After returning to the Guo Manor, Li Weiyang had just finished washing up when she saw Madam Guo had already stepped through the door, looking as if she wanted to speak but hesitated: “Jia’er, today… what did Ying Chu say to you?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze looked straight at Zhao Yue, carrying a hint of reproach. Zhao Yue quickly lowered her head—this wasn’t something she wanted to say, but Madam cared so much for Miss, she couldn’t bear to watch Madam worry. Li Weiyang withdrew her gaze and said in a calm tone: “Mother need not worry, there’s nothing to it.”

Madam Guo clearly didn’t believe her. Her eyes held concern: “Jia’er, you’re always like this, keeping things from Mother. That Ying Chu said a great calamity is approaching you—is it true?”

Li Weiyang’s expression remained composed, yet she sighed softly: “How can Mother believe the words of such charlatan fortune-tellers?”

But Madam Guo said with deep worry: “Ying Chu is no ordinary charlatan—eight out of ten things he predicts come true. Moreover, didn’t Wang Zijin also tell you to be careful? Yet you don’t take it to heart at all.”

Li Weiyang laughed: “Heavenly fate cannot be changed—why worry excessively? Furthermore, they may not truly know heavenly fate; nine out of ten times they’re just trying to scare people.”

However, Madam Guo was not reassured. She gently grasped Li Weiyang’s hand and said softly: “Jia’er, listen to Mother—one must never be careless about anything. I finally found you with such difficulty. If something were to happen to you, how would I live the rest of my life?”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s heart softened, and she turned to comfort her: “Mother need not worry, I will naturally be more careful.”

Madam Guo let out a long sigh. Suddenly thinking of something, she pulled out a Buddha amulet from around her neck, removed it, and personally put it on Li Weiyang, saying with great hope: “I’ve always worn this Buddha amulet. It was blessed by a great master and is extremely effective. I hope it will bring you good fortune.”

Li Weiyang touched it and smiled faintly: “Yes, I’ll always wear it. Mother can rest assured.”

Only then did Madam Guo nod, standing up and saying: “That’s good. Don’t let those petty villains find an opening.”

Hearing Madam Guo’s words, Li Weiyang seemed to understand she was worried Empress Pei might act behind the scenes. She simply smiled warmly: “If Empress Pei wanted to act, today at the chrysanthemum viewing banquet would have been the best opportunity. But Mother, you saw—wasn’t everything calm and peaceful?”

Madam Guo shook her head: “That Ying Chu is no ordinary person. His Ying family has been hereditary servants of the Pei clan for generations. I heard he followed Empress Pei since childhood, following her lead in everything. Normally, a man cannot enter the palace freely, but who knew that as soon as the Pei clan became Empress, he immediately entered the palace.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows: “Entering the palace means…”

Madam Guo’s brow furrowed, a flash of contempt in her eyes, her tone slightly mocking: “There are only two types of men in the palace—one is imperial physicians, the other is eunuchs.”

Li Weiyang’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help asking: “Is Ying Chu an imperial physician?”

Madam Guo’s face showed a trace of embarrassment: “Even imperial physicians cannot see the Empress all the time—it would be improper. So he’s not an imperial physician.”

Not an imperial physician? Then he must be a eunuch. Thinking of this, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile slightly: “To follow Empress Pei, he was willing to endure this—clearly this person has resolute determination and utter loyalty to Empress Pei.”

Madam Guo naturally nodded: “Indeed so. All these years, he’s been inseparable from Empress Pei’s side, almost like her shadow, advising her and even eliminating political enemies for her. I heard that many of Empress Pei’s dark secrets that cannot see the light of day were handled by him.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang became even more curious about this person Ying Chu and continued probing: “But I’ve been in the capital for so long—why have I never seen him?”

Madam Guo frowned. She thought for a moment and answered: “Perhaps he was handling some matter for Empress Pei, or perhaps he committed some offense and is temporarily avoiding trouble. He’s been absent from the palace for more than half a year, which is quite unusual.”

Li Weiyang reflected thoughtfully: “Perhaps Empress Pei had something extremely important for him to handle.” But what matter would require half a year? For the inseparable Ying Chu to leave the palace, this matter must be extraordinarily significant.

Time passed swiftly, and in a blink, a month had gone by. At noon one day during the meal, Li Weiyang noticed Madam Guo seemed distracted, as if she had something on her mind. She wanted to ask but, given Duke Qi and the others present, Li Weiyang didn’t feel comfortable inquiring directly. Not until after the noon meal ended and Madam Guo left the table did she catch up, asking softly: “Mother, what happened? Why do you look so worried?”

Madam Guo stopped and, seeing it was Li Weiyang, her expression eased slightly as she said gently: “I need to go out this afternoon. I’ll probably return by evening.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but look at the sky: “Going out at this hour? It looks like it’s about to rain outside. If it’s not urgent, let me accompany Mother tomorrow instead.”

Madam Guo glanced at the rolling clouds in the sky. After a moment’s hesitation, she still shook her head: “Tomorrow might be too late. I need to go to the Prince Consort’s manor.”

Li Weiyang said in surprise: “The Wang family? Why does Mother need to go to the Wang family? Or does Princess Nankang have something?”

Madam Guo nodded, her face showing some displeasure: “Just before the noon meal, Nankang’s personal palace maid secretly delivered a letter to me. It had nothing on it except two words: ‘Save me.'”

Li Weiyang was startled: “Save me? Why would Princess Nankang send such a letter? You just said the palace maid came secretly—what does that mean?”

Madam Guo frowned: “That palace maid said Nankang is now under house arrest by Wang Yan, to the point that even the attending palace maids cannot easily see the Princess.”

Li Weiyang had originally thought that after the last incident, this person would surely know to restrain himself. Unexpectedly, he had instead become worse. She said immediately: “Wang Yan is so audacious, actually daring to imprison a princess!”

Madam Guo shook her head and sighed: “I also heard some things about what happened in the palace last time. Though you meant well, unfortunately this matter instead intensified the conflict between Princess Nankang and the Prince Consort. I heard the Prince Consort extremely dotes on that beautiful concubine of his and insists on making her an equal wife. Over this matter, he and the Princess have had huge quarrels time and again, disturbing the entire Wang household. Wang Qiong even beat Wang Yan for it, but it had no effect whatsoever—it’s as if he’s possessed. I truly don’t understand—though Wang Yan was somewhat reckless before, his temperament wasn’t this violent. I don’t know what happened to make him like this, refusing to listen even to his biological father’s discipline. So—no matter what, I must go to the Wang household.”

Li Weiyang understood well that Princess Nankang was Consort Guo Hui’s adopted daughter. Consort Hui had given thousands of instructions, asking the Guo family to look after the Princess outside the palace. If something happened to Nankang, Consort Guo Hui would surely be deeply grieved. That’s why Madam Guo was hurrying to the Wang household. After pondering for a moment, Li Weiyang said: “Since Mother is going, why not bring a few brothers? If any trouble arises, it would be unseemly.”

Madam Guo had naturally considered this but shook her head: “That really wouldn’t be appropriate. If your brothers see what Wang Yan has done, they’ll surely be extremely angry and blow things up, which wouldn’t benefit Princess Nankang. They’re husband and wife and still have to live together… Perhaps it’s just a quarrel between young people. I’ll go advise them and it should be fine.”

The Guo family was equivalent to Nankang’s maternal family. If the Guo family’s young masters all showed up at their door without reason, others would surely think they came to find fault or provoke. Madam Guo was going as a peacemaker and naturally didn’t want the Wang family to misunderstand. However, Li Weiyang disagreed. She believed that with Wang Yan’s personality, he definitely wouldn’t reform just because of some advice. Moreover, he doted on that concubine so much, even disregarding Princess Nankang’s dignity and the imperial family’s face—clearly this person had gone mad to a certain degree. How could she let Madam Guo take such a risk? After thinking, she stepped forward and put her arm around Madam Guo: “Mother need not worry so much. How about this—I’ll first send someone to the Prince Consort’s manor to investigate and see what exactly happened. Then we can decide how to handle it. Don’t be anxious. After this heavy rain passes, I’ll accompany you tomorrow.”

Madam Guo, seeing Li Weiyang’s determined expression and that she was set on not letting her go, had a thought and said: “Alright, then I’ll wait for your news.”

Li Weiyang nodded, then instructed Zhao Yue: “Send someone to the Wang household to ask what exactly happened. Try to be discreet and don’t alarm the Prince Consort!” Zhao Yue immediately responded: “Yes!” Then quickly departed. Just as she reached the courtyard, there came a thunderous boom—a bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by rain drops the size of beans falling from above. Madam Guo looked at this curtain of rain, her brow furrowing even tighter, unable to hide her inner anxiety.

Li Weiyang noticed and gently grasped her hand: “Mother, the weather’s cold. Please go inside and rest. If there’s any news, I’ll inform you immediately.” Madam Guo nodded and left with her attending maids. Li Weiyang watched her retreating figure, falling into contemplation. Princess Nankang suddenly sending such a strange letter—this matter was truly intriguing. After that incident last time, Nankang was no longer as naive and reckless as before. She should understand clearly what the two words “save me” meant… That’s why Li Weiyang tried every means to prevent Madam Guo from going. She always felt there was something unspeakably strange about this matter.

Before long, Zhao Yue came to report to Li Weiyang: “Miss, this servant has already investigated. The Prince Consort has become even more violent and irritable since injuring his right leg. All day he only lingers in that concubine’s chamber and completely ignores Princess Nankang. General Zhendong flew into a rage over this and beat the Prince Consort severely. But unexpectedly, he became even worse like a madman, even driving Princess Nankang out of the main chamber and moving that concubine in. Now the Princess lives alone in a courtyard, and Wang Yan even sent people to guard it, not allowing the Princess to send messages to the palace. If not for the restraint of other Wang family members, I’m afraid…”

Zhao Yue didn’t continue, but Li Weiyang had already stood up, her eyes rarely showing contempt: “I’ve only heard people speak of being blinded by lust before but never witnessed it personally. Now it seems Wang Yan truly has lost his mind. That he could do such foolish things is truly unbelievable!”

Zhao Yue lowered her head: “Yes, not only do outsiders find it inconceivable, even the Wang family has come to serious conflict with him. General Zhendong once wanted to expel him from the family, but was hindered by Princess Nankang and couldn’t act. After all, he’s the Prince Consort with an honored position…”

This was simply a paradox—because he was the Prince Consort, he could act recklessly? As Zhao Yue was speaking, she saw Lianxin quickly walking in. She bowed: “Miss, Madam just ordered a carriage prepared and went out.”

Li Weiyang was startled and immediately asked: “In which direction?”

Lianxin answered: “Toward the southeast. But I didn’t hear Madam say where she was going. With such heavy rain outside and it about to turn pitch dark, I don’t know what urgent matter Madam had to rush out at this hour.”

Li Weiyang already understood. She instructed Zhao Yue: “Quickly prepare a carriage. I must leave immediately. Also, inform my three brothers that Mother and I have gone to the Wang household.”

Today, Guo Cheng, Guo Dun, and Guo Dao had all gone to a banquet at Prince Qin’s manor and weren’t at the residence. Li Weiyang couldn’t notify them properly and could only leave a message before hurrying off.

The Guo family’s carriage traveled all the way to the Prince Consort’s manor. The Wang family’s steward quickly came out: “Miss Guo, forgive me for not welcoming you sooner. However… my young lady went to attend a banquet at Prince Qin’s manor today and is not home.”

Li Weiyang’s steps halted, and she turned to ask: “Your young lady isn’t here—what about the others?”

The steward immediately said: “The General had an appointment with Marquis Jinnan today. The other two young masters are also not at the residence. Only the Princess and Prince Consort remain.”

Li Weiyang nodded, then said: “You may go. I’ll go to Princess Nankang’s courtyard myself.”

The steward looked at Li Weiyang with even more hesitation: “Miss Guo, let this old servant take you there. Princess Nankang no longer resides in her original courtyard.”

A flash of coldness crossed Li Weiyang’s face: “Very well, lead the way.”

This was a relatively small courtyard. At the gate were only two or three palace maids, all looking anxious and uneasy. Seeing the steward bringing Li Weiyang, they quickly bowed in greeting.

Li Weiyang stopped and asked: “Did my mother come today?”

Those palace maids all recognized Madam Guo and quickly said: “Yes, Madam is inside.”

Li Weiyang nodded, then said: “You just stay outside. Don’t allow anyone to enter.”

The palace maids responded in unison, then watched Li Weiyang enter with Zhao Yue. One palace maid leaned over and said: “Look, both Madam Guo and Miss Guo have come. This time our Princess has someone to back her up.”

Another palace maid shook her head: “The Prince Consort’s temper—no one dares provoke it. He’s simply like a madman. I’m afraid even if the Guo family comes, there’s nothing they can do.”

Someone nearby quickly said: “Both of you keep your voices down. If the Prince Consort accidentally hears, you’ll all suffer!”

The two palace maids looked at each other and fell silent.

The steward, hearing this, couldn’t help but sigh. Their family’s Third Young Master—they didn’t know what exactly was wrong with him. Ever since obtaining that outside woman, it was as if his mind had been bewitched. He wouldn’t listen to his father, ignored his siblings, and his attitude toward Princess Nankang his wife was appalling to the extreme. Especially recently, cold words were the least of it—when in a bad mood, he would even strike her. Fortunately, Wang Qiong stopped him in time, otherwise the entire Wang family would have faced utter disaster. But no matter how Wang Qiong disciplined him, Wang Yan showed no restraint whatsoever and instead became worse. Once the Wang family upset him or disciplined him too strictly, he would turn around and take all his anger out on Princess Nankang. For this reason, Wang Qiong had prepared many guards around the courtyard where the Princess resided to prevent Wang Yan’s impropriety. Who knew Wang Yan would personally drive away those guards one by one and declare that if Wang Qiong interfered again in their marital affairs, he would go establish a separate residence. Wang Qiong, fearing the matter would blow up and invite ridicule, had no choice but to endure everything, only able to secretly protect the Princess and prevent this madman from causing more trouble.

The steward looked once more toward the courtyard, then reluctantly turned to leave. At this time, inside the room, Madam Guo was gently comforting Princess Nankang. When Li Weiyang arrived, seeing Madam Guo unharmed, she finally felt relieved.

Princess Nankang, seeing Li Weiyang had come, seemed to have found her pillar of support, her face streaked with tears: “Sister Jia’er, you’ve finally come.”

Li Weiyang nodded: “Mother said she received a letter from you.”

Nankang was startled, then said: “A letter? What letter? I didn’t send any letter out.”

Li Weiyang and Madam Guo exchanged glances, both showing expressions of surprise and doubt. Madam Guo had been too anxious earlier and only asked about Nankang’s situation, not mentioning the letter. Only now did she ask: “Today I clearly received a letter delivered by that palace maid named Lü’er who serves you. It had only two words written on it: ‘save me.’ That’s why I rushed here.”

Princess Nankang, hearing this, looked even more incredulous: “Lü’er? How is that possible! Lü’er was already taken by Wang Yan as a concubine. She’s now one of his concubines. How could I possibly have her do things for me?”

Li Weiyang’s expression changed: “If that’s the case, then calling us here was Wang Yan’s idea.”

Princess Nankang’s face instantly turned deathly pale. She immediately stood up: “He definitely has no good intentions. Madam, Sister, please leave quickly. I won’t have any trouble!”

Madam Guo looked at Princess Nankang—clearly trembling with fear all over, yet forcibly urging them to leave. She couldn’t help but sigh softly: “Nankang, come away from this place with us.”

Princess Nankang said in shock: “Leave here? Where can I go? I’m the Wang family’s daughter-in-law. This fact won’t change unless His Majesty is willing to rescind the decree.”

She no longer called him “Father Emperor” but “His Majesty”—proof she had recognized the Emperor’s heartlessness toward her.

Li Weiyang looked at her directly: “You need not consider His Majesty. Since he has no place for you as a daughter in his heart, he won’t care where you are.”

But Nankang didn’t think this way. She looked at Li Weiyang: “Sister Jia’er, I know you want to save me, but I’m no longer the Nankang of before, nor am I so foolish. If I leave here and go to the Guo residence, it will surely bring you great trouble! Wang Yan fears neither heaven nor earth—he’s simply like a madman. He’d probably even come pounding on your door. Right now I’m just suffering some grievances, but it won’t kill me. But I cannot implicate the Guo family or implicate Mother Consort. So please just leave. Don’t worry about me!”

Hearing Nankang say such things, Li Weiyang’s heart stirred slightly. Actually, she had long felt today’s matter was unspeakably strange, but Madam Guo insisted on coming, so she inevitably followed. Thinking this, she turned to Madam Guo: “Mother, what Nankang says isn’t wrong. Let me first send you back. We can think of a long-term plan for whatever happens. Rest assured, I won’t let Nankang suffer grievances here. I’ll find a way to get her out.”

Madam Guo was just about to nod when suddenly from outside came a cold laugh: “Want to leave here? I’m afraid it won’t be that easy!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze sharpened. She saw Wang Yan walk in from outside. That handsome face still looked spirited, except his limping steps proved his right leg had been crippled. Li Weiyang laughed coldly: “Already crippled, yet his steps are even bolder than before. Young Master Wang is truly indomitable in spirit despite physical disability!”

Hearing this, Wang Yan flew into a rage: “Guo Jia, what audacity you have!”

Li Weiyang’s smile was extremely ordinary: “Young Master Wang, you’ve said this more than once already!”

Wang Yan said coldly: “Calling me Young Master Wang? Miss Guo, you seem to have forgotten—I’m the Prince Consort. You should address me as Prince Consort!”

Li Weiyang slightly raised her eyelids. Those clear, water-like eyes in that instant seemed like a blade cutting across his face, making Wang Yan’s heart turn cold. Her voice was also very icy: “It’s difficult that the Prince Consort still remembers his own status. Since you know what you are, why do you still act so recklessly!”

Wang Yan’s eyebrows lifted, his voice still cold: “Miss Guo, everything about you is good except you love to meddle in others’ business! Nankang and I are husband and wife. Our affairs are hardly something for an outsider like you to interfere in. I already warned you not to be nosy, but you insisted on not listening!”

Li Weiyang’s expression was calm, without the slightest anger: “Princess Nankang and I are like sisters. Naturally I cannot stand by and ignore her matters. Now I only want to ask you one thing: what’s the reason for going to such lengths to invite us here?”

Nankang looked at Wang Yan warily, her expression somewhat uneasy. She said in a low voice: “Wang Yan, don’t involve others in matters between us. Quickly step aside and let Madam Guo and Miss Guo leave. Don’t have any bad ideas!”

Nankang had after all been husband and wife with Wang Yan for some time and understood him somewhat. Now seeing his ill-intentioned appearance, she became nervous. She didn’t send any letter to Madam Guo today, yet the other party claimed to have received a distress letter from her. This matter was far too strange. She couldn’t help but think Wang Yan feared he wanted revenge for Guo Jia injuring his right leg that time. If this were true, she would have committed a great offense by implicating Madam Guo and Guo Jia.

Zhao Yue watched this scene warily. Suddenly she heard low groans in her ears. Her heart trembled. Listening carefully, there came another hurried breath accompanied by the sound of skull bones shattering. Her expression changed—someone was ambushing the guards they brought! Zhao Yue’s face changed color. Miss had come prepared this time, bringing ten highly skilled Guo manor guards plus twenty first-rate shadow guards hidden to provide protection. Anywhere they went should have been completely safe. But now, based on the positions of the guards being killed outside, they should be very close. This situation was wrong!

At this moment, Wang Yan had already drawn the long sword at his waist, pointing it at Li Weiyang: “Miss Guo, having gone to such lengths to invite you here, do you think I’ll let you off so easily? As for those people you brought, most have already been trapped by my family’s traps. Even if the rest can break through, they’ll be eliminated by the hidden stakes I arranged!”

Wang Yan had sent away the other Wang family members precisely to utilize the military formations Wang Zijin had set up. Li Weiyang said calmly: “So the Prince Consort was prepared all along!”

Wang Yan said viciously: “Naturally. You severed one of my legs, so I want your life!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Has the Prince Consort considered the consequences?”

Wang Yan’s smile revealed bone-chilling coldness: “Whatever the consequences, I must kill you!” At this moment, his smile was venomous and sinister, making one’s heart turn cold.

Princess Nankang actually stepped forward to block Li Weiyang’s front. Though her body trembled violently and her voice was broken, she said word by word: “Wang Yan, don’t forget—Guo Jia is the Guo manor’s eldest daughter. If anything happens to her, the Guo family will never let you off! Can you alone fight against the entire Guo clan? If you harm the Guo manor’s Madam and Miss, the Wang family won’t help you either. They’ll only push you out because you’ve committed a monstrous crime!”

Wang Yan’s expression changed abruptly. His fingers gripping the long sword creaked from the pressure. He naturally knew that if he harmed Guo Jia, the Wang family would immediately abandon him because they didn’t want to become pawns of the Pei clan. But last time Guo Jia severed his right leg, causing him agony day and night—how could he forget such hatred! As long as he killed Guo Jia today, he naturally had ways to explain to his father and brothers. Though he initiated the attack, he could completely claim that Madam Guo and Guo Jia had their servants commit violence, intending to kill him to vent for Princess Nankang. Then everything would naturally be resolved!

Li Weiyang looked at Princess Nankang. She was no longer that naive girl from before. At critical moments, she also knew to protect those most important to her. Li Weiyang smiled faintly, gently placing her hand on Princess Nankang’s shoulder. In that instant, Nankang turned back, tears in her eyes. Li Weiyang said lightly: “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Step aside first.”

But Nankang stood before her and refused to leave. Li Weiyang had come for her sake—she absolutely couldn’t let anything happen to her. Otherwise she’d have no face to see Consort Guo Hui.

Wang Yan laughed coldly and stepped forward. His long sword pressed closer by several inches. His eyes were blood-red, looking at Li Weiyang with bloodthirsty hatred: “Guo Jia, I advise you to come over obediently! Otherwise, I won’t spare even your mother!”

Li Weiyang frowned lightly. Nankang suddenly walked several steps toward him and shouted: “Whatever you want to do, whatever anger you have, direct it all at me alone. Don’t blame others!”

Wang Yan held his sword in his left hand. His right hand unexpectedly pulled Nankang into his embrace. Seeing her so agitated, his smile became very mocking. He lifted her chin: “What a bitch! Colluding with outsiders to harm me. You think the Guo family can help you for a lifetime! Want to leave the Wang family? Fine—unless you die! Now get lost to the side. After I deal with Guo Jia, I’ll come handle you!”

Heartbroken despair gradually appeared in Nankang’s eyes. Wang Yan had already grabbed her collar and viciously pushed her to the ground. She accidentally hit the table corner nearby. Her forehead immediately became bloody, but Wang Yan didn’t even glance at her and only took another step toward Li Weiyang. Having grown up following his father in military camps, he carried the refinement of aristocratic sons yet also had an inherent crude savagery in his bones. Having trained in martial arts in the army, with his exceptionally tall build, even ordinary warriors couldn’t withstand three punches or two kicks from him. To this day, no woman had dared give him trouble, much less Li Weiyang crippling his right leg. Now his sword would show no mercy!

Princess Nankang stared deadly at Wang Yan, bone-deep hatred in her eyes.

Zhao Yue quickly stepped forward, protecting Madam Guo and Li Weiyang behind her. The soft sword at her waist simultaneously left its sheath.

Wang Yan laughed coldly: “Just a servant—you think she’s useful every time?” Immediately he attacked with his sword, striking without mercy. All his moves were like mercury pouring down, penetrating every opening—killing strikes! Zhao Yue’s true energy instantly filled her entire body. Her whole person leaped into mid-air, barely avoiding his long sword. But hearing her robe tear with a “shh” sound, half of it was cut off by his sword edge. Because she was airborne, her sword momentum became somewhat sluggish. Wang Yan’s long sword suddenly burst with cold light. Zhao Yue couldn’t withstand it momentarily and flew backward. Just as she landed, his long sword came at her head again!

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but frown. Last time Wang Yan’s martial skills were still evenly matched with Zhao Yue’s. Now, for some unknown reason, he had become so formidable! In just one short month, could a person’s martial arts improve this much?

Zhao Yue was forced to dodge left and right, spinning behind Wang Yan. Wang Yan heard wind at the back of his head and laughed coldly, reversing his sword strike. Zhao Yue’s momentum was too fierce to stop. That cold sword blade pressed against her skin, seeming to pierce deep into flesh. Zhao Yue reversed her sword to block, barely deflecting his long sword. Wang Yan laughed loudly and struck out with his left fist—”bang”—hitting Zhao Yue’s right shoulder. Though Zhao Yue was prepared, she was still struck by this punch and spat blood. Zhao Yue was barely forced back three steps, almost touching the table. In the turbulent palm wind, it affected the vase nearby. Zhao Yue had a quick wit—with one foot she kicked the vase into mid-air, then struck out with her palm, sending out a gust of forceful wind. The vase shattered into hundreds of tiny porcelain fragments, attacking Wang Yan like hidden weapons. Wang Yan hurriedly wielded his double swords, drawing countless sword shadows before him to block these weapons.

When he came to his senses, Wang Yan attacked with both swords. Zhao Yue summoned her energy with difficulty and rolled rapidly on the ground, barely dodging. Zhao Yue practiced relatively nimble sword techniques. This room was very cramped with limited height, so she couldn’t fully deploy them. That’s why she was constrained everywhere. Moreover, Wang Yan seemed to have taken some drug that greatly increased his martial power. Zhao Yue’s mind raced—she quickly retreated outward, wanting to lure Wang Yan to open ground before fighting. Wang Yan wasn’t anxious or hurried, fighting Zhao Yue all the way out the window to the courtyard. Zhao Yue steeled her heart, treading quick steps. All her moves were desperate attacks, finally forcing Wang Yan to retreat step by step.

Li Weiyang closely monitored the situation in the courtyard. Madam Guo said tensely: “Jia’er, what should we do now?”

Li Weiyang seemed not to hear, her gaze only falling on Wang Yan’s face. She felt this matter was unspeakably strange. Wang Yan’s martial arts had improved dramatically in a short period—as if divinely assisted. He could also control her shadow guards, indicating someone behind was guiding him, helping him, even designing all this to assassinate her! Thinking this, that pale face wearing half a mask suddenly flashed through her mind…

Zhao Yue had already rushed toward Wang Yan but suddenly heard Wang Yan shout: “Capture her!” Just then, a huge net fell from above, covering Zhao Yue’s head. Zhao Yue was shocked and used her long sword to cut the net, but the sword couldn’t penetrate these threads at all. Instead, her entire person was trapped under this fine net, forced to prostrate on the ground. She looked at Wang Yan in disbelief and cried out sharply: “What trick did you use?”

Wang Yan laughed heartily and shouted loudly: “Tie her up!”

Those guards who had been lying in ambush immediately came forward and pressed Zhao Yue down firmly, then took the net and bound her where she lay. Li Weiyang walked out from the room. Her gaze was icy as she looked at Wang Yan: “So you already thought of a way to deal with my maid. The Prince Consort is truly clever!”

Wang Yan’s smile carried a trace of pride: “Otherwise, how could I take your life? Guo Jia, don’t blame me. Blame yourself for being nosy and destined to die badly!”

Seeing Li Weiyang completely unafraid, Wang Yan became even more furious.

Princess Nankang chased out from the room, shouting loudly: “Wang Yan, don’t commit a grave mistake!”

But Wang Yan laughed heartily and quickly raised his long sword, pointing at Li Weiyang: “This is what you owe me. Today I’ll collect it from you!”

Princess Nankang quickly ran toward Li Weiyang’s direction, clearly not intending to let Wang Yan harm her. Who knew Wang Yan would raise his hand and strike Nankang with his sword. Nankang immediately fell to her knees, blood flowing from her knee. Li Weiyang said with a solemn expression: “Prince Consort, do you know what you’re doing? Injuring Her Highness the Princess—this is a capital crime!”

Wang Yan’s smile grew colder. He shouted: “What capital crime? I’d like to see who can do anything to me?” An utterly arrogant appearance, completely different from the Wang Yan of before!

Li Weiyang personally witnessed the cruelty and that trace of madness in Wang Yan’s eyes. A thought slid through her mind. She couldn’t help but blurt out: “You’re being controlled by someone!”

Wang Yan’s eyebrows flew up like blades. The long sword in his hand thrust out obliquely like clear wind and lightning, heading straight for Li Weiyang’s chest. Zhao Yue pressed to the ground and Princess Nankang simultaneously cried out: “Be careful!” Madam Guo had just reached the doorway. Seeing this scene, she nearly fainted! Seeing them so terrified, Wang Yan smiled proudly. His wrist sank, but he suddenly turned. Everyone only saw several sprays of blood burst in the air. Two shadow guards who had just rushed in didn’t even have time to cry out before their eyes widened and they fell to the ground, throats still gurgling with bright red blood.

Princess Nankang let out a scream. The muscles on her face twitched violently. Her lips trembled again and again. She seemed to want to cry but could only make animal-like whimpering sounds.

“Your shadow guards really are first-rate. Earlier I experimented—my family’s shadow guards had no way to penetrate the traps my sister set up!” Wang Yan said with a smile.

Li Weiyang frowned. These shadow guards were carefully arranged by Yuan Lie to protect her. Unexpectedly they were trapped by Wang Zijin’s mechanisms. Only two broke through but still fell short, showing the opposition had plotted long and was determined to take her life.

Madam Guo stepped forward and tightly shielded Li Weiyang, shouting loudly: “Prince Consort, if you want to kill someone, kill me. Don’t hurt my daughter!”

“Don’t worry—none of you can escape!” Wang Yan lightly flicked his long sword. The precious sword emitted a ringing sound that, heard by everyone, was like the sound of death. He smiled faintly, suddenly lowering his long sword and walking step by step toward Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang’s mind was racing rapidly. From Madam Guo receiving that letter, to her following Madam Guo here, whether Guo family or other Wang family members were all absent from the manor. Then Wang Yan wanting to use this opportunity to eliminate her, while his expression was so crazed, completely ignoring others’ advice—like being controlled! If she died here, the Guo family would only settle accounts with the Wang family. The two families fighting to mutual destruction—this truly was a good plan…

Li Weiyang’s life had been full of bloodshed and violence. She had never feared. Watching that sword tip draw closer and closer, she didn’t worry about her own life or death. On the contrary, she blamed herself for not considering things thoroughly enough, failing to protect Madam Guo and letting her fall into such desperate straits! Actually, today’s matter—no matter how she, Li Weiyang, calculated or avoided, she couldn’t escape it. Because the opposition had already planned everything to lure her into the trap. If not Princess Nankang, it would be someone else. In the end, they were determined to kill her. And before her eyes, this Wang Yan was merely a chess piece—an extremely unintelligent, manipulated chess piece!

Wang Yan’s sword tip scraped across the green brick ground, sending up tiny sparks all the way. The scene looked extremely terrifying.

Just then, Zhao Yue seized an unguarded moment and suddenly leaped into the air, actually breaking free from everyone’s suppression. Her form exploded upward, directly pouncing toward Wang Yan. Wang Yan didn’t expect Zhao Yue to suddenly strike. He grabbed the nearby Madam Guo and fiercely pushed her forward. All this happened in a flash. Li Weiyang, caught unprepared, could only move faster to block in front of Madam Guo. Zhao Yue was startled and couldn’t redirect her true energy in time. The long sword in her hand plunged into Li Weiyang’s body.

Madam Guo cried out in a lost voice: “Jia’er!” Li Weiyang only felt immense pain in her chest. Her vision went black and she spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, nearly fainting.

In the chaos, they suddenly heard a commotion. It seemed like Wang Zijin crying out in panic: “Third Brother, what are you doing?” This cry came through. Li Weiyang’s consciousness suddenly blurred and her entire person fainted.

Not knowing how long had passed, she only felt as if being tormented by raging fire. Her entire body hurt everywhere, burning ceaselessly. Before her eyes was complete blur, yet she seemed to see countless illusions—sometimes herself, sometimes the past, continuously flashing in the mist. Even Yuan Lie’s face was sometimes clear, sometimes hazy. She didn’t know how long she suffered in the mist. Finally one day, her chest wasn’t so painful and the mist gradually dispersed. She opened her eyes and saw a blurred figure: “Awake?”

The voice in her ears was very familiar. Then she grew confused, her eyes seeming to close again. Suddenly she felt someone grasp her hand. Her chest hurt again. She closed both eyes and sank into the mist once more.

Madam Guo looked at her daughter’s deathly pale face and couldn’t help but frown lightly. She turned around: “Didn’t the imperial physician say Jia’er was unharmed? Why is she injured so severely? It’s been three days and she still hasn’t woken?”

Guo Dao said gently: “Mother need not worry. The imperial physician said that Buddha amulet blocked the fatal strike for Jia’er, slowing the sword’s momentum. So Jia’er only suffered some superficial injuries. It’s just her body is delicate and can’t recover immediately. She should be better in another two days.”

Madam Guo nodded and sighed softly, then as if remembering something said: “What about Zhao Yue? Is she still kneeling outside?”

Guo Dao nodded: “Yes, she’s been kneeling outside. We’ve already tried to persuade her, but she refuses to listen. She insists this is all because she failed to protect Miss properly. If not for her momentary carelessness, Jia’er wouldn’t have been injured.”

Madam Guo shook her head: “That day I saw clearly—she risked her life to save Jia’er! If not for her, I’m afraid we would have been hard-pressed to escape death. How can we blame this mistake on ourselves? Very well, I’ll go see this girl.”

Yuan Lie had been sitting beside them, quietly gazing at Li Weiyang. His face appeared exceptionally cold, his eyes full of blood-red even more frightening to behold. He was completely deaf to his surroundings. Everyone saw his face full of anxious expression, faintly suppressing the rage in his eyes. Guo Dao was just about to urge him to rest. Madam Guo shook her head at him. Guo Dao swallowed his words and accompanied Madam Guo outside together…

Madam Guo sighed: “I’m afraid this matter is only a beginning…”

Guo Dao’s heart jumped: “Mother means—”

Madam Guo was no fool. At this moment, stringing the entire matter together in her mind, she couldn’t help but say: “Since the opposition wants to use the Wang family, they won’t only do this half. Who knows what other vicious methods they’ll use.”

Guo Dao said angrily: “To actually think of such a method—truly despicable!”

The means weren’t particularly clever, but very effective. And they knew their side’s strength inside and out… Madam Guo sighed softly.