After hearing the Grand Madam’s words, Li Changle’s gaze suddenly changed. She turned her head and looked at Li Xiaoran with a complex expression, then stood up slowly and said, “I understand.” Then, as if having made some kind of resolution, she walked step by step before Li Xiaoran and knelt gracefully, “This daughter kowtows in gratitude for Father’s nurturing grace. Henceforth unable to serve at your knees, please take care of yourself, Father.”

Li Xiaoran looked at her with a complex expression, ultimately sighing and waving his hand, “Go then.”

With such an offense, if he didn’t punish her, who knew what chaos the Li family would descend into in the future.

Li Changle stood up and looked at Li Weiyang from afar. In those beautiful eyes flashed a barely perceptible cold smile.

Then she raised her head and quickly walked out. The sudden change happened in an instant.

When she reached the center of the great hall, Li Changle suddenly stopped abruptly and turned back, saying, “What I have not done, I will absolutely not admit to! I am willing to die to prove my innocence.” Having finished speaking, she threw herself headfirst toward a nearby pillar.

Screams immediately filled the entire great hall.

Fortunately, Li Minfeng nearby was extremely quick. At the last moment, he caught her in his arms. Though Li Changle struck the pillar, she only fainted.

The Grand Madam made as if to collapse, stumbling over, “My daughter!”

Old Madam cried out in alarm. In her panic, she nearly fainted herself.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly. Her expression showed neither joy nor mockery—just that inscrutable look as she watched this farce unfold before her. Even without hearing what the Grand Madam and Li Changle had said, she now clearly saw it.

Ginger is indeed spicier when old.

Without sacrificing the child, you cannot catch the wolf. Li Changle’s collision was indeed perfectly executed.

Proving innocence through death—why not wait until after leaving to strike herself? Why specifically at this moment?!

Li Xiaoran’s expression suddenly changed. He quickly stepped forward to examine Li Changle’s wound and ordered, “Physician Shen, come quickly and look!”

Physician Shen hurriedly came over with his medicine box and carefully examined Li Changle’s wound before finally breathing a sigh of relief, “Miss has only fainted temporarily… there should be no danger to her life.”

Li Minfeng’s eyes were sharp and piercing. Hearing this, he declared loudly, “Father, you see! Little sister is proving her innocence through death—she clearly suffered grievous injustice to do this!”

Li Xiaoran frowned slightly but said nothing.

Second Madam sneered coldly, “Eldest Miss is truly willful and reckless. This collision was indeed well-executed!”

The Grand Madam sobbed brokenly, “Second sister-in-law, Changle grew up before your eyes. Why must you speak such cruel words!”

Li Minfeng curved his lips in a smile, “Second Aunt, proving innocence through death could very well be fatal. Changle is merely a delicate woman—she must have suffered tremendous injustice to do this. Among all present, how many could do such a thing?”

Third Madam sighed, “In both sentiment and reason, Eldest Miss should not have done this. Isn’t this questioning Old Madam’s and Uncle’s decision?”

At these words, the entire room fell silent.

The Grand Madam froze, then cried as if her heart were breaking. She looked at Li Xiaoran, “Master, I have been married to you for twenty years. Even without merit, I have worked hard. Changle is my most beloved daughter, and one you have cherished since childhood. She has never suffered such injustice. Look at her—her head is covered in blood. She values her appearance most. If she becomes disfigured from this, it would be worse than taking her life. How could she use such methods to coerce you, Master? Clearly she has suffered unbearably!”

Physician Shen also examined Li Changle’s wound and nodded, “The forehead may indeed leave a scar.”

The Grand Madam naturally knew appearance was important, but if Li Changle were sent to the convent now, how would others view her in the future? No one would want a girl abandoned by her family for unclear reasons! Her entire life would be ruined!

Li Xiaoran ultimately couldn’t bear it and said, “Enough, send her down to recuperate first.”

Li Minde felt indignant and stepped forward, about to speak, when Li Weiyang shook her head at him. Reluctantly, he forced himself to stop.

When Li Changle entered, she walked in. When she left, she was carried out, barely breathing, blood still flowing from her head. Li Xiaoran sighed deeply, said nothing, and departed with a flick of his sleeves. After all, to believe Li Changle would actually curse him—he didn’t believe it. But having witnessed it with his own eyes, he couldn’t help but believe.

From beginning to end, Fourth Concubine hadn’t uttered a single word. When she saw Li Changle was allowed to stay, a knowing expression flashed in her eyes, yet also tinged with indescribable disappointment.

Her gaze met Li Weiyang’s in midair for a moment. Then she smiled faintly and departed with Li Changxi and Li Changxiao.

Li Weiyang personally escorted Old Madam back. Returning to her own courtyard, she saw Li Minde waiting for her in the corridor and walked forward with a slight smile.

“Elder sister, this time you took too great a risk.” These were Li Minde’s first words.

Only then did Li Weiyang raise her eyes to look at him, her voice gentle, “Minde.”

Li Minde couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable. Third sister was so cunning—knowing full well he had no resistance when she spoke in such a gentle voice, she deliberately used it at such a critical moment—so he couldn’t scold her for taking risks, couldn’t scold her for not telling him beforehand. So cunning, third sister, truly so cunning…

Yet he had to admit, those slight feelings of sullenness, of not being trusted, dissipated completely as she gently called his name. He could no longer be angry with her…

Knowing he would be dissatisfied that she hadn’t informed him beforehand, Li Weiyang couldn’t help taking a deep breath and said, “Minfeng, knowing such matters isn’t a good thing—it’s very easy for information to leak. Most critically, it was too risky.”

Li Minde frowned, “You mean—Fourth Concubine might turn against us at any time?”

Li Weiyang smiled, simultaneously surprised by his sensitivity and cleverness. “Yes, because although Fourth Concubine cooperated with this plan, I was never certain of her reasons for implicating her own daughter. So—I was always prepared for her to turn against us. Looking at it now, I was overthinking.”

Li Minde smiled, “Just now Mother told me she received news that the Grand Madam spoke with Uncle about betrothing fourth sister to the Fifth Prince, then fifth sister to the third son of Duke Rongguo.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help being surprised. Li Changxiao being married to the Fifth Prince had already happened in her previous life, though with her current status, she could only be a secondary consort. As for Li Changxi in the previous life, she had married the second son of Duke Xu Maogong. But now—a disfigured daughter from a concubine, why would the Grand Madam suddenly want to marry her to Duke Rongguo’s legitimate youngest son? Was this even possible? These two marriage arrangements, though certainly beneficial to the Grand Madam, weren’t necessarily bad for Fourth Concubine either.

“Duke Rongguo’s third son, Cheng Lin, is of noble birth, talented and cultured. Duke Rongguo’s is a family of century-old wealth. On the surface, there’s nothing to fault in this match, so Uncle was already considering it.”

“On the surface? You mean…” Li Weiyang frowned.

“Third sister, you’re now a County Princess. Your marriage will certainly require His Majesty’s permission, so the Grand Madam can’t easily interfere. But with the others, naturally she can manipulate them as she pleases. Think about it—if Duke Rongguo’s third son had no problems, why would Fourth Concubine be so agitated? My mother also had suspicions and quietly inquired, only to learn this Young Master Cheng enjoys theater and brought an actor into the residence, doting on him immensely. Not only listening to theater daily but sharing his bed nightly, finally angering Duke Rongguo, who had the actor secretly beaten to death. This isn’t really a secret anymore.”

So that was it. She truly didn’t know such gossip. For men, Young Master Cheng’s affair was merely youthful indiscretion, laughed off. Father certainly wouldn’t take this matter too seriously either. If Li Changxi still had her flowery beauty, Father might consider the third son’s dissolute behavior, but looking at Li Changxi’s current appearance, who would care about such things? He would only consider what benefits this marriage could bring. But for Fourth Concubine, wealth and glory were all empty—her daughter’s happiness was most important. With Duke Rongguo’s third son behaving so outrageously, who knew what he might do after marriage? She would certainly find ways to sabotage this match.

“Mother made such a scene today. The marriage she proposed, Uncle naturally won’t bring up for now. Even if he does, Old Madam won’t be pleased. On the surface, Fourth Concubine offended the Grand Madam today, but it was all for fourth and fifth sisters’ benefit.” Li Minde said softly.

Li Weiyang fell into silence. Indeed, to obstruct this marriage, Fourth Concubine didn’t hesitate to oppose the Grand Madam. Though seemingly foolish, it came from a mother’s love for her daughters.

Li Minde reached out and gently grasped her hand. As warmth spread through his hand, his heart seemed to warm as well. He couldn’t help saying, “I fear the Grand Madam won’t let this rest.”

Li Weiyang said honestly, “The Grand Madam is extremely cunning, sinister and vicious, stopping at nothing to achieve her goals. Between her and me, there is indeed deep enmity. My seeking revenge is beyond reproach. But I don’t want to implicate you as well, so from now on, don’t stay too close to me, and certainly don’t oppose the Grand Madam everywhere like today. Do you understand, Minde?”

Hearing this, Li Minde stared without blinking.

Seeing him like this, Li Weiyang had to speak more clearly, “Put it this way—she has no direct conflict of interest with you. If you truly want to help me, doing so from the shadows would be better.”

Li Minde tilted his head slightly, feeling his heart like duckweed floating on water—extremely restless. He naturally knew the Grand Madam wasn’t to be trifled with. Even Third Madam didn’t dare confront her head-on. But when he heard Li Weiyang say this, he felt very angry. He didn’t know why he felt so troubled—perhaps because of the Grand Madam, perhaps because of third sister, or perhaps, because of himself.

Why must third sister be so burdened with worries?

Why did she scheme and calculate against everyone, never giving anyone her true heart?

He had a very strong feeling—Li Weiyang explaining all this to him now wasn’t because she liked him or considered him important, but because she felt help from the shadows could be of greater use in the future.

“Third sister, do you only treat me well because we’re in the same boat?” Once the day came when they were no longer on the same side, would she stop smiling at him and ignore him?

Li Weiyang froze.

Was this youth too sensitive? So sensitive she didn’t know what to say.

“I’m sorry, I’m a fool…” Li Minde said quietly. He shouldn’t have said these things and made third sister unhappy.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and gripped his hand tighter. “No, I don’t say these things because we’re in the same boat. Quite the opposite—I really like Minde, so I don’t want you to be harmed.”

Li Minde raised his eyes, “So, someone like me—am I too weak, bringing you trouble?”

Li Weiyang paused, then shook her head. “No.”

Li Minde’s dark eyes were unfathomable. “Third sister, must you comfort me even now?”

“I’m stating facts.” Li Weiyang gazed at him, speaking very seriously, very earnestly. “You’re a clever child. One day, you’ll be even cleverer than me, becoming a support for Third Madam and me. I have no brothers—you’re just like my own brother.” Saying this, Li Weiyang smiled with narrowed eyes.

Red lanterns hung high in the corridor. Li Weiyang’s eyes were so bright, making it impossible to look away.

Li Minde held her hand without releasing it. “Third sister, do you truly hate elder sister and them so much? Actually, Mother mentioned recently that she wants to return to Linchuan to visit Grandmother and the others. If she’s happy there, she’ll buy a residence and settle down, never returning. Then we can live happily—will you come with us—”

Li Weiyang’s gaze turned icy cold. She too wanted a good life, but leaving here meant abandoning revenge. She could never forget… when her legs were severed, that bloody, mutilated scene, those palace servants who died miserably because of her, their anguished, humiliated, pained, desperate screams—she remembered it all. And in this life, the Grand Madam and her daughter had never intended to let her go. Even if she was willing to give up, they wouldn’t allow her to live a carefree life!

Li Weiyang drew a breath and said resolutely, “I cannot forgive them, so I absolutely will not leave!”

Li Minde started, raising his heavy lashes. “Third sister?”

Li Weiyang’s eyes blinked. A deep emotion opened in their depths, making her simultaneously more gentle and inexplicably sorrowful. “I’m sorry, I got too emotional.”

She discovered she had unknowingly gripped Minde’s hand so hard she drew blood and immediately released it.

Li Weiyang turned abruptly, looking up at the distant sky, saying flatly, “Tolerance—I simply cannot afford such a thing, nor do I want it!”

At this moment, she looked as if she might disappear at any moment.

Li Minde suddenly felt intense fear rising from his feet—this third sister, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t grasp her, couldn’t understand her, couldn’t hold onto her! He didn’t understand her even for a moment. Deep in her heart, she must hide many unspeakable secrets!

So Li Minde suddenly stepped forward and gripped her arm.

Slightly surprised, she turned back. Their gazes met in midair. In that instant, indescribable emotions surfaced on Li Weiyang’s face.

Li Minde forced down his sadness, compelling himself to look at Li Weiyang, raising his lips in a smile. “If third sister doesn’t leave, then I will never leave either. I’ll stay here with you.” His tone grew softer with each word, yet firmer with each word.

Li Weiyang was slightly moved. Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly heard a shrill scream.

A maid came running from nearby, colliding with many people along the way. Her face was full of panic as she threw herself before Li Minde. “This is terrible, terrible, Third Young Master! Third Madam just… just suddenly fainted!”

Third Madam fainted? Li Weiyang froze, her heart somehow suddenly filled with an ominous premonition.

Third Madam was diagnosed with having contracted the epidemic.

Hearing of this, Old Madam personally visited twice and specially summoned renowned physicians to treat her, hoping Third Madam would recover quickly. Li Minde also kept vigil at his mother’s bedside day and night. Li Weiyang, fearing he too would contract the illness, repeatedly urged him to rest, but he stubbornly refused to leave.

Li Weiyang had no choice but to silently hope Third Madam would recover quickly.

Passing through the simple blue brick and gray tile, Li Weiyang’s expression remained constantly heavy. Though the physician repeatedly said Third Madam’s condition was improving, the New Year was approaching. If Third Madam’s condition truly improved, why couldn’t she leave her room even now?

Inside the room, all the windows were hung with thick curtains. Outdoor sunlight struggled to climb onto the curtains, drilling through the gaps at edges and corners. The room appeared dim throughout. Near the window stood a guqin, but dust covered it—clearly no one had touched it in a long time.

Seeing Li Weiyang arrive, Li Minde stood from a nearby chair. In such dim lighting, his complexion appeared extremely pale, and in his dark eyes, somehow, at some point, a hint of despair had appeared.

Li Weiyang froze, suddenly feeling very uneasy.

Seeing Li Weiyang had arrived, a maid nearby immediately used a silver hook to lift the blue gauze curtains of the black lacquered mother-of-pearl bed. Third Madam lay there. At a glance, Li Weiyang discovered she had become skeletal thin. Her face was white as paper, her body thin as a leaf—a gust of wind could blow her from that alarmingly large bed.

Third Aunt was so gravely ill!

The unease in Li Weiyang’s heart continued expanding.

She had been perfectly fine—how could she have contracted the epidemic! Li Weiyang suppressed the sourness in her heart and quickly walked over. “Third Aunt.”

Since Third Madam fell ill, she hadn’t seen many people. Except for Li Minde and Old Madam, even the Grand Madam and others who came to visit were blocked outside.

A maid said softly to Third Madam, whose eyes were slightly closed, “Madam, Third Miss has arrived.”

Third Madam opened her eyes. Seeing Li Weiyang, she actually showed a trace of a smile. Then she nodded to a nearby maid, having someone help her sit up from the bed. “Weiyang.”

“Is everything all right?” Third Madam asked.

Li Weiyang naturally knew what she was asking and smiled. “Though elder sister’s forehead injury isn’t severe, she remains unconscious even now. The physician says injuries to tendons and bones take a hundred days to heal. Elder sister struck hard at the time—who knows what aftereffects may remain.”

Third Madam smiled faintly, “This way, they can be quiet for a while.”

Third Madam saw things clearly. Now the Grand Madam was cautious everywhere. Reportedly, Father hadn’t visited Li Changle even once, and had even distanced himself from Li Minfeng. As expected, Fourth Concubine’s pillow talk must be very effective. Father was already suspicious by nature—now he probably suspected the witchcraft was real and regretted not dealing with Li Changle. In this matter, on the surface Li Changle remained in the Li household intact, but clinging on so desperately, her status in her father’s heart had already plummeted. Her days would absolutely not be good.

“Are you all right?” Third Madam looked at her.

“Thanks to you, Weiyang is fine.”

“Thanks to me?” Third Madam smiled lightly, her smile tinged with slight bitterness. “I can barely protect myself—what fortune can I claim? I wanted to keep helping you, to see the Grand Madam fall, but unfortunately…”

“Third Aunt has already helped me greatly. You need only focus on recovering.”

“I know you’re clever and capable. Now you’re also a County Princess—the Grand Madam can’t control your marriage and can’t easily move against you. How fortunate.” Third Madam spoke as if comforting her. “Just listen to one piece of advice—in the future, find a way to secure a good marriage and stay far away from those wolves… A person’s life amounts to just this much meaning, don’t you think?”

Li Weiyang looked at Third Madam. Unable to bear disappointing her, she said, “Third Aunt’s words—Weiyang has remembered them all.” Somehow, she felt Third Madam’s words carried hints of final instructions.

But… how could that be? This happened too suddenly.

Third Madam reclined against the headboard. Anyone seeing her would first think of a withered flower. Her complexion was extremely ashen. Her originally plump, beautiful cheeks had thinned drastically, yet her eyes were alarmingly bright. Li Weiyang felt a touch of fear in her heart. If Third Madam met with misfortune… Her gaze fell on Li Minde nearby. He kept his head lowered, lost in thought.

“Madam, it’s time for your medicine.” A nearby maid brought medicine.

Third Madam looked faintly at the medicine bowl and shook her head. Li Weiyang saw her pale complexion, how she paused frequently while speaking to catch her breath, and feared she was tired, wanting to urge her to rest well and not think too much.

But Third Madam lowered her voice as much as possible. “If someone outside asks about my illness, what will you say?”

“I’ll say Third Aunt’s illness is nearly recovered.” Li Weiyang thought for a moment before answering.

“No, you say my illness has already recovered—I just still need quiet recuperation.”

Li Weiyang frowned, not understanding why Third Madam would say this.

But Third Madam looked at Li Minde and sighed deeply. Li Weiyang suddenly understood—could Third Madam fear that if she met with misfortune, those people would do something to Minde?

Indeed, Minde wasn’t Li family blood at all. If his only loving adoptive mother died, his days in the Li household would certainly be especially difficult. Even now—many unpleasant rumors had already spread.

But—paper could never contain fire.

“Don’t I look quite well?” Third Madam said while suddenly sitting up from the bed, both hands bracing against the bed surface as she struggled to stand. “I feel I may recover soon.” She smiled and walked a few steps. Suddenly her feet gave way—if Weiyang hadn’t supported her quickly, she would have fallen to the floor.

Li Minde’s eyes suddenly grew moist. He turned his face away, not daring to look at his adoptive mother.

Only then did Li Weiyang understand—Third Madam’s body was truly gravely ill. Her health had always been poor, and the epidemic wasn’t an ordinary illness… What should be done? Li Weiyang’s mind raced. She desperately tried to recall how the epidemic in the disaster area had been handled, but—ultimately came up with nothing. She only knew that in that plague, deaths far exceeded those from the disaster itself, and physicians were helpless.

She helped Third Madam sit by the bed. Third Madam’s eyes searched for something.

“Mother, are you looking for the qin?” Li Minde asked softly.

His expression at this moment was so mature it seemed unfamiliar—completely unlike a ten-year-old youth.

Li Weiyang felt sad for him. Why must a child bear so much he shouldn’t have to bear? If he truly lost his only loving adoptive mother, what would Minde do in the future?

Third Madam nodded. Li Minde suddenly took his mother’s hand from Li Weiyang and helped her stand, supporting her step by step to sit beside the qin.

Third Madam raised her hand and lightly plucked a string.

Li Weiyang’s brows furrowed deeply.

Third Madam lowered her head and concentrated on playing the qin—a very lingering melody. Li Weiyang had heard it before when Third Madam sat alone in the courtyard playing this piece. Reportedly, Third Uncle had composed this melody for her in those years. Li Weiyang sighed softly—in Third Aunt’s heart, she had never forgotten her deceased husband.

Third Madam’s qin melody was extremely lingering and mournful, like song, like complaint…

In one instant, a string suddenly broke. Third Madam stopped, gasping for breath, then suddenly laughed. She said quietly, “Back then, I too had an opportunity to become a mother.”

Li Minde shuddered and lowered his head. From Li Weiyang’s angle, she could only see his crystalline skin grow even paler.

“Weiyang, I originally didn’t plan to tell anyone these things, but looking at it now, if I don’t speak, no one will ever know. Do you know why I help you? Because I hate the Grand Madam. But why I hate her, you surely don’t know. The Grand Madam appears benevolent and magnanimous on the surface, but in her bones she’s domineering and tyrannical. Old Madam has never liked her. Years ago, Uncle was posted away for a time, and the second household is from a concubine—at that time I managed the Li household. Later Uncle returned to the capital and was appointed Prime Minister. I voluntarily relinquished management authority. Who knew the Grand Madam would think I was putting on airs? She actually manipulated things to cause my miscarriage, making me unable to have children for life. Third Master was originally frail and kind-hearted. Knowing this, he remained troubled, yet because he was considerate of Uncle, couldn’t bear to blame them. Finally he died of melancholy. Tell me, shouldn’t I hate her?” Third Madam looked at Li Weiyang beside her and suddenly smiled inexplicably. At this moment, did she harbor pain, or still regret her past excessive trust, or had the hatred in her heart not dissipated even now? No one could say clearly. Perhaps even she herself couldn’t say clearly.

Li Weiyang watched, feeling sad for her in her heart. Third Madam wanted to yield her position, but the other party refused to believe it—she had to seize it herself before feeling at ease. Ordinary people might find this hard to understand, but Li Weiyang understood—the Grand Madam was someone who couldn’t tolerate anyone or anything beyond her control.

Smiling and smiling, Third Madam suddenly had phlegm blocking her throat and couldn’t help coughing. Li Weiyang hurriedly patted her back gently. Li Minde also nervously walked over.

Third Madam spat into the spittoon a nearby maid held, taking quite a while to recover.

“I thought I could live a few more years.” Third Madam gasped while saying to Li Weiyang, “Looking at it now, my days are numbered…”

In the previous life, Third Madam died not long after Li Minde’s accident. Now Minde had clearly been saved, yet she unexpectedly contracted the epidemic. Could it be that everything was unchangeable? Li Weiyang clenched her fists, her face showing a comforting smile. “No, no, it won’t be. Third Aunt will surely live to a hundred.”

Third Madam shook her head open-mindedly. “Forget it.” She looked at Li Weiyang. In her clear black and white eyes burned a faint flame. Third Madam smiled bitterly in her heart—this child perhaps still harbored hatred toward the Grand Madam. Thinking of when she first married into the Li family, thinking of her own husband and unborn child departing one by one, thinking of this, an indescribable emotion surged in her heart. Toward the Grand Madam, she always had that resentment that was difficult to smooth over—this was the true reason she had always helped Li Weiyang.

But in this moment of grave illness, everything had worn smooth. All grudges and grievances seemed to become less and less important. Only one matter—she still couldn’t let go.

Third Madam gripped Li Weiyang’s hand tightly. “Third Aunt has helped you so much—I only ask one thing of you.”

Li Weiyang looked into Third Madam’s eyes. In those beautiful eyes now slowly rose a trace of earnest pleading. Li Weiyang instantly understood her meaning.

“Help me look after Minde.” Without his mother’s protection, and not being Li family blood, this child’s future days would certainly be very difficult. Li Weiyang could imagine.

But—agreeing to such a request meant that from now on, besides Seventh Concubine, Li Weiyang would have to constantly keep another person in her heart. Li Minde would become her responsibility… Li Weiyang hesitated for a moment, but thinking of Third Madam’s long-term help, she really had no way to refuse such a request.

Li Minde kept his head deeply lowered. No one could see his expression at this moment, just how sorrowful it was.

Li Weiyang remained silent for a long time. Third Madam suddenly gripped her hand tightly. Li Weiyang blinked, glanced at Li Minde nearby, and solemnly nodded.

“I may not be able to protect him completely, but I will do my utmost.” This was her answer.

Third Madam smiled, “Thank you.”

Returning to her own courtyard that evening, Li Weiyang remained silent throughout. Baizhi and Mozhu, seeing this, felt somewhat uneasy in their hearts. Though they didn’t know Third Madam’s condition, seeing miss like this, it probably wasn’t good.

Third Madam was miss’s important friend in the Li household—this they knew very clearly. If she met with misfortune, it certainly wouldn’t be good for miss.

At midnight, rain fell. In the silence, only the sound of water droplets could be heard. Li Weiyang couldn’t sleep and lazily leaned against the bed, eyes lightly closed.

A subtle sound came from the window, carrying some caution as if afraid of being discovered.

Li Weiyang leaned slightly forward. After thinking, she put on outer garments, stood up, walked to the bedside, and through the window saw a figure standing outside. Li Weiyang’s heart stirred.

Instinctively she pushed open the window.

“Minde?” Li Weiyang said softly.

In the darkness, that figure’s back stiffened for a moment. After a pause, he slowly turned around reluctantly.

Through the corridor’s faint candlelight, Li Weiyang saw Minde’s handsome face slowly lift. His clear black and white eyes were actually rimmed red.

Li Weiyang glanced at him, “Why did you run here in the middle of the night?”

Li Minde said nothing, only keeping his head lowered.

Li Weiyang sighed and beckoned to him. Li Minde stood motionless in place with no reaction.

Li Weiyang blinked and said, “Do you want me to call someone to invite you into the room? Or are you planning to let people discover you sneaking to my room in the middle of the night?”

Though they were cousins, though this child was young, it still wouldn’t sound good if word spread. Li Minde obviously knew this too and immediately obediently climbed in.

Li Weiyang saw a circle of water stains on the floor. Looking again at Li Minde’s soaked hem, she only felt a headache.

What she didn’t know was that Li Minde’s gaze circled her thinly-clad body once, only feeling heat at his ears and his face flushing slightly. He hurriedly lowered his head.

In Li Weiyang’s concept, this fellow was just a child—there was no problem at all. Naturally she didn’t think of this.

Li Weiyang helped him wring out his clothes, “Why didn’t you bring an umbrella? Do you think you’re made of iron, or do you want Third Aunt to worry about you?”

“I couldn’t sleep!” Li Minde frowned.

Li Weiyang couldn’t ignore his body’s stiffness and stared at him for quite a while.

Li Minde didn’t know how to face her gaze and instinctively looked away. Just when he felt he was about to suffocate, he heard her speak, “I’ll take you back!”

Li Minde froze. Instantly a trace of sadness flashed through his eyes. Li Weiyang looked at him in surprise, then wondered if she was overthinking—he was just a child, how could he show such an expression? She grasped his hand, but he dodged like receiving an electric shock.

“Can I stay a bit longer?” He opened his mouth, thin lips opening and closing, looking at her somewhat nervously.

Li Weiyang hadn’t yet reacted when Li Minde’s complexion had already turned faintly pale, as if knowing he had overstepped.

Li Weiyang’s movements paused. Her dark eyes fell on Li Minde, freezing for an instant. Just when he thought she would refuse him, Li Weiyang suddenly felt this anxious and uneasy youth was very cute and couldn’t help reaching out to ruffle his hair.

The black strands of hair brought a soft feeling.

Li Minde suddenly grasped her hand, raising his dark eyes to look at her. His voice was gentle, his gaze sincere and pleading, “Once the rain stops I’ll go back, all right?”

His palm was warm, his heartbeat almost transmittable. For a moment countless thoughts flashed through Li Weiyang’s mind. In the end, she suppressed them all one by one and smiled, “All right, we’ll wait until the rain stops.”

His eyes immediately brightened, his smile adorable.

“Minde, after I left, was Third Aunt all right?” Li Weiyang had him remove his wet clothes and wrapped him in a quilt.

Who would have thought that face like tender white tofu would suddenly show a trace of resentment, his fingers trembling slightly. “I don’t know how much longer Mother can live. She… she tries so hard to protect me, yet I can’t help her…” The youth’s soft hair fell down, covering his eyes, so Li Weiyang couldn’t see the emotions in their depths at all.

Third Madam’s illness grew worse and worse, never showing the slightest improvement. All manner of rare precious medicines had been consumed, yet all were like a cup of water poured into a river—no response whatsoever. Tonight, Third Madam’s mind had even become confused. Li Minde spoke to her, yet she showed no response. Unable to bear it any longer, he had secretly run out.

Li Weiyang remained silent for a long while before hesitantly placing her hand on his head, stroking it again and again. The youth’s body trembled slightly—clearly desperately suppressing his grief.

Li Weiyang was very worried about his future. This Li residence appeared flower-clustered and warm on the surface, but was actually a cold and cruel place. She also knew that if Third Madam met with misfortune, the third household would have no one left to support the situation. Though Old Madam had always cared for Third Madam, that was only because her youngest son died early and she felt she had wronged her widowed daughter-in-law. Toward Li Minfeng, this grandson picked up halfway, she actually didn’t have much affection. As for the Grand Madam and Second Madam—one already harbored deep resentment toward Third Madam, the other had long coveted the third household’s property and Third Madam’s wealth. They couldn’t wait to eliminate this Third Young Master.

Though she had promised to look after him, the Grand Madam had always been defeated by her precisely because she could risk her life to fight. But if she had to protect a child, she would certainly face many difficulties. In such circumstances, what would Minde do in the future?

“It’s the Grand Madam…” Li Minde’s clear eyes unknowingly became tainted with resentment. He bit his own lip hard—bright blood beads welled up. “If not for her, Mother wouldn’t have contracted the epidemic…”

Li Weiyang was shocked, vaguely feeling his words held hidden meaning. But this thought flashed by. Her breathing grew slightly rapid. “Minde, do you know what you’re saying?”

Li Minde’s voice choked up. He buried his head in his palms, low and hoarse with grief and indignation. From his tone, Li Weiyang heard for the first time not a youth’s inherent tenderness and timidity, but felt bone-chilling hatred. “Half a month ago, on Mother’s way back from worshiping Buddha, she rescued a young woman, giving her food and water. That woman thanked Mother profusely, but later Mother learned she had come from the epidemic area. At first, we didn’t think much of it, but later Mother fell ill. Reviewing the entire matter, I felt something was wrong. That road is the passage for officials’ female relatives going up the mountain to worship Buddha. Even if common people were fleeing disaster, why wouldn’t they go to bustling towns instead of the remote mountain? Encountering countless carriages along the way, she remained silent throughout—why would she suddenly collapse before Mother’s carriage? She was given water and food—why did she insist on thanking her in person? She even gave Mother a string of prayer beads as thanks. Though Mother didn’t accept them, she had touched those things after all…”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help being shocked by what he said. Could Third Madam’s sudden illness truly be connected to the Grand Madam? Minde wouldn’t say such things without reason! Her eyes unconsciously fell on his hands. Suddenly her eyes widened. She quickly stepped forward and pried open his tightly clenched fists, only to discover his palms were already mangled from his own nails. Li Weiyang said quietly, “Have you gone mad!”

“I’ve been an abandoned child since birth. I don’t know who I am or what my identity is. I was just picked up by Mother from the temple entrance. When she found me, I had nothing but that jade pendant. To prevent others from suspecting my identity, Mother went to great lengths to arrange a household for me, then formally adopted me, giving me a home. Though no one in this family likes me except her, I don’t care. I just wanted a home. If even Mother is gone, what should I do…” He spoke quietly.

Heaven is merciless—heaven wanted to take away his only happiness. This Li household was no peaceful haven. Every single person here was so terrifying—smiling gently and kindly on the surface, yet bloody and disgusting enough to make one vomit behind the scenes.

“I have nothing but Mother… Why, why won’t they leave her alone…” The youth’s voice had gradually transformed from initial choking to a bone-chilling coldness. He kept his head lowered, the clarity in his eyes becoming deep and dark, like the most magnificent gemstone—only blacker than night, so black not a trace of light could be seen.

For a moment Li Weiyang couldn’t speak. She didn’t know how to comfort this child filled with resentment.

Abandoned by birth parents, and facing the desperate situation of losing his adoptive mother… Li Weiyang looked at him. For that instant, she seemed to see her previous life—herself also standing anxiously at the Li residence entrance, not knowing if she could win Father and legitimate Mother’s favor, have a path to survival. Like Minde, she too wanted someone to care, someone to cherish, rather than living in constant vigilance, filled with hatred.

She didn’t want the youth before her to become like her.

Li Weiyang sighed, gently lifting his face with a sigh. She indeed saw tears overflowing from the youth’s eyes. Her heart constricted slightly, yet she smiled at him gently, “Don’t cry, I’m here!”

Li Minde grasped her hand, pressing it tightly against his cheek, as if finding his only support.