Just then, urgent knocking suddenly sounded outside. Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows. “Who is it?”

“Miss, this servant is Mozhu.” Mozhu said quietly, the urgency in her voice giving Li Weiyang an indescribably bad premonition.

“Come in!”

Upon entering and seeing Li Minde, Mozhu showed a slightly surprised expression, then said with reddened eyes, “Miss, Third Madam… Third Madam is failing…”

Li Weiyang’s heart ached. She instinctively looked at him. This youth’s expression showed no abnormality at this moment, as if what he’d heard wasn’t news of his adoptive mother’s critical condition, but something completely unrelated to him. Yet his hands trembled violently, and what flickered in his eyes was clearly undisguisable grief.

He was still a child… Li Weiyang couldn’t help gripping his hand tightly.

Li Minde looked at her, then smiled and said, “I must return immediately.”

“I’ll go with you.” Li Weiyang sighed and said softly.

In Third Madam’s room, a slender red silk thread extended from the thick curtains. Old Madam had specially summoned an imperial physician for suspended pulse diagnosis. The old physician’s white beard already reached past his chest. His eyes were slightly closed, his lips silently moving, as if reciting something in his heart. Though Li Weiyang had already seen Third Madam’s sickly appearance during the day, seeing it again still filled her with deep palpitations. The originally gentle Third Madam was now emaciated like a thin shadow, lying in layers of brocade quilts, her breathing extremely rapid, as if unable to catch her next breath before stopping.

Old Madam currently sat nearby, anxiously watching the physician. The Grand Madam, Second Madam and others stood to the side. Old Madam had lost a son—already experiencing white-haired people seeing off black-haired ones. Now her daughter-in-law was also leaving, naturally causing particular sadness. Third Madam’s close maids all felt the impulse to cry, but no one dared cry now. After all, Third Madam hadn’t died yet. Crying now would be like cursing her death.

The Grand Madam’s expression appeared normal, but Li Weiyang could still discern her true emotions. She turned her face away as if afraid of her inner secrets being discovered, her shoulders trembling slightly. She must be very anxious now, very excited—but hoping Third Madam would die soon!

Seeing this scene was like having a huge stone pressed on Li Weiyang’s chest. Anger surged up fiercely from the bottom of her heart, accompanied by deep hatred.

Seeing Li Minde, the Grand Madam frowned. “Your mother is so gravely ill—how can you run around?”

Everyone looked at Li Minde with inscrutable expressions.

But he didn’t even glance at the others, walking toward the bed.

Looking at the person lying on the bed, his heart grew increasingly unfathomable. Recalling Third Madam’s previous plumpness, her perpetually gentle expression radiating brilliance, he felt in a trance this wasn’t his mother. But this trance quickly dissipated, followed by heart-wrenching pain.

“Mother, your child has come.” Li Minde brought his mouth to her ear, calling softly. Third Madam’s eyes suddenly opened. Her eyes no longer held the previous days’ turbidity—not only clear and bright, but even somewhat lucid.

Watching from the side, Li Weiyang couldn’t help sighing.

“Weiyang!” Suddenly hearing Third Madam’s weak voice calling her over. Li Weiyang entered the curtains. Third Madam suddenly reached out and grasped her wrist.

Her hand was thin and cold. Li Weiyang trembled slightly, but a moment later felt a reassuring strength transmitted from her palm. Looking down at her face, she discovered a light flickering in her eyes that she’d never seen before—a kind of desperation, even pleading.

“Weiyang.” She rasped hoarsely, her voice also trembling. “You’re a child who keeps your promises…” Saying this, she suddenly stopped. That gaze seemed to hold a thousand words, yet ultimately said nothing. Only revealing a trace of pity and loving bitter smile, her voice like gossamer.

Li Weiyang looked at her and solemnly nodded. “I swear to heaven—what I’ve promised you, I will never renege on.”

Third Madam looked at Li Minde one last time, smiled, and her hand slid down from Li Weiyang’s wrist, falling powerlessly onto the brocade quilt.

Old Madam closed her eyes, silently weeping. The maids and matrons who had suppressed themselves for so long could finally cry aloud. Yet Li Weiyang didn’t shed a single tear. Not because she wasn’t sad enough, but because she couldn’t cry. Her chest felt as if something was tightly stuffed inside—even breathing was difficult. Besides the sorrow of losing an important friend, she also felt something very important inside her heart had collapsed. Her spirit seemed to have lost its pillar. Only now did she realize—Third Madam to her was perhaps not simply an ally.

The Grand Madam breathed a huge sigh of relief, wiping her tears with exaggerated sorrow, yet unable to hide the slight upturn at the corners of her mouth. She was crying heartily when she suddenly felt needle-like pain. Looking sideways, she discovered Li Minde glaring at her angrily. Besides anger in his eyes was deep hatred.

The Grand Madam quickly realized this child knew of her actions. She smiled coldly, unconcernedly turning her head aside, continuing to wipe her tears perfunctorily with her handkerchief. Though she appeared completely unconcerned on the surface, she felt a deep palpitation inside, followed by some irritation—the matter had clearly been arranged flawlessly, how could a child know? Truly endless trouble!

At this time, people outside had already begun moving about. News of Third Madam’s death suddenly awakened everyone.

Third Madam had lived simply. Old Madam also followed her wishes in not making the funeral overly extravagant, so the mourning period wasn’t long. But because her status was what it was, capital officials and nobles came to offer condolences one after another. The Grand Madam presided over funeral matters—everything handled orderly and respectably. Everyone praised her as virtuous and magnanimous, handling affairs fairly, yet didn’t know she was the mastermind who had killed Third Madam.

Those who suspected this matter were only Li Weiyang and Li Minde. Afterward, Li Weiyang specially sent people to investigate that incident from half a month ago. But with time passed, only fragments could be obtained. As expected, since the Grand Madam dared to act, she had certainly eliminated all evidence.

Li Weiyang felt guilty. If not for Third Madam helping her wholeheartedly, the Grand Madam might not have acted so quickly. Now she understood very clearly—the next person the Grand Madam would target was herself. Only Li Weiyang was unlike Third Madam. Her previous life’s experiences made her thoroughly familiar with those underhanded harmful methods. Combined with deliberately staying vigilant daily, the Grand Madam temporarily couldn’t find an opportunity to strike.

Because of Third Madam’s passing, everyone lacked enthusiasm for the approaching New Year, showing little joy on their faces. Moreover, Eldest Miss wasn’t favored by the master due to the previous incident, only able to hide in her room all day without going out. The Grand Madam felt depressed and harshly punished many maids for mistakes.

As the disaster passed, His Majesty quelled the disaster area’s riots, pacified the people’s hearts, and executed a batch of corrupt officials. After the New Year, visitors to the Li household began increasing. Prime Minister Li held the power of continued appointment, so his household threshold was nearly trampled through.

Under the Crown Prince’s hint, Tuoba Zhen personally made a trip to the Li household, unexpectedly encountering Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui’s sedan chair.

A faint smile surfaced on Tuoba Zhen’s face. “Fifth brother, why do you have time to come here today?”

Tuoba Rui’s gaze circled Tuoba Zhen’s face, smiling elegantly. “Third brother, you came for the Crown Prince. I came for the Li household’s eldest miss. We’re not traveling the same road.”

For Li Changle? It seemed Fifth Prince also had designs on this eldest miss of the Li family. Tuoba Zhen mused privately—after that incident, both the Crown Prince and he had been thoroughly scolded by the Emperor. They could be said to have been schemed against by Li Weiyang. Moreover, Li Changle had caused such a huge disaster, becoming known to everyone. Now from high officials and nobles down to common citizens, no one had good feelings toward her. If not for her powerful father, she’d probably have been dragged out for public shaming long ago. He himself had long become hesitant about the marriage proposal. Yet this Fifth Prince was eagerly rushing forward—clearly truly bewitched by beauty.

Tuoba Zhen sneered coldly. Nothing was more important than the throne. “Fifth brother, please.”

The two entered together, led all the way to the garden. Eldest Young Master Li Minfeng approached with a beaming smile. “For both of you to come today is truly rare.”

He exchanged a glance with Tuoba Zhen, who smiled. “Indeed, truly too coincidental.”

Li Minfeng smiled. “Not just you two—today there are other guests. Please follow me.”

In the garden stood a pavilion furnished with thick felt cushions and two large braziers, charcoal burning red. Inside the pavilion, Gao Jin lay with closed eyes in a rocking chair, holding a peach in his hand, eating it with crunching sounds.

Gao Min sat in gorgeous attire. Her brows and eyes were slender, her skin like congealed fat, her broad forehead appearing extremely beautiful. Seeing Tuoba Zhen, her face immediately showed a delighted expression. Then, realizing her status made excessive enthusiasm inappropriate, she smiled and stepped forward to perform a courtesy. Looking back and seeing Gao Jin still lounging in the rocking chair, she immediately reminded him, “Second brother!”

Glancing over and seeing both princes approaching, Gao Jin showed no fear. Laughing cheerfully, he descended to perform courtesies, still clutching the half-eaten peach.

Though Fifth Prince returned the courtesy, his eyes had long flown to the woman in the pavilion’s corner.

Li Changle wore a simple white robe, her long brows seeming formed from distant mountains, her tender eyes like water, her lips like flower petals… suddenly presenting herself before them. Fifth Prince shook heavily, barely knowing where he was, only feeling countless implicit charms, indescribable stunning admiration—all stirred up by this woman’s appearance and manner. He said unconsciously, “Not having seen you for many days, Eldest Miss has grown much thinner.”

Li Changle trembled lightly, dew gathering on her lashes, her hesitant appearance seemingly suffering endless grievances.

Li Minfeng arranged everyone’s seating in the pavilion, then sighed. “Our household produced a demonness who caused little sister to suffer endless injustice. We also cannot sleep or eat in peace—truly distressing.”

Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui frowned. “The demonness you speak of is—”

Tuoba Zhen lowered his eyes drinking tea, as if hearing nothing.

Gao Min snorted coldly. “Who else but that little bitch—” She spoke halfway, suddenly realizing her words were too crude, coughing lightly. “That Li Weiyang.”

Tuoba Rui raised his eyebrows. “You speak of County Princess Anping?”

Gao Jin, munching his peach nearby, scoffed. “What County Princess Anping—just a wet-behind-the-ears girl who dares to rashly discuss state affairs with a few words.” Having been injured last time and bedridden at home for two months, in his heart he always held some wariness of Li Weiyang, mixed with resentment.

Reminded of old matters by their words, Tuoba Zhen glanced at Li Changle and couldn’t help shaking his head. Beauty in excess, brains insufficient—it seemed the marriage proposal required long-term consideration.

Li Minfeng sighed. “Now with this disaster, Old Madam increasingly ignores us. Even Father has recently become angry, refusing to see little sister. She washes her face with tears all day—how could she not grow thin?”

Fifth Prince, seeing the beauty suffering, immediately said, “How can Eldest Miss be blamed for this matter? It’s all the subordinates’ incompetence—bungling a good strategy.”

Li Changle covered the corner of her eye with her handkerchief, saying quietly, “Elder brother, why expose family scandals before the two princes? Little sister may be domineering, but she’s still family. She’s young and doesn’t understand…”

Fifth Prince sighed. “County Princess Anping grew up in the countryside after all—doesn’t understand social norms or propriety. Eldest Miss has been wronged. Rest assured, I’ll have Mother Consort speak well of you to the Empress Dowager and His Majesty, so this matter doesn’t affect you.”

Li Changle’s beautiful eyes looked at Fifth Prince touchingly, then quickly lowered. “Thank you, Fifth Prince.”

Just then, Gao Jin, focused on munching his peach, suddenly snorted coldly. “Look who’s here.”

Everyone looked up. In the distance, lake water lay cold, red plum blossoms bloomed brilliantly on the opposite shore, complementing the snowy ground—a sight to lose oneself in. They saw a plainly dressed youth emerging from the plum grove, his handsome features exceptionally striking.

“How is this little bastard still staying in the Li household?” Gao Jin asked with some surprise.

“Hmph, this boy is very strange now…” Li Minfeng sneered coldly. “After Third Aunt died, he became third sister’s lapdog—following wherever she goes. In my opinion, Father shouldn’t keep such a thing. He has no connection whatsoever to our Li family—how can he inherit Third Uncle’s legacy?”

“Elder brother, third brother is on the family register after all.” Li Changle reminded faintly.

Li Minfeng had disliked this youth prettier than a girl since childhood and sneered. “What’s wrong with removing him from the register? Our family can’t shelter someone of unknown origin, pointlessly muddling the bloodline.”

Tuoba Zhen smiled slightly. “With County Princess Anping protecting him, Brother Li will probably find driving him away not so easy.”

Gao Jin chuckled. “Forcing him to cause trouble—isn’t that easy?”

Li Changle smiled faintly. “I don’t understand what cousin is saying.”

Gao Jin’s smile carried a trace of mystery. “You’ll understand soon enough.” Saying this, he swayed with the chair, casually tossing out the half-eaten peach, hitting Li Minde’s head from afar. “Hey, you, come here!”

The peach struck Li Minde’s body and rolled to the ground. Li Minde’s beautiful white robe suddenly bore a dirty stain.

He abruptly turned around, staring at the people in the pavilion.

“Hey, pick up that peach and eat it…” Gao Jin swayed in the rocking chair. “This is a rare delicacy nowadays—treating you to a taste…”

The surrounding maids and matrons all lowered their heads, covering smirking lips.

Li Minde looked at the peach, lowered his head, and a flash of light quickly passed through his eyes before vanishing.

He had promised Mother that no matter what happened, he must endure. Only this way could he continue staying in the Li household.

Reaching down to pick up the already crushed peach from the ground, Li Minde’s lips curved in a cold smile. As if unable to sense the peach’s filthiness, he wiped it with his hand and bit into it.

Everyone was shocked, including Third Prince Tuoba Zhen. He narrowed his eyes—did this child not understand this was humiliation due to his young age, or could he endure what ordinary people couldn’t?

“Does it taste good?” After his initial shock, Gao Jin showed a triumphant smile, asking loudly.

“Delicious, thank you, cousin.” Li Minde’s long bangs covered his bright eyes. Then he quickly raised his head, showing a docile smile.

Sunlight outlined his figure—thin and small.

Some gasped in surprise, some cried out only to have their mouths quickly covered… “Third Young Master really ate it!” “Oh my, so filthy!” “Truly base—eating such things!” “Just a stray dog—with no master, naturally must wag his tail for others!”

“Miss—” Baizhi watched this scene worriedly. She hadn’t expected those people to humiliate a youth this way. Third Young Master had always been proud—could he endure such shame?

Li Weiyang watched from afar, frowning. When she saw Li Minde’s performance, she froze for a moment, then deep compassion rose in her heart.

The youth standing there, though still ordinarily handsome, appeared increasingly thin, no longer possessing his former pride.

Minde…

Suddenly losing his only protection, losing the foundation for standing in the Li household. With nowhere to go, forced to show smiles to those who bullied him.

A dazzling pearl, because of worldly cruelty, covered in dust, its edge worn away.

Gao Min snorted. “You grew up in the Li household receiving education in propriety, righteousness, integrity and shame… bah, yet do such base things. How disgraceful!”

“Ha, just a dog after all.” Gao Jin laughed loudly, jumped down, and reached Li Minde in two or three steps, tilting his chin up imperiously to look down at him, face full of disdain and provocation.

Li Minde’s expression remained very calm.

Gao Jin deliberately wanted to anger him, sneering. “What? You’re unconvinced by what I said?”

Gao Min burst into laughter despite herself.

Tuoba Zhen smiled faintly. This youth was truly interesting.

Li Weiyang watched from afar, a trace of sourness in her eyes. She couldn’t help thinking—what was Minde thinking now? When using this posture before a group of people who bullied, humiliated, and degraded him, how did he endure it all?

Somehow, she felt so sad for this youth’s circumstances.

Heavens, why must you make a youth endure such humiliation? Why must you shatter his pride so cleanly and thoroughly? Such bloody, dripping pain—even she as an observer couldn’t bear it, much less a youth.

Yet Li Minde suddenly smiled. His dark eyes originally looked like a pool of stagnant water, but now with his smile, one couldn’t look away. He raised his eyebrows, his gaze flowing leisurely. “I naturally… am convinced.”

Gao Jin was stunned, freezing for a moment. “What did you say?”

Li Minde said respectfully, “What cousin does is all correct. I have nothing to say.”

Gao Jin touched his nose, suddenly somewhat resentful, staring at him a few more times. “You better not play any tricks.”

Li Minde couldn’t help gripping his hand in his sleeve a bit tighter, yet the smile on his face remained as usual. “Cousin, I’m someone of lowly status, completely incomparable to you. How would I dare play tricks with you?”

Seeing him like this, Gao Jin sneered coldly and suddenly seized a wine pot from a nearby maid’s hand, pouring it over Li Minde’s head.

Wine water immediately drenched the youth’s hair. His eyes also seemed soaked in wine, becoming infinitely cold. But in an instant, they returned to calm. Gao Jin showed disdain, simply raising the wine pot high to smash it on Li Minde’s head.

Those around showed expressions of not bearing to watch. Li Changle curved her lips upward.

Tuoba Zhen kept his head lowered drinking tea throughout, saying nothing. This was the Li family’s struggle—nothing to do with him.

“Stop!” Suddenly, Gao Jin’s hand was blocked by someone.

Gao Jin raged. “Li Weiyang, how dare you!”

“Cousin, in broad daylight, what are you trying to do to third brother?” Li Weiyang’s voice was clear and smooth, like a bright wind, carrying an indescribably light gentleness. Yet the words she spoke seemed icy cold.

Gao Jin sneered. “What business is it of yours?!”

Li Weiyang said calmly, “Old Madam said to summon third brother to Hexiang Courtyard. Do you have any objections, cousin?”

Gao Jin’s expression stiffened, then for a moment he couldn’t speak. After being severely beaten, he feared Li Weiyang in his bones. If not for so many people here today, his legs would probably be shaking.

Gao Min suddenly walked over, coldly staring at Li Weiyang. “How dare you speak to my second brother this way.”

Li Weiyang’s clear black and white eyes blinked, and she smiled. “May I ask Cousin Min—what rank does your second brother hold?”

Gao Min froze. Gao Jin was a wastrel—where would he have any rank? Over there, Li Minfeng and his sister’s expressions changed. Li Changle unconsciously touched her bangs. Last time, to stay, she had been forced to take extreme measures, leaving a shallow scar. Every time she saw Li Weiyang, it reminded her how this scar came to be, making her even more resentful. She said faintly, “Cousin, third sister means that as the distinguished County Princess Anping, cousin isn’t qualified to speak before her.”

These words made Li Weiyang appear arrogant and domineering. Fifth Prince frowned. “A mere second-rank County Princess Anping, speaking this way!”

Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui’s eyes straightened upon seeing Li Changle. Li Weiyang didn’t expect him to say anything favorable. Hearing this, she only smiled slightly. “Fifth Prince, do you think second rank is too low? Oh my, actually Weiyang is already very satisfied with His Majesty’s bestowment. I never coveted first rank at all. Regardless of rank, this was personally conferred by His Majesty. Don’t you agree?”

Tuoba Rui was indeed displeased. “Li Weiyang, don’t push your luck.”

“Fifth Prince says Weiyang is pushing her luck—I’m truly apprehensive.” Li Weiyang said leisurely, a trace of mockery flowing in her dark eyes.

Tuoba Rui, you’ve truly been so bewitched by Li Changle that you’ve forgotten where the palace gates open. Even if County Princess Anping is worthless, she was still personally conferred by the Emperor. In all the realm, for an official’s daughter to suddenly be enfeoffed as County Princess, she’s probably the only one. The Emperor’s dignity—even a prince cannot transgress it.

Indeed, Tuoba Zhen coughed. “Fifth brother, County Princess Anping is correct. Her County Princess title was personally conferred by Father Emperor. Young Master Gao indeed shouldn’t shout at her.” Saying this, his gaze unconsciously fell on Li Weiyang, his voice growing deeper. “Fifth brother was momentarily rash. Please don’t blame him, County Princess.”

“What are you saying?” Li Weiyang smiled. “How would I dare blame a prince?”

“Young Master Gao just now was merely joking with Third Young Master.” Tuoba Zhen said this, then paused. Gao Jin instinctively shouted, “I wasn’t joking!”

Tuoba Zhen hummed lightly.

Gao Jin shrank his neck, but seeing everyone staring at him, felt somewhat embarrassed. “Third Prince, this girl—”

Still not knowing when to advance or retreat! Tuoba Zhen’s expression darkened as he lightly rebuked, “Shut up.”

Gao Jin was frightened into stopping. Gao Min looked at Li Weiyang with increasingly jealous hatred.

Li Weiyang merely smiled at Li Changle nearby, indeed seeing a trace of unsuppressible hatred in her eyes.

Tuoba Zhen now felt Li Weiyang’s cleverness was extraordinary. Only a pity—after all, she was from a concubine. In Prime Minister Li’s heart, she could never surpass Li Changle. He looked at Li Minde in the distance, three parts mockery in his eyes. “Third Young Master, Young Master Gao only cared for you by giving you a peach. You won’t mind, will you?”

Everyone’s eyes turned toward the victim, Li Minde. Yet he stood in place, hands behind his back, head lowered, disheveled bangs hanging down, covering his eyes, making his current expression invisible. As the person involved, hearing such words turning black into white, what must he be feeling?

Li Weiyang unconsciously clenched her fists. If possible, she would smash Tuoba Zhen’s handsome face.

So people really could be base to this degree.

Li Minde hadn’t spoken throughout. After a long while, he slowly raised his head, his eyes increasingly dark.

He said, “Yes, it’s my fault. It has nothing to do with Cousin Gao Jin.”

His face bore a smile dazzling enough to make one dizzy, his tone very light. “Third sister, don’t be angry.”

After Tuoba Zhen smiled, he resumed seriousness. “In that case, please take him away, County Princess.”

Responding to him was Li Weiyang’s slight frown and silence, and in her clear black and white eyes, an emotion flashed by, like—sadness…

Li Weiyang actually felt sadness for his sake. Li Minde’s heart shook greatly. Suddenly, he felt the hatred and anger originally filling his chest miraculously smoothed away.

Li Weiyang said softly, “Minde, let’s go.”

Li Changle watched coldly, suddenly blinking at Gao Min. Gao Min immediately understood, imperceptibly pushing Gao Jin.

In the next moment, Gao Jin stepped on Li Minde’s hem.

Li Weiyang suddenly turned back and saw this scene.

Nobles prided themselves on status and were usually very polite, especially before female relatives. But there was no lack of vulgar, obscene people like Gao Jin—and with considerable status! She finally understood why Marquis Bochang disliked this son. This man was too detestable.

What exactly did he want to do?

Li Weiyang’s voice was pressed very low from anger, yet unusually firm. “What else does cousin have to say!” Her features were delicate. Normally she appeared smiling, very gentle and amiable. But at this moment she was like a lioness whose tail had been stepped on, three parts vicious between her brows, staring at Gao Jin, fixing on him, like a snake staring at prey.

Gao Jin felt momentary fear, but thinking of the beautiful eldest cousin’s promise to give him one of her pretty maids afterward, his courage immediately grew.

“The peach I gave him—he hasn’t finished eating it!” Gao Jin said with a cold smile.

Li Weiyang’s eyebrows rose high, her gaze sharp as a blade. Gao Jin was frightened into retreating a step.

“You!”

“Tsk tsk tsk, cousin, why so afraid…” Li Weiyang spoke, reaching out to actually pick up the peach from the ground, stuffing it into Gao Jin’s mouth in one motion, smiling charmingly. “Such a good peach—why give it to third brother? Keep it for yourself.”

Unprepared, Gao Jin ate the filthy peach in one gulp, immediately spitting it all out on the ground, shouting, “Li Weiyang, you uneducated thing!”

Li Weiyang smiled, her gaze surveying the pavilion once. “Cousin, His Majesty praised me as respectful and courteous, dignified and noble. You wouldn’t be questioning His Majesty, would you? Alas, daring to say such things before two princes—openly offending imperial dignity!”

Everyone’s expressions underwent tremendous changes simultaneously.

Gao Jin raged but didn’t dare hit Li Weiyang. He suddenly lunged forward to drag Li Minde out. Li Weiyang suddenly blocked his path. Gao Jin couldn’t touch Li Minde, but his fingers accidentally touched Li Weiyang’s hair. A hairpin came loose, and with a “thunk,” dropped into the lake.

Gao Jin burst into laughter.

Li Weiyang ignored him, walking a few steps to stare at the lake surface.

Gao Jin said, “Third cousin, I didn’t do it on purpose. Oh my, such a nice hairpin—truly a pity. You’re so nervous—could it be a love token someone gave you? Looking at it, it’s not worth much money. Later cousin will give you a better one.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows.

Gao Jin laughed loudly. “What? You’re that heartbroken over a jade hairpin? Then jump down and fish it out. I heard you grew up in the countryside and know how to swim. Maybe you really can find it again, hahahaha…”

He calculated she wouldn’t go fishing for it, so he laughed loudly. Yet laughing halfway, he suddenly stopped, his expression changing drastically—

People still couldn’t see clearly how Li Weiyang moved. They only saw her suddenly slap Gao Jin. Gao Jin staggered, actually struck so hard he fell backward, collapsing on the ground, staring at the person before him in disbelief.

Those in the pavilion who had been watching the excitement all stood up simultaneously. Gao Min shrieked, “Li Weiyang, you madwoman!” Then she quickly rushed over, checking Gao Jin up and down. “Second brother, are you all right?”

Gao Jin had been struck so a tooth fell out, half his face swelling up. At this moment he stared dumbfounded, not yet recovered.

Li Minfeng strode over, shouting loudly, “Weiyang, you’re too presumptuous! Even if you’re a County Princess, you have no reason to hit people at will!”

Third Prince Tuoba Zhen looked at Li Weiyang coldly, thinking in his heart she had indeed gone too far. Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui directly spoke in accusation. “Li Weiyang, I will certainly report to Father Emperor and let him know of your evil conduct!”

Li Weiyang suddenly laughed, her smile carrying a trace of faint cruelty. “Fifth Prince, then don’t forget to tell His Majesty—the gift he bestowed on me, that eight-treasure jade hairpin, was just thrown into the lake by cousin. Daring to destroy an imperially bestowed item—I wonder if His Majesty will show leniency?”

Everyone froze for a moment. Then Li Changle blurted out, “That was truly bestowed by His Majesty?”

Li Weiyang walked a step toward her, shaking her head full of pearl flowers, shaking the jade bracelets and jade rings on her hands. “Yes, these were all bestowed by His Majesty.”

“Are you mad? How can you casually wear out and flaunt imperially bestowed items!” Gao Min couldn’t believe it.

Li Weiyang pursed her lips. “Personally bestowed by His Majesty—naturally I wear them to feel at ease! Who knew cousin would be so bold as to dare destroy imperially bestowed items? This is a capital offense with extermination of nine generations. Alas, this time even we’ll be implicated by cousin. I wonder if His Majesty will leave whole corpses—”

Gao Jin was terrified, rolling and crawling to the bridge, staring at the unfinished ripples on the lake surface, thoroughly frightened.

The jade hairpin!

Imperially bestowed!

Destroying imperially bestowed items meant extermination of nine generations!

What to do? What to do? What to do?

Li Changle’s eyes rolled, about to speak, when she heard Li Weiyang mutter to herself, “Elder sister, I’m the one safeguarding this imperially bestowed item. Now that something’s happened, I can’t escape either. Execution is inevitable for me. I don’t matter, but such a pity for your flowery beauty—this time you’ll be executed alongside me.”

Li Changle’s words accusing Li Weiyang of losing the hairpin herself immediately couldn’t be spoken. Her beautiful face turned alternately green and white, her teeth beginning to chatter.

“Why! Why must others be buried with you when you lose something!” Gao Min’s voice was extremely shrill.

Li Weiyang sighed. “I don’t want to either. But who made destroying imperially bestowed items an offense of exterminating nine generations? Not just me—elder sister can’t escape either. Everyone must die together! Oh right, Fifth Prince, when you report to His Majesty, don’t forget to push all the blame on me. This way perhaps His Majesty will show leniency. Originally elder sister would be sentenced to death by a thousand cuts, but it might be changed to a cup of poisoned wine?”

Finishing, she smiled at Tuoba Rui. At this moment her hair was like black clouds, face like ice and snow. Her excessively slender figure clearly could be blown away at any moment, yet carried an indescribable hardness.

Tuoba Rui was completely speechless. Where would he have thought Li Weiyang was such a shrewd and formidable woman? Especially—she didn’t fear death.

“Back when Crown Prince’s Junior Tutor Minister Wang accidentally broke a jade bracelet bestowed by the Late Emperor, the Late Emperor flew into a rage and had him killed. Despite civil and military officials’ pleas, he thoroughly exterminated all nine generations of the Wang family. Two princes—Weiyang didn’t remember wrong, did she?”

Li Weiyang asked with a smile.

When Wang Yong was killed, there were certainly other reasons, but the most direct trigger was indeed the damaged imperially bestowed item…

Tuoba Zhen looked at Li Weiyang. In his eyes, faint ripples also seemed to rise. Wind from the lake likewise brushed his long hair and robes. Usually always smiling, this time he didn’t smile.

Li Minde watched Li Weiyang standing before him, using her power to protect him. Something dissolved in the depths of his eyes, and something else began slowly congealing.

He didn’t move, didn’t smile, didn’t speak.

Just kept watching and watching.

Li Changle suddenly awakened to a fact. She herself was born in the Li household, grew up in the Li household, benefited from the family. Even after marrying out in future, she would still depend on the Li family’s reputation and Father’s power. But Li Weiyang—she seemed not to care about any of this at all. Moreover, she seemed to hope all Li family members would go to hell. So even an offense as serious as destroying imperially bestowed items, she could speak of without any care.

When the nest overturns, no egg remains unbroken. Yet Li Weiyang from beginning to end cared about nothing. She was someone who didn’t fear death, who didn’t want life!

Li Changle involuntarily felt a sense of dread.

“You—” Gao Min immediately moved to slap Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang smiled with malicious intent, shaking the jade ornaments on her hand. “Cousin, be very careful!”

Gao Min was caught between fear and desire, forcibly stopping her footsteps, both eyes red with anger.

Li Weiyang was definitely deliberate. She deliberately wore all the Emperor’s gifts on her body. Anyone who accidentally damaged even a bit would be destroying imperially bestowed items—a capital offense!

Li Minfeng came to his senses and quickly said, “Third sister, don’t be angry. I’ll immediately have people fish out the jade hairpin. This pond has mud—it surely won’t break. We’ll definitely find it and return it to you.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “Elder brother, I want cousin to go down and fish for it.”

Light and casual words—Gao Jin’s expression changed. Gao Min’s face filled with fury, her almond eyes widening. “Li Weiyang, don’t go too far!”

Going too far? You can bully others but it’s so easy? Li Weiyang’s cold eyes fixed on Gao Jin before her. “Cousin, I’m giving you a chance to atone for your crime. If you’re unwilling—”

She smiled at Fifth Prince. “Prince, please enter the palace and report to His Majesty.”

“You—” Gao Jin’s face turned ashen gray, barely able to speak. Finally exhaling a breath, “Fine, I’ll fish for it.”

Having spoken, he rolled up his clothes and really jumped into the lake.

Gao Min’s fists clenched tight. “Second brother, ignore her, come up quickly—”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly. “What, does Cousin Min also want to go down and keep him company?”

Gao Min immediately fell silent, looking at Li Weiyang as if wanting to devour her. Then she suddenly stamped her foot and turned away. “Third Prince, what should we do?”

Tuoba Zhen secretly shook his head. Li Weiyang was aggressive yet every sentence was reasonable, leaving others unable to say anything different. He slowly shook his head.

Tears glimmered in Li Changle’s eyes. “Third Prince, cousin is truly pitiful. The weather is so cold, what if—”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows with a cold smile. “Elder sister, quickly send people to help cousin fish for the jade hairpin. Before dark, the hairpin must be retrieved. Otherwise—”

She said no more, a pair of dark eyes falling on Li Changle.

In the water, Gao Jin’s face filled with terror, desperately searching for that jade hairpin in the water.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, saying to Li Minde, “Let’s go. Old Madam is still waiting for us.” She pulled Li Minde and walked two steps, turning back with a charming smile. “Remember, after finding it, bring the hairpin over.”