After Wang Zijin left, Guo Dao immediately spoke: “Jia’er, the current situation is unstable. Don’t be stubborn—you should go out and avoid this.”
Li Weiyang paused slightly, remaining silent for a long while. Previously, no matter what circumstances she encountered, Guo Dao had never said such words to her. She smiled: “Fifth Brother, why so afraid?”
Guo Dao’s expression was somber: “This isn’t called being afraid—it’s called being cautious. Not everyone in this world can have smooth sailing forever. I’m worried Empress Pei will use some vicious trick that we ultimately cannot guard against. Moreover, Father and Prince Xu aren’t in the capital. I’m just one person trying to protect you and the Guo family—I fear it won’t be easy.”
Li Weiyang smiled wryly: “Hearing you say this, I feel I’ve become a burden.”
Guo Dao frowned: “Jia’er, you actually understand everything. Don’t twist my meaning!”
Li Weiyang raised her hand and said softly: “Fifth Brother, I won’t leave here. No matter what happens, I won’t leave the Guo family.”
Guo Dao looked at Li Weiyang, anger gathering in his eyes: “You’ve truly gone mad! Knowing someone wants to deal with you, yet sitting here waiting—are you really not afraid of death?”
Li Weiyang saw his elegant brows slightly knit, his eyes already showing a fierce air, and sighed softly: “I promised Yuan Lie I’d wait here for his return. If you want me to hide now, where could I go? Leave the capital? Or simply leave Yuexi altogether?”
Her bright eyes were dark and clear like top-quality black agate, making one dare not look directly at them. Guo Dao hesitated for a moment before saying: “I have a merchant friend in Hezhou. You could go there to avoid this.”
Li Weiyang said faintly: “No matter where I go, Empress Pei won’t let me off. Think carefully—I killed her two daughters and formed so many enmities with her. Could she just let it go? Never! Even if I hide to the ends of the earth, she’ll dig me out. Since that’s the case, why go to such unnecessary trouble?”
Seeing her face like a deep ancient pool, calm and unwavering, completely unwilling to listen to his advice, Guo Dao’s face showed three parts more anxiety.
Li Weiyang already stood up: “Alright, it’s getting late. I should go check if Mother has taken her medicine.”
Hearing Li Weiyang insist like this, Guo Dao also sighed: “Fine, I’ll accompany you.”
The two came to the flower hall and saw Lady Guo talking with Princess Chenliu. Jiang Shi, wearing a light pink garment, stood there serving them. Seeing Li Weiyang, Jiang Shi smiled: “Little sister has come.”
Li Weiyang smiled and nodded: “Mother, it’s time to take your medicine.”
Lady Guo immediately furrowed her brow tightly: “Jia’er, why are you so stubborn? I already said the illness is mostly better. Why must you still make me take this bitter medicine every day?”
Li Weiyang smiled: “Good medicine tastes bitter but benefits the illness. If Mother wants to recover completely, you shouldn’t avoid treatment for fear of the doctor.” As she spoke, she gently picked up a bowl of medicine from the tray held by a maid following behind and presented it before Lady Guo. But Lady Guo had completely changed from her usual gentle demeanor, appearing thoroughly anxious.
Princess Chenliu beside her laughed: “Look at you, at this age, not as sensible as a child. Your daughter works so hard to persuade you—just drink it down. Don’t waste her filial devotion.”
Lady Guo sighed and had to accept the bowl of medicine. After hesitating a moment, she steeled herself, raised her neck, and swallowed the dark medicine. Seeing her drink the medicine, Li Weiyang finally showed a smile.
Jiang Shi said gently: “Mother is always like this. Every time she falls ill and the doctor prescribes three months of medicine, she only agrees to take half a month’s worth, throwing away the rest—such a waste. That’s precisely why her illness never gets completely cured.”
Li Weiyang looked at Jiang Shi and smiled: “Thank you for your trouble, Sister-in-law.”
Jiang Shi gently shook her head: “Being filial to Mother is a daughter-in-law’s duty. But little sister, if you become Prince Xu’s consort in the future, you probably won’t be able to remain at Mother’s knee showing filial piety. Who knows how heartbroken Mother will be then!”
Hearing this, Lady Guo disagreed, pulling Li Weiyang’s hand: “As long as Jia’er lives well, even if I can never see her again, I’m content. Moreover, Prince Xu’s residence isn’t far from our Duke Qiguo’s residence. What’s to fear?”
Jiang Shi and Princess Chenliu both exchanged smiles, unable to conceal the joy and delight in their eyes.
Li Weiyang’s heart stirred. No matter how thick-skinned, her face still appropriately flushed slightly.
Princess Chenliu’s eyes held some amusement: “When they return this time, we’ll rush to finish your elder brother’s wedding, then we should discuss your marriage as well.”
Jiang Shi nodded: “If that’s the case, we should start preparing now to avoid being too rushed when the time comes.”
Seeing that if she didn’t speak they’d start preparing her dowry, Li Weiyang quickly said: “No need to rush. I haven’t thought about this yet. I’ve only been back with the Guo family half a year—I still hope to remain at Mother’s knee showing filial piety for longer.”
Lady Guo shook her head in disagreement: “You’re truly a foolish child. At your current age, marriage is just right. Prince Xu is also deeply devoted to you. Entrusting you to him, Mother can feel assured.” As she said this, Lady Guo’s eyes already held crystalline tears.
Li Weiyang was startled, her tranquil eyes showing floating halos of light. She quickly smiled: “Listen to what Mother says—I almost thought you were sick of me and didn’t want to see me anymore!”
Lady Guo tightly wrapped her hand in her palm: “How could you say such things? I wish I could keep you home forever! But which young lady doesn’t marry? Even if I want to keep you, Prince Xu won’t agree! Before he left this time, he hinted several times that I should urge you. Don’t play dumb. When he returns this time, you absolutely cannot refuse anymore!”
Everyone in the room laughed, except Guo Dao sitting there silently with a gloomy face, thinking who knows what. Princess Chenliu noticed him and couldn’t help laughing: “Look at this child—what’s wrong? He hasn’t spoken since entering.”
Guo Dao hadn’t expected to suddenly be called out and was startled before raising his head: “Grandmother called me?”
Princess Chenliu said “Oh?” before continuing: “Didn’t you hear anything I just said? What are you thinking about so intently?”
Guo Dao glanced at Li Weiyang, somewhat at a loss for what to say. He knew he shouldn’t tell them about the current situation. Because Princess Chenliu was elderly and Lady Guo was an inner palace woman, knowing all this would only trouble them more without giving them any means to help. So he opened his mouth but only smiled: “How could I be distracted? I was just thinking about what gift I, as her brother, should give little sister since she’s getting married.”
Li Weiyang glanced at Guo Dao, somewhat grateful that he concealed the current situation.
Princess Chenliu smiled: “When other young ladies marry, their brothers carry them to the sedan chair. Our family happens to have five sons—who knows which one will carry Jia’er when the time comes?”
Lady Guo was somewhat stunned: “According to proper order, naturally it should be Rong’er. But Guo Rong is currently at the front lines. Even after pacifying the situation, he’ll still need to garrison there and probably can’t return. As for Yan’er, he…” She paused slightly, her face seemingly covered with a trace of worry, then smiled again: “Next would be Cheng’er—he’s most suitable.”
Guo Dao laughed heartily: “Mother, there’s no rule saying it must be the older brothers first. This isn’t the time to play favorites! They say carrying the bride brings good fortune. Third Brother and Fourth Brother have both found wives—I’m the only one missing. They should let me have this good fortune!”
Lady Guo smiled and pointed at him, both annoyed and amused: “Look at you—actually competing for this duty!” What Guo Dao said made everyone laugh, but at this moment Li Weiyang noticed his expression and sighed softly.
Night deepened. Li Weiyang sat alone before her mirror, removing the hairpins and ornaments from her hair one by one. Zhao Yue stood beside her, helping her remove her makeup, unable to help asking: “Miss, what Fifth Young Master said today isn’t without reason. This servant boldly advises you to go out and avoid this.”
Li Weiyang said faintly: “If I wanted to avoid it, I would have hidden away before they left. Now it’s already too late!”
Too late—what did this mean? Hearing this, Zhao Yue couldn’t help but be stunned.
Li Weiyang glanced at her and smiled slightly: “It’s getting late. Rest first.”
Zhao Yue said nothing more, only acknowledged, then helped Li Weiyang lie down. Afterward, she quietly lowered the bed curtains, blew out the lamp, and went to lie on a couch to the side. Every day, several maids took turns keeping night watch, but recently Zhao Yue felt uneasy and personally guarded Li Weiyang’s room.
In the middle of the night, a low voice suddenly came from outside, knocking on the door: “Sister Zhao, Sister Zhao.”
Zhao Yue’s eyes flew open. She rose and walked over quietly, saying in a low voice: “Who’s outside?”
She heard Lian’ou say respectfully: “Sister Zhao, please report to Miss that Imperial Consort Guo sent a female official to deliver an item. She says it must be personally given to Miss and asks her to rise quickly.”
At this hour, what kind of item would Imperial Consort Guo send? Zhao Yue was startled and quickly said: “Alright, I’ll go immediately.” But just as she turned around, Li Weiyang had already awakened and sat up, parting the bed curtains. Her gaze, cool as water, looked at Zhao Yue: “What happened?”
Zhao Yue quickly explained everything. Li Weiyang nodded, got out of bed, simply draped on an outer robe, tidied herself slightly, then walked out.
Outside the door, Lian’ou held a red candle, while the female official sent by Imperial Consort Guo bowed lightly to Li Weiyang with nimble movements, then said: “Imperial Consort ordered this servant to immediately deliver this item quietly. But unexpectedly disturbed Miss. Please forgive me!”
Li Weiyang listened silently, only smiling faintly: “I wonder what item Imperial Consort has to convey to me?”
The female official handed the tray in her hands to Zhao Yue. The tray was covered with a thin layer of red silk, obscuring what was inside. Zhao Yue gently lifted the red silk. On the tray lay quietly a cloth bag, both sides tied with rope, the bag inside also completely flat, appearing extraordinarily strange. The female official looking at this item couldn’t help but be stunned. She only knew Imperial Consort Guo had suddenly ordered her to come today but didn’t know what was being sent. After initial surprise, Li Weiyang had already understood. She said softly: “Zhao Yue, escort this female official out of the residence.”
Zhao Yue immediately acknowledged and escorted the completely surprised female official out. When she returned and turned back, she saw Li Weiyang sitting under the lamp quietly looking at that cloth bag, lost in deep thought. Zhao Yue approached doubtfully: “Miss, why would Imperial Consort send this item in the middle of the night? What’s inside this bag?”
Li Weiyang smiled faintly, absentmindedly: “Nothing at all—just an empty cloth bag.”
Sending an empty cloth bag in the dead of night—what was Imperial Consort planning? Zhao Yue grew increasingly confused and couldn’t help saying: “Then what’s the meaning? Why specifically send it to Miss at this hour?” Indeed, Imperial Consort Guo had previously sent Li Weiyang many gifts—gold and silver jewelry, fresh fruits—all the Consort’s rewards. But generally not at such an hour, and never such strange gifts. So Zhao Yue feeling extremely puzzled was quite normal.
Li Weiyang glanced at her and sighed softly: “This is the Consort telling me the current situation is like being trapped in a besieged city, attacked from both sides.”
Hearing such words, Zhao Yue was shocked and cried out: “How can this be?”
Li Weiyang placed the cloth bag on the table, her finger joints lightly tapping the tabletop. In this silent deep night, it made a “tap tap” sound. Her beautiful face showed a mysterious and unfathomable expression under the weak candlelight.
Zhao Yue considered carefully: “Should we immediately tell Fifth Young Master about this?”
Li Weiyang shook her head: “Imperial Consort went to great lengths to warn me, showing the current situation is very unfavorable to me. But Fifth Brother is already very tense. If I tell him, he’ll have even less peace.”
Seeing Li Weiyang still maintaining that calm composure of remaining unchanged even if Mount Tai collapsed before her, Zhao Yue grew somewhat anxious: “Miss, according to Fifth Young Master’s advice, you should still avoid this. It’s still not too late to leave now. As for Madam, this servant will find a way to notify her.”
Li Weiyang said softly: “Too late, it’s too late!”
Zhao Yue didn’t understand the meaning of this phrase, only saying out of concern: “Miss, it’s still not too late—while it’s not yet dawn!” Just as Zhao Yue’s words fell, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps from outside. Those footsteps were very chaotic and urgent, seemingly carrying endless panic. This time, Lian’ou practically rushed into the room.
Li Weiyang ruled strictly—the maids around her all understood propriety and would never do such an improper thing. Zhao Yue’s expression changed: “What happened?”
Lian’ou quickly said: “Miss, this is bad! The Crown Prince has brought a contingent of Imperial Guards and completely surrounded our residence!”
Li Weiyang’s eyes flashed with cold light. She suddenly stood up from her chair and looked at Lian’ou: “Is this true?”
Lian’ou’s eyes widened, clearly also extremely shocked: “Yes! Miss, Fifth Young Master instructed this servant to come immediately and ask whether you want to leave through the underground passage?”
Li Weiyang thought for a moment before smiling gently: “They’ve already blocked all the exits. Would they really leave the underground passage for me to escape? Fifth Brother is truly panicked and confused.” As she spoke, she straightened her garments and quietly walked past Lian’ou.
Zhao Yue immediately chased after her: “Miss, don’t be so stubborn! Now that the master isn’t in the capital and the young master isn’t here, no one can protect you. If something really happens, how can this servant explain to the young master?”
Li Weiyang stopped, turned her head, and looked quietly at Zhao Yue: “Rest assured. If it’s truly a fatal disaster, it cannot be avoided anyway.” After speaking, she walked out with light steps.
Inside the great hall, Princess Chenliu, Lady Guo, Jiang Shi, and Guo Dao were already waiting in the hall. Princess Chenliu sat upright in the main seat, her expression extremely calm. The only sound in the entire hall was her prayer beads clicking in her hands.
Li Weiyang glanced at the Crown Prince sitting in the great hall and smiled faintly: “I wonder what business brings the Crown Prince visiting so late at night?”
The Crown Prince smiled slightly, composed and calm: “I came specifically to proclaim an edict on Father Emperor’s orders. Miss Guo, you should listen to Father Emperor’s decree first!”
Lady Guo felt something was amiss, her voice distant and grave: “Your Highness, what exactly is His Majesty’s decree?”
The Crown Prince raised the imperial edict in his hand: “No need for many words. Please everyone prepare the incense table and kneel to receive the edict!”
Princess Chenliu and the others exchanged glances, having no choice but to kneel and await instructions. The Crown Prince, expressionless, unrolled the imperial edict and read: “From this day forth, Guo Jia, daughter of Duke Qiguo Guo Su, may not leave Duke Qiguo’s residence without permission. She shall guard her household and contemplate her errors behind closed doors!”
Hearing this sentence, Princess Chenliu’s expression changed. What had happened? Why would the Emperor issue such a decree? With a maid’s support, she stood up, her eyes holding unquestionable severity, looking solemnly at the Crown Prince: “Your Highness, why is this? Why would His Majesty suddenly issue a house arrest order? Jia’er hasn’t done anything wrong.”
The Crown Prince’s lips curved in a smile: “Princess Chenliu, although you’re an elder, don’t forget the rules. You should receive the edict first.”
Princess Chenliu came to her senses and said faintly: “Yes.” She accepted the imperial edict, bowed again toward the palace direction, then personally held the imperial edict before stepping forward again: “Your Highness, you must give Duke Qiguo’s residence an explanation!”
The Crown Prince’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes held faint mockery: “Look at what you’re saying. I’m merely following Father Emperor’s decree. Other matters have nothing to do with me. Well, Princess, you should rest well. I’ll take my leave.” As he spoke, he turned to leave. Just as he reached the great hall entrance, he suddenly heard Li Weiyang say: “Just now, listening to the Crown Prince’s words, it seems His Majesty wants to place everyone in Duke Qiguo’s residence under house arrest?”
The Crown Prince turned to glance at Li Weiyang, revealing some unruly arrogance: “Not everyone—only you, Guo Jia! But because the matter is grave, quite a few Imperial Guards are currently stationed outside. The Guo family may enter but not leave. So we can only ask others to temporarily remain in the residence and not run about everywhere, lest the Imperial Guards outside don’t recognize them and inadvertently offend everyone.”
Hearing him say this made it clear he intended to place everyone under house arrest. Princess Chenliu’s cheeks instantly frosted over: “Crown Prince, although you are the heir apparent, I am also an imperial princess! By seniority, His Majesty must call me aunt, not to mention you as a junior! Why do I ask you questions yet you respond so carelessly? Is this imperial etiquette? I rather want to ask His Majesty how he teaches his son to produce such an arrogant and domineering Crown Prince!”
The Crown Prince was stunned. Princess Chenliu was right. The other’s seniority was indeed much higher than his own. Not to mention the Crown Prince—even Empress Pei had to show some courtesy to this old woman before her. These four words “relying on age to bully others” were truly thoroughly implemented by this old woman! But she spoke the truth, leaving him unable to refute!
The Crown Prince’s expression became serious. He coughed lightly: “Princess Chenliu, if you have something to say, speak plainly.”
Princess Chenliu’s brow knitted several degrees tighter: “Then I dare ask the Crown Prince—what exactly happened? Why would His Majesty suddenly imprison my granddaughter?”
The Crown Prince said expressionlessly: “Presumably the Princess already knows my Father Emperor’s chronic illness has relapsed and he’s currently bedridden.”
The Emperor’s chronic illness relapsing and being bedridden—what did this have to do with imprisoning Guo Jia? The Crown Prince’s gaze, slightly mocking, swept lightly across Li Weiyang’s face, saying word by word: “Yesterday, the Imperial Astronomy Bureau divined that they observed the stars at night and saw an inauspicious star threatening the Emperor’s star. That’s why Father Emperor’s chronic illness relapsed, causing his condition to become critical.”
Li Weiyang’s face was only as elegant as a landscape painting, her eyes showing not the slightest panic: “What does ‘inauspicious star threatening the Emperor’s star’ mean? Please forgive my ignorance—I don’t understand!”
The Crown Prince laughed coldly: “Father Emperor ordered the Imperial Astronomy Bureau to research carefully before learning that this so-called inauspicious star is a woman born in the capital in an inauspicious year, inauspicious month, inauspicious day, and inauspicious hour!”
Li Weiyang’s lips curved in amusement: “This is truly laughable! In the entire capital, girls born at such a time probably number over a hundred, don’t they?”
The Crown Prince raised his brows in a smile: “Naturally. A total of one hundred twenty-one. Except for you, everyone else has already been imprisoned. If not for Duke Qiguo’s sake, could you still be standing here safely? The Imperial Astronomy Bureau will eliminate all suspected women within seven days. Once they determine which one it is, naturally they’ll eliminate the inauspicious influence for His Majesty!” This meant that once the Imperial Astronomy Bureau finally determined which woman threatened the Emperor’s star, they would kill her to ward off disaster for the Emperor.
Identical to the First Madam’s tactics from years ago, only much more clever—neither requiring personal action nor displaying a merciful facade, while those ultimately released would even be grateful to Empress Pei for not indiscriminately killing the innocent. Li Weiyang laughed coldly. Xiao Man was indeed born in an inauspicious year, month, day, and hour. This move by Empress Pei was truly vicious. If she proactively admitted she wasn’t Xiao Man, that would be falsely claiming imperial kinship. If she insisted she was Duke Qiguo’s daughter, she’d have to bear this birth date and time. Death either way—left or right, she couldn’t escape. And the timing chosen was excellent—while Yuan Lie and the others weren’t in the capital, perfect for moving against her. It seemed Empress Pei had grown very impatient with Li Weiyang’s existence!
The Crown Prince, seeing Li Weiyang’s expression showed not a trace of panic, suddenly felt uneasy. He glanced around and said: “Well, the edict has been proclaimed. Please conduct yourselves accordingly.” As he spoke, he turned and left.
Guo Dao stepped forward, grinding his teeth: “Empress Pei is truly vicious, actually using false pretenses to create trouble. Using the Emperor’s illness as an excuse, claiming they fear you’ll offend the Emperor—clearly they just want to put you to death!”
Jiang Shi, being most naive, couldn’t help saying: “Perhaps it’s just a misunderstanding. Once the Imperial Astronomy Bureau investigates who it is, little sister probably won’t be suspected anymore.”
Lady Guo laughed coldly: “They’re clearly targeting Jia’er. How could they let her escape? First imprisonment, then the next step is killing her.”
Jiang Shi thought for a moment but shook her head: “If that’s the case, why didn’t they directly kill little sister just now? Why have the Imperial Astronomy Bureau re-investigate? Investigate what?”
Lady Guo was stunned: “This point… I also don’t quite understand.”
Guo Dao narrowed his eyes, a cold gleam in them: “This is easy to understand. If they rashly charged into Duke Qiguo’s residence and killed the Guo family’s young lady just because of threatening the Emperor’s star, for Father who’s fighting desperately outside guarding the empire for the Emperor, it would undoubtedly be tremendous harm and a blow. Empress Pei is someone who wants her reputation—she absolutely wouldn’t do this. So she won’t act personally, only letting the Imperial Astronomy Bureau speak. After the Imperial Astronomy Bureau determines the person, demonstrating caution, she’ll then manipulate those court officials who don’t know the truth to submit memorials. If all the court officials demand Jia’er’s execution, then it won’t be Empress Pei’s fault. It’s not that she wants Jia’er dead—it’s the civil and military officials who want her dead! Even if Father returns, there’s nothing he can do. At that time, Empress Pei can claim the Imperial Astronomy Bureau verified repeatedly before determining Jia’er was the one threatening the Emperor’s star. Then she’ll find ways to push the blame onto those ignorant officials. Her hands won’t be stained with the slightest dirt because everything is someone else’s fault!” Speaking of this, Guo Dao was already extremely angry and resentful. He’d never detested someone so much.
The methods Empress Pei employed were truly too cunning. Li Weiyang sighed softly: “It seems from the war’s beginning to selecting commanders, everything has been within Empress Pei’s arrangements and plans.”
Lady Guo was slightly surprised: “You’re saying this was a setup from the very start?”
Though Princess Chenliu’s thoughts were meticulous, she couldn’t help but exclaim: “Surely not? Could Empress Pei actually make light of matters of state?”
Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “What’s impossible about it? This war’s outbreak will bring Empress Pei many benefits. Killing me is just one of them. Next, she’ll probably create momentum in the capital, claiming I’m the person causing His Majesty’s dragon body to be uneasy. Or she’ll send people to the front lines to create incidents, making it appear we’re losing battles, turning me into a criminal who brings disaster to the nation and people. At that time, even if Father wants to protect me, Yuan Lie wants to protect me, or the Emperor doesn’t want to kill me, they’ll have no choice but to kill me.”
Hearing this, Princess Chenliu and Lady Guo’s faces turned deathly pale. Lady Guo hadn’t expected the other’s thoughts could be so vicious. For a moment, her chest felt tight and her form swayed. Jiang Shi quickly supported her: “Mother, are you all right?”
Lady Guo gritted her teeth and shook her head: “I must find a way to enter the palace to see Imperial Consort.”
Li Weiyang stopped her: “Mother, tonight the Consort already sent someone to give me a warning. But her warning came too late. Given the current situation, we should close our doors to visitors and remain under house arrest.”
Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Princess Chenliu said coldly: “This poisonous woman is truly laughable! My son is far away at the border fighting, yet I must be confined here. What kind of world is this?”
Li Weiyang, hearing the tragic meaning in Princess Chenliu’s words, couldn’t help but sigh softly: “I think Imperial Consort must be very anxious right now. Zhao Yue, find a way to send her a message of safety.”
Although guards surrounded them outside, with Zhao Yue’s martial skills, she still had methods to get out. Hearing this, Zhao Yue nodded.
Guo Dao looked at Li Weiyang, barely concealing his anger between his brows: “I think Empress Pei’s trapping us isn’t only to move against you.”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly, seemingly holding back: “She’s trapping me, trapping Duke Qiguo’s residence, also to constrain Yuan Lie and my father and brothers far away at the borders. Meeting change with constancy is the best method. We shouldn’t act rashly for now, especially you, Fifth Brother. If you make any move, those people outside will take the opportunity to impose the crime of defying the imperial edict on Duke Qiguo’s residence.”
Guo Dao’s fists clenched, then helplessly loosened. He looked at the cold sky and ultimately only sighed deeply, sitting down silently.
At this time, the Wang family had also learned this news. Wang Zijin sat before her mirror, looking at herself in the reflection. The person in the mirror was incomparably beautiful—just one glance or gesture couldn’t conceal her graceful charm. Yet at this moment, she had no heart to appreciate it, only pondering thoughtfully. Wutong said quietly: “Miss, look at the current situation—the Guo family has already fallen into a disadvantage.”
Wang Zijin nodded, saying faintly: “Yes, I’m afraid Guo Jia already anticipated Empress Pei would move against her. But why isn’t she anxious?”
Wutong laughed coldly: “Miss, she wants to escape but can’t. The entire Yuexi is full of Empress Pei’s spies. Even if she wants to hide, where could she go?”
Wang Zijin sighed softly: “Who’d have thought Empress Pei would go so far as to provoke a war to deal with Duke Qiguo’s residence.” She thought about it but then denied: “No, this battle isn’t just for Guo Jia. Empress Pei wants to obtain many other things. But what exactly does she want?” As she said this, she’d already stood up, pacing through the room as if her heart was also battling internally.
Wutong, seeing her expression uncertain, said carefully: “Miss, do you still plan to help the Guo family now?”
Wang Zijin was startled and whipped her head around: “What did you say?”
Seeing her anger, Wutong quickly said: “Miss, this servant is thinking of the Wang family. You should know that now the Guo family is destined to be completely devoured by Empress Pei. This servant hopes Miss will prioritize the greater good and not get too close to the Guo family.”
Wang Zijin shouted: “Wutong, such nerve! Since when do servants meddle in their master’s affairs?”
Wutong immediately knelt, looking anxiously at Wang Zijin, saying in a low voice: “Miss, this servant is only thinking of the Wang family and absolutely dares not conceal anything. If this servant remained uninvolved, I certainly needn’t say such things. You know this servant has followed you so many years—how could I not think of you?”
Wang Zijin’s gaze swept across Wutong’s face. She knew Wutong had never had good feelings toward Guo Jia. Since Rixun died, she harbored even more resentment, often revealing her hatred of Guo Jia before her. This was understandable. She smiled gently: “Wutong, I know you and Rixun were like sisters, but one matter is one matter. You should still hold your tongue on what shouldn’t be said.”
Cold sweat almost dripped down. Wutong’s eyes filled with tears. She heavily kowtowed on the ground, saying softly: “Miss, this servant isn’t seeking revenge for Rixun. I just feel that Guo Jia isn’t anything good either. Her struggle with Empress Pei is Duke Qiguo’s own affair. Our Wang family has no need to get involved. Hasn’t Miss always practiced keeping to yourself? This time is perfect to draw a clear boundary with her. Otherwise, when Empress Pei investigates in the future…”
Wang Zijin looked at her, the suspicion in her eyes gradually fading. She turned and walked to the window, gently pushing it open. Rain droplets had already begun falling outside. She looked at those dense dark clouds, her gaze falling into confusion. Wutong was right—Li Weiyang was an especially clever person. Dealing with her required constant vigilance and caution everywhere. Although Wang Zijin helped her, she also guarded against her. She knew deeply that Li Weiyang was the same. Such allies only came together for mutual benefit. Once something happened, the Wang family must be first to withdraw. She hesitated for a moment, then turned back to look at Wutong: “You’ve followed me so many years. I trust you. Rise.”
Wutong felt her whole body turn ice cold, her knees going weak. She knew her Miss was a very decisive person with heavy suspicions—one wrong word could very likely arouse her doubt. She suppressed the anxiety in her heart, showing a smile on her face: “As long as Miss knows this servant thinks of the Wang family.”
Wang Zijin looked at Wutong, her gaze becoming very distant: “How could I not know that befriending Guo Jia carries some danger? When the critical moment truly comes, how could she give the Wang family the greatest benefits? But if I side with Empress Pei, would I have any good ending? No—I fear the ending would be even worse! Of two evils, choose the lesser.”
Wutong quickly said: “Miss, you misunderstand! This servant doesn’t want you to side with Empress Pei. I just think you should carefully consider how to maintain distance from her and not be dragged into this conspiracy.”
Wang Zijin looked at Wutong with a half-smile: “Wutong, how do I find that recently you’ve become much cleverer?”
Wutong smiled hastily: “Miss flatters me. This servant is still a wooden-headed fool—how could I compare to Miss’s divine gifts?”
Wang Zijin laughed coldly, finally withdrawing her gaze. Only then did Wutong breathe a sigh of relief. But she didn’t know Wang Zijin’s heart was rapidly turning, contemplating the possibility of Wutong’s words.
Yes, she couldn’t bind herself to Li Weiyang and die together. Now Empress Pei had already grasped the initiative in this situation. Duke Qiguo and Prince Xu were both outside fighting—distant water couldn’t quench immediate thirst. Neither could help Li Weiyang escape guilt. In probably just two days, everyone would know Li Weiyang was that inauspicious star threatening the Emperor’s star. If one or two defeats occurred on the battlefield, rumors would probably spread in the military saying this Duke Qiguo residence’s young lady was an inauspicious star reincarnated, causing great harm—not only injuring His Majesty’s dragon body but also harming the nation and state altars. Even if Li Weiyang didn’t want to die, she’d have no choice but to die.
Wang Zijin walked lightly through the room for two steps. Finally, she stopped, made her decision, and looked at Wutong: “Tell everyone to tightly close the doors. No matter who comes requesting an audience, say I’m not here.”
This meant staying uninvolved. Wutong quickly lowered her head: “Miss is wise!” At this moment, a cold smile floated to her lips. She was about to withdraw when she suddenly heard the window lattice make a sound. Wang Zijin whipped her head around and was shocked to see a young woman dressed in tight clothing already standing in the room. Wang Zijin retreated three steps in alarm: “You—how did you get in?”
Zhao Yue smiled slightly, stepped forward and bowed: “Miss Wang, I have a gift to give you.”
Wang Zijin furrowed her brow: “Guo Jia? She has something to give me?”
Zhao Yue’s expression was composed. She stepped forward and handed the brocade pouch in her hand to Wang Zijin. Wutong quickly blocked in front of her, scolding: “Such nerve, actually daring to trespass into the Wang family!” As she said this, she craned her neck to call for the guards outside. But she heard Zhao Yue laugh coldly: “You think those people can stop me?”
Wang Zijin stopped Wutong, only looking quietly at Zhao Yue: “Your Miss has already broken through the formation outside?”
Zhao Yue’s expression was calm: “Miss only instructed this servant to deliver this gift. This servant knows nothing else.” As she spoke, her form rapidly retreated, vanishing from the window in moments. Apart from a gust of wind blowing the window paper into a rustling sound, nothing else remained.
Wang Zijin looked outside where wind and rain sounds intensified, involuntarily tightening her grip on the brocade pouch in her hand. Wutong said tensely: “Miss, you absolutely mustn’t be deceived. Who knows what bad thing is inside? Better give it to this servant to throw away!”
Wang Zijin looked at her coldly, saying faintly: “Guo Jia isn’t that kind of person. You underestimate her too much!”
As she spoke, she’d already opened the brocade pouch in her hand and poured out what was inside. Wutong, fearing sharp weapons might be in the pouch, was about to stop her when she saw Wang Zijin’s hand held only some emerald green tea leaves with sizeable leaf blades.
Wutong was stunned: “Miss, what is this?”
Wang Zijin’s gaze trembled slightly, looking at the green in her hand, suddenly saying softly: “This is tea leaves.”
Wutong naturally knew this was tea leaves. But what use did Li Weiyang’s sending these tea leaves now have?
Wang Zijin pondered for a moment before saying faintly: “This is called Liu’an Guapian. This type of tea leaf is very special, only growing deep in the mountains. Its usual growing environment is always surrounded by high peaks and shrouded in clouds and mist—difficult for ordinary people to obtain.”
Hearing Wang Zijin say this, Wutong pursed her lips. The tea leaves in Wang Zijin’s hands, shaped like sunflower seeds, didn’t seem particularly special to her. In fact, Wutong didn’t know that this Liu’an Guapian was top-quality tea, growing on mountain ranges, often in rarely-visited cliffside locations. Legend had it that seventy years ago one spring, a group of women went together up the mountain to pick tea. One person inadvertently got lost but near Bat Cave discovered a tea tree. The tea’s branches and leaves were lush, new buds plump and strong. She started picking. Miraculously, the tea buds grew as she picked—the more she picked, the more there were. Even when the sky darkened, new buds still covered the tree. The next day when she climbed vines to reach it again, the tea tree had vanished. So tales of divine tea spread. Precisely because of this, this type of tea was extremely difficult to find and couldn’t be artificially cultivated, showing its preciousness. More importantly, this tea had already been lost twenty or thirty years ago—no one could find it anymore.
Wutong laughed coldly: “She really has leisure to spare. Already under house arrest herself, yet still sends such things to Miss? Does she think such meager tea leaves can move Miss? Utterly laughable!”
But Wang Zijin said nothing. She only looked at the tea leaves in her hand, her expression changing uncertainly.
Wutong said in surprise: “Miss, you’re not really moved by her? No way—these are just tea leaves. No matter how precious, with Miss’s capabilities, you could still find them.”
Wang Zijin slowly sat down in her chair. She placed the tea leaves very preciously on the tabletop, her smile taking on three parts strangeness: “I only casually mentioned to Guo Jia once that I wanted to find this tea. She actually remembered.”
Wutong couldn’t help her disgust, saying coldly: “So what?”
Wang Zijin sighed softly, her expression slowly showing a trace of warmth. Ultimately she stood up: “Someone come!” Someone outside immediately responded. Four guards entered. Wang Zijin suddenly pointed at Wutong: “Bind her!”
Wutong was shocked, her face full of astonishment: “Miss, what are you doing?”
Wang Zijin withdrew her warmth, dense gloom in her eyes, killing intent flowing: “I don’t know how much benefit Empress Pei gave you to make you come be a spy here. I just absolutely didn’t expect that after following me so many years, you would also betray me—truly chilling!”
Wutong couldn’t believe it. Just now Wang Zijin showed no sign of blaming her—how had she changed now? She cried loudly: “Miss, this servant hasn’t!”
Wang Zijin looked at her coldly, her expression becoming very mocking: “You think I didn’t know just now that you’d already betrayed me? I just wanted to leave myself an escape route.”
Wutong’s heart turned ice cold. Just now Wang Zijin clearly already knew she was a spy, yet still kept her, even agreeing with her meaning. This meant she initially hadn’t completely cut off thoughts of taking Empress Pei’s path. But now she’d already ordered people to bind her—could it be she’d decided to follow Guo Jia down this path to the dark end? Was she mad? Wutong forcibly suppressed her panic: “Miss, do you think Guo Jia will definitely win?”
Wang Zijin sighed softly, her expression calm: “I don’t know whether she’ll win, but just this sentiment alone, I should accept it.”
Wutong truly couldn’t understand—mere Liu’an Guapian, why could it make Wang Zijin change her mind? She cried loudly: “Miss, no matter how precious something is, the Empress can find it for you!”
Wang Zijin laughed coldly and waved her hand. Those guards immediately dragged Wutong away. Wutong’s shouts continuously echoed, but Wang Zijin’s gaze had already turned to the tea leaves on the table. The smile on her face carried three parts strangeness, her voice very slow: “Wutong, what moves me isn’t these tea leaves, but Guo Jia’s sentiment.”
Li Weiyang’s sending these tea leaves had only one meaning: to tell Wang Zijin one phrase: I need you!
Women’s thoughts are always very marvelous, especially women like Wang Zijin. Previously she’d wavered constantly. The most important reason was that Li Weiyang aroused Wang Zijin’s intense jealousy. Because the other was too powerful, she couldn’t help but feel ashamed. Clearly knowing that cooperating with Empress Pei was like seeking skin from a tiger, yet she still always hesitated. But now, such a powerful person actually said those two words “need” to her—how could this not make her proud? Li Weiyang needed her as a friend—this directly acknowledged her status and honor. Moreover, helping Empress Pei kill Li Weiyang was adding flowers to brocade. Helping Li Weiyang resist Empress Pei was pulling chestnuts from the fire. Adding flowers to brocade, the Wang family would gain nothing more than peace and safety. Pulling chestnuts from the fire gave them opportunity for a big score!
Excessively smooth success was meaningless. How to turn things around in adversity—she also wanted to know. So be it—this round, she’d gamble with Li Weiyang to the end!