Leng Lian understood this delicate-looking young woman before her all too well. She appeared calm and indifferent, but in fact her scheming was ruthless, she planned every step carefully, never did anything useless, and never kept anyone useless. Having been sent to the Crown Prince’s side by her, Leng Lian had originally calculated that she could rely on the Crown Prince’s favor to break free from Li Weiyang’s control. But looking at the situation now, she had unknowingly stepped into some kind of trap. Looking at her, Leng Lian said unconsciously, “You make it sound simple, but specifically how should I do it? I really have no clue!”

So she’d been swayed by what I said. Li Weiyang smiled gently: “As long as you understand where the Crown Prince’s weakness lies, you can control him very well.”

Leng Lian’s eyebrow lifted, a trace of inquiry showing in her eyes: “The Crown Prince’s weakness—what do you mean by this?”

Li Weiyang took a sip of tea before continuing slowly: “I just explained it very clearly, yet you still don’t understand. Fine, I’ll spell it out for you. The Crown Prince grew up in the palace from birth, but from the moment he was born the Emperor didn’t favor him. The only person he could rely on, Empress Pei, was also very cold toward him. All these years he’s studied diligently and worked hard at government affairs, trying to do everything perfectly just to see Empress Pei smile, to hear a word of praise, or even just a look of approval. Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but the Crown Prince’s gaze always follows Empress Pei’s moods, because Empress Pei is so supremely noble and flawless that everyone in the world tries every means to please her—including this son of hers. Yet what makes it even harder for him to accept is that although he’s Empress Pei’s biological son, she merely treats him as a chess piece.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Leng Lian couldn’t help but narrow her eyes. She wanted to refute her words, but she knew Li Weiyang was right. Though she hadn’t spent very long with the Crown Prince, she’d already understood the loneliness and fear deep in his heart. His loneliness stemmed from Empress Pei’s neglect; his fear stemmed from worrying about being abandoned by his mother and completely removed from the center of power.

Li Weiyang sighed gently: “You’re a mother yourself, so naturally you should know that a normal mother, regardless of whether her child is naughty or well-behaved, obedient or willful, will indulge and dote on them without principle. Whatever they say is right, whatever they do has reason, and a mother’s gaze toward her child will always be infinitely gentle. But have you seen even the slightest bit of love from Empress Pei toward the Crown Prince?”

Leng Lian said softly, “I’ve never entered the palace. How could I know how Empress Pei treats the Crown Prince?”

Li Weiyang said flatly, “Though you haven’t seen Empress Pei, you’ve been by the Crown Prince’s side. Through constant exposure, you should know how hard he tries to please Empress Pei.”

Leng Lian bit her lip: “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Li Weiyang’s smile grew even more gentle: “Though the Crown Prince is already this age, he still endlessly longs to win Empress Pei’s favor. Because of this, the more power and position he gains, the more he fears losing it all one day. Heaven’s tears can be mended, but a wounded heart can never be restored. As long as you can find the way to open the Crown Prince’s heart, you can control this man very well.”

Leng Lian couldn’t help but clench her fists, almost pulling wrinkles in her skirt. She looked at Li Weiyang: “Even if I can win the Crown Prince’s favor, what should I do next?”

Li Weiyang looked at her, her expression serious: “As long as you do as I say, you can not only successfully eliminate the Crown Prince’s suspicions about you, but also elevate your favor even higher!”

Leng Lian stopped speaking, because she understood Li Weiyang—everything she did was certainly well-calculated. She stood up and finally made up her mind: “You’ve pushed me to the edge of a cliff, and now you’re giving me a vine. If I don’t grab this vine to climb up, you’ll put me to death. Li Weiyang, you truly are a ruthless and vicious person.”

Li Weiyang’s expression remained unchanged as she said softly, “We’re the same, that’s all. From the moment you stepped into the capital you intended to harm me, yet I’ve still left you a path to walk—isn’t that already quite merciful?”

Leng Lian smiled faintly, but her smile carried three parts self-mockery: “Yes, how could I forget? Your scheming runs so deep—how could you give me the chance to bite back? It’s all my fault for being blinded by greed and falling into your trap like this.”

Li Weiyang said with a smile, “What kind of talk is this? We’re the best of allies. You want wealth and honor, I want peace and safety—mutual benefit and trust, each taking what they need.”

Leng Lian’s gaze was distant: “Things have come to this point. What use is saying more? I’ll do as you say. But if I can’t achieve the expected results, don’t blame me!”

Li Weiyang stood up and gently patted the nonexistent dust from Leng Lian’s shoulder. Her smile grew even warmer, her eyes carrying a hint of bewitchment: “Don’t speak as if this has nothing to do with you. This doesn’t just concern my plan—it concerns your very life. Don’t forget that Ying Chu is still watching you covetously!”

Hearing this, Leng Lian’s expression changed, but in the end she could only sigh helplessly: “I understand.”

Hearing her helpless words, Li Weiyang’s face showed a slight smile: “From now on, if anything happens, I’ll notify you promptly.”

Leng Lian looked at Li Weiyang again, gently shook her head, and said no more.

Li Weiyang emerged from the temple. The carriage traveled all the way to a teahouse they’d arranged to meet at beforehand. Yuan Lie was standing by the steps, bored, holding Lizi’s leash, his left hand raised high with a foxtail grass teasing the dog. Lizi was extremely excited, jumping around constantly, panting adorably. Yuan Lie’s casual play had inadvertently attracted countless pretty young ladies’ secret admiration. Glancing up and seeing Li Weiyang, Yuan Lie casually tossed Lizi to a guard and came forward with a slight smile: “Are you finished with your business?”

Li Weiyang nodded: “Finished. But next I need to go to another place.”

Yuan Lie understood and blinked: “I’ve already arranged everything with the theater.”

Yuan Lie escorted the Guo family carriage all the way to the entrance of a theater called Xiangli Garden before finally stopping. The theater troupe’s manager, hearing the news, hurriedly ran out to greet them, his face oily with obsequious smiles. Yuan Lie casually waved his hand: “Fine, no need for formalities. Show me the new play you’ve just put on.”

The manager quickly bowed: “Yes, yes. The private box is ready. Honored guests, please!”

Li Weiyang glanced at the manager, smiled slightly, turned and entered the theater building. Downstairs it was already packed with guests, the private boxes crammed full, even the stairs had many people standing—clearly this play was currently very popular. The two arrived at the private box and sat down. Tea and pastries were already prepared on the table. Zhao Yue stood behind Li Weiyang, somewhat puzzled. A few days ago she’d indeed seen Miss write a letter and instruct her to deliver it to Prince Xu, but as for what it specifically said, she really didn’t know. Looking at this situation, had they arranged to meet here to watch a play?

Yuan Lie glanced at Li Weiyang, his face full of smiles: “The good show is about to begin. I hope you’re satisfied with this play.” As they were talking, a gong sounded with a “clang”—the performance had indeed begun. Lizi was being held by a guard. This being its first time watching a play, it was extremely excited, constantly biting at the guard’s pant leg. The guard knew this was the Prince’s beloved dog and could only grimace and smile bitterly. With a ripping sound, Lizi actually tore his pants down. The guard was angry but didn’t dare show it—he made as if to strike but feared disturbing the Prince, so could only threaten. Zhao Nan watching from the side couldn’t help but laugh quietly.

On stage, seven or eight actors in eunuch costumes first stood in a row and loudly proclaimed: “His Majesty arrives!” Then an actor in yellow imperial robes took the stage, clearly playing the Emperor. Behind him, an actor in gorgeous consort’s attire accompanied the Emperor. The two sat down at a table, and the Emperor laughed: “Beloved consort, you are now six months with child—truly a double perfection. Come, come, I toast you first.”

The actress playing the imperial consort smiled slightly and quickly thanked him. Then the Emperor laughed heartily and sang: “Beloved consort, I have longed for this prince for many years. Now heaven has finally granted my wish. If you give birth to the Crown Prince, my years of longing will be fulfilled at once. I must thank you!” The imperial consort appeared humble and frightened, as if overwhelmed by favor.

Just then, the gong sounded again with a “clang.” The curtain dropped and the second act changed. Now a person in Empress’s robes was whispering with a eunuch beside her. The eunuch had a white spot on his nose, looking quite comical and ridiculous. He knelt before the Empress, looking shifty: “Reporting to Your Majesty, His Majesty has retired for the night. Before leaving he instructed people to take good care of Beauty Li.”

The Empress laughed coldly and sang harshly: “Who knows what’s in her belly yet—already so happy!”

The eunuch said with ill intent: “Beauty Li is six months pregnant. Once she gives birth to a dragon son, I fear it will be unfavorable for Your Majesty!”

The Empress frowned: “What is there to fear?”

The eunuch said: “Aiya, this slave is utterly loyal and thinking entirely of Your Majesty. As they say, strike first for advantage, strike later for disaster. Your Majesty has had no pregnancy since entering the palace. If Beauty Li gives birth to a prince before Your Majesty, in the future he’ll be the Crown Prince. Your Majesty, you’ve treated this slave with kindness as heavy as mountains. If there’s anything this slave can do, through fire and water, ten thousand deaths will not deter me!”

This back-and-forth was performed vividly. Li Weiyang listened intently for a moment and couldn’t help but smile: “The lyrics are somewhat vulgar, but the singing is quite good, and the costumes are excellent!”

Yuan Lie smiled proudly: “I arranged this according to your instructions and hired the most popular playwright. As they say, great vulgarity is great elegance—it has to be this vulgar for common people to understand!”

Li Weiyang nodded and continued watching quietly. Sure enough, the eunuch said: “Your Majesty, this slave has thought of a perfect plan.”

The Empress raised an eyebrow: “A perfect plan?”

The eunuch quickly sang: “Yes, Your Majesty. Why not have this slave find suitable people to closely watch that Beauty Li? When she gives birth, we’ll seize the moment when people are off guard and secretly switch out the child.”

The Empress’s gaze turned cold, seeming to show hesitation. She rose abruptly and paced back and forth across the stage. At this moment the two-stringed fiddle and clappers’ rhythm suddenly changed, showing the character’s inner fierce struggle. Then the eunuch sang again: “Aiya, my Empress, you must make your decision early. Since Beauty Li is pregnant, you should be pregnant too!”

The Empress whirled around sharply: “I should be pregnant too?”

“Your Majesty, the imperial physicians are all in your grasp, and now there’s a ready-made dragon heir. As long as you switch it, why worry about your position being unstable? A child just born one or two months old can’t be identified—with a little manipulation you can fool everyone! What is Beauty Li’s status? How can she compete with you? She’s just a lowly palace servant!”

The actress playing the Empress laughed coldly and sang: “You truly understand warmth, so considerate and attentive toward me. You’re a good slave!”

The eunuch chuckled: “This slave has always served Your Majesty and naturally must dedicate heart and soul to Your Majesty!”

At this moment, the stage deliberately dropped a black curtain, revealing only two pairs of bright eyes full of conspiracy and schemes. The audience hearing this couldn’t help but be shocked—so this Empress intended to deliberately pretend to be pregnant and then claim Beauty Li’s child as her own!

The third act that followed was the child-switching scene. A young palace maid stole Beauty Li’s baby and secretly hid it, then specially obtained a dead infant and placed it on a tray, claiming it was what Beauty Li had delivered. The Empress also bribed eunuchs to slander Beauty Li, saying her virtue was lacking and she’d harmed the prince. The Emperor flew into a rage and cast Beauty Li into the Cold Palace. Within half a month, Beauty Li was tortured to death by the Empress. A month later, the Empress naturally gave birth to the Crown Prince—this child was the son of Beauty Li who’d been secretly hidden earlier.

The entire play had dramatic twists and turns, tightly interconnected. They’d hired first-rate actors who vividly portrayed the Empress’s viciousness, the eunuch’s sinister nature, and Beauty Li’s tragic fate. Hearing this, everyone was enthralled, shocked into stunned silence by this convoluted plot.

Yuan Lie just smiled: “This play will definitely become hugely popular. I guarantee it will spread throughout all of Yuexi. Whether high officials and nobles or peddlers and laborers, not one won’t know of it!”

Li Weiyang smiled gently: “That would naturally be best. But if the authorities come to make trouble…”

Yuan Lie’s smile deepened: “Don’t worry about that. This play tells of imperial secrets from a previous dynasty—how could the authorities target it? Even if someone really wants to stop this play from continuing, that would only prove their guilty conscience. If singing operas won’t work, there are still storytelling drums and oral tales. Don’t forget those street performers—I’ll use every method to make these stories known to everyone!”

Li Weiyang’s gaze fell on the audience below. She saw everyone’s enthusiastic reactions—some were even so indignant they threw teacups at the actress playing the Empress. Clearly this play was extremely popular. Yuan Lie, seeing her expression, couldn’t help but ask in a low voice, “But relying on just this one play—do you think it will have any effect?”

A trace of coldness flashed through Li Weiyang’s eyes: “The most terrifying thing in the world is rumors and gossip. No matter how powerful a person is, they cannot withstand the power of rumors. Even if their position is lofty and status noble, once caught up in rumors and gossip, it only adds fuel to the fire and intensifies. As they say, three people make a tiger—that’s the principle.”

Yuan Lie nodded, his smile becoming more intrigued. At this moment the act had concluded. Below, applause thundered and many loudly called for an encore, demanding it be performed again. Li Weiyang stood up, looked back at the stage with a slight smile and said, “Let’s go. We should return.”

Three days later, one morning, Li Weiyang was grooming herself before the mirror when she suddenly heard the door being pounded loudly. Zhao Yue quickly went out to check—it was Princess Ali who’d burst in, her face full of astonishment: “Jia’er, you still have the heart to sit here leisurely? I’m telling you, something major has happened in the capital!”

Princess Ali’s expression looked less like surprise and more like excitement. Li Weiyang smiled: “Oh, what kind of major event?”

Princess Ali grabbed Li Weiyang’s hand: “Hey, come with me to the front hall and you’ll know. Prince Jing has come too!”

Li Weiyang frowned slightly and glanced down. Princess Ali suddenly understood: “You haven’t had time to put on your outer robes yet. Fine, I’ll wait for you. Let’s go together to hear what they’re saying.”

Li Weiyang sighed, turned to instruct the maids to fetch her outer robes. After another half hour when everything was properly arranged, the two finally headed toward the great hall. Princess Ali had already reached the hall entrance and kept turning back to urge: “Jia’er, you’re really too slow!”

Li Weiyang unhurriedly stepped into the hall. She saw everyone already seated, listening intently to Prince Jing speak. Prince Jing wore dark green satin robes with a jade-colored sash at his waist. Seeing Li Weiyang enter, he smiled slightly: “We were just getting to the important part when cousin arrived.”

Li Weiyang’s face showed three parts surprise: “Prince Jing came to Duke Qi’s mansion so early in the morning—what’s the matter?”

Prince Jing waited for Li Weiyang to sit down before saying frankly, “These past two days, whether in the palace or among common folk, a strange story has been circulating. I wonder if cousin has heard of it?”

Li Weiyang held a teacup in her hands, her smile somewhat casual: “What kind of story makes Your Highness so happy?”

Prince Jing called her cousin, yet she called him “Your Highness”—the intimacy and distance were clear in these forms of address. Yet Prince Jing rarely got angry, only smiling: “Recently an opera has become popular in the capital. The content is quite strange—it tells of an Empress from a previous dynasty who, having no children of her own, secretly switched a son born to a lowly beauty and raised him as Crown Prince, thereby securing her position as Empress without question.”

Li Weiyang’s teacup lid paused. A smile appeared on her lips as she raised her eyes: “Oh, such a thing happened?”

Prince Jing nodded and looked at Li Weiyang probingly: “Cousin, you truly don’t know?”

Li Weiyang laughed: “I stay indoors—how would I know everything? Your Highness, don’t keep us in suspense. Continue.”

At this moment Princess Ali also couldn’t help but urge: “That’s right, hurry and continue!”

Now when Princess Ali saw Prince Jing, she no longer felt the awkwardness of before. Prince Jing smiled helplessly: “Fine, I’ll continue then. This story script was originally about a previous dynasty—no one would make additional connections. But just one day ago, a group of officials suddenly arrested that theater troupe and forbade anyone from performing this play again. Unexpectedly, though the play was banned, a rumor suddenly arose among the people—no, perhaps it’s not a rumor.”

He paused here, his gaze resting on Li Weiyang’s calm face for a while before continuing: “People are all quietly spreading the word that this play alludes to the current Empress, and that the secretly switched child is the Crown Prince. As for that beauty who was persecuted to death, she was a lowly palace maid over twenty years ago who, because she gave birth to a stillborn child, was implicated and forced to hang herself.”

Spread so fantastically, truly perfectly timed. Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t waver, not revealing her thoughts at all: “Oh, who knew these people had such rich imaginations—they can dredge up events from over twenty years ago!”

Prince Jing couldn’t read Li Weiyang’s thoughts, so he could only sigh gently: “Yes, at first I also thought it was just rumors and needn’t be taken too seriously. But now the rumors are intensifying, and even Empress Pei can’t stop them.”

Li Weiyang placed her tea on the table beside her and said flatly, “Rumors are naturally like that—the more you try to stop them, the more fiercely they spread. Preventing the people’s mouths is more difficult than preventing floods—that’s the principle.”

Duke Qi frowned: “This matter seems rather suspicious. How would someone suddenly think of events from over twenty years ago?”

Prince Jing smiled slightly: “Yes, I also found it very strange. Later I asked Mother Consort and learned that back then there truly was such a palace maid, and this woman happened to have served Empress Pei—a maid she’d brought into the palace.”

Guo Dao, listening from the side, couldn’t help but ask with interest, “So there really was such a person?”

Madam Guo’s brow also furrowed tightly. Thinking for a moment, she suddenly spoke: “Now that you mention it, I seem to recall—I also heard Imperial Concubine Hui mention this.”

Princess Chenliu’s prayer beads paused. She raised her eyes, her gaze sweeping over everyone’s faces as if recalling something: “There truly was such a matter. Back then when Empress Pei entered the palace, for quite a long period she had no children…”

Princess Chenliu said this much, but Li Weiyang smiled gently. At that time the Emperor was infatuated with someone else entirely and wouldn’t even glance at Empress Pei—how could she possibly become pregnant and bear children? Probably not just the Empress, but the other palace women as well.

Princess Chenliu continued: “Later His Majesty began visiting the harem, but Her Majesty still didn’t conceive. Just when everyone thought Empress Pei’s position was unstable, she miraculously became pregnant and gave birth to the current Crown Prince.” Princess Chenliu said this much, a trace of doubt also showing in her eyes: “But there’s nothing strange about that…”

Prince Jing smiled and continued: “I also investigated. Back then Empress Pei had an extremely favored maid named Xiuyun. After Empress Pei became pregnant, this woman strangely disappeared. Palace people say the woman inadvertently offended Empress Pei and was punished by Her Majesty. But I feel this matter isn’t so simple. Combined with the play that’s recently become popular in the capital, I think there’s another possibility.”

Everyone hearing this looked toward Prince Jing, their faces showing shock. Prince Jing’s smile deepened as he said word by word: “I suspect Empress Pei back then borrowed another’s womb to bear a child!”

Guo Dun froze: “Borrowed another’s womb to bear a child—what does that mean?”

Guo Dao sighed gently: “This idea is truly too bold. So-called ‘borrowing another’s womb to bear a child’ means Empress Pei, having no children of her own, used a palace maid beside her to secretly attend the Emperor. When she became pregnant, she hid her away, then when the child was born, claimed it as her own. Is that what you mean?”

Prince Jing nodded approvingly: “Yes. It seems we’re of one mind.”

Princess Chenliu shook her head: “No, that’s impossible. The palace guards are strict. If it were so easy to manipulate things, wouldn’t that confuse the imperial bloodline? Anyone could pass themselves off as legitimate!”

But Prince Jing disagreed: “Grandmother speaks amiss. Back then the Empress and Pei family’s power was supremely influential! Having helped His Majesty ascend the throne, they could naturally command wind and rain in the palace. What difficulty would there be in switching one small child? I imagine not only the Crown Prince, but Princess Lin’an and that Princess Anguo probably weren’t her biological children either!”

What Prince Jing said was truly shocking. In the imperial palace, a consort’s pregnancy and childbirth were all attended by specialists. Without tremendous audacity, there was absolutely no way to pull off such a substitution. Even if Empress Pei’s power reached the heavens, it would be very difficult to accomplish this.

Duke Qi said, “Your Highness, theatrical tales are just theatrical tales. Why take them so seriously? These are nothing but rumors!”

Prince Jing’s smile turned cold: “Even if they’re just rumors, I believe they’re true.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Prince Jing was using this ladder to climb the wall. Whether or not the Crown Prince was Empress Pei’s biological son, whatever the actual truth, he didn’t care. What mattered was that this rumor could bring him tremendous benefits. If the Crown Prince truly wasn’t born of Empress Pei, then his status as legitimate son didn’t exist. If his birth mother was merely a lowly palace maid, his status might even be lower than Prince Jing’s nobility. This way, the so-called Crown Prince would become a tremendous joke. Because he was the legitimate eldest son, the Crown Prince could firmly maintain his position as heir. If the Empress Pei’s halo was suddenly removed, could he still gain the ministers’ trust and respect? He’d be nothing but a puppet! For striking down the Crown Prince and seizing the heir’s position, this had endless benefits—that’s why Prince Jing was so excited, running to the Guo residence so early in the morning to discuss with them.

In just a few words Li Weiyang had seen through his thoughts. She smiled faintly: “Your Highness shouldn’t be too happy too soon. Empress Pei won’t allow such rumors to spread for long.”

Prince Jing laughed coldly: “She may want to stop them, but now even the palace maids sweeping floors already know and are spreading it everywhere. She can’t stop the mouths of everyone in the world! Such destructive power is a huge blow to Empress Pei!” Saying this, a trace of satisfaction flashed through his eyes.

Li Weiyang looked at him and couldn’t help but shake her head. Though Prince Jing was clever with deep schemes, he was still young after all and couldn’t match Duke Qi’s composure when encountering such matters. Sure enough, she heard Duke Qi say: “Your Highness, this matter has nothing to do with us. I hope you can maintain your position. If His Majesty or others ask your opinion, just say you believe these are rumors and absolutely not true.”

Hearing this, Prince Jing couldn’t help but frown: “Why? I was planning to have you, Uncle, petition His Majesty to thoroughly investigate this matter.”

Duke Qi shook his head, clearly disagreeing: “Investigate thoroughly—how? Setting aside whether Empress Pei is the Crown Prince’s birth mother, just bringing up that lowly palace maid from back then—what can it prove? She is the lofty Empress. The Crown Prince has already been Crown Prince for so many years with deeply rooted power. Even if these rumors spread and damage their reputations, they won’t shake the Crown Prince’s position. So I advise Your Highness not to act rashly!”

Hearing this, Prince Jing froze. He wasn’t stupid either—just that after years of waiting, an opportunity had suddenly fallen from heaven and he’d gotten somewhat carried away for a moment. Thinking carefully now, his heart felt hollow. He’d been too happy for a moment and lost himself. He sighed gently: “Thank you for Uncle’s reminder. I understand. I won’t reveal my true opinions to anyone. Uncle can rest assured.”

Duke Qi breathed slightly easier: “It’s best if Your Highness understands. No matter how fiercely the fire burns there, we just need to watch from across the river. No need to be too concerned.”

The discussion came to a conclusion. Li Weiyang emerged from the reception hall but suddenly heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Prince Jing smiling as he caught up, his handsome face showing a brilliant smile: “Cousin, why leave in such a hurry? I haven’t finished speaking.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “From just one play, Your Highness can derive so many stories and even dredge up that palace maid from back then. It truly makes me see you in a new light.”

Yuan Ying’s smile became quite cold, yet carried a hint of hidden satisfaction: “Jia’er, among clear people there’s no need for dark words. I know you orchestrated this rumor. This play is well-written—I truly never imagined you had such capabilities!”

Li Weiyang’s heart stirred slightly, but her face remained bland: “Your Highness overestimates me. This matter has nothing to do with me. If you hadn’t suddenly mentioned it, I’d still be completely in the dark!”

Yuan Ying quietly watched Li Weiyang. He didn’t believe she was entirely innocent in this matter. With Empress Pei watching the Guo family like a hawk, this was probably Li Weiyang’s first counterattack. He couldn’t help but step forward and say in a low voice: “Though this play is good, sooner or later the curtain must fall. As Uncle just said, it probably won’t have much impact on Empress Pei’s foundation.”

Li Weiyang smiled gently: “Who said I’m targeting Empress Pei?”

Yuan Ying’s face showed a puzzled expression. Wasn’t this play and these rumors meant to strike at Empress Pei and the Crown Prince? Then why had she painstakingly orchestrated all this? Now he felt he couldn’t quite read her anymore. He said unconsciously, “What exactly are you plotting?”

Li Weiyang’s smile became quite beautiful, her tone also light: “Your Highness, so-called rumors deliver a fatal blow when a person is at their weakest. When someone is strong, they can only plant a shadow. Of course, if this shadow is used well, it can also become a fatal weakness.”

Yuan Ying found this increasingly strange, but saw Li Weiyang’s skirts swaying as she’d already descended the steps. Unwilling to give up, he pursued: “I hope you can explain more clearly.”

Li Weiyang turned her head. That refined face shone with moving radiance in the sunlight, her eyes unfathomable, yet her tone quite calm: “Your Highness, in all things one must plan thoroughly before acting. Empress Pei is an extremely clever person. She naturally knows rumors cannot be extinguished and can only wait for them to gradually subside. But for another person, he absolutely cannot sit still. You’re only watching Empress Pei—haven’t you noticed this play’s other protagonist?”

Yuan Ying frowned: “You mean Father Emperor?”

Li Weiyang shook her head and gave a hint: “Not His Majesty, but a critically important person who has significant influence whether on Empress Pei, His Majesty, or court politics.”

Hearing this, Yuan Ying suddenly came to himself and exclaimed “Ah!”: “So it’s him! Jia’er, your scheme is truly wonderful!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “I’ve said all I will. What happens next depends on Your Highness’s performance.”

Yuan Ying froze: “Me? What can I do? Uncle just said I should hold position and not be hasty.”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, having already turned her head. Her gaze fell on the plum blossoms blooming not far away, her smile quite light: “Prince Jing, if you can’t seize such a good opportunity, wouldn’t that be too regrettable? You can’t attack head-on, but you can beat the drums from the side.”

Hearing this, Yuan Ying couldn’t help but smile: “Jia’er truly is a female Zhuge Liang. I know what to do now. Rest assured, this rumor will spread farther and last longer.”

Li Weiyang nodded: “Then I await good news.” With that, she’d already turned and gracefully departed.

Yuan Ying watched her retreating figure for a long time, just silently observing. Finally he sighed gently: “Truly a formidable character. I really underestimated her before!”

At this moment in the Crown Prince’s villa, the Crown Prince paced back and forth in his room, finally flying into a rage and overturning the desk before him with a roar: “Get out! All of you get out!”

The advisors and confidants in the study exchanged glances. They looked at the Crown Prince but none dared make a sound, bowing and withdrawing.

The Crown Prince still wore a face full of fury, like a lion about to erupt yet unable to find an outlet, only making his anger expand more and more until he could barely suppress it. Just then he suddenly heard footsteps and couldn’t help but roar: “Who let you in? Didn’t I already tell you all to get out?!”

A soft voice sounded by the door: “Your Highness, what’s wrong? Who made you angry?”

The Crown Prince turned to see Leng Lian’s incomparably beautiful face. His heart trembled. Before, Ying Chu had already demanded he hand over Leng Lian, saying this woman was a Dali spy, but he still felt reluctant to part with her. The most critical reason, besides Leng Lian’s beauty, was her understanding nature and gentle consideration.

Leng Lian possessed a feeling that made him inexplicably attached—extremely warm, seemingly like indulgence. In her he’d found a kind of emotion very difficult to find in other women. He couldn’t describe it in detail, but he vaguely felt the gap in his heart seemed to be filled by Leng Lian. This was the real reason he’d rather make things very tense with Ying Chu than hand this woman over no matter what. Although Li Weiyang hadn’t seized on Leng Lian as leverage, it didn’t mean he completely trusted this woman either. At this moment his mood was poor. He frowned: “Didn’t I say that when I’m conducting business, you shouldn’t come in?”

Leng Lian smiled slightly and placed the chicken soup in her hands on the table, saying gently: “Your Highness must take care of your health. Leng Lian will leave now.”

She’d just turned when she heard the Crown Prince say: “Recently, you must have also heard the rumors outside?”

Leng Lian stopped and turned back, her brow slightly furrowed, looking like a flower shrouded in sorrow: “Your Highness, are you referring to that matter…” Her voice carried some hesitation. The Crown Prince was furious: “Indeed, even a woman who never leaves home already knows. Who in the world won’t know?!” Saying this, he suddenly became enraged.

Leng Lian quickly said gently: “Your Highness needn’t worry. Those are just rumors—no one will believe them.”

But the Crown Prince was extremely enraged: “Rumors? I’ve already investigated. Back then there truly was an extremely favored palace maid by Mother Empress’s side. Right after she became pregnant, this woman suddenly disappeared from the palace! Don’t you think that’s very strange? Yes, Mother Empress is indeed a very cruel person. Perhaps that palace maid only made some small mistake…” The Crown Prince’s eyes shot out countless cold glints as he continued: “Or perhaps she truly angered Mother Empress and was punished, but I always feel so uneasy in my heart. Thinking of Mother Empress’s attitude toward me as a child, thinking of how all these years she’s used me like a chess piece, I can’t help but believe this rumor. Tell me, could I truly not be Mother Empress’s biological son? Is that why she so casually humiliates me, calling me a useless wretch!”

Hearing this, and seeing the Crown Prince’s panicked, helpless expression, Leng Lian sighed gently in her heart. Li Weiyang, oh Li Weiyang, you’ve truly grasped the Crown Prince’s lifeline. So all these days while you held position, you were secretly orchestrating this matter. Indeed, the relationship between the Crown Prince and Empress Pei couldn’t be called harmonious. Because Empress Pei was an extremely cold person—even her heart was icy. The slightest misstep by the Crown Prince would bring severe reproach. Empress Pei’s behavior was too unlike a mother’s—this gave Li Weiyang her opening. Whether or not Empress Pei was the Crown Prince’s biological mother didn’t matter. What mattered was whether the Crown Prince believed it.

So-called doubt could destroy a person’s entire self-confidence. All the Crown Prince’s confidence was built on the foundation that he was Empress Pei’s son, the nation’s heir. He’d devoted heart and soul to playing the Crown Prince’s role, striving to be perfect. But looking now, the Crown Prince’s confidence had already been destroyed by Li Weiyang’s rumor.

He’d begun to doubt whether he was Empress Pei’s son, whether Empress Pei had killed his biological mother. Though he’d never seen that lowly palace maid, though he had no concrete evidence, he’d still investigated. What did this mean? It meant he already unconsciously felt that matter was true. Silently using a heart-attacking strategy, forcing the Crown Prince into a rage without any evidence—while marveling at Li Weiyang’s terrifying nature, Leng Lian couldn’t help but sigh gently: “Your Highness, why believe those rumors and gossip? You are naturally Empress Pei’s biological son.”

At this moment Leng Lian also felt strange. She didn’t understand why Li Weiyang had her say the opposite. She could have made the Crown Prince further doubt Empress Pei, but now Li Weiyang had her play the peacemaker as much as possible before the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince felt no comfort from Leng Lian’s words, because he’d already heard everyone say these things countless times. Everyone told him it was just rumors—those ignorant common people believed it because they lacked topics for after-meal conversation. Those court ministers believed it because they wanted to use it as exploitable capital. As for those gossips, of course they treated it as a joke. If the Crown Prince truly believed this, wouldn’t he be falling right into others’ trap? But the more they told you not to believe it, the more you’d feel maybe it was true. Once the seed of doubt was planted in one’s heart, it would only grow deeper until it took root and sprouted, growing into a sturdy tree. The sprout in the Crown Prince’s heart had already emerged—no one could stop it now.

Hearing Leng Lian say this, his expression only grew uglier: “Mother Empress summoned me into the palace all night, telling me this was just a rumor and I shouldn’t take it to heart. She’s never been so pleasant with me before. I always feel this matter gives me chills. Perhaps that palace maid truly was my biological mother. Perhaps I’m truly not Empress Pei’s son. Otherwise why would she send people to stop that theater troupe from performing? Otherwise why would she dispatch countless secret agents to sit in teahouses, closely monitoring all movements?”

Wasn’t this what should normally be done? Leng Lian observed his expression but said in a low voice: “Your Highness, Her Majesty is worried the situation will intensify.”

Leng Lian spoke the truth. Precisely because that rumor came so inexplicably, Empress Pei wanted to trace its origins, so she’d sent people to ban that theater troupe while also watching those spreading rumors behind the scenes, trying to find the mastermind behind it all. This was human nature, also what Empress Pei should do. But falling into the Crown Prince’s eyes, it became frantically covering up evidence.

The Crown Prince said in panic: “But I’m afraid! I fear this is true. Then I’d truly have nothing left!” Saying this, he suddenly saw Leng Lian’s face turn deathly pale. His heart eased: “What’s wrong? Did my words frighten you… Don’t worry, I’m only suspicious. None of this is real!”

He turned to comfort Leng Lian but suddenly saw her drop to her knees with a thud, her face full of fear: “Your Highness, Leng Lian is already pregnant.”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but be overjoyed. The shadow in his heart was also slightly dispelled. He quickly helped her up: “What’s this about? Since you’re pregnant, that’s cause for great joy!”

But Leng Lian’s tears flowed continuously: “Your Highness, Leng Lian has always had words she dared not speak to you. I hope you can forgive me.”

The Crown Prince frowned. What words couldn’t be spoken directly? He couldn’t help but think of everything Ying Chu had told him, feeling somewhat suspicious. He heard Leng Lian continue: “Actually my identity is quite special. I once lived in Dali’s imperial palace.”

The Crown Prince had already anticipated this and deliberately released Leng Lian’s hand, saying in shock: “What Ying Chu said was all true?”

Leng Lian knelt on the ground again, her face covered in pear blossoms with rain: “Lord Ying knew I had to flee my homeland because of palace struggles, so he found ways to send me to Your Highness’s side. He also said…”

Hearing that Leng Lian wasn’t sent by Li Weiyang but by Ying Chu, the Crown Prince’s expression changed drastically. He stepped forward and suddenly gripped her wrist: “What did he say?”

Leng Lian said in a low voice: “He also said first, to have me closely watch Your Highness; second, though I have no intention to harm Your Highness, I did after all come from Dali and stayed in the imperial palace. If people with ulterior motives learned of this, it would inevitably affect Your Highness’s reputation.”

The Crown Prince thought of the Emperor’s expulsion decree and immediately broke out in cold sweat. Before, he could overlook this point because of Leng Lian’s beauty, but hearing Leng Lian was sent by Ying Chu, he couldn’t help but become afraid. Hiding a woman’s identity was easy, but what if Ying Chu seized this handle? What should he do? No wonder Li Weiyang hadn’t seized this handle—she was just a chess piece too!

At this moment he’d completely forgotten that Ying Chu was actually his mother empress’s subordinate, also the person supporting him to become emperor. Because of his childhood experiences, he felt extreme disgust and hatred toward Ying Chu. He couldn’t help but suspect Ying Chu’s motives in sending Leng Lian to his side. Leng Lian, reading his expression, said calmly: “Lord Ying sent me to Your Highness’s side. The most important reason… I think should be to use me to control Your Highness.”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince slumped into his chair, saying in disbelief: “It’s Mother Empress. She wants to catch my weakness and make me obey her for life! That’s right, it must be so! Because I’m not her biological son, and because I’ve been ruining her plans lately and can’t satisfy her, she’s desperately trying to catch my weakness. You’re from Dali and stayed in the harem—by harboring you, I’m undoubtedly harboring a spy!”

Finishing, he drew in a sharp breath. No matter how absurd this sounded, it made him uncontrollably think of the most terrifying aspects. Right, Leng Lian was indeed sent by Ying Chu, but Ying Chu also put on an act before him, pretending to want to expel Leng Lian. Why was that? Thinking of this, his mind was in chaos.

From Li Weiyang sending her to the Crown Prince’s side, then calmly defeating Ying Chu’s conspiracy, then remaining silent about such a huge handle, to orchestrating the rumors about the Crown Prince’s origins, then having her turn around and accuse Ying Chu—all of this could transform something originally utterly absurd into something reasonable and flawless. Most importantly, the Crown Prince’s emotions were in turmoil, he loathed Ying Chu, so he’d believe whatever she said!

Leng Lian knew he’d taken the bait. She sighed: “Your Highness is so magnanimous and has treated me with such love… How could I bear to harm Your Highness! I know Lord Ying must have told Your Highness everything. This is because I’m no longer under his control, so he wants to destroy me as a chess piece! If Your Highness doesn’t believe me, each time I go out, Ying Chu sends people to follow me, intending to silence me. If I hadn’t been prepared and shaken them off first, I’d already be dead! I know I’m guilty, but the child is innocent, so Your Highness must save me!”

The Crown Prince stared at her, suddenly remembering something: “But… if it’s truly as you say, why did Ying Chu identify Guo Jia at court last time?”

Leng Lian’s pretty face turned deathly pale: “That was naturally to gain Your Highness’s trust. When trouble comes, he can say I was sent to Your Highness’s side by Guo Jia. Your Highness, think carefully—if I were truly sent by Guo Jia, she could have already used this handle to strike at Your Highness! Why has she remained silent? It’s because the one putting on an act all along has been Ying Chu! He wants to borrow a blade to kill—Your Highness!”

With a snap, the final straw pressing on the Crown Prince’s spine finally broke the faith he’d built up over twenty-plus years completely…