would only attract attention.

Sure enough, seeing Wang Zijin and Li Weiyang standing together, people quietly glanced in their direction. In those gazes were astonishment, scrutiny, and even some faint mockery. Wang Zijin acted as if oblivious and sighed. “Every time I stand with Miss Guo, we especially attract attention. I suppose everyone thinks we’re romantic rivals.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. Her relationship with Wang Zijin was indeed quite strange. To call them romantic rivals, Wang Zijin had never been infatuated with Prince Xu, Yuan Lie. To call them friends, the other party’s actions last time had been rather unkind. Perhaps “both enemy and friend” would be more appropriate. Li Weiyang glanced at her without saying much, but her gaze fell on Princess Nankang in the distance, whose complexion was pale. She said softly, “Her Highness the Princess seems to have been rather troubled lately.”

Miss Wang frowned slightly, a somewhat unnatural expression crossing her face. She couldn’t help but step forward and say in a low voice, “I’ve already tried every means to persuade Third Brother, but you know his personality—he probably won’t submit so easily.”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. “Submit? Why would Miss Wang use such words? If he was unwilling to marry the Princess initially, he could have raised the matter with His Majesty. Why act so aggrieved? I’ve heard he not only failed to quietly send that woman away, but actually brought her back to the Wang residence, intending to take her as a concubine. What do you take Princess Nankang for, and what do you take imperial dignity for—dough that can be kneaded and shaped at will?”

Rebuked in such a manner, Wang Zijin couldn’t get angry. She only sighed deeply. “Father has scolded him and beaten him, and was even once so angered by Third Brother that he fell ill in bed. What can I do as his sister? Miss Guo, can you point me toward a clear path!”

Li Weiyang’s smile was utterly indifferent. “If Miss Wang is counting on outsiders to handle this, then when some major incident occurs in the future, you can’t blame us!” Her reminder was entirely well-intentioned. Princess Nankang’s status was, after all, noble. Although she wasn’t favored by His Majesty, her princess identity was undeniable. This Young Master Wang was far too negligent—not only bringing a woman home, but even wanting to give her official status. Such brazenness truly chilled one’s heart.

Seeing Li Weiyang’s cold and indifferent expression, Wang Zijin couldn’t help but cry out inwardly. Actually, she too was quite dissatisfied with Third Brother. Among her several brothers, although Wang Yan’s martial arts were the best, his mind wasn’t very sharp, and he was especially often incited by outsiders. Regarding this point, she and Father had thought of countless methods. But people always have one bad habit—the more you suppress them, the harder they rebound. They couldn’t beat him, couldn’t scold him, and even less could they expel him from the Wang residence. They could only let him act recklessly. Thinking of the grievances Princess Nankang had suffered recently, Wang Zijin also felt ashamed. She said, “Regardless, I will do my utmost to suppress this matter and absolutely won’t let Third Brother make it so Princess Nankang cannot have peace.”

Li Weiyang actually understood quite well that Wang Zijin was a clever person. She should know what to do. But seeing Princess Nankang’s pale expression and Imperial Consort Guo’s heartbroken eyes, Li Weiyang still felt this marriage was a mistake, and the chief culprit was the high and mighty Emperor. Yuan Lie had said it correctly—this old man was always causing trouble after eating his fill, enjoying matching couples arbitrarily without any regard for people’s happiness. Now, having ruined Princess Nankang’s entire life, he obviously wanted to pull strings randomly again and match Wang Zijin with Yuan Lie. Thinking of this, Li Weiyang’s eyes slid over with a deep coldness.

Looking at Li Weiyang, Wang Zijin could ultimately only change the topic. “With so many famous chrysanthemums today, I wonder which one Miss Guo likes most?”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang withdrew her gaze from Princess Nankang. She said coolly, “Among all these chrysanthemums, I alone love the Ink Lotus.”

The Ink Lotus Li Weiyang mentioned was a type of ink-colored chrysanthemum—actually deep purple. The color was rich but not heavy, the flower disk large, the petals hollow and curved at the ends. Set against the backdrop of colorful chrysanthemums, it was dignified yet not lacking in liveliness, gorgeous yet not lacking in charm.

Wang Zijin approached an Ink Lotus plant and examined it carefully. She found it simple and unadorned, dignified and steady, especially with petals like silk and color like ink, appearing extraordinarily distinctive. She nodded with a smile. “This ink chrysanthemum is not only free-spirited and serene, but also crystal clear and mellow as wine. It truly has a natural, pure, and ethereal quality. Miss Guo has excellent taste!”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “I wonder which one Miss Wang favors?”

Wang Zijin pointed to a plant in the distance. “I like that one.”

Li Weiyang looked over and saw the Phoenix Spreading Wings she mentioned. The petals curved inward, resembling a phoenix dancing gracefully. It appeared beautiful and moving, dazzling and brilliant, making one think of the wonderful form of a phoenix spreading its wings just from hearing its name and admiring the flower. Of course she would like such a striking flower… Li Weiyang said thoughtfully, “So Miss Wang likes the Flower King among chrysanthemums!”

Wang Zijin nodded, saying composedly, “Admiring chrysanthemums is like being a person—if you don’t do it, don’t do it, but if you do it, do it to the best. Don’t you agree, Miss Guo?”

Li Weiyang seemed casual and leisurely. “Every pot of chrysanthemums has its own beauty, every person has their own use. Why must one always compete to be superior? You must know the principle that there are people beyond people, heavens beyond heavens. Doesn’t Miss Wang find it exhausting to want to be the best in everything?”

Hearing what seemed like faint mockery in the other’s words, Wang Zijin smiled slightly. “To each their own aspirations!”

Just then, a eunuch announced loudly, “The Empress arrives!” In an instant, everyone stopped and looked toward the entrance of the chrysanthemum garden.

Empress Pei wore splendid robes, her face absolutely beautiful, bearing a faint smile. She surveyed her surroundings, her gaze seeming to lightly pass over Wang Zijin before finally settling on Li Weiyang. She merely smiled faintly before walking past her. Li Weiyang bowed on the side, only able to see Empress Pei’s layer upon layer of cloud-like skirt hems sweep past before her eyes. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but narrow her eyes. Such imposing presence and authority, in all the realm only Empress Pei possessed them!

“Everyone, please rise!” Only after Empress Pei reached her seat and sat down, with palace maids crawling forward to arrange her skirts properly, did she wave her hand lightly. Everyone stood up one after another.

The Marquis of Jiangnan’s wife stepped forward with a smile. “Your Majesty, today’s chrysanthemum viewing banquet is extremely well done, especially these hundreds of pots of famous chrysanthemums collected—they’ve truly opened our eyes.”

The Empress smiled faintly. “This is all the Crown Prince’s filial piety. The Crown Princess has also worked hard!” Hearing this, the Crown Princess only smiled reservedly, her expression becoming even more humble. On the other side, Consort Lu, holding a child in her arms, looked on with mocking eyes.

Empress Pei glanced at Consort Lu and actually beckoned to her. “Bring the child here for me to see!”

Consort Lu immediately beamed with joy. She carried the infant forward and handed him to Empress Pei. Despite wearing splendid robes, Empress Pei lovingly took the child in her arms, her face rarely showing a trace of tenderness.

Li Weiyang observed everyone’s expressions from afar without revealing her thoughts. Empress Pei’s gaze leisurely regarded the child in her arms. To outsiders it might appear quite kindly, but to Li Weiyang’s eyes, Empress Pei’s trace of tenderness never reached her eyes.

What Consort Lu had borne for the Crown Prince was a son, and moreover the Crown Prince’s eldest son by a concubine. This way, the Crown Princess’s position was inevitably affected, so she worked even harder to curry favor with Empress Pei, wanting to firmly suppress Consort Lu. At this moment, seeing Empress Pei holding the child with such a gentle smile, the Crown Princess’s mood couldn’t help but grow tense, and the jealousy in her eyes was difficult to conceal. Consort Lu, on the other hand, was elated, subconsciously lowering her head to hide the smugness at the corners of her lips.

Watching their covert competition, Empress Pei merely smiled faintly. After coaxing the child for a while, she casually handed him to a wet nurse nearby, her tone indifferent. “This child looks exactly like the Crown Prince when he was small. I find him truly endearing. From now on, bring him into the palace more often for me to see.”

Consort Lu was overjoyed and quickly responded, “Yes!”

The Crown Princess’s expression became even more unpleasant, yet she couldn’t help but maintain the Crown Princess’s dignity. Her expression couldn’t have been more awkward.

Watching this scene, Li Weiyang found this wife-concubine struggle quite interesting. It could be well utilized in the future. She suddenly heard Empress Pei say, “Why are you all still standing? Go admire the chrysanthemums.”

Hearing Empress Pei say this, everyone couldn’t help but feel relieved. The Crown Prince, Prince Jing, and Prince Qin all surrounded Prince Xu Yuan Lie, apparently discussing something. Yuan Lie’s face clearly showed an impatient expression, yet he was still surrounded by them with no way to come find Li Weiyang.

Seeing Yuan Lie’s distressed appearance, looking as if he wanted to send the Crown Prince flying, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but find it amusing. Just then, Imperial Consort Guo sent someone to summon Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang nodded slightly to Princess Ali, then turned and followed the female official away. Seeing Imperial Consort Guo holding a teacup but not drinking, appearing anxious, she stepped forward two paces and said gently, “Your Highness, what’s the matter?”

Imperial Consort Guo raised her head to see it was Li Weiyang and beckoned to her. “Come sit. I have something to tell you.”

Li Weiyang nodded and sat down in the seat below Imperial Consort Guo.

The Consort sighed. “How is your mother’s health?”

Li Weiyang showed a trace of hesitation. “Yes, Mother’s rheumatism has flared up again recently, and she’s always having headaches, so I’ve had her rest in bed. I didn’t have her attend today’s banquet.”

This was Madam Guo’s chronic condition—it would act up when the weather turned cold. Imperial Consort Guo nodded absently, then said, “Originally I wanted to tell your mother these things… Wang Yan has been humiliating Nankang with that woman, and without any concealment. I truly never imagined the Wang family would have such offspring—utterly shameful! If I had known earlier, I would have rather defied the imperial decree than marry my daughter to such a person!”

Li Weiyang frowned lightly. “What has Wang Yan done now?” She had always only known that Wang Yan doted on that mistress, but didn’t know what he had actually done to make even Imperial Consort Guo so furious.

She heard the Consort say through gritted teeth, “He actually demanded that Nankang bear him a son within half a year, otherwise…”

Li Weiyang’s expression changed. “Otherwise what?”

Imperial Consort Guo found it difficult to say. “Otherwise, he’ll elevate that concubine to equal wife status!”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly, finding it utterly absurd. “I’ve only heard of common families taking concubines. I’ve never heard of a Prince Consort taking an equal wife. What on earth is in his head?!”

Imperial Consort Guo shook her head, equally finding it unbelievable. “Yes, when Nankang told me about it just now, her eyes were nearly swollen from crying. This poor child has been so forbearing all along. I’m afraid if this continues, she won’t be able to endure much longer and something major will eventually happen.”

Li Weiyang chose her words carefully. “After learning that Wang Yan had an mistress, I also had people investigate. The conclusion I reached was…”

Imperial Consort Guo was startled and quickly looked at Li Weiyang. “You investigated that woman?”

Li Weiyang nodded. “Originally Wang Yan claimed she came from a respectable family, but after investigation, we found that was just a false identity Wang Yan created to deceive people, specifically finding a family to adopt her. She originally came from a pleasure house, said to be a criminal official’s daughter, but born with a beautiful face and exceptional in various arts, attracting numerous high officials and noble sons, wealthy young masters competing to shower her with gifts, flocking to her. Prince Wang falling for her isn’t strange, but among her suitors, those better than Wang Yan are numerous. Why would she specifically choose the Prince Consort? You must know ordinary people wouldn’t make an enemy of a princess—that’s an extremely dangerous thing. Unless she has an even more powerful backer behind her, making her completely unafraid of becoming Princess Nankang’s romantic rival, even unafraid of becoming the imperial family’s laughingstock!”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Guo’s expression became extremely dark. “You mean someone is deliberately stirring things up behind the scenes, wanting to make Nankang and Wang Yan’s marriage unsustainable?”

Li Weiyang thought for a moment before saying in a low voice, “I don’t wish for things to become so complicated either, but the facts are undeniable. I think the Wang family is also aware of this, which is why they’ve tried every means to prevent that woman from entering their household. Unfortunately, now that mistress is already pregnant. Wang Yan insists on bringing that woman into the household, making things very tense with General Zhendong Wang Qiong, even angering Wang Qiong into falling ill in bed… Disregarding his father and his clan, clearly he’s been bewitched by that woman. How could he put Princess Nankang in his eyes?”

Imperial Consort Guo’s expression became increasingly unpleasant. She clenched her fingers and raised her head, her gaze looking straight at Empress Pei in the distance. At this moment, Empress Pei was intimately speaking with the Crown Princess about something, her expression quite relaxed and at ease. Imperial Consort Guo said through gritted teeth, “As expected, she still won’t let me go!”

Li Weiyang shook her head. Empress Pei’s actions were definitely not just to target Princess Nankang and Imperial Consort Guo. All this was merely a beginning—there must be an even larger trap waiting ahead. But what exactly did the other party intend to do? She looked around and couldn’t help but frown. “Where has Her Highness the Princess gone?”

Imperial Consort Guo sighed but also felt somewhat worried. “Just now Nankang said she was in a bad mood and wanted to walk around. She should be nearby and won’t go far. I’ve already sent palace maids to follow her.”

Li Weiyang stood up. “Since the Princess wants to clear her mind, I’ll accompany her. Your Highness need not worry. I’ll counsel her.”

Imperial Consort Guo nodded solemnly. “Then I’ll trouble you. Please advise her somewhat, don’t let this child Nankang do anything foolish.”

Li Weiyang turned to leave. Everyone had their own path to walk. She wasn’t particularly concerned about Princess Nankang’s marital problems. What she cared about was what Empress Pei intended to do—it seemed the closer one got to Nankang, the closer to Empress Pei’s conspiracy. Just as Li Weiyang turned past a parasol tree, she saw Princess Nankang’s personal maid Jiang’er striding toward her with a panicked expression. Upon seeing Li Weiyang, as if seeing her savior, she quickly stepped forward. “Miss Guo, please save our Princess!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze grew serious, then she asked, “What happened?”

Jiang’er’s expression became even more panicked. She said through gritted teeth, “It’s the Prince Consort. The Prince Consort has gotten into a quarrel with the Princess…”

A family matter of the Prince Consort?! So although this palace maid was very nervous, she didn’t dare make it public. Thinking of those two people’s current situation, Li Weiyang pondered briefly before saying to Jiang’er in a low voice, “Go quickly and report this matter to Imperial Consort Guo. I’ll go take a look.”

Jiang’er immediately responded, “Yes!” and quickly turned to leave.

Li Weiyang said to Zhao Yue, “Come, let’s go see!”

Because something had happened, Li Weiyang’s steps were swift as wind as she headed toward the nearby pavilion. As soon as she drew near, she heard a man’s loud shouting and a woman’s tearful pleading. Two palace maids stood not far from the pavilion, both with deathly pale faces, wanting to step forward to help but not daring to get too close, afraid of angering the Prince Consort and instead causing harm to the Princess. Seeing this scene, Li Weiyang suppressed the surging anger in her chest somewhat before quickly stepping forward. Zhao Yue didn’t dare hesitate and followed behind Li Weiyang with a frosty expression.

What Li Weiyang hadn’t expected was that the two people trading blows before her eyes were the Prince Consort Wang Yan and her fourth brother Guo Dun. Because they were in the palace, neither carried weapons, both fighting barehanded, yet battling fiercely. Guo Dun was immensely strong and had somehow managed to injure Wang Yan’s handsome face, with blood staining the corners of his mouth. Wang Yan, on the other hand, was full of rage, his body swaying slightly, his expression savage and vicious, yet his fists were like wind, looking as if he wanted to put Guo Dun to death. Princess Nankang kept demanding they stop on the side, but no one paid her any attention!

“Everyone stop!” Those two didn’t hear Li Weiyang’s words. Li Weiyang’s eyes were like knives as wind. Zhao Yue immediately rushed forward.

At this moment, Wang Yan was raising a porcelain stool to smash it on Guo Dun. At this critical moment, an icy yet firm hand grasped his wrist and pulled him backward forcefully. The technique was extremely skillful—Wang Yan prided himself on his martial prowess, yet couldn’t avoid it. He was actually pulled back three steps by the other party and heavily pressed against a corridor pillar. He grunted dully and looked back in fury, immediately seeing Li Weiyang standing not far away with a solemn expression, her eyes containing thunderous rage.

One of Guo Dun’s sleeves had already been torn, his arm also soaked with blood, clearly injured. Princess Nankang had maintained a pale complexion throughout. Seeing Li Weiyang arrive, she grasped Li Weiyang’s arm like a lifeline, tears streaming down. “Elder Sister, Elder Sister…” Her hair was disheveled, her small face frightfully pale. Seeing Li Weiyang, she was overcome with emotion, her beautiful eyes brimming with tears.

Wang Yan stared at Li Weiyang, his gaze extremely vicious, asking in a sinister tone, “Miss Guo, you siblings really are fond of meddling. This is my family matter—are you going to interfere in this too?”

Li Weiyang gently patted Princess Nankang’s back, saying softly, “Your Highness need not be afraid.” Then she turned her head to look at Wang Yan, her gaze incomparably stern, like the edge of a drawn blade, her lips also bearing a heavy smile. “Family matter?! Prince Consort, you should look at who you’re hitting and where you’re doing it! Do you think the imperial palace is also your Wang family’s backyard? Regardless of the reason, you’ve frightened Her Highness the Princess to this state—are you challenging the imperial family?”

Hearing these words, Wang Yan’s rage surged even more, evil intent arising in his heart. Looking at this delicate face, he wanted nothing more than to rush forward and punch Li Weiyang twice, but was deterred by Zhao Yue’s watchful presence at her side. He also knew Li Weiyang always kept this highly skilled martial maid by her side. Although Zhao Yue carried no weapons, her boxing style was in no way inferior to these men—he absolutely couldn’t act rashly! Forcibly suppressing his anger, he laughed coldly. “Why don’t you ask your fourth brother what trouble he’s caused?”

Guo Dun spat on the ground—it was a tooth mixed with blood. He snorted coldly. “I merely exchanged a few words with Princess Nankang, and this person rushed up like a mad dog, insisting I was seducing Her Highness the Princess, attacking me repeatedly with provocations. Such a dog-like thing truly disgusts people!”

Wang Yan shouted angrily, “Men and women should be separate. You had no reason to come talk with Princess Nankang. Clearly you two have been having an affair all along. I’d be right to beat you to death!” After saying this, he glared furiously at Li Weiyang. “Guo Jia, if you know what’s good for you, get lost now, or I’ll kill you along with him!”

Li Weiyang laughed derisively. “Prince Consort, what impressive authority.”

Wang Yan’s smile became even more sinister. “This kind of woman who disgraces her family, plus an ignorant Fourth Young Master Guo—I’m clearing out the household for His Majesty!”

Princess Nankang finally showed her full anger. She suddenly raised her head. Although tears still remained on her face, her eyes revealed intense hatred. “Wang Yan, you’re making false accusations! Fourth Young Master Guo and I are perfectly innocent. We merely exchanged a few words here in an open pavilion with palace maids present. When was there any impropriety? You yourself are full of suspicion and dark thoughts, always engaging in unseemly activities, which makes you suspect others. You humiliate me at home—that’s one thing—but to be so unbridled in the palace! A person like you is truly base, despicable, and shameless!”

Wang Yan grew even more furious and rushed forward to strike Princess Nankang. Guo Dun was too far away to stop him in time, but Zhao Yue’s form was ghost-like, already flashing before them, protecting both the Princess and Li Weiyang firmly.

Wang Yan shouted angrily, “Guo Jia, do you dare let this maid strike me?”

Li Weiyang smiled impassively, her eyes extremely cold. “Zhao Yue, take action!”

All those palace maids looked on at this scene not knowing what to do. If the Princess lost even a single hair, they could consider their lives over. But given the current situation, whoever got involved would likely die on the spot. Before they could react, in that split second, Zhao Yue had already subdued Wang Yan. She pressed one foot on his knee bend, forcing him to kneel on the ground, her voice clear and cold. “Prince Consort, my young mistress told you to stop. Did you not hear?”

Wang Yan raised his head, his expression defiant. “Guo Jia, you really have some nerve. In the imperial palace, you dare strike the Prince Consort. If you have the ability, go ahead and kill me! Let’s see if His Majesty will still protect your Guo family!” He was certain she didn’t dare take action—Guo Jia wouldn’t dare break with the Wang family!

Li Weiyang smiled faintly and actually removed the hairpin from her hair, gently caressing it before slowly stepping forward two paces and pressing that sharp pin tip against his throat. She smiled slightly, her voice gentle. “Prince Consort, I don’t like being threatened. Every time someone threatens me, I get very scared, and when I’m scared, I can’t sleep at night. People suffering from chronic insomnia tend to have bad tempers!”

Hearing her say this, Wang Yan’s expression changed dramatically. He had forgotten that this daughter of the Guo family grew up outside and had always been different in personality from the delicate young ladies of the capital, even once confronting Princess Lin’an. Such a woman feared neither heaven nor earth—how could there be any good outcome from offending her? But now he was in a difficult position. To apologize on the spot would be absolutely impossible. He said coldly, “What do you dare to do!”

Li Weiyang’s hand moved, and his blood finally seeped from his pores. Crimson threads fell onto the jade hairpin and immediately disappeared without leaving any trace. Her voice was exceptionally gentle, yet in this setting it had a bone-chilling quality. “You guessed correctly—I indeed won’t intensify the feud between the Wang and Guo families, so I won’t slaughter you immediately. But this doesn’t mean I won’t collect some interest from you!”

What interest?! Wang Yan’s eyes became even more vicious. He stared intensely at her, one hand clenched white, his chest heaving violently. “What are you going to do?”

Li Weiyang turned to look at Nankang. “What does Your Highness the Princess say?” If Princess Nankang now pleaded for Wang Yan’s sake, Li Weiyang would immediately turn and walk away, never helping her again in the slightest.

Princess Nankang was stunned for a moment, then turned her head away. “This person has nothing to do with me!”

Having said this, Li Weiyang smiled faintly, turned her head and ordered, “Zhao Yue, cripple one of his legs!”

Wang Yan finally panicked. He couldn’t believe it as he widened his eyes, his deepest fear completely opening in that instant.

Guo Dun was shocked. He subconsciously stepped forward, not knowing whether to stop this or lend a hand.

Zhao Yue’s eyes revealed bone-piercing coldness. Her hand descended swiftly. Only hearing a “crack”—the sound of bone breaking—accompanied by Wang Yan’s scream, that sound was extremely shrill, almost shaking the birds from the surrounding trees. Wang Yan’s entire face twisted bizarrely. No one could describe what expression that was—fury or sobbing—as if the pain had reached its extreme, his entire face could no longer maintain a single expression.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. Wind lifted her bound hair. She slowly approached him, light as if she might be carried away by the wind at any moment, but the smile on her face was so cold it made one’s heart tremble. “Prince Consort, I hope you remember this lesson. This time it was your right leg. Next time it will be the left leg. The time after that…” Li Weiyang said this while using her hairpin to poke his temple with a smile. “The time after that, I’ll send you down to keep Young Master Pei company. I think he’ll be very happy to see you!”

Wang Yan felt intense pain radiating from his right leg joint, penetrating his entire being. Looking at the beautiful woman before him, it was as if he could see through that lovely face to the beast-like expression beneath the beautiful skin. At this moment, he had been thoroughly frightened by Li Weiyang’s cold demeanor, even forgetting the severe pain of his crippled right leg.

Death wasn’t frightening—what was frightening was offending someone who could make your life worse than death. Li Weiyang before him was just such a person. For some reason, under her cold gaze, he actually had a feeling of narrowly escaping death. His original unyielding toughness had completely vanished, leaving him trembling all over, unable to utter a single word.

Li Weiyang smiled even more composedly. She said coolly, “I know the Prince Consort wants to frame my fourth brother and Princess Nankang, using this to coerce her into agreeing to let your concubine enter the household and elevate her to equal wife status. But I advise you to be more sensible in the future, properly respect Her Highness the Princess, and not provoke her anger. Otherwise…” Her words trailed off, but her smile gradually became sinister and fierce. “You think carefully—if you cause trouble again, I have hundreds of methods to deal with you, making your life worse than death.”

Wang Yan stared at her in terror, saying nothing. Li Weiyang turned, her eyes carrying a smile, quite leisurely. “Your Highness the Princess, the Prince Consort accidentally fell down the steps and broke his right leg. You should quickly find someone to take him back for treatment!”

The sorrow on Princess Nankang’s face had become fragmented, her lips faintly trembling, her eyes gazing at Wang Yan with bone-deep hatred. Though she was innocent and young, she was still an imperial princess, yet he had humiliated her so before the Guo family… At this moment, she no longer felt sorrow for someone like Wang Yan. She only regretted not taking this opportunity to kill him! Suppressing her rage, she ordered the palace maids, “Come over and help the Prince Consort out! Say he got drunk and rolled down the steps!”

Li Weiyang smiled. “I’m afraid everyone at the banquet will know shortly. Your Highness the Princess should prepare in advance.”

Nankang turned away, using her fingers to secretly wipe tears from the corners of her eyes before turning to face Li Weiyang. “I’ll return to my own palace to change clothes. Later I’ll explain to everyone and absolutely won’t let them wrongly accuse Fourth Young Master Guo.”

Li Weiyang looked down and saw a circle of bluish bruises on Princess Nankang’s wrist, showing how viciously Wang Yan had struck. If Guo Dun hadn’t been present, Princess Nankang might have truly been injured. What was the point of continuing such a marriage? Li Weiyang gently shook her head. Watching them leave, she returned to the pavilion, her gaze coldly regarding Fourth Brother Guo. “Fourth Brother, this trouble you’ve caused is no small matter!”

Guo Dun scratched his head. “I know I was rather rash, but I truly only spoke a few words with her. That fool rushed over!”

This was clearly a deliberate setup! Seeing his confusion, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but sigh. “After all, she’s already married. Though you regard her as a younger cousin worthy of care, outsiders won’t see it that way! People have been looking for just such an opportunity to catch Princess Nankang in a compromising situation, yet you two spoke so brazenly here.”

Guo Dun frowned tightly. “Only someone with a filthy mind like his would say such base and shameless things!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was distant. “I’m afraid this is only the beginning…”

Guo Dun looked completely puzzled. “Jia’er, why can’t I understand anything you’re saying?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly but said no more. Then she said to Guo Dun, “The banquet will soon erupt in commotion. I don’t wish to see those people’s faces. You go first.”

Guo Dun nodded and descended the steps. Reaching the last step, he couldn’t help but turn back to look at Li Weiyang. “Jia’er, today was all my fault. I’m sorry for implicating you as well.”

Originally, this matter had little to do with Guo Dun—Wang Yan was deliberately looking for trouble! Li Weiyang shook her head to indicate it didn’t matter. Watching Guo Dun also leave, Zhao Yue at her side finally said worriedly, “Miss, you crippled the Prince Consort’s leg…”

Li Weiyang’s expression was cold. “He brought this upon himself! If one must endure everything, what’s the point of being human? Moreover, Nankang isn’t just his wife—she’s Princess Yuegxi. Yet he hasn’t shown her the slightest respect. Such a person lacking loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness—I’ve already been merciful in just crippling one of his legs. If not for considering the Wang family, I would have taken his life today!”

Hearing Li Weiyang speak so viciously, Zhao Yue’s expression couldn’t help but change. “Miss, you haven’t been this angry in quite some time.” Thinking carefully, it seemed Miss had always been extremely disgusted by this type of unfaithful man. After all, Wang Yan had married Princess Nankang as his legitimate wife. When he initially didn’t refuse this marriage, he should have treated the Princess well afterward, yet he insisted on marrying some mistress. Having married her, why must he turn around and pressure the Princess for that woman’s sake? Such a man of such low character—no wonder Miss was so disgusted. Thinking of this, Zhao Yue understood somewhat.

After a long while, Li Weiyang suddenly heard footsteps. Turning her head slightly, she saw a man dressed in black walking toward her. His hair hung loose, stirring slightly in the wind. He wore a half-mask on his face. Though half his face couldn’t be seen, the other exposed half revealed handsome features, extraordinarily beautiful. Just standing there, one could feel the air permeated with an elegant atmosphere. Unfortunately, his dark hair couldn’t conceal his pallid complexion, and his eyes were also vast and distant.

Looking at him, Li Weiyang felt she detected a strange scent of blood, her expression revealing a trace of vigilance.

That person carefully curved his lips into a smile, quite charming. “I saw that scene. Miss Guo has such courage—you even dare injure the Prince Consort. I thought I would never see a second woman so bold in this lifetime.”

The second one? Li Weiyang’s gaze was icy as she regarded him. “Who are you, and why do you wear a mask?”

That person sighed. “I wear a mask because this half of my face is already ruined. Even if I showed it to you, you couldn’t see the original appearance—it’s just a mass of flesh mangled by blades. Moreover, over time, this mask has grown together with my flesh and can no longer be separated. I fear it would defile your eyes.

Hearing this, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but feel surprised, her brows also furrowing. She had never seen this person, and his appearance didn’t resemble a eunuch or an official. Though many people attended today’s chrysanthemum viewing gathering, not just anyone could wander freely in the palace. Not to mention this person’s strange clothing and unclear speech, even that silver mask was so peculiar.

For the first time, she sensed an inexplicable unease, because between the other’s brows flashed a fierce ruthlessness—without needing a savage expression, it could make one feel cold from heart to feet, as if she had already been seen through by him… She didn’t wish to speak further with him and had already slowly descended the steps. But she heard that person smile faintly. “Miss Guo, do you believe in past lives?”

Li Weiyang suddenly stopped. She turned around sharply, her eyes containing a trace of shock. “What did you just say?”

That person merely smiled, though his smile contained a trace of mystery. “I’m asking, do you believe in past lives?”

Li Weiyang’s smile grew cold, the cold light in her eyes intensifying. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

That person seemed completely unconcerned and sighed lightly. “Your physiognomy is excellent—phoenix countenance and dragon neck, the fate of a supreme empress.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze condensed as she looked at him. “I should have known—you’re just a charlatan!”

That person’s eyes held cold light like a ghostly lotus blooming in the silent night. “Whether I’m a charlatan or not, Miss Guo knows best in her heart. Have you already forgotten your past?”

Li Weiyang’s heart rippled with a trace of coldness. She only said coldly, “Then you tell me, what is my past?”

That person’s voice was slow yet each word like a blade. “Miss Guo’s past contains only two words.”

Li Weiyang looked at him, her eyes deep. “Which two words?”

That person smiled, his manner leisurely, that smile seeming to watch prey struggling in a net. “Betrayal.”

Li Weiyang’s hands clenched tightly within her sleeves, yet her expression became increasingly gentle and beautiful. “Well said—indeed it’s betrayal. But these two words aren’t quite accurate. Who in this world hasn’t experienced betrayal?”

That person said coolly, “Miss Guo’s heart is like a clear mirror—naturally you know what events once occurred. But do you know what the future holds?”

Li Weiyang sighed faintly. “The future? Who can see clearly their own future?”

The other gazed at Li Weiyang, his look profound. “Miss Guo, you face a great calamity this year. If you cannot pass through this calamity, I fear you will perish.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes flashed with cold light, though her face remained impassive as she laughed derisively. “You expect me to believe a charlatan’s words? My physiognomy shows auspicious signs—I have great fortune coming this year. Why should I believe you?”

That person shook his head, his gaze mocking. “Most people in this world are vain and ignorant, arrogant and conceited. I’ve said all I will say. Whether to believe or not rests entirely with Miss Guo herself. Farewell!” With that, he had already turned and departed gracefully.

Li Weiyang watched his retreating figure for a long time without moving. Zhao Yue suddenly reminded her, “Miss, someone’s coming.”

Li Weiyang turned her head to see Wang Zijin’s lovely face, her expression immediately growing cold. “You were listening from the side the whole time. From when did it start?”

Wang Zijin sighed. “From when you ordered someone to break my third brother’s leg.”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. “So you’ve come to settle accounts with me.”

Wang Zijin shook her head. “Father has always wanted to break his leg but ultimately couldn’t bring himself to do it. So I should thank you, not blame you. Without that leg, Third Brother can cause less trouble, and our household can have some peace for a while.”

What remarkable open-mindedness. From this alone, she was no fool. Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “This is the first time I’ve heard someone thank me for doing such a thing. The Wang family truly is distinctive!”

Wang Zijin didn’t respond with words but smiled, her gaze suddenly falling on Li Weiyang’s face. Seeing the other’s eyes carried a trace of malevolence, she couldn’t help but step forward. “Miss Guo, what that person just said…”

Li Weiyang’s gaze condensed. “You heard it all?”

Wang Zijin nodded. “That person just now—if I’m not mistaken, he should be Ying Chu, the foremost diviner at Empress Pei’s side.”

Li Weiyang raised an eyebrow. “Ying Chu? That elusive shaman doctor?”

Wang Zijin looked thoughtful. “Exactly! That one. In fact, he’s primarily a strategist at Empress Pei’s side—only secondarily a physician. Strategists kill people; physicians save lives and heal the wounded. The combination of the two is truly strange! Moreover, this person studied under the Shaman Sage for a full twenty years, deeply mastering the essence of shamanic sorcery and medicinal principles. Combined with his vicious nature and endlessly cunning mind, he absolutely cannot be compared to ordinary people. So you must be extremely careful. I see he… seems to have set his sights on you!”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, quite dismissive. “Thank you for Miss Wang’s reminder.”

Wang Zijin hesitated for a moment before speaking again to warn her. “What he said earlier might have been ambiguous, deliberately creating confusion, but regarding your physiognomy, it wasn’t entirely nonsense…”

Li Weiyang’s gaze showed a trace of surprise as she looked at Wang Zijin. “Doesn’t Miss Wang avoid divination lightly? Why suddenly speak to me this way?”

Wang Zijin shook her head, rarely sincere. “I’m speaking of your facing a calamity in your fate this year.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “I’ve faced countless major and minor calamities in this life. If I died so easily, I wouldn’t be standing before Miss Wang today. You needn’t worry for me, but still, thank you for Miss Wang’s concern!” With that, she stepped forward to leave.

Wang Zijin’s voice drifted from behind. “What he said is true—you truly do face a great calamity this year. Please be extremely careful!”

Li Weiyang’s steps paused, but she didn’t turn back and quickly departed.