Matron Du quickly said, “Ninth Concubine squeezed into the same room with Third Miss last night, but who knew she’d disappear first thing this morning!”

Li Xiaoran immediately looked toward Li Weiyang, as if to confirm this matter with her.

Li Weiyang nodded and said, “When I woke up this morning, I indeed didn’t see Ninth Concubine.”

Li Xiaoran couldn’t believe it: “Where could a living person have gone?”

The Madam, hearing this, glanced at everyone: “Did any of you see where Ninth Concubine went? Speak up!”

The maids looked at each other. Suddenly, one stepped forward from the crowd, pointing at Li Weiyang and saying, “Madam, this servant saw with her own eyes Ninth Concubine kneeling on the ground begging Third Miss, talking for a very long time. I vaguely heard something about letting her go!”

The Madam rebuked angrily, “What empty nonsense are you speaking! Are you saying that Ninth Concubine was let go by Third Miss?”

Li Weiyang sneered as she watched her perform, but said nothing.

That maid cowered and said, “At that time… this servant wasn’t the only one who saw it. Hong’er, Luluo, Mingxia… they all clearly saw it! If Madam doesn’t believe me, ask them!”

Matron Du said sternly, “You three, come out and explain clearly!”

The three maids whose names were called were clearly very passive. When they came out, they looked at Li Weiyang fearfully: “Master, this servant indeed saw Ninth Concubine kneeling on the ground begging Third Miss. But as for what was said, this servant doesn’t know!”

Li Changle seemed to have been waiting for this moment, angrily demanding of Li Weiyang, “Weiyang, what is the meaning of this? Why did you help Ninth Concubine escape?”

Li Xiaoran clearly felt this was impossible: “We haven’t searched everywhere yet. She may not have run away.”

The Madam sneered coldly and said, “Have them go search outside!”

With that, she had several people search around outside the courtyard. When they returned, they all said they’d even searched the Buddha hall but found nothing.

Li Weiyang lowered her eyelids, a cold smile floating to her lips. Wasn’t this just a trap? Including when Ninth Concubine tearfully begged her for help before, including the arrangement last night for her to sleep in her room—everything had been arranged perfectly.

Li Changle said coldly, “Third Sister, what else do you have to explain!”

Li Weiyang said coolly, “The Li household provides fine food and clothing. Why would Ninth Concubine run away?”

Li Xiaoran frowned and fell into silence for a moment. Why would his beloved concubine desperately run away?

Li Changle showed a very surprised expression: “Could it be—” She acted as if suddenly understanding. “I remember last time when Mother invited a theater troupe to perform, a loose-lipped maid mentioned that when Ninth Concubine was in the theater troupe, she had a lover. Could it be—”

Ninth Concubine had eloped with someone! Everyone showed expressions of sudden realization.

On Li Xiaoran’s face remained only indescribable humiliation. As a man, having his beloved concubine run off with an actor was equivalent to saying that in Ninth Concubine’s heart, he wasn’t even as good as a lowly actor! In that instant, towering rage rose from his heart as he shouted sternly, “Weiyang, what exactly happened!” He was truly furious to the extreme—for what reason would Li Weiyang absolutely have to help Ninth Concubine!

Li Weiyang looked coolly at Li Xiaoran’s fury. She didn’t blame him and could even understand him. However, she also looked down on him—losing composure over a woman, or rather, over that shadow in his heart! It showed that no matter how smart a person was, at critical moments they would still make mistakes. The Madam truly understood her husband too well and had grasped things perfectly!

Li Changle said neither warmly nor coldly, “Third Sister, even if you resent Father for leaving you in the countryside all those years, you shouldn’t do such a thing. After all, since you returned, Father hasn’t treated you poorly. Doing this is truly repaying kindness with enmity!”

Li Weiyang suddenly smiled but said nothing, as if unwilling to defend herself.

Li Xiaoran’s eyes turned red with anger. The Madam quickly said, “Children don’t understand things. Master, don’t let it harm your health!”

Fourth Concubine, however, didn’t believe that the consistently clever Li Weiyang would sit idle and await her fate. She couldn’t help observing the expression on the other’s face carefully, finally seeing a trace of clues, and smiled too: “Master, I believe Third Miss wouldn’t do such a thing. You shouldn’t listen to one-sided words from the maids!”

Li Changle sneered, “This is already obvious. Fourth Concubine shouldn’t try to argue!”

Fourth Concubine snorted coldly, turned her face away, and said nothing more.

The Madam, afraid that delays would bring changes, quickly said, “Master, how should this matter be handled?” Privately releasing Father’s concubine was a grave offense of disobedience and unfilial conduct—at minimum, she should be driven from the Li residence. Yesterday’s fire didn’t burn her to death, but now they would leave her with no way out!

Li Xiaoran was about to speak when he saw a beautiful woman gracefully enter from outside the door, with a pretty maid beside her.

Everyone was stunned. Ninth Concubine’s face showed a shocked expression: “Master? How did you get here?”

The Madam looked as if she’d seen a ghost, completely frozen in place. Li Changle blurted out, “You—how are you here?”

Li Xiaoran strode down the steps, rushing over impatiently to grab Ninth Concubine’s arm: “Where did you go?”

Ninth Concubine’s face flushed slightly: “I only went to the privy. Because I was afraid of disturbing Third Miss in the room, I came outside.”

Li Xiaoran was stunned, then looked toward the Madam with an extremely strange expression.

Li Weiyang had remained silent all along. Only now did she sigh and say, “Father, now do you understand what ‘public opinion can melt metal, leaving one unable to defend oneself’ means?”

The several maids who had just said Ninth Concubine ran away all showed terrified expressions. If Ninth Concubine hadn’t run away, then those who said she had were guilty of false accusation—

Li Xiaoran’s gaze moved between the Madam, Li Changle, Matron Du, and the several maids who had just said Ninth Concubine and Li Weiyang conspired to escape, not saying a word for quite some time.

For the first time, the Madam’s face showed a panicked expression, but she quickly calmed herself.

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “Father, please come to my room. I have someone else to show you.”

In that instant, the Madam suddenly understood something. She unconsciously walked down a step and cried out in alarm, “Master!” After these two words, she seemed too weak to stand steady and tumbled down from the steps.

Matron Du quickly rushed up to support her, shouting to those around, “Hurry and take Madam to her room!”She understood the Madam’s meaning—they couldn’t let Li Weiyang say anything in public, or there would be no way to turn things around!

Li Changle rushed over frantically, turning her head and saying, “Father, come look at Mother!” Her tone carried pleading.

Li Xiaoran hesitated for a moment. Just then, Ninth Concubine suddenly stepped forward, her eyes brimming with tears as she said in a low voice, “Master, I have something to say!”

Li Xiaoran looked at those familiar beautiful eyes, his heart stirred. He nodded and strode quickly toward Li Weiyang’s room.

Entering the room, Li Weiyang instructed Zhao Yue to bring out Matron Lin, who had been bound behind the bed all night.

Li Xiaoran didn’t understand what had happened. Looking at Ninth Concubine, her tear-moistened eyes were especially clear now, like two deep but limpid lakes. But in these beautiful lakes, myriad grievances and reluctance suddenly surged. She suddenly knelt on the ground: “Please spare this one’s life, Master!”

Li Xiaoran was startled and asked in complete confusion, “What life? What’s wrong with you?”

Ninth Concubine prostrated on the ground, her voice trembling but resolute as she said, “This one begs Master to release me and let me live out the remainder of my life in peace and quiet!”

Li Xiaoran was even more shocked and confused, only saying, “What nonsense are you talking about? Everything’s fine, how could…” Suddenly understanding, he immediately became furious: “Did Madam make things difficult for you?”

Li Weiyang smiled, “Father, it’s not making things difficult—Mother wants to force Ninth Concubine to death.”

Li Xiaoran looked at her in shock and said, “What is this about?”

Li Weiyang said slowly, “Father, last night’s fire was deliberate arson, with the purpose being Ninth Concubine.” Actually, that fire was aimed solely at herself, but now she was dragging Ninth Concubine into it too. “Who knew Ninth Concubine’s life was fortunate and she didn’t die. The person behind it arranged a play, wanting to force Ninth Concubine to leave and then frame me for it. There’s also this Matron Lin, who came to monitor us but was discovered by my maid and tied up.”

“Force you to leave?” Li Xiaoran said angrily, “What does this mean? Explain clearly!”

“Master, I am a woman of lowly birth, as you know. I used to perform in a theater troupe, and inevitably some rumors spread. The Madam actually said I had an illicit relationship with a male actor, captured him and tortured him severely, and forced me to confess. Though I was born lowly, I’m still a chaste person. How could I confess? Having no choice, I could only plead desperately for Madam to spare my life. Madam then said she’d give me a chance—on this mountain trip to make offerings, I should be tactful and leave on my own… However, before leaving, I also had to help her with one thing, which was to frame Third Miss for it. I know that Third Miss and Madam have always had conflicts…”

Li Xiaoran’s face could no longer be described as merely shocked.

Ninth Concubine frantically grabbed his sleeve, saying grievously, “I occupied your favor, Master. Naturally Madam couldn’t tolerate me. Forcing me to leave is nothing, but I truly couldn’t bear to pin all the blame on the innocent Third Miss. She has a broad heart…”

At these words, Li Xiaoran’s face turned purple, almost shouting, “That vicious woman, to do such a thing!”

“Master, I’m so afraid! This time I refused to leave. The Madam won’t spare me!” Ninth Concubine desperately clutched his sleeve, crying out as if being torn apart.

Li Xiaoran was also stunned after hearing this.

Li Weiyang put on a sympathetic expression: “Father, why don’t you arrange a residence outside and have Ninth Concubine move out there?”

Hearing these words, Li Xiaoran’s face showed unprecedented grimness. He said to Ninth Concubine, “Don’t worry… So what if she’s the principal wife? Naturally I have ways to make her not dare say anything, not dare do anything!”

“But… thinking of how I’ve caused you such difficulty, Master, I feel there’s no reason to live in this world. If I left voluntarily, perhaps you wouldn’t have to be in such a difficult position…” Ninth Concubine’s voice had become as thin as gossamer, the feeling as if unless Li Xiaoran let her go, she would die of depression immediately. Actually, fearing that she would be dealt with by the Madam afterward and meet with misfortune was also an important reason.

Hearing the pitifulness in her tone, Li Xiaoran’s face showed a trace of pain: “All right, if you insist on leaving, I’ll arrange a residence outside.”

“Thank you, Master.” This meant keeping a mistress in a golden house. Ninth Concubine breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Weiyang smiled as she watched this scene, then saw Li Xiaoran stride forcefully out. Using the word “stride” was no exaggeration, because Li Weiyang had never seen her father walk so fast—practically flying.

Ninth Concubine said carefully, “Third Miss, did I do well?”

Li Weiyang’s smile was amiable: “Naturally. Ninth Concubine’s acting skills are getting better and better.”

Bai Zhi glanced at Matron Lin: “Miss, what should we do with this old thing?”

Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change: “Zhao Yue, throw her into the mountains to feed the wolves.”

Matron Lin was shocked and immediately tried to say something, but she had already been picked up by the expressionless Zhao Yue and carried out through the window.

Bai Zhi thought to herself—couldn’t this girl use the door? Martial artists were truly crude.

Li Xiaoran was full of murderous intent. Li Changle tried to go up and stop him but was kicked to the ground by him.

He went straight over and splashed a cup of cold tea in the Madam’s face, making her jerk upright from the couch. She stared at him blankly, the fire in her eyes extinguished by the tea water, showing confused incomprehension. Li Xiaoran lifted his front hem, stepped one foot on the couch, grabbed the Madam’s long hair, and shouted sternly, “Vicious woman, what have you done!”

The Madam instinctively convulsed, struggling to lift her chin. She felt as if her entire body was immersed in cold water now. She understood that Li Xiaoran knew everything: “Master, I don’t know anything!”

Li Xiaoran stared at her coldly, like a venomous snake staring at a frog.

The Madam convulsed again. She now no longer felt she was just immersed in cold water, but in ice water—and that water was rapidly freezing, as if it would completely freeze at any moment. In this bone-piercing cold, her tongue had become somewhat numb, making even speech difficult: “I truly don’t know what’s wrong with you, Master. I haven’t done anything!” By the last sentence, she had forgotten all dignity and was almost crying.

“From today forward, if Ninth Concubine suffers even the slightest harm, even if she takes a fall, you will pay the same price!” Li Xiaoran spat out these words like ice cubes.

The Madam was shocked. Since marrying into this family, she had never received such treatment. Her current feelings went beyond mere suffering—she tasted the despair of wanting to die.

Because she knew that Li Xiaoran always meant what he said!

Li Changle suddenly screamed, breaking the hall’s silence: “Father, how can you treat Mother this way!”

“Oh really?” Li Xiaoran turned around, looking gloomily at Li Changle. “How has she been treating others? Though Weiyang is a concubine-born daughter, she also carries my blood. She’s also your real younger sister. You mother and daughter have persecuted her time and again. I’ve already shown mercy by not punishing you, yet your hands reach too far—even trying to drive away Ninth Concubine. Do you want me to become completely alone? Or are you trying to force me to turn against you?!”

Li Changle had never seen such an expression on her father’s face. Her face filled with terror as she threw herself at Li Xiaoran’s feet: “Father, Mother and I are wholeheartedly thinking of you. It must be Third Sister who said something behind your back. She’s always been so jealous of me. Father, you mustn’t believe her!”

Li Xiaoran shook off her hand: “Your sister is jealous of you? Is Ninth Concubine also spouting nonsense? Changle, you’ve disappointed me greatly. How did you become like this! Very well, ahead is Cidu Nunnery. From today, you will reflect on your mistakes there. Until I say otherwise, don’t you dare come back!” With that, he walked out without looking back.

Walking into the courtyard, he saw Li Weiyang standing there silently. He couldn’t help walking to her side. He sighed and looked directly into her eyes, saying, “Weiyang, you are my daughter. From now on, if anyone bullies you, I will stand up for you.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and said, “Thank you, Father.”

After Li Xiaoran left, Li Changle suddenly rushed out from the room. Her gaze fixed tightly on Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows, smiling as she looked at Li Changle, waiting for her to lose her temper or composure.

Though her heart felt cold and her throat stiff, Li Changle still forced herself to speak, her voice actually carrying a trace of trembling: “Sister… I’ll presume on our sisterly relationship to speak with you again… stop causing trouble. No matter what, we’re real sisters. Even if you drive me away, you won’t feel good about it. If we keep fighting, we’ll only give others something to laugh at. One stroke can’t draw two ‘Li’ characters. You know how hard life is in that nunnery. Do you have the heart to watch me eat such meager meals three times a day?”

Li Weiyang didn’t answer, only stared at her fixedly, her eyes flashing with a strange light.

Li Changle despised Li Weiyang most, and also looked down on her most—not just because of her birth, but more importantly, whether in appearance or demeanor, the other clearly wasn’t superior to her in any way, yet she stole more limelight and had better luck. How could she tolerate such a girl climbing above her? Just seeing Li Weiyang made her feel unresolved anger. If yesterday’s fire had burned the other to death, she wouldn’t be in such an embarrassing position today. But thinking of Father’s anger, Li Changle felt a dry, cracking pain sweep across her throat. Still, she forced herself to continue: “Weiyang, you know yesterday’s fire was an accident. Mother also ordered people to go in and save you. And the matter with Ninth Concubine has nothing to do with me at all. Father is just venting his anger on me…”

Li Weiyang just looked at her calmly, her expression carrying a hint of an ambiguous smile.

Li Changle felt her heart turn ice-cold, heavy as if filled with lead. But she still struggled to move her nearly frozen throat, her voice trembling involuntarily: “All right, perhaps you still resent Mother and me in your heart. But we share the same blood after all. If you’re willing to plead with Father on my behalf, I can forget past grievances from now on and be good sisters with you. I can also have Mother let you attend various occasions more. You’re already thirteen. In a couple of years, you’ll need to be betrothed. You’ll need us then too, right? Go talk to Father now and say this was all a misunderstanding, that Ninth Concubine was driving a wedge between us sisters!”

Li Weiyang suddenly laughed aloud: “Elder Sister, you’re truly too shameless. I’ve never seen anyone so brazen.”

Li Changle shuddered as if touched by a spark, her face changing color instantly. She stared wide-eyed directly at her, a terrifying strange light flashing in her eyes as she said sternly, “Li Weiyang, I’m giving you a chance. As long as you’re willing to plead for me, I’ll let bygones be bygones from now on. If not—”

“If not, what will Elder Sister do? Set another fire to burn me to death?” Li Weiyang smiled, her eyes as calm as an ancient well carrying a trace of bone-deep coldness.

“You vicious wretch…” Li Changle couldn’t spit out a single word due to anxiety and alarm.

“I truly never imagined Elder Sister would come begging me. I originally thought that though you were ruthless and cruel, you at least still had some self-respect. But to stay here, you don’t even want your own face anymore. Elder Sister, I’ll tell you honestly—the decision to send you to reflect was made by Father. I’m powerless to change it. If you don’t want to go, go beg Father yourself. Don’t expect me to say anything for you. However, I advise you—he’s currently angry. You’d better go reflect properly. Otherwise, it might not be going to the nunnery to reflect, but being sent to become a nun directly!”

“You little wretch! I will never forgive you!” Li Changle screamed this hysterically, then turned and rushed out of the courtyard.

Bai Zhi had never seen the devastatingly beautiful eldest Miss in such a disheveled state. She said in amazement, “Heavens, so the eldest Miss is this kind of person.”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Even dogs will jump over walls when desperate. But this time, she has no way to jump out no matter what.”

Li Xiaoran did as he said. That very afternoon, he sent Li Changle to the nunnery. Publicly, he said she had fallen ill and was staying on the mountain to recuperate. This matter once caused a great stir in the capital. Because of the mountain trip, the Madam not only gained no benefits but also lost the eldest daughter she had barely managed to keep by her side, and she fell ill from anger. This illness lasted three months.

At the second watch of night, the maid Yinxing walked through the corridor carrying medicine in her hands. Because the Madam had fallen ill from anger, the physician specifically prescribed medicine to calm her mind and nourish her health. She had to take it every two hours, tormenting the attending maids who couldn’t sleep even in the middle of the night.

Just then, Yinxing suddenly stopped. She looked warily around her.

“Wu wu wu… wu wu wu…”

A mournful crying sound echoed lowly all around. The sound was so desolate and angry, as if the crying person carried grievances impossible to voice.

Yinxing was startled, looking fearfully toward the bushes. Suddenly, she saw the bushes begin to stir, then several clusters of green ghostly fire floated up. They circled up and down, swaying and drifting toward the corridor.

The ghostly fire circled around Yinxing. Terrified, she dropped the medicine bowl heavily to the ground, then screamed like a pig being slaughtered: “Something terrible! Ghosts! There are ghosts!” Then she ran rapidly backward, stumbling and crawling until she disappeared at the end of the corridor.

From that day on, the Madam’s courtyard began to be haunted. Every night, countless ghostly fires would emerge from who-knew-where, tumbling and spinning, never afraid even when encountering people. This matter spread like wildfire. Many people whispered in secret that Third Madam’s sudden death must be related to the Madam—this was Third Madam’s spirit coming for the Madam. With such rumors, they spread more and more viciously. Maids and matrons discussed it incessantly. Some even said they saw with their own eyes the ghostly fire transform into human form, looking exactly like Third Madam.

When the Madam heard of this matter, she was naturally furious, because it seriously affected her reputation. She felt someone was deliberately spreading rumors to ruin her good name, so she forced herself to rise, personally dressed and groomed herself, and demanded all the maids and matrons stand in the garden. She swore to let them see with their own eyes whether there really were any ghosts!

Waiting until midnight, nothing unusual happened. The Madam sneered coldly and said, “Hmph, this is all rumors. You’ve all seen it with your own eyes now!”

The maids and matrons all looked at each other. No one dared say half a word otherwise, though more than half of them had already seen that ghost.

The Madam’s words had barely fallen when she suddenly heard Matron Du cry out, “Ah! A ghost!”

The Madam drew in a sharp breath of cold air, hastily turning to look. Sure enough, she saw two clusters of ghostly fire floating in the distance, actually outside her courtyard? “Quick, go look! Go right now!” In her panic, the Madam didn’t forget to command loudly.

Naturally, a bold matron carrying a lantern walked over. But when she rushed to where the Madam said the ghostly fire was, there was only a patch of dead grass—no shadow of any ghost.

The Madam suddenly heard screams in the distance. She looked up and saw more ghostly fire circling near the corridor. She immediately called out, “Over there! Over there!”

Everyone rushed over, but when they arrived, there was nothing again. Just as they were confused and puzzled, the Madam saw ghostly fire elsewhere again.

The Madam had originally thought it was just rumors, but who knew she’d actually see it tonight. She was already ill, so seeing this scene frightened her into a cold sweat as she cried out in alarm, “Quick, go back! Back to the room!”

The maids and matrons quickly clustered around her as they returned. The Madam ordered everyone to light all the candles and sat upright in the hall, muttering curses: “Don’t come looking for me. I’m not afraid of you. I’m not afraid of you!” As she spoke, her eyes watched all around warily.

In the room were more than ten maids, but they were as afraid as the Madam. The room became utterly silent—except for the crackling sound of the candle flames, nothing else could be heard.

The Madam had never been so terrified. She desperately pricked up her ears, nervously listening to sounds inside and outside the room. At the slightest unusual noise, she would be startled and alarmed—thinking of Third Madam’s death, the Madam involuntarily shivered. She had deliberately orchestrated Third Madam’s death, but she never imagined that woman would turn into a ghost after death and come looking for her! Over these years, countless people had died by her hands, yet none had made her this afraid. This might be because Third Madam was her mortal enemy. No, there was another possibility—could it be that her time had come, so Third Madam was coming to claim her life! The Madam became increasingly afraid and terrified. Just then, a blue light suddenly flashed outside the window. She seemed to see a cluster of ghostly fire drift past. While her guilty conscience was acting up, suddenly seeing such a terrifying scene, all the blood in her body immediately froze—the Madam screamed and rushed over frantically, as if possessed, shrieking, “I’m not afraid of you! I’m not afraid of you! Get away! Get away quickly!”

A strange wind blew through the door crack, making the hem of her clothes ripple like water waves. Seeing the Madam become crazed and demented, the maids suspected she had been possessed by a ghost spirit. They all stood frozen in place, not daring to move.

The Madam lunged toward the window. Just then, a cluster of blue-green flames slid past below the window, and beneath the flames, a fierce face was faintly visible.

“Ah!” The Madam screamed miserably, swaying as she was about to fall. She felt a tremendous force explode inside her body, as if instantly hollowing her out completely.

“Madam!” Matron Du rushed up and supported the Madam.

The ghostly shadow outside the window flashed past briefly, already becoming completely empty.

**Lixue Hall**

“Min De’s calligraphy has already surpassed mine.” Li Weiyang said with a smile, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned and still carrying a smile, like a spring breeze brushing across one’s face in the third month.

Li Min De clearly didn’t care, smiling and saying, “Does Third Sister like calligraphy? If you like it, I can ask a teacher—”

Recently, more and more people had been appearing around Li Min De. Without asking, Li Weiyang knew his identity must be very special to be able to mobilize countless people who shouldn’t appear in Dali. But since he didn’t say, she had never mentioned it either. However, there was one matter now that she very much wanted to know. Putting down the rice paper in her hands, she said softly, “In the Madam’s courtyard…”

Li Min De was slightly stunned, then said nonchalantly, “Oh, Third Sister is talking about news of Uncle’s wife’s serious illness.”

Li Weiyang looked at him. At some point, whenever she wasn’t paying attention, Li Min De’s eyes would become extremely cold, like thousand-year-old ice at the bottom of a frozen pool. His slightly reserved and upturned eye corners carried a terrible indifference. His face had shed the androgynous beauty of adolescence and now his appearance was increasingly cold and striking.

The sunlight faced him directly. He half-closed his eyes and slightly raised his lashes to look at her. From this angle, his appearance was particularly outstanding, making those watching him up close almost lose their souls.

“Third Sister, why are you looking at me like this?”

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “I just feel this matter is related to you.”

A flash of murderous intent passed through Li Min De’s eyes, quickly transforming into an innocent expression: “Third Sister, I’m a person without support or backing. Could I have such power to intimidate the Madam?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly and said gently, “Stop pretending. I can guess it.”

Li Min De smiled without answering.

Seeing he was unwilling to discuss it in detail, Li Weiyang didn’t force him. In any case, she had obtained the answer she wanted, so she didn’t pursue it further. She smiled, then turned and left.

Once Li Weiyang left, Li Min De immediately said to those behind him, “How were things handled? Why did she discover it?”

The person behind him knelt down in trepidation: “Young Master, this matter was very secretive. The County Princess couldn’t have discovered it.”

“Third Sister is an extremely intelligent person.” When speaking of Li Weiyang, Li Min De’s expression was gentle and focused. But when he turned his face, his words were filled with murderous intent. “Pass down the order to temporarily stop that matter.”

“But…”

Li Min De tilted his head slightly, looking at him with grim eyes, saying softly, “Is there a problem?”

Meeting those eyes that held hidden murderous intent, that person lowered his head fearfully.

Since Third Madam’s death, Li Min De had completely changed. Probably except for Li Weiyang, nothing could matter to him anymore. That person sighed inwardly but knew he was powerless to dissuade him. He hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping. After a long while, he finally spoke: “Actually, Young Master need not be so troubled. You could kill Madam Li…”

Li Min De’s expression didn’t change. “Kill her? First, it would easily expose my identity. Second, it would be too easy on her.”

“Young Master, after the last assassination attempt, it’s no longer very safe here. Should you return to the country soon…”

“This matter need not be mentioned again.” Li Min De lightly touched the rice paper Li Weiyang had handled, saying without turning his head, “You may withdraw.”

I, no matter what, cannot be separated from her.

I truly want to stay.

Stay by this person’s side…

The Madam’s illness grew worse and worse. According to reason, Li Weiyang should personally come visit.

But as soon as she entered, Matron Du looked at her with extremely wary eyes. Li Weiyang raised her eyes and looked around—paper talismans were pasted everywhere. On the table was placed a bowl of talisman water. The Madam wore a headband, lying on the bed with a pale face.

“Why has Third Miss come?” Matron Du quickly came forward.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “Today when paying respects to the Old Madam, I heard her mention that Mother was ill. Sigh, as a daughter, naturally I should come take a look.”

The Madam on the bed suddenly opened her eyes. Though her face was gaunt, her eyes held infinite sharpness, her presence not diminished in the slightest.

Li Weiyang glanced at her and smiled: “Is Mother feeling better?”

As if there were ghosts if she felt better! First, the eldest Miss was banished by the master to the mountain to reflect. Then the Madam fell ill from anger. Now the courtyard was even experiencing hauntings. The Madam’s condition had become more serious. Most hateful was that when the master heard about it, he didn’t even come look once. How could this not add insult to injury for the Madam? Now seeing Li Weiyang with rosy complexion and full of vigor, the Madam felt a knife had been plunged into her heart, dripping with blood.

“I’m fine.” The Madam forcefully suppressed the fire in her heart and smiled with difficulty: “Thank you for your concern.”

Li Weiyang could tell she spoke insincerely, then said, “I heard Elder Sister is cultivating her character in the nunnery and has become much more sensible now.”

The Madam’s face immediately turned iron-blue. Li Changle had written countless letters back, crying and making a fuss wanting to return. But no matter how much she pleaded, Li Xiaoran refused to relent. Making a daughter as beautiful as a flower stay in that remote mountain for a full three months.

“Your elder sister does indeed regret deeply. She says because she was young and didn’t understand things, she never knew proper limits and made mistakes. She hopes you’ll see that you’re sisters and plead with the Old Madam on her behalf so she can return sooner.”

Li Weiyang said with difficulty, “Alas, Mother, you know that Father sent Elder Sister there to reflect on herself. Unless Elder Sister’s behavior can satisfy Father, even the Old Madam cannot agree. Mother, you’d better properly counsel Elder Sister and have her truly reform.” Having finished speaking, Li Weiyang stood up and said, “Mother should rest well. I’ll come visit you often during the day from now on.”

The Madam didn’t understand the meaning of these words for a moment.

Li Weiyang sighed: “Mother, Weiyang truly doesn’t dare come at night.”

The Madam was startled: “Why?”

Li Weiyang looked all around as if searching for something, then turned back with a charming smile: “I heard this room isn’t clean and Mother was frightened into illness. My courage is small—how would I dare come?”

“Li Weiyang!” The Madam shouted sharply, glaring at her furiously as if about to crawl up from the bed the next moment. She caught her breath and said coldly, “My fortune is great and my fate strong. Ordinary demons and monsters cannot invade me. Don’t speak such nonsense in the future! It loses dignity for nothing!”

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “Mother is right. ‘Those who do no wrong in life need not fear ghosts knocking at midnight.’ Mother is charitable and magnanimous. I imagine ghosts wouldn’t randomly come looking for you either.”

The Madam watched her leave, so angry her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

Matron Du cried out in alarm, “Madam! Madam!”

Furui Courtyard was thrown into chaos. Matron Du quickly fetched a physician and also summoned eldest Young Master Li Minfeng. When Li Minfeng entered, he saw the Madam lying on the bed with faint breath.

“Mother!” He quickly walked to the bedside. Seeing the Madam slowly open her eyes, he asked, “Are you feeling better?”

“I’m fine.” The Madam struggled to say one sentence, then sighed heavily.

Li Minfeng was angry: “Did that little wretch come?”

Matron Du said in a low voice, “Yes, Young Master. Today Third Miss said many sarcastic things and made Madam faint from anger.”

Li Minfeng’s heart blazed with fury: “That vicious wretch!” Then he lowered his head and said, “Mother, you should drink some medicine first and recuperate well. Don’t fall for her tricks! She first drove away Sister, and now she’s come to anger you. I will definitely find a way to deal with her!”

Hearing this, the Madam’s face immediately changed: “What are you planning to do again! I’ve told you before—this girl is extremely wicked! Last time I wanted to burn her to death in a fire, but somehow a maid with superior martial arts appeared by her side. Later with the Ninth Concubine matter, she turned it back on me and I completely lost your father’s favor, even implicating your sister. I’m already in this state—you’re even less a match for her. Stay far away from her, do you hear! I can’t let you be dragged down too!”

Li Minfeng was almost speechless. In his heart, he truly hated Li Weiyang to death. Unfortunately, the other was now a second-rank County Princess with highly skilled guards by her side. He had no way to do anything to her.

“This can’t go on!” The Madam gasped for a large breath of air: “Bring me paper and ink!”

Li Minfeng was puzzled: “Mother, you’re already so ill—why do you need paper and ink?”

The Madam said, “Stop talking and just bring it!”

Li Minfeng suspiciously ordered someone to bring writing materials, but saw the Madam’s trembling hand carefully write down several characters.

Li Minfeng was shocked: “Mother, you want to write to Grandmother now?”

Li Minfeng’s grandmother was the Old Madam of Duke Jiang’s residence.

The Madam nodded: “I want to ask Mother for help, to plead with Father and brothers on my behalf and have them return to the capital as soon as possible.” Old Madam Jiang was the daughter of Dali’s Pillar General Lin Xin. She was not only well-versed in books and history, intelligent and exceptional, but her character was also strong and decisive—even more formidable than ordinary men by three parts. She was also a powerful support for Duke Jiang’s achievements. Duke Jiang guarded the southern border. Because the Duchess was getting older, she didn’t accompany him but stayed at the Duke’s residence. Under normal circumstances, the Madam wouldn’t trouble her own mother, because Old Madam Jiang’s health had also been declining recently. But in the current situation, the Madam felt that if her natal family didn’t step forward, Changle would probably have to stay in that desolate place for the rest of her life.

However, Li Minfeng saw that after the Madam wrote two or three characters, her hand shook so badly she couldn’t continue. He couldn’t help feeling secretly alarmed—when had Mother become so seriously ill? He said in a low voice, “Mother, whatever it is can be done tomorrow. Today you should rest first.”

The Madam, seeing she couldn’t continue writing, simply threw down the brush and said to Matron Du, “Have someone come in to help me change clothes.”

“What?” Li Minfeng was completely stunned. “Where do you want to go now?”

The Madam said coldly, “A letter is still not as good as me going there in person.”

Go to Duke Jiang’s residence now? Li Minfeng was shocked. With the Madam this weak, riding in a carriage would be seeking death.

He quickly tried to persuade her, but no matter what he said, the Madam refused to give up. If Li Weiyang hadn’t come today, she might have been able to sit still. But those few words from Li Weiyang clearly meant Li Xiaoran might never bring Li Changle back! How could this be! She absolutely had to find a way to get Li Changle back to the Li household!

However, the Madam had just struggled to stand up when she spat a mouthful of fresh blood…