The Crown Prince also shook his head. In the laws of this dynasty, there had never been regulations requiring mandatory autopsy after death. Coroners usually relied on preliminary visual examination and investigation of physical evidence and witnesses to determine the cause of death. If they were to completely dissect the body, it would truly be too—

He slowly said, “Princess Anping, I’m afraid this cannot be done.”

Jiang Lan also hastily added, “Princess Anping, it’s bad enough that you’re desperately trying to clear yourself, but why must you propose such a malicious suggestion, causing my grandmother’s remains to be scattered and her soul to be restless? How can you make such an excessive demand!”

A chorus of opposition arose. Li Weiyang and Li Minde exchanged glances, both seeing the coldness in each other’s eyes. As expected. The Jiang family’s reaction had long been within their expectations.

Li Changle cried out in anguish, “Grandmother, you died so miserably! The person who harmed you not only wanted to kill you but also to mutilate your body! If you have a spirit in death, you must guide us to quickly catch the murderer!”

Though she said this, everyone still looked at Li Weiyang. Among those who had touched the candied dates, she was the only one who had a grudge against the Duke’s wife. Without thinking, the murderer must be her. Many of the officials and noble ladies present looked at this young girl with fearful eyes. Only fifteen years old, yet she poisoned and killed her own grandmother. Well, even if this grandmother had no blood relation to her, she was still just an old woman—yet she could bring herself to do it. How vicious! Only Sun Yanjun, though pulled away by her mother Lady Sun, still looked at Li Weiyang with worried and concerned eyes.

Li Weiyang slowly said, “Oh? Am I the vicious one for proposing to investigate the murderer of grandmother? Or are you vicious for claiming to deeply respect her, yet refusing to find out the truth even after her death? Aren’t you afraid grandmother will blame you from the underworld for being callous and unfilial?”

Jiang Hai was furious, “Li Weiyang, you speak complete nonsense!”

Jiang Hua suddenly stopped him and said coldly, “Princess Anping, we need to discuss this matter carefully. How about this—after half a shichen, we’ll give you an explanation here.”

This was the first time Li Weiyang had truly looked at this Third Young Master Jiang. His composure and bearing far exceeded his eldest brother, and naturally surpassed that Fourth Young Master Jiang Nan. Her gaze gradually took on a cold, mocking quality: “Of course.”

Jiang Hua suddenly said, “Changle is grandmother’s most beloved granddaughter. We’d also like to hear her opinion on this matter. Can we let Changle come to the study? She’s already been searched and shouldn’t be carrying any poison, right?”

This question was naturally directed at Li Weiyang. Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s eyes flickered, but she only said, “Please, go ahead.”

She had originally thought that the person who poisoned the Duke’s wife was Li Changle. If that were truly the case, Li Changle shouldn’t have had the chance to dispose of the poisoning tools. But why couldn’t all those people find anything during the search? Those were experienced nannies from the Crown Princess’s household… Li Weiyang couldn’t help but suspect that since the other party was safe and sound, it meant the items weren’t on her person at all. Then how did she administer the poison? Or had the Duke’s wife taken poison beforehand that would take effect at a set time? Perhaps what really poisoned her wasn’t that plate of candied dates? The only thing Li Weiyang could be certain of was when she recalled what the Duke’s wife had said when Jiang Hua was about to leave—thinking back now, it had actually been a farewell.

Bidding farewell to her beloved grandson could only mean the Duke’s wife knew her time was short. Li Weiyang had originally been quite certain of this, but seeing the Duke’s wife’s ruddy complexion today, steady tone, and vigorous energy, she had almost thought she was wrong. Yet that one sentence had betrayed the old lady—she must have known she was about to die! So was it that she had taken poison herself, or had Li Changle poisoned her? Or had the two conspired together? But would the Duke’s wife use such a foolish method to frame herself? Li Weiyang lowered her eyes. She really wanted to know the answer.

After entering the study, Jiang Hua’s eyes, which had originally held a cold light, suddenly darkened. He coldly slapped Li Changle across the face, nearly knocking half her face askew, then stared at her intensely and demanded, “It was you, wasn’t it?!”

Li Changle was stunned by the blow and looked at him in disbelief. Then his seemingly casual question instantly shattered her calm facade, directly exposing her heart full of panic and fear before everyone in the study. Her complexion immediately became extremely ugly. This fear had occupied her mind ever since the Duke’s wife died; she had just been trying hard to conceal it. She thought the Jiang men wouldn’t notice, but she hadn’t expected Jiang Hua to immediately grasp the key point.

The current Jiang Hua was no longer the intelligent and gentle cousin from her memories. His face bore a cold scrutiny, his eyes devoid of even a shred of emotion. Li Changle suddenly realized that the closeness he had shown in the flower hall was actually just their illusion—in his eyes, she was nothing! Li Changle’s composure disappeared, replaced by complete bewilderment. Her face grew paler and paler: “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

The noon light filtered through the latticed windows, revealing dancing dust motes. The expression on Jiang Hua’s face grew increasingly cold, even beginning to blur, making one afraid to look directly at him.

Jiang Xu frowned, “Hua’er, what are you saying?”

Li Changle seemed to have found a savior and immediately said, “Uncle, look at what he’s doing! The real murderer is outside, yet he’s busy falsely accusing me!”

But Jiang Hua’s voice was ice-cold: “Shut up!”

Hearing this, Li Changle trembled all over, her scattered breathing becoming heavy and rapid, her expression becoming extremely terrified.

Jiang Xu and Jiang Hai’s expressions grew increasingly grave, and they couldn’t help asking, “Third Brother, have you discovered who poisoned grandmother?” They still didn’t understand what that slap meant—not because they were stupid, but because Li Changle was the Duke’s wife’s most beloved child. How could she be involved in murder? They refused to believe it.

Li Changle’s face showed even greater terror.

Jiang Hua sneered, glanced at Li Changle warningly, and in that instant decided to settle this account later. Instead, he said, “The key point isn’t who administered the poison, but who we want to have administered the poison.”

Jiang Hai asked in confusion, “What do you mean?”

“Don’t you understand yet?” Jiang Xu pondered, “Who actually poisoned her doesn’t matter anymore! What matters is what we can gain from this!”

Jiang Hai shook his head and said in a low voice, “Father, you mean to pin it on Li Weiyang and not let go?!”

Jiang Xu said nothing. Instead, Jiang Hua sneered, “More than that! Do you know what our Jiang family’s current situation is?”

Jiang Hai was startled. Jiang Hua let out a long sigh and slowly said, “Everyone knows that during the imperial succession struggle, the Li family supported the current emperor and made great contributions, while the Jiang family maintained neutrality from beginning to end.” These words were like a hand that lifted the veil of the past while also slowly clearing away the chaos before them. Li Changle was shocked, feeling as if things she couldn’t understand at all were beginning to surface, each detail so vivid.

“The Li family hasn’t gotten involved in the struggle for the throne all these years, and no one has dared to force them, precisely because the emperor is protecting them. In the future, he’ll also leave Li Xiaoran for the next generation’s emperor. Although Li Xiaoran is someone who values power greatly and fears death, we all must admit he has quite a talent for governing the country. However, regarding the emperor’s ascension, we didn’t make great contributions like the Li family. Therefore, although His Majesty later continued to appoint grandfather, in the emperor’s heart, he’s already become suspicious of the Jiang family. However, the Jiang family were founding heroes after all, and they didn’t support any prince initially, so they could be considered loyal ministers. Thus he hasn’t truly done anything to the Jiang family. All these years, grandfather has been careful and conscientious, diligently performing his duties, afraid of being caught with any weakness. But no matter how careful, we still leave openings. Fourth Brother’s incident already made His Majesty extremely furious, and his severe punishment was a very clear warning to us! He’s telling us that if we have even the slightest disloyal intentions, Fourth Brother’s fate will be the entire Jiang family’s fate!”

“But the Empress Dowager specifically had everyone come to celebrate grandmother’s birthday—” Jiang Hai couldn’t help saying.

Jiang Hua shook his head and said, “No! This actually shows that His Majesty is watching us constantly! This isn’t favor, but the emperor making us understand what thunderous fury is and what imperial grace is.”

“Moreover, with grandmother’s death, Second Uncle, Eldest Brother, and Second Brother must all return for mourning.” Jiang Hua said this and sighed again. “These past six months, the conflict between the Jiang and Li families has intensified. On the surface, the emperor seems to side with us each time, but thinking carefully, he’s actually protecting the Li family.” He lowered his voice and said word by word, “What’s even more deadly is that we must not only guard against the Li family but also be wary of those around His Majesty, including that Consort Lian, including that Zhou Tianshou. By the emperor’s side, they’re definitely not saying good things about us!”

Hearing him say this, Jiang Hai recalled what had happened at that banquet and Consort Lian’s behavior during Jiang Nan’s case. He immediately understood. After understanding and carefully recalling those events, the more he thought about it, the more alarmed he became, until he couldn’t help but gasp.

“You’ve thought of it too, haven’t you? But these two people aren’t the most terrifying. The most terrifying is that Princess Anping outside—Li Weiyang!” Jiang Hua continued analyzing. “Big Aunt’s death—she can’t escape responsibility. In Fourth Brother’s case, the one who came forward to testify was also her, meaning she pointed the finger at our Jiang family. Moreover, I suspect she and those two people in the palace—no, perhaps including the Seventh Prince—have long formed an alliance. Their purpose is to strike down the Jiang family and eliminate the Jiang family!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.

The others obviously hadn’t considered this step and all changed expressions upon hearing this. Jiang Xu stared at his son in shock, even more surprised and speechless.

Jiang Hua had returned to the capital for only two shichen, yet he had already explained everything clearly and accurately identified the connection between Tuoba Yu, Li Weiyang, Consort Lian, and Zhou Tianshou. This couldn’t help but alarm people. It showed that although he was thousands of miles away, he had been constantly monitoring every development here.

Li Changle felt lost in a fog. She really couldn’t understand where a small Li Weiyang got such great power!

“Li Weiyang’s true purpose in striking down Fourth Brother was to anger grandmother to death, seize our Jiang family’s military authority. She’ll definitely have further actions next, slowly making us isolated and helpless, truly alone! No, perhaps her repeated provocations of His Majesty’s trust in us, even inciting His Majesty to kill Fourth Brother, isn’t merely to strike at us—I vaguely feel she’s trying to force the Jiang family to rebel!”

Jiang Xu was stunned, looking at Jiang Hua almost incredulously: “Her? A young girl—how could she think of such a thing?!”

Jiang Hua said, “The emperor first kills Fourth Brother, then uses mourning as an excuse to remove Second Uncle and our official positions—clearly weakening the Jiang family’s power. Even if we can endure it, what about our subordinates in the military? Will they be willing to endure? Or by then, our enemies will send people to sow discord and fan the flames! Although grandfather is cautious, he has a large army at his command. With the incitement of subordinate generals, he might very well rebel. Even if we don’t rebel, she’ll have ways to make others think the Jiang family has rebelled! As soon as we rebel, both sides will be at odds, war will be inevitable. We’ll lack legitimacy and righteousness, and will naturally face attacks from all sides, certainly doomed…”

Jiang Hai listened with alarm, “Third Brother, don’t frighten people.”

Jiang Xu stopped talking. In his memory, this third son had always been a quiet presence—not causing trouble, not standing out. Even when he grew up, he was always very silent. In terms of composure, he couldn’t compare to Jiang Hai; in terms of cultivation, he couldn’t compare to Jiang Yang; in terms of bravery, he couldn’t compare to Jiang Nan. He hadn’t paid much attention to him before, yet Duke Jiang valued him most! Now in this situation, Jiang Hua remained calm and composed, methodically analyzing the entire matter in intricate detail, forcing Jiang Xu to admire his father’s judgment. If Jiang Hua had taken an official position, he would never have been able to develop such capability—he would have been buried in mediocre routine affairs, wasting all his talent! It was precisely because Duke Jiang personally kept him by his side and carefully guided him that such an outstanding strategist could be trained! He had clearly seen through Li Weiyang’s next move! Even thought further ahead than she had!

Before Jiang Xu’s eyes appeared Jiang Hua’s former appearance. Back then during military deployments, watching him strategize and achieve victory from afar, more clever and decisive than anyone else, his vision sharp, his judgment precise! Yes! This was his son!

Li Changle was shocked. She looked bewilderedly at everyone in the study, feeling her mind was even more inadequate, completely unable to understand!

Jiang Hai still couldn’t believe it and said, “I don’t think His Majesty would do this. Turning against us is one thing, but forcing us to rebel—speaking disrespectfully, wouldn’t that be insane…” He looked around. Though there was certainly no one eavesdropping, he still lowered his voice. “Moreover, if it really came to the battlefield, who in Dali could defeat our Jiang family?!”

Jiang Hua shook his head and slowly said, “Elder Brother, you don’t understand this emperor at all. Back when the late emperor had many heirs, he favored only Crown Prince Tongxin, simply because he had been intelligent and clever since childhood and had considerable insight into state affairs and governance, deeply beloved by the late emperor. After the late emperor passed away, Crown Prince Tongxin immediately ascended the throne. However, shortly after ascending, he suddenly disappeared, causing political chaos and greatly weakening national power. Soon the current emperor, who had temporarily replaced Crown Prince Tongxin in handling government affairs, ascended the throne. But His Majesty was originally of humble birth and naturally temperamental and unpredictable, so from childhood he suffered the late emperor’s neglect, with no one paying attention to him. Only after Crown Prince Tongxin’s disappearance could he ascend as emperor. Precisely because of such an unbearable past, his personality became gloomy, suspicious, and difficult to predict.” Jiang Hua took a deep breath and said leisurely, “Because of this, His Majesty’s temperament is very difficult to truly fathom, even harder to guess. His emphasis on grandmother’s birthday celebration is actually a disaster.”

“But he has no one to use…” Jiang Hai still refused to accept it and emphasized once more.

“No!” Jiang Hua interrupted him. “Of course there are people to use! Have you forgotten there’s another commander in the court? The current Duke Luo is the Seventh Prince’s maternal uncle, and has three brave and capable sons by his side, with three hundred thousand troops under his command! Duke Luo has always supported the Seventh Prince! Li Weiyang will certainly take advantage of the Jiang family’s rebellion to push Duke Luo to this critically important opportunity, giving her the chance to completely destroy us! Moreover, the Seventh Prince has no achievements yet. If he borrows this campaign, firstly he can establish his authority, secondly he can seize power! Killing several birds with one stone—every angle calculated!”

Hearing this, Jiang Xu remained silent for a long time before finally sighing softly, “I never imagined that Li Weiyang, a mere woman, could be so cunning and vicious. When we see her take one step, she’s actually already planned the next ten steps. If you hadn’t warned us, we would truly have followed her script step by step…”

Jiang Hai couldn’t quite believe it: “I think… Li Weiyang can’t be this sinister! She’s just a sheltered young lady—”

“No, your Third Brother is absolutely not exaggerating.” Jiang Xu shook his head. “She’s no longer an ordinary sheltered young lady. Don’t you understand yet?!”

Jiang Hai thought of Jiang Nan’s incident, thought of Li Weiyang’s eyes as deep as an ancient well, and his heart shuddered.

“What should we do now?”

“The urgent matter is that we must use grandmother’s death to build momentum. I have a premonition that whether it’s the Seventh Prince or Consort Lian, they all follow Li Weiyang’s lead! So firstly, we must eliminate Li Weiyang; secondly, we must make His Majesty feel the Jiang family is at a disadvantage and find ways to have His Majesty issue a gracious decree to preserve Second Uncle and the others’ official positions for future service; thirdly, we must find ways to rescue Fourth Brother—one step at a time.”

Jiang Hua spoke slowly, then glanced at Li Changle, his gaze showing fierce cruelty. If he hadn’t known grandmother’s time was short, he would have already killed this fool Li Changle with one sword. Such beautiful looks, yet she had a brain as stupid as a pig’s. He couldn’t help frowning. “Everyone knows that grandmother and Li Weiyang didn’t get along. Last time with Fourth Brother’s incident, Li Weiyang grabbed onto Fourth Brother’s mistakes relentlessly and made quite a scene with grandmother in the great hall. Even the most good-tempered person would hold a grudge. With grandmother’s death this time, the one with the most reason and motive to poison her is Li Weiyang! Let’s just pin the crime on her!”

Li Changle had been confused earlier, but now they were finally discussing something she cared about and quickly said, “But no poison was found on her!” She had clearly given instructions—why couldn’t they find the poisoning implements on Li Weiyang?! Where had they gone?!

Jiang Hua slowly looked at Li Changle, his voice carrying a trace of coldness: “Shut up! From now on, you must do exactly as I say!”

Li Changle’s mouth moved but she didn’t dare voice her objections. She vaguely felt that if she dared to cause trouble again, the person before her would kill her without mercy—

In the great hall, Jiang Yang had been left behind to entertain the other guests. His appearance was no less handsome than his several brothers, only he looked somewhat feminine, and his gaze was quite gloomy, especially when seemingly casually glancing at Li Weiyang—though his face still smiled, his eyes became several degrees darker.

In Li Weiyang’s memory, this Second Young Master appeared very refined on the surface, a well-rounded noble son skilled in both civil and military arts. However, whenever people weren’t paying attention, he would reveal a viper-like gaze staring at you. With such complex and distinct contradictory personalities, he was incomprehensible and unfathomable. What changed unpredictably wasn’t his facial expressions but his mind that was always formulating terrible ideas. Moreover, it was said he was most cruel to prisoners, often keeping their skulls as ornamental playthings—such viciousness was rare in the world.

When the Crown Prince spoke with Jiang Yang, he seemed somewhat distracted. He had already been sitting here for a full three shichen. Even he couldn’t sit still anymore—people outside must be even more uncomfortable. Because this great hall held distinguished guests with wine, tea, and refreshments provided, but there was nothing outside! He glanced repeatedly toward the study, his face showing anxiety.

Yet Jiang Yang conversed with him composedly, seemingly completely unaware of the other’s inattentiveness.

Just then, Jiang Xu emerged and apologized to everyone, “Truly sorry to have delayed everyone so long! We’ve discussed this matter clearly. Mother’s body absolutely cannot be disturbed! But to let Weiyang leave with Magistrate Yao also seems to lack sufficient evidence. How about this—we’ll ask Lady Li, Princess Anping, and Changle, all three of you who were in the room at the time, to temporarily stay at the Jiang residence while we ask Magistrate Yao to send people to slowly investigate this matter!”

Although they didn’t agree to examine the corpse, they were surprisingly lenient with the suspects. Everyone felt the Jiang family truly had an extraordinary magnanimous spirit. If it were an ordinary household, they would have long since pressured Yao Changqing to send Li Weiyang to the magistrate’s office, never mind whether she was actually guilty!

The Crown Prince stood up and said, “What about the guests outside?”

Jiang Xu’s face showed grief, “It’s because of our family matter that everyone has been inconvenienced. We’re truly deeply sorry. Since this matter is unrelated to others, please have Magistrate Yao let them leave.”

Yao Changqing nodded. He also believed the real murderer was among those in the flower hall at that time. These other idle people—keeping them would be pointless. He said, “Then the Duke’s wife—”

Jiang Xu said word by word, “Although catching the murderer is important, the current weather is truly hot and the body cannot be kept long. We’ll investigate the murderer while conducting the funeral rites.”

Li Weiyang coldly observed the other’s expression and gently shook her head. Once the Duke’s wife was buried, her own crime would be even harder to clear. They claimed on the surface to want to investigate thoroughly, but she felt it wasn’t that simple! Moreover, why did they want to keep her at the Jiang residence?! This made her feel very uneasy—this unease came from her premonition, a sense that danger was approaching!

As expected, Li Minde spoke up, “Old Madam, this is probably inappropriate.”

Lady Li naturally felt it was inappropriate, but in the current situation, they probably had no say. The other side had already compromised by not demanding the Capital Magistrate immediately arrest the most suspicious Li Weiyang. Now even if they requested Li Weiyang stay at the Jiang residence—a granddaughter remaining for her grandmother’s funeral wasn’t unacceptable. So even though Lady Li wanted to prevent it, she had no way to speak up.

Li Weiyang glanced at Li Changle, but contrary to her usual behavior, the other remained silent, no longer mentioning accusations that she was the murderer. This situation was truly too strange. The Jiang family had just been eager to convict her, but in the blink of an eye had changed their tune, putting on a tolerant and magnanimous appearance, willing to slowly investigate this matter. Could they be using delaying tactics? After all, if she couldn’t produce evidence of her innocence later, she would still have to accept punishment—was this the Jiang family’s purpose? Li Weiyang’s mind raced. She felt she had vaguely grasped something, but it flashed by.

Li Minde stepped forward, but Li Weiyang blinked at him. Li Minde paused, then understood and nodded almost imperceptibly.

Aside from Yao Changqing and his officers who continued to remain at the Jiang residence, the original well-wishers all dispersed. The Crown Prince was the first to leave with the Crown Princess, but considerately left Jiang Lan behind. For a woman, once she became a daughter-in-law of the imperial family, she no longer had ties to her natal family. Though she could return for a brief condolence visit when relatives died, she could only stay momentarily. To receive such favor from the Crown Prince naturally showed how deeply he cherished Jiang Lan. When Tuoba Zhen left and saw Tuoba Yu standing beside Li Weiyang speaking to her, he couldn’t help but snort coldly and quickly walked out.

Tuoba Yu noticed Tuoba Zhen’s strange look but paid it no mind. He only reminded Li Weiyang, “Don’t worry, I’ll find ways to help clear your suspicions.”

Now the Jiang family was eager to convict her. To clear her suspicions—how could that be easy? Li Weiyang said indifferently, “I’ll think of my own methods. You need to be careful of Tuoba Zhen. I’m afraid he’ll use this opportunity to cause trouble.”

Tuoba Yu was startled, his handsome face showing a trace of disbelief: “What are you afraid he’ll do?”

Li Weiyang slowly said, “Better safe than sorry. We always need to guard against him. Recently we’ve cleared out his people so ruthlessly—he definitely can’t sit still anymore!”

Tuoba Yu nodded and said, “I’ll naturally be careful. However, you must also be careful.” His words couldn’t hide the affection within them. Li Weiyang turned her head slightly and said, “Of course.”

When Li Xiaoran left, he instructed Jiang Yuelan to take good care of both daughters. After all, leaving people here had many inconveniences. The First Madam Jiang smiled and said, “Prime Minister Li need not worry. Yuelan is originally from our Jiang family, and Changle and Weiyang are granddaughters. There’s nothing improper about them staying here temporarily.”

Li Xiaoran’s smile was somewhat stiff. Even if it were improper, what could he say? If he forcibly took Li Weiyang away, people would think he had a guilty conscience and was trying to protect his daughter. He said through gritted teeth with a smile, “Then I must trouble you to look after my daughter.”

The First Madam Jiang said indifferently, “We’re all one family. This is natural.” Jiang Nan had suffered because of Li Weiyang. The First Madam Jiang had lost a son, yet the smile on her face remained as warm as ever, which made one’s heart turn cold.

Lady Li gave Li Weiyang a few instructions but completely ignored Li Changle nearby. Li Changle didn’t care either, just kept her head down as if she hadn’t heard anything. After Lady Li and Li Xiaoran left, the Jiang family began arranging the funeral rites.

According to Dali’s customs, all Jiang family members needed to take turns keeping vigil in the mourning hall day and night, constantly mourning the departed Duke’s wife. Whether day or night, they would cry out loudly when grief struck, to show their heart-piercing pain. From the start of the funeral, discussion of anything unrelated to the funeral rites was forbidden. No one up or down was allowed to laugh or make noise. The chicken, duck, fish, meat, and fresh seafood originally prepared for the birthday banquet were all removed and replaced with simple porridge—completely plain porridge where you could see your own reflection on the surface, with not a trace of meat or fish. Of course, though Yao Changqing and his officers also remained at the Jiang residence, since they had no relation to the Jiang family, only their meals remained as usual. Though there was no longer abundant food, there was still four dishes and a soup, passable enough. Everyone else, even Li Changle and Li Weiyang, had to join the Jiang family in eating porridge twice a day.

Sitting in her room, she could hear ghostly wailing from the Jiang family’s great hall. Li Weiyang pressed her hand to her forehead, truly unable to bear this heart-wrenching crying. In that great hall, aside from the Jiang family’s direct line, how many were truly grieving? Even Li Changle probably wasn’t genuinely sad.

The maid Chenxiang, assigned to serve Li Weiyang, observed her unobtrusively. She only felt the woman was as calm as still water, completely different from the legendary Princess Anping who had rebuked her legitimate mother and angrily confronted her uncle in the golden hall. She seemed just like an ordinary well-bred young lady, and compared to the constantly criticizing First Miss Li, appeared even more easygoing. But thinking that after tonight she might become a wisp of fragrant soul, Chenxiang couldn’t help but restrain herself, lower her head, and quickly make her choice between the Third Young Master and Jiang family to whom she had sworn loyalty unto death, and this stranger.

Baizhi was also observing this maid called Chenxiang. She appeared very gentle, didn’t talk much, but was very proper. She first told Li Weiyang that hot water was prepared and she could wash up anytime, then asked if she needed a midnight snack, and so on, before saying, “Princess, if you need anything, just have Sister Baizhi call out. There will be people keeping watch outside…”

Li Weiyang looked at her respectful attitude and merely nodded faintly.

Chenxiang bowed and said softly, “Princess, please rest early. This servant takes her leave…”

“Go ahead.” Li Weiyang smiled nonchalantly. Her face was extremely plain, yet strangely gave off a dazzling radiance. Chenxiang lowered her head and respectfully withdrew.

This time when Li Weiyang came to the Jiang residence, she had only brought Zhao Yue and Baizhi with her. Now seeing Chenxiang withdraw, Zhao Yue snorted coldly and said, “Miss, this maid’s martial skills are not weak.”

“Oh? Compared to you, how is she?” Li Weiyang picked up her teacup and asked as if it didn’t matter.

Zhao Yue thought seriously and said, “We’re probably evenly matched.”

It wasn’t surprising the Jiang family had such experts, but to assign her here—were they afraid she would run away? Li Weiyang pondered for a moment, then suddenly understood and couldn’t help but smile coldly. She said, “Zhao Yue, let’s rest early tonight.”

Zhao Yue showed a confused expression, but Li Weiyang remained composed, beckoning her over and saying, “Come here.”

Zhao Yue leaned in close, and Li Weiyang whispered a few words in her ear, her voice extremely soft. Baizhi on the side said, “Miss, the tea has gotten cold. This servant will go exchange it for a fresh cup.” She spoke very loudly, so that no matter how good the ears outside were, they couldn’t hear clearly what they were actually saying.

“Third Young Master!” In the study, Chenxiang knelt respectfully before Jiang Hua.

Jiang Hua said indifferently, “Is everything prepared?”

Chenxiang said, “The Princess has only one top expert by her side. This servant is confident she can subdue her when the time comes.”

Jiang Hai on the side was startled: “Third Brother, what are you planning to do?”

Jiang Hua glanced at his elder brother and slowly said, “Kill someone.”

“In our own home?” Jiang Hai hesitated for a long while before saying, “If she dies at the Jiang residence, I’m afraid it will bring endless trouble! You said she’s allied with the Seventh Prince, and there’s Li Xiaoran—will they let this go easily?”

“No, Li Weiyang will simply have committed suicide out of guilt.”

“Suicide out of guilt?” Jiang Hai looked at him incredulously. “Is this—appropriate?”

“What’s inappropriate about it? A young girl poisoned her own grandmother. She could maintain her composure in front of people, but the more she thought about it at night, the more frightened she became. Naturally she would slit her throat or hang herself. Of course, there must also be a suicide note with handwriting identical to hers. This way we can convince others. If her maid can testify, that would be even better.” When Jiang Hua spoke, that red mole looked particularly alluring.

Jiang Hai’s complexion was somewhat dark. There had been too many troubles recently. His eyes were bloodshot from many sleepless nights. At this moment he was still very worried, feeling this plan was too risky—after all, Yao Changqing was still here.

“What is Li Weiyang doing?” Jiang Hua suddenly asked.

“The Princess drank tea and said she was tired, planning to rest after finishing her evening meal.” Chenxiang answered.

“She’s resting this early?” Jiang Hua smiled meaningfully, then seemed to think of something. He turned and walked to the window. The evening sunset filtered through the patterned window, falling on his face. His figure was tall and upright, his cold expression restraining his youthful handsomeness, his face bearing a trace of playful smile…

“No matter what Li Weiyang does, make her disappear… Also, Jiang Yuelan may not be completely submissive to us. We must guard against her too, keeping her firmly under our control without leaving future troubles!”

Jiang Yuelan had always been helping the Jiang family plan! But clearly, Jiang Hua was even suspicious of her! Grandfather said Third Brother was the most cautious and thorough—truly so! Jiang Hai thought involuntarily.

He heard Jiang Hua continue, “However… those two maids also cannot be kept, lest they let something slip… That one who knows martial arts—eliminate her together. As for the other one, find a way to draw her away and use her to testify later…”

At dusk, Jiang Yuelan came looking for Li Weiyang, saying she had lost her earrings and couldn’t find them anywhere. Since she was a guest in someone else’s home, it really wasn’t good to trouble the Jiang family’s people, so she requested Baizhi help search together. Li Weiyang agreed without thinking.

Watching Jiang Yuelan leave with Baizhi, Zhao Yue said in a low voice, “Miss—”

Li Weiyang shook her head gently and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Did he give instructions?”

Zhao Yue’s face broke into a smile as she said, “Just now the Third Young Master sent word—yes.”

Li Weiyang nodded and said, “Proceed with the plan as arranged.”

Zhao Yue nodded solemnly.

That evening, Baizhi returned alone. Li Weiyang looked at her in surprise. After all, being taken away by Jiang Yuelan meant they might use Baizhi as a witness. Since she had use value, they would spare Baizhi’s life, yet Baizhi had returned.

“Miss might get thirsty in the middle of the night, and I’m afraid Zhao Yue’s rough hands wouldn’t serve you well, so this servant absolutely must stay with Miss.” Baizhi said this softly. Though she didn’t know why Jiang Yuelan wanted to keep her behind, she instinctively wanted to stay by Li Weiyang’s side.

Zhao Yue sneered, “You’re underestimating me!”

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “Since that’s the case, let’s wait properly.” Baizhi showed a very confused expression, but Li Weiyang smiled slightly without any intention of explaining.

Deep in the night, over a dozen figures moved like ghosts, slowly approaching the east wing where Li Weiyang resided…

Having just bathed, Li Weiyang opened the window and clearly saw the movement at the main gate. The alertness and shrewdness in her eyes had replaced all calmness, like a hunter lying in wait in the darkness for prey!

Everything was very quiet. Outside there was only the sound of wind blowing, and occasionally one or two bird calls.

Such boundless quiet couldn’t bring pleasant feelings—only waiting in the darkness.

Jiang Hua would definitely act tonight, but in her heart she was gambling to some degree… Jiang Hua was a very intelligent person. He knew what should be done when. As long as she died at the Jiang residence, afterward they could arrange a suicide scene, leave a forged suicide note or something. Given Li Xiaoran’s selfish nature, he fundamentally wouldn’t investigate. As for the two maids by her side, in the Jiang family’s eyes they were nothing. Everyone would think this Third Miss of the Li family committed suicide out of guilt after poisoning her grandmother—

Li Weiyang shook her head. Just as the other side understood her plans, she also understood the other’s tactics very well. They were evenly matched—it depended on who went further, who had better luck! Moreover, this game could be called meeting one’s match. Both sides were engaged in a contest. It was truly too interesting!

Zhao Yue slept on the roof tiles, while Baizhi sat not far away, quietly doing needlework. But clearly her mood was unsettled—she had already pricked herself several times. Li Weiyang watched her and couldn’t help shaking her head. She walked over herself and trimmed the lamp wick brighter. Under the dim candlelight, her face floated with flickering light and shadow, without joy or sorrow, like a sculpture.

The water clock slowly passed a shichen. Li Weiyang removed her outer garment and rested her head on the pillow, appearing as serene as if asleep. Outside there seemed to be a strange disturbance. Li Weiyang shifted position and continued to feign sleep.

Zhao Yue heard a slight sound—the sound of a blade cutting across the paper window. The footsteps were very light, clearly well-trained.

A mocking smile appeared at the corner of Li Weiyang’s mouth. To deal with three women, they needed to use over ten top experts. This Jiang Hua truly was cautious and careful. Just moments ago, she had even thought she had guessed wrong—that Jiang Hua wouldn’t act tonight. But clearly, the other side had come!

“So he’s been guarding against me to this extent!” She laughed softly.

If she died, though Li Xiaoran wouldn’t care, Tuoba Yu might not fail to settle accounts with the Jiang family. Jiang Hua clearly knew this, yet still unhesitatingly prepared to kill her—truly taking an unorthodox, risky approach that ordinary people wouldn’t dare attempt! It seemed the current situation had truly reached a critical juncture!