The struggles inside and outside the court raged fiercely, while at this time another dark cloud slowly enveloped the skies above Yuexi. As the Emperor had predicted, war finally erupted. First, several cities on Yuexi’s border were continuously harassed and ambushed by Dali’s armies. The Emperor commanded Grand General Wang Gong to lead five hundred thousand troops in three routes, advancing from the east, center, and west to meet Dali’s forces. Grand General Wang Gong was skilled in military strategy and had many years of combat experience. He required the eastern army to adopt slow-march tactics, bluffing to confuse the enemy while advancing to tie down Dali’s main forces. The central route, which he personally commanded, was the true main force, adopting quick-strike tactics to eliminate Dali’s right flank, then merging with the western army that served as cover to advance together. Shortly after this war began, Yuexi recovered seven cities that Dali had once seized, with victory reports arriving frequently.

The good news didn’t last long. The eastern army led by Marquis Changsheng, seeing Grand General Wang Gong achieve numerous victories and observing that Dali’s forces collapsed at the first strike with no real combat capability, felt that serving as auxiliary to the main force would earn little merit. They actually violated Wang Gong’s orders and demanded the troops accelerate their march to engage Dali’s main forces. Because of this greedy rush for glory, they destroyed Grand General Wang Gong’s entire plan. What followed seemed almost supernatural—the direction of this war began to reverse. The originally retreating Dali forces actually employed annexation warfare, finding ways to trap Grand General Wang Gong in Youzhou City. This forced the two hundred thousand troops he commanded to halt without grain or fodder, able only to retreat to replenish supplies. From then on, Dali’s forces waited at ease while the enemy exhausted themselves, using guerrilla tactics that left Wang Gong running ragged. When he finally replenished his supplies and attacked again, he instead fell into the enemy’s ambush. Of his two hundred thousand troops, more than half were lost. Wang Gong retreated to Yizhou City, and news of defeat reached the capital all along the way.

When the Emperor received this news, he was greatly shocked. Marquis Changsheng, who was supposed to assist the central army, repeatedly failed at the front lines, exposing weaknesses in the east and causing continuous defeats. Even more serious was what followed—Pan Jun of the western army, an old horse stumbling, made command errors that led to the complete annihilation of the western army, with Pan Jun himself captured. Amid the shock, the entire capital erupted in uproar. Countless court officials swarmed to the Emperor’s palace to present their views, demanding that Yuexi immediately cease hostilities with Dali and submit a peace proposal.

But given the Emperor’s temperament, how could he make such a decision? For these decades, no one had ever been able to challenge his authority, much less Tuoba Yu, who was nothing but a greenhorn in his presence! Although he dispatched additional troops and temporarily replaced commanders, Dali could still anticipate Yuexi’s military deployments one step ahead, intercepting and defeating one by one the forces he sent to support Wang Gong, rendering them unsuccessful.

After deep contemplation through the night, the Emperor suddenly summoned Prince Xu, Yuan Lie, into the palace.

Yuan Lie, led by a eunuch into the imperial study, didn’t see the Emperor. His heart was puzzled when he heard light coughing sounds. Then he saw the Emperor emerge from behind a screen, his body faintly carrying the scent of medicine. After a moment, Yuan Lie saw palace servants carrying a bowl and retreating backward. As they passed beside Yuan Lie, that medicinal smell grew even stronger.

Yuan Lie started, then looked toward the Emperor. This old man had always been in good health—apart from his chronic headache condition, he had almost no ailments. Now he was suddenly taking medicine. Could he have been angered into illness by the failures at the front? With this thought, he heard the Emperor cough and say: “You’ve come?”

Yuan Lie calmly stepped forward and knelt, appearing respectful: “This subject pays respects to Your Majesty.”

The Emperor sighed. At this moment, he wore only ordinary clothes, showing a few signs of age compared to his usual majesty. He casually picked up the teacup a eunuch had just presented, intending to drink but stopping it midair, his face showing hesitation.

Yuan Lie lowered his head. He and this father weren’t actually close, nor did he have much father-son affection for him. Finally, he heard the Emperor laugh faintly: “I summoned you an hour ago, yet you only come now. Where exactly were you?”

Yuan Lie said in a calm voice: “Just some small matters, not worth Your Majesty’s attention. Please forgive this subject.”

The Emperor’s face was full of weariness, but his eyes were piercing: “Rise. My headache condition becomes especially severe at this time of year, and there’s rheumatism… Even the imperial physicians can’t cure it. Sigh, truly getting old. Even if I refuse to accept it, it won’t do!”

Yuan Lie’s heart filled with suspicion, almost staring at the Emperor with astonished eyes. He didn’t understand why the usually high-spirited Emperor would show such an expression before him. According to the Emperor’s usual temperament, he should be full of vigor and angrily reproaching him for being late. But looking at his current appearance, he seemed to truly be accepting his age. Was this possible? Yuan Lie seriously studied the other man, those amber-like eyes flashing with doubtful light.

The Emperor glanced at him and knew what he was thinking. His expression became stern and solemn: “The matter concerning your mother back then—do you still blame me?”

Since Yuan Lie returned to the palace, the Emperor had never mentioned Princess Qixia before him. This person seemed to have vanished from the Emperor’s memory, yet today he actually brought her up voluntarily. This was truly strange and didn’t fit the Emperor’s character. Yuan Lie’s form was refined and unruly, but his face lacked its usual teasing smile. He merely studied the Emperor with those slender phoenix eyes, as if guessing what the other intended.

Seeing Yuan Lie’s expression grow increasingly confused, the Emperor slowly spoke: “I know that although you don’t speak of it, in your heart you’ve always blamed me. Back then, I wronged your mother first, and later I couldn’t protect you well—I actually lost you during the escort. For all of this, I feel deeply guilty in my heart. But after so many years, can you still not let it go? Is my kindness to you still insufficient to compensate for the hatred in your heart?”

Yuan Lie lowered his head, reached out to shake his sleeves as if arranging his gold-embroidered cuffs. That handsome face carried a trace of faint coldness: “Your Majesty, you speak too heavily. Yuan Lie absolutely doesn’t dare resent Your Majesty!”

The Emperor’s lips curved into a slight smile: “You are my son. I know you all too well! Your personality is very stubborn, just like hers.” Speaking of this, he suddenly paused, then laughed softly again. “No, in the end it’s still not quite the same. She was stubborn on the outside but soft inside. You’re the opposite—outwardly compliant but unruly at the core. I truly don’t know who you take after!” He gazed at Yuan Lie, as if wanting to find someone’s shadow in him. But Yuan Lie stood with his form perfectly straight, with no intention of raising his head to look at him.

The Emperor ultimately sighed again: “I said long ago that I would properly compensate you.”

Yuan Lie finally raised his head to look at him levelly, his heart icy cold, but his face wearing a faint smile: “Compensation? The compensation Your Majesty speaks of—is it wealth and glory?”

The Emperor started, his heart in turmoil, unable to speak for a long while. When he came to his senses, he said earnestly: “Wealth and glory, and also this dragon throne of mine—as long as you want it, you can take it at any time!”

Yuan Lie’s brows and eyes gradually curved, but his eyes held no smile: “Is this truly what Your Majesty thinks? Or do you want to watch me fight with the Crown Prince, with the capable one ultimately obtaining the throne?”

The Emperor’s heart grew gloomy: “There are no such easy bargains in this world. Do you know how I became Crown Prince? The late Emperor never thought of me as his son. He always left me in prison to live or die on my own. My only friends besides rats were geckos. Before meeting your mother, I didn’t even have a single person to talk to! Even after he brought me into the palace, it was a long time before he selected me as Crown Prince. Then he coldly observed me for half a year, even deliberately suppressing and testing me before finally feeling assured enough to entrust this emperor’s position to me! This was naturally to select someone suitable to entrust with the realm and the state altars, but also to inform me that all of this came hard-won, that I should cherish it well! Similarly, what I do to you today is the same. Although I won’t easily help you when you’re in danger, this is all for your own good. If I intended to support the Crown Prince, I could have let him ascend the throne long ago!”

Yuan Lie smiled faintly, his rising inflection carrying some amusement, yet no real mirth: “No matter Your Majesty’s intentions, Yuan Lie isn’t interested. You can pass this throne to whomever you wish!”

Hearing Yuan Lie say this, the Emperor’s face showed a flash of rising anger, but he suddenly thought of something and restrained himself: “After bringing you back, I’ve always secretly protected you, keeping you from the Empress’s deadly hands. That I won’t immediately pass the throne to you now is also because I worry that this will gather around you a group of people with vested interests. If petty men covet this and lead you down an evil path, that would be bad! Now thinking back, if I had been established as Crown Prince in childhood, countless opportunists would have surrounded me. So everything I do is to make you a qualified ruler.”

Yuan Lie remained unmoved, not even raising his eyelids, clearly completely uninterested in this proposal.

The Emperor ultimately couldn’t restrain himself and heavily set his teacup down on the tea table, saying angrily: “Are you really going to oppose me just for the sake of a mere woman?”

The other could relate everything to Weiyang, yet he didn’t realize that the crux of it all lay with himself. Yuan Lie looked at the Emperor, phoenix eyes slightly slanted, his tone calm: “Your Majesty, Yuan Lie has never wanted to be emperor. This isn’t for anyone else’s wishes—it’s all my own intention!”

The Emperor’s smile stiffened and froze, his throat as if obstructed by a fishbone: “Don’t treat me like a fool. There’s no man in this world without ambition! You’re my son, so naturally you’ll be like me. This chair…” He suddenly slapped the dragon throne heavily, his smile becoming very strange. “How many people in this world want to sit in this chair, yet you dare say you don’t want it? Is it that you don’t want it, don’t dare want it, or are you deliberately acting this way because of a promise to that woman?”

Yuan Lie’s gaze suddenly turned ice cold. He stepped forward: “Have you always been having people watch me and Weiyang?”

Hearing this, the Emperor’s smile became very indifferent: “Everything I’ve given you, I can give and I can take back. If you don’t believe it, you’re welcome to try!”

Having said this much, Yuan Lie already understood. He merely stared at the other man, his amber-like pupils almost able to wash away the turbidity in the other’s eyes: “Then Your Majesty, please take everything back!” After speaking, he turned to leave without the slightest reluctance.

The Emperor called loudly: “Stop!”

Yuan Lie walked out without looking back. At this moment, the eunuch standing outside the door hastily blocked Prince Xu Yuan Lie. Yuan Lie’s fierce eyes swept over. That eunuch only felt waves of cold wind rising from his back, the unspoken majesty almost crushing him, but he glanced at the Emperor and still didn’t dare step aside.

The Emperor had already stood up and was about to say something when he was suddenly seized by violent coughing. Yuan Lie whipped his head around, his brow furrowing slightly: “What illness is this?”

The Emperor looked at him expressionlessly, his heart stirring, but his face remaining composed: “It’s nothing—just caught a slight chill.” As he said this, his face faintly showed a greenish tinge. Yuan Lie sighed and instructed the eunuch standing outside: “You may leave first. I have matters to report to His Majesty.”

The eunuch glanced at the Emperor. The Emperor waved his hand at him, so the person standing at the door quietly withdrew.

Yuan Lie turned back into the hall and said to the Emperor: “Your Majesty, what exactly is your condition? Why can’t you speak truthfully?”

The Emperor showed a self-mocking smile: “My chronic illness hasn’t just been a day or two. Recently though, I constantly feel palpitations and shortness of breath, tightness in my chest. In the middle of the night, I’m often awakened by nightmares, and sometimes I even dream of your mother.” Speaking of this, he paused, his smile carrying some vicissitudes.

Only then did Yuan Lie suddenly realize that the Emperor he’d always thought indestructible now actually appeared somewhat aged. That handsome face so similar to his own had long since been covered with frost. The person who once relied on killing to establish authority had unknowingly become as he was now… He couldn’t help thinking that everyone grows old—no matter how powerful someone is, they cannot resist the erosion of time! At this moment, he saw the memorials the Emperor had casually tossed aside. He knew what they were and knew about the recent rumors sweeping through the court. In an instant, he suddenly understood and said slowly: “How does Your Majesty plan to handle matters with Dali?”

His sword-like brows slanted upward, his phoenix eyes clear, faintly showing traces of Qixia. But Qixia always had a gentle demeanor, her words and actions filled with soothing tenderness—quite different from this child’s cold, hard heart. The Emperor’s tone was very cold: “I will personally lead an expedition.”

Hearing this sentence, even Yuan Lie couldn’t help but be shocked with alarm. He looked at the Emperor in amazement, unable to speak for quite some time. A personal imperial expedition—what did this mean? The Emperor would personally take the field? How was this possible? He asked in astonishment: “Have you gone mad?”

But he heard the Emperor say coldly: “That greenhorn has already left the capital and is heading toward the border. If he can go, why can’t I?”

The Emperor decided on a personal imperial expedition, and the matter was settled in just a few words. What seemed like a casual remark had a very relaxed manner. Yuan Lie knew this matter must have been considered in the Emperor’s heart for a long time. He forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said faintly: “Your Majesty, please permit this subject to take his leave.”

The Emperor moved his lips as if to say something but ultimately just nodded: “You may go.”

In the last moment before leaving the room, Yuan Lie saw the Emperor close his eyes and lean back against the support behind him, his expression seemingly somewhat sorrowful. It was just an instant, yet Yuan Lie saw it clearly. For some reason, he suddenly felt his hands and feet turn ice cold. At this time, for the Emperor to suddenly personally lead an expedition—what this meant, everyone would surely find shocking…

But Yuan Lie understood very well that some things couldn’t be stopped. This… was just a farce.

The next day, the Emperor issued an edict for a personal imperial expedition. Once the words were spoken, the entire court was shocked. But no matter how the court officials tried desperately to stop him, even with people splattering blood on the spot, the Emperor remained unmoved. The morning court session lasted two hours. He finally managed to escape those people. Having just left court and walked to Chaohua Gate, he saw Empress Pei leading a group of people kneeling on the ground.

The Emperor started, his face showing gloom: “Empress, what are you doing?”

Empress Pei’s expression remained calm: “Your Majesty, the ancient saying goes that a gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall, much less you who are the Son of Heaven, child of heaven and earth, upon whom the safety of all people depends. A personal imperial expedition is such a grave matter. All the civil and military officials strongly oppose it. How can Your Majesty decide so rashly and act so willfully? Where does this leave the court officials? Where does this leave the people of the realm?”

The Emperor’s face darkened: “The inner palace must not interfere in politics. Has the Empress forgotten?”

Empress Pei’s expression was indifferent: “This consort naturally doesn’t dare interfere in politics, but if it concerns Your Majesty’s safety, this consort must resort to this desperate measure. These consorts weren’t summoned by this consort but came to my palace on their own. If Your Majesty doesn’t believe it, you may question each one.”

Imperial Consort Guo stepped forward: “Your Majesty, a personal imperial expedition is no small matter. The civil and military officials and million soldiers exist to protect the nation. In times of danger, how can the Son of Heaven personally go to the front lines? What use are they then? Please reconsider!” As she spoke, tears rolled down her face. Not only Imperial Consort Guo—even the other consorts who had never gotten along with Empress Pei all knelt before the Emperor, united in wanting him to rescind the order.

The Emperor laughed coldly: “All of you, rise. My mind is made up. Anyone who speaks further can leave the palace!”

Imperial Consort Guo looked at the Emperor and crawled forward on her knees two steps, trying to catch up, murmuring: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty!” But the Emperor still walked away without looking back. Imperial Consort Guo felt her body weakening and collapsed on the ground. Seeing this, Imperial Consort Chen quickly came to support her, asking with concern: “Imperial Consort, are you all right?”

Imperial Consort Guo sighed deeply, softly collapsing against Imperial Consort Chen and sighing: “I’m fine. It’s just a pity that despite our best efforts, we cannot stop His Majesty.”

Empress Pei merely smiled faintly: “Return to the palace.” Seeing Empress Pei about to leave, Imperial Consort Chen quickly asked: “Your Majesty, will you just watch as His Majesty personally leads this expedition?”

Empress Pei’s expression was indifferent: “Since this is His Majesty’s decision, and you and I have already fulfilled our duties as imperial consorts, what more is there to say? You should all return early.”

Imperial Consort Chen and Imperial Consort Zhou exchanged glances. Imperial Consort Chen’s expression changed, and she couldn’t help but say loudly: “Your Majesty, don’t you care at all about His Majesty’s safety?”

Empress Pei coldly turned her head, her gaze turning sinister: “Nonsense! A personal imperial expedition is a great matter of state. Didn’t you hear what His Majesty just said? The inner palace must not interfere in politics! His Majesty personally going to the battlefield is for the sake of the realm. Don’t spread alarmist talk! If you shake military morale, can you bear the responsibility?”

Imperial Consort Chen grew anxious, cold sweat breaking out. Facing Empress Pei’s sharp eyes, she couldn’t speak for a moment. Imperial Consort Guo quickly said: “Imperial Consort, you spoke out of turn. Quickly beg Her Majesty’s forgiveness!”

“No need!” Empress Pei looked at them coldly, said nothing more, turned, and departed in her phoenix carriage.

At this time in Duke Qiguo’s residence, Li Weiyang was teaching Li Minzhi to paint. Having finished painting a pine tree and preparing to add a green stone, she raised her eyes to discover Yuan Lie had an absent-minded appearance. Li Weiyang smiled gently: “You’ve been in a daze since earlier. What’s wrong?”

Yuan Lie lowered his eyes, his voice calm: “His Majesty wants to personally lead an expedition. What do you think of this?”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help but start: “In all these years, His Majesty has never made such a decision. This sudden whim—I suspect there must be a reason behind it.”

Yuan Lie’s expression was unprecedentedly grave. That handsome face actually flickered with a trace of faint sorrow. Li Weiyang had never seen such an expression from him—or rather, she’d never seen even a trace of vulnerability on Yuan Lie’s face. This man had always been cheerful, smiling, playful before her in various ways, never showing the slightest dejection. But now she truly and clearly saw the gloom bursting from his pupils, seeming so turbid one couldn’t see the edge, yet so clear it made one’s heart palpitate. She couldn’t help but say softly to Minzhi: “Sister needs to talk with brother. Go play by yourself for a while.”

Minzhi obediently nodded but couldn’t help curiously staring at Yuan Lie with wide eyes.

Yuan Lie stood up somewhat restlessly and walked out of the study, standing in the corridor thinking about who knows what. Li Weiyang followed his gaze and saw a blooming camellia, flowering in full splendor. A gust of wind blew, and camellia petals fell to the ground. Yuan Lie’s eyes moved, as if he’d made a decision.

Li Weiyang instantly understood clearly: “You want to advise His Majesty and campaign in his place?”

Hearing these words, Yuan Lie was stunned and turned to look at Li Weiyang: “You don’t object?”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, that smile cool yet very tender: “If it’s your decision, naturally I won’t object.”

As her words fell, they heard Guo Dao say loudly: “No!”

They turned their heads to see Guo Dao striding toward them, his face frosty. Guo Dao said coldly: “Given the current situation, you cannot easily leave the capital!”

Li Weiyang disagreed and glanced at Guo Dao, then turned to Yuan Lie: “If you want to go, you should go. Don’t listen to anyone else.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Guo Dao’s face showed a trace of anxiety. He was about to say something but was interrupted by Li Weiyang waving her hand. She said faintly: “Fifth Brother, everyone should have things they want to do. Yuan Lie is a man. He can’t spend all day circling my skirts. If he can’t achieve merit and establish his career, how can he face himself?”

Guo Dao looked at Li Weiyang, his heart in turmoil for a moment. He truly didn’t know what she was thinking—at this time, she was actually letting Yuan Lie leave the capital! Didn’t she know this matter faintly reeked of something fishy?

Li Weiyang’s smile became even more gentle, her expression calm: “I’ll say it again—if you want to go, go properly. Don’t worry about me. If I didn’t have the ability to protect myself, how would I have survived until today? Moreover, Duke Qiguo’s residence is still here. They surely won’t devour me!”

Hearing this, Yuan Lie’s heart was both pained and anxious. He wished he could pack Li Weiyang up and take her with him. But he knew even better that on the battlefield, blades and swords had no eyes—that was the truly dangerous place. For Li Weiyang’s sake, he should leave her at Duke Qiguo’s residence. After all, with Duke Qiguo there, plus Li Weiyang’s own schemes and wisdom, nothing would happen for the time being. As long as he fought quickly and decisively, ended the war swiftly, and returned to Li Weiyang’s side, everything would be safe and sound. He didn’t want to care about that person—the hatred in his bones couldn’t be erased even for a day. But seeing that dejected, aged expression, he wavered for an instant.

He indeed bore the noble status of Prince Xu and should give the other some return—he told himself this. But somehow his heart still throbbed faintly with unease. He gritted his teeth: “No, I cannot leave the capital, nor should I leave your side!”

Li Weiyang’s eyes flashed with light: “Not daring to do what you want to do—even I would look down on such a Yuan Lie!”

Guo Dao’s heart grew even more anxious. He hadn’t expected Li Weiyang would speak so severely, insisting on forcing Yuan Lie onto the battlefield. He wanted to say something, but opening his mouth, he held back, only silently watching these two.

Yuan Lie looked at Li Weiyang, his gaze infinitely affectionate: “Do you truly wish for me to go?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes looked into the depths of his: “Yes, I hope you follow your own heart. If you want to go, then go. No matter when you return, I promise you I won’t suffer the slightest harm.”

Yuan Lie’s heart stirred, and he instinctively grasped Li Weiyang’s hand. Beside them, Guo Dao had already turned his head away. This scene wasn’t for him to watch.

Yuan Lie tightly squeezed Li Weiyang’s hand, his voice only saying softly: “I promise you I will return safely, stay by your side, and never go anywhere again.”

Li Weiyang nodded. After a long silence with no words, she finally just watched Yuan Lie depart into the distance. She knew Yuan Lie was going to the palace to request orders from the Emperor, and once he went, she also knew the other would certainly succeed.

Guo Dao said angrily: “You clearly know the Emperor is doing this to provoke Yuan Lie. Why are you still letting him leave?”

Li Weiyang glanced at Guo Dao and said softly: “That person ultimately has an extraordinary relationship with him. No matter how tough his words, blood ties cannot be stopped. I’ve never seen him show such an expression before.”

Li Weiyang knew well that the Emperor was merely using a desperate strategy, but his true purpose in transferring Yuan Lie away from the capital was to let him gain experience on the battlefield. Occupying such a high position, this was essential training. Especially since Yuan Lie had no foundation in the military—if this time he could firmly grasp military power to constrain Empress Pei… The other princes and even the Crown Prince had all entered the palace requesting to replace the Emperor in the expedition, yet not one received the Emperor’s permission. This was instead the best opportunity.

Guo Dao spoke: “I truly don’t understand what you’re thinking. Without Yuan Lie, the unstable factors around you will only increase. I’m most worried about your safety.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Aren’t Father and all of you still beside me? I’m not worried about anything else—I only hope Yuan Lie can return safely.”

Li Weiyang’s prediction was correct. The Emperor indeed granted Yuan Lie’s request and, despite court opposition, gave him the position of Vice Marshal, ordering General Zhen Dong Wang Qiong to serve as commander-in-chief and go together to rescue Grand General Wang Gong and lift the border siege.

On the day the army left the capital, hundreds and thousands of commoners packed both sides of the main road until not even water could leak through. Every tower from which this road could be seen had long been crowded full. Li Weiyang stood high, clearly seeing the grand spectacle of the army leaving the city. A low, solemn horn sounded. The entire capital fell silent in an instant. The sunlight seemed to dim, and a compelling chill filled the air.

Yuan Lie wore heavy armor and sword, sitting upright on an armored warhorse. Hearing the horn sound, he suddenly reined in his horse. His right hand slightly raised, and the generals behind him immediately halted, their actions decisive in the extreme. Led by Commander-in-Chief Wang Qiong, all the officers and soldiers dismounted and bowed distantly toward the city tower, signifying farewell to their sovereign. The Crown Prince presented the farewell wine on the Emperor’s behalf. Then the entire formation reorganized. Yuan Lie took the lead with reins in hand, the formation behind following in order, their steps unified. Every hoofbeat shook the entire capital. He was so far from Li Weiyang—so far she couldn’t see his face clearly. Behind him, the endless black-armored soldiers gleamed with metallic coldness in the sunlight. Looking from afar actually gave one a sense of oppressive suffocation.

Yuan Lie at this moment was completely different from the person she knew. His body carried an intense and sharp radiance that invisibly left people with nowhere to hide. Li Weiyang said not a word, silently watching the scene before her, her fingers lightly gripping the railing, her fingertips faintly pale. Her heart swept through nameless emotions—seemingly somewhat melancholy yet somewhat gratified, a taste she’d never experienced before.

Guo Dao beside her watched and sighed softly: “Regretting it now?”

Li Weiyang came to her senses and smiled slightly: “I never regret anything, no matter what decision I make.”

Guo Dao shook his head but said faintly: “This time, General Zhen Dong Wang Qiong serves as commander-in-chief, leading three hundred thousand troops to lift the border siege. Wang Ji also went with them. But as I know, Wang Zijin hasn’t left—she’s still in the capital.”

Li Weiyang nodded: “Now that the Grand General is away and Wang Qiong must also leave, only Wang Zijin remains to guard the Wang family. If she also left, this matter would become difficult.”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this showed she understood the situation. Guo Dao smiled faintly.

Li Weiyang turned to watch that formation slowly depart into the distance, her gaze growing profound.

Yuan Lie’s great army departed into the distance. Because the journey was long, no definite battle reports arrived. At this time, Dazhou suddenly made another move. The grassland’s new Great Khan was suddenly assassinated, and the killer was none other than the Third Prince who had once been driven by the Emperor to a remote pasture. Hearing this news, Princess Ali was first shocked, then at a loss: “Jia’er, what should I do now?”

Li Weiyang gently shook her head: “Princess Ali, why be so surprised? Your Third Brother isn’t an ordinary person. How could he be content to guard a desolate pasture for the rest of his life? It was only a matter of time.”

Ali gritted her teeth: “But he absolutely shouldn’t have moved against the Great Khan. It was the Great Khan who took pity on him, summoned him back, and granted him trust, even giving him three thousand cavalry. Who knew that the first thing he’d do after obtaining troops was collude with the Prince Uncle to kill his own brother and seize the Great Khan’s position? How did Third Brother become so ruthless? But… could it be that because of this, I can no longer stay at the Guo residence?” She worried she would bring hidden dangers to Duke Qiguo’s residence.

Li Weiyang smiled: “Princess Yongning is Prince Yan’s consort and also a Dali princess, but when the two nations are at war, His Majesty hasn’t blamed her because of it. He even showed her special mercy when expelling those Dali people. You’re ultimately just a woman, not involved in other matters. This affair doesn’t have much to do with you. Just stay peacefully.”

Princess Ali’s tense expression eased slightly, but raising her eyes, she saw Guo Dun beside her with a grave expression. She couldn’t help asking: “What’s wrong with you now?”

Guo Dun started and suddenly raised his head to look at her. After hesitating a moment, he didn’t know what to say. Beside him, Guo Cheng proactively spoke for him: “The grassland’s Third Prince dared seize the position with Dazhou’s support, plus the previous alliance between Yuexi and the grassland… I fear things look bad!”

Princess Ali’s brow furrowed tightly. She looked at Li Weiyang in panic: “Jia’er, what should we do?”

Li Weiyang’s gaze revealed a trace of regret: “I don’t understand military warfare. I only know that I fear this time Father and my brothers must also go to the battlefield!”

Hearing these words, Ali’s whole body froze. She immediately turned to look in Guo Dun’s direction. Guo Dun seemed not to dare face her gaze and slowly lowered his head. Currently, Princess Ali and Guo Dun were on very good terms. Lady Guo planned to first arrange Guo Cheng’s wedding, then immediately prepare theirs… But now this had suddenly happened. If Duke Qiguo requested orders from the Emperor, Guo Dun would naturally leave with his father. This marriage would have to be delayed accordingly. No wonder Princess Ali showed such an expression.

Guo Dun ultimately made his decision. He said through gritted teeth: “A true man cannot be bound by romantic entanglements. Princess, I hope you can wait for my return. If I cannot return, you may also marry another.”

That he could actually say such words—Princess Ali’s face suddenly flushed red, her eyes involuntarily filling with tears. She stamped her foot hard, turned, and ran off. Guo Dun watched her retreating back, revealing a melancholy expression.

Li Weiyang sighed softly, reproaching him: “Fourth Brother, how can you speak like that? What kind of way is that to comfort a girl? Princess Ali is ultimately just a gentle woman. No matter how free-spirited her exterior, she takes your marriage very seriously. If you don’t tell her to obediently wait for your return, that’s one thing, but you actually tell her to choose another—I truly don’t know what to say about you.”

Hearing this, Guo Dun’s face paled. Li Weiyang said: “Aren’t you going to chase after her?” Guo Dun hesitated no longer and quickly pursued. Guo Cheng and Guo Dao exchanged glances and simultaneously shook their heads with bitter smiles.

The Guo family’s prediction proved correct. The next day, the Emperor issued an edict appointing Duke Qiguo as Marshal of the Western Expedition, leading four hundred thousand troops to join with his eldest son, General Zhenguo Guo Rong, to directly engage the western enemy. In fact, compared to Dali’s forces on the other side, Dazhou’s attack this time could only be called auxiliary. They weren’t the main fighting force—the true main force was the fierce and battle-tested grassland cavalry. Dazhou people merely sent some troops to provide support, so compared to countless past wars, this couldn’t be called especially dangerous. But this time, Duke Qiguo was deeply worried and even specially summoned Li Weiyang. Seeing him constantly uneasy yet not stating the reason, Li Weiyang couldn’t help asking: “Father, why are you so worried?”

Duke Qiguo glanced at Li Weiyang and sighed softly: “My departure is very hasty. I have many words I want to instruct you with. Now everyone at home dotes on you, especially your mother who indulges you in everything. But Jia’er, Father must tell you—you’ve reached this age and will soon become a wife, daughter-in-law, and mother. Although Prince Xu is deeply devoted to you, he is also heaven’s proud son, a prince of royal blood. His path is destined not to be smooth. If you truly choose him, you must be fully mentally prepared! You cannot continue being so willful. Before any action, you must think of him—you cannot act rashly on momentary resentment.”

Hearing the usually stern Duke Qiguo speak such words, Li Weiyang was startled. She hadn’t expected Duke Qiguo would so earnestly advise her, clearly worried she would make some wrong decision. She smiled gently and said slowly: “Father, please rest assured. Jia’er isn’t a confused person and will remember your instructions.”

Duke Qiguo nodded, glanced at her but seemed to want to say more: “After I leave, you must take good care of your mother. Don’t let her worry excessively.”

Every time Duke Qiguo went on campaign, Lady Guo would be very anxious. Li Weiyang said softly: “Your daughter understands. Please be at ease!”

Duke Qiguo said nothing more. He knew this daughter was very clever, even more astute than he imagined. She knew how to handle matters. But did she know the Emperor had already made up his mind and was determined to force Yuan Lie down that path? Although Duke Qiguo was a honest man, he wasn’t a fool. Even he could see this—could Empress Pei and the Crown Prince not see it? Sooner or later, they would fight Yuan Lie to the death. At that time, what choice would Li Weiyang make? If she truly helped Yuan Lie inherit the throne, she would likely have to step over the corpses of tens of thousands to carve out a bloody path. He could almost envision how difficult this daughter’s future road would be. Duke Qiguo ultimately shook his head and turned to leave.

Not long after Duke Qiguo’s army departed, news came from the palace. At the moment the news arrived, Li Weiyang and Wang Zijin were drinking tea in a pavilion. Zhao Yue hurried in and said in a low voice: “Miss, His Majesty has fallen ill and is now bedridden.”

Li Weiyang’s teacup lid paused, then she exchanged a glance with Wang Zijin.

Wang Zijin was first to ask: “What illness?”

Zhao Yue furrowed her brow slightly: “This… this servant isn’t entirely clear either. I only heard palace people say His Majesty’s chronic headache condition has flared up again. But this time it seems especially severe compared to usual—he can’t even get out of bed, much less attend court and handle government affairs…”

Wang Zijin pondered: “So you’re saying court affairs are now in Empress Pei’s hands?”

Zhao Yue immediately said: “That’s not quite it. Empress Pei is ultimately just an inner palace woman. There are still civil and military officials in court. Although Duke Qiguo and General Zhen Dong aren’t here, those opposing Empress Pei’s interference in politics are numerous. All the great families are stirring. Empress Pei presumably won’t make any move to seize control of court affairs for now.”

Zhao Yue’s analysis was quite reasonable. Li Weiyang said nothing, but Wang Zijin looked at Zhao Yue in surprise. The maids around her were skilled in both civil and martial arts but rarely had such insight. This showed Li Weiyang was truly unique—she’d actually trained a servant girl to think so nimbly, immediately grasping the crux of the matter.

Guo Cheng and Guo Dun had accompanied Duke Qiguo on campaign, leaving only Guo Dao alone at Duke Qiguo’s residence to manage the household. He’d clearly just learned this news and came hurrying over, travel-worn: “Jia’er, you should know by now!”

Seeing Guo Dao, Wang Zijin’s brow furrowed. She’d never liked this man, but recently, being close to Li Weiyang, she unavoidably encountered him frequently. She laughed lightly: “Fifth Young Master arrives late. This news has already become old.”

Guo Dao saw Wang Zijin but showed no particular expression on his face. He only looked at Li Weiyang: “Something’s wrong with this. We must make plans early!”

Wang Zijin’s heart grew suspicious, and she couldn’t help asking: “What’s wrong?”

Guo Dao’s dark eyes flashed with fire: “First Prince Xu Yuan Lie was transferred away from the capital, and General Zhen Dong left with him. Then Father and my two brothers all departed together. Isn’t this too coincidental?”

Wang Zijin looked deeply into his eyes but refuted: “When two nations war, naturally they’re attacked on two fronts. Dispatching the court’s most capable military generals—what’s strange about that? My father is a pillar minister of the court. Without his support of the overall situation, should they have Prince Xu, who’s never fought a battle, resist the enemy? He’s too young and naturally needs my father’s command. The western battlefield is the same. Though the grassland doesn’t have many people, they’re very familiar with the terrain and skilled at guerrilla warfare. They often attack a town, plunder it, then vanish again. Only an experienced veteran general like Duke Qiguo can suppress them and achieve victory in one stroke. His Majesty’s decision isn’t wrong at all. What do you have to suspect?”

Wang Zijin’s analysis was correct. In the court, the most suitable for warfare were Duke Qiguo and General Zhen Dong. The Emperor’s arrangements seemed perfectly reasonable. But Guo Dao always felt very uneasy. He vaguely sensed that behind all this, a conspiracy was brewing, and this conspiracy must relate to Duke Qiguo’s residence. No! Or rather, it related to Li Weiyang. He turned to Li Weiyang solemnly: “No matter what, be extra careful these days. In my opinion, you shouldn’t leave the residence casually!”

Li Weiyang hadn’t yet spoken when Wang Zijin already laughed coldly: “Fifth Young Master can actually voice such groundless speculation—you’ve truly made me underestimate you!”

Guo Dao glared at her: “In critical moments, naturally emergency measures should be taken. His Majesty has suddenly fallen ill—I fear Empress Pei will become even more arrogant. If she catches some handle or uses this to drag Duke Qiguo’s residence into some trap, Miss Wang, can you take responsibility?”

Wang Zijin’s beautiful eyes condensed, looking at Guo Dao with an ice-cold expression: “If it’s fortune, it’s not disaster; if it’s disaster, it cannot be avoided. Can hiding at home prevent it?”

Guo Dao’s expression became very cold. He didn’t like this Miss Wang—she was too arrogant. Especially that prideful way she looked at people always made his skin crawl. So he disregarded her words, only persistently saying to Li Weiyang: “Jia’er, did you hear what I said?”

A thread seemed to connect in her heart. Li Weiyang nodded faintly but drank a sip of tea before saying leisurely: “Naturally I heard. Fifth Brother needn’t worry. Miss Wang isn’t wrong either. This time Empress Pei indeed intends to make some move. No, more accurately, she wants to eliminate Duke Qiguo’s residence in one stroke!”

Wang Zijin’s heart jumped, and she shook her head: “This isn’t child’s play—it’s a war between three nations. In an instant, corpses will litter the fields and blood will flow like rivers. I don’t believe she’d create such a huge commotion just for you alone!”

Li Weiyang smiled, her tone sarcastic: “For me? Naturally not. For Empress Pei, eliminating me this time is probably just incidental.” As she spoke, she slowly set down her teacup and sighed: “Take it slowly. No rush. She’ll eventually let us know what she wants.”