When Li Weiyang entered the great hall, she saw that Prince Jing Yuan Ying had already arrived and was sitting there drinking tea with Director Guo.
Seeing Li Weiyang enter, the two simultaneously stopped talking.
Li Weiyang’s expression shifted slightly, and she couldn’t help but smile: “Prince Jing, what brings you to the Guo residence today?”
Prince Jing’s smile was very gentle as he said lightly: “I just happened to be passing by and came in to sit for a while, to drink tea and chat with my cousin.” Every time Prince Jing came to the Duke of Qi’s residence, he would first visit Princess Chenliu, then find a way to see Li Weiyang. But this time he appeared exceptionally indifferent.
Li Weiyang’s gaze swept lightly across Director Guo’s face. She vaguely felt something was amiss about this matter, but she showed no emotion, only smiling slightly: “What were you two just discussing? Why did you stop talking as soon as you saw me enter? Are you hiding something from me?”
Prince Jing smiled awkwardly: “Jia’er, you’re being overly suspicious! What in this household could possibly be hidden from you?”
“Oh, really?” Li Weiyang turned to look at Director Guo, her expression somewhat probing.
Director Guo snapped open his fan with a “crack,” fanning himself freely and casually, his face showing an extremely relaxed smile: “Naturally. If there were any problems, we would consult with you promptly.”
Li Weiyang felt that though Director Guo’s expression appeared calm and composed, it clearly concealed a trace of unease, but she didn’t expose this immediately. She simply sat down in a chair and said: “Since there’s nothing that cannot be spoken of to others, you two continue. I’ll sit here and listen carefully.”
The two exchanged glances, both showing some difficulty on their faces. After a long while, Director Guo finally sighed: “I knew this matter couldn’t be hidden from Jia’er. Yuan Ying, you might as well speak honestly.”
Seeing this situation, Prince Jing hesitated slightly before saying: “Jia’er, actually we’re not trying to hide this from you, but the matter is significant and cannot be casually revealed to anyone. Though you’re intelligent and capable, you’re ultimately just a young lady of the inner chambers. Involving you too deeply would actually harm you, which is why we’ve insisted on keeping this secret.”
Hearing this, Li Weiyang felt that Prince Jing’s words were full of excuses, trying to shirk all responsibility. She paid him no mind, only saying with a faint smile: “Fifth Brother, don’t forget what Father said to you when he left home.”
Director Guo paused, his face showing difficulty: “Naturally I haven’t forgotten. Father specifically instructed that no matter what happens, I must consult with you first before acting.” Though Director Guo was a man, in Duke Qi’s heart, Li Weiyang was far more useful than any of his sons. Because she was more calm, more intelligent, and could assess situations and handle problems perfectly. In this regard, the young masters of the Guo family all seemed somewhat inadequate… After all, they were still young, and compared to the deeply scheming Empress Dowager Pei, they always fell a bit short—this difference in experience due to age could not be remedied in a day or two. Though Duke Qi found it somewhat strange that Li Weiyang possessed such abilities, after much thought he could only attribute it to natural talent. Therefore, before leaving the capital, Guo Su had gone to great lengths to entrust the Duke of Qi’s residence to Li Weiyang’s care.
Now Director Guo felt somewhat uneasy about hiding things from her, and quickly explained: “Jia’er, please don’t be angry. I meant nothing else—I just wanted to wait until matters were clearer before telling you.”
By then it would be too late! Li Weiyang raised her elegant brows: “Clearer? You mean wait until everything is done before telling me?”
Seeing that Li Weiyang was truly angry, Director Guo felt inexplicably panicked and repeatedly apologized: “It’s my fault, all my fault. The situation is this…”
Just then, Prince Jing suddenly intervened from the side: “Director Guo!”
Director Guo turned his head, glanced at Prince Jing Yuan Ying, and said solemnly: “A gentleman’s word is his bond. Since I promised Father to prioritize Jia’er in all things, I shouldn’t hide this from her.” With that, he said earnestly: “The situation is this: Ying Chu has agreed to testify against Empress Dowager Pei, but to bring this matter to light, we need some pretext. I plan to choose an appropriate moment… to have Ying Chu publicly testify that Empress Dowager Pei attempted to harm His Majesty.”
As expected, it was this matter. Li Weiyang’s brows furrowed: “Fifth Brother, don’t you think this is too risky?”
Before Director Guo could speak, Prince Jing took over: “Jia’er, you’re being too cautious. How can anything great be accomplished by being so hesitant? Ying Chu has long been abandoned by Empress Dowager Pei—a stray dog naturally needs a new master. To protect himself, he has no choice but to work for us. This is an excellent opportunity to bring down Empress Dowager Pei. Would you watch it slip away? Even if you don’t act, I will definitely do this.”
Hearing Prince Jing’s resolute words, Li Weiyang sneered: “Is this your idea, Prince Jing, or Fifth Brother’s?”
Director Guo looked toward Prince Jing Yuan Ying, and indeed heard Yuan Ying say: “It’s my idea.”
Li Weiyang shook her head lightly: “Prince Jing, the winds are high and the waves fierce, the road ahead uncertain. Why must you bind the Guo family to your ship?”
Prince Jing sneered: “We’re already on the same ship. Uncle is just too cautious and doesn’t recognize the facts. No matter how much the Duke of Qi’s residence tries to maintain distance from me, in everyone’s eyes, the relationship between us won’t change.”
Li Weiyang sighed softly: “Even so, aren’t you afraid of making Grandmother worry about you?”
Prince Jing’s expression darkened: “Jia’er, I’m doing this to help the Duke of Qi’s residence rise even higher! Do you understand what I mean?”
Of course Li Weiyang understood. The Duke of Qi’s residence was currently just a noble household, but if Prince Jing were to ascend the throne in the future, the residence’s status would certainly surpass its current position. However, Duke Qi was unwilling to gamble the family’s fate and even more unwilling to support Prince Jing in seizing power. Li Weiyang understood this clearly in her heart, so she said lightly: “If Father were here, he would not approve of what you’re doing.”
Director Guo frowned: “But if we continue letting Empress Dowager Pei act so recklessly, we’re also on a path to death. Jia’er, Prince Jing is right. Rather than waiting passively, it’s better to take the initiative. Perhaps there’s still a chance for survival. Isn’t this what you often say? Why are you being so hesitant today, afraid to act?”
Looking at Director Guo’s expression, Li Weiyang’s smile faded: “Fifth Brother, I’m considering this for the sake of the Duke of Qi’s residence. If it were just me alone, of course I could act as I pleased, but on our shoulders rests not just our own lives and heads, but the safety of the entire Duke of Qi’s residence. Can you really not care about any of this? Must you rush to help Prince Jing seize that dragon throne?”
Prince Jing suddenly stood up, his face stern: “Jia’er, what do you mean by that! Am I opposing Empress Dowager Pei only for myself? Of course not—I’m doing this for all our sakes!”
Li Weiyang likewise slowly stood up, her gaze falling on his face, her voice extremely cold: “Prince Jing, please ask yourself—haven’t you been jumping up and down enough these days? I’ve warned you countless times, but you never listen! Now you’re disregarding the safety of the Duke of Qi’s residence and insisting on convincing Fifth Brother to do things for you. If this matter succeeds, fine, but if it fails? Have you thought about what will happen to Fifth Brother, what will happen to the Duke of Qi’s residence? No, you haven’t. You only see that glittering dragon throne, and for it you’d sacrifice the entire Guo residence as your burial companions!”
These words already revealed Li Weiyang’s disgust. No matter how good Prince Jing’s temper, he couldn’t help becoming furious, feeling Li Weiyang’s words cut like knives straight into his heart. He stepped forward, his voice hard: “Jia’er, do you know who you’re speaking to!”
Li Weiyang smiled faintly, her expression calm: “Of course I know I’m speaking to His Majesty’s son—the illustrious Prince Jing. But you’re Prince Jing, not the Crown Prince. You should remember this as well. Though His Majesty is ill, he’s not yet dead! The faster you fight for that position, the faster you’ll die! Your own death doesn’t matter, but if you want to drag the entire Duke of Qi’s residence down with you as your foundation, then I can only say—I must respectfully decline!”
Prince Jing slammed his fist on the nearby tea table with a “bang,” actually creating a dent in the rosewood table. Broken wood splinters flew everywhere, and Prince Jing’s knuckles were bloodied, blood dripping onto the floor drop by drop. Li Weiyang looked on coldly without any emotion, her voice growing even colder: “Prince Jing, this is the Duke of Qi’s residence. You’ve damaged a table and chair—you’ll need to compensate for them!”
Prince Jing was nearly speechless with rage: “Jia’er, do you really want to draw such a clear line with me?”
Li Weiyang said leisurely: “Prince Jing, you are a dragon’s son. If you cause trouble, His Majesty will show you leniency for being his biological son, but what about the Duke of Qi’s residence? Probably not. Now that Father and my brothers are all fighting bloody battles at the front for the nation, instead of considering them, you can’t wait to stir up trouble in the rear. Of course we must draw a clear line, to avoid becoming your scapegoats for no reason.”
These four words “stir up trouble” deeply wounded Prince Jing. He was about to explode in rage when Director Guo quickly stopped him, but turned to scold Li Weiyang in a low voice: “Jia’er, you mustn’t be disrespectful to Prince Jing!”
Director Guo always spoke gently and warmly, especially to Li Weiyang, but at this moment he was rarely stern. After all, he was older than Li Weiyang and was her elder brother. If he saw her speak to Prince Jing this way and said nothing, that would truly be improper.
Li Weiyang didn’t mind. She knew Director Guo meant well, but some words had to be spoken. She looked at Prince Jing coldly: “Your Highness, I’ve said all I need to say. Please take care of yourself.”
Prince Jing said angrily: “Fine! I’ll do this myself! Just hand over Ying Chu to me, and you needn’t worry about anything else! Even if something happens to me, it won’t implicate the Duke of Qi’s residence!” With that, he flung his sleeves and left.
“Yuan Ying!” Director Guo started to chase after him, but Li Weiyang called out loudly: “Fifth Brother, stop right there!”
Director Guo had just reached the door. He managed to stop, turned back to look at Li Weiyang, and said in frustration: “Jia’er, why did you speak to Yuan Ying in that tone? Even if you’re unwilling to help, there’s no need to turn against him like this! Moreover, you know very well how much he likes you—why hurt him this way?”
Li Weiyang slowly sat back down in her chair, her expression calm: “Fifth Brother, passionate people can hurt others even more. Since I have no feelings for him, naturally I must be more resolute, to make him understand our respective positions. There’s another matter—I hope you won’t get involved in Prince Jing’s proposal just now.”
Director Guo couldn’t help frowning tightly: “Jia’er, you’re being too cautious. Prince Jing is right—this really is a good opportunity.”
Li Weiyang sneered: “What good opportunity? A good opportunity for Prince Jing to bring down the Crown Prince, or to seize the position of heir? Fifth Brother, I’m not stopping you from dealing with Empress Dowager Pei, but matters have priorities and urgencies. Now is absolutely not the time to move against Empress Dowager Pei.” To deal with an enemy, one must consider all the opponent’s possible actions. At this stage, they didn’t even understand why the opponent had started this war, yet they fantasized about bringing her down? Wasn’t that too naive?
Li Weiyang had always been a very calm person, but Director Guo felt she was too composed. Empress Dowager Pei was so aggressive, yet she could still sit still. Director Guo couldn’t help shaking his head: “Jia’er, you should think carefully. If we continue letting this situation develop, the Duke of Qi’s residence will face a desperate situation.”
Li Weiyang smiled lightly: “Fifth Brother, don’t believe Prince Jing’s alarmist talk. I know… these past days you’ve been unhappy because Ying Chu’s matter brought back some unpleasant memories for you.”
Director Guo’s face paled. He hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to suddenly mention this. He turned away, saying softly: “No, I’m fine. Jia’er, you’ve misunderstood.”
Li Weiyang lowered her eyes: “No, I haven’t misunderstood. Fifth Brother is outstanding among men, accomplished in both civil and martial arts. If not for your right hand injury and being poisoned with Five Poisons Powder, you would never be reduced to your current state. Though Fifth Brother doesn’t speak of it, you’ve actually been brooding over it, haven’t you?”
Director Guo couldn’t help taking a deep breath. Li Weiyang understood him too well. The more carefree his exterior, the more painful his interior. In the depths of night, he could never forget his original ideals and ambitions. Accompanying Father to battle and kill enemies—that had once been his share too. But now he could only remain in the capital quietly guarding the home, which was neither his ideal nor his aspiration, yet he had to do it! Because someone like him could do nothing on the battlefield. It was precisely this sense of powerlessness that kept him on the edge of frustration, making him lose his former calm and perseverance, even becoming tempted by Prince Jing’s proposal. Perhaps within him lurked a faint hostility, constantly trying to burst forth.
Li Weiyang looked at Director Guo, her expression gradually becoming gentler: “Fifth Brother, I understand your feelings.”
“No, you don’t understand!” Director Guo slammed his fist against the door frame, his expression pained: “You don’t know what it feels like for a man who practiced martial arts diligently for over twenty years to end up with nothing! You don’t know the feeling of sending off your father and brothers to war while being unable to help, staying here utterly bored! You don’t know the feeling of being in deep pain inside but having to wear a smile on your face, afraid Grandmother and all of you will see the unease! You don’t know the feeling of waking in the night in such pain you can’t sleep, yet having to play chess and talk with you the next day, pretending to be happy! Wang Zijin, Wang Ji—every time I see them, I feel intense inferiority! I never had to feel this way before, but now I’m inferior to everyone! Do you understand?”
The light in Li Weiyang’s eyes dimmed. For a long while she said nothing, finally sighing softly: “I’m not you, so perhaps I can’t feel the same pain. But I only hope that before you make any decision, you’ll think carefully.”
Director Guo looked at Li Weiyang, confusion in his expression: “Jia’er, I really don’t know how you can remain so calm. No matter what situation you’re in, you always seem so composed… But I’m different from you. There are times when I can’t control myself.”
Li Weiyang smiled: “Perhaps it’s because I’ve experienced too much, or perhaps because I can’t easily trust people. Though Prince Jing’s goal of eliminating Empress Dowager Pei aligns with ours, his purpose goes far beyond simply escaping difficulties. As I just said, he wants to destroy the Crown Prince, he wants to become Emperor. Fifth Brother, I’m not stopping you from helping him, nor from dealing with Empress Dowager Pei. I just feel now isn’t the best time.”
Director Guo was stunned. He looked at Li Weiyang: “Then when would you have me wait?”
Li Weiyang said firmly: “Wait until Father returns, wait until Prince Xu returns. Empress Dowager Pei’s power in the capital wasn’t built in a day or two. Even though the Pei family can no longer be relied upon, behind her still stands Pei Yuan, who commands heavy troops. From the start of the war until now, this person has remained inactive. Think carefully, Fifth Brother—can we easily act now? Whether Prince Xu, the Wang family, or the Duke of Qi’s residence, all our main forces are currently on the battlefield. Once they suffer losses, the one who truly benefits will be Empress Dowager Pei. If you act rashly now, wouldn’t it be easy for her to catch everyone in one net?”
Director Guo looked at Li Weiyang and suddenly fell silent. He realized she was right. After an internal struggle, he finally said through gritted teeth: “Then I’ll go try to persuade Yuan Ying.”
Li Weiyang shook her head: “No, persuasion is useless. We’ve already done our best. Whether he listens or not is his own business.”
Director Guo said worriedly: “But he’s our relative after all. If anything happens to him, Consort Hui won’t be able to bear it.”
Li Weiyang sneered: “No one is responsible for anyone else’s life. Consort Hui is Consort Hui, Prince Jing is Prince Jing—they cannot be conflated. For Consort Hui’s sake, we’ve already done a great deal and cannot do more. Moreover, nothing we do can stop Prince Jing. His ambition is like a raging fire that won’t rest until it burns everyone to ashes. Actually, it’s not just him—Prince Qin is the same, including the Crown Prince… Perhaps the allure of that dragon throne is too great, driving them all mad.”
Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Director Guo sighed softly: “He already took Ying Chu away just now.”
Li Weiyang nodded: “I know.”
Director Guo asked: “Then what should we do?”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “I’ll write a letter. Just follow its instructions.”
The next morning at court, Prince Jing straightened his court robes and walked along the long white jade pathway. He secretly pondered what Li Weiyang’s words yesterday had meant. Recently, court affairs had truly troubled him. No matter what he did, nothing seemed to go smoothly, especially regarding the Crown Prince’s activities. Though Prince Qin was using illness as an excuse not to appear, behind the scenes the Crown Prince and Prince Qin had quietly formed a faction to jointly oppose him, leaving him feeling stretched thin. Now they had even caught several of his confidants’ weaknesses one after another. If he didn’t act soon, it would be too late, which was why he was so eager to use Ying Chu to do something.
He also knew the current situation wasn’t actually ideal, but regardless, if he could cause some trouble for the Crown Prince and Empress Dowager Pei, his own pressure would ease considerably. Originally he had wanted the Guo family to do this, but Li Weiyang firmly opposed it and spoke so ruthlessly. Prince Jing had no choice but to change course and settle for choosing neutral officials instead. So after leaving the Duke of Qi’s residence, he went to the Wang family to meet Wang Zijin. Today was the critical first step in implementing his plan.
Prince Jing walked into the great hall. The Crown Prince and Prince Jin were standing there talking. Seeing Prince Jing enter, Prince Jin smiled slightly, every movement exuding elegance. He proactively approached with concern: “Seventh Imperial Brother, why doesn’t your complexion look very good today?”
Yuan Ying’s heart filled with anger, his blood surging, and his steps actually stumbled. Prince Jin quickly supported him: “My, what’s wrong with you?”
Yuan Ying withdrew from his hand, steadied himself, and said lightly: “It’s nothing, just some tightness in my chest, making it hard to breathe.”
By this time, the civil and military officials attending court had gradually assembled and all came forward to pay respects to these three men. Prince Jing heard their voices and wanted to nod in acknowledgment, but felt everything before his eyes blur—he couldn’t see anyone’s face clearly.
The Crown Prince snorted coldly from the side: “Prince Jing, what’s wrong with you? How did you suddenly turn into a sick chicken? Should we summon the Imperial Physicians to examine you?”
Prince Jing coldly addressed the direction of the voice: “No need, thank you for the Crown Prince’s concern. Since this is morning court, there’s no need to make a fuss. I’m just feeling somewhat unwell, but I can manage.”
The Crown Prince sneered but said no more. The civil and military officials, seeing the three princes standing together talking, all retreated far away as if distancing themselves from a battlefield. When bells and drums sounded in unison, everyone knelt together to pay respects to the Emperor. The Emperor looked at them with a slight smile: “What were you all discussing before I arrived?”
The Crown Prince stepped forward: “Father, it’s nothing. I was just discussing the recent war situation with my two imperial brothers.”
The Emperor nodded and was about to speak when he suddenly saw Prince Jing Yuan Ying, his face deathly pale, spit out a mouthful of blood. A nearby official quickly went to support him while that pool of blood immediately stained the floor. The official called out repeatedly: “Prince Jing, Prince Jing!”
The Emperor also stood up from the dragon throne. He walked down several steps and looked at Prince Jing: “Yuan Ying, what’s wrong with you?”
Yuan Ying said through gritted teeth: “Your son doesn’t know either. I just feel blood attacking my heart.” He managed to speak a few words before spitting out another mouthful of fresh blood, nearly fainting.
The Emperor was also greatly alarmed and quickly said: “Summon the Imperial Physicians! Come quickly and see what’s wrong with Prince Jing!”
Someone nearby begged the Emperor’s pardon, brought a chair for Prince Jing to sit on, and an Imperial Physician immediately came forward to urgently check Prince Jing’s pulse. After taking the pulse, however, he knelt on the ground in panic, kowtowing repeatedly: “Reporting to Your Majesty, Prince Jing’s pulse is erratic and unstable, his body extremely weak. I fear… I fear he’s been poisoned.”
The Emperor paused, his brows furrowing tightly, and couldn’t help raging: “Nonsense! He was fine just moments ago—how could he suddenly be poisoned? You incompetents can’t diagnose any illness!” He originally suffered from headaches, and recently had been irritable and restless. After saying these few words, he also felt his blood surging.
The Crown Prince quickly went to support the Emperor: “Father, you mustn’t be angry. Perhaps it’s because the weather has turned hot recently and Yuan Ying carelessly forgot to adjust his clothing and caught a chill. He just needs to return and rest quietly.”
The Emperor sneered: “A chill? Would catching a cold make him vomit blood! How dare you say such things.”
The Crown Prince was scolded for no reason and his expression changed, but given his deep scheming nature, he quickly said: “Yes, it’s your son’s fault!”
The Emperor pointed at him sternly: “Yuan Ying is your brother, yet instead of caring about him, you mock and ridicule him here. You as Crown Prince truly leave me at a loss for words!” With that, the Emperor pushed him away and, with a eunuch’s support, returned to sit on the dragon throne. A eunuch quickly brought tea, and after the Emperor drank two mouthfuls, he finally felt somewhat relieved: “Imperial Physician, investigate thoroughly what poison Prince Jing has been given!”
The Mayor of the Capital, who had been standing in the back with an uncertain expression, suddenly stepped forward and declared loudly: “Your Majesty, this humble subject has something to report!”
The Emperor glanced at him and said: “What is it?”
The Mayor of the Capital wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said solemnly: “Reporting to Your Majesty, yesterday the Empress’s close attendant, Lord Ying Chu, suddenly came to my residence to turn himself in.”
The Emperor was surprised to hear Ying Chu’s name and immediately said: “Turn himself in? What case did he report?”
Prince Jing’s face was deathly pale, his breath faint. Hearing this, he only lowered his head, concealing a trace of cold laughter at his lips.
The Mayor of the Capital said: “Please allow Your Majesty to summon Ying Chu to the hall.”
The Emperor nodded: “Bring him up.”
Ying Chu was brought up under guard. Before everyone’s eyes, the Crown Prince’s face paled. Why would Ying Chu appear at the Mayor of the Capital’s residence? What was wrong with Yuan Ying’s illness today? Now Ying Chu was about to testify—what was happening? One thing after another—he vaguely felt as if a dark net was descending over his head.
The Mayor of the Capital, fearing something might go wrong, urged Ying Chu: “Lord Ying, please tell everyone what you need to report to His Majesty.”
Ying Chu’s hands and feet were bound in shackles. He now raised his head, looked around in a circle, and declared loudly: “Reporting to Your Majesty, Prince Jing has been poisoned, and this poison was administered by this humble subject.”
Hearing this statement, shock appeared on everyone’s faces. They stared at Ying Chu, completely stunned.
The Crown Prince’s heart grew anxious, his brows stern, as he said sternly: “Ying Chu, what are you saying?”
The Mayor of the Capital suppressed his unease, straightened his chest, and said loudly to the Crown Prince: “Why must Your Highness be so anxious? Wouldn’t it be better to let Lord Ying explain clearly? Lord Ying, please tell everyone why you wanted to poison Prince Jing, and who exactly ordered you to do so!”
Ying Chu’s gaze flickered uncertainly. For quite a while he said nothing, but finally gritted his teeth as if throwing caution to the wind: “Actually, this person is right here in the court. He’s not only powerful and high-ranking, but also of noble status!” His voice swept like a gale into every official’s ears. These people all quietly turned their gazes toward the Crown Prince. Indeed, who besides the Crown Prince could command Ying Chu and harbor such intense hatred toward Prince Jing?
The Crown Prince raised his chin slightly, his hands trembling slightly from tension, turning somewhat pale. Was Ying Chu going to testify against him? This was utter nonsense—when had he ever ordered him to kill Prince Jing! No, he must be trying to frame him, to take revenge!
Ying Chu stared intently at the Crown Prince, his expression revealing deep mockery. To everyone’s complete surprise, the next moment he actually turned around, his gaze pointing directly at Prince Jing sitting there, his voice full of hatred: “It’s Prince Jing Yuan Ying!”
Perhaps because events had taken such a sudden turn, exceeding everyone’s expectations, the imperial hall fell silent for a moment. Almost as his words fell, everyone’s gazes simultaneously turned toward the other protagonist of this incident—Prince Jing Yuan Ying, the original victim. Yuan Ying sat there facing the crowd’s suspicious looks, his expression unchanged on the surface, but his heart had already lurched violently. It seemed today’s matter might not proceed smoothly as he’d wished.
In that split second, he and the Mayor of the Capital quickly exchanged a glance. Then his gaze fell coldly on Ying Chu’s face, carrying a hint of killing intent and imposing authority, yet his voice was somewhat weak: “Lord Ying, do you know what you’re saying? How could I poison myself!”
A flash of triumphant laughter passed through Ying Chu’s eyes, appearing extraordinarily sinister under the half-mask. Then he said seriously: “Prince Jing, at this point, you should stop quibbling! If you hadn’t threatened me with Five Poisons Powder, why would I poison you?” Then he turned toward the Emperor: “Your Majesty, the sequence of events was this: I was originally preparing to go serve as an official in Wangzhou. Who knew Prince Jing would abduct me halfway and use despicable means to give me Five Poisons Powder, wanting to use this substance to control me. He demanded I poison him, then testify in court that the poison was my doing and that I was instigated by the Empress and the Crown Prince, even forcing me to admit Your Majesty’s headaches were also my fault. His purpose was to throw all this dirty water on the Empress and Crown Prince. Your Majesty, Prince Jing’s intentions are truly treasonous!”
Prince Jing had originally thought Director Guo had Ying Chu firmly under control, never expecting Director Guo had also miscalculated! He inwardly cursed his bad luck and said sternly: “Ying Chu, stop slandering me with false accusations!” As he spoke, he continuously coughed up blood, his entire body trembling. Now he finally understood why Li Weiyang didn’t want Director Guo involved in this matter—it was because she deeply suspected Ying Chu had never betrayed Empress Dowager Pei at all, while the anxious Yuan Ying had unknowingly fallen into the opponent’s trap.
The crowd looked at Prince Jing Yuan Ying, revealing expressions of disbelief. So this was his scheme all along. First using Five Poisons Powder to control Ying Chu, then having him poison himself to frame Empress Dowager Pei and the Crown Prince. But why would Ying Chu turn against him at the critical moment? This whole affair seemed strange no matter how one looked at it, but no one dared speak these words aloud. Everyone quietly waited for the Emperor’s judgment.
This performance was ridiculous to the extreme, yet it was truly playing out before him! The Emperor sneered: “So this is what happened! Prince Jing, what explanation do you have?” By the last sentence, the Emperor’s voice had become a cold interrogation.
The Crown Prince’s heart leaped with joy as he said loudly: “Ying Chu, tell everyone everything Prince Jing threatened you to do. With Father present today, he will certainly handle this fairly and give you justice.”
Ying Chu glanced at the Crown Prince, concealing the coldness in his eyes, and said lightly: “Yes, everything this humble subject just said was Prince Jing’s conspiracy. He wanted to use my mouth to slander the Empress, to make Your Majesty believe Her Majesty intended harm, and thereby pin the crime of treason on the innocent Empress and Crown Prince. Though Ying Chu’s life is worthless, I am not someone who betrays my master. Even if I must endure the agony of ten thousand blades, I cannot help Prince Jing frame my innocent master… So I pretended to submit and dealt falsely with him. With the control of Five Poisons Powder, Prince Jing naturally believed my capitulation completely. I used this opportunity to clear the Empress of injustice. Afterward, whatever consequences there may be, Ying Chu willingly bears them all! If anyone doesn’t believe me, I’m willing to swear on my life—if there’s one false word, may heaven and earth destroy me!” He spoke these words with utmost sincerity, with loyalty to the extreme. No one could detect any flaw in his expression.
Prince Jing now completely understood—this was a trap designed from the start, waiting for him to walk into it. He had underestimated Ying Chu too much. This man had never betrayed Empress Dowager Pei at all. Even knowing she had always used drugs to control him, he had no regrets. Because his heart and his life had always belonged to that person. If forced to betray Empress Dowager Pei, he would rather die.
The Crown Prince said lightly: “Prince Jing, what do you have to say now? Who would have thought that the illustrious Prince Jing would resort to such filthy, despicable acts to frame Mother and me, not hesitating to use his own life—Father must be utterly disappointed in you!”
Though many old foxes among the court officials didn’t quite believe this performance, some had already been convinced. They looked at Prince Jing with alarm, chilled that such a seemingly young and upright prince would not hesitate to use his own life to slander Empress Dowager Pei and the Crown Prince. How vicious!
The Crown Prince’s seemingly casual expression concealed unease. He didn’t understand why Ying Chu would suddenly reverse himself to help him, but thinking it over, he understood. Perhaps the other party had never betrayed Mother at all, and Mother had always stood on his side. Ying Chu wasn’t helping the Crown Prince—he was helping Empress Dowager Pei.
The Mayor of the Capital panicked and quickly said: “Lord Ying, that’s not what you said before! If Prince Jing truly framed you, why would he take poison himself? If something unexpected happened…”
Ying Chu sneered: “This is precisely what makes him formidable. If he didn’t poison himself, who would believe it?”
“Ying Chu, you’re spouting complete nonsense!” Prince Jing vomited blood repeatedly, his downturned hand clenched tightly into a fist. He knew Empress Dowager Pei would definitely seize this opportunity to make a big issue of this. He was in danger. Countless thoughts raced through his mind. He made a decisive judgment and knelt on the ground, saying mournfully: “Father, your son absolutely would never do such a thing to frame the Empress and Crown Prince. This is all Ying Chu’s fabrication! Your son’s temperament is too upright, and upright people inevitably invite resentment. The palace is full of enemies—those who cannot gain Your Majesty’s favor will inevitably take their anger out on me and try every means to slander and frame me. First your son was poisoned without reason, then Ying Chu suddenly and inexplicably accuses me. Your son dares not defend himself. My life is in Your Majesty’s hands. If you believe one word they say, your son will be finished!” Saying this, he couldn’t help crying out in grief.
Truly a formidable person—unable to think of a way to refute, he played the sympathy card. For a moment, the officials in the great hall looked at each other, feeling unable to distinguish right from wrong, black from white… The Crown Prince turned toward the Emperor: “Father, please severely punish Yuan Ying. Don’t show him favoritism!”
The Emperor’s gaze fell on Prince Jing. He said coldly: “Yuan Ying, you have disappointed me greatly!”
Prince Jing’s body trembled. He called out loudly: “Father, your son is wronged! To eliminate me, certain people would not hesitate to collude with house slaves. This performance is interlocking, all designed to frame your son. Your son is truly wronged!”
The Crown Prince sneered: “Prince Jing, stop your alarmist talk. If not for Lord Ying disregarding his own safety to testify against you, today the ones suffering would be Mother and me. Who’s really wronged? Who’s really innocent? This is truly a case of the thief crying ‘catch the thief!’ As an imperial prince, while soldiers at the front shed blood in battle, you know no progress at all, your mind full of schemes and plots. As the nation’s heir, I absolutely cannot tolerate such behavior. Father, please punish Yuan Ying severely to prove my and Mother’s innocence!”
Prince Jing’s face was covered in tears: “Your son is alone and weak. Now I’m most fortunate to receive Your Majesty’s favor and high expectations. Sometimes I inevitably offend people, and others hate me to the bone. Add to that my youth and ignorance, not knowing to guard against hidden arrows from behind, which is why I’ve angered Your Majesty! Let me die—as long as Father is no longer troubled, your son is willing to die!”
Back and forth, though Prince Jing never directly said the person framing him was Empress Dowager Pei, he had already created strong suspicion among the crowd. The difference in scheming between him and the Crown Prince was immediately apparent. The Emperor sighed: “Prince Jing Yuan Ying is to return home and reflect behind closed doors for one month.”
Hearing this, the Crown Prince’s expression changed as he said loudly: “Father, this punishment is far too light. He slandered the current Empress Dowager and Crown Prince—are you just going to let him off like this?”
The Emperor pinched the bridge of his nose: “Then what more do you want? Based solely on Ying Chu’s words, without any evidence, should I kill your brother? Where is your benevolence? Where has your fraternal love gone? Without even these, what kind of Crown Prince are you!”
The Crown Prince’s face paled as he immediately said: “Your son didn’t mean that.”
“Good that you didn’t.” The Emperor had already stood up impatiently and said lightly: “Enough, court is dismissed.”
Prince Jing was helped out by attendants. As he walked to the door, he glanced at Ying Chu and suddenly sneered: “Well, well, truly a formidable character!”
Ying Chu only smiled faintly: “Pity this net didn’t catch the big fish, but Prince Jing is an unexpected bonus.”
Prince Jing’s smile was cold, his voice icy: “Pity I was outmaneuvered by you, a eunuch.”
This insult caused no change whatsoever in Ying Chu’s expression. His smile was very ordinary: “Prince Jing, you should study well under Miss Guo. If you had half her composure, you wouldn’t be the one deceived today.”
Prince Jing’s expression was extremely ugly. He sneered and left with support.
The Crown Prince laughed heartily, walked forward, and patted Ying Chu’s shoulder: “Well done.”
Ying Chu’s gaze fell coldly on that hand. The Crown Prince’s heart jumped, and he immediately withdrew his hand. Forcing composure, he smiled slightly: “Regardless, I must thank Lord Ying for speaking out courageously.”
Ying Chu’s expression was icy: “I didn’t do this for Your Highness, Crown Prince.”
The Crown Prince smiled: “I know, you did it for Mother. I’ll speak to her to request merit for you. Regardless, being able to greatly dampen Prince Jing’s imposing authority today makes me very happy.”
Ying Chu couldn’t help sighing: “Such a pity. I originally thought the Duke of Qi’s residence would be the one deceived, but unexpectedly that Li Weiyang was too cunning and didn’t believe my performance. Where did things go wrong?”
From the beginning, Ying Chu never intended to betray Empress Dowager Pei. As for Five Poisons Powder, that substance posed no threat to him at all. Everything was deliberately staged for that fool Director Guo to see. Though Director Guo was clever, he was ultimately just a young man. Young people all have the flaw of arrogance, combined with a bit of overconfidence, just like Prince Jing, wishing they could topple someone in one move. But they never anticipated that everything was within Ying Chu’s grasp—it was merely a matter of you performing for me and me performing for you.
The Crown Prince looked at Ying Chu’s cold expression and suddenly felt a chill in his heart. He forced a smile: “Well then, you should go report to Mother!”
Ying Chu bowed in respect: “Farewell, Your Highness Crown Prince.”
Coming out of court, Prince Jing Yuan Ying’s face was colorless. Only after leaving the palace gates and failing to catch his breath did he suddenly lean against the cart shaft and vomit several mouthfuls of fresh blood in succession. Just then he suddenly heard a soft sigh. He couldn’t help turning his head to see Li Weiyang standing gracefully. His heart jumped, and he sneered: “Seeing me so wretched now, are you satisfied?”
Li Weiyang looked at his disheveled state but gently shook her head: “Why must Your Highness speak this way? I already advised you not to act rashly.”
Prince Jing looked at Li Weiyang’s beautiful face, but for the first time felt hatred rising in his heart: “Yes, you warned me. It was my arrogance in not listening to you, which is why I’ve come to this end.”
Hearing him speak with apparent resentment, Li Weiyang smiled: “Your Highness, after all His Majesty didn’t blame you, did he? It’s only reflection behind closed doors for one month. This is nothing to you—perfect for cultivating your character and taking care of your health.”
Prince Jing coughed violently several times, suppressing the bloody taste in his throat, and said lightly: “Thank you for your concern. I should go.” With that, he turned and boarded his carriage.
The curtain fell, concealing Prince Jing’s pale face and also hiding those eyes burning with flames. Li Weiyang watched Prince Jing’s carriage depart, her gaze cold. Yuan Ying was truly too complex a person. Recently he’d been like a different person—even she couldn’t guess what was in his mind. Li Weiyang entered the palace gates. Today she came to visit Consort Guo Hui, and also to wait for the results of the morning court. In the Imperial Garden, she happened to encounter Ying Chu, who was on his way to see the Empress.
Li Weiyang saw he had already bathed and changed, no longer resembling his previous disheveled state, and immediately felt a sense of absurdity. She smiled: “Lord Ying’s performance was truly excellent—not only escaping with your life, but also managing to bite Prince Jing.”
Ying Chu likewise smiled in return: “Not at all. In the end, I was still seen through by Miss Guo. I’m just very curious—how exactly did you know?”
Li Weiyang said lightly: “I just felt that someone with your personality would never betray the person you love.”
Ying Chu suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked seriously at Li Weiyang: “Oh? What makes you say that?”
Li Weiyang said casually: “Lord Ying has done so much for Empress Dowager Pei, spending who knows how much effort, yet Empress Dowager Pei has given you no reward in return. You still remain by her side without complaint or regret, even able to tolerate a rival’s existence. This truly earns my admiration! Since you’ve endured so many years, why would you, just because Empress Dowager Pei betrayed you, display such decadence and despair? It wasn’t that I saw through you—your acting was too poor. Life is inherently a performance, but overacting is also a problem.”
Hearing this, Ying Chu stood stunned for quite a while before suddenly bursting into laughter: “Good! Well said, Miss Guo. Life depends on acting skills. Actually, speaking carefully, my acting isn’t as good as yours… This time you merely used my hands to teach Prince Jing a lesson!”
Li Weiyang heard his words and her smile faded slightly: “Lord Ying can think whatever you like. That’s not my intention.”
Ying Chu sneered: “What Miss Guo thinks in her heart, you know best yourself. Regardless, in this round neither of us won or lost—call it a draw! I hope in the next round, Miss Guo can also face the challenge calmly!” With that, he laughed loudly and strode away.
Zhao Yue couldn’t help spitting behind him: “A eunuch—we should have killed him when we had the chance.”
Li Weiyang smiled: “Kill him? He has an immortal body—what method could we use? During his imprisonment, didn’t you try everything? Knives, spears, clubs, staffs, drowning, fire, even poison—nothing worked on him. As for what he said last time about his weak point being in his right chest, that was also false. Clearly he was prepared from the start and never revealed his true weakness to anyone.”
Zhao Yue paused: “Miss, is there truly no way to kill Ying Chu?”
Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Why must you kill him? Didn’t I say? Only dying at Empress Dowager Pei’s hands would be a fitting death for him.”
Zhao Yue couldn’t help gritting her teeth: “But this time it was he and the Empress who joined forces to trick us!”
Li Weiyang shook her head: “I don’t think that’s necessarily so.”
Zhao Yue couldn’t help asking in confusion: “Miss, what do you mean?”
Li Weiyang smiled: “As they say, truth becomes fiction when fiction’s true. Sometimes you think he’s acting, but he’s actually being genuine. At least the jade Guanyin matter was confirmed beyond doubt, and it’s also true that Empress Dowager Pei drove him out of the capital. I think Ying Chu’s thoughts are devious and complex, difficult to discern. He obtained the answer he wanted to know, then successfully used our hands to return openly and honorably to the Empress’s side. And I simply gave him a ride.”
Hearing this, Zhao Yue was completely lost in fog, utterly unable to understand what Li Weiyang was saying.
Li Weiyang turned to smile at her gently: “In the future you’ll understand what I mean.” With that, she glanced at the sky—dark clouds had already obscured the sunlight: “It’s getting late. We should also go visit Consort Hui. Let’s go.”
Zhao Yue stood there thinking for a long while but still couldn’t understand. Seeing Li Weiyang had already walked far away, she quickly called: “Miss, wait for me!”