Leaving the garden, Li Minde suddenly stopped. “Third sister, you shouldn’t take such great risks for me. Imperially bestowed items are no joke.”

Li Weiyang smiled without speaking.

But Baizhi suddenly spoke up. “That hairpin wasn’t bestowed by His Majesty. Miss was just frightening them.”

Li Minde curved his lips in a smile.

Li Weiyang looked at him and said calmly, “Minde, today’s situation—you didn’t need to go that far.”

Li Minde lowered his eyes. “It won’t happen again.”

Li Weiyang felt puzzled, not knowing whether he meant he wouldn’t be bullied by those people again, or wouldn’t humble himself and endure humiliation like that again.

Just as she was about to speak, she heard Baizhi say, “Miss, Third Prince is coming out.”

Turning around, she indeed saw two maids leading the way. A young man in precious furs and ornate belt, fine clothes and magnificent crown, slowly approached—undoubtedly Tuoba Zhen who had just been in the pavilion. He was leaving.

Li Weiyang’s eyes narrowed slightly. The luxurious sable fur Tuoba Zhen wore had been bestowed by the Emperor. In all of Great Li, there weren’t more than five such pieces. It seemed this prince of humble birth had now imperceptibly entered the center of power.

Seeing him approaching, Baizhi and the other maids quickly lowered their heads and bowed, stepping aside. But Tuoba Zhen stopped before Li Weiyang.

“County Princess…” He turned his head to look at Li Weiyang, saying calmly, “Today you made monkeys of us all.”

Baizhi and the others were too frightened to speak. Li Minde clenched his fists.

“Truly bold and reckless.” Tuoba Zhen sighed.

“Yes, I’ve always been very bold.” Li Weiyang’s expression was unexpectedly calm.

In her previous life, she had always loved her husband, sympathizing with his humble origins yet unwavering determination. In her eyes then, this man was an impeccable husband, a support as towering as heaven and earth. In this life, the person before her remained unchanged—still resolute and decisive, tenacious in character, with methods, courage, and strategy. Undeniably a dragon among men. If possible, Li Weiyang didn’t want any interaction with this man in this life, because she understood him too well. He was deeply calculating, ruthless in methods, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals, only playing with others in his palm. With such a person, you could never guess what he truly wanted, much less know whether his feelings toward you were genuine or false.

Their eyes met. In almost an instant, cold light seemed to flash between them.

“I wonder if Third Young Master could step aside?” Tuoba Zhen withdrew his gaze, smiling.

Li Minde looked at Li Weiyang. She nodded. Li Minde’s pupils constricted, then he retreated several steps, yielding space.

“Does Your Highness have something more to say?” Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows.

“Admiring red plum blossoms in snow—truly excellent scenery…” Tuoba Zhen didn’t answer, smiling as he gazed into the distance.

“Third Prince truly has leisure…” Li Weiyang smiled.

Tuoba Zhen waved backward. The maids all retreated. Even Baizhi had no choice but to withdraw from the corridor.

“I merely want to talk with you, to see what you’re thinking in that head of yours.” Tuoba Zhen’s smile carried a trace of coldness.

“What business is that of yours?” Li Weiyang asked.

Tuoba Zhen laughed heartily, his laughter clear and cool, startling birds foraging in the nearby snow. “Today was truly eye-opening. Third Miss is indeed sharp-tongued, able to extricate herself from anything. Gao Jin jumping into the bone-chilling lake today—even if he doesn’t die, he’ll lose a layer of skin… Your ruthlessness is truly admirable.”

This time it was Li Weiyang’s turn to laugh.

Li Weiyang’s smile bloomed more brilliantly than red plum blossoms. “He brought this entirely upon himself.”

“Actually, you don’t need to do this at all now…” Tuoba Zhen stopped laughing and suddenly grew serious.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows. “Oh, I’d like to hear the details.”

“Looking at your actions, you seem to completely disregard the Li family. You live well now, and will live even better in future. But you must know—without the Li family, you Li Weiyang are nothing. So next time…” Tuoba Zhen said matter-of-factly.

Before finishing, Li Weiyang suddenly interrupted him.

“Your Highness, there’s no one else here. You needn’t lecture me.” Li Weiyang smiled. “Moreover, do you think I would listen to you?”

“Li Weiyang, for the sake of venting anger, sacrificing yourself—is it worth it?” Tuoba Zhen suddenly asked. “Perhaps these people trampled your dignity, but human nature is just so—fawning on those above, trampling those below. Rather than waste time resenting others, better spend time climbing to a place where they can never reach, so they can only look up at you forever…” Unknowingly, the meaning in Tuoba Zhen’s words changed. For a moment, Li Weiyang almost thought he wasn’t talking about her, but about himself.

Because Tuoba Zhen’s birth was lowly, he had always been looked down upon by others. Precisely because of this, his ambition lurked deeper than ordinary people’s. He wasn’t without hatred—he merely transformed hatred into upward motivation, climbing step by step, transforming from a mocked prince into an exalted emperor. Now it seemed he was trying to use this theory to persuade Li Weiyang—no, or rather to make Li Weiyang stand on his side.

“Weiyang, you’ve already obtained honor and status that ordinary people find difficult to achieve. Father Emperor and the Empress Dowager both favor you. You’ve already achieved this much—why must you gild the lily?”

He guided her step by step. Li Weiyang looked at him and suddenly smiled.

“Your Highness, your sudden patience with me…” She raised her head to look at him. “Truly makes me feel honored. Then, in your view, what should I do?”

Tuoba Zhen’s handsome face took on a relaxed expression. He thought Li Weiyang had been persuaded, or rather, he had taken the first successful step.

“If I were you, I would find ways to befriend everyone, using opportunities to climb upward, making His Majesty and the Empress Dowager like and dote on you more and more, seeking higher and better prospects in future. Weiyang, if you’re willing, I can even petition Father Emperor to make you my secondary consort—”

Secondary consort?

Hahahaha, so this was what he was waiting for. Li Weiyang laughed coldly. Past and present were the same—in the previous life, this man sought to marry Li Changle to gain Li Xiaoran’s support and the Jiang family’s military power. Who knew he’d been given a concubine’s daughter as substitute? Though extremely dissatisfied, he acted as if nothing was wrong, using her and the Li family to maintain surface balance, successfully gaining the Emperor’s favor, framing other princes step by step until finally ascending the throne. After ascending, to avenge his humiliation, he unhesitatingly imprisoned her in the cold palace and made Li Changle Empress. Now he came to propose marriage to her. This man’s behavioral pattern seemed contradictory, but actually wasn’t strange at all. His everything followed one logic—whoever benefited him, whoever had use value to him, could stay by his side.

Secondary consort? She had no interest in being a stepping stone again. In his bones, Tuoba Zhen looked down on her concubine birth. Originally he had planned to seek marriage with the Li family’s precious pearl, the devastatingly beautiful Li Changle.

On Tuoba Zhen’s handsome face appeared a trace of pitying tenderness. “Since ancient times, men have had various methods to obtain power and influence. Women can only depend on their husbands. You know my birth isn’t high—I could even say we share similar fates. I also have people I hate, but I haven’t given up on myself and made enemies everywhere like you do now. If you trust me, I can at least help you.”

“Third Prince, have you ever been beaten?”

Tuoba Zhen froze slightly.

“Have you ever been so hungry you competed with pigs in their pen for food?”

“Have you ever been ridden on the ground, crawling everywhere like a dog, just because someone lacked toys…”

“Third Prince, do you know what hate is, what suffering is?”

Li Weiyang suddenly laughed mockingly.

Tuoba Zhen looked at her without speaking.

“You say you know the taste of hatred? What do you have to resent? You wear fine clothes and are attended by crowds. Your so-called grievances are merely that your status isn’t high enough, receiving others’ cold glances or a few humiliating words. We are not the same kind of people.” Li Weiyang smiled coldly. “I’ve already said—we will never be the same kind of people. So these words, Third Prince, need not be spoken again.”

Stubborn and incorrigible. Tuoba Zhen smiled coldly without speaking.

He had given her the opportunity. If not for her still having use value, he wouldn’t talk with her in the cold wind this long. A cruel smile curved Tuoba Zhen’s full, angular lips. “If that’s the case, then suit yourself.” Saying this, his face suddenly showed a trace of unusual expression, and he placed particular emphasis on the last sentence.

Having spoken, he flicked his sleeves and strode away. Li Weiyang watched his retreating back and sneered coldly.

In the distance, Li Minde had been watching this scene throughout. He clenched his fists tightly. If not for him, why would third sister need to deal with these people? It was clearly like seeking skin from a tiger.

A sharp, ice-frozen light appeared in his eyes, like a gleaming cold blade.

That world wasn’t one he could enter—at least not now. Even with Weiyang it wouldn’t work. This gave him tremendous stimulation.

Too many people surrounded third sister. Though knowing the relationship between her and that man had nothing to do with romantic love, between those two people seemed to be a connection he couldn’t control. If third sister truly didn’t care about Tuoba Zhen, why did she always show faint disgust and hatred toward him…

He lowered his head. Perhaps he himself was too selfish. Third sister had no blood ties with him. Apart from her promise to Third Madam, she had no need to protect him this way, to worry for him. Yet he—selfishly and obsessively wanted to completely possess Li Weiyang’s concern and gaze.

Never before had anyone worried for him this way, standing before him to protect him.

But third sister’s world truly had too many concerns, too many extraneous people. What must he do to make Li Weiyang’s heart hold only him?

Since the garden incident, Li Changle and others detoured around Li Weiyang whenever they encountered her, afraid of accidentally knocking off her hairpins or damaging the jade bracelets and rings on her hands. That appearance was laughable beyond measure. Li Weiyang observed this without concern. She knew the Grand Madam, who truly wanted to move against her, still showed no activity.

Shortly after the Spring Festival came March.

When spring warmed and flowers bloomed, banquets were most numerous. Various households sent invitations. Old Madam deliberated long before finally deciding to take Li Weiyang out to meet people.

Old Madam rarely went out. Invitations that could move her must come from the imperial family. This invitation came from His Majesty’s Princess Yongning. Speaking of this Princess Yongning, she was born to a low-ranked Consort Hui. Consort Hui died in difficult childbirth, so Princess Yongning was taken to the Empress to raise. The Empress only had the Crown Prince as a son, so she conscientiously raised Princess Yongning. Actually, this princess was four years older than the Crown Prince. When she reached fifteen, the Emperor ordered the Ministry of Rites to select a husband for her. But because the previous dynasty experienced a prince consort’s rebellion, this dynasty’s princesses, when marrying, had one rule to observe—the prince consort could never serve as an official in court. The so-called prince consort merely held a nominal position drawing salary. Moreover, princesses were of golden branches and jade leaves—accidentally bumping or knocking them would be unbearable. This way, truly great clans and aristocratic families with excellent sons skilled in both letters and arms—none wanted to marry into the imperial family. But whomever the Emperor favored had to become prince consort—not something one could refuse.

By Princess Yongning’s time, just as news leaked from the palace, all noble families immediately found every method to marry off their eligible sons. Especially Duke Yingguo’s Zhou family—four sons all became engaged at once. This greatly angered the Emperor who had planned to select one from the Zhou family. The Empress personally summoned Duchess Zhou to the palace, forcibly compelling her to select a son skilled in both letters and arms for the match. Duke Yingguo’s household dared not disobey, yet truly couldn’t bear parting with their first branch’s four sons skilled in both letters and arms. So they complied outwardly while defying inwardly, recommending Duke Yingguo’s second branch’s eldest legitimate son, Zhou Mingchang, as prince consort. The Emperor summoned Zhou Mingchang and, seeing he was indeed talented in appearance, was very satisfied. He then sent his most favored Chief Eunuch to investigate this Young Master Zhou. This Chief Eunuch was a greedy man. After receiving enormous bribes, he naturally offered great praise.

Princess Yongning married splendidly. Originally a good thing, but this Zhou Mingchang wasn’t as good as he appeared on the surface. Since childhood he had been narrow-minded and suffered from consumption. Because becoming prince consort meant no official career prospects, he was already quite depressed. Being mocked by his clan brothers added insult to injury. At the wedding, emotionally agitated and overexerted, Zhou Mingchang publicly vomited blood. Shortly after the wedding, Princess Yongping discovered the truth and became greatly enraged. Zhou Mingchang, guilty in heart, became even more ill. Less than half a year after marriage, he died. With matters reaching this point, nothing could be concealed. The Emperor had all of Duke Yingguo’s household exiled, executed the bribe-taking eunuch, and rebuilt the Princess Manor for Princess Yongping to reside in.

The noble princess carried the Emperor’s bloodline. Though not required to remain chaste for her subject prince consort, she also had no heart to remarry. She could only spend her days in the magnificent yet icy Princess Manor. Over time, naturally feeling bored and oppressed, she frequently held banquets at the Princess Manor, entertaining the capital’s nobility to alleviate her loneliness.

In the carriage, Old Madam slowly recounted these old matters. Li Weiyang appeared to listen attentively on the surface, but actually her thoughts had long flown far away.

What others knew was merely the surface. The imperial family would never do foolish things. Originally Duke Yingguo, as the Late Emperor’s founding minister, plus his four sons all occupying important court positions, with one even commanding twenty thousand troops, gradually became arrogant and domineering, no longer respectful or loyal to the Emperor. The Emperor wanted to eliminate the Zhou family but waited two years without finding good reason. What reason compared to deceiving the sovereign for justification? Princess Yongning was perhaps merely an imperial chess piece. Because of this marriage, she sacrificed her entire life, but in doing so, her contribution to the imperial family was considerable.

“Princess Yongping is truly pitiful—how could she marry such a man?” Old Madam shook her head and sighed.

Li Weiyang smiled without speaking. She knew actually Princess Yongping and the former prince consort were deeply loving. Though the prince consort’s health was poor, he was talented in poetry, highly proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and had a gentle, generous temperament. He and the princess were an inseparable couple. Those so-called narrow-mindedness and jealousy were complete fabrications. Later the prince consort’s death—Li Weiyang had once heard the Empress accidentally let slip—actually wasn’t from consumption…

“Yes, the princess is truly too pitiful.” Li Weiyang nodded in response to Old Madam’s words.

“Precisely because of this, His Majesty now treats the princess so generously. Just days ago, he gave the princess five thousand mu of low fields at Agriculture Temple for a villa. When you arrive shortly, speak well with the princess, make her like you. Becoming a regular guest at the Princess Manor will help others accept you.”

Li Weiyang nodded, but her mind thought of other matters.

“Old Madam, this invitation—”

Old Madam smiled slowly. “Your elder sister is reflecting on her mistakes—naturally she cannot be brought.”

Li Weiyang also smiled, her beautiful eyes carrying a trace of faint mockery. Li Changle had received too much criticism over the disaster relief five strategies incident. Now she most needed to appear at various occasions, washing away her bad impression before everyone. Today’s princess banquet would be attended by high officials and nobles. How could the Grand Madam willingly miss such a precious opportunity?

She and her daughter would absolutely not willingly be obstructed. So Old Madam had probably miscalculated.

Li Minde quietly watched them, never speaking. Today Old Madam originally didn’t want to bring him, but third sister said that after Third Madam’s death, he was always melancholy and unhappy. She requested Old Madam bring him out to lift his spirits. But he knew the truth—third sister wasn’t comfortable leaving him alone in the Li household.

Had he truly become so weak that he needed third sister’s protection in everything? Li Minde lowered his long lashes, his gaze complex. Perhaps he should let third sister know he wasn’t as weak as she thought. Sometimes his forbearance was merely to avoid being too conspicuous.

The Princess Manor was located in the capital’s south, occupying about one hundred mu. Li Weiyang rode the carriage all the way in. Lifting the curtain, she only saw trees growing luxuriantly along the route, flowers and grass flourishing, buildings arranged in layers, pavilions and terraces nestled throughout. Inside the Princess Manor seemed to contain the entire spring.

At the first garden gate, the carriage finally stopped. Li Weiyang helped Old Madam descend. However, at a glance she saw the Grand Madam’s carriage. And Li Changle, who should have been quietly reflecting at home, was instead dressed magnificently, standing beside the Grand Madam exchanging pleasantries with nearby noblewomen.

Old Madam’s smile instantly froze on her face.

She came after all! Li Weiyang’s hand hidden in her sleeve slowly clenched, desperately preventing herself from showing too much excitement. She gently supported Old Madam’s arm. Old Madam finally reacted, her face instantly darkening. “Isn’t Changle still ill? How did she run out?”

Li Weiyang smiled. “Elder sister’s trip must have received Father’s permission.”

Old Madam’s expression grew even uglier. Li Xiaoran acted cautiously, cleverly and steadily, yet was excessively doting on this daughter. This dynasty’s separation between men and women wasn’t strict. Moreover, such occasions were often disguised matchmaking banquets for noble youth. Looking at it this way, that matter—he still hadn’t completely given up.

Li Changle noticed something and raised her eyes toward them, meeting Li Weiyang’s gaze directly.

Sunlight faintly illuminated Li Weiyang’s body. Still in plain clothes superior to snow, with gracefully arched brows, every gesture and movement exuding faint coolness. Whenever seeing her, she always wore this indifferent appearance, yet precisely possessed cunning thoughts and vicious methods. Li Changle involuntarily clenched her fists, yet her face bloomed with a spring-flower-like smile. “Third sister.”

Li Weiyang smiled. “Elder sister.”

Old Madam snorted coldly. “Truly shameless.”

Li Changle’s expression changed instantly. The smile like a mask cracked from forehead, finally extending throughout, shattering with a crash.

She hadn’t expected that after the witchcraft incident, Old Madam would detest her to this degree.

Old Madam looked at her suddenly changed expression and smiled coldly, yet said nothing more. She waved her hand, indicating the Grand Madam and others should follow behind. Since they’d come, they couldn’t publicly send them back. Just extremely displeased inside.

The Grand Madam breathed a sigh of relief. She had known—though Old Madam now greatly disliked Changle, they were all Li family people after all. Before everyone, Old Madam wouldn’t embarrass them. Immediately she smiled at Li Changle. “Let’s go in.”

Li Changle became joyful, gracefully moving lotus steps beside the Grand Madam. Naturally, all along the way she drew countless sideways glances. Li Changle’s reputation for beauty had long spread throughout imperial circles and common folk. Many had seen her before, but each time they saw her, they were as astonished as at first sight. Now she merely stood there casually, brightening the entire garden. Only people simultaneously noticed Prime Minister Li’s third miss, Li Weiyang. With her concubine daughter status being conferred County Princess by the Emperor was already sufficiently astonishing. Now the Prime Minister household’s Old Madam specially brought her to such a banquet—the meaning of valuing her was obvious without saying.

Duchess Wei and Gao Min had already arrived. Seeing the Grand Madam, they quickly came to greet her, completely ignoring Li Weiyang’s presence. Li Weiyang didn’t care either, her gaze surveying the entire banquet. This banquet was arranged in the open-air garden. Garden flowers clustered branch by branch, gorgeous in attitude and charming in posture, numerous flowers and beautiful colors, like ten thousand rouge dots, monopolizing the spring breeze. The garden’s center was covered with an extremely large carpet embroidered with lotus totems and auspicious cloud patterns. Besides the north end’s main seat, east and west each had several guest seats, obviously left for guests to sit. Looking again at the western guest seats filled with noble ladies and misses, the eastern guest seats surprisingly seated Third Prince Tuoba Zhen, Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui, Seventh Prince Tuoba Yu, and an eleven-year-old Eighth Prince Tuoba Cong in sequence.

Tuoba Zhen sat in the first eastern guest seat, wearing green brocade magnificent clothes, handsome features, extremely eye-catching. While Tuoba Yu sat in the third eastern guest seat, wearing a high jade crown, clothed in a white robe threaded with silver, the white robe radiating jade-like luster, making his entire person appear very brilliantly radiant. The two’s seats weren’t far apart. They occasionally laughed and chatted a few sentences. Seeing them like good brothers among commoners, smiling while sitting together drinking and conversing, Li Weiyang had an illusion of dreaming.

Tuoba Zhen’s gaze suddenly cast over, first seeing the dazzlingly brilliant Li Changle, then unconsciously falling on Li Weiyang in her plain blue dress.

Though Third Madam of the Prime Minister household had just died, and though she was an aunt, out of respect Li Changle shouldn’t wear such bright clothing. Comparatively, Li Weiyang was much more clever and cautious. Honestly speaking, Tuoba Zhen now felt very disappointed in Li Changle. Too conspicuous, not clever enough, even less forbearing enough. Could such a woman truly stand by his side? How much help could she provide?

Meanwhile, Fifth Prince, upon seeing Li Changle, couldn’t look away. Originally he had calculated finding an opportunity to report his intentions to Mother Consort, then having Father Emperor bestow Li Changle to him. But Mother Consort told him Father Emperor was recently very angry with Li Changle—now wasn’t the time to mention such things. So he had no choice but reluctantly restrain himself.

Tuoba Yu also noticed Li Weiyang. Originally in his eyes, this little girl was very clever yet also cunning, like a fox. But at this moment seeing her with tidy makeup, smiling face, looking even more like raven-black hair and jade-like skin, no different from ordinary great family daughters, he almost doubted whether the little girl he’d once seen causing trouble in the countryside was even the same person.

Li Weiyang stood beside Old Madam, lashes lowered, casting shadows on her face. The smile at her lips was just right. Compared to the high-profile and flamboyant Li Changle, she appeared very gentle and amiable, also approachable.

“Third sister, I’ll go to the male guest seats.” Li Minde looked from afar, seeing his cousin Li Minfeng had already arrived and was exchanging pleasantries with people. Though he deeply detested this person, he knew he had to sit with him.

Li Weiyang smiled at him. “Go ahead.”

Not leaving Minde alone in the Li household wasn’t only to protect him, but also to give him less time for wild thoughts.

Just thinking this, she heard a maid call from afar, “Princess Yongning has arrived—”

Li Weiyang immediately smiled, turning to look. She saw at the end of the long corridor a woman gracefully approaching amidst maids’ attendance. She wore a high chignon adorned with ten pairs of colorful cloud hairpins, dignified features, luxurious clothing—precisely Princess Yongning. But Li Weiyang sighed softly in her heart. Princess Yongning was now merely in her twenties, yet appeared very haggard. The face that should have been rosy and taut showed a trace of ashen pallor beneath heavy rouge. Her skin was puffy and slack. Even brow corners and eye corners showed exhaustion and weariness. Of course, worst were those eyes—dark and heavy, like two holes dug in wood. If not for eyeballs occasionally turning, she barely seemed a living person. Though covered head to toe in pearls and jade, wearing silk throughout, she still couldn’t conceal her body’s aura of defeat, giving a feeling completely lacking vitality.

Exactly like the princess in Li Weiyang’s memories.

Princess Yongning was supported by a tall, beautiful female official beside her. Entering the seats, the several princes present all stood to perform courtesy. This imperial elder sister had always been a pain in Father Emperor and Mother Empress’s hearts. They cherished and valued her most—none dared slight her.

Li Weiyang watched the princess smile and nod to everyone, yet felt sad for her in her heart. This banquet probably wasn’t what she wanted to hold—likely came from the Emperor and Empress’s indication. They had used this daughter, harbored immense guilt in their hearts, so wanted to give her sufficient honor through other means. Every three months they certainly held a banquet, letting people know Princess Yongning was treated well and respected. But doing so undoubtedly stabbed Princess Yongning’s heart again.

The banquet proceeded as usual.

When wine reached half-intoxication, Princess Yongning said, “For today’s banquet, I thank everyone for honoring me with your presence. Father Emperor previously bestowed upon me a musician of superb skill. Let her play a piece for everyone.”

At this time, everyone saw a young girl in pink clothing, skin white as snow, gracefully walk forward. She respectfully performed courtesy toward the nobles, then began lowering her head to play. Her music was extremely beautiful, slowly flowing out like a swimming dragon, winding and coiling, seemingly transforming into circling, rotating notes. After dancing in a circle, they slowly seeped into everyone’s bodies, making it impossible not to be moved…

Long after the piece ended, everyone finally awoke as from a dream. Recalling just now was simply like having a dream.

“Imperial elder sister’s musician truly possesses superb skill!” Tuoba Zhen applauded in praise.

Princess Yongping smiled, yet her smile held a trace of coldness.

The innocent Eighth Prince Tuoba Zhen, born delicate and adorable, said, “Imperial elder sister, have her play another piece!”

Princess Yongping nodded. The musician moved her fingers to the instrument. Immediately more beautiful music slowly flowed out. This time the music was extremely gentle and tender, transforming into elusive threads of emotion, lightly flowing and turning in the air—seemingly present yet absent, yet firmly hooking everyone’s ears, gently brushing and touching their hearts.

Li Weiyang noticed that from beginning to end, Princess Yongping’s face showed no expression. She didn’t even have a trace of relaxed, joyful expression.

After the piece ended, everyone applauded.

Tuoba Rui curved his lips. “Today’s spring weather is excellent. The young ladies present are all proficient in musical instruments. Why not invite them to perform one or two pieces for everyone?”

Princess Yongping’s expression was bland. “Is that so? I wonder if you young ladies would be willing?”

The noble daughters present exchanged glances, all feeling this was an excellent opportunity. For great family daughters to show their faces publicly would naturally be very improper, but such an occasion—this was a disguised matchmaking banquet! Not to mention various great clan young masters—even princes were present. If they could gain their favor, they’d be leaping onto the branches. Moreover, such a once-in-a-millennium opportunity to gain fame—missing it once meant never having another chance!

Only Li Weiyang, watching Tuoba Rui whose smile carried a trace of malicious intent, smiled faintly. This Fifth Prince—doing this naturally wouldn’t be without reason. He had determined Li Changle was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, would certainly shine brilliantly, using the opportunity to reverse her declining image before the princess and everyone. While she herself had grown up in the countryside, extremely inferior to these great family daughters in such skills, even less able to casually display them—otherwise she’d be laughed at by the masses. You must know these young ladies had studied their skills arduously for many years. She’d only been in the capital a few short months—how could she possibly leap a thousand miles?

These words—actually weren’t wrong. Whether previous or current life, Li Weiyang wasn’t proficient in these things. Perhaps precisely because of this, she’d been disdained by Tuoba Zhen. She lowered her head and smiled lightly.

Tuoba Yu watched this scene, lips curving in an interesting smile. He also could see—this time Tuoba Rui clearly wanted to embarrass this newly appointed County Princess. He just didn’t know how this young girl would respond.

In the distance, Li Minde watched, brows tightly furrowed.

These people—clearly she hadn’t provoked them, yet they still came one after another to cause trouble.

Fifth Prince Tuoba Rui smiled ingratiatingly at Li Changle. Li Changle returned a slightly grateful smile. Tuoba Rui immediately felt his decision was incomparably wise.

Li Changle was naturally delighted—even excited. Today Mother had brought her specifically to shine brilliantly at the banquet. How could she miss such an opportunity! And Li Weiyang—today was destined to become everyone’s laughingstock. A dignified County Princess unable to produce a single decent talent—truly losing face! Thinking this, her smile appeared even more triumphant.

Duchess Wei’s daughter Gao Min played a flute piece. Ministry of Rites Vice Minister’s daughter Miss Wang’s wonderful reed flute attracted butterflies. Ministry of Personnel Minister’s daughter Miss Li’s water sleeve dance captivated everyone. General Zhou’s granddaughter’s sword dance was heroically spirited. Several consecutive performances, each with its merits, equally brilliant. Normally these young ladies wouldn’t easily show their faces publicly. Such an opportunity was truly once in a millennium. Everyone applauded enthusiastically.

Fifth Prince’s gaze fell on the radiant Li Changle. “Now it’s the Prime Minister household’s eldest miss’s turn. Please.”

Li Changle unconsciously glanced at Tuoba Zhen, discovering him gazing at her tenderly. Her heart immediately stirred. Unconsciously smiling, she stood. “This young woman will make a poor showing.”

Everyone couldn’t help being curious. The eighteen weapons had all been performed. They wondered what this exceptionally beautiful Miss Li had that was unique.

Li Changle clapped her hands. A nearby maid brought forward an object covered in red silk.

Everyone’s faces showed shocked expressions. What was this? Why was it covered with red silk?

The Grand Madam’s face showed a trace of a smile. How could Changle value those things ordinary young ladies performed!

Li Weiyang watched and watched, suddenly lowering her head, covering the malicious smile at her lips. Elder sister, this time you’re seeking your own death.

Li Changle gracefully moved lotus steps. Her ten slender fingers personally lifted the red silk, revealing what lay within.

Everyone was shocked. They saw an instrument very similar to a konghou, yet different, presented before them. This instrument was made from thin walnut wood panels. The lower end of the sound box was inset with butterfly-shaped bone decorations. The horn-shaped curved wood’s upper end was a convex spiral-shaped headstock. One end of the strings was tied to horizontal wood below on string pegs. The other end was attached to the curved back. It held thirteen strings, all silk strings of identical diameter. On both sides of the horn-shaped curved wood were carved symmetrical phoenixes, cloud heads and floral patterns—appearing both ancient and magnificent.

“Is this a konghou?” Gao Min raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Li Changle smiled. “No, this is a phoenix-head harp, transmitted from distant Western Regions.”

Amidst general astonishment, only Princess Yongning’s complexion paled slightly. A nearby female official looked at Li Changle as if wanting to speak but hesitating, seemingly wanting to remind her of something. However, Li Changle was immersed in the joy of about to shine brilliantly, perceiving nothing.

That trace of a smile at Li Weiyang’s lips—Li Minde saw it very clearly. His gaze followed to fall on that instrument. In an instant, his heart brightened.

Li Changle sat down, left hand supporting, right hand plucking a string. The instrument immediately emitted a deep, rich low tone, like the resonance of a guqin. Then her slender five fingers rapidly plucked the strings. Spring water-like rounded musical notes poured forth. The music was gentle and deep—sometimes like high mountains and flowing water, sometimes like orioles singing softly. Plain white fingers gradually quickened. Those bright, crisp high notes seemed like a guzheng “singing.” Sometimes they also produced the flowing water sounds of a yaoqin.

Everyone felt the phoenix-head harp’s sound seemed to emerge from transparent water. Even the water surface was trembling slightly—clear, floating, drifting.

Fifth Prince praised, “This instrument is truly rare. Compared to the guzheng, it’s more clear and ethereal—melting like lotus pond green water at night, crystalline like snow mountain clear spring sounds!”

The more he listened, the more intoxicated he became. His emotions seemed even fuller. His eyebrows unconsciously moved. His eyes also shone brightly. Extending a finger, he lightly and silently beat time on the table. Suddenly producing a jade flute, he began playing along with the phoenix-head harp.

Li Weiyang lifted a cup of tea, slowly taking a sip, but saw Tuoba Yu opposite casting an interested gaze. She smiled slightly at him.

Tuoba Zhen listened seriously to Li Changle’s piece, only feeling after the two instruments harmonized, the tones reached perfection. Two sounds gently intertwined, depending on each other, nestled together. In a trance they fused into one, transforming into a graceful dancing fairy, fluttering and dancing through everyone’s hearts, making people feel as if ascending to immortal realms, as if climbing Jade Terraces. Li Changle softly began singing:

*One melody once cherished fate on Weak Water’s shore, two lands’ mutual longing not without phoenix drunk before flowers*

*Three cut peach blossoms follow flowing water emptily turning, four seasons not seeing fifth watch deep water clock broken*

*Sixth month wind passing pulse pulse yet lightly cold, seven strings difficult to play green elegant qin heart unchanging*

*Eight lines who writes long mutual longing must not meet, nine layers distant mountains ten li pavilion moon not full*

*Bright mirror should lack bright as cloud-midst moon falling flowering years, red strings yet unbroken five colors ling plain green jade case midst*

*Morning dew night dries several linked rings also from midst breaking, fragrant time once ceased today stealing putting old days exchange*

Her singing voice was melodious and moving. What she sang was currently popular music. Beautiful person, beautiful melody, beautiful instrument—this scene was indeed very shocking.

The Grand Madam proudly watched this scene. She knew—from today onward, Li Changle would wash away her bad reputation, regaining everyone’s praise. As for Li Weiyang—naturally she’d feel ashamed and unable to show her face.

Yet nearby Tuoba Yu was greatly curious, not knowing why Li Weiyang would show such a strange smile. He had a premonition—the Li Changle currently in the limelight was probably about to suffer great misfortune!