After the Guo Dun incident, the entire capital fell into a strange quietude. However, Li Weiyang knew this calm wouldn’t last long before being replaced by the next round of bloodshed and carnage.

On this day, she reclined in a rattan chair reading in the courtyard, pale sunlight casting down and dyeing a faint luminous shadow on her white face. She looked up to see Prince Xu Yuan Lie striding rapidly in from outside the courtyard, his expression displaying unprecedented displeasure. She raised her eyes and couldn’t help smiling gently. “Who angered you to make you so unhappy?” Over these years, Yuan Lie had long cultivated a disposition that didn’t show joy or anger on his face. He rarely revealed such an expression, and though Li Weiyang showed nothing on her face, she was truly quite surprised in her heart.

Yuan Lie walked before Li Weiyang and, regardless of his fine robes, crouched down to look at her. “I just received some not-so-good news. Are you sure you want to hear it?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “What news could make you so unhappy? Tell me.”

Yuan Lie frowned. “I only just learned of this matter myself. It’s very unexpected—the Emperor and Crown Prince of Dali have died in rapid succession.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang almost instantly stood up from her chair, her face showing unprecedented solemnity. “What did you just say?”

Yuan Lie repeated his words. “I said the Emperor and Crown Prince of Dali died in rapid succession within ten days.”

Li Weiyang froze, her face showing a thoughtful expression. Then she slowly sat back down in her chair, murmuring, “This means the person who has now ascended the throne is…”

Yuan Lie’s gaze fell on her, his amber eyes revealing a trace of inquiry. “It’s Tuoba Yu!”

Li Weiyang gently shook her head. “This is truly unexpected.”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly. “I also thought it absolutely impossible, yet the facts are before us. Somehow Tuoba Yu succeeded in seizing the imperial throne within just one short year… It truly makes me look at him with new respect.”

Li Weiyang sighed softly. “Indeed so. I’m also quite curious—Tuoba Yu had long been excluded by the Emperor from the list of successors to the throne. How did he have the opportunity to ascend to the imperial position?”

Yuan Lie said calmly, “I think this throne-seizing operation was ruthless enough in its methods and swift in its actions—completely contrary to Tuoba Yu’s usual nature. So I’ve been pondering that there must be an expert advising him from behind. If there truly is such an expert, who might that person be?”

Li Weiyang saw his extreme displeasure and smiled slightly, her cool fingertips covering the back of his hand—smooth as the finest silk. Yuan Lie froze, then miraculously felt his heart slowly relax. Li Weiyang said slowly, “I’ve already investigated. Those around Tuoba Yu are nothing but ordinary advisors. If there truly were such an expert behind him, he wouldn’t have fallen to that state! From the current situation, some change must have occurred around him after I left.”

Yuan Lie heard this and couldn’t help blinking. “Weiyang, don’t you find this matter extremely strange?”

Li Weiyang glanced at him sideways and smiled slowly. “This is the most surprising news I’ve heard all year! If you hadn’t stated it so firmly, I truly couldn’t believe Tuoba Yu could actually win the throne!” In fact, Tuoba Yu obtaining the throne wasn’t too difficult—what was difficult was that he had a ruthless father emperor and an eighth brother who sat on the mountain watching tigers fight. From the beginning, the Emperor never intended to pass the throne to Tuoba Yu. His heart and mind were set on having the Eighth Prince ascend. Having finally pushed his most beloved son into the Crown Prince position, naturally he would try every means to suppress Tuoba Yu’s power. How could he possibly let Tuoba Yu find an opportunity to turn his weapons on them? This was truly too strange! If Tuoba Yu truly had such determination and perseverance, he wouldn’t have lost to Tuoba Zhen earlier. Li Weiyang thought this through repeatedly and felt very puzzled.

Yuan Lie’s expression changed uncertainly. He remained silent for a long while before sighing softly. “Dali and Yuexi are quite distant after all. I sent people to check the border records just now. The message by carrier pigeon said—that Lord Ying beside the Empress left the capital half a year ago with no trace of his whereabouts. Calculating the time, it was exactly when you came to Yuexi, passing by each other without meeting.”

Li Weiyang’s calm eyes produced an aggressively brilliant gleam. “Him? If this is truly so, it really shouldn’t be… What reason would he have to help Tuoba Yu?”

Yuan Lie’s eyes and brows were bright and clear. “I thought the same thing. Why would Empress Pei help Tuoba Yu ascend the throne? But Ying Chu is Empress Pei’s trusted confidant—he wouldn’t easily leave her side. Even he was dispatched, so perhaps when he went to Dali initially, it wasn’t to support Tuoba Yu but to kill you!”

Li Weiyang pondered briefly and said in a low voice, “Calculating the time, when he went to Dali, it’s extremely likely he went to kill me. Only, why then support someone he shouldn’t be supporting? But later… Empress Pei and Tuoba Yu might have reached some agreement, which is why she had Ying Chu help him seize the throne.”

Yuan Lie sighed. “A prince who has lost power can’t give Empress Pei anything, but once he ascends as Emperor, the situation will reverse dramatically. Last time you entered the palace, did Empress Pei reveal any clues?”

Li Weiyang smiled gently. “It seems you still don’t understand this Empress Pei. That day I threatened her using the Crown Prince’s weak points. Though she was extremely furious in her heart, her facial expression showed no change whatsoever—clearly her thoughts run extremely deep. Thinking carefully, Tuoba Yu is a chess piece that was laid out long ago. She never revealed it, which truly makes one’s heart run cold.”

Yuan Lie furrowed his brow tightly. “Is she supporting Tuoba Yu to target us?”

Li Weiyang smiled gently. “Not necessarily. We don’t have that much influence yet. However, I think these two matters must be somewhat related. Previously, this arrangement wasn’t targeting us—now that may not be certain.”

Yuan Lie sat in the chair beside Li Weiyang, saying calmly, “Empress Pei plans deeply and far ahead, and is so cunning. We must take timely precautions.”

Li Weiyang’s expression lifted slightly, her eyes like flowing waves. “What do you think we can do to prevent it?”

Yuan Lie had already made up his mind. “Weiyang, you seem extremely clever, but occasionally have moments of confusion. Given the current situation, if we still don’t take action, we can only sit and await death!”

Li Weiyang laughed lightly. “Sit and await death? You speak too gravely. It’s not as dire as you say.” Even if action were needed, it wouldn’t be a matter of a moment or two. If Empress Pei were truly so easy to deal with, why would the Emperor have kept her until today?

“There are many such matters. The Guo family’s influence is now too great. The Emperor fears their capabilities, so he uses high official positions and generous rewards to tie the Guo family up on a high shelf to control their power. You must be cautious. Empress Pei is precisely utilizing the Emperor’s mentality to restrain the Guo family. Now Tuoba Yu has ascended. Think about the old grievances between you two. When this person frees his hands, will he easily let you go? If Empress Pei uses this point to stir up trouble, I’m afraid we’ll both be in danger!”

Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change. “Father doesn’t form factions, doesn’t curry favor with superiors, doesn’t act against his conscience—he’s truly an upright person. The other members of the Guo family have the same temperament as him. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together—that’s the principle. My actions are too ruthlessly underhanded, not favored by the righteous path, so I also don’t want to go too far. Moreover, what kind of person is Empress Pei? The slightest move I make will probably be seen through by her. In the current situation, movement is not as good as stillness. As long as we find the right breakthrough point, perhaps there will still be a bright turn.”

Before they finished speaking, they heard Guo Dao coming from outside, his face showing a trace of anxiety. “Have you heard? A major incident has occurred!”

Li Weiyang and Yuan Lie both looked toward Guo Dao. Behind him followed Guo Cheng and Guo Dun, their expressions equally grave.

Li Weiyang’s expression was open and sincere, without the slightest panic or unease. “Are you talking about the matter of the Seventh Prince of Dali, Tuoba Yu, ascending the throne?” Guo Dao shook his head. “Not just that. Do you know Dali and Dazhou have formed an alliance!”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s eyes grew even brighter. “Dali and Dazhou have formed an alliance—what’s this about?”

Guo Dao’s expression was also very puzzled. He pondered and said, “I also find it very strange. Yuexi and Dazhou have always been sworn enemies with a very poor relationship. Due to the grassland dispute, they eye each other like tigers, and a battle is inevitable sooner or later. But Dali has always maintained neutrality, keeping a neither-far-nor-close relationship with both Yuexi and Dazhou, not getting too close to either. Precisely because of this, Yuexi avoided being attacked from both front and rear. Yet this time after Tuoba Yu ascended, his first act was to send an alliance proposal to Dazhou’s ruler, intending for the two nations to ally. Do you know what this means?”

Of course Li Weiyang understood what this meant. Tuoba Yu was preparing to ally with Dazhou to jointly deal with Yuexi. For Yuexi’s Emperor and people, this was extremely bad news! She sighed softly. “Tuoba Yu’s move truly surprises me somewhat. He just ascended—the domestic situation is probably still unstable. Why is he so eager to ally with Dazhou and become enemies with Yuexi? Isn’t this very strange?”

Guo Dao laughed coldly. “His doing this isn’t actually strange. If he continues maintaining neutrality, he fears Yuexi will interfere in his internal affairs. Better to ally with Dazhou. If Yuexi dares move against Dali, then Dazhou will attack from the south. This way, with Yuexi defending enemies on two fronts, how could they possibly wage war? Naturally they’ll have no time to meddle in Dali’s internal affairs. This way his throne becomes more secure, doesn’t it?”

Li Weiyang gently shook her head. She didn’t know why, but she always felt things weren’t so simple. Li Weiyang had always understood Tuoba Yu’s every move very well—what he wanted to do, was going to do, would do—Li Weiyang could guess it all. But after such a long time apart, people change. Was the current Tuoba Yu still the same as before? Li Weiyang didn’t dare be certain. What role exactly did Empress Pei play in this drama? What was her purpose in supporting Tuoba Yu’s ascension—could it be just to become enemies with Yuexi? Li Weiyang thought left and right but momentarily couldn’t find any thread. Yuan Lie looked at Guo Dao, his expression gaining three degrees of interest. “Does this mean His Majesty has already learned of this news? What was his reaction?”

Guo Dao’s expression was grave. “His Majesty was naturally filled with towering fury. He immediately had the envoy Dali sent to our country executed. Not only that, he also immediately issued an expulsion order.”

Li Weiyang showed a trace of surprise. “Expulsion order—what does that mean?”

Guo Dao, who usually loved to smile, rarely showed a trace of worry. “His Majesty has issued a decree—all Dali people in Yuexi must be expelled from the country within half a month.”

Yuan Lie couldn’t believe it. “All Dali people? What kind of scope is this? Is His Majesty clear about it?”

Guo Cheng sighed softly. “This includes the envoys Dali stationed in Yuexi, as well as Dali people serving as officials in Yuexi, and also those merchants traveling everywhere. In other words, the mutual trade between Yuexi and Dali will end. Whether for us or for Dali, this is a far-reaching matter.”

Li Weiyang’s expression became grave for the first time. She strung the entire matter together in her mind, then gently turned her gaze to Yuan Lie. “What do you think of this matter?”

Yuan Lie’s thoughts raced. “I’ll immediately enter the palace to clarify His Majesty’s intentions.” As he spoke, he had already stood up. After greeting Guo Dao and the others, he was about to turn and leave.

Li Weiyang suddenly called out to him. “Yuan Lie, you need to think about this matter more carefully.”

Yuan Lie turned around, looking at Li Weiyang somewhat puzzled. Li Weiyang reminded him, “Before you understand the other party’s true intentions, I advise you not to act rashly. Empress Pei first sent someone to support Tuoba Yu’s ascension, then had Dali ally with Dazhou, completely isolating Yuexi. What she wants to do isn’t merely expel Dali people—this truly doesn’t make sense!”

Yuan Lie naturally also knew Empress Pei doing this must involve major moves. Hearing Li Weiyang’s advice, he only nodded slightly. “Weiyang, rest assured. I know what to do.” As he spoke, he had already turned to leave. Li Weiyang watched his retreating figure, revealing a thoughtful expression.

Guo Cheng said seriously, “Jia’er, don’t you feel the entire matter reeks of conspiracy?”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, her expression composed. “Naturally so. I just don’t know to what degree she must go before she’ll be satisfied.”

Hearing this, Guo Dun and Guo Dao’s expressions both flashed with worry. Guo Dao pondered for a while before speaking. “I thought after last time’s incident, Empress Pei would at least show some restraint. Never did I imagine she’d still be so scheming and devious—truly an old witch!”

Li Weiyang looked at him, her expression calm. “Fourth Brother’s matter was just giving us a show of force. Now her confidant Ying Chu is definitely working tirelessly, trying every means to topple the Guo family. The key is what connection these two matters have—I can’t think of it at the moment. Setting this matter aside for now, Fifth Brother, how many Dali people are in Yuexi?”

Guo Dao thought carefully and said, “These years Yuexi and Dali have traded with each other, even had many intermarriages. Many Dali people do business in Yuexi, and there are also Dali people serving as officials in Yuexi. Add those traveling merchants and their descendants—this expulsion probably involves over a thousand people.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but be startled by this number. “Over a thousand people with families being expelled from Yuexi—this is a major matter. The Emperor didn’t even convene court officials to discuss it but directly issued such an order. Clearly Tuoba Yu truly enraged him! Has the date for expulsion been set?”

Guo Dao immediately replied, “Starting immediately, half a month’s time. If these Dali people still don’t leave the capital, His Majesty will issue an execution order with absolutely no mercy.”

Guo Dun was somewhat worried. “Will Sister’s identity cause problems? She also came from Dali…”

Li Weiyang laughed. “I’m a young lady of the Guo family, registered in the clan records. Who can do anything to me? Should everyone who’s been to Dali be killed?”

Guo Cheng thought the same. He couldn’t help smiling. “Fourth Brother, rest assured. Sister won’t have any problems. But others—ah, I’m afraid they won’t have it easy.”

Guo Cheng’s prediction wasn’t wrong. From when the Emperor issued the decree, the expulsion order allowed no delays and the conditions were extremely harsh. Every Dali person leaving the capital was restricted from taking excessive wealth. It could be said they were not only expelled from the country but robbed until destitute! Many of them had accumulated years of wealth in Yuexi that turned to nothing, suddenly completely stripped away. If bandits had robbed them, they could still resist, appeal, seek help. But sadly, the real source was that their monarch had become enemies with Yuexi, forcing them to be expelled. So they had no choice but to swallow their anger and remain silent about this painful experience.

Li Weiyang stood in a wine house silently watching the procession leaving the capital—a scene she thought she would never forget in her lifetime. Because the numbers were so large, they had to leave the city in batches. This one contingent alone had several hundred people. They were being expelled by the Imperial Guards. Many walked while crying, yet those Imperial Guards showed no sympathy whatsoever. Clubs and whips fell frequently, shouting loudly for them to hurry. The entire procession stretched for several miles. Everyone dragged families along, carrying children—the situation was as tragic as fleeing disaster with hardly any difference.

Due to limited space, both sides of the road were packed with people watching the spectacle. The crowd pushed and shoved each other, cursing, and some even took advantage to loot. Li Weiyang watched this scene and couldn’t help sighing softly. When the nest is overturned, how can any eggs remain intact? The Emperor taking such action completely severed relations with Dali. The two nations would likely erupt in warfare.

Yuan Lie took a deep breath, looking at Li Weiyang’s profile, saying softly, “Weiyang, are you saddened for them?”

Li Weiyang lowered her eyes. “These people long ago left their homeland to settle peacefully here. Many left their ancestral lands—with great difficulty accumulating great wealth. Having done business for many years in vain, just like this expelled overnight. Their land, servants, homes, wealth all plundered clean. It seems the Ministry of Revenue and the national treasury made a huge fortune. This money… will be used to expand military preparations in the future.”

Yuan Lie heard Li Weiyang speak to the key point and smiled. “Yes, I see His Majesty’s intention is exactly this. He’s using wealth created by Dali to turn around and deal with them. His heart couldn’t be more ruthless.”

Li Weiyang frowned gently. “Actually, I don’t approve of His Majesty’s actions. Though these people originally came from Dali, they’ve lived in Yuexi for many years and have all contributed to Yuexi’s prosperity. Now suddenly expelling them will only worsen relations between the two nations while easily stirring up public resentment. Haven’t you noticed many of them are dragging families along? This shows some of them have already married, had children, and settled peacefully in Yuexi. His Majesty suddenly issuing the expulsion order forces these people to take their wives and children away together. Some people also have Yuexi blood—why be so heartless? You can see many Yuexi women crying and begging their husbands not to leave, and abandoned children are everywhere. The surrounding common people seeing them off—at least half are filled with sympathy for them and dissatisfaction with His Majesty… At the necessary time, this sentiment will trigger a very serious crisis. If not properly channeled, it will become unrest.”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly. “Empress Pei calculated His Majesty’s nature precisely, knowing he’s an extremely hot-tempered person who can’t forgive betrayal. Originally, relations between Dali and Yuexi were good. This time suddenly allying with Dazhou behind Yuexi’s back—for the Emperor, this is an extremely humiliating matter. Naturally he had to take retaliatory action. Perhaps he clearly knew such actions would lose popular support yet still did it, showing how stubborn and violent this person is at heart.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang only looked calmly toward the teeming crowds. “Perhaps this is exactly what Empress Pei wanted to see. I heard she even advised the Emperor to have my father serve as the official supervising execution of the expulsion order.”

Yuan Lie was startled, showing three degrees of surprise. “I’ve also heard of this matter. Didn’t Duke Qi decline?”

Li Weiyang shook her head. “Father strongly opposed His Majesty’s expulsion order and naturally refused to execute it. He only claimed illness and didn’t attend court. Later this task fell to General of Zhendong Wang Qiong. Speaking of which, it’s quite laughable—a general who doesn’t go fight battles but is dispatched to supervise whether these weak old people, women, and children have been expelled. Don’t you find it very interesting?”

Yuan Lie’s handsome face appeared extremely cold in the sunlight. “This shows Empress Pei not only has her eye on the Guo family but also the Wang clan. Your two families are now tied to the same rope—no one can escape.”

At that moment, they heard a round of applause from outside. Both Li Weiyang and Yuan Lie were slightly shocked. Zhao Yue drew her long sword, but heard someone outside laugh lightly. “You two needn’t be nervous. Just now outside hearing Prince Xu’s pompous speech, we both deeply agree. Might we be permitted to enter for a discussion?”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang nodded to Zhao Yue, who immediately admitted the two people from outside. It was Wang Ji and the long-unseen Wang Zijin. Wang Zijin wore a pale green dress and smiled slightly as she stepped through the door, her figure still graceful and shapely, her face touched with faint rouge, her entire person looking radiant. She walked forward slowly and bowed to both. “You two, I’ve intruded presumptuously.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze fell on the other’s face, but she remained impassive. “I didn’t expect to meet Miss Wang here. Since we parted in the palace, it’s been a month since we last met.”

Wang Zijin’s smile seemed to have less sharpness but more composure. She walked to the chair beside her with a smile, saying calmly, “Miss Guo, you don’t mind if we sit down to talk?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes were indifferent, her voice somewhat casual. “Serve tea.”

Zhao Yue immediately saw to it. Soon a maid gracefully entered and served two cups of tea. Wang Zijin and Wang Ji sat down gently. Wang Zijin spoke. “I already knew Miss Guo would come watch these people being expelled today.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze fell again on the main street below the wine house, her expression seeming to hold some compassion. “I only heard of this matter so came to see. Isn’t Miss Wang equally concerned?”

Wang Zijin’s beautiful eyes held a trace of light smile. “I’m naturally not as concerned with state affairs and worried about the nation and people as Miss Guo. Today we came here specifically to find you.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes held pinpoints of starlight, her expression indifferent. “I thought after parting in the palace, Miss Wang would never want to see me again.”

Wang Zijin sighed softly, her beautiful face revealing a trace of dimness. “After last time’s incident, I’ve already realized the gap between myself and Miss Guo. In the future, I won’t presumptuously compare myself with you. After all, you and I each have our strengths. There’s really no great conflict between us. Though we formed a grudge due to Prince Xu’s matter, from my true heart, I’ve never felt disgust toward Miss Guo—only some unwillingness.”

Li Weiyang hadn’t expected Wang Zijin would speak these words so candidly. She smiled lightly. “Is Miss Wang being so frank because you have something important to tell me?”

A sense of admiration suddenly surged in Wang Ji’s heart. No matter how dire the situation, Guo Jia could always remain calm and composed, think matters through more deeply, and hit the nail on the head—making even him as a man feel ashamed of his inferiority.

Wang Zijin glanced at Wang Ji, seeming somewhat hesitant to speak.

Yuan Lie saw everything and said calmly, “You two have come to form an alliance this time?”

Yuan Lie only showed exceptional tenderness toward Guo Jia. Toward others, he was very cold and aloof, even bizarrely eccentric. He never left people any face when speaking. Wang Ji’s face showed slight embarrassment. “Yes, we’ve indeed come to form an alliance this time.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes suddenly brightened intensely, holding a floating smile. “Has the Wang family already forgotten the deaths of two young masters?”

Wang Zijin’s voice held no trace of gloom. “This matter will be remembered in our hearts forever—we will never forget it no matter what! But we also know the true culprit isn’t the Guo family but Empress Pei. Originally, the Wang family didn’t want to make things difficult for the Pei clan, but Empress Pei went too far. To incite conflict between the Guo and Wang families, she didn’t hesitate to sacrifice my two elder brothers’ lives. How can we be friends with such a vicious person? She actively forced us step by step to draw closer to the Guo family—how can we be blamed!”

Said very nicely—essentially they were stimulated by this expulsion order incident. Li Weiyang smiled calmly. “Miss Wang once betrayed the Guo family. Do you think I’ll trust you?”

Wang Zijin smiled very peacefully. She seemed confident of Li Weiyang’s thoughts, only saying quietly, “How could Miss Guo be such a narrow-minded person? Though the Wang family lost two sons, our most important strength remains. With my uncle supporting us, the Wang family won’t fall. The Guo family is the same. As long as Duke Qi lives one day, Empress Pei can’t do anything to you. This being so, if our two families can unite to jointly deal with Empress Pei, surely our chances of victory will be much greater than fighting alone.”

Li Weiyang shook her head and sighed. “I’m afraid matters aren’t as easy as Miss Wang says.”

Hearing this, Wang Zijin showed a surprised expression. “I’ve never seen Miss Guo so worried. Has something happened recently?”

Li Weiyang glanced at Wang Zijin. In the other’s eyes, she saw sincerity and an indescribable complexity. The Wang family originally hoped to have the Guo and Pei clans fight while they reaped the benefits. Now they’d already been forced to the point they couldn’t sit still. They had to jump out—this was Empress Pei forcing them, not Li Weiyang actively extending an olive branch… Thinking this, Li Weiyang only said in a calm tone, “That Lord Ying beside Empress Pei—how much does Miss Wang understand about him?”

Hearing Ying Chu’s name, Wang Zijin’s eyes revealed a trace of disgust. “This person can be said to be Empress Pei’s confidant. His weight in Empress Pei’s heart seems to even faintly exceed the Crown Prince. I’ve heard Empress Pei heeds his every word, while he is extremely loyal. Over these years, he’s done many bad things for the Empress. Those sinister matters are mostly completed by him. This person’s greatest ability is devising strategies and those devious arts.” Speaking to here, she paused slightly, then looked toward Li Weiyang and smiled. “Miss Guo, I’m not talking about you.”

Li Weiyang remained calm as clouds and wind. “I naturally know Miss Wang isn’t talking about me. My tolerance isn’t that narrow. Please continue.”

The other party was completely indifferent, making her seem petty instead. Wang Zijin sighed inwardly before continuing, “Just one year ago, a case occurred in the capital… The Marquis of Jiangxia at that time had always been at odds with Empress Pei. He once offended Empress Pei in public and even privately advised His Majesty to depose the Empress. One can imagine he was a thorn in Empress Pei’s side. Ying Chu’s methods were vicious, his heart like a snake or scorpion. He fabricated many malicious charges and not only accused that Marquis but also caused a large number of imperial clan members who pleaded for the Marquis of Jiangxia to lose their heads due to implication. This case caused a sensation at the time!”

Actually, Wang Zijin wasn’t in the capital then either. What she said was very simple. Wang Ji beside her supplemented, “I heard this Ying Chu recruited a batch of hooligans throughout Yuexi. Whoever he wanted to bring down, he’d have these people collectively accuse them, ultimately putting his enemies to death—this is the so-called fabrication of charges. Everyone says the wronged souls killed by Ying Chu block the roads. He’s a national traitor and public menace. One can imagine the great role Empress Pei played in keeping him alive to this day.”

Wang Zijin paused briefly before saying, “Not only that—his methods of killing were also extremely vicious. He most enjoyed gouging out people’s eyes, flaying their skin, even removing their internal organs. Such scenes, once witnessed, are extremely shocking. Even the Emperor is somewhat wary of Ying Chu.”

Li Weiyang finally showed some interest. “His Majesty?”

Wang Zijin smiled. “His Majesty is wary of him because this Ying Chu is also a witch doctor.”

“Witch doctor?” Hearing these two words, Li Weiyang couldn’t help glancing at Yuan Lie. The so-called witch doctors practiced a kind of witchcraft from the Southern Barbarians, naturally different from ordinary imperial physicians.

Wang Ji nodded. “Indeed so. I heard he presented His Majesty with a prescription that can relieve headaches, but it must be taken regularly. Think about it—if His Majesty killed this person, no one else could prepare this prescription. At that time, His Majesty would probably go mad from headaches. This is the real reason he’s always tolerated this person—also Ying Chu’s life-preserving talisman.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang couldn’t help shaking her head. “It seems this Ying Chu is also quite an interesting person.”

Wang Zijin sighed. “Precisely because he’s hard to deal with, the Guo and Wang families need to join hands, not letting the other side exploit an opening to catch us all in one net. Though I was wrong before, I also hope Miss Guo won’t hold past grudges and we can weather this difficult time together.”

Li Weiyang didn’t speak for a long time. Just when Wang Zijin was almost holding her breath, Li Weiyang laughed. That laughter was light and soft, making one’s heart feel warm. “Since Miss Wang has said so, I’ll give you a straightforward answer.” As she spoke, she had already raised her teacup and said to Wang Zijin, “Using tea in place of wine—may our cooperation succeed!”

Hearing this, Wang Zijin finally breathed a sigh of relief. She likewise raised her teacup and lightly touched it to Li Weiyang’s. Her smile bloomed at this moment, appearing especially beautiful. “I hope Miss Guo won’t forget your promise. When the day comes to defeat Empress Pei, the Guo and Wang families will jointly control the court.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang only smiled faintly but didn’t say much more.

Yuan Lie listened from the side, his face instantly shrouded in dark clouds. Wang Zijin’s tone was too ambitious—actually wanting to divide the realm in two. Did she think the Emperor was a vegetarian? Even if they eliminated Empress Pei and the Crown Prince, it wouldn’t necessarily be Prince Jing who ascended. There were still Prince Qin and the others. At that time, who would become Emperor was still uncertain! Wang Zijin was already so impatient—could she already have some plan… Thinking this, Yuan Lie’s gaze couldn’t help but deepen.

Having achieved her purpose, Wang Zijin stood up and smiled slightly. “I’ve said what needed saying. Miss Guo, I’ll take my leave.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly and nodded slightly. “Safe travels. I won’t see you out.”

Watching them leave through the door, Yuan Lie said softly, “Do you truly trust her?”

What did trust mean? Li Weiyang would never trust such outsiders. However clever Wang Zijin was, this cooperation at least wasn’t fake. Li Weiyang smiled. “Truth within falsehood, falsehood within truth. Though Wang Zijin may not be fully trustworthy, under Empress Pei’s offensive, she can’t sit still either. She needs my help, just as I need her.”

Only then did Yuan Lie feel relieved. He suddenly remembered something and deliberately reminded her, “I heard Ying Chu and the Crown Prince’s relationship isn’t very good. Perhaps we can use this point.”

Li Weiyang seemed to hear of this for the first time, somewhat surprised. “Why is that?”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly. “I’m not very clear on palace secrets either. I only heard that every time Ying Chu sees Empress Pei, the Crown Prince immediately leaves. It seems he doesn’t much like the Empress’s favorite minister. Speaking of which, Ying Chu is also too arrogant—he’s not very respectful toward the Crown Prince either. No wonder the other dislikes him.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s expression held an additional trace of deep thought. “You’re right. This is very good news for us.”

At that moment, a commotion suddenly arose in the crowd below. A woman was pushed to the ground. Her hair was disheveled, her form thin and weak, seemingly crying inconsolably. Li Weiyang looked down from her high position but couldn’t make out the other’s features. She didn’t intend to meddle in others’ business, but saw those Imperial Guards becoming even more arrogant—the whip had already fallen on that woman’s back. At the critical moment, a fiery red figure suddenly rushed out, calling out delicately, “Stop right now!”

Li Weiyang frowned slightly and recognized at a glance that the woman downstairs was Princess Ali. She saw Princess Ali wave her hand to rebuke them, then personally help the woman up. Turning around, she actually brought her upstairs with her. Li Weiyang smiled faintly. “Ali really is meddlesome—not even finding out this woman’s identity before bringing her to the wine house!”

Yuan Lie smiled. “If you didn’t care about her, you wouldn’t bother with her.”

This was joking that she was stubborn yet soft-hearted. Li Weiyang laughed. “Being naive also depends on the timing. I hope she hasn’t rescued the wrong person!” Just then, Princess Ali had already rushed in. That fiery red hem flashed, as if bringing in threads of golden sunlight, making her seem several degrees brighter. Behind her followed the young woman in tattered clothes.

Li Weiyang glanced casually and froze on the spot. Yuan Lie followed her gaze and his expression was also extremely shocked, because at this moment, he also recognized who this woman was.

That woman seemed to be electrocuted—her body trembled slightly. Her hand paused in mid-air, clutching her collar. After a long while, she released it in a daze. Yet her face was snow-white, her eye sockets filled with tears, her lips also trembling. She wanted to say something but couldn’t make a sound, clearly excited to the extreme.

Li Weiyang was slightly dazed before smiling brilliantly. “So it’s an old friend. It’s been a long time, Imperial Consort Lian.”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Lian didn’t know where the courage came from. She quickly walked over and prostrated herself at Li Weiyang’s feet, no longer concealing her inner excitement. “Weiyang, I’ve finally found you! If I’d been one step later, I probably wouldn’t have had any life left!”

This scene was quite sudden. Princess Ali listened in a daze.

Meeting an old friend should be a happy thing, but given the circumstances, it truly shocked one’s heart. Li Weiyang couldn’t help frowning. “Imperial Consort Lian should be staying in the palace now. Why would she suddenly run to Yuexi?”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Lian’s heart pounded. “Isn’t it all because of that Tuoba Yu!”

Li Weiyang helped her up and ordered Zhao Yue to fetch a clean handkerchief. She gently wiped away her tears before asking softly, “Imperial Consort Lian needn’t be anxious. Tell me the matter carefully.”

Imperial Consort Lian wiped away her tears, her voice somewhat heavy. “Originally I thought Tuoba Yu was an ally, so I kept helping him. But he didn’t live up to expectations—he failed to win the throne. After that, I no longer had dealings with him. Later, somehow, he suddenly contacted me again, saying he hoped I would speak well of him before the Emperor. Not only that, he also wanted to borrow my hand to present the Emperor with a snuff box.”

Li Weiyang frowned gently. “Borrow your hand to present a snuff box—why wouldn’t he present it to the Emperor himself?”

Imperial Consort Lian glanced around, seeming somewhat vigilant. Li Weiyang smiled. “Everyone here is one of us. No need to be nervous.” Imperial Consort Lian ultimately couldn’t help it. She said through gritted teeth, “Because that snuff box was haunted! I had someone secretly investigate it. Inside was a chronic poison. Clearly his purpose wasn’t to please His Majesty but to commit patricide and seize the throne!”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang and Yuan Lie exchanged a glance: Though Tuoba Yu’s scheming mind ran deep, he was absolutely not that kind of person. How could he inexplicably want to kill the Emperor?

They heard Imperial Consort Lian drink a mouthful of tea before seeming to recover and continuing, “After Weiyang, you left the capital, the Seventh Prince’s circumstances were never very good. His Majesty didn’t trust him, the Crown Prince was wary of him, court officials distanced themselves from him, and even his trusted confidants betrayed him one after another! Precisely because of this, his nature became so strange that even I can’t fathom him. So when he sent the snuff box, I absolutely didn’t dare present it to His Majesty. I secretly hid the snuff box, hoping this matter would end there. After all, I once had an alliance with him. Though I didn’t want to help him kill His Majesty, I also didn’t want to become enemies because of it.”

Li Weiyang heard her say this and already understood. Imperial Consort Lian worried that pushing Tuoba Yu too far would instead make him reveal that she had once conspired with him—this was also human nature. Imperial Consort Lian sighed gently. “But who knew he would resent me for this… Not long after, His Majesty still died—died in Beauty Zhang’s palace, and his death was very suspicious.”

Li Weiyang had always been very interested in this matter, but palace secrets were beyond her knowledge. Being far away in Yuexi with poor information, hearing Imperial Consort Lian say this, she instinctively pressed, “How did His Majesty die?”

Imperial Consort Lian took a deep breath. “He was strangled to death by Beauty Zhang and over a dozen palace maids working together.”

Li Weiyang gently shook her head. No one could have imagined that the grand Emperor of Dali, that cunningly calculating old fox, would actually die at the hands of a group of powerless women!

Yuan Lie was obviously extremely surprised. “What about the Crown Prince?”

The Crown Prince Yuan Lie mentioned was naturally the Eighth Prince. Hearing him ask this, Imperial Consort Lian’s body seemed to tremble. “After His Majesty died, the Crown Prince had to keep vigil for him. According to regulations, he had to keep watch for three days and nights, only able to drink thin gruel during those three days. On the third day, before the Crown Prince could drink that mouthful of gruel, he suddenly vomited blood and died suddenly. Afterward, imperial physicians investigated repeatedly but couldn’t find anything, because during those three days, the Crown Prince consumed nothing but thin gruel and no one came near him. They simply didn’t know how he was poisoned.”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly. “No one poisoned the Crown Prince’s side, but what about His Majesty’s relics?”

Hearing this, Imperial Consort Lian sharply raised her head to look at Li Weiyang, as if remembering something. “Right! After His Majesty died, Tuoba Yu once entered the palace. At that time, he said he hoped to keep a memento and took one of His Majesty’s garments. Later, the Crown Prince learned of it and was displeased, ordering people to retrieve it. Hearing you say this, he must have tampered with it!”

Li Weiyang nodded. “Imperial Consort Lian, after Tuoba Yu ascended, how did you end up fleeing here?”

Imperial Consort Lian’s body was now covered in filth, her face also smeared with black ash—clearly she didn’t want others to recognize her. She shook her head and sighed. “Previously I refused to help him murder His Majesty and knew the snuff box’s secret. Naturally he wouldn’t easily spare me. From the day the Crown Prince died suddenly, I had some suspicion. I packed my valuables in advance and, taking advantage of his being busy handling the aftermath of His Majesty’s and the Crown Prince’s funeral affairs with no time to attend to me, I escaped from the palace all the way. But on the road, I became separated from Xu’er.”

The Xu’er Imperial Consort Lian mentioned was her young son Tuoba Xu. Hearing this, Li Weiyang paused briefly before saying, “Then Imperial Consort Lian, what about the maids at your side?”

Imperial Consort Lian’s eyes revealed a trace of resentment. “When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. These duplicitous servants knew I’d lost power—their first act was to betray me! Not only that, they also stole the gold and silver treasures on me. Fortunately, I’d hidden some jewelry beforehand, otherwise there would have been absolutely no way to reach Yuexi!”

Li Weiyang seemed somewhat puzzled. “How did Imperial Consort Lian know I was in Yuexi?”

Indeed, just now Imperial Consort Lian’s first words upon seeing Li Weiyang were “I’ve finally found you”—wasn’t this very strange? Li Weiyang had been in Yuexi so long, yet never had Dali people found their way here. Imperial Consort Lian wasn’t surprised though. She spoke, “Weiyang, you probably don’t know yet—Tuoba Yu already knows you’ve become Duke Qi’s daughter.”

Li Weiyang frowned gently. “Are you saying he’s been watching me all along?”

Imperial Consort Lian nodded solemnly. “Yes! He’s been watching you all along. Moreover, I think his feelings toward you haven’t faded. I don’t know how he learned of it, but that day when His Majesty passed away, I indeed heard him arguing with Princess Pingting. Princess Pingting even said Li Weiyang is in Yuexi—this matter can’t be hidden from others. Tuoba Yu said this matter had nothing to do with her. When the two argued, there was pushing and shoving. Princess Pingting was even injured. This matter left a very deep impression in my mind—I couldn’t have remembered wrong! Moreover, I have no more relatives to depend on. Those friends I was close with, once they learned Tuoba Yu wanted to kill me, avoided me like the plague. So I came here to try my luck, hoping Weiyang you might remember old sentiments and help me find Xu’er.”

Li Weiyang sighed softly. “Imperial Consort Lian helped me greatly in the past. Naturally I won’t forget. For the sake of past affection, I’ll do my utmost to help you search. Rest assured.”

Imperial Consort Lian immediately breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes filled with infinite gratitude. “In that case, many thanks first.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze fell on the crowds below, not knowing what she was thinking. Imperial Consort Lian suddenly stood up. “I know my presence is a trouble for you. Just now entering the city, I heard about the expulsion order. After all, I’m a Dali person—it’s inconvenient to remain in the city. I can go hide outside the city and wait for your news.”

Li Weiyang turned her head to look at the other’s tattered clothes. “This matter is probably improper. Imperial Consort Lian’s identity is special. If caught, you’d be a Dali spy. Think about it—now Yuexi’s Emperor wants to expel all Dali people. This doesn’t just target the capital city alone. Even if you hide in the suburbs, what use is it? If caught, won’t you still be arrested as a spy!”

Princess Ali heard this and seemed to already understand. She quickly said, “Jia’er, let’s bring this young lady back to the Guo estate to hide. There are many underground passages in the estate—most suitable for hiding people and not easily discovered. Have you forgotten about Second Brother Guo’s matter last time?”

Li Weiyang glanced at Princess Ali, who immediately fell silent. She also knew not asking questions before bringing people up was quite improper. But after all, she was kind-hearted. Seeing Imperial Consort Lian was a weak woman with nothing on her person and not seeming like a bad person, she wanted to bring her up to give her some gold and silver so she could continue searching for relatives. She never imagined the relative she sought was Li Weiyang right before her eyes. This was truly too surprising! At this moment, she didn’t dare say more, only mumbling, “Jia’er, you won’t blame me for meddling, will you?”

You are indeed meddling, but this time it’s extremely useful! Li Weiyang thought to herself, but on her face only smiled slightly. “Since that’s so, I’ll trouble Imperial Consort Lian to return to the Guo Family with me.”