On the day of Ninth Concubine’s birthday, the Li estate specially erected a theater stage. The various madams and young ladies, rarely having such an opportunity for festivities, all set up canopies outside to watch the opera.

First Madam sent people to invite Second Madam, but Second Madam said she wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t attend. First Madam smiled faintly and didn’t insist.

As expected—someone as superior as Second Madam would never deign to attend a concubine’s birthday.

Old Madam had been suffering from spring drowsiness these past days and needed to rest in the afternoon, so she didn’t come out either. Everyone else was present, sitting below the stage in apparent harmony.

Li Changle held a beauty fan in her hand, gazing distantly at the stage with a thoughtful smile. On the other side, Ninth Concubine, surrounded by everyone, looked restless and apprehensive.

Seeing all this, First Madam’s face wore an extremely amiable smile.

Li Weiyang arrived last. After she arrived, those of lower rank all had to stand and bow to her. Of course, First Madam, as the legitimate wife and a First Rank Lady, remained steadily seated like Mount Tai.

Li Weiyang smiled: “Everyone needn’t be so formal. Please sit and watch the opera.”

Li Changle glanced at Li Weiyang and saw her wearing a rose-colored dress, her thick black hair coiled into beautiful twin buns like layered clouds. From her hairpin hung a single strand of jade-green and crimson tassels, surrounded by scattered rhinestones of various sizes—all set with gemstones, obviously extremely valuable. She couldn’t help but jealously look away.

At this moment, clappers sounded once on stage. A handsome martial role performer emerged from behind the curtain. Seeing this person, the corners of Ninth Concubine’s eyes seemed to twitch uncontrollably.

Li Weiyang followed her gaze. The martial performer on stage had a slender build, wearing a bright red arrow-sleeved gold-dusted costume with a five-colored silk sash at his waist. His hair was all bound high on his head, neatly secured with a gold ring. Those upswept phoenix eyes lifted slightly, arrogantly surveying the surroundings. All essence shot from beneath his long curtain-like eyelashes—this bearing alone was enough to captivate hearts. He leaped up, turned in mid-air, and landed lightly on one foot. The colored silk at his waist spread out like a peacock’s screen with his movement as he sang loudly: “Who will grant me brocade longevity? Who will give me a beauty’s favor? All things flow away like water—better to gallop on the battlefield and establish merit!” After this line, he combined both swords in his right hand, formed a hand seal with his left, sank his waist, turned his hips, and struck a looking-back-at-the-moon pose.

This bearing, this singing—definitely a renowned performer. Li Weiyang glanced once and made her judgment.

Though martial performer Ming Jie was acting in the opera, he noticed the movement below stage. Upon seeing that person, he was first delighted, then took a long time to recover, his joy followed by deep dejection. He was merely a performer—though a fallen noble son who had read some romantic poetry and books, blessed with refined features and dignified bearing, considered popular in the troupe—now, compared to that person, they were worlds apart.

Just then, he suddenly saw a young girl in the viewing stand who, though her appearance couldn’t compare to the stunning young lady beside her, had a pair of clear, cold eyes like a serene ancient well. She happened to meet his gaze as he looked toward the stands. In that instant, it seemed she had seen through him. Ming Jie’s entire body shuddered. When he recovered, her gaze had already lightly bounced elsewhere.

The martial performer desperately pulled back his attention and continued singing. Fortunately, no one below noticed anything unusual.

Li Changle smiled: “This martial performer truly sings well. Ninth Concubine, don’t you agree?”

Before Ninth Concubine could answer, Fourth Concubine sourly said: “Indeed, Ninth Concubine is an expert on opera—please share your critique.”

Opera was among the lowest professions—performers had always been despised. This was mocking Ninth Concubine. Li Changxi snorted with laughter. Li Changxiao shook her head sympathetically.

Ninth Concubine’s snow-white face flushed red, unable to utter a word.

Li Changle smiled: “Fourth Concubine, stop teasing Ninth Concubine. She’s thin-skinned.”

Fourth Concubine sneered coldly and turned her face away. Since the witchcraft incident, First Madam had been constantly squeezing her and finding ways to humiliate her. She wasn’t afraid, because the master had already promised that he would handle her two daughters’ marriage arrangements in the future and wouldn’t casually let First Madam marry them off.

For this, let alone being hated by First Madam—even if it cost Fourth Concubine her life, she felt it was worth it!

Li Changxi smiled: “The beads on Ninth Concubine’s wrist are quite beautiful.”

At her mention, everyone saw the jade prayer beads on Ninth Concubine’s wrist—each one jade-green and crystalline, the size of a chicken egg. First Madam’s expression couldn’t help but change slightly before she smiled: “This is also the master’s favor toward her.”

Clearly burning with jealousy, yet still forcing magnanimity—a mistress without some forbearance absolutely wouldn’t do. Li Weiyang smiled faintly, observing coldly from beginning to end without speaking.

Just then, a maid suddenly cried out: “Oh my! The stage collapsed!”

Everyone was shocked. Indeed, half the stage had collapsed. The martial performer who had been singing actually fell from the stage over two meters high, landing limply on the ground. Almost simultaneously, a pool of blood rapidly spread on the ground, making Li Weiyang slightly dizzy.

“Ah!” Ninth Concubine cried out and suddenly stood up.

Li Weiyang keenly noticed this. She clearly saw a trace of cruel smile appear in First Madam’s eyes. Everyone else only watched the stage situation and didn’t notice Ninth Concubine at all.

Li Weiyang coughed lightly. Ninth Concubine immediately reacted, not daring to speak, only covering her face and lowering her head.

“What’s happening! Quickly have the steward go look!” First Madam frowned. Her words were spoken slowly and lightly, not loud in tone yet already severe in manner.

Ninth Concubine’s face had already turned deathly pale. Though her eyes were lowered, her ears constantly attended to the movement over there.

Before long, the steward hurried over to report: “The stage collapsed. I’ve already checked—that performer suffered serious injuries. I’m afraid he cannot perform today.”

At this time, everyone saw that performer, blood-covered all over, being carried away.

Li Changle sighed, lightly waving her fan, lowering her eyes. Her face hidden in shadow wore only a faint smile: “How pitiful.”

Ninth Concubine’s face at this moment was transparent as snow. After a long while, she continued: “Yes, truly pitiful.” Then she tightly closed her mouth, unable to say another word.

Li Changle’s lips, colored with pink rouge, lightly pursed, her smile beaming.

This opera performance had reached this point—the performer had fallen from the stage in a bloody mess. No one wanted to continue watching. First Madam stood up and ordered: “Give the troupe extra silver so that performer can properly seek medical treatment.”

The steward said: “Yes, First Madam is benevolent. This servant will handle it immediately.”

Li Changle also stood up with First Madam, her gold hairpins and step-shakings trembling. Her exquisite face made one think of peonies—a vision of splendid beauty. She glanced at Ninth Concubine, smiled faintly, and supported First Madam as they left.

Li Changxi snorted coldly: “What bad luck—even celebrating a birthday is so inauspicious!” After speaking, she pulled Li Changxiao along and left with Fourth Concubine.

The viewing stand that had been full of flowers suddenly held only Li Weiyang and Ninth Concubine.

Ninth Concubine’s eyes held a hazy tangle of emotions. She couldn’t help but remember when she first began singing opera, often being beaten and scolded by her master for singing poorly. Only that person had comforted her then. That time, she felt his breath lightly overflow onto her eyelashes and couldn’t help but tremble slightly. He took that opportunity to embrace her, tightly, until the warmth from his body heated her cold frame. Slowly, she grew softer and softer in his arms. He buried his face down, pressing his lips to hers… She had thought she could marry him, but later, how did she catch Prime Minister Li’s eye? Ninth Concubine’s expression held endless confusion.

Li Weiyang saw Ninth Concubine still absent-minded and couldn’t help but sigh: “That performer was seriously injured, but it should be external wounds—nothing serious.”

Hearing her voice, Ninth Concubine’s heart jumped. She turned around. The bright color of Li Weiyang’s dress reflected against her white skin, making her dark eyebrows, red lips, and white teeth even more pronounced. Those eyes beneath long eyelashes were like ancient wells, rippling with cold, clear light.

This was Third Miss Li Weiyang. Ninth Concubine lowered her head: “Yes.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Ninth Concubine, Mother specially held this banquet for you today out of painstaking effort. I hope you understand her good intentions.”

Ninth Concubine’s entire body trembled as she looked at Li Weiyang in disbelief.

Third Miss was born of a concubine yet personally enfeoffed as County Princess by His Majesty. Her status in the household had risen steadily, even surpassing that stunning First Miss. Yet her relationship with First Madam had grown increasingly hostile—seemingly harmonious and calm but actually as incompatible as fire and water. Ninth Concubine had long been alert and knew she must stay far from this struggle between the two sides. She hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to suddenly say such words. What did they mean?

Li Weiyang looked calmly at Ninth Concubine’s confused face without specifically explaining this question. Instead, she said slowly: “The stage was perfectly fine—how could it collapse?” Saying this, she slowly descended from the viewing stand.

Hearing these seemingly lamenting words, Ninth Concubine’s entire body turned ice-cold, as if falling into an ice cavern.

Martial performer Ming Jie, covered in wounds, was carried back to the troupe to recover. The physician had just left when a group of strangers burst in. Without explanation, they ransacked everything, digging three feet into the ground in their search, but even after searching everywhere, they didn’t find what they wanted. They then pressed Ming Jie down and, ignoring the troupe master’s attempts to stop them, hastily bound him and dispersed in a rush.

Another hour passed before Ninth Concubine was summoned to First Madam’s courtyard.

“Family values utterly lost! After all, just a performer who knows neither shame nor disgrace, actually doing such shameless things!”

Ninth Concubine had just entered the room. Hearing these words, the color drained completely from her face. She forcibly suppressed the fear in her heart and entered to bow down: “Madam.”

First Madam raised her eyes and stared at her.

Ninth Concubine unknowingly reddened her eyes, suddenly falling and kneeling before First Madam seated in the main position, choking: “Madam, I didn’t…”

First Madam slightly raised her slender, sharp chin and laughed extremely lightly. Then, warmly and intimately, she said: “What’s wrong with Ninth Concubine?”

“I… I…” Ninth Concubine prostrated on the ground, unable to suppress the fear surging across her face, biting her teeth to forcibly hold back the tears in her eyes. Everything before her related to her very life. She involuntarily felt cold from inside to outside throughout her body, trembling uncontrollably.

First Madam’s eyes were sharp as swords, bottomless, staring fixedly at her for a long time before lightly curving her lips: “All right, it’s nothing major. Get up!”

Nanny Lin smiled as she stepped forward to help Ninth Concubine up. However, she became even more unable to discern First Madam’s intentions. She couldn’t help but stand there anxiously, face red, head lowered, lips pursed, nervously twisting her ribbons. Those captivating eyes looked pitifully at First Madam, like dewdrops trembling on a peach.

What an innocent appearance.

Exactly like that little wretch from years ago!

First Madam couldn’t bear seeing this face with seven or eight parts resemblance. Only with great effort did she suppress the hot blood surging to her heart, bestowing her a seat almost amiably.

Ninth Concubine sat down humbly. Even seated, she didn’t dare put her full weight on the chair, her body still slightly bent.

“What was Madam just saying?” Ninth Concubine’s hands unconsciously clenched her skirt tightly, her voice also trembling somewhat.

First Madam smiled: “Oh, it’s like this—just now Nanny Lin mentioned to me that the one called Ming Jie committed adultery with some noble family’s concubine and was caught and bound away.”

“Ah…” Ninth Concubine had already felt guilty. After hearing these words, she suddenly seemed choked, unable to speak. Then an extremely embarrassed expression appeared, tears beginning to glisten in her eyes.

First Madam acted as if she hadn’t seen her fearful expression, only smiling: “Today’s disruption of your banquet is truly regrettable. However, this is for the best—such a filthy performer absolutely cannot be tolerated in our household. Ninth Concubine, don’t you agree?!”

Ninth Concubine mumbled and could only respond: “Yes.”

First Madam sneered: “I haven’t yet asked—I heard you had met the master before at the Minister’s estate?”

Ninth Concubine was startled and couldn’t help saying: “Previously I sang at Jixiang Garden. At that time, some powerful person wanted to take me as a concubine. I was unwilling—it was the master passing by who resolved the situation for me.”

Hearing this seemed like a hero-saves-beauty scenario, quite fitting romantic sentiment, First Madam felt even more disgusted. Her eyebrows slightly raised. She suddenly wanted to mock the other party but remembered she had called her here for other important matters and had to suppress her hatred.

Seeing her expression change unpredictably, Ninth Concubine was too frightened to speak again. First Madam said lightly: “Then you encountered the master again at the Minister’s estate and deliberately seduced him, climbing the branch to become a phoenix. Is that right?”

Ninth Concubine’s cheeks flushed red, extremely embarrassed for a moment. Actually, after meeting Li Xiaoran once, she hadn’t harbored other thoughts. Only later… later Li Xiaoran actually sent large chests of gold and silver to the troupe master. The master vigorously promoted how glorious marrying the Prime Minister would be. She refused, so the master threatened to sell Ming Jie along with her. Only then was she forced to nod.

First Madam, seeing her appearance, had already guessed seven or eight parts. Not only did sparks fly wildly in her eyes, but the amiability she’d barely feigned had completely vanished. She sneered coldly and said sternly: “Since the master has deep feelings for you, how could you do such things?”

First Madam shouted loudly, already severe in both voice and expression.

Ninth Concubine didn’t know what to say. She looked up with a completely bewildered appearance: “Madam, I don’t know what you’re saying.”

“You needn’t deny it—I already have that performer in hand.” First Madam’s smile was unprecedentedly cold, her teeth grinding hard as she squeezed these words from between them.

Hearing First Madam speak so viciously, Ninth Concubine couldn’t help but panic somewhat. Yet in her panic, she retained a trace of clarity, knowing she absolutely couldn’t admit anything. She said decisively: “Madam, what exactly are you saying? I don’t understand! If you want to frame me, why not speak clearly before the master!”

First Madam wouldn’t let her say more and sharply interrupted: “The master? You and that performer already had an affair yet pretended to know nothing, actually daring to marry the master. If you were truly innocent, you might as well go confront him before the master! Do you know what great shame you’ve brought him? If this spreads, it will certainly make him the laughingstock of the world! Of course, ridicule is the least of it—perhaps those with ulterior motives will find excuses to harm the master’s reputation! All these many matters—don’t you know any of this?”

First Madam’s words struck Ninth Concubine like a series of lightning bolts, stunning her, freezing her on the chair, unable to move. Her face receded like the tide, instantly turning blue, almost transparent blue.

Seeing her frozen there, First Madam knew her words had taken effect. She said coldly: “I believe you’re a sensible person who already knows what to do. If you have any brains at all, you should know who can save you! Who can help you! From now on, you should know whom to obey!”

Ninth Concubine was completely frozen.

As Li Weiyang passed through the corridor, she saw Ninth Concubine sitting by a stone table covered with fallen petals in a daze, her flower-like face deeply furrowed with worry.

A nearby maid reminded: “Ninth Concubine, the County Princess is here.”

Ninth Concubine looked up and suddenly saw Li Weiyang. In that instant, she actually showed a frightened expression and hastily bowed: “Greetings to the County Princess!”

“Since you married my father, you’re part of this household. No need for excessive courtesy.” Li Weiyang assessed her expression.

Hearing these words, Ninth Concubine not only wasn’t pleased but fear rapidly surged across her face.

Seeing her poor complexion, Li Weiyang found it strange and couldn’t help asking again: “Just now I saw Concubine deeply worried. Is there some troubling matter?”

“No… nothing…” Ninth Concubine was slightly panicked. “It’s just seeing the wind blow past and flowers fall everywhere—feeling sad in my heart.”

Li Weiyang saw Ninth Concubine’s face full of sorrow, penetrating to the bone—definitely not as simple as spring melancholy.

After saying this, Ninth Concubine kept staring at Li Weiyang’s eyes, afraid she wouldn’t believe her. Seeing she indeed showed a disbelieving expression, her complexion grew even worse. Actually, all these myriad worries in her heart stemmed from First Madam. The words Madam spoke today constantly lingered in her mind. Even now she felt she should have escaped from the estate. But she also clearly understood she simply couldn’t escape. Therefore, every moment she spent here was actually contradictory, constantly suffering torment. More importantly, now Li Xiaoran doted on her extremely—she still felt so uneasy. If one day she lost favor, who knew how miserable her fate would be?

Seeing Ninth Concubine’s terrible complexion, Li Weiyang smiled and had Bai Zhi fetch a teacup. She poured a cup of tea, brought it before Ninth Concubine, and smiled: “Concubine, new tea hasn’t come out yet. This is last year’s aged tea—please make do and try it.”

Ninth Concubine tasted a sip. This so-called “make do” tea was actually better than the tea she usually drank. She carefully examined Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang’s current food, clothing, and expenses far exceeded everyone else in this household. A concubine-born daughter living such a good life—no wonder First Madam detested Li Weiyang so much and wanted to force her to a dead end… Thinking of First Madam’s severe expression at that time, Ninth Concubine couldn’t help lowering her head. Then she suddenly raised her head: “County Princess, I have a matter I want to ask your help with!”

Li Weiyang looked at her and raised her eyebrows: “Concubine, please speak plainly if you have something to say.”

Ninth Concubine forced a smile: “This isn’t convenient here. Could we change locations?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly and answered straightforwardly: “No need. Nothing cannot be said to others. I believe Ninth Concubine has nothing improper for others to hear.”

Ninth Concubine hadn’t expected her to refuse so quickly. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say. After a while, she said: “People all say the County Princess is kind-hearted and likes helping others. How can you not even be willing to hear me out—”

Li Weiyang laughed. This Ninth Concubine, though not as skilled as Fourth Concubine at flattery, learned quite quickly.

Seeing Li Weiyang laugh, Ninth Concubine thought she had relented and hastily said: “I truly have urgent matters to ask of you. If you’re willing to help me, I’ll be a horse or ox for you, willing to die a thousand deaths—”

Li Weiyang frowned. Ninth Concubine rushed forward to grab her hand: “County Princess, this is a matter of life and death! Can’t you help me just once!”

She wasn’t someone who would randomly do good deeds! Li Weiyang stood without moving: “Ninth Concubine, Old Madam is still waiting for me. I must go.”

Ninth Concubine grew anxious and hastily said: “County Princess, please wait—I’ll say it here. I want you to release me.”

Li Weiyang felt a moment of surprise: “What did you say?!”

Ninth Concubine gritted her teeth: “I’m asking you to release me!”

Just now she had already walked several steps away. Now, aside from Li Weiyang’s personal maids, no one else heard their conversation. Yet with a slight turn of her head, Li Weiyang could see many maids walking past from the corridor over there in a stream.

Even if they couldn’t hear, they could see Ninth Concubine pulling at her here. What was this supposed to mean! Li Weiyang wasn’t angry but laughed instead: “You’re currently Father’s most favored concubine with a lifetime of glory and wealth. You’re asking me to release you—where would you go?”

Ninth Concubine was startled, then said: “Though this place is good, the environment is complex. Even if I’m favored now, how many years can that favor last? Far better than saving up silver and leaving on my own!”

Li Weiyang’s face darkened. Without a word, she turned and walked outside. Ninth Concubine had been speaking well—not knowing why she suddenly changed expression, she hastily grabbed her sleeve: “County Princess! I’m only asking you to save my life. If I stay here any longer, I’ll definitely die without a burial place!”

Li Weiyang looked at her coldly. Ninth Concubine hastily continued: “Just now First Madam summoned me for another scolding and dredged up old matters from the past. I… I truly can’t endure it anymore!”

Li Weiyang forcefully shook off her hand and said coldly: “If you want to leave, then go explain to Father or Mother yourself. Why ask me?” After speaking, without waiting for Ninth Concubine to defend herself, she quickly departed. Unexpectedly, Ninth Concubine’s knees suddenly bent as she fell with a thud before Li Weiyang, pleading: “Saving one life is better than building a seven-story pagoda! I beg the County Princess to show mercy and release me! Otherwise, if First Madam catches my weakness in the future, she’ll definitely beat me to death!”

Suddenly kneeling here—who knew what others would think? At best, they’d think Li Weiyang had bullied Ninth Concubine. At worst, they’d directly suspect them of some shameful dealings! Was this Ninth Concubine truly naive and ignorant of noble household rules, or was she deliberately letting people see?

Li Weiyang signaled with her eyes. Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu understood and stepped forward to support Ninth Concubine. Li Weiyang said coldly: “If you loved freedom, you shouldn’t have followed Father back in the first place. Since you’ve already become a concubine, you should behave properly and serve Father well.”

Ninth Concubine’s tears streamed: “County Princess, you grew up in luxury—how would you know the hardships of people like us? Originally I was in Changzhou. Though not wealthy and noble, I was still a young lady from a good family. Who knew my birth mother would die of illness and my stepmother, lacking virtue, would trick my father into selling me to a theater troupe? Since childhood I followed the troupe singing opera, enduring untold suffering and hardship. I wasn’t afraid of any of this—I only hoped that one day I’d save enough silver to redeem myself, seek out poor relatives, buy some meager property, and find someone to marry and live with. Who knew I’d later be noticed by Minister and given to the master? Originally I thought even as a concubine, as long as the master cherished me, I’d have good days. Who knew today First Madam suddenly summoned me, forcing me to admit having an affair with that opera performer, threatening to tell the master everything! County Princess, if she truly catches my weakness, I’ll truly have no way out!”

Li Weiyang remained silent, as if considering whether Ninth Concubine’s words were true or false.

Seeing her expression, Ninth Concubine guessed she was hesitating and hastily said: “I know the County Princess is a rare kind-hearted person in this household. Otherwise you wouldn’t care for Third Young Master who has no one to depend on. Moreover, you also don’t want to see First Madam triumphant, do you? Please help me this once too!”

Li Weiyang thought darkly—helping Li Minde was because of her promise to Third Madam, absolutely not from great kindness. In this life, she would never be some kind-hearted person again.

Seeing she still didn’t speak, Ninth Concubine thought she refused to help and hastily said: “County Princess, I won’t let you help for nothing. If you have any matters you need me to handle, I absolutely won’t decline!” At this moment, Ninth Concubine suddenly saw Nanny Lin appear on the cobblestone path, heading this way. She said urgently: “County Princess, I’ll take it that you’ve agreed. I’ll come discuss details with you later.” After speaking, as if seeing a ghost, she left.

Li Weiyang watched Ninth Concubine leave thoughtfully. Bai Zhi said softly: “Miss, do you think what she said was true or false?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “The part about herself didn’t contain lies.”

Bai Zhi guessed: “Could it be First Madam detected something? Ninth Concubine, fearing trouble, urgently wants to leave?”

Li Weiyang shook her head: “I don’t know about that.” The martial performer who fell from the stage earlier should be Ninth Concubine’s lover from before entering the estate. First Madam might have detected something but couldn’t find solid evidence, so she wanted to use this opportunity to verify. After seeing Ninth Concubine’s drastic change in expression, she probably confirmed her guess and summoned her for veiled interrogation.

Looking at Ninth Concubine’s appearance, she seemed to have resisted and temporarily not admitted anything. But she was probably frightened enough, which was why she came to seek help from someone she’d previously had no contact with. Ninth Concubine seemed certain she would help—which made sense. Li Weiyang wouldn’t miss any opportunity to trouble First Madam. Many in the household knew this concubine-born daughter didn’t get along with her legitimate mother. Ninth Concubine seeking her help wasn’t strange.

However, Li Weiyang felt that although everything seemed reasonable on the surface, something still felt unclear and strange. With First Madam’s methods, if one strike didn’t succeed, she definitely wouldn’t make a move. Would she easily let Ninth Concubine go? Could she allow her to seek help from herself?! The more Li Weiyang thought, the more suspicious she felt. She instructed in a low voice: “These two days, pay more attention to movements in the household.”

“Yes,” Bai Zhi answered.

Li Weiyang thought for a moment and said to Mo Zhu: “Qiu Ju in Ninth Concubine’s room—are you familiar with her?”

Mo Zhu paused and said quietly: “Previously we spoke together and met a few times.”

Li Weiyang nodded, beckoning her to lean closer. She whispered a few words. Mo Zhu’s face showed a smile: “Yes.”

That evening, Mo Zhu quietly found an opportunity to seek out Qiu Ju: “These past days, has Ninth Concubine shown anything unusual?”

Qiu Ju’s heart pounded, yet her face smiled: “The concubine maintains normal routines. What could be unusual?”

Mo Zhu smiled faintly, pulled her hand over, and placed a shining silver ingot in it. Qiu Ju was startled, then said: “After the concubine came out from Madam’s room today, she wasn’t right. I don’t know what Madam said to her—tonight the concubine had terrible nightmares!”

Mo Zhu remained silent, then leaned close to her ear and spoke a few sentences. Qiu Ju hesitated in her heart but said: “I’m the concubine’s maid—this isn’t quite appropriate, is it?”

Mo Zhu smiled without speaking, glancing at the silver in Qiu Ju’s hand.

Qiu Ju quickly hid the silver, struggling internally, remaining silent.

Mo Zhu smiled and promised: “One gold ingot.”

Qiu Ju was startled, then said: “Monitoring one’s mistress is great disrespect.”

Mo Zhu nodded: “Two gold ingots.”

Qiu Ju compared her monthly wages to this windfall, thinking darkly “I’m going all in,” and nodded: “Fine. I’ll report Ninth Concubine’s every movement to the County Princess.”

Li Weiyang lay lazily on a reclining chair, holding a book in her hands. The sunlight was very comfortable—she had almost fallen asleep when a maid she didn’t recognize walked in from outside and said loudly: “Sister Bai Zhi, this servant just saw a flowerpot at the gate. I don’t know who sent it to Miss!”

Li Weiyang slightly raised her eyes, looking at that maid. She sat right in the courtyard. This maid’s voice was neither high nor low—it wouldn’t disturb her but wouldn’t escape her notice either.

Bai Zhi hurried over and scolded in a low voice: “Miss is still here! Do you understand the rules or not!”

The little maid looked like she’d innocently made a mistake, fearfully lowering her head.

Mo Zhu explained in Li Weiyang’s ear in a low voice: “Miss, that’s a sweeping maid from the outer courtyard.”

Outer courtyard sweeping? Why would she run here? A barely perceptible cold smile appeared at Li Weiyang’s lips. If she truly didn’t know who sent the flowerpot, she’d simply take it away. She definitely wouldn’t personally deliver it. By the looks of it, this maid must know something.

The little maid joyfully brought in the flowerpot. Li Weiyang glanced at it—this was a pot of crabapple flowers.

Li Weiyang casually plucked a crabapple blossom and brought it to her nose. She discovered it wasn’t ordinary floral fragrance but a very special scented powder. Looking carefully, the crabapple before her was actually made from silk, secured with gold and silver threads, and fastened to the tree. Every flower’s branches and leaves were wound with silver thread stringing crystal beads—either tender yellow, tender green, or pink, hidden among the flower clusters, not easily discovered, yet making the bouquet incomparably brilliant and splendid.

Li Weiyang gently picked up a flower branch and turned it slowly in the sunlight. The pink crystal attached to the branch flashed rainbow-colored light in the sun.

Bai Zhi couldn’t help but marvel: “Miss, it’s truly beautiful!”

Indeed, these crabapple blossoms looked even more beautiful than real fresh flowers, and more precious. Li Weiyang sneered coldly. Before her eyes immediately appeared a refined, handsome face—on that face was a pair of eyes burning with ambition.

Tuoba Zhen.

Only upon seeing his flowerpot did Li Weiyang think of this person again. The other party’s intention in sending this gift was obviously to show goodwill toward her.

This man truly couldn’t stay quiet—while actively expressing his intentions to Li Changle, he also didn’t give up on her side, clearly wanting to kill two birds with one stone. Both obtaining the Jiang family’s military power and utilizing her remaining value to the extreme. Li Weiyang sneered coldly.

Just then, Li Minde suddenly walked into the courtyard. Seeing Li Weiyang standing before the flowers lost in thought, he couldn’t help but smile. Then he waved his sleeve—a small bird flew from his sleeve. A series of delicate tinkling bell sounds suddenly drifted to Li Weiyang’s ears. She couldn’t help but look up.

Li Minde smiled gently and blew a whistle. The bird actually circled once and automatically landed on his finger. He held it out to Li Weiyang like presenting a treasure: “For you.”

Li Weiyang carefully examined this bird. Seeing its small frame and gorgeous feathers, she knew at a glance it was bought at high price. On the bird’s claws was actually tied a small bell—the bell was made of superior silver, tied with slender red silk ribbon. Paired with its reddish-yellow bird feet, it was vivid and beautiful.

“What is this?” Surely not giving her a bird to raise.

“It’s safer than jade-green but more reliable than jade-green for transmitting messages.” Li Minde smiled, his eyes bright and shining as he looked at her.

Li Weiyang’s heart received a great shock: “This—is for me?”

Li Minde nodded.

Li Weiyang lowered her eyes to look at the bird and smiled: “How lovely.”

Li Minde’s face flushed slightly, then he said: “Thank you for making me longevity noodles.”

After that incident, Li Weiyang had personally made Li Minde a bowl of noodles. She hadn’t broken her word. At the same time, she hadn’t mentioned to anyone what happened that night, nor had she pressed Li Minde about what his identity actually was.

“Oh yes, there are two more people!” Li Minde turned back and said to the outside: “You two come in!”

A pair of young people walked in, standing with hands lowered at his sides.

“Third Sister, these two children are brother and sister, wanderers from outside. Yesterday I saw them on the roadside nearly starved to death, so I bought them both. Originally they performed on the street and have quite good martial skills. From today, let them follow you.”

Hearing these words, Li Weiyang couldn’t help feeling three parts surprised. Her gaze fell on the two people.

This pair of siblings looked about thirteen or fourteen years old. The girl had standard features and soft facial characteristics—though not supremely refined, looking at her felt just right, neither overly beautiful and eye-catching nor invisible in a crowd. The young man on the other side had thick eyebrows and deep-set eyes, radiating heroic spirit. His height was quite tall—at such a young age, he already showed several parts of a great family’s bearing.

However one looked at them, these two didn’t resemble street wanderers.

Li Minde said: “The brother is called Zhao Nan, the sister Zhao Yue. Very clever and sensible. Ordinarily Zhao Nan will stay in the outer courtyard and follow when elder sister goes out. The younger sister will remain in the inner courtyard as an ordinary maid to serve you. What do you say?”

Li Weiyang assessed these two people and slowly shook her head.

Li Minde frowned and said softly: “You—don’t like them?”

Li Weiyang blinked: “Not that I dislike them. It’s just—why give me people others gave to you?”

Li Minde was startled, then his face reddened. He hadn’t expected her to see through this so quickly. But he wasn’t panicked because he did this entirely out of concern for her safety: “Those people aren’t easy to provoke. Elder sister should have preparations for self-defense at her side.”

Li Weiyang still refused: “If I need them, I can naturally find them myself.”

“No, this pair of siblings aren’t ordinary people. Elder sister will like them. Moreover, I’ve already arranged people by my side. You needn’t worry about me. Please definitely keep them. If you don’t want them, I’ll send them away.”

The siblings exchanged glances and simultaneously knelt: “We beg the County Princess to keep us.”

“When following elder sister, you must change how you address her and call her mistress.” Li Minde suddenly said, dark ink color churning in his eyes with faintly sharp light.

“Yes, we beg our mistress to take us in.” The two spoke in unison.

Li Weiyang, seeing the situation and reading Li Minde’s insistence, couldn’t help but sigh: “Fine, if you two want to stay, then stay.”

Li Minde waved his hand, having the two withdraw.

“That gray-clothed man—actually he’s my biological father’s subordinate, called Jiang Lei.” Li Minde suddenly said.

Li Weiyang was startled, then smiled: “I thought you didn’t plan to tell me.”

“If not for me, you wouldn’t have been attacked. Yet I’m still hiding things from you. I’m sorry.” Li Minde spoke softly, clearly very self-reproachful.

He was exceptionally handsome. Though still young, his skin was transparently white as jade, his features open and clear. His body seemed to contain the radiance of sun and moon, as if born into this mortal world to illuminate the dark and turbid world. No one could bear to reproach such a youth. So Li Weiyang gently touched his head: “It’s nothing. I’m living well, aren’t I?”

“Jiang Lei said if I wanted you safe, I should stay far away from you—” Li Minde’s blood suddenly rushed up as he blurted this out.

Li Weiyang’s eyebrows lifted slightly, her eyes containing soft light. She couldn’t help reaching out to touch his head again. Li Minde’s eyes brightened, but moments later, thinking of something, his head tilted aside. Li Weiyang’s hand missed and fell.

He stole an embarrassed glance at her: “I, I, I’m already an adult!”

Li Weiyang laughed. In her eyes, he was still a child, yet he clamored that he’d already grown up.

Li Minde’s fair complexion looked like rouge had been applied.

Li Weiyang wanted to laugh but said seriously: “Yes, Minde is already an adult, so you can protect yourself well and also protect me. Isn’t that right?”

Li Minde was startled, then realized something. His gaze immediately darkened. Li Weiyang didn’t press him, waiting until he thought it through himself. He raised his head, eyes bright and shining as he looked at her: “Yes!”