Tuoba Zhen smiled and said, “I happened to be passing through here and stopped by to pay respects to Buddha.”
Li Weiyang’s lips curved slightly upward, her expression neither quite a smile nor not: “Oh? Does the Third Prince also believe in Buddha?”
Tuoba Zhen found her question strange and couldn’t help saying, “Why wouldn’t I believe?”
Li Weiyang smiled as she gazed toward the bodhisattva statue inside the hall, but her lips gradually formed into a cold smile. She didn’t give him a clear answer.
Tuoba Zhen felt annoyed inside, though his face showed nothing. He smiled and asked Tuoba Yu beside him, “County Princess, do you understand what she means?”
Tuoba Yu was actually quite puzzled too. For some reason, he always felt that Li Weiyang harbored some hostility toward Tuoba Zhen—perhaps that was the real reason she was helping him. But one was the Third Prince of the imperial family, and the other was a young lady from the Prime Minister’s residence. What grudge could there be between them? This made no sense at all.
Li Weiyang told herself that in this lifetime, she absolutely could not allow Tuoba Zhen to manipulate her. Everything else could go as it may, but every time she saw this man, a surge of resentment still rushed to her heart unbidden. She didn’t take the initiative to provoke him, yet he still acted so superior, condescendingly saying he could help her reach high positions. How ridiculous! Hadn’t she fallen hard enough in her previous life? How could she repeat the same mistakes? Thinking this, she turned her head and said, “My family must be looking everywhere for me. I need to return early. You two please do as you wish.” With that, she gave a light curtsy and left with Bai Zhi and Zhao Yue.
Tuoba Zhen wanted to stop her, but Tuoba Yu stepped in front of him first.
A cold glint flashed in Tuoba Zhen’s eyes as he said slowly, “What is the meaning of this, Seventh Brother?”
Tuoba Yu smiled, “Can’t Third Brother see that the County Princess doesn’t want to talk to you?”
Tuoba Zhen sneered, “When did you become her flower-protecting knight?”
Tuoba Yu didn’t refute at all: “A fair maiden is a gentleman’s good match—hasn’t Third Brother heard this saying?”
Tuoba Zhen laughed, then a strange light appeared in his eyes: “Seventh Brother, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Though Li Weiyang has obtained the title of County Princess, it’s only good in name. She actually has no fief and no backing. If you want to marry her, I’m afraid Imperial Consort De will be the first to disagree.”
Tuoba Yu paid no attention to what he said, his expression not changing in the slightest: “That’s none of your concern. I’ve heard that Third Brother intends to seek marriage with the Prime Minister’s eldest daughter, but from the looks of it now, Madam Li wants more and more, and probably thinks you’re not good enough, Third Brother. You have time—you’d better think about what to do about that.”
The two exchanged barbs, clearly at odds with each other. The young monk listening beside them couldn’t help but break into a sweat. He didn’t understand what had gotten into these two imperial princes, why they were suddenly fighting like this. Could it be over that fresh-faced young lady just now?! How strange—what great charm could she possibly have…
Tuoba Yu smiled briefly, then turned and walked away quickly.
The young monk smiled and said, “Third Prince, Madam Li’s meditation chamber is just ahead. Please follow this poor monk.”
Tuoba Zhen snorted coldly and said, “Tell Madam Li for me that I have urgent business to attend to and must take my leave.” With that, he also strode quickly toward the mountain gate.
The young monk stood there completely dumbfounded. They came and stayed less than an hour before leaving—what was that all about?
When Li Weiyang returned to her wing room, Mo Zhu had already brought people to tidy everything up. By now it was already evening, and a designated maid brought over the vegetarian meal. Li Weiyang ate a few bites, then hastily put down her chopsticks and ordered Zhao Yue to come in.
Zhao Yue entered the room, still appearing somewhat anxious and uneasy.
Li Weiyang didn’t say anything else, but asked directly, “Where is your brother?”
Zhao Yue was startled, then answered, “My brother is hidden among the ordinary Li residence guards, secretly protecting you, Master.”
Li Weiyang smiled, “You should both return tonight. Tell Min De that I don’t need someone like you by my side.”
Zhao Yue’s face went deathly pale with fright. She fell to her knees with a thud, saying in a trembling voice, “Master, this servant doesn’t know what she did wrong to anger you, but please don’t send this servant away.”
Li Weiyang shook her head and said, “I didn’t order you to act, yet you acted. This can only mean two things: first, you don’t understand the rules and don’t know your limits; second, you haven’t truly accepted me as your master in your heart. I don’t need someone like that by my side. Go back to Min De.”
Go back to him? He had already said that if they couldn’t take good care of Li Weiyang, he would send them both back, and then how could General Benlei spare them? It would definitely be ten thousand times worse than now! Zhao Yue quickly said, “This servant knows she was wrong. She just didn’t understand the rules before. From now on, whatever you say, Master, this servant will do! If you don’t tell this servant to act, this servant absolutely won’t make a move! Please don’t send this servant away, Master, otherwise this servant and her brother will definitely end up on the streets!”
Li Weiyang said coolly, “You’ve been playing this game for so long—are you still continuing? What ‘ending up on the streets’—are you trying to fool ghosts with that talk? Tuoba Yu has been guided by famous masters and is a martial arts prodigy, one in ten thousand. A young woman supposedly wandering the streets could actually last fifty moves against him? That’s what you can do, so your older brother’s martial arts must be even higher than yours. Why don’t you tell the truth!”
The weight behind these seemingly light words was something only Zhao Yue understood. She kowtowed repeatedly, saying, “Master, this servant will tell the truth. This servant was entrusted by someone to come look after Third Young Master. But this servant cannot say who that person is, or her life will be in danger. Ten people came on this journey in total. Third Young Master specifically selected us two to send to protect you, Master. This servant absolutely doesn’t dare slack off in the slightest.”
Previously, Zhao Yue had looked down on Li Weiyang a bit, thinking she was just a sheltered daughter who never left the house. Now it seemed that she herself was the fool for underestimating her opponent. Her identity had been exposed long ago, yet she was still feeling smug about it. Actually, Zhao Yue wasn’t lying—she had grown up in the military and received professional training, specializing in rapid sword attacks. When she detected Tuoba Yu today, hiding his presence while standing quietly to the side, she initiated the attack—it was just a conditioned reflex.
Li Weiyang knew this, which was why she didn’t truly blame her: “You may go.”
Zhao Yue didn’t understand her meaning. Seeing her dismiss someone, she became even more frightened, so she gritted her teeth and pleaded again, “Master, if you really don’t like this servant, please keep my older brother! He didn’t do anything wrong!” If she were sent away, she would be seen as a traitor and would definitely face death. She didn’t plead for herself, but was determined to save her brother: “His martial arts are even better than mine. He will definitely be able to help you in the future!”
“Who said I’m sending you away?” Li Weiyang sneered.
“Please spare my brother! As for this servant…” Zhao Yue stiffened her neck and said loudly, “Master, just kill this servant!”
“Enough!” Li Weiyang interrupted her, picking up her teacup with a smile. Her eyes were misty like the mists and rain of Jiangnan, both gentle and indifferent flowing within them. “Let’s do this—we’ll establish a rule. For each day you stay with me, you must follow my rules for that day and act according to my orders in all things. If one day your former master summons you back, or you have other ideas, feel free to come tell me directly, and I’ll let you siblings leave.”
Zhao Yue was stunned, then couldn’t quite believe it. Was this letting them go?
Bai Zhi smiled, “Aren’t you going to thank the Master?”
Zhao Yue quickly kowtowed, her face full of gratitude: “Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!” After that, Bai Zhi led her out.
By now, the sky had gradually darkened. Mo Zhu brought in a lamp and lit the candle. Li Weiyang then dismissed the other maids, keeping only Mo Zhu.
Li Weiyang asked, “What are the others doing?”
Mo Zhu replied, “Reporting to Miss, the Madam is still in her meditation chamber. The young ladies are having their meal. Fourth Concubine is copying Buddhist scriptures. Ninth Concubine said she has a headache and has already retired.”
Li Weiyang nodded and said, “What about Qiu Ju’s side?”
Mo Zhu said in a low voice, “Qiu Ju just sent word that late last night, Ninth Concubine changed into a maid’s clothes and secretly went to the Madam’s courtyard. We don’t know what was said, but it was a full hour before she came out, and Qiu Ju saw her. Miss, is this information reliable? This servant thinks Qiu Ju may not be truly helping us. You’ve spent so much money before, Miss, but she hasn’t sent over a single useful piece of information!”
Li Weiyang smiled, “Raise soldiers for a thousand days to use them for one moment. One useful piece of information is enough.”
No matter how Mo Zhu thought about it, she couldn’t figure out what the Miss meant. After thinking for a long time, her face showed even more confusion.
Li Weiyang said, “Tell Zhao Yue to be especially alert tonight. Have her guard the corridor and watch for anything that might happen.”
Mo Zhu agreed and went out. Li Weiyang looked coldly at the swaying tree shadows outside the window and fell into silence.
In the middle of the night, a woman’s scream suddenly rang out.
Outside in the courtyard, chaos had already erupted. At first, only a side room on the south side caught fire, but somehow the flames spread very quickly, and in a short time the entire courtyard was ablaze. Li Weiyang rose abruptly and rushed inside urgently. However, the bed curtains and wardrobe were already burning. Her sleeve merely scraped the window and caught fire. Li Weiyang rolled on the ground and barely extinguished the sparks on her sleeve. Originally she could have escaped smoothly, but then a crossbeam fell down, blocking the only way out. Just then, Zhao Yue came flying into the room…
Outside there was crying and wailing as everyone ran about directing people to fight the fire. Unfortunately, the wind was strong and the fire fierce—water turned to steam. The flames shot out more than ten feet, catching and igniting whatever they touched. At first people were still shouting about fighting the fire, but seeing this situation, no one dared approach. They could only watch as a row of buildings transformed into a giant fire dragon, dancing wildly and spinning with the wind, quickly connecting into a sea of flames. Flames more than ten feet long licked at nearby eaves, which then began burning too. The roof tiles exploded violently, and broken tiles flew everywhere like a hailstorm, instantly injuring more than a dozen maids. Explosions and screams filled the air as people crawled and scrambled away from the fire, no longer daring to go near.
Li Changle supported the Madam, both their faces looking unwell. The Madam had a burn mark on her wrist. Fourth Concubine frantically found her two daughters. Li Changxi’s face was completely black, Li Changxiao’s body covered in filth, both their faces deathly pale. Ninth Concubine stood dazed in the courtyard, as if unable to believe the scene before her eyes. Maids and matrons shouted desperately, stumbling as they ran out. Matron Lin sternly rebuked them: “What are you running for! Check if all the valuables have been brought out!”
Bai Zhi had originally gone outside to fetch water in case Li Weiyang was thirsty at night. When she returned, she saw a scene of fire. The flames had already spread from the side room to the wing rooms, growing fiercer and fiercer, the firelight illuminating the sky. The teapot in her hands shattered on the ground. Disbelieving, she rushed forward and grabbed Mo Zhu, who was standing in the courtyard, shaking her violently: “Where is Miss? Where is Miss?”
Mo Zhu looked at Bai Zhi in panic, completely frozen. She wasn’t on night duty today and had been preparing to rest in the side room when she discovered the fire. She had rushed out urgently with everyone else. With so many people, only now did she realize that Li Weiyang wasn’t here at all!
“The wing room where Miss is staying!” Mo Zhu cried out in alarm.
Bai Zhi screamed, “Miss is still inside…” She pushed Mo Zhu aside and ran toward the fire.
Mo Zhu looked—the fire was so fierce, the entire wing room was engulfed in flames. She grabbed Bai Zhi: “Are you crazy? Running in there now!”
“But Miss is inside!” Bai Zhi clutched Mo Zhu’s sleeve.
Mo Zhu’s face had gone completely white with fear too. She actually turned to the Madam in panic and pleaded, “Madam, Third Miss is still in the wing room! Please quickly send people to save her!”
A barely perceptible smile flickered across the Madam’s face, but in front of everyone, she showed urgent concern: “You there, hurry and go save Miss!”
Whether it was the monks who had come to fight the fire or the maids and matrons, they all looked at each other.
With a fire this big, if they rushed in now, there would only be death.
Bai Zhi bit her lip and twisted around to rush into the flames. Someone beside her grabbed her: “Don’t go in! Can’t you see the building is about to collapse?”
Everyone quieted down, looking toward the fire scene as if by prior agreement. The maids stared at the raging flames, each one frightened pale. They couldn’t cry or scream anymore, just stared at those flames.
In Li Changle’s eyes, flames danced—an indescribable kind of smile that made her devastatingly beautiful face appear extremely eerie, carrying a hint of demonic aura.
The flames burned fiercer and fiercer. With a crackling crash, the roof collapsed, flames shooting up into the sky. Countless flying sparks scattered like fireworks. Under the firelight, Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu’s faces showed extreme shock, deathly pale.
Li Changle could barely control her elated feelings. From now on, she would never have to see Li Weiyang’s extremely detestable face again, never have to suffer anger from that wretch again!
Suddenly, from those flames, Zhao Yue emerged, her entire body on fire, carrying Li Weiyang on her back as she ran out frantically.
Everyone was startled. A maid shouted loudly, “Third Miss! Third Miss is out!”
Saving one life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. The monks who had come to fight the fire rushed forward, taking buckets and pouring water on Zhao Yue. Zhao Yue fell to the ground rolling. Soon the flames on her body were extinguished. Her hair and clothes were smoking, her face covered in black ash, lying on the ground gasping continuously. Li Weiyang hadn’t suffered much injury. She checked Zhao Yue’s body and, finding only minor scrapes with no wounds, finally felt relieved.
Just then, the Madam came forward with an urgent expression on her face: “Weiyang, are you all right? Your mother was so worried!”
Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu both forgot themselves and rushed forward, surrounding Li Weiyang, crying and laughing.
Li Weiyang looked at the Madam’s hypocritical face, sneering inwardly, though her expression remained unchanged as she said, “I made Mother worry. Your daughter is safe and sound.”
Li Changle looked at this scene with disappointment, then lowered her head and glared fiercely at Zhao Yue. It was all this unfamiliar maid meddling. If not for her, Li Weiyang would already be buried in the sea of flames.
The Madam’s face showed no disappointment, just as usual, appearing very kind: “As long as you’re fine. Otherwise I truly wouldn’t know how to face the Old Madam.”
The fire was still burning. Li Weiyang turned to look at the blazing flames and fell into silence for a moment.
If it were truly an accidental fire causing her death, then whether it was the Old Madam or Li Xiaoran, there would be nothing to say. After all, everyone had seen that the Madam had ordered everyone to desperately fight the fire, and all the others had escaped—only she was unlucky enough to be burned to death. Who could be blamed? She couldn’t help wondering—had she been wrong to focus her attention on Ninth Concubine? Was the Madam’s real objective to burn her to death? Was it only that?
Li Weiyang’s gaze gradually fell on Ninth Concubine.
Ninth Concubine was staring in this direction with a dazed expression. Suddenly seeing Li Weiyang’s ice-cold stare, she involuntarily lowered her head.
Something wasn’t right. There must be something else she had overlooked! Li Weiyang kept thinking through the entire matter in her mind, her gaze sweeping over each person’s face. The Madam appeared calm. Li Changle looked disappointed. Fourth Concubine was busy bandaging Li Changxi’s burned arm. Through the half-bandaged wound, one could see the scorched black and blood-red flesh on her forearm. Li Changxiao watched worriedly from the side. Ninth Concubine didn’t dare meet her eyes—all of this must be connected somehow! The entire world seemed to be spinning, everyone seeming suspicious!
Just then, the abbot hurried over. Though the fire had gradually been extinguished, this courtyard was already more than half destroyed, with the acrid smell of burning everywhere, blackened beams, and traces of water, looking utterly wretched.
The abbot, both anxious and angry, shouted behind him, “How did a fire break out for no reason?”
A steward monk hurried over and said, “Abbot, because this courtyard housed female family members, we couldn’t very well enter. We really don’t know how it caught fire. It might have been when the maids were using fire starters and weren’t careful, or perhaps the incense and candles in the side room tipped over—”
Li Weiyang gave Zhao Yue a meaningful look. Zhao Yue immediately understood and, while everyone was busy and distracted and not paying attention to her, quietly went behind the fire scene. After a short while, Zhao Yue returned and said quietly, “Master, your wing room burned most fiercely because someone had buried fire oil behind the door.”
Li Weiyang’s expression changed several times as she said, “Say it out loud!”
Zhao Yue said, “Reporting to Master, this was deliberate arson. This servant found fire oil behind the building!”
The Madam was startled and looked sharply at Zhao Yue, then said, “What is this about? Could it be that we somehow offended someone who would take such revenge? Fortunately no one was injured, otherwise this trip meant for offering incense would have cost us our very lives!”
The abbot apologized repeatedly. But now the fire had already destroyed all evidence—there was no way to investigate. He said, “I will report this matter to the Capital Magistrate first thing tomorrow morning and have him investigate thoroughly.”
The Madam nodded, her face serene as she glanced at Li Weiyang.
Li Weiyang’s lips formed a cold smile, one that also came from deep within her heart.
Matron Lin quickly asked, “The rooms are all burned. What shall we do tonight?”
The abbot pondered for a moment and said, “There’s still a small courtyard in the back, though the space is cramped. I’m afraid it will be uncomfortable for the ladies and young misses.”
The Madam shook her head and said, “This was an unexpected disaster that no one wanted. If it weren’t already late at night, we would go down the mountain right away. Now that we can have a place to stay is already very good. However, quite a few maids were injured. Please have the abbot find a physician quickly.”
“Our temple has a physician. We’ve already sent someone to fetch him. Please rest assured, Madam Li.” The abbot pressed his palms together and glanced at the burned courtyard with a sigh.
However, when reassigning the lodgings, a big problem arose.
“What? Now we have to share rooms?” Li Changxi was shocked.
“Yes. Now the Madam and eldest Miss will share one room, Fourth Concubine and Ninth Concubine will share one, and Fifth Miss, Fourth Miss, and Third Miss will unfortunately have to share a room.” Matron Lin said with an apologetic smile.
“How can this work? I absolutely won’t share a room with her! Absolutely not!” Li Changxi completely forgot about her injury and flew into a rage.
Matron Lin seemed to have anticipated this reaction and persuaded, “Fifth Miss, desperate times call for desperate measures. There’s really no other way. The Madam is already exhausted enough. Don’t add to her troubles.”
Li Changxi naturally didn’t want to make a big fuss, but she absolutely refused to stay in the same room as Li Weiyang.
Moreover, the room was already very small—fitting two people was barely manageable. How could it accommodate three?!
Li Weiyang watched coldly, as if this matter had nothing to do with her.
Fourth Concubine quietly tried to persuade Li Changxi, but she absolutely wouldn’t listen. Li Changxiao looked at Li Weiyang apologetically.
Could they really leave Third Miss with no place to stay? Matron Lin’s face appeared very troubled: “Fourth Concubine, what do you think?”
What solution could there be now? When this girl Changxi went crazy, she wouldn’t even listen to her own mother.
The situation became deadlocked.
At this moment, Ninth Concubine, who had been silent all along, said, “If that’s the case, could Fourth Concubine go stay with the two young misses, and trouble Third Miss to stay in my room?”
“This—” Matron Lin looked toward Li Weiyang.
Bai Zhi blurted out, “What kind of arrangement is this! How can a young miss be made to squeeze into a room with a concubine!”
“Miss Bai Zhi, it wouldn’t be proper to have the concubines squeeze in with the Madam either,” Matron Lin reminded her.
Bai Zhi was stunned and found herself at a loss for words. The Madam and her daughter couldn’t be separated. Li Changxiao and her sister couldn’t be separated, yet they were unwilling to stay with Li Weiyang. Given the current situation, it seemed the only option was to have Li Weiyang go squeeze into a room with Ninth Concubine.
Ninth Concubine smiled and said, “It’s really nothing. I know my position. I’ll just sleep on the side couch and absolutely won’t disturb Miss.”
With things said to this point, if Li Weiyang still didn’t agree, she would seem very unreasonable.
Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu both felt indignant. Bai Zhi wanted to say something more, but Li Weiyang said, “Since that’s how it is, let’s settle it. It’s getting late. Everyone should rest.”
Compared to the previous room, this one was obviously much smaller and more modest. But given the current situation, having such a place to stay was already quite fortunate. Bai Zhi reluctantly tidied up a sleeping space for Li Weiyang, then turned to Ninth Concubine coldly and said, “Where will you sleep tonight, Concubine?”
With Ninth Concubine’s status, there was no way it would be proper to sleep in the same bed as a young miss, so she said very tactfully, “On that couch outside.” After that, she had Qiu Ju tidy it up a bit.
Li Weiyang sat on the edge of the bed, gently wiping the black ash from her face. Now moonlight like water poured down from the window. Her hair was extremely long and now completely let down—under the pure white moonlight it resembled a bolt of finest black satin. While wiping her face, she felt a gaze fall upon her. Looking back, she found Ninth Concubine staring at her and couldn’t help frowning.
Ninth Concubine looked at Li Weiyang. Perhaps because she had just been frightened, Li Weiyang’s complexion was somewhat pale. Under the bright candlelight flickering with red glow, her skin appeared even more translucent, like an orchid quietly releasing its fragrance under the moonlight. She couldn’t help thinking that while others usually only noticed the devastatingly beautiful eldest Miss, they didn’t realize that this Third Miss’s beauty also had its own special flavor.
Li Weiyang glanced at Ninth Concubine and instructed Bai Zhi, “When we came, there was still a clean quilt on the carriage. Bring it over to replace the one for Ninth Concubine.”
Ninth Concubine was startled and seemed somewhat embarrassed, quickly refusing: “That’s not necessary.”
Li Weiyang’s tone was light, but her words gentle: “Though it’s already spring, the mountain wind is strong at night. Concubine, please don’t decline.”
After the maids had arranged everything and all withdrawn, Ninth Concubine said softly, “Third Miss, you are a good person.”
Li Weiyang smiled but said nothing, lying down on the bed with her clothes on.
Ninth Concubine looked at her, walked to the table, and used her fingernail to gently adjust the candle wick. Imperceptibly, the candle began emitting a faint, very hard to detect fragrance.
Li Weiyang suddenly smiled: “Ninth Concubine, the necklace around your neck is truly beautiful.”
Ninth Concubine seemed startled and quickly turned around, but saw nothing unusual on Li Weiyang’s face. She couldn’t help suppressing her inner anxiety and said, “This is a seven-treasure chain made of pure gold. The master gave it to me.”
Li Weiyang nodded, as if casually saying, “This chain is worth a hundred taels of gold, perhaps even more. Father truly dotes on you.”
Ninth Concubine’s heart trembled: “Is it really so valuable?”
Li Weiyang smiled and nodded. This necklace pendant was made of pure gold lotus flowers inlaid with fire cat’s eye gemstones—naturally it was valuable. Not only that, the pure gold phoenix hairpin on Ninth Concubine’s head also had a string of bright pearls hanging from it. The jewelry on her ears, wrists, and fingers were all inlaid with gemstones. Under the candlelight, her entire body sparkled with light—one could tell at a glance they were extremely valuable. At this moment, Ninth Concubine’s face was like congealed cream, her eyes misty and alluring, her cheeks rosy. Combined with the hazy, water-like lamplight, she seemed like a gorgeous reflection in water, dreamlike and enchanting, stirring one’s soul. However—her expression was truly quite anxious.
It seemed she wasn’t accustomed to doing such bad things.
Li Weiyang glanced at the candlelight, smiled slightly, and said, “Does Ninth Concubine know why my father dotes on you so much?”
Ninth Concubine’s heart jumped, and she unconsciously bit her lip.
Li Weiyang sighed and said, “Many years ago, when my father went out to visit relatives, he met a very beautiful young lady. He fell in love and made a lifelong pledge, promising to take her as an equal wife to share honor with the Madam. But… at that time Father wasn’t yet Prime Minister, and the Madam’s natal family was very powerful. The Madam firmly refused to let that woman enter the household, and actually used the principle of ‘marriage by betrothal makes a wife, elopement makes a concubine’ to treat her as an ordinary concubine. Later that woman became pregnant, and Father was extremely happy. But soon Father was sent away on official business. The Madam used the pretext of protecting the pregnancy to prevent that woman from going along. Who knew that on the day of childbirth, the woman’s former fiance’s family came to cause trouble, frightening her so badly that she had difficult labor and died. When Father returned, he was very sad, but after all, he had taken someone else’s betrothed first, so he had to suppress his feelings.”
Ninth Concubine was shocked, clearly not expecting this.
Li Weiyang smiled: “Later, whether it was Fourth Concubine, Sixth Concubine, or even my own mother, they all more or less resembled that woman. I heard that Father fell in love with Ninth Concubine at first sight. It seems you must greatly resemble that woman in his heart.”
Ninth Concubine thought of how Li Xiaoran often looked at her with a dazed expression, and couldn’t help looking at Li Weiyang in disbelief. But Li Weiyang paid no attention and continued, “On the surface, that woman died from being frightened during childbirth. In reality, that family was actually arranged by the Madam.”
“How could that be?” Ninth Concubine covered her mouth.
Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Why not? In this Li household, there’s Fourth Concubine, Sixth Concubine, and an unfavored Seventh Concubine. They can live peacefully either because they pose absolutely no threat to the Madam, or because they each have methods and backing. Why don’t you ask where First Concubine, Second Concubine, Third Concubine, and Eighth Concubine have gone? I might as well tell you—First Concubine was a dowry maid from the Madam’s entourage who did countless vicious things for her. But because her fate was poor and the physician said she was carrying a male child in her belly, she couldn’t live past three years either! Think about it—you merely have some weakness the Madam is holding over you. Once she’s finished using you, will she still keep you around?”
Ninth Concubine was shocked, her face extremely panicked: “I… I didn’t…”
Li Weiyang waved her hand. Suddenly a young woman dropped down from the rafters, her face cold as frost as she placed a long sword at Ninth Concubine’s neck. Ninth Concubine almost screamed aloud, but Zhao Yue coldly commanded, “Silence!”
Ninth Concubine stumbled back two steps and fell to the ground.
Li Weiyang walked over and gently pinched out the candle flame with her fingers.
“This candle is laced with enchantment incense, isn’t it? Did the Madam tell you to do something while I was sleeping, or did she come up with some other scheme?” Li Weiyang mused aloud.
Ninth Concubine looked at the gleaming sword before her, her face colorless with fear. She said rapidly, “Third Miss, spare my life! I had no choice! The Madam has something on me. I was really forced into this with no other option!”
Li Weiyang sighed and said, “So that day in the garden, when you deliberately begged me to let you go, that was also at the Madam’s instruction?”
Sweat immediately poured down Ninth Concubine’s face, but she couldn’t speak a word.
Li Weiyang looked at her. Zhao Yue’s sword immediately cut a small gash on her neck. Ninth Concubine’s face turned deathly pale with pain as she looked at Li Weiyang in terror.
Li Weiyang smiled very amiably: “You know I’m a good person. But if I become a bad person, I’m afraid you won’t be able to bear it, Concubine.”
Ninth Concubine’s expression changed several times, but finally she steeled herself: “Yes, everything was at the Madam’s instruction, including today’s fire. That was also arranged by the Madam. If you had been burned to death, everything would be over. If you were still alive, then she arranged for me to stay in a room with you. She gave me this—” She showed the powder under her fingernails, “This can make people fall into deep sleep. When the time comes, I’ll light this and make you unconscious. She’ll arrange for people to help me escape and let me go be with—”
“With your lover and fly away together.” Li Weiyang didn’t need her to finish before speaking.
Ninth Concubine looked at her in shock.
Li Weiyang laughed: “This isn’t the first time she’s done this sort of thing. Back then, Third Concubine had a childhood sweetheart cousin. The two had no improper relationship, but the Madam still falsely accused them of eloping together. In the end, she had her beaten to death directly, never giving her a chance to see Father and defend herself even once. Ninth Concubine, I dare say you won’t even make it down the mountain before being captured and sent straight to meet the King of Hell.”
Ninth Concubine was completely stunned: “How could this be?!”
Li Weiyang smiled: “The Madam’s methods never leave others a way out. Since she’s letting you go, and Father dotes on you so much—he absolutely can’t tolerate betrayal. He’ll try every means to capture you. Father is the current Prime Minister with countless students and old officials. How many local officials want to curry favor with him? With just one word from him, no matter how far you flee, you’ll be caught. What if you’re captured and brought back and expose the Madam? Wouldn’t she be in trouble? Do you think she would leave such a great danger?”
“No! It won’t be like that! The Madam clearly said—” Ninth Concubine still didn’t believe it.
“Zhao Yue, tell her the truth.” Li Weiyang sneered and was unwilling to say more.
“Yes!” Zhao Yue said, “I specifically had my brother pay attention to movements at the foot of the mountain. Just now my brother sent word that three groups of people are lying in ambush at the mountain’s base, quietly blocking three routes. They’re waiting to catch their prey.”
This time Ninth Concubine had to believe even if she didn’t want to. Her eyes widened, unable to cry or speak.
Zhao Yue, speaking to this point, suddenly said, “Miss, someone’s coming!”
Li Weiyang made a gesture for silence. Ninth Concubine looked toward the window with fear on her face.
The window was tapped three times—clearly a signal.
Zhao Yue’s sword lay across Ninth Concubine’s neck, preventing her from daring to move.
Just then, the window suddenly opened. Ninth Concubine was about to move when a young man jumped in. In his hands, he was carrying Matron Lin, bound tightly from head to toe. Matron Lin’s mouth had already been gagged. Zhao Nan grinned: “Master, this servant saw this person sneaking around outside tapping on the window, so I tied her up.”
Though the window tapping had clearly just happened moments ago, Bai Zhi was speechless at this speed—it was truly astonishing.
Li Weiyang smiled slightly and walked before Matron Lin, saying, “Matron Lin, visiting in the dead of night—what brings you here?”
Matron Lin, seeing Li Weiyang looking down at her with eyes bright enough to be unsettling, immediately showed a terrified expression.
“Who would have thought Matron Lin and Ninth Concubine had such a good relationship.” Li Weiyang’s lips curved slightly upward, then she said, “I was originally wondering—even if the Madam truly wanted to harm Ninth Concubine, couldn’t she have just let her leave during the fire earlier? Why deliberately arrange for her to stay in my room? Now I understand completely.”
Ninth Concubine’s shoulders trembled slightly, as if she were sobbing. But hearing Li Weiyang’s words, she immediately raised her head sharply, her expression frozen.
The next morning, there was suddenly urgent knocking at the door: “Third Miss, the Madam requests your presence. Please rise quickly, you and Ninth Concubine!”
Then came Mo Zhu’s voice: “Please ask the Madam to wait a moment. This servant will go fetch Miss and Concubine right away.”
Li Weiyang sat up. The sky wasn’t yet fully light, yet the Madam was sending someone to fetch them? She dressed and performed simple ablutions, when she suddenly heard the knocking outside become thunderously loud.
Li Weiyang frowned. Bai Zhi went to open the door: “Miss is still washing up!”
Another of the Madam’s trusted attendants, Matron Du, stood outside. Her eyes didn’t fall on Bai Zhi but looked past her head, sweeping inside the room several times, asking, “Where is Ninth Concubine? The Madam is asking why she hasn’t arrived yet!”
So impatient! Bai Zhi’s heart jumped sharply, though her face remained perfectly calm as she answered, “Ninth Concubine should have already risen.”
Matron Du’s volume increased: “Risen? The sky isn’t even fully light yet—where did she go?”
Bai Zhi said coolly, “This servant wouldn’t know. This servant isn’t responsible for watching Ninth Concubine.” With that, she turned to look for Qiu Ju, but Qiu Ju was also nowhere to be seen.
Matron Du sneered coldly, turned her head and shouted loudly, “Something’s wrong! Ninth Concubine has disappeared!”
This one shout startled everyone in the already small courtyard. The Madam, who had been drinking tea in her room, immediately strode out quickly, saying sternly, “What nonsense are you talking!”
Matron Du immediately rushed over and fell to her knees on the ground with a thud: “Madam, something terrible has happened! Ninth Concubine has disappeared!”
The Madam’s face changed at once. Her gaze immediately sharpened as she said loudly, “Where is the maid attending Ninth Concubine? Where is she?”
Matron Du acted very innocent: “This servant already looked but couldn’t find any trace!”
Just then, Li Weiyang finally emerged at her leisure. She was already tidied up, with even a faint smile on her face: “Mother, what matter is so urgent this early in the morning?”
“Never mind that—where is your Ninth Concubine? Wasn’t she in the same room with you last night?” The Madam appeared very concerned.
“As for your Ninth Concubine, Father has come up the mountain!” someone came to report from outside.
The Madam deliberately showed a shocked expression. Soon she saw Li Xiaoran enter the courtyard, dusty from the road. By now the other ladies and young misses in the courtyard had also risen. Seeing that Li Xiaoran had actually arrived, they were all too shocked to speak for a moment.
“Father, how did you come?” Li Changxi couldn’t help asking.
Li Xiaoran glanced at her, then said, “Your mother sent someone last night to report that the temple had a fire. Although she said no one was seriously injured, the Old Madam was very worried and had me come take a look.” As he spoke, his gaze swept over Li Changle, Li Weiyang, and the others: “Are you all all right?”
At this moment, Li Xiaoran still had several parts of genuine concern for his daughters—after all, the children here were all his own flesh and blood.
Li Changle didn’t dare approach to curry favor and act cute because of what happened last time. She could only smile and say, “Yes, Father, we’re all fine. But—Ninth Concubine disappeared first thing this morning!”
Li Xiaoran’s face showed a shocked expression: “What did you say?”