In the side palace hall, the Emperor paced back and forth before the imperial desk with his hands behind his back. The flickering candlelight cast his shadow upon the green bricks, appearing very dark and gloomy, as if a phantom were slowly drifting about. Eunuch Zhang kept his head lowered, his heart secretly anxious. He dared not easily speculate about the Son of Heaven’s thoughts, especially since the one before him was not ordinarily difficult to serve. The Emperor finally stopped his steps before the imperial desk and, suddenly annoyed, swept the secret letters on the table to the floor, muttering to himself: “Not a single day of peace from them!”
At this moment, a young eunuch presented the Emperor with a bowl of hot tea. Without thinking, the Emperor knocked it over and walked directly to the palace hall entrance. The eunuch standing by the door quickly lifted the heavy door curtain. The unique breath of the cold night air rushed in. His Majesty took a deep breath, finally feeling his mind clear somewhat.
Eunuch Zhang quickly followed and said: “Your Majesty, it’s very windy outside. Please put on this heavy cloak.” The Emperor crossed the threshold and said coldly: “No need. We shall go see these fools.”
On the ground before the side hall, both the Guo family and Wang family knelt there, standing on opposite sides, clearly distinct like the Jing and Wei rivers. The Emperor laughed coldly. Standing condescendingly on the steps, he said: “You truly have great ability, actually daring to engage in armed conflict within the capital! Well then, tell Us how We should deal with this?”
Everyone quickly lowered their heads to beg forgiveness. Duke Qi said in trepidation: “It’s all because this subject failed to strictly educate his son. Please, Your Majesty, impose punishment.”
Wang Qiong’s face was full of shame: “This subject has failed Your Majesty’s grace and couldn’t properly discipline my own son. Miss Guo was assassinated first, then the Imperial Guard deputy general was assassinated after. If not for Commander Guo personally coming to the Wang household, I’m afraid I still wouldn’t know my unfilial son had done such things! This is all my fault. Please, Your Majesty, impose heavy punishment!”
But Guo Dun said loudly: “This was all this humble subject’s momentary recklessness that caused such disaster. It has nothing to do with others. Please, Your Majesty, don’t blame others. If there’s any crime, this humble subject is willing to bear it alone!”
The Emperor stared at him coldly, his gaze seeming to smile yet not smile, and snorted: “You’re all quite clever, each one begging for punishment.” He shook his head, thinking: if you weren’t still useful, how would We tolerate your wanton behavior in the capital? We’d have dragged you all out and beheaded you long ago!
Duke Qi and Wang Qiong exchanged glances but both lowered their heads, appearing terrified. Both were shrewd men—how could they not understand that someone was secretly instigating the Guo and Wang families to fight to the death? Yet even so, they had to endure. Wang Qiong knew well that the Guo family was actually not at fault in this matter, yet Guo Dun had after all killed his son Wang Yan. And for Duke Qi, Wang Yan had first injured Guo Jia, then killed a deputy general in the Imperial Guards—such crimes truly deserved death! However, he was constrained by the pair of black hands pushing everything from behind and conversely couldn’t directly demand justice from the Wang family. Both men’s feelings were extremely complex at this moment, lamenting their failure in educating their sons, causing their entire clans to bear such reputation and guilt!
A trace of coldness flashed through Li Weiyang’s heart. She understood very clearly this situation was entirely created by the Emperor himself. If he hadn’t married Princess Nankang to Wang Yan, how would things have reached this point? Empress Pei precisely seized on this weakness, step by step forcing the Guo and Wang families to this place!
The only person with an expressionless face was Prince Xu, Yuan Lie. He watched the Emperor from afar with a face showing a skin-deep smile without genuine mirth, not the slightest bit respectful.
The Emperor’s gaze swept across each person’s face one by one. He said coldly: “At least you know you’ve committed wrongs. If this matter were recorded in the history books, even Our face would be blackened by you! Armed conflict between two families actually daring to mobilize Imperial Guards, and making a citywide uproar—you came up with this brilliantly!”
Guo Dun lowered his head and said coldly again: “Your Majesty, Guo Dun is willing to bear this crime alone.”
The Emperor laughed coldly: “Bear it? Can you bear it? Do you know what crime it is to privately mobilize Imperial Guards without Our command?”
Guo Dun had long been prepared. He said through gritted teeth word by word: “Your Majesty, if Wang Yan hadn’t first assassinated this subject’s deputy general, this humble subject wouldn’t have led the Imperial Guards into the Wang household.”
The Emperor sneered: “Today you led Imperial Guards into the Wang household to vent your anger. Tomorrow will you lead Imperial Guards into the imperial palace to rebel?”
In the empty side hall, the Emperor’s voice drifted all around. Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but feel a chill. Seeing the Emperor’s face showed anger, Duke Qi’s heart grew anxious. He quickly kowtowed: “Your Majesty, it’s all this humble subject’s fault. This humble subject deserves ten thousand deaths!” As usual, he prostrated and kowtowed three times, completely disregarding his dignity and face as a Duke.
Wang Qiong watched from the side with cold eyes, couldn’t help but deeply admire Duke Qi. Just speaking of this terrified appearance alone, he himself couldn’t manage it. In fact, today’s matter had fundamentally nothing to do with Duke Qi. The one who surrounded the Prince Consort’s manor was Guo Dun with his people. Duke Qi knew nothing of this matter. Yet for his son’s sake, he ran here desperately begging His Majesty for forgiveness. This meaning was undoubtedly using the Guo family to protect Guo Dun. If it were himself, he probably wouldn’t have such resolve—the first thing he’d choose would be to sacrifice Wang Yan.
His Majesty’s gaze swept across their faces one by one. Deep in his eyes held a trace of unspeakable coldness. Everyone knelt prostrate on the ground, quietly awaiting the Emperor’s judgment.
Li Weiyang glanced in Yuan Lie’s direction and smiled faintly. Yuan Lie spoke: “Your Majesty, in this matter Wang Yan was at fault first. Commander Guo alone cannot be blamed.”
Li Weiyang secretly approved. Yuan Lie’s timing in speaking was just right—the Crown Prince definitely couldn’t sit still either. Sure enough, the Crown Prince had endured for half the day but ultimately couldn’t hold back. He immediately stepped forward and said loudly: “Father Emperor, Guo Dun disregarded military orders and actually used Imperial Guards for private revenge. Please, Father Emperor, strip him of his military position and charge him with the crime of treason!”
According to Empress Pei’s instructions, he was only to summon Wang Yan to the palace and couldn’t participate in anything else. Yet he still couldn’t endure! Since Yuan Lie had spoken, Father Emperor might very well spare the Guo family. He couldn’t sit by and watch this happen!
Duke Qi’s heart trembled. The crime of treason? This was demanding the Guo family pay with their lives? Who knew the Crown Prince’s words weren’t finished: “Father Emperor, this time the Wang family was merely momentarily confused and didn’t report this matter to Your Majesty, thus causing this disaster. Please, Father Emperor, properly console General Zhendong. You must know he’s currently experiencing the pain of losing a son, and Guo Dun’s actions have already offended Father Emperor’s dignity and the nation’s laws!”
Hearing this, the Emperor understood the Crown Prince’s position very clearly. He was demanding the Emperor immediately punish Guo Dun and console the Wang family. He heard Yuan Lie say coldly: “Crown Prince, your words are mistaken!” The Crown Prince raised his eyebrows and turned to stare at Yuan Lie, his gaze icy: “Prince Xu, why is your shadow everywhere? Are you now going to exonerate the Guo family?”
Yuan Lie smiled faintly, his expression composed: “Just now the Crown Prince kept saying it was all the Guo family’s fault. But have you considered that Wang Yan first showed disrespect to Princess Nankang, committing the crime of great disrespect? Then he deliberately tried to assassinate Madam Guo and Miss Guo who came to visit Princess Nankang. Madam Guo holds an imperial title. Assassinating a court-appointed noblewoman—Wang Yan himself had already committed a grave crime! The Guo family didn’t hold it against him, yet he intensified his actions and infiltrated the Imperial Guards to murder the deputy general. This is absolutely not an ordinary minor crime. Does the Crown Prince want to turn a blind eye to all this?”
The Crown Prince laughed coldly: “Previously there were rumors, which is why Father Emperor wanted to summon Wang Yan for confrontation. But now the person is dead, yet you still cling to this point! Saying Wang Yan humiliated Princess Nankang—who can testify?”
The Emperor looked at Prince Xu Yuan Lie, his expression complex: “The Crown Prince speaks correctly. You say Wang Yan humiliated the Princess—do you have evidence?”
Li Weiyang’s face darkened. What did the Emperor mean? Was he going to favor the Crown Prince? Or deliberately threatening Yuan Lie? He knew this matter couldn’t be brought to the surface. Humiliating the Princess—the most important reason was because the Princess was abducted on her wedding day. Did they want Princess Nankang to publicly admit her husband despised her as unclean, so he humiliated her in every way?
They heard from outside the plaza a palace-dressed woman suddenly say loudly: “I am an imperial princess. I want to enter and pay respects to Father Emperor. Who dares stop me!”
Everyone was shocked. They saw Princess Nankang with two palace maids beside her, quickly walking in. The Emperor’s face darkened, his gaze sharp: “Nankang, how did you get here?”
All along the way there were Imperial Guard escorts, yet Princess Nankang actually broke through. Nankang looked at her father emperor, her eyes hiding inexplicable resentment. Her tone was icy: “I heard the Guo family entered the palace to beg forgiveness, so I specially came to pay respects to Father Emperor. Though people tried to stop me all the way, no one dared make things difficult for me, all because of this item.” As she spoke, Nankang had already taken out a dagger she’d been hiding in her sleeve.
The Emperor looked at Princess Nankang. He saw this daughter’s usually delicate and naive face had suddenly gained several parts of imperial dignity. That appearance of viewing death as returning home had already told everyone she had just used this gleaming dagger in her sleeve to demand everyone let her enter. No wonder no one dared obstruct her—after all, those outside were just guards. Who would dare truly let Princess Nankang commit suicide on the spot?
The Emperor looked at her as if seeing her for the first time: “Nankang, what matter do you want to see Us about?”
Li Weiyang looked at Princess Nankang and sighed softly. She had sent someone to inform Nankang about this matter and told her what to say and do. Now she had indeed come.
Princess Nankang discarded the dagger and walked toward the Emperor. The guards behind her followed trembling with fear. Seeing the Emperor displeased and seeming about to obstruct her, the Emperor waved his hand: “Let her come.”
The Crown Prince’s expression changed. His brow furrowed tightly: “Nankang, what are you doing? Aren’t you unwell? Why not rest properly instead of running here to cause trouble? Don’t you want any of a princess’s dignity!”
Nankang didn’t even glance at him but said loudly: “Father Emperor, this subject daughter has something to report.”
The Emperor’s heart stirred. He said lightly: “Speak then.”
Nankang glanced at Wang Qiong and finally made up her mind: “This matter—I originally didn’t want to say it before so many people. But since Father Emperor wants to know, I’ll speak. The reason Wang Yan showed me disrespect—the most important reason is that on my wedding day I was inexplicably abducted. He used this as an excuse to humiliate my reputation, saying I wasn’t worthy to become his Wang family’s daughter-in-law, much less worthy to be Wang Yan’s wife! Not only that, he also tried to place me under house arrest, preventing me from contacting the palace and the Guo family. When Madam Guo and Miss Guo came to visit me, it was actually all a play staged by Wang Yan. He had someone secretly send them a letter in my name asking them for rescue. Madam Guo didn’t understand the truth and rushed to the Wang household, never expecting Wang Yan had set a trap, deliberately wanting to murder Miss Guo to vent his past private grievance!”
The Emperor raised his eyebrows and looked down at Li Weiyang: “Private grievance—what kind of private grievance?”
Nankang’s smile grew colder: “This private grievance is that Wang Yan intended to use a concubine to replace my status as the princess and legitimate wife. When I disagreed, he moved that concubine into the main chamber and drove me out. Miss Guo couldn’t stand by and said a few words for me. Wang Yan became extremely angry. During the dispute, he was injured by Miss Guo’s guards. This was because his skills were inferior, and it was punishment for unprovoked violence against a woman! But he harbored resentment and used this opportunity to deliberately seek revenge! If not for Miss Guo’s great fortune, she would have perished by now. Also, please punish Nankang, Father Emperor!”
The Emperor had never seen the timid Princess Nankang speak before him with words like knives: “Punish you—why?” He couldn’t help but be curious. Who exactly taught her these words that made the Wang family’s faces turn ashen?
Nankang’s voice grew even colder and deeper. She said word by word: “Please, Father Emperor, punish Nankang for not being clever enough, for not realizing sooner that when Father Emperor married me to Wang Yan, it wasn’t for my lifelong happiness but had other purposes. Perhaps Father Emperor was already tired of seeing Nankang this daughter, so you tried every means to send me to Wang Yan, to provoke him into humiliating me and humiliating the imperial family!”
The Emperor’s expression changed and he flew into a rage: “Nankang, do you know what you’re saying?”
The Crown Prince quickly said: “Nankang, how can you say such things? Father Emperor was naturally thinking of you!”
Princess Nankang’s face didn’t change, but her voice carried twelve parts mockery: “Father Emperor, this subject daughter also had no choice. Please forgive this subject daughter’s disrespect! But even if Nankang did something wrong, even if the Wang family looks down on me, am I not still an imperial princess? Just because I don’t receive Father Emperor’s favor, can they randomly humiliate my imperial dignity?”
The Emperor’s face was covered with dark clouds. He didn’t like Princess Nankang, but this didn’t mean anyone could climb over an imperial princess and run wild! Because Nankang’s status represented not just herself—she represented the entire imperial family. Originally he didn’t intervene because he fundamentally didn’t care. But when Nankang exposed everything before everyone, if he still turned a blind eye, he’d only be mocked in secret for imperial weakness. When did Nankang become so forceful? Her words seemed rash yet were watertight, actually hitting the Emperor’s sore spot! Forcing him to have no choice but to intervene! In a moment, he had already reached a conclusion. He turned to look at the Wang family, his gaze icy: “Wang Qiong, We entrusted Our daughter to your Wang family. What exactly have you done? Are you dissatisfied with Our decree, so you deliberately humiliated the Princess?”
Wang Qiong’s face was deathly pale. He kowtowed: “Your Majesty, please forgive this subject’s disrespect. This is all this subject’s fault. I should have reported this matter to Your Majesty sooner. Princess Nankang did nothing wrong whatsoever—it was all my unworthy son’s fault! However, since he’s already dead, please, Your Majesty, for this old subject’s sake, forgive the Wang family’s crime of great disrespect.”
The Emperor laughed coldly: “Death settles everything? Humiliating imperial dignity—even ten thousand deaths couldn’t atone for his guilt!” Then he turned to order a eunuch: “Have Wang Yan’s corpse flogged three hundred times as a warning to others!”
Flogging even after death—the Emperor was truly interesting. Li Weiyang laughed coldly in her heart. A trace of dismissiveness flashed through her eyes, though her face became even more obedient. The Emperor suddenly noticed her and smiled faintly: “Miss Guo, do you find Our handling satisfactory?”
Li Weiyang stood up and gracefully performed a bow: “Everything Your Majesty does is naturally sagely wise. Guo Jia absolutely doesn’t dare have half a complaint!”
The Emperor raised his eyebrows coldly: “Don’t dare? We see you seem quite dissatisfied. Since you have words, you might as well speak directly.”
Li Weiyang said with a gentle expression: “Your Majesty, my brother indeed committed a grave crime. After all, the Guo and Wang families only had a private grudge. He shouldn’t have mobilized Imperial Guards. However, my injury was yesterday’s matter. If it were truly because of me, because of the private grudge between the Guo and Wang families, he could have acted yesterday. Why wait another day? He was merely moved by brotherly loyalty for a moment, wanting to seek justice for the fallen! Your Majesty is magnanimous and benevolent and has always appreciated brave generals. Of course you wouldn’t excessively condemn a commander who cares for his subordinates. Otherwise, it would completely chill the hearts of the soldiers! In the future, who would be willing to risk their lives to defend this great land?”
Hearing this, the Emperor saw Li Weiyang was clearly provoking him. A fire of rage nearly made him spit blood, yet he could only forcibly suppress it. He let out a long sigh: “Since that’s the case, Duke Qi is fined one year’s salary. General Zhendong Wang Qiong is demoted one rank but temporarily retains the position of general, to atone for his crimes through merit. Guo Dun is young and ignorant, acting impulsively. You need no longer serve as Commander. Go home and reflect behind closed doors!”
The Crown Prince was shocked, never expecting it to be handled so lightly. He quickly said: “How can Father Emperor handle this so lightly? Won’t this make everyone lawless?!”
The Emperor looked at the Crown Prince coldly. The Crown Prince’s heart suddenly trembled. He suddenly realized he had just made a huge mistake. If he had maintained an impartial attitude and said nothing, Father Emperor probably would still have heavily punished the Guo and Wang families. But now the Emperor’s eyes clearly said: all this was deliberately stirred up by you—do you think We would fall for it?
The Crown Prince instinctively retreated a step and bowed: “Father Emperor is wise. This son absolutely doesn’t dare question Your decision.” The Emperor withdrew his gaze and looked at everyone coldly: “As for the Imperial Guards who participated in this matter, each return and receive fifty strokes of the rod.”
Everyone kowtowed to thank the Emperor’s grace. Duke Qi and General Zhendong Wang Qiong both breathed sighs of relief.
Coming out from the palace, they saw Prince Jing hurrying over. Duke Qi, seeing him, recounted what had just happened. Prince Jing had originally been anxious to the point of burning worry, but seeing His Majesty’s rod was raised high but fell lightly, he sighed in relief: “Fortunately Father Emperor didn’t blame you excessively for this. Otherwise the entire Guo family would have suffered.” Then he looked coldly at Guo Dun: “You acted far too rashly in this matter!”
But Guo Dun had his own perspective. Wang Yan injured his sister and killed his deputy general. If he remained unmoved, he’d have no way to continue commanding the Imperial Guards. A great man acts with some things to do and some things not to do. Some matters—even knowing they’re wrong—he must bear alone! Just now he had already decided that if His Majesty blamed the Guo family, he’d commit suicide first to preserve the safety of the other Guo family members. There was precedent for this. With his father’s reputation, ultimately the condemnation wouldn’t be too severe.
Li Weiyang fell to the rear but suddenly heard Wang Zijin, who hadn’t spoken earlier, call out to him. Wang Zijin came forward, her face deathly pale, saying in a low voice: “Miss Guo, I have something to say.”
Li Weiyang stopped and turned her head. Yuan Lie blocked Wang Zijin’s path: “Miss Wang, please go back.”
Wang Zijin didn’t look at Yuan Lie but only at Li Weiyang. A trace of anxiety flashed through her beautiful eyes. Li Weiyang said softly: “I’m fine. Just let us speak clearly.”
Yuan Lie saw that pair of eyes flash with resolute determination. He couldn’t help but frown slightly and sighed: “I’ll be nearby. Call me if anything happens.” Having said this, he had already walked to the side. Only then did Li Weiyang look at Wang Zijin, her expression moving slightly: “Miss Wang, what do you want to say to me?”
Wang Zijin said through gritted teeth: “At this point, I truly have nothing to say. However, since my third brother is already dead, will the rift between the Guo and Wang families deepen because of this?”
Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “That depends on how you, Miss Wang, handle this matter.”
Hearing this, Wang Zijin froze, almost unable to come to her senses: “What do you mean?”
Li Weiyang’s eyes were sharp, yet her words gentle: “Though we all understand someone manipulated things from within to provoke the Guo and Wang families, this matter is definitely not so simple. I’m afraid the opposition’s fundamental purpose isn’t this! I advise Miss Wang—the urgent matter is to properly deal with that outside woman by your third brother’s side. She definitely can’t escape involvement in these matters. Think about that Blue Frost sword on the deputy general’s body, then think about your third brother’s abnormal actions. Though he was at fault, the person who indulged him and instigated him is the one with monstrous crimes!”
Hearing this, Wang Zijin was completely stunned. She said hesitantly: “Do you suspect that woman…”
Li Weiyang laughed coldly: “This has nothing to do with me. It depends entirely on how you, Miss Wang, choose to handle it. This concerns your Wang family’s lifeline.” Having finished, Li Weiyang paid no more attention and turned to leave.
Wang Zijin watched her retreating figure, her heart growing angrier the more she thought. In fact, this time it was clearly Guo Dun who caused the disaster. How did it end up with everyone blaming the Wang family? This Guo Jia truly had great ability. The words Princess Nankang spoke were like knives, concealing profound mysteries—they must have been taught by her! The Wang family lost a son and in the end had to be rebuked by the Emperor. Father was even demoted one rank. This truly made one’s anger boil! All the way back to the Prince Consort’s manor in fury, she declined Wang Qiong’s concern and immediately took guards personally to Wang Yan’s residence. At this time, that concubine had already left the Wang household. The place was completely empty. Seeing this, Wang Zijin thought of Li Weiyang’s words from the evening. She slumped dejectedly into a chair and sighed: “She was right. It seems in discerning human hearts, I’m not just a little behind her—I’m utterly outclassed!” Saying this, tears rolled down her face. A maid beside her saw this and quickly handed her a handkerchief: “Miss, please don’t worry excessively.”
But Wang Zijin’s face was full of worry: “This matter is all my fault. If I could have detected the opposition’s conspiracy early and restrained Third Brother’s actions, it wouldn’t have led to his tragic death. This is all my fault!” As she spoke, tears fell like rain.
At this time in the Guo household, Li Weiyang had just entered when she saw Guo Cheng quickly catch up, saying in a low voice: “Jia’er, I’ve already captured that woman you mentioned!”
Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Bring her to the study.”
Lüyao had heard today about events at the front courtyard. She immediately took advantage of when no one was watching, packed her bundle, gathered her valuables, and tried to leave the Wang household. But unexpectedly, just as she exited the back gate, she was captured. Now seeing everyone in the study had grave expressions and icy eyes, she couldn’t help but shiver and knelt on the ground: “Everyone, I’m just a weak woman. Why make things difficult for me?”
Li Weiyang examined the young, beautiful woman before her and smiled: “I’ve heard Miss Lüyao is accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and is also very gentle and beautiful. But I wonder whom you serve?”
Lüyao was shocked and cried out her innocence, arguing: “I don’t know what this young lady is saying?”
Li Weiyang’s expression was indifferent: “Empress sent you to the Wang household to lurk beside Wang Yan. First, to provoke his relationship with Princess Nankang. Second, to tamper with his food and drink, causing all his words and actions to be controlled by you. Isn’t that right?”
Hearing this, Lüyao’s face grew even paler. She quickly said: “Miss, you truly overthink. I’m just a weak woman. How could I do so many things?”
Guo Dao smiled slightly: “You need not pretend anymore! If you didn’t make the move, how did that sword get stolen from the manor?”
Lüyao’s mind raced: “This has nothing to do with me! I don’t know what happened at all. Perhaps Wang Yan himself carelessly lost the precious sword?”
Guo Cheng said coldly: “Those twin swords were Wang Yan’s beloved possessions, always carried on his person. If not someone close to him, there’d be no way to steal them. The Wang household has always been extremely strict with servants. Ordinary people couldn’t stay by their side. Only you—you’re an outsider, and because you were pregnant, the Wang family showed you some tolerance. You used this to eliminate their vigilance, repeatedly sowing discord and fanning flames. You even stole Wang Yan’s long sword and framed Wang Yan for the murder. Truly the most venomous woman’s heart!”
Hearing this, Guo Dun’s expression suddenly changed. He said loudly: “Third Brother, what did you just say?”
Guo Cheng laughed mockingly: “You fought at the Prince Consort’s manor for so long, yet you didn’t even know who the real murderer was?”
Guo Dun looked at Lüyao and shook his head: “So I fell for someone’s trap!” He suddenly slapped his thigh, clearly furious to the extreme.
Li Weiyang glanced at him lightly but smiled faintly: “Fourth Brother need not worry. This matter is done—if I were you, I absolutely couldn’t swallow this grievance either and would definitely seek revenge!”
Guo Dun was shocked. In his impression, this sister of his was someone who planned strategies and had deep thoughts. She always disagreed with his views. How was it this time she didn’t blame him? Seeing Guo Dun’s expression so surprised, Li Weiyang’s smile deepened. She said: “The opposition dug a trap for us. If we kept standing by the well’s edge completely motionless, naturally they wouldn’t easily act. Only when we take one step inside, making them think we’ve taken the bait, will there be the next move!”
Hearing Li Weiyang say this, the others in the room all changed expressions, especially Lüyao. Her heart trembled and she prostrated, kowtowing: “Miss, I truly don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just a weak woman who never had any ambitions. Please spare me, Miss!”
A brilliant arc of light flashed through Li Weiyang’s eyes: “To be able to approach Wang Yan and have methods to control him shows your means are extraordinary. For now, we’ll keep you. You’ll be useful in the future!”
Hearing this, Lüyao’s face showed terror. Li Weiyang waved her hand. Immediately someone took her away.
Yuan Lie’s expression stirred. He said in a low voice: “Jia’er, did you know about today’s matter early on?”
Candlelight shone on Li Weiyang’s pure white face, actually creating a layer of red light flowing like water across her brow: “The Crown Prince’s actions are truly laughable. Today was just a small skirmish. If the Guo family truly wanted to rebel, the Imperial Guards should go surround the imperial palace, not barge into a private residence. So naturally the Emperor wouldn’t pin the crime of rebellion on the Guo family.”
Yuan Lie reflected thoughtfully: “Indeed so. This crime of rebellion can’t be pinned on them. But—privately appropriating Imperial Guards is also a crime.”
Li Weiyang lowered her head to look at her slender fingers, smiling yet not smiling: “On this point, we must thank Crown Prince. If he hadn’t appeared today, the Guo family wouldn’t have escaped so easily. The more he jumped up and down, the more the Emperor suspected ulterior motives. So as soon as he spoke, I knew the Guo family would definitely be fine.”
Guo Cheng was greatly surprised: “Jia’er, you truly have thoroughly understood the Crown Prince’s and His Majesty’s thoughts.”
Li Weiyang sighed lightly: “Human hearts are complex and changeable. Though I understand their thoughts, I can’t see what Empress is thinking.”
Guo Dao looked at Li Weiyang’s expression but smiled faintly: “When soldiers come, generals block them. When water comes, earth dams it. We can’t avoid it, so we can only wait quietly.”
While the Guo family was deliberating, the Crown Prince angrily barged into Empress’s palace. At this time, Ying Chu was sitting there playing the qin. His qin music was like water, unstained by worldly dust. Empress Pei sat quietly to the side, holding a wine cup in her hand, her expression thoughtful. The Crown Prince couldn’t suppress his boiling anger and said loudly: “Mother Empress, you actually still have the mood to listen to music here. Do you know what happened outside?”
Ying Chu quickly stood up and called out: “Paying respects to Your Highness.”
The Crown Prince didn’t even glance at him. He had always felt some disgust for this eunuch, much less that he always faintly felt this person looked at his mother empress with eyes showing something unusual, yet Empress Pei kept indulging him!
Empress Pei said lightly: “Don’t stop. Continue playing.”
Ying Chu glanced at the Crown Prince, said no more, sat down again, and gently resumed playing. The Crown Prince said angrily: “Stop! I told you to stop!”
But Ying Chu didn’t pause. All his life he only listened to Empress Pei’s commands. As for others, even the Emperor, he wouldn’t comply! The Crown Prince flew into a rage, rushed forward, and snatched Ying Chu’s qin, throwing it heavily to the ground. The qin suddenly emitted a tragic sound and immediately broke in half. Empress Pei’s expression turned cold. Her eyes were slightly icy: “What madness are you having again!”
The Crown Prince froze, then sharply turned around: “Mother Empress, today we originally could have caught the entire Guo family in one net and charged them with treason. But I finally got the news and rushed over to bring them into the palace, yet Father Emperor let them off easily. Do you think he’s deliberately favoring the Guo family?”
Empress Pei smiled faintly, but her smile held a trace of contempt. She looked at the Crown Prince: “I’ve taught you for so many years, yet you still haven’t progressed! I already instructed you—if you don’t have my orders, don’t act rashly. Yet you insisted on being self-righteous! There are too many clever people in this world. All the great aristocratic families already heard the wind. But why didn’t anyone move? Including Prince Jing and Prince Qin—each one tightly closed their gates, acting as if they knew nothing. Only you jumping up and down there, afraid others won’t know we planned everything from behind?”
The Crown Prince said coldly: “If I did nothing, I’d just watch the Guo and Wang families escape!”
Empress Pei’s eyes reflected the hazy candlelight, her voice growing even colder: “If you had done nothing today, the Guo family would definitely not escape punishment! I already arranged people to make the matter even bigger. But you barged in and ruined my entire plan. You still have the face to come here and clamor?”
The Crown Prince froze, then heard Ying Chu say lightly: “Crown Prince, this time you were truly too hasty! Her Majesty had already arranged everything. Guo Dun charging into the Prince Consort’s manor was just a small matter. His Majesty wouldn’t take it to heart. Even though he privately mobilized Imperial Guards, those Guards numbered only five hundred. It would be absolutely impossible to pin the crime of treason on the entire Guo clan unless the Guo family completely lost the sacred heart. So when you made this move, Crown Prince, it conversely prevented Her Majesty’s next actions from being easily executed. Otherwise, it would only let everyone know all this was planned by Her Majesty.”
The Crown Prince disagreed, saying angrily: “If that’s the case, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Empress Pei looked at him coldly: “Tell you? Which matter haven’t you bungled? What right do you have to know?”
The Crown Prince froze, looking at his mother empress. That exquisitely beautiful face showed an expression of disappointment. He quickly knelt on the ground: “Mother Empress, it’s all this son’s fault. This son knows his error!”
Empress Pei’s expression was very cold. A fierce light flashed through her eyes, her voice also becoming vicious: “If you hadn’t randomly spoken today, tomorrow the Zhou family and the censors would submit memorials saying Guo Dun failed to observe military orders and privately mobilized Imperial Guards, asking His Majesty to punish him. At that time, those Imperial Guards, dissatisfied with this judgment, would naturally have people instigate them. Just a little military mutiny and the nature of this matter would be completely different! Without us needing to speak, the entire Guo family would be implicated. But you insisted on barging out first, causing the entire chess game to be disrupted! You say—can these matters still be told to you? You accomplish nothing you attempt. No wonder your Crown Prince position is unstable! Don’t blame others for being ruthless—it’s just that you yourself have no brains!”
The Crown Prince lowered his head. He wasn’t unintelligent, but before Empress Pei, any intelligent person was helpless. He was completely overshadowed by his mother empress’s brilliance and fundamentally couldn’t display his talents. Precisely because of this, he became increasingly anxious. He didn’t want to be controlled by Empress Pei, yet once he left Empress Pei’s protection, he accomplished nothing. This was the Crown Prince’s contradiction. He wholeheartedly wanted to accomplish something to let Empress Pei know he wasn’t so incompetent. But the more he wanted to prove himself, the more the final result disappointed Empress Pei. Looking at it now, in Empress Pei’s heart, his position wasn’t even as good as this eunuch before him!
Thinking this, he looked angrily at Ying Chu. He naturally knew this scheme must have been devised by him for Empress Pei. This person was not only extremely cunning but also full of schemes. Empress Pei relied heavily on him. He himself had no place to stand before Empress Pei. Thinking this, he only lowered his head even deeper, concealing the unwillingness and hatred in his eyes.
Empress Pei said coldly: “Enough, get out! Next time if you commit such foolishness again, don’t blame me for not sparing you!”
The Crown Prince bowed in acknowledgment, then withdrew. After the Crown Prince left, Empress Pei grew angrier the more she thought. With one hand she overturned the small table beside her. The precious fine porcelain wine vessels on the table instantly fell to the ground and shattered: “A son like this—how can I rely on him? He’s utterly disgraced me!”
Ying Chu lowered his head without a word. Empress Pei said in great fury: “Why are even you silent? Do you also think I did wrong today?”
Ying Chu glanced at Empress Pei and smiled: “The original scheme was indeed correct. As long as Guo Dun led five hundred Imperial Guards out, we could then have people instigate the remaining two thousand Imperial Guards. You must know those two thousand Imperial Guards’ commanders were all very close to Guo Dun. At that time, as long as they made any move, we could bring the entire Guo family to ruin. Two thousand people versus five hundred people are two different concepts! And the Zhou family, because they could profit from it, would also sit by and watch the situation expand…”
First Guo Dun went to the Wang household to cause trouble, then Wang Yan was killed. Originally Empress Pei had also arranged people wanting to take advantage of the chaos to kill Wang Guang and Wang Ji, preferably dragging even Wang Zijin down together. At that time Guo Dun’s crimes would be even greater. When the timing was right, instigate the Zhou family to submit a memorial, then have those censors fan the flames, accuse Guo Yan of a crime—the Emperor would definitely punish him heavily! However, because of that deputy general’s death, Guo Dun would barge into the Prince Consort’s manor. With slight instigation, plus the Zhou family beating the side drums, instigating the other two thousand Imperial Guards definitely wouldn’t be difficult. As long as they gathered before the palace gates to beg forgiveness for Guo Dun, Empress Pei could turn the petition group into a palace-pressuring contingent.. At that time, wouldn’t the Guo family face certain death? But everything was ruined by the Crown Prince. Because this foolish thing spoke randomly without knowing his own position! Empress Pei was naturally furious. She suddenly stood up, paced hurriedly for several steps. Her angry expression gradually faded, turning toward Ying Chu: “What do you think of my victory or defeat in this battle?”
“Your Majesty is perceptive. Duke Qi is the foremost general of Yuexi. Speaking of loyalty and courage, none can surpass him. But speaking of brains, he’s not enough to see!”
“Hmph!” The Empress laughed coldly: “I’m not talking about Duke Qi. I’m talking about Li Weiyang. You should be clear—she’s not the Guo manor’s young lady but just a fake.”
Ying Chu sighed: “Your Majesty’s brilliant strategies—that Li Weiyang will definitely not escape this calamity!”
Empress Pei glanced at him coldly: “How did you become so good at flattery? If this time I could execute Li Weiyang along with the rest, I’d be even happier.” As she spoke, she lowered her eyelids and pondered for a moment: “Perhaps you’re right. In this matter I was indeed too hasty. No matter. There’s still much to watch ahead!”
Ying Chu lowered his head, smiling faintly: “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Empress Pei smiled. Though that face was exquisitely beautiful, the years had still left delicate laugh lines at the corners of her eyes. When she revealed this kind of smile, the face became somewhat fierce, like a peony blooming luxuriantly to the extreme.
Not long after the discussion, Guo Dun was called away by Duke Qi. When Li Weiyang came out from the study, she saw Guo Dun had been kneeling outside Duke Qi’s study for quite a while. She smiled faintly, walked forward: “Fourth Brother, still kneeling?”
Guo Dun glanced at Li Weiyang but didn’t dare raise his head. Li Weiyang looked at the candlelight in the study and naturally understood why Guo Dun was so fearful. She smiled: “Fourth Brother, after this incident, you should know to be more careful in future actions!”
Guo Dun thought: aren’t you supposed to be ill? Why not go rest instead of running here to mock me!
Li Weiyang saw the dissatisfaction in his eyes and said lightly: “If we hadn’t arrived in time today, I’m afraid matters would have blown up even bigger. If someone with ulterior motives had taken advantage to assassinate Wang Qiong or the Wang brothers, what would you have done?”
Guo Dun froze and raised his head to look at Li Weiyang, not knowing what she was saying. Though Li Weiyang had already instructed him in the study just now, he actually hadn’t truly realized how serious this matter was. But he heard Li Weiyang continue: “You killing Wang Yan can still be said to be avenging your subordinate. But if you killed General Zhendong or other Wang manor members, that would be harming the innocent. At that time, you’d not only lose your own life but also implicate the Guo family.”
Guo Dun said through gritted teeth: “At worst I’d apologize with death!”
Li Weiyang gently shook her head: “In this world, problems that death can solve aren’t problems! You were merely a fuse. Someone wanted to use you to set the entire Guo family ablaze, yet you still don’t realize it!”
Guo Dun looked at Li Weiyang and said in a low voice: “Sister, I’m truly not as clever as you. But if this happened again, I’d still do the same! As early as when you were injured, I wanted to privately go kill Wang Yan. Later he killed my deputy general—I had no choice but to do this!”
Li Weiyang looked at Guo Dun and sighed softly. She could understand Guo Dun’s feelings. In her heart, Wang Yan also had to die. Not to mention him injuring her—just speaking of Wang Yan being so arrogant, in the future he’d definitely cause trouble. Such a person couldn’t be kept. Though this satisfied Empress Pei’s intentions, they didn’t suffer any excessive losses.
Li Weiyang glanced at the sky and instructed Zhao Yue: “Get an umbrella for Fourth Brother. I see it’s about to rain. If he keeps kneeling like this, it won’t do!”
Guo Dun said through gritted teeth: “Usually Third Brother and Fifth Brother would kneel with me.”
Li Weiyang looked at him and suddenly laughed. This laugh held several parts relief. She said lightly: “Yes, usually those two kneel with you. Today must be lonely, right? But precisely because they didn’t commit any errors this time, Father will even reward them for their quick reactions. So Fourth Brother, you just kneel there properly alone! I’m going back to rest first. Who told me I’m still seriously injured?”
As she said this, she had already turned to leave. Guo Dun watched Li Weiyang’s retreating figure, growing more confused. Wasn’t she injured? Though the imperial physician said it was just a superficial wound, she shouldn’t recover without lying down for ten days to half a month. How could she be so spirited? Or does this sister have other plans…