In the following days, Consort Lian appeared sullen and unhappy. Li Weiyang watched but acted as if she didn’t see, not asking a single extra question, as if completely uninterested.

Yuan Lie was extremely clever. Seeing Li Weiyang’s lowered eyes, he knew she must be plotting something in her heart. He merely became even more attentive and solicitous, ordering people to quickly bring in another batch of dancers to perform. Yet no matter how good the atmosphere in the private room was, or how spectacular the dancers’ performances were, Consort Lian remained thoroughly melancholic throughout.

Leaving the banquet and returning to the carriage, Zhao Yue offered two cups of tea. Li Weiyang took a sip, then raised her eyes to see Leng Lian merely holding her teacup, lost in thought about something, her appearance abstracted. Li Weiyang smiled: “You’ve been sullen since earlier. I wonder what the reason is?”

Leng Lian hadn’t expected the other woman to suddenly speak. She started in alarm, raised her head to look at her, and said awkwardly: “It’s nothing. I just recalled some past matters and felt somewhat emotional, that’s all.”

Li Weiyang acted as if unaware of her thoughts: “The world originally has no troubles—people create their own worries. I thought perhaps you saw the Crown Prince’s elegant bearing and accidentally stirred your mortal heart!”

Li Weiyang’s words carried not a trace of mockery, but to Leng Lian’s ears, they were shocking. She stared at the other woman in astonishment for quite some time without speaking, her beautiful eyes revealing uncertain suspicion. After a long while, her expression slowly softened, and she forced out a smile: “Jia’er, don’t tease me. I’ve been married and already given birth to a child—I’m merely a faded beauty. How would I dare harbor thoughts about the Crown Prince?”

As she said this, Li Weiyang merely smiled lightly. Was there such a heavenly beautiful faded beauty in the world? If Leng Lian truly hadn’t stirred her thoughts, why had she been so sullen just now? If, when she brought up this topic, Leng Lian had reacted like an ordinary widow being tempted—immediately furious or refusing at once—that would prove she was unmoved. But acting this way showed she was desperately restraining her inner emotions, pretending not to care, yet her restless, eager eyes had already betrayed everything.

Li Weiyang leisurely held her teacup, half-reclining against the cushion behind her, her smile warm: “Leng Lian, you and I have been friends for many years. What can’t you say in front of me?”

Leng Lian lowered her eyes. She was thinking—Li Weiyang was a very clever person. Back then, her every action had been within the other woman’s calculations. Without her support, it would have been impossible to establish a foothold in the palace so quickly. But now? She was no longer the princess of the past, but rather the eldest daughter of Duke Qi’s estate. Even if she extended help, would she dare accept it? Nothing in this world came without a price to pay. Could she afford that price? Thinking this, she smiled: “Let’s speak plainly—I understand very well what your behavior toward me these past days has meant. Just now, my actions also showed you my thoughts. Need we say it explicitly?”

Clever people were indeed clever. Li Weiyang smiled faintly. If it were someone else, she might have had to expend considerable effort, but Leng Lian was after all extraordinary. She didn’t hide her ambition and vanity at all. Such a woman was much better than those who put on airs. What was wrong with loving wealth and status? Why be ashamed to admit it? Indeed, very few women in this world could resist wonderful prospects. Following Yuexi’s Crown Prince and enjoying such honor would be far better than being a Dali dowager consort. Leng Lian truly knew how to choose and had sufficient courage and confidence.

Li Weiyang gently set her teacup on the small table beside her, then said calmly: “Since you’ve already admitted your feelings, I won’t beat around the bush. I can help you, only…” Before she finished her words, Leng Lian had already widened her pair of lovely, moving eyes, quietly gazing at Li Weiyang: “Only you have conditions, don’t you?”

Indeed, no need to go in circles—say one sentence and the other person knew what you were talking about. Li Weiyang’s smile became even more clear and beautiful, her tone light: “In one thing I’m like you—I don’t believe in fate, which is why we can talk together! Nothing in this world comes without a price. Leng Lian, haven’t you known this all along?”

Leng Lian said: “I’m not afraid of any price! Since this world won’t give me a path to walk, I’ll carve one out myself. I don’t believe that after sacrificing so much, I’ll end up with nothing!” To Leng Lian, she’d indeed sold out Li Weiyang for glory and wealth—but so what? In their kind of people’s view, friends were meant to be used. When a person had no use value, you kicked them aside. But as long as they shared common goals, they could happily sit down for tea together and be friends again, couldn’t they? Leng Lian believed this was true of herself, and also of Li Weiyang. They were both typical utilitarians.

Li Weiyang indeed smiled: “It seems you’re quite confident about approaching the Crown Prince.”

Leng Lian smiled gracefully: “Living in the palace for so long, I haven’t gained other skills, but I do have some confidence in reading people. Just now, the Crown Prince’s gaze at me clearly showed stirred thoughts. I’ve seen that kind of look too many times and become numb to it. Isn’t that exactly what you’re counting on?” Li Weiyang always thought what others dared not think. If it were someone else sending a dowager consort to Yuexi’s Crown Prince’s side, it would be a fairy tale.

Li Weiyang’s gaze was keen as she stared at the other woman: “Correct. I saw the Crown Prince indeed seemed quite moved by you. Unfortunately, you lack an innocent background. He could never possibly accept a consort of the Dali Emperor, could he?”

Leng Lian’s face paled slightly. She knew Li Weiyang was right. Even if the Crown Prince fell for her at first sight, even if she had unlimited confidence in capturing his heart, she had no way to conceal her identity. Not to mention she’d once been a Dali imperial consort—even if she were merely an ordinary man’s wife, the Crown Prince probably wouldn’t easily accept her, as it would damage his reputation. As soon as Li Weiyang spoke these words, the atmosphere immediately froze.

Zhao Yue looked at this scene in shock. She hadn’t expected her miss to be plotting this. Sending Leng Lian to approach the Crown Prince—how absurd! There were so many beauties under heaven—why would Miss choose Leng Lian, especially when she’d already been married! After all, she was just a widow…

Li Weiyang merely looked at Leng Lian, her expression relaxed: “If you want to conceal your past identity, no one in this world can help you except me!”

Leng Lian’s heart stirred, a gleam igniting in her eyes: “True, but you should also be very clear about those who sent me to the Guo estate. They also know my identity!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Don’t worry about that. Everything will happen without anyone knowing. As long as you have sufficient ability to make the Crown Prince obey you completely, when the truth finally comes to light, even if they know, what does it matter—it will already be too late!”

Leng Lian looked at Li Weiyang, increasingly unable to understand what this woman was plotting in her heart. She paused quietly, seeming to weigh Li Weiyang’s proposal, before probing: “I heard the Crown Prince and your Duke’s estate are sworn enemies. You should be supporting Prince Jing’s faction. Why suddenly have me approach the Crown Prince? What exactly are you plotting? Could it be you want me to be a spy?!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Leng Lian, don’t misunderstand. It’s not that I’m having you approach the Crown Prince—rather, you’re now actively proposing to get close to the Crown Prince yourself. I’m merely lending you a hand for the sake of past friendship!”

Leng Lian stared at Li Weiyang. Of course she understood that seventy percent of what the other woman said was false, but she couldn’t find words to refute it. Knowing this was a trap, yet it was also an enticing, glittering trap. If she walked poorly, she’d be shattered to pieces, but if she walked well? It would also be a brilliant, splendid future. Her whole life had been taking risks—why not this time?

Seeing her expression, Li Weiyang merely smiled faintly: “This matter isn’t urgent. You still have some time to think it through carefully. When you’ve figured it out, come find me—that won’t be too late.”

Leng Lian didn’t speak for a long time. After returning to the Guo estate, she declined Princess Ali’s invitation and turned back to her room, closing the door. Ali asked curiously: “Jia’er, what’s wrong with her? She’s been so unhappy since returning from outside.”

Li Weiyang looked at that tightly closed door, her smile quite meaningful: “Perhaps she has some important matter that needs careful consideration. Let’s not disturb her.”

Ali looked at Li Weiyang suspiciously, then glanced at the tightly closed door, increasingly unable to understand.

Three days later, late at night, Li Weiyang had just set down her book and was about to order preparations for bed when she suddenly heard Lian’ou report from outside: “Miss, Miss Leng requests an audience.”

Li Weiyang’s eyebrows rose slightly, but her face smiled: “Let her in.”

Soon, she saw Zhao Yue leading Leng Lian over. Under the candlelight, Leng Lian seemed to have been carefully groomed, her beautiful eyes flowing with unusual brilliance, her face touched with faint rouge, her appearance even more charming than before. Li Weiyang took it all in: “It’s so late—what brings you to find me?”

Leng Lian’s eyes brightened sharply as she bit her teeth: “Do the words you spoke three days ago still count?”

Li Weiyang’s lips curved slightly, her cheeks fair and rosy, her eyes bright and sparkling: “Naturally they count. I said I’d give you time to consider. Now that you’ve come here, clearly you’ve thought it through.”

Leng Lian sat down beside her, turning her head to Zhao Yue: “What comes next can only be heard by your mistress and me.”

Zhao Yue glanced at Li Weiyang. The other woman nodded to her, so Zhao Yue immediately withdrew. She went to guard outside the door, not letting anyone approach this room.

Leng Lian’s eyes grew even deeper as she looked at Li Weiyang: “I’ve carefully considered your proposal, but I also have something to say. This time, someone did deliberately have me approach you and find ways to enter Duke Qi’s estate. However, I still don’t know what their plans are next.” The meaning was clear: don’t expect to get any useful information from me or have me testify against that person.

Li Weiyang nodded, her dark eyes dissolving into coldness: “No matter. I guessed this long ago.”

Leng Lian’s heart jumped. Her gaze fixed directly on Li Weiyang: “So you knew all along, yet deliberately pretended to know nothing.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was shallow at her eyebrows: “You and I are both skilled in this—why blame me?”

Dealing with her, don’t expect to gain any advantage. Leng Lian sighed: “I have no deal with the person behind this. They merely captured Xu’er to threaten me, so I had no choice but to obey and approach you as instructed. Actually, what I said about Tuoba Yu was all true—I didn’t lie to you. I only concealed Xu’er’s whereabouts.”

Li Weiyang said calmly: “Is Tuoba Xu truly in their hands?”

Leng Lian looked at her quietly, her eyes carrying slight self-mockery: “Do you think I’m that foolish a woman? When bringing Xu’er out of the capital, I secretly had my confidants hide Xu’er in a farmer’s cottage and instead switched in a child I’d prepared in advance—of similar age to Xu’er—and hurried on. That child I’d bought early on. I knew that if anyone learned Xu’er’s identity, they’d definitely want to use him, because currently he’s the best piece that can be used against Tuoba Yu. How could I let him take risks!”

Not to protect Tuoba Xu, but rather to keep a backup plan in hand… Li Weiyang saw through her thoughts and lightly nodded. Leng Lian was indeed Leng Lian—these years of palace training had made her increasingly capable and shrewd, actually deceiving others.

She heard Leng Lian continue: “So when they found me, I’d already switched Xu’er. The child they took has no blood relation to me whatsoever. But when they mentioned you, I couldn’t help but be moved. As long as I could get close to you, I could escape the fugitive life. Glory and wealth would be within reach soon, wouldn’t they?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes quieted, her attitude very serious: “You’re right. Using their help to safely reach Yuexi was a good idea—going along with their plan.”

Leng Lian’s deep eyes held thick calculation: “Though I don’t know their identity, I know they must want to use me against you. At first, I concealed everything and didn’t reveal anything to you, only wanting to find an opportunity to escape this identity. Because I knew that if I didn’t agree to them, these people wouldn’t let me live. Only by entering the Guo estate could I be safe.”

Li Weiyang’s long, thick lashes flickered slightly as she smiled cleverly: “Have you changed your mind now?”

Leng Lian’s heart trembled slightly, but her face showed utter determination: “Yes, I’ve changed my mind! From you, I might gain temporary safety, but to restore my former glory and wealth would be absolutely impossible! I must find another patron.”

Indeed! She had to admit in the end that she could only climb up step by step by relying on Li Weiyang! Otherwise, isolated and watched by others, she had not the slightest chance!

Li Weiyang’s expression was calm: “The Crown Prince is your next target.”

Leng Lian nodded, saying confidently: “As long as you give me an appropriate identity, I can easily approach him and hold him firmly in my grasp. For you, isn’t this also a good thing? As far as I know, the Crown Prince has always been at odds with Prince Jing and constantly targets Duke Qi’s estate. If I’m by his side, perhaps I can help you. Now state your conditions and see if I can agree.”

Li Weiyang’s smile was very ordinary: “My condition is very simple. You enter the Crown Prince’s residence, become his new favorite, and successfully drive a wedge between the Crown Prince and Empress Pei. That’s my only requirement of you.”

Leng Lian’s eyebrows rose: “Really that simple?”

Li Weiyang said matter-of-factly: “Just that simple! I don’t need you to spy in the Crown Prince’s residence, don’t need you to actively help me, and after entering the Crown Prince’s residence, you don’t even need to contact me. When we meet, you can act as if you don’t know me. Only driving a wedge between the Crown Prince and Empress Pei—this you must accomplish!”

Leng Lian smiled lightly. If she successfully entered the Crown Prince’s residence, she’d naturally do everything possible to help the Crown Prince seize the throne—how could she help Li Weiyang? This was a paradox. Li Weiyang presumably thought that holding her identity gave her control, not thinking that once she successfully held the Crown Prince’s everything firmly in her grasp, sooner or later she could escape her constraints. Thinking this inwardly, Leng Lian said with a smile: “But there are still those who sent me to Yuexi—they know my identity!”

Li Weiyang merely said calmly: “Yes, they know your identity, but the Crown Prince doesn’t necessarily know. There’s a very clear difference between the two.”

Leng Lian looked at Li Weiyang suspiciously. She said instinctively: “How can you guarantee the Crown Prince doesn’t know?”

Li Weiyang said: “I can guarantee you that at this stage, the Crown Prince knows nothing yet. As for how he’ll react later, that depends on your ability. After all, how to capture a man’s heart is what you’re best at.”

Li Weiyang knew this Crown Prince had quite a few strange proclivities. For instance, one of his Crown Prince attendants had an extremely beautiful wife. The Crown Prince claimed that woman for himself, though of course, he publicly announced the woman had died of illness. But the Crown Prince attendant was humiliated and eventually drowned himself in the Crown Prince’s residence garden lake. Yuan Lie had long since sent people to investigate this secret. Although the Crown Prince had done excellent cleanup work, there were no impermeable walls in the world. Since he could make moves on a married woman, then Leng Lian’s past might not mean much to him. Thinking this, Li Weiyang continued: “Since we’ve reached an agreement, we can act soon.”

Leng Lian frowned: “What will you do?”

Li Weiyang’s voice was light: “Things delivered to the door may not interest people. Better to play hard to get cleverly.”

Leng Lian looked at Li Weiyang, increasingly feeling she’d stepped into the other woman’s trap. Yes! How could someone as clever as Li Weiyang make a losing deal? She must be hiding some secret behind all this, but what exactly? She was sending her to the Crown Prince’s side merely to drive a wedge between Empress Pei and the Crown Prince? In that case, she could have anyone else do it. There were countless beauties under heaven—not just her, Leng Lian. Why did she value her so much? What was the real reason?

Leng Lian thought left and right, her heart growing increasingly uneasy. Yet Li Weiyang smiled peacefully in the candlelight, her manner gentle, making her suppress all her fear amid the bone-chilling cold. Life couldn’t always have opportunities. She didn’t want to return to the palace as that powerless, positionless dowager consort. She had to seize this opportunity Li Weiyang was giving her. No matter what lay ahead, as long as she reached the Crown Prince’s side, she could return to the center of power! Gambling on it was worth it! When Leng Lian agreed to Li Weiyang with this gambler’s mentality, she didn’t know what kind of game she’d stepped into.

After seeing off Leng Lian, Li Weiyang sighed softly. Zhao Yue said in a low voice: “Miss, this servant truly doesn’t understand why you chose Leng Lian. You know her identity is unusual… there could be big trouble in the future!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Now her identity may be trouble, but what about later? You need to look further ahead.”

According to Li Weiyang’s arrangements, Leng Lian would accompany her daily to visit temples, wine shops, tea houses, and bookstores throughout the capital. Each time, her face was veiled. Others only knew she was Madam Guo’s niece, but didn’t know what she actually looked like. At this time, the Crown Prince’s people were also secretly following, but hindered by the Guo estate’s many guards, they couldn’t easily make a move. By the fifth day, the opportunity finally came.

For some reason, Li Weiyang and Prince Xu left Leng Lian behind, leaving her alone in a jewelry shop. When Leng Lian was examining a hairpin in her hand with interest, the shopkeeper approached obsequiously: “This young lady has good taste—this is currently the most fashionable style.”

Leng Lian smiled faintly: “Is this all you have? I see this gold’s quality isn’t very good.”

The shopkeeper smiled apologetically: “If the young lady dislikes these, please come to the private room inside. I’ll immediately have people find some better items for you to see.” Generally, gold shops always invited valued customers to private rooms, then had the manager personally deliver jewelry for them to admire. This was the old custom. Leng Lian nodded without suspicion and entered the private room surrounded by maids.

The shopkeeper quickly signaled to someone behind him, saying in a low voice: “Prepare to act.”

Shortly after Leng Lian entered the private room and had just drunk two sips of tea, she suddenly felt dizzy and her vision blurred. Alarmed, her eyes darkened and she lost consciousness completely. The maids beside her rushed to check, but unexpectedly several guards surged out from the private room and captured them all at once…

Soon after, Li Weiyang returned to the gold shop with attendants carrying pastries. Looking around and not seeing any trace of Leng Lian, she couldn’t help but ask strangely: “Shopkeeper, where is my friend?”

The shopkeeper’s face showed a surprised expression: “Are you asking about the young lady whose face was veiled just now? She went out heading east!”

Li Weiyang paused, then seemed to mutter to herself: “I told her to wait here for me. Why did she leave on her own? She’s not familiar with the capital!” Saying this, Yuan Lie smiled beside her: “She’s on foot, we’re on horseback—we’ll definitely be faster. Let’s hurry and catch up. Don’t let her get lost alone.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “She’s not alone—she has two maids with her.” Saying this, she’d already departed with Yuan Lie, clearly truly believing Leng Lian had grown impatient and left on her own.

The shopkeeper watched their backs with a cold laugh.

As for Leng Lian, imprisoned in the Crown Prince’s separate residence, she spent the longest night of her life. She was left alone in a lavish room. When she awoke, her whole body ached—someone had drugged her. Startled, she instinctively widened her eyes, warily observing her surroundings. Unfortunately, until dawn broke in the east, still no one appeared. Just then, the door suddenly opened! She immediately showed a surprised expression. Seeing it was only four maids of fourteen or fifteen years, she relaxed. The maids said respectfully: “Please prepare yourself, miss. His Highness requests your presence.”

Seeing her appearance was indeed unsuitable, Leng Lian reluctantly groomed herself. Four maids led the way, then walking through flowers and willows, through halls and rooms. Leng Lian was brought to a private room where the maids withdrew. Then she saw a handsomely dressed man sitting there, the man exceedingly handsome, his body emanating dazzling radiance.

Leng Lian paused. The man before her was precisely the Crown Prince she’d seen at the restaurant that day. The capital’s most famous handsome man was Prince Xu Yuan Lie, and though the Crown Prince fell short of him, he was also romantically elegant. The Crown Prince raised his eyes, looking at her calmly. As Leng Lian’s gaze met the Crown Prince’s, her heart inexplicably trembled. The Crown Prince indicated she should sit, his face smiling: “Yesterday’s matter was too rash on my people’s part. I’m deeply ashamed and hope the young lady will be magnanimous!”

His impeccable sincere attitude, combined with that handsome face, made Leng Lian’s anger dissipate at once. She spoke: “You kidnapped me here—what exactly is your purpose?”

The Crown Prince said: “Merely inviting the young lady as a guest.” His tone was extremely calm, without the slightest apologetic intent.

Leng Lian thought to herself that Li Weiyang’s prediction was indeed correct, but her face showed anger: “You’re detaining me?”

The Crown Prince said leisurely: “Not detaining you, merely asking the young lady to stay here for some days.”

Leng Lian’s face seemed to show some panic: “Why should I stay for no reason? You’re keeping me here—what exactly do you intend? I’m a respectable woman. If you have schemes, I’ll bite off my tongue and become a corpse before you!”

The Crown Prince looked at her in surprise: “I naturally won’t force you. What kind of person do you think I am, to use such despicable methods to win a woman’s heart?”

Leng Lian, deeply understanding the principle of playing hard to get, couldn’t help but say seriously: “Your status is noble, while I’m plain in appearance—naturally not in your eyes. I hope you’ll take pity and let me return!”

The Crown Prince laughed loudly: “Since you’re here, I won’t let you leave!” Saying this, he’d already stood and left Leng Lian alone in the room. “I’ll wait until the day the young lady is willing!”

At this time, in front of Duke’s estate gates, Li Weiyang descended from the carriage, and a white-veiled woman followed her through the gates. The secret agent at the door, seeing this scene, immediately went back to report. The Crown Prince laughed coldly: “Just lost someone and is afraid of damaging her reputation, so she’s putting on an act! No need to pay attention!”

Two days later, Leng Lian saw the Crown Prince again. He appeared unusually different—his eyes ringed red, seeming very sorrowful. Leng Lian couldn’t help but ask: “Your Highness, what troubles you? Why is this?”

The Crown Prince merely smiled, his smile containing indescribable exhaustion and weariness.

Leng Lian had a strange sensitivity and delicacy. She felt the Crown Prince must have deep troubles weighing on his mind.

Sure enough, the Crown Prince said emotionally: “Why are there such heartless mothers in this world? Tell me, why would she rather maintain such a close relationship with that neither-male-nor-female thing than trust her own son? I’m her flesh and blood. Yet whether toward me, An Guo, or Lin’an, she has not half a trace of maternal love. I know I’m not perfect, but I’ve tried my best. I’ve spared no effort to please her, done everything possible to secure this Crown Prince position. But how has she treated me? Since childhood, she’s only said three sentences to me: ‘How can you be so stupid!’ ‘Why haven’t you accomplished anything I’ve ordered?’ And the last sentence: ‘Get lost!’ Tell me, is such a person truly my mother? Sometimes I deeply doubt whether she has a heart at all. I’ve even wondered if I’m actually her son. I even fantasized that perhaps I was born to some palace maid and raised by her. But I am indeed her biological son, though she doesn’t consider me very important!”

Leng Lian looked at him. She could almost feel the Crown Prince’s fervent breathing. Leng Lian instinctively turned her face away.

But the Crown Prince cupped her face, gazing at her painfully: “Such beautiful features, such a soft voice, such a unique beauty—truly rare in the world. The first time I saw you, I felt you were different from all those other women. Can you tell me why she treats me this way?”

The Crown Prince at this moment wasn’t the lofty figure he presented before others, nor the aggressive appearance he showed Li Weiyang. He seemed very sorrowful and pessimistic. Leng Lian sighed. The Crown Prince’s status was noble, endless glory and wealth awaited him. Why was he so sad?

The Crown Prince suddenly released his hand and stepped back: “I know you can’t give me an answer. No one in this world can give me an answer! In Mother Empress’s eyes, all things without use are discarded pieces that must be eliminated! I’m the same! When one day this son blocks her path, her choice will also be to eliminate me!” Saying this, his emotions gradually calmed, murmuring: “She’s so real, so cold—who can save me?”

Leng Lian looked at him, absolutely astonished to the extreme. The Crown Prince suddenly shed tears. Such a handsome, elegant man suffering so before her—Leng Lian’s heart couldn’t help but stir. She hadn’t expected the heaven’s favored son would suffer so much from not receiving his mother’s love. She instinctively embraced him, cradling his head, a smile flashing across her face.

Before she knew it, the Crown Prince fell asleep in Leng Lian’s embrace. Leng Lian looked at the sleeping Crown Prince, finding this matter had become utterly absurd.

When the Crown Prince awoke to find himself held like a child in Leng Lian’s embrace, he couldn’t help but be greatly embarrassed. He quickly broke free and recovered his usual proud and cold demeanor. Actually, when he’d captured Leng Lian, initially it was merely fascination with her beautiful appearance. But later he felt there was something subtly captivating about her, though he couldn’t say what—perhaps a spiritual attraction. This feeling he’d never experienced with any woman before.

At Duke Qi’s estate, watching Zhao Yue remove the white veil from her face to reveal her true features, Yuan Lie smiled at Li Weiyang: “I’ve already sent people to investigate. The Crown Prince indeed imprisoned Leng Lian in his separate residence in the capital’s outskirts.”

Li Weiyang drank a sip of tea before saying leisurely: “It seems the Crown Prince truly likes her very much.”

Yuan Lie’s eyes held some doubt: “Though Leng Lian is exceptionally beautiful, the Crown Prince has seen countless beauties over the years. Why are you betting he’d take a fancy to Leng Lian?”

Li Weiyang said calmly: “The Crown Prince’s fondness for beauties isn’t strange, but what kind of beauty can hold his interest long-term? Think about Leng Lian’s identity—she’s no ordinary woman.”

Yuan Lie thought carefully before saying: “She’s the late Dali Emperor’s consort, and also Tuoba Xu’s mother.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Right, she’s Tuoba Xu’s mother—that’s the most important point! The Crown Prince has never gained Empress Pei’s favor and doesn’t get along with Ying Chu at all. These recent days, he’s been isolated outside the center of power, so naturally he’s very sad and dejected. And Leng Lian… with Tuoba Xu not by her side, having lost her husband’s protection and all glory and wealth, she also urgently needs someone to soothe her emotions. Putting these two people together—isn’t it dry wood meeting fierce fire, burning very vigorously?”

Hearing Li Weiyang’s absurd theory, Yuan Lie could hardly believe it. He shook his head, increasingly puzzled: “I don’t understand.”

This was the difference between men and women—he’d always only focus on results. Li Weiyang wasn’t anxious, saying slowly: “Do you remember last time you showed me an intelligence report?”

Yuan Lie propped his chin, his eyes blinking: “I’ve shown you many intelligence reports. Which one are you talking about?”

Li Weiyang said: “An intelligence report about the Crown Prince. Have you forgotten?”

Yuan Lie thought carefully for a moment, then started in alarm: “You mean…”

Li Weiyang nodded: “Good thing you haven’t forgotten! At that time, you gave me a report about the Crown Prince’s activities over one day. You said that every day after waking, he first goes to his study to review documents, then drinks tea and has breakfast. I remember very clearly—at sunrise he takes a bowl of deer antler, at the hour of the dragon he takes a cup of ginseng, and at noon he has lunch. None of this is particularly noteworthy, but between breakfast and lunch, he consumes a special supplement—human milk. Your intelligence also mentioned that every month the Crown Prince’s residence recruits lactating women, having the imperial physician examine them before selecting those with vigorous blood and good health. They’re fed fish and meat daily to provide fresh human milk.”

Yuan Lie frowned: “I naturally remember this. At the time, I mocked him for not being weaned yet. But so what? It’s just a health regimen.”

Li Weiyang sneered: “From Chinese medicine’s perspective, ginseng and deer antler are both hot supplements. Eating them year-round is already enough—he doesn’t need to touch human milk at all. Because if these nutrients can’t be properly expelled, they’ll only become the source of all poisons, actually affecting his health. Yet he’s persisted with this habit. I specifically investigated—in the past three years, due to heat symptoms, the Crown Prince has stopped taking deer antler and ginseng several times, but he’s continued drinking human milk and constantly recruiting wet nurses. This can only indicate one reason—he has a special fondness for this thing, or rather, his Oedipus complex is very severe… Unfortunately, I think Empress Pei cannot satisfy this kind of mentality of his.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, drawing such an absurd conclusion—Yuan Lie couldn’t help but be dumbfounded: “You mean—Consort Lian can satisfy this mentality of his?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “I’m just trying it out—I can’t be certain. After all, finding a woman with exceptional beauty who’s also tactful and sophisticated, mature and worldly, isn’t so easy. This woman also has to be very clever and not reveal flaws—wouldn’t that be even more difficult? There’s a perfectly good candidate right here—why not make use of her?”

Yuan Lie couldn’t help but sigh softly: “But this is also too risky. Leng Lian knows quite a lot.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “What does she know?”

Yuan Lie paused, thinking through the whole matter carefully, before smiling: “True enough! Your vulnerabilities, compared to her vulnerabilities, are nothing.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes flashed with mockery: “No, she’ll eventually tell the Crown Prince everything, even if just to cut off my control over her! But the prerequisite is that she must be able to hold the Crown Prince firmly in her palm. So right now she’ll redouble her efforts, sparing nothing to please the Crown Prince.”

Yuan Lie looked at her, finally understanding: “I’m afraid the person who sent Leng Lian to Duke Qi’s estate is going to regret it. He absolutely wouldn’t have expected you’d use her in reverse.”

Li Weiyang didn’t answer this question, merely smiling: “Let’s not talk about this. Have you prepared the birthday gift for His Majesty? His Majesty’s birthday feast is approaching.”

Yuan Lie pursed his lips but appeared utterly unconcerned: “I’m already doing well by going. That old man still dares make demands!”

Li Weiyang laughed. In all the world, probably only Yuan Lie dared so openly call the Emperor an old man.

In the palace corridor, Ying Chu received a secret report and glanced at it. Li Weiyang taking a white-veiled woman out touring and returning to the estate together… It seemed everything was proceeding smoothly. Leng Lian was at least already in the Guo household—that was enough! The Guo family, Li Weiyang—what was the point of giving them a light or moderate lesson? Don’t act at all, but when acting, be ruthless and fast, catching them completely off guard—before they’ve recovered, their family is already destroyed. Now that would be interesting! Thinking this, his face beneath the silver mask revealed a trace of ferocity.

On the day of His Majesty’s birthday feast, when the eastern horizon had barely shown a fish-belly white, the eunuchs and palace maids in the imperial palace were already busily working. The eunuchs at the palace hall entrance had been sweeping the ground since late night, meticulous until not a speck of dust remained on the blue bricks. Several hundred palace guards formed two columns in neat rows all the way to Yonghe Palace gates, standing on both sides like nails, utterly motionless, their faces wearing a solemn yet slightly murderous atmosphere.

Outside the palace gates, civil and military officials and court ladies attending His Majesty’s birthday feast were also waiting. The Three Departments, Nine Ministers, Thirteen Bureaus, and officials from outer provinces reporting to the capital—fully seven or eight hundred people gathered, all wearing brightly colored court robes, clustering in groups of three to five. The ladies whispered among themselves. Compared to the solemnity before Yonghe Palace gates, here was another atmosphere. Presently, everyone heard bells and drums resounding from deep within the palace. That sound flew over layers of jade towers and pavilions, crossing high and colorfully brilliant walls, transmitting straight out the palace gates. Hearing this sound, the officials immediately fell silent and lined up in neat rows with the ladies to enter the inner palace.

The head eunuch walked out amid a crowd of stars surrounding the moon, saying loudly: “There is an imperial edict—all officials kneel to receive it.”

The hundreds of officials on the plaza had already knelt, now prostrating together. The head eunuch proclaimed loudly: “The Six Departments and Nine Ministers shall each lead their bureau staff, together with third-rank and above officials from outer provinces currently in the capital and court ladies, entering the palace through the left and right side gates to offer congratulations. Thus decreed!”

So the civil and military officials and court ladies before the palace gates divided into two columns, separately entering the left and right side gates, led by the Minister of Rites to enter the ceremonial hall in order. The Emperor walked composedly toward the dragon throne, stopping before the seat to stand, his eyes sweeping in a circle before sitting on that wide dragon chair. Everyone prostrated on the ground. The entire hall was silent—only breathing sounds and the soft rustle of clothing could be heard. The Emperor sat upright on the imperial seat, his face showing an impatient expression. At this time, the Empress and all the consorts also had to wear formal dress and bow to the Emperor.

Li Weiyang stood in the middle of the crowd looking at the Emperor, thinking inevitably that though the taste of being on high was what everyone envied, standing at the highest point watching everyone bow to oneself—would one feel the cold of high places? She instinctively glanced at Yuan Lie’s back before her. The Emperor always wanted to give what he considered best to Yuan Lie, but for Yuan Lie, was being Emperor truly the best choice? Princes competing for power, open strife and hidden struggle, schemes and machinations, trap after trap—could he emerge victorious? Even if he became Emperor, everyone staring at this position, one wrong step would be like facing an abyss. Would the cost be too much…

The Emperor smiled slightly: “Everyone may rise. Please all be seated.”

Hearing this, everyone stood up and sat down in order according to regulations.

Beside Li Weiyang sat Princess Ali as usual. She’d long become a regular at the Yuexi court. Though the grasslands weren’t peaceful, Princess Ali’s presence precisely demonstrated the Yuexi imperial family’s attitude. Seeing this scene, she couldn’t help but stick out her tongue: “Aiyo, I didn’t expect such a grand scene this time—much more solemn than previous palace banquets!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “This time is His Majesty’s major birthday—naturally different from the past.”

Princess Ali nodded but said thoughtfully: “When the Great Khan of the grasslands had his birthday, it wasn’t this solemn—just slaughtering a hundred cattle and sheep to celebrate. So many people all kneeling and bowing to him—so imposing! No wonder everyone wants to be Emperor!”

This was said not loudly but very easily provocative. Li Weiyang glanced at her unobtrusively. Princess Ali promptly realized and said embarrassedly: “I know it’s improper. I won’t say such things again.”

Li Weiyang nodded, her gaze falling on the Crown Prince not far away.

The Crown Prince had swept away his recent melancholy, actually appearing spirited and radiant. Li Weiyang smiled slightly. It seemed Leng Lian already knew how to please the Crown Prince. Thinking this, her clear eyes were serene, her lips holding a dignified yet gentle smile, yet carrying a trace of mockery.

Princess Ali feared Li Weiyang was angry about her earlier slip, so she asked in a low voice: “Why haven’t I seen Miss Leng these past days? Every time I go looking for her, the maids say she’s unwell and resting in her room… What illness has she caught?”

Li Weiyang turned her head, her eyes deep as water, ice-cold and serene. She smiled: “She just has a slight cold. She’ll be better in a couple days.” Ali was startled: “A cold? Why not call a physician!” Li Weiyang said calmly: “When the right time comes, this illness will heal on its own. No need to summon a physician.”

Princess Ali was still surprised when the Empress seated on high sat casually like a flourishing peony—beautiful without being seductive, graciously elegant. Her tone was serene: “Your Majesty, I’ve prepared a birthday gift for you.”

The Emperor smiled faintly: “The Empress is so thoughtful. Then bring it out.”

The Empress indeed had people bring out that landscape embroidery to show the Emperor. The Emperor glanced at it and said thoughtfully: “Just from the embroidery skill, you can tell it’s a rarely seen treasure!” The eunuch then turned the landscape painting over. Everyone couldn’t help but be shocked—the reverse side of the landscape painting was actually a mountain-and-water scene, clearly an extremely excellent double-sided embroidery! Everyone exclaimed in wonder. If it were an ordinary pattern, double-sided embroidery wouldn’t be too difficult, but this landscape painting was such an exquisite thing—what tremendous thought the embroiderer must have used!

The Empress smiled slightly: “Naturally it’s a treasure. I asked Miss Wang to personally embroider this for His Majesty.”

Hearing Empress Pei mention her name, Wang Zijin quickly stood and bowed: “I dare not. This embroidery was personally painted by Your Majesty—I merely followed the pattern.”

Hearing this, the Emperor merely laughed heartily: “Miss Wang truly has an orchid heart and delicate nature!” He glanced at Wang Zijin standing in the hall, finding her appearance outstanding and flawlessly perfect, her plain face revealing soul-shaking allure that made one almost unable to look away. On the other side sat Li Weiyang silently, wearing a pale green Su-embroidered long dress, clear and beautiful as a lotus, yet with lowered eyes serene, her smile gentle and soft.

These two women each had their merits, both extremely outstanding, but ultimately one had to be ranked higher!