Zhao Yue hesitated for an instant. Her mission was to protect Li Weiyang alone, but when her mistress gave an order, she had to obey. So in that moment, she caught the Ninth Princess.

The palace maids screamed and ran over, clustering around the Princess. However, Li Weiyang’s horse was still galloping wildly forward. Zhao Yue desperately chased behind, but the horse ran faster and faster, completely crazed. In a flash, Li Weiyang drew the dagger from her sleeve and stabbed it fiercely toward the horse’s head. The horse stopped abruptly, its four legs buckling as it threw Li Weiyang off. Zhao Yue cried out and rushed forward, but Li Weiyang still landed on the grass.

If her mistress died, then her own life would end here too. Zhao Yue’s heart stopped for an instant.

The Ninth Princess stood up and saw this scene. She burst into tears with a wail, crying while shaking off the others, desperately running toward Li Weiyang. A group of palace maids followed behind her—the scene was very peculiar. At this moment, the palace maid who had gone to fetch someone earlier also returned with Tuoba Yu. Without thinking, Tuoba Yu quickly spurred his horse forward, riding all the way to Li Weiyang’s side before urgently reining to a stop.

Seeing Li Weiyang lying motionless on the grass, his breathing nearly stopped.

Something had actually happened to her! He had only left for a moment!

How could this be!

But in the next moment, Li Weiyang sat up with Zhao Yue’s support, covering her head with her hand as if injured. Tuoba Yu quickly grabbed her, hardly able to express the shock and joy of that moment. “Are you all right?!”

The Ninth Princess was crying with tears and snot everywhere, clearly frightened. She gripped Li Weiyang’s hand tightly, unable to say a word. It was all her willfulness that had caused Li Weiyang to fall from the horse. Li Weiyang had clearly warned her, told her not to ride anymore!

Li Weiyang touched her head. “I’m fine. Don’t cry.”

The Ninth Princess stared at her blankly, looking completely stunned.

“It doesn’t hurt at all, so you don’t need to cry. But if I had died today, the person who killed me would have been you. So from now on, don’t be so willful. Today I was here and wouldn’t let anything happen to you, but what if I wasn’t here, and others weren’t either? You would have lost your little life. Heaven won’t give you special treatment just because you’re a princess.” She criticized without mercy.

The Ninth Princess, tears still in her eyes, obediently nodded.

Li Weiyang moved her elbow slightly and felt a surge of pain. Zhao Yue carefully moved her hand covering her left elbow and found only an abrasion—not very serious. “Miss, you need to go back and apply medicine right away.”

Li Weiyang couldn’t help smiling bitterly. She had sworn never to be a do-gooder again, yet she was especially tolerant toward the Ninth Princess. Perhaps the Ninth Princess was the only woman connected to her past who left her with a beautiful impression. Or perhaps it was just a momentary surge of idle sympathy.

Li Weiyang once again told herself not to meddle in others’ affairs anymore.

Tuoba Yu had originally thought that even if Li Weiyang wasn’t injured, she would cry from fright, perhaps even severely reprimand those around her. He hadn’t expected her to pay no attention to this fall at all, her face even bearing a smile. He suddenly felt her smile was indescribably beautiful, like a spring afternoon breeze that could intoxicate without one realizing. He found himself smiling along with her.

The palace maids watching couldn’t help giggling secretly and exchanging meaningful glances.

Li Weiyang noticed everyone’s expressions and stood up. “I should return. Please, Seventh Highness, take the Princess back early.”

Her expression was indescribably distant. Tuoba Yu keenly perceived this. He frowned.

But Li Weiyang paid him no mind, only saying to the Ninth Princess, “Go back quickly.”

The Ninth Princess immediately nodded obediently, like a tamed kitten.

Zhao Yue supported Li Weiyang as she left. Seeing her go, Tuoba Yu felt greatly distressed. He wanted to call out to make her stay, but though his throat moved several times, he said nothing. Watching her figure grow more and more distant, his feelings were very complex.

The Ninth Princess tugged at his sleeve. Tuoba Yu came to his senses. The Ninth Princess said slyly, “Seventh Brother, you like Sister Weiyang, don’t you?”

Her form of address had automatically upgraded from Li Weiyang to Sister Weiyang. Clearly, Li Weiyang had risen to an unprecedented height in her heart. Tuoba Yu smiled helplessly but didn’t answer her. Instead, he walked to where the horse had died and carefully examined the knife wound Li Weiyang had made.

The Ninth Princess covered her eyes. “So cruel.”

Blood covered the ground. A perfectly good horse had been killed with one strike—fast, ruthless, accurate. Tuoba Yu could hardly believe this was something done by a sheltered young lady from a great household. If it had been someone else, they would probably have been paralyzed with fear and unable to react. Yet Li Weiyang had reacted and quickly made a judgment, using this seemingly cruel method to kill the horse with one strike.

“If she hadn’t made that strike just now, she would be the one dead now.” Tuoba Yu was certain Li Weiyang had calculated the angle and timed it perfectly—such tenacious character and decisive determination would shame even men.

In the distance, Gao Min saw this scene and snorted coldly, thinking Li Weiyang’s life was truly charmed. She had thought the startled horse would surely throw her to death. Who knew she’d be completely unharmed—so disappointing! It seemed she’d need to think of other methods!

Minor injuries during hunts were common, so imperial physicians and medicine had been prepared. As soon as Li Weiyang reached her tent, the Emperor’s edict arrived, bestowing the finest healing medicine upon her and lavishly praising her. Gentle Consort Rou even specially sent many jewels to thank her for saving the Ninth Princess.

Everyone else looked at Li Weiyang with envious and jealous eyes. Only Zhao Yue knew how dangerous that moment had been. If Li Weiyang hadn’t been decisive, she would likely have been killed on the spot. Such determination wasn’t something ordinary people possessed.

As soon as they reached the tent, Zhao Yue immediately knelt. “This servant failed in protection. Please punish me, Miss.”

Bai Zhi carefully applied medicine to Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang blinked—it truly was good medicine. After applying it, she felt an indescribable coolness, the pain quickly receding. She glanced at Zhao Yue. “You did very well today.”

Zhao Yue was shocked and looked up at her.

Li Weiyang smiled. “Your most important duty is to obey my orders, not to act regardless of my wishes. Understand?” If Zhao Yue had ignored the Ninth Princess and rushed to save her instead, letting the Princess be injured in full view, even if she herself was fine, the Emperor and Gentle Consort would harbor resentment, making it counterproductive. Li Weiyang had calculated this while doing good—even if injured, she should gain benefits. Zhao Yue couldn’t have thought of all this at the time, but she had followed Li Weiyang’s order, which was already very good.

Bai Zhi walked over and helped Zhao Yue up. “Miss says you did well, so you did well. Stand up quickly.”

Only then did Zhao Yue stand, saying softly, “Miss, that eagle—”

Li Weiyang nodded. That eagle was domesticated, deliberately used to startle the horse, yet no evidence could be found—everything looked natural. However, to have the capability and audacity to act at the hunting grounds, who could it be? Li Weiyang closed her eyes slightly, pondered briefly, then said, “Be extra careful these next two days.”

Whoever wanted her life, she would definitely root them out!

For the next two days, no matter how lively and noisy it was outside, Li Weiyang kept her tent closed and refused to emerge, attracting countless curious gazes. People speculated that Anping County Princess had been frightened by the fall and therefore wouldn’t appear before everyone. This speculation even made Li Xiaoran worried enough to come ask twice. Seeing Li Weiyang safe and sound, her spirits good, just staying in her tent, he relaxed and stopped worrying about her.

This matter naturally attracted the attention of certain people. Out of guilt, the Ninth Princess came to visit daily, naturally bringing Seventh Prince along. Li Weiyang treated them rather coldly, usually exchanging just a few words before seeing them out. But occasionally there were guests who couldn’t be driven away—like the thick-skinned Third Highness.

Tuoba Zhen, learning Li Weiyang was injured, wanted to visit immediately. But then he heard she had been with Tuoba Yu when injured, and he immediately flew into a rage. With Gao Min coming over to say a few ambiguous words, though he appeared uninterested on the surface, his heart was already churning. So when others weren’t paying attention, he visited repeatedly, but Li Weiyang had Zhao Yue block him at the entrance each time.

But Zhao Yue was human too and needed rest eventually. Tuoba Zhen had people watching twelve hours a day and finally found when she wasn’t there and barged into the tent.

Li Weiyang was present. Turning to see him enter, she couldn’t help frowning.

Tuoba Zhen, seeing she was safe and sound, somehow felt relieved. “Your wound has healed?”

He truly asked with concern, but this overly familiar attitude made Li Weiyang even more disgusted. She instinctively turned away. “Bai Zhi! Bai Zhi!” She called her maid’s name.

Tuoba Zhen had never received such treatment. Slightly angry, without thinking he grabbed her shoulder, wanting to turn her body around. Li Weiyang hadn’t expected him to presume to touch her body and without thinking slapped him. The force of this slap was considerable, yet both their bodies trembled. Tuoba Zhen instinctively drew back his hand, rubbing it as if pained. He was now indescribably angry, nearly furious. But no matter how angry, it remained only internal. He knew clearly that losing his temper had no effect whatsoever on Li Weiyang.

Seeing his strange expression, Li Weiyang calmly stood up, turned and bowed to him composedly. “Third Highness, please forgive me. I’m timid. Seeing you suddenly arrive, I was somewhat flustered and accidentally offended you. However, at this hour, Your Highness shouldn’t remain in this tent. Please leave quickly.”

Her expression held no warmth whatsoever, only coldness, faintly giving a sense of keeping people at a thousand miles’ distance. Tuoba Zhen couldn’t help feeling very annoyed. He really seemed masochistic—the more Li Weiyang detested him, the more he felt unable to control his desire to possess this woman. “I only came to see you. I meant nothing else.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes flashed, her lips curving in a cold smile. “Your Highness, please leave. This violates propriety.”

Tuoba Zhen fixed Li Weiyang with cold eyes, grabbing her arm and saying in a low voice, “Those things mean nothing to me. Li Weiyang, don’t force me to use my methods to obtain you. You know I’ve never liked those who resist me.”

In this moment, she clearly saw wolf-like wildness and brutality in his eyes.

“Ah!” A startled cry rang out, shocking them both into turning their heads. Standing before them was actually the Ninth Princess. Though Tuoba Zhen was unscrupulous, suddenly seeing his own sister, he was somewhat embarrassed. He released his hand and quickly walked out of the tent.

The Ninth Princess stared blankly as he walked out of the tent, completely unaware of what had happened. Then she quickly walked to Li Weiyang, asking urgently, “Sister Weiyang, did Third Brother bully you?”

Li Weiyang looked at her indifferently, remaining silent. The Ninth Princess said in shock, “How is that possible? Third Brother isn’t that kind of person! He’s always been very approachable.”

Li Weiyang raised her head, looking at her. “Did you see his expression just now? Don’t you think he was very frightening?”

The Ninth Princess was at a loss for words. Just now she had seen very clearly—Third Brother had been on the verge of explosive rage, his facial expression very scary. She had never seen Tuoba Zhen so angry, or rather, from childhood to adulthood, whenever Tuoba Zhen was angry or vented, he never showed it before them.

“Sister Weiyang, Third Brother… does he like you?” After thinking for a long time, the Ninth Princess could only come up with this answer. “But you’re close with Seventh Brother and won’t be close with him, right?”

Li Weiyang smiled helplessly. The originally serious atmosphere was completely disrupted by this child. Though her words were simple and naive, they were actually quite close to the truth. She had helped Tuoba Yu attack Tuoba Zhen, and Tuoba Zhen, having never received such cold treatment from a woman, had turned his attention to her—a ridiculous and pathetic man.

The Ninth Princess offered advice. “Sister Weiyang, my Third Brother is very stubborn. If you clash with him head-on, it definitely won’t be good. You should just hide and avoid seeing him. There are many women around him too—his interest in you might just be temporary… I’ll also find some beauties to present to him. Once his interest shifts, you’ll be fine.”

Hard to imagine these words came from a young girl’s mouth, but Li Weiyang understood this was because the Ninth Princess had lived in the palace court for years—though innocent and lively, she wasn’t completely ignorant.

Li Weiyang looked at the Ninth Princess’s sparkling eyes and fell into silence. For some reason, every time she saw the Ninth Princess, she thought of herself. Of course, the Ninth Princess wasn’t very similar to her, but her very existence was absurd. Recalling the past, the feeling was like another lifetime.

Li Weiyang unconsciously blinked, afraid of shedding tears.

No matter what, she was over thirty years old—how could she cry before a young girl?

The Ninth Princess continued, “Once you become my Seventh Sister-in-law later, Third Brother won’t dare trouble you anymore.”

Hearing her tone, she already seemed to consider her Seventh Prince’s possession. Li Weiyang couldn’t help frowning. “Though the Princess means well… you’ve misunderstood one thing. I won’t become your Seventh Brother’s wife. Truly…”

The Ninth Princess’s expression changed dramatically, as if hearing something incredible. She asked incredulously, “You don’t like Seventh Brother?”

She found it inconceivable that someone in this world had simultaneously refused her two brothers—her two most outstanding brothers! The Ninth Princess had always privately felt that the most handsome in the entire palace were the heroic Third Brother and the refined Seventh Brother. The Crown Prince and Fifth Brother were completely unworthy of comparison, let alone other princes and nobles. Yet Li Weiyang liked neither of them.

The Ninth Princess shook her head, still unwilling to give up, asking quietly, “You truly… don’t like either one?”

Li Weiyang showed an extremely astonished expression and solemnly shook her head.

The Ninth Princess displayed extreme confusion, wondering why she would refuse to be Seventh Prince’s consort. For ordinary noble young ladies, this was supreme honor and happiness. While confused, she suddenly felt a trace of anger, feeling Li Weiyang was even more arrogant than she, this Princess, actually looking down on both brothers. But remembering how she had risked herself to save her during the day, she couldn’t help making excuses, thinking perhaps she had some difficulty. So she patiently squatted before her, asking gently, “If you don’t like Third Brother, fine, but though Seventh Brother always has a cold face, his heart is the kindest. He dotes on me most usually. Why don’t you like even him?”

Li Weiyang didn’t know how to explain such a complex issue to a child and couldn’t help holding her forehead in distress.

“Sister Weiyang, think carefully—my Seventh Brother is truly a good person! And Virtuous Consort is also amiable. She makes the best osmanthus glutinous rice cakes. Every time I go to her palace she always smiles at me, unlike Father Emperor’s other consorts who find me annoying.” The Ninth Princess looked at her with watery eyes, yet her words made Li Weiyang not know whether to laugh or cry.

The Ninth Princess left reluctantly. She discovered she simply couldn’t persuade Li Weiyang, couldn’t even understand her. In her view, both brothers were dragons among men. If other young ladies received their affection, they would be ecstatic with joy. Why didn’t Sister Weiyang like either of them?

Early the next morning, someone discovered white wolf tracks near the hunting grounds. The Emperor was greatly excited and brought a large force to capture it.

Hearing this news, the female family members were all very excited.

“White wolves are very cunning animals. Those who hunt them each year are heroes!”

“His Majesty once hunted a live white wolf, but unfortunately it died within days from refusing food and drink!”

“I hear white wolf pelts are warm and comfortable. In winter you can wear just a thin layer without needing fur coats. If one could use it for a collar, it would be both beautiful and impressive!”

“Yes, I wonder who will claim first place this year!”

Everyone chimed in agreement, nodding their heads.

Li Weiyang had stayed in her tent for three days. As soon as she emerged, others’ attention immediately turned to her. “County Princess, you fell from a horse last time—are you better now?”

“Much better, thank you for your concern, Miss Liu.” Li Weiyang smiled as she greeted Miss Liu, the Minister of Revenue’s daughter.

“You’re so brave! Gentle Consort has been praising you to everyone lately, saying if not for you, the Ninth Princess would have been in danger!” Miss Sun from the side couldn’t help interjecting. She was from a military household and most admired heroic, spirited girls. Hearing how bravely Li Weiyang had rushed to save the Ninth Princess, she couldn’t help feeling favorable toward her.

Li Weiyang smiled. “If Miss Sun had been there, I believe you would have done the same, and better than I did.”

Miss Sun smiled—that was true. Her riding and archery skills were first-rate.

“These past two days you weren’t out, you missed many exciting hunts! Right now Third Highness and Fifth Highness are temporarily tied for second, while Seventh Highness has the most game!” Miss Lin from another side looked at the distant hunting grounds with eyes full of admiration.

Li Weiyang looked into the distance. She only heard the thundering of hooves, dust flying everywhere, countless riders galloping wildly in pursuit of prey—quite a spectacular scene.

“Hmph, some people clearly use injury to show off, thinking saving the Ninth Princess makes them special. It was just a trivial matter!” A sharp voice rang out coldly.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows and looked over—it was the haughty Gao Min.

Seeing her look over, Gao Min’s heart jumped, but her mouth involuntarily continued, “Just being startled by an eagle—such a small matter yet flaunting it everywhere!”

Li Weiyang lowered her eyes. When the incident occurred, Gao Min had been at the scene. Where was such coincidence? Either she had been watching her constantly, or she was involved in this matter. In any case, this girl had done nothing good.

Li Weiyang thought briefly, then suddenly stood up smiling. “Yesterday I saw Cousin galloping on horseback with peerless grace. I wonder if Cousin dares compete with me today?”

Gao Min laughed coldly. “Do you think I’m afraid?” Yesterday she had seen Li Weiyang fall from the horse and naturally assumed Li Weiyang’s riding skills were mediocre. She thought this was a perfect opportunity to suppress Li Weiyang’s prestige and let everyone see who was truly the most outstanding woman!

Miss Sun clapped. “Good, good, good! I love watching horse racing competitions! I’ll be your judge!”

Gao Min leaped onto her horse, looking at Li Weiyang with provocation.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, walked straight down, needing no help as she vaulted onto the horse! Her movements were agile, her posture beautiful. Miss Sun could tell at a glance she was skilled at riding and couldn’t help calling out, “Use that red line over there as the boundary. I’ll count to three—whoever reaches it first wins!”

“Li Weiyang, since you want to lose face so badly, I’ll oblige you!” Gao Min raised her chin proudly like a beautiful peacock.

Li Weiyang showed a slight smile and gave Zhao Yue in the viewing stand a meaningful look.

Zhao Yue nodded and returned a light gesture.

These three days, Zuo Yuan had been waiting for a second opportunity, but Li Weiyang had stayed secluded, giving him no chance to strike. Just now she had sat with other young ladies—one careless move would cause trouble, so he could only temporarily restrain himself.

However, this foolish woman Li Weiyang was suddenly competing with Gao Min in horse racing—what an excellent opportunity! The more Zuo Yuan thought about it, the more excited he became. He stared at Li Weiyang already mounted ahead, the killing intent in his gaze growing thicker. He hid to one side, racking his brain—how could he create the illusion of accidental death? Actually, even if he killed her himself, it might not necessarily be traced back to him. With so many people here, how could it possibly be traced to him so easily? Though he thought this, he didn’t dare take even the slightest risk.

Just then, the hunt in the nearby grounds was ending. Large numbers of riders and soldiers were returning with game, all carrying bows and arrows. Zuo Yuan couldn’t help smiling—wasn’t this heaven-sent opportunity? If he hid in the crowd and shot Li Weiyang with an arrow, people would only think it was a stray arrow—they’d never find the real culprit. This had nothing to do with him!

Before long, he’d be promoted again!

“Three, two, one!” Miss Sun waved her silk handkerchief, rarely showing such high spirits.

Gao Min clamped her legs around the horse’s belly, whipped it hard, and quickly surged ahead. The wind rushed past her ears, bringing an indescribable sense of triumph. Li Weiyang smiled slightly, urging her horse forward at an unhurried pace, almost exactly one step behind. Hearing the hoofbeats, Gao Min whipped her horse frantically and raced forward even faster.

The young ladies in the viewing stand, usually confined indoors, had never seen such scenes and were delighted beyond measure, completely forgetting their usual decorum as they loudly cheered for Li Weiyang and Gao Min.

The Duchess of Weiguo watched coldly, confident Gao Min would win, and sat chatting with other ladies, not paying much attention to the action.

Seeing the red line ahead, Li Weiyang sneered and urged her horse forward, in an instant riding neck and neck with Gao Min.

The two appeared about to reach the finish line together.

In the crowded throng, riders were raising their bows and shouting. Someone with ill intent was drawing his bow toward her.

“Get out of the way!”

“Danger!” Miss Sun in the viewing stand suddenly saw a sharp gleam shooting toward Li Weiyang and shouted urgently.

In that split second, Li Weiyang felt an intense beam of light flash before her eyes. She smiled slightly—now!

At this moment, the positions of Zuo Yuan, Li Weiyang, and Gao Min formed a straight line. Rather than Gao Min happening to stand at the end of that line, Li Weiyang had deliberately positioned herself before her to draw the archer’s aim.

The arrow had left the string.

Li Weiyang’s toe lightly kicked, making her mount trot a few steps, then she suddenly bent down, evading the arrow originally meant to take her life. With a sharp whistle, the arrowhead grazed past Li Weiyang’s head and deeply penetrated Gao Min’s shoulder. The arrow’s momentum still hadn’t dissipated—it sent Gao Min’s entire body flying like a kite, crashing heavily to the ground.

Tuoba Zhen, Tuoba Yu, and others who had just finished hunting arrived at this moment and witnessed this dangerous scene. Fifth Prince blurted out, “It’s that enchantress!”

The sharp arrow had grazed Li Weiyang’s head, shattering her hairpin. Her full head of black hair suddenly flew high in the air—cascading like a fragrant black fountain to her waist, so magnificent it left others breathless. From the scattered flowing black hair, she raised her face, her gaze cold and sharp, her radiance compelling. Tuoba Yu stared at her dazedly—it was an elusive beauty, like viewing reflections in water, never quite clear, only feeling unable to look directly, dazzling to the eyes.

For a moment, everyone actually forgot about Gao Min, all staring blankly at Li Weiyang.

Until the Duchess of Weiguo let out a heart-rending scream, leaping desperately from the viewing stand.

“Min’er!”

Only then did countless people react, rushing quickly toward Gao Min. But at this moment Gao Min had long lost consciousness, blood pooling everywhere, lying on the ground like a broken rag doll.

Tuoba Zhen shouted loudly, “Call the imperial physician! Quickly call the imperial physician!”

Li Weiyang suddenly raised her voice, “Catch that man! He shot that arrow!”

Everyone looked in shock toward Zuo Yuan, who had been preparing to escape in the confusion. Zuo Yuan froze in place. Impossible—in that split second, how could Li Weiyang have dodged, and how could she know he was the one! All the blood in his body stopped flowing. He could hardly believe it!

Tuoba Yu glanced at him, some indiscernible emotion flashing quickly through his eyes. Finally he ordered coldly, “Bind him!”

Zuo Yuan looked in shock as soldiers rushed over and pinned him to the ground!

The imperial physician arrived quickly, carefully examined Gao Min’s condition, and said, “The arrow wound to the shoulder isn’t the most serious. But she was riding too fast just now and fell so suddenly from the horse that her entire spine is broken. For the rest of her life, she’ll probably—”

The Duchess of Weiguo cried out in anguished pain, running over like a crazed beast to grab Zuo Yuan’s face, tearing at it with her sharp nails. Zuo Yuan screamed, but his hands and feet were bound by soldiers—he couldn’t move at all. His face quickly became bloody and mangled. The Duchess of Weiguo kept screaming, “Give me back my daughter! Give me back my daughter!”

Tuoba Yu walked to Li Weiyang’s side. “Are you all right?”

Li Weiyang looked coldly toward the scene. “That man—who is he?”

Tuoba Yu hardly knew how to answer her. His sculpture-like deeply contoured face was bathed in a layer of brilliant gold by the afternoon sunlight, outlining a nearly glorious heroic bearing. But at this moment his expression held a trace of disbelief. “He’s my man.”

After saying these four words, he seemed relieved. He could have lied to her, but such lies would make him feel guilty. Better to speak the truth directly.

Li Weiyang looked at him, her gaze suddenly becoming very, very cold.

For an instant, Tuoba Yu felt even his heart would freeze from that icy gaze.

He knew there were ice shards at the bottom of her heart—suspicion, coldness, and alienation. He had tried his utmost to approach her, but he could feel these emotions in Li Weiyang’s heart were stubborn, not something that would melt with just a touch of warmth. Especially now, the way she looked at him—cold to the extreme.

“I know this matter has nothing to do with you, but you must give me an explanation. If such things happen again, I don’t guarantee the next arrow won’t be aimed at Virtuous Consort.” Li Weiyang’s voice was exceptionally cold but very certain. She wouldn’t look at Tuoba Yu’s face or care about any bigger picture. If provoked, giving her information to someone else wasn’t impossible. Right now it clearly was Tuoba Yu seeking her help, not her choosing him. Had this mother and son gotten confused about something?

“I’ll explain everything clearly to Mother Consort.” Tuoba Yu’s face darkened. “This situation won’t happen again.”

Li Weiyang glanced lightly at Zuo Yuan being led away. “I want his life for a life.”

Tuoba Yu nodded. “I’ll deliver his head to you.”

Li Weiyang’s eyes blinked. “I wouldn’t mind death by five horses either for those who dare kill me.”

Tuoba Yu was at a loss for words. Finally he just nodded. “Naturally.”

In a certain sense, Li Weiyang was far more ruthless than him. However, she could be decisive and uncompromising, her heart hardened against all those with ill intent.

“How did you discover him just now?” Hidden in the crowd—very hard to detect.

“Zhao Yue, show Seventh Highness your treasure.” Li Weiyang waved her hand.

Zhao Yue, who had already reached Li Weiyang’s side, showed with a cold face the bronze mirror in her sleeve. Tuoba Yu understood.

“Just now I had Zhao Yue watch the surroundings. When that man shot the arrow, she gave me a signal.” Li Weiyang explained very simply. There were many more complex details—how Zhao Yue had discovered Zuo Yuan, how she had seized the best timing, what signal they had agreed upon and how it was transmitted—Li Weiyang didn’t explain, but Tuoba Yu understood it all.

It was nothing but a trap.

From when Li Weiyang challenged Gao Min to race, she had intended to send her to death.

“Why did you choose Gao Min?” Tuoba Yu asked in confusion. In his view, though Li Weiyang was ruthless, she wasn’t someone who harmed the innocent.

Li Weiyang smiled. “Someone saw these past days that the Duchess of Weiguo and Gao Min have been frequently visiting Virtuous Consort’s tent. Don’t you think with such concern for me, I should give them some reward? Lying bedridden for life unable to move—don’t you think such torment is better than letting Gao Min die? The Duchess of Weiguo will be very satisfied too. I imagine she won’t easily let that man off just now.”

Tuoba Zhen had been watching them from a distance. He thought they were saying sweet romantic words, because he was far away yet saw the smile on Li Weiyang’s face. Though it was only a faint smile, it was unbearable to him. He quickly turned back. “Why aren’t you lifting Miss Gao yet!”

Everyone hurriedly lifted Gao Min clumsily. Several young ladies were so frightened they fainted. Others rushed to support them. Miss Sun stood frozen in place, looking down at her hands. She had just touched Gao Min and now her hands were covered in blood. Li Weiyang walked to her side. Miss Sun blurted out, “Blood, so much blood…”

Li Weiyang said with concern, “Cousin must be badly injured.”

Miss Sun wiped the blood from her hands with a handkerchief while sighing. “I’m afraid she’ll never stand again in this life. Oh my, how fortunate—if that arrow had hit you, someone would surely have died! Who knows which blind fool did it? Every year there are such accidental injuries!”

Li Weiyang smiled with slight regret. “Yes, Cousin is truly too pitiful.”

After the daytime incident, since such accidental injuries happened every year, it didn’t attract much attention beyond sighs and laments for the unlucky Gao Min. As the party involved, Zuo Yuan, under Marquis Bochang’s forceful attack, was stripped of his position and reduced to commoner status, barely keeping his life while awaiting further judgment. However, he suddenly went mad, ran out of the tent guarding him, and fled alone outside the camp. By the time they found him the next day, he had been torn to shreds by a black bear.

Zhao Yue said, “Miss, this also counts as death by five horses.”

Li Weiyang smiled. “Tuoba Yu kept his word after all.”

Zuo Yuan had attempted her life twice—this was his deserved end. As for Virtuous Consort… Li Weiyang smiled slightly. Though she couldn’t act for now, this was only for Tuoba Yu’s sake—it didn’t mean the other party would have no trouble at all. That didn’t fit her usual style.

When Tuoba Zhen returned to his tent, it was already lamplight time. Among the maids serving dinner was one with an unfamiliar face—a pair of bright, clear eyes. She came forward holding a tray. “Please, Your Highness, have your meal.”

Tuoba Zhen glanced at her, his gaze lingering on those eyes.

A sense of déjà vu.

Tuoba Zhen stared at her and asked, “What’s your name?”

The maid’s beautiful face immediately flushed red. She stammered, “Replying to Your Highness, this servant is called Zhuo’er.”

Tuoba Zhen stared at her face for a long time without saying a word.

He had ordered his confidant to investigate Li Weiyang’s situation, but had clearly been misunderstood. The other party seemed to think they had grasped his intentions, so went to great lengths to find a woman with five parts similar features and sent her to his side.

Zhuo’er ingratiatingly set down the tray and nestled gently beside Tuoba Zhen. “Please, Your Highness, have your meal.” As she spoke, her gaze kept circling around a valuable jade pendant on Tuoba Zhen. She was a country girl, suddenly sought out without knowing why. But Tuoba Zhen was handsome with extraordinary bearing, and he looked at her with very special eyes, giving Zhuo’er a premonition that she was about to soar to the treetops.

“Do you like me?” Tuoba Zhen asked abnormally, his face staring intently at Zhuo’er’s features.

Zhuo’er’s face grew even redder. “Your Highness is a dragon among men. This servant… greatly admires you in her heart.”

Watching that similar face speak completely opposite words, Tuoba Zhen felt an absurd sense of irony. He smiled gently. “Reward you with this.” He actually removed the jade pendant and tossed it to Zhuo’er.

Zhuo’er was so delighted she could hardly speak and hurriedly expressed thanks.

“Your Highness, there’s new information.” A black-clad man entered the tent.

Zhuo’er twisted her waist as she withdrew. Tuoba Zhen’s smile vanished, his expression turning deadly. “Someone beat us to it again.”

“This subordinate is incompetent.” He Tuo lowered his head.

Tuoba Zhen laughed coldly. “I thought he deliberately let Zuo Yuan escape to spare him, but didn’t expect he’d sever his own arm to show his sincerity to Li Weiyang—what a move of putting oneself in mortal danger to achieve rebirth.” He chuckled softly. “If Zuo Yuan had fallen into my hands, I naturally would have had ways to make him openly accuse Virtuous Consort.” After a moment of silence, he added, “Too bad I was one step late.” One step late—he could have had an excellent opportunity to completely destroy the relationship between Tuoba Yu and Li Weiyang. If Li Weiyang had personally heard Zuo Yuan say it was Virtuous Consort who ordered him, she would definitely have turned against Tuoba Yu.

“I’ve consecutively lost ten important spies under my command. Tuoba Yu truly is formidable.” Tuoba Zhen smiled.

He Tuo lowered his head. “Your Highness, forgive this subordinate’s presumption, but with information repeatedly leaked, there must be an informant in the household who needs to be eliminated.”

“It seems we need to investigate thoroughly.” Tuoba Zhen exhaled, his brow relaxing.

Just then, He Tuo suddenly shouted, “Who’s there?!”