She looked at Li Xiaoran and indeed saw unbearable emotion in his eyes.

Li Xiaoran’s expression returned to its former tenderness: “Foolish child, my words were too harsh. But you can’t do foolish things. If something really happened to you, wouldn’t that make me, the grey-haired, bury the black-haired?”

He spoke with sorrowful gaze and aching heart.

“Father, don’t say that. It’s my fault, all my fault… I have no other wishes. As long as I can often chat and laugh with the Old Madam, and have opportunities to accompany father playing chess and talking, I… would be content.” Li Changle looked extremely guilty and remorseful, pitiful and delicate.

“Good that you know your wrongs. From now on, we’re a family together—just live well. Remember never to do foolish things again. Take good care of yourself and recover soon.” Li Xiaoran said, truly no longer mentioning returning to the nunnery.

Li Weiyang smiled… As expected, with First Madam just deceased, the remnant of fatherly love in Li Xiaoran’s heart had been completely drawn out today. Speaking of which, after Li Changle’s period of quiet contemplation at the nunnery, she had indeed gained some sense.

Tuoba Rui stood to the side, continuously glaring coldly at Li Weiyang, looking as if he feared she would harm Li Changle.

The doctor who had just diagnosed and treated her prescribed medicine, then said: “Eldest Miss is no longer in mortal danger. It’s just that her emotions are pent up. Ordinarily she must rest well with a calm and peaceful mind.”

Seeing this situation, the Old Madam said, “Then let’s assign four more maids here to properly care for Changle.” Having seen much scheming in great households, she had seen through Li Changle’s excellent acting performance to some degree. But with Li Xiaoran present and pressed by Tuoba Rui’s vigorous protection, she truly couldn’t say anything.

Over the next two days, Li Changle behaved properly and with kind magnanimity, completely restoring her former temperament. Yet the Old Madam remained indifferent to her throughout—neither particularly good nor particularly bad. Li Changle harbored resentment in her heart but kept her face impassive.

Outside the window, Li Weiyang watched Li Changle personally carry a cup of tea before the Old Madam with an apprehensive expression, then turned back smiling: “See that?”

Li Minde said coldly, “Looking at her being so attentive, she’s probably plotting nothing good.”

Li Weiyang nodded: “Father’s attitude toward her has greatly improved now. This is not good news.”

Li Minde’s gaze fell on the Old Madam’s bland face inside the room: “I’m not worried about eldest uncle. I’m more worried about the Old Madam. If even she thinks Li Changle has sincerely reformed, then everything we did before was in vain.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Being the legitimate eldest miss does have its advantages. Once she lowers her head and admits wrongs, everyone forgives her. If I had made so many mistakes, I’d have lost my life long ago.”

“So—we must act before she plots evil.” Li Minde said with composed leisure.

Li Weiyang nodded, then said, “Tomorrow is the funeral procession. What a fine day…”

Hearing this, Bai Zhi behind her looked at Li Weiyang strangely, not understanding what she suddenly meant by this. But Li Minde smiled. Bai Zhi grew even more puzzled—she increasingly couldn’t follow her two masters’ train of thought. Before, when Miss was like this it was one thing, but now even Third Young Master had become unfathomable.

That evening, Li Changle returned to her courtyard. Outside she still wore grief on her face, a mournful countenance. But the moment she stepped through her door, her face immediately filled with fury.

“That old thing—no matter what I say, she keeps that cold face without the slightest softening!” she said angrily.

Tanxiang was very frightened and quickly said, “Miss, don’t worry. The Old Madam is just temporarily angry. Soon her attitude will be like the master’s toward you.”

Li Changle laughed coldly: “Where’s it that easy? That wretch Li Weiyang spent who knows how much effort coaxing that old woman into submission. But no matter—as long as father believes me, I still have opportunities.”

Tanxiang asked, “What does Miss plan to do next?”

Li Changle said, “Come here.” Tanxiang leaned her ear close. Li Changle whispered a few words. Tanxiang’s expression changed: “Miss, this isn’t good. You know Third Miss has a maid skilled in martial arts by her side. If I go monitor her, I’ll be quickly discovered.”

Li Changle’s face darkened. Originally she didn’t want to send Tanxiang either. But with mother dead and elder brother driven from home, rashly sending someone else now might instead be discovered by Li Weiyang. Only Tanxiang was careful, cautious, and her confidant. “You needn’t fear. That maid only knows some mediocre skills. I’m just having you watch from afar to see if Li Weiyang makes any improper moves—like who she meets, what expressions she has. I’m not having you monitor her at close range. You won’t be discovered.”

“But—” Tanxiang thought of Zhao Yue’s cold appearance, and her heart remained uneasy.

“No buts! It’s impossible to find nothing. I refuse to believe Li Weiyang is perfectly proper. As long as I catch her weak point and use it well, I can strike her a devastating blow!”

“Miss, Third Miss is too cunning. I’m afraid it won’t be that easy.” Tanxiang was still very anxious.

Li Changle laughed coldly: “Cunning? Didn’t I just use her once? How could she guess I deliberately chose when the Fifth Prince was present to attempt suicide? Now that I don’t have to return to the nunnery, she’s surely furious! I must press my advantage now. Otherwise, once she realizes what happened, I’ll have difficulty acting!”

Tanxiang looked at Li Changle’s beautiful face: “Does Miss truly want to marry the Fifth Prince?”

“Nonsense! Would I be interested in him? If he didn’t still have use value, I wouldn’t even glance at him!” Li Changle’s tone was extremely cold, almost cruelly heartless—completely different from yesterday’s pitiful and delicate appearance. Finishing, she raised her eyes to stare at Tanxiang: “Starting today, keep close watch on Li Weiyang’s every move and report back to me constantly!”

Tanxiang, terrified by that gaze, quickly said, “Yes.”

The next day, the palace sent someone with an imperial edict from the Emperor—the gist was consoling Li Xiaoran. Subsequently, the consorts from various palaces also expressed their sympathies. Since those above had offered such consolation, the other princes also came calling one after another. This was both a gesture and an affirmation of Li Xiaoran’s status.

Tuoba Zhen emerged from Virtuous Consort Wu’s palace, changed into dark purple regular robes with gold-traced coiling clouds, and went to the Li manor with several attendants. Li Xiaoran came out to receive him and invited him into a side hall for tea.

“What about the others?” Tuoba Zhen asked.

“Fifth Prince came three days ago. The Crown Prince also sent someone with gifts.” Li Xiaoran said slowly.

Tuoba Zhen smiled, his smile seemingly containing mockery. Tuoba Rui running so diligently was probably after that eldest miss.

The two had just exchanged a few words when someone outside reported: “Master, Duke Huiguo has sent someone with condolence gifts.”

Li Xiaoran nodded, then stood: “Third Prince, there are many matters outside. I must go attend to them. It’s quiet here—please sit for a while, Third Prince. I’ll return shortly.”

Tuoba Zhen had personally seen the busyness outside and naturally nodded. After Li Xiaoran left, he also sat drinking tea. Before long, he simply rose and looked around the side hall. On the low table before the window sat a potted crabapple, with a jade basin showing its preciousness. Tuoba Zhen walked a few steps closer and casually lifted a flower to admire.

This was a precious weeping crabapple—soft vines welcoming the wind, drooping blossoms floating like a refined lady’s beautiful hair covering her face, tender and deeply affectionate. The purple calyx shone like purple robes. The soft, drooping red flowers resembled a wine-flushed young matron—jade flesh tinged red, delicate and weak. Its beauty and bewitching state surpassed peach and plum. Ordinary crabapples had no fragrance. Only carefully cultivated rare crabapples emitted a faint scent refreshing to the heart. Even in the palace, such rare crabapples were seldom seen. Just then, Tuoba Zhen suddenly thought of something, his expression turning slightly cold.

Among the palace princes, each was outstanding, but none could suppress the brilliantly intelligent, coldly handsome Seventh Prince. Add to that his mother consort who was greatly respected by the Emperor, and everyone flattered, fawned over, and admired him. Previously Tuoba Zhen hadn’t cared about these things—these would soon all be seized by him anyway. But what about Li Weiyang? Could she also have been bewitched by Tuoba Yu’s appearance? Tuoba Zhen didn’t believe it. Li Weiyang appeared very respectful on the surface, yet toward these imperial princes and nobles she was neither cold nor warm, always maintaining appropriate distance. Others might be deceived by her gentle, friendly facade and see nothing, but sensitive Tuoba Zhen was very clear about that alienation emanating from her heart’s depths, thus became more certain his speculation was correct. Then why would Li Weiyang treat Tuoba Yu differently? The reason was obvious… This made him feel angry.

Human nature was indeed often thus—what’s easily obtained is discarded like worn shoes, not cherished; what’s sought but not gained scratches at the heart and liver, pursued by a thousand means. He absolutely could not tolerate Li Weiyang’s eyes showing he was inferior to Tuoba Yu. He involuntarily clenched his fists. Flower petals fell scattered to the ground. Tuoba Zhen laughed coldly. Li Weiyang, just you wait—what I want, I’d rather destroy than give to others!

Just then, a delicate hand touched his shoulder. Tuoba Zhen paused, then whipped around. The scene meeting his eyes made his whole body tighten.

A devastatingly beautiful woman stood before him. Her front lapel was loose, exposing half her snow-white neck, stirring one’s imagination. Eyes like autumn waters filled with allure, mouth corners slightly upturned. Yet her whole person seemed hazy and confused, as if her consciousness was somewhat disordered. She grabbed his arm. A crystal-clear bead of sweat slowly rolled down her jade-colored skin, falling into the layers of clothing folds. Tuoba Zhen watched that sweat bead slide to an unknown place. His heart felt suspended in midair, swaying without settling.

Ordinarily, Tuoba Zhen would never be easily bewitched. But somehow, that potted crabapple suddenly emitted an intense fragrance, causing near-hallucinations before his eyes. Unknowingly he regarded the beauty before him as someone who made him gnash his teeth. His resentment toward that person ran deep, but precisely because of this, it was even harder to forget. He felt the woman before him and the one in his heart merged into one. His heart layered and folded as if caught in raging waves, rising and falling unstably.

The hidden guards waiting outside saw this and exchanged glances but dared not act. Though their master’s behavior was improper, facing such a devastatingly beautiful woman, who could remain unmoved? Moreover, Tuoba Zhen’s expression was normal with nothing unusual, so they held back momentarily, not daring to rashly ruin their master’s good fortune.

Tuoba Zhen grabbed the woman before him, extending trembling fingers to lightly touch the lips he’d long desired. Unknowingly he could no longer control himself. His palm slid into the woman’s clothing—feeling only mild warmth to the touch, with jade-like smoothness, very pleasant. The woman’s pretty face flushed, her charming eyes like silk, biting her lip and panting lightly—clearly also unable to help herself.

Though Tuoba Zhen’s body was crying out, his reason remained. He knew he’d been schemed against. He forcefully shook his head, trying to clear himself, and hoarsely asked the woman in his arms: “Who exactly are you?”

“Your Highness—” The woman’s voice was like a lover’s tender call, with panting breath and trembling tail notes—endless temptation.

This voice made Tuoba Zhen violently shake. He forcefully bit his tongue tip. The pain brought momentary clarity to his consciousness. But soon he discovered his limbs were weak and powerless, while the woman had already pressed her body against him.

“Your Highness… I feel so terrible. Save me…” The woman’s hot breath from mouth and nose sprayed uninhibitedly on his face, calling him desperately: “Save… save me…”

At this moment, the crabapple’s fragrance appeared and disappeared, increasingly bewitching Tuoba Zhen’s consciousness. “Weiyang—” he called softly, wishing only to ravage the woman before him to vent his heart’s hatred. Thinking this, his hands grew stronger, nearly pinching bloody marks into the woman’s body. The woman groaned dully, her eyelids trembling, her face showing hazy pink. Tuoba Zhen took a deep breath and suddenly pounced, firmly embracing her. The woman seemed boneless, leaning in his arms—soft as cotton, intensely fragrant. Their flesh pressed tightly together, lips and tongues constantly entangled, unwilling to release.

Tuoba Zhen’s hand caressed her face, eyes blood-red as he said: “I truly like you, value you! Hereafter, whatever I have can be shared with you. I’ll let you possess everything!” While speaking incoherently, his hands fumbled clumsily stripping her clothes. Like a madman he bit and gnawed at her body, desperately wanting to leave his marks there. His hands slid all the way down.

“I… I am… Changle… Changle…” The woman’s voice suddenly rose high, like a lightning bolt shaking Tuoba Zhen’s mind. His whole body trembled, then he heard the door creak.

Li Xiaoran said, “Third Prince, my apologies for keeping you waiting.”

A strange moan assaulted him.

Li Xiaoran stood completely frozen in place, staring dumbly, his mind blank. He simply couldn’t believe what he was seeing! On the beauty couch there, a woman’s arm circled around Tuoba Zhen’s neck. Their posture was extremely intimate—clearly about to do improper things…

“Audacious wicked spawn!” Li Xiaoran’s fury nearly shot skyward. He recognized at a glance—that beautiful profile was his always-proud legitimate eldest daughter! Li Changle was actually lying disheveled in Tuoba Zhen’s embrace!

He rushed over swiftly and pulled the two apart, his face turning iron-blue: “You shameless wretch! Look what you’ve done!”

Li Changle slowly turned to look at him, her gaze dull and empty—seeming to look at him yet not, completely unfocused. Her clothing was half-removed, her skin covered in degraded marks everywhere. Meanwhile, Tuoba Zhen’s crown was disheveled, his face flushed, his hands still resting on her private areas. What the two were doing in this state was obvious without asking.

Li Xiaoran snapped awake and quickly turned back wanting someone to close the door. But just then, he heard Li Weiyang smiling: “Fifth Prince, please.”

Tuoba Rui stepped one foot into the flower hall. Then he too saw the scene inside. For a moment he was as if struck by lightning, completely losing all response.

Li Weiyang entered afterward. Seeing this scene, she showed a quite shocked expression: “What’s happening?!”

“Close the door!” Li Xiaoran roared in fury. The attendants following behind couldn’t see clearly inside but quickly shut the door hastily.

Inside the room momentarily fell deathly silent.

Li Weiyang sneered inwardly but showed infinite surprise on her face: “Elder sister! What are you doing! You’re already betrothed to Fifth Prince—how can you do such things with Third Prince that violate propriety and defy reason! If outsiders knew, what would we do?!”

Li Changle seemed to suddenly wake from fog. Looking down, she saw herself completely bare. She stood up in panic, then quickly covered herself with clothing and blurted: “Father! Father! I don’t know what happened either—” Then she suddenly realized something and looked sharply at Li Weiyang. “It’s you! It’s you again, you little wretch! You framed me!”

Li Weiyang looked at her indifferently: “What framing? Elder sister, I just came in and have no idea what you’re saying.”

Li Xiaoran’s face had completely turned iron-blue and vicious. If possible, he would have rushed forward and torn that immoral wretch to pieces on the spot: “Changle, you did this yourself yet want to blame your sister! Shut up!”

Li Changle’s face was frantic as she shouted loudly: “Father! Li Weiyang framed me! She deliberately lured me here and drugged me! Yes, she definitely drugged me!”

Li Xiaoran turned to look at Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang’s expression was utterly surprised and innocent: “Father, I truly don’t know what elder sister is saying. From morning till night today, I’ve been receiving guests. Just now if I hadn’t met Fifth Prince halfway—he said he feared elder sister’s injuries hadn’t healed and came specially to see her. Then hearing servants report Third Prince had arrived here, I brought him to the flower hall to pay respects—”

Li Xiaoran naturally didn’t believe Li Weiyang could do anything. This kind of thing absolutely couldn’t be arranged deliberately!

Li Changle said hysterically: “You deliberately led people over!”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Elder sister, I thought you’d reformed. I didn’t expect you could still say such things. If I set a trap, how did I make you voluntarily walk before Third Prince? Did I tie you up and drag you here? There are so many maids and nannies outside—why not ask them whether I forced elder sister here or elder sister came herself?!”

Li Changle’s hair was disheveled, her face flushed, her voice trembling with speech, yet filled with extreme resentment: “Little wretch! You did it deliberately—” She had Tanxiang monitor Li Weiyang. Just now Tanxiang reported that Li Weiyang suddenly mysteriously went to the small flower hall in the west garden, seemingly to meet someone. So she didn’t hesitate to rush over wanting to catch Li Weiyang’s weakness. But reaching the door, somehow she smelled a strange fragrance and her whole person lost control…

But Tuoba Zhen quickly calmed from his confusion. When he saw Li Weiyang, something flashed quickly in his eyes. Then he lowered his head, tidied his clothing, then loosened and re-bound his hair. Through this arrangement, he also organized his thoughts. Dusting his hem, he sat down before finally speaking: “Now is precisely Lady Li’s funeral. Even if I truly had an affair with Eldest Miss, I wouldn’t choose this time. So someone must have schemed from within. Prime Minister Li, please have someone thoroughly investigate this room.”

Li Xiaoran glanced at Tuoba Rui beside him with an extremely ugly expression, realizing something. Then he said, “If so, we must investigate clearly!” Then he looked at Li Changle: “Hurry and tidy yourself!”

Li Changle seemed to hear a thread of hope from these words. Right—as long as they found aphrodisiac incense or similar in the room, it would prove she was framed! Hearing Li Xiaoran’s words, she quickly lowered her head to arrange her clothing, then raised her head with a tear-streaked appearance: “Father, Fifth Prince, you must believe me.”

Tuoba Rui’s lips moved. Seeing that scene just now, his blood had nearly flowed backward. Now he had no idea what to say and could only turn away his gaze, glaring hatefully at Tuoba Zhen. He hadn’t expected this always-silent third brother would run here to conduct illicit affairs with the Li family eldest miss. These two people’s actions clearly brought him endless humiliation! Heavens, how did he encounter such unlucky affairs!

Soon Li Xiaoran ordered special personnel to inspect the entire room. Unfortunately, half an hour passed with nothing found.

Tuoba Zhen’s cold eyes fixed on Li Weiyang, then suddenly pointed to the crabapple: “Properly inspect this potted flower!”

Li Xiaoran frowned. This crabapple was a gift from Weiyang, specially placed here. Had Weiyang truly tampered with it? His gaze naturally fell on that blooming crabapple. But Li Weiyang lowered her eyes, saying nothing. In Tuoba Zhen’s eyes, this became a sign of guilty conscience.

However, after the crabapple was inspected top to bottom, the conclusion was negative.

“Master, this crabapple has nothing abnormal.”

“Impossible!” Tuoba Zhen strode over and forcefully plucked a blossom to smell at his nose, but smelled no fragrance at all. “This is wrong! I clearly smelled the crabapple’s fragrance just now!” He’d thought then this was a rare premium crabapple, cultivated to have fragrance.

Li Weiyang said lightly: “Third Prince, the crabapple is right here. Unfortunately it’s scentless. If someone truly tampered with it, wouldn’t the fragrance remain on it? But now this crabapple has no problems at all. Is further inspection still needed?”

Tuoba Zhen’s cold gaze looked at Li Weiyang—that look extremely complex, carrying infinite disgust and hatred, yet also a trace of indescribable eeriness and lingering attachment, making one’s hair stand on end.

Li Weiyang’s eyes were full of mockery. Tuoba Zhen practiced martial arts and was always cautious. Ordinary incense couldn’t make him lose control. Moreover, he had many hidden guards around him. Such a plan had almost no possibility of success. However, Li Weiyang had lived beside him for eight years and understood his personality too well. She naturally wouldn’t do things without certainty.

There were many fragrances that could arouse passion—for instance lily, ylang-ylang, patchouli, rosemary. With appropriate dosage, they could make people hallucinate with excited emotions. But Tuoba Zhen grew up in the palace and was naturally very cautious of such harmful things. His household’s daily incense mostly used sandalwood, musk, and similar, mixed with other fragrances. So even using a bit of these fragrances would be easily discovered, and afterwards hard not to leave evidence. Therefore, Li Weiyang specially used nutmeg juice to water the crabapple’s stamens. What made Li Changle lose reason was precisely nutmeg with aphrodisiac effects. But for someone with firm will like Tuoba Zhen, nutmeg alone wouldn’t work. Li Weiyang thought of how Tuoba Zhen’s favorite food was Eight Treasures Pastry—fragrant pastries made from lingzhi, monkey head mushroom, white fungus, ginkgo, wood ear, pine mushroom, shiitake, and poria with therapeutic effects that could strengthen sinews, activate channels, refresh spirits, and build health. Unfortunately, the ginkgo combined with nutmeg accelerated nutmeg’s aphrodisiac effect, even creating extreme hallucinogenic effects. Most importantly, nutmeg juice when freshly sprayed was fragrant, but after just moments this nutmeg fragrance would volatilize and dissipate, leaving absolutely no trace. Li Weiyang had calculated the timing precisely and ordered Zhao Nan to tamper with this potted flower. How could it be detected now? Only, Li Weiyang originally wanted merely for Li Changle’s disheveled appearance to be witnessed. With either one falling into the trap, this play could proceed. Who knew even Tuoba Zhen would lose control—an unexpected bonus.

“Third Prince, don’t look at me with such eyes. I’ll be frightened.” Li Weiyang’s expression was utterly innocent. Her eyes were black and bright, yet now filled with bone-piercing coldness. Tuoba Zhen stared at her fixedly. If not for so many people present, he’d probably have rushed over to dig out this woman’s heart to see if it was truly black!

Li Changle cried in pain: “Father, you must believe me! Li Weiyang definitely tampered with things!”

Li Weiyang sighed: “Elder sister, I know you and Third Prince couldn’t control your emotions. But you absolutely shouldn’t have done such things during mother’s funeral. Moreover, Fifth Prince treats you wholeheartedly. You doing this is trampling him, humiliating him. Our Li family is a family of poetry and books. Father’s official reputation is clean and famous throughout the land. If others knew he had such a shameless daughter, how could he lead the hundred officials hereafter? How could he face His Majesty? And Third Prince—you’re placing him in unrighteousness!”

During the funeral period, causing such a scandal—once it spread, not only would Li Changle face death, even Tuoba Zhen would suffer greatly. Forget the throne—whether he could even keep his prince position was questionable. Li Weiyang knew this precisely and thus set this trap.

Li Changle wished she could scratch Li Weiyang’s face, but she understood too well that the more panicked she acted, the easier it was for the other to grasp her vital point. So she desperately calmed her mind and said sternly: “Li Weiyang, stop your nonsense! I absolutely wouldn’t do such things. Everything is your false accusation! You’re jealous I’m more beautiful than you, more favored by father, so you oppose me everywhere! Today you clearly lured me here deliberately, then used some despicable method to make me lose reason. You think this way father will like you and I’ll be thoroughly ruined, right?! I tell you, I absolutely won’t let you succeed! Father! Father, you must believe me! I absolutely wouldn’t do such things! Fifth Prince, help me! Help me! I was framed!”

Li Changle wept bitterly, pitifully prostrating before Tuoba Rui.

Tuoba Rui instinctively moved to help her up. But Li Weiyang said indifferently: “Elder sister, why insist it’s all others falsely accusing you? Affairs between men and women are inevitable. If you liked Third Prince, you should have said so earlier. Why drag in innocent Fifth Prince!”

Tuoba Rui froze, then his eyes suddenly turned blood-red. He suddenly realized he’d been used, and the one who used him was precisely this pitifully delicate, devastatingly beautiful woman before him. He’d originally been quite fond of her, but now felt a sense of being fooled. This feeling was even harder to bear than the earlier cuckolding—simply making his entire body radiate murderous energy! He withdrew his originally extended hand, turning away in furious despair. In his heart he swore—today’s humiliation, he would someday repay a hundred, a thousand-fold! Then he no longer looked at Li Changle even once, turned and left.

Seeing this, Li Changle immediately realized her honey trap had failed. She suddenly felt ice-cold all over and immediately rushed over to grab Li Xiaoran’s hem: “Father! I’m innocent! Save me!”

Li Xiaoran looked at her, but his gaze was unprecedentedly cold—as if already looking at a dead person.

Li Changle’s whole body trembled, trembled violently. Li Xiaoran had never looked at her with such eyes…

Tuoba Zhen coldly watched this scene. Today’s events were a huge blow to him. A prince actually engaging in illicit affairs with the Prime Minister’s daughter during his wife’s funeral—the Emperor would definitely despise him. Years of hard work nearly destroyed in one moment. Li Weiyang, ah Li Weiyang, you’re truly vicious!

Li Weiyang sensed his gaze, turned to look at him—her expression very innocent, her eyes ice-cold without the slightest warmth.

From those eyes, Tuoba Zhen saw not the slightest fear or guilty conscience. That nameless fire surged in his heart. If Li Xiaoran weren’t here, he’d definitely grab this woman and demand answers! But now he couldn’t do so. He knew if this matter wasn’t handled well, he’d face great trouble. So he merely said lightly: “Prime Minister Li, now is precisely Lady Li’s funeral. Many things cannot be addressed. After the funeral, I’ll naturally give you an explanation.”

Li Xiaoran’s gaze looked coldly at Tuoba Zhen. Though the other was a prince, having done such morally depraved things during the funeral period, his good days were over. As long as this was reported to the Emperor—No, he couldn’t do this, because Li Changle was after all a Li family daughter. Her reputation being ruined didn’t matter—but it couldn’t implicate the entire Li family! Thinking this, Li Xiaoran glared fiercely at Tuoba Zhen: “Fine, then I’ll await your explanation!”

Tuoba Zhen nodded, then quickly departed. Seeing him about to leave, Li Changle was frightened enough and wanted to grab his sleeve. Unfortunately, Tuoba Zhen’s steps were quick, giving her no opportunity. He’d already walked out. He couldn’t worry about anything else now—he must find ways to shut Fifth Prince’s mouth! To prevent this matter from spreading!

Li Weiyang watched his departing figure and laughed coldly. She’d just sent the Zhao siblings to block Tuoba Zhen’s hidden guards—only then could she smoothly bring Li Xiaoran and Fifth Prince in. Tuoba Zhen’s first action upon leaving would probably be to dispose of all those hidden guards! Of course, she didn’t think this alone could completely topple Tuoba Zhen. After all, he held considerable leverage over Fifth Prince and would surely find ways to make Tuoba Rui shut up. But Tuoba Rui would definitely hate him thoroughly. Forces originally used against the Crown Prince and Seventh Prince would all be redirected against him. Presumably Tuoba Zhen’s days wouldn’t be smooth and satisfying.

Li Changle had never felt such terror and despair. She wasn’t stupid—she knew what awaited her! So she continuously begged Li Xiaoran: “Father, I’m wronged! Believe me!”

Li Weiyang said lightly: “Elder sister, at this point, stop saying such pointless words. Right now mother’s funeral isn’t over. Guests are all outside. If you continue crying, there’s no guarantee today’s events won’t spread.”

Li Changle had reached the extreme of fury. She suddenly straightened: “I absolutely won’t let you off! I’ll definitely tell grandfather…”

“Elder sister, you bear the surname Li. Why is it always the Jiang family with every word!” Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change. “You should know Li family matters are decided by father and the Old Madam. It’s not others’ place to interfere!”

Li Changle no longer thought and rushed forward to strike Li Weiyang’s face. However, Li Xiaoran suddenly slapped her, knocking her entire person to the ground. Unprepared, her whole face twisted. She stared in disbelief at Li Xiaoran.

Li Xiaoran said viciously: “You stay right here! Without my orders, no one is permitted to let her out!” Finishing, he strode out quickly without looking back at Li Changle once.

Li Changle burst into anguished weeping.

Li Weiyang looked at her and smiled faintly: “Elder sister, you should cry louder. That way it suits your filial daughter image. Oh my, how did I forget—you don’t want to be a filial daughter. You’re anxious to marry out and have gone mad with desire. True, who knows what things will be like after three years? This could be considered planning ahead for yourself. Only the method was too undignified.” Her tone carried endless provocation and malice. In Li Changle’s ears it was full of schadenfreude. Li Changle crawled up regardless: “Li Weiyang, you little wretch! Why must you oppose me everywhere!”

Li Weiyang’s voice was sweet, her smile warm: “Elder sister, surely you haven’t forgotten past matters between us.”

Li Changle said sternly: “What does it have to do with me! You were unlucky yourself, born in the second month. How can you blame us!”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Elder sister, if you don’t want others to know, don’t do it yourself. You mother and daughter have done so many unconscionable things. You yourselves know clearest in your hearts.”

Li Changle truly couldn’t endure and rushed forward aggressively again. Today she was going all out—she had to teach Li Weiyang a lesson! But before she could touch Li Weiyang’s clothing, Zhao Yue, who’d appeared behind Li Weiyang at some point, kicked her away. Li Changle hadn’t expected Zhao Yue would suddenly appear, much less that she’d strike ruthlessly. Being a sheltered young lady, suddenly kicked so hard, she immediately clutched her abdomen, spat a mouthful of blood, then with darkness before her eyes, collapsed to the ground unconscious.

Li Weiyang’s gaze looked at her indifferently: “Elder sister, enjoy yourself well.” Finishing, she quickly left the flower hall with Zhao Yue.

Not far from the flower hall, Tuoba Zhen hadn’t left but stood with hands behind his back beneath a peach tree. With recent spring warmth, peach blossoms bloomed abundantly. A strong wind passed, crimson petals swirling and carpeting the ground, with some scattered on his hair and shoulders like weeping blood. His gaze also seemed to carry endless hatred, nearly tearing Li Weiyang apart. Seeing his appearance, Li Weiyang smiled faintly, bowed from afar, turned, and departed gracefully.

Walking out of the courtyard, Li Weiyang heard Zhao Yue groan dully. Turning back, she discovered half her sleeve had been severed by a sword. Li Weiyang said gently: “You worked hard just now.” Tuoba Zhen’s seventeen hidden guards weren’t to be trifled with. One could imagine how much effort the siblings expended to block them temporarily. But this brief time was enough for Li Xiaoran to see everything.

“Miss’s orders—this servant will fulfill even through fire and water.” Zhao Yue said softly.

Li Weiyang smiled: “Your task is complete. Quickly return with your brother to apply medicine.”

Zhao Yue couldn’t help asking: “What does Miss plan to do next? Should we find ways to spread the news?”

Li Weiyang slowly shook her head: “Whether Third Prince or father, neither will allow this matter to spread. But facts are facts. No matter how father conceals it, he cannot deny Li Changle’s behavior of committing ugly deeds during mother’s mourning.”

Zhao Yue had one point she didn’t understand, so she asked: “Then why didn’t Miss have more people see just now—”

Li Weiyang shook her head: “The flower hall for receiving distinguished guests—how could idle persons enter? Father entering was natural. Tuoba Rui was brought by me. Others had no reason to run here. If done too ostentatiously, naturally suspicion would fall on me, instead proving counterproductive.” Saying this, she turned to look toward Lotus Fragrance Courtyard: “Now I should go see the Old Madam.”

Zhao Yue paused, then understood. Illicit affairs during mother’s mourning—once the Old Madam who most valued propriety learned of this, Li Changle had only one path: death!