The guard was about to cry out when he felt a burning, fiery pain in his face, eyes, and mouth. The pain spread like wildfire, and he couldn’t make any sound at all.

“Li Weiyang, what have you done!” Tuoba Yu spun around sharply.

Li Weiyang’s smile created two dimples, yet displayed a coldness completely inconsistent with her age: “Seventh Highness, look clearly—this venomous insect crawled out from inside the prayer beads!”

Tuoba Yu was shocked, then realized something. He quickly waved his hand and instructed the guards hurrying over from the distance: “He was accidentally bitten by a venomous insect. Take him away.”

The guards had been far away and hadn’t seen clearly. Now seeing the Seventh Prince’s displeased expression, they immediately understood and hastily dragged the man away.

“These prayer beads are poisoned.” Tuoba Yu’s words were a statement of fact.

Li Weiyang didn’t answer. She filled the teacup with lotus dew and slowly drank two cups, feeling it enter her throat like light honey with a very sweet taste. Then she said lightly: “This is a venomous insect from the Miao borderlands. Normally it won’t come out, but unfortunately it loves sweet flavors, so luring it out isn’t very difficult.”

“If it’s so easily lured out, would the other party be that foolish?”

Li Weiyang curved her lips slightly: “This venomous insect has only recently entered the prayer beads. Once it becomes an adult, nothing can lure it out. The other party originally didn’t plan to present these prayer beads now because the timing wasn’t right, but I meddled, so they were forced to offer their treasure before the insect matured. Do you understand what I’m saying, Your Highness?”

Towering waves surged in Tuoba Yu’s heart, his composure shattered. It was now dusk, and scattered light pierced through the floating clouds to illuminate his face, revealing his handsome features and upright countenance, like someone from a painting: “From what you say, you know much about this venomous insect.”

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrow imperceptibly, then smiled coldly: “Not that much, but I happen to know that if Your Highness carried these prayer beads for a year or two, your lifespan would be shortened by ten or twenty years.”

Li Weiyang didn’t want to know so much, but unfortunately, after marrying Tuoba Zhen and being at the center of the Great Li Dynasty’s power struggles, she had the opportunity to access the most critical information—and there was truly quite a lot of it. This was also thanks to Tuoba Zhen’s later reliance on her… After all, he was human too. Though he guarded against her, when dealing with enemies, to gain her help, he revealed quite a lot.

If he had kept the prayer beads by his side… Thinking of this, Tuoba Yu’s expression suddenly changed, cold sweat seeming to seep from his spine. He thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled. Li Weiyang had just felt his smile carried spring warmth, gentle and intoxicating, but now it became different—truly cold as winter, laced with biting frigidity that rushed toward her. She immediately felt uncomfortable all over and frowned: “Since Your Highness feels sorry for that guard, consider me meddlesome.”

With that, she was about to turn and leave.

Tuoba Yu suddenly blocked her path, his gaze clear and bright: “No, I must thank you. If not for your help today, I might truly have been deceived.”

“Your Highness doesn’t blame me for injuring that guard?” Li Weiyang raised her eyebrow.

Tuoba Yu smiled faintly: “Though he’s been by my side for many years, he’s not necessarily one of my trusted confidants.”

That was more like it. Li Weiyang nodded—her meddling hadn’t been in vain after all.

“Was today’s mastermind also in this pavilion just now?” Tuoba Yu suddenly asked.

Li Weiyang blinked and said: “What do you think?”

Tuoba Yu suddenly smiled: “Was it the Crown Prince trying to kill me?”

Li Weiyang shook her head. She smiled enigmatically, her eyes revealing mockery: “Look—if something happened to you, you’d probably pin the mastermind’s hat on the innocent Crown Prince.”

Tuoba Yu still wore a faint smile on his lips, but a trace of severity flickered between his brows: “Tuoba Zhen.”

Li Weiyang smiled lightly, like autumn chrysanthemums blooming after the season, refined and unmatched, yet evoking pity: “Seventh Highness is not too foolish after all.”

Tuoba Yu’s expression darkened: “He truly harbors delusional ambitions!” Everything done under the Crown Prince’s name, making people mistakenly believe it was all the Crown Prince’s doing—Tuoba Zhen was indeed a difficult opponent to deal with!

The corner of Li Weiyang’s lips curved upward, two shallow dimples appearing on her cheeks: “Since Your Highness knows this, you should have been on guard long ago.”

Tuoba Yu’s profile was as sharp and clean as a silhouette. He smiled faintly and said: “Actually, I still very much want to know how you learned all this, and why you’re helping.”

Li Weiyang could neither tell him the truth nor deceive him, so she remained silent.

“Li Weiyang,” Tuoba Yu understood her thoughts and knew she didn’t want to speak, so he didn’t press further. Instead, he smiled and said, “When you’re with others, do you smile like this so often?”

“Eh?” Li Weiyang was slightly stunned. Hearing the teasing tone in his words, her face turned cold: “Your Highness, don’t misunderstand my good intentions.”

She wasn’t some naive girl who could be tricked into revealing answers with just a few words.

Tuoba Yu smiled: “Fortunately I met you, otherwise this time would truly have been difficult.” He tilted his head and suddenly changed the subject: “After arriving here, have you adjusted well?”

Li Weiyang found this strange and stared at him without speaking.

“Though life in the countryside was hard, it was much more peaceful than the capital. Are you used to all the scheming here?” he said lightly.

Li Weiyang was quite surprised, yet Tuoba Yu’s smile remained languid, as if he hadn’t been the one to say those words.

Li Weiyang instinctively glanced into the distance. Several people had already walked through the flower garden there, and they could now vaguely see this place. Her heart tensed again—with so many eyes and ears here, if people thought she was discussing secrets with the Seventh Prince, she’d be in trouble.

Tuoba Yu seemed to read her thoughts and suddenly spoke.

“Li Weiyang,” he looked at her, his eyes dark as night like the finest obsidian, containing brilliance, “I’ll find a way to deal with Liu Yue from earlier, and those guards’ mouths will be tight as clams.”

Li Weiyang curtsied: “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Tuoba Yu smiled faintly and suddenly stepped closer. Li Weiyang didn’t move for a moment.

“The capital is fraught with danger beyond your imagination,” Tuoba Yu said softly near her ear. “You absolutely must not be as reckless as today.”

Li Weiyang’s body trembled. Her eyelashes lowered gently, resting beneath her eyes like pale blue scissor-cut wings. She answered: “Yes, thank you, Your Highness.” After speaking, she turned around, steadied her turbulent thoughts, and quickly left.

After leaving the pavilion, only when Tuoba Yu could no longer see her did Li Weiyang finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Bai Zhi looked at her in surprise: “Miss, I thought you weren’t nervous at all!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “How could I not be nervous? My heart was pounding! Look at him—so cold, like a block of ice. Talking to him really takes effort.”

Mo Zhu came over and said: “Miss, while I was standing guard outside just now, shortly after you entered the pavilion, two maids walked by. They said they wanted to invite you to go to the front. I said you’d been walking for a long time and your legs were tired, so you were resting here…”

“Did they believe it?” Li Weiyang asked.

“They should have,” Mo Zhu giggled. “I kept pestering them with questions, so they couldn’t get near the pavilion. Even if they were suspicious, they couldn’t hear what you and the Seventh Highness were saying. Don’t worry.”

Li Weiyang smiled: “I didn’t realize you were so clever.”

Mo Zhu said: “Following Miss for so long, even a wooden person would become smart.”

Li Weiyang’s smile suddenly stopped: “Is that Third Young Master?”

Bai Zhi’s eyes widened as she looked in the direction Li Weiyang indicated and saw Li Minde’s figure flash through the flower bushes.

Bai Zhi said in surprise: “It seems so!”

A thought flashed through Li Weiyang’s mind. She quickly asked Bai Zhi: “Besides Minde, did you see a gray-clothed attendant?”

Bai Zhi was startled and said: “No, this servant only saw Third Young Master alone.”

So Bai Zhi hadn’t seen that tall, sturdy gray-clothed man at all. At this moment, Mo Zhu nearby said: “This servant just saw Third Young Master with a gray-clothed man.”

Li Weiyang asked Mo Zhu: “Do you know that person?”

Mo Zhu shook her head: “At the time I was still nervous about what Miss had instructed, so I didn’t pay attention. Besides, his attire was just that of an ordinary guard, so naturally I didn’t notice much.”

Bai Zhi frowned: “Miss, do you mean—”

Li Weiyang smiled and said: “I’ve been feeling lately that Minde has been somewhat strange, but I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was strange. Now I have some clues, but I can’t be hasty.”

Li Weiyang was about to walk over when she suddenly heard a voice: “County Princess, please wait.”

Looking up, she saw Tuoba Zhen emerge from behind the artificial mountain with a smile, accompanied by an “Eighth Prince” whose eyes darted around—no, perhaps she should be called Ninth Princess.

The Ninth Princess smiled: “County Princess, you talked with my Seventh Brother for so long just now. What did you discuss?”

This place was a full hundred meters from the pavilion, and the pavilion was surrounded by Tuoba Yu’s guards. Li Weiyang wasn’t afraid they’d heard anything and couldn’t help but smile brilliantly: “The Seventh Highness told me a secret.”

The Ninth Princess smiled and leaned closer: “Come on, I love hearing secrets the most.”

Li Weiyang coughed lightly and said: “He said the Ninth Princess secretly ran out and even disguised herself as the Eighth Prince to wander around everywhere. He’s very troubled about how to explain this to His Majesty the Emperor. To be honest, he’s afraid the Ninth Princess will be punished, but if he doesn’t tell the truth, he feels he’s wronging His Majesty—”

“What? He even told you that! Seventh Brother is too much! I’m going to find him!” The Ninth Princess’s small face flushed red. She jumped up immediately, completely forgetting to question Li Weiyang further, and stormed off angrily toward the pavilion.

Tuoba Zhen suddenly smiled: “The County Princess is truly clever, knowing where Ninth Sister’s weakness lies, dismissing her with just a few words.”

He had just been invited by Princess Yongning to drink tea, while Tuoba Yu wanted to stay and speak with that girl. They had left first, but when Tuoba Yu still hadn’t arrived, he became suspicious. Just as the Ninth Princess was making a fuss about going out, he used it as an excuse to bring her out to investigate. Who knew he would see Li Weiyang and Tuoba Yu sitting in the pavilion chatting happily—this scene made him feel very uncomfortable, extremely uncomfortable!

Li Weiyang had refused his proposal yet smiled so happily at the Seventh Prince, giving him a feeling of being slighted. And in his life, he hated this feeling most!

His gaze fell on Li Weiyang’s unusually calm face, and Tuoba Zhen’s face turned cold: “Li Weiyang, you seem to have bet on the wrong horse!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Third Highness, Weiyang trusts her own judgment.”

Tuoba Zhen’s face became incomparably cold. His expression was stern as he stood motionless, only staring at Li Weiyang with his eyes. Li Weiyang’s expression remained normal, but Bai Zhi behind her felt a chill in her heart. Though she usually followed her mistress and had seen many people—like the First Miss’s hypocrisy and the First Madam’s malice—this was the first time she felt this kind of fear emanating from someone’s very bones.

Just as Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu were both on high alert, Tuoba Zhen suddenly smiled. His smile was very gentle, yet it contained profound meaning. Li Weiyang looked at him coldly. Compared to an undisguised vicious appearance, this unfathomable depth like a dark forest was even more frightening, because you could never guess what he wanted, just as you would never know what fierce beasts and monsters lurked in the pitch darkness!

Without a word, Tuoba Zhen suddenly grabbed Li Weiyang and quickly dragged her along. Li Weiyang said angrily: “What are you doing!”

Tuoba Zhen sneered: “To see our unfinished chess game!”

But Li Weiyang coldly shook him off: “You don’t need to lead me. I can walk myself!”

Tuoba Zhen narrowed his eyes, watching Li Weiyang stride past him. He couldn’t help but sneer coldly and followed.

When Li Weiyang returned to the pavilion, she saw the Ninth Princess hanging on Tuoba Yu’s arm, pestering him with conversation. Seeing Li Weiyang return, Tuoba Yu showed a hint of surprise.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrow coldly and sat down on a stool: “I was invited to observe the chess game.”

Tuoba Yu glanced at the chessboard on the table. He hadn’t expected Tuoba Zhen would still care about this unfinished game. He couldn’t help but smile: “In that case, Third Brother, please go first.”

Tuoba Zhen smiled and sat down, continuing to play. Li Weiyang observed coldly, watching the black and white pieces on the board fighting fiercely in entangled battle. The situation was evenly matched—it was difficult to determine victory for the moment.

Though Li Weiyang wasn’t skilled in the feminine arts of music, dance, or needlework, chess was different—Tuoba Zhen loved playing chess most, and to please him, she had put in considerable effort. However, in the past, to make him happy, she always tried her best to let him win while making her losses seem natural. Now sitting here watching him play chess with someone else truly gave her an absurd feeling.

Tuoba Zhen’s black pieces and Tuoba Yu’s white pieces were completely tangled together on the board, just like two armies engaged in close combat, mixed in chaotic battle.

Li Weiyang could see clearly that these two had equal chess skills, which was why they were locked in stalemate. To win, one must be willing to sacrifice locally, break out of the melee circle, and focus on the overall situation.

Tuoba Zhen’s gaze was cold and focused, a chess piece held between two fingers for a long time without falling.

The Ninth Princess leaned against Li Weiyang’s side and asked with her head tilted: “Who do you think will win?”

Li Weiyang said lightly: “These two Highnesses are evenly matched, both skilled at chess. To determine victory will require some hard fighting.”

She said this, but in her heart she understood that chess was like life—one’s true nature was most revealed when playing. Tuoba Zhen was skilled at strategic planning and acted carefully, an all-around smooth operator. His only weakness was excessive deliberation and overly cautious thinking. As for Tuoba Yu, he was too casual, though clever—too easy for others to exploit. Against an opponent like Tuoba Zhen, one careless move would lose the entire game.

Indeed, as Li Weiyang said, the two remained deadlocked for a long time. Even after the Ninth Princess fell asleep on the table, they still hadn’t determined victory. Half an hour had already passed.

Before long, the old madam sent someone to request: “County Princess, it’s time to return.”

Tuoba Zhen said lightly: “Tell your old madam that the County Princess is serving as judge for me and Seventh Brother. I’ll personally send her back later!”

Still not letting her go! Li Weiyang frowned: “Having the Ninth Princess here is enough!”

Tuoba Yu also looked up at Li Weiyang: “Ninth Sister is just a child. She’s sleeping so soundly—it’s not good to disturb her. Please trouble the County Princess a bit longer.”

Li Weiyang stood up abruptly, took the white piece that had been in Tuoba Yu’s hand, and quickly placed it on the board.

Tuoba Zhen’s expression suddenly changed. Li Weiyang turned to look at him, a smile appearing on her face. She was very refined in appearance, and this smile had a special flavor, making Tuoba Zhen’s heart pound thunderously.

Victory and defeat on the chessboard had been decided.

The Ninth Princess was pushed and suddenly jumped up from the table. Seeing this situation, she immediately cheered: “Ah, Seventh Brother, you won!”

Tuoba Zhen looked coldly at Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang suppressed the impatience in her eyes: “Have you two finished? I should go back now.”

Tuoba Yu turned to glance at the garden. Indeed, most of the guests had already left. He smiled faintly: “Thank you for your help today, County Princess. Only because of you could I win against Third Brother this once. We’ll meet again.”

Li Weiyang nodded and left quickly with Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu.

At this time, only Li Minde was still waiting for her by the carriage: “Just now someone from the estate came to report that the Marchioness of Nan’an came to visit. The old madam couldn’t wait and already left early by carriage, along with First Madam and Elder Sister. I heard the Fifth Prince saw it was getting dark and, worried the road would be difficult to travel, personally escorted them.”

Li Changle had just suffered a loss, so naturally had no face to stay long. The Fifth Prince always loved playing the gallant protector—nothing unusual there. Li Weiyang nodded: “Let’s get in the carriage.”

They boarded the carriage and headed toward the Prime Minister’s estate. Just as they reached the intersection at West Fourth Alley, they suddenly heard someone outside say: “County Princess, Censor Liu’s family carriage accidentally overturned ahead. We’ll have to take a detour.”

Bai Zhi lifted the carriage curtain and saw that outside was indeed a chaotic mess, with a carriage overturned on the road. She couldn’t help but frown: “Miss, we’ll have to change routes.”

The Princess’s villa was in the suburbs, and it was already dark. It seemed they should return to the estate as quickly as possible. Li Weiyang glanced at the sky and said: “Then let’s take the detour.”

Li Minde was unprecedentedly silent. His appearance was already outstanding, and at this moment, with only one candle burning in the carriage, under the swaying light and shadow, his exceptional looks seemed just right to others, as if they could be wedged into one’s heart, possessing a breathtakingly rippling beauty.

Li Weiyang suddenly felt that this young man before her was somewhat unfamiliar.

When they first met, he was just a helpless child, but looking at him now strangely made her feel as if the Li Minde before her was just a constructed shadow—perhaps she had never truly understood the real him.

Li Minde raised his eyes and suddenly realized Li Weiyang was looking at him. He was momentarily startled.

Seeing his surprised expression, Li Weiyang instead smiled.

Li Weiyang’s skin was delicate, her features graceful, possessing the refined charm of Jiangnan landscapes. Though far from Li Changle’s stunning beauty, when she smiled, extremely deep dimples appeared on her face, pleasing to the eye. Having clearly experienced countless disasters, her smile was as clear as a blue sky after rain, as if those filthy, sordid things had never existed. For a moment, Li Minde couldn’t speak.

Li Weiyang asked: “Did you meet anyone today?”

Li Minde was startled, then said: “Meet anyone?”

Li Weiyang didn’t continue questioning. She thought for a moment, then took a jade crown for men from her sleeve and removed the old crown from Li Minde’s head, gently replacing it.

“Today is your birthday. Have you forgotten?”

Li Minde was startled, then fondly touched the jade crown on his head and asked: “Really?!” Though he had a photographic memory, he could never remember his own birthday.

Li Weiyang’s gaze was complex. After a long while, she said gently: “Look, time passes so quickly. You’ve grown another year older.” She had thought he relied on her wholeheartedly and trusted her, but somehow, his secrets had become even more numerous than hers.

Hearing the implication in her words, Li Minde found it difficult to speak. His body trembled slightly as he said: “If possible, I’d rather things always remain as they were before.” This was sincere—he didn’t want Li Weiyang to misunderstand, but in the current situation, he was unwilling to make her worry more for him.

Seeing he still refused to tell the truth, Li Weiyang sighed softly: “You’re tired too. Close your eyes and rest. I’ll call you when we arrive.”

Li Minde’s body trembled again. Li Weiyang had always been close and affectionate with him, never showing him a cold face. This statement was extremely indifferent in tone—very thought-provoking. He took a deep breath, bit his lip, and turned his head aside, saying in a low voice: “I know you’re blaming me.” As he spoke, his expression became incomparably desolate.

Li Weiyang’s gaze became exceptionally gentle. She suppressed all her concerns and said warmly: “I’m not blaming you.”

Li Minde’s pupils contracted, his face becoming deathly white. Seeing his crown askew, Li Weiyang naturally reached out to adjust it for him, as she often did before. Li Minde suddenly looked up, his reddened eyes showing a resolute expression, and suddenly said: “I have something to tell you!”

Seeing him so serious, Li Weiyang wondered for a moment whether she had pressed him too hard!

Just then, Bai Zhi suddenly heard a strange sound behind them. She glanced out the window and saw several shadows rushing toward them at an incredible speed. She shouted loudly: “Miss!”

The carriage suddenly overturned completely, and Li Weiyang and the others were all thrown out by the momentum. Greatly alarmed, Li Weiyang didn’t hesitate—she pulled Li Minde and hid behind the accompanying guards. However, after only running two steps, black shadows appeared before them.

The number of attackers was indeterminate—fully twenty or thirty people, all in black clothing, moving efficiently, fighting fiercely with the ten guards protecting the Prime Minister’s carriage. The pedestrians who had been on the road scattered in all directions, and even those who didn’t flee hid far away.

Li Minfeng frowned tightly. Li Weiyang gripped his hand—both their clasped hands were already soaked with sweat.

“Miss, what should we do!” Bai Zhi’s face had completely changed with fright, and she and Mo Zhu huddled together trembling.

“You…” The enemies’ target was her and Li Minde. Weiyang turned her head and lowered her voice: “Don’t move randomly. Find a place to hide—the farther from us the better!”

Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu nodded lightly. Bai Zhi whispered: “Miss must also be careful!” She knew staying here would only be a burden—better to run back quickly and find help! So she fled all the way, pulling Mo Zhu along.

The black-clothed men watched Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu leave. They weren’t the targets and didn’t pursue them, only forming a semicircle to surround the guards. The guards fought desperately to resist, but the black-clothed men had superior numbers and gradually gained the upper hand.

A slight breeze passed, carrying a faint bloody scent. A cold flash of light rushed toward them. Li Weiyang sensed something wrong and immediately took a wrong step to block Li Minde. Fortunately, in the next instant, with flashing blades and swords, two guards charged over and together protected Li Weiyang and Li Minde in their midst.

Li Minde shouted loudly: “Who are you people!”

The black-clothed men didn’t waste a word and directly went for the kill. Two guards were killed in succession. Li Weiyang pulled Li Minde back a step. A black-clothed man raised his blood-dripping blade and was about to slash down at them! Just then, a sharp ray of light suddenly knocked the long sword from the lead black-clothed man’s hand. Li Weiyang was startled and saw Tuoba Yu quickly riding over on horseback with over ten guards following behind.

After they joined the battle, the tide immediately turned. The black-clothed men sneered coldly upon seeing this and suddenly looked up and blew a long whistle. In the dark night, dozens more black-clothed men suddenly surged forth, as if they’d been lying in ambush all along.

These assassins’ real targets were Li Weiyang and her group. Every move meant life or death as they desperately broke through Tuoba Yu’s surrounding guards, trying to press toward them. The two sides’ weapons clashed with endless metallic ringing. In an instant, after several more exchanges, Li Weiyang heard a “crack” by her ear. She spun around sharply and saw Tuoba Yu use a long sword to actually sever the opponent’s blade. That assassin seemed to receive a heavy blow—fresh blood gushed wildly from his mouth as he fell straight backward.

Li Weiyang knew Tuoba Yu had traveled and studied for many years and was talented in both literature and martial arts, but she hadn’t expected his martial skills to be this good!

Tuoba Yu raised his hand, and a sleeve arrow flew from his long sleeve, pointing toward the sky and exploding into brilliant fireworks!

Li Weiyang knew Tuoba Yu was summoning his people. Her wildly beating heart finally calmed somewhat.

The black-clothed men also saw this scene and began to panic, their strikes becoming even more vicious.

Just then, Li Weiyang heard hurried footsteps behind her. Originally thinking Tuoba Yu’s people had arrived, she looked back but saw the same black clothing as the assassins attacking from the front—killing intent rushing straight toward her.

Tuoba Yu hadn’t expected that instead of reinforcements arriving, even more killers had been drawn. His expression darkened. He raised his sword to block in front of them as several cold flashes stabbed toward them together. Tuoba Yu’s long sword flashed with silver light and clashed with the assassins—the metallic ringing was deafening.

Li Weiyang stood in the middle of the battle pulling Li Minde along. Countless killing intent and bloody scent assaulted them. For the first time, she felt death was so close to her. Watching a guard’s head being severed before her eyes with fresh blood flowing, her body involuntarily became ice-cold, yet her mind raced rapidly.

Was it First Madam? Had First Madam sent people to kill her?!

No, it couldn’t be. This place was so close to within the capital walls—First Madam couldn’t possibly take such a huge risk! Moreover, she had gone to attend the Princess’s banquet. All along this route were distinguished officials and nobles. If there were accidental injuries, it would implicate herself instead. First Madam wouldn’t be so foolish! Then who could it be? Who else wanted her life?

Tuoba Yu barely blocked the killers alone, while the guards beside them had already suffered heavy casualties. Fresh blood continuously soaked the ground—a shocking sight. The roads front and back were blocked. Even if Li Weiyang and the others wanted to find a place to hide, there was no way.

Moments later, a guard suddenly fell, immediately creating a gap in the encirclement. Four black-clothed men unhesitatingly raised their blades and charged!

In this instant, Li Weiyang only felt coldness shoot up her spine, her body as cold as if in an ice cave. At this critical moment, Li Minde suddenly pushed her and instead blocked in front of her. Li Weiyang was startled and was about to call him back, because the sword light was almost touching Li Minde’s forehead hair—in an instant, danger was right before them. Li Weiyang was so alarmed that cold sweat seeped out, sticking to her clothes and seeping into her body.

However, in the next instant, Li Minde saw those four black-clothed men suddenly fall, blood flowing all over the ground.

“Reinforcements have arrived!” Li Minde watched dozens of green-clothed people surging forward, fighting fiercely with the black-clothed men. For an instant, he felt joy.

However, Tuoba Yu cried out in alarm: “No, these aren’t my people!” At the same time, his hand continuously wielded his sword, silver light swimming through the gaps between the black-clothed men.

Seeing the arrivals weren’t his own guard unit at all, Tuoba Yu’s mind raced. He suddenly blew a whistle, and a silvery-white horse galloped over. He shouted loudly: “Mount up!” Then he killed off a black-clothed man, extended his long arm, and threw Li Weiyang onto the horse. In his thinking, he clearly had no intention of saving Li Minde.

But Li Weiyang tightened the reins and stared at Tuoba Yu. Tuoba Yu was startled, then frowned before pushing Li Minde, letting him also mount the horse: “Go quickly!” Then he fiercely slapped the horse’s hindquarters. The horse swiftly charged out of the encirclement.

Whooshing sounds of cutting through air passed by Li Weiyang’s ears, like sharp arrows piercing the air in pursuit. She held her breath and gripped Li Minde tightly. Two short arrows almost grazed her hair as they flew past. Li Weiyang said in a low voice: “Minde! Lower your body!” Then she urged the horse forward with her whip, finally leaving the black-clothed men far behind.

Scenery flew past their eyes. After an unknown time, the horse galloped forward rapidly, reaching places where human presence became increasingly scarce.

Seeing there were no pursuers around them, Li Weiyang’s highly suspended heart finally gradually calmed. The night wind still carried coldness, hitting her face like small knives. She lowered her head halfway: “Minde…” Li Weiyang had just opened her mouth when a mouthful of cold wind rushed in, cold air shooting straight into her heart and lungs.

She called Li Minde’s name twice, but he had no reaction at all, as if he couldn’t hear anything. Li Weiyang thought he hadn’t heard and asked two more times, but Li Minde still didn’t answer.

Li Weiyang was very surprised and involuntarily turned to look. What met her eyes was Li Minde’s handsome face, completely pale, brows deeply furrowed, and large beads of sweat sliding down his forehead, as if he were forcibly enduring something.

Li Weiyang immediately felt something was wrong and blurted out: “Minde, what’s wrong?”

“Third Sister…” Li Minde’s voice even seemed to tremble. After saying just two words, it seemed he’d exhausted all his strength. “I… I…”

Li Weiyang’s heart suddenly sank.

Watching Li Weiyang and the others escape, both the black-clothed and green-clothed men wanted to pursue, but at this moment, Tuoba Yu’s guard unit also arrived. The lead guard captain galloped over: “Your Highness!”

Tuoba Yu’s long arm swept out: “Capture them alive!”

The green-clothed men were most alert. With one long whistle, they retreated like the tide. The black-clothed men hadn’t had time to react before being heavily surrounded by Tuoba Yu’s guards.

In the forest, Li Weiyang gripped the reins. The horse suddenly neighed and stopped.

Li Weiyang was just about to carefully check Li Minde’s condition, but as soon as the horse stopped, Li Minde, who had been holding her waist all along, suddenly toppled straight down without a sound! Li Weiyang’s heart leaped in alarm. She quickly tried to pull him, but her own strength wasn’t enough. The two of them rolled off the horse together. The horse was startled and galloped away wildly. Li Weiyang couldn’t worry about anything else and quickly got up to check Li Minde’s condition.

“Minde!” She called his name, but Li Minde’s eyes were tightly closed with no reaction to her words. Li Weiyang knew something was wrong and felt his back, only to discover it was all wet. Looking toward the moonlight, she saw it was wet with fresh blood. Li Weiyang felt a moment of panic. Looking carefully, she discovered there was actually a short arrow in Minde’s back—it was just now, it must have been just now!

She had clearly told him to lower his body—why didn’t he listen! In this instant, she suddenly thought of the reason. If Li Minde had only lowered his body, then her own back would have been completely exposed to the enemy’s eyes, and the injured person would have been her! As this thought flashed through her mind, she felt her heart suddenly swell, pressing against her chest so she couldn’t breathe.

“Minde! Minde!” Li Weiyang couldn’t think any further. She looked around, but just now time had been so rushed there was no opportunity to check the surrounding environment. Now there were no killers here, but not a trace of human presence either.

What to do? Watch helplessly as Minde died?!

No! Absolutely not! She had once promised Third Madam that no matter what, she would keep Minde alive!

Li Weiyang supported Minde and tore open his clothing, carefully examining the short arrow in his back—the wound wasn’t large, but the fresh blood was slowly turning black. Clearly, this arrowhead was poisoned!

Without thinking, Li Weiyang pulled out the short arrow, then used her mouth to suck on his wound, forcefully sucking out the poisoned blood. She sucked and spat alternately, afraid that one moment’s carelessness would cost Li Minde his life! After an unknown time, she finally noticed the foul blood from Li Minde’s back slowly turning fresh red again. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief and tore off a piece of her skirt hem to bind his wound.

Suddenly a series of hurried footsteps appeared on the small path. Li Weiyang was startled, then immediately became alarmed.

What had happened?

She had just turned when an ice-cold blade was pressed against her throat.

“County Princess, as long as you don’t move, we won’t harm you.” A person’s voice was cold but rational and clear-headed.

Countless thoughts flashed through Li Weiyang’s mind in an instant. Just now those black-clothed men had struck with killing blows, clearly wanting their lives, but this person hadn’t immediately attacked, proving he wasn’t part of that group. However, he had come and immediately put a blade to her neck, proving he also wasn’t sent by Tuoba Yu. Just now there had only been three groups of people—that left only the green-clothed men.

Li Weiyang suddenly became calm.

She had already died once—being able to live again was heaven’s grace. Since returning to the capital, she had maintained her composure facing any pressure. This time, even facing an uncertain future, she wouldn’t allow herself the slightest panic! Clearly they hadn’t reached a dead end yet—they still had a chance!

“Who are you?” Her gaze fell on the gray-clothed man before her.

Though the gray-clothed man wore a mask, his temples were already frosted, showing he wasn’t young. Yet his eyes were bright and spirited, carrying a trace of cold light. When he saw Li Weiyang’s excessively calm face, a trace of appreciation flashed through his eyes. A person’s true nature could be seen when facing adversity. This young girl was only thirteen or fourteen, yet she faced life and death so calmly—she commanded respect.

Li Weiyang stared at his gray clothing. A thought flashed through her mind, but it passed too quickly for her to grasp. Just then, the gray-clothed man suddenly noticed Li Minde lying on the ground. He suddenly became agitated, put away his blade, and quickly stepped forward to check Minde’s condition!

“You know Minde?” she asked.

The gray-clothed man ignored her and examined him himself. Seeing Li Minde was still breathing and the poisoned blood had been sucked from his body, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Weiyang looked at him coldly. In the moonlight, her refined features looked like a statue, only her clear, bright eyes tightly following the gray-clothed man’s every movement.

The gray-clothed man stood up and looked calmly at Li Weiyang: “County Princess, we mean no harm.”

We? Li Weiyang’s gaze swept around and saw countless shadowy figures standing in the darkness, all wearing green clothing, like ghosts.

So fast—just now these people weren’t here, yet they had arrived silently without her noticing at all. Li Weiyang didn’t respond.

The scene instantly fell into an eerie silence.

“You’re the green-clothed men who saved us just now.” The gray-clothed man’s expression told Li Weiyang she was right.

Now, no matter how clever she was, she couldn’t understand why they had suddenly attracted a group of vicious black-clothed men determined to kill them. She could understand Tuoba Yu helping—she had helped him before. But these green-clothed men—what were they plotting?

Li Weiyang suddenly remembered the gray-clothed man’s anxious look toward Li Minde and thought of a possibility.

“If you are truly honorable and aboveboard, you might as well remove your mask.” Li Weiyang said coldly. “If you refuse, there’s no need to discuss anything else.”

The gray-clothed man paused for a moment, then lowered his mask and stepped closer, revealing his face to Li Weiyang. Unlike the others, he was extremely tall with an imposing appearance, about forty years old.

“We absolutely have no intention of harming you two. Please don’t misunderstand. If we truly had murderous intent, we wouldn’t have saved you just now.”

Even if not killers, hiding their identities meant they weren’t any honorable lot either. Li Weiyang snorted coldly in her heart: “Won’t you state your purpose even now?”

With her words, a long sword suddenly pressed against Li Weiyang’s neck. She seemed to hear the sound of skin being cut as hot blood flowed out.